Mary Ann "Polly" Hall was born about 1805 (1804-1815 per census records). The 1850 census says she was born in Florida in 1805. Frank Thomas believed that she was the ancestor that had been born in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida. Mary Ann "Polly" is the daughter or William "Billie" Hall of the Cherokee Nation of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Sarah Jane Wooten Hall of North Carolina. Because there are two census records with different recorded birth years for her, it is not absolutely certain which state she was born in; however, her parents lived in Spartanburg around the time of her birth. However, they also appear to have come to the Florida area for a time period, based on migration patterns.
[ In 1783 there were several Hall men, James, John, and Nathaniel, that are believed to be related to her. In the 1820's they were still in the St. Augustine area. James Hall (her Grandfather) eventually bought land not far from Zephaniah Kingsley's Plantation. Later he was living in Jacksonville. Mary is believed to have been related to James (her Grandfather), John, Nathaniel, Juniper (her Uncle), and William Hall (her dad). The 1860 census lists that she was born in South Carolina. The 1870 census lists she was born in Georgia, and the 1880 census lists she was born in Georgia. She was married in Camden County, Georgia; and if in fact she was born in Georgia, it is believed to be near or in St. Mary's River, Camden, Georgia.
She was related to Sheriff John P. Hall of Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, who descended from Juniper Hall (Mary Ann's Uncle) and Elizabeth Braswell Hall, and they were from Georgia. This specific Hall family did have descendents living in Fouts Mill District, Belmore, Florida.
Note that Nathanial Hall was a Private in 1783, stationed in Spanish Florida, and he may be her relative. [1783 census of Spanish East Florida]
Also note, in 1824 James Hall bought 200 acres west of Zephaniah Kingsley's plantation, and the farm that had belonged to the Brindley family. He farmed the land for two years, and then sold it February 22, 1826 to William Bardin for $ 275.00. This James Hall is considered to be Mary Ann's Grandfather; however, she also had a brother named James. ["Parade of Memories; A History of Clay, County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, page 23]. He was living in St. Augustine in 1783, as mentioned before.
The source for her birth location being in Florida, other than the 1850 census, is Franklin James Thomas, as far as he remembered being told. However, if it was not Mary Hall that was born there in St. Augustine; it would be another great grandmother figure in Fid Thomas' life.
She was called Polly. Polly married William Henry Thomas, Sr., on June 19, 1822 in Camden County, Georgia, USA. They likely were married in St. Mary's. { Note that According to Franklin James Thomas, they had originally been married in 1820 in Spanish East Florida}.
William and Mary had a daughter named Mary Rachel Thomas in 1821 in Newnansville. Alachua, Florida, USA. In May of 1823, they were still living in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida, where they had their daughter Elisabeth. During 1824-1825, they were still living there when they had their daughter Martha & son William. Research by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald Thomas established the location of birth.
In 1827 William voted in [Spring Grove or Newnansville], Alachua, Florida [early Florida voters].
In 1830 William and Mary were living in Spring Grove, Alachua, Florida. In there household lived William, Mary, 2 daughters, and a son. These individuals appear to be Wm, Mary, Wm Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been proven to be a DNA cousin of this writer; therefore, I know she was one of the daughters. In 1833, they had their last son, James Andrew, born in Spring Grove or Newnansville.
By December 1838, Polly and her family were living in the area of Doctor's Inlet/Rideout/Russell, Duval, Florida (later Clay). This information can be found in "Parade of Memories: A History of Clay County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, Clay County Bicentennial Steering Committee, page 275.
According to the pamphlet written about William Thomas Jr., written by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas, the 1840 census listed Polly's husband, William Sr., as 50 years old, a farmer, with real estate valued at $ 700.00. According to this information, they had 3 slaves living there with them, two were women, ages 36 and 55, and the other was a young boy, age 10 years. (I have not been able to discover the names of these individuals or when they were emancipated). * Note: This writer can not locate the 1840 census anywhere, of which John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas spoke of.
In December of 1844, Polly and her family were living in Penney Tower, west of Penney Farms, which is nearby Waller and Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. This information can be found in "Parade of Memories", page 274. Polly was 39 years old. [The location of Penney Tower was, "West of Penney Farms", right near Waller. Waller is between Penney Tower, Belmore, Middleburg, and Kingsley. The Thomasville District was in Waller. Today most people only know that area as part of Belmore, or the outskirts of Middleburg].
On November 1, 1850, Polly was listed by the census taker, as 45 years old, born in Florida, and married to William H. Thomas. This information can be found in the November 1, 1850 census, page 117, dwelling 4, family visited # 4. Her husband, William, was listed as 60 years old, born in South Carolina, and their son James, was listed as 17 years old, born in Florida. Also listed was *Martha Thomas, age 25, born in Florida, and Martha's children. Martha's children were William, age 10, born in Florida, John, age 8, born in Florida, Washington, age 4, born in Florida, and Elisabeth, age 2 months, born in Florida.
On November 13, 1850 Beulah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. Polly and her family joined the church and attended there until their deaths. Their descendants continued to attend this church up until it merged with First Baptist Church of Middleburg in 2016.
