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Descendants of John H. Wellmaker, Sr

Generation No. 3


9. JOSEPH (JOB)3 WELLMAKER (ELIAS2, JOHN H.1) was born Abt. 1833 in Lincoln County, Georgia, and died Abt. 1863 in During Civil War. He married CELESTINE E. WELLMAKER November 10, 1854 in Wilkes County, Georgia, daughter of FELIX WELLMAKER and ELIZABETH SHANK. She was born Abt. 1837 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died Aft. 1865 in Possible Wilkes County, Georgia.

Notes for JOSEPH (JOB) WELLMAKER:
Joseph, known as Job, was the first child of Elias Wellmaker and Margaret Peggy Crook, born in Lincoln County, Georgia in 1833. Joseph married his first cousin, Celestine Wellmaker, daughter of Felix Wellmaker and Elizabeth Shank. Their only child, George, (also known as Job) was conceived before their marriage. Some discontent was caused in the families of the grandfathers, who were brothers, due to this situation.
Joseph enlisted in the Confederate Army between 1861 and 1862, exact date being unknown. No information as to the unit he may have served in has been discovered. However, it is known, as stated by Thomas Compton, that Joseph was a casualty of the war and died in 1863.
Celestine married again in 1865 to A. J. Reid. When she died is unknown. However, it is known that her son by Joseph was not raised by her or Mr. Reid. Instead, George was raised by one set of his grandparents. Which set is unknown?



More About JOSEPH WELLMAKER and CELESTINE WELLMAKER:
Marriage: November 10, 1854, Wilkes County, Georgia
     
Child of JOSEPH WELLMAKER and CELESTINE WELLMAKER is:
35. i.   GEORGE (JOB)4 WELLMAKER, b. Abt. 1855, Lincoln County, Georgia; d. 1924, Wilkes County, Georgia.


10. SUSAN ELIZABETH3 WELLMAKER (ELIAS2, JOHN H.1) was born August 25, 1834 in Lincoln County, Georgia, and died April 25, 1897 in Mt. Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama. She married JOEL LAFAYETTE NICHOLS1 January 22, 1851 in Lincoln County, Georgia, son of JOHN NICHOLS and NANCY BARTON. He was born September 30, 1831 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died June 30, 1901 in Mount Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama.

Notes for SUSAN ELIZABETH WELLMAKER:
Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker-Nichols from The Luverne Journal, June 17, 1897.

NICHOLS- In memory of Susan E. Nichols who was born in Georgia Aug 25, 1834 married to Brother Joel Nichols Jan 27, 1851. She departed this life April 23, 1897. On the evening of the 26th of April in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Surrounded by a host of friends and relatives, her remains were laid to rest to await the coming of our Lord when she will together with all the saints of the earth receive a glorious resurrection of the body.

Notes for JOEL LAFAYETTE NICHOLS:
JOEL LAFAYETTE NICHOLS September 30, 1831 - June 30, 1901

Joel was born on the west banks of the Savannah River in Wilkes County, Georgia, September 30, 1831. He was the fourth child of John Nichols and Nancy Barton.
When the 1850 Wilkes County, Georgia Census was taken Joel was living in the household of Camilla Sims, a widower. Also in this home was her daughter, Jacintha, age 5; and George W. Sims, age 28. The relation of George to Camilla is unknown. Joel was in the 94th district, living near his father and his step-mother Dorcus.
Joel married January 22, 1851, in Lincoln County, Georgia, to Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker, the daughter of Elias Wellmaker and Margaret Crook. She was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, August 25, 1834.

