Joy Jackson Who would want a family history limited to the honors and successes of upright ancestors? Most genealogical research turns up its fair share of horse thieves, conniving crooks, and scalawags. This adds flavor to the vanilla stories of patriotism and hard work.

Joy Jackson of West Columbia has records of colorful adventures among her ancestors. They include an illegal stowaway, a career in moonshining, and an authentic pardon signed by President U.S. Grant in 1874.

“We can’t say we are actually proud of my grandfather,” she says. “But his story is right there in our family records, and we’re not going to whitewash it.”

Among her prized possessions: the original signed pardon of William M. Faircloth, issued by President Grant August 17, 1874.

In the early 19th century, a young boy ran away from his home in England and stowed away for America. His name was Marcus, his last name perhaps McDonald. His story, as passed through the generations, says he was being reared by two strict maiden aunts and enrolled in a harsh school. Unable to endure the hardships, he sneaked aboard a transatlantic vessel that landed him in Wilmington, N.C. This young boy, whose name may have been McDonald, was found wandering the streets of the port city by a Mr. Faircloth, who rescued the urchin and brought him into his home.

William Faircloth For fear of being sent back to England, Marcus would not reveal his real name and took the Faircloth name. He later married the daughter of the man who had become his adoptive father. His son, William, born 1836, was officially a farmer but unofficially, a businessman engaged in the more profitable enterprise of moonshine liquor.

According to family legend, he became acquainted with, and even friends with, Gen. Grant before the start of the Civil War. Soon after, he was conscripted into the Confederate Army, where his checkered career included several AWOL violations as well as three times wounded in battle. When he voluntarily returned to his unit his AWOL record was excused.

Along the way, civilian law caught up with him. After he served most of a six–month jail term, his friendship (perhaps developed over alcohol) with U.S. Grant brought him one more rescue, a full pardon from the President of the United States, dated August 17, 1784.

William Faircloth died in 1911 in North Carolina, no doubt treasuring the memories of his adventures. His granddaughter Joy Jackson and other family members have learned to savor them, also.

Ulysses Grant —

Amnesty President of the United States of America.

To all to whom this Presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas, on the 17th day of August, 1874, in the United States Circuit Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, one William Faircloth was convicted of retailing liquor without paying the required special tax and was sentenced to be imprisoned for six months, and to pay a fine of one thousand dollars; And whereas, his term of imprisonment has nearly expired; And whereas, the United States District Attorney considers that he has been sufficiently punished, and recommends his pardon.

Now, therefore, be it known, that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America, in consideration of the promises, divers other good and sufficient reasons me thereunto moving, do hereby grant to the said William Faircloth, a full and unconditional pardon.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this Fourth day of February, A.D. 1875, and of the Independence of the United States the Ninety-ninth.
By The President:
U.S.Grant
Hamilton Fish
Secretary of State