Joyce Powell Sheppard1

Female, #5762, (29 Dec 1770 - 24 Feb 1841)

Birth*29 Dec 1770 Joyce was born at Newberry District, South Carolina, on 29 Dec 1770.2 
Marriage* She married (?) Adair. 
Married Name Her married name was Adair. 
Married Namecirca 1787 As of circa 1787, her married name was Strother. 
Marriage*circa 1795 She married Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC at Edgefield District, South Carolina, circa 1795. 
Married Namecirca 1795 As of circa 1795, her married name was Joicy Culpepper. 
(free wh female 26-45) 1800 Census4 Aug 1800 Joicy was probably a free white female, age 26 and under 45, in Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC's household on the 1800 Census at Edgefield District, South Carolina. Unaccounted for are 3 females 0-10..3 
(free wh female 45 +) 1810 Census6 Aug 1810 Joyce was probably a free white female, age 45 or over, in Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC's household on the 1810 Census at Edgefield District, South Carolina. Unaccounted for is 1 male 26-45.4 
(Grantee) Deed18 Dec 1811 A deed was granted to her by Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC on 18 Dec 1811 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(This indenture made this 18th Day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and eleven and of the American Independence the thirty sixths. Between Benjamin Culpeper of the one part and George Strother of the other part of the same District and State aforesaid.

WHEREAS the said Benjamin Culpeper is desirous of making some fixed and permanent arrangement as to his property and estate, and thereby to make provision for his wife Joyce Culpeper, his daughter Joyce Culpeper and the aforementioned George Strother, and that no event accident or occurrences may frustrate and defeat the mind, will and intention of the said Benjamin Culpeper in all and singular or any part and parcell of the provisions in this Deed contemplated, he hath resolved, and determined to divest himself of all the property interest and estate herein after mentioned, and to vest the whole and every part thereof in the said George Strother for the uses, intents and purposes herein after mentioned.

NOW this INDENTURE WITNESSETH That in pursuance of the fixed purpose and intention of the said Benjamin Culpeper, and also for and in consideration of one Dollar and Twenty five Cents to the said Benjamin Culpeper by the said George well and truly paid at and before the sealing and delivery of their presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and for divers other causes and considerations specially moving the said Benjamin thereto, hath granted, bargained and sold and by their presents doth grant bargain and sell unto the said George Strother the following Negros, namely Jacob, Dublin, Nammy, Lydia, Peter and Morrice and all and every of their issues and _____, and also four of my best and most valuable Horses, my Waggon and gear, and all of my Household and kitchen furniture & all my my Plantation Tolls, the one half of my Stock of Cattle, Sheep and Hogs to have and to hold all and singular the Negros and other property aforementioned to the said George Strother his Heirs and ______to and for and upon the several uses trusts and purposes and subject to the several limitations and agreements hereinafter mentioned, limited, expressed and declared of and concerning the same.

The said Benjamin Culpeper excuses and reserves to himself the right and privilege (if he shall wish to claim and exercise the same) to keep in his own custody forever and posession during his natural life, all and singular the aforementioned Negros and other property, and to use employ and control the same, to enjoy and have during his natural life the profits and advantages of the same; but not to sell or dispose of the same or any part thereof without the consent of the said George Strother.

And the said Benjamin Culpeper further stipulates and provides that if his wife Joyce Culpeper shall outlive him the said Benjamin _____and in that case the said Joyce shall be permitted to choose the four Horses from my stock of horses then on hand - that the one full half or share of my Cattle, Hogs, Sheep all of my Household and kitchen furniture, and Plantation Tools shall be ascertained by the judment and decision of three disinterested persons one to be chosen by my wife, one by the said George Strother and one by the children which I had by my former wife - And that the division shall have been fully ascertained in manner aforementioned then immediately shall the said George make and execute to the said Joyce my wife a Deed for all the aforementioned Negros and their issue and the said four horses and the waggon and gear, and the said one half or share of all my stock of Hogs, Cattle Sheep, and all of my household and kitchen furniture., and Plantation Tools to her and her Heirs forever to dispose of the same as she thinks prudent and proper. --

And it is further provided that during the lifetime of the said Benjamin and before the execution of the said Deed from the said George Strother to the said Joyce Culpeper she the said Joyce has full power and right to sell will or otherwise dispose of all or any of the aforementioned property subject however to life estate of the said Benjamin Culpeper.

