Sophia. Octavia. Charlotte.
Those were the three daughters born to Sophia Fowler, a woman of color.
James Boyd Smith, a white slave owner, was their father.
This is their story.
WHO WAS JAMES BOYD SMITH?
In hopes that the descendants of Sophia Fowler may want to know their lineage, I have included extensive research on the man who fathered her three daughters.
There are more than a hundred legal documents in the Union County SC archives of the 1800s allowing us a glimpse into the life of James Boyd Smith. He and his family were respected owners of many acres of land. The men of this Smith family had great influence in their community.
It will seem as if this body of work is all about James Boyd Smith, but the story of his life is the beginning of the lives of his three daughters, Sophia, Octavia, and Charlotte.
So, who was James Boyd Smith? He was the great great grandson of a man named John Smith born about 1698 in either Ireland or England. John Smith brought his family to America in 1730 (or 1740), thus becoming the patriarch of this Smith family in the New World.
- David Smith ? (of England) not documented
- John Smith (1698 Ireland or England- 1776 Virginia)
- Henry Smith (1727 Ireland- 1793 York County SC)
- Abraham Smith (1748 Virginia- 1808 Union County SC)
- Henry Smith (1778 York County SC -1838 in York County SC)
- James Boyd Smith (1822 – 1869 Union County SC)
- Henry Smith (1778 York County SC -1838 in York County SC)
- Abraham Smith (1748 Virginia- 1808 Union County SC)
- Henry Smith (1727 Ireland- 1793 York County SC)
- John Smith (1698 Ireland or England- 1776 Virginia)
JOHN SMITH (1698-1776)
The first known ancestor of James Boyd Smith was John Smith, born about 1698 in Ireland. It has been suggested he was born in England, a son of a man named David Smith. I have seen no documentation on David Smith.
In 1730, John Smith boarded a ship in Ireland with his wife Margaret, sons Abraham, Henry, Daniel, John, and Joseph. The Smith family would travel across the Atlantic and disembark in Philadelphia.
The John Smith family stayed in Chester County, Pennsylvania for at least two years before they settled near Staunton, Augusta County Virginia.
The extensive military exploits of John Smith are well researched and documented; and alas, too many to mention here. Captain John Smith was commissioned as a captain in the Virginia Militia, serving under Col. George Washington.
In 1756, seventeen Virginia militia troops were stationed at Fort Vause, built in 1753 in Montgomery County, Virginia. These men were under the command of Captain John Smith when it was attacked by French troops and Native American warriors.
Almost everyone in the fort — settlers and troops — was killed or taken prisoner. Captain John Smith lost two sons in the attack: his son John was killed by Indians, and his son Joseph, was captured and soon died on the way to New Orleans. Captain John Smith was captured and sent to France. He was allowed to return to Virginia in 1758.
John Smith lived a very long life. He penned his Last Will and Testament in Botetourt County, Virginia in 1779. Ir is known that he lived there as late as October 1782. His will was probated there in 1783.
HENRY SMITH (1727 – 1793)
Henry Smith was born about 1727 in Ulster, Ireland, the third son of John Smith. He immigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia with his parents and lived his early life in Virginia. Henry Smith moved to York County, South Carolina before 1780 where he spent the remaining years of his life.
His wife was Amy, and they had sons Abraham, David, John, Henry, Jonathan, and William. There were also daughters born to Henry Smith and Amy.
The Last Will and Testament of Henry Smith was signed July 11, 1790. It is thought that he died about 1793.
“In the Name of God Amen. I, Henry Smith of York County State of South Carolina being weak in body & much distressed by pain, yet through the Assistance of Divine Providence of sound Judgment of memory, do make this my last Will of Testament.
Henry Smith was an educated man as well as a man of God. The excerpt below from his will attests to this.
“And first to my eldest son Abraham I will & Bequeath my second volume of Poole’s Annotations.“
This is in reference to Annotations upon the Holy Bible by the late Reverend and learned divine author, Mr. Matthew Poole (1624-1679).
ABRAHAM SMITH (1747-1808)
Abraham Smith was the firstborn son of Henry Smith. Born in 1747 in Augusta County, Virginia, Abraham Smith relocated to York County. He married Mary “Molly” Guyton in 1774, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Guyton.
Abraham Smith owned hundreds of acres in several South Carolina counties: York, Union, Spartanburg, Chester, and Greenville. The land he owned on both sides of Gilkey Creek near the Broad River would be passed down to his descendants.
Abraham Smith owned many slaves. Because of his considerable wealth, he was given the position of probate judge. That he was a judge is questionable. It has been said he was illiterate and it is known he signed his name with an “x” on his Last Will and Testament.
Abraham Smith and Mary Guyton had five sons, and three daughters. He died in 1808 in Union County, South Carolina. After his death, widow Mary Guyton Smith moved to Pickens County, Alabama.
HENRY SMITH (1778-1838)
A son of Abraham Smith and Mary Guyton, Henry Smith was born August 7, 1778 in York County, South Carolina.
He was not as well off as his father Abraham who left him land and one enslaved man — “to my son Henry Smith, the old survey where he now lieth in York District at the ford, about 100 acres. also the land adjoining to him formerly granted to Bridges, including the place granted to his Grand Father whereon Joseph Lusk lived, also negro fellow Harry, now in his possession.“
He received even less from the 1833 settlement of his mother, Mary Guyton Smith’s estate: 11 dollars and 24 cents.
He married Ann Jeffries (1785-1874), daughter of John Randolph Jeffries (1760–1851) and Sarah ‘Rachel’ Barnett (1765–1830).
Henry Smith and Ann Jeffries had six sons and seven daughters.
Henry Smith died June 28, 1838 in York County. He is buried in the Jeffries Family Graveyard along Gilkey Creek in Cherokee County, South Carolina.
JAMES BOYD SMITH (1822-1869)
James Boyd Smith was born in 1822, the son of Henry Smith and Ann Jefferies.
James Boyd Smith spent his life building wealth. He accumulated hundreds of acres of land. He was involved in many business ventures. He owned seventeen enslaved men, women, and children in 1850, and twenty-nine enslaved souls in 1860.
James Boyd Smith married Emily whose last name is unknown to me. She gave birth to three children before her death in 1852.
Only in his mid-forties, James Boyd Smith had an illness impelling him to draft his Last Will and Testament. His brother-in-law — and executor — Alexander Frank Smith would take care of the business of James Boyd Smith during the last two years of his life.
Excepts from the document below:
- James B. Smith the last year of his life was unable to attend to any business
- Frank Smith did attend to the business of James Smith for 2 years
- Frank and James B. Smith were brothers- in law
- James Smith confined to the house part of the time the last year of his life
- James B. Smith was confined to his bed for 5 months
- Frank Smith was with Jim Smith a great deal the last four months of his life
- The wife of the witness stayed with Jim during his sickness, all the time
James Boyd Smith did not survive the illness that incapacitated him for almost two years. In his estate settlement, there are several mentions of money paid for the services of doctors, one being Dr. Wade Fowler.
