FINDING THE TRUTH IN THE STORY OF Sylvester Magee

Contents 1 BACKGROUND 2 Actual Interviews 2.1 IN HIS OWN WORDS 2.2 Ex Wife Marie interview with Jet Magazine 2.3 National Enquirer interview of Sylvester 2.4 Obituary 3 Records That Can Be Identified As Belonging To This Sylvester Magee 3.1 Mississippi Educable Children Lists 3.2 1940 Census 3.3 1950 Census 4 TESTING THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS GLEANED FROM THE RECORDINGS AND NEWSPAPER ARTICLES 4.1 Idenifying His Nephew, Ike Durr 4.2 Fannie Polk, mother of Ike Durr 4.3 Virginia "Jennie" Magee, mother of Sylvester Magee, Fannie Polk/Pope, and Simon Polk/Pope 4.3.1 First Marriage to Enoch Pope 4.3.2 1870 Census 4.3.3 1880 Census 4.3.4 1891 Court Action 4.3.5 1892 Divorce 4.3.6 1900 Census 4.3.7 Covington County Educable Children Lists 4.3.7.1 1900 4.3.7.2 1902 4.3.7.3 1906 4.3.8 Divorce and Remarriage 4.3.9 Jack Magee Educable Children's List 4.3.9.1 1902 4.3.9.2 1906 4.3.10 1910 Census 4.3.11 1920 Census 4.3.12 1930 Census 4.3.13 Death 4.3.14 List of known children 4.3.15 Information about the other children of Jennie Magee and her husbands 4.3.15.1 LEVESTER MAGEE 4.3.15.2 JOHN SIMON POPE/POLK/EATON 4.3.15.3 EMMA POLK 4.3.15.4 CHARLIE REESE (EATON) MAGEE 4.3.15.5 ROSCOE EATON 4.3.15.6 TILDA “ANNIE” EATON 4.3.15.7 GEORGE EATON 4.3.15.8 JAMES ETHEL EATON 4.3.15.9 ETHEL MAGEE – SON OF FRANK NOT JENNIE'S CHILD 4.4 EDMUN AND TILDA MAGEE, PARENTS OF JENNIE 4.4.1 Enslaved By Robert Magee 4.4.2 1870 Census 4.4.3 1871 Tax List 4.4.4 1880 Census 4.4.5 Possible death of Edmun 4.4.6 Tilda marries Orange Griffith 4.4.7 1900 Census 4.4.8 1910 Census 4.4.9 Death of Tilda 4.4.10 Children of Edmun and Tilda 4.4.10.1 Simon Magee 4.4.10.2 Edmund Magee 4.4.10.3 Phillis Magee 4.4.10.4 Candice Magee 4.4.10.5 Lydia Magee 4.5 Final thoughts on Jennie and her family 4.6 Sylvesters Supposed Father Ephraim Magee 4.6.1 Ephraim Magee #1 “yellow” 4.6.1.1 1870 Census 4.6.1.2 1871 Tax List 4.6.1.3 1875 tax list 4.6.1.4 Moved to Simpson County 4.6.2 Ephraim Magee #2 4.6.2.1 1870 Census 4.6.2.2 1871 Tax List 4.6.2.3 1875 Tax List 4.6.2.4 1879 Tax List 4.6.2.5 1880 Census 4.6.2.6 1900 Census 4.6.2.7 Second Marriage to Margaret 4.6.2.8 Divorce from Margaret 4.6.2.9 1922 Death 4.6.3 Final thoughts on Ephraim 5 Identifying Sylvester and his children earlier records 5.1 Cyrus "Sy" Henry Berry of Simpson County, MS 5.1.1 1929 Educable Children's List Simpson, MS 5.1.2 1930 Census Simpson County 5.1.3 1931 EC List Simpson County 5.1.4 1935 EC List Humphreys County 5.1.5 1940 Census Humphreys County 5.1.6 Mayo Walker Draft Registration 5.1.7 1950 Census 5.1.8 Tamar's Death in Chicago 5.1.9 Sy Berry's daughter, Sally 5.1.10 Mayo Frank Walker aka Berry 5.1.11 Oreda Walker 5.1.11.1 Vera Mae Magee 5.1.12 Marriages and Military 5.1.12.1 Jefferson Davis County 5.1.12.1.1 Fannie Applewhite 5.1.12.1.2 Alice Keys 5.1.12.1.3 Sylvesta Magee with wife Francis 5.1.12.2 Covington County 5.1.12.2.1 Winnie Johnson 5.1.12.2.2 Nollie Magee 5.1.12.3 Simpson County 5.1.12.3.1 Fannie Harper 5.1.12.3.2 Maggie Williams 5.1.12.3.3 Alberta Jones 5.1.12.4 Marion County 5.1.12.4.1 Becky Beaton 5.1.13 Other Sylvester Magee not yet covered 5.1.13.1 Sylvester Norwood once written as Magee 5.1.13.2 Sylvester Magee brother of Hollis Magee 5.1.13.3 LEVESTUS/LEVESTER/SYLVESTER MAGEE OF STEENS CREEK, RANKIN COUNTY, MS 6 Sources

BACKGROUND

Sylvester “Mack” Magee was said to have been born May 29, 1841, in “Carpet” North Carolina. He died October 15, 1971, reportedly at the age of 130 years old. As early as 1964 he was said to have been the oldest living former slave and oldest surviving soldier from the Civil War. When his story was published, almost overnight, Sylvester became somewhat of a celebrity. His story was published all over the country. He was interviewed by Michael Douglas and others.

The two men who represented him to the media in the 1960s had an agenda to promote his story. Arlington Jones, the attorney who was Sylvester's “self-appointed” guardian, raised a lot of money that he said would be used to better Sylvester's circumstances. He traveled with Sylvester, taking him to New York City and several other places. According to Sylvester, “Mr. Jones got the money” “I didn't get nothing”^[1]. One article stated that at Sylvester's 124th birthday party in Lone Star, MS in 1965 over $1000 was raised. Jet Magazine stated that they tried to interview Sylvester in NYC in March of 1967 but Mr. Jones demanded $1500 for the interview^[2]. Even Alfred P Andrews took a swipe at Arlington Jones, after Sylvester's birthday party in Lone Star, writing “a very Florid introduction by Mr Jones, which was 50% speculation & 50% unnecessary”^[3].

Alfred P. Andrews was a member of the Civil War Roundtable. His own personal notes state that he was an “unpardoned, unrepentant, and unreconstructed southern rebel”^[4]. Mr. Andrews was selling copies of the taped interview of Sylvester. His notes state that “In nine months there has been less than $1000 raised in Sylvester's behalf. These tapes are being sold for $25. each – proceeds to be used for the benefit of Silvester Magee”. It seems that he did actually believe Sylvester and appears to have been trying to find proof, as indicated by his personal notes. However, the money raised may not have gone to Sylvester, as it doesn't appear his circumstances improved. Many of the assertions made in the notes Mr. Andrews wrote are nonsensical^[5]. He stated things that are simply not true, in order to back up Sylvester's claims.

The various statements made by Sylvester and the 2 men around him from 1964 to 1971 are confusing and contradictory. When his story was first told, he had been born into slavery in Carpet, North Carolina. In North Carolina, his parents Jennie and Ephraim were owned by JJ Shanks. His parents were both sold at a slave market in Enterprise, MS. They were both purchased by Robert “Robin” Magee of Covington County, MS. Sylvester, then just 6 months old, was left in North Carolina in the care of an aunt^[6]. His mother never forgot about him and begged Robert Magee to purchase Sylvester. About the year 1858 or 59 Robert finally caused Sylvester to be brought to Mississippi but instead of purchasing Sylvester himself, his son, Hugh Magee, who lived on Dry Creek, near Friendship, in Covington County, purchased Sylvester^[7]. Sylvester was about 17 at the time and may have also been brought to the slave market at Enterprise.

Hugh Magee beat Sylvester often and severely. Sylvester ran away from Hugh Magee. He went to Rankin County, MS. One Victor Steen of Rankin County arranged to purchase him from Hugh Magee^[8]. In 1863 the Union Army came through and several of the slave men “ran away” and followed the Union Army. Sylvester was one of them. He was at the Battle of Vicksburg and other nearby battles^[9]. He was put on burial detail and may have been given a gun. After the war, he went to Chicago. He later returned to the area where his family lived.

At some point in time, the story changed. Sylvester was now said to have been first forced to go to war for the Confederate Army with his master, Hugh Magee. Hugh Magee was killed in the war. Sylvester was then purchased by Victor Steen of Rankin County, MS. He joined the Northern Troops when they came through the area. After the war, he returned to Victor Steen and at some point went to Chicago, North Carolina, and New Orleans.

Setting aside the Civil War stories, there are two important points to make about the time frame. Hugh Rufus Magee did not die in the Civil War. He died in 1900^[10]. Sylvester says Hugh's sons, Luther and Johnnie started beating him. They were born in 1869 and 1872 -after the Civil War^[11][12]. Victor Steen of Rankin County, MS was Silas Victor Steen. He was not born until 1871^{[13][14][15][16]}. The Steens were large landowners in Rankin County. Steen's Creek is named for them. There does not appear to have been any other Victor Steen in that family or in Rankin County. There was a Silas Steen but he died in 1859. Therefore, there is no way Sylvester was owned by Victor Steen.

Few facts about his family were published. The published material focused on the Civil War. What was published were the names of his parents, occasional mentions of a nephew, and a great-nephew (neither named), his 4th marriage and divorce, to Marie, along with the name of a child from that marriage who was said to have been born when Sylvester was 101 years old, plus the name of a daughter, Vera Mae. Sylvester lived with Vera Mae and her husband, Nathan Conerly, in Columbia, MS, from about September 1966, until his death in 1971, though he apparently spent quite a bit of time staying with other relatives across the state^[17]. In an interview in Philadelphia, in the presence of Vera Mae, Sylvester apparently said he was one of 14 children, that he'd been married 4 times, outlived 3 of his wives, and had sired 7 children, one being the daughter he had with Marie who lived in NY^[18]. The interview with Mike Mulhern shows that they had been looking for him in various places, including a visit to his nephew, Ike Durr. His birth date was said to have been recorded in his mother's bible which may or may not have burned in Sylvester's house a few years prior to his story being published^[19].

Pertaining to genealogy, when trying to separate fact from fiction in such a publicized case - seemingly rich with information, one has to start and finish with facts about the family that can be backed up with evidence.

Actual Interviews

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Sylvester was interviewed by Michael Mulhern on July 31, 1969.^[20]. There is an audio of the interview. Sylvester was living with his daughter Vera and family in Columbia, MS. Michael and associates interviewed Sylvester at Vera's house. They told him about their search for him throughout MS for 2 years^[21]. They stated they had been to the house of his nephew, Ike Durr, in Inverness, MS^[22], and had been to Gulf Port, Hattiesburg, and Magnolia County, though they didn't say whose houses they went to in Gulf Port or Magnolia County.

These are a few of the statements made by Sylvester during the interview:

• “My mother and all them come up on Dry Creek” (Covington and Jefferson Davis) (51:20)
• His mothers “people” had been enslaved by Hugh Magee
• He was born in North Carolina
• His mother was from North Carolina but had been brought to Mississippi
• His mother was born “back up on Dry Creek, back in the woods somewhere” (Covington County, MS) (51:10)
• Hugh Magee was his master (32:20)
• His master, Hugh Magee, beat him (31:52) “he stomped me many a days” (32:12)
• He [Sylvester] lived on Dry Creek (32:25)
• when talking about the war he said he stayed at Vicksburg for a long time (32:40)
• He ran away from Hugh Magee and went to Victor Steen of Rankin County, MS
• Robert Magee, Hugh's father was “the finest man that ever lived” but Hugh Magee was mean and cruel
• After the Civil War he moved to Chicago but it was too cold (33:34)
• Ike Durr of Inverness, MS was his nephew (30:20)
• Ike Durr married [Sylvester's] sister (30:40)
• He was 129 born in 1841 (31:15)
• His mother lived over 100 years (31:31)
• His father was 108 when he died (31:71)
• “Mr Jones got the money” “I didn't get nothing” (55:29)
• “I always have been weasley looking” When asked “weak looking,” he said “weasley, you know, poor, when the lady said [you mean] “skinny”, he replied “Yeah, poor” (0:59)
• That he never went to school a day in his life (1:32)
• “Master Hugh” would starve him if he didn't do “things just right” he missed “many of meals” (18:30)
• Hugh Magee was “cruel & mean” that [Hugh's] wife “would get after him about it, always beating on me” (46:00)
• “Then Luther and Johnnie took it up, they started beating” [after Hugh's death?] and said “Get out there and work and you wouldn't be sore”(46:15).
• His dog, Titus (Teague in Andrews notes), when Master Hugh would "get on me and whip me" the dog would bite Hugh Magee, and Hugh told him “Hey, don't train your dog to bite me” (43:55)
• Pertaining to his mother's bible they asked if the bible burned in his cabin, he stated “Last time I seen it, it was at my mother's house” (45:19)
• Mr Johnnie Magee, Master Hugh's son came down and “stayed a week with me” (45:50) which can not be correct. Willie M Campbell a descendant of Laurin Rankin Magee, brother of Hugh, did spend a lot of time with Sylvester.
• He was born 29th of May, 1841 (46:50)
• That he only had one wife, or “one good” wife. Her daddy would tell him "you got my best youngin", "how'd you get Francis”? (49:50)
• That his daughter Vera Mae (whom he lived with) was the "baby" (50:27)
• He stayed in Chicago after the war for 5 years (33:20)

Ex Wife Marie interview with Jet Magazine

In 1967 his ex-wife, Maria gave an interview to Jet Magazine^[23]. She stated that:

• Sylvester had a sister Annie, living in Prentiss, MS (this would be Prentiss, Jefferson Davis County, not Prentiss County)
• a brother George, living in Hattiesburg, MS,
• a brother Charlie, who lived in Shreveport, LA.
• that she met him when he came to Liberty her "hometown". She cooked for him when he got sick

National Enquirer interview of Sylvester

The National Enquirer published an article about Sylvester in 1967^[24]. The article states that they interviewed Sylvester^[25]. They were told he was married three times.

• His first wife was Fannie, she was 18. They had three children, all of whom died in infancy and she died 3 years after they were married.
• His second wife was Nollie. They were married in 1915. She also had 3 children who died and she died in 1918.
• His third wife was Sally. She was 18 when they married one year after Nollie died. She and a child died during childbirth two years later.

They said Sylvester was 71 years old the first time he married and that all of his wives were 18 when he married them^[26].

