Marty and Karla Grant

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]

Pinkney J. James (1816-1907) and Sophie Bryant (or James) (1819-1893) and Sarah M. Lewis (1843-1902) of Marion Co., SC

[James Home] - [Table of Contents] - Pinkney J. James

Jump to Children’s section | Jump to Family Group Sheet

Pinkney James and Sophie (Bryant) James are my 3^rd Great Grandparents.

Pinkney J. James was born 25 Nov 1816 (per his tombstone) in Marion Dist., SC (per 1850 census). I don’t know what his middle name was, but his “J” initial was found on several records and his tombstone.

I don’t know precisely where in the county he was born though probably closer to Mullins than Marion. His father owned land somewhere on Reedy Creek. It’s a lengthy creek, rising between Marion and Mullins (closer to Mullins) and flowing southerly until it joins the Little Pee Dee a little ways below Gallivants Ferry on the Marion County side of the river. For some of its run, Reedy Creek is the boundary between Marion and Reeves Township, and then the border between Marion and Legette before it goes completely into Legette before joining the river. Pinkney did live much of his life in Reeves Township so perhaps he was born in that township as well.

I don’t know for sure who Pinkney’s parents were, but Terri Britt (1946-2001) told me just before she passed that he was a son of James James. Unfortunately I never got the chance to find out why she thought so. It does fit circumstantially, but is there actual proof somewhere? James James and wife Ann Wood did have a son Pinkney’s age with them on the 1820 and 1830 census, so that fits, but it’s not 100% proof.

Pinkney James would have been 3 or 4 years old by the time of the 1820 census, thus should be listed in the under 10 age group. There were only two James households on the 1820 census in Marion, James James with one apparent son that age, and Thomas James (1765/75) with three.

Pinkney would have been about 13 or 14 for the 1830 census, so should be in the 10-14 age group (born 1815/1820). Four out of the five James households in Marion in 1830 had at least one son that age! Not helpful for narrowing down the possibilities. Edwin James had 2, William James had 2, James James had 1, Rody (widow of Thomas) had 1, and Malachi had none. This census was alphabetical so it can’t be determined where anyone lived or who was neighbors to whom.

We can remove Edwin James (c1787) from consideration. He was from Darlington and only lived in Marion briefly before moving to Barbour Co., AL by 1840. I doubt he’s Pinkney’s father.

We can probably safely remove William James (1780/90) from consideration as he lived west of Great Pee Dee, meaning in present Florence County.

That leaves Thomas (wife Rody) and James James, just as in 1820, as the prime suspects. If Terri was correct, then it’s James, but based only on census analysis it could be either one. I do believe James is more likely, but it’s more of a gut feeling than actual evidence. Thomas is almost certainly related, if not Pinkney’s father, then a cousin at least.

Pinkney J. James married Sophia J. Bryant in the 1830s, presumably in Marion Dist., SC. Sophie was born 16 Jul 1819 (per tombstone) in Marion Dist., SC (per 1850 census), though her 1880 census entry lists her as born in North Carolina. For comparison, 1860 also shows SC.

I originally thought Sophia’s maiden name was also James, same as her husband. The death certificates for two of her children list her as a James. This could be a typical death certificate error wherein the mother's married name is listed instead of maiden, but there was a chance it might be correct, and she was also a James. If so, she and Pinkney were undoubtedly cousins to some degree. However, I recently found another death certificate for a child of theirs which lists her as a Bryant. That’s her son Alex Elly James who died 1916 in Robeson Co., NC. She was listed as “Safire Bryant” born Robeson Co., NC. The informant was Rosa Price (sic) who was Elly’s daughter Rosa James Prince (1886-1982). While death certificates are notoriously unreliable regarding the birth dates, birth places and names of the parents of the deceased, sometimes it’s all we have to go on, thus even though “James” outnumbers “Bryant” two to one, I’d say Bryant is more likely, especially considering Sophia’s 1880 census entry which lists herself and both parents born in NC, which matches what Rosa provided as Sophia’s birth place as Robeson Co., NC.

