In Search of My Alford Ancestors

By Hugh Edwin Alford

AAFA Introduction

Copyright @ 2000 Alford American Family Association, Inc.

This series of articles by Hugh Edwin Alford was first published after the author's death in Tressie Bowman's ALFORD FAMILY BULLETIN in two segments in the 1970s. The Alford American Family Association published it again in its quarterly, AAFA ACTION, in five parts as provided below. The author never published during his lifetime beyond copies to associates, relatives, etc. and by photocopy from some of the local libraries in Pike Co. MS.

"About the Author" and his "Introduction" will tell you about why Hugh Edwin did this work. In the mid 1980's the association contacted Mrs. Hugh Edwin Alford, who still resided in Washington, D.C., to see if she knew of the whereabouts of Mr. Alford's notes and working papers. She was quick to advise that she did not and that she was not interested in the genealogy of our southern families.

The series consists of the following sections:

Part One, Published in September 1991 About the Author

Part Two, Published in December 1991 Introduction ONE -- origin of the Alford name TWO -- Alfords of Somerset, England THREE -- Alford Migrants to New England

Part Three, Published in March 1992 FOUR -- Alfords of Virginia FIVE -- English Records SIX -- Alfords of New Kent County, Virginia

Part Four, Published in June 1992 SEVEN -- Alfords of North Carolina EIGHT -- Julius Alford of New Kent County born 1717 NINE -- Jacob Alford, son of Julius

Part Five, Published in September 1992 TEN -- Jacob's migration to Louisiana ELEVEN -- Edwin Barksdale Alford TWELVE -- Warren Jackson Alford THIRTEEN -- Julius C. Alford b. 1855 FOURTEEN -- Hugh Edwin Alford FIFTEEN -- Conclusion

About the Author

HUGH EDWIN ALFORD was born July 31, 1897, on a farm in Pike County, Mississippi, the tenth child in a family of twelve. By present standards, he was brought up in poverty; but at that time, his parents were in above average circumstances. They owned a farm of several hundred acres and produced practically all needed food, and enough cotton—as a money crop—to complete fulfillment of their needs, pay taxes, and assist in the support of school and church.

His early years were uneventful. Although bright and studious, he was timid before those considered above him and before those of the opposite sex. He spent much time reading, and, during his entire life, has been an ardent student.

He attended a one-teacher school, and was considered above average in scholastic work. He completed his public school education at the age of fifteen and entered the Preparatory Department of Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College—now Mississippi State College—and at completion of his "prep" year, entered on his first year college work. During this year, he made a very poor showing in academic studies and during the Spring Term had to leave school due to serious illness. He went back to his parent’s home and worked on the farm while nature restored his health.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Hugh Edwin enlisted in the Second Infantry, Mississippi National Guards, but was not accepted into Federal Service because of frail health and underweight. However, in September, 1918, he re-enlisted in the Students Army Training Corp, United States Army, at Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi, as a private—4457502; and, at the end of the conflict, was given an honorable discharge.

He immediately re-entered Mississippi College, and, in May, 1919, was called home on account of the terminal illness of a younger sister. Following her death, he joined an older brother in Washington, D. C., where he secured a Civil Service appointment to a position, as Clerk, in the Office of the Chief Post Office Inspector, Post Office Department.

Hugh Edwin progressed through grades and positions in the Post Office Department to that of Administrative Assistant to the Chief Postal Inspector. From this assignment he was appointed a Post Office Inspector, September 30, 1930, and served with distinction in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and on special assignment in the Headquarters of the Postal Inspection Service under the Chief Post Office Inspector.

During the fall of 1919, he met another government employee, Elsie A. Bissig, daughter of Joseph and Anna Bissig, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and they were married September 11, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. They had one son, Earl Vernon, born June 10, 1921. This son died, October 24, 1936.

On August 1, 1941, Hugh Edwin was called to Active Duty as a Major—0702107—Military Intelligence, Army of the United States, and was assigned to the Office of Civilian Censorship. His Active Duty Service consisted mainly of duty as a Liaison Officer between the Office of Censorship and the Post Office Department and entailed much travel, both foreign and domestic. He was relieved of Active Duty in the Army, December 31, 1944, and his Army Service terminated with the Rank of Colonel, Military Intelligence.

Following release from Active Duty in the Army, he reentered the Postal Service as an aide to a Bureau Chief and was subsequently promoted to Director, Division of Budget and Administrative Services in one of the Departmental Bureaus.

During his entire career, before and after Military Service, Hugh Edwin pursued studies and educational courses in Business Administration, Public and Personnel Administration, qualifying in Accountancy, Auditing and Management, Budgeting, Organization and Methods. Since his retirement from the Postal Service, December 31, 1956, he has engaged in research, reading and other hobbies. He is a Baptist, a Mason and an all-around American, with a great love for his Country, his home, and his fellow man.

He is now in his 75th year, and lives with his devoted wife at 4000 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C.

INTRODUCTION

While the main objective of the author has been tracing his own ancestors, research into the History of the Alford Family has been extensive. Branches of the family are located in practically every section of the United States and in many sections of Eastern Canada. The number that migrated to the Colonies and the time of such migration could not be determined. However, attempt has been made to research all migrants that could have been related to the author.

Sources of information researched in preparing this history include:

The Library of the Nation Genealogical Society, Washington, D.C.

The Library of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, D.C.

The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana State Records.

Magazines and other publications carrying items pertinent to the family.

Available pertinent information, collected by others, has been utilized and much time has been devoted to early settlers.

Colonel Wilfred E. Lessard, (now deceased) following his retirement from the United States Army, spent much time and effort in developing records of descendants of Jacob and Frankie Alford, who migrated to Pike County, Mississippi during 1807. The records compiled by Colonel Lessard have been made available to the author by his wife, Kate, a grand-daughter of Jesse Alford, a brother of the author’s father. Without these records, this history would have been impossible.

No Genealogical History extending as far back as this record can be vouched for in its entirety, as many informational sources are obscure, doubtful, or vague, leaving little but assumptions and conclusions predicated on available records.

In this research the author has failed to find supporting facts for some claims made by others, and in some instances, has found evidence counteracting such claims. No doubt that future research will raise questions as to the validity of conclusions in this history. Comments and supported corrections are invited. The author has tried to give known facts as such, to indicate variances in records where they exist, and to make it clear when assumptions and guess are substituted for factual records.

ONE

ORIGIN OF THE ALFORD NAME: The Alford name is of ancient English origin, dating back to the Eleventh Century. There have been numerous claims and beliefs as to its beginning, one being that it is a derivative of ALFORD the GREAT, King of Wessex, 871–900, but there is little to substantiate any of these claims as fact.

In his version, which seems most logical, English Cannon J. G. Alford says the name is Saxon, rather than Norman, and came into being near Chester, England in the Eleventh Century.

At that time "OLD" was spelled "ALDE", and "ALDEFORD" was an Old Ford across the River Dee, above Chester. Ricardus, Dominus de Aldeford—(Lord of the Ford)—commanded the Old Ford. Changes in the spelling of the name and control of the Station—not a direct line of descent—are indicated:

Richard (Ricardus) Dominus de Aldeford.

Rudulf de Aldeford.

Henry de Aldeford.

Robert de Aldeford. (Descendant of "BIGOT" who came over with William the Conqueror. He was knighted in 1160.)

