Georgia:  Wilkes County: Biography of Benjamin Burks Kendrick
May 5, 1807  - May 1, 1873

Son of Sheldrick and Nancy Burks Kendrick 

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Biography of
Benjamin Burks Kendrick
May 5, 1807  - May 1, 1873
Son of Sheldrick and Nancy Burks Kendrick
Written by
Lehlia Kendrick in the 1930’s

From the genealogy files of
Frances Rentz Howell Beckemeyer
Atlanta, Georgia

SOURCE OF MATERIAL

1801 Petition of Sheldrick Kendrick shows Philip Jones Stark is 
indebted
To him for $300.  Court Record, Wilkes Co.

1805 Lottery ticket.  Sheldrick Kendrick living in Columbia Co., 
Georgia,
Drew 202 ½ A. in Baldwin Co. – later Jasper Co.

1802-1813 Dates of marriage and children’s birth taken from 
Family Bible

1817 Robert Kendrick and Nancy Kendrick administrators of estate 
of
Sheldrick Kendrick.  Jas. L. Burks, Agent.

1811 Jas. L. Burks and Patsy Robinson Married.

1826 Jas. L. Burks House of Representatives, Jasper Co.

1773 John Burks listed as Captain in Revolutionary War, came 
from
Virginia with wife and five children.  Granted 350 A. land 
on
Sherroll’s Creek, Wilkes Co., Georgia.

1817 Burwell K. Left will in Morgan Co.

1830-1873 Bible Records of B.B.K. Stories handed down from 
older members
of the family.

1850 Census

1894 Description of Sheldrick’s home given by T.H. Rentz’s 
mother while
Aunt Bettie Kendrick was visiting Mrs. H.B. Rentz.


CONTENTS

I. Early Boyhood in Jasper County
II. Joe
III. Sorrow
IV. The Funeral
V. Nancy at the Helm
VI. Sweet sixteen and a Bride
VII. Others Leave the Home Nest
VIII. A New Era for Burks
IX. Valley Grove church

X. Burks’ Supreme Happiness
XI. Back in Jasper
XII. Frances and Burks United
XIII. The Family Increases
XIV. The Pleasant Hill Home
XV. A More Permanent Home
XVI. Burks” Greatest Sorrow
XVII. Need of a Mother’s Hand
XVIII. The New Mother
XIX. Many changes
XX. Troublous Times
XXI. Last Days




CHAPTER I

EARLY BOYHOOD IN JASPER

Three children were sitting on the protruding roots of a grand but knurled 
old white oak at the rear of their home.  Their faces were alight with 
perfect happiness for in their hands they held their most cherished dream 
come true.  Becky, almost twelve, had her first book, a Bible: Jincey, a fair 
little maiden of ten was looking rapturously through her new blue back 
speller; and Burks, a dark haired blue-eyed boy of eight was trying to master 
the mystery of figures and letters on his new slate-with pencil attached.
After a few minutes Burks jumped up but laid his slate carefully on a root.
“Becky, we’ll fix a board in our old hollow tree here where we’ll put our 
books and slate and not have to draw them up from the bottom by a string as 
we do our play things”.
Very accommodatingly the old tree had a great knot and just below that a 
hollow place about three feet from the ground but hardly large enough for a 
child to enter.  Burks had tried it once and got caught and the girls had to 
call their mother to help pull him out so she gave stern orders not to try 
that feat again.  It was a great store place, though, for here they could 
hide their dearest possessions free from the depredations of the three 
youngest children.  Little Betty, Sara, and Sheldrick were not yet awakened 
so the three older children worked fast for they knew that the minute the 
little ones were up their chores for the day would begin.
“I know where there are five nails I saved from an old board,” said the 
thrifty Becky, as she ran to get them.  Burks put two boards down 
perpendicularly and one across that fitted tightly to the tree, still for 
better security he nailed it fast to the ends of the other two boards.  His 
job was done and each book and slate was deposited in its own little niche.  
Not too soon, for Ma called from the back entry. “Come, children, and get the 
little ones ready for breakfast for your pa’s sick with a misery in his side 
this morning and doesn’t want any noise in the house.
Little Betty was already up and partly dressed but Becky had to button her 
up.  With Betty’s help Sallie too was soon ready to go to the back entry 
where Jinsey had dipped some water from a pail with a gourd.  She took the 
pan from the shelf and set it on the floor of the little girls with her help 
to bathe their faces and hands.  As they finished, Becky came up with little 
Sheldrick in her arms, bathed his face and hands and all marched in to 
breakfast.
Joe, the slave, came in the kitchen with a turn of wood, which he put down, 
beside the hearth.  His mistress handed him his breakfast in a pan and he 
went out on the back steps to eat it.
Burks was already busily eating for Ma had told him that Pa would not be able 
to go to the new ground so he must go with Joe and drop corn as Joe opened 
the furrows and covered them up.
The little boy was accustomed to work so he went cheerfully enough as Joe led 
the horse to the step for him to mount and then the black got up behind the 
boy.
This was the second of May, 1815.  Little more than twelve years before 
Sheldrick Kendrick and Nancy Burks had been married in Wilkes County.  
Sheldrick had been left some property by his father Jones, and Nancy was 
given a cow and a hog; some household articles by her mother.  In 1803, they 
went to Columbia Co. where Sheldrick had been living.  Rebecca and Virginia 
were born there.
In  1805, Sheldrick drew a fortunate lottery ticket for 202 ½ acres of land 
in the new county of Baldwin and after much swapping and bartering he 
converted his patrimony and some other property into a slave, two good 
horses, farm tools, and other necessities.  Some of their neighbors and 
relatives had also drawn lots in the new Indian cession and joined in the 
migration to the virgin land.  Trails had already been made to this region so 
the cavalcade and wagons arrived without undue hardship.
Nancy and Sheldrick, as many others did, had only a lean-to next their 
covered wagon for the first month.  It was beautiful October weather and 
though there were two babies to care for, they worked hard and fast and with 
the aid of the faithful Joe, and their friends at a log rolling and house 
raising time, they had completed a one room log house for a dwelling and 
another larger one, shaded on either side for their farm equipment and the 
left of the barn for Joe.
At the time our story opens, sawmills had been in operation to some extent.  
The main house was a double log cabin; each room twenty feet square connected 
by a ten-foot hallway, open front and back.  On the front side was a twelve-
foot shed running the entire length of the house.  The left side was 
partitioned off with boards for a room.  One door opened into the mother’s 
room and father’s and the other on the porch.  This was the girl’s room and 
in here slept the four little girls in two double beds.  A small steep 
stairway led from the right side of the door of the parent’s room and in the 
loft above was the room occupied by Burks.
On the other side of the house was the same size room as that of the parents’ 
with a like stairway opening from the hall and leading to the loft.  Up here 
was the wayfarer’s room, for there were many and none were ever turned away.  
This room was also for an overflow of guests especially when the relatives 
came.  The large room below was the guestroom.  In it was a four poster bed 
covered with a home woven counterpane with long fringe.  There were maybe 
half a dozen straight chairs of home manufacture in the room.  In one corner 
was an old bureau, the precious gift of Nancy’s mother who had now passed 
away.  In another corner was a homemade washstand and on it was a much-
cherished bowl and pitcher and soap dish.  This was convenient to the window 
through which water was thrown when ablutions were finished.  All the windows 
of the house were wooden shutters on hinges, which had to be closed in case 
of rain.  Stone chimneys were built at each end of the house.  There were two 
large fireplaces down stairs and two smaller ones upstairs.  On each side of 
the chimney in every room was a shutter window.  Also a window in each 
upstairs room opening into the hallway.  Through this window was Burks’ 
favorite mode of reaching his room.  It was much nicer to him to climb the 
logs than go up the stairway.
The first built log cabin with its stick and dirt chimney stood in its same 
place---now in the backyard and about twenty feet from the main dwelling.  
Here was the kitchen and dining room, which was partially connected by a 
boardwalk.
Nancy and Sheldrick were hardworking; thrifty, sensible people and their 
labors had been blessed by their efforts.  Much of the land had been cleared 
and they had an abundance of corn, wheat, and other food both for their 
family and their farm animals, which had greatly multiplied.
Their new venture this year was a fine newly cleared field to be put in corn 
and several acres near the house were already planted in cotton—the first of 
any consequence they had tried to grow.  All was well with them and their 
home was a happy one with six bright healthy children and the promise of 
plenty for their maintenance.

JOE

While Sheldrick was living in Wilkes County and after his marriage to Nancy, 
his father-in-law, John Burks, prevailed on him to work for him the remaining 
months of 1802.  For a long time, John had wished his bottomland on the 
branches of Sherroll’s Creek to be cleared up for he knew it would be 
wonderful land for cultivating. Though he had moved from Virginia to Wilkes 
with his growing family in the beginning, 1773, he still had plenty of virgin 
land.

Crops were laid by and John had a gang of strong Negroes so they, with 
Sheldrick to oversee, began the task of clearing the swampy land.  With axes 
and hatchets, they cut away the dense underbrush and vines, making piles of 
it and burning all that was dry enough.

The Negroes had been working on this for several days when from one of the 
densest thickets they heard a strange cry, more animal than human.  
Sheldrick, with gun in hand, rushed up with the Negroes and great was their 
surprise to see a heavily built black run up to Sheldrick, prostrate himself 
before him, and as Friday of old to his master, Crusoe, seemed to pledge 
undying allegiance.  All this time he had never spoken a word but by signs 
and grunts begged that his life might be spared.

Sheldrick was nonplused, for he had heard of no runaway Negro in that section 
and none of the Negroes with him could give information.  It was still early 
in the day and as the men would not be returning home before night, Sheldrick 
gave orders for the Negroes to find this new fellow to a tree for safety 
until he could investigate further.  He bade the Negroes put out the fire in 
the path from which the stranger had come.  Sheldrik went boldly into the 
densest thicket and beneath the overhanging vines he found a complete little 
cabin raised sufficiently from the ground to prevent dampness.  The floor of 
the cabin was made of small logs and the roof of logs and branches.  There 
was no chimney but inside was a great litter of straw and leaves.  Just 
beyond the cabin, on a solid rock with several loose rocks around it, was a 
rude fireplace.
From all indications the black had lived here for years, eking his living 
from the streams, trapping wild animals, and possibly raiding some of the 
neighboring cornfields.  It seemed impossible that the Negro could have been 
here all this time and never have been found.  However, his retreat was far 
to the side of the usual path of the hunters and so had escaped detection.
Sheldrick and his force left everything as they found it and went back to 
their work.  At noon they got out their baskets of lunch, fed the new black, 
and gave him water.  He seemed docile and grateful but still spoke no word.
At night there was great excitement at the house.  Word was sent and several 
of the neighbors had gathered.  The Negro was carefully examined.  Several 
scars were found about his body and on the left side of his face and down to 
his neck.  Evidently he had been brutally used but all knowledge of his exact 
identity was to remain a mystery for the black was deaf and dumb and could 
never give sufficient light on his former surroundings to make it clear to 
those investigating his case.
John Burks was a magistrate and as court was held in the district on the next 
day, the Negro was taken to the meeting so that legal proceedings could be 
made as to his disposal.  Sheldrick naturally attended as well as the other 
men in the neighborhood.  It was decided that the negro should be sold, as 
that was the law of the day, and Sheldrick, being the finder, should have 
choice of purchase.  So for a small sum, Joe, as he was called, was bought by 
Sheldrick.
Joe must have been about thrifty-five years old at the time though his hair 
was beginning to turn gray which is very unusual for a negro at that age.  He 
never wished to mix with others of his kind and asked that he might live in 
the loft of the corn crib which he fixed up very much as was his old home in 
the swamp.
The next spring Joe naturally accompanied his master and mistress to their 
new home and for than thirty years was as faithful and helpful as he knew how 
to be and his work was done so cheerfully that he endeared himself to the 
entire family.
At the new home, Joe built for himself a loft over the corncrib and as 
Sheldrick never bought another negro he continued his isolation from the rest 
of his tribe.
As stated above, Joe’s identity was never known but the theory was that he 
had been forced away from a coast planted by the British and as they were 
plundering through Wilkes the negro had made his escape to the swamps where 
he had lived in utter seclusion for possibly two decades.
While Joe could neither hear nor speak yet he was quick to catch on by signs 
and could be made to understand almost anything wanted of him.  As the 
children grew up they were especially fond of teaching Joe, many new things 
and invented their peculiar symbols for his instruction.  He was passionately 
fond of the children, as well as his master and mistress, so Sheldrick and 
Nancy knew he would protect their family with his life, if necessary.

SORROW

The two older girls were busy all morning looking after the younger children 
and helping their mother for as Sheldrick was in so much pain, Nancy was 
constantly applying poultices or something to try to relieve his suffering.  
Becky had prepared the midday meal almost along, so as soon as Burks and Joe 
returned from the field at noon, Nancy hurriedly fixed Joe’s dinner in a 
pail, gave it to him, and told him to saddle the other horse at once and go 
for the doctor.  It was a considerable distance and late in the afternoon 
before Dr. Hatcher and Joe returned.  Meanwhile, as Sheldrick’s agony 
continued, Nancy had Burks ride over for her brother, James Burks, who lived 
five miles away.
Uncle Jimmie, as the children called him, came in just after the doctor.  
After ministering to Sheldrick to the best of their limited ability, they 
went out to their supper and left Becky in attendance upon her father.  In a 
few minutes Sheldrick seemed perfectly easy and dropped off into a deep 
sleep.  This frightened the child so she went to the door and called.  All 
came running, what was their joy to see that Sheldrick was sleeping naturally 
after his long hours of agony.

The family had finished their supper so the men and Burks sat on the porch in 
the cool spring night. Becky went to her super and she and Jincey washed the 
dishes while mother made the younger children ready for bed and prepared the 
guestroom for her brother and the doctor.  Everyone was tired out after their 
strenuous and anxious day so all went to bed and had unbroken rest until the 
morning.  Sheldrick was the first to waken and told Nancy he felt like 
seating a good breakfast.  Of course, she soon had it ready for him and the 
others.  The men and the three older children were in the yard by the old 
white oak, so when mother summoned them to breakfast, the children came 
running ahead to show their mother that Uncle Jimmy had taught them in their 
books and the wonderful letters and figures he had made on the slate for 
Burks to copy.
Nancy was much pleased and told the children when breakfast was over they 
could go to their father and show what they were learning.  Sheldrick was 
delighted with the help James had given the children.  He and Nancy had been 
denied schooling, as so many other children were at that time, though both 
could read and write a little.  Tears came to Sheldrick’s eyes as he said, 
“You know, Jim, it is the dearest wish of mine and Nancy’s lives for our 
children to grow up to be educated men and women.  So far we've done very 
little as the nearest school has been in Monticello and that was too far for 
our children to go.  We had made up our minds, though to begin this summer 
and that was my main reason in buying the stick-back gig.  Burks is big 
enough now to drive old Mollie and Becky and Jincey can go too.  I had that 
in mind when I bought their books the other day while in town.  In fact, it 
was what I was doing when I had that first attack in my right side.  I just 
had to sit there until it was over.  Then I had another early the next 
morning.  I feel so much better now that I hope to be up and out soon.”
James replied, “You’ve been mighty sick, Sheldrick, and be sure you go very 
carefully.  Speaking of the children’s schooling, I think I can help there.  
I have already decided to open up a school in the little log courthouse at 
the crossroads during July, August and September.  This is much nearer than 
Monticello and the children can walk except in bad weather.  There are about 
twenty children in the neighborhood and my duties are rather light in the 
summer so I thought it would be a good thing for me as well the children to 
have this school.  I have spoken to several of the neighbors and they seem 
pleased with the idea.”

