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By FOLKS HUXFORD, written for the 1959 Historical Edition of the Blackshear Times. Prior to the 1868 Constitution, each militia district had two Justices of Peace, elected at the same time for four-year terms, by popular vote. These terms began in January, 1825, and every four years thereafter. The following were the Justices of Peace in the 590th district prior the creation of Pierce county.

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JUSTICES

Jeremiah Johns

1825-1829

 

William Dowling

1825-1829

Jeremiah Johns

1829-1831

 

Isham Walker

1829-1831

Daniel Green

1831-1833

 

Harley Jones

1831-1833

James Dowling

1833-1837

 

David Hickox

1833-1837

James Dowling

1837-1841

 

David Hickox

1837-1841

Thomas Albritton

1841-1845

 

James Dowling

1841-1845

Office Vacant

1845-1857

 

Office Vacant

1845-1857

Banner Thomas

1857-1861

 

Obediah Barber

1857-1861

MARKER AT THE COURTHOUSE The inscription on the marker at the Pierce County courthouse gives the following information about the county:

"This County, created by act of Legislature, December 18, 1857, is named for Franklin Pierce, New Hampshire Democrat and fourteenth President of the United States, 1853 to '57. He was a general in the Mexican War. Blackshear, incorporated December 16, 1859, is named for General David Blackshear, noted Georgia Indian fighter. Among the first County Officers were: Sheriff John Donaldson, Clerk of Superior and Inferior Courts David Rowell, Ordinary Aaron Dowling, Tax Receiver John Sugg, Tax Collector Edmund Thomas, Coroner James Thomas and Surveyor James E. Blitch. Georgia Historical Commission, 1954."

MORTUARY SCHEDULE, 1860 CENSUS

Source: History of Pierce County Georgia By Dean Broome
The following is a list of Pierce County residents who died between June 1, 1859, and June 1, 1860. They are shown by name, age, state of birth, month died, and occupation. 

       
     H. W. Woodward    64   RI   March          wheelwright
     Willaim Eady      75   SC   April          farmer
     Charles Smith     60   GA   May            farmer
     Duncan Bohannon   50   GA   Feb            farmer
     Harriet Lugg      34   SC   Oct            domestic
     Mariah Sweat      43   GA   Sept           domestic
     Hetty Mikell      33   GA   March          H.W.
     Joseph Thomas     48   GA   Oct            farmer
     Rhoda Ann Thomas  10   GA   Nov            dau. of Jos. and Rhonda
     Lewis Thomas      71   SC   Jan            farmer
     Saretia Tuten     62   SC   March          H.W.
     Benjamin Guy      16   GA   Feb            son
     James Walker      57   GA   Feb            farmer
     James Griffin     62   GA   Apr            farmer
     Nancy Griffin     52   GA   Oct            H.W.
     Benjamin D. James 30   GA   Dec            farmer
     Reubin B. O'Berry 19   GA   Dec            son
     Charles H. Robins 18   ME   March          timber cutter
     Joseph Sumner     18   GA   Sept           son
     Elizabeth Sumner  13   GA    Oct           dau
     Mandy T. Rivers   21   SC    Oct           wife

Partial Index of Visited Pierce County Cemeteries


Beulah Cemetery
Located 12 miles northwest of Blackshear, GA

  • Bunton, William H.

1893-1935

  • Bunton, Mrs.

1904-1930 (dau of Nathan Sweat)

  • Downs, Jennie S.

1883-1922 (wife of Nathan Sweat)

  • Sweat, Lottie

1904-1930

  • Sweat, Nathan

1879-1934 (husband of Jennie S. Downs)

Foster Cemetery
Located near Patterson, GA

  • Dover, Fay Lovett

1941-1973

  • Lovett, Derrell Leveard

1946-1947

  • Lovett, Johnnie Marion

1908-1961

  • Lovett, Johspap Marion

1939-1939

Back To Visited Cemeteries

High Bluff Cemetery
Located in Brantley County, GA

  • Crawford, Reuben

1852-1918

  • Crawford, Alvin

1890-1918 (son of Reuben)

  • Crawford, Arsulia

1860-1923 (wife of Reuben)

  • Dowling, Ida Missouri

age 2 (dau of Darling W. & Mary F.)

  • Dowling, James Arter

age 23 years -1916

  • Dowling, D. S.

1862-1905

  • Dowling, Malinda A.