Ricardus, Lord of Aldeford, 1200.

Alexander Alford.

Thomas Alford.

TWO

ALFORDS OF SOMERSET ENGLAND: The Alford name appears in the Somerset, England records beginning about 1200. Their connections with the Alford Castle in Cheshire appears to be clear and distinct. The migrants to Somerset, who later became the forebears of the American Alfords, progressed and prospered, becoming land owners from about 1560, while those who remained in Cheshire gradually died out or sank in position.

A John Alford, born in Somerset 1475-85, had a son, Reverend Alexander of Whitestaunton, Somerset, born 1500-20 and died 1576; his wife Agnes died 1578. Reverend Alexander had, according to English records, four sons—William, John, Bartholomew and Solomon. The sequence of their birth is unknown. One of the sons was the father of Thomas Alford.

Vague records indicate that Thomas and his wife, Joan Hawkins Alford, Whitestaunton, Somerset, had three children—Benedict, Joan and Alexander. Thomas must have died prior to 1636, as records indicate that Joan Alford, a widow, died May 27, 1636. There is record of a will dated May 5, 1627, of Thomas Alford naming his wife Joan and daughter Joan as beneficiaries.

As to the Alfords in England and particularly Somerset in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, there are records of numerous given or first names identical with those of individual migrants to the American Colonies about this time. Among those are "William and John".

While no connection has been established between the Alfords reported to have come to New England between 1630 and 1640, and those migrating to Virginia -—forebears of the writer—a brief reference is made to fulfill the process of elimination.

THREE

ALFORD MIGRANTS TO NEW ENGLAND: Legend has it, partially borne out by records, that Benedict, Joan and Alexander—children of Thomas and Joan Hawkins Alford—left England in 1634 aboard the Good Ship Mary an John and settled at Windsor, Connecticut. This is disputed by some who claim that Windsor was settled in 1635 by a party from Dorchester, Massachusetts, many of whom came over on the Mary and John. The Alford name is not recorded in this party and it does not appear on the roster of the Mary and John, neither does it appear in the early Dorchester records.

The first record of "Benedict Alford" in New gland was in 1637 when he volunteered, with 36 others, to engage in a fight with the Indians. Apparently, he returned to England, as records show that he executed a document there in 1639. He married Jane Newton, of the English Nurton Family in Windsor, Connecticut on November 16, 1640. This record of his marriage in Connecticut in 1640 established. His return to the Colonies in 1639 or 1640.

Alexander Alford: (Alvord) born in Whitestaunton, Somerset, in 1627, first appears on records of New England in 1645 when he married a Vare. He began spelling his name Alvord immediately upon arrival in Connecticut and supposedly all Alvords in America today are descendants of Alexander. Joan Alford, born in Whitestaunton in 1622, appears first in the New England records in 1646, when she married a Fowler.

There are some grounds for belief that a William Alford, his wife Mary, and Benedict, Joan and Alexander were related and jointly involved in this migration; but, no records can be found to establish this as fact. It is, of course, possible that William, Mary and Benedict came to America together in or about 1634, and that Benedict did return to England following the death of his mother in 1636 to bring Joan and Alexander to this Country; but no proof of this can be found. There is proof that William and Benedict were in New England in 1637. There is no known record to show that Joan and Alexander were actually in this Country at that time.

Benedict Alford: was born in Whitestaunton, Somerset, England 1619-20, died April 12, 1683,—children—Jonathan, born June 1, 1645; Benjamin, born July 11, 1647; Josiah, born July 6, 1649; Elizabeth, born September 21, 1651; Jeremiah, born December 24, 1655.

Benjamin Alford: son of Benedict, born July 11, 1647, died August 12, 1709 (?), (known as Colonel Benjamin Alford); wife and descendants are not known. He was of New London, Connecticut. This Benjamin has been confused with a Benjamin Alford, son of William, born 1650. The records are not clear and there is some doubt as to the line of descent of either one. This Benjamin was reportedly buried in New London, Connecticut.

William Alford: was born in London, England 1608, came with his wife Mary to Salem, Massachusetts in 1624-5. His wife joined a church in Salem in 1636. William and Mary had the following children in Salem: Nathaniel, born 1637; Samuel, born 1639; Bethia, born 1642; Elisha, Mary and Elizabeth—dates of birth not known.

In New Haven, where William moved following a confrontation with the General Court, he had two or more children—including Benjamin. Mary must have died, as records indicate that William and Ann had a son, John, born November 29, 1658, who died within two months. William died in Boston in 1677. In his will, dated July 9, 1676, he left legacies to grandchildren—"Children of sons if they are alive", but mentioned no known living sons indicating a separation beyond contact.

Benjamin Alford: was born 1650, place not known, supposedly son of William and Mary. The record of this Benjamin is confusing as to descent and conflicts with the record of Benjamin, son of Benedict. He married Mary, daughter of James and Sarah Richards, Hartford, Connecticut. He was a member of an Artillery Company in 1671; reportedly, he came to Boston that year and was a man of importance. In his will probated in 1707, he provided for his widow and children; namely, Mary, born 1683; John, born 1685; Benjamin, born 1686; Judith, .born 1688; James, born 1691; Sarah, born 1694; Thomas, date of birth unknown. Benjamin’s date of death is not clear, being confused with that of Benjamin, son of Benedict. However, his will was probated in 1707, indicating death before that time.

Honorable Colonel John Alford: elder son of Benjamin, born July 5, 1685, married Margaret, daughter of Colonel Thomas Savage, died in Charlestown, Massachusetts, August 31, 1761, at age 76—apparently had no children. He reportedly inherited his father’s interest in Western New Jersey and was a man of great wealth, a merchant, member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. In 1714, he as one of the King’s Councillors and was distinguished as founder of the Alford Professorship of National Theology at Harvard. In his will, he left a large sum for promotion of the Gospel among the Indians of America.

James Alford: son of Benjamin, born July 19, 1691—supposedly in Boston, Massachusetts. No record was found of marriage or children. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in 1713-14. He was elected Constable in Boston in 1721, declined to serve and paid the usual fine. He was made a 4th Sargeant in the Artillery Company in 1737.

It has been claimed that this James Alford migrated to Virginia and North Carolina about 1730, bringing with him great wealth. This James Alford could not have migrated as claimed. The records clearly indicate that he was in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company and in Massachusetts in 1737, a century after Alfords began settling in Virginia.

Neither has it been verified that one of the descendants of James—"James William Zion Alford"—participated in the Battles of Cowpens and Guilford Zion House, as claimed. In fact, no record has been found of a James William Zion Alford in available lists of Revolutionary Soldiers. There are records of James Alford, William Alford and Zion Alford—three distinct individuals in North Carolina. This does not necessarily mean that no record of a James William Zion Alford does exist, but only that research on the part of the writer has failed to disclose such. There is a record of a Private James Alford, reported to have been a Revolutionary Soldier. He was evidently a son of Lodowick Alford born May 22, 1741, and married to Lurenor Boykin. Apparently, he died in Georgia in or about 1812-14. His father, Lodowick, was the son of James Alford of New Kent County, Virginia.

Another claim that "James William Zion Alford" married Judith Harper, a daughter of the founder of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has not been established as fact. Harpers Ferry was founded by Robert Harper in 1737. He had no children, and none of his kin appear to have had a daughter Judith.

