REVEREND PETER ELDRIDGE - Born April 16, 1797 - North Carolina ___________________________________________________________________ BIBB COUNTY, GEORGIA State of Georgia 17 February 1823 Grantor: Richard R. Boles of Franklin Co, GA Grantee: PETER ELDRIDGE of Bibb County, GA $150.00 202 1/2 acres Lot 194, 4th dist. Houston, now Bibb Co., GA Signed: Richard R. Boyles Witness: Nathan Brady, Jr., Samuel Morgan, J.P. Recorded 29 Dec 1823 Source: "Bibb County GA Deed Abstracts" pages 82-82 ___________________________________________________________ HENRY COUNTY, GA DEED BOOK B Page 188 Isiah A. Paschall of Upson County sold PETER ELDERIDGE for the sum $110, 202 1/2 acres in dist. 2, Lot #187 lying on the waters of Wolfe Creek adjoining Lots #186 and 188, recorded Jan. 4, 1827. Wit: William Davis, John N. Davis, J. P. Hun HENRY COUNTY, GA DEED BOOK C/D Page 552 Henry County, Burrell Jinks gave to Moses Cox and PETER ELDRIDGE, Deacons in Bethel Church 2 acres to Bethel Church to include land where meeting house now stands. Wit: A. Hunter and A. L. Robinson, J.P. Recorded December 15, 1825. Page 552 Bibb County, Zacharia Holdman and wife Mary of said County sold to PETER ELDRIDGE also of Bibb County for the sum of $300 on December 27, 1823 Lot #166 in dist. 2, 202 1/2 acres which was granted to John Webster on August 16, 1823 in the land lottery. Wit: Burrell Wise and Moses Collins J. P. Recorded Dec. 15, 1825. HENRY COUNTY, GA DEED BOOK F Page 451 Meriwether County, Peter Eldridge of said County, sold to Henry L. Williams of Henry County on February 20, 1829 for the sum of $700, 202 1/2 acres, Lot #166 in dist. 2. Wit: James Justice and Willie B. Ector J.I.C. Recorded January 13, 1834. Page 451 Meriwether County, Peter Eldridge of said County sold to John L. Williams of Henry County for the sum of $275 on November 29, 1830, Lot #187 in Dist. 2, 202 1/2 acres. Wit: William Hudspeth, Willie b. Ector J.I.C. Recorded January 13, 1835. Source: "Henry County, GA Land Records - Deed Books A and B, Deed Books C/D, F, G, H." ____________________________________________________________ RANDOLPH COUNTY, GA. - PETER ELDRIDGE to John Pittman. Lot #153, 8th dist. Wit.: John R. Pitman, T. S. White. Jan. 18, 1834/Sept. 20, 1834. - Thomas Rollins to PETER ELDRIDGE. Lot #153, 8th Dist. Wit.: Jas E. Gashit, A. B. Pope. Feb. 22, 1832/Feb. 22, 1832. Source: "A Source Book on the Early History of Cuthbert and Randolph County, Georgia" by Annette McDonald Suarez. Compiled and Edited by William Bailey Williford. Atlanta Cherokee Publishing Company, 1982. ________________________________________________________________ 1830 MERIWETHER COUNTY, GEORGIA CENSUS 162 - PETER ELDRIDGE 168 - DANIEL ELDRIDGE ________________________________________________________________ HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CUTHBERT, GEORGIA The Columbus Association of Baptist Churches in Georgia was organized in 1829, including 454 members. Its bounds were: 1st district, Harris Co.; 2nd district, Talbot Co.; 3rd district, Muscogee Co.; 4 th district, Randolph, Lee, and Marion Counties. Rev. A. Smith was the only minister in this body. Travis Everett founded the first churches in Randolph County. From the Acts of the General Assembly of Georgia, Dec. 27, 1831: "an Act to authorize the appointment of Trustees for the Baptist Church in the town of Cuthbert, Randolph County with certain powers." This church was constitutd by Rev. John G. Gilbert, who moved from Hancock Co. about 1830 to Randolph Co. and was the first pastor. REV. PETER ELDRIDGE was the second pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. James S. Lunsford; then Rev. Stephen Parker, a Primitive Baptist preacher; Then Rev. Thomas Muse; then William Crawford. The