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Cornelius Davis (c1805-aft 1890) and Tabitha Jones of Brunswick and Columbus Co., NC

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Cornelius and Tabitha (Jones) Davis are my 4 times great grand parents on my mother’s side.

Special thanks to Norma Jones (d 2023), Lawrence Jones and Teresa Gregg for information shared on this family.

Cornelius Davis, also known as Neal, was born ca 1804/05 per his ages on the 1850 census (45), 1860 census (55), and 1880 census (75). The only outlier is his 1870 entry which shows him as 60 (c1809/10).

He was born in North Carolina, presumably in the Livingston Creek area of then Brunswick County, now Columbus County.

His parents are not proven, but I think there is little doubt that he is a son of Richard Davis, also of Livingston Creek. The evidence is circumstantial, but it’s all we have:

∙           Richard was “free colored” as was Cornelius.

∙           Both lived on Livingston's Creek in the very same section.

∙           Associated with same families.

∙           No other options.

There were no other Davis’s in that section who could have been Cornelius’s parents besides Richard Davis. Richard is old enough to have been Cornelius’s grandfather so there is also that possibility.

Richard Davis, and his mother Grace Davis, were slaves freed by John Davis, Esquire, in 1764 and lived as free people afterward. I believe they were of mixed race because Cornelius, though listed as Free Colored on the 1840 census, was listed as white on all other censuses after that.

Cornelius Davis would have been about 5 years old for the 1810 census, so should be in the under 10 age group (born 1800/1810). Richard Davis is on that census in Brunswick Co., NC, however, being “free colored,” his entire household was lumped into one column consisting of 5 people, one of whom could be Cornelius.

On 7 Jan 1815, Jonah Keith of Brunswick Co., NC made a deed with Neale Davis of the same place for $17. He sold him 34 acres of land on the north side of Livingstone Creek, being part of a tract patented to William Keith adjoining Samuel Vines, Hugh Waddle. Jonah Keith signed the deed. Witnesses were Solomon Taylor Sr and Solomon Taylor. (Brunswick Co., NC Deed Book H, p. 6.)

The above deed was proven in court on 27 Jan 1818 by Solomon Taylor. (Brunswick Co., NC Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions.)

This deed is curious. First, Cornelius Davis was only about 10 years old in 1815. Legally speaking a ten year old couldn’t buy land. He could receive land in a deed, but not if payment was required. One would assume that someone else, his father perhaps, paid on his behalf, but the deed doesn’t say that. There is the possibility that Cornelius is actually a bit older than I think he is, though most of his census records are consistent regarding his age, putting him born ca 1805.

It occurred to me that perhaps this was a different Neal Davis, older than mine. However, it is definitely mine for he had this same land many, many years later.

Next we have to wonder why Jonah Keith sold Cornelius Davis land at such a young age. Were they related somehow? I’ve only done a little research on the Keith family and the only connection I found is they lived on Livingston Creek and were associated with a Jones family that might be connected to Cornelius’s wife.

William Keith Senr made his Will on 8 Oct 1803 naming sons William, James, Jonah and George Keith, daughter Fereby, daughter Lucy Keetor wife of William Keetor, daughter Margaret Keith, daughter Isabella Keith, and his wife Martha Keith. He mentioned land on Livingston Creek. William Keith signed the Will. Witnesses were Willis Jones and Silas F. Clark. The Will was proven in court in Oct 1810.

Willis Jones could be related to Cornelius Davis’s wife Tabitha Jones.

I have no other information on Jonah Keith except what has been shared with me by Susan O’Keefe and Thomas J. Keith. Neither of them were aware of a connection to the Davis family. Jonah Keith apparently moved to Alabama after 1815. Susan wondered if perhaps Cornelius Davis could have been a nephew of Jonah’s, a child of one of his sisters. That’s certainly possible. She also noted the given name “Cornelius” appears often in the Keith family.

Cornelius Davis would have been about 15 by the time of the 1820 census. That means he should be in the 10-15 age group (born 1804/1810). Richard Davis wasn’t found in 1820. There were two Davis households in Brunswick who had sons Cornelius’s age, but I don’t think either are him: Bartholomew Davis (1765/75-aft 1830) of Smithville District, and William B. Davis (1775/84-aft 1820). Not sure where William resided exactly, but I don’t think Livingston Creek.

Cornelius would have been about 25 for the 1830 census, old enough to be a head of household, though he wasn’t listed as such. He probably wasn’t married yet. Richard Davis, his presumed father, had two apparent sons around Neal’s age with him on this census, free colored males aged 10-23 born 1806/1820 which isn’t an exact match but close enough.

Cornelius Davis married Tabitha Jones between ca 1830 and ca 1833, presumably in Brunswick (now Columbus) Co., NC.

Tabitha Jones’s maiden name is proven by the death certificate of her daughter Dorothy. I’ve seen no other proof. I once speculated she was a Wallace but I was wrong. Unfortunately that information is “out there” now, so you’ll see it on some online family trees.

She was born ca 1809/10 per her age on the 1850 census (40), or born ca 1804/05 per her age on the 1860 census (55). Her 1850 entry gives her birth place as North Carolina, whereas her 1860 entry gives South Carolina. We only have those two entries for her. However, her children in 1880 and 1900 listed their mother as born in North Carolina, none listed South Carolina.

