random photos and selected stories connected to 19th century families with connections to Copiah County Mississippi, including the families: Slay, Allen, Bass, Russell, Stevens, Fulgham, Selman and others
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
This is the Last Will & Testament of Alexander Slay, Sr.
of Copiah County, Mississippi, transcribed by J. Bradley Jeffreys, as found in Copiah
County Chancery Court, Cause No. 889, William Miller vs. Estate of Alexander
Slay
The last will and testament of Alexander Slay of the county
of Copiah in the state of Mississippi
I 1 - I direct that all my just debts and funeral
expenses may be paid by my executor hereinafter named with all convenient
speed, after my decease and I do hereby subject charge and make liable all and
every thing belonging to my real and personal estate and effects, whatsoever
and wherever it be, to and with the payment of the same.
2 - I direct that after the payment of my just debts
and funeral expenses that the residue of my estate be equally divided between
my children and grandchildren whose parents are dead – share and share alike
according to the law of descent of said state.
I 3 - I do hereby nominate and appoint William Miller
executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others
heretofore by me made.
Alexander Slay
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Alexander
Slay as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his
presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto set
and subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto, this the 11th day of March,
A.D. 1878.
W.W. Miller
H. Nichols
S.B. Redus
To the Honorable E.G. Peyton, Chancellor of the 9th
Chancery }
Court District of the State of Mississippi presiding in Copiah }
Court District of the State of Mississippi presiding in Copiah }
The petition of Martha Miller and William Miller her
husband, Nathan W. Slay, Norvel Slay, Alonzo Slay, Ophelia Briley and George
Briley her husband, Cornelia Slay and Thomas Slay her husband, Coradon Slay and
Richard Bettersworth assignee of the said Coradon, and Matilda Bishop and
Warner Bishop her husband, all citizens of Copiah County, State of Mississippi
would respectfully represent unto your Honor that they are heirs and distributes
at law of Alexander Slay late of said county now deceased. Your petitioners would further represent unto
your Honor that said Alexander Slay left the following grandchildren who are
minors under the age of twenty one years who are also heirs and distributees of
said estate, to-wit, Elijah Slay, Mary Slay, Elizabeth Slay and Alexander
Slay. The said petition further showeth
unto your Honor that William Miller, the executor of the last will and
testament of the said Alexander Slay, by a decree of this honorable court
rendered on the 15th day of January 1879 compromised certain debts due said
testator and took in lieu therefor the following lot or parcel of land situate
in the town of Crystal Springs, Copiah County, Mississippi, described as
follows, to-wit: Lots 11, 12 and 13
South of Lee Avenue, containing 2-1/9 acres, more or less.
The said petition further shows that there are no debts due
or owing against the estate of said Testator.
And that the said petitioners are anxious to realize whatever is due
them from said estate and believing that a sale of said lot of land would
redound to the interest of all persons interested in the distribution of said
estate and further believing that said lot will bring a fair price, would
therefore pray your Honor to have Elijah Slay and Lucy Matthews his guardian,
Alexander Slay, Mary Slay and Elizabeth Slay made party defendants to this
proceeding and that a writ of subpoena issue requiring the said Elijah Slay and
Lucy Matthews his guardian, Alexander Slay, Mary Slay and Elizabeth Slay to be
and appear before this honorable Court at Rules on the 2nd Monday in March
next to show cause why the said lot or parcel of land should not be sold for
division among the heirs of said testator.
And upon a final hearing of said cause that your Honor grant a decree
for the sale thereof. And your
petitioners are in duty bound, etc. all of which is respectfully submitted.
Martha Miller
Wm Miller
N.W. Slay
Norvell Slay
Corydon Slay
Alonzo Slay
Cornelia Slay
Thomas J. Slay
Ophelia Briley
G.W. Briley
Tillie Bishop
C.W. Bishop
Lucy Matthews
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 29th day of
January 1880
J.M. Norman
Chancery Clerk
Chancery Clerk
Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Below is the Last Will & Testament of Robert Allen, planter, of Copiah County, Mississippi:
State of Mississippi
County of Copiah
I, Robert Allen, of the aforementioned state & county,
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, do make and publish this, my
last will and testament.
Firstly, I assign my soul into the care of Almighty God,
hoping that my general conduct through this life has been such as will meet his
divine approbation, and secondly I direct that my body be decently interred,
and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and
situation in life and to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to entrust
me with, I dispose of the same as follows:
First, to my beloved wife Susan I give and bequeath the
following negroes, viz: Sally, Charles, Abe, Jenny and Joicy.
2nd To my daughter Susan I give and bequeath the following
negroes, viz: Jack, Billy, Candis,
Richard, Charlotte and Henry.
3rd To my daughter Dicy I give and bequeath the following
negroes, viz: Tom, Martha, Edward,
Louis, Clara and Lenore.
4th To my son William I give and bequeath the following
negroes, viz: Sampson, Manning, Green,
Hannah, John and Mary.
5th To my son Stephen J. I give and bequeath the
following negroes, viz: Major, Sarah,
Pemilia, Wilson and Darcas.
6th To my son Washington I give and bequeath the
following negroes, viz: Malinda, Reubin,
Louisa, Peter, Smart and Emeline Jun[ior].
7th To my son Robert K. I give and bequeath the
following negroes, viz: Darcy, Emeline Sen.,
Jenkins, Polly, Daniel and Dennis.
8th To my daughter Martha Eugenia I give and
bequeath the following negroes, viz:
Lizzy, Frank, Dave Jun[ior], Sam, Eliza and Hardy.
