BACON, JONATHAN B. ca.1779-1822 LIBERTY - TATTNALL
Jonathan Baskin Bacon was born about 1779, a son of Nathaniel Bacon (q.v.). It is possible that he was born in South Carolina.
Jonathan B. Bacon married first in 1798, probably in Liberty County. His wife was Elizabeth Bacon, a first cousin. She was the only daughter of Jonathan and Martha Bacon. Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were both minors at the time of their marriage. Elizabeth Bacon was also an orphan and heir to a considerable estate.
The children of Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were:
1. Sarah b. ca. 180 1, m. never married. d. 1823.
2. Edmond b. ca. 1803, m. never married. d. 9/??/ 1824.
Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon continued to live in Liberty County after their marriage, probably at Sunbury. He was a subscriber to the Articles of Incorporation of the Midway Society and served as a juror in Liberty County. It would seem that he also made frequent trips to Savannah, probably by boat.
At some point prior to 1808, Jonathan B. Bacon met Mrs. Eliza Myers, the widow of Daniel Myers. During 1809, Jonathan B. Bacon served as legal agent in the settlement of her husband's estate. The maiden name of Mrs. Myers is not known at this time. Between 1808 and 1817, Eliza and Jonathan B. had five children.
Records in Chatham and Liberty counties indicate that Jonathan B. was constantly borrowing money on notes of hand and then defaulting on them. In 1811, a case was brought against him in Liberty County Inferior Court in which it was stated "the said Jonathan is absent from the county and conceals himself so that the ordinary process of law cannot be had against him." The purpose of his constant borrowing is not clear.
In 1816, Jonathan B. Bacon made preparations to move his second family to a plantation in the wilderness interior of the state. He purchased contiguous lands in Tattnall and Bulloch Counties from the Durrence family. These properties were located on the Canoochee River. He then applied for land grants in Tattnall County adjoining his purchased acreage. By 1817, he had installed Mrs. Myers and their five children on the plantation. The facilities included a large home, a schoolhouse (with teacher) and five slaves. There were a number of overseers at the Bacon Plantation during the time it was in operation, including Jacob Blocker, Sr., Jesse Durrence, Sr. and possibly Jehu Sikes. The size of the Bacon Plantation, including land grants and land purchases, exceeded 1600 acres and was located on both sides of the Canoochee River.
Jonathan B. Bacon's first wife died in Liberty County during December of 1816. On August 3, 1818, Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers obtained a marriage license in Tattnall County. However, they did not actually marry until fourteen months later on October 19, 1819. This delay may be explained by the time required to probate his first wife's valuable estate. It is known that Sarah and Edmond Bacon did gain custody of some slaves from their mother's estate at this time. These children lived with their father in Tattnall County.
Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers had six children, all carrying the surname Bacon. Their sixth child was born after their marriage and was legitimate. They were as follows:
3. Charlotte Matilda b. 5/25/1808, m. Benjamin Brewton,
d. 2/24/1876. 2/16/1826.
4. Eliza Caroline b. ca. 18 10, m. Emanuel Brewton, ca. 1826. d. after 1850.
5. John F. E. b. ca. 1812, m. Rose Ann Blocker, 8/3/1836. d. ca. 1878.
6. Alfred C. b. ca. 1814, m. Emma Stubbs, 7/7/1842. d. 10/31/1874.
7. Albert G. b. 6/15/1817, m. Juliann E. Wilder(?), ca. 1837. d. 10/17/1879.
8. Harriet Juliann b. 11/27/1819, m. 1) Aaron Mattox, 3/3/1836. d. 7/22/1888. 2) Daniel Barnard, 7/7/1839.
During 1821, Jonathan B. Bacon served in Tattnall County as a grand juror and as a Justice of the Inferior Court. He was elected to the State Senate from Tattnall County in the same year.