See my Jones pages for more on that family.

On 2 Jan 1839, Cornelius Davis received a State Land Grant in Brunswick Co., NC, being 50 acres on the North Side of Livingston Creek joining his own land, at the mouth of Johns Branch. McFarlan’s corner was also mentioned. He entered the land 1 Dec 1836 and it was surveyed 6 Dec 1836. Joseph C. Lewis (or Joseph Clevis (Chavis?)) and Hunathan Peavy were chain bearers. They were probably neighbors, and perhaps related.

They are listed on the 1840 census in Brunswick. They were in a large group of free colored families many of whom are known to have resided in the Livingston Creek area. They were three houses from Ezekiel Jones and Allen Jones, perhaps related to Tabitha. There were no Davis’s nearby, although Thomas F. Davis was listed on the next page. He didn’t live in Brunswick but he had slaves there, though I don’t think near Livingston Creek.

This is the only record listing Cornelius Davis as “free colored.” He must have been light complected because he was always listed as white afterward.

1840 Census, Brunswick Co., NC

Page

Name (Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

237

Neal Davis

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~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

FPC=301000-301000

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~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

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My analysis (who each person *might* be):

Free Colored Persons

1m 24-35 (1804/1816)       Cornelius Davis (c1805)

3m 0-9 (1830/1840)            1. Robert Davis (c1834) son

                                               2. William L. Davis (c1836) son

                                               3. Leonard Davis (c1839) son

1f 24-35 (1804/1816)         Tabitha Jones Davis (c1810) wife

3f 0-9 (1830/1840)              1. Mary Davis (c1838) daughter

                                               2. Daughter?

                                               3. Daughter?

Neale Davis is named in a court record in 1842 regarding interest on a note dated 1 Mar 1842 by William B. Smith for $4.00. (I need to re-read this to see who was paying who.)

William B. Smith was a neighbor.

On 6 Apr 1844, William Smith (probably William B. Smith mentioned above) had a land entry surveyed for 100 acres on Johns Creek adjoining Christenbury Byrd. The chain bearers were Asa Huffum and Cornelius Davis. Chain bearers/carriers were usually neighbors and quite often relatives.

On 10 Nov 1847 William Jacobs made a deed to Hunathan Peavy for land on Dan’s Creek a branch of Livingston Creek joining Neal Davis and Ivey Jones. Witnessed by C. J. Byrd. (Brunswick Co., NC Book O, pp. 324-325.)

The above is interesting in that it shows Ivey Jones was a neighbor of Neal Davis. He may be closely related to Tabitha Jones Davis, a younger brother or nephew perhaps.

They are listed on the 1850 census in Brunswick Co., NC with a large family. Their race is left blank which means white.

1850 Census, Brunswick Co., NC, North West District, House 34, Family 34

On 22 Dec 1854 William B. Smith sold some land to Thomas J. Smith being 218 acres on Dans Creek and William B. Robinsons Mill Creek. There were several tracts. The adjoining land owners include Cornelius Davis. Others mentioned would be his neighbors too: James E. Huffam, James R. Grist, Allen Grist, Mrs. May Huffam, Effy Freeman, McKay, Wm Jacobs, Hight, Thompson, David Taylor, Isaac Freeman. The deed refers to an earlier deed from William Jacobs to Jonathan Peavy. William B. Smith signed with a mark. C. J. Byrd and Jordan Willard were witnesses. (Brunswick Co., NC Book Q, p. 556).

The Davises are on the 1860 census in Brunswick. They didn’t have the same neighbors as in 1850, but the names were familiar from deeds so perhaps they didn’t actually move.

1860 Census, Brunswick Co., NC, North West District, Roberson PO, House 99, Family 99

On 8 Oct 1863, Cornelius Davis sold 12 acres to Josiah B. Williams for $50. The land was on the waters of Dans Creek adjoining the said Davis and Wilkins. Cornelius Davis signed with a mark. Witnesses were Rufus P. Lennon and Enoch Daniel. (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book FF, p. 218.)

Tabitha Jones Davis appears to have died in the 1860s for she wasn’t with Cornelius on the 1870 census.

The 1870 census entry is questionable as many family members are missing who ought to have still been at home but weren’t listed with him or elsewhere. The names and ages of those who were at home are off as well. This suggests the census taker got the information a neighbor who didn’t know them very well.

1870 Census, Brunswick Co., NC, North West Township, Smithville PO, House 394, Family 394

Cornelius Davis is listed on the 1873 tax list in Brunswick Co., NC, North West Township. He was taxed for 104 acres on Dan’s Creek valued at $276, 10 cows valued at $50, 15 hogs at $15, and no sheep.

Cornelius Davis is listed on the 1875 tax list in Brunswick Co., NC, North West Township. He was taxed for 100 acres on Dan’s Creek valued at $276, 12 cows valued at (illegible), 30 hogs at $37.50 and no sheep. There was entry next to his for “Niel Davis” 1 white poll. That must be himself, for his son Cornelius Jr was out of state by this time.

The 1876 tax list is dim and hard to read. I believe it shows “Neal Davis Sen” with 100 acres of new land, 100 acres on Livingston and 500 acres (total?). There is also a “Jas Davis” listed with him on his entry, I think, though it is hard to read. Cornelius had 9 cows valued at $45, 24 hogs valued at $24 and no sheep.

