A Father for Nancy “Nannie” Milton Carroll Newton

Recently, we worked together to identify parents for William R. Carroll, who was the father of Mary Frances “Fannie” Carroll and the husband of Nancy “Nannie” Milton. While working on that project, we identified all of Nannie Carroll’s children as living in Polk County, Florida, in various households in the 1880 Census. Nannie’s maiden name was Melton or Milton, and three of her sons were living in the households of Frederic Milton and William Milton.

Collateral research into the lives of Frederic and William Milton provides many additional clues.

The death certificate for Frederic Milton notes that his father is “Wm Milton,” born in Florida, and his mother was “Tyler,” born in Georgia. Frederic is noted as being born in 1852 in Florida.

"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-68LQ-Y6?cc=1595003 : 8 August 2019), > image 1 of 1.

William’s death certificate states that he was born in Leon County, Florida, in 1852 to parents James J. Milton (born in Thomas County, Georgia) and Mary Ann Milton (born in Hamilton County, Florida).

Clearly, at least one of these death certificates has the wrong date of birth for these men. If they are brothers, one could not have been born in May of 1852 and the other in November of 1852.

"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DH53-R3D?cc=1595003 : 8 August 2019), > image 1 of 1.

As with every detail in the case of tracking the Carrolls and the Miltons, there are discrepancies in these records. However, there are some nuggets to help us tease out finer details. The Leon County connection is intriguing. 

If we go back and broadly search the 1880 Census of Polk County, Florida, for the surname “Milton,” only one other household appears. This is the household of Mary Milton, and her household is located snugly between that of William and Frederic’s households. It is listed on the very same page.

"United States, Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YYY-9NWR?cc=1417683&wc=XCMP-ZNL%3A1589395953%2C1589395127%2C1589396420%2C1589395685 : 24 December 2015), Florida > Polk > Precinct 5 and 6 > ED 129 > image 2 of 4; citing NARA microfilm publication T9, (National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C., n.d.)

Mary is listed on the 1880 Census as age 56 (born about 1824) in Georgia. In her household are daughters Harriet, aged 19 (born about 1861); Martha, aged 14 (born about 1866); and Angeline, aged 15 (born about 1865), along with grandson Alfred, born in January 1880. All her daughters and her grandson were born in Florida. 

Researching these women provides additional pertinent details. Angeline Milton married L. M. Prine in 1888.

"Florida, Marriages, 1830-1993," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-994X-1FCD?cc=1803936&wc=4JHR-W2N%3A1590072868%2C1590072861 : 12 July 2019), Polk County > Marriage licenses, 1862-1902, vol A-B > image 446 of 751; citing multiple County Clerks of Court, Florida.

Angeline’s death certificate adds to the picture, stating that she was born in 1863 in Hamilton County, Florida, to parents Jim Milton and Mary Ann Tyre, both born in the U.S.  The Hamilton County will prove a useful clue as we move forward.

"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6PZ4-L21?cc=1595003 : 8 August 2019), > image 1 of 1.

Martha Milton married Jeremiah J Bryant on June 9, 1884, in Polk County, Florida.

"Florida, Marriages, 1830-1993," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-894X-1FJN?cc=1803936&wc=4JHR-W2N%3A1590072868%2C1590072861 : 12 July 2019), Polk County > Marriage licenses, 1862-1902, vol A-B > image 274 of 751; citing multiple County Clerks of Court, Florida.

Martha Ann Milton Bryant’s death certificate provides corroborating information as well as discrepancies that must be reconciled. It lists her as being born in 1866 in Georgia to parents Jas. Milton (born in Georgia) and Marry Ann Ward (born in Georgia).  Any discrepancies between the various death certificates are easily explained because they are given by secondary sources  (i.e., relatives that weren’t there for these events.  They are simply trying to remember pieces of the deceased person’s life from stories they’ve been told over the years).

"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DCQ4-GS?cc=1595003 : 8 August 2019), > image 1 of 1.

Harriet Milton is a bit harder to pin down, but the 1900 Census provides some additional clues. Mary Milton, aged 76, is living next to Joseph Carroll and Harmon Carroll. In her household are Harriet I. Milton and grandchildren Alford J., John L., May, Mary Ann, Joseph L., and Valos [sic].

"United States, Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M368-G3F : Thu Apr 11 20:32:53 UTC 2024), Entry for Mary A Milton and Harriet I Milton, 1900.

Continuing our research into the lives of these grandchildren yields the following facts: 

Mary Ann Milton married Henry Tillman in 1908.

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9V4-8VC6?i=278); Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts.

Living in the Tillman household in 1920 was John L. Melton, listed as ‘<illegible>-law,’ aged 35, placing his date of birth at about 1885. This aligns with the November 1884 birthdate reported on the 1900 Census for John L. Milton, the grandson living in the household of Mary Milton.

