James Solomon Reese, son of Solomon Reese

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

James Solomon Reese, son of Solomon and Mahala Reese, was born c. 1834/35 in Lincoln Co., Tennessee and died 30 Jan 1891 in Carroll County, Tennessee. He married Narcissa Ann  Phipps on 7 May 1867 in Carroll County, Tennessee and was the father of three living children at the time of his death. His widow, Narcissa Ann Reese, received a Confederate pension in Carroll Co., TN. Her widow’s pension reveals that she was born 14 July 1837 in Carroll County, Tennessee and been a resident of that county all her life. James Solomon Reese enlisted in Co. H, 55^th Tenn. Infantry in April 1862 in Carroll County. His company was originally known as Jones Battalion and later as Green’s Company. He was captured at Island No. 10 and exchanged five months later. He was present in Greensboro, NC when Gen Johnston’s army surrendered. After the war he was a member of Stonewall Jackson Bivouac #20 in McKenzie, TN.   In her pension application, Narcissa Ann (Phipps) Reese stated that she was the mother of three daughters and one son, one daughter having died in infancy.  At the time she filed for her pension, 1905-1906, Narcissa Ann Reese was living on her husband‘s land, located 27 miles east of McKenzie, TN. [Source: TN CSA Widow‘s Pension #W432]. Census records reveal that Narcissa Ann Phipps’ father was probably deceased before 1850 since he does not appear on any subsequent censuses with his wife and children.

An 1875 piece of correspondence from J.S. Reese of McKenzie, TN was filed in the Lincoln County, Tennessee courthouse which needs further examination. J.S. Reese was writing to inquire about the settlement of affairs for a Thomas J. Reese who is termed a son of Solomon Reese, dec’d. The transcript of the document states that Thomas, a minor, died about 1860 and that Robert Reese, son of Hiram was administering his estate. This Thomas, if he died in 1860, could not be James Solomon Reese’s son since according to Narcissa’s pension record, they did not have a son who died in infancy; therefore, this Thomas could not be a son of James Solomon. Logically, James Solomon would only be interested in the estate of a deceased brother. There is possibily an unidentified son of Solomon and Mahala Reese--Thomas J. Reese may be him. However, according to the 1860 mortality schedule a Thomas J.Reese, aged 1 year, died in Sept of hives. That Thomas could not be the son of Solomon Reese and either of his wives. Robert Reese was administering the estate of a Thomas P. Reese on 29 Mar 1860. It may be that the death date of Thomas J. Reese mentioned in this letter from J.S. Reese is actually 1840 instead of 1860.

Old Letter in the Lincoln Co. Archives:

McKenzie, Tenn.

August 14, 1875

County Court Clerk

Fayetteville

Dear Sir,

I take the liberty of writing you in regard to an old matter; which is this.

One Robert Reese administered on the estate of Thomas J. Reese in 1860 or about that time.

Thomas J. Reese died a minor and the property administered on was from his fathers, Soloman Reese's estate. Hiram Reese the father of Robert was security to him (Robert) as admr. They are both now dead and James McGee or MaGee is administrator of est. of Hiram Reese. Now will you be so kind as to examine your books and see if the money can be made ie. that which belonged to the estate of Thomas J. Reese; If you think that there is any chance will you please write me, and if you think advisable refer responsible lawyer who will attend to it for me if necessary. One Lem Suggs of your county can tell you the circumstances better than I can. Write if you can see him.

By doing this you will oblige.

Yours respectfully,

J. S. Reese  

Known children of James Solomon and Narciss Ann (Phipps) Reese:

1.         Ida Jane Reese

2.         Charley Reese

3.         Lewonia Reese

4.         A daughter, died in infancy

Census records of James Solomon and Narcissa Ann (Phipps) Reese

1850

Solomon Reese was at home with his mother and step-father Isaac Weaver in Barry Co., MO.

