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The family of William Scalf (son of Lewis) has been very elusive and very little has been learned of this line of the family in the past. It has not been difficult to accept the belief that William Scalf was a son of Lewis Scalf due to census reports and various other records.  Of William’s heritage, there is little, if any, doubt. However, finding sufficient information to determine exactly who William’s children were other than his son, Martin Scalf, has been difficult for many years.

This chapter will deal with information believed to be sufficient to support the names I have been able to compile concerning some of the descendants of William Scalf and his wife, Susannah.  The main focus of this chapter is to walk you through the existing evidence found to confirm the folks whom I believe to be the children and descendants of William and Susannah Scalf as well as prove the SCALF/SCEALF family connection. Unfortunately, this chapter is quite long and I apologize for that but try as I may, I cannot shorten it without leaving out information that might be important to someone researching these various families.

As with any genealogy, a link must be found in order to confirm that different name spellings in the family were one and the same.  This link is generally made with a Will but can also be made with various types of documents. From my experience in researching the Scalf family, I have found that our family either did not leave a Will, or the family member had lived in a “burned county” at the time of death. This fact has caused significant problems in connecting family members, especially in the very early years before the census reports listed the names of all the folks living in the household.

The most significant break in finding the link to tie these two families together came about when Carol Waldroup so generously offered to help search the census records and found this family on the 1880 Dade County, Georgia census. As can be seen below, certain names appear on each census that confirms the family connection.  The same family names that appear on the 1880 Dade County census appeared on census records prior to 1880 and after 1880 as well.  The surname is spelled differently once again but the given names remain the same.  In my opinion this record combined with other information does confirm that these two families were one and the same.

William (son of Lewis) and Susannah Scalf had at least two sons. One son was named Martin and the other son was named William. This William is known as William N. SCEALF.  The middle initial in his name comes from the headstone at his gravesite at State Line Cemetery in Shellmound, Tennessee.  William was also found as William L. Scalf on the census records but this may have been an error. His wife, Susannah’s maiden name has not been discovered at this time, but research remains ongoing on this.

Martin was the oldest son of William and Susannah and Martin was listed on the census records as being blind. This is a significant factor in following these folks on the census records. This same Martin shows up in the 1870 Dade County Census next door to his brother, William N. SCEALF.  This is the same Martin from the 1840 and 1850 Habersham County census and the1860 Cass County, Georgia census. 

Susannah, (aka Susan) the mother of Martin and William is living in the home of her son, William N. SCEALF (son of William), on the 1880 Dade County Census. Martin Scalf is also found living in the home on this census.  The name is not spelled SCALF or SCEALF on this census but in comparing the names of family members on previous census records, these are certainly the same people.

Another problem in determining if these two men are from the same family lies with the confusion between the two Williams. The William who is first found with the spelling of SCEALF was born about 1829 and was probably born in Habersham County, Georgia.  The other William was his father (son of Lewis Scalf) and is found with the spelling of SCALF/SCELF/SKELF.  This William (son of Lewis) was born about 1780 in North Carolina and married Susannah. We do not know Susannah’s maiden name at this time but it has been suggested that it might have been Christopher or Cash. 

William N. SCEALF (son of William) married Mary.  We are unsure of her maiden name at this time as well, but it is believed by the SCEALF family to have been Turner. I have no records concerning Mary and it would be most helpful if someone has something to share that might confirm this name.

It is my belief that enough evidence will be presented here to successfully establish that the SCEALF family is a part of the SCALF family and are descendants of Lewis Scalf and Elizabeth Blackburn Scalf. An attempt will be made to explain the census records without confusing anyone; however, this may not be successful, as it has long been thought by many that William N. SCEALF was the same person as William Scalf, his father. If anyone has questions concerning the two Williams, please feel free to email me.

Due to the sparse records during the time of the births of both of these men, birth records cannot be produced to support that the surname was either SCALF or SCEALF.  However, it is my belief that the census records from 1810 in North Carolina through 1910 in Georgia and Alabama reveals enough supporting evidence to confirm that these two men were father and son. 

To avoid confusion between the two, identifying markers will be used. William Scalf (son of Lewis) will be listed as such and in various places might be referred to as William Sr. William N. SCEALF will be listed as William N. SCEALF (son of William) or the two may be listed as William (son of Lewis) and William (son of William), whichever will fit the sentence appropriately.

In support of the information provided, links will be provided to the census records and/or other supporting evidence when available. Errors may be encountered in the transcription of the census records and I make no claim that my transcription is error-free. I will welcome any notification of errors made by me in transcribing these records.

We begin with William Scalf (son of Lewis) when he first shows up as head of house in Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1810. William possibly married in Surry County, North Carolina as he was probably living there in 1800 in the home of his father, Lewis Scalf.  William’s first child is estimated to have been born 1800-1805.  It appears this child may have been born before the move to Wilkes County.

Elmer Scalf found Lewis Scalf listed on the 1798 and 1799 tax lists of Surry County, North Carolina.  Elmer also reports the family was still living in Surry on the 1800 Federal census of that year.  I have not examined these two tax lists at this time, but I have verified that Lewis is listed on the 1800 Surry County census. Elmer reports that by 1805 Lewis is found living in the neighboring county of Wilkes and farming 150 acres.  Elmer also states that daughter Sarah was living with Lewis at this time. 

I have no knowledge of what record might suggest that Sarah is living in the home of Lewis at this time. My conclusion concerning the daughters of Lewis has been that at least one daughter, and possibly Sarah, had already married by 1790.  However, either daughter may have married first. Further research into Sarah’s history might reveal this information.

If William were head of house in 1805, he should have been listed on the 1805 tax list of Wilkes County but Elmer does not mention this. The 1800 Surry County census shows that Lewis Scalf was living there in this year but William Scalf is not listed as head of house at this time so it would be logical to assume he was not married at this time.  William then shows up as head of house in the next census of 1810 in Wilkes County with Lewis living nearby.

The records of Surry County, North Carolina reveal that John Scalf Sr. (son of Lewis) was still living in Surry County in 1805 but had left the area 1805-1810 and was found living in Floyd County, Kentucky by 1810.  Considering the fact that Sarah (daughter of Lewis) is living in Surry County in 1812 after her family moved to Wilkes, suggests to me that she was married when the family moved over to Wilkes County and she remained in Surry County. No information has been found to suggest which Caps Sarah married but a court record of Surry County does reveal that her married name was Caps.

By 1820, William (son of Lewis) appears near his parents in Greenville County, South Carolina.  This time the name is spelled SKELF.  His father’s name is also spelled SKELF.  This suggests that the census taker spelled the name as he heard it. The pronunciation of the name by William and Lewis, compounded with the phonetic spelling of the day would seem to suggest this is where the problem with the spelling of this name began.  This has caused much confusion for researchers through the years.  Many times when I thought this issue to be somewhat resolved, I would run into that proverbial “brick wall,” as have other researchers I have been acquainted with in this search.  

William remains near his father until his father is no longer found on the census records. William (son of Lewis) has two children on the 1810 Wilkes County, North Carolina census, a son and a daughter, both born 1800 – 1810.  The son is probably Martin who is later found in the Habersham County, Georgia census records where his birth estimates to be around 1805-1806.  According to the age listed on the census records of Georgia, Charity Scalf was born about 1801 and appears to be the oldest daughter and possibly the oldest child of William and Susannah Scalf.

For the purposes of research, the descendents of the William SCEALF line might pursue records on the Sarah Turner living near the Scalf family in 1810. Sarah Turner may or may not be a connection to Mary Turner, wife of William’s son, William N. SCEALF. Descendants list the name as William N. SCEALF and this name appears on the headstone found by Charles SCEALF, a descendant of this line. However, William SCEALF was listed on the 1870 Dade County, Georgia census as William L. Scalf. This may also have been a mistake by the census taker.

I have not listed Lewis Scalf from the 1830 census in this chapter as this information can be found in other chapters. (See chapter of Pennie Scalf Parker).

Please note that the birth dates on the following transcribed censuses are estimated by me and were not listed on the census records. The 1900 census record is the only census record that records the month and year of birth as given by the person submitting the information.  I have estimated these birth dates only to show how they vary from census to census and to show the likely connections of family members.

1810 Wilkes County, North Carolina

SCALF, William

One male 0 – 10            (b) 1800 – 1810
One male 16 – 26          (b) 1784 – 1794
One female 0 – 10         (b) 1800 – 1810
One female 16 – 26       (b) 1784 – 1794

The last record of Lewis Scalf found in Wilkes County, North Carolina is in the year 1814. Lewis and his son, William, then move over to Greeneville County, South Carolina where they are again found near each other on the 1820 census. This time the name is spelled SKELF.

