TAYLOR - UPSON - SCHLEY - SUMTER COUNTY, GA - BIOS Battle - Shehee families Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: John Adams - Taylor Tracer September, 1998 Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm BATTLE-SHEHEE FAMILY From TAYLOR COUNTY TRACER, September, 1998. This Biography was compiled from the following sources. THE BATTLE BOOK, The Paragon Press, Montgomery, Ala. 1930 and other sources as sited. Please uses this for any family research but do not reprint commercially with out permission of the Taylor County Historical- Genealogical Society, Inc. Check this as all work for errors. By John R. Adams, Sr. Joseph John Battle, son of William Sumner and Sarah (Whitehead) Battle, was born September 12, 1786 in North Carolina. He removed to Laurens County Georgia and married Rhoda Henrietta Whitehead (born February 3, 1789), daughter of William Whitehead, January 16, 1810. They relocated to Upson Co., Ga. and were listed in the 1830 Census of Upson County, Ga. He joined Bethlehem Church by letter. Joseph John Battle was liberated to exercise his preaching gift October 1, 1830 at Bethlehem Church. Elders John Hamrick, John Ross and Jacob King formed a Presbytery and ordained John Joseph Battle to the full work of the ministry on Friday, June 3, 1831. Elder Joseph John Battle became active in his service to his churches and Association. The following are excerpts from records in my possession. I am quoting from these records to show some of his activity and travels in his ministry. A thorough search of old church records located at Mercer University Library, Macon Ga., would reveal more of his activity. Elder Joseph John Battle was a messenger from Bethlehem Church Upson Co., Ga. to the Echeconnee Primitive Baptist Association held at Glorious Hope Church, Houston Co., Ga. from the 17th. to the 20th. of September, 1831. He was also a messenger to the Echeconnee Association held with Union Church Bibb Co., Ga. from the 14th. to 17th. of September, 1833. (Echeconnee Association Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was chosen pastor of Bethlehem Church August 5, 1833. He served this church until January, 1835. Nine were received into the church while he was their pastor1. In January, 1835 he relocated his family to Marion Co., Ga. He moved his letter from Bethlehem Church in Upson County to Sardis Church Marion County, Ga. He appears to have remained a member of Sardis until his death, representing his church as a messenger to the Upatoie Association each year as long as his health would allow. (SOUTHERN BAPTIST MESSENGER, Covington, Ga. Vol. 8, No. 23, December 15, 1858) Phillippi Primitive Baptist Church was constituted February 28, 1835, in what was then Marion County, Ga. The presbytery was formed by Elders Joseph John Battle and Andrew Hood. On Friday December 23, 1836 a committee met at Horeb Baptist Church, Talbot Co., Ga. and agreed to meet at Upatoie Baptist Church, Talbot Co., Ga. to be constituted into an association, on Saturday before the second Lord’s day in May next (Saturday, May 13, 1837). (PRIMITIVE BAPTIST, Tarborough, N.C., Saturday, March 11, 1837, Vol. 2, No. 5) Saturday, May 13, 1837 at Upatoie Church in Talbot Co., Ga., Elders Joseph John Battle, Andrew Hood, Jonathan Neel, Bryan Bateman, Simon Parker, Adam Jones, James M. Rockmore and John Blackstone formed a presbytery and ordained Brother John W. Turner to the full work of the ministry. Then proceeded to the further matters of the meeting, and first chose Elder Andrew Hood, Moderator and Brother H. H. Hammock, Clerk. Letters from the churches desiring to be constituted into an Association upon the primitive platform were read, and some discussion on the expediency or inexpediency of constituting; it was however, thought best to postpone constituting at present, and send to several of the Associations round about us for aid. Also, we invite any and all of the churches of the Old School order, who may wish to unite with us, to send up their request by letter and delegates. We also invite and most cordially solicit any and all of the ministers of the Primitive Baptist order throughout the State and United States, to attend and see our order. The next meeting will be held with the Union Baptist Church, Marion Co., Ga. to