1840-1921

  • Dowling, Dempsey

1866-1926

  • Dowling, Laura

1872-1895 (wife of E. D. Dowling)

  • Dowling, Sophie

age about 80 years

  • Dowling, Darling

age about 50 years

  • Dowling, Goldie Corine

1892-1892 (dau of E. D.)

  • Dowling, Savanah Catherine

1880-1891 (dau of E. D. & Laura)

  • Dowling, infant

1895-1895 (son of E. D. & Laura)

  • Dowling, Darling F.

1904-1961

  • Harris, Della Lovejoy

1887-1961

  • Harris, Sophia S.

1848-1928

  • Harris, Rosa Lee Aldridge

1895-1971

  • Harris, D. L.

1873-1928

  • Harris, Allie V.

1880-1906 (wife of D. L.)

  • Harris, General Lee

1877-1950

  • Harris, Sarah Jane

1894-1917

  • Harris, Baby Floyd

1917-1917 (same grave site with Sarah Jane)

  • Thomas, Martha

1827-1875

  • Thomas, Edmund

1820 - died in war dates unknown

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Ramah Cemetery
Located 10 miles North of Blackshear

  • Bennett, D. G.

1865-1936 (Daniel Gordon)

  • Bennett, Mary Isabella

1874-1942 (wife of D. G.)

  • Bennett, Daniel W.

1912-1966 (GA PFC CO A 29th INF)

  • Bennett, John Baxter

1897-1974

  • Bennett, James S.

1817-1903

  • Bennett, Eliza A. E.

1820-1885 (wife of J. S. Bennett)

  • Bennett, Elizabeth Anne

1823-1911

  • Bennett, Fannie Davis

1859-1933

  • Davis, Joseph Marion

1870-1957

  • Dixon, Laura Davis

1881-1900 (wife of A.J.)

  • Dixon, A. J.

1851-1907

  • Dixon, James Darthell

1925-1948

  • Dixon, James Franklin

1903-1976 (father of James Darthell)

  • Dixon, Rhonal M.

1935-1987

  • Dixon, Sallie Roberson

1902-1981 (mother of James Darthell)

  • Roberson, Isaac F.

1872-1931

  • Roberson, Lucy Dixon

1872-1956

  • Walker, Jackson

1854-1924

  • Walker, Emeline A.

1858-1927

  • Walker, James Ehrlich

1892-1963

  • Walker, Daniel J.

1911-1915

  • Walker, Stella

1890-1910 (wife of George Hamilton)

  • Walker, Virgie

1905-1908 (dau of L. J. & E. J. Walker)

  • Walker, Lula H.

1865-1905

  • Walker, Mattie

1887-1904 (wife of J. C. Walker)

  • Walker, Joseph

1901-1901

  • Walker, Joe

1858-1934

  • Walker, Infant

?-? (dau of J. C. Walker & Mattie)

  • Walker, Nora Odum

1885-1930

  • Walker, Joe Hugh

1925-1934

  • Walker, Laura B.

1889-1942

  • Walker, E. H.

1882-1916

  • Walker, Evitt Loucile

1908-1909 (dau of E. H. & Laura Walker)

  • Walker, Mary

1826-1886

Back To Visited Cemeteries

Shiloh Cemetery
Located 3 miles northeast of Blackshear, it is the oldest cemetery of Pierce County.

  • Crawford, Elder Reubin

1801-1887 (Minister for 52 years)

  • Crawford, Annie

1810-1887

  • Walker, Lander Jackson

1877-1960

  • Walker, Emma Chancey

1879-1965

  • Dixon, Archie

1910-1994

  • Walker, Marion Girtis

1919-1929 (son of Lander J.)

  • Chancey, Ida

1889-1939

  • Walker, Willie L.

1888-1929

  • Aspin, Gertrude d.

1880-1909 (wife of Ehrlich Aspin)

  • Davis, Benjamin C.

1835-1884

  • Davis, Jane Brown

1839-1931

  • Davis, Amelia Mixon

1800-1884

  • Davis, George W.

1800-1857

  • Chancey, Mirantha

1822-1890

  • Thomas, Sarah Kimbrell

1855-1893 (dau of James W. & Vina Parrish)

  • Thomas, James

1760-1835 (PVT S. C. Militia RV)

  • Aspinwall, Julian

1836-1892

  • Aspinwall, John

1825-1896

  • Aspinwall, Allen

1856-1923

  • Aspinwall John A.

