Person Page - 21

     James Rudolph Wofford was born on 19 March 1949. He died on 22 August 2010 at Spartanburg, South Carolina, at age 61; Pauline, SC – James “Jimmy” Rudolph Wofford, age 61, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 22, 2010 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
Jimmy was born on March 19, 1949 in Spartanburg to the late Cecil and Mamie Ruth Littlefield Wofford. He is survived by an adopted daughter, Amber Garrett Bradley and her husband, Andrew; a grandson, James Audie Bradley and a number of cousins.
Jimmy graduated from Limestone College, class of ‘71 and received his master’s degree in special education from Converse College in 1978. He taught Special Education at Carver Jr. High School and Spartanburg High School and retired after 30 years of teaching. In addition to teaching, Jimmy was a respected Equine Professional whose credentials include the “R” rated judges card in the United States Equestrian Federation and United States Hunter Jumper Association. He judged the most prestigious horse shows in North America and was past president of the South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association. Jimmy owned and operated the training, teaching, and boarding facility, Dutch Creek Farm, in Pauline, S.C. His success with his hunters and jumpers fulfilled his beloved passion with horses. He was also an active member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, S.C.
Family and friends are welcome to visit between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Dunbar Funeral Home.
A requiem mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 27, 2010 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Greenville, SC conducted by Father Trey Garland.
In remembrance of Jimmy memorials may be made to The Jimmy Wofford Memorial Fund at First Citizens Bank, 2895 Reidville Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301.

     Anthony Shands Shands died in 1834.

     Frances Grist was born on 23 July 1786. She died on 12 October 1867 at age 81.

     Isaac "Penhook" Wofford witnessed Isaac married Jennie Bennett, a sister of James Bennett who married one of Isaac Wofford's sisters (it is not known which one). Isaac and Jennie had eleven children, as follows: James B, Mark j, Merrick H, John, Benjamin Mahoney, Isaac Edwin, Mary, Nellie, Elizabeth, Nancy and Eunice (Nicey).

In 1845, Isaac and Jennie with all of their children except James B. moved to Sugar Creek, Murray County, Georgia, because of the unprecedented drought in South Carolina. There was no rain from March until September of that year. The crops all were scorched and no corn was made in all the piedmont region of S.C. Isaac wanted his son James B. to move with him in February of that year, and the bride would not consent to leave her people. Hence, James remained in S.C. and has many descendants there today.

Isaac was a good scholar for his time and an excellent scribe. Because of his fondness and ability for writing, he was nicknamed "Penhook". It is said that he rode a horse from his home in the Friendship section of Spartanburg County to Spartanburg, a distance of 16 miles, every day to serve as clerk in the county court house. He also served as clerk of the inferior court in Gordon County, GA. He taught school for a number of years in the private schools of North Georgia.

Jennie Wofford preceded Isaac to the grave by several years. She was buried at Pleasant Hill Baptist cemetery in Gordon County, Georgia.

Later Isaac married a woman who was part Indian descent. They had two children, one of whom is probably Cecil Wofford of new Canton, Georgia.

Isaac was divorced by his first children because of his marriage to the Indian woman. Isaac's death and burial are the saddest stories that we can relate of his life. From somewhere in the mountains beyond Ranger, Georgia, this last wife brought Isaac, in a one horse wagon, late one afternoon, to bury him by the side of Jennie, his first wife, in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Tradition says that Isaac would have quietly and easily died but his ignorant wife frightened him by using her charms and superstitions. He lived for two days (we know not his disease) in restless delirium. After the funeral, the wives of John and Edwin Wofford, daughters-in-law of Isaac, felt so sorry for the poor Indian woman and her little helpless children that they carried them to their homes and cared for them that night. John and Edwin were serving in the Civil War at that time and had they been at home the fate of the poor woman and children might have been more pathetic. The next morning after the funeral Isaac's wife and small children left the homes of John and Edwin and noone knows anything more about them. It is thought that the children or their descendants now live in Cherokee County, Georgia.¹ He was He was the nephew of Isaac Wofford Sr, who was son of John Wofford

In 1845 Isaac and Jennie, with all children except James B. moved to Sugar Creek, Murray Co. GA


>>>UPDATED<<< per information from Mrs Wait, but contradicted by some of Isaac's descendents - this Isaac was the son of John Wofford.
He was buried at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, GA. He was born circa 1795. He married Jane "Jennie" Bennett, daughter of James Bennett Sr. and Sarah Langston, before 1817. Isaac "Penhook" Wofford married unknown_Indian?_2ndMarriage (?) after 1860.

     Jane "Jennie" Bennett was Was she a sister of William H. Bennett who married Martha Wofford? Her married name was Wofford. She married Isaac "Penhook" Wofford, son of John "Stamping Wolf" Wofford and (Sarah) Eleanor Bushrod, before 1817. Jane "Jennie" Bennett died before 1860.

