* This is a work in progress and I've published it to be able to share information.
Recently I've been trying to figure out the connection between a new cousin's family and my own. Sharon's mother and I are DNA matches on two chromosomes: Chromosome 14 5.1 cM 223 SNPs and on chromosome 15 3.1 cM 251 SNPs. Total half match segments: 802 cM with 65.491% SNPs being full identical. According to my reading we might be as close as a great great grandparent connection, but definitely within 8th great grandparent.
My research leads me to believe my 5th great grandfather, John Nelson, or perhaps his wife's father, William Daniel may be our most common ancestor. Almost certainly the ancestral trail leads back to one of them. Both were enslavers. Sharon is a descendant of their enslaved.
There is still much research yet to be done, but last week I began trying to do a timeline of our families hoping it would reveal some clues. It quickly became very hard to follow because there are so many people involved.
I then began to try to follow the enslaved. Though what follows may be confusing, I decided to share it any way. Note: I'll be editing and adding to this post as research continues.
John Nelson was born 1752 Lunenberg Co VA and died 30 June 1823 Maury Co TN. He married Mary “Polly” Daniel who was born 1752 Cumberland Co VA and died in Maury Co TN.
Mary was the d/o William Daniel Sr born 8 Feb 1701 Christ Church, Middlesex, VA and died Apr 1775 Cumberland Co VA and Elizabeth Watkins b1712 d1802
24 Apr 1775 Will Proven: "I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary and her husband John Nelson for and during the natural life of my said daughter, one negro girl named Judah now in the possession of my said daughter..."
1760 Elizabeth Watkins received from her father Thomas Edward “of Swift Creek” Watkins 1678-1760:
“Matt, a negro girl already in her possession, and Sam a negro girl which should go to her daughter Judith upon Elizabeth’s death.”
22 Mar 1802 Elizabeth Watkins died, so daughter Mary “Polly” Daniel Nelson now have:
Judah, Matt, and Sam - enslaved women - and they are living in Maury Co TN.
CHILDREN OF JOHN NELSON and MARY POLLY DANIEL:
Elizabeth Nelson 1776 VA -1828 Halifax Co VA md Thomas Uland 1758 Hanover Co VA -1805 Halifax Co VA No mention of Thomas ever owning slaves, however we know his wife did.
* I descend from their son Jonas 1791-1829 - no record of him ever owning slaves.
** Can find no record of Elizabeth selling slaves.
1810 Halifax Co VA Census:
Elizabeth Yewland with 1 white Tithable, 1 slave over 12 and one horse. The tithable is probably her son Jonas.
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to her:
Milly and infant valued at $500.
* Elizabeth died abt 1828. We do not know what happened to Milly and her child - have found no probate record yet.
Elizabeth Nelson and Thomas Uland’s children:
Jonas Uland 1791-1829 - left VA for IN
Elizabeth Uland 1794-1880 Clark Co KY. Md Thomas Daniel
Catherine Ketura Uland 1796-1875 Pike Co AR md Zachariah Larkin Chesshir
Polly Patty Uand 1796-1880 Clark Co KY
Betsy R Uland 1802-
Thomas Nelson Uland 1804-
* so far no records showing enslaved.
Sarah “Sally” Nelson 1778 Halifax Co VA-1863 Maury Co TN md Charles Powell 1774-1818
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to her:
Silvia valued at $500
Nancy Nelson 1780 Halifax Co VA - before 1823 md William Powell
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to Nancy's husband:
Caroline valued at $250
William Daniel Nelson 1784 Halifax Co VA-1836 Maury Co TN
Md Naomi Jaggers 1798 - 1866
ENSLAVED:
1820 Maury Co TN - 2 Slaves 1 M under 14, 1 F under 14
1823 - Ben $350 from father
1830 - 6 Slaves: 1 M under 10, 2 M 10-23, 1 F under 10, 2 F 10-23.
1834 - 9 Slaves: Edy + 2 children, Amos, Eliza, Harriet, Peter, BEN, Caroline Listed in his estate/probate.Do not have will. No record of sale. Looks like enslaved hired out after William's death.
