Robert Brumfield Part 2

 

Robert Brumfield homestead located in Pike County, Mississippi was near the homesteads of  Ervin (Irvin) Brumfield, Jack Gatlin and Calvin Caston.  Irvin Brumfield was a homestead witness for Robert Brumfield. The geographic  location of the other men's land suggest that knew each other.

Diagram of Land Patent Pike County T2-N, R9-E Section 15 and part of Section 22

I have been unable to locate Robert and Ann Brumfield in the 1900 Federal census. Many times adult children live near their parents. I used the names of their children  and their spouses to try to locate them.

 Using this method, I was still unable to locate them.   I was however able to locate two individuals who are probably  their children Senia Brumfield and James Brumfield  in the 1900 census enumerated on the same page as Jack Gatlin. 

"United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9XT-14J : accessed 18 October 2022), Jack Gatlin, Beat 1 (part of), Pike, Mississippi, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 105, sheet 5A, family 65, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,825.

Senia Brumfield and James Brumfield 1900 Federal Census Pike County, Mississippi extracted

Jack Gatlin is listed on the marriage bond of Seany Brumfield and Richard Conerly on January 29, 1891. A marriage bond is different from a marriage license. A marriage bond requires that an individual give a monetary amount for the intent to marry.   If it is later found that there was a legal reason for the marriage not to take place the bond amount is forfeited. Jack Gatlin assisted in paying the bond.  

The search for more information concerning  Robert and Ann Brumfield will continue.

---The Tree Gardener

Robert Brumfield Part 1

 

Robert Brumfield was born enslaved in about 1834 in Mississippi. His parents nor enslaver have not been identified at this time.  On September 11, 1869, he filed application #3212 for 160 acres of land at the Pike County, Mississippi Land Office in Jackson, Hinds County. 

 He is enumerated as a 35-year-old farm hand in the 1870 Pike County, Mississippi census with inferred wife and children. His inferred wife was Ann 32, and the children were Anna Bell 10, Jennette 6 and Robert 1 years old.  On August 29, 1876, Robert submitted his final proof document for his homestead. Henry Conerly and Irvin Brumfield were his sworn witnesses. They were prevented from attending in person at the land office secondary to distance and means. The witnesses in a single document stated that he had a wife and six children. He had cultivated 35 acres of land, 2 cotton houses, a smokehouse, crib stables and other houses.  Irvin Brumfield was the son of Liddie Brumfield Caston. Henry Conerly was also a witness for Irvin Brumfield's homestead on August 21, 1877. Robert received his homestead patent on June 24, 1878.

Robert Brumfield is enumerated in the Pike County 1880 census.  He and his wife Ann had five additional children during the intervening years Frank 9, Harriet 6, Cina 5, Jimmy 2 and Jesse 2/12 months. Significantly, Jack Gatlin's family is enumerated on the same census page.

"United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4G1-Y9G : 14 January 2022), Bob Brumfield, Beat 1, Pike, Mississippi, United States; citing enumeration district ED 37, sheet, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .

1880 Census

Brumfield,    Bob               Male                46 y

                         Ann           Female             41 y

                        Jenette         Female            15 y

                        Robert          Male                10 y

                        Frank            Male                 9 y

                        Harriet         Female             6 y

                        Cina              Female             5 y

                        Jimmie         Male                 2 y 

            

The Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children Data Base 1850-1892 and 1908-1957 has been instrumental in identifying families between the years of the United States federal census. The data in the records designate the sex, age and race of the children.  Robert's children attended school and worked on the farm. In the Holmesville, Pike County 1885 census Robert and his children are listed as Robert 16, Harriet 14, Frank 11, Cina 9, Jas (James) 7   and John 5.  On the school census, are familiar names of other parents and children from prior blog posts: Frank Brumfield, Edmond Downs, Gale Brumfield and Eli Brumfield.

Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children, 1850-1892; 1908-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PV9F-WD?cc=1856425&wc=M6NC-7P8%3A167436801%2C167437202 : 18 September 2015), Pike > 1885 > image 6 of 178; Government Records, Jackson.

A list of established schools in the county with trustees and teachers was identified in the Magnolia Gazette in 1886. Numbers 11, 12 and 13 are African American men who were involved in the education of their children.  The Pink Hill trustees were Jack Gatlin, Robert Brumfield and Jerry Conerly 

The Magnolia Gazette 

Magnolia, Mississippi

 12 Feb 1886, Fri  •  Page 2

 In the Holmesville, Pike County 1890 school census Robert Brumfield's children Harriet 16, Sina 14, James 12, John 9 and Jesse 7 are listed. Other parents and children are listed on the page which includes Thomas Brumfield, Ely (Eli) Brumfield, Irvin Brumfield, Ellen Brumfield and Harry Barnes. 