9th It is my will that all of the negroes be kept
together and worked upon the plantation
upon which I now reside until my son Robert K. attains the age of 16 years with
the following objections, as my children marries or obtains the age of twenty
one years, my will is that they receive the negroes given them and that a fair
valuation or appraisement be made by three judicious neighbors chosen by my
Executrix of the negroes at the time of their delivery, and that the valuation
thereof be kept by my Executrix until a final division.
10th The
negroes given to my dear wife I wish to be valued also by three judicious
neighbors when she receives them which may be as soon as practicable after my
dissolution and their valuation to be kept an account of.
11th There
are two negroes Dave Sen[ior] and Eliza Sen[ior] that I wish to remain on the
plantation until a final division and then sold and their value equally divided
between my dear wife and children.
12th The land on which
I now reside together with all the stock, household furniture and farming
utensils I want to remain unsold until my son Robert K. attains the age of
sixteen years and then I wish the whole [sold] and the proceeds thereof divided
between my dear wife and children.
As to my horses my will is that my dear wife has choice of
any horse on the place and as each one of my children marries or attains the
age of sixteen years, I wish them to have a horse with seventy dollars and a
bridle and saddle.
13th My real estate in
Franklin County will be managed and disposed of in the same way in which I
directed the land on which I now reside.
14th It is my request
that should there arise any surplus from the labor of the negroes after all the
necessary expences, both of the plantation and family are paid, that such
surplus be used to the best interest of my heirs and that each one of my
children is entitled to an equal share of said proffits up to the time of his
or her receiving his or her share of the personal property and no longer.
15th My will is that
the portions of my three daughters be subject to them and the heirs of their
body forever.
16th The share given to
my beloved wife is to be lien of her dower at common law, if she shall so
elect, and to be subject to her use and control until her death, after her
death my will is that her part be equally divided between my several children.
17th I have in my
possession seventy dollars that was given to my daughter Dicy by her
grandmother, Dicy Calcote, which I wish to be given to her whenever she demands
it.
18th That this, my Last
Will and Testament may be fully understood I sum it up in few words, it is my
full desire and wish that at the final division of estate both real and
personal, that my beloved wife and several children receive share and share
alike, that those whose lot of negroes are least valuable by appraisement that
on a final division such deficiency be made up, and said division is to take
place when my son Robert K. attains the age of sixteen years.
And I further will that three impartial neighbors mutually
chosen by my dear wife and several children, make a final division agreeable to
this my last will and testament between my dear wife and children.
19th My will is and I
do entrust the guardianship and tuition of my dear children during their minority
to my beloved wife so long as she shall continue to be sole; and in case of her
death or marriage during the minority of any of my children, then I will and
appoint that my much esteemed and loving friends, George Ellis & Lott W.
Ellis shall have the tuition and guardianship of them, during such their
minority, and in case of refusal, renunciation or decease, I will that my much
esteemed and loving friends shall exercise said guardianship, and I earnestly
entrust their utmost care, respectively in and about the morals and education
of my children.
20th That this my last will and testament may be faithfully
executed, I do hereby make and ordain my beloved wife executrix of the same so
long as she continue to be sole; and in case of her death or marriage, then I
make and ordain my esteemed friends George Ellis & Lott W. Ellis Executors
of the same and in case of a refusal, renunciation or death, then I make and
constitute my esteemed [left blank] of the same.
In Witness Whereof, I, Robert Allen, testator, have to this
my will, written on two sheets of paper, set my hand and seal, this thirtieth
day of December, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred and forty-two.
Robert Allen { seal }
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us, who have
subscribed in the presence of each other.
J.F. Kelly
Thos. R. Daniel
John L. Stubbs
Ira L. Manning
Moody Stackhouse
R. Johnson
The State of Mississippi
Copiah County
Probate Court, April Term A.D. 1843
Personally appeared in open court Rowland Johnson, Moody
Stackhouse and John L. Stubbs, three of the subscribing witnesses to the last
will and testament of Robert Allen, deceased, the two first named Rowland
Johnson and Moody Stackhouse, who after being duly sworn deposeth and says that
they heard the said Robert Allen declare the same to be his last will and
testament, and that he acknowledged the signing of the same, to be his and done
in his proper mind, and that they saw him seal and deliver the said will, and
they signed their names to the same as witnesses in the presence of the
testator and in the presence of each other, the other named witness John L.
Stubbs after being duly sworn deposeth and says that he saw the within named
Robert Allen sign, seal and deliver the said will, and acknowledge it is to be
his last will and testament, and that he signed his name thereto as witness in the presence of the testator
and in the presence of the three first names witnesses. Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 17th
day of April A.D. 1843
W.W. Cook, Clerk
R. Johnson
Moody Stackhouse
John L. Stubbs
The State of Mississippi
Copiah County
In Probate Court, April Term 1843
You do swear that the within will is the last will and
testament of Robert Allen, deceased, and that you will and truly perform the
same by paying first his debts and then the legacies contained in said last will
and testament as far as the said goods chattels and credits of said deceased
will extend, and the law charge you, and that you will make a true and perfect
inventory of all the said goods chattels and credits as also a just and true
account when thereto required, so help you God.
Sworn to in open court this 17th day of April 1843.