19 July 1870, Dist. 4, McKenzie, Carroll Co., TN, p. 325:

218-218          

Reece, Janes 34 W M  Farmer $1,500 - 600 b. TN

---Narcissa 35 W F Keeps house b. TN

---Ida Jane 9/12 W F b. TN

1880, Carroll Co., TN:

162

Reese, Solomon  45 MW b. TN  fb. TN mb. TN

---Narsissa  41 F W b. TN  fb. TN mb. TN

---Ida 10 F W b. TN  fb. TN mb. TN

---Charley 5 MW b. TN fb. TN mb. TN

---Lewonia  6 F W b. TN fb. TN mb. TN

Bell, Baker 55 F W b. TN fb. unk mb. unk

The death of Solomon Reese was noted in the Carroll County Democrat, Huntingdon, TN:

Friday, January 23, 1891:

SOLOMON REESE Paralyzed

SOLOMON REESE of the 4th district was paralyzed last Tuesday after walking in the yard, talking, when he felt its first approach by a pain in his one of his wrists. His entire system is effected and he is in a very precarious position. Mr. Reese is one of the best men of the community in which he lives and it is to be hoped that he will recover.

30 Jan 1891:

Solomon Reese’s condition is critical.

B.P. Gilbert and wife, and Whig Gilbert returned from Martin where they attended the burial of Mrs. Reese.

Fri. 6 Feb 1891
Solomon Reese of the 4^th Dist., stricken with paralysis two weeks ago, died last Friday evening. Mr. Reese was about 55 years old, a member of the C.P.Church at Shiloh, and one of the best men in the community. He was an industrious, hardworking man, honest in his dealings. He leaves a wife, one son and two daughters. His funeral was preached by Rev.T.W. Cannon and buried at Shiloh.

Personals - Solomon Reese, a well to do and highly respected farmer living in the 4^th District near Shiloh Church died last Friday from paralysis.

[Source: Carroll County Democrat, Huntingdon, TN, 30 Jan and 6 Feb 1891]

Fri. 13 Mar 1891: Marriages license to W.E. Allen and Vonie Reese…

Fri. 20 Mar 1891:

McKenzie Items - Resolution of respect from the Stonewall Jackson Bivouac No. 20 at McKenzie…in honor of J.S. Reese…was among the first to respond to the call of his country, entered service as
member of Company H, 55^th Tennessee, Regt. C.S.A., was captured at Island No. 19 [sic], remained in prison until exchanged and rejoined his command and served with distinction until surrender of Gen. Johnston’s army at Greenboro, NC…by James N. Null, G.W. Rogers, and R.D. Gwinn, Committee.

Census records for the family of Narcissa Ann Phipps:

2 Nov 1850, Dist. 9, Carroll Co., TN:

1157-1157

Mary A. Clever 80 F b. NC

Reganera Phipps  35 F b. TN

Malissa A.  17 F  b. TN

Daniel J.  15 M b. TN

Narcissa A.  13 F b. TN

Fredrick R.  10 M  b. TN

4 Oct 1860, Dist. 11, Carroll Co., TN, P.O.: Huntingdon:

1370-1352

Regena Phipps 46 F     - $175  b. TN

Narcissa A.  22 F   b. TN

Riley    21 M  - $125  b. TN

Charlotte  20 F  b. TN

Since Charlotte Phipps is not present on the 1850 census of the Phipps household, she is probably the wife of Riley Phipps rather than a child of Regena Phipps'.

Cynthia Reese, wife of Jacob Hollis

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

The children of Solomon and Mahala Reese received a settlement from their grandmother, Mary (DeSha) Reese’s estate in 1857 in Lincoln Co., TN:

No. 1666 - 25 Jany 1857 - Peter G. McMullin, Admin. of Mary Reese, dec’d

- paid Jas Reese in full of his distributive share 19 Dec 1856

- paid Jacob & Cynthia M. Hollis in full of their distributive share as

per Receipt 19 Dec 1856    $11.97

[Source: Settlements, Administrations, & Exec’s Aug 1856 - 1861, Lincoln Co., TN, p. 136]

See also: Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

In 1866, James Solomon Reese and Cynthia (Reese) Hollis, the children of Solomon and Mahala Reese began selling the land they inherited in Carroll Co., TN:

I, Solomon Reese, am held firmly bound unto John M. Covington in sum of $3,350 - sold Covington for $1,675 at $25 [per] acre a tract of land by Isreal Snead, Henry P. Gaines, Covington, George T. Ridley, and Phillip Turner. 22 Feb 1866. Attest: Luke Thomas, W.R. Snead. Signed J.S. Reese.

