Lydia Box McCollum

Lydia Box McCollum, daughter of Michael Box of Tippah County

I have written before about Lydia Box McCollum.  Lydia was the daughter of Michael and Mary (Fulcher) Box and the sister of our Grief Johnson Box.  Lydia Box married George McCollum about 1829/1830 in Alabama and they show up in the 1830 Census for Fayette County, Alabama.  The McCollum family moved to Tippah County, Mississippi by 1840.  Lydia's father and brothers also moved to Tippah County.  Lydia's father, Michael Box, died in 1841 in Tippah County.  In 1847, Lydia and her husband brought suit against her brother, Grief J. Box, over the mishandling of their father's estate.  The 1847 lawsuit is the last record I had of  Lydia and her husband, George McCollum.  They had been enumerated in the 1845 Mississippi State census for Tippah County, but could not be found in the 1850 census.   I could find no further records for Lydia and  George in Tippah County or anywhere else.  It seemed as if Lydia and George had completely disappeared, or so I thought. 

But, usually when someone mysteriously disappears from records, it's because I haven't looked for them in the right records.  That is exactly the case for Lydia Box and her husband, George McCollum.   Some months ago, I noticed FamilySearch.org had just placed some new probate records online for Texas.   The records were not indexed but only browsable page by page.  The original Henderson County Probate books had a two volume index for 1846-1936, so all I had to do was browse online through the index book.  I was looking for the BOX surname in Henderson County, Texas because I was originally searching for additional information on Thomas Box, Lydia's brother.  On the index page for the "B" surnames, I not only found Thomas Box but I also found a John Box connected to a Geo McColum probate!  And, the index listed lots of page numbers to the actual probate books --  I always like "lots of pages"!:) Then I searched the "M" index page for McCollum (shown below) and found both George and Lydia listed. 

Henderson County, Texas Probate Index 1846-1936 Vol 1-2, (image 42) FamilySearch.org

As it turns out, George and Lydia McCollum moved to Texas like so many of Lydia's family and extended family.  They settled in Henderson County, Texas, where Lydia's brother, Thomas Box, lived.  Since they cannot be found in the 1850 census, they might have been traveling to Texas while the census was taken.  The first record found in Henderson County was a reference in 1851 to the George McColum, operator of the Ferry at Cedar Creek and Buffalo.  On Apr 28th, 1852, George McCullum recorded a land patent in Henderson County for 640 acres.  And, a year later on March 7th, 1853, George registered his brand at the Henderson County Court House.  George apparently died in 1855, sometime before probate started in Dec 1855.  His wife, Lydia McCollum was named administrator of the George McCollum estate.   

George McCollum Probate, Vol B, Page 194, Feb 1856

George McCollum Probate, Vol. B, page 194, Feb 1856

 Lydia McCollum, Admix of Estate of George McCollum Deceased.   Ordered by the court that Lydia McCollum Widow of George McCollum deceased on written application filed be allowed the corn ____ and pork land corn appraised at 87 dollars, fodder eight dollars, pork 70 dollars and land 15 dollars which is hereby set apart for the allowance of said Lydia McCollum wife of  George McCollum Deceased.  And it is further ordered by the court.  (FamilySearch.org, Texas Probate Records, Henderson County, Minutes 1847-1883, Vol A-E, image 186)

Lydia Box McCollum would have died between Feb 1856, when she was administrator of her husband's estate, and 27 Sep 1856 when the Court ordered a guardian to be chosen for her children.  NO cemetery records have been found for either George or Lydia, or any of their children.  But, the land they owned in Henderson County, Texas is now covered by the Cedar Creek Reservoir.  If there was a family cemetery on their own land, it was covered over by the reservoir.

In the probate papers, five children are mentioned.  According to the 1840 Census, the George McCollum family was enumerated next to Michael Box, Lydia's father.  In 1840, the family consisted of 1 male 5-10 yrs (?), 1 male 30-40 yrs (George),  2 females under 5 (Martha & Mary), and 1 female 30-40 (Lydia).  The male 5-10 years old listed in the 1840 census is not accounted for in the probate papers.  The McCollum Family is not found in 1850 Census.

Children of Lydia Box and George McCollum, according to the George McCollum Probate:

1. Martha McCollum, born about 1836 in Mississippi.  Mentioned by her aunt Clarkey Box in Mormon church records.  Died about 1857 in Texas.

2. Mary McCollum, born about 1838 in Alabama.  In Oct 1856, Mary McCollum, minor heir of George McCollum and over 14 yrs, chose John Box as guardian.  Married Hubert Ezell (1828-1869) about 1857 in Henderson County, Texas.  In Sep 1858, Mary Ezell was appointed guardian for her brother, George.   In 1860 census, 25 year old, Mary Ezell is in Henderson County, Texas.  In 1870, Mary Ezell, age 32 born Mississippi, is a single head of household with a 10 year old daughter named California.  Mary died about 1875 in Texas.  Children: Daughter, Matilda California "Callie" Ezell Sanders (1859-1949) and son, Hubert T. Ezell (1867-1869).

