EARLY PENCE'S IN THE SOUTHERN STATES.

In time, most Pences in the U. S. can be traced back to those few who entered this country at ports in Pennslyvania in the early to middle 1700's. These families settled in Pennslyvania and Virginia, including today's West Virginia. They migrated through the Shenandoah Valley into North Carolina, and on into Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. At the present, it is not known where those first seen in South Carolina in the mid to late 1700's came from, they appear as from no where, without a hint of their origin. Their routes of migration after these early sightings can largely be followed, however, where they came from is a mystery. These families were as follows:

ANDREW PENCE

Andrew Pence is listed among 61 men in the Purrisburg Company, S. C. Militia Muster Rolls of Granville and Colleton Counties in 1756. (Early American Series, Early S. C., Vol 1, 1600©1789; 1791©1799, p231.) This Militia "includes all men 16©60 except a number of foreign Protestants from Germany sufficient to form a company that had settled in the headwaters of the Combahee River, but had not been enrolled yet." Andrew, in S. C., also witnessed the will of Andrew Walser (wife Barbay) in 1760. Walser died that year, probated 1761. Philip Pence, a Revolutionary War Veteran, lived in Orangeburg (later Lexington) District, South Carolina, where he received a 480 acre tract of land in 1787. (Index, S. C. Land Grants, 1784©1800, Vol. 18, p402, Vol 20, p410.) Half of this tract of 480 acres, 240 acres each, was conveyed to Andrew and Charles Pence Jan. 29, 1794, which was located in the fork of the Broad and Saluda Creeks. (See Philip and Charles.) Some S. C. Records, Vol 1, pp 449©450, Brent Halcombers, Southern Historical Press, Lexington Dist., 1976.)

CHARLES PENCE

Charles Pence recieved 240 acres from Philip Pence on Jan. 29, 1794 (See Philip and Andrew), and on the same date he recieved $300 from Thomas Schuler for the same land. (Some S. C. Records, Lexington District, Vol. 1, p449, Brent Holcombers, Southern Historical Press, 1976.) Charles Pence was found in the 1800 census, Orangeburg Dist., S. C. with 3 m under 10, 1 m 10/16, 1 m 26/45 and 1 m over 45, 1 f under 10, 2 f 10/16 and 1 f 16/26, p263. He was also in the 1810 and 1820 census records of Orangeburg (later Lexington) Dist., S. C., p343, 46. It appears that he remained in S. C., at least until after the 1820 census. There seems to have been duplicate listings of Charles in early census records.

PHILIP PENCE.

Philip Pence was in South Carolina from before 1787 until about 1813, after which he moved to Alabama, where he remained until his death sometime after 1825. The name of Philip Pence appears on a monument erected by the Twickingham Chapter (Early name of Huntsville, Ala.) of the D. A. R. as a Revolutionary War Veteran who lived in the area of Huntsville, Alabama in the early days of the settlement. Philip Pence came to Huntsville, Madison Co., Ala. before 1815 (land record), died near Huntsville, Ala. sometime after 1825, and was said to have been buried "across the river." (Valley Leaves, Vol. 1, p88, 1944 winter issue.)

Philip was in the Orangeburg Dist of S, C, in 1787 (land grant). In 1819, his wife was named Barbrey ?, (Land record). In the 1800 census of that Dist., p343, the household consisted of:

1 male, 26/45, no doubt was Philip himself.
3 females under 10.
1 females 26/45, no doubt was Philip's wife.

By the census of 1810, in the same area, the household was:

1 male under 10, (Maybe George Joshua, b. after the 1800 census.)
1 male 26/45, Perhaps was Philip himself.
2 males over 45, (Perhaps two older brothers. Philip gave Charles and Andrew
Pence each 240 acres of land in 1794.)
2 females under ten, perhaps Catherine and Gincy and/or Polly and/or Milly.
1 female 10/16, possibly Nancy, who later m. Cain Hunt.
1 female 16/26, likely Philip's wife, or older dau.

After the 1810 census and before 1814, (when his dau? Nancy was m. to Cain Hunt in Al.), Philip moved to Huntsville, Madison Co.,(then Miss. Terr.), and bought land in 1815. His children included: Nancy Pence, m. Cain Hunt 16 April 1814, believed to be a dau. Catherine Pence married John Falconer 13 May 1818, surities of the marriage were John Falconer and Philip Pence.
Other Pence girls, possibly two were dau's. of Philip, all were m. in the early years of Huntsville, Ala.
These were:
Gincy Pence, m. Isaac Chiles, 15 Sept. 1817 and/or;
Polly Pence m. Edward Hodges, 12 July 1821 and/or;
Milly Pence m. William Daniel 5 Feb. 1823.
(Care: Jacob also had elgible dau.s at this time.)
George Joshua Pence, b. Jan 6, 1800 (1802?), S.C., d. Feb. 3, 1852 in Wilson Co., Tn, bu. Bandy Cem., LaGardo, Wilson Co., Tn. At 25 years of age, on 18 Jan. 1825, he married the 19 yr old Rebecca Webb in Madison Co., Ala. See George Joshua later for a listing of their children.

Philip Pence lived in Orangeburg (later Lexington) District, South Carolina, where he received a 480 acre tract of land in 1787. (Index, S. C. Land Grants, 1784©1800, Vol. 18, p402, Vol 20, p410.) Half of this tract of 480 acres, 240 acres each, was conveyed to Andrew and Charles Pence Jan. 29, 1794, which was located in the fork of the Broad and Saluda Creeks. See Andrew and Charles. (Some S. C. Records, Vol 1, pp 449©450, Brent Halcombers, Southern Historical Press, Lexington Dist., 1976.)

Philip appears as the only Pence in the 1790 census of S. C. (Orangeburg Dist., North part.) There were three males over 16 and one female in the family. These were likely Philip and his wife, along with his two brothers?, Andrew and Charles (see the 1800 and 1810 census reports above). We note that Philip appeared to have had no children in 1790, three young girls in 1800 which had increased by one young son by 1810. It may be assumed from this, and from the age of his wife, that he was newly married in 1790, yet, was old enough to have been in the Revolutionary War (He was born between 1765 and 1775, according to the 1800 and 1810 census). We are concerned with the supposedly difference in his and Andrew's age, who was in the militia in 1756 (if he was enrolled at age 16, he was born at the latest by 1740, perhaps earlier). Andrew appears to have been at least 25 years older than Philip.
Gilbert S. Pence wrote on 21 Nov. 1971, about 3 months before his death, of Johann Phillip Bentz (This has not been confirmed as of yet, mtp):

"There are indications this man was the father of Philip, but I am unable to document this at present. Johann came from Germany to southeast Penn. 20 Oct 1738 bearing the name of Bentz, which he used until his death in 1781. Philip moved to S. C. just prior to 1790." (See the Pence©Pense connection under "John Pence" later mtp)

Philip Pence, on March 20, 1815, paid $50 to John Pence for 15 acres in Madison County, Alabama (then Mississippi Territory.) "Beginning at a stake on Jacob Pence's line at the corner of Philip Pence's fence, then north 85 latt 71 pole to a stake on the Indian Line, thence north 8 west along the Indian Line to a pole 40 to a spanish oak, Samuel Kennamore's corner, thence s. 85 ws 57 poles to Jacob Pence's corner on Kennamore's line, thence to the beginning, containing 15 acres."

