John Sanders (1755/65) and Elizabeth --- of Marion Co, SC

I (Marty Grant) don't know how (or if) I'm related to John Sanders. I am sure he is somehow related to my ancestor Kesiah Saunders Crawford.

Their surname is given variously as "Saunders" and as "Sanders", though it seems "Sanders" is the more common spelling.

Sellers mentioned the Saunders in his book: "A History of Marion County, South Carolina", 1902, by W. W. Sellers, Esq, but did not go into great detail. He mentioned a John Saunders, but I think he was talking about a much older John than this one, or else was speaking of this one and was confused. His book is wonderful, but it does contain mistakes, especially when referring to those families from before his time. He did mention that there was a John Saunders who owned large tracts of land between Catfish and Great Pee Dee River. That reference may be to this John Saunders. He mentioned that John was the father of George and Thomas Saunders. That particular John (father of George and Thomas) must be at least one or possibly two generations before this John (1755/65), but probably related.

John Sanders was born ca 1755/65 per census analysis. In 1800 he was listed as age 26-44, or born ca 1755/1774. In 1810 he was listed as age 45 and up, or born before 1765. Combine these two and you get ca 1755/65. I would assume he was born much closer to 1755 than 1765. I don't know where he was born, but there were Saunders in the Marion County area at that time, so he could have been born there. If so, that was part of Craven County, South Carolina at the time.

I don't know who John's parents were. There were several Saunders families in the area in that time-frame, including a John Saunders born 1 Aug 1741, and baptized 17 Jun 1742, a son of George Saunders and Agness Kelly as reported in the Prince Frederick Parish Records. This John born 1741 does not match up age-wise with John Sanders (1755/65), but it is worth mentioning.

In 1769, Georgetown District was created, encompassing the area where the Saunders lived (formerly in Craven County).

There may be a great deal of documentation available for this family in the earlier South Carolina Colonial records (pre 1776), but I have not as yet searched them out.

Sometime prior to ca 1776, John Sanders married Elizabeth --- in what is now Marion County, South Carolina. I don't know her maiden name. She was still living as of the 1850 census, and listed as 103 years old. That would put her birth date at ca 1746/47. This agrees with her 1840 census entry giving her age as 90-99 (born 1740/50), but does not agree with her 1830 entry of age 70-79 (born 1750/60), nor her 1800 census entry age 26-44 (born ca 1755/74). Since these do not agree, I'm not sure which is the most accurate. Her 1850 census entry gives her birth place as Virginia.

John Saunders was listed on the 1790 census in Georgetown District, in Prince George Parish. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were, nor where he was living.

On 20 Sep 1793, John Sanders (and John Blackman) witnessed a deed from Benjamin Blackman to John Turner Jr for land on Catfish Swamp. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 260, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume One Books A - E 1800-1811", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1996 * All other deeds referred to on this page in Books A through E are also from this book).

On 2 Jun 1794, John Sanders sold Thomas Hulon 300 acres on Catfish Swamp, being part of a 4726 acres grant to John Sanders on 1 Jul 1793 beginning on Forked Bay in Catfish Swamp. Witnesses were Archibald Kerby and Grif Whittington. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book E, page 155).

On 28 Jul 1794, Joseph Black deeded 50 acres to John Sanders. Witnesses were Peter Keighley and James Calcote. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 180).

On 21 Sep 1794, John Sanders and wife Elizabeth deeded 50 acres to James Crawford Jr. Witnesses were Thomas Lane and Sarahann Crawford. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 181).

On 27 Feb 1795, John Sanders and Elizabeth, sold 200 acres to Enos Tart. It was described as being on Watery Branch Bay North side of Pee Dee River, part of grant to John Sanders in 1792. Witnesses were John Tart and Thomas Waters. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 190).

On 9 Dec 1796, John Sanders and Gidi Blackman witnessed a deed from Benjamin Blackman to Levi Gibson. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 347).

