Dr. Robert Braden 1804 – 1833

Dr. Robert Braden was born on 23 August 1804, in Loudoun Co., Virginia. His parents were Robert Braden (d. 1827) and Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden.

He was still in Loudoun Co. in 1824 when he signed a petition regarding flour prices along with many other Waterford area residents on 6 May 1824 in Waterford.

He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1827 and his MD degree in 1828. The subject of his graduate essay was “Remittent Bilious Fever.”

He was named as an heir in the will of his father, Robert, dated 28 June 1827 in Loudoun Co., Virginia. He inherited $1,000 because his father had already paid $1,000 for his education. His father died on 14 November 1827 in Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia.

On 18 January 1828 in Loudoun Co., Virginia, at a sale of his father's personal property, Robert bought "one silver patent-lever watch."

On 23 February 1828, Robert's brother, Noble, as executor of their father, Robert's, estate, paid $175 for boarding Robert Jr. in Philadelphia.

In September 1828, John Braden (Robert’s uncle) paid Dr. Robert Braden $9.75 for a medical account on the estate of Joseph Braden.

In the Fall of 1828, he left Loudoun Co., Virginia, and moved "to the southwest." We find him in 1830 in Natchez, Mississippi. From 18 August 1830 to 4 March 1831, Robert reported deaths to Natchez, Mississippi's Sextons Records and City Clerks Records.

On 6 March 1833, Robert was mentioned in letter from his brother, Hector, to his sister, Elizabeth. Hector said that Robert has not been heard from and that he hoped that Robert was in Virginia. In a letter dated 19 April 1833, Robert's brother, Burr, mentioned that he had heard from Robert recently (for the first time since fall 1832). Robert was living in Vicksburg, Mississippi, but was planning to return to Loudoun Co., Virginia.

However, only a month later, Robert died of cholera. He died on 18 May 1833 in Mississippi, at age 28. According to the Natchez Courier newspaper of May 1833, he died at the office of Dr. Harrison in Natchez. According to various obituaries, he died in Vicksburg.

An obituary appeared 22 Jun 1833 in the Genius of Liberty, Leesburg, Loudoun Co., Virginia: 

"DIED, of the cholera, on the 18th of May, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Dr. ROBERT BRADEN, In the 29th year of his age. -- The deceased was a son of the late Major R. Braden, of this county. The melancholy intelligence of his premature death is deeply afflictive to his numerous friends, by whom no one was more admired and beloved. -- Dr. B. was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to the south-west in the fall of 1828. -- His death has deprived the society of which he was a member, of one whose early promise gave the most flattering hopes of his future usefulness, and distinction, in an honourable profession. --[Commun." 

Several other obituaries and death notices have been found, but none give any additional information.

So far, his burial place has not been found. 

His estate was probated in Warren Co., Mississippi. The administrator of the estate was Daniel P. Harrison. The inventory of his estate lists mostly books and clothing, but there is also a violin, a silver patent lever watch (probably the one he bought at his father’s estate sale), a box of jewelry, a portrait, and a skeleton.

In a letter dated 16 April 1834, from Robert's brother, Noble, to their sister, Elizabeth, Noble wrote, 

"I received this week through Dr. Washington who has recently returned from Vicksburg a small box containing the jewelry that belonged to our lamented brother, Robert, and which he desired shortly previous to his death should be sent to you. Dr. Harrison forwarded this box to me and informed me that other articles which were designed for Addison and myself would be sent by him in a few days to Pittsburgh and amongst them I presume will be found poor Robert's portrait which he also desired should be given to you."

Mysteries: 
Did Robert die in Vicksburg or Natchez? 
Where is he buried? 
Did his portrait make it to Elizabeth and if so, might it be found among the missing Fenton family papers (missing papers to be addressed in another post)? 


Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail  

Funeral Notice: Sarah Y. (Jenners) Bradfield, 1846

I will post a bio of Sarah (Jenners) Bradfield eventually, but this funeral notice is so interesting, I thought I'd post it. The faded writing at the bottom says: "My Aunt - father's sister.  C. J. Sweetser"

Thanks to Lina Liberace (a Jenners descendant) for sharing this and many other old clippings and photos.

Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail

Mysteries from the Hankinson Attic: A Hankinson, ND Wedding

This photo is another that came from the attic of the John R. Jones family home in Hankinson, ND.  There is no identification on it at all, but it is obviously someone's wedding photo.  Don't you love the bride's head gear?  

Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail

Hector Wright Braden, 1798-1846

Hector Wright Braden was born January 2, 1798 in Loudoun Co., Virginia.  He was the second child and eldest son of Robert Braden and his wife, Elizabeth Stevens.

The first mention I've found of Hector is on June 22, 1810 when at the estate sale of the property of his grandfather, Joseph Braden, 12-year-old Hector purchased "1 rat trap" for 26 cents.

Next, a list of passengers taken on board the schooner "Ardent" of North Yarmouth from St. Andrews lists Hector W. Braden, 24 years, male, merchant, from the ship "Belvidera" of Baltimore from Liverpool to the United States.  It is not clear from this list where Hector was travelling.  This is undated, but since he was 24, it was probably done in 1822.

By November 1825, Hector was headed to Florida.  An article in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA) dated Tuesday, November 22, 1825 (page 2) says:  

"An emigration party consisting of Mr. Samuel McClean, Mr. Turbett R. Botton, Mr. Cary Bronaugh, Mr. Hector Braden, and Mr. Wm. A. McRea, left us on Sunday morning, in the schooner Franklin, for the new town of Tallahassee, in East Florida.  The four first named gentlemen are engaged in various mercantile pursuits, and carried with them small experimental assortments;... " 

By July 1826, Hector was buying land in Leon Co., Florida.  He registered several purchases with the Tallahassee Land Office through September 1827.  This land was south of Wadesboro and north of Natural Bridge, just a bit east of Tallahassee. 

On November 14, 1827, his father, Robert Braden, died at his home in Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  Hector was named as an heir in his father’s will.

He did not waste any time getting involved in the Florida government, business, and politics.  In 1828, Hector was chosen by Session 7 of the Florida Legislative Council "to establish Bank of Florida at Tallahassee, appointed commissioner at Tallahassee."  In 1831, Session 9 of the Florida Legislative Council decreed that Hector was  "to form corporation of St. Marks Navigation Co." and gave him the "right to construct a canal on the natural bridge of the St. Marks River at Rockhaven."

He is found on the 1830 census for Leon Co., Florida, listed as “H.W. Braden.”

According to a history of the Maclay Gardens, "In 1833 Hector Braden, his brother, Joseph and a gentleman named Mr. [William] Nuttall took advantage of the Lafayette Grantlands and bought 2,400 acres.  Hector built a comfortable home and lived on the property. His plantation was called "Chermonie" and he maintained it with approximately 60 working slaves.  Mr. Nuttall, one of the three land owners, died, so Hector and Joseph decided to sell the property.  It was sold to Dr. John Adam Craig in 1839.  Dr. Craig named the plantation Andalusia...."  Our family records, however, indicate that Joseph was not in Florida at this time.  Various newspaper advertisements from November 1833 to January 1834, list the purchasers as William B. Nuttal, Hector W. Braden, and William P. Craig.  Here is one ad from January 14, 1834 published on page 3 of the Alexandria Gazette:

“FLORIDA LAND FOR SALE.  The undersigned, having purchased of General La Fayette the TOWNSHIP OF LAND in Florida, granted to him by the Congress of the United States, offer the same for sale.