1875-1952

  • Aspinwall, Matthew

1836-1895

  • Aspinwall, Walter C.

1880-1953

  • Davis, Farley

1866-1928

  • Thomas, Jacob

1851-1881

  • Thomas, Adaline B.

1855-1880 (wife of Jacob)

  • Thomas, James Ransom

1811-1884

  • Thomas, John

1861-1931

Youmans Cemetery Donated by Kay Mason


Perry Youmans Arcade (Herrin) Youmans June 14, 1844 -August 8, 1916 (husband of Arcadia Herrin Youmans)

Arcadia Herrin Youmans January 6, 1844 June 8, 1907 (wife of Perry Youmans)

Elder Stephen Youmans October 23, 1792 January 18, 1861 (husband of Susanna Youmans)

Susanna H. Youmans October 13, 1795 July 5, 1879 (wife of Stephen Youmans)

Eliza Youmans July 21, 1833 January 1876 (wife of C. S. Youmans)

C. S. Youmans March 16, 1829 September 30, 1908 (Husband of Eliza & Mary Elizabeth)

Elizabeth Youmans January 24, 1843 October 23, 1903 (wife of W. R. Youmans)

W. R. Youmans September 26, 1835 March 19, 1918 (husband of Elizabeth Youmans)

Youmans, Mary September 24, 1863 May 10, 1864 (daughter of W. R. & Elizabeth)

Youmans, James December 27, 1861 August 11, 1864 (Son of W. R. & Elizabeth)

David W. Youmans January 18, 1875 July 26, 1879 (son of W. R. & Elizabeth)

Francis Marion Youmans Youmans, Mrs. F. M. July 9, 1856 May 26, 1926 (husband of Mrs. F. M. Youmans)

Youmans February 12, 1889 July 13, 1892 (Son of Mr. & Mrs. F. M. Youmans)

Zoe Youmans March 25, 1891 July 19, 1892 (daughter of Mr. & Mrs. F. M. Youmans)

Carrie Elizabeth (Sweat) Youmans June 3, 1877 August 6, 1918 (wife of John F. Youmans)

John F. Youmans December 15, 1872 November 9, 1930 (husband of Carrie E. Youmans)

Sarah Youmans January 13, 1901 June 8, 1901

Sarah Summerall Youmans February 10, 1859 January 25, 1901

1860 Census of Town of Blackshear

Enoch D. HENDRY, Age 36, merchant; wife Caroline E., 31, H. K. Children: George R., 10, A. E. (female) 8,; Living in household: James T., 22 merchant.

O. C. WOODWARD, 44, born in SC, school teacher (living alone)

John W. STEPHENS, 30, merchant; wife, Jane, H.K. Living with them: James BREWTON, 26, store clerk,; Sarah J. JONES, 8; Charlotte M. JONES, 5.

Aaron DOWLING, 32, ordinary; wife, Sarah Ann, 28, H. K.; Children: James R., 9; Isabelle, 7; Martha, 5; Joseph, 3; Mary Ann, 1.

John M. JENKINS, 29, railroad contractor; wife, Sarah Jane, 17, H.K.; daughter, Mary J., 6 mos.; Living with them: John JENKINS, 13; Mary JENKINS, 22, H.K.; Martha WHILDEN, 9.

Neil McSWAIN, 26, born in NC, laborer; Katherine(evidently mother), 65, H.K.; born in NC; Alexander McSWAIN, 17; William McSWAIN 9.

Ira BAXTER, 20, carpenter; wife, Elizabeth A. R., 21, H. K. son, Taylor, 4.

Charles R. FORD, 52, born in MD, tailor (living alone).

James L. EADY, 28, born in SC, day labor; wife, Agnes L., 29, born in SC, H.K.; children: Ardelia E., 9; Allevilla (f), 7; Francis L. W., 5; Henry W. W., 3; and Alive E., 2.

Edward A. EADY, 39, merchant; wife, Rebecca, 31, H.K. Children: Elizaeth, 14; William, 12; Emma 10; Edward 8; Robert 6; James A. 4; Stephen 1.

John BOOTH, 25, laborer; wife, Mary E., 22, H.K.

Charles ROGBORN, 47, born in SC, laborer; wife, Senith, 43, H.K. Children: Louisa 10; Margaret 8; William 6. All born in SC.

