A closer look at Algernon Sidney Clement

My cousin, Algernon Sidney Clement. A man dedicated to his family, his country and his God.

Formation of Ellis County Baptist Association
Source: The History of the Ellis County Baptist Association,
A. D. Brooks, 1907

According to Elder E. C. Leake of Navarro County, before this Association was formed in 1872, there were only twelve Baptist churches in the area comprised of all Ellis County, that part of Dallas County west of the Trinity River, those parts of Johnson and Tarrant Counties south and east of the cross timbers and that part of Navarro County between Trinity River and Chambers' Creek. In addition, only four ordained Baptist preachers lived in this area: D. D. Swindall, Josiah Leake, R. Q. Burnett and F. M. Herring, although there were some active laymen. In order to unite efforts for preaching the gospel, in July 1872 at the General Association meeting in Collin County, a movement was begun to create an association in each district. The Waxahachie Association (Ellis County) was formed in October at Liberty Church, Grove Creek, in Ellis County. Representatives at the first session were:

Lancaster
James A. Lindsay, George White, Wm. Orr, James Rafferty and Elders Josiah Leake and E. C. Leake.
Johnson Station
Elders J. C. Burnett, J. D. Blanton, C. C. Strahan and G. W. Evans
Prairie Valley
C. H. Patrick, N. V. Lovett and W. D. Vestal
Waxahachie
R. M. Wyatt, W. H. Roberts and E. Finch
Deer Creek
A. S. Clement
(Source: Ellis County Website via www.usgenweb.com

Following listings mention A.S. Clement and is likely part of his wife Rebekka (nee Farrar) family.
A. J. and Anna E. Farrar - page 211
Exs: John R. Flippin, Memphis, Tenn. ; Jas. A. Flippen; Thomas J. Flippen and George W. Farrar, Fayette Co. Tenn.
Date 10 June 1878
Attest: Mollie Farrar, John Burnett, A. S. Clement;
Filed 22 July 1880; rec. 23 Sept. 1880
(Source: Ellis County, Texas via www.usgenweb.com

1880 US Census & National Index CD
Ellis Co., Prect. 4, TX Pg. 499B
Enumeration date, dwelling & family number are not listed

Algernon S. Clement 41 W M Self Farmer Place of birth: Mississippi Father: NC Mother: MS
Rebecca " 37 W F Wife KY NC NC
Lucy Ann " 9 W F Dau TX MS KY
Henry Allen 27 W M Laborer Other AR VA MS

Bee Creek community was located about five miles south of Maypearl at Bee Creek and Bee Creek School House Roads. The creek runs though rolling terrain surfaced with clays and clay loams with oak, juniper and grasses. It is rough land and was used mostly for range with some crop land. Bee Creek empties into Chambers Creek about 5-1/2 miles north of Italy.

Postmasters were Thomas A. Canon, June 14, 1886; Clava V. Via, Sept. 25, 1886; Thomas A. Canon, Dec. 8, 1889; Amanda V. Vancleave, Dec. 1, 1891; Algernon S. Clement June 25, 1892; (name changed to Beecreek); Henry S. Vancleave Nov. 18, 1893; Marion C. Cornwell Juned 18, 1897; Hance Day Jan. 31, 1898; Matthew A. Davidson June 11, 1903. Office was discontinued Sept. 15, 1904 with mail sent to Maypearl.

There once was a school and cemetery on the School House Road, but today the scattered stones of the cemetery are the only reminders of this community.

References:
U. S. Postal Department, Washinigton, D. C.
Handbook of Texas Online
Personal visit to area and interviews with older residents
 
The following letter was handwritten by Lucy Clement Witten, following the death of her father Algernon Sidney Clement in 1909. Special thanks to Clement cousin and fellow researcher Marty Johnson of Texas, for sharing the letter and permission to transcribe it.