I don’t know who her parents may have been. There were Bryants in Marion Co., SC, perhaps related to those in Robeson Co., NC. A quick look shows no Bryants in Robeson in 1790. By 1800 an Isaac Bryant had appeared in Robeson and none were in Bladen. There were none in Robeson in 1810. In 1820 there was Thomas, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph Bryant in Robeson. Of those, only Jacob had a daughter Sophia’s age. That doesn’t guarantee he was her father though. In 1830 there was Sally and Setha Bryant in Robeson, neither of whom had an 11 year old daughter at home.

I did find two records in Robeson Co., NC for a John Bryant and Sophia Bryant, apparent siblings, and apparent orphans. The first one was dated a few months before our Sophia was born, so it can’t be her unless we have her birth date wrong. Those records didn’t state who their parents were anyway.

There is a Sarah Bryant, 60 (c1789/90) two houses from Sophia on the 1850 census. Could that be her widowed mother? It’s entirely possible. Sarah was living alone.

More research will need to be done on the Bryant family to figure out Sophia’s place in it.

Pinkney James is one of six James households listed on the 1840 census in Marion Dist., SC, three of whom were listed very near him, Malachi James (c1800-aft 1860), Henry James (1810-1898) and Robert W. James (c1819-1860s), all no doubt related to him somehow. Pinkney was listed between David Legett Jr (Pinkney’s 1^st cousin) and Hardy M. Richardson (1760s) (no known relationship). Pinkney’s aunt Martha Wood Legette (1779-1849) is three households away.

There is an “extra” woman with Pinkney and Sophia in 1840. I don’t know who that is, perhaps a sister to one of them?

1840 Census, Marion Dist., SC

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+
179	P. J. James	1	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
		1	~	~	~	1	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~

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

1m 20-29 (1810/1820)       Pinkney J. James (1816)

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            Son? (1835/1840) > gone by 1850

1f 30-39 (1800/1810)         Sister? Sister-in-law?

1f 20-29 (1810/1820)         Sophia J. Bryant James (1819) wife

1f 0-4 (1835/1840)              Laura Virginia James (1840) daughter

They are on the 1850 census in Marion Dist., SC. Sophia is listed as born in Marion on this census, not North Carolina.

They are next door to Thomas T. Wall (1797-1879) and wife Mary Simpson Eagerton Wall (1793 NC - 1866), no known relationship, but I found it interesting that Mary was born in NC. The Jameses are also next door to Pinkney’s aunt Rebecca Wood Legette (c1778-1850s), who is residing alone, Rebecca, in turn, is next to a Sarah Bryant, 60, born Marion, who is also living alone. I don’t know who this Sarah Bryant is. Could she be Sophia’s mother? Or an aunt perhaps?

1850 Census, Marion Dist., SC, House 638/639/640, Family 641/642/643

Pinkney and family are on the 1860 census in Marion Dist., SC. Sophia is listed as born in SC on this census.

They are just a couple of houses from potential brother Henry L. James (c1830-1869) and a few more from Henry James (1810-1898). Some of the same neighbors from 1840 are nearby in 1860, though weren’t in 1850, suggesting they moved around a bit. They didn’t own land, so perhaps they were tenant farmers and moved between 1840 and 1850 within the same region. In 1860, their “next door” neighbors were Spicy Brown wife of Joshua Brown, I think) and William L. Rowell (1811-1884), no known relations to either.

I didn’t find Sarah Bryant (c1790) from 1850 in 1860. She may have died before then, remarried or moved out of the county.

1860 Census, Marion Dist., SC, Marion (Township), Marion PO, House 2138, Family 2107

After repeated searches I have failed to find the James family on the 1870 census. They are not alone because many of my Marion Co., SC relatives are missing on this particular census, especially those who resided in Reaves Township. The census taker there either did a terrible job, or perhaps several pages got lost.

