Elisha Hill (1777-1856) &
Martha Patsy Stubbs (1784-1829)
Submitted by Sara Jane Overstreet of Griffin, GA, direct descendent
Elisha Hill and Martha Patsy Stubbs were early settlers of Fayette County, Georgia. They were married in Marlboro County, SC around 1810. It is unclear at this time where Elisha Hill was born, or who his parents were. There is a census record from 1850 that lists him as being born in Alabama. His obituary in the Southern Christian Advocate notes that he was born in Maryland. A Harp descendent has listed his birthplace as Bath Co., NC.
Martha Patsy Stubbs came from a well-documented family in what was first called the Cheraw District of South Carolina. Her parents and grandparents had been land-owners. They were listed in court documents, left their estates in wills, and were mentioned in the earliest written histories of the area. Martha Patsy Stubbs’ father William and paternal grandfather John Stubbs, Sr. are Revolutionary War Patriots recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In Bishop Gregg's book History of the Old Cheraws (1867), the Native Americans and the earliest European settlers were described. The lifestyle of early settlers was well-documented. Specific members of several branches of Martha Stubbs' family were mentioned. There is a note that "In Nov. 1753, John Stubbs obtained a grant for lands on Cat Fish. He was probably the ancestor of the large connexion of that name, since known in Marlborough District" (p. 87).
In Rev. Thomas' book A History of Marlboro County (1897), the Stubbs' and other families in Martha's line were documented. With regard to Martha's family, Rev. Thomas recounted a memory of Martha's paternal grandparents as follows:
...Mr. William F. Stubbs, of Anson County, North Carolina, who is now [book published in 1897] entering his [Wm. Stubbs’] 92nd year, says: "My grandfather informed me that his father, John or William, came from England before the Revolutionary War and settled in Marlboro County," and further says, "He was a small man, a weaver by trade, and married Miss Rebecca Conner, a very large lady, who became the mother of five sons...(p. 184). The book then proceeded to follow the descendents of John and Rebecca (Conner) Stubbs. It is noted in the short sketch that followed that the author tied Martha's paternal family in with the maternal family in several places!
The Stubbs family has also been documented in their own family book--The Descendants of John Stubbs (1966). This book outlined the first Stubbs' as coming to America in the middle 1600's to land bought by the family while still in England. Martha's branch of the family moved from Virginia to the Carolinas--as was the common path of migration.
The ancestors of Martha Stubbs Hill included some of the founding families of the United States. Martha was the daughter of William Stubbs, Sr. (1748-1839) and his first wife Elizabeth Hubbard (c. 1748-1830). Martha “Patsy” and Elisha Hill were mentioned in William Stubbs, Sr.’s will. William Stubbs, Sr. and his brothers served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and William Stubbs, Sr. drew a pension. After his death in 1839, the pension was paid for years to his second wife, Anne. His widow continued to receive the pension after William’s death in 1839 except for the period during the War Between the States when pensions to Southern recipients was terminated until after the War (White, 1992; Andrea & Hill, 1964).
William Stubbs, Sr.’s parents were John Stubbs and Rebecca Conner. John, the father, being too old for combat is listed as a DAR Patriot because he supplied material goods for the military. The sons of John are listed in deed records in Marlboro County, SC. Rebecca Conner Stubbs was the first of John Stubbs’ wives, and was the mother of his children (Andrea & Hill, 1964).
Rebecca Hubbard Stubbs (12-22-1748 to 6-26-1829/1830), the mother of Martha Stubbs Hill, was the daughter of Peter Hubbard (c. 1720-1773) and Agnes Chiles (1726-1773). Peter and Agnes Hubbard been married in Cedar Creek Monthly Meeting (Quaker) in Virginia in 1744. In 1750, Peter Hubbard was noted in the Meeting minutes to be denied membership with the Quakers and soon thereafter the couple moved from Virginia to Carolina (Andrea & Hill, 1964).