Obituary

When Sylvester died in 1971, his obituary stated he had three living children, Vera Conerly, Katherine Magee, and a son, Mayo Magee, of Los Angeles, CA^[27]. Katherine was the daughter he had with Marie and lived in NY. Her name was apparently Katherine Marie Magee. I have not located one single record for a Mayo Magee that would seem to be Sylvester's son.

Records That Can Be Identified As Belonging To This Sylvester Magee

Sylvester Magee can be positively identified in very few records. An article written in 1965 stated that he had been known in Sumrall (Lamar County) since 1917 and up until 1937^[28].

Mississippi Educable Children Lists

Mississippi required that all children of school age be recorded each year. They were recorded by household. Being on the list did not mean they were attending school.

Sylvester Magee is not on the 1929 or 1931 Educable Children's List in Lamar County. He appeared for the first time in 1933.

1933 Educable Children Sumrall, Lamar County. Household of Sylvester Magee^[29]

• Arella age 10
• Veria age 8

1937 Sumrall, Lamar County – Sylvester McGhee^[30]

• Vera Mae, age 10
• Oreda, age 12 (female)

1939 Surrall, Lamar County – Sylvester McGee^[31]

• Vera Mae, 12
• Orada, 14

This list indicates that Orada was no longer attending school.

1940 Census

Sylvester was in the Lamar County, MS census in 1940^[32]. Oreda and Vera were no longer living with him.

• Sylvester Magee, negro, age 97, widowed, never attended school, born in North Carolina, lived in the same house in 1935, does not work.

1950 Census

In 1950, newly married and living with his wife and stepchildren, Sylvester was living on Aracel Street, Hattiesburg, Forrest County, MS^[33][34].

• Sylvasta McGee, age 108, born in NC, listed as not a veteran of any war.
• Marria, 42, wife
• TB McGee, 15, son
• Eddie T McGee, 10, son
• Dorothy D McGee, 9, daughter
• Charles R McGee, 5, son
• Roberta McGee, 3, daughter

Beyond the records above, there are no records that can positively be identified as this Sylvester Magee.

TESTING THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS GLEANED FROM THE RECORDINGS AND NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

There were several men named Sylvester Magee in Covington and Jefferson Davis County records. They were all much younger than Sylvester claimed to be. However, records already show that Sylvester could not have known Victor Steen during the Civil War; it had to have been much later when Sylvester worked for Victor Steen. Which Sylvester Magee in Covington and Jefferson Davis was “this” Sylvester Magee?

From actual statements made by Sylvester, his nephew was Ike Durr. Ike Durr's mother was Sylvester's sister who married Ike Durr (Sr). Sylvester states his mother was Jennie Magee. He states that Hugh Magee owned them. Sylvester's ex-wife stated that he had a brother, George, in Hattiesburg, a sister Annie in Prentiss, and a brother Charlie in Shreveport.

Idenifying His Nephew, Ike Durr

Ike Durr, of Inverness, Humphreys County, MS, the reported nephew of Sylvester, whom Sylvester had spent some time with, died at age 64, on August 14, 1971^[35]. His death certificate named his father, Ike Durr, and his mother, Fannie Polk. His wife was listed as Rena Mae McGee. He was living in Holmes County, MS at the time but was in the hospital at Belzoni. It appears he was buried in Mt Harmony Cemetery in Jefferson Davis County.

Ike's World War II draft card in Humphreys County, MS lists Lonnie Dampy, brother, as the “person who will always know your address”^[36]. This was Lonnie Dampier. Lonnie was Alonzo Pope listed in Fannie Pope's household in 1900 and Lonnie Durr, in Ike Durr Sr's household in 1910. Lonnie Dampier married Mollie Holloway in Jefferson Davis County^[37].

In the 1969 recorded interview, Sylvester stated that he hadn't seen Ike Durr in 12-15 years and that Ike had married [Sylvester's] sister. That confused the people interviewing him, as they thought he was referencing Ike Durr, of Inverness, MS, whom they knew as Sylvester's nephew. He meant Ike Durr Sr., the father of Ike Durr, of Inverness.

Fannie Polk, mother of Ike Durr

In 1900 Fannie Pope was listed as the head of household in Mt Carmel, Covington County^[38].

• Fannie Pope, born Jan 1875 in MS 3 children, and all three were living
• Stanley, son, born Oct 1892
• Alonzo, son born July 1896
• Enoch, son, born April 1898

About 1902 Fannie married Ike Durr^[39]. In 1910 they were living in Jefferson Davis County, MS^[40]. It appears that the surname was written incorrectly and it is unclear what the census taker wrote but Dur can be made out.

• Ike Dur__ 34?, married 8 years
• Fannie, 33, 9 children, 6 living
• Lonnie, 15
• Enoch, 12
• Alie, 7
• Ike, 3
• Fannie, 1
• Mila?, 1

It is unclear whether Fannie died or they divorced. There is a death certificate for a Fannie M Durr in Jefferson Davis County in 1913^[41]. In 1914 Ike Durr married Virgie Easterling in Jefferson Davis County^[42]. Isaac Durr and his wife Virgie were in Covington County, MS in 1920^[43]. All of the children in his household, except his son Ike, were Virgie's children, some being from her prior marriages or relationships

• Isaac Durr, 43
• Virgial Durr, 24
• Winnie, 8
• Thomas, 7
• Ezelia, 4
• Woodro, 2 years, 2 months
• Ephram, 7 months
• Ike Durr, son, 13

It is odd that Ike, age 13, is listed out of order. It seems that he was enumerated twice as Ike Durr, age 13, “nephew” was in the household of Simon and Rose Polk^[44].

Virginia "Jennie" Magee, mother of Sylvester Magee, Fannie Polk/Pope, and Simon Polk/Pope

Jennie was the mother of Sylvester Magee. She was the daughter of Edmun and Tilda Magee. She was born about 1857 in Covington County, MS. In the narrative written by Alfred P Andrews, she is once identified as Jeanette Edmunds Magee^[45] She was also identified with the name Edmunds in the 1964 Hattiesburg Amerian article, that appears to have been the first article about Sylvester^[46].

First Marriage to Enoch Pope

Jenny was married to Enoch Polk in February of 1870, according to statements made when they divorced. She would have been just 13 or 14 years old at the time. They were in the 1870 and 1880 census beside Hugh R Magee^[47][48].

1870 Census

1870 Household of Enoch Polk:

• Enoch Pope (head) age 21 born in MS
• Jenny Pope (wife) age 14 born in MS
• Edmun Pope (child) age 1 month old born in MS

1880 Census

1880 Household of Enoch Pope:

• Enoch Pope, 36, farmer, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Jenny Pope, 23, housekeeping, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Ed Pope, 10, works on farm, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Rich Pope, 7, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Fanny Pope, 5, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Emma 3, MS, MS, MS
• Belle, age 1, MS, MS, MS

1891 Court Action

There is a court record in October 1891 showing Jennie Pope filed a complaint against Enoch Pope. Enoch then filed a counter-complaint against her. Both were dismissed^[49]. There is no description given of what the complaint or counter-complaint was about.

1892 Divorce

In a separate action on April 27, 1892, Enoch Pope was granted a divorce from Jennie^[50]. It was declared that the bonds of matrimony were “dissolved, annulled, vacated and held for naught so far as the same is binding upon the complainant but they are still binding upon the defendant and that she remains in law and equity – a married woman and is not at liberty to marry again & that defendant pay the cost”^[51]. Jennie was accused of adultery and abandonment. That seems to be the main reason she would have been barred from remarriage^[52]. Her sister, Candice Magee, George Williams, and Mack McNair were witnesses against Jennie^[53]. Steve Magee was also subpoenaed but there is no statement made by him in the case file. Among other things, their statements said:

• Jennie had left Enoch about 6 years ago (about 1886)
• Enoch said they were married in February 1870 and she left him about February of 1885
• Jennie had taken up with Henry Eaton prior to leaving Enoch
• Candice stated that Henry Eaton was the father of the last child Jennie had while still living with Enoch and that she had 3 children with Henry Eaton since leaving Enoch.
• Candice stated Jennie was her sister
• Candice stated she was there when Jennie left and that Jennie told her “she was going off to herself & told me I must come to see her when she got moved. She said she would give me a present if she had any one”.
• George Weathersby stated “I have heard her say that 3 of them were Henry Eatons, she told me so. Defendant has had three (3) children since she left complt. And they certainly are Henry Eatons if there is any sign in what she says & the four? Of the children”.
• They all stated that after she moved out, she had 3 more children with Henry Eaton
• Enoch had not mistreated Jennie
• That Jennie said she never wanted to be married to Enoch

There does not appear to be any other court record pertaining to Jennie and Enoch, however, the court must have granted her a release from her marriage, as she married Henry Eaton prior to 1900 and stated in that census that they had been married for 8 years. Enoch Pope was alive and in the 1900 census, so she had not been widowed and thus free to marry^[54].

1900 Census

Henry and Jennie Eaton were in Mt Carmel, Covington County, MS in 1900^[55]

• Henry Eaton born May 1854, age 46, married 8 years. MS, MS, MS
• Jenny, wife, born Dec 1856, 43, married 8 years, 14 children, 9 living. MS, MS, MS
• John S, son, Nov 1881, 18, MS, MS, MS
• Levastus, son, June 1883, 16, MS, MS, MS
• Rosco, son, May 1887, 13, MS, MS, MS
• Tilda, daug, July 1889, 10, MS, MS, MS
• Samuel, son, March, 1892, MS, MS, MS
• Sarah, daug, Jan 1894, MS, MS, MS
• Rece, son, June 1895, MS, MS, MS
• Ethel, son, July 1897, MS, MS, MS

Her son Levastus was the last child that was born while Jennie was living with Enoch Polk, however, there is a 4-year gap between Levastus and Roscoe. By 1900 Jennie had lost 5 children, it is possible that one or more of those children were born in that 3 year span.

Covington County Educable Children Lists

1900

household of H Eaton^[56]

• Simon age 18
• Vastus 15
• Roscoe 13
• Tildy 11
• Sam 9
• Sarah 6

1902

Household of Henry Eaton^[57]

• Simon 18
• Vaster 16
• Roscoe 14
• Tilda 13
• Sam 11
• Reese 8

1906

Household of Henry Eaton^[58]

• Vester 20
• Roscoe 18
• Tilda 17
• Sam 15 or 13?
• Reese 12
• Ethell 9

Divorce and Remarriage

In 1907 Jennie Eaton filed for a divorce from Henry Eaton. The case file appears to be missing but the final decree of divorce was entered in November of 1907^[59]. Mrs. Jennie Magee married Jack Magee in Covington County in 1909^[60]. Jack was the son of Frank Magee, who had been enslaved by Robert Magee. Jack was born about 1861. There is no Jack Magee in the 1900 census of this age^[61]. He is in every other census.

Jack Magee Educable Children's List

These lists show Jack was the father of Nollie Magee

1902

Jack Magee

• Bertha 16
• Jno 14
• Anthony 12
• Hez 10
• Silas 9
• Nolly 5

1906

Jack Magee

• Anthony 16
• Hez 14
• Silas 12
• Nollie 9
• Esther 5 (Ethel?)

The children listed in his household in these lists are also not together in any household in Covington County in the 1900 census (first name search, disregarding the surname).

1910 Census

In 1910 Jack and Jennie are on the census living beside Ed Magee who was white.

• Jack Magee, 49, married twice. MS, MS, MS
• Jennie Magee, 52, third marriage, 15 children, 10 alive. MS, VA, MS
• Ethel Magee, son, 9, MS, MS, MS
• Charlie Reese, stepson, 15, MS, MS, MS
• James Ethel, stepson, 13, MS, MS, MS
• Edna Barnes, step-granddaughter, 4, MS, MS, MS

1920 Census

In 1920 Jack and Jennie Magee were in Mt Olive. They had no children in the household. They rented their home. Jack was a farmer and Jennie is listed as working for a wage, but her occupation is not given.

• Jack Magee, 61, MS, MS, MS
• Jennie Magee, 61, MS, GA, MS

Jack Magee died March 10, 1930 in Covington County^[62]. His place of residence was Dry Creek, Collins, RT5. He was buried in Friendship Cemetery on March 11th. His death certificate lists his father as Frank Magee and his mother as unknown. His age was given as “about” 70. His wife was Jennie Magee. Ethel Magee was the informant.

1930 Census

Jenny Magee was living by herself in April 1930 when the census was taken. Her home was rented and she was listed as a farm laborer. Her stepson Ethel and his family were on the same census sheet.

• Jennie Magee 72, widow, born MS, father VA, mother, MS.

Jennie is not on the 1940 census listed as Jennie or Virginia Magee^[63].

Death

She died in Jefferson Davis County on March 13, 1943^[64]. Her death certificate mistakenly identified her as 73 years old, when in fact she was about 86 years old. It lists her as a widow of Jack Magee and states that her parents were Edmon and Tilda Magee. It also says she and her parents were born in Williamsburg, Covington County, MS. She was buried in Friendship Cemetery. Mollie Dampier, the wife of Jennie's grandsdon, Lonnie Dampier, was the informant.

According to Alfred P. Andrews Jennie was a respected midwife. He wrote that records show she delivered over 1000 babies, white and black^[65]. He states she died in 1939 and was buried about 3 miles east of Lone Star off of Highway 84. That is the exact location of Friendship Cemetery.

List of known children

Children known to belong to Jenny through census and educable children lists:

• Ed Pope born in May 1870
• Rich Pope born about 1873
• Fanny Pope born about 1875
• Emma Pope born about 1877
• Belle Pope born about 1879
• John Simon born Nov 1881
• Levastus born June 1883
• Rosco born May 1887
• Tilda born July 1889
• Samuel born March 1892
• Sarah born Jan 1894
• Charlie Reese born June 1895
• James Ethel born July 1897

Information about the other children of Jennie Magee and her husbands

LEVESTER MAGEE

Sylvester Magee would appear to be Levastus listed in the 1900 census and the Educable Children's Lists. The names Sylvester and Levester were interchangeable^[66].

