Mary Polly Hobbs
When Mary Polly Hobbs was born on September 19, 1797, in Greene County, Georgia, her father, Robert, was 43 and her mother, Mary Caldwell, was 37.
She married William H Harwell Harvill on March 21, 1816, in Greene County, Georgia. They had 11 children in 26 years.
She died in September 1879 in Mill Creek, Arkansas, having lived a long life of 82 years.
Family
Robert L Hobbs 1754–1845
Mary Marion Caldwell 1759–1853
Siblings
Curtis Hobbs 1778–1802
Sarah Sally Hobbs 1781–1860
James H Hobbs 1783–1838
Joseph Henery Sr Hobbs 1785–1870
Nancy Hobbs 1789–1834
Nathan Augustus Hobbs 1790–1889
Isham Hobbs 1792–1854
Robert Jr Hobbs 1805–1856
Spouse & Children
William H Harwell Harvill 1798–1852
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1863
Nancy A Harvill 1818–1862
Robert Curtis Harvill 1821–1898
John Francis Harville 1823–1903
William Henry Harvill 1825–
Mary Mitchell Harvill 1828–1847
Jasper Newton Harvill 1830–1847
Martha Jane Harvill 1833–1859
Joseph Lafayett Harvill 1836–1847
Benjamin Franklin Harvill 1838–1899
George Everett Harvill 1843–1861
William H Harvill
When William H Harwell Harvill was born on March 9, 1798, in Greene County, Georgia, his father, James, was 28 and his mother, Patsy Booles, was 23.
He married Mary Polly Hobbs on March 21, 1816, in Greene County, Georgia. They had 11 children in 26 years.
He died on September 13, 1852, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 54.
Family
Parents
James Harvill 1770–1807
Patsy Booles 1775–1817
Siblings
Thomas HARVILL 1794–1849
Mary Elizabeth "Polly" HARVILL 1800–
Jane Harvill 1804–1854
Spouse & Children
Mary Polly Hobbs 1797–1879
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1863
Nancy A Harvill 1818–1862
Robert Curtis Harvill 1821–1898
John Francis Harville 1823–1903
William Henry Harvill 1825–
Mary Mitchell Harvill 1828–1847
Jasper Newton Harvill 1830–1847
Martha Jane Harvill 1833–1859
Joseph Lafayett Harvill 1836–1847
Benjamin Franklin Harvill 1838–1899
George Everett Harvill 1843–1861
19 SEP 1797
Birth
Mary Polly Hobbs was born on September 19, 1797, in Greene County, Georgia to Mary Marion Caldwell, age 37, and Robert L Hobbs, age 43.
19 Sep 1797 • Greene, Georgia, USA
9 MAR 1798
Birth
William H Harwell Harvill was born on March 9, 1798, in Greene County, Georgia to Patsy Booles, age 23, and James Harvill, age 28.
9 Mar 1798 • Greene, Georgia, USA
1800 AGE 2
Birth of SisterWilliam H Harwell's sister Mary Elizabeth "Polly" was born in 1800 in Greene County, Georgia when William H Harwell was 2 years old.
1802
AGE 5
Mary Polly's brother Curtis died in 1802 in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 5 years old.
Curtis Hobbs 1778–1802
1802 • Greene, Georgia, USA
17 SEP 1804
AGE 6
Birth of SisterWilliam H Harwell's sister Jane was born on September 17, 1804, in Greene County, Georgia when William H Harwell was 6 years old.
26 JUL 1805 AGE 7
Mary Polly's brother Robert was born on July 26, 1805, in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 7 years old.
1807 AGE 9
William H Harwell's father James passed away in 1807 in Greene County, Georgia, at the age of 37.
James Harvill 1770–1807
21 MAR 1816 AGE 18
Marriage
Mary Polly Hobbs married William H Harwell Harvill on March 21, 1816, in Greene County, Georgia, when she was 18 years old.
