Rueben L. Morgan

Notes:

In a column titled "Grandma Olds saw first train to Buna and man on the moon" Jasper New Boy columnist Kenneth Morgan wrote:

"....Much more is known about the Morgan family, who came to Texas from North Carolina and Georgia before the Civil War. Great grandfather Reuben L. Morgan fought from the Confederacy and lost his life in this tragic war. His father's name was John Morgan. John's father was Reuben Sr.......

When Reuben first migrated to Texas, he was accompanied by his brother Malalchi, and his uncles Daniel and Duncan Morgan."

Mr. Morgan generously provided futher details about his paternal grandparents in a letter dated June 8, 1999 to Melinda Strong. He said the "Reuben L. Morgan was born in Decatur, GA in 1835. When his father, John Morgan died, around 1850, Reuben, his brother Malachi with his wife Tomsie Williams, their Uncle Duncan with his wife Eliza Kelley, and their mother, Hannah Kelley, left Georgia and settled the community of Erin, Texas. One of their descendants, Alfred Morgan, reports that they brought two or three slaves, one of them an infant boy named George, who took on the the Morgan name. It is possible that a family of Caswells accompanied them, also bringing with them Reuben's future wife, Penelope Caswell, who also was born in Georgia, in 1832. Another possible member of the original group, and probably a sister to Penelope, Rebecca Caswell Hays is indicated by the 1860 census as having lived with Rueben and Penelope. Rebecca was listed as age 24, born in Georgia.

Rueben and Penelope were married in Jasper County in December 1858, their first child was John Edward, or Eddie born in 1859, then Thomas Marion who was born in 1860. The Civil War broke out about this time, and Reuben and Malachi both enlisted and served. According to Kenneth Morgan, the were in the 13th Texas Cavalry, General Walker's division. They fought in the Battles of Mansfield, Jenkin's Ferry, and Pleasant Hill.

During the war their mother got sick and Duncan sent for them to come home. It was decided that Malachi would stay and care for his mother and both families, and that Rueben would go back to war. It was during this leave that Penelope became pregnant with Rose Caroline or "Sissie", who was born June 26, 1862. Rueben did not live to see his youngest child. He fell ill with dysentary and it is believed that he died on May 20, 1864, in a military hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1860 Census
Texas, Jasper County, P. O. Newton
Enumerated Aug 1860
Page 51, Stamped 410
338-338
R L Morgan 25 M Farmer 400 300 Ga
Penelope Morgan 28 F Ga
John Morgan 2 M Tx
Thomas Morgan 3/12 M Tx
Rebecca Hays 24 F Ga

Rueben married Penelope Caswell on 1 Dec 1857 in Jasper County, Texas. Penelope was born on 7 Jun 1831 in Georgia; died on 19 Nov 1917 in Kirbyville, Jasper County, Texas; was buried on 21 Nov 1917 in Zion Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Jasper County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. John Edward Morgan was born on 29 Aug 1858 in Roganville, Jasper County, Texas; died on 9 Apr 1916 in Collin County, Texas; was buried in Davis Cemetery, Beulah Springs, Jasper County, Texas.
2. Thomas Marion Morgan was born on 16 Mar 1860 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas; died on 17 Feb 1946 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas; was buried in Zion Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Jasper County, Texas.
3. Rose Ella Caroline Morgan was born on 26 Jun 1861 in Jasper County, Texas; died on 31 Jan 1940 in Jasper County, Texas; was buried in Zion Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Jasper County, Texas.

Notes:

John was said to have died in South Carolina before his family moved to Georgia. However, since he was married in Georgia he probably actually died after the move to Georgia, but before the family moved on to Texas and Florida.It appears that he did die prior to the 1840, because his widow, Hannah Morgan is listed as the head of household in the "1840 Decatur County Georgia Census Index " (Frances T. Ingmire, Mountain Press).

John's five children, along with a 28 year old "Mrs. Morgan," are listed in the 1850 Decatur County, GA census in household #521. They live nearby to the McLemores, Boyetts, Morgans, and Kellys. It appears that John may have remarried, as his apparent widow, age 28, was too young to be the mother of any but the very youngest of his five children, who ranged in age from 14 to 23. This potential second wife would have been born circa 1822.

