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Genealogy for
James B. (Bear) Ward 

 Parents 
Click for more Information about John Ward.
John 'Jack' Ward
1770 - 1813

Nahoga Mahala Moniac
1770 - 1863
Click for more Information about Nahoga Moniac.


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About James B. (Bear) Ward
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James B. (Bear) Ward
1796 - 1861
James B. (Bear) Ward was born about 1796 somewhere in South Carolina and died about 1861 in Dale County, Alabama. Dates for birth and death are estimated. He lived to be about 65 years old.

When he killed a bear at Little Creek near his home, he received the name ‘Jim Bear’ and the creek became known as Bear Creek. Bear Creek is located near Malvern, Alabama.

James served in the Indian Wars of 1813 - 1814. He enlisted in Hartford, GA and was stationed at Ft. Mitchell in Alabama. He was listed as a spy under the command of Major Patton (he was spying on the Upper Creek towns for the Americans). This war was fought between the Upper and Lower Creek towns within the Creek Nation. The Lower Creeks were allies to the Americans. The Upper Creeks (called Red Sticks) sided with the Spanish and the British.

His wife Elizabeth (English) was a Creek Indian born in Georgia. They lived in North Florida (Jackson County) prior to Florida becoming a U.S. Territory in 1821. By 1830, he and his family had moved to Dale County, Alabama where they raised cattle for a living. They are listed on the 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 census of Dale County.

The 'Monroe Letter' says James was part Irish and Creek Indian (Tuskegee). However, this has not been proven and much controversy exists about his parents. The fact that he and his wife are buried in the 'Old Indian Cemetery' in Malvern, AL supports the letter's claim. There are several research papers published online that debate his heritiage. The most recent (published 2020) is here: James B. Ward - New Evidence.

When the Civil War begins in 1861, all six of his sons enlist in the Confederate Army.

After the Civil War, four of their children settled in Walton County, Florida. William and James M. are found in the 1870 census of Walton County. James B.’s will was dated August 28, 1861 Dale County. Alabama. He and Elizabeth are buried at the Old Indian Cemetery or Purvis Cemetery in Malvern, AL.

New research was published in 2020 providing more details for the life and times of James Ward. It also proves he was NOT living in Wilkinson County, GA in 1830. Instead, he was already living in Jackson County, FL. CLICK HERE to see this report.
Records
Census1/1/1800 SC (Spartanburg County) 4 yrs old 
This information, while true, may NOT apply to our James Ward.  On page 11: The family of Nathan Ward consists of 3 free white males under 10 years old, 2 between the ages of 10-15, 2 between the ages of 16-25, and 1 who is 45 years old or older. One free white female is between 16-25 and the other is 45 years old or older.  
Census1/1/1810 SC (Spartanburg County) 14 yrs old 
This information, while true, may NOT apply to our James Ward.  Found on page 35: The family of Elizabeth Ward consists of 2 free white males between the ages of 10-15, one free white female under the age of 10, another between the ages of 26-44, and her self who is over 45 years old. Elizabeth appears to be a widow as there are no men her age. 
Military12/22/1813 Fort Mitchell GA  17 yrs old 
He is listed on this Muster Roll with the rank of horseman in the GA Militia of Capt. John Thomas' Company , under the command of Maj. James Patton. He was mustered out on 2/20/1814. 
Census6/1/1816 Burnt Corn AL (Monroe County) 20 yrs old 
On line 6, Mahala Ward is shown living in a house with 4 women of color and 7 slaves. There are no whites living with her.
Next door on line 5, is her brother Sam Moniac

Further down the same census page her son, Benjamin Ward is listed. His household consists of one white male over 20 years old, one white male under 20 years old, and one female over 20 - a total of 3 inhabitants. 
Census1/1/1820 GA (Wilkinson County) 24 yrs old 
This information, while true, may NOT apply to our James Ward.  On page 19: The family of James Ward consists of one free white male between the age of 16-25, one free white female between the age of 16-25, and one female over 45 years old. It appears that Nahoga Moniac Ward is now living with her son, James and his wife.
on page 11-Soloman Ward (26-44)& family
page 12 James Ward (16-26)& family
page 19 - Dorath/Joesph(?) Ward (female 26-44)
Samuel Ward (26-44) & families
page 24 James Ward (26-44) & family