Agnes Chiles Hubbard was part of a very distinguished and well-documented Virginia family. She was born to Manoah Chiles (c. 1706-1760) and his first wife Elizabeth Terrell Garland--child of Joel Terrell and Elizabeth Oxford. Manoah was the son of Henry Chiles and his second wife Mary. Henry Chiles--born in Jamestown VA--was the son of Walter Chiles II and his wife Susannah. Walter Chiles II was born in England, and came to Virginia with his father, Walter Chiles I. Walter Chiles I had come to Virginia on the ship The Blessing, bringing with him his wife Elizabeth and their sons. The Chiles house site at Black Point has been partially excavated for archaeological research and has helped to provide information on the lifestyle of early settlers. The father Walter I and the son Walter II both served in the House of Burgesses (Andrea & Hill, 1964; Davis, 1989, 1998; Hill).
Martha Stubbs Hill’s family migrated from Virginia to Marlborough County, SC, where Elisha Hill married Martha Patsy Stubbs. Records from Georgia (Cemeteries and Tracks, 1986) suggest that Elisha Hill moved from SC to Indian Springs in Butts County, Georgia following the treaty with McIntosh in 1825. Oral tradition is that the family moved with one wagon, and all except the youngest of children and the parents walked most of the distance over the poor roads of the period. Martha was in failing health and it was held by the Native Americans that the waters of Indian Springs had healing powers. Indeed, Elisha Hill is listed in Butts County on a tax digest in 1827 in Captain McLin's District. In 1827 he was also on the tax list in Fayette County, GA (Ancestors Unlimited, 1988). That is where he lost his wife. She apparently died due to complications from the birth of their last son. Elisha Hill married again (Fayette Co. census 1850), but apparently all of his children were with Martha. His children are listed as follows:
Nancy Hill m. (Dr./Rev.) John Murphy
Mary Hill m. John Story--see below
Ann Hill 1810-1851 m. (Rev.) Elias W. Story--separate biographical information
John W. Hill 1812--1884 m. Elvirah McGriff--see Bible record below
William N. Hill 1816--1857 m. Mary Ann Kelley
Sara(h) Hill 1820--1909 m. (Rev.) Mozee Harp--separate biographical information
Martha Rachel Hill 1822--1890 m. (Rev.) Thomas F. Luncford--separate biographical information
Elizabeth Hill 1824--1887 m. Andrew J. Henderson--separate biographical information
All of these children were probably born in SC, but they all seemed to have married after the family moved to Fayette/Henry/Clayton Co., GA area. The youngest child was born after moving to Georgia:
Elisha Griffin Hill 1829--1847
The family moved to middle Georgia when land opened up to white settlers. Apparently Martha's brother William Stubbs, Jr. was also a settler. William Stubbs, Jr.’s son Rowland Stubbs inherited some of the land, and signed over a plot for the second Liberty Chapel--on Hill's Bridge Road in Fayette County, across the street from the current cemetery site. Other Liberty Chapel families seem to have moved from Marlboro Co., SC to Fayette Co., GA at about the same time.
Deed Elisha Hill land purchase
The earliest deed indicating Elisha Hill's acquisition of land in this area is located in the Fayette County Courthouse showing that Hill bought land on the East side of the Flint River--in what is now Clayton County. At the time the land was purchased, it was located in Fayette County, and the land is still very near the Fayette County line. The oldest known deed reads as follows:
Fayette County Deeds, Book B, Page 87
Georgia, Jasper County--This indenture made this 26th of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred & twenty six between Davis R. Andrews of the one part and Elisha Hill of the other part both of the State & county aforesaid Witnesseth that the said Davis R. Andrews for and in consideration of the sum of Three hundred Dollars to him in hand paid at & before the Sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt. Whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained & Sold And do by these presents grant bargain & sell unto the said Elisha Hill his heirs and offspring all that tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the County of originally Henry but now Fayette distinguished in the plan of said County as No. fourteen in the 5th district (No. 14th in the 5th District). To have and to hold said tract or parcel of land unto him the said Elisha Hill his heirs and offspring together with all and singular the rights members and appurtenances thereof to the same in any manner belonging to his heirs own proper use benefit & hereof for ever in fee simple.
