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Andrew Jackson Speer³ (William¹, William²) was a country doctor, farmer, politician, Mason, and family man. He raised ten children in a sprawling two-story house in Lowndesville, Abbeville County, South Carolina. He apparently treated patients in a nearby office and made frequent house calls to those who were bed-ridden. For over fifty years he served as the country doctor and delivered many of the babies in Lowndesville and the surrounding communities. He was affectionately called the 'Father of Lowndesville'.

They were living in Morgan, Calhoun County, Georgia in 1860. Morgan is located west of Albany in the southwestern part of the state. Perhaps Andrew was planning to start his general practice in Morgan, however one reference reports that 'A. J. Speer' served as Calhoun County Inferior Court Justice from January 10, 1861 until January 1862^B. In any event, the family was settled in Lowndesville by 1870. Andrew and Sophia had ten children (see below).

Anthony Verdel arrived in America from Brest, France on April 30, 1779. He was serving with General Lafayette, commander of the French infantry and naval troops whose crucial support allowed the Americans to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. Anthony was a Band Leader for the marching troops. After he was discharged on December 26, 1782, he remained in America and was awarded over 5,000 acres of bounty lands by a grateful country. In 1787, he received 308 acres in Wilkes County and 2,395 acres in Franklin County, Georgia. In January 1788, he received another 2,650 acres in Franklin County.

Anthony Verdel's son John Anthony, who was Sophia Williamson's father, settled on a large estate along the west side of the Savannah River in Elbert County. John Anthony was a veteran of the War of 1812.

1860 Morgan Post Office, Calhoun Co, GA

A. J. Speer Head of household, Male, 26, MD, $740 in Real Estate, $8,000 in Personal Estate, born in SC

Sophia Speer 19, Female, born in GA

Verdel Speer 1, Female, born in GA

1870 A. Speer, Head of household, Male, 37, Physician, Lowndesville, Abbeville Dist, SC

S. W. Speer 30, Female

J. V. Speer 9, Female

L. J. Speer 4, Female

William M. Speer 2, Male

1880 Speer, A. Jackson, Head of household, 46, Physician/Farmer, Lowndesville TWP, Abbeville Dist, SC

Speer, S. Lola 40, wife

Speer, Johnnie V. 20, daughter

Speer, Lola J. 14, daughter, student

Speer, Wm Mark 11, son, student

Speer, Richard W. 9, son, student

Speer, Foster P. 6, son

Speer, Wade H. 3, son

Speer, Ethel 2, daughter

1890 Records Missing

1900 Speer, A. J., Head of household, 66, Physician, Lowndesville, Abbeville Co, SC

Speer, Mark, W. 31, son, single, Groceries

Speer, G. W. 23, son, single, Lawyer

Speer, Ethel 22, dau, single, House Keeper

Speer, Gordon 19, son, single, Farm Laborer

1910 Lowndesville TWP, Abbeville Co, SC

Speer, Andrew J., Head of household, 78, 2nd marriage, Physician w/ General Practice, Civil War Vet

Speer, Fannie H. 43, wife, Farmer, General Farm Supply

Speer, Frances H. 7, daughter

Speer, Andrew, J. Jr. 4, son

Likewise, no records exist of Andrew's medical experiences during the war. It is believed that he served in an Army hospital in Columbia before being assigned to the North Carolina unit. It is easy to imagine the pain and suffering he must have seen during his service. Physicians and surgeons of course played crucial roles in the war and medical treatment at the time underwent rapid advancement. The vast number of battle field injuries and wide-spread illness and disease in the camps and prisons not only stretched the medical staffs' abilities and resources, but provided ample opportunity for observation, study and improvement in treatments. Andrew's experiences, thoughts, impressions, and learning must have stayed with him for the rest of his life.

The war interrupted the newly-married couple. According to the Census records above, they were living in Morgan, Calhoun County, Georgia before the war. The circumstances are unknown, however during the war, it is likely Andrew, Sophia and their first child Johnnie Verdel lived with Sophia's parents in Elbert County, Georgia. Apparently Andrew had several home leaves, because two additional children were born during the war. Unfortunately, they did not survive and both are buried beside Sophia's mother in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery in southern Elbert County (Figure 13-3). The Verdel family belonged to this church and their plantation was nearby. Apparently there was no money to purchase tombstones at the time because both infants were later listed on a single small headstone (Figure 13-10).

Little money was available after the war to pay for medical services; therefor most people traded farm and garden goods for the doctor's fees. While he did not amass great wealth, Andrew's continually growing family must have welcomed these trade goods.

A family story serves to illustrate Andrew's medical service to the community^G.

The Doctor was called out on a rainy winter night in 1892 to attend to a sick young girl some distance from home. He arrived in his buggy late at night, bundled against the rain and cold in a heavy black cape and large black hat. Upon removing his hat after entering the door of the house, and before seeing the girl who was in bed upstairs, he pronounced the illness to be scarlet fever! The diagnoses turned out to be correct, the young girl recovered under Andrew's care, and the stunned parents repeatedly told the story of the doctor who could see through walls. Apparently Andrew had learned to distinguish various diseases by their odor; but to the community it just confirmed his mystical powers of healing!

The young girl was eight-year-old Vera Nettie Allen (1884-1974) who later married Arthur Jackson Speer⁴ (1881-1970), a nephew of the doctor. The story has been handed down by Vera's grandson William Arthur Speer, Jr.⁶

Andrew had at least one apprentice. In January 1891, he was teaching L. O. McCalla the medical profession in his home.

On May 12, 1882, Andrew registered to vote in the Lowndesville Election Precinct^H.

See Figure 13-1 for Andrew’s 1916 signature.

Andrew owned various other tracts of land at differing times. Detailed records were lost when the Abbeville County Deed files burned sometime later. Apparently he owned some timber land as well as land inherited from his father^A, presumably before his father lost his estate after the Civil War.

The adjacent property on the northeast corner of the house lot was the location of the old Women's Academy School House (previously the Lowndesville Academy) which was built about 1845. Andrew purchased the Academy lot about 1891 and sold part or all of it to D. L. Barnes on July 8, 1895^K. Barnes tore down the school house and built a tenant house, which is no longer standing.

In the Name of God Amen.

I, Mrs. S. W. Speer, of the town of Lowndesville, the County of Abbeville, and State of South Carolina, being of sound mind and memory, do make, order, publish, and declare, this to be my last Will and Testament. That is to say.