     This land is situated in the immediate neighborhood of Tallahassee, and is believed, for fertility of soil and local advantages, to be more valuable than any other land in the territory.

     The southwestern part of the township adjoins the City of Tallahassee, from which point to the shipping port of St. Marks, a distance of about twenty miles, a rail road is in contemplation to be made, in a short time.

     The navigation of the St. Marks River has been recently improved, to a point within six miles of the southeastern part of the township, which will afford navigation for a cheap and certain transportation of produce.

     This lad will be sold in parcels to suit those willing to purchase, on a credit of from five to eight years, at reasonable prices.  Those wishing to purchase will make application to either of the undersigned.

                                                                                                WILLIAM B. NUTTALL,

                                                                                                HECTOR W. BRADEN,

                                                                                                WILLIAM P. CRAIG.

Tallahassee, November 23d, 1833.”

Hector’s land dealings seem to have been many and varied.  I won’t try to sort them all out in this post.  Perhaps I’ll do a post devoted to those in the future.

In March 1833, Hector wrote to his youngest sister, Elizabeth, who was living in Virginia:

"My dear sister,  When I think of  the length of time that has elapsed since I received a letter from you and the ages since I saw you I am almost disposed to fear that your early recollections of me have left such a faint impression upon your mind that you think of me rather as an ideal being than as one whose heart beats with a more holy and tender sensibility.  When alone or in the busy crowd every circumstance and situation recalls you to my imagination.  How happy I should be to see you again.  I have thought for years that every coming summer would find me with you, but when the period arrived I have found it impossible to accomplish my wishes.  This summer I had thought should be the last period to which bounds my intentions  But in early March I know not yet whether I can leave my plantation for 8 or 10 weeks to come.  My fortune depends upon my unremitting attention to a thousand matters that for the next 6 or 8 months can be attended to by none other - after this year I fondly hope I shall have all my affairs so arranged that I will have some time to call my own.  When I come to Virginia I shall expect that you will return to Florida with me.  I know you would be delighted with the sweet climate and the agreeable society.  Besides I intend to be married some of these days - to whom I know not yet.  Can you not choose me some fair damsel in Virginia.  If you will do so I will say no to our ladies here and tell them I will not commit myself with any of them until I see you.  I hope Fleming has given you a flattering account of our country.  If he has not I will challenge him when I come in -  I intend to be as rich as a Jew's eye in 4 or 5 years and make a splash when I visit the north in the summer seasons. Fleming I expect has given you an account of most of our social & my relations here.  I have not heard from Robert since I wrote or since Fleming left me.  I am in hopes he is over in Virginia.  Tell Addison I have just received his letter and am much obliged to him and pleased with the mind & ability it evinces.  I will write to him soon when I learn where a letter would reach him - Why do you not write to me.  If it is tedious to write a long letter write a short one.  Tell me what you read.  What your amusements.  What you see, think, say or do - anything.  Write as carelessly as you please.  It will be like conversing with you, and will add much to my happiness.  I will write to you often & will tell you my avocations, my thoughts, my amusements.  If you do not write often I will scold you tremendously when I see you.   I am going to Mrs. Murat's tomorrow evening to a fancy ball where much amusement is expected from the various costumes in which the company will be dressed - I will describe it to you in my next.  Give my love to Noble.   Your brother  H.W. Braden"

On 28 September 1833, Hector W. Braden wrote a letter to his sister, Elizabeth W. Braden.  It was addressed: "Tuscawilla, F 1st Oct. Miss Elizabeth Braden, Waterford, Loudoun County, Virginia." 

"Rosnee (?) September 28th 1833

My dear Sister

It has been so long since I received a letter from you that I sometimes think you have forgotten me or that you are engaged in some laborious study or that your society around you is so agreeable that it banishes all thoughts of those who are absent. I sometimes fear too that it has been so long since I saw you that you have forgotten what sort of a personage I am, what my feelings and disposition and affections. Is it all of these or which or any of them. As to myself I think of you always and would write frequently but that I have ten thousand occupations the attending to which give my mind a continual propensity to wandering over them, none of which would be interesting.  For instance suppose I should write to you of my crops of sugar cane cotton, & acres of Guinea grass &c. however I sometimes snatch a few moments of pleasure of a superior nature from the society of the ladies to compensate for other privations. However after this year I shall have my plantation in beautiful order and shall comparatively be a 'gentleman of elegant leisure' - I shall this year make a crop worth a great deal of money which will make my circumstances flourishing - I positively intend to visit Virginia next spring probably in May- You must come out with me in the fall. Mrs. Nuttall, a most accomplished and amiable lady, the wife of a most excellent friend of mine, and a near neighbour, intends to visit the North next summer. You must return with her if you prefer it- However when I come to Virginia we can arrange that, and if you choose you can take a little trip of a month or so with Mrs. Nuttall in seeing whatever is amusing in the (unreadable word) world in New York and Massachusetts. But mind you must come to Florida- I have a number of acquaintances married ladies within a few miles of my residence, all of whom you would be pleased with and who would be delighted with your company. They all say you must come- You regret in your last letter to me that my situation is so lonely- let me assure you, you are very much mistaken. I have so many occupations on my plantation, together with reading that I am never lonesome besides I have so many neighbors that at anytime in the course of an hour I can be in the midst of them. You see I hare told you my mode of life. Please tell me yours when you can write me- What do you read. , What company have you in Waterford &c. We have very few young ladies here at this time not more than half a dozen that are intelligent and pleasant. But more are expected during the winter- I will write you occasionally, respecting them the amusements society &c-- I intend seriously to scrutinize the ladies in future and seriously to put the main question to some lady some of these times-I think I requested you once to select me some fair lady of your acquaintance but see you have neglected me. I suppose I shall have to do so myself-- I shall write you a great deal some of these times when I have more leisure about many matters pertaining to our country, its manners, inhabitants &c. Tell Addison he is a shabby fellow for not wr(iting? Word obscured) to me sometimes. I hope his health has improved. Our country has been very healthy this year- Indeed I think it the most healthy part of the United States. I have no doubt if you come and remain here you will live to be so old and pretty all the time (I think you must be pretty since they say you are like me) that the very flowers will envy your cheek.

Now if you don't write to me I will scold you not a little when I see you.