William H Harwell Harvill 1798–1852
21 Mar 1816 • Greene, Georgia, USA
Name: William Harwell
Spouse: Polly Hobbs
Marriage Date: 21 Mar 1816
Marriage County: Greene
Marriage State: Georgia
19 Oct 1816
State of Georgia
This indenture made this nineteenth of October in the year of our Lord on One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixteen between Nathan Hobbs of the County of Greene on the NE part and Thomas Harvill for William Harvill of the same county of the other part, (hard to read guessing)>Nathepeth that the said Nathan Hobbs for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollar lawful money to him in hand will and a true paid by the said Thomas Harvill at or before the sealing and delivering of these presents the (hard to read this word)> necuht where of is hereby acknowledging boy granted bargain sold released and confirmed and between presents doth grant bargains sells and released and confirm unto Thomas Harvill his heirs and assigns are that tract of parcel of land containing by estimation seventy three acres of the same more or less situated by and being in the Greene County and hath a fore said beginning unto a corner there of John Matters land thence running north west ____ sassafras tree north to a sour gum tree then east to a white oak tree thence southeast to a persimmons tree thence east to a joined then south to the beginning corner together with are and singular rights manners and apportioning whatsoever to the said tract of land being ____ or an apportioning land the remainder reverences rents influences and profits and of every part there of to leave and to part there said tract of land all and singular that premises and pertinence thereunto belonging and every part there of unto the said Thomas Harvill his heirs and a pend to the proper use benefit and behalf the said Thomas Harvill and his heirs and assign forever and his said Nathan Hobbs his heirs and assign share forever warrants and defend said tract of land with all and every part thereof unto Thomas Harvill his heirs and assigns forever in witness thereof of the said Nathan Hobbs hath hereunto his land and seal this day and year above written.
Signed Nathan Hobbs (Seal)
Signed sealed and delivered in presents of John Browning JP, A Greer JP
Signed sealed and delivered in presents of John Browning JP, A Greer JP
29 JAN 1817 AGE 19
Birth of SonHer son James Thomas was born on January 29, 1817, in Greene County, Georgia.
22 DEC 1818 AGE 21
Birth of Daughter
Her daughter Nancy A was born on December 22, 1818, in Greene County, Georgia.
26 NOV 1817
AGE 19
Death of Mother
William H Harwell's mother Patsy passed away on November 26, 1817, at the age of 42.Patsy Booles 1775–1817
8 FEB 1821
AGE 23
Birth of SonHer son Robert Curtis was born on February 8, 1821, in Alabama.
16 MAY 1823 AGE 25
Birth of SonHer son John Francis was born on May 16, 1823, in Alabama.
16 OCT 1825 AGE 28
Birth of SonHer son William Henry was born on October 16, 1825, in Greene County, Georgia.
15 MAR 1828 AGE 30
Birth of Daughter
Her daughter Mary Mitchell was born on March 15, 1828, in Alabama.
1830
| Name | Wm Harwell |
|---|---|
| Home in 1830 (City, County, State) | Perry, Alabama |
| Free White Persons - Males - Under 5 | 2 |
| Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9 | 2 |
| Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14 | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39 | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Females - Under 5 | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9 | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39 | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Under 20 | 7 |
| Free White Persons - 20 thru 49 | 2 |
| Total Free White Persons | 9 |
| Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored) | 9 |
1830
The Indian Removal Act of 1830
Under the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the federal government successfully forced the relocation of the Five Civilized Tribes from their lands in the American South.
 |
| While some members of Congress spoke passionately against removing Native Americans from “lands which they had from time immemorial,” they weren’t able to block passage of the Act. July 20, 1830. Credit: Newspapers.com |
In 1830, William H. Harwell Harvill lived in Alabama and may have witnessed the forced relocation of peoples of the Five Civilized Tribes due to an Act of Congress.
By the 1820s, southern whites— especially farmers growing cotton—wanted more land.
The problem was that the coveted lands belonged to members of the Five Civilized Tribes.
The tribes—Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole—had lived and hunted on the lands for generations.