In 1877, a goodly portion of North West Township, Brunswick Co., NC, was annexed by neighboring Columbus Co., NC and became part of Ransom Township there. This included Livingston Creek where the Davis’s lived. This adjustment may have been because it was more convenient for residents in that area to get to the Columbus County courthouse than to the Brunswick County courthouse. Regardless, our family found themselves residents of Columbus in 1877 without having moved.

On 1 Nov 1877, Cornelius Davis sold 3 acres to Franklin M. Carroll for $8.00 described as on John’s Branch and D. F. Daniel’s corner. Cornelius Davis signed. D. F. Daniel witnessed. (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book N2, p. 483.)

They are listed on the 1880 census in Columbus County. The youngest two children with them are listed as his children, but are grandchildren instead.

1880 Census, Columbus Co., NC, Ransome (sic) Township, House 118, Family 118

On 24 Jul 1880, Cornelius Davis deeded 34 acres to Mary C. Watson for $1.00. The deed doesn’t say so, but she was his granddaughter. The land was 34 acres on Livingston Creek, being the same land he purchased from Jonah Keith way back in 1815. He signed with a mark. Witnesses were M. J. Russell and F. P.Bordeaux (son-in-law). (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book D1, p. 428.)

There is one problem with the above deed. Mary C. Davis didn’t marry William H. Watson until 16 Nov 1882, yet she is listed as a Watson already in 24 Jul 1880. This could be explained by the deed being copied into the deed book with the wrong year listed.

On 24 Jul 1889, Cornelius Davis deeded 16 acres to Tabitha Bordeaux (his daughter) for $16. The land was on south side of Dans Creek adjoining B. B. Wilkins and others. Cornelius signed with a mark. Witnesses were J. M. Bordeaux and D. J. Carroll. (This deed was very dim and hard to read.) (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book JJ, p. 508.)

The 1890 census is lost for most of North Carolina, but had it survived, Cornelius would presumably have been listed in the same place as before.

On 2 Sep 1890, Cornelius Davis made a deed to Franklin P. Bordeaux (his son-in-law) selling him 50 acres on Livingston Creek for $125. He signed with a mark. Witnesses were H. J. Champion and M. J. Russell. (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book JJ, p. 510.) This deed was also dim and difficult to read.

The above deed is the last record I’ve found for Cornelius Davis. He would have been about 85 in 1890. He died between then and 1900, presumably in Columbus Co., NC.

No Will, estate or probate records were found for him. However, in February 1910 his four living children filed a lawsuit in Columbus Co., NC regarding 28 acres of land that was in dispute. Lenard Davis, Manly Davis, Neill Davis, F. P. Bodeaux and wife Dorothy Bordeaux were named as heirs at law of Cornelius Davis, deceased. (Columbus Co., NC Civil Action Papers.)

Land Genealogy: It is sometimes helpful to trace a person’s land holdings, i.e. where did they get it, and what happened to it. Cornelius had some land on Livingston Creek and Dan’s Creek. Relationships can be established by the ownership of land. He had more land than can be accounted for. Some records were destroyed by Federal Troops in 1865 during the Civil War. Perhaps that includes some of the deeds showing how Cornelius Davis wound up with some of his land.

Livingston Creek rises in present day Brunswick County near Gapway Ridge, then flows into Columbus County generally north until it is joined by Gapway Swamp just east of the Prosper community. There it turns north west and flows a few miles crossing S.R. 1824 just above Livingston Church. It continues north west for another few miles and is joined (from the south) by Johns Branch near Piney Grove Church, then a little further along Livingston Creek turns north and is joined (from the west) by Dans Creek. It then flows north easterly for several miles passing west of the Delco and Acme communities until it joins the Cape Fear River. However, the area we are interested in is where Dans Creek and Johns Creek join for that is where the Davises and known neighbors resided.

 

34 acres           On 17 Jan 1815, Jonah Keith sold 34 acres to Neal Davis. Described as on the North side of Livingstons Creek. Beginning at a run of the said creek on a Holly No 85 W 110 poles to a pine Samuel Vines beginning thence N 31 poles to a sweet gum thence N 75 E 110 poles with Hugh Waddle’s line to the creek, then up the meanders of the same to the beginning ...

 

On 4 Jul 1880, Cornelius Davis sold 34 acres to Mary C. Watson for $1. Described as on the South side of Livingston Creek. Beginning at the run of said Livingston Creek on a Holly Tree No 85 W 110 poles to a pine thence W 31 poles to a gum thence W 75 E 110 Waddle’s line to the creek, then up the side of the said creek to the beginning ...

 

The description and metes and bounds are slightly different in 1880 than in 1815, but it is clearly the same piece of land, unchanged since purchased.

 

50 Acres           On 1 Dec 1836, Cornelius Davis entered 50 acres described as on the North Side of Livingston Creek joining his own land.

 

The above was surveyed on 10 May 1837 by P. Sellers with Joseph C. Lewis and Hunathan Peavy as chain bearers. Beginning at a Holly tree his own corner at the Mouth of Johns Branch runs thence N 85 W 110 poles to a pine McFarlans corner thence S 56 E 208 poles to a gum in the run of Livingston Creek thence down the various courses of the same to the beginning. A plat was included.