                Your brother H"

By 1834, Hector was practicing law in Tallahassee and was one of the principal stock holders in the Union Bank of Tallahassee.  He was also investing in developing his plantation.  Several advertisements seeking to purchase slaves for his plantation appeared in Virginia newspapers during the summer of 1835.  For example, Hector placed the following advertisement in the Leesburg newspaper, Genius of Liberty, on 18 July 1835:

"SLAVES WANTED.  The subscriber wishes to purchase THIRTY or FORTY SLAVES, for the use of his plantation in Florida.  As he designs them for his own special use, (of which any assurance will be given,) he will not purchase any of bad character, and would prefer them in families. --- Liberal prices will be given.  Any communications will reach him, until the first of September, if made to Mr. George B. Beall, of Jefferson; Mr. Fleming Hixon, of Harper's Ferry; or Mr. Noble S. Braden, of Loudoun co.     H.W. Braden.  July 18, 1835. -- 29 6t"

But in 1837, the Union Bank collapsed and Hector’s mortgage was foreclosed upon.  I have not sorted out all the details of this, so perhaps in another post. 

In 1839, Hector was apparently traveling in the north.  His nephew, Robert L. Dulaney, mentions in his memoirs that he met his Uncle Hector in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Hector encouraged him to visit Tallahassee.  In 1840, Robert took him up on his invitation.  Robert wrote of his visit:

"After reaching New Orleans, I... left on a small boat that took me to St. Joseph, Florida, where I found my sister, Lizzie, visiting my Uncle Fleming Hixon, who was banking there.  We remained there about a month and then my sister and I went on to Tallahassee.  We remained in Tallahassee with our Uncle Hector Braden through the summer and then started for Virginia by stage through Charlestown, Richmond, and Washington City.  Here I found my brother Hector clerking in a store.  I remained a few days with him and then went up into Loudoun County.  Stayed sometime with my Uncle Noble Braden and then left for home."

The 1840 census of Leon County, Florida lists only 2 individuals in the household of Hector W. Braden:  one male 30-40 years old which is probably Hector himself, and one white female aged 16-20.  This is probably Hector's niece, Elizabeth Ann Dulaney, who is known to have been living with various family members in Florida after the death of her mother.

On August 11, 1841, Hector wrote a letter postmarked in Tallahassee, and addressed to George Jones, Esq., Newport, Rhode Island.  It reads, in part:

"Clifford   August 11^th, 1841

Dear Sir

                I received your fav. of the 22^nd July only a few days ago.  On my return from the north I found my brother and family and my nieces at Quincy, thus far on their return home from St. Joseph.  Mrs. Ward and her daughter Miss Georgianna died of the yellow fever a few days before my return.  I found my friend Mr. Hixon very ill.  He too died a few days after my return.  My Brother and niece Elizabeth Dulany had both been ill but both have recovered.  The information you received in the letter of Col. Gamble was I am happy to say incorrect.  My brother, his family, Miss Mary Ward and my nieces are now at Southwood and in good health.  My own health is also good….  Elizabeth Ann requests that you will give her love to Mrs. Jones for the kind expression of her sympathy.  Please present my respects and accept assurances of great regard.     Yrs   H W Braden"

In December 1841, Hector placed the following ad in the Florida Sentinel:

"VALUABLE LANDS FOR SALE. The subscriber, having more lands than are necessary for his own cultivation, will sell either of the plantations which he has had in cultivation the past year. One of them is situated about 3 miles east of Tallahassee, on the Miccosukie road, containing 1,360 acres of first-rate land,  about 650 acres are in cultivation, all of which is fresh land, having been cleared within the last four years. Of the residue, 300 acres are fenced-in, partly cleared, and can be prepared for a crop the coming year with but little labor. There are not 20 acres of thin land upon the entire tract, and it considered as not being surpassed in value by any other plantation of the same size in Middle Florida. Upon this tract there is a dwelling house, an excellent gin-house, and iron screw, negro houses for 50 hands, corn-houses, stables, and all necessary out-buildings.

The other plantation is upon the same road, near Blak [sic] Creek, about 12 miles east of Tallahassee, and contains 1,320 acres. About 800 acres are under fence, 600 of which have been cultivated, and is in fine condition for planting.  Of the residue, about 400 acres are rich hammock and upland, and the remainder pine land, of good quality. Upon this tract there are negro houses, stables, a good gin-house and screw, and all the necessary out-buildings.

These lands are favorably situated for health. Although the country was unusually sickly the past season, and there were 119 persons upon these plantations during the summer and fall, not one death occurred.

The subscriber also offers for sale a tract of land in Hamilton county, about 10 miles west of the Suwannee Springs, and 3 miles north of the Suwannee river, containing 2,080 acres. About 50 acres of this tract are cleared, and in cultivation. These lands, and those in the immediate neighborhood, have been found to be better adapted to the cultivation of Sea Island Cotton than any others in Middle or East Florida.

The subscriber would also sell a tract of land, containing about 300 acres of rich hammock land, lying upon the St.Marks river, about 13 miles south-east from Tallahassee. Upon this tract there is a valuable mill seat, with greater water power than any other in Middle Florida, and where a permanent dam can be constructed, at an expense of less than 500 dollars.

Either of the above described plantations, and the other lands advertised, will be sold, on moderate terms, and reasonable credits; and, if desirable, Union Bank Stock will be sold with the land, for a part of the purchase money.

H. W. BRADEN  - THE FLORIDA SENTINEL, 3 December 1841"

On 12 December 1843, Hector placed an ad in The Florida Sentinel offering to "rent 350 acres of his plantation, three miles east of Tallahassee, which includes the Dwelling, Out-houses, Cotton-house, &c... Also on the premises, and at a Plantation near, 1000 bushels of Corn and 6 or 8000 pounds of fodder for sale.  During my absence apply to Messers Thompson & Haguer."

Hector seems to have been in the Manatee area (then Hillsborough County, now Manatee County) starting sometime in 1843, though he apparently still had business dealings in Leon County.  He filed legal documents in Hillsborough County in December 1843.  In 1845, he voted in the statewide Florida election in Precinct 1, Tampa.  And in October 1845, he and his brother, Joseph A. Braden took out a mortgage on their 1,100 acres along the Manatee River in order to buy sugar refining machinery.

On September 19, 1846, Hector Wright Braden drowned in a flooded stream while traveling home from business in the north of Florida. The incident took place near Hearn's Plantation, Loachoatco, Benton Co.  In a letter to his sister, Mary, Charles Fenton Dulaney (Hector’s nephew), described his death.  (Note: I would like to thank Dr. Deane Briggs of Winter Haven, Florida for providing me with a transcription of the letter.  Dr. Briggs is interested in selling his collection of old Florida letters; contact me if interested in his contact information.)  The letter is dated October 10, 1846 and follows, in part:

"Manatee River, South Florida Oct 10th 1846

My Dear Sister      

With unbounded sorrow I hasten to inform you of the death of our sincerely beloved Uncle Hector….  He was drowned on the 19th of Sept. about 45 miles North of Ft. Brooke.  Ft. Brooke is situated at the Northernmost extremity of Tampa Bay - about 30 miles from the Manatee (where we reside) which emptys into the most southern portion of the Bay -

                He left the Manatee for Ft. Brooke on Tuesday the 15th of Sept. on his Sloop, it being his intention to visit the neighbouring County of Benton for the purpose of purchasing oxen to haul in his cane.  The Sloop arrived at Ft. Brooke the next night (Wednesday) and he left the following morning intending to return the next Sunday-  The Capt. of the Sloop remained until Tuesday night, when the awful news was brought him, that our dear Uncle was drowned.