1820 Greenville County, South Carolina

SKELF, William

One male 10 – 16          (b) 1804 – 1810
One male 26 – 45          (b) 1775 – 1794
Four females 0 – 10       (b) 1810 – 1820
One female 10 – 16       (b) 1804 – 1810 
One female 26 – 45       (b) 1775 – 1794

David Scalf (half-brother of William) is also found living nearby and is listed as SCALF but William and Lewis are listed as SKELF on this census.  David left Greenville County 1820 – 1830 and is found in Washington County, Tennessee by 1830.

The first record found of Lewis Scalf in Habersham County, Georgia is dated 1825, indicating that he left South Carolina either in 1824 or sometime in 1825.  Lewis bought land in Habersham in 1825 and his son, William, is listed as a witness to the sell of this land in 1827.  (Scalf History, pg. 18).  Lewis and his son, William, are then found in the Habersham County, Georgia census of 1830.

The problem in tracking this line of the family begins in Habersham County, Georgia with the 1830 census, line #2, where William is found as head of house with the spelling listed as SCELTH.  This is taken from the microfilm and it is possible that the (TH) might have been meant to be an (F) but it appears to be (TH).  Possibly, the census taker heard SCELTH when William or his wife pronounced the name, SKELF. 

This is the only logical reason I can think of that might have caused this spelling. Some folks still pronounce the name SCELF/SKELF instead of SCALF and I am assuming this is what happened here.  Due to this spelling and the spelling on the prior census of SKELF, it appears that William pronounced this name differently than other family members.

My reasons for believing this to be our William Scalf (son of Lewis) is the fact that he is found living near his father until his father dies. The age of this William also matches the age found on census records. After the death of his father, William (son of Lewis) is then found living near his daughters and their families. 

The last time William Scalf (son of Lewis) is found near his father is in the 1830 Habersham County, Georgia census.  In his book, Scalf Family History, Elmer Scalf states that Lewis Scalf bought land in Franklin County, Georgia in 1837 and Lewis does not show up in the records after this.  Lewis is assumed to have died 1837-1840 in either Habersham or Franklin County. I must agree with Elmer on this, as I have been unable to find any records on this Lewis Scalf after this transaction. 

The statement made in the pension file of John Scalf Sr. from Hawkins County, Tennessee in 1845 also confirms that Lewis Scalf died in the state of Georgia upwards of 100 years old. This would correlate with the age Lewis should have been in conjunction with the year this statement was made. This statement confirms that he had died prior to the year 1845. If Lewis was born 1745, as his birth record states, and died 1837-1839, he would have been 92-95 years old.  His son, William, remains in Habersham County until 1850 - 1860.  

William Scalf (son of Lewis) is listed in the 1830 Habersham census as SCELTH. 

1830 Habersham, Georgia census – pg. 24 – Line 2.

William SCELTH

One male under 5          (b) 1820 – 1830
One male 40 – 50          (b) 1780 – 1790
One female under 5       (b) 1825 – 1830
Two females 10 – 15     (b) 1815 – 1820
One female 15 – 20       (b) 1810 – 1815
One female 30 – 40       (b) 1790 – 1800

Recall there were five daughters of William (son of Lewis) and one son in the home on the 1820 South Carolina census.  There are now four daughters and one son in the home in the Habersham County, Georgia census of 1830.  The son listed here is younger than the one from the 1820 census of South Carolina. 

On the 1820 census, the son was born 1800 – 1810.  On the 1830 census of Habersham, the son is born 1820 – 1830.  The son from the 1820 census was most likely the blind son, Martin Scalf, who does not appear to be listed in the home on the1830 census.  This son in 1830 is most likely William N. SCEALF (son of William) who is found later in Alabama with his mother and father and even later in Dade County, Georgia. This census would confirm that William N. SCEALF was born before 1830.

Martin is reportedly living in his own home in 1830 but a search of the records has not confirmed this at this time.  He may have been living in the home of his grandfather, Lewis Scalf, on this census, as there were a number of people in the home of Lewis Scalf in 1830.

One female from William’s home is missing from this census as well.  The marriage records of Habersham County record the marriage of a Sarah Scalf to David Highfield May 25, 1828.  David Highfield is found living next door to William Scalf (son of Lewis) on this census.  I have been unable to follow this family after this census, but it is believed they moved to Alabama where they remained.

1830 Habersham County, GA    (LINK 1830 HAB GA DAVID HIGHFIELD)

David HIGHFIELD   

One male under 5          (b) 1825 – 1830
One male 20 – 30          (b) 1800 – 1810
One female 15 – 20       (b) 1815 – 1820

Sarah’s birth date estimates around 1815 –1820 on this census so we can assume she was born in South Carolina since the last record of the Scalf family in Wilkes County, North Carolina is dated 1814.  This suggests that she was not the oldest daughter although she was the first daughter to marry.  The oldest daughter was born 1800 – 1810 according to the 1810 Wilkes County, North Carolina census. The fact that there were five daughters in 1820 and only four in 1830, combined with a marriage record of a marriage in 1828, would correlate with the number of daughters of William (son of Lewis) at this time.

The marriages of Habersham County also record the marriage of Elizabeth Scalf to Charles Warren November 10, 1830.  Warren researchers state that Elizabeth died after the birth of their child Rueben in 1832. I have been unable to confirm or deny this information. However, Charles did remarry to her sister, Sidney Scalf in 1833.  A marriage record of Habersham County lists the marriage of Charles Warren to Sidney Scalf on February 24, 1833. 

A Hiram Forrester is living nearby William Scalf on the 1830 census and another marriage record states that Hiram Forrester married Miriah Louisa Scalf in 1845.  The Hiram Forrester living near William Scalf is listed as 30 – 40 years old and has a female listed 20 – 30 years old.  Their birth dates estimate at 1800 - 1810 and 1810 - 1820 respectively.  However, this could not be the Hiram Forrester who married Miriah Louisa as Hiram and Louisa did not marry until 1845 and would not have been listed on this census.  This may be the father of Hiram Forrester or another relative.

Later, on the 1850 census of Habersham County another Hiram Forrester and wife are listed.  This Hiram Forrester is 26 years old and his wife is 25. They have three children with the oldest being born about 1845. This would most likely be Hiram Forrester and Miriah Louisa Scalf.   

Miriah Louisa is listed as 25 years old on the1850 census with a birth date of around 1825.  This suggests she would have been around 19 years old at her marriage according to this information. Elmer Scalf believed Miriah Louisa to be the daughter of Martin Scalf, son of William Scalf Sr. This is not likely since Martin did not marry until 1839 and Louisa married in 1845.   Elmer Scalf states in his book that the Forrester family later moved to Fulton County, Arkansas.  We have not been able to find this family in Fulton County, Arkansas at this time.

Elmer also believed that Martin Scalf was in Lee County, Virginia in 1870 with a wife named Mildred, however, in following the census records, it does not appear that Martin ever left Georgia, nor do we find a marriage record of anyone named Mildred to Martin SCALF in the Georgia records.  This is not to imply that Martin did not have a wife named Mildred, only that a marriage record has not been found. However, a female is listed in the home of Martin Scalf in 1860 with the initial (M).  This might have been Mildred since the census enumerator for this year did not write out the names in the household. This enumerator used initials for the family members. If so, and if she was the wife of Martin Scalf, she would have been his second wife.

The Habersham County marriages record the marriage of Martin Scalf to Elizabeth Blackburn in 1839 and there is a female in the home on the 1840 census.  No wife is listed in Martin’s home by the enumeration of the 1850 census and it is assumed that Elizabeth died 1840-1850.

Interestingly, there is an Eli and Elizabeth Beard 22 and 20 respectively living near the SCALF family on the 1850 Habersham census. A James Scalf of Davidson County, Tennessee (1850) married Catherine Beard.  This may or may not be a connection; however, the William Scalf family traveled to Alabama and subsequently to Dade County, Georgia. It is possible that some relatives traveled to Dade County, Georgia earlier, subsequently moving on to Davidson County, Tennessee since Dade County, Georgia borders Tennessee around the Chattanooga area. Chattanooga is a not a long distance from Nashville (Davidson County) Tennessee.  

Charity Scalf, believed to be a daughter of William, married Silas B. Robertson/Roberson (Robinson?).  Elmer Scalf states in his book that the name was Robinson (Scalf Family History, page 18).  A Silas Robertson with wife Charity and family are found in Walker County, Georgia in 1840.  Several of the Jones families and a Jeremiah Warren are living nearby.  Charity might have been younger than her age is shown on the 1850 census. Charity was probably the oldest daughter of William Scalf (son of Lewis).  Silas and Charity married June 10, 1833. This family has been difficult to follow as well.

Going to the 1840 census of Habersham County, we find William (son of Lewis) listed as William SCELF. Living five doors away from William is the Asa Jones family.  Asa married Mary (Polly) Scalf.  Polly is believed to have been another daughter of William and Susannah Scalf. A John Forrester family is found here as well and he might have been a relative of Hiram Forrester who married Miriah Louisa Scalf. 