 

The above was granted to Cornelius Davis on 2 Jan 1839.

 

On 2 Sep 1890 Cornelius Davis sold 50 acres to Franklin P. Bordeaux (his son-in-law). Described as on the South side of Livingston Creek. Beginning at a pine stump Carrolls corner and runs S 56 polls ... chains Carrolls corner in Livingston Creek thence with run of said creek ... chains to a Holly tree Davis’s corner thence N 85 W 110 poles to the beginning.

 

The above description uses the same metes and bounds but in a different order and has different neighbors, but I believe it’s the same 50 acres granted in 1839.

 

12 acres           On 8 Oct 1863, Cornelius sold 12 acres to Josiah B. Williams for $50. The land was on the waters of Dans Creek adjoining the said Davis and Wilkins. Where did he get this land?

 

3 acres             On 1 Nov 1877, Cornelius Davis sold 3 acres to Franklin M. Carroll for $8.00 described as on John’s Branch and D. F. Daniel’s corner. Where did he get this land?

 

16 acres           On 24 Jul 1889, Cornelius Davis deeded 16 acres to Tabitha Bordeaux (his daughter) for $16. The land was on south side of Dans Creek adjoining B. B. Wilkins and others. Where did he get this land?

 

75 acres           In February 1910 court, the four surviving children of Cornelius Davis filed a suit against W. A. Best regarding several tracts of land in dispute that they felt were theirs as heirs of Cornelius Davis. The first was 75 acres originally granted to John Chavis 16 Jan 1836. There are two detailed descriptions of the land, but it doesn’t say how or when it became Davis land.

 

28 acres           The second tract in the 1910 suit was described as 28 acres sold by Josiah B. Wilkins to Cornelius Davis. No date given.

 

No acreage      The third tract was described without the size being listed. Described as the same tract deeded between W. R. Skipper and others to M. A. Bordeaux recorded in Book RR, p. 126. I read that deed. It is between W. R. Skipper, W. G. Applewhite, L. H. Malpass and Melton A. Bordeaux. There is no mention of Cornelius Davis or any bodies of water or other landmarks I recognized. I don’t know how this land is connected to the Davises.

 

The suit says that W. A. Best has conveyed his entire interest in the above lands to M. A. Bordeaux who it is said also purchased the plaintiff’s interest in the same lands, thus they now belong to M. A. Bordeaux.

 

FYI: William A. Best was not related to the Davis family as best as I can determine. Melton Arther Bordeaux wasn’t related either, but Franklin P. Bordeaux (married Tabitha Davis) was his uncle.

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Children

Census records show that Cornelius and Tabitha had a very large family with at least 15 children. Fortunately, most of the children are known by name thanks to the 1850 and later censuses. The aforementioned 1910 court case proves four of the children, the only ones still alive at that time (Leonard, Manly, Neill, and Dorothy).

 

1.         Robert Davis (c1834-aft 1864)

2.         William L. Davis (c1836-aft 1880)

3.         Mary Davis (c1838-aft 1860)

4.         Leonard Davis (c1839-c1918)

5.         Unknown daughter 1830/1840

6.         Unknown daughter 1830/1840

7.         Sarah Davis (c1841-aft 1860)

8.         Luke Davis (c1842-1864)

9.         Johanna Davis (c1844-aft 1860)

10.       Mahala Davis (c1845-aft 1880)

11.       Elvy Davis (c1847-aft 1850)

12.       Cornelius Davis (Jr) (c1848-aft 1910)

13.       Thomas Manuel Davis (1849-1939)

14.       Waddel Davis (c1855-aft 1870)

15.       Dorothy Tabitha Davis (1858-1925)

16.       Thoms M. Davis (grandson) (c1870-aft 1880)

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Robert Davis was born ca 1833/34 per his age on the 1850 census (16). On that census he was home with his parents. He was not with them in 1860, nor listed in Brunswick Co., NC.

I searched the 1860 census for him elsewhere and found several potential matches, however, I couldn’t determine which, if any, of those were him. I was later informed by a descendant of his brother Leonard Davis that Leonard moved to Chesterfield Dist., SC. I looked and found a Robert Davis there in 1860 who is almost certainly our Robert. On that census, Robert is living next to William Davis, who I believe is his brother (see below for more on William). There were Brock families nearby. Their brother Leonard married a Brock sometime after 1860, so this proximity is more evidence this is the right Robert and William.

Robert Davis married Elizabeth (—) before ca 1859, probably in Chesterfield Dist., SC. She was born ca 1834/35 in South Carolina, maiden name and parents unknown. She *might* be a Brock for Robert’s brother William married Catherine Brock who had a sister named Elizabeth Brock about this age. Robert and Elizabeth did name their first daughter Rachel, which is the name of Catherine and Elizabeth Brock’s mother. This isn’t conclusive by any means.

They are on the 1860 census in Chesterfield, as noted, next to Robert’s brother William.

1860 Census, Chesterfield Dist., SC, Cheraw PO, House 344, Family 343

Robert Davis seems to have died in the 1860s, perhaps due to the Civil War, though I didn’t find any records of him serving. There may be some that I missed.

I *might* have found Elizabeth on the 1870 census, but I’m not sure it’s her because the census taker only used initials. However, she has some of the same Brock neighbors as in 1860, so it probably is her.