[Source: Carroll Co., TN Deed Bk P, p. 252]

I, Synthia M. Hollis of the County of Barry and state of Missouri have for the sum of $1,000 paid by James S. Reese of Carroll County in the state of Tennessee sold a tract of land bordered by Thomas Hamilton, G.T. Ridley, Phillip Turner, H.P. Gaines. 1 Oct 1866. Signed Cynthia M. Hollis.

[Source: Carroll Co., TN, Deed Bk P, p. 348]

Cynthia M. Reese, daughter of Solomon and Mahala Reese, was born 25 May 1835 in Tennessee. This birth date is the one reported to be on her tombstone. If accurate, then she is the child that Solomon thought Mahala was or might be pregnant with at the time of his death in October 1834. That would mean that there is an older unknown sibling who may or may not have died young. Cynthia married Jacob Hollis by 1856 when she received a settlement from her grandmother, Mary (Desha) Reese’s estate. Barry County, Missouri records reveal that Jacob Hollis married Cinty Read [sic] on 15 June 1856 in Barry Co., MO. Most of Cynthia and Jacob Hollis’s children died in infancy and are buried in the Old Corsicana Cemetery in Shoal Creek Twp of Barry Co., MO.

Jacob Hollis was a member of Capt. William Ray’s [Union] company of State Militia, which was organized at Cassville in 1862. “Jacob Hollis, a member of this company, returned to his home in the fall of 1862, and shortly after was called to his door and killed.” [Source: Goodspeed’s History of Barry County, Missouri, p. 81.] This Jacob Hollis would seem to be the same Jacob Hollis who died in Feb of 1863 and who married Cynthia M. Reese. So far, I have not found any additional information regarding the murder of Jacob Hollis.

After the death of Jacob Hollis, Cynthia married William E. Gifford on 22 March 1885 in Barry County, Missouri. They do not seem to have had any surviving children although William appears to have had children by a previous marriage.

Census records of Cynthia M. (Reese) and Jacob Hollis:

1850

Cynthia M. Reese was at home with her mother Mahala and step-father Isaac Weaver in Barry Co., MO.

14 July 1860, Shoal Creek Twp, Barry Co., MO, P.O. Gadfly:

646-634

Jacob Hollis  22 M    Farmer $250-$200 b. IL

Cynthia  26 F     Domestic  b.  TN

Narcissa T.  1 F  b. MO

Ginsey  6/12 F b. MO

This is the only Jacob Hollis in Barry Co., MO in 1860.

1870, Shoal Creek, Barry County, Missouri:

204

Hollis, Cynthia 37 F W $200-$125 b. b. TN

----Narcissa 11 F W b. MO

In 1870, Cynthia Hollis was living next door to her step-father and mother, Isaac and Mahala Weaver.

On 4 April 1875 Narcessus T. Hollis, daughter of Jacob and Cynthia (Reese) Hollis,  married Thomas Alonzo Gurley in Barry County, Missouri.

Census records of Cynthia M. (Reese) and W.E. Gifford:

1900, Liberty Twp., Barry Co., MO:

213-217

Gifford, William  Head  M  Feb 1841 59M-15  b. WV fb. WV mb. WV

---Cynthia M.  Wife  F  Nov 1836  63M-15  1-1    b. TN  fb. TN mb. TN

---J. Wesley Son M Apr  1866 34 S  b. WV  fb. WV mb. WV

---Gertrude  Dau F  Jan  1833  17 S  b. MO  fb. WV  mb. WV

Cemetery records:

Old Corsicana Cemetery, Shoal Crk., Barry Co., MO:

Jacob Hollis  10 Aug 1835 - 14 Feb 1863

C.M. Gifford  25 Nov 1835 - 2 Mar 1901

 J.S. Hollis s/o J. & C.M.  9 Apr 1857 - 30 Dec 1857

Mahala Jane Hollis  21 Jan 1860 - 18 Dec 1860

Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

Eliza Reese, wife of Charles C. Copeland

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

Eliza Reese, daughter of Solomon Reese and his first wife, was born about 1826 in Tennessee. She married Charles C. Copeland on 23 Nov 1841 in Fayette Co., TN.

