Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: User Home Page Genealogy Report: Descendants of David Fischer Wilson

[ Home Page | First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page ]

Descendants of David Fischer Wilson

Generation No. 2

2. JOSEPH DAVID² WILSON (DAVID FISCHER¹) was born August 1841 in Quincy, Gadsden Co., FL, and died November 30, 1880 in Ellaville, Madison, FL ¹⁰. He married MARY RICHARD WELLFORD July 17, 1865 in Quincy, Florida ¹¹, daughter of RICHARD WELLFORD and ELEANOR SMITH. She was born April 29, 1842 in Tallahassee, FL, and died December 08, 1910 in Tallahassee, FL ^12,¹³.

Notes for JOSEPH DAVID WILSON:
Attended U.S. Naval Academy. He resigned to enter the Confederate Navy and served first on the C.S.S. Sumpter 1861-1862 and then as 3rd Lieutenant on the C.S.S. Alabama 1862-1864.

According to the Department of Navy, Naval Historical Center, the CSS Alabama was a screw sloop-of-war built for the Confederacy in 1862. "It was fitted out as a cruiser and commissioned 24 August 1862 as CSS Alabama. Under Captail Raphael Semmes, Alabama spent the next two months capturing and burning ships in the North Atlantic and intercepting American grain ships bound for Europe. Continuing the path of destruction through the West Indies, Alabama sank USS Hatteras along the Texas coast and captured her crew. After a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, Alabama sailed for the East Indies where the ship spent six months cruising, destroying seven more ships before redoubling the Cape en route to Europe."

"On 11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in Cherbourg, France and Captain Semmes requested permission to dock and overhaul his ship. Pursing the raider, the American sloop-of-war, USS Kearsarge arrived three days later and took up a patrol just outside the harbor. On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet Kearsarge. As Kearsarge turned to meet its opponent, Alabama opened fire. Kearsarge waited patiently until the range had closed to less than 1,000 yards. According to survivors, the two ships steamed on opposite courses moving around in circles as each commander tried to cross the bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire. The battle quickly turned against Alabama because of the poor quality of its powder and shells, while Kearsarge benefitted from the additional protection of chain cables along its sides. A little more than an hour after the first shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck, causing Semmes to strike his colors and send a boat to surrender. . . While Kearsarge rescued most of Alabama's survivors, Semmes and 41 others were picked up by the British yacht Deerhound and escaped to England. During its two-year career as a commerce raider, Alabama caused disorder and devastation across the globe for United States merchant shipping. The Confederate cruiser claimed more than 60 prizes valued at nearly $6,000,000."

At the University of Alabama's site regarding this famous battle, a seaman on the Kearsarge stated, "The boat from the Alabama came alongside, and Lieutenant Wilson delivered up his sword and surrendered the ship, and told the Captain that if he did not make haste and get out boats to save life, that there would be a good many go down in the Alabama."

Jim Gindlesperger, author of a book on the Alabama to be published in Fall 2000, states, "Lt. Wilson was a valuable part of the Alabama crew and I mention him several times in my book. As you probably know, he was captured after the battle with the Kearsarge and was one of four officers held captive for some time. Of the four, though, he was the most fortunate, being released late in 1864. The other three were held until the war was over."

In May 1996, correspondence, Lt. Col. Rocky Farr, Ft. Drum, wrote, "Lt. Wilson's service record can be ordered from the National Archives or the State of Florida, where he was appointed from. He served in Semmes' Naval Brigade which fought on land in the retreat from Richmond in 1865 under Brig. Gen. Semmes. He is listed in "Register of Officers of the CS Navy 1861-1865" by JM Carroll, Box 1200, Mattituck, NY 11952." In another letter he writes, "A 3 page bio of Lt. Wilson is in: Sinclair, Arthur. Two years on the Alabama. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, 1989. ISBN: 0-87021-698-8."

Research possibility of Joseph Wilson assisting Rose O'Neall Greenhow (famous female Confederate spy, see book "Rebel Rose") in escaping in a row boat. The boat capsized and she drowned. There may have also been a love interest (mentioned by J. Wilson Trammell, now deceased).

U.S. Naval War Records Office, Register of Officers of the Confederate States Nacy, 1861-1865. Washington, GPO, 1931 - Wislon, Joseph David. Born in Florida. Appointed from Florida. Resigned as acting midshipman, U.S. Navy, March 5, 1861. Acting midshipman, April 17, 1861. Acting master, September 24, 1861. Lieutenant for the war, February 9, 1862. Second Lieutenant, October 23, 1862, to rank from October 2, 1862. First Lieutenant Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864, to rank from January 6, 1864. Served on C.S.S. Sumter, 1861-62. C.S.S. Alabama, 1862-1864; participated in engagement with U.S.S. Kearsarge off Cherbourg, France, June 19, 1864; captured; paroled by Captain Winslow, on board the Kearsarge. C.S. steamers Virginia (No. 2) and Hampton, James River Squadron, 1865. Semmes Naval Brigade, 1865; paroled at Greensboro, N.C., April 28, 1865.