On August 20, 1860 William and Mary were still living in the same home, using the Post Office of Middleburg, Clay, Florida. William was described by the enumerator as being a 70 year old white male, a Farmer, with real estate valued at $150.00, personal property valued at $ 500.00, and he was born in South Carolina. His wife, Mary, was described a 56 year old white female, that was born in South Carolina. Notice that for each of the census records for Mary, it always changes the location where she was born. This can be found on the 1860 census, Middleburg, Clay, Florida; page 33, Supervisor's District # 18; Enumeration District # 145; Microfilm Roll # 132, stamped page # 161, line 10, 223rd dwelling and family visited by the enumerator, line 11 for Mary.
According to the Agriculture census of Clay County, Florida, William H. Thomas had 17 acres of improved land, 63 acres of unimproved land, cash value of farm $ 150; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 5.00; and cash value of livestock $ 500.00.
William and Mary's son, William Jr., also living in Clay County, was listed on the Agriculture Census as having 20 acres of improved land; 220 acres of unimproved land; cash value of farm $ 600.00; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 20.00; and cash value of livestock, $ 1, 425.00.
Their son, James Andrew, was also living in Middleburg in 1860 [August 10, 1860 census].
Their daughter, Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham and her family were living in Chesowicke, Clay, Florida in 1860 [August 7, 1860 census].
After August 20, 1860 and before August 5, 1870, William Henry Thomas, Sr., passed away. His last known address was in what was known as Belmore at that time, also known specifically as the area of Waller and Penney Tower. His church membership was last known to be at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. His death date has been recorded as May 3, 1870 by online sources, although I do not know what the primary source document was for that information.
On August 5, 1870, Polly was listed as the head of house, living in Sanderson, Clay, Florida taking care of two of her grandchildren. According to the census taker, page 35, dwelling 258, family visited 246, Polly was listed as being 55 years old, a white female, born in Georgia. Although, based on previous census records, she would have been 65 and born in Florida or South Carolina. She was listed as a house keeper with property worth $ 100.00 and personal property worth $ 200.00. She could not read or write. She was listed as caring for her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla, two the children of her son James Andrew. Please note that this census record has been understood by Ancestry.com as Mary being the parent of Mary and Druscilla, and does not understand that she was their grandmother. If you have researched James Andrew Thomas' children, one would know that Mary and Druscilla were his children, and therefore, Mary's grandchildren. Also note, that James' widow wife, Nancy Smith Thomas, was taking care of her other children. Druscilla and Mary were the oldest, and Druscilla was blind. This is one reason why they were living with their Grandmother Mary. Neighbors included Jesse Wilson, Jr.
On August 21, 1871, Mary filed for, or was granted, custody of her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla. They were her son James' children, as mentioned before. James had died eight years before, and although their mother Nancy was still living, she must have needed help caring for Druscilla, who was legally blind. Judge Osisa (Ozias ?) Buddington granted her guardianship of Mary, age 15, and Druscilla, age 14.
On June 1, 1880, Mary "Polly" Thomas was listed as a white female, age 79, on the census from that date. She lived in Belmore, Election Precinct 6, Clay, Florida. She lived in the Thomasville District where the Thomas' lived for many years to come. According to this census, she was born in Georgia, and her parents were born in Georgia. Also living in her home was her Grand-daughter Druscilla, age 29. Druscilla, nicknamed "Lucilla" or transcribed that by the enumerator, was listed as a house keeper. Note that the 1880 census was online when this memorial was written; however, as of Sept. 16, 2018, it seems to have been taken off the free online census records.
In researching Mary, one needs to research her son James Andrew Thomas, Sr.'s children, as mentioned before. She was helping to take care of Mary and Druscilla in 1870, and after Mary Thomas married Andrew Jackson Edenfield, she moved out. Then in 1880 Mary was still caring for Druscilla, who was permanently blind, and needed extra help. Mary was alive on June 4, 1880 and back at her house in Belmore.
Mary Ann "Polly" Hall Thomas, died after June 4, 1880 and before the June 11th, 1900 census was taken. Her estimated date of death is about 1882; but was sometime between the time frame of June 4, 1880-June 11, 1900. After she died, her grand-daughter Druscilla, had to find a new caretaker. On June 11, 1900, Druscilla was living with her mother Nancy in Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, according to the census. For this reason, it is believed that Mary died before this date because Mary was Druscilla's legal guardian.
When Polly died, she was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, and it is believed that she was buried there next to her husband. Her grave marker no longer stands, as many grave stones were destroyed years ago in the early 1940's {according to long time resident of Middleburg, Mytzi Taylor Saunders and Christine Taylor Blackwelder). Mary Ann's grave is estimated to be nearby her grandson's grave, William Thomas, and his wife, Josephine Lane Thomas. Their graves may be in the open field area nearby the first rows of graves, nearby William and Josephine. She and William are believed to be buried in enclosure 4.
Children of William Henry Thomas, Sr., and Mary Ann Hall Thomas:
1. Mary Rachel Thomas Varnes [confirmed DNA relative by DNA Matches for Talmia S. Burr].
2. William Henry Thomas, Jr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
3. Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
4. Martha Ann Thomas
5. James Andrew Thomas, Sr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
Written by Talmia Slade Burr, for her 3rd Great Grandparents.
