James Crawford (d 1804) and Mary Tart of Marion County, South Carolina

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The author (Marty Grant) is a 1st cousin 6 times removed to James Crawford.

Special thanks to Winkie Robinson and Jo Dickerson for data shared on this family.

Note: In the very early 1800's there were at least four adult men named "James Crawford" in Marion Dist, SC. This has made positive identification difficult at best. However, generally speaking, they did attempt to distinguish themselves. For example, this James under study here was almost always listed as "Jr" until his death in 1804. James Crawford "Sr" was his probable Uncle James Crawford born 1749, whereas his son James Crawford (c1784) was almost always listed as "Jr", but only after 1804. The other one was James G. Crawford (c1784/90) (a.k.a. "Cype"). It is not always clear which James is being referenced in any particular record. They were all related to each other (apparently) and therefore related to the same people, so it is hard to tell from the context which was which, except in some cases.

James Crawford was born ca 1755/74 (per 1800 census), presumably in the part of old Georgetown District that later became Marion County. I don't know who his parents were, but based on Mr. Sellers (who said the children were descendants of "old John" Crawford) and based on Winkie's theory it seems most likely to me that this James is a son of John Crawford (1747), thus making James (d 1804) a grandson of James Crawford and Kesiah Saunders. We have no direct proof of this connection though, and John just didn't leave us many records due to the loss of Georgetown records, having died before Marion was formed. Something may turn up eventually.

James Crawford married Mary Tart sometime between 1790 and 1800. Mary was born ca 1774/84, daughter of Enos Tart Sr and Sarah Smith. (Proven by his Will and several other records).

On 21 Sep 1794 John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 50 acres to James Crawford Junr. Witnesses were Thomas Lane and Sarahann Crawford. This deed was proven before "James Crawford, JP", which seems to show that James Crawford (1749) was the Justice of the Peace (though both Sr and Jr could have been). I don't know who the Sarah Ann Crawford was who witnessed this deed.  (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 181, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 2 Feb 1795, James Crawford and Anthony Pouncey witnessed a deed from Samuel Pouncey to Enos Tart (James' father-in-law). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 176, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 4 May 1795, James Crawford Junr and Jacob Alford witnessed a deed from Solomon Bolton to Enos Tart (James' father-in-law). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 194, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 13 Dec 1797 John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 200 acres to James Crawford Junr, land "toward Catfish". Witnesses were Robert Lucas and Joseph Lane. This deed was proven before "James Crawford, JP", (James Crawford (1749)) (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 183, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 14 Feb 1798 Harrison Lucas of Georgetown Dist, SC sold 225 acres to James Crawford of same place. Witnesses were Robert Lucas, and Christifer Due (Dew). * I don't know if this is this same James Crawford, or the other James Crawford (1749). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book B, page 317, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On the same date (14 Feb 1798) Harrison Lucas sold another tract to James Crawford. This one was 100 acres on the North East Side of Catfish Swamp and another tract of 128 acres and another of 200 acres. Witnesses were Robert Lucas, and Christifer Due (Dew). * I don't know if this is this same James Crawford, or the other James Crawford (1749). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book B, page 318, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 11 Mar 1798 John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 350 acres to James Crawford Jr on Hickory Grove. Witnesses were Robert Lucas and Joseph Lane. This deed was proven before "James Crawford, JP" on 11 Mar 1798 (James Crawford (1749)) (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 189, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

A deed dated 29 --- 1798 was recorded between Vinson Dulancy of Saint Stephen Parish, Santee, SC to James Crawford Junr of Liberty County, Georgetown District, SC for 150 acres, bordering Hardy Crawford's land. Witnesses were James Dulany and Peter Keighley. This deed was proven before James Crawford, JP on 25 Feb 1799. That is James Crawford (1749). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 186, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

James Crawford was listed on the 1800 census in Marion District, SC. He was next door to Hardy Crawford, who I suspect could be his brother.

