SEARCHING FOR WALTER AND ZENAS FARRIS
SEARCHING FOR WALTER AND ZENAS FARRIS
Dear Farris Cousins, I will post this on Roots-Web and Genforum , and would be grateful for any response, clarification or illumination. I am Charles L. Bland, Box 1002, Amherst New York, 716-885-6897, e-mail [email protected]. I welcome your call (collect if you like) or e-mail, and would be glad to call any of you if you invite me to do so.My special thanks to Betsy Farris and Justin Sanders for your early responses. I have based what I wrote so far on their responses and also Genforum Postings by Nona Hill, Sylvia Rhodes, Becky Willis, Bill Page, Justin Sanders, Teresa Frances Bortner, Marti Randall Ashley Hinkle, Chris, and Betty Bower.Thus far E-mails sent to Nona Hill ([email protected]; (who dreams up e-mail addresses like this??)’ Ashley Hinkle ([email protected]); Chris ([email protected]) and Bill Page have crashed.
For the sake of consistency, in what follows I use the spelling Farris throughout though in most cases other names are given, including Faris, Faires,Faries, Ferris and Feares (so far). Please don’t be offended I recognize the differences. .
I have spent the past 25 years researching my Bland ancestors and probably now am the center of Bland research in the US, but I know very little about my maternal line of descent. With the helpful prodding of a cousin, Sharon Farris Macdonald, Chesapeake Virginia, who has an interest in our history, I am making this preliminary foray into Faries/Farris/Fearis history.
Our family was located in Gaston County North Carolina and I believe had earlier roots in Mecklenburg County and further back in York County. Sharon and I descend from Lorenzo White Farris (C1882-1962) and his wife Lorena ______(1882-1971). Lorenzo was the son of Zenas Farris who was born about 1835, and some writers have noted Zenas was the son of Walter Farris (C1785/1786-1841). I have noted my reasons for thinking there is good possibility that Walter was a son of Alexander Farris(C1740-1824). But I come as a rank amateur in this line and really do want to know the truth, or a better theory if there is one, so your criticisms would be welcome, hopefully accompanied by helpful suggestions.
I think that about sums it up. I would be very grateful for any insights you can offer, including of course, disproof, if that is what the evidence tells. If I am proven wrong and also gain a foothold into closer understanding of the truth, no one would be happier than I.
Charles L. Bland
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In my scheme, examples of formatting for generations includes:
1st Generation/ Fifth son:5. ALEXANDER FARRIS (C1740 -June 6, 1824)
2nd GenerationF.THOMAS FARRIS(March 12 1775 – December 30, 1858)
3rd Generation(1) Mary B. Farris (August 20, 1810 -September 1, 1883 )
1.JOHN FARRIS(c1720 – after 1816) evidently Reverend John Farris, was born inAntrim County Ireland.John married Janet Hale and had five sons by her. One source finds John and his brother Alexander deeding a part of the latter’s land as late as 1816.
2. RICHARD FARRIS (January 9, 1722/1723 April 2, 1819) evidently Reverend Richard Farris, was born in Antrim County Ireland and died in Laud or Lauderdale CountyAlabama. He is buried at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery.Richard married Elizabeth _________
3. JAMES FARRIS (Before 1726 -After January 5, 1802) Evidently Reverend James Farris, James was born in Antrim County Ireland and died in York County South Carolina. James was married to Jean (Agnes) Adair, who died after November 5, 1807 in York County South Carolina.