William Daniel Nelson decd Estate Accounting for hired out enslaved:
1851
Aron, man aged about 26 years - to John Faris
BEN, man about 40 - to A S Henderson
A boy aged 11 - to M D Matthews
Jack, age 41; Emeline 30, James 11, Thomas 5, Katharine 7, Lavenia 5, Permelia 3, Cornelius 10 mos - one family all together - to John L Hough/Keugh
Mary Ann aged 23 and 3 children Harriet 3, Harry, 7, Mariah 3 - to Joseph Matthews
1860
Jimann; Aaron; Meary; Eliza - to Jonathan S Hunt guardian of Mary Ruth and Emily Jane. *See below from William James Howard’s probate: Meary/Mary mother of Eliza
His son, William D Nelson b1834 - guardian appointed: Brother in Law William James Howard 1814-1850, husband of Mary Ruth Nelson d/o William Daniel Nelson and bro to William D Nelson.
William James Howard - guardian of William D Nelson
Enslaved (from probate) 17: BEN, Mary (mother), Eliza (dau), AARON, John, Jim Ann, Catherine, Lavenia, Maria, Permelia, Thomas, Cornelius, Emeline, Jack, Harry, Mariah, Harriet
1840 Naomi Jaggers Nelson widow of William Daniel Nelson - Enslaved 3: 1 M 10-23, 2 F under 10
1850 new guardian appointed for William D Nelson: Thomas Walter Estes 1810-1878 s/o John Henry Estes and Martha Jane Jaggers. Brother to Daniel Jaggers Estes.
1860 William living with his mother Naomi Jaggers Nelson in Dist 6, Culleoka.She d1866.
T W Estes was one of the executors giving bond. No will.
1860 T W Estes Dist 7-8 Maury Co TN had 4 Enslaved: 1 F 25, 1 M 21, 1 F 11, 1 M 6. Living next door to John Estes (many enslaved)
John Henry Estes 1779-1862 md Martha Jane Jaggers 1782 Chester SC - 1849 Maury TN.
Martha Jane inherited “a negro child named Amy” from her father in 1804.
1810 2 Enslaved: 1 is probably Amy
1830 4 Enslaved: 1 M under 10, 1 M 10-23, 1 F 10-23, 1 F 36-54. Amy could be the oldest F
1850 14 Enslaved: F 60, F 40, M 30, M 24, F 26, F 24, F 22, M 18, M 16, M 10, M 8, M 10, M 7, M (BLANK) Amy not here?
1860 18 Enslaved: F 50 Mulatto, M 45 , M 35, F 30, F 30, M 27. M 22, M 19, M 18, M 16, M 10, M 10, M 8, M 8, M 7, F 7, F 1, M 45
SEE BOTTOM FOR MORE JAGGERS ESTES ENSLAVED INFO
Matthew John Nelson 1785 Halifax Co VA md Alcy Priddy. 1836 lived in Maury Co TN. Died in Memphis, Shelby Co TN.
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to him:
Derinda valued at $225
James W Nelson 1787 Halifax Co VA -1862 Lived Maury Co TN
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to him:
Meredith valued at $300
John W Nelson 1787 Halifax Co VA -1852 Columbia, Maury Co TN
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to him:
Bob valued at $425
Mary Polly Nelson 1790-1845 Mitchelville, Sumner Co TN. Md Abram Tribble 1780-1829.
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to her:
Aggy and her toddler Eli valued at $300
Pheobe valued at $300 bequeathed to husband Abram Tribble
Pleasant Nelson 1792 Halifax Co VA-1862 Maury Co TN. Md Elizabeth Cherry 1799-1870 She is the d/o Jeremiah Cherry, innkeeper and enslaver.
