Wm. S. Terry Family South Carolina and Arkansas

* records of Mary Vance Norfleet.
# records in Ashley County Hearld, [Lee] all children were born in Williamston, Anderson Co, So. Carolina unless otherwise indicated
remaining births are in Ashley Co. Arkansas.
@Arkansas Marriage Records of Ashley Co.

1830 - William Smith Terry is born to John McDowell Terry and Mary Octavia (Jones) in Laurens Co. South Carolina. His father is John McDowell Terry b. 1795 in SC whose father in turn came from Ireland or England in 1790. His mother is Mary (Graydon/Gradon)b. 1800 SC goes back to the distinguished families of Graydon and Camp that fought in the Revolutionary War.

1857 marries Mary Octavia Jones, dau. of Benjamin F. Jones of Laurens Co. South Carolina. [Implied South Carolina Marriages. Vol. IV 1787-1875.p127 and 207 listed in Vol. Z p532-33, 1857]
She is related also as W.S.'s sister, Sara(Ann)Terry (b. 2 Feb. 1810 d. 3 Jan 1858), the wife of B. F. Jones m. 1857, Mary O's brother.

(although Benjamin Jones middle initial is copied as a "T" rather than an "F" in this book the latter is correct based on the records and naming of his son, Benjamin Franklin Jones, and naming of W. S. Terry's son, B. F. Terry. )

Benjamin F. Jones in the Deed of Trust of 30 January, 1857, registered 10 Feb. 1857 is giving to Mary Octavia Jones, his daughter, and William S. Terry, her husband, two twin slave girls, Flora and Laura, about eight years of age "for her sole and separate use". They are to be held in trust for her by H. A. Jones, (this is Mary's uncle, Henry A. Jones, b c.1817, lawyer 33 yrs in 1850 Abbeville census). [Sec of State -Misc. Records Bk. 2, p.532-533, Roll#Misc 16]

1860 - US Census , Tumbling Shoals, Laurens, SC in June 1860  Roll: 1222  Page: 264.  This when B. F. Terry is born. Benjamin Franklin Jones is also here.  He is the brother-in-law who had married Wm Terry's sister Sara Ann who had died only two months after they were married of typhoid.  

Wm. Terry             29  m         farmer        0 /  $1600    South Carolina
Mary                      26   f
Jno.                         1   m
B. F.                     6/12m
B. F. Jones             24 m         farmer        0 /  $3200   South Carolina

Wm. Terry's brother is next door with his new wife.  He is destined to die in the Civil War.  
Wesley Terry          24 m         farmer          0  /  0         South Carolina
Carrry                     20 f                                

1861-65 Wm S. Terry probably first served in the 19 South Carolina Infantry. He was a private. [Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System Search, film roll, M381, roll 31] He seems to also serve in the Arkansas Confederate Army, Company A, 10 AR - C, 61- 65 dies Aug 14,1895 Ashley. Nancy A. widow #14390
Another Wm. S. Terry CSA #16296 A 10, AR-C, 1864, dies 11/29/1936, no county

after 1865-

Mary Norfleet states, "Billie, Wesley and Robert all served as Confederate Soldiers and were captured and imprisoned. Robert was captured at the Battle of Helena, July 4, 1863 and was imprisoned first at Alton, IL and later at Fort Delaware."

Elcybeth Vance says, "Uncle "Billie" was so starved that his wife put all food under lock and key and allowed it ot him by small amounts until he could take a normal meal. He would have died if allowed to eat to the full after such long starvation. " [Norfleet 3/5/03]

about 1866 - W. S. Terry and his family seems to move to Ashley Co., AR. His last child is born in South Carolina in 1871 according to the 1880 census. However, the following newspaper articles show a date of 1867. He may have left his family in South Carolina and went back for them after he was established.

1867- W. S. Terry operated a saw and grist mill w/ his brother, Robert Y. H. Terry (b. Mar 27, 1837, a cabinet maker) and nephew (son of T.O.P. Terry), Dr. A.(Alonzo)(b. Feb 1847 in SC, a dentist) [Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, Goodspeed Pub. Co.,1890, reprinted 1978]

1867- an article in the newspaper: "W. S. Terry put a forty horse power engine and improved machinery at his sawmill six miles south of Hamburg. [History of Ashley Co., page xxv ]

1870- Arkansas/South Carolina

William Smith Terry doesn't show up in the So. Carolina census record even though the 1880 census shows that Sallie was born here.

1872-73 Wm. Smith Terry and his family move to Arkansas according to the birth dates of the later children.