on page 15 there is a William and James English 
Additional information about Wilkinson County, GA around 1820: Created in 1803 from newly acquired lands ceded by the Creek Indians in 1802 and increased in 1805. Later, this area is divided to form Laurens, Telfair, and Twiggs counties. 
Census8/7/1820 GA (Wilkinson County) 24 yrs old 
This information, while true, may NOT apply to our James Ward.  page 221, line 8: James Ward - one Male - (16 -25), one Female (16 thru 25), one Female (over 45) 
Additional information about Wilkinson County, GA around 1820: Created in 1803 from newly acquired lands ceded by the Creek Indians in 1802 and increased in 1805. Later, this area is divided to form Laurens, Telfair, and Twiggs counties. 
Census12/1/1830 AL (Dale County) 34 yrs old 
James Warde's family is described as one son under 5, 3 sons between 5-9, and one male between 30-40. The house has two females: one under 5 and the other between 30-40 years old. 
Additional information about Dale County, AL around 1830: Dale County was established on December 22, 1824, from lands now found in Coffee, Geneva, and Houston counties. The first non-Indian settlers arrived in this area around 1820 -- shortly after the Creek Indian Wars ended and the Treaty of Fort Jackson was signed. Daleville became the first county seat. However, the town is simply called "Dale's Court House" around this time. 
Other2/24/1837 GA (Decatur County) 41 yrs old 
James M. Baker and Nicy English appoint James Ward of Dale County Alabama, to sell/administer their share of the estate of James English. The estate was drawn up as Lot #155 (202.5 acres) in the 19th District of Early County GA (which became Decatur County in 1832). The actual language of the document says "convey our share or proportion being, one half part as the heirs of James English deceased". This could be interpeted to mean James Baker and Nicy English each own 1/2 of the estate -- which would mean they are the only two survivors. Or, it could mean the two of them together own 1/2 of the estate and someone else owns the other half of the estate. 
Military6/1/1837 AL (Dale County) 41 yrs old 
This information, while true, may NOT apply to our James Ward.  Benj. Ward enlists in the Creek Indian War. He serves in Pouncey's Company, Blair's Battalion, of the Alabama Militia. Pouncey's Company was formed in 1837 for three month's service. It was formed in Dale County. Blairs' Battalion was organized in Covington County, AL.  
Other11/18/1837 GA (Decatur County) 41 yrs old 
John Rodgers pays $100 for Lot #155 owned by James English. James and Elizabeth Ward, orphan and heirs of James English, acknowledge this sale as being completed.  
Census6/1/1840 AL (Dale County) 44 yrs old 
page 31 -Line 17: The family of James Ward is described as consisting of one male under five-year-old, two between 5-9 yrs old, one between 10-14, two males between 15-19, and one male between 40-50 yrs old. Two females under 5 years old, one between 10-14, and one between 30-40 years old.

(possibly the brother of Tersey)Line 18: The family of J.L.B McCrone is recorded with two males under five-year-old, and one male between 20-30 yrs old, one female under five, one female between 20-30 years old..

Line 20: The family of Hugh Davis is recorded with one male under five-year-old, two between 5-9 yrs old, one between 10-14, two males between 15-19, and one male between 30-40 yrs old. one female between 10-14, one female between 15-20 and one between 30-40 years old. Hugh is the brother of Thomas Allen Davis.  
Census1/1/1850 AL (Dale County) 54 yrs old 
Page 3, line 9 - James B. Ward - three males under 21, one male over 21, number of males between 18 and 45-1, number of males over 45 -1, two females under 21, one female over 21, one free person of color.

