COUNCILMAN, John Manley* ^{2915,4942,5417,5418,5419,5420}

   Other names for John were COUNCELMAN, John,⁴⁹³⁷ COUNCIALMAN, J. M.,^4945,5424 COUNCILMAN, J. M.,^{302,303,2797,4218,4931,5077,5425,5426} COUNCILMAN, John,^{310,321,322,4891,5414,5416,5427} COUNCILMAN, John C. ⁵⁴²⁸ and COUNCILMAN, John M. ^{291,305,4938,4945,5415,5421,5422,5423,5429,5430,5431,5432}.^,5433

  Birth Notes:

Birthdate 4 May 1881 from tombstone.

Lester Allen's book shows John M Councilman is son of Milo Councilman and Martha J Welch.

  Death Notes:

Died at Keller Nursing Home in Sanford after a 4 month stay.

  Burial Notes:

Tombstone says "John M Councilman May 4 1881 June 12 1965".

Burial date 15 Jun 1965 from family group record provided by Odell Councilman.

  Noted events in his life were:

• Alt. Birth, 4 May 1882, Moore Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁴²

• Appearance in Document: Transfer Quaker membership to Holly Spring, 6 Apr 1889, Prosperity Prep Mtg, Moore Co, NC. ^321,322 Milo Councilman and wife, Martha J., and minors, John, Ella and George, members of Prosperity Preperatory Mtg, transferred with that mtg to Holly Spring Mtg.

"Cane Creek Mo Meeting held 4 mo 6 1889 ... Prosperity Preparative meeting, composed of the following members, viz Robt Paschal, Milo Councilman, John W. Shelds, Jeremiah Finnison, Thos. W. Phillips, Zacharias Boroughs, Wm. Hill, Martha J. Councilman, Elizabeth Finnison, Lydia Shields, Margaret Brady, Sallie Cole, Ellen Finnison, Margaret Phillips, Esperann Phillips, Mary Brady, Annie McInstosh, Anna Boroughs, Isablla Moon, Ida Finnison, Ellen Brady, Sallie Deaton, minor members John Councilman, Ella Councilman, Geo Councilman, Jas E. Philips, Perley Philips, Martha A. Philips, after due deliberation requests a certificate conveying their right of membership to Holly Spring Monthly meetg on account of th edistance being much shorter. After deliberation the request is granted and a certificate as per request is signed on behald of meeting by clerks."

• Census, 13 Jun 1900, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ³¹⁰
1) Councilman, Milo, head of household, born Jan 1847, age 53, married for 6 years, born NC, parents born NC, farmer, owns his farm free
2) Councilman, Minnie, wife, born May 1872, age 28, married for 6 years, 4 children, 4 living, born NC, parents born NC
3) Councilman, John, son, born May 1881, age 19, born NC, parents born NC, farm laborer, unemployed 4 months, attended school for 3 months
4) Councilman, George, son, born Nov 1886, age 13, born NC, parents born NC, farm laborer, unemployed 4 months, attended school for 3 months
5) Councilman, Walter, son, born Oct 1889, age 10, born NC, parents born NC, attended school for 3 months
6) Councilman, Annie, daughter, born Sept 1893, age 6, born NC, parents born NC, attended school for 4 months
7) Councilman, Ada, daughter, born Aug 1895, age 4, born NC, parents born NC
8) Councilman, Bessie, daughter, born May 1898, age 2, born NC, parents born NC
9) Councilman, Emma, daughter, born Nov 1899, age 6/12, born NC, parents born NC.

• Property: Bought 92 acres adjacent to Milo Councilman, 10 Nov 1902, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴²⁶ Deed made 10 Nov 1902 by William Hill of Chatham County to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County. For $600, land adjoining Milo Councilman, N O. Cox and others, as follows: Beginning at Milo Councilman S. E. Corner, East with James Welch's heirs and H. W. Scotts line ... Stephen Davis Corner, ... Maple branch in Milo Councilman's line, ... Milo Councilman's corner ... containing Ninety two acres more or less. Recorded 8 Feb 1905.

[Sold 23 June 1924]

• Property: Bought 2.5 acres, 13 Sep 1909, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁰⁸¹ Deed made 13 Sept 1909 by Milo Councilman and Minnie Councilman his wife of Chatham County, to John M. Councilman of Chatham County, for $25, land in Bear Creek Township, adjoining the lands of George C. Councilman and Milo Councilman, beginning at a stake on the East side of a road in Geo. C. Councilman's line, ... containing two and one half acres more or less. Registered 8 Dec 1914.

[Sold 24 June 1924]

• Census, 6 May 1910, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴¹⁴
1) Councilman, John, head of household, age 28, married for 1st time for 5 years, born NC, parents born NC, general farmer, owns his farm free
2) Councilman, Oppie, wife, age 22, married for 1st time for 5 years, 4 children, 4 living, born NC, parents born NC
3) Councilman, Charles, son, age 4, born NC, parents born NC
4) Councilman, Marvin, son, age 3, born NC, parents born NC
5) Councilman, Wilburn, son, age 1 8/12, born NC, parents born NC
6) Councilman, Melvin, son, age 0/12, born NC, parents born NC.