JOHN SIMON POPE/POLK/EATON

Simon was listed as John S. Eaton in the 1900 census in Henry Eaton's household. A Simon Pope divorced Laura Pope in 1907^[67]. In 1908 he was Simon Eaton when he married Rosa Mangum in Covington County^[68]. Harvey Hall, who was first married to Candice Magee, then married to Lydia Magee, who were both Jennie's sisters, was the person who made an application for the marriage, swearing that Simon was 21 or over and Rosa was 18 or over. They were married by F. M. Mathis. Ike Durr, age 13, probably the son of Fannie Polk was listed in the household of Simon and Rose Polk in 1920 but also listed in his father's household. In 1930 Rose Polk, widow, lived with her son and daughter in Rankin County, MS^[69]. Rose was probably somehow related to Emanuel “Manual” Magee who had been in Rankin (1910 census) as they are beside each other in Hinds in 1940^[70]. That census shows that they had both lived in Rankin in 1935.

EMMA POLK

One Emma Polk married (or had a child with) John Magee. They had a son, Sylvester Magee, who died November 22, 1951 in Bassfield, Jefferson Davis County^[71]. The Social Security Death Index has his birthdate as December 25, 1894, and lists his parents as Emma Polk and John Magee. Emma Pope, age 45, married Johnson Destand in Covington County in 1921^[72]. In 1930 Johnson Destand, divorced, lived beside John F Magee^[73].

CHARLIE REESE (EATON) MAGEE

Marie stated that Sylvester had a brother named Charlie who lived in Shreveport, LA. She stated that in 1967 but she had moved to New York several years earlier, plus she had separated from Sylvester about 1953 - the point being that was prior knowledge, not current information. In 1950 there was a Charlie McGee, age 57, living in Shreveport^[74]. He was born in Mississippi. He lived in the household of his brother-in-law Johnnie H Mathews. Charlie was married to Willa Mae, who was also listed as Johnnie's sister-in-law. Charlie worked for the railroad. I do not know if that is actually him. I have not found any other Charlie/Charles Magee (Eaton or Pope) that would appear to be him.

ROSCOE EATON

There does not appear to be another record for Roscoe after the Educable Children's Lists for Henry Eaton's household except for one - on November 28, 1920, a 25-day old “Infant” Eaton died in Covington County^[75]. His death certificate lists his father as Roscoe Eaton and his mother as Nollie Magee. Their residence was Dry Creek Precinct. Ben Barnes was the informant. This should be Nollie Magee, daughter of Jack Magee (who married Jennie Magee Pope Eaton Magee). There is no other Nollie Magee shown in the census or marriage records. This Nollie married Sylvester Magee in Covington in 1919.

TILDA “ANNIE” EATON

Marie stated that Sylvester had a sister Annie living in Prentiss, MS. The SS Applications Index shows her as Tilda “Eat” Johnson born 1889 in Collins, MS, father Henry Eaton, mother Jennie Magee^[76]. She may be Matilda Johnson, age 20, newly married to Theodore Johnson and living in Jefferson Davis County in 1910^[77]. Since George Eaton named his sister Annie Johnson, it would appear Tilda also went by the name Annie.

GEORGE EATON

Marie stated that Sylvester had a brother named George who lived in Hattiesburg. I believe this would be George Eaton, son of Henry Eaton. George lived with Henry Eaton in Covington in 1920, 1930, and 1940. The 1940 draft lists him as George Eaton with next of kin, Henry Eaton^[78]. It shows a birth year of 1905, which contradicts earlier census records indicating a birth year 1912-1915. He was registered again in 1942 with the wrong birth date – this draft card was canceled and referred back to #757 which was his 1940 registration^[79]. The 1942 card listed his next of kin as his sister, Annie Johnson, of Collins. One George Eaton was arrested for attempted burglary in Hattiesburg in 1949. He pled not guilty but then changed his plea and was sentenced to 4 years in prison^[80]. In 1950 he was in the state penitentiary in Sunflower County, MS^[81]. This census also has him born about 1904-1905. There were a few other men by the name of George Eaton in Hattiesburg that were not him, as they were there while George was still living with father. He may be the George Eaton who was in Hattiesburg in 1954 listed in the city directory as a yardman^[82].

JAMES ETHEL EATON

He was in his parents house in 1900. In 1910, 14 year old Ethel Eaton, a servant, was living in the household of Alex F Holloway^[83].

ETHEL MAGEE – SON OF FRANK NOT JENNIE'S CHILD

I included this so that he would not be confused with James Ethel.

This Ethel was the son of Jack Magee, so he was Jennie's stepson. Ethel married Mary Flowers. In 1920 Ethel lived beside Sylvester Magee^[84]. Ethel lived near Jennie 1930 and was listed as the informant on Jack Magee's death certificate (see that citation under Jack Magee). Ethel died June 19, 1981 and is buried in Friendship Cemetery^[85].

EDMUN AND TILDA MAGEE, PARENTS OF JENNIE

Enslaved By Robert Magee

Edmun and Tilda, along with their children, were enslaved by Robert Magee of Covington County, MS. When Robert Magee died the slaves belonging to him were divided among his 12 children^[86].

On February 13, 1860, a division of slaves was made. Lot #12 consisted of:

• Edmun (valued at) $1300
• Big Tilda $1500
• Virginia $325
• Lydia $175
• Cross^[87] $1250

Hugh R Magee drew lot #12, receiving the above named persons.

1870 Census

For some reason, Edmun, Tilda, and family were not in the 1870 Federal or state census. I can not find them anywhere. Jennie and Enoch were beside Hugh Magee.

1871 Tax List

Edmun first appears on the tax list in 1871^[88]. Ed Magee was listed right after Ephraim Magee.

1880 Census

The 1880 census has Edmun and Tilda living right beside Enoch and Jenny and on the same census page as Hugh R Magee^[89].

• Edmund Magee age 67, born in GA, father born in GA, mother born in GA
• Tilda Magee age 39, housekeeping, born in MS, father NC, mother NC
• Lydia Magee, age 22, works on farm, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Simon Magee, age 16, farm, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Joshua Magee, 12 (says daughter), farm, age 12, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Lucy Magee, age 9, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Edmund Magee, age 7, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Manda Magee, age 5, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Phillis Magee, age 3, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• William Magee 8 months, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Willie Magee, 9 months, (grandson) listed with the same states of birth as their children.

Next door to them is the household of Enoch Pope

• Enoch Pope, 36, farmer, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Jenny Pope, 23, housekeeping, born in MS, father GA, mother MS
• Ed Pope, 10, works on farm, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Rich Pope, 7, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Fanny Pope, 5, born in MS, father MS, mother MS
• Emma 3, MS, MS, MS
• Belle, age 1, MS, MS, MS

Next door to Enoch was Orange Griffith, age 60.

Hugh Magee's household is on this page:

• Hugh R Magee, 46, MS, NC, NC
• Amanda E
• Charley, 22
• Harris, 21
• Luther, 10
• Johnny, 8
• Levaster, 4

Possible death of Edmun

Edmun may have died between 1880-1882, as Tilda Magee is on the 1882 and 1883 personal tax list in Mt Carmel, Covington County. She was taxed on two horses. The next surviving tax list is 1893. Tilda Magee is not on that list.

Tilda marries Orange Griffith

Tilda married Orange Griffith before 1888 according to statements made in Candice's, divorce records.

In 1873 Lauren Rankin Magee and Euphemia Magee deeded land in trust to the deacons of the Colored Baptist Church, Orange Griffith, James Willis Magee,and Charles Pittman^[90]. This land is right on the Jefferson Davis and Covington County lines. In Nov of 1894, for $1, Orange Griffith deeded Matilda Griffith 24 acres with the house and outhouses on it^[91]. Orange died before 1900.

1900 Census

In 1900 Tilda Griffith is head of a household in Mt Carmel^[92]. She owned her home.

• Tilda Griffith, born May 1840, age 60. 12 children, 10 living. Born in MS, parents birth UNK
• Ernest Magee, grandson, 16, born in MS, parents MS
• Jim Magee, son-in-law, 26, MS, MS, MS
• Canvass Magee, daughter, 26, married 1 year, 2 children, 1 living. MS, MS, MS
• Webster Magee, grandson, 8, MS, MS, MS

1910 Census

In 1910 Tilda Griffith was listed in the census in Covington, MS and owned her home, free of mortgage^[93].

• Tilda Griffith, 65, widow, 12 children, 9 living, born MS, parents birthplace UNK
• Emma White, sister, 73, widow, 4 children, 1 living, born MS, parents birthplace UNK

Death of Tilda

Tilda must have died before 1920 as she is not in the census^[94]. There does not appear to be a death certificate for her. There also is no dc for Emma White.

Children of Edmun and Tilda

Simon Magee

Simon testified against his sister Candice when Harvey Hall divorced her. He remained in Covington County. He is on the 1900, 1910, and 1920 in Williamsburg^[95][96][97]. Simon's wife was Fannie Easterling. His brother Edmun “Edward” was beside him in 1900. His wife Fannie died in 1921^[98].

Edmund Magee

He was Edward Magee in the 1900 census, living beside Simon^[99]. His wife was Mitilda.

Phillis Magee

Fillis Magee married Hendrix Magee in 1905^[100]. Phillis was on the 1910 census a few households away from Tilda^[101]. Phillis had sons Dudley (surname Pittman written in, then marked out), 13, Wade, 9, Jennie, 5, Weddie (or Willie?), 4 and Lillian, 2. It shows Phillis has been married 2 times, has had 6 children, and 5 were living. It appears that Hendrix was in the state penitentiary in 1910^[102].

Mrs. Fillis Magee, age 32, married Charles Davis August 5, 1910^[103]. She was probably also the Phillis Magee, age 37, who married Charles McInnis in 1913^[104].

Hendrix and Phillis Magee were together in Quitman County, MS in 1940. The census indicates they had been there in 1935, as well^[105]. In 1950 they were still in Quitman both 72 years old^[106]. Hendrix died in 1973^[107]. Ephraim Magee sold land to Hendrix Magee in Covington County^[108]. The Social Security Applications and Claims Index lists Phillis McGee born September 5, 1882 in “Collin Cover”, Mississippi, parents Edmon and Matilda McGee, the notes were dated January 1958^[109]. That should be Collins, Covington County. Their son Wade was in Quitman County in 1940 and 50. He worked on Ham Farm, the same person that Hendrix listed he was employed by. Wades WWII Draft shows he was born in Collins, Covington County^[110]. Phillis was listed as the next of kin on Hendrix Magee's World War II Draft card^[111]. An infant, Hendricks McGee, died in Sunflower County in 1923^[112]. The death certificate lists Wade Magee as the father. The following year Wade named another son Hendrix. He is buried in Quitman County^[113]. Wade McGee is listed in the SS Death Index, as the father of this Hendrix Magee^[114]. 19107.

Candice Magee

Candice was born about 1872. She was "Canvess" in Tilda's house in 1900. She may have been the daughter, Manda, age 5 in the 1880 census. If so the birth year of "Manda" was off by at least 4 years. Candice Magee testified against Jennie when Jennie and Enoch Pope divorced^[115]. She stated that she was Jennies sister and that her last name was Stewart at the time that Jennie left Enoch.

Candice married Harvey Hall in 1884 (at age 12?). There is a divorce proceeding in 1887 in which Simon Magee was called as a witness. Simon does not state a relationship to Candice but he states that Candice and Harvey lived with him when they first married and that she came back to his house to live when they separated^[116]. He also states they left his place and went to work for Hulan(?) Magee (Hugh?).

Candice was married to Anthony Steward on Feb 18, 1888 according to her statement when she divorced him, however statements made by others, have the year as 1887^[117]. According to various statements made by their employers, doctors, and family, Anthony Stewart had Syphilis and Candice contracted it from him. She was very sick. Her mother and stepfather came and took her to their house, got a doctor for her, and “she [now] thinks she is cured” but Anthony still has the disease. Candice and Anthony worked as field hands for Dr J E Holloway who testified on her behalf. Orange Griffith testified that he was her stepfather and that she came to live with him. He said he had known her since her birth. Candice married James Magee before 1900 when they appeared in the census in her mother's home.

She was listed on the 1900 Educable Children's list as C Magee with sons Ernest and Web^[118]. In 1902 Candice Magee was listed with Ernest and Webster^[119].

The 1910 census has her son as Webster Walker, he lived next door to Jim and Candice. Ernest was in their household as Ernest Walker, relationship to James Magee – stepson^[120]. In their household was Jack Magee, brother of James. Candice was in Covington in 1920 listed as a widow^[121]. Her son Ernest lived with her in 1930^[122]. In 1940 she was 70 years old, living in Collins, listed as a cook in a private house^[123]. She was not on the 1950 census. Her daughter-in-law Nora Walker was widowed by 1940 and remained a widow in 1950.

Lydia Magee

Lydia married Harvey Hall after he divorced Candice. Harvey Hall and wife Lidia/Liddie were recorded in the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1940 census in Covington^{[124][125][126]}. They had a daughter named Beulah. Beulah's SS Application lists her parents as Harvey Hall and Lydia Magee^[127]. Beulahs last name was listed as Buckhalter (should be Burkhalter).

Final thoughts on Jennie and her family

My belief is that when Jennie left Enoch Pope, she did not (or could not) take her children with her. I wonder if that is what the court action she filed against Enoch was about. The Andrews paper has a passage that doesn't appear complete but states that Sylvester could not testify against Hugh Magee in court. I don't quite believe a lot of what was written in his notes but I do wonder if her children were with Enoch, who, from all appearances, worked for Hugh Magee. Was Sylvester mistreated by Hugh Magee because they knew he didn't belong to Enoch? He doesn't state that his siblings were abused but he doesn't even talk about his siblings. When he talks about his mother trying to get him from North Carolina was that really Jennie trying to get him away from Enoch Pope and or Hugh Magee? He was not in North Carolina but was he so messed up from the abuse that he jumbled the whole family story up? He says he lived with an aunt for a while and from the divorce record it appears Simon Magee says that Candice and Harvey Hall worked for Hugh (there was no Hulan Magee, as written). Hugh died March 1, 1900. Jennie had all of her children in June of 1900, according to the census. There are no records before that to shed light on where the children were.

Sylvesters Supposed Father Ephraim Magee

Magee family historians, as well as those looking for information on Sylvester and Ephraim Magee, seem to have consistently missed the fact that there were two Ephraim Magee, both likely owned by Robert Magee and/or his sons. Only one Ephraim was mentioned in the 1860 division of slaves among Robert's heirs. That Ephraim Magee would appear to be the younger of the two and noted as “yellow” in the Covington County tax lists after the war was over. He was not Ephraim Magee who went on to accumulate a lot of land and had college-educated children. The two can be separated by using the tax lists, in which it is obvious one was accumulating personal and real property while the other had very little.

