Spartanburg County, SC part of the SCGenWeb

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Also on this site, we have Photos of Old Spartanburg, a collection of postcards and photographs from the early and mid 1900's. In addition, we have old photos and articles from the Spartanburg Herald Centennial Edition. Also see Spartanburg County School Pictures on this site.

Please click on the picture for a larger view Earl Dean Bradley Father of Margret Bradley Lark Contributed by Brian Gurley
Please click on the picture for a larger view			The Brown Family Generously contributed by Janet Skinner Holly Springs, Friendship area of Spartanburg County about 1915 Seated: Cora Brown Corne John T. Brown Jane Harvey Brown Standing: Lillie Brown Skinner Effie Brown Moss Durham Brown Edna Brown Manness
Please click on the picture for a larger view	Please click on the picture for a larger view		Clearman Garner Generously contributed by Vivian Carroll Parkman Written on back is: Clearman Garner, Spartan Academy, Landrum, SC, February 4, 1915. This old cabinet photo was purchased at the Riverfront Antique Mall in North Augusta, SC. If you have information about the Garner family please contact me.
Please click on the picture for a larger view Unknown Harrelson Family House in background is believed to have been on Harrelson Road, Spartanburg County. May have been original Harrelson home place. Child is Virginia Harrelson, bearded man is John Miles Harrelson, woman is Mary Jane White Harrelson, man with the horse is Robert Preston Harrelson. Virginia is the child of Robert P. and Mary Jane Harrelson. John Miles Harrelson is the father of Robert P. Harrelson. Images Courtesy Clement Harrelson Harrelson Family Photos Walnut Grove, Spartanburg County, SC
Please click on the picture for a larger view John Miles Harrelson (1845 – 1907) and wife, Fannie Delila Rogers Harrelson (1840 – 1925). Parents of Robert Preston Harrelson. Images Courtesy Clement Harrelson Harrelson Family Photos Walnut Grove, Spartanburg County, SC			Please click on the picture for a larger view Robert Preston Harrelson (1867 – 1934) and wife, Mary Jane White Harrelson (1864 – 1924). Images Courtesy Clement Harrelson Harrelson Family Photos Walnut Grove, Spartanburg County, SC
Please click on the picture for a larger view Robert Preston Harrelson (1867 – 1934) Images Courtesy Clement Harrelson Harrelson Family Photos Walnut Grove, Spartanburg County, SC			Please click on the picture for a larger view Robert Preston Harrelson (1867 – 1934) and son-in-law, Austell Johnson (1896 - 1963). Photo circa 1915. Images Courtesy Clement Harrelson Harrelson Family Photos Walnut Grove, Spartanburg County, SC
Please click on the picture for a larger view			Ruth Estelle Lavendar Hollifield and Jodi Springsteen Generously contributed by Jodi Springsteen Pictured at the left is Ruth Estelle Lavendar Hollifield and her great grand daughter Jodi Springsteen. This was taken at Estelle's 99th birthday party in March 2006. Ruth Estelle Lavendar married D.H. Hollifield January 17, 1925 and they were married 40 years until the death of D.H. Hollifield February 14, 1965. Ruth Estelle was a cherished and much loved member of her family until her death on September 13, 2006.
Please click on the photo for a larger view	Mystery Photo Lark Family Reunion Lark family photos generously donated by Nancie O'Sullivan and Ron Lusk Watt This photo was taken about 1917 or 1918 at Easley, SC at the Lark family reunion. Second Row: Julius Pringle Lark, wearing a black coat, no tie and gray beard holding a baby. He is seated next to his wife, Cynthia Lark Smith who is on his left dressed in dark dress holding a baby, these twin babies are Herbert and Helen Lusk. Third Row: 8th from the left, Thelma Ione Lark Lusk wearing dark dress. Fourth Row: 6th from the left, Hovey A. Lark in dark suit, next to him is Julius Smith Lark in light suit. Last Row: 11th from the left, William Pringle Lark in dark suit, next to him, Henry Lark in dark suit. If you can help us with identifying more of the people in this wonderful old picture please notify Janet Moore.
Please click on the photo for a larger view	Lark Family Photo This photo was taken at the wedding of Thelma Lark and Sam Lusk. Front Row left to right: Calvin Lark, Hovey Lark, Cynthia Smith Lark, Julius Pringle Lark, Larry Lark Back Row left to right: Henry Lark, William "Wyck" Lark, Smith Lark, Fannie Lark, Thelma Lark, Mellie Lark.