Susan “ X “ Allen
her mark
Know all men by these presents that we Susan Allen, John
Stubbs and Daniel Lowe are held and firmly bound unto Stephen H. Johnson Judge
of Probate in and for Copiah County and his successors in office in the final
sum of Forty Thousand dollars of good and lawful money, for the payment of
which is will and truly to be made, We bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and
administrators severally and firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and
dated the 17th day of April 1843. The condition
of the above obligation, is such, that if the said Susan Allen Executrix of the
last will and testament of Robert Allen deceased, do make a true and perfect
inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of said testator,
which have or shall come to the hands, possession of knowledge of her the said
Susan Allen or in the hands and possession of any other person or persons, and
the inventory so made do exhibit unto the Probate Court of Copiah County, when
she shall be thereunto required by the said court, and such goods, chattels
credits and Estate do well and truly dispose of according to law, and
provisions of the said last will and testament by paying first the debts of the
testator, and then the legacies contained in the said will, as far as the
goods, chattels and Estate of the testator will extend and the law require, And
further do make a just and true account of her acts in the premises when
thereunto required by the court, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to
remain in full force and virtue.
Test W.W. Cook
Susan “ X “ Allen
her mark
John Stubbs
Daniel Lowe
(Transcribed by Bradley Jeffreys, 2020)
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Long forgotten, the Robert Allen Family Cemetery on the former plantation of Robert Allen and his wife Susan (Calcote) Allen is situated just off the Jack Road in the northwestern corner of Copiah County, Mississippi 7 or 8 miles south of Utica. It is located in Section 11 of Township 2 North, Range 4 West and is mentioned in a recorded Deed having Washington C. Allen and Robert K. Allen, as grantors, wherein they reserve 2 acres as the family cemetery.
In 1987 I visited the cemetery with cousins Bob and Debra Allen and transcribed all of the tombstones that we could access and read. I have no doubt that the three sons of Robert and Susan Allen who all died in 1859-60 are buried there, although we didn't see markers for them - Robert K. Allen, Washington C. Allen and William H. Allen.
Here is what was found:
Robert Allen
April 15, 1803
April 1, 1843
Susan E. Vance
daughter of John F. Vance and Dicy Vance
March 24, 1849
November 16, 1858
Dicy
wife of J. F. Vance
February 15, 1827
July 29, 1851
F.N.D.O.Z.B.T.K.C. in circular form around the letters A.M.R.Y.
(Fear Not Daughter of Zion, Behold the King Cometh and an anagram of MARY)
This unusual inscription appears to be for a female who is a part of a Masonic Order in the southern states being honored for her service to the organization.
James C. Allen (presumed to be a son of Robert & Susan)
November 15, 1831
October 28, 1842
Martha E. Allen (presumed to a daughter of Robert & Susan)
August 24, 1842
July 27, 1845
Celia A. Allen (presumed another daughter of Robert & Susan)
May 18, 1839
October 31, 1839
Mary J.
consort of William H. Allen
died August 19, 1859
Eliza C. Allen
daughter of W.H. and M.J. Allen
February 21, 1853
October 6, 1854
James Franklin _________
a native of Fairfield District,
South Carolina
son of John & Charity _______
who departed this life
_________________, _ _ _ 3
In 1987 I visited the cemetery with cousins Bob and Debra Allen and transcribed all of the tombstones that we could access and read. I have no doubt that the three sons of Robert and Susan Allen who all died in 1859-60 are buried there, although we didn't see markers for them - Robert K. Allen, Washington C. Allen and William H. Allen.
Here is what was found:
Robert Allen
April 15, 1803
April 1, 1843
Susan E. Vance
daughter of John F. Vance and Dicy Vance
March 24, 1849
November 16, 1858
Dicy
wife of J. F. Vance
February 15, 1827
July 29, 1851
F.N.D.O.Z.B.T.K.C. in circular form around the letters A.M.R.Y.
(Fear Not Daughter of Zion, Behold the King Cometh and an anagram of MARY)
This unusual inscription appears to be for a female who is a part of a Masonic Order in the southern states being honored for her service to the organization.
James C. Allen (presumed to be a son of Robert & Susan)
November 15, 1831
October 28, 1842
Martha E. Allen (presumed to a daughter of Robert & Susan)
August 24, 1842
July 27, 1845
Celia A. Allen (presumed another daughter of Robert & Susan)
May 18, 1839
October 31, 1839
Mary J.
consort of William H. Allen
died August 19, 1859
Eliza C. Allen
daughter of W.H. and M.J. Allen
February 21, 1853
October 6, 1854
James Franklin _________
a native of Fairfield District,
South Carolina
son of John & Charity _______
who departed this life
_________________, _ _ _ 3
Friday, May 4, 2018
Russell, Slay, Allen, Stevens, Martin, Futch in old MS Newspapers
Generation One: Grandparents and their siblings:
1921, 20 January. Hazlehurst Courier
Slay-Stevens
The
wedding of Miss Beulah Stevens to Mr.
George D. Slay was quietly celebrated January 15, at the Baptist parsonage
in Hazlehurst.
These
are among the most popular young people in our community. Miss Stevens has been teaching music in
Arkansas for the past two years. Mr.
Slay holds a responsible position.
Mr.
and Mrs. Slay left immediately for their future home in Meadville, carrying
with them the good wishes of their many friends.
1936, 4 April. Clarion-Ledger
Slay Obsequies Held in
Copiah
Hazlehurst,
April 3. Funeral services for Mrs. Dewey Slay, age 38, who died at
the family residence in the Shady Grove community after an illness of several
weeks, were held at the Shady Grove Baptist church with Rev. A.A. Kitchens, a
former pastor officiating, assisted by Rev. Geo. P. White. Interment followed in the Hazlehurst
cemetery.
While
Mrs. Slay had been ill for several weeks her condition did not become serious
until Monday. Mrs. Slay was a native of
Copiah County and a member of a well known family. She was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist
church.