commence on Saturday before the first Sunday in November next. (Saturday, November 4, 1837) (PRIMITIVE BAPTIST, Tarborough, N. C., Saturday, March 24, 1838, Vol. 3, No. 6) The first session of the Apostolic Primitive Baptist Association, later Upatoie Association, first met at Union Church, Marion Co., Ga. by delegation, November 4, 1837. Thirteen churches were in the constitution of the association of which Elder Joseph John Battle was elected Moderator and Elder John W. Turner was elected Clerk. The thirteen churches and their messengers were: (1) Union, Marion Co., Ga.; John Walker and Isaac Callaway. (2) Union, Giard, Ala.; Jesse Tomlin and Elder James Madden. (3) Valley Grove, Talbot Co., Ga.; Elder John R. Russell and Elder M. L. McPhearson. (4) Mt. Erion, Marion Co., Ga.; Elder Moses Smith. (5) Upatoi, Talbot Co., Ga.; Elder John W. Turner and Elder James Barrow. (6) Mt. Carmel, Muscogee Co., Ga.; Robert Toler and John McDowell. (7) Sardis, Marion Co., Ga.; Elder Joseph John Battle and Elder J. G. Barry. (8) Ariel, Crawford Co., Ga.; Elder William Bowden and Abel Windham. (9) Ramah, Marion Co., Ga.; Elder Andrew Hood and Samuel Mauk. (10) Horeb, Talbot Co., Ga.; George L. Taylor and Green Huff. (11) Lazar Creek, Talbot Co., Ga.; Levi Wheeless and Wilson Palmer. (12) Hepzibah, Marion Co., Ga.; Sampson English and Warren Dykes. and Philippi, Marion Co., Ga.; Peter Stewart and Goodwin Yelverton. (Apostolic Association (Upatoie) Minutes) Philippi Church in Marion Co., Ga. ordained Peter Stewart to the work of the ministry December 2, 1837. Elders Joseph John Battle and Andrew Hood made up the presbytery. The next session of the Apostolic Baptist Association was held at Valley Grove Church, Talbot Co., Ga. from the 4th. to the 7th. of November, 1838. Elder Joseph John Battle preached the introductory sermon from Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Elder Battle was re- elected Moderator of the association in 1838. [Apostolic Association (Upatoie) Minutes.] Philippi Church called Elder Joseph John Battle as their pastor February 3, 1838 and sent Brethren Giles and Lanchaster to Sardis Church to request his services for this year. Elder Battle agreed to serve them as pastor on March 1, 1838. The Apostolic Association met with Mt. Moriah Church, Muscogee Co., Ga. from the 1st. to the 4th. of November, 1839. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected moderator. Elder Battle preached the farewell sermon. The name of the Apostolic Association was changed to Upatoie Primitive Baptist Association. (Upatoie Primitive Baptist Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Mount Paron Church, Muscogee Co., Ga. on the 12th to the 14th of September, 1840. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was a messenger from the Upatoie Primitive Baptist Association to the Echeconnee Association held at Mount Carmel Primitive Baptist Church from the 19th. to the 22nd. of September, 1840. He followed Elder Creed Caldwell in the stand and preached on Monday, September 21, 1840. (Echeconnee Association Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Hepzibah Church Macon Co., Ga. from the 11th. to the 14th. of September, 1841. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected moderator. Elder Battle was appointed to preach the next introductory sermon. By request of some of the churches, agreed to reprint our Confession of Faith in our next year’s minutes, together with a few texts of scripture, annex each item in confirmation of the same, viz.: Elders Battle, Guice, Tomlin, Rentfrow, Rockmore, Turner and English. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Ephesus Church Talbot Co., Ga. from the 10th. to the 13th. of September, 1842. Elder Joseph John Battle preached the introductory sermon from Acts 17:23 “For as I passed by, and beheld an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association held with Mount Carmel, Muscogee County, Ga. from the 9th. to the 12th. of September, 1843. Elder James M. Rockmore was elect Moderator pro. tem. in the absence of Elder Joseph John Battle who had an affliction in his family. Elder Battle was present Monday, September 11, and gave the opening prayer. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Ramah Church, Marion Co., Ga. from the 7th. to the 10th. of September, 1844. Elder Joseph John Battle was elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was a messenger from the Upatoie Association to the Echeconnee Association held with Abberleen Primitive Baptist Church, Crawfrord Co., Ga. from the 14th. to the 17th. of September, 1844. The preaching committee selected the Elders S. Parker, Creed Caldwell and Joseph John Battle to preach on Sunday, September 15, 1844 in the order of their names, and Elder T Wood to close. Brother Wood was sick and failed to close. (Echeconnee Association Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Upatoie Church, Talbot Co., Ga. from the 13th. to the 16th. of September, 1845. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was not present at the Upatoie Association held with Mount Moriah Church, Muscogee Co., Ga. from the 10th. to the 12th. of September, 1846 due to affliction. (Upatoie Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was a delegate to the Upatoie Association held with Phillippi Church, Marion Co., Ga. from the 9th. to the 11th. of September, 1847. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association was held with Valley Grove Church, Talbot Co., Ga. from the 7th. to the 10th. of September, 1848. Elder Joseph John Battle was on the business committee and offered up the adjourning prayer on Saturday. The Upatoie Association met with Mount Paron Church, Muscogee Co., Ga. from the 6th. to the 9th. of September, 1849. Elder Joseph John Battle was elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Mount Gilead Church, Marion Co., Ga. from the 5th. to the 8th. of September, 1850. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Antioch Church, Sumter Co., Ga. from the 13th. to the 16th. of September, 1851. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. He preached at the conclusion of the meeting on the September 16. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Shiloh Church, Talbot Co., Ga. from the 11th. to the 14th. of September, 1852. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Mount Moriah Church, Muscogee Co., Ga. from the 8th. to the 10th. of September, 1853. Elder Joseph John Battle was re- elected Moderator. Elder Battle preached the introductory sermon from: 1 Timothy 4:16. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Ramah Church Marion Co., Ga. from the 9th. to the 12th. of September, 1854. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Ebenezer Church Macon Co., Ga. from the 8th. to the 11th. of September, 1855. Elder Joseph John Battle was re-elected Moderator. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Fellowship Church, Harris Co., Ga. September 13-17, 1856. Elder Joseph John Battle was confined at home by indisposition. (Upatoie Minutes) The Upatoie Association met with Mount Paron Church, Chattahochee Co., Ga. September 12-14, 1857. Elder Joseph John Battle was elected Moderator. Elder Battle gave the opening prayer. Elder Joseph John Battle was not present at the 1858 meeting of the Upatoie Association held with Philippi Church, Schley Co., Ga. September 11-14. A memorial to Elder Joseph John Battle was listed in the minutes of the Upatoie Association held with Mount Zion Church, Macon Co., Ga. September 10-12, 1859. Whereas, in the Providence of God, it has been pleasing in His sight, to remove, by the hand of death, our much beloved brother Joseph J. Battle; since our last session; and while we bow in humble submission to His divine will, yet we deem it our duty, as an evidence of the high esteem in which they were held by us, to offer the following tribute of respect due to his memory. Brother Battle has been Moderator from the constitution of our Association up to the time of his death, with the exception of four years. Then he was Providentially hindered from being at the Association. Filled with years; pure and uncorrupt in doctrine, laborious in his Master’s cause, to which he had devoted the most of his long and useful life; beloved and respected by all who loved the truth; we feel confident he has only been removed from the militant to the church triumphant above. Therefore be it resolved, That in the death of Brother Battle, the Association has lost a useful moderator and counsellor; the Church at