And the said Davis R. Andrews for himself executor and administrator the said bargained promises unto the said Elisha Hill his heirs and offspring will warrant & forever defend the right & title thereof against themselves and against the claim of all other persons whatever.
In witness where of the said David R. Andrews hath here unto set his hand & seal the day & year above written signed sealed & delivered in presence of
Elizabeth Dunce
Henry Jackson, J. P. D. R. Andrews seal.
Georgia, Jasper County--Eliza F. Andrews wife of the named Davis R. Andrews did this day appear before me and being ?? & separate and apart from her said husband examined by me did declare that she freely voluntarily & without any compulsion dread or fear of any person whatever renounced released & forever relinquishes unto the said Elisha Hill his heirs and offspring all her interest and estate and also her right and claim of Dowery in and to all singulars the premises mentioned in the within deed.
In witness when of the said Eliza Andrews has set her hand and seal to these presents this 23rd of December 1826.
Thos. S. Wilson, J.P. Eliza Andrews
Recorded 1st November 1827
Hiram Strawn, Clerk
Tax Digest
Elisha Hill was listed in the 1827 Tax Digest for Fayette County as owning 2 slaves and 202&1/2 acres of land. This was located in District 5, Lot 14. He was neighbors with other early members of Liberty Chapel.
In the 1830 Census, Elisha Hill and his brother-in-law were listed as follows:
Elisha Hill 2 slaves
1 male under 5 1 female under 5
1 male 10-15 1 female 5-10
1 male 15-20 2 females 10-15
1 male 50-60 1 female 15-20
Note that his wife had just died. He is about 50 at this time.
William Stubbs 3 slaves
1 male under 5 2 females under 5
1 male 5-10 2 females 5-10
1 male 10-15 1 female 10-15
1 male 15-20 1 female 15-20
1 male 50-60 1 female 40-50
1 female 80-90
More Deeds
In Fayette County Deed Book C, Page 152, a deed dated Oct. 10, 1832, there is a deed for Liberty Chapel Methodist Church (near Elisha Hill's land) in the 4th District, Lot 242. Elisha Hill is listed as one of the trustees of the congregation buying an acre of land from Daniel R. Thomas at the minimal cost of $1.
By the 1833 Tax Digest he had acquired more property as follows:
4 slaves
101-1/4 acres Dist. 3, Lot 94, Henry County
202-1/2 acres Dist. 5, Lot 14, Fayette County
101-1/4 acres Dist. 4, Lot 243, Fayette County
101-1/4 acres Dist. 4, Lot 244, Fayette County
101-1/4 acres Dist. 4, Lot 239, Fayette County
106 acres Dist. 17, Lot 280, 1st section new land in Cherokee
There are several other acquisitions of land documented in the Fayette County records as follows:
1--Elisha Hill bought land from Elias Story on Jan. 5, 1832 listed in Book C., Page 52. The land was in the 4th District of Henry now Fayette County, in Lot No. 239. Witnesses were John N. Hightower and Peterson Hubbard. Eli Edmondson, J.P. Joseph Lamberth, Clerk recording May 28th, 1834.
2--Elisha Hill bought land from Jeptha Roberton on Dec. 19, 1832 listed in Book C, Page 153. Hill paid $810 for the "West half of Lot number two hundred & forty three & the north side of two hundred & forty four to an agreed upon line according & stack pine stump to be run East & West thru said Lot in fourth District of Fayette County formerly Henry County. Containing one hundred & ninety two & half acres more or less..." Witnesses were Nancy & Giles Newton. The clerk was Lambreth who recorded the deed on May 31, 1834.
3--Elisha Hill bought land from Daniel R. Thomas on Jan. 8, 1838 listed in Book D, Page 133. Hill paid $450 for "a certain half tract or parcel of land situated and lying in this State and County of Fayette it being all the East half of Lot No two hundred and forty three in the fourth district of formerly Henry now Fayette County containing one hundred one and a quarter acres more or less Bounded by the fifth district on the north and two hundred and forty two on the East together with all and singular the rights members..." Witnesses were John Thomas and John W. Hill. Hiram Dorman, J.P. R. S. Heflin, Clerk.