While the Alfords and Alvords of New England multiplied and settled in many sections of America, there seems to be no basis for a conclusion that members of the group or their descendants migrated to the South in any great numbers, at least during the Seventeenth Century. It is, of course, highly probably that Alfords from England landed elsewhere in this Country at about this time. There are vague references that the Alfords migrated to New Amsterdam County, New York, that a William Alford came to Virginia from New York, that New Englanders came to fish in the warm Southern Waters, married local girls and remained in Virginia; but there is nothing to connect any of these legends with writers lineage.

FOUR

ALFORDS OF VIRGINIA: In 1619, there were 2,000 white people listed in Virginia. During the remainder of the Seventeenth Century, migrants of all classes came to the Colony. Some came "for the good of the Country" (supposedly the Country from which they came). Others came as indentured servants, who agreed to work for individuals who paid their transportation cost, or on public land for a given period of time, usually seven years. These servants received an allotment for their wages until fulfillment of the Indenture Contract, when they became Land Owners. Fifty acres was granted freed Indentures and those who paid their own transportation expenses, and fifty more acres was granted for each settler a person brought into the Colony. Some kidnapped children were brought over as servants. The vast majority of the emigrants were respectable according to reports.

In 1618, a ship sailed from England with 90 detached women (First Female Settlers) and the Sponsoring Company offered special rewards to the men who married them. It is reported that the offer of a reward was needless. Shipload after shipload of these girls sailed and were courted and won by the crowd of settlers who awaited their arrival.

Roger Smith first came to Virginia in 1616. After three years, he returned to England, and in 1619, he applied and received permission to return to Virginia in charge of fifty persons to be tenants of the Virginia Company's land. In 1621, he was made a provisional counsellor to fifty boys—believed to be the migrants he brought over. In 1624, Roger Smith had a plantation "Over ye waters from James City".

From January 20 to February 7, 1624–5, a Muster of Inhabitants of Virginia was taken to determine "How many Plantations there be, public and private; What people, men, women, and children be in each Plantation; What Horses; What Cattle; What Corn; What Fortifications; What Arms; What Boats. . ." This muster listed, on the plantation of Roger Smith, "Over ye waters from James City" nine young men, including Richard Alford, age 26. He must have come with the Expedition of 1620-21.

Captain Smith married Joan Pierce, daughter of Colonel William Pierce, and widow of John Rolfe. In his household at the time of the Muster, there were three detached females: Elizabeth Salter, Sarah Macoche, orphans of Samuel Macoche and Elizabeth Rolfe, Smith's stepdaughter.

Richard Alford: born in England, about 1598, date of migration—evidently with the Roger Smiths—to Virginia about 1620–21. There are indications that he came to Virginia before evidently as a ships crewmember and returned to England. In 1625, he gave testimony in a case before the Court at James City, Virginia, and at a Court in James City, on January 21, 1626, he was committed prisoner, "At ye Suit of McGill for 500 weight of tobacco".

On November 11, 1626, the Council of General Court, James City, Virginia, authorized Captain Smith—with a crew—and Captain Mathews—with a crew—including Richard Alford, to go trading with the Indians into any part of the Bay of the Chesapeake, and indicated that the Governor should give them a Commission for this purpose.

No further record of "Richard Alford" can be found. However, the records of this section of Virginia were destroyed during the Civil War. The records of Christs Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia, 1653 to 1812, show that "Mary", wife of Richard Alford, died in the Parish, May 18, and was buried May 20, 1706. Also that "Sarah", daughter of John Alford, and wife Lettice, was baptized at Upper Chapel, on April 7, 1689, and that "Mary Alford" married John Penerdgrass, May 2, 1716. It is entirely possible that Richard Alford, of James City, married (perhaps one of the young girls named as having been in the Smith Household during the Muster) and settled in the vicinity, and that the Alfords of Middlesex County— perhaps those of New Kent County, Virginia (to be referred to later in this history)—were his descendants. This, of course, is only conjecture—without factual foundation.

FIVE

ENGLISH RECORDS: The record of the First Settlers in the Colonies of North America names 1,000 "Servants and Apprentices" who sailed from Bristol, England to Virginia, Maryland and other points on the Atlantic Coast between 1654 and 1685. "Servants and Apprentices" is a misnomer, as all classes were included—some land gentry, others farmers, tradesmen, mechanics and laborers. They came under the established rules governing migrants and included a large percentage of settlers coming to Virginia during this period. British Companies, including the Plymouth, the Virginia and the London Companies, were responsible for settling this section of Virginia and many came as indentures to those companies. Some came independently, of course, paying their own way, and some, not only paid their own way, but paid the way of servants who they imported.

William Alford: Included in the 1,000 emigrants, referred to as sailing from Bristol, was a William Alford, date, place of birth and marital status unknown. He sailed between 1654 and 1663, destination—Virginia.

This William has not been traced after his arrival in Virginia, but a William Alford witnessed signatures on documents in Charles City County in 1653 ( a year before the Bristol records began. However, records of that era are vague and this could have been the same William). He also witnessed signatures in this county, twice in 1661, and once in 1662. A William Alford also witnessed signatures in Isle of Wight County in 1671 and 1672. During this same period, a "Paddy" of Isle of Wight County was bound to pay William Alford of Elizabeth City County 1653 pounds of tobacco. These various transactions in different counties could mean that William Alford was an employee or representative of one of the British Companies responsible for importing settlers.

In 1662, Richard Aylife received a grant of 248 acres of land in Northumberland County, Virginia, for bringing in five persons, including a William Alford, and in 1670, William Hunt received a grant of 1150 acres of land for bringing in twenty-three persons, including a William Alford. This importation was to James City, Virginia and, of course, occurred before 1670. A William Alford served on a jury in James City in 1670. A Judgment was entered against a William Alford in James City in 1671, and in September of that year, William Alford was ordered to pay damages.

On March 4, 1675, Robert Gilbert was indicted for the murder of Colonel William Alford. A jury brought a verdict of "Homicide by Misadventure". John Hurst married Colonel Alford's widow. This William was an officer, either in the British Military Service (of which no record has been found) or an officer in the Colonial Militia.

From the above, it will be seen that there are records of at least three William Alfords in Virginia between 1650 and 1700. One was killed in 1674–5, probably the one imported by William Hunt, before 1670; another died February 11, 1709 in Saint Peters Parish; and the destiny of the third has not been established. There are reasons to believe that a fourth William was in the Colonies, as the records indicate, at least one signature was witnessed by William Alford before 1654. If this is correct, this William could have been a descendant of the Richard Alford who came to James City in 1620-21.

John Alford: Also included in the 1,000 sailing from Bristol, 1654–1685, was a John Alford—date, place of birth, age and marital status unknown. The date of his sailing is given as between 1654 and 1663. No destination given, although it from all evidence available, was Virginia. This John and the William reported above as being among the group could have been brothers, who sailed at or about the same time from Bristol, and could have been the ones who died in Saint Peters Parish in 1709.

A Certificate of Land was granted to John Curtis for 600 acres of land for the importation of 12 persons including John Alford and Elizabeth Eyres. This John apparently married Elizabeth Eyres and settled in Northampton County, Virginia. They were tried in the General Court and found guilty of disobedience at James City and were returned to Northampton High Sheriff's custody for good behavior. This couple apparently migrated and settled in Maryland.

