Rowena Lowery Autry Query on the Chesterfield Genealogical WEBSITE
Query: renae from Greensboro wrote on January 6, 2026 at 2:35 pm
looking for anything on rowena (lowery/lawry/lowry) autry who was maybe born in chesterfield county in South Carolina maybe the town the courthouse resides in 1914 and died 1988. her parent names were maybe silas lowery and ida henderson. she married a james autry SR who both had my grandfather james JR in 1937 who died 2007 in high point, North Carolina. i’m looking for maybe the land she lived and maybe worked on, possibly owned by a lawry or lowery; her father could’ve also been a share cropper so ownership records would be useful but some seem to be lost so even a newspaper someone kept would be useful.
Answer: Rowena Lowrey passed away in 1988 in High Point North Carolina. Her obituary says she was a native of Chesterfield, South Carolina.
Rowena is first found in the 1920 census.
This 1920 United States Federal Census entry lists Rowena Lowery, age 5, living in the Court House township of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She is recorded as Black, born in South Carolina, the daughter of head of household Silas Lowery (72) and his wife Ida (30), both born in North Carolina. The household contains the following children:
Silas also had a son Elis who had apparently run away from home , In 1918, Silas warns the public not to hire his 13 year old son, Ellis who has left home without permission.
Silas Lowery married Ida Hinson on March 15, 1912 in Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was 65 and she was 34.
Silas was a farmer who worked in the general farm employment field on his own account whose home (and farm) was rented. No ownership of land has been found so he most likely was a sharecropper.
The 1920 Census record shows that the people who owned land in his community were:
• Baxter John Douglass and Edgar A Douglass
• Mrs. Pearl Douglass wife of John Gilliam Rivers
• Jacob George Henry Burr son of Henrietta Douglass Burr
• Miles Vernon Rivers brother of John Gilliam Rivers
• Hadley Dupree Rivers brother of John Gilliam Rivers
• Roxie Ann Burr Poston daughter of Harriett Douglass Burr
• Duncan Franklin Melton
The Census record places the family in enumeration District 39, on page 17A of the federal schedule taken shortly after World War I. These were the directions that the census enumerator was given in 1920.
I believe this would put the Silas Lowery family in 1920 on the western side of the town of Chesterfield in the rural area, west of Bishopville-Wadesboro Road (Morven Road – Highway 145).
It would most likely be close to the current Hadley Dupree Rivers Road.
The map below is the map of Roxie Burr Poston’s land which was deeded to her in 1913 as a settlement from her mother, Harriet Douglass Burr. It shows Burr, Douglass and Rivers neighbors.
Principal Individuals :
• Harriett V. Douglass Burr: Deceased. Mother of Roxie A. Poston. Her estate is being surveyed and divided.
• Roxie A. Poston: Daughter of Harriett V. Burr. She is receiving 63 acres as her portion of her mother’s estate. She is one of the individuals who requested the survey.
Associated Individuals:
• W. A. Burr: Requested the survey. Owns adjacent land (“W. A. Burr Land”). Father to Roxie.
• D. P. Douglass: Requested the survey. Owns adjacent land (“Lands of D. P. Douglass”). Nephew to Harriett V. Douglass Burr, also Sheriff of Chesterfield Co..
• J. A. Sellers: The surveyor who completed the plat on October 14, 1911.
• Mrs. Jane Rivers: Mentioned as an adjacent landowner.
• J. Tiller: Mentioned as an adjacent landowner.
Key Events:
• Survey Date: October 14, 1911.
• Recording Date: February 13, 1913.
• Location: Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
The 1910 federal census records Silas Lowrey as age 63 living in the Court House township of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He lives off the Society Hill Chesterfield Road. That road heads south east out of Chesterfield toward Teal’s mill. The census indicates he was born in North Carolina. He is listed as able to read and write and that he works as a farmer in general farming although he rents his farm. The census includes his first wife was Sarah Sallie Redfearn Lowrey(34), Silas Lowrey (age 15), Eula Mae Lowrey (age 14), Eva Lowrey (13), Glennie Lowrey (11), Leaola Lowrey (10), Ellis Lowrey (5), Hanna Lowrey (5) and Henry Lowrey (3).
