_David SCRIVNER ___
_John B. SCRIVNER _______|
| |_Susanna BOWERMAN _
|
|--Isaiah James SCRIVNER
|
| _Michael BLOCKER __
|_Louisa Matilda BLOCKER _|
|_Rebecca HENDRY ___
1860 Census, Smith County, Texas, June 16, 1860 -- Flora Beat -- page 18 119/123 Isaah Scrivner 25 300/400 MS Mary 23 TX Michael 2 TX William 7/12 TX
Isaiah James Scrivner was born 24 January 1835 in Mississippi, and grew up in Leake County, Mississippi. Isaiah and Mary Ellen Boase were married 18 December 1856 in Leake County. They continued to live there for about three years after their marriage.
When Isaiah was 24, his sister, Rebecca Jane, died. He wrote: ... Professed religion, and joined the M. E. Church, South, 1851. Gave many tokens of a saving faith in Christ -- was a bold soldier of the Cross -- and affectionate daughter -- leaves a large connexion to mourn their loss. But those who mourn, mourn not as those who have not hope, but are satisfied their loss is her eternal gain.
The young couple joined their parents in moving to Texas in November or December 1859. By this time, they had two sons. By June 1860, Isaiah and his family were settled at Flora, Smith County, Texas, with $700 in property. In July 1860, they purchased their first lot in the town of Garden Valley. In the land deed (and in all deeds of the town) the statement was made that no one could sell ardent spirits for a beverage. According to the tax records of Smith County, the property of Isaiah James Scrivner consisted of town lots. Perhaps he taught school in Smith County.
The Civil War reached the Scrivner family in April 1862. Isaiah and his brother, William J. Scrivner, enlisted for the duration in Captain John W. Daniel's Company, 15th Texas Infantry, Speight Regiment. Speight was from Waco, and had the responsibility of raising the number of men needed. The group was probably formed at Tyler.
Isaiah and William were fighting in Louisiana not far from the Original Land Grants of their grandfather, Michael Blocker, and great-grandfather, Micajah Hendry. From Washington, Louisiana, 20 October 1863, Isaiah wrote about his brother: He was wounded on the 29th of September while engaged with the enemy on Fordoche Bayou. He stood firm to his post, until he was wounded in both legs. He was removed to Washington on the 7th instant. But the wound caused other diseases, which caused his death. He was a good soldier, always ready to do his duty -- was beloved by all that knew him. The Company has lost a good member, I a faithful brother, his parents a worthy son. He was born April [ ] 1842. His father moved from Mississippi to Smith County Texas in 1859. He enlisted in the service [ ] county January 4, 1862. Under Captain Daniel (Major Daniel) [ ]. He professed religion -- and was constant member of the M. E. Church South until his death. He had some [ ] pleasure of the world, but before [ ] gave every evidence of his faith in Christ and said that he was going to rest, and says to "[ ] home that I ame going to Heaven." About [ ] before he died, a parson came in and [ ] prayed, and he sang two verses the Hymn [ ] strong, clear voice. He craved death all the [ ] before he died. And now father and mother, brothers, sistes, do not grieve, as thos who have no hope beyond the grave; but let us so live [ ] end may be like his. He now lies in the [ ] tomb to await the morning of the resurrection to arise and be with Christ and the bless[ ] above.
Isaiah paid his taxes in Smith County in 1866. On 10 October, 1867, he sold all of his property in Smith County for $262.50. At the time, he was living in Johnson County, Texas.
Isaiah James Scrivner was killed a little over one month after he sold his land in Smith County. The traditional story is that he was killed on the way from Mississippi to Texas. This is true if one considers leaving the State of Mississippi in 1859, living in Smith and Johnson Counties (and perhaps Tarrant County) and somehow moving to Hill County via Ellis County, as being on the way from Mississippi. The so-called trip took one War and eight years! The traditional story says: The family was on its way to Texas and was camped at Mammoth Springs in Ellis County. A stranger had joined the group at the camp ground. They were all drinking coffee together. In a short time, Isaiah James became ill, showed signe of poisoning, and died. The next morning, not only was the stranger gone, but all of the Scrivner money was gone. Later the party passed a store and were told that a man with a large amount of money and in a big hurry had bought supplies a few days earlier.
The lost money was most likely the money received from selling the land in Smith County. Written in the Family Bible: Died--Isaiah James Scrivner on Friday night 20 minutes past 10 o'clock 22nd November AD 1867 at the Mamoth Springs, Ellis County, age 32 years 9 months 29 days. There is no marker at the old Mammoth Springs campsite in Ellis County.