Samuel Register

Extract from "The Registers And Our Kin," by Lamar Wells, Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore, 1989.


Samuel Register, son of John and Dorcas, was born in Sampson county, NC., Dec. 1, 1786, and died at his home in Clinch county, GA., April 8, 1869. He was married in April 1806 to Miss Elizabeth Skinner, native of South Carolina where she was born April 5, 1789. She died at her home in Clinch county, August 20, 1871. Her parents are thought to have been Edward and Anna Skinner who lived in Darlington District, SC. That her mother was certainly Mrs. Anna Skinner is evidenced by the fact that she made a deed of gift to home-place of 150 acres and her personal property in Bulloch county, GA. to her son, Randall Skinner, January 4, 1828 (deed book "A", page 525, Bulloch county). Randall Skinner was a known brother of Grandmother Register and was born in 1802 and moved down to this section before 1830 and lived and died in Clinch county. He is the ancestor of te Skinners of South Georgia and a good many of the name in Florida.

Children:

1. Zilpha Register, b. Feb. 4, 1807, m. John Tomlinson (1st cousin).
2. Eady (Edith) Register, b. Mar. 1, 1809, m. Thomas Mathis of Berrien co.
3. Guilford Register, b. Jan. 7, 1811, m. Pricilla Ann DeVane.
4. David Register, b. Apr. 10, 1813, m. Matilda McDaniel of Bulloch co.
5. William Register, b. Sept. 24, 1814, m. Luraney Harnage from Liberty co.
Note: William Register was the father of Samuel W. Register and 2d Great Grandfather of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman of Clinch co.,GA.
6. John Register, June 10, 1819, m1st. Elizabeth Cowart, m2nd. Mary Ann Fiveash.
7. Rebecca Register, b. Apr. 5, 1821, m. Hillery Cowart of Echols co.
8. Phoebe Register, b. Aug. 15, 1823, m. Zachariah Lee of Clinch co.
9. Jincy Register, b. June 15, 1824, m. Moses C. Lee of Berrien co.
10. Ivy Register, b. Apr. 22, 1825, m1st. Leta Lee, m2nd. Lavinia Arold, no issue.
11. Samuel E. Register, b. Sept. 16, 1826, m1st. Seneth Lee, m2nd. Mary Hutto, m3rd. Josephine Guthrie, lived in Berrien co.
12. Elizabeth Register, b. Aug. 21, 1828, m. William Patten of present Lanier co.
13. Reubin Register, b. Nov. 25, 1830, m. Harriet Brown, lived in present Berrien co.
14. Martha Register, b. Dec. 18, 1831, m. Hillery P. Mathis of present Lanier co.