There is an 1869 State Census for South Carolina. Listed on it are many Jameses including Pinkney James who has 2 white male children between 6 and 10, 2 white female children between 6 and 10, one white male over 21, a total of 4 white males and 3 white females. This census was alphabetical so we can’t determine neighbors. Only the head of household was listed by name.

My analysis of the 1869 census (who each person *might* be)

1m 21+ (before 1848)        Pinkney J. James (1816)

2m 6-10 (c1859/1863)       1. Son?

                                               2. Son?

1m no ages*                         Alex Elly James (1854) son

1f no ages**                         Sophia J. Bryant James (1819) wife

 

2f 6-10 (c1859/1863)          1. Sarah Ella James (1860) daughter

                                               2. Daughter?

* Not over 21, or 6-10

** Not 6-10

On 25 Nov 1870, Alexander Deaver deeded P. J. James, a 1 acre lot near Depot of Mullins for $125. Witnesses were A. E. Gilchris and G. A. McDuffie. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book FF, p. 423.)

They are on the 1880 census in Reaves Township. This one shows Sophia born in NC and both her parents born there too.

1880 Census, Marion Co., SC, Reaves Township, House 240, Family 240

On 31 Mar 1886, Pinkney J. James of the Town of Mullins, deeded land to Mary Emma Brown for $15, it being 1/4 acre cut off from the south side his lot adjoining Mary McNeil now owned by George W. Smith on South Street back from Smith Street east of Parsonage Lot, part of the lot conveyed to him by Alexander Deaver in 1870. P. J. James signed. Witnesses were W. W. Cooper and P. S. Cooper. Mrs. S. J. James made her mark relinquishing her dower rights (on 8 Apr 1886). (Marion Co., SC Deed Book NN, p. 772.)

The above might be Pinkney’s daughter Mary E. James if she married a Brown between 1880 and 1886.

On 22 Aug 1891, Jesse Herring sold P. J. James one lot in Mullins, bordered west by Smith Street, south by Wine Street, north by Mary E. Brown and east by Methodist Parsonage. Jesse Herring signed with a mark. Witnesses were Eugene Smith and Levi H. Edwards. Mrs. Kilsa Herring relinquished her dower rights. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book RR, p. 353.)

On the same date (22 Aug 1891), P. J. James deeded to Jesse Herring for $135, one lot in Mullins beginning on E. D. Mayers lot, Smith Street to Railroad and the Methodist Parsonage. Same witnesses as the prior deed. Mrs. S. J. James relinquished her dower rights on the same date.) (Marion Co., SC Deed Book RR, p. 354.)

On 8 Oct 1891 P. J. James sold the same lot he bought from Jesse Herring to Emma Brown for $30. Witnesses were Lula C. Brown and Vol. Martin. Mrs. “Suffia” J. James relinquished her dower rights the same day. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book RR, p. 355.)

Sophia J. Bryant James died on 30 Dec 1893 (per tombstone) in Marion Co., SC, aged 74. She’s buried at the McMillan Cemetery just east of Mullins.

On 3 Mar 1894, P. J. James made a deed to William P. Martin for $35 for a lot in Mullins being ½ acre on Smith Street bordered east by Dozier, south by Mrs. M. E. Brown, north by Dr. J. T. Bethea, being part of the lot he purchased from Alexander Deaver in 1870. Witnesses were L. F. Hughes and H. Gause. (Marion Co., SC Deed Book TT, p. 166.)

Pinkney J. James remarried ca 1894/95 to Sarah M. Lewis Edwards. Sarah was born Oct 1843 (per 1900 census) in Marion Dist., SC, a child of William S. Lewis and Rhoda Mace. Sarah had first been married to Robert Edwards who died ca 1868.