On 9 Dec 1797, John Sanders deeded 400 acres to Enos Tart. It was described as being part of two grants to John Sanders dated 1 Feb 1793. Witnesses were John Tart, Enos Tart Jr. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 178).

On 13 Dec 1797, John and Elizabeth Sanders deeded 200 acres to James Crawford Jr. Witnesses were Robert Lucas and Joseph Lane. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 183).

In 1798 (effective 1800), Marion District was formed from Georgetown District, including the area where the Sanders lived.

On 11 Mar 1798, John and Elizabeth Sanders sold James Crawford Jr 350 acres on Hickory Grove Marsh. Being part of a grant to John Sanders dated 7 May 1792. Witnesses were Robert Lucas and Joseph Lane. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D, page 189).

On 16 Jan 1799, John Sanders sold 300 acres to Levi Solomon. The land was part of grant to John Sanders 7 Feb 1792. The land was described as bordering John Turner Sr. Witnesses were John Jackson, William Filey. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book G, page 33).

A deed dated 28 Sep 1799 reveals some information about earlier land transactions that John Sanders was involved in. In this deed Thomas Walley and wife Mary sold land to Richard Fore. The land was described as being on the North East side of the Great Pee Dee River, being several tracts, one of which had granted to John Sanders (82 acres) on 6 Feb 1794 and transferred to Littleton Sanders, and another tract (100 acres) granted to John Sanders on 1 Jul 1793 and transferred to Littleton Sanders. Since John deeded two tracts to Littleton Sanders, that suggests some sort of close relationship. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book A, page 91).

On 28 Sep 1799, John Sanders and wife Elizabeth sold 75 acres to Levi Gibson, being on the North East side of Hickory Grove Marsh. Witnesses were John Blackman and John Mace. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 350).

On the same date (28 Sep 1799), John and Elizabeth made another deed to Levi Gibson. This one was for 100 acres on North side of Pee Dee River on Brewentons Bay. Same witnesses. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 352).

For the 1800 census, John Sanders was listed in Marion District just a few houses from Peter Sanders (1774/84), his probable son. John was listed between Malachi Murphy (Murfee) and Jesse Stevens.

On 11 Oct 1805, John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 100 acres to John McDonald. The land was part of a grant to John Sanders dated 13 Dec 1789. John signed, and Elizabeth made her mark. Witnesses were George (X) Sanders and Hugh Sanders. I think that these two were sons of John and Elizabeth. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 162).

On 3 May 1809 John and Elizabeth Sanders sold 250 acres to Solomon Blackman. It was on South side of Pigeon Bay. Witnesses were Levi Blackman and John Blackman. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book H, page 21).

For the 1810 census, John Sanders was still in Marion, and listed between Eli Berry and Zedakiah Hagins. He was not listed near any other Sanders at this time.

On 25 May 1810, John Sanders sold 100 acres to Peter Sanders (his son, I believe), for $100, described as on the east end of Pigen (Pigeon) Bay. Witnesses were Thomas Finclea and Martha Finclea. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book E, page 234).

On 16 Nov 1813 John Sanders and wife Elizabeth sold 207 acres to Joel Fore, being on the North East Side of Great Pee Dee granted to John Sanders on 1 Jul 1793. Witnesses were William Buckholts and John Mace. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F, page 195, from "Marion County South Carolina Abstracts of Deeds Volume Two Books F-I & K 1811-1823", by Lucille Utley, and Alita White Sutcliffe, 1997 * All other deeds referred to on this page in Books F through K are also from this book).

On 8 Jan 1814, John Sanders and wife Elizabeth sold 450 acres to Isham Watson. Witnesses were Matthew Watson and Barnabas Watson. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F, page 206).

On 26 Sep 1814, John Sanders sold 100 acres to Christopher Dew, being all remaining part of his 4726 acre land grant from 1 Jul 1793. For some reason, Elizabeth did not sign this deed. Witnesses were Archibald Kerby and Charles Kerby. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F, page 275).