Martin CRURY, 32, farmer; wife, Susan, 26, H.K. Children: Margaret J.5; Julian 2; Mary M. 1.

Charles BYROM, 38, born in NY, teamster; wife, Nancy, 30, H.K.; Daughter, Dorothy 8. Living with them: Jacob Godwin 26; wife, Eliza Ann 18; daughter, Susan 3 mos.

S.B. WILLIAMS, 27, farmer; wife, Arsula E. 22, born in SC, H.K. Children: Stephen W. 4, and Georgia Ann 1, both born in FL. Living with them: Armitter L. Green 11 mos.

Wiley KNIGHT, 28, mechanic; wife, Winnie, 29, H. K. Children: Tarlton S 10; Narcissa 8; Charles B. 6; Missouri 5; Mozal 4; and Walter N. 1.

Elizabeth EADY, 60, born in SC (living alone)

R.R. SIFLEY, 37, born in SC, laborer; wife Ann A. 37, H .K. Daughter, O. A. 4. Living with them: Ann Gooban 19.

Andrew M. MOORE, 26, Med. Doctor, wife, S. L. 18, H. K., daughter, Ella 4.

James B. STRICKLAND, 34, farmer, wife, Eliza A., 31, H. K., Children: Mary 11, Keziah 8, Nancy 6, Thomas 4, Isabella 2,. Living with them: S.B. SWEAT 17, Mitchell SWEAT 19, Jacob COHEN, and M. S. MYER, 28.

C. L. WILSON, 38, merchant; wife, Ann C., 41, H.K. Children: Rosannah E. 15; Lelia 13; Adalaide V 9; Luke B. 8; Andrew J. 4; Living with them, Owen GIBBS 22.

William A. CRIBB, 37, merchant; wife, Eliza Ann, 27, H.K. son, William P. 2.

George W. WALDRON, 28, merchant, wife, Mary Ann, 17, H.K., son, Benjamin B. 1.

Aaron DYES, 37, farmer, wife, Malissa Ann, 23, H.K. Children: Mary J 3; John W. 1.

John T. WILSON, 35, born in VA, Attorney at Law; wife, Annie E. 28, H.K.; Children: Joseph F. 6; Caroline 4; Sarah V. 2; and John W. 10 mos. Living with them: Branch B. WILSON.

James T. HARPER, 40, farmer; wife, Sarah, 32, H. K. Children: Joseph A. 17, Mary Ann 15; Elizabeth, 12; James 10; Charles 8; Kitty 6; and Viny 2.

H. W. GRADY, 28 born in NC, house carpenter; wife, Maria 17, H.K. .

G. H. BELVIN, 24, born in NC, coach-maker; wife S. A., 29, born in SC, H.K.;daughter, Mary V. 10 mos.

J.N.R. GREEN 50, coach-maker; Madison, 19 blacksmith.

B. D. BRANTLEY, 28, merchant, wife, Jennett B., 30 H.K., Children: Christian E. 3; Margaret L 1. Living with them : Elizabeth BRANTLEY 62, Ezekiel G. BREWTON 23.

L.B. O'STEEN, 25, born in SC, farmer; wife, Louisa J., 29, Born in SC, H.K. Children: George E 2; born in SC, and Mary L. R. 5 mos.

Richard R. GODWIN, 49, farmer; wife, Susan 47, H.K. Children: John 23; Sarah 19; Seaborn H. 14; James 12; Allen 9; Berrien 6; Living with them: Roderick McSWAIN 26, James DOUGLAS 29, merchant.

Wm. T. (or Wm  S.) COX, 33, mechanic; wife, Susan w., 36, born in SC, H.K. dau., Anna E. 4.

William CARTER, 25, mechanic; wife, Mary Ann, 29, H.K. Children: Wm M. 13; and John A. 7.

Wesley W. BUCHANAN, 23, merchant; wife, Emily J. 21, H.K. Christopher C. 19, William H. 17, Leroy 15, Dunean 12; Florida Ann 10; and Lane (f) 6.

Henry W. ODUM, 21, farmer; wife, rosamond, 23, H.K. Living with them: Ransom GANEY 16.

M. G. ODUM, Sr., 32, railroad contractor; wife, Lucretia, 42, H.K. Children: Verlilue P. (f) 8; M.G. Jr. 6.

Benjamin MINSHEW, 26, merchant, wife Mary 23, H.K. Children: Priscilla 7; John T. 6; Abraham S. 3; William J. 1.