In memory of Bro. A.S. Clement. On Wednesday February 17, 1909. Bro A.S. Clement's spirit was taken from his body to God who gave it. Bro. Clement was born April 9, 1839 in Hines County, Miss. Born of poor parents and in a new country, he had very limited opportunities to gain an education and attended school only a few months in all his life. However in youth, and in later life he used ever available means to educate himself and was a constant reader, especially of the Bible, and such history as he could procure. be it said to his credit, be not only left himself conversant with the topics of the day, but attained a through knowledge of the scriptures.

He professed religion when but a youth and joined the old County Line Baptist Church near his home. He left his home in early life traveling west on horseback with little money, but a good store of determination. He stopped a year or two in Louisiana and then came to Texas, where he became a citizen of Ellis county in 1868, living with his Aunt Mrs. Davis.

Some time in 1862 he was drafted as a soldier and served in Mc Gruder's Calvary, west of the Mississippi river until the close of the war and received his discharge.

In 1870 he was married to Miss Rebecca Farrar, who died June 22, 1901. One child, a daughter was given to them, who is Mrs. Pat Witten of Waxachachie.

He has three sisters living, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Leak and two brothers, G.W. Clement of Maypearl and C.C. Clement of Baylor county.

He was a charter member of Old Bee Creek Church and went into the organization of what is now the Ellis County Baptist Association in 1879.

He was afterwards a member of Greathouse Church, where he was ordained a deacon. Later he became a member anda acting deacon of Plum Grove Church, where his membership was when he died.

Always faithful, honest and true, always standing firm for what he thought to be right. In December 1902 he married a second time to Mrs. L.J. Ray, who survives him and mourns his death.

Be it resolved by the Plum Grove Church, That in his death Plum Grove church lost one of her strongest followers, a model deacon, and a loving member, his wife devoted husband and a most aggreeable companion, his daughter a noble and loving at her; his relatives a friend whose place cannot be filled; Ellis county one of her best citizens, Texas as one of her good men.

Friends, relatives, daughter and wife he has gone never to return until the resurrection morning at which time his spiritual form will come forth from the grave a spiritual tabernacle for the indwelling of that same spirit that has gone to God who gave it.

Knowing these things let us not weep as those who have no hope, but rather rejoice that the time is soon coming when we will go to that glorious time if we follow the example of our dear brother as he followed Christ. His faith in Christ was surpassed by none, but he, like Paul, felt a weakness in the flesh and trusted all to Christ, who he believed would bring him out of the grave at his coming to gather up his followers.

He was a deep thinker and in all things reasonable. It was his delight to talk of the work of the Kingdom of his Lord-A lover of the church work and his pastor was thought of and looked after by him; his friends were many, his enemies few, if any - His presence is gone, but his good works and influences is with us and will remain to point us to a higher life.

He fought a good fight; he kept the faith and God has called him home to wear the crown.
A.W. Willis
A. Wardlaw
D.B. Dearcy
Committee

Adopted by Plum Grove Church in regular conference Saturday, April 24, 1909, and ordered sent to the Baptist Echo for publication and a copy sent to his wife and daughter, and also spread on the church records.

In Memory of my dear Father
By Lucy Clement Witten
@ death of Algernon Clement
(Reference to Algernon being born in "Hines County", is actually Hinds County, Mississippi)
transcribed Sept. 1, 2006 by Gayle Hennington -Van Horn

Family Group Record
Husband: Algernon Sidney Clement
Born: 9 Apr 1839 - Hinds County, Mississippi
 Died: 17 Feb 1909 - Milford, Elllis County, Texas
Buried: - Milford Cemetery, Ellis County, Texas
Father: William Sidney Clement (1807-Abt 1874)
Mother: Amelia Ann Mullican (1822-After 1900)
Marriage: 18 Jan 1870 Place: Ellis County, Texas
Other Spouse: Lucinda J. Ray (1849-After 1920) Date: Dec 1902 - Ellis County, Texas

Wife: Rebekah L. Farrar
Born: 9 Mar 1842 - Kentucky
Died: 22 Jun 1901 - Milford, Elllis County, Texas
Buried: - Milford Cemetery, Ellis County, Texas
Father: George W. Farrar (1807-)
Mother: Ann E. Hester
Children
1 F Lucy Ann Clement
Born: Apr 1871 - Ellis County, Texas
Died: 9 Mar 1964 - Ellis County, Texas
Buried: - Hillcrest Burial Park Cemetery, Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
Spouse: Patrick Shields Witten (1868-1950)
Marr. Date: Abt 1892 - Texas

Zephaniah Clement...an American Patriot

I am very proud and honored to announce that my application and membership to the DAR, has been approved. This membership was derived from the American Revolutionary patriot, Zephaniah Clement, my fourth great grandfather, an American patriot.