White settlers found an advocate in Andrew Jackson who strongly supported Native American removal. By 1828 with Jackson’s ascendancy to the Oval Office, the groundwork was laid for the Indian Removal Act of 1830. With one swift signing of a pen, Native Americans saw their rights to stay on their lands effectively vanquished.
 |
| Andrew Jackson believed Native Americans could not “flourish in the midst of a civilized community” and had to be removed from their tribal lands. . Credit: UniversalImagesGroup/Universal Images Group/Getty Images |
By 1837, 46,000 Native Americans had been relocated to lands west of the Mississippi River. For whites, the Act made 25-million acres of land available for settlement—and slavery. With the exception of the Seminoles who continued to fight for their lands in Florida, most of the Southern tribes were gone from the region.
Cotton played a major role in the success of the American South as well as its demise during the Civil War.
William H. Harwell Harvill was living in Alabama in 1830 when the cotton crop reigned as lifeblood to the state’s economy.
By 1800 cotton was king. The Deep South in the United States supplied most of the world’s cotton—in booming British factories, it was spun into fabric then sold around the empire.
Farmers across the region were producing larger harvests than ever before thanks to the cotton gin, and more cotton required more labor. Four million enslaved Negroes lived in the South by 1850, most toiling on plantations 16 hours a day, pruning, watering, and harvesting.
Small farms with few or no slaves also tried their hand at the crop, but the 1 percent of families in the South who owned more than 100 slaves dominated wealth and power in the region
 |
| In his message to Congress, Jackson emphasized that the removal of Native Americans would strengthen the southern frontier. December 6, 1830. Credit: Andrew Jackson/Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain |
1830
Cotton in the Deep South
 |
| Though Eli Whitney hoped his cotton gin would decrease the need for labor, it did just the opposite. Cotton production grew 800 percent at the start of the 1800s, requiring even more slaves. 1862, USA. Credit: Buyenlarge/Archive Photos/Getty Images |
Cotton played a major role in the success of the American South as well as its demise during the Civil War.
William H. Harwell Harvill was living in Alabama in 1830 when the cotton crop reigned as lifeblood to the state’s economy.
By 1800 cotton was king. The Deep South in the United States supplied most of the world’s cotton—in booming British factories, it was spun into fabric then sold around the empire.
 |
| In 1865, when enslaved African Americans gained their freedom, plantation owners lost their free labor force. With no money or jobs in sight, many former slaves returned to the plantations becoming sharecroppers, an exploitative indentured farming system little different from slavery. About 1865, South Carolina. Credit: Fotosearch/Archive Photos/Getty Images |
Farmers across the region were producing larger harvests than ever before thanks to the cotton gin, and more cotton required more labor. Four million enslaved Negroes lived in the South by 1850, most toiling on plantations 16 hours a day, pruning, watering, and harvesting.
 |
| Cotton made up 67 percent of total U.S. exports by 1840. About 80 percent of British cotton was U.S.-grown, used to fuel its booming textile factories during the peak years of the industrial revolution. About 1830, England. Credit: Universal Images Group/Getty Images |
Small farms with few or no slaves also tried their hand at the crop, but the 1 percent of families in the South who owned more than 100 slaves dominated wealth and power in the region
9 JUN 1830
AGE 32
Birth of Son9 JUN 1830
Her son Jasper Newton was born on June 9, 1830, in Alabama.
1 Dec 1831
5 MAR 1833 AGE 35
Birth of DaughterHer daughter Martha Jane was born on March 5, 1833, in Alabama.
12 NOV 1833 AGE 35
The Night the Stars Fell
In 1833 William H. Harwell Harvill was living in Alabama where they may have witnessed one of the most spectacular meteor showers in history on “the night the stars fell.”
In the hours just before dawn in November 1833, the skies across the United States were lit up by thousands of meteors.
Just before dawn, people threw on clothes and gathered in roads and fields to watch the 150,000 meteors (about 30 per second) dance in plain view during the storm’s peak. One eyewitness told the Pantagraph newspaper in Illinois that, “the very heavens seemed to be ablaze.
.