They are listed on the 1900 census. Sarah’s brother William Evan Lewis is a few houses away.

1900 Census, Marion Co., SC, Reaves Township (So Sec), House 265, Family 258

Sarah Lewis Edwards James died on 12 Jun 1902 and was buried the next day (per Diary of Rev. Simeon Campbell, pp. 35, 107.) Although Rev. Campbell buried her, he didn’t state where she was buried. I haven’t yet found a marker for her. She may be buried near her first husband and parents, wherever they are buried.

Pinkney J. James died on 3 Aug 1907 and is buried at the McMillan Cemetery next to Sophia.

W. W. Sellers wrote nothing about this family in his History of Marion County. He did write up the Lewis and Edwards families and included Sarah and her first husband, but didn’t mention her second marriage.

Rev. Simeon Campbell included a few entries about them in his diary.

             p. 160

Mr Pinkney James died Aug 3 1907, his wife died Jan 1st 1894

 

p. 35

Father Jonathan Lewis died Aug 13 1849

Fereby his wife died Mar 10 1859

Their Children

Evan died March 18 1877

Margret his wife died Nov 11 1887

Wm S. Lewis died June 5 1885

Sarah Lewis died June 12 1902.

 

p. 107

Buried Sarah James June 13 1902.

---

Children

No Will, probate or estate records has been found that proves Pinkney and Sophia’s children.

However, they have ten known children thanks to the 1850, 1860 and through 1880 censuses. The 1840 census shows another child who may have died young. The 1869 state census suggests three more, who may also have died young. That brings the total to 14.

Pinkney and his 2^nd wife, Sarah Lewis Edwards James, had no children together. She had two with her first husband Robert Edwards.

 

1.         Son (1835/1840-bef 1850)

2.         Laura Virginia James (1840-1914) married Daniel T. Turner. My ancestors.

3.         Clarissa James (c1843-aft 1850)

4.         Eliza Joanna James (c1846-1921) m Benajah Connor.

5.         William Pinkney James (1846-1937) m Mary Ann Miles.

6.         Mary Emma James (c1847-aft 1891) m — Brown.

7.         Sarah James (1850). Died young.

8.         Alex Elly James (c1854-1916) m Alice Rebecca Griffin.

9.         Susan James (c1857)

10.       Sarah Ella James (1860-1935) m Franklin Rogers.

11.       Son (1860/1863)

12.       Son (1860/1863)

13.       Daughter (1860/1863)

---

Son (1835/1840). Pinkney had an apparent son this age with him on the 1840 census, aged under 5 (c1835/1840). He was gone by 1850 so probably dead before then.

---

Laura Virginia James was born 12 May 1840. She married Daniel T. Turner on 3 Sep 1868. She died 22 Nov 1914 age 74 and he died 5 Nov 1915 age 68. They are buried at the McMillan Cemetery near her parents. They are my ancestors.

---

Clarissa James was born ca 1842/43 in Marion Dist., SC. She was with her parents on the 1850 census, “Clarisa” age 7. I have no record of her after that. She may have died young, or married before 1860 to someone yet to be identified. I found no likely match for her on the 1860 census in Marion, nor in 1870 or 1880.

---

Eliza Joanna James was born ca 1845/46 per her age on the 1860 census (14). She was not with her parents on the 1850 census, nor listed elsewhere as far as I could find. That makes me wonder if perhaps Clarissa above (c1843) or Emma below (c1847) is actually this same person, misnamed in 1850?

She was with her parents in 1860 (“Eliza J.” age 14). The entire family is missing in 1870, so she might have been with them for that census, or perhaps already married.

