Posting my info on Robert Melvin Sessums. Church history says raised by grandmother Mary Davis. "Grandmother" could be general relationship, such as step-grandson. Mary Davis and Robert M. Sessoms are neighbors in Bladen, NC. Investigating Mary Davis family. Abigal Davis Guyton is nearby after Mary Davis dies and could have inherited the property? since age indicates possible grand-daughter, not daughter. James Davis is nearby and age to be a son. Mary McGhee (McGee, McGhee, McKee) could be daughter age but is eventually living in Lewis Thompson household (but not as wife). Many other possible relatives nearby.
1850 Bladen NC Census:
1. Robert M. Sessoms (with Sarah, Robert J, Mary M.) age 33 (b. 1817) is living next door to Mary Davis.
2. Next door is: Mary Davis, age 86 (b. 1746) head of household; with Mary McGee (58, b. 1764) and Fanny Thompson (48. b 1802).
1860 Bladen NC Census
1. Mary McGhee (65, b 1795) with Lewis Thompson (80, b 1780), William R Thompson (41, b 1819), WJ Thompson (8, b 1852) MA Thompson (7, b 1853)
2. Next door is: Abigal Davis Guyton (38; b 1822) with Mary Ann Guyton/18, James Davis (65, b 1795) and Kinion Powell (35, b 1825).
3. Fannie Thompson: 36, b 1812 (living alone).
4. Four houses from Fannie: Isaac Davis (54, b 1806), with Edy (51, b 1809), IA (17, 1843) and Edward (13, b 1847).
5. Nearby: Robert M. Sessoms (43, 1817) with SJ (his wife), RJ, MM, JW, SC, ECC, Sallie, Joseph, Haynes F.
6. Two houses from Fannie: JA Thompson (35, b 1825), MJ (wife), and ME
1870 Bladen NC Census:
1. Abigail Guyton with Mary A, Robert L Guyton, John H Russ and Peter McLelland (blind, servant)
1880 Bladen NC Census:
1. Abigail Guyton with Mary Ann, Robert L. Emma Guyton and Peter McLenon (blind, servant)
2. Next door to Abigail: James Davis, Mary Davis (wife), Lloyd, Emily, susan, IR, Ellen Clark.
Other possible hints:
1. Elias Davis was ordained 1832; b 10 Oct 1796 to Henry and Mary Davis, Bladen County NC. Elias was a preacher in same church Robert M. Sessoms served in Gilead Baptist in Bladenboro, NC.
2. One posting of gggg-grandaughter says Mary Davis was widow of Henry Davis. Their children are thought to be Elias and Sarah. No mention of James that I can find.
Anyone with any other information on the parents of Robert Melvin Sessums?