1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1800 Marion Dist, SC pg 788 James Crawford 10010-21100-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1755-1774)	James CRAWFORD (1755/74) s/o ?
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1790-1800)	John CRAWFORD (1790/1800) son
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1774-1784)	Mary TART Crawford (1774/84) wife
1 Female(s) 10-15     (1784-1790)	Daughter? Sister? Sister-in-law? (1784/90)
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1790-1800)	Mercy CRAWFORD (1790/94) daughter
					Charity CRAWFORD (1797/98) daughter

On 1 Jan 1802, both James and Mary Crawford (and her brother Enos Tart) witnessed a deed from Jacob Buckholts Jr of Darlington District, to Thomas T. Wickham of Marion for land on Catfish Swamp. Both James and Mary signed with a mark. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book B, page 121, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 3 Apr 1802 "James Crawford" of Marion Dist, sold 300 acres to Lazares Lee, land known "as Mill Tract", apparently purchased by Crawford from the Sheriff at a Sheriff's sale. Witnesses were Thomas T. Wickham and Samuel Johnston. * I don't know if this was this James Crawford, or James Crawford Sr (1749). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book B, page 150, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 27 Nov 1802, Johnathan and Ann Tart sold 400 acres to "James Crawford". (Jonathan Tart was Mary Tart Crawford's brother). The land was on the East side of Great Pee Dee River. Another tract of 100 acres, and another of 200 acres. Witnesses were James Crawford (probably James Sr-1749) and Osborne Lane. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 185, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

James Crawford died before 7 Jan 1804, for on that date, Mary Crawford was deeded property by Jonathan Tart (her brother) on Catfish Swamp, and in the deed she was referred to as a widow. The land was 400 acres "towards Catfish Swamp". Witnesses were Enos Tart (her brother) and John Mace and Charles Stewart. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 192, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 27 Feb 1804, widow Mary Crawford, and her brother Enos Tart were granted letters of Administration for the estate of James Crawford Junr, deceased. (Marion Dist, SC Minutes of the Ordinary)

On 16 Mar 1804, Mary Crawford and Enos Tart qualified to be Administrators for James Crawford, deceased. (Marion Dist, SC Administrations Book A page 54, as published in "Pee Dee Queue", Volume XVI, No. 1, Jan-Feb 1992, page 3)

On 7 Apr 1804 a dower relinquishment was made for an earlier deed that helps prove something about this family. On 27 Feb 1795 John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 200 acres to Enos Tart. The land adjoined Hardy Crawford. Witnesses were John Tart and Thomas Waters. Elizabeth Sanders relinquished her dower rights to this land on 7 Apr 1804 before Robert Moody, JQ, but she relinquished the rights not to Enos Tart because he had recently died, but instead to "Mary Crawford and heirs of said Enos Tart". This further proves that Mary Crawford was a daughter of Enos Tart. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 190, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

On 11 Dec 1804, a citation was issued against Mary Crawford (now Mary Bass) and Enos Tart as Administrators of James Crawford deceased. It was ordered that they find other securities, or else give up their letters of administration. Apparently, Mary Bass did not show up in regards to this matter, so her rights of administration were revoked and they were given solely to Enos Tart. A reference was made to a Court held on 7 Dec 1804 regarding this matter. (Marion Dist, SC Minutes of the Ordinary)

The above record shows that widow Mary Tart Crawford had married a Mr. Bass between 16 Mar 1804 and 7 Dec 1804. Other records show that her second husband was Wright Bass (a. k. a. "Right Bass").  Wright was born ca 1755/65, so a good bit older than Mary. I don't know who his parents were.

There was more than one Wright Bass in the area, so the records can be confusing. There were two men named "Right Bass" listed on the 1790 census in Prince George Parish. One of them was probably this Wright, the other one may be his father. Wright (Jr) was previously married to Nancy ---. I don't know her maiden name. A 1799 deed from Right and Nancy Bass to Levi Gibson proves his father was named Wright Sr, and shows that Wright Sr was an heir to Moses Bass. Jo Dickerson tells me that Wright Sr was a nephew of Moses, who had no children. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 355, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

By 1800, there was only one "Right Bass" in Marion District. His apparent first wife must have died between 1800 and 1804 when he married Mary Tart Crawford.