"United States, Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNBS-B91 : Fri Jul 19 03:00:46 UTC 2024), Entry for Henry Tillman and Mary A Tillman, 1920.

John L Milton’s World War I draft card provides the following details.

"United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WZK9-Q3N2 : Fri Nov 22 18:15:37 UTC 2024), Entry for John L Milton and Isabelle Randall, from 1917 to 1918.

His nearest relative is listed as Isabelle Randall. 

A marriage license between an “Isabelle” and a gentleman with the last name “Randall” provides the following clues: (1) Isabelle’s maiden name was “Milton,” and (2) she was married on the same day that Mary Ann Milton married Henry Tillman.

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9V4-8VC6?i=278); Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts.

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9V4-4W8H?i=200);Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts.

But who is Isabelle Milton? She is not one of the grandchildren living with Mary Milton in the census. Let’s continue researching the proposed brother-in-law, John L. Milton, who lived with Henry and Mary Ann Tillman in 1920. 

The death certificate for J(ohn) L. Milton does not reveal any clues regarding his parentage.

"Florida, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DTV7-7FX : Dec 24, 2024), image 261 of 3042; Florida. Department of Health. Bureau of Vital Statistics.

There were multiple articles written about his death, but none were a true obituary, listing the names of his surviving relatives.

The Tampa Times, May 1, 1924, Page  5. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-times-milton-j-l-fatal-poison/161467224/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Milton, J L Fatal Poisoning by user sunnisearchangel

The Tampa Tribune, May 8, 1924, Page  7. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-milton-daisy-admits-t/161467252/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Milton, Daisy Admits to Poisoning Husband Levi Milton by user sunnisearchangel

The Tampa Times, August 1, 1924, Page  1. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-times-milton-daisy-child-wido/161467302/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Milton, Daisy Child Widow Aquitted by user sunnisearchangel

The closest we get to his family being identified is a note in the last article stating that a brother testified the unsigned notes were in John Levi Milton’s handwriting. 

All of the proposed siblings of John L. Milton, who are presumed to be the children of Harriet I. Milton, died after the period covered by the free death certificate record set available on FamilySearch.org. To save some cash, I can use obituaries for the proposed children as a substitute. 

The next child in the proposed family grouping was Alfred J. Milton, who died in 1948. His surviving siblings were listed as Lee Milton, J. L. Milton, Mrs. Mary Ann Tillman, Mrs. Mae Sheppherd, and Mrs. Vida Tillman.

The Tampa Tribune, January 25, 1948, Page  6. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-obituary-for-alfred-j/161636535/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Obituary for ALFRED J. MILTON by user sunnisearchangel

After Alfred passed away, the next sibling to pass away was Lee Milton. His obituary lists his surviving siblings as brother J.L. Milton, and sisters Mrs. V. Tillman, Mrs. Mary Ann Tillman, and Mrs. M.M. Shepherd.

The Tampa Tribune, April 29, 1960, Page  2. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-obituary-for-lee-milto/161636578/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Obituary for LEE MILTON Milton by user sunnisearchangel

The next sibling to pass away was Mary Ann Tillman. She died in 1964. Her surviving siblings were listed as Mrs. Mae Sheppard, Mrs. Vada Tillman, and J.L. Milton.

The Tampa Tribune, November 22, 1964, Page  3. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-obituary-for-mary-ann/161636661/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Obituary for MARY ANN TILLMAN by user sunnisearchangel

Vada Tillman’s obituary lists her surviving siblings as May Shephard and Joe F. Milton.

The Orlando Sentinel, November 25, 1971, Page 12. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-obituary-for-vada-m/161636688/ : accessed December 27, 2024), clip page for Obituary for VADA M. TILLMAN by user sunnisearchangel

I was unable to locate an obituary for Mae Milton Shepherd. I was also unable to locate an obituary for Joe L. Milton of Marshall, Indiana. His death certificate is publicly available, and his parents are listed as “unknown,” which is not surprising given that the informant was his son, Robert Milton, who had grown up and lived his whole life in Indiana, far away from his large family in Florida. 

Of all the siblings, the only one I found who listed his parents when applying for Social Security was Joseph Lafayette Milton. He listed his father as “James Tire” and his mother as “Isabelle,” whose surname was unknown. This is interesting—here is the name Isabelle again. 

At the end of the day, the main takeaway is that all the children listed as grandchildren in the home of Mary A. Milton in the 1880 and 1900 censuses identify themselves as siblings, likely sharing the same mother, Harriet I. Milton. 

Additionally, in the 1885 Florida State Census, the household of “Bell Melton” was enumerated in Polk County, Florida. She is listed with sons (Alfred) Jackson Melton age 4 and Solomon Melton age 2.

