BeNotForgot.com

Two years ago today . . .

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

We had 11+ inches of snow on the ground as of this date two years ago . . .
I took this photo in the pasture across the street from where I live . . .
which is 30 minutes south of downtown Dallas, Texas . . .
see also . . . 11th February 2010 . . .

Also on this date . . .
1885 :: Death in Central Kentucky Lunatic Asylum
1920 :: T.W.A. Smith Hopelessly Ill Ends Life

1800 :: Marriage of Patsey & Elisha

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 9th day of February . . . in the year 1800 . . . Elisha Roberts and Patsey Gill were married in Green County, Kentucky . . . this Elisha and Patsey are 4th great-grandparents of the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

Know all men by these presents that we Elisha Roberts and John Abney are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency the Governor of the Governor [SIC] of Kentucky in the sum of L50 current money for the true payment where of to be made to the said Governor and his successors we bind ourselves our heirs etc. Jointly and Severally firmly firmly [SIC] by these presents. The Condition is such that whereas a Marriage is shortly intended between the above bound Elisha Roberts and Patsey Gill. Now if there be no lawfull cause to obstruct the said Marriage then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force.

Wordless Wednesday :: Could I have this dance . . .

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

On this date . . . the 8th day of February . . .
in the year nineteen hundred and seventy-five . . .
I married my favorite dancing partner . . .

Remembering our Elizabeth

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Remembering my maternal grandma . . . and the Mother my Mom never knew . . .

"I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more . . . though I know that IS the noblest ambition . . . but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me . . . to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born." — L.M. Montgomery

Elizabeth, I sure am glad you were born . . . because of your birth . . . and the gift of life you gave my Mom . . . I've been blessed with the very best Mother I could have ever dreamed of . . . with love & gratitude . . . from your granddaughter . . .

Elizabeth Marilla Henry nee Smith . . . born 5th October 1912 in Biddeford, Maine . . . died 3rd February 1932 in Lynn, Massachusetts . . .

Happy Birthday, Mom

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:07:00 +0000

Happy Birthday, Emily Rebecca

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:07:00 +0000

Twenty-something years ago . . . on this date . . . the 24th day of January . . . the 2nd of my three beautiful nieces was born . . . Happy Birthday, Em! . . . Luv ya bunches . . . Auntie Vickie . . .

Click > HERE < to pick up your very own copy of the vintage forget-me-not image used above -- and it's FREE -- from Vintage Scrapbooking!

Remembering my Dad

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Forrest Lee Pounders
born in Texas on 10th October 1927
died in Texas on 17th January 1996
Remembering . . .

Fifty years to the day before his death on 17 January 1996, a form letter was being prepared for then 18-year-old FORREST LEE POUNDERS of Rockdale, Texas. That form letter, dated & mailed 17 Jan 1946, was an Order to Report for Induction, & it was signed by M. N. Stricker, representing Local Board No. 1, Milam County. The letter read, in part, as follows.

Having submitted yourself to a local board composed of your neighbors for the purpose of determining your availability for training & service in the land or naval forces of the United States, you are hereby notified that you have now been selected for training & service therein. You will, therefore, report to the local board named above at City hall, Rockdale, Texas at 1:30 p.m., on the 3rd day of February, 1946.

POUNDERS (aka Fuzzy) was inducted into the U.S. Army on 04 Feb 1946. Six months later, at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, he received an Honorable discharge for C of G to enlist in the Regular Army. His mustering out pay was $200.

One year later, POUNDERS received his second Honorable Discharge at Camp Stoneman, California. At the time of his separation, his Military Occupational Specialty & No. was Message Center Clerk 667. He received a World War II Victory Medal as well as an Army of Occupation Medal - Japan. His mustering out pay was $100.

His Report of Separation indicated that POUNDERS had attended Signal Corps School while at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, as well as Message Center School in Kokura, Kyushu, Japan. This same report listed his prior employment at Jones Grocery & Market in Rockdale in 1945.

As a Message Center Clerk, POUNDERS had . . . Received & logged incoming & outgoing messages, communications & publications in a message center & distributed them in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Coded & decoded secret & confidential messages in accordance with standing operating procedures.

A letter to my Dad
Mom & Dad & Dad's Fords
My Dad -- a barefoot boy
My Dad -- Centennial Cowboy
Tearbottles for my Dad at Christmas time
Dad's Find-A-Grave Memorial Page

Tombstone Tuesday :: Today I visited yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:07:00 +0000

This is a little country cemetery in Lee County, Texas . . . it is the one I feel the most connected to . . . I can walk through this cemetery and tell stories about many of the residents . . . the family members . . . as well as the people who were their friends . . . I remember my Dad talking about some of them . . . and I remember Grandma's stories . . . I memorialized this cemetery in my Ode to My Family History back in January of the year 2010 . . . the little one in these photos is one of my grand-nephews . . . he will have these photos to show how he had fun in the cemetery on a spring day when the wildflowers were blooming in Texas . . . I need to write down the story of this day for him . . .

Today I visited yesterday
And walked among the graves
Of family and friends from long ago
Whose memory had begun to fade.

The graves were unattended
As were my thoughts of them
When a vision of the ages past
Brought back my sense of kin.

The vision showed the church lawn
On a crisp summer day
The table spread, the food prepared
And friends who would break bread.

All my relatives were there
both young and old
Grandma and I walked hand and hand
Sharing stories never told.

We laughed and cried
And shared our thoughts
And I found the friend
I thought I'd lost.

As the sun began to fade . . .
The church bell rang out clear
Grandma and the others
slowly disappeared . . .

Today I visited yesterday
And now the memory is strong
Of the family from which I came
AND NOW BELONG . . .

by Pat Conner Rice

The Journal

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:03:00 +0000

One hundred fifty years ago today . . . on this very date . . . the 16th day of January . . . in the year 1862 . . . James Madison Hall (1819-1866) sat down in Liberty County, Texas . . . and picked up his pen to compose a few sentences about the events of his day . . .

Thursday, January 16th, 1862. To day I am engaged painting in the new house. Boys are also at work on the house, which is now progressing some better. weather clear and pleasant.

J.M. Hall would continue this practice on a daily basis until his death in September of 1866 . . . these Journal excerpts have their very own blog . . . benotforgot-journal.blogspot.com . . . which will automatically feed to this Twitter account (just in case you would like to follow along there) . . . and they also appear daily on this Facebook page . . .

1895 :: Marriage of Edgar and Berta Mary

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 2nd day of January . . . in the year 1895 . . . Berta Mary Sharp marries Edgar Henry in Crockett, Houston County, Texas . . . they are the parents of Rubie and George and Frank and Milton and Robert and Oscar and Nellie . . .

Oak Lawn Cemetery, Rockdale, Milam County, Texas

Edgar Henry
born 31 January 1872
Old Independence, Washington County, Texas
died 25 June 1950
Rockdale, Milam County, Texas

married 02 January 1895
Crockett, Houston County, Texas

Berta Mary (Sharp) Henry
born 10 November 1873
Hall Plantation, Houston County, Texas
died 06 December 1955
Rockdale, Milam County, Texas

FYI . . . Edgar and Berta are maternal great-grandparents of the Keeper of this family history blog . . . and this collage was created in the same manner as > this < collage . . .