1870 Census, Chesterfield Co., SC, Court House Township, Chesterfield CH PO, House 175, Family 175

I didn’t find Elizabeth Davis on the 1880 census. She may have died, remarried and/or moved away by then. I didn’t find any of the children either, though only knowing their initials makes it difficult to trace them.

Robert Davis and Elizabeth had at least three children, one of which apparently died young.

 

1.         Rachel Davis (c1860), home in 1860, gone by 1870, so probably died young.

2.         J. Davis (c1862), male, home in 1870, no likely matches found in 1880.

3.         S. J. Davis (c1864), female, home in 1870, not found in 1880. “S. J.” could be for “Sarah Jane” though it could be for something else.

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William L. Davis was born ca 1835/36 per his age on the 1850 census (14). On that census he was home with his parents. He was not with them in 1860, nor listed in Brunswick Co., NC.

I found him in 1860 accidentally while searching for his brother Robert. They are side by side on that census in Chesterfield Dist., SC.

William Davis married Catherine Brock before ca 1858 in Chesterfield Dist., SC. She was born 5 Oct 1836 in Chesterfield, a child of Squire Brock and Rachel Parker. She was with her parents in 1850, “Catharine” age 12.

In 1860 they are a few houses from her parents and as noted earlier, next to brother Robert Davis.

1860 Census, Chesterfield Dist., SC, Cheraw PO, House 343, Family 342

There is a William Burch (c1827 NC) next to William Davis in 1860. That he was also born in NC might just be a coincidence, but perhaps not. I don’t know if there is a connection.

On 11 Oct 1861, William L. Davis, age 27, enlisted as a Private in Chesterfield in Capt Kelly’s Company of the South Carolina Light Artillery. He was described as being born in Chesterfield (incorrect), 5'9" tall, light complexion, gray eyes, sandy hair and a farmer. His brother Leonard Davis enlisted the same day. William was discharged for disability on 25 Aug 1862 after an attack of pneumonia rendered him unfit for duty.

They left Chesterfield for Florida between 1868 and 1870 and were found on the 1870 census in Duval Co., FL.

1870 Census, Duval Co., FL, Mandarin Voting Precinct, Mandarin PO, House 470, Family 398

They were still in Duval for the 1880 census.

1880 Census, Duval Co., FL, Enumeration District 38 (Mayport), House 211, Family 227

They are listed on an 1885 state census in Duval.

1885 Florida State Census, Duval Co., FL, Jacksonville, House 142, Family 142

William L. Davis died sometime between 1885 and 1899 for Catherine was listed as widowed on an 1899 city directory for Jacksonville, FL. Her entry read:

Davis Catherine B, (wid Wm L) h 1212 w Church.

She is with her son James for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Duval Co., FL, Jacksonville City, Ward 2, Precinct 16 (part of), House 56, Family 59

Church Street East

She was on the 1910 census still in Jacksonville but at a different address.

1910 Census, Duval Co., FL, Jacksonville City, Precinct 16 (part of), House 337, Family 395

Ashley [Street]

Catherine Brock Davis died on 3 Jul 1917 and is buried at Old City Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL.

William and Catherine had seven children as proven by the various census records. According to her 1900 census entry, all 7 were still living at that time.

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Mary Davis was born ca 1837/38 per her age on the 1850 census (12). In 1860 she was 28, putting her birth at ca 1831/32. I don’t know which is more accurate. She was with her parents in 1850 and 1860, but not in 1870 unless she’s the one listed as “Malinda” age 30. That *could* be her since there wasn’t a known daughter of that name.

I have no other data on Mary Davis.

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Leonard Davis was born ca 1838/39 per his age on the 1850 census (11). His 1880 entry gives him as 44 or born ca 1835/36, while his 1900 entry lists him as 68, born 1832, and his 1910 entry gives 73, born ca 1836/37. Those are all over the place. I’d trust his first entry the most since it’s more likely his mother or father provided the information, thus I’m going with ca 1838/39.

He was with his parents in 1850, but gone by 1860 and not found listed anywhere else. For years this was all I had on him, then one day I heard from a descendant who told me he wound up in Chesterfield, SC. That was quite helpful. I rechecked the 1860 census in that county but didn’t find him listed, but did find his brothers Robert and William (see above). Leonard was probably there too somewhere, residing with another family and left off the census.

Leonard Davis married Sarah Ann Brock in the 1860s, presumably in Chesterfield Dist., SC. She was born ca 1825/26 per her age on the 1850 census (24) or ca 1833/34 per her age in 1860 (26). Her parents were Samuel Brock and Marcia (—). I would *guess* that Samuel is a brother of Squire Brock whose daughter Catherine married William Davis as they lived two houses apart in 1850.

On 11 Oct 1861, Leonard Davis enlisted as a Private in Cpt Kelly’s Company, South Carolina Light Artillery, in Chesterfield at age 24. His brother William enlisted the same day.

I was unable to locate Leonard Davis and family on the 1870 census. That’s two censuses in a row where he is missing.

They were “back” in Chesterfield for the 1880 census next door to her brother Samuel Brock.

1880 Census, Chesterfield Co., SC, Cheraw Township, House 521, Family 525

Sarah Ann Brock Davis died sometime between 1880 and 1884 in Chesterfield Co., SC.

