Person:Anna Unknown (972)

Was she the mother of Archibald Sprayberry's children?

The 1800-1820 census records imply that the wife of Archibald Sprayberry during that time was born by 1774, while the 1850 census implies that Anna was born about 1790. It is possible these were the same person, and her age was significantly understated in the 1850 census, or it is possible that Anna was a second wife, married after the 1820 census. This latter possibility is supported by the birth of Sarah McElroy (presumably Anna's daughter) in South Carolina, while the evidence points to the Sprayberry family living in North Carolina from at least 1800 to 1820. Possibly Anna was a second wife and Sarah was her child from an earlier marriage, and not a Sprayberry.

It isn't clear if there is other evidence that places Sarah firmly in the Sprayberry family. Without checking for other evidence, it seems premature to restructure the family at this time.

1. ↑ Salisbury, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, in United States. 1800 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M32).

   Archd Sprayberry
   1 male and 1 female aged 26-44
   7 other members of the household

2. ↑ Capt Crages, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, in United States. 1810 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M252).

   Archibald Sprayberry
   1 male aged 45 or older
   1 female aged 26-44
   5 other members of the household

3. ↑ Mecklenburg, North Carolina, in United States. 1820 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M33).

   Archabald Sprayberry
   1 male and 1 female aged 45 or older

4. ↑ ^4.0 4.1 Cross Road, Dekalb, Georgia, in United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432).

   in the household of Archibald and Sarah McElroy:
   Anna Sprayberry, age 60, born in South Carolina

   The 1800-1820 census records imply that the wife of Archibald Sprayberry was born by 1774, while the 1850 census implies that Anna was born about 1790. It is possible these were the same person, and her age was significantly understated in the 1850 census, but other possibilities exist (see narrative).