Alabama State Census 
Census10/24/1850 AL (Dale County) 54 yrs old 
family#145: James B. Ward (age 54, farmer, born in SC), Elizabeth (age 52, born in GA), William J. (20, farmer, born in AL), Benjamin F. (16, farmer, AL), Elizabeth (14, AL), Mary (12, AL), Monroe (5, AL), Ann Elliott (12, race is recorded as "b" [choices were white, black or Indian], born in AL). 
Land Deed11/1/1850 Elba Land Office AL  54 yrs old 
Cash sale of 80. 12 acres in St. Stephens to James B. Ward by way of the Act of 4/24/1820. Description: NENE No 2N 25E 8; SENW No 2N 25E 9. 
Land Deed12/1/1852 Sparta AL (Dale County) 56 yrs old 
Land deed showing full payment by James B. Ward for 40.8 acres.  
Land Deed7/15/1854 Elba Land Office AL  58 yrs old 
Two 40. 04 acre tracts in the St. Stephens area are sold to James B. Ward in accordance with the Act of April 24, 1820. Description: SENE No 1N 25E 8 and NESW No 2N 25E 4. 
Land Deed11/1/1858 Elba AL (Dale County) 62 yrs old 
Full payment of 80.12 acres by James B. Ward is recorded in the Elba Land Office.  
Other1/1/1859 AL  63 yrs old 
Woodward's Reminiscenses of the Creek, or Muscogee Indians, published in 1859, talks about Countryman John Ward. He says Ward's wife was related to Daniel McDonald, who was more generally known as Daniel McGillivray. John's father took him on a trip into the Creek Nation when he was a child and died, leaving John to be raised by Daniel. John's father may have been from GA as someone in the story who knew both the GA Wards and John, said they looked similar and were probably related. The GA Ward was contacted and made a trip into the Creek Nation. Upon his arrival they realized they were twin brothers. John died the day after his brother arrived. He left one son, also named John, who was raised by the Indians. John Jr. sold his land to Col. George Taylor. Ben Ward is also mentioned.  
Census7/30/1860 Newton AL (Dale County) 64 yrs old 
The 1860 Non Population Census covering agriculture reports the following:

James M. Davis - ACRES OF LAND: 20 Improved, 60 Uninproved;
Cash value of farm: $110; Value of farming implements: $21;
LIVESTOCK: 1 Horses, 0 Asses/Mules, 3 Milch Cows, 2 Working Oxen, 9 Other Cattle, 0 Sheep, 25 Swine. Estimated value of livestock = $260.
PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR: 0 bushels of wheat, 0 bushels rye, 200 bushels Indian corn, 0 bushels oats, 200 lbs of rice, 0 lbs of tobacco, 1 400 lb bales of coton, 0 lbs of wool, 6 bushels of Peas/Beans, 0 bushels Irish Potatoes, 15 bushels Sweet Potatoes, 0 bushels Barley, 0 bushels Buckwheat, 0 value of orchard products, 0 gallons of wine, $20 value of produce to market, 0 lbs of butter, 0 lbs cheese, 0 tons of hay, 0 bushels of clover seed, 0 bushels grass seeds, 0 lbs of hops, 0 tons of hemp, 0 lbs of flax, 0 bushels flaxseed, 0 lbs of silk cocoons, 0 lbs maple sugar, 0 1000-lbs of sugar cane, 0 gallons molasses, 0 lbs beeswax, 0 lbs honey, $10 value of homemade manufactures, and $56 value of animals slaughtered.

Chesley Pervis - ACRES OF LAND: 40 Improved, -- Uninproved;
Cash value of farm: $150; Value of farming implements: $25;
LIVESTOCK: 4 Horses, 0 Asses/Mules, 6 Milch Cows, 2 Working Oxen, 1 Other Cattle, 12 Sheep, 75 Swine. Estimated value of livestock = $746.
PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR: 0 bushels of wheat, 0 bushels rye, 200 bushels Indian corn, 0 bushels oats, 400 lbs of rice, 0 lbs of tobacco, 2 400 lb bales of coton, 20 lbs of wool, 4 bushels of Peas/Beans, 0 bushels Irish Potatoes, 100 bushels Sweet Potatoes, 0 bushels Barley, 0 bushels Buckwheat, 0 value of orchard products, 0 gallons of wine, $120 value of produce to market, 0 lbs of butter, 0 lbs cheese, 0 tons of hay, 0 bushels of clover seed, 0 bushels grass seeds, 0 lbs of hops, 0 tons of hemp, 0 lbs of flax, 0 bushels flaxseed, 0 lbs of silk cocoons, 0 lbs maple sugar, 0 1000-lbs of sugar cane, 0 gallons molasses, 0 lbs beeswax, 0 lbs honey, $100 value of homemade manufactures, and $212 value of animals slaughtered.