Census records of Eliza (Reese) and Charles C. Copeland:

16 Dec 1850, Dist 9, McNairy Co., TN:

1809-1813

Charles Copeland  28 M    Farmer unk

Eliza ----  24 F  b. TN                                   

John ----    8 M  b. TN

Jane  ----   4 F  b. TN

Thomas  ----  1 M   b. TN

6 Sept 1860, Stantonville, Dist #10, McNairy Co., TN:

1614-1605

C.C. Copelin  42 M b. TN

Eliza  ---- 38 F  b. TN

John ---- 17 M b. TN

Arminda ----13 F  b. TN

Thomas D. ----11 M  b.  TN

James A. ---- 8 M b.  TN

Alva ----   6 M b.  TN

Mary E. ---- 4 F b. TN

Charles C. ---- 3/12 M b. TN

17 Aug 1870, Stantonville, Civil Dist #10, McNairy Co., TN:

182-182

Copland, Chas. C.  53 M W Farmer $1,000-800 b.  TN

---Lizzie 47 F  W  Keeps house b. TN

---Arminda J.   22 F W  b. TN

---Alvi R. 16 M W  At school  b. TN

---Mary E. 14 F W  b. TN

---Charley C. 10 M W  b. TN

183-183

Copland, Thomas S. 21 M W Farmer -$300   b. TN

---Zilpha E.  28 F W Keeps house b. TN

---Celizzie A. 8/12 F W  b. TN

Victory, William J. 5 M W  b.  TN

7 June 1880, Dist. 125, Civil Dist. 10, McNairy Co., TN:

56-56

Copland, Calvin  head  61 M W Farmer b. TN fb. SC mb.  SC

---Eliza J.  wife   60 F W Keeps house  b. TN fb. TN mb.  TN

---Charles C.  son 31 M W  Farm lab b. TN fb. TN  mb.  TN

---Marthy F.  dil  16 F W  b. TN   fb. TN  mb.  TN

Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

Elenor Ellen Reese, wife of Warren Waldo Shearer

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

Ellenor Reese, daughter of Solomon Reese and his first wife, married Warren Waldo Sherrer of Alabama.

The record of Ellenor, who was also referred to as Ellen, is found in the settlement of her father's estate in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

This entry in her father’s estate settlement related the events of her marriage to W.W. Sherrer:

Cullen E. Sugg Guard of Ellenor Reese minor heir of Solomon Reese dec’d 
- amt furnished Ellen to go to Blount Co., Alabama 25 Jany 1844.

Amt allowed [Sugg] for trouble as guardian for 8 years which is up to

the time Ellen intermarried with Walder W. Sherrer.

Amt paid Alexander Smith admin of Ellen Sherrer deceased who

intermarried with W.W. Sherrer of Alabama.

Dated 27 Jan 1847

[Source: Lincoln Co., TN Guardian Settlements p. 356]

The dates in this record are probably misleading. Ellenor may have gone to Alabama earlier than 1844 with the expenses of her journey being paid for at a later date.

To date, no record of Ellenor's marriage have been found in Alabama or Tennessee. 

The following cemetery record was found in an online list of tombstones in Myrtlewood Cemetery in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama and adds a great deal of insight into Ellenor/Ellen's life.
Here are those two tombstones:

Shearer, Mrs. Ellen

Consort W. Waldo Shearer

Died: Oct 17, 1844 Age 18

Shearer, William Kirby

Son W.W. & E.A. Shearer

Aug 24, 1844 - June 3, 1848

We can guess from this that Ellenor/Ellen Reese was born in 1826. She place on the 1830 census can now be accounted for. 

Ellen Reese probably married Warren Waldo Shearer as an underage minor of about sixteen, suggesting that there should be a consent given for her marriage. She either married Shearer in Tennessee and traveled with him to Alabama, or she traveled to Alabama to live with some other relative, met Shearer in Alabama, and then married him there. They would have been married very briefly--maybe only two years. Was the reference to Blount County in the probate record an error, or did Ellen go to Blount County first and then remove to Sumter County?

Evidently, Alexander Smith was administrating Ellen's estate because he was looking out for the interests of her son William Kirby Shearer although William is not referred to in the probate records. This record of Alexander Smith's administration was found in Lincoln County, Tennessee:

Ellen's death two months after the birth of William suggests that her death might not have been related to childbirth. There had been a few instances of Yellow Fever in Mobile, Alabama that year, but it was not considered a epidemic.

