Chester District South Carolina- 1790 and 1800 Census Records

https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3913c.cws00134/?r=0.114,0.251,0.836,0.418,0
Map of Chester District SC 1825

https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1790usfedcen/?name=_Franklin&residence=_chester-south+carolina-usa_584
continue here- research each Franklin and Morris
ancestry index

According to the birthdates on our Franklin family tree (which may be approximate) in 1790 Thomas Franklin had:
males 16 and over- 1 (himself)
males under 16- 2- Henry age 4, Thomas age 2
females- 1 (Jemima) or 2 (Elnora born 1790)
So- 1790- 1/2/1 or 2 females
none of the Thomas Franklin records match this

In 1800 Thomas Franklin had:
males 26-44- 1 (himself)
females 26-44 1 (Jemima)
males under 10- 2 (Wm P age 4, Ralph age 2)
males 10-15- 2 (Henry age 14, Thomas age 12)
males 16-25-0
females under 10  2 or 3 (Frances 8, Mary Rosa 5) possibly Elnora 10
females 10-15 possibly 1- Elnora age 10
females 16-25-0
So- 1800- 1/1/2 males under 10/2 males 10-15/0/2 females under 10 or 3/0 or 1
Again no match



Document: Jury Lists, 1778, Acts #1078 [at SC Archives]; Page Number: 10; Family Number: 463
1780- Camden District
Thomas Morris on the Petit Jury List for the New Acquisition for the District of Camden
1790 Census of Chester District SC
Chester County was created in 1785 from Craven and Camden Districts
1,153 Head of Households
population 6,866

males 16 and over incl. head of family, males under 16, free white females, other persons, slaves

p.3-Thomas B Franklin- 1 male over 16, 5 females
neighbors- Carter, Humphries, Heads, Tim, Gore, Jenkins, Trupel, Calvin

p.3 John Franklin- 1 male over 16, 1 female
neighbors- Gore, Trupel, Rainy, Head

p.3 *John Franklin- 1 male over 16, 5 females
*next door neighbor- William Morris- 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 4 females
neighbors- Richard Morris not far- 1 male over 16, 2 females

p.6- *T.B. Franklin- 1 male over 16, 2 males under 16, 4 females, 4 slaves
neighbors- McClure, Lee, Harding, Garton, Crosby
*Robert Morrison- 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 2 females, 1 slave

p.7- Lewis Franklin- 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 3 females
Owen Franklin- 1 male under 16, 4 females
Edmond Franklin- 4 males over 16, 2 males under 16, 1 female, 6 slaves
Lewis Franklin- 1 male over 16, 1 male under 16, 1 female
Jno Franklin- 1 male over 16, 1  male under 16, 4 females

neighbor- Tho. Franklin- 1 male over 16, 2 males under 16, 6 females

neighbors of Tho. Franklin- Donald, Smith, Roberts, Hand, Crosby

p. 3- *William Morris- 1 male over 16,  3 males under 16, 4 females
neighbors-* John Franklin

p.4- Thomas Morris (Morrice)- 1 male over 16, 1 female
neighbors- McIlhenny, Walker, Cooper, Wyly


1800 Census of Chester County SC
1,069 Head of Households
Population 8,185

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 87; Image: 174; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.30- Thomas B. Franklin - 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44, 3 males under 10, 1 female under 10
neighbors: John Patt, Sarah Trifole, Blake Carter, Wm Britton, Simpson

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 92; Image: 185; Family History Library Film: 181422
p. 41-John Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44,
3 males under 10, 1 male 10-15, 3 females under 10, 1 female 10-15
1 female over 45, 5 slaves
neighbors- Mary Mills, Joshua Smith, Henry Read, Wood, Henderson

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 83; Image: 167; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.23-Thomas Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44
3 males under 10, 1 male 16-25, 3 females under 10, 3 females 10-15, 2 females 16-25
neighbors: Ambrose Kia, Hezekiah West, Caleb Davis, Mary Chappel, Jeremiah Davis and Luis Franklin nearby

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 83; Image: 167; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.23-Luis Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44
1 male under 10, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 16-25, 4 females under 10, 1 female 16-25

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 82; Image: 165; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.21-Owen Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44
3 males under 10, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-15
neighbors- Wm and Isaac Roberts, Thomas Calvin, George Swan, John Davis

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 73; Image: 147; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.3-Benjamin Morris- 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 45 and over,
1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44
1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 3 males 16-25, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 16-25
3 slaves-neighbors- John Die, Wm Morton

