The Third Family
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During Etheldred Harrison Blalock (1841-1896) stint as First Lieutenant during the Civil War his young neighbor Alfred Burnette (1832-1864) joined his regiment. Etheldred Harrison Blalock (1841-1896) served in this post until the Confederate Army was reorganized on April 28th, 1862. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Pigeon Valley, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

Alfred Burnette (1832-1864) was born in 1832 to Thomas Wade Burnett (1805-1882) and Martha Ann "Patsy" Melton-Burnett (1811-1886) in Buncombe Co., NC, USA. He married Minerva Hester Stroup (1838-1914) on July 11th, 1856 in Buncombe Co., North Carolina.

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Thomas Wade Burnett Findagrave.com Profile

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Martha Ann "Patsy" Melton-Burnett Findagrave.com Profile

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North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979

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Minerva Hester Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914) was born on September 4th, 1838 in Buncombe Co., NC, USA to David Rufus Stroup Jr. (1815-1870) and Mary Chloe Burnett-Stroup (1805-1839).

Federal Census 1840 - "Dav Stroupe"

Federal Census 1850 - "D. Stroupe"

From the marriage of Alfred Burnett (1832-1864) to Minerva Hester Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914) at least 4 children were born: James H. Burnett, Martha Jane Burnett, David Henry Burnett and Nancy E.Burnett.

In October of 1857 their first child, James H. Burnett (1858-1926) was born in Haywood Co., NC, USA. He went on to marry Cordelia "Delia" Howell (1863-1940) on Feburary 25th, 1878 in Haywood Co., NC, USA. Cordelia "Delia" Howell (1863-1940) was born on June 5th, 1863 in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA to David Strawder Howell (1836-1864) and Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Ivester (1841-1917). From the marriage of James H. Burnett (1858-1926) and Cordelia "Delia" Howell-Burnett (1863-1940) at least 5 children were born; William "Willie" Wesley Burnett 1880-1938 (Maggie Nola Henson-Burnett 1886-1967), Carrie Mason Burnett-Pless 1884-1974 (Luther Asbury Pless 1886-1961), Clarence Clinton Burnett 1887-1972 (Lucy Innez West-Burnett 1893-1984), Glimer R. D. Burnett 1891-1926 (Myrtle Trull-Burnett 1899-1981), Rev. Oder Ferida Burnett 1899-1978 (Ethel Bell Poston-Burnett 1904-1999). On May 10th, 1926 James H. Burnett (1858-1926) died in HKaywood Co., NC, USA. He was buried in Gwyn Cem., Big East Fork, Haywood Co., NC, USA. At the time of his death he was about 69 years old. After the death of her husband Cordelia "Delia" Howell-Burnett (1863-1940) did not remarry and on November 17th, 1940 she died in East Fork, Haywood Co., NC, USA. She was buried next to her husband James H. Burnett (1858-1926) in Gwyn Cem., Big East Fork, Haywood Co., NC, USA. At the time of her death she was about 77 years old.

On August 13th, 1858, their second child, Martha Jane Burnett (1857-1927) was born in Haywood Co., NC, USA. She went on to marry James "Jim" Robert Singleton (1861-1943) on October 27th, 1881 in Haywood Co., NC, USA. James "Jim" Robert Singleton (1861-1943) was born on July 23rd, 1861 in Forks of Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA to Samuel Perry Singleton (1839-1907) and Elizabeth "Eliza" Jane Blalock (1840-1884). From the marriage of James "Jim" Robert Singleton (1861-1943) and Martha Jane Burnett (1857-1927) at least 8 childredn were born; William J. Singlton 1874-1938 (Sallie Barrett 1888-1955), Joseph Henry Singleton 1880-1951 (Dortha Jane Mull-Singleton 1880-1959), Samuel Perry Singleton 1883-1961 (Hannah Harper-Singleton 1864-1952), Chloe Christine Singleton-Wells 1886-1949 (Jule Hezekiah Wells 1881-1969), Dolly H. Singlton 1890-1981 (Carl Wilburn Ray 1888-1979), Fred Singleton 1895-? (Connie S. Brown-Singleton-Fowler 1904-1979), William "Edd" Edward Singleton 1897-? (Edna Caroline Knight-Singlton) and George Washington Singleton 1899-1965 (Florence Mariah Rhinehart 1907-1966). On August 13th, 1927 Martha Jane Burnett (1857-1927) died in Waynesville, Haywood Co., NC, USA. She was buried in an unknown cemetary in Woodrow, Haywood Co., NC, USA. At the time of her death she was 73 years old. On August 10th, 1943 James "Jim" Robert Singleton (1861-1943) died in Waynesville, Haywood Co., NC, USA. He was buried in what was originally Turpin's Chapel Cem., Waynesville, Haywood Co., NC, USA. Today it is known as Maple Grove UMC Cemetary. At the time of his death he was 82 years old.