Dr. Mason Walker Smith (1836 – 1916) of York County was paid $21.10 for medical services. He received his degree at the Medical College of SC in Charleston in 1861.
There appears to be another doctor whose name is not clear. It may be M.W. Mobay (Mabry?). He was paid $40 for his services.
The charges for a coffin ($18.32) and tombstone ($60) are evidence that the efforts of the doctors were in vain.
James Boud Smith was no more.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JAMES BOYD SMITH
The Last Will and Testament of James Boyd Smith is unusual, especially for one written in the south just after the end of the Civil War. He left the bulk of his estate to his three lawful children, those born to his wife Emily, who was deceased at the time the Will was written.
But he also provided for his three natural children, those born to Sophia Fowler who was a woman of color. He set aside 20 (or 30) acres and a dwelling for Sophia’s use during her lifetime, or until she married. He left to each of his children — Sophia Smith, Octavia Smith, and Charlotte Smith — three hundred dollars.
Transcript:
I, James B. Smith of the District of Union & State of South Carolina being of sound & disposing mind & memory do make & ordain in manner & form following this my last will & Testament viz –
First. I will direct & bequeath that my Executors hereinafter named as soon as practicable after my decease do expose to public sale all my personal Estate & collect all debts due me & that the proceeds, after the payment of all of my just debts & funeral expenses together with the money legacies hereinafter bequeathed, be equally divided between my three lawful children viz Charles H. Smith, A. Clough S. Smith &James Robert Smith subject to the terms & conditions hereinafter set forth.
Second. I will & devise that my Home tract of land together with any lands I may hereafter acquire be equally divided between my three lawful children Charles H. Smith, Ann Clough S. Smith & James Robert Smith. James Robert to have his share laid off including my Dwelling House — Reserving twenty acres (Together with about ten acres, running from poplar on Branch across fresh field to P. S. Lowry’s Gold mine , the mineral of all the above tract excepted) of said tract with House & Spring next to Taylor’s line where Sophia Fowler now resides which I devise to said Sophia Fowler for a during her natural life on condition that she remain unmarried, upon her marriage or death said land to revert to my said son James Robert Smith. In the event of the death of any of my said lawful children without leaving lawful issue alive the share of such deceased child to go to the survivors or survivor of both my personal & real estate herein bequeathed & devised to my said children . In the event of all of my said lawful children dying without lawful issue alive the whole of said estate so given to be distributable amongst my next of kin.
Third. I will & bequeath that after the payment of all my just debts & funeral expenses, that of the personal Estate directed to be sold in the first clause of this my will, the debts due me & any money on hand at my death my Executors retain for the use & benefit of my natural children Octavia Smith, Sophia Smith & Charlotte Smith (colored), Three hundred dollars for each of them paying them annually the interest thereon until they severally arrive of age or marry — then to pay over the principal as they become of age or marry — In case either die without leaving lawful issue before arriving of age of marriage then the share of such deceased child to revert to my said lawful children or the survivor or survivors share & share alike.
Fourth. I will & bequeath to my son James Robert Smith my gold watch my Executors if deemed prudent to permit him to have possession of the same before arriving of age but not to be absolutely his property until he arrives of age . Should he die without lawful issue the same to go to the surviving lawful children.
Fifth. I will & direct that my Executors hereinafter named act as Testamentary Guardian of my son James Robert Smith until he arrives of age of my daughter Ann C. S. Smith until she — marries & of my son Charles Henry Smith (who is of unsound mind during his natural life.
Lastly, I nominate & appoint A. F. Smith, Charley Petty, & Corry James, Executors of this my last will & testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made . In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & sixty eight . signed sealed published & declared by James B. Smith as & for his last will & testament in the presence of the Testator & of each other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
ALEXANDER FRANKLIN SMITH
Alexander Franklin Smith (1838-1908) — son of Josiah Smith (1793–1869) and Elizabeth “Bessie” Kendrick (1803–1883) — was a key figure in the life of James Boyd Smith. The two men were referred to as “brothers-in-law” in at least one legal document.
A. Frank Smith had control of all business and personal affairs of James Boyd Smith. He was executor of James B. Smith’s Last Will and Testament and appointed guardian of Charles Henry Smith, James Robert Smith, and Ann Clough Smith, the lawful minor children of James Boyd Smith.
The estate of James B. Smith was large and complicated. As executor, A. Frank Smith would later be accused of mismanagement. Whether he intentionally diverted money due the lawful heirs to himself is unknown to me.
It was not uncommon for estate settlements to drag on for years, and this one was no exception. The two surviving children — James Robert Smith and Ann Clough Smith — filed suits to divide the property and finalize the settlement.
Once James Robert Smith became of age, he had A. Frank Smith removed as executor and himself appointed in his place. Unfortunately, this did not end the contentious legal maneuvering.
Alexander Franklin Smith’s reputation did not suffer from the mismanagement of his brother-in-law’s estate. A veteran of the Civil War, he was called “one of Gaffney’s best known citizens” in his 1908 obituary
RACHEL SMITH AND HER OUT-OF-WEDLOCK CHILD
Then, there was Rachel Smith. This woman gave birth to an out-of-wedlock child fathered by James Boyd Smith.
In 1871, there was a line in the estate settlement of James B. Smith with a mention of $15 “paid Rachel Smith balance of amt. for Bastardy child.”
The document above seems to indicate that Rachael Smith was the mother of the child. But was Rachael Smith the name of the child?
I only consider this possibility because there was an infant born December 1869 named Rachel Smith in the 1870 Frances Smith household NEXT DOOR TO SOPHIA FOWLER!
More research is needed to identify this woman who gave birth to a child of James Boyd Smith. At this time, I do not even know if she was an enslaved woman, a free black or mulatto woman, or a white woman.
THE SLAVE SCHEDULES
The 1850 and 1860 U.S. Federal Census slave schedules did not arrange enslaved people by families. Enslaved individuals were listed under the name of the slaveholder, and record statistical data — age, sex, and color (black or mulatto).
Enslaved individuals were generally listed from oldest to youngest with no effort to indicate family relationships. That is not true for the Union County, SC Slave Schedules. The pattern of ages listed appears to correlate to that of family units.
I do not know if Sophia Fowler was an enslaved woman of a Fowler family, or of James B. Smith, or if she was a free black or mulatto woman.
It is my theory — at this moment –that she was a mulatto woman born of an enslaved woman and a Fowler man. I do not pretend to understand how she crossed paths with James Boyd Smith.
I believe that Sophia Fowler lived as a free woman of color during her relationship with James B. Smith. The 1860 and 1870 Union County census will later expand on my belief.
