Rootbound in the Hills: April 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #71:
31 Jan 1989

There's a new genealogy column circulating around these parts. The column, Family Limb Lines, is being penned by good friend Bonnie MARTIN of Neosho. Rootbound wishes her well.

And the mail keeps coming...and the backlog keeps growing! Sooner or later, though, it will all surface in Rootbound. Please be patient...I'm typing as fast as I can!

Mrs. Neal McCASKILL (2527 West Wadley Ave., Midland, TX 79705) would like to hear from anyone who is tracking one of the following Ozark surnames: BULLOCK, CLENDENNEN, LAMBRIGHT, McCASKILL, McDANIEL, MITCHELL, MONTGOMERY (Barry County, MO), and TOUCHSTONE. Are any of our readers barking up one of the same trees?

Also from the Lone Star State, Olivia BURTON HARRINGTON (1711 Cedar Hill Road, Duncansville, TX 75137) is researching Ingledove BURTON who, at the age of thirty, married Cynthia Ann DAVIS of Washington County, AR. The marriage occurred on 8 Feb 1861. Cynthia's parents were Thomas DAVIS (born 7 Feb 1807; died 18 Aug 1849) and Nancy (born 9 May 1815; died 26 July 1838). In 1850 Cynthia was living with the William McGARRAH family of Washington County.

Ingledove BURTON had been previously married and had two sons listed on the 1865 Kansas census. They were George W. (aged 12, born in IL) and Midian (aged 9, born in MO). Ingledove's first wife was Elizabeth, and they were from Harrison County, IN. Ingledove and Cynthia eventually migrated to Texas, but Olivia has been unable to find any trace of the older boys after that move.

Olivia BURTON HARRINGTON would like to hear from anyone who has knowledge of Ingledove and Cynthia BURTON or Thomas and Nancy DAVIS.

Mary Ellen DENNISON (906 Kentland Dr., Neosho, MO 64850) would like to exchange information with persons who are shaking any of these branches: ATKINSON, BIGGS, COGBILL, DENNISON, GARST, GIBONEY, HACKNEY, HAGUE, HALL, HARTLEY, JACOBS, LEE, MEIXEL, RAMSEY, and STUDEBAKER. Who can help?

And this for our readers in Granby: William D. PECK (134 O'Shaughnessy Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94127) is working on the lineage of Hannibal PECK who was born on 1840 in Cave Springs, Greene County, MO. He married Elizabeth CLARK on 25 Nov 1863, and was residing in Granby, MO, and drawing a Civil War pension in 1890. Hannibal PECK was the son of Charles L. PECK and Louisa LATHAM. He probably died in Granby after 1890.

William D. PECK reports that he has extensive information on his PECK lineage extending back to Bishop William PECK, one of the founders of New Haven, CT, in 1637. He will also exchange material on the STUMP and YOCUM families, and he would like to correspond with others regarding Ted and Bessie PECK GASTON who were residents of Benton County, AR. Bessie was William's aunt. She and Ted died in Cave Springs, AR.

As a footnote to his letter, William D. PECK relates that his PECK ancestors helped to settle Greene County, MO, in 1835. He undoubtedly has a wealth of information to share with his Ozarks cousins. Get in touch!

The following surnames are of interest to Diane Lynn HALLATT (Rt. 8, Box 103-A #5, Neosho, MO 64850): MERWIN (Ft. Scott, KS 1870-1880) and SWAN (Ft. Scott, KS 1870-1898). Other surnames that Diane is working include BJORK, FLETCHER, FOLLRAD, and HALLETT. She would welcome correspondence relating to any of those lines.

The nice comments that Margaret Ann THETFORD made about Rootbound in a recent issue of The Dallas Morning News has really caused a hardship on our postman. Here's another sampler from "Big D":

Irene MORGAN (432 Alcorn, Dallas, TX 75217) wishes to make contact with researchers who are on the trail of these surnames: BRIDGEWATER, BROWN, GIBBENS, HENSON, LOLLAR, SOUTHWORTH, TOLLIVER, WILKENSON, VAN SANDT, and VAN ZANDT. Sound familiar? Irene's waiting by the mailbox in Dallas.

And there's more mail from Texas...lots more! We'll dig a little deeper into the pile next week. Until then...happy trails!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #70:
24 Jan 1989

The University of Missouri at Columbia is looking for people who can trace their roots back to the school's founding a century and a half ago. Nine hundred Boone County residents donated $117,921 in 1839 to establish the University. Their descendants are being invited to a huge barbecue on June 18th in Columbia, a major event in the University's sesquicentennial celebration. Those who believe their ancestors may have donated to the founding of the University of Missouri at Columbia should visit their local library. Lists of the 900 benefactors have been mailed to every public library in Missouri.

And there's still more mail from Texas! Marie ESTES McMAHAN (4229 Longleaf Drive, Garland, TX 75042) is researching John H. ESTES (born 1807, MO) and his wife, Phebe ROSS (born 1809, KY - died 1867). Phebe is buried in Roscoe Cemetery near Alpena, AR, and John is rumored to be buried on the old McMAHAN place near Alpena.

John and Phebe ESTES were the parents of seven children: William Jones (married Tempest HULSEY - he was killed by bushwhackers near Roscoe during the Civil War); Franklin (born ca. 1836 - died after 1860); Isaac Bascum (born 25 Sep 1839, married Agnes Avaline KIRKPATRICK); Sarah Melinda (born ca. 1842 - married Dr. TAYLOR); John H. (born ca. 1849, married Naomi ROBERTS); and, James Osgood (born ca. 1852, married Rebecca Caroline WYATT, died 1939, buried at Red Oak, OK). All seven children of John and Phebe were born in Arkansas.

Marie's grandfather was Isaac Bascum ESTES, and her father was David Ross ESTES (born 1882, died 1918 at Dallas, TX). She would be pleased to exchange information with any interested Party.

Jim PARKS (1215 Lou Ida, Neosho, MO 64850) is tracking the following surnames: ADAMS, CARTER, LEEPER, LEFLER, MURPHY, PARKS, SIVERLY, SMITH, SWEET, WHITE, AND WHITSET. Researchers who might be out on one of the same limbs should contact Jim in Neosho.

Former Rootbound correspondent Joan MEEKER STRASBURG (2406 Elm Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081) wrtoe to say that she has had a couple of responses from her previous query. Joan has found her great-grandparents, James Anderson and Elizabeth ELMORE DANIELS, in Benton County, AR, census for 1900. She believes they were in Benton County during 1880 and 1890 as well, but can find no census entry for those years. The family had a farm (as shown on a 1903 map) two or three miles northeast of Sulphur Springs on Deer Creek near the G.A.R. Cemetery where James A. DANIELS has a stone. Can any of our readers provide Joan with more information about her Benton County ancestry?

Joan MEEKER STRASBURG (address above) would also like to learn how to obtain court and/or prison records for Benton County. She is tracking a DANIELS in-law (outlaw?) who was sent to prison for bigamy in the 1890's. Perhaps some our friends in the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society could respond to that one.

Norma F. MILLWEE (4011 Kiva Trail SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031) is on the trail of John C. DAVIS (born 1828, TN) a son of Thomas J. DAVIS and Elizabeth GLEN/GLENN. John married Mary Ann between 1850 and 1853. They are listed on the Newton County, MO, census of 1860 with these children: Martha, Benton, and Nancy Matilda. The 1870 census of Newton County has a listing for John C. DAVIS with his mother, Elizabeth DAVIS, and Mattie, Benton, Matilda, and Diann. That census states that all of the children were born in Missouri with the exception of Diann who place of birth is listed as Texas.

Norma believes that John C. DAVIS was married a second time in Newton County. She would like to know what became of his first wife, Mary Ann, as well as the dates of death and places of burial for any members of this family. DAVIS is a common name, but I suspect that our readers can help.

Next week we'll look through some more of that wonderful Texas mail, and maybe even get out to the west coast. Until then...happy trails!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #69:
17 Jan 1989

Here's some big news for Ozark researchers: The records of the Bigham Funeral Home of Neosho for the years 1916-1945 have been transcribed and compiled into a two-hundred-and-forty page book. Violet CARRICK and Vi WILBANKS of the Genealogy Friends of the Library spent hundreds of hours on this important preservation project. Copies may be purchased for $13 each plus $1.25 postage and handling by sending requests to Genealgoy Friends of the Library, 507 W. Hickory St., Neosho, MO 64850. Remember to mention Rootbound when ordering.

James KUTZ (135 Riders Lane, Fairfield, CT 06430)subscribes to one of the seven newspapers that carry Rootbound. He wrote:

It's a small world! James is interested in the following individuals: John KUTZ (born 1852 Germany, died 1933), Karl FOUSKE (died ca. 1910, Pierce City, MO), Anna GISKE KUTZ, Rose FENNER FOUSKE, James BOLLING (resided in Paducah, KY, mid-1800's), Joseph HAGGDORN (born 1842, died 1912 in St. Louis, MO), Mathias HENNEMANN (born 1830, died 1911 in Pierce City, MO), Mary NASENCAST WITT (born 1835 PA, died 1897 in Pierce City, MO), and Ferdinand WITT (resident of Pierce City, MO). It sounds as though James might have a great deal of genealogy to share with his Ozark cousins. Get in touch!

Rootbound was recently mentioned in the Family Tree column of The Dallas Morning News. That opened a floodgate of mail from from Texas. Here's a sampler:

Burch LOVELY (3617 Douglas, Garland, TX 75041) is tracking the following surnames: COPELAND, COPELIN, FORREST, GRAHAM, KEESEE, SNOW, and STEADMAN. He reports that family members are known to have lived around the Ozark towns of Protem, Noel, Blue Eye, and Green Forest. Who can help with this one?

Also from the Lone Star State: J.E. (Gene) WHEELER (1501 Brazos Trail, Plano, TX, 75075) is working these lines which were in Greene and Christian Counties (MO) in the 1800's and early 1900's: BERRY, HORN, MOORE, REESE, WHEELER, and WILKES. Gene is waiting by the mailbox in Plano.

Former Rootbound correspondent Janet K. PEASE (10310 W. 62nd Place, Apt. 202, Arvada, CO 80004) has forwarded several queries which we will run as space permits. She is seeking information on William POINTS who was born in Kentucky in 1837. In 1880 Mr. POINTS was living in Ash Township, Barry County, MO, and he died in 1917 at Mt. Vernon in Lawrence County, MO. William had a daughter, Mary E. POINTS who was born in 1861. She married a Mr. YOUNG and was a resident of Barry County, MO, in 1917. Mr. POINTS also had a son, Arthur, (born 1866) who married Dona McELHANEY in Greene County, MO, in 1888. Arthur was in Carthage, Jasper County, MO, in 1917. Janet would be pleased to exchange information with any of our readers.