The 1900 federal census records that Silas Lowrey is 32 years old. He is living in the White Store area of Anson County where he is again a tenant farmer. The household includes his wife Sarah Sallie Redfearn Lowrey (23) and children Bogan (13), Silas (6), Eula Mae Lowrey, Eva Lowrey (4, Glennie (1). Sherman Doster (30) listed as a lodger and Mary Doster (age 18) is listed as a boarder.
The 1910 federal census lists Ida Leak Hinson (33), Rowena’s mother She is married to Sam Hinson (33). He is listed as a tenant farmer who is an employer. He rents the farm. They are living on the east side of Bishopville Road. Her brother Robert Leek (22) and his wife Eliza (21) are also found in the household.
In 1880 Ida Leak (age 6) is living in the household of Wesley Leak (55) and Charlotte Little Leak (40) along with other children Rosa (17), Clara (13) and Cora (3).
Steve Bailey, Anson County, North Carolina Historical Society Librarian sent me the following e-mail concerning his research on the Wesley Leak family :
I was working on this Wesley Leak family over 15 years ago. I knew Wesley was married many times & fathered children by many women. Ida Leak/Leek mentioned in the group sheets, you sent me is a daughter of Wesley’s that I had not heard of. You are welcome to pass along this Leak history to the person you are helping.
The Known Children of Wesley Leak (1790-1879) & Unknown Mother
Wesley Leak Born 1814/1815 Died in the early 1890’s
Samuel Leak Born 1814/1815 Died after 1880 Census – Married to Milly
Children of Wesley Leak Born 1815 – Died in the early 1890’s
Wesley Leak fathered children by Kiziah/Kizzie Leak, Eliza/Liza Little, Vinie Leak & Charlotte Little
Wesley Leak born 1843/1844 & died 1890’s – 1st wife was Ann Gaddy born 1844/1845 & died mid 1880’s – 2nd wife was Mariah Sturdivant who he married on February 15, 1888 – Marriage license of him & Mariah Sturdivant states his mother was Kiziah/Kizzie Leak
Gaston Leak born 1853 & died April 25, 1938 – age 85 years – wife was Jennie Leak – Buried at Galilee Church Cemetery – Parents Wesley Leak & Liza Little
Simon Leak is listed as a brother to Gaston Leak in the 1880 Census but no other information has been located regarding Simon. Simon was 21 years old in the 1880 Census & living in Gaston Leak’s household so Simon was born about 1858/1859
Willis Little age 54 son of Jack Burris & Adeline Little (both dead) married Rosa Leak age 35 (Rosa was 7 years old in 1870 census so she was born about 1862/1863) daughter of Wesley Leak & Vinie Leak (both dead) – were married on April 29, 1903 in Morven Township in the Cairo Community
Abraham/Abram/Abe Leak age 21 (Abram was 6 years old in 1870 census so he was born about 1863/1864) son of Wesley Leak (living) & Eliza Leak (dead) to Charlotte Smith age 17 – were married on October 14, 1886 in Morven Township
Abram or Abraham Leak age 37 son of Wesley & Eliza Leak (both dead) to Alice Diggs age 21 – were married November 29, 1906 in Morven Township
Abe Leak born December 1, 1870 (actually born 1863/1864 according to 1870 census) & died August 13, 1943 in Morven Township – Age 72 years – wife Alice Leak – Buried at Galilee Church Cemetery – Parents Wesley & Eliza Leak – informant was Alice Leak
Alice Leak widow of Abe Leak born July 4, 1886 & died April 21, 1948 – Parents Charles & Jane Leak – informant was Annie Bennett – Buried at Galilee Church
Stephen Ratliff age 41 to Ella Leak age 23 (born 1867/1868) daughter of Wesley & Charlotte Leak – were married July 24, 1891 in Lilesville Township (Wesley Leak born 1815 was living at this time & Charlotte Leak was also living)
Julia Leak Horne born July 4, 1877 & died August 15, 1943 age 66 years 1 month & 11 days – Husband was David Horne – Parents were Wesley Leak & Charlotte Little – Buried at Deep Creek Baptist Church
Wesley Leak (half-brother of Julie Leak Horne) who was born about 1843/1844 was first married to Ann Gaddy & were living together in the 1880 Census. Ann Gaddy died in the early to mid 1880’s & Wesley fathered a son by Sarah Leak but no marriage record has been located on Wesley & Sarah.
