Malery Court

Notes:

Died:
d.c. birthdate not given, however, age given as 1 month, 21 days. address 762 Buford St. Bmt.
father H.C. Court, Texa; and Miss Lena Gantz, TX
informant, H.C. Court, of Beaumont, TX

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 21 Jun 1900, Beaumont (Ward 3), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, 747 South Grand Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1910, 760 Lamar, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1920, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1920, 157 E Buford, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1930, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1937, 719 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

1880: Not listed in James' household. Listed independently as a raftsman, 25 years old, born TX, father b LA, mother b TN, next door to his father (212/227)

1900 census lists children Ola, Kirby, Mixon, Harry & Daniel
1910 census, lists children Coot, Kirby, Mixon, Harry, Deany, Sallym Bert and Colby
1921 city directory: Wife Lena, longshoreman, 157 E. Buford

Beaumont Enterprise card index shows Henry Clifton Courts, III 1940-5/2/95
_____________
(Notes of Kirby Courts:)
Henry Clifton "Cliff" was a cowboy as a young man. He was a Pony Express rider. He carried the mail between Sabine Pass and Harrisburg Houston), Texas. Most of his life was spent in the lumber industry with Reliance Lumber, Chris Grey L, and Kirby Lumber Co. He was a good friend of John Henry Kirby, the lumber tycoon. He named his oldest son Charles Kirby after him. Cliff was upset for the rest of his life because the Government had all the long leaf yellow pine trees cut down during the first World War. They were to be used to build wooden ships for the troops going to France. The ships were never built, but it spelled the end of the great lumber boom in ast and Southeast Texas. All of his sons worked in the timber industry at this time. Coley told me the Neches River was full of square timber all the way back to East Texas at this time.
Cliff had six children in a previous marriage. The family died of yellow fever in the epidemic of the 1880s. My father Coley said, his father would never talk about his first family.
The first record of Cliff on the census is 1880 in Jefferson Co, Texas. I believe, according to family history, that all the Courts lived in the Sabine Pass area. A masssive hurricane in the 1880s completely flooded this area. All of thes and kids were floated out of this area on feather matresses. The families ended up in the Nederland-Port Neches area. Cliff and his family eventually settled in the Beaumont area before the turn of the century. Many members of the Courts family still live in the Port Neches area.

Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
Residence 77
Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S FemaleW 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)




Census:
Courts Henry Head Jul 1854 45 Married 8 1892 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Lena Wife Feb 1871 29 Married 8 1892 Texas Germany Texas
Courts Ala Daughter May 1893 7 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Kirby Son Dec 1893 6 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Mixon Son Sep 1895 4 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Harry Son Oct 1897 2 Texas Texas Texas
Courts Daisey Daughter Jul 1899 10/12 Texas Texas Texas



Residence:
Court, Edgar B., wks United Lbr & Export Co, h. James F. Court.
Court, Emmett, wks United Lbr & Export Co., r. 1 blk w of same.
Court, Homer, wks United Lbr & Export Co. h. James F. Court
Court, H. Clifton, watchman mill, A, Kirby Lumber Co., r 747 South Grand ave, Cartwright add. 8
Court, James F., wks United Lbr & Export Co., r 1 blk w of same. 4
Court, Julia A. (wid James), h. Emmett Court
Court, S. Helmer, carp r 350 Jackson ave, 5
(five children - Bea, age 8; Hal age 6; Gladys age 3; abt 2; Lillian born 22 Jan 1904)

Residence:
Courts, Harry, driver h 760 Lamar.
Courts, H. Clifton, riverman Kirby Lbr Co, r 760 Lamar. 8
Courts, Kirby, wks Kirby Lbr Co, r 760 Lamar.
Courts, William, riverman Beaumont Saw Mill Co.
Courts, Fullar W. Mrs. slslady S.H. Kress & Co., h 430 Travis

Census:
157 Buford
H C Coart 65 1855
Lena Coart 48 1872
Kirby C Coart 26 1894
Harry C Coart 23 1897
Cotie Coart 17 1903
Bert Coart 13 1907
Barney Coart 9 1911


Census:
residence 4 (379 Greer Street)
Jones, James H. 28 married at age 22 LA LA LA laborer American Pitch Pipe
Iola E. 31 married at age 24
Geraldine F. 5
James H. 3
Larita E. 1
Goff, Theodore father-in-law 61 wid MS MS MS watchman lumberyard

residence 9 (817 Buford)
Percell, E.W. 33 1897 married at age 33 Georgia Georgia Georgia
Thelma 26 married at age 15 Texas Texas Texas
Sterling, Margery stepdau 8 1922 Texas
Sterling, Fay 10 1920 Texas

residence 10 (823 Buford)
Henery C Court 75 1855 married at age 20 longshoreman on dock TX TX TN
Lena Court 59 1871 married at age 25 Texas Germany Texas
James C Court 27 1903 longshoreman on dock
Barney S Court 19 1811 longshoreman on dock
Kirby Court 34 1896 "son-ab" (looks like "ab" ??? single sailor on ship


Residence:
Court, Barney r 719 Tilson
Henry C (Lena) h 719 Tilson
Mixon r 719 Tilson

note: two brothers, Barney Mabry and Barney Self; neither married by 1937; so unsure which Barney is listed here.


Died:
d.c. married, Lena Court,
address 719 Tilson, Beaumont
occupation, timberman, timber business
father James Court, born Sabine Pass; Julia Sparks, born Jefferson Co, Texas.
date last worked 1930, lifetime in occupation
informant: James C. Court (son)
1737 Sabine Pass, Bmt.

Henry married Ulalaya Lena Gentz on 24 Feb 1892 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. Ulalaya (daughter of Charles* Christopher Gentz, Sr (immigrant) and Matilda* Hayes) was born on 24 Feb 1870 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 08 Nov 1948 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 09 Nov 1948 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1920, 157 E Buford, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1930, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1937, 719 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1938, 751 Tilson, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; and 1939
• Census: 1940, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

51
Wm Allen 78 1802 farmer Germany Germany
Ann (prev Mrs. Gibson) 40 1840 Texas Louisiana Louisiana
Emma 11 1869 Texas
Bettie 8 1872 Texas
Nettie 2 1878 Texas


52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX Louisiana Louisiana
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son


Census:
residence 4 (379 Greer Street)
Jones, James H. 28 married at age 22 LA LA LA laborer American Pitch Pipe
Iola E. 31 married at age 24
Geraldine F. 5
James H. 3
Larita E. 1
Goff, Theodore father-in-law 61 wid MS MS MS watchman lumberyard

residence 9 (817 Buford)
Percell, E.W. 33 1897 married at age 33 Georgia Georgia Georgia
Thelma 26 married at age 15 Texas Texas Texas
Sterling, Margery stepdau 8 1922 Texas
Sterling, Fay 10 1920 Texas

residence 10 (823 Buford)
Henery C Court 75 1855 married at age 20 longshoreman on dock TX TX TN
Lena Court 59 1871 married at age 25 Texas Germany Texas
James C Court 27 1903 longshoreman on dock
Barney S Court 19 1811 longshoreman on dock
Kirby Court 34 1896 "son-ab" (looks like "ab" ??? single sailor on ship


Residence:
Court, Barney r 719 Tilson
Henry C (Lena) h 719 Tilson
Mixon r 719 Tilson

note: two brothers, Barney Mabry and Barney Self; neither married by 1937; so unsure which Barney is listed here.


Residence:
Courts, Lena (wid Henry C) r 751 Tilson

Census:
751 Tilson
Mixon J Courts 45 widowed
Lena Courts 70 mother widowed


Died:
d.c. address 3347 Texas, Beaumont; widowed, age 78, 8 mos, 14 days; b Sabine Pass 24 Feb 1870
Parents: C.C. Gentz, Port Arthur, and Matilda Hayes, TX
informant Mrs. O.L.McCauley, 3347 Texas, Beaumont

Notes:

Married:
Name: Clifton Courts
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 24 Feb 1892

Spouse: Lena Gentze

Marriage City: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: Texas Marriages, 1851-1900

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay Region, Texas
• Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
• Residence: Feb 1836, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1861 and 1865, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Texas Confederate States
• Military: 28 May 1862, enlisted Company B (gunboat "Uncle Ben")
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
• Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

Notes:

1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Cloud"
The book "The Story of Beaumont" is on-line in html (web page)format with an index and list of illustrations that were created for it (it had neither). Published in 1925/26, it is a valuable reference for early East Texas researchers. The index has the actual page numbers where the reference is found to make citations more precise.

The table of contents can be found here:
http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/index.htm

It can be a lengthy download if on a dial-up connection, so it is also available without the graphics at:
http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/toc-old.html

There were numerous typographical errors and some grammatical errors. No corrections were made to the document. It is, so far as I can determine, true to the original.

If you find an error or want to make a suggestion, please
contact me at cloud@peaches.ph.utexas.edu.

"G. W. Hargraves, who was captain of a little Beaumont company of militia in August, 1835, had sixty-two men under him, twenty of whom took part in the battle of the Alamo. He also was at the head of twenty-one volunteers who started to join ston to stop the advance of Santa Anna, but the battle of San Jacinto was fought before they reached that place, and they were ordered to rout some hostile Indians north of the town. Men Mr. Hargraves could remember years after who were in his company, were;

William Clark, ____ Clark, John Coale, ____ Coale, Bill Ashworth, Aaron Ashworth, Tapler Ashworth, Luke Ashworth, Charles Cronier, Elisha Stephenson, Lige Stephenson, Tom Berwick, Batiste Pevito, Dave Harmon, George Medgar, William Beckham, d Garner, Isaac Garner, Jim McCall, John Allen, ____ Allen, Joe Linsicomb, Jake Hays, Jim Jett, ____ Jett, Clark Beach, ____ Powers, Archie Richie, Wash Tevis, Jack Tevis, ____ Williams, Tom Yoakum, Jim Foreman and Ben Johnson, and Jim Courts."

http://www.mykindred.com/wiess/st-o-b/16-Beaumont-in-the-Wars.html#457030
"The Story of Beaumont" on-line

(note: Jim Courts was born 1829; so, he would have been 6 yrs old.
_____________
Lived with John Sparks right after marriage (1850 Census - census date 24 Oct; marriage date, Oct 15), but must not have stayed there very long. They are also listed in 1850 living with James Eaves, a laborer, and his wife Eliza (ages 37), with the Eaves' children, Rachel, 8; Lazil, 5; and Joseph, 2, all from Louisiana except Joseph who was born in Texas. Julia was only 14. Listed as a farmer.
_____________
The marriage of James Courts, son of Thomas and Ann Johnson Court, and Julia Ann Sparks, 13 year old daughter of John Sidney and Melinda Jones Sparks, brought together two of the founding families of lower East Texas. Thomas and Ann, with James as a baby, came to Sabine Pass about 1829/30. The historical marker in Sabine Pass Lion's Club Parks states that our Court Family and another family named McGaffey were here "as early" as 1832. Not only were they in Texas before it became a state, they were here during the time that it was part of Mexico, and in 1836, when it became a Republic in its own right. Our family can truly say we are mutli-generation Texans.

The Sparks arrived in Texas, traveling by covered wagon from Tennessee, in 1838, when Julia Ann was just two. They settled on Pavel's Island first, then came ashore at Sabine Lake and became the first permanent anglo inhabitants of what was called "Aurora", and which eventually became Port Arthur.

The Pioneer Spirit prevailed as both families withstood early life on the Gulf Coast. Yellow Fever, mosquitos, hurricanes and tropical storms, alligators and other wild creatues combined to make life harrowing and an adventure at the same time. Some of those stories will be included in other history items.

James and Julia began their married life in Aurora, and eventually built their own cabin. Julia's brothers, sisters, and some cousins married and remained in the area of Aurora. James' siblings stayed in the area of Sabine Pass and Port Arthur as well, although several moved away after they reached adulthood.

James and Julia had 13 children, most of who have descendents still living here in the Golden Triangle. We have located descendents of the other children as well.

James and Julia are featured in the Museum of the Gulf Coast in the section on "Aurora." Pictures of both of them and several other family members (Sparks) are on display.

_____________________________
Transcript of a land transfer:
James M Court : The State of Texas : 18 April 1856
To Transfer : County of Jefferson : (vol A pg 113-114)
Wm Burgett :

Know All Men by these presents:
That I, James Madison Court, eldest son of Thomas Court, deceased, of Orange County State of Texas for and in consideration of Seventy-Eight dollars paid to me by William Burgett of the County of Jefferson and State of Texas, have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain, sell, and convey unto the said William Burgett all the right, title, and interest which I have and hold in the headright League of Land Granted to Thomas Court, my Father now deceased whch Land is located on the waters of the Palo Pinto a tributary of the Brazos River, my interest being one seventh there being seven children of us of my Father's interest. The said William Burgett to have and to hold said interest in said land hereby conveyed to the said William Burgett his heirs and assigns forever for further description of said Land reference may be had to the field notes and Patent in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal scrawl for seal this 18th day of April A.D. 1856.
In the Presence of Otis McGaffy (Notary Public)
_______________
1869

From: Debbie & Bryan Spurgeon
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 21:40:42
To: Sherry
Subject: Digging at the Orange Library


Hey Sherry,
I went digging at the Orange Library this evening. Actually came up with a book from the SE Texas Historical Society that showed some listings of civil cases filed in Beaumont in 1874/75.

James Courts and other family members were listed in several of them.

The files are in the Sam Houston Regional Library. They are:

File 106 - Case #517
Wesley Garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. James Court - 1869

File 107 -
Wesley garner, administrator of Estate of Holland C.V. Edmondson vs. Lewis King (Lewis was Sarah Ann Court's husband) - 1869

File 108
same as above vs Sam Lee (Sam was married to Julia Ann's sister) -1869

Box 6
File #3 - Case 609
James Courts, C.C. Gientze vs. Charles W. Winn - 1874 - Postal Service (this one has me intriqued)

Case 610 has same infomration as Case 609

File # 51
Case #626
William Allison vs. James M. Court - 1875
______________

1865 listed in Confederate Indigent Families Lists of Texas 1863-1865 by Linda Mearse (avail thru Interlibrary loan)

______________

Civil War vet....he was a marksman in Speight's batallion Company B who served on the war-converted cotton boat steamer "Uncle Ben" and was involved in at least one Sabine Pass battle. (Frank Courts)

1870 Sparks and River Settlement:
res 95/77 val of real estate val of personal estate
Coats, Jim 40 Farmer, b. LA, 400, 2000
Julia, 34 keeping house TN
Mary, 18, at home TX
Clifton 16, mail rider
Nastebenthia 14 at home
William, 12, laborer
Madison 10, at home
Helmer 8, at home
Anne 3, at home
Lisa 8 at home TX

______________

1875 - listed in newspaper that he made a loan at a merchandise store in Beaumont so that he could farm that year and raise crops
______________

1880 census lists himself as wagoning age 50, from LA, father from Eng, mother from Louisiana. Household 211/220, next door to Clifton Court, his son. The children listed still living at home are Helmer, James, Anna, Lillian, Fannie, Emmet, and Viola.
____________

1890s, moved from Aurora upriver to around DuPont area. The family founded what became South Park ISD.
____________

Texas Revolution Page 2 p 9
listed: Courts, Jim Private, Captain Logans 3rd Company M.R. 43
____________

(Note from Kirby Courts:)
James "Jim" was one of the first Pony Express Riders in Texas. He carried mail from Sabine Pass to Harrisburg (Houston), Texas. He was also a farmer and cattleman. During the Texas Battle for Independence in 1836, James was on the muster Roll for Jefferson Co. George Hargraves organized the company. They were known as "Capt. Chessire's Company Volunteers." (Jefferson Co Historical Commission Veterans, Pt 1). The Book "Pioneer Remimscences of Jefferson County" by T.J. Russell, p 34, states in Sabine Pass "Thomas Courts and son, James Courts, were there with John McGaffey at an early day. Both are dead. Several children of James Courts are now in this county."
_________
To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
8/19/98
Court, James M. 02271
Claimant: Court, James M.
Pension Number: 02271
County: Jefferson

Application approved Oct 7, 1899
Q. What is your name? Answer: James M. Courts
Q. What is your age? Answer: 69
Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
Answer: 60 years, Beaumont.
Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate Pension law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No sir
Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one: Answer: Farmer when able
Q. What is your physical condition: Answer: Bad
Q. If your physical condition is such that you are unable by your own labor to earn a support, state what caused such disability. Answer: broken leg, rupture
Q. State in what company and regiment you enlisted in the Confederate army, and the time of your service. Answer: Company "B" Speight's Battalion,
first called Liberman Batal.
Q. State whether or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative, state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you have received. Answer: No sir
Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Five horses, $50.00 value of
them all, bring with on range.
Q. What property, and what was the value thereof have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: none
Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: none
Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of substistence? Answer: Yes sir
Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes sir
Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No sir
Q. Did you ever desert the Confederacy? Answer: No sir
Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of January, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes sir
Wherefore your petitioner prays that his application be approved and that such other proceedings be had in the premises as are required by law.
(Signature of Applicant) J.M. (X) Court
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 day of July A.D. 1899.
George O'Brien
County Judge, Jefferson County, Texas
(Signature of Witness) C. E. Hillebrandt
(Signature of Witness) Pierce (X) Fuige

Affidavit of Physician (abbreviated)
Dr. J.W. Cruse, practicing physician of this County, duly sworn, examined James M. Court and finds him laboring under the following disabilities which render him unable to labor at any work or calling sufficient to earn a support for himself: Broken leg in the ankle, can't use his foot., inguinal hernia which is very severe. Sworn 15 day of Aug 1899

Certificate of County Commissioners: signed 15 Aug 1899
(commissioners signed: A. Jroard (?) Pnct #1; H.T. Bist 2nd Pnct; B.J. Johnson Pnct 3; S. Landrum 4th Pnct)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Ruth McVey, Pierre Fruge (Pierce Fuige) Confederate App was witnessed the day before James', on July 27, and was witnessed by Hillebrandt & James; also Judge O'Brien.
________________________________________
From Frank Courts: I also checked the article on the removal of graves from the private cemetery where Dupont is now located on Port Arthur Road in the 60's. It states that James M. And Julia were both found there and moved to Forest Lawn. It also lists the other graves, 22 in all, including a James F. (as you stated) and a James C. Court as being moved from there. I dont know why your list is different. I have been to Forest Lawn and have seen the moved graves. The remains were grouped under four headstones which say "T. F. Smith Homestead Tract Cemetery" or something similar. Forest Lawn does have the names listed, and Carroll Wallace funeral home has other records of the move, which they coordinated. T. F. Smith was somehow connected with the Sparks, I believe.
________________________________________
From: mac@lcc.net (Ruth A McVey)
To: lumoto@aol.com (Sherry Sharp)
Hi Sherry,
I received this info from a friend who "lives" genealogy and has been very helpful to me. His name is James A. Johnson age 75 who lives in Bellaire but doesn't have a computer. He sent the following:

1850 St. Landry #1996-2361 #455-455

Vigel Frozia 45 Farmer $800 Pers. LA (1850 Fruge 40)
Mary 46 (35) LA
Artimese 14 LA (17 Pierre, 10 Louisa, Artimese 8)
Susan 12 (6) LA
Uzenie 10 (1) LA (Eugene)
Useph 8 LA (Joseph?)
Phitestine 5 LA (Celestine?)
Alzemah 7/12 TX (Azema?)

