Charles Deckard was born enslaved in 1796 Virginia. By 1826 he was in Tennessee, married Jane Holder and his first son, Joseph, was born. Charles and Jane would go on to have at least five children: Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel, Harriett and Thomas. By 1868 he was in McLennan County, Texas where he registered to vote. And in 1870 he appears on the Federal Census.
Charles was enslaved by Peter Spyker Decherd and, eventually, so was his wife, Jane.
Jane Holder was born about 1804 in Tennessee. Though the names of her parents are not yet known, Jane said they were both born in Kentucky. Jane's enslaver was John Walton Holder and he was most likely the enslaver of Jane's parents.
John Walton Holder was born 6 Nov 1786 in Clark County, Kentucky and died 21 Sep 1841 in Winchester, Franklin County, Tennessee. He married Carine Frances Penn 1789-1852 in 1808. John was the son of Colonel John Charles Holder 1744-1798 and Frances Walton Calloway 1763-1803.
1810 Census Clark Co KY John Holder
13 Slaves [Would include Jane's parents]
1820 Census Franklin Co TN John W Holder
34 Slaves: 12 M under 14, 3 M 14-25, 2 M 26-44, 8 F under 14, 7 F 14-25, 1 F 26-44, 1 F 45+ [Includes Jane who would have been 16 and, probably her parents and sibling.]
22 Oct 1822 Franklin Co TN Land Grant
John paid 12 1/2 cents per acre. 50 acres by survey bearing date 15 Aug 1825, lying in said county [Franklin] on the waters of Beaus Creek and bounded as follows: Beginning at a SE corner of a 100 acre tract granted to W A Guesentberg? at the footy of the mountain and ? their E and 45 poles to two Sugar trees. ..... Signed 27 Mar 1827
1827 John Holder's daughter Frances Henrietta Holder married Peter Spyker Decherd in Nov 1827. This is likely when Frances received enslaved from her father. Including Jane.
1830 Census Franklin Co TN John W Holder
64 Slaves: 16 M under 10, 11 M 10-23, 2 M 24-35, 4 M 36-54, 10 F under 10, 7 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99
1840 Census Franklin Co TN John W Holder
84 Slaves: 12 M under 10, 19 M 10-23, 5 M 24-35, 6 M 36-54, 21 F under 10, 10 F 10-23, 4 F 24-35, 7 F 36-54
Will of John Walton Holder Written 14 Sep 1841 Probate 4 Oct 1841
1 ...pay debts
2 ...to my wife Catherine Holder during her life the tract of land on which I reside together with the following slaves, Henry and his wife Mariah and their children Cabb [Caleb], Emanuel, Little Henry, Adaline, Julia, Martha, Little Mirah and Gabriel and a negro girl Franky and at the death of my said wife said land and negroes and their increase are to be disposed of as hereinafter directed
3... to wife absolutely $1,000 in cash to be paid her by my Executor of the money on the first collections... all provision on hand...[stock, utensils, household, furniture, all residue of my personal property except my slaves : I direct my Executor to sell and apply the proceeds as hereinafter directed:
4...I have heretofore given to my daughter Francis Henrietta wife of Peter S Decherd the following property negro man Winston (since dead) a negro girl named JANE, a negro girl named Moriah and a negro boy named Sidney together with $500 in cash which property and cash I have estimated to be worth $2250 ...
5 In like manner I have given to my daughter Sophia, wife of James A Snowden the following property cash $500, negro woman Lucy and her children Elick and Emily, a negro man Gabriel since dead, and a negro girl Caroline which I have valued at $1,950...
6 In like manner I have given to my daughter Louisa wife of Holman Huddleston the following property - a negro man named Sam, a negro woman Matilda, her children Palina and Brice and a negro girl Margaret which property I have estimated at $1,400...
7. For the purpose of making my other daughters Elizabeth and Virginia Holder equal with the others I hereby give to each of them negro slaves to be allotted to them by my executor equal in value to the property I have given to my daughter Sophia estimating price to fixed upon said negroes according to the rate at which I have estimated the negroes given to my older daughters ....
8. All the above property which I have willed in the above clauses to my two daughter Elizabeth and Virginia Holder together with all the land and negroes I may hereafter give them. I direct my Executor to convey to trustees or that the same shall be vested for their benefit upon the following trusts and conditions, said negroes and their increase are to be used by each of said daughters for her separate use and benefit and not for the use and benefit of her husband if she should marry... no attempt should be made to remove said slaves without the consent of my Executor...
9 I have already placed in the hands and possession of my son Richard P Holder the following property: a Negro man named William, a negro woman named Suinia and her two children Archa and Allen and negro girl named Amy which I value at $1400. The negro woman Suinia has had a child named Rachael since my son Richard has had her in his possession which I do not into the account but I hereby devise to him ....
10. The balance of my slaves I direct to be equally divided among all my children...
11...at the death of my wife, the slaves and their increase I have bequeathed to her during her life are to be equally divided among my children...
12 [Land division]
13 All the rest and residue ... divided among my children
14 [he's valued his land, etc himself]
15 I empower my Executor to execute all....
16 I appoint Peter S Decherd sole executor...
Witnesses: Nathan Green, Benjamin Decherd, Joseph Miller
Note: John's will confirms that his adult children already have these enslaved. It was a common custom for enslaved to be given upon a daughter's marriage, as well as when a son established his own home.
Almost certainly John gave "our" Jane to Frances because we know later Jane was involved with one of Peter Decherd's enslaved: Charles.