James Burks was eight years younger than Nancy and as his father had been 
settled in Wilkes since 1773, he had accumulated several slaves and much 
land.  More conveniences and a better mode of living was to be had in Wilkes, 
also schools were receiving more consideration.  James and Wiley, being the 
youngest children, had received a very good common schooling in their county 
and their father had sent them to the Academy in Augusta.  Both boys were 
diligent and intelligent and manly, and made the best use of their time.  
James had also drawn land in Jasper County (formerly Baldwin), had married 
Patsy Robinson four years before and had a little son, John.  James was then 
a justice of the peace, as was then a rather important office, so most of his 
land was devoted to a range for cattle.  Sheldrick and Nancy were delighted 
at the prospect of a school so near by and promised James they would send 
three children.

While these three had been in the room talking and the little girls with the 
baby under the white oak playing, Burks and the doctor were walking among the 
cotton where Joe was hoeing. As they came back through the yard Burks joined 
the children and the old doctor walked into the house and joined the grown-
ups.  “I tell you, Sheldrick, you have the finest, healthiest looking cotton 
crop, I’ve seen anywhere and I believe you’ll make a bale to the acre off 
that whole twenty-acre field.  It ought to be hoes quickly though so I’m 
sending over my man, Sam, as soon as I get home to help Joe while you are 
sick.  You know cotton must be worked fast and you must stay in bed for a few 
days at least and I don’t want you worrying”.  The good old man mounted his 
horse, which James had saddled and rode away promising to come again the next 
afternoon.  James also left, calling back to Nancy on the porch, “Let me 
know, Sis, if you need me again”.

It was the next afternoon that Sheldrick began to grow restless saying, “I 
wish the old doc would come.  Something someway seems wrong though I’m not in 
any special pain!  Nancy looked at him carefully and he seemed to have such 
an unnatural look in his eyes, still she didn’t feel especially uneasy, but 
sat down beside him with her sewing.  Directly little Sheldrick awakened so 
she fed him and took him out under the tree with the other children.  She 
told Jincey to go stay with her father while she and Becky made preparations 
for supper.  Burks left his play to go make a fire in the kitchen and bring 
in plenty of wood and water for morning.  Nancy had killed a young chicken 
and Becky was picking it for she wanted Pa to have some broth.  Jincey came 
to the door to say he was asleep so they all stayed out until supper was 
done.  Nancy carried some of the steaming broth, buttered biscuit, honey and 
milk to her husband.  He roused up but didn’t eat much.

It was now nearly dark so she lighted a candle and looked out.  No sign of 
the doctor so she felt certain he wouldn’t come tonight.  Something must have 
hindered him.  Nancy did not feel especially uneasy yet she would have felt 
better had the doctor come.  Sheldrick was so drowsy and was soon back to 
sleep again.  She went out to the children who were now ready for their 
supper so they were all soon through eating and then ready for bed except 
Becky who sat for some time on the porch with her mother.  Becky could feel 
that Ma was worried though she said nothing about it.  Soon they too retired 
and all were soon fast asleep until day.

The next morning Nancy slipped quietly out to the kitchen and though Joe had 
already made the fire she did not call the children until she carried 
Sheldrick’s breakfast in.

She set the food down on a chair and looked at her husband and a cry of alarm 
rose to her lips but she stifled it.  Sheldrick’s eyes were open but he 
stared at her unconsciously.  Nancy ran back quickly to the yard and had Joe 
hasten for the doctor.  Then she called Burks, gave him something to eat in 
his hand and had him hurry on old Mollie for his Uncle Jimmie.  She also told 
him to get James to send a man for Robert, Sheldrick’s brother.  The little 
girls, all frightened at the stir, quickly dressed and came out.  Nancy sent 
them out to eat their breakfast but she stayed in the room, tidying things up 
and doing other needed things.  She carried the baby from his cradle, still 
asleep, and laid him on the bed in the children’s room. The little girls were 
soon back from their breakfast but she sent them out again.

Doctor Hatcher felt a little worried on returning home the previous evening 
without having gone to Sheldrick’s as he had promised but his day had been 
strenuous, as he had to attend a distant patient who was very sick with swamp 
fever.  “I’ll get a good night’s rest and leave early in the morning.”  He 
did this and was within two miles of Sheldrick’s when he met Joe.  Nancy was 
indeed glad that he had arrived so soon.  He adjusted his glasses as he bent 
over the bed, carefully lifted a lid of one of Sheldrick’s eyes, and then 
turned to Nancy as he placed his hand on her shoulder.  “Be brave, my girl, 
but, I must tell you the truth.  Your husband can’t last more than the day.  
Something burst inside and he is turning green with poison.  If there had 
only been some way to get inside, but he couldn’t have stood the pain.”  
Nancy made no outcry but seemed to turn to stone. She had already, in her 
note to James, told him Sheldrick was dying, so the doctor’s words only 
confirmed her fears.  She lovingly drew the cover over Sheldrick and went out 
on the porch.

She looked down the road and saw James driving up with Patsy and little John.  
Nancy went out to the road to meet them.  Patsy threw her arms around her 
sister-in-law and cried, and for the first time Nancy gave way to tears.  
“Oh, sis, we too are so grieved.  I brought just everything I could handle 
that I thought might help.  I was looking for William and his family so had 
cooked up some cake and bread which I brought and some extra bedding for I 
knew we would have to provide pallets to make extra sleeping room. “  James 
was busily unpacking.  He kissed his sister, picked up some of the packages 
and all went into the house.  The doctor was sitting by Sheldrick’s bed.  
They spoke to him, looked a moment at the dying man, and followed Nancy into 
the girls’ room with their packages.  Meanwhile little John had joined his 
cousins in the back yard, but Becky had come up to Ma’s side and wanted to 
help.
“Sis, you come on and sit by Sheldrick’s side for I know that is where you 
want to be”, said James.  “Patsy and I can manage everything.  Mandy is with 
us.  Becky and Burks can show us where things are.  I brought a young shoat 
and beef to barbecue so I’ll be busy at that.  I brought my man, Shad, to 
help so don’t worry over a thing.”
Just as James left the room, Robert walked in. He spoke quietly to Nancy, 
then knelt down by the bedside.  Sheldrick was his only brother.  They had 
lost their mother at a tender age and gone to live with Uncle Burwell.  The 
two had always been most loyal to each other and now that Robert saw 
Sheldrick was going to leave him, it seemed more than he could bear.  With 
tears in his eyes he said, “Nancy, I have already sent for Uncle Burwell and 
I believe he’ll come if he’s able for you know he is very fond of Bud.  I’ll 
go out now and help James but if you need me call”.

Neighbors and other friends and relatives came and went but it all seemed a 
blur to Nancy.  Nothing mattered but Sheldrick and he was leaving her.  
Finally Patsy came in the room.  “Now, Sis, go out to dinner and try to eat 
something for you haven’t touched food today.  I know you don’t feel like it 
but you must keep up your strength. You have the six best children in the 
world and they have helped us a lot”.

Nancy went slowly from the room.  She knew she couldn’t eat any dinner but 
she really did and felt much refreshed.  She saw that the children were all 
right, told Becky to rock little Sheldrick to sleep and put him in his cradle 
in the girl’s room. Then she slowly went on back to her place by Sheldrick’s 
side.

People were constantly coming and going with a death like stillness but Nancy 
noticed nothing but the short breathing of her husband and the ticking of the 
clock.  She knew that both would cease in a short time. The Doctor came in 
and held his hand to the wrist of the slowly beating pulse of his patient.  
After seeming hours to Nancy, the Doctor rose from his chair, “He’s going 
now”, he said softly. Robert, in the doorway hears him and he, the children, 
and other members of the family gathered round.  The Doctor bent over the bed 
placed his hand on Sheldrick’s heart and all was silence.  In a short while 
Doctor Hatcher turned from the bed saying, “All is over”, walked to the clock 
and stopped it just as it would have struck six.  He walked to the porch and 
looked at the sun setting gloriously in the west.

Nancy tried to be calm but she just couldn’t be still.  Now that all was over 
and Sheldrick no longer needed her she must be busy at something.  Patsy rose 
with her and they went to the Kitchen to make hot coffee and biscuit for all 
else had been prepared.  Patsy went to the door and called for twelve to come 
out to supper. When they were through twelve more came.  After them came the 
children and the women who helped in serving.  Arrangements were made for six 
of the men to sit up until twelve o’clock then there would be six more to sit 
up until day.  Sheldrick had already been laid out in his new suit.  That was 
the work of Robert and James.  Some of the neighbors and friends went home 
and took some of the other guests with them.  Two of the women stayed in the 
kitchen with Mandy to see that the men were served hot coffee and refreshment 
at midnight.  The funeral would be the next day at three o’clock.  Five of 
the men had gone to neighbors and were to work until late to get the coffin 
ready.  Four others said they would be back by daylight with their negroes to 
dig the grave.  Nancy had decided that she wanted it at the foot of the big 
moss-covered rock about fifty yards away on a slope toward the ‘new-ground”.  
Now all the women were busy, with the men’s help preparing places to sleep 
for many had come from a long distance –maybe fifteen to twenty miles.  The 
corncrib had a lot of shucks and straw in it, so quilts or sheets were spread 
and about a dozen men slept there.  The negro men went up in the loft with 
Joe.  There were only two negro women and they slept on a pallet in the 
kitchen.  The doctor and another old neighbor occupied the guest chamber and 
most of the women slept in the room above.  James, Patsy, little John and the 
girls had the girls’ room, though some of the children had to sleep on 
pallets.

Nancy saw that all were comfortable for the night, she gave a look at her 
dead husband, then with her baby in her arms, and she went slowly upstairs to 
Burks’ room.  The boy had been in bed for some time but she saw he was not 
asleep.  She put the baby in the bed with his brother, silently undressed, 
blew out the candle and lay down beside the boys. Burks continued to turn 
back and forth and then softly began to weep.  Nancy reached an arm around 
him.  “What is it son? Can’t you go to sleep?” she asked tenderly.

“Oh! Ma!” he burst forth, “It isn’t only pa’s death.  That can’t be helped 
now. But will we have to leave our home and go live with other people?  When 
Pa first died, I ran out to the barn to see that all the cows and hogs had 
been tended to and I heard some of the neighbors talking as how now there 
wasn’t any man we’d probably be divided out among our kin-folks.  I couldn’t 
stand it, Ma.”

Nancy pressed the little boys shoulders as she answered, “No, son. I’ve been 
talking it over with Jimmie and Robert and they think, as we do, that it will 
be best to stick together.  Joe will be a great help and Jimmie and Robert 
will help too, so we’ll try to manage somehow"”.

“And I’ll help too, Ma, for I’m getting big boy – eight years old today – and 
Becky will help, you know.”

“Poor little lad, eight years old and this burden on his shoulders”, she 
thought sadly, but aloud, “I know you will son, for an eight year old can do 
lots. Now cuddle down and go to sleep”.

Burks, relieved, turned over and was soon lost in slumber. Not so, Nancy. She 
lay staring at the beams above and wondering what she would do. But no 
solution would come.  She listened the men’s voices on the porch, talking in 
subdue tones. She heard an owl, the frogs down at the branch, the lowing of 
cows and the answering bah of the calves.  Soon she knew it must be twelve 
o’clock for the men were stirring as others took their places in the watch. 
She could hear her good neighbors as they minister to the men.  Two couples 
who lived nearby drove on off to their homes.  Now all was still again save 
the low humming of the men’s voices on the porch.  Nancy’s endurance was 
passed so, with a fervent prayer to God, she gave herself up to rest.