AND lastly it is provided that if the said Joyce Culpeper should die intestate without having made any disposition of the aforementioned property then it is expressly understood and provided that the same and all and every part thereof be equally divided between my Daughter Joyce Culpeper and the said George Strother the Trustee named in this case them and their Heirs forever.

IN WITNESS whereof we have mutually hereunto set our hands and affixed our Seals the day and year above written.

Benjamin Culpeper (signed by one that deed)
in presence of James Spann, David Richardson, George S Strother

SOUTH CAROLINA, Edgefield District - Before me personally appeared David Richardson and made oath on the holy Evangist of Almighty God that he was present and saw the within named Benjamin Culpeper and George S Strother sign the within instrument of writing for the purposes therein mentioned and saw James Spann sign with himself as witness thereunto. David Richardson.

Sworn before me 30th March 1812, John Blocker, S. Q., Clerks Office, Edgefield District
Recorded in my office in Book H H page 69 and examined this 30th Mary 1812. S. Butler, Reg. E. D.).5 
DeedMar 1812 She granted a deed to George James Strother in Mar 1812 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(Benjamin Culpepper to George J. Strother for $300, land in Lexington District on Halland’s Sheds Creek on waters of the Broad River, 183 acres bordering George Strother, Jacob Bookman. Signed: Benjamin & Joyce Culpepper. Witnesses: David Richardson, James Spann (Edgefield Deed Bk 39, p. 356)
     Joyce & Benjamin Culpepper to George J. Strother for $150, a tract in Lexington District, 56 acres on the waters of the Saluda River, bordering Clemmons, etc. Witnesses: David Richardson, James Spann (Edgefield Deed Bk 39, p. 357)
     Joyce & Benjamin Culpepper to George J. Strother for $600, a tract on Hollands Shed Creek, 261 acres bounded on all sides by vacant land. Witnesses: David Richardson, James Spann (Edgefield Deed Bk 39, p. 359)
     Benjamin & Joyce Culpepper to George J. Strother for $100 (not sure of amount), a tract in Lexington District on a road from Drehrs Mill, on branch waters of the Saluda River, 20 acres, bordering Clemmons. Witnesses: David Richardson, James Spann (Edgefield Deed Bk 39, p. 360)).6 
Deed21 Jul 1817 She granted a deed on 21 Jul 1817.
(State of S. Carolina, Edgefield District. Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin Culpeper of the district and State aforesaid in consideration of twelve hundred dollars to me paid by Jonathan Weaver of the state and district aforesaid have granted bargained & sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said Jonathan Weaver three certain tracts of land containing five hundred acres more or less, one hundred and fifty acres granted to Robert Lang January the 26th 1773 two tracts granted to Daniel Ravenal Junr. One of one hundred and fifty acres and the other two hundred acres lying in the district and state aforesaid on waters of Mine Creek waters of Little Saluda bounded North East by lands of William Herrinbow. N. W. by lands of Reuben Kirkland and William Mastin S. W. by lands of Benjamin Loveless S. E. by lands of Ogetell Cocksoff and Andrew Gomillon and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said Jonathan Weaver Together with all deeds singular the rights members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the premises above mentioned with the said Jonathan Weaver his heirs and as signs against myself and my heirs and against every person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. As witness my hand and seal this 21 day of July in the year 1817 and the forty first and second year of American Independency - Benj. Suddath, Lewis Suddath. Benjamin Culpeper