” Though many were spellbound, not all rejoiced in the cosmic celebration. At the time, the South was a hotbed for the national religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening. Some awoke terrified, fearing it was the End of Days, as predicted by a Bible verse: “and the stars of heaven shall fall.” But in the weeks following, newspapers demystified the showers with science.
Death of Sister
Mary Polly's sister Nancy died in 1834 in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 37 years old.
Nancy Hobbs 1789–1834
1834 • Greene, Georgia, USA
It was at this time that William Harwell + family lived in the western part of the county before moving on the MS, and brothers Will & Thomas Harvill (sons of James who d.GA/Greene 1807) lived on the eastern side of Perry.
There was also a J.C Harvill there doing marriages in the 1830's, but I don't know who he is."The 'boys' had little to do at night except to congregate Price's saloon, where they engaged in activities of a 'spiritual' nature.
One day in 1835, a circus caravan came to town, and by nightfall, the first performance had terminated, and the wagon cages were secured for the night, on a lot near a deep ravine. At the saloon that evening, the young men discussed the merits of each animal, when JIM ROUNDTREE announced that he was becoming 'as drunk as a badger.' This provocative statement brought on the question,'just how drunk can a badger get?'
To settle this question in a scientific manner, the revelers decided to visit the slumbering circus. Quietly, the 'boys' approached the circus wagons. In trying to solve the question, they broke open the cages, freeing the lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, baboons and monkeys, sending them into the silent streets of the town.
However, in their frolic, they did discover that a drunken badger would not act any worse than his human counterparts. The following morning, the circus people managed to recapture all of the animals, with the exception of one small monkey, and departed from the town, cursing upon it the fate of Sodom. And after they left, the monkey was captured by the townspeople, and 'was petted by one of our good citizens, but the monkey, in a fit of anger, had the temerity to bite a child, and that child proved to be the offspring of an ex-member of the Legislature from Perry, who was famous for not pocketing insults or injuries from men or monkeys.
Thus he stabbed the animal to death, and 'dispatched its spirit to The Land of Coconuts.' Altho I admire 'the boys' dedication to scientific inquiry, I guess too many hours in the fields staring at the south end of a north-bound mule - compounded by being 'over served' at the local pub - can cause people to do strange stuff. Rgds, M
Birth of Son
Her son Joseph Lafayett was born on February 13, 1836, in Dallas County, Arkansas.
Death of Brother
Mary Polly's brother James H died on March 27, 1838, in Columbus, Mississippi when Mary Polly was 40 years old.
Birth of Son
Her son Benjamin Franklin was born on July 13, 1838, in Dallas County, Arkansas.
Her son George Everett was born on May 1, 1843, in Alabama.
Death of Father
Mary Polly's father Robert L passed away on June 7, 1845, in Greene County, Georgia, at the age of 91.
Robert L Hobbs 1754–1845
7 Jun 1845 • Greene, Georgia, USA
Death of Son
Her son Jasper Newton passed away on July 11, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 17.
Jasper Newton Harvill 1830–1847
11 Jul 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Her son Joseph Lafayett passed away on August 7, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 11.
Joseph Lafayett Harvill 1836–1847
7 Aug 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Her daughter Mary Mitchell passed away on August 30, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 19.
Mary Mitchell Harvill 1828–1847
30 Aug 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Princeton, Arkansas, in 1850./-92.62441,33.98167,7/710x228.jpg70)
1850 • Princeton, Dallas, Arkansas
Her husband William H Harwell passed away on September 13, 1852, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 54. They had been married 36 years.
William H Harwell Harvill 1798–1852
13 Sep 1852 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Name: William Harvill
Probate Date: 13 Sep 1852
Probate Place: Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Inferred Death Year: Abt 1852
Inferred Death Place: Arkansas, USA
Case Number: 75
Item Description: Wills, Vol A-B, 1843-1855
Death of Mother
Mary Polly's mother Mary Marion passed away on November 20, 1853, in Greene County, Georgia, at the age of 94.
