4-372  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

OTHER MESSER LINES

Because Catherine (Messer) Shelton and her brother, John Messer, resided in Jackson County, Alabama in the early 1800s, it is logical to believe that many other Messers living in that area during the same period that Catherine lived there are probably related.  Other Messers living in Jackson County, Alabama were:

  William Messer (40.11), b. 1823, Tennessee

Since Catherine (Messer) Shelton resided in Hawkins County, Tennessee in the early 1800s, it is logical to believe that many other Messers living in that area during the same period that Catherine lived there are probably related.  Other Messers living in Hawkins County, Tennessee were:

  Michael Messer (40.12), b. 1782, North Carolina
  Thomas Messer (40.13), b. 1785

Other major Messer lines originate from Haywood County, North Carolina.  According to Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina, there was a Captain Messer who was one of the leaders of the Regulators at the Battle of Alamance on May 17, 1771.  It continues by stating: Direct traditional information is that this Captain Messer, his given name not known, was the father of Christian Messer, who came to the Dutch Cove section of Haywood County in 1796.  This book furthers indicates that Christian Sargent Messer was twenty-one years old at the close of the Revolutionary War.  He had become a seasoned soldier during the three or four years that he had shouldered arms in behalf of American Independence.  Although the authors do not believe that this Christian Messer is their direct ancestor, his birthdate and geographic residences are too similar to the authors Messer ancestry to be ignored.  Therefore, Christian Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina was briefly researched:

  Christian Sargent Messer (40.14), b. ca. 1760

The authors do not believe that Christian Sargent Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina is the same Christian that died in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina clearly states that Christian Messer died in 1850 in the ninetieth year of his age.  Christian Messer of Hawkins County, Tennessee is definitely known to have died prior to 1834 when his son, John Messer, sold a parcel of land that fell by heirship of Christian Messer, deceased.  Another set of facts are the known children of each Christian Messer.  Christian Messer of Hawkins County, Tennessee is known to had three sons, John, Isaac and Jacob.  The Christian Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina is known to had three sons, Frederick, John and David.  John Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina remained in Haywood County and raised a large family while John Messer of Hawkins County, Tennessee moved to Jackson County, Alabama and raised a family there.  However, both Christian Messer of Haywood County and Christian Messer of Hawkins County were both born around 1760 which similarity warranted further investigation.

SHELTON FAMILY HISTORY  4-373

According to Louise (Messer) Patrick, other references to Christian Messers living in North Carolina were found.  Christian Messer and wife, Sara, at the Moravian Settlement of Bethany, 1783, a son Jeramus Messer was baptised.  Christian Messer was listed in Stokes County, North Carolina in 1790, 1784 - 1787 State Census of North Carolina, there were only four Messers or Messars heads of family, only one Christian, he being in Surry County, North Carolina and the other three in Jones County, North Carolina.  It is not known that these references are those of Christian Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina or those of Christian Messer of Hawkins County, Tennessee.  With respect to the Moravian reference where Christian Messers wife is listed as Sara.  It is known that Christian Messer of Hawkins County, Tennessee died leaving a widow named Sally which is a common nickname for Sara(h).  Because of the inclusion of Christian Messer of Haywood County, North Carolina, it likely that other Messers orginating from Haywood County were probably related.  Other Messers that lived in Haywood County, North Carolina were:

  George Messer (40.15), b. 1797, North Carolina
  Solomon Messer (40.16), b. 1838

References:  1)  Indenture, Christian Messer to William Young, Hawkins County, Tennessee, 1818;  2)  Will of Christian Messer, Hawkins County, Tennessee, 1821;  3)  Deed, John Messer to Isaac Messer, Hawkins County, Tennessee, 1834;  4)  1840, 1850 and 1880 cenuses, Jackson County, Alabama;  5)  1880 Census, Scott County, Virginia;  6)  Family Bible of John Shelton, in possession of Eva (Wininger) Shelton;  7)  1850 Census of Jackson County, Alabama, copied by Pauline (Jones) Gandrud, 1953, located in the Scottsboro Public Library;  8)  Family Group Sheet by Sheryl (Sellers) Anderson, 1971;  9)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  10)  Letter, Louise (Messer) Patrick to Robert Casey, April 7, 1988