Nevertheless, I am going to consider the possibility that Sophia Fowler was an enslaved woman of James B. Smith; thus, my analysis of the 1860 and 1860 Slave Schedules below:
ANALYSIS OF THE 1850 & 1860 SLAVE SCHEDULES
In 1850, James Boyd Smith had seventeen enslaved souls — nine females and eight males.
The older man and woman, age 45 and 40 re·spec·tively, were likely the parents of the nine young adults and children whose age, sex, and color followed in the schedule:. The number large “6” scribbled across the page indicated the number of slave dwellings.
The next enslaved person on the schedule was a female, aged 18, with perhaps two children. There was a two-year old male recorded as mulatto, and a four-year old female.
I have no proof, but it is my belief that the eighteen-year old female may have been Sophia Fowler, and the two year old male, a son of James Boyd Smith. Was the four-year old female Sophia Smith, daughter of James Boyd Smith?
It is also possible that the eighteen year old female was Rachel Smith, and the two-year old boy the child who was deemed a bastard in the estate settlement of James Boyd Smith.
In 1850, the James Boyd Smith family lived next door to the Philip Sandifer Lowry family. Philip Lowry (1822–1878) was married to Ellender M. Smith (1824–1896) — a sister of James Boyd Smith.
In addition to the remaining three enslaved souls on the schedule under the name of James Boyd Smith, I have included the three enslaved females listed under Philip S. Lowery. I include them because they seem to be part of a family unit, perhaps sisters of the eighteen-year old female listed on the last line of the James Boyd Smith entry.
Two issues must be noted:
- The sixteen-year old female on the Lowery schedule was mulatto. Was this Sophia Fowler?
- The Fowler connection to the Smith family — a son of Philip Lowery married a daughter of Elias Fowler (1836-1908), son of Lemuel Holter Fowler (1808-1865), son of John Fowler (d. 1833).
EMILY, THE WIFE
James Boyd Smith married, about 1846, a woman named Emily. I have searched through countless documents to find her maiden name.
Her name, Emily, in the 1850 census is my only documentation. She was in the household with husband James B. Smith, daughter Ann, and son Charles.
It should be noted that I have seen her name as “Mary B.” in one on-line family tree with a birth date of January 12, 1822, and a death date of February 16, 1852. There was no documentation to support this.
THE THREE LAWFUL CHILDREN OF JAMES BOYD SMITH & EMILY
ANN CLOUGH S. SMITH
Ann was born about 1847. She was listed as the oldest child of James B. Smith and his wife Emily on October 7, 1850.
August 21, 1860: Ann was recorded as fourteen-years old in the census. Her brother Charles was twelve and brother Robert was eight (incorrectly recorded as eighteen). Their mother Emily was absent. The absence of any children after the 1852 birth of Robert is circumstantial evidence that Emily died during or shortly after his birth.
Ann Clough S. Smith married Miles Marion Smith after the death of her father. One has to wonder if the marriage to a soon-to-be affluent heiress was one of convenience or true love.
State of South Carolina ⎬ In Probate Court County of Union ⎬ Miles M. Smith & Ann C. L. Smith his wife vs James R. Smith
Miles M. Smith was the brother of Alexander Frank Smith.
His marriage to Ann Smith was not his first. Miles M. Smith had married Tallulah Jane Cooper (1846-1870) in August 1867. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Laura Smith.
I find no evidence that Miles M. Smith and Ann ever had children during their short marriage. Did she die in childbirth? I do not know
In 1876, Miles M. Smith married his third wife, Mary Elizabeth “Eliza” Duncan (1861-1923). His third marriage, her first … this one lasted until his death in 1915. Eliza Duncan Smith gave birth to nine children.
CHARLES HENRY SMITH
Charles was born about 1848. He is found in two census records: two years old in 1850, and twelve years old in 1860.
He was mentioned in his father’s will: “of my son Charles Henry Smith who is of unsound mind” and he was to have a guardian “during his natural life.“
Charles Henry Smith, twenty-one years old — but of unsound mind — died before the end of 1869, unmarried and with no issue. The young man’s last illness had lasted about nine weeks.
This is known because of the document below:
JAMES ROBERT SMITH
James Robert Smith was born in 1852, the youngest child of James Boyd Smith and his wife Emily.
Although his name is not in the 1850 census in his father’s household, there is at least one on-line family tree stating that James Robert Smith was born in 1842. I believe the incorrect date of birth was due to an error made by the 1860 census taker. Listed as the third child in the family, his age was recorded as eighteen instead of eight.
In June 1868, when James Boyd Smith wrote his Last Will and Testament he made reference twice that his son James Robert Smith “had not arrived of age” (twenty-one).
If he had been born in 1842, he would have been twenty-six in 1868; born in 1852, James Robert Smith would have been sixteen, not yet of age.
“Fourth: I will & bequeath to my son James Robert Smith my gold watch, my Executor if deemed prudent to permit him to sum of the same before arriving of age, but not be absolutely his property until among Law should he die without lawful to the same to go to the …”
“Fifth: I will and direct that my Executors hereinafter named as Testamentary Guardian of my son James Robert Smith “until he arrives of age , of my daughter Ann C. S. Smith until she marries & of my son Charles Henry Smith, who is of unsound mind during his natural life.”
“In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight James B Smith ℗ Signed Sealed Published and declared by James B Smith“
James Robert Smith married Emily Jane Hocking, daughter of William Hocking.
The accounting of A. Frank Smith as testamentry Guardian of James R. Smith, his ward, for the years 1869 -1873.
The settlement of James Boyd Smith’s estate was long and complicated. As often happens with large amounts of assets, there was much fighting over the administration of the estate.
Once he became of age in 1873, James Robert Smith sued to have A.F. Smith removed as the Executor to his father’s will for mismanagement of the estate:
James R. Smith against Plaintiff A. Frank Smith
“that A. Frank Smiththe Defendant above has qualified as such executor, and has undertaken the exclusive management of the estate. That the said Executor has possessed himself of personal estate of said testator, Consisting of a large amount of Cash Cotton, and other valuable property , more than sufficient to pay and satisfy all the debts of the testator, and has also received the rents and profits of the very valuable and productive lands of testator ever Since the death of the testator. That the said executor has neglected to pay off and satisfy the debts of said testator, but has confessed a judgment as executor for a very large sum to a creditor of the testator, which judgment has been levied and has become a lien upon the lands of testator
BROTHER AND SISTER GO TO COURT OVER INHERITANCE
Once he was in charge of his father’s estate, James Robert Smith proved to be as incompetent as A. Frank Smith in handling the affairs. He and his sister Ann Clough Smith became entangled in a lawsuit over the division of their inheritance.
- The petition of Miles Smith and Ann C. S. Smith his wife shows that James B. Smith departed this life on the 29th December 1869.
- James B. Smith devised to his three lawful children Charles H. Smith, Ann C. S. Smith and James R. Smith all his real estate reserving twenty acres for Sophia Fowler.