It is not known just where Samuel and Elizabeth Register were married. It is known that the Register family was in Bulloch county at the time of the marriage of his sister, Nancy, to William Tomlinson in 1804 (that marriage being of record there). It is possible that the marriage of Samuel took place there and that the license was never recorded, or, it may have taken place in the adjoining county of Burke (where a large Skinner family lived), the records of Burke having been burned about 1856-58. The court records of Bulloch show that Samuel Register served as a grand juror and as a petit juror at various terms of the Superior Court prior to 1824. No deeds appear of record there to show he was a land-owner there. He moved from Bulloch to Appling county in either 1824 or 1825. He lived there until about 1826, when he moved to Lowndes county and settled in the 10th land district, near the present town of Ray City in present Berrien county, and on a farm in recent years the home-place of the late J.S. "Dock" Shaw. The 1827 Land Lottery showed that he registered to participate in it, as a resident of the 10th district of Lowndes, and was classified as "soldier," thus denoting he had taken part in the War of 1812 ("soldiers" were entitled to free draws in the lottery). About 1840-42, he sold out his home-place referred to above and moved to where the town of Stockton now stands, and acquired lot of land No. 500, 11th district. (This territory was taken out of Lowndes in 1850 and put into the new county of Clinch, and in 1920 was cut out of Clinch into Lanier county.) The deed records do not show anything about the ownership of this lot of land prior to 1860. The town of Stockton was laid out of a portion of Lot 500, by Grandfather Samuel Register, as soon as it became a certainty the new railroad would be built through there from Savannah to Thomasville. He named it "Registerville," but the railroad people changed the name to "Stockton" by 1860, in honor of one of their contractors, a Mr. Stockton, who had charge of the road construction. The railroad was first known as the "Atlantic & Gulf Railroad" and is now the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Three or four deeds are on record from Grandfather Register to lots in "Registerville" but the deeds to other town lots have either never been recorded or if recorded, the record was burned when the Clinch county courthouse was burned in 1867 and all records lost. The map prepared for "Registerville" is also lost. A description of the new town of Stockton is found in a news item published in "The Savannah Morning News" of Savannah, in its issue of April 6, 1860:
" A writer in the Thomasville Watchman gives an account of his trip over the Atlantic & Gulf to Stockton, the present terminus of the road, and compliments of Capt. T.J. Naylor, the conductor of the train. The writer was struck with Stockton which he describes as a brisk little place with its hotel and livery stable, to say nothing of its numerous refreshment saloons. The writer said he found 120 bales of cotton awaiting shipment over the road, together with much other freight."
Living on the railroad apparently did not suit Grandfather and Grandmother Register, as they moved from there about 1863-4, to Lot of Land 230, 12th district of Clinch county, which was located about two miles from where their son, William Register, was living at the time. They later lived four or five miles south of old "Magnolia," the former county seat of Clinch. It was there that the old couple spent their last days in quietude, honored and beloved by their large family of fourteen grown children and an ever-increasing circle of grandchildren, and revered and respected by their neighbors.
The first of the fourteen children to die was the daughter, Eady. She had journeyed to Clinch from her home in Berrien county, to visit her aged parents, being called there by the enfeebled condition of her father. Soon after arriving there, she herself was taken sick with a cold which developed rapidly into pneumonia, and she died on the 10th of February, 1869. Her short illness and untimely death bowed her parents with grief. Her father could not long survive the shock, and himself died two months later, the 9th of April.
Grandfather Register acquired lot of land No. 230 aforesaid, from his brother, Abraham, by deed July 13, 1853; and on Oct. 25, 1853, he bought adjoining Lot 275 from the Hon. James W. Staten. He owned these two lots until he died. On Dec. 2, 1869, all the heirs, except Mrs. Jincy Lee and Samuel E. Register, met at the old home of their deceased father, and made arrangements for the care of their mother and disposition of the estate property. The son, William, agreed to take care of his old mother, and support her, and a short instrument to that effect was drawn up and signed. The home-place lot 230 was deeded him for $572.00 Lot 275 was deed to the son, Guilford. Grandmother Register joined in the execution of the instruments which were sent to the two absent children, and signed by them. Thomas Mathis signed for himself and the children of his deceased wife, Eady.
So far as is known, Samuel Register never united with any church. His wife was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church for over forty years prior to her death. She first united with the Fellowship Baptist Church in Appling county; and on Sept. 13, 1828, was received by letter from that church into Union Church. She remained a member there until April 10, 1841, when she , with others, was dismissed by letter and entered into the organization of Wayfare Church in May 1841. She was granted a letter of dismissal from Wayfare Jan. 6, 1855, but came back by letter Sept. 5, 1868, and died a member. Where her membership was from 1855 to 1868 has not yet been ascertained."

William Register

EXTRACT from pages eight thru nine of "The Register Family Magazine," (date published unknown)

WILLIAM REGISTER, 1814-1893, Son of Samuel And Elizabeth
"William Register was born in Bulloch County,(Georgia) Sept. 29, 1814. He was the third son of Grandfather Samuel and Elizabeth, his wife. He was 10-11 years old when his parents moved to Lowndes now Berrien County. He was married May 24, 1838, to Miss Luraney Harnage. She was a native of Liberty County, where her father, Jacob Harnage, had died a few years before (1831). The estate records in Liberty County show that her brother, Isaac Harnage, became her guardian and qualified as such September 3, 1832, also he became guardian at the same time for her sisters, Winnifred and Elizabeth. When Isaac and family moved to Ware County (territory now in Clinch County) about 1835, he brought his sisters or wards with him. Winnifred later married George B. Williamson of Ware County (Georgia), and Luraney married William Register; we are unable to learn what became of Elizabeth. Mrs. Luraney Register was born in Liberty County (Georgia), March 1st, 1818, and was therefore 20 years old when she married. To her and William Register were born eleven children, viz:"
CHILDREN:
1. Samuel W., b. Aug. 5, 1839, m. Mary Stanford, dau. of David.
Note: Samuel W. Register was the maternal Great Grandfather of Merle Anita Young of Clinch co., GA.
2. John Taylor, b. Feb. 10, 1841, m. 1st. Sarah Stalvey, dau. of Benj., 2nd Katie O'Kane, dau. of James O'Kane.
3. Guilford A., b. Apr. 13, 1842, m. Rachel E. Hughes, dau. of William.
4. Oliver Perry, b. Jan. 22, 1844, m. Mary Clifton, dau. of Ezekiel.
5. Abraham R., b. Feb. 8, 1846, m. Elizabeth Stalvey, daughter of Benjamin.
6. Harris, b. July 31, 1848, died Nov. 5, 1852.
7. Mary E., b. Nov. 26, 1850, m. 1st. E.B. Allen, 2nd J.D. Weaver. No Issue.
8. Martha, b. July 22, 1853, m. Ezekiel S. Sirmans, no surviving issue.
9. Moses C., b. Oct. 1, 1855, m. Annis Tomlinson, dau. of Sherod.
10. Orren, b. Mar. 15, 1858, m. Victoria Burkhalter, dau. of James M.
11. William J., b. Oct. 23, 1860, m. Eliza Stalvey, dau of Benjamin.



