B. L. Saunders

B. L. Saunders (sometimes seen as Sanders) was born 19 April 1809 in Montgomery County, North Carolina. His parentage is largely unknown. His name is also debated. (Some say his first name is Britton, but no solid proof of that has been found.)

The first time I find B. L. in records is in the 1850 census. He is living with his wife, Lydia Yow, some of their children, and some laborers.

Clipping from 1850 Census

B. L. is listed as a constable.

In 1860, B. L. has picked up farming in addition to his job as a constable. Apparently, the occupation shift has been beneficial for B. L. In 1850, his real estate was valued at $150, but, by 1860, his real estate is up to $1,500.

Clipping from 1860 Census

Rumor has it that B. L. Saunders was also a gunsmith. A gunsmith is a person who repairs, modifies, designs, or builds guns. I haven't found any records of B. L. as a gunsmith, but some of his guns are supposedly on display some place in North Carolina. I hope to find out where they are located before our next trip to North Carolina.

B. L. and Lydia had at least the following children:

• Sarah Saunders
• Aaron T. Saunders
• Martha Saunders
• Nancy Saunders
• Andrew Edward Saunders
• Alexander A. Saunders
• Benjamin Franklin Saunders
• David S. Reid Saunders

B. L. remarried between 1860 and 1864 to Mary Loftin. They had at least the following children:

• Daniel Wesley Saunders
• Mary Amarentha Saunders
• Lyda Saunders

B. L. died 23 June 1890. He is buried in the Bruton-Saunders Cemetery in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

Copyright Brittany Jenkins, 2011

Sources:

• 1850 Montgomery, North Carolina U.S. Federal Census (accessed on Ancestry)
• 1860 Brutons, Montgomery, North Carolina U.S. Federal Census (accessed on Ancestry)
• 1870 Troy, Montgomery, North Carolina U.S. Federal Census (accessed on Ancestry)
• 1880 Troy, Montgomery, North Carolina U.S. Federal Census (accessed on Ancestry)
• Tombstone, B. L. Saunders (photo taken 24 December 2011)