Notes

[NI0934] Margaret, from Italian for "Child of light."

Was engaged to Frank Dearing, of Jacksonville, FL, a fraternity brother (ATO) and roommate of Theodore Patton.

In this fraternity surrounded names that must have sounded somewhat familiar to young Margarett, Cotesworth Pinckney Mitchell, and others from her South Carolina ancestry.

* * *

Worked at Episcopal Church Mission House library in New York in 1934 (for three years?)

* * *

Among others, lived at 685 Madison Avenue while in New York City. She and Ted were living at 130 West 16th Street, no. 45, in New York when her father, Henry M. Johnson, died. Worked at library (and if memory serves) I think she told me a five-and-dime. After marriage, for a time at 3543 Amoby Road, on Staten Island.

* * *

In her personal diary of August 15, 1921, she wrote: "Please God may I keep the most cheerful life ... that I may ease others' as well as my own burdens with a cheerful sunny smiling face." From the vantage point as her grandson, that virtue was evident throughout her life as she brought radiance and grace and sunshine to everything she did and everyone she touched. JTF.

* * *

According to Elizabeth Gray (Johnson) Haile, conerning her middle name, Gray,: " ... a young woman Scottish or Irsh helped Grandmother Johnson in Savannah when she was a young bride."

[NI0935] More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0936] Why and when did he move to Augusta?

* * *

Was employed by YMCA. Floride Johnson Nelson had silver engraved dish inscribed: "Henry M. Johnson, Secty form Ladies Auxiliary, 13th December 1899."

* * *

Lived at 1050 Hickman Road in Augusta, Georgia.

* * *

Apparently moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1913, according to resolution in file which reads in part: "Since 1895 his life, character and work has been a blessing not only to the young men for whom he has specially labored but in every circle of our city's life, civic, social, and religious, he has been a trusty and tried yokefellow. He has stood for the highest and the best for Savannahs young men."

* * *

Description of Henry Martyn Johnson from the manuscript on the Johnson family, by William Henry Johnson, p. 25.:

"He had a quick temper and liked a fight as much as a gamecock. He deserves a great deal of credit for an unusual amount of exceedingly fine traits of character, besides the early control of his quick temper. He possessed the brightest mind of the family. He was especially quick in action and thought -- a most lovable fellow. He did well in the cotton business, but at an early age desired religious work and ever since has been a Y.M.C.A. Secretary, doing much good work in Savannah, Augusta, etc."

* * *

Letter from his father, the Rev. John Johnson, in possession of Elizabeth Gray Johnson Haile:

Charleston, 5 Dec. 98

My dear son:

The announcement in your last letter did assuredly take me by surprise, and I deeply regret the circumstances leading to your resignation. Not that I distrust your judgment in this matter with all the facts before you. But I was sorry to see evidence of the same under-valuation of your services as showed itself last summer when you left to go into the army-work, and the State Association provided you no more than the pay of a Private! Then, I hope your resignation will have the effect of stirring the executive up, so the injustice done you will be brought out, and you may be asked to withdraw your resignation with new and improved arrangements for the future.

Most of all, I hope that some other course will present itself to your mind than going to Cuba. That, I see no good reason for at all, unless you feel all other work is denied you, or appears to be flat and unprofitable in comparison. And if there should be no better pecuniary basis, or rank and involvement, for you in Cuba, than what you had at the Camps in this country, I would consider the move there nothing but a plan for making a martyr of yourself.

But looking at the event of your breaking with the Assoc. in Savannah as, perhaps, one of those pauses in life when God means us to consider what our settled purpose and plan or pursuit in life, our vocations, is to be. You have this question of continuance or discontinuance presented to you. The opening at Wilmington can hardly be an attractive one, though if it looks to your advancement in North Carolina, the change to that city may be worth considering.

If they desire to receive your resignation in Savannah, give that place the benefit of your hopes and try it again with new brakes in your own running. Depend upon our prayers here, or well on your own, that God may grant you a right judgment. Keep us informed, and believe me we're yours dearly.

Jno. J.

* * *

Letter 2

Charleston, S.C., 14 Mch. 99

Dear Henry:

Yours of yesterday was read this morning with all enjoyment after breakfast, and I lose no time in furnishing you the information desired. My father Joseph Johnson died at 86 years of age, after along life of uncommon vigor. ended by only a slight cold. My mother died at 77 years of age, having had fifteen children and a constitution as strong as any woman. It was some spinal trouble that caused her death. Your grandfather Cantey died of intestinal obstruction at the age of 66 years; your grandmother Cantey, nee Richardson, died of paralysis - short illness, aged 68; both were of vigorous constitutions, having had no prolonged or chronic disease whatever.

