The family of Benjamin Sauls first appears in Colleton County in the 1850 census. It is possible, however, that Benjamin may be the son of Isaac from the previous blog. The 1840 census includes two men in the correct age range for Benjamin, and they don't appear in Isaac's household in 1850. However, that connection is unclear at best.
In 1850, Benjamin (age 31) is living in St. Paul's Parish with Ann J (age 31), who appears to be his wife. They live with Ellen J (age 1), Benjamin, Jr. (age 4), and an infant named Eliza. Benjamin is a drover, and he owns 5 slaves.
By 1860, Benjamin's family does not appear on the census for Colleton County. I don't know where they have gone. However, a Benjamin Sauls is listed as owning 4 slaves in St. Paul's Parish in 1860, so I don't think they have moved very far away.
In 1870, Benjamin (now age 51) is living in St. Pauls again with Anna (now age 54). They are now living with Sarah (age 18), Margaret (age 16), and another Sarah (age 9). Interestingly, both Anna and the older Sarah are listed as being unable to read or write, and they both have marks in the column that indicates a person is deaf, dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic. This leads me to believe both Anna and the older Sarah may be blind. There are no signs of where the previous children have gone, but they don't appear to be in Colleton County.
By 1880, Benjamin (now 62) is living in Collins with Anna (age 65). We can now see that Anna is, indeed, Benjamin's wife. Their daughter Mary, whose last name is now Moore, and her 5 children also live with Benjamin and Anna.
It would be interesting to check the 1900 census for Benjamin, Anna, or any of their children, but that is beyond what I am doing at this time.
Only 3 Sauls families turned up in the 1850 census, which was our starting point. In the next blog, we will focus on families that show up in the 1860 census and trace them.
I have a good bit of information on this family if you’d like me to send it. Would love to compare notes.
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