The main page is http://south-carolina-plantations.com/
This website was developed and is maintained by SCIWAY
https://south-carolina-plantations.com/search-plantations.html?cx=000697809214878659044%3Ag_yj6tuntxc&cof=FORID%3A10%3BNB%3A1&ie=UTF-8&q=TOWNSENDS&sa=
https://south-carolina-plantations.com/search-plantations.html?cx=000697809214878659044%3Ag_yj6tuntxc&cof=FORID%3A9%3BNB%3A1&ie=UTF-8&q=Old+House&sa=&siteurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsouth-carolina-plantations.com%2F
Below is information of OLD HOUSE and TOWNSENDS Plantations
William Reynolds was a planter and slave owner. He owned at least two named plantations. The documents list the Reynolds family, two named plantations, slave names, division of land with details, other names involved in the complaint and much more. These two documents cover the issues from 1818 to 1830; actual documents are both dated 1830.
Location is the Fourth District, South Carolina in St. Johns Parish Colleton County. Remember that Districts (now Counties) had many boundary changes over time; especially up to the Civil War. The location of Wadmalaw Island and St. Johns is now in Charleston County. In these documents it refers to Colleton District. This is an extremely detailed and complicated pair of documents. First document is composed of 12 pages; 6 front and back. The second is 8 pages 4 front and back. Each page is on heavy laid paper approximately 16 by 13.5 inches. Right edge is ragged; however, words readable at the ragged edge. Both documents are tied as one bundle in the center with the original ribbon. The last two pages of Document Two, the Decision (the actual division among the beneficiaries) has the bottom separated at the folds. However, they are all there and both documents are complete.
DOCUMENT ONE: COMPLAINT
William Reynolds, Deceased late of Wadmalaw Island (Charleston District, South Carolina) had a considerable real and Personal Estate. His will; dated April 1, 1818, provided for his wife Sarah A. Reynolds and his Children. If any of his children were to die before the age of 21 , that share was to be divided equally among those remaining. Wife is the sole executrix. Children are: Elizabeth C. Reynolds, now Elizabeth C. Robertson, Benjamin Reynolds, Sarah A. R. (Reynolds) Sauz, Henrietta C. Reynolds, Bernard A. Reynolds, William Reynolds, Elvira S. (?) Reynolds, States (?) Reynolds, Julius C. Reynolds and Julia Emma Reynolds and the said Sarah A. Reynolds; his widow and Executrix are to receive equal shares of his estate as they (children) come of age or marry. The document continues and describes the estate as follows . . .consisted of a certain tract No. 1 on Wadmalaw Island called the Old House Tract of 310 acres, adjoining tract No. 2 of 274 acres, a certain tract or plantation adjoining the above called Townsends of 222 acres, and a fourth tract No. 4 on Leadenwah Creek; adjoining lands of Hugh Wilson, Gabriel Capers and George Rivers of 276 acres. Also to about 132 Negro slaves and certain plantation stock cattle and so forth.
Regarding Tract No. 1 there are two plantations called Old House at http://south-carolina-plantations.com/charleston/old-house.html ; however, neither are the ones on Wadmalaw. I would assume that Old House was a name used locally. Perhaps it identified an “Old House” that was decaying or perhaps it was the original or “Old House” of the Reynolds family? Regarding Tract No. 4 there are also two Townsends Plantations at that same reference. One is on Johns Island; immediately adjacent to Wadmalaw Island separated by Bohicket Creek and other lesser known creeks. The second of these plantations is referred to as Townsends Creek Plantation and may well be the same as that of William Reynolds. However, more research would be needed to be sure.
The document continues that the daughter Elizabeth C. Reynolds, now Elizabeth C. Robertson having intermarried with Micah I. W. Jenkins now wants the will enforced as she has married and wants her portion as provided for under the will of her father. She and her husband has asked the Honorable Court to grant the partition. It continues asking for five proper persons to determine her allocation and provide her with her one equal tenth part of all and Singular the aforesaid real Estate (land) and one equal Eleventh part, portion or Share of the Negro Slaves and other personal property . . . Note she is asking for her 1/10 part of the land left to the ten children as her mother has hers set aside already per the will and since there are 11 (including her mother) to share in the rest; she wants her equal 1/11 share of the Negro Slaves and other personal property.
