Note: Text (for the most part) was scanned in and this has not been proofread

Presley


Published by the Presley/Preslar/Pressly Family Research Association


VOLUME III      NO. 3                                          March 1988                                        Page thirty-one




ALVIN PRESLAR AND FAMILY



The tragic life of Alvin Preslar of Union Co., North Carolina, reflects the fact that our recently discovered (or is it recently discussed?) twentieth century social ill of "wife abuse" has been around for a long time. One method of dealing with it in the nineteenth century is novel and interesting to today's reader, however.

The attempted solution is explained in Union Co. Deed Book 3, p. 168, in an indenture dated 5 April 1854 between Alvin Preslar, James W. Doster, and Esther Preslar. In this agreement it was stated that Esther's husband, Alvin, had shown "barbarous and cruel abuse and intolerable treatment of his wife," but that as "mother of his children" she "promised to abandon all legal proceedings against the sd. Alvin and return to him" and "to be his affectionate wife," if he pledges "reformation of his conduct." As a "more substantive pledge of his reformation," Alvin agreed that he would continue to have the use of his larid for himself and his family (172 acres, except for 40 acres heretofore sold to James Doster), but if he again abused Esther, then Doster would take possession of the said land for the sole benefit of Esther and her children (The relationship of James Dostar to Esther is not specified, but it should be remembered that a married woman could not hold title to real estate herself.).

Just three years later, however, on 6 Feb. 1857 the deed books (Deed Book 5, p. 44) reveal that something had gone very wrong in the family. Alvin Preslar bound with Elias Preslar, his son Alfred .Preslar, aged 1 yr., 11 mon., 14 days, to live with Elias as an apprentice until he reached the age of 21. Elias agreed to instruct Alfred to read, write, do arithmetic, learn "the art and mystery of farming", and to provide him "sufficient diet washing lodging & apparel fitting for an apprentice" and a suit of clothing when he became of age.

On 7 Apr. 1857 by order of the county court certain property of Alvin Preslar was sold by the Sheriff of Union Co. to the highest bidder, who in this case was John W. Preslar (Deed Book 5, p. 102). The property in question appears to have been Alvin's interest in the estate of his father, Levi, and his brother, Joel, the proceeds of which went to the State of North Carolina.

The Union Co. Minutes of Superior Court contain entries (State vs. Alvin Preslar) dated 7 May 1856 (pp. 272-273) and Fall 1857 (p. 288), in which he was

(continued on page thirty-three)

Page 32

THE PRESLEY/PRESLAR/PRESSLY NEWSLETTER is a quarterly publication of the Presley Preslar/Pressly Family Research Association and is distributed to members and selected genealogical libraries. President & Editor is Edwin C. Dunn, (address withheld).. Vice-President. is Betty Bostick, (address withheld). Treasurer is E.L. Singleton, (address withheld).

Queries and items for publication should be sent to the Editor and will be inluded in the newsletter at no cost as space permits. Back issues of the news letter may be ordered from the Editor at one dollar each (only 3 issues were in volume one).

Applications, checks, and renewals for membership should be sent to the Secretary, Anne P. Greer, (address withheld).. Applications should be accompanied by family group sheets for the Presley (etc.) family line. Dues are $10 per year; associate membership (spouses) dues $5 per year, payable on July 1st. New members receive all back issues for the current membership year. Dues received after March 1st will be applied to the following year beginning July 1st.

Inquiries concerning material in the Association archives should be addressed to the Research Director, James E. Anderson, (address withheld). and should be accompanied by a large self-addressed, stamped envelope.





FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK


Our Research Director, Jim Anderson, has requested that henceforth inquiries to him should be accompanied by two first-class postage stamps, instead of a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This will make your letter to him less bulky and allow him to use whatever size envelope is required for his reply.

Someone didn't receive the December 1987 issue of the newsletter. I know that, because the Postal Service returned one copy with the address label and part of the back page torn off. Who was the addressee? If you didn't receive your copy, let me know.

Jerry N. Peddycoart, (address withheld) is a new member who publishes the Peddycoart Family News. Cost of subscription is $10 per year (4 issues) and is supportive of an effort to form a Peddycoart (and variant spellings) family association. Jerry is a descendant of Earl Nathan Peddycoart and Florence Presley,.daughter of George Roland Presley (b. 12 May 1859, d. 14 June 1915 Georgia) and Sally Ann Vaughn.

One of our correspondents who has be>en interested in Presley genealogy reported that she had canvased her family to see if they were interested in our Family Research Association. She reported that they were "all horrified that thej might be related in any way to Elvis." She didn't report as to whether their


Click photo for larger version

- From Pee Dee Queue, December 1985

Page 33

disapproval was due to his background, his life-style, or his musical talent. Undoubtedly, it wasn't his money.

Such an attitude toward family history always amuses and puzzles me. Every person who traces his ancestry back for a number of generations can probably find ancestors and relatives who held prominent positions in the community as well as those who may have been rather shady characters.

"The ancestry of Jesus was not impeccable, and the biographer Matthew even went out of his way to specify the descent from four women who, judged by the cannons of the time, were of dubious repute. The four honored by mention are Tamar, who 'played the harlot' with Judah; Rahab, who not only had been a harlot but, what was nearly as bad in the eyes of the Jews, was a gentile by birth; Ruth, who was also a gentile; and Bathsheba, who committed adultery with Kind David. It ill becomes us lesser mortals, then, to insist that our own ancestry should exhibit none but perfect character." (Donald Lines Jacobus, Genealogy As Pastime and Profession, 1971, p. 17).