The following surnames are of interest to Martha SCHAEFER (43642 N. Dejay St., Lancaster, CA 93536): ALGIERS, LITTLE, PROVOST, SPRAGUE, and ZOGG. Generally speaking, unusual surnames, such as these, are easier to work. Any takers?

Billie D. HARDY (2911 Kircaldy Court, Arlington, TX 76015) is on the trail of James S. HARRIS of Boone County, MO, and his second wife, Mary Ann CHAPMAN / CHATMAN. Their son, Theodore, was born in Jasper County, MO, in 1867. The family may have lived somewhere in Arkansas before moving to Hays County, TX, about 1875. Are their cousins still in the Ozarks?

Rootbound Style: We love the mail - especially queries that are brief and to the point, as well as legible (carefully printed or typed). We'll spell Grampa's name right - if we can read it. Thanks!

Mrs. COLLIE at the McDonald County Library in Pineville now has a complete collection of past Rootbound columns on file. Drop by and give it a look-see - and tell her that Rootbound sent you!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #68:
10 Jan 1989

A. M. LAWSON (5327 E. 4th St., Tulsa, OK 74112) is the great-granddaughter of Wilkerson and Elizabeth MARTIN LAWSON who came to our area from Hawkins County, TN, between 1850 and 1860. Children of the couple included Harvey (married Lois LAUGHLIN), Joseph, John, Newton, Edward, Harriett, and Ida. A.M. LAWSON would like to contact descendants of Wilkerson and Elizabeth, and she is especially interested in learning the parentage of her great-grandparents.

Those who are researching in Washington County, AR, will probably have an interest in the New Washington County History Book. The volume is presently being typeset and can still be ordered for a few more weeks. The work will contain sixteen hundred pages with more than two throuand photos. For more information wite to WCHB, 109 N. Spring, Suite 12, Springdale, AR 72764, or call 501-756-2780. (Sorry, but the price was not included in the information that was sent to Rootbound.

Mary Ellen JOHNSON, office director for the Washington County History Book, has volunteered to help our readers find sources for family research in Washington County. Just drop her a note at the address listed above - and remember to enclose that self-addressed, stamped envelope! Mary Ellen is also the Director of the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America which was mentioned in a previous column.

Rootbound readers who are tracking ancestors in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant, TX, might want to contact Lindy GREENUP McDOWELL (P.O. Box 1113, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455). Lindy, a granddaughter of the late Thomas William and Ida GREENUP of Noel, MO, is President of the Cypress Basin Genealogical and Historical Society which covers a four-county area around Mt. Pleasant. Please mention Rootbound when you write to Lindy, and remember to enclose an SASE.

Norma MILWEE (4011 Kiva Trail, SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031) has submitted several queries which will be run as space permits over the next few weeks. Norma's grand-aunt, Debbie C. CLEMENT, married J.L. GARNER in Newton County, MO, in May of 1897. Mr. GARNER's first wife, Catherine Malissa SAPP, had died in July of 1896, and to that union three children had been born: Roscoe (1890), Velma (1893), and Dorothy June (1896). According to the 1900 census of Newton County, J.L. and Debbie were the parents of Boyd (1898). Norma would like to hear from anyone who has knowledge of this family, and she is particularly interested in learning when they moved to Washington State. Who can help?

Rootbound's most faithful correspondent, Leonard L. DAMRON (Rt. 1, Box 118, Sulphur springs, AR 72768), has done extensive research on the surname FERGUSON in the southeastern United States and also in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. Leonard suggests that those researching FERGUSON in other parts of the country might contact Shirley DORAN, Clan FERGUSON Society, 32 Society St., Charleston, SC 29401). Thanks for sharing that information, Leonard.

Peggy PARKS (1215 Lou Ida, Neosho, MO 64850) will exchange information with others on the following surnames: ANDERSON, BARNES, BRESLIN, CALLISON, CRAFT, GOUGH, HARVEY, McCALL, McKINLEY, PAGE, RANDOLPH, and SHOOK. Any takers?

Hazeldean CLARK BALLARD (P.O. Box 140, Vina, CA 96092) is doing research on her grand-aunt, Abby HERRING, who possibly married Will WHITE in McDonald County or Newton County in the mid-to-late 1880's. Abby was a sister to Heazeldean's grandfather, William M. (Bill) HERRING who married Eliza Jane WHITEHEAD in 1887 at her parents' home in Coy, McDonald County, MO. Their marriage records state that William was residing in Spring City (Newton, County?), MO. Hazeldean would like to exchange information with her Ozark cousins.

Soon to be a major motion picture: Many thanks to Santa and her elves for collecting past Rootbound columns on hard disk and printing them out in a book format. What a marvelous Christmas gift. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #67:
3 Jan 1989

A few weeks ago we published a query from Mrs. W.H. RODGERS (716 East Main, Glasgow, KY 42141) who was striving to learn more about John and Quintilla GRIGGS, residents of the Rocky Comfort or Stella area at one time. A lady from Purdy who had been married to John and Quintilla's grandson saw the item and wrote to Mrs. RODGERS. The wonderful "thank you" that I received from Glasogw, KY, this week was better than a paycheck!

And in regard to that type of mail, here's what Ann LANDERS wrote to a reader in her column of 27 Nov 1988:

Ann's words...my sentiments!

Martin STAUBER, on of Noel's finest citizens, telephoned a reply to our query about the SHIRA family. Mr. STAUBER reports that Charlie SHIRA was a mail carrier in Noel prior to 1918. He also mentioned "Aunt Cin" SHIRA who was a nurse living on Main Street in Noel. She administered smallpox shots and often acted in the capacity of a doctor. (The Noel Centennial Book states that Aunt Cin was Mary Lucinda, a sister to Charlie SHIRA.)

Thank you, Martin STAUBER, for sharing your memories - and for reading Rootbound!

Judy SEXSON POUND (1537 S. 69th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74112) is searching for information on her g-g-grandfather, Benjamin R. DILL, who was born in Tennessee in 1827. He married his second wife (Judy's g-g-grandmother), Elizabeth LONDAGIN, on 16 Apr 1876 in Pineville, MO. The couple were residing in Benton County, AR, in 1880, and they raised their family in the vicinity of Decatur, AR. Benjamin is buried at the Falling Springs Cemetery, in Decatur.

Judy is especially interested in learning more about Benjamin DILL prior to his marriage to Elizabeth. Are their descendants still in this area?

Pauline S. PACE (105 N Hickory Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) would like help in locating the burial place of Florence SHARP. She was born in 1875, and married Thomas HAYS in 1894 in Rhea County, TN. Florence is on a 1900 TN census with children including Jessee (age 15), George (6), Hermann (4), and Minnie (2). By 1910 the family had located in Greenwood, Sebastian County, AR, with the same children plus Gladys (11), Willie (7), Roderick (5), Lee (2), and Eugene (5 mos.).

Pauline has faith in Rootbound. Last summer one of our readers succeeded in solving a long-standing family mystery by placing Pauline in contact with a cousin that she had never met. Now let's try to make it two in a row!

Louise HART (801 Kentland Dr., Neosho, MO 64850) would like to exchange information on the following surnames: BIRKS, BUSHART, DAVIS, ESTES, FANNING, FARMER, FOSTER, GLENN, HALEY, and RAY. Are any of our readers out on one of these limbs?

A reader from the Grand Lake area would like help in researching her g-grandparents, and their children. Mildred CREASON (Rt. 2, Box 368-2, Grove, OK 74344) is the great-granddaughter of John and Elizabeth GRUNDEN who were married ca. 1865, probably in Pennsylvania. Their eldest child, George Elmer GRUNDEN (Mildred's grandfather) was born in May of 1867 in Pittsburgh or Harrisburg, PA. Other children include John, Harriet, Kate, Henry, Bert, Albert, Arthur, Virginia, and Floyd.

Mildred reports that Albert and his son stayed with her parents when she was about six-years-old. Arthur lived in the Joplin and Carl Junction area. Virginia married Tom WINNIE, possibly a Wyandotte or Seneca-Cayuga Indian. Floyd served in World War I where he was wounded in a machine gun battle. Harriet (Hattie) married Henry BRAY. Mildred believes that she might possibly still be living somewhere in Missouri or Arkansas.

Mildred CREASON would like to hear from those who have knowledge of her grand-aunts and uncles or grandparents. She will be happy to refund the postage of anyone that can help in her search.

Until next week...happy trails!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #66:
27 Dec 1988

Rootbound's good friend, Rylen M. RUDY (143 S. High St., Neosho, MO 64850), is tracking his g-g-grandfather, William Green MORRIS. Green and his wife, Charlotte (Lottie) HUNTER, came to McDonald County about 1850 and settled near Erie. Their children included John T., Mary Catherine (her first husband was John MARTIN, and Mart JARRETT was her second), Elizabeth (wife of George W. JOHNSON - they are buried in Mayfield Cemetery), William Nelson (husband of Elizabeth HARMON), James, and George W. (husband of Mary M. BROWN - he died in Pineville, MO, in 1908).

William Green MORRIS was murdered by bushwhackers in Erie in 1863. Rylen would like to make contact with other descendants of this family or anyone else who might have information on the parentage of William Green MORRIS or Charlotte HUNTER. Who can help?

Another good friend, Charlcie Q. CATES (P.O. Box 101, Noel, MO 64854) would like to learn more about her great-grandfather, Arthur FELL, who died of measles in the Civil War while serving in Georgia. He was the father of two children, Marcus Alexander and Cecilia. Mr. FELL had not been in the country very long at the time of the Civil War, and Charlcie feels that he may have been a replacement for someone of more means who sent him to fight in their place. Do we have any FELL researchers reading Rootbound?

Lucille M. CAMPBELL (1219 Circle Dr., Neosho, MO 64850) would like to exchange information on the following surnames: CAMPBELL, FITCH, HILL, LEWIS, RANDELL, ROBINSON, ROUSE, and SHOUP.

And there's more from Mona E. O'GORMAN (2506 Nottingham Place, Grand Prairie, TX 75050). She is on the trail of William BAILEY (born 30 May 1811, KY; died 13 June 1885, Lawrence County, MO) who married Lucinda YOUNGBLOOD (born 1814, AL; died 3 Jan 1859, Lawrence County, MO) on 23 March 1836 in Morgan County, IL. William and Lucinda came to Greene County, MO, ca. 1839, and moved on to Lawrence County ca. 1857. Children of the couple were Johnathan, Rachel, Permelia, Sirina, Ruth V., Jesse, Willian Folder, Jeremiah, Elijah, Catherine, and Nancy.

William BAILEY married his second wife, Malinda CAGLE BOUCHER, in Lawrence County on 17 Nov 1865. He and Lucinda are both buried in the Boucher Cemetery in Lawrence County.

