A young Anthony Smith

This is for all those who don't believe I was once small.

This was taken about the time I became interested in genealogy, I didn't know to call it that at the time.

Cooley LJ and Carrie Garner

LJ Cooley was born on Sep. 27 or 25, 1921. The exact date was an issue most of his life. He was one of 13 childern.

1930 Greenville Co. South Carolina Dunklin Township L.J. is listed as Ellit Jr. 8 son of Alexander and Martha L.

1942 L.J. in the United States Army Air Core. L.J. was on active duty on 4 Aug. 1942. He was assigned to the 1035th Air Material Squadron. Durhing his tour he was awarded the Bronze Star for New Guinea Campagin and another for Southern Phillipine campagin. He was also awareded Good Conduct Medal a Phillipines Liberation Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon. His military record shows he had Typaus and Cabirea in June of 1944.

October 14, 1943 LJ and Carrie were married in Greenville Co.

Nov. 3, 1945. It shows that during this enlistment he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and Philippine Independence Ribbon.L.J. attained the rank of Sgt. after his service to the country he was for most of his life employed as a heavy equipment operator.

He retired from Belton Metal Company and was a member of Eastview Baptist Church in Pelzer.

LJ died Aug 19, 1997, he is buried at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Carrie Virgina Garner was born on October 14, 1920 in Pelzer SC. She was one of 16 children. She had to help with the cooking growing up. Her nick name was Honey. I guess because she was so sweet.

1930 US Census Williamston Township (Pelzer) She is listed living with Charlie and Dacus Garner.

Carrie worked at Kendall Mill in Pelzer. She became disable while employed at the Mill. She was a great cook and loving grandmother. She was called MeMa by most of the grandchildren.

Carrie died on August 17, 1994. She is buried at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Black Abram and Rachel Amanda Griffin

Abram Black and Rachel Amanda Griffin.

1920 US Census Garvin Twp. Anderson Co. SC list Abe Black 76 and wife Rachel 76. Lives beside son Will.

1910 Williamston Township Anderson County SC listed as AH Black.

1900 He and wife Live in the Williamston Township Anderson Co. SC

1880 US Census Williamston Township Anderson Co. SC, list Abe Black 36, Wife Rachell 36, Son William 13, Daughter Emilie 12, Daughter Mary 10, Son Isach 7, Son John 5, Son Edward 4, Daughter Jane 2, Son Edgar 5/12. Occupation Farmer.

1870 US Census Anderson Co. SC Williamston Twp. list A.H. Black 25, wife R.A. 35, son W.D. 4, daughter E.V. 2 and daughter M.E. 4/12. Occupation Farming.

1860 US Census Anderson Co. SC 42nd Regiment list Abram 18, son of David and Gracie Black.

1850 US Census Greenville Co. SC list Abram Black 11 son of David and Gracy Black.Buried at Lebanon Baptist Church,Anderson,SC in an unmarked grave.Died at the home of his son, Ollie.

Served as a private in the Confederate Army. Co.B,16thSC Infantry(Greenville regiment). Enlisted at Camp Hampton Nov.7,1861.Captured at Ringold,Ga on Nov.27,1862. On last roll Rock Island Barracks in IL. Name appears on roll of prisoners of war to be transferred for exchange on Mar.2,1865. Also:Private,Co.G 1stSC State Troops (6months 1863-1864).Enlisted at Greenville August 1,1863. On last roll Nov/Dec 1863.

Abe Died 9/1/1920

Rachel Amanda died 1/5/1921.