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Descendants of Conner Hurst
1.CONNER2 HURST(UNKNOWN1)1 was born 1826 in Lincoln County, Tenn, and died Abt. 1862 in Montgomery County, Arkansas.He married (1) HESTER ANN GRANT2,3,4 October 08, 1848 in Hot Springs (Saline) County, Ark. by Rev. J. Y. Lindsey (Baptist), daughter of IRA GRANT and TEMPERANCE NEEL.She was born Abt. 1832 in Sevier County, Arkansas5, and diedin Old Marble Township, Montgomery County, Arkansas5.He married (2) NANCY CLARK5 Bet. 1856 - 1860.She was born April 1830 in Arkansas5.
Notes for CONNER HURST:
Also see Notes under ?Hurst [parents], brother James Hurst, and Adeline Hurst.
Conner's Discharge Papers from Company F, Arkansas 3rd Regiment Infantry [aka Hot Springs Hornets] reports his birth as in 1826 at Lincoln County, Tennessee. His Discharge further reports he was six feet tall [versus average height of 5" 3" to 5' 7"], with grey eyes, light hair, and a light complexion. In these papers, Conner is listed as C. R. Hurst [note for researchers: the Index to these records incorrectly lists him as G. R. Hurst]. His occupation is listed as farmer. He was discharged as completely disabled from Camp Lee, Virginia on August 8, 1862.
His Discharge refers to his previous service in 2nd Arkansas Battalion, Company A [where he is listed as Conner Hurst]. Three records are known to exist on this service. He was repeatedly hospitalized. One record lists him as "sick" in Fredericksburg, Virginia and another in Petersburg, Virginia with "Feb Remittens." Remittent Fever is a disease where high fevers temporarily abate and then return; malaria was called "remittent fever" during this period.
Conner Hurst enlisted in Hot Springs, Arkansas into the Second Battalion Arkansas Infantry on September 17, 1861. This Battalion fought in so many fierce battles that the battalion was destroyed. The few survivors (33) were transferred to the 3rd Arkansas Regiment Infantry [known as the Hot Springs Hornets], also famous for fierce battles. Though from Arkansas, all known service was in and around Virginia; only 10 surviving Hornets surrendered with Lee at Appomattox.
Ira Thomas Grant, Jr. and William S. Scarborough are known relatives, also enlisting in the Second Battalion, also being transferred to 3rd Regiment, and also discharged as disabled [a few weeks earlier than Conner]. Civil War historians report that these units were such fierce fighters that they were at the heart of Robert E. Lee's major campaigns.
The following account is from Civil War historians Edward G. Gerdes and Bryan R. Howerton:
[The 2nd Arkansas Battalion spent the first half of its existence assigned to picket duty in the Aquia District of Virginia with Major-General Theophilus Hunter Holmes as Commander.
Spending the winter of 1861-62 on the shores of the Potomac took its toll on the battalion.The muster rolls for the period indicate that a large percentage of the troops were hospitalized, or were already dead.The following spring, however, would be worse
The 2nd Arkansas Battalion was transferred to Brigadier-General William Dorsey Pender's brigade, in Major-General Ambrose Powell Hill's "Light Division," in preparation for the campaign which would come to be known as the Seven Days' Battles.Heavily engaged throughout the campaign, the 2nd Arkansas Battalion failed to survive it.At Beaver Dam Creek, near the village of Mechanicsville, Virginia, on June 26, 1862, the little battalion led the assault on the Federal position, and was decimated.There is no official casualty list or after-action report from the 2nd Arkansas Battalion for the Battle of Mechanicsville - there were no commissioned or non-commissioned officers left standing to make out any reports.
The Richmond Dispatch newspaper, however, provided this acknowledgement:.."The Second Arkansas Battalion lost more men in proportion to its number than that of any other command. They went into the fight like men and discharged their duty bravely, and when darkness closed the conflict, Major Bronaugh (mortally wounded) was found heroically at his post with but twelve men, whom he had rallied in the hottest of the fight."
The remnant of the 2nd Arkansas Battalion was formally disbanded under Special Orders, No. 152, dated July 15, 1862.The survivors were transferred to the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment, but most of them were soon discharged for various wounds and illnesses.]