[ In 1783 there were several Hall men, James, John, and Nathaniel, that are believed to be related to her. In the 1820's they were still in the St. Augustine area. James Hall (her Grandfather) eventually bought land not far from Zephaniah Kingsley's Plantation. Later he was living in Jacksonville. Mary is believed to have been related to James (her Grandfather), John, Nathaniel, Juniper (her Uncle), and William Hall (her dad). The 1860 census lists that she was born in South Carolina. The 1870 census lists she was born in Georgia, and the 1880 census lists she was born in Georgia. She was married in Camden County, Georgia; and if in fact she was born in Georgia, it is believed to be near or in St. Mary's River, Camden, Georgia.
She was related to Sheriff John P. Hall of Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, who descended from Juniper Hall (Mary Ann's Uncle) and Elizabeth Braswell Hall, and they were from Georgia. This specific Hall family did have descendents living in Fouts Mill District, Belmore, Florida.
Note that Nathanial Hall was a Private in 1783, stationed in Spanish Florida, and he may be her relative. [1783 census of Spanish East Florida]
Also note, in 1824 James Hall bought 200 acres west of Zephaniah Kingsley's plantation, and the farm that had belonged to the Brindley family. He farmed the land for two years, and then sold it February 22, 1826 to William Bardin for $ 275.00. This James Hall is considered to be Mary Ann's Grandfather; however, she also had a brother named James. ["Parade of Memories; A History of Clay, County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, page 23]. He was living in St. Augustine in 1783, as mentioned before.
The source for her birth location being in Florida, other than the 1850 census, is Franklin James Thomas, as far as he remembered being told. However, if it was not Mary Hall that was born there in St. Augustine; it would be another great grandmother figure in Fid Thomas' life.
She was called Polly. Polly married William Henry Thomas, Sr., on June 19, 1822 in Camden County, Georgia, USA. They likely were married in St. Mary's. { Note that According to Franklin James Thomas, they had originally been married in 1820 in Spanish East Florida}.
William and Mary had a daughter named Mary Rachel Thomas in 1821 in Newnansville. Alachua, Florida, USA. In May of 1823, they were still living in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida, where they had their daughter Elisabeth. During 1824-1825, they were still living there when they had their daughter Martha & son William. Research by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald Thomas established the location of birth.
In 1827 William voted in [Spring Grove or Newnansville], Alachua, Florida [early Florida voters].
In 1830 William and Mary were living in Spring Grove, Alachua, Florida. In there household lived William, Mary, 2 daughters, and a son. These individuals appear to be Wm, Mary, Wm Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been proven to be a DNA cousin of this writer; therefore, I know she was one of the daughters. In 1833, they had their last son, James Andrew, born in Spring Grove or Newnansville.
By December 1838, Polly and her family were living in the area of Doctor's Inlet/Rideout/Russell, Duval, Florida (later Clay). This information can be found in "Parade of Memories: A History of Clay County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, Clay County Bicentennial Steering Committee, page 275.
According to the pamphlet written about William Thomas Jr., written by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas, the 1840 census listed Polly's husband, William Sr., as 50 years old, a farmer, with real estate valued at $ 700.00. According to this information, they had 3 slaves living there with them, two were women, ages 36 and 55, and the other was a young boy, age 10 years. (I have not been able to discover the names of these individuals or when they were emancipated). * Note: This writer can not locate the 1840 census anywhere, of which John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas spoke of.
In December of 1844, Polly and her family were living in Penney Tower, west of Penney Farms, which is nearby Waller and Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. This information can be found in "Parade of Memories", page 274. Polly was 39 years old. [The location of Penney Tower was, "West of Penney Farms", right near Waller. Waller is between Penney Tower, Belmore, Middleburg, and Kingsley. The Thomasville District was in Waller. Today most people only know that area as part of Belmore, or the outskirts of Middleburg].
On November 1, 1850, Polly was listed by the census taker, as 45 years old, born in Florida, and married to William H. Thomas. This information can be found in the November 1, 1850 census, page 117, dwelling 4, family visited # 4. Her husband, William, was listed as 60 years old, born in South Carolina, and their son James, was listed as 17 years old, born in Florida. Also listed was *Martha Thomas, age 25, born in Florida, and Martha's children. Martha's children were William, age 10, born in Florida, John, age 8, born in Florida, Washington, age 4, born in Florida, and Elisabeth, age 2 months, born in Florida.
On November 13, 1850 Beulah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. Polly and her family joined the church and attended there until their deaths. Their descendants continued to attend this church up until it merged with First Baptist Church of Middleburg in 2016.
On August 20, 1860 William and Mary were still living in the same home, using the Post Office of Middleburg, Clay, Florida. William was described by the enumerator as being a 70 year old white male, a Farmer, with real estate valued at $150.00, personal property valued at $ 500.00, and he was born in South Carolina. His wife, Mary, was described a 56 year old white female, that was born in South Carolina. Notice that for each of the census records for Mary, it always changes the location where she was born. This can be found on the 1860 census, Middleburg, Clay, Florida; page 33, Supervisor's District # 18; Enumeration District # 145; Microfilm Roll # 132, stamped page # 161, line 10, 223rd dwelling and family visited by the enumerator, line 11 for Mary.
