The Winter of 1863-1864 was a particular difficult one for at least one of my ancestors and her family. I have written about her before, but this post will focus on just the Winter, particularly January 1864.
Her name was Elizabeth Davenport and she lived from April 17, 1813 to September 23, 1901.
She was married three times, but the second marriage was the longest. Sometime between 1834 and 1836 Elizabeth Davenport Lewis married has second husband, William Pitts. These dates are estimated from the birth of her daughter, Lucinda Lewis - by her first husband, and the birth of her first child, John Pitts - by her second husband.
On January 26, 1864, Elizabeth lost her two youngest children, Moses W. Pitts, age 6, and Sarah Catherine Pitts, age 10. They were living in Newberry County, South Carolina.
William, her husband died 5 days later, January 31.
I do not have any information about the cause of death of these 3 persons in the same family. But, after placing several queries on genealogy websites online, the predominant suggested Cause of Death was Typhoid Fever. It seems that this was a rampant disease during the Civil War in the soldier camps and in the civilian population, and was especially devastating to children who were exposed. We will probably never know for sure, but that is a good educated guess.
Winter is often a difficult time for families, especially in the colder regions. And, as we know, children, the elderly and the infirmed are often the most at risk. But, sometimes death comes unexpectedly, no matter the time of year or our health. Such is the case this winter, as I lost two very dear friends in a car accident just a week ago. They were husband and wife and have been friends since college days. My prayers are with their family at this most difficult time.
Earlier this year, I posted a story about Elizabeth and her losses to the Civil War. Here is the link, in case you would like to read more about her: https://regnirpsstories.blogspot.com/2018/05/memorial-day-2018-military.html.
"Til Next Time
#52Ancestors
Her name was Elizabeth Davenport and she lived from April 17, 1813 to September 23, 1901.
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| https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37211744/elizabeth-reeder. Bush River Baptist Church Cemetery, Old Section, Newberry County, SC. |
On January 26, 1864, Elizabeth lost her two youngest children, Moses W. Pitts, age 6, and Sarah Catherine Pitts, age 10. They were living in Newberry County, South Carolina.
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| https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73240996/moses-w_-pitts, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73240913/sarah-catherine-pitts. Bush River Baptist Church Cemetery, Old Section, Newberry County, SC. |
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| https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73241111/william-pitts. Bush River Baptist Church Cemetery, Old Section, Newberry County, SC. |
Winter is often a difficult time for families, especially in the colder regions. And, as we know, children, the elderly and the infirmed are often the most at risk. But, sometimes death comes unexpectedly, no matter the time of year or our health. Such is the case this winter, as I lost two very dear friends in a car accident just a week ago. They were husband and wife and have been friends since college days. My prayers are with their family at this most difficult time.
Earlier this year, I posted a story about Elizabeth and her losses to the Civil War. Here is the link, in case you would like to read more about her: https://regnirpsstories.blogspot.com/2018/05/memorial-day-2018-military.html.
"Til Next Time
#52Ancestors
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