In 1860, the young couple were living with Alfred's parents; Thomas Wade Burnett (1805-1882) and Martha Ann "Patsy" Melton-Burnett (1811-1886) in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. Eventually they settled into a log cabin about a mile from the homestead of Etheldred Harrison Blalock (1841-1896) on Old Mountain Grove Road in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

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Old Moutain Grove Road, Pigeon, NC

On June 12th, 1860 we find "Alfred Burnett" on page 7, line 40 of the Federal Census of 1860 living in the home of his father "Wade Burnett" in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. James and Martha, their oldest children are not listed.

Wade Burnett, 56yrs, renter, bonr in NC, can read.
"Thomas Wade Burnett (1805-1882)"

Martha Burnett, 52yrs, domestic, born in NC, can read.
Martha Ann "Patsy" Melton-Burnett (1811-1886)"

Alfred Burnett, 27yrs, farmer, born in NC.
"Alfred Burnett (1832-1864)"

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United States Census of 1860

On June 2nd, 1861 their third child, David Henry Burnett (1861-1925) was born in Haywood Co., NC, USA. He went on to marry Lucinda Adeline Singleton (1864-1908) on December 17th, 1885 in Haywood Co., NC, USA. Lucinda Adeline Singleton (1864-1908) was born on August 15th, 1864 in Forks of Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA to Samuel Perry Singleton (1839-1907) and Eliza Jane Blalock-Singleton (1840-1884). From the marriage of David Henry Burnett (1861-1925) and Lucinda Adeline Singleton (1864-1908) at least 6 children were born; Hester Rosetta Burnett 1886-1950 (Jack Gibson Reveles 1882-1966), Martha "Mattie" Susannah Burnett-Law 1888-1961 (William Amose Law 1875-1927), James William Burnett 1890-1954 (Eliza Jane Burnette-Burnette 1897-1958), Lon Bidwell Burnett 1893-1976 (Ethel E. Nolen-Burnett 1896-1974), Carrie Burnett-Edmonds 1897-1971 (John H. Edmonds 1884-1960) and Annie Belle Burnett 1904-1972 (John Davis Harris). On March 15th, 1908 Lucinda Adeline Singleton-Burnett (1864-1908) died in Gaston Co, NC, USA. She was buried in Shiloh Cem., Gastonia, Gaston Co., NC, USA. At the time of her death she was 43 year old. On Janurary 6th, 1925 David Henry Burnett (1861-1925) died in Gastonia, Gaston Co., NC, USA. He was buried in Edgewood Cem., Lowell, Gaston Co., NC, USA. At the time of his death he was 63 years old.

Alfred Burnett (1832-1864) enlisted on August 14th, 1861 at Camp Patton and joined the same regiment as Etheldred Harrison Blalock (1841-1896). Alfred was sick for months after basic training and was eventually discharged for an unspecified illness on January 20th, 1862. He returned home but was called again to arms when the Conscript Act was Passed on March 3rd, 1863. Before heading off for his second tour of duty he asked that Dred take care of his family while he was gone and in case he not come home.