Thank you for your service and committment to a young country

DAR notes include;
"The said Zephaniah Clement who resided during the American Revolution at Edgefield Co., SC - Ninety-Six Dist., assisted in establishing American Independence, while acting in the capacity of Soldier, South Carolina Militia-Pvt. A member of the South Carolina Militia in Pickens' Brigade following the fall of Charleston.
Source: Roster of S.C. Patriots in the American Revolution, B.G. Morse, 1983, P. 177 Stub Entries, Book U-W, Ed. by A.S. Selley, Jr., 1918 u269; SC Audited Accts # 1293

After the war
Deed Book 12: 1794-1796 Edgefield County, S.C.
Page 378-380 5 Oct 1795: Sheriff's Title: William Tennet, Sheriff of Ninety Six Dist. to Charles Goodwin of Cambridge for 72 pounds, sold 650 acres on both sides Cedar Creek formerly called Walnut Creek adj. Henry Parkman, William Tillery and Thomas Davis and Grange Shaw Parkman and Reubin Frazier. Whereas Zepheniah Clements, James Coodie, & Edward Van, Senr. were indebted by joint bond to Mary Ann Hammond, Executrix, & Leroy Hammond, George Whitefield and Charles Goodwin, Executors of LW&T of Leroy Hammond, Esq. dec'd for 150 pounds with Interest and did obtain a writ at Court of Common Pleas in Cambridge 12 Nov 1794...Said William Tennent, Sheriff of Ninety Six Dist. did seize and sell from Zephaniah Clements (see above prop.) and sold at public auction for payment of said debt...to last &highest bidder...
Signed:
Wm. Tennent, Sheriff of Ninety Six Dist.
William Tennent, Esq. Sheriff of Ninety Six came into Court and ack. hisdeed to Charles Goodwin, Esq. for 500 acres and ordered recorded. R. Tutt,
Clk. Recorded 14 Oct 1795.

1795 Zepheniah, of Edgefield, S.C., sold land to Samuel of Granville, next to land of Simon and Stephen, 10 Dec. 1795. 1788 Stephen and Zephaniah Clement appointed viewers of roads. (Simon is Zephaniah's father, Stephen is his brother)

The Will of Zephaniah Clement Bibb Co., AL
{Copied from the original will in the files of Probate Office.}

I Zephaniah Clemment of the Co. of Bibb & State of AL being weak in body, but of sound & perfect mind & memory, do make & publish this my last will & Testament, in manner & form following (to wit) First I give & bequeat unto my beloved son Stephen Clemment One Dolar over & above the amount he has already received - I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved son William Clement One Negro girl named Nell & one Horse, & one cow & Calf worth Ten dollars & one Bed & furniture worth ten dollars & one Bed & furniture worth fifty dollars to him & his heirs forever -

I also give & bequeat unto my beloved son Thomas Clemment on negro girl named Harriett one Horse worth $100 one Bed & furniture worth fifty dollars & one cow & calf worth ten dollars, to him & his heirs forever- I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved son Luellen Clemment one negro girl named Rose & one Horse worth $100 one Bed & furniture worth fifty dollars one Cow & calf worth fifty dollars, tho him & his heirs forever. I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved son Alfred Clemment one negro girl named Amy one Bed & furniture worth fifty dollars, & one cow & calf worth ten dollars, to him & his heirs for-ever I do leave in the care of my executors for the support & maintenance of my beloved dau. Isabel Clemment one negro girl named Writta one bed & furniture worth fifty dollars & one cow & calf worth ten dollars to her during her natural life, & then to return to her Brothers & sisters to be equally divided among them.