Benjamin F. Ward - ACRES OF LAND: 20 Improved, -- Uninproved;
Cash value of farm: $250; Value of farming implements: $25;
LIVESTOCK: 1 Horses, 0 Asses/Mules, 3 Milch Cows, 2 Working Oxen, 8 Other Cattle, 0 Sheep, 25 Swine. Estimated value of livestock = $300.
PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR: 0 bushels of wheat, 0 bushels rye, 75 bushels Indian corn, 0 bushels oats, 40 lbs of rice, 0 lbs of tobacco, 2 400 lb bales of coton, 0 lbs of wool, 3 bushels of Peas/Beans, 0 bushels Irish Potatoes, 0 bushels Sweet Potatoes, 0 bushels Barley, 0 bushels Buckwheat, 0 value of orchard products, 0 gallons of wine, $50 value of produce to market, 0 lbs of butter, 0 lbs cheese, 0 tons of hay, 0 bushels of clover seed, 0 bushels grass seeds, 0 lbs of hops, 0 tons of hemp, 0 lbs of flax, 0 bushels flaxseed, 0 lbs of silk cocoons, 0 lbs maple sugar, 0 1000-lbs of sugar cane, 20 gallons molasses, 0 lbs beeswax, 0 lbs honey, $30 value of homemade manufactures, and $40 value of animals slaughtered.

Jno T Ward - ACRES OF LAND: 40 Improved, 240 Uninproved;
Cash value of farm: $500; Value of farming implements: $10;
LIVESTOCK: 2 Horses, 0 Asses/Mules, 4 Milch Cows, 2 Working Oxen, 12 Other Cattle, 0 Sheep, 25 Swine. Estimated value of livestock = $360.
PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR: 0 bushels of wheat, 0 bushels rye, 200 bushels Indian corn, 0 bushels oats, 0 lbs of rice, 0 lbs of tobacco, 5 400 lb bales of coton, 0 lbs of wool, 4 bushels of Peas/Beans, 2 bushels Irish Potatoes, 41 bushels Sweet Potatoes, 0 bushels Barley, 0 bushels Buckwheat, 0 value of orchard products, 0 gallons of wine, $100 value of produce to market, 0 lbs of butter, 0 lbs cheese, 0 tons of hay, 0 bushels of clover seed, 0 bushels grass seeds, 0 lbs of hops, 0 tons of hemp, 0 lbs of flax, 0 bushels flaxseed, 0 lbs of silk cocoons, 0 lbs maple sugar, 0 1000-lbs of sugar cane, 25 gallons molasses, 0 lbs beeswax, 0 lbs honey, $125 value of homemade manufactures, and $120 value of animals slaughtered.