She married Benajah Connor ca 1870/71, presumably in Marion Co., SC. He was born ca 1835/36 in Robeson Co., NC, a son of James Connor and Avy Nobles. Benajah seems to be with his parents on the 1840 census in Robeson Co., NC, aged under 10 (c1830/1840) in the free colored columns. They were listed by Edward Conner Sr, Edward Jr and Harry Conner, all presumed relatives. James had moved to Columbus Co., NC by 1850 where he and his family were listed. He was mulatto, the rest white. “Benajah” was listed 13 years old. James was listed as a Pauper. They were still in Columbus for the 1860 census, and James was still listed as a Pauper. The family was white this time. “Benj” was listed as 24 years old and a laborer. James Conner was listed in the poor house in Whiteville, Columbus Co., NC for the 1870 census without his family. Benajah was not with him, nor listed elsewhere, thus I suspect he was already married to Joanna James and missed along with the rest of her family in 1870 Marion SC.

In 1880 James was still in the poor house, but his wife was listed as “Poor House Keeper.” He was flagged as “Maimed, Crippled, Bedridden or otherwise disabled.”

Benajah and family are on the 1880 census in Marion Co., SC in McMillan Township which soon after became Florence County (1888). They had no relatives in that section as far as I’m aware.

1880 Census, Marion Co., SC, McMillan Township, House 114, Family 114

Benajah died sometime after 1882 (last known child born Oct 1882), presumably in South Carolina. I don’t know where precisely.

Joanna is listed on the 1900 census in Laurens Co., SC in Laurens City. Her children were working in a Cotton Mill it seems.

1900 Census, Laurens Co., SC, Laurens Township, Laurens City, House 42, Family 42

They are still in Laurens for the 1910 census.

1910 Census, Laurens Co., SC, Laurens City, House 190, Family 192, 201 Laurens Cotton Mill District

By 1912, Johanna was in Greenville, SC and listed in the City Directory that year as Johanna Conner, widow of Benj., employed at Samp Mills, residing at 133 Williams. Others listed at that address included Miss Belle Conner and Duncan C. Conner (wife Mary) all employed same place. Belle and Duncan’s entries were spelled Conner, while their mother was Connor.

Joanna is listed on the 1920 census in Columbia, SC, Richland County, one of many inmates at the State Hospital for the Insane. I only abstracted her entry.

1920 Census, Richland Co., SC, Columbia City, State Hospital For Insane, SD 311, ED 90, Sheet 4A, p. 243

Johanna died on 29 Jul 1921 (per death certificate) at the state hospital. She is buried at Geiger Avenue Cemetery in Columbia in plot number 609 with no marker. The Findagrave entry for her has the wrong death date showing 2 Aug 1921.

On the death certificate, her parents are listed as Pinkney James and Sapphira James. The informant was Agnes Herron, who apparently worked at the hospital.

---

William Pinkney James was born ca 1844/45 per his age on the 1850 census (5), or August 1846 per his 1900 census entry. These generally agree with most of his other census entries. His full name is proven by his death certificate.

He was home with his parents in 1850 (“William” age 5) and home in 1860 (“Wm P.” age 12).

For the Civil War, William P. James enlisted as a Private in Company L, 21^st Regiment Infantry, SC volunteers around age 14. He was discharged 26 Jan 1863. He applied for a pension in Georgia later in life. In it, he mentioned there was an older man in the same unit also known as W. P. James, so that one was referred to as W. P. Sr, whereas he was W. P. Jr. I’m not sure who the older W. P. James was.

William was probably home with his parents for the 1870 census, thus missed.

William P. James married Mary Ann Miles ca 1874/75, presumably in Richland Co., SC. She was born 4 Nov 1856 per her death certificate, a child of James Miles and Marinda McDonald (Feb 1835-aft 1900), parents names also per her death certificate. I attempted to find the Miles family on the 1860 and 1870 census but was unable to.