I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved dau. Polly Wash one negro girl named Fanny one Horse worth one Hundred dollars, one Bed & furntiure worth fifty dollars one cow & calf worth ten dollars, eifht head of hogs worth fifty dollars to her & her heirs forever. I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved dau. Susanna Terry one negro girl named Mirah & Hundred dollars in money one bed & furniture worth fifty dollars one cow & calf worth ten dollars one sow & pigs worth ten dollars to her & her heirs forever- I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved dau. Leanna Clemment one negro girl named Betty one Bed & furniture worth fifty dollars one cow & calf worth ten dollars to her & her heirs for ever - I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved dau. Nancy Hunt one negro girl named Dina one Mule worth one Hundred & fifty dollars One bed & furniture one cow & calf worth ten dollars, to her & her heirs forever -

I do also give & bequeat untomy beloved dau. Parsada Clemment one negro girl named Juli one bed & furniture worth fifty dollars one cow & calf worth ten dollars to her & her heirs for ever - I do also give & bequeat unto my beloved dau. Annamariah Jones all my right & claim to certain tract of land lying in the state of SC Edgefield Co. Walnut Creek now contested by law, & in case she should fail to recover the said land that she is to receive four hundred dollars in lieu thereof out of the proceeds of my Estate to her & her heirs for ever - It is also my will that the following negroes (to wit) Gilbert, Nan, Milly, Lucy & Dicy, Judy, Pharo & Ester be kept together upon the plantation, under the care & direction of my Executors untill the discharge of all my just debts, & after the discharge of said debts that the said Negroes be equally divided so as to make the smallest legacies equal with the greatest. & lastly, I do appoint my beloved sons William & Thomas Clemment & John Hunt my sole Exectuors of this my last will & Testament - hereby revoking all former wills by me made - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 25th day of Jan. in the year of our Lord one thousand & eight Hundred & twenty two. Signed Z. Clement {His Seal} Signed, sealed, published, & declared by the above named Zephaniah Clement to be his last will & Testament, in the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in presence of the Testator: P. Watkins, Samuel Cammack, & Lewis Cammack. Peter Watkins & Samuel Cammak proved the

Execution of the Will 25th Feby {Feb.} 1822. Let it be recorded. A.M. Lusk, Judge of Bibb Co. Ct. This will also recorded in Book C pages 10, 11, & 12.
http://www.africanaheritage.com/uploads/564/FarrisFamilyPart2uploaded.txt

Signed, sealed, published, & declared by the above named Zephaniah Clement to be his last will & Testament, in the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in presence of the Testator: P. Watkins, Samuel Cammack, & Lewis Cammack. Peter Watkins & Samuel Cammak proved the Execution of the Will 25th Feby {Feb.} 1822. Let it be recorded. A.M. Lusk, Judge of Bibb Co. Ct. This will also recorded in Book C pages 10, 11, & 12.

This was published in the "Alabama Sentinel" which was printed and published by Thomas B. Grantland of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. "March 24, 1826
Adv. Bibb County 6 March 1826. John Hunt, one of executors of will of Zephaniah Clement, deceased with William Clement and Thomas Clement to make
final settlement."

Zephaniah's estate was appraised on March 9, 1822 for $7,087.50.

In "Edgefield County Marriages, 1769-1880, implied in Edgefield County,
South Carolina Probate Records" by Barbara R. Langdon on page 22 is:
Man Woman Box Pack
Frames Lived
Z. ? Jones 15 535
180,181 1826
Zepheniah ? Jones 40 1597
302 1822

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Lineage

Generation 1
Gayle Hennington Van Horn

Generation 2
Loyd Burdette Hennington

Generation 3
Fletcher Woosley Hennington

Generation 4
William Garrison Hennington

Generation 5
Anna Clement Hennington

Generation 6
Stephen Clement

Generation 7
Zephaniah Clement