                My dear Sister I expect you can hardly realize the terrible fact, that our kind, affectionate, and parental Uncle, is no more.  … greatly will we all feel his loss, for truly has he been a parent to us.  I was in hopes in a few years to have seen you and Liz here, contented & happy in the society of our beloved Uncle...

                It seems that he was on his return from Benton County, when about 45 miles from Ft. Brooke, in attempting to cross a pond in the road, he and the mule he was riding were both drowned.  The pond has been very much enlarged by the recent heavy rains - during the dry season there is no water in it.  From the report of the inquest, he had ridden into the pond when finding it too deep attempted to return And the mule being very strong & stubborn, in consequence, the girth (?) gave way and he was precipitated into the water -

                I think his death under such circumstances is strange unless the mule (after he had fell [sic] into the water and having hold on the reins) swam on him, and thus prevented him from swimming ashore, which is the prevalent belief.

                The news reached us on Thursday night the 24th of Sept. but owing the Equivocal (?) gale that set in the next day U [Uncle] Add was prevented from going up to F.B. until the 30th.  When he arrived there finding the Streams so swollen he could not proceed.

                Before arriving a letter had been rc'd at Ft. Brooke for him from a gentleman by the name of Mackey who was acquainted with U Hector, and whom he was going to see at the time of his death.  After opening the letter and in consequence of the reasons abovementioned, he returned to the Manatee-  I had fondly flattered myself before the return of the Sloop and only having heard verbal reports of his death (the persons bringing the news to Ft. Brooke not seeing the body) that there was some mistake.  Alas! the return of the boat on Friday dispelled those fond illusions…. 

                He and myself have been living at the plantation since the Spring and being constantly in each others company, I [feel?] his loss greatly, greatly indeed… .  I will now give you an exact copy of the letter rec'd by U Add from Mr. Mackay

Hearn's Plantation, Loachoatco (?), Tuesday Sep 22nd, '46

"It devolves upon me to be under the painful necessity of transmitting to you the intelligence of the death of your Brother Col. H. W. Braden…  I am stationed with my surveying party at Mr. W. Hearne's plantation, and being absent at the Chiccochattee Settlement I heard that your Brother was gone to Mr. Hearn's to see me And on the following morning was met by Mr. Hearne's boy, who informed me that he was sent for a Coroner, to sit upon the body of a gentleman who was drowned.  All of the most respectable men in the County immediately repaired to the spot to meet the Coroner, from whom 18 were summonsed to make inquiry as to the cause of his death of whom I was one. -  It appeared that he had set out from Capt. W. W. Tucker's plantation on Saturday the 19th day of Sept. between the hours of 2 & 3 oclock.  Capt. Tucker was extremely anxious for him to remain until the next day, thinking that night might possibly overtake him, but he seemed very desirous to get to Mr. Hearn's plantation, a distance of about 10 miles, that night.

                About one mile North of Mr. Hearn's house, the recent heavy rains have filled the road with water forming a pond never known before directly across the road, a distance of about 100 yds. and about 10 ft. deep.  It appeared that he had ridden into the pond, and finding the water too deep, had made an effort to return, from the manner in which the bridle bits were drawn through the mouth of his mule.  The mule being stubborn and the girth giving way, he was thrown and clinging to the bridle both were drowned.

                He was buried near the spot at my suggestion, believing at some future period you would wish to remove his remains.  Every respect was manifested and attention kindly volunteered, attesting to the high regard with which he was personally held by the citizens present.  Mr. Hearn and his good lady have frequently expressed to me their sympathy for your loss." 

I am truly & Sincerely Yours,

George Mackay

… I have written to Hector, Liz, and U Noble, a description of this astounding calamity.  As I do not  know where Pa or Robert is, at this time, I will request Hector to write them as they will get a letter sooner from him than me.  Poor dear Uncle, he was in such fine spirits about his coming crop, and has been indefatigable in his exertions to prepare for it.  My dear Sister you and Liz, have lost one of the best of Friends, and most affectionate of Uncles, his hand was ever open to the widow and the fatherless, and his ear drank in the tales of woe and affliction…  I think I shall leave the Country, as there is but little inducement for me to stay since my dearly beloved uncle is gone.  If I was sure I could get a situation with Hector I would leave forthwith.… Your Sincerely Attached Brother Charles" 

From Charles Dulaney’s letter, it appears that Hector was buried in an unmarked grave near the site of his death in Benton Co., Florida. 

Hector’s brother and business partner, Joseph A. Braden, was named administrator of Hector’s estate.

On October 24, 1846, the a death notice was published in the Alexandria Gazette (page 3): 

“Col. Hector W. Braden, a prominent citizen of Hillsborough county, Florida, was drowned on the night of Sunday, the 4^th while attempting to cross a stream.  The sum of $148 was found on his person, which confirmed the presumption that his death was accidental.  Col. Braden was a native of Loudoun County, Va., and formerly a citizen of this place.”    

  
Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail

William Fenton Braden, 1806-1832

William Fenton Braden was born 24 August 1806 in Loudoun Co., Virginia, the sixth child of Robert and Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden.  He seems to have usually been called Fenton by his family. He attended the Leesburg Academy and is found among a list of students who won awards in September 1824. 

William was still in Loudoun Co. in July 1828 when he attended a July 4th celebration at the Waterford Inn, Waterford, Virginia.  An account of the celebration and its many toasts can be found in the Genius of Liberty (Leesburg, VA) dated 12 July 1828.  And in June 1830, he added a post script to a letter written by his mother, Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden, from Waterford to his brother, Burr, in Indiana.  William wrote:

"Dr Burr.  According to your request your Bureau was forwarded to Fredericktown some months since, and I had hoped was on its was to you ere this.  Noble passed thro [sic] Fred.n on the way to Phil.a and was informed by Talbot that it wd cost $7.00 to send it to Wheeling, & in consequence he had not forwarded it.  Presuming that you wo.d like to have it, I shall order him to forward it, altho [sic] I fear it will prove a dear piece of furniture to you-  the wool is packed up with it-  The table co.d not be sent with any convenience-  It is probable you will not receive the Bureau until fall, as the water will be too low in the Wabash.   there is no news-  Hixon will be on in a few days-   Hector & Bob were well when last heard from   Write soon  Have you no goose-quills in yr country,-  you can make ink out of maple bark.  You have been extremely remiss &c                      Wm F. Braden"  

The next item I find for him is a notice dated 5 April 1831 that he was admitted to the bar in Leon Co., Florida.  

Just a little over a year later, on 1 June 1832, William died at Tallahassee from "pulmonary consumption" (tuberculosis).  He was 26 years old.  A death notice published 19 June 1832 in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA) said he had moved to Tallahassee about 5 years before (ca 1827) and had lived there ever since.

I have not yet found probate records on William, nor have I found the location of his burial.  I found one reference to his brother, Hector, as the administrator of the estate, selling land to the Presbyterian Church in Monticello, Florida, but have not yet tracked down any official documents on the estate.

So far, there is no indication that William married or had children.

Mysteries:  
Where is he buried?  
Where are his estate records? Can we find any other documents that fill in the life of this young man?


Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail

The Florida Bradens: Joseph A., Hector W., and William F. Braden

One of my recent research focuses has been to try and flesh out the lives of the three Braden brothers who moved from Loudoun Co., Virginia to Florida in the early 1800s:  Hector Wright Braden, William Fenton Braden, and Dr. Joseph Addison Braden.  These men were not direct ancestors; they are my husband's 3rd great-grand-uncles, brothers of his 3rd great-grandfather, Burr Braden.

A quick search online will bring up numerous hits on Joseph and a few on Hector, and most all will refer to their sugar plantation on the Manatee River, the failure of the Union Bank in Tallahassee, and Joseph's house now called "Braden Castle," which is a well-known ruin in Bradenton, Florida.  I will try to fill in their biographies and highlight some of the mysteries that I still have not solved.

The brothers were among the 10 children born in Loudoun Co., Virginia to Robert (died 1827) and Elizabeth (died 1831) (Stevens) Braden.  Hector Wright Braden (born 2 January 1798) was their second child and eldest son.  William Fenton Braden was born 24 August 1806.  Joseph Addison Braden was born 8 May 1811 and had a twin sister, Sarah Elleanor.

There does not seem to be much movement from Loudoun Co. until around the time that their father, Robert, died in November 1827.  All three were named as heirs in their father's will, but it was Burr and another son, Noble Stevens Braden, who were named executors.  A few records indicate that Hector was probably in Florida by sometime in 1826.  William seems to have moved there in 1827.  Joseph did not follow until about 1835.  

Of the three, Joseph was the only one to have married or to have children (as far as we know), but there is no evidence to date that any of his children married or had children.

None of them lived long.  William died in 1832.  Hector in 1846.  Joseph in 1859.

I will do separate posts on each of the brothers.  Check them for more details.  


Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail  

More Fleming Hixon plus Georgianna & Mrs. Ward & Hector Braden

Yesterday, after I finished posting my research on Fleming Hixon, I got a response to a query I'd sent to the Florida Historical Society regarding a letter in their El Destino Plantation Papers https://myfloridahistory.org/collections/manuscripts/el_destino.  This is why I LOVE doing genealogy & family history research!  The scans of the letter provided additional evidence relating to several individuals I've been researching, including Fleming.

The letter was written by Hector Braden on August 11, 1841 to George Noble Jones.  In it he reports on deaths due to yellow fever:

"I found my brother and family and my nieces at Quincy, thus far on their return home from St. Joseph.  Mrs. Ward and her daughter, Miss Georgianna, died of the yellow fever a few days before my return.  I found my friend, Mr. Hixon, very ill.  He too died a few days after my return.  My brother and niece Elizabeth Dulany had both been ill but both have recovered.  The information you received in the letter of Col. Gamble was, I am happy to say, incorrect.  My brother, his family, Miss Mary Ward and my nieces are now at Southwood and in good health."

"My brother" was Joseph Addison Braden.  Joseph & Hector were early settlers of Florida and Bradenton is named for them. Joseph's family in 1841 consisted of his wife, Virginia (Ward) Braden and their daughter, Annie.  The Mrs. Ward referred to was Virginia's mother, Ann (Hooe) Ward; Georgianna and Mary were Virginia's sisters.  "My nieces" were Elizabeth Ann Dulaney, daughter of Hector's deceased older sister, Mary Eleanor (Braden) Dulaney, and M. Elizabeth "Betty" Hixon, daughter of Fleming Hixon and Hector's deceased sister, Elizabeth Wright (Braden) Hixon.

I will add posts on most of these people eventually.  Getting Hector's letter yesterday was so exciting, I just had to share.

A big thank you to the Florida Historical Society for sharing a copy of Hector's letter with me.


Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail

Fleming Wilson Patterson Hixson ca 1800 - 1841

Fleming Wilson Patterson Hixson (or Hixon) was born after 1800, probably in Loudoun Co., Virginia. His parents were Timothy Hixson and Margaret Wilson Patterson. His name is also found spelled “Flemmon” and “Flemon.”

Fleming was named as a son of Timothy Hixson in Timothy's will dated 5 September 1811 at Loudoun Co., Virginia. His father died on 8 September 1811 at Loudoun Co., Virginia. His mother, Margaret Wilson Patterson Hixon was named as his guardian on 12 May 1812. The record states, "Timothy Hixon dec'd on or about Sept 8, 1811; Margaret, Timothy's widow made gdn, Fleming Hixon May 12, 1812." He was named as an heir in the will of Flemming Wilson Patterson on 24 May 1815 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia. Fleming was "not yet 21" as of 12 November 1818 when he was named in the will of his mother, Margaret Hixon.

On 4 December 1821, the following notice appeared in the Genius of Liberty published at Leesburg, Virginia: 
"NOTICE. THE Guardian of the infant representative of Timothy Hixson, deceased, thinks it proper to give notice that the division of his real estate is unequal by mistake, and that it is intended to make an effort to set it right. Let anyone, about to purchase from one of the adult representatives, use due caution in the premises. Dec. 4, 1821."

He was paid $4.50 for acting as clerk at the estate sale of Abiel Jenners on 20 November 1824 at Loudoun Co., Virginia. On 18 January 1828, he served as the clerk at the sale of the personal property of Robert Braden and signed the accounting as "F.W.P. Hixson. " On 12 July 1828, he witnessed the inventory and appraisal of the property of Robert Braden, deceased. He witnessed the probate of the estate of Robert Braden on 18 August 1829 at Loudoun Co., Virginia. On 31 December 1829 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, John Braden, as executor of the estate of Joseph Braden, paid F.W. Hixon $9 rent on a house for the slave, Milly, and her children.

On 21 June 1830, he was mentioned by Elizabeth (Stephens) Braden in letter to her son, Burr Braden. She said that they had gotten letter from "Flemmon Hixson." It seems, therefore, that he was not in the Waterford area at that time. On 13 November 1831, Fleming was mentioned in a letter to Elizabeth Braden (his future wife) from Elizabeth's brother, Joseph Addison Braden.

In a chancery suit dated in 1832 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, brothers, Andrew and Fleming Hixon, were complainants against their brother Samuel Hixon, defendant, regarding the will of their father, Timothy Hixon. Apparently the suit was initiated before Andrew's death in 1814 and Margaret Hixon's death in 1821, but not settled until 1832. The settlement gave Margaret 1/3 of the estate and divided the 2 remaining plantations between Andrew, Fleming and Samuel.

Fleming received rent payments from the estate of Robert Braden and Noble Stevens Braden on 3 April 1832 at Loudoun Co., Virginia.

The following notice appeared in the Genius of Liberty, on 2 June 1832: "Virginia, to wit: -- AT rules holden in the Clerk's office of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery, for the county of Loudoun, the first Monday in May, 1832 --- John Templar, (son of William,) Plaintiff, against Johnston Cleveland, High Sheriff of Loudoun county, administrator de benis non, with the will annexed, of Fleming W. Pattison, deceased, and as administrator de benis non, with the will annexed, of Margaret Hixson, deceased; Noble S. Braden, executor of Robert Braden, deceased, who was executor of Margaret Hixson, deceased; and Fleming Hixson, heir and devisee of said Margaret Hixson, dec'd. and devisee of said F. W. Pattison, Defendants. In Chancery. THE defendant, Fleming Hixson, not having entered his appearance, and given security, according to the act of assembly, and the rules of this court, and it appearing by satisfactory evidence that he is not an inhabitant of this state -- IT IS ORDERED, That the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term, and answer the bill of the plaintiff; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper published in the town of Leesburg, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the Court-house of this county. A copy. - Teste. W. A. POWELL, Clerk. June 2, 1832."