This document leaves little doubt that W. Waldo Shearer was married to Ellenor or Ellen Reese although many Shearer researchers have theorized that his first wife was a Morrow.

Warren Waldo Shearer remarried to Elvira Huson and removed to Mississippi, where he died in 1878. 

Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

Phebe Eveline Reese, wife of James M. Miller

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

Phebe Eveline Reese, daughter of Solomon Reese and his first wife, was born about 4 June 1828 in Tennessee. She married James M. Miller on 24 Dec 1844 in Fayette County, Tennessee. James Monroe Miller was a native of Vermont.

She was either living with one of her sisters or an unknown relative in Fayette County, TN.

This tidbit about Jame Monroe Miller appears in an biography of his father:

“Their [ Thomas Miller and Harriet Moore] children were…James Monroe, a teacher, went south and married a lady in Tennessee;…Robert Dexter…Rev. Robert Dexter Miller…was principal of Purdy Academy in Tennessee, in 1849 and 1850.”

[Source: The Vermont Historical Gazetteer: A Magazine, Embracing a History of Each of Each Town edited by Abby Maria Hemenway]

The following entry in Solomon Reese’s estate settlement confirms the marriage of his daughter Phebe E. Reese to James M. Miller:

Cullen Sugg guar of minor heirs of Solomon Rees

- due Phebe Rees from Ellen Rees

- amt paid James M. Miller who enter married with Phebe Rees one

of the minor heirs of Solomon Reese including the $28.00 due from

John Rees and 82 cents due from Ellen Rees.

Dated 1846

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 277]

Census records of Phebe Eveline (Reese) and James M. Miller--

30 Oct 1850, Hardeman Co., TN, p. 146:

1091-1091

James M. Miller 31 M  Teacher b. VT

Everline  22 F  b. TN

27 July 1860, Dist. 8, Hardeman Co., TN, P.O. Boliver:

652-626

James M. Miller  40 M Teacher $320 - $400     VA

Phebe E.  32 F  TN

Robert D.  10 M  TN

Thomas M.  7 M   TN

9 August 1870, Civil Dist No. 8, Hardeman County, TN; P.O. Bolivar:

25-25

Miller, James M 52 M W Farmer $400 -$500 Farmer b. VT

---- Evalina 40 F W b. TN

---- Robert D. 20 M W b. TN

---- Thomas 18 M W b TN

---- Lavinia 7 F W b. TN

---- John W 3 M W b. TN

Phebe (Reese) Miller died on 9 June 1877 and is buried in the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tennessee.

12 June 1880, Dist. 8, Hardeman County, Tennessee:

169-169

Miller, J M W M 61 School Teacher b. VT fb. VT mb. VT

---- T M W M 27 Son Laborer b. TN fb. VT mb. TN

---- Lavinia W F 17 Dau Keeping house b. TN fb. VT mb. TN

---- J W W M 12 son at home b. TN fb. VT mb. TN

This rare glimpse into the Millers' lives was offered by James M. Miller's brother Rev. Robert D. Miller:

“R.D. Miller

Writes the following interesting letter:

West Hartford, VT., July 30, 1881

General M. J. Wright,

Dear Sir: I commence writing in response to your kind request, that I would give you, for use in your proposed “Reminiscences of McNairy county, Tenn.,” a sketch of my own recollections of it.

My college course, in Amherst college, Mass., was completed in August, 1848 and “the world was all before me, where to choose my place of rest, and Providence my guide.” An elder brother of mine [James Monroe Miller] had been living in Tennessee and his P.O. address, the last time he sent us a letter, some years previous, was Hamburg-McNairy county. In September, that year, I started in search of him with the hope of finding him, and also some remunerative employment for myself. I need not relate the incidents of my romantic journeying and voyaging by stage, steamer, and railroad, till I reached the county named.

My stage ride from Memphis, mostly by night, was a hard one; and the driver left me, one night about one o’clock, at what he thought would be the most convenient point from which to reach Hamburg, a place away from the stage route.