Nancy was the first to rise in the morning; she spoke cheerfully to the men 
on the porch, and went to the kitchen.  Patsy soon followed her and with the 
help of the two negro women soon had coffee, fried chicken, hot biscuits, 
preserves, and honey ready for all. There were not so many as the night 
before and soon everyone had been served.  About eight o’clock the men came 
in with the coffin, and rested it on two chairs in the middle of the room.  
Sheldrick’s body was lifted softly in the coffin but the cover was not put on 
yet.  All wished to go in and take a look at the body.  Nancy, the children, 
and their relatives went first, then their neighbors and friends and last, 
the blacks, who seemed just as grieved over their loss as anyone.  There was 
no loud outcry, but soft weeping among the women and children.
At noontime more of the neighbors had come in and brought a bountiful supply 
of food so all went out in the yard to eat.  Just as they were finishing 
their repast, Uncle Burwell, with several members of his family, and the 
preacher drove up.  They had started the afternoon before but spent the night 
with a friend on the way.  Nancy had seen the old man but once before but she 
knew what he had meant to Sheldrick so she broke down and wept as Uncle 
Burwell clasped her in his arms.  The old minister had baptized Sheldrick so 
he greeted Nancy with affection.  There was also Cousin Marthy Maddox, 
Uncle’s daughter, and his son Jimmie, a tall strong lad of fourteen.  The 
newcomers were made welcome, a fresh towel was brought out to the men through 
with their ablution, while Cousin Marthy was taken to the room and food was 
provided for them.
After all had finished with their eating preparations were made for the 
funeral.  It was to be held from the house and many of the neighbors had 
brought chairs so that all the women and girls could be seated.  The little 
ones sat in their mothers’ laps and the men stood with their backs to the 
wall of the hall and porch and some sat on the porch edge silently chewing 
and spitting tobacco, with their feet resting on the ground.  The old 
minister read the service, made some timely remarks as to Sheldrick’s many 
virtues then prayed a lengthy prayer for God’s care for the window and 
orphans.  At the close, he asked that anyone who might wish to take a last 
look at the dead could come forward at that time.  Nancy, supported by 
Robert, came first, the children, and others following until everyone present 
had gazed in grief or awe at the late departed.  There was much demonstration 
among the women and children and Uncle Burwell wept aloud.
Six stalwart men bore the body of their dead friend out through the back door 
down the slope at the foot of the great rock.  Here Sheldrick’s body was laid 
in its last resting place; the grave was soon filled and rounded over.  All 
were now winding their way home except Uncle Burwell and those with him.  He 
lived about thirty miles away so decided to wait until morning, get in an 
early start and make the trip home in a day.  James left Mandy and Shad to 
help his sister and with his wife and boy went back home, promising to return 
the next afternoon.
Uncle Burwell and the minister occupied the guestroom that night, Nancy, baby 
Sheldrick, and Marthy stayed in the room with the little girls and Burks took 
Jimmie to his room upstairs.
Nancy and Marthy, who had never met before, became very much attached to each 
other as they talked late in the night.  Marthy was several years younger 
than Nancy and had been married to Richard Maddox in 1806.  Her husband was 
interested in transportation on the Savannah River from Augusta to Savannah.  
This kept him from home a great deal so she made her home with her father and 
mother in Morgan County.  Marthy had four children at that time—three girls 
and a boy. She and Nancy at last went to sleep and Nancy rested somewhat 
better than the night before.  She was awake before good daylight and went 
quietly out to the kitchen. Already the fire had been made in the fireplace 
and Vancy had water boiling and chicken and ham cooking so breakfast was 
ready and all were enjoying it.
While Jimmie was getting the team ready and Marthy was busy getting things 
together for the journey, Burwell took Nancy aside and had a good heart to 
heart talk with her. “I loved Sheldrick like a son for he was always good and 
obedient while living at my house and I believe if he could speak he would 
commend you for the course you are taking in holding your family together.  
That is by far the wisest plan though it may not seem the easiest now.  I 
don’t believe you’ll ever regret it for your children will look to you for 
strength and counsel, which they wouldn’t have done, had you let them go out 
from under your control.  I shall constantly ask God’s blessing on you and 
yours and I believe you’ll receive it if you remain strong and steadfast.”  
The old minister came up and added his blessing, Marthy threw her arms around 
Nancy and kissed her and the children, and Jimmie gave her a quiet handshake, 
and they were off down the road.
The two negro men came up and asked what the missus wanted them to do that 
day.  Nancy told them to go to the early corn field and give it a plowing for 
she remembered with a great throbbing pain, that was what Sheldrick aid was 
needed three days ago.  Three days, it seemed like three centuries.  Mandy 
left the dishes to the girls and came in the house and began taking out 
bedding, airing and sunning and cleaning.  She had a big pot of boiling water 
at the spring so she took all the bedlinen, towels, etc. down there and soon 
Nancy heard her battling stick going with a vim and before long Mandy was 
back to the house helping Miss Nancy clean and arrange the chairs and 
furniture in place.  Burks was out hoeing in the garden, Becky was gathering 
vegetables for dinner and Jincey was entertaining the younger children.
In the midst of their busy morning, James Burks drove up.  “Hi, Sis, I came 
over to help but the way you are getting things done I don’t believe you need 
me”, called James.  “But I’ll ride on over to the field and see how the men 
are getting on at their plowing”, so he drove on up through the lane.
Everyone was busy all day but at night after James had left with the two 
negroes everything seemed awfully lonely and desolate to the little family.  
Nancy made a big effort and showed the children that they must be brave.  She 
saw that the children were comfortable for the night then went back to her 
bed in her same old room where she and Sheldrick had slept for ten years, but 
now he was not.  Still she looked over at her sleeping baby and as she 
grabbed him to her breast she murmured, “yes, I still have something for 
which to be thankful”.

NANCY AT THE HELM

It was nearly a week before James came over again though the neighbors, both 
men and women, had dropped in and approved the manner in which Nancy was 
managing.  Her house was still kept neat and clean. Of course, the children 
would get soiled at their work and play but their clothes were mostly of 
plain homespun of fast colors or white, and as soon as garments were soiled 
they were dropped into water in a tub by the kitchen door and at least every 
other day, Nancy or Becky would take them to the wash place at the spring, 
wash them, boil them in the big black iron pot, rinse them and bring them to 
the house to dry on the line.
The thing Nancy and Sheldrick had tried to impress most on the children after 
being honest and truthful was to be net and orderly and have respect for each 
other’s belongings.  Becky and Burks were especially impressed by their 
parents’ teaching and this was a great help to the others.  Jincey was sweet 
and good but she depended too much on her older sister.  Still, no one could 
entertain the younger children quite so well as she and this job was most 
often left to her.
James had left word that as soon as Joe finished plowing in the early 
corn he should start plowing the cotton, and immediately after plowing it 
should be hoed for it would be an easy matter to get the few springs of weeds 
or grass left after the plow. Now Nancy had never worked in the field though 
she had hoed in her garden and flower yard. So as son as Joe began plowing 
the cotton, she, Becky, and Burks followed with the hoeing. They would rise 
early in the morning get through with breakfast and the housework by seven 
o’clock and the three would work until ten while Jincey looked after the 
three little children—the cotton field was within call of the house and there 
was nothing to harm them.  Then they came home, cooked dinner, and rested or 
slept for a couple of hours, and the three were back at their work until 
sunset when all came to the house.  Joe and Burks attended to the stock, 
milked the cows, brought in wood and water while Nancy and Becky prepared 
supper.  All were ready to eat before dark, went into the house and soon all 
was still for the night.
Oh!  It was hard for Nancy and there were times when she felt she 
couldn’t go on.  Yet she plodded on and always tried to hide her 
discouragement from the children.  Another thing that grieved her was the 
fact that she couldn’t see clearly how she would be able to send them to 
school.  She knew James would take them tuition free, but she felt too proud 
to be indebted to even her brother.  She and the children must make their 
way.  While Nancy was pondering these things—it was the Sabbath and rest day, 
so she had more time for pondering---James, with his wife and boy drove up to 
spend the day.  James had many things to talk over with his sister so soon 
after their arrival he and Nancy went to walk over the farm leaving the 
children with Patsy.
James was indeed gratified to see the crop in such good shape—
especially the cotton plowed and hoed and commended Nancy for her excellent 
management.  “But I tell you, Sis, you are going at too rapid a gait.  Your 
health and strength will be worth more to you and your family than anything 
else and you must not impair that.”
“You just can’t know, James, that I can’t stand to be idle a minute for 
my responsibility weighs me downs if I have time to think about it.  Then at 
night I am so tired that I can lose myself in sleep.”
Nancy looked so forlorn that James could not bear to chide her, and 
while he loved his sister devotedly and always admired her for her wonderful 
traits of character, they were never demonstrative.  James knew that Nancy 
would never accept charity from him or anyone else so he had to choose his 
words carefully.
“I tell you, Sis, I’ve thought of a plan that will be beneficial for 
both of us and prevent your and Becky’s working in the field.  You know I’ll 
have to be in Monticello for all this month of May and possibly a little 
longer, attending court and other business.  Now, you know, my legal affairs 
take me from home a great deal and my farm interests are mostly in cattle so 
I’ve decided to go to my house in Monticello and my wife and baby.  We shall 
take Mandy for a house-girl and leave Sol, his wife and boy to look after the 
farm and you see that leaves Shad with nothing to do.  He doesn’t get along 
with Sol very well, when I am away anyway; so if you’d like to rent him you 
can have him for his keep and some eggs and chickens.  We’ll be needing them 
as you now most of our hens died of limber neck in the early spring.”  
“Another thing,” James continued, “You’ll be wanting to make some new clothes 
for the children to get them ready for school, so if you’ll make out your 
list I’ll get the things tomorrow as I have to go to Macon. What do you say?”
Nancy knew that James was trying his best to help without letting her 
know she was to reap all the benefit.  She fully appreciated this and 
accepted his generosity gratefully.  So when her guests were ready to leave, 
she gave James her list, some things he said he could barter, and some money.  
The next morning, bright and early, Shad came over and went to work with Joe.  
Burks often went with the negroes and saw that his mother’s orders were 
carried out.  Burks did not spend all his time in the field but came back to 
the house and did odd jobs.  He always found some time to write and study; 
for each time Uncle Jimmie came, he would set some new school task for the 
children.  Nancy let them study undisturbed while she looked after the little 
ones.
All went well, the middle of June had come, Uncle Jimmie was back and 
school had opened in the little log courthouse.  Nancy felt mighty proud of 
her three school children in nice new clothes that she and Becky had made, a 
shining dinner pail of lunch, a bottle of milk, and a book and slate apiece 
in their arms.  “Maybe they wouldn’t be the smartest, best children in the 
school,” thought Nancy, as they walked proudly down the road and waved back 
to her when they came to the turn, “but they are mine, and I know they’ll do 
their best.”
Elizabeth was the eldest left at home now and she felt very important 
that it was her job to watch over Sallie and Sheldrick.  She watched her 
mother at her work and grew very helpful for the schoolchildren were away 
from early morning until late afternoon.  They still did a few chores before 
supper and studied for awhile before going to bed but in the morning Nancy 
didn’t wake any of the children until the school lunches were fixed and 
breakfast was ready.  The two negroes were helpful about the hardest work at 
the house, and were in the fields before sun-up.  The summer soon passed, the 
little school was closed, and Nancy was mighty proud of the records of her 
children.  Becky was reading nicely in her Bible and writing such a pretty 
hand; Jincey was to horseback in her speller and could read and write a 
little.  Burks went as far as baker in his speller, couldn’t read much, but 
wrote very smoothly and could cipher as well as some of the big boys, Uncle 
Jimmie said.
Nancy, the children and slaves were now busy with the cotton.  They had 
to hire some help, but, for the most part, they did the work themselves.  The 
little ones played around the baskets while the others worked.  Nancy and the 
children were especially proud of the cotton crop for they felt it was indeed 
the work of their hands.  The neighbors advised Nancy to hire old Sam Wright 
to handle her cotton as he kept teams for that purpose.  He was honest and 
would haul the cotton to the gin, bring back her part of the seed, take the 
cotton to the best market—which was now Augusta—bring back the money and 
charge a reasonable per cent for his services.  Nancy, too, thought this best 
so she engaged Wright for the job.
The morning Wright was to leave for Augusta with Nancy’s first load of 
baled cotton, Wright came by to get his food, which Nancy had agreed to 
furnish for the journey.  She had it nicely packed in a basket and handed it 
out to him.  Of course, she naturally thought the man would put in on the 
wagon and drive on.  Instead he sat down and ate and ate and ate.  Finally he 
handed the basket back to Nancy.  She was so astonished and distressed that 
she burst into tears for she had spent so many hours in preparing the food 
and trying to fix it particularly well that she was worn completely out over 
her efforts.  She just couldn’t begin all over again.  Wright sensed Nancy’s 
distress so quickly spoke, “Don’t worry, don’t worry, Madam, I always eat all 
I can before I start and this lasts me for the three days journey.  Your food 
was extra good and I’m mighty blessed to you and will now proceed.”  So 
saying he flourished his old fur cap and left.
The cotton crop turned out about as well as expected though it did not 
make a bale to the acre.  They got fifteen bales and after all expenses were 
paid, Nancy had $500 clear, which her brother deposited at a small interest 
in the bank at Milledgeville.  It made her feel much more secure to know she 
had a little something for a rainy day and she meant that it should be used 
only for that purpose.  Now that the cotton crop was harvested there still 
remained plenty of other work to be done before cold weather came.  Nancy and 
Becky were busy spinning, weaving and making the winter clothes.  Burks and 
the negroes were working steadily preparing the ground for the next year’s 
crop.  Winter wheat and oats had already been sown.  On wet days, if not too 
disagreeable, fire wood was brought from the woods and cut and piled, more 
sheds were added to take care of the increased animals.  Oh, there was always 
something but with Nancy ever at the helm, everything moved on at a normal 
pace.
Of course, there were plenty of discouragement’s, plenty of heartaches, 
but she moved patiently, steadily, forward and when spring came Nancy felt 
humble and thankful that they were able to start new crops, send the children 
back to school, and still have food and clothes for all.  Shad was a good 
quiet negro and he didn’t seem to disturb Joe at all. Nancy was glad to keep 
Shad, for, as James said it kept the overstrain of labor lifted from her 
shoulders.  She and the children also attended church services as often as 
they were held.  The children still studied some at night and though they 
many not have progressed much still it kept them from forgetting.  Burks kept 
all the family accounts and this was great relief for his father had always 
done this.
Nancy was a good neighbor and was always ready to do a good turn.  As 
the children grew older she found time to visit more; also the children went 
more.  There were not so many social gatherings but when there were, some or 
maybe all of her flock were there.  The muster roll in Monticello was a great 
event each year.  Uncle Jimmie was one of the lieutenants, also Uncle Robert, 
and the children thought they looked grand riding along in their uniforms.
Two year’s after Sheldrick’s death dear old Uncle Burwell passed on.  
The older children had attended the funeral.  Richard Maddox had failed 
completely in business—ruined by an unscrupulous partner.  Richard had come 
back to his father-in-law’s to live—all broken in health.  James had enlisted 
with Andrew Jackson in the Seminole war in Florida at the age of sixteen.  In 
1819 he came home and married Mary Butler.  Shortly after this Richard Maddox 
died and Martha soon followed leaving six helpless, penniless children to the 
mercies of their relatives.  Martha had spent all her patrimony trying to 
recuperate the lost fortunes of her husband.  James, though not yet of age, 
took care of the oldest girl, Nancy, and her oldest brother, Thomas.  You may 
be sure Nancy’s heart went out to them in their double bereavement and 
yearned to do something to help.

SWEET SIXTEEN AND A BRIDE

It was now 1821, the children were growing up rapidly and even little 
Sheldrick was in school, the previous summer.  The winter had been unusually 
cold, but there was now promise of spring for buds were swelling and shoots 
of grass and flowers began to appear.  All was bustle and stir in Nancy’s 
household for today was March 1, and little Virginia’s wedding. Mastin 
Hatcher, the youngest son of the old doctor, was the lucky man.  He was 
several years older than Jincey, as she was always called, but an excellent 
young fellow.  How that the good doctor had passed on, the old home had been 
left to Mastin and already he had accumulated quiet a competence.
Nancy knew that Mastin was a good honorable man and for some time she had 
known that he and Virginia were in love and she would have to give her up, 
still as Jincey said, “I won’t be so far but what you can come to see me Ma, 
and I can come to see you all too”.  Jincey had always been such a quiet, 
modest, sweet girl, and now she was blossoming out into a beautiful woman.  
All winter the three women had been extra busy spinning, weaving, and sewing 
for they wanted Jincey to go to her husband with something of her own.  They 
had already saved up enough feathers from their geese for a new bed and 
pillows, which naturally should go to Becky, but Becky turned them over to 
Jincey as she said she would have plenty of time to get others before she got 
off.
The house was practically the same as when their father left them.  All 
preparations were completed, big fires were blazing from the hearths, and the 
guestroom was as pretty as the girls could make it, for here the wedding 
would take place.  The trunk and boxes were already packed and waiting.  In 
them were the garments, bed linen, quilts, towels, etc., which all had 
contributed with their own hands.  The guests began to arrive and soon the 
house was filled.  Virginia looked lovely in her blue linsey-woolsey dress, 
which she and ma and Becky had made.  The poke bonnet with pink and blue 
flowers was very becoming for it set off the sweet girlish beauty of the 
young girl.  She was waiting in her mother’s room.  Presently Mastin, dressed 
in black broadcloth and looking very uncomfortable in a high stiff collar 
came in.  Virginia put her hand in his arm and they walked slowly into the 
guestroom.   Uncle Jimmie performed the ceremony and the young couple was 
showered with congratulations.  After a short time they departed for their 
home.
Some of the friends and relatives from a distance had to spend the night for 
it was already mid-afternoon and not time enough to reach home before dark.  
Nancy was prepared, however, and when suppertime came passed a cold lunch 
with hot coffee to her guests there in the house.  Sleeping arrangements were 
made for all and in the morning a hot steaming breakfast cheered the guests 
on their way.
At first the family seemed lost without Jincey, but they soon got accustomed 
to the missing place and as spring was coming, there were plenty of tasks for 
all.  As she had promised, Virginia came often for she was devoted to her 
family and there were so many housekeeping and other problems that she must 
discuss with her mother.