     State of So. Carolina, Edgefield District . I Thomas Dozier justice of Quoruin do hereby certify with whom it may concern that Joice Culpeper the wife of the written named Benjamin Culpeper did this day appear before me and upon being privately and separately examined by me did declare that she does freely voluntarily and without any compulsion dread or fear of any person or persons whom so ever renounce release and forever relinquish unto the written named Jonathan Weaver his heirs and assigns all her in trest and estate and also all her right and claim of dower of in or to all and singular the premises within mentioned and released. Given under my hand & seal this 21 day of July 1817. Thomas Dozier J.Q. Joice (x) Culpeper
     Personally appeared before me, Thomas Dozier, Benjamin Sudduth who being duly sworn made solemn oath that he was present and did see Benjamin Culpeper sign seal and as his act and Deed deliver the written instrument of writing to and for the ? written mentioned ? ? also see Lewis Suddath with himself ? scribe(?) his name as a witness thereto. Sworn to before me this 21st day July 1817. Thomas Dozier J. Q., Benjamin Suddath. Recorded 22 July 1817
).7 
(Previous Landowner) Deed21 Jul 1817 She was a previous land owner in the deed granted by Andrew Culpepper of Henry Co., AL, Lettis Culpepper, Preston Sheppard Gilder, Mary Gilder and Joyce Powell Sheppard on 21 Jul 1817 at Edgefield Co., South Carolina.
(On 21 July 1817, Drury Culpeper and wife, Lettice, Preston Gilder and wife, Polly, together with James Shepherd and wife, Joice, bonded in favor of deed made by (their father) Benjamin Culpepper and his (second) wife Joice, to Jonathan Weaver of Edgefield County, South Carolina, the same date.). 
1820 Census*7 Aug 1820 Joyce was listed as the head of a family on the 1820 Census at Edgefield District, South Carolina. Unaccounted for is 1 female 16-26..8 
Deed*Apr 1823 A deed was granted to her in Apr 1823 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(William Foy to Joyce Culpepper for $125, 62.5 acres on an unnamed creek & waters of Little Saluda River, part of 500 acres granted to Daniel Brown bordering Joyce Culpepper, Hugh Neely.).9 
1830 Census*1 Jun 1830 Joyce was listed as the head of a family on the 1830 Census at Edgefield District, South Carolina. Unaccounted for are 1 M20-30 and 1 F20-30..10 
DeedMar 1834 A deed was granted to her witnessed by David R. Strother in Mar 1834 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(Jesse Jay Sr. to Joicy Culpepper, 375 acres which belonged to David Pitts dec’d, bounded by Joyce Culpepper, Caty Foy, lands granted to John Spann Sr., Denny’s, formerly Ward’s & S. W. Bowie. Witnesses: Samuel W. Bowie, David Strother. Mary Jay gives consent.).11 
DeedMay 1836 A deed was granted to her in May 1836 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(Samuel W. Bowie to Joyce Culpepper for $12 (deed nearly illegible on microfilm) Witnesses: John Wooten, Bethena Dozier).12 
Will*16 Aug 1837 She made a will at Edgefield District, South Carolina, on 16 Aug 1837. In the Name of God Amen. I Joicy Culpepper of the District of Edgefield in the State aforesaid (South Carolina) being of sound mind and disposing for which I am thankful to Almighty God and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die, and desirous of disposing of what property it has pleased God to bless me with here on Earth, do make this my last will and testament revoking all other will by me heretofore made. After my decease I wish my executors to have my body buried in a Christian like manner.
ITEM 1. I wish all my just debts paid.
ITEM 2. I give and bequeath to my grandson William A. Strother, one negro man Peter and a negro boy Alfred to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM 3. I give and bequeath to my grandson David R. Strother, one negro man Morris and a negro boy named Warren, to him and his heirs and forever.
ITEM 4. I give and bequeath to my grandson George J. Strother, our negro woman name of Mariah and one Girl named Mary and our negro Girl named Amanda and our feather bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever. [Grandsons are children of Joicy's son George James Strother & Charlotte Richardson Ardagh Strother]