Joseph left for Columbia about a week ago having been written for by the Bryan Printing Com. with, I believe, pay of $10 per week. He has written only once -- today's mail - to say he is so far quite satisfied but couldn't tell whether they will want him as a fisture or not. You had better write him, care of Bryan Co., at once. Hasn't Rob been outin the cold! Even another recent blizzard and, more furious than that of last month, has been down upon him! I trust he is not the worse for it.

The Rev. P.D. Hay of Beldoe, Barnwell, S.C., would be glad to do that temporary work at Christ Church Savannah. His health is better now, and Iam sure that his habits are altogether reformed. Still, the application for him should be made through Bishop Capers, Columbia, S.C. Our ast accounts from N. York and Rock Hill were excellent. Floride and Campbell are now staying with us. She is a fine figure of an "all around woman," and expects a baby in early part of May next. God be gracious to her! All send love with mine. Our confirmation at ? is set for April 9th. If you are writing to Frank, stir up his spiriting way of rembrance.

Ever yours, very dearly, Jno. J.

* * *

Newspaper article, Savannah, date unknown:

Y.M.C.A. SECRETARY RESIGNS POSITION

H.M. JOHNSON TO LEAVE

Going After Service Here for Seventeen Years

Henry M. Johnson who had been general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association seventeen years yesterday, has tendered his resignation and will leave as soon as his successor has been secured by the directors of the Association.

Mr. Johnson said last night that he did not know where he would go. He said he had declined two offiers, and was now considering a third. He said his selection would be influenced in a large measure by the climatic conditions.

President C.G. Bell of the association, stated that the board of directors had accepted Mr. Johnson's resignation with considerable reluctance. He said the board esteems the general secretary very highly. It has been known for some time to the directors that Mr. Johnson was going to leave and negoitiations have been on for the filing of the vacancy his going will cause.

It was stated that a new general secretary has not been employed, though satisfactory arrangments may be made within a few weeks. Mr. Johnson said he expected to get away at least by the first of the new year. His resignation is to become effective at the conveience of the directors provided his successor is secured within a reasonable length of time.

Mr. Johnson came to Savannah sevteen yuears ago yesterday. He says he loves the people here and it is with the keenest regret that he leaves.

[NI0937] Called G.G. Margaret, from Italian for "Child of light."

* * *

With her daughter, wrote 'Tales Retold.'

[NI0938] William Moses Jordan, obituary. 1851-1891.
The Augusta Chronicle newspaper, August 18, 1891:

W. M. Jordan
His Death in Augusta Sunday Morning
Burial Yesterday from Summervill. (sic)

Mr. W. M. Jordan, a well known and highly esteemed cotton merchant of this city, died at his home on the Hill, surrounded by his devoted family and a few frends, at early dawn of Sunday August 16, and was buried yeasterday morning.

Wm. Moses Jordan was born in Jefferson county, Georgia, July 1, 1851; and after completing his course at Mercer University, Macon, he came to Augusta and began his business career in 1871. He at once displayed that indefatigable energy and earnestness which have since characterized all of his undertakings. He became a member of the cotton firm of Sibley, Wheless & Co., afterwards Sibley & Jordan; and for the past four years he was the senior member of the firm of Jordan & Smith, cotton factors and insurance agents--strictly conscientious in all business transactions, he enjoyed
the highest esteem and respect of his fellow merchants and the community at large.

He married a daughter of the late David R. Wright, and his home life was an exceptionally happy one. He leaves a devoted wife and five children to mourn his loss.

Mr. Jordan was a thorough Christian gentleman in every respect and a beloved member of the First Baptist Church. His death was not unexpected; in fact he had for a long period endured the most painful suffering with fortitude truly wonderful, and his life was really prolonged for some time by the force of an indomitable will, but physical exhaustion at last won the vioctory, and with sweet resignation, touching to behold, his weary spirit passed peacefully to rest. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to his dear bereaved ones in this affliction. The funeral services, short but very impressive, were conducted at the residence, Rev. Dr. Lansing Burrows officiating, assisted by Rev. W. L. Kilpatrick, of Hephzibah, a life-time friend of the deceased.

Messrs. Fred T. Lockhart, J. T. Bothwell, T. I Hickman, C. H. Ballard, N. L. Willet, J. D. Cole and John Phinizy acted as pallbearers. The interment was in the Summerville Cemetery. The floral offerings were lavish and exceedingly beautiful in design.