The first known records of Conner Hurst appear in 1848 Hot Springs, Arkansas. during that year, Conner paid poll taxes as "Conner Hurst" and married "Esther Ann" Grant on October 8, 1848 [a copy of the marriage certificate exists]. The 1850 Saline County Census lists Conner Hust, his wife "Hester Ann," and their son James G. [This boy then disappears and is presumed to have died in childhood].
The existence of this Conner Hurst was first revealed through personal interviews with Rev. William Henry Guest, son of Isabella and grandson of Conner Hurst, in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966 by Ruth Ann Hurst, Nathan Irvin Hurst, and their son James Nathan Hurst [the author of these notes]. Part of this interview information has recently been proven wrong. On the other hand, these interviews are the original source for everything now proven to be true. For that reason, the gist from these interviews follows, including those portions known in error.
Rev. Guest was in his mid-eighties during these interviews and still working for a living. He did get confused, and it took many interviews for him to recall what he did. At one point he tried to describe a relative who was in "Roddy Gravy." It took several interviews to determine that this was a dead relative buried in Roddy Cemetery [graveyard]. We now know Conner Hurst had a second marriage that this man did not recall or never knew about. Still, this same man is the original source for what we have proved.
Because of his advanced age, Rev. Guest personally knew many of his cousins [including many long dead even then]. In hindsight, this man was astonishingly accurate about them. He knew when and where they born, including birth dates for third cousins, who they married and when to the day. In general, however, his recollections are suspect, if he did not personally know them. We do not know whether his recollection for second-hand reports are flawed, or what he was told was wrong.
This Hurst Line, he said, stemmed from two Hurst brothers, Conner and James, who married sisters - daughters of Ira Thomas Grant. Rev. Guest is a grandson of Conner Hurst and his wife Esther Ann/Hester Ann. Though he was her grandson, he reported he had heard "Esther's" name said several different ways. Proven written records match this report.
Rev. Guest reported that the Line from Conner's children were orphaned and the two orphans [Jonathan J. and Isabella] raised both by their Uncle James and their Grant grandparents. Rev. Guest personally knew most of his Grant and James Hurst cousins. Most of the proofs we now have are because he did know them. The fate of both Conner and Esther are less certain.
Rev. Guest reported that Conner joined the C.S.A. to "go back to Mississippi to drive the Yankees out." His verbal report was "Conner was on Leave and wounded or very ill. He returned to Little Rock by wagon, and then had to walk three days in deep snow to get to his home. Conner was delirious and died shortly after getting home. The use of "go back" is a mystery. There is no record or verbal report of Conner every having lived in anywhere in Mississippi. We do now know that Conner Hurst had a medical discharge from Virginia, though this verbal report indicates Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Civil War historians report that Conner Hurst had been hospitalized for "Remittens," [likely remittent fever, the term for malaria and like fevers that abate and then recur], and "reportedly died shortly after returning home". Though the stories are almost the same [differing by Vicksburg versus Virgina], the civil war historians involved cannot quote their source. Because Rev. Guest's verbal reports were published, we do not know whether we have independent reports or merged versions of the same.
Solid information about Esther/Hester Ann is even weaker. Rev. Guest told us that Conner had a son [Jonathan J and later confirmed] and a daughter, Isabella [also proven independently, as well as his mother]. Even though "Esther" was his grandmother, he knew little of her. He knew was called "Esther Ann and Hester Ann" and her double-names have been confirmed. He thought, however, that Esther then died shortly after Conner did.
In total, Rev. Guest's reports on Conner Hurst have him traveling back from Vicksburg by wagon @1864 to Hot Springs, and then walking home to die in wife Esther's arms from high fever. War Records report by wagon to Little Rock from 1862 Virginia [and other records show Conner married to wife Nancy].
The fate of Esther/Hester Ann Grant Hurst is not known. Rev. Guest orally reported that he thought that Esther Ann Grant, his grandmother, died "shortly after" Conner returned.This report is known in error, for Conner Hurst was living in Polk County in 1860 with his new wife Nancy Clark - before Conner ever even enlisted in the Confederacy. Isabella, Rev. Guest's mother, was born in 1856. The probable date of death for Esther Ann Grant is 1857-1858 from unknown causes.
In 1860, Conner Hurst [index listed incorrectly as Camer Hart] is in next door Polk County, Arkansas with a new wife Nancy. In this home is "Joseph N." of the right age to be Jonathan J. [who named a son Jonathan Joe Nathan Hurst], daughter Isabella of right age, "David C. Hurst" and a series of Clark children beginning with "Mirick." In the 1870 Census, a boy the right age for "Joseph N." is listed as "Jonathan J." Hurst. The implication is that this lad's full name is Jonathan Joseph Nathan Hurst.