S. COTNER, 28, merchant; G.M.T. WARE, 30, Attorney at Law; W.S. WELLS, 22, merchant.

David ROWELL 36, merchant, wife, Jane, 28 H.K. Children: James 11; Jesse 9; Heser Ann 7; Weathley Ann 5; Simon P.H. 1. Living with them: Daniel Jeffords, 24; Richard FOSTER, 32.

D. A. MCLEANAN, 26, dentist (living alone)

James M. PEACOCK, 31, mechanic; wife, Sarah Ann, 31, H.K. Children: Sarah E. 13; Samuel H. 10; James N.M. 8; Mary E. 5. Living with them: Elizabeth STEWART 50; W. J. RIVES 25.

Halleda LUGG, wo, born in SC laborer; wife, Mary, 21. Children: Josiah, 5; Permlue 2.

William GOETTE, 50, born in SC, steam-mill business; wife, Sarah C. 33, H.K. Children: Thomas L 17; John A 11; James E. 6; George R 4; Benj J 2; infant 1 month.

Vandy V. CONELY, 35, born in SC, laborer; wife, Mary E. 35, H.K. Children: Elva R. 10; John 9; Thursday (f) 8; Mary E. 3; George 1.

J.J. DALEM, age not shown, born in OH, engineer; wife, Delia, 25, H.K. Children: Fulton W. 4; Katie 3; Lilly M. 1.

W. GARDNER, 39, born in PA, carpenter (living alone)

Henry TURNER, 25, laborer; wife, Elender, 23, H.K. Children: Lucinda 3; Delphia 1.

end of downtown Blackshear

Civil War Prison Camp Books

Blackshear Prison Site (November, 1864-January, 1865) Blackshear, Georgia

Resource List

Compiled by John Walker Guss

  • Andersonville: A Story of Southern Prisons - by John McElroy (Formerly 16th Illinois, Company C) Copyright pp.
  • Billy and Dick from Andersonville to the White House - by Ralph (Billy) O. Oates (Formerly 9th Ohio Cavalry)
  • SPECIAL NOTE: Photo of Medal displays "Blackshear" among other prisons - Copyright 1910 - Sentinel Publishing Company, Santa Cruz, CA p24
  • Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville and Other Military Prisons of the South - by John Worrell Northrop (Formerly 76th New York Infantry) - Copyright 1904 Wichita, Kansas p 180
  • Civil War Markers - by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Copyright p.121
  • Civil War Prisons A study in War Psychology - William Best Hesseltine - Frederick Ungar Publishing Co. p.157
  • Confederate Prison Experiences - by Thadeus L. Waters - Publisher E.O. Shaw, 1891, Newaygo, Michigan - Copyright 1868 pp. 100-101
  • 800 Paces to Hell: Andersonville - by Dr. John Lynn - Copyright 1999 pp. 267, 268, 287, 288, 295
  • Georgia Civil War Sites - by Jim Miles - Copyright p. 121
  • A History of the 117th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers - J.A. Mowris, M.D. (Formerly Regimental Surgeon of the 117th New York Infantry) - Edmonston Publishing, Inc. - Copyright 1866, 1996 p.309
  • John Ransom’s Andersonville Diary - by John L. Ransom (Formerly Quartermaster Sergeant, 9th Michigan Cavalry) - Berkley Publishing Group Copyright 1963, 1986 pp. 198-204
  • On Wheels and How I Came There - by William B. Smith
  • Portals of Hell - by Lonnie R. Speer - Stockpole Books - Copyright 1997 pp. 14, 279-281, 298, 332
  • Prisoners’ Mail From the American Civil War - by Galen D. Harrison - Copyright 1997 pp. 11, 25, 34
  • Rebel Watchdog The Confederate States Army Provost Guard - Kenneth Radley p172
  • The Death of a Confederate - Archibald Smith Family - Arthur & James Skinner - Copyright 1999 p. 186
  • Thomas County During the Civil War - by William Warren Rogers - Copyright 1964 - Florida State University Studies - pp.83, 84
  • A True Story Andersonville Journey The Civil War’s Greatest Tragedy - Edward F. Roberts - Beidel Printing House, Inc. - Copyright 1998 pp. 84, 116, 162
  • Twelve Months in Andersonville