·  ID: I902

·  Name: William SELF

·  NSFX: Jr.

·  Title: Jr.

·  Sex: M

·  Birth: 1 OCT 1796

·  Death: 31 MAR 1846 in Pike County,Mississippi ¹

·  Will: 7 MAY 1844 Pike County,Mississippi ²

·  Note:

Source: Washingtom Parish and the Founding Families
E. Russ Williams Jr
Vol. Page
1830 Census of Washington Parish La. the next entry is as follows:
1 male under 5, 3 males 5/10, 1 male 10/15, 1 male 30-40
[No females listed]
William Self was a charter member of Mt. Nebo Church, 1813

Source: American State Papers Vol. 3 pg. 65,
Claim west of Pearl River: Abstract of actual settlers.
William Self claimants by settlement 1810, section 44, 637 acres, west of the River Tangaphoa in St. Helena, Parish, Louisiana.

Source: Washingtom Parish and the Founding Families
E. Russ Williams Jr
The year William Self moved to Louisiana is unknown yet William Self is first found in the Florida Parishes of Louisiana in 1810;

TO THE HONORABLE THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.

We, the inhabitants of West Florida, your petitioners, represent to your honorabIe body, that while we rejoice in the Iate event, which has brought about our emancipation from the iron shackles of despotism, or rather released us from the more horrid calamities of anarchy, we still labor under a painful apprehension, that your enlightened body, will either continue us a seperate Territory, or attach us to the Territory of New Orleans, instead of incorperating us with the Mississippi Territory, which we most ardently wish for the following reasons.The geographic and relative situation of West Florida and the Mississippi Territory, plead powerfully in favor of the measure. The people, the soil, the manners and the politics of both countries are the same, being only divided by an ideal boundary. We are all Americans by birth and in principle; but if we are united with the Territory of Orleans, we will be subjected to all the inconveniences & misseries resulting from a difference of people, language, manners, customs, & policies. The safety and indeed the political salvation of the government of the United States entirely depend upon the unanimity of all its parts, which is best insured by combining persons and things homogeneous in their natures. If this be true, and if West Florida and the Territory of Orleans, differ in every material respect (of which there can be no doubt) it follows that a coallition of the two countries, would be productive of Discord, the evil genesis of Republican Governments, Your petitioners are aware of the policy suggested by some, of adding us, who are all Americans, to the people of the Territory of Orleans, who are chiefly French, in order to counteract the French influence. This may be sound policy, but to make us the instruments of affecting that object, at the same time that it may be advantageous to the United States in general, it would be (obliterated line--probably stated: destructive to our] individual happiness, a sacrifice too great, are truths, to be required of us to make by a governemnt wise in its constitution and just in its administration. If to counteract French influence, and subvert French policies, by populating the country with Americans, be the policy of the government, your petitioners conceive, that object will be shortly affected by the very great emigration of Americans from all parts of the United States. If all those emigrants are subjected to all the inconveniences, which we deprecate from a similiar connection, the case is not so hard with them, as it would be with us, because they have volunitarily chosen that situation. But waving all objections on the score of dissimilarity betwixt us and the people of Orleans, Nature herself, seems to have thrown a barrier in the way to oppose the union. The City of New Orleans is, & in all probability will continue to be, the seat of government of that country; where of course all public business must be transacted, and which will therefore induce the necessity of the personal attendance of a great proportion of the people within the jurisdiction of that government at the City of New Orleans; which will be extremely inconvenient to the inhabitants of West Florida, on account of the largeness and difficult navigation of lake Ponchartrain, which completely insulates us from the City of New Orleans.
If however, your honorable body should deem it unadvisable to attach us to the Territory of Orleans, in order to prevent measure calculated to continue us under a seperate Territorial government, we beg leave to state, that owing to the local situation of our country, it is not susceptible of a thick settlement; that if it were settled with as many persons as the anture of the country will admit; yet we do not believe that there would be wealth enough among us to defrey the expenses of government, without opperating a very serious injury to us. But admiting we are able to bear the expense of a Territorial government, if the Miississippi Territory and the Territory of Orleans, should become States, independent of us, we would forever remain a Territory; for neither in point of numbers, nor in point of extent of country, would we ever arrive at the proud magnitude of claiming an admission into the union, as a free, sovereign & independent State.
Our only hope of participating with the rest of our brethren on the continent, in the rights and blessings of State sovereignty, is built upon the pleasing anticipation of becoming a part of the Mississippi Territory. By that means independent of our own individual interest, the Mississippi Territory will derive the advantage of an extensive sea coast, of which she will otherwise be deprived.
For the foregoing reasons we humbly trust, that your honorable body will grant our request, by adding all that tract of bountry now in possession by virtue of the President's proclamation of 1810, to the Mississippi Territory.
There is also another subject in which your petitioners are deeply interested, to which we beg leave to call your attention. Your petitioners have generally emigrated to this country since the cession of Louisiana to the United States. When Possession of New Orleans and that of the new country west of the Mississippi was taken, and the province of West Florida left in the possession, and under the exclusive jurisdiction of Spain, we took it for granted that the government of the United States, either did not claim, or if they did, meant not to insist upon their claim to West Florida: we therefore have made settlements on lands under the rules and forms of the Spanish government, expecting to hold our lands to our selves and our heirs forever. We therefore pray your honorable body to confirm to us our settlement rights, made between the time of the cession of Louisiana, until the time of taking possession of West Florida, wherever they have been made bona fide and not with the intention to monopolize unreasonable quantities of land; under such regulations as may best comport with the wisdom and justice of Congress. We humbly trust that your enlightened body will grant this request, when you take into view all the cirsumstances which it involves. The consequences to us and our families are all important. If we are deprived of our property, and consequently will be reduced to the extremes of want and wretchedness.

