THE FITZGERALD FAMILY OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA

Matthew Vannerson (Vandiver) Fitzgerald (born: 11 NOV 1816 died: 18 SEP 1863) was the son of Nathaniel and Nancy Vandiver of Iredell County, North Carolina. Between 1830 and 1840, Matthew Vannerson (Vandiver) Fitzgerald (1816-1863) moved, in a covered wagon, from Iredell County, North Carolina, and purchased land next door to the Cannon families in Cowpens, South Carolina. He can be found on the 1850 United States Census, Spartanburg, County, South Carolina, living next door to a number of Cannon families. Matthew V. Fitzgerald (1816-1863) married his 1st wife, Julie Mathis (1818-1847), in the late 1830's, and they had the following children: (1) James [1941-?], (2) Elizabeth Biving [1843-2 Jun 1908], (3) Albert Cleveland [14 Aug 1845 – 7 Dec 1928], (4) Pinkney B. [1846-?], and (5) Mary [Early 1847-?].

Matthew V. Fitzgerald's 1st wife, Julie Mathis, died shortly after the birth of Mary in 1847, and Matthew married his second wife, Emily Cannon [28 Feb 1826 - 10 Mar 1882] in early 1847. Matthew V. Fitzgerald and Emily Cannon had the following children: (1) Nancy Jane [1848 – 1871], (2) Lou Aner [16 Oct 1849 - 6 Mar 1913], (3) Deborah Edmondra [19 Sep 1851 – 6 Jan 1900], (4)Matthew V. [23 Sep 1853 - 10 Jul 1913], (4) Laura [4 Jan - 23 Nov 1912], (5) Naomi [24 MAR 1857 - ?], (6) Ascinetta Carrie [1859 - ?], (7) James [1862 - ?], and (8) Joseph Miles [30 Apr 1862 - 30 Apr 1951].

The Fitzgerald, Mathis, Cannon, and Tillotson families were successful farmers and close neighbors. The families intermarried, and many of the descendants of these families can be found in the Spartanburg, South Carolina area.
The Fitzgerald, Cannon, and Tillotson families were active members of Cannon's Campground United Methodist Church near Cowpens, South Carolina. Early church records indicated that a "Brush Arbor" was started at the present site of Cannon's Campground United Methodist Church in 1780 and that the first church was established in 1789. Ellis Cannon donated the land where Cannon's Campground United Methodist Church was located in 1789 and where all of the church buildings have been constructed over the years. Ellis Cannon is from the Cannon family who founded Cannon Mills.

The congregation of Cannons Campground Methodist Church had a number of buildings constructed over the years, and a new, modern church stands on the site today. The old cemetery is on one side of the church.

Some of the old minutes of the Sabbath School of Cannon's Campground Methodist Church can be found in the archives of the church. These minutes were handwritten. The minutes of 24 June 1866 list the officers, teachers, and assistant teachers. Miss Harriett Tillotson is listed as a Sabbath Day Teacher. She would become the wife of Albert Cleveland Fitzgerald in 1866.

"Minutes: of the Sabbath School, at Cannon's Camp Ground June 24 Anno Domini 1866.

LIST OF OFFICERS AND TEACHERS:
Officers: James B. Arthur: Superintendent; John Bishop: Assistant Supt.; Elijah Cannon: Librarian; and Claudius L. Fike: Secretary.


Teachers:
C. H. Claiborne, N. H. Pettit, Miss Harriet Tillotson, Nahum Cannon, Enoch Cannon, Miss Emeline Cannon, Lewis Webb, Mrs. Jane Love, Mrs. Isabella Webb, Miss Cannon.
Assistant Teachers: Mrs. Jane Claiborne, Miss Della Templeman.
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Minutes of the Sabbath at Preamble.
"The importance of conducting a Sabbath School in a proper and judicious manner requires that we should avail ourselves of all possible means for promoting the advancement of this commendable enterprise. In view of this fact, it has been deemed advisable, that the weekly proceedings and transactions of our Sunday School should be placed on record; so that in after time they may stand as a memorial of our conduct, in this important branch of our duty. Let us therefore endeavor to perform our part in such a manner, that this record may exhibit nothing of which we will ever be ashamed; no regret on the part of teachers, nor inattention or misbehavior on the part of the scholars: but let it present a model which may serve for future times and to which we can always refer with pleasure. Thus would our project be accomplished, and we may hope that our humble though honest endeavors will be crowned with that success, which will rebound to the honor and Glory of our Heavenly Father; without whose Blessings all our efforts would be in vain.

"The School assembled at the usual morning hour, and we were pleased to notice so large an attendance; there being upwards of sixty members of the school, including the officers and teachers. This is very encouraging and we hope that an increasing interest may be felt throughout the community; remembering that punctuality is the life of the school. The school was opened by singing a hymn, after which a lesson from the Bible was read by the Superintendent, and a second hymn sung. The Bible classes next read their respective portions of scripture; when the Superintendent made some remarks of encouragement to the school; and gave an intermission. The Catechism and question lessons were next recited; after which some time was spent in singing in the Sunday School Bells. Brother Bishop remarked that he was much pleased at the good conduct of the school today; and he also delivered to the Librarian several of the books which were missing some time ago, and which he said were returned to him by direction of Brother May. There are still some remaining, of which he had no account. After singing and prayer by Brother Bishop, the school was dismissed. The Superintendent announced the following appointments for this place, viz; on Friday next, regular day of the circuit minister; Sunday next, service by Dr. C. Lee; and Sunday two weeks hence, a singing here."

C. L. Fike Secretary Supt.
James B. Arthur"

I would like to have a picture Matthew Vannerson Fitzgerald's grave and marker, if someone can locate it and post a picture on Findagrave.com. Also, I would like to have a picture of the gravestone of his first wife, Julie Mathis Fitzgerald, if there is a stone in the cemetery.