#456-456

Pier Frozia 23 farm laborer LA (#1996-2361 1850 St Landry age 17)
Elizabeth 17 H.K. LA (b. TX)

Sherry I've written the above just as Mr. Johnson wrote it to me. Hope it's not to confusing. Artemeas/Artimese and Susan were sisters of Pierre but I don't find Denise. Could she have been born later?

I know that my GGF Pierre Frugia (Fruge) married a second time and had a son Lyman Frugia and a dgt. named Goldie. Lyman Frugia, Jr. and his wife Doris Ann live in Vidor and I've written to her twice sending her my data in hopes she would share but she hasn't.

From marriage books for Jefferson County I have Pier Fruge m. Julia Courta 14 Jul 1897 and Pierre Fruge m. Mrs. Lidia Cuniff 31 Aug 1891. I know that my GGF Pierre called his son Pierre "Peter" but I have nothing else. So I don't know who married whom.

You can say I'm still a novice when it comes to genealogy but I'm learning. Do you know if copies of Successions from LA can be ordered by mail? I found several Fruge's listed in Imperial Calcasieu and St. Landry Parish. Also listed were some Hayes. There is a book written by Shirley Burwell of Lake Charles I presume listing all the successions.

Any tips or suggestions are most welcome. Keep in touch.

Ruth

_________________________________

Residence:
according to Historical marker, his father arrived in Sabine Pass in 1832, arriving from the Lavaca Bay region.

Residence:
his sister Sara Court said to be the first white child born in Aurora under the Mexican Flag

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Military:
Name: J M Courts
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company B, Texas 11th Cavalry Battalion.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records
--
Name: J M Courts
Rank at enlistment: Private
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company I, Texas 13th Infantry Regiment.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records



Census:
Residence 77
Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)



Other-Begin:
Court Cause No. 16107
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al

Court Cause No. 18399
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Robert S. Frugia, et al


Court Cause No. 20324
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr. et al
vs.
Coy V. Courts, et al (Sr.)

On this 10th day of August 1961, came on to be heard the application of the plaintiffs in the above entitled and numbered cause for an order of the court showing that the plaintiffs have complied with the judgments previously entered in said cause and further showing that the plaintiffs or their successors in interest are entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the land hereinafter described, as set forth in plaintiff's petition in the above entitled and numbered causes...
(pgs 10-13 of attached pdf)

James* married Julia* Ann Sparks on 15 Oct 1850 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Julia* (daughter of John Sidney* Sparks and Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?)) was born on 13 Oct 1836 in Franklin Co, Tennessee; died on 25 Jan 1925 in Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 26 Jan 1925 in McFaddin, TF Smith Homestead, Forest Lawn Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, 1 blk w of 747 South Grand Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 May 1910, Beaumont (Precinct 6), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1913 and 1925, 1598 Cartright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; D.C.
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 30 Sep 1952, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves
• Other-Begin: 10 Aug 1961, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; court case: Smith graves

Notes:

1910 Julia Courts, age 73; b TN; living w/
514/537 Thomas F. Smith 51 head
Mary E 57 wife TX father TX mother TN
Brewer Belle D - step-dau 26 TX LA TX
Smith James T son 22
Ella V dau 16
Court Julia A mother in law - 73
Sparks William E cousin 59

515/538 Courts Matt E head 49
Mary E wife 49
Coy G son 15
Emma S dau 8
Emmet M bro 34
_____________________
(Notes of Kirby Courts:)
Julia was the daughter of John and Melinda Sparks, who came to Texas from North Carolina in the 1850s. Julia was probably born in Tennessee in about 1836. She lived to be 89 years old and spent most of her life in Jefferson Co, Texas. Shried James M. Court when she was 13 years old. They lived in Sabine Pass, Texas, during their first years of marriage. The older family members state that they remained there until the late 1880s. Severe hurricanes at this time destroyed the settlement on a number of occasions. The family moved to the Nederland-Port Neches area, away from the beach area. They remained there till their deaths and were buried in the old Sparks Cemetry. The cemetery is the present site of the DuPont Chemical plant. In 1952 all the bodies were reburied at Magnolia (sic) Cemetery. -- they were reburied in Forest Lawn

To: archinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
8/19/98
Court, Julia Ann 11498
Claimant: Court, Julia Ann
Pension Number: 11498
County: Jefferson

Approved March 6, 1925
The State of Texas
County of Jefferson

To the Honorable County Judge of Jefferson County, Texas,
Your petition, Mrs. Julia Ann Court, respectfully represents that she is a resident citizen of Jefferson County, in the State of Texas; that she is the widow of Jas M Court, deceased, who was a Confederate soldier (or sailor), and that she ms this application for the purpose of obtaining a pension as the widow of said James M. Court, deceased...
Q. What is your name? Answer: Julia Ann Court
Q. What is your age? Answer: I will be 69 years old October
Q. In what County do you reside? Answer: Jefferson
Q. How long have you resided in said County and what is your post office address?
Answer: About 65 years. P.O. Beaumont, Texas
Q. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension Law heretofore, and been rejected? If so, state when and where. Answer: No.
Q. What is your occupation if able to engage in one? Answer: Have ironed, unable to work Q. What is your physical condition? Answer: Enfebled by age
Q. What was the name of your deceased husband? Answer: James M Court
Q. Were you married to him anterior to March 1, 1866? Answer: I was married to my
husband in 1860 Orange Co, Tex
Q. What was the date of his death? Answer: He died in February 1891
Q. Are you unmarried, and have you so remained unmarried since the death of your said husband for whose services you claim a pension? Answer: Yes.
Q. In what State was your husband's command originally organized?
Answer: in Jefferson Co, Texas
Q. How long did your husband serve? Give date of enlistment and discharge.
Answer: about 4 years. He
enlisted about June 1961.
Q. What was the name or letter of your husband's company and name or number of his regiment? Answer: Don't know letter of Co.
Capt Keith's Co (Griffith?)
Q. State whether he served in the infantry, artillery, cavalry, or the navy.
Answer: infantry
Q. State wither or not you have received any pension or veteran donation land certificate under any previous law, and if you answer in the affirmative state what pension or veteran donation land certificate you hae received. Answer: None at all - my husband
drew a Confederate pension in his life time.
Q. What real and personal property do you now own, and what is the present value of such property? Give list of such property and value. Answer: Don't own any property.
Q. What property, and what was the value thereof, have you sold or conveyed within two years prior to the date of this application? Answer: None
Q. What income, if any, do you receive? Answer: Nothing
Q. Are you in indigent circumstances; that is, are you in actual want, and destitute of property and means of subsistence? Answer: Yes.
Q. Are you unable by your labor to earn a support? Answer: Yes.
Q. Have you transferred to others any property of value of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No.
Q. Did your husband for whose services you claim a pension, ever desert the Confederacy?
Answer: No.
Q. Have you been continuously since the first day of March, 1880, a bona fide resident citizen of this State? Answer: Yes.
(Signature of Applicant) Julia Ann Court
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of August, A.D. 1905
D.P. Wheat, County Judge, Jefferson Co, TX
Affidavit of Witnesses:
B.J. Johnson and R.D. Kent
sworn to 10 October 1905

Certificate of County Judge, D.P. Wheat, issued October 10, 1905.

Affidavit sworn to by C.E. Hillebrandt 10th day Oct, 1905
The State of Texas } Before me D.P.
County of Jefferson } Wheat, County Judge
Jefferson County Texas on this day personally appeared C.E. Hillebrandt known to me, who being by me duly sworn says that he was personally acquainted with James Court who is an applicant for a confederate pension, that he knew James Court for more than 50 years, that he served in the confederate army with James Court in the same company viz Capt. Keith's Company, Speight's Batallion, does not recollect letter of company, but he served with him in the years 1862-1863 when he was transferred to Capt. O'Brien's Company and he remained in Keith's Company where he served until the end of war and was finally discharged. He said that he never deserted and was finally discharged, and he had reputation of being fine soldier. He was in one of the battles of Sabine Pass, can't recollect, which, I know his wife is feeble and in indigent circumstances.
(signed) C.E. Hillebrandt
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 10th day October, 1905.
(signed) D.P. Wheat, County Judge

Certificate of County Commissioners: Issued 13 November 1905.
(commissioners who signed: Mally Eastham, H.F. Bist, B.J. Johnson, S.C. Bigham)

Comptroller's Department, State of Texas, Austin Febry 12, 1906
To the Military Secretary, War Department, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to request the military record of James M. Court who was reported to have enlisted in Company Keith's 15 Regiment, Texas Infantry in the service of the Confederate States army.
Purpose: The widow of the person above named is an applicant for a Confederate pension granted by this State, and I desire to verify his proof of service.
Very respectfully,
J.W. Stephens, Comptroller

from: War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,
Washington,
Feb. 17, 1906
1101576

Respectfully returned to
The Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin,

The name of James Court has not been found on the rolls, on file in this office, of the 15th Regiment Texas Infantry, C.S.A.
The records show, however, that one J.M. Court, private, Captain Keith's Company (B), Spaight's Battalion Texas Infantry, C.S.A. (subsequently designated Keith's Company (I), 13th Texas infantry, C.S.A.), enlisted May 28, 1862, at Sabine. On the company muster roll for May and June, 1863, he is reported absent, detailed on gunboat "Uncle Ben," January 10, 1863; and on the company muster roll for January and February, 1864, the next and last roll on file, he is reported "absent without leave." No record of his capture or parole has been found.
(signed) The Military Secretary
______
Application for Mortuary Warrant:
Submitted by Mrs. Mary E. Smith (daughter) 1598 Cartwright Avenue, P.O. Box 864, Beaumont, Texas, sworn to 11th day of March, 1925, stating she was "person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Julia A. Court, who was a petitioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 11498, and whose original county was Jefferson.
"The said pensioner died in the home of Mrs. Mary E. Smith who was related to the pensioner as Daughter.

Certificate of Undertaker:
C.M. Saunders, undertaker, Beaumont, had charge of body of Julia Ann Court, who died 25 January 1925, Pipkin & Brulin Co, Undertakers.

Certificate of Physician:
Joe Record, M.D., "attended Mrs. Julia Ann Court in her last illness, and am of the opinion that her ailments were gangrenous appendicitis."
______
Death Certificate: (Registered No.: 45)
Mrs. Julia Ann Court 1598 Cartwright, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas Resident 12 years.
Personal:
Female, White, widow
Occupation: None
Date of Birth 13 Oct 1837.
Age: 88 yrs 3 mons, 11 days.
Birthplace: Tenn.
Name of Father: John Sparks, birthplace unknown
Maiden name of Mother: Melinda Jones, birth place Tenn.
Informant: Miss Vivian Smith, Beaumont, Tx.
Medical:
Date of Death: Jan 25, 1925
"I hereby certify that I attended deceased from Jan 21, 1925 to Jan 25, 1925, that I last saw her alive on Jan 25, 1925 and that death occurred on the date stated above at 12:45 pm." The cause of death was: Ruptured Chronic Appendicitis, duon 3 years.
Operation precede death: No.
Autopsy: No
Test confirmed diagnosis: Clinical
Signed: Joe Record, M.D. 1/26/1925
Place of Burial: McFaddin Cemetery 1/26/1925; Undertaker Pipkin & Brulin, Beaumont, Tx.

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
77 Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
Helmer 8 1862 Texas <<<
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee widow
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 SC keeping house widow
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Court T.J. 27 1843 Texas (Thomas Jefferson - bro of James Court)

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah (Sparks) 22 1848 Texas (Dau of Melinda)
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana (Later would marry Mary Ellen Courts
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 Beaumont (District 40), Jefferson Co, Texas

210 Court, William 21 work at saw mill TX - TX
Darinda, 22 wife Texas Georgia Texas
Danie 3 dau TX
Benton 1 son TX


211
J.M. COURT Self M Male W 50 LA Wagoning ENGLAND LA
Julia A. COURT Wife M Female W 43 TN Keeping House NC AL
Helma (Helmer) COURT Son S Male W 18 TX Wagoner LA TN
James COURT Son S Male W 15 TX At Home LA TN
Annie COURT Dau S Female W 12 TX At Home LA TN
Lillian COURT Dau S Female W 8 TX At Home LA TN
Fannie COURT Dau S Female W 5 TX At Home LA TN
Emmet COURT Son S Male W 3 TX At Home LA TN
Viola COURT Dau S Female W 11M TX At Home LA TN

213
Court, Clifton 25 1855 raftsman TX LA TN
Fannie 26 1854 TX TN TN
Ella M. 3 1877 TX


(Peter Stockholm & Pierre Frugia in this community. No Sparks or Blocks or Burrrells. Must be Beaumont proper.)


Residence:
Court, Edgar B., wks United Lbr & Export Co, h. James F. Court.
Court, Emmett, wks United Lbr & Export Co., r. 1 blk w of same.
Court, Homer, wks United Lbr & Export Co. h. James F. Court
Court, H. Clifton, watchman mill, A, Kirby Lumber Co., r 747 South Grand ave, Cartwright add. 8
Court, James F., wks United Lbr & Export Co., r 1 blk w of same. 4
Court, Julia A. (wid James), h. Emmett Court
Court, S. Helmer, carp r 350 Jackson ave, 5
(five children - Bea, age 8; Hal age 6; Gladys age 3; abt 2; Lillian born 22 Jan 1904)

Census:
(Near McFaddin)
residence 537
Smith, Thomas F. 51 1859 Texas USA USA m1 23 yrs farmer truck and corn
Mary E. wife 57 57 1853 Texas m2 7 births 6 living
Brewer, Bella D. stepdaughter 26 1884 single
Smith, James T. son 22 1888 Texas laborer oil fields
Smith Ella V. daughter 16 1894 Texas
Courts Julia A. mother-in-law 73 1837 widow TN USA USA
Sparks, William E. cousin 59 1851 single Texas Texas Texas
laborer truck farm

residence 538
Courts Matte E. 49 1861 Texas Texas Texas m2 21 yrs farmer truck farm
Mary E. wife 49 1861 m2 10 births 8 living Texas NY Texas
Coy G. son 16 1894 Texas
Emma S. daughter 8 1902 Texas
Emmet M. brother 34 1876 single Texas Texas Texas farmer truck farm


Other-Begin:
Court Cause No. 16107
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Unknown Heirs of Caroline Sparks, et al

Court Cause No. 18399
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr., et al
vs
Robert S. Frugia, et al

Court Cause No. 20324
W.P.H. McFaddin, Jr. et al
vs.
Coy V. Courts, et al (Sr.)

On this 10th day of August 1961, came on to be heard the application of the plaintiffs in the above entitled and numbered cause for an order of the court showing that the plaintiffs have complied with the judgments previously entered in said cause and further showing that the plaintiffs or their successors in interest are entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the land hereinafter described, as set forth in plaintiff's petition in the above entitled and numbered causes...
(pgs 10-13 of attached pdf)


Buried:
d.c. widowed, res 1598 Cartwright
residence there 12 yrs.
88 yr. 3 mos 11 days
birthplace, TN, Father: John Sparks, birthplace unk;
mother Melinda Jones, birthplace, Tenn.
cause of death, ruptured chronic appendicitis
died at 12:45 p.m.
informant, Miss Vivian Smith


Died:
Mrs. Julia Ann Court.

Funeral services for Julia Ann (Sparks) Court, 88, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Smith, 1598 Cartwright, at 12:45 p.m. Sunday. Services were held at the late residence at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. J. W. Goodwin of the Roberts Avenue Methodist church officiating. Burial was in McFaddin cemetery at Port Arthur under direction of Pipkin & Burlin Company. (Note - Should have been called Sparks Cemetery as it was a Sparks Cemetery first) Mrs. Court was a pioneer Beaumonter, and had lived here 86 years. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Messie Brewton of Beaumont and Mrs. Jane Lee of Port Neches; one brother, W. C. Sparks Beaumont; three daughter Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. J. L Sparks and Mrs. Annie Willis all of Beaumont, and 57 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

I'm sure Solomon Sparks and a number of other kinfolks or buried in the Sparks's Cemetery. Do not know for sure when the Sparks's Cemetery was closed.
(cemetery was exhumed and moved to Forest Lawn, see Cemeteries section)

shared by James Willis Sparks29 -- author?