1880 - W. S. is 49 years of age and living in Hamburg, Ashley Co, Arkansas. His occupation is listed as "Miller." all children listed above are living with him and his wife, Elizabeth. [US Census, 1880, T9-38. p 99-100, Carter Twp. Ashley Co.. Arkansas]
His occupation for most of his life is as a "miller," probably both a saw mill and a grist mill. Frank Moore w/m 22 is a laborer living with them. 

Terry, W. S.	w/m 49	Miller	SC    SC    SC	b. c1830
Elizabeth	w/f 38		Miss  NC  TN	b. c1843
B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)	w/m 20		SC    SC   SC	b. c1860
Elizabeth N.(Elizabeth ?N.)	w/f 18		"         "       "	b. c1862
Mollie O.(Mary Octavia)	w/f 13		"         "       "	b. c1867
W. R. H. (Walter R. H.)	w/m 11		"         "        "	b. c1869
S. A. E. (Sallie A. E>)	w/f 9		"          "       "	b. c1871
M. K (Margaret Kate "Maggie")	w/F 7		ARK  "        "	b. c1873
Peter J. (Peter John)	w/m 5		"         "       "	b. c1875

1889, Jan 1 - "Walter Terry and Miss Nellie Cook were married Jan. 1st, 1889, Rev. L. M. Keith officiating." [Lee p. 1]

1889, Jan 10 -" W. A. Terry dentist." listed in the Ashley County Eagle [Lee p1]

1889, June 13 - " W. S. Terry has put a new 40 hp engine in his steam saw mill. " [Lee p7]

1889, Aug 15 - Mrs. E. M. Roney, about 28 eldest daughter of W. S. Terry, died August 13th, 1889 of stomach inflammation. She leaves a husband and two small children. [Lee p9]

Aug 24. 1894 (Transcription of a photocopy of the original letter written to Thomas A. Collier and Mary Octavia Terry Collier)

Hamburg - Ark. - August 24,1894
Dear Tom and Mollee,
I received a letter form each of you lately and will have to make one answer do both. Mollie you may go to the head of the class and stay there. with some of the others I bet you, I am happy to know that you passed through safely- and hope- you may have good health for health is indeed a great blessing . I hope your boy may make a man as far above comspares in wisdom and usefulness- as he exceeds the common sum in weight. We are all enjoying good health except that Walther's wife and children have a stray chill now and then but nothing serious. Walther is now building a new comfortable house away from the pool - on high ground and hope they will get rid of the chills and misquitos. Crops in this section are generally fair. Rains have been partial and some have suffered to some extent but in most places they have good corn. Cotton has shed considerably in dry streaks. We have not suffered during the year and have a fine crop of corn and will make peas - upon peas - I think my 3 acres of potatoes will make enough to keep us roasting a long time. Melons, beans peas and c. have been plentiful and we have not known want during the year. Business has been better this session than I expected having been kept pretty good bills. One which we will soon finish amounting to $300. I don't know what is the future but judging from the past we will not have much idle time besides gathering the crops. The ox team is busy hauling logs- and the mule delivering lumber to town - and with Walter's house building everything is astir. There has been some sickness in the country. Port Keill's wife died of consumption 2 weeks ago- and we buried Annie Douglas today - who was taken sick Sunday night with colic. People are generally more healthy than usual at this season. We have no sickness with us and no need of a Dr. We are working the same hands - we have when mother left and getting on smooth. There is nothing new or startling in this country. Most of the men farmers, especially are doing fairly well not getting rich but making a living and very well contented. Prospects of plenty of meat and bread - and very little more to be avoracious over. We have meat, bread,chickens butter eggs - and vegetables such as butter beans, snap beans peas and potatoes and I think we can make out pretty well till turnips come in and the possums get fat. I would be so glad to get a peep at your boy and the girls too. Betty might not know me but Maggie would. Forest knows me and is very fond of me . As to politics we are quiet. The third party is beginning to chose some and the office seekers and sore heads are joining.in with the hope that the loaves and fishes may be divided out - but in this part of the state we don't get excited much - and never paid up the ground to please some one else. We have a good meeting at Antiock two weeks ago 8 conversions and seven added to the church - The preachers are having good meetings all around and we hope to see a general revival in all the churches. Court is being held at the Judges Hawkings preceding. The cases before the court are mostly negros - for stealing and burning houses - White people are not much with it . I haven't attended yet and won't if I can help it. I don't think I know anything they would ventilated. They say the R R will certainly be built but the company has made no move in that direction yet. We are listening for the whistle of the engine and rattle of the cars. John and Frank were both well a short time since, Sorry crops again in Frank's country and he talks of leaving.. Tell Frank to be a good steady boy and learn fast so he can occupy an honorable position - Kiss Maggie, Billy and the both and accept my love.
Yours Affectionaly W. S. Terry

1895, May 5 - William S. Terry registers a land claim, in Camden, Ashley County, Arkansas. Doc. #7350, Mish. Doc.#13116, Homestead Original;

1895, Aug 22 - "Mr. W. S. Terry, 63, died of typho-malarial fever, Aug. 14th, 1895.[Lee p28]

1900- Walter R. Terry and Dr. Alonzo Terry are near each other in Ashley Co, Carter Twp. Arkansas/. [vol. 1, enum dist. 10, sheet 10] Walter Terry is operating a sawmill w/ wife Nellie and children.