Mrs. O'GORMAN is especially interested in tracing Johnathan, Sirina, Ruth V., Elijah, Catherine, and Nancy. She would also like to determine whether Robert BAILEY and Ailcy HENDRICKS (married 27 Nov 1810, Knox County, KY) are William BAILEY's parents. They were in the Greene County are 1836-1840, and she was living next to William in Lawrence County in 1860. Rootbound has readers in Lawrence County. Hopefully one of them can help Mrs. O'GORMAN with her genealogy.

Saundra HOLLOWAY (Rt. 1, Box 83, Goodman, MO 64843) has an interest in these surnames: ALLEN, BOURNE, BRASWELL, EASLEY, FELLERS, HAMPTON, HOLLOWAY, HOWARD, KEETH, KNOWLES, LAIR, McCOY, McCATHEN, MELTON, PALMATEER, REYNOLDS, RUSSELL, SINCLAIR, SWANGO, TABOR, VAN STEENBURGH, WILLIAMS, and YATES. Saundra is waiting by the mailbox in Goodman.

Rootbound contributor Carl A. HANNAH (Rt. 4, Box 242, Grove, OK 74344) has recently been elected President of the Delaware County Genealogical Society. The group's other new officers are Glenda WHITE - 1st Vice President and Program Chairman, Billie Rae KENDALL - 2nd Vice President, Imogene DAVIS - Secretary, and Helen G. CRAWFORD - Treasurer. Congratulations to the entire slate!

The Delaware County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the Grove Library. (The new library is located at 206 South Kilcarney in Grove.) Membership dues are $5 for an individual or $7.50 for a couple. Carl extends an invitation for anyone who wants to learn more about genealogy to attend one of the the Society's meetings.

Rootbound Shortcut: For those who tire quickly of turkey, parades, and television football, why not use this holiday season to work on genealogy? Most of the local courthouses and libraries will be open weekdays, and it a great time to write to those long misplaced relatives who might be of assistance.

And there's always Rootbound. We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #65:
20 Dec 1988

It has been a while since Rootbound has heard from Kansas, so we're pleased to begin with this query from the Sunflower State. Mrs. Delores WILSON (12722 West 92nd, Lenexa, KS 66215) is searching for information on her great-grandfather, Harrison JENNINGS, and his family. Harrison lived in Tennessee in the first half of the nineteenth century. In 1850 he was a resident of Houston, TX, and by 1860 he had moved on to Lexington, MO. Mr. JENNINGS was living in Willington, MO, in 1892.

Harrison JENNINGS was married to Harriott Metleda RANEN. They had a son, John William, a daughter named Missouri, and possibly several children. Mrs. WILSON would like to know the names of any other children as well as the names of Harrison's parents. She would be most happy to exchange information with other family researchers.

Former Rootbound correspondent, Norma F. MILLWEE, (4011 Kiva Trail, S.W., Los Lunas, NM 87031) has written to ask that our Ozark Root Box be searched for the following surnames: BOGLE, CLEMENT, DAVIS, GARNER, GLEN, HAYWORTH, SCOFIELD, SCHOFIELD, STARNS, and WHITE. Some of the names were included, and I've sent her a list of the people who are working them. The Ozark Root Box is a card file of all surnames that have even been mentioned in Rootbound. It will be searched free for anyone who sends their list of Ozark surnames along with and SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Good Friend, Ruth OAKLEY GEOUGE, 919 Crest Lane, Miami, OK 74354) would like to hear from anyone with information on the following surnames: BROOKS, GEOUGE, OAKLEY, SCOFIELD, STEPHENS, STOTTS, WATKINS, and WILLIAMS. Any takers?

Mona E. O'GORMAN (2506 Nottingham Place, Grand Prairie, TX 75050) would like to locate information on her great-grandparents, Ira Allen and Mary Ann (FOGARTY) STEADMAN. Ira Allen was born on 2 July 1832 in Columbus, OH, and Mary Ann came into the world at Ft. Wayne, IN, on 1 April 1835. They were married ca. 1860 and had several children including Samantha, Melissa, Martha, John R., Oline, Lucy, Alonza, and Cecilia Elizabeth (Libby). Libby married John B. BAILEY on 23 July 1903 in Newton County, MO. Ira Allen STEADMAN died on 30 Dec 1901 in Newton County, MO, and his wife passed away in Wyandotte, OK, on 29 Jan 1908. Both are buried in Dice Cemetery, Newton County, MO.

Ira Allen STEADMAN is listed on the 1880 census of Newton County. Mrs. O'GORMAN believes that he had a brother named Amos who also lived in Newton County. The 1947 obituary for her grandfather, John B. BAILEY, lists Amos STEADMAN and mentions his two sons, Brose and Kirk. Are any of our Rootbound readers working an Ozark STEADMAN line?

The following surnames of of interest to Mona E. O'GORMAN (address above): BAILEY, CAGLE, FORARTY, FRAIM, GARTON, GORMAN, GOSSETT, LLOYD, LOYD, O'GORMAN, SCHOOLING, and STEADMAN. She would be happy to exchange material with any of our readers.

Who can tell us about the tombstone in Southwest City Cemetery which reads: "Millie SPROUSE, 1804-1914, a granddaughter to George WASHINGTON's sister"? Enid DUNLAP WOOD (Rt. 3, Girard, KS 66743) would like to know - and so would Rootbound!
Enid would also like to renew an old friendship with Lucy WRIGHT, a songwriter in the Pierce City, MO, area. If anyone out there knows Lucy, please pass along the message.

Rootbound received a nice mention in the latest issue of The Genealogical Helper. The last time that happened mail gushed in from coast-to-coast. Will history repeat itself? Stay tuned and we'll all find out together!

Happy trails!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #64:
13 Dec 1988

Mary Ellen JOHNSON (Rt. 4, Box 565, Springdale, AR 72764), Executive Director of the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America, Inc., would like to know if any of our Rootbound readers have an interest in Orphan Train Riders who arrived in Rogers, AR, in 1912 and included Agnes KAMM; Marion and Margaret HAINES; Wilbur, Margaret, Chester, and Emmett PRUDEN, and Walter and Frank BEWLEY. The second group disembarked on 8 Feb 1912. Arriving at that time were Mary HALSTEADT; Charles, Glen, Maurice, and Frank DORMAN; Charles, Carrie, and Truwell SALVERSON; Sammy TOLLMAN; Clara SMITH; and, Clifford LAWRENT.

Mary Ellen had this to say about her organization:

Persons desiring to learn more about the orphan trains or the youngsters mentioned in the query may contact Mary Ellen JOHNSON at the above address. A free copy of the group's newsletter may be obtained by sending a long SASE with forty-five cents postage to the same address. And remember to mention Rootbound when you write!

Rootbound's good friend, Bonita J. Martin (Rt. 2, Box 312, Neosho, MO 64850) is on the trail of the following Ozark surnames: ALFORD, ATTERBURY, AYERS, BAUMBARDNER, DUNCAN, GARTON, HOLLINGWORTH, LANDRETH, McCONNELL, MARTIN, MITCHELL, MOUNSEER, PERRINE, SCEARCY, SHOFNER, and SLAPP. Bonnie is the volunteer librarian in the Genealogy Section of the City-County Library in Neosho. She would like to exchange information with fellow family tree climbers who might be out on one of the same limbs.

Dwayne CRANDALL, President of the Joplin Genealogical Society (P.O. Box 152, Joplin, MO 64802) forwarded the following letter which was received by his organization:

The Noel Centennial Book (a local treasure!) has a write-up on the family of Charles and Addie Moon SHIRA. No dates are given, but their children are listed as Philip, Brian, Harry, Erin, and Ruth. Philip married Mary Elizabeth BARLEY. They had a son, Charles, and four daughters: Mary, Lucinda, Rachel (BLANKENSHIP), Maude Dalton (GANN), and Octa (HENDREN).

The only SHIRA listed in the local cemetery books is Julius D. (1909-1910). He is buried in the Jane Cmemtery. Somebody in our area should be able to provide Ethel with information on her SHIRA ancestry - so let's hop to it! (Just how did Mt. Shira Beach get its name? Enquiring minds want to know!)

Rootbound Confidential: (to Mary Ellen JOHNSON and anyone else who is interested) Yes, my name really is Rocky MACY. My wife, Rita, and I live in Noel, MO, (the Christmas City) with our three children - Nick, Molly, and Tim - and a wonderful exchange student, Maira ZABALA of Bolivia. I'm the elementary school principal in Noel, and one of my favorite hobbies is writing Rootbound!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #63:
6 Dec 1988

Two letters have recently landed in the Rootbound pile after first making other stops. Harold A. PEEBLES (318 W. 32nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99203) wrote to the Genealogy Section of the City-County Library in Neosho requesting information on his lineage. Harold's grandfather (the Charles C. PEEBLES family) and his great-grandfather, James Yateman CARPENTER, left Neosho by wagon train in 1883 and headed for Dayton, WA. He would appreciate hearing from anyone who has knowledge of his family or has material on local wagon trains. Any takers?

The second letter followed an even more indirect route. Joyce CAPPS (P.O. Box 26, Fredonia, TX 76842) wrote to the library in Pittsburg, KS, requesting help in determining the parentage of her great-grandfather, William Ransom CAPPS, who was born 1800-1810, probably in North Carolina. Pittsburg forwarded her request to the library in Neosho, and those good people shared it with Rootbound.

William Ransom CAPPS had a brother, James CAPPS, of Neosho, MO. Two other brothers of the boys were Delaney of Bastrop County TX, and Prior. They also had a sister, Mahala CAPPS JONES, of Bandera, TX. Joyce has written a book, William Ransom CAPPS Family History. She would probably be a good source of genealogy for CAPPS researchers in the Ozarks.

The surnames ASH, BEACH, CRAWFORD, ECKLER, ELKLOR, HERSHMAN, HUTCHISON, PRIEST, RATCLIFF, RATLIFF, and RICKETTS are of interest to Shirley and Chester RATLIFF (1525 11th N.W., Miami, OK 74354). Are some of those names important to Rootbound readers as well? Shirley and Chester would like to hear from their cousins.

Eleanor POE BOUNDS (Rt. 1, Box 122, Dieterich, IL 62424) has sent for her free copy of Rootbound's special article on the ROARK/POE family of southwest Missouri so that she can compare that information with her own lineage. Eleanor is also tracking the following surnames: BEAL, BERRYMAN, BILLENSLY, BRITTAIN, CODNER, DAY, EBERHARDS, FRANK, HEDGES, HUFFMASTER, KING, KUEFER, NEELEY, OVTON, REDDEN, ROE, SKIFERN, STILLWELL, TAILOR, WORKMAN, and WORTH. Who has a connection?