Mary Marion Caldwell 1759–1853
20 Nov 1853 • Greene, Georgia, USA
Death of Brother
Mary Polly's brother Robert died on March 27, 1856, in Gwinnett County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 58 years old.
Robert Jr Hobbs 1805–1856
27 Mar 1856 • Gwinnett, Georgia, USA
Her daughter Martha Jane passed away in 1859 in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 26.
Martha Jane Harvill 1833–1859
1859 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Death of Sister
Mary Polly's sister Sarah Sally died in June 1860 in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 62 years old.
Sarah Sally Hobbs 1781–1860
Jun 1860 • Greene, Georgia, USA
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Dallas County, Arkansas, in 1860./-92.65701,33.96686,7/710x228.jpg70)
1860 • Smith, Dallas, Arkansas
Death of Son
Her son George Everett passed away on August 10, 1861, in Missouri, at the age of 18.
George Everett Harvill 1843–1861
10 Aug 1861 • Wilsons Creek, Missouri, USA
Death of Daughter
Her daughter Nancy A passed away on December 19, 1862, in Arkansas, at the age of 43.
Nancy A Harvill 1818–1862
19 Dec 1862 • Arkansas, USA
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in one of the states of the Confederacy in 1863 when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was a bold document: it freed enslaved African Americans while condemning the Confederacy. Initially, Lincoln was of two minds on slavery: Although he believed slavery “an unqualified evil,” he also pledged not to interfere with states that practiced the “peculiar institution.” But with the outbreak of war, Lincoln’s attitude shifted, stating,
Following the American Civil War, Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Arkansas, when life during the Reconstruction Era was full of uncertainty.
Like most former Confederate states, Arkansas struggled through the Reconstruction Era politically, economically, and socially.
Following the American Civil War, the state of Arkansas struggled to readjust to life without slavery. Governor Isaac Murphy was determined to promote reconciliation and make the transition as smooth as possible. As with most Southern states, one of the most difficult adjustments was taking care of the hundreds of freed African Americans.
Death of Brother
Mary Polly's brother Joseph Henery died in April 1870 in Haralson County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 72 years old.
Joseph Henery Sr Hobbs 1785–1870
Apr 1870 • Haralson, Georgia, USA
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Prairie, Arkansas, in 1870./-94.13776,36.08611,7/710x228.jpg70)
1870 • Prairie, Drew, Arkansas
Death
Mary Polly Hobbs died in September 1879 in Mill Creek, Arkansas, when she was 82 years old.
/-94.42378,35.33914,7/710x228.jpg70)
Sep 1879 • Mill Creek, Ashley, Arkansas, USA
William Harville died intestate: James T And John F. Harvill posted bond and served as administrators for his estate which was turned over to his widow, Mary Hobbs Harville in April 1853.
1834 AGE 37
Death of Sister
Mary Polly's sister Nancy died in 1834 in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 37 years old.
Nancy Hobbs 1789–1834
1834 • Greene, Georgia, USA
1835
Bob - On the off chance that you have been losing sleep at night trying to imagine what in the world the people in AL/Perry County did for entertainment in the 1830's, I did a little digging and found the following in "Perry County Heritage" by Stuart Harris.
It was at this time that William Harwell + family lived in the western part of the county before moving on the MS, and brothers Will & Thomas Harvill (sons of James who d.GA/Greene 1807) lived on the eastern side of Perry.
There was also a J.C Harvill there doing marriages in the 1830's, but I don't know who he is."The 'boys' had little to do at night except to congregate Price's saloon, where they engaged in activities of a 'spiritual' nature.
One day in 1835, a circus caravan came to town, and by nightfall, the first performance had terminated, and the wagon cages were secured for the night, on a lot near a deep ravine. At the saloon that evening, the young men discussed the merits of each animal, when JIM ROUNDTREE announced that he was becoming 'as drunk as a badger.' This provocative statement brought on the question,'just how drunk can a badger get?'
To settle this question in a scientific manner, the revelers decided to visit the slumbering circus. Quietly, the 'boys' approached the circus wagons. In trying to solve the question, they broke open the cages, freeing the lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, baboons and monkeys, sending them into the silent streets of the town.