On 9 Apr 1816, John Sanders made a statement that he was "very well acquainted with Falisha Braington and she was always thought that she was a white person & was calld a English woman". Apparently someone called her race into issue. There were several other statements made on her behalf by other men. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F, page 325).

On 10 Aug 1818 Chisley Daniel sold 500 acres to John Sanders, being land on Brittons Neck near Colemans Lake on Mill Dam Branch. Witnesses were N. Davis and H. McKay. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book I, page 246).

On 26 Dec 1818, John Sanders and Nathaniel Sanders (could this be a son of John?) witnessed a deed from Newton Hays to Isham Watson. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book I, page 73).

In 1820, John was listed as head of household in Marion District. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who their neighbors were, nor where they might have been living.

On 18 Jan 1820 John Sanders signed a deed that was apparently made back on 7 Jun 1794 to Sampson Shoemake for 500 acres between Catfish and Gum Swamp. Elizabeth did not sign this deed. Witnesses were Archibald Kerby and Hardy Greaves. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book I, page 147).

On 28 Mar 1820 John Sanders sold John Gibson of Darlington District, 415 acres on Hickory Grove Marsh. Witnesses were Huge E. Cannon, and James R. Ervin. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book K, page 6).

On 28 Aug 1821, Elizabeth Sanders made a statement that "she has seen Winney Locus the grandmohter of James & John Locus and she was a white woman ... further says that their grandmother was an own cousin to himself (sic)." (Marion Co, SC Deed Book I, page 377).

On 23 Oct 1821 the probate of a deed from book C page 347 was made (don't know why such a delay), of Benjamin Blackman to Levi Gibson. John Saunders saw Benjamin Blackman sign, and Gideon Blackman was the other witness. This was signed by John Saunders. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book K, page 16).

John Sanders died sometime in the 1820's in Marion District, South Carolina. The 23 Oct 1821 record above is the last I've found for him. He was not listed on the 1824 tax list, so probably had died between 1821 and 1824. I did not find an Equity record, nor Probate records for him. Considering the amount of land he owned (thousands of acres), there should be some sort of record. Perhaps he had disposed of all his land before his death.

Elizabeth, now widowed, was listed on the 1830 census in Marion District. This census was alphabetical so we can't tell where she lived exactly, or who her neighbors were. Her two unmarried children (Tobias and Smithy) seemed to be the only ones left at home.

The 1840 Marion Dist, SC census shows Elizabeth Sanders as head of household. She was not near any other Sanders households, but was listed between Stephen Blackman and Arington Cain. Once again, her two unmarried children (Tobias and Smithy) seemed to be the only ones left at home.

In 1850, Elizabeth Sanders was living with William Taylor (c1774) and Hannah (c1776). It is my assumption that Hannah was her daughter, but I have no direct proof of that, but it does seem likely. Elizabeth's two unmarried children (Tobias and Smithy) were just a few houses away.

Children

John Sanders and wife Elizabeth seemed to have a large family per the 1790 through 1840 census records. I have no direct proof of any of their children, but it seems highly likely that Tobias and Smithy Sanders were their children, and that Hannah, wife of William Taylor was their daughter. I have also placed others in their family based on proximity, witnessing deeds, etc.

Hannah Sanders was born ca 1775/76 (per 1850 census). I don't have any direct evidence that she was a daughter of John and Elizabeth, but Elizabeth was living with her in 1850. That implies that they were closely related.

I don't know when Hannah Sanders married William Taylor but I did not find him listed on the 1790, 1800 or 1810 census. No one Hannah's age was home with the Sanders in 1790 or 1800 either. It is possible that her ca 1776 birth date is off considerably. John Sanders did have two apparent daughters born ca 1784/90, both of whom left home (or died) in the 1800-1810 timeframe. Could one of those be Hannah? Or am I mistaken that she was his daughter at all?

As I said earlier, I did not find William Taylor on the 1790 census, at least not in Georgetown District. There were other William Taylors in South Carolina.

I did not find William Taylor in 1800. There were other men by that name in other counties.

