12 for '26: James Loveless – Timeline & Full Text Search in Greenville District, South Carolina

1771. Supposedly born on 13 January 1771 in North Carolina, though maybe in South Carolina. The only source are online trees.

1791. He married Linna Hughes, daughter of George Hughes, perhaps in Newberry District, South Carolina.[1]

1799. November 19. James witnessed a deed between Burwell & Elizabeth Carpenter to Samuel Neighbours. Land located on Little Horse Creek, with neighbors bordering: John Hugars, Holland, and Joseph Hills, as well as the meeting house branch.[2]

1800. February 14. James purchased land from Samuel Neighbours of Laurens County for $250 a tract of land on Horse Creek waters of Reedy River totaling 250 acres. Neighbors mentioned were Benjamin Arnold, Joseph Hill, James Hollon, and a meandering branch.[3]

COMMENT: This is likely the first piece of land he purchased. Looking at maps, this land was near the southern border with Laurens District.

1800. Census. Greenville County. Location not stated.

Males - Under 10-                  3 William, John H, Levi

Males - 26 thru 44-                 1 James

Females - Under 10 -              1 Elizabeth

Females - 16 thru 25-              1 Linna

Number of Household           6

Neighbors above him: John Loveless, Benj. Arnold, Thos Hammitton, John Chandler jr, Drewry Hodges, John Hogner, Edward Lee, Joseph Hill

Neighbors below him: Elijah Bennett, Wm Dunklin, Samuel Neighbour, May Shaw, James Holand, Wm Gummell, Harris Mullin, Wm Manley, Jacob Neighbours, Catharine Medlock.[4]

COMMENT: I have William b. 1792, John H, b. 1796, and Levi, b. 1798 as sons, and Elizabeth b. 1794 as a daughter, which matches the above enumeration. Thomas was born in 1800, so likely after the census was taken, 4 August 1800. Some of his neighbors include those listed in the two above deeds.

1805. April 6. James Loveless witnessed the deed between John Loveless and James Taylor, for 50 acres lying on the north side of Little Horse Creek, bounded on the south by Henry Barrow, on the west by Jacob Nabors, on the north by Hager survey and on the east by Harris Muller. 10 Dec 1805. Absolom Caudle also witnessed. 11 Dec 1805. Wife Polly Loveless released her dower. 6 April 1813. Recorded 3 Apr 1815.

COMMENT: Instead of land description, named the neighbors on the four sides. Here, we have Jacob Nabors as a neighbor. John’s wife was Polly. This John selling land in 1805 cannot be any of James’ sons. None would be old enough to sell land. James’ brother, John Milton did not have a wife named Mary or Polly. So, I am not sure who this John Loveless is. However, there is the connection of Little Horse Creek and Jacob Nabors.[5]

1810. August 8. James was enumerated in Greenville, South Carolina.

Males - Under 10              4    Thomas, Hazle, Allen, Jesse

Males - 10 thru 15             2    John H & Levi

Males - 16 thru 25             1    William

Males - 26 thru 44             1    James

Females - Under 10           1    Mary Ann

Females - 10 thru 15          1    Elizabeth

Females - 26 thru 44          1    Linna

Neighbors listed before James: L Ragrale, Salon Dunnington, Ed Ragsdale, B Ragrale, Wm Trannum, David Trannum David Drannum, John Thomas

Those after James: G Burns, H Hill, Ely Shuttleworth, Ab Neighbours, Benj Brixton, Jas Whitlock, R Neighbours, Berry Holland, Franee Hamilton, Saml Neighbours, Blasn Neighbours, Polly Shaw, Nancy Gammill.[6]

COMMENT: Again, we see some of the same neighbors and surnames surrounding James. I could account for the children.

1811. September 25. James purchased 200 acres of land from Berry & Polly Hollon [Holland] for $600, located on Line Creek and branch of Horse Creek. Neighbors listed in the deed were Samuel Neighbors, his own boundary, meanders of creeks, and Henry Hill. William Jones and Henry Hill were witnesses.[7]

COMMENT: Now he owns two pieces of land, one 250 acres and this new one at 200 acres, which abuts his first piece.

1812. March 4. James was listed as a neighboring land owner in a deed Samuel Neighbours sold to Benjamin Brister. The 16 acres was on the south fork of Horse Creek water of Reedy River.[8]

1818. James Loveless witnessed a deed from Samuel Taylor, a colored man, to the Baptist Society two acres, a meeting house and burying grounds.[9]

1818. September 8. James and Linna, and Isaac and Mary, sold their interest in 25 acres of a 150-acre tract previously owned by Linna and Mary’s father, George Hughes, deceased, who died in 1785 in Newberry District, South Carolina. They signed before witnesses Joseph McCullough and Levi Loveless, in Greenville District.[10]

COMMENT: This document connects James and Linna to her father, George Hughes and perhaps her mother, Jemimah, though it is possible that she was a second wife. It also connects James to his brother, Isaac, who married George Hughes’ daughter, Mary. With no marriage records in South Carolina this early, this is helpful in putting the family together. Isaac, Linna, and Mary all signed the deed with a mark.