First---I will and bequeath to my two daughters, Johnnie V. Speer, and S. Ethel Speer, all of my real estate and appurtenances situated thereon, that I may now own, or may hereafter inherit, forever in this state, also in the state of Georgia. The following lots or parcels being more fully described. One house and lot, situate in the town of Lowndesville, bounded by lands of my husband-Dr. A. J. Speer, Mrs Annie Huckabee, and main street, being the same deeded to me by my husband-Dr. A. J. Speer, containing one and 4/10 acres and known as the Old Academy lot. One tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Elbert, and State of Georgia, containing one hundred and twenty five acres, more or less, and bounded by lands of Mash Dye, John Clark, and others, and on the waters of Beaver Dam Creek, being the same that was given to me by my mother, Mrs. Sarah C. Verdel. The above property to be equally divided between my two daughters mentioned above. I direct that the last piece of land described must not be sold during the lifetime of my sisters, Adaline and Martha Verdell, because of the fact that the plantation, of which it is a part, has never been divided between them and myself.

Second---I will and direct that my daughters, Johnnie V. and S. Ethel Speer, shall pay the sums of five dollars to my sons Mark R., Richard W., and Foster Speer, making the total sum, fifteen dollars.

Third---I will and bequeath to my two sons, Governor Speer and Gordon Speer, all of my personal estate, including money on hand, and in bank, that I may own at my death, or that I may hereafter

inherit, share and share alike.

Fourth---I will and direct, that if either of my daughters, mentioned above, should die without issue, that one fourth of her interest be given to my son Governor Speer, one fourth to my son Gordon Speer, and the remaining half to be given the surviving sister. In case both of my daughters should die, then, I will and direct that one half of their interest be equally divided between my three oldest sons, Mark R., Richard W., and Foster Speer. The remaining half to be equally divided between my youngest sons, viz: Governor & Gordon Speer.

Fifth---I make, constitute, and appoint my daughter Johnnie V. Speer as Executrix of this, my last will and testament. But if she should fail to serve from any cause, I then, make, constitute and appoint my son Richard W. Speer as Executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal the 20th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two.

(signed) Sophia W. Speer

Note that twice, Sophia incorrectly refers to her oldest son William Mark Speer as Mark R. Speer. See Figure 13-5 for Sophia's signature on her will.

Sophia Williamson gives two tracts of land to her two surviving daughters. Unfortunately, Johnnie Verdel died before Sophia. The 'Academy lot' appears to refer to the same lot Andrew sold to Mr. Barnes in 1895. Likewise, Andrew appears to give this same lot to his two youngest children in his will in 1910. The confusion has not been resolved. Sophia's 125 acre tract of land was originally part of her father's homestead in Elbert County, Georgia.

Henry was a Confederate States Army Veteran. Frances was born on October 11, 1866 and was 35 years old when she married Andrew, who was 68. It was her first marriage.

Andrew and Frances lived for a time in Georgia, but eventually occupied the house in Lowndesville. They had two children, the youngest was born when Andrew was nearly 72 years old (see below).

Frances Hines survived 31 years after Andrew's death and died on May 12, 1949. She never remarried. She is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina (Figure 13-6).

Figure 13-7

I, A.J. Speer of Lowndesville, South Carolina, being of sound mind and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do make this my last will and testament.

First--I have willed and deeded to my wife and our two children, Francis and A.J., all of the home place containing forty nine acres, more or less, together with all household and kitchen furniture and personal property I may own at my death. I also {give} to Francis and A.J., my two youngest children equally, the lot known as the school house lot and adjoining the home place, this to be my wife's and two youngest children full share of my estate as to agreement between myself and wife.

3rd--I give to my six oldest children, W.M. Speer, R.W. Speer, Foster Speer, G.W. Speer, Ethel Speer and Gordon Speer, my plantation, containing one hundred and fifty acres, more or less, to be equally divided between them, each share and share alike, this to be their full share of my estate.

I will to my son Foster Speer, my Bible containing the New Testament and Psalms as an heir loon, also my violin.

This is as I would have my will, my wife agreeing to take the home place for herself and Francis and A.J. and agrees to relinquish all right or claims in the plantation as to our agreement.

It is my will that there be no dispute or contention, but divide and settle peaceably as I have willed and directed.

I do hereby appoint my wife, Francis H. Speer, W.M. Speer and G.W. Speer as Executrix and Executors to carry out this will.

Written and signed this 1st day of September, 1910: A.J. Speer

In the presence of Witness:

R.H. Moseley, Robert J. Hutchinson, R.R. Jones.

Note that the above is a transcript of a typed copy of the original will. The original document has not been found. The possibly missing '2nd' section is also omitted on the typed copy in the Probate Office.

Born Died

1) Johnnie Verdel Speer⁴ 26 Dec 1858 13 Feb 1894

2) Infant Daughter Speer⁴ 1861 1861

3) Infant SonSpeer⁴ 1863 1863

4) Lola Jackson Speer⁴ 30 Jan 1866 25 Aug 1886

5) William Mark Speer, Sr.⁴ 20 Dec 1868 13 Jun 1966

6) Richard Williamson Speer, Sr.⁴ 17 Apr 1871 28 Dec 1962

7) Foster Pierce Speer⁴ 15 Feb 1874 1 Oct 1971

8) Governor Wade Speer, Sr.⁴ 12 Dec 1876 3 Nov 1951

9) Sophia Ethel Speer⁴ 28 Jan 1878 c1965

10) Gordon Verdel Speer⁴ 26 Sep 1880 28 Feb 1963

11) Francine Hoyt Speer⁴ 19 Aug 1902 15 Jan 1990

12) Andrew Jackson Speer, II⁴ 13 Sep 1905 c1982

1) Johnnie Verdel Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was the first born to Andrew and Sophia. She arrived a day after Christmas on December 26, 1858 in Georgia. Johnnie lived with her parents and never married. She worked in the house and helped care for her brothers and sisters. Family stories tell of her tending to young Governor Wade Speer⁴ when he was critically ill with typhoid fever^N. See Figure 13-8 for Johnnie's portrait. Perhaps she also helped her father care for patients.

Johnnie Verdel⁴ died less than two months after her 35th birthday on February 13, 1894. She was buried next to her younger sister Lola Jackson Speer, who had died eight years earlier, in the family plot in the Smyrna Methodist Church Cemetery near Lowndesville. Her tombstone is shown in Figure 13-9.

2) & 3) Infant Daughter Speer⁴ and Infant Son Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) were born during the Civil War and before the family settled in Lowndesville. Presumably they died at birth or soon thereafter. They are buried beside Sophia Williamson's mother in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery in Elbert County, Georgia. Figure 13-10 shows their single tombstone.

4) Lola Jackson Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born soon after the Civil War on January 30, 1866. See Figure 13-11 for her portrait.

She never married and died before her twenty-first birthday on August 25, 1886. Lola Jackson⁴ was the first family member buried in the Smyrna Methodist Church Cemetery near Lowndesville. See Figure 13-12 for her tombstone.

