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John Green Rawls was born 26 August 1854, in Alachua County, Florida, the eldest of five children of John Green Rawls and Martha Harville. (The birth date is from his death certificate although in the 1900 Federal Census, he is listed as being age 44, born Aug 1855. In the 1920 census made 19 January 1920, his age is given as 63.)
In 1855, nationwide, there was a yellow fever epidemic.
In 1857-1859, worldwide, there was an influenza epidemic, one of the greatest epidemics ever.
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John Green Rawls was born 26 August 1854, in Alachua County, Florida, the eldest of five children of John Green Rawls and Martha Harville. (The birth date is from his death certificate although in the 1900 Federal Census, he is listed as being age 44, born Aug 1855. In the 1920 census made 19 January 1920, his age is given as 63.)
In 1855, nationwide, there was a yellow fever epidemic.
In 1857-1859, worldwide, there was an influenza epidemic, one of the greatest epidemics ever.
Janie Burnett was born 4 October 1858, in Alachua County, Florida, the eldest of four children of John W. Burnett and Eliza Tidwell.
On 24 April 1871, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls of Marion County, Florida for $140 sold to Catherine Darden his gray horse Mazeppa.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1873 - 1878.
In 1873-1875, in North America and Europe, there was an influenza epidemic.
Minnie Jane Wilson was born 15 December 1874 in Russell County, Virginia, one of six known children of John P. Wilson and Sarah J. Smith.
On 31 July 1875, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls was witness to a mortgage between F. P. Olmsted as agent for George P. and Mary Olmsted and Charles W. Stephens.
On 12 January 1879, two severe shocks of about 30 seconds each rattled windows, cracked walls and threw items from shelves from Fort Myers to Jacksonville. Thought to be the most violent of Florida's temblors, the earthquake -- estimated at a magnitude 4.5 -- was centered near Gainesville.
John Green Rawls and Janie Burnett were married 11 January 1880, in Alachua County, Florida. Marriage recorded in Book B page 194 Alachua County, Florida.
John G. Rawls is shown on the 1880 federal census for Alachua County, Florida Enumeration District 2, page 1, line 19. He is a 25 year-old white male, married to Janie, age 20, whose occupation is house-keeping. He is a clerk in a store. Both John and Janie were born in Florida as were their parents. The census was taken as of 1 June 188
Alice Jane "Janie" was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 2 December 1883, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 15 July 1881, in Alachua County, Florida, John G(reen). Rawls was witness to a deed on land. Martha Rawls (his mother) was grantor: SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 Range 18, south and east and E 1/2 of SE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 Range 18, south and east, also W 1/2 of SW 1/4 Section 34 Township 8 Range 18, south and east. (Quitman P. Rawls was grantee; F. P. Olmsted was another witness.) Deed recorded in Book M page 705 Alachua County, Florida.
On 15 July 1881, in Alachua County, Florida, John G(reen) Rawls was grantee on land. Martha Rawls (his mother) was grantor: NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 Range 18, south and east and E 1/2 of NE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 Range 18, south and east, also W 1/2 of NW 1/4 Section 34 Township 8 Range 18, south and east. (Q. P. Rawls and F. P. Olmsted were witnesses.) Deed recorded in Book M page 605, Alachua County, Florida.
On 7 April 1884, in Alachua County, Florida, John G(reen). Rawls was witness on a livestock sale between Lewis B. Rawls and Q. P. Rawls (his brothers). (F. P. Olmsted was attesting justice of peace.) Sale recorded in Book S, pages 346-347 Alachua County, Florida.
The 1885 special federal census of Florida for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau counties has been lost. The index for the remaining counties does not list this family.
On 12 November 1885, in Marion County, Florida, John G. Rawls and (brother) Quitman P. Rawls were grantees on land: NW 1/4 of Section 3 Township 13 Range 19, south and east. Louise A. Olmsted and F. P. Olmsted were grantors. Deed recorded in Book V pages 242-243 Marion County, Florida (witnessed in Alachua County).