==========Joe's Notes:
Died of tuberculosis, according to Tales Retold
================
In 1997, Susan G. Broome of the main library of Mercer University in Macon, GA, sent us a copy of pages from the Catalogue of the officers and students of Mercer University, 1869-1870. It records that William M. Jordan, resident of Jefferson County, GA, attended Mercer University in Penfield, GA. He was one of the 24 members of that year's junior class. The studies of the junior class in that era included Alcestis of Euripides, Conic Sections, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoric, Select Roman Comedy, Select Greek Tragedy, Civil Engineering, Natural Philosophy, Logic, and Calculus.

The Catalog and Triennial Register (TR) of Mercer University of Macon, GA, for 1879-1880, lists William Moses Jordan among the class of 1871, thusly: WILLIAM MOSES JORDAN, A. B., Merchant. Augusta, Georgia. Cotton Factor, (Member of the firm of Sibley, Wheless & Company). He is also listed similarly in the TR's of 1882-3, 1888-9, and 1891-2.

The 1897-1898 HISTORICAL SKETCH AND TRIENNIAL REGISTER OF MERCER UNIVERSITY, MACON, GEORGIA lists him thusly
*JORDAN, WILLIAM M., A.B.--Cotton factor, Augusta, Ga.
(the asterisk, the librarian tells us, indicates deceased).

The Jefferson County Census lists him once with parents.

[NI0939] She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, no. 218, and -- according to a letter from Registrar Louise McN. Aiken -- "her papers show she was tenth in descent from Gov. John Haynes of Mass."

"Her papers" may mean the fan chart that JBW III has.

From a transcript of a letter from David Wright to his Sister Martha (Martha Hubbard Wright m. Potter], 20 Aug 1860 Monday p.m. Augusta, Geo.
Belle {Isabella Spencer, born October 12, 1857] is a dear good little pet of the household. & her dark eyes her Father is so proud of. She is active & quick full of fund, frolic & noise, & thinks she can do & play at any thing her brother can. She loves papa dearly--& is ever ready to hug & kiss--

[NI0941] Obituary, The Chattanooga Times, February 20, 1992, A-8:

Noted Architect, area historian
Robert Cloud Seals dies at 58

Robert Cloud Seals, well-known area architect and community historian, died her Wednesday. He was 58.

A native and former resident of Birmingham, Ala., Mrs. Seals had lived in Chattanooga for 30 years and had owned Robert Seals Architects since 1979.
More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0945] Lived at 1050 Hickman Road, Augusta, GA, where grandchildren visited from Clemson, with a pond and fountain in the side yard. The house was later moved to Evans, GA. One of its huge mirrors went to the First Baptist Church of Augusta.
More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0955] Best Athlete, Clemson Agricultural College, SC, 1901, football.

Partner in Whitney-McNeal Electric Co, Electrical Supply firm, Augusta, GA.
More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0957] Attended Georgia Tech where he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity.

[NI0959] Jack earned his BS at UGA where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity, his MS at NC State, and his PhD at Ohio State University, after which he accepted a position with a paper company in Brevard, NC. He was a rifle instructor in the army during WWII and was stationed in Georgia, California, Florida, and elsewhere. He joined the faculty of Clemson College (SC) in 1946, and taught botany and plant physiology there until his retirement from Clemson University.

[NI0966] At time of his death and since 1967, he was an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division, according to The Hartford Courant's 6/10/1987 obituary. Lived in Glastonbury, CT, before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1967.

[NI0971] More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0976] Earned her bachelors at Lake Erie College (OH) and her MS at Ohio State University. Taught kindergarten in her home on Cherry Road and later Wyatt Avenue in Clemson, SC. Later taught junior high school science in Clemson (where she was for a time, assistant principal) and Seneca, SC. More information is available offline.  Contact [email protected].

[NI0978] Attorney in Seneca, SC

[NI0987] With her mother, wrote the book of family stories called 'Tales Retold.'

[NI1014] Adopted.

[NI1018] Adopted.

[NI1019] Father probably "William John Donnelly" and mother "Sarah McComish", both buried in Summerville Cemetery, Augusta, GA.