OTHERS LEAVE THE HOME NEST

Six more years had now gone by and Burks was twenty.  For several years he 
had taken complete charge of the farm, and become head of the household.  He 
was a young man of excellent character and good habits.  He never chewed or 
smoked tobaacco nor became intoxicated.  Though he was not yet of age, he 
took deep interest in all public affairs and was very prominent in his 
church.  The farm was prospering under his good management and the family was 
living in plenty.  Another new ground had been cleared and they were now 
growing more cotton though they still grew plenty of food and feed for the 
family and their animals.  Burks still rented Shad from his Uncle James 
Burks, as James was now in the legislature at the capitol in Milledgeville.
Uncle Jimmie was still deeply interested in their welfare and was their wise 
counselor in all-grave questions.  He and Aunt Patsy came up for Elizabeth’s 
wedding, which was March 8, 1827.  About the same preparations were made for 
it as for Virginia’s.  Elizabeth was nearly eighteen and very pretty but a 
different type of beauty as she had black straight hair though very glossy.  
Her husband was Williamson Shropshire who lived in an adjoining county.  
Uncle Jimmie performed the ceremony there at Nancy’s home.
Later in the year James made a trip over to the new territory in the western 
part of the state that had recently been ceded by the Indians and was now 
being surveyed.
James was much impressed by the section especially that part that was 
afterwards called Talbot Valley, and was soon afterwards cut off from Troup 
and Muscogee counties, and with more land, made into Talbot County.  It was 
already decided where the county site should be and several huts were already 
built for the surveyors.  While James liked the Valley better yet he decided 
that as his business was more of a legal nature he had best have his holdings 
nearer to the courthouse if he could secure land there.
There were many of his friends and neighbors that were interested too, so 
when it was found that the new territory would be drawn by lottery there was 
much excitement all over Jasper and all the old counties and great stir at 
Monticello and other county sites.
Every man and woman at the head of a household had chances to draw during the 
time the lottery was being held which was for more than two months beginning 
March 5, 1827.  Many speculators were on hand for there were many who drew 
lucky numbers who never intended to occupy their new possessions so these 
speculators were busy buying and selling.  Burks could not draw but he was 
intensely interested in the proceedings.  The land would be ready for 
occupation next year, as the surveying was not yet completed.  Each lot was 
to contain 202 ½ acres.  Burks had been eagerly listening to many 
conversations among the men and all expressed themselves that it would be a 
wonderful opportunity for a young man without encumbrances.  Even men with 
families were buying many lots and expected to move out during the next 
years.  Burks had good offers from prominent men who needed just such a young 
man to help them get moved and started off in their new homes.
Burks pondered all this as he went about his work during the remainder of the 
year.  His mother noticed his abstraction but said nothing as she wanted him 
to make his own decisions and she felt that the time was not yet ripe for her 
to speak. The new year started off auspiciously and the farm work was already 
well begun when Burks’ twenty-first birthday arrived on May 5.  He then went 
to his mother and laid before her all that was in his mind.  Nancy knew that 
she would miss her boy more than she could say, but, being the wise mother 
that she was, told him she thought it was his opportunity and that he should 
grasp it.  Sheldrick was not fifteen and it would be a good thing for the 
younger boy to assume more responsibility.  Burks told her that the men 
around them would not go until their crops were laid by and partly harvested, 
and too, he wanted to stay for his sister Becky’s wedding which would be 
august 10.  She was marrying Daniel Trussell and they too had drawn or bought 
land in Talbot County.
Burks worked on with a fierce decision and saw that no time was lost either 
by himself or the negroes, and Sheldrick worked steadily too, so things were 
in good shape by august 12, the date set for their journey.  James had 
decided definitely to go and had procured his land, though his duties in 
Jasper kept them until September.  James engaged Burks to take his four negro 
men with a wagonload of provisions and other most necessary articles and go 
ahead to begin the work of clearing.  Great droves of mules had been sent 
down from Tennessee and Kentucky and they were readily purchased, especially 
by the men who were moving.  James bought four for they would be of more 
service in the new country.
The eventful day arrived.  Daniel drove up to the house first with his 
outfit—a new covered wagon with two mules hitched to it.  Becky, with her 
mother and the other children was standing at the door with her trunk and 
boxes all ready.  She threw her arms around her mother as if she could not 
let go, then embraced Sallie and Sheldrick and joined her husband. Burks 
threw his horse’s rein over the gatepost and came in.  He, too, bade 
affectionate farewell to his family and old Joe and promised his mother that 
he would be back the next year in time to start off the crop.  He mounted his 
horse and drove off to the crossroads where he was to take charge of Uncle 
Jimmie’s outfit.  Joe and Shad followed on foot, Joe to bring Burks’ 
horseback and Shad to join the others for Talbot County.
Nancy felt desolate indeed to give up the two children who had always been 
such a help and comfort.  But even then she did not despair but put an arm 
around each of her youngest children and told them that they, with old Joe, 
would still carry on.  Nancy was lots older now but she still had that strong 
determination to make the best of her lot and never let her children know she 
was discouraged.  Sallie and Sheldrick though they had never felt 
responsibility before, felt now that they must take the older children’s 
places and help Ma all they could.

A NEW ERA FOR BURKS

It was still quite early in the morning, August 12, 1828, when Burks, his 
relatives and neighbors started on their way to their new homes.  They were 
routed by Macon, as that was the best road.  Here they camped the first 
night.  They went by the Old Horse Trail to Flint River and there camped on 
the second night.  Some of the party who were going to Meriwether County 
separated from Burks’ party the next morning after crossing the river.  Late 
in the afternoon they reached the present city, of Talbotton.  All decided to 
camp there for the night. On the following morning many in the party left for 
other sections.  Fortunately, Burks was very near the place that belonged to 
his Uncle Jimmie.  He and the negroes soon had the team on the land and began 
work at once.  James Burks had given Burks instructions as to what he wished 
done and his nephew and the negroes first pitched a tent and began unloading 
the necessary things from the wagon.  With axes and saws they began on a 
cabin that must be ready for the family in a couple of weeks.  Then another 
cabin that would be occupied by the negroes must be built. As the weather was 
warm and fair now it was more pleasant out of doors.
The great-unbroken forest was beautiful with its grand, oak, hickory and 
other lovely trees.  Most of the settlers would make their dwelling 
convenient to a good spring but as there was none on this lot they would have 
to depend on a well.  This must be dug and sheltered over.  Places must also 
be provided for their cattle, hogs, horses and mules.  Work was progressing 
fast and yet Burks found time to do many neighborly kindnesses.  Public 
buildings had to be erected in the new city and he was always willing to give 
his quote of time.  It was found necessary to have a courthouse and jail 
immediately, so this was the public work that was done first.  More real 
carpenters were needed so Burks offered his services for that after Uncle 
Jimmie had come and taken charge at home.
Mr. Dave Bryan, said to be the wealthiest man in the county and owned the 
most slaves, was very much interest in Burks’ work.  He noticed the careful 
intelligent manner in which he was building book shelves and pigeon holes for 
papers.  Finally he spoke to Burks.  “Young man, you are the very person I 
wish to superintend a job for me.  We have already built some cabins but my 
sawmill starts up next week and I want to begin on a much larger house for my 
dwelling.  My family is large and we are in great need for more room.  So 
far, I haven’t been able to get a man that could do my job, but I believe you 
can”.
Burks was please at the praise of this man for he already knew who he was.  
And while Mr. Bryan was a man who was honest and just yet he was very 
exacting in his ideas.  When Burks came to this new land he had made up his 
mind that he would go slowly before he decided on a definite place to settle, 
and too, he did not draw any land and he had no money with which to purchase 
any.  First class builders were making good money so Burks considered this a 
very good offer.  He told Mr. Bryan he was not a settler here and had 
promised to go back to Jasper in about five months from now.  “That’s all 
right, boy, I already know something of you and your people and that’s why I 
wish to engage your services.  We’ll begin next Monday morning if we can come 
to an agreement as to your price.  A lot can be done in five months”.
A contract was agreed on and the next Sunday afternoon Uncle Jimmie took 
Burks out to Mr. Bryan’s place.  The two older men made friends, at once, and 
as both were Baptist they begun to discuss the question of organizing a 
Baptist church.
“This is one of the most centrally located sections of the northern-part of 
the country and I believe it is the place to put the church,” said Mr. Bryan.  
“Already I have been talking to my friend, John Lloyd, who has big holdings 
in Talbot Valley and he quiet agrees with me.  Billie Holmes also is a 
Baptist and lots of other families around here”.  James fully agreed to his 
plan and said he would like to discuss it more fully at another time, but now 
he must be getting home.  So after bidding his nephew and the family goodbye, 
he drove away.
Monday morning Burks was ready to begin on the house.  It took some time to 
get the foundations ready for the timbers for Burks was very careful and 
exact in all his measurements.  He had several rather intelligent slaves who 
were to build the rock pillars and chimneys; the rocks were already selected 
and lying nearby.  Mr. Bryan’s overseer was a fairly good carpenter and much 
help in getting the sills ready. The house was to be four large rooms, with a 
hall between, on the first floor and three rooms upstairs, the stairs going 
up from the hall.  The dining room and kitchen were to be in the back yard—
separate from the remainder of the house.  By Saturday noon the rock pillars 
were in place, the chimneys begun and the sills laid.  The wagons came from 
the sawmill laden with sleepers and joists.  Mr. Bryan was a proud as a boy 
over the accomplishment of the week and gave the men a holiday for being so 
faithful.
The next day being Sunday, all were preparing for church to be held in a 
grove above the house.  All the neighbors and friends were notified and Ben 
Lloyd, the son of John Lloyd, was to preach.  He had preached several times 
already at different places in the county.  On this day a conference was to 
be held and the people were to vote on location for a church.  Mr. Bryan and 
several others were in favor of this place because of its central location 
and the spring nearby where a pool could be made for baptizing purposes.  The 
Reverend Ben Lloyd gave a stirring sermon and afterwards, in conference, this 
place was decided on by an overwhelming majority.  A presbytery from the 
Echoconnah Association was invited to meet with them the next Sunday and 
organize the church.  All left the grove much pleased and looking forward to 
the near future when they would have a flourishing church and a house of 
worship.  Several of the more distant neighbors came to Mr. Bryan’s house for 
dinner, among them the preacher and his father.  Burks was impressed by both 
and they by him.
Big preparations were being made all over the neighborhood for the all day 
meeting on the next Sunday.  Heretofore meetings had been held at different 
homes in the Valley Grove and Talbot Valley districts.  There had been 
several different preachers but the Reverend Ben Lloyd had held most of the 
sessions, as he was always available.  Mr. Bryan had notified the Echoconnah 
Association of their desire to be organized into a church and become a member 
of their association.  The Association had written that they would be glad to 
meet with the people and make a church of those desiring membership.
It was a lovely day the next Sunday in mid October when the crowd gathered in 
the same grove for their organization.  The address of welcome was delivered 
by Reverend Ben Lloyd, after which great baskets of lunch were spread on 
improvised tables and lunch was participated in by all.  The lunch hour was 
an excellent time to talk over plans for the church for all were in affable 
frame of mind and felt unusually brotherly.  The good women saw that everyone 
was served bountifully but did not take much part in the discussions except 
among themselves.
After the repast was over the people again gathered into a quiet group and 
members of the Echoconnah Association explained the object of their coming 
together and the necessary rules and regulations by which each member should 
abide.  This was plainly and forcibly expounded by the Reverend Andrew Hood.  
He made clear to the audience what would be their duties and obligations and 
charged them strictly with the sacredness of the step they were undertaking.  
After the Reverend Hood had finished his discourse, several others had some 
things to say.  It was found how many wished to join this organization and 
become a church. About forty people raised their right hand so it was moved 
and seconded and voted on that this body become a church and that it be 
called The Valley Grove church of upper Talbot county, and should be a member 
of the Echoconnah Association.  As the day was far spent, the body was 
dismissed after agreeing to meet again the next Sunday.
It was another glorious day when the following Sunday the membership met in 
the Grove.  There was to be no regular sermon, as much business had to be 
performed.  Deacons had to be chosen and ordained, a pastor must be elected, 
the big question as to whether they should begin now or wait until spring 
about building was discussed pro and con.  Reverend Ben Lloyd was made 
moderator and the membership was keenly alive to its duties.  Rev. Lloyd 
asked God’s guidance and benediction on all they did and said and immediately 
the business was begun.  The Rev. Andrew Hood was called to be their first 
pastor. (Rev. Ben Lloyd had refused to have his name before the body, as he 
did not feel that he was orthodox enough to be the pastor.)  Deacons were 
chosen and would be ordained the next Sunday.  Among them were Hardy Bryan, 
Billy Homes, and Burks Kendrick.  Most of the deacons were young men as the 
members felt there would be many hardships to encounter and it would take 
strong capable men to endure them.
Now the problem of the meetinghouse was discussed for sometime, the members 
being about equally divided in their opinions.  Those opposed to building at 
once said, “You know we have been here such a short time that the real 
necessities for a comfortable home have not yet been provided sufficiently to 
keep our families from suffering from cold during the winter.  Our negroes 
and stock may die if exposed to the blasts of the weather”.  This was all 
quite true and it could be seen that many voiced the sentiments just spoken.  
Then old Dave Bryan arose, “Men and brethren”, he began, “We know every word 
that has been spoken is the truth and we know that man’s responsibility 
begins with his home.  But, brothers, we also know we have a bigger 
responsibility toward our god and have pledged ourselves for the furthering 
of his kingdom.  How do we know how many souls may perish if we do not open a 
door to them?  Yes, brothers, we have heavy responsibilities but, I for one, 
am not willing to thrust any aside.  By God’s help, I expect to meet both.  
Right no I am in the midst of building against the cold winter and so are you 
but let’s each of us give on day out of the six for building on the Lord’s 
house and the seventh for worshipping in his holy temple”.  This enthusiasm 
caught the crowd by storm and everyone agreed as Mr. Bryan had said.
Each went home and resolved with such leadership they would indeed accomplish 
what they had set out to do.  Burks, though one of the youngest leaders, was 
most enthusiastic.  He was asked to draw up plans for the church building.  
He did it before he slept that night and submitted them to a committee that 
met the next day to arrange the work in relays so that there would never be 
too few or too many there at the same time.  While Mr. Bryan’s timbers were 
seasoning for his own house, he had more cut for the church.  As he was the 
only member that had a sawmill, he agreed to furnish most of the lumber.  
Besides this, there were rocks to be hauled, stills to be hewn, boards to be 
rived, doors to be made, windows to be bought and many other kinds of work 
for all.  Of course, Burks’s time during the day belonged to his employer; 
nevertheless, he would sit up far into the night planning so that the work 
should move on just right.
It was a grand work that these men put over but when the Christmas holiday 
came it was celebrated with a special rejoicing in that community for the 
Lord’s house was finished.  Many new members were added to the church 
especially among the young people.  All felt proud of their new house and 
thankful for the part they had in the building.  And, strange to say, the 
work on each individual home had prospered for the weather had been unusually 
favorable and no one would have to suffer.  It was indeed a happy time and 
services were never enjoyed more.