• Property: Bought timber agreement, 13 Mar 1913, Chatham Co, NC. Peter A. Smith and Emily J. Smith his wife sold a timber agreement to J. M. Councilman, for $100 now plus $350 by 13 Mar 1914, which conveys "pine timber 9 inches and over across the stump 10 inches from the ground, and all the oak and hardwood timber 14 inches and over across the stump, 12 inches from the ground" on 150 acres they live on for 5 years. (Chatham Co Deed book FB, p123)

• Property: Bought 130 acres and 20 acres, 30 Mar 1914, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³² Deed made 30 March 1914 by A. S. Phillips and Fannie Phillips his wife of Chatham County to John M. Councilman of Chatham County, for $3000, two tracts in Bear Creek Township, adjoining John H. Dunlap, Ralph Harper, and Libbie A. Smith. The first tract beginning at a stone corner of lot #2, ... stone in line of lot #4, ... stone in the Siler City road, ... Dunlap's corner, ... containing 130 acres, it being lot 3 in the division of the late Wm. M. Harper lands and allotted to Fannie Phillips. The second tract was 20 acres, allocated to A. S. Phillips in division of the Wm. Harper lands. Registered 10 April 1914.

[This land was sold back to Fannie Phillips on 12 Oct 1914 for $3110]

• Property: Sold 1 acre, 31 Aug 1914, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³⁴ John M. Councilman and Oppie Councilman his wife sold to B. J. Brewer 1 acre in Bear Creek Twp adjoining the lands of John H. Dunlap on the Siler City road. It was sold "in consideration of that it shall remain in the possession of the white race and twenty dollars." Lot was 120 feet on the road and 363 feet deep.

• Property: Sold 130 acres and 20 acres, 12 Oct 1914, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³⁵ John M. Councilman and Oppie Councilman his wife sold to Fannie Phillips, for $3110, 2 tracts in Bear Creek Twp. First tract is 130 acres, being Lot #5 in the division of the late Wm. M. Harper land allocated to Fannie Phillips, adjoining John H. Dunlap, Ralph Harper, Libbie A. Smith, and the Siler City Road. Second tract is 20 acres, being allotted to A. S. Phillips by an order of court until final settlement of the said Wm. M. Harper land division, except B. J. Brewer lot on Siler City Road.

[This land had been purchased on 30 Mar 1914]

• Occupation: Sawmill, 17 Oct 1914. ⁵⁴³⁶ According to a notice in the Siler City Grit newspaper, on 17 Oct 1914 J. M. Councilman purchased the interest of B. S. Lawrence in a sawmill formerly known as "Councilman & Lawrence". [Presumably, J. M. Councilman is the "Councilman" of the sawmill name, so he was previously and continued to be in the sawmill business]

• Occupation: Lawrence Brick Company, bef 18 Oct 1914. ⁵⁴³⁷ J. M. Councilman was in business with B. S. Lawrence and R. R. Brewer as "Lawrence Brick Co.". He was bought out by the other two on 18 October 1914, according to a notice in the Siler City Grit newspaper.

[The notice said the business was at Wells, but I have not determined where that was]

• Residence: WW1 Draft Registration, 12 Sep 1918, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴²³ John M. Coucilman, RFD 1, Bear Creek, Chatham Co, NC; Born May 4 1881; Farming for self; Nearest relative Mrs. Oppie Councilman of same address; Medium height, stout build, brown eyes, brown hair. Signature John M. Councilman.

• Appearance in Document: Administrator for Milo Councilman mortgage deed, 27 Apr 1918, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁰⁸⁵ J. M. Councilman, administrator of Milo Councilman, deceased, mortgagee, sold to W. A. Phillips, for $230, 1 lot and store house adjoining W. F Phillips and Son, located at Harpers X Roads. Mortgage deed was made by D. R. Smith and wife Amanda Smith to Milo on 17 Jan 1903 to secure payment of $400 and interest due to Milo. Smiths did not meet the conditions, so property was sold to Phillips. Mortgage deed is Book EW, p456.

• Appearance in Document: Administrator for Milo Councilman mortgage deed, 27 Apr 1918, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁰⁷⁷ J. M. Councilman, administrator of Milo Councilman, deceased, mortgagee, sold to C. V. Tally, for $376, 1 acre and house adjoining L. A. Tyson and S. W. Brewer heirs, bordering Sandy Creek road. Mortgage deed was made by B. R. Smith and wife Amanda Smith to Milo on 17 Jan 1903 to secure payment of $400 and interest due to Milo. Smiths did not meet the conditions, so property was sold to Tally. Mortgage deed is Book EW, p458.

• Property: Bought Lot and Store Building, 3 Jul 1919, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³⁸ Deed made 3 July 1919 by W. F. Sizemore and Lillie Sizemore his wife of Chatham County to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County. For $425, sell [lot and store building] in Bear Creek township, adjoinng the lands of R. D. Smith (now C. V. Tally), S. W. Brewer heirs, beginning at an iron and stone buried in the ground in the corssing of the Pittsboro and Factory road, D. R. Smith's corner, ... S. W. Brewer's heirs line, ... R. B. Paschal heir's line of the three acre old store lot, ... Farmer's Alliance Co's line, ... containing 25 43/54 square rods, more or less. Registered 21 Oct 1919.

• Property: Bought Lot in Harpers Crossroads, 4 Aug 1919, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³⁹ Deed made 4 August 1919 by W. F. Sizemore and Lillie Sizemore his wife of Chatham County to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County. For $10, sell a lot lying in the village of Harper's Xroads, adjoining the lands of S. W. Brewer heirs, the W. F. Sizemore Store lot and others, beginning at a stone in the middle of the Chatham Road, Sizemore southeast corner of store house lot, ... Brewer heirs line, ... W. C. Brown's corner on the east side of the Chatham Road, ... . Registered 21 October 1912.