We are not responsible for the lives led by our ancestors and relatives, nor do they necessarily reflect on us to our benefit or detriment. "One's family background is something one can take neither praise nor blame for." (Bette Davis as Alice Gwynn Vanderbilt in Little Gloria: Happy at Last, NEC, 1982). Continued ignorance of history doesn't change the facts, or to whom we are related, and the pleasure of learning the facts of history is what genealogical research is all about.

Returning to Elvis, however, some will say his background was lowly, many will condemn his life-style, and a few may yet consider his music as rubbish, but one incontrovertible fact remains. He brought pleasure, and his recordings con tinue to bring pleasure, into the lives of millions of people. He changed America's pop culture — a not inconsiderable achievement in life.




ALVIN PRESLAR AND FAMILY (Continued): charged with the crime of murder and reference was made to the Bill of Indictment. The particulars of the case as would be given in the latter document are unknown, since no original criminal action files from Union Co. prior to 1869 have survived '(letter dtd. 12 Jan. 1987 from N.C. State Archives). Pending the discovery of further information, one can only imagine whom Alvin may have killed. It is hoped that someone with access to Anson, Union, and Mecklenburg Co. newspaper files may find an account of this case.

It is perhaps significant that Alvin made no mention of his wife in his last will and testament (LDS film #020001, page 131):

In the name of God Amen I Alvin Preslar a prisoner under sentence of . death and about to suffer execution'on tomorrow but being of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament. Item 1st I wish my funeral expences and all matters relating to my funeral to be done as I have requested of my beloved brothers Elias and John Preslar and to be paid for all the expences so incured and also that my brother Elias Preslar receive any expences he has paid out for me in going to Raleigh, N.C. out of any estate I may have in hand after my death. Item second: I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Rachel Lucinda Preslar one bed bedstead and furniture now in her possesion at Elias Preslar and also one spinning wheel and one pair (cards?) now also in her possession. Item 3 As to the balance of my estate if it can be recovered out as justly due after paying my just debts and funeral expences and the cost in the (sent?) and expences of my trial. I wish all my children to share N equally being eight shares in all

Page 34

Item 4th: Also I request that my brother Elias receive pay for the time and trouble he has had in getting signers to my petition and for going to Raleigh. Item lastly: I do hereby appoint my beloved brothers Elias Preslar and John Preslar or if they decline to act then any person who the county court may appoint for-that purpose to be my executors and to execute this my last will and testament whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal on this the eleventh day of Feb. A.D. 1857 in the presence of B. Laney Saml. C. Walkup (signed) Alvin Preslar

Finally, Superior Court Minutes dated 1858 (Elias Preslar Extr of Alvin Preslar vs. James M. Doster) reveal that Alvin was indeed deceased when this court action was taken.

Alvin Preslar was the youngest son of Levi Preslar (#54)(see Dunn: The Preslar/Presley Family of Anson Co., N..C_., p. 14). Jim Anderson has compiled the following family group data on the descendants of Levi Preslar, based on his will, census records, and Union Co. deeds: Levi Preslar (#54), son of Elias Preslnr (#24), b. ca 1775, will dtd. 13 Feb. 1845 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Anna Helms, b. 1774 (dau. of John Whitehead Helms S< Lavinia Helms). Their children were:

1) Sherrod Preslar, b. ca 1795 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Sarah _____. Children:
a) Darling Preslar, b. ca 1825 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 28 Nov. 1850 Mary Plylor
b) Elizabeth Preslar, b. ca 1824 Mecklenbur Co., N.C.
c) Wiatt Preslar, b. ca 1822 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 21 Nov. 1850 Anna Baker
d) Naoma Preslar, b. ca 1824 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
e) Anna Preslar, b. ca 1832 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
f) Alcy Preslar, b. ca 1834 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
g) Amos Preslar, b. ca 1836 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 14 Dec. 1856 Mahala Oma Griffen h) Hosea Preslar, b. 1839 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 14 Aug. 1859 Emiline Starns

2) Daughter, b. ca 1798 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Helms Broom Children:
a) Tabitha Broom, prob. m. George W. Moser
b) Wilson M. Broom, b. ca 1839, m. 1859 Elizabeth Starns
c) John W. Broom
d) Levi E. Broom

3) Susannah Preslar, b. ca 1799 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Andrew Broom, b. 1801. Children:
a) Anna Broom, b. ca 1823 N.C.
b) Elizabeth Broom, b. ca 1829 N.C.
c) Joel Broom, b. ca 1831 N.C.
d) Martha Broom, b. ca 1833 N.C.
e) Mary Broom, b. ca 1835 N.C.
f) Hulda Broom, b. ca 1838 N.C.
g) Nimrod Broom, b. ca 1841 N.C.
h) John W. Broom, b. ca 1831 N.C.

4) Elizabeth Preslar, b. ca 1800 Mecklenburg Co. N.C., m. Ala Broom, b. ca 1806 Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Children:
a) Bryant Broom, b. ca 1829 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
b) Lucinda Broom, b. ca 1832 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 1865 Morgan Broom
c) Alcy Broom, b. ca 1834 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 1865 Hiram Broom Jr.
d) Elias Broom, b. ca 1839

Page 35

5) Elias Preslar, b. ca 1803 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Elizabeth _______, b. 1802 N.C. Children:
a) Malinda Preslar, b. 7 3ept. 1828 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., d. 4 Aug. 1899, m. 1847 Isaac A. Helms

6) Nimrod Preslar, b. ca 1805 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., d. ca 1845, m. Elizabeth L. _____, b. ca 1810. Children:
a) Rachel Louisa Preslar, b. ca 1829 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Joseph McClain (or McLane)
b) Samuel Wilson Preslar, b. ca 1833 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. Mary ______
c) Rebecca Emaline Preslar, b. ca 1834 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
d) Levi Horton Preslar, b. ca 1836 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
e) Nancy Rosannah Preslar, b. ca 1837 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
f) Miriam Druscilla Preslar, b. ca 1839 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.