Obituary/Biography:
The following obituary of William Register, 1814-1893, was published in the "Valdosta Times," newspaper, on October, 7, 1893 and was reprinted in the "Register Family Magazine."


Obituary of William Register, "Valdosta Times," October 7, 1893.
"Mr. William Register passed away Sept. 4, at the age of 79 years, having been born in Bulloch County, Ga., Sept. 29, 1814. When a boy, he removed with his parents to Cat Creek, Lowndes County, where he resided for a number of years, and then moved near where Stockton is now; his father once owned the entire landed interest where that town is now situated. While his father resided there, the subject of this sketch united in marriage with Miss Luraney Harnage of Lowndes County, who still survives, Rev. William A. Knight, officiating. After his marriage, William and his young wife located one mile west of where DuPont is now located. While living there he enlisted in the Seminole War as a private under the command of Zachery Taylor, where he remained on and off duty until the close. During the time, he displayed wonderful courage equal to the bravest; not only in the engagements, but as a scout, was most remarkably alert. Many were the successes attained by Taylor's command. Mr. Register with others, opened and cut the first public road penetrating the wilds of South Florida where not only the savage man but the more savage beasts were ever hiding to surprise the unsuspecting pioneer. He too was one of the brave little band of twenty-five who so bravely put to flight the hostile tribe of Indians from what is now known as Indian Hammock on the Suwannoochee Creek. Many noble acts of heroism, privation, and peril characterized this little band of braves."
"After the close of the war with the Seminoles, Mr. Register moved twelve miles south of where DuPont now is, where he lived until his death on the 4th of Sept. 1893, covering a period of 48 years. In 1849, he received a sunstroke which rendered him a comparative invalid the remainder of his life. He raised an interesting family of nine sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him; also his descendants are numerous, leaving 71 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, most of them now living in this section. Five of his sons enlisted ( also as did their father for a short while) in the late war and remained until its close, and remarkable as it seems, only two were wounded and none killed or died."
"Mr. Register was a farmer and stockraiser by profession. In both he was eminently successful, and before his death had accumulated quite a fortune. For twenty years or more he was a faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church and his remains now rest beside his father and a sister, from their toils, under the shades in Wayfare Church cemetery in Echols County. Honesty, integrity, and truth nobly followed him everywhere and in all his dealings; and he bequeaths not only to his children his earthly inheritance but a life pure as pure can be and as spotless as the glittering gems of paradise. His sons are industrious, useful, and noble examples of integrity, one of them, Samuel W. Register, now being the efficient clerk of the Superior Court of Clinch County."
"In closing this sketch, it seems proper to say that in the death of Mr. Register this county (Clinch) and southeast Georgia loses one of its best citizens __ that class or school of citizens or men who make any country. He has nobly done his part in the advancement of the material prosperity and development of this part of Georgia. His career antedates that of railroads in this section; they were hardly dreamed of. Commerce and trade was carried on by wagons and carts with Darien, old Center Village and a few other minor places. Justice was bi-annually dispensed at old Magnolia, now an old field of pine saplings. Men were honest and their words were gilt-edge security, shin-plasters plentiful __ then indeed, it is sad to see the virtuous of these good old times pass away to the "silent land of sleepers" when we see so few of them left to relate the history of such times."
"A a son, Mr. Register was dutiful; as a father, he was affectionate; as a husband, loving; as a citizen, brother and neighbor, obliging and true. Let us ever cherish his memory and endeavor to emulate his noble examples."
Homerville, Ga., Sept. 24, 1893 _A FRIEND.