She
is survived by her husband and six small children, Dewey, Jr., Steven Glen, Guy
Nell, Rose, Retha Ann, and Cuba Carroll; and several brothers and sisters,
Roland Stevens, Vergil Stevens, and Carroll Stevens of Hazlehurst, Rev. Charles
Stevens, Walnut Grove and Robert Stevens, Union Church, Mrs. W.D. Chadwick,
Wesson.
1918, 7 Nov., Hazlehurst Courier
Mrs. Cuba Slay Ainsworth, wife of Fred Ainsworth, died Sunday, November 3rd,
1918, about one o’clock in the afternoon.
She died of pneumonia, following an attack of the [Spanish] influenza.
This
is one of the saddest deaths recorded in our county during the days of so much
sorrow to so many of our families. The
beloved young woman was the picture of health and happiness only a few days
ago, and it is heart-breaking to think that her joyful spirit is stilled by
death. This great comfort and
consolation remains, however: She was a sincere and consistent church member,
and a faithful follower of the lowly Nazarene, and while her eyes are closed to
earthly scenes, they are opened to the greater beauties and joys of the home
built with mortal hands.
Mrs.
Ainsworth was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Slay. She and Mr. Fred Ainsworth were married about
a year ago. To the young husband,
himself on a bed of sickness, and to the hosts of relatives and dear friends,
the tenderest sympathy of our community goes out in full measure.
1923, 16 Nov., The Osceola Times
FOR
SALE – A Lyon & Healy player-piano.
Original cost, $750.00. Will sell
for $400.00, or will accept second hand Ford car in trade. R.H.
Stevens, McFerrin, Arkansas.
Telephone No. 803F13.
Generation 2: Great-grandparents and their siblings:
1922, 22 Aug., Jackson Daily News
Prominent Copiah Man Dies
Hazlehurst,
Aug. 28 – D.A. Slay, familiarly
called “Sandy” Slay, died at his home near here early yesterday morning, the
cause being paralysis of the heart. He
was 53 years of age, and one of the leading citizens of the eastern part of the
county, and always took an active part in religious, civic, and educational
matters of his community, and for years had been president of the board of
trustees of Shady Grove consolidated school.
He leaves a wife and [seven] children.
His body was laid to rest in [Hazlehurst] cemetery.
1922, 7 Sept., Hazlehurst Courier
Card of Thanks
We
desire to express our profound gratitude to friends and neighbors who were so kind,
thoughtful and helpful to us in our bereavement following the death of our
husband and father. We especially extend
thanks for the floral offerings, beautiful expressions of sympathy and
friendship.
Mrs. Sandy Slay and children
1936, 29 April, Clarion-Ledger
City News – Miss Rosa Slay of the Copiah county town of
Hazlehurst, spent several days recently with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr.
and Mrs. Burl Young of this city.
1937, 4 Nov., Copiah County News
Mrs. Rosa Slay Passes
Wednesday
Funeral
services will be held this afternoon at 2:30 in the Shady Grove Baptist Church
for Mrs. Rosa Slay, aged 61, who
passed away Wednesday night after a short illness. Rev. S.B. Harrington, pastor, assisted by
Bryan Simmons, former pastor and lifelong friend of the Slay family; Rev.
George P. White; and Rev. H. Clegg of Brookhaven will officiate. Interment will be made in the Hazlehurst
cemetery.
Surviving
are several children, five boys, Hulon of Crystal Springs, Dewey, Beryl and
Harold of Hazlehurst; and Robert of Belzoni, 2 daughters, Mrs. Vivian Beasley
of Hazlehurst and Mrs. Burrell Young of Jackson; her mother, Mrs. S.E. Russell;
4 sisters, Mrs. Ella Young, Mrs. A.H. Ainsworth, and Mrs. Cola Ainsworth of
Hazlehurst; and Mrs. Mary Myers of Mobile, Ala., one brother, Mr. G.W. Russell
of Hazlehurst.
Active
pall bearers will be D.L. King, L.K. Gandy, C.H. Bass, H.D. Granberry, J.L.
Watson, and W.A. Miller; Honorary pall bearers will be C.B. Rea, Sol Sherman,
Robert Wade, S.P. Perrett, W.C. McManus, and Phil Amos.
1924, 12 June, Hazlehurst
Courier
Guy Stevens, Good Citizen,
Passes Away
Mr. Guy Stevens, a splendid citizen of the county died Tuesday of
last week and laid to rest the following day.
Mr. Stevens had been in Failing health for more than a year. Everything that medical skill and kind
attention could do was done for his relief.
Mr.
Stevens bore his long illness with unflinching courage, and complained less
than some of us who have only minor ailments.
The Courier tenders its profound sympathy to the bereaved family.
1927, 16 June, The Courier
Mrs. Bettye Allen Stevens
Mrs.
Bettye Allen Stevens was born July 3rd, 1868, near Hazlehurst. All her life was spent among the scenes of
her childhood. On March 30, 1888, she
was united in marriage to Guy Stevens, a home boy. To them God gave eight children, all of whom
were at her bedside except the baby, who died 21 years ago. Her children living
are: R.L. Stevens of Fayette, Miss.;
V.L., R.H. and W.C. Stevens of Hazlehurst; Chas. Stevens of Canton, and two daughters,
Mrs. G.D. Slay and Mattye of Hazlehurst.
Mr.
and Mrs. Stevens were very lovingly known as Mr. Guy and Mrs. Bettye by those
who knew them best. They spent 36 years
of usefulness together. Just three years
ago he preceded her to that far-away home of the soul.
After
his going she spent the remainder of her life in service to her children and
others. The night was never too dark for
her to lend a helping hand to those in trouble.