Fleming seems to have lived both in the Loudoun Co., Virginia area and in Florida. Documents from both areas indicate that he moved back and forth between Virginia and Florida. On 9 October 1832 at Leon Co., Florida, Fleming Hixon advertised his partnership with William Nuttal in an office near the Planter's Hotel. And on 12 October 1832 at Leon Co., Florida, Fleming was admitted to the bar.

Fleming was mentioned in a letter from Hector Braden written 6 March 1833 to Hector's sister, Elizabeth W. Braden. Fleming had apparently been in Florida with Hector. But he went back to Virginia since he got an appointment at "the Ferry" on 30 August 1834.

Joseph Addison Braden described Fleming as "esteemed by all who know him... intelligent, honest...."

Fleming married Elizabeth Wright Braden, daughter of Robert Braden and Elizabeth Stevens, on 11 September 1834 at the 1st Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland. The marriage announcement in the Genius of Liberty newspaper dated 20 September 1834, states: 
"Married Thursday, Sept. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore by Rev. Nevins, Fleming Hixon of Leesburg to Elizabeth W. Braden, daughter of the late Major Braden, of Loudoun Co." The notice in the Virginia Free Press of 18 September 1834, gave the same information.

On 8 January 1835, according to the Virginia Free Press, a Mr. Beard presented a petition to the Virginia Legislature from Noble S. Braden and Fleming Hixon who were requesting an act of incorporation that would authorize construction of a bridge across the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry. In February 1835, Fleming and his wife, Elizabeth, were living at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia).

On 9 March 1835 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Fleming was named the guardian of Charles, Ellen, James, Sylvester, and George William Anderson, orphans of Andrew S. Anderson, deceased. They were the children of Fleming’s sister, Eleanor and her husband, Andrew Anderson. Bond of $5,000 was posted and secured by Noble S. Braden.

According to a notice that appeared on 2 January 1836 in the Genius of Liberty, on 21 December 1835, a petition was presented as follows: "Monday, Dec. 21. Mr. Griggs, presented the petitions of citizens of Jefferson county, for the incorporation of a company to construct a bridge across the Shenandoah River, at the town of Harper's Ferry - also of other citizens of the town of Harper's Ferry, advocating the prayer of Noble S. Braden and Fleming Hixon, for permission to erect a bridge at the said place." And on 14 January 1836, a petition was presented to the Virginia legislature regarding building a bridge across the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry. Some favored construction by Braden and Hixon.

On 21 January 1836, Fleming and Elizabeth’s daughter, Margaret Elizabeth Hixon, was born at Harper’s Ferry. She was probably named for her two grandmothers, Margaret (Patterson) Hixon and Elizabeth (Stevens) Braden. Her nickname was Betty and that is how she was usually known.

In 1837 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Fleming was mentioned in a chancery suit involving the division of Robert Braden's estate.

On 14 June 1837 at Richmond, Virginia, Noble Stevens Braden wrote a letter to Fleming. The letter was addressed to Fleming Hixon, Esqr., Leesburg VA. The letter discusses the politics of the time. Noble was serving in the Virginia legislature.

A rental receipt between Flemming Hixon and Henry Bodine states that Bodine rented a house in Waterford, Virginia from Hixon for one year starting on 1 November 1837 and that the rent was $30 per year.

In the Virginia Free Press for 18 January 1838, an advertisement for a school in Harpers Ferry lists F. W. P. Hixon of Leesburg as a reference.

On 4 April 1838 at "Clifford," Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida, Hector Wright Braden wrote a letter to Fleming Hixson. The letter follows:

"Dear Fleming, In regards of writing letters, I believe I am becoming worse than in times past, though it has always been bad enough. For a month past I have ever and anon resolved to write and sure enough did not. But in truth I have had a multitude of affairs both of my own and other to attend to that have for several months left me scarcely an hour of leisure. The preparation & examination of [unreadable word] for his appointment & for the new stock of the Bank has occupied for the last month all the acting directors and will do so for several weeks to come. We have been anxious to complete them as American stocks are now in demand and our Bank Bonds give particularly in good credit. We wish to avail ourselves of this feeling to sell the additional Two [page 2] millions recently absorbed. In the course of two or three weeks, Col. Gambrel or some other agent will be dispatched to New York or Philadelphia for that purpose and we hope that in the course of 2 months to have this addition of capital for our Territory which is indeed very much wanted for money is somewhat in demand. My own affairs are going on very well. I am not particularly in want of the above named article except for 800 of which I intended to remit you after the sale of our Bonds and which if you are in want of, write me and I will send at once. I am engaged now in looking over my plantation operations, the crops of which I am this year diversifying a little to suit the times. As our war is likely to continue for at least another winter I am planting more largely of corn - of which I expect to have 3 or 4000 bushels for sale. I think it will be worth $1.25 or more per bushel. It is now selling at $1.50 and has even for $2. I shall probably raise about 200 Bales cotton. I have also resumed the Tobacco culture and shall have almost 30 acres of that, which I hope will make me 5 or 600 Boxes of cigars. I think of shipping the Tobacco [page 3] to Alexandria and having it manufactured there by company hands and getting Caches [?] or somebody to superintend its manufacture. I think I told you of a Pond I was draining last summer. I have about 20 acres of it prepared and today have been planting rice. It is a beautiful piece of land as rich as the Banks of the Nile. There are about 30 acres more in the Pond which I shall drain next fall. I suppose you see occasionally accounts of the Indians in our neighborhood. They have within a few days shot at some pinions [?] near Magnolia and killed a family in the village, but we have become so used to them & expeditions that they are passed by without much notice. It seems to be impossible to overtake these bandits. They enter the swamps and elude the most vigilant pursuit. You will probably see my name announced in Florida for the convention. I do not know who put it there and am rather careless whether elected or not. I saw your name announced as a candidate for the assembly. I thought you would "to that complexion come at not." I hope you will like it better than I did. I am sorry Add & his wife will not be able to visit Virginia this summer. He wrote you a few days ago and I suppose told you so. His wife will not be in Travelling Trim. I am very sorry for it. I wished Elizabeth to see her. I know they would like each other greatly. I have so many things on hand that I shall not be able to leave Florida before the 1st of July - unless I am obliged. I had a sleight [sic] infection yesterday of my last summer’s complaint but hope it will not return. Write me when you go West. How long you will remain. My love to Elizabeth and the little girls. HWB."
On 13 April 1838, George M. Hough wrote a letter to Fleming in Leesburg, Virginia. The letter was addressed to Fleming Hixon, Esqr., Leesburg Loudon [sic] County Virginia; return address Manchester Mo April 17. The letter discusses Hough's business dealings and encourages Fleming to run for office.