J. B. Ward - ACRES OF LAND: 90 Improved, 140 Uninproved;
Cash value of farm: $2,000; Value of farming implements: $50;
LIVESTOCK: 4 Horses, 0 Asses/Mules, 80 Milch Cows, 4 Working Oxen, 60 Other Cattle, 130 Sheep, 100 Swine. Estimated value of livestock = $2,425.
PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR: 0 bushels of wheat, 0 bushels rye, 300 bushels Indian corn, 0 bushels oats, 0 lbs of rice, 0 lbs of tobacco, 0 400 lb bales of coton, 300 lbs of wool, 0 bushels of Peas/Beans, 0 bushels Irish Potatoes, 150 bushels Sweet Potatoes, 0 bushels Barley, 0 bushels Buckwheat, 0 value of orchard products, 0 gallons of wine, $100 value of produce to market, 0 lbs of butter, 0 lbs cheese, 0 tons of hay, 0 bushels of clover seed, 0 bushels grass seeds, 0 lbs of hops, 0 tons of hemp, 0 lbs of flax, 0 bushels flaxseed, 0 lbs of silk cocoons, 0 lbs maple sugar, 0 1000-lbs of sugar cane, 0 gallons molasses, 30 lbs beeswax, 100 lbs honey, $60 value of homemade manufactures, and $200 value of animals slaughtered.  
Census8/31/1860 AL (Dale County) 64 yrs old 
Family #1227: James B. Ward (age 65), Elizabeth (age 60), Monroe (male, age 15), Ann Ellis (black female, age 21), Wesly (mulatto male, age 6), Henry (black male, age 3), Amos (black male, 8 months old). James B. is a farmer and Monroe is a student. James estimates the value of his real estate to be 2,000 and his personal estate to be $4,973. James B. was born in SC, Elizabeth in GA and Monroe in AL.  
Land Deed9/1/1860 Elba Land Office AL  64 yrs old 
A total of 200. 05 acres in the St. Stephens area are sold to James B. Ward in compliance with the Act of April 24, 1820. Description: SENW No 2N 25E 4; SWNE No 2N 25E 4; W1/2SE No 2N 25E 4; SESW No 2N 25E 4. 
Graveyard/Tombstone8/26/1861 near Malvern AL (Geneva County) 65 yrs old 
James B. Ward 1796 - 1861 Pvt GA Militia War of 1812 h/o Elizabeth English- Purvis Cemetery. (Old Indian Cem.) on Hwy 49 & CR70 north of Malvern. 
Other8/28/1861 AL (Dale County) 65 yrs old 
Alabama, Dale County, August the 28th AD 1861: A deed of gift by James B. Ward to his wife Elizabeth Ward. Know all men by these presents that I James B. Ward of the County of Dale and State of Alabama considering the uncertainity of this life and being of sound mind and memory do give and bequeath unto my beloved Elizabeth the following property to wit. The south half of the South West quarter of Section 9 Township 2 and Range 25 and the South East quarter of the North West quarter of the same section township and range and the South East quarter of the North East quarter of Section 8 the same Township and Range. Also one negro boy named Sam. Also all my household and kitchen furniture together with the present crop. Also forty head of cattle and forty head of sheep and forty head of hogs all of her own selection from my stock of cattle, sheep, and hogs. Also one sorrel horse with a blaze face and one mule together with one yoke of black sided oxen and waggon. Also all my plantation Tools together with my Buggy and harness and five hundred dollars in cash all the above property do I give my beloved wife Elizabeth during her life and at her death to belong to my son Monroe in witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal the day and date first above written. James B. Ward (L.S.)  Source:  From Geneva County Deed Book Z, page 84
Other8/28/1861 The Monroe Letter AL (Dale County) 65 yrs old 
The 'Monroe Letter'. A copy of the original statement made by James B. Ward to his son (and signed by L. S.) saying he is half Indian and his wife, Elizabeth, is a full-blood Creek Indian. 
Other11/12/1955 FL (Bay County) 94 yrs after death 
Sarah Emma Ward Hendrix says that she is 87 years of age and personally knew Elizabeth English Ward, wife of James B. Ward. Elizabeth English Ward was a Creek Indian. She says on oath that she is personally acquainted with Jesse Joe Ward of Bruce in Walton County, Florida, and she personally knows that Jesse Joe Ward is the grandson of Elizabeth English Ward.
She further says she is acquainted with Elizabeth Rebecca Ward of Freeport, Florida, in Walton County and Lyda Apseybeth Ward Hayes of Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. Elizabeth Rebecca Ward and Lyda Apseybeth Ward Hayes are the sisters of Jesse Joe Ward, and all of the above named are the grandchildren of Elizabeth English Ward. 
Other11/17/1955 FL  94 yrs after death 
C.A. Faulk says he is 85 years old and personally knows Elizabeth English Ward, wife of James B. Ward. Elizabeth English Ward was a Creek Indian. He was personally acquainted with Jesse Joe Ward of Bruce in Walton County, Fl. He also knows Jesse Joe Ward is the grandson of Elizabeth English Ward.