3. Melissa McCollum, born about 1841 in Mississippi.  Melissa married B F Carpenter (1835-?) about 1860 in Texas.  Died before 1880 in Henderson County, Texas. Son, Enoch Carpenter (1861-?), and daughter, Mary Carpenter (1866-?).  Is husband, B F Carpenter, related to Clarkey Carpenter Box, the wife of Thomas Box?

4. William McCollum, born about 1846 in Mississippi.  Last mentioned in 1861 probate, when "William, minor over the age of 14 yrs, petitions court to change his guardian to Wm. K. Payne."  Wm. K. Payne became a Captain in the Confederate Army for the 13th Texas Calvary in Burnett's Regiment.  William was enlisted by Capt. Payne on Feb 15, 1862 at Athens for a period of 12 months.  On July 16, 1862, William was discharged for being too young - under the age of 18 years old.    Nothing more is known at this time.

5. George Washington McCollum, born about 1850 in Mississippi.  In Oct 1856, the Court appointed John W. Box, nearest kin, as guardian for George Washington McCollum, a minor heir of George McCollum.  In Sep 1858, Mary Ezell (sister) became guardian for George McCollum instead of John Box.  In 1860, George is living with his sister, Mary Ezell.  There is a G W McCollum married to S M McCollum living in Henderson County in 1880 but that is the last record found.

6. George and Lydia probably an older unknown son, who died by the time the family moved to Texas or perhaps during the move to Texas. There is male child 5-10 years old listed in the 1840 census who is not accounted for in the probate papers.

Who was John Box who was appointed guardian to the children of George McCollum?

The John Box, who was appointed guardian for the children, appears to be the son of Rolen Box and Mary Nancy Hallmark.  John Box was married to Caroline Ezell, the sister of Hubert Ezell, who married the above Mary McCollum, daughter of Lydia and George.  In the probate paper, John Box was said to have been the "nearest of kin."  Thomas Box, brother to Lydia Box McCollum, who had been living in Henderson County, had moved away and in 1856 was living in Ellis County, Texas.  The Thomas Box family moved to Utah in 1857. 

The George McCollum probate can be found on FamilySearch.org.  From main page, go to Search>Records>United States>Texas>Texas, Probate Records, 1800-1990

The following is an abstract of the George McCollum probate proceedings:

George McCollum Probate,  Henderson County, Texas Probate Records 

Vol B, page 161, Dec 1855

Ordered by the Court that the Bond filed by Mrs. Lidia McCollum Administrator of the Estate of George McCollum Dec'd be approved.

Ordered that Letters of Administration be granted to Lidia McCollum Adm't of the Estate of George McCollum Dec'd

Ordered that appraisers be appointed to appraise the Estate of George McCollum Dec'd to wit  Thos Box,  Edwin Guther, H. L. Gilmore, Joseph Rhodes,  John Box

Vol B, Page 182, 31 Jan 1856

Lydia McColum Administrator of the Estate of George McColum deceased.  Ordered and decreed by the Court that an inventory returned in the clerks office of said Court of the said Estate of the Est__ be and the same is hereby recorded.  Ordered and decreed that the inventory described in the above order be recorded in the records of said court.

Vol. B, page 194, Feb 1856

Lydia McCollum, Admix of Estate of George McCollum Deceased.   Ordered by the court that Lydia McCollum Widow of George McCollum deceased on written application filed be allowed the corn ____ and pork land corn appraised at 87 dollars, fodder eight dollars, pork 70 dollars and land 15 dollars which is hereby set apart for the allowance of said Lydia McCollum wife of  George McCollum Deceased.  And it is further ordered by the court

 [**Lydia Box McCollum would have died between Feb 1856, when she was Administrator of her husband's estate, and 27 Sep 1856 when the Court ordered a guardian to be chosen for her children.]

Vol. B, page 226, 27 Sep 1856

Ordered and decreed by the Court that citation issue to Mary, Martha and Malissa, minor heirs of George McCollum deceased, to be and appear at the next term of this Court and choose their guardian.

Vol. B page 236, October Term1856

Now at this term of the Court comes John Box who has heretofore made application for letters of Administration de bonis non to issue to him upon the Estate of George McColum deceased and it appearing to the Court that due Notice has been give of Said Application and that Said Applicant said applicant is entitled under the statues to letters upon said estate.

It is therefore ordered and decreed that John Box be and he is hereby appointed administrator de bonis non of the Estate George McColum deceased.