1880 Census of Leon County, Fla., Folio 358, enumerated June 19, 1880.
Wilson, Joseph D., WM 39, Road Master & Civ. Eng. - Fla. Va. S.C.
Wilson, Mary R., WF 38, wife - Fla. Va. S.C.
Wilson, Mary W., WF 13 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Ellinor, WF 9 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Joseph D., WM 9 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Richard, WM 7 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Rebecca, WF 4 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Fanny, WF 2 - Fla. Fla. Fla.
Wilson, Edwin, WM 7/12 (Nov. 1879) - Fla. Fla. Fla.

Wilson House, 502 South Adams St., Tallahassee, FL (removed when new capitol building was erected) - Perhaps the house which has had the most varied types of occupants is the large yellow home at the corner of Adams and LaFayette Streets. Situated as it is across from the capital, it has kept a watchful eye on the Statehouse for many a year. Many have come, many have gone, but the house still is full of life and happiness. After the land had changed hands a half a dozen times, Mr. Thomas Thriplet bought it and erected a home for his beautiful daughter Dora, who has been described as "the toast of the town". This being so, one knows that the house must have enjoyed much laughter and cheer. Then the house served twice as a Governor's Mansion, during the administration of Harrison Reed 1868 - 1873, and of Marcellus Stearns 1874 - 1877. It was told that during this time, guests of two colors were entertained at official parties in these parlors. Many, many are the stories told of those days just after the war. Later this house became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wilson and now it is the home of their daughter, Mrs. G. T. Whitfield (Ruby Wilson). (Tallahassee Historical Society Annual, February 1934, Volume 1)

The Weekly Floridian, Tuesday, December 7, 1880. Joseph D. Wilson was roadmaster of the J.P & M. Railroad. Killed near Wellborn in an accident, "last Tuesday", i.e. Nov. 30, 1880. A native of Quincy; member of Washington Lodge FADM of Quincy. About 45 yrs. old.

More About JOSEPH DAVID WILSON:
Burial: Old City Cemetery, Tallahassee, FL
Occupation: Lt.¹³

Notes for MARY RICHARD WELLFORD:
The following is a letter written to Edwin Woodberry Wilson by Mary Richard Wellford. The original letter is in the possession of Susan Schueler of Akron, Ohio (g-granddaughter of E.W. Wilson).

Tallahassee
August 28, 1908

My darling boy-

Received your letter this morning and am sorry you could not follow my cousin's history of the Wellford family. He was my father's first cousin and all are as much my people as his. Dr. Robert Wellford, the founder of the family in Va. was also my father's Grandfather and my great grandfather.

My great grandmother was the widow, Catherine Thornton. He speaks of a daughter of Robert Yates, whose mother was a daughter of Edward Randolph, whom he married in England, of the ancestors of the Randolph clan of Virginia.

They left a prolific race, numbering among them the Randolphs of the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Justice John Marshall and several governors of Va. one of them Beverley Randolph.

Read carefully and you will see my grandfather was the fifth child of the marriage of Dr. Robert Wellford and Mrs. Thornton. My cousin says he can add nothing to his family tradition as he left home when quite a youth to engage in the mercantile business in Baltimore.

My grandfather married Louisa Gittings, of one of the first families of Maryland and at the time of marriage belle of Baltimore. My grandmother's mother was Mary Sterrett, daughter of John & Deborah Sterrett, and Deborah Sterret was Miss Ridgely daughter of Charles Ridgley, who at one time owned almost all of Baltimore.

In my cousin's first letter he said that the Gittings and Sterretts were honorably mentioned in the old histories of Maryland. My Grandfather moved to Tallahassee when Fla. was a territory. During the Indian War, my father, Richard Gittings Wellford, a boy of 18, went to fight Indians he was aide to Gov. Call (Mrs. Brevards father) during the battle of Withlocoochee. When the bullets and arrows were flying thick, Gov. Call asked who would volunteer to carry dispatches across the river. My father stepped out. He crossed with the dispatches the bag behind him was riddled with Indian arrows, also his horse, which dropped dead just as it gained the other side. He was then and there, promoted Major. My cousin in his letters frequently mentions "the boy Major of the Tallahassee Volunteers.

My father's next brother, Robert Gates, a boy of 16, remained in Tallahassee with my Grandfather. He was like my sons, fond of hunting and a very hot summer day while hunting, he became overheated, and went washing in one of the branches you used to love so much, he caught cold, which settled on his lungs and went into rapid consumption.