Jane and Charles had their first [known] child, Joseph who was born March 1826 in Franklin County, Tennessee. He was followed by four more [known] children.
Children of Charles Deckard and Jane Holder:
- Joseph b March 1826
- Benjamin b 1830
- Samuel b
- Harriett b 1834
- Thomas b 1836
In 1854 Charles, Jane and their children went to McLennan County, Texas. Their enslaver, Peter S Decherd, left Tennessee to settle in the Brazos Bottoms in Texas where Waco is now. [See below Enslaver information]
1870 Census Waco, McLennan TX
Dwelling 122 Fam 144
Dechard, Charles 73 Laborer bVA RE$300 BLK
Jane 62 bTN BLK
Samuel 37 Drayman bTN BLK
Charity 27 bAL Sam's wife BLK
Charles 2 bTX BLK
Robert 6/12 bTX BLK
Trumbel, Harriett 36 Laundress bTN BLK Daughter of Charles and Jane
Mary 14 in school bTX BLK
Erwin 1 bTX BLK
1880 Census Waco, McLennan TX
Dwelling 247 246 N 5th Street Site is now part of the McLennan courthouse complex.
Deckard, Charles 84 Laborer bVA parents both bVA BLK
Jane 76 bTN both parents bKY BLK
Charles and Jane died sometime after 1880, probably in Waco, Texas.
Details about the children of Charles and Jane:
Joseph Deckard was born March1826 in Franklin County, TN
1880 AG Schedule
Deckerd, Joseph
30 acres on shares. 1 horse, 15 acres Indian Corn. 15 acres cotton/2 bales
1900 Census Waco Ward 3, McLennan TX 911 Mary Street Renting
Thomas, Jennie 29 bMay 1871 TX parents bTX Widowed No children Laundress
Deckard, Joseph 74 bTN ParentsbTN Widowed Grandfather [of Jennie]
Williams, Fanny 8 bTX Parents bTX Adopted daughter
Sanders, Albert 30 bApr 1870 Ark, Parents bARK Single Stacker at Ice Factory
Benjamin Deckard was born 1830 Franklin County, TN and died 19 Oct 1956 McLennan Co TX . He married Rosana Fields who was born1841 in Mississippi.
15 July 1867 McClennan TX Benjamin registered to vote
1870 AG Schedule McLennan Co TX West of Brazos River
Deckerd, Benjamin and Thomas [this is his brother]
30 acres, 1 horse, 5 swine, 50 bushels Indian corn, 7 bales cotton
1870 Census West of Brazos River, McLennan TX Ben and Tom living next to each other
Dwelling 190 Fam 178
Deckard, Benjm 40 bTN Farmer
Rosana 29 bMS
Frainke bTX
Captain 7 bTX
Deckard 6 bTX
Isam 3 bTX
Radix 1 bTX
1880 Census McLennan Co TX
Dwelling 20
Deckard, Benjamin 46 Farmer bTN parents bSC
Rosanna 35 bMS Parents bSC
Francis 18 bTX
Captain 17 bTX
Benjamin 15 bTX
Isom 13 bTX
Molly 8 bTX
Evaline 7 bTX
Manny 5 bTX
Early 3 bTX
Anna 1 bTX
1900 Census Waco Ward 5, McLennan TX
Dwelling 46 Fam 47 917 Oak St
Deckard, Isom 35 bTX May 1865 md 10 years Day Laborer Renting This is Ben's son
Alice 36 bMar 18964 TX
Edward 13 bJun 1886 TX
Walter 9 bJul 1890 TX
Lizzie M 8 bJan 1892 TX
Isaac 6 bFeb 1894 TX
1900 Census Justice Precinct 1, McLennan C TX
Dwelling 529 Fam 558
Decherd, Benjamin [blank] bTN Farmer Renting farm
Rosana 54 bMS Parents bMS 14 children born/10 living
Early 21 bOct 1875 TX Farm Laborer
Moses 16 bMar 1884 TX
Same Dwelling Fam 559
Deckare, Manny [male] bJan 1877 TX Married 2 years Farm Laborer This is Ben's son
Mary F bSep 1872 bTX
Dwelling 535 Fam 566
Deckard, Benjamin md4yrs Father bTX mother bMS Farm Laborer Renting This is Ben's son
wife Phillis bTX md 4 yrs 4chborn/1 living
Rosana 5 bMay 1895 TX
Ben's son Moses - Moses's wife Cora died before 1940
1940 Census Falls, TX Living Chilton, Satin, Falls, TX
Deckard, Mose 55
Ruby Mae 21
Rose Lee 19
Cox, Dorothy Jean 4
Jennie 2
Joe Lee 11 mos
1902 Waco City Directory
Deckard, Benjamin Laborer 609 Mann, E Waco 3
Ben's Son Mose Deckard born 4 Mar 1882 Waco TX and died 27 Sep 1959. Farmer Died Austin State Hospital Austin, TX Widower. Father: Benjamin; mother: Rosana Fields
COD Bronchopneumonia and Cerebral Arteriosclerosis
Buried Waco Cemetery 28 Sep 1959
Ben's son Isom Deckard died 28 Nov 1951 at Waco, McLennan County TX
Widowed. Was a Laborer
COD Natural causes; senility
Buried Greenwood Cemetery in Waco TX
Harriett Deckard was born 1834 on the Decherd Plantation, Franklin Co, TN - 17 Feb 1915 Waco, McLennan Co TX
1870 Census living with parents
Turmbel, Harriet 36 with daughter Mary Jane 14 and son Erwin 1
1880 Census Waco, McLennan Co TX 88 North 5th St
Tramble, Harriet 42 bTN Widow Housekeeper
Jane 24 bTX Seamstress
Ernest/Erwin 10 bTX
Zuma 8 bTX
1900 Census Waco Ward 1, McLennan, TX 329 N 5th Street Own home
Tramble, Hariet 64 bTN father bVA mother bTN Widow Midwife
1910 Census Waco Ward 1, McLennan Co TX 401 N 5th St Own house
Tramble, Harriette 72 bTN Father bVA Mother bTN Widow Retired Nurse 5 children born/2 living
Tramble, Janie 54 bTX Father bGA Mother bTN Dressmaker self employed
Morgan, Albert 10 bTX Great Grandson
Harriett Deckard Trambel is buried Greenwood Cemetery, Waco McLennan Co TX
Thomas Deckard was born 1836 on the Decherd Plantation, Franklin Co TN. Died probably in McLennan Co TX. Married Frances Fields b1847 MS