     Enoch Christopher Wofford witnessed When Enoch was sixteen years of age he joined the Southern Army and fought in South Carolina. He was a private in the company that was raised for Confederate service in 1862. From the Carolina Spartan of Feb 14, 1906 we learn the following: "They were received and did service on the coast of S.C. for several months. On account of their age, they were disbanded in the spring of 1863, and all under 35 years of age were sent to other commands and those over that age were sent home." Among many others from Spartanburg Enoch was a private in this company which was Co. E. 18th S.C. Regiment.

On Dec 22, 1866 he married Sallie Layton. To this union were born the following children: Aubrey, Arthur, Minnie, Nannie, Foster, Lewis, Pattie, Lucy, Alice and Charlie.

Enoch lived in the Walnut Grove community for a number of years after marriage. He then moved with his family to Pacolet Mills. He joined the Methodist church to be with his wife and his descendants are the only descendants of James B. who are known to be members of the Methodist Church. Enoch later moved to Saxon Mills near Spartanburg. Enoch was a much loved citizen of Saxon until he died on April 14, 1917. He and his wife rest at Oakwood Cemetery in the city of Spartanburg.¹ He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, SC. He was born on 10 April 1846 at Spartanburg, SC. He married Sarah "Sallie" Layton, daughter of Willis Layton and Nancy Wofford, on 22 December 1866. Enoch Christopher Wofford died on 14 April 1917 at age 71.

     Rachel Jane Wofford witnessed Rachel Jane, daughter of James B. and Juliet Wofford, was born in the Wofford home near Friendship Church Oct. 21, 1847.

When married, they lived in the home where E. O. Smith now lives (in 1935). Jane was a sweet lovable character.

She died at the birth of her first baby on Oct. 24, 1870. The remains of both Jane and her baby now rest in the same grave in Friendship Baptist Cemetery.

Columbus never married again. He was noted for his skill as a writer and carpenter. He had several lovely pieces of handmade furniture among which was a chest of drawers made of wild cherry wood. He had a peculiar disposition to those who were not well acquainted with him, but was loved by those who knew him well. Many jokes were played on him because he was afraid of the dark.¹
She was born on 21 October 1847. She married Christopher Columbus Bearden on 13 January 1870. Rachel Jane Wofford died on 24 October 1870 at age 23.

     Elijah Anthony Wofford was born on 11 March 1850. He died on 2 November 1855 at age 5.

     Isaac Luther Wofford witnessed Luther, son of James B. and Juliet, was born July 17, 1852. He was a farmer and lived in several sections of Spartanburg County. At one time he lived near Green Pond Church on land owned by a Mr. Phillips.

Luther married Amanda E. Gentry, sister of Pinckney Gentry, on Sept. 17, 1874. To this union were born the following children: Elizabeth, Frances, Eddie, Eula and Luther.

Luther died on Jan 7, 1892 and Amanda died on Aug 10, 1890. Thus, the children were left homeless at Enoree Mills. The orphanage would have been their home if it had not been for the generosity of Luther’s relatives. Elizabeth and Frances went to live at the home of Jeremiah Wofford, brother of Luther. Eddie and Eula went to their grandparent’s home. Luther Jr., while a helpless infant, was cared for by his aunt Mrs. Annie O’Shields. Frances(?) later went to live at the home of her uncle Pinckney Gentry having left the home of Jeremiah. Luther Jr. died while a child.¹ He was born on 17 July 1852. He married Amanda E. Gentry on 17 September 1874. Isaac Luther Wofford died on 7 January 1892 at (old) Unity Baptist Church at age 39.

     Jeremiah (Jerry) M. Wofford witnessed Jeremiah grew to manhood in the community in which he was born. On Mar 4, 1875 he married Madora Floyd of the Walnut Grove Community. After marriage, he moved with his bride to the home, which was his abode for the rest of his life. It was situated about one mile west of what is now (1935) Dutchman School Building and bounded by the land of W.D. Brown. Living close to the streams of the Tyger River and Cane Creek, Jeremiah spent many happy hours hunting and fishing. It is said that he rarely went to the field without his gun and dogs. He and his wife and family were very happy and contented, although there were few neighbors living very close. Jeremiah's land was very fertile and large crops were realized, especially corn from the river and creek "bottoms".

Jeremiah was for many years a deacon in Friendship Baptist Church, holding that office when he died. He had a beautiful voice and was never happier than while taking part in the hymns of praise in his church. He was a devout Christian, and his jolly good nature endeared him to a host of friends. One of his most delightful occasions was having his pastor, "Uncle Billy" Waters, to spend a first Saturday night with him. On such occasions, he usually had Uncle Billy's favorite supper of "opossum and potatoes.

Jeremiah and Madora had six children to live: Frank, James, Docia, Annie, Elmer and Callie.