In this same 1860 home, "David C." Hurst is listed. In 1870, a boy the right age is listed as "William David" Hurst, with proven descendants from this line. The implications are that William David and David C. are one in the same, producing a full name of William David C. Hurst. Furthermore, since "William David" named a son "Conner," the suspected full name for this man is William David Conner Hurst.
The use of four names is uncommon, but not purely rare. Welsh descendants are known to share this trait. Lastly, Conner's brother James also carried forward descendants with four names [e.g. James H. Monroe Hurst]. Rev. Guest independently confirmed Hurst legend of being descendants of Pocahontas. [See Notes under parents for Pocahontas/Welsh Rebel Legends]. This four-name habit increases the likelihood that WRC Hurst and Conner Hurst are the same man.
Returning to WRC Hurst, poll taxes and like records place W. R. C. at exactly the proper time and place to match "Conner" and cease to exist at the exact time and place when "Conner" died. Furthermore, the "Hurst" name is always properly spelled when written by this "Conner Hurst," known to be literate, but misspelled as "Hust" [presumed thick southern accent] from time to time, just as it is with "Conner Hust" [e.g. the 1850 census]. Lastly, 1850 was time when literacy was rare among young men; "Conner" and "WRC" were.
Conner Hurst paid poll taxes under that name in 1848 and 1849 Saline County, Arkansas; he then disappears from poll taxes forever under that name. WRC "Hunt" pays poll taxes in Montgomery County in 1850, 1852, 1853, 1856, 1857, 1858, and 1859. WRC "Hurst" pays poll taxes in 1855 Montgomery County. Conner Hurst is said to have died and be buried in Montgomery County's Newkirk Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
This is a period of time when even state lines were not clear. It was perfectly ordinary for a family near a state line to be uncertain as to which state they were actually in. This condition was more profound, still, on a county level. Researchers should be alert that the "county line" between Saline County, Montgomery County, and Hot Springs County is known to have changed multiple times during this period. There are known cases where chunks of territory were moved, and later even moved back. Conner Hurst enlisted in the CSA at Hot Springs, Arkansas, almost certainly the City of Hot Springs. The City of Hot Springs, however, is in Garland County, not in Hot Springs County. There is strong evidence Conner Hurst did move, but not nearly as often as "county" designations indicate. In theory, he need never have moved from his first farm. County boundary changes alone could "move" him.
The end result strongly indicates that WRC Hurst and Conner Hurst are the same man, but certainly do not prove the case. Conner Hurst enlisted in the CSA under that name, but was discharged under "C. R." Hurst. Though the "R" sustains "Richard," a better match would report him discharged as "R. C." Hurst rather than "C. R." Hurst. This Conner Hurst has a grandson named Richard Conner Hurst.
Known records show him as "Conner Hurst," "Conner Hust," and even "Camer Hart." One descendant, another Conner Hurst, has a headstone of "Corner Hurst." Conner's proven brother James has a listing as "Hurss." Research is hampered by variations in the use both first and last names.
"C. G. Hurst" is a probable relative of unknown relationship. "C. G. Hurst" paid poll taxes in 1857, was reported as owning 200 acres in 1858, and appears in the 1860 census, all in Montgomery County, Arkansas. Though still in Montgomery County, the 1858 tax list looks like "C. G. HurLt" and "C. G. Hurt" in 1857.
In the 1850 Saline County, Arkansas Census, 24 year old"Conner Hust" [typed index may show CoRner] is living in Dwelling 333 as Family 351 with wife Hesther Ann age 18 and married in 1848. They have one one son, James G., age one year [this is the only known report on this lad]. Conner was born in Tennessee while Hesther and James G. are Arkansas born. Occupation listed as Farmer. They are neighbored by Steels, Russels, and Dodds.
In this same Census, Tennessee-born James Hust, a 21 year old laborer is living with David L. Milliner in Dwelling 337. This James Hust is probably the known younger brother of Conner. Dwelling 244 has Tennessee-born 37 year old William Hust living with only wife Louisa age 40 and NC born. Dwelling 205 has Berrilla Hurst, MS born and age 12, living in the home of John C. Worther, age 30 and Tennessee born.
