Mary Polly Spurlock , Born with the Century

Mary Polly Spurlock Brown

1 January 1800 GA – 12 Jan 1888 MS

My 3x Great Grandmother

The birthdate of Mary Polly Spurlock intrigues me because she was born on the first day of the new century. In her 88 years she witnessed many changes in our country. The year she was born the U. S. capital was moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. When she was three the Louisiana Purchase almost doubled the size of our country and when she was 67 Alaska became a part of the US. Both the War of 1812 and the Civil War were fought during her lifetime. Presidents Lincoln and Garfield were assassinated. Custer’s regiment was wiped out and telephone lines were beginning to be strung. I am confident that, of all the changes she witnessed, the Civil War had the greatest impact on her life.

 I wish I knew more about Mary herself. Unfortunately, at this time I have no sources that lead me to learn about her parents or siblings.  She was the wife of Edward Stewart Brown. In 1850 they were in Amite, MS with four children: twin girls, Mary & Martha, and sons Allen & James. Her husband was a farmer and their real estate was valued at $720.[1]

Ten years later, her husband had died and Mary was the head of the family. Still in Amite, MS, she lived with sons Allen & James. Their farm was valued at $2,000 and her personal estate was $9,000.[2]

Her son, James P Brown died in the Civil War. I am looking for details of his service.

Mary was not with Allen and his family in 1870 or 1880. She may have been living with one of her daughters but, since I do not know their married names, I have been unable to find Mary.

Mary, Edward & Family

1 Mary Polly Spurlock b: 1 Jan 1800 in Oglethorpe, GA, d: 12 Jan 1888 Osyka, Pike, MS

... + Edward S. Brown b: 26 Jul 1806 Liberty, GA, d: 07 May 1856 MS

......2 Allen Moses Brown b: 26 Jan 1836 Liberty, Amite, MS, d: Aft. 1870

...... + Emmaline Smith b: 13 Sep 1831 Pike, MS, m: 28 Apr 1858, d: 3 Aug 1920 Pike, MS

.........3 Mary E. Brown b: 13 Aug 1861

.........3 Jasper Pascal Brown b: 15 May 1865 Pike, MS, d: 08 Jun 1950 McComb, Pike, MS

......... + Rose Ella Brumfield b: 18 Jul 1867 MS, m: 21 Dec 1887 Pike, MS, d: 2 Oct 1948 Magnolia, Pike, MS

.........3 Alvira E. Brown b: 5 Aug 1868

......2 Mary Magdelene Brown b: 15 Dec 1836 Liberty, Amite, MS

......2 Martha M. Brown b: 15 Dec 1836 Liberty, Amite, MS

......2 Adeline V. Brown b: 1840 Liberty, Amite, MS

......2 James Pascal Brown b: 1844 Liberty, Amite, MS, d: 5 Aug 1862 Baton Rouge, LA

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[1] CENSUS 1850.  Amite County, Mississippi.  Roll M432-368.  Lines 30--E. S. Brown.

[2] 1860 US Census, MS, Amite, Liberty; M653-577, National Archives. Mary Brown and children.