Our

Dec 23, 1861

Our

Oct 1, 1863

Children of

5) William Mark Speer, Sr.⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born on December 20, 1868. He lived in Lowndesville and pursued a career in merchandising. He married his second-cousin-once-removed Eula May Kay⁵ (William¹, John², Elizabeth³, Benjamin⁴) on June 26, 1907. Eula May was born December 27, 1882 and died December 16, 1967. She was the daughter of Benjamin Caldwell Kay (1849-1905) and Kitty Leola Latimer (1860-1940). Kitty was the daughter of James Marion Latimer (1815-?) and Eleanor Jane Lockhart. Benjamin was the son of Benjamin Dozier Kay (1820-1886) and Elizabeth C. Speer (1809-1870). Elizabeth was the daughter of John Speer, who was the oldest son of William Speer, Sr. (CHAPTER 4).

See Figures 13-13 and 13-14 for portraits of William Mark⁴ and Eula May. They owned and operated a general store located in the corner of their large yard in Lowndesville. After it burned, Mark became co-owner in the Cooley and Speer General Store located on the site now occupied by the new Lowndesville Post Office^O.

On June 2, 1890, William Mark⁴ registered to vote. In 1920, he served on the Lowndesville City Council. By 1951, he and Eula May were living in Atlanta.

William Mark⁴ and Eula May had three children:

Born Died

5-A) Kitty Kay Speer⁵ 22 Feb 1914 2 Feb 1945

5-B) William Mark Speer, Jr.⁵ 18 Jul 1922 2 Jan 1931

5-C) Ethel May Speer⁵ 18 Jul 1922 7 Jul 1985

William Mark⁴ Speer, Sr. died on June 13, 1966. The entire family is buried in the Smyrna Methodist Church Cemetery near Lowndesville (Figure 13-13).

6) Richard Williamson Speer, Sr.⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born on April 17, 1871. Upon turning 21, he registered to vote on May 2, 1892. He married Alice Clinkscales on April 11, 1899 and they lived in Anderson. Alice was born March 29, 1876 and died September 4, 1937.

Richard Williamson's will, dated 9 Jul 1959 is transcribed as follows^I.

I, Richard W. Speer, of Anderson County, South Carolina, do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my will:

1. I give to my brother, Foster Speer, the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00).

2. I give to my sister, Mrs. Ethel Sigmon, the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00).

3. I give to my daughter-in-law, Mrs. Kate Speer, the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00).

4. I give to my daughter-in-law, Mrs Una Mae Speer, the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00).

5. I give to my grandson, John Speer, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

6. I give to my granddaughter, Joan Speer, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

7. I give to my son, Richard W. Speer, Jr., the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00).

8. I give to my son, J. Fleetwood Speer, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00).

9. All of the rest and residue of my estate of every kind and description, real and personal, I give, devise, and bequeath to my daughter, Caroline Speer.

10. I appoint my said two sons, Richard W. Speer, Jr. and J. Fleetwood Speer, executors of this will, and authorize and empower them to do any and every act and thing they may deem necessary, convenient, or desirable in the settlement of my estate, including, without limiting or restricting the foregoing, the power to sell all or any part of my estate, real and personal, at public or private sale, with or without advertisement, at such time or times and on such terms as they may deem advantageous.

11. I revoke all prior wills.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name this 9th day of July, 1959.

(Signed) Richard W. Speer

See Figure 13-16 for Richard's signature on his will.

Richard Williamson⁴ and Alice had three children:

Born Died

6-A) Richard Williamson Speer, Jr.⁵ 24 Jan 1900 13 Mar 1975

6-B) John Fleetwood Speer, Sr.⁵ 16 Sep 1902 19 Apr 1994

6-C) Caroline Fleetwood Speer⁵ 23 Nov 1908 8 Apr 1990

6-A) Richard Williamson Speer, Jr.⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴) married Kate Ballard on December 23, 1933. Kate was born on March 23, 1909. They are also buried in the Old Silverbrook City Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina (Figure 13-18).

6-B) John Fleetwood Speer, Sr.⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴) attended the Frazier Fitting School and graduated from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. He later taught for two years at the college. John was the Pharmacist and owner of the Orr-Gray Drug Store in Anderson. He married Una Mae Burriss on June 2, 1927. Una Mae was born April 17, 1905 and was the daughter of James Reuben Burriss (1880-1937) and Annabell Crawford (1885-1982). James Reuben was the son of James Wilborn Burriss (1860-1941) and Martha Rosetta Crawford (1856-1926). John and Una Mae were members of the Central Presbyterian Church. Una Mae died April 10, 1993 and John died a year later. They too are buried in the Old Silverbrook City Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina (Figure 13-19).

Born Died

6-B-1) Joan Mildren Speer⁶ 1 Apr 1932 14 Nov 1981

6-B-2) John Fleetwood Speer, Jr.⁶ 4 Mar 1941

6-B-1) Joan Mildred Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴, John⁵) graduated from the University of Georgia in 1953. She married John Everard Shillinglaw (1929-?) on January 15, 1961.

Joan Mildred⁶ and John had three children:

Born Died

6-B-1-a) John Craig Shillinglaw⁷ 24 Jan 1965

6-B-1-b) David Speer Shillinglaw⁷ 4 Dec 1968 5 Dec 1968

6-B-1-c) Robert Hall Shillinglaw⁷ 5 Jan 1970

6-B-1-b) David Speer Shillinglaw⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴, John⁵, Joan⁶) is buried in the Old Silverbrook City Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina (Figure 13-20).

6-B-2) John Fleetwood Speer, Jr.⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴, John⁵) graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963 with a BS Degree in Pharmacy. On March 27, 1966, he married Nancy Toole Prevost, who was born February 19, 1943. John followed his father as Pharmacist and owner of the Orr-Gray Drug Store in Anderson.

John Fleetwood⁶ and Nancy Toole have three children:

Born

6-B-2-a) John Prevost Speer⁷ 18 Jun 1968

6-B-2-b) Charles Keith Speer⁷ 15 Jun 1970

6-B-2-c) Richard Williamson Speer, III⁷ 11 Nov 1973

6-C) Caroline Fleetwood Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Richard⁴) was the youngest child of Richard Williamson and Alice Speer. She never married and is buried in the Old Silverbrook City Cemetery in Anderson (Figure 13-21).