He further says he is acquainted with Elizabeth Rebecca Ward of Freeport, FL, in Walton County and Lyda Apseybeth Ward Hayes of Pensacola, FL, Escambia County. Elizabeth Rebecca Ward and Lyda Apseybeth Ward Hayes are the sisters of Jesse Joe Ward. All of them are grandchildren of Elizabeth English Ward.  
Other12/10/1955 AL  94 yrs after death 
Allice Thomley says she knew John Jackson Ward to the be the son of James B. (Jim Bear) Ward and Elizabeth (English) Ward. She knew the family of John Jackson Ward and his wife, Susan Wynn Ward. She knows their children were Elizabeth (Purvis), Katherin (Kate Byrd), Nettie (Skipper), Sallie (Wright), Rebecca, Ellen (Singletary), Liza (Bonds), Teresy (Horn), Mary Jane (Skipper), John, Joe, Jeff, Jasper, Franklin Jackson (Frank), and Sterling. 
Other12/28/1955 AL  94 yrs after death 
E.A. Eddie Alonzo Hundley says he was personally acquainted with James B. Ward and Elizabeth English Ward (now deceased). He knows Elizabeth English Ward [page wrinkled and text missing from copy] Creek Indian. All that knew her, knew her to be a Creek Indian. He also says that he is 92 years old and not related to James B. Ward or his wife Elizabeth.  
Other12/31/1955 FL (Walton County) 94 yrs after death 
Jesse Joe Ward, who after being duly sworn says that he is 85 years of age, a grandson of James B. Ward and Elizabeth English Ward, the Creek Indian, and that their sons were John Jackson Ward, Thomas Jefferson Ward, James Madison Ward, Benjamin Franklin Ward, William Joe Ward and Monroe Ward.  
Other1/14/1956 FL (Geneva County) 95 yrs after death 
Charoles O. Silcox knew John J. Ward who is known as John Jackson Ward and he knew his wife, Susan Ward He also knows that they lived together for many years in Geneva County, Alabama as husband and wife and they had fifteen children who lived to be of age and their names are as follows:
Mary J. Ward, James J. Ward, Susan E. Ward, Nancy E. Ward, William J. Ward, Tiercy E. Ward, Louisa F. Ward, Franklin J. Ward, Thomas J. Ward, Rebecca A. Ward, Sarah M. Ward, Rody Ward, Sterling Ward and Annette Ward, and John J. Ward.
He knows that John J. Ward was known as the oldest son of James B. Ward and his wife Elizabeth English Ward and that Elizabeth English Ward was a full-blooded Creek Indian. He knows John J. Ward or John Jackson Ward was a half Indian and the son of the Full-blooded Indian and was recognized by all of the people of the Community as being that. Of his own personal knowledge, he knows Elizabeth English Ward as a full-blooded Creek Indian. He also says he will be ninety years of age February 22, 1956 and he is not related by blood or marriage to James B. Ward and Elizabeth English Ward. 
Other2/29/1956 AL (Geneva County) 95 yrs after death 
Susan Davis Martin of Gevena County, Alabama, says she is 86 years of age. The attached two photographs are true pictures of her mother, Mary Ward Davis, the daughter of Elizabeth English Ward the Creek Indian and James B. Ward. She has had these pictures in her possession since the death of her mother Mary Ward Davis and she knows they are true pictures of her. 
Other12/28/1956 AL  95 yrs after death 
Thomas Henry Peel, of Geneva County, Slocomb, Alabama, says he is 86 years old. He knew Elizabeth English Ward, widow of James B. Ward, and her two sons, John Jackson and Monroe Ward and her daughter, Mary Ward, who married James W. Davis. Elizabeth English Ward lived with her daughter, Mary Ward Davis in her later years and died there. He knew Elizabeth English Ward for several years and she was known by all to be a full blooded Creek Indian. James W. Davis was my nearest neighbor, lived only two miles away. He is not related by blood or marriage to Elizabeth English Ward or any of her descendants. Nor is he related by blood or marriage to any of the Davis family. 
Other3/12/1957 AL  96 yrs after death 
Mrs. Alice Thomley, age 98, says she knew John J. Ward (also known as John Jackson Ward) and she knew his wife, Susan Ward. They lived together for many years in Geneva County, AL. As husband and wife they had fifteen children who lived to be of age. Their names were: Mary J. Ward, James J. Ward, Susan E. Ward, Nancy E. Ward, William J. Ward, Tiercy E. Ward, Louisa F. Ward, Franklin J. Ward, Thomas J. Ward, Rebecca A. Ward, Sarah H. Ward, Rody Ward, Sterling Ward, Annette Ward and John J. Ward.
She knew John J. Ward was the oldest son of James B. Ward and his wife Elizabeth English Ward and that Elizabeth English was a full-blooded Creek Indian. She knew John J. Ward (or John Jackson Ward) was half-Indian and the son of the full-blooded Indian and was recognized by all in the community to be that. She further says she is not related to Elizabeth English or any of her descendants. 