WILLIAM MESSER (40.11) lived in Jackson County, Alabama.  William was born in 1823 in Tennessee.  From 1850 to 1870, William Messer and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Messer (born 1824 in Alabama), were living in Jackson County, Alabama.  William and Sarah Messer had at least ten children:

  James William Messer, b. 1843, Alabama
  John W. Messer, b. 1845, Alabama
  Mary A. Messer, b. 1847, Alabama
  Jesse J. Messer (40.11.4), b. October, 1848, Alabama
  Allen J. Messer (40.11.5), b. 1850, Alabama
  Susannah Messer (40.11.6), b. April 28, 1855, Jackson County, Alabama
  Martha Jane Messer (40.11.7), b. 1857, Jackson County, Alabama
  David M. Messer, b. 1859, Jackson County, Alabama
  Sarah Lucinda Messer (40.11.9), b. 1860, Jackson County, Alabama
  Louisa Messer, b. 1862, Jackson County, Alabama

James Messer married Nancy F. Shellhouse in Randolph County, Georgia.  James Messer died between 1912 and 1916 in Levy County, Florida and was buried in the Plummer Cemetery in Montbrook, Florida.  On January 13, 1885, John Messer married Mary Mims in Perry, Florida.  On September 28, 1866, Mary Messer married John W. Adkins in Jackson County, Alabama.  Sarah Messer married John Martin Duncan (1.5.1.2) in Franklin County, Arkansas.  In 1880, Louisa Messer was living with her brother, Jesse Messer, in Jackson County, Alabama.  On November 24, 1880, Louisa Messer married William Cox in Jackson County, Alabama.

4-374  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

References:  1)  1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 Censuses, Jackson County, Alabama;  2)  Internet Query, GenForum, Messer Family Genealogy Forum, June, 1999;  3)  Internet Web Site, Smyrna Cemetery, Montague County, Texas, June, 1999;  4)  Email, Linda (Sisk) Schroeder to Robert Casey, June, 1999;  5)  Family Group Sheets, Marie (Messer) Boromei, January, 1999

JESSE J. MESSER (40.11.4) is the son of William Messer and Sarah Elizabeth Messer.  Jesse was born in October of 1848 in Alabama.  On July 23, 1868, Jesse Messer married Lydia California Johnson in Jackson County, Alabama.  Lydia was born in January, 1855 in Alabama and is the daughter of Martin Johnson and Martha (Green) Johnson.  Lydia’s sister, Milton Johnson, married Jeremiah Gilbert Bellomy (32.6.1.3).  From 1880 to 1900, Jesse and Lydia Messer were living in Jackson County, Alabama.  Jesse and Lidia Messer were the parents of at least six children:

  Mary Messer, b. 1869, Jackson County, Alabama
  Martha Messer, b. 1871, Jackson County, Alabama
  James Messer, b. 1874, Jackson County, Alabama
  John H. Messer, b. June, 1877, Jackson County, Alabama
  Miles Messer, b. 1878, Jackson County, Alabama
  Monroe Jasper Messer, b. November, 1881, Jackson County, Alabama

Jesse Messer married a second time to Angenna Smalley.  Monroe Messer had at least one daughter:  -  Edna Violet Messer.

References:  1)  1880 and 1900 Censuses, Jackson County, Alabama;  2)  Email, Geri Beaver to Robert Casey, June, 1999;  3)  Family Group Sheets, Marie (Messer) Boromei, January, 1999;  4)  Query, Messer Genforum, by Shirley Dreaden, February, 2003

ALLEN J. MESSER (40.11.5) is the son of William Messer and Sarah Elizabeth Messer.  Allen was born on March 1, 1850 in Alabama.  On January 4, 1871, Allen Messer married Louisa J. Brazier (born May 12, 1855 in Alabama) in Jackson County, Alabama.  In 1880, Allen and Kit Messer were living in Jackson County, Alabama.  Allen and Kit Messer were the parents of at least two children:

  Willy Messer, b. 1875, Alabama
  George W. Messer, b. February 21, 1879, Alabama

Allen J. Messer died on December 4, 1912 and Louisa Messer died on June 22, 1913.  Both were buried in the Smyrna Cemetery in Montague County, Texas.  George W. Messer died on March 11, 1899 and was buried in the Smyrna Cemetery in Montague County, Texas.

