| Name |
Elijah Fenn [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] |
| Birth |
17 Jul 1788 |
, , , Georgia, USA  [8] |
| Land Purchase |
25 Sep 1810 |
, , Emanuel County (was Montgomery), Georgia, USA [9, 10] |
| Elizabeth Fenn to Elijah Fenn: 233.5a |
- State of Georgia this Indenture made the Twenty fifth day of
September in the year of our lord one thousand
Eight hundred and ten and in the thirty
fourth and then fifth year of the Independancy
of the united states of America Between
Elizabeth Fenn of the County of mont
gomery and Elijah Fenn of said County and
state of for said of the other part Witnesseth
that the said Elizabeth Fenn for and in consideration
of the sum of one[?] hundred Dollars and thirty three and
half Dollars lawfull money of said state to her in
hand well and truly paid by Elijah Fenn at or
before the sealing and delivering of these presents
the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged
hath Bargained sold and Delivered unto Elijah
Fenn his heirs and assigns all that tract of land
two hundred thirty three and one half acres being
the same more or less the land lying in montgo
mery County adjoining Jaretes land North on Todd
South together as the all and singular the app
urtenances belonging aforesaid unto Elijah Fenn
his heirs and assigns the benefit of said Elijah
Fenn his heirs and assigns forever I shall and will
forever Defend to Elijah Fenn witness wereof
I have set my hand and fixt my seal the day
and year above written
Signed sealed and Delivered
in presence of us Elizabeth Fenn LS
John Todd
Washington (his x mark) Rich
Recorded the 8th day of October 1811
State of Georgia This day personally appeared
Montgomery County before me Mr. John Todd on
oath saith that he was
at the signing sealing and Delivering of the
within Deed and that he saw Elizabeth
Fenn deliver and assign the within Deed to
Elijah Fenn and that the said Todd and
Washington Rich was subscribing witnesses
to the said Deed sworn to before this 8th day
of December 1810
John Todd Robert Braswell
Recorded the 8th day of october 1811
|
| Land Sale |
9 Dec 1810 |
, , Emanuel County (was Montgomery), Georgia, USA [9, 11] |
| Elijah Fenn to William Hines: 233.5a on Ogeechee for $145 |
- State of Georgia This Indenture made the 9th day of
Montgomery County December in the year of our lord
God one thousand Eight hundred and ten and in the
thirty fifth year of the american Independancy Between
Elijah Fenn of the one part and William Hines of the
County of montgomery and state afore said of the other
part Witnesseth that the said Elijah Fenn for and
in consideration of the sum of one hundred and forty
five Dollars in hand paid at and before the sealing
& Delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof is
hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained
sold aliened conveyed and confirmed and by
these presents do grant bargain sell alien
convey and confirm unto the said William
hines his heirs and assigns all that
parcel or lot of Land lying on ogeeche adjoining
land of James Stephens James Fitz Garrald and
William hines Containing Two hundred thirty three
and one half acres be the same more or less
known by a lott drawn as a part by Elizabeth
Fenn one of the heirs of William Fenn deceased
in a distribution of the real Estate of said deceased
with all the rights members appurtenances
thereof whatsoever to the said William hines
being belonging or in any wise appurtaining
with the remainder or remainders reversion or
reversions orchard pines wood and underwood
rents issues profits thereof to the only proper
use benefit and behoof of him the said William
hines his heirs Executors administrators and assigns
in fee simple and the said Elijah Fenn his heirs
Executors and administrators the said bargained
Land and premises unto the said William hines
his heirs Executors and administrators and all and
every other person or persons shall and will well
and forever Defend by virtue of these presents
in witness wereof the said Elijah Fenn hath
here unto set his hand and affixed his seal
the day and year first above written
Signed sealed & delivered Elijah Fenn seal
in the presence of
Samuel Simmons
Robert Braswell JP
Recorded the 8th day of October 1811
|
| Move |
Between 1811 and 1814 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA |
| Land Grant |
6 Jun 1814 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [12] |
- Georgia to George Linder Eqr. County Surveyor you are hereby
Laurens County authorized and required to admeasure and Lay out or Cause to be admeasured and Laid out unto Elijah Fenn on head Rights, a tract of Land which Shall Contain three Hundred acres in Said County taking Special care that the same has not Heretofore been Laid out to any person or persons whatever and you are also Required to Record a plat of the Land in your office and Transmit a Copy thereof together with the warrant to the Surveyor Generals office within the term of Two years from the date Given under our hands this 6th day of June 1814
Null Munroe
John G. Underwood
Barton H. Pitts Justices
|
 |
1814-06-06 09-00-00.jpg
|
| Military: War of 1812 |
21 Nov 1814-20 Mar 1815 [13] |
| Private, Captain Thomas' Company of Infantry, Wimberly's Brigade, Georgia Militia |
| Witness |
Apr 1818 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [14] |
- Adams, John: "Plaintiff was Adams, Defendant was Alzail Shearman, Assumpset.