Please click on the photo for a larger view Alexander Edgar Lark and son Henery Lark Contributed by Brian Gurley
Please click on the photo for a larger view Alexander Edgar Lark's descendants Contributed by Brian Gurley		Please click on the photo for a larger view Family of Margret Bradley Lark 3 sons and 2 daughters Contributed by Brian Gurley
Please click on the picture for a larger view			William Edward Chaffin and James Lewis Generously contributed by Bill McKinney William Edward Chaffin (1877 - 1957) and James Lewis born about 1913. The church in the background is probably the Zion Hill Baptist Church as my grandfather lived across the road from the church. This picture was probably taken 1920-30 era as my grandfather lost the "farm" during the depression.
Please click on the picture for a larger view			James Lewis Generously contributed by Bill McKinney The man sitting in the tree is James Y. Lewis birth about 1913. In the 1930 census he was the son of James W. and Annie B. Lewis. If you have information about James Lewis please contact Bill McKinney
Elizabeth Louisa Lee Please click on the picture for a larger view			Elizabeth Louisa Lee Elizabeth Louisa Lee was born on July 15, 1856. She was the daughter of Elijah Lee and Sarah Kirby Lee, granddaughter of Rev. Jeremiah Lee and Eliza Kinsey Lee. She was married to James Trimmier Allen, son of William Chambers Allen and Nancy Manervia Wilkins Allen. Elizabeth died on September 26, 1890. She is buried in the Bethesda Baptist Church cemetary in Spartanburg County. She is my great grandmother. Generously contributed by Mickey Foster
Matilda Horton Lavender (left) with her mother Mrs. Horton holding Edgar Robert Lavender Please click on the picture for a larger view			Lavender Family The young child in this tintype photograph is Edgar Robert Lavender. He was born in December of 1881 to Cleveland Hollis Lavender and Matilda Horton Lavender. That is Matilda on the left. The lady holding Edgar Robert Lavender is Matilda Horton's mother. She is a native American, most likely Cherokee or Catawba. Edgar Robert Lavender married Sallie Lee Allen, daughter of James Trimmier Allen and Elizabeth Louisa Lee. Ed and Sallie Lavender made their home in Drayton and raised five children, Marie, Tanner Cleveland, Gertrude Matilda, Nellie Evelyn, and Mary Irene. Ed Lavender was the barber in the Drayton community for many many years. Edgar Robert Lavender died in December of 1962 and is buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg. Edgar Robert Lavender is my grandfather. Generously contributed by Mickey Foster
Left to right are Gertrude Matilda Lavender(John Gossett), Mary Irene Lavender(Roy Lee Gault), Sallie Lee Allen Lavender and Edgar Robert Lavender, Marie Lavender (Harry Brannon), and Tanner Cleveland Lavender (Thelma Darnell). Seated on the floor are Elizabeth Lavender(Howitt Williams) and Nellie Evelyn Lavender(Noah Alexander "Runt" Foster). Please click on the photo for a larger view			Lavender Family This is a Christmas photograph of the Lavender family in Drayton in the early 1940s. Seated on the sofa from left to right are Gertrude Matilda Lavender(John Gossett), Mary Irene Lavender(Roy Lee Gault), Sallie Lee Allen Lavender and Edgar Robert Lavender, Marie Lavender (Harry Brannon), and Tanner Cleveland Lavender (Thelma Darnell). Seated on the floor are Elizabeth Lavender(Howitt Williams) and Nellie Evelyn Lavender(Noah Alexander "Runt" Foster). Elizabeth Lavender is the daughter of Tanner Cleveland Lavender and his first wife. Elizabeth's mother died when Elizabeth was an infant. She was raised by Ed and Sallie Lavender. Elizabeth Lavender Williams lives in Redding, California. Mary Irene Lavender Gault is 90 years young and lives at Magnolia Manor in Spartanburg. She was interviewed for the Hub City Writer's publication Textile Town.Irene remembers her great uncle George Willis Allen. "Uncle Will" lost an arm at the Battle of Second Manassas while serving with the South Carolina 5th Infantry. She remembers helping "Uncle Will" wash his one hand. Nellie Evelyn Lavender Foster is my mother. Generously contributed by Mickey Foster