25th Regiment, Company F, North Carolina Infantry

"25th Infantry Regiment, formerly the 15th Volunteers, was assembled at Camp Patton, Asheville, North Carolina, in August, 1861. The following counties furnished companies for the regiment: Henderson, Jackson, Haywood, Cherokee, Transylvania, Clay, Macon, and Buncombe. It moved to Grahamville, South Carolina and remained there until March, 1862. The unit then moved back to North Carolina and arrived in Virginia on June 24. Serving in R. Ransom's and M.W. Ranson's Brigade, it fought with the army from the Seven Days' Battles to Fredericksburg, served in North Carolina, then saw action at Plymouth and Drewry's Bluff. Later the 25th participated in the long Petersburg siege south of the James River and the AppomattoxCampaign. It reported 128 casualties during the Seven Days' Battles, 15 in the Maryland Campaign, 88 at Fredericksburg, and 103 at Plymouth. Many were disabled at Sayler's Creek, and on April 9, 1865, only 8 officers and 69 were present. The field officers were Colonels Thomas L. Clingman and Henry M. Rutledge; Lieutenant Colonels S.C. Bryson, St. Clair Dearing, and Matthew N. Love; and Majors John W. Francis, William S. Grady, and William Y. Morgan"

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The National Park Service Battle Unit Details, Confederate North Carolina Troops

About 1863 forth child, Nancy E. Burnett (1863-1870) was born in Haywood Co., NC, USA. She is not listed on the 1880 census in the home of her mother Minerva Hester Stroup (1838-1914) though a grand child bearing the same name is; Nancy C. Burnett (1879-?). It is possible that Nancy was her mother and if so she would have been about 17 when the child was born.  

Alfred reported to Company I of the 34th Infantry at Camp Vance on May 5th, 1864. Only one month later he was injured by a gunshot wound to the left knee during the battle of Petersburg, Virginia on June 24th 1864. He died shortly afterwards on July 17th, 1864 in a war hospital in Petersburg, Virginia. He was buried in Petersburg Virginia. The exact cemetery is unknown at this time.

Battle of Petersburg, Virginia

34th Regiment, Company I, North Carolina Infantry

"34th Infantry Regiment was assembled at High Point, North Carolina, in October, 1861. Its members were recruited in the counties of Ashe, Rutherford, Rowan, Lincoln, Cleveland, Mecklenburg, and Montgomery. After serving in the Department of North Carolina, it was sent to Virginia and placed in General Pender's and Scales' Brigade. The 34th was active in the many campaigns of the army from the Seven Days' Battles to Cold Harbor and later participated in the Petersburg siege south of the James River and the operations around Appomattox. It reported 53 killed and 158 wounded during the Seven Days' Battles, 2 killed and 23 wounded at Second Manassas, 2 killed and 17 wounded at Fredericksburg, and 18 killed, and 110 wounded, and 20 missing at Chancellorsville. Of the 310 engaged at Gettysburg, twenty-one percent were disabled. It surrendered 21 officers and 145 men. The field officers were Colonels Collet Leventhorpe, William Lee J. Lowrance, and Richard H. Riddick; Lieutenant Colonels George T. Gordon, Charles J. Hammerskold, William A. Houck, John L. McDowell, and George M. Norment; and Majors George M. Clark, Joseph B. McGee, Eli H. Miller, William A. Owens, Martin Shoffner, and Francis L. Twitty."

The National Park Service Battle Unit Details, Confederate North Carolina Troops

Alfred Burnet Findagrave.com Profile Page

The story of Alfred asking Dred to look after his family has been passed down for generations along with some historical proof of Dred doing so. The ledgers from the Old Cathey Store show where items were charged to Dred's account as "goods for the widow Burnett".

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Cathey Store Ledger

<I need copies of the ledger and the family bible birth/death records>

A few years after Minerva's husband died Dred took charge of caring for her and the children but their relationship grew into something much more and in 1866/67 she became pregnant with their first child. There were possibly 8 children born to this union: Harris Rosetta, Etheldred Hester, Samuel Alexander, Ephraim, Devonia Catherine, Harriet Ruemma and Bertha Haseltine. This family became known as the "Third Family".

On April 24th, 1867 their first child Harris Rosetta Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

On March 7th, 1869 their second child, Etheldred Hester Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

On December 7th, 1870 their third child, Samuel Alexander Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

In 1870 their forth child, Ephraim Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. Ephraim was listed in the 1870 Census. He was 1yrs old at the time. I have found no other records about him so I assume he died as a child before the 1880 census was taken.