According to the Agriculture census of Clay County, Florida, William H. Thomas had 17 acres of improved land, 63 acres of unimproved land, cash value of farm $ 150; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 5.00; and cash value of livestock $ 500.00.
William and Mary's son, William Jr., also living in Clay County, was listed on the Agriculture Census as having 20 acres of improved land; 220 acres of unimproved land; cash value of farm $ 600.00; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 20.00; and cash value of livestock, $ 1, 425.00.
Their son, James Andrew, was also living in Middleburg in 1860 [August 10, 1860 census].
Their daughter, Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham and her family were living in Chesowicke, Clay, Florida in 1860 [August 7, 1860 census].
After August 20, 1860 and before August 5, 1870, William Henry Thomas, Sr., passed away. His last known address was in what was known as Belmore at that time, also known specifically as the area of Waller and Penney Tower. His church membership was last known to be at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. His death date has been recorded as May 3, 1870 by online sources, although I do not know what the primary source document was for that information.
On August 5, 1870, Polly was listed as the head of house, living in Sanderson, Clay, Florida taking care of two of her grandchildren. According to the census taker, page 35, dwelling 258, family visited 246, Polly was listed as being 55 years old, a white female, born in Georgia. Although, based on previous census records, she would have been 65 and born in Florida or South Carolina. She was listed as a house keeper with property worth $ 100.00 and personal property worth $ 200.00. She could not read or write. She was listed as caring for her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla, two the children of her son James Andrew. Please note that this census record has been understood by Ancestry.com as Mary being the parent of Mary and Druscilla, and does not understand that she was their grandmother. If you have researched James Andrew Thomas' children, one would know that Mary and Druscilla were his children, and therefore, Mary's grandchildren. Also note, that James' widow wife, Nancy Smith Thomas, was taking care of her other children. Druscilla and Mary were the oldest, and Druscilla was blind. This is one reason why they were living with their Grandmother Mary. Neighbors included Jesse Wilson, Jr.
On August 21, 1871, Mary filed for, or was granted, custody of her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla. They were her son James' children, as mentioned before. James had died eight years before, and although their mother Nancy was still living, she must have needed help caring for Druscilla, who was legally blind. Judge Osisa (Ozias ?) Buddington granted her guardianship of Mary, age 15, and Druscilla, age 14.
On June 1, 1880, Mary "Polly" Thomas was listed as a white female, age 79, on the census from that date. She lived in Belmore, Election Precinct 6, Clay, Florida. She lived in the Thomasville District where the Thomas' lived for many years to come. According to this census, she was born in Georgia, and her parents were born in Georgia. Also living in her home was her Grand-daughter Druscilla, age 29. Druscilla, nicknamed "Lucilla" or transcribed that by the enumerator, was listed as a house keeper. Note that the 1880 census was online when this memorial was written; however, as of Sept. 16, 2018, it seems to have been taken off the free online census records.
In researching Mary, one needs to research her son James Andrew Thomas, Sr.'s children, as mentioned before. She was helping to take care of Mary and Druscilla in 1870, and after Mary Thomas married Andrew Jackson Edenfield, she moved out. Then in 1880 Mary was still caring for Druscilla, who was permanently blind, and needed extra help. Mary was alive on June 4, 1880 and back at her house in Belmore.
Mary Ann "Polly" Hall Thomas, died after June 4, 1880 and before the June 11th, 1900 census was taken. Her estimated date of death is about 1882; but was sometime between the time frame of June 4, 1880-June 11, 1900. After she died, her grand-daughter Druscilla, had to find a new caretaker. On June 11, 1900, Druscilla was living with her mother Nancy in Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, according to the census. For this reason, it is believed that Mary died before this date because Mary was Druscilla's legal guardian.
When Polly died, she was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, and it is believed that she was buried there next to her husband. Her grave marker no longer stands, as many grave stones were destroyed years ago in the early 1940's {according to long time resident of Middleburg, Mytzi Taylor Saunders and Christine Taylor Blackwelder). Mary Ann's grave is estimated to be nearby her grandson's grave, William Thomas, and his wife, Josephine Lane Thomas. Their graves may be in the open field area nearby the first rows of graves, nearby William and Josephine. She and William are believed to be buried in enclosure 4.
Children of William Henry Thomas, Sr., and Mary Ann Hall Thomas:
1. Mary Rachel Thomas Varnes [confirmed DNA relative by DNA Matches for Talmia S. Burr].
2. William Henry Thomas, Jr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
3. Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
4. Martha Ann Thomas
5. James Andrew Thomas, Sr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
Written by Talmia Slade Burr, for her 3rd Great Grandparents.
Mary Ann "Polly" Hall was born about 1805 (1804-1815 per census records). The 1850 census says she was born in Florida in 1805. Frank Thomas believed that she was the ancestor that had been born in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida. Mary Ann "Polly" is the daughter or William "Billie" Hall of the Cherokee Nation of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Sarah Jane Wooten Hall of North Carolina. Because there are two census records with different recorded birth years for her, it is not absolutely certain which state she was born in; however, her parents lived in Spartanburg around the time of her birth. However, they also appear to have come to the Florida area for a time period, based on migration patterns.