Weary, hungry, and with but twenty-five cents left, I rapped at the door of a man, whose name was Phelps, and met with a cordial reception from him, his place being somewhere between Bolivar and Camden, I think. When I informed him that I was from Vermont, he said he was from Massachussets and that, whenever he met a man from that State, he welcomed him as a brother, and any one from any other New England State as a half-brother. He went to Tennessee as a clock peddler, found his wife there, and was raising up an interesting family of children. As I informed him of the object of my mission there, as that of first my brother, James M. Miller, he said he had seen “Jeems” Miller, and thought he was then teaching school not many miles off. His social friendliness cheered my drooping spirits greatly, and I got some good sleep the last part of the night. The next morning, after breakfast, he brought up two horses, which he and I mounted and rode away into places where I would have been utterly lost, alone; but, in an hour or two by inquiry at a log house to which we went,--a strange sight to me then—we learned that my lost brother was residing in that part of McNairy county, and teaching school there.

Mr. Phelps continued with me till we found the way improved, and he could direct me plainly, and then returned homeward with the horses, while I walked on, till I reached my brothers home, also a log house, apparently in the midst of an almost boundless forest!

…My brother, a feeble man bodily, intelligent, industrious, honest, patriotic, a planter and a school-teacher, a good number of years in that country, but now residing in Hardeman, doubtless has left the savor of a good name among his old neighbors there. In his quiet, unemotional way, he was always ready for every good word and work! Some of his children are natives of McNairy.

I found him not rich, and, of course, I soon began to feel that I must be looking for something to do. His impression was that the Purdy Academy was in want of a Principal. In a few weeks I was employed in so responsible a position…

…I am glad to learn from my nephew that Mr. [James] Warren’s sound sense and practical talent are still appreciated by the people and called into use.”

[Source: Reminiscences of the Early Settlement and Early Settlements and Early Settlers of McNairy County edited by Marcus Joseph Wright]

Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

Solomon Reese Estate Settlement Notes

© Kathy Duncan, 2018

These are my notes on the estate settlement of Solomon Reese who died in Lincoln County, Tennessee around 1834. They shed light on who his children were. They may not look like much, but the Chancery Court records of Lincoln County, Tennessee were not indexed until the 1850s. Some of this is hard won information.

Lincoln County, Tennessee – 1840s

1840. Cullen E. Sugg guar for minor heirs of Solomon Res dec.

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 19]

1841. Cullen E. Sugg guar for Solomon Reese heirs. Hire of slave Allen.

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 41]

1841. Cullen E. Sugg guar for Solomon Reese children

Merchandize for Mary Reese, Eliza Reese, John Reese, Eleanor Reese, Phebe Reese.

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 56]

3 Feb 1841. Cullen E. Sugg & others complainants Petition for sale of negro

Complainants: Cullen E. Sugg, William W. Reese who resides in the state of Arkansas, Mary, Eliza, John, Ellen & Phebe Reece infants under the age of 21 years by their next friend and guardian Cullen E. Sugg and Drury M. Perkins all citizens of Lincoln County, Tennessee. On 11 Oct 1834 Solomon Reece dec made his last will and testament--…among other things a negro man slave named Allen bequeathed to the seven following legatees: William W. Mary, Eliza, John, Eleanor, Phebe Reece and Elizabeth Reece who intermarried with one James Cunningham and has since departed this life intestate leaving no children.  Complts state that Cunningham some time in the month of January 1839, said Elizabeth being living made a ?   assignment of Elizabeth’s undivided interest in said negro slave to Complt Perkins… in the month of Oct 1840, which was long after the death of said Elizabeth … that said William W. Reece is now of age … [the point of this document is that Sugg want to sell the slave man Allen in order to settle amounts owed to William W. Reese and to Perkins]

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Chancery Court Minutes, Feb. 1840 – Jan 1844, p. 111]

William W. Reese, who was of age, had removed to Arkansas by 1841. Elizabeth (Reese) Cunningham, who was also presumably of age, had married before January of 1839 and died between January, 1839 and October, 1840. A guess is that Elizabeth was a newlywed who died in childbirth or shortly after her first child. Two daughters, one named Eliza and the other named Elizabeth, is a mystery.

22 Jan 1842. Cullen E. Sugg guar for Solomon Reese children dec’d

Articles furnished for Mary, John, Eleanor, Phebe.