The online Decatur County, Georgia census for 1850 lists the family as follows:

521 521
Morgan Mrs.? 28 F SC
Morgan Malachi 23 M Laborer GA
Morgan Wm. 18 M Laborer GA
Morgan Maria 20 F GA
Morgan Reubin 16 M Laborer GA
Morgan Martha 14 F GA

John married Hannah Kelley on 1 Mar 1827 in Decatur County, Georgia. Hannah (daughter of Malachi Kelley and Sarah Singletary) was born before 1810 in South Carolina; died after 1840. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the marriage records, and from the estate settlement of her father, Malachi Kelley, it appears that John Morgan was married to Hannah Kelley, and that she was the mother of his children. Hannah Morgan is listed as living next door to Malachi Kelly in Decatur County, Georgia at the time of the 1840 federal census.

Her household was composed of the following members:
2 males 5-10
1 male 10-15
1 female under 5
1 female 5-10
1 female 20-30

It appears from the 1850 Decatur County, Georgia census, that Hannah may have also died before 1850, as her children are living with a 28 year old "Mrs. Morgan." Unless her age is in error, however, the woman listed on the census appears to be too young to be the mother of the children.

The Estate of Malichi Kelley (Hannah's father) was probated in 1857, and Hannah was not an heir. However, two of her children Malichi Morgan and Kizzie Morgan were heirs. It would therefore appear that Hannah Kelley Morgan died sometime before 1857. There was, however, a Hannah Morgan who was granted a land patent for 252 acres of land in Jasper County, Texas on October 23, 1858 (Patent #204. Vl 18, File No 156). Could this possibly be a different Hannah Morgan?

Notes:

The letter transcribed below was written by Abner E. Morgan in October, 1946. It was supplied to me in an email from Jeanie Trimble of Thonostosassa, Florida. She in turn received it from Janie Blanton. Jeanie noted that although Abner referred to his great-grandfather as being named "Isaac Morgan", all other sources she found seemed to point to his name as actually being Reuben. This contradiction has not been explained. Perhaps both names were his given names, or perhaps Abner was confusing Rueben Morgan's first name with that of Rueben's father-in-law, Isaac Newton, also of Duplin County.

"This information reference to my great grandfather Isaac Morgan came to me from my father Frances Cornelius "Neal" Morgan as handed down from father to son from around the year 1800 to date.

Isaac Morgan. Born in Ireland, date unknown, emigrated to the United States in or about the year 1800. Settled on a farm in North Carolina. Moved to South Carolina by wagon about 1828, where he farmed for two years.

He moved again to South Georgia in 1830, and settled in Brooks County and I am reliably informed that the old home site is now inside of corporate limits of Quitman, GA. His family consisted of three daughters and seven sons ranging in ages from small to grown up. One of Isaac's sons John, a married son, died while they lived in South Carolina, leaving a son named Malachi or Mae. Another son, Daniel by name took over and recorded Mae-thus-great granddad reached Georgia with three daughters and six sons and a grandson.

Daughters: Dorcus, Sally, Nancy

--Dorcus: Married Edmond Blanton son of David Blanton & Nancy Goff. (B.C. Blanton, a direct descendant. My father and B.C. Blantons father being first cousins).

--Nancy: Married a Wilson of whom the late John T. Wilson of Shady Grove was a direct descendant. My father and the Wilsons (Enoch Wilson) were also cousins.

--Sallie: I do not know much about her and have never contacted any of her offsprings, however I do know she married Enoch Bell and that around 1890 they lived in Kissimee, Florida.

Sons: Joe, John, Daniel, Duncan, Reuben, Isaac and Enoch Morgan.

--Enoch Morgan was my grandfather who married Martha Ann Williams in Georgia, his wife being the sister of a Baptist preacher, of Georgia, but later of Lee, Madison County, Fla. The said preacher being the grandfather of the late W. O. Williams of Perry, Fla.