The Court directed that the partition be made. And . . . the Comifsioners (Commissioners) therein named (having been first duly sworn according to law) did review and appraise the Said estate and awarded to the Said Elizabeth and her husband M. (Micah) I. W. Jenkins as their part and portion . . . one part of the aforesaid tract of land number four (No. 4) containing one hundred and thirty acres (130) Situated on Wadmalaw Island known and distinguished by the name of Harrisons as will more fully appear by a reference to the plat thereunto annexed executed by Henry Ravenel Esq. Surveyor – one lot of Negroes twelve in number and certain other personal property . . . The finding was filed March 15, 1822 per the document. Immediately following the document states that another daughter Sarah A. R. Sauz in contemplation of her intended marriage with William Sauz did on the fifth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand – eight hundred twenty five did unite with the Said William Sauz in conveying her undivided share to Benjamin Reynolds (her brother). It further describes what book the conveyance was made; seems she sold her share to her brother Benjamin Reynolds.
Now comes one issue. The document states that “sometime” in 1826 (AFTER Sarah A. R. Sauz conveyed her part of the estate to her brother Benjamin Reynolds) Sarah A. Reynolds; the mother and executrix, gave Sarah A. R. Sauz more of the estate namely 145 acres of tract number 4 (No. 4) called Harrisons . . . and thirteen Negro Slaves named Mary 1. , Befs (Bess) 2., Peter 3. , Cretia 4. , Ben 5. , Linioz (?) 6. , Charlotte 7. , Sandy 8. , Saus (?) 9. , Nancy 10. , Peter 11., Betty 12. and Sambo 13. The numbers are above the names in the document. It goes on to say . . . That this division was made by three Gentlemen . to wit . John Laroche and George A. C. Rivers, Esquire and Captain Joseph D. Jenkins at the request of the Said Sarah A. Reynolds the Said Executrix . . . but that together they had no authority directed by any Court of Competent Jurisdiction to make such division . . . It continues to state that Benjamin Reynolds was of age and entitled to that part of the estate that Sarah A. R. Sauz had received and then conveyed to her brother Benjamin the prior year. Basically they are pointing out that Sarah A. R. Sauz was not entitled to the 1826 partition as she had already conveyed her part to her brother Benjamin in 1825.
Now comes another issue. It continues and states that Benjamin Reynolds being of age 21 that Said Sarah A. Reynolds Executrix, under the will of her late husband William Reynolds, did on the Second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight did put him (Benjamin) in pofsefsion (possession) of a part of the aforesaid real and personal Estate - to wit – Ninety – three / 93 / acres of land being the North part of Tract Number three / No. 3 / . . . and describes the survey particulars done by the same surveyor Henry Ravenel. It goes on to describe that he was in possession of twelve Negro Slaves named Young Jack 1, Annie 2, Susannah 3, Lahrey 4, Ralph 5, Sophia 6, Tener 7, Betsey 8, Morrifs (Morris) 9, Taffey 10, Tom 11 and St. Helena John 12 together with three head of cattle, three Cotton Gins and Sixty eight dollars 75 Cents in cash. It then states that is was by his mother Sarah A. Reynolds as executrix with the division made by three Gentlemen - to wit - John Laroche, George A. C. Rivers, Esquire and Captain Benjamin Bailey. The document AGAIN alleges that they had no authority to do the partition or allocation and that it was not valid under any Court or law.
It then states: That the Said Sarah A. R. Sauz, William Sauz, and Benjamin Reynolds have for several years enjoyed and been pofsefsed (possessed) of the aforesaid real and personal Estate so allocated . . . not made according to law and that it was all invalid and imperfect and that the Defendants in the aforesaid bill still pofsefs (possess) their undivided Shares . . . of the estate of the deceased William Reynolds.
Basically the bill of complaint is stating that the defendants cut out part of the estate for themselves and currently have possession of those parts and STILL have a share in what is left of the estate. Further on it states that the defendants will not voluntarily “undo” what has been done; . . . the Said defendants decline to do without the direction of this Honorable Court.
Apparently Benjamin Reynolds now has had a change of heart . . . Said Benjamin Reynolds in his own right prayed the Said Court that a partition and division may be made of the afore Said Estate premises into the party and Shares to which they and the Said defendant are respectively entitled . . . it goes on to ask the Court to assign a Commission to make the allocation.