References:  1)  1880 Census, Jackson County, Alabama;  2)  Internet Web Site, Smyrna Cemetery, Montague County, Texas, June, 1999;  3)  Family Group Sheets, Marie (Messer) Boromei, January, 1999

4-375  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

SUSANNAH MESSER (40.11.6) is the daughter of William Messer and Sarah Elizabeth Messer.  Susannah was born on April 28, 1855 in Jackson County, Alabama.  On November 16, 1873, Susannah Messer married Miles Smith in Jackson County, Alabama.  Miles was born on May 9, 1838 in Jackson County, Alabama and is the son of John Smith and Elsie (Willis) Smith.  In 1880, Miles and Susan Smith were living in Jackson County, Alabama.  Miles and Susannah Smith were the parents of at least four children:

  John Smith, b. 1875, Alabama
  Anna Smith, b. 1877, Alabama
  Jane Smith, b. 1879, Alabama
  Catherine Louise Smith, b. July 17, 1881, Jackson County, Alabama

Susannah (Messer) Smith died on February 16, 1929.  Catherine Smith died on June 3, 1966.

References:  1)  1880 Census, Jackson County, Alabama;  2)  Latter Day Saint Marriage Entry Form #74-108-0257, by Eveonne Christensen, 1974;  3)  Latter Day Saint Entry Form #74-078-0213, by Eveonne Christensen, 1974

MARTHA JANE MESSER (40.11.7) is the daughter of William Messer and Sarah Elizabeth Messer.  Martha was born in 1857 in Jackson County, Alabama.  On December 9, 1874, Martha Messer married John Martin Sisk in Jackson County, Alabama.  John was born in August, 1852 in Jackson County, Alabama.  John and Martha Sisk were the parents of seven children:

  Warren Peter Sisk, b. August 16, 1877, Alabama
  Miles Alexander Sisk
  Susan Sisk, b. August 18, 1882
  Edward Felix Sisk, b. March 18, 1884
  Sallie Sisk, b. April 28, 1886
  John Sisk, b. May 18, 1888
  Robert Allen Sisk, b. January, 1890

Warren Sisk died in 1955 and was buried in the Smyrna Cemetery in Montague County, Texas.

References:  1)  Internet Query, GenForum, Messer Family Genealogy Forum, June, 1999;  2)  Internet Web Site, Smyrna Cemetery, Montague County, Texas, June, 1999;  3)  Email, Linda (Sisk) Schroeder to Robert Casey, June, 1999;  4)  Family Group Sheets, Marie (Messer) Boromei, January, 1999

MICHAEL MESSER (40.12) lived in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  Michael was born in 1782 in North Carolina.  From 1840 to 1870, Michael Messer was living in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  Michael Messer and his wife, Mary Messer (born 1798 in Tennessee), were the parent of at least four children:

  Ann Messer, b. 1827
  Rebecca Messer, b. 1829
  William Messer, b. 1832
  Bethsiba Messer, b. 1834

4-376  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

In 1850, Richard Messer (born 1848) was living with Michael and Mary Messer, probably a grandson.

References:  1)  1840, 1850, 1860 and 1870 Censuses, Hawkins County, Tennessee

THOMAS MESSER (40.13) lived in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  Thomas was born in 1785.  In 1860, Thomas Messer was living in Hawkins County, Tennessee.  Thomas Messer and his wife, Bettie Messer (born 1795), were the parent of at least two children:

  Thomas Messer, b. 1835
  Jane Messer, b. 1838

In 1850, Bettie Messer (born 1848) was living with Thomas and Bettie Messer, probably a granddaughter.