7) Foster Pierce Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born to Andrew and Sophia during the midst of the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. He left Lowndesville on February 15, 1874 to attend the Citadel Military College but changed his mind and followed a religious career instead. In December 1894 he was licensed to preach by the North Georgia Methodist Conference and in May 1895 he graduated from Young Harris College in Georgia. In December 1896 he was licensed to preach in South Carolina by the Methodist Conference in Abbeville. By 1897, he was on the preaching circuit and served eventually in numerous places in South Carolina, including Providence, Wedgefield, Foreston, Saluda, and Plumb Branch. In 1898, he was ordained a deacon and in 1901 an Elder. Foster Pierce⁴ married Henrietta Augusta Pooser on June 14, 1898. They were married in Lucknow, South Carolina by her father Reverend George Henry Pooser (1838-1913). Henrietta ('Hettie') Augusta was born January 31, 1877 and graduated in 1896 from Columbia College, the forerunner of the University of South Carolina. Her mother was Martha Elizabeth Jennings (1839-1926). Her father's parents were Major George and Ann E. Pooser, II.

In 1938, Foster and Hettie were assigned to the St. Paul Methodist Church in Plumb Branch, McCormick County, South Carolina. Here they retired in 1941 and lived the rest of their lives. Hettie was also active in church matters. Foster not only attended to church affairs, but was a regular feature at the locale country school where he weekly entertained the students with children’s' stories and encouragements to attend Sunday School. As a story teller he was unsurpassed. In his later years, he would sit on his front porch every day and entertain the community children who flocked around him^P. He especially enjoyed playing Chinese Checkers with the children. To show it's appreciation for his many years of faithful service, the communities of Plumb Branch and McCormick sponsored 'Reverend Foster Speer Day' on September 12, 1965^Q.

Reverend Foster was a man of strong convictions and uncompromising dedication and conduct. He disapproved of tobacco, alcohol, foul language, divorce, lawyers, and debt. Proper dress was essential; he always wore a coat and tie, even when working in his garden!^P

As he requested, Foster Pierce's will, dated April 8, 1969, was not recorded. It is transcribed below^R.

I----My assets at the present time: 1) Books, personal clothing, a scanty amount of furniture; 2) Bank deposits of possibly $1,250.00; 3) A group insurance policy of $1,500.00.

II----In making this Will I take into consideration: 1) Should my wife survive me she will be pensioned for life by the United Methodist Church during her lifetime, and possibly by the U.S. Government, and at her death the bulk of her assets will become the property of our daughter, Martha Speer Marjenhoff; 2) Since the death of their parents in 1953 to the present I have contributed more than $1,200.00 of my personal funds for the maintenance of our three grandsons--this sum being in addition to all that I have received from every source for their maintenance; also in excess of all the rent I have paid for their house at Plumb Branch; 3) Since November, 1965 I have also given each of my grandsons $200.00 in U.S. government bonds.

III----Any debts I may owe at the time of my death shall be promptly paid.

IV----I direct that my books, clothing and furniture be divided among my wife, daughter, and grandsons as they see fit, but my encyclopedia be given to Henry Sturkey.

V----The entire proceeds of my group insurance policy are to be given to my daughter, Martha Marjenhoff.

VI----I direct financial donations as follows:

Rosalie Smith Johnson $20.00

Marion Sturkey 25.00

Lee Sturkey 25.00

Henry Sturkey 25.00

Edith Pooser 30.00

Mrs. Ethel Sigmon 30.00

VII----Should anyone in VI, above, die before I do his (her) inheritance shall be equally divided among the others in VI. When these provisions have been complied with the remainder of my assets are to be given to our daughter, Martha Marjenhoff, and she shall be responsible for the modest funeral expenses of her surviving parent (parents).

VIII----This Will is not to be recorded in any court--I name Martha Marjenhoff as my executrix (without compensation) and when advice is necessary let her consult Marion F. Sturkey.

Let lawyers alone, and keep your business strictly to yourselves.

IX----I an so sorry I have so little to leave my loved ones, but what I do leave you is 100% honest. I truly love each of you, and I charge you to love each other--God bless each of you, dear loved ones.

Plumb Branch, S.C. Foster Speer

April 8, 1969

In a 1971 note placed with his will, Foster instructed his daughter Martha Lola Speer⁵ Marjenhoff:

I love you--I love you

At my death all my bank accounts automatically become yours, Martha.

Read my Will.

I feel sure the boys will gladly give you their parts.

My desk is hereby given to you, Martha.

$1275 (about that amount) in the S.C. National Bank at Greenwood. I suggest $400 (possibly $450) for my funeral (not more). The same for Mama's. Give the boys (and Edith if Living) their small parts. Also Rosalie.

Don't disagree with the Boys.

My Conference Insurance ($1500.00) is yours entirely.

I hope to have sufficient in both banks to pay my last hospital bill.

Go by my Will. It is in the iron box in bottom drawer of my desk.

Foster Pierce⁴ and Hettie Augusta died at the Methodist Retirement Home in Greenwood, South Carolina; Foster on October 1, 1971 and Hettie on June 15, 1972. See Figures 13-22 and 13-23 for their portraits. See Figure 13-24 for their tombstone at the Plumb Branch City Cemetery, McCormick County, South Carolina.

Foster Pierce Speer⁴ (1874-1971). Drawn in 1996 by Edward Shanon Wood⁷ from an 1897 photograph.

Foster Pierce⁴ and Hettie Augusta had four children:

Born Died

7-A) George Andrew Speer⁵ 25 Apr 1899 19 Aug 1899

7-B) Martha Lola Speer⁵ 22 Oct 1900

7-C) John Verdel Speer⁵ 19 Aug 1904 22 Jul 1905

7-D) Ethel Elizabeth Speer⁵ 25 Nov 1907 15 Oct 1953

7-A) George Andrew Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴) was born in Lucknow, South Carolina and is believed to be buried in the Community Cemetery in Foreston, Clarendon County, South Carolina. However, no headstone was found during a 1995 visit.

7-B) Martha Lola Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴) was born in Foreston and graduated from Laurens High School about 1918. In 1923, she graduated from Winthrop College with an AB Degree. Martha later did graduate work in Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She married Henry J. Marjenhoff, Jr. in a Lutheran Church in Augusta, Georgia on July 19, 1941. Henry died on October 8 of the following year in New York City and is buried in Charleston. Martha Lola never remarried.

She was a school teacher for over 30 years and taught at numerous places, including:

Wingate, Union Co, NC Morganton, Burke Co, NC

Gastonia, Gaston Co, NC Barnwell, Barnwell Co, SC

Inman, Spartanburg Co, SC Abbeville, Abbeville Co., SC

McCormick, McCormick Co, SC

Martha Lola⁵ retired in 1962 and returned to Plumb Branch to take care of her aging parents. In 1995, she was living at the Methodist Home south of Orangeburg, South Carolina.

7-C) John Verdel Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴) was born in Saluda, Saluda County, South Carolina and is believed to be buried in the Butler Methodist Church Cemetery near Saluda.