Another John Alford, included in the list of migrants from Bristol, came to Virginia between 1663 and 1679. No information has been found as to his English background and it has not been possible to trace him in the Colony.

A John Alford was granted 40 acres of land in Warwick County, Virginia, in 1664; and a John Alford brought suit in York County January 24, 1667–68 for work performed as a carpenter.

These records indicate that at least three John Alfords came to Virginia between 1654 and 1679. One settled in Northampton County (later a John Alford appeared in the records of Dorchester County, Maryland, perhaps the same). A John Alford died in Saint Peters Parish in 1709 and another in 1726. A fourth was recorded in the records of Middlesex County in 1689 and there are records of John Alford dying in North Carolina in 1690.

There is record of a George Alford in Lower Norfolk County, Virginia in 1658. There is also a record of an Anthony Alford being transported to the Colony during 1656. A "Mr." Alford held the position of Deputy Escheater of Chuckatuck Parish, Nansemont County (Formerly Upper Norfolk County in 1661). No relationship between these Alfords has been established. There is also record of a Thomas Alford in Lower Norfolk County during this period.

Of the names in the records, John and William dominate, and it is believed that English records, if available, would establish family connections and close blood relationship between all the Alfords who migrated to the American Colonies, including New England, during the Seventeenth Century. These migrants to Virginia spread across the Middle Atlantic and Southern States and by the beginning of the Eighteenth Century were in great numbers.

SIX

ALFORDS OF NEW KENT COUNTY, VIRGINIA: New Kent County, Virginia was formed from James City and York Counties in 1654. The Alford name first appears in the county records in 1682 when the Governor made a land grant to William Alford, et-al of 450 acres on the South side of the York River. In the same year, a grant of 350 acres was made to John Alford, et-al; and an additional 150 acres was included in a grant to John Alford, et-al. Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704, shows John Alford holding 240 acres. A John Alford also held 200 acres in King and Queen County. It is possible that the grants were made for importation of others into the Colony. [Gil Alford comments: In all our collection of Virginia Alford information I fail to find the 1682 record of William Alford as cited above. I do find several land transactions for John Alford in 1682 on the South side of the York River.]

Unfortunately no background information has been found to establish a relationship between these two Alfords. Sufficient grounds do exist for assuming that they are the forbears of most of the Alfords in the Middle Atlantic and Southern part of the United States. When, under what circumstances and from what locality they came, has not been established. Surely, there was blood relationship.

There are two records that can be relied upon concerning New Kent County, more particularly Saint Peters Parish. One is the Vestry Book of Saint Peters Parish, New Kent and James City Counties, 1684 to 1786; the other, the Parish Register of Saint Peters, New Kent County, from 1680 to 1787. At that time, the Protestant Episcopal Church and its Vestrymen were the governing body. The Parishes were political subdivisions and the Vestrymen were empowered to regulate tithes, process land boundaries and generally look after the affairs of the Parish.

According to the Vestry Book, John Alford was paid for the care of a Parish Child in 1682 and again in 1689. In 1689, a Mr. Alford was named, with others, to procession and remark the boundaries of each man's land. There are records of other Vestry actions involving Alfords during the late Seventeenth and early Eighteenth Centuries. The following records were taken from the Saint Peters Parish Registry:

Elizabeth Alford—married Jacob Winfrey—November 3,1698.

William Alford—died—February 11, 1709.

John Alford—died—March 14, 1709.

Mary Alford—married Robert Wood—October 21, 1711.

James Alford—son of James Alford—born February 7, 1713.

Grace Alford—married Michael Harfield—February 14, 1714.

Higgins Alford—son of John Alford—born July 9, 1714.

Warren Alford—son of James Alford—baptized August 28, 1715.

Frances Alford—daughter of John Alford—born August 4, 1717.

Julius Alford—son of James Alford—born September, 1717.

Elizabeth Alford—daughter of John Alford—born July 1, 1719.

Isaac Alford—son of John Alford—died August 31, 1723.

Unity Alford—daughter of John and Grace Alford—born December 16, 1724.

Frances Alford—died April 27, 1726.

John Alford—died—May 2, 1726.

William Alford—son of Lodowick and Elizabeth Alford—born July 31, 1734.

Elizabeth Alford—wife of Lodowick Alford—died May 29, 1735.

Lucy Alford—daughter of Goodrich and Sarah Alford—born February 25, 1736.

Elizabeth Alford—daughter of Lodowick and Susana Alford—born December 22, 1736.

Jacob Alford—son of Lodowick and Susana Alford—born December 12, 1738.

Susana Alford—daughter of Goodrich and Sarah Alford—born October 5, 1739.

************************

[Gil Alford Comment: Unity Alford had a twin sister, Charity, who

was not fully identified in the St. Peter's Parish Register. Unity

was born 16 Dec at 3 morn and Charity born 16 Dec at noon. There

was a Higins, son of John Axford, Baptized "7br ye 19th, 1714". I

believe Axford should have been Alford. Hugh Edwin apparently was

of the same opinion—see above and below.]

[Editor’s note: Compare following entries from the Booklist, especially the notations that Unity and Grace were twins and year of Grace’s marriage to Michael Harfield—there are errors somewhere. Also note that Jacob has daughter named Charity.]

• Hopkins, William Lindsay. SOME WILLS FROM THE BURNED COUNTIES OF VIRGINIA AND OTHER WILLS NOT LISTED IN VIRGINIA WILLS AND ADMINISTRATIONS 1632–1800. Richmond, VA: William Hopkins, 1987. Transcription, typed by Pamela Thompson, of all Alford entries (no variations): John, 106 (will transcription, 1726, New Kent Co.; daughters Unity, Charity, Elizabeth, and wife Grace).

• The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia. THE PARISH REGISTER OF SAINT PETER’S, NEW KENT COUNTY, VA. FROM 1680–1787. Richmond, VA: Wm. Ellis Jones, 1904; reprint edition, Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, 1988. Title page, Introduction, Index, and all the pages that list Alfords (no variations): Elizabeth, 52 (m. Jacob Winfrey 1698), 74 (b. 1719, daughter of Jno), 113 (mother of William), 119 (d. 1735, wife of Lodowick), 125 (b. 1736, daughter of Lodowick and Susanna); Frances, 54 (d. 1726), 73 (b. 1717, daughter of John); Goodrich, 126 (father of Lucy), 142 (father of Susanne); Grace, 48 (m. Michael Harfield, 1727), 54 (owner of a negro 1726), 74 (b. 1724, twin of Unity); Isaac, 53 (d. 1723, son of Jno [John]); Jacob, 137 (b. 1738, son of Lodowick and Susanna); James, 10 (b. 1713, son of James; father of James), 73 (father of Julius); Jno/John, 54 (d. 1726), 61 (his servant d. 1708), 73 (fathe of Frances), 74 (owner of a negro 1719; owner of a negro 1721; father of Elizabeth), 75 (owner of a negro 1726); Jno Sr., 53 (d. 1710; father of Isaac); Julius, 73 (b. 1717, son of James); Lodowick, 113 (father of William), 125 (father of Elizabeth), 137 (father of Jacob); Lucy, 126 (b. 1737, daughter of Goodrich and Sarah); Mary, 52 (m. Robert Wood 1711); Sarah, 126 (mother of Sarah), 142 (mother of Susanne); Susanna, 125 (mother of Elizabeth), 137 (mother of Jacob); Susanne, 142 (b. 1739, daughter of Goodrich and Sarah); Unity, 74 (b. 1724, twin of Grace); Warren, 10 (baptized 1715, son of James); William, 53 (d. 1710), 113 (b. 1734, son of Lodowick and Elizabeth).