Philip, on July 18, 1819, by his "natural love and affection," conveyed 15 acres of land to "George Pence, son of the said Philip Pence," in Madison Co., Ala. "Beginning at a stake on Jacob Pence's fence at the corner of Philip Pence's fence, thence north 85 et 71 poles to a stake on the Indian Line, thence north 8 wt along the said Indian line 40 poles to a spanish oak at Samuel Kennamore's corner, thence south 85 wt 57 poles to Jacob Pence's corner on Kennemore's line, thence to the beginning, containing 15 acres to be the same more or less." Barbary, the wife of Philip Pence, relinquished her right of dowery to the land, the deed being recorded July 27, 1819. We believe this George was George Joshua Pence, father of Marion Thompson Pence.

Philip, on September 24, 1825, bought from George Pence for $25, land in Madison County, Alabama as follows. "Beginning at the north est corner on the line of Decatur and runing west 29 poles, thence south 39 poles, thence east 41 poles to the Decatur line, thence along the line of Decatur to the beginning 39 poles, containing 8 acres, more or less." It was signed Jorg (X his mark) Pence and Rebekah (X her mark) Pence.

Another Pence girl named Barbary, the namesake of Philip's wife, was b. 1807 in Madison Co., Ala. (likely a dau of Jacob Pence, she was born before Philip arrived in Alabama), She married James H. C. Calhoun on 24 July 1823. (Calhoun Family Records).

Pences in S. C. prior to 1810 were; Andrew, Charles, Isaac, Israel, Jacob, John, Philip, Abraham and possibly Hugh. Others b. in S. C. who later lived in Al. were David, George, Jacob (II), Joseph, possibly John H. and others. Calhoun family records state there were seven Pence brothers who lived in S. C. prior to the 1790 census, the oldest being Jacob.

ABRAHAM PENCE 1810 census, Pendleton Dist., S. C., p150.

ISRAEL (ISREAL) PENCE, 1800 census Lexington Dist., S. C., p345.

HUGH PENCE 1778 Carender Dist, S. C.

ISAAC PENCE, Land Grant, 1795. (Index, S. C. Land Grants, 1784©1800, Vol 41, Class 2, p425.) Isaac appears in the 1800 census, Orangeburg Dist., S. C., with 1 m under 5, 1 m under 26, 1 f under 5 and 1 f under 16, p209. 263. In the 1810 census of Lexington District, S. C., he had 2 m under 10. Isaac does not appear in S. C. census records after this, but an Isaac Pence married Patsy Falkner June 12, 1818, Madison Co., Ala. An Isaac Pence and later, his widow, Patsy, recieved bounty land in Ohio (date unknown). Duplicate listings of Isaac are in early S. C. census records.

JOHN PENCE

John Pence appeared only in the 1800 census of Pendleton District S. C. He had 8 children under 26 years of age, but no sons under 10, both he and his wife were above 45, p12. John Pence was recorded as being in Madison Co., Ala. quite early, 1810 census, 1811 tax list, Madison Co., (Alabama, Early Settlers, 1816, Ala., Miss. Terr., 1816 heads of Families.)

There was a John Pence who married Elizabeth Rillings in December 20, 1810, Madison Co., Ala., p27.

John Pence, 1811, Davidson Co., Tn, "Early Tenn Tax Lists", 1977.
John Pence, War of 1812, Bn 7, Militia, (Jackson Miss., Hist. Library, Carter
Papers.) Ala. was still part of the Mississippi Territory at the time.

John Pence appears in the 1830 census of Jackson Co., Ala. p121. There were in the family 2 m under 5, 1 m 5/10, 1 m 10/15, 1 m 15/20, 1 m 20/30, 1 m 50/60, 2 f under 5, 2 f 5/10, 1 f 10/15, 1 f 20/30.

The Pence©Pense connection.

On a large undocumented paper, listing the descendents of Johann Chistoph Bentz, covering the time frame of 1700 to 1987, from Bavaria, Germany; Warren County, North Carolina; Jackson County, Alabama and Crawford County, Arkansas. Johann Christoph Bentz was the father of John (Jr.), who married Barbara ?, and became the parents of John (III) who married E. Rollings. Nine children of John (III) were listed as Lucinda (Mrs. R. C. Hathaway); Joseph (Married Belinda Orrick); Ruse (Married Vivian ?); Wade (Married Amanda ?); John (Married Margaret ?); William (Married Anna Peters); Cynthia (Married Johnston); Charles (Married M. Reed and A. Brewer); Louisa (Married Pleasant Johnston and Joseph Neeley). This Louisa had a son George, who had a daughter Callie who married (second m.) William Henry Pense. The vast number of descendents on the paper were the descendents of this William Henry Pense. The male descendents of John and E. Rollings were: for their son Joseph; James R., Archibald, Stephen, Benjamin and Joseph. For their son Charles; John E. (This paper was received from a Mrs Hayes, living in Norman, Ok., who descended from the Pense clan in Crawford Co., Ar.

Compare this clan to the John Pence who came from S.C. to Al. early after 1800. The John (III) who m. E. Rollings could well have been the John who m Elizabeth Rillings in Madison Co., Ala on 20 Dec. 1810. If true and If this John was a brother of Philip, the parentage of both might be determined, but sources of the paper have not yet been established.

The following Pence©Pense land records are from this line.

Pence, J. P., Ark Land Patents, Crawford Co., Harrison Land Office, Vol AR2450.369, 13 June, 1878, Homestead Original, N SE Sect 32, Twp 13n, R 29w, 80 Acres.

Pense, Charles, Ark Land Patents, Crawford Co., Fayetteville Land Office, 15 Nov. 1854, 40.27 Acres.

Pense, George R., Ark Land Patents, Crawford Co., Harrison Land Office, 31 Dec, 1904, 80 Acres.

Pense, George W., Ark Land Patents, Crawford Co., Harrison Land Office, 9 April 1900, 120 Acres.

Pense, William A., Ark Land Patents, Crawford Co., Harrison Land Office, 18 Feb, 1888, 40 Acres.

JOHN H. PENCE.

John H. Pence was in the 1850 Madison Co., Al census, p415.
John H. Pence, in Madison Co., Ala., m. Say Killingsworth, 18 Nov. 1841. John H. m. Sarah Ann Bulman, 3 Nov. 1857, Madison Co., Ala. On 1 Aug 1839, John H. Pence received land from the U. S. Govt., SE 1/4, SE 1/4, Fractional section 21, Twp 5, Range 3 East. John H. Pense, in Madison Co received land 2 April 1857, from the U. S. Govt., N. part, SW part, marked D west of the Reservation line of S 22, Twp 5, R 3 east. Probate records, File No. 2394, 1860, Estate of John H. Pence, Madison Co., Ala. Widow, Sarah. Children, Elsey R.(Maples); Lucrecia (Adeline?), m John Atchley, children George D., David; Rene Tackett, 37 years of age, Jackson Co., Ala.; Rebecca I Baxter, 33 years of age, Jackson Co.; Rachel L., 30 years, m Seaton, Texas; Araminta Maples, 28, Madison Co.; John F., 26, Marshall Co.; Susan T., 24, dead; James E., 16, Marshall Co.; Sarena E., m Thos L. Bulman.

John H. Pence m Lucretia Kennamer in 18??, Madison Co., Ala.

JACOB PENCE

Jacob Pence and his wife, both under 45 years of age, had two females under 10 in the 1800 census of Fairfield District, S. C., p206. There is no S. C. census record of him in 1810, but the name appears in Madison Co., Ala., where he applied for a land grant in 1810. A daughter, born in 1807 (in Al.), was named Barbary, with 3 girls in the family under 26 in 1809, list of residents. His name appeared on a tax list in Madison Co., Al in 1811 and 1812. Jacob witnessed the conveyance of a deed from John to Philip Pence in 1815, which property bordered Jacob on one side. Jacob witnessed a will, and sale of land to David Harless, both on 21 April 1815 in Madison Co., Ala. It is possible that John, Jacob and Philip were brothers, along with Isaac, Israel, Charles, and Andrew. The Calhoun records state that Jacob was the oldest of seven brothers who came from S. C., all being large of body frame.