Sardis, a faithful, able, and devoted Pastor; and his bereaved family, an able head; and while we mourn our loss, and deeply sympathize with their bereaved families, and the churches of which they were members, still we sorrow not as others, which have no hope. But we doubt not that our loss is his eternal gain. (Upatoie Minutes) Elder Joseph John Battle was listed in the 1850 Census of Marion Co., Ga. The Tazewell District of Marion County listed Elder Joseph J. Battle as one of those who paid the most taxes in 1855. The following obituary is from SOUTHERN BAPTIST MESSENGER, Covington, Ga. December 15, 1858, Vol. 8, No 23. ASLEEP IN JESUS Elder Joseph J. Battle departed this life the 8th. of December, 1858 at his residence, in Marion Co., Ga., in the 73rd. year of his age. He was baptized into the fellowship of Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Laurens Co., Ga. by Elder John Ross, in the year 1825. In a few years after, he moved to Upson County and united with the Bethlehem Church, where he was licensed to preach, and where he was soon after ordained to the work of the Ministry, by Elders John Hamrick, Jacob King and John Ross, on the 3rd. day of June 1831. In January, 1835, he moved to Marion County and was shortly after elected Moderator of the Upatoie Association, which position he was held in confidence of his brethren as long as his health would admit. His ministerial labors were principally confined to the bounds of that Association, where his voice has been often heard in strengthening the faith and hopes of the Christian, and warning sinners to flee the wrath to come. But that tongue is now silent, and that voice will never again be heard on this earth. He sleeps in the unbroken stillness of the silent grave. Elder Battle suffered much affliction in the last year or two of his life, being affected with Dropsy of the chest, together with other disease; but in all this, he endeavored to be resigned to the will of his heavenly Master. He maintained his mental powers to the last, and spoke of his departure with calmness and unaltered confidence in his Redeemer, and said that death had no terrors for him, and he only desired that he might have an easy passage from this world, which the good Lord was pleased to grant him. He died without a struggle or a groan. He has left a disconsolate wife and eight surviving children, together with many friends to mourn his departure. In all the relations of life, as husband, father, master and friend, he was affectionate, kind, indulgent and obliging; but he has gone to his reward. One that hopes to meet him. W. Sister Rhoda (Whitehead) Battle joined Phillipi Primitive Baptist Church Schley Co., Ga., by letter, Saturday, December 3, 1859. She remained a member until her death on December 6, 1872. Her son, John Randolph Battle was clerk of Phillipi Church at the time of her death. (Phillipi Church Minutes). Elder Joseph John and Sister Rhoda (Whitehead) Battle were the parents of the following children: 1 - Eliza Whitehead Battle born December 22, 1810. She married William M. Jeter in Upson Co., Ga. April 15, 1830. The ceremony was performed by Elder Jacob King. 2 - William Whitehead Battle born June 21, 1812. He married first Permelia Caroline Westbrook, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Shine) Westbrook, in Upson Co., Ga. January 8, 1835. The marriage ceremony was performed by Elder Henry Hooten, OMG. He married 2nd. Mrs. Vann; 3rd. Mrs. Cumi Reynolds; and 4th. Mrs. Tyson. William W. Battle died in Bullock Co., Ala. in 1873. 3 - Arthur W. Battle born January 20, 1815. He married Louisa Middleton in Monroe Co., Ga. October 1, 1835. 4 - Emily Green Battle born October 21, 1816. She married John H. Blount in Upson Co., Ga. January 2, 1834. Her father, Elder Joseph John Battle, OMG, performed the ceremony. 5 - Amanda L. Battle born December 25, 1817 and died in 1835. Never married. 6 - Bennett Smith Battle born January 18, 1820 in Laurens Co., Ga. He married Emeline M. Lowry on November 24, 1841 in Sumter Co., Ga. 7 - Martha Jane Battle born May 7, 1822. She married Daniel Hightower on August 21, 1838. 8 - Warren Lazarus Battle born March 4, 1823 in Laurens Co., Ga. He married 1st. Elizabeth Cottle October 2, 1845 in Marion Co., Ga. and 2nd. Sallie Whittle daughter of James Whittle of Chattahoochee Co., Ga. 9 - Joseph John Battle, Jr. born November 27, 1824 and died in 1842. Never married. 