4--On Feb. 6th, 1849 the Liberty Chapel congregation accepted an acre of land just West of the Flint River for a new church. The deed is listed in Deed Book F, Page 299. Elisha Hill is again listed as a trustee for the church.
Elisha Hill gained property and importance in the community. He was several times listed in court documents and newspaper articles. He was listed as a "commissioner" in legal notices in Fayette County land records. He is listed among the Free Masons in 1847 at Mt. Moriah Lodge (History of Fayette County, 1977) He apparently married again, and the wife's name was Elizabeth (as per census record). It had been reported that his second wife was Elizabeth Russian Harp, the widow of Cullen Harp. She had already had her children in her first marriage as well. Elisha's will in Book A in Fayette County, GA was executed Aug. 12, 1856 and probated January 5, 1857. He named his wife Elizabeth. He listed his sons and sons-in-law all together as sons--John Hill, William H. Hill, Moze Harp, John Masskey and Andrew Henderson (names spelled so in document). He listed daughters as Ann (deceased), Mary Story, Martha Lunsford, and the children of his daughters as heirs. He directed William A. Hill, Thomas W. Hill and William L. Chambers as trustees for his daughters and their children. He noted that one acre of his land was a permanent cemetery, and that is where he was buried. His executors were his sons John and William, as well as William Chambers his friend and another of the earliest land owners in the area.
These individual's are listed in 1850 as farmers:
Mozee Harp (son-in-law)--6 slaves
Elisha Hill--10 slaves
Wm. N. Hill (son)--11 slaves
Elisha Hill was listed as living in the household of Sarah A. E. Hightower. The census showed that Elisha Hill was 70 and born in Alabama. His second wife Elizabeth was 70 and born in Virginia. There is speculation that this Elizabeth was the widow of William Cullen Harp.
Died 1856
Elisha Hill's obituary was listed in the Southern Christian Advocate in the January 29, 1857 issue. It has been abstracted as "Elisha Hill was born in Maryland, Jan. 12th, 1777, and died in Fayette Co., GA., Dec. 20th, 1856, in his 79th year...member of the M. E. Church about 40 years...." (Holcomb, 1984, p. 447).
Elisha Hill is buried in the cemetery on his (former) land near the Flint River in what is now Clayton County. The cemetery is in a wooded area about 1/2 mile off Panhandle Road on a farm tractor path north of Inman Road. Elisha Hill and his first wife Martha were said to be buried in the center large cradle-like graves made of large local stones. Some other graves have more elaborate markers and certainly some have better documentation regarding who is buried beneath--but these Hill graves are definitely the most central and the most prominent in the cemetery. Those buried with the couple seem to be descendants for about 3 generations, as well as many small graves marked only by an upright stone of the same material as Elisha Hill's grave that may be slave graves as well as others. There are many of these smaller graves. Some of Elisha Hill's children were buried nearby at Inman cemetery. It is unclear if Elizabeth--the second wife--is buried here. She was most likely buried with her first husband--the father of her children. There are several graves of early community settlers in this cemetery. It is not clear of they were all of family connection or if this served as a community/church burial ground at one time (All known cemeteries, 1986).
Resources:
Census records of Fayette County, GA
Deed books of Fayette County, GA
Hill: Tracks Through Clayton County, GA 1858-1900 from vertical file in Clayton County Public Library in Jonesboro, GA. Located 1996.
Various records from Fayette County Historical Society
Andrea, L. & Hill, J. E. (1964). Abstracts of Divisions of Estates of Stubbs and Allied Families of Marlboro County, South Carolina.
All known cemeteries of Clayton County Georgia . (1986). R. J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation. p. 76 Hill Family Cemetery.
Davis, V. L. H. (1989). Tidewater Virginia families. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.
Davis, V. L. H. (1998). Tidewater Virginia families: Generations beyond. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.