The family of another Jacob, in the 1830 census of Madison Co., Ala., was recorded: 1 m 0/5, 2 m 5/10, 1 m 10/15, 1 m 30/40, 1 f 20/30 (p93), 1840 p124, 1850 p335, 1860 p248, 1870 p119. In 1850, he was listed as 52 years of age. Likely he was the son of John or Jacob.

Another Jacob was in the 1830 census, p4, of Limestone Co., Al., 1840, p169.

FROM THE CALHOUN CONNECTION

There was another Jacob in Madison Co. who was younger than the Jacob from S. C., the Revoulutionary War Veteran. This second Jacob was born 1797 in N. C., (Calhoun Records) possibly the son of Jacob, 1750©1800, the son of Valentine 1690©1761. Valentine and his two brothers, Adam and Jacob, had immigrated to this country, settling in Va., their descendents scattering to Ohio, Ky., Ind., Ill., and N. C. The 1790 census of Salisbury District of N. C. has Jacob's family at 1 m over 16, 2 m under 16, 1 m 10/15, 1 m 30/40 and 1 f 20/30. His son, Jacob, may have wandered down to Ala. early and may have been the one listed in the 1830 census of Madison Co., Ala. The family was recorded as 1 m under 5, 2 m 5/10, 1 m 10/15, 1 m 30/40, 1 f 20/30. It is noteworthy that this Jacob was only 13 years old in 1810 when the S. C. Jacob applied for land, and had daughters, including Barbary (Calhoun Records), who was born in Madison Co., Ala. when he was but 11. (Barbary's son later said she was b in N. C.) Barbary m James Calhoun in 1823, living in Madison Co., Ala in the 1830 census, but in 1844 moved to Wright Co., Missouri, and lived there until 1880. She d in 1881.

Jacob, from Fairfield Co., S. C. had sons, (likely) Jacob, b 1797, S. C. George, b 1799, m Rebecca Webb in 1825 (DISPUTED mtp), and Joe, b 1801, m Sarah Sharp, b 1794. All three were b in S. C. (Some confusion about George who m Rebecca Webb. Philip's son George believed to have been the one who m Rebecca Webb.)

Jacob left Madison County for Tennessee, spending his last years here, where he died in old age in 1835. Some claim this was the Jacob born in N. C., but if so, he was less than 40 years of age when he died. It is more likely he was the much older Jacob who came from S. C. to Ala.

Census records of 1850 Madison Co., Ala. has three Pences listed, Jacob, Joe and George.

FROM THE SHARP RECORDS.
Children of Jacob, early pilgram after 1800 in Madison Co., Al.

(1) Jacob, b 1797 in S. C., m Mary Branch of Va., b 1798, sister of John Branch, Sec. of War under Pres. Jackson. His children included William Riley, b 5©21©1828, d 5©31©1902, m 2©14©1846 Sarah Bogue, b 10©03©1830, d 10©22©1890, children, (a) George Allen, m Betty Parvin, children, Jesse m George Spelce; Ira E. m Sarah Ham. Lizzie E. m Barto Spelce. Thelma d infant; Blanch m Richard Franklin; Altia m Halo; Minnie Lou d infant; Clara m L. W. Herring. (b)ÞH HÞIra m Bessie?, children, Jane, Eddie Lee, Lelia, Oscar, Gord. Ira then married Tina Bradshaw Thacker, their children, Hershel, Bill and 2 girls; (c) Sidney Johnson, b 7©1©1871, d 12©13©1921, m 3©17©1891 Callie Sharp, 1 dau, Burgoniann, d infant at Bailey, Fannin Co., Texas, (d) Mildred Elizabeth b 2©18©69, d 8©17©1919, m 9©15©1892 Leroy California Sharp, b 3©2©1973, d 3©27©1922, children, William Jackson, Callie, Tiny, Dock, Sarah, Edna, Ira, Shelly, Leroy. (e) Sarah m Joe Fulks, no children; (f) Elizza m John Crowson, children, Willie, Ben, Allie and Lawrence. (g) Muggie m Jim Ellis Crowson, children, Charlie, Jim, Jr., Bertha, Bessie, Jessie. (h) William Jackson m Bernice Fears, child, Mildred Vernell; Shellie.

(2) George, b 1799 in S. C., m Rebecca Webb, 1825, Madison Co., Ala. (THIS MARRIAGE IS DISPUTED, see George Joshua later.)

(3). Joe, b 1801, S. C., moved to Madison Co, Ala., m Sarah Sharp, b 1794. Children were Jane, b 1836 and Candy. Joe died young and his widow m John Tipton. (There is some confusion in the name Jacob and George. Jacob (1797, S. C.) was likely the son of Jacob who left S. C. for Ala. early after 1800. However, Jacob, the son of Jacob of N. C. was also b in 1797, but his father, Jacob, died in 1800 in N. C. This younger Jacob was reported by another source as moving from Ala. to Tenn. in his old age, where he died 1835. This had to be the older Jacob from S. C., as his son would have been less than 40 years of age in 1835. Jacob, the son of Jacob, did have a son named George, but he was b at least 30 years too late to be the George who married Rebecca Webb. George Allen Pence, the son of Jacob (II) was born no earlier than 1830, this George was in the 1850 census of Madison Co., Al. when George and Rebecca were in Wilson Co., Tn. Philip had a son named George (documented) who is believed to have been the one who m Rebecca Webb in 1825. George who m. Rebecca Webb was 25 at the marriage in 1825. He was 47 in the 1850 census. The grave stone of G. J. Penge (believed to be him) had him b. in 1800. His son's family (Joshua Pence) records him as b in 1802. All these dates indicate the George who m. Rebecca Webb was not b. in 1797, but at or after the turn of the century.

FROM THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT (condensed), the Sharp connection.

Sidney Johnson Pence was Shot and killed on December 13, 1921 in McClain Co., Okla. by Leroy California Sharp, his brother©in©law. Sharp, in preparation for moving across the river to Norman, was in the act of digging up some plants from Pence's farm, which he was renting, when Pence arrived. An argument ensued, escallating into a fight in which Pence was killed. Sharp was freed on a $3,000 bond, awaiting trial for the crime. Pence was married to Callie, sister of Sharp. She returned his body to Gurley, Ala. for burial. Returning to Okla., she met her brother in a store in Norman, where she shot him. He lingered in the hospital for some days before he died March 27, 1922, age 49, being buried in Denver Cemetary, Cleveland Co., Okla. His sister, Callie, who killed him, likewise was charged but never went to trial. Sharp was married to Mildred, the sister of Pence.

DAVID PENCE

David Pence, b. in S. C., m. Mildred, dau. of Enoch Bell, settled in Dallas Co., Ala early, being listed in the 1830 census (p 77). 1840 (p86), and 1850 (p282). He raised a large family, including a son who never married, Enoch Bell Pence, named after his grandpa. (Enoch Bell, b. in Chatham Co., N. C. 3©1789, m. Francis Maughon 6©8©1809; in the 1800 census of S. C., to Dallas Co., Al., 1818; Wilcox Co., Al., 1820 (in addition to him and his wife there were 2 sons, 4 daughters and 5 slaves), Baptist Church 1828, d, 8©29©1850). The will of Enoch Bell Pence names his surviving siblings, Anna, William M., Charles, Catherine Parnall; will adm. by his Uncle William Bell, who had m. Mary Averyt, 2©16©1841. Anna Pence m. Abraham Geiger in Dallas Co., Ala. in 1825. She had to have been b before 1810. Anna (Pence) Geiger, in the 1860/70 census', Yell Co., Al. lists her birthplace as S.C. In the Bell Family Cem., Dallas Co., Al. (5 miles east of Hiway 5 from Lake Weisinger on a county road), several Pences were buried. Mildred Bell Pence, 1©2©1814, 5©6©1856; John H., s/of D. and M. B. Pence, 11©2©1831, 4©4©1840; Joseph B., s/of D. and M. B. Pence, dates illegible; Julia A. M., dau. of D. and M. B. Pence, 9©13©1843, 12©13©1853; Francis E., dau. of D. and M. B. Pence 4©5©1838, 9©16©1847. 13 Weisingers bu here, no Geigers nor Zorns listed. Cemeteries of Dallas Co., Al., Birmingham Al. Library, Bell Family Cem., It is interesting to note there were listed the names of Bell, Geiger, Zorn, Pence and Weisinger in one area of S. C. earlier. Some of these migrated and later intermarried in Dallas Co., Ala. Other Bell marriages in Dallas Co., Al. were: Elijah Bell to Nancy Ann Jones 12©31©1840; Jonathan L. Bell to Lousianna Blann 9©26©1842; John C. Bell to Louisa Dorman 1©10©1842. Peter Brammell to Miss Sarah Weisinger, 10 May 1845; William B. Trammel to Eliza P. Weisinger 19 Dec 1839; Samuel Weisinger to Mary Ann Weisinger, 31 Jan. 1842; Marshall Frankin to Sarah Weisinger 16 Feb. 1842; Levi Hillman to Elizabeth Weisinger 19 Sept. 1839.

Other early Pences in Al. include Enegey, 1810, 1820 Cherokee Co., Ala. In the 1830 census, we also find Ephraim, Limestone Co.; Jacob p 4, 93, Madison Co.; Jacob, Limestone Co.; John, Jackson Co.; Morgan Pence in Butler Co., Ala. On March 1, 1857, Joseph Pence m Jane Hall, Madison Co, Ala. These were likely sons of the early Pences in S. C.

GEORGE JOSHUA PENCE

George Joshua Pence, b. Jan 6, 1800 (1802?), S.C., d. Feb. 3, 1852 in Wilson Co., Tn, bu. Bandy Cem., LaGardo, Wilson Co., Tn. At 25 years of age, on 18 Jan. 1825, he married the 19 yr old Rebecca Webb in Madison Co., Ala. Their children were:

(1) Louisa, b. 1827, Madison Co., Ala., bu. at Bebee, Ar., m. 6 Feb. 1840 Eliza May, officiated by Milkiah Vaughn. (Marriage Book, 1840, Wilson Co., Tenn.) Louisa was at best 13 years of age. In 1850, she was at home with her parents as Louisa Pence. In 1852, she united with the Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church as Eliza (Louisa) Pence. On the page preceeding, we find William May and Margarett May, with Eliza May, to which was added, "Dead, 9th August." (The year is not ledgible due to watermark.) Before the 1860 census, it is believed that Louisa, in Ar., was married to William Allen. Later, widowed with no children, she married a man named Roach, children were, (a). Rebecca (Mrs. Tom Pryor) who bore Tom, Luke, Clem, Mary (m. Williams), Etta, Noma and Mande. (b). Mary (Mrs. William Goodman.) (Biographical History of Eastern Arkansas, Goodspeed, 1890.) The 1880 census, Red River Twp., White County, P. O., West Point, Ar., lists W. T. Roach, 44, Louisa 40, with 7 children, this is far too young to be her. Louisa was bu at Bebee, Ark. Some have thought Louisa had first married Eliza Wray (instead of May) and had a son who was raised in Tenn. No evidence has been found of this. It is thought the scribe entered the name of "May" in such a form to make it appear as "Wray" in the marriage record. The Mays were members of the same little rural church as the Pences.

(2) Joshua W., b. 18 May 1830, Warren Co., Tenn., bu. in family cem. on his farm, White Co., Ar., m. 4 Feb 1854 Demarius L. Grissom. first child, Matilda, b 1854 in Tn. He eventually married about five more times. All his children were born to his first wife.

(3) George W., b. in 1834, d. 22 Aug 22 1856, bu. in the cem. on Joshua Pence's farm, White Co., Ar. Never married.

(4) Matilda, b. in 1837.

(5) Evaline, b. 1841.

(6) Marion Thompson Pence, b. June 11, 1844, d. Sept. 6, 1919, bu. Harkey's Valley Cem., Yell Co., Ar., married four times.

George Joshua was described as "a man of decision and strong willpower, an old time Jacksonian Democrat." (Biographical History of Eastern Ark., Goodspeed, 1890, p221). Born, 1800© 1802, in S. C. His wife, Rebecca Webb Pence was b. in N. C., (1880 census, White Co., Ark). The 1850 census has this reversed. Rebecca, in 1880 was recorded as b in N. C. M. T. Pence, in the 1880 census, has his father b in Ala., and his mother b in Va. George died Feb., 1852. Being 47 years old in the 1850 census of Wilson Co., Tenn., suggests 1803 birthday, however, Biog. History, above, has it 1802©1852. A stone in the Bandy Cemetary on Camp Boxwell property, 1 mi n. and 1 1/2 m w of La Gardo, Wilson Co., Tenn. has G. J. Penge, Jan 6, 1800; Feb. 3, 1852 (Tennessee Records; Tombstone Inscriptions and Manuscripts, Acklen, 1933, p 348). He is believed to have been the son of Philip Pence, a Revolutionary War Veteran who moved from S. C. to Madison Co., Ala., then known as Mississippi Territory, soon after 1810. (Philip gave land in Madison Co., Ala. to his "son George" in 1819. Philip had bought this land from John Pence in 1815. See Philip Pence earlier.)

At 25 years of age, George m the 19 year old Rebecca Webb on Jan. 18, 1825. (Marriage Records, Madison Co., Ala.) That same year, on September 24, 1825, George and Rebecca sold an 8 acre plot of ground to Philip (See Philip for description of land. Perhaps this land was her dowery.) Two years later, in 1827, their daughter Louisa was b in Madison Co., Ala. (Louisa was 22 in the 1850 census, Wilson Co., Tenn.) About 1829, George and Rebecca took Louisa to Warren Co., Tenn., where Joshua W. was born May 18, 1830. (Biographical History of Eastern Ark., Goodspeed, 1890, p221.) According to this Biographical history, they were in Warren Co. for 6 years, until 1839, however, this seems an error because in 1834, the family appears in Wilson Co., Tenn., where Joshua (George Joshua?) paid 60 cts. in taxes. (Wilson Co., Tenn. Tax Record, Civil Dist. No. 2, 1834.) We note that a Bowen Webb paid 1 poll tax in Wilson Co., 1826/28. Also Anderson, Bennett, William, Woodson, George, Isham, James and John Webb were in the county in those early days, possibly these were her kinfolks.

Another son, George W. was born in 1834, followed in 1837 by Matilda. (1850 census, Wilson Co., Tenn.) On Feb. 6, 1840, Louisa Pence married Eliza May, the wedding being officiated by Milkiah Vaughn. (Marriage Book, 1840, Wilson Co., Tenn.) Vaughn was a local Presbyterian Minister. (1850 census, Wilson Co., Tenn.) This incident has some confusion about it. Louisa, the daughter of George and Rebecca, was at best about 13 years of age, and in 1850, she was back at home with her parents as Louisa Pence. In 1852, after her father had died, she united with the Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church as Eliza (Louisa) Pence (Church record.)