Lois Louise was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 12 January 1886, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
John Gracy was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 16 November 1887, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 27 December 1888, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls was grantee on land: SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 Section 27 Township 8 Range 18, south and east. Willina Downing as trustee for Simon Dell and her husband Thomas W. Downing were grantors. Deed recorded in Book 29, page 616, Alachua County, Florida.
Fred Murphy was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 13 July 1889, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The 1890 federal census of Florida has been lost.
Herbert Burnett was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 25 April 1892, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1893 - 1897.
On 22 February 1894, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls was grantor on land: (illegible) Section 33 Township 8 Range 18, south and east. Grantee was Atlantic Lumber Company for right-of-way). Deed recorded in Book 42 pages 333-334, Alachua County, Florida.
Francis Olmsted was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 5 April 1894, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 7 January 1895, in Alachua County, Florida, Jane Rawls and John G. Rawls her husband, heirs at law of John W. and Eliza B. Burnett deceased, for $100 sold to Mrs. M. Cornelia Burnett E 1/2 of NW 1/4 Section 12 Township 8 Range 18 south and east, and following part of SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 Section 12 Township 8 Range 18 south and east, beginning at the NE corner of said SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Section 12 run south 440 feet thence west 99 feet thence north 440 feet then east 99 feet to place of beginning and also the Lot number 15 and the E 1/2 of Lot numbered 14 in the town of Newnansville, Section 11 Township 8 Range 18 south and east, containing 82 acres more or less. (Mrs M. Cornelia Burnett is widow of Janie's brother Giles.) Deed recorded in Book 49 pages 264-265, Alachua County, Florida.
Durham Leval was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 17 February 1896, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 20 May 1897, John G. Rawls, under Certificate 3133 was issued a patent to W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 Section 4 Township 9 Range 18, south and east, in Alachua Countain, Florida, containing 77.82 acres.
Mary Lorene was born to John Green and Janie Rawls 27 September 1897, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Herbert Burnett Rawls, a son of John Green and Janie Rawls, died 2 June 1899.
On 2 January 1900, in Gainesville, Florida, J. G. Rawls was one of 300 persons selected by the County Commissioners as jurors for 1900.
Janie Burnett Rawls, age 41, died April 18, 1900, in Alachua County, Florida. She is buried in Alachua County, Florida, Newnansville Cemetery. No will for Janie Burnett was found in the records of Alachua County Florida in April 1991.
The 1900 federal census for Precinct No. 3, Alachua County, Florida, shows John as a widowed 44 year-old farmer living on a farm which he owns unencumbered. Living with him are his seven children: 16 year-old Alice, 14 year-old Lois, 12 year-old John, 10 year-old Fred, 6 year-old Olmsted, 4 year-old Durham, and 3 year-old Mary. John's birth is given as August 1855, with him and both sets of parents listed as being born in Florida. The older children have attended school 5 months during the year and can read and write English. The part of the census which describes the farm has been lost. The census was taken as of 1 June 1900.
Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls, a daughter of John Green and Janie Rawls, married George Washington Wilson 27 January 1901, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 16 May 1901, at the Spring 1901 Term Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Alachua County, Florida, the State of Florida indicted for murder Henry Sinclair and Tillie Sinclair. State witnesses were Dr. J. S. Cloud, J. G. Rawls, Antione Williams, Frank Brown, Morris Crockton and Louis Sinbriek. The Sinclairs were accused of the 28 February 1901 murder of Quitman Prince Rawls, brother of John G. Rawls.
On 20 May 1901, when trial was ready to begin, there were only eight jurors remaining of the 25 called on 16 May. The judge ordered the sheriff to summon additional jurors. This pool was reduced to ten by challenges and other reasons. The sheriff was then ordered to summon two talesmen from the bystanders. The jury was empaneled. The defendants entered a not guilty plea. Evidence was heard and the court adjourned for the day.