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 76; Image: 153; Family History Library Film: 181422

p.9- James Morris- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 16-25
1 male under 10, 2 females under 10
neighbors- John Anderson, Wm Foo, Wm Lark, David Stevens, James Mitchel

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 73; Image: 146; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.2-John Morris- 1 male 45 and over, 2 females 45 and over
2 males under 10, 2 males 16-25, 3 females 16-25
Neighbors- Blare, Trout, Corder

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 91; Image: 182; Family History Library Film: 181422

p.38-Thomas Morris- 1 male 16-25, 1 female 16-25, 1 male under 10
Neighbors- Reves, Sely, Hase, Colby










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(803) 789-5664, (803) 377-8822, (803) 789-5052

Email: 

Research@ChesterSCGenealogy.org

has a published bulletin

http://chesterschistory.org/resources-and-links.html

http://chesterschistory.org/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/Chester-SC-Genealogy-At-Richburg-335809703219764/

https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Chester_County,_South_Carolina_Genealogy

• Holcomb, Brent H. et al. Chester County, South Carolina Minutes of the County Court, 1785-1799. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1979. FHL Book 975.747 P2s.
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Genealogies about several Chester County families are kept at the Winthrop College Archives and Special Collections in Rock Hill, S.C

• [Franklin] Franklin, Jesse Edward. The Family and Ancestry of Sims Kelly Franklin and Margaret Virginia Chapman Franklin. Wolfe City, Texas: Henington Pub., 1973. FHL Book 929.273 F854b.
• [Franklin] Franklin Family Researchers United et al. Franklin Family Researchers United. Newsletter. El Campo, Texas: Franklin Family Researchers United, 1991-. FHL Books 929.27305 F854ff.

land records

1791-1800- chester county old records in pinckney district

1785-1791- chester county old records in camden district

1769-1785- camden district (some may be in kershaw county)

1719-1769- charleston district

• 1785-1799 - Holcomb, Brent H. Chester County, South Carolina, Deed Abstracts - Volume I: Deed Books A-F: 1785-1799 [1768-1799]. Columbia, S.C.: SCMAR, 2005. FHL Collection975.747 R2h

•  Collins, Ann Pickens & Louise Gill Knox.  Heritage History of Chester County, South Carolina   (Chester, South Carolina : [Chester County Heritage Committee], c1982-1995 ), v.1 499 pages; v. 2 288 pages. History of Chester County from early to 1982. Includes many family histories. Books at FHL 975.747 H2h v.1,975.747 H2h v. 2, and Other Libraries
• many other resources at family search including probate records, marriages etc

Will of Thomas Franklin 1735-1789- buried Franklin Cemetery Chester County SC

This Thomas Franklin, who married Priscilla (Rogers?) Franklin is not our direct ancestor, but was likely a relative of our ancestor Thomas Franklin, who married Jemima Morris. According to his will, he had two sons; Thomas Baker Franklin and John Franklin, and three daughters; Frances, Mary, and Elizabeth.

Franklin Cemetery, Chester, Chester County SC

1735- 1789- Thomas Franklin, buried in Chester County, SC, Franklin Cemetery
spouse- Priscilla Rogers Franklin b 1728 d 1802 (possibly from Spotsylvania Co. VA- likely a neighbor of the Franklins of this area (on some deeds)  children Thomas Baker Franklin and John Franklin b 1763 SC d 1817 Chester Co SC
Frances, Mary and Elizabeth Franklin
Female Negro Slave Moggs

Will of Thomas Franklin signed 4 January 1798 names wife, Priscilla, and sons, Thomas Baker Franklin and John Franklin. Thomas Franklin's inventory dated 14 August 1789.
References:Chester District SC Will Book A, pp. 12-15 Chester District SC Probate File 19, Package 292

 South Carolina. County Court (Chester County); Probate Place: Chester, South Carolina
Probate Files, File No 19-22; Package No 287-430
Ancestry.com. South Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980 