New Year's Day 1861-1866

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:03:00 +0000

1861 NEW YEAR'S DAY 1866
as recorded by
James Madison Hall
(1819-1866)

Tuesday January 1st 1861. Today I am still in Galveston, and adjusted my matters of dispute with Nelson Clements. I left Galveston at 3.P.M. on the steamer Ruthven bound for Liberty in company with James Wrigley and had a very pleasant passage. expenses while at Galveston $20. weather clear & cold. [Galveston, Texas]

Wednesday January 1st 1862. To day I am busy in the Warehouse. I assisted however in placing five of the cannon, balls and carriages on the steamer Ruthven to be taken to Galveston. weather changeable & cool. [Liberty County, Texas]

Thursday January 1st 1863. Today Sam Sharp [i.e., Samuel Houston Sharp -- my 2nd great-grandpa] went to Crockett for the purpose of hiring a negro boy, but returned home without doing so. Mother [i.e., Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts -- my 3rd great-grandma] sent Louisa up to assist the little woman [i.e., Margaret A. Hall Stewart nee Sharp -- Sam's sister, & Hall's wife] in preparing and putting up her sausages. as I have now got the entire control and possession of my mill I contemplate jotting down her earnings and out lay for the current year. it is agreed however between Sam Sharp & I that he shall act as the miller, I attending only during his absence. Nellie [i.e., Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire -- my 2nd great-grandma] is still sick but improving. I ground ten bushels of corn. weather cloudy & rather warm on my pork, with a shower of rain at night. [Houston County, Texas]

Texas. Confederates attack Union forces in Galveston
Washington. President Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, stating that "all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free." See -- Juneteenth.

Friday January 1st 1864. This being the first day of the current year, I commence my notes of the events that take place immediately around me, and in which I have any interest. The boys are at work chopping and hauling wood, which is very essential during the present cold spell. Sam [Sharp] & I ground 17 bushels of corn and 10 bushels of wheat. Weather clear and bitter cold. I think some what colder than yesterday. I thought I would freeze at night although I kept a fire in my room the whole time. [Houston County, Texas]

In many ways, the events that made news in Galveston in 1864 were not that different from the events that make news today: weather, scandals involving those in authority, and a series of bizarre deaths and crimes. With military attention focused on campaigns and battles in other places, the civilian and military inhabitants of the city concentrated on making the most of their lives in the confines of an occupied city. It was not an easy task. The year started out with one of the coldest winters on record. The western part of Galveston Bay was covered with ice to a depth of as much as an inch-and-a-half in thickness. Snow fell and accumulated on the ground to a depth of one inch, an almost unheard of event in Galveston. The cold weather continued throughout the winter months, with one storm from the North following another. The weather caused much suffering for soldiers and civilians who were without sufficient firewood to keep warm or cook their meals. This problem became so acute that orders were issued allowing vacant houses and unused wharves to be torn apart and used as fuel. . . . from Battle on the Bay by Cotham . . .

Sunday January 1st 1865. Today I commence my notes of daily events that may happen immediately around me during the current year just began. Though they are of no interest to any one safe my own family. Nevertheless I cheerfully enter upon my task. We all left home and rode down to Mother's [Mahala] where we spent an agreeable day, returning home in the evening. A sick soldier stopped with us for the night. Weather clear and rather warm for the season of the year. [Houston County, Texas]

Monday January 1st 1866. Today I commence my notes of events that may daily happen immediately around me during the current year. This notes are not intended to be of any service to any one except myself as a book of reference and to my family as a faithful exposition of my daily transacting. I formed & entered into a copartnership with James Wrigley to carry on in the town of Liberty a general Commission and Warehouse business. The Steamer Kate & sloop Luna left for Galveston. The little woman had a fine new year's dinner, which reflected great credit upon her art as a house keeper. I entered into a contract with negro man Albert to work for the year at 15$ per month with board, he furnishing a negro woman to cook. I also employed my old servant Hicks for the year at 10$ per month. Weather cloudy & cold with incessant rain throughout the entire day. [Liberty County, Texas]

New Year's Eve 1860-1865
Christmas Day 1860-1865
Christmas Eve 1860-1865

New Year's Eve 1860-1865

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

1860 NEW YEAR'S EVE 1865
as recorded by
James Madison Hall
(1819-1866)

Monday Dec. 31st 1860. Still in Galveston [Texas], and in consequence of the cold which still continues, was unable to transact but little business. I took a few oysters however and at night visited the Theatre, and after which I went to my old friend Archy Ruthven's where I partook of a fine supper, and saw a regular scotch gather, with many fine songs. The meeting was conooked? to drink the old year out & the new one in, but in consequence of my temperence pledge I felt out of place and retired early. Thus I close my chronicles of daily events for the year 1860, now past and gone, and God only knows whether I will be permitted to live to keep one for the incoming year. weather very cold but clear. [Liberty County, Texas]

Tuesday December 31st 1861. To day I am busy in the store acting as salesman. The [rail] cars arrived from Beaumont [Texas] bring 7 more of the long looked for cannon, three of the seven being Columbiads and weighing as follows: 13,224.-13,226.&13,228. lbs. weather clear and pleasant. Thus I close the records of daily events for the year 1861, and whether God will permit me to live, to keep the records of another year, is more than poor mortal man can know, but trusting in his mercy I shall enter upon the trials of another year, with hopes of future success & prosperity through his goodness & favor. [Liberty County, Texas]

From Google Books -- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series I, Volume 17. Gulf Blockading Squadron from 16 December 1861 to 21 February 1862.

Texas. December 31, 1861.— Steamer Mary Hill returned from San Jacinto at 11 a. m., with 115 cords of firewood for the Government. She was ordered by Colonel Nichols to proceed to Virginia Point and there to discharge the wood. At 11:30 steamer Stell arrived with Captain [Charles M. ?] Mason's company on board from Pelican Spit. Returned to the spit at 3 p. m. Steamer Carr left at daylight, having received orders to tow the dredge boat from Velasco to Virginia Point. The two first guns of fourteen destined for Galveston arrived to-day from Liberty on the steamer Ruthven. The guns left New Orleans in September and have been on the way from New Orleans to Galveston three months. . . .