Witnesses were Jesper Hester and Elijah Fenn."
|
| Census: Federal |
1820 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [15] |
- male 26-45: Elijah Fann [at abt 32]
female 16-26 [Martha at abt 25]
female <10 [Eliza at abt abt 9]
female <10 [Sarah Ann at abt 7]
male <10 [William at abt 6]
female <10 [Letty at abt 4]
female <10 [Lucile at abt 1]
female >45
|
 |
1820-01-01 09-00-14.jpg
|
| Land Lottery |
1820 |
, Captain Kitchens' District, Laurens County, Georgia, USA [16] |
| was awarded lot 290 in district 7 of Gwinnett County |
| Grant: Headright |
1821 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [17, 18] |
| 300 acres |
- The deed is recorded in grant book N-5, page 275.
|
| Appointment |
Jun 1822 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [19] |
- Fenn, Elijah: "Appointed to view road from Dublin to road that intersects the road in Montgomery at Ephraim Turners."
|
| Biographical sketch |
- "B. ELIJAH FANN (Notice he used the FANN spelling) was born on 17 July 1788 and died 5 Jan 1844 in Early (now Miller) Co, GA. He married MARTHA RICH in 1807 in Burke Co, GA according to Martha's 1855 application for a land grant. MARTHA RICH was born on 3 Sept 1795 and died in Miller County on 10 May 1859. Travis Fenn, believed to be the father of Elijah, was living in Burke County in 1807. Travis has a court record dated 9 Jan 1806 in Burke County.
Dot Arthur, POB 1635, Panama City, FL 32402 has copied information from her great grandmother's family Bible giving Elijah & Mary's dates of birth and death, and Joe T. Smith, 423 Meadowlark Dr., Albany, GA 31707 has done extensive research on Elijah & Martha (Rich) Fann.
Neither knows who Elijah's father is, but suspect Travis Fenn may be. Elijah is named as a possible son of Travis Fenn.
Elijah Fenn enlisted in the army on 23 Aug 1813, at age 18, for service in the War of 1812
(NOTE: He was actually about 25 when he enlisted.) He served in the same military unit during the War of 1812 as Zacheus Fann, son of Travis Fann. John Fann, Jr. was also in the same unit. John Fann Jr. was a son of John Fann Sr., a brother of Zachariah. They served as Privates in Capt. Thomas Company of Infantry, Wimberly's Brigade, Georgia Militia. The three Fanns were discharged at Darrien, GA and paid $32.52 ($8 per month pay + $.16 per day for food for 4 days). They left for their homes in Dublin, Laurens Co., GA, a distance of about 200 miles.
On 21 July 1855, Martha Fenn of Decatur Co., GA, age 67, resident of Early Co., GA, widow of Elijah Fenn who died in Early Co. on 5 Jan 1844, applied for Bounty Land for his service in the War of 1812, giving her name before marriage as Martha Rich and saying that they were married "about 1807" in Burke Co, GA. (Bounty Land Warrant Application #42382-160-55)
The deaths of Elijah and Martha Fenn are recorded in the Bibble of Leonidas Duke Sr and his wife Melvina Fann."
|
| Jury Duty |
Jun 1823 |
, , Laurens County, Georgia, USA [20] |
| Inferior Court |
- Fenn, Elijah: "Selected as Inferior Court juror for next term of court."
|
| Move |
Abt 1824 |
, , Decatur County, Georgia, USA |
| Tax List |
1825 |
, Captain Douglas' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [21] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves. He paid 46 1/2 cents tax on the following property:
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurence [Laurens] County, district 17, lot 172
|
 |
1825-01-01 09-00-01.jpg
|
| Tax List |
1826 |
, Captain Douglas' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [22] |
- Eliga Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves. He paid [less than $1] tax on the following property:
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurence [Laurens] County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Tax List |
1827 |
, Captain Douglas' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [23] |
- Elijah Fann had 1 poll and paid 46 1/4 cents tax on the following property:
202 1/2 acres in pine land, Laurens County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Jury Duty |
Mar 1827 |
, , Decatur County, Georgia, USA [24] |
| Petit Jury |
- March Term 1827
Petit
...25. Elijah Fenn...
|
| Tax List |
1828 |
, Captain McElves' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [25] |
- Elijah Fann paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves. He paid 46 3/4 cents tax on the following property:
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Lawrence [Laurens] County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Tax List |
1829 |
, Captain Hillings' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [26] |
- Elisha Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves. He paid 56 3/4 cents tax on the following property:
125 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 20, lot 251
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Census: Federal |
1830 |
, Boykin, Miller County, Georgia, USA [27] |
- male 40-50: Elijah Fenn [at abt 42]
female 30-40 [Martha at abt 35]
female 15-20 [Eliza at abt 19]
female 10-15 [Sarah Ann at abt 17?]
