THE JAMES M. BENNETT FAMILY OF SOUTHERN USA

James M. BENNETT was born near Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina on October 18, 1787 [S1]. It appears, as a young man, James moved to South Carolina. He married Winifred "Winny" BYRD in about 1807 probably in Marlboro District (now County), South Carolina. Winny was born in Anson County, North Carolina on January 01, 1792. She was the daughter of Thomas and Judieth May BYRD.

James and Winny must have moved to the western part of South Carolina right after they married. They lived in Pendleton District, South Carolina until about 1812. Pendleton District is now the county of Anderson, Pickens and Ocenee. While there the two oldest children were born: Nevel BENNETT and Thomas Byrd "Tom" BENNETT. In about 1812 they moved to the Georgia frontier. They lived in what is now Hall County, Georgia. The southeast part of Hall County was part of Jackson County, Georgia then. According to family tradition he was called "Georgia Jimmie" by his family in North Carolina. While in Hall County James and Winny had their two remaining children: Silas Anderson BENNETT and Frances "Fannie" BENNETT. Winny died on December 19, 1816 in Jackson now Hall County, Georgia. She is buried at The Lebanon Presbyterian Cemetery in Hall County.

James was later married to Nancy MURPHEY. They were married on August 06, 1817 in Jackson County, Georgia. Nancy was born on July 01, 1796 [S2] in North Carolina. They had the following children: Eliza Caroline BENNETT, Sarah Margarette BENNETT, Louisa Ellen BENNETT, Rachel Jane BENNETT, John BENNETT, James Alexander BENNETT, Eli Francis BENNETT, Nancy Katharine BENNETT, William Armstrong BENNETT, Harriett Emmaline BENNETT, Benjamin Culpepper BENNETT and Julia Ann BENNETT. According to the census record they lived in Habersham County, Georgia in 1820.

It appears about 1834 James and family began migrating south. By 1837 they arrived in southeast Alabama. It appears from census and other records he and Nancy lived in Russell and Macon County, Alabama. These Counties were Indian lands that had been recently opened to white settlement. James was living near the town of Midway when he died. Midway was in Barbour County then, but is now in Bullock County. James died on August 21, 1852 [S3]. He is buried at The Enon Cemetery, also near Midway. Nancy lived with her youngest son Benjamin. She died on his farm, near Louisville, Barbour County, Alabama. Nancy died on August 01, 1879. She is buried in the Bennett Family Cemetery near Louisville.