" In the name of God Amen, ...Thomas Franklin ...state of South Carolina and County of Chester being very sick and weak in body tho in perfect mind and memory and knowing and that it is appointed for all men to die do Ordain this my last will and testament as touching my worldly estate I give device and dispose of the same in manner and ? following that is ?
I give and bequeath unto my wife Priscilla all my Personal Estate that is ? all my Household Furniture with the stock of household hogs and fowls with one Negro woman named Moggs.
I give and bequeath unto my son John Franklin one tract of land known by the name of Cotswills Tract and one shilling sterling as required. 
Also I give and bequeath unto Thomas Baker Franklin my son the Tract of land I now live on whom I also appoint, ?, and ordain with my beloved wife Priscilla my whole and sole estate of this my last will and testament.
Also I give and bequeath unto my daughters Frances, Mary, and Elizabeth Franklins one shilling sterling as required by every of them freely to be ? and enjoyed and I do hereby disallow Rourk and disannull all and every other former testaments, wills, and legacies, bequeaths of executors by me and in any work before this time, named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confriming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness where I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day January in the year of our Lord ? hundred and eighty nine
(Signature of Thomas Franklin)
Signed sealed and declared by the said Thomas Franklin as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribing witnesses B the words ? named Moggy afterlined before asigned?
Elijah Newson? John Cockerell? John Weir?

It is thought that Thomas Baker Franklin was born about 1765 in SC and died in 28 Oct,  1829 in Bayou Saline, Clark County Arkansas- 

1790 Census of Chester District SC
Chester County was created in 1785 from Craven and Camden Districts
1,153 Head of Households
population 6,866

males 16 and over incl. head of family, males under 16, free white females, other persons, slaves

p.3-Thomas B Franklin- 1 male over 16, 5 females
neighbors- Carter, Humphries, Heads, Tim, Gore, Jenkins, Trupel, Calvin

p.3 John Franklin- 1 male over 16, 1 female
neighbors- Gore, Trupel, Rainy, Head

p.3 *John Franklin- 1 male over 16, 5 females
*next door neighbor- William Morris- 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 4 females
neighbors- Richard Morris not far- 1 male over 16, 2 females

p.6- *T.B. Franklin- 1 male over 16, 2 males under 16, 4 females, 4 slaves
neighbors- McClure, Lee, Harding, Garton, Crosby
*Robert Morrison- 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 2 females, 1 slave

1799- Thomas Baker Franklin was appointed Sheriff of Chester County
Grand Jurors included Owen Franklin and John Franklin Jr.
p. 414-415 Order Book 1795-1799 Chester County SC

1800 Census of Chester County SC
1,069 Head of Households
Population 8,185

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 87; Image: 174; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.30- Thomas B. Franklin - 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44, 3 males under 10, 1 female under 10
neighbors: John Patt, Sarah Trifole, Blake Carter, Wm Britton, Simpson

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 92; Image: 185; Family History Library Film: 181422
p. 41-John Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44,
3 males under 10, 1 male 10-15, 3 females under 10, 1 female 10-15
1 female over 45, 5 slaves
neighbors- Mary Mills, Joshua Smith, Henry Read, Wood, Henderson

Year: 1800; Census Place: Chester, South Carolina; Series: M32; Roll: 47; Page: 83; Image: 167; Family History Library Film: 181422
p.23-Thomas Franklin- 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44
3 males under 10, 1 male 16-25, 3 females under 10, 3 females 10-15, 2 females 16-25
neighbors: Ambrose Kia, Hezekiah West, Caleb Davis, Mary Chappel, Jeremiah Davis and Luis Franklin nearby

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Early Paths to the Carolinas

https://www.cyndislist.com/migration/miscellaneous/?page=2

Henry Franklin's Letter to AJ Womack-clues to migration

Background 1850- before the migration to Texas- 

In 1850, Henry Franklin was 64 years old, living in Rankin County, Mississippi. He is shown to be a farmer, with $1000 in real estate. With him are sons James, 26, a teacher (whom the letter tells us is running for public office) and Hilton, 24, a laborer (whom the letter tells us is studying with a doctor.)

Living next to Henry is the family of his daughter, Rebecca, age 27, and her husband, A.J. Womack, age 36. A.J. is a farmer, born in Alabama, no land value is listed. The family has 6 children, all born in Mississippi; Mary 11, Frances 10, Sarah 9, Richard 7, George 3, and James, who is 7 months old.

Some time after the 1850 census, and before 1854, the Womack family joined a group heading to Texas. Henry wrote this letter to A.J. after they reached Town Bluff, a ferry crossing on the Neches River, in Tyler County, Texas. They had traveled over 300 miles from their home in Mississipppi.

This letter was typed, and I need to find its origin!

May 28, 1858
(This must be a transcription error- Henry died in 1852, and the Womack's were already settled in Trinity County, Texas by 1853.)

