William Thames (1788-c1863) Collection of Letters
A single sheet of paper appears to have been typed in a computer and printed (font looks like Times New Roman). The title on the page is "Names Mentioned in Wm. Thames Collection of Letters, Notes taken by Karen, 1979" and no further information is provided as to the provenance of these letters. Apparently the list is a transcription of the notes made in 1979.
The identity of Karen is unknown, and who has possession of these letters today is also unknown. However, there is no reason to doubt them.
The list is as follows, verbatim, and commentary follows the list.
- letters from Monroeville, Al
- from James Newberry, 1854, Monroe Co, Al
your sister Lucy
cousin Casy
your brother Cornelius
cousin Joseph
sister Nancy Wiggins
sister Marth Dyass
- to father from John Thames, Caldwell Par, La
Joseph & Casy/Cary were married
- from Joseph Thames, Pine Bluff, Copiah Co, Ms, 1860
Levina sends respect to her brother James
- from William Brinson, Rankin Co, Ms, 1839
Uncle Joseph, Aunt Casy
- from Isaac C. Brinson, Rankin Co, Ms, 1862 [r. arm was hurt in battle]
- from John Thames, Goodwater, Ms
- from Christian riser, Winn Parish, 1862, re collection of debt
- lien from William to John and Caroline, 1853
Commentary
- letters from Monroeville, Al - Monroe County, Alabama is where several of William's siblings lived, with the exception of sister Martha Dyess, who lived near William.
- from James Newberry, 1854, Monroe Co, Al*
"your sister Lucy" - Lucy Thames was married to James Newberry
"cousin Casy" - not yet identified
your brother Cornelius - self explanatory
cousin Joseph - not yet identified
sister Nancy Wiggins - Nancy/Ann Thames married Stephen Wiggins
sister Marth Dyass - Martha Thames married 1) Jonathan Cooper, then 2) Christopher Dyess; she lived near William in Mississippi
- to father from John Thames, Caldwell Par, La - this would be William's son. in 1850, he was age 31 (born MS c. 1819), living in Caldwell Parish, LA, with wife Caroline age 28, born MS, and daughters Nancy age 4 and Ada age 1, both born in Louisiana.[1] He was living next door to his brother William. This letter mentions Joseph and Casy/Cary.
Commentary - to be continued