Ellen Sullivan O'Sullivan Please click on the photo for a larger view			Ellen Sullivan O'Sullivan Born 1823, married to Denis O'Sullivan in 1846 at Parish of Castletownver, Co. Cork, Ireland. They came to American in 1846-1847 and eventually settled in the Carolinas. Children born to them; Jerimiah, Timothy, and Julia O'Sullivan Clark. Ellen was buried at Cannons Campground Methodist Church in 1909, even though she was a devoted and faithful catholic. She is my g-g-grandmother. Nancie O'Sullivan Generously contributed by Nancie O'Sullivan
Jerimiah O'Sullivan Please click on the photo for a larger view			Jerimiah O'Sullivan Born Jan. 6, 1847, New York, son of Ellen and Denis O'Sullivan. Jerimiah married Sarah Padgett, daughter of Greenberry and Catherine Cooper Padgett. He died in 1906, age 52, and was buried at Cannons Campgrounds Methodist Church. He is my great grandfather. Nancie O'Sullivan Generously contributed by Nancie O'Sullivan
Isaac Peeler Please click on the photo for a larger view Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild			Isaac Peeler Jr. Son of Isaac Sr. and Mary Gilkey Peeler Civil War Please click on the photo for a larger view Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild Please also see Military Record of Isaac Peeler
Peeler Family Please click on the photo for a larger view Sitting in the chair is Isaac Peeler, Behind him is Mary Elizabeth (Lizzie) Peeler, William Madison (Willie Matt) Peeler and then Electra Phinnia Clementine (Leck) and then Susan Jane Peeler and Fannie Ann Peeler and then Sophia J Jamison Peeler. Fannie died at the age of 8 This picture was made btwn 1772 and 1774 Fannie Ann died in 1775. This is the only known picture with Fannie Ann and mother Sophia J Jamison ever found. Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild			Peeler Family Please click on the photo for a larger view Children of Isaac and Sophia J. Jamison Peeler Grandchildren of Isaac Peeler and Mary Gilkey Known as the Big Four Electra Phinnia Clementine (Leck) Peeler, Susan Jane Peeler, William Madison (Willie Matt) Peeler, Mary Elizabeth (Lizzie) Peeler Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild
John Christopher Columbus Gregory Sr Electra Phinnia Clementine Peeler Please click on the photo for a larger view This is their wedding picture. Electra is the Daughter of Isaac and Sophia J. Jamison Peeler. Granddaugter of Isaac and Mary Gilkey Peeler Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild			Susan Jane Peeler Winters Please click on the photo for a larger view Daughter of Isaac and Sophia J. Jamison Peeler. Granddaugter of Isaac and Mary Gilkey Peeler Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild
Emmett Calvin Winters Please click on the photo for a larger view Spouse of Susan Jane Peeler Winters They moved to Texas and family members still reside there. Generously donated by Jeannie Gregory-Fairchild
Daniel BG Timmons Please click on the picture for a larger view			Daniel BG Timmons was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1827. He was the son of John Timmons and Temperance Stafford 1789-1855. He was the grandson of Samuel and Sarah Timmons 1745-1807 and the great grandson of John and Elizabeth Timmons 1725-1798. In 1830 Daniel BG Timmons, age 3, left Spartanburg and traveled to Georgia along with his parents, John and Temperance Timmons and his siblings: Isaac, Martha, and Eliza. He had five more siblings in Georgia: Jesse, Mary, Elizabeth, William, and Sarah. In 1840 Daniel BG Timmons was in Georgia. In 1850 in Tippah Co, MS. In 1860,1870, 1880 in Howard County, AR. In 1881 Daniel BG Timmons moved to Peggs, Cherokee County, Oklahoma where he died on Aug 28, 1900. He was buried there in the New Home Cemetery Generously contributed by Lloyd Ray Timmons Sr. Don't miss the Lloyd Ray Timmons Sr. family website!
William N. Caldwell and Lucinda Susan Tolleson Caldwell Please click on the picture for a larger view.			Lucinda Susan Tolleson born Jan. 16, 1831 died Aug. 23, 1917. Her husband, William N. Caldwell born 1837 died Sept. 14, 1907. They were born in Spartanburg Co. and died in Walnut Grove, Spartanburg Co. S.C. Lucinda was the daughter of Josephus Berryman Tolleson and Eliza White. William was the son of Patrick Crawford Caldwell and Rachel Bomar. This picture was made right after the Civil War.He was a musician in Holcombe's Legion Co. C., CSA along with his brother Thomas Bomar Caldwell. Generously contributed by Jackie McAbee.
