Here’s a good description of the land: To wit: the West half of the North East quarter of section 2 in township 13 of range 3 east also the East half of the North West quarter of section 2 in township 13 of range 3 east, also the East half of the North West quarter… Continue reading Here’s the description of the Black Oak property

Just got back from St Clair county. I can’t thank Charlene Simpson (from the Ashville Museum and Archives) enough for her help. So, having talked to her about the property owned by Joseph and William, I have determined the following: -The William Phillips in Shelby County was most likely the same William I’m related to.… Continue reading The Black Oak Tree

Since my last post I’ve been trying to piece together records of my family in the Civil War. Currently I’m using Footnote.com for the records and the site is extremely useful. So far I’ve been able to learn that my Grandfather White was actually a part of the battle over Mobile Bay and was a… Continue reading Civil War Records

It’s been a while since I updated this blog, but lately I haven’t been working on the Phillips line. I’ve been instead working on my paternal grandmothers family, the Whites. Turns out all I needed to do was put in the information I got from Bible pages from Nancy White and I would have been… Continue reading Family bibles

William Phillips who married Sarah Hays or Sarah Burleson was not born in Wilkinson County, Georgia. We know his family was living in the Wilkes County area in the late 1700s, and most likely he would not have moved too far from them, at least not moving south and then north east. Also, the best… Continue reading Fixing a common misconception

Here’s the new trail he left his family: 1807: Warren County Deed Book A William buys 200 acres from Daniel/Danyl Middleton 1812: Warren County Deed Book A William sells 100 acres to John Durham 1813: Warren County Deed Book A William sells 100 acres to Levi Rodin 1813: Warren County Deed Book A William buys… Continue reading The new timeline with William and Sarah

Here’s a few pointers on researching Shelby County:1) The county probate court does not allow cameras or any recording devices at all. Frustrating, but true. 2) Most of the old records are located at the Historical building located about 3 blocks down on Main Street from the probate office. They are VERY nice over there,… Continue reading Hints on researching Shelby County, Alabama

So now William has been located in Shelby County. I’ve never had higher hopes of finding someone in the records and been let down so much! You really need to temper your attitude when traveling and researching. It can be an emotional rollercoaster if you let it. Now, about what I was able to find.… Continue reading Back from Shelby County

Well, you always hear about them, but never think it will happen to you. I’m now facing my first brick wall. Trying to connect Joseph Phillips to William Phillips is about as tough a job as I’ve ever endured. Debra Cochran has been a great deal of help here, because she claims to have a… Continue reading My brickwall