male 15-20 [William at abt 16]
female 10-15 [Letty at abt 14]
female 10-15 [Lucile at abt 11]
female 10-15 [Mary Polly at abt 9?]
female 5-10 [Melvena at abt 8]
female 5-10 [Catherine at abt 6]
female <5 [Carolyn at abt 3]
male <5 [John at abt 1]
male 70-80
|
|
| Tax List |
1830 |
, Captain Wester's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [28] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves. He paid 65 cents tax on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot number not listed
|
| Land Purchase |
29 May 1830 |
, District 27, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [29, 30] |
| John Spann to Elijah Fenn - district 27, lot 232 |
- Recorded November 5th 1830
Georgia This indenture made the twenty ninth
Decatur County day of May in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and thirty and in the
fifty fourth year of the Independence of the United States of
America between John Spann of the County of Decatur of the one
part and Elijah Fenn of the County of Decatur of the other part
Witnesseth that the said John Spann, for and in consider-
ation of the sum of fifty dollars to him in hand paid at and
before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted bargained sold
aliened conveyed and confirmed and by these presents, do grant, bar-
gain sell, aliev convey and confirm unto the said Elijah Fenn his
heirs assigns a certain tract or parcel of land, containing two hun-
dred and fifty acres more or less, being lot number two hundred
and thirty two (232) in the twenty seventh District of Early County
at the time of survey now Decatur County, Having such shapes
marks and boundaries as by reference to the original plat will
more fully appear. To have and to hold the said tract or parcel of
land with all and singular the rights, members and appurte-
nances thereof whatsoever to the said tract of land being belong-
ing or in any wise appertaining with the remainder and remain-
ders, reversion and reversions, rents, issues and profits thereof to the
truly proper benefit, use, and behalf of him the said Elijah Fenn his
heirs executors administrators and assigns in fee Simple and
the said John Spann his heirs executors and administrators, the
said bargained premises unto the said Elijah Fenn his heirs
executors administrators and assigns against the said John Spann
his heirs executors and administrators, and all and every other person
and persons shall and will warrant and forever defend by vir-
tue of these presents. In Witness whereof the said John Spann hath
hereunto set his hand, and affixed his seal the day and year
[?] above written. Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence
of us J. B. Shores John Spann LS
Solomon D. Betton J.P.
|
 |
1830-05-29 11-53-05.jpg
|
| Land Purchase |
19 Jul 1830 |
, District 27, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [29, 31] |
| John Ricks to Elijah Fenn - district 27, lot 233 |
- Recorded August 10th 1859
Georgia This Indenture made this the 19th
Emanuel County day of July one thousand eight
hundred and thirty between John Ricks of said
State and County of the one part and Elijah
Fenn of the said state and county of Decatur
of the other part Witnesseth that for the consider-
ation of the sum of ten dollars to him in hand
paid the receipt is hereby acknowledged that he
the sd John Ricks hath bargained and sold a cert-
ain parcel or tract of land containing two hundred
and fifty acres more or less lying in the twenty seventh
District of Early County at the time of Survey but now
Decatur County and distinguished in the plan of
said District by No two hundred and thirty three the sd
Land with the appurtenances tenements and convey
by general warrantee in fee simple unto the said Elijah
Fenn his heirs or assigns forwever: and I do warrant
the same from the claims of all other persons.
In witness I set my hand and seal this day and date above written.
