Dorsey, Green, McGee & White Barnwell, South Carolina is the origin of  our past as former slaves.  Through oral history our existance comes from the Ghana in West Africa and apart of the Ashanti Tribe.  Through numerous trips from New Jersey to Kingstree and Columbia,  South Carolina I've unearthed lots of information, but not that of our relationship with Ghana Africa.  In the Kingstree courthouse I've spent countless hours looking at old 5lb record books and  poised to see our ancestors were that of land owners.  Your must not forget  it's 1892,  and 27 years after the Civil War.  The Dorsey, Green, McGee and White families all purchased property by that time.        GRACE the eldest child married GEORGE DORSEY in 1865.  GEORGE purchased 77 acres of property in Nesmith, South Carolina (Mingo Township) January 21, 1892 from J. Zuell McConnell, Jr. for $165.00. HAMPTON GREEN the second  married ROSA MACK in 1871. On November 4, 1904 they purchased 50 acres of property for $ 90.00 in Hemingway, South Carolina (Johnson Township) from Simon and Sylvester Poston. In reading this deed it’s clear he owns property, but this is the first deed recorded in the Kingstree South Carolina  courthouse. RHINA  married TRAVIS MCGEE in 1867.  There’s no deed located in the Kingstree, South Carolina courthouse. However, on GEORGE DORSEY  mortgage deed it clearly states TRAVIS  property is "west" of GEORGE DORSEY. The Three Rivers Historical Society in  Hemingway, South Carolina archives the Tax Treasure Books. TRAVIS MCGEE is listed in the 1884, 1885 and 1901 for paying taxes on land and personal valuables. There are no records listed from whom he purchased his land. ROZENA the youngest child married JEFFRAND WHITE in 1872. There’s no deed located at the Kingstree, South Carolina courthouse for property purchased by JEFFRAND but according to George Dorsey’s mortgage deed JEFFRAND  land is "east" of GEORGE DORSEY.  JEFFRAND is also listed in the 1884,1885 and 1901 Treasure Tax Book for paying taxes on land and personal property.  On November 28, 1917 four young fiery men purchased  333 acres of property for $ 4000.00 from Lawrenc B. Steel.  George and Grace Dorsey sons MOSE & PETERSON, Rozena and Jeffrand White son STEPHAN and friend CHARLEY CHANDLER was the  next generation to continue to exercise their right to purchased large amounts of property. The area of property is called "Sand Hill". In Nemith, Sc. Mother Elvira gave her children the GOAL TO DESTINY, all her children beat the odds by living through slavery, experiencing freedom, reconstruction era, purchasing property, little or no education and today we honor her MEMORY.                                Mt Ararat Church and Cemetary   One can't have a Community without a place of worship.    Mt Ararat was established JANUARY 20, 1892 conveyed and donated for $1.00 to Trustees S.D. McBride, Toney Scott and Sam Davis from D.D. Rhems, L.A. Rhems and F. Rhems  of Rhems and Sons Mercantile.   The Mt. Ararat African American  Episcopal Church as it was named situated on One (1) acre of property could only be used for worshipping only or land would have been reverted back to Rhems & Sons .  Today the church no longer stands due to several fires however, the cemetary still remains in continued use. Barnwell, South Carolina Elvira is the mother of four children three girls and one boy.   GRACE the eldest who married GEORGE DORSEY (dorsey). HAMPTON GREEN married ROSALINA MACK (green).   RHINA married TRAVIS MCGEE (mcgee).  