Address:

A.J. Womack
Town Bluff, Tyler Co. Tx

(Town Bluff was one of the earliest settlements in Tyler County and at that time was the county seat. It sat on the edge of what today is "The Big Thicket." There was a ferry located there so that settlers to cross the Neches River. The ferryman would charge 3 cents each for swimming cattle and horses across the river.  By the 1840's, steamboats docked at Town Bluff - called "Natchez on the Neches" in order to travel the navigable river which ran south to the Gulf through what is today Beaumont Tx. (In order to travel north along the Neches, flatboats would be used. (4) This lies about 30 miles south of the San Antonio Trail/el Camino Real- making me wonder what trail was used to get to Town Bluff from Mississippi, and 30 miles NW to Apple Springs, where the Womack family finally settled.)

The letter continues:

"Mr. A.J. Womack,

     Sir we are well except Jane and she is still mending sololey. It has been four weeks since I was down there but I hear from them every week."
 (Jane Franklin was 27 years old in 1852, married to 37 year old David Womack. They had 6 children; Henry 12, Sarah 10, Alice 8, Lucy 6, Francis 2,(5)  and a new baby, Cassie, born in 1852. Either Jane was ill, or was recuperating from the birth of her latest child. This family lived in Rankin County, and in 1852, Henry Womack was living in Polkville, Smith County, where he was a member of the Willis Masonic Lodge (6)

"The last time I was there I was at a meeting in Salam (Salem is a community near Cato, in Rankin County) and saw nearly all the old neighbors, they was generly well  and I believe doing tolerable well." 

(Salem cemetery shows Chapmans and Martins, Cato Dents, Kennedys, Ponders, Russells, and Sarah Womack)

"This is a hard year for those that has provisions to buy and good for those that has it to sell. Corn is worth one dollar per bushel and scairse at that. Bacon is worth $12.50 for clear side and other meet is proportion. The average price of flour in Brandon is 65 cents per barel. "

It appears that there are economic problems in Mississippi in 1852 and food prices are high.

"I have seen several leters from Texas but have not seen any that you have sent though heard you had sent some. I received a leter from Wm. McClendon dated April the 7th at Town Bluff and was glad to hear you was all well and doing as well as could be expected. He appears to like the country very well, but he is like the rest that goes to a new country thinks the good country is still ahead."

William McClendon was the husband of Henry's daughter, Jemima Franklin (sister of Rebecca.) In 1850, William was 37, a farmer with land valued at 400 dollars. Jemima was 36, and they had 7 children, all born in Mississippi; Millage 15 (m) Henry 12, Thomas 9, William 7, Mary and Rebecca- 5 year old twins, and Lewis, 5 months old.

 They lived in Rankin County next to another of Henry's daughters, Frances Franklin, 29, and her husband John Chapman, 26, a farmer with land valued at 200 dollars. This family had 6 children; Linny 7, Mary 6, Allen 5, Sarah 4, Mimi 2, and Rebecca 2 months.

So- we know that Rebecca Franklin Womack and her sister, Jemima Franklin McClendon, have both made the trip to Texas, and are staying at Town Bluff....for now. Their destination is uncertain, but it sounds like they are still seeking better land.

"As soon as I hear you are settled and satisfied I shall go on to where you are. I want you all to be properly satisfied by next winter. Any place will do me if you are all satisfied to stay- I do not want to move after I get there. When I get there I want to put a little store near the head of navigation on some of the rivers wher the country is backed out with good land. Not pertickler that I think keeping store is better than doing other things I think farming and raising stock in that country is as good a thing as a man can do but I am too old for that. If I was young and able to farm and rais stock I believe I would rather do it than inything I could do. I think it is the best for health and the shurest way to make a living."

Here we see that Henry, now 66 years old, is feeling his age. He suggests that farming and stock raising offer the best living for the young people, but wants a store for himself. He is mentioning some important things to the young people; settle before winter, near a navigable river, and on good quality farmland.

"I want to wind up here as soon after January as I can. I think I will be there in February or March at the furtherest. David Womack will start about the first of November and I want to send a wagon and little things by him. When I start I expect to go by water and land at Galveston."

This tells us two important things; the young people are going by land with wagons, although there is an alternative water route via the Gulf of Mexico; likely steamboat down the Mississippi to New Orleans, from there to Galveston, Texas, and then upriver by steamboat.

Also- Henry's daughter Jane Franklin and husband David Womack are planning to come in about 6 months with their 6 children (including a new baby)  although this would have them traveling in winter, if they begin the journey in November.