Reference:  1)  1860 Census, Hawkins County, Tennessee

CHRISTIAN SARGENT MESSER (40.14) lived in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Much is found on Christian Messer and his family in the book, The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina which is used in the following quotes.  Christian Messer was twenty-one years old at the close of the Revolutionary War.  Since the Battle of Yorktown was the last significant battle of the war, Christian is believed to be born in 1760.  This date is further substantiated by his description when Christian was present after the Battle of Alamance (1771) as being a child about ten years old.  Christian Messer was the son of Captain Messer.  Captain Messer was executed for his participation in the Battle of Alamance, which some writers claim to have been the first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War which took place on May 17, 1771.  After Captain Messers capture, his wife and ten year old son (Christian Messer), pleaded to the authorities to spare Captain Messers life.  Only after a few days after the battle, Governor Tyron was present for the executions and young Christian Messer stepped up to Tyron and asked him to hang him and let his father live.  Tyron wished to know who had instructed him to do so.  Nobody, was the reply.  What is your reason for making this offer?  Because if you hang my father, my mother will die, and the children will perish, said the boy.  This request was made with such simplicity and earnestness that it touched the governors feelings;  and he told him that his father should not die that day.  However, less than one month later, Captain Messer and others were executed on June 19, 1771.  After Captain Messers execution, Mrs. Messer and her other children fade out of view and nothing is known of what became of her or of the other members of the family.  It is known that Christian Messer was Captain Messers oldest son.

Christian Sargent Messer reared a large family.  Several of his sons moved to Texas and Arkansas.  One went to Tennessee to live.  Three, Fred, John and David remained in Haywood County.  Several of his sons joined the tide of emigration to Texas in the early part of the nineteenth century, took part in the achievement of Texas independence in 1836 and became permanent residents of the Lone Star State.  Two of them went to Arkansas among that swelling throng that built up the great west.  One settled in Tennessee.  Therefore, Christian Messer, was the father of at least three sons:

SHELTON FAMILY HISTORY  4-377

  Frederick Messer (40.14.1), b. 1795, North Carolina
  John Messer (40.14.2)
  David Messer (40.14.3), b. 1810, North Carolina

Prior to coming to Haywood County, or what is now Haywood County, to live, Christian Messer had moved from Orange County to Burke, but the exact location has not been determined.  Christian Messer died in 1850 in the ninetieth year of his age.  

Reference:  1)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539

FREDERICK MESSER (40.14.1) is the son of Christian Sargent Messer.  According to The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina, Fred was five years of age when his family moved to Haywood County in 1796 and therefore Frederick was born around 1791.  However, the 1850 census of Haywood County lists Fedric Messer and states that he was born in 1803 in North Carolina and the 1860 census states that he was born in 1795 in North Carolina.  From 1850 to 1860, Fred Messer and his wife, Anna Messer (born 1806 in North Carolina), were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Fred and Anna Messer were the parents of at least eight children:

  Jackson Messer, b. 1827, North Carolina
  Adra Messer, b. 1832, North Carolina
  Samuel Messer, b. 1833, North Carolina
  C. Messer, b. 1834, North Carolina
  Marissa Messer, b. 1836, North Carolina
  Susana Messer, b. 1841, North Carolina
  Richard Messer, b. 1845, North Carolina

Frederick Messer died in 1908.  No additional information is known about Jackson Messer other than he emigrated to Tennessee.  In 1860, Samuel Messer was still living with his father in Haywood County, North Carolina.  No further information is known about Sam Messer other than he bought property in Madison County and made his home there.  All that is known about Susie Messer is that she lived with her father unmarried.

References:  1)  1850 and 1860 Censuses, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539

JOHN MESSER (40.14.2) is the son of Christian Sargent Messer.  John was born in North Carolina.  John Messer lived in the White Oak township, married and reared a large family."  John Messer was the father of eight children:

  William O. Messer (40.14.2.1), b. July 16, 1824, North Carolina
  Patton M. Messer (40.14.2.2), b. September, 1834, North Carolina
  Lawson Messer (40.14.2.3), b. February, 1837, North Carolina
  Sallie Messer
  Elizabeth Messer
  Lucinda Messer
  Jane Messer
  Rachel Messer

4-378  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

Sallie Messer married John Green of Crabtree.  Elizabeth Messer married Marion Green.  Lucinda Messer married George Green of Fines Creek.  Jane Messer married James Messer.  Rachel Messer married Marion Parton.