Signed Sealed and delivered
in presence of John Ricks LS
Robert Robinson
Chas S. Guyten
|
 |
1830-07-19 09-30-30.jpg
|
| Tax List |
1831 |
, Captain Wester's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [32] |
- Eligah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He paid [?] cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Early County, district 27, lot 232
250 acres of pine land in Early County, district 27, lot 233
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot number not listed
|
| Jury Duty |
13 Dec 1831 |
, , Decatur County, Georgia, USA [33] |
- "The following persons were drawn to serve as Jurors at
the next Supr Court to be held on the 4th Monday
in January next from No 1 to No 2
to wit
1 Absolom Johnson
2 Elijah Fenn
3 John Robinson
4 Ezekiel Collins
5 Saml Cherry
6 Wm Nobles
7 Henry E Horn
8 Thomas Hesters
9 John Miller
10 Etheldred Owens
11 Wm Chandler
12 Allen Bishop
13 Wm M Owens
14 Michael Carter
15 Jesse Collins
16 Wm Miller
17 John Johnson
18 Wm Caswell
19 Danl Brock
20 James V Freeman
21 Charles Pate
22 Joseph Yarborough
23 Ephraim Rigdon
24 Isaac Harrell
25 Josiah Robinson
26 Jas Lambert
27 Hesekiah Thomas
28 Lewis Newsome
29 Elias H Kemp
30 Wright Sanders Jr
31 John Newberry
32 Duncan Curray
33 Saml Sellers
34 Lewis Griffin
35 John H Paterson
36 Thomas B Lewis"
|
 |
1831-12-13 09-30-31.jpg
|
| Gold Lottery |
1832 |
, Captain Gibson's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [34, 35] |
| was awarded lot 1244 in district 2 of Cherokee County |
| Jury Duty |
6 Feb 1832 |
, , Decatur County, Georgia, USA [36] |
- "February 6th, 1832, page 96:
The Shff having returned the venire of the Jury
the following of the original panel which
were sworn & took their seats to wit
1 Absolom Johnson
2 Daniel Brock
3 Lewis Nusome
4 Wright Saunders
5 Saml Sellers
6 Wm Nobles
7 James V Freemon
8 Bartlett S Barr
9 Littleberry Boslick
10 Wm D Harrell
11 Elijah Fenn
12 Jno H Gray (Folbs)"
|
| Tax List |
1833 |
, Captain Caswell's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [37] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He paid 75 cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 232
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot number not listed
|
| Jury Duty |
4 Jun 1833 |
, , Decatur County, Georgia, USA [38] |
- "The following persons were drawn to serve as
jurors of the next term of this Court to wit
1 Thos Tredaway
2 Wm Kelly
3 George Harnage
4 James Donalson
5 Geo Laurence
6 Elisha Bennett
7 Joel Dasay
8 Elijah Fenn
9 Wright Sanders Jr
10 Fred Mansfield
11 Leon Griffin
12 Charles Ryan
13 Wright Alligood
14 Saunders Lott
15 Philip Cloud
16 Jesse Gideon
17 Wm Bell
18 Lewis Nusome
19 Danl Mobley
20 Wm West
21 Isaac Harrell
22 Reuben Dubose
23 John Ryan
24 Thomas Bishop
25 Joshua Beals
26 James V. Freeman
27 Wm Martin
28 John G. Barr
29 Jessee Weeklry
30 Abraham Tooton
31 James Ford
32 Matthew Norris"
|
| Tax List |
1834 |
, Captain Caswell's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [39] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He paid 82 1/2 cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 232
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot 172
160 acres of quality 2 land in Cherokee County, district 10, lot 23, 3rd section
|
| Tax List |
1835 |
, Captain Williams' District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [40] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He had 2 1/2 mills and paid 86 cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 234
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 19, lot 137
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Early County, district 13, lot 172
160 acres of pine land in Cherokee County, district 3, lot 23
|
| News Article |
25 Jul 1835 |
USA, Georgia, Baldwin County, Milledgeville, The Federal Union (newspaper) |
"List of Letters Remaining in the Post-Office at Bainbridge, Decatur County, on the 1st of July, 1835, and which, if not called for by the 1st of October next, will be sent on to the General Post-Office as dead letters:
...
F-Elijah Fenn
..." |
 |
1835-07-25 12-00-00.jpg
|
| Court |
Jul 1837 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [8] |
- The Early County court in its Jul 1837 term, "appointed Elijah Fenn, Moses Warren, Delaware Freeman, Council B. Allen, Elijah Fenn and John R. Miller" to a committee to find a site on which to build a bridge across Spring Creek.
They "reported in favor of a place on lot 241 in the 13th district, belonging to Moses Warren. This report was accompanied by a petition from a number of citizens of the county asking for the adoption of the report of the commissioners. Whereupon the court ordered the bridge to be built at the point recommended and instructed the commissioners to let out the building of the same, which they proceeded to do. It was bid off by James G. Collier at the price of $465. This is the bridge that is now on the road between Charles Roberts' and the late Henry Batts'--or rather it was built at the same place. The first bridge was built in January, 1838."
This creek flows north to south through the area which is present-day Miller County and is wide, with low, shallow banks and a relatively broad, dense hardwood edge which runs back for several hundred yards. The committee shortly recommended that the bridge be built not too far south of the present U. S. Highway bridge at Colquitt. There is still a bridge for local use where the committee recommended.
|
 |
1827-03-01 09-00-00.jpg
|
| Tax List |
1838 |
, Captain Smart's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [41] |
- Elijah Fenn paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He paid [?] cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 232
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
250 acres of pine land in Early County, district 13, lot 103
125 acres of pine land in Early County, district 13, lot 137
202 acres of pine land in Early County, district 28, lot 355
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Land Purchase |
6 Nov 1838 |
, District 27, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [29] |
| James Cobb to Elijah Fenn - district 27, lot 230 |
- recorded in book E, page 51 on 29 January 1840
|
| Move |
Between 1839 and 1840 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA |
| from Decatur County |
- This is the part of Early County from which Miller County was formed in 1856.