Notes:

Married:
Name: James Courts
Marriage Date: 15 Oct 1850

Spouse: Julia Ann Sparks

Marriage County: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: County Court Records - FHL microfilm # 1311466


license 12th day of October 1850 by I.K. Robertsosn, county clerk
marriage 15th day of October 1850 by William Chisholm, Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 5.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 28 May 1840, Usedom, Prussia
• Immigration: 13 Jun 1850, "Bark Neptune," Bremen, Germany; Galveston
• Census: 2 Nov 1850, Tyler Co, Texas
• Census: 18 Dec 1850, Jasper, Jasper Co, Texas
• Census: 13 Jul 1860, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Military: 14 May 1862, Civil War - Company B (achieved corporal)
• Census: 1870, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; ag census
• Residence: 1870, Smith's Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; near Central Gardens Addition
• Census: 24 Jun 1870, River Settlement (Port Neches), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Other-Begin: 12 Oct 1886, Hurricane of 1886, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jun 1900, Jefferson Co (Precinct 2), Texas
• Will: 27 Sep 1902, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; written
• Residence: Bef 1904, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1904, Central Gardens Addition, Nederland, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Carl Friedrich August Gentzen

~~ Born Usedom, Germany (Prussia), migrated to US 13 June 1850 on BARK NEPTUNE with parents, George Christian and Charlotte Gentz. Listed on the passenger list with the name of Carl Friedrick, age 10.

1850 Chambers Co census - taken Dec 18th. (Yellowed Pages Vol 7) Shows Charles, age 10, and Ferninana, male, age 6, as "residence 190." "Residence 189" is William Maass, age 30, farmer from Prussia, Charlotte, age 23 from Prussia, Celina, age 4, born in Louisiana, and Alvina, age 1, born in Texas.

Enlisted Civil War 6/14/1862. Served Co E, 11th (Spaight's) Batt'n. Promoted to cprl c. late 1863. AWOL 9/29/1864.

Married after he was discharged from the Confederate Army, They farmed in the area now known as Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland.

1870 Census (taken 16 June 1870), lived in River Settlement (Post Office - Bmt) , town of Sabine Pass, Pct 3. Prussian (German) families comprised about 54 of the 65-70 residents of 1870. Charles was listed in the 1870 Grigsby's Bluff agricultural census with 160 acres worth $160. He and his brothers also had sugar mills on their farms, producing 200 gallons each in 1879. Fred Gentz farmed 20 acres worth $150; Sam Lee, 80 acres worth $500; James Sparks, 160 acres, $500. Along with three other farmers, they produced 1.700 bushels of corn, 420 bushles of sweet potatoes, 250 gallons of syrup, and Lee grew 4 1/2 bales of cotton. Three of the six owned 210 bearing peach trees, while two others had already picked 170 bushels of peaches. The same six owned 416 range cattle, 145 horses, 245 hogs, and 13 oxen. (ag census 1880) William Gentz was counted in the Smith and Grigsby's ag census with 200 acres worth $500.

1880 census: Charles C. Gantz, 40 farmer, born in Germany, parents in Germany
Matilda - 30, born in TX, parents in LA
C. (male) 12 son, TX
Mary 11 dau, TX
Lena 9, dau, TX
Edna 6, dau, TX
Claudie 3, dau, TX
James Hays 50, father-in-law
(next door to Urian Johnson)

They eventually left Sabine Pass when the hurricanes ran them out and settled on a farm sough of the present-day Dupont Chemical Co. In 1900, the Charles Gentz household was No. 207 in the county census, with five minor children living in the family. Gentz died in 1904, and both he and his wife are buried in Magnolia Cemetery. (Pipkin & Brulin Funeral Home)

NOTE: Other Gentz not placed:
Alfred W; tank bldr Mag Pet Co 1923
Fred (Lizzie) 572 Corley Ave
Thos E (Lillian) fireman Mag Pet 285 Elgie

Immigration:
92 Johann Knickkel 61 M Farmer Lassan
93 Louise Knickkel 50 F
94 Ferdinand Knickkel 26 M
95* Ernst Knickkel 24 F
96* Friedr. Hillert 27 M Carpenter Stellin
97* Friedr. Koch 48 M Farmer Lassan
98 Augusto Koch 34 M
99 Augusto Koch 12 M
100* Cristine Koch 8 M
101 Alwine Koch 6 M
102 Frederich Koch 5 M
103 Peter Koch 2 M
104* Christian Koch 9m M
105* Christo Gentz 56 M Farmer Usedam
106 Charlotte Gentz 54 F
107 Fredinke Gentz 17 F
108* Alwine Gentz 12 M
109* Johann Gentz 12 M
110* Carl Friedr Gentz 10 M
111 Carl Ferdin Gentz 6 M


Census:
must have moved to his sisters in Jasper shortly after census taken in Tyler. Was counted in both places.


2 Nov 1850 Tyler County
res 118/118
A Knuppel 28 28 Germany Farmer
John Knupple 61 Germany
Louisa 57 Germany
Ernest 24 Germany

res 119/119
Chas Maass 40 Germany Farmer
Mary 25 Germany
Eliza Deurand 38
Henry Durand 6 PA
M Prieto 37

res 120/120
Chas D Maass 66 Germany Carpenter
Mary Maass 62 Germany

res 121/121
Fred Koch 49 Germany Farmer
Augusta 35 Germany
Augusto 13 Germany
Amistine 8 Germany
Alvena 7 Germany
Fred 5 Germany
Peter 3 Germany
Reinholt 1 Germany
Charles 2/12 TX

res 122/122
Christian Gentz 55 Germany Farmer
Charlotte 50 Germany
William 13 Germany
Charles 11 Germany
Ferdinand 5 Germany


Census:
Living with his sister Charlotte, and her husband, along with his brother Ferdinand. parents and other siblings are in Tyler Co, Texas, and sister Frederica is in Jefferson Co, Texas

Census:
Residence 392
Behlke Frederick 64 1796 Germany
Behlke Menah 36 1824 Germany
Behlke Henry 14 1846 Germany
Behlke Menah 10 1850 Germany

Residence 393
Gantz Christian 66 1794 Germany
Gantz Charlotte 62 1798 Germany
Gantz William 22 1838 Germany
Gantz Charles 20 1840 Germany
Gantz Ferdinand 16 1844 Germany

Residence 394
Beaumont John 53 1807 Pennsylvania
Frederica 26 1834 Germany
Josephine 17 1843 Texas

Residence 394
Beaumont Jacob 23 1837 Pennsylvania
Beaumont Luiza 6 1854 Texas
Beaumont Hellen 4 1856 Texas
Beaumont James A 3 1857 Texas
Beaumont John C 1 1859 Texas

Military:
Name: Charles C Gentz
Rank at enlistment: Corporal
State Served: Texas
Service Record: Enlisted in Company E, Texas 11th Cavalry Battalion.

Sources: Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records



Census:
Listed in Grigsby Bluff Agriculture census

Residence:
Another family (res. 112, 1870 census) were Charles and Matilda Gentz (of Prussia), who married after Gentz discharge from the Confederate Army, and who farmed in the vicinity of present-day Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland. Another partly German family at Smith's Bluff in 1870 (res. 115) was B. Stewart, whose wife was the former Wilhelmina Wiltz, born in Germany. As late as 1900, there were still children from those early German families, who were attending school in Nederland, as follows: Frank, Margaret, Gelder, and Ida Gentz; and John, May, and Emma Staffen.[19]
(W.T. Block)

Census:
residence 87
Block, G.F. 66 1804 Prussia
Augusta 53 1817 Prussia
Leopold 23 1847 Prussia
Adolph 21 1849 Texas
August 18 1852 Texas
Joseph 16 1854 Texas

residence 88
Block, G.L. 26 1844 Prussia
Jane 23 1847 Louisiana
Myrta 4 1866 Louisiana
Ihmer 2 1868 Louisiana
Westly 7/12 1869 Texas

residence 90:
Gtz Charles 30 1840 farmer
Matilda 20 1850
Christopher 3 1867
Mary E. 1 1869
Charlotte 62 boarding Prussia

Block, Wm 35 1835 Prussia
Mary 28 1842 Indiana
George 11 1859 Texas
Flora 6 1864 Texas
John 5 1865 Louisiana
Edward 2 1868 Texas



Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

51
Wm Allen 78 1802 farmer Germany Germany
Ann (prev Mrs. Gibson) 40 1840 Texas Louisiana Louisiana
Emma 11 1869 Texas
Bettie 8 1872 Texas
Nettie 2 1878 Texas


52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX Louisiana Louisiana
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son


Census:
Gentz Chas Mar 1843 57 married 36 yrs, Germany Germany Germany - can read, write, speak English Farmer
own, farm, 3 acres
Matilda Dec 1849 50 10 births, 10 living Texas Louisiana Texas
Chas Dec 1881 18 Texas farm laborer
Frank July 1887 12 farm laborer
Maggie Oct 1884 15
Gilder Sep 1889 10
Flavia Jun 1893 6

Will:
will:
The State of Texas:
County of Jefferson:
In the Name of God, Amen,
Know all men by these presents, that I, Charles Christopher Gentz, of the County of Jefferson and State of Texas, being in good health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of life, and being irous of setting my worldly affairs and directing how the estate with which it has pleased God to bless me, shall be disposed of after my decease, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First,
I direct that all my just debts, together with funeral expenses, shall be paid, and that the legacies hereafter given shall after the payment of my debts, be paid out of my estate.
Second,
I give, bequeath and grant to each of my beloved children, to-wit: Christopher Gentz, Mary Cline, wife of Ed Cline, Lena Courts, wife of Clifton Courts, Claude Courts, wife of Helmer Courts, Edde Gray, wife of Hugh Gray, Charlie Gentz, Maggie ntz, Franklin Gentz, Gilder Gentz, and Flavian Gentz, the sum of Ten ($10.00) Dollars, to be paid to each of them in cash as soon after my decease as conveniently may be done.
Third,
I give, bequeath and grant unto my beloved wife, Matilda Gentz, all the remainder and residue of my property, real, personal and mixed, including my house hold furniture, cattle, notes, accounts, and cash whersoever found. The real estate I eby give, bequeath and grant to her is situated in Jefferson County, State of Texas, designated as follows, to-wit: One hundred and seventy seven (177) acres on which I now live, known as the McFadden ranch, located about nine miles South East of Beaumont; all one Block in the Cartwright Addition to the City of Beaumont, known as the C.C. Gentz homestead; three lots in Neches River Park Addition, known as lots Nos. 13, 14, and 15, in Block No. Nine (9), Neches River Park Addition to the City of Beaumont.
Fourth,
It is my further wish, desire and will, that after the death of my beloved wife and myself, that whatever property remains it shall be sold and the proceeds divided equeally between our beloved children.
Fifth,
I hereby make, constitute and appoint my beloved wife, Matilda Gentz, my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament without bond, and desire that no Court proceedings be had upon my estate save and except the probating and proving of s will.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the 27th day of Sept A.D. 1902, in the presence of R.G. Dawson and P.A. Dowlen, who attest the same at my request.
C.C. Gentz
We at the request of the testator and in his presence, and the presence of each other, sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.
(signed R.G. Dawson and P.A. Dowlen)
(Notarized by R.A.Dowlen 27 Sept 1902.)
(typed on stationery of R.A.Dowlen, Attorney at Law)

Inventory:
No. 487
Estate of C.C. Gentz, Deceased * In the matter of probating the will,
* upon the application of Matilda Gentz.

Inventory and appraisement of the estate of C.C. Gentz, deceased, produced before the undersigned appraisers on the 27th day of April, A.D. 1905, by Matilda Gentz, executrix of the estate of said C.C. Gentz, deceased.
Separate property of the said C.C. Gentz, Deceased:
None
Community Property, as follows, to wit:
Real Estate
106-1/10 acres, O'Montee survey, Abst. No.
177 $2,000.00
43-8/10 acres, A.J. Stewart survey, Abst. No. 399 500.00
22-42/100 acres, W.W. Carroll survey, Abst. No. 13 400.00
22-42/100 acres, Wm. McFaddin survey, Abst. No. 166 100.00
All said land situated in Jefferson County, Texas
Personal Property:
8 head gentle cattle 80.00
2 mules and one wagon 110.00
Total Value............................................3190.00

We the undersigned appraisers, solemnly swear that the foregoing is a full and fair appraisement of the estate of C.C. Gentz, deceased, produced before us by Matilda Gentz, executrix.
(signed Jean Pipkin and C.C. Bulgies (?)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of April, A.D., 1905.
(signed Hal G. Land, Co Clerk Jefferson Co, Texas
By T.J. Coplin, Deputy.


Residence:
Gentz Chris cattleman rms 2946 Procter Model

Residence:
They farmed in the vicinity of present-day Central Gardens Addition, north of Nederland.


Died:
Headlines date of death:
Beaumont Enterprise: Demands Explanation and Prepares for War. Russians must wait for Admiral's Report.

Beaumont Journal: Emperor Nicholas makes unsatisfactory apology.

Beaumont Daily Journal Wednesday, 26 October 1904 Beaumont, Texas

DEATH OF CHAS. GENTZ

Will Be Laid to Rest in This City This Afternoon

Chas. Gentz, an old and respected citizen and rice farmer living about nine miles from the city on the Kansas City Southern railroad between this city and Port Arthur, died yesterday evening from a protracted illness. Undertaker A. E. Brulins called to take charge of the body and the remains will be laid to rest this afternoon in Magnolia cemetery, the funeral occurring from the Pipkin & Brulin undertaking parlors. Mr. Gentz was about 60 years of age and leaves a wife and several grown children. (10/26/04 p 2, Col 4 Bmt Journal)

Charles* married Matilda* Hayes on 18 Sep 1865 in Jefferson Co, Texas. Matilda* (daughter of James* H. Hayes, Jr and Emily* Burrell) was born on 17 Dec 1849 in Taylor Bayou Settlement, Labelle, Jefferson Co, Texas; died on 17 Sep 1930 in Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried on 18 Sep 1930 in Magnolia Cem, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Jun 1870, River Settlement (Port Neches), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jun 1900, Port Arthur (Precinct 2), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1910, 1227 Houston Ave, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 20 Apr 1910, Port Arthur, Ward 2, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 3 Jan 1920, Port Arthur (Ward 3), Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Mother Emily died sometime before 1860, the children were taken in by other family members, at least at the time of the Census, which was on July 11th. . Matilda was 10; and she

1860 Census: Listed age 10, living with Jacob Garner & Matilda Hayes, her aunt, sister to her father.
Housekeeper, 1870, Sabine Pass River Settlement, boarded with Charles Gentz.

Moved to Port Arthur 1895
Member of Methodist church

Gantz, Matilda 45870
Claimant: Gantz, Matilda
Pension Number: 45870
County: Jefferson

Widow's Application for a Pension: Filed Jul 13, 1929; Approved July 22, 1929; Pension allowed from June 1st, 1929.
She stated she is the widow of Chas. C. Gentz, who passed away 25 Oct 1906 [sic] and was married to him on 18 September 1863 (sic] in Jefferson Co.
1. What is your age and date of birth? Answer: 79 years old. Dec 17th.
2. Where were you born? Answer: Dec 17th, 1850
3. How long have you resided in the State of Texas? Answer: 79 years.
4. How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? Answer: 79 years.
5. What is your postoffice address? Answer: 2001-16th Street, Port Arthur, Texas
6. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension law and been rejected?
Answer: No
7. Did your husband draw a pension? Answer: No
8. Give, if possible, the postoffice address of your deceased husband at the time of his enlistment. Answer: Sabine Pass, Texas
9. What is your husband's full name? Answer: Charles Christopher Gentz
10. In what State was your husband's command originally organized? Answer: Texas
11. How long did your husband serve? Answer: 3 years & 10 months. If known to to you, give date of enlistment and discharge. Answer: Later part of 1861.
12. What was the name or letter of the company or number of the regiment in which your husband served? Answer: Co. E & Consolidation with Co. B
13. Name branch of service in which your husband sesrved, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery, or the navy, or if commissioned as an officer by the President, his rank and line of duty, or if detailed for special service, under the law of conscription, the nature of such service, and time of service. Answer: Infantry about 3 years & 10 months
14. Do you own any property other than that rendered for taxes in your county? If so, state value of same and county where located Answer: Own no property
15. Have you transferred to another any property of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? Answer: No
(Signature of applicant) Matilda (X) Gantz
Sworn to and subscribed - 8 July 1929, County Judge

Affidavit of Witnesses:
swearing they know Matilda Gentz and that she is the widow of Chas. C. Gentz and that she has not remarried, that she has been a bona fide resident citizen of the state of Texas.
Jacob Gallier and Mrs. Floy Guidry. Signed 8 July 1929

Certificate of State and County Assessor
I, A. L. Leonard, State and County Assessor in the Count of Jefferson, State of Texas, do certify that Mrs. Matilda Gentz whose name is signed to the foregoing application for a pension is charged on the tax rolls of said county with a homestd of the value of "nothing" Dollars, and, in addition to homestead, of other property, real or personal, or both, of the value of "nothing' Dollars.
Given under my hand, this 8 day of July, A.D. 1929.
(signed) A.L. Leonard, State and County Assessor
By Chas L. King, Dep.

from: Comtroller's Department, State of Texas, Austin
July 13, 1929
to: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to request the Military record of Charles C. Gantz, who is reported to have enlisted in Company "E" and later consolidated with Company "B" Texas infantry.
In service in the Confederate States Army.
Very respectfully,
(signed) S.H. Terrell, Comptroller of State of Texas.

from War Department, the Adjutant General's Office, Washington
July 18, 1929
to: Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin, Texas.
The records show that Charles C. Gentz, not found as Charles C. Gantz, Private, Company E, 11 (Spaight's) Battalion Texas Volunteers (Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry), Confederate States Army, enlisted May 14, 1862, at Beaumont for the perf the war. This battalion was broken up November 20, 1864, when Artillery Company B was assigned to the 13th Regiment Texas Infantry as Company I and the other companies assigned to the 21st Regiment Texas Infantry.
Muster Roll of January and February, 1864, last on file, shows him present, a corporal. On the Regimental Return of te organization for the month of September, 1864, one Corporal Gentz is shown absent without leave, September 29, 1864.
No later record has been found.
(signed) C.H. Bridges, Major General
The Adjutant General


Census:
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer <<
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


Census:
11 Jul 1860 Sabine Pass (Precinct 5) page 60
Residence 355
Heminway Edward P 1808 Massachusetts engineer
Heminway Mary N 43 1817 Massachusetts
Heminway Sarah L 15 1845 South Carolina
Heminway William H 10 1850 Texas
Heminway Franklin T 7 1853 Texas
Heminway Charles A 4 1856 Texas
Heminway Eustace 1 1859 Texas