One researcher of the Forrester family relates that Hiram Forrester had a brother named John; however, John could have been the brother of the older Hiram Forrester found on the 1830 census record since it appears there were two Hiram Forrester’s living in Habersham County.  A James Forrester is living near the Scalf family in 1830 and it has been stated that Hiram who married Miriah Louisa was a son of this James Forrester. I have no information to support this.

1840 Habersham County, Georgia –line 22 – Huron’s or Herin’s district.

William SCELF

This census estimates the birth date of William (son of Lewis) around 1780 – 1790, and is consistent with the 1830 census. Recalling that William has one son and four daughters at home on the 1830 census, he now has two daughters and one son at home. William (son of Lewis) had two sons, Martin and William, according to census records. Martin had married the year before this census was enumerated and would not be the male listed on this census. There were five marriages of Scalf females by 1840 and five daughters of William are now missing from the home.

On the 1840 census, there is one son and two daughters in the home of William Scelf/Scalf (son of Lewis).  William N. SCEALF (son of William) was the youngest son and should have been

10 – 12 years old on this census but is listed in the 5 – 10 column and was probably around 10 years old here.  The youngest female here suggests that William and Susannah had another daughter after their move to Georgia. The older daughter on this census is most likely Miriah Louisa who did not marry until 1845.

William (son of Lewis) had five daughters in the 1820 Greenville County, South Carolina census.  These daughters should have been; Charity; Sarah; Elizabeth; Mary (Polly), and Sydney according to the marriage records of Habersham County. Sarah would be gone from the 1830 census since she married in 1828.  The rest would be in the home and the census of 1830 does show four daughters still living at home.  

Elizabeth married in 1830 but did not marry until November of that year after the enumeration of the census. By 1832, Elizabeth died and her husband, Charles Warren then married her sister, Sidney by 1833, which again correlates as Sarah, Elizabeth and Sidney had all married and would be gone from the home in 1840. Another marriage took place before 1840 between Charity SHELF and Silas Robertson in 1833.  I believe this name to have been SKELF and was transcribed as SHELF.

The marriage record reviewed by me is a transcribed copy.  The original marriage record is being requested to determine if this was actually SHELF or SKELF.  The (K) was often misinterpreted as an (H) in the early records. If this name is actually SKELF, a total of five daughters are gone by 1840. Another daughter, Miriah Louisa did not marry until 1845 and should be in the home in 1840.  According to marriage records and the number of daughters of William (son of Lewis) this does correlate.  However, the 1840 census suggests there are two daughters in the home when there should have been only one.

No doubt, one is Miriah Louisa who married Hiram Forrester in 1845. There were six marriage records found for six SCALF females in Habersham County, Georgia.  William had five daughters married before 1840 and one after 1840, which is a total of six daughters. These are the marriages listed in the transcribed marriage records of Habersham County, Georgia.

1)      Sarah SCALF married David Highfield May 25, 1828.
2)      Elizabeth SCALF married Charles Warren November 10, 1830.
3)      Mary (Polly) SCALF married Asa Jones January 3, 1833.
4)      Sidney SCELF married her brother-in-law, Charles Warren. February 24, 1833.
5)      Charity SHELF married Silas Robertson June 10, 1833.
6)      Loyacy SCALF married Hiram Forrester in 1845.   (This is most likely Miriah Louisa Scalf).

The other female in the home in 1840 was unknown to me until a record was sent from Charles SCEALF, a descendant of this line.  This record reveals that William did have another daughter. This daughter was born 1830 – 1835 and was found in the 1860 Jackson County, Alabama census with her husband. Her age listed on this census revealed that she was born about 1829 by estimation but she was most likely born 1830 –1835 as indicated on the 1840 census. This record confirms that there were a total of seven daughters born to William and Susannah Scalf.

The record sent by Charles SCEALF states the following:

“Land records in Montgomery County Alabama Archives, pg. 402 – Wm. Scalf, Brother in law to Matthew A. Tindle.  Matthew bought land in Jackson County and married Nancy C. Scalf, daughter of Wm. and Mary; date of transcription 28 June 1861. Wm. Sold land 17 February 1880.  Matthew moved to Dekalb County where he died about 1905 and is buried at Stewart Cemetery on Lookout Mountain.”

Although it is stated in this excerpt that Nancy C. Scalf was a daughter of William and Mary, she would have actually been a daughter of William and Susannah according to her age and estimated birth date from the census. Nancy and her husband, Matthew Tindle” were living two houses away from William (son of Lewis) and Susannah Scalf, her parents.  Charles Scealf also found a cemetery record from Stewart Cemetery in Alabama listing Matthew Tindle, Nancy Scalf and a Lindsey Tindle.  These names are found on the 1860 Jackson County, Alabama census.  Lindsey was a son of Matthew and Nancy Scalf Tindle. It is mentioned here that William sold the land in 1880.  This was most likely William N. SCEALF who sold the land because his father, William, had died by 1880.

Also on this census (1860 Jackson Co. AL), William Warren and wife, Sarah, are living between William Scalf and Matthew Tindle. This William Warren appears to be the son of Charles Warren and Sidney Scalf Warren who were also living in this area.  These families were living in the Long Island Community of Jackson County, Alabama in Division #1.

In view of this information, it appears that the older daughter in the home of William Scalf (son of Lewis) in 1840 was Miriah Louisa who married Hiram Forrester in 1845.  Miriah Louisa is listed as being born 1825 – 1830 on this census.  She was probably around 19 or 20 when she married and was probably born in Georgia as well.  The younger female in the home on the 1830 census would have been Nancy C. Scalf who married Matthew Tindle and Nancy was certainly born in Georgia.

Although Elmer Scalf believed Miriah Louisa to be the daughter of Martin SCALF, I find no record that Martin was married until 1839 and I find no children in his home on any of the census records.  I have found nothing to suggest that he was married before this, but I do believe he was married again later. 

Miriah Louisa’s name appears as Loyacy on the transcribed marriage record.  Since she was named Louisa as a middle name, the transcriber most likely misinterpreted Louisa as Loyacy instead.  Her name might have been Maria Louisa and Miriah could also have been a transcribing error such as Loyacy appears to be. One of the girls later named a daughter Maria and this may or may not been the correct spelling of Miriah’s name.

The Asa Jones family is found in 1840 living in Habersham County near William SCALF. As listed above, Mary “Polly” SCALF married Asa Jones January 3, 1833 in Habersham.

1840 Habersham County, Georgia – Hurons or Herins district.

Asa JONES                

Two males under 5        (b) 1835 – 1840
One male 20 – 30          (b) 1810 – 1820
One female 5 – 10         (b) 1830 – 1835
One female 20 – 30       (b) 1810 – 1820

The Asa Jones family is living in district #18 in Habersham County in 1850.  The census taker did not write out the names but used initials instead.

1850 Habersham County, Georgia – district #18
 

It is difficult to read this census with accuracy.  The numbers listed on this census for ages suggest two sets of twins. However, by 1860, we can read the census a little better and we now have names!!  Polly is now listed as Mary.  Polly was a commonly used nickname for Mary in the early days, as Sally was used for Sarah and Patsy for Martha.

1860 Habersham County, Georgia     (LINK 1860 HAB CO GA ASA JONES)

Wayne, Martha and Asa were additional children born since the 1850 census.  It is obvious from the 1860 census that the census taker had some problems getting ages correct on the 1850 census. John Scalf Sr. (half-brother of William Sr.) also named a daughter Mary and she was called Polly as well.

Lewis and Elizabeth had no children of these ages at this time and all of Lewis’ children were married and living in various parts of the country, so we know the girls who married in Habersham County, Georgia could not be daughters of Lewis Scalf.  Martin Scalf, son of William Sr., did not marry until 1839 himself, so I doubt any of the girls were daughters of Martin. 

There was one other Scalf in Habersham at this time.  Joseph Scalf, cousin of Lewis Scalf, shows up as a recipient in the 1832 Land Lottery. No further records are found of him in Georgia and none after this. It is possible that Joseph was in the home of Lewis Scalf in 1830.  A male 60 – 70 years old is listed in the home at this time.  Lewis was 80 – 90 in this census and the female that should have been Elizabeth is listed as 90 – 100.  However, in the category of 80 – 90 is what appears to be a mark that was erased. For whatever reason, it appears the enumerator marked her in the age column of 80 – 90 and then changed it to the 90 – 100 column. Lewis should have been around 85 years old at this time and Elizabeth was probably near that age as well.

Due to Joseph’s age at this time, it is not likely that any of these girls belonged to him if he was the same Joseph who was a cousin to Lewis Scalf.  There are children in the home of various ages and it is unknown at this time who these children might have been or their relation to Lewis Scalf.