1820. James was enumerated in Greenville, South Carolina.

Males - Under 10                   1           James T

Males - 10 thru 15                  1           Jesse

Males - 16 thru 18                  2           Allen, Hazel

Males - 16 thru 25                  5           Thomas, Levi, John H, William [youngest to oldest]

Males - 45 and over                1           James

Females - Under 10                1           Linna Jr

Females - 45 and over            1           Linna

Names listed before James: Samuel Banks, Bertley Bagwell, James Hollen, David Tranum, Bayley Chandler, Absolom Cawdle, Wm Scott

Names listed after James: Samuel Duncan, Thomas Brown, Gipson Turthern Jr. Alferd Owins, James Payne, Aron Payne, Daniel Timmons, Wm Ward, Andres Nelson.[11]

COMMENT: Only a few names are like those in 1810. There must have been a lot of movement, or people moving in. As for the makeup of the household, only one was engaged in agriculture, which seems old with so many males between 16 and 25. There should be two more girls counted: Ruth b. about 1811 and dying in 1880, and Mary Ann, b. about 1808 and who has no further record other than from researcher Andrew Lovelace. Maybe there was never a Mary Ann in this family.

1823. May 6. James is mentioned in the deed description of land sale between William Wright and Benjamin Arnold. Other names mentioned are Thomas Meares heirs, Benjamin Arnold, and Samuel Nabor. Witnesses were Lewis Bandy and Marcus Hampkill.[12]

1823. November 23. James purchased 110 acres of land lying on the south branches of Horse Creek waters of Reedy River from Levi Loveless. Neighbor included in deed was Benjamin Arnold. William Jones and Edward Jones witnessed the deed. Tempy Loveless, Levi’s wife, released her dower.[13]

COMMENT: James now has three plots, 110 acres, 200 acres, and 250 acres.

1827. January 13. James is mentioned in the deed description of land sale between Master Nabers and Joseph McCullough, located on the south bank of Horse Creek waters of Reedy River. Other names mentioned are Joseph McCullough and Benj. Brister. Witnesses were Henry G. Johnson, James Reed, and Robert Scott.[14]

1827. April 12. James Loveless along with Joseph Sullivan, Micajah Stone, and Silas Gaines appraised the estate of Isaac Loveless deceased, 12 Apr 1827. The inventory starts on page 30.[15]

1827. August 29. James is mentioned in the deed description of land sale between Thomas Loveless to Silas Gaines. Other names mentioned in description are Joseph McCullough, John Gambrill. This land was part of land belonging to the estate of Samuel Nabors, that Thomas Loveless and Rebeckah Loveless, his wife as legatees of the estate. This land on Line Creek waters of Salt River. Witnesses were Daniel Smith, Nathaniel Gaines.[16]

COMMENT: Though not having to do with James, Thomas Loveless married Rebecca Neighbors, so this is evidence of that, that she was an heir of Samuel Neighbours and that Thomas and Rebecca were married.

1830. James was enumerated in Greenville, South Carolina.

Males - 10 thru 14       1         

Males - 15 thru 19       1          James T

Males - 50 thru 59       1          James

Females - 10 thru 14               1           Linna Jr

Females - 15 thru 19               1          

Females - 20 thru 29               1          

Females - 50 thru 59               1           Linna

Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23       1

This census is listed in loose alphabetical order, so no sense of neighbors can be determined, other than Jesse and James are listed one after the other. On the next page are Polly Lovelace (wid), Thomas Lovelace, and Nathan Lovelace.[17]

COMMENT: a lot to unpack here. The names placed make the most sense, but there are unknowns here. There could be grandchildren living with them. Polly Lovelace is likely the widow of Issac Loveless. Nathan Lovelace is likely the bother of James. Thomas Lovelace is likely the Thomas who married Rebecca Neighbours.

1836. October 15. James sold 110 acres of land to Jesse Loveless on the south branches of Horse Creek waters of Reedy River. Neighbor named was Martin M. Arnold. One boundary was the Laurens District line. Other boundaries were meanders of branches. Martin M. Arnold and James T Loveless were witnesses.[18]   

COMMENT: This is the same land that James purchased from Levi Loveless in 1923.

1840. James is enumerated in Greenville, South Carolina.

Males - 60 thru 69                  1           James

Females - 20 thru 29               3           ??

Females - 60 thru 69               1           Linna

Females - 80 thru 89               1           ?? Hazel (James’ mother? ) Or Jemimah (Linna’s mother?)