- Since the death of James B. Smith his son Charles H. Smith has also departed this life leaving no wife or child him surviving him
- The real estate of said James B. Smith devised has never been partitioned, therefore your petitioners desire that it be partitioned believing that it would be best for them for the land to be divided between them.
- Wherefore the petitioners ask judgment for a partition and division of said real estate according to the respective rights of said parties , or if a partition cannot be had without material injury to those rights then for a sale of said premises, and a division of the proceeds between the parties according to their rights.
A PLAT SHOWING LAND IN THE JAMES BOYD SMITH ESTATE
JAMES ROBERT SMITH: IDIOT OR NOT?
Perhaps it was political maneuvering –or maybe there was genuine concern by the parties involved — that there was a question if James Robert Smith was an idiot and capable of handling the affairs of his father’s estate.
I find no indication of the identity of the persons who first raised the alarm of the competency of James Robert Smith. There were several people who would have benefited if James Robert Smith had been removed as executor.
Did Alexander Frank Smith who sought revenge for his own removal as executor of the estate initiate the accusation of idiocy? Was it Miles Smith who desired an advantage in the division of assets for his heiress wife Ann Clough Smith?
Was there a genuine possibility that James Robert Smith, like his deceased brother Charles Henry Smith, was of unsound mind?
Charles Petty testified on June 10, 1873 that he had taught James Robert Smith and was of the opinion that there was reason to be concerned:
- Charles Petty after being duly sworn, states that the said James Robert Smith was a student under him in the year 1858; that he made no improvement in learning, deponent did his very best to impart instruction to him.
- That deponent becoming satisfied that the said James R Smith never could make any progress in obtaining an education.
- Deponent is fully satisfied that the said James Robert Smith has not sufficient capacity to take care of his property and rights.
Dr Wade Fowler, Robert G. Davidson, and Mathew S. Lynn were asked to give their opinions of James Robert Smith, a supposed idiot.
- Know ye that we have assigned to you to inquire, by the oaths of good and lawful men by whom the truth of the matter may be the better known, whether the said James Robert Smith is an idiot
- so that he is not sufficient for the government of himself, or for the management of his lands, tenements, goods and chattels,
- and if the said James Robert Smith being in that condition, has alienated any lands and tenements,
- and if so, what lands and tenements, to what person or persons, when, where, after what manner, and how;
- and what lands and tenements, goods and chattels as yet remain to him;
- and of what value the lands and tenements by him alienated, as well as those by him retained are.
On October 31, 1873, a jury of twelve men decided that the Defendant James Robert Smith was not an idiot and the he was capable of managing his affairs. The jury included surnames Melton, Goudelock, Wood, Littlejohn, Weber, Wofford, and others.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 1200 ACRES?
James Robert Smith conveyed a 1,200-acre tract to his wife, Emily Jane Smith, originally owned by his father, James B. Smith, with the deed formalized on May 24, 1873.
On June 18, 1873, James Robert Smith of Union County, South Carolina, conveyed interest in a 1,200-acre plantation on Gilkey Creek (originally owned by his father, James B. Smith) to his father-in-law, William Hocking, for the benefit of Smith and his wife, Emily Jane Smith, with eventual succession to Smith’s heirs.
J. R. Smith and Emily Smith leased their homestead to J. E. Burgess for farming between 1877 and 1879, with specific terms regarding rent and land use, witnessed by William Hocking on September 19, 1876.
Did Ann Clough Smith receive any of her inheritance? I would have to sort through pages upon pages of documents to answer this question. Her death before 1876 would have been cause for her share to revert to any surviving lawful siblings, which was one and only, James Robert Smith.
Perhaps, someday I will pick up the Smith research again and delve deeper into all of the legal maneuverings.
In the meantime …
WHO WAS SOPHIA FOWLER?
Until very recently, I did not even know of Sophia Fowler’s existence. I have been researching my Fowler family for decades, yet she had remained hidden, buried deeply within 1800s legal documents.
I have many questions about the life of this woman. I have my theory that she was a very light skinned mixed woman who passed as white.
Was she a free woman of color? Had she ever been enslaved? Why was her surname Fowler? Was her father one of my 19th century Fowler relatives? Had she been enslaved by the Fowler family? How did she end up in the James B. Smith household?
From my extensive research and an abundance of archived land records, I know where Sophia Fowler lived, raised her daughters, and died. Today, I traveled there. I drove for hours, for miles, seeking to feel her presence in the deeply forested woods, the cleared pasture land, the creeks that flowed through the landscape.
THE 1850 CENSUS
Was the Sophia Fowler in the 1850 census the mother of the Smith sisters, Sophia, Octavia, and Charlotte? It is very possible. She was the right age, and she did live near a Smith family — although it seems to have been from a different family line.
The others in the 1850 record do not fit into any logical explanation as of yet. Mary Jane and Marilla may have been sisters to Sophia. The three (or five?) year old Nancy was likely the daughter of Sophia whose name was changed to Sophia Smith or who did not survive childhood. I cannot honestly explain this child.
The Sophia Fowler in 1870 — again with Adeline Willard and north of the Pacolet River –was in the perfect location to be our Sophia Fowler. Her household almost adjacent to the Philip Lowery household is solid circumstantial evidence.
For years, I have studied Sophy Fowler who lived beside the 1870 household of William Earle Fowler. It is only today that I feel like her identity has been revealed to me.
William Earle Fowler, born 1835, was the son of “Little” Mark Fowler (1785=1862) and his first wife Nancy. I have long suspected that Mark Fowler and Nancy had a daughter named Sophia born about 1827. I find no evidence Mark Fowler ever owned slaves.
The Sophy Fowler who lived next to Earle Fowler in the census below was listed as white. There was a white twenty-four year old woman named Adeline Willard, and a one-year old mulatto boy named Peyton in the household.
Was Sophia Fowler a light-skinned black woman fathered by a Fowler slave owner?
Sophy Fowler lived near the Philip Lowery family. This is the land — the 20 (or 30) acres that James B. Smith left Sophia Fowler, the mother of his three daughters.
And where were the Smith daughters in 1870?
Daughter Octavia “Knoxy” Smith was in the household with her husband Samuel Smith, and her younger sister Charlotte Smith.
Daughter Sophia Smith was listed as mulatto and was in a nearby household with a Bradford family.
It is speculation on my part to state that all of these Smith families on these two pages of the census were the former enslaved souls of James B. Smith.
THE DEATH OF SOPHIA FOWLER
Thu, Aug 13, 1874 ·Page 3
Sophia Fowler died on August 5, 1874. Her age was given — “about” forty years — in her obituary. I estimate that she was in her mid-forties; still, a short life.
My research will continue to discover more of this woman, my kinswoman. I want to walk on the land where she lived and died. I want to stand at her grave, on Holy Ground, and feel her spirit in the breeze blowing through the trees.