|
| Tax List |
1839 |
, Captain Smart's District, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [42] |
- Elija Fan paid 1 poll, and owned no slaves He paid 96 cents total taxes on the following property:
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 233
50 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 27, lot 232
250 acres of pine land in Early County, district 13, lot 105
125 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 13, lot 137
250 acres of pine land in Decatur County, district 28, lot 555
202 1/2 acres of pine land in Laurens County, district 17, lot 172
|
| Land Sale |
10 Jan 1839 |
, District 27, Decatur County, Georgia, USA [43, 44] |
| Elijah Fenn to William Miller, district 27, lot 233 |
- Georgia Recorded August 8th 1839
Early County This Indenture made this tenth day of January in the
Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty nine between
Eliajah Fenn of Early County of the one part and William Miller
of Decatur County of the other part both of the state aforesaid
Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of Four
Hundred Dollars to him in hand paid by the party of the second
part at and before the signing and delivering of these presents
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged that the said
Elijah Fenn hath bargained sold and conveyed and by these
presents doth bargain sell & convey unto him the foresaid
William Miller a certain lot of land lying and being situate
in Decatur County known by lot no two hundred and thirty
three in the twenty seventh district formerly Early now Decatur
to have and to hold together with all and singular the rights and
priviledges thereunto belonging to him the said William Miller
his heirs and assigns per ever and I the said Elijah Fenn do
and forever defend the rights and titles of the above bargained
and sold premises to him the said William Miller his hers &
assigns forever in fee simple And in testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and date aove
written signed sealed and delivered
in presence of
David Cowart Elijah Fenn LS
John S Barbares JP
|
 |
1839-01-10 09-30-32.jpg
|
| Court |
9 Sep 1839 |
USA, Georgia, Decatur County |
 |
1839-09-09 09-30-33.jpg
|
| Census: Federal |
1840 |
, Boykin, Miller County, Georgia, USA [45] |
- male 40-50: Elijah Fann [at 52], in agriculture and commerce
female 40-50 [Martha Rich at 45]
female 15-20 [Melvina at abt 18]
female 15-20 [Carolyn at abt 13]
male 10-15 [John at abt 11]
female 5-10 [Rhoda Ann at abt 10]
female 5-10 [Martha Jane at abt 9]
female 5-10 [Zelphia at abt 7]
male <5
female <5 [Alsia at abt 5]
male slave 10-24 [Bill]
|
|
| Tax List |
1842 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [46] |
| Captain Slancell Barbarea's district |
- Elijah Fenn, 1 Poll, 2 Slaves
250 acres of PO&H land, quality P, lot 232, district 27, Decatur County
250 acres of PO&H land, quality P, lot 163, district 13, Early County, $1.00
125 acres of PO&H land, quality 3, lot 137, district 17, Early County, $1.48
|
 |
1842-01-01 09-30-48.jpg
|
| Letter |
5 Sep 1842 |
- Posted on Ebay, 15 September 2006:
This folded lettersheet / stampless letter has a circular date stamp for IRWINTON Ala. NOV, [$30 catalog value, American Stampless Cover Catalog, 1985], a 12 1/2 cent rate, and is addressed to Mr. Elijah Fenn, Bainbridge, Georgia, and is a one paragraph message written by Elijah Fenn. The headline is September the 5th, 1842.
The letter reads: "I give to Adaline Griffin thirteen head of stock Cattle and mark and brand mark crop and half cross in the left year [sic] and two under betts [?] in the side Recorded by me and brand A G."
Apparently, Fenn was out of town, and so addressed this letter to himself, and the Post Master at the General Store (or such) in Bainbridge had probably been told to open his mail in Fenn's absence, and the Post Master took this to the courthouse, where the county clerk signed noted it "recorded" and signed it "A.D. Smart, Clk." Decatur county.
It's a quarter of a full lettersheet. Maybe there was a shortage of paper, or there was other writing that was torn off and long gone, who knows. Postal marking cover is all there.
Q: Hi! Are you sure the letter is dated September, as the postmark is clearly November?