7) Joel Preslar, b. ca 1807 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., d. 1845-50, probably unmarried.

8) John W. Preslar, b. ca 1812 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 30 Nov. 1843 Lavica Helms (daughter of Joel Helms & Sarah Pyron), b. 1824. Children:
a) Clarissa Preslar, b. ca 1845 Union Co., N.C.
b) Gilbert Preslar, b. 21 Apr. 1846 Union Co., N.C., d. 19 May 1898, m. 1866 Molly A. Irby
c) Hannan Hosea Preslar, b. ca 1848 Union Co., N.C.
d) Malia Preslar, b. ca 1851 Union Co., N.C.

9) Lucinda Preslar, b. ca 1815 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., m. 29 Oct. 1860 Union Co., N.C. Green B. Helms :(son of Isaac Helms & Nancy Laney) (his third marriage).

10) Alvin Preslar, b. ca 1816 Mecklenburg Co., N.C., d. 1858, m. Esther Children:
a) Theresie (?) Preslar, b. ca 1836 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
b) Noah Preslar, b. ca 1838 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
c) Rachel Preslar, b. ca 1840 Mecklenburg Co., N.C.
d) Joseph Preslar, b. ca 1842 Union Co., N.C.
e) Hosea Preslar, b. ca 1845 Union Co., N.C.
f) Caswell Preslar, b. ca 1847 Union Co., N.C., m. 25 Sept. 1865 Antinett Rheims
g) Alfred Preslar, b. 1855 Union Co., N.C., m. 1873 Ellen Moser


PETER PRESLAR IN COLLETON CO., S.C.

Jim Anderson reports that while looking at land records in South Carolina (until 1785 all deeds were recorded in Charleston) he came across a very interesting conveyance (LDS film #194649, p. 604): Luke Patrick of Colleton Co., S.C. a planter sold to Peter Presler Junior of the same county all his stock of cattle ranging in the fork of the Edistoe, dated 3 Oct. 1769. The witnesses were James Carmichael & James Dewitt. "The interesting fact about this record," reports Jim, "is that I was not searching for either name at the time and Luke Patrick is probably a brother of one of my ancestors that we had lost track of. You never can tell where the record that solves a problem might turn up."

One can't help but note that Peter Preslar was listed, 9 Oct. 1775, in Capt. Andrew Cummings Company of volunteer militia in the Saltcatchers & Edisto District of S.C. (Alexander S. Salley, S_.C_. Provincial Troops), and wonder if there is any connection to the fact that the last land record of Peter Preslar (#10) in Anson Co., N.C. was dated 17 Feb. 1767 (Dunn: The Preslar/Presley Family of Anson Co., N.C., p. 9)

The portion of the 1773 Map of the Province of S.C. by James Cook (Mary Bondur-arit Warren, Citizens & Immigrants - S_.C., 1768, 1980) on page 36 shows Colleton Co. with the Forks of Eddisto in the upper left-hand quadrant and the name "Priestly" just beneath.

Page 36


Click photo for larger version

Page 37

1850 Census

(Ed Note: Data from the 1850 census is presented as follows: Page, dwelling number/family number, name, age, sex, color, occupation, value of real estate, birthplace.)

                      VIRGINIA

HENRICO COUNTY
345     /32    Sailey Bresler     30 M W Laborer    Germany

JACKSON COUNTY 
191  67/71     Jas Presley        29 M W Farmer          VA
               Susan "            24 F W                 VA
               Catharine "         5 F W                 VA
               Nancy "             3 F W                 VA
               Melissa "           2 F W                 VA

 87 1458/1626  Alvah Bresler      36 M W Turner     Germany
               Hannah "           40 F W            Germany
               Francisca "        24 F W            Germany
               Mary "             10 F W            Germany
               Delia "             8 F W            Germany
               John "              5 M W            Germany
               Charles "        3/12 M W                 VA

RUSSELL COUNTY 
253  463/463   Jefferson Presley   4 M W         Russell,VA
               Joshua "            2 M W         Russell,VA
                living with Richard & Lucretia Colley

337 1536/1636  James Presley      67 M W Farmer  Augusta,VA
               Bridget "          58 F W         Russell,VA
               Sally "            15 F W         Russell,VA

337 1537/1637  Joshua Presley     21 M W Farmer  Russell,VA
               Emerilla "         19 F W         Russell,VA
               Ephram "         1/12 M W         Russell,VA

667 1538/1638  Andrew Presley     33 M W Farmer  Russell,VA
               Elizabeth "        28 F W         Russell,VA
               Joseph "           12 M W         Russell,VA
               Isaac "            11 M W         Russell,VA
               James C. "          8 F W         Russell,VA
               Martha "            7 F W         Russell,VA
               John "              4 M W         Russell,VA
               Celia "             1 F W         Russell,VA    
               Anna M. McKinney   55 F W                 NC 

                      KENTUCKY

CARTER COUNTY
236  285/285   Rachael Presley    17 F W                 KY
                living with Daniel & REbecca Fultz

LAWRENCE COUNTY
 90  532/535   James R. Presley   28 M W Farmer          VA
               Jemima "           40 F W                 KY
               Martha "            4 F W                 KY
               Miram F. "          2 F W                 KY
               Robt. "            14 M W                 KY