However, in their frolic, they did discover that a drunken badger would not act any worse than his human counterparts. The following morning, the circus people managed to recapture all of the animals, with the exception of one small monkey, and departed from the town, cursing upon it the fate of Sodom. And after they left, the monkey was captured by the townspeople, and 'was petted by one of our good citizens, but the monkey, in a fit of anger, had the temerity to bite a child, and that child proved to be the offspring of an ex-member of the Legislature from Perry, who was famous for not pocketing insults or injuries from men or monkeys.
Thus he stabbed the animal to death, and 'dispatched its spirit to The Land of Coconuts.' Altho I admire 'the boys' dedication to scientific inquiry, I guess too many hours in the fields staring at the south end of a north-bound mule - compounded by being 'over served' at the local pub - can cause people to do strange stuff. Rgds, M
13 FEB 1836 AGE 38
Birth of SonHer son Joseph Lafayett was born on February 13, 1836, in Dallas County, Arkansas.
27 MAR 1838 AGE 40
Death of Brother
Mary Polly's brother James H died on March 27, 1838, in Columbus, Mississippi when Mary Polly was 40 years old.
13 JUL 1838 AGE 40
Birth of Son
Her son Benjamin Franklin was born on July 13, 1838, in Dallas County, Arkansas.
10 Oct 1840
| Name: | William Harvill |
|---|---|
| Issue Date: | 10 Oct 1840 |
| Acres: | 160.84 |
| Meridian: | St Stephens |
| State: | Alabama |
| County: | Perry |
| Township: | 21-N |
| Range: | 9-E |
| Section: | 7 |
| Accession Number: | AL1810__.026 |
| Metes and Bounds: | No |
| Land Office: | Cahaba |
| Canceled: | No |
| US Reservations: | No |
| Mineral Reservations: | No |
| Authority: | April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566) |
| Document Number: | 29340 |
1 MAY 1843 AGE 45
Birth of SonHer son George Everett was born on May 1, 1843, in Alabama.
7 JUN 1845 AGE 47
Mary Polly's father Robert L passed away on June 7, 1845, in Greene County, Georgia, at the age of 91.
Robert L Hobbs 1754–1845
7 Jun 1845 • Greene, Georgia, USA
11 JUL 1847 AGE 49
Death of Son
Her son Jasper Newton passed away on July 11, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 17.
Jasper Newton Harvill 1830–1847
11 Jul 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
7 Aug 1847 Age 49
Death of SonHer son Joseph Lafayett passed away on August 7, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 11.
Joseph Lafayett Harvill 1836–1847
7 Aug 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
30 AUG 1847 AGE 49
Death of DaughterHer daughter Mary Mitchell passed away on August 30, 1847, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 19.
Mary Mitchell Harvill 1828–1847
30 Aug 1847 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
1850 AGE 53
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Princeton, Arkansas, in 1850.
1850 • Princeton, Dallas, Arkansas
| Name | Wm Harvill | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 53 | ||||||||||||||||
| Birth Year | abt 1797 | ||||||||||||||||
| Birthplace | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||
| Home in 1850 | Princeton, Dallas, Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||
| Gender | Male | ||||||||||||||||
| Family Number | 628 | ||||||||||||||||
| Household Members |
|
| Name | W. Harvill |
|---|---|
| State | AR |
| County | Dallas County |
| Township | Smith Twp |
| Year | 1850 |
| Record Type | Slave Schedule |
| Page | 359 |
| Database | AR 1850 Slave Schedul |
13 SEP 1852 AGE 54
Death of HusbandHer husband William H Harwell passed away on September 13, 1852, in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 54. They had been married 36 years.
William H Harwell Harvill 1798–1852
13 Sep 1852 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Name: William Harvill
Probate Date: 13 Sep 1852
Probate Place: Dallas, Arkansas, USA
Inferred Death Year: Abt 1852
Inferred Death Place: Arkansas, USA
Case Number: 75
Item Description: Wills, Vol A-B, 1843-1855
20 NOV 1853 AGE 56
Mary Polly's mother Mary Marion passed away on November 20, 1853, in Greene County, Georgia, at the age of 94.