Rootbound contributor, Terry CARSON (4508 Larner St., The Colony, TX 75056) ran a query a few weeks ago which contained the surnames ARMSTRON, CROSBY, HENDERSON, and STIPES. In a follow-up note she has added the surnames HARBAUGH and SALA to her list. Do either of those names ring a bell with any of our readers?

Lois WATKINS (1500 Oak Ridge Dr., Neosho, MO 64850) has an interest in the following surnames: BUCHANAN, CONROW, FRIEND, MOSS, POORE, RAGSDALE, SARVER, SCURLOCK, and WHITWORTH. She is especially eager to find any information on the CONROWs who were living in McDonald County in the late 1800s.

Jack Gene FRISBIE (415 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, OK 74354) is the son of Ira Amos FRISBIE who was born 6 June 1900 in Joplin, MO. Jack would like to learn more about his grandfather, Ira Fletcher FRISBIE (born 1878), and his uncle, Bryan FRISBIE (a brother to Ira Amos). Are there some other FRISBIE researchers reading Rootbound?

COBBLE, ETTER, and KEASLING are being tracked by Lottie HINEGARDNER (501 Hamilton St., Neosho, MO 64850). She would appreciate assistance from our readers.

Special thanks to Jay H. ANDERSON of Sheldon, MO, for forwarding a copy of a photograph of William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE ROARK. It's the first picture of my g-g-grandfather that I've ever seen. Jay phoned to say that he might bring his ROARK records down in January to compare notes with what I've got. Perhaps some of our other local researchers would like to sit in on that exchange. Let me know.

Rootbound in the Hills is as close as the mailbox - and we're here to help! Happy trails!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #62:
29 Nov 1988

Thank you Genealogy Friends of the Library (City-County Library in Neosho) for inviting me to speak at your November meeting. It was great seeing so many of you!

The Genealogy Friends of the Library have built and maintained a superior collection of books and microfilm in the basement of the library at Neosho. Their current project is to purchase a printed 1850 census of every state in the union. Stop by and see what they have. It's well worth a visit!

Dixie HAASE (Rt. 1, Box 43-A, Granby, MO 64844) would like to acquire more information about the following individuals: James GUNTER (died 11 June 1940), Gracy A. GUNTER (died 11 Mar 1852), Loucinda HALL (died 17 Aug 1851), Nancy HALKUM (died 2 Dec 1842), Margaret June BUCHANAN (died 22 April 1857), Alexander BUCHANAN (died 8 May 1857), Hettie FERGUSON (married name - born 1839, died Aug 1903), Edman FERGUSON (may have been born in TN), and Pacify Tinsey BULLARD (born 24 June 1829 - marriage record gives her name as Pacify Tinsy LEWIS, and her husband was MYERS / MARRS).

Other surnames that Dixie HAASE is researching include: ATKINS, BEELER, BEAVER, BULLARD, CAPPS, HAASE, HARDCASTLE, LONG, McDANIEL, MOULDER, PENNYBAKER, PETRE, PROCTOR, and YADON. Get in touch with Dixie if you're working one of those lines. She's waiting by the mailbox in Granby!

Mary Fern SOUDER (601 Oak Ridge Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74006) would like to correspond with persons who are researching the families of George W. WARREN (born 1817 TN, died 1908 in Benton County, AR, buried at Twelve Corner Cemetery), and George LAWSON (born 1858, died 1909, buried at Roller Cemetery, McDonald County, MO). She would also like to exchange information of the following Ozark surnames: BUTTRAM, FINE, ROSE, and SPURLOCK. Are our "ROSE" researchers paying attention? Who else can help Mary?

Mrs. Paul MAHAN (1631 Park Heights, Miami, OK 74354) is tracking the family of John Samuel and Mary Malinda "Pop" BEELER MAHAN who lived in McDonald County, MO, from 1869 until 1934. She sould also like to learn the names of the parents of Caroline Lucinda JOHNSTON who married John Thomas STITES in 1866 in Newton County, MO. The other surnames that Mrs. MAHAN is working include: LEWIS, MOORE, STARK, and VINEYARD. Some of those names have appeared in Rootbound before.

Rootbound's good friend, Carl A. HANNAH (Rt. 4, Box 242, Grove, OK 74344) recently forwarded more information on his FRANKLIN line. Carl's great-grandfather was James a FRANKLIN (born 22 Feb 1828 in Athens, Limestone County, AL, and died 25 May 1911 in Sparta, Christian County, MO). James was possibly married four times and fathered at least twelve children. The first child, Susan (or Susannah) was born ca. 1846 in Arkansas, probably the daughter of his first wife (name unknown).

The mother of subsequent FRANKLIN children was Louisana (a.k.a. "Lou Ann" or "Lucy Ann") PARK. She was born on 24 March 1835 in Mississippi and married James FRANKLIN in 1850 in Pittsburg Twp., Johnson County, AR, and died on 29 June 1882 at Stark, Neosho County, KS. The children were each born in Taney County, MO. They are listed below, chronologically, along with the names of their spouses:

Mary A. (1. _____ MYERS, 2. Dillon STEPHENSON), Robert Marion (Mary "Polly" Ann BLEVINS - they were buried in Rocky Comfort, MO), George Thomas (Mary Ann GRIGG), William Alexander (Amanda MATTHEWS), John Newton (Ida Catherine GRIGG), Nancy Jane (1. Fenton MOOREMAN, 2. Alfred E. ROBERTS), Sarah Melvina "Sally" (Jacob PAYNE), Benjamin Allen (Jessie Drucilla SIMPKINS), Synthia A., Louisana, Tennessee (Anderson Montel HANNAH - they were married in Rocky Comfort, MO), and Orlena Belle (Daniel J. FERGUSON)

Carl HANNAH is the program director for the Delaware County Genealogical Society. He would be very happy to exchange information with any potential cousins.

Super Genealogist: Bonnie MARTIN, a member of Genealogy Friends of the Library, has logged over eight hundred volunteer (unpaid) hours in the genealogy section of the City-County Library this year. She reshelves books, answers the mail, helps researchers, and generally makes the place work for those who need it. What a trooper!

Until next week...happy trails!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #61:
22 Nov 1988

Folks in the Ozarks often head toward Kentucky to hunt ancestors, but today's first correspondent is doing just the opposite. Mrs. W.H. RODGERS (716 E. Main, Glasgow, KY 42141) has sent the following:

Does Mrs. RODGERS have any cousins who read Rootbound? Get in touch!

Mildred Maxine (DICKSON) FRISBIE (415 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, OK 74354) is researching William LATTY and his wife, Susan Carol ABERNATHY. They were born in Tennessee and later lived in Arkansas. Their daughter, Frances Lucinda, was born 20 Jan 1870. Who has information that will help Mildred with this family line? We've had LATTY queries previously.

Former Rootbound correspondent Orpha SPEARS ANDERS SMYTHE (P.O. box 463, Pineville, MO 64856) has forwarded a wealth of material on the SPEARS family. She would like to contact anyone who is interested in her research or who has information to share. Mrs. SMYTHE would appreciate an SASE (self-address, stamped envelope) with all correspondence. Her SPEARS research is summarized beolw:

Special thanks to Orpha SPEARS ANDERS SMYTHE for sharing her lineage with Rootbound. Can some of our readers add to it?

And this from Genealogy Friends Newsletter (Neosho - Genealogy Friends of the Library). Enid DUNLAP WOOD. a retired teacher who lives near Arma, KS, is a member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society. She will accept genealogical queries for the column she writes for the newspaper in Fort Scott. Address queries to Mrs. WOOD in care of The Tribune, Box 150, Fort Scott, KS 66710).

Need an address for a genealogy column in some other section of the United States? I have a copy of the 1988 Directory of Genealogy Columns in Newspapers. Just drop a note (and SASE) to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper requesting the address for a column in a specific ares (such as south-central TN, etc), and I'll let you know what's available. And, as always with Rootbound, there's no charge!

Happy trails!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #60:
15 Nov 1988

A recent phone call from the Hoosier State brought this query. Ralph STILES (Star Route, Box 387, Rome, IN 47574) is seeking to learn more about Oster M. McDONALD (1862-1949) and his wife, Flore N. STILES (8 June 1873-1962). They were married on 4 Sep 1889 in Fairview, Ford County, KS, near Dodge City. The couple later lived in Benton County, AR, near Southwest City, MO, and they are buried at the Southwest City Cemetery.

Oster and Flora had a son, Morgan McDONALD (25 Nov 1892 - 29 Oct 1973) who was a World War I veteran. Morgan McDONALD never married. Anyone with information to share or exchange about the McDONALD family should contact Mr. STILES at his home in Indiana.

Speaking of McDONALD, Mike COSTELLO (c/o Kathy's Kountry Kitchen, Main St., Noel, MO 64854) has recently shown me a collection of old correspondence and receipts. One name that figures prominently in the material is E.B. McDONALD who apparently lived in or around Noel at the turn of the century. Other surnames that I gleaned from Mike COSTELLO's material include: BEACH, BEDELL, BENNETT, BILLINGS, BOYD, BROWN, BROWNING, BUTLER, CHERRY, COOLEY, CLOUD, DeGROFF, ELLIS, FITZPATICK, GIVENS, HARRIS, HOWARD, JENNINGS, JONES, KING, LAWRANCE, LINDSEY, MARSHALL, MILLER, MILLICAN, MORROW, MOSIER, NICELY, NOEL, PALMER, PARISH, PUTMAN, ROBINSON, SHORTHILL, STARNS, STUTZMAN, TALBOT, TAYLOR, THORN, WALLACE, WEBB, WHITE, and WILSON.

Most of the names seem tied to the Noel area, and some have even appeared in Rootbound previously. For more specifics about this collection of documents, contact Mike COSTELLO in Noel.

Mary FOSTER ADAMS (Box 27, 2001 E. Steve Owens Blvd., Miami, OK 74354) would like to exchange information with researchers who are tracking any of the following surnames: ADAMS, BUCKMASTER, FOSTER, LANE, McCASLIN, McMAHON, or TEMPLE. Who can help?

Also from Miami...Mrs. Etta JACKMAN (605 G, N.E., Miami, OK 74354) would like to learn more about Henry JACKMAN and Thomas McCARTY. Do either of those men figure into the research of any of our readers?

Plans are underway for the Oklahoma Genealogical Society's Centennial of '89 Genealogy Conference to be held in Oklahoma City on 8-10 June 1989. It is hoped that this three-day meeting which will be held at the Hilton Inn West will bring many genealogists back to the area where their grandparents participated in one or more of Oklahoma's famous land openings. The conference program and registration material may be obtained by sending a request to: Centennial of '89 Conference, Oklahoma Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 12986, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Remember to mention that you read about the conference in Rootbound!

Mary HART ROGERS has recently informed Rootbound that a cemetery directory for Mack's Creek, MO, has been completed. Copies are five dollars each, and they may be obtained by writing to the Mack's Creek Chamber of Commerce.