The last year of Jonathan B. Bacon's life is shrouded in mystery. Upon completion of his term in the State Senate, he seems to have moved to Laurens County, Georgia. The evidence would indicate that he left Eliza Myers Bacon and her six children in Tattnall County. It is not known what prompted this final move. He made his Will in Laurens County on September 11, 1822. He died in that place during September or October of that year. The Will was probated in Laurens County on November 4, 1822. The wording of his Will seems to indicate that he was sick. His burial place is unknown.
Jonathan B. Bacon bequeathed all of his personal property and real estate to his "beloved wife, Eliza Bacon", also making her the sole executrix. He died in possession of 28 slaves and left an estate valued at almost $7500.00. Of the 28 slaves, he left all of the prime field hands to his children Edmond and Sarah. The remaining 13 slaves, mostly old women and children, he bequeathed to "my beloved wife Eliza ... and the heirs of her body". The inventory of the estate also listed 29 books, mahogany furniture, seven bedroom sets, two sets of tableware, a mirror, six horses, a four wheel carriage and a Map of the World. All considered luxuries in the pine barrens of Tattnall County.
Eliza Myers Bacon is said to have been a woman of fiery temperament. Tradition relates that she once tried to have the plantation schoolmaster whipped for disciplining one of her children. It seems clear that she did not get along with Sarah and Edmond Bacon. In 1823, Sarah Bacon died and Edmond petitioned to have his mother's half brother, Thomas E Bacon made his legal guardian. Thomas E Bacon was appointed legal guardian on February 20, 1823. Unfortunately Thomas F. died in November or December of 1823. Samuel S. Law was then appointed guardian. In September of 1824 Edmond Bacon died, leaving no children. Eliza Myers Bacon was appointed executrix of Edmond and Sarah Bacon's estate. In doing so, she took possession of the slaves belonging to Edmond and Sarah Bacon. This started a legal battle that was not settled until after her death in 1847. For a period of twenty four years, Eliza Myers Bacon fought for legal possession of the slaves bequeathed to Sarah and Edmond Bacon. Among those who sought legal redistribution from Eliza were the executors of Thomas F. Bacon, and her own six children. Each of the suitors eventually won a number of the slaves.
Eliza Myers Bacon was the mother of one daughter, born after the death of Jonathan B. Bacon. The father of this child is not known. She was named Sarah Jane Bacon and she was born December 1, 1823 and died January 31, 1890. She was married about 1842 to John McPherson Edwards.
At her death, Eliza owned only twelve slaves, of which eight were children and none of whom were prime field hands. Eliza Myers Bacon died in January or February of 1847 of an undisclosed illness. She was buried in the Bacon Cemetery on the plantation in Tattnall County. In this century, the Bacon Cemetery was plowed over and the stones discarded.
Compiled by: Joseph E. Spann, Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida.
Research Contributed by: Mrs. M. F. Oliver of Glennville Georgia and Mr. Randall Bacon of Savannah, Georgia.
Contributor: Jerry Barnard
Jonathan Baskin Bacon was born about 1779, a son of Nathaniel Bacon (q.v.). It is possible that he was born in South Carolina.
Jonathan B. Bacon married first in 1798, probably in Liberty County. His wife was Elizabeth Bacon, a first cousin. She was the only daughter of Jonathan and Martha Bacon. Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were both minors at the time of their marriage. Elizabeth Bacon was also an orphan and heir to a considerable estate.
The children of Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were:
1. Sarah b. ca. 180 1, m. never married. d. 1823.
2. Edmond b. ca. 1803, m. never married. d. 9/??/ 1824.
Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon continued to live in Liberty County after their marriage, probably at Sunbury. He was a subscriber to the Articles of Incorporation of the Midway Society and served as a juror in Liberty County. It would seem that he also made frequent trips to Savannah, probably by boat.