On 3 October 1838, Fleming, Elizabeth and their two-year-old daughter, Betty, sailed from Baltimore, Maryland for Florida. Part of the reason was that Elizabeth’s health was not good and they hoped Florida would be a better climate for her. Elizabeth was ill during the voyage and died at sea on 10 October 1838 “at sunrise at about 27 degrees latitude.” Elizabeth was buried on 12 October 1838 at Great Stirrup Cay Island, Berry Islands, Bahamas. Fleming wrote in a letter about Elizabeth's death that they had hoped to get her to Florida for burial, but the ship was becalmed on Oct. 12th about 40 miles west of "Hole in the Wall" so they buried her on Stirrup Cay. Fleming said, "She lies near to the solitary grave of a British officer who was interred some years since on that little Island." That officer is Allan Bertram of the Royal Navy buried there in 1834. (See Elizabeth’s memorial at Find-A-Grave.)

On 19 October 1838, Fleming and Betty arrived at "Clifford Plantation", Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida, after their trip on board ship from Virginia. On 23 October 1838, Fleming Hixon wrote a letter to "My dear Madame" that described the death of his wife, Elizabeth Wright (Braden) Hixon. The outer page of the letter is missing, so the recipient is not yet identified. The letter follows:

"Clifford Oct 23,1838
 
My dear Madam

The melancholy intelligence which this letter will bring, will not be unexpected to you. It was an event which was long since foreseen by us all. When occurred alas, where its anguish was not mitigated by the kindness and sympathy of those friends to whom we were attached by the recollection of so many acts of parental affection. It would have been a source of much consolation to me, to have had those with us to whom, in life our dear Elizabeth was so much attached, and for whom she entertained the affection and love, which a child should feel for a parent.

We sailed from Baltimore on Wednesday the 3rd at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. For several days I began to indulge the hope that we should all reach Florida, but alas this hope was soon extinguished. On the evening of the fifth day out, I saw plainly she was sinking. She was evidently conscious herself that her debility was increasing yet no murmur escaped her lips, nor no expression was uttered by her which was calculated to alarm those about her. With a resignation and fortitude that never forsook her for a moment, she meekly and patiently submitted to her fate. On the morning of the 10th about Sunrise she sank gently and quietly into an eternal repose. When this sad event occurred, we were in latitude about 27 and we hoped we should be able to reach Key West, the nearest point of Florida, where we wished the last duties to her should be performed. This wish was denied us. On the morning of the 12th, we were scarcely 100 miles further upon our voyage. We were becalmed near a small Island, about 40 miles west of the Hole in the Wall. Such rude preparations as the occasion afforded were made, and at 10 o'clock she was interred upon a lone little Island called Stirrup Key, and owned by two colored men, Subjects of Great Britain - She lies near to the solitary grave of a British officer who was interred some years since on that little Island. The occasion was sad and melancholy. I feel a sense of gratitude that we were enabled to commit her body to the earth, and among those whose sympathies were deeply excited by ceremony which they were (unreadable word).

We reached here on Saturday evening the 19th.

Give my love to our friends in (unreadable word) & Alexandria.

Truly your friend,

Fleming Hixon
(In a different handwriting this follows:)

Dear William

I thought the best way to give you the melancholy news of the death of Eliz. Hixson was to send you Fleming's letter. It is a thing but what was expected by friends long ago. It is rather to be lamented as she had but a few days to live her remains could not be deposited near her parents & it is possible the Exertions of going to Baltimore & on board the vessel might have hastened her death, but it was all done for the best & with her consent. Since we returned from Baltimore we have had yr. Mother & myself some Cold but are nearly as well as usual now. Just after we left home for Bal't, Betsey Myers Sister, James Grimes' wife died & she had to go & take care of her motherless Children & our house was under the management entire of Missy (?) & A. Ann when we returned found things (balance of letter is missing)."
On 25 April 1839 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia, Fleming Hixson deeded (and sold) land to Jesse Gover consisting of a piece of land in Waterford. On 9 July 1839 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden paid Fleming Hixon $34 cash for "fees in various cases. "

In 1840, Fleming's nephew, Robert L. Dulaney of Marshall, Illinois, visited him in Florida. Regarding his trip, Robert L. Dulaney wrote: 
"After reaching New Orleans, I ... left on a small boat that took me to St. Joseph, Florida, where I found my sister, Lizzie, visiting my Uncle Fleming Hixon, who was banking there. We remained there about a month and then my sister and I went on to Tallahassee. We remained in Tallahassee with our Uncle Hector Braden through the summer and then started for Virginia by stage through Charlestown, Richmond, and Washington City. Here I found my brother Hector clerking in a store. I remained a few days with him and then went up into Loudoun County. Stayed sometime with my Uncle Noble Braden and then left for home."

Fleming Hixson appeared on the census of 1840 at St. Joseph, Calhoun Co., Florida Territory. The census record lists Fleming alone in his household and says he is a white male aged 30-40 years.

On 12 May 1840, Noble Braden, executor of the estate of Robert Braden, filed an account of Robert's estate and listed payments to the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W. Braden, Burr Braden, Robert Braden Jr. - deceased; William F. Braden - deceased; Joseph A. Braden; and Fleming Hixon. As executor, Noble Braden filed an account of the estate of Robert Braden and listed payments to the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W Braden, Burr Braden, Robert Braden Jr - deceased; William F. Braden - deceased; Joseph A. Braden; Fleming Hixon.

Fleming died on 27 July 1841 at Quincy, Gadsden Co., Florida, of yellow fever. He was about 41 years old. His death notice found in the Florida Sentinel dated 30 July 1841, read: "In Quincy, on the 27th instant, Mr. Fleming Hixon, [died] of yellow fever, contracted at St. Joseph, whither he had gone to spend the summer months." His burial place has not yet been found.

The following news item appeared in the New York Tribune on 9 August 1841 and was attributed to The Sentinel (probably Florida): 
"The Sickness At St. Josephs, rumor says, still continues to rage with unabated violence and mortality. Few of the cases, however, are said to be the Yellow Fever. Among our own citizens, who went thither to spend the summer months, and who have fallen victims to disease contracted there, it is with heartfelt regret that we chronicle the following deaths: Mrs. Duval, wife of Ex-Gov. W.P. Duval, now absent from the Territory; Mrs. Ward and Miss Georgianna Ward, mother and sister of Major George T. Ward, now also absent; Mrs. Sibley, wife of Mr. S.S. Sibley, formerly of the Floridian, and Mr. Fleming Hixon. Sentinal."

In a letter to George Noble Jones dated August 11, 1841, Hector Braden mentions the yellow fever sickness and deaths at Quincy, including the death of "my friend, Mr. Hixon."

Fleming Hixson left a will dated 9 December 1839 at Quincy, Florida. The will reads, "I, Fleming Hixson, mindful of the many vicissitudes of life, do hereby make and publish, this my last Will and Testament, revoking all others.