LEWIS COUNTY
199 642/646    John Presley       52 M W Farmer          VA
               Mary A. "          40 F W                 KY
               Robert "           14 M W                 KY
               George "            9 M W                 KY
               Henry "             7 M W                 KY
               John "              5 M W                 KY
               Thomas M. "         3 M W                 KY

HOPKINS COUNTY  
153 536/536    Levi Presley       43 M W Farmer          TN
               Susan "            26 F W                 TN
               Carline "          14 F W                 TN      
               Jesse "            11 M W                 TN
               Paulina "          10 F W                 TN
               Sara "              9 F W                 TN
               Julia "             6 F W                 TN
               Mary "              4 F W                 TN
               John "              2 M W                 TN
               Susanna '           1 F W                 TN

157  593/593   William Presley    60 M W Laborer         NC
               Mahala "           45 F W                 -
               Henry "            25 M W                 KY
               William R. "       14 M W                 TN
               David "            10 M W                 TN
               John "              8 M W                 TN
               George "            7 M W                 TN

MASON COUNTY 
165     /455   Emily Pressly     102 F W                 VA
               Nancy "            80 F W                 VA

TRIGGS COUNTY
308  271/272   David Presley      59 M W Farmer          SC
               Mary "             33 F W                 KY
               John Long          12 M W                 KY
               Sarah E. Long       8 F W                 KY
               Rebecca J. Boggs    7 F W                 KY
               Elizabeth Long      5 F W                 KY

                      TEXAS

AUSTIN COUNTY 
117   237/237  C.W. Pressly       28 M W Farmer     Germany
               C. "               23 F W            Germany
               L.M Do(?)k         22 M W Laborer    Germany
               E. F. "            19 F W            Germany
               F. Pressly         13 M W            Germany
               L. "             3/12 F W                 TX

TITUS COUNTY
 94    3/3     Jesse Smith        47 M W                 VA
               Sarah "            37 F W                 MO
               William Presley    17 M W                 MO
               James "            14 M W                 MO
               Mary "             12 F W                 MO
               James "            10 M W                 MO
               John "              8 M W                 MO
               Louisa "            6 F W                 MO
               Nancy Smith         3 F W                 MO
               Jesse "             1 M W                 TX 

Page 38

WASHINGTON COUNTY
2985  164/164  William Pressley     50 M W Farmer       SC    
               Eliza "              40 F W              SC
               William "            20 M W Clerk        SC
               M.A. "               23 F W              SC
               J.P. "               19 M W              -
               W.W. Sharpe          25 M W Minister     -


                      LOUSIANA

BIENVILLE PARISH
252  85/85    Calvin Presly         33 M W Farmer       NC
              Martha "              23 F W              MS
              William A. "           7 M W              MS
              Benjamin F. "          6 M W              MS
              Amanda J. "            4 F W              MS
              Francy C. "            3 F W              MS

254 109/109   Elias Presley         50 M W Farmer       NC
              Mary "                50 F W              NC
              Nancy "               19 F W              NC
              Bryant R. "           17 M W              NC
              Mary E. "             15 F W              NC
              Frances C. "          13 F W              MS
              James Caudle          20 M W              NC

CONCORDIA PARISH
157  83/84    Amelia Presler        56 F W      13000   KY
              A. "                  22 F W              LA
              Jame M. "             21 M W              LA

JACKSON PARISH
358 105/108   Thomas Prestly         5 M W              LA
               living with Wm. Hasson

MOREHOUSE PARISH
407 364/385   Levi Presley          28 M W Prot.Meth.   SC
                                           Minister
              Louisa "              18 F W              AL
                 living with Stephen & Martha Shelton

SABINE PARISH
125 312/314   John Presley          42 M W Farmer 3000  TN
              Silva "               19 F W              AL
              John W. "              3 M W              LA
              Eliza "                2 F W              LA
              Halom "               45 M W              TN
              Peter Tolas           19 M W None         LA

144 615/619   E. F. Presley         28 M W City Clerk   AL
              Amanda "              16 F W              LA
              J. W. Harris          50 M W Blacksmith   MO

144 616/620   L. Presley            50 F W        400   NC
              Martha "              14 F W              AL
              Crawford "            13 M W              LA
              Sala "                11 M W              LA


                      ARKANSAS

CONWAY COUNTY
247 268/268  Wiley Presley         27 M W Farmer        GA
             Martha "              20 F W               GA
             Nancy "                5 F W               GA
             Elizabeth "            2 F W               GA 
             Larkin "               1 M W               GA
             Nancy "               30 F W               GA
             Jackson "             30 M W               GA

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY
356          Joseph Presley        31 M W Farmer   300  GA
             Jaruria (?)           31 F W               TN
             Mary Carrill          12 F W               AR
             Alexander "           10 M W               AR
             Caroline Linsey        5 F W               AR

LAWRENCE COUNTY
230 548/548  Thomas Presley        47 M W               NC
             Mary A. "             41 F W               NC
             Agness "              23 F W               NC
             Rebeca "              17 F W               TN
             Andrew L. "           14 M W               TN
             Elijah "              12 M W               TN
             Francis M. "          12 F W               TN
             David "                7 M W               TN
             Mary C. "             19 F W               TN

UNION COUNTY
273 909/909  Geo. T. Presley       31 M W Physician     TN
             Lucy A. "             28 F W         1000  TN
             Samuel C. "            7 M W               TN
             Francis S. "           5 F W               AR
             William F. "           5 M W               AR

VAN BUREN COUNTY
309 191/191  James Presley         54 M W Farmer  300   SC
             Charity "             53 F W               GA
             Thos. J. "            24 M W               GA
             Robert F. "           23 M W               GA
             Malinda G. "          18 F W               GA
             Mary E. "             16 F W               GA
             Wm. G. "              15 M W               GA
             Lewis T. "            12 M W               AR
             Francas M. "          11 M W               AR