Mary Marion Caldwell 1759–1853
20 Nov 1853 • Greene, Georgia, USA
27 MAR 1856 AGE 58
Death of BrotherMary Polly's brother Robert died on March 27, 1856, in Gwinnett County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 58 years old.
Robert Jr Hobbs 1805–1856
27 Mar 1856 • Gwinnett, Georgia, USA
1859 AGE 62
Death of DaughterHer daughter Martha Jane passed away in 1859 in Dallas County, Arkansas, at the age of 26.
Martha Jane Harvill 1833–1859
1859 • Dallas, Arkansas, USA
JUN 1860 AGE 62
Mary Polly's sister Sarah Sally died in June 1860 in Greene County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 62 years old.
Sarah Sally Hobbs 1781–1860
Jun 1860 • Greene, Georgia, USA
1860 AGE 63
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Dallas County, Arkansas, in 1860.
1860 • Smith, Dallas, Arkansas
| Mary Harville | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | abt 1799 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gender | Female | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Race | White | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Birth Place | Georgia | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home in 1860 | Smith, Dallas, Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Post Office | Tulip | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Family Number | 240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Household Members |
|
10 AUG 1861 AGE 63
Death of Son
Her son George Everett passed away on August 10, 1861, in Missouri, at the age of 18.
George Everett Harvill 1843–1861
10 Aug 1861 • Wilsons Creek, Missouri, USA
19 DEC 1862 AGE 65
Her daughter Nancy A passed away on December 19, 1862, in Arkansas, at the age of 43.
Nancy A Harvill 1818–1862
19 Dec 1862 • Arkansas, USA
1 JAN 1863 AGE 65
The Emancipation Proclamation
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in one of the states of the Confederacy in 1863 when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
In just 25 words, President Abraham Lincoln announced that enslaved African Americans living in the South “shall be free.”
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was a bold document: it freed enslaved African Americans while condemning the Confederacy. Initially, Lincoln was of two minds on slavery: Although he believed slavery “an unqualified evil,” he also pledged not to interfere with states that practiced the “peculiar institution.” But with the outbreak of war, Lincoln’s attitude shifted, stating,
“We must free the slaves or be ourselves subdued,”
thereby demonstrating a keen awareness that the federal government must take a stand. The Emancipation Proclamation freed 3.1 million enslaved African Americans. Lincoln went even further, inviting former enslaved individuals to take up arms against the Confederacy. Nearly 180,000 African Americans took him up on his offer. Lincoln paved the way for the eventual passage and ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 that abolished the institution of slavery entirely.
Death of Son
Her son James Thomas passed away on April 12, 1863, in Prairie County, Arkansas, at the age of 46.
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1863
12 Apr 1863 • Prairie, Arkansas, USA
12 APR 1863 AGE 65
Her son James Thomas passed away on April 12, 1863, in Prairie County, Arkansas, at the age of 46.
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1863
12 Apr 1863 • Prairie, Arkansas, USA
1863 AGE 66
Arkansas during the Reconstruction Era
Following the American Civil War, Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Arkansas, when life during the Reconstruction Era was full of uncertainty.
 |
| Many Southern states struggled economically following the Confederate surrender, as their currency was no longer accepted. Banks closed, and many citizens found themselves without any funds. About 1866. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain |
The Freedmen’s Bureau quickly came in and helped provide education, food, and medical attention to formerly enslaved individuals. Unfortunately for many of these people, freedom came in name only; many were forced into sharecropping to make a living (as Arkansas’ economy was still dependent on cotton) and “Black Codes” greatly restricted their activity within the state.
Governor Murphy and the Arkansas Legislature did ratify the 14th Amendment, granting voting rights to male Negroes, and wrote a state constitution that established a free public education system that included blacks. In the summer of 1868, Arkansas was officially readmitted to the Union and five years later, two Negroes held cabinet positions within the state government.