Leonard Davis married Martha E. Presley ca 1883/84 in Chesterfield Co., SC. She was born March 1850 (per 1900 census) in Chesterfield Dist., SC. Her parents are Levi Presley and Lydia Diggs per her death certificate.

They are on the 1900 census in Chesterfield.

1900 Census, Chesterfield Co., SC, Cheraw Township, House 302, Family 302

They are on the 1910 census in Chesterfield.

1910 Census, Chesterfield Co., SC, Court House Township, House 178, Family 178

In February 1910 Leonard Davis and his three surviving siblings filed a suit in Columbus Co., NC regarding their father’s estate. He died sometime between then and 1915, presumably in Chesterfield Co., SC.

Martha Presley Davis died on 6 Apr 1915 in Richmond Co., NC. Her death certificate showed she was widowed, meaning Leonard had died before then.

I don’t know where Leonard Davis or either of his wives are buried.

Leonard and his 1^st wife Sarah Brock had one child that I know of, and he and his second wife Martha Presley had two.

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Unknown daughter 1830/1840. Cornelius Davis had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1840 aged under 10 (1830/1840). She was gone by 1850 unless this is Sarah Davis who was only 9 in 1850 (born ca 1840/41) but 26 in 1860 (born ca 1833/34). If that second entry is more accurate, then this unknown daughter in 1840 is probably her.

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Unknown daughter 1830/1840. Cornelius Davis had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1840 aged under 10 (1830/1840) who was gone by 1850 so perhaps married or dead by then.

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Sarah Davis was born ca 1840/41 per her age on the 1850 census (9) or born ca 1833/34 per her age in 1860 (26). That’s a large difference. I don’t know which entry is more accurate. Regardless, she was with her parents for both those censuses but gone by 1870.

I have no additional information on her.

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Luke Davis was born ca 1841/42 per his age in 1850 (8), or ca 1838/39 per his age in 1860 (21). He was with his parents on both those censuses.

On 19 Aug 1861, Luke Davis enlisted as a Private in Company F, 8^th North Carolina Infantry. He enlisted at Wilmington, NC. He was described as 22, born in Brunswick Co., NC, a farmer, 5'6" tall.

He died on 21 Apr 1864 from a wound received in the Battle of Plymouth the day before.

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Johanna Davis was born 1843/44 per her age on the 1850 census (6) and the 1860 census (16). She was with her parents for both of those censuses.

I didn’t find any record of her after 1860.

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Mahala Davis was born the ca 1844/45 per her age on the 1850 census (5). She was a tad older in 1860 (18) or born ca 1841/42. In 1880 she was 30, or born ca 1849/50. Those are all over the place, but mostly within the same decade at least. In 1850 she was “Mahaly” age 5 with her parents. In 1860 she was “Mehala” age 18.

In Aug 1866, Mahala Davis had a child out of wedlock (Mary Catherine Davis, my ancestor). On 2 Nov 1866 she was taken to Brunswick Co., NC Court regarding this. She refused to name the father, so she, along with two others had to sign a “bastardy bond” guaranteeing that the child wouldn’t become a burden to the county. She signed as “Mahala Davis,” along with William Smith Jr and W. R. Skipper. Those were both neighbors. W. R. Skipper is William R. Skipper (1827-1910) who was married to Elizabeth Ann Smith (1830-1914), daughter of William B. Smith (c1788-1866) and Henrietta (—).

William Smith Jr is almost certainly William B. Smith (c1843-aft 1866) grandson of the aforementioned elder William B. Smith.

Very often one of the bondsmen for a bastardy bond is the father of the child (not always of course). In this case, I believe William B. Smith (c1843) is the child’s father, though the bond doesn’t say so. This was just a suspicion on my part because he was the same age as Mahala, was a neighbor, and as far as I’ve found, this was his first public record other than being named in his grandfather’s Will a few months earlier. My suspicions seem to be confirmed when I discovered I have numerous close DNA matches to members of his family that can’t be otherwise explained. If he isn’t the child’s father, some other member of his family is, at least that’s what the DNA evidence strongly suggests. (This DNA evidence could also be explained if there was a different connection to the Smiths and the Davis’s a generation or so back, but this explanation makes sense with the paper records we have, i.e. the bastardy bond.)

It’s very interesting that on the same day (2 Nov 1866), William Smith Jr signed another bastardy bond, this one for Jane Wallace, who was a cousin of his, a grandchild of William B. Smith Sr just like he was. She was living with William and their grandparents in 1860.

I’m not 100% sure that William B. Smith (c1843) is the father of Mahala Davis’s child, but I’m 85% sure based on the evidence at hand.

I don’t know who his parents were, they apparently died when he was young. He was living with his grandparents William and Henrietta Smith in 1850, “William” age 7, and with them in 1860, “William” age 17. He was named in the elder William’s 23 Jun 1866 Will as his grandson “William B. Smith” who he left half of his 250 acre home tract of land.

As noted, he was bondsman for two bastardy bonds on 2 Nov 1866, one for Mahala Davis and one for (Martha) Jane Wallace. It’s possible he’s the father of both their out of wedlock children, though we can’t know that for certain just from these records.