To this marriage were born 4 sons and 5 daughters, my father being born in Georgia in 1842. In 1846, my granddad Enoch Morgan and J. Pasco's grandad, Isaac, moved to Florida. Isaac settling on part of the place now owned by E.J. Rowell at Iddo and Enoch Morgan settled on the Old Greenville Road (later called the Old Salt Road) some three miles north of old Shady Grove in Taylor County. At this location my fathers three brothers grew up.

War. At the opening of the war, father's two brothers Joe and John entered the Southern Army and were immediately sent to Virginia, never to return. Joe died in battle and John of disease.

Later my father, and (his) younger brother Math, volunteered for service in the U.S. Army (Union). My father was shot and carried a Confederate bullet in his breast to his death in 1905. On returning from service, my father bought a homestead claim to a 160 acre tract of government land from one Wright Hendry. This land being just North of Shady Grove but in Taylor County. On this tract he built a log house. Then he married my mother, Lucy Alice Lugenia McFail. To this marriage was 4 sons and 2 daughters born. Ollen, Asberry, Abner (that's me), Ella, Joe and Margarett.

Margarett being only nine days old at my mothers death in 09/19/1882. Ollen and Ella died I think in 1892, and Asberry died last year in 1945, leaving myself and Margarett.

Back to Georgia. I have already told what became of my Granddad Enoch sisters and will tell you about the sons.

--John died in South Carolina.

--Enoch and Isaac came to Florida as stated above.

--THE OTHERS INCLUDING MAE, MOVED TO MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, JASPER COUNTY, TEXAS EITHER IN 1849 OR 1852. MY FATHER KEPT IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THEM UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1905. IN 1913 THROUGH THE POSTMASTER I GOT IN TOUCH WITH MAE IN ERIN, TEXAS AND HAD A LETTER FROM HIM, AND GOT ANOTHER LETTER IN 1914. HE WAS 86 THEN AND NEVER ANSWERED AGAIN. (Emphasis added).

Back to Neal my Father. As stated above there were 4 sons and 2 daughters. Ollen born in 1872 and died in 1893 and buried at Mt. Enow Church near Plant City, Florida. Asberry born 03/18/1875 died 1945 in Pahokee, buried Homestead. Abner, (I was) born 70 years ago to day 10/17/1946 and (am) happy to know that time is near for my final journey. Ella b. 1875 d. 1893. Joe b. 1880 Margarett b. 1882.

May, this is the entire letter. Hope you can use this. Thanks again, and yes I'll get with you later on our history of John Bunion Blanton and his Civil War File. I'd love to read this."

Carolyn Lockhart recounts a similar story: "There were five brothers to come into Jasper County. Duncan first, Daniel, Malachi (Note: Actually a nephew), James and William (Note: Also probably nephews). John Morgan died in Georgia." Carolyn further indicated that Ruben Morgan could be found on the 1779 Iredell County, North Carolina census with 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 26-45 and himself. In 1790, he was in Franklin County, North Carolina where he can be found with 4 females and 1 male 0-16. In 1800, he was in Sampson County, North Carolina, listed with 3 males under 10, 1 male 26-45, 1 female under 10, and 1 female 16-26. (Note: Not verified that the 1779 and 1790 census listings are for the same Ruben Morgan).

The information on the Morgan Family was compiled from information that was generously shared with by Jeannie Trimble of Florida, Kenneth Morgan and Nan Kittell of Jasper, Carolyn Lockhart of Nederland, Jo Ann Gartig of Nacogdoches and others.

Several researchers show Rueben Morgan as the son of a Theophilus Morgan, however Jeanie Trimble thinks this unlikely. Bonnie Smith shows him as the son of William Morgan and Rebeckah Mills of Bladen and Guilford, North Carolina. I have not seen any documentation of this either.

(Research):1820 Sampson County, North Carolina Census

Mathis' 312: Morgan Reuben 21 1 3 0 1 2 1 2 0 0

Lee's 298: Morgan Henry 20 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0

(Relationship of Henry not known)

1830 Decatur County, Georgia Census

Ruebin Morgan Sr Males 1-1-0-2-0-0-0-1 Females 0-0-2-0-0-0-1

1840 Lowndes County, Georgia Census

Rubin Morgan

Three Males, one between 5-10, one between 10-15 and 1 between 60-70

One Female between the ages of 50-60

Immediately following his listing is one for the household of Enoch Morgan, his son.