• Lucas, Silas Emmett, Jr. RESOURCE RECORDS OF PIKE/WALTHALL COUNTIES, MISSISSIPPI, 1798–1910; Containing a Complete Reprint of Pike County, Mississippi 1798–1876, Pioneer Families and Confederate Soldiers Reconstruction and Redemption by Luke Ward Conerly; and Miscellaneous Legal and Family Records Pertaining to the Areas of Pike and Walthall Counties, Mississippi by E. Russ Williams, Jr.Easley, SC: Southern Historical Press, 1978. Walthall County was formed from Pike and Marion Counties in 1910. Goodrich, 93 Pt. 2 (son of John Sr., m. Grace _____, father of Unity, Lucy, Susanna); Grace, 93 Pt. 2 (m. 1726/7 Michael Harfield in St. Peter’s Parish, VA); Jacob, 93 Pt. 2 (son of Lodowick and Susannah, b. 1738 New Kent Co., VA); 93–94 Pt. 2 (received grants 1764 in Robeson Co., NC, probably son of Lodowick, m. Mary Pace, left will in Robeson Co. 1794 naming children Warren, Charity, Sion, Elias, James, Lodowick, Wiley); Unity, 93 Pt. 2 (daughter of Goodrich, b. 1724 New Kent Co., VA)

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John Alford: The John Alford, who died in 1726, must have been the son of either the John or William Alford, who died in 1709. This John had the following children:

Isaac—date and place of birth not given—died August 21, 1723.

Frances—born August 4, 1717—died April 27, 1726.

Elizabeth—born July 1, 1719—died 1757.

Unity—born December 16, 1724—married Clopton.

Charity—date and place of birth not given.

Higgins—born July 9, 1714.

In his will, dated May 1, 1726, and probated June 9, 1726, he named his wife, Grace, and three daughters—Elizabeth, Unity and Charity—as heirs. He was possessed of considerable property.

James Alford: This name appears on the Vestry Register records; first, in 1712 when he was paid for looking after a Parish Child. There surely was a blood relationship between this James and the other Alfords in New Kent County during this period, but such a relationship has not been established. There are justifiable claims that he was the son of either John or William Alford, who died in 1709. Based on such claims, research and personal thinking, it is the writer’s conclusion that he, more likely, was the son of William. This James was definitely one of the principal forbears of the many Alfords in the South today. He had the following children of record:

Lodowick—born about 1708–10. (Shown in some records as born in 1715)

Goodrich —born about 1710–12.

James, Jr.—born February 7, 1713. (A James Alford died in Fluvania County, Virginia, May 26,1782. Was he this James?)

Warren—born August 15, 1715.

Julius—born September, 1717.

While neither the Vestry Book nor the Registry reveal information as to the birth of Lodowick or Goodrich, there are clear cut indications that they were the sons of James and that they were born before James, Jr. The records do show that brothers Lodowick, Julius, Goodrich and James were required to "Tithe" along the Upper Road in 1725.

[Gil Alford comment: The will of Julius Alford who died November 771 mentioned his brother Lodwick and Lodwick's son James.]

The John and William Alford, reported to have been the recipients of land grants in New Kent County in 1682, and who died there in 1709, must have migrated direct from England, rather than descendants of migrants. The activities of John in the Parish indicates that he was more public spirited, more prominent and perhaps more wealthy of the two, leading to the assumption that he was more likely the father of Elizabeth, who married in 1698 and John who died in 1726.

William's land, according to the grant, was along the south side of the York River; and, according to my understanding, the "Upper Road" ran along or near the York, leading to the assumption that William was the father of James, whose sons were required to tithe along this road. The location of William's land along the Upper Road and the requirement that the brothers tithed along this road seems significant. This James could well have been born 1680–90, as he was first recorded in the records in 1710, when he was paid for looking after a Parish Child. However, he does not appear to have been of considerable wealth, and certainly could not have migrated from New England to North Carolina about 1730. Sufficient to say that his sons, Lodowick, Goodrich, and Julius—with their offsprings—did so migrate shortly after the last Alford record in New Kent County in 1739.

[Gil Alford comment: AAFA researchers have been unable to find the land grant for William Alford along the south side of York River, but there was such a grant to John Alford]

SEVEN

ALFORDS OF NORTH CAROLINA: Records before 1700, name the following Alfords in North Carolina:

John Alford, Albermarle County—Will dated April 16, 1691, names daughters, Tibitha and Sarah—with Charles Jones, father-in-law, Executor.

Joseph Alford, Albermarle County—Will dated December 6, 1689, names Anna as Executrix, witness, Charles Jones.

Francis Hartley, Albermarle County—Will dated February 4, 1691–2, probated May 2, 1692, names Susana—wife, executrix, and among others, Jabus—Jabez—Alford.

John Alford, Sr., died at the home of Colonel Hartley, November 1, 1690.

Charles Jones, Bladen County—Will dated April 25, 1693, and probated July 15, 1695, names Sarah and Tibitha Alford.

Thomas Lankton, Tyrell County—Will dated September 11, 1896 [sic], and probated September 14, 1695, names, among others, Jabez Alford.

The relationship between these early North Carolina Alfords and those of Virginia has not been determined. Neither has it been determined whether these early Alfords actually migrated to North Carolina from England direct, or became North Carolinians by reason of boundary changes between the two states.

The name Alford continued to appear in North Carolina records during the early Seventeen Hundreds. The names—Lodowick, William, Jacob, Goodrich and Julius—appeared first about 1740–50, immediately following their disappearance from the records of New Kent County, Virginia. The last Alford record in New Kent County was in 1739; but the name continued to appear in the records of other sections of Virginia and bordering states, where many Alfords are located today, some with first—or given—names indicating a connection.

Lodowick Alford: Born New Kent County, Virginia, about 1708–10 (some records indicate 1715); son of James; married (First) Elizabeth; had one son, William, born July 31, 1734. This William migrated with his father to North Carolina and settled in Wayne County. Elizabeth, Lodowick's (first) wife, died May 29, 1735 in New Kent County, Virginia. Shortly thereafter Lodowick married his (second) wife, Susana. They had a daughter, Elizabeth—born in New Kent County, December 22, 1736 (Nothing further learned of this daughter), and a son, Jacob, born in New Kent County, December 12, 1738. Jacob also migrated, with his father Lodowick, to North Carolina and settled in Robeson County where he died in or about 1794. He had several children and there are authenticated records of this Jacob and his family descendants dating back to a Land Grant made to him on April 4, 1764. He, according to records, was a soldier in the American Revolution.

Lodowick received a Land Grant in Edgecomb County, North Carolina, October 30, 1753. He was in Captain Simms Company, Granville County Militia in 1554 [sic—should be 1774]; he was a member of the North Carolina General Assembly; and he was a man of prominence in the Colonial Affairs of the State. He and Susana had a number of other children including James, born about 1740. A Captain James Alford died in Hancock County, Georgia on November 6, 1812, age 72—perhaps this son. He is also reported to have had a son, Lodowick, Jr.; altogether he is reported to have had twenty-one children. His (second) wife Susana, apparently died about 1760, and he married his (third) wife Rebecca Ferrell.