William B. Smith was dead by 1870 for I didn’t find him on that census. It was a bad census with lots of problems, so he could have been alive but missed. However, he was dead for sure by 1873 for his grandmother Henrietta was taxed for the entire 250 acre tract of land of which he’d inherited half in 1866. If he died without (legal) heirs, it would have reverted to her, and that seems to be what happened. I didn’t find an estate or other document related to his death.

Mahala Davis was not listed on the 1870 census as far as I could find, nor was her daughter Mary Catherine Davis who would have been about 3 or 4 then. Mahala’s father Cornelius Davis had a “Malinda Davis” age 30 with him, who is otherwise unidentified. That could be an incorrectly written Mahala. However, her daughter Mary Catherine wasn’t listed.

Mahala and her daughter were with her father in 1880. Mahala’s daughter was listed as a daughter of Cornelius, but that’s an error, as she was his granddaughter.

1880 Census, Columbus Co., NC, Ransome (sic) Township, House 118, Family 118

There is also a Thomas M. Davis, age 10 there, who is a presumed grandson. He *could* be Mahala’s child also, though I don’t know if that’s the case or not.

I didn’t find Mahala Davis on the 1900 census. She probably died before then. She was certainly dead by 1910 for she wasn’t included in the court action among the surviving children of Cornelius Davis mentioned earlier.

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Elvy Davis was born ca 1846/47 per her age on the 1850 census (3). That’s the only record I’ve found for her. She probably died before 1860.

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Cornelius Davis (Jr) was born ca 1847/48 per his age on the 1850 census (2) and the 1860 census (12) or August 1846 per his 1900 census entry. He was with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 censuses as “Cornelius” each time.

He was too young to have any Civil War service.

I didn’t find him on the 1870 census. It’s possible he went to Chesterfield Co., SC with his brothers around then.

Cornelius Davis married Elizabeth (—) before ca 1872, perhaps in Richland Co., SC where they were residing in 1880. She was born Mar 1853 in South Carolina. I don’t know her maiden name.

They are on the 1880 census in Richland Co., SC. They are next door to William D. Davis, 45, born SC, who as best as I can tell isn’t related to our Davises, so this may be a coincidence. Neil is listed as born in South Carolina, which is incorrect.

1880 Census, Richland Co., SC, Center Township, House 240, Family 242

They moved west to Miller Co., GA where they were listed on the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Miller Co., GA, May Haw Militia Dist 1160, House 118, Family 118

“Neill” Davis was included in the Feb 1910 court action along with his surviving siblings regarding their father’s estate in Columbus Co., NC (mentioned earlier).

By 1910, Cornelius had moved to Holmes Co., FL and was listed there on that census next to his brother Thomas M. Davis.

1910 Census, Holmes Co., FL, Precinct 6, House 87, Family 87

I didn’t find Cornelius or Elizabeth or their son James on the 1920 census.

They had three children per the 1880 census. All three were still living in 1900 according to their mother’s census entry that year. By 1910 only two of the three were living per her census entry. James was one of those. I don’t know anything else about the other two.

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Thomas Manuel Davis was born 20 May 1849 in Brunswick (now Columbus) Co., NC. His middle name is either Manuel or Emanuel or some variation of that, though listed differently in his early records.

He was with his parents on the 1850 census as “Armilin” age 8 months. He was home in 1860 as “Armolin” age 9 and home in 1870 as “Armand” age 15.

He left North Carolina in the 1870s and moved somewhere in South Carolina, presumably Richland County where several of his children were reputedly born. However, I wasn’t able to find him on the 1880 census in Richland or elsewhere.

Thomas married Frances Blizzard ca 1877/78 (per being married 22 years as of 1900 census), presumably in South Carolina where their first child was born. Frances was born Oct 1859 in South Carolina, county unknown. I don’t know who her parents were. I tried to locate her in 1860 and 1870, but found no Frances or Fannie Blizzards in South Carolina. Perhaps “Blizzard” isn’t her correct surname.

Frances was apparently married to a Mr. Gates prior to her marriage to Mr. Davis for she had a son Charley Gates born May 1877.

As noted, I couldn’t find them on the 1880 census. According to the birth places of their children they were in South Carolina then, and remained there until between 1892 and 1896 when they moved to Henry Co., AL.

They are on the 1900 census in Henry Co., AL with a large family. The census taker appears to have listed all the children as Gates instead of Davis by mistake.

1900 Census, Henry Co., AL, Precinct No 4 (Columbia) South of Onnose? Creek, House 249, Family 250

Frances Blizzard Davis died between 1900 and ca 1903, presumably in Henry Co., AL.

Thomas Davis married Mary E. Jackson ca 1903/04, presumably in Henry Co., AL. Mary was born 23 May 1872 in Alabama. I don’t know what county, nor do I know her parents.

By 1905 they had moved to Holmes Co., FL. They were listed on the 1910 census next to his brother Cornelius Davis.

1910 Census, Holmes Co., FL, Precinct 6, House 86, Family 86

Thomas, listed as “Manly” Davis was part of the Feb 1910 court case with his siblings regarding the estate of their father in Columbus Co., NC.

By 1920 they were in Jackson Co., FL.

1920 Census, Jackson Co., FL, Precinct 4 Richter, House 167, Family 167

Orange Hill Road

By 1930 they were in Bay Co., FL.