She
was a member of the Sardis Baptist church for 46 years. Her health kept her away for some years. She seemed as well as usual up to a week of
her death, when she fell in the yard of her home. She realized from the first that her life’s
work was almost finished. She knew not a
fear, for she knew “in whom she believed.”
People far and near have been touched by the testimony made for her God
in her last days. She had lived such a
life that her last thoughts were not of herself but of those dearer to her than
life. She called her children to her
bedside to bid them a last good-bye, and tell them the way in which to meet
mother again.
She
passed away Thursday night, May 26th, ever so gently, and was buried
Friday in the Sardis cemetery by the side of loved ones. The beautiful floral offerings and the many
people who gathered to pay last respects to her, expressed more deeply than
words the way in which she was loved.
One who Loved Her.
Also, later in 1927
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank the many
friends and relatives who were to faithful to us during the illness of our
mother, Mrs. Bettye Stevens. We cannot
express in words our gratefulness, but we trust that God in his own good way
will bless and reward every kindness extended.
Her Children
Generation 3: Great-great-grandparents and their siblings
1938, 3 Nov., Hazlehurst Courier
Mrs. Russell Is Honored On Her 86 Anniversary
The
home of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Russell was the scene of a happy occasion last Sunday
afternoon when children, grandchildren and friends of Mrs. S.E. Russell [Rosa
Slay’s mother] gathered to honor her eighty-sixth birthday. At the noon hour dinner was served to forty
guests in picnic fashion on the spacious lawn.
A feature of the dinner was a beautifully decorated cake holding the
eighty-six candles which had been made by Mrs. C.H. Bass and presented to Mrs.
Russell.
At
one o’clock over radio station WSLI, the song “In the Land Where We Never Grow
Old,” dedicated by Mrs. Vivian Beasley in memory of her mother, was heard. Another feature on the program was a solo of
“Mother of Mine” sung by Rev. S.B. Harrington, accompanied by Mrs. Harrington.
1916, Feb. 24., Hazlehurst Courier
Mr. Fletcher Russell
Fletcher
Russell was born in Escambia County, Ala., Dec. 6, 1846, and died at the
residence of his son, George Russell, last Sunday, Feb. 20, 1916. When quite young he removed with his family
to Louisiana. In 1869 they came to
Lawrence County, Miss. In 1880 he became
a resident of Copiah where he established his home and brought up a large and
honorable family. His venerable mother
still lives in the old Lawrence County community, now Jefferson Davis County. Soon after coming to Copiah, Mr. Russell was
married to Miss Lizzie Bass, of the Damascus community. The fruit of this
marriage was six daughters and one son, all of whom survive except a daughter. For the greater part of these years Mr.
Russell and family lived about three miles east of Hazlehurst, where he was
most highly esteemed by his good neighbors.
On the failure of health he sold part of his farm and lived in
Hazlehurst, and subsequently with his son or on an adjoining place in the Shady
Grove community.
During
the last months of his protracted illness he enjoyed the tender ministrations
of his son’s family in their hospitable home.
All that could be done by best physicians, kindred and friends was done
to make his last days most comfortable.
He greatly appreciated the constant attention and cordial services of
neighbors and friends.
Such
devotion is an expression of the high esteem in which he was held and at the
same time an evidence of the thoughtfulness, genuine friendship and fine
Christian sentiment of the community.
Mr.
Russell was a plain, unpretentious man.
He was a tiller of the soil and ate the bread of honest toil. By his industry and frugality he was able to
take care of a large family. Today they
rise up and call him blessed. He was a
quiet citizen and attended to his own affairs.
He was honest in his purposes and conduct. He had clear-cut views of his
own and he held conservatively to his own principles because he believed them
to be right.
He
believed in the church, in the Bible, in prayer, and in a godly life. He was a firm, lifelong Methodist. He stood honored and respected among his
neighbors because of his consistency. He
was modest and retiring, tolerant and charitable.
For
the past four months he was fully aware that he was nearing the end of his
earthly pilgrimage. He had long days and
long nights for thoughtful meditation.
When ministers and other good Christians visited him it was his pleasure
to hear the Scriptures read and talked about.
He loved their prayers. He had a
vision of the Saviour welcoming him into the heavenly world. His mind was serene and clear almost to the
end. He had a blessed assurance of acceptance
and humbly asserted his joyous assurance.
Trusting the Saviour he was ready to go.
Those
who knew him for a whole generation bear their testimony to the character of a
good man. He will be missed in the
loving circle of family and friends.
A
large company on a busy day of the week assembled at the house to pay the
tribute of their esteem, honor and affection to the memory of a friend and
neighbor. Simple, appropriate services
were conducted by Rev. B.F. Lewis in which Pastors of the Baptist and
Presbyterian churches took part.
The
remains were tenderly and reverently laid to rest in the City Cemetery Monday
afternoon.
1936,
23 April, Prentiss Headlight
MR. J. B.
RUSSELL PASSES [Fletcher Russell’s brother]
Mr. J. B. Russell, life-long resident of Jefferson Davis county, died in the Berry Hospital, Prentiss, Monday, after an illness following a general decline in his death. He was 87 years of age in March and death was due to general debility with complications. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from Mt. Zion church, conducted by his pastor, the Rev. L. L. Roberts. Burial was made in the Mt. Zion cemetery by the side of his good wife, who preceded him to the grave eight years. Pall-bearers were Messrs. W. J. Hubbard, W. H. Mathison, Guy Milley, I. F. Dale, R. C. Williams and Dr. J. N. Mathison.
