The Martin Van Buren White Bible is a “Pictorial Family Bible.” It is the “Self-Pronouncing Edition” of the Bible, “containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues, with the Apocrypha, Concordance and Psalms. and Revised New Testament, the Old (King James) Version and the Revised Version arranged in parallel columns for convenience in reference and comparison.” It was published by Southwestern Publishing House, Nashville, TN, with an 1891 copyright date. Handwritten on the Title Page is the date 1894. It measures about 9 1/2 X 12 1/2 inches. The cover is very heavy, sculpted, and covered with leather. It is a beautiful, well-illustrated edition. Its condition is poor.
On the inside front blank leaf is written, “This is Mr. & Mrs. M. V. Whites Bible.”
Marriage Certificate:
What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.
This certifies that Martin Van Buren White of Chowan County, North Carolina and Mary Ann Perry of Chowan County were united by me in the Bonds of Holy Matrimony at the residence of Caleb G. Perry on the twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord 1866. In the presence of J(?) M. Forahand. Signed R. D. Simson
Marriages:
- John M. Cleary & Martha Ann White April 8, 1890
- Charley D. White & Mary Elizabeth Elliott April 23, 1890
- James G. Umphlet & Nanny L. White Dec 20/93
- James P. Brite & Ferebee Idessa White Nov 25, 1896
- Shelton Whitson & Marian Virginia White Dec 24, 1905
- Charlie E. Hurst & Cassie Lee White June 20, 1906
There are no Births or Deaths recorded.
Found in the Bible is the funeral notice for Martin Van Buren White. It is hand-written on a piece of lined paper, about 5″X7″. The paper is covered with a piece of black. It states:
“The funeral services of Martin V. White will be held this afternoon at the M. E. Church at 3 O,Clock. Jany 28th 1907.”
Martin Van Buren White is buried at Cedarwood Cemetery in Hertford. Mary Ann Perry White is believed to be buried there as well, but there is no tombstone for her.
The Bible is currently in the possession of the family of Raymond E. White, Jr. (deceased), great grandson of Martin White. The Bible cover, title page, copyright page, and the family pages have been digitally photographed.
Contributed by Mary Hurst