10 - Sarah E. Battle born April 16, 1827. She married John Brown 11 - John Randolph Battle born September 15, 1830 in Upson Co., Ga.. He married Mary Ann Lucinda Brown May 23, 1854 in Calhoun Co., Ga. 12 - Missouri Clayton Battle born October 12, 1832. She married Daniel Shehee February 4, 1852. The following is some limited information on the descendants of Elder Joseph J. & Rhoda Battle. (3) Arthur W. Battle lived in the Tazewell area of Marion Co., Ga. He was a senator in the Georgia Legislature and a town commissioner. He died in the 1840’s and his widow, Louisa (Middleton) Battle married Dr. Nathaniel M. Holton. (6) Bennett Smith Battle was listed in the 1870 Census of Taylor Co., Ga. His occupation was listed as a miller. The children living with him at that time were: Elizabeth age 21 born in Florida; Emeline age 10 born in Florida; and Thomas age 4 born in Florida. Elizabeth married Thomas S. Brooks October 11, 1871 in Taylor Co., Ga. Elizabeth (Battle) Brooks was born July 30, 1849 and died December 28, 1923. Her husband, Thomas S. Brooks served in Co. E, 5th. Ga. Inf. They are both buried in the Ideal Cemetery in Macon Co., Ga. Bessie E. Battle married Henry W. Slappy in Taylor Co., Ga. January 1, 1880. Henry W. Slappy was born December 20, 1857 and died November 9, 1899. He is buried at Butler Memorial Cemetery in Taylor Co., Ga. (Obit. Butler Herald, Nov. 13, 1899) Bessie Lee (Battle) Slappy married L. F. Montfort November 12, 1911 in Taylor Co., Ga. Bennett Smith Battle lived in Florida for a few years and moved to Taylor Co., Ga. after 1866. He and his son-in-law, Henry W. Slappy, owned White Water Mills in Macon Co., Ga. Bennett Smith Battle died May 24, 1904 and his obituary is in the Butler Herald, Tuesday, June 14, 1904. His wife died April 15, 1895 and they are both buried in Butler Memorial Cemetery. He was a Methodist joining at age fifty or about 1870. (8) Warren Lazarus Battle was baptized into the fellowship of Phillipi Church, Schley Co., Ga. and was ordained a deacon in the summer of 1871. He moved to Geneva, Ga. in Talbot Co. and joined Upatoie Church. In the fall of 1876 he moved to Orange Co., Fla. and he and his wife put their letters in the constitution of Fellowship Church of the Mt. Enon Association. This church soon after licensed him to preach. He lived there three years and move to Lowndes Co., Ga. in January, 1880 and united with Cat Creek Church, which ordained him to the gospel ministry in September, 1884. His obituary in the Gospel Messenger, 1887 stated that he was greatly afflicted but gifted man. Joseph Ebenezer Battle, second son of Warren L. and Elizabeth (Cottle) Battle, was also an Elder in the Primitive baptist church. He lived in Talbot Co., Ga. He is buried at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Talbot Co., Ga. (See more about him in History of Bethel Church) (11) John Randolph Battle and Mary Ann (Brown) Battle were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters. They lived in Marion Co., Ga.. He joined Phillipi Church in Schley Co., Ga. July 1, 1871 and was baptized by Elder John R. Respess. She joined in July 1874 and was also baptized by Elder John R. Respess. Brother John R. Battle was ordained a deacon at Phillipi November 6, 1873. John Randolph Battle’s obituary in in THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Vol. 33, No. 10, October, 1911. and Mary Ann Battle’s obituary is in THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Vol. 28, No. 6, June, 1909. They are both buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, in the City of Americus, Ga. J. R. Battle’s obituary states that he had in his possession a hymn book known as the Battle Selection, printed in 1814, published in Raleigh, N. C., one used by the Primitive Baptist, containing many songs now used by the Old Baptist. The following from his own writing is quoted: “J. R. Battle joined Jack Brown’s Regiment 54 at Macon, Georgia; he accepted a substitute and remained thus until his age limit was called for, when I was detailed to raise provisions for the army until General Sherman laid siege to Atlanta, when all reserves were called