first church building was erected in 1831. It was built of hewn logs and was 16' x 20' and was located at the forks of the road two miles west of Cuthbert on Eufaula road. It was known as Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Source: "Randolph County, Georgia - A Compilation of Facts, Recollections, and Family Histories" 1977, Compiled by Iva P. Goolsby, Chairman, Florence T. Moye, Cornelia M. Mattox, page 56 ___________________________________________________________________ HISTORY BETHEL ASSOCIATION There were now thirty seven churches in the Bethel Association, Poplar Spring, Dooly County, having 128 members, the largest in the Association and Macedonia, Early County, 125 the second largest in the Association and Pine Bluff, Baker County, 12 members and the smallest in the Association. There were received in the Association that year 224 by baptism, 201 by letter and 8 restored; dismissed by letter 282, excommunicated 73, 25 deqd, leaving a total membership of 2,121. Collections for domestic missions $48.50. PETER ELDRIDGE was early in February employed to labor in the destitute regions on our border in Alabama. he reported the travel of 1,123 miles, preached 130 sermons, baptized 34, and was actually engaged 128 days. That he took part in the constitution of two churches, had several others ready for it. He was allowed $1.50 per day for his actual service. He, to furnish his own horse and expenses. This was the first missionry sent out by the Bethel Association. During the eight years since the Association was organized the membership had increased rapidly and a definite start had been made upon its support of missions. Source: "History of Bethel Association Including Centennial Meeting" Compiled and Edited By Alexander Lee Miller, Moderator of Association 1909-1934, page 38. ____________________________________________________________________ BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH BARBOUR COUNTY, ALABAMA (located on Alabama Highway 30 between Clayton and Louisville) Bethlehem Baptist Church was organized april 25, 1825, and is still located at its original site. Founding members were: Warren Jackson, William Anglin, Randal Jackson, William Cox, William Cadenhead, James Cadenhed (moderator), James A. Head (Clerk), Elizabeth Jackson, Elizabeth Cox, Elizabeth Head, Mary Pruit, Elizabeth Warren, and Anna (a woman of color). Early preachers and moderators (through 1867) were James McLemore, James Cadenhead, William A. Williams, ---- Kennington, ----- Tew, William Harrod, ---- Horn, Joel Sims, William Tryon, PETER ELDRIDGE, George G. McLendon, ---- McQuirty, Reubin E. Brown, Daniel Cumbie, R. R. Rushing, William Davis, Mathew Bishop, E. Y. Van Hoose, Willliam Lee, and R. B. Brooks. Other early members were Richard Head, Francis Baker, Zacheus Nix, John Passmore, and Samuel Swilley. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF EUFAULA BARBOUR COUNTY, ALABAMA (located on the corner of Barbour Street and Randolph Avenue) The Irwinton Baptist Church was organized June 24, 1837. In 1869, the name was changed to the Eufaula Baptist Church, and later to the First Baptist Church of Eufaula. The congregation first met in the old Male Academy. In 1841, the first church building was erected on Van Buren Street. It is now owned by St. Luke's M. E. Church. In 1871, a second church was built at the present site, on a lot given by nary Ann Davis Barnett. This building was struck by lightning in 1907. The present church was built on the same site. The original presbytery was composed of Rev. PETER ELDRIDGE, Rev. Joel Sims, and Rev. Stephen Rowe. Original members ere Cullen Battle Betts, Olivia Barefield, Mary Bailey, Thomas Cargile and wife, Lucinda, Mary Ann