A deed dated 20 Feb 1800 seems to suggest that Wright Bass was the father of a child that Sarah Bird had (presumably out of wedlock). (Marion Co, SC Deed Book E, page 42, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996)

Wright Bass was listed on the 1810 census in Marion District. He was listed next to James Crawford Jr and Stephen Berry. Since both Wright and Mary had children from previous marriages, I'm not sure who was who in their household on this census record. For example, Wright Bass had an apparent son born ca 1790/1800 with him in 1800, but so did James Crawford. In 1810, there was only one person this age with Wright Bass. Which was it? A Crawford son, or a Bass son? James Crawford had a son named "John" who I suspect was born ca 1790/1800, so is this him with Wright Bass in 1810, or is it someone else? No way to be sure.

1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1810 Marion Dist, SC pg 84 Right Bass 11001-30110-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 and up    (bef 1765)	Wright BASS (1755/65)
1 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	Son? (1794/1800) John CRAWFORD (1790/1800)?
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	Mahalalel CRAWFORD (1801/02) Step-Son
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1765-1784)	Mary TART Crawford Bass (1774/84) wife
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1784-1794)	Mercy CRAWFORD (1790/94) Step-daughter
3 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Charity CRAWFORD (1797/98) Step-daughter
					Mary BASS(1806/10) daughter
					Rachel BASS (1806/10) daughter

Mary Tart Crawford Bass died sometime between 1810 and 1820.

Wright Bass was listed on the 1820 census in Marion District. This census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were.

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Marion Dist, SC pg x Wright Bass 100101-22000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 & up   (before 1775)	Wright BASS (1755/65)
1 Male(s) 16-25       (1794-1804)	Mahalalel CRAWFORD (1801/02) step-son
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1810-1820)	Son? Wright BASS
2 Female(s) 10-15     (1804-1810)	Mary BASS(1806/10) daughter
					Rachel BASS (1806/10) daughter
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1810-1820)	Daughter?
					Daughter?

Wright Bass married Elizabeth --- between 1820 and 1823. I don't know her maiden name.

Wright Bass made his Will on 10 Jul 1823, naming his wife Elizabeth, and daughters: Martha Bass, Mary Bass, Rachel Bass and Sarah Bass, and son Right Bass. John Tart and Henry Berry were named as his executors. The Will was proven 4 Aug 1823, so he died sometime between those two dates. The Will is mentioned and summarized in his probate records. (Probate Roll # 69, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume One", page 55, by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).

The above Will is online at the Marion Co, SC GenWeb pages, transcribed by Winkie Robinson.

A document in the Probate file dated 6 Aug 1827 shows that Mary Bass is an heir to the estate (she was named in the Will) and that she is also under 21 years of age, and that she wanted "my brother Mahalalel Crawford" appointed as her guardian. (He was her half brother). (Probate Roll # 69, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume One", page 55, by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).

Unfortunately, this was one of the few early Marion families that Sellers did not write much about, though he did mention some of them, enough to help considerably:

"There was another family of Crawfords, descendants of old John, but in a different branch of the family--Hal Crawford and a brother named John, and two sisters, the wife of Cross Roads Henry Berry, and Mercy Bass, wife of Joseph Bass (senior). Berry's wife was named Charity. Hal Crawford married and went West; John Crawford never did marry. I suppose they are both dead." ("A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, page 146, by W. W. Sellers, Esq)

Children of James and Mary (Tart) Crawford. James Crawford and Mary Tart had several children, and Mary Tart and Wright Bass had a few, though I'm not sure which of those with Wright Bass are from which marriage, since he seems to have been married three times. In his Will he only named five children (4 daughters, 1 son), but gave no indication which were from which marriage. I'd imagine that some were from the marriage to Mary Tart Crawford. 

In Marion County Court in March 1820 a court case "Joseph Bass and wife vs. Wright Bass" names the heirs of James Crawford deceased as widow who married Wright Bass and --- (blank) wife of Joseph Bass, and --- (blank) wife of Henry Berry, John Crawford who has reached age 21, and Mahalaleal Crawford, a minor. Although this does not list the daughters names it does say who they married and combined with other records they've been identified as Mercy and Charity. This list agreed with what Mr. Sellers wrote (See above) so that tracks well. (Marion County Court of Common Pleas).

John Crawford (1790/1800)

Mercy Crawford (1790/94)

Charity Crawford (c1798)

Mahalalel "Hal" Crawford (c1802)

John Crawford was born ca 1790/1800 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC).