Names: Eligah Self  and William Self

There were of course many other names signed to this petition but for the sake of establishing our Self forefathers in the Florida Parishes, only the names of the parties themselves are included.

William was a charter member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 1813

William was also a Charter Member and founder of the Toro Baptist Church which is the oldest Church in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. (This information comes from Frank Self, family researcher)

Geographic Reference Library
1854 Gazetteer of the United States
United States Gazetteer
page 1156 TORO, a post-office of Sabine parish, La.

Most of this information is taken from the Will of William Self Jr.
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana:
Book 1 page 359 and 497, Succession # 163 Bk. 54

William witnessed an act of cruelty to slave in 1811. He was 31 years old. It was written in Spanish in East Florida Parish of Louisiana before the Parishes were established as they are today. He could not write so he made his mark. X

SOURCE: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804 - 1854
Abstracted by Clyde Purser Young
Edited by E. Russ Williams, Jr. 1966

Re-typed 1996, Richard R. Dietz
Published by: Goldenwest Marketing
10528 Lower Azusa Road, #162
El Monte. CA 91731-1209
800-445-8925
1996, Richard R. Dietz

The Last Will and Testament of William Isaac Self

The last will and testament of William Self of Pike County and State of Mississippi

I William Self, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and though low and enfeebled in body, being of sound mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say)

First ---- I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Ann Self in lieu of her dower, one negro woman of light complexion named Charlotte, about twenty four years old. One hundred dollars in cash, in consideration of certain cattle which she owned at the time of our marriage---one grey mare, and one sorrel horse with a ball face, in the place of a mare and colt that she owned at the time of our marriage.

Secondly-I give and bequeath to my youngest child Thomas Jefferson Self, being the only child of my said wife Elizabeth Ann Self, one negro girl of light complexion named Mary, about seven years old.

Thirdly---I give and bequeath to my six older sons, towit, Elijah Self, Eli Self, Elias Self, William Jackson Self, David Washington Self, and Franklin Dawson Self, all the rest, residue and remainder of my real and personal Estate, Effects, Money, goods and chattles of what kind and nature soever, to be equally divided between and among them.

Lastly--I hereby constitute and appoint my oldest son Elijah Self my sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In writings whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the seventh day of May Eighteen hundred and forty four

William Self ( seal )

Sign, sealed, published and declared by the above named William Self to be his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribe our names as witness, in the presence of the tester.