In 1840, the George Pence family had 6 slaves, whose ages were such to indicate that they were a family, 1 m under 5, 2 m 10/24, 1 m 2//4/36, 2 f 10/24, 1 f 24/36. We find no record of their disposition. (1840 census, Wilson Co., Tenn., frame 239.)
A difficulty also exists in the 1840 census, all the ages of the Pences are wrong. Instead of 40, George is listed as 20/30, Rebecca was 20/30 instead of ca. 35. Others were 1 m and f under 5. (Matilda was 3 and George was 6). Louisa was not shown (See her marriage above.) Joshua, at 10 years, was not shown either. We wonder if the census taker found the family not at home and a neighbor "guessed at" the information. By 1841, Evaline was born, followed by Marion Thompson Pence on June 11, 1844. (Unpublished letter of M. T. P., ca 1918, also 1850 census.) The family was now living in Civil District No. 4, where they paid poll taxes (no land taxes) for a few years (Possibly the dist. boundries changed instead of the Pence home site.)

As 1850 neared, the family had returned to Civil District No. 2. ("Tax Records", Wilson Co., Tenn., Trustee's Office, Film No. 233, years 1842, 1843, 1844, 1846.) It was possible that George was sick at this time and moved his family into more comfortable surroundings. We note that George's son, Joshua, was listed as head of the household in the 1850 census, also Joshua and George W. continued paying taxes, 1852, 1853, after George J. died. In the 1850 census, the listing was:

Pence, J. W. 19, farmer, b Tenn.;
George J., 47, Farmer, b N. C.;
Rebecca, 41, hsekep, b S. C.;
Louiza, 22, b Ala.;
George W., 16, b Tenn.;
Matilda A., 13, b Tenn.;
Evaline, 9, b Tenn.;
Marion T., 6, b Tenn.;
Nailor, Sarah, 60, b Penn.

The 22 year old Paul Nailor and his 14 year old bride, Catherine were in the next house in the census. Perhaps Paul brought Catherine home and Sarah moved out. It is possible she was related to the Pences, or may have been a widow in need of a home. James Nailor paid poll tax in Wilson Co. in 1826, 1830, and Paul paid in 1851.

The religious ferver was growing in middle Tenn. about this time. William Elkins, a "Campbellite" preacher, was invited to preach a series of sermons at the home of James Vaughn. During this meeting, George J. Pence responded to the call and united with that faith. (Unpublished memoirs of Marion T. Pence, ca, 1918.) Records of Elkins' work in Wilson County have been found. On the first Lord's Day in September, 1850, S. E. Jones wrote that he accompanied Elkins at Bethel in Wilson Co., where they had 15 additions. The second Lord's Day they were at Bro. Sweatt's in Wilson Co., where they continued several days. The 3rd and 4th Lords Days at Bethlehem in Wilson Co., being joined by Bro. Curlee, in a meeting that resulted in 32 additions and 2 restored. (Christian Magazine, Vol 4, No. 2, p60.)

James Vaughn and the Vaughn family were notable in the area near La Guardo, where a Vaughn Cemetery is located and being in the census and tax records. James Vaughn strongly supported the Confederacy in the Civil War. Unable to face the humiliating defeat and reconstruction, he, along with about 3,500 refugees, settled in Americana, Brazil. Land was affordable, the climate was good, cotton was a growing industry and slavery was to be practiced for another 20 years. (TIME Magazine, Nov. 16, 1987, p 14, "In Brazil: echos from the Confederacy.")
It is interesting to see in the article the name of the 70 year old Anna Vaughn Zacarchenko. (See West Wilson Co. Neighbors, Hailey, 1986, p23.)

On Feb. 22, 1852, George Joshua Pence died after a lengthy illness of what was called "Breast Complaint." (Unpublished Memoirs of M. T. Pence, ca 1918.)
He was laid to rest in the Bandy Cemetery near LaGuardo, in N. W. Wilson Co., Tenn. (G. J. Penge, Jan. 6, 1800; Feb. 3, 1852 marked a stone in this cemetery as shown in Tennessee Records, Tombstones and Manuscripts, Jeannette Tillotson Acklen, Nashville, Tenn., 1933.) This writer has searched out twice this badly grown over abandoned cemetery, located on Camp Boxwell, a Boy Scout Camp near the Cumberland River, without finding the stone. Noted is the different dates of death from the tombstone and M. T. Pence's Memoirs. George's youngest son, Marion Thompson Pence was 8 years old at the time. That year, the 18 year old George W., another son of George, paid the 40 cts. poll tax in Civil District No. 2. (Tax Record, Wilson Co., Tenn., 1852.)

In Sept., 1852, the 24 year old Louisa was united, as Eliza Pence, into the fellowship of the Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church, followed by her sister Matilda in October and Evaline the same month. (Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church Records. This church was called the Liberty Baptist Church in the memoirs of M. T. P.) The following March, Joshua and his mother Rebecca, joined by experience with the same church and were baptized in the Cumberland River near Benders Ferry by William F. Luck. (Same, p131, also Memoirs, M. T. Pence.) This church was located equal distance between Little Creek and Cedar Creek, where they empty into the Cumberland River. Joshua W. Pence, as the oldest son, became head of the house and paid 35 cts. poll tax in 1853. (Tax Record.) Joshua, on Feb 4, 1854, married Demarius L. Grissom, she d. 1874. (The 1850 census lists the 50 year old Barbra Grisom, widow and head of the house with 12 children, one being Demarius at age 20, also a member of Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church. (See church records, also West Wilson County Neighbors, p65.) Children of Joshua by Demarius were: Matilda (Hood), George L., Oren D., Oscar D., Ira R., Lilly A. (Mrs. John Baxter). Those deceased were Wiley H., Joshua M., Barbara E. (Other lists includes Francis and Bob with dau's. Maude, Frances and Alice Dorr, still another has a son, Burton J., father of a son Jeff). (Children in the 1880 census were: Barbey 14, Orenn 12, Oscar 12, Trey 9, Billey 6.) Joshua married 2nd, in 1874, the widow (1880 census has her name LENER, could be Ellena or Lena, age 45) Freeman (nee Belton), she d. in 1883 (no children). Married 3rd, 19 Dec 1888, Ellen M. Rimer (nee Strodder). Married 6 times in all. He was married to Catherine Skelton of Izard Co., Ar., who died ca. 1898. She had two sons by a previous marriage, Jake, and another who went to the Spanish American War. Harrett E. Pence (b. 3©14©1840), Joshua's last wife, as a widow applied for a pension on his military service in 1914 (he died 5©24©1914).

Matilda, the oldest child of Joshua and Demarius, named after his sister, was b in 1854. (1860 White Co., Ark Census has her b in Tenn.) After asking for and receiving letters from the church in Oct., 1855, the family moved away, arriving in White Co., Ar. On 22 Aug. 1856, the 22 year old George W. died of "a congestive chill". His grave is thought to have been the first in the cemetery established on the farm of Joshua, who had bought land (White Co., Ark. Tax records, 1857.) In the 1860 census, his farm was valued at $3,000, the 26 year old Joshua lived with a growing family. (1860 census, White Co., Ark.) Joshua was actually 30 years old at this time. On a nearby farm valued at $1,600, Rebecca was living with her other 4 children still at home. By the time of the 1880 census, Dogwood Township, White Co., Ark., Rebecca was blind at 74 years of age, b in N. C., parents b. N. C., and was living with her son Joshua. She d. 16 July 1888. Joshua was elected as Justice of the Peace in 1866, held for 16 years, appointed Postmaster at Egbert in Feb., 1887, held for many years.

MARION THOMPSON PENCE

Marion Thompson Pence, son of George Joshua Pence, was born 11 June 1844, d. Sept. 6, 1919, bu. Harkey's Valley Cem., Yell Co., Ar. He was married four times and had children by each wife.