1930 Census, Bay Co., FL, Panama City, Election Precinct 22, House 30, Family 31

They are listed on the 1935 Florida State Census in Bay Co., FL

Manuel Davis, 86, Head, born NC, Laborer

Mary 63 Wife born AL, H. Wife

Grady 24 Son, born FL, Laborer

Thomas Manuel Davis died on 13 Nov 1939 in Jackson Co., FL, aged 90. He is buried at Lovewood Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

I couldn’t find Mary Davis on the 1940 or 1950 census.

Mary died on 25 Dec 1950 and is buried at the Milville Cemetery in Bay Co., FL.

Thomas M. Davis and his 1^st wife Frances had ten children. Thomas and 2^nd wife Mary Jackson had five children.

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Waddel Davis was born ca 1854/55 per his age on the 1860 census (5) and 14 in 1870 (c1855/56) which is pretty close.

He was listed as “Manly” in 1860 which is actually his older brother Thomas M. Davis (1849) instead, aka Manuel Davis who was listed on that census as “Armolin” age 9. This confused me for a long time until I eventually sorted it out.

He was listed as “Waddell” age 14 on the 1870 census with his parents.

I didn’t find him on the 1880 census. He was probably dead by then.

His name is certainly interesting. Hugh Waddell was a neighbor early on. By 1850 there was only one Waddell family in Brunswick Co., NC in the North West District: Anna A. Waddell 35 NC and five children, all listed as white. Were they related to the Davises or the Jones perhaps? There was another Waddell family in neighboring New Hanover Co., NC, Henry Waddell 60 and wife Mary 35 and four children, all listed as mulatto.

I’ve yet to find a connection between the Davis’s and Waddell families other than being neighbors. There may be a relationship somewhere, or maybe not.

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Dorothy Tabitha Davis was born in 1858 per her tombstone. Her census records are close to that, age 3 in 1860 (c1856/57), not found in 1870, age 21 in 1880 (c1858/59), 1862 per 1900 census, age 50 in 1910 (c1859/60) and 62 in 1920 (c1857/58).

She is with her parents for the 1860 census, “Daugherty” age 3. She wasn’t with them in 1870 nor found elsewhere. She was home in 1880, “Tabitha” age 21.

On 22 Jan 1888, Tabitha Davis married “F. P. Bordeaux” in Columbus Co., NC at his house. They were married by J. B. Brinkley, Justice of the Peace. Franklin P. Bordeaux was born Sep 1851 in New Hanover Co., NC, a son of Arthur Bordeaux and Catherine A. Benson. He was with them for the 1860 census, but not found in 1870. Franklin was previously married to someone unknown before ca 1874 (Findagrave notation says her name was Alice J. Wells.) She died before 6 May 1876 when he married Mary Eliza Lennon in Brunswick (now Columbus) Co., NC. She was born ca 1856/57 and died between 1885 and 1888. Franklin and his first wife had one child. He and Mary Eliza had four.

On 24 Jul 1879 (sic), Tabitha’s father Cornelius Davis deeded 16 acres to “Tabitha Bordeaux” for $16. The land was on the south side of Dans Creek joining B. B. Wilkins and others. He signed with a mark. Witnesses were J. M. Bordeaux and D. J. Carroll. (Columbus Co., NC Deed Book JJ, p. 508.)

The above deed was dim and hard to read, thus the year might be wrong because 1879 was nine years before Tabitha married Mr. Bordeaux, so if the date is accurate she would have still been a Davis then.

Tabitha and family remained in Columbus Co., NC until ca 1900 when they moved to neighboring Horry Co., SC. They are listed there on the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Horry Co., SC, Little River Township, House 284, Family 287

F. P. Bordeaux and wife Dorothy Bordeaux were parties to the previously mentioned Feb 1910 court action regarding the estate of her father Cornelius Davis in Columbus Co., NC.

They are still in Horry for the 1910 census, though they apparently moved to a different section by then, now living in the Town of Conway. This census indicates that Mr. Bordeaux had been married three times.

1910 Census, Horry Co., SC, Conway Township, Conway Town, House 33, Family 33

They are still in Conway for the 1920 census.

1920 Census, Horry Co., SC, Conway Township, Conway Town, House 208, Family 219

Laurel (or Lowell?) Street

Franklin P. Bordeaux died on 1 Aug 1923 in Horry Co., SC and is buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Conway.

Tabitha died on 9 Aug 1925 and is buried beside Franklin. Her death certificate lists her as “Dortha Bordeaux” and shows her parents as Cornelius Davis and “Tibatha Jones.”

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Thomas M. Davis was born ca 1869/70 per his age on the 1880 census (10). He was with Cornelius Davis in 1880 and listed as “Thos M.” age 10, “son.” He couldn’t be his son though, one he’s way too young, two Cornelius already has a son named Thomas M. born 1849. This younger one has to be a grandson.

He *could* be a child of Mahala Davis who was with Cornelius in 1880. She had a proven daughter Mary Catherine (1866) who was also home in 1880. Thomas’s age is certainly in line for him to be Mahala’s also. I have no proof he is though.

I wasn’t able to find him on the 1900 census. He may have been dead by then. I also searched 1910 through 1950 and found a few Thomas Davis’s of the right age and born in NC, but none appear to be him.

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For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Cornelius Davis and Tabitha Jones.

Revised: December 15, 2025

Copyright © 1996-2025 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

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