Please click on the picture for a larger view.			Sloan and Vaughn Family circa. 1937-8 l-r Clyde Clifford Sloan, Janie Vaughn Sloan, John D. Vaughn, Bettie R. Vaughn front: l-r James Cecil Sloan, Truman Herbert Sloan, Charles Clyde Sloan Generously contributed by Steve Sloan
Please click on the picture for a larger view.			Vaughn Homeplace circa. 1938 Back row. l-r Clyde Clifford Sloan/Mac Irwin/Jessie Vaughn Irwin/unk-?John Jefferson Miller?/John D. Vaughn/Bettie R. Vaughn/?Dulcy Vaughn Miller/ Janie Vaughn Sloan/Charles Clyde Sloan/unk.w/baby/unk. Front row l-r James C. Sloan/unk/Truman H. Sloan/3 unk. children Clyde & Janie were my g,parents Generously contributed by Steve Sloan
John Earl Bomar Vise and son Edwin Bomar Vise Please click on the picture to enlarge it			John Earl Bomar (E.B.) Vise and son Edwin. John Earl Bomar Vise was born March 2, 1857 to John Simpson Vise and Esther Vise Vise in Spartanburg, SC. Little is known about John Earl Bomar. He resided in Scott Co. AR near his parents and siblings until around 1900 when he relocated to Tonopah, NV. With his move came a name change and he was known in Nevada as John Wheece. This information has been verified and the photographers mark on this original photograph is indeed a Tonopah studio. Where and when he died, his wife's name and other siblings is unknown at this time. He did have at least one other child as can be assumed by the notation on the photograph which reads "Father and Edwin". His son Edwin pictured with him resided in Tonopah as well. At some point in time the majority of the Wheece family moved to Minnesota. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
Carey Melfus Vise and Francis Read Vise or John Earl Vise Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Carey Melfus Vise and Francis Read Vise or John Earl Bomar Vise. The notation on the original photo identified the gentleman on the right as Bomar Vise, however we believe this may instead be F.R. Vise. Carey M. Vise was born on January 21, 1846 in Spartanburg, S.C. to John Simpson Vise born May 19, 1822 in Walnut Grove and Esther Vise Vise born in Walnut Grove October 20, 1820. John Simpson was the the son of Azariah Vise and Jane Poole. Esther was the daughter of Reuben Vise and Sarah Rogers. Carey served in the Confederate Army under Capt. Robert Boyce's company of light artillery. He married Sarah A. Young of SC in December 1867 and moved to Waldron, Scott Co. AR where he purchased 120 acres of land. During his lifetime he held several public offices including Tax Assessor, Justice of the Peace and Sheriff. I won't list the bios of Francis Read Vise or John Earl Vise since we are not positive of the identification at this time. Both F.R. and John Earl Bomar were born in Spartanburg, SC and relocated with their siblings and father to Arkansas after the Civil War. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
Jane Ann Vester, Beary Vester and Family Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Jane Vise Vester with husband Berry H. Vester and two sons. Jane was married first to Jessie B. Gray. Jessie Gray was quite a bit older than Jane and she became the mother of two children with him, Jessie B., Jr., b. 22 Feb 1880 and Omer Lee Gray, b. Feb 1881 (I think his name may actually have been Homer). She was also stepmother to two of Jessie's children by a previous wife, Erastus M. and Alma E. Her step son Erastus M. Gray became the husband of Jane's sister Sarah Lu Ellen. Berry and Jane were married November 8, 1881 and had two children together, James Carey Vester, b. 8 Jun 1887 and Ira T. Vester, b. 11 Jan 1898. Berry, Jane, Jessie B. Gray, Jr., James Carey and Ira T. are all buried in the Carolan Cemetery in Logan Co. AR. I believe it is near the Cauthron Twp. of Logan Co. Jane was the sister of Carey Melfus, Francis Reed, Minos Sebron, John E.B., Sarah LuEllen and R.B. Vise. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
R.B. Vise Family Please click on the picture to enlarge it			R.B. Vise family. R.B. (Arrilus Beauguard) Vise was born June 18, 1861 in Spartanburg, SC to John Simpson Vise and Eliza Melissa Mason Vise. R.B. relocated to AR after the Civil War with his mother and father around 1872. R.B. married Julia Ann Smith on June 18, 1882 in Waldron, Scott Co., AR. The R.B. Vise family relocated to I.T. Oklahoma between 1900 and 1910 where both he and Julia spent the remainder of their lives. Julia Ann preceded him in death on December 18, 1928. R.B. was killed in an accident in Oklahoma City, OK while visiting there on July 6, 1938. The individuals in the photo are as follows: R.B. and Julia, children back to front, left to right, Monroe, Otto, Burley and Baby Cara in Julia's lap. My mother still has R.B.'s cane given to my dad before he left on his fateful trip to OK City. He told my dad to hold on to it until he got back. We are still holding on to it. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