As stated, Mr. Russell was over 87 years of age. He was born back in the late 40's and had lived through this Republic's most tragic eras. As a boy he heard the tramping of soldiers marching to and from battle. He was too young to enter the Southern army, but he felt the sting of poverty and want that followed in the wake of the saturnalia of wrong inflicted upon a defenseless people.
Mr. Russell was one of the most successful farmers and business men ever reared in south Mississippi. He had but little opportunity for formal education, but he acquired much knowledge from study and reading. He began life with nothing, and amassed considerable wealth by thrift and careful management. As a dirt farmer, he had no superior anywhere, and made his fortune from the soil and good business judgment, of which he was blessed most wonderfully. He was for many years president of the Bank of Blountville and his judgment in these matters was always sound and showed much study and financial genius. He was a great reader and one might find him any day in his latter years on the porch of his home with all his papers and magazines about him.
Too, he had a dash of adventure about him. Some years ago when the pilot of an airplane offered a banter to take him up for a flight, the aged gentleman, then rounding out 80 years, with a glint of steel in his eyes, responded that he would be glad to go, and he did. He was built that way; steady in his thoughts, marvelously balanced in his emotions.
Mr. Russell was a good man. He was true as steel. His word was as good as his bond. He owed no man that he did not pay. He was generous to the unfortunate and was companionable and hospitable in his home. We shall miss him. Peace to his ashes and glory to his soul.
Surviving are two children, Prof. Charles Russell and Mrs. Percy Dumas; one brother, William Russell, Hazlehurst; as well as several grandchildren, including Mrs. C. S. Dumas, Mrs. Shirley Blanks, Russell Dumas and Miss Bennie Dumas, to all of whom we extend our sympathy.
Mr. J. B. Russell, life-long resident of Jefferson Davis county, died in the Berry Hospital, Prentiss, Monday, after an illness following a general decline in his death. He was 87 years of age in March and death was due to general debility with complications. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from Mt. Zion church, conducted by his pastor, the Rev. L. L. Roberts. Burial was made in the Mt. Zion cemetery by the side of his good wife, who preceded him to the grave eight years. Pall-bearers were Messrs. W. J. Hubbard, W. H. Mathison, Guy Milley, I. F. Dale, R. C. Williams and Dr. J. N. Mathison.
As stated, Mr. Russell was over 87 years of age. He was born back in the late 40's and had lived through this Republic's most tragic eras. As a boy he heard the tramping of soldiers marching to and from battle. He was too young to enter the Southern army, but he felt the sting of poverty and want that followed in the wake of the saturnalia of wrong inflicted upon a defenseless people.
Mr. Russell was one of the most successful farmers and business men ever reared in south Mississippi. He had but little opportunity for formal education, but he acquired much knowledge from study and reading. He began life with nothing, and amassed considerable wealth by thrift and careful management. As a dirt farmer, he had no superior anywhere, and made his fortune from the soil and good business judgment, of which he was blessed most wonderfully. He was for many years president of the Bank of Blountville and his judgment in these matters was always sound and showed much study and financial genius. He was a great reader and one might find him any day in his latter years on the porch of his home with all his papers and magazines about him.
Too, he had a dash of adventure about him. Some years ago when the pilot of an airplane offered a banter to take him up for a flight, the aged gentleman, then rounding out 80 years, with a glint of steel in his eyes, responded that he would be glad to go, and he did. He was built that way; steady in his thoughts, marvelously balanced in his emotions.
Mr. Russell was a good man. He was true as steel. His word was as good as his bond. He owed no man that he did not pay. He was generous to the unfortunate and was companionable and hospitable in his home. We shall miss him. Peace to his ashes and glory to his soul.
Surviving are two children, Prof. Charles Russell and Mrs. Percy Dumas; one brother, William Russell, Hazlehurst; as well as several grandchildren, including Mrs. C. S. Dumas, Mrs. Shirley Blanks, Russell Dumas and Miss Bennie Dumas, to all of whom we extend our sympathy.
1925
Fine Citizen Dies Suddenly
Sunday
The
community was shocked Sunday morning when the news spread that Mr. Dan J. Martin [Amanda Martin Slay’s brother] was dead. Few of
his friends knew he was sick, and no one thought the end was near.
Mr.
Martin went about his regular duties until Wednesday of last week. He complained of not feeling well, and rested
the remainder of the week, although he made one or two trips down town. He slept late Sunday morning, but was talking
with a neighbor across the division fence, and remarked that he felt
better. He was suddenly stricken with
heart trouble, and lived but a few hours. Fortunately his daughter, Mrs. H.M.
Garland and Mr. Garland of Summit, were guests in the home at the time.
Mr.
Dan Martin was in his 78th year.
He was, if our information is correct, born and reared in what is now
the Spring Hill community, and was the son of James Martin, whose place lay
between what is now known as the Goodbar place and the old B.F. Martin
place. He attended the Spring Hill
school, taught by such men as Frank Sessions, Prof. Williams, and Dr. R.W.
Rea. He served in the militia during the
closing months of the war under the command of B.F. Martin.
More
than a quarter century ago he came to Hazlehurst to make his home, his first
business connection being with the Burnley Drug Co., then with John B. Mayes
and then with the J.Q. Martin mercantile establishment. All his former employers bear high testimony
to his integrity, his efficiency and his unfailing cheerfulness and good
temper.
Mr.
Martin was a member of the Hazlehurst Baptist church. He was a sincere and devout Christian, a modest
and true gentleman. His home life was
ideal. He lived for those he loved.