I want others to know that she was here. I need her descendants to know that they are of her, from her, that her blood courses through their veins. I want Sophia Fowler to live in the hearts of those who came after her.
THE LAND, THE THIRTY ACRES
“known as the Sophia Fowler tract, containing about thirty acres”
James B. Smith made it clear in his Last Will and Testament what was to happen to the thirty acres he left for Sophia Fowler’s use upon her death or marriage.
“Reserving twenty acres (together with about ten acres, running from poplar on Branch across fresh field to P. S. Lowry’s Gold mine, the mineral of all the above tract excepted) of said tract with House & Spring next to Taylor’s line where Sophia Fowler now resides which I devise to said Sophia Fowler during her natural life on condition that she remain unmarried, upon her marriage or death said land to revert to my said son James Robert Smith“
Sophia Fowler died in August 1874. In May 1875, her thirty acres were listed in a Sheriff’s Sale. The land — “the Sophia Fowler tract” — was involved in a suit between John Smith and A. Frank Smith.
In November 1877, the 30 acres in Goudeysville of the Sophia Fowler estate were listed in the newspaper as delinquent land to be sold by the Union County Treasurer on the first Monday of December.
This notice confirms that the acreage did not sell at the 1875 Sheriff’s Sale; and more importantly, that the land did not revert to James Robert Smith upon the death of Sophia Fowler in 1874.
I do not know where Sophia Fowler was laid to rest. I like to think her final resting place as the thirty acres where she spent her life, where she raised her three daughters, where she, hopefully, found happiness.
THE THREE NATURAL CHILDREN OF JAMES BOYD SMITH & SOPHIA FOWLER
Everyone who researches for any length of time knows that the ages — and even names — on early census records were more wrong than right. The mistakes were not always the fault of the census takers. There were no official birth (or marriage or death) records in South Carolina until 1915.
Unless a family kept meticulous records in a family bible, exact dates of births were often unknown, and simply estimated, when the census taker visited. Many men and women of the south could not read or write in the 1800s. Children were needed to work in the fields and education was, for the most part, reserved for the wealthy.
It was even worse for the enslaved. States enacted anti-literacy laws, making it a crime for anyone to teach an enslaved person to read or write. Unless the manager of a plantation kept accurate records of the births of the enslaved, the ages of the men, women, and children were, at best, a guess.
The 1870 Union County Census was the first that I found the names of Sophia, Octavia, and Charlotte Smith. As expected, their ages were all over the board. Legal documents regarding the estate settlement of their father James B. Smith always listed them in that order: Sophia, Octavia, then Charlotte.
The 1870 and 1880 census records make one almost believe that Sophia and Octavia were twins, both women being age 21 in 1870, and age 27 in 1880.
The years of Sophia’s birth range from 1845, 1846, 1848, 1849, to 1853.
The years of Octavia’s birth range from 1849, 1852, 1853, to 1854.
The years of Charlotte’s birth range from 1843, 1850, 1854, to 1855.
One of my charts to compare the ages of the three sisters:
I have many questions. There is so much that I want to know about Sophia Fowler and her three daughters. Did the daughters maintain a relationship with his father? Did they sit by the bedside of James B. Smith during his final illness? Did they receive their inheritance after the long, drawn out estate settlement?
Sofia Fowler did not marry after the death of James B. Smith. Their three daughters married after his death, and lived near their mother and each other in the Goudeysville area of what was then Union County.
Sophia Fowler died in 1874, no doubt on her 30 acres, not long after the first of her grandchildren were born. Octavia Smith, the first of the three sisters to meet her Heavenly Father, died in the newly formed county of Cherokee after 1910 and before 1920.
Sophia Smith and her youngest sister Charlotte spent their final years living in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Charlotte died there in 1927, and Sophia — the namesake and oldest daughter of Sophia Fowler — died there in 1934.
SOPHIA SMITH
Bearing her mother’s first name, and the last name of her father, Sophia Smith was born about 1849. She was born north of the Pacolet River in Union County, and it was there she married Felix V Richardson in 1873.
CENSUS RECORDS FOR SOPHIA SMITH
The census records for 1870-1910 will reflect three different counties, although Sophia Smith lived in practically the same location throughout these decades.
It is confusing until one considers that the parts of Union County and parts of Spartanburg County were taken to form Cherokee County in 1897. The Goudeysville area of 1870 Union County and the 1880 city of Gaffney and township of Limetone would all be in the new Cherokee County by the time of the 1900 census.
Sophia Smith lived with Thomas and Jane Bradford in Goudeysville in 1870. This household was near her sisters and her mother Sophia Fowler.
Sophia Smith was in the household of her husband Felix Richardson in 1880. They had three sons and one daughter. Felix was a barrel maker by trade.
Married for twenty-seven years, Felix and Sophia Smith Richardson had five additional children in their home. His occupation was listed as farmer.
Only their two youngest daughters remained in the home of Felix and Sophia in 1910.
Elderly but still farming, Felix Richardson and Sophia remained in Limestone. A very young grandson was in their household of 1920.
Sophia’s sister, Octavia Smith, had married Samuel Smith. Octavia died in 1910; Samuel lived next to the Richardson family in 1920.
A November 1924 notice in the Gaffney Ledger confirmed census records. Felix and Sophie Smith Richardson lived in Limestone Township near Gaffney in Cherokee County. Their home was on the Union Road.
Sat, Nov 22, 1924 ·Page 5
THE ATTACK BY SOPHIA SMITH’S SON
George Washington Richardson was born on August 1, 1885 in what was then Union County but would, in 1897, become part of Cherokee County. When George was about twenty years old, he struck his fifty-nine year old father, Felix, on his face with an ax.
Father and son were arguing over scripture. Felix swore out a warrant for his son who was arrested for his alleged crime.
I do not know if George served time for the attack on his father. If sent to prison, he was released in time to marry Virginia Foster by 1909. They had two sons and three daughters. Like many of the Smith family members, the George Richardson family moved to Hendersonville, NC. George died there in 1948.
In 1916, Felix Richardson sold seven acres of farm land to his two youngest daughters, Nellie Penson and Helen Ernestine Richardson.