ITEM 5. I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Frances C. Devore, one negro woman by the name of Creacy and a negro boy by the name of Harper, to her and her heirs forever. [Frances C. Devore, daugh. of Joyce P. Culpepper & James Sheppard]
ITEM 6. I give and bequeath to my grandson George J. Sheppard, one negro woman by the name of Charlotte and a negro boy by the name of Simon and a feather bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever. [George J. Sheppard, son of Joyce Powell Culpepper & James Sheppard]
ITEM 7. I give to my daughter-in-law Mrs. Charlotte Peterson fifty dollars to be paied to her by my executors.
ITEM 8. I give to Letty Culpepper, wife of Drury Culpepper, fifty dollars to be paid to her by my Executors. [Letty Harris Culpepper is daug. of Joice's sister, Sally Sheppard Harris,Drury, son of Benjamin III]
ITEM 9. I give to Nancy Lockhart, wife of John Lockhart, fifty dollars to be paid to her by my Executors. [Daug. of Joice's sister Frances Sheppard Gilder Edwards]
ITEM 10. I give to Parthenia Dodgin fifty dollars to be paid to her by my Executors. . [also kin: Joice's sister Frances & 1st husband Preston Gilder had daug. Sally who married James Dodgen. Frances & 2nd husband Edwards had daugh. Jane who married Eli Dodgen. Jane & Nancy Edwards Lockhart were sisters. All this is in Newberry Co. SC Historical & Gen. Annals by Summer]
ITEM 11. I give to my son-in-law James Sheppard five dollars to be paid to him by my Executors. [husband of deceased Joyce Powell Culpepper]
ITEM 12. I wish my negro name Dublin sold and the proceeds of the same be equally divided among Joel Culpepper, Drury Culpepper, Benjamine Culpepper, and Mary Gilder and Frances Jumphard [probably Jumper, originally Schombert], to them and their heirs forever. [children of Benjamin & first wife. Drury mar. niece of Joice's; Mary m. nephew Preston Gilder, son of Frances Sheppard Gilder Edwards]
ITEM 13. I give and bequeath to my three grandsons William A. Strother, David R. Strother and George T. Strother the tract of land where I now live containing seven Hundred acres more or less and all the interest I have in a tract of land lying in the District of Lexington of which tract one half now belongs to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM 14. I wish after my decease the negro I have given to my five grand children above mentioned to be appraised by three or more disinterested persons; and should any of them fall short in the worth of their negroes then I wish their lot of negroes to be made as valuable as the other children in money out of the property that will be sold.
ITEM 15. I wish my negro man Jacob, Stock of all kinds , waggon and household and kitchen furniture be sold on the terms as my executors may think advisible and after paying off the legacies I have make should there be a ballance remaining then I wish it to be equally divided among all my grand children to wit. William A. Strother, David R. Strother, George J. Strother, Frances C. Devore, and George J. Sheppard, share and share alike.
ITEM 16. I appoint my two grandsons William A. Strother and David R. Strother Executors to this my last will and Testament this Sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven and in the Sixty second year of the Soveringty and Independance of the United States of America.
Signed, Sealed and published at the request of the Testatorix in her presence and in the presence of each other. Wit: H. Boulware [or Bowlware], Theos. Hill, Wm. Humphreys.
/s/ Joicy (x) Culpepper
Probated: 23 Mar 1841, Oliver Towles 0.E.D.
Recorded: 10 Apr 1841, Will Book D, pages 126-127.
.13 
1840 Census*1 Jun 1840 Joyce was listed as the head of a family on the 1840 Census on 1 Jun 1840 at Edgefield District, South Carolina.
(Unaccounted for are 1 male 20-30 and 1 female 20-30.).14 
Death*24 Feb 1841 She died at Edgefield District, South Carolina, on 24 Feb 1841.15,16 
Burialcirca 25 Feb 1841 Her body was interred circa 25 Feb 1841 at Strother-Sheppard Cemetery, Edgefield District, South Carolina.2 
Probate*23 Mar 1841 Joyce's will was probated at Edgefield District, South Carolina, on 23 Mar 1841. 