16 July 1867-1869 Voter Registration McLennan County, TX line #393
1870 AG Schedule - see Benjamin above
1870 Census West of Brazos River, McLennan TX
Dwelling 191 Fam 179
Deckard, Thos 34 bTN Farmer
Frances 23 bMS
Lydia 7 bTX
Benjamin 6 bTX
Nathan 2 bTX
1880 Census McLennan Co TX Thomas is not listed and Frances says she's a widow.
Dwelling 20
Deckard, Frances 36 bMS parents bSC WIDOW Farmer
Benjamin 16 bTX
Nathan 12 bTX
William 7 bTX
Allie [female] 6 bTX
Laura 8 bTX
There are two prison records for a Thomas Deckard. This may not be the same Thomas, but could explain his absence in the 1880 census with his family.
4 Apr 1880 Texas Convict and Conduct Register
Deckard, Tom Convict #8545 Huntsville, Walker Co TX
Prison - Apr 4 1880 to Alston Farm
Dec 28, 1880 to Auygg? and Lendells Prison Sep 29, 1981
Discharged January 28, 1882
Work: Labor outside
1880 Census Schedule of Defective, Dependent and Delinquent Classes 1 Jun 1880
Deckard, Tom Huntsville, Walker Co TX
Incarcerated Mar 1880 for Burglary
Number of years in penitentiary 2
Thomas and Frances's son, the Reverend Nathan Deckard died 3 Feb 1950. He was living Rural Route 6, Precinct 1 in McLennan County, TX near Downsville. He was a widower.
Samuel Deckard was born 1832 on the Decherd Plantation, Franklin County, TN and died before 1900 in Waco,McLennan County TX. He married Charity Ricks 1835-1925. [See below for more about Charity Ricks]. Though her parents are so far unknown, she was enslaved by the Ricks family. By 1900 Charity reports on the census that she is a widow.
Note: Charity may not have been the mother of Dorsey born 1856, Henderson born 1856, and Alfred "Fred" born 1852-1860. These children of Samuel's may very well have been born to a first wife.
At the end of the Civil War, Samuel would have been living in McLennan County, Texas. Charity appears in the 1870 census with Samuel and his parents, Charles and Jane Deckard.
Samuel is listed twice in the 1870 Census and they're probably both accurate.
1870 Census Waco, McLennan TX Taken 20 June 1870
Dwelling 15 This is a Boarding House All BLK
Watson, Gustave 18 Tradesman bNC
Leslie Robert 21 Waiter bMS
Parker, Giles 39 Cook bMS
Carter, Jerry 27 Hostler bKY
Kennedy, Mary 55 Cook bMD
Mclellan, Ann 24 Cook bAL
Deckard, Sam 39 Hostler bTN
1870 Census Waco, McLennan TX Taken 23 June 1870
Dwelling 122 Fam 144
Dechard, Charles 73 Laborer bVA RE$300 BLK
Jane 62 bTN BLK
Samuel 37 Drayman bTN BLK
Charity 27 bAL Sam's wife BLK
Charles 2 bTX BLK
Robert 6/12 bTX BLK
Trumbel, Harriett 36 Laundress bTN BLK Daughter of Charles and Jane
Mary 14 in school bTX BLK
Erwin 1 bTX BLK
1880 Census Waco McLennan TX
Dwelling 264 88 N 5th St
Deckard Samuel 40 bTN Laborer
Charity 39 bAL Parents bAL
Charles 12 bTX
Robert 9 bTX
Minnie 7 bTX
Lilly 5 bTX
Howard 1 bTX
Samuel has disappeared by the 1910 Census.
1910 Census Waco
Dwelling 71 Fam 73 1219 N 6th St
Deckard, Minnie 35 bTX School Teacher
Charity 65 Mother 9 children born/4 living
Robert 41 bTX Widower, brother Retail Butcher
Charity died 18 Jan 1925 in Waco, Texas.