Wednesday December 31st 1862. Today Sam [i.e., Samuel Houston Sharp -- my 2nd great-grandpa] & I cut up and salted down the pork that we killed yesterday. I paid Cheste & Ann 3.50 for their service in helping to kill & salt down the pork. Dr. Murchison & Mother [i.e., Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts -- my 3rd great-grandma] came to see Nellie [i.e., Sam's wife, Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire -- my 2nd great-grandma] who is still very sick, but they did not remain long. Mr. Pennington's time as Miller having expired he surrendered the mill keys to me and left for his home. weather clear and cool. Thus I close my jottings of daily events for the year 1862 now past & gone, and whether God will permit me to live to keep the events around me of the incoming year is more than I can know, but trusting in his mercy I shall enter upon the duty which is pleasing to me and may be profitable to my family and myself hereafter. [Houston County, Texas]

Thursday December 31st 1863. This morning the ground was covered over two inches deep with snow. Father [i.e., J.J. Hall], Mother [Mahala] and Mr. Thomas Sharp [?] all left, the two former for home, and the latter for the wheat region [?]. Sam [Sharp] & I ground 6 bushels of corn & 10 bushels of wheat. In the evening the boys commenced work after their Christmas holliday. Weather clear and bitter cold. the mill pond being frozen entirely over one inch thick, and it continued to freeze all day even in the sunshine. At night it froze all the little woman's [i.e., Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] eggs in my room although I kept a large fire in it throughout the entire night. It is decidedly the coldest spell of weather that I have ever experienced in the State of Texas after a residence of 28 years. Thus closes my notes for the month of December and also for the year 1863 just passed and gone and now numbered with the things that were. whether the Almighty will spare me to chronicle the daily events of the incoming year is more than I know but trusting in Him I shall enter upon the pleasing task, which is useful as a reference and may be profitable to those who have an interest in me. [Houston County, Texas]

Saturday December 31st 1864. To day I paid Dr. Murchison 310 lbs. of flour for 62 lbs. of wool purchased from him last fall. Hick ground 20 bushels of corn and 5 bushels of wheat. Weather clear & cold with a frost & freeze at night. Thus I close my jottings for the month of December and for the year 1864 which has just passed & gone and now numbered with the things that were. Whether the Almighty will spare me to chronicle the daily events of the incoming year is more than poor mortal man can foresee or know but trusting in his goodness I shall enter upon the pleasing task which is meaningful as a book of reference and may hereafter be profitable to those who have an interest in my affairs after I shall have shuffled off this mortal soil and been reaped to the bosom of my ancestors. [Houston County, Texas]

Sunday December 31st 1865. To day I am engaged in making out bills of lading for the Steamer Kate & Sloop Luna, both of said boats are still here. Mrs. Beale [i.e., Nellie's mother, Elizabeth A. Lemaire Beale nee Waring -- my 3rd-great-grandma] came over and spent the day. Jimmy had another chill and fever. Frank is still improving. Weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain. Thus I close my notes for the month of December and for the year 1865 which has just passed and gone and now numbered with the things that were. Whether the almighty will spare me to record the daily events of things passing around me for the incoming year is more than mortal man can know but trusting his goodness and mercy I shall enter upon the pleasing task which to me is useful as a book of reference and may hereafter be profitable to those who have an interest in my affairs. [Liberty County, Texas]

New Year's Day 1861-1866
Christmas Day 1860-1865
Christmas Eve 1860-1865

1704 Will of Captain Thomas Sprigg of Maryland

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 29th day of December . . . in the year 1704 . . . the will of Captain Thomas Sprigg . . . which is dated 09 May 1704 . . . is proved in Prince George's County, Maryland . . . this Captain Sprigg is a 9th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . the exact date of his death is unknown to me at this time.

As of the date of this posting, Volume 8 of the Maryland Historical Magazine -- published in 1913 by Maryland Historical Society -- is available online via Google Books. The following information regarding Captain Sprigg is from that publication.

SPRIGG FAMILY. Christopher Johnston.

Thomas Sprigg, the ancestor of this family, was born in 1630 and died in 1704. In a deposition, made in 1665, "Mr. Thomas Sprigge" gives his age as 35 years (Prov. Court, Lib. FF, fol. 91), and in another deposition, made in 1694, his age is stated as 64 years (ibid., Lib. W. R. C., no. 1, fol. 696). His will was proved 29 Dec. 1704.

He appears as party to a suit in the Provincial Court in October 1657 (Arch., x, 546), and may have been a resident of Maryland for some years previously. 18 January 1658, a patent issued to Thomas Sprigg, who had transported to Maryland "himself, Catherine his wife, Verlinda Roper, Edward Bushell, Nathaniel Sprigge, and Hugh Johnson," for a tract of 6OO acres called "Sprigley" in Chester River (Land Office, "Torn Book").

In the opinion of the late George L. L. Davis, the author of the "Day Star of American Freedom," and a very able and conscientious genealogist, Thomas Sprigg arrived about 1655 and probably came from Northamptonshire, in England. Mr. Davis points out that one of the tracts taken up by him was called "Kettering," and that he held another tract called "Northampton" (Day Star, p. 265).

The records of the Maryland Land Office show that he obtained grants for a large amount of land. He lived on or near Resurrection Manor, in Calvert County, a district later included in Prince George's, and he was twice married.

His first wife, Catherine, was living in 1661 and executed a deed with her husband in that year. 17 August 1661, Thomas Sprigg of Resurrection Manor, Calvert County, and Catherine his wife convey to Simon Carpenter 600 acres in Worrell Hundred, Talbot County (Prov. Court, Lib. B. B., fol. 176).

Mrs. Catherine Sprigg may have been a sister of Gov. William Stone, or the latter may have married a sister of Thomas Sprigg. Gov. Stone in his will, dated 3 Dec. 1659 and proved 21 Dec. 1660 (Annapolis, Lib. 1, fol 89), mentions "my brother Sprigg," and Thomas Stone, son of the governor, executes an assignment, 3 August 1662, of his right to 100 acres of land to "my uncle Thomas Sprigg" (Land Office, Lib. 5, fol. 182).

Mrs. Catherine Sprigg seems to have died without issue and, before 1668, Thomas Sprigg married Eleanor, daughter of John Nuthall. In September 1668, the Council of Maryland passed an order dividing the estate of John Nuthall, deceased, among his three children John and James Nuthall, and Eleanor wife Thomas Sprigg (Arch., v, 34).

Mrs. Eleanor Sprigg was living in 1696, when she joined her husband in a deed. 2 July 1696, Thomas Sprigg and Eleanor his wife convey to John Nuthall of St. Mary's County, 250 acres in Resurrection Manor, purchased by the said Thomas Sprigg from Capt. Thomas Cornwallis; John and Elias Sprigg witness the deed (Prov. Court, Lib. W.R. C. no. 1, fol. 760. 771).

She was probably dead before the date of the following deed, in which she does not join. 16 March 1700/1, Thomas Sprigg of Prince George's County, Gent., to his eldest daughter Sarah Pearce, his grandson John Pearce, only son of said Sarah, and Sarah wife of John Bell daughter of said Sarah Pearce:- gift of certain lands (parts of Northampton, Kettering, etc.) lately in the tenure and occupation of John Sprigg deceased (Pr. Geo. Co., Lib. A., fol. 362).

Thomas Sprigg was one of the Justices of Calvert County, and of the Quorum, in 1658, 1661, 1667, 1669-70, 1674 (Arch., iii. 424; v, 14. 61; xv, 37; Lib. S.? 54; Lib. C. D., 412). In 1661 his name stands at the head of the Commission showing that he was Presiding Justice of the County (Arch., iii, 424). He was commissioned High Sheriff of Calvert County 1 April 1664 and held office until 4 May 1665 (Arch., iii, 490. 491. 520).