for, and I therefore remained until General Lee surrendered.” (Signed) J. R. Battle. (12) Missouri Clayton Battle married Daniel Shehee of Barnesville, Ga. February 4, 1852 and soon after moved to Blakely Co., Ga., where she joined the Primitive Baptist and was taken into the full fellowship at Antioch Church; baptized by Elder Abner Belcher in 1862 and remained a member at that place until the close of the Civil War, moving from there back to the old homestead in Marion Co., Ga., where she joined Phillipi Church by letter, the old church once served by her father in his lifetime. She remained a member of Phillipi two years, moving to Taylor County and joined Bethel, two miles south of Butler, by letter February 5, 1876, remaining a member there until she was dismissed by letter March 24, 1883. She joined Bethlehem Church June 9, 1883 by letter, where she remained a consistent member until her death, never departing from the faith and order of her church. Her remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery near Bateman’s Mill. (From THE BUTLER HERALD, Tuesday, March 10, 1903) (Daniel Shehee’s obituary is in THE BUTLER HERALD, July 12, 1904.) The following is from the Daniel Shehee Bible. Daniel Shehee was born A. D. 1830 May 1 Missouri Clayton Battle was born A. D. 1832 Oct. 12th. Lavinia Alaphare Shehee was born A.D. 1853 Jan. 16th. Ella Veleria Shehee was born A.D. 1854 June 25th. Emma Fradonia Shehee was born A.D. 1855 Oct. 18th Calista Thomas Shehee was born A.D. 1857 April 16th. Joseph Sherod Shehee was born A.D. 1859 April 25th. Dannie Isola Shehee was born A.D. 1861 March 29th. Lizzie Adella Shehee was born A.D. 1864 August 27th. Rhoda Henrietta Shehee was born A.D. 1866 January 27th. Thomas Jonathan Jackson Shehee was born A.D. 1868 July 6th. Robert Edward Lee Shehee was born A.D. 1870 January 2nd. Ayles Berry Shehee was born A.D. 1872 March 19th. Agnes Berman Shehee was born A.D. 1874 February 13th. Ayles Berry Shehee was born March 19, 1872 Savannah G. Guy was born May 20, 1880 Joe Dan Shehee was born January 16, 1899 Unoka B. Shehee was born September 2, 1900 Maurice Elzie Shehee was born November 23, 1901 Lee Hanks Shehee was born November 23, 1903 John Alan Shehee was born August 14, 1905 Tom Henry Shehee was born August 9, 1907 Rosa Lee Shehee was born April 9, 1911 Emily Jewell Shehee was born February 14, 1913 Bauzie Van Shehee was born December 18, 1914 Herbert Guy Shehee was born September 4, 1916 James Howard Shehee was born November 3, 1919 William Crumble Shehee was born May 14, 1925 --------------------------------------------------- SHEHEE FAMILY CEMETERY located off County Road 152 Land Lot 77, Dist 2, Taylor County, Ga. This cemetery is located near where the old Bateman Mill was located. This mill had once belonged to John Randolph Battle, Warren L. Battle, Bennett S. Battle and Daniel Shehee. (See TRACER, February, 1997) (1) Daniel Shehee Co. G., 13th. Ga. Inf. CSA (Born May 1, 1830 died July 9, 1904) (2) Missouri Battle Shehee Born: October 12, 1832 Died: February 21, 1903 (3) Agnes Berman Shehee Born: February 13, 1874 Died: 1906 (4)Thomas Jonathan Jackson “Bozzie” Shehee Born July 6, 1868 Died: July 15, 1882. Died when engine fell off a wagon on him. (Butler Herald, July 18, 1882) (5) Bauzie Vann Shehee Born: December 18, 1914 Died: July 17, 1916 Child of Ayles Berry and Savannah Georgia Shehee (6) Unoka B. Shehee Born: September 2, 1900 Died: April 20, 1901 Child of Ayles Berry and Savannah Georgia Shehee (7) Rhoda Henrietta Shehee Born: July 22, 1866 Died: November 21, 1867 (8) Robert E. Lea Shehee Born: January 2, 1870 Died: September 13, 1870 Not marked: (9) Ella Veleria Shehee Howe, wife of Robert Howe and daughter of Daniel and Missouri Battle Shehee, Born: June 25, 1854. Died: January 30, 1882 from Typhoid fever. (Butler Herald, February 28, 1882) 3 Howe children are also beleived to be buried here after they died of small pox? (10) Dannie Isola Shehee Born: March 29, 1861 Died: August 11, 1887. (Gospel Messenger, December, 1887, Vol. 9, No. 12.) ---------------------------------------------------MR. A. B. SHEHEE DIES AT HIS HOME AFTER LONG ILLNESS One of Taylor County’s oldest and most universally esteemed citizens, Mr. Ayles Berry Shehee, succumbed to an illness of long duration