         Terry,  Walter R.      head    w m    Sep  1869     52   m 11                 SC                SC        SC                saw milling
            ____ ,  Nellie  A.      wife     w f     Jun  1872     27  m  11  5 5         Missouri      Tenn     Illinois
            ____ , Charlie W.     son      w m    Mar 1890     10  s                         Arkansas      SC        Missouri       at school 
            ____ , Bessie            dau      w f     Apr  1892      8  s                          Arkansas      SC        Missouri
            ____ , Alma              dau      w f     Jul   1894       5 s                          Arkansas      SC        Missouri
            ____ , Edith              dau      w f     Aug 1896       3                             Arkansas      SC        Missouri
            ____ , Olive              dau      w f     Jun  1897       2                             Arkansas      SC        Missouri

Robert Y. H. Terry (W. S. 's brother ) is listed as a boarder to Alonzo W. Terry, dentist, son of T. O. P. Terry. Robt. is a "drummer" or salesman. A. W. Terry , the son of T. O. P. Terry of 1880 Ashley/ [Ashley Co. , Carter Twp. enum dist. 10, sheet 10 and 7]

          Mill Creek, Ashley Co., Arkansas.   enum.  dist.  14, sheet 7B

1900 - Dec. 23 - SC Hill  marries Nellie Terry  [Arkansas Marriages 1719-1992]

1902, Sept 11 -"Mrs Nellie Hill, young wife of S. C. Hill, and only daughter of W. S. Terry, died at Crosset, Thursday last, leaves husband and one child." [Lee, p68]

1907, Jan 8 - In an eight page letter that written to Anne Elcybeth "Elsie" Terry Vance by her father. His personal knowledge adds a great deal of information on the family. This research comes from Mary Vance Norfleet, granddaughter of Else.

"Wm S. second son Married first Octavia Jones; John Frank, Betty, Mollie, Walter, Maggie & Jones were their children. Wm S next married Lizzie Akin they had two children, both died in infancy. Wm S after the death of his 2nd wife (Both wives died in Hamburg) married Miss Nancy Beasley and to them was born one girl Nellie who married and died in Crossett leaving a boy baby. My grandmother refers to Wm S as "my much loved Uncle Billie" and "After the death of his second wife, he married Miss Nancy Beasley. She was my much loved "Aunt Nannie", a woman of the finest traits of character and a most lovable disposition. I remember the story told in the family of Walter, who was then a boy in his teens. His sisters asked him to rake and burn the leaves in their large yard (for it was fall) in preparation for the coming of the new stepmother. His answer, 'I can't be bothered to clean the yard every time Papa gets married!' Many years afterward the grown-up Walter told me he could never have loved his own mother any more than he loved this stepmother. She was truly a grand person and loved by the entire family. She and Uncle Billie had one little girl, Nellie. She was the pet of the whole family. She lived to be about nineteen. She had married and left a little son, Nelson Hill." [Norfleet 2/8/03]

1909. Feb. Elsie Terry daughter of Robert Y. H. Terry marries Samuel Vance. Her father being dead at this time she marries at her brother's home.

"From the Lebanon, Tenn. Democrat, On Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, 1909, at 3:00 PM, at the home of the brides' brother, Mr. W. T. Terry, on the Rome Pike, Mr. Sam Vance and Miss Elsie Terry were married in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and fiencds. Rev. W. H. Doss performed the ceremeony. The bride wore a princess gown of delicate blue, trimmed with white lace and silver tinsel, with hat to match, trimmed with plumes and pink roses, and carried a shower bouquet of bride roses. An unusually interesting feature about the bride's dress was a silver buckle that had been worn by the brides in her mother's family for more than a hundred years back. They were attended by Mrs. Ione Spears, sister of the groom, and Mr. Haney Thomson. A large number of presents were received, a number coming from friends and relatives in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. After the wedding, a reception was tendered them at the old Vance home, where they weill be at home after April 1st. " [Lee p167]