The following is a brief abstract of his will. Thomas Sprigg Sen'r. of Prince George's County— will dated 9 May 1704, proved 29 Dec. 1704 (Pr. Geo. Co., Lib. 1, fol. 23). Mentions daughter Sarah Pearce; son Thomas Sprigg; daughters Martha Prather, Eleanor Nuthall, Elizabeth Wade, and Anne Gittens; Thomas Stockett and my grandson Thomas Stockett; Eleanor Stockett; my son Thomas Sprigg and my sons-in-law James Wade, Philip Gittens, and Thomas Prather executors. The name James Wade is evidently a clerical error for Robert Wade. No James Wade appears in the records, and the following extract is conclusive:

5 January 1704/5, bond of Robert Wade, of Pr. George's County, as one of the executors of Thomas Sprigg, late of said County deceased, in the sum of £600 sterling; sureties Philip Gittings, Thomas Prather, and Samuel Magruder all of Pr. George's County (Test. Proc., Lib. 10, fol. 18).

Thomas Sprigg and Eleanor (Nuthall) his wife had issue:

i. Col. Thomas Sprigg.
? ii. John Sprigg, d. about 1700.
? iii. Elias Sprigg.
iv. Sabah Sprigg, mar. . . . Pearce.
v. Martha Sprigg, mar. Thomas Prather.
vi. Eleanor Sprigg, mar. 1st. Thomas Hilleary (d. 1697) [my 8th great-grandparents]; 2nd. her cousin John Nuthall, son of her uncle John Nuthall of St. Mary's County.
vii. Elizabeth Sprigg, mar. Robert Wade,
viii. Anne Sprigg, mar. Philip Gittings.
ix. Maby Sprigg, d. 27 Jan'y 1694; mar. 12 March 1689, Thomas Stockett of Anne Arundel Co. (Stockett Genealogy, pp. 14-15).

Christmas Day 1860-1865

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Y'all do realize, don't you, that today is only the 1st of the 12 Days of Christmas? 12th night falls on the 5th of January, and Epiphany marks the end of the season on the 6th (and you just thought Christmas was almost over!). Anyway ...

Here I share another little historical tidbit from the years of the war between the states, according to James Madison Hall (1819-1866). The author of The Journal which is the source of the following info was the stepson (as well as son-in-law) of my 3rd-great-grandma, Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts (1816-1885). I first learned of the existence of this journal just 10 years ago -- in January of 2000 -- from a half second cousin twice removed, Esther Marjorie Biggers nee Hall.

Tuesday Dec. 25th 1860. I am still in Liberty [Texas], and this being Christmas we closed doors, and set in for a regular bender. I took my Christmas dinner with my friend James Wrigley, which by the by was a splendid affair, and reflected credit on his amiable wife. There was a feast of reason and a flow of soul, together with a fine flow of champaigne etc. etc. Many times I toasted the loved ones at home, and thus passed the day very pleasantly, although it was cold, cloudy and drizzling rain during the entire day.

Wednesday December 25th 1861. Today being Christmas, no kind of business was done. The Steamer Ruthven arrived & departed. We had a fine flow of egg nogg to ward off the dullness of the times. weather changeable & very warm for the season of the year. [Liberty, Texas]

Thursday December 25th 1862. Today I remained at home with the little woman [Margaret A. Hall Stewart nee Sharp, Hall's wife as well as his step-sister, & Mahala's daughter] and babies and enjoyed a fine Christmas dinner with several nice egg noggs gotten up in a style as only the little woman knows how to fix them. I contracted with Mr. Thomas Dailey for 1000 lbs. of pork at 14 cents. The drafting of the militia came off in Crockett and Sam Sharp [Hall's step-brother, & Mahala's son, & my 2nd great-grandpa] was drawn to serve under the three months call for the protection of our coast. weather cloudy and warm, with occasional showers of rain. [Houston County, Texas]

Friday December 25th 1863. Today being Christmas all order of business was suspended, and we all went in for a regular jollification. I had with me to partake of our Christmas dinner, Father [Col. Joshua James Hall], Mother [Mahala], Capt. Peacock, Mrs. Bird, Mr. Leaverton, and sundry others besides the home folks. the egg nogg flowed freely and all went off as merry as a marriage bell. . . . Weather changeable & cool. [Houston County, Texas]

Sunday December 25th 1864. Today Sam Sharp & I with the children in the little wagon, Nellie [wife of Sam, & my 2nd-great-grandma] & the little woman in the buggy, all drove down to Mother's [Mahala] where we spent our Christmas. We had a fine dinner & a good eggnogg. We passed the day very pleasantly. Weather cloudy & rather warm. [Houston County, Texas]

Monday December 25th 1865. Today I am very busy at the warehouse loading the steamer Kate & sloop Luna. we put 135 B/c. [bales of cotton*] on them, when they left for Galveston. The only thing I had in way of Christmas festivities was a first rate dinner which was gotten up in the little woman's happy style. Weather variable and warm, for the season, with occasional showers of rain. [Liberty, Texas]

New Year's Day 1861-1866
New Year's Eve 1860-1865
Christmas Eve 1860-1865

Sentimental Sunday :: Christmas 1956

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:07:00 +0000

19th Century Christmas Eve

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

The little woman drove up town and purchased divers and sundry toys to be distributed to the children to night by way of presents from St. Nicholas put into their respective stockings.

These quotes regarding Christmas Eve during the years 1860 through 1865 are excerpts from a daily Journal kept by James Madison Hall (1819-1866). During this time period, Hall was married to a 2nd great-grand-aunt of the Keeper of this family historyblog, and he often mentions a number of my ancestors and assorted kith 'n kin.

Monday Dec. 24th 1860. I am still in Liberty and at work in the store, doing but little business. The steamer Swan left for Galveston to day, leaving me behind. I am however passing my time quite pleasantly, weather cool, cloudy & rainy. [Liberty, Texas]

Tuesday December 24th 1861. Today I am engaged in the ware house. I made the boys kill and salt down 1060 lbs. pork. weather clear & cold. I patrolled at night. [Liberty, Texas]

Wednesday December 24th 1862. To day I drove my horse Gladiator and buggy down to Mothers [i.e., Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts, my 3rd great-grandma] and brought up a basket of glass ware. In the evening the little woman [i.e., Margaret A. Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove down to her Mothers [Mahala] and back to try the horse and buggy. I purchased from Mr. Renfro some fodder & peat. weather cloudy, warm and showery. [Houston County, Texas]

Thursday December 24th 1863. To day the boys are still at work on the stables. I sent John over to Rives; still after the demijohn & wallet also for some whiskey but he did not get any in consequence of the still house having been having been robbed the night before. I ground 12 bushels of corn, and Sam [i.e., Samuel Houston Sharp, my 2nd great-grandpa] ground 3 bushels of wheat. In the evening Capt. Peacock and I rode down to Fathers [i.e., Col. Joshua James Hall] and back. Times are quite brisk at the house preparing for Christmas dinner.* Weather changeable & cool with occasional showers of rain. [Houston County, Texas]

Saturday December 24th 1864. To day the boys assisted me at the mill we ground 4 bushels of wheat & 23 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cool with occasional showers of rain. [Houston County, Texas]

Sunday December 24th 1865. To day I am very busy at work at the warehouse. We shipped 146 B/C [i.e., bales of cotton] by an extra train of the T.&N.O. R.R. for Houston. The little woman drove up town and purchased divers and sundry toys to be distributed to the children to night by way of presents from St. Nicholas put into their respective stockings. Weather variable and cool. [Liberty, Texas]

New Year's Day 1861-1866
New Year's Eve 1860-1865
Christmas Day 1860-1865

*Preparing for Christmas dinner during this time period would most definitely have included gathering the ingredients for making egg nog ... and since today, the 24th day of December, just happens to be National Egg Nog Day, I am including a receipt for egg nog that is similar to one I found in a cookbook from the years of the war between the states.