4. ROBERT FARRIS (c1734-) born in Ireland and styled Esquire.
5. ALEXANDER FARRIS(c1740 – June 6, 1824) was born in Antrim County Ireland and was buried at Old Unity Church Cemetery, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina. Alexander was a blacksmith. Alexander appears to have migrated to Delaware from Ireland. He was a modest slave holder, noting eight slaves who were distributed to his children in his will of 1824. On September 5, 1765 in Immanuel Church, New Castle County Delaware, he married Jennett/Jeanette “Jennie” James (C1747-February 6, 1827). Jeanette died in Old Unity, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina.About 1776, Alexander and his family appear to have moved to York County South Carolina.Alexander and Jennett had a family of at least eleven children:
A. MARY FARRIS(C1766 -) Mary was born in Delaware, possibly New Castle. She married Samuel Dinsmore. Mary was not noted in Alexander’s will of 1824, suggesting that she might have died by that time. Their children were:
(1) Dorcas Dinsmore -who married James Carrothers
(2) Elizabeth Dinsmore
(3)Jenny Dinsmore
B. JAMES FARRISJames was not noted in his father’s will of 1824.
C. JENNET FARRIS(-after 1828)William Wallis/Walllace (- ante1824) before 1817.
D. ROBERT FARRISRobert was not noted in his father’s will of 1824.
E.JOHN FARRIS(ante 1774 - 1815) was born in Delaware. John married _____ Sellers (C1774-1817) about 1795.Their children were:
(1)______ Farris (1790-1817) first name not known, a daughter.This seems problematic, it would assume that she was born five years before John and his wife were marries when they were about 16.
(2)Sarah Farris (C1796-1820)
(3)Hetty Farris (1796-1822)
(4)Silas Farris(C1796 – 1850) Silas married Sarah ____ (C1810-after 1860) about 1836.
F.THOMAS FARRIS(March 12 1775 – December 30, 1858) Thomas was born in New Castle County Delaware and was buried at Concord Cemetery in York County South Carolina. He was noted in Alexander’s will of 1824 and was left a slave man named Levi. Thomas married (1st)_______ Tally. Thomas married (2nd) Ann Sinclair, (December 11, 1782 – September 30, 1838) whom he married about 1810, by which time he was living in York County South Carolina.Ann also is buried in the Concord Cemetery, York County South Carolina.Children were:
(1) Mary B. Farris (August 20, 1810 -September 1, 1883)Mary was born and died in York County South Carolina and is buried at the Concord Cemetery. Mary married her cousin Austin Garrison, (see G (1) Below)
(2) Jane Lucinda Farris(June 24, 1815 – August 15, 1834) is buried at Concord Cemetery, York County South Carolina.
(3)Eliza S. Farris (November 20, 1816 –October 27, 1880) Eliza married James Adams Wallace August 17, 1843. Eliza was born in York County South Carolina.
(4) Catherine “Katie” Salena Farris(February 4, 1819 – July 5, 1881) is buried in Concord Cemetery, York County South Carolina.
(5)Elijah Alexander Farris (July 6, 1820 -April 18, 1879)Elijah was born in York County South Carolina but is buried at the Wynne Cemetery in Wynne Arkansas, as is his wife, Harriet Louise West (May 29, 1827 – February 17, 1911). Harriet also was born in York County South Carolina and they were married March 27, 1849.
(6)Harriet Emily Farris (February 27, 1822 - February 18, 1898) was born and died in York County South Carolina and is buried at the Concord Cemetery.
(7) Mary Ann P. Farris (November 28, 1828 – September 12, 1871) was born and died in York County South Carolina and is buried at the Concord Cemetery.Mary Ann married _____ Youngblood about 1850.
G. ANN FARRIS – (C1777 – April 10, 1860) was born in York County Pennsylvania and died in Rock Hill,York County South Carolina and is buried at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery. She is not noted in her father’s will of 1824. Ann married David Garrison, about 1801. Their children:
(1) Austin Garrison, married his cousin Mary B. Farris (see F (1) above)
(2) Johnnie Garrison, married Jane McCullough.
(3) Sarah Garrison (- C1870) married John Garrison.
(4) Tryphenia Garrison ( -C1870)what was the reason for the two sisters dying in same year??
(5)Mark Garrison(C1831-1922) married (1st) Lucertia Garrison and (2nd) Sarah Ann Hutchinson,
H. WILLIAM FARRIS(February 12, 1779 – August 21, 1835) was probably born in Pennsylvania (problematic if Ann, child number 7, was born in York County South Carolina) and died at Old Unity, Fort Mill, in York County South Carolina. William’s father invested him with custody of slaves Mary, Joe, Cinthia and Lavania, in his will of 1824. William married Margaret A. “Peggy” Garrison (July 29, 1785 -June 12, 1872) also at Old Unity, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina. They married about 1808.