Robert had one child enrolled in school seen in the Holmesville, Pike County 1896 census Jess (Jesse) 12. On the school census, are familiar names of other parents and children: Irvin Brumfield, Eli Brumfield, Leah Bridges, George and Harry Barnes. 

More information to come.

--- The Tree Gardener

Jesse Caston

 Jesse Caston is the son of Liddie Brumfield Caston and Calvin Caston. Born in 1866 according to the 1880 federal census and 1885 school census in Pike County, Mississippi probably on the homestead established by his parents.   Jesse was enumerated in the 1870 and 1880 federal Census along with his parents and siblings.

.

Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Township 2 Range 9 East, Pike, Mississippi; Roll: M593_745; Page: 128B; Image: 262; Family History Library Film: 552244.

1870

NAME	AGE
Caston, Calvin	38
Lydia	41
Thomas	17
Elvira	15
Rosann	14
Isham	12
Greene	10
Silas	7
Jesse	4
Adeline	3

"United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4G1-JB2: 14 January 2022), Criston, Beat 1, Pike, Mississippi, United States; citing enumeration district ED 37, sheet, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm

1880

NAME	AGE
Caston, Calvin	47
Lydia	50          Wife
Greene	19          Son
Silas	16          Son
Jesse	14         Son

Jesse also attend school and was enumerated in the 1885 Pike School census with his father Calvin and siblings Adeline and Monroe. There names are recorded near the bottom of the image.

NAME

AGE

Caston, Calvin

47          

Lydia

50          Wife

Greene

19          Son

Silas

16          Son

Jesse

 14         Son

Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children, 1850-1892; 1908-1957," database with images, <i>FamilySearch</i> (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PV9F-G9?cc=1856425&wc=M6NC-7P8%3A167436801%2C167437202 : 18 September 2015), Pike > 1885 > image 7 of 178; Government Records, Jackson.

1885

Name of Child	Age	Sex	Color	Parent or Guardian
Caston   Jesse	19	M	Col	Calvin Caston
“         “   Adeline	17	F	“	“                      “
“         “    Monroe	12	M	“	“                     “

Jesse was enumerated in the 1900 Pike County federal census as a single man who is a log sawyer living as a boarder in the house of Mack Raybon. A log sawyer is someone who saws logs for a sawmill. The Fernwood Lumber Company was the largest logging company at that time.  In the census, his birthday is recorded as May, 1866 but his age is listed as 34 which should be 24.

"United States Census, 1900," database with   images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9XT-ZNZ : accessed 13 September 2022), Jesse Caston in household of Mack Raybon, Beat 4 (part excl. McComb town), Pike, Mississippi, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 110, sheet 75A, family 71, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,825.

Name	Relationship	Color	Sex	Date of birth	Age	Married
Caston  Jesse	boarder	B	M	May 1866	34	S

I have identified an individual with the name Jesse Caston in Pike County with a family. My genealogy research has been unable to definitely  identify Jesse Caston  beyond 1900 at this time.   The search will continue.

--- The Tree Gardener

Gale (Gayle) Brumfield Part 3

 

Gale Brumfield established a homestead in Washington Parish, Louisiana filed December 10, 1869 and finalized June 13, 1876. He continued to work as a farmer on the homestead which can be verified at least to October 23, 1879.  Gale Brumfield and Ned Brock served as witnesses for the homestead of Sampson Dyson in Washington, Parish, Louisiana. 

St. Tammany Farmer
Covington, Louisiana
01 Nov 1879, Sat  •  Page 3

In March 22, 1883 in the Magnolia Gazette in a Petition For Retail License Gale Brumfield name is listed along with other residents of Pike County, Mississippi. It is not clear why he left his homestead and moved to Pike County. Gale and his children listed in the Pike County, Mississippi 1885 school census. Image of the school census seen in prior blog. 

 Gale is  later found in the 1900 Federal Census for Yazoo County, Mississippi. Enumeration of his family at the bottom of the page.

Year: 1900; Census Place: Green Hill, Yazoo, Mississippi; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0123; FHL microfilm: 1240835

 Household Member               Age           Relationship

Gale Brumfield	80	Head
Harriet Brumfield	64	Wife
Joseph Brumfield	20	Son
Jennett Jones	34	Daughter

I have been unable to locate a death certificate for Gale or Harriet Brumfield.  From the Social Security information for their child Joseph (Broomfield) Brumfield, Harriet's maiden name is Sanderson. I have obtained a death certificate of  Grant Brumfield their son and his mother's surname is Washington the informant was Oscar Brumfield  both older brothers of Joseph.