1st I hereby remit (as I have already remitted in pencil marks at the bottom of the respective accounts in my Ledger, now in the possession of Noble S. Braden) all claims and demands whatsoever I may have against Elenor Anderson, and I also remit all claims and demands whatsoever I may have against the estate of the late A.S. Anderson in consequence of any advances I may have made as the Administrator of said Anderson, and I further direct my Executor to convey to said Elenor Anderson any legal interest I may have in the farm upon which she now resides.

2nd I constitute and appoint my [sic] H. W. Braden the Executor of whatever estate I may have in the Territory of Florida, and I constitute Noble S. Braden the Executor of whatever property I may have in Virginia or elsewhere.

3rd I commit to the care of H.W. Braden my little daughter Betty, and confide to him the task of her nurture and Education knowing the duties of her Guardianship will be affectionately performed.

4th I give to Elizabeth Ann Dulany one fourth part of the Nett [sic] Annual profit or interest of my estate, which annuity I hereby direct my Executor to cause to be paid to her during her Celibacy & upon her Marriage I direct that the said annuity shall cease, and then to wit at the time of her Marriage I give her one fifth part of my estate, which I direct my Executor to pay to her as soon as the interest of the remainder of the Estate will admit, without detriment.

5th I give to my little daughter Betty, the whole of whatever estate I may die in possession with the exception of the bequest to Elizabeth Ann Dulaney.

6th in the event of Betty's death before her Marriage or before she attains her twenty first year of age, in that case I give that portion of my estate bequested to Betty to Elizabeth Ann Dulaney, and my niece Ellen Anderson Jr. to take equal parts thereof.

7th & lastly. I direct my Executors to pay to my old servants, Forrester & Katy the sum of fifty dollars each during their Natural lives.

Done this 9th day of December A.D. 1839.

Fleming Hixson

Witnesses C.H.Dupont
R.S. Edmonds
J. W. Sprote
Witnessed in Quincy Monday 26th July 1841.

Territory of Florida
Leon[?] County 
At Chambers 18th August 1841

Hector W. Braden Executor of the last will & testament of Fleming Hixson deceased having this day appeared before me and made oath that the foregoing instrument of writing signed by said Fleming Hixson was signed sealed published & declared as [pg61] deponent believes to be his last will & Testament and in the presence of the witnesses whose names are thereunto subscribed and that said Testator at the time of signing said will was of sound mind & memory. W.M. Gibson

Judge C.L.C.

At a Court held for Loudon [sic] County September 13th 1841

A paper purporting to be the last will & testament of Fleming Hixson dec'd was this day presented to the Court, wherupon John Janney & David Shawen were sworn & severally deposed that they are well acquainted with the testators hand writing and verily believe the said writing and the name thereto subscribed to be wholly written by the testator's own hand whereupon the said writing is ordered to be recorded as the true & last will & Testament of said Fleming Hixson dec'd and on the motion of Noble S. Braden one of the executors therein named who made oath as such & together with Robert S. Wright his security entered into & acknowledged a bond in penalty of one thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form of law. David Shawen, Isaac Walker, Jacob Shutt, & Edward Bond or any three appraisers. Teste Ch.s G. Estridge, Clk. "
On 10 April 1842 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of the estate of Fleming Hixon, filed an estate inventory. On 6 February 1844 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, executor of the estate of Fleming Hixson, filed an accounting of Fleming's estate which listed multiple expenses for Betty Hixson, Fleming's daughter.

Fleming Wilson Patterson Hixson was mentioned as deceased in the accounting of estate of Robert Braden filed by Noble Stevens Braden on 13 July 1844 at Loudoun Co., Virginia. On 13 July 1846 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of Fleming Hixon's estate, filed an accounting with the court in Loudoun Co. The only expenses listed were for clothing, tuition, dental fees and other expenses for Fleming's daughter, Betty.

In his memoirs, Robert L. Dulaney wrote that, "In 1847 I took another flat boat of produce to New Orleans and went on to Florida to look after the estates of my Uncles Fleming Hixon and Hector Braden, both having died in the meantime. Then went down on the Manatee River in Tampa Bay to visit with my Uncle Joseph Addison Braden, where he and Uncle Hector Braden had owned a large sugar plantation. Started for home by way of Appalatchicola to get some law books my Uncle Hector had left me."

On 13 June 1848 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of Fleming Hixon's estate, filed an accounting with the court in Loudoun Co., which listed expenses for clothing, tuition and board for Bettie Hixon (Fleming's daughter) for 1846 and 1847.

On 13 June 1848, Noble Braden, executor of Robert Braden's estate, filed an accounting with the court at Loudoun Co., Virginia, which also lists accounts with the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W. Braden (deceased), Robert Braden Jr (deceased), Wm F Braden (deceased), Burr Braden, Fleming Hixon (deceased). The accounting also states that Joseph A. Braden's share of the estate has been completely paid off and discharged.

On 11 June 1850 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of Fleming Hixon's estate, filed an accounting in Loudoun Co. Court. The estate apparently still owned a house in Waterford, as rent received and repairs made were listed in the accounting.

On 11 June 1850, Noble Braden, executor of Robert Braden's estate, filed an accounting with the court at Loudoun Co., Virginia, listing accounts with the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W. Braden, Burr Braden, Robert Braden, Jr. (deceased), Wm F. Braden (deceased), Fleming Hixson (deceased). Joseph A. Braden's share of the estate had been completely paid off and discharged.

On 11 June 1850 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, executor of Robert Braden's estate, an filed accounting with the court at Loudoun Co., listing accounts with the following heirs: Zachariah Dulaney, Hector W. Braden, Burr Braden, Robert Braden, Jr (deceased), Wm F Braden (deceased), Fleming Hixson (deceased).

On 12 April 1853 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of the estate of Fleming Hixon, filed an accounting in Loudoun Co. Court covering the period from 1 January 1850 to 1 January 1852. The accounting mentions rental receipts for a house and lot in Waterford, Virginia. It mentions expenses for Bettie Hixon for tuition, clothing, and board. And it indicates that on 1 September 1851, Bettie started school with Miss English (in Georgetown?).

On 12 August 1857 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of the estate of Fleming Hixon, filed an accounting in Loudoun Co. Court covering the period from 1 January 1852 to 1 January 1857. The account includes expenses for travel to and from Florida on business of the estate, payments to the Union Bank of Florida, expenses from a suit "Rust vs Hixson's Exr.," includes receipts from a chancery suit in Florida, and mentions Elizabeth A. Dulaney as a plaintiff and Union Bank of Florida as a defendant. It also mentions payments to heirs Elizabeth A. Dulaney and Bettie Hixson.

On 23 April 1860 at Loudoun Co., Virginia, Noble Braden, as executor of the estate of Fleming Hixson, filed an accounting in Loudoun Co. Court that covered the period from 1 January 1857 to 1 January 1860. The accounting included payments to Bettie Hixson and Elizabeth A. Dulaney. It also refered to money received from H. L. Rutgers of Florida for a lawsuit. It stated that Elizabeth Dulaney was in Marshall, IL in Oct. 1858, and in Jefferson, IN Jan - Oct, 1859. Bettie Hixon was of age by this date.

Copyright 2015 Sue Beach.

Feel free to email me directly sdbeach22  at   gmail