1820 Census Maury Co TN 3 Enslaved: 1 M under 14, 1 M 26-44, 1 F 45+
1823 John Nelson’s will bequeathed to him:
Jesse valued at $450
1830 Census Maury County TN 3 Enslaved: 1 M 10-23, 1 F 10-13. 1 F 55-99
1836 Tax List Maury Co TN 2 Enslaved valued at $1,825
1840 Census Maury Co TN 6 Enslaved: 1 M 10-23, 1 F 10-23, 1 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54, 1 F 55-99
1850 Census Columbia (City - owned a tavern there) 7 Enslaved: 1 F 80, 1 M 40, 1 F 30, 1 F 13, 1 M 9, 1 F 6, 1 F 2
1850 Census Maury Co TN (farm) 6 Enslaved: F 40, M 15, F 13, M 17, 2 not transcribed
JAGGERS / ESTES: *Estes sometimes Ester
John Henry Estes b5 Feb 1779 NC Lived Chester, SC. d 12 Oct 1862 Maury Co TN. md Martha Jane JAGGERS 1782-1849
1810 Census Chester, Chester Co SC
2 Enslaved
1820 Census Maury Co TN
NO ENSLAVED
1830 Census Maury Co TN
4 Enslaved:
1 M under 10
1 M 10-23
1 F 10-23
1 F 36-54
1836 Tax List Maury Co TN
1 Enslaved Value $700 Tax $75 Total County Tax $1.86
1850 Census Dist 8 Maury TN - Farmer. REvalue $5,700
CHILDREN OF JOHN HENRY ESTES and MARTHA JANE JAGGERS:
Thomas Walter Estes b 5 Aug 1810 Columbia, Maury Co TN and d 10 Aug 1878 same. s/o John Henry Estes 1779-1862 and Martha Jane JAGGERS 1782-1849. Guardian of William D Nelson s/o William Daniel Nelson. md Martha Jane Sowell 1820-1891
Buried in Estes Cemetery: GPS Coordinates: 35.5485992, -87.1063995 South of Trousdale road and Sunnyside Lane and west of Campbellsville Pike. Abt 600 ft east of Foster Lane. There are two Estes Cemeteries here. This is the northern location or about 1 mile north of the other one. Southern one thought to be African American
1850 Census Dist 8 Maury Co TN - Farmer. REvalue $1500
1860 Census Dist 8 Maury Co TN - PO Bigbyville. Farmer. REvalue $15,000. Personal Estate value: $4500
1870 Census Dist 8 Maury Co TN - PO Culleoka. Farmer. REvalue $12,950. Pers Est value $3,502
Thrashley Allen Estes
1836 Tax List Maury Co TN - Land 100 Value $2300 Tax $225
1840 Census Maury Co TN
1 FREE COLORED PERSONS M 36-54
1850 Census Dist 5 Maury Co TN - Farmer. REvalue $1,200
1858 Probate opened - closed 1883
1 Enslaved mentioned: Howel
Others mentioned in probate:
Dr W W Joyce - Phy
William W Joyce - Guardian/Resigned 1869
Erwin T Estes son Bro to Thomas W
Erwin T Estes Jr (minor) grandson Ward
Coleman C Estes Admin former Guardian/decd
Martha Angeline Estes London (minor) Dau Ward W/dis
Dilla E Estes (minor) Dau Ward dis
Daniel J Estes (minor) Son Ward dis
Viana M Estes Burkett (minor) Dau Ward W/dis
Samuel H Burkett SiL
David J Estes Sr Sec
Thomas W Estes Adv Sec decd
Nimrod P Jaggers Sec
Levi London SiL
* Appears W or R N McBride is guardian of Irwin T Estes.
1859 Hire of Negro man Howell $125.10
1860 Hire of Negro boy Howell from Jan to 4 June at which time he was sold by order of the Chancery Court.
* Coleman C Estes was guardian of Angeline Estes and Daniel J Estes until Jan 62.
Dr WW Joyce was guardian to the grandson Erwin T Estes.
Daniel Jaggers Estes b 6 Apr 1816 Maury Co TN d 9 July 1895 Coumbia, Maury Co TN. md Nancy Bourbon Russell 1825-1886. s/o John Henry Estes b 5 Feb 1779 NC Lived Chester, SC. d 12 Oct 1862 Maury Co TN