Jeremiah died July 5. 1910 from blood poisoning caused by a bite on his arm from a spider. His remains rest in Friendship Baptist Cemetery.

Madora, his wife, is still living although very feeble. He must add a word for Aunt Dora. She is one of the few people of whom it may be said they grow sweeter with age. Aunt Dora is one of the sweetest characters I've ever known.¹
He was buried at Friendship Baptist Church, Pauline SC. He was born on 19 November 1855. He married Madora Floyd, daughter of John Hamilton Floyd and Mary "Polly" Mason, on 4 March 1875. Jeremiah (Jerry) M. Wofford died on 5 July 1910 at age 54.

     Frances Madara Wofford witnessed Early in life, Francis joined the Friendship Baptist Church. She was note for her charming personality and winsome disposition. She never got too old to be interested in young people, for whom she had much sympathy. Being an aunt of the writer of this story, I shall quote the last conversation I ever had with Aunt Fannie. I stopped to see her while on my way to Rock Hill to attend college in Sept 1932. These are the exact words she said, “Well, Helen, I know I can’t live long and you are going away. If you hear of my death I want you to come to my funeral.” I knew Aunt Fannie was in bad health but I tried to tell her that perhaps she would live longer than she expected. Just one week before I returned home in the spring, Aunt Fannie was buried at West Springs Baptist church. The date must have been about May 27, 1933.

Henry was a skilled carpenter. He was the contractor for the construction of the older building at West Springs School. He preceeded Francis to the grave by several years.¹ She was born on 6 November 1857. She married Henry Mitchell West on 22 December 1874. Frances Madara Wofford died on 2 June 1932 at age 74.

     Cordelia Annie Wofford witnessed Annie, sixth child of James B. and Juliet, was born Aug 6, 1859 in the Wofford home near Friendship Church. On Dec 21, 1876, while a maiden of seventeen, she married Robert O’Shields also of the Friendship Community. They lived on in the community until 1891 when they moved to Enoree. They lived at various manufacturing towns until they moved to Clinton where Robert died in 1901. Annie is now living at Goldville, SC (now called Joanna, SC).

Annie and Robert had several children that died while small. Evelyn died from typhoid before marriage. Haskell was drowned in Horse Creek near Augusta, Georgia in 1932. He left a wife and several children unknown to the author of this history. Drayton died of smallpox at Arkwright while a young man. Corrie died of pneumonia at about four of five years of age.

Patria married Thomas Dunnaway an employee of the Seaboard Air Line Railway and lives in Columbia. They have no children.

James lives in Laurens and has several children.

Minnie has been married twice. I do not know her husband’s names, but she lives at the Lydia Mills in Clinton.

Charles lives at Great Falls and has several Children.

William married Sarah Duckett of Whitmire. He and Sarah with their three children live at Goldville. Their children are Marcia, Robert Baron and Audry.

Annie married Edgar Cole and has one daughter Mildred. Annie has a divorce from Edgar and makes her home with her mother and brother William.

Robbie Belle married Rufus Francis and has two children Faye and Mary. They live at Goldville also.¹ She was buried at Friendship Baptist Church, Pauline SC. She was born on 6 August 1859. She married Robert Belton O'Shields, son of W. Drayton O'Shields, on 21 December 1876. Cordelia Annie Wofford died on 9 April 1939 at age 79.

     Early Wofford was born on 11 January 1862. He died on 11 February 1862.

     Canna Varena Wofford was born on 11 March 1866. She died on 18 June 1868 at age 2.

     Sarah "Sallie" Layton was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, SC. She married Enoch Christopher Wofford, son of James Bennett Wofford and Juliet Susan Shands, on 22 December 1866.

     Christopher Columbus Bearden married Rachel Jane Wofford, daughter of James Bennett Wofford and Juliet Susan Shands, on 13 January 1870.

     Amanda E. Gentry married Isaac Luther Wofford, son of James Bennett Wofford and Juliet Susan Shands, on 17 September 1874. Amanda E. Gentry died on 10 August 1890.

     Madora Floyd was born on 8 December 1853. She married Jeremiah (Jerry) M. Wofford, son of James Bennett Wofford and Juliet Susan Shands, on 4 March 1875. Madora Floyd died on 23 July 1941 at age 87.

     Robert Belton O'Shields was buried at Friendship Baptist Church, Pauline SC. He was born on 8 September 1855. He married Cordelia Annie Wofford, daughter of James Bennett Wofford and Juliet Susan Shands, on 21 December 1876. Robert Belton O'Shields died on 5 April 1901 at age 45.

     James Chapman Wofford was educated; Robinson's Business College. He was Price's store for men. He began military service WWII US Army. He was Aldersgate UMC, Inman, SC. He was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, SC. He was 1030 Compton Bridge Road. He was born in 1919. He died on 31 May 1997.