In Robert Magee's 1859 estate division, lot # 7 consisted of 5 enslaved men

• Ned valued at $950
• Cay (or Cab?) valued at $1500
• Eph valued at $1600
• Martin valued at $300
• Calep valued at $700

Robert's daughter, Sarah A. Weathersby, drew lot #7. She was married to Owen Weathersby. They lived in Simpson County, MS. In August of 1865 Owen signed an agreement through the Freedman's Bureau with a large number of his former slaves^[128]. The 5 allotted to Sarah from Robert's estate were not among them. There is no Ephraim Magee listed on the 1867 Covington County tax lists under “freedmen”. Several of the other freed Magee men were on the list.

Ephraim Magee #1 “yellow”

This Ephraim Magee was born about 1848.

1870 Census

Household of Ephraim Magee, Mt Carmel, Covington, MS^[129][130]

• Ephraim Magee, born in MS, age 21, “mulatto”
• Melissa Magee, age 19
• Duncan, age 1.

1871 Tax List

The 1871 tax list has two Ephraim Magee's. Ephraim #1 could apparently write, as the tax list shows they made their mark but shows that Ephraim #1 signed his name^[131]. He was listed beside other Magee men:

• Caleb 3 cattle, 2 horses, 1 mule $50 cash
• Cupit 1 cattle, 2 mules
• Ephraim (no personal estate assessed at all)
• Spencer (no personal estate)
• Albert (no personal estate)

1875 tax list

There were two Ephraim's on the 1875 list^[132]. One has acquired a lot of property, Ephraim #1 "Yellow" has only one horse.

• Joe Jack Magee 1 horse valued at $75
• Ephraim Magee “Yellow” 1 horse, valued at $50
• Bill Rose Magee 1 horse valued at $75
• Simp Magee (no personal estate)
• Levi Magee 1 horse, value $60
• Ephraim Magee, 7 cattle, value $70, 2 horses, $140, 12 hogs, 1 wheeled vehicle. Total $370
• Hugh R Magee 14 cattle, 3 horses, 1 mules, 14 hogs, 1 carriage/wheeled vehicle total $499

Three other names then:

• Ed Magee no personal estate (Edmun)

Moved to Simpson County

Ephraim #1 is not on the 1879 tax list. He appears on records across the county line in Simpson County.

Ephraim Magee #2

Born about 1828, he is presumed to be the Ephraim who was supposed to have been the father of Sylvester Magee. He did live near Edmund and Tilda for at least a few years, then he purchased land from several members of the Easterling family. There was a complicated set of deeds exchanged between the Easterlings, Laurin Rankin Magee, the Gray family, Joe Jack Magee, and Ephraim Magee^[133]. Ephraim remained in the Dry Creek area. Alfred P. Andrews states that Ephraim was a "slave driver" for Robert Magee. He also states that Robert's will freed Ephraim and left him 400 acres of land. However, he also claims that Ephraim was in Lot# 12 with Jennie and that the "3 were finally reunited" but then states that Ephraim was in Lot# 7. These men made a lot of Eprhaim's success after he was freed, including the education of his children. Mr Andrews also noted that Sylvester had no relationship with Ephraim and that Ephraim seems to have forgotten about Sylvester, although he also writes that Ephraim "tried to work" Sylvester but gave up.

1870 Census

In 1870 Ephraim Magee (indexed as Mager) lived in the Holiday Creek area of Covington County^[134]. Ephraim was 40 years old, born in North Carolina, and single. He resided in the household with Charry (Cherry in the 1870 MS State Census) Strickland and her family, along with York McKenzie. Ephraim did not own land and had personal estate valued at $200.

1871 Tax List

The 1871 tax list has Ephraim and Edmun Magee listed one after the other^[135]:

• Ephraim Magee 2 horses valued at $150, 1 carriage or wheeled vehicle, $40
• Edmun (no personal estate) $50 cash.

Both Ephraim and Edmun made their mark.

1875 Tax List

• Joe Jack Magee 1 horse valued at $75
• Ephraim Magee “Yellow” 1 horse, valued at $50
• Bill rose Magee 1 horse valued at $75
• Simp Magee (no personal estate
• Levi Magee 1 horse, value $60
• Ephraim Magee, 7 cattle, value $70, 2 horses, $140, 12 hogs, 1 wheeled vehicle. Total $370
• Hugh R Magee (14 cattle, 3 horses, 1 mules, 14 hogs, 1 carriage/wheeled vehicle total $499

Just 10 years after he was freed, Ephraim #2 had property just shy of $100 less than Hugh Magee.

1879 Tax List

In 1879 Edmun was 2 pages away from Ephraim and Hugh Magee^[136].

• HR [Hugh]Magee
• May McNair
• Ephraim Magee 10 cattle, $60, 3 horses, $200, 3 mules, 10 hogs, 1 wheeled vehicle, 1 watch.

1880 Census

By 1880 Ephraim was no longer living by Hugh Magee^[137]. He was married now, to Martha. The census has him as 52 years old, born in NC. The oldest child in their household was Givens, age 7. The census shows that Ephraim could read but not write.

1900 Census

In 1900 Ephraim, age 71, and Martha, age 60 had 3 children still living at home^[138]. The census now shows that Ephraim could read and write.

Second Marriage to Margaret

Martha may have died shortly after the census was taken, as Ephraim is said to have married Margaret, sometime in 1900.

Divorce from Margaret

In 1917 Ephraim filed for divorce^[139].

“Ehram Magee, a colored person” living in Covington County made the following statement

• They were married in 1900 in Covington County.
• They lived as husband and wife until 1906
• That he was a good husband and furnished her with all the necessaries of life.
• That defendant deserted him and it has been “wilful, continuous, and obstinate” for much longer than two year before the filing of this suit”.
• At the time of the separation they resided in Covington and complainant now resides in Covington.

Ephraim signed with an X.

Margaret answered and countersued. She made the following statements.

• They were married sometime in 1900, she does not remember the date
• She lived with Ephraim until sometime in 1906
• He began to treat her in a “cruel and inhumane manner, cursing, threatening and beating her”.
• In 1906 he “compelled her by brute force to leave her home”.
• She has supported herself for 8 years and soon will be unable to make a living for herself.
• That Ephraim has property and much land, and is capable of making her and himself a living.
• That he has much personal property and that she has none.
• She denies that he is a good husband
• She denies that he furnished her with the necessities of life
• She denies that she willfully deserted her but charges that he, with threats and brute force, compelled her to leave.
• Margaret then filed a supplemental statement:
• That when she married him “she carried to his place and turned over to him, eight loads of corn, cotton seed, and other farm products of the market value of $150. and certain livestock”.
• That he used up the market products and sold one horse [belonging to her].
• That he “drove her off” empty-handed.

Isham Griffith (the son on Orange Griffith), Calvin White, Lawrence Sutton, and Virgie Sutton, were subpoenaed to testify. Their statements are not in the file. The divorce decree stated^[140]:

• Ephraim was to pay alimony in the amount of $175 in two installments
• A lien was placed on his land in Jefferson Davis County (N ½ of SE ¼ and N ½ of S ½ of SE ¼ and E ½ of SW ¼ all in Sec 1-7 T8 N of R 16).

Ephraim paid the alimony in full and Margaret signed a receipt on December 5th, 1918. Question: Was she Margaret Easterling, widow, who lived next door to Ephraim in the 1900 census?

1922 Death

Ephraim is nowhere to be found on the 1910 or 1920 census. He died April 3, 1922, in Covington County^[141]. His death certificate says he was 98 years old, widowed, a farmer, and lived in Collins. He died from "la grippe" (influenza). It does not list his parents. The informant was his son-in-law, Richard Hall. It shows he was buried in Friendship. Alfred P. Andrews stated that he was buried in a private cemetery on his own land, though.

Final thoughts on Ephraim

I can't help but wonder if, in fact, Ephraim could have been the father of Jennie, not of Sylvester. Alfred P Andrews stated that “after the war, Ephraim never recognized Sylvester as his son. None of his [Ephraims] children knew anything about him”^[142]. Also, that “There is no evidence that Virginia & Ephraim ever lived together after coming to Mississippi” and “Ephraim apparently forgot about Sylvester but not his mother who continually badgered the Magees to send up yonder and git my baby”. Ephraim and Tilda were near the same age and had both been enslaved by Robert Magee. On the other hand, Jennie could have had a relationship with Ephraim while married to Enoch, just as she did with Henry Eaton. Then, also, since Sylvester didn't appear to have a relationship with Ephraim, isn't it just as likely that Jennie could have had a short-lived relationship with Ephraim #1 while he was still in Covington? Sylvester may have been told at some point that Ephraim Magee was his father and not have had any knowledge of the other Ephraim Magee.

Identifying Sylvester and his children earlier records

The Andrews Papers state that “after the war” Sylvester “went back to his mother where he stayed off and on for the next 10 years”. “He farmed on the shares, was married, had six sons and became a good citizen. In the 1880's he decided to pull up stakes leaving his family to shrift for themselves”^[143]. This was actually right before 1900, as Sylvester “Levester” was living with Jennie and Henry in Covington County and remained on the educable children's list through 1906. Miss Lucy McLaurin, age 82 ½ years old, gave a statement to Alfred P Andrews. She stated that in 1902 or 1903 “Sylvester was living in the Lone Star Community with his mother and at that time he was 60 or more years old and unable to perform hard labor”^[144]. In 1965 they state Sylvester had been married 3 times, but then sometimes it was stated that he'd been married 4 times. He had 6 boys who were all dead, and a daughter living up north^[145]. No mention of Vera Mae, Oreda or son Mayo was made during the 1965 interviews or articles. Mr Andrews also tried to verify Sylvester's marriage to Francis. She was apparently his first wife. He stated Sylvester was mixed up on the date and wrote that the marriage was verified as taking place in 1912 in Carson (Jefferson Davis County), MS^[146]. These records never mention a living son, Mayo (who is named in Sylvester's obituary), nor do they mention Oreda/Arilla who was in his household in the Lamar County Educable Children's List. His living daughter, Vera Mae, is also never mentioned until he went to live with her and then she was sometimes still omitted.

I can not locate Vera Mae in 1940. I can not locate Oreda/Arilla in 1940. I can not locate these kids together or separately with the surname Magee in 1930 – nor do I find any Mayo Magee.

What I have found in 1930 – by looking at every child named Oreda (or similar) born + or – 5 years of 1924 is an Oreda, 8, Vera, 5, and Mayo (3 years and 4 months old) all with the surname Walker living in the household of Sy (Cyrus Henry) Berry in Simpson County, MS. They were listed as his grandchildren.

Cyrus "Sy" Henry Berry of Simpson County, MS

Sy Berry had three grandchildren named Oreda, Vera Mae, and Mayo Walker (also recorded with the surname Berry). Could these three possibly be Oreda, Vera Mae, and Mayo, who were also recorded as children of Sylvester Magee?

Sy Berry was married to Marcie or Malacie Magee in 1897. They were in the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census in Simpson County^[147][148]. Before 1930 he married Tamar. Tamar Barnes married Fleet Butler in Jefferson Davis County^[149]. Fleet Butler and Tamar's children were also in Sy's household in 1930 and listed as his stepchildren. John R Butler's SS Application names his mother Tamar Magee.

1929 Educable Children's List Simpson, MS

Household of S.H. Berry^[150]

• Annie L Berry 19
• Thomas Berry 18
• Mave Berry 17
• T.J. Berry 15
• Ellis Berry 13
• Ottis Berry 10
• Oredus Berry 7
• Loredus Berry 5

1930 Census Simpson County

Household of S.H. Berry^[151].

• S. H. Berry 54
• Tamar Berry 40
• T. J. Berry 18, son
• Samuel Berry 14, son
• Lulu McInnis 15, step daughter
• Azel McInnis 0, grandson
• John A Butler, 12, stepson
• Oreda Walker, 8, granddaughter
• Vera Mae Walker, 7, granddaughter
• Mayo Walker, 3, grandson

1931 EC List Simpson County

1931 list S H Berry^[152]

• Ellis Berry, 17
• T J Berry, 18
• Sam Lester (Berry?), 16
• Arthur Berry, 14
• Tulla Mae Butler, 18
• Mayo Berry, 5

Where were Oreda and Vera Mae? They are not on the list in any other household with the surname Walker or Berry.

1935 EC List Humphreys County

Household of S. H. Berry^[153] no different last names were added for them

• Azell 5
• Mayo 9
• John 18
• Sam 19
• Ellis 20
• Lula King 21

1940 Census Humphreys County

Sy and Tamar moved to Humphreys County, MS. In 1940 Mayo Berry, age 13 was listed in their household as their son^[154]. Jane Dean, age 83 was in the household. She was Tamar's mother.

Mayo Walker Draft Registration

The 1944 Draft Registration for Mayo Walker in Humphreys County, lists his birth as February 2, 1926 in Simpson County, MS^[155]. His next of kin was Tamar Berry.

1950 Census

Sy and Tamar were still in Humphreys County in 1950^[156]. Mayo was no longer with them.

Tamar's Death in Chicago

They moved to Chicago prior to July 23, 1955 when Tamar passed away^[157]. Her dc lists her parents as John Barnes and Jane Dean. Note: Sy's daughter Annie Berry Nutall died in Chicago in 1985, listing her parents as Sye Berry and Malcie Magee.

Sy Berry's daughter, Sally

Sylvester Magee was said to have had a wife named Sallie.

Sy and Marcie had a daughter named Sally. She was born about 1906. In 1920 Sallie Berry, age 14, was in her parents household^[158]. Also in the 1920 census was the household of Charlie Walker with wife Sally^[159]. He was 25 and Sallie was 22. They had son Mark. In 1930 Charlie and Sallie Walker still only had one child, Marcus, age 12, in their household^[160]. There was another Charlie and Sallie Walker in Simpson^[161]. He was 38, she was 35 and they had a daughter Marguerite age 11. Charlie Walker married Mary Sallie Mangum in Simpson in 1917^[162]. There is no marriage record for any other Charlie Walker in Simpson County. Obviously, these two are not Sy's daughter Sally as she was 14 and in his household in 1920.

There does not appear to be a marriage record for Sarah or Sallie Berry in Simpson County 1920-1930.

Mayo Frank Walker aka Berry

Mayo's full name was Mayo Frank Walker. He is probably the Frank Walker living in Chicago in 1950, age 22, worked as a porter at a hotel^[163]. Frank Walker was in Los Angeles in 1964 when he married Shelba Quinn^[164]. At some point, he moved to Texas.