The next day, 21 May 1901, presentation of evidence was completed and the judge charged the jury. The jury retired and returned with a verdict of guilty of third degree murder for Henry Sinclair and of manslaughter for Tillie Sinclair. The judge refused to accept the verdict, charged the jury again, ordering them to again retire and consider for their verdict. The court adjourned for the day.
On Wednesday, 22 May 1901, in open court, the jury returned to find both Henry Sinclair and Tille Sinclair guilty of manslaughter.
On 1 June 1901, the court sentenced Tille Sinclair to six months imprisonment at hard labor in the County Jail. As Henry Sinclair was fifteen years old, he was sentenced to the State Reform School for four years.
On 30 June 1901, John G. Rawls, as heir to John G. Rawls deceased, received a quit claim deed from trustees of The Florida Railroad to land: SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. According to a referenced lawsuit and petition, John G. Rawls bought this land 27 August 1859, and although not supported by public records, the Florida Railroad refunded his money with interest in February 1860. Heirs and legal representatives of John G. Rawls had continued adverse possession of the land for the past 20 years. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 121-123, Alachua County, Florida.
John Green Rawls married a Sarah C., last name, date and place currently unknown.
On 7 August 1901, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Julia C. Rawls and Martha Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33, Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Grantee was Frank B. Rawls. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 214-215, Alachua County, Florida.
On 7 August 1901, in Alachua County, Florida, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls, Julia C. Rawls and Martha Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and E 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 33, Township 8 Range 18 south and east. John G. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 216-217, Alachua County, Florida.
On 7 August 1901, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls and Martha Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 and the E 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 33, Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Julia C. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 218-219, Alachua County, Florida.
On 7 August 1901, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Martha R. Rawls, Julia C. Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 and the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Louis B. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 220-221, Alachua County, Florida.
On 14 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls, and Julia C. Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 4 Township 9 Range 18 south and east. Martha Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 537-538, Alachua County, Florida.
On 14 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Julia C. Rawls and Martha Rawls on were grantors on a quit claim deed of 90 acres off the west side of the NW 1/4 of Section 3, Township 9, Range 18 and NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 4, Township 9, Range 18 south and east containing 130 acres of land more or less. Frank B. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 56 pages 323-324, Alachua County, Florida.
On 14 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls, Julia C. Rawls and Martha Rawls were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 and the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east containing 130 acres of land more or less. Louis B. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 549-550, Alachua County, Florida.
On 14 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls, Julia Rawls, and Martha Rawls on were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east containing 120 acres more or less. John G. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 550-551, Alachua County, Florida.
On 14 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls and Martha Rawls on were grantors on a quit claim deed to land: W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 and SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east containing 120 acres more or less. Julia C. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 552-553, Alachua County, Florida.
On 17 February 1902, in Alachua County, Florida, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls, Louis B. Rawls and Alice Rawls, Frank B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls, Martha Rawls and Julia C. Rawls all heirs of Q. P. Rawls deceased, were grantors on a warranty deed to land: Lot #2 of fractional Sections 3 and 10 of Township 9 Range 18 south and east in the Arredondo Grant containing 68 acres of land more or less. Deed recorded in Book 54 pages 542-545, Alachua County, Florida.
On 1 October 1902, John G. Rawls of Alachua County, Florida, under Certificate 17775 was granted a patent to the S 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 Section 28 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Patent recorded in Book 58 page 268, Alachua County, Florida.
On 6 December 1904, in Alachua County, Florida Circuit Court, John G. Rawls and Sarah C. Rawls were divorced. Divorce recorded in Justice Book J11, page 96 Alachua County, Florida.
J. G. Rawls, F. B. Rawls and Ruby J. Rawls his wife and Mrs Martha Rawls on 24 November 1906 were grantors on a quit claim deed for the NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 4 Township 9 Range 16 south and east; SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 11 Township 9 Section 18 south and east; Lot 12 of Haile Estate Section 35 Township 8 Range 18 south and east; SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 Section 28 Township 9 Range 18. L. B. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 69, page 244-146, Alachua County, Florida. (Land was legacy of estate of Q. P. Rawls.)
