I`m trying to trace my husband`s family. His dad was JAMES LOUIS PRESSLEY & his mom is ALICE (DILL). His granddad was PINKNEY PELETIS PRESSLEY, M.to CASSIE LEE DAVIDSON. They were mostly out of TRYON, N.C. & (I think) LANDRUM, S.C. Thank you, Gina Pressley

Would be interested inknowing your relationship to the WEBBS and more information on the FRANCIS WEBB you mention. Sincerely Yours Glenda Siegrist Rt. 3 Box 349-13 Bristow, Oklahoma 74010

Need a favor. Would someone please call Mrs. Webb at 704-894-3879 in Columbus. We have been trying to make contact with her for awhile and can receive no response. If she no longer resides there, would you please try to find her location? Please send any information to [email protected]

Gerald Teaster wrote: > > Hi Pam- I have been reading your interesting emails about the 1864 Polk > County murders. I can not add anything directly to that. However, there > is a very interesting book that might give you some insight to the > climate in the NC mountain area, including Polk County, during and after > the War. It is "Bushwackers, the Civil War in North Carolina, The > Mountains". It is by William R. Trotter and published by John F. Blair > of Winstom Salem, NC. It gives considerable details about the warfare > that was often neighbor against neighbor in the mountains. > > This book was the source of some of the material in the best selling > novel "Cold Mountain" which is set not far from Polk County. > > Good luck on your search. > Gerald Teaster Thank you, Gerald. Your timing was amazing--I had just pulled my (still unread, unfortunately) copy of COLD MOUNTAIN from the bookshelf (at Holly's and Judy's suggestion) and had looked at the suggested books he lists in the acknowledgements, when your letter came in. The Trotter book (see below) sounds excellent. This case has become more and more complicated, the more I read. In 1870, six full years after the incident, Mahulda Williams WEAVER (widow of muurdered F.A. WEAVER) sued Columbus MILLS for $10,000, charging him with engineering the murder of her husband. He vociferously denied it in his answer to her charge, and then counterattacked by claiming that Frank Weaver and Peyton HUNTER were the leaders of the marauding bands that had attacked *his* home and others, forcing him to remove to Cabarrus County. He also told a story of the events. Mills counter-sued Weaver's estate for a debt jointly owed by Weaver and Govan MILLS (C's brother). In the fall of 1870, the court recommended that both suits be dropped with a settlement of $150 paid by Mills to Mrs. Weaver, plus court costs, and included a stipulation that Mills claimed that he was innocent of the crime as accused. I found another reference in Patton's book that mentions Weaver: "In the last few months of the War, soldiers came and went through here--Porter's Battery was captured over at the Turnpike, and then stragglers from Stoneman's Brigade raided several places. PRICE's oldest boys were killed, and ... WEAVER and his men were murdered at Columbus..." (p. 45). The date of Stoneman's Raid at Howard Gap was 23 April 1865, a full four months after the Hunter-Weaver incident. Fain discusses the creation by the Confederacy of an independent Department of Western NC under the command of Maj. Gen. J.G. Martin of Asheville, and says that his command included all or part of several regiments (64, 62, 69, 79 and 80th): "While these troops participated in general fighting in the western theatre, they were frequently concerned with the protection of life and property from the roving bands, and frequently operated in small detachments in performance of this service." He also discusses the act of 7 July 1863 that provided for "Guard for Home Defense" composed of able-bodied males who had previously been exempted from Confederate service. Also, he notes, some of the roving bands were uniformed partially as soldiers, and "it is certain that some felt they were supporting the Union and regarded 'everyone a Rebel who had any valuables or lived in a painted house.'" Fain only discusses Henderson County, unfortunately, but lists many people who were killed by these bands. Mills claimed that the military authorities in Asheville sent a unit to Polk County to maintain the peace and protect the public from the bands of roving marauders and anarchists, who he claimed were led by Hunter and Weaver. I assume this is the Home Guard unit Patton wrote about, though whether it was one of the Martin-commanded regiments or not is a good question. He said that a struggle broke out at the hotel, where Peyton Hunter was killed, and then Weaver and others were captured and being led back to Asheville when he (and presemably others, including Sam Hunter) was shot just outside Columbus, execution-style. I don't know what to make of all this. Now, what I don't understand is this: these were ALL leading citizens of Polk County, well educated and holders of public office. Dr. Columbus Mills, of course, was a founding member of the county, and the town of Columbus was named for him. FA Weaver was the first county ranger and first postmaster, and was a local merchant. Peyton Hunter owned half the town of Columbus, including the hotel where he was apparently killed. Why would any of the leading citizens of the county be involved in marauding bands of thieves and looters, even during this lawless state of anarchy at the end of the War? In his "Partial History of Henderson County," James Fain attributes the "lawless bands who lived off the land and whose crimes included murder" to deserters, which implies a rootlessness that these Columbus leaders certainly did not have. Of the three men who were first charged in Weaver and Hunter's murder in 1865--Lee Grant, JL Ward, and JR Ponder--it is interesting to note that: JL Ward was Captain of the 16th Regiment, Co. G, commissioned in 1863 and resigned 7 Sept 1863. JR Ponder was a member of that company who enlisted 2 August 1862. JL Ward was also an early sheriff of Polk County. Peyton S. Hunter was 2nd Lt. of Co. K, 16th Regt, commissioned 20 Apr 1861 and resigned 21 June 1861. His son C.P. Hunter enlisted as a private in the same company 10 July 1861 and was discharged 20 July 1862. Columbus Mills was a private in the same company, enlisted 20 May 1861 and was promoted to surgeon 1 Jul 1861, then resigned March 1863. A John R. Ponder was a private in this Company as well, enlisting 20 May 1861. Mahulda Williams WEAVER and her daughter Jane Weaver HUNTER had the strong support of their extended family in their fight to find the killers of their husbands. Mahulda's brother-in-law John GARRISON was deeply involved, as was another brother-in-law Jesse RHOADS or RHODES. Her brother PULASKI B. WILLIAMS (another one of my ancestors) was the first sheriff of Polk County. This family was also closely affiliated with the BALLENGER and HANNON families. This is starting to feel like a wartime soap opera. Any knowledge about any of these families and/or historical events would be much appreciated. Thanks for your words of encouragement! Pam Wilson [email protected]