(1) Ann L. Starr Farris(May 1, 1809 – May 20, 1877)Ann was born in York County South Carolina and was buried at Flint Hill Baptist Churchyard, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina.Ann married James Milton Garrison (May 3, 1809 –September 5, 1891) on October 15, 1829. James Garrison is also buried at the Flint Hill Baptist Churchyard.
(2) Josiah Farris(September 18, 1816 – January 14, 1865)married (1st) Mary Louisa Thorn (January 3, 1822 -August 4, 1843)on January 4, 1842. Both Josiah and Mary lived and died in the Presbyterian Cemetery,Old Unity, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina. Josiah married (2nd) his cousin Sarah R. “Sally” Farris (1822-1879)(see I (7) Below) on December 15, 1845 in York County South Carolina.
I. SAMUEL ALEXANDER FARRIS(March 4, 1781 – February 23, 1852)Samuel was born in York County South Carolina and was buried in the Ebenezer Cemetery in Rock Hill.Samuel married (1st) Margaret “Nancy” Brown (C1785 – 1815) about 1805. Margaret also was born and died in York County.
(1) Margaret R. Farris (C1806 - August 11, 1865)lived and died in York County South Carolina.
(2) Miles Alexander Farris (June 11, 1809 – September 1, 1899) was born in and is buried at the Concord Cemetery in York County South Carolina. He married Sarah Garrison (Farris??) (December 12, 1811 – January 14, 1895) on September 1, 1831 in Yorkville South Carolina.Sarah is buried at Laurelwood Cemetery, Rock Hill, York County South Carolina.
(3) Nancy Farris(C1811 – September 1, 1865).
(4) Adeline Farris (C1813 –ante1852) married Mark B. Mitchell (C1808-after 1830).
(5) John Brown Farris (C1815 – October 10, 1846)was born in and buried at the Ebenezer Cemetery in York County South Carolina.John married Mary E. Perry (C1822 – September 1, 1865) about 1841. (Any connection to deaths of Mary E. Perry Farris and her in law Nancy Farris on September 1, 1865??)
Margaret “Nancy” Brown must have died giving birth to John Farris. Samuel Alexander Farris married (2nd) about 1815 Elizabeth Garrison (November 22, 1796 -August 9, 1879). Elizabeth was born in York County and is buried at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery in Rock Hill, York County South Carolina.Their children were:
(6)Samuel Dinsmore Farris (December 15, 1818 – January 3, 1909)was born in and is buried at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, York County South Carolina.
(7)Sarah R. “Sally” Farris (December 21, 1822 - August 9, 1879) Sarah Farris was born in York County and was buried at the Ebenezer Church Yard in Rock Hill, York County South Carolina. She married her cousin Josiah Farris (1816-1865) (see H (2) above.
(8) Esther Jane Farris(C1825 – 1845)
(9)Bethia Ann Farris(March 11, 1828 – April 20, 1905)was born in York County South Carolina and is buried at the Ebenezer Church, Rock Hill, York County South Carolina. Bethia married George Washington Milling (January 1, 1827 – September 19, 1874) in York County on March 3, 1853. George is buried by Bethia.
(10)Elias Newton Farris(April 23, 1830 – March 18, 1902) was born in York County and was buried at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Rock Hill, York County. He married (1st) Sarah “Sallie” Garrison (November 13, 1838 – November 8, 1872) on January 17, 1856. Sarah also is buried at the Ebenezer Cemetery.Elias married (2nd) Cynthia Catherine Choate (September 20, 1855 -March 11, 1943)onDecember 15, 1874). Cynthia is buried at the Brookwood Farm in York County South Carolina.
(11) James M. Farris (C1831 – September 17, 1862) James was born in York County but died in Virginia and may have been a Civil War Soldier.