Sarah McComish - b. Easter, 1868. d. 1/13/1950

[NI1041] Ph.D., Genetics, UNC, 1972
[email protected]

[NI1044] On February 22, 1858, Joshia T. Jordan, Moses Brinson, and Rebecca P Jordan witnessed the will of Levinia Carswell--Jefferson Co. GA Wills Book A pages 397-398

In the will of Moses Brinson, Jr., June 30, 1859, someone got "1400 acres adj. J. T. Jordan"

On November 17, 1858, Joshua R. (sic) Jordan was witness to codicil of will of Mary Perdue

WHO are his parents?
On February 22, 1858, Joshia T. Jordan, Moses Brinson, and Rebecca P Jordan witnessed the will of Levinia Carswell--Jefferson Co. GA Wills Book A pages 397-398

On November 17, 1858, Joshua R. (sic) Jordan was witness to codicil of will of Mary Perdue

In the will of Moses Brinson, Jr., June 30, 1859, someone got "1400 acres adj. J. T. Jordan"

[NI1045] Ditto marks in the census seem to indicate she was born in Columbia County, but Jefferson County, GA, seems more likely as that is where her father lived.

from http://www.chrysalis.org/stevem/j1bk04.htm
[pg 159][Jefferson Co. Wills, Book A, 1777-1893]
Pages 319-322: Will of Moses Brinson, Sr. Made Feb. 18, 1848, pro-
bated Feb. 4, 1850...being of advanced age...my grandson Henry T.
Brinson...my son Moses Brinson...to Henry Stephens, husband of Sarah
A. Stephens, formerly Sarah Brinson, my daughter...friend James T.
Bothwell...my granddaughter Margarett E. Pritchett...my daughter Anna
Freeman...grandson Isaac Brinson...land adj. Richard Smith and est. of
Wm. Streetman...daughter Rebecca J. Jordan...land where John Freeman
now lives...land adj. Isaac Freeman Connel and others...land adj.
John Way & Thos Matthews...to Benjamin Philps and to each of his three
children by my grandaughter Nancy...Moses, Margaret & Sophia Jane...
to son Moses Brinson, Jr. land adj. Elam Young, J. Connel and another
tract, part of the Pope tract on south side of the Quaker Road. adj.
John Wren...at the death of Amelia Farmer, my step-daughter...wife
Apsabeth...Moses Brinson Jr., William W. Young, and John Wren, Exrs...
Moses Brinson Sr. (X). Wit: William H. Streetman, John Streetman,
Walter Parker, Amazon A. Brinson. Codicil: In consequence of the death
of Benjamin Philip...to Isaac Freeman, son of Anna Freeman...my wife
and her daughter now Mrs. Jourdow. Wit: Cabal A. Wright, Walter Parker,
Amazon A. Brinson.
======
WHO is Margarett E. Pritchett?
WHO is Amelia Farmer?
WHO are the parents of Rebecca, wife of Joshua T. Jordan?
Ditto marks in the census seem to indicate she was born in Columbia County, but Jefferson County, GA, seems more likely as that is where her father lived.

from http://www.chrysalis.org/stevem/j1bk04.htm
[pg 159][Jefferson Co. Wills, Book A, 1777-1893]
Pages 319-322: Will of Moses Brinson, Sr. Made Feb. 18, 1848, pro-
bated Feb. 4, 1850...being of advanced age...my grandson Henry T.
Brinson...my son Moses Brinson...to Henry Stephens, husband of Sarah
A. Stephens, formerly Sarah Brinson, my daughter...friend James T.
Bothwell...my granddaughter Margarett E. Pritchett...my daughter Anna
Freeman...grandson Isaac Brinson...land adj. Richard Smith and est. of
Wm. Streetman...daughter Rebecca J. Jordan...land where John Freeman
now lives...land adj. Isaac Freeman Connel and others...land adj.
John Way & Thos Matthews...to Benjamin Philps and to each of his three
children by my grandaughter Nancy...Moses, Margaret & Sophia Jane...
to son Moses Brinson, Jr. land adj. Elam Young, J. Connel and another
tract, part of the Pope tract on south side of the Quaker Road. adj.
John Wren...at the death of Amelia Farmer, my step-daughter...wife
Apsabeth...Moses Brinson Jr., William W. Young, and John Wren, Exrs...
Moses Brinson Sr. (X). Wit: William H. Streetman, John Streetman,
Walter Parker, Amazon A. Brinson.

Codicil: In consequence of the death of Benjamin Philip...to Isaac Freeman, son of Anna Freeman...my wife and her daughter now Mrs. Jourdow. Wit: Cabal A. Wright, Walter Parker, Amazon A. Brinson.
======
WHO is Margarett E. Pritchett?
WHO is Amelia Farmer, Moses Sr.'s stepdaughter? Daughter of Apsabeth?
WHO are the parents of Rebecca, wife of Joshua T. Jordan?
Since Moses Brinson Sr.'s first wife died January 26, 1828, and "daughter" Rebecca was born in about 1829, almost certainly she is daughter of his second wife.