Residence 356
Stockholmn Peter D 45 1815 New York pilot steamboat 2500, 300
Stockholmn Mary 27 1833 Louisiana
Stockholmn William 12 1848 Texas
Stockholmn Elisabeth 10 1850 Texas
Stockholmn Peter D 8 1852 Texas
Stockholmn George W 5 1855 Texas
Stockholmn Mary E 6/12 1859 Texas
Miller Wm 25 1835 New York carpenter
Keith Ellen 15 1845 Texas student

Residence 357
Mass William 40 1820 Germany farmer 1,000; 2,000
Mass Charlottie 27 1833 Germany
Mass Sellenah 13 1847 Louisiana
Mass Almina 11 1849 F Texas
Mass Charles 8 1852 Texas
Mass Henry 6 1854 Me Texas
Mass Roadolph 4 1856 Texas
Mass Martha 2 1858 Texas
Mass Jessee 11/12 1859 Texas } twins
Mass Sarah 11/12 1859 Texas }
Cha Patrick 18 1842 Ireland laborer

Residence 358
Mccall James 29 1831 Illinois laborer 400; 1,000
Mccall Anny 20 1840 Texas
Mccall Theresah 3 1857 Texas
Mccall Jacob 1 1859 Texas
Hayes Nancy 8 1852 Texas <
Johnson John 17 1843 Louisiana laborer

Residence 359
Garner Jacob 46 1814 Louisiana farmer 3,000; 4,000
Garner Matilda 43 1817 Louisiana
Garner Mary A 15 1845 Texas
Garner Leonard 13 1847 Texas
Garner Sally A 10 1850 Texas
Garner Millon 7 1853 Texas
Garner Alliee 5 1855 Texas

next page, Page 61
residence 359 cont.
Garner, Bradley 10/12 1859 Texas
Hayes, Matilda* 10 1850 Texas <


residence 361
McCall John 27 1833 Illinois laborer 200; 1,000
Hayes, Alzina 12 1848 Texas <
Hayes, Mary 6 1854 Texas <
Gallier, Mary* 64 1796 Louisiana midwife

residence 362
Robert Gibson 30 steam boating England 200
Ann 18 Louisiana
Jesse E. 8/12 Texas

residence: 363
Morgan, Alvin 21 1839 Louisiana stock minder
Eliza 17 1843 Texas
Almond 2 1858
Leonard 3/12 1860
Myers, Malissa 15 1845 Texas spinster
Gallier, Frances 65 1795 Louisiana laborer

residence 364
Johnson, Benjamin 1815 Louisiana farmer 200
Bradley 20 1840 Texas laborer 600; 6,000
John 17 1843 Texas
Uriah 14 1846 Texas
Joseph 13 1847 Texas
Benjamin 11 1849 Texas
Isaac 9 1851 Texas
Elizabeth 7 1853 Texas
Rachel 5 1855 Texas
Myers, Matilda 28 1832 Louisiana
White, George 25 1835 Louisiana laborer

residence 365
McGaffey, Neal Jr. 22 farmer 5690; 1,000
Rachel J. 17
John W. 1/12
Sarah McGaffey 57 "lady of Leashure" 2,000; 5,400 Louisiana


Census:
residence 87
Block, G.F. 66 1804 Prussia
Augusta 53 1817 Prussia
Leopold 23 1847 Prussia
Adolph 21 1849 Texas
August 18 1852 Texas
Joseph 16 1854 Texas

residence 88
Block, G.L. 26 1844 Prussia
Jane 23 1847 Louisiana
Myrta 4 1866 Louisiana
Ihmer 2 1868 Louisiana
Westly 7/12 1869 Texas

residence 90:
Gtz Charles 30 1840 farmer
Matilda 20 1850
Christopher 3 1867
Mary E. 1 1869
Charlotte 62 boarding Prussia

Block, Wm 35 1835 Prussia
Mary 28 1842 Indiana
George 11 1859 Texas
Flora 6 1864 Texas
John 5 1865 Louisiana
Edward 2 1868 Texas


Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX <<<<
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son



Census:
Gentz Chas Mar 1843 57 married 36 yrs, Germany Germany Germany - can read, write, speak English Farmer
own, farm, 3 acres
Matilda Dec 1849 50 10 births, 10 living Texas Louisiana Texas
Chas Dec 1881 18 Texas farm laborer
Frank July 1887 12 farm laborer
Maggie Oct 1884 15
Gilder Sep 1889 10
Flavia Jun 1893 6

Census:
residence 145
1227 Houston Avenue, Port Arthur
Matilda Gentz 58 1852 widow 12 births 9 living Texas Texas Texas own income owns home, free a house
Frank Gentz 22 1888 Texas Texas Texas stockman, ranch
Maggie Gentz 24 dau 1886 M1 m 7 yrs, 2 births 2 living Texas Texas servant boarding
Liller Gentz 20 son 1890 Texas Texas stockman ranch
Leavie Gentz 16 dau 1894 Texas Texas
William Manovich 6 grandson 6 1904 Texas USA Texas
Frank Manovich 3 grandson 3 1907 Texas USA Texas
Charles Garity 28 son 1882 M1 1 yr Texas Texas Texas stockman
Mary Garity 25 1885 dau Texas M1 1 yr 0 births 0 living Tennessee Texas
Charles Rogers 22 lodger 22 1888 Louisiana house carpenter


Census:
250 Shreveport Avenue, Port Arthur
Henry Hill 33 1887 Texas Germany Germany manager tool house, oil co.
Flay 26 1894 Texas
Dorothy M. dau 3 1917 Texas
Gentz, Matilda mother-in-law 69 1851 widowed, Texas Texas Texas
Saffer, Vick, roomer male white 28 1892 divorced, Texas Texas Texas


Died:
Name: Matilda Gantz
Death Date: 16 Sep 1930
Death County: Jefferson
Certificate: 44913

At time of death, living with daughter, Mrs. J.D. Guidry, 2001-16th St., Port Arthur.
Time of death 4:30 a.m.

Headlines date of death: Journal: Boulder Dam Work starts. Ceremony is staged in Nevada.

Beaumont Enterprise
Wednesday, 17 September 1930 (p 2, col 5)

Mrs. Matilda Gantz

PORT ARTHUR, Texas, Sept. 16--Mrs. Matilda Gantz, 80, widow of one of Dick Dowling's 40 fighting Irishmen who turned back a federal fleet which attempted to invade Texas at Sabine Pass during the Civil War, died at 4:30 o'clock this morning ahe residence of a daughter, Mrs. J.D. Guidry, 2001 Sixteenth Street, after a six months' illness. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Guidry home. Rev. Glenn Flinn, pastor of the First Methodist church, south, will officiate. Burial will be in Magnolia cemetery in Beaumont, under direction of J.E. Grammier, mortician.
Mrs. Gantz had lived in Port Arthur for 45 years and had spent all her life in Jefferson county. Her husband served in the Civil war under Captain O'Brian. Two men were killed on each side of him in the Sabine Pass battle but he came out ofe entire Civil War without a scratch. He died in 1904.
Surviving Mrs. Gantz who was a member of the Methodist church, are three sons, Chris and Frank Gantz of Fannett and Gilder Gantz of Nederland; three daughters, Mrs. Guidry of Port Arthur, Mrs. Lena Court of Beaumont and Mrs. W. O. Minshew of t Arthur: 31 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Notes:
The Port Arthur News lists the pall-bearers as O. W. Kieth, A. M. Grayson, H. W. Hied, W. D. Smith, Glenn Lawrence and A. D. McDonald.

There is no mention of the war stories in Charles C. Gentz's obituary, nor did I find him in a list of the "40 Fighting Irishmen." This isn't to say that he wasn't there; he probably was. Still, the omissions seem . . . curious.
_____
Application for Mortuary Warrant:
Mrs. J.D. Guidry states "do hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Matilda Gantz, who was a pensioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 45870 and we original county was Jefferson, stated she died on 16 September 1930 in the town of Port Arthur, in the home of Mrs. J.D. Guidry, daughter, address 2001-16th Street, Port Arthur.

Statement of Undertaker:
J.E. Grammier, Port Arthur, undertaker.

Certificate of Physician:
J. Milton White, states that he attended Mrs. Matilda Gantz in his last illness and am of the opinion that his ailments were mitral regurgation (illegible) broken "confusolen"
________________________________
Death Certificate: (Registrar's No. 220) (stamped 44913 and 42210)
Matilda Gantz, 2001 16th St. Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
(Length at Residence: ____)
Personal:
Female, white, widow
Occupation: Retired
Date of Birth Dec 17 1850
Age: 79 yrs 8 mons, 30 days.
Birthplace: Sabine, Texas
Name of Father: Jim Hayes, birthplace Texas
Maiden name of Mother: Emily Burl, birthplace, Texas
Informant: Mrs. J.D. Guidry 2001 16th Street.
Medical:
Date of Death: Sept 16, 1930
"I hereby certify that I attended the deceased from Aug 1929 to Sept 16, 1930, that I last saw her on Sept 14, 1930 and that death occurred on the date stated above at 4:30 a.m.
The cause of death was: Mitral Regurgation, broken (illegible) "confibration"
Duration: 6 yrs
Operation precede death:
Autopsy: No
What test confirmed diagnosis: Physical examination
Signed: J. Milton White, M.D.
Place of Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, Sept 18, 1930; Undertaker J.E. Grammier, Port Arthur.
__________________________________________________

Notes:

Married:
Name: Charles Gentz
Marriage Date: 18 Sep 1865

Spouse: Matilda Hayes

Marriage County: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas

Source: Texas Marriages, 1814-1909

license recorded 11th Sep by H.E. Simpson, county clerk.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1826, "Delas," sailed from Liverpool, England to New Orleans
• Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay region, Texas
• Residence: 1832, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
• Property: 13 Apr 1838, Palo Pinto Co, Texas
• Property: Bef 1 May 1838, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Moved to Texas in 1829 according to 1850 Jefferson Co, Census.

Edmond Speer - Jul 19, 2001 View | Viewers | Reply to this item
I just returned from a trip to North Texas where Kittie and I made a jog over to the head waters of the Palo Pinto river, where, as I take it , Thomas Courts was given a section of land by the Texas government somewhere around 1838. He then sold it shortly after his death, around 1852. Acording to historical markers, Anglo settlers did not arrive untill around the 1850s. When we get upstairs some day we are going to have to talk to him about this, because it is a beautiful place. There is a large power plant setting at the head of the river, and some very nice homes thru that area. The sceanery was great and peaceful.
Judy Armstrong had a plat of the exact location of this property. I will try to obtain a copy of it from her husband or sister next time I get to Beaumont.

__________
Birth estimated by Kirby's account that his father said Thomas was an "old man" when he drowned. A conflicting story of his drowning is that rather than returning to England for possessions, he had a boat that he hauled timber with and subsequently drowned in Galveston Bay. According to this account, he and James Madison and his other sons were raftsmen and hauled timber a good portion of their lives. Henry Clifton, a grandson, hauled timber till he was 76 years old. James Cole, son of Henry, also worked timber until 1932 when the industry shut down.
__________
(notes of Kirby Courts:)
These facts are known about Thomas Court. He was in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, in 1828; a marriage certificate for he and Anna Johnson are recorded.
Thomas and Anna came to Texas in 1828 or 1829; he is listed in the Book "1830 Citizens of Texas" by Gifford White. This book was a census of the 6,500 pre-Revolutionary Texans. Thomas was the 162nd applicant for a land grant from Steven Ftin in 1829. It was granted in 1838. The grant was for one league 4,428.4 acres plus 177.1 acres in Jefferson County, Texas. "1840 Citizens of Texas Land Grants Vol 3."
The Jefferson Co Clerk's Report for 1838 lists Thomas Court as a pioneer in Jefferson Co. Thomas never shows up on a census report taken in 1840 or 1850. His last child, Paul Phelan, was born in March 1846. Thomas probably died before thsus of 1850. This assumption is made due to Anna being wed to Enos Burrows in October 1851 (Jefferson Co Marriage Book Pg 6).
Where did Thomas Court come from? In the census of Colonial America, they list: John Court, Maryland Colony in 1642; John Court, Dobbs Co, North Carolina in 1769; M. Court, Somerset Co, New Jersey in 1778; W. Court, Somerset Co, New Jern 1780. Could he be a soldier of the English Military that fought against Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812? This battle was fought two weeks after England had surrendered to the U.S. The soldiers were released after this battle. Did he stay in America?
In going through the census reports for the U.S., I have found hundreds of Court and Courts listed in every state of the Union. They are listed in all possessions of the British Empire. At this point I can go no further than I have with s Court. My gut feeling is he was from the Eastern part of the U.S.
________
"A History of Jefferson County, Texas from Wilderness to Reconstruction" by
W.T. Block ( a SIGNED copy, no less!), 1976

pg 22 -
After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.55 In 1835, McGaffey applied for a land grant at Sabine, but, shortly after Dr. John A. Veatch completed the league's survey in November, 1835, the Nacogdoches land office closed. There is no record of other settlers at Sabine Pass until Benjamin Johnson and Jacob H. Garner, McGaffey's brothers-in-law, moved there in April 1838.56
"http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txjeffer/history/Block/Jefferson_County_History/Chapter05.htm

Has a note that this came from "History of the Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by WT Block

pg 25 - "In her 'Story of Beaumont', Florence Stratton stated that Captain George W. Hargraves commanded a militia company of sixty-two men at Beaumont in August, 1835, and was en route to San Jacinto with twenty-one
men when the battle was fought."
A list of the men follows with the last on the list being Jim Courts...in a footnote, WTB states that some members on the list may have been too young...census records and tombstones indicate that Courts was born in 1829...

pg 96 - "The greater concentration of Germans settled ib mid-Jefferson County, and by 1860, comprised one-half of the one hundred persons residing at Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff, where a post office was established
in 1859." "The German population at Grigsby's Bluff included William, Charles, and George Christian Gentz..."
from: Julia Brittain - judyb@pdq.net (She is a descendent of McGaffey)
===========================
[23 June 1842]

Republic of Texas
County of Jefferson

Know all men by these presents that I Thomas
Court, for and in consideration of the sum of
one hundred and fifty Dollars to me in hand
paid by Niles F. Smith the [??] of which is hereby
acknowledged here this day. Granted, Bargained, sold
and Conveyed and by these presents doth grant, bargain
sell and convey unto the said Niles F. Smith his heirs
and assigns forever the following described piece
or parcel of land situated in Jefferson County --
To Wit -- One Labor of Land surveyed off of my
head right League + Labor -- West am adjoining the
survey of one League of land made for John McGaffey
on the Sabine Pass said Labor of land is the
same surveyed by Corday sometime last November or
December [??] said Thos. Courts --

To have and to hold said labor of land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and assigns with all the rights and
... And the said Court will
warrant and defined the said labor of
land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and
assigns forever.

In testiment to which I
have herewith set my hand +
seal this 23 dy of June 18[42]

Witnesses -- Thomas Court

Charles C. Burch
[James] Smith

----------------------------------------------
[9 June 1851]

The State of Texas
County of Jefferson
Before me J. W. Hutchings a
Notary Public in aforesaid
county and State this day personally appeared Charles
C. Burch, a subscribing witness to the within + forgoing
deed and being by me duly sworn, deposes + says that he
saw Thomas Court sign the same + heard him acknowl.
edge it to be his act + deed for the purposes
and considerations therein stated.
In Testimony ...
hereunto ...
+ appeared this witness
the seal of my office at
Sabine Pass this 9th dy of
June A.D. 1851
J. H. Hutchings
Notary Public

===========================
Notice

Is hereby given that on this 15th day of
June A.D. 1854 -- William Lewis has filed
his application for Letters of Administration
upon the Estate of Thomas Court
deceased. Sue Pilsow having objections
will file the same in accordance with law.

Beaumont June 15th A.D. 1854

J.K. Robertson clerk county court
Jefferson County
--------------------------------
[15 July 1854]

I do solomnly swear that Thomas
Court Sr. died without leaving any
lawful will for us I know or
believe and that I will andd
truly perform all the duties of
administration of the said Thomas
Court, Deceased.
William Lewis
--------------------------------
[undated]

To the Hon. Chief Justice
Your petitioner William Lewis at the request
of Some of the ... of the Estate of Thomas Sr. Court
applies for letters of administration on the Estate
said Thomas Court Sr. who died in Jefferson County
in debt and a resident citizen of said county.
William Lewis
Applicant
------------------------------------------------------------
[ca. Summer 1855]

Will be sold at Public Auction at the Court House
door at Beaumont Jefferson County on the first
Tuesday of September A.D. 1855 in pursuance of an
order of the Probate Court of said county so much
of the Headright League of Land of Thomas Court
belonging to the Estate of Thomas Court deceased.
Situated in McClennon County in the Palo Pinto river
as will be sufficient to make five hundred dollars.
Reference is had to the Patent now on file in the
County Clerk's Office for a more particular description
of said Lands -- Terms of Sale Twelve Months Credit

William Lewis, admin.
of Thomas Court deceased
-----------------------------------------------------------
Administration of Thomas P. Courts

To Wm Armstrong Sr.
to locating surveying one League of Land the
Headright of Thos. Court 85.00
for recording field notes 3.00
fees paid on patent 12.60
Total: 100.60

Pay the above account to James Armstrong or
D. J. Otho Millard
Wm Armstrong


State of Texas
Jefferson County
Personally came
before me the undersigned Justice of the
Peace, James Armstrong attorney for Willi-
am Armstrong who after being sworn
according to law, says under oath that
this claim is just and that all legal
offsets, payments and credits known to
the applicant have been allowed, and
signed his name.
James Armstrong

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 13th day of July A.D. 1855
John K. Robertson
Justice of peace
J.C.
______________________________
[28 Apr 1857]

Notice

Is hereby given that on this 28th day of April A.D.
1857, Niles F. Smith has filed his application
for Letters of Administration on the Estate of
Thomas Court, Deceased. Any person having
objections will file the Same within two days in
accordance with law.