Tue, Nov 07, 1916 ·Page 1
The 1910 census informs us that Sophia Smith gave birth to thirteen children. I only have the names of nine. She died at the age of 85 in 1934 in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
DESCENDANTS OF SOPHIA SMITH AND FELIX RICHARDSON
- Dock Edward Hoffman (1924–1984)
- William Butler Dawkins Cooper (1918– 2001)
- Mildred Anatha Keeler (1945-2022)
THE FAMILY TREE OF SOPHIA SMITH
- Sophia Smith (1849-1934) m. Felix V Richardson (1846–1929)
- John Boyd Richardson (1873–)
- Goran Richardson 1875–
- Laura J. Richardson 1878–
- Robert E. Richardson 1880–)
- Floyd Richardson 1885–
- George Washington Richardson (1885–1948) m. Virginia Foster 1897–1959
- Connie A Richardson 1909– m. Irving Banner (1909-)
- Hettie Loraine Richardson 1909–1958 m. Howard Nicholas Smith (1916–)
- Edward D Richardson 1912–
- George L Richardson Jr 1914–
- Christine V Richardson 1920–1966 m. Sims
- Edith Mae Richardson 1888–1926 m. Doc Edward Hoffman (1887-)
- Marvin Hoffman (1913)
- Sofia Hoffman 1915–
- Earnest Hoffman 1919–
- Willie Hoffman 1920–
- Georgia Hoffman 1922–
- Dock Edward Hoffman 1924–1984 m. Plantista Evans (1912–1988)
- Nellie Richardson (1895–1953) m. James Fisher (1894–)
- Helen Ernestine Richardson (1897– 1983) m. William Dawkins (1872-); m. Hugh H Cooper (1883–1948) m. Harry B. Brown
- Ernest Willie Dawkins AKA William Butler Dawkins Cooper (1918– 2001) m. Cecelia Remelle Taylor (1920–); Jean Ruth Keeler (1923–1996)
- Daughter Cooper
- Son Cooper
- Daughter Cooper
- Robert Dawson Cooper (–1971)
- Mildred Anatha Keeler (1945-2022) m. William Lyons III
- (1943–1994)
- William Gerrell Lyons (1965-2024)
OCTAVIA SMITH
If Octavia Smith was not the twin sister of Sophia, then she was the second born daughter of Sophia Fowler. It is my belief that her date of birth was the early 1850s.
Octavia Smith married Samuel Smith who was born about 1849. Samuel and his mother Dorcas Smith (b. ca. 1820) were probably among the former enslaved of James Boyd Smith. It is probable that Octavia and Samuel had grown up together on the Smith plantation.
CENSUS RECORDS FOR OCTAVIA KNOXIE SMITH
Identified as Octavia Smith in legal documents of her father’s estate settlement, she was referred to as Knoxy in census records. In 1870, newly married Octavia “Knoxy” Smith resided in the household of her husband Samuel Smith, and her younger sister Charlotte. They lived in Goudeysville.
By 1880, and still in Goudeysville, Sam Smith headed a household that included his wife Knox, three daughters and two sons. Four year old Dorcas had been named after Sam’s mother. Five children in a ten year span was common in that era. It should be noted that Knox (Octavia) was recorded as mulatto that year.
Twenty years later, in 1900, the Samuel Smith family were found in Limestone, an unincorporated township just south of the city limits of Gaffney. Samuel Smith had purchased land from the Gaffney City Land and Improvement Company on January 1, 1897. His land fronted the Union Road, which in my estimation is Highway 18 going from Gaffney to Union by way of Jonesville.
The Samuel Smith family had grown in the previous two decades; there were eight additional children in the household, all born since the 1880 census had been taken.
Octavia was “Octavia” again in this record and no longer recorded as mulatto; The race of all family members was black.
It was stated that Samuel and Octavia had been married 34 years (marriage year of 1866). Thirteen children had been born and all were still living in 1900.
The entire Samuel Smith family was recorded as mulatto in 1910. They remained on their home place on the land in Limestone. Three unmarried children were still in the household, as was newly-married daughter Ida and her husband Richard Lipscomb.
Thirteen children had been born; only twelve were living. I have not yet researched to discover the name of the child who did not live until 1910.
A marriage year of 1870 would support the forty years of married life recorded on this census.
Octavia’s name was recorded in this census record as Knoxie.
Octavia Knoxie Smith died before 1920; her husband Samuel Smith was recorded that year as a widower. I have been unable to find a Certificate of Death for her which leads me to believe that she died before 1915, the year South Carolina began recording deaths.
Samuel Smith lived alone, next to his daughter Ida Smith Lipscomb and her family, in 1920. This would be the final census record for Samuel. He died on March 24, 1929 and was buried at Limestone Cemetery.
THE DEATH OF SAMUEL SMITH (1849-1929)
Limestone Cemetery was founded September 21, 1886. The cemetery was the final resting place for the members of the black churches in Gaffney.
There are field stones, and inscribed stones marking the graves of the souls who lie there. There are also many unmarked graves.
There are two entries for Samuel Smith on Find-A-Grave. One entry has dates 1860-1940; the other has 1849-1929. The former is incorrect. Notices for the settlement of his estate were published in The Gaffney Ledger in 1929; the final settlement in 1931.
Daughter Mamie Smith Bonner and son M.B. Smith were to be administrators of the estate. There was a Will, although I have not found evidence of one to date.
Was Octavia Smith was laid to rest in the graveyard? Already well established by the time of her death, the proximity of the cemetery to the Smith home, and the interment of her husband Samuel in 1929, the logical conclusion is that Limestone Cemetery is where Octavia Knoxie Smith rests in eternal peace.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE SAMUEL SMITH HOME PLACE ON THE UNION ROAD
“all that certain piece, parcel or lot of land just outside the corporate limits of Gaffney , Cherokee County, State of South Carolina, and fronting on the road leading from Gaffney to Union, SC“
THE ALMOST TRAIN WRECK
I have been going back and forth trying to decide whether to include the story about the black man named Sam Smith who tried to cause a train wreck on July 15, 1905 by placing two cross-ties across the track.
It happened near Limestone Mills. Formed in 1900 with investors that included Dr. Wylie C. Hamrick, the new mill workers manufactured window shade cloth. The doctor owned drugstores, a dry goods store, and was instrumental in the 1897 formation of Cherokee County.
Do I think it was our Samuel Smith married to Octavia who tried, unsuccessfully I might add, to derail the train? I do not. But there are circumstances that have convinced me to bring this story to the light of present day.
Sam Smith is a common name. That was just as true at the beginning of the 20th century as it is today. There were at least four black men named Sam or Samuel Smith in Cherokee County in 1900:
- 37 year old Sam in Goudeysville
- 13 year old Sam in Cherokee
- 54 year old Sam in Limestone married to Octavia
- 31 year old Sam in Limestone married to Alice
In 1905, our Samuel Smith married to Octavia would have been about 59 years old. I think his age alone disqualifies him as the offender.
The only reasons I hesitate to eliminate him completely is that the crime happened in Limestone. And the lawyer. And, the verdict.
James Brian Bell was born in South Carolina in 1861. He was a lawyer and he lived in Limestone in 1900. It was he who went to Lancaster, SC to seek bail for Sam Smith. The amount was $250, a king’s ransom in 1905.
The money was paid. Sam Smith was released from jail.
Justice was quick in those days. And often unfair.
White men who committed rape or murder usually served little time in prison if any time at all. Black men who may have committed the simplest of offenses were sentenced to years in prison, or even put to death.