According to family lore Joel and Elias Wellmaker, Susan's father, relationship developed into one of less than tolerable conditions. For whatever reasons, Joel's harsh treatment by his father-in-law became more than Susan could bear. She became very frustrated with her father and decided that they should leave so they packed their belongings and their children into the back of a covered wagon, tied their only cow to the rear, and headed for Mississippi.
Why they chose Mississippi is unknown but there may have been relatives there who were descendants of his Uncle William E. Nichols.
Elias, Joel Jr., and William, sons of Joel and Susan, were born in Wilkes County, Georgia. Job, a fourth son, was born in Alabama July 17, 1858. William was born April 02, 1856. The move from Georgia was made between these dates. It is very likely that Benjamin Franklin Nichols, Joel's brother, also accompanied them.
Making their way through Alabama in parts of a trail know "Three Notch", Joel and Susan made a stop in Luverne, Alabama. Luverne, at that time, was located in Pike County. This would later become Crenshaw County.
Joel learned of some land available nearby on the east side of the Patsalagia River in an area known by the locals as the "Lime Sink." Joel acquired this land in 1857 and soon settled there. Due to the swampy conditions of the land along the river, Joel moved his building site several hundred yards back from the river and began building his home. He constructed his home from the bounty of pines that were on his land, hewing each log by hand until it was built.
Joel and his family are listed in the 1860 Pike County, Alabama, Western Division as follows: Joel, 28; Suannah P., 24; Elias T., 8; Joel L., 6; William M., 4; and Job F., 2. Also listed in the home is Ben F. Nichols, Joel's brother, 24.

After the outbreak of the War Between the States, it is believed that Joel enlisted in the Confederate Army. The date of his enlistment is unknown but he was assigned to Company G, 56th Alabama Calvary, commonly known in history as "The Partisan Rangers." Comprised of two Battalions, the 56th was made up from the 13th, Commanded by William A. Hewlett, and the 15th, commanded by Major William Boyles.
Though Joel's participation in the 56th is unknown, this unit saw extensive action from the Mississippi to the "Battle of Atlanta." While at Atlanta, they participated at Kennesaw Mountain under the leadership of General Hood. Joel returned home in 1864. Why he was released early is unknown.
Joel became a prosperous farmer and businessman after the war. He owned many acres of land, some under cultivation and the rest covered in prime timber. He also owned and operated a cotton gin and syrup mill. During this time he supplied many of the locals with work as well as serving his community. He, along with a Mr. Underwood, founded the "Cameron's Chapel Methodist Church" in Crenshaw County which still stands today.
In the 1870 Crenshaw County Census Joel is listed living in Township 11, Mt. Ida. He is a farmer, age 38. Susan is 35; Elias is 19; Joel Jr., listed as LaFayette, is 16; William is 14; and Job is 12. The other children listed are George, 9; Celestia, 4; and Alvin 2. Joel's family is last listed with Susan in the 1880 Crenshaw County Census still living in Mt. Ida. The surname is listed as "Nickols," not Nichols. Joel is listed at age 48; Susan, S. E., age 44; Job Francis, J. F., age 21; George Marion, G. M., age 19; Margaret Celestia, M. C., age 14; Alvin Cyrenous, A. C., age 12; Susan Elizabeth, S. E., age 9; and Lula, age 7.
Susan died on April 25, 1897. In the 1900 Census for Crenshaw County Joel is listed at age 68. The children still living at home are: Alvin, age 32; and Susan, age 24. Also in the house is William Richburg, a boarder and a servant. The name in the Census is difficult to make out) Joel passed away June 30, 1901 in the Mt. Ida Community near Brantley, Alabama. He and Susan are both buried at the Mount Ida Church Cemetery in Crenshaw County, Alabama, off a County Road 49 between Brantley and Luverne.