313 238/238  Elizabeth Presley     19 F W               -
               living with Daniel B. & Francis E. Griggs

327 434/434  Amman H. Prelsey      22 M W               GA
              living with Abraham & Mary Holsonback

                      FLORIDA

LEVY COUNTY
81  60/60    Peter A. Presler      40 M W Farmer        LA
             Amelia "              56 F W               KY
             Augusta "             14 F W               LA
             Adelia "              20 F W               LA

Page 39

MILITARY RECORDS
Civil War Pension Records in the National Archives

BRESLER

(Ed. Note: We now begin a list of Civil War pension records in the National Archives, which is being compiled by Ruth B. Hustead, our researcher in Washington, D.C. The "Civil War and Later" series of pension applications concerns service performed between 1861 and 1934. Most of the records concern Civil War service, and excluded are records related to Indian wars service and World War I service. However, you will note a number of records in the following list for post-Civil War service.

The following list includes the following data: name of veteran; service data; name and class of dependent, if any; application number and date, and for an approved claim, the certificate number; the State from which the claim was filed.)

Arthur L.


Asher E.

Daniel

Daniel H.


David

Earl





Eli


Frank A.



Franklin



Henry


Ludwig

Max


Nathan


Peter
Co. G, 22nd N.Y. Inf.
Invalid
C-2622466
21st Ark. Cav.
Invalid
Co. I, 151st Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Co. D, 156th Ind. Inf.
Co. F, 10th Ind. Inf.
Invalid
Co. A, 148th Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Co. H, 9th 111. Inf.
Co. E, 30th U.S. Vol. Inf.
Sea "Puritan", "Yankee"
Wabash, Franklin, Mo.; 1903-06
Invalid
Widow
Co. D, lllth Ohio Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Mary E.)
App. Seaman, 1914-1915
Invalid (died Dec. 3 1915 Ind.)
Parent (father: John)
(mother: Mary)
Co. A, 1st Ind. Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Susan Lauer)
Minor (Andrew Bressler)
Co. C, 45th Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Rebecca)
Co. E, 6th Wis. Inf.
Widow (Frederika)
Cc. K, llth U.S. Inf.
27th Cav. USC Art. Corp
Invalid
Co. G, 57th Ind. Inf.Jan.
Invalid
Widow (Eliza)
Naval Service, DeSoto
Widow (Mary L.W.)

Dec. 6, 1922


Feb. 23, 1899

Feb. 19, 1889


Dec. 12, 1882

Dec. 26, 1866




Feb. 5, 1901
Apr. 25, 1931

Sept. 3, 1890
Dec. 13, 1897

1915
1922


Oct. 23, 1865
Feb. 11, 1889
Jan. 4, 1884

Oct. 27, 1864
June 21, 1918

July 18, 1890


Jan. 28, 1929

Jan. 17, 1874
Feb. 4, 1929

Dec. 10, 1892

1728833


1220156

390047


466792

120449




1261775
1692212

908163
667213

card very dark
can't read


93764
388670
311841

53879
1122279

440662


1633996

189044
1634028

12931

A-3-6-33




849072


433730






1038873
A-10-27-31








371938



35883
870479

299683


A-6-6-29

231782
A-3-13-29

Mich.


Ala

Ind.


Ind.






Ill.
Mass.

Texas
Texas






Ind.
Ky.


Iowa

Wis.


N.Y.


Kan.


Page 40

BRESSLER

Aaron


Adam

August


Charles

Charles

Charles

Charles E.

Daniel

Daniel F.



Daniel W.


David


Edward F.


Frank

Franklin


George

George


George W.


Henry





Henry L.
Co. B, 9th Pa. Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Mary E.)
Co. C, 172nd Pa. Inf.
Widow (Sarah)
Co. F, 173rd Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Sarah A.)
Cos. K & G, 43rd 111. Inf.
Invalid
Cc. E, 173rd Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Cos. E & B, 21st Pa. Cav.
Invalid
Co. E, 93rd Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Co. F, 172nd Pa. Inf.
Widow (Mary)
Independent Batty, Co. D, Pa. Light Arty.
Co. E, 42nd Pa. Mil.
Invalid
Widow (Elizabeth)
Co. C, 137th Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Sallie)
Co. L, 4th U.S. Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Laura J.)
Co. C, 101st Ohio Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Mary C.)
Co. G, 55th N.Y. Inf.
Invalid
Co. A, 50th Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Elizabeth)
Co. K, 88th Ind. Inf.
Invalid
Co. D, 73rd Ohio Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Nancy)
Co. F, 49th Ohio Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Sarah)
Fireman 2/C, 1900-1904
Naval Service: Mass., Vt.,
Texas Franklin, Hancock
Invalid
C-2297534
Co. C, 192nd Pa. Inf.
Alias: Henry Clifford
Invalid
Widow (Rhoda A.)

May 11, 1878
Aug. 18, 1902

May 22, 1865

Mar. 8, 1886
Nov 14, 1907

July 17, 1890

July 25, 1890

Apr. 14, 1892

Aug. 2, 1890

June 9, 1865


July 18, 1890
Apr. 25, 1905

Dec. 7, 1891
Feb. 10, 1917

Sept. 3, 1881
Feb. 20, 1903

Mar. 27, 1872
Dec. 7, 1925

Mar. 17, 1864

June 14, 1880
Jan. 18, 1913

Mar. 13, 1883

Apr. 30, 1883
Oct. 19, 1892

Nov. 22, 1882
Mar. 11, 1884



July 21, 1927



Apr. 16, 1908
May 18, 1925

254449
7688662

94882

564928
879849

885347

836481

1104922

875562

97156


932251
869164

1076255
1093484

428790
778994

173782
1239864

42466

375285
1000068

475597

481811
562341

465392
313577



1587428



1373172
1233170

312646
543767

141141

736066
671937

600456

574049

914088

818954

141604


782576
627564

829238
826771

384108
562834

129291
A-5-18-26

31899

983416
755145

496008

672087
380912

-
320549



A-l-25-28



1154394
963419


Ohio|




Ohio

Ohio

Pa.