Whereas Henrietta C. Reynolds, Bernard A. Reynolds, William Reynolds, Elvira S. (?) Reynolds, States (?) Reynolds, Julius C. Reynolds and Julia Emma Reynolds are all under the age of 21 and these seven (just named) submitted themselves to the judgement of this Honorable Court and prayed that what right or title they or either of them have to the real or personal Estate of their father . . . It then continues – the seven Minor Children above named of the Said William Reynolds deceased will each be entitled under his aforesaid Will on arriving at the age of twenty one years or marriage to one seventh part or share of the Estate . . . and one eight part or shares of the Negro Slaves and other personal property . . . the Said Sarah A. Reynolds being entitled to the other eighth in the Said personal property as the Court may decree. It continues that the complainants request the Court to give Henrietta C. Reynolds her share now and the remaining parts being kept together for the remaining children.
The Commissioners are then named and are to follow the Acts of the Assembly (South Carolina law) as made and provided. You and each of you the Said John Laroche, Richard Laroche, George Rivers, Joseph D. Jenkins, and John R. Townsend are commanded that first being duly sworn . . . and goes on to describe the tracts of land and other property outlined in the will of William Reynolds. There is a detailed description and describes by names that they receive a share of the estate per the will.
The last paragraph of this first document or complaint is dated September 9, 1830 and is signed by Robert Gilchrist, Complainants Solicitor.
DOCUMENT TWO: DECISION and DIVISION DETAILS
This document details by each name the land, in acres and location, Negro Slaves and other personal property each is to receive. Slaves are named; beyond those in Document One. The last page has the signatures and intact paper seals of the Commission members. The settlement date is December 10, 1830; on the back of the second document.
REFERENCES
Reynolds and Wadmalaw mentioned here that may be relevant; I leave it to you to decide. http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/d/a/v/Troy-E-Davis/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0272.html
Henry Ravenel comes from the Ravenel French Huguenots who settled in Charleston. At the reference there are two “Henry”; not sure which this one is; Henry Ravenel (1751-1823) or Henry Ravenel (1790-1867), a physician and plantation owner (Pooshee Plantation). If I were to make an educated guess it would be the former as a physician and plantation owner would be busy enough not to also be a surveyor. http://www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Ravenel-Family-Papers-1171.pdf A later “Henry” of this family was a famous botanist. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_William_Ravenel
I found several references for some of the other names. However, nothing definitive I would want to offer. If I find something, I will add that information.
Location is the Fourth District, South Carolina in St. Johns Parish Colleton County. Remember that Districts (now Counties) had many boundary changes over time; especially up to the Civil War. The location of Wadmalaw Island and St. Johns is now in Charleston County. In these documents it refers to Colleton District. This is an extremely detailed and complicated pair of documents. First document is composed of 12 pages; 6 front and back. The second is 8 pages 4 front and back. Each page is on heavy laid paper approximately 16 by 13.5 inches. Right edge is ragged; however, words readable at the ragged edge. Both documents are tied as one bundle in the center with the original ribbon. The last two pages of Document Two, the Decision (the actual division among the beneficiaries) has the bottom separated at the folds. However, they are all there and both documents are complete.
DOCUMENT ONE: COMPLAINT
William Reynolds, Deceased late of Wadmalaw Island (Charleston District, South Carolina) had a considerable real and Personal Estate. His will; dated April 1, 1818, provided for his wife Sarah A. Reynolds and his Children. If any of his children were to die before the age of 21 , that share was to be divided equally among those remaining. Wife is the sole executrix. Children are: Elizabeth C. Reynolds, now Elizabeth C. Robertson, Benjamin Reynolds, Sarah A. R. (Reynolds) Sauz, Henrietta C. Reynolds, Bernard A. Reynolds, William Reynolds, Elvira S. (?) Reynolds, States (?) Reynolds, Julius C. Reynolds and Julia Emma Reynolds and the said Sarah A. Reynolds; his widow and Executrix are to receive equal shares of his estate as they (children) come of age or marry. The document continues and describes the estate as follows . . .consisted of a certain tract No. 1 on Wadmalaw Island called the Old House Tract of 310 acres, adjoining tract No. 2 of 274 acres, a certain tract or plantation adjoining the above called Townsends of 222 acres, and a fourth tract No. 4 on Leadenwah Creek; adjoining lands of Hugh Wilson, Gabriel Capers and George Rivers of 276 acres. Also to about 132 Negro slaves and certain plantation stock cattle and so forth.