Mr. Sellers mentioned John as a brother of "Hal". He also stated that he never married.  The 1820 court case indicates that John Crawford had reached 21, so he may have been born ca 1798/99.

James Crawford had an apparent son born ca 1790/1800 with him for the 1800 census (age "under 10"), which presumably was John. In 1810, Wright Bass had an apparent son with him age 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800) which could be John, or perhaps someone else. The same person (apparently) was still in Wright Bass for the 1820 census, in the age 16-25 category (born ca 1794/1804).

I found many John Crawfords on the 1830 census in various states.  There was not one in Marion Dist, SC in 1830.

In 1840, there were many John Crawfords in several states.

I have no idea what happened to this particular John Crawford.

Mercy Crawford was born ca 1790/94 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC).

Mercy seemed to be with her parents for the 1800 census, in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1790/1800). She seemed to be with her step-father Wright Bass for the 1810 census, age 16-25 (born ca 1784/94).

Mercy Crawford married Joseph R. Bass ca 1810/12 in Marion Dist, SC. Joseph was a son of Joseph Bass Sr and Miss Jones (per Sellers). He was born ca 1787 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC).

Sellers said a great deal about the Joseph Bass family, too much to quote here. He mentioned eleven children and profiled their families.

Joseph Bass was listed on the 1820 census in Marion Dist, SC:

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Marion Dist, SC pg x Joseph Bass 400010-10010
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1775-1794)	Joseph R. BASS (1786/87)
4 Male(s) 0-9         (1810-1820)	James W. BASS (1811/12) son
					Joseph R. BASS (1812/13) son
					Enos T. BASS (1815/16) son
					Thomas R. BASS (1818/19) son
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1775-1794)	Mercy CRAWFORD Bass (1790/94) wife
1 Female(s) 0-9       (1810-1820)	Elizabeth A. BASS (1815/20) daughter

Joseph Bass was listed on the 1830 census in Marion Dist, SC. This census was alphabetical, so I don't know who his neighbors were.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Marion Dist, SC pg 6 Joseph Bass 0022001000000-2110010000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1780-1790)	Joseph R. BASS (1786/87)
2 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	James W. BASS (1811/12) son
					Joseph R. BASS (1812/13) son
2 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Enos T. BASS (1815/16) son
					Thomas R. BASS (1818/19) son
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1790-1800)	Mercy CRAWFORD Bass (1790/94) wife
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)	Elizabeth BASS (1815/20) daughter –> m by 1840
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Harriet BASS (1823/24) daughter
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Laura BASS (1824/25) daughter
					Helen BASS (1825/30) daughter

Joseph Bass was listed on the 1840 census in Marion Dist, SC, next door to William Turner.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Marion Dist, SC pg 182 Joseph Bass 0100400100000-0222001000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 50-59        (1780-1790)	Joseph R. BASS (1786/87)
4 Male(s) 20-29        (1810-1820)	James W. BASS (1811/12) son
					Joseph R. BASS (1812/13) son
					Enos T. BASS (1815/16) son
					Thomas R. BASS (1818/19) son
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	John C. BASS (1835) son
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)	Mercy CRAWFORD Bass (1790/94) wife –> d 1846
2 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)	Harriet BASS (1823/24) daughter
					Laura BASS (1824/25) daughter
2 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Helen BASS (1825/30) daughter
					Adarezer BASS (1829/30) daughter
2 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Lebanon BASS (1831/32) daughter
					Daughter? (1830/35) –> gone by 1850

According to Sellers, Mercy Crawford Bass died in December 1846.

Joseph Bass was listed on the 1850 census in Marion Dist, SC with several of his younger children with him. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

Joseph Bass died on ("or about") 15 Jun 1854 in Marion Dist, SC (per Equity records). This date and family information was given in an Equity case. (Roll # 282, "Marion County South Carolina Extracts from Equity Rolls", page 90, by Lucille Utley)

Charity Crawford was born ca 1797/98 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC).

Charity seemed to be with her parents for the 1800 census, in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1790/1800). She seemed to be with her step-father Wright Bass for the 1810 census, age "under 10" or born ca 1800/10. This one isn't an exact match, but it is probably her.