ROZENA married JEFFRAND WHITE (white) These are the four MAIN family lines. ELVIRA Oral history stated Mother Elvira and her children were slaves in Barnwell, South Carolina.  Rosena White death certificate supported the oral history. Her death certificate was very resourceful. It showed ELVIRA was her mother, She was born in  Barnwell, SC and named her father as Joe Hicks also of BARNWELL, SC.        WHATS IN A NAME! Although, DORSEY, GREEN, MCGEE and WHITE are the main lines of the family we can't forget the daughters who married. Your still immediate family if your name is.... WASHINGTON, NESMITH, SWINTON, SCOTT,MACK, WEAVER, CEASAR, MCCREA, MILLER, COOPER and MCKNIGHT.       THE ROAD FROM BARNWELL, SC TO WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY     One may never know how Elvira and her children settled in Nesmith, SC. Elvira only son Hampton Green settled in Hemingway,SC.  According to Rozena White's death certificate she was born in 1865 during the Civil War.     Elvira and her husband Joe Sams are listed on the 1870 US census. Grace and her husband George are shown living next door however, they are using the last name Sam. Upon viewing the 1880 census last name Sam disappeared and DORSEY became our chosen last name.         They could have just traveled alongside  black soldiers who gaurded Georgetown, SC.                  GEORGE DORSEY AS A SLAVE   For over Four (4) years I searched for George Dorsey in Willamsburg County South Carolina.  It never crossed my mind to look to the next county of Georgetown, South Carolina. I came across a man named William Dawsey from Gallivants Ferry, South Carolina by way of England.   William Dawsey was granted land in 1771 from the King England to settle the land. The land was located in Georgetown, SC in an area called Gapway Bay.  It was a large plantation dealing in cattle, cotton and tobbaco. During the latter part of the Civil War William Dawsey and family fled the area by ship that capsized on the North Carolina coast.  With their unfortunate deaths the Farm and servants where sold.   I was mesmerized by the finding.  When I saw the Invetory list of names with  two belonging to me, sent me over edge.       GEORGE AND GRACE ESTER!!!   That's his mother......   FINALLY!       I was able to read who came to purchase items and servants. JACK JOHNSON stood out to me the most. The Johnson family has been apart of our family beginning.  It makes sense why the relationship is so strong.  One of our older family members who passed away around 2001 who had to be 100 years old according to the US census.  She remembered vividly serving dinner to JACK JOHNSON at my ggggrandfather house MOSE DORSEY, son of GEORGE and GRACE DORSEY.  In 1917 400 acres of land was purchased  in Nesmith,SC in an area called SAND HILL from Lawrence Steele for $4000.00.  All my deeds complete that statement but it took knowledge to know JACK JOHNSON put the money up for brothers MOSE & PETERSON DORSEY, Cousin STEPHEN WHITE and CHARLEY CHANDLER.  When the loan was paid in full a dinner was served in large two story home of MOSE AND MARTHA DORSEY.   Thank you for your memory and God bless you RHODIE SCOTT may you rest in PEACE!             The Civil War is going on and I have no fact stating Jack Johnson purchased George and his mother Grace Easter.  However, George Dorsey did settle in the same community of JACK JOHNSON IN NESMITH,SC.          THE RITE TO VOTE George Dorsey is truly a man before his time.  