• Census, 4 Feb 1920, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴²¹
1) Councilman, John M., head of household, owns his farm free, age 38, married, can read and write, born NC, parents born NC, general farmer
2) Councilman, Oppie J., wife, age 32, married, can read and write, born NC, parents born NC
3) Councilman, Charlie M., son, age 14, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
4) Councilman, Milo M., son, age 12, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
5) Councilman, Caleb W., son, age 11, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
6) Councilman, Herbert N., son, age 9, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
7) Councilman, Leola C., daughter, age 7, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
8) Councilman, Odell J., son, age 3 8/12, born NC, parents born NC
9) Councilman, Sarah M., daughter, age 9/12, born NC, parents born NC.

• Property: Bought house and lot in Bonlee, 2 Apr 1920, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴⁰ Isaac H. Dunlap and Elizabeth Dunlap his wife sold to J. M. Councilman, for $3000, a house and lot in Bonlee on Main Street, North Mill Street, and Hillsboro Streets, known as the K. C. Horner house and lot, with the two rear lots added to this deed. The parcel is 140 feet on Main and Hillsboro Streets, and 454 feet on North Mill Street. The fourth side of the property borders an alley. (Chatham Co Deed book FY, p469)

[This is the lot where the J. M. Councilman home place was located. The house in Bonlee was originally a parsonage, and had glass front builtin cabinets. I have a slide of the house. Part of this property was conveyed to Lester Councilman (when?). The remainder was conveyed by the heirs of John M. Councilman to Roy Darrell Moore in 1981.]

• Property: Bought 5.3 acres on B&N Railroad, 6 May 1920, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴¹ Deed made 6 May 1920 by Sudie P. Stone and husband J. A. Stone of Chatham County to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County, for $100 and other valuable considerations, sell land in Bear Creek Township, adjoining the lands of J. H. Dunlap, beginning in the center of the B & N Railroad on J. H. Dunlap's line, ... C. F. H. White's corner, ... center of said railroad, ... containing 5 1/3 acres more or less. 50 feet on S. side of R. R. is reserved to R. R. for Railroad purposes, this being the same tract conveyed to J. M. Deaton & wife Ida Deaton to Sudie STone by deed dated 12 April 1918. Registered 7 May 1922.

• Story: Stationery, cir Oct 1920. ³⁰² The attached image is a copy of the stationery being used by J. M. Councilman in late 1920. This was included in the Estate Files of Milo Councilman, for whom J. M. Councilman was administrator.

• Property: Receives 24.2 acres from Milo Councilman estate, 30 Oct 1920, Chatham Co, NC. ^302,303 Commissioners for the estate of late Milow Councilman allocated 24.2 acres to J. M. Councilman (Orders and Decrees, Book F, pp445-447, in Office of Clerk of Superior Court for Chatham Co) This is Lot 1A of the divided Milo Councilman tracts.

[This land is sold on 23 June 1924]

• Property: Bought 42 acres, 16 Dec 1920, Gulf Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴² Deed made 16 Dec 1920 by Thomas L. Phillips and wife Mattie Phillips of Chatham County, to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County, for $1650, sell land in Gulf Township adjoining Mrs. G. G. Emeson, G. W. Blalock, ... containing 42 acres more or less. Registered 21 March 1921.

• Property: Bought 42 acres, 17 Feb 1921, Gulf Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴³ Deed made 17 Feb 1921 by Walter D. Siler, Commissioner under authority vested in him by a decree of the Superior Court of Chatham County, in a certain Special Proceeding therein pending entitled 'In re N. I. Phillips, Guardian of Barna Phillips Ex Parte', party of the first part, to John M. Councilman of Chatham County, party of the second part. Siler has been licensed by court judement to make private sale of the interests of Barna Phillips for $160 to party of the second part. Property sold is in Gulf Township, adjoining the lands of Mrs. G. G. Emerson .... containing 42 acres. Registered 21 March 1921.

[This land was sold on 5 May 1923]

• Property: Sold 42 acres, 5 May 1923, Gulf Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴⁴ J. M. Councilman and Oppie Councilman his wife sold to Isaac H. Dunlap, for $1500, 42 acres in Gulf Twp adjoining Mrs G. G. Emerson.

[This land had been purchased on 17 Feb 1921]

• Property: Bought land bordering railroad, 27 Sep 1923, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ^5445,5446 Isaac H. Dunlap and Elizabeth Dunlap his wife to J. M. Councilman and M. D. Smith, trading under the firm name of Bonlee Bonding Co, for $10, land in Bonlee bordering the Southern Railroad, the Roller Mill, and a branch. The lot is about 300 feet by 150 feet. There is a wagon road across the land.

On 3 Mar 1924, M. D. Smith and Ada Smith his wife sold to J. M. Councilman, for $200 and other valuable considerations, their half interest in the above land "including all buildings Bellers, Engines machinery Tools and supplies".

[This lot was sold to the owner of the neighboring Roller Mill on 23 Feb 1932]

• Property: Sold 92 acres, 2.5 acres, and 24 acres, 23 Jun 1924, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴⁷ John M. Councilman and Oppie Councilman his wife sold to Ambrose Smith and Mary Smith, for exchange of land and $450, three tracts in Bear Creek Twp, adjoining Mrs N. O. Cox and George C. Councilman. First tract is 92 acres, from Milo Councilman original SE corner and Maple Branch. Second tract, 2.5 acres bordering George C. Councilman. Third tract, Lot 1a in division of Milo Councilman lands, about 24 acres. Timber is excepted for 2 years from 1 Jan 1926. Registered 19 Aug 1925.