Looking
back over his long life, we are impressed that he lived worthily and was ready
for the summons. It seems to us fitting
that he should go without long-drawn out illness, in full possession of his
physical and mental powers. Surviving
him are his wife, whose maiden name was Sallie Guynes, and six daughters,
Mesdames R.L. Dent, J.C. Hallman, J.R. Herrington, Henry French, H.M. Garland
and Miss Carolyn Martin; and three sons, Messrs. Silas and D.J. Martin of
Clarksdale and Mr. Ben Martin of Hazlehurst.
1910, October 20, Hazlehurst Courier
Transcribed by Bradley
Jeffreys
Death of a Good Woman
Mrs. Martha Miller died at the family home near Gallman Saturday
night, October 15th, 1910, in the 85th year of her age.
Mrs. Miller
was a truly good woman. She was wise in
counsel and tender and quick in sympathy.
All her days were spent in Copiah County. She was the daughter and oldest child of
Sandy Slay, one of the pioneer citizens of Northeast Copiah - a vigorous,
active, strong man – a leader in his day and time in every worthy
undertaking. Her husband was the
lamented William Miller, who preceded her in death about twenty years.
The children
who survive her are: J.L. Miller and
Mrs. L.L. Brittain of Hazlehurst; Mrs. W.J. Hampton of Crystal Springs; Mrs.
J.M. Shivers of Poplarville; and two daughters who made their home with their
mother at the time of her death.
Mrs. Miller,
at the time of her death, was a member of the Gallman Baptist church. She had been a consistent member of the
Baptist church since early girlhood. She
appropriated to her own life the teachings of the Great Teacher, and lived her
religion day by day in humility and serenity.
Her fortitude, wisdom and faith met every vicissitude of life calmly and
wisely. The clouds were never so dark
but that she could see a silver lining.
Mrs. Miller
will be greatly missed in her community by neighbors and friends, but the loss
falls heaviest upon the members of her own family, who through long years have
had in her comforter, friend and counselor.
To these The Courier extends its profound sympathy.
1921, December 2, The Meteor
Judge A.D. Slay Goes to His Reward
The
popular and highly esteemed citizen passed from time into eternity Tuesday
morning, the 29th instant, at 9:40 o’clock, in the 74th
year of his age. [Uncle
Alonzo Slay]
It
is a sorrowful editorial duty to be called upon to chronicle the demise of a
citizen who has occupied a luminous and influential position in town life and
affairs, but the sorrow felt is tinged with the pleasure derived from lauding a
life and character so preeminently honorable, exemplary and useful. He was not esteemed for the position he occupied
but for the virtues he exemplified – integrity, high mindedness, rectitude of
conduct. In all the relations of life,
in the family, in the church, on the bench, he was the same of fable gentleman,
genial, kind hearted, well-poised. He
was a fine type of the old school of Southern gentlemen. He towered high in the councils of his church
and for more than two decades presided over the destinies of the Sunday
school. The infirmities of old age
forced him to relinquish a position which he filled with singular appreciation
by the children whom he directed in the way of Christian life.
He
was seized with an affection of the heart Thanksgiving Day. This attack was complicated with other
serious maladies, which caused him to sink rapidly, the end coming Tuesday
morning. He recognized that “Death’s but
a path that must be trod, If man would ever pass to God,” hence he did not
dread the great adventure that all must make sooner or later.
An
idea of the popularity and esteem in which the deceased was held may be
inferred from the fact that he was serving his sixth consecutive term as
justice of the peace of this district – an office which he held against all
comers, the duties appertaining to which he discharged with that judicial poise
of mind that distinguished his career on the bench. He was a born jurist and had he had the
advantages of an early education he would have been an outstanding figure in
expounding the jurisprudence of the state.
Business
was suspended Wednesday with the result that an immense throng assembled at the
Baptist church to render homage to the virtue of the dead citizen.
The interment took place in
the city cemetery.
Peace
to the ashes of the dead comrade who wore and adorned the grey.
Out
of respect of the memory of the late Justice A.D. Slay, circuit court adjourned
for one hour and a half Wednesday morning.
Judge D.M. Miller, District Attorney Hugh Barr Miller, Sheriff Henry E.
Ramsey and Circuit Clerk C.B. Rea attended the funeral services in the Baptist
church, where a capacity congregation heard the sorrowful funeral rites
pronounced over the bier of one of the county’s most exemplary and useful
citizens.
A newspaper clipping from 1864,
found in Scrapbook of J. L. Powers [Z10742.000], housed in Mississippi
Department of Archives and History:
Captain E. Slay
Captain
E. [Elijah] Slay, company C, 16th Mississippi regiment, was killed,
at Cold Harbor, on the 10th June, 1864.
He
was born the 8th of June, 1838, in Copiah county, Mississippi, and
was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Slay.
When his state, by ordinance of secession, severed her connection with
the United States Government, and it became manifest that a war was inevitable,
Capt. Slay was among the first to enroll his name as one of her defenders. He attached himself, as a private, to company
C, 16th Mississippi regiment, which was organized in March 1861, and
was amongst the first companies called into service. He served as a private for the period of one
year, with marked gallantry. He
participated in all the engagements with his regiment, including the noted
campaign of Jackson in the Valley.
At
the reorganization of his company, April 1862, he was chosen Captain of the
company, a post he afterwards proved himself eminently qualified for. He was dangerously wounded at Gettysburg, and
captured by the enemy, but subsequently made his escape and rejoined his
command.