(1)Marion Thompson Pence m. Matilda Louise Holladay at the home of W. A. Holladay on 14 Feb. 1869, James B. McNeal, Methodist Preacher officiating.
Matilda L. was b. 7 Aug. 1853, died April 1881.
Children b. to this union were:
George William Clarence Pence, 23 Dec 1869; 12 April, 1912.
Joshua M. Pence, b 19 Feb 1871, d. 24 April 1890, unmarried.
James A. Pence, b. 27 April 1872, d. 8 Aug 1872.
Marietta Pence, b. 16 Aug 1873, d. 13 June 1874.
Rillie V. Pence, b. 27 April 1875, d. 3 Nov. 1875.
Arthur G. Pence, b. 14 Feb. 1877, d. 12 Nov. 1902. unmarried.
Infant Pence, b. 14 March 1878, d. 23 March 1878.
Matilda Lou Pence, b. 3 July 1880, d. 7 Sept. 1881.

(2)Marion Thompson Pence m. Alvania Virginia Wortham 24 Aug. 1881, John T. Walker, J. P. Officiating.(my greatgrandmother)
She was b. 1 Feb. 1861, died 23 July, 1892.
Their children were:
Emuel PenceAKA George Adams, b. 1 July 1882, d 25 Feb. 1959.
Hettie Ora Pence, b. 12 Jan. 1884, d 29 Aug. 1929.
Edward P. Pence, b. 17 Dec. 1886, d. 26 Jan. 1890.
Allie V. Pence, 27 Oct. 1891; 17 April 1972, m. Barney Bice.(my grandparents)

(3)Marion Thompson Pence m. Lora Ann Willyard 14 Sept. 1894, Elder Elias Kirk, Primative Baptist Church, officiating.
She was b. 1 Oct. 1874 in Elizabeth Town, Hardin Co., Ky., arrived in White Co., Ar. ca 1893, d. 24 Jan. 1901.
Children by them were:
Brooker W. Pence, b. 19 Oct. 1897, d. 28 April 1972, age 68.
Infant Pence, b. 23 Jan. 1901, d. same day?

(4)Marion Thompson Pence m. Fannie May Rodgers 28 July, 1902, I. F. Baxter, Christian Preacher Officiating.(Merrill's grandmother)
She was b. 16 Dec. 1882, d. Oct 13, 1972, bu I.O.O.F. Cem, Norman, Ok.
Children born to them were:
Rebecca R. Pence, b. 16 May, 1903, d. 19 July 1904.
Twin girls, b. June 25, 1906, one d. 30 June 1906. Other died 2 July, 1906.
Gilbert Sylvester Pence, b. 13 June 1907, d. Feb. 6, 1972.(Merrill's father)
Twins b. 12 May 1914, Elmer L. d. 1971 or 2.
Alma Marie, still alive as of Sept, 1999.

Marion told his son, Gilbert, how he as a young lad in Tenn., would gather chestnuts in the Fall to earn money to buy shoes, and how painful it was to step on a chestnut burr with bare feet.

Rebecca, Joshua, Eliza (Louisa), Matilda and Evaline Pence all asked for and received letters from the Little Cedar Lick Baptist Church in October, 1855, in preparation for moving away. Rebecca sold what belongings could not be brought with them and moved to White County, Arkansas, the young Marion Thompson rounded out the travelling group. (Memoirs, M. T. P., ca 1918.) Family tradition states they travelled overland by oxcart to the Mississippi River, then by river boat down river to the White river, then up stream to West Point, White County. A new home was established in Dogwood Township, just south of present day Griffithville, Ar. We believe the most logical route would have been almost totally on the river. Most likely they simply boarded a riverboat or barge on the nearby Cumberland, making their way into the Mississippi, then up the White River to West Point, Ar. near their destination. That was the current mode of most travel in those early days, the rivers were the highways. Since they had lived virtually on the banks of the Cumberland for 20 years, they would have been totaly familiar with river traffic.

The land in Arkansas was young, with small settlements around, not as well civilized as the community from which they came. Wild game and animals were in abundence. (Memoirs, M. T. P., ca 1918). Many years later, Gilbert, the son of Marion Thompson Pence, recalled a story his father told him. They had a young cow expecting to become fresh and M. T. had gone out to search for her, and came upon a female mountian lion with her kittens. M. T. remembered having heard that one should avoid making threatening or sudden moves, and to avoid making eye contact. He felt for his knife, only to remember he had loaned it out earlier in the day and hadn't got it back. Pretty soon, the old lion trotted away with her kittens following.

Not long after arriving in White County, Ar., there was a lot of sickness in the community and George W., the 22 year old brother M. T. Pence died August 22, 1856 of a congestive chill. (Memoirs, M. T. P.) His grave is thought to have been the first in the cemetery established on the farm of their brother Joshua. This left Louisa 28 (later widow of William Allen), Matilda 22, Evaline 18, along with the 16 year old Marion at home with Rebecca 52, their mother. Of this, Marion wrote, "This left me to care for my mother and three sisters." Farther, he added, "I promised my mother that she should not suffer for anything that I could do. I hired out for 37 1/2 cts. per day." (Memoirs, M. T. P., ca 1918.) How long he worked in this capacity is not known, but it is believed he continued to live at home and farm as best he could until the Civil War came.

Knowing he would be conscripted and forced to do so if he did not, M. T. joined the Confederate Army. Conscripts were regarded little better than prisoners, enlistees were given some benefits. On 14 June 1862, the 18 years old Marion T. Pence enlisted in Capt. Davies Co., McRae's Regt. Ark Inf. at Searcy, Ar,, later known as Co. A., McRae's 28th Ark Inf. (soon became McRae's 36th Ark Inf.) On 24 June, 1962, he reported to Springfield, Conway Co., Ar. for service, some 70 miles away. Insufficient numbers arrived so about 3 weeks later, the regiment marched back through the area they had come from in an effort to fill the ranks. After doing so, by 20 July 1862, they arrived at Camp Crystal Hill, 10 miles west of Little Rock on the Arkansas River. That summer, an epidemic raged in the ranks, many men died, some too sick for service were sent home to recouperate. Joshua, the brother of Marion T., was among these and his leave was extended a number of times. It is believed he was never able to return.

By 29 Aug, 1862, the regiment marched to Camp Hope, near Austin in Prairie Co., camping here for a month. About 9 Oct. 1862 they marched up the Arkansas River, reaching Point Remove, near Morrilton, by the 12th. After going into camp at the Mulberry River on 1 Nov. 1862, significant changes in organization were made, among which was McRae being promoted to Brigade and John Glenn assigned as Regimental Commander. By Nov 15, the regt. was camped at Camp Massard, about 10 miles southeast from Van Buren.

On 3 Dec. 1862, the regt. marched north through Van Buren, continuing until encountering Federal forces near Prairie Grove Church. When heavy fighting came on the 7th, McRae's Brigade was on the Confederate left, with the 36th in reserve. The following morning, the Confederate army had pulled back to the vacinity of Van Buren, passing through Charleston, Ar. on Dec. 28. About 12 Jan., reaching the vacinity of Morrilton, short on supplies, the Regt was on half rations and suffering in the severe cold, with many sick. A few days later they arrived at Camp Anderson, near Little Rock, where they remained through the Spring months. Another epidemic came. Here, some men were granted leaves to go home, it is believed M. T. Pence was among them, since he spoke one time of going home one time on leave. He advised his sisters to ride their mare horse side saddle with no saddle blanket to cause sores on the animal's sholders. This saved it from being confiscated by the army, it was still home at the end of the war.
Departing from Camp Anderson on 26 May 1863, the regiment marching to Camp Martin Green at Bayou Meto, 12 miles east of Little Rock. Departing here 1 June, they marched about 100 miles northeast to Camp Stonewall Jackson, near Jacksonport, Ar., arriving on June 6. Here they remained for 20 days while many other units arrived. Leaving on June 25, the regt. marched to Cotton Plant, Ar., crossing the Cache River, they continued southeast toward Helena, Ar. At daybreak on July 4th they attacked Union forces there. The 36th, along with other units, was to attack and take Graveyard Hill. This was done at a high cost, but in the end the Confederate Army lost the battle and withdrew. The regt. had 28 killed, 78 wounded and 89 missing, about 25 percent of their number.