Beaumont April 28th A.D. 1857

J.K. Robertson clerk county court
Jefferson County
-----------------------------------------------------------
[8 September 1857]
To the Sherrif of Said County, Greeting.
Whereas the County Court for said Conuty
at the August ... thereof on the 31st day of ...
Month made and entered of record its order
in the following words, viz--

Matter of Est. of
Ths. Court Dec'd Est.
Wm. Lewis Adm. Ordered by the Court that the
Administrator in this Matter
come forward and exhibit to this court the
condition of the Estate of the Said decedent.
Therefore you are hereby commanded to
notify the Said Administrator viz William Lewis
If he be found in your county that he is hereby
required to be and appear before the said court
to be holden in for said county at the court
house in the town of Beaumont on the last
Monday the 28th day of September A.D. 1857
there to comply with the foregoing order.
Herein fail not +c.
In testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand affix my seal of office
... this wnd this 8th day of
September A.D. 1857
[G.H.O. Bozan] Clerk
Clerk Jeff.Co.
--------------------------------------------------------
Timeline
1810: - Anna Johnson born in LA
1828:Aug 19 -Thomas Court marries Anna Johnson
1829 - Thomas Court comes to Texas
1828-30 - James Madison Court is born
1834:Feb 14 - Sarah Ann Court is born
1837:Jan 31 - Rachel Court is born
1838:Apr 13 - certificate 162 entitles Thomas Court to land
1840:Dec 24 - Lucritia Debethia Court is born
1840:Sep 21 - Courts register brands:
Thomas (the Englishman?)
James (if son, aged 11. Is that normal? Or is this someone else??)
John
(a Sarah EB and Rachel are listed just above with some Clarks)
1842:Jun 23 - Thomas Court sells one labor of land to Niles F. Smith for $150
1844 - Paul Phelan Court is born
1848:Jul 21 - James Courts registers brand -- a different one
1850 - James marries Julia Ann Sparks. Thomas not listed in census.
1851:Mar 12 - land granted to Thomas Court by the State of Texas
1851:Jun 3 - Sarah Court registers a brand - a different one from before
1852:Jun 09 - Charles C Burch swears he saw Thomas Court sign [something]
1852 - Sarah Ann marries Lewis King
1854:Jun 15 - Wm Lewis files app for Letters of Admin on estate of Thos Court
1854:Jul 15 - Wm Lewis swears Thos Court left no will & he (Wm) will carry out admin
1854:Aug 18 - Wm Lewis appointed administrator of Estate of Thos. Court
1855:Jul 13 - Niles F Smith files grievance. Has not been given possession of land bought in '42
1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis accepts claim of Niles F Smith. Niles asks payment of $306 be made to Wm Burgett, who apparently represented him. ($150 plus 8% interest over 13 years)
1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis asks premission to auction off land to pay $406 debt plus expenses ($306 plus admin costs)
1855:Sep - 1st Tues - Admin Sale on steps of courthouse - enough of land in McClennon Co to raise $500
- Wm Burgett 1388 acres of head right at 35 cents an acre to be divided between him and the heirs
1856:Apr 18 - James Madison Court sells his one-seventh of the land to Wm Burgett
1857:Apr 28 - Niles F Smith files app for Letters of Admin on Thos Court estate
1857:Sep 08 - Wm Lewis called to court to report on Court estate on Monday 28 Sep 1857.
1857:Sep 24 - Sales earned $499.68, paid debts to Niles F Smith and ?Wm Armstrong
1857:Oct 26 - Wm Lewis says all debts paid, some land left in Palo Pinto County
1857:Nov 30 - Court fees of $8.85 paid
1860:Mar 18 - Rachel marries Henry Clay Smith
1861:Sep 20 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Muster Roll)
1861:Oct 01 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Pension Records)
1867:Jun 14 - TJ Court married S.E. in Blanco county, TX
1868:Oct 01 - Julia Ann Court registers a brand
1870:May 23 - H. C. Court registers a brand
1870:Oct 03 - Clifton Courts registers a brand
1873:Oct 20 - Wm G. Courts registers a brand
1888:Sep 01 - Matt Court registers a brand
1898:Mar 16 - Helmer Courts registers a brand
1898:Jun 25 - ?ay Courts registers a brand
1902:May 08 - Emma Courts registers a brand
1908:Nov 25 - TJ Court died in Comanche County
1917:Mar 16 - Widow of TJ Court, S.E., dies in Hasse, TX.

Christened:
Baptism: 5 Jan 1800 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Thomas Court - Son of Thomas Court & Ellen
Abode: Blackburn
Register: Baptisms 1792 - 1812, Page 128, Entry 12
Source: Film 1278804
http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/baptisms_1800.html


http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/index.html

Baptisms at the church of St Mary the Virgin
in the Parish of Blackburn
Baptism Register: 1792 - 1812
Baptisms for the Year 1800


Immigration:
(from Debbie)
The following is an e-mail from a very nice lady named Diane Francis. I found her on a forum looking for info on her Cort, Ainsworth lines. Her reply gives me hope that we have at last found when and where Thomas Court entered the U.S. I'm still investigating, but wanted to share the news. I have asked her for more information and will let you all know as soon as I receive her reply. This is her e-mail to me:

Hi Debbie
I'm not sure that your ancestors are related as we don't have any Thomas Cort born around that time. I have however looked up passenger lists for the years 1820 /1830 and there is listed a Thomes Court, age unknown , who arrived in USA 1826.
Ship: Delas
Port of departure Liverpool
Port of Arrival: New Orleans
Date of Arival: March 2, 1826.
This would tie in with your dates. There are severals strands of the Cort family in the Lancashire area. Also the family of Henry Cort the inventor. They came from Lancaster.Hope this is of some use. If there is anything I can do , let me know.
Good hunting
Di.

---
"Maybe someday one of us will luck out and find more info or the actual manifest somewhere. I could try writing New Orleans, but have no idea where to even start on to get the listing. Do you have any ideas."

Note; found Ship Delis Liverpool, England to Boston, Massachusetts
25 September 1826 master: Joseph Hatch Junior
http://immigrantships.net/1800/delos18260925.html


Residence:
After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.

55 History of The Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by the writer.
(W.T. Block)


Residence:
per historical marker in Lions Park in Sabine Pass


Property:
Property surveyed on May 3rd, 1850.


Property:
List compiled 1 May 1838, Jefferson County, recorded in Beaumont.
Thomas Court 1 league and labor Immigrated to country (Texas) 1829)

Thomas* married Ann* Johnson on 19 Aug 1828 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Ann* (daughter of Moses** Johnson and Nancy** Anna Robert) was born in 1810 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana; died after 1860 in of, Calhoun Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay region, Texas
• Census: 08 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 19 Jun 1860, Aransas, Refugio Co, Texas
• Census: 18 Jul 1860, Calhoun Co (Precinct 4), Texas; P.O. Saluria Island

Notes:

Marriage Bond:
Bonded by Thomas Court and James Cole - witnessed by David Simmons and Ben B. Jefferson.
License: Witnesses: Jake & David Simmons; performed by Isham Nettles, Baptist minister.
Certificate: Ben B. Jefferson and David Simmons

Benjamin B. Jefferson was one of the witnesses attending to the sale account of the estate of Nancy Sullivan on September 15, 1929

Note: Daughters of Moses Johnson and Nancy Roberts -
1. Anna m Thomas Court 2. Marie m James Hayes, Sr.
child James Madison Court child James Hayes, Jr.
child Helmer Samuel Courts child Matilda Hayes
child Claudie Gentz
Helmer Samuel Courts m Claudie Gentz, 1st cousins, once removed.

1850 Jeff Co census shows Anna head of household with only Lucretia and Paul Phelan, ages 10 and 6, living at home.

1860 Rufugio census:
Enis Burrows 59 Blacksmith, $300 (value personal real estate) ?
Ann 52 LA
Paul 14 TX

Residence:
After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.

Census:
8 oct 1850 Sabine Pass
(census pages does not say "Sabine Pass" but the census taker was Worth Patridge, who was a prominent citizen of Sabine Pass)

residence 99
Anna Court 40 1810 Louisiana
Lucretia 10 1840 Texas
Paul P. 6 1846 Texas

residence 100
Francis Gallier (Sr) 50 farmer 1800 Louisiana
Mary 52 1798 Louisiana
Eliza Myers 14 1836 Louisiana
Melissa Ann 6 1844 Louisiana

(Eliza and Melissa Myers, Mary's orphaned granddaughters, children of her daughter Amelia Hayes and Benjamin Myers.)

residence 101
Francis Gallier, Jr. 30 1820 farmer Louisiana
Mary 35 1815 Louisiana
Amelia 9 1841 Louisiana
Adelia 7 1843 Louisiana
Mary E 2 1848 Louisiana
Quinton 1/12 1850 Texas
John Acres 19 1831 Louisiana

residence 102
Robert Burrell 47 1803 farmer Louisiana
Susannah 46 1804 Louisiana
David 15 Texas 1835 Texas
Hester 12 1838 Texas
Frederick 7 1843 Texas




Census:
residence 21
Burris Enos 58 1802 England black smith 400
Burris Anna 52 1808 Louisiana
Burris Paul 14 1846 Texas

residence 22
DeForest John 33 1827 New York sailor 500
DeForest Lucrecia 17 1843 Texas (Court)
DeForest Thomas 2 1858 Texas
DeForest Robert 1 1859 Texas

Census:
Burris Enos 58 1802 England black smith 400
Burris Anna 52 1808 Louisiana
DeForrist John 35 1825 New York sailor 500
DeForrist Lucrecia 17 1843 Texas (Court)
DeForrist Paul F.C. 15 1845 Texas (Court)

Notes:

Married:
Court, Thomas of England (Thomas & Ellen Anesworth) m 19 Aug 1828 Ann Johnson (Opel Ct hse mar # 51)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama; in father's hh
• Residence: Between 1830 and 1833, Franklin Co, Tennessee
• Residence: Between 1837 and 1838, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana; abt
• Residence: Between 1839 and 1841, Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas
• Census: 1846, Jefferson Co, Texas; tax list
• Occupation: Between 1846 and 1848, Taylor Bayou Ferry Crossing, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Bef 1853, Old River Cove, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Property: 1853, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; purchased
• Residence: 1854, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; began home construction
• Residence: 3 Mar 1858, Sparks Settlement, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas; purchased 100 acres
• Census: 5 Jul 1860, Beaumont (Precinct 1), Jefferson Co, Texas; agriculture
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 1870, Jefferson Co, Texas; Morality Schedule
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

webpage http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lmassia/fam11212.htm
shows born at Gatlenburg, Franklin Co, Tn.


NOTE: (Contact Christine Echels, 8635 Chateau Circle, Bmt 07 about Sparks history)

"History of the Sparks Family," Yellowed pages, Vol XIX, No. 4, 1989

"James, Melinda, William and Julia Ann arrived in Texas in late 1837, having traveled overland by ox wagon. Some of the furniture was transported down the Mississippi River by steamboat. The family first lived on Pavell's Island, which is located at the junction of the Sabine and Neches Rivers. Here John Sparks worked at the Pavell Bros shingle mill, and two other children were born, Thomas in 1839 and Albert in 1841. The family did not live on Pavell's Island very long after Albert's birth."
Taylor's Bayou, established and operated a ferry on what is now the road to Sabine Pass for at least 10 years.
In 1854 purchased a farm a few miles away where Worthy was born.


"The History of the Sparks Family":
Living on the edge of the marshlands of the Gulf Coast has its hazards. Mosquitoes by the millions swarmed up from the bayous and swamps to plague both man and beast. It was not uncommon for the settlers to be housebound until noon, waiting for the clouds of mosquitoes to settle. Disease was a threat to the village. Medical aid was a day's ride by horseback from the remote community. The death of the five Gentz children probably sealed the doom of the Sparks Settlement in the 1880s.

1850 Jeff Co Census: John S. Sparks 39 Farmer val. 50. N.C.
Melinda, 29, TN
Albert 9, TX
Eliza J 7, TX
John F. 4, TX
Sarah C 1, TX
James Court 22, farmer, value 20, LA -
Julia Ann 14, TN
James & Julia newly weds. Date of Census 24 Oct; they were married Oct 15.

Also living with him were William H Smith, 2 years old from Texas; Sarah Lawrey, 14, James Penrod, a laborer from Illinois, and James Dyson, a saddler from Missouri. Recording in Yellowed Pages does now show Melinda.
Moved to Tennessee about 1815; Texas in 1838
Lived in Alabama, Gatlinburg, TN
Several Sparks graves in Cade's Cove TN adjacent to a Methodist Church.

________________
http://sparksfamilytree.net/family_tree/wga84.html#first

SQ 3059:

"John Sparks, probable son of Joseph Sparks, was listed on the 1812 tax list of Franklin County, Tennessee. He was probably named for his uncle, John Sparks. We have no further record of him."


SQ 3356:


"John S. Sparks, probable son of William Sparks, was born on March 26, 1811, in Tennessee. It was probably there that he was married to Malinda Jones about 1834. She was born on March 1, 1819, in Tennessee.Two children were born to John and Malinda before they left Tennessee with their ox team and wagon and moved to the Texas border where the Sabine and Neches Rivers meet on the north shore of Lake Sabine. There John worked in a mill that made cypress shingles by using drawing knives. Later he established a ferry on Taylors Bayou and managed to buy 160 acres of land fronting on Lake Sabine on which he built his home. Here he was joined by his brother, Solomon, and others, and the site became known as "Sparks Settlement." The name was changed to Aurora about 1856, and it finally became the site of the town of Port Arthur in 1895.


"John Sparks was joined by his brother, Solomon Sparks, about 1847,and, according to information given in the HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS by Lorecia East, the two families lived just a few hundred feet from each other. They cultivated the land and raised their own food as well as much of their clothing for they raised sheep and carded and spun their own wool. It was John Sparks who established a family buriel ground quite close to his home. The cemetery filled gradually, and as the surrounding property became more desirable, it became necessary to move the graves. They were moved to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas.


"John Sparks died sometime between 1860 and 1870. Malinda died sometime after the 1880 census was taken of Jefferson County. She and John were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom we have been able to identify . (Here lists details of children]."
http://www.sparksfamilytree.net/ghtout/npr433.html#H02282


John was buried in Sparks cemetery.

John and Solomon selected the site, a 50 by 50 square which was a short distance from John's home, for their family burial plots. Today a 4' stone monument marks the cemetery site at the junction of DeQueen Blvd and Lakeshore Dr in Port Arthur. A part of the burial ground is now covered with the pavement of DeQueen Blvd. Balance lies under a big hackberry tree which stands just north of the two streets. The site is marked by a beautifully-cut granite headstone identifying the grave of the infant, Arthur Stilwell Smith.

Arthur Stillwell Smith was the son of Mr & Mrs Morgan Smith who had loaded their household effects into a covered wagon and traveled slowly and laboriously to the new town from their home in the Indian Territory. Their son was born in a tentr Lakeshore and Houston Avenue soon after their arrival, and he lived only ten days. He had been named after the new seaport's benefactor, Arthur Stilwell. All of the residents attended the town's first funeral, and the tiny casket was buried in the Old Sparks Cemetery. The marker at this site today was placed here in 1948 by the Port Arthur Teen Canteen members.

___________________
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/port-arthur-15.shtml

Old and Sold Chronology, originally published 1940
history of Port Arthur:

1543 July 25. Survivors of the Hernando de Soto expedition are driven ashore near Lake Sabine by a storm.

1745 Spaniards learn that Frenchmen are trading in the section.

1756 - Spanish establish the Presidio San Agustin de Ahumada and the Mission Nuestra Senora de la Luz del Orcoquisac near the mouth of the Trinity River, and tradition says a log building was erected by the mission near the head of the North Fork of what is now Taylor's Bayou.

1778 - Padre Juan Agustin Morfi records English attempts to establish amicable relations with Indians in this neighborhood.

1838 - John Sparks and family arrive in covered wagon from Tennessee.

1861 - Sparks settlement becomes known as Aurora.

1886-87 - Following an epidemic and a storm, Aurora is abandoned, and the land becomes cattle range.

1895 Arthur E. Stilwell visits the area and plans to build his "dream city." Town of Port Arthur is platted. Ship Canal is begun.


Census:
Name:
Wm Sparkes
[Wm Sparks]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama

Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 Jacob E.
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825 son6
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820 Daniel; Solomon
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 John S
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1781-1790 1 Wm
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 dau7
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1 1816-1820 dau4
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 dau2
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 1791-1800 Mrs.
Free White Persons - Under 20: 8
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

next door: (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10
(Martin Jones m Rhoda (Martin) Hodges 10 Jul 1804 Jefferson Co TN)
(Wm Jones m Elizabeth Randolph 25 May 1804 Jefferson Co)

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9


all names on page 101 in sequence:
Edward Berry; Jas Simmons; Geor W. Wichell; Samuel Reynolds; Barbary Lathas; Pashot Pringle; John Jolly; Wm Compbelle; Wm Davis; Thomas Molson; Wm Gowens; Robt G. Hord; David Gowens; Eliphodd Jarvis; Wm Sparkes; Master Jones; Joseph Resk; Abram Goose; Chesby R. Jones; Martin Gowens; Tho Jone; Joel Kee; Saml Kerk; Mans L. Bumalley; Barnet Cheathan; Wm Campbelle


Residence:
Per memoirs of his daughter Eliza Jane Sparks Beaumont, they briefly lived in Louisiana before purchasing land in Texas. Since brother Jacob was in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana in 1940 census, it's assumed that's where they were in Louisiana. The dates are estimated from the dates between Julia who was born in Tennessee and Thomas who was born in Texas.