At some point prior to 1808, Jonathan B. Bacon met Mrs. Eliza Myers, the widow of Daniel Myers. During 1809, Jonathan B. Bacon served as legal agent in the settlement of her husband's estate. The maiden name of Mrs. Myers is not known at this time. Between 1808 and 1817, Eliza and Jonathan B. had five children.
Records in Chatham and Liberty counties indicate that Jonathan B. was constantly borrowing money on notes of hand and then defaulting on them. In 1811, a case was brought against him in Liberty County Inferior Court in which it was stated "the said Jonathan is absent from the county and conceals himself so that the ordinary process of law cannot be had against him." The purpose of his constant borrowing is not clear.
In 1816, Jonathan B. Bacon made preparations to move his second family to a plantation in the wilderness interior of the state. He purchased contiguous lands in Tattnall and Bulloch Counties from the Durrence family. These properties were located on the Canoochee River. He then applied for land grants in Tattnall County adjoining his purchased acreage. By 1817, he had installed Mrs. Myers and their five children on the plantation. The facilities included a large home, a schoolhouse (with teacher) and five slaves. There were a number of overseers at the Bacon Plantation during the time it was in operation, including Jacob Blocker, Sr., Jesse Durrence, Sr. and possibly Jehu Sikes. The size of the Bacon Plantation, including land grants and land purchases, exceeded 1600 acres and was located on both sides of the Canoochee River.
Jonathan B. Bacon's first wife died in Liberty County during December of 1816. On August 3, 1818, Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers obtained a marriage license in Tattnall County. However, they did not actually marry until fourteen months later on October 19, 1819. This delay may be explained by the time required to probate his first wife's valuable estate. It is known that Sarah and Edmond Bacon did gain custody of some slaves from their mother's estate at this time. These children lived with their father in Tattnall County.
Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers had six children, all carrying the surname Bacon. Their sixth child was born after their marriage and was legitimate. They were as follows:
3. Charlotte Matilda b. 5/25/1808, m. Benjamin Brewton,
d. 2/24/1876. 2/16/1826.
4. Eliza Caroline b. ca. 18 10, m. Emanuel Brewton, ca. 1826. d. after 1850.
5. John F. E. b. ca. 1812, m. Rose Ann Blocker, 8/3/1836. d. ca. 1878.
6. Alfred C. b. ca. 1814, m. Emma Stubbs, 7/7/1842. d. 10/31/1874.
7. Albert G. b. 6/15/1817, m. Juliann E. Wilder(?), ca. 1837. d. 10/17/1879.
8. Harriet Juliann b. 11/27/1819, m. 1) Aaron Mattox, 3/3/1836. d. 7/22/1888. 2) Daniel Barnard, 7/7/1839.
During 1821, Jonathan B. Bacon served in Tattnall County as a grand juror and as a Justice of the Inferior Court. He was elected to the State Senate from Tattnall County in the same year.
The last year of Jonathan B. Bacon's life is shrouded in mystery. Upon completion of his term in the State Senate, he seems to have moved to Laurens County, Georgia. The evidence would indicate that he left Eliza Myers Bacon and her six children in Tattnall County. It is not known what prompted this final move. He made his Will in Laurens County on September 11, 1822. He died in that place during September or October of that year. The Will was probated in Laurens County on November 4, 1822. The wording of his Will seems to indicate that he was sick. His burial place is unknown.
Jonathan B. Bacon bequeathed all of his personal property and real estate to his "beloved wife, Eliza Bacon", also making her the sole executrix. He died in possession of 28 slaves and left an estate valued at almost $7500.00. Of the 28 slaves, he left all of the prime field hands to his children Edmond and Sarah. The remaining 13 slaves, mostly old women and children, he bequeathed to "my beloved wife Eliza ... and the heirs of her body". The inventory of the estate also listed 29 books, mahogany furniture, seven bedroom sets, two sets of tableware, a mirror, six horses, a four wheel carriage and a Map of the World. All considered luxuries in the pine barrens of Tattnall County.