Ingredients:

12 separated Eggs
1 cup granulated Sugar
1 cup Bourbon
1 cup Cognac
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 pints Heavy cream
Grated Nutmeg
Mixing instructions:

Beat yolks until light in color. Slowly add bourbon, cognac, while beating at slow speed. Chill 3 hrs. Add salt to whites, beat to peaks. Whip cream until stiff. Fold whipped cream into yolk mixture, then fold in the beaten egg whites. Chill one hour. Serve with nutmeg sprinkled on top. For thinner mixture add 1 or 2 cups of milk.

1894 Christmas Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Sweethearts Join Hands in 1894 Christmas Wedding . . . A copy of the following newspaper article turned up in my files -- source unknown. I assume it probably came from my 1st cousin once removed, Georgia Faye (Henry) Kaseberg (1925-2001), as she was always so good about giving me copies of whatever finds she made.

Bride :: Ella May Hamilton nee Henry :: born 26 October 1875 in Grayson County, Texas :: died 14 December 1967 in Rockdale, Milam County, Texas :: a daughter of my 2nd great-grandparents, William Paschal Henry (1836-1912) and Josephine Wingfield Henry nee Davis (1842-1899)
Groom :: James David Hamilton :: born 19 September 1872 in Kentucky :: died 03 May 1922 in Rockdale, Milam County, Texas after coming in contact with a high-powered electric wire following a storm :: son of Joseph David Hamilton (1832-1905) and Mary Katherine Hamilton nee Hughes (1842-1906)

Bethlehem Community
To the Messenger:
December 24 [1894].

Once more I come, heralding the news from old Bethlehem. Since my departure it seems that marriage bells have been substituted for [Christ]mas bells. I have attended weddings for the past two weeks and still have several invitations left.

Last Thursday night [i.e., 20th December 1894] both young and old began to congregate at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Henry Sr., [my 2nd great-grandparents] for the purpose of witnessing the marriage ceremony between J. D. Hamilton and their daughter, Ella, conducted by Hon. W. D. Wells of Rockdale, with J. B. Henry and Miss Cornelia Bowling, Hubert Phillips and Miss Elma Rettig as attendants.

After which the entire crowd was ushered into the dining room, where they partook of a most wonderful, excellent and appetizing repast.

Well Mr. Editor, as I have an invitation to attend a wedding at Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Phillips, I will close by giving a list of presents. Enclosed please find some of the wedding cake.

The presents were as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Phillips, table cloth
Miss Della Phillips, glass set
Miss Isa Phillips, set of casters
Mr. Hubert Phillips, syrup pitcher
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Rettig, cake stand
Miss Elma Rettig, fruit dish
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Bowling, fruit stand
Miss Nona Bowling, fruit dish
Miss Cornelia Rettig, head rest
Mrs. Lizzie Baumgartner of Iowa, photograph case
Mrs. M. F. Antony, set goblets [i.e., Margaret Frances Antony nee Davis (1833-1912), sister of Mother of the bride]
Messrs. Wallace Moody and Jno. Gore, pair towels and syrup pitcher
Mrs. S. H. Sharp, dusting brush [i.e., Emma Sharp nee Henry (1872-1944), sister of the bride, & twin sister of my great-grandpa]
Mr. J. B. Henry, set cups and saucers and spoons [i.e., Jerome Bonapart Henry (1870-1956), brother of the bride]
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Henry Jr., price of present [i.e., William Paschal Henry, Jr. (1868-1941), brother of the bride, & his wife, Annie Mae Henry nee Calvert (1874-1950)]
Mr. L. O. Stewart, cake plate [i.e., Louis O. Stewart (b. June 1873), a 1st cousin of Berta Mary Sharp (1873-1955) who is the future wife of a brother of the bride, & my great-grandma]
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Henry Sr., plates, knives and forks, salt and pepper stand, glass set, pair linen towels, table cloth, set glasses and lamp [parents of the bride, and 2nd great-grandparents of the Keeper of this geneablog]

Sol.

1868 :: Phillip Brooks wrote Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Texas according to TSHA
Bethlehem Community from Rockdale Centennial: A History of Rockdale, Texas 1874-1974

Christmas of 1888 - John Greenleaf Whittier

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our extended family history . . . the 17th day of December . . . in the year 1807 . . . John Greenleaf Whittier is born in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts. This future poet found his way into the extended branches of our family tree by way of the fact that his great-grand-uncle, Nathaniel Whittier (1658-1722), was married in 1710 to Mary Brackett (ca.1670-1742), who is a double 1st cousin 10 times removed to the Keeper of this blog about family history:-

Mary's father is Anthony Brackett (ca.1636 - 21 Sept 1689), who is a brother of Thomas Brackett (ca.1613 - 28 Sept 1691), who is a 9th great-grandpa of the Keeper of this geneablog.
Mary's mother is Ann Mitton, who is a sister of Mary Mitton, who married the previously mentioned Thomas Brackett, and is a 9th great-grandma of the Keeper of this geneablog.

New York Times. December 18, 1888. Whittier's Birthday. Quietly Celebrated at his Farmhouse at Oak Knoll. Danvers, Mass., Dec. 17. -- At the quiet farmhouse at Oak Knoll, on the outskirts of the town of Danvers, there was a pleasant family circle to-day, and one of the most beloved of New-England's famous sons received congratulations on his eighty-first birthday. Here, surrounded with the tender care of the Misses Johnson and Mrs. Woodman the poet, John G. Whittier is quietly passing the Winter. Today being the anniversary of his birth The Time's representative called to pay his respects. The poet was found in his library, his erect figure and bright but kindly eye and the warm pressure of the hand gave but little token that more than fourscore years had passed over his head. A slight defect in hearing and snow-white hair and beard are the outward symbols of his ripe years. . . . Whittier would write of The Christmas of 1888 as follows . . .

Low in the east, against a white, cold dawn,
The black-lined silhouette of the woods was drawn,
And on a wintry waste
Of frosted streams and hillsides bare and brown,
Through thin cloud-films a pallid ghost looked down,
The waning moon half-faced.

In that pale sky and sere, snow-waiting earth,
What sign was there of the immortal birth?
What herald of the One?
Lo! swift as thought the heavenly radiance came,
A rose-red splendor swept the sky like flame,
Up rolled the round, bright sun!

And all was changed. From a transfigured world
The moon's ghost fled, the smoke of home-hearths curled
Up to the still air unblown.
In Orient warmth and brightness, did that morn
O'er Nain and Nazereth, when the Christ was born,
Break fairer than our own?