Charity Crawford married Henry Berry between 1810 and 1820. Sellers stated he was referred to as "Cross Roads Henry", presumably to distinguish him from another Henry Berry. Henry was a son of Stephen Berry and Sarah Dew. He was born 13 Jan 1796 (per Sellers).

Sellers said a great deal about the Henry Berry family, too much to quote here. He mentioned that he had eight children and gave some information on each of them.

Henry Berry was listed on the 1820 census in Marion Dist, SC. In fact, there were two Henrys. This Henry was listed as "Jr" to distinguish from his older relative. (His Uncle, I believe).

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Marion Dist, SC pg x Henry Berry Jr 100100-00100
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 16-25       (1794-1804)	Henry BERRY (1796) s/o Stephen
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1810-1820)	Cade BERRY (1819/20) son
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1794-1804)	Charity CRAWFORD Berry (1797/98) wife

Henry was listed on the 1830 census in Marion Dist, SC. His uncle Henry was listed also, but as "Sr". This listing was alphabetical, so I can't tell who anyone's neighbors were.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Marion Dist, SC pg 6 Henry Berry 1120010000000-2000200000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)	Henry BERRY (1796) s/o Stephen
2 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Cade BERRY (1819/20) son
					Son? (1815/20) * Not in 1820 
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)	Gewood BERRY (1821/22) son
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Elihu BERRY (1825/26) son
2 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Charity CRAWFORD Berry (1797/98) wife
					Sister? Sister-in-law? (1800/10)
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Mary BERRY (1825/26) daughter
					Telatha BERRY (1825/30) daughter

Henry Berry was listed on the 1840 census in Marion Dist, SC. He was the only "Henry" this year. Apparently his Uncle Henry had died by then.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Marion Dist, SC pg 137 Henry Berry 1112101000000-0120011000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)	Henry BERRY (1796) s/o Stephen
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1810-1820)	Cade BERRY (1819/20 son
2 Male(s) 15-19        (1820-1825)	Gewood BERRY (1821/22) son
					Son? (1820/25) * Not in 1830 unless 1815/20
1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)	Elihu BERRY (1825/26) son
1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	James BERRY (1834/35) son
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)	Stephen BERRY (1836/37) son
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)	Charity CRAWFORD Berry (1797/98) wife
1 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)	Sister? Sister-in-law? (1800/10)
2 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Mary BERRY (1825/26) daughter
					Telatha BERRY (1825/30) daughter
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Virzilla BERRY (1831/32) daughter

Henry and Charity Berry and family were listed on the 1850 census in Marion District. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

Charity Crawford Berry died 22 Jan 1856 (per tombstone) in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC) and is buried at the Berry Cemetery in Dillon Co, SC.

Henry Berry was listed on the 1860 and 1870 census in Marion Co, SC (in Kirby Township).

Henry Berry died on 9 Jul 1876 (per Sellers) in Marion Co, SC. His probate file was a large one. (Probate Roll # 2033, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume Two", by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985, page 200).

Mahalalel "Hal" Crawford was born ca 1801/02 in Marion Dist, SC.  He was listed only by his first initial on many records, probably due to the difficult spelling of his name. Sellers referred to him as "Hal Crawford", and that is the only reference I've seen using that nickname for him, but it does make sense, "Hal" for Mahalalel.

Special thanks to Winkie Robinson for data shared on Hal's family.

Hal was apparently home with his mother and step-father (Wright Bass) for the 1810 census, listed in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1800/10), and apparently still home for the 1820 census, listed in the age 16-25 category (born ca 1794/1804).

Hal was listed on several documents pertaining to the estate of his step-father Wright Bass, but only one of them indicates the relationship. He was not named in Wright Bass' Will of 1823.

Sometime around 1820/25, Mahalalel Crawford married Mary Mace in Marion Dist, SC. Mary was a child of John Mace and Frances Finklea. This marriage is mentioned by Sellers, and is also proven by Equity records (more on them below). And also proved by Will of John Mace.

"M. Crawford" was listed on the 1824 Marion District, SC tax list and taxed 40 cents.

In an estate sale for Wright Bass in 1826 (no exact date) "M. Crawford" was a purchaser, among others.