 And be it further ordered that the said John Box have twenty days to file his bond.

An be it further ordered that Letters issued to said Box upon said McCollum's Estate as soon as said bond be approved of according to Law.

[ DE BONIS NON , Latin for "of goods not administered," is a legal term for assets remaining in an estate after the death or removal of the estate administrator.  The second administrator is called the administrator de bonis non and distributes the remaining assets. ]

Vol. B page 237, October Term 1856

Now at this term of the court comes into open court in obedience to a citation to her issued, Mary McCollum, minor heir of George McCollum deceased and over fourteen years of age, who being called on by the court now in session to choose a guardian of her property declared her preference to be John Box.

It is therefore ordered and decreed by the court that John box be and he is hereby appointed the lawful guardian of the Estate and property of Mary McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased all in accordance with the declared wish of said Mary McCollum.

Vol. B page 238, October Term 1856

Ordered that John Box have 20 days from this term of the court to file his bond as guardian of the property of Mary McCollum as set forth in the foregoing order.

Ordered and decreed by the Court that the clerk of the County Court be required to issue Letters of Guardianship to John box upon the Estate of Mary McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased upon the approval and filling of his bond.

 Now at this term of the court comes Martha McCollum, minor heir of George McCollum deceased in obedience to a citation to her directed (being over the age of fourteen years) to appear in open court at this term and choose a guardian of her property and estate and being called on by the court to make choice of Guardian proceeded to choose John Box the Lawful Guardian of her Estate and the court being satisfied with the said minors choice.

Therefore ordered and decreed by the court that John Box be and he is hereby appointed the lawful guardian of the Estate and property of Martha McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

Vol. B page 239, October Term 1856

And further ordered by the Court that John Box (appointed Guardian of the Estate of Martha McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased) have twenty days to file his Bond, as Guardian of said Martha McCollum.

Ordered and decreed by the Court that the clerk of the County Court be required to issue Letters of Guardianship to John box upon the Estate of Martha McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased upon the approval and filing of his bond.

 Now at this term of the Court comes into open Court comes into open Court Malissa McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased being over the age of fourteen years.  And being called upon by the Court to choose a Guardian of her property and Estate, declared her choice to be John Box and the Court being satisfied with said choice.

Therefore ordered and decreed by the Court that John Box be appointed Guardian of the Estate and property of Malissa Box minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

And be it further ordered by the Court that said John Box be allowed 20 days to execute and file his Bond.

Vol. B page 240, October Term 1856

Ordered and decreed by the Court that the clerk of the County Court be required to issue Letters of Guardianship of the Estate of Malissa McCollum minor heir upon the filing and approval of said bond.

Ordered and decreed by the Court that H.L. Gilmore, James Shuttleworth and  Dr. William Gardner be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of the Estate and property of Martha McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

Ordered and decreed by the Court that H.L. Gilmore, James Shuttleworth and  Dr. James Gardner be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of the Estate and property of Martha McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased

Ordered and decreed by the Court that H.L. Gilmore and James Shuttleworth and  James Gardner be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of the Estate and property of Malissa McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

Vol. B page 241, October Term 1856

Now at this term of the court -- It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that William McCollum minor him under the age of fourteen years of George McCollum deceased is without any lawful Guardian and that said minors Estate is liable to waste, and application have been made to the court that John Box should be appointed guardian of the person and property of said minor and the court being satisfied that said Box was the nearest of kin to said minor.

Therefore be it ordered and decreed that John Box be and he is hereby appointed guardian of the person and property of William McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

Ordered and decreed that John Box appointed Guardian of the minor William McCollum have 20 days to execute and file his bond.

Vol. B page 242, October Term 1856

And be it furthered ordered that the clerk of this Court be required to issue to John Box Letters of Guardianship of William McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased when his bond may be approved and filed in this office.

Now at this term of the court -- It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that George Washington McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased under the age of fourteen years; is without any lawful Guardian and that said minors Estate is liable to waste, and that application having been made to the court that John Box should be appointed guardian of the person and property of said minor and the court being satisfied that said Box was the nearest of kin to said minor.

Therefore be it ordered and decreed that John Box be and he is hereby appointed guardian of the person and property of George Washington McCollum minor heir of George McCollum deceased.

Ordered and decreed by the Court that John Box be allowed 20 days to execute and file his bond as Guardian of the person and property of  George Washington McCollum.

[Note: The McCollum surname is somewhat difficult to research because it is spelled so many different ways in the records: McCollum, McCullom, McColum, McCollom, McCullum, McCallum, etc.]

Any additional information about Lydia Box McCollum and her family would be greatly appreciated!   Except for daughter Mary, not much is known about the other children.