• Property: Bought 30 acres and 40 acres, 23 Jun 1924, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴⁸ Deed made 23 June 1924 by Ambrose Smith and Mary E. Smith his wife of Chatham County, and J. M. Councilman of Chatham County, for exchange of land and $10, sell two tracts in Bear Creek Township, adjoining the lands of W. H. Hilliard and W. J. Smith. First tract known as Lot 8 in the division of the late C. D. Shields land and allotted to Amanda Salmon ... containing 30 acres more or less. Second tract known as the Morris Smith tact ... containing 40 acres more or less. Registered 17 July 1924.

[On 15 Nov 1924, J. M. Councilman and Oppie his wife sold the same two tracts to Earl Smith for $1600.]

• Property: Sold 30 acres and 40 acres, 15 Nov 1924, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁴⁹ Deed made 15 Nov 1924 by J. M. Councilman and Oppei Councilman his wife of the first part, and Earl Smith of the second part. The Councilmans sold to Smith, for $1600, a parcel of land in Bear Creek Township adjoining lands of W. H. Hilliard, W. J. Smith, two tracts. First tract containing 30 acres. Second tract containing 40 acres. Registered 30 Jan 1925.

[This land had been acquired on 23 June 1924]

• Story, 1927. I have a photograph of John and Oppie and all their children, taken spring 1927. I have a later photograph showing John at Bonlee with children Howard, Martha, Ledford, Lester, Marie, Osborne, Marvin, and Charlie.

• Census, 17 Apr 1930, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹³⁷
1) Councelman, John, head of household, owns his home on Anson Road in Bonlee town, home value $3000, has a radio, not on a farm, age 48, married at age 24, born NC, parents born NC, salesman at hardware store, not a veteran
2) Councelman, Oppie, wife, age 42, married at age 17, born NC, parents born NC
3) Councelman, Leola K., daughter, age 17, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
4) Councelman, Odell J., son, age 14, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
5) Councelman, Marie S., daughter, age 11, attends school, born NC, parents born NC;
6) Councelman, Ledford J., son, age 9, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
7) Councelman, Howard L., son, age 8, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
8) Councelman, Osborn, son, age 6, attends school, born NC, parents born NC
9) Councelman, Martha J., daughter, age 4 6/12, born NC, parents born NC
10) Councelman, Lester D., son, age 3 1/12, born NC, parents born NC.

• Property: Sold Land bordering railroad, 23 Feb 1932, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵⁰ J. M. Councilman and Oppie Councilman his wife sold to Charles C. Routh, for $10 and other valuable considerations, land and buildings in Bonlee. This is the same land as 27 Sep 1923 transaction above, except the railroad is now the A&Y Railroad instead of Southern RR.

[Bob Lindley says Charles C. Routh owned the roller mill adjoining this land. The A&Y Railroad is the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad, a short line that ran from Mount Airy to Sanford, and operated from 1899 to 1950.]

• Property: Sold 24 acres (Lot 4), 6 Oct 1936, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ²⁹⁶ Deed made 6 Oct 1936 by John M. Councilman & wife Oppie Councilman, George Councilman & wife Claytie Councilman of Chatham County, W. L. Cole & wife Della Cole of Montgomery County, C. S. Davis & wife Annie C. Davis of Moore County, Ada McManus, a widow, C. W. McManus & wife Bessie McManus, J. R. Councilman & wife Isabel Councilman of Lee County, Glenn Scott & wife Virginia Scott of Guilford County of the first part, and Marvin R. Lambert of Chatham County of the second part. For $175, sell land in Bear Creek Township adjoining the lands of B. N. Welch, Steve Scott and others, being Lot No. 4, the same being allotted to Ethel R. Councilman in the division of the Milo Councilman lands, ... containing 24 acres. Registered March 22 1937.

• Census, 9 Apr 1940, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹³⁸
1. Councilman, John M., head of household, owns his home, valued at $1500, not a farm, age 58, married, completed 7th grade, born NC, lived at same house on 1 April 1935, worked 72 hours during week of 24-30 March, occupation retail grocery, works on own account, worked 52 weeks during 1939, receives other income
2. Councilman, Oppie, wife, age 53, married, completed 7th grade, born NC, engaged in home housework
3. Councilman, Marie, daughter, age not listed, single, not attending school, completed 1 year of high school, born NC
4. Councilman, Howard, son, age 18, single, attends school, completed 3 years of high school, born NC
5. Councilman, Osborne, son, age 16, attends school, completed 1 year of high school, born NC
6. Councilman, Martha Jane, daughter, age 14, attends school, completed 6th grade, born NC
7. Councilman, Lester, son, age 12, attends school, completed 5th grade, born NC.

The census page says "Lines reserved for absent members of household who did not return and were unumerated elsewhere", and leaves 3 empty lines.

• Property: Sold share of 51.7 acre tract and 8 acre tract, 13 Sep 1941, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ²⁹⁷ Deed made 13 Sept 1941 by Minnie P. Councilman, a widow, of Guilford County, J. M. Councilman and Oppie J. Councilman his wife, G. C. Councilman and wife Clatie Councilman, of Chatham County, Della Cole a widow of Randolph County, Annie C. Davis and husband C. S. Davis of Moore County, Ada McManus a widow, Bessie McManus and husband C. W. McManus, J. R. Councilman and wife Isabelle Councilman of Lee County of the first part, and W. G. Scott and wife Virginia Scott of Guilford County of the second part. Assigns a 8/9 undivided interest in land in Bear Creek Township, adjoining the lands of B. N. Welch, C. R. Lambert, Effie Welch, Bessie McManus, Aaron Brooks, J. R. Councilman and others. First Tract: 51-7/10 acres more or less. Second Tract: 8 acres more or less. For further reference see record in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, intitled Minnie P. Councilman dower and being the widow of Milo Councilman. Registered Oct 14 1941.