She is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Waco, McLennan County, Texas
 |
| Charity Ricks Deckard |
The children of Samuel Deckard and Charity Ricks:
Dorsey Deckard was born 1856 in McLennan Co TX She married Dudley Whitaker in 1874, McLennan Co TX
1880 Census Waco, McLennan Co TX
Dwelling 97
Whitaker, D 56 Farmer bAL
Dorsey 24 bTN
A L [female] 11 bTX
Winey 10 bTX
Walis 9 bTX
Zoly 5 bTX
Vilot 2 bTX
Dwelling 99 all BLK
Deckard, A 28 bTN Farmer Believed to be Alfred
M 20 bTN
Tildy 1 bTX
Dwelling 100 all BLK
Whitaker, B 29 bAL Farmer This is Booker T Whitaker
Jane 26 bLA This is Jane Knott who later married Afred Decker
L 6 [son] bTX
Eddy/ERdrey 4 [dau] bTX
Elin 1 bTX
1880 AG Schedule Enumeration District 112, McLennan, TX
Dudley Whittaker
37 Acres on shares. 2 horses, 20 acres Indian corn/300 bushels, 17 acres cotton/3 bales
Children of Dorsey Deckard and Dudley Whitaker:
Alice 1868-1966 md Whitaker
Winey/Winny b1870
Wallace 1871-1945
Zollie/Zoly b1874
Clara 1879 md Lamesa
Violet 1880-1950 md Wagener - died 5 Aug 1950; buried in Bosqueville Cemetery in Waco, TX.
Henderson Deckard was born 1856 in McLennan County, TX and died 26 Aug 1913. He married Nannie/Nancy Roberson b1858 on 2 May 1878 McLennan Co TX. They had at least three children: Nancy, Cora [married Holman] and Mattie. Nannie went on to marry Emanuel Talbert before 1900.
13 Jul 1867-69 Registered to vote. McLennan TX
1880 Census McLennan Co TX
Dwelling 76
Deckard, Henderson 24 bTX Farmer
Nancy 22 bMS
Cora W 8 mos bSep 1879
Mattie 10bTX sister of Henderson
1880 AG Schedule District 111, McLennan TX
Deckard, Henderson
15 acres on shares. 1 mule. 10 acres Indian corn/100 bushels, 5 acres sorghum/200 gallons molasses
1900 Census Waco Ward 1
Dwelling 164 Fam 182 1227 N 7th Street near Charity Ricks Deckard
Talbert, Emanuel 45 bAug 1854 TX Day Laborer
Nannie wife 42 bMay 1858 MS 4chborn/1 living Wash woman
Deckard, Cora 21 dau of Nannie 20 bSep1879TX Daughter of Nannie and Henderson Deckard
1906 Waco City Directory
Henderson Deckard Laborer living 1800 N 12th
1911 Waco City Directory
Henderson Deckard Laborer living rear 418 S 1st St
Charlie Deckard was born about 1868 in McLennan County, TX and died 4 July 1904. He appears in the 1880 Census with his parents. Charlie is buried in First Street Cemetery, Waco, TX.
Robert Deckard was born about 1870 in McLennan County, TX and died 29 Jul 1912 in Waco, TX
1890 and 1891 Waco City Directory
Robert Deckard, Laborer at Samuel Deckard's
1910 Census living with his mother and sister Minnie. Says he is widowed.
1911 Waco City Directory
Robert Deckard Driver for Michael Hennessy living 1219 N 6th St. Living with mother and siblings
Minnie Deckard was born 5 May 1878 in McLennan County, TX and died 5 Jan 1919 in Waco, TX. Believed to have never married. She was a School Teacher.
1880 Census with parents
1900 Census with mother and sisters
1910 Census with mother and brother
1911 Waco City Directory
Minnie Deckard School Teacher Living 1219 N 6th St Living with mother Charity and siblings
Howard Deckard was born 1879 and died 1912 in Texas. He married Lillie Rhodes and they had at least 3 children: Howard 1904, Lillian 1909, Richard 1910
1880 Census - with parents
1906 Waco City Directory
Howard Deckard, Expressman. Living 1214 N 7th
1911 Waco City Directory
Howard Deckard Drayman. Living 1219 N 6th With his mother
Lillie Deckard was born June 1879 and died 12 Nov 1903 in Waco, TX.
1880 Census with parents
1900 Census Waco Ward 1, McLennan County TX
Dwelling 168 Fam 186 1214 N 7th St Minnie is living with her mother
Deckard, Charity 46 bAL Mar 1854 Widow 7 children born/6 living Owns home
Minnie/ Mimie 24 bApr 1876 TX School Teacher
Lillie 20 bJune 1879 TX Nurse
Samuel 16 bAug 1883 Day Laborer
Herman 4 bApr 1896 TX Grandson
Samuel William Deckard was born Aug 1883 and died sometime after 1917. He married Fannie Warner on 25 June 1913 in McLennan Coutny TX Fannie died 21 Jan 1840 in McLennan County, TX.
1880 Census with parents
1911 Waco City Directory
Samuel W Deckard Yardman at New State Living 1219 N 6th With mother Charity
1917 Waco City Directory
Samuel Deckard, Porter at Metropole Hotel Bar. Wife is Fannie Living 1412 N 7th
 |
| The Metropole Hotel - Waco, Texas |
1920 Census Waco Ward 2 McLennan Co TX
Living 1413 North St Owns home; mortgaged
Deckard, Sam W 38 bTX Proprietor of Wood Yard
Fannie 37 bTX
Howard 15 bTX
Louise 11 bTX
Richard 9 bTX
Maud 8 bTX
1917-1918 Draft Registration
Samuel William Deckard
Living at 1004 No 6, Waco Cafe Owner
Description: Medium build, medium height, black hair, black eyes. Wife: Fannie Deckard
According to the Texas Death Index #24246 Samuel died from TB and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Waco, TX.