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 91]

25 Aug 1842. Solomon Reece decd. Bill for Sale of Real Estate

Complainants: William W. Reece of the State of Arkansas, Mary Reece of Fayette County, Tennessee, Charles C. Coupland and Eliza his wife of said County of Fayette all of full age, and John Reece, Eleanor Reese and Phebe Reese of said County of Lincoln infants under the age of 21 years with their guardian Cullen E. Sugg…that about Oct 1834 Solomon Reece then of said County of Lincoln departed this life having first duly made and published his last will and testament…”said testator was twice married at the time of his death he left him surviving seven children by his first wife to wit your complainants William W., Mary, Eliza who has since intermarried with complainant Charles C. Copeland, John, Eleanor, & Phebe, the last being minors for whom said Sugg has been regularly appointed guar by the County Court of said Lincoln together with Elizabeth who has departed this life leaving no issue … [Solomon] died seized of three tracts of land on which he lived bought of Gabriel Seahorn 23 May 1831—total about 168 acres in Lincoln Co., Tennessee

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Chancery Court Minutes, Feb. 1840 – Jan 1844, p. 363]

By 25 August 1842, Eliza Reese has married Charles C. Coupland and is living in Fayette County, Tennessee. Fayette County, Tennessee records indicate that Charles C. Copeland married Miss Eliza Reese on 23 November 1841. Sister Mary Reece is also living in Fayette County, Tennessee. Fayette County, Tennessee records indicate that James M. Miller married Evelina Reese on 24 December 1844.

[Source: Fayette Co., TN Marriages 1838 - 1857 by Helen Smothers Swenson]

Was Mary living with sister Eliza Copeland? Or had both girls been living with another family member in Fayette County, Tennessee prior to Eliza’s marriage? Would that be a relation of their mother’s?? The remaining Reese siblings are all underage at this time and still in Lincoln County, Tennessee. With whom were they living??

This narrows Solomon Reese's death to October, 1834.

Jan 1843. Cullen E. Sugg for the minor heirs of Solomon Reese.

Received July 29, 1842 of Peter McMullen admr of Mary Reece dec’d for John, Eleanor, & Phebe Reece each $3.65 in all $10.95 interest to date $11.23

Articles furnished for John Reece, Ealenor Reece, Phebe Reece

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 132]

6 Feb 1843. Articles sold by Cullen Sugg guar for minor heirs of Solomon Reece sale on 26 Oct 1842. Notation: “William W. Reece was entitled to one sixth part of that rent for 1841 which amount due last Christmas was $3.33. Mary Reece one of the heir that is of age is entitled to property sold and the rent for 1842, $18.31. Charles C. Couplin and wife Eliza one of the said heirs is entitled to their part of the rent of 1842, $6.59.

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 139]

1844. Cullen E. Sugg guar for minor heirs of Solomon Reese dec’d,

Amt paid

Charles C. Copeland in right of his wife Eliza

William E. Natior [Nation] in right of his wife Mary

William Hamilton for boarding John Reese

William Reese, share

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 158]

John Reese is boarding with William Hamilton. Is he a relative? John seems to be the only Reese minor living with Hamilton. Where are the others living? Mary Reese was also evidently living in Fayette County, Tennessee since at least 1842.

By 1844 Mary Reese has married William E. Nation. Mary Reese is very likely the “Mary Ann Read” who married W.E. Nation in Fayette Co., TN on 22 Mar 1843.

[Source: Fayette Co., TN Marriages 1838 - 1857 by Helen Smothers Swenson]

James Cunningham, admr of Elizabeth Cunningham, deceased

1 Jan 1845 – James Cunningham admr as above states that nothing has come to his hands as administrator of Elizabeth Cunningham deceased since the administration on said Estate and the object was of his administration was to convey a negro sold before the death of the said intestate.

Signed James Cunningham    W. B. Rhea, chairman

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Settlements, Administrators & Exec’s; Dec. 1842 – Oct 1847, p. 96]

1 Jan 1845. Cullen E. Sugg guar. Of minor heirs of Solomon Reese

Due Phebe Rees for settlement with John Reese

 [Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 243]

25 Jan 1845. No. 50, Peter G. McMullen &Robert McCala, Admr of Mary Rees, deceased,

Amt paid

-           C.T. Rees

-          Henry Kimes, Guard of his own children

-          Hiram Rees

-          Joseph Huff, Guard heirs of Robert Rees

-          John Lauderdale

-          Cullen E. Sugg, Guard of heirs of Solomon Rees, decd

-          Paid for postage & will of Desha it being the will of said deceased’s father

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Settlements, Administrators & Exec’s; Dec. 1842 – Oct 1847, p. 114]

1846. Cullen Sugg guar of minor heirs of Solomon Rees

- due Phebe Rees from Ellen Rees

- amt paid James M. Miller who enter married with Phebe Rees one of the minor heirs of Solomon Rees including the $28.00 due from John Rees & 82 cents due from Ellen Rees

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 277]

Eleanor/Ellen Rees is still living in 1846 and appears to not be married.