BURK’S SUPREME HAPPINESS

You may be sure that Burks was one of the busiest people during the autumn of 
1828.  Besides his duties at Mr. Bryan’s home he had spent many extra hours 
working at the church especially the inside finishing that had to be done so 
carefully.  He had already given much time to the planning of the church—more 
even than a day a week but now that the planning was over he must do some of 
the actual work with his hands.  The inside facings of the windows, the 
setting in of the windows, the hanging of the doors, the building of the 
benches, and other like things were almost altogether his handiwork.
Burks was also well pleased with the way in which the work on Mr. Bryan’s 
house progressed.  He saw that every part was well fitted and accurate.  The 
rocks were carefully selected for the chimneys.  The boards were smoothly 
rived for the roof and painstakingly put on so there would be no leak.  Mr. 
Bryan was not only well pleased with the job, but more so with the young man.  
He couldn’t praise and commend him highly enough to his friends and 
neighbors.  They all felt that he would be a fine acquisition to the 
neighborhood and hoped that he would settle down among them.
A few days before the Christmas holidays Burks wished to go to Talbotton to 
purchase some clothes as his wardrobe was not as spick and span as he liked.  
He was most careful of his body and clothes and no matter what kind of rough 
or dirty work he was doing, he must always clean up before resting or going 
elsewhere.  Burks had already bought a good saddle horse so he would ride 
that to Talbotton on Saturday morning.  There were also some finishing 
materials that he needed about the church and the Bryan dwelling which would 
be brought back in the wagon.  Burks made his hardware purchases first then 
went to the dry goods store to get his clothes.  He bought a full outfit and 
a suit of black clothes, shirt, collar, tie, shoes, hat, etc.  He saw that 
his things were carefully packed in a box to be given to the negro driver to 
whom he had already given instructions as to their utmost care.  He then 
proceeded to the courthouse and there he found his Uncle Jimmie just leaving 
for dinner.  Of course, James invited Burks home with him for dinner for they 
had many things to talk over.  The two were very fond of each other and Burks 
had only been to Talbotton once since he had been working for Mr. Bryan.  
Aunt Patsy and the children were also glad to see him.  John Robinson had 
grown into a tall you lad of seventeen.  There were many things for Burks to 
do after he returned home so he left his uncle’s house about three o’clock.
On returning home he found that the wagons had already arrived before hi, the 
hardware stored in the back hall, and his personal belongings in his own 
room.  He did not open his own packages but selected certain pieces of 
hardware, called one of the negroes to assist him and went up to the church 
to do a few finishing touches before dark.  This church was a dear place to 
Burks and always on entering he felt a sacredness and awe that the presence 
of God was with him.  Each time that he did there was done with special care 
and reverence and he breathed a prayer that it might always be so and that he 
would prove a strong and useful member.
The next day Burks was the one of the first to reach the church, for he felt 
it his duty as a deacon, and having no family encumbrances, to be there to 
welcome the people.  He looked very striking in his new suit with high white 
collar and black tie.  His apparel seemed to set off his black hair, keen 
deep blue eyes and rather solemn countenance.  He was just about six feet and 
carried himself very erect.  In fact each one that greeted him seemed keenly 
impressed by his courtly bearing.  Burks remained on the outside greeting the 
people until services were begun.  Then he took a seat near the door at the 
right.
Burks joined heartily in the singing and just before the first hymn was 
finished two beautiful young girls with their mother entered.  They were 
shown seats by an usher near the center of the middle aisle, the older girl 
taking the outside seat.  As she turned to sit down she gave Burks a fleeting 
glimpse.  A strange sweet feeling possessed him and he knew at once that was 
the girl he wished to marry.  Her presence did not seem to distract his 
attention from the services but rather entered into and permeated his very 
being.  All was as it should be his deep reverence for God and his instant 
love for the girl were interwoven in his soul.  The church life that he was 
enjoying would also be their life.
When the morning services were over John Lloyd, Jr., who sat across from 
Burks, came over and shook hands with him saying, “Burks, I want you to meet 
my mother and sisters, Frances and Sarah.  The girls just returned from 
school yesterday and are stranger to everybody”.  Just then the three women 
cam up and Burks was duly presented to each.  Mrs. Lloyd very kindly invited 
Burks to eat dinner with them and you are sure he accepted readily.  As yet 
he has passed no word with Frances except in introduction but he was 
carefully planning how he might be alone with her.  He knew the grounds well 
where they were spreading their dinners and was very solicitous to see that 
everyone was being served.

accepted readily.  As yet he had passed no word with Frances except in 
introduction but he was carefully planning how he might be alone with her.  
He knew the grounds well where they were spreading their dinners and was very 
solicitous to see that everyone was being served.  Plates laden with food 
were handed out to the people as long as they were needed.  Frances was quite 
busy assisting her mother.  Burks came up to them and offered his services.  
Mrs. Lloyd, who was not very strong, found a place to sit down, so Burks took 
her place and stood beside Frances with the basket between them.  They didn’t 
have much to say but the feeling of nearness permeated them and frequently as 
they reached in the basket to serve some one or get food for themselves their 
hands would touch or their eyes would meet.
Frances was a fair pretty girl of seventeen.  Her eyes were blue and her face 
had a sweetness and serenity that was charming.  Her fair curls protruded 
from her poke bonnet and her blue coat and hat just matched her eyes.  No 
wonder Burks was spellbound and she, too, seemed equally impressed.  Soon the 
crowd was scattering, the Negroes came up toward the tables to take charge, 
and Burks and Frances moved toward the church.  They went in and sat down 
together and enjoyed the afternoon session.
After the services were over, Ben Lloyd came up to the couple and asked Burks 
to go home with them for supper for several of the young people were going to 
try out some of the new songs in their books.  Ben was a wonderful singer and 
had already composed many sacred songs.  Naturally Burks was delighted and 
asked Frances to accompany him home on his horse.  A blanket was secured from 
Mrs. Bryan and Burks carefully spread it on the horse’s back assisted Frances 
in mounting, and then mounted himself.  Many young couples traveled likewise.  
Some people were in wagons, some in gigs, and a few had rockaways drawn by 
two horses.  The Lloyd home was in Talbot Valley—about four miles from the 
church, so it was almost dark when they reached there.
Supper was served in the living room where a great log fire was burning 
cheerily.  After they were through eating, they sat and talked for a while, 
but Ben saw to it that they were at the singing before very long.  Books were 
passed around among the men and they chose a girl to share their books with 
each of them.  Ben made such an enthusiastic leader that all joined in 
heartily and made much progress in learning the songs.
Soon the guests left for their homes and as Burks rode thoughtfully back he 
passed in review what the day had brought him.  He knew that it was the most 
important moment in his life for his decision was made to win Frances Lloyd 
for his wife and to dedicate himself entirely to the service of the Lord.  
After he reached home, put up his horse, and went to his room, he made a 
prayer of love and thanksgiving to God for all his goodness and tender 
mercies.




BACK IN JASPER

January and February were passing swiftly and March was rapidly approaching—
the time set for Burks to return to his mother in Jasper County.  It had 
become a habit for him to go to see Frances every Sunday and sometimes for 
dinner, but more often in the evening.  Frequently, they met at other places 
and everyone knew they were engaged for from the first they each had eyes for 
no other.  Burks had told Frances of his promise to his mother and that he 
must fulfill it but at the end of the year he would return and their marriage 
would soon follow.   Frances knew this to be the wisest plan for she had been 
away at school for the past two years and there were many things for her to 
do and learn about.  It was while calling the Sunday night before leaving for 
his old home that he and Frances were talking these things over.  No one was 
at home except Frances’ parents so hand in hand they quietly walked in and 
told her father and mother about their plans.  Of course, the parents were 
not surprised for they could see how beautifully Frances and Burks loved each 
other so they gave them their blessings and Burks soon left.
Early the next morning he set out on his horse for his home.  Traveling 
lightly, and spending one night on the way, he arrived the next afternoon 
just at dusk.  He met Sheldrick at the barn and quietly the two entered the 
house.  Sallie saw Burks first and had her arms around her brother before 
Nancy realized what was happening.  She rose swiftly, crying “My boy, my 
boy”, and soon they were in each other’s arms, weeping for joy.  They gazed 
lovingly into each other’s eyes.  Nancy saw the stalwart beauty and character 
of her older son and he, in turn, saw the calm brave sweetness in her dear 
old face - - grown much older since he had been away.  Yes, they had missed 
each other sorely since he had been away.  Ever since her dear husband’s 
death Burks had been her main strength and support.  Burks, in his turn, felt 
all that his mother had meant to him - - how she had always been his ideal 
woman and new that Frances had come into his life, he appreciated and loved 
her more.
Burks had written very little of Frances to his mother as he wished to be 
face to face with her when he told her the story of his great love.  Just as 
Burks knew she would Nancy showed complete sympathy and understanding.  She 
would not let him see the shadow that came over her face; however, when he 
told her of his prospective move back to Talbot County when the year was out.  
The family talked over their affairs far into the night.  Burks told them of 
spending the day with Becky the Sunday before and that she and Daniel were 
getting on nicely.
“And now I want to go see Jincy and Betsy and I must get down to work.”  “I 
have a better plan,” said Nancy, “You go in the gig and get the girls and 
bring them here as it’s time for them to be making me a visit anyway.”  The 
next morning as Burks went in the kitchen for breakfast, Joe came in with 
wood.  He dropped it in the middle of the floor and clapped his hands in 
delight when he saw Burks.  Burks shook hands with the good old Negro, as Joe 
bent almost to the floor in greeting.  Just to please him, Burks gave orders 
for Joe to hitch his horse to the gig.  Soon the two married girls were home 
for the day and night and you may be sure it was a lovely reunion for all.  
Mastin came for his wife and her sister early the next morning.
As had been agreed, Burks and Sheldrick had divided the land and rented it 
from their mother.  Sheldrick was to have Joe and the two horses at home.  
Burks rented a Negro, bought a mule, and was to put most of his farm in 
cotton as he wanted a money crop.  Burks paid Sheldrick for the work he had 
done in breaking up the land, and planting grain for him.  Sheldrick was not 
yet of age but a fine strong lad almost as tall and large as his brother.  
Burks noticed with pleasure how much this year’s responsibility had developed 
the boy.
Nancy was so happy to have both her boys at home that she went about her work 
with a song on her lips, a prayer of thanksgiving in her heart.  Sallie, too, 
seemed happier and enjoyed showing off her big brother among her friends.  
She especially wanted him to meet Chris Binns, a young widower in whom she 
was very much interested.  He had lately come into the neighborhood and he 
and his mother lived near the Hatcher’s.  Burks thought Chris a find man and 
very much in love with Sallie but hesitant about getting married on account 
of his old mother.
Burks was interested in all his old neighbors and friends and took part in 
the activities of the community, especially the church work, as was his wont, 
but his heart was back in Talbot and his work here was just to speed the time 
of his getting back.  He wrote long and frequent letters to Frances and she 
to him each telling of their daily occupations.  The time was passing, but 
not so rapidly as they wished but they had made up their minds to be patient, 
for there was plenty of work to fill their time ere their reunion.
It was now June and the crops were growing rapidly and making the promise of 
a splendid yield.  Burks and Sheldrick vied in friendly rivalry in their 
efforts to out do each other.  The Negroes too seemed to catch the spirit of 
their masters and did their best.  Their oats and wheat were now being 
harvested and each found they had plenty to run on for the year.  Later in 
the summer they found their corn and their cotton excellent.  Of course, they 
had to hire extra help in the gathering.  There were more gins now and their 
best cotton market was Macon.  The boys would alternate in making the trip as 
it took three days there and back.  Burks was trying to turn all his crop 
into money as fast as he could and depositing it in the bank in Macon.
As last the year’s work was done and the time was drawing near for Burks’ 
departure.  He had decided to lease the Negro Dave for a term of several 
years as his owner was quite willing.  He had already bought another mule and 
a wagon in order to haul their cotton to better advantage.  So this team, 
with the Negro to drive would be loaded with most necessary supplies for his 
trip to Talbot.  Burks’ plan was to get off during the Christmas holidays but 
a heavy snow and sleet came making the roads impassible.  It was the latter 
part of January before they could make the trip, and then it took four days 
to get to his Uncle Jimmie’s.  His uncle had written Burks to stop with him 
until final arrangements were made.  Burks was glad to do this and here he 
landed on the last day of January.
The next day he went to see Frances and they decided to get married on 
February 4.  John Lloyd had given them a hundred acres of land just a mile 
from his house.  A small part of this had been cleared and a log cabin had 
been built.  Burks was surprised and overwhelmed at this magnificence, 
thinking that he would probably have to rent the first year.  John Lloyd also 
said he would be glad to have them live there with him and his wife for a few 
months until Burks had time to provide better living conditions.  It was all 
so agreeably offered and Burks saw the hard common sense in the plan so he 
accepted gratefully.  All was going well even though it continued bitterly 
cold.  He and his Negro moved the wagon and mules to their new place, put the 
corn and other feed in the cabin, made a comfortable place for the Negro, and 
improvised shelter for the mules.  It was all finished the next day and Burks 
stopped by to see Frances, telling her all was ready for the fourth, and went 
on to his uncle’s for the night.