7-D) Ethel Elizabeth Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴) was born in Whitmire, Newberry County, South Carolina. She graduated from High School in 1925 in Easley, Pickens County, South Carolina and from Winthrop College in 1929. From 1929 to 1930 she was a school teacher at the Methodist Epworth Children's home in Columbia. From 1930 to 1940 she was a teacher in Woodruff, Spartanburg County. On October 19, 1940 Ethel Elizabeth⁵ married Oscar Lee Sturkey, Sr. in the St. Paul Methodist Church Parsonage in Plumb Branch. Oscar was born April 10, 1899 in Plumb Branch and attended the University of South Carolina. He served as a Captain in the US Navy during World War I and was Mayor of Plumb Branch for 21 years. Oscar was the son of Marion Benjamin Sturkey (1837-1920) and Annie Laura Collier (1858-1935).

Ethel Elizabeth and Oscar were killed in a tragic car accident near Columbia on October 15, 1953. They are buried in the Plumb Branch City Cemetery (Figure 13-25).

Ethel Elizabeth⁵ and Oscar had three children:

Born

7-C-1) Marion Foster Sturkey⁶ 9 Nov 1941

7-C-2) Oscar Lee Sturkey, Jr.⁶ 15 Nov 1943

7-C-3) Ralph Henry Sturkey⁶ 11 Jan 1946

7-C-1) Marion Foster Sturkey⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴, Ethel⁵) graduated from High School in 1960 and attended Clemson College. On July 12, 1964 he joined the US Marine Corps and later served in a helicopter crew in the Vietnam War. He married Myrtle Agnes Hubert on November 20, 1965. Myrtle was born June 28, 1945. Their daughter Christie Elizabeth Sturkey⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴, Ethel⁵, Marion⁶) was born September 6, 1972. Marion Foster⁶ married Bobby Sue Carlson (1954) on October 11, 1986 and lives in Plumb Branch.

7-C-2) Oscar Lee Sturkey, Jr.⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴, Ethel⁵) graduated from High School in 1961 and also joined the US Marine Corps in July 1964. He graduated from the University of South Carolina on June 1, 1965 and was commissioned a Marine Lieutenant.

On August 18, 1973, Oscar Lee, Jr.⁶ married Mary Lou Sturkie and their son Jefferson Sturkey⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴, Ethel⁵, Oscar⁶) was a student at Clemson in 1995. Oscar Lee, Jr.⁶ married Carole Ann Mueler (1959) on April 21, 1994 and lives in McCormick where he is a lawyer.

7-C-3 Ralph Henry Sturkey⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Foster⁴, Ethel⁵) graduated from High School June 1, 1964 and attended the University of South Carolina. He lives in Columbia, South Carolina.

8) Governor Wade Speer, Sr.⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War on December 12, 1876. Governor was his first name, not a title. He was born in the Andrew Jackson Speer house in Lowndesville and became a lawyer, farmer and family man.

He graduated from the Law College at the University of South Carolina and in 1900 was admitted to the State Bar Association. That same year, Governor was studying law under South Carolina Supreme Court Judge M. L. Bonham of Anderson. He worked as a lawyer in Lowndesville and Abbeville and for the Bonham and Watkins Law Firm of Augusta, Georgia.

In November 1900, Governor Wade, Sr.⁴ moved to Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina. This newly created county was a great opportunity for a young lawyer and Governor was quick to accept the challenge. In addition to his private practice, he served in the following public positions:

President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the Cherokee County Bar Association.

Gaffney City Attorney.

Cherokee County Attorney.

Blacksburg Draft Board Attorney.

President of Farmers Mutual Insurance Association.

Southern Railway Company Attorney

During his life in Gaffney, Governor Wade, Sr. was an active member of the Masonic Lodge. He belonged to the Woodmen of the World and the Order of the Eastern Star.

See Figure 13-26 for his signature and Figure 13-27 for his portrait.

Governor Wade, Sr.⁴ owned and operated a small farm of 85 acres in Cherokee County. In March 1950, he sold his farm for $6,375 or $75.00/acre. He purchased $6,000 worth of bonds which he divided between his three sons. The buyer of the farm was Martin A. Duncan, who was the brother of Helen Duncan Vassey, who was the mother of Larry Estelle Vassey, who was the wife of Governor Wade's son Clarence Gordon Speer⁵.

On October 15, 1907, Governor Wade, Sr.⁴ married Medora L. Scott. Medora was born September 19, 1883 in Gaffney to Benjamin F. Scott (1852-1895) and Agnes Lipscomb (1849-1933). Benjamin and Agnes were married about 1870. Agnes was the daughter of Wyatt Lipscomb, Sr. (1812-1881) and Rebecca Lockhart. Wyatt was the son of Smith Lipscomb (1772-1851) and Agnes Smith (1776-1816) who were married December 12, 1800. Smith was the son of William Lipscomb, Sr. (1731-1810) and Elizabeth Smith (1736-1820) who were married October 18, 1759. William was the son of Thomas Lipscomb, Sr.

(1700-1770) and Sarah Mackgehee. Thomas was the son of John Lipscomb and Dinah Mackgehee. Medora's sister Rebecca Scott (1879-1947) married Clarence Grey (1880-1918). These Speer and Grey families were very close and visited often.

Only one picture of Medora has been found. See Figure 13-28.

Medora and her sister Helen suffered from diabetes. Medora took daily injections of insulin most of her adult life. She died at home at the age of 57 from a heart attack on May 31, 1941. Her tombstone is shown in Figure 13-29.

Governor Wade Speer, Sr.⁴ died November 3, 1951 after a four month illness. He died at the Cherokee County Hospital in Gaffney and is buried beside Medora in the Oakland Cemetery (Figure 13-29).

Governor Wade Sr.⁴ and Medora had three sons:

Born Died

8-A) Governor Wade Speer, Jr.⁵ 15 Aug 1908

8-B) Robert Lee Speer, Sr.⁵ 21 Aug 1913

8-C) Clarence Gordon Speer⁵ 6 Oct 1920 14 Sep 1987

8-A) Governor Wade Speer, Jr.⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴) was born in Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina on August 15, 1908. He graduated from Gaffney High School and attended one session at Clemson College about 1928. He married Emma French McKown on October 18, 1934. Emma French was born September 4, 1914 and attended two years at Winthrop College. She received a Teaching Certificate from Winthrop after taking additional night courses. See Figure 13-30 for their portrait.

Governor Wade Jr.⁵ and Emma French moved to Moncks Corner, Berkeley County, South Carolina where he worked at a nearby Santee-Cooper Power plant and she taught school. Emma French died January 18, 1990 and is buried in the historic Biggin Church Cemetery in Berkeley County (Figure 13-31).

Born

8-A-1) Mary Julia Speer⁶ 19 Apr 1936

8-A-2) Elizabeth Jane Speer⁶ 15 Jan 1941

8-A-1) Mary Julia Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Governor⁵) is nicknamed 'Pop' and married Basil Manley Dukes (1921-dec) on August 25, 1956.

Basil Manley's mother was Sarah LaBoone who was the daughter of Amanda Sheriff LaBoone. Amanda's father was Alfred Sheriff.

Mary Julia⁶ and Basil Manley had three children:

Born

8-A-1-a) Talley Speer Dukes⁷ 5 Jul 1961

8-A-1-b) Elizabeth Ames Dukes⁷ 14 Sep 1964

8-A-1-c) Christopher Manley Wade Dukes⁷ 28 Mar 1969

8-A-1-a) Talley Speer Dukes⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Governor⁵, Mary Julia⁶) married Lawrence Propst and they have a son, Lawrence Cooper Propst⁸ who was born September 12, 1984, and a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Propst⁸, who was born May 9, 1987. The family lives in Moncks Corner, Berkeley County, South Carolina.

8-A-1-b) Elizabeth Ames Dukes⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Governor⁵, Mary Julia⁶) married Robert Eric Gladman and they have a daughter, Emma French Gladman⁸, who was born February 19, 1990 and a son, Philip Eric Gladman⁸, who was born November 21, 1992. The family lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

8-A-1-c) Christopher Manley Wade Dukes⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Governor⁵, Mary Jane⁶) married Mary Elizabeth Perreault (1968) and their daughter Keily Ann Dukes⁸ was born November 24, 1995. The family lives in Waxhaw, Monroe County, North Carolina.

After Basil Manley's death, Mary Julia (Pop) Speer⁶ married John Bacot (Jack) Williams. John is the son of John Owen Williams and Emma Law Baker. John Bacot has two children by a previous marriage: Jeannie G. Williams (1975) and Johathan W. Williams (1976). John Bacot and Mary Julia live in Moncks Corner.

8-A-2) Elizabeth Jane Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Governor⁵) was married July 23, 1960 to Frederick Eugene Williams (1939). Frederick Eugene and John Bacot are brothers; thus two brothers married two sisters. Elizabeth Jane⁶ and Frederick Eugene have two children: Pamela Jane Williams⁷, born October 23, 1962; and Frederick Williams⁷. Elizabeth Jane⁶ and Frederick Eugene live in Moncks Corner; their daughter Pamela lives in San Francisco and their son Frederick lives in Columbia.

8-B) Robert Lee Speer, Sr.⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴) was born August 21, 1913 in Gaffney and graduated from Gaffney High School. On August 29, 1931 he married Meatrice Hicks who was born February 1, 1914. Meatrice was the daughter of Duke W. Hicks and Mary Shuford. Robert Lee, Sr.⁵ joined the US Navy on October 6, 1942 and served during World War II as Torpedoman's Mate 3rd Class. See Figure 13-32 for his portrait. He was honorably discharged October 29, 1945 at Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines. Robert Lee, Sr.⁵ and Meatrice then lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he worked in a railroad maintenance shop. Meatrice died March 18, 1974 and is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Gaffney. Robert Lee, Sr.⁵ and his second wife Nancy Lipscomb live in Gaffney.

Robert Lee, Sr.⁵ and Meatrice had two children:

Born

8-B-1) Meatrice Medora Speer⁶ 19 Feb 1950

8-B-2) Robert Lee Speer, Jr.⁶ 18 Nov 1953

8-B-1) Meatrice Medora Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Robert⁵) married Stephen Wayne Bevelle who was born July 2, 1948. They live in Spartanburg and have three children:

Born

8-B-1-a) Laura Stephanie Bevelle⁷ 7 Jan 1981

8-B-1-b) Mary Julie Bevelle⁷ 27 Dec 1982

8-B-1-c) David Wade Bevelle⁷ 15 Aug 1984

8-B-2) Robert Lee Speer, Jr.⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Robert⁵) lives in Spartanburg with his wife Kim and two children: Wade Speer⁷, born in May 1986; and Tori Speer⁷, born in December 1988.

8-C) Clarence Gordon Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴) was born October 6, 1920 in Gaffney. He was named for his uncle Gordon Verdel Speer and Clarence Grey, who married his mother's sister (the Speer and Grey families were very close). Clarence Gordon⁵ graduated from Gaffney High School on May 27, 1938 and attended engineering courses at Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana in 1939. See Figure 13-33 for his signature and Figure 13-34 for his portrait.

On August 16, 1942 he married his high school sweetheart Larry Estelle Vassey. Estelle was born November 21, 1921 in Gaffney and was the daughter of Lawrence Edward Vassey (1894-1973) and Helen Estelle Duncan (1898-1967). Helen Estelle was the daughter of Walter Thomas Duncan (1873-1962) and Minnie Barrett (1877-1957). Walter Thomas was the son of John T. Duncan and Mary Minter. Lawrence Edward was the son of John Jonas Vassey, Jr. (1870-1955) and Leila Cooper (1874-1937). Leila was the daughter of Doctor William Cooper (1846-1923) and Rhoda (1850-1906). John Jonas, Jr. was the son of John Jonas Vassey, Sr. (1846-1931) and Elizabeth Edwards (1842-1892). John Jonas, Sr.

was the son of Thomas S. Vassey (1811-1892) and Minerva Amos (1817-1907). Thomas's father may have been George Vassey (1784-?).

Larry Estelle graduated from Limestone College, Gaffney, South Carolina with a BS Degree in Biology in 1942. See Figure 13-35 for her portrait.

Clarence Gordon⁵ followed a career in the telephone industry. He began as lineman and installer for several companies in Columbia, Gaffney, Orangeburg, Myrtle Beach and Sumter, South Carolina and Monroe, Georgia. In 1951, he and Estelle moved to Marion, McDowell County, North Carolina where he became manager of the Carolina Mountain Telephone Company. By the time he retired in 1966, Clarence Gordon⁵ was the telephone company’s District Manager for 17 counties in western North Carolina. He pursued contract electrical, welding, and phone installation work during retirement.

Clarence Gordon⁵ was an avid skeet shooter and a frequent participant at skeet events throughout the southeast. He was a founder and president of the Mt. Ida Gun Club in Marion, a long-time member of the National Skeet Shooters Association and an official referee at sanctioned skeet shoots. In addition to competition, he enjoyed introducing newcomers to the sport and freely shared his knowledge about guns, shooting, and reloading. During his time on the skeet shooting circuit, he received the following honors:

1973 Second Place Class C, 20 gauge; NC Open Skeet Championship.

1973 First Place Class C, 20 gauge; Cotton States Skeet Championship, Spartanburg, SC.

1974 Second Place Class B, 20 gauge; Tar Heel Gun Club Skeet Championship, Advance, NC.

1975 First Place Preliminary Class B; NC Open Skeet Championship.

1976 Second Place 20 gauge; NC Skeet Association State Championship.

1978 Second Place Class A, 28 gauge; Morganton Gun Club Skeet Championship, Morganton, NC

1984 Second Place Class B, 28 gauge; NC State Skeet Championship.

1986 C.G. Speer Skeet Open held in his honor; Morganton Gun Club, Morganton, NC.

1986 C.G. Speer Doubles Trophy named in his honor; NC State Skeet Closed Championship, Morganton, NC.

Clarence Gordon⁵ was an officer of the McDowell County Toastmasters Club in 1963. Clarence Gordon⁵ died on September 14, 1987 and is buried in Cherokee County, South Carolina (Figure 13-36). Estelle retired from the McDowell County Department of Social Services in 1986 and lives in Pleasant Gardens near Marion, North Carolina.

Clarence Gordon⁵ and Larry Estelle had three children:

Born

8-C-1) Larry Scott Speer⁶ 19 Oct 1944

8-C-2) Wade Edward Speer⁶ 8 Feb 1947

8-C-3) Clarissa Ann Speer⁶ 16 May 1948

8-C-1) Larry Scott Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵) was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He graduated from Pleasant Gardens High School, McDowell County, North Carolina May 28, 1962. On January 26, 1963 he married Eugenia Gwendolyn Davis who was born August 18, 1943. Eugenia Gwendolyn is the daughter of Eugene Davis and Mildred Gibbs. In February 1963, Larry Scott⁶ joined the US Army where he served in Korea in 1964. He graduated Sergeant from NCO school at Fort Wainwright, Alaska on August 13, 1965. He received his BS Degree in Engineering Operations from North Carolina State University on May 17, 1975 and his MS Degree in System Management from the University of Southern California on June 18, 1978. Larry Scott⁶ served in many posts, including Germany, a second term in Korea, and Turkey. He retired as Major in 1992. He lives in Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, South Carolina with his second wife, Julie Dare Stallings, born September 12, 1958 and their daughter Jessica Scott Speer⁷, born August 30, 1982. Larry and Julie were married on June 18, 1978. Julie Dare is the daughter of Bruce and Dare Stallings of Spencer, North Carolina.

Larry Scott⁶ and Eugenia Gwendolyn have two children:

Born

8-C-1-a) Christopher Scott Speer⁷ 16 Jan 1966

8-C-1-b) Jill Scott Speer⁷ 6 Sep 1969

8-C-1-a) Christopher Scott Speer⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵, Larry⁶) was born at Fort Wainwright, Alaska and graduated from the University of South Carolina on December 18, 1988. He is a Captain in the US Army and currently is a helicopter pilot. In 1989, he married Melissa Gail DiCataldo. Melissa Gail was born October 24, 1966 and is the daughter of Frank DiCataldo, Jr. (1915-1977) and Cora Gretchen Lundquist (1928). Cora Gretchen's mother was Annie Sasnett. Frank, Jr. was the son of Frank, Sr. and Ida DiCataldo. Christopher Scott⁷ and Melissa Gail are the parents of Emily Scott Speer⁸ who was born March 4, 1992. The family lives in Alabama.

8-C-1-b) Jill Scott Speer⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵, Larry⁶) is a graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. On September 25, 1993 she married Whitman Caswell Brown, Jr., who was born March 21, 1966 to Whitman Caswell, Sr. and Jane Brown. Jill Scott⁷ and Whitman, Jr. live in Winterville, North Carolina and have a son, Patrick Telly⁸ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵, Larry⁶, Jill⁷) who was born November 23, 1997.

8-C-2) Wade Edward Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵) was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was baptized by the First Methodist Church, Marion, North Carolina on April 14, 1957 and graduated from Pleasant Gardens High School, McDowell County, North Carolina on May 28, 1965. He attended Western Carolina University at Cullowhee, Jackson County, North Carolina in 1965 and 1966. Wade Edward⁶ received a BS Degree in Geology from the University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri on May 25, 1969 and a MS Degree in Geology from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona on December 20, 1977. On August 11, 1969 he married Nadine Elizabeth Olmstead of Creve Couer, Missouri. They were divorced in 1971.

Wade Edward⁶ has followed a career in mineral exploration and has specialized in gold and diamond exploration. He worked extensively throughout the western United States from 1969 until 1989. Since 1989, he has worked in the southeastern US, Northwest Territories (Canada), French Guiana (South America), and South Africa. Wade Edward⁶ is an avid outdoors-man and is a lifetime member of the National Speleological Society. He lives in North Carolina and is the author of this book.

8-C-3) Clarissa Ann Speer⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵) was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on May 16, 1948. She was baptized by the First Methodist Church, Marion, North Carolina on April 14, 1957. Clarissa Ann⁶ graduated from Pleasant Gardens High School, McDowell County, North Carolina in 1966. She received a Fundamentals of Data Processing Certificate from Garner-Webb College in Boiling Springs, North Carolina on August 13, 1966. She has followed a career in data processing in Raleigh since graduation. Clarissa Ann⁶ married Jimmy Lavern Wood in Raleigh on May 29, 1967. Jimmy Lavern was born September 11, 1948 and is the son of Jim Wood and Della Godly. Della was the daughter of Acey Godly and Annie Godly (1900-1992).

Clarissa Ann⁶ and Jimmy Lavern have one son, Edward Shanon Wood⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵, Clarissa⁶) who was born January 18, 1968 in Asheville, North Carolina. Edward Shanon⁷ graduated from Garner High School, Wake County, North Carolina in 1986 and is pursuing a career in decorative painting. He graduated from the Commercial Art and Advertising Design curriculum at Johnston Technical Community College, Smithfield, North Carolina. In addition, he holds an Advanced Craft Certificate in Decorative Painting from City and Guilds of London Institute, Asheville Buncomb Technical College, Asheville, North Carolina. Edward Shanon⁷ married Sarah Barlow Taylor on August 30, 1997. Sarah Barlow was born February 12, 1965 to David Frank and Mary Ann Taylor of Hickory, North Carolina. Edward Shanon drew the portraits in this book.

Clarissa Ann⁶ married Leonard Thomas Hall (?-1987) on January 23, 1974 in Raleigh. They have one daughter, Sherry Ann Hall⁷ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Governor⁴, Clarence⁵, Clarissa⁶) who was born May 5, 1974 in Raleigh. Sherry Ann⁷ graduated form Garner High School in 1992, from Peace College in Raleigh on May 14, 1994, and from Meredith College in Raleigh on May 11, 1997. Sherry Ann married James Scott Crocker on July 26, 1997 and the couple currently live in Kinston, North Carolina. James Scott was born January 26, 1972 to Donnie and Brenda Crocker of Pine Level, North Carolina. Sherry Ann is pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher.