A: Hello and thanks for the question. It's good observation that you make. The handwritten date by Fenn on the inside of the letter is September the 5th, 1842. The date written by the Decatur GA clerk is Sept 16th, 1842. What I'm thinking -- this may have been a turned cover. That is, it was a stampless letter mailed in September to Irwinton, ALA to an unknown person. That person then tore off the side of the lettersheet that was addressed to him, likely noted it's contents, perhaps even had an extra enclosure to mail back, now long gone, then remailed the same sheet back to Fenn in Georgia, from Irwinton in November. There were lots of so called turned covers in those days. That's my best guess. And so it's likely that Fenn himself wasn't in Irwinton.
|
 |
1842-11-01 09-00-00.jpg
|
| Land Sale |
6 Jan 1843 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [47] |
| Elijah Fenn to Jesse H Johnson - district 27, lot 232 |
- Georgia Recorded January 9th 1844
Early County This indenture made this the twenty sixth day of January in the
Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three and in the sixty
seventh Year of the Independence of the United State of America between Elijah
Fenn of the County of Early of the one part and Jesse H Johnson of the
County of Decatur of the other part witnesseth that the said Elijah Fenn
for an in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to him in hand
paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof
is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold aliened conveyed & confirmed
and by these presents do grant bargain sell alien convey and confirm unto the said
Jesse H Johnson his heirs and assigns a certain tract or parcel of land contai
=ning two hundred and fifty acres more or less being lot number two hundred
and thirty two (232) in the twenty Seventh District of Early County at the time
of survey but now Decatur County having such shape marks & brands as by refer
ence to the original platt will more fully appear. To have land to hold the said
tract or parcel of land with all and singular the rights members & appur
=tainances thereof whatsoever to the said tract of land being belonging or in
anywise appurtaining with the remainder and remainders reversion & reversions
rents issues and proffits thereof to the only proper use benefit & hehoof of mine
the said Jesse H Johnson his heirs executors administrators & assigns in fee
simple and the said Elijah Fenn his heirs executors & administrators the
said bargained premises unto the said Jesse H Johnson his heirs executors
administrators & assigns against the said Elijah Fenn his heirs executors and
administrators and all and every person or persons shall & will warrant & forever
defend by virtue of these presents. In witness whereof the said Elijah Fenn
hath hereunto set his hand and offered his seal the day and year first above written
Signed sealed and delivered in presence
of David Cowart Elijah Fenn LS
Collin Cowart
Georgia Early County Personally came before me Collin Cowart one of the Jus
tices of the Peace of said County David Cowart who being sworn deposeth &
saith on oath that he saw Elijah Fenn sign seal and deliver for the purpose of
the within mentioned and he himself defend it as a witness and saw Collin Cowart
do as likewise David Cowart
Collin Cowart JP
|
 |
1843-01-06 09-30-48.jpg
|
| Court |
6 Jun 1843 |
USA, Georgia, Early County |
 |
1843-06-06 09-30-49.jpg
|
| Death |
6 Jan 1844 |
, , Miller County (was Early), Georgia, USA [2, 8] |
| Court Minutes |
8 Jul 1844 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [48] |
| Court of Ordinary |
- William Grimes Applies for Letters of Adminis-
trators on the estate of Elijah Fenn late of said
county deceased, and it appearing to the court
that notice of such interested[?] ^application^ having been
given in terms of the law, and the said Will-
iam Grimes having given bond & security
& taken the oath required by law, it is
therefore ordered that Letters of Adminis-
tration do issue to the said William
Grimes on the estate real and personal of
the said Elijah Fenn deceased-
And it is also ordered that a writ of appraise-
ment do issue directed to [blotted over] Sheffield
|
| Inventory & Appraisement |
23 Aug 1844 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [49] |
- Inventory & Appraisement of the Estate of Elijah Fenn decd
Sixty one head of Stock cattle at 3$ per head 9 head Beef do at 6$ per head
1 Bay Horse 36.00- 1 Gray Mare 30.00- 1 Sorrell Colt 25.00- 21 head Sheep 2.00 per hd
35 head Hogs 1.75 per hd - 10 head do 1.50 per hd - 9 do 1.00 per hd 1 Sugar Kettle 20.00
1 Metal Clock 15.00- 1 Bed and Stead 10.00- 2 Bed Steads & hider 4.00-
2 Spinning wheels & 1 Clock Reel 5.00- Bridle & saddle 2.00- 1 Table 1.00-
11 Sitting chairs at 62 1/2 each- 1 Rifle gun & Bag 12.00- 1 Shot Gun 2.50- 1 Loom 5.00
1 hand Mill 4.00- 1 Table, Pail & Peck measure 3.00- 1 Spinning wheel 2.50
2 Kettles 1 Pot, 1 oven 4.00- 1 Lot of Tools 5.00- 1 ps Leather 1.00- 2 pr plow gear 4.00
2 Pans 1 Stand and canister 2.00- 1 Jointer, 1 fore plain & 2 Round Shaves & [cords?] 2.00
1 Bed Stead & hide 2.00- 15 head of Shoats @1.00 per hd- 1 Cart 20.00- 1 Cotton Gin 50.00
1 piece Cotton Bagging 20 cts per yd 1 ps Rope 15 cts
One promissory note on John Wilson due 13th May 1843 for 27.12 1/4
& Account on William Cawley for 17.50
& promissory note on Isham Johnson for 45.00 due 1st Jany 1843 for 10.00 35.00
& Account on Willis Hudnel 5.00- 1 Act on Robt Hudnell 2.00- 7.00
& " " Miss Hudnel 5.00 do Janet Hudnel 1.00 6.00
promissory notes on John S. Barbre due 1st Jany 1840 for one hundred and Sixteen Dollars, credited 1st Feby 1840 with 20$ & 5.00 15th March 1840 91.00
Cash on hand at the death of the deceased 30
Negro man named Bill 400.00- 1 Negro woman named Lucretia 400.00
Lots of land Nos 137 & 103 in the 13th District Early County 500.00
We do certify that as far as was produced to us by the Administrator the above and foregoing contains a true appraisement of the estate of Elijah Fenn deceased to the best of our Judgment and understanding, this the 23rd day of August 1844 Burrell Roberts
H. J. Roberts - Appraisers
John Read
Drewry (his X mark) Roberts
I do hereby certify that the above appraisers were sworn to perform their duty as appraisers according to law this the 23rd of August 1844
Collen Cowart J.P.