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Click on any of the News, Events, or Discoveries buttons above to see historical things that happened during James Ward's life. These are only some of the major events that affected the life and times of James, his family, and friends. For example, James is 2 years old when Mississippi Territory organized from Georgia's western land claims. It includes what will later become portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Northern Florida,
AgeDateEvent
6 1802 Georgia formally cedes western claims for its southern boundary at the 31st parallel -- which will become the north western border of FL and southern border of AL.
7 1803 Between 1803 and 1811 a horse trail is established connecting Milledgeville, Georgia to Fort Stoddert, American outpost north of Mobile. This is expanded into a road and called The Federal Road by 1811.
9 1805 Indian cessions opened up large portions of western (Choctaw) and northern (Chickasaw and Cherokee) Alabama to white settlers.
15 1811 Tecumseh visits the Creek Indians living in what will become Georgia and Alabama to try to persuade them to join his fight against the flood of white settlers. Some towns join forces with Tecumseh and become known as "Red Sticks".
16 1812 The Creek tribes in southern Alabama and Georgia find themselves under increasing pressure from white settlers. Led by Chief Weatherford, they accepted an alliance with Tecumseh and are nicknamed "Red Sticks".
17 1813 During 1813-14, Muskogee-speaking Creeks leave AL and move into areas in Northern FL in response to the Creek Civil War (also known as the Red-sticks War).
17 1813 Two battles begin the Creek Indian War: (1) Fort Mims Massacre - Fort Mims is attacked on August 13 by the Red Sticks while the inhabitants are eating their noon meal. The massacre brings an immediate response from the whites and soldiers are recruited from Tennessee, Georgia and other territories, and (2) The Battle of Holy Ground on December 1813.
18 1814 The Treaty of Fort Jackson is finalized on August 9, 1814. William Weatherford (Red Eagle) surrenders to Gen. Andrew Jackson and cede their lands to the federal government. This opens approximately half of present-day AL to white settlement.
18 1814 Battle at Horseshoe Bend on March 27, leaves the Creek Red Sticks scattered and unorganized. Those that survive the battle flee south into northern Florida and band together as the Seminoles. Red Eagle (Billy Weatherford) surrenders to General Andrew Jackson at Fort Jackson later in the year.
21 1817 Alabama Territory is created when Congress passes an act to divide the Mississippi Territory and admit it into the union as a state. Alabama will remain a territory for two more years.
23 1819 Alabama admitted to the United States
39 1835 Alabama gold rush begins in the east-centrl hill country.
41 1837 The Second Creek war begins in 1836. In 1837 The Battle of Hobdy's Bridge becomes the last indian battle in AL.
44 1840 Alabama reports a total population of 590,756 on the 1940 Federal Census. This includes 335,185 whites, 255,571 blacks, 253,532 slaves, zero Native Americans, and others.
54 1850 State population=771,623. The 1850 Federal Census reveals the White population=426,514; African-American population=345,109; Slave population=342,844; Free black population=2,265; Urban population=35,179; Rural population=736,444; Cotton production in bales=564,429; Corn production in bushels=28,754,048; Number of manufacturing establishments=1,026.
AgeDateEvent
3 1799 The Rosetta Stone was discovered
4 1800 The first battery was invented by Volta
11 1807 The first steamboat was invented by Fulton
18 1814 The first locomotive engine was created by Stephenson
34 1830 The first railroad is constructed between Liverpool and Manchester, England
43 1839 Goodyear invents vulcanized rubber, opening the door for tires and other rubber products.
48 1844 The first telegraph message is sent by Morse, who later invents the Mores Code
57 1853 The process of creating steel is invented by Besermer in Britain and Kelly in the U.S.
60 1856 The first Neanderthal fossils are found near Germany
63 1859 Charles Darwin publishes "Origin of Species" and begins the evolution theory.
AgeDateEvent
4 1800 NEWS HEADLINES: Seat of U.S. government moves from Philadelphia to Washington DC
15 1811 NEWS HEADLINES: Tecumseh's emerging Indian Confederacy is defeated at the Battle of Tippecanoe in Ohio. Afterwards, Tecumseh and his brother travel from their Shawnee homes in the north to recruit and unify the southern Indians.
16 1812 NEWS HEADLINES: War of 1812 begins and will continue for until 1814. Some call it the Second War of Independence because the US fights Great Britain to a stalemate, Americas independence was assured.
32 1828 Gold is discovered in Georgia.
38 1834 July 9 - The S.S. John Randolph, the first successful iron steamship, is launched in Savannah
65 1861 NEWS HEADLINES: American Civil war begins at Ft. Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, VA.
AgeDateEvent
34 1830 South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union, setting the stage for the creation of the Confederacy.
64 1860 About 63,000 men from South Carolina served in the Confederate armed forces.
AgeDateEvent
2 1798 Mississippi Territory organized from Georgia's western land claims. It includes what will later become portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Northern Florida,
7 1803 Louisiana Purchase from France (who secured it from Spain) gives the US a huge new territory and the port of New Orleans.
8 1804 The Seminole warrior later known as Osceola is born near Tuskegee, AL.
9 1805 Federal Road project begins after the Creek Indians give the U.S. permission to develop a “horse path” through their nation that will provide better mail delivery between Washington City (DC) and New Orleans. Soon settlers are traveling and settling along this path to settle the southern frontier.
10 1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition, which began in 1804, ends. News of the rich lands to the west begins to spread.
15 1811 By 1811 the new "Federal Road" (which started as a horse path) is filled with a steady flow of white settlers into Creek Indian Territories. The Spanish begin to fan hostile sentiments among the Indians.
24 1820 The Act of April 24, 1820 abolished the land purchase credit system, fixed the price of public lands at $1.25 per acre, and set the minimum purchase at 80 acres. After a person purchased land, a final certificate was issued by the land office and sent to Washington DC to be verified and signed by the President -- a time consuming process. Public lands were most typically available through US treaties with Indians who agreed to be removed from their homelands.
34 1830 Indian Removal Act signed and the moving of eastern Indians west of the Mississippi begins.
39 1835 Second Seminole Indian War begins.
41 1837 The trickery used to capture Seminole Indian Chief Osceola (Assi Yohola) creates a public uproar and U.S. General Jesup is publicly condemned.
44 1840 Oregon Trail is established
46 1842 Second Seminole Indian War ends and thousands of Seminole Indians are forced to move west of the Mississippi.
59 1855 Third Seminole Indian War begins. It ends three years later when Chief Billy Bowlegs and his band are forced to move from Florida.
64 1860 Presidential election puts Abraham Lincoln in office. The campaign has heated the issues regarding slavery in the south.
AgeDateEvent
1 1797 Napoleon proclaims the Venetian Constitution, founds Ligurian Republic in Genoa
37 1833 Santa Anna is elected President of Mexico
Family Snapshots
Grave Site
Grave Site
Grave of James
Grave of James