What really happened in Columbus, NC on 30 December 1864? I've spent all evening reading through the various papers I culled from the loose estate records in Raleigh, and realize that the story of the deaths of these three ancestors of mine is a larger story. I would greatly appreciate hearing from someone who has some expert knowledge on the social issues in western NC during and after the Civil War. After reading an accusation against Columbus Mills by Mahulda Weaver, widow of Frank Weaver, for engineering her husband's murder, and a rambling but fascinating counter-accusation by Columbus Mills, I pulled Sadie Patton's "Sketches of Polk County" and found this paragraph, which I'd never really read closely before since it didn't have names. Now I know the names. Patton (p. 46): "After the Civil War came to a close, peace returned slowly to the citizens of Polks County. During the months immediately following Lee's surrender, conditions which were considered by some to be a threat to the general public arose; a group of Home Guards from Henderson County was stationed for some time at the sourt house in Columbus. In an encounter between this band and citizens of Polk County, which occurred at the Chevalier House, later known as the Hotel, one man was killed, some wounded, and others were carried to a nearby site and there executed. No reason has been definitely assigned for this action, which at this late date seems hasty and unwarranted--and was perhaps the outgrowth of earlier events." The next paragraph relates to Mills: "Sometime after the war had ended, a band of wandering renegades entered the home of Dr. Columbus Mills, which stood where the Mimosa Inn now is, and after robbing the inmates, so terrorized them that they left, and never returned as citizens of Polk County." >From what I can gather, Peyton Hunter, who I believe owned the Hotel, was the one killed in town, and his son Sam Hunter and his father-in-law Francis A. Weaver were shot outside of town near Houston Rd. In 1865, widows Huldah Weaver and Jane Hunter accused Lee Grant, JR Ponder and JL Ward of the murders of their husbands. In 1870, Huldah Weaver sued Columbus Mills for $10,000, accusing him of masterminding the murders. He denied it, accusing Hunter and Weaver of being the leaders of the marauding renegades. He also filed suit against Weaver's estate for a debt he shared with Govan Mills (there is apparently more information on this in the Govan Mills estate papers, which I didn't get a chance to pull while in Raleigh). The court ordered that to avoid extended legal proceedings, Mills should pay Mrs. Weaver $150 and court costs, and drop the suit against Weaver; Mills maintaining his innocence in the murder charges. What do you make of this? Does anyone know about the troubles during this period, about the Home Guard situation, etc.? What were the politics of this time? I am absolutely fascinated by all of this, and want to understand what was going on. I find it hard to believe that Weaver and Hunter, who were fairly prosperous businessmen, would lead bands of marauding renegades, as Mills accused. I do know that the Weaver family (FA Weaver's father) was originally from Rhode Island, so I don't know if his northern ties were part of the tension or not. I haven't seen any mention of slaves, so don't beleive that racial issues were involved here, but may be wrong. Both of these families lived in town and were merchants and landlords, seemingly well educated (all the women were literate, which contrasts with many of my rural families of the same period). Hunter had only moved to Polk County from Spartanburg CO SC in the late 1850s; his wife returned there after his death. If you are knowledgeable about this period of history, and especially about local history in Polk/Rutherford/Henderson Counties, please let me know. Insights, please! Thanks, Pam Wilson [email protected]