John Simpson Vise Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Although this photograph is unlabeled we are fairly certain that it is the likeness of John Simpson Vise. Through careful research of dating old photos we believe this photo was taken around 1855. John S. Vise was the son of Azariah Eber Vise (May 18, 1800-June 10, 1854) and Jane Poole of Spartanburg, SC. John was born May 18, 1822 in the Spartanburg District of South Carolina. He married first Esther Vise born October 20, 1820, daughter of Reuben Vise and Sarah Rogers on October 12, 1840. Esther died in Spartanburg in 1859. After Esther's death he married Eliza Melissa Mason on September 12, 1860. John served in the Confederate Army being in Capt. Boyce's company of artillery and took part in the battles of Manasses, Antietam, Rappahannock Station and Jackson, MS. After the war John emigrated to the Waldron area of Scott Co. Arkansas where he died December 19, 1880. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
Esther Vise Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Although this photograph is unlabeled we are fairly certain that it is the likeness of John Simpson Vise's first wife Esther Vise. Through careful research of dating old photos we believe this photo was taken around 1855. Esther Vise born October 20, 1820, daughter of Reuben Vise and Sarah Rogers. John Simpson Vise and Esther Vise were married on October 12, 1840. Esther died in Spartanburg in 1859. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
Eliza Melissa Mason Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Although this photograph is unlabeled we are fairly certain that it is the likeness of Eliza Melissa Mason. Through careful research of dating old photos we believe this photo was taken around 1860. Eliza (Melissie) was born December 26, 1820. John Simpson Vise and Eliza Melissa Mason were married on September 12, 1860. After the war John emigrated to the Waldron area of Scott Co. Arkansas where he died December 19, 1880. Eliza Melissa died in Scott Co., AR on June 24, 1889. Keep in mind that it is possible that the two photos of John's wives may be interchangeable, that is, the one we have as Eliza may be Esther and vice versa. Footnote: Little is known about Eliza prior to her marriage to John S. She was my gg grandmother through her only child with John, R.B. Vise. Little to no research has been done on her since she was the mother of only one Vise child. I am guessing that she was married to another individual before her marriage to John and probably had children from another marriage who may have been grown by the time she married John.If anyone has any info on her please contact me. I would very much like to have contact with descendents of her first family if one existed. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
Family of Minos Sebron Vise Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Minos Sebron Vise was born January 16, 1845 in Spartanburg, SC to John S. Vise and Esther Vise. Minos served in the Confederate Army as a Corporal in Company "A", Fourth South Carolina Regiment under Commanding General Hardy. Minos married Mary Elizabeth King, daughter of David B. King and Mary R. Hobby, on October 13, 1870 in Spartanburg. Mary Elizabeth was born December 19, 1844 in Walnut Grove, Spartanburg, SC. After the war Minos moved to Tennessee settling in the Nolensville and Irving areas following the Thomas's who had gone before him. Minos died August 30, 1915 in Nashville, TN and is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Nashville, TN alongside Mary Elizabeth who died April 2, 1920. They were the parents of 7 children all pictured here. Back to front, left to right: Ariel Palmer Vise, Eddie Broughton Vise, Malcolm Vise, Sally Vise, Ammie, Mary Elizabeth, Minos, Mamie, Cora. This photograph is the property of Donald Raby g grandson of Minos and he has graciously given permission to post it on the Spartanburg Co. website. Generously contributed by Lisa Ricks
William "Buck" Wheeler Please click on the picture to enlarge it			William "Buck" Wheeler Generously contributed by Blair Wheeler
Wheeler Family Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Wheeler Family William "Buck" Wheeler on lower left and wife Lucretia Lorraine Bomar Wheeler on lower right . His son John Bomar Wheeler upper right and wife Nancy Higgins Wheeler upper left. Generously contributed by Blair Wheeler
Thomas Willis with wife Martha and daughter Please click on the picture to enlarge it			Thomas Willis was born in Spartanburg County in 1835. He is shown in the picture here with his wife Martha and one of his daughters. Thomas fought in the Civil War with other soldiers from Spartanburg County. He lived to be 105 years old. Generously contributed by Donnie and June Smith