Regarding Tract No. 1 there are two plantations called Old House at http://south-carolina-plantations.com/charleston/old-house.html ; however, neither are the ones on Wadmalaw. I would assume that Old House was a name used locally. Perhaps it identified an “Old House” that was decaying or perhaps it was the original or “Old House” of the Reynolds family? Regarding Tract No. 4 there are also two Townsends Plantations at that same reference. One is on Johns Island; immediately adjacent to Wadmalaw Island separated by Bohicket Creek and other lesser known creeks. The second of these plantations is referred to as Townsends Creek Plantation and may well be the same as that of William Reynolds. However, more research would be needed to be sure.
The document continues that the daughter Elizabeth C. Reynolds, now Elizabeth C. Robertson having intermarried with Micah I. W. Jenkins now wants the will enforced as she has married and wants her portion as provided for under the will of her father. She and her husband has asked the Honorable Court to grant the partition. It continues asking for five proper persons to determine her allocation and provide her with her one equal tenth part of all and Singular the aforesaid real Estate (land) and one equal Eleventh part, portion or Share of the Negro Slaves and other personal property . . . Note she is asking for her 1/10 part of the land left to the ten children as her mother has hers set aside already per the will and since there are 11 (including her mother) to share in the rest; she wants her equal 1/11 share of the Negro Slaves and other personal property.
The Court directed that the partition be made. And . . . the Comifsioners (Commissioners) therein named (having been first duly sworn according to law) did review and appraise the Said estate and awarded to the Said Elizabeth and her husband M. (Micah) I. W. Jenkins as their part and portion . . . one part of the aforesaid tract of land number four (No. 4) containing one hundred and thirty acres (130) Situated on Wadmalaw Island known and distinguished by the name of Harrisons as will more fully appear by a reference to the plat thereunto annexed executed by Henry Ravenel Esq. Surveyor – one lot of Negroes twelve in number and certain other personal property . . . The finding was filed March 15, 1822 per the document. Immediately following the document states that another daughter Sarah A. R. Sauz in contemplation of her intended marriage with William Sauz did on the fifth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand – eight hundred twenty five did unite with the Said William Sauz in conveying her undivided share to Benjamin Reynolds (her brother). It further describes what book the conveyance was made; seems she sold her share to her brother Benjamin Reynolds.
Now comes one issue. The document states that “sometime” in 1826 (AFTER Sarah A. R. Sauz conveyed her part of the estate to her brother Benjamin Reynolds) Sarah A. Reynolds; the mother and executrix, gave Sarah A. R. Sauz more of the estate namely 145 acres of tract number 4 (No. 4) called Harrisons . . . and thirteen Negro Slaves named Mary 1. , Befs (Bess) 2., Peter 3. , Cretia 4. , Ben 5. , Linioz (?) 6. , Charlotte 7. , Sandy 8. , Saus (?) 9. , Nancy 10. , Peter 11., Betty 12. and Sambo 13. The numbers are above the names in the document. It goes on to say . . . That this division was made by three Gentlemen . to wit . John Laroche and George A. C. Rivers, Esquire and Captain Joseph D. Jenkins at the request of the Said Sarah A. Reynolds the Said Executrix . . . but that together they had no authority directed by any Court of Competent Jurisdiction to make such division . . . It continues to state that Benjamin Reynolds was of age and entitled to that part of the estate that Sarah A. R. Sauz had received and then conveyed to her brother Benjamin the prior year. Basically they are pointing out that Sarah A. R. Sauz was not entitled to the 1826 partition as she had already conveyed her part to her brother Benjamin in 1825.