At the beginning of the Indian War, my Grandfather sent Grandmother, Aunt Sophia Sterrett and the two small boys, Edward and James to Maryland. In those days traveling was by slow coach, therefore news did not get from Md. to Fla. for months. My grandmother did not know of her son's death until she returned home. Her husband feared, if she heard he was sick, she would come home and he was afraid they would be killed by Indians on their way.

After the Indian War, my mother's family moved to Tallahassee, suppose in the year 1840. My mother, Elinor Matilda Smith, was married to my father Aug. 15, 1841. He died of Yellow Fever six weeks afterward, also his whole family. I was born April 29, 1842, a small 2 lb. 7 month baby. The last of
the family. Joseph D. Wilson and I were married July 17, 1865. We had eight (8) children as you know. Our eldest boy Sterrett Gittings dying at the age of 3 yrs. and 9 months. Your father died Nov. 30th 1880, aged 39 years. We were only married 15 years and 4 months. My children will have to continue the family history where I leave off.

Now for my mother's family. Her mother was Mary Ferguson, daughter of a Scotchman (of the clan Ferguson) during the Revolutionary War. He was killed at the head of his company in Carolina. He was Capt. Ferguson
.
My grandmother first married Charles Gillison, Aunt Annie's father, he died leaving her with three daughters. Aunt A, like myself, was born after her father's death, and was scarcely more than an infant when Grandfather married her mother. In all they had 17 children, most were raised to manhood and womanhood.

My Grandfather Smith's family had first moved to S. Carolina and settled on a large plantation, when they were all killed by Indians except my Grandfather's father, his twin brother (age 7) and a sister aged 16. The little boys were so small they hid in the woods behind logs, until the Indians were out of sight. They wandered for a great many miles, a farmer hearing children crying up a tree, went out and took them in. Grandfather's father, my great grandfather, had his middle finger shot off by the Indians.
The girl, 16 was rescued by two naval officers, named Carraway and Percival. She married one of them. The names have always been in the family. Grandfather's name was Aaron Percival, and his eldest son he called John Carraway.

In cousin Beverley's letter he says "It will be gratifying to yourself and children to know the testimonials which our Grandfather's high merit won and retained during a somewhat protracted but honored life of usefulness until his death in 1823 aged 73 years" therefore you should know that these people that he writes about are my people too. Then again he says "It is therefore not an unpleasant utilization of the leisure of my waning years to commend the true history and veritable traditions of the high race from
which we spring to all of those who may be common inheritors with my children, of the blue and true blood, and ever stainless name which I value as the proudest heritage I can transmit to them."

He told me of course, all about his branch of the family, thinking no doubt, I would write all about his Uncle Robert's branch. (My Grandfather) No doubt would have said more if I could have read his letter, but could not, until Talbot type wrote it for us. Like a great many lawyers, he writes very hard writing to read.

Your father knew nothing of his father's family. He was from Va., came to Tallahassee with old Col. Fischer, whom you remember. They were related somehow. Your father's father owned the City Hotel and a great many valuable slaves, and other property.

When your father was 3 months old, his father was thrown from his horse, and injured so badly he died in three days, never regaining conciousness. Therefore his partner cheated his widow out of everything, she being young.

Your father's father was named David Fischer Wilson, I believe his mother was Rebecca Wilson, but no relation. Her family moved from S. Carolina to Quincy. I knew old Grandma Wilson, her mother, she must have come from nice people, as she was well educated and refined. She was about 85 when I married your father. If Uncle Davie is still living, perhaps he knows.

Ruby received the little present yesterday, believe she is now writing Mae. I want to see Mae, yourself, and precious baby Mamie dreadfully. When will you come? Ruby expects in October, she is almost too well, but she is not worried about herself. They want a large family I believe. Had a letter from Mary Gwynn from Panama, she sayd it rains constantly, so they cannot go fishing, or bathing. The weather here is dreadful, rains hard every day. No news, a great deal of love, and kisses for all from

Your Devoted Mother

This second letter is also in the possession of Susan Schueler of Akron, Ohio (g-granddaughter of E.W. Wilson). The letters appear to have been written within a few days of each other.

Tallahassee Aug. 30th (1908?)