Eliza Myers Bacon is said to have been a woman of fiery temperament. Tradition relates that she once tried to have the plantation schoolmaster whipped for disciplining one of her children. It seems clear that she did not get along with Sarah and Edmond Bacon. In 1823, Sarah Bacon died and Edmond petitioned to have his mother's half brother, Thomas E Bacon made his legal guardian. Thomas E Bacon was appointed legal guardian on February 20, 1823. Unfortunately Thomas F. died in November or December of 1823. Samuel S. Law was then appointed guardian. In September of 1824 Edmond Bacon died, leaving no children. Eliza Myers Bacon was appointed executrix of Edmond and Sarah Bacon's estate. In doing so, she took possession of the slaves belonging to Edmond and Sarah Bacon. This started a legal battle that was not settled until after her death in 1847. For a period of twenty four years, Eliza Myers Bacon fought for legal possession of the slaves bequeathed to Sarah and Edmond Bacon. Among those who sought legal redistribution from Eliza were the executors of Thomas F. Bacon, and her own six children. Each of the suitors eventually won a number of the slaves.
Eliza Myers Bacon was the mother of one daughter, born after the death of Jonathan B. Bacon. The father of this child is not known. She was named Sarah Jane Bacon and she was born December 1, 1823 and died January 31, 1890. She was married about 1842 to John McPherson Edwards.
At her death, Eliza owned only twelve slaves, of which eight were children and none of whom were prime field hands. Eliza Myers Bacon died in January or February of 1847 of an undisclosed illness. She was buried in the Bacon Cemetery on the plantation in Tattnall County. In this century, the Bacon Cemetery was plowed over and the stones discarded.
Compiled by: Joseph E. Spann, Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida.
Research Contributed by: Mrs. M. F. Oliver of Glennville Georgia and Mr. Randall Bacon of Savannah, Georgia.
Contributor: Jerry Barnard
BACON, JONATHAN B. ca.1779-1822 LIBERTY - TATTNALL
Jonathan Baskin Bacon was born about 1779, a son of Nathaniel Bacon (q.v.). It is possible that he was born in South Carolina.
Jonathan B. Bacon married first in 1798, probably in Liberty County. His wife was Elizabeth Bacon, a first cousin. She was the only daughter of Jonathan and Martha Bacon. Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were both minors at the time of their marriage. Elizabeth Bacon was also an orphan and heir to a considerable estate.
The children of Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were:
1. Sarah b. ca. 180 1, m. never married. d. 1823.
2. Edmond b. ca. 1803, m. never married. d. 9/??/ 1824.
Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon continued to live in Liberty County after their marriage, probably at Sunbury. He was a subscriber to the Articles of Incorporation of the Midway Society and served as a juror in Liberty County. It would seem that he also made frequent trips to Savannah, probably by boat.
At some point prior to 1808, Jonathan B. Bacon met Mrs. Eliza Myers, the widow of Daniel Myers. During 1809, Jonathan B. Bacon served as legal agent in the settlement of her husband's estate. The maiden name of Mrs. Myers is not known at this time. Between 1808 and 1817, Eliza and Jonathan B. had five children.
Records in Chatham and Liberty counties indicate that Jonathan B. was constantly borrowing money on notes of hand and then defaulting on them. In 1811, a case was brought against him in Liberty County Inferior Court in which it was stated "the said Jonathan is absent from the county and conceals himself so that the ordinary process of law cannot be had against him." The purpose of his constant borrowing is not clear.
In 1816, Jonathan B. Bacon made preparations to move his second family to a plantation in the wilderness interior of the state. He purchased contiguous lands in Tattnall and Bulloch Counties from the Durrence family. These properties were located on the Canoochee River. He then applied for land grants in Tattnall County adjoining his purchased acreage. By 1817, he had installed Mrs. Myers and their five children on the plantation. The facilities included a large home, a schoolhouse (with teacher) and five slaves. There were a number of overseers at the Bacon Plantation during the time it was in operation, including Jacob Blocker, Sr., Jesse Durrence, Sr. and possibly Jehu Sikes. The size of the Bacon Plantation, including land grants and land purchases, exceeded 1600 acres and was located on both sides of the Canoochee River.