On August 27th, 1872 their fifth child, Devonia Catherine Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

On October 14th, 1876 their sixth child, Harriet Ruemma Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

On August 24th, 1879 their seventh child, Bertha Haseltine Blalock was born in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

Dred was never married to Minerva and she is listed as "Widow" in the Federal census after 1870. All of the children listed in her household have the last name of her husband, Alfred Burnette (1832-1864) but for the majority of them Dred was their father.

On August 9th, 1870 we find "Minerva Burnett" in the Federal Census of 1870 at the top of page 24. Minerva and her children were living in Forks of Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

Minerva Burnett, 32yrs, farmer, born in NC.
"Hester Minerva Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914)"

James Burnett, 13yrs, works on farm, born in NC.
"James H. Burnett (1858-1926)"

Martha J. Burnett, 11yrs, at home, born in NC.
"Martha Jane Burnett-Singleton (1857-1927)"

David H. Burnett, 8yrs, born in NC.
"David Henry Burnett (1861-1925)"

Nancy E. Burnett, 7yrs, born in NC.
"Nancy E. Burnett (1863-?)"

Harris Burnett, 3yrs, born in NC.
"Etheldred Hester Blalock (1869-1841)"

Ephraim Burnett, 1 yrs, born in NC.
"Ephraim Blalock (1870-?)"

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United States Census of 1870

On June 8th, 1880 we find "Hester M. Burnett" in the Federal Census of 1870 on page 7, line 17 living in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA.

Hester M. Burnette, 42yrs, widowed, keeping house, cannot read/write, born in NC.
"Hester Minerva Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914)"

Martha J. Burnett, Daughter, 20yrs, born in NC
"Martha Jane Burnett-Singleton (1857-1927)"

David H. Burnett, Son, 18yrs, born in NC.  
"David Henry Burnett (1861-1925)"

E Hester Burnett, Daughter, 10yrs, born in NC.
"Etheldred Hester Blalock (1869-1841)"

Samuel A. Burnett, Son, 9yrs, born in NC.
"Samuel Alexander Blalock (1870-1955)"

Birtha H. Burnett, Daughter, 1yrs, born in NC
"Bertha Haseltine Blalock-Deaver (1879-1939)"

Nancy C. Burnett, Grand-Daughter, 1yrs, born in NC.
NOTE:  I assume this is the daughter of Nancy C. Burnett (1863-?)

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United States Census of 1880

The census of 1890 was destroyed by fire. The only part to survive for North Carolina was the census taken in; South Point Township, Riverbend Township and township #2 in Cleveland County.

On June 21st, 1900 we find "Minerva Burnett" in the Federal Census of 1900 on page 12 line 18, living with her son Etheldred Hester Blalock (1869-1841) and his family. He and his family were living in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. Minerva is listed as widowed and mother to the head of household. At the time of the census she is 62 years old and she has listed her birth month and year as September 1837.

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United States Census of 1900

On  April 18th, 1910 we find "H. Manerva Burnett" on page 3301, line 48 of the Federal Census of 1900 living in her daughters household; Harriett Ruemma Blaolock-Wooten (1876-1939) of Piegon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. Hester is listed as the mother in law of the head of household Harriet's husband James B. Wooten.

H Manerva Burnett, mother in law, 71yrs, widowed, 14 born, 9 living, born in NC, speaks English, No employment, cannot read/write.
"Hester Minerva Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914)"

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United States Census of 1910

On February 18th, 1914 Hester Minerva Stroup-Burnett (1838-1914) died in Pigeon Township, Haywood Co., NC, USA. The cause of death is listed as "accidental by being burned in house" and was reported by her daughter; Harris Rosetta Blalokc-Stamey. She may have been living with Harris' family at that time.  Her occupation at that time was midwife which inst a surprise as she had given birth 14 times herself. She was buried in what is today the Bethel Community Cemetery in Canton, Haywood County, North Carolina. At the time of her death she was 80 years old.
 
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North Carolina Death Certificates, 1909-1976

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North Carolina Deaths, 1906-1930

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North Carolina Death Indexes, 1908-2004

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Minerva Hester Stroup-Burnett Findagrave.com

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Bethel Community Cemetery
5852 pigeon Road (US Hwy 276), Canton, North Carolina, 28716.

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