|
 |
1844-08-23 09-30-50.jpg
|
| Estate Sale |
24 Aug 1844 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [50] |
- Account of the Sale of the personal property of Elijah Fenn deceased
Sold on the 24th day of August 1844 on a credit of twelve months
1 Gray Mare purchased by Solomon Bright 15.00- 1 Sorrell colt Mrs Fenn 19.00- 34.00
11 head Sheep Lewis Griffin 9.00- 5 do James Donalson 10.00- 5 do S. Thompson 11.25- 30.25
[?] do James Donalson 11.25- 11 head Hogs A. T. O'Bryan 14.37 1/2 25.62 1/2
[?] head Hogs Lewis Griffin 11.00- 12 do Elias Miller 13.00- 2 do Lewis Griffin 1.62 1/2 25.62 1/2
[?] do Stephen Cowart 5.62 1/2- 14 Pigs Lewis Griffin 5.25- 2 do Stephen Cowart 1.62 1/2 12.50
1 Bay Horse B. Wilson 20.00- 33 head Stock Cattle Jef Holder at 3.68 3/4 per hd 121.62 1/2 141.68 1/2
22 head Stock Cattle Jef Holder at 4.182 per hd 119.62 1/2- 9 Beef do Jef Holder 4.25- 38.25 157.87 1/2
[?] Mrs Fenn 18.52 Jesse Owens Mrs. Fenn 34.50 & Bed sted & hide S. Thompson 45 53.75
Amt carried up 481.31 1/4
Account of Sale of the perishable property of Elijah Fenn decd Continued
1 Table Leonidas P. Duke 50- 1 Clock Reel Seaborn Thompson 1.31 1/4 1.81 1/4
1 Spinning Wheel Wm Wilson 1.00- 6 Chairs Wm Fenn 2.12 1/2- 5 Chairs Stephen Cowart 2.12 1/2 5.25
1 Bed Stead & hide Wm Fenn 31 1/4 1 Bedstead, Bed & furniture Mrs. Fenn 1.00- 1.31 1/4
1 Bedstead & hide L. P. Duke 2.00- 1 Metal Clock Isaac Bush 8.50- 1 Spinning wheel S. Cowart 2.00 12.50
1 Loom & [?] Mrs Fenn 1.12 1/2- 1 hand Mill Mrs Fenn 2.37 1/2 1 Table S. Thompson 1.75 5.25
1 Lot Pot ware Mrs Fenn 3.00- 1 Pail & Peck measure Wm Fenn 1.06 1/4 1 Lot [lods?] M Don 50 4.56 1/4
1 " plow gear Wm Fenn 1.06 1/4 & do Isaac Bush 1.12 1/2 1 plow hoe &c Wm Grimes 18 3/4 2.37 1/2
1 ps Leather Wm Grimes 50- 3 hoes & 1 Crosscut Saw do 6 1/4- 1 pt Adze & hand Saw S. Thompson 18 3/4 .75
1 Wedge, Square & drawing knife J Roberts 2.00- 1 pr hand cuffs & hatchet 1 Bush .50 2.50
1 Auger & Square Stephen Cowart 75- 1 Barrel & contents V Hesters 50 1.25
1 Lot Pans &c Mrs Fenn 75- 1 Sugar Boiler David Cowart 20.00 & Bridle Mrs Fenn 43 3/4 21.18 3/4
1 Saddle Seaborn Thompson 56 1/4- 1 Shot Gun do 25 1 Rifle do Frances Grimes 10.12 1/2 10.93 3/4
1 Looking Glass & Shoe Tools Mrs Fenn 37 1/2 1 pr Rope Wm Moye at 8 cts per lb 10 3/4 cts 56 1.23 1/2
1 ps 17 1/4 yds Bagging Wm Moye at 10 cts 1.72 1/2- 1 Cotton Gin Wm Moye 47.00 48.72 1/2
1 Reep Hook Collen Cowart 43 3/4 1 pr Steeyards F. Grimes 43 3/4 1 Basket Wm Grimes 6 1/4 93 3/4
Amt brought up 481.31 1/4
601.27 1/2
Account of hire of the Negroes belonging to the estate of Elijah Fenn decd hired on the 24th Aug 1844 till 1st Janry next, on credit of one year
1 Negro man Bill hired by S. Thompson 15.62 1/2
1 " woman hired by Alfred Moye 17.00 32.62
$633.90
|
|
| Court Minutes |
Nov 1844 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [51] |
| Court of Ordinary |
- William Grimes Admr of Elijah Fenn decd Returns
an Appraisement & Sale of the estate of said
decd Ordered that the same be received and
recorded
|
| Court Minutes |
May 1845 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [52] |
| Court of Ordinary |
- William Grimes Admr of Elijah Fenn decd
applies for leave to sell the Land and Negroes
belonging to the estate of said deceased and
it appearing to the court that notice has
been given of such interested application
in terms of the law, and no objection being
filed; It is therefore ordered by the court
that the said William Grimes Admr as afore-
said have leave to sell the land and Negroes
belonging to the estate of said Elijah Fenn
deceased
|
| Legal Notice |
28 May 1845 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [53] |