Jonathan B. Bacon's first wife died in Liberty County during December of 1816. On August 3, 1818, Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers obtained a marriage license in Tattnall County. However, they did not actually marry until fourteen months later on October 19, 1819. This delay may be explained by the time required to probate his first wife's valuable estate. It is known that Sarah and Edmond Bacon did gain custody of some slaves from their mother's estate at this time. These children lived with their father in Tattnall County.
Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers had six children, all carrying the surname Bacon. Their sixth child was born after their marriage and was legitimate. They were as follows:
3. Charlotte Matilda b. 5/25/1808, m. Benjamin Brewton,
d. 2/24/1876. 2/16/1826.
4. Eliza Caroline b. ca. 18 10, m. Emanuel Brewton, ca. 1826. d. after 1850.
5. John F. E. b. ca. 1812, m. Rose Ann Blocker, 8/3/1836. d. ca. 1878.
6. Alfred C. b. ca. 1814, m. Emma Stubbs, 7/7/1842. d. 10/31/1874.
7. Albert G. b. 6/15/1817, m. Juliann E. Wilder(?), ca. 1837. d. 10/17/1879.
8. Harriet Juliann b. 11/27/1819, m. 1) Aaron Mattox, 3/3/1836. d. 7/22/1888. 2) Daniel Barnard, 7/7/1839.
During 1821, Jonathan B. Bacon served in Tattnall County as a grand juror and as a Justice of the Inferior Court. He was elected to the State Senate from Tattnall County in the same year.
The last year of Jonathan B. Bacon's life is shrouded in mystery. Upon completion of his term in the State Senate, he seems to have moved to Laurens County, Georgia. The evidence would indicate that he left Eliza Myers Bacon and her six children in Tattnall County. It is not known what prompted this final move. He made his Will in Laurens County on September 11, 1822. He died in that place during September or October of that year. The Will was probated in Laurens County on November 4, 1822. The wording of his Will seems to indicate that he was sick. His burial place is unknown.
Jonathan B. Bacon bequeathed all of his personal property and real estate to his "beloved wife, Eliza Bacon", also making her the sole executrix. He died in possession of 28 slaves and left an estate valued at almost $7500.00. Of the 28 slaves, he left all of the prime field hands to his children Edmond and Sarah. The remaining 13 slaves, mostly old women and children, he bequeathed to "my beloved wife Eliza ... and the heirs of her body". The inventory of the estate also listed 29 books, mahogany furniture, seven bedroom sets, two sets of tableware, a mirror, six horses, a four wheel carriage and a Map of the World. All considered luxuries in the pine barrens of Tattnall County.
Eliza Myers Bacon is said to have been a woman of fiery temperament. Tradition relates that she once tried to have the plantation schoolmaster whipped for disciplining one of her children. It seems clear that she did not get along with Sarah and Edmond Bacon. In 1823, Sarah Bacon died and Edmond petitioned to have his mother's half brother, Thomas E Bacon made his legal guardian. Thomas E Bacon was appointed legal guardian on February 20, 1823. Unfortunately Thomas F. died in November or December of 1823. Samuel S. Law was then appointed guardian. In September of 1824 Edmond Bacon died, leaving no children. Eliza Myers Bacon was appointed executrix of Edmond and Sarah Bacon's estate. In doing so, she took possession of the slaves belonging to Edmond and Sarah Bacon. This started a legal battle that was not settled until after her death in 1847. For a period of twenty four years, Eliza Myers Bacon fought for legal possession of the slaves bequeathed to Sarah and Edmond Bacon. Among those who sought legal redistribution from Eliza were the executors of Thomas F. Bacon, and her own six children. Each of the suitors eventually won a number of the slaves.