• Property: Acquired Lot adjacent Old Bank Building, 20 Aug 1948, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁴³ Deed made 20 Aug 1948 by D. G. Edwards, single, of Chatham County, to J. M. Councilman & Lester Councilman, of Chatham County, land in Chatham County adjoining the lands of D. G. Edwards and Joe Marsh, beginning at the South West corner of the Old Bank Building, running north with said Bank building lot to its North West corner and beyond said Bank building to a point forty six feet from the beginning, thence about West 27 feet to a stone, thence about South 46 feet to main street, thence about East with said street 27 feet to the beginning corner. Also, privileges to the West wall of the Old Bank Building. Registered 24 Aug 1948.

[In 1951, Lester and his wife grant their half-interest in this property to J. M. Councilman. In 1956, J. M. sold the property.]

• Property: Bought lot adjacent A. R. Brooks, 28 Jun 1949, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵¹ Deed made 28 June 1949 by W. Reid Thompson, commissioner, to J. M. Councilman, for $3,000, land in the Town of Bonlee, Chatham County, beginning at a point on the northern side of Main Street, which point is located in the center line of a brick wall which is th edividing wall between this property and the property located immediately East, being 42 feet 7 inches from the western side of the street now known as Highway 421; and running thence with the northern line of Main Street approximately 25 feet to the southeastern corner of the lot now owned by A. R. Brooks, thence with Brooks' line about North 100 feet to a stake, thence at right angles in an eastern direction approximately 25 feet, thence in s southern direction to the point of beginning. There is a brick building located upon the lot herein conveyed. However, A. R. Brooks, the owner of the property immediately west of this property, owns wall privileges to the said West wall of the building. This sale was made as a result of a proceeding in Superior Court of Chatham County on 14 June 1949 entitled William (Billy) Dunlap King, Betty Dunlap King Conley, Max Hunter King, et al, Ex Parte, for the purpose of selling the lands at private sale to J. M. Councilman. W. Reid Thompson was the commissioner assigned to the sale. The land was devised to the sellers by Isaac H. Dunlap in his will. Registered 28 June 1949.

[This lot was sold to son Lester Councilman on 28 June 1949]

• Property: Sold lot to Lester Councilman, 28 Jun 1949, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁵³ Deed made 28 June 1949 by J. M. Councilman and wife Oppie Beal Councilman, parties of the first part, to Lester Councilman, party of the second part. Land in the Town of Bonlee, Chatham County, beginning at a point on the northern side of Main Street, which point is located in the center line of a brick wall which is th edividing wall between this property and the property located immediately East, being 42 feet 7 inches from the western side of the street now known as Highway 421; and running thence with the northern line of Main Street approximately 25 feet to the southeastern corner of the lot now owned by A. R. Brooks, thence with Brooks' line about North 100 feet to a stake, thence at right angles in an eastern direction approximately 25 feet, thence in s southern direction to the point of beginning. There is a brick building located upon the lot herein conveyed. However, A. R. Brooks, the owner of the property immediately west of this property, owns wall privileges to the said West wall of the building. Registered 23 Aug 1949.

[This lot had been purchased by J. M. Councilman on the same day]

• Occupation: Grocery Store Owner, 1950. ⁵⁴³³

• Census, 4 May 1950, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴³³
1) Councilman, John M., head, living in house on left, 68, widow, b NC, parents b U.S., completed 8th grade, worked 48 hrs as operator of own grocery store, worked 52 weeks in previous year,
2) Councilman, Howard L., son, 28, never married, b NC, "other" work, no work last week, not looking for work
3) Councilman, Charlie M., son, 44, married, b NC, worked 40 hrs as office manager for hospital construction
4) Councilman, Athae Mae, daughter-in-law, 35, married, b NC, homemaker
5) Councilman, Shirley F., granddaughter, 15, b NC, "other" work, no work last week, not looking for work
6) Councilman, W. Manley, grandson, 13, b NC
7) Councilman, Larry E., grandson, 8, b NC.

• Property: Acquired lot from Jesse Osborne Councilman, 30 Apr 1951, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵² Deed made 30 Apr 1951 by Jessie Osborne Councilman and wife Evelyn Heath Councilman of Guilford County to J. M. Councilman of Chatham County, grant land in Chatham County adjoining the lands of J. M. Councilman and the late R. L. Pugh, lots located on Main Street in Bonlee, lying between Councilman and Pugh lots, beginning at the lots, R. L. Pugh's south east corner on Main Street running north with said Pugh's line to his north east corner, this corner located on the road now running from Boone Trail Highway to the hunting club home, now occupied by Pat Murrow. Thence east with said Murrow road, 30 feet to J. M. Councilman's corner, thence with his line south to said Councilman's corner on Main Street, thence west with main street 30 feet to the beginning. Registered 17 July 1951.