Friday, 2 PM at his home in the southern part of the county. He had lived here practically all of his life and for many years was one of the county’s leading farmers. The deceased was a son of the late Mr. Daniel Shehee and Mrs. Missouri Clayton Battle Shehee. He was born in this county March 19, 1872 and was married to Miss Savannah Guy October 10, 1899. She survives her husband. Besides his wife Mr. Shehee is survived by Joe D. Shehee, Gainesville, Fla.; M. E. Shehee, Ashburn, Ga.; T. H. Shehee, Ashburn, Ga.; John A. Shehee, State Hospital Milledgeville, Ga.; Mrs. Louisa Crumby, Byron, Ga.; Mrs. Rosa Wynn, Sycamore, Ga.; Mrs. Jewell Simmons, Tifton, Ga.; H. G. Shehee, Butler, Ga.; James H. Shehee, Byron, Ga.; W. C. Shehee,; also 28 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, besides a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for the deceased, who for many years was a faithful member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, were conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday by Elder James Land at Bethlehem Cemetery. Pall Bearers were by the request of the deceased; Messrs. Joe D., M. E., K. H., H. G., James H., and W. C. Shehee, all sons of the deceased. Edwards Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements. ( Ayles Berry Shehee joined Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, August 27, 1938 by Baptism) (THE BUTLER HERALD, Thursday, June 16, 1955) --------------------------------------------------- IN MEMORIAM Bennett Smith Battle was born in Twiggs County, Ga., January 18, 1820; was happily married to Miss Emiline Lowery, in Sumter County, Georgia, November 24, 1841. He united with the Methodist Church when about fifty years of age. He is survived by three daughters and one son. Brother Battle not only lived long, but wisely and well. We can say of him as was said of Daniel, “After serving his own generation by the will of God, he fell asleep and was gathered to his Father.” Brother Battle was a faithful and devoted husband; a kind and indulgent father; an honest law abiding citizen; a consistent and exemplary Christian, loyal to his God and his church. We often fail to love and appreciate such men as we aught until they go hence. He lived for a purpose, and strove to make the world better and brighter. He lingered for sometime but amongst all of his suffering he was patient and submissive. He is not lost only gone on before, to wear that crown and occupy that mansion prepared for him in heaven. May the God of all graces comfort and sustain the sorrowing ones, and help them follow him as he tried to follow Christ, and may they all after life's toils are over meet in that sunbright clime, where the wicked cease to trouble and the weary are at rest. He departed this life on May 24, 1904 at the home of his son-in-law Mr. T. S. Brooks of near Oglethorpe, Ga. By his pastor, J. S. Lewis (He is buried at Butler Memorial Cemetery) (THE BUTLER HERALD, Tuesday, June 14, 1904) -------------------------------------------------- MRS. MARY ANN BATTLE Mrs. Mary Ann Battle, nee Miss Brown, was born in Harris County, Ga., December 25, 1835, and lived there until six years old, when her father moved to Marion County, Ga., where she grew to womanhood. Her father then moved to Calhoun County, Ga., where she was married to J. R. Battle, May 23, 1854. She then moved back to Marion County, Ga. with her husband, and joined the Primitive Baptist Church at Philippi, Schley County, Ga., in July, 1874, and was baptized by the late Elder J. R. Respess. She lived a devoted life as a member of the church and as wife and mother, until the 19th day of November, 1905, at which time she passed into the great beyond at her home, in Sumter County, Ga. In death Sister Battle blessed her children, embracing them in her feeble arms, and was conscious almost to the close of her eventful life. The next day at Oak Grove Cemetery, in the City of Americus, Ga., after some remarks by the writer and prayer by Mr. Bivins, a New School Baptist Preacher, whose presence was obtained by some of the family, thinking I could not arrive in time from a church about forty-five miles away, her remains were laid away. But, alas! others dear to me are more sorely bereaved - her aged husband, Deacon J. R. Battle, and