[ In 1783 there were several Hall men, James, John, and Nathaniel, that are believed to be related to her. In the 1820's they were still in the St. Augustine area. James Hall (her Grandfather) eventually bought land not far from Zephaniah Kingsley's Plantation. Later he was living in Jacksonville. Mary is believed to have been related to James (her Grandfather), John, Nathaniel, Juniper (her Uncle), and William Hall (her dad). The 1860 census lists that she was born in South Carolina. The 1870 census lists she was born in Georgia, and the 1880 census lists she was born in Georgia. She was married in Camden County, Georgia; and if in fact she was born in Georgia, it is believed to be near or in St. Mary's River, Camden, Georgia.
She was related to Sheriff John P. Hall of Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, who descended from Juniper Hall (Mary Ann's Uncle) and Elizabeth Braswell Hall, and they were from Georgia. This specific Hall family did have descendents living in Fouts Mill District, Belmore, Florida.
Note that Nathanial Hall was a Private in 1783, stationed in Spanish Florida, and he may be her relative. [1783 census of Spanish East Florida]
Also note, in 1824 James Hall bought 200 acres west of Zephaniah Kingsley's plantation, and the farm that had belonged to the Brindley family. He farmed the land for two years, and then sold it February 22, 1826 to William Bardin for $ 275.00. This James Hall is considered to be Mary Ann's Grandfather; however, she also had a brother named James. ["Parade of Memories; A History of Clay, County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, page 23]. He was living in St. Augustine in 1783, as mentioned before.
The source for her birth location being in Florida, other than the 1850 census, is Franklin James Thomas, as far as he remembered being told. However, if it was not Mary Hall that was born there in St. Augustine; it would be another great grandmother figure in Fid Thomas' life.
She was called Polly. Polly married William Henry Thomas, Sr., on June 19, 1822 in Camden County, Georgia, USA. They likely were married in St. Mary's. { Note that According to Franklin James Thomas, they had originally been married in 1820 in Spanish East Florida}.
William and Mary had a daughter named Mary Rachel Thomas in 1821 in Newnansville. Alachua, Florida, USA. In May of 1823, they were still living in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida, where they had their daughter Elisabeth. During 1824-1825, they were still living there when they had their daughter Martha & son William. Research by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald Thomas established the location of birth.
In 1827 William voted in [Spring Grove or Newnansville], Alachua, Florida [early Florida voters].
In 1830 William and Mary were living in Spring Grove, Alachua, Florida. In there household lived William, Mary, 2 daughters, and a son. These individuals appear to be Wm, Mary, Wm Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been proven to be a DNA cousin of this writer; therefore, I know she was one of the daughters. In 1833, they had their last son, James Andrew, born in Spring Grove or Newnansville.
By December 1838, Polly and her family were living in the area of Doctor's Inlet/Rideout/Russell, Duval, Florida (later Clay). This information can be found in "Parade of Memories: A History of Clay County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, Clay County Bicentennial Steering Committee, page 275.
According to the pamphlet written about William Thomas Jr., written by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas, the 1840 census listed Polly's husband, William Sr., as 50 years old, a farmer, with real estate valued at $ 700.00. According to this information, they had 3 slaves living there with them, two were women, ages 36 and 55, and the other was a young boy, age 10 years. (I have not been able to discover the names of these individuals or when they were emancipated). * Note: This writer can not locate the 1840 census anywhere, of which John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas spoke of.
In December of 1844, Polly and her family were living in Penney Tower, west of Penney Farms, which is nearby Waller and Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. This information can be found in "Parade of Memories", page 274. Polly was 39 years old. [The location of Penney Tower was, "West of Penney Farms", right near Waller. Waller is between Penney Tower, Belmore, Middleburg, and Kingsley. The Thomasville District was in Waller. Today most people only know that area as part of Belmore, or the outskirts of Middleburg].
On November 1, 1850, Polly was listed by the census taker, as 45 years old, born in Florida, and married to William H. Thomas. This information can be found in the November 1, 1850 census, page 117, dwelling 4, family visited # 4. Her husband, William, was listed as 60 years old, born in South Carolina, and their son James, was listed as 17 years old, born in Florida. Also listed was *Martha Thomas, age 25, born in Florida, and Martha's children. Martha's children were William, age 10, born in Florida, John, age 8, born in Florida, Washington, age 4, born in Florida, and Elisabeth, age 2 months, born in Florida.
On November 13, 1850 Beulah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. Polly and her family joined the church and attended there until their deaths. Their descendants continued to attend this church up until it merged with First Baptist Church of Middleburg in 2016.