But not this time. Sam Smith, a black man, was acquitted.
The James Boyd Smith family was highly respected in Union and Cherokee counties. I have read this fact over and over in my research. It would not be beyond belief to think that even a little of this respect would have been extended to a daughter — Octavia Smith — and her husband., who happened to be Sam Smith.
It would not be beyond belief to think that a “not guilty” verdict might have been the result of a Smith surname rather than any evidence proving a man’s innocence.
The Samuel Smith family owned property. They were not wealthy but they seemed to live a comfortable life. Hiring an attorney would have been in reach of Samuel Smith.
Those are the little nagging voices in my head that do not let me let “Samuel Smith married to Octavia” completely off the hook.
By the way, the lawyer who won in court that day died on Christmas day in 1928. Captain J. B. Bell was buried in York County.
To be fair, I will look at the other three men who also bore the name of Sam Smith.
Sam Smith from Goudeysville was 42 years old in 1905, the year the train track crime was committed. Only a few miles from Limestone as the crow flies, it is possible that he was the culprit. I have my doubts, though.
The young, eighteen-year old Sam Smith from Cherokee township would have been strong enough to move heavy railroad cross-ties, but Cherokee township was close to Blacksburg, about ten miles away. Too far away. I say no.
And then, there was the other Sam Smith in Limestone. He would have been thirty-six years old in 1905. He was married with young children. He worked at the brick yard, so, yes, strong enough. Younger men tend to have more aggression than old men.
IF a man named Sam Smith actually tried to derail a train near the Limestone Mill in 1905, then my vote goes to Brick Yard Sam.
But, without seeing trial transcripts and the evidence laid out before me, I would seriously question if any of the Samuel Smith men were involved.
I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide.
DESCENDANTS OF OCTAVIA SMITH AND SAMUEL SMITH
- LeGusta Jackson (1934-2017)
- Carolyn Denise Jackson (1964-1994)
- Willie Alberta Smith (1908–1939)
- Hester Ponice Jackson (1931-1996)
- Mary Ann Smith (1924-2014)
- Mamie Fay Jackson (1938-2011)
FAMILY TREE OF OCTAVIA SMITH
- Octavia “Knoxie” Smith (1854 -aft 1910) m. Samuel Smith (1849-1929)
- Alice Smith 1873–
- Henry Smith (1875–1949)
- Dorcas Smith (1876–)
- Kelly Smith (1877–)
- Ellen Smith (1879–)
- John Wesley Smith (1880–1929) m. Mamie J. Reid (1886–1979)
- James W Smith (1906–)
- Willie Alberta Smith (1908–1939) m. Ted J. Jackson
- Albert T. Jackson (1930–) m. Sarah Jane Phillips (1931–2007)
- Carolyn Denise Jackson (1964–1994)
- Hester Poniece Jackson (1932-)
- LeGusta Jackson (1934-2017)
- Mamie Fay Jackson (1938-2011) m. Benson Dawkins Jr. (1933-1999)
- Albert T. Jackson (1930–) m. Sarah Jane Phillips (1931–2007)
- Bessie K Smith (1911–)
- Arthur L Smith (1912–)
- John B. Smith (1914–1969)
- Sarah Lizzie Smith (1915–)
- Eula M Smith (1916–)
- Robert J Smith (1919–)
- Herbert L Smith (1919–)
- Walter L Smith (1920–)
- Knoxie Corene Smith (1922–1997)
- Mary Ann Smith (1927–)
- Lillie Smith (1882–)
- Eddie Smith (1883–1917)
- Richard Smith (1883–)
- Mary Mamie Smith (1887–)
- Robert Smith (1887–)
- Ressie Smith (1890–)
- Ida L. Smith (1891–)
- Marcus B. Smith (1894–)
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Charlotte Smith was the youngest of the three daughters born to Sophia Fowler. She was born in the mid 1850s, the exact year is unknown to me. She lived in the 1870 Goudeysville household with her sister Octavia Knoxie Smith and brother-in-law Samuel Smith.
Nineteen-year old Henry Petty also lived in Goudeysville in 1870. He was in the household of his parents Hannibal and Eliza Petty.
Charlotte Smith and Henry Petty married shortly after the 1870 census was taken. Their first child was a daughter born about 1872 and named Eliza Ann after Henry’s mother.
Three more daughters would follow in succession: Eva, Susan, and Magdalene Knoxie. The 1880 census gave us the names of the four daughters of Charlotte Smith Petty.
Henry Petty was the only man in a household of women. Niece Emily Petty brought the female total to six.
The family had moved from Goudeysville to the community of Limestone Springs. Henry Petty owned twenty-five acres, and he was a farmer.
Twenty years later, in 1900, the Petty family no longer lived on the farm. Henry, wife Charlotte, and daughter Knoxie lived in a rental home on Frederick Street in Limestone. Frederick Street was Highway 18, also known as the Union Road outside of town limits.
The three older daughters had married before 1900 and had moved out of the home. Eliza Ann had married Leonard Brown; her sister Eva had married Phillip McArthur; Susan had married Johnnie Graham and would later marry James Dunn.
There is no census record for the Petty family in 1910. Henry died after 1900 and before 1920. All of my searches to get an exact date of death have come up empty.
Before 1920, Charlotte and at least three of her daughters, and their children moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina. Charlotte’s sister Sophia Smith Richardson and her husband Felix were still in Cherokee County SC in 1920, but would move to Hendsonville later.
In 1920, Charlotte Smith Petty, her daughter Knoxie married to James Goudelock, along with Charlotte’s grandchildren Mellie and William McArthur shared a home.
Charlotte’s daughter Eliza Petty Brown died in Hendersonville died March 28, 1926 and was buried in Oakdale Cemetery.
Charlotte’s daughter Susan Petty Dunn died in 1928 and was laid to rest in the Oakdale graveyard.
Charlotte Smith Petty died April 20 1927. Although the name of her mother —Sophia Fowler — was not included on her Certificate of Death, her father Jim Smith of Union County SC was recorded.
A THOUSAND WORDS
I not know if there are any images of Sophia Fowler, or of her three daughters. I have been fortunate to connect with several descendants of these women. I have learned a little of their stories, their successes and struggles, their joy and tragedies in life.
Lillian Gladys McArthur was Charlotte’s granddaughter, the great granddaughter Sophia Fowler. She was born May 20, 1900 in Cherokee County, South Carolina.
Lillian married John Alexander Davis (1897-1997) on April 2, 1916 in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The John Davis family moved to Boston, Massachusetts before 1920, and it was there they raised their son and two daughters.
John Davis died in 1978. His beloved Lillian died July 21, 1997. They rest in eternal peace at Blue Hill Cemetery south of Boston.
A photograph is a treasure worth more than all of the gold and jewels in the world. I am grateful beyond words for the kindness of Mrs. Wills for allowing me to share the images below of John Alexander and Lillian Gladys McArthur Davis.