9) Sophia Ethel Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born to Andrew Jackson³ and Sophia Williamson Speer on January 28, 1978. See Figure 13-37 for her signature and Figure 13-38 for her portrait.

Sophia Ethel⁴ married Lawson E. Sigmon (c1851-c1935) on September 21, 1911. They lived in Blackstock, Chester County, South Carolina and raised prized mares and hogs on their sizable land holdings. Sophia Ethel⁴ and Lawson had three children, whose names are unknown. The first born died in infancy. Sophia Ethel⁴ and her husband raised her nephew William Mark Speer, Jr.⁵ until he died in 1931. In November 1951, Sophia Ethel⁴ was living in Columbia, South Carolina and by July 1964 she was living with her brother William Mark Speer, Sr.⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) in Atlanta, Georgia. Sophia Ethel⁴ died about 1965 and is buried beside Lawson and her first child in the Concord APR Catholic Church Cemetery in Blackstock.

10) Gordon Verdel Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born on September 26, 1880 and married Jessie C. Clinkscales on October 16, 1910. Jessie was born April 11, 1886 in a well-established locale family. She was the daughter of Caleb Levi Clinkscales (1847-1925) and Ella Brown (1854-1929). Ella was the daughter of Alonzo Z. Bowman (1828-1900) and Emily Robinson (1831-1916). Emily was the daughter of Hugh Robinson and Margaret Pettigrew. Alonzo was the son of William Willis Bowman (1802-1835) and Sarah Cummings Caldwell (1806-1877). Sarah Cummings was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Caldwell. William Willis was the son of Zachariah Bowman and Nancy Goodman. Caleb Levi was the son of W. F. Clinkscales and Lucinda Burton.

Gordon Verdel⁴ and Jessie lived in Lowndesville and belonged to the Providence Presbyterian Church. Gordon was hired to manage the locale telephone company on April 23, 1918 after the company was sold by George Bell to John McCalla. Most of his life, Gordon Verdel owned and ran a general store, first on the south side of main street and later across the street where the present Post Office now stands. The original building at the second site housed the Roslin Masonic Chapter on the second floor and today stands abandoned on the south side of the street.

Gordon Verdel often carried change in his pocket so he did not have to return to the cash register each time a customer paid for a purchase. With bulging pockets full of money, he was a common sight on the streets of Lowndesville. His habit of keeping his hand in his pocket and 'fingering' his money often irritated others^S. Gordon was also well known for his sense of humor and practical jokes.

Numerous stories tell about Gordon's extreme aversion to being away from home overnight. In fact, he always arranged his schedule so he would be home before dark, often to the amusement of others who found his actions unnecessary. An overnight stay in the hospital was an occasion for great agony. During World War II, he fell and broke his ankle while logging and was forced to stay overnight in the hospital. To Gordon, the hospital stay was worst than the broken ankle^T.

Gordon Verdel⁴ and Jessie did not have children. Gordon's will is transcribed below^U:

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,

COUNTY OF ABBEVILLE.

In the name of God, Amen:

1: I, G. V. Speer, of the County and state aforesaid, do make, ordain, publish and declare this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all wills and instruments of a testamentary nature heretofore by me made.

2: I will and direct that my Executrix herein after named shall pay all of my just debts with the first money coming into her hands.

3: I will, devise and bequeath all of my property of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situate, real and personal, unto my wife, Jessie C. Speer, in fee simple absolute.

4: I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my wife, Jessie C. Speer, Executrix, of this my last Will Testament, without bond.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11th day of January, 1945.

signed: G. V. Speer

See Figure 13-39 for Gordon's 1901 signature.

Gordon Verdel⁴ died at the age of 83 on February 28, 1963 and Jessie died at the age of 78 on August 20, 1964. They are buried in the Clinkscales family plot in the Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lowndesville (Figure 13-40).

11) Francine Hoyt Speer⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born to Andrew Jackson Speer³ and his second wife Frances Hines Hoyt on August 19, 1902. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Spartanburg General Hospital in May 1925 and worked at Wallace Thompson Infirmary at the University of South Carolina in Columbia during World War II. Francine Hoyt⁴ married Wilbur M. Smith, Sr. before 1943 and they had three children:

11-A) Wilbur M. Smith, Jr.⁵

11-B) Paul S. Smith⁵

11-C) Peggy Jean Smith⁵

Wilbur M. Smith, Sr. was born August 22, 1898. He was a Private in Company A, 117th Engineers, 42nd Division, US Army during World War I. Wilbur, Sr. died April 3, 1961 and Francine Hoyt died January 15, 1990. They are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina (Figure 13-41).

12) Andrew Jackson Speer, II⁴ (William¹, William², Andrew³) was born to Andrew Jackson Speer³ and his second wife Frances Hines Hoyt on September 13, 1905. Andrew Jackson, II⁴, nicknamed 'Jack', lived in Charleston, South Carolina and worked for the Tom McCann Shoe Store. In 1926, he married Ruby Hawkins. He died about 1982 and is buried in Charleston.

Andrew Jackson Speer, II⁴ and Ruby had two children:

Born Died

12-A) Elizabeth Jacqueline Speer⁵ 1 Aug 1929 living

12-B) Andrew Jackson Speer, III⁵ unknown 1962

12-A) Elizabeth Jacqueline Speer⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Andrew⁴) married Andrew Jackson Welborn, Jr. on February 1, 1949. He was a member of a well-established family and was the son of Andrew Jackson Welborn, Sr. (1898-1975) and Willie Lee Bowie (1897-1988). Andrew Jackson Welborn, Sr. was the son of James Wesley Welborn (1865-1936) and Telula Elizabeth Elrod (1870-1947). James Wesley was the son of Robert H. Welborn (1836-1900) and Nancy Lucinda Acker (1841-1901). Robert was the son of William W. Welborn (1797-1867) and Nancy Waddell (1800-1868). William

Today, Elizabeth Jacqueline Speer⁵ Welborn lives in Columbia, South Carolina. She and Andrew had two daughters:

Born

12-A-1) Jan Jackson Welborn 27 Dec 1949

12-A-2) Elizabeth Cynthia Welborn 15 Nov 1953

12-B) Andrew Jackson Speer, III⁵ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Andrew⁴) and his wife Pat had four children:

12-B-1) Andrew Jackson Speer, IV⁶

12-B-2) Shearlyn Speer⁶

12-B-3) Constance Speer⁶

12-B-4) Paula Beth Speer⁶

12-B-1) Andrew Jackson Speer, IV⁶ (William¹, William², Andrew³, Andrew⁴, Andrew⁵) was living in Arlington, Texas in 1996.

T-9 Reel 1217, p. 174.

T-9 Roll 1514, p. 134B.

T-9 Roll 1446, p. 1A.

Calhoun Co, GA 1860, p. 93.