Reference:  1)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina, by W. C. Allen,” 1935, Pages 532 - 539

WILLIAM O. MESSER (40.14.2.1) is the son of John Messer.  William was born on July 16, 1824 in North Carolina.  On October 8, 1852, William Messer married Elizabeth Smith (born January 1, 1835, North Carolina) in Haywood County, North Carolina.  William and Elizabeth Messer were the parents of  twelve children:

  Sallie Messer
  Lonesome C. Messer, b. February 10, 1856, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Didama Messer, b. December 4, 1857, Haywood County, North Carolina
  William D. “Bud” Messer, b. June 22, 1862, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Nancy Messer, b. 1865, Haywood County, North Carolina
  H. Clingman Messer, b. February 11, 1867, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Lou Messer
  Malinda C. Messer, b. 1869, Haywood County, North Carolina
  John W. Messer, b. July, 1871, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Marshall Messer, b. April 12, 1874, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Margaret Eva Messer, b. March, 1878, Haywood County, North Carolina

William O. Messer died on June 4, 1896 in Haywood County, North Carolina and Elizabeth (Smith) Messer died on June 7, 1902 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Sallie Messer married Ira McGee.  Didama Messer married Francis M. “Frank” Teague.  Didama (Messer) Teague died on February 2, 1929 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Around 1877, Lonesome Messer married D. Reed McElroy (born December 5, 1858 in North Carolina).  Reed McElroy died on August 12, 1897 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Lonesome (Messer) McElroy died on July 30, 1916 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  William Messer married Elmirah Dotson.  William Messer died on April 18, 1949 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Clingman Messer married Francis Elizabeth Early.  Nancy Messer married Dan McCoy.  Lou Messer married James Messer.  Malinda Messer married Bill Teague.  John Messer married Hester Love.  Marshall Messer married Sallie Moore.  Margaret Messer married John Parkins.

References:  1)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  2)  “World Family Tree,” Volume 2, File 6182

PATTON M. MESSER (40.14.2.2) is the son of John Messer.  Patton was born in September, 1834 in North Carolina.  On December 25, 1853, Patton Messer married Cathorine Nancy Rhea in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Cathorine was born in February of 1836 in North Carolina.  Patton and Cathorine Messer were the parents of eleven children:

SHELTON FAMILY HISTORY  4-379

  M. McAnnally Messer, b. Haywood County, North Carolina
  Matilda Messer, b. 1856, North Carolina
  John C. Messer, b. 1858, Missouri
  James S. Messer, b. February 6, 1860, Texas
  Robert W. Messer, b. December, 1861, Texas
  Martha Messer, b. Texas
  Annie Mollie Messer, b. August 20, 1870, Texas
  G. Sterlin Messer, b. December, 1870, Haywood County, North Carolina
  William L. Messer, b. 1874, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Rachael Messer, b. October, 1879, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Sarah Messer, b. October 1879, Haywood County, North Carolina

Cathorine (Rhea) Messer died in 1919 in Morrison, Oklahoma and Patton Messer died on January 20, 1923 in Morrison, Oklahoma.  One daughter of Patton and Cathorine Messer became Mrs. James Murray.  McAnnally Messer and his wife, Lillie Messer, were marriead in Arkansas.  John C. Messer and his wife, Celie M. Messer, were married in Haywood County, North Carolina.  James Messer and his wife, Mary Messer, were married in 1880 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  James Messer married a second to a woman named, Lura Jane.  James Messer died on September 19, 1941 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Robert Messer and his wife, Mary E. Messer, were married in 1881 in North Carolina.  On August 23, 1891, Annie Messer married James Rector Little in Washington County, Arkansas.  Annie (Messer) Little died on October 26, 1935 in Morrison, Oklahoma.