On August 20, 1860 William and Mary were still living in the same home, using the Post Office of Middleburg, Clay, Florida. William was described by the enumerator as being a 70 year old white male, a Farmer, with real estate valued at $150.00, personal property valued at $ 500.00, and he was born in South Carolina. His wife, Mary, was described a 56 year old white female, that was born in South Carolina. Notice that for each of the census records for Mary, it always changes the location where she was born. This can be found on the 1860 census, Middleburg, Clay, Florida; page 33, Supervisor's District # 18; Enumeration District # 145; Microfilm Roll # 132, stamped page # 161, line 10, 223rd dwelling and family visited by the enumerator, line 11 for Mary.
According to the Agriculture census of Clay County, Florida, William H. Thomas had 17 acres of improved land, 63 acres of unimproved land, cash value of farm $ 150; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 5.00; and cash value of livestock $ 500.00.
William and Mary's son, William Jr., also living in Clay County, was listed on the Agriculture Census as having 20 acres of improved land; 220 acres of unimproved land; cash value of farm $ 600.00; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 20.00; and cash value of livestock, $ 1, 425.00.
Their son, James Andrew, was also living in Middleburg in 1860 [August 10, 1860 census].
Their daughter, Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham and her family were living in Chesowicke, Clay, Florida in 1860 [August 7, 1860 census].
After August 20, 1860 and before August 5, 1870, William Henry Thomas, Sr., passed away. His last known address was in what was known as Belmore at that time, also known specifically as the area of Waller and Penney Tower. His church membership was last known to be at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. His death date has been recorded as May 3, 1870 by online sources, although I do not know what the primary source document was for that information.
On August 5, 1870, Polly was listed as the head of house, living in Sanderson, Clay, Florida taking care of two of her grandchildren. According to the census taker, page 35, dwelling 258, family visited 246, Polly was listed as being 55 years old, a white female, born in Georgia. Although, based on previous census records, she would have been 65 and born in Florida or South Carolina. She was listed as a house keeper with property worth $ 100.00 and personal property worth $ 200.00. She could not read or write. She was listed as caring for her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla, two the children of her son James Andrew. Please note that this census record has been understood by Ancestry.com as Mary being the parent of Mary and Druscilla, and does not understand that she was their grandmother. If you have researched James Andrew Thomas' children, one would know that Mary and Druscilla were his children, and therefore, Mary's grandchildren. Also note, that James' widow wife, Nancy Smith Thomas, was taking care of her other children. Druscilla and Mary were the oldest, and Druscilla was blind. This is one reason why they were living with their Grandmother Mary. Neighbors included Jesse Wilson, Jr.
On August 21, 1871, Mary filed for, or was granted, custody of her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla. They were her son James' children, as mentioned before. James had died eight years before, and although their mother Nancy was still living, she must have needed help caring for Druscilla, who was legally blind. Judge Osisa (Ozias ?) Buddington granted her guardianship of Mary, age 15, and Druscilla, age 14.
On June 1, 1880, Mary "Polly" Thomas was listed as a white female, age 79, on the census from that date. She lived in Belmore, Election Precinct 6, Clay, Florida. She lived in the Thomasville District where the Thomas' lived for many years to come. According to this census, she was born in Georgia, and her parents were born in Georgia. Also living in her home was her Grand-daughter Druscilla, age 29. Druscilla, nicknamed "Lucilla" or transcribed that by the enumerator, was listed as a house keeper. Note that the 1880 census was online when this memorial was written; however, as of Sept. 16, 2018, it seems to have been taken off the free online census records.
In researching Mary, one needs to research her son James Andrew Thomas, Sr.'s children, as mentioned before. She was helping to take care of Mary and Druscilla in 1870, and after Mary Thomas married Andrew Jackson Edenfield, she moved out. Then in 1880 Mary was still caring for Druscilla, who was permanently blind, and needed extra help. Mary was alive on June 4, 1880 and back at her house in Belmore.
Mary Ann "Polly" Hall Thomas, died after June 4, 1880 and before the June 11th, 1900 census was taken. Her estimated date of death is about 1882; but was sometime between the time frame of June 4, 1880-June 11, 1900. After she died, her grand-daughter Druscilla, had to find a new caretaker. On June 11, 1900, Druscilla was living with her mother Nancy in Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, according to the census. For this reason, it is believed that Mary died before this date because Mary was Druscilla's legal guardian.
When Polly died, she was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, and it is believed that she was buried there next to her husband. Her grave marker no longer stands, as many grave stones were destroyed years ago in the early 1940's {according to long time resident of Middleburg, Mytzi Taylor Saunders and Christine Taylor Blackwelder). Mary Ann's grave is estimated to be nearby her grandson's grave, William Thomas, and his wife, Josephine Lane Thomas. Their graves may be in the open field area nearby the first rows of graves, nearby William and Josephine. She and William are believed to be buried in enclosure 4.
Children of William Henry Thomas, Sr., and Mary Ann Hall Thomas:
1. Mary Rachel Thomas Varnes [confirmed DNA relative by DNA Matches for Talmia S. Burr].
2. William Henry Thomas, Jr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
3. Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
4. Martha Ann Thomas
5. James Andrew Thomas, Sr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
Written by Talmia Slade Burr, for her 3rd Great Grandparents.