The morning's promise noon and eve fulfilled
In warm, soft sky and landscape hazy-filled
And sunset fair as they;
A sweet reminder of His holiest time,
A summer-miracle in our winter clime,
God gave a perfect day.

The near was blended with the old and far,
And Bethlehem's hillside and the Magi's star
Seemed here, as there and then, --
Our homestead pine-tree was the Syrian palm,
Our heart's desire the angels' midnight psalm,
Peace, and good-will to men!

Blog Caroling :: Star of the East

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Let's go blog-caroling with fM!

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:9-12

The above words were read by the narrator during the Christmas pageant in Rockdale, Texas. The pageant was held annually in the auditorium at Rockdale High School. I was in 8th grade (1965) when the following write-up ran in the local newspaper.

The Rockdale Reporter, Rockdale, Texas, December 1965. The Christmas Story will be told at 7:30 p.m. Friday by more than 200 junior-high school students when they stage their Christmas pageant in the high school auditorium. A highlight of the Christmas season in Rockdale in past years, the pageant will this year involve 211 students, according to Ernie Laurence, junior-high principal. The pageant will tell the story of the birth of Christ. Beverly and Joe will portray Mary and Joseph . . . The Rev. Frank Cady, pastor of St. John's Methodist Church and president of the Rockdale Ministerial Alliance, will give the benediction.

I was a candlebearer in that year's pageant, and had portrayed an angel in the stable in previous years. As I recall, we wore white choir robes, and were carrying lighted candles as we entered from the back of the auditorium, singing Star of the East as we walked down the double aisles to the front of the stage . . .

Star of the East, Oh Bethlehem's star, Guiding us on to Heaven afar!
Sorrow and grief are lull'd by the light. Thou hope of each mortal, in death's lonely night!
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to thee! Knowing thou beam'st thro' eternity!
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide, Pilgrims of earth so wide.

Star of the East, thou hope of the soul, While round us here the dark billows roll,
Lead us from sin to glory afar, Thou star of the East, thou sweet Bethlehem's star.
Oh star that leads to God above! Whose rays are Peace and Joy and Love!
Watch o'er us still till life hath ceased, Beam on, bright star, sweet Bethlehem star!

Star of the East, undim'd by each cloud What tho' the storms of grief gather loud?
Faithful and pure thy rays beam to save, Still bright o'er the cradle, and bright o'er the grave!
Smiles of a Saviour are mirror'd in thee! Glimpses of Heav'n in thy light we see!
Guide us still onward to that blessed shore, After earth's toil is o'er!

The Star Of The East 1918
Music by: Amanda Kennedy
Lyrics by: George Cooper
Website: parlorsongs.com

I had no luck finding a decent version of someone singing this song . . . so . . . click > HERE < for Star of the East organ music . . or > HERE < for a fiddle version . . .

This song was originally published in 1883 as a piano solo reverie titled the Star Of The Sea. Almost 40 years later, Kennedy dusted the work off and reissued it with this new title with lyrics by George Cooper. Musically this song is identical to the 1883 work. All that is different is the addition of these lyrics and some repeats.

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

1946 :: Death by jumping from a moving truck?

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our extended family history . . . the 30th day of November . . . in the year 1946 . . . death occurred in Green County, Kentucky . . . by jumping from a moving truck . . . for 65-year-old Jefferson Washington Henry and 56-year-old Owen Walton Henry, sons of Francis M. Henry (1841 - aft.1910) and Ann R. Calhoun (1846-1925).

Jefferson Washington Henry was born 23rd December 1880 in Kentucky . . . and died 30th November 1946 in Green County, Kentucky . . . after jumping from a moving truck . . . at the age of 65 years 11 months 7 days!?!

Owen Walton Henry was born 31st Augusgt 1890 in Green County, Kentucky . . . and died 30th November 1946 in Green County Kentucky . . . after jumping from a moving truck . . . at the age of 56 years 2 months 30 days?!?

2011 Update . . . found a news clipping about these two nephews of my 2nd great-grandpa . . .

Two Killed in Leap from Car

Greensburg, Ky., Dec. 2. -- Green County Sheriff Boyce Hudson today reported two brothers, both Green county farmers, were killed Saturday night when they jumped from a moving pick-up truck driven by J.L. Buchanan, about 33, Greensburg. Hudson said the two were Jeff Henry, 65, and Owen Henry, 56, both of whom were riding along with 11-year-old Dwayne Zarnasdale in the back of the vehicle. He quoted the youth as saying the younger brother without warning suddenly leaped from the vehicle, followed by the other. A coroner's jury returned a verdict of death from unnatural causes. Both suffered factured skulls. The incident occurred on Highway 61 four miles south of here. Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, Monday, December 2, 1946

1785 :: Death of Joseph Anthony

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On (or about) this date in our family history . . . the 23rd day of November . . . in the year 1785 . . . it is said that Joseph Anthony dies in the area that is now known as Franklin County, Virginia. This Joseph is :-

2nd great-grandpa (via his daughter, Mary) of 16th Texas Governor Richard Hubbard (1832-1901)
2nd great-grandpa (via his son, Joseph) of Mary Ann Penelope Cunningham nee Anthony (1835-1917)
2nd great-grandpa (via his son, James) of Texas Lawyer and Congressman Edwin L. Antony (1852-1913), whose mother, Margaret (1833-1912), is the older sister of the following Josephine
2nd great-grandpa (via his son, James) to Josephine Wingfield Henry nee Davis (1843-1899), who is 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this geneablog

One of Joseph's grandsons is Dr. Milton Antony, Sr. (1789-1839), who founded the Medical College of Georgia, and whose son, Dr. Milton Antony, Jr. (1824-1885), marries the older sister of our Josephine (Yes, they are cousins) and moves to Texas, where he is a Confederate Surgeon before removing to Milam County, where he is a local physician and the 3rd postmaster in the new community of Rockdale ca. 1876. For more information :-

Joseph Anthony according to Dana Huff
Joseph Anthony according to Genealogy Quest
Joseph's Will
Joseph Anthony according to Patricia Davidson-Peters

1931 :: We're all here for a family reunion

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

In his 18th October 1931 radio address, President Herbert Hoover said that, "I appeal to the American people to make November 26 next the outstanding Thanksgiving Day in the history of the United States; that we may say on that day that America has again demonstrated her ideals; ... that upon this Thanksgiving Day we have removed the fear of the forthcoming winter from the hearts of all who are suffering and in distress -- that we are our brother's keeper." . . . Some members of my maternal grandpa's family apparently took this message to heart, for the group photo in the above collage is from a November 1931 family reunion held in Rockdale, Milam County, Texas. These family members (from left to right) are --

Emma Sharp nee Henry (1872-1944) [widowed twin sister of my maternal great-grandpa]
Ella Hamilton nee Henry (1875-1967) [widowed younger sister of my maternal great-grandpa]
W. P. Henry, Jr. (1868-1941) [oldest brother of my maternal great-grandpa]
Annie Henry nee Calvert (1874-1950) [wife of W. P. Henry, Jr.]
Jerome Bonapart Henry (1870-1956) [older brother of my maternal great-grandpa]
Sudie Henry nee Criswell (1881-1961) [wife of J. B. Henry]
Edgar Henry (1872-1950)
Berta Mary Henry nee Sharp (1873-1955)

The last named -- Edgar and Berta (Sharp) Henry -- are my maternal great-grandparents. By 1931, they had been farming in west Texas for more than a decade, so it was probably quite a big deal for them to travel back to Rockdale (their former as well as future home) during the desolate years of the depression. My connection to them is through their son, Robert E. Henry (1905-1976). In November of 1931, Robert was living in Massachusetts with his very pregnant 1st wife, Elizabeth, and their son, Robert, Jr., so they are not listed as being amongst the attendees. A little over two months later, Elizabeth would die following the birth of their daughter (my Mom).