By 1850, Silas Robertson and Charity were found in Habersham.

1850 Habersham County, Georgia – district #17 --- dwelling #33.

ROBERTSON

As can be seen, the census taker on this census wasted no time in writing out names.  Fortunately, he did write down the names of Silas and Charity instead of initials. I have no knowledge of the names of these children and did not pursue the 1860 census records on this family.  Of note here is the age of Charity.  If this age is correct, she was most likely the daughter born 1800 – 1810 in the 1810 Wilkes County, NC census where William (son of Lewis) had two children, a son and a daughter. She would have been the oldest daughter if this information is correct.

It should be noted that Charity is also claimed by the SELF-family in their history and this will need further research.  Also of note is the fact that Catherine Scalf who married Miles Scalf in Claiborne County, Tennessee has been listed as Catherine SELF in records as well. 

Charity SHELF/SKELF? and Silas Robertson married June 10, 1833 in Habersham County, Georgia.  A number of the Robertson families are living near the Scalf family throughout their movements. 

A deed recorded at the Habersham County courthouse reveals that Martin Scalf sold to his father, William, his personal property and home place on the Broad River.  Martin sold a slave girl to his father William as well. It is unknown how Martin acquired this slave. However, Martin’s father William is believed to have had a sister, Pennie Scalf who married Joseph Parker in North Carolina.  Pennie Scalf Parker also moved to Habersham County, Georgia and is found living near Lewis Scalf. 

It is believed that Jonathan Parker of Surry County, North Carolina was the father of Joseph Parker and Jonathan Parker did own slaves.  Jonathan Parker left his will in 1808 in Surry County, North Carolina and named his children. One of his children was named Joseph. This may or may not be the same Joseph who married Pennie Scalf. If so, it is possible that Jonathan left slaves to his son, Joseph, who in turn provided Martin with a slave to help care for him due to Martin’s disability.  I find no mention of more than one slave being owned by Martin, however, there could have been more. I have not found that Lewis or his son, William, owned slaves until William bought Martin’s property in 1846

A later census confirms that Martin Scalf was a brother to William SCEALF, son of William Scalf (son of Lewis). Census reports also confirm that Martin was blind.  He is listed as head of house in the 1840 Habersham census and is in his father’s home again on the 1850 Habersham County census after the sale of his property to his father around 1846.  By 1860, Martin is listed in the Cass County, Georgia census as head of house again.  

It appears that Martin is married on the 1840 census and a marriage record in Habersham County states that Martin Scalf did marry Elizabeth Blackburn on September 1, 1839 in Habersham County, Georgia.  On this census report, the name is listed as Martin SCAFF or SCOFF. A James Forrester is living next door.  As Elmer stated in his book, it is interesting and although we find it strange, Martin’s wife also had the same name as his grandmother, Elizabeth Blackburn Scalf (wife of Lewis Scalf). The census record of 1840 reveals that a William Blackburn was living near the Scalf family in Georgia. It is unknown what, if any, his relationship might have been to Martin’s wife, or Martin’s grandmother, Elizabeth Blackburn Scalf. 

1840 Habersham County, Georgia – Hurons or Herins district.

Martin SCAFF/SCOFF?

One male 30 – 40          (b) 1800 – 1810
One female 20 – 30       (b) 1810 – 1820

By the enumeration of the 1850 census, William’s family members at home are now named. This census also finds Martin is back in his father’s home again.  Apparently, Elizabeth Blackburn (wife of Martin) had died or they divorced before this census was enumerated. Martin may have moved back into his parent’s home due to a divorce or his wife’s death. At first appearance, it does appear that the younger William could have been a son of Martin due to his age, but a later census confirms that William and Martin were brothers.  

1850 Habersham County, Georgia census, 14^th district – 37^th division 9 - December 1850, pg. 6, line #1, dwelling #32.

The initials listed after the names on this census are the initials of the surname and not middle name initials.  Although it is stated on this census that Martin was born in South Carolina, in the home of William Scalf on the 1810 Wilkes County, North Carolina census a male is listed as being born near the time of Martin’s birth. Living next door to William Scalf (son of Lewis) in the 1850 census is the Hiram Forrester family whom I believe to be the correct family of Hiram and Miriah Louisa who married in 1845. Her birth date estimates to be about 1825 on this census. 

1850 Habersham County, Georgia census, 14^th district – 37^th division 9 - December 1850, pg. 6 - dwelling #33.

FORRESTER

On the 1860 Cass County, Georgia census Martin Scalf is living next door to an H. Forrester and family.  An L. Forrester (female) is also listed in the home. I believe this to be Hiram and Louisa. The whole family was listed as being born in Georgia.  There are three children living in the home by the name of Brightwell.  Two of the children appear to be twins. I have no knowledge of who these children may have belonged to. 

1860 Cass County, Georgia – district 21 – Alatoona PO.

A search of the Habersham County, Georgia census of 1860 by Carol Waldroup did not reveal a William SCALF/SCELF/SKELF OR SCEALF.  However, Carol did find William Scalf (son of Lewis) living in the Long Island community of Jackson County, Alabama in Division #1, enumerated 28 July 1860. William is now 80 years old with an occupation of “Laborer.” 

It is possible that Lewis Scalf and his son, William, left South Carolina due to the “Gold Rush” in Georgia.  However, they were living in Habersham at the beginning of this period in history.  An interesting history of this can be found at the following link.  http://ngeorgia.com/history/goldrush.html

Studies of these areas reveal that Murray County was a parent county of Dade County.  Murray was created from the original Cherokee County.  The Native Cherokee were being driven from Georgia when gold was discovered and these counties were formed after land was taken from them.  Ten counties were created from the land in Murray County, Georgia. When this county was formed it contained the northwest corner of the state including the entire counties of Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, and part of Chattooga.

Before 1832, Murray County would have been relatively close to Habersham since these smaller counties had not been created. Our families, as others of that time, were always in search of better and cheaper land. As land was acquired across Georgia and Alabama from the Cherokee and opened up for settlement, the Scalf family also moved on.

Several Scalf family members drew land in the 1832 land lottery.  One was Joseph Scalf whom we have no further records on.  This land was located in Walker County, Georgia. Quite possibly some of Lewis’ children bought the land from Joseph and Joseph moved on.  Joseph possibly died after drawing land in the lottery as he would have been quite old himself at this time.  Martin Scalf drew land in Gilmer County, Georgia but no records indicate that he lived on the land.  There is a deed of sale indicating that he sold this land on December 11, 1833 to B. L. Goodman.  (Scalf Family History, pg. 19).

A good deal of movement transpired during the years of 1850 – 1870 for the Scalf family before they finally settled in one spot and raised their families.  Was the “grass greener on the other side of the hill?”  Whether it was greener or not, it was certainly more appealing for several of the families traveled on to Dade County where they settled and raised their families. Some family members moved to the Jackson/Dekalb County, Alabama area.

Jackson County, Alabama was created in 1819 from the Cherokee Indian Lands. This county is also located in the northeastern corner of the state and it is bounded on the north by Tennessee.  The state of Georgia and DeKalb County, Alabama borders on the east and on the south by DeKalb and Marshall counties.

In reading the Jackson County, Alabama history, it appears that coal mining and railroads were opening up in this area around the time William (son of Lewis) moved there and this may be the reason why William decided to try this area. He was surely a very healthy man to have been doing this type of work at 80 years old.  William’s son, William N. SCEALF had married by this time and his family is also enumerated in the same household with his father.  William N. SCEALF (son of William) was listed as a “Laborer” as well.  Susannah’s age is listed as 77 on this census and is most likely not correct according to other census records. Her birth date estimates to be around 1783 here but all other records indicated 1790-1800.

Note that William (son of William) is listed as SCALF on both the 1850 and 1860 census records.

1860 Jackson County, Alabama July 28, 1860 – Division #1 – pg. 139 – dwelling #940.

Living next door to William Scalf is William Warren who was most likely the oldest son of Charles and Sidney Scalf Warren.

1860 Jackson County, Alabama July 28, 1860 – Division #1 – pg 139 – dwelling #941

Living two houses away from William Scalf and Susannah in 1860 is Matthew Tindal/Tindle and wife, Nancy C. Scalf.

1860 Jackson County, Alabama July 28, 1860 – Division #1 – pg 139 – dwelling #942
 

Martin Scalf, son of William and Susannah did not make the trip to Alabama with his father and brother, but remained in Georgia where he is found as head of house in Cass County, Georgia. A female is again listed in the home and assumed to be the wife of Martin, however, this is not confirmed.

1860 Cass County, Georgia – Altoona PO – 10 July 1860, 21^st District – dwelling #47

It is unknown exactly who this G. Payne might have been or the relationship, if any, to Martin. It is also unknown who the female is in the home and she may have been a second wife of Martin or simply a relative. The initial is M. and it is reported by others that Martin had a wife named Mildred.  However, the Martin and Mildred mentioned by Elmer Scalf as being in the Lee County Virginia census in 1870 could not have been this Martin Scalf.  As can be verified by the 1870 census of Dade County, Georgia, this Martin Scalf was still in Georgia in 1870.  

The only explanation I can arrive at for any children of Martin would be that he divorced and the children went with their mother since no wife or children show up with Martin in any census record.  Also, no other Scalf children are found in the censuses of Habersham or the surrounding counties. I believe the M. Scalf to have been a second wife of Martin and possibly her brother is living in the home or a near relative. The Payne family might have information on this.

A search of the 1860 Jackson County, Alabama census revealed that Charles and Sidney Scalf Warren were also living in the Long Island Community, Division #1 in 1860.  Charles and Sidney remained in Alabama where they raised a large family before they died.

1860 Jackson County, Alabama – division #1

The Warren family remained in Alabama for quite sometime as they are found again in 1870 living in Jackson County.  In 1860, John Warren is living next door to Charles.  This was a brother of Charles according to descendants.  We find that Sidney has another name in 1870.  She is now listed as Isabella.  According to the ages and the names of the family members on this census, I am sure this is Charles Warren and wife, Sidney Isabella Scalf.

1870 Jackson County, Alabama.

I find it interesting that a John Warren is listed on the 1860 census as 20 years old and a John W. Warren is listed on the 1870 census as 6 years old. This is most likely a grandson on the 1870 census.

It has been stated by Warren researchers that Charles and Elizabeth Scalf Warren had a son named Rueben and that his first wife, Elizabeth Scalf Warren, died after the birth of this son. If so, the son should have been in the home of Charles and Sidney in 1840.  I have not seen a census of this yet and he may very well be listed there.  I have not seen the 1850 census listing of this family at this time either.

By 1880, Charles and Sidney are in Dekalb County, Alabama, next door to Jackson County. Dekalb County was created in1836 from land ceded to the Federal government by the Cherokee Nation. This county is located in the northeast corner of the state. It is bordered on the north by Jackson County, on the west by Marshall County, on the south by Etowah and Cherokee counties, and on the east by the State of Georgia. Fort Payne is the county seat.

Warren researchers state that Charles and Sidney lived for sometime on Sand Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Charles and Sidney might have gone to Dade County around 1840 or 1850 and then to Jackson County, Alabama by 1860. Coal mining was a drawing source in both areas.  Charles and Sidney Isabella are found in the 1880 Dekalb County, Alabama census. Living next door to Charles Sr. is his son, Lot Warren and next door to Lot is his brother, Charles Warren Jr.

1880 Dekalb County, AL  - Township 6- Range 9 – 10 June 1880  (LINK 1880 DEKALB CO AL CHARLES WARREN)

#109

#110

#111

When William (son of Lewis) was found in Alabama in 1860, it was assumed he might still be there in 1870 but a search of this census year revealed he had moved on or had died.  A search of the Georgia records was again undertaken and produced the family now living in Dade County, Georgia but William (son of Lewis) was not among the family members. However, his wife Susannah was living in the home of their son, William SCEALF.  This census suggests his father, William (son of Lewis) had died either before the move to Georgia or shortly afterwards.

A note sent by Charles SCEALF (received from another researcher) states that William Scalf died of Palsy at the age of 89 years old and is listed in the 1870 Dade County, Georgia Mortality Records.  William (son of Lewis) should have been around this age in 1870.

For information on Dade County history, follow this link.  http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/chronpop/143

Susannah, wife of William (son of Lewis) is living in the home of their son, William SCEALF on the 1870 census and is listed as a widow.  She is now 79 years old, which would be near her correct age according to most census reports.  She was listed as 77 in the previous census but should have been listed around 70. 

The 1870 census of Dade County, Georgia is actually the first time the name shows up with the spelling of SCEALF. William had been listed as SCALF and SCELF with his parents but now the name takes on a new spelling. I believe this family pronounced the name as SCELF and the census takers of Dade County assumed there should be an (A) in this spelling.  The name continues to be spelled SCEALF from the 1870 census to this day for this particular line of the family.

William L. SCEALF

1870 Dade County, Georgia, July 22, 1870 - Trenton P.O. page 60 – Dwelling # 469.      

It appears that Martin Scalf (son of William and Susannah) is living next door to the family on this census and is living alone again. This census suggests Martin was born about 1806.

1870 Dade County, Georgia in dwelling #470.

Martin SCALF

The next brick wall was the 1880 census. Assuming that William (son of Lewis) had died since he was not listed on this census, the son William N. SCEALF was the only means of tracking the family.  A thorough search of the Georgia and Alabama census records did not reveal the family listed under the name SCALF - SCAFF – SCELF – SKELF – or SCEALF.

However, Carol Waldroup undertook the tedious, eye-straining job of searching the Dade County census microfilm records to see if she could find any spelling closely related and fortunately for us, she did. Needless to say, I was delighted when Carol sent me the microfilm of this census.

It was my opinion that the whole family had scattered to parts unknown in 1880 until Carol found this family listed under the name, SKEALTS.  Until now, this family had been hidden under a spelling one would probably never have thought of.  Carol spent hours going through these censuses looking at different names and I am very grateful for her help in finding this family.

This find convinced me beyond a doubt that this name had been misspelled due to various reasons and not due to an intentional name change.  I am convinced this is the same family all through these census records.  If anyone can contribute anything to this information, I would like to hear from them and would welcome some input.

This census reveals several things.  The family was in Alabama between 1860 and 1867 for the last child born in Alabama (according to the census report) was born in 1867.  As can be seen, the 1860 Jackson County, Alabama census listed these folks in the home of William SCALF  (son of Lewis). 

William E. SCEALF was the first child born in this family and Francis Ellen was the next.  Both children were born in Georgia. John C. SCEALF was the first child to be born in Alabama in 1861, and Albert was the last one born in Alabama in 1867. If Francis Ellen was born around 1857 in Georgia and the son, John C. SCEALF, was born 1861 in Alabama, this suggests the family moved from Georgia around 1858 or 1859 since they are enumerated in Jackson County, Alabama in 1860.

The Civil War was taking place during the years between the births of John C. (1861) and Louis D. SCEALF who was born around 1864 according to the census report. Their father, William N. SCEALF, might have been a veteran of this war.

The 1880 Dade County census reveals that there were nine living children of William N. and Mary SCEALF in 1880. On the 1900 census of Dade County, Mary states she had ten children with only seven living.  This suggests that at least two children died 1880-1900 and possibly three. The fact that there were nine living children in 1880, suggests that another child was born and died between 1880 and 1900. I believe two of the deceased children were William Edmond and Francis Ellen. 

There appears to be a six-year span between Francis Ellen and John C. on the 1870 census. However, the span closes up to four years by the enumeration of the 1880 census. By 1880 two more children had been born.  These children were Amanda and Sololy (Sally?) (Lola?). There also appears to be a six-year span between Amanda and Sololy (Sally? Lola?). The family probably moved around 1868 or 1869 and settled in Dade County, Georgia where the first daughter born in Dade County was Susannah, born in 1870.

The last child listed on the 1880 census may have been named Sally, but the name appears on the census as Sololy.  Sally is the closest name I can think of that it may have been. In review of the name, Charles SCEALF suggests the possibility of Lola and this is also possible. Possibly the descendants of this line of the family could confirm or deny this. Charles SCEALF found the name, Sololy, to have been a name used by the Cherokee and spelled Solely but this may or may not be significant. This name may have simply been a misspelling by the enumerator of this census.

The 1880 census reveals the relationship of Martin SCALF to William SCEALF and also lists their mother, Susannah, living in the home.  In my opinion, these two factors are the most significant piece of information found at this time to tie the SCEALF family to the SCALF family and confirm that both spellings belong to the same family.

Information provided from Charles SCEALF, a descendant of this line, states that William N.  SCEALF (son of William) was born March 12, 1829 and died July 7, 1905. Mary Turner SCEALF was born April 22, 1832 and died September 3, 1908. 

CHILDREN OF WILLIAM SCEALF AND MARY TURNER SCEALF:  Compiled from census records, cemetery records, and death certificates provided by Charles SCEALF, a descendant of this line.

1)         William E. SCEALF (William Edmond SCEALF) born about 1855 died 1888-1900. (Speculation from a study of the census records).

2)         Francis Ellen SCEALF born December 28, 1856 died May 6, 1883. (Census records, cemetery records and Charles SCEALF).

3)         John C. SCEALF born 1861 died 12-16-1923, married Susan Elizabeth Lambert July 25, 1886.  (Census records, Charles SCEALF and a descendant).

4)         Louis D (aniel?)  SCEALF born June 9, 1863.  Married Sarah E. (maiden name unknown) about 1892. (Census records and a descendant).

5)         Martin Wesley SCEALF born May 1865 (1900 census) married Matilda Sullivan on April 21, 1887.  She was born May 1856 (1900 census, Charles SCEALF and a descendant).

6)         Albert P (erry) SCEALF born 10-29-1866 married Elizabeth Belle Nichols. (Death Certificate of Albert Lee SCEALF sates Margaret Elizabeth Nichols) (Charles Scealf).

7)         Susannah SCEALF born February 22, 1870 married Francis Marion Patrick. (Census records, and a descendant).

8)         Amanda J. SCEALF born about 1873 (census) and died July 24, 1893. (Charles Scealf).

9)         Sololy (Sally? -Lola?) SCEALF born 1875 (census).

1880 Dade County, Georgia – 38^th District – Coal City – June 3, 1880 – page 5-6, dwelling #45. 

Page 2

SKEALTS,

We know that Martin Scalf married Elizabeth Blackburn in Habersham County, Georgia and a female shows up on the 1840 census that is assumed to be Elizabeth Blackburn Scalf.  She is not found with him on the census of 1850 and may have died. The female on the 1860 census might have been his second wife who was thirty years younger than Martin and possibly they divorced or she died as well. 

On the 1880 census above, a mark was placed in the column for (Married) or (Divorced) on the line Martin is listed on.  There is no indication of which one the census taker meant.  However, since there appears to be no wife here for Martin, one might assume he was divorced. Martin had also gone through a number of name changes and he is now listed as Martin SCEALF. His name had previously been spelled SCALF-SCAFF or SCOFF.

By 1900, William N. SCEALF (son of William) and wife, Mary, are living with their son Louis D. SCEALF in Dade County, Georgia.  Some information from this census has been eliminated here due to the lack of space.  However, the original microfilm can be accessed here. 

1900 Dade County, Georgia – Coal Militia District #50 – 13 and 14 June 1900 

SCEALF, 

MILLER

Albert P.SCEALF was living with his brother Louis and father William N. SCEALF on this census and does not appear to be married at this time. In the cemetery records of Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton County, Tennessee, page 25, is listed a L. D. SCEALF born July 19, 1863 and died September 9, 1935. Beside L. D. SCEALF is Sarah SCEALF born June 8, 1876 and died January 4, 1933.  I believe these people to be Louis D. SCEALF and his wife, Sarah SCEALF.  Of note, there is a Luther L. SCEALF buried here as well.  Luther was born 1901 and died 1926. Most likely, he is part of this line of the family.

Also listed in the same cemetery on page 106 are the following SCEALF family members:  J. D. SCEALF July 23, 1926.  Beside J. D. is listed; Infant September 21, 1926, then Arthur V SCEALF May 21, 1936.  I have no knowledge if these are birth dates or death dates but appear to be death dates.  The infant is probably birth and death date. Arthur V. is probably the Author V. SCEALF listed above on the 1900 census but a J. D. SCEALF did not show up on the census records reviewed.

Sarah stated on this census that she had eight children born with only two living. This number might have actually been a 6 on the microfilm but it appeared to be an 8. There were at least four children that had died by 1900 and possibly six if the number is actually an eight. Louis is believed to have moved from the area after 1900.

There was no wife listed in the home for Columbus Miller on this census, although the census relates he was married for eleven years.  I have noted a number of Miller families living nearby and it is possible that they are related.  Columbus Miller’s father was born in Alabama and his mother was born in Tennessee.  Louis SCEALF’s occupation is listed as a “Machinist” on this census. Albert SCEALF’s occupation was listed as  “Locomotive Engineer.”  John W. SCEALF, the nephew of Louis SCEALF, was listed as a “Day Laborer” as was Columbus Miller.  No occupation was listed for William.  William and Mary’s marriage date estimates here to be around 1855. 

Columbus Miller is found again on the 1910 census of Dade County living near the SCEALF family and is now married and has a wife listed in the home.  This census states he was married twice and his wife is named Lizzie. There might possibly have been a family connection of the SCEALF family to Columbus Miller.  A nickname often used for Columbus is Lum. 

Albert Perry SCEALF named a son, Lum F. SCEALF.  This may merely be coincidence but it also suggests a family connection to Columbus Miller. Several possibilities concerning the relationship of Columbus Miller to the SCEALF family has come to mind. One such possibility might be through the marriage of William Edmond SCEALF.

William Edmond SCEALF might have married a sister of Columbus Miller. I find no SCEALF female in the family that might have been married to Columbus.  Francis Ellen would be the most likely and near the same age as Columbus but Francis Ellen died 1883. According to the cemetery records, her last name was still listed as SCEALF at her death.  It is possible that she may have been married but doubtful. A death certificate or a marriage record would be significant in determining if Francis Ellen had married before her death. Columbus Miller may have also been a relative through Mary Turner SCEALF.

William N. SCEALF (son of William) states he has been married 45 years on the census of 1900.  The census records and cemetery records suggest that one of the three deceased children of William and Mary was Francis E. (Ellen) SCEALF, as the cemetery records state she died 1883.  I believe another child that had died was William Edmond SCEALF. 

The last time William Edmond SCEALF is listed on the census is the year, 1880 in his father’s home.  William Edmond does not show up in the 1900 or the 1910 census of Dade County, Georgia.  Although it is possible that he left the area, it is my opinion he died in Dade County and that the nephews listed on the 1910 census as John W. SCEALF and James A. SCEALF were possibly the sons of William Edmond.  I know of no other logical explanation for these nephews to be listed this way.  I doubt they would have been living with their uncles if their parents were still living nearby so this would rule out their being sons of one of the living brothers.  The nephews would not be illegitimate sons of Francis Ellen SCEALF because they were born after her death and again, were born too early to have been illegitimate sons of the other daughters. 

Also listed in the same district is John C. SCEALF, son of William N. SCEALF and a brother of Louis D. SCEALF.

1900 Dade County, Georgia - Coal Militia District
Enumeration district #50 – page 274 A - 13 and 14 June 1900.  

SCEALF

This census suggests that John and Susan married around 1885 and their first child was born 1887. However, information from Charles SCEALF reveals that John and Susan married July 25, 1886. It is difficult to determine the month and year of Susan’s birth on this census due to the handwriting of the census taker.  I have estimated her birth year according to the age that appeared to be on this census. If this is correct, she was born about 1855. The name Shudie should probably be Sudie but the microfilm does show an (h) after the (S).  Descendants of this family might be able to determine what this name might have been.

Information sent to me by another researcher (name now lost) states the date of marriage for John and Susan E. Lambert SCEALF as July 25, 1886. This researcher states that John C. SCEALF had a brother, Albert P. SCEALF, and that Albert P. SCEALF had a son, John W. SCEALF born April 1885.  I believe part of this information to be accurate as Albert P. SCEALF did have a son named John W. SCEALF.  However, the son of Albert P. SCEALF was born 1899 – 1901 instead of 1885.

On the 11^th and 12^th day of June 1900 and living in the same district is Martin W. SCEALF, brother of Louis D. SCEALF and John C. SCEALF.

1900 Dade County, Georgia - Coal Militia district
Enumeration District #50 – 13 and 14 June 1900.   

SCEALF

Martin’s occupation was a Watchman ___ (last word illegible).  Martin and Matilda also had two children but only one was living at this time. There may have been more born later but the 1910 census does not suggest there were.

These families are again found on the 1910 census.  Living with the family of Johnson C. (John) SCEALF is Wade Harp, husband of his daughter, Lou/Lora? (Name illegible) in the home and a nephew James A.SCEALF.  I believe this to be the same nephew in the home of Johnson C. SCEALF in 1900.  James might possibly have been a brother to the John W. SCEALF in the home of Louis D. SCEALF in 1900. Both are listed as nephews of the two brothers.

1910    Dade Co. Georgia – Coal Militia District
Enumeration Dist. #55 – 28 April 1810 – pg, 11 or 21 B (hard to distinguish).

SCEALF

HARP

SCEALF        

James A.          22         Nephew            Single               (b) GA  Parents born AL

A note found from a descendant of this line states that Lou/Lora is said to have married John Wade Harp, Jr.  Another note states John C. SCEALF, died December 16, 1923. 

In comparing the 1900 census with the 1910 census of this family, it appears that the daughter of John and Susan in 1900 listed as Shudie might possibly be the same person as the daughter, Lou/Lora in 1910. 

Susan states on the 1900 census that she has one child with one child living. Susan states this information again in 1910. When estimating the age of Shudie verses Lou, there is only a difference of one-year (if that much) and I suspect there is none.  In 1900, her stated age was 12 and she was born September 1887.