[ In 1783 there were several Hall men, James, John, and Nathaniel, that are believed to be related to her. In the 1820's they were still in the St. Augustine area. James Hall (her Grandfather) eventually bought land not far from Zephaniah Kingsley's Plantation. Later he was living in Jacksonville. Mary is believed to have been related to James (her Grandfather), John, Nathaniel, Juniper (her Uncle), and William Hall (her dad). The 1860 census lists that she was born in South Carolina. The 1870 census lists she was born in Georgia, and the 1880 census lists she was born in Georgia. She was married in Camden County, Georgia; and if in fact she was born in Georgia, it is believed to be near or in St. Mary's River, Camden, Georgia.
She was related to Sheriff John P. Hall of Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, who descended from Juniper Hall (Mary Ann's Uncle) and Elizabeth Braswell Hall, and they were from Georgia. This specific Hall family did have descendents living in Fouts Mill District, Belmore, Florida.
Note that Nathanial Hall was a Private in 1783, stationed in Spanish Florida, and he may be her relative. [1783 census of Spanish East Florida]
Also note, in 1824 James Hall bought 200 acres west of Zephaniah Kingsley's plantation, and the farm that had belonged to the Brindley family. He farmed the land for two years, and then sold it February 22, 1826 to William Bardin for $ 275.00. This James Hall is considered to be Mary Ann's Grandfather; however, she also had a brother named James. ["Parade of Memories; A History of Clay, County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, page 23]. He was living in St. Augustine in 1783, as mentioned before.
The source for her birth location being in Florida, other than the 1850 census, is Franklin James Thomas, as far as he remembered being told. However, if it was not Mary Hall that was born there in St. Augustine; it would be another great grandmother figure in Fid Thomas' life.
She was called Polly. Polly married William Henry Thomas, Sr., on June 19, 1822 in Camden County, Georgia, USA. They likely were married in St. Mary's. { Note that According to Franklin James Thomas, they had originally been married in 1820 in Spanish East Florida}.
William and Mary had a daughter named Mary Rachel Thomas in 1821 in Newnansville. Alachua, Florida, USA. In May of 1823, they were still living in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida, where they had their daughter Elisabeth. During 1824-1825, they were still living there when they had their daughter Martha & son William. Research by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald Thomas established the location of birth.
In 1827 William voted in [Spring Grove or Newnansville], Alachua, Florida [early Florida voters].
In 1830 William and Mary were living in Spring Grove, Alachua, Florida. In there household lived William, Mary, 2 daughters, and a son. These individuals appear to be Wm, Mary, Wm Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been proven to be a DNA cousin of this writer; therefore, I know she was one of the daughters. In 1833, they had their last son, James Andrew, born in Spring Grove or Newnansville.
By December 1838, Polly and her family were living in the area of Doctor's Inlet/Rideout/Russell, Duval, Florida (later Clay). This information can be found in "Parade of Memories: A History of Clay County, Florida", by Arch Fredric Blakey, Clay County Bicentennial Steering Committee, page 275.
According to the pamphlet written about William Thomas Jr., written by John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas, the 1840 census listed Polly's husband, William Sr., as 50 years old, a farmer, with real estate valued at $ 700.00. According to this information, they had 3 slaves living there with them, two were women, ages 36 and 55, and the other was a young boy, age 10 years. (I have not been able to discover the names of these individuals or when they were emancipated). * Note: This writer can not locate the 1840 census anywhere, of which John McNabb Thomas and Archibald John Thomas spoke of.
In December of 1844, Polly and her family were living in Penney Tower, west of Penney Farms, which is nearby Waller and Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. This information can be found in "Parade of Memories", page 274. Polly was 39 years old. [The location of Penney Tower was, "West of Penney Farms", right near Waller. Waller is between Penney Tower, Belmore, Middleburg, and Kingsley. The Thomasville District was in Waller. Today most people only know that area as part of Belmore, or the outskirts of Middleburg].
On November 1, 1850, Polly was listed by the census taker, as 45 years old, born in Florida, and married to William H. Thomas. This information can be found in the November 1, 1850 census, page 117, dwelling 4, family visited # 4. Her husband, William, was listed as 60 years old, born in South Carolina, and their son James, was listed as 17 years old, born in Florida. Also listed was *Martha Thomas, age 25, born in Florida, and Martha's children. Martha's children were William, age 10, born in Florida, John, age 8, born in Florida, Washington, age 4, born in Florida, and Elisabeth, age 2 months, born in Florida.
On November 13, 1850 Beulah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Belmore, Duval/Clay, Florida. Polly and her family joined the church and attended there until their deaths. Their descendants continued to attend this church up until it merged with First Baptist Church of Middleburg in 2016.
On August 20, 1860 William and Mary were still living in the same home, using the Post Office of Middleburg, Clay, Florida. William was described by the enumerator as being a 70 year old white male, a Farmer, with real estate valued at $150.00, personal property valued at $ 500.00, and he was born in South Carolina. His wife, Mary, was described a 56 year old white female, that was born in South Carolina. Notice that for each of the census records for Mary, it always changes the location where she was born. This can be found on the 1860 census, Middleburg, Clay, Florida; page 33, Supervisor's District # 18; Enumeration District # 145; Microfilm Roll # 132, stamped page # 161, line 10, 223rd dwelling and family visited by the enumerator, line 11 for Mary.