Illegible Signatures

Sources: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804 - 1854
Abstracted by Clyde Purser Young
Edited by E. Russ Williams, Jr. 1966
Re-typed 1996, Richard R. Dietz
Goldenwest Marketing
10528 Lower Azusa Road, #162
El Monte. CA 91731-1209
800-445-8925
WILLIAM SELF, 1846 File S-4
Jan. 7, 1846. Petition of Elijah Self for family meeting to appoint a tutor to his three brothers: William Jackson, David Washington, and Franklin Dawson Self--all minors.
March 27, 1846. Petition of Elijah Self for inventory, admrn. His father, William Self, has recently died, leaving Elijah and 5 other children; Elijah and Eli are of age, the other three are minors.
April 1, 1846, Inventory: 640 acres on which the deceased last resided, bounded north by M. Newsom, east by Tangipahoa River, south by Strawbridge, west by vacant lands -- appraised at $800; 11 slaves--$6975.
April 13, 1846. Bond was given to Elijah Self, administrator for $12,000.
WILL OF WILLIAM SELF: [in part] Dated Pike County, Miss., May 7, 1844.
To his wife, Elizabeth Ann Self, in lieu of her dower, certain slaves, etc. To his youngest child, Thomas Jefferson Self, being the only child by his wife Elizabeth--certain slaves. To his 6 older sons--Elijah, Eli, Elias, William Jackson, David Washington, and Franklin Dawson Self--all the rest of the residue and remainder of the real and personal property--money, goods, etc. He appoints his oldest son Elijah Self, his sole executor of his last will and testament.
Nov. 30, 1846. Notice of sale: 640 acres and all personal property will be sold on Jan. 2, 1847.
Nov. 7, 1846. Family meeting to fix terms.
Dec. 7, 1846. Partition of slaves among heirs.
Jan. 7, 1847. Sale of lands, the 640 acres is purchased by Mrs. A. F. Bridges for $805. Personal property - also sold.

SOURCE: History of Washington Parish, Louisiana 1798-1992
E. Russ Williams Jr. 1994
Vol. 1, pg 121
There was a murder trial in the Local District Court in 1850 or 1851. The name of the murder victim was not named. Louisiana Legislation passed an act January of the 1850 session for reward of $500.00 to Henry H. Bankston for arresting and conveying into the "hands of justice the murders of William Self of the parish of St. Helena...." The Government announced such a reward on April 8 1846. Self's relatives were mentioned in the following Louisiana statute. William was murdered by a slave after he whipped the slaves girlfriend. Louisiana awarded a man named Bankston a reward of $500.00 for capturing the murderer. Louisiana Public Law #182 March 18th, 1850. By Act 261 of the 1852 Legislature, the state treasurer was to pay warrants for John Sibley, James M. Holt, Robert F. Sibley Jr., John Chance, Reddick Sibley, Jackson Self, David Self, and George W. Kirkham for "services rendered in prosecuting and bringing to justice one MORRIS JOHNSON, who after trial, had been sentenced to the penitentiary for life."

Recieved from Robert Stokes website November 15, 2000

William Isaac Self Jr. (William Isaac, William) was born in Georgia October 1, 1796. William died March 21, 1846 in Saint Helena Parish, Louisiana, at 49 years of age. According to the South Carolina Genealogical Society predigree charts, William Self was killed by a slave after William Self whipped the slave's girlfriend.

He married three times. He married Frances Bankston. He married Virginia Jane Walker in Oskya, Pike County, Mississippi, 1818. Virginia was born in Pike County, Mississippi 1802. Virginia died 1840 in Pike County, Mississippi. It has been reported that Virginia Jane Walker was a full-blooded Choctaw Indian; however, according to Linda Coan Johnson and Annie Coan Miers who has researched this, it is not true. The Virginia Walker who was an Indian and this Virginia Jane Walker lived one hundred years apart.

He married Elizabeth Ann Sandifer 1842.

William was listed as a member of a church. William Self was a charter member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, in 1813. He was also a charter member and founder in 1847 of the Toro Baptist Church which is the oldest church in Sabine Parish, Louisiana.

William purchased January 25, 1822 in Washington Parish, Louisiana. On this date William Self of Hancock County, Mississippi, bought a tract of land from William Wheat. He paid $600 for 640 improved acres bounded on the north by the State Line, on the southeast by Charles McMenner's land and on the southwest by vacant land.