Boss Leak was born of this union of Wesley & Sarah Leak & he was born about 1886 & died in Anson County on February 3, 1939 & was buried at Pleasant Hill AME Zion Church. His wife was Dollie Leak
Wesley Leak (half-brother of Julia Leak Horne) age 47 son of Wesley Leak & Kizzie Leak married Mariah Sturdivant age 27 daughter of Richmond & Laura Sturdivant. The marriage took place on February 15, 1888 by A.F. Blakeney’s at his house in Wadesboro.
Paul Studivant born 1883/1884 died July 19, 1919 – never married – Parents were Wesley Leak & Mariah Sturdivant – Buried at Sturdivant Family Cemetery
Roy Leak age 20 (born 1892) son of Wesley & Mariah Leak married Blanche McGregor on June 9, 1912 in Wadesboro
William G. Huntley age 44 married Mariah Sturdivant Leak (widow of Wesley Leak) (Mariah was a daughter of Richmond & Laura Sturdivant) the marriage of William & Mariah took place on January 14, 1899 at the bride’s residence in Wadesboro. Wesley Leak (son of Wesley Leak & grandson of an older Wesley Leak) was married to Mariah in 1888 had died before 1899.
Hello Richard This works.
Here is the link to the September meeting
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2usfhb2ts4ts45prvajtm/Marianne-SmithSeptember14.mp4?rlkey=ku19d00b0mk623ytbvflp5v97&st=hh0byegk&dl=0
Rowena Lowery Autry Query on the Chesterfield Genealogical WEBSITE
Query: renae from Greensboro wrote on January 6, 2026 at 2:35 pm
looking for anything on rowena (lowery/lawry/lowry) autry who was maybe born in chesterfield county in South Carolina maybe the town the courthouse resides in 1914 and died 1988. her parent names were maybe silas lowery and ida henderson. she married a james autry SR who both had my grandfather james JR in 1937 who died 2007 in high point, North Carolina. i’m looking for maybe the land she lived and maybe worked on, possibly owned by a lawry or lowery; her father could’ve also been a share cropper so ownership records would be useful but some seem to be lost so even a newspaper someone kept would be useful.
Answer: Rowena Lowrey passed away in 1988 in High Point North Carolina. Her obituary says she was a native of Chesterfield, South Carolina.
Rowena is first found in the 1920 census.
This 1920 United States Federal Census entry lists Rowena Lowery, age 5, living in the Court House township of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She is recorded as Black, born in South Carolina, the daughter of head of household Silas Lowery (72) and his wife Ida (30), both born in North Carolina. The household contains the following children:
• Arlevia Lowery (16)
• Henry Lowery (13)
• Rowena Lowery( 5)
• Alozia Hinson (17)
• Elmer Hinson (16)
• Alonzona Hinson (13)
• Emma Hinson (11)
• Christene Hinson (11)
• Fulton Hinson (4)
Silas also had a son Elis who had apparently run away from home , In 1918, Silas warns the public not to hire his 13 year old son, Ellis who has left home without permission.
Silas Lowery married Ida Hinson on March 15, 1912 in Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was 65 and she was 34.
Silas was a farmer who worked in the general farm employment field on his own account whose home (and farm) was rented. No ownership of land has been found so he most likely was a sharecropper.