• Property: Additional half-interest in Lot adjacent to Old Bank Building, 30 Apr 1951, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹³⁴ Deed made 30 Apr 1951 by Lester William Councilman and wife Vernell Stovell Councilman to J. M. Councilman, for $10 and other good and valuable consideration, grant their one-half interest in the following: land in Chatham County adjoining the lands of D. G. Edwards and Joe Marsh, beginning at the South West corner of the Old Bank Building, running north with said Bank building lot to its North West corner and beyond said Bank building to a point forty six feet from the beginning, thence about West 27 feet to a stone, thence about South 46 feet to main street, thence about East with said street 27 feet to the beginning corner. Also, privileges to the West wall of the Old Bank Building. Registered 17 July 1951.

[Sold this property in 1956]

• Property: Sell lot to Lester Councilman, 30 Apr 1951, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹³⁵ Deed made 30 April 1951 by J. M. Councilman to Lester William Councilman and wife Vernell Stovell Councilman, for $10 and other good and valuable consideration, grant land in Chatham County beginning at A. R. Pugh's north east corner, Hillsboro Street, running with Hillsboro Street 170 feet East to stake on ten foot alley between J. W. Councilman and W. T. Brooks, thence south with alley 75 feet to stake, thence 170 feet west to the late R. L. Pugh line, thence north 75 feet to the beginning. Registered 17 July 1951.

• Property: Buy lots 96 and 97 on Hillcrest Drive, 23 Jun 1955, Siler City, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵³ Deed made 23 June 1955 by L. B. Brooks and wife Maggie Brooks of Chatham County and J. M. Councilman and wife Berta F. Councilman. Land in Matthews Township, Chatham County, lots 96 and 97 as designated by a plat of Hillbrook Development Map #1, Siler City, dated June 1955, Plat Book 4, page 70. Each of said lots having a frontage of 30 feet on Hillcrest Drive. Registered June 25 1955.

[Sold in 1956]

• Property: Sold lot adjacent to A. R. Brooks to Lester Councilman, 10 Apr 1956, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁴⁷ Deed made 10 April 1956 by J. M. Councilman and wife Berta F. Councilman, parties of the first part, to Lester W. Councilman, party of the second part. Land in Bear Creek Township, adjoining lands of A. R. Brooks, beginning at a point on the northern side of Main Street, which point is located in the center line of a brick wall which is the dividing wall between this property and the property located immediately East, being 42 feet 7 inches from the western side of the street now known as Highway 421; and running thence with the northern line of Main Street approximately 25 feet to the southeastern corner of the lot now owned by A. R. Brooks, thence with Brooks' line about North 100 feet to a stake, thence at right angles in an eastern direction approximately 25 feet, thence in s southern direction to the point of beginning. There is a brick building located upon the lot herein conveyed. However, A. R. Brooks, the owner of the property immediately west of this property, owns wall privileges to the said West wall of the building. The property is located in the Town of Bonlee. Registered 6 August 1956.

[This is confusing. This is the same property that was already sold by J. M. and Oppie to Lester previously in 1949.]

• Property: Sold lots 96 and 97 on Hillcrest Drive, 10 Apr 1956, Siler City, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵⁴ Deed made 10 April 1956 by J. M. Councilman and wife Berta F. Councilman to J. A. Moody, land in Matthews Township, lots number 96 and 97 as designated by a plat of Hillbrook Development Map #1, Siler City, dated June 1955. Each of said lots having a frontage of 30 feet on Hillcrest Drive. Registered 20 April 1956.

[Bought in 1955]

• Property: Sold Lot adjacent ot Old Bank Building, 21 Dec 1956, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁵⁵ Deed made 21 Dec 1956 by J. M. Councilman to Archie Hausley and wife Obeta Hausley, land in Bear Creek Township adjoining the lands of D. G. Edwards and Joe Marsh heirs, beginning at the South West corner of the Old Bank Building, running north with said Bank building lot to its North West corner and beyond said Bank building to a point forty six feet from the beginning, thence about West 27 feet to a stone, thence about South 46 feet to Main Street, thence about East with said street 27 feet to the beginning corner. Also, privileges to the West wall of the Old Bank Building. The above lands were conveyed to grantors by deeds, see Book J-Z page 77 and Book K-U page 12. Registered 22 Dec 1956.

[Had acquired full ownership of this land in 1951]

• Residence, 1965, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁴² John Manley Councilman's usual residence was general delivery, Bonlee, NC when he died on June 12 1965.

• Obituary: The News and Observer, 13 Jun 1965, Raleigh, Wake Co, NC. ³⁰⁵ BONLEE - John M. Councilman, 84, died in a Sanford rest home Saturday. He was a native of Chatham County, and a member of Bonlee Baptist Church. He operated Councilman Store for 22 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Floyd Maness of Durham, Mrs. George Allred of Greensboro, and Mrs. Harold Haught of Cherry Point; eight sons, Charlie Councilman of Winston-Salem, Wilburn of Portsmouth, Va., Marvin of Fayetteville, Odell J. of London, Eng., J. Ledford, and Osborne J. of Greensboro, Howard of the home and Lester of Bonlee; three sisters, Mrs. Bessie McManeus of Sanford, Mrs. Ada McManeus and Mrs. Glenn Scott, both of Rt. 1, Bear Creek; and one brother, Joe Councilman of Salem, Va.