I am extremely thankful that somebody in the family took the time to sit down and write out the details of this gathering, and to submit the article to the local paper (most likely The Rockdale Reporter) -- and I am grateful for whoever sat down and clipped this news story from the newspaper and carefully preserved it over the years until it finally passed into the caring hands of a cousin, who shared it with me. The following transcription of the yellowed and crumbling newspaper clipping of that article was e-mailed to me in 1999 by Peggy Skeeters nee Fergeson (a 3rd cousin). The bold text is the original wording, and the remaining text is notes that I have added for the purpose of clarification, etc.

On Sunday, [sic] November 26 [sic], 1931, a happy event took place at the home of Mrs. Ella Hamilton in this city [Rockdale]. It was a get-together of the Henry family for the first time in twenty years. W. P. Henry and Mrs. Ella Hamilton being the only ones left in the old home town.

The 26th day of November in 1931 was Thanksgiving Day, and was on a Thursday. The photos from that gathering are actually dated Sunday, 22nd November 1931. Mayhaps the members of this family -- who had scattered over the years -- had an extended (and long-overdue) multi-day "reunion" at the Hamilton home that was located at 604 West Cameron in Rockdale, Milam County, Texas.

Dr. and Mrs. T. E. Riddle were guests at this occasion, they being old friends and Dr. Riddle the family physician.

Thomas E. Riddle came to Texas from Tennessee as a young man and was engaged in farming and ranching while studying medicine. It was by long hard work that he prepared to take and successfully passed the medical examinations. Thus he proudly "hung out his shingle" and framed his certificate for his office. He was one of those rare individuals whose treatment included medicinal aids and prayer. Many of his medicines he prepared from plants, herbs and roots. These he carried with him in his saddle bag as he became a familiar figure moving mile after mile among the early day residents. Many long vigils were kept by this good man as he faithfully fulfilled the Hippocratic oath he had taken years before. Dr. Riddle served in the Confederate Army with McCord's Texas Cavalry, Company F, was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church, and was a Mason. It is probable that Dr. Riddle served Rockdale and its surrounding territory longer than any other doctor in the history of the town. His death occurred in 1934 and he is buried among many lifelong friends of yesteryears in the family cemetery. . . . from A History of Rockdale, Texas 1874-1974 edited by Mrs. Ida Jo Marshall (1903-1982).

Everyone came early, talked and enjoyed themselves. The dining room was decorated with lovely ferns and chrysanthemums. The table spread in picnic style, then came the time to eat, and everyone seemed ready. Dr. Riddle returned thanks. In the afternoon some pictures were taken. Then came the parting time but all declared that they had enjoyed themselves. All the relatives were present except nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

See separate list > HERE < of all those not listed as attendees within this article. If the previous statement is correct, then there were quite a few at the reunion who didn't get listed in the 1931 newspaper article.

Grandpa Henry was born in Kentucky, came from there to Sherman in Grayson county. There he was married to Josephine Davis, she being a relative of Jefferson Davis. Grandmother was born in Georgia. Eight children were born to this union, three dying when infants.

According to an entry in Josephine's family Bible, "Josephine W. Davis married to Wm. P. Henry at the residence of Mr. James W. Lance March 1st 1864." We now know that marriage took place in Brazoria County, Texas, in which county Josephine was enumerated on the 1860 census. :: As of this date, I have still not found any connection to Jefferson Davis. :: Regarding the children born to this couple, according to entries in the family Bible --

Born in Brazoria County Texas October 20th 1865 Margaret Ann Henry
Margaret Ann Henry died April 19th 1868
Wm. P. Henry, Jr. born October 3rd 1868
Jerome Bonepart Henry born April 18th 1870
Emma & Edgar Henry born January 31st 1872
Harry Henry born July 31st 1874
Harry Henry died in Sherman January 10th 1875
Ella May and Jesse Eugene Henry were born in Grayson County Texas October 26 A.D. 1875
Jesse Eugene Henry died September 1876

On Oct. 3, 1876, the Henrys arrived in Rockdale to visit a sister and family of the Mrs. Henry's, it being Dr. and Mrs. M. F. Anthony, who at that time had the post office and drug store combined on the corner where the Wolf Hotel now stands.

This would be Margaret, Josephine's only sister. Margaret's husband (and also their 1st cousin once removed) was Dr. Milton Antony, Jr. He was a Confederate Surgeon in Brazoria County during the war between the states, and was the third Postmaster in Rockdale, serving 06th June 1876 to 26th April 1877 (which was one month after the entire wooden portion of Rockdale burned). He was a practicing physician in both Cameron and Rockdale. Margaret and Milton are buried in the Old City Cemetery in Rockdale.

The Wolf sat on the northeast corner of the intersection of Main and Milam. According to a history of Rockdale published in 1936, a two-story stone and brick bank building was erected in 1875, which later became the Wolf Hotel, and then, c. 1935, the American Legion Hall. An 1885 map of Rockdale does show a bank at that location, and on the corner across the street is a post office in the Mundine House (now McVoy's).

A year before Josephine went to Rockdale to visit her sister, Margaret, the following item appeared in the 12th November 1875 issue of the Galveston Weekly News: "There are street fights occurring (in Rockdale) almost every day and the officers of the law seem to enjoy it, taking their fines, never giving offenders the least word of warning or lecture. Nothing better could be expected when they license women of ill fame for ten dollars a month and receive half of the fines and their compensation. The most disgusting of it is, when they choose, these officers step beyond their authority and utterly disregard the law at pleasure. Every day or two some very interesting scenes occur in the pettifoggeries of Rockdale."

And a just a year before that 1875 report, the same paper, in the 09th November 1874 issue, described the brand new city of Rockdale as being "delightfully located in a thriving section of the county. . . . there are two or three banks, fifty or sixty merchants, and plenty of saloons, and has generally all the appearances of a railroad town. . . . While all it new and in some degree crude, there are some fine stone and brick buildings. . . . Where a population of eighteen hundred now thrive, was ten months ago the home of the deer, and the pleasure ground of the black bear."

Grandpa liked the country so he moved to a place just across the road from Dr. Riddle, just south of town, and stayed there awhile. He then bought 100 acres of land three miles north of town, moved there, and raised his family, . . .