The 1920 Census record shows that the people who owned land in his community were:
• Baxter John Douglass and Edgar A Douglass
• Mrs. Pearl Douglass wife of John Gilliam Rivers
• Jacob George Henry Burr son of Henrietta Douglass Burr
• Miles Vernon Rivers brother of John Gilliam Rivers
• Hadley Dupree Rivers brother of John Gilliam Rivers
• Roxie Ann Burr Poston daughter of Harriett Douglass Burr
• Duncan Franklin Melton
The Census record places the family in enumeration District 39, on page 17A of the federal schedule taken shortly after World War I. These were the directions that the census enumerator was given in 1920.
I believe this would put the Silas Lowery family in 1920 on the western side of the town of Chesterfield in the rural area, west of Bishopville-Wadesboro Road (Morven Road – Highway 145).
It would most likely be close to the current Hadley Dupree Rivers Road.
The map below is the map of Roxie Burr Poston’s land which was deeded to her in 1913 as a settlement from her mother, Harriet Douglass Burr. It shows Burr, Douglass and Rivers neighbors.
Principal Individuals :
• Harriett V. Douglass Burr: Deceased. Mother of Roxie A. Poston. Her estate is being surveyed and divided.
• Roxie A. Poston: Daughter of Harriett V. Burr. She is receiving 63 acres as her portion of her mother’s estate. She is one of the individuals who requested the survey.
Associated Individuals:
• W. A. Burr: Requested the survey. Owns adjacent land (“W. A. Burr Land”). Father to Roxie.
• D. P. Douglass: Requested the survey. Owns adjacent land (“Lands of D. P. Douglass”). Nephew to Harriett V. Douglass Burr, also Sheriff of Chesterfield Co..
• J. A. Sellers: The surveyor who completed the plat on October 14, 1911.
• Mrs. Jane Rivers: Mentioned as an adjacent landowner.
• J. Tiller: Mentioned as an adjacent landowner.
Key Events:
• Survey Date: October 14, 1911.
• Recording Date: February 13, 1913.
• Location: Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
The 1910 federal census records Silas Lowrey as age 63 living in the Court House township of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He lives off the Society Hill Chesterfield Road. That road heads south east out of Chesterfield toward Teal’s mill. The census indicates he was born in North Carolina. He is listed as able to read and write and that he works as a farmer in general farming although he rents his farm. The census includes his first wife was Sarah Sallie Redfearn Lowrey(34), Silas Lowrey (age 15), Eula Mae Lowrey (age 14), Eva Lowrey (13), Glennie Lowrey (11), Leaola Lowrey (10), Ellis Lowrey (5), Hanna Lowrey (5) and Henry Lowrey (3).
The 1900 federal census records that Silas Lowrey is 32 years old. He is living in the White Store area of Anson County where he is again a tenant farmer. The household includes his wife Sarah Sallie Redfearn Lowrey (23) and children Bogan (13), Silas (6), Eula Mae Lowrey, Eva Lowrey (4, Glennie (1). Sherman Doster (30) listed as a lodger and Mary Doster (age 18) is listed as a boarder.
The 1910 federal census lists Ida Leak Hinson (33), Rowena’s mother She is married to Sam Hinson (33). He is listed as a tenant farmer who is an employer. He rents the farm. They are living on the east side of Bishopville Road. Her brother Robert Leek (22) and his wife Eliza (21) are also found in the household.
In 1880 Ida Leak (age 6) is living in the household of Wesley Leak (55) and Charlotte Little Leak (40) along with other children Rosa (17), Clara (13) and Cora (3).
Steve Bailey, Anson County, North Carolina Historical Society Librarian sent me the following e-mail concerning his research on the Wesley Leak family :
I was working on this Wesley Leak family over 15 years ago. I knew Wesley was married many times & fathered children by many women. Ida Leak/Leek mentioned in the group sheets, you sent me is a daughter of Wesley’s that I had not heard of. You are welcome to pass along this Leak history to the person you are helping.
