Rootbound in the Hills #20: 9 Feb 1988

by Rocky Macy

Phyllis CHANCELLOR HOLLEY (507 West Hickory, Neosho, MO 64850) has written seeking assistance from our readers. Her letter follows:

"Dear Mr. Macy,

"Please accept my query for your genealogy column. I am seeking information about Mary Ann TRICKETT, born ca. 1835, possibly in Virginia. She married Patrick Henry CHANCELLOR on 22 Aug 1858 in Benton County, MO. They also lived in Arkansas and Indian Territory before settling in Newton County, MO. I would like to correspond with anyone researching TRICKETT families."

Naomi F. MILLER ORTIZ (707 South Cherokee Avenue, Bartlesville, OK 74003) is attempting to identify the parents and siblings of her great-grandfather, William Henry GRIFFITH. He was born on 18 March 1828 in Warren County, PA, and died on 15 May 1915 in Marland, OK. William Henry married Sara Ann "Nancy" CLINE on 8 July 1847in Pancoastburg, OH. She was the daughter of Henry CLINE and Catherine RAMEY. William Henry GRIFFITH was a physician in the Civil War. He and Nancy were the parents of Joshua GRIFFITH who was born 1 May 1866 in Unionville, MO, and died on 13 Sep 1949 in Marland, OK. Joshua married Mary Jane WILSON on 5 Aug 1891 in Lamar, MO.

Hopefully somebody out there in Rootbound-land will be able to help Phyllis and Naomi in their quests.

I also have a GRIFFITH line. My great-grandmother, Etta Orvilla GRIFFITH NUTT was the daughter of Orville GRIFFITH. Etta was born in Sarcoxie, MO, on 17 Aug 1873. All that I know about Orville is that he probably lived near Pierce City, MO, at one time.

I had a nice letter from Jack WILLIAMS (626 Cherry Avenue, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110) who ran a query a couple of weeks ago regarding the surname PERRY. Here is an excerpt of what Jack had to say.

"I read your paper with great interest since I was born and raised in Joplin. Can you tell me a little about Crowder College. Is it, by any chance, on the site of Camp Crowder? I was with the engineering firm that did the design work for the construction of Camp Crowder prior to going into the Air force in World War II."

Perhaps some of you would like to respond to Jack's interest in Camp Crowder and Crowder College.

A Sulphur Springs reader wrote in asking about how to get a birth certificate from the state of Texas. Here is the address for birth and death certificates: Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th St, Austin, TX 78756. The latest information that I have lists a fee of $5 per document.

Is there any interest out there in trying to start a local genealogical society? I'd like to hear from the readers of this column regarding the feasibility of forming a local group, and on the types of goals that could be pursued. What can we do to preserve history and make digging easier for ourselves and future family researchers? Your thoughts, please.