Roy J. LONG (854 Park N.W., Mismi, OK 74354) is searching for any relatives of Alexander Earl KING who was born in Canada on 25 Dec 1834. He married Sina Ann EAST. Mr. KING died in Springfield, MO, and is buried at Shawnee, OK. Are some of his descendants Rootbound readers?

Ozark Root Box: Don't forget that Rootbound's new database, the Ozark Root Box, is now on line and ready to sue. Just send the surnames that you are researching along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to Rootbuond in the Hills in care of this newspaper, and I'll let you know the names and addresses of any others who are tracking the same names. What could be simpler?

Happy trails!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #59:
8 Nov 1988

Oh, how I love good news! Here is what Dorothy THOMAS (1336 Sandy Hill Dr., West Covina, CA 91791) had to say in a recent letter:

Folks, letters like that one from Dorothy make all of those lonely hours at the typewriter pounding out Rootbound columns worthwhile. Cousins helping cousins, that's what it's all about!

Hello, Benton County, Arkansas! Two fine newspapers from your county have been carrying Rootbound for the past few weeks. That means more readers, and more help in climbing those family trees! Please read on...

Veda Viola TAYLOR (1827-G. Northwest, Miami, OK 74354) is interested in learning more about Alvira TILLMON who married Daniel HUTCHINSON at Cassville, MO, on 22 Jan 1838. She died in March 1840 while giving birth to a daughter, Elvira, who was reared by the Elijah STROTHER family and her aunt, Sarah HUTCHINSON. Who can help Veda with this research?

Gladys SEAY (Rt. 2, Box 560, Welch, OK, 74369) is tracking the following surnames: GRIFFITH, MORRIS, PUTNAM, STRIPLIN, SEAY, and STANTON. She would like to hear from any of our readers who are working on the same names.

Marianne SAUTER WHEELER, president of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society, has announced the society will establish a First Families of the Twin Territories organization. The purpose will be to recognize, honor, and perpetuate the memory of Pioneer and Indian families who were early residents of Oklahoma or Indian Territory on or before the date of statehood.

To be eligible for membership, individuals must document each generation of their lineage back to an ancestor or ancestors who resided in one of Oklahoma's territories on or prior to 16 Nov 1907. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 12986, Oklahoma City, OK 73157.

Rootbound correspondent Irene MASTRONI (2080 Redding Road, Fairfield, CT 06430) is seeking information on the parentage of her great-grandparents, John LYLES (born 11 Sep 1843, TN) and Sallie HOLDEN (born 30 Sep 1842, TN). They were married in Maury County, TN, on 22 May 1864, and moved to Ladonia, TX, ca. 1869. According to census records, John's father was William (born ca. 1805, SC) and his grandfather was Samuel (born ca. 1779, SC). Irene would appreciate any assistance which our readers may be able to offer.

Irene MASTRONI had written earlier regarding Ambrose MEADOR, an ancestor of many of the Newton County MACYs. Her latest letter contained a few pages which had been copied from Descendants of Ambrose MEADOR, Bedford County, Virginia to Breckenridge County, Kentucky, 1733-1988 by Jane MEADOR NEWTON and Wathena KENNEDY MILLER. Cousins desiring more information on this material should drop me a note in care of this newspaper, or write to Irene in Connecticut. We're both waiting by the mailbox!

And remember, when you write to someone asking for assistance with genealogy, always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It's good mail manners, and it will generate a quicker reply.

Happy trails!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #58:
1 Nov 1988

The first letter out of the mailbag this week is from the Big Sky State. Laurel WILKERSON SHOOK (P.O. Box 801, Miles City, MT 59301) is researching her Ozark ancestry. Laurel's father, Thomas Edgar WILKERSON, was born in Pineville, MO, on 7 Feb 1892, the son of Alexander A. and Amanda DeSPAIN WILKERSON. After Amanda's death in Grandin, MO, in 1895, the rest of the family moved to the state of Washington. Do any of our readers have information about this WILKERSON family of Pineville, McDonald County, MO?

Researching in Texas? Rootbound's friend, Hildred HUGHES ABLES (700 Garfield, Miami, OK 74354), has recently forwarded several copies of a genealogy column written by Margaret Ann THETFORD for The Dallas Morning News. The excellent feature is a blend of book reviews, queries, information on groups and meetings, and other items of interest to genealogists. The address is: Family Tree, The Dallas Morning News, Communications Center, Dallas, TX 75265. And remember to mention Rootbound when you write to Margaret.

Hildred HUGHES ABLES (address above) also sent a query. She is tracking her great-grandfather, William Thomas JONES, who was born in Kentucky and later resided in Greenfield, MO. He died of smallpox while being held as a prisoner of the Union Army during the Civil war. His widow, Mary DICKEY JONES, sold her farm and moved with her brother, Ephriam DICKEY, to Lamar County, TX, ca. 1877. Hildred adds that he great-grandfather was probably a twin, and all of her JONES relatives remained in Missouri. Are any of them reading this?

Billie SCHERTZER (509 E. SE, Miami, OK 74354) would like to learn more about her g-g-grandfather, William Robert WILLIAMS, who was thought to have been born in Missouri. He lived in Douglas and Taney Counties ca. 1860, and his son, also named William Robert WILLIAMS, was born in Douglas County, MO, on 12 Feb 1863. The elder Mr. WILLIAMS was married to Sarah or Sabrina GREEN. They were possibly residents of Washington County, AR, at one time. Who can help? Billie is reasearhcing these other surnames as well: HUFFMAN, LANGFORD, and BURNETT.

Irene COOK WHITEHEAD (Seneca, MO) amd Jay H. ANDERSON (Sheldon, MO) have recently sent for their free copy of Rootbound's article on the ROARK/POE families of Newton and McDonald Counties. We're still honoring requests - just drop a note (and a self-addressed, stamped envelope) to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Former Rootbound contributor Fred Wellington SMITH passed away a couple of weeks ago. Fred, who moved with his parents to Goodman, MO, in 1911, was a wealth of information and stories about the Ozarks. Last spring Rootbound ran excerpts from Fred's biography, Ozark Trails and Tales: A Collection of Memories, which ahd been compiled by his son and granddaughter. Fred was a wonderful fellow - we'll all miss him.

And more sad news...Mary SREAVES CLOTFELTER and her husband, Jack, were seriously injured on September 19th while on vacation out west. As the couple was walking across an intersection in Reno, NV, they were run down by a man on a motorcycle who was being pursued by the highway patrol. Mary and Jack flew back to Missouri on a charter jet a few weeks ago, and they are reportedly doing better. Rootbound ran an award-winning (Crowder Quill - Golden Quill Award) biographical sketch, Made from Scratch, by Mary last summer. The CLOTFELTERs live in Monett. Our best wishes go out to them both.

Ozark Root Box: Would you like to know who else is researching your Ozark surnames? Rootbound has developed a card file database of all surnames used in the column (as well as some others) along with a listing of names and addresses of the people who are tracking those names. And we'll share! Just send a list of the surnames you are interested in to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper, and we'll let you know who else is barking up the same tree. Please enclose an SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) with requests.

Until next week - happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #57:
25 Oct 1988

Daniel Alexander SREAVES: 28 Oct 1888 - 29 Sep 1970

The Ozarks were ablaze in their flaming fall glory, much as they are today. Grover CLEVELAND was in the White House, but within a couple of weeks he would be defeated for reelection by Benjamin HARRISON. Folks in the cities were discussing the tariff and the huge U.S. Treasury surplus of cash, while their country cousins were more concerned with practical matters, like whether to expect a repeat of the past winter's awful blizzard.

It was near Huntsville, Arkansas, a century ago this week that Alex and Mary Jane SREAVES welcomed their first child into the world. The boy, Dan, would spend twelve years in the hills of Madison County playing, going to school, working on the farm, and developing the self-reliance and strong character needed to stand him well over the rough trails of life.

Family legend has it that Alex SREAVES had a violent argument with an unstable neighbor in 1901. Whatever the case, Alex did gather his family into two covered wagons and head for Missouri that year. Mary Jane's brother, Tommy ELLIS, drove the second wagon. The small group of adventurers walked, rode, and camped out for three days and nights enroute to their new home in Anderson, Missouri. Before long, however, the family again pulled up stakes and went to an area between Goodman and Seneca, MO, known as Swars Prairie. It was on this prairie that Dan SREAVES spent most of the rest of his life.

Dan married Nancy Jane "Sis" ROARK on 13 March 1912 in McDonald County. This union brought forth seven children: Harold Dean, Mary Ruth (Mrs. Fred MARBLE), Ned Roark (married Gwendolyn WALLACE), Ruby Florine (Mrs. Garland MACY), Virgie Christine (Mrs. A.G. "Bob" DOBBS), Betty Lou (Mrs. Dalton MACY), and Floyd Edgar (married Shirley MEANS). Dan and Sis also raised her nephew, Ivan ROARK.

The SREAVES family attended church and Sunday School regularly. Dan always tithed, even during times when it seem as though the money just wasn't there, and for years he was instrumental in providing the necessary financial support to keep the doors open at the small Swars Prairie Methodist Church. (My mother, Florine, told me on several occasions that there were so many SREAVES in that small church that the hymn Bringing in the Sheeves would often be sung as Bringing in the SREAVES!) Throughout his life, Dan sought counsel in the Bible before making important decisions.

Dan SREAVES was a farmer, and at times he supplemented the modest farm income by hauling milk and driving a school bus. He and his brother, Jess, were also sorghum producers. Dan had a special filtration process that used local red clay to ultimately render a clear, bitterless sorghum. He would load the sorghum into his old Model-T Ford and take it to stores in Joplin and the surrounding area. People always knew that the SREAVES name of sorghum meant quality.

The devotion that Dan SREAVES had toward his wife never wavered. Sis died in 1953, leaving her husband to endure a period of grief and loneliness. But Dan was not destined to live out the remainder of his life in solitude. He eventually married a widow, Martha THOMPSON ROARK, who had been his childhood sweetheart. There are still people in Seneca who remember Dan pushing Martha down the street in a wheelbarrow on their wedding day!

Dan SREAVES made two significant pilgrimages during his later years. Both were life-long dreams. In the early 1960s his daughter, Christine, and her family took him back to Huntsville. It was the only time that he ever returned to his birthplace. After much searching he found his old schoolhouse well hidden in an overgrowth of Arkansas brambles. The little building was being used to store hay. He also was able to locate a childhood friend while on this trip. Dan and his buddy from yesteryear visited in the man's yard until well after dark.

The other important trek was to California. During hard times the family would often say, perhaps only half-jokingly, that they might just sell out and move to California. They never made the move, but in the summer of 1970 Dan, Martha, and his granddaughter, Sharon SREAVES, did fly to Los Angeles to visit his daughter, Ruth, and her family. And what a wonderful time they had! Dan kicked off his shoes to wade in the Pacific Ocean, and he even rode the rides at Disneyland!