(12)Martha L. R. Farris(C1834 – after 1912)Martha was born In York County South Carolina. She married Elias N. Jackson Garrison about 1850. Martha ended her days in Arkansas.
(13) Jesse Isaac Farris (April 2, 1837 – February 15, 1908) was born in York County South Carolina and is buried in the Concord Cemetery in York County.Jesse married Sarah Rachel Choate (August 4, 1854 – March 13, 1897) in York CountyFebruary 23, 1875).
(14) William Jasper “Jabbie” Farris(January 15, 1840- February 1, 1919) was born in York County South Carolina andwas buried at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Rock Hill. William married (1st)Amanda Violet Neely (January 18, 1843 - August 22, 1874)on November 29, 1866. William married (2nd) Susan Jane Currence Allison (September 29, 1847- ) on February 24, 1876 . Susan also was buried at the Ebenezer Churchyard in York County.
J. ALEXANDER FARRIS(April 15, 1785 – September 18, 1829) Styled reverend Alexander Farris, he was born in York County South Carolina andwas buried at Wesley Chapel in Lauderdale County Alabama, where he appears to have moved between 1817-1822. Alexander married Margaret Hammil (January 1790 – July 26, 1860).
(1) James Alexander Farris(C1802 -) married Sarah Jones, March 21, 1823 in Lauderdale County Alabama.
(2) Margaret Farrismarried Thomas Whitten.
(3) Jennet “Jane” Farris (June 23, 1809 – June 11, 1895)married (1st)a cousin William Farris on August 30, 1831 and (2nd) William B. Armour(August 21, 1819 – October 11, 1880)on February 14, 1848 in Lauderdale County Alabama.
(4)Martha “Patsy” Farris (June 8, 1812 – February 1, 1891) was born in York County South Carolina and was buried at Wesley Chapel in Lauderdale County Alabama. She married Leroy Madison Pickens (April 11, 1809 – May 12, 1899) in Murray County Tennessee, on December 29, 1828.
(5)Thomas “Tommie” Farris(October 14, 1814 - June 4, 1835)Thomas as was buried at Wesley Chapel in Lauderdale County Alabama.
(6)Andrew Farris(Jun 21, 1817 – February 27, 1872) was born in York County South Carolina ands was buried at Wesley Chapel in Lauderdale County Alabama. He married Mary Ann Bell (December 27, 1814 – June 14, 1892) on May 10, 1837 at Lauderdale County Alabama.
(7) Mary “Polly” Farris (September 1822 – May 1, 1896) was born in Lauderdale County Alabama and was buried at the Wesley Chapel, Lauderdale County.Mary marriedWilliam R. Anderson (September 28, 1817 – November 1, 1864) on November 8, 1837 in Lauderdale County.
(8)Melinda “Linnie” Ann Farris (August 23, 1826 – March 27, 1906)was born in Lauderdale County Alabama and died in Ellis County Texas. Malinda married _____ Yancey in Birmingham Alabama
K.JESSE FARRIS(c1787 – April 21, 1845) was born in York County South Carolina and is buried there in Old Unity Churchyard, Fort Mill.His father invested him with custody of slaves Sampson, Bid and Moria and made him executor of the will. . Jesse married about 1814, Margaret Ann Garrison(C1794 – June 2, 1836) who is buried with Jesse at the Old Unity Churchyard.Their children were:
(1) Elias Monroe Farris (August 15, 1814 – August 15, 1893)Elias was born in York County South Carolina and was buried at the Onley Presbyterian Church Graveyard in Gastonia, Gaston County North Carolina. Elias married (1st) Mary J. Ewing(1801-1863) who also is buried at the Onley Cemetery.Elias married (2nd) Sarah Wellson February 8, 1844. Sarah is buried at Old Unity Church in Fort Mill, York County South Carolina. Elias married (3rd)Eliza Wilson, (April 1, 1834 – April 1, 1922) on August 3, 1865. Eliza is buried at the Onley Presbyterian Church cemetery.
(2) James Milton Farris (C1816 – July 19, 1845) James is buried at the Old Unity Church in Fort Mill, York County South Carolina.