FRANCES AND BURKS UNITED

The next day February 4, 1830, was very cold through the sun was shining.  
Becky and Daniel came early to join the others at Uncle Jimmie’s.  John and 
William went in the wagon with Becky and Daniel.  Burks rode with Uncle 
Jimmie, Aunt Patsy and the little girls in the rockaway with old Shad driving 
two sleck bay horses.  Sol rode Burks’ horse.  It was a real sorrow to Burks 
that his mother and other members of his family could not be with them, but 
it was hardly possible for them to come such a long distance in this bitter 
cold weather.  The party had eaten a lunch before starting at 11 o’clock, for 
the roads were still quite bad and they knew there would be hindrances on the 
way.  The ceremony was set for 3 o’clock at the Lloyd home and was to be 
followed by an infare.
The party arrived about two o’clock though many guests were already there.  
Great log fires were burning in all the rooms which made a cheering picture 
even though it was so cold outside.  Burks and Frances looked their best 
which was saying a great deal for they made a striking couple as they entered 
the door.  All was silence.  James Burks came forward with his Bible in his 
hand for he was to perform the ceremony.  Mrs. Lloyd looked around to see 
that all were there and missed her son William.  “He’s gone for his girl, 
Hannah Combs, and naturally he would be late”, whispered Sarah, answering her 
mother’s look.  The ceremony went on and Burks and Frances were made man and 
wife.
All was stir and bustle now as the family and friends gathered around the 
young couple offering congratulations, etc.  Just at that moment William, 
hand in hand with Hannah, entered the room.  “Say, people,” he exclaimed, “We 
aren’t’ going to let these two carry off all the good wishes.  Save some for 
us.  Hannah and I were married two hours ago and have come in for our share 
of everything including the food”.  That was indeed a surprise but all joined 
in to wish them all the good luck and happiness that was to be had.  After 
awhile everyone repaired to the dining room out in the yard where they found 
the table groaning with good things to eat.  The center piece was a large 
five story cake embossed with icing in many shapes and colors.  The silver 
and china ere handsome and altogether made a beautiful decoration.
On entering the house again, the guests began to gather up their wraps and 
leave for home for the evening was far spent.  The upstairs room to the right 
which had been the girls’ room was now prepared for Frances and Burks’ bridal 
chamber.  William had tipped off the maids to have the opposite room prepared 
for him and Sarah.  All was soon still for the night but before retiring 
Burks and Frances knelt by the bedside and offered prayers to God for His 
guidance and protection throughout their lives.  Right there, Burks pledged 
that this was the beginning of family prayers for as long as they might live, 
and that pledge was never broken.
Burks appreciated to the fullest all that his father-in-law was doing for him 
and Frances but he was not a man to sit by and let it continue.  So he began 
to plan and make arrangements for their own home.  Already he had secured and 
paid for flooring, ceiling, and other material for his house.  Also, the 
sills were hewn.  As soon as he was sure his marriage, he knew he would 
settle some place in Talbot County.  So the previous year while working for 
Mr. Bryan he had let his last two months salary go in lumber for his house.  
Before leaving there he had made a shed and saw that the material he would 
need dressed was stacked carefully under this shed for drying.  Now he hired 
some extra help and begun at once to build.  As the trees for the logs were 
right on the spot he decided it would be best and cheapest to have a double 
log cabin and ceil it on the inside.  For the present the loft above would be 
unfinished.  His neighbors gave him a log rolling and a house raising at the 
proper time and this speeded up the job quite a bit.
After supper, when the weather was pleasant, he and Frances would ride up to 
Mr. Bryan’s and Burks would spend two or three hours each night dressing 
lumber while Frances held the light for him.  In that way, by the time March 
came they had one big room finished and a shed at the back for a kitchen for 
as their servants wouldn’t be plentiful to start, it would be so much more 
convenient for Frances with which to start at any rate.
Burks was anxious to get moved in as early as possible on account of being 
near his farm, as well as for other reasons, so he and Frances moved in the 
fourth of March just one month from their wedding day.  They were indeed 
happy to be in their own home and begin their married life with just each 
other.  They soon had themselves adjusted.  Frances made an excellent 
housekeeper and cook, and Burks and Dave were busy planting the crop.  The 
hired Negroes had broken up the land while Burks was so busy with the house.  
They had only twenty acres ready for farming but Burks knew with this small 
amount they could keep it well cultivated and clear more at odd times.  So 
the time passed rapidly and soon they had been married a year.  It had indeed 
been a happy and prosperous one for the young couple.

THE FAMILY INCREASE

During the winter of 1830-31, Burks had much business away from home.  He cut 
the big screws of hard wood used at that time in packing bales of cotton.  
This was a careful painstaking job and as all big planters must have these 
screws, Burks was busy getting them in readiness.  This necessitated his 
being away from home much of the time and as he didn’t like to leave Frances 
alone he must find some one to stay with her.  He was talking this over with 
Mr. Holmes for whom he was working at the time.  “I tell you, Burks, old Jim 
Witten has a good strong Negro wench about thirty years old that he bought in 
Savannah before moving here.  This Negro is pure African and was brought to 
the seaport by one of those illegal salve traders who sold her to Whitten at 
a big price.  Witten is awfully sore over the trade for the wench is barren 
and now he’s offering her at a cheap price.”  Burks went at once to see 
Whitten who was a man of rather questionable character but knew how to make 
plenty of money.  “Yes, I’ll let you have the wench for $250.  She’s a good 
enough worker but I bought her to raise a big family and not a child has she 
had.”
Burks could see that Witten hadn’t been very kind to the poor creature though 
she was a docile, even-tempered slave.  He felt sure he could trust her with 
Frances so paid for the woman on the spot and took her home.  Betty, as she 
was called, was most grateful to Burks and Frances for taking her from Witten 
and she was their most devoted slave to the end of her life.  Her English was 
very broken and at times Frances couldn’t understand what she was talking 
about.  A partition was made in the kitchen for her room so that she might be 
near her mistress, at any time she might need her.  Betty was truly a big 
help, very tractable, and learned a great deal from Frances.
February was almost gone when Burks came in one day saying that his outside 
work was finished and now he must help Dave in planting the crop.  At odd 
times he had managed to get the opposite big room finished for while there 
were two beds in their room, they knew it was necessary to prepare this extra 
space.  In April Francs was expecting her baby and all must be ready for that 
great event.  Her mother had given her several pieces of furniture, a feather 
bed and some quilts, etc.  Frances had also been busy seeing that the baby’s 
wardrobe was complete.  Her mother helped a great deal in that respect too 
for she enjoyed coming over to spend the day with her daughter.  Sarah was 
already married to McPherson and was far away so Mrs. Lloyd was very lonely 
at home without either of her girls.
It was now April 9, and all was excitement at the Kendrick home. A little son 
had just been born and was called Robert Sheldrick for Burks’ father and 
brother.  You may be sure all were delighted and Frances and Burks’ joy knew 
no bounds.  That night, after the others had left the room, Burks knelt down 
by the bad, with his arms outstretched around his wife and little son, and 
gave thanks to God and asked for wisdom for them both that they might bring 
up their boy in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Betty felt it was the greatest privilege to do something for little Robert.  
From the very first she was indeed his devoted slave.  The baby naturally 
thrived with such care and devotion.  He grew rapidly until he was six or 
seven months old and suddenly he was very sick.  Burks went for Frances’ 
mother and she at once saw the trouble.  Frances was pregnant and must wean 
the baby at once.  Burks always had plenty of good milk cows so the milk of 
the cow was substituted.  In the latter part of July 1832, a second son was 
born.  This baby was named John Lloyd for Frances’ father.  He, also, was a 
big fine baby and his parents were just as proud of him as of the older son.  
His grandfather Lloyd thought the boy the finest ever and bragged about what 
he would do for this baby when he grew older.  The old man was never to keep 
his promise, however, for he died the following January.  The estate was 
wound up though naturally the mother was left with the home place and plenty 
of Negroes.  All the children were married except her youngest son, Marcus, 
so the two continued to make their home together.
THE PLEASANT HILL HOME

After the Lloyd estate was settled, Burks was quite anxious to enlarge his 
holdings.  Burks was well pleased with the 100 acres that had been left 
Frances but now that his family was growing there was no way to obtain more 
land adjoining him and as Ben had made him a good offer he decided to sell 
out.  Besides as a good place near Pleasant Hill already settled was offered 
at a reasonable price, he thought the exchange would be a good one.  He 
gathered his 1833 crop, sold his place to Ben Lloyd, bought the Pleasant Hill 
Place and moved in before Christmas.  This was a much larger farm so he 
rented another Negro, Sol, and put him and Dave at work breaking up the land.  
Burks still did a good deal of work for the public so this necessitated his 
being away from home much of the time.
In the meantime, his mother had decided to break up her home as Sallie had 
married Chris Bims and Sheldrick was almost of age and wanted to start out 
for himself.  Nancy sold out everything, divided it among the children and 
came to live with Burks during the winter.  Sheldrick also came and found 
work clearing up new ground for Chappel Cox one of the prominent men of 
Talbot Valley.  Nancy learned to love Frances at once and was a lot of help 
with the two babies.  Old Betty was foolishly fond of both children but Nancy 
soon showed her that she need have no fear.  Nancy approved old Betty’s 
devotion and saw that Frances had a real treasure in the slave.
Sallie and Christopher now bought a new place near Becky’s so when spring 
came the two girls insisted that their mother come and live with them.  Nancy 
did this though she often made long visits to Burks.  She had come back to 
visit him during the winter of 1834 when the first little girl arrived.   She 
was christened Nancy Jane and of course she was a natural favorite, with 
Nancy from the beginning.  Burks could see that his mother was growing feeble 
now so nothing pleased her more than to sit in the corner and rock little 
Nancy.  Betty kept the boys in the kitchen for they were big enough to make a 
lot of noise and Frances did not wish them to disturb their grandmother.
It was two years later, November 11, 1836, that the second little girl came.  
Her name was Elizabeth Frances, for her grandmother Lloyd and her mother.  
Burks and Frances were very happy over their growing family though their 
cares and responsibilities had also rapidly increased.  Burks found this land 
not so good and productive as he had been accustomed to, it was a bad corn 
year, and the price of cotton had descended several cents a pound.  The place 
was paid for but he hardly made ends meet when his crop was gathered.  
Sheldrick had married and was almost the first to go.  Ben and several of his 
brothers were trying to sell their holdings and move out.  Burks was not 
financially able to make a change but he thought it a wonderful opportunity 
to buy some of Ben’s land - - considered the best in the Valley.  Ben knew 
that Burks was responsible though he didn’t have the money, so he urged the 
trade.  Burks decided to take two lots in the southern part of the 
plantation.  He had the good luck to sell the Pleasant Hill place for cash 
and the use of it for the year 1837.  So he paid Ben $1000 cash with notes 
for the balance.  This left Burks something to operate on, and the 
opportunity to make a crop on both places, though buildings had to be started 
from the beginning.
This necessitated more labor and stock so two Negroes were rented, two mules 
were bought, and his enterprise was begun.  Besides the farm work, Burks must 
procure lumber for his house and have it drying.  The sills were to be hewn, 
but all other timbers were to be sawed.  The chimneys and foundations were to 
be made of rock.  Burks told his wife he was not going to rush on this house 
but build it to suit him from the first, and hoped they would be able to live 
there the remainder of their days.  He hired carpenters - - for all his time 
was taken in superintending.  The house was a story and a half shedded to the 
front for a porch and to the back for two rooms and an entry.  It had two 
front doors but no hall.  The door to the left led to the family room and 
directly in front of that door about four feet distant was the stairway door.  
The door at the right entrance led to the guest room.  This room was also 
connected with the family room by a door at the left of the entrance.  Both 
these rooms had doors leading to the back entry.  The left hand shed room 
opened into the family room and the back entry.  The right hand shed room 
also opened into the back entry.  Upstairs were two large bedrooms.  The 
kitchen and dining room stood in the back yard about forty feet to the left.  
All the lumber was selected with care and was heart pine.  The shingles were 
rived and of the best material which would last thirty or forty years.  A 
great barn and other out-buildings had been provided for sheltering their 
stock and storing their harvest.

A MORE PERMANENT HOME

It was in the late November before all was in readiness for moving.  The 
crops in both places were unusually good and that was indeed fortunate for 
with the great expense of buying and building Burks was still considerably 
behind with his finances.  But with careful management and another good crop 
he hoped to be out of debt by the end of the next year.  It was with a glad 
and thankful heart that the family moved in.  The little boys, Robert and 
John, were now six and five, respectively, and just the age to be taking 
interest in everything.  They must ride back and forth with every load.  
There was really more room in the house than they needed but Burks was 
building for the future.  He and Frances occupied the family room, with the 
two little girls sleeping on the trundle bed, and the boys had the adjoining 
shed room.  Betty stayed in the other shed room across the entry.  The front 
room to the right was furnished for guests.
All this time Burks was very active in church work and community improvement.  
It was a great joy to the whole Valley when an Academy had been granted to 
them.  It was located on the old Lloyd land on the public road and was most 
convenient to the majority of the people.  The neighbors joined heartily in 
the building and you may be sure Burks did his share and more.  The great 
love he had for learning made him resolve that the best possible advantages 
should be given their children.  He would have two children ready when the 
school opened the next summer.  Evans Chapel, the Methodist church of the 
Valley, was being built near the school and Burks took just as much interest 
and helped in the building as if he had been one of the members.
The coming of the churches and schools made this community one of the most 
cultured and progressive of its time.  The excellent oak and hickory red 
lands were most productive, the prices were higher than other sections of the 
county.  The people realized this and increased their holdings where they 
could.  In fact, it was hard to buy land in the neighborhood during this 
time.  Burks never had the property that many of his neighbors possessed but 
he was always a leading man in his section and was highly admired and 
esteemed by rich and poor.
When the fall of 1838 came another little girl was added to the family whom 
they named Ann.  Burks’ sisters, Becky and Sallie came up to bring their 
mother to spend some time with their brother and see the new baby.  Each 
contended that little Ann should be named for them so Frances said, “We’ll 
call our baby Sarah Ann Rebecca  and please both of you.”  Nancy occupied the 
guest room and was most comfortable for she could have big cheery fires in 
her room or join the family - - as she wished.
Burks and Frances were very happy in their new home and they each felt that 
it must be as attractive as possible in every way.  Each of them was fond of 
nature - - trees, flowers, shrubs, in fact, all growing things.  There were 
shade trees in abundance but flowering shrubs must be set and flower seeds 
planted.  A large garden of one acre was enclosed and planted.  Seeds were 
also planted for fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries.  
There were arbors for grapes, muscadines, and scuppernongs.  Watermelons, 
muskmelons, and cantaloupes were planted in season, so there was no time of 
the year that fruit was not abundant for the surplus was always preserved.  
The woods afforded hicory nuts, walnuts, and chestnuts, besides millions of 
acorns for the hogs.  Game was still plentiful and much delicious meat was 
furnished the table.  It was indeed a land of plenty for all who had the 
energy to take advantage of their opportunities.
The years were gliding by in much the same manner until April, 1847 had 
arrive.  In the meantime the family continued to grow until four more little 
sons were added to the household.  Christopher came in December of 1840; 
Thomas, in February 1843; Joseph, in May 1845; and the last, Benjamin, 
arrived in April 1847.  All these children made the cares and burdens of the 
parents greater but each new baby was welcomed happily for Burks and Frances 
felt it was their mission in life to care for and nurture the little ones God 
had given them, and they prayed for no greater happiness.  The perplexities 
and worries that naturally arose in providing the wants of the family were as 
nothing compared to the joys they were reaping in this beautiful family life.