J. G. Rawls, L. B. Rawls and wife, F. B. Rawls and wife on 17 December 1906 were grantors on land: W 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Deed recorded in Book 70, page 348 Alachua County, Florida.
John G. Rawls, widower, was grantor on land 31 July 1907: S 1/2 of the NE 1/4 and the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 28 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Deed recorded in Book 70, page 629, Alachua County, Florida.
On 21 September 1909, in Washington County, Virginia, John G. Rawls married Minnie J. Wilson.
The index of the 1910 federal census of Florida does not show John Green Rawls. The census was taken as of 15 April 1910.
John Gracy Rawls, a son of John Green and Janie Burnett, married Eliza Jane Judson Chapman 24 November 1910, place currently unknown.
On 27 February 1912, upon application, John G. Rawls was appointed administrator of the estate of Julia C. Rawls who had died intestate in 1912. She was survived by J. G. Rawls, Lewis B. Rawls, Inez Shealey (formerly Rawls) and G. B. Shealey her husband, John Rawls, Holly Rawls, Kate Rawls and Frances Rawls (minors) and heirs at law of Ruby J. Rawls dec'd and Frank Rawls husband of said Ruby Rawls, deceased. The estate consisted of the W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 and E 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east - 160 acres - and the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 and the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 and one-fourth undivided interest in the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east - 130 acres. Letters of administration recorded in Administration Record 3, page 35, Alachua County, Florida.
Lois Louise Rawls, a daughter of John Green and Janie Rawls, married George W. "Doy" Lewis 13 January 1913, in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Francis Olmsted Rawls, a son of John Green and Janie Rawls, married Myrtice Gertrude Roberts 2 November 1919, in Lake Butler then Bradford now Union County, Florida.
In 1993, according to John Wilson, a son of Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls and George W. Wilson, Minnie J. Wilson, from Bristol, Virginia, and according to brother Leroy Wilson, was a "mail-order bride". She and John Green Rawls had a daughter who died aged 5 or 6 from, perhaps, influenza. Minnie wanted to take her back to Bristol, Virginia to be buried but John didn't want her taken back. The child was buried on the Rawls family farm with no tombstone. Wilson family children remembered in 1996 that there was a "cemetery-type" fence right at the front door of the house and they were scared to go in. John Green Rawls supposedly used to travel. On a trip to Italy, he brought back a planting of a fig tree. The tree did well and bore large, delicious white figs. Minnie didn't like figs; the tree disappeared. In 1996, Wilson family children remembered that family referred to her as "Meanie".
J. G. Rawls and wife Minnie J. Rawls and Julia Rawls on 12 May 1917 were grantors on land: NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Lewis B. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 101, pages 189-190, Alachua County, Florida. (Land was legacy of estate of Q. P. Rawls.)
On 10 August 1917, the Fernandina Dock and Realty Company was grantor on land: W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. J. G. Rawls was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 104, pages 84-85, Alachua County, Florida. (See 17 January 1918 entry.)
J. G. Rawls and Minnie J. Rawls his wife and Julia C. Rawls on 17 January 1918 were grantors on land: W 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Grantee was George W. Lewis husband of daughter Lois Louise Rawls. Deed recorded in Book 103, page 441, Alachua County, Florida. (See 10 August 1917 entry.)
J. G. Rawls and Minnie J. Rawls his wife and Julia C. Rawls on 17 January 1918 were grantors on land: E 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Grantee was Kate Williams. Deed recorded in Book 103, page 548, Alachua County, Florida.
In 1918, worldwide, there was an influenza epidemic, with more people hospitalized in World War I from this epidemic than wounds.
The 1920 Federal Census for Alachua County, Florida, Alachua Precinct, Supervisors District 2, Enumeration District 4, lists John G. Rawls, a farmer, age 63, born in Florida of parents born in Florida as head of household of wife Minnie, age 45, born in Virginia of parents born in Virginia,son, Durham L., age 25, single, unable to read or write and daughter Mary L. age 23. The census dated 16 January, was taken as of 1 January 1920.