According to the Agriculture census of Clay County, Florida, William H. Thomas had 17 acres of improved land, 63 acres of unimproved land, cash value of farm $ 150; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 5.00; and cash value of livestock $ 500.00.
William and Mary's son, William Jr., also living in Clay County, was listed on the Agriculture Census as having 20 acres of improved land; 220 acres of unimproved land; cash value of farm $ 600.00; cash value of farm implements and machinery $ 20.00; and cash value of livestock, $ 1, 425.00.
Their son, James Andrew, was also living in Middleburg in 1860 [August 10, 1860 census].
Their daughter, Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham and her family were living in Chesowicke, Clay, Florida in 1860 [August 7, 1860 census].
After August 20, 1860 and before August 5, 1870, William Henry Thomas, Sr., passed away. His last known address was in what was known as Belmore at that time, also known specifically as the area of Waller and Penney Tower. His church membership was last known to be at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. His death date has been recorded as May 3, 1870 by online sources, although I do not know what the primary source document was for that information.
On August 5, 1870, Polly was listed as the head of house, living in Sanderson, Clay, Florida taking care of two of her grandchildren. According to the census taker, page 35, dwelling 258, family visited 246, Polly was listed as being 55 years old, a white female, born in Georgia. Although, based on previous census records, she would have been 65 and born in Florida or South Carolina. She was listed as a house keeper with property worth $ 100.00 and personal property worth $ 200.00. She could not read or write. She was listed as caring for her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla, two the children of her son James Andrew. Please note that this census record has been understood by Ancestry.com as Mary being the parent of Mary and Druscilla, and does not understand that she was their grandmother. If you have researched James Andrew Thomas' children, one would know that Mary and Druscilla were his children, and therefore, Mary's grandchildren. Also note, that James' widow wife, Nancy Smith Thomas, was taking care of her other children. Druscilla and Mary were the oldest, and Druscilla was blind. This is one reason why they were living with their Grandmother Mary. Neighbors included Jesse Wilson, Jr.
On August 21, 1871, Mary filed for, or was granted, custody of her grand-daughters Mary and Druscilla. They were her son James' children, as mentioned before. James had died eight years before, and although their mother Nancy was still living, she must have needed help caring for Druscilla, who was legally blind. Judge Osisa (Ozias ?) Buddington granted her guardianship of Mary, age 15, and Druscilla, age 14.
On June 1, 1880, Mary "Polly" Thomas was listed as a white female, age 79, on the census from that date. She lived in Belmore, Election Precinct 6, Clay, Florida. She lived in the Thomasville District where the Thomas' lived for many years to come. According to this census, she was born in Georgia, and her parents were born in Georgia. Also living in her home was her Grand-daughter Druscilla, age 29. Druscilla, nicknamed "Lucilla" or transcribed that by the enumerator, was listed as a house keeper. Note that the 1880 census was online when this memorial was written; however, as of Sept. 16, 2018, it seems to have been taken off the free online census records.
In researching Mary, one needs to research her son James Andrew Thomas, Sr.'s children, as mentioned before. She was helping to take care of Mary and Druscilla in 1870, and after Mary Thomas married Andrew Jackson Edenfield, she moved out. Then in 1880 Mary was still caring for Druscilla, who was permanently blind, and needed extra help. Mary was alive on June 4, 1880 and back at her house in Belmore.
Mary Ann "Polly" Hall Thomas, died after June 4, 1880 and before the June 11th, 1900 census was taken. Her estimated date of death is about 1882; but was sometime between the time frame of June 4, 1880-June 11, 1900. After she died, her grand-daughter Druscilla, had to find a new caretaker. On June 11, 1900, Druscilla was living with her mother Nancy in Green Cove Springs, Clay, Florida, according to the census. For this reason, it is believed that Mary died before this date because Mary was Druscilla's legal guardian.
When Polly died, she was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, and it is believed that she was buried there next to her husband. Her grave marker no longer stands, as many grave stones were destroyed years ago in the early 1940's {according to long time resident of Middleburg, Mytzi Taylor Saunders and Christine Taylor Blackwelder). Mary Ann's grave is estimated to be nearby her grandson's grave, William Thomas, and his wife, Josephine Lane Thomas. Their graves may be in the open field area nearby the first rows of graves, nearby William and Josephine. She and William are believed to be buried in enclosure 4.
Children of William Henry Thomas, Sr., and Mary Ann Hall Thomas:
1. Mary Rachel Thomas Varnes [confirmed DNA relative by DNA Matches for Talmia S. Burr].
2. William Henry Thomas, Jr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
3. Elisabeth Thomas Higgenbotham [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
4. Martha Ann Thomas
5. James Andrew Thomas, Sr. [confirmed DNA circle according to Talmia's AncestryDNA results].
Written by Talmia Slade Burr, for her 3rd Great Grandparents.
Gravesite Details
Her grave was marked , but no longer stands today. Its location is believed to be nearby her grandson's grave, William Thomas and his wife Josephine Lane Thomas. Enclosure 4. Camp Blanding should replace the tombstones destroyed in the 1940s.
Family Members
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