William acquired 1835.
In 1835 he bought 160 acres on Boque Chitto and 4 slaves.
In 1836 the Self & Sibley Business had $5000 worth of merchandise and 4 slaves.
In 1837 William Self was in business for himself which was worth $3000 and 4 slaves. Such business was on Tanchipeko Creek.
In 1838, He is not listed on the poll tax rolls.
In 1839 on Boque Chitto - 2 slaves.
In 1840 On Boque Chitto - 4 slaves.
In 1841 Back in business with $3000 merchandise and 4 slaves.
In 1842 Out of business with 9 slaves.
In 1843 was the last record in Pike Count, MS with 7 slaves.

He made a will in Pike County, Mississippi, May 7, 1844. Frank Coleman Self has a copy of William Self's will.

At the time of his death, William Self, Jr. had 640 acres and 15 slaves according to the Pike County, MS, Poll Tax Rolls.

Transcription from a copy of William Self's Will
Will of William Self: "I William Self considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and through law and enfeebled in body being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testement in manner and form following That is to say,

"First - I give to my wife Elizabeth Ann Self in lieu of her dower one negro of light complection named Charlotte about 24 years old, one hundred dollars in cash in consideration of certain cattle which owned at the time of our marriage, one gray mare, one sorrell horse with a ball face in the place of the mare and colt which she owned at the time of our marriage - also two beds and bedding being the same which she owned at the time of our marriage.

"Secondly - I give and bequeath to my youngest child, Thomas Jefferson Self, being the only child of my said wife Elizabeth Ann Self, one negro girl of light complection named Mary about seven years old.

"Thirdly - I give and bequeath to my six other sons to wit Elizah Self, Eli Self, Elias Self, William Jackson, David Washington Self, and Franklin Dawson Self and their heirs forever all the rest residence and reminder of my real and personal estate, effects, money, goods, and chattels of what kind and nature so ever to be equally divided between and among them.

"Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my oldest son, Elizah Self my sole excutor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In wittness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and seal of the 7th day of May, 1844

Seal

Signed/William Self"

"Seal published and declared by the last will and testament of William Self to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who here unto subscribed our names of witness."

Brothers Hughes, Lewis, Samuel, Varnada

William's will was probated in Saint Helena Parish, Louisiana, April 1, 1846. The inventory of William Self's property included the following: 640 acres on which the deceased last resided bounded on the north by M. Newsom, east by Tangipahoa River, south by Strawbridge, west by vacant lands--appraised at $800--and eleven slaves appraised at $6975.

Military: Military records list William Self, Jr. was enrolled in Louisiana Militia with Captain James Harris' Company, 12 Regiment, Louisiana Militia, February 27, 1815, Camp Navy Yard. He entered service December 28, 1814. His company was transferred to Captain Thomas Beckam's and William Watson's Companies. He served from December 23, 1814, to March 10, 1814. Pay per month $8.00. Total pay was $20.64. He again served April 22, 1814, to May 14, 1814. Total pay was $15.13 . He was paid 40 cents per day for loan of his horse.

Military: Military records show William Self enrolled in the Creek War at Columbus, Georgia, June 7, 1838, with Captain Anderson's Company, Wood Battalion, 3 Brigade, Georgia Militia. He was Mustered out at West Point, August 18, 1836.

On March 18, 1850, the Louisiana State Legislature authorized the payment of $500 to Henry H. Bankston for "arresting and conveying to the hands of justice the murderers of William Self, of the parish of St. Helena, pursuant to a proclamation of the governor issued April the eighth, eighteen hundred and forty-six."

According to the Monograph by Linda Coan Johnson, there is a report written in Spanish in East Florida Parish before the parishes were established as they are today which states that William Self witnessed an act of cruelty to a slave in 1811 when he was 31 years old. Since he could not write, he made his mark.

Children:
William Isaac Self Jr. and Virginia Jane Walker had the following children:
William Jackson Self was born 1828-1829.
Elijah Self was born May 9, 1819.
Eli Self was born 1823.
Elias Self was born February 17, 1824.
David Washington Self was born December 21, 1833.
Franklin Dawson Self was born October 25, 1838.