Census:
Name: John Sparks
State: TX
County: Jefferson County
Township: No Township Listed
Year: 1846
Record Type: Tax list
Page: NPN
Database: TX Tax List Index, 1840-1849


Occupation:
The most common crossing of Taylor?s Bayou was located at the foot of West 7th Street, Port Arthur, Texas just 200 feet from the back corner of the now Chevron's main office building (formerly Gulf main office building). At this site was a ferry crossing for many years. Jefferson County Commissioners Court authorized a second bridge built to replace the ferry in 1898. This portion of Taylor?s Bayou was filled in about 1912 when a more direct route was dug by Gulf Oil to link their new dock to the Port Arthur Canal. The bridge was moved to its current location on Hwy.87 by 1916.

http://csa.tripod.com/articles.html

Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana farmer
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana laborer married in the year
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee laborer
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee laborer

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina farmer $150
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana farmer $20 (married in the year)
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Property:
Port Arthur News article (attached)
1853 John Sparks purchased 160 acres of land, including the section around what is now DeQueen boulevard at Lakeshore drive. At the time he paid $375 for the land which is worth more than $150,000 today. (1935)


Residence:
"He was a thrifty man, and by September 12, 1853, he had saved enough money to buy two parcels of land, one of them 130 acres and the other of 30 acres, from Allen and Nancy Franklin.

This land, fronting on Lake Sabine, was part of a 250-acre tract that the Franklins had purchased from Thomas Holt in 1851. Sparks immediately set to work building a house, into which he moved his family in time for the birth of another child. Then, within the week, fire destroyed the new home, and the family returned to Pave11's Island, where friends took them in. But by the autumn of 1854 he had started another house which he completed in the spring, and the family returned."
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/port-arthur-4.shtml

The Holts and Franklins were listed in Sabine Pass 1850 census records. This land must have been on the Sabine Pass side of the waterway (Taylor Bayou) rather than the Port Arthur side. However mention is made that his ferry was bout where the Gulf main office building is on West 7th Street in Port Arthur. Would that part of Port Arthur be considered Sabine Pass in the census records?

In 1858 he purchased 100 acres from C.S Hunt on what was known as Old River Cove for $80. That is for sure the Sparks Settlement location.


Residence:
on March 3, 1858, he purchased an additional 100 acres of land from C. S. Hunt, on what was known as Old River Cove, for $80.


Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
Persons who died during the year ending 1st June 1870 in Jefferson County, Texas

Name: John Sparks
Gender: Male
Race: White
Place of Birth: North Carolina
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1811
Age: 59
Month of Death: Aug
Census Year: 1870
Census Location: (City, County, State)
All, Jefferson, Texas
Line: 7
Archive Collection Number: T1134
farmer, cause of death not known

also:
Court (no first name) 2/30, female white, Texas, Oct.
cause of death: "congestion lun" - scratched thru
Drs. ? (copy darkened at edge of page)

Died:
1870 Ag census taken in Jul and M. Sparks (Melinda) is listed, next after James Court. John is deceased.

Federal Mortality schedule year ending 1 Jun 1870
Sparks, John age 53 born North Carolina, died in October, farmer, cause of death not known.
Note at the bottom of the page states that cause of death for John Sparks "could not be found out, as no physician attended him.

Surname: John Sparks
Year: 1870
County: Jefferson CO.
State: TX
Age: 59
Gender: M (Male)
Month of Death: Aug
State of Birth: NC
ID#: MRT197_312070
Occupation: FARMER

John married Melinda* Jones, (maybe dau?) on 1 Mar 1833 in near Gatlinburg, Franklin Co, Tennessee. Melinda* (daughter of Thomas* Jones, (bro of Martin?) and Mrs. (..)* Jones) was born on 25 Mar 1819 in Middleton, Rhea Co, Tennessee (?) ; died after 1880 in Jefferson Co, Texas; was buried in Sparks Cem, Aurora, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1819, Middleton, Rhea Co, Tennessee (?); birth
• Census: 1830, Jackson Co, Alabama; in father's hhold (?)
• Residence: 1 Mar 1833, near, Gatlinburg, Franklin Co, Tennessee; married
• Residence: Between 1837 and 1838, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
• Residence: Between 1839 and 1841, Pavell Island, Orange Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1846 and 1848, Taylor Bayou Ferry Crossing, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 24 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jul 1860, Sabine Pass (Precinct 5), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 23 Jun 1870, Sparks and River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 7 Jun 1880, Jefferson Co (District 41), Texas
• Other-Begin: 22 Mar 1936, Port Arthur News, Port Arthur, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Research Notes: 16 Mar 2014

Notes:

Date: 98-04-13 10:08:26 EDT
From: jsparks@beamans.com (JAY SPARKS)
To: Wileyz@aol.com (John E Sharp)

Speaking of picture I have also have a picture of Malinda, a picture of James and Worthy togeather.
Also have one of James, Worthy and Joseph Madison (Solomon son) togather. They are the old tipe that has the tin backing. Joe Crindon Echels wife, Christine gave me the pictures back when I visted them a few years back. Joe Crindon was named after his Dad & Grandpa Worthy Cryndon "Word" Sparks. (Note - the spelling was changed) I ask Christine why, she said that his mother was a school teacher and that is should be spelled that away. Lucy May Sparks (Miss Lucy what the children call her) She married Joseph "Joe" Howard Echels 7/7/1909 Beaumont. He got killed on the 7/10/1911 on a motercycle thay hit a wagon (buggy) at night. Said that one of the buggy
tounge went through him. They only had the one child.


1880 census: daughter Arabella states mother born in Tennessee.
Possibly born in Alabama, as per "History of Sparks Family."
Shown in 1850 census as head of household with Albert, Eliza, John and Sarah.

Widowed in 1870 at age 51, she is shown head of household in the 1870 Jefferson County census, Sparks & River Settlement. She recorded her birthplace as Alabama, listed her property at a value of $2,000 and her personl estate as $500. Living with her were her sons James, 17, a farm laborer, and John 27, a laborer, and Worthy, age 14. She was living next door to her daughter, Julia Sparks and Jim Courts on one side and Mrs. Solomon Sparks, Caroline, her daughter-in-law on the other.

1880, Worthy is still living at home, working as a mail carrier, and James has married Ella. They are living with her, too. In this census, she states that she was born in Tennessee rather than Alabama. She lists that her father was born in Virginia and her mother in Tennessee. Also listed is Thomas George, 8 years old, as a servant, born in Texas but whereabouts of his parents' birth was listed as unknown.

Melinda Sparks 61 Mar born TN father VA, mother TN
Worthy 24 Mar mail carrier TX father NC mom TN
James 26 Dec laborer TX
Ella 23 Nov TX

Malinda was buried in Sparks cemetery.

Birth:
Middleton is in Hardeman county; not Rhea.

Census:
Name:
Wm Sparkes
[Wm Sparks]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama

Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 Jacob E.
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825 son6
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820 Daniel; Solomon
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 John S
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1781-1790 1 Wm
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830 dau7
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1 1816-1820 dau4
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815 dau2
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 1791-1800 Mrs.
Free White Persons - Under 20: 8
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

next door: (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10
(Martin Jones m Rhoda (Martin) Hodges 10 Jul 1804 Jefferson Co TN)
(Wm Jones m Elizabeth Randolph 25 May 1804 Jefferson Co)

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9


all names on page 101 in sequence:
Edward Berry; Jas Simmons; Geor W. Wichell; Samuel Reynolds; Barbary Lathas; Pashot Pringle; John Jolly; Wm Compbelle; Wm Davis; Thomas Molson; Wm Gowens; Robt G. Hord; David Gowens; Eliphodd Jarvis; Wm Sparkes; Master Jones; Joseph Resk; Abram Goose; Chesby R. Jones; Martin Gowens; Tho Jone; Joel Kee; Saml Kerk; Mans L. Bumalley; Barnet Cheathan; Wm Campbelle


Census:
24 Oct 1850 Sabine Pass

residence 215:
Milton H Bloodworth 25 1825 Louisiana
Nancy (Holt) Bloodworth 18 1832 Texas
Benjamin P Bloodworth 2 1848 Louisiana
William Bloodworth 1 1849 Louisiana
Benjamin Holt 55 1795 Mississippi
Thomas C Holt 50 1800 Mississippi
Thomas D Holt 4 1846 Louisiana
William Holt 53 1797 Mississippi
Mary Ann Holt 17 1833 Texas
Thomas R Holt 26 1824 Louisiana
Charles Holt 28 1822 Louisiana
William C Holt 15 1835 Louisiana
Richard Holt 13 1837 Louisiana

Residence 216
Stockholm, Peter D. 31 1819 New York carpenter
Mary 17 1833 Louisiana
William 2 1848 Texas
Elizabeth 0 1850 Texas

Residence 217
Brewer, William 23 1827 Louisiana
Brewer, Caroline 22 1828 Louisiana

Residence 218
Solomon Sparks 30 1820 Tennessee
Martha C Sparks 30 1829 South Carolina
Lucy Ann Sparks 8 1842 Tennessee
John L Sparks 6 1844 Tennessee
James E Sparks 3 1847 Louisiana
Mary Susan Sparks 1 1849 Texas
Jacob Sparks 22 1828 Tennessee

Residence 219
John S. Sparks 39 1811 North Carolina
Melinda Sparks 29 1821 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 9 1841 Texas
Eliza J. Sparks 7 1843 Texas
John F. Sparks 4 1846 Texas
Sarah C. Sparks 1 1849 Texas
James Court 22 1828 Louisiana
Julia Ann (Sparks) Courts 14 1836 Tennessee



Census:
12 Jul 1860 Precinct No. 5 Sabine Pass
residence 378
James Court 30 mail carrier 500 Louisiana
Julia 24 TN 1856 Tennessee
Mary E 8 1852 Texas
Henry C 6 1854 Texas
Julia A 4 1856 Texas
William F 2 1858 Texas
Elias M 6/12 1859 Texas

residence 379
John Sparks 49 1811 North Carolina farmer 320 2100
Malinda Sparks 41 1819 Tennessee
Albert Sparks 19 1841 Texas
John F Sparks 14 1856 Texas
Sarah C Sparks 11 1849 Texas
Arabella H Sparks 8 1852 Texas
James C Sparks 6 1854 Texas
Worthey C Sparks 4 1856 Texas
Henry E L Sparks 8/12 1859 Texas

residence 380
Samuel Lee 38 1822 Denmark stock raiser 4,000
Eliza 16 1844 Texas


Census:
77 Coats (Courts) J.M. 40 1830 Louisiana 400, 2,000 farmer
Julia 34 1836 Tennessee
Mary 18 1852 Texas
Clifton 16 1854 Texas
Nasthentha 14 1856 Texas
William 12 1858 Texas
Madison E. 10 1860 Texas
ekner 8 1862 Texas
James 5 1865 Texas
Anna 3 1867 Texas
Lisa 8 1862 Texas

residence 78
Sparks M (Melinda) 51 1819 at home Tennessee
James 17 1853 Texas farm laborer
Worthy 14 1856 Texas
John 27 1843 Texas farmer

residence 79
Spark, C (Caroline) 50 1820 South Carolina keeping house
Edwin 23 1847 Louisiana
Joseph 16 1854 Texas
Oscar 14 Texas
Courts J.B. 27 1843 Texas

residence 80
Brewton W.P. 33 1837 Tennessee
Sarah 22 1848 Texas
Grace 5 1865 TX
Silas F. 8/12 1869 TX

residence 81
Lee, Samuel 52 1818 farmer 1580 Denmark
Jane E. 27 1843 Texas
Emma 3 1867 Texas


residence 82
Smith. T.J. 34 farmer 500 Indiana
Sarah 25 Texas
Electra 3/12 Texas








Census:
Note: It appears the first page is the Sparks Settlement. And the 2nd page seems to be the Port Neches, Grisgsby Bluff area, a few miles north.

7 Jun 1880 District 41 Justice Precinct No. 2
Page 1

residence 1
Gentz Fred 35 Dec 1845 laborer Prussia Prussia Prussia
R. Belle 28 Aug 1852 TX NC TN
Welby 8 Jun 1872 TX NC TX
H.M. 7 Feb 1873 TX NC TX
M.J. dau 6 1874 TX
J.W. son 4 1876 TX
Buler 2 dau May 1878 TX
J. Lee 4/12 son Jan 1880 TX
Charlotte 77 mother widow Prussia NC TX
(census taker just carried the NC down the columns.
Only person from NC is Belle's father.

residence 2
Lee, Samuel 62 farmer Denmark Denmark Denmark
E. Jane 36 Oct TX NC TN
Emma A. 12 Jul 1868 TX
Hayes, Eliza Black 19 Jan 1861 servant Texas Texas Alabama
Eddy, Albert 37 Jul 1843 carpenter Ireland Ireland Ireland
Sparks, William E. 27 Mar 1853 TX

residence 3
Melinda Sparks 61 Mar 1819 TN VA TN <<<
Worthy 24 Mar 1856 TX NC TN
James 26 son Dec 1854 TX NC TN
Ella 23 Nov 1857 dau-in-law TX TN PA
Thomas George, Black 8 1872 servant TX

residence 4
Sparks, Caroline 60 May 1820 self widow SC VA SC
Sparks, J.M. 26 Aug 1854 son TX

residence 5
Kilgore, James S 28 1852 Mar Michigan Michigan Michigan
Elizabeth 50 Oct 1830 mother wid Michigan Michigan --
Columbus 28 25 May 1855 brother Texas Michigan Michigan
Susan F. 20 Feb 1860 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Eugenia 17 Jun 1863 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Fuller 3 May 1877 nephew Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Ida 3/12 Feb 1880 niece Texas Michigan Michigan

residence 6
Brewton, W.P. 47 Aug 1833
Sarah C. (Sparks) 30 Dec 1850
Grace 15 Feb 1865 TX
Silas F. 10 Oct 1870 TX
Esther 8 Dec 1872 TX
Almond 6 Apr 1874 TX
Inas 3 dau Aug 1877 TX
John Smith 14 June 1866 TX TN PA

residence 7
Gray, H.L. 33 head Sep 1847 Michigan VA MI
Gray, S.E. 33 wife Aug 1847 LA PA Indiana
Carey, Coy 11 son May 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Clara 7 dau Mar 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Gray H.E. son 9 Sep 1871 TX MI TX
Smith, T.F. 21 Apr 1859 TX TN PA
Courts, E.M. 20 1860 TX unk TX
___________
page 2
8 Jun 1880

residence 8
Yantz (Gentz), Wm Apr 42 1838 farmer Prussia Prussia Prussia
Susan 31 Jan 1849 wife TX GA LA
Leuvinia 12 Jan 1868 dau
William Y. 10 Jan 1870 son
H.L. 6 mos Nov 1879 son

residence 9
J. T. Rogers 28 Aug 1852 TX TN TX
Izzie J. Rogers 27 Aug 1853 TX NY LA
C. O. Rogers 3 Dec 1877
Wm. A. Rogers 1 Sep 1879
Levina Keith 68 Feb 1812 mother-in-law tx ga tn

residence 10
Keith, O 39 Feb 1841 Self TX OH LA
Margaret 39 Jun 1841 TX TN TN
George 7 Jun 1873 son LA TX TN
William O. 5 Mar 1875 son
Berry, Lethean female 11 Jan 1869 servant TX Prussia Prussia


Research Notes:
1830 Jackson Co Alabama (west of the H. Range Line

a Weathy (Wesley) Jones; 50-59 (1771-1780) (one of children named Wesley; but Melinda b 1819 is not in this household)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 7

Chesby (Cirby R.) R. Jones (same page 101 as Wm Sparks in 1830 Jackson Co AL - James still at home) (maybe Melinda's bro?)
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

next door to Wm Sparks, where John Sparks, Melinda's future husband was living) (Melinda b 1819 or age 11; not here)
Martin (translated Master) Jones,
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:1 1791-1800
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):10

same page:
Chesby R Jones (maybe a bro?)
[Cirby R Jones]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 1801-1810
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):2

Tho Jone [Thos Jones] (Melinda b 1819 or age 11)
Home in 1830 (City, County, State):
Jackson, Alabama
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 2 1771-1780
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 1825-1830
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2 1821-1825
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 1816-1820
*** COULD BE MELINDA ***
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 1781-1790
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 9

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 13 Jun 1850, "Bark Neptune," Bremen, Germany; Galveston
• Census: 2 Nov 1850, Tyler Co, Texas
• Residence: Bef 1853, Weiss Bluff, Jasper Co, Texas
• Residence: 1853, Grigsby Bluff, Jefferson Co, Texas; moved to
• Possessions: 1858, Grigsby Bluff, Jefferson Co, Texas; built home
• Census: 13 Jul 1860, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

1850 Tyler Co, Texas
Gentz, Maass, Knupple, and Koch (soon changed to Cook) familes together in Tyler County.

An attempt to explain the relationship of these families, Christian Gentz (res 122/122) oldest daughter married William Maass in 1845 Prussia. They were in Jasper at the time of this census and had traveled to New Orleans as newlyweds. Possibly with them was William's brother, Charles Maass (res 119/119). However, we know that "Father" Maass was here prior to '45 because he sent a letter back to Prussia from Orleans for William and Charlotte to be married. So, Charles Maass may have traveled with his parents pre-'45 instead of his brother and new sister-in-law. Though records have been found stating the senior Maass names were Zimmermann Maass and Johanna Gatzen, it seems safe to assume that the senior couple in res 120/120, Chas D and Mary, must be the Maass parents using what they perceived as Americanized names. Of note, Gentz was shortened from Gentzen, so that is another avenue of research to pursue. Fred Koch (res 121/121) sister Louisa was married to Johann (John) Knupple; and they, too, were on this 1850 voyage along with two sons, Ferdinand and Ernest. They had a 3rd son, Augustus, who had traveled to America ahead of them in 1846 on the Bark Constitution, making the voyage with the Block family. It is with Augustus that John and Louisa and Ernest are staying in this census record in res 118/118. Now the Block family is a bit mysterious as how they connect with these families as no inner marriages have been found; but in addition to Augustus traveling with them, the Gentz and the Blocks were clearly at least good friends if not related, particularly evident after the two families moved to Port Neches from Sabine Pass sometime before 1870. At this time in 1850 the Blocks were already in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co. Of interest, Christian Gentz had traveled with 5 children, 3 boys and two girls. The sons are with him in Tyler, and the girls, Fredrika, 16, and Alwine 15, are found in separate households in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co. Fredrika seems to be in a boarding house in res 259/259, and Alwine is staying with the town assessor/collector and his family. He was from NY and was actually the census taker. That household was res 251/151. The Blocks were in res 253/253, right in between the two sisters. The oldest Gentz daughter, Charlotte Maass, is recorded in 1850 Jasper census in December, one month after this census was taken; and by then her brothers Charles and Fred are listed with her. So, those two young boys (Charles is my direct ancestor) got counted in two counties. Perhaps times were really rough and they sent the girls either with or to the Blocks, or they knew they were going to Sabine Pass soon at the behest of the Blocks and they sent the girls on ahead. Ferdinand Knupple, also on this Bark Neptune voyage, is not recorded in these households but shows up in the 1880 Hardin Co census. Most probably had been there for some time. He had married by about 1864. And his bride was little Alvena Koch, the young 7 year old daughter of Fred Koch and Augusta Maass Koch of this 1850 census, who had grown up. By that 1880 census, they had 7 children. These brave immmigrants, a close and wondeful family unit, helped to settle much of Southeast Texas. The Blocks and the Knupple and part of the Maass family are credited with setting what was then Cook Bluff. Gentz and Maass, at least William and Charlotte, along with the Blocks, helped to setting Sabine Pass and later Port Neches. They make me all the more proud of my heritage. See the manifest of the Bark Neptune 1850 here http://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/showmedia.php?mediaID=899 and the manifest of the Bark Constitution here http://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/documents/bark-constitution.htm