Joel's passing was without a Will. On August 20, 1901, Alvin C. Nichols, Joel's' youngest son, filed a petition with the Crenshaw County Probate Court to force the sale of all the real estate and personal property belonging to his father. According to the petition, the estate could not be divided properly among his children. Liquidation was needed to adequately resolve this matter.
Joel's real estate consisted of 390 acres of land. His personal property is listed as the following: one lot of mechanic tools; one cow and calf; one steam engine; one steam boiler and fixtures; two cotton gins and belting; two grist mill rocks and fixture; one wash pot; two pairs of weighing scales; one sewing machine; one cooking stove; one bedstead; two tables; one kitchen safe; one lot of chairs; one clock; and one cloths press.
The property of Joel Nichols was auctioned to the following: 200 acres to Alvin Cyrenous Nichols for $250.00; 90 acres to William J. Nichols for $900.00; 80 acres to Job Francis Nichols for $200.00; and 20 acres to Joel Evan Nichols for $80.00. Joel's personal property was sold for $678.70. Total value was $2, 108.70. Admin charges and other expenses totaled $124.51, leaving a net total of $1,984.46. This was divided among his surviving eight children at $220.46 each. The four children of his son Elias received $55.11 each. Elias had passed away before Joel. Many acres of his land remained with the family. Tharon Nichols, who died in 1997, lived with his wife, Mary Ticer, on part of that land. Some personal items also remained. A clock that came with Joel from Georgia was owned by Tharon and was handed down to Howard Compton. This is the clock mentioned above in Joel's personal property. Joel's Bible, as well as the Bible of his son George, is owned by Kendrick Shackleford.

Note: The first contact made with the Wellmaker Family after Joel and Susan left Georgia, came in 1873 when their eight year old daughter, Margaret Celestia Nichols, wrote a letter to her grandmother Wellmaker in Georgia.


A Letter from Joel L. Nichols to his cousin John Asberry Nichols;

Mount Ida April the 7th, 1895
Mr. J. A. Nichols Crenshaw County, Ala

Dear cousin it is with pleasure that I endeaver to answer your kind letter that I received sometime ago. We are all tolerably well at this time. Hoping it will find you all well. We are done planting corn. We havent planted any cotton yet, but I think will plant some next week. It has been the hardest winter I think that I ever saw here. We made a good crop last year made plenty of corn 36 bales of cotton you must excuse me for not writing sooner. I have been in bad health untill recently. Let me know how you got along with your saw mill in the future I will answer your letters as soon as I get them write and tell how all your children are getting along. Tell them to write to me you must be sure to write for I am glad to hear from you all at any time it would ples me the best in the world to see all you said something about comeing in the summer I would be more than glad to see you all any time.

I will close for this time Write soon and all the news'

Your loving cousin
Joel Nichols

Note: Joel Nichols was the first cousin to John Asberry Nichols.

Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker-Nichols from The Luverne Journal, June 17, 1897.

NICHOLS - In memory of Susan E. Nichols who was born in Georgia Aug 25, 1834 married to Brother Joel Nichols Jan 27, 1851. She departed this life April 23, 1897. On the evening of the 26th of April in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Surrounded by a host of friends and relatives, her remains were laid to rest to await the coming of our Lord when she will together with all the saints of the earth receive a glorious resurrection of the body.


More About JOEL NICHOLS and SUSAN WELLMAKER:
Marriage: January 22, 1851, Lincoln County, Georgia
     
Children of SUSAN WELLMAKER and JOEL NICHOLS are:
36. i.   ELIAS "ELI" S.4 NICHOLS, b. December 24, 1851, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. March 13, 1896, Mt. Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
37. ii.   JOEL LAFAYETTE "FATE" NICHOLS, JR., b. December 06, 1853, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. March 18, 1912, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
38. iii.   WILLIAM MARSHELL NICHOLS, b. April 02, 1856, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. July 17, 1921, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
39. iv.   JOB FRANCIS NICHOLS, b. July 17, 1858, Pike County, Alabama; d. March 28, 1915, Beat 9, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
40. v.   GEORGE MARION NICHOLS, b. May 12, 1861, Pike County, Alabama; d. August 29, 1915, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
41. vi.   MARGARET CELESTIA "TULLIE" NICHOLS, b. July 25, 1865, Pike County, Alabama; d. February 07, 1928, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
42. vii.   ALVIN CYRENOUS "AB" NICHOLS, b. August 19, 1867, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. February 12, 1934, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
  viii.   SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS2, b. July 13, 1870, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. April 16, 1949, Crenshaw County, Alabama; m. WILLIAM J. "GEORGIA BILL" NICHOLS3, January 18, 1903, Crenshaw County, Alabama; b. May 15, 1873, Wilkes or Lincoln County, Georgia; d. November 30, 1948, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
  Notes for SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS:
SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS, July 13, 1870 - April 16, 1949

