John Speak HAIRSTON

HAIRSTON.org ID#854, b. 16 February 1823, d. 15 August 1897
Father*Peter HAIRSTON1 b. a 1799, d. 1851
Mother*Sarah SPEAK b. 28 Feb 1796, d. 1 May 1873
Birth*John Speak HAIRSTON was born on 16 February 1823 in South Carolina.2,3 
He was the son of Peter HAIRSTON and Sarah SPEAK.1 
WillJohn Speak HAIRSTON was mentioned in the will of Peter HAIRSTON on 20 September 1844 in Laurens, South Carolina; wife Sarah, children John Speak, Elizabeth Calmes, Sarah Francis, William Peter and Martha Catherine. Witnessed by John Whitten, John W. Owens and John F. Kern. The will was recorded in Will Book A, page 137, however, the date it was recorded is missing. - Wills Volumn A, page 137-138.1,4
Marriage*John Speak HAIRSTON married Martha S. NEILL in November 1854.5 
Marriage*John Speak HAIRSTON married Sarah C. (surname unknown) on 2 February 1858.2,6,5 
Census 1860*John Speak HAIRSTON appeared on the census of 1860 in Laurens, South Carolina.6

 
Census 1880*He appeared on the census of 3 June 1880 in Laurens, South Carolina, John S. 57, Sarah 37 wife, Watts B 5, Sally Workman 25 daughter widowed, John F. Workman 3 grandson.2

 
Death*He died on 15 August 1897 at age 74.3 
Burial*He was buried in Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, Laurens, South Carolina.3

 
Obituary*"HAIRSTON -- John Speake Hairston was born in Newberry County, S.C., February 16th, 1823, and died at his home in Clinton, Laurens County, S.C., August 15th, 1897. He married first Miss Martha S. Neil, November, 1854, who died November, 1856, after which he married Miss Sarah Chandler February 2nd, 1858, who, with two grandsons, of a daughter by his first marriage, one son and two sisters survive him. Bro. Hairston joined the M. E. Church, South, some fifty years ago, and continued in her communion to his death, but it was in the last few days of his life that he enjoyed more of the peace and presence of his Lord. A short time before his death he shouted praises to God in the conscious sense of His pardon and abiding grace. Peace to his ashes." - Southern Christian Advocate, Augusta, Georgia, November 25, 1897, page 6. 

Family 1

Martha S. NEILL b. 20 Apr 1836, d. 10 Nov 1856
Child

Family 2

Sarah C. (surname unknown) b. Jan 1843
Child

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S246] Will of Peter Hairston - 20 September 1844, Laurens, South Carolina Will Book A, Page 137., South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
  2. [S1880] 1880 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  3. [S48] Photo of Grave Marker - only photos of grave markers that are contemporary to the deceased individuals death are acceptable for genealogical proof. Find-a-Grave, personal photos and other sources.
  4. [S3066] South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, SC.
  5. [S257] Obituary.
  6. [S1860] 1860 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
Last Edited19 Jun 2025