Sometimes before progress can be made in family history research, a review of what is currently known is needed. By evaluating the evidence, you can make new discoveries and generate new questions. The research of Tyre Snelgrove and Nancy Langford has been challenging because of the time period and lack of records. Tyre Snelgrove and Nancy Langford initially had no sources in FamilySearch. By reviewing what has been discovered, perhaps more can be learned.
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Evaluating Evidence in the Census
Any census can provide valuable information about a person. The census records prior to 1850 can be a bit difficult to evaluate, but it is still possible to glean important clues. Tyre Snelgrove was found in the 1830 and 1840 U.S. Census. Each census tells something about Tyre. These censuses can help provide evidence for the vital information found in FamilySearch.
FamilySearch Profile
The information in Tyre’s FamilySearch profile was previously not sourced, but it can give us a clue when looking at other records. This is what the profile tells us:
- Born about 1800 in South Carolina
- Died about 1850 in South Carolina
- Wife: Nancy Langford
- Daughter: Martha?
1830 U.S. Census
We can evaluate evidence of Tyre Snelgrove in the 1830 U.S. Census. This census seems to match some of what is stated in FamilySearch.
- Lexington, South Carolina
- Male 0-5 = 1
- Male 20-29 = 1 (Tyre)
- Female 15-19 = 1
FANS: John Snelgrove, Larkin Snelgrove, Sam Snelgrove, Asa Langford, James Langford, John Langford.
Tyre matches the male aged 20-29 years old and suggests a possible birth range of 1801-1810. The female aged 15-19 years would have been born 1810-1815, which does not match Nancy Langford (born about 1805). There is also a male child, which is not on FamilySearch. This record suggests that Tyre may have had a first marriage with a child.
Evaluating evidence of the people living near Tyre Snelgrove in 1830 can provide indirect evidence of his family. These people suggest possible relationship. John Snelgrove is aged 50-60 years old and could be a father to Tyre. Larkin and Sam Snelgrove are certainly relatives as well, possibly an uncle and cousin. Tracing these individuals suggests Tyre could be a grandson of Edward Freeman Snelgrove. Edward’s son John is a possible match as a father.
Asa Langford marries Elizabeth Snelgrove. James Langford’s daughter Susannah Langford marries Julius Snelgrove. Elizabeth and Julius are both descendants of Edward Freeman Snelgrove. With all of these interactions between the Langford and Snelgrove families, it seems likely Tyre Snellgrove and Nancy Langford were married, even without much further evidence.
1840 U.S. Census
Tyre Snelgrove is found in the 1840 U.S. Census.
- Lexington, South Carolina
- Male 30-39 = 1 (Tyre)
- Female 0-5 = 1
- Female 5-9 = 1
- Female 30-39 = 1 (Nancy)
- Total enslaved = 4
The female aged 30-39 is a good match for Nancy. The female child aged 5-9 years is a possible match for the Martha Ann Snelgrove listed as a child of Tyre and Nancy.
New Questions
Evaluating evidence from the two censuses brought up some new questions:
- Was Tyre married more than once?
- Did Tyre own property?
- Is Tyre in the 1850 U.S. Census?
This led to a search of land records. Sure enough, there was a record of Tyre Snelgrove selling 100 acres of land in 1847 to W. G. Fraser. It may be possible to search more of the land records to see how Tyre acquired the property initially.
A search of the 1850 U.S. Census for a Tyre Snelgrove found a possibility in Lexington County, South Carolina. The Tyre Snelgrove in the census is listed as only 2 years old. A closer look was needed!
The Tyre in the 1850 U.S. Census is listed as 2 years old, but he is in his own household and has the occupation of an Overseer! The recorded age has to be a mistake. Two women listed above Tyre seem to also have incorrectly reported ages. This record was definitely worth a closer look!
Other things to note here. Nancy is not listed with Tyre. Did she die? Martha is also not listed. Either Martha died, married, or is living elsewhere. A search for her next is needed. There are more things to learn about the Tyre Snelgrove family and this record can help.
Another Look at James Langford
James Langford died about 1841 and his will and probate were recorded in Lexington County, South Carolina. A rereading of the will helped to provide evidence for more of James Langford’s children, including his daughter Nancy! James bequeaths $100 to each of his daughters. The daughters are listed with their married names, which is Nancy Snelgrove. While this is not direct evidence of the marriage between Nancy and Tyre, it is good indirect evidence when correlated with the census records.
Stopping and going back over the already discovered records and evaluating evidence can definitely lead to new discoveries. The 1830, 1840, and 1850 U.S. Census all provided new evidence and new questions. The land record showed that Tyre did own property. Is there more to discover about Tyre and Nancy? Most likely.