• Probate: Sale of part of J. M. Councilman Homeplace tract by heirs, 31 Jul 1981, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁵⁵ Deed entered 31 July 1981 between Odell J. Councilman and wife Anna Councilman, J. O. Councilman and wife Evelyn Heath Councilman, Wilburn C. Councilman and wife Margaret Councilman, Martha Councilman Maness and husband Floyd Maness, Leola Councilman Haught and husband Harold Haught, Lester W. Councilman and wife Vernell S. Councilman, Katie Councilman (widow of Ledford Councilman), Atha Mae Councilman Laine and husband Terry Laine, Manley Councilman and wife Eleanor Holt Councilman, Larry Councilman (widower), Shirley C. Lindley and husband Bobby Lindley, and Helen Councilman (widow of Marvin Councilman), all of Chatham County NC, parties of the first part, to George Allred and wife, Marie Councilman Allred, of 308 East Third Street, Siler City, Chatham County, parties of the second part. Parties of the first part in consideration of $10 and other good and valuable considerations paid to them by parties of the second part ... to sell and convey to said parties of the second part ... land in Bear Creek Township, Chatham County, NC, described as follows: Located and being in the Village of Bonlee, Bear Creek Township, Chatham County, NC, and beginning at an iron stake located on the North margin of Main Street and, and being the Southwest corner of that certain 1.22 acre tract of land known as the J. M. Councilman Homeplace Tract, and running thence with the J. M. Councilman line, North 2 deg. 30 min. East 379 feet to an iron stake in J. M. Councilman's corner and in Lester Councilman's line; thence with Lester Councilman's line, North 88 deg. 30 min. West 30 feet to an iron stake in George Allred's line; thence with George Aldridge and R. L. Pugh line, South 2 deg 30 min. West 379 feet to an iron stake located on the North margin of Main Street; thence with the North margin of Main Street, South 88 deg. 30 min. East 30 feet to an iron stake and being the point and place of beginning, containing .25 acres, orre or less. For chain-of-title see Deed from Jesse Councilman and wife, to J. M. Councilman recorded July 1, 1951, in Deed Book K. U., page 1, Chatham County registry.
The Grantors in this Deed are all the heirs of the late John M. Councilman. John M. Councilman diedtestate on June 12, 1965, and left the following children: Lester W. Councilman, Charlie M. Councilman, M. M. Councilman, Wilburn Councilman, Leola Councilman Haught, Odell Councilman, Ledford Councilman, Marie Councilman Allred, Howard Councilman and Martha C. Maness. Ledford Councilman is now deceased and he left a Will leaving all his property to his widow, Katie Councilman. Charlie Councilman is now deceased, and left his widow, Atha Mae Councilman Lane, who is married to Terry Lane, and 2 children, Larry Councilman (widow) and Shirley C. Councilman Lindley, who is married to Bobby Lindley. J. O. Councilman is also a son of Johm M. Councilman, deceased.
Signed by each of the Grantors.
Acknowledged by J. O. Councilman and wife Evelyn Heath Councilman on 26 August 1981 in Guilford Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Wilburn C. Councilman and wife Margaret Councilman on 1 Sept 1981 in Chesapeake city, VA.
Acknowledged by Floyd Maness and wife Martha C. Maness on 4 Sept 1981 in Durham Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Harold Haught and wife Leola C. Haught on 8 Sept 1981 in Carteret Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Lester W. Councilman and wife Vernell S. Councilman on 12 Sept 1981 in Chatham Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Katie Councilman (widow of Ledford Councilman) on 21 Sept 1981 in Lynchburg, VA.
Acknowledged by Atha Mae Councilman Laine and husband Terry Laine on 29 Sept 1981 in Union Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Manley Councilman and wife Eleanor Hold Councilman on 5 Oct 1981 in Randolph Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Larry Councilman (widower) on 23 Oct 1981 in Forsyth Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Bobby Lindley and wife Shirley C. Lindley on 9 Oct 1981 in Randolph Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Helen Councilman (widow of Marvin Councilman) on 26 Oct 1981 in Cumberland Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Odell J. Councilman and wife Anna Councilman on 20 Aug 1981 in Mecklenburg Co, NC.
Registered on Nov 18 1981.