References:  1)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  2)  “World Family Tree,” Volume 2, File 6182

LAWSON MESSER (40.14.2.3) is the son of John Messer.  Lawson was born in February of 1837 in North Carolina.  On October 18, 1856, Lawson Messer married Nancy Avoline Smith (born January, 1839 in North Carolina) in Haywood County, North Carolina.  In 1860, Lawson and Nancy Messer were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Lawson and Nancy Messer were the parents of at least twelve children:

  John Henry Messer, b. August, 1857, Haywood County, North Carolina
  William A. Messer, b. November 30, 1860, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Naomia Abigail Messer, b. 1862, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Elizabeth Jane Messer, b. 1864, Haywood County, North Carolina
  R. Catherine Messer, b. 1867, Haywood County, North Carolina
  George M. Messer, b. 1869, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Thomas Patton Messer, b. 1870, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Robert Vance Messer, b. August, 1876, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Mina E. Messer, b. 1877, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Charles A. Messer, b. March 20, 1879, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Anna E. Messer, b. February, 1881, Haywood County, North Carolina
  Hannibal Messer, b. August, 1883, Haywood County, North Carolina

Lawson Messer died in 1930 at the age of 94.  Henry Messer married Emiline Nelson.  William A. Messer married Margaret Clark.  William A. Messer died on May 5, 1946 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Abigail Messer married John Miller.  Elizabeth Messer died at the age of twenty-two.  Catherine Messer married Henry McElroy.  George Messer moved to Oklahoma.  Thomas Messer married Lura Snelson.  Robert Messer married Tina Waycaster.  Nina Messer married James Noland.  Charles Messer married Sallie Lee.  Charles Messer died on January 26, 1953.  Annie Messer married Hardy Crawford.  Hannibal Messer married Lizzie Noland.

4-380  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

References:  1)  1860 Census, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  3)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County,” North Carolina, by Mr. and Mrs. James Woolley, Page 60;  4)  “World Family Tree,” Volume 2, File 6182

DAVID MESSER (40.14.3) is the son of Christian Sargent Messer.  David was born in 1810 in North Carolina.  David was the youngest of the sons of Christian Messer.  He was born in 1812.  On December 19, 1832, David Messer married Mary Polly Gililand in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Mary was born 1813 in North Carolina and is the daughter of Robert Gililand.  From 1850 to 1860, David and Mary Messer were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  David and Polly Messer were the parents of eleven children:

  Henry Messer (40.14.3.1), b. 1834, North Carolina
  Franklin M. Messer (40.14.3.2), b. August 28, 1835, North Carolina
  John Messer, b. 1837, North Carolina
  Elizabeth Callie Messer, b. 1839, North Carolina
  Kizziah Messer, b. 1842, North Carolina
  Lettie Messer, b. 1843, North Carolina
  Robert Messer, b. 1845, North Carolina
  Elmina Messer, b. 1847, North Carolina
  William Tipton Messer, b. 1858, North Carolina
  Weston Messer, b. 1860, North Carolina
  Daughter

On December 20, 1865, David Messer married a second time to Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd in Haywood County, North Carolina.  David and Elizabeth Messer were the parents of six children:

  Matthew Messer
  Reed Messer
  Charles Messer
  Mary Messer
  Ellen Messer
  Sallie Messer

David Messer died in 1896.  John Messer moved to Newport, Tennessee.  Callie Messer married Alfred Shope of Macon County.  Kizzie Messer married John Smart and located on Crabtree township.  Lettie Messer married Kimsey Hoglen and moved to Macon County.  Robert Messer married Lizzie Allen and moved to Macon County.  Elmina Messer married Terrell Bradley and located in Macon County.  Tipton Messer married Maggie Hooker and lived on Panther Creek.  Weston Messer married Mary Gililand and moved to Marion, North Carolina.  David and Polly Messers last daughter died early in life.