In 1860, Conner Hust [index may show Comer Hurt, Comer Hart, or other variants] is living in Dwelling 703, Sulphur Springs Township, Polk County, Arkansas as Family 696. Conner is 33 [Census Date August 1, 1860] and Tennessee born. He is living with wife 30 year-old Nancy born in Arkansas. There are three Arkansas born Hust children: Joseph N. age 9, Issabella age 4, and David C. age 1. There are also three Arkansas-born Clark children: Mirick, age 11, John W. age 9, and Sarah age 4.
This 1860 Joseph Hust later becomes known as Jonathan J. Hurst [with known sister Isabella]. This Jonathan J. named a son Jonathan Joe Nathan Hurst, powerfully indicating his own full name was Jonathan Joseph Nathan Hurst. David C. likewise later becomes known as William David Hurst. Since this William David C. named a son Conner, his full name his thought to be William David Conner Hurst. The uncommon practice of giving boys four names increases the probability that Conner Hurst and WRC Hurst are the same man.
The Charles Timberlake family is living nearbyin 1860 Polk County but without wife Cynthia Timberlake. In 1850 Hot Springs County Census [Hot Springs Township, Dwelling 504, Family 509] , this Timberlake family has three Hurst children: Sarah (16), Henry (11), and Nancy (8). The implication is that Cynthia Timberlake was a Hurst widow and possibly kin to Conner and James Hurst.
1860 is the last Census known with Conner, and the remaining family then spread out. In 1870 Widow Nancy had her own household, Jonathan J. Hurst married Mary Matilda Short, Isabella Hurst was living with her Grant grandparents, and Mirick Clark was living with a Davis family.
More About CONNER HURST:
Burial: Newkirk Cemetery, Montgomery County, Arkansas
Military Discharge: August 08, 1862, Camp Lee, Virginia
Military service: Confederate States of America
Occupation: farmer
Notes for HESTER ANN GRANT:
This indivdual has been known as both Hester Ann Grant and Esther Ann Grant. In the mid-1960's Rev. William Henry Guest, her grandson, referred to her by both names and stated he was unsure which was legally correct. She is reported in the 1850 Census as Hester but married in 1848 as Esther.
Pedigree charts differ on birth year (1831 and 1832).
Her fate is unknown. She had daughter Isabella in 1856, but the 1860 Census has Conner Hurst living with new wife Nancy and a one year old boy [William David C. Hurst]. She is presumed to have died about 1857-1858.
Her grandson, Rev. Guest, reported he thought she died after his grandfather and around 1864. Rev. Guest was uncertain as to where and how she died, so his date is presumed in error.
More About HESTER ANN GRANT:
Interred: New Kirk Cemetary, Garland County, Arkansas
Notes for NANCY CLARK:
Also see Conner Hurst notes [husband].
This person is reported as Nancy Clark, solely based upon having three Clark children in her 1860 household. She is a presumed Clark widow and her maiden name totally unknown.
In this 1860 Census, she is in Polk County, Sulfur Springs Township, page 102, dwelling 703, family 691 and the Shetucket Post Office. She is listed as 30 years old and living with Conner Hurst [33], Joseph N. Hurst [9], Issabella Hurst [4], David C. Hurst [1], Mirick Clark [11], John W. Clark, [9], and Sarah Clark [4].
Children of CONNER HURST and HESTER GRANT are:
i. | JAMES G.3 HURST, b. Abt. 1849, Hot Springs, Garland(Saline?) County, Arkansas; d. Arkansas -known only by 1850 Saline Arkansas Census. |
Notes for JAMES G. HURST: Records indicate only that James G. "died young". |
2. | ii. | JONATHAN J. HURST, b. Abt. 1851, Arkansas; d. Abt. 1893, Walnut Bottom, Saline County, Arkansas. | |
3. | iii. | ISABELLA HURST, b. Abt. 1856, Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas; d. Abt. 1893, buried in Oak Hill Hyland, Hot Springs, Arkansas. |
Children of CONNER HURST and NANCY CLARK are:
4. | iv. | WILLIAM DAVID3 HURST, b. November 08, 1856, Arkansas; d. October 02, 1936, Stigler, Oklahoma. | |
5. | v. | FRANCIS HURST, b. June 1863, Arkansas. | |
vi. | FRANCIS HURST, b. Abt. 1863. |