Pa.

Pa.




Pa.
Pa.

Tenn.
Tenn.

Ind.
Ohio


Ill.




Pa.

Ohio

Ohio
Ohio

Ohio
Ohio







Minn.
Minn.

Page 41

Isaac N.


John

John

John J.

Mahlon H.



Martin


Mathias


Miles D.

Riley



Roscoe L.




Samuel

Valentine


Walter 0.



William H.


William H.


William S.
Co. D, 88th 111. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Aranthusa)
Co. E, 19th Iowa Inf.
Widow (Kate)
Co. C, 31st Iowa Inf.
Invalid
Co. K, 1st VRC
Mother (Rebecca)
Co. A, 191st Pa. Inf.
Co. F, 31st Pa. Inf.
Co. E, 10th C Inf.
Invalid
Co. A, 50th Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Kate)
Corp H, 7th 111. Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Helen)
Co. D, 2nd Wis. Inf.
Father (David)
Co. K, 173rd Pa. Inf.
Co. G & Co. M, 16th Pa. Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Mary)
Co. L, 8th Ohio Inf.
Invalid (died July 31, 1924)
Widow (Helen M. )
Minor (gdn: Helen M. Dasen)
XC-946038
Co. K, 3rd Pa. Heavy
Invalid
Co. E, 17th Mo. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Anna M. )
Hosp. Corps USA
Co. K, 21st U.S. Inf.
Invalid
C-2421801
Co. I, 4th Iowa Cav.
Invalid
Widow (Sarah L. )
Co. F, 173rd Pa. Inf.
Invalid
Widow (Ann)
Co. F, 49th Pa. Inf.
Widow (Mary J. )
Minor (gdn: David Turner)

Feb. 24, 1880
June 14, 1912

Feb. 24, 1888

June 28, 1880

May 28, 1880



Apr. 16, 1879

July 10, 1891
Sept. 15, 1916

Mar. 15, 1880
Nov. 13, 1913

Oct 27, 1868


Jan. 19, 1897
Jan. 2, 1900

July 7, 1920
Sept. 17, 1924
July 26, 1956


Oct. 2, 1890

Aug. 10, 1893
Sept. 2, 1908


Sept. 21, 1921


July 28, 1890
Dec. 20, 1909

June 9, 1880
Mar. 4, 1924

Oct. 14, 1865
July 15, 1875

348957
988334

368124

395216

266293



279816

1038025
1072741

351284
1017221

167110


1185312
711238

1435924
1223580
1549481


938857

1152684
891624


1472523


852048
932419

375289
1216287

112472
222461

271350
745809

286301

233184

205203



235583

995564
890118

333053
771875

140842


979382
519857

A-5-11-26
A-5-11-26
A-l-19-27


914040

911142
652334


1220838


868034
695324

337750
947151

172983
172984


Ill.

Calif.









Iowa
Iowa


Ohio




Pa.
Pa.

Ohio
Ohio
Ohio


Pa.

Mo.
Mo.


Pa.


Mo.
Mo.


Pa.

PRESLAR

James E. Naval Service: Colorado Relief
1923-1926
Invalid


May 1, 1928


1612577


-


N.C.

(to be continued)

Page 42

THE PRESLEY/PRESLAR/PRESSLY PRESS

(Ed. Note: Most of what we presently know about the early Pressley/Pressly families of Williamsburg and Abbeville Counties in South Carolina is based on largely undocumented secondary sources. As the following references and abstract^ indicate, there are primary sources, and it is hoped that members will more thoroughly research these primary records.)

Abstracts of the Wills of the State of South Carolina, 1740-1760, Comp. & Ed. by Caroline T. Moore, 1964.

p. 83. Will Bk. 1747-1752.


p. 88-89. Will Bk. 1747-1752








p. 120. Will Bk. 1747-1752.






p. 129. Will Bk. 1747-1752.


p. 262. Will Bk. 1757-1760.

Will of John Blekly (Bleakly), Craven Co.
William Presly named as one of executors.
Dtd. 21 Sept. 1747; Pr. nd.; Rec. nd. p. 60
Will of David Presley, St. James1 Parish, Santee,
planter. Nuncupative will. Before James Glen, Esq., Capt. General
Governor & Commander in Chief of his Majesty's province personally
appeared James Anderson and David Cheney, who in the month of
January last were present with David Presley 5 or 6 hours before
his death and he did say that his wife should have his entire
estate,and that Robert Thompson would give his wife assistance
in settling his affairs.
Dtd. 31 Mar. 1749. (signed) James Glen. Pr. nd.; Rec. nd. p. 111
Will of John Pressly, Williamsburg Township, planter.
Wife: Margaret, to live in my house during her widowhood. Son:
William, all my real estate. Daus: Susannah and Sarah; Jane
McCalla; Eleanor Thompson. Exors: Mr. John Liviston; brother William
Pressley; son William. Wit: Willm. Dobien, Samuel Montgomery,
Andrew McCartney.
Dtd. 17 Oct. 1750; Pr. 14 Nov. 1750; Rec. nd. p. 322
Will of John Fleming, Williamsburg, Craven Co., planter
Isabella Pressley named as daughter.
Dtd. 2 June 1750; Pr. 11 Jan. 1750/U); Rec. nd. p. 386
Will of David Witherspoon, Williamsburgh Twp.
Names son-in-law William Presley
Dtd. 9 Jan. 1759; Pr. 9 Oct. 1759; Rec. nd. p. 233

Abstracts of the Wills of the State of South Carolina, 1760-1784, Comp. & Ed. by Caroline T. Moore, 1969.

p. 70. Will Bk. 1760-1767.


p. 135. Will Bk. 1767-1771.


p. 207. Will Bk. SS 1771-1774.