Dan SREAVES passed away quietly just a few weeks after returning from the west coast. The crowd that gathered at the little church on Swars Prairie for the services was so immense that loudspeakers had to be set up outside for the ones who were unable to find seating inside. With the same minister who had buried Sis officiating, and grandsons serving as pallbearers, the funeral was a fond and emotional farewell to a wonderful man. It was as if the many kindnesses that Dan had shown to others throughout his lifetime had been summoned forth as mourners.

The SREAVES name still meant quality!

Rootbound in the Hills #56:
18 Oct 1988

Isn't it great to get good news every now and then! Mary C. BROWN of San Diego, CA, made my day when she wrote to report that her query which ran in Rootbound on September 6th had brought a very helpful answer. Mary credits Rootbound for her success, but the praise needs to be directed to the good lady in Neosho who took the time to read the column and respond.

Who has some tidbit of knowledge that will help one of today's correspondents? Please read on...

Grace JACKSON (2407 University Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306) is researching the TIPPETT or TIBBETT family who lived in Newton County, MO, in 1880. The father's name was William or Mike. The mother's name was Hanna (or Louise) WHITE. The children were John (born 1855, married Mary PREUET 1879, died before 1921); Charles K. (born 1856, married Henrietta WAYMIRE, died 1943); Elizabeth (Lizzie)(born 1860, married 1. B.A. MURPHY 1880, 2. Salzman D. _____); Mary E. (born 1861, married Nathaniel WAYMIRE 1878, died 1921 at Needmore, Delaware County, OK); Susan (born 1864, married 1. Scott BENNETT 1880, 2. _____ SCRUGGS, died before 1944); Louise (Tib) (born 1866, married Charles YUST 1883, died before 1921); Nancy (born 1870, married _____ NORMAN, resided in Galena, KS, 1943); Magdalene (Pet or Maggie) (born 1872, married John HOLMAN, died 1943); William White (Willie) Born 1875, died 1963, OK); and Julie (Julia) (born 1877, married _____ BROWN, resided in Grove, OK 1944).

Grace would like to eachange information with anyone who is a descendant of one of the people that she is researching or who knows anything about their history. Two additional surnames that she is tracking are SAMPLES and GROOMS.

Rootbound's good friend, Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344) is still on the trail of her ROSE family. She is seeking descendants of Stephen Grant ROSE. He was born on 6 May 1863, married Ida May ANDERSON on 5 March 1885 in Newton or McDonald County, and lived on the Newton/McDonald County line northwest of Goodman. Stephen and Ida had seven children: Lizzie Blanche (born 24 Dec 1885), Bertha Maud (1 Jan 1888), S. Raymond (3 Feb 1890), Leona Ethel (25 Sep 1891), Lula Edna (8 Jan 1894), Sylvia Ruth (25 Feb 1896), and Charles Norman (3 Dec 1897).

Stephen Grant ROSE was a son of George Washington ROSE and a brother to Thomas Fletcher ROSE and Elizabeth Baker ROSE PIERCE."

Rose STAUBER would appreciate any help that Rootbound readers can offer on her ROSE line. She is also seeking descendants of William M. MARQUIS who was born on 25 Jan 1830 and died 30 Jan 1885. His daughter, Mary Lucinda MARQUIS, married Thomas Fletcher ROSE. They lived in McDonald County or Newton County.

What follows might be of interest to Rose STAUBER - and hopefully to others as well. Read on...

Mrs. George VANPOOL (Rt. 5, Box 182, Miami, OK 74354) is interested in the following Ozark surnames: VANPOOL, PAINE, FINE, PENDERGRAFT, SPURLOCK, STRAIN, and ROSE. She would appreciate hearing from any potential cousins.

Are any of our Rootbound readers tracking a CALTON line? L.C. MELTON (Rt. 4, Box 15, Miami, OK 74354) would like to exchange information.

The postman recently dropped off a complimentary copy of a quarterly entitled Families of Yancy County, NC. The impressive publication contained copies of vital records, ancestor charts, queries, and a full surname index. Since many people in the Ozarks are rooted in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, this quarterly could be of benefit to some Rootbound readers. A one year subscription may be obtained by sending $10 to Editor Sally WILLIAMS, 418 Hwy 110 North, Whitehouse, TX 75791). And remember to tell Sally that you read about her publication in Rootbound!

Need some help in hunting forebears? Write to Rootbound in care of this newspaper. That's what we're here for!

Happy trails!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #55:
11 Oct 1988

Rootbound has several new friends in the vicinity of Miami, OK, and they're all members of the Ottawa County Genelogical Society. Many thanks to the group for inviting me to speak about Rootbound in the Hills at their October meeting.

The Ottawa County Genealogical Society (Box 1383, Miami, OK 74354) meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the dining room of the Nine Tribes Tower. The $7 annual dues entitles members to copies of the group's excellent quarterly publication, Smoke Signals, as well as other benefits associated with being part of a first-rate genealogical society.

Queries and surname lists gathered at Miami will run in Rootbound over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Norma F. MILLWEE (4011 Kiva Trail, S.W., Los Lunas NM 87031) would like to contact any member of the Ralph Thomas WHITE family. When Ralph died (she neglected to say where) on 18 Aug 1983, he was survived by his wife, Nellie Rebecca COOK WHITE, and several grown children: Betty LANDRETH (Adele, IA), Mary LAUTHERN (Willard, MO), Sharon McLEES (Kansas City, MO), Jack (Springfield, MO), and Tom (Stella, MO). Norma is waiting by the mailbox in sunny New Mexico.

And this for our readers in Barry County: Maynard PAINTER (1 Circle Dr., Litchfield, IL 62056) is seeking information on three ladies who were born in Barry County. Maynard is tracking Martha PAINTER (born 1849) who married Vinzent BROCK in 1867, Lucinda PAINTER (born 1847) who became the wife of William MAXON in 1868, and Elvina PAINTER (born 1841). Perhaps some of our McDonald County BROCKs are tied to this line. Maynard would like to hear from his Ozark cousins.

Mrs. Frank (Maxine BROWN) MULVANEY (1102 N. Central, Monett, MO 65708) is searching for two former classmates who graduated from Pierce City High School in 1934. Both would be in their early seventies today. Do any of our readers know the whereabouts of Frederick CLASSEN or Dorothy Fern MATHIS?

Frederick was the son of Fred CLASSEN, a monument maker, and Ann TARPY CLASSEN. He joined the Navy after graduation. Frederick's parents later moved to Colorado. Dorothy Fern MATHIS was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Audrey MATHIS. The family had moved to Pierce City from Carbondale, IL. Mr. MATHIS worked on the railroad and his wife was a homemaker. Have any of our readers kept in touch with Frederick or Dorothy?

Do we have any GARMON or GARMAN researchers reading Rootbound? Mrs. Patricia SCOTT GARMON (28111 Mountain Meadow Road, Escondido, CA 92026) is ready to exchange information. She is especially interested in Arkansas lines.

Ruth L. GEOUGE (919 Crest Lane, Miami, OK 74354) needs to know how to gain access to the I.O.O.F. records at Wheaton, MO. She is trying to learn more about her great-grandfather, Joseph N. BROOKS, a Baptist minister at Rock Springs Church. Ruth is the program chairman for the Ottawa County Genealogical Society.

Special Announcement: The U.S. Postal Service is promoting genealogy. Post offices across the country are distributing an informational flyer entitled Plant a Family Tree. It includes specifics on how to begin tracing ancestry as well as a blank family group record and four-generation family tree chart. Stop by your local post office today and pick one up...and don't forget to mention that you heard about it in Rootbound!

And while you're at the post office, drop Rootbound a card or letter with your query, surnames, or genealogical material to share with our readers. Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #54
4 Oct 1988

Former Rootbound contributor Leonard DAMRON (Rt. 1, Box 118, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768) stopped by a few weeks ago to disucss the family books that he has completed. The list on his family books include two on DAMRON, one dealing with CARVER, and a volume centering of FERGUSON. Mr. DAMRON, a stickler for genealogical accuracy, is still researching each of those surnames along with related spellings in an effort to offer blanket coverage of each surname up through the year 1910.

Leonard DAMRON reports that his books circulate free through the mail. Persons who desire a copy send him their name and address, and he places them on a mailing list. When the book arrives, the recipient pays to copy as much as he or she wants, and then pays the postage to send the book on to the next name of the list. That's quite a marketing concept! The only thing that he receives for his work is documented research that the people who borrow his books may wish to share with the author.

Mr. DAMRON also dropped off a query. He is searching for information on Belfield "Belf" FERGUSON (born 1804, SC) who resided in Morgan County, MO, in 1840, 1850, and 1860. Where did he go after 1860? Belf was a brother to William W. "Big Creek Bill" FERGUSON, a resident of Morgan County in 1840 and 1850. Big Creek Bill was in Sebastian County, AR, in 1860.

Those having questions or answers for Leonard DAMRON should contact him at the address listed above. He is eager to share the mountains of DAMRON, CARVER, and FERGUSON research that he has compiled and sorted. What a great genealogical attitude!

Irene MASTRONI (2080 Redding Road, Fairfield, CT 06430) is researching Ambrose MEADOR who was born in 1730 in Essex County, VA, and died in 1795 in Bedford County, VA. According to Irene, Ambrose was a son of Thomas MEADOR and Elizabeth WOOD. He and his wife, Frances "Frankie" HIX were the parents of four children: William, Drucilla (wife of George BANDY), Thomas (husband of Alice DOWELL), and Frances "Fanny" (wife of Micajah DOWELL).

Irene's Ambrose MEADOR happens to be my g-g-g-g-g-grandfather. His great-granddaughter, Mary Jane MEADOR, married Charles MACY. They came to Newton County, MO, from Kentucky (via Kansas) during the late 1860s. Cousins desiring more information may write to Irene in Connecticut or drop me a line in care of this newspaper. Let's share what we know!

Dorothy HENSON THOMAS (1336 Sandy Hill Drive, West Covina, CA 91791) learned about Rootbound from a friend who lives in Newton County. She is tracking her great-grandfather, Francis Marion HENSON, who was born in 1831 in Hardeman County, TN, and eighteen years later was living in Barry County, MO, with his wife, Nancy RAY. His father's name was apparently was John HENSON.

Francis Marion HENSON may have come to Missouri with his grandfather, Richard HENSON. Richard (born 1760, Caroline County, VA) traveled to Newton County, MO, in 1845 (at age eighty-five!) to visit Martha May, his sister. While in Newton County, Richard applied for his Revolutionary War pension.