SHELTON FAMILY HISTORY  4-381

Matthew Messer married Adeline Gililand and located on Panther Creek.  Reed Messer married Della West and moved to Marion, North Carolina.  Charles Messer married Maggie Williams and married a second time to Leona Henson, located on Panther Creek.  Mary Messer married Thomas Justice of Canton.  Ellen Messer married Bob Arrington and located on Panther Creek.  Sallie Messer married Estes Arrington of Waynesville.

References:  1)  1850 and 1860 Censuses, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  3)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by Mr. and Mrs. James E. Woolley, Page 59

HENRY MESSER (40.14.3.1) is the son of David Messer and Mary (Gililand) Messer.  Henry was born in 1834 in North Carolina.  On December 11, 1856, Henry Messer married Adeline McCraken in Haywood County, North Carolina and they located in the Crabtree township.  In 1860, Henry and Adaline Messer were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Henry and Adaline Messer were the parents of at least two children:

  George P. Messer, b. 1858, North Carolina
  Joseph Messer, b. 1860, North Carolina

References:  1)  1860 Census, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  3)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by Mr. and Mrs. James E. Woolley, Page 59

FRANKLIN M. MESSER (40.14.3.2) is the son of David Messer and Polly (Gililand) Messer.  Frank was born on August 28, 1835 in North Carolina.  On April 13, 1857, Frank Messer married Jennie Noland in Haywood County, North Carolina and they lived on Panther Creek.  Frank and Jennie Messer were the parents of eight children:

  Laura Messer
  Robert Patterson Messer
  Franklin B. Messer
  Allen Messer
  William R. Messer
  Anna Messer
  Sarah Messer
  Erastus T. Messer

Jennie (Nolan) Messer died on November 14, 1913 and Frank Messer died on June 29, 1919.  Laura Messer married James Russell of Fines Creek.  Robert Messer married Alice Gaines and moved to Murray County, Georgia.  Franklin B. Messer married Jennie Gilbert and settled in Oklahoma.  Allen Messer married Emma Treadway and located on Fines Creek.  William Messer married Lula Rogers and moved to Asheville.  Anna Messer married M. A. McCracken and located in Iron Duff.  Sarah Messer married T. N. Leatherwood and settled in White Oak township.  Erastus Messer married Herma Jarrett and made his home in Waynesville.

4-382  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

References:  1)  “The Annals of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by W. C. Allen, 1935, Pages 532 - 539;  2)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by Mr. and Mrs. James E. Woolley, Page 59

GEORGE MESSER (40.15) resided in Haywood County, North Carolina.  George was born in 1797 in North Carolina.  On April 10, 1822, George Messer married Nancy Caldwell in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Nancy was born in 1808 in North Carolina and is the daughter of William Caldwell of Haywood County, North Carolina.  From 1850 to 1860, George and Nancy Messer were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  George and Nancy Messer were the parents of at least twelve children:

  Daniel Messer (40.15.1), b. 1822, North Carolina
  Moses Messer (40.15.2), b. 1824, North Carolina
  David Messer, b. 1828, North Carolina
  Mary Polly Messer, b. 1831, North Carolina
  Elizabeth Betty Messer
  Emanuel Messer, b. 1833, North Carolina
  George S. Messer, b. 1835, North Carolina
  John Messer, b. 1839, North Carolina
  Henry Poe Messer, b. 1842, North Carolina
  Samuel Messer (40.15.10), b. 1844, North Carolina
  William H. Messer, b. 1847, North Carolina
  Nancy Messer, b. 1850, North Carolina

George Messer died in 1862 and Nancy (Caldwell) Messer died between 1860 and 1870.  Mary Polly Messer married a Mr. Jenkins.  Elizabeth Betty Messer married a Mr. Fullbright.  Nancy Messer married a Mr. Clevenger or Cloniger.