Frank Walker, born February 2, 1926 died in Bloomburg, Cass County, TX September 24, 2005^[165]. His SS Application (SS# 336-26-7880) lists his birth as February 2, 1926 Jackson, MS. He was issued a SS # in Illinois in 1949. There are 4 separate papers in his applications^[166]. His full name was listed as Mayo Frank Walker. His mother was listed as Sarah and Sallie Berry, father was Charlie Walker. One request for a duplicate card says he was born in Birmingham but the other 3 all list Jackson MS as his birthplace. Frank is buried in Olive Branch Cemetery. His obituary in the Texarkana Gazette, Oct 1, 2005, does not list any family information, only that services would be held at Elizabeth Baptist Church and Burial in Olive Branch Cemetery^[167].

Oreda Walker

On July 20, 1940 Miss Oreda Walker married AC Lewis in Simpson County^[168]. She was 18 years old. Her parents were listed as Hea Walker and Mattie Magee. She signed the application - Oreda M (M was marked out) o Walker. Was she about to write Magee for her last name?

Vera Mae Magee

Vera was born about 1923^[169]. Her age was way off in the Educable Children's List, as she progressively got younger through the years. She was not listed in Sylvester's household in 1940. Vera married Nathan Conerly sometime between 1940-1945. I have not been able to locate her until the 1950 census in LeFlore County, MS^[170].

• Nathan Connelly 37
• Vera M 27
• James E 14
• Inez 13
• Mary C 9
• William J 4
• Betty M 3
• Mary J 2

James E. and Mary J. were on lines that were selected for census questions. One of the questions was where they lived in 1949 - the answer was Humphreys County.

Nathan had previously been married to Sarah Bass^[171]. She was the mother of James Earl and of Inez^[172][173]. I do not know if Vera was Mary C's mother, but it would seem likely that she was not, as would Vera have named two of her own daughters Mary? There is no marriage for Nathan and Vera in Lamar, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Covington, Simpson, or Humphreys County^[174].

Marriages and Military

There are numerous marriage records for men named Sylvester Magee in Covington, Jefferson Davis and surrounding counties. There are also several WWI Draft cards for men with the name Sylvester Magee. In the Alfred P. Andrews papers it is said that Sylvester was 5' 10" and had probably been taller in his younger days. He also described himself as always being "weasley" looking and clarified that he meant "poor" looking. It then stands to reason that any draft card for him would classify him as either tall or medium height and slim/small or medium build.

Jefferson Davis County

Fannie Applewhite

Sylvester Magee married Fannie Applewhite in Jefferson Davis County, MS in 1913^[175]. This would appear to be the Sylvester and Fannie who were in Jefferson Davis County in 1920^[176]. Sylvester was born about 1893. They had 5 children, 2 of whom were girls. M.L. their oldest son, was 7 years old. He was possibly, or likely, the Sylvester who was married with 3 children in the WWI Draft^[177]. He may have been Sylvester whose parents were John Magee and Emma Polk or the Sylvester listed in AB Magee's household in Covington in 1910 (were they perhaps the same person?)^[178]. The son, M.L. Magee married Della Owens in Simpson County in 1931^[179]. He listed his parents as Sylvester and Fannie Magee.

Alice Keys

Sylvester Magee and Alice Keys applied for a marriage license in Jefferson Davis County in 1919^[180]. The records show the license was cancelled by order of Sylvester Magee.

Sylvesta Magee with wife Francis

In 1918 a draft card was made for Sylvesta Magee^[181]. His relative was listed as Francis Magee (no relationship given). He was listed as 45 years old, but also "birth date not known". He lived in Bassfield, Jefferson Davis County and worked for John Armstrong. He was "short" and "stout". That description would seem to eliminate him as a possibility. I have not located him in any other record. Was he the Sylvester who married Fannie Harper in Simpson County in 1901?

Covington County

Winnie Johnson

Sylvester Magee married Winnie Johnson in 1918^[182]. F.M. Mathis was the JP. Sylvester made his mark. This Sylvester is on the 1920 census^[183]. He was 25 years old, living in Mt Olive. Winnie was 22 and they had no children. The census says he could read and write. They lived near the Griffith family. He would appear to be the Sylvester whose WWI Draft card states he was employed by F.M. Mathis, was married, but no children were shown on the draft card^[184]. It gives his birth as April 8 1894. He was of medium height and build. Was he Sylvester in AB Magee's household in 1910^[185]? This Sylvester was ordered to report to report to Camp Shelby on September 15 1918^[186]. He was relieved of duty on September 21, 1918, by reason of disability "incontinence of urine"^[187].

Nollie Magee

Silvester Magee married Nollie Magee October 7, 1919^[188]. F.M. Mathis was the JP. Nollie Magee was the daughter of Jack Magee, so Sylvester Magee's stepsister. In 1920 they lived in Mt Olive, Covington County^[189]. They lived beside Ethel Magee, who was Jack's son.

• Sylvester Magee 28 (but looks like the 2 was written over a 3)
• Nollie 23
• Jessie 5
• Edgar 3
• Elbert 1

Their situation is confusing. As stated above under Roscoe Eaton, Nollie gave birth to a child in November in 1920, who died 25 days later. The father on the death certificate is listed as Roscoe Eaton. She married Sylvester in October of 1919. Her son Elbert was later called Elzie, according to the Social Security Application. His birth was given as February 22, 1919. He listed his father as Ben Magee and his mother as Nollie McLaurin^[190]. Trees on Ancestry.com show that Nollie married a McLaurin after Sylvester Magee. An Allzey Magee was married in Covington County in 1938. Ethel Magee was listed as uncle and next of kin^[191]. Sylvester Magee divorced Nollie in 1926 in Covington County^[192]. I have tried unsuccessfully to get a copy of the divorce case file^[193].

Simpson County

There is a Sylvester Magee in Simpson County in 1930. His wife was Mattie. There were no children in their household and they do not appear in the 1940 or 1950 census^[194]. Is this possibly the mother of Oreda? Oreda Walker's marriage license listed her mother as Mattie Magee but Mayo listed his mother as Sallie Magee. Was Sylvester their stepfather?

Fannie Harper

1901 Sylvester Magee married Fannie Harper in Simpson County, MS^[195]. They were both of age. I do not see any Sylvester Magee in the 1900 or 1910 census who is married or even old enough to be married. This should not be the same Sylvester who was still in Henry Eaton's household in the EC Lists through 1906.

Maggie Williams

April 14, 1922 Sylvester Magee married Miss Maggie Williams^[196].

Alberta Jones

March 30, 1924 Sylvester Magee married Miss Alberta Jones^[197].

Marion County

In various newspaper articles it is stated that Sylvester worked for Richard "Dick" Davis at his sawmill.

• Richard Davis owned and operated a sawmill in Marion County. In 1910 that was listed as his occupation^[198]. The 1920 census lists his occupation as "Farm"^[199]. By 1930, he was retired^[200]. Did Sylvester work for him before 1920? And that begs this question - did Sylvester also marry, or intend to marry, Betsey Beaton in Marion County in 1914?

Becky Beaton

May 10, 1914 Sylvester Magee was issued a license to marry Becky Beatmon. Dr H.L. Carruth appeared “for Sylvester”^[201]. The portion to record the marriage is not filled out. William HL Curuth (white) was in Collins, Covington County in 1910. He was listed as newspaper editor. He was in Lamar county by 1920 listed as a mail carrier.

Other Sylvester Magee not yet covered

Sylvester Norwood once written as Magee

In 1900 a 9 year old Sylvester Magee was in the household of Duncan and Jennie Magee. ^[202]. Duncan Magee was married to Jenny but she was not the "Jennie" who was the mother of the Sylvester Magee who claimed to have been born in 1841. In 1910 their grandson, Sylvester Norwood, age 16, lived with them^[203]. I believe Sylvester Norwood was the 9-year-old Sylvester Magee listed in the 1900 census. Sylvester was listed out of (age) order in the household.

Sylvester Magee brother of Hollis Magee

In 1910 Sylvester and Hollis Magee lived with a Rogers family in Oakohay, Covington County, MS^[204]. Sylvester was 11 and Hollis was 9. Sylvester and Hollis were still in Oakohay in 1920^[205]. In 1920 he was 20 and Hollis was 18. I do not know who they belong to. They could both read and write. Hollis remained on the censuses in Covington County. Was he 5 year Vester Magee in the EC list in 1900 in the household of Bill Magee? Bill was listed next to Horace and on the same page as AB who had Sylvester and Dailey.

LEVESTUS/LEVESTER/SYLVESTER MAGEE OF STEENS CREEK, RANKIN COUNTY, MS

These records show that the name Levestus/Levester/Sylvester was interchangable . He was certainly not Sylvester who died in 1971.

Levustus Magee married Lenoran/Zenora Wilson in Rankin County, April 6 1908^[206]. They were in the 1910 census with daughters Lillie and Mary^[207]. In 1920 he was "Lee McGee" and living with Alice in Cleary, Rankin County, MS^[208]. There were children Jim, Mary, and Tom, living in their household. Alice's maiden name was Franklin. She may have later married someone whose surname was White. Alice's grandmother was Silva Harris. Silva was living in the household of Ben Foster and listed as his grandmother. Emma Franklin and family were in the same household. They were one household away from Lee and Alice McGee^[209]. 1910 Silva Harris was listed in a household right next to Victor Steen in Steen's Creek. She is enumerated as a male, but this is certainly her as Emma Franklin, her daughter, was living with her^[210]. The 1920 Educable Children List lists Levester Magee with children Willie and Leola^[211]. These names do not match the children in the household of Lee and Alice but this was him. He was on the same EC list page as Albert Mayes who was on the page before Lee and Alice in the 1920 census.

This Levester had a brother named Robert “Bob” B and possible a brother named Drury D Magee. Robert was on the 1900 census in Steen's Creek, Rankin County, MS^[212]. Robert "Bob" and Drury were both in Steen's Creek in 1910^[213]. Leola and Frannie (or Frankie) B Magee lived with Robert in 1930^[214]. They were listed as his nieces.

Charlie Reed Magee was born in Florence, Rankin County, MS. His Social Security Application lists his parents as Sylvester Magee and Alice Franklin^[215]. One page lists his mother as Alice White. He died in Tampa, Florida in 1997. His obituary listed brothers Henry and Charlie (no last name given) of Jackson and a sister Martha Mae Ramson of Jackson^[216].

Henry, Charles, and Mary Magee were on the 1929 EC list^[217]. Henry's SS lists his name as Henry Magee Western^[218]. It shows his father was Levester M Western and his mother was Zenora Wilson. Henry Western died in Jackson MS in 1999. His obit lists his brother Charlie McGee and sister Martha Mae Ranson^[219].

Note in here somewhere that one of them shows their birthplace as Terry, MS. Sylvester Magee states that he went through Terry MS before returning to Victor Steen^[220] Charlie McGee's SS lists mother as Zenora Wilson and father as Levestus McGee^[221]. He died in Jackson in 2000????____.

The records above prove that Levestus and Sylvester Magee of Steen's Creek who had wives Zenora and Alice were the same man. This Sylvester died in Rankin County Nov. 12, 1922^[222]. The death certificate lists his residence as Cleary, Rankin County, which is the township Lee and Alice McGee were shown to live in the 1920 census. The cause of death was a gunshot wound. The informant was J.I. Long, his employer. Lee and Alice Magee lived beside J.I. Long in 1920. J.I. Long provided no information (on the dc) about Sylvester's parents or place of birth other than Mississippi. He was killed by Henry Long, who, at trial, just 4 days later, was cleared of all charges^[223].