Mrs. THOMAS feels that Richard HENSON probably died in Newton County. Francis Marion HENSON died in Hot Springs, AR, in 1910. She would appreciate hearing from anyone who has information to share on her HENSON line.

The Backtracker, the excellent publication of the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society, mentioned Rootbound in its most recent issue. That brought a query from Nelda POTTS (P.O. Box 536, Buda, TX 78610). She is working on the lineage of John POTTS and his wife, Mary A. "Polly" _____, who lived for a time (possibly 1865-1870) in Benton County, AR. One of their children, Thomas (born 13 Dec 1827, IN) married Mary Jane CLARK(E) (born 3 Dec 1830, TN). They were living in Green Forest, AR, 1850-1867. Both families were in central Texas between 1870 and 1880. The other children of John and Mary POTTS were Davis (born 1829, IN), Ann (1832, KY), Newton (1836, MO), John, Jr (1838, AR), Henry (1842, AR), Sarah (1844, AR), and William (1849, AR).

Nelda POTTS is anxious to share family research with her Ozark cousins. Any volunteers?

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #53:
27 Sep 1988

Jo lives in Grove, OK, and Ginny is at home in Sulphur Springs, AR. The two friends lost touch shortly after World War II. Now, thanks to a little assist from Rootbound and a big helping of luck, they have found each other. Congratulations, ladies!

Geri HILE APPLEGATE (Rt. 1, Box 147, Sand Springs, OK 74063) is researching her grandfather, John M. HILE. Mr. HILE was born ca 1858, possibly the son of Andrew J. HILE of Prairie Township, Washington County, AR. The younger Mr. HILE was married three times. By his first wife, Elizabeth _____, he had one son, William Gainsby HILE, who was born in November of 1879. Wife number two, Etna Rosetta MARTIN, gave birth to Charles HILE in December of 1889 at Pea Ridge, AR. Mr. HILE married his third wife, Ida Mae LARKIN, on 1 Jan 1890 in McDowell, Barry County, MO. They were the parents of John Henry, Mary Minnie, Arthur Lawrence, and Effie Gladys.

Where was John M. HILE born? Was Andrew his father? Were John and Etta R. MARTIN married and/or divorced in Washington County or Benton County, AR? (Etna R. MARTIN HILE later married George Washington CLINE. They resided in Ottawa County, OK, and are buried in Seneca, MO.)

Mrs. APPLEGATE believes that her grandfather, John M. HILE, worked in the lead and zinc mines of Afton, OK, around 1900, and that he may have also been employed by the railroad in Neosho, MO. She would appreciate hearing from any of our readers who have knowledge of John M. HILE, his wives, or his children.

Several weeks ago Rootbound published a query from Joan K. ACHILLE (Box 3557
Boles RS, Alamogordo, NM 88311). She was on the trail of the McALISTER brothers, Charles H. and Joseph S., who were somewhere in Oklahoma at the turn of the century. I neglected to mention that Joan had volunteered to help any of our readers who might be tracking ancestors in Cochise County, AZ. If Grampa went west, check with Joan!

Juanita W. HOLLOWAY (Rt. 1, Box 12, Stillwell, OK 74960) wishes to learn more about her grandfather, Joseph Turner McCULLY. He was born 11 Mar 1867 in Randolph County, MO, to Isaac Lawson McCULLY and Louisa Penelope TURNER. The family later migrated to McDonald County, MO, where Joseph owned a sawmill or lumber company at Wylie, near Pineville.

Joseph McCULLY married Clara Mclindie BAKER on 31 October 1893 in McDonald County. She was born 24 Nov 1873 and raised by her grandfather. Clara had two half-brothers after her father remarried. Zack BAKER, who was wed in Chanute, KS, and worked for the railroad, and Thomas Owen BAKER, who was later adopted and renamed Edwin Stevenson DILTON.

The children of Jospeh and Clara McCULLY were: Beulah Lisker, Herbert Lawson, Arvonia Cletus, Joseph William, Mary Lou, Louisa Maud, Clara Imogene, Vadis Lee, and Albert Franklin.

Mrs. HOLLOWAY is the daughter of Beulah Lisker McCULLY and Chester Earl WORLEY. Other surnames in her family tree include: DAVIS, DENOIER, FARRAR, FARRIS, FRENCH, HALL, HARSENCOOK, HAYDEN, JOHNSON, LINGES, SHERMAN, TERRELL, THOMAS, TRACY, UTTER, WHITE, and WINGER.

Cousins may contact Juanita Holloway by writing to her in Stillwell. She's waiting by the mailbox!

Here's another ROARK branch: Louise DAVIS (Box 515, Camp Verde, AZ 86322) is searching for information on her grandmother, Louisa ROARK, who was born in Louisana in 1854. She married James M. IRWIN ca. 1875. The couple lived in Howard County, AR, before moving to Clark County, AR, around 1904. Louisa died in Clark County between 1910 and 1912. Can any of our readers provide information to Louise on her grandmother?

Speaking of ROARKs, don't forget to send for the free copy of our special column which dealth with the family of William Carroll and Comfort POE ROARK. They migrated to Newton County, MO, in the 1850's. Their descendants are everywhere! Just mail your request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootobund in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Need some help shaking the family tree? Give Rootbound a try. We're here to help!

Happy trails!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #52:
20 Sep 1988

The first letter out of the mailbag this week comes from Joan MEEKER STRASBURG (2406 Elm Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081). She is seeking descendants of James Anderson DANIEL(S) and Frank Wade DANIEL(S). Both were in Scott County, MO, at the start of the Civil War when James enlisted in the Union Infantry and Wade joined the Confederate Calvary. James was commissioned as a Lieutenant and resigned in June of 1865.

James Anderson DANIEL(S) was born on 5 Oct 1835 in Lincoln or Franklin County, TN. He married his first wife, Elizabeth RANDLE, in Scott County, MO. She died ca. 1866 in Franklin County, KS, after the birth of a daughter, Sara Elizabeth "Bettie". (Bettie became the wife of Loyd Lee "Rebel" NOEL.) James then married Ellen Elizabeth ELMORE, a daughter of John Belton and Rebecca GRAHAM ELMORE, in 1871 in Cherokee County, KS. Their children (with spouses in parentheses) were: Lennie Frances (Shannon WHITE), Virginia Lee "Jennie" (Charles "Bud" WHIPPLE), James Wade (Lucy SMITH), William "Will" Silas (Josephine BOYD), George Franklin "Frank" (Ida MOSIER and Daisy Fay _____), Loyd Anderson (Nancy NICHOLS), Mattie Susan (A.C. WALKER), and Ellen Olena "Topsy" (Edward HARGRAVE). The family lived in and near Sulpher Springs, AR, where James had a real estate office in his retirement years.

F. Wade and Nancy _____ DANIEL(S) were the parents of at least Jonathan, Green, William E. "Willie" (who reportedly became a wealthy wheat farmer in Kansas), Arletta E., Charley S., Bell M.J., and Thomas L. Nancy and her children were living in Washington County, AR, at the time of the 1880 census and she was listed as a widow. Family legend, however, puts Wade DANIEL(S) in or around Joplin, MO, many years later where he was reported to have been "pensioned" by his son Willie.

Joan MEEKER STRASBURG is a granddaughter to William S. and Josephine BOYD DANIEL(S). She wishes to share information and learn more about any of the surnames mentioned in this query. How about it? Are her cousins still in the Ozarks?

Patricia GARETSON (4101 S. New Haven, Tulsa, OK 74135) wishes to exchange information with anyone who is researching the surname BIGGS. Her ancestor, Drusilla BIGGS, was the daughter of William BIGGS, a Revolutionary War veteran. William was born in Maryland 1753 - 1755, and died in 1827 in Madison County, IL. Other surnames of Patricia's family tree chart include: CARR, HARLOW, LEMEN, MEIGGS, OGLE, SHOOK, and TOLEN.

My g-g-g-g-grandmother was Mourning BIGGS MARTIN, the wife of Abraham MARTIN. She was born ca. 1792 in Edgecombe County, NC, and died on 29 Sep 1877 in Newton County, MO. Abraham was born ca. 1781 in Rockingham County, NC, and died on 29 April 1862 in Newton County, MO. My research indicates that several other members of the BIGGS family may have migrated to Missouri with Abraham and Mourning. Those tracking a BIGGS line should contact me in care of this newspaper and/or Patricia in Tulsa. We all may be able to help each other!

Phyllis REGIER (P.O. Box 611, Mountridge, KS 67107) would like to hear from others who are researching the surname MOSIMAN. Her ancestor, John MOSIMAN, lived near Alexandria, KY, in the early 1800's. Any takers?

And this from the West Coast...

Mrs. G.J. BAILEY (P.O. Box 772, Santa Paula, CA 93060) is searching for the location of Jacksfork, AR. She would also like to know the names of the parents and siblings of Mary Ellen LENARD / LEONARD who was born in Jacksfork in 1857. Mary Ellen was married to William SMITH, and later to James MORGAN. She died in Johnson County, OK.

Rootbound in the Hills is one year old with this week's column. Many thanks to all of the wonderful readers who have kept Rootbound going and growing!

Happy trails!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #51:
13 Sep 1988

ROARK Update: Last December one of the Rootbound columns dealt exclusively with the family of William Carroll and Comfort (POE) ROARK who brought their children to this corner of the world in the 1850's. Originally settling in Granby Township, the group soon pulled up stakes and moved further westward in Newton County. Their descendants have fanned out across the Ozarks, and, if the Rootbound mailbag is any indication, from coast-to-coast as well.

Rootbound readers were promised more ROARK information as it became available. What follows are historical snipets that have arrived from various sources since the original column ran. This material is not offered as verified facts, but simply as points of departure from which others may wish to explore. Proceed with caution...it's not genealogy until it's proven!

William Carroll ROARK was probably the son of William ROARK (born ca. 1796, Sumner County, TN) and Dica (Dicey) JENT (born ca. 1798, Wake County, NC). William and Dica each supposedly died in Newton County, MO, in the mid-19th century. Some of their children included included William Carroll, Elizabeth (married George CLIBURN on 3 April 1841 in Allen County, KY), Jane (born ca. 1832), Wilson (born ca. 1829, married Elizabeth Jane CALVERT on 7 Dec 1848 in Allen County, KY, died prior to 1866), Wiley B. (born 22 Jan 1838, married Rebecca CHITWOOD, died 6 Oct 1889), and Smith ROARK (born ca. 1839).

The children of William and Dica (JENT) ROARK all appear to have been born in Smith County, TN. They were on the 1850 census in Macon County, TN, but that county was formed from Smith and Sumner Counties in 1842.

Wiley B. ROARK listed his place of residence in the mid-1860's as being Granby Township. He is reportedly buried in Maple Park Cemetery, Lawrence County, MO.

William ROARK, husband of Dica JENT, was possibly a son of yet another William ROARK and _____ DORRIS, daughter of an early day evangelist.