Eliza Myers Bacon was the mother of one daughter, born after the death of Jonathan B. Bacon. The father of this child is not known. She was named Sarah Jane Bacon and she was born December 1, 1823 and died January 31, 1890. She was married about 1842 to John McPherson Edwards.
At her death, Eliza owned only twelve slaves, of which eight were children and none of whom were prime field hands. Eliza Myers Bacon died in January or February of 1847 of an undisclosed illness. She was buried in the Bacon Cemetery on the plantation in Tattnall County. In this century, the Bacon Cemetery was plowed over and the stones discarded.
Compiled by: Joseph E. Spann, Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida.
Research Contributed by: Mrs. M. F. Oliver of Glennville Georgia and Mr. Randall Bacon of Savannah, Georgia.
Contributor: Jerry Barnard
Jonathan Baskin Bacon was born about 1779, a son of Nathaniel Bacon (q.v.). It is possible that he was born in South Carolina.
Jonathan B. Bacon married first in 1798, probably in Liberty County. His wife was Elizabeth Bacon, a first cousin. She was the only daughter of Jonathan and Martha Bacon. Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were both minors at the time of their marriage. Elizabeth Bacon was also an orphan and heir to a considerable estate.
The children of Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon were:
1. Sarah b. ca. 180 1, m. never married. d. 1823.
2. Edmond b. ca. 1803, m. never married. d. 9/??/ 1824.
Jonathan B. and Elizabeth Bacon continued to live in Liberty County after their marriage, probably at Sunbury. He was a subscriber to the Articles of Incorporation of the Midway Society and served as a juror in Liberty County. It would seem that he also made frequent trips to Savannah, probably by boat.
At some point prior to 1808, Jonathan B. Bacon met Mrs. Eliza Myers, the widow of Daniel Myers. During 1809, Jonathan B. Bacon served as legal agent in the settlement of her husband's estate. The maiden name of Mrs. Myers is not known at this time. Between 1808 and 1817, Eliza and Jonathan B. had five children.
Records in Chatham and Liberty counties indicate that Jonathan B. was constantly borrowing money on notes of hand and then defaulting on them. In 1811, a case was brought against him in Liberty County Inferior Court in which it was stated "the said Jonathan is absent from the county and conceals himself so that the ordinary process of law cannot be had against him." The purpose of his constant borrowing is not clear.
In 1816, Jonathan B. Bacon made preparations to move his second family to a plantation in the wilderness interior of the state. He purchased contiguous lands in Tattnall and Bulloch Counties from the Durrence family. These properties were located on the Canoochee River. He then applied for land grants in Tattnall County adjoining his purchased acreage. By 1817, he had installed Mrs. Myers and their five children on the plantation. The facilities included a large home, a schoolhouse (with teacher) and five slaves. There were a number of overseers at the Bacon Plantation during the time it was in operation, including Jacob Blocker, Sr., Jesse Durrence, Sr. and possibly Jehu Sikes. The size of the Bacon Plantation, including land grants and land purchases, exceeded 1600 acres and was located on both sides of the Canoochee River.
Jonathan B. Bacon's first wife died in Liberty County during December of 1816. On August 3, 1818, Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers obtained a marriage license in Tattnall County. However, they did not actually marry until fourteen months later on October 19, 1819. This delay may be explained by the time required to probate his first wife's valuable estate. It is known that Sarah and Edmond Bacon did gain custody of some slaves from their mother's estate at this time. These children lived with their father in Tattnall County.
Jonathan B. Bacon and Mrs. Eliza Myers had six children, all carrying the surname Bacon. Their sixth child was born after their marriage and was legitimate. They were as follows:
3. Charlotte Matilda b. 5/25/1808, m. Benjamin Brewton,
d. 2/24/1876. 2/16/1826.