The Known Children of Wesley Leak (1790-1879) & Unknown Mother
Wesley Leak Born 1814/1815 Died in the early 1890’s
Samuel Leak Born 1814/1815 Died after 1880 Census – Married to Milly
Children of Wesley Leak Born 1815 – Died in the early 1890’s
Wesley Leak fathered children by Kiziah/Kizzie Leak, Eliza/Liza Little, Vinie Leak & Charlotte Little
Wesley Leak born 1843/1844 & died 1890’s – 1st wife was Ann Gaddy born 1844/1845 & died mid 1880’s – 2nd wife was Mariah Sturdivant who he married on February 15, 1888 – Marriage license of him & Mariah Sturdivant states his mother was Kiziah/Kizzie Leak
Gaston Leak born 1853 & died April 25, 1938 – age 85 years – wife was Jennie Leak – Buried at Galilee Church Cemetery – Parents Wesley Leak & Liza Little
Simon Leak is listed as a brother to Gaston Leak in the 1880 Census but no other information has been located regarding Simon. Simon was 21 years old in the 1880 Census & living in Gaston Leak’s household so Simon was born about 1858/1859
Willis Little age 54 son of Jack Burris & Adeline Little (both dead) married Rosa Leak age 35 (Rosa was 7 years old in 1870 census so she was born about 1862/1863) daughter of Wesley Leak & Vinie Leak (both dead) – were married on April 29, 1903 in Morven Township in the Cairo Community
Abraham/Abram/Abe Leak age 21 (Abram was 6 years old in 1870 census so he was born about 1863/1864) son of Wesley Leak (living) & Eliza Leak (dead) to Charlotte Smith age 17 – were married on October 14, 1886 in Morven Township
Abram or Abraham Leak age 37 son of Wesley & Eliza Leak (both dead) to Alice Diggs age 21 – were married November 29, 1906 in Morven Township
Abe Leak born December 1, 1870 (actually born 1863/1864 according to 1870 census) & died August 13, 1943 in Morven Township – Age 72 years – wife Alice Leak – Buried at Galilee Church Cemetery – Parents Wesley & Eliza Leak – informant was Alice Leak
Alice Leak widow of Abe Leak born July 4, 1886 & died April 21, 1948 – Parents Charles & Jane Leak – informant was Annie Bennett – Buried at Galilee Church
Stephen Ratliff age 41 to Ella Leak age 23 (born 1867/1868) daughter of Wesley & Charlotte Leak – were married July 24, 1891 in Lilesville Township (Wesley Leak born 1815 was living at this time & Charlotte Leak was also living)
Julia Leak Horne born July 4, 1877 & died August 15, 1943 age 66 years 1 month & 11 days – Husband was David Horne – Parents were Wesley Leak & Charlotte Little – Buried at Deep Creek Baptist Church
Wesley Leak (half-brother of Julie Leak Horne) who was born about 1843/1844 was first married to Ann Gaddy & were living together in the 1880 Census. Ann Gaddy died in the early to mid 1880’s & Wesley fathered a son by Sarah Leak but no marriage record has been located on Wesley & Sarah.
Boss Leak was born of this union of Wesley & Sarah Leak & he was born about 1886 & died in Anson County on February 3, 1939 & was buried at Pleasant Hill AME Zion Church. His wife was Dollie Leak
Wesley Leak (half-brother of Julia Leak Horne) age 47 son of Wesley Leak & Kizzie Leak married Mariah Sturdivant age 27 daughter of Richmond & Laura Sturdivant. The marriage took place on February 15, 1888 by A.F. Blakeney’s at his house in Wadesboro.
Paul Studivant born 1883/1884 died July 19, 1919 – never married – Parents were Wesley Leak & Mariah Sturdivant – Buried at Sturdivant Family Cemetery
Roy Leak age 20 (born 1892) son of Wesley & Mariah Leak married Blanche McGregor on June 9, 1912 in Wadesboro
William G. Huntley age 44 married Mariah Sturdivant Leak (widow of Wesley Leak) (Mariah was a daughter of Richmond & Laura Sturdivant) the marriage of William & Mariah took place on January 14, 1899 at the bride’s residence in Wadesboro. Wesley Leak (son of Wesley Leak & grandson of an older Wesley Leak) was married to Mariah in 1888 had died before 1899.