Trying to determine my great grandmothers surname?

Question

I'm trying to determine my great grandmothers surname. Her first name is Clarissa A or Clarisa A and was born 1850 in Brasstown, Union GA.

She married my great granddad James A Scruggs / Alfred Scruggs in 1874/1875 in Brasstown, Union GA.

I've located a Clarissa A Wilson in a Coosawattee, Gilmer Co. GA.1860 index age 6 which would be the right age as she was older than Alfred.

If this is the correct Clarissa A., her father is listed as Moses P. Wilson age 36, which would make his birth year 1824 mother is listed as Mary (no last name) age 30, birth year 1830. I'll need to research her also....

Brothers: Joseph R Wilson, age 8 and Moses W Wilson, age 1.

There are a number of Wilsons listed in this 1860 index, however, I have not located a full census record for any of them.

Any information is greatly appreciated. Still searching in GA.

Answer 1

You NEED to find their marriage lic and or marriage certificate.  That will tell you what her maiden name is.  That might even give you her father or brother's names.   If you don't then you are willing to have ANYONE as her parents.

That is why some of my female ancestors have no parents as of yet.  I am not willing to have and Jane Doe as my ancestor.  

Follow the paper trail.  That will send you to the right state, county, town where you can write them for a certificate

Answer 2

Right at this moment, you have no reason to search any Wilsons.. since you are only guessing that this is her family.

Name:   Clarissa A Jones

Age in 1860: 10

Birth Year: abt 1850

Birthplace: Georgia

Home in 1860: Union, Georgia

Gender: Female

Post Office: Blairsville

Value of real estate: View Image

Household Members:

Name Age

C A Jones 35

Mary Jones 35

Louisa J Jones 12

Clarissa A Jones 10

Rebecca Jones 8

Elizabeth Jones 6

John W Jones 5



I am more inclined to look closer at Clarissa JONES, here... who was in the correct county (Union) in 1860.  However, the most important thing is that you should be working other records if possible, ie marriage records in Union co, maybe a death certificate, ALL census records (maybe her mother lived with them in 1900 or something).

There were 6 Clarissas in Union co, in 1860.  This one is 10, but if she fibbed on her age at any time, she MIGHT be the one who is age 8 in 1860.  You have nothing except for age to connect your person to the Wilson family, and it ignores the one living in Union co, which would fit your info.

Answer 3

If your grandparent whose mother you are looking for has passed away, order or find their death certificate. Some list their parents names on them.