Sources

1. ↑ Interview on July 31, 1969, at the house of Sylvester's daughter Vera (and Nathaniel) Conerly Michael Mulhern was an LSU graduate student who specialized in Civil War History. He did a series of interviews with centenarians. Sylvester Magee was the first one that he interviewed. See https://www.lib.lsu.edu/oralhistory/collections/michaelmulhern. MP3 copy of the 1-hour interview obtained from LSU Special Collections Library by Renee Newman May 2023. Statement made as 55:29.
2. ↑ Jet March 30, 1967, Why 125-Year-Old Husband Sues For Divorce; page 46. Available on Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=bLgDAAAAMBAJ&dq
3. ↑ Southern Mississippi University Library Special Collections; Alfred P Andrews Papers. M513 Box 1 Folder 16, page 21 copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
4. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Sylvester Magee Papers. M513 Box 1 Folder 13. 2nd page of the PDF copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
5. ↑ Various assertions Alfred P Andrews made scattered throughout his written notes have no basis in fact and many are just foolish. He states that Sylvester identified cornbread in the Civil War as being “yellow”. Alfred identifies “Big Tilda” in Robert Magee's estate papers, though not as Jennie's mother. He states that she was worth so much more than Jennie because she was very “fertile” and had over 30 children. He states Jennie worked in the house and house servants were known to be loyal to just one family and, therefore were worth much less. They failed to realize that for the most part, the slaves of Robert Magee were divided by families and that Lot #12 consisting of Edmun, Tilda, Virginia, Lydia, and Cross, was one family unit with the children being very young – Virginia “Jennie” was just about 3 years old. The 1900 census shows that Tilda had given birth to 12 children – so they were making stuff up. He stated that the birth dates of slaves were drilled into their heads as if they went to the slave market, they had to give their birth date and it had to be correct. He states that Sylvester accurately described the way the KKK dressed, using this as proof of his age, it appears. He states that because Sylvester could identify pictures of Robert Magee and his sons, he must have been living before Robert died. Also, Sylvester could identify the house of Robert Magee and knew Robert's wife was “Miss Peggy”. Since Sylvester was raised on or near Hugh's plantation, it is logical that he actually knew the Magee men who were living, and he had the opportunity to see pictures in Hugh Magee's house, as well as to have seen and been to the house that had belonged to Robert Magee. Since Sylvester was raised around his mother's family and Hugh Magee, he would have probably been told stories about Robert, and his wife “Miss Peggy” “old Misses” as well as their other children. Mr. Andrews also stated that when Robert's slaves were divided into 12 lots, Ephraim and Jennie were in lot 12 and that finally the “3 were united”. That is not true. The Ephraim listed in that division was in Lot#7. In another place, he writes that Ephraim was freed by Robert's will and given 400 acres of land. Ephraim purchased land and had land patents, no one gave him any land.
6. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers M513 Box 1 Folder 13, page 28 of pdf file obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
7. ↑ Ibid M513 Box 1 Folder 14, page 24 also Folder 15, page 21of pdf file obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
8. ↑ Mentioned numerous times throughout the Alfred P Andrews Papers. One is M413 Box 1 Folder 13 page 11 of pdf file obtained by Renee Newman in May 2023.
9. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers (see footnote 1) M513 Box 1 Folder 13 page 6 of pdf file obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
10. ↑ Mount Zion Methodist Cemetery, Jefferson Davis County, MS. Hugh Rusus Magee 1833-1900. Findagrave.com.https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52994697/hugh-rufus-magee He was not on the 1900 census as he died earlier in the year
11. ↑ Findagrave.com https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52207109/luther-magee
12. ↑ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52207109/luther-magee
13. ↑ Burial: "U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current"
    Find a Grave. Find a Grave®. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi; URL: Find A Grave: Memorial #31765987
    Ancestry Record 60525 #84110827 (accessed 18 April 2023)
    Silas Victor Steen burial (died on 11 Jul 1950) in Florence Cemetery, Florence, Rankin County, Mississippi, United States of America.
14. ↑ 1880 Census: "1880 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1880; Census Place: Steens Creek, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: 663; Page: 306B; Enumeration District: 074
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6742 #14191446 (accessed 18 April 2023)
    Victor Steen (8), single son, in the household of W. W. Steen (36) in Steens Creek, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
15. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1900; Census Place: Steen Creek, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: 826; Page: 16; Enumeration District: 0075
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #76146224 (accessed 18 April 2023)
    Victor Steen (28), married, Farmer, head of household in Steen Creek, Rankin, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
16. ↑ Not indexed as Silas V Steen but is there on the same page as John Smallwood (his wife was a Smallwood) 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1910; Census Place: Steens, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T624_758; Page: 36A; Enumeration District: 0042; FHL microfilm: 1374771
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #13965333 (accessed 18 April 2023)
    John E Smallwood (37), married, Farmer, head of household in Steens, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
17. ↑ At Age of 125, Dignity Is The Untarnishable Possession; Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia, PA; Thursday February 23, 1967, page 2, statement near the top of the last column. https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news-magee-philadelph/122359713/
18. ↑ Ibid
19. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers M513 Box 1 Folder 13. Page 12 and page 24 of pdf copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
20. ↑ Interview by Michael Mulhern on July 31, 1969 at the house of Sylvester's daughter Vera (and Nathaniel) Conerly Michael Mulhern was an LSU graduate student who specialized in Civil War History. He did a series of interviews with centenarians. Sylvester Magee was the first one that he interviewed. See https://www.lib.lsu.edu/oralhistory/collections/michaelmulhern. MP3 copy of the 1-hour interview obtained from LSU Special Collections Library by Renee Newman May 2023. “He is an ex-slave; served in the Union Army as a soldier during the siege of Vicksburg”.
21. ↑ Mike Mulhern Interview at 30:15
22. ↑ Mike Mulhern Interview at 30:29
23. ↑ Jet March 30, 1967, Why 125-Year-Old Husband Sues For Divorce; page 46 (statement on page 48). Available on Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=bLgDAAAAMBAJ&dq
24. ↑ The National Enquirer May 14, 1967, interview with Sylvester Magee "Man, 125, Sues For Divorce". A clipping of the article is in the Alfred P Andrews Research papers M513 Box 1 Folder 7. in the Special Collections at Southern Mississippi University.
25. ↑ I have doubts about all of their information coming straight from Sylvester, as Arlington Jones, and Alfred P Andrews had written narratives to give to the media
26. ↑ I sort of doubt that all of the information came straight from Sylvester. Alfred Andrews and Arlington Jones spoke for Sylvester and had written narratives that they gave to the media. There is no way to prove if the name Nollie as a wife really came from Sylvester's mouth or if this was from the marriage records they were searching through in Covington and Jefferson Davis. In Alfred Andrew's notes, no wife is named at all, not even the one he says was verified as 1912 in Carson (Jefferson Davis County), MS. That date is even wrong, No Sylvester Magee married in 1912 in Jeff Davis County. In 1913 Sylvester Magee married Fannie Applewhite, but it is doubtful this was him.
27. ↑ Hattiesburg American October 18, 1971; page 4, obit for Sylvester Magee https://www.newspapers.com/article/hattiesburg-american-magee-obit/122318125/
28. ↑ 124 Birthday party planned Saturday for 'Slave' Magee Hattiesburg American; Hattiesburg, MS May 26, 1965, page 10. https://www.newspapers.com/article/hattiesburg-american-hattiesburg-america/122850339/
29. ↑ MS Educable Children Lists Sumrall, Lamar County 1933. Sylvester Magee. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PJ94-BJ?i=141&cc=1856425
30. ↑ Ibid 1937 List. Sylvester McGhee https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PJ9C-MJ?i=134&cc=1856425
31. ↑ Ibid 1939 List Sylvester McGee https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PJ94-JZ?i=136&cc=1856425
32. ↑ Clyde, MS is about 8 miles south of Sumrall. 1940 US Federal Census, Clyde, Lamar County, MS “Hy Lwoter” McGee. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/2923711?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2261376e6a7453414a703550314e666f4d3738666f66547148555a7856666d334b686747422b506843514f303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
33. ↑ 1950 US Federal Census, Hattiesburg, Forrest County, MS. Sylvesta Magee. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/2923655?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227a59706b2b704c775957623863446c787966527175674c39563037686a492b324976465474784f4c6835513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
34. ↑ Marie had been married to Thomas Knox. Her children were with her in the 1940 census in Pike County, MS. All of them moved to Poughkeepsie, NY. Her son Thomas Knox's obituary lists his siblings who were still living. Also, obituary of Thomas "Jimmy" Knox. Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, New York · Thursday, September 10, 2009; page 14. Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122320069/thomas-knox-obit-2009/
35. ↑ Mississippi Death Certificates Mississippi State Department of Health Ike Durr certificate # 13603 Humphreys County. Copy obtained by Renee Newman June 2023.
36. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947"
    National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Mississippi, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 87
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2238 #269323069 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Name: Ike Durr; Gender: Male; Race: Negro (Black); Age: 35; Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head); Birth Date: 26 Mar 1905; Birth Place: MT Ollive, Mississippi, USA; Residence Place: Isola, Humphreys, Mississippi, USA; Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940; Registration Place: Isola, Humphreys, Mississippi, USA; Employer: W P Brown; Height: 5 7; Weight: 155; Complexion: Dark Brown; Hair Color: Black; Eye Color: Brown; Next of Kin: Lonnie Dampy;
    Household Members (Name) Relationship:
    Ike Durr Self (Head).
37. ↑ Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi Marriages 1906-1917 page 471 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89KZ-K23J?i=517&cat=256321
38. ↑ "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M96N-LFW : Sun Sep 17 15:51:45 UTC 2023), Entry for Fannie Pope and Stanley Pope, 1900.
39. ↑ There are no surviving marriage records in Covington County prior to 1904. The 1910 Census shows they had been married 8 years. Jefferson Davis wasn't formed until 1906, so the marriage would have likely occurred in Covington County.
40. ↑ 1910 US Federal Census Jefferson Davis County, MS. Indexed as Fannie Durkew. Ancestry.com https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4555094?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227351314f43482b383247584b714652556354434d31705962492f7038797a42504a4448466938596f534e493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
41. ↑ Death: "Mississippi, U.S., Index to Deaths, 1912-1943"
    Mississippi State Department of Health; Jackson, Mississippi; Statewide Index to Mississippi Death Records; Description: 1912-1924 A-G; Certificate Number: 22761
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62090 #74343 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Fannie M Durr death 1913 in Jefferson Davis, Mississippi, USA.
42. ↑ Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi Marriages 1906-1917 page 367 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89KZ-K2Q1?i=465&cat=256321
43. ↑ 1920 US Census, Covington County, MS Ike Durr in the household of Isaac Durr. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/3427623?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227770655868697758346644696b5230314c367933454f2f7051664b6e30656f41756c4547417944717a74553d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
44. ↑ There does not appear to be any other Ike Durr of this age in the county before or after this time. 1920 US Census Covington County, MS Ike Durr age 13 “nephew” in the household of Siamon and Rosie Polk. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5395998?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a226a657971664137592b7975593546796b79706271656e4676676a7331437672697a356550777348667570453d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
45. ↑ It is likely that Sylvester or a relative knew Jennie's father was Edmund but may have not remembered if that was his first or last name. Alfred P Andrews Papers, M513 Box 1 Folder 13. page 11 of pdf copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
46. ↑ Negro who says he's 123 tells of days as slave Hattiesburg American, Hattiesburg, MS August 15, 1964 page 3. https://www.newspapers.com/article/hattiesburg-american-sylvester-magee-196/128833943/
47. ↑ 1870 US Census Covington County, MS Household of Enoch Polk. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5958789?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22656f6134674d6955464b386c4b6d775a4332666f4c545a41494f4c50636a7541334b5749544962587566733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
48. ↑ 1880 US Federal Census, Mt Carmel, Covington County, MS; household of Enoch Pope. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4555389?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22643876726a4872446e4362773858774d4b356a35745553616375654e536a704c6a2f2b31575a70597a66593d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
49. ↑ Covington County Chancery Court Records. Image 218 page 213. Jennie Pope vs Enoch Pope. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-4LTB?i=217&cat=782722
50. ↑ Covington County Chancery Case Files # 168-210 1884- 1894; Enoch Pople vs Jennie Pope File #172, image 190 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HD-R7H7-Z?i=189&cat=782722
51. ↑ Ibid Image 238 page 233. Enoch Pope vs Jennie Pope. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-4R41?i=237&cat=782722
52. ↑ American Bar Association Journal, Vol 19, No 9 September 1922 pages 529-532; Rationale Of Resraint Upon Remarriage After Divorce. Clifton Fairchild Weidlich. JSTOR (free) https://www.jstor.org/stable/25710196
53. ↑ Covington County Chancery Case Files # 168-210 1884- 1894; Enoch Pople vs Jennie Pope File #172, image 190 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HD-R7H7-Z?i=189&cat=782722
54. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1900; Census Place: MT Carmel, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: 804; Page: 10; Enumeration District: 0015
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #27661441 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Enoch Pope (60), married, Farm Laborer, head of household in MT Carmel, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
55. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1900; Census Place: MT Carmel, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: 804; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 0016
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #27662244 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Henry Eaton (46), married, Farmer, head of household in MT Carmel, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
56. ↑ 1900 EC List Family Search. image 1639 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-6R1Q?i=1638&cat=782762
57. ↑ Ibid Image 1810 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-6VDG?i=1809&cat=782762
58. ↑ Ibid Image 2034 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-6LHW?i=2033&cat=782762
59. ↑ It appears that some case files from this year are missing. I have gone through all files marked 1907. Covington County Chancery 1907; image 611 page 5 Jennie Eaton vs Henry Eaton https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-4GSB?i=610&cat=782722
60. ↑ Covington County, MS Marriage Records 1904-____. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-4GSB?cat=782722
61. ↑ Note: In 1900 there is a Jack Magee, age 21, with wife Tilda, age 20. This is possibly Tilda Pope, daughter of Jennie?
62. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History Death Certificates 1912-1943 Jack Magee Covington County certificate # 4446 1930 Covington County. Obtained by Renee Newman June 2023
63. ↑ I can not find any woman named Jennie or Virginia in Covington or Jefferson Davis that would appear to be her.
64. ↑ Mississippi US Deaths 1912-1943 Jennie Magee Jefferson Davis County certificate # 3776. Copy obtained from MS Archives June 2023. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5395769?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224568695841475669514f5244336c31732b4e5770313549334d4543304159684779415a63645234437441343d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
65. ↑ Alfred P Andres Papers, M513 Box 1 Folder 13 page 27
66. ↑ See case below of Levester/Sylvester Magee of Rankin County, MS. His name was recorded multiple times as Sylvester, Levester/Levestus, and Lee.
67. ↑ I do not know if this is him or not. The case file is missing, so I have no details. Covington County Chancery Court Minute Book 4, page 113 Simon Pope vs Laura Pope case # 86 image 666. The chancery file folder is marked as file missing. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99KZ-37WN?i=256&cc=3477669&cat=247090
68. ↑ Covington County, Ma Marriage Records https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99KZ-37WN?i=256&cc=3477669&cat=247090
69. ↑ 1930 US Federal Census, Rankin County, MS. Rose Polk. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/3384099?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a226d473535386964554952536c7a43316b79396c3564637255413537693044564333725a4d373630336445773d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
70. ↑ 1940 Census: "1940 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1940; Census Place: Terry, Hinds, Mississippi; Roll: m-t0627-02028; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 25-74
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2442 #122258466 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Rosa Palk (75), widowed mother, in household of Eddie Lee Palk (29) in Terry, Hinds, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
71. ↑ US Social Security Applications and Claims Index. Sylvester Magee, Bassfield, Jefferson Davis County, MS. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/3161277?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227244565a3473493548317644416a754757354f7062366c4861665135434d7578336c5955526b6a756234513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
72. ↑ Covington County, MS Marriages https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9KZ-K6QP?cc=3477669
73. ↑ 1930 Census Johnson Destand https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4860379?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a226e4645736b455569667a6d5a387867597363694f457834543955646533453547646f477a2f6f42747852303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
74. ↑ 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
    National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Shreveport, Caddo, Louisiana; Roll: 1299; Page: 1; Enumeration District: 66-121
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #75380937 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Charlie McGee (57), married brother-in-law, Laborer Sestion, in household of Johnnie M. Mathews (55) in Shreveport, Caddo, Louisiana, USA. Born in Mississippi.
75. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History Death Certificates. R. Eaton Covington County certificate # 20510. copy obtained by Renee Newman August 2023
76. ↑ SS Application and Claims Index. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/3569558?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22452b78536d713436666730752f6c393653626d6761733432393731596c486b4c2f52696d302f575a7741303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d Also See https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3121&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=587202768&bc=sd&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=3196283