On 11 Feb 1804, William Taylor and Stephen Owen witnessed a deed from Hardy Crawford to Jesse Jones. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book C, page 51).

I did not find William Taylor in 1810. There were other men by that name in other counties.

On 20 Feb 1811, William Taylor (and Thomas Perkins and John Gibson) witnessed a deed from Elizabeth Pouncey to her daughter Rachel Booth and husband Shelly Booth. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book E, page 274).

In 1820 there was a younger William Taylor in Marion, but not this same one. Same was true in 1830.

Wherever they were before, William Taylor and Hannah were back in Marion by 1840. They were about 11 houses from widow Elizabeth Sanders.

I did not find them in 1870, so they probably died in the 1860's. I did not find an Equity record nor a Probate record.

Unknown Son (1774/90). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1790 census (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), but he was gone by 1800, so probably married or dead by then.

I strongly suspect that this son is Peter Sanders (c1770/75) who was a neighbor to John, and does fit age-wise. Also, in 1810 John Sanders deeded Peter some land, so that suggests a close connection.

Unknown Son (1784/90). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1790 census (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), and still home in 1800 (age 10-15, born ca 1784/90), but he was gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

I think this could be George Sanders who witnessed an 1805 deed of John and Elizabeth Sanders. That is the only thing I have on George so far, but it is something to consider.

I think this could be Hugh Sanders who witnessed an 1805 deed of John and Elizabeth Sanders. That is the only thing I have on Hugh so far, but it is something to consider.

Unknown Daughter (1784/90). John Sanders had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1790 census (no ages given born before 1790), and still home in 1800 (age 10-15, born ca 1784/90), but she was gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1784/90). John Sanders had an apparent daughter this age. She was not with him for the 1790 census, but was home in 1800 (age 10-15, born ca 1784/90), but he was gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Son (1790/1800). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1800 census (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), but he was gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

I think this is probably Thomas Sanders who died in 1831, leaving a widow Judith, and one child. Elizabeth Sanders was mentioned in the Estate, as was several other members of this family, so it stands to reason Thomas is part of it.

Unknown Son (1794/1800). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1800 census (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and still home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), and still home in 1820 (age 16-25, born ca 1794/1804), and home in 1830 (age 30-39, born ca 1790/1800) and home in 1840 (age 40-49, born ca 1790/1800).

This is most likely Tobias Sanders (c1800) who was living with his sister Smithy Sanders in 1850 and 1860. Sellers mentioned them that they were brother and sisters. He said they were descendants of old John Saunders, but I don't know if he was referring to their father John, or the John of a generation or two back.

In 1850, Tobias and sister Smithy were living in Marion, just a few houses from his mother. Moses Sanders (probably their nephew) was living with them.

They were still in Marion for the 1860 census. William Gates (c1815) was living with them, relationship unknown.

Tobias Sanders died prior to 1870, for he was not listed on that census, though his sister Smithy was.

Unknown Daughter (1790/94). John Sanders had an apparent daughter this age. She was with him for the 1800 census (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and still home in 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94), but she was gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1790/1800). John Sanders had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1800 census (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and still home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), and still home in 1820 (age 26-44, born ca 1775/94), and home in 1830 (age 30-39, born ca 1790/1800) and home in 1840 (age 40-49, born ca 1790/1800).

This is most likely Smithy Sanders (c1795) who was living with her brother Tobias Sanders in 1850 and 1860. Sellers mentioned them that they were brother and sisters. He said they were descendants of old John Saunders, but I don't know if he was referring to their father John, or the John of a generation or two back.

In 1850, Tobias and sister Smithy were living in Marion, just a few houses from his mother. Moses Sanders (probably their nephew) was living with them.

They were still in Marion for the 1860 census. William Gates (c1815) was living with them, relationship unknown.

Tobias Sanders died prior to 1870, for he was not listed on that census, though his sister Smithy was. She was listed as Farm Laborer, living in Kerby Township. For some reason she was listed as a male, but I'm sure it is the same person.