I located him in the January 1896 Mingo Township, Williamsburg County South Carolina voter registration book. George Dorsey was 53 years old listed on line 14 page 6. In 1867 the 15th Amendment gave African Americans the right to Vote; but not ratified until March 30,1870. Opposition was waiting as he casted his vote.  George Dorsey had to meet qualifications such as the grandfather clauses, literacy requirements and poll taxes. The right to vote was short lived and White Americans made sure of that. African Americans didn't actually get to vote freely until the 1964 with the Civil Rights Movement. You all can be proud to say your grandfather GEORGE DORSEY was one of many who lead the struggle for the freedom to VOTE.                                                                        The Will of George Scott   The last Will and Testament of George Scott was written February 7, 1892.      This find was remarkable however, it wasn't his Will which fasinated me but GEORGE DORSEY was executor of this Will. Silas Nesmith and A.F. Tucker were witnesses and annexed the writing of this Will. The document established his son Ned Scott beqethed 165 acres of property. The Will also stated his daughter married a son of Travis and Rhina McGee and she predeceased her father George Scott. George Dorsey reported the death of George Scott on June 21 1913.       Belin & Millpond Cemetaries  Prior to 1949 the four families were buried at the Belin Church (pronouned Blain) and the Millpond Cemetary.  The Belin Church is located in Nesmith, SC Grace Dorsey in her latter years worshiped there every fifth Sunday. Clealand Belin a immigrant from France had the Church built in 1844 with slave labor. Although the Church was intergrated, the African Americans had to sit in the balcony and could never participate in any functions of the Church.  The MILLPOND Cemetary is the burial site many family members however, the only headstones that are visible are brothers George, Hampton and Benjaming Dorsey. The Belin Church Cemetary is the resting place for Rhina McGee and today the Church is on the National Registry as a landmark.  A Wire fence separate Belin Church & Cemetary from the Black families on the same land.     GEORGE DORSEY HEADSTONE     GEORGE DORSEY the father of all DORSEY went to sleep wearing a large crown on his head. When I located George Dorsey grave site it sat about 100 yrds from the Black Mingo River in Nesmith,SC.  To my surprise I saw a tall headstone, well written, great condition with the  sunlight  beaming down on the headstone as it read.       George Dorsey      1843-1919   Here is one who is sleeping in faith and love.  An honest old servant. He has been trusted with many things and was always found honest. His memory shall ever be a guiding star to heaven.          The first family member buried at the Mt. Ararat Church was MOSE DORSEY. He was the third son from George and Grace Dorsey and he died in 1949.               OUR FAMILY LINE George & Grace Dorsey Born George 6/29/1839 Grace 1/1849 CHILDREN 1. Joseph Dec 1869 2. Janie 1867 3. Hampton May 1871 4. Mose Mar 1870 5. Ben Dec 1875 6. Peter May 1878 7. Sam 1879 8. Ozzie Apr 1885 9. Duncun Nov 1886 10. Lottie Sep 1889 11. Rosa Feb 1893 Hampton & Rosalina Green     Born Hampton 10/1850 Rosalie 6/ 1851   CHILDREN 1. Ben Oct 1871 2. Franklin 1873 3. Catherine 1874 4. Waiters 5. Henry Oct 1877 6. Elvira Mar 1878 7. Bill Jan 1880 8. Garfield Mar 1880 9. Tony Mar 1883 10.Levenious Jan 1887 11.Grace Apr 1889 12.Samuel Feb 1891 13.Evelena Aug 1892 Travis & Rhina McGee Travis Rhina 2/20/1851 CHILDREN 1. Amelia 2. William 3. Laurie Jul 1877 4. Irene Oct 1880 5. Rozena 6. Nettie Mar 1888 7. Travis May 1892 Jeffrand & Rozena White Jeffrand Rozena 5/1853 CHILDREN 1. Washington 2. Elizabeth 3. Justine 4. Rina 5. Sarah 6. Stephen 1880 7. Frank 1882 8. David Apr 1884 9. Ervin Nov 1887 10.Hattie Oct 1889 11.Martha Jul 1894 All dates came from the 1870-1930 US Census          .   