------------

Two large German families arrived at Grigsby?s Bluff about May, 1846, having sailed from Bremen on Feb. 10, 1846, but they moved around some before settling at Grigsby?s Bluff permanently in 1854. George Frederick Block, wife Augusta, and six children lived in Beaumont from 1848 until 1854, when they sold out and moved back to Grigsby?s Bluff. George Christian and Charlotte Gentz and their six grown children moved to Wiess Bluff in Jasper County a few years before moving back to Grigsby?s Bluff about 1853, where in 1858 they built their home at Block?s bayou (now Oak Bluff Memorial Park), on land belonging to T. F. McKinney. After Christian Gentz? death in 1868 at age 75, the house and land were purchased by Albert Block, born in Germany in 1840, who was both a farmer, the last Grigsby?s Bluff postmaster, and the writer?s grandfather. The lumber for the Gentz or Albert Block home had been cut at the Remley sawmill in Grigsby?s Bluff.[8]
http://www.wtblock.com/wtblockjr/smith.htm

[GENTZ-IRMELA.FTW]

dutchman and leaseholder
a twin_________________
Charlette' last name, parents, and George Christian parents, their other children who were still in Prussia, and all the Prussia relatives were sent to me by Irmela, researched in the Church Books of Benz Morgenitz. Irgeibel@aol.com


(Note: 1820-1871 Economic hardships, including those caused unemployment, crop failure, and starvation, was the primary cause of emigration during this period in combination with wars and military service. Most of the emigrants came from Alsace-Lorraine, Baden, Hessen, Rheinland, and Wuttemberg.]
__________
Smith?s Bluff and Grigsby?s Bluff, Texas:
Two German Immigrant Communities of Jefferson County, Texas, 1850-1880
By W. T. Block
http://www.block.dynip.com/wtblockjr/smith.htm

Prior to 1871, Germany or "the Germanys" consisted of 300 free cities, principalities, baronies, provinces ruled by a graf or count, with Brandenburg-Prussia being the only kingdom among them. However in 1845, that part of Central Europe was exceedingly overpopulated and under the tyrannical grip of Prince Metternich of Austria, with the poorest or peasant classes being unable to own one acre of land or to earn a decent living. Thus for sixty years, German immigrant ships continued to arrive at Galveston; many of them were plague ships, quarantined because of cholera or yellow fever aboard. Usually one-tenth of the Germans had already succumbed to the long, 3-months voyage, and those who arrived were usually so weakened physically, that they quickly fell victim to any pestilence within the city. The crew and all the passengers of one quarantined German immigrant ship died while anchored in the harbor.

It was said that the foul odors aboard a German immigrant ship were second only to the odors aboard an African slave ship. When the 588 persons aboard the Wendish ship Ben Nevis sailed from Germany in 1854, 76 persons died of cholera and were buried at sea. Slave ships often had less loss at sea than that. The 588 Wends were crammed into a sail ship only 146 feet long, or about the length of one city lot.
________________
Migrated to US 6/13/1850 at age 56 on BARK NEPTUNE, Master Vespuman, to Port of Galveston from the port in Breman, Germany, place of origin was Usedom, Germany. Listed with him were wife Charlotte, age 54; Frederika, age 17; Alwine (male), age 12; Johann (male), age 12; Carl Friedr, age 10; and Carl Ferdin (age 6), as listed in Ships Passenger Lists, Port of Galveston, Texas 1846-1871.

comparisons:
George, age 56 (concurs w/ census)
Charlotte, age 54 (census says 2 yrs dif)
Frederika, age 17 (concurs w/ census)
Alwine (male), age 12; (concurs w/ census on Alvina, except she's female)
Johann (male), age 12; (must be William E, concurs w/ census age)
Carl Friedr, age 10; (our Charles Christopher, concurs w/ age)
Carl Ferdin (age 6), (Ferdinand, concurs w/ census age)


http://www.icedata.ca/icedb/ice/bergs2_01e.html#B
The Bark Neptune hit an ice berg in 1880 and sank...
11 May 1880 Off River St.Lawrence, from Queenstown (Ireland) Bark NEPTUNE hit berg Crew lifted from boats by GANGER ROLF Sank
GANGER ROLF - Emigrant ship from Norway

_
other passengers: Okonom Friedrich Koch and wife Augusta Maass (sister to William Maas, husband of Charlotte Jr) and their children Johan Knupple and his wife Louisa and their children. http://issuu.com/gdickert/docs/silsbee_bee_sesquicentennial/1?mode=a_p
92 Johann Knickkel 61 M Farmer Lassan
93 Louise Knickkel 50 F
94 Ferdinand Knickkel 26 M
95* Ernst Knickkel 24 F
97* Friedr. Koch 48 M Farmer Lassan
98 Augusto Koch 34 M
99 Augusto Koch 12 M
100* Cristine Koch 8 M
101 Alwine Koch 6 M
102 Frederich Koch 5 M
103 Peter Koch 2 M
104* Christian Koch 9m M

_________________________________________

Smith?s Bluff and Grigsby?s Bluff, Texas:
Two German Immigrant Communities of Jefferson County, Texas, 1850-1880
By W. T. Block
http://www.block.dynip.com/wtblockjr/smith.htm

Two large German families arrived at Grigsby?s Bluff about May, 1846, having sailed from Bremen on Feb. 10, 1846, but they moved around some before settling at Grigsby?s Bluff permanently in 1854. George Frederick Block, wife Augusta, and six children lived in Beaumont from 1848 until 1854, when they sold out and moved back to Grigsby?s Bluff. George Christian and Charlotte Gentz and their six grown children moved to Wiess Bluff in Jasper County a few years before moving back to Grigsby?s Bluff about 1853, where in 1858 they built their home at Block?s bayou (now Oak Bluff Memorial Park), on land belonging to T. F. McKinney. After Christian Gentz? death in 1868 at age 75, the house and land were purchased by Albert Block, born in Germany in 1840, who was both a farmer, the last Grigsby?s Bluff postmaster, and the writer?s grandfather. The lumber for the Gentz or Albert Block home had been cut at the Remley sawmill in Grigsby?s Bluff.[8]

(note about Wiess Bluff: Most of us have heard of that particular rise of shoreline overlooking the Neches River some 15 miles north of Beaumont called Wiess Bluff. Located on Farm Road 1131 in the extreme southwestern corner of Jasper County, the site, on the east bank of the Neches River,was known as Grant's Bluff before Simon Wiess opened a general store there in January 1840.
http://www.texasnationalpress.com/texlog/article.php?story=20070424221245175&mode=print)

Settled Grigsby Bluff (Port Neches).

Sapphire on the Neches, by Block: George Christian and Charlotte Gentz were ages 53 and 49 when they arrived in Texas, and some members of the family were living at Wiess Bluff, Jasper County by 1850. By 1853, Gentz was living on Block's Bayou, where he died in 1868.

The Mosley home, the Remley residence, both built in 1857, and the Albert Block home (later Will Block) wer the only antebellum houses that faced the Neches River and survived well into the twentieth century. The Block house was built in 1858 y George Christian Gentz, who was then a tenant farmer on the large McKinney tract." (house built at Oak Bluff Cemetery in 1858, torn down in 1937) All the homes were built with the front porch facing the river because the Neches River was the road in those days.
____
METHODISM CAME TO PORT NECHES IN 1881
By W. T. Block
http://www.block.dynip.com/wtblockjr/methodis.htm

In 1981, First United Methodist Church of Port Neches celebrated its centennial anniversary. It was there on September 6, 1881, that Rev. W. H. Crawford organized the first Methodist congregation in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Gentz.

Half of the earliest residents were German-speaking immigrants, who probably had been Lutherans in their native Prussia, but found no church of that denomination in Jefferson County. Early immigrants included Frederick Rexas, Frederick Behlke, George Christian Gentz, Fred Gentz, Charles Gentz, William Gentz, George Block, William Block, Charles Block, Albert Block, George L. Block, August Schramm, John Wiltz, Mikiel Staffen, Karl Meinke, Henry Wendt, Henry Wendling, Joe Block, Adolph Block, Leopold Block, August Block, and John Kline.

Native-born families included John C. Beaumont, Jack Beaumont, Sam Lee, B. G. Whittington, Oliver and George Keith, Albert Smith, 'Bud' Smith, Sam Remley, Henry Heisler, W. G. Gentz, Will Merriman, Marion Merriman, Otho Merriman, Walter Merriman, Albert C. Block, Will Block, Sr., Martin Block, Charles Hemmingway, Albert Staffen, Charlie Staffen, Jim Rachford, Robert Rachford, W. M. Nelson, Seburn Berry, Radford Berry, Levi and Lastie Hillebrandt, D. A. Bibb, and D. W. Sampson.

The first congregation had only sixteen members. The earliest services were conducted in the homes of the Keiths, Smiths, Beaumonts, Gentz, Remleys, Klines, Sampsons, Lees, Nelsons, and Merrimans.

According to the late George Keith, Rev. Crawford once commented about the hardships of his circuit-riding days, which resulted in the establishment of the Port Neches congregation, as follows:

"In 1881, I served Sabine Pass and Terry Mission (Orange County) and elsewhere in Orange, Hardin, and Jefferson Counties," Crawford reported. "I traveled 200 miles each month and organized a church at Grigsby's Bluff of 16 members. Alligators, which infested Taylor's Bayou by the hundreds, were the only inhabitants of what is now Port Arthur. I was once lost between Grigsby's Bluff and Taylor's Bayou in a dense fog, and came near losing my life."

Usually, a foot-pedaled organ accompanied the services. Coal oil lamps and lanterns lit the sanctuary at night. As was then the custom, women sat on one side of the church and men on the other. Sometimes worshippers brought lunches, prepared for an entire day of services. Although a Sunday School was conducted each week, circuit riders came only infrequently until well into the twentieth century, with rarely more than a single service each month.
________
George Christian Gentz had died in 1868, to become the first burial in what is now Oak Bluff memorial park, and in 1870 his widow had moved into the home of a son (Charles C). As a result, the old Gentz home, on Block's Bayou at the foot of Block Street, passed into the possession of the Albert Block family. Despite Gentz' burial at Oak Bluff Memorial, the graveyard that was to become the 'Gentz Cemetery' was located at the William Gentz home near Jefferson (Texaco) Chemical Co. Before his death, George C. Gentz requested that a pine tree be planted on his grave. In 1868, there were no pine trees growing anywhere in Grigsby's Bluff, and his sons arranged for a steamboat pilot to dig up a tree during a voyage up the Neches River. By 1928 that pine tree had reached a diameter of about 28-30 inches, but pine beetles and disease had damaged it until it was dying (and it was cut down that winter).
__________
Mr. Block, Would like to know about the yellow fever epidemic about 1862. I have two relatives, Alexis and Aspasie Hebert Blanchette, who died in Sabine Pass, March of 1864. Would like to confirm the cause of death. Where might I locate this info? Are there any lists of casualties of the epidemic in Sabine Pass?.
Joan Blanchette Lowrey lowreyne@hal.lamar.edu
____
I have recently (11/23/1998) obtained my own email account, wtblock@msn.com, but since I am still new to the internet, it would be a good idea to CC: my son's email account at bill_block@msn.com as well.

_________________
All the Prussia relatives were sent to me by Irmela, researched in the
churchbooks of Morgenitz. Irgeibel@aol.com

___
Like so many churches on Usedom is the Morgenitzer Church, for the first time in 1318 a based on a rectangle spätgotischer Backsteinbau which was built in the 15.jhd. mentioned.
Surrounded by a wiederhergerichteten Cemetery from Feldsteinen visitors next to the Church of the bells in a stand-alone Holzgerüst from 1820 can tour, which included for reasons of saving in a church tower.
Next to the church without Tower and special choir old millstones, the large fortgeschaffte of sixteen horses Findling on the church yard and iron, labeled Grabkreuze which are no longer readable but some are still viewing.
Inside the Church, the are paintings and Rundbögen created from the Western Portal six of Künstlerhand to admire from Hirt from the years 1775-1777.
The oldest crypt on Usedom beneath the altar of the Morgenitzer Church.
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=BVNav&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hotel-usedom.de%2Fstadtustolpe%2Fkirchemorgen.htm

============================
website of Germany, Prussia, Pomerania Church Records 1544-1945
https://familysearch.org/search/collection/results?count=20&query=%2Bsurname%3Agentz~&collection_id=1874205

====================================
Ancestry match to all of us is
CMackley63
predicted distant
range 5th - 8th
confidence good 19.9 centimorgans shared across 1 DNA segment

to Gloria
Jacob Aldrich & Huldah Thayer 8th 1R
John Pray & Sarah Brown 8th 1R
Aaron Forman & Dorothy Craig (if Edward is son of Ben Sr) 9th
Chaddus Brown & Elizabeth Sharparowe 10th


Her grandmother was a Gentz from Michigan.
unk which of four matches above is the one that made the connection. Or could the Gentz in Michigan be related to our Gentz in SE Texas??

Climbing the Mackley Fam... CMackley63
https://www.ancestry.com/family- tree/person/tree/101975324/person/180045096175/facts

also matched to me:
confidence good 19.2 centimorgans shared across 1 DNA segment

also matched to John:
16.9 centimorgans shared across 1 DNA segment

also matched to Sheridan:
17 centimorgans shared across 1 DNA segment



Birth:
Mellenthin, Ostvorpommern, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Prussia
on the Island of Usedom

Mellenthin: During the Thirty Years' War, on June 26, 1630, the Swedish Army under King Gustav Adolf II landed in the village of Peenemünde, located on the Peene river (Polish: Piana). Usedom was annexed by Sweden after the war for almost a century, until in 1720 it was sold for 2 million thalers to the Prussian king Frederick William I. In 1740 Frederick the Great developed a seaport in Swinemünde.

map of Prussia 1804
http://www.clausewitz.com/readings/Bassford/Cworks/MapsPrussia.html

Immigration:
92 Johann Knickkel 61 M Farmer Lassan
93 Louise Knickkel 50 F
94 Ferdinand Knickkel 26 M
95* Ernst Knickkel 24 F
96* Friedr. Hillert 27 M Carpenter Stellin
97* Friedr. Koch 48 M Farmer Lassan
98 Augusto Koch 34 M
99 Augusto Koch 12 M
100* Cristine Koch 8 M
101 Alwine Koch 6 M
102 Frederich Koch 5 M
103 Peter Koch 2 M
104* Christian Koch 9m M
105* Christo Gentz 56 M Farmer Usedam
106 Charlotte Gentz 54 F
107 Fredinke Gentz 17 F
108* Alwine Gentz 12 M
109* Johann Gentz 12 M
110* Carl Friedr Gentz 10 M
111 Carl Ferdin Gentz

Bark Neptune Manifest
Includes Captain Carl Vespermann's signature, information about the baque of the middle 19th century. Family members who sailed this voyage are linked to the respective pages within this file.

http://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/documents/Bark-Neptune-manifest.htm

Census:
2 Nov 1850 Tyler County
res 118/118
A Knuppel 28 28 Germany Farmer
John Knupple 61 Germany
Louisa 57 Germany
Ernest 24 Germany

res 119/119
Chas Maass 40 Germany Farmer
Mary 25 Germany
Eliza Deurand 38
Henry Durand 6 PA
M Prieto 37

res 120/120
Chas D Maass 66 Germany Carpenter
Mary Maass 62 Germany

res 121/121
Fred Koch 49 Germany Farmer
Augusta 35 Germany
Augusto 13 Germany
Amistine 8 Germany
Alvena 7 Germany
Fred 5 Germany
Peter 3 Germany
Reinholt 1 Germany
Charles 2/12 TX

res 122/122
Christian Gentz 55 Germany Farmer
Charlotte 50 Germany
William 13 Germany
Charles 11 Germany
Ferdinand 5 Germany




Possessions:
The lumber for the Gentz or Albert Block home had been cut at the Remley sawmill in Grigsby?s Bluff.