Actually there are records of several Lodowick Alfords about this time and there is ample opportunity for confusing their identity. For instance one record has it that this Lodowick was instrumental in granting reimbursement to his son James—while in the General Assembly—for the loss of currency, burned during the destruction of the son's home by fire, and that he was instrumental in securing the exemption of the son "James" from the Militia. Actually, records are very vague as to the military service of this James Alford during the Revolution, although he is reported to have received a Land Grant in Georgia for military service.

There is a record of a Lodowick Alford in Wake County, North Carolina, but his birth and death is not consistent with the New Kent County Lodowick, who seems to have died in Georgia in 1789. The many Alfords of the same or near the same name living in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and other Southern States during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries and whose genealogies are traced in a number of well known books make it superfluous for any one to attempt further research. This, I think, is particularly true of Lodowick of New Kent County. One record claims this Lodowick died in Franklin County, 1794. As indicated, records of Lodowick's brothers, James and Warren, are obscure.

Goodrich Alford: born New Kent County, Virginia about 1712 son of James and brother of Lodowick, James, Warren and Julius married Sarah. He and his wife had three children, Sarah—born 1733, Lucy—born 1737, and Susana—born 1739. Goodrich migrated with his brothers to North Carolina and died in Edgecomb County in 1753. His brother Lodowick administered his will on November 20, 1753. It is not known whether Goodrich had any male heirs.

EIGHT

Julius Alford: born New Kent County, Virginia, September, 1717—son of James and brother of Lodowick, James, Warren, and Goodrich—married Lucy. He and his wife had seven children: John, Isaac, Goodrich, Jacob (3), Job, Polly and Sarah. So far as known, Julius migrated with his brothers to North Carolina. He was in the North Carolina Militia in 1754, but died before the revolution began. He received a Land Grant in Granville County, North Carolina on August 24 and again on August 4, 1761. The Will of this Julius Alford, filed (records obscure, but believed to have been) the 14th Day of July, 1763. (The will book indicates that this date may have been 1771.)

A copy of this will is made a part of this genealogical history:

WILL BOOK A page 201—1771

From Butte County Wills and Inventories, 1760–1800 Part 1, page 1 Julius Alford.

Received from Marie Greer, September 16, 1965.

In the Name of God Amen, the 14th day of July, 1763.

I, Julius Alford of St. John's Parish and in the County of Butte being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God for the same, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say principally and first of all give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors nothing doing but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and, as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in manner and form following, that is to say:

In the first place I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife LUCY one horse bridle and saddle, one feather bed and furniture to her and her heirs forever. Also I give to my well beloved son JOHN ALFORD all my land and plantation lying in the County of Butte and on the South side of Crooked Creek and also the land on the North side of the ? Creek above Ferrel's Road, with six cows and calves, six sows and pigs and one breeding mare, to him and his heirs forever...

Also I give to my well beloved son ISAAC, the land and plantation lying on the North side of Crooked below Ferrel's Road to the mouth of Dirgh? Branch together with six cows and calves, six sows and pigs and one breeding mare to him and his heirs forever...

Then I give to well beloved son GOODRICH the land plantation whereon John ROW/ROSS? now lives and if in case the said John Ross should pay for said land according to his bargain that, that money so arising to be for his own use and benefit together with all the stock of hogs and cattle as the said John Ross? has now in possession to him and his heirs forever...

Then I give to my well beloved son JACOB** the land and plantation whereon I now live lying on both sides Tarr River together with six cows and calves six sows and pigs and one Breading [sic]mare to him and his heirs forever...

Then I give to my well beloved son JOB fifty pounds Virginia Money together with six cows and calves, six sows and pigs and one breading mare to him and his heirs forever...

Then I give to my well beloved daughter PATTY?? (POLLY)—(the crossed T could be a wrinkle in paper)—one feather bed and furniture and one breading mare to her and her heirs forever...

Then I give to my well beloved daughter SARAH one feather bed and furniture and one Breading mare to her and her heirs forever...

And also my will and desire is that my whole Estate and land unto my well beloved Wife LUCY, during her life or widowhood and all the profits and benefits there arising to be said out in keeping maintaining and schooling my children and after her death my children, and if any of my afore mentioned children should die without issue that their share aforesaid legacy be equally divided between all my children, and I likewise constitute make and ordain my dear beloved Brother LODOWICK ALFORD and his son, JAMES ALFORD my only and sole executors of this my last will and testament, ratifying and conforming this and no other to be my last will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year first above written.

his

JULIUS ALFORD

mark

signed, sealed and delivered

in presence of us:

JAMES ALFORD, Jurat

THOS T or L GAY Jurat

JOHN AVINDELL

(all marks)

**9/16 "So anxious to get this on—I haven't checked—but sure sounds good to me to be Jacob's father—Boy—this is getting exciting **I'll bet they were Virginia. [Apparently this was a handwritten note on the copy of the will that the author received.]

This will and lack of other records indicate that Julius lived a quiet life with his family, taking little, if any, part in the affairs of the Colonial State, although it is shown that he received Land Grants and was a member of the Granville County Militia. Due to age and general usage, the will is not clear as to the time of death, but it is certain that Julius died before the beginning of the Revolutionary War. His wife, Lucy, was alive during the 1790 census, and is listed as being a resident of the Halifax District of Franklin County, North Carolina (formed from Butte County in 1779). There is also a record of this will in Warren County (formed from Butte County in 1779). It will be noted that the 1790 Census Records of North Carolina lists Lucy Alford, Halifax District of Franklin County, with a household of two males under sixteen years of age and four females. Of course, these males under sixteen could well have been grandchildren, as Job, apparently her son, is listed as one male over 16 and six slaves. A will filed in Warren County, North Carolina, names the wife of a Lodowick Alford, as an heir to land bought from Job Alford.

Between 1700 and 1800, there are, so far as can be determined, record of three Jacob Alfords, in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The first Jacob Alford, P.C. 386, enlisted in Goochland County, Virginia, in 1777 as a Private in Virginia Troups under Captain Hawkins, wounded at Battle of Brandywine. He married Nancy Hunter in 1779, in Louisia County, Virginia and moved to Kentucky where he died in 1803. This Jacob was a Revolutionary Soldier, born in 1755 (could have been the son of the James Alford, Jr., of New Kent County). His children were Charles, John, Lucy, Peyton, Polly, Martha, William, Jesse and Stephen. (Note resemblance of given names.) One record does indicate that this Jacob's father was James Jr. The second Jacob Alford, born New Kent County, Virginia, December 12, 1738, son of Lodowick and Susana, migrated to North Carolina, with his father and settled in what is now Robeson County, where he received a Land Grant April 4, 1764. This Jacob gained prominence in this section of North Carolina, was a Revolutionary Soldier, and died in Robeson County, in 1794, leaving a will naming his wife Mary (Pace) Alford and the following children:

Zion—married Miss Tyler—lived in Robeson County.

Warren—married Miss Little—lived in Robeson County.

Wiley—married Miss Drake—moved to Tennessee.

James—married Miss McTyer—moved to Mississippi.

Elias—married Miss Hedgepath—moved to Marion County, South Carolina.

Charity—daughter—also named.