"Florida, State Census, 1885," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-67XN-VZ?cc=1457854&wc=M6PP-FNG%3A41821101%2C41819602 : 1 April 2016), Polk > Population > image 102 of 145; citing NARA microfilm publication M845 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

None of the obituaries above list a mother surviving them. Checking the Florida Death Register for Harriet Milton and Isabelle Randall yields no results (negative searches performed December 22, 2024). So, I looked to see if Isabelle Randall remarried at some point after 1908. 

Sure enough, J.R. Vick married Mrs. Harriet Isabella Randall in 1921.

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89V4-H8LG?i=392); Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89V4-857?i=1321&cc=2397260); Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts.

So, Harriet I. Milton from the census enumerations and Isabelle Randall from John L. Milton’s World War I Draft Card are the same person! John L. Milton is the likely brother of Lee, J.L., Mae, Mary Ann, and Vada, who all refer to each other as siblings in their obituaries. 

The death certificate for Mrs. Isabell Vick proves that our documentary evidence has led us down the correct path. She died in 1929 in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida. She was reported as being born in 1860 in Georgia. Her father was listed as James Milton (birthplace unknown), and her mother was listed as Mary Ann Tyre (born in South Carolina).

"Florida, Deaths, 1877-1939," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DT69-63G?cc=1595003 : 8 August 2019), > image 1 of 1.

Mary A. Milton was listed on the 1900 Census as having 5 living children out of the 8 she gave birth to during her lifetime. Death certificates for those 5 children have been located and shared above. Let’s examine the information reported in each:

After reviewing the body of evidence, I located the following marriage license for Alfred J. Milton and Mary Ann Tire in Hamilton County, Florida. This provides an onomastic clue, as Harriet Isabella Milton named her first son Alfred J Milton.

"Florida, County Marriages, 1830-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99KJ-Q9VT?i=35&cc=2397260&cat=408000); Florida State Archives and various county clerks of courts.

In addition, the household of James Melton and his presumed wife, Mary Ann Melton, was enumerated on the 1860 Census of Hamilton County, Florida.

"United States, Census, 1860", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6CM-X79 : Mon Jul 08 04:29:46 UTC 2024), Entry for James Melton and Mary Ann Melton, 1860.

James and Mary Ann are listed with William, Federic C., and Isabel Melton, along with three young adults and children with the last name “Tyre.” 

Mary Ann Tyre Milton is not the mother of Nancy “Nannie” Milton Carroll Newton because she married Alfred James Milton about ten years after Nancy was born. 

Another link was found from January 1864 in Hamilton County, Florida. Nancy Carroll, aged about 24, along with her daughter Frances, aged about 3, were listed as “needy,” with Nancy’s husband, Wm Carroll, being listed as in service to the Confederate States Army (CSA). She is enumerated right next to Cynthia Tyre and her two children, who are also deemed “needy.” Cynthia Tyre’s husband, Nathaniel Tyre, died in service to the CSA.

"Deeds, 1836-1905; index to deeds, 1837-1899", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C372-X62T?i=180), Florida > Madison > Land and Property Records > Deeds, 1836-1905; index to deeds, 1837-1899 > Deeds v. A 1838-1848 (includes commissioners court minutes, 1861-1873, and lists of families of confederate soldiers) Deeds v. B-D 1836-1857> DGS #008584065 > Image 181 of 952. Entry for Nancy and Frances Carroll and soldier William Carroll, 1864.

In the estate file for Nathaniel C Tyre, we find that Jas Melton purchased a couple of items.

"Florida, Probate Records, 1784-1990," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89QY-2S2Z?cc=2046765&wc=QCLN-82S%3A350466001%2C350509001 : 20 May 2014), Hamilton > Estates 1830-1915 vol 8B > image 650 of 927; county courthouses, Florida.

Also, if the three Tyres living in the household of James Melton in 1860 are traced back, they are found in the 1850 household of William and Banthenia Tyre, in Hamilton County, along with Nathaniel C. Tyre.

"United States, Census, 1850", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFHD-KBX : Sun Jul 14 17:46:47 UTC 2024), Entry for William Tyre and Barthenia Tyre, 1850.

While there is no direct evidence naming Alfred James Milton as the father of Nancy “Nannie” Milton Carroll Newton, there is a strong circumstantial body of evidence suggesting that he is her father. Nannie migrated with the Miltons to Polk County in the 1860s and 1870s. 

Her children are listed as nephews in the homes of William and Frederic Milton, who are the sons of James Milton and Mary Ann Tyre Milton, in the 1880 Census. Two of Nannie’s sons are living right next to her stepmother, Mary A. Milton, and their half-aunt, Harriet I. Milton, in the 1900 Census. 

Nancy Milton Carroll, whose husband, William, was off fighting for the CSA during the Civil War, did not remain in Tallahassee; instead, she went to live with her family in Hamilton County with her young daughter, Frances, as noted in the needy lists of the family members of soldiers. 

A DNA study will be completed to confirm the documentary findings. 

Next on our list will be to locate William R. Carroll’s service records with the CSA.