Alfred "Fred" Deckard was born Dec 1860 in McLennan Co TX and died 23 Aug 1931 in
Okmulgee Co OK. He married Jane Knott 1858-1942 on 20 Dec 1883 in
McLennan Co TX. By 1910 they moved to Oklahoma.
Before Alfred married Jane, he married a woman whose name begins with M and they had a daughter named Tildy about 1879.
In 1880 Jane Knott was married first to Booker Whitiker on 2 Jan 1873 in Cherokee County TX. He was 29; she was 26. They had four children: Alonzo/Lon 1873-1962, Edna 1877-1956 [married Fields], Ellen 1879-1960, and Booker T Jr b1880. [See below census data.] She married Alfred "Fred" Deckard on 20 Dec 1883 in McLennan County, TX. Jane had at least three children with Fred Deckard: Alfred "Fred" Jr 1884-1931, Mary Lee 1886-1986, and Nora 1889-1976 [married Richardson]
Though I've researched the 1870 censuses every way I can think of, I have not found Alfred "Fred" or his siblings Dorsey and Henderson. This made me wonder if they are with their mother and that mother is not Charity.
Notice that in 1880 we see Alfred "Fred" living next door to Jane Knott Whittaker, as well as his sister Dorsey Deckard Whittaker.
1880 Census Waco, McLennan, TX
Dwelling 97 Fam 97
Whitaker, Dudley 56 bAL
Dorsey 26 bTX Mulatto Alfred's sister
A L dau 11 Mulatto
Winey 10 bTX
Wallis 9
Zoly 5 son bTX
Dwelling 98 Fam 98
Ivenes, Rody 55 bVA [may be related in some way]
Dwelling 99 Fam 99
Deckard A 28 Mulatto bTN Parents bTN This is Alfred who later married Jane Knott.
M 20 bTX Mulatto
Tildy 1 bTX Mulatto
Dwelling 100 Fam 100
Whittaker, B 29 bAL
Jane 26 bLA This is Jane Knott who later married Alfred
L xon bTX
Elrey dau bTX
Elin 1 bTX
** all surrounded by people born in AL
1900 Census Justice Precinct 4 McLennan TX
Dwelling 68
Deckard, Fred 39 bTX Farmer Renting
Jane 42 bLA 13 children born/7 living
Booker W 19 bTX bDec 1881 Booker Whitaker s/o Booker Whitaker Sr
Fred Jr 15 bTX bJune 1884
Mary 14 bTX bFeb 1886
Nora 10 bTX bSep 18890
Ellen 21 bTXb1878 Ellen Whitaker d/o Booker Whitaker Sr
1910 Census Hamilton, Okmulgee OK
Dwelling 49 Fam 52 Renting
Deckard, A F 53 b1857 TX Mulatto 2nd marriage Farm laborer
Jane 55 bLA Mulatto 2nd marriage 15 children born/7 living
1920 Census Severs, Okmulgee, OK
Dwelling 240 Fam 261
Deckard, Fred 61 bTX Mulatto Farmer owns farm
Jane 63 bLA Mulatto FatherbTN Mother bLA
1930 Census Severs, Okmulgee, OK
Dwelling 307 Fam 308
Deckard, Fred 70 bTX Farmer renting farm
Jane 70 bLA
1940 Census Severs, Okmulgee OK
Dwelling, 247
Whitaker, Lon 67 bTX son of Booker Whitaker and Jane Knott Deckard
Jennie 66 bTX
Dwelling 248 Owns home Value of home $100
Deckard, Jane 89 bLA Widow
Fields, Edna 63 bTX daughter daughter of Booker Whittaker Sr
Ross, Katrina 26 bOK Granddaughter unable to work
Lavoyd 27 bOK Grandson Laborer
Edwards, Bernice 5 bOK Great granddaughter
Jane Knott, wife of Alfred, was the daughter of Henry Knott/North and Ellen Brisco. Henry Knott was born 1816 in Tennessee and died after 1900 probably in McLennan County, TX. He married Ellen Brisco in 1850. She was born 1835 and died after 1900. Ellen was the daughter of Mary/Mariah Brisco/Brisko who was born in Virginia..
Mary/Mariah Brisco had at least 5 children: Ellen 1835-1900, Mathilda b 1835, Stephen b 1845, Julia b 1853 and Frank b 1859.
1868 Freedmen's Bureau Records 1865-1878 Texas
Henry North for the ? of Edmond North ?? vs William Millson
Debt on acct for January night $11 4 Dec 1868
1870 Census West of the Brazos River, McLennan Co TX
Dwelling 628 Fam 618
Brisko, Frank 21 Farm Laborer bKY Son of Mary/Mariah Brisco
Nancy 20 bTX
Bell 3 bTX
Moses 2/12 bTX
Williams, Abraham 4 bTX
Dwelling 629 Fam 619
North, Henry 46 Farm Laborer bTN
Ellen 30 bLA
Esquire 17 bLA
Jane 15 bLA
Dwelling 630 Fam 620
Brisko, Mary 66 bVA Living next to son Stephen and son-in-law Henry
Dwelling 631 Fam 621
Brisko, Stephen 25 Farm Laborer bMS Son of Mary/Mariah
Mathilda 35 bLA
Rosana 15 bLA
Margret 9 bLA
Julia 17 bLA
1880 Census Waco, McLennan County, TX
Dwelling 272
Brisco, Mariah 70 bVA Widow
Dwelling 317
Knott, Henry 50 bTN Parents bTN Farmer
Ellen 45
S 26
Evline 23
Squire 3
Matty 1
1900 Census Justice Precinct 4 McLennan Co TX
Dwelling 70 Fam 70
Knotts, Henry 84 bTN Married 1850 Father bTN Mother bVA Farm Laborer Renting farm
Ellen bLA
Esquire 23 bTX
Dwelling 71 Fam 71
Watson, William 45 bMS married 17 yrs
Eveline 41 bLA Ellen and Henry's daughter
Knotts, Mattie 21 bTX Eveline's step daughter
Maggie 18 bTX Eveline's step daughter's child
Watson, Willie (F) 13 bTX
Martha 13 bTX
Arra 11 (M) bTX
Archie 8 bTX
Jesse 6 bTX
Ollie 4 bTX
Bertha 11 mos bTX
Fisher, Sad 17 bTX Boarder
Maggie 18
The Children of Alfred "Fred" Deckard Sr and Jane Knott:
Mary Lee Deckard was born 15 Feb 1886 in Texas and died 6 June 1986 in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. She married Isaac Grissom on 12 Sep 1905.
