Granville County NC Genealogy

Threads of ancestors, Telford – Ritchie – Mize

“Threads of Ancestors: Telford – Ritchie – Mize: A Link Among the Days Which Binds the Generations Each with Each,” authored by Leila Ritchie Mize and Jessie Julia Mize, explores the intricate tapestry of family lineage and migration across continents and centuries. Tracing roots back to Alexander Telford Sr., who settled near Rockbridge, Virginia around 1760, this book delves into the journeys and settlements of his descendants across the United States. Highlighting the Scotch-Irish origins of these families, the authors meticulously draw upon an extensive array of sources, including family Bibles, historical records, and personal diaries, to provide a detailed account of the Telford, Ritchie, and Mize families. Their narrative not only charts the genealogical paths of these families but also illuminates their substantial roles in the historical and cultural development of the regions they inhabited. This work stands as a testament to the enduring bonds and shared heritage that link successive generations, forming a foundational piece for both family members and historians interested in the Scotch-Irish contribution to American history.

Slave Narrative of Charity Austin

Charity Austin, born on July 27, 1852, in Granville County, North Carolina, was sold into slavery at ten. After experiencing hardship in Georgia and witnessing the brutal realities of enslavement, including separations of families and violence, she eventually learned of her freedom. Post-war, she worked for various families in Georgia and South Carolina before marrying Isaac Austin. Charity details the challenges faced by enslaved individuals, including limited access to education and the harsh realities of life under slavery while reflecting on the complexities of freedom after the Civil War.

Saponi Indians

The Saponi Indians, a Siouan linguistic tribe closely related to the Tutelo, likely originated from the term Monasiccapano, meaning “shallow water.” They are historically associated with villages along the Rivanna River in Virginia. Over time, they migrated to Otter Creek and later to the junction of the Staunton and Dan Rivers while fleeing Iroquois attacks. By the 18th century, part of the Saponi moved north to Pennsylvania, while others remained in North Carolina, where they eventually merged with neighboring tribes. Their population dwindled over the centuries, with reports indicating only small numbers by the mid-1700s.

James J. Walters

Sergt. James J. Walters, from Granville County, entered military service on April 16, 1917. After training at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt, he was deployed to France on May 13, 1918. Walters was promoted to Corporal in August 1917 and to Sergeant in 1918. He participated in significant battles, including Ypres, Cambrai, and St. Quentin. Walters was mustered out of service at Camp Jackson on April 18, 1919.

Robert Kennon Taylor

Robert Kennon Taylor, born in Granville County in 1895, served as a Private in Company E, 6th Division, 54th Regiment during World War I. He entered the military on May 10, 1918, in Oxford, North Carolina, and trained at Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, before transferring to Camp Mills, New York. Taylor was deployed to France on July 23, 1918, where he fought in the Vosges Mountains. He was discharged at Camp Lee, Virginia, on July 23, 1919.

Henry Lindsey Taylor

Sergt. M. G. Co. of the 30th Division, 120th Regiment, was born in Granville County in 1896. He enlisted on April 23, 1917, in Raleigh, N.C., and progressed through ranks from Corporal in October 1917 to Sergeant by July 1918. He served overseas in France and participated in all battles involving his division. He was mustered out at Camp Jackson on April 17, 1919.

Thaddeus G. Stem

Major F. A. Stem, from Granville County, was the son of J. H. and Mary Lee Stem and husband to Hallie M. Stem. He entered military service on July 1, 1916, and was promoted to Major on July 13, 1917. After training at various camps and serving on the Mexican border, he sailed for France on May 26, 1918. He participated in significant battles, including St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne, before mustering out on April 15, 1919, after 72 days of continuous combat.

William C. Robards

William C. Robards served as a sergeant in Company E of the 120th Infantry, 30th Division during World War I. Born in Granville County to H. J. Robards and his wife, he enlisted on June 22, 1916. After training at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt, he was deployed to France in May 1918. Robards participated in significant battles, including Ypres and the Hindenburg Line, and was gassed at Vaux-Andigny. He was mustered out on April 17, 1919, at Camp Jackson, S.C.

Paul Benona Mayes

Private Paul Benona Mayes, born February 3, 1896, in Granville County, was the son of W. E. and Irene Mayes. He entered military service on May 24, 1918, in Oxford, North Carolina, and was trained at various camps before being deployed to France. He participated in the St. Mihiel offensive on September 11, 1918, and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on May 9, 1919.

William T. Landis

1st Lt. William T. Landis, born May 11, 1893, in Granville County, entered military service on July 27, 1917. He was assigned to Co. K, 30th Div., 120th Regt. after training at Camp Sevier and Camp Merritt. Landis served in France beginning June 5, 1918, and achieved several promotions. He engaged in battles at Flanders and Cambrai, but was wounded by shrapnel in Belgium on September 1, 1918, and again at the Hindenburg line on September 29, 1919.

Brodie Ernest Howard

Brodie Ernest Howard, son of E. K. and Alice Howard, served in the military during World War I. He entered the service on June 24, 1918, at Oxford, North Carolina, and was initially assigned to Camp Jackson, South Carolina. He later transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia, where he was mustered out on November 25, 1918. Howard’s service is documented within the context of his local community in Granville County.

John W. Medford

Batt. Sgt. Mjr. John W. Medford, a native of Granville County, served with the 120th Regiment of the 30th Division. He enlisted on July 25, 1917, and was initially stationed at Camp Sevier, later transferring to Camp Merritt before deploying to France on May 17, 1917. Medford was promoted to Sergeant on July 26, 1917, and to Sergeant Major on July 20, 1918. He participated in battles at Ypres, Cambrai, and St. Quentin, and was mustered out on April 18, 1919, at Camp Jackson.

Graham Waverly Harris

Sergt. Graham Waverly Harris served in the Machine Gun Company of the 30th Division, 120th Infantry during World War I. Hailing from Granville County as the son of R.W. and Mary D. Harris, he entered service on July 25, 1917, and was initially trained at Camp Sevier, South Carolina. He was deployed to France in June 1917, saw combat at St. Quentin and Bellicourt, and received the British Military Medal and American Distinguished Service Cross before being mustered out in April 1919.

Francis S. Bradshaw

Seaman Francis S. Bradshaw from Granville County, the son of J. S. Bradshaw, enlisted in the Navy on April 3, 1917. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, before transferring to the U.S.S. Connecticut and later the U.S.S. George Washington, where he served for 26 months and completed 18 transatlantic voyages to Brest, France. His service concluded with his muster out at Hoboken on No. 5, 1919.

Blount Henry Bryan

Blount Henry Bryan, born to Charlie W. and Mamie S. Bryan in Granville County, served as a Private in the 1st and 3rd Army during World War I. He entered service on August 9, 1918, and was trained at Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, before sailing to France on September 13, 1918. Bryan participated in key battles, including Meuse-Argonne, and sustained a slight shrapnel wound. He later served with the Army of Occupation in Germany and was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia.