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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.

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. 

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 the 1860 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. As was stated earlier in the chapter, 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 chapters of Lewis and 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 CO NC

SCALF, William

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 CO SC

SKELF, William

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 - chapter III, 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 CO GA

SCELTH, William

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. 

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.

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.  

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 CO GA

SCELF, William

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).

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.

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.

1850 Hambersham CO GA                    9 December 1850                        District 14 - Division 37

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.  

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 CO AL                    28 July 1860                Division 1

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

1860 Jackson CO AL                    28 July 1860                Division 1

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. (Link to Georgia Mortality Record)

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 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.

ELIZABETH SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Elizabeth<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

The marriages of Habersham County record the marriage of Elizabeth Scalf to Charles Warren November 10, 1830. Charles E. Warren (1811-1898) a son of Notley Rueben Warren, was born in Franklin County, Georgia, and was only five years old when his father died. In 1830 he joined the Mud Creek Baptist Church in Habersham County near Cornelua. Later that same year he married Elizabeth Scalf. Elizabeth died in 1832 after the birth of their son Reuben.

Child of Charles Warren & Elizabeth Scalf:

     1) Rueben Warren

MARTIN SCALF
Son of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

On the 1820 census, a son was born 1804 – 1810 and was most likely the blind son, Martin Scalf, who does not appear to be listed in the home on the 1830 census.  

1820 Greenville CO SC

SKELF, William

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.

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 town of Ellijay became the county seat in 1834 and has quite a history from being an Indian town that John Sevier burned to the ground in one of his 36 raids into Georgia.  He returned to Tennessee and declared himself King - promptly being arrested.  He served his time and upon release he returned to Georgia and again burned the town to the ground.  The final location that was donated by Scalf was to recoup what hadn’t been rebuilt totally at that time.  It appears having searched the census and voters records that (Martin) Scalf never lived on the land. (Courtesy of Gilmer County Historical Society)

George Gordon Ward - Gilmer County historian wrote: “Clemonds Quillian, (Gilmer resident) had contacted Martin Scalf, a blind man, native of Habersham County.” He apparently talked Scalf into the donation of the land for the town.  “It was one of the most important concession in the 100 years of the county’s history.”  (Courtesy of Gilmer County Historical Society)

“The tract was in land lot 62, 11th district, 2nd section.  He reserved for himself one front lot.  He donated the rest of the land to the people.  The inferior court accepted the offer, then ran off the boundaries of the exact 10 acres they chose for their use.  The also designated the center of the plot, still used as a park today.” (Courtesy of Gilmer County Historical Society)

They had a surveyor lay out a one acres square and the remaining nine acres was to be laid off in streets and twenty town lots.  The sale of these lots was the only money the county had to lay out the new courthouse, jail and other expenses related to running a new town. Lots were auctioned off and sold quickly for $300 or more in June of 1833. (Courtesy of Gilmer County Historical Society)

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. (Link to marriage document) 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 CO GA - Hurons or Herins District

Martin SCAFF

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 Hambersham CO GA                    9 December 1850                        District 14 - Division 37

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.

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 CO GA                        10 July 1860                        Altoona

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.

It appears that Martin Scalf (son of William and Susannah) is living next door to the William Scealf family on the 1870 census and is living alone again. This census suggests Martin was born about 1806.

1870 Dade CO GA                    22 July 1870            Trenton

Martin Scalf

As was stated above, Martin Scalf married Elizabeth Blackburn on September 1, 1839 in Habersham, Georgia. Unfortunately, this marriage was over in a few years and Martin is back home with his parents in the 1850 census. Elizabeth Scalf, the ex-wife of Martin Scalf, could not be found on the 1850 or 1860 census, but she and their three children are are living in Bartow County, Georgia during the 1870 census. Some researchers believe Elizabeth Blackburn (Scalf) is living with the John Williams family in 1860 Jackson County, Florida, but where are the children? The 1860 Jackson County Census is listed below. It should be pointed out that G. A. Strickland was the informant for the death certificate of Mattie Metts Scalf, the wife of Rev. Sparton D. Scalf. We do not know if there is a connection between G. A. Strickland and Simeon Strickland on the 1860 Jackson County, Florida census.

1860 Jackson CO FL                    14 July 1860                    Marianna

1870 Bartow CO GA                        8 July 1870                 Cartersville

Elizabeth Scalf in the 1870 census and Manary in the 1880 census are the same person.

1880 Dade CO GA                    3 June 1880                           Coal City

1880 Bartow CO GA                        8 June 1880                Cartersville

JOSEPHINE BROWN SCALF
Daughter of
Martin Scalf & Elizabeth Blackburn
Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Josephine Scalf was born November 1853 and died April 1, 1925 from mitral insufficiency of the heart. Josephine married Silas M. Abernathy on November 27, 1870. Silas was a Civil War Veteran and served two tours in the Army. He enlisted April 10, 1865 in Company D, 49th Regiment of Indiana State Volunteers and was discharged September 13, 1865 in Indianapolis, IN. Later, Silas enlisted again on July 29, 1867 and was assigned to Company G, 33rd U. S. Infantry. He was discharged July 27, 1870. Silas Abernathy died January 18, 1906. Silas and Josephine Abernathy received pensions.    

Children of Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf:

     1) Minnie Abernathy - born October 1, 1871 in Cartersville, GA; married Joseph Larkin Alexander.
     2) Della Abernathy - born April 18, 1875; married John Henry Coleman November 1, 1891. John Coleman was born August 31, 1871.
     3) Tilman Alvin Abernathy - married Mary J. George.
     4) Bersha Ola Abernathy - born December 24, 1886 in Dallas County, GA.
     5) Thomas William Abernathy.

1880 Paulding CO GA          5 June 1880                Eutah

1900 Cherokee CO AL                     23 June 1900              Lewis Precinct 21

1910 Etowah CO AL                                    27 April 1910             Gadsden Precinct

1920 Etowah CO AL                                    9 January 1920                      Gadsden

MINNIE LEE ABERNATHY
Daughter of
Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf
Minnie<Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Minnie Abernathy, the daughter of Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf, was born October 1, 1871 in Cartersville, GA.

1900 Etowah CO AL                       20 June 1900                              Gadsden

1910 Etowah CO AL                       23 April 1910                              Gadsden

1920 Bay CO FL                        14 January 1920                    Panama City

1930 Bay CO FL                        7 April 1930                    Panama City

LYNFORD O'DELLA "DELLA" ABERNATHY
Daughter of
Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf
Della<Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Lynford O. Abernathy was born April 18, 1875 in Georgia and died September 10, 1956 in Jefferson County, Alabama. Della married John Henry Coleman November 1, 1891. John Coleman was born August 31, 1871.

1900 Calhoun CO AL                    11 June 1900                Anniston

1910 Etowah CO AL                       22 April 1910                              Gadsden

1920 Etowah CO AL                       5 January 1920                              Gadsden

TILMAN ALVIN ABERNATHY
Son of
Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf
Tilman<Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1900 Etowah CO AL                       20 June 1900                              Gadsden

1910 Etowah CO AL                       28 April 1910                              Gadsden

1920 Bay CO FL                        13 January 1920                            Panama City

Tilman Abernathy married Clara L. Harwell in Bay County, Florida in 1927.

1930 Montgomery CO AL                        2 April 1930                    Chisholm

BERSHA OLA ABERNATHY
Daughter of
Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf
Bersha<Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Bersha O. Abernathy, the daughter of Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf, was born December 24, 1886 in Dallas County, GA. According to the information contained in several affidavits that were sent to the State of Alabama Department Veterans  Affairs, Bersha was mentally and physically handicapped. She stayed with her parents until they died. Bersha is living with a brother and his family in the 1930 census. Later, in the 1930s, she moved to the home of John and Della Coleman, the sister of Bersha Abernathy. Since Silas Abernathy, the father of Bersha Abernathy, served in the Civil War, John and Della applied for a pension for Bersha but the application was denied because Bersha was over 16 years of age when Silas Abernathy died January 18, 1906.  

1930 Montgomery CO AL                        2 April 1930                    Chisholm

THOMAS WILLIAM ABERNATHY
Son of
Silas Abernathy & Josephine Scalf
Thomas<Josephine<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1910 Etowah CO AL                                    27 April 1910             Gadsden Precinct

1920 Etowah CO AL                                    9 January 1920                      Gadsden

1930 Etowah CO AL                                    1930                                        Gadsden

MINORA ELIZABETH SCALF
Daughter of
Martin Scalf & Elizabeth Blackburn
Minora<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Minora E. Scalf was born June 12, 1856 and Died October 22, 1923. She married William Daniel McDowell on November 10, 1872 in Bartow County, Georgia. (Link to wedding announcement) William was born December 7, 1850 in Cartersville, Georgia and died March 31, 1923 in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. William and Minora McDowell are buried at the Old Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Rainbow City, Etowah County, Alabama.

1880 Bartow CO GA                        8 June 1880                Cartersville

Photograph - (Courtesy of Gail McDowell)

It is not clear why John E. McDowell is head of house in the 1900 census. It is possible the enumerator heard the wrong name or a relative, brother or cousin, is living with the family. It appears the family is migrating West since they are living in the state of Washington when the next census is taken.

1900 Little River CO AR                8 June 1900                    Burke

1910 Klickitat CO WA                  26 April 1910                    Goldendale

1920 Etowah CO AL                    9 January 1920                    Gadsden

(Photograph of William Daniel McDowell and Minora Scalf McDowell)  Courtesy of Gail McDowell

FELIX OSCAR MCDOWELL
Son of
William Daniel McDowell
Felix<Minora<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Felix McDowell was born January 23, 1878 in Cartersville, Bartow County, Georgia and died November 14, 1954 in Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida. He married Margaret Edith Shearer in 1937.

1920 Pasco CO FL                        9 & 10 February 1920                        Zephyrhills

1930 Pasco CO FL                        3  April 1930                        Zephyrhills

WILLIAM RILEY MCDOWELL
Son of
William Daniel McDowell
William<Minora<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

William McDowell was born September 26, 1875 in Georgia and died August 15, 1966 in Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington. He married Daisy M. McDowell.

1930 Lewis CO WA                    10 April 1930                        Toledo

IDA ELIZABETH MCDOWELL
Daughter of
William Daniel McDowell
Ida<Minora<Martin<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Ida Elizabeth McDowell was born October 17, 1879 in Cartersville, Bartow County, Georgia and died  January 26, 1950 in Clatsop County (Clatsop), Oregon. Ida married William Hamilton on August  1902 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington.

1900 Little River CO AR                8 June 1900                    Burke

1910 Klickitat CO WA                  26 April 1910                    Goldendale

SARAH SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

The marriage records of Habersham County record the marriage of a Sarah Scalf to David Highfield on May 25, 1828.  David Highfield is found living next door to William Scalf (son of Lewis) on the 1830 census.  

Sarah’s birth date estimates around 1810 –1815 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.

Children of David Highfield & Sarah Scalf:

     1) Benjamin T. Highfield
     2) Caroline N. Highfield
     3) Mary M. Highfield
     4) Elizabeth Highfield
     5) Martin Calvin Highfield
     6) William D. Highfield
     7) John H. Highfield
     8) Jackson Highfield
     9) Milton Monroe Highfield

1830 Habersham CO GA

HIGHFIELD, David 

1840 Jackson CO GA

HIGHFILL, David M.

1850 Cherokee CO GA                 8 November 1850                    Division 15

The David Highfield family were living in Cherokee County, Georgia when the census was taken on November 8, 1850. During the next few days, the family moved to Jackson County, Georgia and were counted again. However, Mary Highfield did not make the trip to Jackson County, Georgia. She was about 19 years old and probably married a local boy and did not want to move to another location.

 
1850 Jackson CO GA            14 November 1850                        Subdivision #45

During the next ten years, something must have occurred to the David Highfield family. Of course, the older children married and moved away from home. However, after 1850, David and Sarah Highfield cannot be located and in the 1860 Tishomingo County, Mississippi census, there is a Milton and a John Highfield living with two different families. They match up to the youngest children of David M. Highfield. Milton is living with Rebecca and Archibald Norris, a couple in their 60's, and John is living with Caroline and Green Hubbard. Caroline appears to be the daughter of David M. Highfield.

MARTIN CALVIN HIGHFIELD
Son of
David Highfield & Sarah Scalf
Calvin<Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Calvin Highfield was born March 2, 1838 in Jackson County, Georgia and died March 3, 1912 in Cherokee, Alabama. He is buried in the Cherokee Cemetery. Calvin enlisted in the Alabama Infantry, Company A, at Cherokee, Alabama on July 1, 1861 under Col. W. B. Wood for three years. He was captured at the Battle of Fishing Creek, Kentucky. (Link to Calvin Highfield CSA marker)

1860 Franklin CO AL                       2 January 1860                Barton

1880 Colbert CO AL                    10 June 1880                    Chickasaw

1900 Colbert CO AL                    1 June 1900                    Dickson Precinct

1910 Colbert CO AL                    7 May 1910                   Dickson

WILLIAM HIGHFIELD
Son of
David Highfield & Sarah Scalf
William<Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1860 Franklin CO AL                       2 January 1860                Barton

CAROLINE HIGHFIELD
Daughter of
David Highfield & Sarah Scalf
Caroline<Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Caroline Highfield married Green Hubbard. They are living in Tishomingo County, Mississippi.

1860 Tishomingo CO MS                    18 September 1860                    East Port

MILTON MONROE HIGHFIELD
Son of
David Highfield & Sarah Scalf
Milton<Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1860 Tishomingo CO MS                    12 September 1860                    Iuka

JOHN H. HIGHFIELD
Son of
David Highfield & Sarah Scalf
John<Sarah<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

John Highfield is living in East Port, Mississippi with his sister, Caroline Hubbard, in 1860. John's brother, Milton Highfield, lives in Iika, Mississippi which is about five miles from East Port.

1860 Tishomingo CO MS                    18 September 1860                    East Port

SIDNEY SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Sidney<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

The marriages of Habersham County 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. 

Children of Charles Warren & Sidney Scalf:

     1) William Warren (1835 - )
     2) Lott Granville Warren (1838 - 1894)
     3) John G. Warren (1840 - )
     4) Charles Weston Warren, Jr. (1843 - 1905)
     5) Martin Warren (1846 - )
     6) Nancy Caroline Warren (1849 - 1905)
     7) Amanda J. Warren (1852 - )
     8) Rebecca Warren (1854 - 1890)
     9) Frances Marian Warren (1856 - 1926)
   10) Susanna A. Warren (1860 - 1927)

In the 1850 census, Linda is listed as the wife of Charles Warren. However, Linda may be another name used by Sidney since the initials of the children in the home match the names of the children of Charles and Sidney Scalf. 

1850 Hambersham CO GA                13 December 1850            District 17  

A search of the 1860 Jackson County, Alabama census revealed that Charles and Sidney Scalf Warren were 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 CO AL                 3 July 1860                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 CO AL                8 August 1870                Long Island

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.  

By 1880, Charles and Sidney are in Dekalb County, Alabama, next door to Jackson County. Dekalb County was created in 1836 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  

#109

#110

#111

MARY (POLLY) SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Mary<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

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 CO GA 

JONES, Asa      

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 CO GA

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 Dade County, Georgia    

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.

By 1870, Mary Polly has probably died and Asa married Malinda ____.

1870 Dade CO GA                7 June 1870                Military District 1129

1880 Dade CO GA                17 June 1880            Upper Military District 1129

CHARITY SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Charity<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Charity Scalf, believed to be a daughter of William Scalf, 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.

By 1850, Silas Robertson and Charity were found in Habersham. 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. 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.  The Self family believes that Charity is the daughter of Jesse Self and Mary J. Narramore. It is possible that a Civil War pension application for a member of this family or a death record may shed some light on this question. The original marriage document between Silas Bascom Robertson and Charity may be helpful. 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. 

1840 Walker CO GA

ROBERTSON Silas B.

1850 Habersham CO GA            14 December 1850                District 18

In 1860, we find Silas Robertson and his family in Habersham, Georgia, but the wife of Silas is Charlotte Robertson. It is possible the full name of Silas Robertson's wife is Charlotte Charity Robertson, but on the other hand, Charity and Charlotte could be two different people.

Even though the initials in the 1850 census create a problem, there appear to be some similarity between the children in the 1850 and 1860 censuses.

1860 Habersham CO GA                22 June 1860                    Clarksville

1870 Habersham CO GA                11 August 1870                    Clarksville

1880 Habersham CO GA                3 June 1880                Liberty Mill

JOHN WESLEY ROBERTSON
Son of
Silas Robertson & Charity Scalf
John Robertson<Charity<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1870 Habersham CO GA                11 August 1870                    Clarksville

1880 Habersham CO GA                3 June 1880                Liberty Mill

1900 Habersham CO GA                11 June 1900                Cornelia

1910 Habersham CO GA                19-21 April 1910                Baldwin

WILLIAM T. ROBERTSON
Son of
John W. Robertson & Sarah Alice Sally Sisson
William<John Robertson<Charity<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1910 Habersham CO GA                19-21 April 1910                Baldwin

MIRIAH LOUISA SCALF
Daughter of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
Miriah(Loyacy)<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Loyacy Scalf married Hiram Forrester December 19 1844 in Habersham Georgia.

Children of Hiram Forrester and Miriah Louisa Scalf:

     1) Albert C. Forrester
     2) M. J. Forrester
     3) S. Forrester
     4) W. Forrester
     5) Isabella Forrester
     6) William Forrester
     7) Charles Warren Forrester
     8) Frederick Forrester
     9) Elizabeth Forrester
   10) Hiram J. Forrester
   11) Bettie Forrester
   12) John L. Forrester
   13) Alice Forrester

1840 Habersham CO GA

SCELF, William

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.

 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 CO GA                    9 December 1850                District 14 - Division 37

On the 1860 Cass County, Georgia census Martin Scalf, the son of William Scalf (son of William and Suannah) 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 Cash CO GA                10 July 1860                        Alatoona

1870 Fulton CO AR                    9 July 1870                    Union Township

1880 Fulton CO AR                    25 June 1880                Union Township

ALBERT FORRESTER
Son of
Hiram Forrester & Miriah Louisa Scalf
Albert<Miriah(Loyacy)<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1880 Fulton CO AR                    25 June 1880                Union Township

1900 Fulton CO AR                    7 June 1900                Union Township

1910 Fulton CO AR                    4 May 1910                Union Township

1920 Izard CO AR                    20 January 1920                    New Hope Township

WILLIAM N. SCEALF, JR.
Son of
William L. Scalf, Sr. & Susannah Cash
William Scealf, Jr.<William Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

(Link to photograph) (Courtesy of Ollie Mae Scealf Rowland)

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 and died May 6, 1883. (Census records, cemetery records and Charles Scealf).
     3) John C. Scealf born 1861 and died December 16, 1923. He married Susan Elizabeth Lambert July 25, 1886.  (Census records, Charles Scealf and a descendant).
     4) Louis D (aniel?)  Scealf was born June 9, 1863. He married Sarah E. Porter about 1892. (Census records and a descendant).
     5) Martin Wesley Scealf was 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).

1850 Habersham CO GA                    9 December 1850            14th District - 37th Division

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

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.

1860 Jackson CO AL                28 July 1860                 Long Island

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.

1870 Dade CO GA                    22 July 1870            Trenton