On 6 Aug 1827, Hal's half-sister Mary Bass (being between 14 and 21 years old) asked that "my brother Mahalalel Crawford appointed my guardian". This document states that Mary was a legitimate daughter of Mary Bass, wife of Wright Bass, deceased. This also proves that Mahalalel Crawford was a child of Mary wife of Wright Bass (and other records prove Mary Bass was a Tart, daughter of Enos Tart, and previously widowed from James Crawford), thus proving Mahalalel is a son of James Crawford and Mary Tart. (Probate Roll # 69, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume One", page 55, by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).

Mahalalel Crawford was listed on the 1830 census in Marion Dist, SC. Unfortunately this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were:

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Marion Dist, SC pg 10 Mahalalel Crawford 1000100000000-2000100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)	Mahalalel CRAWFORD (1802) s/o James and Mary
1 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Willis CRAWFORD (1824/25) son
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Mary MACE Crawford (1800/10) wife
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Ann CRAWFORD (1825/30) daughter
					Mary CRAWFORD (1825/30) daughter

Hal and family left Marion Co, SC for Monroe Co, AL in the early 1830's, apparently arriving before 1834 (based on birth places of children). Monroe County was a popular destination for Marion County, SC families during this timeframe.

Mary Mace Crawford died sometime between ca 1834 and 1837, for in that latter year, Hal married again.

According to Winkie Crawford Robinson's research, Mahalalel Crawford married Martha Wilson on 7 Feb 1837 in Monroe Co, AL. I have no additional data on Martha. There were several Wilson families in Monroe Co, AL by 1830, though I don't know how Martha connects to any of them. There was a James, John, Lucy and Thomas listed there in 1830. In 1840, there was only H. S., James P. and Thomas Wilson in Monroe Co, AL. One of them could be Martha's father. Of these, H. S. Wilson was on the same page with Mahalalel Crawford in 1840.

Winkie Robinson also found another marriage for Hal in 1845, so apparently Martha Wilson Crawford died between 1840 and 1845 in Monroe Co, AL.

On 19 Nov 1845, Hal married Sarah Finklea in Monroe Co, AL. She was born ca 1812/13 in Georgia (per 1850 census). Finklea is a Marion County, SC name also. I don't know who her parents were, but I suspect. that she is a child of John C. Finklea (c1775) and Mercy Crawford (daughter of Hardy Crawford). That would make Sarah Finklea a cousin to Mahalalel Crawford. I don't have any proof that Sarah is a child of John C. Finklea, but he isn't the only Finklea that went to Monroe Co, AL. More research is needed to determine who her parents were.

"M. Crawford" was listed on the 1840 census in Monroe Co, AL. He was listed on the same page with "W. G. Crawford" (his cousin Willis G. Crawford). ** I don't have the enumerations from this census yet. There were also other Crawfords in Monroe Co, AL this year, though whether or not related, I don't know. (Bryant, William and Norvel Crawford).

On 12 Nov 1845, John Mace made his Will in Marion Dist, SC naming his heirs, including daughter "Mary Crawford" and he also mentioned as part of his property, "negroes in possession of Mahaleal Crawford". (Probate Roll # 1139 7/8, published in "Probate Records, Marion County, South Carolina Volume One", page 321, by Lucille Utley, Danny Smith, 1985).

Mahalalel Crawford moved from Monroe Co, AL to Walton Co, FL around 1849/50. Winkie Robinson found them on the 1850 census there. ** I don't have this census listing typed up yet.

On 14 Nov 1854, an Equity case was brought concerning the heirs of Matthew Mace (brother of Mary Mace Crawford). Heirs were named including "the children of Mary Crawford, wife of M. Crawford" and it names her children: Willis Crawford, Ann, wife of --- Jameson, Mary, wife of J. R. Moody, John Crawford and William Crawford.  It also mentions that all (but Mary and J. R. Moody) live outside of South Carolina. ("Marion County South Carolina Extracts from Equity Rolls", Roll # 315, page 101, and addendum page 10, by Lucille Utley)

I have no additional data on this family after this timeframe, but I'm sure there is much more waiting to be found.

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):

• See Crawford Researcher List

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