FIND YOUR FAMILY US Census Mingo Township, September 1870 Nesmith, South Carolina All families were listed as deaf,dumb,blind,insane and idiots.. *SAM Elvira 37 farm laborer *SAM Joe 35 "same house" *SAM George 29 farm laborer *SAM Grace 21 farm laborer Joseph 4 Hampton 2 *SAM Jane 70 Matriach who is she? Prior to 1880 US Census the Dorsey Family used the name SAM. The name Dorsey was made up sometime after this cenus was taken. *Travis McGee 24 *Rhina McGee 18 *Bettie McGee  (Travis's Mother) US Census Mingo Township June 4,1880 *Dorsey George 29 *Dorsey Grace 28 CHILDREN Joseph 14 Hampton11   ** Moses 7      Lauri 6 Benjamin 4 Peterson 2 Johnson Township (hemingway) June 14,1880 *Green Hampton 30 Rosa 25 CHILDREN Benji 9 Franklin 7 Catherine 6 Henry 4 Elvira 2 Bill 6mo Mingo Township June 1,1900 *White Rosa Nov 1879 Washington Sep 1898 Abraham Mar 1900 *White Jeff Jan 1848 Rosena May 1853 CHILDREN Francis July 1881 David Apr 1884 Ervin Nov 1887 Hartie Oct 1889 Martha July 1894 *Dorsey Joe Dec 1869 Elizabeth Dec 1869 CHILDREN Bellenger Feb 1890 Hampton May 1892 Stanley Mar 1894 Loris Oct 1898 *Scott George Aug 1822 Sarah July 1834 CHILDREN Venia Mar 1865 Jemeth Oct 1881 Susan Dec 1885 *Dorsey George Mar 1839 Grace Jan 1849 CHILDREN Ozzie Apr 1885 Duncun Nov 1886 Lottie Sept 1889 Rosa Feb 1893 *McGee Travis 1845 Rhina Mar 1850 CHILDREN Elias Jan 1887 Netta Mar 1888 Travis Jr May 1892 *McGee Lorie Rosena William McGee William 1875 Laura 1880 Elias 1896 *Dorsey Peter May 1878 Eliza July 1881 Albert Nov 1899 **Dorsie Mose July 1874 Martha 1877 *Bishop King 35 yrs Hettie 29 yrs   CHILDREN Enoch 12 yrs Walter 10 yrs Jannie 8 yrs Corena 6 yrs Pearlie 5 yrs Mayceo 4 yrs Ray 3 mo *Darsey Peterson 40 Eliza 35 CHILDREN James 18 Lewis 17 Idella 11 *Dorsey Ben 24 Minnie 20 George 1 *Dorsey Hampton 29 Rose 25 Mingo Township 1910 *Dorsey Peter 30 Eliza 28 CHILDREN Albert 9 Louis 8 McConnell Susy 70 *White Ervin 26 Phyllis 19 Rickey 1 *Dorsey George 62 Grace 50 CHILDREN Rosa 17 Duncun 20 *Dorsey Joe 40 Elizabeth 40   CHILDREN Belenger 18 Hampton 15 Stanley 15 Laurice 11 Mary 9 Grace 9 Eliza Jane 3 Hannah 8mo *Dorsey Ben 31 Minnie 25 CHILDREN Nickolis 10 Isaac 7 Rosenah 5 Mosey 9mo *White Jeff 60 Rosena 55 Martha 15 *Bishop King 21 Hattie 20 Enoch 2 Walter 3mo McGee Travis 65 Rhina 58 CHILDREN Netta 22 Junior 16   Chandler Charlie  Nov 1875 Ida  Oct 1877   Children   Fowler 3 Oct 1896 Rosa 2 May 1898 Carrie  7 mo Oct 1899   Herbert McCrea 20 Aug 1879 Irene 19 Oct 1880   Children   Carrie M. 1 Oct 1898 Charlie M ( brother) 8 Dec 1891     Lauri McGee 23  1877 Rosena Nesmith 18 March 1882   Children   William 1 Nov 1898   Anthony Washington 18 Jan 1882 Janie Dorsey 17 May 1883   Children    William A.  1 Aug 1899     Mingo Township 1920 *White Stephan 41 Soffa 25 CHILDREN George 20 Abraham 18 David 16 Henry 14 Laurly? 12 Mary ? 10 Eddie 8 Joseph 6 Ruby 4 Stephan 2 *Dorsey Grace 80 WashingtonJanie *Dossey Joe 38 Elizabeth 45 CHILDREN Belinger 25 Larice 18 Mary 16 Grace 16 Janie 12 *Swinton Robert 33 Lottie 26 CHILDREN Matthew 7 Ander? 