BURKS GREATEST SORROW

Immediately after Benjamin’s birth Frances’ strength seemed to be gone and 
the doctor’s face as he left the room looked very grave.  Burks went in and 
knelt by her side.  It was a pitiable wan smile that greeted him.  Frances 
mustered her remaining strength for these words:  “I’m leaving you, my 
precious, but I know you will do the very best for our helpless little 
children.  I wish I could help you more.”  All later words were lost for she 
could give no further utterance.  her stricken husband remained by the 
bedside as the family and friends gathered around.  The doctor bent over 
Frances and watched her last breathing.  Soon it was over and the fair young 
mother, thirty-six years of age was gone.  Such a faithful helpful loving 
wife - - such an untiring patient devoted mother.
Only the older children could realize at all what it meant.  The little ones 
gathered around and wept because they saw the others weeping.  Burks was 
stunned - - it was all so sudden - - it must not be true.  But as his 
faculties returned he begun to grasp what this meant - - the severing of the 
strongest, sweetest tie he had ever known - - the utter helplessness and nine 
little children with no mother and blinding groping uncertainty of what was 
best to do.  He poured out his heart in prayer to God, as never before, to be 
with him and his in this, the darkest hour of his life.  Burks rose from his 
knees and his old mother clasped him in her arms, “I’ll stand by you to the 
last, my boy, never fear, God will pull us through.”  His mother-in-law also 
offered to do anything she could.  Burks knew this was almost a death blow to 
her for Sarah and her boys had all moved far away and now the last cord was 
broken that bound the once big family.  Neighbors, so good and kind, promised 
help and comfort.  Ah!  God was near by after all and would always care for 
his own through the goodness and tenderness he was planting in the hearts of 
his people.
Burks left the house and went out to the kitchen.  Here he found old Betty 
with Joseph in her lap and the old Negro said, “Massa, me tek care dese 
chillun.  Missus always good to old Betty.  Me love your chillun.”  Then she 
broke down and wept.  It was Burks who comforted her and told her he knew she 
would do her best.  He walked around in the yard for awhile.  Here his cousin 
Jimmie Kendrick, who had come from his home in Meriwether Co. joined Burks.  
James Cornelius Kendrick had been pastor at Valley Grove for several years 
and had visited at Burks home frequently.  The two men were quite fond of 
each other for they were very congenial in many ways - - besides there was 
the extra tie of kinship.  It was a great comfort to Burks to have a talk 
with his cousin Jimmie for he had a broad understanding heart although he had 
never been through such an experience as this.  “I have a message for you, 
Burks, Sister Dixon lost her baby a few days ago and she sent word by me that 
she wanted to take care of and nurse little Benjamin just as if he were her 
own.  There is nothing binding about this - - it all comes from her kind 
motherly heart that goes out to your motherless baby.”  Burks was much 
touched by this for he knew his mother was entirely too feeble to undertake 
the responsibility and Betty did not have the judgment.  Burks told his 
cousin he would have to think and pray over the matter but it was a grand 
noble woman who made such an offer.
The funeral was held from the house and friends, relatives, and neighbors 
gathered for miles around to pay their respects to the beloved dead.  A lot 
was selected near John Lloyd’s in Concord Cemetery and the body of Frances 
was laid to rest.  It was indeed a sad, sad family that returned to their 
home that night.  The Rev. James spent the night with them as he felt that 
Burks needed him.  The two slept in the guest room that night and talked 
until late.  Burks had prayerfully pondered the kind offer of Mrs. Dixon and 
he told Cousin Jimmie he had decided to accept it.  “She told me if you would 
let the baby come Mary and I could bring it,” said James.  “But I want to go 
on there with you and have a talk with Mrs. Dixon and show her my 
appreciation for such wonderful friendship,” Burks replied.  “I knew you’d 
want to do that, Burks, and there’s plenty of room in the carriage for you 
and the baby.”
So the party set off the next morning, James, his wife Mary, Burks and little 
Benjamin.  A Negro drove and Robert followed behind in the gig for his father 
to have a way to ride home.  It was almost noon when they reached the Dixon 
home but they were rather expecting them.  Burks knew Mrs. Dixon well and had 
no fears for the welfare of his baby son, but being separated from him was 
what troubled Burks most.  Mrs. Dixon took the baby to her heart at once and 
Burks felt that in her hands was the best place for the infant.  All were 
soon invited in to dinner and a little while later all left for their homes.  
It was night when Burks and Robert reached home.  John came running out to 
help with the horse, and exclaimed, “What do you think happened today, Pa?  
Mr. Holt sent over fifteen hoe hands and they cleaned out the spring field 
cotton and three of his plow hands almost finished plowing the corn in the 
Lloyd field..”  Burks was deeply grateful and realized that when the 
neighbors said they’d help, it was meant with good will and sincerity.  The 
three little boys were already in the trundle bed fast asleep.  There were 
two beds in the shed room adjoining and it was now occupied by the girls and 
their grandmother.  Robert and John slept upstairs.  Burks crept into his bed 
thankful that though trouble overshadowed him there was so much kindness 
shining through.

NEED OF A MOTHER’S HAND

Burks’ children were, on the whole, as good as could be found anywhere, but 
as with all others, they needed a steadying, sympathetic, loving hand to 
guide them at all times.  Since the mother was gone the father tried to be 
with his little flock as much as possible for he realized that his mother was 
too old and feeble and old Betty was too lenient and yielding to manage the 
children wisely.  Robert was a fine reliable boy and frequently Burks had to 
put him in charge when he was called away on business.  John was just as fine 
as Robert in many ways but his temper too often ruled him.  Nancy, also, was 
lots of help and took many cares from her grandmother’s shoulders.  Betty and 
Sallie were mere children and naturally could not feel much responsibility.  
Chris was barely seven but was already showing a remarkable aptitude for 
books and never tired of study.  Thomas was a sturdy little fellow and quite 
dependable for his years.  Joseph was the baby at home and still spoiled and 
treated as one.
Each child had his own tasks as Burks believed that they should learn early 
to be useful.  Robert and John, when not in school, were very helpful in the 
field.  Nancy and Betty were learning to spin, knit, and sew.  John was very 
quick motioned and when he and Robert were given like tasks he almost always 
finished first and came to the house.  Possibly Robert was more painstaking 
and thorough.  John liked to stay with his sisters and often helped them at 
their tasks but Robert was like his father in that, and was so conscientious 
that he felt it an injustice to the girls for them not to depend on their own 
efforts.  Anyway, the girls were glad of John’s help - - especially Betty.  
Betty was by far the largest of the girls and had developed very fast since 
her mother’s death.  Before she was eleven her menses had come on and the 
poor little thing didn’t know what it meant.  She had heard of girls being 
disgraced and so she thought that had happened to her.  But that wasn’t her 
greatest fright - - she thought she was going to die.  Grandmother had gone 
over to grandmother Lloyd’s so the child thought best to go to bed.  Nancy 
came in, “What in the world ails you?  Just now you were running and playing 
with the little boys and now you are lying up in bed.  I bet you want to get 
out of some of your work.”  Betty wouldn’t give her sister any satisfaction.  
Pa came in and asked Betty if she were sick or if anything hurt.  She burst 
into tears and said, “I believe I’m going to die” but that’s all the 
satisfaction he could get from Betty.  He told old Betty to prepare her some 
food and take it in as the child said may be she could eat something.  When 
old Betty went in she set the food on a chair, beat up her pillows and told 
her precious lamb to raise herself up and eat.  The tempting meal made Betty 
forget her troubles and as she moved nearer the bed’s edge old Betty saw the 
cause of the child’s fright.  “My poor baby, old Betty should ha’ told it.”
Grandmother had now come and she sat beside the child and comforted her as 
she made the mystery clear.  She also told Nancy so that she would not have 
to go through the same fright.
Robert always thought that whatever pappy said was law and must be carried 
out but John was not quite so obedient and was, at times, very self willed.  
He was a sweet affectionate boy and could be led but not driven.  He had the 
utmost confidence in Brother Robert, as all the children called him, but he 
didn’t like to take orders from him even though he knew they were his 
father’s orders.  He not only rebelled himself but stirred rebellion among 
their sisters against Robert and then took his sisters’ part.  Frequently 
when Burks returned home after some enforced absence he would have to correct 
John for some disobedience.  This would make John stubborn and sullen and at 
time Burks would lose all patience and give him worse punishment than he had 
intended.  Afterwards his mother would put her arms on his shoulders and say, 
“Go slowly, Burks.  Remember your own temper when you were John’s age and try 
to find some other way of making John obey or you will cause the boy to make 
worse trouble.”  Burks knew his mother was right and he tried to be more 
patient for he knew that John was a fine boy and could make an excellent man 
if he could get his son on the right path.  He thought of Frances and of how 
obedient and thoughtful John was to her.  Then in agony of regret he promised 
himself that he would indeed be more patient and tender with this son.
A year had now passed - - a very trying sorrowful year for Burks -  - since 
Frances’ death.  He could see that his mother was failing rapidly and he knew 
that the children worried and fretted her so he decided to take her to 
Sallie’s who had no children and let her have more rest and quietude.  He 
left on Saturday afternoon taking John and Betty with him and his mother, 
letting John do the driving.  (Burks was managing to need John on his trips 
and Nancy, seeing the wisdom of this, commended his diplomacy.)  They spent 
the night with Sallie, left Nancy comfortably domiciled and went by to spend 
Sunday with Becky.  Daniel’s sisters, Nancy and Ann, were also spending the 
day.  Both seemed very fine women.  The thought had come to Burks before this 
that it might be best for himself and the children if he could find someone 
to take their mother’s place.  Take their mother’s place?  No, this was 
impossible and he couldn’t bear for the thought to linger.  Still as he went 
on home that afternoon the thought did persist.
On reaching home he found the children cheerful and happy.  Robert had looked 
after everything about the barn and come forward to help John unhitch.  On 
entering the house he noticed how clean and tidy Nancy and Sallie had made 
things look.  The little boys had on fresh suits and everything seemed the 
most comfortable since Frances’ passing.  “Maybe this is what the children 
need” he thought, “I’ll let them manage for themselves for awhile and see how 
it works out.  I must go slowly in all this and make no mistake.”

THE NEW MOTHER

The year was over now for the time that Mrs. Dixon had taken little Benjamin 
so the next day Burks took John and Betty with him to bring the baby home.  
Mrs. Dixon would have loved to have kept the boy longer for she had become 
much attached to him but her health was so bad she could give the child but 
little attention though the little fellow was strong and healthy for a year 
old.  He had been weaned and was now eating many things.  It brought tears to 
Burks eyes to see that his own baby didn’t know him and held out his little 
arms for his foster mother.  Betty soon coaxed Bennie, as the children called 
him, to come to her.  So in a little while they left for home.  The children 
were wild with delight when the others returned with Bennie.
Bettie took the child as her special care.  His cradle was moved by her bed, 
no one else could rock him to sleep so well; she must feed him and, in fact, 
look after all his personal wants.  Bennie got on just fine until mid-summer 
came and then he had an upset digestive attack.  They did everything in their 
power and so did the doctor but his trouble got worse and the little fellow 
wore away to a shadow of his former self.  The good neighbors helped - - 
especially Mrs. Holt who lived nearest.  She told Burks she believed if the 
baby could be under her continued supervision she could make him well.  The 
father and the other children could hardly bear the thought of Bennie leaving 
home again but maybe the child’s life depended on it so they agreed to Mrs. 
Holt’s kind offer.  It wasn’t so bad as before for some of the family could 
go to see him every day.  Most of the time it was Betty for she would cut 
through the field and her fat legs and body would wobble as she went but she 
never complained.  After awhile Bennie did improve but Mrs. Holt insisted on 
keeping him through the winter.
Every one at home seemed to be getting on fine, the girls and old Betty were 
doing all the house work and cooking and the older boys were helpful in the 
farm.  The crop was excellent, the price of cotton was good so when Christmas 
of 1848 came Burks had all his debts paid, plenty to run on, and money in the 
bank.  He had long wanted a rockaway, as it was so much easier riding, and 
more of the family could go together to places.  Roads were terrible bad 
during the winter so he decided to wait until spring to make his purchase.
In the meantime Burks’ mother had died and so he had made several trips to 
Sallie’s and Becky’s.  Every time it happened that Ann Trussell was at one 
house or the other so he was frequently thrown in her company.  Each time 
they met Burks liked her better so he decided that Ann would make him an 
excellent wife and a good mother for the children.  They became engaged and 
set the wedding day for the first of March.  Burks not only bought the 
rockaway but a new horse to match the one he had.  This put him in debt for 
the horse as he wished to save enough for running expenses but he felt sure 
he could clear more than that during the year.
On his wedding day Burks and the three girls rode in the new rockaway, old 
Dave driving - - the horses dressed in their bright harness - - and Robert 
and John driving the gig.  The wedding was held at Becky’s and after dinner 
the party returned home.  Tommie and Jodie had been told that pa was bringing 
home a mother for them, so they very joyfully greeted pa and Ann.  When 
Tommie found it was not his real mother he went in the next room and wept 
bitterly.  It was some time before he could be coaxed to come back.  Bennie 
had been brought from Mrs. Holt’s so Ann must have had a brave heart to have 
undertaken this great responsibility.  She tried her best and was tactful and 
kind and all the children loved and obeyed her.  There was one exception, 
however, and that was John.  At first he seemed all right but Burks soon felt 
that the boy resented his bringing Ann there to take his own dead mother’s 
place.  Ann tried to win John over as she did Robert and the others but not 
succeeding she thought it best not to notice John’s lack of cooperation.  
Burks, also, said nothing to the boy for really John never failed to obey and 
Burks thought his son would finally feel differently.
There was another who resented the second wife and, naturally, it was 
Frances’ mother.  In fact the old lady was so angry at Burks she wouldn’t 
speak to him.  This hurt him for he had always been most kind and considerate 
to mother Lloyd.  One day the old lady was sick.  Ann told Burks about it 
when he came to the house and said they should go to see Mrs. Lloyd.  Burks 
replied, “I’ll saddle a horse and you may go to see her but not I.”  Ann 
replied, “But we must both go.  Don’t you see that the whim of an old lady 
shouldn’t keep us from doing our duty?”  Burks saw that his wife was right so 
he had the two horses saddled and both rode over to see her.  The lonely old 
soul was really glad to see them both and told them to come see her often.  
Mrs. Lloyd did not live long after that.  Her last days were sad and lonely 
and Burks and Ann did all they could to cheer her up.
Burks believed John was becoming more reconciled to his stepmother then all 
of a sudden he lost his temper and behaved in a very ugly manner.  His father 
was so provoked with him for this unseemly outburst that he gave the boy a 
severe whipping.  John was then eighteen and resented his father’s 
chastisement so he ran away from home and went to his uncle John Lloyd’s, 
near Columbus.  His uncle sensed that something was wrong and by asking 
pointed questions John confessed the whole story.  His uncle talked to the 
boy very seriously and kindly but told him he was taking the wrong attitude.  
“Now, son, I am not going to force you if I could, but the right thing for 
you to do is to go home like a man and beg pardon for the way you acted.  
Your conduct has grieved your father more than you know but I believe he will 
be very forgiving if you show a repentant attitude.  If you feel that you can 
go in the right spirit I’ll go with you for I would be mighty glad to see my 
sister’s family again.
When his Uncle John mentioned his mother’s name the boy broke down and wept 
and told him uncle he was ready to go back home.  Burks, too, felt terribly 
bad about whipping John and knew he had not acted wisely.  So when the boy 
returned he received him very kindly and John told his father he would never 
act in that manner again.  However, John was soon getting restless and 
dissatisfied at home.  He had an adventurous spirit and wanted to get out in 
the world.  He went frankly to his father and told him just how he felt and 
asked permission to go away.  Burks remembered how wisely his mother had 
acted in his own adventures so he readily gave his consent.  He and John had 
a long man to man talk and in the end each loved and respected the other as 
never before.  John told his father that he would stay until the crop was 
gathered as Burks was scarce of hands.
Five of the children were in school now, old Betty was not so strong, so 
Burks bought a strong Negro girl to help in the house and also do field work 
when necessary.  This girl was fifteen and named Lucinda or Lou for short.  
She was very capable and soon married to one of the Holt Negroes that Burks 
rented.  A cabin was built for them, also old Betty had room there for all 
the big house was needed for the family and their friends and relatives.