My dearest Mae

Your welcomed letter reached us yesterday, and I hasten to reply to show you how much I always appreciate your letters. I am so glad your health is now good, and you are now able to enjoy yourself and care for the babies. You certainly had a hard time since dear little Mamie's birth. She is sure a jewel of great price. I sincerely hope she will be special, to comfort Ed and yourself in your old age. I am counting the time until winter, am so anxious to see you all. Hope Mamie will learn to love her Grandma Wilson. I don�t see how you can let her leave you, so long at a time. Mary Pringle tells everybody that she is coming to Tallahassee to live, Wednesday Wee writes that Bud is wild about pets, that he brought a half dead rat in, and his pet cat got it, that he carried on dreadfully about it. She expects sometime, he will bring a snake in. Bud is a beautiful boy, he is the image of my son Joe, at his age, Joe and Wee resembled their father. Mary is the cutest little thing, the image of your Mamie, so both children must be like our family. I know you are stricter with Mamie, than the girls are with thier little ones. Talbot has given Wilson all the ruining he ever had. Think it a blessed thing Ruby (Wilson) married when she did. Wilson (Joseph Wilson Trammell) is not a bad child, but a great tease, he has every whim gratified, and is not contented, without he is spending money. I am always after Ruby, Mrs. Trammel was a spendthrift, and they should guard against it in the child. It is a good thing that there will be another child to pet. Everybody loves well-mannered, sweet, old time children, so seldom met with these days. Mamie�s family are still at Panacea, the weather now is cool, like fall, but bright and beautiful, so they can enjoy now the fishing and bathing. It rained in floods, the 1st week they were there. Cliff is going back in the land office in October, will hold both positions. Boots will neither work, or go to school. Poor Cliff, he cannot understand a boy like that, being so good himself. Humphrey is a good boy, and a great pleasure to his parents. Alice is a great help to her mother, and thought very pretty. Lina is pretty also, and the most studious of the whole family, she writes poetry. Mary will always just be sweet little Mary, nothing more, does not know how to do one single thing.

About a week or ten days ago, a young white man of Eddie�s aquaintance, named Chipley Vason (a son of Vason the lawyer, living a few miles from town) raped a small negro girl, 11 years old, he came near killing the child. Dr. Shine, a friend of the Vason family, carried a paper around to get the men to sign thier names to have Vason sent to the Asylum, he was sent there last Friday, Altho' no one thinks him crazy. The negroes were were dreadfully put out about it, and it would not surprise me at anytime, to hear of the same crime being committed here, by a negro. Several assaults have been committed in and near Pensacola in the last six weeks. When caught, the negroes have been lynched. Some of the men here were for giving Vason over to the negroes, to do with as they pleased. They said, if they stormed the jail to get him, they would not lift a hand to protect him. I am glad he was sent to the asylum, felt nervous while he was here in jail.

Eddie appeared disapointed at my cousin�s letter, the old man of course used My Grandfather in speaking of him, but his grandfather was also my father�s grandfather, my great-grandfather, Eddie�s great-great-grandfather. My grandfather, Robert Yates, was the old man�s 5th child. His wife, the widow Thornton, had two by her first husband. I know who my great-great-grandfathers were on every side, wrote E. a long letter, and tried to make it plain, hope he understands. All send love, love and kisses for E., Mamie, and yourself.

Your devoted Mother

The little drapes were very pretty, Ruby sure appreciates them. (noted across the top of the page)

The Weekly True Democrat, Friday, Dec. 16, 1910 - Mrs. Mary Welford Wilson d. 8 Dec. 1910 at her home on Capitol Square. Born in Tallahassee 29 April 1844. Widow of Capt. Joseph D. Wilson of Confederate Navy. Survived by 2 sons and 4 daus. - Richard W. Wilson of Panama, E.C. Wilson of St. Louis, and Maddames C.B. Gwynn and G.T. Whitfield of Tallahassee; Mrs. James L. Pringle of Thomasville, Ga.; and Mrs. H.L. Taylor of Greenville, Fla.

Children of JOSEPH WILSON and MARY WELLFORD are:

	i.		MARY W.³ WILSON, b. Abt. 1867, Florida ^14,¹⁵.
	ii.		STERETT G. WILSON, b. March 06, 1868, Florida ^16,¹⁷; d. December 10, 1871 ^18,¹⁹.

Notes for STERETT G. WILSON:
In August 28, 1908, letter Mary Richard Wellford states, "Our eldest boy Sterrett Gittings dying at the age of 3 yrs. and 9 months." See notes for Mary Richard Wellford.

	iii.	JOSEPH D. WILSON, b. August 23, 1870, Florida ^20,²¹; d. November 24, 1899 ^22,²³.
	iv.	ELLINOR WILSON, b. Abt. 1871, Florida ^24,²⁵.
	v.	RICHARD WELLFORD WILSON, b. February 17, 1873, Florida ^26,²⁷; d. July 01, 1912 ^28,²⁹.
3.	vi.	REBECCA "RUBY" HARRIET WILSON, b. August 02, 1876, Tallahassee, FL; d. February 17, 1963, Tallahassee, FL.
	vii.	FANNY WILSON, b. Abt. 1878, Florida ^30,³¹.
	viii.	EDWIN C. WILSON, b. November 1879 ^32,³³.

[ Home Page | First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page ]