1910 Census Hamilton, Okmulgee, OK
Dwelling 45 Fam 47
Fields, Moses 37 bTX Married 14 yrs
Edna 33 bTX 9 children/7 living Daughter of Jane Knott and Booker T Whittaker
Obed 10 bTX
Jeremiah 5 bOK
Olitha 13 bTX
Pearlina 11 bTX
Varlie 1 bOK
unnamed daughter 0/12 bOK
Same Dwelling Fam 48
Grissom, Isaac 24
Mary 23
Mary Lee and Isaac went on to have four children: Elouise/Ella, Isaac, Eugene and Louise and lived the rest of their lives in Oklahoma.
Nora Deckard was born 28 Sep 1889 in McLennan County, Texas and died April 1976 in Seattle, Washington. She married William M Richardson (born 1888) and they had two known children: Alma and Clinton.
Alfred "Fred" Deckard, Jr was born 25 June 1884 in Waco, McLennan County, Texas and died 14 Jun 1969 in Hamilton, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. He married Odie/Odia Nelson on 21 June 1905 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They had seven children: Mazie 1905-1928, Pearl b1908, Fred 1908-1994, Odie Lee 1911-1973, Martha Laverne 1918-1962, Carlisle and James. After Odie's death, Fred married Fannie. They lived in Hamilton Township, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. In 1942 his draft registration card gave his description: 5'7" tall. 160 lbs. Balck eyes, black hair, dark complexion. Lost sight of left eye. Fred is buried in Northwest Cemetery, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Ocea/Ocie Deckard was born to Lucy Woods and Alfred abt 1904 in Texas.
Arvie Anderson was born to Cora James/Anderson and Alfred on 19 March 1905 in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. Arvie married Bettie Theresa Jeffries on 21 July 1926 in Beggs, Oklahoma.
Note: more will be coming soon about Arvie Anderson's ancestors. You can read more about Bettie Theresa Jeffries family here.
The Enslavers
Charles was enslaved by Peter Spyker Dechard.
He most likely traveled with Peter's family from Virginia to Tennessee.
Peter Spyker Dechard was born 8 Jan 1800 in Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia and died 17 Nov 1879 in Alma, Crawford County, Arkansas. He was the son of Michael Dechert 1771-1837 and Elizabeth Spyker 1769-1826. Peter married Frances Henriettqa Holder 1809-1867 on 26 Nov 1827 in Abingdon, Virginia.
Their children:
Benjamin 1828-1908
John Holden 1830-1905
Catherine Elizabeth 1832
Sophia Adeline 1835
Louisa Frances 1836
Richard Michael 1837-1893
Edgar Corydon 1842
Virginia Penn 1842
Nathan Green 1844-1910
Peter studied law in Abingdon and became a lawyer, but gave up the profession of law and became a planter. He was a large slaveowner. He left Virginia, moving to Winchester, Tennessee.
1810 Census Washington County, VA
no Slaves recorded
1830 Census Winchester, Franklin County TN Peter was living near his father Michael Dechard
9 Slaves: 3 M under 10, 1 M 10-23, 1 F under 10, 4 F 10-23,
1830 Census Franklin TN Michael Dechard
9 Slaves: 4 M under 10, 1 M 25-35, 1 M 36-54. 2 F infirm 10. 1 F 36-54
1840 Census Franklin County, TN
35 Slaves: 7 M under 10, 7 M 10-23, 4 M 24-35, 1 M 36-54, 8 F 10-23, 3 F 24-35, 3 F 36-54, 2 F 55-99
In 1830 he began construction of a two story plantation house which would become the centerpiece of the Decherd Plantation. Much later that house was greatly expanded and is now known as the Hundred Oaks Castle and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Peter S Decherd home after large expansion. |
Along with his brothers, Peter built the first railroad in the area. Beginning as the Winchester and Alabama Railroad, it later became the NCSt.L railroad. In order to run the tracks they had to build a tunnel through Cumberland Mountain to connect Nashville to Chattanooga. The tunnel was 2,200 feet long and took four years to build. The line between Decherd and just outside of Chase was abandoned in 1985, though a segment of the line is still in operation by volunteers of the North Alabama Railroad Museum who operate an excursion train.