MANY CHANGES

Ann was a capable manager and got a lot of work done at home by the children 
and the servants.  She kept every thing neat and clean and orderly.  She 
loved company and going places so the home was much gayer than it had ever 
been.  She had lots of relatives and some of them were constantly staying 
with her – especially her sister, Aunt Nancy, as every one called her, - - 
she spent her entire time - - while not teaching - - at Burks’ house.  The 
back bed room that old Betty had occupied was dressed up, new furniture 
bought and Aunt Nancy was comfortably ensconced therein.  New silver, china, 
linen, etc, had to be bought; more conveniences installed, more money spent.  
Ann was quite thrifty about preserving all the surplus fruits and vegetables 
for winter use.  She saw that the children were kept neat and clean.  She was 
very proud of her husband and encouraged him in taking part in all public 
affairs - - and she had to go with him.  Valley Grove Church now belonged to 
the Columbus Association so she and Burks must attend all these meetings no 
matter how distant.  They also took equal interest in the Methodist 
gatherings - - big dinners were always fixed for the quarterly meetings.  
Camp meetings were held every year and the Kendricks always had a camp and 
stayed throughout the session.  Preachers, other prominent men and their 
families always found a welcome at Brother Kendrick’s.
The children, now that John was gone, thought it was perfectly all right and 
really enjoyed the festivities. . . Burks, being away from home so much, 
turned over the management of the farm almost entirely to Robert.  He was 
grown up and most capable and reliable and always tried to carry out his 
father’s directions to the letter.  He was always kind, thoughtful, and 
respectful towards his stepmother and this had great influence with the 
younger children for they thought what Brother Robert said and did was just 
right.
Sadness entered the family group again.  It was now 1854.  Little Joseph, 
nine years old, an active lovable little fellow and full of fun and laughter 
was a favorite with all the family.  He was very athletic and always doing 
some sort of stunts.  One day he had been specially active and that night 
Tommie, who was sleeping with him, heard a gurgling moaning sound.  He raised 
up and by the moonlight he saw Jodie lying in a pool of blood.  He awakened 
Brother Robert, who was sleeping in the same room, and called his father.  A 
messenger was dispatched for a doctor and all hands were working desperately 
to stop the flow of blood but to no avail.  The little boy passed away at 
dawn - - just after the doctor arrived.  It was evidently a broken blood 
vessel caused by overstrain.  The family was grief stricken.  Such a joyous 
happy little fellow to be taken away so early.  The next day the body was 
laid in Concord Cemetery near that of his beloved mother.
The next year, 1855, Nancy was now twenty and a very lovely girl of strong 
character and noble traits.  Her second cousin once removed, William Callaway 
Kendrick, son of Rev. J. C. Kendrick, was now studying law in Talbotton.  It 
was quite natural for him to spend the week-ends at Cousin Burks’.  Soon he 
and Nancy fell desperately in love with each other and were married February 
25, 1855.  They lived in Talbotton for awhile until Cal finished his law 
course and there his son Herschel was born the next year.  The family was 
very proud of the fine baby and especially as he was the first grandson.
Soon after this old Betty passed away.  She had been quite feeble for several 
years.  Ann and the girls took excellent care of the faithful old slave, 
seeing that she was made comfortable in every way during her last illness.  
Ann or one of the girls would watch over her at night whenever it was needed.  
Lou was also kind and patient with the old negress.  Each member of the 
family had counted it a great personal loss for she had been a willing 
helpful servant to Burks and both wives - - especially Frances.  She had 
nursed all the children and they loved her like a mother - - indeed she had 
been a mother to them during their greatest need and was always most devoted 
to “Massa’s chillun.”
Frequent letters came from John and they were always affectionate and tender 
towards every member of the family.  He was working on a boat that ran on the 
Red River in Arkansas and Louisiana.  He seemed well pleased out west and had 
not thought of returning home.
Burks was making money on the farm but his expenses were so great that he 
could never get ahead.  He had always wanted to give his children a college 
education but when the time came the money was never available.  Of course 
the family was large and naturally cost more but the going and entertaining 
was also expensive.  Burks seemed to be needed for so many outside affairs 
and his friends and neighbors looked to him as a leader in most community 
activities.  His opinions were sought by rich and poor and he never refused 
to do a neighborly kindness.
In the fall of 1859, two more of his children were married.  On September 22, 
Sallie was married to Joseph Williams whose father was one of the first 
settlers of the county.  The home was three miles sought of Talbotton and 
here Joseph and Sallie set up housekeeping.  Sallie was a pretty girl and 
much beloved.   Her family would miss her but she was not too far away to 
visit frequently.  Just two weeks later Robert was married to Mary Brooks.  
She had come from North Carolina to make her home with her sister, Mrs. James 
Smith, who lived in the Valley Grove section.  The family felt they would be 
ruined if Brother Robert left but the father said it was time the younger 
boys, Chris and Tommie, were taking more responsibility.  Bennie was yet a 
little fellow, though twelve, and every one still considered him a baby for 
he was rather delicate.  Robert had bought property in the northwestern 
section of the Valley not so far from Chalybeate Springs and about four miles 
from his father’s home.

TROUBLOUS TIMES

The year 1860 had now arrived with talk of Civil War on every side.  The 
common opinion was that if Lincoln were elected president, the sought would 
secede.  Burks believed in going slowly on all such grave questions and would 
have been glad if Georgia could have stayed in the Union but that desire was 
futile.  Of course thirteen of the southern states did secede and that 
brought untold sorrow and distress to every section and every home.  Burks’ 
health was considerably impaired at that time and as he was already fifty-
four he did not go to war himself.  John, who was then in Texas, wrote his 
father of his joining the army and was never heard of more.  Chris, the 
studious thoughtful lad who gave such promise of becoming a great man, was 
the next to go.  Tommie, who had promised his father to gather the crop 
before he left, was sorely afraid it would all be over before he could get 
there.  He joined in the fall.  Robert also joined though he left a wife, a 
little daughter, and expectations of another child.  Joe Williams brought his 
wife and daughter to Burks’ home and joined.  Cal brought his wife and son to 
Burks’ and joined.  The third year of the war Benjamin enlisted.  Five sons 
and two sons-in-law gone and Burks, a broken old man, left with all this 
burden.  Word came that Chris was killed at Gettysburg.  Mary had a letter 
that Robert got a leave of absence and was coming home.  He didn’t arrive so 
he was believed dead.  Sallie got word that her husband was at death’s door 
in a hospital in Savannah.  She went there to nurse him.  Tommie was also 
taken quite ill so she stayed on to nurse him.  Sallie finally reached home 
again reporting the terrible conditions that existed.  Finally 1865 came and 
stragglers from Sherman’s army did all they could to devastate Talbot County 
as well as all other sections they passed through.  Just at the last it was 
reported that Tommie and Bennie were captured and taken to Newport News.  Joe 
came home first, broken in health.  About the middle of June Robert returned 
– haggard from having walked all the way from Virginia.  Bennie came in a few 
days later and so did Cal.  Bennie had heard that Tommie was dead and a few 
days later a neighbor comrade confirmed the report.  All were weeping when 
Tommie walked in.  Their sadness was suddenly turned to joy and a great 
celebration was held.
It was now late summer.  Crops were just fair but they would have food to 
eat.  Burks wanted his boys to go on back to school but Tommie said, “No, pa, 
I’ve been away and now that I’m home I’ll go right to work.”  Bennie went to 
school and so did Bettie as she, too, had been unable to go earlier.  Miss 
Levicie Maddox was teaching at the Academy.  Though just a young girl she was 
already considered quite a good teacher.  Being his Cousin Jimmie Kendrick’s 
great niece, Burks knew the family quite well.  Her father, Thomas Maddox, a 
Methodist preacher, frequently supplied the pulpit at Evans Chapel.  In fact, 
Levicie had frequently visited his home, so Burks thought there was no finer 
girl anywhere.  Chris had corresponded with Levicie up until the time of his 
death in 1863.
Burks – as was required of every one who had slaves – had told his Negroes 
they were free.  There were a Negro man and Lucinda, and her four children – 
all small.  Burks told them they might still remain on the place and work for 
him or go elsewhere.  All of them stayed on.  Burks told Tommie, as he had 
told Robert, “Now that you are of age, if you wish to remain at home I will 
give you your share of everything you grow.”  So the beginning of ’66 found 
Tommie busily engaged in farming, trying to restore something of what had 
been lost.  Reconstruction troubles didn’t effect the Valley as heavily as 
some other sections but it was bad enough.  That year the price of cotton was 
high but a tremendous tax had to be paid on it.  Burks had carried such heavy 
burdens – not only for his own family but several neighbors in great distress 
had borrowed of him.  Some of the money was paid back but most of it was an 
entire loss.  This involved him so that he had to put a heavy mortgage on his 
home.  The good crop of ’66 helped some but not enough to pay out.
Tommie worked hard again the next year – again he grew a lot of cotton and 
food crops.  Levicie was still the Valley teacher.  He became much interested 
in her but she gave him no encouragement at the time as a Methodist preacher 
was very much in evidence.  The more Tommie saw of her the more desperately 
he became in love and the more courageous and bold.  Finally, the preacher 
was discarded and Tommie and Levicie were married December 15, 1867.
Tommie continued farming with his father as Bennie wished to attend school 
another year.  The couple set up housekeeping near by in a little one room 
log cabin on what was afterwards known as the Caldwell place.  Burks was 
still growing more feeble though he was able to look after home affairs and 
he and Ann continued to attend most of the meetings in the surrounding 
territory.  Ben was off at school, so Bettie was the only child left at home.  
She was a great help and comfort and gave most of her time in doing for her 
father.  Buggies were much used now for vehicles so the rockaway had been 
swapped in for a buggy.  Bettie often joined her father and Ann on their 
trips for she, too, was very fond of going.

LAST DAYS

The expense of keeping up the place was still large for hired help had to be 
secured for almost everything done about the place.  Lucinda was cook and 
naturally fed her big growing family from the kitchen.  The families of 
Burks’ children were for the most part living at a distance and with his 
relatives and Ann’s the house was usually crowded with guests.  Every one was 
as welcome as could be, nevertheless it took some money to pay the bills.  At 
the end of 1868 it was found that the indebtedness grew instead of lessened 
so Tommie told his father that he would buy part of his land and help release 
the debt on the other.  This was some help and Tommie built on the part he 
had bought that winter – his home being quite near his father.
Bennie had now finished his course at Collinsworth and came home to farm in 
the beginning of 1869.  He had never taken much responsibility at home so 
knew very little of managing a farm.  Besides, he was young and gay and spent 
more time in mixing and mingling with the young people than he did in farming 
so his crop was almost an entire failure.  Burks’ health was much worse and 
there was little he could do.  Tommie had plenty to manage his own affairs 
but he was still faithful to do all he could for his father.
Among these financial worries Burks never seemed to lose his morale.  He was 
just as ready to assist any in distress, or help anyone that needed it in 
other ways – even lending money to several.  He was still as devoted, or 
maybe more so, to his church work.  He was often called on to address 
different civil and religious bodies as his counsel was still highly valued.  
He helped in conducting a revival at Evans Chapel.  Thomas Maddox was 
preaching there at the time and much interest was manifest in the services.  
Both Methodists and Baptists were being received as the Baptists could have 
their membership recorded at Valley Grove or some other church of like faith.  
Rev. Maddox stood in one aisle to receive the Methodists while Burks stood in 
the other to receive the Baptists.  He still attended his denominational 
associations –having the record of not missing one in thirty years.
When the year 1873 arrived it found Burks unable to leave home at all though 
he was not in bed all the time.  He was always a great lover of his fellow 
man so when he was unable to go, his friends were glad to come and this 
cheered Burks.  Ann and Bettie were never too tired to minister to his least 
want.  His absent children were still thoughtful and affectionate and came 
often.  Nancy, who had now moved to Sumter County, came and brought Herschel 
– a little cripple since he was two years of age and the only child.  Sallie 
had four children and she too wanted to do something for pa.  Robert and Mary 
now had four children and they often came for the day.  Tommie was the 
nearest and he, his wife, and two children were in and out during the day.  
Bennie, who had not yet married, was still at home.  So Burks was much 
cheered with children, grandchildren, two sisters, other relatives and many 
friends around him.
It was a lovely spring day, May 5, when the final summons came.  Just four 
more days and he would have passed his 66th birthday.  That was not such a 
long life but much good had been crowded into it.  One of his friends who had 
known Burks since his first coming to Talbot County said of him, “I am not 
saying this in idle praise or eulogy, but from the first to last Burks 
Kendrick has been the most useful man in our county.  There have been others 
who had more wealth, others who had more education, but none who had a better 
kinder heart and proved it by his daily life and contact with his fellow men.  
‘Love thy neighbor as thyself’ was carried out in word and deed.”
The funeral was held from the home and neighbors and friends saw that every 
provision possible was made for the unusually large crowd that had assembled.  
People, not only of Talbot County but many surrounding counties came to pay 
their last respects to their dead friend.  Rev. Rush, a Methodist minister, 
preached the funeral.  Later, he also wrote the obituary and it was published 
in the local papers, the Christian Index, and the Wesleyan Christian 
Advocate.
It was a sad concourse of friends and relatives that formed the long 
procession as it sadly pursued its way to Concord Church Cemetery.  The sun 
was just setting when the coffin was lowered to the grave and all that was 
mortal of Benjamin Burks Kendrick was tenderly laid to rest by the side of 
his devoted Frances.










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1 Each Georgia County is divided into Georgia Militia Districts (called GMD's, even 
now).  In the old days there was a sometimes elected, sometimes appointed, 
Militia Captain (or other rank) with lesser officers under him responsible for 
raising the eligible men from his district, giving them a few days training each 
year, and leading them off to fight the Creeks, or whoever, if the Governor so 
ordered.  James Lyon was doubtless one of those officers from his GMD. 
(Information provided by Walter Cox, resident of Georgia and Robinson historian)


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Transcribed by Jean McCullough & Jean O’Neill