Susan Elizabeth Nichols was the eighth child of Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., and Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker. She was born in the Mt. Ida Community in Crenshaw County, Alabama, July 13, 1870.
When the 1880 Crenshaw County, Alabama Federal Census was taken Susan, with her parents, were residents of Mount Ida. Susan is listed in the 1880 Census as S. E. W. Nichols, age 9. Still single in the 1900 Crenshaw County Census, Susan is listed at age 24, living in the Mt. Ida Community with her father and brother Alvin.
Susan married in Mt. Ida January 18, 1903 to William J. Nichols, known as "Georgia Bill." William was the only son of Newton A. Nichols and his first wife, known only by her maiden name of Smith. (See Number 66., Newton A. Nichols) William was born in Wilkes or Lincoln County, Georgia May 15, 1873.
William, Georgia Bill, is found first in the 1880 Lincoln County, Georgia Federal Census. He is living in the home of his grand mother, Mary Ann "Minnie" Crook-Nichols, widow of William J. Nichols. William is listed as W. J., age 6. His siblings are; Minnie, age 5; Maggie, age 2. William's father, Newton Nichols, is in Jail. He is listed at age 27. When the 1900 Lincoln County Census was enumerated William was a resident of Samuel in District 34, living in the home of Alex Tyler. William, listed as W. J., is 27.
Susan, known as "Aunt Sudie" and William "Georgia Bill", were related. William "Bill" was a grandson of William J. Nichols and Mary Crook. William was a brother of Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., who was the father of Susan Elizabeth Nichols. William met Susan when he was visiting his Alabama relatives. When William and Susan married, Susan's parents had already passed away.

William and Susan first appear as a married couple in the 1910 Crenshaw County, Alabama Census living in the Mt. Ida Community in the 68th District. William, listed as William Nickols is 38; Susan, listed as Sudie, is 34. In the 1920 Crenshaw County Census William and Susan were still residents of Mt. Ida, living in the 78th District. William is listed at 48; and Sudie is listed at 49. Her age is incorrect. She was 3 years younger than William. They are last listed in the 1930 Crenshaw County Census living in District 13 which covered both Brantley and Mt. Ida. William is listed at age 58; Susan is listed at age 59. The ages should be reversed.

William lived his life as a farmer. He and Susan lived on the land that was owned by her father until their deaths. William died November 30, 1948. Susan died April 16, 1949. No children were born to this union.
The Gravesites of Susan Elizabeth Nichols & William J. Nichols are located at the Mount Ida Church Cemetery in Crenshaw County, Alabama. Susan's epitaph reads "At Rest." William's reads, "Gone but not forgotten."



  More About WILLIAM NICHOLS and SUSAN NICHOLS:
Marriage: January 18, 1903, Crenshaw County, Alabama
43. ix.   LULA NICHOLS, b. September 25, 1872, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. April 18, 1939, Crenshaw County, Alabama.


11. WILLIAM LAWERNCE3 WELLMAKER (ELIAS2, JOHN H.1) was born 1836 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died June 27, 1864 in Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia. He married NAOME KENDER August 15, 1861 in Wilkes County, Georgia. She was born Abt. 1841 in Lincoln County, Georgia, and died Unknown in Lincoln or Wilkes County, Georgia.