1850 Census Dist 9 Maury Co TN - Farmer. RE $1500
1860 Census Dist 9 Maury Co TN - Farmer REvalue $18,750 Pers Est value $19,920
1870 Census Dist 9 Maury Co TN - PO Columbia. Farmer. REvalue $23,000 PersEstvalue $5,000.
Also living in this household:
Alexander Estes 24 M B farmhand bTN
Andrew Estes 15 M B farm hand bTN
McKinzey, Lassa 54 M B farm hand bNC
McKenzie Minta 55 F B keeping house.bSC
" Henry 64 M B farm hand bAL
" Oliver 13 M B farm hand bAL
" Fannie 12 F B bAL
" Sarah 11 F B bAL
1880 Census Dist 9 Maury Co TN - Daniel J Estes
Dwelling 524 Family 523
Next door:
Dwelling 544 Family 526 - Alexander Estes
Alexander Estes B M 33
Margaret B F 26
John B M 9
Kate B F 7
Susan B F 5
Samuel B M 3
David B M 1
1880 Census Dist 10 Maury Co TN Sside Williams Post Road
Dwelling 48 Family 53
Estes, F R (white) 34 s/o Daniel J Estes
Eliza wife 33
Ernest son 8
Lou Ella daughter 6
Claud son 4
Infant son 1
Childress, Mary (white) 17 niece
ESTES, ANDREW (black) 22 Hired farm laborer
Webster, Romey (black) 21 Hired farm laborer
Jackson, Marshal (black) 33 Hired farm laborer
Dobbin, Lucuis (black) 23 Hired farm laborer
Frierson, Horace (black) 23 Hired farm laborer
1900 Census Civil Dist 9 Maury Co TN Alexander Estes
Dwelling 346 Family 365 (All Black)
Address: 61 Freedom St. Md 1872 Margret. Father bVA Mother bKY. Farmer. House OWNED free and clear. Farm.
Estes, Alexander 54
Margret 45
Lilman 16
Huella 6
Fannie B 4
Mcamary, Earley 9 Nephew
Mary 4/12 Granddaughter
Jones, Marcus 25 Son in Law, day laborer
Mary R 21 Alex's daughter
P [blank] Grandson
NEXT LISTING
Dwelling 347 Family 366 (All White)
Estes, F R 63 bMay 1937 s/o Daniel J Estes
Eliza wife 52 b 1848
Lander 24 bJune 1875 Daughter
Warren C 23 b Nov 1876 Son
Nancy B 18 bJan 1882 Daughter
Fannie B 16 bOct 1884
Lula 11 bAug 1888
Dwelling 355 Family 374 All b TN Renting Farm (All Black)
Harlin, Lee 55 bMar 1845
Agnes, wife 37 bDec1863
Leona, daughter 18 bFeb 1882
James, son 17 bJan 1883
Young, Simon Father in Law 75 b1825 TN
Dwelling 358 Family 377 (All Black)
McKissick, Henry 92 bDec 1808 NC Parents NC md 40 yrs Farm Laborer
Harrit wife 75 bMay 1825 TN Father VA Mother VA
Roy, Maggie, daughter 35 bJuly 1865 Cook
Estes, Alice, daughter 19 bNov 1881 md 8 mos
John, Son in Law 27 bDec 1873
Roy, Jim, grandson 16 bJune 1883
Henry, grandson 15 b Apr 1885
Frank, grandson 8 bJune 1881
Lattie, Granddaughter 1 bJune 1898
DWELLING 361 FAMILY 391 (All Black) includes Eastes Harlan
Vensit, Wright 47 bSep 1852 md 20 years
Mariah, wife 38 bApr 1866 - d/o Eastes Harlan CH 5,3living
Walter, son 10 bJuly 1889
Luther, son 5 bJuly 1894
Harlan, Eastes Mother in Law 67 bDec 1832 TN TN TN
[Ch born 16 Living 12. Widowed]
DWELLING 365 FAMILY 384 (All Black) Farmer; owns farm
Joice, Jerry 45 bMay 1855 md 20 yrs
Vinie, wife 40 bDec 1860
DWELLING 366 FAMILY 385 (All Black) Farmer, owns farm
Harlan, Sam 40 bMay 1860 md 10 yrs
Mamie, wife 29 b1871
Gertrude, granddaughter 7 bMay 1883
DWELLING 260 FAMILY 273 (White)
Harril, J K 55 bMay 1845 Farmer
Ernist, son 27 Newspaper Reporter
Lee, son 25
Florence, daughter 22
Evelyn, daughter 18
Mary, Daughter in Law, 22
ESTES, KATE SERVANT BLACK 25 b1875 Widow 0 children All TN
DWELLING 319 FAMILY 348 (All Black) renting house
Estes, Lizzie 37 bJune 1862 Cook. Chb5 Living 2 Widow bAL
Walter, son 6 bApr 1894 TN
Anna M, daughter 3 bNov 1896 TN
John Jaggers md Elizabeth Estes
Will 28 Feb 1804 - Chester Co SC mentions brother Daniel Jaggars and brother Nathan. Also a land lease with Jeremiah Jaggers.