Family 1
Children

Family 2

Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC (between 1755 and 1765 - 10 Jan 1829)
Marriage*circa 1795 She married Benjamin Culpepper of Edgefield District, SC at Edgefield District, South Carolina, circa 1795. 
Child

Last Edited 27 Nov 2007

Citations

  1. Emma Benton records, Emma Benton, Andalusia, AL, to Lew Griffin, 1989.
  2. Letter of 9 Sep 1985 from M. G. Shepherd (4909 Seaver Lane, Apt 102, Richmond, VA 23228) to Mrs. Mavie H. Williams, and found in the Culpepper family file at the Tomkins Library of the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society, Edgefield, SC.
  3. 1800 Federal Census, United States.
    Unknown Townships, Edgefield District, SC
    Benjamin Culpepper, page 133, 2 M10-16, 1 M16-26, 1 M26-45, 4 F0-10, 1 F10-16, 1 F16-26, 1 F26-45, 8 slaves.
  4. 1810 Federal Census, United States.
    Unknown Township, Edgefield District, SC
    Benjamin Culpepper, page 70, 1 M26-45, 1 M45+, 1 F0-10, 1 F45+, 8 slaves.
  5. E-mail from Mary Genevieve Taylor Harris (Mrs. John N. Harris Jr.), e-mail address, Dallas, TX to Lew Griffin, 1983-2004.
    Edgefield Deed Bk 31, page 69.
  6. Edgefield Co. SC Deeds abstracted by Lew Griffin , Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. 975.737 R2.
  7. E-mail from Mary Genevieve Taylor Harris (Mrs. John N. Harris Jr.), e-mail address, Dallas, TX to Lew Griffin, 1983-2004.
    Edgefield County Clerk of Court, Deed Book 34, pp. 145-147.
  8. Unknown Townships, Edgefield District, SC
    Daniel Culpepper, page 127, 1 M16-26, 1 F0-10, 1 F16-26, 0 slaves
    Drury Culpepper, page 120, 2 M0-10, 1 M10-16, 1 M26-45, 2 F0-10, 1 F10-16, 1 F26-45, 1 slave
    Joicy Culpepper, page 83, 1 M45+, 1F16-26, 1 F45+, 7 slaves.
  9. Edgefield Co. SC Deeds abstracted by Lew Griffin , Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. 975.737 R2.
    Edgefield Deed Bk 40, p. 294.
  10. 1830 Federal Census, United States.
    Unknown Townships, Edgefield District, SC
    Drewry Culpepper, page 164, 1 M0-5, 1 M5-10, 2 M15-20, 1 M40-50, 1 F0-5, 2 F5-10, 1 F15-20, 1 F20-30, 1 F40-50, 0 slaves
    Joisey Culpepper, page 165, 1 M20-30, 1 F20-30, 1 F50-60, 8 slaves.
  11. Edgefield Co. SC Deeds abstracted by Lew Griffin , Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. 975.737 R2.
    Edgefield Deed Bk 46, p. 438.
  12. Edgefield Co. SC Deeds abstracted by Lew Griffin , Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. 975.737 R2.
    Edgefield Deed Bk 47, p. 533.
  13. Transcription of original will found in will book (name not recorded) at Tomkins Library, Edgefield, SC.
  14. 1840 Federal Census, United States.
    Unknown Townships, Edgefield District, SC
    Joisey Culpepper, page 61, 1 M20-30, 1 F20-30, 1 F60-70, 11 slaves.
  15. From her tombstone.
  16. E-mail from Carole Burton, e-mail address, 109 Chadwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407-7425, 2004 - 2005.
    According to SaludaCemetery Vol.1,pg.16 the Culpepper cemetery inventory
    says,
    Joyce Culpepper Age 70 yrs.1month & 27 days, 24 Fwb.1841
    George J.Strother age 26yrs.6mo.& 5days, 08 Oct 1817
    William Strother age 28yrs.6mo.& 2days, 18Aug.1794
    James Sheppard ESQ. age 23yrs.11mo.& 30 days.10Feb.1824
    Benjamin Culpepper supposed to be 60 yrs.of age 10 Jan.1829
    This inventory was done 28Nov1987.