Fayette County, Tennessee records indicate that James M. Miller married Evelina Reese on 24 December 1844.

[Source: Fayette Co., TN Marriages 1838 - 1857 by Helen Smothers Swenson]

Was Phebe living with one of her sisters, or is there another family unknown member in Fayette County, Tennessee???

27 Jan 1847. Cullen E. Sugg, guar of Eleanor Reese minor heir of Solomon Reese dec’d

-Amt furnished Ellen to go to Blount Co. Alabama 25 Jan 1844

-Amt allowed you [Sugg] for trouble on guardian for 8 years which is up to the time said Ellen intermarried with Walder W. Sherrer

-Amt paid Alexander Smith admin of Ellen Sherrer deceased who intermarried with W.W. Sherrer of Alabama 27 [month?] 1847

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Guardian Settlements, 1836 – Dec. 1846, p. 356]

Why did Eleanor/Ellen Reese go to Blount County, Alabama? Is there a family member there? Did she marry Sherrer in Tennessee and then move to Blount County? Did she go to Blount County to visit a family member and then meet Sherrer and marry him there? If she was unmarried in 1846, then she had been in Alabama for at least two years prior to her marriage. In any event, she is deceased by 1847.

Lincoln County, Tennessee – 1850s

No. 1666

25 Jan 1857

Peter G. McMullin, Admr of Mary Reese dec’d

-paid Jas Reese in full of his distributive share 19 Dec 1856

- paid Jacob and Cynthia M. Hollius in full of their distributive share as per receipt 19 Dec 1856, $11.97

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Settlements, Administrator’s and Exec’s, Aug 1856-1861, p. 136]

Mary Reese was the wife of Charles T. Reese, mother of Solomon Reese, and grandmother to the Reese heirs. James Solomon Reese and Cynthia M. (Reese) Hollis are the children of Solomon Reese and his second wife Mahala.

Lincoln County, Tennessee – 1860s

No. 1649 – 17 Aug 1857, L.D. Sugg Admr with the will anxd of Solomon Rees decd

No. 1650 - 17 Aug 1858

No. 1651 – 17 Aug 1859

No. 1652 29 March 1860 – amt paid Robert Rees Admr of Thomas P. Rees in full of the proceeds as per rect. Of this date

[Source: Lincoln County, Tennessee; Settlements, Administrator’s and Exec’s, Aug 1858-1861, p. 129]

Carroll County, Tennessee – 1860s

22 Feb 1866. I Solomon Reece am held firmly bound unto John M. Covington in sum of $3,350 – sold Covington for $1,675 at $25/acre a tract of land in Carroll Co. TN containing 67 acres bounded by Isreal Snead, Henry P. Gaines, Covington, George T. Ridley, Phillip Turner  Attest: Luke Thomas, W.R. Snead

Signed J.S. Reese

[Source: Carroll County, Tennessee, Deed Book P., p. 252]

1 Oct 1866. I Synthia M. Hollis of the County of Barry and state of Missouri have for the sum of $1,000 paid by James S. Reese of Carroll County in the state of Tennessee sold a tract of land bordered by Thomas Hamilton, G.T. Ridley, Phillip Turner, H.P. Gaines.

Signed Cynthia M. Hollis

[Source: Carroll County, Tennessee, Deed Book P., p. 348]

J.S. or James Solomon Reese and Cynthia M. (Reese) Hollis are the children of Solomon Reese and his second wife Mahala. In these records, they are selling their inheritance from father Solomon Reese.

It looks like I need to focus on Fayette County, Tennessee and on Blount County, Alabama in the hopes of locating relatives of Solomon Reese's first, unknown wife. Still looking for a needle in a haystack!!