References:  1)  1850 and 1860 Censuses, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by Mr. and Mrs. James E. Woolley, Page 59;  3)  Letter, Louise (Messer) Patrick to Robert Casey, April 7, 1988

DANIEL MESSER (40.15.1) is the son of George Messer and Nancy (Caldwell) Messer.  Daniel was born in 1822 in North Carolina.  In 1860, Daniel and his wife, Elizabeth Messer (born 1826 in North Carolina), were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Daniel and Elizabeth Messer were the parents of at least eight children:

  George Messer, b. 1843, North Carolina
  Elijah Messer, b. 1845, North Carolina
  Isaac A. Messer, b. 1848, North Carolina
  James A. Messer, b. 1851, North Carolina
  Berry C. Messer, b. 1853, North Carolina
  Malinda E. Messer, b. 1856, North Carolina
  Martha P. Messer, b. 1856, North Carolina
  Joseph W. Messer, b. 1859, North Carolina

Reference:  1)  1860 Census, Haywood County, North Carolina

MOSES MESSER (40.15.2) is the son of George Messer and Nancy (Caldwell) Messer.  Moses was born in 1824 in North Carolina.  In 1860, Moses and his wife, Barbary Messer (born 1821 in North Carolina), were living in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Moses and Barbary Messer were the parents of at least six children:

SHELTON FAMILY HISTORY  4-383

  William A. Messer, b. 1846, North Carolina
  Malinda C. Messer, b. 1851, North Carolina
  Charity Messer, b. 1853, North Carolina
  Sary M. Messer, b. 1855, North Carolina
  Rachel P. Messer, b. 1857, North Carolina
  George T. Messer, b. 1859, North Carolina

Reference:  1)  1860 Census, Haywood County, North Carolina

SAMUEL MESSER (40.15.10) is the son of George Messer and Nancy (Caldwell) Messer.  Samuel was born in 1844 in North Carolina.  On August 5, 1867, Samuel Messer married Rapsey Elvira Price in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Rapsey was born in 1849 in Haywood County, North Carolina and is the daughter of William Price and Mary (Caldwell) Price.  Samuel and Rapsey Messer were the parents of eight children:

  William Messer, b. 1868
  Harvey Harve Messer, b. February, 1872
  Nancy Messer, b. 1873
  Henry Messer
  Lawson Messer
  Roxanne Messer
  Mary Messer
  Leona Messer

Rapsey (Price) Messer died about 1855 near Iron Duff, Haywood County, North Carolina.  In 1891, Samuel Messer married a second time to Tabitha Abbott in Tennessee.  Samuel Messer died on March 9, 1911 near Knoxville, Tennessee.  Louise (Messer) Patrick is a granddaughter of Harvey Messer and is an active researcher.

References:  1)  1850 and 1860 Censuses, Haywood County, North Carolina;  2)  “Early Marriage Bonds of Haywood County, North Carolina,” by Mr. and Mrs. James E. Woolley, Page 60;  3)  Letter, Louise (Messer) Patrick to Robert Casey, April 7, 1988

SOLOMON MESSER (40.16) lived in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Solomon was born 1838 in Haywood County, North Carolina.  Solomon Messer married Sarah Kirkpatick.  Solomon and Sarah Messer were the parents of at least four children:

  Bob Messer
  Ellen Messer
  Matilda “Tildy” Messer
  Jessie Bud Messer, b. October 8, 1869, Sevierville, Tennessee

Solomon Messer died on March 20, 1934 in Sevierville, Tennessee.  Bob Messer never married.  Ellen Messer married John C. Bolt and they had one daughter:  -  Lidie Bolt.  Matilda Messer married Soloman Williams and had five children.  On April 23, 1904, Jessie Messer married Daisy Lee Loveday and they had nine children:  -  Clell Messer,  -  Clifford Wilson Messer,  -  Earl Fletcher Messer,  -  Ezell Messer,  -  Ray Edgar Messer, b. August 8, 1914,  -  Stella Messer,  -  Grace Messer,  -  Golden Messer,  -  Bertha Messer,  -  James Messer.  Daisy (Loveday) Messer died on May 29, 1949 in Knoxville, Tennessee and Jessie Messer died on March 22, 1976 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Bobbie (Messer) Fry is a granddaughter of Jessie Messer and is an active researcher.

4-384  INTERACTIVE FAMILY HISTORIES

Reference:  1)  Letter, Bobbie (Messer) Fry to Robert Casey, November 18, 1987