There could have possibly have been another Jacob Alford in the Virginia or Maryland Region about the time of the Revolutionary War, but research on this has been incomplete, and there is no record of his migration to North Carolina or the South.

It is clear that the first and second Jacob Alford raised families and died in Kentucky and North Carolina, after migration to these states. There is a record of a Jacob Alford in Georgia, probably son of the "Revolutionary Soldier James" referred to elsewhere in this report. However, this Jacob did not appear in Georgia until 1812, and was reported a land owner in Wilkes County, Georgia in 1820—indications are that he died there.

With the exception of the land transaction between Lodowick and Job Alford in the records of Warren County, there appears no available information as to any of the children of Julius and Lucy except that given in the Will of Julius.

NINE

Jacob Alford: (Third) son of Julius and Lucy Alford, born about 1755–70. There are claims that this Jacob was born in New Kent County, Virginia before his father's migration with Lodowick, William, Jacob and Goodrich to North Carolina, but records indicate that Julius was in the Granville County, North Carolina Militia in 1754 before the estimated date of Jacob's birth. It can, therefore, be presumed that Jacob, one of the younger of Julius's children, was born in Butte County (later Franklin County or Warren County), North Carolina.

In the Will of Julius Alford, particular attention is called to the following: "Then I give to my well beloved son JACOB the land and plantation whereon I now live lying on both sides Tarr River together with six cows and calves six sows and pigs and one breading mare to him and his heirs forever." Tarr River flows through Franklin County. Therefore, the lands conveyed in this will must have been located in Franklin County entirely. Surely this Jacob was a younger if not youngest of Julius and Lucy's children, and he was given the "plantation whereon I now live".

Sometime between the filing of this will and 1790, Jacob disposed of this Franklin County land, possibly by sale to his brother Job, who lived there in 1790. There is a record in the Office of the Clerk of Court, Cumberland County, North Carolina as follows: "Land Deed Book 14, Page 402; Jan 1, 1791 60 acres from Henry Stevenson to JACOB ALFORD, both of Cumberland County, land was on N.E. side of the Cape Fear River." (No other record of Alfords).

There are legends and records bearing out that this Jacob Alford married "Frankie Seaborne". The date of Frankie's birth has been given as about 1770, but not verified as fact. The place of her birth or parental background has not been verified, although much time and study has been given historical records on this subject. She reportedly was born in 1763.

The research devoted to Jacob and Frankie discloses beyond a doubt that they lived in the Fayetteville District of Cumberland County, North Carolina at the time of the first Census (1790) of North Carolina. Records are not clear, but it is reported that they were married about 1786, place unknown, and that their first child—Edwin Barksdale Alford—was born to them in Cumberland County, North Carolina on November 22, 1792. This seems to be an error.

Edwin could not have been Jacob's eldest son as the 1790 North Carolina Census shows two male children in his home in Cumberland County, Fayetteville District, both under ten years of age. Reportedly, Jacob and Frankie had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. Jacob died between 1820 [and 1830] and Frankie died in 1859.

Their first child must have been born about 1788, as they are reported to have been married in 1786. The second child must have been born about 1790 and the third, Edwin, in 1792. The son "Jacob" who died early could have been the first child, and Needham, whose name appears in the Georgia and Louisiana records, must have been the second child.

******************************************************

NOTE from Gil Alford: The author apparently did not have information that has since come to AAFA. In 1968 the late Marie Greer of Sabine Parish, LA, prepared a paper which cited Bible and cemetery records as a source. This paper gives the birth of Jacob as August 15, 1761 and identifies an earlier wife, Elizabeth Bryant, who was born June 20, 1765. All or most of the children enumerated in the 1790 census would have been from this first marriage.

TEN

It is commonly reported that Jacob and Frankie left North Carolina shortly after Edwin was born and migrated to Georgia.

The tax records of Montgomery County, Georgia show a Jacob Alford paid taxes on land in that county in 1795 and intermittently until 1805, but not on the same parcel of land or the same number of acres. Jacob’s name disappears from the Georgia land tax records of Montgomery County, Georgia in 1806. The next record of Jacob and Frankie Alford is connected with the birth of twin boys—John Seaborne and Seaborne John—in Amite County, Mississippi during 1807.

Vital statistics regarding Jacob and Frankie indicate:

Jacob Alford—born to Julius and Lucy Alford in North Carolina—between 1756 and 1763—died in Mississippi or Louisiana about 1820–1830—married Frankie Seaborne about 1786 in North Carolina. Frankie was born about 1770 and died in Louisiana in 1859.

Children:

Jacob, Jr., born about 1788. Died young.

Needham, born about 1790.

Edwin Barksdale, born Nov. 22, 1792. Died 3-10-1878. Married Martha Patsy Smith.

Nancy, born 1794. Married _____ Berryhill.

Lucille (Lucy), born about 1795. Married Wm. G. Means.

Mary (Polly), born about 1796. Married _____ Howell.

Julius Newton, born about 1798. Settled in Copiah County, Mississippi.

William, born about 1800. Married Evelyn Ginn.

John Seaborne, born 1807. Married Margaret Brumfield.

Seaborne John, born 1807. Married Mary Catherine Felder.

Martha, born 1809. Married _____ Stovall.

Joseph, born 1811.

These are unverified records based more upon what has been said rather than what has actually been verified of report.

Jacob, after traveling from Georgia on a passport through "Indian Country" (no record of such a passport has been found, but he would have required one), finally settled near Dillon’s Bridge, Pike County, Mississippi, (Bogue Chitto River). Originally this was Marion County, Mississippi—Amite County was later formed from the two counties. Evidently, some adjustment of the line between Mississippi and Louisiana allocated the land on which Jacob settled and his home in Louisiana, as later records show Frankie as living in Louisiana and also Jacob’s sons.

********************************

NOTE from Gil Alford: There is some strong tradition about this shifting of the line but the author was misinformed on his early geography of that area. In 1800, shortly before Jacob moved to this area, that part now known as Louisiana belonged to Spain. The area in Mississippi just above this part of Louisiana was split, with Indian Lands covering the eastern half and Adams county the western half. By 1810, before which Jacob arrived there, that area of Mississippi was covered by Wilkinson county on the western quarter and Amite county on the eastern three quarters. By 1820 Amite was cut into half with Pike county occupying the eastern half. Marion County, established in 1811, was made from parts of Amite, Wayne and Franklin counties. The official surveys or plots of the land granted to Jacob show it to be on and just below the "old line of demarcation" between Mississippi and Spanish West Florida.

********************************

It has been reported that this Jacob was the son of James (son of Lodowick) who was exempt from Revolutionary service by the Assembly, but no proof could be found to establish this. It is believed that the Jacob Alford in Georgia after 1807 was the son of James. One of the children of Jacob and Frankie was named Polly, a name used by Julius and Lucy for one of their children.

Another report has it that Jacob’s twin boys were named Seaborne John and John Seaborne because they were born at sea on the trip to Mississippi. This likewise is incorrect because the name Seaborne was Frankie’s maiden name.

ELEVEN

[See "Roxie Alford Penton’s Family" in December 1990 issue of AAFA ACTION, p. 29, for more information on this family.]

Edwin Barksdale Alford: son of Jacob and Frankie, was born in Cumberland County, North Carolina, November 25, 1792 and died in Mississippi, March 10, 1878.