In 1910, her ages estimates to a birth date of 1888. This is not a significant difference in years at all.  Due to the fact that she was born in September, this is probably the only difference in the ages on both census records. In light of this information, it appears that Shudie (Sudie?) and Lou (Lora?) were the same person. I have no information on her but the suggestion of Susan Louise or Louisa comes to mind as her given name.  Researchers of this family might be able to contribute to this.

1910 Dade Co. Georgia -- Coal Militia District –28 April 1910

SCEALF

Albert P. was Albert Perry SCEALF.  Albert was born October 29, 1866 and died May 3, 1958.  Albert married Elizabeth Belle Nichols.  She was born April 12, 1887 and died January 23, 1954.  Her name is listed as Margaret Elizabeth Nichols on the death certificate of her son, Albert Lee Scalf. 

Children of Albert Perry SCEALF and Elizabeth Belle NICHOLS:

 1) Etta SCEALF – Married James Jenkins.

 2) Amanda (aka Mandy) SCEALF married 1) Charles Melvin Jenkins ---- 2) Marian O. Jenkins.

 3) Albert Lee SCEALF -- Albert Lee SCEALF (son of Albert Perry SCEALF) was born December 6, 1895 in Tennessee and died July 26, 1991 in Ft. Oglethorpe (Catoosa Co) Georgia.  Albert married Leatha Scott. Leatha was born September 2, 1898 in Marion County, Tennessee and died December 12, 1897 at Chickamauga (Walker Co) Georgia. This family was residing at Chickamauga (Walker Co) Georgia at the time of death.  Albert was a retired Machinist and was 95 years old at his death. Leatha was 89.  Leatha Scott was the daughter of James Scott and Minerva Burnett.  The death certificate of Albert Lee Scealf reveals that he was the son of the Albert Scealf and Margaret E. Nichols.  Albert and Leatha are buried at Lookout Cemetery.

(Death Cert-Obit of Albert L SCEALF) (Death Cert. Leatha SCEALF)

 4) John W. SCEALF

 5) Ollie M. SCEALF -- Ollie Mae SCEALF born 1897 and died 1983 married Elijah Rowland on July 9, 1922.

 6) Lum Franklin SCEALF -- Lum F. SCEALF, the last son of Albert P. and Elizabeth (Belle) Nichols SCEALF was born January 12, 1907 and died January 30, 1966.  He married Clara Mae Davis, born December 8, 1907 and died December 26, 1981.  They married on July 11, 1897.

 7) Emma SCEALF married Lester Scott.

Charles SCEALF has Emma SCEALF in his list of children for Albert Perry SCEALF but I have not found this child at this time. However, living family members who knew Emma relates this information.

Children of Albert Lee SCEALF and Leatha SCOTT:

1)         James SCEALF
2)         Lillie Marie SCEALF (Mrs. Claude M. Smith) Lillie died June 1956.
3)         Eugene W. SCEALF died April 1988.
4)         George William SCEALF died March 1968.
5)         Minerva Irene SCEALF
6)       Charles Lee SCEALF died October 1986.

Information on the Albert Perry SCEALF family was submitted by Charles SCEALF, a descendant of this line. In respect for living family members, this line will not be extended further. 

No doubt, a bit of confusion will be encountered in researching the family line of John W. SCEALF, (son of Albert Perry SCEALF). There appears to be at least three different men with this name. In an effort to lend possible help to researchers of these lines, the following summation of these men is listed in order to assist in helping researchers separate these men. My speculation of whom I believe these men to be and where they connect in the family is presented. 

Please note that this is not confirmed by documentation. This is merely my conclusion from a study of the available records concerning these three men. This is subject to change as new information is made available and my theory may not be correct.  It is, however, a possible avenue of research for those interested in the families of these men.

To begin with, I have listed the three men and their birth dates according to the census records, the obituary and the Civil Draft Register as well as information from Charles SCEALF who is a descendant of the Albert Perry SCEALF family.

The estimated birth dates of these three are as follows:

1)   John Weston. SCEALF (b) 1885-1889 is listed on the 1900 census of Dade County, Georgia as a nephew of Lewis D. SCEALF. This John was 13 – 14 years older than John #2 (son of Albert Perry SCEALF).  He was 25-29 years older than John #3 (John is listed in obituary sent by Charles SCEALF).

2)   John William SCEALF, son of Albert Perry SCEALF born Sept. 16, 1899 (listed on 1910 census estimated birth year of 1901). This John was 14 – 15 years older than John #3. Therefore he could not have been his father.

3)   John W. SCEALF, (obituary sent by Charles SCEALF) (b) 1914 – (d) 1993 at 79 years old.

A John William SCEALF is listed on the Civil Draft Register with a birth date of September 16, 1899. From the information reviewed, it appears that this John W. SCEALF was the son of Albert Perry SCEALF and is listed on the 1910 census of Dade County, Georgia as nine years old with an estimated birth date of 1901.  The birth date of 1901 does not correlate with the date (1899) from the Civil Draft Register. However, they differ only by about three years, which is not a significant difference considering the inaccuracy of the census records.  Albert Lee SCEALF, another son of Albert Perry and most likely the brother of this John W. was also listed in the Civil Draft Register.  This is another clue that this is most likely the John W. SCEALF who was the son of Albert Perry SCEALF.

Charles SCEALF spoke with family members concerning this John W. SCEALF and several family members did recall this John SCEALF. One family member stated that he lived in the Slygo Valley Community and his wife’s name was Irene. Irene died young and the family member did not believe they had any children. There is a short version of an obituary listed in the Hamilton County Bicentennial Library for a John SCEALF who died December 15, 1923. This appears to be the John W. SCEALF, son of Albert Perry SCEALF.  Review of the full obituary will most likely determine this. 

Charles SCEALF provided an obituary concerning a John W. SCEALF #3.  This John W. SCEALF would have been born about 1914. The obituary of this John W. SCEALF states that he was the son of John W. SCEALF, Sr. and Drucilla Mahafey.  This John W. SCEALF married Lillye (maiden name not listed). They were the parents of four children according to the obituary.

Another short version of an obituary was found at the Hamilton County Bicentennial Library for Lillye Levera SCEALF (Mrs. J. W. SCEALF).  This appears to be the wife of this John W. SCEALF #3 (from obit by Charles). Lillye died March 11, 1998. Levera may or may not have been her maiden name.

A short version of another obituary was found at the Hamilton County Bicentennial Library for Drucilla M. SCEALF (Mrs. John Weston SCEALF).  This appears to be the wife of John W. SCEALF #1.  The short version of the obituary states that Drucilla M. SCEALF died December 5, 1974.  The middle initial here is most likely her maiden name (Mahafey) as listed in the obituary of her son, John.  An obituary is listed for a John W. SCEALF who died March 22, 1926 and is most likely John W. SCEALF # 1. The complete obituary would need to be examined to determine this.  This same John, in my opinion, was the husband of Drucilla and they were the parents of John #3 who married Lillye Levera.

The John W. SCEALF listed in the home of Louis D. SCEALF on the 1900 Dade County census has an estimated birth date of 1885-1889.  Although I have no proof, it is my opinion that this John W. SCEALF (nephew of Louis D. SCEALF) married Drucilla Mahafey and was most likely a son of William Edmond SCEALF. William Edmond SCEALF was the son of William N. SCEALF and Mary Turner.

My reasoning for this is the fact that William Edmond SCEALF was last listed on the Dade County census record of 1880 and was still living in his father’s home. William Edmond SCEALF does not show up on the 1900 or the 1910 census in Georgia. Possibly, he moved to another area, but the fact that two nephews show up on the 1900 census living with his brothers suggests to me that he (and possibly his wife as well) had died and left two orphans. 

Also, a James A. SCEALF listed in the home of John C. SCEALF in 1900 and 1910 was listed as the nephew of John C. SCEALF.  John C. SCEALF and Louis D. SCEALF were brothers and this information again suggests that John C. SCEALF and Louis D. SCEALF had a brother who had died. I have no information on this James A. SCEALF at this time but it appears that he and John W. SCEALF were brothers and both were most likely sons of William Edmond SCEALF.

Of note, Louis D. SCEALF is not listed in the 1910 Dade County census and his nephew, John W. SCEALF, who had been living with him, is not found at this time as well.  However, the other nephew, James A. SCEALF is still in the home of John C. SCEALF in 1910. I have no confirmation but it is possible that Louis D. SCEALF went to Alabama between 1900 and 1910 and it is possible that his nephew, John W. SCEALF went with him. John C. SCEALF is listed as Johnson C. SCEALF on this census record.

Since the obituary from Charles SCEALF states that John W. SCEALF was the son of John W. SCEALF, Sr., it appears that one of the above would be the father of John W. SCEALF born 1914 and died 1993. The only possible John W. this could be is John Weston SCEALF, nephew of Louis D. SCEALF on the 1900 census record.  There was 25 – 29 years difference in their births.  In view of this information, I have listed the following line and as stated previously, this may not be correct and is only my analysis of the information.