Rueben married Dorcus Newton on 25 Nov 1793 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Dorcus (daughter of Isaac Newton and Jemima Chambers) was born before 1773 in Duplin County, North Carolina; died on 3 May 1824 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Bonnie Smith's research indicates that Dorcas Newton, Mrs. R. Morgan, was burried in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, North Carolina, Section G, Lot 20, Ch. Lot 12.

Notes:

Married:
According to "MARRIAGE BONDS OF DUPLIN COUNTY, NC 1749-1868" by Cora Bass (Southern Historical Press: 1959) Rhuben MORGAN and Darcas NEWTON were married on 25 November 1793 by David WILLIAM, with Wm. DICKSON, CC as witness.

A few years later, on 2 Feb 1796, Samuel MORGAN and Elizabeth TONANS were married with Wm. WILKINSON officiating, and Wm. DICKSON, CC as witness. The relationship between Rueben and Samuel is unknown.

Notes:

He can be found on the 1840 Decatur County, Georgia Census as follows:
2 males 5-10
1 male 10-15
1 male 50-60
1 female 10-15
2 females 15-20
1 female 20-30 1 female 40-50

The next household enumerated was that of Hannah Morgan.

This is his listing in 1850 Decatur County, Georgia:

#520-520
Kelly,M.,64,male,farmer,property value $1,200 South Carolina
Kelly, Sarah,58,female, South Carolina
Kelly, Kizzy,26,female, Georgia
Kelly,Harriet,24,female, Georgia
Kelly, Joseph,20,male,laborer, Georgia
Kelly,Lumpkin,19,male,laborer,Georgia

Per www.rootsweb.com/~gadecatu

1850 Slave Schedule
John Kelly 9 slaves
M. Kelly 28 slaves
Mrs. Morgan 1 slave, 1 y/o black male

Nan McCoy Kittell of Jasper located a copy of the following deed of sale by the heirs of Malichi Kelly:

THE STATE OF TEXAS JASPER COUNTY

Know all men by these presents that we Dunkin Morgan & Eliza Morgan and Malichi Morgan and John McLemore of said State and County for and consideration of the sum of Five Hundred dollars to us in funds paid by Kizzie Kelly also of said State and County at and before the signing and delivering these presents the reciept of which we do hereby acknowledge we have granted bargain and sold and by these presents do grant bargain sell alienate transfer convey and confirm unto said Kizzie Kelly and to her heirs as assignees forever the following tracks lots or parcels of lands, described as follows, being situated in said State and County on Big Creek 9 miles southeast of Jasper. By virtue of presumption of Malichi Kelly and of Anthony Passeres (??) headright, we the AFORE SAID HEIRS OF MALICHI KELLYS ESTATE (emphasis added) do grant bargain and sell all of our right title and possession to the said Kizzie Kelly and to her heirs or assigns forever we here unto sign our names before witnesses on this the 14th day of January AD 1867.

Witness PresentSigned James R. LeeM. Morgan Moses LeeDunkin Morgan "X" his mark Eliza Morgan "X" her mark John MacLamore "X" his mark


On the same day, Malichi Morgan, John McLamore and Kizzie Kelly appear to also be selling land "situated on Big Creek 9 miles S E of Jasper" to "Dunkin Morgan and Eliza Morgan his wife," also for five hundred dollars. Perhaps they were partitioning the land?

Both of these were recorded in the Deed Records of Jasper County, Volume 24, page 576.