I'm starting to find indications that several of my ancestors who were Columbus businessmen (they owned many lots of downtown Columbus and were probably merchants as well) were murdered in December 1864, and I wonder of anyone who knows Polk County history might be able to shed light on this. The men who were killed were Samuel M. Hunter, Francis A. (Frank) Weaver, and probably Hunter's father Peyton S. Hunter. In Raleigh, I found the warrants issued for the arrests of 3 men in the murders (see below). I just have no idea what the circumstances were, and would really like to have more insight about what went on and why. __________ State vs JL Ward et al. Executed as to JL Ward & JR Ponder; NB Hampton Shff. State witnesses: Jas A Thom, Henry Green, AC Burgess, Mrs. Martha Burgess, Geo. Rollins State of North Carolina, Polk County. To any lawful Officer to execute and return according to law whereas information has been made to me one of the justices of said county upon the oath of Huldah Weaver that F.A. Weaver late of Polk County come to his death by violence and as she the said Huldah Weaver is informed and believes that J. L. Ward, J. R. Ponder and Lee Grant were either principle or accessories in takening the life of the aforesaid F.A. Weaver. This is therefore to command you to arrest the said J.L. Ward, J.R. Ponder and Lee Grant and have them before same justice of said county to answer the aforesaid charges and the be further delth with as the law arrests here in fail not. Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of Sept 1865. R.S. Abrams, JP [reverse side] Whereas J.L. Ward and J. R. Ponder brought before us charge with the murder of FA Weaver and after examination of the history we committ the said defts to Jail Sept 9th 1865. RS Abrams JP JF Raines JP GA Greenway JM Hamilton JP State of North Carolina, Polk County. TO any lawful Officer to execute and return according to law whereas information has been made to me one of the justices of said county upon the oath of Jane Hunter that Saml M. Hunter late of Polk County come to his death by violence and as she the said Huldah Weaver is informed and believes that J. L. Ward, J. R. Ponder and Lee Grant were either principle or accessories in takening the life of the aforesaid Saml M. Hunter. This is therefore to command you to arrest the said J.L. Ward, J.R. Ponder and Lee Grant and have them before same justice of said county to answer the aforesaid charges and the be further delth with as the law arrests here in fail not. Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of Sept 1865. R.S. Abrams, JP [reverse side] Whereas J.L. Ward and J. R. Ponder brought before us charge with the murder of Saml M Hunter and after examination of the history we committ the said defts to Jail Sept 9th 1865. RS Abrams JP JF Raines JP GA Greenway JM Hamilton JP ____________ If anyone knows anything about this, or knows where I might be able to find some accounts of this, please let me know. Was there a newspaper in the area at the time that might be available? Thanks in advance for your help-- Pam Wilson [email protected]

I am looking for Slys in North Carolina. My 4th great-grandfather John Sly was born in 1764 in Duchess Co, NY. We have taken the tree back to various parts of the Eastern Seaboard and wonder if there are any people who are researching Sly in that part of the USA. Hope to hear you soon. Sue ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

I ffound a Silas Leroy Wilson in 1850 census ffor Orange co.It was just an index any didn't give details does anybody have the cd to look up and see his age and who was in the household. I was led to beleive he was married in Polk co GA in CedarTown. I learned there is a Polk co NC maybe theres a CedarTown dose anyone know if there is a CedarTown in Polk co or in the 1865-1869 this is when I belevie he was married to a Maary Stamps.Silas Leroy Wilson on AL Census spelled Cise. any info wpuld be appreciated. I know they moved to Blount co Al but I don't know when. Thanks Betty

I will do look ups for Polk County Wills These wills were abstracted several years ago at the NC Archives by a family member. I also have a limited number of Polk Co Marriage bonds from about 1850 to 1868, not all have dates., but do list bride and grooms names. Cindy

