Re: Cornelius Pierce and Willis A. or Willie J. Rhymes
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In reply to:
Cornelius Pierce and Willis A. or Willie J. Rhymes
Marsha Andrews 5/18/10
Hi Marsha, I don't know much about the LA Rhymes (my focus is GA & NC), but here are a couple thoughts.
In the 1850 LA census, there were two young families who seem to have disappeared from the record -- at least I can't readily find them.In the 1860 census, both Cornelius & Charles, ages 6 & 7, are living separately with other families, which appears as if they were orphans.The two 1850 families who seem to have disappeared were Willis A. Rhymes & Nancy J. Kyle (m. 6 Mar 1851) of Bossier Co., and Alfred Rhymes & Ann Walker (m. 24 Sep 1848 in Franklin) of Ouachita Co.Since Ouachita is right next to Jackson, where Cornelius & Charles appear in 1860, that appears to be a possible connection.
As for all the Willis names!I can tell you for sure that a Willis Rhymes came from Halifax Co., NC, to Warren Co., GA, where he died about 1828.His wife was Elizabeth and his children were Willis J. (b.1812) and Eliza Ann (b.1815) who married Daniel Gunn in Morgan Co., GA.Warren Co. has an estate record (WC Returns 1825-41, pp.216-218) that says:
"Georgia, Warren County. Whereas Willis Rhymes, decd., late of county aforesaid died Intestate leaving a widow Elizabeth Rhymes and two children, Willis J. Rhymes and Eliza Gunn formerly Eliza A. Rhymes who were and are entitled to all the estate of the said Willis Rhymes, decd., share and share alike..."This record is dated 17 Nov 1833, which is just after Willis J. turned 21 and came of age.Willis J. died in Morgan Go., GA, in 1856.His mother Elizabeth died there about 1851.I have both of their wills, if anyone is interested.
Willis almost certainly had some brothers who came west, too, hence the proliferation of Willis and Willis J. names in future generations.The trick is identifying the brothers and their father.
Hope this helps a little!
Meg