William and family are on the 1880 census. They are about a dozen or so houses from a Miles family that might be Mary’s relatives (Annie 73 widowed, Jennet 23 single, Mary 50 single and Rufus Thomas 17 single, laborer, all born SC. Next to Frank Miles 54 wife Sarah M. 49, Mary Cobb 12 niece, Benjamin Lee 23 laborer, Peter Wages 14 laborer.) Anna (1799-1888) is a widow of Benjamin Miles (1798-1872). Mary and Frank are their children. I don’t know where Mary Ann Miles James connects. Perhaps her father James is also a son of Benjamin and Ann? Just speculation at this point.

1880 Census, Richland Co., SC, Enumeration Dist No 157, House 263, Family 263

William and family moved to Dooly Co., GA by 1900 and are listed there on that census. Mary’s widowed mother was residing with them. William reported his mother born in North Carolina on this census.

1900 Census, Dooly Co., GA, Militia District No 945, House 297, Family 301

By 1910 they’d moved to Coffee Co., GA. This time he reported both parents born in NC. Mary’s marital status column seems to show she’d been married twice, but it’s been overwritten so it’s hard to tell whether is says M1 or M2. This census has a column as to whether a person is a veteran of the Civil War, if so whether Union or Confederate. William is marked “CA” for Confederate Army.

1910 Census, Coffee Co., GA, Pearson Dist 1150, House 4, Family 4

They are on the 1920 census in Atkinson Co., GA which was formed in 1917 from parts of Coffee and Clinch Counties.

1920 Census, Atkinson Co., GA, Pearson MD 1130, House 1, Family 1

Mary Ann Miles James died 23 Aug 1922 in Atkinson Co., GA. She is buried at Sweetwater United Methodist Church in Atkinson Co., GA.

William is on the 1930 census in Crisp Co., GA with his son Charles. His parents birth places are incorrectly listed as Northern Ireland.

1930 Census, Crisp Co., GA, Militia District 945, House 223, Family 223

* Northern Ireland

William P. James died on 15 Feb 1937 in Crisp Co., GA and is buried at Zion Hope Cemetery in Crisp Co., GA.

His death certificate listed him as William Pinkney James, widowed, born Mullins, SC (all correct), father’s name William Pinkney James (partially correct), born England (incorrect), mother’s name Ellen O’Kelly (incorrect) born Ireland (incorrect). C. A. James (Charles A. James) was the informant.

Where did Charles come up with that information? He was born in 1877, and while it’s entirely likely he never met his grandparents, they did live until 1893 and 1907, so he certainly should have known their names. This is an unfortunately common problem with death certificates. Is there any element of truth to what he listed? Perhaps the James family did originate in England, though it would have been several generations earlier. There is little doubt that Bryant is an Irish name, but where did the name Ellen O’Kelly come from? William’s cause of death was listed as senility. Perhaps this was information he gave to his son when he was no longer in his right mind. That would be a reasonable explanation.

---

Mary Emma James was born ca 1846/47 per her age on the 1850 census. She was with her parents then as “Emma” age 3.

I’m not 100% certain that Emma is the same person as Mary E. James who was with the family in 1860 and later, but she might be. If she isn’t, then I have no data on Emma after 1850.

She was still home in 1860, as “Mary E.” age 8 (c1851/52), which is off a tad unless Mary E. And Emma aren’t the same person.

She is probably home in 1870, though as noted before, the entire family is missing on that census. She’s still home in 1880, “Mary E.” age 24 (c1855/56).

I don’t know what became of her after 1880. There is a deed from her father to a Mary Emma Brown in 1886 for only $15 and another in 1891 for $30 both times cutting off portions of his own lot in Mullins. Is that his daughter? If so, she married a Mr. Brown between 1880 and 1886. I haven’t yet identified which one, nor am I 100% sure that Mary Emma Brown is Pinkney’s daughter.

I’ve been unable to locate Mary Emma Brown on the 1900, 1910 or 1920 censuses. She may have died between 1891 and 1900, or left Marion County during that same period. It’s a very common name so can be difficult to research.