Samuel W. Register

Biographical Data:

OCCUPATION: Justice of the Peace, Mayor & member of Board of Education.

MILITARY: Confederate Veteran, Company G, 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

MARRIAGE: Married 18 Aug 1859 to Mary Stanford, d/o David and Agnes (Akins)Stanford, natives of Bullock county, Georgia.

Samuel W. Register: b. 5 Aug 1839, Clinch co., GA._d. 17 May 1908 ; son of William Register and Luraney Harnage. Married Mary Stanford, b. 11 Dec 1840,Lowndes co., GA. _d. 7 Sep. 1915 ; daughter of David Stanford and Agnes Atkins.

CHILDREN:
Delia Register, b. 17 Mar 1861 m. Nov 13 1902 to Eli J. FutchSalena
Victoria Register,b.16 Apr 1868 m. Feb 28 1864 to Mitchel H. Hilliard.
Malinda Register, b. 13 Jun 1870 m. Feb 7, 1889 to James Stewart Bennett.
Henrietta Register, b. 18 Feb 1872 m. Jan 28, 1902 to Harlan McLain(McLean)
Augustus Otis Register, b. 20 Nov 1872 m.1st:Apr 14, 1898 to Margaret Inman.
Note: Augustus Otis Register was the father of Mary Belle (Register) Young and the maternal grandfather of Merle Anita (Young) Coleman.
Lillie Jeanette Register, b. 25 Apr 1876 m. Aug 26,1896 to Henry J. Griffis
Meddie Delphia Register, b. 5 Jan 1878 m.1st:Jun 15,1897 to David E. Kirkland
Effie Evelyn Register, b. 16 Jun 1879 m. Jul 17,1904 to Julian E. Jordan
Julia M. Register, b. 15 Jul 1881 d. 21 Oct 1881
Bertha C. Register, b. 2 Aug 1882 m.1st:Jul 31,1898 to Levi Stokes Malone


BIOGRAPHY:
Samuel W. Register was a life-long resident of Clinch county, Georgia and lived in the Withers(1365th) district of Clinch county until 1893 when heremoved to Homerville where he lived until his death. When the Civil War came on, he volunteered May 1, 1862. in Company "G," 50th Georgia Regiment, which was a company made up of Clinch county men and was mustered in at Homerville May 1st, 1862. He served throughout the war, and lost three fingers on his left hand in the Battle of Manasses, Virginia, August 30, 1862. He was paroled in Virginia in April 1865, and returned to his home in Clinch county. In the next county election in January, 1866, he was elected tax collector of Clinch county, and served 1866-1868. When the first Board of Education of Clinch county was set up in 1872, he was appointed by the grand jury as a member, and served four years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the newly-formed 1365th (Withers) district in 1885, and served in that office until 1890 when he resigned. He was defeated in January,1891, for clerk of superior court; he was the Democratic nominee, but was defeated by the incumbent, W.A. Ecord, who was the Populist nominee. But two years later, he was the Democratic nominee and defeated his Populist opponent by a vote of 326 to 162. He assumed office about two weeks later, and by continuous re-elections held the office until his death the 17th of May, 1908, having held the office longer than any other incumbent in the county's history. Mr. Register was a member of the Masonic fraternity for over fifty years at his death, and had a distinguished service in the order. He first received his Masonic degrees in Stockton Lodge, No. 266, at Stockton, in 1867, and in that lodge served in the offices of junior deacon 1869, 1870, 1871, and senior warden 1872, 1873. Then after that lodge was dissolved about 1876, he affiliated with Cassia Lodge No. 224 at Homerville, Sept. 27, 1879, and there served as senior deacon in 1885, and as worshipful master four years, viz.,1887, 1888, 1889, 1891.
About that time a movement was launched to organize a lodge at DuPont, which was much nearer to his home, and he entered in as a charter member Oct 27, 1892. The next year he became worshipful master and served 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900. Due to advancing age he thereafter declined any further office but was a frequent attendant in the meetings until his death. The Masonic funeral service was conducted at the grave when he was buried, a large concourse of Masons from both the Homerville and DuPont lodges attending. He was not a member of any church. Mr. Register served as mayor of his town, Homerville, in 1906 and 1907.

Source: Register Family Association; Rt.4, Box 818, Palatka, Florida,