Mary Lorene Rawls, a daughter of John Green and Janie Rawls, married Reuben R. Glover 11 December 1920, place not currently known.
There was a major economic recession in the United States in 192
Fred Murphy Rawls, a son of John Green and Janie Rawls, married Flora Jane Howse 15 October 1921, place currently unknown.
John Green Rawls, age 74, died 21 November 1928, at home in Alachua County, Florida. He was buried 22 November 1928 in Alachua County, Florida, Newnansville Cemetery.
The will of John Green Rawls is in "Will Records 4, Alachua County, Florida," page 362. The will made 12 October 1926 and probated 24 November 1928, mentions wife Minnie J. Rawls, sons John G. Rawls Jr, Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls, daughters Alice J. Wilson wife of George W. Wilson, and Lois L. Lewis wife of George Lewis. John G. Rawls, Jr is the executor. Minnie J. Rawls receives as life estate E1/2 NE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East and W 1/2 NW 1/4 Section 34 Township 8 South Range 18 East which includes the Rawls' home site which will go to daughter Alice upon death of Minnie Rawls; W 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Alice J. Wilson; and, E 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Lois L. Lewis; W 1/2 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and SE 1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and S1/2 NE 1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East to be equally shared by sons Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls. Those children not specifically listed had provision made for them during the lifetime of John Green Rawls. (This would be John Gracy Rawls, Durham Leval Rawls, who lived with Alice Wilson, and Mary Rawls Glover
The 1930 Federal Census for Cadillac, Alachua County, Florida, Alachua Voting Precinct #3 household number 234, dwelling number 243, lists Minnie J. Rawls, widow age 52, married first at age 32, who owns her home, as head of household of Arthur A. Wilson, brother, single, age 48, both of whom were born in Virginia of parents born in Virginia.
On 12 December 1941, a B. W. Cato provided an affidavit that he was 62 years of age and had known J. G. Rawls and his wife M. J. Rawls for the past 30 years and that he was familiar with the land they owned in Alachua County, Florida, to-wit: SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 and S 1/2 of NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 27 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. He has been familiar with the land prior to 21 March 1923 and that there was no oil, gas, sulphur or other valuable merchantable minerals on the land. On the same date, a B. T. Shaw, age 47, who had known the Rawls for 47 years, made the same affidavit. Recorded in Book 196, pages 14-15, Alachua County, Florida.
On 1 July 1943, Minnie J. Rawls, widow, of Washington County, Virginia, Alice R. Wilson and her husband George W. Wilson, Lois R. (sic) Lewis and her husband G. W. Lewis, D. L. Rawls single and Mary G. Dent and her husband William Dent all of Alachua County and John G. Rawls and his wife Carol Rawls of Putnam County were grantors on a quit claim deed for land: W 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Section 27 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Grantee was F. O. Rawls. Deed recorded in Book 202, Alachua County, Florida.
Minnie Rawls, widow of John G. Rawls deceased, in Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia, on 2 November 1945 was grantor on land: E 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Alice J. Wilson was grantee. Recorded in Book 223 page 432 Alachua County, Florida. (This is half of the John G. Rawls homestead. The document contains an original signature of Minnie J. Rawls.)
Minnie Jane Rawls, after a year of declining health, died 21 October 1948 in George Ben Johnson Hospital, Abingdon, Virginia.
On 21 May 1949, Alice J. Wilson, John G. Rawls, Fred M. Rawls, F. O. Rawls, Mary Rawls Dent, Durham Rawls and Lois Rawls Lewis were grantors on a quit claim deed for land: W 1/2 of SE 1/4 and E 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 33 Township 8 Range 18 south and east; and W 1/2 of NW 1/4 of Section 34 Township 8 Range 18 south and east. Alice J. Wilson was grantee. Deed recorded in Book 266 pages 231-307 Alachua County, Florida. (This includes all of the John G. Rawls homestead. The document contains photocopied original signatures of John G. Rawls, Carol Rawls, Fred M. Rawls, Flora Rawls, F. O. Rawls, Myrtice Rawls, Mary Rawls Dent, Durham Rawls, Lois Rawls Lewis and G. W. Lewis.)
