More Information:

About Stephen Judge Eiland:

Birth place could have been , Hancock Co, Ga

1850 United States Federal Census about Stephen Eilands
Home in 1850: Russell, Alabama
Stephen Eilands 62, farmer
Mary Eilands 61
Nancy Eilands 18

Judge Eiland's father started him out in life by giving him two servants, a settlement of land in his native Co, and a horse and supplies for one year. About 1812, he sold out and moved to Jones Co, settling near Clinton, where he remained until 1830. At this time he was attracted toward the fertile lands of Russell Co, Al and he started from Jones Co. with a view of crossing the Chattahooche. But the Indians still possessed the land, and he concluded to stop in Harris, purchasing a place twelve miles northeast of Columbus. The purchase of this place was with the design of remaining only a few years--until the Indian country became more available for safe emigration. It appears, however, that he became attached to the locality and remained there longer than at any other place during his manhood. At length, after "sitting still" nineteen years, in 1849, when 61 years of age, he sold out again and this time carried out his long-cherished design, settling in Russell Co, Al, purchasing land in what is known as the Hog Island neighborhood near Cottonton Landing, on the Chattahoochee river. He survived this last move only four years, dying in 1853. Mrs. Eiland survived her husband twelve years and was buried by his side. A marble slab marks their resting place. Judge Eiland improved the small patrimony received from his father in the morning of life to the extent that at this death his estate was valued at $30,000. It is said that about 17 years before his death he adopted the cash system in all his dealings, both in buying and selling, and these years covered the most prosperous period of his life, during which he enjoyed a mental repose known only to those who are conscious of the fact that they "owe no man". His estate was easy to close, there being no encumbrances and no doubtful debts to collect. Judge Eiland claimed to be a Universalist and died in that faith, and it is related that when dying, on being consulted as to future prospects, replied that his way was clear. According to his request the following inscription was placed on his tombstone: "OR ever the silver cord is loosed, OR the golden bowl be broken, OR the pitcher be broken at the fountain, OR the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it."--Eccl. 12:6-7. Judge Eiland served several years as a justice of the peace, Also as judge of the Inferior court of , Jones Co, Ga, and acquired the title of "The Homespun Judge" from his custom of wearing a homespun suit, woven by his wife, while exercising the functions of those offices, and the title adhered to him through life. To illustrate the Judge Eiland's character the following anecdote is related: On a public occasion his neighbors were indulging in a desultory chat concerning men and things, present and absent. Two of the company were engaged in conversation, one of whom had acquired the unenviable reputation of being the "boss liar" of the Co.. The latter was indulging in his peculiar accomplishment when the other cut him off short by saying: "Why is is as impossible for you to tell the truth as it is for Stephen Eiland to tell a lie".

Will of Russell Co, Al Will Bk. 2, P. 61, 4-9-1853, Stephen Eiland: wife Mary; son-in-law Marion S. Clark. Heirs: Abi King, Elizabeth I. Clark, Miriam Dean, dec'd. Appts.: Allen Eiland, Absolem Eiland, and Stephen B. Dean, Exers.

About Mary Allen:

Mary's father, West Allen was a gunsmith of Edgefield District, South Carolina,