- William Grimes, administrator for the estate of Elijah Fenn, posted the following notice in the Albany, Georgia newspaper: Georgia, Early County: Will be sold before the courthouse door in said county on the first Tuesday in August, next, between the legal hours of sale, all the property belonging to the estate of Elijah Fenn, late of said county, deceased. Sold for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of said estate. (Signed) William Grimes, Adm.
|
| Legal Notice |
Aft 28 May 1845 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [54] |
- William Grimes, administrator for the estate of Elijah Fenn, posted the following notice in the Albany, Georgia newspaper: Georgia, Early County: Will be sold before the Court House door in said county on the first Tuesday in October, next, between the legal hours of sale, all the property belonging to the estate of Elijah Fenn, late of said county, deceased. Sold for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of said estate. (Signed) William Grimes, Adm.
|
| Guardianship Bond |
10 Jul 1848 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [55] |
- Georgia Early County
Know all men by these presents, That we, Leonidus
P. Duke Seaborn Thompson & [space left blank]
are held and firmly bound unto the Justices of
the Inferior court sitting as a court of ordinary
and their successors in office in the just sum of one
hundred dollars, Payable by the said Leonidus P.
Duke, Seaborn Thompson & [space left blank]
or either of them, their heirs, Executors, administrators
and assigns, jointly and Severally
To be void on condition that the said Leonidus
P. Duke Shall do and perform all and Singular the
duties of Guardianship for the person and property
of Rhody Ann Fenn Orphan of Elijah Fenn
deceased as the Law requires of him, otherwise to remain
in full power and virtue
Witness our hands and Seals this tenth day of July
1848
Attest Leonidus P. Duke Seal
James G. Collier C.C.O. Seaborn (his X mark) Thompson Seal
per J. B. Brown Seal
Recorded July 11th 1848
Brown for Collier CCO
|
| Guardianship Bond |
10 Jul 1848 |
, , Early County, Georgia, USA [56] |
- Georgia Early County
Know all men by these presents That we Seabo
rn Thompson Leonidas P. Duke & [space left blank]
are held and firmly bound unto the Just
ices of the Inferior Court Sitting as a court of
Ordinary and their Successors in office, in the just
Sum of one hundred Dollars payable by the said
Thompson Duke & [space left blank] or either
of them, their heirs, Executors, administrators and
assigns, Jointly and Severally
To be void on condition that the said
Seaborn Thompson shall do and perform all
the duties of Guardianship for the person and
property of Martha Jane Fenn Orphan of
of Elijah Fenn deceased as the Law requires
of him, otherwise to remain in full force
power and virtue
Witness our hands and Seals this tenth
day of July 1848
Attest Seaborn (his X mark) Thompson Seal
James G. Collier C.C.O. Leonidus P. Duke Seal
per J. B. Brown Seal
Record July the
11th 1848
Brown for Collier
|
| Religion |
, Boykin, Miller County, Georgia, USA [2] |
| founding member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church which was in the part of Early County which is now |
- He was buried at Mothers Home Primitive Baptist Church cemetery, which was founded in 1922. Pilgrims Rest-Whites Bridge Church and cemetery are a few miles South on County Line Road.
|
| Burial |
Mothers Home Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, Boykin, Miller County, Georgia, USA [2, 8] |
|
| Person ID |
I422 |
My Genealogy |
| Last Modified |
30 Sep 2023 |
1788 - 1844 (55 years)
: Address
: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
: State/Province
: Country
: Not Set