The Manly/Manley's of Western NC

I am researching the MANLY family (sometimes spelled MANLEY). My grandfather, Rev. Allen Judson Manly (A.J.)lived most of his life in Transylvania County, Western North Carolina. He lived in Henderson and Macon counties, also in North Carolina, during his growing up years. There is a census record showing him in Pickens County, SC with a wife and their first 2 children. He died in 1951 in Alto Georgia and was buried in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Transylvania County North Carolina along with his wife, Julia Alice Searcy and daughters: Bessie and Lennie and sons: Rickman and Leon.

My grandfather Manly's family is documented back to 1799 in Laurens County South Carolina. The family moved to Greenville County, South Carolina then Henderson County, North Carolina then Macon County, North Carolina before settling in Transylvania County.

His mother was a RICKMAN and had ancestors back to England. There are many RICKMAN DESCENDANTS today in all parts of the United States. I have been told that the Manly's descended from England, but have not found records to prove it.

My grandmother was Julia Alice SEARCY and I am still searching for her ancestors. She was listed on an 1880 census (Transylvania Co, NC) as the daughter of William Henry SEARCY. Her Mother is believed to be Mary Ann (or Marian) MOODY.

Searching my Mother's family: VOLRATH/VOLLRATH, ORR, CRENSHAW mostly in upstate South Carolina.

Searching my Husband's family: MABE, LOFTIN, BENNETT, CARR, PETERSON, mostly in Eastern North Carolina.

This loving search to find footprints to new family branches is ongoing and no doubt has some incorrect data. I welcome any corrections or additons.

My Family History

• Surname List


• Index of Individuals


• InterneTree


• Sources

Family Photos

• Rev A.J. and Julia Searcy Manly Family (100 KB)
  Rosman NC; About 1918
• Rev A.J. and Julia Searcy Manly (80 KB)
  Rosman NC; 1930's

Family Tree Maker Reports and Trees

• InterneTree: Descendant Tree of John Peterson


• Descendant Tree of John Peterson (PDF Format)