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From: "Jean Shanelec" <>
Subject: Re: [SCMARION-L] Re: SCMARION-D Digest V99 #23
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 1999 11:55:03 -0600


>How old was B. Keen when he executed this document? Any clue as to
Elizabeth's
>age? That might tell you something.
>
>Jo

Dear Jo,

The 1749 petition for land (abstracted below) coupled with the 1769 deed of
gift to Elizabeth Keene by her father Buckingham Keene has led Fladger
family researchers to conclude that Elizabeth was born circa 1748 and
married circa 1769. They made the further judgment that she was first
married to James Johnston before marrying Charles Fladger. The Deed of Gift
wherein Johnston is made trustee is the only evidence that has surfaced.

At a workshop in Dallas, Texas, I asked Brent Holcomb about early SC Deeds
of Gift, and it was his opinion that the husband would not be the trustee in
most cases. I wonder if list members have ever seen a Deed of Gift where
the husband WAS the trustee.

"Craven County, 1749 Petition for Land: Buckingham Keene declares that he is
a settler with a wife and 1 child and five slaves. He receives a grant of
400 acres situated between the Big Pee Dee and the Little Pee Dee rivers in
Britton’s Neck."

Buckingham Keene went on to receive many more royal grants. His 1798 will is
mentioned in earlier family histories, but a probate of his estate has never
been found.

In 1778 "James Johnston, Baker" appears on the list of Petit Jurors for St.
George Parish, as does also Charles Fladger. (Thanks to that wonderful Horry
County WebPages you so highly recommended, Jo.)

Sarah Ann Fladger Godbold, daughter of Charles Fladger & Elizabeth Keene,
was born 9 January 1779, according to her tombstone.

My current goal is to try to find other substantiation of the James Johnston
"first marriage" legend. I have not been able to find a probate of the
estate of James Johnston, Baker; however there was the following dispute
between Charles Fladger and a James Johnston in 1783:

"James Johnston of George town District being duly sworn & makes
this****that ab the 20th March last Charles Fledger of the same District
pulled down his fences & did considerable Damage to his freehold whereby he
lost a crop & received other Injuries." (FYI: Charles Fladger was found to
be innocent & Johnston had to pay court costs plus a fine.)

If the above James Johnston was a son of Elizabeth Keene & James Johnston,
trustee, he could be no more than 13 years old in 1783. This relationship
does not seem likely. Of course, he could be Elizabeth's older stepson.

FLADGER/KEENE researchers are confronted with the mixed blessing of having
that wonderful story teller Kate Lily Blue in the family. While grateful for
her insights, I am constantly questioning family lore. Well, we've all been
that route!

Thanks for your interest,

Jean Fladger Shanelec

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