In a letter written on October 3, 1999, Nan notes however that "I have about decided that the one Kelley/McLemore clue I found is only a clerical error, therefore our Kelley connection my in fact be nonexistant....the deed Book H, p 241 in Jasper showing sale of land to Keziah Kelley from Eliza (Kelley) and Duncan Morgan, John McLemore and M. (Little Mal) Morgan mentions that "We...heirs of Malichi Kelley's estate" do sell, etc. [Eliza and Keziah are sisters, Little Mal Morgan a nephew] BUT the clerk could have misunderstood and added Grandpa's [John McLemore] name AS A HEIR when he merely had some ownership in the land being transferred. While there was no AFFADAVIT OF HEIRSHIP filed, there's a POWER OF ATTORNEY filed (Book F, p 141) which gives ALL the heirs of Mal Kelley and agrees to have brother Joseph Kelley and brother-in-law Randall McDonald act as "agents" to settle this estate. John McLemore is not on this list...bet I've spent at least fifty dollars on postage, copies, phone calls and gas, but think 'this dog won't hunt.'

Could Malachi be the father of Alexander Kelly? He and his family can be found on the FamilySearch transcription of the 1880 Census in Jasper. He was born in Georgia circa 1813-1814.

Could Malachi be the father of Daniel Kelly? Daniel is also listed on the 1880 Jasper County, Texas census as age 63 (born ca 1817) in Georgia. And could Elijah Kelley, father in law of Martha Jane Travis, fit into this family as well? He was born in 1825 in Decatur County, Georgia.

Malachi married Sarah Singletary in 1810 in South Carolina. Sarah (daughter of Joseph Singletary and Mary Martha Edwards) was born about 1792 in South Carolina; died about 1850 in Decatur County, Georgia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

ltbskater@aol.com emailed that Isaac and Jemima had at least 11 children: Sarah (born 20 Oct 1757), Phoebe, Elizabeth, Mary, Dorcas, Miriam, Jemima, Enoch, Isaac, Esther (born 11 Oct 1779 in New Hanover m James Bland in 1801 in New Hanover NC, died 17 Sept 1854 in Duplin, NC), and Nancy Ann.

The Will of Isaac Newton was abstracted by William L. (Bill) Murphy in GENEALOGICAL ABSTRACTS DUPLIN COUNTY WILLS 1730-1860 (Duplin County Historical Society, Rose Hill, NC, 1982; p. 125).

390. NEWTON, ISAAC (CR.035.801.9/a-358) 19 Nov 1798-Jan Term 1799 sons ENOCH & ISAAC all my Lands Devided as followeth Beginning at the run of the Swamp he now lives on Crossing through the part of the plantation call'd the long field to the Back line All below this line to be ENOCH's and all above to be ISAAC's; son ISAAC Negroe Grace and her first child that shal live to be one Month to ENOCH, the second child that shall live to be one Month old to my dau. ESHER And her third Child that shall live to be one Month old to my dau. Ann; dau. ESTHER one feather Bed and firneture; son ENOCH one Mare Colt; all the hogs and Sheep to be equally divided between ENOCH and ISAAC, ENOCH to have one third of my stock of Cattle and ISAAC have the other two thirds of the Cattle and the mare and young horse; all my household furniture Equally devided among my four youngest children [not named]; plantation tools Equally devided between my sons ENOCH and ISAAC; And as for those of My Children that have married I leave to them the following sums and no more Except my Blessing SARAH ALDERMAN Five Shillings, PHEBE HERRING (sic) five shillings, MARY WILLIAMS five shillings, ELIZABETH BONEY five shillings, DORCAS MORGAN five shillings, the heirs of my two daus. Deceased MIRIAM JAMES and JEMIMA WILSON five Shillings each; wife JEMIMA my house plantation and all the above mentioned Estate during her widowhood. extrs: Aaron WILLIAMS, Enoch NEWTON wit: David ALDERMAN, Daniel ALDERMAN, Thomas (his mark) LANEAR Signed: Isaac (his mark) NEWTON

