Zeroing in on Parentage Using Census Data

Robert Graham was born 20 August 1818, or so his headstone tell us.  And the census records throughout his life consistently report that he was born in Mississippi.  But, without any actual documentation, can we pin down Robert's birthplace to a specific county in Mississippi?

The first census where we can identify Robert Graham is 1840, in Scott County, Mississippi.  In fact, there are 2 men named Robert Graham listed on that census.  Careful, study of both men through the census records, tells us that 1 of them was probably born in North Carolina sometime between 1816 and 1818.  This Robert is also referred to as Robert Graham Sr. on some of the tax rolls, while Robert Graham born in Mississippi on 20 August 1818 is referred to as Robert Graham Jr.

One of these men's father is Robert Graham b. before 1775 in North Carolina m. Christian Keahey d. 1825 in Hinds County, Mississippi  (at least Hinds County is where his probate records are located). and the other Robert Graham's father is Anthony Graham.

Both the elder Robert and Anthony Graham came from North Carolina to Mississippi on or before 1820.  While we don't know the exact arrival years, we can assume that Robert came before Anthony, as only Robert Graham appears on the 1816 Wayne County, Mississippi Territorial census.  By 1820, both Robert and Anthony are listed on the 1820 Wayne County, Mississippi Territorial census.

Since Robert Graham born in 1818 in Mississippi and both potential fathers were living in Wayne County, MS on or before 1820, it is probable that our Robert was born in Wayne, County, MS.  Even more important this also suggests that our Robert Graham was the son of the elder Robert Graham and Christian Keahey.

Robert Graham and Christian Keahey are known to have had a son named Robert.  In fact, we know from Robert Graham's 1827 probate records and Christian's 1836 deed of gift that Robert was their youngest child. A son born between 1816 and 1818, when they were already living in Mississippi. According to the census records, their next oldest son, George Jackson Graham, was born 12 April 1816. He was also born in Mississippi -- presumably, he too was born Wayne County, Mississippi.

The other Robert Graham, born between 1816 and 1818, was born in North Carolina.  Since Anthony Graham was not listed in Mississippi in 1816, we can assume he left North Carolina after the birth his son Robert Graham.     
 
Again, while not definitive proof, the analysis of the census information suggests that Robert Graham b.  20 Aug. 1818 in Mississippi was the youngest son of Robert Graham and Christian Keahey.

Robert Graham's Father?

Who are the potential fathers for Robert Graham b. 20 Aug 1818 in Mississippi, m. Ruth Smith, d. 10 Feb 1890 in Rapides Parrish, Louisiana?  There are a number of candidates who were living in Mississippi just before the time that our Robert was born.

In February 1820, when the census was taken, young Robert Graham would have been 7 years old. That puts him in the males under 10 category.  All of the following Graham male heads of households, appearing on the 1820 Mississippi Federal Census, had male children under age 10 listed in their households. 

• Robert Graham (1820 Wayne County, MS - 3 males under age 10)
• Anthony Graham ( 1820 Wayne County, MS - 3 males under age 10)
• William Graham (1820 Wayne County, MS - 3 male under age 10)
• Zacharia Graham (1820 Wayne County, MS - 2 males under age 10)
• Joseph Graham (1820 Jackson County, MS - 1 male under age 10)
• Thomas Graham (1820 Lawrence County, MS - 1 male under age 10)
• William Graham (1820 Marion County, MS - 2 males under age 10)

 

Ancestry.com Trees:

The following claims have been made for the parents of Robert Graham m. Ruth Smith.  A quick search of Ancestry.com will find all three listed as his parents in various trees.  Unfortunately, none of these trees provides any sources for Robert's parents.

• William Graham  - no name of wife.  This was first proposed by Julian Dow Graham, a grandson of Robert and Ruth Graham.  The information came from a newspaper article he wrote, which was published in "The South Rapides Chronicle" 21 Feb 1973, Vol 4 No. 3.  It is unknown if William Graham had a son named Robert. 
  
• Robert Graham and Christian Keahey: This couple had a son named Robert.  James Morris Farmer suggested that the Robert Graham m. Charlotte Pennington was the son of Robert and Christian Graham (p.14 The History of the Graham Family).
  
• Anthony Graham and Assenith (various spellings): This couple may also have had a son named Robert.  Anthony Graham age 80 was living next to or very near Robert Graham in 1850.  In 1860 he was living with Robert and Charlotte Graham. (1850 & 1860 Newton County, MS., Federal Censuses) 

 

FamilySearch.org Pedigrees

A search of submitted pedigrees to FamilySearch.org revealed 5 charts for the Robert Graham who married Ruth Smith.  Only 2 of the pedigrees suggest parents for Robert:

• William Graham: this appears to be submitted by one of the same persons who submitted to Ancestry.com.  There is no accompanying discussion or sources.
  
  
• Robert Graham & Christian Keahey:  this pedigree was accompanied with several well known sources and discussion but no firm conclusions. The submitter does warn that the information needs to be proved.