Unknown Son (1800/04). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and still home in 1820 (age 16-25, born ca 1794/1804) but he was gone by 1830, so probably married or dead by then.

I don't have any strong suspects for who this could be. There was a Robert W. Sanders (1800/10) listed on the 1830 census, and also Thomas Sanders (c1804). Either of these could be John's son, but I don't know if either are. Another possibility is Nathaniel Sanders who witnessed a deed in 1818 along with John Sanders. Could he be a son of John? I've not found anything else on that Nathaniel yet.

Unknown Son (1804/10). John Sanders had an apparent son this age with him for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and still home in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10) but he was gone by 1830, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). John Sanders had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), but she was gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

Researcher List

1. John¹ Sanders , born 1755/65; died 1821/24 in Marion Dist, SC. He married bef 1776 in SC Elizabeth (---) , born 1746/47 in VA; died aft 1850 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of John Sanders and Elizabeth (---) were as follows:

+ 2 i Peter² Sanders , born 1770/75 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died aft 1830 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Nancy Clark .

3 ii Hannah² Sanders , born 1775/76 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died 1860/70 in Marion Dist, SC. She married in Marion Dist, SC William Taylor , born 1773/74 in Georgetown Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died 1860/70 in Marion Dist, SC.

4 iii George² Sanders , born 1784/90 in Georgetown Dist, SC.

5 iv Hugh² Sanders , born 1784/90 in Georgetown Dist, SC.

6 v Smithy² Sanders , born 1794/95 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died aft 1870 in Marion Co, SC.

7 vi Tobias² Sanders , born 1799/1800 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1860 in Marion Dist, SC.

+ 8 vii Thomas² Sanders , died 1831 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Judith (---) .

9 viii Nathaniel² Sanders , born in Marion Dist, SC.

Generation 2

2. Peter² Sanders (John¹), born 1770/75 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died aft 1830 in Marion Dist, SC. He married in 1790/1800 in Marion Dist, SC Nancy Clark , born 1765/74; died 1810/20 in Marion Dist, SC, daughter of George Clark .

Children of Peter Sanders and Nancy Clark were as follows:

10 i Thomas³ Sanders , born 1803/04 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1860 in Marion Dist, SC.

+ 11 ii George W³ Sanders , born 1809/10 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Lucy (---) .

8. Thomas² Sanders (John¹), died 1831 in Marion Dist, SC. He married bef 1831 in Marion Dist, SC Judith (---) , died aft 19 Jan 1832 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of Thomas Sanders and Judith (---) were as follows:

+ 12 i Moses R³ Sanders , born 1830/31 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Martha James .

Generation 3

11. George W³ Sanders (Peter², John¹), born 1809/10 in Marion Dist, SC. He married in 1830/38 in Marion Dist, SC Lucy (---) , born 1804/05 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of George W Sanders and Lucy (---) were as follows:

13 i Lucy⁴ Sanders , born 1837/38 in Marion Dist, SC.

14 ii George⁴ Sanders , born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC.

15 iii Elizabeth⁴ Sanders , born 1844/45 in Marion Dist, SC.

16 iv Edward⁴ Sanders , born 1847/48 in Marion Dist, SC.

12. Moses R³ Sanders (Thomas², John¹), born 1830/31 in Marion Dist, SC. He married on 5 Nov 1851 in Darlington Dist, SC Martha James , born 1832/33 in Marion Dist, SC, daughter of George C James and Leah E Hinds .

Children of Moses R Sanders and Martha James were as follows:

17 i Anna P⁴ Sanders , born 1859/60 in Marion Dist, SC.

18 ii Sarah Elizabeth "Lizzie"⁴ Sanders , born 1863/64 in Marion Dist, SC.

19 iii Ida⁴ Sanders , born 1865/66 in Marion Dist, SC.

20 iv Leah A⁴ Sanders , born 1867/68 in Marion Dist, SC.

21 v Hattie E⁴ Sanders , born 1871/72 in Marion Co, SC.

22 vi Theodore⁴ Sanders , born 1874/75 in Marion Co, SC.