To eldest son John - Negro woman Jane
To 2nd son Thomass Garett - Negro man Cato Thos died SC
To Susannah - Negro boy Fortune - Susannah md William Estes. Died SC
To Elizabeth - Negro boy Captain
To William - Negro boy Abe
To Hannah - Negro girl Tamer
To Elisha - Negro boy Lon
To Martha - Negro child Amy
The rest of the enslaved to his wife.
1825 Elizabeth Estes Jaggers Rowell will
To dau Charlet Strange one negro woman named Abigail
… my 2 old negroes Cesar and Patt have their choice to live with any of my 4 children during their natural life … Wm Rowell, Nancy Neal, Charlot Strange, Benjamin Rowell
… my negro girl Pennarite live with her mother Patt during her natural life at the death of her mother … said Pennerite be sold and the money equally divided between my four grandchildren… Elsa Anderson Marshall, Benjamin Rowell Strange, Betsy Fox Rowell and Eliza Caroline Rowell my desire is that she may have her choice to live with either of my 4 grandchildren and that one to pay the other 3 their parts.
… Remainder … equally divided between my 4 ch: William f Rosell, Nancy…
Executors: son Benjamin Rowell, SiL Denies Strange.
Witneses: Thomas Jaggers, John Davis, William Jagger
Probated 14 Feb 1825 Book I pg 272 Chester Dist, SC
1844 Thomas Garett Jaggers will
To nephew Lemuel AC Estes…negroes Berry, Elisabeth, Harriet, Mary, Jacob, Charles, Nelly, John and James.
…Negro Leah… she live with Nancy Ward.
To nephew Thereas A Estes of Fairfield dist… land
To my nephew John Estes s/o Wm Estes… negroes Joe, Caithag, Fanny breecy, Rachel, Cornelius, Ailsay, Martha, Betsey… also Fenay and Mary that he let them live at their leisure and support and take care of them as long as they shall live…
… It is my will that my negro Esther shall remain with and be taken care of and supported by Samuel A C Estes as long as she lives and that she be allowed to favor herself in work as she shall see fit.
… my two nephews John and Lemuel Estes do support and maintain the said Nancy Ward as long as she lives.
Executors: nephews John Estes, Samuel A C Estes, Thomas A Estes
Witnesses: Tome V Nobley, A E Rhodes, Eli C Hardin
Probated 10 June 1844
Book A pg 33 Chester dist SC
ESTES, HARLAN, JOYCE
1870 Census Dist 10 Maury Co TN PO Mount Pleasant - Florence Harlan d/o Lewis and Easter Harlan. Living with family. *Florence later md Andrew Estes.
Father Lewis Harlan ag 52 Mother Easter age 40. All born TN
NEXT FAMILY IS ANTONY AND ELIZA JOYCE
Antony 45 Eliza 45 ch: Linda 19, Susan 16
Edick HARLAN age 55 living with them. age 55 Wife Sarah age 39 plus 7 ch.
1880 Census Dist 10 Maury Co TN
Florence Harlan listed as Black,a farm laborer with the Henry Gant family. Says she is mulatto and sister in law to Henry.
Dwelling 4 Family 4
Gant, Henry, head, Mulatto, 30
Mary, wife, Mulatto 31
Mollie Mulatto 9
James Mulatto 8
Laura " 6
Henry " 5
Robert " 4
Ata " 7/12
Otie " 3
Harlan, Florence, Mulatto, 19, sister in law to Head of Household
1900 Census Chicago Ward 3, Cook Co IL
3209 Dearborn St. Black. Mother of Head. Widowed. Living ch 5; total ch: 9. Can read.
Dwelling 27 Family 61
Estes, Rufus, head, B bApr 1858 age 42 Single RR Porter
Susan, mother B bJan 1830 age 70 Widowed
Same dwelling:
Fam 62
Young, Thomas, head B bMay in NC 1860 age 40 md6 yrs Cook
Lula R, wife B bOct 1838 age 41bKY
Fam 63
Hamilton, Rebecca, head W bJan 1827 age 73 Widow T ch2; 1 living. bIreland Imm1855 OWNED HOUSE FREE/CLEAR