He married Martha Smith—born in South Carolina, March 25, 1802 and died in Mississippi, August 8, 1861. Edwin served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and was in combat for one day at the Battle of New Orleans. He served less than 90 days in all and therefore was not eligible for a pension.

Vital statistics regarding Edwin Barksdale and Martha Smith Alford show the following children:

Warren Jackson, born September 13, 1819; died November 12, 1899. Married Celia Ann Lewis on June 8, 1841. She was born November 6, 1822 and died January 30, 1900.

Cynthia, born December 11, 1820. Married Jessie Ball.

Ira Payne, born June 22, 1822. Married Betsy Hope.

William Harrison, born August 3, 1823. (Migrated to Texas, no further record).

Jane, born March 22, 1825. Married Tyre Tynes.

Lacy, born September 24, ____. Married James M. Ball.

Dr. Jeptha, born August 2, 1830. Married Fannie Roberts.

Julian, born 1832; died young.

Dr. Seaborne, born August 8-15, 1834. Married Annease Ball.

Elijah Hayden, born 1836; died young.

Julius Newton, born November 14, 1839. Married Mary Brumfield.

Martha, born August 8, 1846. Married Alexander Brumfield.

Julia, born August 30, 1856. Married J.R. McElveen.

No attempt has been made to retrace family members not in direct line of descent of the writer, whose Grandfather was the eldest of Edwin’s children.

TWELVE

Warren Jackson Alford: was born September 13, 1819 in Mississippi. He died November 12, 1899. On June 8, 1841, he married Celia Ann Lewis, born November 6, 1822. Celia was a granddaughter of Benjamin Lewis, born 1763-64, who served in the American Revolution. Several of his descendants are members of the D.A.R. and S.A.R.

Vital statistics indicate the following children born to Warren and Celia Alford:

Martha Alford. Married Jessie Bullock.

Lydia Alford. Married Wesley Faust.

Mary (Polly) Alford. Married Howell Fortinberry.

Laura Alford. Married Ivan Fortinberry.

Jeptha Alford. Married Samantha Fortinberry.

Julius C. Alford. Married Sarah Fortinberry.

Jesse Alford. Married (1) Philone Carson and (2) Mary Parker Painter.

Needham Alford. Married (1) Brumfield and (2) Burris.

Cynthia Alford. Married Pearson Welsh.

THIRTEEN

Julius C. Alford: son of Warren, was born in Louisiana on January 18, 1855. He married Sarah I. Fortenberry [sic], born April 14, 1859. They homesteaded 640 acres of land in Pike County, Mississippi. He and his wife cleared the land by degrees, built a small house adding to it as the family grew. At this time, Typhoid Fever was rampant and the number one killer in rural sections of the state. Three of their children died of this disease before the age of 10, two of them in one week. Vital statistics indicate the following children born to this couple—a total of 12:

Ada Bell, born September 13, 1880. Married Iddo W. Ball.

Annie Lou, born February 26, 1882. Died young (Typhoid Fever).

Cora Blanch, born August 28, 1884. Died young (Typhoid Fever).

Luvernia, born April 4, 1886. Died young (Typhoid Fever).

Fannie Jane, born January 1, 1888. Married John Burris.

Elmer C., born March 19, 1890. Married Willie Belle Hall.

Holis Victor, born October 18, 1891. Married Ethel McMillan.

Dewitt Talmage born September 18, 1893. Never married.

Losia Irene, born June 18, 1895. Married (1) W. Roy Simmons and (2) Glenn Fortenberry.

Hugh Edwin, born July 31, 1897. Married Elsie Bissig.

Baby (unnamed), born October 13, 1899. Died in infancy.

Floyd M., born April 11, 1903. Died young. ["May 1919" is handwritten in.]

This family suffered all the hardships and poverty of farm life at that time and all work was done without any modern conveniences. Colored descendants of slaves of Edwin Alford remained with Julius and his wife and aided in the establishment of the homestead.

At present all members of the family are dead, except Losia Irene and Hugh Edwin, the writer of this family history.

FOURTEEN

Hugh Edwin Alford: I was the tenth of the twelve children born to Julius and Sarah Alford. I gained my early christian training from my parents who lived christian lives. My mother was a devoted christian and was strict in her attitude towards all the children in the family, while my father was more lenient and was contented to leave the rearing of the children to his wife—he only scolding at times at her insistence.

Upon my mother’s death a very dear Nephew, George Howard Alford, wrote the following article in Memory of my mother:

IN MEMORIAM

"Aunt Sarah" (Fortenberry) Alford, one of the truest and gentlest mothers I have ever known, entered upon the immortal life beyond the reach of disease, suffering or death at 8 o’clock, A.M., January 29, 1938. She lived in the Progress Community all her life - nearly seventy-nine years. She was a Charter Member of the Progress Baptist Church.

Hundreds of relatives and friends gathered together to pay last tribute of respect to her memory. Floral decorations of beauty and profusion were placed on and around her casket.

She was laid to rest in the Silver Springs Cemetery by the side of her beloved husband, Julius Alford, who departed this life for his home in Heaven nine months ago.

As I listened to the eloquent words of her Pastor, Rev. F.W. Gunn, and those of Rev. Frank Hutson and Rev. H.B. Kinlaw, as they spoke of her pure life, and high character, the thought came to me that no person could have been associated with her without having a higher and better opinion of human nature and that in the life beyond the grave the ruler of us all would do most for those who had done most for their associates here.

She was a real homemaker. Here she shone in her fairest light.. It was in her dear home, with her beloved husband, and children that she found true and sweet rest. With her refined and gentle spirit, is it surprising to know with what devotion she was beloved by her noble husband, her children and all those who were connected with her by near and dear ties. The happiness she enjoyed in these tender relations shone in her face with a luster begotten only of the most genuine and deepest and most sacred feelings of the human heart.

She stood high upon the mountains, far above and far removed from all that was base, all that was low and all that was impure. She thought no evil, she spoke no slander, and repeated none spoken by others. She neither assumed nor pretended superior virtues, and never in word or manner sought to exalt herself by calling attention to the faults of others. It cost her no effort to be a gentlewoman—constituted as she was it was impossible for her to be anything else.

"Not lost but gone before." Such is the Christian and Beautiful Faith of man of all ages and lands. We feel sad because she is lost to us; but while we weep she is wrapped in garments of light, and singing songs of celestial joy. She will return to us no more; but we may all meet her in Heaven.

FIFTEEN

CONCLUSION: A more complete list of the Alfords and their descendants in the areas covered has not been compiled due to the time element required and the health of the writer. His own lineage has been followed as direct as possible. However, there are numerous descendants of Jacob and Frankie Alford in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. In fact this research indicates that the majority of the Alfords living in Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas, are descendants of the Alfords who came from England in the Sixteen and Seventeen Hundreds to Virginia and North Carolina. Many of them had their American origin in Saint Peter’s Parish, New Kent County, Virginia and are descendants of James Alford, Sr., son of either John or William—believed (based upon facts developed) to have been William, who either migrated direct from England or was a descendant of Richard Alford, who came over with Roger Smith Expedition, 1620-21. Both John and William died in 1709 in New Kent County according to Saint Peter’s Parish records.

[If you would like to have a complete copy of Hugh Alford’s 28-page manuscript, send $3.00 to AAFA Librarian Nancy Dietrich.]