six children, four sons and two daughters, were there weeping as though heartbroken, surrounded by a number of sorrowing relatives and friends. Sister Battle also left seventeen grandchildren and three great- grandchildren to contend with the disappointments and trials of life without her motherly aid. (THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Vol. 28, No. 6, June, 1906) ********************************* DEACON J. R. BATTLE Deacon Joseph Randolph Battle was born September 15, 1830, and departed this life March 22, 1911, being 80 years, 6 months and 7 days old. Brother Battle was a son of Elder Joseph Battle and wife, who were very zealous in their life and Christian profession, as I have heard from the older heads; and I am sure their examples were such as become the saints, and were handed down to the subject of this sketch. The Battle family in Georgia have proven to be unpretentious in all the walks of life. This is true of Brother Battle, and yet he was strong in character, possessing great generosity; he was truly a man that people loved and respected. He was married to Mary Ann Brown, May 23, 1854. To this union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living except one. Those living are Millard D., J. G., Warren R., Alva B., Willie C., now Mrs. Davidson; Emma R., now Mrs. Hodges. Both of the daughters above mentioned joined the Primitive Baptist Church. Sister Battle died November 19, 1905, leaving Brother Battle here in this unfriendly world to suffer and mourn her death for about five years and three months. Brother Battle joined the Primitive Baptist Church at Philippi, Schley County, Georgia, July 1, 1871, was baptized by Elder J. R. Respess, and ordained a deacon there November 6, 1873. Naturally speaking he was blessed with plenty in this life and told me, in speaking of the goodness of the Lord to him, that he had never lacked for anything. In attending his conference meetings, he said he had only missed three in all of his life as a member of the church, and never lived near his church nor had a good road to one. Oh! What an example for his children and those who may read this. Truly a great man hath fallen in Israel. His words were few and with great consideration. He had great contempt for anything degrading or mean in humanity, but was on the alert for the discernment of the good he could find in his children, brethren and neighbors. I was often impressed with his manliness of character. For more than eight years we were thrown together nearly every month. I was with him at church, in his buggy, in his home, on the river bank fishing, and he was always the same. As a Deacon I must say he excelled in many particulars all I ever knew. Nine years ago next November, I began to serve his church as pastor, and during Conference he rose up and said to the church: “Brethren, Brother Murray has now agreed to serve us here at Hebron, and I want to impress on your minds the fact that it is our indispensable duty to see that he does not come at his own charges,” and while the subject has never been mentioned in my presence since, I have never been neglected by them. For every month, when the meeting closed on Sunday, the members male and female went to him with their mite, and he then handed it to me. I have seen them hand it to him in tears and with smiles. Oh! how they loved and esteemed him. And brethren and friends, I don’t think I ever felt or saw more solemnity manifested at a burial than was observed at Hebron Church the first meeting after his death. On the evening of March 23rd. we assembled in the cemetery located in the city of Americus, Georgia, and after services by the writer, his body was laid away beside the grave of his companion to remain until the fullness of God’s time, when it shall come forth a glorious body, free from all weakness and corruption, and I believe he will be like Jesus - happy thought. I pray God that his children may emulate his plain, unpretentious life and remember his faithfulness in all things. Invoking God’s blessings on you and his intimate brethren and friends, I beg to join you in sorrow. Elder J. M. Murray (THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Vol. 33, No. 10, October, 1911) ---------------------------------------------------