In 1860, Pinkney James was listed next to Spicy Brown, 52, who was the wife of Joshua Brown (c1800) who wasn’t with her on that census for some reason. She had no sons at home in 1860, thus no candidates to be Mary Emma’s future husband.

In 1880, the James family was just a few houses from Edward Brown (1847) and his wife Elizabeth (c1842) and several daughters. He’s a son of Richard Brown. Edward was not Mary Emma’s husband, but perhaps one of his brothers was.

More research is needed to determine who Mary Emma’s husband was. Also, it would be helpful to prove she is actually the same person as Pinkney’s daughter.

---

Sarah James was born 1850 per her age on the 1850 census of 3 months. The census was as of June 1^st, so that puts her born ca April of that year. She apparently died very shortly after the census because they named another daughter Sarah in 1860. They probably wouldn’t have re-used the name had this Sarah lived longer than a few months.

---

Alex Elly James was born 31 Mar 1854 per his tombstone. This is generally consistent with his census entries. His name might be Elly Alex instead of Alex Elly. The proper order isn’t clear. He was born in Marion Dist., SC.

He was home with his parents for the 1860 census (“Elly A.” age 6), and missing like the rest of the family in 1870.

He married Alice Rebecca Griffin ca 1875/76 perhaps in Marion Co., SC, or maybe in Clarendon Co., SC where she was from. She was born 17 Apr 1858 (per tombstone) in Clarendon Dist., SC, a child of Wilkinson Griffin and Sarah —. Her parents were in Sumter Dist., SC in 1850. She was with them in 1860 and 1870 in Clarendon.

Elly and wife are on the 1880 census in Marion Co., SC right next to his sister Virginia James Turner.

1880 Census, Marion Co., SC, Reaves Township, House 199, Family 199

They are in neighboring Horry Co., SC for the 1900 census. He’s listed as born in NC on this census, which is possible, but it contradicts his earlier census records.

1900 Census, Horry Co., SC, Floyds Township, House 82, Family 86

By 1910 they were in neighboring Columbus Co., NC.

1910 Census, Columbus Co., NC, Cerro Gordo Precinct, House 153, Family 154

They moved to East Lumberton in Robeson Co., NC sometime after 1910.

Elly James died on 5 Dec 1916 in Robeson Co., NC. His death certificate lists him as “Ellie Equla James” born SC, son of “Pink James” born SC, and “Safire Bryant” born Robeson Co., NC. The informant was “Rosa Price” who is actually Rosa James Prince, his daughter. He’s buried at the Old Hollywood Cemetery. His marker lists him as “A. E. James.”

After Elly’s death, his wife moved to neighboring Bladen Co., NC where she was listed on the 1920 census. Her daughter Maggie and family are in the same house.

1920 Census, Bladen Co., NC, West Bladenboro Cotton Mill Village, Bladenboro Township, House 105, Family 112

Alice Rebecca Griffin James died on 24 Sep 1920 in Bladen Co., NC. She’s buried at the Monroe-Davis Cemetery. Her name is listed as “Alice Wife of A. E. James.”

I was unable to locate a death certificate for her, though they were required by law in 1920.

---

Susan James was born ca 1857/58 per her age on the 1860 census (“Susan” age 2). She was with her parents on that census in Marion Dist., SC. She, nor they, were found in 1870. She was not with them in 1880. She would have been about 22 then, so probably married if she didn’t die young. I have no further record of her.

---

Sarah Ella James was born 29 May 1860 (per tombstone) in Marion Dist., SC. It’s possible she was born 29 May 1861 instead. I say that because she was not with her parents on the 1860 census, which was “as of” June 1^st. She should have been home then, a few days old.

She is likely one of the daughters aged 6-10 (born ca 1859/63) with her parents on the 1869 state census.

She, like her parents, are not to be found on the 1870 census.

Sarah James married Franklin Rogers on 15 Jan 1880 in Marion Co., SC. They were married by the Rev. Simeon Campbell as recorded in his diary on that date:

“Franklen Rogers to Miss Sarah James.”

Franklin Rogers was born 4 Jan 1860 per his tombstone. I don’t know who his parents were. I was unable to find him on the 1860, 1870 or 1880 census. That makes me believe that “Franklin” was likely his middle name and he was listed on those records under his first name, whatever that was (not Benjamin apparently, for none were found by that name the right age).

Though freshly married, Sarah was home with her parents on the 1880 census without her husband. It’s possible he was residing there too, but got left off by mistake.

1880 Census, Marion Co., SC, Reaves Township, House 240, Family 240

Five year old Lula Rogers is listed as a granddaughter of Pinkney James. At a glance one might assume she was Sarah’s child, though she’d only have been about 14 when Lula was born. She also predates Sarah’s marriage by five years. Maybe she isn’t Sarah’s child at all.

There is also a listing for a Franklin and Ella Rogers in 1880, which isn’t them, but with remarkably similar names. This Franklin (1850-1925) was married to Ella Gaddy (1856-1902).

1880 Census, Marion Co., SC, Reaves Township, House 426, Family 426

The above Franklin (1850) is a son of Bethel Rogers (1827-1907).

Franklin Rogers (1860) died on 23 Mar 1897 (per tombstone) in Marion Co., SC. He’s buried at the McMillan Cemetery east of Mullins. His marker is inscribed “In Memory of Franklin Rogers Born Jan. 4, 1860 Died Mar. 23, 1897.”

Rev. Simeon Campbell made this entry in his diary:

“Little Frank Rogers thrown from a Horse and killed, March 22 1897.”

Is this Sarah’s husband Frank? This is one day earlier than his tombstone which is remarkably close. He referred to him as “Little Frank” which at first made me think he meant a child, but he could been called Little Frank to distinguish him from the older Franklin Rogers (1850) mentioned above.

I was unable to locate Sarah Ella James Rogers on the 1900 census. She wasn’t living with her father then, nor elsewhere in the region as far as I could find.

On 29 Jun 1906, Rev. Campbell baptized a “Little Child” of “Eller Rogers.” This could be Sarah Ella James Rogers, or perhaps someone else.

I wasn’t able to find her on the 1910, 1920 or 1930 censuses either. Where was she all those years?

Sarah Ella James Rogers died on 25 May 1935 in Marion Co., SC. She’s buried at the McMillan Cemetery east of Mullins near her parents and husband. Hers is inscribed: “Ella James Wife of Frank Rogers May 29, 1860 May 25, 1935 God’s finger touched her and she slept.”

Her death certificate lists her as “Mrs. Ella Rogers,” a widow, age 76, a daughter of “Pinkney James” and “Sophia James.” The informant was Thomas L. Turner, her nephew.

Lula (c1875) might be Sarah’s child, or might not be. I have no additional information on her. The child baptized in 1906 could also be hers, but I have no name for that one or any additional information.

---

Son (1860/1863). The 1869 state census entry for Pinkney James listed him with two white males aged 6-10, i.e., born ca 1859/1863. I have not been able to identify this child. The family was missing from the 1870 census. This son was not listed with them in 1880, so dead or moved out by then.

---

Son (1860/1863). The 1869 state census entry for Pinkney James listed him with two white males aged 6-10, i.e., born ca 1859/1863. I have not been able to identify this child. The family was missing from the 1870 census. This son was not listed with them in 1880, so dead or moved out by then.

---

Daughter (1860/1863). The 1869 state census entry for Pinkney James listed him with two white females aged 6-10, i.e., born ca 1859/1863. One of those would be Sarah Ella James (1860), but I have not been able to identify the second one. The family was missing from the 1870 census. This daughter was not listed with them in 1880, so dead or moved out by then.

---

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Pinkney J. James and Sophia J. Bryant and Sarah M. Lewis.

Revised: January 28, 2026

Copyright © 1996-2026 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]