Children:
William Isaac Self Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Sandifer had the following child:
Thomas Jefferson Self was born in Meridian, Lauderdale County, Mississippi about 1843. Thomas died before 1933.

Send email to preparer: rcstokes@usa.net

·  Change Date: 29 MAR 2003 at 14:45:51

Father: William SELF b: Bef 1755 in Prince Edward County,Virginia
Mother: Dicey VAUGHN b: 1775 in Bedford County,Virginia

Marriage 1 Virginia WALKER b: Abt 1802 in Mississippi

• Married: Abt 1818 in Osyka,Mississippi

Children

1. Elijah SELF b: 9 MAY 1819
2. Eli SELF b: 1823
3. Elias SELF b: 17 FEB 1825 in St. Helena Parish,Louisiana
4. William Jackson SELF b: 1828 in Georgia
5. David Washington SELF b: 21 DEC 1833 in Meridian,Amite County,Mississippi
6. Franklin Dawson SELF b: 25 OCT 1835 in Pike County,Mississippi

Marriage 2 Elizabeth Ann SANDIFER

• Married: Abt 1841

Children

1. Thomas Jefferson SELF b: 1843

Marriage 3 Francis BANKSTON

• Married: Abt 1845

Sources:

1. Title: History of Washington Parish, Louisiana 1798-1992
   Author: E. Russ Williams Jr. 1994
   Abbrev: E. Russ Williams Jr. 1994
   Abbrev: History of Washington Parish, Louisiana 1798-1992
   Text:
   Page: Vol. 1, pg 121
   Text: There was a murder trial in the Local District Court in 1850 or 1851. The name of the murder victim was not named. Louisiana Legislation passed an act January of the 1850 session for reward of $500.00 to Henry H. Bankston for arresting and conveying into the "hands of justice the murders of William Self of the parish of St. Helena...." The Government announced such a reward on April 8 1846. Self's relatives were mentioned in the following Louisiana statute. William was murdered by a slave after he whipped the slaves girlfriend. Louisiana awarded a man named Bankston a reward of $500.00 for capturing the murderer. Louisiana Public Law #182 March 18th, 1850. By Act 261 of the 1852 Legislature, the state treasurer was to pay warrants for John Sibley, James M. Holt, Robert F. Sibley Jr., John Chance, Reddick Sibley, Jackson Self, David Self, and George W. Kirkham for "services rendered in prosecuting and bringing to justice one MORRIS JOHNSON, who after trial, had been sentenced to the penitentiary for life."
   Quality: 2
2. Title: Will of William Self Jr. St. Helena Parish, Louisiana:
   Abbrev: Will of William Self Jr.
   Page: Book 1 page 359 and 497, Succession # 163 Bk. 54
   Text: Transcription from a copy of William Self's Will
   Will of William Self: "I William Self considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and through law and enfeebled in body being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testement in manner and form following That is to say,
   
   "First - I give to my wife Elizabeth Ann Self in lieu of her dower one negro of light complection named Charlotte about 24 years old, one hundred dollars in cash in consideration of certain cattle which owned at the time of our marriage, one gray mare, one sorrell horse with a ball face in the place of the mare and colt which she owned at the time of our marriage - also two beds and bedding being the same which she owned at the time of our marriage.
   
   "Secondly - I give and bequeath to my youngest child, Thomas Jefferson Self, being the only child of my said wife Elizabeth Ann Self, one negro girl of light complection named Mary about seven years old.
   
   "Thirdly - I give and bequeath to my six other sons to wit Elizah Self, Eli Self, Elias Self, William Jackson, David Washington Self, and Franklin Dawson Self and their heirs forever all the rest residence and reminder of my real and personal estate, effects, money, goods, and chattels of what kind and nature so ever to be equally divided between and among them.
   
   "Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my oldest son, Elizah Self my sole excutor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In wittness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and seal of the 7th day of May, 1844
   
   Seal
   
   Signed/William Self"
   
   "Seal published and declared by the last will and testament of William Self to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who here unto subscribed our names of witness."
   
   Brothers Hughes, Lewis, Samuel, Varnada
   Quality: 3