Slaves - Males - Under 10        3

Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23       1

Slaves - Females - Under 10    3

Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23   1

Employed in Agriculture         3

Total Free White Persons        6

Total Slaves                           8

Total All Persons                    14[19]

COMMENT: This census is also listed in rough alphabet order, so no indication of neighbors. The older members aged 60-69 are likely James and his wife, Linna. A female between 80 & 89 could be a parent. I have no death information about James’ mother Hazel nor Linna’s mother, Jemimah, who I have as being born in 1755. Again, that information came from Andrew Lovelace. When did James obtain the 8 enslaved people? Perhaps it is a couple with 6 children. No record of this purchase came up in the full-text search. Other Loveless entries include: Jessey Loveless, James T. Loveless, Mary ? Loveless, Isaac Loveless, William Loveless.

1845. Aug 28. James wrote out his will in the presence of George Gambell, Archibald Johnson, and Mason N. Gambell. He appointed James T. Loveless and Ira Arnold as executors.[20]

COMMENT: The will was written on 28 Aug 1845. His wife was Linna Loveless Sr. His sons who were living were: William, Levy, Thomas, Hazle, Allen, Jesse, James T. His son who had died: John. John’s unnamed children were also to receive a share. His daughters who were living: Ruth, Mary, Linna Junr. & Elizabeth Crawford. 8 enslaved people were mentioned: Ben and Charlott, Jim, Abby, Bob, Mary, Martha, and Rachel. Son James T. Loveless and Ira Arnold were executors.

He gave wife, tract of land where she lived (200 acres), 2 enslaved persons named Ben and Charlott, two nags, a black mare, horse named Dank, cow & calf, two beds and furniture a trunk and small chest and the small cupboard, wheels and cards, one table, chairs, kitchen furniture, stock of hogs and sheep, wagon, and plantation gear and tools. After death of mother, James T. Loveless to get land and to pay $100 each to be given to daughters Ruth, Linna Junr, & Mary Loveless.

He desired the rest to be sold (250 acres land, 6 Negroes, personal estate) to be divided equally among sons, daughter Elizabeth Crawford, and children of John Loveless. Crop on land now was to be given to wife. This will helps place the children of James, though not given that Linna was the mother of all the children, though the woman in his households has consistently been about the same age as he.

The 8 enslaved may have been the same that were enumerated in the 1840 census, possibly Ben and Charlott as the two oldest and the others listed were their children. If these people were sold, I have not found any record yet.

1846. October 30. James T. Loveless & Ira Arnold brought the will to Ordinary Court in Greenville District and Archibald Johnson and Mason N Gambell swore that the late James Loveless made and signed the will. No heir came to contest the will. The will was probated.[21]

1846 October 30. James T. Loveless, as executor of James Loveless, deceased, estate, sold for $720 the lot of 250 acres to Joseph Sullivan. It was described as on branches of Horse Creek waters of Reedy River. Neighbors named were Martin Arnold, Joseph McCullough, Elizabeth Gain, and meanders of the Branch. Witnesses were E.B. Gambrell and James H. Loveless.[22]

COMMENT: James T. Loveless, as executor of the estate of James Loveless, deceased, sold land according to his will, to Joseph Sullivan of Laurens District, likely the same Joseph Sullivan who purchased land from Jesse Loveless. This land is on the branches of the Horse Creek waters. Three neighbors are listed: Martin Arnold, Joseph McCullough, and Elizabeth Gains. The other boundary is the branch. This is the 250 acres directed by James Loveless in his will to be sold.

1846-47. James T. Loveless as executor, collected debts owed to the estate and paid out moneys owed by the estate. He also sold the land and then distributed the proceeds to the heirs. He made to accountings to court, but dates were not recorded.[23]

1848. September 12. Linney Loveless & James T. Loveless sold to Joseph Sullivan the 200 acres of land for $600. This land was lying on Line Creek and the branches of Horse Creek. Neighbors were John Gambrel, Elizabeth Gain, Joseph Sullivan, meanders of branches, and Arch Johnson. David Bell and Harris Thompson witnessed. She signed with a mark and released her dower.[24]

COMMENT: Linna Loveless appeared in the 1850 census in Cass County, Georgia, so she must have moved after the sale of this land in 1848. James T, Jesse, Levi, and Hazel also moved to Georgia. Joseph Sullivan ended up with all three properties that James Loveless originally owned. Joseph was of Laurens District, which borders Greenville. One of the deeds mentions the border line to Laurens.

Conclusion
James may have been born in Newberry District but spent the rest of his life in Greenville District. He married Linna Hughes and they had twelve known children. He purchased three pieces of property. One he sold to his son, Jesse. The other two pieces were sold to Joseph Sullivan after his death. Linna followed her sons to Cass County, Georgia, and she likely died there sometime after 1850. James and Linna are my 4x-great-grandparents.

