New Research Findings
(regularly updated)
John Brown Meeting 1858
In 1901, MEP stated to journalist Sam P Davis that she had been "a friend to John Brown." And that is how she wished to be remembered. She told a story of traveling to Chatham, Ontario, Canada to meet him and turn over a large sum of money for his cause. In 1951-52,...
Mary’s Properties in San Francisco
This Google Earth map link (update ongoing) identifies Mrs Pleasant's known property holdings and businesses. An analysis of San Francisco, Alameda (Oakland) and Napa/Sonomo County deed indexes reveals a dizzying array of activities dealing property transactions by...
James W Smith-1st Husband-Remains Elusive and Hard to Pinpoint (4 of 4)
In the 1840s in Virginia (and future West Virginia) and Maryland are up to 7 different James Smith (see earlier posts). And as noted in the 3rd posting, one individual in Frederick County, Maryland was a promising lead. In the column of "why" are the following...
A Story About Mary’s Tombstone
In conducting research, I came across the Stutler database, part of the West Virginia Memory Project. Mr. Stutler (1889-1970) was a recognized John Brown authority and created one of the most important John Brown Collections. The John Brown/Boyd B Stutler Collection...
James W Smith-1st Husband Search (1 of 4)
When looking for James W Smith, it seems most presume his land was in Virginia (eventually West Virginia). It was said his "plantation" was near Harper's Ferry, land given to him by his father's family. However, the location of Harper's Ferry is at the confluence of...
920 Broadway land purchase 1861
In September 1861, John J and Mary E purchased land in San Francisco on Washington at Powell Street from R. B. Phillips of Napa County. They paid $2,500. There are a few curious items about this notarized agreement. (1) the name "Rebecca" is included, no last name...
James W Smith-1st Husband Land Holdings -Harper’s Ferry (An Intriguing Possibility-Frederick County, MD) (3 of 4)
As noted in Part 1, information about James W Smith has been difficult to find. Some have maintained **he** was the son of a southern land and slave holding governor. The possibility that James was Catholic leads one to consider he may have been from east of Harper’s...
Mary’s Burial Details
The details of Mary's burial are noted here from the SF Funeral Home Records August 1901-May 1905. Transcript of handwritten notes: "Est of Mary Ellen Pleasant, 2752 Filbert St 1 Couch Casket , covered with purple cloth ( gold brick ) silver handles and plate...
Last Will and Testament of Mary Ellen Pleasant, Jan 2, 1904
These documents were located via FamilySearch.org. The Will would be in Probate from 1904 until January 1911 (last image). Probate Record
Elizabeth Jones Smith Peck (daughter)
Born to James W and M. Ellen Smith in July 1845 was daughter Elizabeth Jones Smith, referred to as "Lizzie". Some have suggested Lizzie was the daughter of John J Pleasant. We cannot definitively know but the Vital Statistics book in the Charlestown Public...