Dennis, Josiah Jackson, Charlotte Martin, Lucy Moore, Seth Piland, Reuben C. Shorter, Mary B. Shorter, Col. E. S. Shorter, Mrs. William H. Thornton, Archibald Seals and wife, Nancy; Miss Emily F. Shorter and Elizabeth Wharton. Early ministers were William M. Tyson (1837-39), James Matthews (1840-41), William P. Patterson (1841-43), James Matthews (1844-45), Jonathan Davis (1846-47), S. Henderson (1848-49), W. H. McIntosh (1849-54), A. Van Hoose (1855-59), W. N. Reeves (1860-61; 1864-67), and M. B. Wharton (1867-71; 1901-08). Source: "Some Early Alabama Churches (Established before 1870)" Published by the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Commemorating the Bicentennial of The United States of America. Compied by Mabel Ponder Wilson, Chairman, Dorothy Youngblood Woodyerd, Rosa Lee Busby. Pages 5-6, 8-9 ___________________________________________________________________ 1850 SABINE COUNTY, TEXAS CENSUS 311b 14 Eldridge, James M. 31 GA 311b 15 Elizabeth 17 KY 311b 16 Armisster 1 TX 318b 9 Eldridge, Frances M. 24 GA 318b 10 Susan 21 Canada 318b 11 Jane 4 Louisana 318b 12 Mary Alphia 1 Louisana 320b 40 Eldridge, William W. 28 GA 320b 41 Alphia A. 17 Miss 320b 42 Mary A. 9/12 TX 321a 34 ELDRIDGE, PETER 53 NC 321a 35 Mary 38 MA 321a 37 Daniel 15 GA 321a 39 Jane 8 GA 321a 40 Martha 7 TX 321a 42 Nathan 23 LA __________________________________________________________________ BIBLE OF PETER ELDREDGE --------------------------------------- Births PETER ELDREDGE was born Aparal 16, 1797 Jean Randolph was Born Octobear 2, 189----- James M.dson Eldredge September 9, 1818 William Wilkins Eldredge November 15, 1820 Frances Maran Eldridge May 25, 1825 Sealy An Eldredge September 5, 1827 Nathan Eldredge March 18, 1822 janar Semion Randolph July 4, 1831 Saray Ane Octobear 7, 1832 ---------------------------------------- Births John Ros Eldredge 27 Janoray 1838 Lsinezear Jean Eldredge 3 September 1840 Marthy was Born feburay ----1843 My Last sun was Born Ded in 1846 Sarah M. Smith was Borne Janoray 27, 1833. Sarah ann Smith was bornde Apral 1829 Peter Eldedge gr was Bo Last day of Aporal 1854 waid when Born 11 l/2 lb at 6 mo waid 29, at yeare old waid 50 -------------------------------------------------- Jonathan Davis was Born Janary 22, 1860 -------------------------------------------------- Marriages Peter Eldredge was marrid to Sealy Crimbson October 2nd 1817 and he was marid the 2 time to Jean Randolph Octobear 12, 1826. Danal Eldredge was marid to Nansy Randolph Peter Eldredge was marid to Maray Wiggins Decem 12 184* the 3 time and no Don't for the last time may the Lord Be with us & healp us & save us in his kingdom when we leve this lif may we find christ our grat husban above. Peter Eldredge was marid to Sary M. Smith Ja 22 1850. Tennesse Elizabeth was Born March 19th 1872 waid when born 10 lb. Tennessee * The last figure is erased. eley Jane Eldredge Sarah A. Eldr ----------------------------------------------------- Births Nathan Eldredredge Juno May 11 Day 1816 Dorkas Eldredge August 28, 1815 Names of he childen of R. Phelps (sic) Mary Jean August 7 Day 1836 Isam James Lunsford March 3, 1838 Nathan Richard Eldredge Sepember 24, 1839 Henearay Phillipp Stevan was Boran July 22, 1856 titus aramsted Born December 16, 1861 Marray Lizey Born March 15, 1864 -------------------------------------------------------------- Births Nancy Randolph Aporal 21, 1829 Grfson Jenoray 27, 1830 Mory Jean May 13, 1831 Joseph W februray 1832 Saray D octobar 10, 1834 Martha A. June 29, 1836 Peter Eldredge Juros March 1, 1838 Jemiar tharp Eldredge feburay 17, 1840 Danal keen Eldredge Janoray 3, 1842 Jothan David was Born Janaray 22, 1859 Sarah An Eldredge was Born August th 25, 1864 --------------------------------------------------- Deaths Sely Crimbson Peter Eldredge furst Wif May 10, 1826 Sealy An Aparal 10 1830 Jemaiar Randolph Eldredge Octobear 17 --1831 Jan Randolph June 23 1848 the second wif of Peter Eldredge John Ross Died July 7, 1848 the third wif of Peter Eldredge ___ was Mary Wiggins Died September 1849 Philip Ded Jeneray 2, 1859 Maray Lizy Ded ____ 14 1864 --------------------------------------------------- henry Grindstaff Died may the 19, 1861 Abigall Grindstaff Died ________________________________________________________________ WAR OF 1812 ELDRIDGE, PETER BORN: 16 April 1797 in Georgia or North Carolina DIED: 17 August 1884 in Bexar County, Texas BURIED: At Oak Island near Somerset, Texas, in Old Rock Church Cemetery. SPOUSES: 1) Sealy Crimby (d. 1826 Twiggs County, Georgia) m. 7 October 1817; 2) Jane Randolph (d. 1846 Sabine County, Texas) m. 26 October 1826; 3) Mary Wiggins (d. 1849 Sabine County, Texas), m. 12 December 1848, Shelby County, Texas; 4) Sarah M. Smith (d. 1906) m. 22 January 1850, Sabine County, Texas. KNOWN CHILDREN: Sarah Amanda - REAL DAUGHTER - m. John Lightfoot Gulley; Tenneessee E. - REAL DAUGHTER - m. James Kilborne Harris; John D. m. Mary Kerr. RESIDENCES: Twigg County, Georgia; Burnet County, Texas; Alabama, Sabine County, Texas, Bexar County, Texas (P.O. San Antonio) SERVICE: Private in Captain John Reid's Company, Col. E. Wimberly, 3rd Regiment, Georgia Militia. Discharged at Darien, Georgia. Was at the Battle of New Orleans. PENSION: S.C. 20,752; W.C. 43,708 BOUNTY LAND: 45,192-80-50; 45,687-80-55 MARKER: Placed 30 May 1934 by Augustus Jones Chapter and Texas Society, U.S. Daughters of 1812. Marker presented by Mrs. P. S. Tilson, State President. COMMENTS: Baptist minister. Did Baptist Missionary work in Llano, Brown, San Saba and Burnet Counties, Texas. Owned slaves but before close of War between the States sold his slaves and invested in Cattle. Eldridge belonged to the Masonic faternity. He actively helped the cause of the Republic of Texas. National Archives service records: 1851, Sabine County, Texas, Eldridge signed before G.W. Williams, J.P., certified by W. B. Frazier, County Clerk. 1873, Burnet County, Texas, Isaac Hoover and J. W. and J. W. Posey appeared before Harrison Posey, Clerk of the District Court; Mary E. Coffee, postmistress at Burnet, vouched for veteran's character. 1884, Bexar County, Texas, John T. Wilson and Henry C. Gayle before Edward Miles, N. P. testified of death of the soldier. F. M. Eldridge said he had known last three wives and Adam J. Bennett, Sr. of Sabine County said he had attended widow's wedding. J. F. Gayle, age 31 and Anthony Surtee age 55 attested for widow before Thad W. Smith's Deputy, Juan E. Barrera. Smith was County Clerk of Bexar County. 1885, F. M. Eldridge of Leon County, before F. B. Looney, N.P. said he had known veteran's first wife who died Twigg County, Georgia 1826. He also said that Mary Wiggins died Sabine County, Texas, 1849. Dr. Daniel Eldridge testified regarding marriages and deaths. Eldridge assigned Warrant No. 45,192 to Addison Cochran who located the land near Council Bluffs, Iowa. Witnesses were H. M. Compton and S.O. Haznie (1954), in Freestone County, Texas. Warrant No. 15,687 was sold to Calvin P. Lapham of Berkshire, Massachusetts, and Eldridge appeared in Burnet County, Texas, before John Rowland, J.P., certified by James P. Magill. Witnesses were Oscar Call and R. W. McKee. Lapham located the land near Stevens Point Wisconsin. Source: "War of 1812 Veterans in Texas" by Mary Smith Fay, C.C. From Notes Compiled by Mae Wynne McFarland, Foreword by Mary Elizabeth McClelland Skaggs, President, Texas Society, National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812.