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[1] In a sale of land belonging to George Hughes deceased in Newberry District, South Carolina, his daughter Linna was named as married to James Loveless and her sister, Polly married to Isaac Loveless. See Newberry District, South Carolina, Miscellaneous Records 1818-1819, p. 434-35, conveyance George Hughes estate to William Shell, 1819, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLK-J96Z-2 : accessed 26 May 2026), IGN 008196566, image 220 of 987.

[2] Greenville County, South Carolina, deeds, v. E, p. 437-38, Burwell & Elizabeth Carpenter to Samuel Neighbours, 1799, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-99YT-B : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856793, images 526-27 of 838.

[3] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. F, p. 91-93, Samuel Neighbours to James Loveless, 1800, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-99Y5-K : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856793, images 597-98 of 838.

[4] 1800 U.S. census, Greenville Co, South Carolina, p. 271 (stamped), no. 1077, James Loveless.

[5] Greenville District, South Carolina, deed, v. I, p. 357-58, John Loveless to James Taylor, 1805, recorded 1815, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-MSST-X : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856795, image 191 of 679.

[6] 1810 U.S. census, Greenville District, South Carolina, p. 511 (penned), 6th name listed, Jas Lovelass.

[7] Greenville District, South Carolina, deed, v. I, p. 92-93, Berry Hollon to James Loveless, 1811, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-M91B-5 : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856795, image 59 of 679.

[8] Greenville District, South Carolina, deed, v. I, p. 362-3, Samuel Neighbours to Benjamin Brister, 1812, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-MSSB-Z : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856795, image 193-4 of 679.

[9] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. K, p. 197-98, Taylor to Baptist Society, 1818, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-MS9K-9 : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856795, image 417 of 679.

[10] Newberry District, South Carolina, Miscellaneous Records 1818-1819, p. 435-36, James & Linna Loveless and Isaac & Mary Loveless to John Hughes, 1818, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLK-J96Z-2 : accessed 26 May 2026), IGN 008196566, image 220-21 of 987.

[11] 1820 U.S. census, Greenville District, South Carolina, p. 110 (stamped), 9th entry, James Loveless.

[12] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. N, p. 253-55, Master Nabers to Joseph McCullough, 1823, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-9KCH : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856796, image 335-36 of 820.

[13] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. N, p. 238, Levi Loveless to Jas Loveless, 1823, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-92M4 : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856796, image 328 of 820.

[14] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. P, p. 237, Master Nabers to Joseph McCullough, 1827, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-9JXL : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856796, image 715 of 820.

[15] Greenville District, South Carolina, Inventories & Appraisements, Book B, p. 30-34 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JG99-LM IGN 004754175, image 20-22 of 46.

[16] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. P, p. 426-27, Thomas & Rebecca Loveless to Silas Gaines, 1827, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-9J96 : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856796, image 809 of 820.

[17] 1830 U.S. census, Greenville, South Carolina, p. 311 (penned), last entry, James Lovelace.

[18] Greenville District, South Carolina, deed, v. S, p. 169-70, James Loveless to Jesse Loveless, 1836, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLV-59YM-D : accessed 20 May 2026), IGN 008196359, images 689-690 of 851.

[19] 1840 U.S. census, Greenville, South Carolina, p. 43 (penned), 4th from bottom, James Loveless.

[20] Greenville District, South Carolina, will book, v. C, p. 215-217, will of James Loveless, 28 Aug 1945, proved 6 Apr 1847, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JDVT-R : accessed 26 May 2026), IGN 004753838, images 137-38 of 608.

[21] Greenville District, South Carolina, will book, v. C, p. 218-219, probate of will of James Loveless, 13 July 1946, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JDVJ-5 : accessed 26 May 2026), IGN 004753838, images 137-38 of 608.

[22] Greenville District, South Carolina, deed, v. V, p. 223, James T. Loveless to Joseph Sullivan, 1846, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-9Y4S : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 007856797, image 123 of 387.

[23] For the first accounting, see Greenville District, South Carolina, v. A, p. 109, James T Loveless, executor James Loveless dec, 1846, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JG9W-9P : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 004754106, image 459 of 920. For the second & final accounting, see Greenville District, South Carolina, Annual Returns, v. B, p. 147, estate of James Loveless, James T Loveless, executor, 1847, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V38V-K9SG-V : accessed 24 May 2026), IGN 008703159, image 497 of 920.

[24] Greenville District, South Carolina, deeds, v. V, p. 493-94, Linney Loveless & James T Loveless to Joseph Sullivan, 1848, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS7S-9YQG : accessed 26 May 2026), IGN 007856797, image 259 of 387.

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