Polk County, NC Query Forum A new message, "Friendship Baptist Church and John L. JOHNSON (1831-1867),"was posted by William (Chip) Pate on Sun, 07 Feb 1999 If you wish to respond to this message, please post your response directly to the Polk County, NC Query Forum: <http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/NC/Polk> Thank you! NAME: William (Chip) Pate EMAIL: [email protected] SURNAMES: JOHNSON, GARREN, CARVER, HOLCOMBE DATE: Feb 07 1999 QRYTEXT: I have been trying to find the burial site of my gg grandfather, John L. JOHNSON (1831-1867) of Henderson County, and a recent contact thought he was buried at Friendship Baptist Church in Polk County. John may have been a church member, because after an incident at Mud Creek Baptist Church in Henderson County he and wife Narcissa GARREN (1832-1896) received a letter of dismission, perhaps with the intent to join Friendship Baptist Church. John L. Johnson is the son of Lewis JOHNSON (1798-1882) and Martha HOLCOMBE (1804-1882). His wife, Narcissa, is the daughter of Andrew GARREN Jr. (abt 1787-bef 1860) and Mariah CARVER (-bef 1870). Are there any church or cemetery records from Friendship Baptist Church? I'd like to see if he ever became a member, learn anything else I can, and (particularly) determine if he is buried there. Thanks for any and all help!.

Dear Julie, I noticed the marriage of W. P. Tennesson and Amanda Smith but I have no specific information about them. I did notice on the 1870 census of Polk Co., NC, family 150-151, Wade Tessenear, 30, and Jane, 22, with Lurena, 2, and had assumed this was the same couple. Do you know if it is? Also I assume you have noticed the 1860 census of Polk Co., NC, has a Lucy Tennessee, 50, Jensy, 45, and Mary, 30. They are also shown on the 1870 census [110-120] as Tenison, Mary, 46, Lucy, 60, and Jensy, 54. Are these persons related? Are they related to you in some way? Wish I could help you in some way. Joe A. Cowart, 829 Indian River Dr., Cocoa, Fl 32922-7530 OR [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Julie Tennyson & Joel Krauser <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, December 31, 1998 4:24 PM Subject: [NCPOLK-L] Tenesson/Smith >I was wondering if anyone had any information about W.P. TENESSON who >married Amanda SMITH on January 27, 1867 in Polk County, NC. > >Thank you in advance for your help. > >Julie > > >==== NCPOLK Mailing List ==== >Visit the Polk County USGenWeb Homepage! >http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncpolk/polk.htm > >

I was wondering if anyone had any information about W.P. TENESSON who married Amanda SMITH on January 27, 1867 in Polk County, NC. Thank you in advance for your help. Julie

Would like to find info on the marriages of Pleasant G. Green & Eliza ____ and William Bluett Green b. Abt 1811 NC & Zarah Ann ______ b. Abt 1811 NC. Would have md Abt 1830's. Also the descendants. Daurice Snow [email protected] or [email protected] ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

Hi List, Looking for ancestors of: Thomas Jeptha Maness born 1817 in NC? died in Decaturville, TN date unknown - Married Elizabeth ???? Children: Eliza 1843 Christiana 1845 Sarah M. 1847 John 1849 Elizabeth 1852 Nathan 1855 Lucy 1863 Charles 1866 Gabriel Scott 1867 (my gr gf) Thomas J. 1872 Ola Cates Humboldt, TN Visit the Horton Surname Resource Center at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lane/5925 Family Ties Are Forever http://www.intelcities.com/memory/tngal

Does anyone have access to the 1850 Polk County Census? I am looking for a Levi Graham - 23 year old male. Could be head of household or a child. Many thanks Pam

Judy Many, many, many thanks again for all your time and effort. Pam

NC Researchers, I'm trying to locate any information available on my ancestor, John Mac MAYFIELD. He was buried at the New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery, Polk Co., NC beside his wife, Leanna PARKER. John Mac was born in 1821 and died in 1912. Leanna was born in 1824 and died in 1900. Their children were: 1) John Preston, b. 1852, m. Elizabeth NANCE 2) Martha, b. ca. 1847, m. George PRYOR 3) Elizabeth, b. 1852, m. (?) TURNER 4) Sarah, b. 1854 5) C. Columbus, b. 1859, d. 1884 6) Jesse Franklin, b. 1861, m. 1st-Leola PAINTER, 2nd-Cora Lee LITTLEJOHN Would appreciate ANY assistance!! THANK YOU!! LINDA in TN

Levi L Graham, age 33, male, white, farmer, real property 2H, personal property 22H,born NC Mary Graham, age 36, female David Graham, age 9, male William A Graham, age 7, male James E Graham, age 5, male Sarah Graham, age 3, female John W Graham, age 1, male Rebecca Graham, age 50, female, white, real property 2H, personal property 1H,born in SC Only Graham in 1860 Polk County Census. Neighbors: Lankford, Collins, Cloud, Arledge one side - Garett, Laughter, Arledge, Lankford, other side. Hope this helps, Judy

Does anyone have access to the 1860 Polk County, NC census? I am looking for Levi Graham. thanks Pam