77. ↑ 1910 US Census, Jefferson Davis County, MS Matilda Johnson. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5181845?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22346e31493539323776655a36654833513462722f717a4561414b50633975542b4f49734977573347466b303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
78. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, George Eaton, Covington County, MS. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5962804?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2237643563706554334776474c54674d2b3470674e2f436e3048523039504e584e797538356f666d614f4e733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
79. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947"
    National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Mississippi, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 46
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2238 #269048117 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Name: George Eaton; Gender: Male; Race: Negro (Black); Age: 29; Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head); Birth Date: 26 Aug 1912; Birth Place: Covington, Mississippi, USA; Residence Place: Collins, Covington, Mississippi, USA; Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942; Registration Place: Collins, Covington, Mississippi, USA; Employer: Holly Shumake; Height: 5 6; Weight: 147; Complexion: Black; Hair Color: Black; Eye Color: Brown; Next of Kin: Annie Johnson;
    Household Members (Name) Relationship:
    George Eaton Self (Head).
80. ↑ Hattiesburg, American, Hattiesburg, MS, Wednesday, April 27, 1949, page 16 column 1 top of page. George Eaton. Newspapers.com clipping by Renee Newman. https://www.newspapers.com/article/hattiesburg-american-george-eaton-april/128834181/
81. ↑ 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
    National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Sunflower, Mississippi; Roll: 6257; Page: 17; Enumeration District: 67-70
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #47601140 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    George Eaton (44), single prisoner, in household of John W Carney (21) in Sunflower, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
82. ↑ 1954 Directory: "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995"
    Original data: Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2469 #812594886 (accessed 11 September 2023)
    Name: George Eaton; Residence Year: 1954; Residence Place: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; Occupation: Yardman; Publication Title: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, City Directory, 1954.
83. ↑ 1910 US Federal Census, Covington County, MS. Ethel “Eston”. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5962664?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22383933494c38427658506b4477345262674179444b494367624e4c325178526d6c7a6c4a46714c31646e633d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
84. ↑ 1920 Covington County, MS Census https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4772897?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22584f566f636d494a4f2f4774577a783563773245695863512f4177547873653072377672503637597246633d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
85. ↑ Findagrave.com Friendship Cemetery, Covington County, MS. Ethel Magee. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111748337/ethel-magee?
86. ↑ Covington County, MS Probate Minutes Vol 1-2 1854-1861. Estate Settlement and Division of Robert Magee beginning on page 314. Image 176. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Q6-H21N?i=250&cc=2036959&cat=782753
87. ↑ He is on the 1871 tax list as “Crossan” Magee. He may have been their son but I have not researched him to any extent. Covington County Tax List 1871 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR3L-QKB?i=75&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
88. ↑ Ibid https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR3L-QKB?i=75&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
89. ↑ 1880 US Federal Census Covington County, MS Edmun Magee. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6222418?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22566f5431433674535a35652f784850522b4146615568316c56647458754b2b497a6b78506a356a6d4859733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
90. ↑ Covington County, MS Deed Book E page 75 image 70. Magee to Colored Baptist Church. This is probably the church now known as Old Harmony, it is appears in this exact location. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR1-RQ4K-B?i=69&cat=250029
91. ↑ Covington County, MS Deed Book I page 325. Griffith to Griffith. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C91C-538P-3?i=1453&cc=3477669&cat=782709
92. ↑ 1900 Census Covington Tilda Griffith. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4573850?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2276314e34415670444737376472636b3866523541503642724174685656714a4d38386372747955765255383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
93. ↑ 1910 Census Covington Tilda Griffith https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4553314?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2262634e756d5836514763314c543075366c755945385246304732504e4b58577153596d30346153796436773d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
94. ↑ Numerous searches for any female near her age with first name Tilda or Matilda or last name Griffith or Magee.
95. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1900; Census Place: Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: 804; Page: 17; Enumeration District: 0011
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #27654452 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Simon Magill (37), married, Farmer, head of household in Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
96. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T624_738; Page: 7b; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 1374751
    Ancestry Record 7884 #13663317 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Simon Magee (48), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
97. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T624_738; Page: 7b; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 1374751
    Ancestry Record 7884 #13663317 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Simon Magee (48), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
98. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History Death Certificate Fanny Magee Covington County certificate # 5512 DC gives her maiden name as Easterling. Copy obtained by Renee Newman August 2023
99. ↑ He is not indexed as Edward Magee or Magill. He was beside Simon Magee. 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1900; Census Place: Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: 804; Page: 17; Enumeration District: 0011
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #27654452 (accessed 12 September 2023)
    Simon Magill (37), married, Farmer, head of household in Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
100. ↑ Covington County, MS “Colored” Marriages 1904-1910 page 97. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99KZ-37Z2?i=94&cc=3477669&cat=247090
101. ↑ 1910 US Census, Covington County, indexed as “Thillie” Magee https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5182378?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2270446379394d37504b4e2f3875476a4773503672624a436d33714d7154592b677049556c676f4a6745324d3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
102. ↑ 1910 US Census Sunflower County, MS https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5182777?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224f66622f4f6d2f75426f53304f466441743448712f766d31686c7579777166377a34554a7065367546656f3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
103. ↑ Covington County, MS “Colored” Marriages 1904-1910 page 584. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99KZ-37Q5?i=375&cc=3477669&cat=247090
104. ↑ Covington Marriage Records, 1913 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9KZ-KDVP?i=167&cc=3477669&cat=247090
105. ↑ 1940 US Census Quitman County, MS. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5182678?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2230763678794831574f35754171685063312f566f2f684e7353576a58696d363837454b7a644f5349674a493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
106. ↑ 950 US Census Quitman County, MS. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5182644?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a226b52795547324a4f39712f31754f41706e6438734955304b57655155664a4d526448512b695548477473383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
107. ↑ SS Death Index 1935-2014 Hendrix McGee https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5183209?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2278633167362b4c6c6d526a43325453756d756c4538554a5637614d3434437673454c7035376838396667493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
108. ↑ Covington County, MS Deed Book 30 page 239, also Hendrix Magee to John Magee 30 page 333
109. ↑ Social Security Applications and Claims Index 1936-2007 https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5183478?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224c3968527849384473655a4a353057447a77567677507668744d654b5a43664e724250706b34542b356c383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
110. ↑ World War II Draft Cards Young Men 1940-1947 https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5184104?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22677a55435264776a64744c533334592f44473031506657765235676a304844324c384858786938585542303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
111. ↑ World War II Draft Card Young Men, 1940-1947 https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5183781?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a225756345173486a7132324c554549462f313476435655506f726156707049716e3977746754724d624374513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
112. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History Death Certificates Hendricks Magee Sunflower County certificate #5296 Copy obtained by Renee Newman August 16, 2023
113. ↑ Shady Grove Cemetery, Quitman County, MS Hendrix Magee 1924-1995. Findagrave.com https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252353109/hendrix-mcgee
114. ↑ Social Security Applications and Claims Index 1936-2007 https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5183730?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22772b6c5135624f69336c7863616c376251487179624876556d6c49704b34507659446e31546d683872736b3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
115. ↑ Covington County Chancery Court Records. Image 218 page 213. Jennie Pope vs Enoch Pope. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-4LTB?i=217&cat=782722
116. ↑ Covington County Chancery Court Cases 1A-12 #1X https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HD-G9R4-D?i=467&cat=782722
117. ↑ Covington County Chancery Court Cases 1A-12 #1C 1890 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HD-G9VP-1?i=64&cat=782722
118. ↑ 1900 Educable Children C Magee https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-6BJ1?i=1635&cat=782762
119. ↑ 1902 Educaable Children's list Candice Magee https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-6JVQ?i=1808&cat=782762
120. ↑ 1910 Covington County, MS Census https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4796359?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2239714c514d6d7a6a4c4c4c3370504f4a724c474f756370366637616c3648336f62657869794e6c673367343d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
121. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Collins, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T625_872; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 4
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #48421390 (accessed 12 September 2023)
     Candas Magee (48), married, Cook, head of household in Collins, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
122. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1930; Census Place: Collins, Covington, Mississippi; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 2340879
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6224 #36554907 (accessed 12 September 2023)
     Candesa Magee (52), widowed head of household in Venia Park, Collins, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
123. ↑ 1940 Census Candice Magee https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/4903708?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2271357466392b52356b4150644d6a566c6479323543762b61495a476b6f2b5a73315570486171374a5638413d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
124. ↑ 1900 US Federal Census Covington County, MS Harve Hall. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6221453?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224d3652494b79734e694831654b2f2f4c736d4f334267443968414231724c71557a42684e64646e37414a553d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
125. ↑ 1910 US Federal Census, Covington County, MS Harve Hall, indexed as “Howe” Hall. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6221431?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224f636d3735714d4f4e3638722f4f686c59356b486259574878395a556368746a6b7247595a656e2b334f493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
126. ↑ 1920 US Federal Census, Covington County, MS Harvey Hall. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6221468?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22396642472b3844766164316d704e6d4b4f336c5a77634a6f62396d744a4b676579573150653676553357673d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
127. ↑ US Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007. Beulah Buckhalter. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6221606?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22796e534a3547547350624e5976753577554d4c33564e4c6e4f664d52526d314d42543730556970632b47733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
128. ↑ United States Freedman's Bureau 1865-1872 Roll 47, Labor Contracts of Freedmen Aug-Sept 1865 image 222 and 223. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TD-R9SG-Z?i=221&cc=2427901
129. ↑ 1870 Census: "1870 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1870; Census Place: Mount Carmel, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: M593_727; Page: 378A
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7163 #36346614 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     Ephraim Magee (21), Farmer, in Mount Carmel, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
130. ↑ Mississippi 1870 State Census, Covington County. Eprhaim Magee; image 21 or 44. Mississippi Department of Archives and History. https://da.mdah.ms.gov/series/sos/covington/100/1870/detail/44052#dtop
131. ↑ Covington County, MS 1871 Tax List; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951County Tax Rolls 1846-1883, Box 3641. Image 76. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR3L-QKB?i=75&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
132. ↑ Covington County, MS 1875 Tax List; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951County Tax Rolls 1846-1883, Box 3641 image 114 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR3L-Q3F?i=113&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
133. ↑ These were deeds recorded in Covington but reentered into a new book when Jefferson Davis County was formed. Jefferson Davis County, MS Deed Book 2 1877-1905, pages 335-345. images 340-349. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-6SVP-M?i=339&cat=786022
134. ↑ US Census, Covington County; Ephraim Mager. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5202159?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a224b7847676a76546e7676534c6173466961636d435978524f52463668306676493538585a503161475035303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
135. ↑ Covington County, MS 1871 Tax List; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951County Tax Rolls 1846-1883, Box 3641. Image 76. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR3L-QKB?i=75&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
136. ↑ Covington County, MS 1879 Tax List. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9R3L-WTX?i=158&wc=9B4D-HZS%3A211898801%2C211969101&cc=1919687
137. ↑ 1880 US Census, Covington County, MS Ephraim Magee. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/2924138?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2264462f385875613561504b76706c713064346148464f4e2f34416f6145443453736555505763594c7252453d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
138. ↑ 1900 US Census, Covington County, Mt Carmel. Ephraim Magee. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/2924154?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22494b706866466962625330584542673757522f487755666a516d79316231515047716e67766a4f3632794d3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
139. ↑ Covington County, MS Chancery Court 1917 Case # 933 beginning at image 706 and runs through image 721. Then another case file is combined with theirs pertaining to an insurance claim that has nothing to do with Ephraim or Margaret. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3H6-C9L9-J?i=705&cat=782722
140. ↑ Covington County, MS Chancery Court Book 6 1916-1920 page 266. Image 165 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-H9R6-R?cat=782722 v
141. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Death Certificates 1912-1943. Ephraim Magee Certificate # 05598, 1922 Covington County. Copy obtained by Renee Newman August 2023
142. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers; M513 Box 1 Folder 13, page 22 of pdf copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
143. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers; M513 Box 1 Folder 13, page 7 of pdf copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
144. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers; M513 Box 1 Folder 17 page 47 of pdf copy obtained by Renee Newman May 2023.
145. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers M513 Box 1 Folder 15, page 16
146. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers M513 Box 1 Folder 16, page 31
147. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 3, Simpson, Mississippi; Roll: T624_758; Page: 9a; Enumeration District: 0125; FHL microfilm: 1374771
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #160549729 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     S C Berry (32), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 3, Simpson, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
148. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Beat 3, Simpson, Mississippi; Roll: T625_893; Page: 23A; Enumeration District: 136
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #65691365 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     Sie Berry (44), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 3, Simpson, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
149. ↑ Jefferson Davis County, MS "Colored" Marriages 1910-1917. Fleet Butler to Toma Barnes page 40. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89KZ-K222?i=301&cat=256321
150. ↑ MS Educable Children's List; Simpson County 1929. S.H. Berry image 22. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-P294-S7?i=21&wc=M6NC-DZ9%3A167446001%2C167439902&cc=1856425
151. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1930; Census Place: Beat 1, Simpson, Mississippi; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 2340900
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6224 #37696378 (accessed 12 September 2023)
     Oreda Walker (8), single granddaughter, in household of S H Berry (54) on Mendenhall and Sanatorium Road, Beat 1, Simpson, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
152. ↑ MS Educable Children's List; Simpson County 1931. image 49. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-P294-HD?i=155&wc=M6NC-QZ9%3A167446001%2C167439402&cc=1856425
153. ↑ MS Educable Children Lists 1935 Humphreys County. S. H. Berry image 189. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-PJVP-D?i=188&cc=1856425&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AQK6S-M37N
154. ↑ 1940 US Census, Humphreys County, MS https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5418906?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2276514870335434734c74474579436f7a4c535766616c4f666439427a7961376c4a6f6a67322f617a706f593d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
155. ↑ US World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. Mayo Walker. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5418963?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2275655347556a6e4c397065794a5453683738577a416d6448567a65352b425156795650575369525a4658413d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
156. ↑ 1950 US Census Humphreys County, MS. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5419107?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a222f546739543349544d794c4f6941665964493436544b4865436f416d44417142655573485
157. ↑ Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1871-1998; Tamar Berry. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2M4-Q47Z