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| Cowan Tunnel also known as Cumberland Tunnel |
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| Cowan Tunnel |
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| Cowan Tunnel |
From 1849 to 1850 there was a cholera pandemic at the tunnel. The Winchester Independent listed the names of 28 people near the tunnel who died of the disease, including four enslaved people and six children. The Nashville Republican Banner reported 31 workers had died of Cholera out of 180 workers. In fact, there is a cemetery nearby from that time.
1850 Slave Schedule District 11 Franklin TN Peter Decherd
80 Slaves: M 3, M 2, M 2, F 2, F 1, M 1, M 1, M 1, M 22, M 22, M 7, M 80, F 60, M 60, F 50, M 50, M 50, M 50, F 50, M 50, M 48, M 46, M 46, F 45, F 45, M 44, F 40, M 35, F 34, M 30, M 31, M 30, F 30, M 30, M 29, M 28, M 25, M 24, M 24, M 23, M 23, F 22, F 22, M 21, M 21, F 19, M 19, M 19, M 18, M 17, M 17, F 17, M 16, F 16, F 15, F 15, F 15, F 14, F 13, F 13, F 13, M 12, M 11, M 10, M 10, M 10, F 9, M 8, M 8, F 7, M 6, M 6, F 5, F 5, M 5, F 4, F 4, M 4, F 5
1850 Ag Schedule Franklin Co TN Peter S Dickerd
5000 ac: 1500 improved, 3500 unimproved acres valued at $30000
Horses 35 Asses and mules 125 milk cows 20 working oxen 26
other cattle 100 sheep 75 swine 800
wheat bushels 200
rye bushels 100
Indian corn bushels 10,000
Oats bushels 100
Wook lbs 200
peas and beans bushels 50
Irish Potatoes bushels 500
Sweet Potatoes bushels 140
Buckwheat bushels 20
Butter lbs 1000
Hay tons 30
1852 Peter Spyker Dechard bought land in Alabama at Huntsville. This probably is related to the Railroad business.
1 Apr 1852 40.06 acres Huntsville, AL
1 Apr 1852 640 acres, Huntsville, AL
1 Apr 1852 640 acres, Huntsville, AL with Thomas Cockram Bates. Tracts of sections 1 and 12 in town. Known as John Gunmake's or Shoemaker's reservation. [Probably refers to Cherokee or Creek Native Americans land]
Peter left Tennessee in 1854 and went to where Waco, Texas is now and bought 1 1/2 Leagues of land in the Brazos Bottoms. After seven years of drought he sold out. By 1867 he had moved to Anderson County, Texas. Sometime before 1870 he moved to Crawford County, Arkansas.
1855 Jackson, McLennan County, TX
Peter was appointed Postmaster on 1 July 1855 and served until 5 Nov 1860.
4 Mar 1857 Sale of Slave at Court House door in Winchester
Negro man named Anthony about 60 and his wife Winney about 60. To be sold as the property of P S Decherd to satisfy a note in my hands in favor of B Chrisman and against said Decherd, issued from Circuit Court of Franklin Co TN this 19 Feb 1857. Signed by L W Gonce, Sheriff.
1860 Slave Schedule McLennan TX Peter S Decherd
60 Slaves; 14 Slave Dwellings: M 70, M 60, M 38, F 60, F 58, F 50, M 55, M 36, M 35, M 34, M 31, M 30, F 50, M 26, M 25, M 21, M 20, M 19, M 19, F 45, F 22, F 19, F 18, F 17, F 16, M 12, M 12, M 11, M 11, M 11, M 10, M 10, M 10, M 10, M 9, F 10, F 5, F 4, M 4, M 3, M 3, M 2, M 2, M 1, M 1, F 4, F 4, F 4, F 3, M 7, M 6, M 5, M 4, M 5, M 5, M 1/12, M 3/12
1860 Slave Schedule McLennan TX J H Decherd Peter's son
12 Slaves: F 7, F 5, M 3, F 1, M 16, M 55, F 50, M 25, F 20, F 17, F 14, M 11
1860 Slave Schedule McLennan TX Benjamin Decherd Peter's son
8 Slaves: M 50, F 45, M 26, M 25, M 25, M 18, F 20, F 3
23 Jun 1860 AG Schedule McLennan TX P S Deckard
[next are sons J H with 150 ac and Benjamin with 140 ac)
5,000 aces: 700 improved, 4300 unimproved. Cash Value $40,000
horses 40
asses mules 30
milk cows 20
working oxen 24
other cattle 180
Sheep 140
Swine 100
Val of livestock 6000
Wheat bushels 130
Indian corn bushels 4000
Cleaned cotton bales 116
Butter 480
Molasses gallons 100
1868 Freedmen's Bureau Records Anderson County, TX
Someone vs Peter S Dechard for settlement of wages for 1867. It was ordered that the plaintiff have and recover of the defendant the sum of $22.33. Settled in full. [Left hand side of document is missing; could be Samuel who is suing.]
1868 Palestine, Anderson County, TX
Peter S Dechard registered to vote on 31 Jan 1868.
Note: In 1865 Peter's son Edgar was married in Anderson County and in 1867 he registered to vote there, too. Also in 1867 Peter's sons, John and Nathan, registered to vote in Anderson County.]
By 1870 Peter was living in Crawford County, Arkansas. He died there in 1879
1870 Census Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
Deckerd, John H 39 b TN Physician REval $2000 PersEst $500 Peter's son
Joanna 37 bTN
M G 25 bTN Clerk in Store
Peter S 70 bVA Farm Laborer REval $2000 PersEst $500
Virginia 23 bTN
McCurry, Elizabeth 15 bARK
Simon, Harriet 25 bAL Mulatto
Billy 2 b TX Mulatto
Charity was enslaved by the Ricks family.