First tax digests Fayette County, Georgia--1823-1834. (1988). Jonesboro, GA: Ancestors Unlimited.
Gregg, A. (1867). History of the Old Cheraws: Containing an account of the Aborigines of the Pedee, the first White settlements...Extending from about A.D. 1730 to 1810 with notices of families and sketches of individuals. Richardson & Co.
Hill, J. E. Application for membership in the Jamestowne Society. No. 708. unpublished.
History of Fayette County 1821-1971. Fayette County Historical Society. 1977.
Holcomb, B. H. (1984). Marriage and death notices from the Southern Christian Advocate: Volume I: 1837-1860.
Linder, S. C. (1980). Medicine in Marlboro County 1736-1980. Gateway Press.
McMichael, L. (1988). History of Butts County Georgia 1825-1976: Rev. Ed. Southern Historical Press.
Stubbs, W. C. (reprint 1966). The Descendants of John Stubbs of Cappahoxic Gloucester County, Virginia 1652.
Thomas, J. A. W. (1897). A History of Marlboro County, with Traditions and Sketches of Numerous Families. Foote & Davis.
White, V. D. Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files Vol. III: N-Z. 1992.
John Story (1811-1868) &
Mary Hill
submitted by Mary Harper, Titusville, FL
John Story b. 6 May 1811 in Jackson, Cape Giradeau Co., MO, d. 7 Dec 1868 in Smith Co., TX. He married Mary Hill on 4 Sep 1833 in Fayette Co., GA. He is buried in the Center Methodist Church Cemetery in Tyler, Smith Co., TX where he lived and raised his family.
a. Caleb Story b. 1836.
b. James W. Story b. 17 Dec 1840, d. 14 Nov 1896 in Tyler, Smith Co., TX; m. Susan Winifred Curry.
(1) Ed Story b. 14 Feb 1868
(2) Lula Story b. 31 Mar 1869.
(3) Walter Story b. May 1871.
(4) Eli D. Story b. 17 Dec 1872.
(5) Allie Sue Story b. 19 Jun 187?
(6) Minnie Eva Story b. 8 Aug 1877
(7) Era May Story b. 5 Apr 1880.
(8) Clyde Bunch Story b. 29 May 1881, d.28 Feb 1935; m. Addie Mae Mink 25 Nov 1909.
(a) Vera Mae Story b. 23 May 1911.
(b) Archie Story b. 11 Nov 1913, m. 25 Dec 1943 to Virginia Loraine Dodson.
(c) Hazel Gertrude Story b. 13 Oct 1915
(d) Edith Sue Story b. 2 Feb 1919; m. Harmon Sheppard Phillips
(f) Anna Belle Story b. 2 Mar 1924 m. Breckenridge
c. William D. Story b. 1841.
d. Martha Ann Story b.1842, m. S. D. Marlow
e. Nancy Story b. 15 Jan 1845, m. C. N. (or N.G.) Thompson
f. Sarah Story b. 1849, d. 1936 m. 1869 Henry Reed.
g. Thomas B. Story b. 1852; m. Nan Thompson (No issue).
h. Typhena D. (Fena) Story b. 10 Jan 1853; m. Daniel Lambdin; m. (2) Amry Conner
i. Mary Lou Story b. 1861-1936; m. 1885 Clinton E. Conner
John Hill (1812-1884) &
Elvirah S. McGriff (1831-1898)
Document located in GA Dept. of Archives and History, Microfilm Drawer 199, Box 25. Copied by S. J. Overstreet
John W. Hill's parents were Elisha Hill and Martha Stubbs of Fayette Co., GA.
Elvirah's parents were Sarah Beasley and Thomas McGriff (his father was James McGriff) Sarah & Thomas McGriff were married in DeKalb Co., GA in 1830. This was written by Mrs. Lois Hill Fowler of Acworth, GA, who owned the Bible at the time it was microfilmed.