On July 5, 1863, after a hasty reorganization, they retreat on the same route of their approach, through Jacksonport. Halting at Searcy until July 25th, the regt resumed the march, arriving at Camp Martin Green on the 28th. On August 25th the regt marched on to Camp Bowen, near Little Rock and begin to fortify defenses around the city. By Sept 10, it became clear the city could not be held so the Confederates withdrew, arriving at Arkadelphia on Sept 14th. Shortly after, because of the shortage of men, another reorginization was done in which the 10 companies of the regt. became 5 by combining the companies by twos.

By Oct. 4th camped on the Little Missouri River, on Nov. 20th, they were at Camp Bragg, northeast of Camden, Ar., where they remained until Jan 30, 1864. On this day, marching 40 miles west, they arrived at Spring Hill, arriving Feb. 2. Four days later they marched 4 miles east to Camp Sumpter. On March 18, 1864, due to an enemy threat coming from the south toward Shreveport, La., the 36th was ordered from Camp Sumter to Keatchie, La. to support the troops defending that city. A battle was fought at Mansfield on April 8, 1864, the 36th was ordered to that place, arriving at 2 A. M. on the 9th after a forced march of 20 miles. Continuing to lead the army southward, the regiment came upon the Union forces drawn up in a defensive posture near Pleasant Hill, La. It was about noon on the 9th, the weary troops, having marched some 45 miles in 24 hours, were given 3 hours rest. Late in the day the Battle of Pleasant Hill was fought. Union troops withdrew southward at dark and the Confederates drew back to the nearest water.

Within the week, the regt. marched back to the area of Camden, Ar. to oppose Federal troops that had arrived from the north. After hearing of the Union forces defeat in La., these units started back for Little Rock. Another forced march was conducted with the 36th Regt leading the way to the north in pursuit of the Union army. Catching up with them as they were making a river crossing at Jenkin's Ferry, a battle was fought on April 30th until the Federal forces could free themselves and continue toward safety at Little Rock. This was the last major action in the state. Allie V., the daughter of M. T. Pence remembered his telling of having been wounded, hit by a "spent ball". It is believed this happened at Jenkin's Ferry. After that battle, he was with a contingent of mounted soldiers likely on a foraging mission, which came in contact with a group of Federals at a place called Ashley's Station, now Hazen, Ar. When the firing started, Pence was injured when his horse started bucking, pitching him onto the saddle horn. M. T. had said at one time he was in the 36th Ark Inf Cav. but no record was ever found of such a unit. It is believed that, being unable to walk well after being wounded, he was assigned to a foraging crew that went by this name.

By Dec. 30, 1864, the much depleted Regt. arrived from Lewisville, Ar. to assist in the construction of defensive positions at the Red River crossing near Fulton, Ar. Leaving on Jan. 25, they marched to Minden, La. and went into winter quarters. By May, men begin leaving for home openly, M. T. Pence said his Company Commander had released him about May 1, 1865 at Shreveport to go if he wished. Returning home, he found the place in a serious need of repairs. With an old cripple sow that drug its hind legs, he was able to start another herd. By using the poor old horse with bad saddle sores, he was able to put in a small crop that first year to raise their food. In time colts were born to this old mare and they were able to get on their feet again.

On 14 Feb. 1869, M. T. married the sixteen year old Matilda Louise Holladay at the home of her father, W. A. Holladay, with James B. McNeal, Methodist Preacher officiating (White Co., Ar. Marriage book Vol. B, p 236). Matilda L. had been born 7 Aug. 1853. Eight children b. to this union, of which only the first, G. W. C., would lived to see children of his own. He married Avie Sugg, their children were Annie, Ruth, Ethel, Audie, Emmit and Pearl. Children of M. T. and Matilda Louise were:

George William Clarence Pence, 23 Dec 1869; 12 April, 1912.
Joshua M. 19 Feb. 1871, lived 19 years, died 24 April 1890.
James A. 27 April 1872; 8 Aug 1872.
Marietta, 16 Aug 1873; 13 June 1874.
Rillie V., 27 April 1875; 3 Nov. 1875.
Arthur G., 14 Feb. 1877; 12 Nov. 1902, lived 25 years.
An Infant, 14 March 1878; 23 March 1878.
Matilda Lou, 3 July 1880; 7 Sept. 1881.

All these children except G. W. C. were laid to rest in the family row in Liberty Cemetery, about 3 miles northwest of Griffethville, Ar. G. W. C. died after M. T. Pence left White Co. and was buried in the cemetery on the farm of Joshua Pence, the brother of Marion T. It is believed that M. T. and Matilda made their home near the cemetery at the time. Matilda Louise, the wife of M. T. Pence died 10 April 1881 from T. B. (Letter from Allie V., 11©30©1962), and was buried at Liberty Cemetery.

Marion T. wasted no time in finding a new wife. On August 24, 1881, at 37 years of age, he married the 20 year old Allie Virginia Wortham, b. 1 Feb, 1861, John T. Walker, J. P. officiating. Allie Virginia came into a ready made family of four children, G. W. C., 12 years of age, Joshua M. 10, Arthur G. 4 and Matilda Lou 13 months, who was to die a month after the wedding. Children born to this union were:

Emuel, 1 July 1882; 25 Feb. 1959.
Hettie Ora, 12 Jan. 1884; 29 July 1929.
Edward P., 17 Dec. 1886; 26 Jan. 1890.
Allie Virginia on 27 Oct. 1891; 17 April 1972.

Allie Virginia, the wife of M. T. died 23 July 1892 and was likewise buried at Liberty Cemetery. Three of her children lived to adulthood.

Emuel married Minnie Ester Lee Vandiver on 31 Dec. 1900 at Egbert, White Co., Ar., Their children were Clara Belle, b 9 Aug., 1903; William Eldred, b 3 Jan., 1905, d. July 1906; Ovie L., b 27 Apr., 1906; Wilma Marie, b. 27 Jan, 1911, d. Apr. 1912; Floy Thalia b. 9 July 1913 and Emuel Lee b. 8 Sept, 1919. In 1919, soon after this last child was born, Emuel deserted his family. He lived for 6 years in Detroit, Michigan. About 1954, he developed Cancer and made contact with the family again, some went to see him. Living in Ovedia, Fla., he had changed his name to George Adams and had another wife and adopted son. (letter from George and Mary Adams 17 Sept. 1958.) He died in the hospital at Orlando, Fla., bu. Long Wood Cem.

Hettie Ora married John Robert Kinsey on 18 January, 1903 at Egbert, White Co., Ar. Their children were Marvin Odell Kinsey, b. 29 Nov. 1903, White Co., Ar., lived at Mexia, Tx.; Carl Reeves Kinsey, b. 25 March 1906, White Co., Ar., lived in Houston, Tx. Hazel Loraine Kinsey Campbell, b. 4 June 1908, Faulkner Co., Ar., lived in Houston Tx.; Hettie Lera Kinsey Culwell, b. 19 Dec 1910, Athens, Henderson Co. Tx., lived in Amarillo and Eula Mae Kinsey Haynie, b. 19 Dec 1915, Athens, Henderson Co., Tx., lived in Houston. She also died of cancer.