Henry goes on with some business matters-

" I do not know whether me and Reynolds is doing well or not. We will sell good enough at a fair percent but the most is on  a created until the first of November. We made them due then in order to try to buy coton or take it in payment for goods. If we make a good collection we shall do well and if we do not we shall do a slow business. I like to live at Polkville the people is very friendly in every respect."

It looks like Henry is in business with Mr. Reynolds in Polkville. Things are a little unclear here; but perhaps the bills are due in November when they can take payment in cotton, or are able to buy cotton to sell. Business is uncertain right now.

" I have not heard any certain news from Wm. Springs people since you left. I write to them but have not received a letter."

William Spring is the husband of Henry's eldest daughter, Mary Franklin. Mary was the only one of Henry's children who did not come with the family to Mississippi. In 1850, they were living in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. William was a 50 year old  farmer with land valued at $2500. Mary was 42. They had 12 children; George, a 24 yr. old schoolteacher, Feraby 22, Henry F. 21, a laborer, John 20, William 18, Jerry 14, Sally 12, James 10, Elizabeth 8, Hilton 6, and Thomas 1.

This comment gives us a very good clue about when the Womack (and Chapman) family left for Texas. It is now May, 1852. We know that in January 1851, William Spring, resident of St. Tammany, appeared at the courthouse in Greensburg, St. Helena Parish, La. to sell a family of slaves to Maston Newsom. He was contracted to do so by Henry Franklin. This was one of the most heartbreaking documents which I found at that courthouse; the family consisted of 40 yr old Jenny and her five children; Nan abt. 8, John 4 or 5, Joe 2, and twin infants. Their cost was $1500- five hundred to be paid in cash, and the balance to be paid to William Spring by the following January. The document ends with a statement by Henry Franklin that these slaves are his property; dated  December 23, 1850, filed July 1851.

We assume Henry was in communication with William Spring at this time; so it was likely that the Womack's and Chapman's left after July 1851, arriving in Town Bluff by May 1852. How long would such a trip take? The distance would take about 20 days by a healthy person walking 6 hours a day. But driving heavy wagons hauled by slow oxen, dealing with rough terrain, fording rivers, and possibly driving livestock, it would be difficult for these families  to travel 300 miles in that time. It likely took them a month or more to make the trip.

"People has got tollerable fair prospects of crops in this country but they are small for the time of year but ginneralaly clean it has been a cold dry spring and it is vary dry this time people has generally got good stands."

Since Henry is telling them about the spring weather, we know the families were gone well before spring.

"James is a candidate for cleark for the probate court and ther is three more candidates namely Drew Fitzhugh, Joseph Fergenson, and Dr. Russell. It is unserton how they will make it but it is generly thought if they all continue to run James will be elected. Hilton is boarding at Dr. Holmes and is reading and studying. Alice and Feraby is well and I beleve is doing well. I never hear James and Hilton say anything about going to Texas though I expect Hilton will go with me when I start. "

 Hilton may be studying medicine, since he is boarding with a doctor and "reading and studying."  Henry Franklin was a justice of the peace in Rankin County, and it sounds as if his son James, a teacher in 1850, also has law training, as he running for probate court clerk. Henry's youngest daughter, Alice, is 22 years old and is married to 26 year old LE Russell, a farmer living in Rankin County. They have a son William age 3, and a baby daughter, Sarah Victoria, born in March of 1852. The only Feraby I have seen is Mary Franklin Spring's 22 year old daughter.

"There is abundance of the people talks moving to Texas next fall but there is abundance that talk of moving that will not go. I.W. Crook, that lives at Polkville talks of moving with David Womack and I expect he will go he wants to get to the best kind of range and rais cattle he says he would like to be in the settlement you all are in. When you write to me put a few lines for I.W. Crook and say to him the chance of raising stock in that country as stock is his principle object. Crook is a very good nabor I would like for him to be in that country "

Again, stock raising and fall travel plans....


"when you write always fill three sides of the paper." 

This seems to be a tradition at the time to save money on paper; reading these letters with writing going all around is very difficult; I saw this with Henry's great niece Mary Anna's letters!

"Give my kindes respects to all my relation not forgeting Laurence Lorenzo and famley. Write about all my acquaintances."  

I haven't been able to find anything on Laurence Lorenzo.

Henry Franklin
Polkville, Smith Co., Miss








4-(Handbook of Texas Online , Megan Biesele, "Town Bluff, TX," accessed August 31, 2016, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hnt27 . )

5- 1850 United States Federal Census Year: 1850; Census Place: , Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: M432_380; Page: 217B; Image: .
6- Willis Lodge, Polkville, Smith County- Masonic membership