4. Eliza Caroline b. ca. 18 10, m. Emanuel Brewton, ca. 1826. d. after 1850.
5. John F. E. b. ca. 1812, m. Rose Ann Blocker, 8/3/1836. d. ca. 1878.
6. Alfred C. b. ca. 1814, m. Emma Stubbs, 7/7/1842. d. 10/31/1874.
7. Albert G. b. 6/15/1817, m. Juliann E. Wilder(?), ca. 1837. d. 10/17/1879.
8. Harriet Juliann b. 11/27/1819, m. 1) Aaron Mattox, 3/3/1836. d. 7/22/1888. 2) Daniel Barnard, 7/7/1839.
During 1821, Jonathan B. Bacon served in Tattnall County as a grand juror and as a Justice of the Inferior Court. He was elected to the State Senate from Tattnall County in the same year.
The last year of Jonathan B. Bacon's life is shrouded in mystery. Upon completion of his term in the State Senate, he seems to have moved to Laurens County, Georgia. The evidence would indicate that he left Eliza Myers Bacon and her six children in Tattnall County. It is not known what prompted this final move. He made his Will in Laurens County on September 11, 1822. He died in that place during September or October of that year. The Will was probated in Laurens County on November 4, 1822. The wording of his Will seems to indicate that he was sick. His burial place is unknown.
Jonathan B. Bacon bequeathed all of his personal property and real estate to his "beloved wife, Eliza Bacon", also making her the sole executrix. He died in possession of 28 slaves and left an estate valued at almost $7500.00. Of the 28 slaves, he left all of the prime field hands to his children Edmond and Sarah. The remaining 13 slaves, mostly old women and children, he bequeathed to "my beloved wife Eliza ... and the heirs of her body". The inventory of the estate also listed 29 books, mahogany furniture, seven bedroom sets, two sets of tableware, a mirror, six horses, a four wheel carriage and a Map of the World. All considered luxuries in the pine barrens of Tattnall County.
Eliza Myers Bacon is said to have been a woman of fiery temperament. Tradition relates that she once tried to have the plantation schoolmaster whipped for disciplining one of her children. It seems clear that she did not get along with Sarah and Edmond Bacon. In 1823, Sarah Bacon died and Edmond petitioned to have his mother's half brother, Thomas E Bacon made his legal guardian. Thomas E Bacon was appointed legal guardian on February 20, 1823. Unfortunately Thomas F. died in November or December of 1823. Samuel S. Law was then appointed guardian. In September of 1824 Edmond Bacon died, leaving no children. Eliza Myers Bacon was appointed executrix of Edmond and Sarah Bacon's estate. In doing so, she took possession of the slaves belonging to Edmond and Sarah Bacon. This started a legal battle that was not settled until after her death in 1847. For a period of twenty four years, Eliza Myers Bacon fought for legal possession of the slaves bequeathed to Sarah and Edmond Bacon. Among those who sought legal redistribution from Eliza were the executors of Thomas F. Bacon, and her own six children. Each of the suitors eventually won a number of the slaves.
Eliza Myers Bacon was the mother of one daughter, born after the death of Jonathan B. Bacon. The father of this child is not known. She was named Sarah Jane Bacon and she was born December 1, 1823 and died January 31, 1890. She was married about 1842 to John McPherson Edwards.
At her death, Eliza owned only twelve slaves, of which eight were children and none of whom were prime field hands. Eliza Myers Bacon died in January or February of 1847 of an undisclosed illness. She was buried in the Bacon Cemetery on the plantation in Tattnall County. In this century, the Bacon Cemetery was plowed over and the stones discarded.
Compiled by: Joseph E. Spann, Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida.
Research Contributed by: Mrs. M. F. Oliver of Glennville Georgia and Mr. Randall Bacon of Savannah, Georgia.
Contributor: Jerry Barnard
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