Death of Son
Her son James Thomas passed away on January 11, 1868, at the age of 50.
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1868
11 Jan 1868 • Petersburg, Virginia
The 15th Amendment outlawed racial discrimination at the election polls, but white leaders in the South ignored the Constitution.
Governor Murphy and the Arkansas Legislature did ratify the 14th Amendment, granting voting rights to male Negroes, and wrote a state constitution that established a free public education system that included blacks. In the summer of 1868, Arkansas was officially readmitted to the Union and five years later, two Negroes held cabinet positions within the state government.
11 JAN 1868
AGE 70
Death of Son
Her son James Thomas passed away on January 11, 1868, at the age of 50.
James Thomas Harvill 1817–1868
11 Jan 1868 • Petersburg, Virginia
Feb 1870
Amendment XV
Section 1.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2.
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
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| This image from the cover of Harper’s Weekly shows Negroes of several occupations lining up to cast their ballots. 1867. Credit: A.R. Waud/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain |
When the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in early February 1870, celebrations erupted in Negroes communities and abolitionist societies disbanded thinking their work was done. The amendment prohibited government at all levels from denying voting rights to men based on race.
The Republican Party gained an Negroes voting bloc in the North. However, Negroes who wanted to vote in the South were met with poll taxes they could not afford, literacy tests they could not pass, and threats of violence from the Ku Klux Klan they could not ignore.
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| When Negroes were allowed to go to the polls, they often faced intimidation by local Democrats. 1870s, Southern United States. Credit: Stock Montage/Archive Photos/Getty Images |
Voter registration among Negroes men in Mississippi decreased from 67 percent in 1867 to 4 percent in 1892. The Supreme Court ruled in 1876 that poll taxes and literacy tests were legal, effectively nullifying the intent of the 15th Amendment and leading to the entrenchment of Jim Crow laws for another 90 years.
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| As Negroes celebrated their right to vote, many Republicans believed the 15th Amendment had made Congressional Reconstruction successful. May 19, 1870, Baltimore, Maryland. Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/UIG via Getty Images |
APR 1870
AGE 72
Mary Polly's brother Joseph Henery died in April 1870 in Haralson County, Georgia when Mary Polly was 72 years old.
Joseph Henery Sr Hobbs 1785–1870
Apr 1870 • Haralson, Georgia, USA
1870 AGE 73
Residence
Mary Polly Hobbs lived in Prairie, Arkansas, in 1870.
1870 • Prairie, Drew, Arkansas
| Name | Mary Hogen | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age in 1870 | 70 | ||||||
| Birth Year | abt 1800 | ||||||
| Birthplace | Georgia | ||||||
| Home in 1870 | Prairie, Drew, Arkansas | ||||||
| Race | White | ||||||
| Gender | Female | ||||||
| Post Office | Monticello | ||||||
| Household Members |
|
1872
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The Brooks-Baxter War in Little Rock was a direct result of Reconstruction. It was an armed conflict between factions of the Republican Party, disputing the election for the 1872 governor. Those who supported Elisha Baxter claimed that Joseph Brooks was only elected by “scalawags,” men who moved down from the North to gain political advantage in the struggling South. 1874, Little Rock, Arkansas. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
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8 SEP 1879 AGE 82
Death
Mary Polly Hobbs died in September 1879 in Mill Creek, Arkansas, when she was 82 years old.
Sep 1879 • Mill Creek, Ashley, Arkansas, USA
William Harville died intestate: James T And John F. Harvill posted bond and served as administrators for his estate which was turned over to his widow, Mary Hobbs Harville in April 1853.
| Name | Mary Harvill |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Race | White |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Estimated Birth Year | abt 1797 |
| Birth Place | Georgia |
| Age | 82 |
| Death Date | Sep 1879 |
| Cause of Death | Consumption |
| Census year | 1880 |
| Census Place | Mill Creek, Ashley, Arkansas |
| Enumeration District | 9 |
| Line | 8 |
Harvill Family Bible
pages 1-6
Good Night William and Polly Harvill