Will of John McBride, Pr. Frederick's Parish, Craven
Co., planter. Witness was William Pressley.
Dtd. 8 Nov. 1766; Pr. 12 Jan. 1767; Rec. nd. p. 622
Will of John Robinson, Williamsburg Twp., planter.
Witness was William Pressly.
Dtd. 17 Dec. 1764; Pr. 28 May 1770; Rec. nd. p. 483
Will of James Stewart, Pr. George's Parish, Craven
Co. Witnesses were Wm Pressly, Anne Presley
Dtd. 19 Feb. 1773; Pr. 27 Nov. 1779(sic); Rec. nd. p. 499

Abstracts of the Wills of Charleston District, South Carolina, and Other Wills Recorded in the District, 1783-1800, Comp. & Ed. by Caroline T. Moore, 1974.

p. 76. Will Bk. A 1783-1786.

Will of David Pressly, Long Cane settlement, Ninety-Six District, planter, now residing in Charleston. Sons: eldest Samuel, plantation of W branch of Stephens Creek; 2nd David, land on S branch Hard Leabour Creek next land laid out to me, William Pressly and William Drise's survey; William and John. Daus: eldest Agnes [Wyly,] alias Agnes Pressly, land on any square or corner of the survey where I lived except that part already mentioned, then to her dau. Elizabeth Wyly; Mary Ann and Esther. Son-in-law: Henry Wyly. Mentions: remaining lands divided among my children Mary Ann, William, John and Esther; residue of estate to said children and son-in-law. Exors: son David; Henry Geddes; George McCombe; Andrew McCombe. Wit: Henry Wyly, Casimer Patrick, John Pattison.
Dtd. 5 Jan. 1785; Pr. 15 Jan. 1785; Rec. nd. p. 459

Page 43

p. 459 p. 178-9. Will Bk. B 1786-1793.

Will of Samuel Richardson, St. John's Parish. Brothers: Thomas Richardson residing in Kingdom of Ireland, land in Orangeburg District, 2 tracts of land in said district adjoining each other near the line next lands of William Ransom Davis, John Morant and William Moultrie, Esq.; John Richardson. Mentions: "a Queern Stone Mill in a Frame fit for Use;" brother Thomas Richardson's 2 eldest sons; John, Margaret and Catherine Presly, son and daus. of Mrs. Catherine Presly; to the said Mrs. Presly, remaining time of lease on place called Eutaw where she now lives and % debts which may appear on books for tavernkeeping only; if John Kenny, William Roberson and John Richardson, or either 2 of them, will acknowledge the person of Thomas Richardson, that my said brother shall inherit my property left to him. Exors: Charles Snowden of Charleston; John McCammon of St. John's Parish; John Kenny living near Ashepoo. Wit: Samuel Wilson; Philip Cantey; Henry Harne, his mark.
Dtd. 1 May 1789; Pr. 4 May 1789; Rec. nd. p. 311

p. 206. Will Bk. B 1786-1793.

Will of Catherine Pressly, her mark, St. John's Parish. Children: Jane Margaret, Catherine Ann and John, under 21 years and unmarried, my whole estate. Mentions: "my Desire the within mentioned Gentle to act for the Estate of Mr. John Pressly as Mr. James Oliver who has administered on Mr. John Pressly's Estate is entirely incapable and unfit for that Business which can easily be made appear." Exors: Messrs. Charles Rogers, John McCannon and Philip Couturier. Wit: Peter Gray, Lydia McGowen.
Dtd. 6 May 1790; Pr. 19 June 1790; Rec. nd. p. 428

South Carolina Jury Lists, 1718 through 1783, Mary Bondurant Warren, Danielsville, Ga., 1977.

p. 99

1777
1777
1783
1777
1783
1737
1737

Presley, David, resided ? , petit juror
Presley, John, resided ? , petit juror
Presley, William, resided Georgetown Dist., petit juror
Presley, William, resided ? , petit juror
Pressley, William, resided Georgetown Dist., grand juror
Prestley, John, resided Prince Frederick Parish, petit juror
Prestly, William, resided prince Frederick Parish, petit juror

The Jury Lists of South Carolina, 1778-1779, Comp. by GeLee Corley Hendrix & Morn McKoy Lindsay, 1979.

p. 31.

p. 37.

p. 76.

p. 86.

Grand Jurors for the Parish of Prince Frederick, 1778.
[Included] William Presley
Petit Jurors for the Parish of Prince Frederick, 1778.
[Included] William Pressley
Grand Jury List for 96-District, 1779. Long Canes & Places Adjacent.
[Included] David Pressley
Petit Jury List for 96-District, 1779. Long Canes & Places Adjacent.
[Included] David Presley

Page 44

MURDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

(Ed. Note: The following, undated newspaper clipping was submitted by E.L. Singleton with the statement that it is probably at least 80 years old and was located in the Bible of Emma Jane Presley Singleton (1864-1953).