DESCENDANTS OF CHARLOTTE SMITH
- Lillian Gladys McArthur (1900–1997)
- Bernice Katherine Howard (1926–201
- Marsha Jo Ann Davenport (1951–2002)
FAMILY TREE OF CHARLOTTE SMITH
- Charlotte Smith (1854-1927) m. Henry Petty (1846- after 1910)
- Eliza Ann Petty (1872–1926)
- Eva Petty (1874–) m. Phillip McArthur (1874–)
- Daisy Roberta McArthur (1896–1986) m. Elick H Barnard (1907–1957)
- Patricia G Barnard (1937–)
- Hubert Henry Barnard (1939–)
- Lillian Gladys McArthur (1900–1997) m. John Alexander Davis Sr (1897–1978)
- Elizabeth G Asbury (1918–1989)
- Mary Ruth Davis (1920–2014)
- John A Davis Jr (1922–2004)
- Mellie Christmas McArthur (1905–2000) m. Radcliff S Howard
- (1902–)
- m. James Marshall Davenport (1923–2008)
- Marsha Jo Ann Davenport (1951–2002)
- Mabel Dean McArthur 1906–1938
- William E McArthur 1917–
- m. James Marshall Davenport (1923–2008)
- Daisy Roberta McArthur (1896–1986) m. Elick H Barnard (1907–1957)
- Susan Petty 1876–
- Magdalene Knoxie Petty 1879–
IN CONCLUSION
There is no evidence that the three “lawful” children of James Boyd Smith had children of their own. Charles Henry Smith with the unsound mind did not marry and have children. There are no traces of any offspring of Ann Clough Smith, or of her brother James Robert Smith.
I do not pretend to know the fate of Rachel Smith and her out-of-wedlock child. I will admit that there could have been more children fathered by James Boyd Smith. He was obviously a religious man who obeyed the biblical commandment “Be fruitful and multiply.“
The legacy of James Boyd Smith would not be carried forward by his legitimate children. Instead, his blood would be running through the veins of the descendants of his three daughters who were born of Sophia Fowler.
These descendants carry the deeply embedded DNA of their African ancestors. They also carry the DNA of their European forebears. It all comes full circle in the end. We all go back to Africa, our beginning, our ending.
It is my fervent wish that the descendants of Sophia Fowler will read these words and embrace their heritage. It is my deepest hope that the legacy of Sophia Fowler — a woman who gave birth to three beloved daughters — will last until the end of time.
THE FAMILY TREE OF SOPHIA FOWLER
- David Smith ?
- John Smith (1698-1776)
- Henry Smith (1727-1793)
- Abraham Smith (1748-1808)
- Henry Smith (1778-1838)
- James Boyd Smith (1822-1868) m. Emily ? (1823–1852)
- Ann Clough S Smith (1846–) m. Miles M. Smith
- Charles Henry Smith (1848–1873)
- James Robert Smith (1852–) m. Emily Jane Hocking
- Children with SOPHIA FOWLER (1830-1874)
- SOPHIA SMITH (1849- 1934) m. Felix V Richardson (1846–1929)
- Goran Richardson (1875–)
- Laura J. Richardson (1878–)
- Robert E. Richardson (1880–)
- John Boyd Richardson (1883–)
- Floyd Richardson (1885–)
- George Washington Richardson (1885–1948) m. Virginia Foster (1897–1959)
- Connie A Richardson (1909–_
- Hettie Loraine Richardson (1909–1958)
- Edward D Richardson (1912–)
- George L Richardson Jr (1914–)
- Christine V Richardson (1920–1966)
- Edith Mae Richardson (1888–1926) m. Doc Edward Hoffman (1887–)
- Marvin Hoffman (1913–)
- Sofia Hoffman (1915–)
- Earnest Hoffman (1919–)
- Willie Hoffman (1920–)
- Georgia Hoffman (1922–)
- Dock Edward Hoffman (1924–1984)
- Nellie Richardson (1895–1953) m. James Fisher (1894–)
- Helen Ernestine Richardson (1897-– m. William Dawkins (1872-); m. Hugh H Cooper (1883–1948); m. Harry B. Brown
- Ernest Willie AKA William Butler Dawkins Cooper (1918–2001)
- OCTAVIA “KNOXIE” SMITH (1854– aft. 1910) m. Samuel Smith (1849–1929)
- Alice Smith (1873–)
- Henry Smith (1875–1949)
- Dorcas Smith (1876–)
- Kelly Smith (1877–)
- Ellen Smith (1879–)
- John Wesley Smith (1880–1929) m. Mamie J. Reid (1886–1979)
- James W Smith (1907–)
- Millis Smith (1908–)
- Bessie K Smith (1911–)
- Arthur L Smith (1912–)
- John B. Smith (1914–1969)
- Sarah Lizzie Smith (1915–)
- Eula M Smith (1916–)
- Robert J Smith (1919–)
- Herbert L Smith (1919–)
- Walter L Smith (1920–)
- Knoxie Corene Smith (1922–1997) m. James H. Harper (1920–)
- Anthony Harper (1951–1967)
- Mary Ann Smith (1927–)
- Lillie Smith (1882–)
- Eddie Smith (1883–)
- Richard Smith (1883–)
- Mamie Smith (1887–)
- Robert Smith (1887–)
- Ressie Smith (1890–)
- Ida Smith (1891–)_
- Marcus B. Smith (1894–)
- CHARLOTTE SMITH (1857-1927) m. Henry Petty (1846-)
- Eliza Ann Petty (1872–1926)
- Eva Petty (1874–) m. Phillip McArthur (1874–)
- Daisy Roberta McArthur (1896–1986) m. Elick H Barnard (1907–1957)
- Patricia G Barnard (1937–)
- Hubert Henry Barnard (1939–)
- Lillian Gladys McArthur (1900–1997) m. John Alexander Davis Sr (1897–1978)
- Elizabeth G Davis (1918-1989) m. Asbury
- Mary Ruth Davis (1920–2014)
- John A Davis Jr (1922–2004)
- Mellie Christmas McArthur (1905–2000)
- Mabell Dean McArthur (1906–1938) m. Permenus Summey (1900–)
- Lawrence Vernon Summey (1921–1996)
- Justus Permenus Summey (1923–)
- Susan Petty (1876–) m. Johnnie Graham (1874–)
- Converse Graham (1895–1975(
- Rath Greyam (1897–)
- Magdalene Knoxie Petty (1879–) m. James Goudleock (1873)
- Daisy Roberta McArthur (1896–1986) m. Elick H Barnard (1907–1957)
- SOPHIA SMITH (1849- 1934) m. Felix V Richardson (1846–1929)
THE FOWLER FAMILIES OF UNION COUNTY, SC 
Deb, I’m sure the families mentioned will appreciate all of your hard work 😊
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