Census:
Residence 392
Behlke Frederick 64 1796 Germany
Behlke Menah 36 1824 Germany
Behlke Henry 14 1846 Germany
Behlke Menah 10 1850 Germany

Residence 393
Gantz Christian 66 1794 Germany
Gantz Charlotte 62 1798 Germany
Gantz William 22 1838 Germany
Gantz Charles 20 1840 Germany
Gantz Ferdinand 16 1844 Germany

Residence 394
Beaumont John 53 1807 Pennsylvania
Frederica 26 1834 Germany
Josephine 17 1843 Texas

Residence 394
Beaumont Jacob 23 1837 Pennsylvania
Beaumont Luiza 6 1854 Texas
Beaumont Hellen 4 1856 Texas
Beaumont James A 3 1857 Texas
Beaumont John C 1 1859 Texas



Buried:
After building his home on Block's Bayou in 1858, Christian Gentz died at Grigsby?s Bluff in 1868, at a time when there were four Gentz families living there. A large marker in Oak Bluff Cemetery now honors Gentz as the first burial in that cemetery. His widow moved to her son Charles' home at Smith's Bluff.[20]
(W.T. Block)

George* married Charlotte* Uecker, (immigrant) on 1 Jun 1821 in Mellenthin, Usedom, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Prussia. Charlotte* was born in 1804 in Prussia; died after 1880 in Smith's Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1798, Usedom, Prussia
• Immigration: 13 Jun 1850, "Bark Neptune," Bremen, Germany; Galveston
• Census: 2 Nov 1850, Tyler Co, Texas
• Census: 13 Jul 1860, Grigsby Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Aft 1868, Smith's Bluff, Port Neches, Jefferson Co, Texas; w/ son Charles
• Census: 24 Jun 1870, River Settlement (Port Neches), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 7 Jun 1880, Taylor Bayou, Labelle, (District 41), Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Charlotte's last name, and ancestors of George and all the Prussia relatives were sent to me by Irmela, researched in the churchbooks of Morgenitz. Irgeibel@aol.com

1870 River Settlement, Jefferson Co, Texas, census shows Charlotte boarding with Charles Gentz. By 1880 census time, she is living with Fred Gentz, age 77.

probably buried in Gentz Cemetery near Jefferson Chemical (Texaco) which was moved to Oak Bluff after World War II

Immigration:
92 Johann Knickkel 61 M Farmer Lassan
93 Louise Knickkel 50 F
94 Ferdinand Knickkel 26 M
95* Ernst Knickkel 24 F
96* Friedr. Hillert 27 M Carpenter Stellin
97* Friedr. Koch 48 M Farmer Lassan
98 Augusto Koch 34 M
99 Augusto Koch 12 M
100* Cristine Koch 8 M
101 Alwine Koch 6 M
102 Frederich Koch 5 M
103 Peter Koch 2 M
104* Christian Koch 9m M
105* Christo Gentz 56 M Farmer Usedam
106 Charlotte Gentz 54 F
107 Fredinke Gentz 17 F
108* Alwine Gentz 12 M
109* Johann Gentz 12 M
110* Carl Friedr Gentz 10 M
111 Carl Ferdin Gentz

Bark Neptune Manifest
Includes Captain Carl Vespermann's signature, information about the baque of the middle 19th century. Family members who sailed this voyage are linked to the respective pages within this file.

http://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/documents/Bark-Neptune-manifest.htm

Census:
2 Nov 1850 Tyler County
res 118/118
A Knuppel 28 28 Germany Farmer
John Knupple 61 Germany
Louisa 57 Germany
Ernest 24 Germany

res 119/119
Chas Maass 40 Germany Farmer
Mary 25 Germany
Eliza Deurand 38
Henry Durand 6 PA
M Prieto 37

res 120/120
Chas D Maass 66 Germany Carpenter
Mary Maass 62 Germany

res 121/121
Fred Koch 49 Germany Farmer
Augusta 35 Germany
Augusto 13 Germany
Amistine 8 Germany
Alvena 7 Germany
Fred 5 Germany
Peter 3 Germany
Reinholt 1 Germany
Charles 2/12 TX

res 122/122
Christian Gentz 55 Germany Farmer
Charlotte 50 Germany
William 13 Germany
Charles 11 Germany
Ferdinand 5 Germany


Census:
Residence 392
Behlke Frederick 64 1796 Germany
Behlke Menah 36 1824 Germany
Behlke Henry 14 1846 Germany
Behlke Menah 10 1850 Germany

Residence 393
Gantz Christian 66 1794 Germany
Gantz Charlotte 62 1798 Germany
Gantz William 22 1838 Germany
Gantz Charles 20 1840 Germany
Gantz Ferdinand 16 1844 Germany

Residence 394
Beaumont John 53 1807 Pennsylvania
Frederica 26 1834 Germany
Josephine 17 1843 Texas

Residence 394
Beaumont Jacob 23 1837 Pennsylvania
Beaumont Luiza 6 1854 Texas
Beaumont Hellen 4 1856 Texas
Beaumont James A 3 1857 Texas
Beaumont John C 1 1859 Texas

Census:
residence 87
Block, G.F. 66 1804 Prussia
Augusta 53 1817 Prussia
Leopold 23 1847 Prussia
Adolph 21 1849 Texas
August 18 1852 Texas
Joseph 16 1854 Texas

residence 88
Block, G.L. 26 1844 Prussia
Jane 23 1847 Louisiana
Myrta 4 1866 Louisiana
Ihmer 2 1868 Louisiana
Westly 7/12 1869 Texas

residence 90:
Gtz Charles 30 1840 farmer
Matilda 20 1850
Christopher 3 1867
Mary E. 1 1869
Charlotte 62 boarding Prussia

Block, Wm 35 1835 Prussia
Mary 28 1842 Indiana
George 11 1859 Texas
Flora 6 1864 Texas
John 5 1865 Louisiana
Edward 2 1868 Texas


Census:
Note: It appears the first page is the Sparks Settlement. And the 2nd page seems to be the Port Neches, Grisgsby Bluff area, a few miles north.

7 Jun 1880 District 41 Justice Precinct No. 2
Page 1

residence 1
Gentz Fred 35 Dec 1845 laborer Prussia Prussia Prussia
R. Belle 28 Aug 1852 TX NC TN
Welby 8 Jun 1872 TX NC TX
H.M. 7 Feb 1873 TX NC TX
M.J. dau 6 1874 TX
J.W. son 4 1876 TX
Buler 2 dau May 1878 TX
J. Lee 4/12 son Jan 1880 TX
Charlotte 77 mother widow Prussia NC TX <<<
(census taker just carried the NC down the columns.
Only person from NC is Belle's father.

residence 2
Lee, Samuel 62 farmer Denmark Denmark Denmark
E. Jane 36 Oct TX NC TN
Emma A. 12 Jul 1868 TX
Hayes, Eliza Black 19 Jan 1861 servant Texas Texas Alabama
Eddy, Albert 37 Jul 1843 carpenter Ireland Ireland Ireland
Sparks, William E. 27 Mar 1853 TX

residence 3
Melinda Sparks 61 Mar 1819 TN VA TN
Worthy 24 Mar 1856 TX NC TN
James 26 son Dec 1854 TX NC TN
Ella 23 Nov 1857 dau-in-law TX TN PA
Thomas George, Black 8 1872 servant TX

residence 4
Sparks, Caroline 60 May 1820 self widow SC VA SC
Sparks, J.M. 26 Aug 1854 son TX

residence 5
Kilgore, James S 28 1852 Mar Michigan Michigan Michigan
Elizabeth 50 Oct 1830 mother wid Michigan Michigan --
Columbus 28 25 May 1855 brother Texas Michigan Michigan
Susan F. 20 Feb 1860 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Eugenia 17 Jun 1863 sister Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Fuller 3 May 1877 nephew Texas Michigan Michigan
Swift, Ida 3/12 Feb 1880 niece Texas Michigan Michigan

residence 6
Brewton, W.P. 47 Aug 1833
Sarah C. (Sparks) 30 Dec 1850
Grace 15 Feb 1865 TX
Silas F. 10 Oct 1870 TX
Esther 8 Dec 1872 TX
Almond 6 Apr 1874 TX
Inas 3 dau Aug 1877 TX
John Smith 14 June 1866 TX TN PA

residence 7
Gray, H.L. 33 head Sep 1847 Michigan VA MI
Gray, S.E. 33 wife Aug 1847 LA PA Indiana
Carey, Coy 11 son May 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Clara 7 dau Mar 1873 TX Indiana Louisiana
Gray H.E. son 9 Sep 1871 TX MI TX
Smith, T.F. 21 Apr 1859 TX TN PA
Courts, E.M. 20 1860 TX unk TX
___________
page 2
8 Jun 1880

residence 8
Yantz (Gentz), Wm Apr 42 1838 farmer Prussia Prussia Prussia
Susan 31 Jan 1849 wife TX GA LA
Leuvinia 12 Jan 1868 dau
William Y. 10 Jan 1870 son
H.L. 6 mos Nov 1879 son

residence 9
J. T. Rogers 28 Aug 1852 TX TN TX
Izzie J. Rogers 27 Aug 1853 TX NY LA
C. O. Rogers 3 Dec 1877
Wm. A. Rogers 1 Sep 1879
Levina Keith 68 Feb 1812 mother-in-law tx ga tn

residence 10
Keith, O 39 Feb 1841 Self TX OH LA
Margaret 39 Jun 1841 TX TN TN
George 7 Jun 1873 son LA TX TN
William O. 5 Mar 1875 son
Berry, Lethean female 11 Jan 1869 servant TX Prussia Prussia

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military: 24 May 1846, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas (Mexican War)
• Census: 25 Nov 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 11 Jul 1870, Taylor Bayou, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 12 Jun 1880, Sabine Pass (District 42), Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: 1900, Sabine Pass Ave, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas; this James?
• Census: 16 Jun 1900, Beaumont, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Residence: Between 1931 and 1836, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

(obvious error on his birthdate or his sister Missouri's -but she does not appear to be his sister.)

James enlisted at Sabine Pass 24 May 1845 for the Mexican War; served in Civil War as Pvt 2nd Reg, 4th Co Inf and was discharged at Camayo Mex 24 September 1846. He applied for pension at age 61. The last entry is dated 21 May 1894. He was in the same company as his cousin Theophilus Hayes and Warren Johnson, possibly in Civil War.

1860 after wife, Emily Burrell Hayes died the children disbursed for time.
Alzena was living with John McCall, husband of her 1st cousin Martha Hayes, & Mary Gallier, her grandmother.

Matilda Hayes (later Gentz) 1860 Census: Listed age 10, living with Jacob Garner & Matilda Hayes, her aunt, sister to her father.

In the next residence in the census is Nancy was Living with James McCall and Anna Garner (8 years old). Nancy's father James was brother to Anna's mother, Matilda. i.e. 1st cousin.

Mary was living with John McCall, husband of her 1st cousin Martha Hayes, and her grandmother Marie Gallier.


At some point after Selina Maas (2nd wife) died, he and his children Mary (Emily's child), age 16, and Missoura (Selina's child) age 6, moved in with his mother MARIE JOHNSON HAYES, as he was counted there in the 1870 census. Daughter Mary married Lovis Obey the following year in 1871.
By the 1880 census, James had moved in with Matilda, another daughter by Emily BURRELL, and her husband CHARLES GENTZ and their family. Missouri Hayes, now age 15 had moved in with her sister Mary and Mary's 2nd husband Franklin Hemmingway. nklin claimed her as a sister-in-law, even though it was five years later in 1885 that Missouri married his brother Eustace Hemmingway.

note: burial - no record in Magnolia for him or Emily. Possibly buried in Gentz cem.

Military:
James enlisted at Sabine Pass 24 May 1845 for the Mexican War; served in Civil War as Pvt 2nd Reg, 4th Co Inf and was discharged at Camayo Mex 24 September 1846. He applied for pension at age 61. The last entry is dated 21 May 1894. He was in the same company as his cousin Theophilus Hayes and Warren Johnson, possibly in Civil War.

Census:
1850 Jefferson Co, Texas
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer <<
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer (bro to Louisiana Hayes)
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relation unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (widower of Louisiana Hayes)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)


nearby:
Solomon Sparks and Martha family
John Sparks and Melinda family and James Court and Julia Ann

_____


Census:
278 Hays G 24 1846 TX farmer
Virginia 17 TX
Laura 3 1867 TX
Oscher 1 1869 TX

285 Gallier, Joseph 54 wid of
Mary Catherine Hayes (dec'd) dau of Mary Hayes, sis of Jas
(he was also bro of Mary's 2nd dec'd husband Francis)
Uphema 16 1854 TX
Marton 14 1856 TX

294 Hays, Mary I 73 1797 LA
Hays James 40 1830 LA <<<<
Mary 16 1854 TX
Misaura 6 1864 TX

295 Hays Lenard 55 1815 LA
Felicity 49 1821 LA
Polly 29 TX
Linstrom, Joann 23 1847 Texas
Embry 13 1857 TX
Lenard 16 1855 TX
James 8 1862 TX
Feloman 5 1865 TX


Census:
12 Jun 1880 District 42, Sabine Pass, Texas
47 F. P. Hemmenway 26 engineer TX -- PA
Mary Hemmenway 25 wife TX LA LA
Arthur Hemmenway 4 son TX
Emily Hemmenway 1 dau TX
Missouri Hays 15 sis-in-law single TX LA TX
Mary Gallier 83 1797 G-mother widowed LA SC MS

49 Garner, J.H. 66
Matilda 63
S.A. 30
Bradley 19
Rachel 14 goddaughter TX (--) TX
Othneil 4 godson TX (--) TX

50 McCall, A.E. 40
Jacob 27 foreman
Frank 18 foreman
John 14
Robert 13
Mary 10
Claudie 8
Gibson J.E. 20 female single general housework

51
Wm Allen 78 1802 farmer Germany Germany
Ann (prev Mrs. Gibson) 40 1840 Texas Louisiana Louisiana
Emma 11 1869 Texas
Bettie 8 1872 Texas
Nettie 2 1878 Texas


52 Gantz, Charles C. 40 1840 farmer Germany Germany Germany
Matilda 30 1850 TX Louisiana Louisiana
C 12 1868 TX
Mary 11 1869 TX
Lena 9 1871 TX
Edna 6 1874 TX
Claudie 3 1877 TX
Hayes, James 50 father-in-law 1820 LA

53 Johnson Uriah 34 LA LA LA
L 33 LA LA MS
Rachel 13
Lizzie 12
Seth 10

55 McCall John 47 farmer IL -- Germany
M.A. 38 wife TX LA LA
D.E. 18 son
A.L. 15 dau
M.K. 13 dau
Eva 10 dau
Andrew 1 son


Census:
Beaumont, South half
Sabine Pass Avenue
793 - 621 672
Pryne Will F. head Jul 1869 30 m 4 yrs MS MS MS
Pryne Clenne wife Dec 1877 22 m 4 yrs at sea NY Texas
Pryne Lena dau 3 Sep 1896 TX MS at sea
Hayes James H. boarder Feb 1826 widow, married "35" then scratched out. LA LA LA (attended school, can read/write)
Barefield Mite Jan 1879 21 single TX TX TX dairy man

Res (also on Sabine Pass)
- 35/686 Barefield Charles Dec 1850
widowed m 30 yrs (then scratched out)
children Frank A, Jim H. Dee D, Richard, Lizzy, Leonard, Plumber, Sallie, Leela


Died:
Might have died before 1903 as there is no entry for him in the city directories starting in 1903.

James* married Emily* Burrell on 27 May 1847 in Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas. Emily* (daughter of Robert* Burrell and Susanne* Clark) was born in 1829 in Louisiana; died before 1860 in Jefferson Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Abt 1830, Jefferson Co, Texas
• Census: 25 Oct 1850, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas

Notes:

Emily died sometime before 1860. How long beforehand she died is not known. We only know that she was alive in 1854 when the last girl Mary was born. The census of 1860 was taken on July 11th, and the four girls had been taken in by three family members, all living in close proximity to each other. James has not been found in the 1860 census. He had been a soldier in the Mexican war and also was in the Civil War. Possibly he was away in military service.
Alzina, the oldest at 12 years old, and Mary, the youngest at 6 years old, were both living in the John McCall household (Residence 361 in census record) where their grandmother Mary Johnson Hayes Gallier was also staying.
John had just married Martha Ann Garner, also daughter of Matilda Hayes Garner and sister of Ann Garner McCall. They had married in January of the year before, but she is not listed in the household and is not found in any 1860 census record.
Matilda, the 2nd oldest, is next door (residence 359), living with her aunt, Matilda Hayes Garner and husband Jacob Garner and children.
Nancy, 8 years old, was taken in by her cousin, Ann Garner McCall whose mother Matilda, next door, who took in her sister Matilda. Ann was married to James McCall, brother of John McCall. Also living with them was John Johnson, a cousin. They were living in residence 358.

1880 census, daughter Mary states her mother was born in Louisiana.


Census:
residence 221
John Railey 51 1799 Georgia laborer <<
Delinda Railey 34 1816 LA (Malinda Cole Johnson)
Elisabeth Railey 17 1833 LA
James Railey 14 1836 TX (step-son James Johnson)
Nancy Railey 13 1837 TX (step-dau Nancy Johnson)
Sally Railey 12 1838 TX (step-dau Sally Johnson)
Moses Railey 7 1843 TX (step-son Moses Johnson)
Christian Railey 2 1848 TX
James Hayes 23 1827 LA laborer
Emily Hayes 21 1829 TX
Alzena Hayes 2 1848 2
Matilda Hayes 0 6/12 TX 1850


residence 223
Clubb, Thos B. 32 1818 SC laborer
Clubb Maria 24 1826 TX
Clubb William C. 1846
Clubb Sarah 1 1849
Burris Enos 1801 Canada blacksmith
Gibson Robert 20 1830 England laborer
Willis John 16 1834 TX laborer (relation unk)
Willis William 49 1801 TN laborer (relation unk)
Willis William J. 14 1836 LA laborer (relatin unk)
Wilson John 27 1823 LA laborer (relation unk)
Taylor John 39 1811 TN laborer (relation unk)

residence 224
Thomas F. Smith 31 1819 carpenter Tennessee
Ella A. 26 1824 Pennsylvania
Nancy F. 4 1846 Louisiana
William M. 2 1848 Texas
Sarah L. Lawrey 14 1836 Ohio (relation unk)
James Penrod 18 1832 laborer Illinois (relation unk)
James Dyson 57 1793 saddler Mississippi (relation unk)

Notes:

Married:
Name: James Hayes
Marriage Date: 27 May 1847

Spouse: Emily Burrell

Marriage County: Jefferson
Marriage State: Texas
Source: County Court Records - FHL microfilm # 1311466

license recorded 21 May 1847 by Joseph P. Pulsifer, Clerk of the County of Jefferson County.

Performed by 27 May 1847 Isaac Garner, Justice of the Peace