Holy Bible
St. Louis, MO
pub. J. H. Chambers, & Co.
no publication date given
Marriage record: J. W. Hill to E. S. McGriff at home of Tomas McGriff on 13 November, 1849.
In presence of Joe Willon & Dick Corns
Signed Hiram Whitworth
Marriages
J. W. Hill & Elvirah S. McGriff Nov. 15, 1849
Jack Lunsford & Mary Hill Oct. 1874
George Hill & Anny (?Aurry) Gurmon Feb. 19, 1879
Ey Hill & Tinnie Chitwood Mar. 5, 1885
J. M. Hill & George Russon Feb. 24, 1887
Griffin Hill & Alice Baldwin May 20, 1890(?1)
Benjamin Hill & Octa Westbrook Sept. 12, 1899
G. W. Adier & M. E. Hill Dec. 16, 1876
George Hill & Emma Campbell
B. H. Hill & Gannie Lester Sept. 1913
Lois Hill & A. R. Fowler Feb. 21, 1920
Irene Hill & Edward E. Skelton June 26, 1917
Sara Elizabeth Hill & W. H. McClesky May 10, 1919
Elmer D. Hill & Myrtle L. Allgood May 24, 1925
Charles G. Hill & Lula Mildred Dameson Aug. 13, 1932
Jiann Skelton & Sam A. Davis, Jr. Oct. 15, 1938
Margaret Fowler & Lewis Willis June 23, 1945(?6)
Kay Fowler & Dorothy Richards 1946
Wilma Fowler & H. S. Pendley Dec. 8, 1945
Births
J. W. Hill was born Jan 15, 1812
Elvirah S. Hill Sept. 23, 1831
Elisha G. Hill Nov. 16, 1850
Sarah E. Hill Mar 22, 1853
Mariam O. Hill Mar 2, 1855
John T. Hill July 25, 1857
William G. W. Hill June 28, 1860
Edward Y. Hill April 24, 1863
James M. Hill Sept. 10, 1866
Elisha G. Hill Sept. 14, 1869
Benjaman H. Hill Dec. 2, 1874
William N. Hill Children
Mary E. Hill born Jan. 19, 1850
John C. Hill Feb. 5, 1851
Alice Hill May 15, 1874
Irene Hill Aug. 12, 1892
Agness Hill Aug. 29, 1894
Deaths
Elisha G. Hill died July 17, 1853
Sarrah E. Hill Mar. 27, 1858
John T. Hill June 29, 1864
William N. Hill Dec. 5, 1857
John W. Hill Nov. 27, 1884
Sarrah McGriff Sept. 31, 1890
Mary Agness Hill Oct. 12, 1894
Izma Elvirah Hill Apr. 12, 1897
Elvira S. Hill Feb. 2, 1898
Infant of E. G. & Alice Hill Jan 11, 1907
J. M. Hill Mar 3, 1913
Homer Hill Dec. 25, 1913
Minnie Lunsford Oct. 1913
Mary Sue Hill June 13, 1915
G. W. Hill Dec. 6, 1915
Edward N. Hill July 26, 1915
Griffin E. Hill Apr. 7, 1928
Mary P. Lunsford Mar. 4, 1925
Sara Elizabeth Hill McClesky June 8, 1930
Alice Baldwin Hill Apr. 17, 1956
(Further information from Bible on microfilm)
To view notes on the genealogy of Martha Stubbs Hill, go to Stubbs genealogy
Stubbs genealogy --notes of genealogical information on Martha Stubbs Hill's family
Mary Hill m. John Story--separate biographical information family.story.html
Sara(h) Hill 1820--1909 m. (Rev.) Mozee Harp--separate biographical information family.harp.html
Martha Rachel Hill 1822--1890 m. (Rev.) Thomas F. Luncford--separate biographical information family.luncford.html
Elizabeth Hill 1824--1887 m. Andrew J. Henderson--separate biographical information ../AckertGA/family.henderson.html
Elisha Hill & Martha Patsy Stubbs Hill buried on his land at
N33 23.472
W084 22.85
Thanks to Rob Minter, direct descendent, and his Global Positioning System