158. ↑ 1920 US Census Simpson County, MS Sie Berry. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5420110?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a226e36644a706d2f442b7a6b74434a71567765645a59616c594c396c5268584a6479784f3546753172564c553d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
159. ↑ 1920 US Census Simpson County, MS Charlie Walker. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5420041?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2279305533364e3270774d5553776d2f657535594756636b44736439417163696878773070774e63474332413d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
160. ↑ 1930 US Census Simpson County, MS Charlie Walker https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5420214?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227552633577535642574157526a366d62337745664c6331706e6f7768656f4841446e542b7a416e526631413d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
161. ↑ US Census Simpson County, MS Charlie Walker. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5420278?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2235306f727a365276637a645962556a3056445a71386b2b49506c3770707a4b654f774c62656676586c56383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
162. ↑ Simpson County, MS, Marriages https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:DJ6T-MX6Z
163. ↑ 1950 US Census, Chicago, Cook County, IL. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/5419287?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a227049325a59654b6f576778636f7762686b357165795842543433635a6c4f374a6c446537364532484a4d493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
164. ↑ Marriage: "California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1960-1985"
     Original data: State of California. California Marriage Index, 1960-1985. Microfiche. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 1144 #8301509 (accessed 12 September 2023)
     Shelba J Quinn (26) marriage to Frank Walker on 19 Dec 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
165. ↑ The National Archives SS Death Files, 1936-2007 Mayo Frank Walker SS# 336267880 https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp
166. ↑ The National Archives Application (ss-5) Files, 1936-2007. Search for SS# 336267880 turns up 4 Application papers for Mayo Frank Walker.https://aad.archives.gov/aad/display-partial-records.jsp?f=5138&mtch=4&q=336267880&cat=all&dt=3081&tf=F&bc=sd
167. ↑ Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX. Saturday October 1, 2005, page 6 Frank Walker Obituary. Note – I contacted Elizabeth Baptist Church via email, to ask if they had a full obituary for Frank. I did not receive a reply
168. ↑ Simpson County, MS Marriage Records. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C91H-6937-N?cc=3477669
169. ↑ 1950 US Federal Census, LeFlore County, MS. Vera Connelly. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/6262301?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a2230423741546a6232746454622f51455a2f6c6652647a676f4434762f3943456b336643614f5831744846773d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d
170. ↑ 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
     National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Leflore, Mississippi; Roll: 3616; Page: 15; Enumeration District: 42-79
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #48506541 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     Vera M Connelly (27), wife, Farm Helper, in household of Nathaniel Connelly (37) in Leflore, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
171. ↑ Marion County, MS Marriages. Nathan Conerly to Sarah Bass, 1934. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:DR9T-S1PZ
172. ↑ 2000 Social Security: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007"
     Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007
     Ancestry Record 60901 #36485851 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Name: James Earl Conerly [James E Conerly]; Gender: Male; Race: Black; Birth Date: 30 Jul 1935; Birth Place: Columbia Mar, Mississippi; Death Date: 24 Jul 2000; Father: Nathan Conerly; Mother: Sarah L Bass; Notes: Jun 1954: Name listed as JAMES EARL CONERLY; 02 Aug 2000: Name listed as JAMES E CONERLY.
173. ↑ Social Security: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007"
     Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007
     Ancestry Record 60901 #631196974 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Name: Nathaniel Conerly; Gender: Male; Spouse: Sarah L Bass; Child: Inez Conerly Walker.
174. ↑ Have searched Jefferson Davis, Covington, Simpson, and Marion records on Familysearch.org. I placed a call to Lamar and Humphreys County on September 13, 2023. Both offices searched right then and neither could find Nathan/Nathaniel Conerly/Connelly from 1939-1949
175. ↑ Jefferson Davis County, MS "Colored" Marriages Volume 2 1910-1917. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89KZ-K2C7?i=395&cat=256321
176. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Beat 3, Jefferson Davis, Mississippi; Roll: T625_880; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 77
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #68780890 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Sylvestor Magee (27), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 3, Jefferson Davis, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
177. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918"
     Registration State: Mississippi; Registration County: Jefferson Davis County
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6482 #22980637 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Name: Sylvester Magee; Race: Black; Marital Status: Married; Birth Date: 14 Jul 1893; Birth Place: Mississippi, USA; Residence Date: 1917-1918; Street Address: Bossfield; Residence Place: Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, USA; Physical Build: Medium; Height: Medium; Hair Color: Black; Eye Color: Black.
178. ↑ Social Security: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007"
     Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007
     Ancestry Record 60901 #10275595 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Name: Sylvester Magee; Gender: Male; Race: Black; Birth Date: 25 Dec 1892; Birth Place: Jeff Davis, Mississippi; Father: John Magee; Mother: Emma Polk; Notes: 09 Dec 1983: Name listed as SYLVESTER MAGEE.
179. ↑ Simpson County, MS "Colored" Marriage Book 12. image 43. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C91H-693G-K?cc=3477669&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AZGDN-8JZM
180. ↑ Jefferson Davis County, MS "Colored" Marriages Book # 13. page 178. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89K8-FNQJ?i=127&cat=256321
181. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918"
     Registration State: Mississippi; Registration County: Jefferson Davis County
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6482 #22980636 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     Name: Sylvesta Magee; Race: Black; Residence Date: 1917-1918; Street Address: 2; Residence Place: Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, USA; Physical Build: Stout; Height: Short; Hair Color: Dark; Eye Color: Dark; Relative: Francis Magee.
182. ↑ Covington County, MS "Colored" Marriages Vol 3 1917-1923 page 34.
183. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Mount Olive, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T625_872; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 8
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #48426759 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Sylvester Magee (25), married, Farmer, head of household in Mount Olive, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
184. ↑ Military: "U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918"
     Registration State: Mississippi; Registration County: Covington County
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6482 #22969464 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Name: Silvester Magee; Race: Black; Marital Status: Married; Birth Date: 8 Apr 1894; Birth Place: Mississippi, USA; Residence Date: 1917-1918; Street Address: R F D 1; Residence Place: Covington County, Mississippi, USA; Physical Build: Medium; Height: Medium.
185. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T624_738; Page: 13a; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 1374751
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #149626091 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Sylvester Magee (17), single son, Farm Laborer, in the household of Ab Magee (50) in Beat 4, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
186. ↑ WWI Draft Report to Military Duty: "U.S., Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty, 1917–1918"
     The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Series Title: Lists of Men Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty in the District of Columbia; NAI Number: 1159403; Record Group Title: Records of the Selective Service System (World War I), 1917-1939; Record Group Number: 163
     Ancestry Record 4906 #248541 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Name: Silvester Magee; Gender: Male; Entrainment Date: 15 Sep 1918; Entrainment Camp: Camp Shelby; Local Board: Covington, Mississippi, USA; Residence Year: Abt 1918.
187. ↑ Covington County, MS Soldiers Discharge Record Book 1 1918-1919. image 1020 on film. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSPH-T9Z?i=1019&cat=782710
188. ↑ Covington County, MS "Colored" Marriage Volume 3 1917-1923 page 165. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9KZ-K663?cc=3477669&cat=247090
189. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Mount Olive, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T625_872; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 8
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #48426272 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Silvester Magee (28), married, Farmer, head of household in Mount Olive, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
190. ↑ https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3063&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=427053425&bc=sd&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=5209963
191. ↑ "Mississippi, County Marriages, 1858-1979," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HL76-MVMM : 2 February 2020), Ellzey Magee, 15 Apr 1938; citing Marriage, Covington, Mississippi, United States, 00275, citing multiple county clerks; Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson.
192. ↑ Covington County, MS General Chancery Docket Book 3 (1920-27)Page 234 case # 5038 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HZ-H3QL-1?i=673&cat=782722
193. ↑ I contacted the Circuit Clerk in May of 2023. The case file number on the court record is apparently incorrect, as the file they pulled was not for Sylvester Magee. In August of 2023, I sent a request by mail for a search for the correct file. I included a copy of the court docket book, which showed the case # names and dates. I received the following reply: "We have checked the docket book records 1913-1931 and no records matched the information provided. We checked case numbers 2038, 3038, & 5038 and no information matched. Contact an abstractor for further research." As I stated, I sent a copy of the page from the docket book, so I don't understand how they couldn't find it in the docket book, itself.
194. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1930; Census Place: Beat 1, Simpson, Mississippi; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 2340900
     Ancestry Record 6224 #37695482 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Sylvester Mcghee (45), married, Farm Laborer, head of household on Weathersby Road, Beat 1, Simpson, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
195. ↑ Simpson County, MS Marriages. Sylvester Magee to Fannie Harper. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9VV-ZRB3?i=100&cc=3477669&cat=237889
196. ↑ Mississippi, County Marriages, 1858-1979," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZYLH-152M : 18 June 2020), Mr Sylvester Magee or Maqee, 17 April 1922; citing Marriage, Simpson, Mississippi, United States, 00665, citing multiple county clerks; Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jacksonhttps://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZY62-S33Z
197. ↑ "Mississippi, County Marriages, 1858-1979," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZYLH-152M : 18 June 2020), Mr Sylvester Magee or Maqee, 30 Mar 1924; citing Marriage, Simpson, Mississippi, United States, 00665, citing multiple county clerks; Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jacksonhttps://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:ZYLH-152M
198. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi; Roll: T624_751; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 0101; FHL microfilm: 1374764
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #13865780 (accessed 19 April 2023)
     Richard S Davis (50), married, Mill Man, head of household in Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi, USA. Born in Louisiana.
199. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi; Roll: T625_886; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 113
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6061 #84839082 (accessed 19 April 2023)
     R S Davis (59), married, Farmer, head of household in Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi. Born in Louisiana.
200. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1930; Census Place: Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0002; FHL microfilm: 2340890
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6224 #37307119 (accessed 19 April 2023)
     R S Davie (70), married, Retired, head of household on Hattiesburg Road, Beat 1, Marion, Mississippi, USA. Born in Louisiana.
201. ↑ Marion County, MS "Colored" Marriages Volume 12 1913-1917 page 89 image 358. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9VV-4KDJ?cc=3477669&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AZV1H-JMN2
202. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1900; Census Place: Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: 804; Page: 15; Enumeration District: 0012
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7602 #27655892 (accessed 13 September 2023)
     Vester Magee, single son, Student, in household of Tuncan Magee (52) in Williamsburg, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
203. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Beat 3, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T624_738; Page: 5a; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 1374751
     Ancestry Record 7884 #13662211 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Sylvester Norwood (16), single grandson, Farm Laborer, in household of Dunkin M Magee (62) in Beat 3, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
204. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Oakohay, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T624_738; Page: 2a; Enumeration District: 0009; FHL microfilm: 1374751
     Ancestry Record 7884 #13663573 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Sylvester McGee (11), single head of household in Oakohay, Covington, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
205. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Oakohay, Covington, Mississippi; Roll: T625_872; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 9
     Ancestry Record 6061 #48429193 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Silvester Magee (20), single, Farmer, head of household in Oakohay, Covington, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
206. ↑ Marriage: "Mississippi, County Marriages, 1858-1979"
     citing Marriage, Rankin, Mississippi, United States, 00602, citing multiple county clerks; Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson
     FamilySearch Record: DYSF-GPW2 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     FamilySearch Image: 3QSQ-G9VV-4HMF Image number 00602
     Lenora Wilson marriage to Mr. Lavester McGee on 6 Apr 1908 in Rankin, Mississippi, United States.
207. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Steens, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T624_758; Page: 8b; Enumeration District: 0043; FHL microfilm: 1374771
     Ancestry Record 7884 #13965576 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Leveen Mc Gee (21), married, Farm Laborer, head of household in Steens, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
208. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Cleary, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T625_893; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 54
     Ancestry Record 6061 #65651833 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Lee Mcgee (35), married, Farm, head of household in Cleary, Rankin, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
209. ↑ 1920 Census: "1920 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1920; Census Place: Cleary, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T625_893; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 54
     Ancestry Record 6061 #65651849 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Silva Harris (75), widowed grandmother, in household of Emma Franklin (45) in Cleary, Rankin, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi.
210. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Steens, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T624_758; Page: 36b; Enumeration District: 0042; FHL microfilm: 1374771
     Ancestry Record 7884 #13965326 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Silver Harris (42), widowed, Farmer, head of household in Steens, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
211. ↑ Mississippi Educable Children's Lists Rankin County, 1920. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-P21T-Z?i=15&wc=M6NC-KWL%3A167441001%2C167438202&cc=1856425
212. ↑ 1900 Census: "1900 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1900; Census Place: Steen Creek, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: 826; Page: 5; Enumeration District: 0075
     Ancestry Record 7602 #76145216 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Ro Magee (21), married, Day Laborer, head of household in Steen Creek, Rankin, Mississippi. Born in Mississippi, USA.
213. ↑ 1910 Census: "1910 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1910; Census Place: Steens, Rankin, Mississippi; Roll: T624_758; Page: 25a; Enumeration District: 0042; FHL microfilm: 1374771
     Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7884 #13965049 (accessed 25 September 2023)
     Bob B Magie (35), married, Farmer, head of household in Steens, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
214. ↑ 1930 Census: "1930 United States Federal Census"
     Year: 1930; Census Place: Beat 1, Rankin, Mississippi; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 0004; FHL microfilm: 2340899
     Ancestry Record 6224 #37648256 (accessed 16 September 2023)
     Bob Mcgee (50), widowed, Farmer, head of household in R.D 1 Florence, Beat 1, Rankin, Mississippi, USA. Born in Mississippi.
215. ↑ The National Archives; Social Security Application (SS-5) Files, 1936 - 2007 (Last Names M through N); Charlie Reed Magee. https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3063&mtch=6&cat=all&tf=F&sc=29592,29578,29580,29596,29583,29584,29585,29608,29612&bc=sl,fd&txt_29578=charlie&op_29578=2&nfo_29578=V,15,1900&txt_29596=magee&op_29596=0&nfo_29596=V,20,1900&cl_29612=MS&op_29612=null&nfo_29612=V,3,1900&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=5239909&rlst=5162114,5212234,5239909,5239914,5258467,5258468
216. ↑ The Tampa Tribune Tampa, Florida · Tuesday, September 23, 1997 page 8. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-charlie-magee-obit-tam/131911036/
217. ↑ Mississippi Educable Children's List 1929, Florence, Rankin County. Image 157.https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939F-P251-1?i=156&cc=1856425
218. ↑ The National Archives; Social Security Application (SS-5) Files, 1936 - 2007; Henry Magee Western SS # 428388072 https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3081&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=levester+magee&bc=sd&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=4265751
219. ↑ Obituary of Henry Magee Western; Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, MS September 4, 1999. https://www.newspapers.com/image/185481459/?article=fc28c0fa-5945-47cd-9001-8ae5382cf3a8&terms=henry%20weston
220. ↑ Alfred P Andrews Papers folder 16 page 23
221. ↑ The National Archives; Social Security Application (SS-5) Files, 1936 - 2007; Charlie McGee SS# 425284214 https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3063&mtch=39&cat=all&tf=F&sc=29592,29578,29580,29596,29583,29584,29585,29608,29612&bc=sl,fd&txt_29578=charlie&op_29578=0&nfo_29578=V,15,1900&txt_29596=mcgee&op_29596=0&nfo_29596=V,20,1900&cl_29612=MS&op_29612=null&nfo_29612=V,3,1900&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=5164403&rlst=3881033,4209841,4209842,4209843,4209844,4955472,5164403,5196616,5206996,5218356
222. ↑ Mississippi Department of Archives and History Death Certificate # 1691 Silvester Magee Rankin County, MS. Copy ordered and received August 14th, 2023 by Renee Newman.
223. ↑ The Brandon News; Brandon, Mississippi, Thu, Nov 16, 1922 Page 2. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brandon-news-henry-long-levester-mag/132395262/