In a letter to B.C. Rawls of Box 1325 Hattiesburg Mississippi dated 3 September 1967, John Gracy Rawls says "... John G. Rawls married Janie Burnett of Burnetts Lake about 1880. ..." "... Listing Children of John. G. #2...Sons John Gracy. Fred M. F. O. Rawls & Herbert B. Durham L. Daughters Alice Lois and Mary family of 8; Matched only by John G. #3 with same No. of girls and Boys U will note. ..."
In a letter to Mrs. Eloise J. Rogers 2685 Temple Street Sarasota Florida 33579 dated 5 September 1969, John Gracy Rawls says "... I Had a sister named Lois ..."
On 22 September 1969, in Baltimore, Maryland, John N. Wilson (eldest son of Alice Jane Rawls and George Washington Wilson) and Stella Wilson, his wife, sold to James Edward Wing, Jr, and Elizabeth S. Wing, his, wife the E 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 33, Township 8 South, Range 18 East, less the public road right-of-way, containing 80 acres more or less. This is the Rawls' land where both John Green Rawls had their homes.
From the genealogical notes of Joseph Russell Henderson: "John Green Rawls who owned and operated a large farm approximately three miles south of the town of Alachua, Alachua County, Florida, was a son of John G. Rawls and Martha Harville Rawls.
"He was married 3 times, first to Janie Burnett. To them were born 8 children. His second marriage to Sarah C., was short-lived. His third wife, Minnie, was much younger than he. They had a male child who died at age of 2 or 3 years."
In 1994, grandson William E. Rawls, remembering from when he was six or seven years old, that his grandfather had a big farm with a beautiful pear orchard in front of the house and a wood rail fence. There was a large windmill in back of the house on a little hill with some large rocks. The back part of house was separated from the kitchen by a long wood walkway up on posts about four feet from the ground.
According to Leroy Wilson, a son of Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls and George W. Wilson, in 1993, John Green Rawls looked much like Robert E. Le
In 1999, the approach road to the John Green Rawls home can still be seen. Occasionally, alongside the part which coincides with modern-day NW 161st Street, can be seen JGR's pecan grafted on hickory trees. The graft point is very noticeable due to the different rates of growth of the two species and by being almost six feet above the ground. Within the fence surrounding the property now belonging to James Wing at 10515 NW 161st Street, the road is marked not only by an alley of trees, but also by a depression in the ground. The old road sweeps around to the front of the old home. A spilt-rail fence extended north from the front of the house.
The home of John Green Rawls, son of the first John Green Rawls, is marked by stone rubble left from the supporting piers and foundation for the two chimneys. The house faced north to a pear orchard -- one very decrepit tree remains. Near the front of the house is a very old sago palm and an old magnolia tree. The house, of heart pine lap construction, was two-story. (Perhaps considered a story-and-a-half as most of the walls of the upstairs were slanted.) The foot of the stairway was at the rear of the house. The kitchen, attached to the main house by a covered walkway, was behind the main house and as wide as the main house. Behind the house is a tall barn. Well behind the barn is a sharecroppers shack. Opposite the barn entrance, and well to the side of it, is a mule barn. All of these structures, remaining of the eleven buildings known to be here, are of heart pine board-and-batten construction. Of the eleven buildings, these had metal roofs and survived; the ones which collapsed had had wooden shingles. The mule barn built directly on the ground, has large hand-hewn log sills. The other buildings have limerock piers. Some of the boards are knot-free -- about thirty feet long and fourteen inches wide.
Also on the property is a foundation of "Bama's house." It was a log home and the place where she died. This may have been the home where John Green Rawls (Sr) and his bride, Martha Ann Harville lived beginning in 1854 when he was first granted the land.
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