Allie Virginia married William on 27 Feb. 1910 at Kinlock, Marshall Co., Okla., they had ten children.

On 4 Sept. 1894, the 50 year old M. T. married the 19 year old Lora Ann Willyard, born 1 Oct. 1874, with a Primative Baptist Preacher, Elder Elias Kirk officiating. One son, Brooker W., was born 19 Oct. 1897, married Myrtle Royce 29 May 1922 and lived to see his own children. Another infant was born and died on 23 Jan. 1901. The day following, Lora Ann also died of complications, she was buried in the family row at Liberty Cemetery with the child in her arms.

On 28 July 1902, at 57 years of age, M. T. married the 19 year old Fannie May Rodgers, born 16 Dec 1882, with I. F. Baxter, Christian preacher officiating. To this union six children were born, four of which were two sets of twins. Their daughter, Rebecca R., was born 16 May 1903 and died 19 July 1904 at the age of 15 months. Fannie maintained that she was a beautiful child, and her death hurt her very much. Twin girls were born 25 June 1906, one died on June 30, the other on July 2. These children were buried separately beside their sister Rebecca in the family row at Liberty Cemetery. Gilbert Sylvester was born 13 June 1907 at Oakland, Picket Co., Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory (five months later it became Marshall Co. Ok.) Another set of twins, Elmer L. and Alma June was born 12 May 1814 at Belleville, Ar. These last three children all lived to see their own children. M. T. died 6 Sept. 1919 and was buried at Harkey's Valley Cemetery, Yell Co., Ar. Fannie May lived until Oct 13, 1972 and was buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery at Norman, Ok.

When Marion T. Pence came home from the Civil War, he started farming with almost nothing. Were he lived is not clear at this time, perhaps he didn't stay on one farm all the time. One record refers to him as being a Prairie County Farmer (Article, Joshua W. Pence, Biographical History of Eastern Arkansas, Goodspeed, 1890). There is a record of him having paid taxes on 136.26 acres, (Township 5n, Range 5w), value $1,000, according to the 1890 reconstructed census of Prairie Co. We know of no time when he lived in that county, which joins White Co. on the south. Since his family has a large row of graves in the Liberty Cemetery, some 3 miles northwest of Griffethville, it is assumed the home was in this community. His first child was buried here in 1874, some five years after his first marriage, the last buried here were twin daughters in 1906. Most likely the family lived in the same place for more than that 32 year period. At the last of these days, M. T. had a general store with a saw mill, grist mill and perhaps other operations (Memoirs, Brooker W. Pence). At one time the sawmill burned. When he married Fannie May, his last wife, it was said he built her a large two story house northwest of Griffethville, they moved into the house before Rebecca was born. Fannie was only nine years older than her stepdaughter, Allie Virginia, sometimes they would get into disputes about who would have to do the dishes, etc. and M. T., more like a father to Fannie than a husband, would settle the problems.

For some reason, M. T. became quite unhappy and decided to move away (rumored to be problems with his grown boys). After selling out in 1906, he loaded his family, Fannie May, Allie Virginia and Brooker, into a covered wagon about the last of November and started for Indian Territory. The trip took them south through Hot Springs and passed through Stringtown in Indian Territory. After a month's travel, they arrived at Oakland, near Madill, about Christmas, 1906. In June, 1907, Gilbert S. was born. After a short stay here, they moved out onto the Prairie for abour a month, after which they moved to a farm near Kenlock, some 6 miles northeast of Oakland (manuscript, Brooker W. Pence). G. S. fondly remembered meeting his father coming from town carrying a large sack of bananas on several occasions.

M. T. seemed to choose a spirited team with which to work. One time. while he was gathering corn, throwing it into the wagon, the team decided to run away, The small G. S. was sitting in the wagonbox. The team soon tired to where G. S. could control them. Another time, while returning an old sow from the neighbors, the team ran away and M. T. was able to maintained control. When the team tired and started walking, M. T. would not let them, making them run the rest of the way home!

One day, M. T. was plowing in a field when Fannie came running toward him, waving a letter and screaming, "I've found him", over and over. Setting the plow deep to keep the team stopped, he ran to her, not knowing what terrible thing had happened. She had found where her long lost brother was living, from whom she was separated as a young girl when her parents separated. Avery Rodgers, her brother, was living in Yell Co., Ar., nothing else would do except for her to go for a visit. By the time she returned to Oklahoma, M. T. had figured out they would probably be moving to Arkansas, where she could be near her brother. Of course she was agreeable to the suggestion, so, in 1913, Fanny and the children went on to Belleville, Ar. on the train, taking some clothes and bare necessities that would be needed with them. She was able to rent a small house. That was the fall of 1913. M. T. remained in Oklahoma until the crops were harvested and despensed with. Leasing a boxcar, he loaded everything they owned, including the two mules, old Tobe and Jack, and rode in it with them to Belleville. After Christmas, the family moved to the community of Corinth where the twins, Elmer "Bud", and Alma, were born 12 May 1914. They continued to farm here until 1915. That year they moved to and farmed the F. C. Jones place, and in 1916, moved to the Jewel place on Cedar Creek, where they farmed for two years.

The State of Arkansas passed legislation in 1915 to give all deserving veterans of the Civil War a pension. M. T. Pence applied for this and drew it for the rest of his life. (Application to State of Ar. Confed. Pension, 1915; Confed Pencion Record Book, Yell Co., Ar.). After his death, Fannie drew a widow's pension until her marriage to J. R. Carrouth.
In December, 1917, M. T. bought the 80 acre Leonard Spradlin farm, near Stafford, Ar., that overlooks the north bluff of Chickalah Mountian (traded his two aging mules for it). Stafford no longer exists, the site is under the water of Spring Lake, northeast of Belleville. At the time it was a growing community with a post office, store, cotton gin, lumber mill and a school. Upon moving there, a number of visitors came for a visit, including his half brother Emuel, Barney and Allie Virginia Bice (affectionately known as Aunt Virgie) and Hettie Ora, with her two daughters. World War #1 came in 1917 and it was forecast that flour would become hard to find. M. T. bought up a large supply and fixed a ratproof place in the attic of the smokehouse, wrapped in a wagonsheet, for storage. When the shortage became acute as forecast, the government begin urging people not to hoard flour. M. T. took his excess flour to the local store to be shared with others (remembrances of G. S. Pence of his father).

The winter of 1918©1919 was a bad winter, with a lot of snow and ice that stripped the limbs from many trees. An epidemic of Influenza swept around the world bringing devistation with it. The Pence family did not escape its ravages, M. T. became so seriously ill that he was unable to work in the fields when Springtime came. He kept the young twins at home while the rest of the family worked. By lifting the bedposts and setting them on their gown tails, he insured they would not get into something they didn't need to be in (this was probably done in an earlier time, the twins would have been over 4 years old when M. T. had the flu). When able he would, with a short handled hoe, work the rose bushes on his knees and keep all the weeds and grass out of the front yard. Never regaining his strength, at 75 years of age, M. T. died at 6 A. M., September 6, 1919, thus ending the story of a remarkable life. When he died, he left the family debt free with a home, a team of horses and farm tools, with cattle and hogs. He was buried in Harkey's Valley Cemetery, some 6 miles west of Chickalah Springs, and a Confederate marker was placed at his head.

Fannie was not satisfied to stay on this farm after that. After the crops were gathered and some timber cut and sold, she moved her family to the George Morse farm in Shark Community, 8 miles west of Danville on Dutch Creek, to be near her brother. On Nov. 24, 1921, Fannie married the widowed J. R. Carrouth and moved her family to his farm in the Macedonia community a couple of miles to the east.