Capt. Slay’s services to his country have been
exceedingly valuable and he often received the commendations of his superior
officers, including Gen. Lee, for reliable information when sent out as a
scout, as was often the case, to penetrate the designs of the enemy. He was beloved by his command and by all who
knew him. As a soldier, he was fearless
and intrepid; as a husband, kind and affectionate; as a citizen and neighbor he
possessed all the qualities that are estimable in a man. His country has lost a good officer, and the
community a good citizen. He had long
been a member of the Baptist Church, and lived up to the character of the true
Christian gentleman.
He
lies buried at the “Gaines’ House,” in the shades of the Old Dominion. His funeral was attended by a few weeping
friends, and appropriate religious services were held by the Rev. Mr. Lomax,
Chaplain of the Regiment.
A Companion.
[Old Dominion was a common
nickname for Virginia]
A single 1896 newspaper
clipping found tucked in a minute book at Sardis Baptist church
In Memoriam of our dearly beloved brother, S.J. Allen
Brother
Allen was born August 7, 1832 in Copiah County, Miss. He was married to Miss Margaret M. Fulgham
May 31, 1855. She died about the year
1875. He married again June 22, 1877,
Mrs. N.E. Brown. He as baptized in the
fellowship of Sardis Baptist Church August 29, 1878, where he remained a
devoted member until his death. His
second wife died April 18, 1891.
Brother
Allen died April 5, 1896. He was an
earnest Christian, ever on the side of right on all questions, a bright and shining
light, and a power for good in the church.
He was a devoted husband, and a loving father, and among his brethren
here he was honored and influential and to see him and to hear him was to love
him. His influence and presence will be
missed among us, and his power will not be felt here as in the past.
Brethren
and sisters, let us profit by the example of our worthy brother has set, and
while we mourn for the loss we have sustained, let us ever remember that our
loss is his gain, and let us so live that we may meet our Brother in that
Beauty Land.
J.B. Middleton, Walter
Beall, J.J. McCardle, Committee.
Generation 4: Great-great-great-grandparents
1878, Hazlehurst Copiahan
Alexander Slay
Died,
at the residence of his son-in-law, William Miller, five miles northeast of
Hazlehurst, on the 11th day of March, 1878, of cancer, Alexander
Slay, aged about seventy-two years. If
we mistake not he was born in Wayne County, this state [incorrect: Chesterfield
County, SC], near the old town of Winchester, at which place the writer first
knew him, and have known him intimately ever since up to the time of his death.
Deceased
had many good traits of character and as few faults as any other. He was a good citizen, a true and devoted
Christian, always ready to do his Master’s will, an affectionate and devoted
husband, a kind and indulgent father, and a neighbor in the true sense of the
term. But, alas, he is no more, he has
paid the debt that we all will have to pay, sooner or later. Farewell!
Farewell! This is not intended as
an obituary, we will leave that to one more gifted than ourself.
H.
1872, 2 Nov., Tennessee Baptist
OBITUARY
Died,
October 14, 1872, in the sixty-sixth year of her age, Elizabeth, wife of Alexander Slay, of Copiah County,
Mississippi. She was Baptized, together
with her husband into the fellowship of the Steen’s Creek Baptist Church,
Rankin County, Mississippi, in 1831, and lived a faithful and devoted
Christian. A woman of the most unfeigned
kindness toward all; many now remember of her that never was an unkind word
toward any person heard to escape her lips.
In peace with all, she peacefully passed to the rest that remains for
the people of God. “Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord.”
W.H.H.
A birthday, a wedding and a
funeral all in a year
1901, 13 Jan., The Vicksburg Herald
Raymond News Items
On Tuesday, Mr. J.M. Futch, an old citizen of this town, celebrated his 90th
birthday. He was waited upon by a
committee of the Masonic lodge, of which he has long been a member.
1901, 10 Nov., The Vicksburg Herald
Raymond Happenings
Mr. H. Eastland and Miss
Emma Bedwell were married on Wednesday evening at the residence of the bride’s
uncle, Mr. J.M. Futch. The groom is a prominent going business man
of Forest, Miss., and the bride is a most charming and popular young lady of
Raymond society, and is the daughter of Jno. G. Bedwell, one of the most
substantial citizens of the community.
1901, 17 Nov., The Vicksburg Herald
An Old Citizen Dead – Just
as we are going to press we learn of the death of Mr. J.M. Futch, the oldest citizen of the town, who has for some time
been in declining health. He lived a
long and useful life and his passing away is regretted by a large circle of
friends.
Raymond Gazette
Monday, February 6, 2017
Transcribed by Bradley Jeffreys, February 6, 2017
From the family bible of John Linton Slay (1833-1902), and wife, Permelia Ann Puckett Slay, of Clarke County, Mississippi
________________________
April the 1st, 1865
According to a Proclimation issued by President Lincoln, the following Negro Slaves owned by me was set free, to wit
Ann 36 years of age
Lucy 20 "
Rachel 20 "
Sarah 14 "
Mary 14 "
Law 12 "
Franey 7 "
Saley 5 "
John 2 "
Lewis 2 "
Witness my hand and seal this this April the 1st 1865
attest
P. A. Slay J. L. Slay
From the family bible of John Linton Slay (1833-1902), and wife, Permelia Ann Puckett Slay, of Clarke County, Mississippi
________________________
April the 1st, 1865
According to a Proclimation issued by President Lincoln, the following Negro Slaves owned by me was set free, to wit
Ann 36 years of age
Lucy 20 "
Rachel 20 "
Sarah 14 "
Mary 14 "
Law 12 "
Franey 7 "
Saley 5 "
John 2 "
Lewis 2 "
Witness my hand and seal this this April the 1st 1865
attest
P. A. Slay J. L. Slay
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