Complete Will

In the name of God Amen - I Isaac Newton of the County of Duplin Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men over to die, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament, that is to say, First of all 2 constitute and ordain Aaron Williams and Enoch Newton Executors of this my last will and Testament and as touching my world Estate. 2 give and despose of the same in the following form and manner first 2 give and bequath unto my two sons, Enoch and Isaac Newton's all my land divided as followeth Beginning at a Black Gum and maple at the run of the swamp he now lives on running then S 17 wt 100 poles Crossing through the part of the plantation call'd the long filed to a stake thence S. 10 R out to the Back line all below the line to be Enoch Newtons and all above to be Isaac Newtons, and should either of these my sons died without a lawful begoten heir then and all that case all there my land to fall erst and remain to the other son that do still survive. In the next place 2 give and bequeth unto my son Isaac Newton my Negroe girl called Grace and that her first child that shall live to be one month old be may son Enoch Newton. And that her second child that shall live to be one month old be my daughter Esher Newtons. And that her third child that shall live to be one month old be my Daughter Ann Newtons. I also give and bequath to my Daughter Ann Newton our feather bed and furniture. I also give to my son Enoch Newton our mare colt and all the hogs and sheep to be equally equally divided between Enoch Newton and Isaac Newton-and that Enoch Newton have one third of my stock of Cattle and Isaac Newton have the other two thirds of the cattle and that the mare and young horse be my son Isaac Newton. And that all my house hold furniture be Equally divided among by four youngest children and that all my plantation tools be Equally divided between my two sons Enoch and Isaac Newton and as for those of my children that have married I leave to them the following sums and no more Except my Blessings. To sarah ALDERMAN, Five shillings. To Phebe HERRING TINE five shillings. To Elizabeth RONEY five shillings. To Dorcas MORGAN five shillings. To the heirs of my two daughters Decasd, Miriam JAMES and Jemima WILSON, five shillings each, that is five shillings to the heirs of Mariam and five shillings to the heirs of Jemima. Excepting and reserving unto my beloved wife Jemima Newton my house plantation and all of the above mentioned Estate during her widowhood. In witness whereof 2 have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of November One Thousand Severn Hundred and ninety Eight. Signed Sealed published and pronounced by the said Isaac Newton his last will and testament in the presents of us who in his prents and in presents of Each other have hereunto subscribed our names:

David Alderman, Daniel Alderman, Thomas (his mark) Lanear
Isaac (his mark) Newton (seal)

State of Carolina
Duplin County
January Term 1799
There was the within will proved in open court the dec form of Law by the Oath of Daniel Alderman and Thomas Lanier two of the Subscribing witnesses thereto and at the same time Aaron Williams and Enoch Newton the Executors names in the said will came before the court and Qualified as such according to teh Law Ordered that letters issued accordingly,.
Test Wm. Dickson C.C.

Isaac married Jemima Chambers. Jemima was born before 1737; died after 1798. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mel Morris has her date of birth as 1757. If he is correct, she was 20 years younger than her husband, and most likely NOT the mother of his older children.

Notes:

Barbara Smith shows George and Elizabeth Kelly as the parents of Malachi, William, James and John Kelly of Decatur County, Georgia. She further shows George as born ca 1750 and died 13 Sept 1813 in Pulaski County, Georgia. She has Elizabeth born ca 1769 and died 3 December 1833, also Pulaski County.

Might, however, the father of Malachi, William, James and John actually have been John Kelly of Decatur? At the time of the 1840 Decatur County, Georgia census, there is a 60-70 year old John Kelley, who lives in the household next to William Kelley. Also listed in John's household is a 30-40 year old male, one male between the ages of 10-15 and one male under the age of five; one female age 20-30, and two females under the age of five.

Another possibility would be that he was William Kelly, born ca 1780 in South Carolina, who was living with John Kelly at the time of the 1850 census. (William would not be old enough to be the father of Malachi Kelly, however).

??? married ??? ???. ??? was born before 1766; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Said to be the son of Benjamin Ebenezer SINGLETARY and Hannah DARBY of South Carolina. Said to be born "St. Thomas/St. Denis, Charleston, South Carolina."

Joseph married Mary Martha Edwards. Mary was born about 1751; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary Singletary, Will dated 3 Aug 1840 in Sumter, South Carolina. Prov. 3 Nov 1840. Gr-dau: Eliza B. Singletary-100 acres home ? land. To Silas Singletary-1 pied cow. To Mr. Allen Singletary, right to live in home. Allen Singletary, Ex. She may have died in Decatur GA. (3x5 card, Sumter, South Carolina)