What might have happened to William Edmond SCEALF and his wife is unknown, as well as the name of his wife.  However, these nephews do not appear to belong to any of William Edmond SCEALF’s brothers and they would not have belonged to Francis Ellen (William Edmond’s sister) for she died before their births.  The other sisters were at home and younger at this time so this would rule them out as well.

William Edmond SCEALF (b) about 1855-1856 and died 1880 – 1900 married (_? _).

Children of William Edmond SCEALF and (_? _).

    1)         James A. SCEALF (b) June 1886 (census record).
    2)         John W. SCEALF (b) April 1888 (census record). Married Drucilla Mahafey.

 Children of John W. SCEALF Sr., and Drucilla Mahafey (b) April 1888 (listed as John #1).

    1)         John W. SCEALF, Jr. (b) 1914  (d) March 8, 1993 married Lillye L. (?).
    2)         Virgil SCEALF.
    3)         Arnold SCEALF.
    4)         Lawrence SCEALF.

Children of John W. SCEALF Jr. and Lillye L. (maiden name unknown).

1)         T. Sgt. Carl E. SCEALF (b ?)  (d) May 16, 1971
2)         LeVera SCEALF WHITEHEAD.
3)         Wanda SCEALF WEBB.
4)         Robert SCEALF.

Charles SCEALF spoke with two of the sons of John W. SCEALF Jr. (John #3) by telephone. Both sons confirmed that their parents were John Weston SCEALF and Drucilla Mahafey.  One of the sons is now 80 years old and the other is 78 years old. One son stated his father died when he was four years old and the other son was 18-months old.  Calculating the years, this estimated to be around 1926.

An obituary index was found for the death of John W. SCEALF March 23, 1926 and I believe this to be the same John W. SCEALF listed as John #1 and born 1888. Unfortunately, neither gentleman could tell Charles who their grandfather was. The death date from the obituary for John W. SCEALF of March 23, 1926 is the actual date of the obituary. This would not be the date of death. As with the other dates from the obituary records, I have backed up one day from the listed date for the actual death date. Therefore, John would have died March 22d and not March 23d.

Martin Wesley, or Wesley Martin as the name appears here is found still living in Dade County.  The number listed in the column for the number of children of Martin and Matilda is difficult to determine on this census. However, there is one child living.  Due the difficulty in reading the number Matilda stated as the number of children they had, I have listed this number as 2 because this is what Matilda stated on the 1900 census and I doubt it had changed since that time. The number does look like a 3 and a 2.  Also, there are no children in the home here and their daughter, (Lou/Lora?) and her husband had probably moved into their own home by this time.   

1910    Dade Co. Georgia Coal Militia District.   (LINK 1910 DADE CO GA- WESLEY M SCEALF)

SCEALF

The name Wesley and Martin were very commonly used in the Scalf family.  As can be noted, the ages of these folks do not always correspond with the previous census.

Note was made of a number of Parker families living near the SCEALF family in Dade County in 1900 and 1910. Although I have not researched these names thoroughly, it is possible these folks were descendants of Joseph and Pennie Scalf Parker.  Pennie was a daughter of Lewis Scalf and a sister to William Scalf who married Susannah. 

Also noted living near the SCEALF family is a Highfield family.  Sarah Scalf (sister of William N. SCEALF) married David Highfield in Habersham County, Georgia.  A Cash family is living near the SCEALF family as well.

It is believed that William Scalf (son of Lewis and Elizabeth Blackburn SCALF) died at Shellmound, Tennessee in 1870 at the age of 89 years old.  If so, then William died before the 1870 census was enumerated but he probably did make the move from Jackson County, Alabama with the family to Dade County, Georgia. A search of the 1870 mortality schedule of Dade County should reveal this information.   He and his wife Susannah are probably buried at State Line Cemetery at Shell Mound, Tennessee where their son, William N. SCEALF and wife, Mary Turner SCEALF are buried. Susannah Scalf (wife of William) was still living at the enumeration of the 1870 census but was not found afterwards.  Susannah probably died 1870-1880 and would have been around 80 – 90 years old.

For descendants of this line, it should be noted that a Sarah Turner was living near William and Susannah in Wilkes County, North Carolina and a William Turner family was living near Lewis Scalf in Greenville County, South Carolina in the 1820 census.  The Turner family was noted to be in Habersham County, Georgia as well.  A Christopher family was also noted on the 1820 census of Greenville County, SC and in the 1810 Surry County, NC census as well.  However, no Christopher family was found in Habersham County, Georgia.

The Cash family was also living in the Surry/Wilkes/Iredell County areas and later moved over to Washington County, Tennessee where a number of the descendants live today. One Scalf female married a member of the Cash family in Washington County, Tennessee.  She is believed to have been a daughter of Benjamin Scalf, however, no supporting evidence has been found concerning her parents at this time. There were Cash families living in the Habersham County, Georgia area as well.

Also of interest is a Susanna Wait living next door to William and Susannah Scalf in the 1810 Wilkes County, NC census.   A Nathaniel Wate is then found living next to William and Susannah in the 1840 Habersham County census.  This may not have any correlation to the William Scalf family but the name Susanna caught my eye in the Wilkes County census.

William SCALF lived near his father, Lewis Scalf, from the time of his marriage in North Carolina until his father died in Habersham or Franklin County, Georgia. The two can be found on the 1810 Wilkes County, NC census, the 1820 Greenville County, SC census, and the 1830 Habersham County, Georgia census.  Each time, the name is spelled differently. 

William N. SCEALF (son of William) lived with or near his father until his father’s death in 1870 as well. Whether they were following the old English tradition of “youngest son inherits the care of the parents” or not is unknown but certainly appears to be the case.

The SCEALF family lived in Cole City Hollow surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains with Sand Mountain surrounding the valley on both sides.  Cole City Creek flows down from the top of the mountain meandering down the hollow to find its way to the Tennessee River near Shellmound, Tennessee.

The beauty of these hollows and valleys with the mountains standing sentinel above them cannot be described with words and can only be appreciated by an actual visit to the area.  Springtime gives birth to the blooming of the many various types of trees and wild flowers that display an array of magnificent colors in the valleys and mountains of this region. The sound of the cool mountain water trickling down across the rocks was probably a welcome sound to the weary settlers passing through as well as those who remained. The wintertime also brings a beauty that can be breathtaking when the snow covers the landscape and clings to the trees in the surrounding mountain terrain.

However, as beautiful as it is, it also held tragedies for the families of the early settlers. Family members were killed by Indians as well as by occasional farming accidents and sickness.  Doctors were miles away and epidemics of small pox, yellow fever, influenza, and diphtheria, just to mention a few, took the lives of many loved ones.  The SCEALF family no doubt, suffered their share of these tragedies. 

The SCEALF family of Dade County, Georgia was a hard-working family who tolled the land, worked in the local industries and provided for their families. These sturdy pioneers helped build the town and left their mark in the form of a building known as Scealf School House. Some descendants of this family still live in the Dade County, Georgia, Marion and Hamilton County, Tennessee area, while others have moved on.

An article submitted by Charles SCEALF relates that the school in this little valley community marked the settlement of the SCEALF family in Dade County, Georgia.  This article states that for many years this school provided the only source of education in the community. The SCEALF School House was a large one-room building heated by an old wood burning heater.  In 1940, this school was discontinued and students were routed to another school.

The description of the Scealf School brings to mind the same type of school my own father attended at Chimney Top Mountain in Greene County, Tennessee in the early 1920s.  Both schools consisted of one teacher and one room with seven grades.  Curtains probably separated the grades at the SCEALF School as they did at Chimney Top, or they may have simply not been separated at all.  Whichever way it was, it could not have been an easy task to teach seven different grades in one room.  Photos from this article are not very clear, but names of some of the family located in the area during this time are listed in this article.  (LINK to School article).

We would certainly like more information on the Scealf School in Dade County, Georgia if anyone has this information or happens to come across this history in their research.

This concludes the chapter on William SCALF, son of Lewis Scalf and Elizabeth Blackburn Scalf.  Although no legal documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, etc., have been found to support all of the names of the children of Lewis Scalf or those of William, his son; it is my opinion that this William SCALF was in fact, the son of Lewis Scalf. It is also my belief that William SCEALF was the son of William SCALF and would have been the grandson of Lewis SCALF and Elizabeth Blackburn SCALF.

My sincere gratitude is extended to Charles SCEALF for his help and contribution to this search!

A tremendous THANK YOU!! to Carol Waldroup for her time and effort on these census reports.

Without her help and dedication in searching for the SCEALF name, we might have gone on wondering where they were in 1880!  Thank you Carol!!

Any corrections or additions are welcomed.

Copyright (C) 2002-2008 by Margaret Fleenor, All Rights Reserved.