[NI1052] His will mentions:
Granddaughter Nancy married Benjamin Philips and had Moses, Margaret, and Sophia Jane (her parents uncertain)

Granddaughter Margaret E. Pritchett

wife Apsabeth (Mrs. Apsabeth Purvis Parker) is mother of Amelia

Served in the revolution for Georgia or New York.

Drew two blanks in the Jefferson County land lottery in 1805
===========
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997
From: [email protected] Marge Braswelll

Here is the will for Moses Brinson, Sr.
Will Book A pages 319-322
Will of Moses Brinson Sr. Made 18 Feb 1848, probated 4 Feb 1850.. being of
advanced age... my grandson Henry T. Brinson... my son Moses Brinson.. to
Henry Stephens, husband of Sarah A. Stephens, formerly Sarah Brinson, my
daughter... friend James T. Bothwell... my granddaughter Margaret E.
Pritchett.. my daughter Anna Freeman.. grandson Isaac Brinson... land adj.
Richard Smith and est. of Wm. Streetman... daughter Rebecca J. Jordon... land
where John Freeman now lives... land adj. Isaac Freeman Connel and others...
land adj. John Way & Thos. Matthews... to Benjamin Philips and to each of his
three children by my granddaughter Nancy.. Moses, Margaret & Sophia Jane.. to son Moses Brinson Jr. land adj. Elam Young, J. Connel and another tract, part of the Pope tract on south side of Quaker Rd. adj. John Wren.. at the death of Amelia Farmer, my step-daughter ... wife Apsabeth... Moses Brinson Jr.,
William W. Young and John Wren. Exrs... Moses Brinson Sr. (X) Wit: William H. Streetman, John Streetman, Walter Parker, Amazon A. Brinson.

Codicil: In Consequence of the death of Benjamin Philip... to Isaac Freeman, son of Anna
Freeman.. my wife and her daughter now Mrs. Jourdow. Wit: Cabel A. Wright, Walter Parker, Amazon A. Brinson.
(another transcript from http://www.chrysalis.org/stevem/j1bk04.htm is under Rebecca notes.)
---------
>From another Source it is said that his wife was a Wright. Also another thing
a bit confusing about this will is Rebecca J. is called his daughter and he
had a step-daughter Amelia. This is confusing to the fact in the codicil he
says his wife's daughter Mrs. Jourdow, which could be another spelling for
Jordan and he is referring to Rebecca Jane and not Amelia as there is no
marriage in Jefferson Co. to an Amelia in the Jordan spelling of any kind.
--------

[NI1053] Served on a Jefferson County, GA, grand jury in 1828. Guardian of the minor heirs of Isaac Brinson.
========
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 09:16:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: [email protected] Marge Braswelll
I have picked up a few more things for you in my books.
Some Georgia County Records Vol 1 by Rev Silas Emmett Lucas Jr.
Jefferson Co.
Will of Moses Brinson Jr. Made 30 Jun 1859, probated 5 Sep 1859.. having
arrived at an advanced age.. wife Zelphia A. Brinson.. children by my first
wife.. my daughter Amazon A. Pilcher, and her husband Thomas J. Pilcher..
daughter Sylvia H. Seay and her husband Reuben F. Seay.. friends Robert
Patterson, James H. Bothwell and son-in-law Thomas J. Pilcher and son John W. Brinson. Exr. Moses Brinson. Wit: John Gay,Caleb W. Young, George W. Farmer.
Codicil: John W. Brinson guardian for Ebenezer B. Brinson..either Robert
Patterson or Mitchel Brown guardian for my youngest daughter Sarah Brinson..
as I do not know whether my wife will remain or return to Houston County.
plantation where I now live, 1400 acres adj. J.T. JORDAN, J.T.Way and
others... Flournoy tract, adj Able Russel, Lavina Anderson and to her... tract
where Jesse Johnson now lives, adj John Freeman... one lot in Wilkerson
County.
=======
Brinson Cemetery:
9/10 mile SE of Quaker Rd @ GA 88, 150 yd N of Quaker Rd behind Brinson Homesite, One foot wall of native rock abt 20' x 20'

[NI1059]

---, --- married Brinson, Isaac on 30 Nov 1850 in Emanuel County, Georgia
probably not this Isaac

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