  From research, several of his children continued to reside in Washington Parish, Louisiana as adults. I have not been able to establish a family connection of Liddie Brumfield Caston or Calvin Caston.  From the 1885 Pike County school census , it is clear that Gale Brumfield knew Liddie's children.   Descendants of  Gale Brumfield married into the family descendants of Ned Brock, Washington Jackson and Van Causey.

---- The Tree Gardener
  

Jack Gatlin Homesteader Part 4

Robert Brumfield Testimony

In the process of a homestead application, it was necessary to have at least two people to testify that the applicant had lived on the land.  Robert Brumfield was the second witness to verify that Jack Gatlin was a homesteader.  Jerry Conerly was the other witness. At the time of Robert Brumfield's testimony, he was a 51 year old farmer. His birth year would have been 1836. 

There were a series of testimony questions.  In question 3 Are you related to the claimant or in any way interested in the claim, or are you connected with him in business of any kind?   "I am not--- no way interested or connected with him. I am only a neighbor of his." 

 In questions 4 through 8,  Robert explains that he lives about a half mile away from Jack and he has lived on his property for 16 years which would have been in 1871. Two other neighbors are Tom Magee and Gail Brumfield live  further away.  He lives nearer to him than any one else. Robert can not give a description of the land. He has known Jack Gatlin for 17 years.

Robert Brumfield's testimony agrees with that of Jerry Conerly. Jack Gatlin a farmer, has lived with his family on his land  since March, 1879. He has seen him working on the land.  "Saw him many times, too many to remember and every time I passed,  I saw him at work ... I saw him building his house there. He has lived there seven years and lives there now." 

 His description of improvements made on the homestead correspond to that given by Jerry Conerly. In question 23, Robert states "I think the land is worth $300.00 and has never offered for sale that I know of." The value of three hundred dollars in 2017 is $7468.05.  Robert Brumfield states in questions 26 through 28  Jack has planted crops for the season and "I think he intends to remain on the land after making final proof. 

Jack provided witnesses concerning his homestead yet almost failed to receive his homestead. More information to come.

----The Tree Gardener

Jack Gatlin Homesteader Part 3

Jerry Conerly Testimony

In the process of a homestead application, it was necessary to have at least two people to testify that the applicant had lived on the land.  Jerry Conerly was one of the witnesses to verify that Jack Gatlin was a homesteader.  At the time of his testimony, he was a 50 year old farmer. His birth year would have been 1837. He states that Jack Gatlin was his son-in-law.   Jerry Conerly lived on his land for 12 years and Jack lived about a mile away. Tom Magee and Gail Brumfield are Jack Gatlin’s neighbors who live about a half a mile away. 

Jerry states that he has known Jack for about 18 years living in various places in Pike County.  Jack Gatlin was 34 years old in 1887 at the time of his testimony therefore Jerry Conerly knew him since he was 16 years old. 

Jerry Conerly states that Jack is a self-employed farmer with no boarding place on the land.  He describes the homestead as pine land, timber and farming.  The timber on the land has been used only for fencing and farming purposes. Jerry states that he has “been on the land a number of times too many to remember.” 

 In Question # 21 State in detail the character of the improvements; what they consist of, and when they were made; the value of each distinct improvement, fully describing the same; also weather they were made by the claimant or by some other person.

Jerry’s testimony gives a detailed description of Jack’s family house. The ”Dwelling house , a boxed house of one room with a gallery, with 3 doors and 2 windows, a dirt chimney, a kitchen”   On the homestead, there also was a “ log house with one door dirt chimney, a smoke house built with logs; a chicken house made of logs and split pickets; log corn crib with double slabs and a loft overhead; 3 log cotton houses; they were built at different times during the seven years by the claimant, but do not know when each house was built.  He has fences and cleared lands. They are valued as follows: Dwelling house worth about $35 ($871.21 in 2017), kitchen worth about 10 dollars ($248.94 in 2017), smoke house $10 ($248.94 in 2017), chicken house $5 ($124.97 in 2017), corn crib, stables worth about $30($746.81 in 2017) , cotton house about $30 ($746.81 in 2017)."    

In Question #23 and 24  inquires about the estimated value of the land and how long the claimant has lived on the land. Jack Gatlin and his family have occupied the land since March, 1879. “The land is worth $300 and never been offered for sale that I (Jerry) know of.”

Jerry states he believes that the family resides on the land and “by seeing him there and at work, and seeing his family there I know he has been living there.

Jerry Conerly signs his testimony with an X.

----The Tree Gardener