We don't know why but Hansel moved west. Prior to getting married, Hansel fought in the Battle of Shepherd's Plantation in the Creek Wars of 1836. Those battles occurred in Alabama along the Chattahoochee River, about 50 miles from Sumter County, Georgia. He would have only been 16 when he participated in this battle. Hansel received a land grant in 1852 from his service in the Creek Wars but his father in-law already owned land in northwest Sumter County in 1849. This property would become part of Schley County which came into existence December 22, 1857.
The connection to the Carter family is through Caroline. Her father was Wiley Carter, Jimmy Carter's great-great-grandfather. Wiley Carter has a fascinating story with adulterous accusations, theft, and shootings resulting in death. Those interested in his story can read it in Jeff Carter's book, "Ancestors of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter" by clicking here. Caroline's brother was Littleberry Walker Carter, Jimmy Carter's great grandfather. Littleberry's son was William A. Carter, who begat James Earl Carter, Jimmy Carter's father.
So that makes Caroline Carter Jimmy Carter's great-great aunt and Hansel Beckwith his great-great uncle.
Hansel and Caroline had seven children (one stillborn). Caroline died in 1854. She is buried in the Carter family cemetery but the name was spelled Beckworth on her tombstone.Hansel then married another wealthy plantation owner's daughter named Cathryn Dozier and moved to Schley county from south Sumter County. The Doziers were also from Warren County. Hansel and Cathryn had two children including a son named Alburtus Lamar. Alburtus married Carrie Bell Stewart and they had seven children. One was Bessie Beckwith who is the grandmother of the writer of this blog. While Hansel Beckwith is Jimmy Carter's great-great uncle connected by Hansel's first marriage, our family is not related to the Carters since we are descended from Hansel's second wife.
Hansel built a beautiful home south of Americus, about 15 miles from the Doziers and Carters. The name of the home is Tanyard Hall. The current owner, Dr. Gatewood Dudley is descended from Hansel and Caroline. He has lived there for more than 30 years and now has the property for sale. He has the house listed as being built between 1840 and 1850. Since the date is not certain, is it possible this was his land grant property he received in 1852.
Hansel fell on hard times though. There is documentation of Hansel Beckwith being named as an administrator in a will and his ability to do so is called into question because "he is known to be insolvent." The cause of death listed for Hansel in 1885 was a morphine overdose. To date, his burial site has not been located.
Did Hansel lose everything in the Civil War? Why didn't he serve in the Civil War? We will never know what became of Hansel.