(3) Tirzah Clarke Farris (C17817 – 1875) was born in York County South Carolina and was buried at the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mecklenburg County North Carolina. She married Thomas Magill Boyd (C1805 – 1872).
(4) Thomas Josiah Farris (C1818 – November 13, 1858)was born in York County South Carolina.
(5) Samuel Alexander Farris(December 1819 June 6, 1860) Samuel was born in York County South Carolina. Samuel was buried at the Pleasant Hill Churchyard in Mecklenburg County North Carolina. Samuel married (1st) Martha Merritt and (2nd) Mary Jane Smith (November 3, 1824 – September 15, 1887) on December 21, 1845.Mary Jane is buried with Samuel at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Mecklenburg County North Carolina.
(6) Isaac Thomas Farris (March 15, 1822 – January 13, 1903) Isaac was born in York County South Carolina and was buried in York County at the Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery, in Clover, York County. He marriedAmanda RebeccaMoore (April 12, 1827 – August 4, 1902) on December 23, 1845 in York County.
(7) William N. Farris (May 16, 1824 -May 7, 1898) William was born in York County and was buried at the Flint Hill Churchyard in Fort Mill, York County South Carolina. He married Tirzah Matilda Bennett (May 12, 1827 -May 4, 1915) who is also buried in the Flint Hill Churchyard.
(8) Mary Anna Farris (C1826 – 1920)Mary Anna married James M. Smith about 1846. She is buried at the Pisgah Cemetery in Pope County Arkansas.
(9) Esther Elvira Farris (April 23, 1829 – October 20, 1896)married Richard Green Kendrick before 1846. Esther is buried at the Flint Hill Cemetery in Fort Mill, York County South Carolina.
(10) Martha M. Farris (July 1, 1830 – July 22, 1904) was born in York County South Carolina and is buried at Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery in Clover, York County.
(11) John N. Farris(November 23, 1831 -December 25, 1861) was born in York County South Carolina and died in Government Cemetery, Centralia Virginia. He could have been a Civil War Soldier. John married Esther Jane Garrison (February 13, 1836 –February 19, 1875). Esther is buried at Flint Hill Cemetery in Clover, York County South Carolina.
(12) Margaret “Maggie” E. Farris(C1834- February 7, 1886) was born in York County South Carolina. Margaret married William Campbell about 1850.
(13) Jesse J. Farris (May 8, 1836 – October 9, 1836)was born in York County South Carolina and was buried in Old Unity Church, Fort Mill, York County South Carolina.
L. WALTER FARRIS(C1785/1786 – September 27, 1841) A decent case can be made that Walter Farris is a second generationson of Alexander Farris (1740-1824), but this is not an assertion that he is.Walter died in Mecklenburg County North Carolina, and is buried at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery. If he is the father of Zenas Farris, it is known that at least one of Zenas children died in Gaston County North Carolina. This corresponds to the movement of three children of Jesse Farris (C1787-1845 K above): Elias Monroe Farris died in Gaston County North Carolina and Tirzah Farris and Samuel Alexander Farris died in Mecklenburg County North Carolina.It is problematic that Walter is not mentioned in Alexander Farris’ will of 1824, but neither are several other children.
Walter married Martha Wilson (C1790-1854) and had nine children:
(1) Martha A. Farris, ( July 14, 1823 -)Martha was born in Washington County Kentucky and married Wilks Morgan in Anderson County Kentucky
(2) Jane A. Farris
(3) Samuel J. Farris
(4) Mary Farris
(5) Thomas P.G. Farris
(6) Lilly Farris
(7) Minerva Farris
(8) John Farris
(9) Zenas Walter Farris, (C1836 -)married Mary Allen by whom he had three children. Following Mary Allen’s death, Zenas remarried and had “other” children.One of these children was my Great Grandfather Lorenzo White Farris.
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Re: SEARCHING FOR WALTER AND ZENAS FARRIS
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Re: SEARCHING FOR WALTER AND ZENAS FARRIS
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Re: SEARCHING FOR WALTER AND ZENAS FARRIS