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| Abraham Ricks, Enslaver |
Abraham Ricks, Sr, was born 16 Oct 1791 in Halifax County, North Carolina and died 23 Nov 1852 in Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama. In 1825 Abraham and his wife, Charlotte, arrived in Alabama with a caravan of wagons. Abraham purchased 10,000 acres for his Oaks Plantation. According to Ricks family papers, it took 7 years for his 300 enslaved to build his plantation house, including making the bricks from native clay.
Abraham was a stockholder in the Tuscumbia to Decatur Railroad. Construction began in 1832 by the enslaved. Much later it merged into the Southern Railway / Norfolk Southern Railroad.
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| Oaks Plantation 1935 Photo by Allen Bush |
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| Oaks home after restoration in 1966 (front) |
Abraham's brother Isaac had followed to Alabama a few years later and when Isaac died in 1832, Abraham adminstered his estate and became the guardian of his children.
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| Kitchen Fireplace |
1840 Slave Schedule Franklin County, AL
104 Slaves: 19 M under 10, 9 M 10-23, 17 M 24-35, 5 M 36-54, 22 F under 10, 16 F 10-23, 13 F 24-35, 3 F 36-54
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| Slave Quarters at the Oaks Plantation |
1850 Slave Schedule District 5, Franklin County AL
209 Slaves: F 27, F 18, F 15, F 8, M 6M F 3, M 35, M 55, F 10, M 40, M 30 F, 6, M 48, M 16, M 33, F 38, M 20, M 32, M 23, F 18, M 46, F 16, M 14, M 20, F 12, M 8, M 2, M 6, M 40, M 9, M 3, F 38, M 15, M 44, M 28, M 16, M 8, M 25, M 14, M 6, M 4, M 10, M 30, M 50, F 35, M 31, M 28, F 7, F 60, F 17, F 24, M 34, M 70, F 60, F 20, F 9, F 3, F 3, M 24, M 23, M 40, F 18, F 29, F 20, F 24, M 6, F 25, F 54, F 5, M 4, M 2, F 20, M 6mos, F 40, F 22, F 4mos, M 6, F 4, M 25, F 1, M 14, M 22, M 40, F 24, F 1, F 2, M 9, M 60, M 4, M 2, F 25, F 3, F 10, M 2, F 44, F 18, F 5, M 8, M 1
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| Smokehouse at the Oaks Plantation |
56 Slaves; 17 Slave Dwellings: M 62, F 65, M 60, M 58, F 48, M 46, F 40, F 42, M 45, F 28, F 26, F 24, M 22, M 20, M 18, F 16, F 14, F 8, F 8, M 6, M 45, M 10, M 8, F 4, F 4, M 2, M 10mos, F 41, M 18, F 16, M 14, F 5, F 18, F 16, F 48, F 24, M 22, F 20, M 16, M 4, F 1, F 26, F 23, M 22, F 20, F 18, F 14, M 6, M 4, F 2, M 1, F 1, M 1, M 8mos, M 6mos, M 4mos, F 58
The rest of Abraham's enslaved are with his son Abraham Ricks, Jr
132 Slaves; 33 Slave Dwellings: 2 M 80, 1 M 60, 10 M 40, 17 M 30, 21 M 20, 7 M 10, 17 M 5, 4 M 1, 2 F 70, 5 F 50, 5 F 40, 11 F 30, 6 F 20, 5 F 15, 4 F 10, 9 F 5, 4 F 1, 1 M 3 blind, 1 M 13 dumb
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| Blue pin is the Oaks Plantation. Ricks cemetery is south of here. |
Charity was in Texas by 1860. Abrahams Ricks died in 1852. Though I have not found his will or estate settlement records, family lore indicates he bequeathed enslaved to his nephews. Abraham's nephews Thomas, Isaac and Amirald went to Palestine, Anderson County, Texas. Thomas about 1851and Isaac by 1855. According to her obituary Charity told the story of coming by ox trail to Palestine, Texas, with Thomas Ricks family.
1860 Slave Schedule Beat 3 Anderson TX
Thomas L Ricks
6 slaves 2 Slave Dwellings - ALL MALE 52,38, 34, 19, 17, 15
Amirald Ricks
12 Slaves: M 40, M 38, F 32, M 29, M 20, F 16, F 14, F 14, F 9, M 7, F 4
Isaac Ricks III
13 Slaves: M 30, F 45, M 30, F 25, M 21, F 18, F 16, M 14, M 12, F 5 Believe this is Charity
Isaac Ricks III died 1864. The Civil War ended.
Though we don't know how or when Charity and Samuel met, we do know Samuel registered to vote on 24 July 1867 in Anderson County, Texas which is where Charity was living. We also know that befire 1867 Samuel's enslaver, Peter S Dechard, was there, too. In addition, we know that both Charity's enslaver, Abraham Ricks, and Samuel's were both wealthy men who were instrumental in building railroads. Peter Dechard's land purchases in Huntsville, Alabama suggest they may have known each other. As does Peter's later residence in Anderson County where the Ricks settled in Texas. This lends credence to Alfred "Fred" being the son of Charity and Samuel.
Notes:
- I have a great deal more census data for the Ricks and Deckard surnames which I may publish in the future because they are related by dna or by enslavement.
- Both of these enslavers were prominant men and there is a wealth of information available about them and their plantations. Google is your friend.