Now comes another issue. It continues and states that Benjamin Reynolds being of age 21 that Said Sarah A. Reynolds Executrix, under the will of her late husband William Reynolds, did on the Second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight did put him (Benjamin) in pofsefsion (possession) of a part of the aforesaid real and personal Estate - to wit – Ninety – three / 93 / acres of land being the North part of Tract Number three / No. 3 / . . . and describes the survey particulars done by the same surveyor Henry Ravenel. It goes on to describe that he was in possession of twelve Negro Slaves named Young Jack 1, Annie 2, Susannah 3, Lahrey 4, Ralph 5, Sophia 6, Tener 7, Betsey 8, Morrifs (Morris) 9, Taffey 10, Tom 11 and St. Helena John 12 together with three head of cattle, three Cotton Gins and Sixty eight dollars 75 Cents in cash. It then states that is was by his mother Sarah A. Reynolds as executrix with the division made by three Gentlemen - to wit - John Laroche, George A. C. Rivers, Esquire and Captain Benjamin Bailey. The document AGAIN alleges that they had no authority to do the partition or allocation and that it was not valid under any Court or law.
It then states: That the Said Sarah A. R. Sauz, William Sauz, and Benjamin Reynolds have for several years enjoyed and been pofsefsed (possessed) of the aforesaid real and personal Estate so allocated . . . not made according to law and that it was all invalid and imperfect and that the Defendants in the aforesaid bill still pofsefs (possess) their undivided Shares . . . of the estate of the deceased William Reynolds.
Basically the bill of complaint is stating that the defendants cut out part of the estate for themselves and currently have possession of those parts and STILL have a share in what is left of the estate. Further on it states that the defendants will not voluntarily “undo” what has been done; . . . the Said defendants decline to do without the direction of this Honorable Court.
Apparently Benjamin Reynolds now has had a change of heart . . . Said Benjamin Reynolds in his own right prayed the Said Court that a partition and division may be made of the afore Said Estate premises into the party and Shares to which they and the Said defendant are respectively entitled . . . it goes on to ask the Court to assign a Commission to make the allocation.
Whereas Henrietta C. Reynolds, Bernard A. Reynolds, William Reynolds, Elvira S. (?) Reynolds, States (?) Reynolds, Julius C. Reynolds and Julia Emma Reynolds are all under the age of 21 and these seven (just named) submitted themselves to the judgement of this Honorable Court and prayed that what right or title they or either of them have to the real or personal Estate of their father . . . It then continues – the seven Minor Children above named of the Said William Reynolds deceased will each be entitled under his aforesaid Will on arriving at the age of twenty one years or marriage to one seventh part or share of the Estate . . . and one eight part or shares of the Negro Slaves and other personal property . . . the Said Sarah A. Reynolds being entitled to the other eighth in the Said personal property as the Court may decree. It continues that the complainants request the Court to give Henrietta C. Reynolds her share now and the remaining parts being kept together for the remaining children.
The Commissioners are then named and are to follow the Acts of the Assembly (South Carolina law) as made and provided. You and each of you the Said John Laroche, Richard Laroche, George Rivers, Joseph D. Jenkins, and John R. Townsend are commanded that first being duly sworn . . . and goes on to describe the tracts of land and other property outlined in the will of William Reynolds. There is a detailed description and describes by names that they receive a share of the estate per the will.
The last paragraph of this first document or complaint is dated September 9, 1830 and is signed by Robert Gilchrist, Complainants Solicitor.
DOCUMENT TWO: DECISION and DIVISION DETAILS
This document details by each name the land, in acres and location, Negro Slaves and other personal property each is to receive. Slaves are named; beyond those in Document One. The last page has the signatures and intact paper seals of the Commission members. The settlement date is December 10, 1830; on the back of the second document.
REFERENCES
Reynolds and Wadmalaw mentioned here that may be relevant; I leave it to you to decide. http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/d/a/v/Troy-E-Davis/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0272.html
Henry Ravenel comes from the Ravenel French Huguenots who settled in Charleston. At the reference there are two “Henry”; not sure which this one is; Henry Ravenel (1751-1823) or Henry Ravenel (1790-1867), a physician and plantation owner (Pooshee Plantation). If I were to make an educated guess it would be the former as a physician and plantation owner would be busy enough not to also be a surveyor. http://www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Ravenel-Family-Papers-1171.pdf A later “Henry” of this family was a famous botanist. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_William_Ravenel
I found several references for some of the other names. However, nothing definitive I would want to offer. If I find something, I will add that information.