Notes for WILLIAM LAWERNCE WELLMAKER:
William Lawrence Wellmaker, son of Elias Wellmaker and Margaret Peggy Crook, was born approximately 1836 in Lincoln or Wilkes County, Georgia. He married Naome Kender in Wilkes County on August 15, 1861.
William enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a private. What unit he may have been assigned to is unknown. He fought and died from wounds received at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia. The Confederate Units from the State of Georgia that participated in this campaign are as follows:

Infantry: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 35th, 38th, 44th, 45th, 48th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 53rd, 59th, 60th, 61st Regiments

2nd Battalion; 3rd Battalion Sharpshooters; Cobb's Legion; Phillips' Legion.

Cavalry: 7th Regiment; 20th Battalion; Cobb's Legion; Phillips' Legion.

Artillery: Callaway's, Carlton's, Milledge's, Richards', Patterson's, Ross's, and Wingfield's Batteries.

This battle took place from May 27 through June 12, 1864. Thomas Compton states in his research that William died at Cold Harbor on June 27, 1862. This must be in error. I believe that the correct year is 1864. Where William is buried is unknown but it would be a good assumption to think he is most likely buried near the battle area.
William had one child, one that he most likely never saw.
After William died, his wife Naome married Henry Fergerson. Naome died most likely in Wilkes County, Georgia. The year is unknown. Henry later married Elizabeth Kenney. She was the widow and second wife to Elias Wellmaker, father of William.
No other children have been found born to Naomi. Naomi was buried at the Henry Jimerson Crook Family Cemetery in Lincoln County, Georgia. This cemetery is located on the property of the old Henry Crook home place in what was, during the life of Jimerson, a fruit orchard. Naome's grave is unmarked.
Information about this cemetery is from the "Crook Family" by Thomas Compton. He states that this information is from Ella Mae Crook, a descendant of Henry, who was living on this property in the 1980s.

From Kenny Shackleford

In the 1840 Lincoln County, Georgia Census there is a David Kender listed. (Dist 269 - page 217) Living in his household the following were listed:

2 White males, 15-20
1 White male 60-70 (This is David Kender0
1 White female 10-15
1 White female 15-20
2 White females 20-30
1 White female 50-60 (This is David's wife)

In the 1850 Lincoln County Census the following is listed:

Kender, David 71 White male, planter, born in Georgia
Kender, Penelope Hardy 64 White female, born in North Carolina
Kender, Lucinda 34 White female, born in Georgia
Kender, Elizabeth 31 White female, born in Georgia
Kender, Martha 25 White female, born in Georgia
Kender, Naome 9 White female, born in Georgia
Dunaway, Emmelia J., 16 White female, born in Georgia
Dunaway, David R., 13 White male, born in Georgia
Dunaway, John L., 10 White male, born in Georgia

What I believe is the following. At least two of the Kender girls mentioned in the 1850 Census are not the daughters of David Kender. I believe that they may be daughters in laws. There is no mention of any boys named Kender in the 1850 Census for this family or any others. It's quite certain that Naome Kinder is not a daughter. Her father would have been 62 when she was born. Naome must be the daughter of one of the females listed and a Kender male who had died.
Also of interest are the three Dunaway children. They were obviously adopted but whom from? Could it be possible that a daughter of David married a Dunaway and then something tragic happened to this couple? Difficult questions to answer without a Will.
Another connection to this puzzle is Emmelia Dunaway. She married Henry Jimerson Crook. Henry was the Uncle to William Lawrence Wellmaker, husband of Naome Kender.


More About WILLIAM WELLMAKER and NAOME KENDER:
Marriage: August 15, 1861, Wilkes County, Georgia
     
Child of WILLIAM WELLMAKER and NAOME KENDER is:
44. i.   WILLIAM LAWRENCE4 WELLMAKER, JR., b. June 30, 1862, Lincoln County, Georgia; d. July 27, 1900, Lincoln County, Georgia.

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