• Probate: Sale of part of homeplace by heirs, 31 Aug 1981, Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. ⁴⁹⁴⁵ Deed entered 31 Aug 1981 between Odell J. Councilman and wife Ann Councilman, J. O. Councilman and wife Evelyn Heath Councilman, Wilburn C. Councilman and wife Margaret Councilman, Martha Councilman Maness and husband Floyd Maness, Leola Councilman Haught and husband Harold Haught, Lester W. Councilman and wife Vernell S. Councilman, Katie Councilman (widow of Ledford Councilman), Atha Mae Councilman Laine and husband Terry Laine, Manley Councilman and wife Eleanor Holt Councilman, Larry Councilman (widower), Shirley C. Lindley and husband Bobby Lindley, Helen Councilman (widow of Marvin Councilman), and George Allred and wife Marie Councilman Allred, all of Chatham County NC, parties of the first part, to Roy Darrell Moore and wife Kathy Joanne Hayes Moore of Bonlee, Chatham County, NC, parties of the second part. Parties of the first part in consideration of $10 and other good and valuable considerations paid to them by parties of the second part ... to sell and convey to said parties of the second part ... land in Bear Creek Township, Chatham County, NC, described as follows: beginning at an iron stake located on the North margin of Main Street and the East margin of North Mill Street and being at the intersection of said Streets, and running thence with the East margin of North Mill Street, North 2 degrees 30 minutes East 379 feet to an iron stake located in Lester Councilman's line; thence with Lester Councilman's line, South 88 deg. 30 min. East 140 feet to an iron stake located on the West margin of an unnamed Alley; thence with the West margin of the unnamed Alley, South 2 deg. 30 min. West 379 feet to an iron stake located on the North margin of Main Street; thence with the North margin of Main Street, North 88 deg. 30 min. West 140 feet to an iron stake and being the point and place of beginning, and containing 1.22 acres, more or less, and being the homeplace of the late J. J. [sic] Councilman.
For chain-of-title see Deed from Isaac H. Dunlap, to J. M. Councilman dated Apr 2 1920, and recorded on Sept 3 1923 in Deed Book FY, page 469.
The above described property is a portion of the land conveyed to J. M. Councilman by Isaac Dunlap. J. M. Councilman sold a portion of the original tract to his son, Lester Councilman.
The Grantors in this Deed are all the heirs of the late John M. Councilman. John M. Councilman diedtestate on June 12, 1965, and left the following children: Lester W. Councilman, Charlie M. Councilman, M. M. Councilman, Wilburn Councilman, Leola Councilman Haught, Odell Councilman, Ledford Councilman, Marie Councilman Allred, Howard Councilman and Martha C. Maness, and J. O. Councilman. Ledford Councilman is now deceased and he left a Will leaving all his property to his widow, Katie Councilman. Charlie Councilman is now deceased, and left his widow, Atha Mae Councilman Lane, who is married to Terry Lane, and 3 children, Larry Councilman (widower) and Shirley C. Councilman Lindley, who is married to Bobby Lindley, and Manley Councilman, who is married to Eleanor Hold Councilman.
Signed by each of the Grantors.
Acknowledged by J. O. Councilman and wife Evelyn Heath Councilman on 3 Sept 1981 in Guilford Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Wilburn C. Councilman and wife Margaret Councilman on 10 Sept 1981 in Chesapeake city, VA.
Acknowledged by Floyd Maness and wife Martha C. Maness on 15 Sept 1981 in Durham Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Harold Haught and wife Leola C. Haught n 17 Sept 1981 in Carteret Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Lester W. Councilman and wife Vernell S. Councilman, and George Allred and wife Marie Councilman Allred on 18 Sept 1981 in Chatham Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Katie Councilman (widow of Ledford Councilman) on 28 Sept 1981 in Lynchburg, VA.
Acknowledged by Atha Mae Councilman Laine and husband Terry Laine on 2 Oct 1981 in Union Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Manley Councilman and wife Eleanor Hold Councilman on 5 Oct 1981 in Randolph Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Larry Councilman (widower) on 23 Oct 1981 in Forsyth Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Bobby Lindley and wife Shirley C. Lindley on 9 Oct 1981 in Randolph Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Helen Councilman (widow of Marvin Councilman) on 26 Oct 1981 in Cumberland Co, NC.
Acknowledged by Odell J. Councilman and wife Ann Councilman on 4 Sept 1981 in Mecklenburg Co, NC.
Registered on Feb 23 1982.

• Occupation: Salesman and Store Owner. Owned store in Bonlee. Was traveling salesman before that. Store had counter and stools were people could eat what they bought. General store, mostly groceries.

• Religion: Quaker, Baptist: Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC. When family settled in Bonlee, there was not a Quaker meeting nearby, and John wanted children to get Bible training, so he sent them to the local Baptist church. As they grew, they continued to attend the Baptist church, so the family became Baptist instead of Quaker. (knowledge of Odell Councilman)

• Occupation: Mayor. Served as Mayor of Bonlee at one time (recollection of Shirley Councilman Lindley)

John married Oppie Jane* BEAL, daughter of Caleb Robert* BEAL and Sarah Frances SMITH*, on 8 Jan 1905 in Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC ⁵⁴¹⁴.^,5415 (Oppie Jane* BEAL was born on 25 Jun 1887 in Chatham Co, NC,^{4652,4937,4938,5414,5421,5456} died on 22 Feb 1950 in Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC ^{2916,4652,5456} and was buried on 24 Feb 1950 in Bonlee, Chatham Co, NC ⁴⁶⁵².)

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• Marriage, 8 Jan 1905, Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴¹⁵ John M. Councilman married Oppie Beal.

• Marriage: Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC. Married at the Beal home.

John next married Berta Olympia FIELDS, daughter of Arvestus Swain FIELDS and Olympia PERRY, on 8 Jan 1905 in Bear Creek Twp, Chatham Co, NC.⁵⁴¹⁶ (Berta Olympia FIELDS was born on 28 Jul 1896,^5457,5458 died on 13 May 1978 in Siler City, Chatham Co, NC ^{5458,5459,5460} and was buried in Siler City, Chatham Co, NC ^{5457,5459,5460}.)

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• Appearance in Document: Deed of Separation, 10 Apr 1956, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴⁶¹ Deed of separation, made 10 April 1956, by J. M. Councilman, party of the first part and his wife, Berta F. Councilman, party of the second part, both of Chatham County. Whereas said parties have heretofore been and now are lawfully married, and believe that they can no longer live together as husband and wife and that it is necessary for them to live separate and apart. First, it is agreed that from the date of this deed, the said J. M. Councilman and Berta F. Councilman shall and will begin and continue to live separate and apart as though they had never been married. Second, it is agreed that the party of the first part shall not be responsible for the maintenance and support of his said wife. Third, that all property rights of both parties have been settled and each party does hereby waive the right to administer in case of the death of the other party. Fourth, the party of the first part relinquishes all claims on all property that the party of the second part now has. Fifth, the party of the second part relinquishes all claims of dower and all interest in all property which she has by reason of her marriage with party of the first part, including real estate and personal property, and she will not at any time in the future make any claims for support, maintenance, or alimony. Registered 20 April 1956.

• Divorce, 26 Jan 1959, Chatham Co, NC. ⁵⁴¹⁶ John Councilman and Bertie Councilman divorced 26 Jan 1959 at Chatham Co, NC.