The Judge Pressley named in the article is probably Judge Benjamin C. Pressly (born 14 Feb. 1815 Abbeville Co., S.C., died 5 Sept. 1896 Summerville, Dorchester Co., S.C., bur. Magnolia Gem., Charleston, S.C.). He was a son of William Pressly (son of immigrant David Pressly) and Eliza Eleanor Adams. He was Judge of the First Circuit in S.C. for 15 years (1877-1892). This information is from The Pressly Family by Wm. L. Pressly.

Here's another interesting criminal case that someone should further investigate.

In Edgefield County [S.C.], when the case against R.T. Jones, for the murder of the three Pressleys, was called Major W.T. Gary, counsel for the prisoners, presented a petition signed by R.T. Jones, setting forth that he, the prisoner, had married a grandaughter of the oldest Pressley, and that he had information and belief that his honor, Judge Pressley, was related to the Pressleys, and Major Gary submitted that if such were the fact it disqualified Judge Pressley from presiding in the case. Judge Pressley said that his ancestors came to this country from the north of Ireland in 1733, and he was sure that the deceased Pressleys in this case were not descended from his branch of the Pressleys, and he, therefore denied any relationship whatever with the family in question. Major Gary remarked that there was no doubt that there was a likeness between the judge and the deceased, and he thought it questionable whether it would be exactly legal form for a presiding judge simply to decide an issue of this kind without any sort of trial. Judge Pressley replied that if Major Gary knew of any form to try the question he was ready for trial, but that rather than have his name : connected with a question of delicacy of this sort he would not try the case, and he, therefore, marked it continued.



Click photo for larger version

Pressler' tombstone in cemetery in Hochstadt, Pfalz, Germany (Photo by Elizabeth B. Bunting). No old stones remain, as grave plots are reused every 25 years with new burials on top of the old. The old grave markers are taken to homes.

Page 45

QUERIES

Elizabeth P. Pressley
address withheld

My grandfather was a grandson of Moses Pressley and Nancy Leonard, who according to Putnam Co., Ga., records, were married on 4 Jan. 1818. Nancy Leonard was Moses' first wife; he was married twice more. I don't know how many children he had. Moses lived into the 1870's and among his estate papers in Putnam Co. was one which asked the court to "set aside the 815 acre homestead for the widow." Who homesteaded it?

Moses' and Nancy's son, Joseph (b. 1819 according to his marriage license), went to Arkansas and bought l00a in 1848.. In 1849 he married Jerusha Lacefield Carroll Linza, b. 1820. She had been married and widowed twice and had three children, Mary and Alexander Carroll and Calvin Linza. With Joseph Presley she had Joe, John, and Thomas "Marshall" (b. 10 Dec. 1856), my grandfather.

During the Civil War, Joseph, a civilian, was shot by northern troops and died of his wounds. Grandpa told me, "My grandfather in Georgia sent word for us to come to Georgia to live, but my mother refused." In 1867 Jerusha moved her family to Missouri, and there was no further contact with relatives in Georgia.

I believe Joseph had a sister, which probably means any other siblings were his half brothers and sisters. Can anyone help with this family line?




FAMILY GROUP DATA

(Ed. Note: The following family group data was submitted by Joseph Horned, address withheld.) Wiley Clark Presley (son of Moses Presley & Nancy Leonard), b. 1822 Putnam Co., Georgia, d. Mar. 1901 Van Buren Co.(?), Arkansas, bur. White Co., Ark., m. firstly, 1848 Fayette Co., Ga., Martha Carson, b. 1830 Ga., d. ca. 1858 Van Buren Co., Ark., bur. White Co., Ark.
Children:
1) Wiley Larkin Presley, b. 1850 Ga.
2) Nancy Jane Presley, b. 1852 Ark., d. 1922, m. 1872 Conway Co., Ark., Gustavus Roberts
3) James Thomas Presley,'b..27 Feb. 1854 Ark., d. July 1918
4) John Lee Presley, b. 9 Aug. 1856 Ark., d. 12 Jan. 1916
Wiley Clark Presley, m. secondly, Luvenia Roberts
Children:
5) Elizabeth Presley, b. 20 Aug. 1860 Ark., d. 1932
6) Calip Leonard Presley, b. 20 Mar. 1862 Ark., d. 20 Dec. 1938
7) Sarah E. Presley, b. 4 May 1864 Ark.
8) Martha Almeda Presley, b.12 May 1866 Ark., d. 16 Feb. 1929
9) Zora (Belzora) Presley, b. 1868 Ark.
10) William Franklin Presley, b. 6 Sept. 1870 Ark., d. 6 July 1946
11) Mollie Presley, b. 6 Feb. 1872 Ark., d. 21 July 1963
12) Emma Presley, b. 19 May 1874 Ark., d. 9 Feb. 1945
13) Wyatt Presley, b. 11 May 1876(?) ark., d. 17 Mar. 1957
14) Laura L. Presley, b. 21 Jan. 1878 Ark., d. 23 Nov. 1957
15) Samuel Jefferson Presley, b. 14 Feb. 1880 Ark., d. 30 Sept. 1930
16) George Washington Presley, b. 20 Dec. 1881 Ark., d. 14 Feb. 1969
17) Cynthia Presley, b. 20 Dec. 1883 Ark.
18) Ida Pearl Presley, b. 22 Dec. 1885 Ark., d. 26 Aug. 1970 (twin)
19) Ada Presley, b. 22 Dec. 1885 Ark., d. 1886 (twin)
20) Porter Augustus Presley, b. 10 Feb. 1888 Ark., d. 19 Apr. 1965
21) Nellie May Presley, b. 8 Apr. 1890 Ark., d. 3 Oct. 1930