Marriages
Elizabeth English
Born about 1798 and died on December 25, 1888.
They were married 1/1/1814.

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The Children of James B. (Bear) Ward

John 'Jack' Jackson Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on February 16, 1821 and died in Malvern, Geneva Co., Alabama on August 12, 1901. He was 80 years old.

His grave marker says he was born in 1827, however, his reported age on census documents proves he was born closer to 1821. Married 1843 to Susan Elizabeth Wynn (born 2/23/1825 in GA died 12/6/1896 i...
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James Madison Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on June 30, 1823 and died in Bruce, Florida on February 3, 1891. He was 67 years old.

He served in the 33rd Alabama Infantry CSA which was organized in Pensacola, FL in April 1862. They fought battles in AL, TN, GA and the Carolinas. The 33rd disbanded before the official surrender a...
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Thomas Jefferson Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on June 8, 1825 and died in Bruce, Florida on July 1, 1919. He was 94 years old.

He and his family moved to Florida between 1862 and 1866. He served in the Confederate Army. It says Pvt Co F 6 Ala Inf CSA on his tombstone.

Children:
  1. Mary Jane (1848, Dale C...
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69 years old
Elizabeth Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on April 18, 1826 and died in Geneva County, Alabama on December 17, 1908. He was about 82 years old.

Many researchers beleive Elizabeth Ward White is the missing daughter of James B. Ward and Elizabeth English Ward. She would have married and left her parent's home before the 1850 Census recorded he...
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40 years old
William Josiah Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on March 23, 1830 and died in Bruce, Florida on April 4, 1924. He was 94 years old.

He was called Diamond Joe, because he made a diamond shape mark on all his possessions. He could recite most of the Bible by memory. He built a log school house on Seven Run Creek near Bruce, FL.
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76 years old
Benjamin Franklin Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama about 1834 and died in Ponce De Leon (Holmes Co. ), Florida on June 23, 1923. He was about 89 years old.

Married Martha Edna Gilley (born 4/28/1838 in Alabama and died 1/16/1913). Children:
  1. Jesse E. (1858-1942),
  2. Jincy F. (1860-),
  3. James W.(1862-1948),
  4. Martha L.(...
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Elizabeth Rebecca Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama about 1836 and died in Dale County, Alabama about 1858. She was about 22 years old.

Rebecca Ward married Rufus Purvis (a brother to the two Purvis sisters, Lydia & Holland, who marry Rebecca's brothers). The actual date of their marriage is unknown. If she married him before his f...
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76 years old
Mary Jane Ward
Born in Geneva County, Alabama on March 26, 1838 and died in Geneva County, Alabama on March 21, 1921. She was 83 years old.

She was called "Polly"...
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Monroe James Ward
Born in Dale County, Alabama on April 7, 1845 and died in Walton County, Florida on June 7, 1907. He was 62 years old.

Military service: Pvt Co. D 53 Ala Inf CSA. He married Mary Elizabeth 'Polly' Russell (3/15/1844 AL - 4/23/1912 FL).

Children:
  1. William D. (1870),
  2. Benjamin F.,
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