4 Cleavland 2 *White Frank 38 Lucy 30 CHILDREN Thelma 11 Frank 8 *White Jeff 72 Rosena 70 CHILDREN Martha 22 *Dorsey Belenger 28 *Dorsey Sam 25 Rosa 20 CHILDREN James 10 Thomas 6 *McGee Laurie Eddie *Dorsey Duncun 32 Lavenia 22 Alophere 4 *Dorsey Nickolis 21 Viola 20 *Dorsey James 24 Nealie 20 CHILDREN Willie 5 Elease 3 *Dorsey olely? 33 Iola 28 CHILDREN Kibet 17 Ina 9 Ben 7 Earnest 6 Epps 4 ? 1mo *McGee Travis 70 Rhina 58 *Dorsey Hampton 40 Rosa 40 CHILDREN Laurel 18 Estell 16 Furney 12 Sarah 8 Netta 6 **Dorsey David 22 Venus 18 Henry 2   June 12,1900 Johnson Township (Hemingway)    Hampton Green  Nov 1848  Married 29 years Rosalie June 1851   Children   Catherine  Aug 1875 Elvira March 1878 Garfield March 1880 Tony  March  1883 Levenious Jan 1887 Grace  April 1889 Evelena  Aug 1892 Liston?  Dec 1896 Amelia (grand) Oct 1898     Henry Green  Oct 1877  Married 2 years Mary Hannah  Sept 1877   Children Winsome? Aug 1899     Benjamin Green  Oct 1871  Married 6 years Judy  Jan 1876   Children   Matthew  Feb 1895 General L.  March 1897 Maliston B.? July 1889 Ollie Wilson  ( sister Inlaw)  Dec 1889   THE 1930 CENSUS IS OUT!! APRIL 1930 MINGO TOWNSHIP **Dorsey, David 36 Benus 32 Henry 13 Johnny 8 David 6 Dorsey Ozzie 44 Iola ? 36 Cubit 21 Ben 17 Epps 14 Ozzie 12 George 10 Robert 8 Florence 6 Dorsey, Loris 32 Mary 21 Mayabell 4 Richard 3 Dorsey Joseph 61 Elizabeth 61 Eliza Jane 21 Willie 22 husband James 1 Swinton Robert 39 Lottie 39 Matthew 16 Vander 13 Clevland 11 George 9 ? Mittie Mae 7 Rosetta 5 Osteen 3 Ozalee 2 White Frances 41 Lucy 39 Frank Jr 17 Thelma 18 Anna P 9 White Jeffrand 82 Rosena 68 Martha Dorsey 30 Belenger 35 Josey Bell 10 Rody Lee 8 Beatrice 3 Edward 3 mo McGee Travis Jr 38 Maybel 21 Johnny 15 Loris 9 James 6 Willie 3 Ethel Jonie ** Travis McGee Jr stated his parents are both from AFRICA... what did he know?  Dorsey Grace Age (Unk) Mary Jane Washington 19 Elizabeth 21 Elizah 3 Obeth 1 Dorsey Sam 50 Hattie 30 Thomas 12 Willie Jessie 10 Luther 7 Pearline 6 Eltoline 5 Iaasac 3 Rebecca 3 Maggie 28 Epps 10 Dorsey George 27 Emma Cephus Charlie Daisy Ollie Epps Johnny White Stephan 55 Sofy 39 Lucy 21 Mary 17 Eddie 15 Ruby 12 John S 6 Willard 5 Fannie 4 Philip 2 Kelly R 8 mo Dorsey Peter 49 Eliza 45 Neta 13 Essie Mae 5 Dorsey Hampton 55 Rosa 49 Furney 20 Nieter 15 **Dorsey Mose 58 Martha 51 Earline 8 Scott John 23 Rhoda 21 Dorsey James 32 Nealy 29 WJ 16 Elease 13 Laurie 8 Orie Bell 6 Phillip 4 JC 2 1930 Census Hemingway, Johnson Township. Hampton Green, Elvira's only son lives in Hemingway. According to the Census the SAW MILL was the Green's main occupation. They ALL owned their own land with home worth $ 250.00 Green Sam 38 Daisy 24 Silas Green Waiters 29 Claudia 27 laura (niece) 4 Green Ben 55 ? 38 Howard 7 Green Liston 21 Edith 26 Eugene 8 Minus 5 Henderson 2 Ollie ? 2 Green Henry 41 Lottie 40 Willie 10 Lee Weaver 67 mother inlaw ALL INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED FROM THE US CENSUS 1870-1930     .............................   In reading this information one might find the spelling and age information incorrect. Remember people didn't always give the correct information or the Census Taker may have written what he wanted. There were several ways DORSEY was spelled. However, it's a joy just looking at our family members as children to adults.         © Copyright 2001 Tanya Jones Boland Elvira,Grace,Mose,David,Johnnie & Odessa, Johnnie Mae & Me my dorsey family line FastCounter by bCentral African American Geneaology   Email Tanya Jones      E-mail Tanya Jones-Boland now! Bass Pro Shop Coupon Share