Milam County Record, Volume 54 Page 526-529 . . . Know all men by these presents that I, Mary Estes of the State and County aforesaid in consideration of the payment of a promissory note . . . for three hundred ($300) Dollars given by W. P. Henry, have granted, bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said W. P. Henry all that tract or parcel of land known as a part of a two league survey . . . containing an area of one hundred acres of land. . . . Witness my hand this the 14 day of December 1878.

. . . lived there until his death, Feb. 10, 1911.

According to William Paschal Henry's printed obituary (actually a photocopy of an undated newspaper clipping), as well as his tombstone, he died in 1912, not 1911.

Grandmother was killed Oct. 28, 1899.

According to her tombstone, Josephine Wingfield Henry nee Davis died the 28th January 1899. Family lore said that she was drug to death by the hair of her head when it became entangled in the wheels of her buggy, but we were never able to find a newspaper account of her death in the existing newspapers for that time period. After receiving this conflicting information regarding Josephine's date of death, my Mom went to the Rockdale Public Library to once again peruse the microfilm copies of the 1899 Rockdale Reporter, and sure enough -- in the 01st November 1899 issue, she found write-ups supporting the family lore.

Three of the children left here at different times. W. P. Henry and Mrs. Ella Hamilton are the only ones left in the old home . . . (crumbled edge, but I would guess the word missing is town) Those present on this occasion . . . (part of the word "occasion" is crumbled away) . . .

W. P. Henry (Jr. 1868-1941),
Miss Grace Henry (1908-1996) . . . (Henry is frayed & the first part of someone's name is crumbled away; the next line begins with) . . .
(Er) nest Henry ("Buck," 1911-1995),
Mr. and Mrs. (Birdie Henry 1894-1943)
Jack (Kyle) . . . (crumbled) . . . and
Lucille,
Graham (1917-1984),
We(l) to (n) . . . (crumbled) . . . Delbert Kyle,
Mr. and Mrs. (William Clinton 1896-1969) . . . (frayed) . . . Henry and
Nathlee Henry,
Mr. and Mrs. Will (Pearl Henry 1899-1981) Vogel,
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie (Bessie Henry 1901-1964) Backhaus and
Ruth Backhaus,
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Henry (1903-1955) and
Wesley Bert Henry.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome (1870-1956) Henry and granddaughter,
Gloria Sue, of San Antonio;
Mrs. Emma (nee Henry 1872-1944) Sharp, Crockett;
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar (1872-1950) Henry, Norton;
Mr. and Mrs. Sylas (Ruby Henry 1895-1978) Christian, Rockdale;
Frank (1899-1952) and
Nellie (1912-1996) Henry, Norton;
Mrs. Ella (nee Henry 1875-1967) Hamilton,
Misses Laura (1898-1987) and
Ruth (1909-1998) and
Harry (1913-1983) Hamilton, Rockdale.

Those who were visitors:

Dr. (1838-1934) and Mrs. T. E. Riddle and
Miss Docle Williams, Rockdale;
Cleve Calvert, and
Miss Margaret Calvert, Houston;
Milton Phillips, Norton;
Mrs. Ida Halyard (1871-1964), Crockett. [sister of Berta Mary]

This blog post was originally prepared for the 79th edition of a Carnival of Genealogy which was hosted by M. Diane Rogers at CanadaGenealogy, or, 'Jane's Your Aunt'. The theme for this CoG was Family Reunions. My article (originally published here on 31st August 2009) is actually a rewrite of a study paper I did ten years ago after receiving the transcript of the 1931 newspaper article from my cousin, Peggy.

Click > HERE < to read a reunion poem composed during the same time period that the above information was coming together -- about 10 years ago.

Remembering Wendy

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Wendy Jo Wager LeGault nee Trecartin
04 June 1963 ~ 19 November 2007
Leave flowers at findagrave

LYNN, MA - Wendy Jo LeGault (Trecartin), age 44, of Lynn died of lung cancer at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers, November 19, 2007. She was the wife of Richard LeGault.

Born and raised in Lynn, MA; she was the daughter of the late John H. Trecartin, Sr. and Marjorie V. Smith of Lynn. Wendy graduated from Lynn English High School and the North Shore Community College where she was on the Dean's List. She was employed as an accountant at Tech Pak in Peabody for several years, and most recently at the North Atlantic Lobster Company in Danvers.

In her youth, Wendy was an active member of the Girl's Club in Lynn. She loved riding her Harley throughout New England and she enjoyed watching scary movies. Her hobbies were gardening, crocheting and collecting figurines of ladybugs and Wizard of Oz memorabilia.

In addition to her husband and mother, Wendy is survived by five children, Amanda Wager of Baltimore, MD, Christopher Wager of Ft. Lewis, WA, Eric Wager and Richard LeGault, Jr. both of Lynn and Tiffany LeGault of Tennessee. She is also survived by three sisters, Kathy Weiskel of Adams, Susan Janice of Lynn and Tammy Culliver of Troy, AL: a brother John Trecartin, Jr. of Canyon Country, CA; her aunt Eileen Trecartin of Lynn and several nieces and nephews.

1896 :: Birth of Little Helen

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 18th day of November . . . in the year 1896 . . . probably somewhere in Maine . . . a baby girl is born . . .

She is raised as Helen F. Brackett, and is said to be the daughter of Peter Brackett (1838-1927) and his wife, Elizabeth J. "Lizzie" Merrill (1841-1911). At the time of Helen's birth, Peter is 58, and Lizzie is 55 years of age.

For many years, it was believed that Peter and Lizzie were the birth-parents of Helen's older "sister" -- Eva May Smith (1874-1936) -- until the family lore from Maine was passed on to the Texas descendants that Eva May was actually the daughter of Lizzie's younger sister, Phoebe (b. 1848, and believed to have died between 1926 and 1930). Eva May is a maternal great-grandma of the Keeper of this blog.

Even before receipt of this info -- due to the age of Peter and Lizzie at the time of Helen's birth, as well as the gap of almost 23 years between the birth of their two "daughters" (and only children) -- there were questions about Helen's true parentage.

She is enumerated on the 1900 census as 3-year-old Hellen Brackett. And there is a small grave-marker for this little one sitting beside the tombstone of Peter and Lizzie. Engraved on it are the following words :-

Helen F. Dau. of
Peter & Lizzie J. Brackett
Nov. 18, 1896.
May 31, 1906.
Darling, we miss you.

That is all we know at this time. Little Helen needs to be researched further . . . her findagrave memorial page

begotten and not forgotten . . .

1899 :: Death of our Jerusha Marilla

noreply@blogger.com (benotforgot) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 17th day of November . . . in the year 1899 . . . Jerusha Marilla Smith nee Barker dies in Maine. This Jerusha is the paternal grandma of Elizabeth Marilla Henry nee Smith (1912-1932), who is the maternal grandma of the Keeper of this geneablog. Jerusha is a daughter of Timothy Barker and Jerusha Lakin Hobbs. At the age of 16 she became the bride of Atwood F. Smith on 23 December 1857 in Biddeford, York County, Maine. It appears they had two children who died before 1865, and then a 3rd child born in 1866 -- Thomas Warren Alonzo Smith (1866-1920), who is the father of Elizabeth. her findagrave memorial page