1910 - US Census, Carter Twp., Ashley Co., Arkansas. Roll: 43 Page: 49

Terry, Walter R.      head m w 41 22                                    So. Caro.    So. Caro.     So. Caro.       carpenter
"        , Nellie A        wife  f w 37 mar. 22yrs 6 births         Missouri     Tenn.           Illinois
"         , Chas. W.       son  m w 20 s                                      Ark               So. Caro.     Missouri
"        , Bessie           dau.  f w 15 s                                        Ark               So. Caro.     Missouri
"         , Edith            dau.  f w 13 s                                        Ark              So. Caro.      Missouri
"         , Olivia           dau  f w 11 s                                        Ark               So. Caro.      Missouri
"         , Mary            dau   f w 8 s                                          Ark               So. Caro.      Missouri
Cook, Mary          mother-inlaw    f w 59 wid   3births    Illinois        Kentucky     Illinois

          US Census, Mill Creek, Ashley Co., Arkansas.   enum.  dist.  12, sheet 12a

1914, Aug 20 - Mrs. J. E. Kirkpatrick, Kissimmee, Forida, is visitingher sisters, Mrs. A. W. Terry and Mrs. H. E. Guise, here. [Lee p. 253]

1920 - US Census, Carter Twp., Ashley Co., Arkansas. Roll: 53 Page: 284

Terry, Walter R.     head       m w 53    mar.  So. Carolina    So. Carolina    So. Carolina
"        , Nellie A.      wife        f   w 46    mar.  Missouri          Tennessee       (? Tenessee)
"        , Casmire        son         m w 28     s       Ark                   So. Caro.          Missouri
"        , Bess              dau.        f w 26       s       Ark                    So. Caro.          Missouri
"        , Alma             dau.       f w 24       s        Ark                   So. Caro.          Missouri
"        , Olivia            dau.       f w 21       s       Ark                   So. Caro.           Missouri
"         , Mary            dau.        f w 18       s       Ark                    So. Caro.          Missouri

Carter Twp., Ashley Co. Roll: 53 Page: 281
Terry, Alonzo      boarder      m w 70      widow (?Drangen)     (?Drangen)    (?Drangen)    

Terry, John M.       head       owner   $800     m w 71 widowed    20at mar.    South Caro.    South Caro.     South Caro.   jeweler   jewelry shop
Clancy, James D.   head      renter       $50     m w 47  mar.           39at mar.    Alabama          Alabama          Alabama         jeweler  jewelry shop
"         , Mimmie T. wife                                     f  w  45 mar.           37 at mar.   Texas            South Caro.       Arkansas      none

We believe this to be a picture of Maggie Terry Kirkland
with her brothers(l to r), (either John or Walter) and Dr. Benj. F. Terry about 1930.
John should be 71 in this photo which seems about right for the proposed date. John seems to die about 1931.

on John McDowell Terry (bl 2 Jul 1858) she writes:
" He and his wife Abbie lived in El Dorado, Arkansas. Their Children were Ethel, Daisy, Minnie and Norman Terry." Daisy marries a Simmons and lived in Austin, TX. Minnie married a Clancy. Norman Terry married Helen Lyons.

Bettie M. Terry married Elijah Roney had one son, Hugh - all are dead
Walter R. H. Terry, Edith's father, had a saw mill about two miles from Hamburg and lived to eighty- buried in Hamburg.
                      [records of Edith McCormick, Mary Vance Norfleet]

sources:

Allen, Desmond Walls & McLans, Bobbie Jones. Arkansas Land Patents, Ashley County, Granted through 30 June 1908, pub. Arkansas Research, P. O. Box 303, Conway, AR 72032
Ashley Co. Marriages V. AA, A. 1848-1883 Mormon #0979081
Index to War of 1812 Pension Files Vol. I, A-F, National Hist. Pub. Cop. Wynesboro Tenn, 1989
Lee, Alice Kennedy. Excerpts from the Ashley County Eagle, Arkansas 1889-1914, 2000 Alice Kennedy Lee, P. O. Box 636, Cave City, KY 42127, email - danlee@scrtc.com
letter, transcribed from a copy of the original in the possession of Melba Collier Johnson, Clifton, Tx
Norfleet, Mary Vance. records and history as recorded by her grandmother, Anne Elcybeth "Elsie" Terry Vance. 63090 Opossum Lane, Montrose CO 81401-9603, 3/5/03 - email- mvn471@montrose.net
South Carolina Marriages, Vol. IV. 1787 -1875, Implied in the Miscellaneous Records of South Carolina. 1994, Langdon and Langdon Genealogical Research, 132 Langdon Road, Aiken, S. C. 29801-9536
Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, Goodspeed Pub. Co.,1890, reprinted 1978
US census, South Carolina and Arkansas,

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