ROARK descendants in this area who would like a copy of the December Rootbound column on the ROARKs may obtain one free by writing to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. Please include an SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) and a line or two about how you tie in to the ROARK tree.

D. Fern MUMFORD (2009 Waverly Dr., Duncan, OK 73533) is researching her Ozark roots in Texas, Ripley, and Oregon Counties in Missouri. The surnames that she is researching are MILLER, MASON, and ROBERTS. Persons tracking those names in south-central Missouri should contact Ms. MUMFORD at the address listed above.

Mrs. G.J. BAILEY (P.O. Box 772, Santa Paula, CA 93060) is seeking all information on Samuel P. KING who was born in east Tennessee in 1834. His father was from North Carolina, and Virginia was his mother's state of birth. Samuel P. KING married Martha SMITH in Linn County, KS, in 1856. His family was listed on the 1880 census of Franklin County, AR. Samuel and Martha's children were: James E.P., Mary Etta, Virginia, Frances (Fanny), Lorraine, William, Joseph, and Maud.

Mrs. BAILEY is also on the trail of Solomon SMITH who was born in 1836 in Whitley County, KY. This Civil War vet resided in Lawrence County, MO, in 1897-1898, and died in California in 1910. He married his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth DONALDSON, in Ft. Smith, AR. Their children were: James (Emet), Joseph, Salinda (?), Jane, and Penelley. Mrs. BAILEY wants to learn what became of the children and their mother. She's waiting by the mailbox in Santa Paula!

Happy trails!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #50:
6 Sep 1988

I have recently acquired copies of some of the old school records of the Iron Switch (Belfast) School District of Newton County, MO. Included are lists of students and teachers for 1880-1884, school board minutes 1870-1880, and some taxpayer lists for the 1870's. Fascinating reading! My g-g-grandfather, Charles MACY, served as a director of the school during the early 1870's, and, according to the record of expenditures, occasionally earned pocket money by selling wood to the school at a dollar and a half per load. Those were the days!

I'll search these records for your ancestors for an SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope). Just send the Belfast area names being researched and SASE to Rootbound in care of this newspaper. Give it a try!

Luanne R. EISLER (R.D. 1, Box 268-A, Slippery Rock, PA 16057) is looking for descendants of two brothers who left Luzerne County, PA, ca. 1861 and moved with their families to Boonesville, AR. John "George" THOMAS was born on 17 July 1834 and died in 1923. He married Peggy Ann BAUER who was born in 1838 and died in 1937. The other brother, Wrighter W. THOMAS, was born on 27 Aug 1844 and died in 1932. His wife, Sarah CAMPBELL, died in 1911. Wrighter served in the Confederate Army. The THOMAS brothers were the sons of Henry THOMAS and Elizabeth RADER. Are any of their grandchildren reading this?

Mrs. Charles G. BOWEN (4885 Academy St., San Diego, CA 92109) wishes to learn the parentage of William DUNCAN (born 29 July 1831, probably in Indiana) and his wife, _____ HAYDEN. They were the parents of Willoughby (born 1852, Jasper County, IN), Riley (born 1853, IL), and John Morgan (born 1867, IL). Where in Illinois were Riley and John Morgan DUNCAN born?

William DUNCAN's first wife died in 1867, and he and his sons moved to Benton County, AR, shortly thereafter. He had ten children by Rachel, his second wife. William DUNCAN died in December of 1883 in Benton County, AR, and is buried in Twelve Corners Cemetery.

Riley DUNCAN married Mary E. SMITH in 1875. She was a daughter of William SMITH and Nancy MYERS who were in Missouri (what county?) when Mary was born in 1860. John Morgan DUNCAN married Laura SANDERS in 1885. Did the marriage take place in Benton County, AR, or in Indian Territory near what is today Grove, OK?

Can any of our readers assist Mrs. BOWEN with her research on the DUNCAN family?

Mrs. Curtis CHASTAIN (2051 Willow Ave., Merced, CA 95340) is seeking information on William A. LATTY who was born in Tennessee in 1827. He married Susan ABERNATHY (born 1828, NC) ca. 1847-1848. The couple lived in Missouri in 1852. Their children include Nancy E., Mary J., Amanda, James, John W., George L., Sarah Catherine, and Frances Lucendia. Mrs. CHASTAIN will answer all LATTY correspondence.

And, in conjunction with the previous query, Dora LATTY (Rt. 3, Box 57-A, Anderson, MO 64831) is researching John W. LATTY. He married Sarepta Adeline MATHEWS in McDonald County, MO, on 17 Nov 1877. Their children were Martha Ann, Mary Catherine, Sibil Bess, William Green, George Albert, Frederick N., and John Lawson. Dora LATTY would appreciate hearing from any LATTY or MATHEWS descendant that might have information to share.

What about you? If you have some good genealogical material on any Ozarks family, don't lock it away in a shoebox - share it with Rootbound! We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy trails!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #49:
30 Aug 1988

Rootbound in the Hills is pleased to announce a major expansion. Our weekly wanderings through the genealogy and family history of the Ozarks will now be running in five newspapers. So, if you're reading Rootbound for the first time, hang on! We aim to climb some trees!

Queries, or questions from readers, form the backbone of this column. During Rootbound's first year of existence, letters to this column have arrived from every region of the United States. The correspondents, or distant cousins as well as those of us still residing in the Ozarks, have asked for information, provided answers, and shared valuable family history. Sound interesting? Read on...

Linn REED (Rt. 1, Box 1330, Stella, MO 64867) is searching for an obituary on her husband's g-g-grandfather, James A. REED. Mr. REED was the son of James Alford REED (born in Ohio) and Lucy BRISTOW REED. He married Sophia (Sapphire) Melissa COUBERT. They had sixteen children, nine of whom survived to adulthood. James A. REED (the one for whom the obituary is sought) died at the home of his brother in Anderson, MO, on 2 Nov 1915.

Mrs. REED also has volunteered the use of a REED family genealogy book written by Betty Rae REED BLEIER to any of our readers who feel they might tie into this work. It covers seven generations and almost one hundred and ninety years of REED history. Those of you that are interested may contact her at the above address in Stella.

And this from Bonita J. MARTIN (Rt. 2, Box 312, Neosho, MO 64850):

Bonita "Bonnie" MARTIN is the vice-president of Genealogy Friends of the Library, a support group for the City-County Library in Neosho. They have a fine genealogy collection which includes, among numerous other items of historical interest, a notebook containing a complete collection of Rootbound in the Hills past columns.

Mrs. Charles G. BOWEN (4885 Academy Street, San Diego, CA 92109) is researching Jack DYER, a son of William and Nancy (WARD) DYER, who was born in 1817 in Grainger County, TN. Jack married Agnes DYER in 1840, and they moved their family from Tennessee to Washington County, AR, in 1851. Their children were Cynthia (born 1843, married Ed T. POPEJOY); William (born 1845, married Amanda BAIRD / BARD, daughter of James and Rachel CLEVATE BARD); Charlton (born 1847 - Who did he marry? Did he go by another name?); Mary / Mollie (born 1854 - Who did she marry?); and, C.C. (born 1857, unmarried).

Mrs. BOWEN wishes to know if Charlton and Mollie moved to McDonald County, MO, where other DYERs lived, or did they go to the Territory known today as Delaware County, OK? She will gladly share DYER information with anyone who writes to her at the above address. Who can help?

Until next week...happy trails!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills # 48:
23 Aug 1988

Special thanks to the good folks at the Delaware County Genealogical Society for asking me over to speak about Rootbound at their August meeting. It was great to meet so many of our Oklahoma readers!

And a drive to Grove just isn't complete without stopping by the Grove Public Library to check out their fine genealogy section. I was very impressed by the wide array of books, materials, and equipment that they had on hand.

The Delaware County Genealogical Society meets in the Grove Public Library at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Annual dues are $5 and visitors are welcome at the meetings. Further information can be obtained by contacting the president, Corky SEE, at P.O. Box 1269, Grove, OK 74344. Be sure to tell her that you heard about the group through Rootbound.

Those letters from Oklahoma City just keep coming! Carolyn KEELER (2848 S.W. 82nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73159) is researching the RUSSELL family of the Pineville area. She had this to say:

Can some of our readers help Mrs. KEELER track her McDonald County roots?

A researcher from Crowder College phoned me recently to find out how to locate obituaries on some people who lived in this area. I referred her to the McDonald County Library at Pineville. Mrs. COLLIE has a superior file of obituaries, some of which go back to the turn of the century.

Randy EAST (Rt. 5, Box 2, Lafayette, TN 37083) is the president of the Macon County (TN) Historical Society. He has written to request assistance in tracing some of his kin who drifted to Missouri in the 1840s and 1850s. Mr. EAST is interested in learning what became of William and Jane LINVILLE who were listed on the Wayne County, MO, census of 1850 and 1860. He is also researching the family of Andrew Jackson EAST and his wife, Mary _____, residents of Wayne County, MO, in 1860. Their children were James M., Elizabeth, Anderson, Ezekiel, Agnes, Joseph, Winny, Eliza, Thomas, and Samuel.

Madison County, MO, is of interest to Randy EAST as well. He would like to learn more about the family of James DRIVER and his wife, Winny EAST. The DRIVERs, residents of Madison County in 1860, were the parents of Ezekiel, Tabitha, Thomas, David, Sarah J., Winney, Joseph, Lucy Elizabeth, Madison, James D., and Haley C.

Another family of the 1860 census of Madison County, MO, that Randy EAST is researching is Ezekiel DRIVER and his wife, Bertha _____, and their children: David, Polly, Sally, and Eliza J. He is seeking information as well on Cynthia DRIVER EAST (Madison County, 1860) and her children Joel Y. and Sarah J. EAST.

Randy EAST would like to exchange information with anyone who is a descendant of one of the people that he is researching or who knows anything about their history. And if any of our readers are digging for roots in Lafayette County, TN, perhaps Randy can lend a hand. It never hurts to ask!

Speaking of asking, if you need help shaking the old family tree, just ask Rootbound. We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills # 47:
16 Aug 1988

Christie E. SETSER (9907-D Heritage, St. Louis, MO 63123) read about Rootbound in the latest issue of the Show Me State Genealogical News. She had this to say:

Many descendants of those early families still reside in our area. Hopefully some of them will take pen in hand and write to their cousin in St. Louis.

Russell Lee KING (Rt. 2, Box 279, Nashville, IN 47448) is seeking information on James or Jones KING and his wife, Emeline. James or Jones KING was born in Indiana, married in Arkansas, and died in Davies County, MO. Mr. KING would like to correspond with any KINGs who have Indiana ancestors.

Anyone having knowledge of the Sennith (Sinnat) Pernell HAYWARD family that lived in the Pineville area in the late 1800s should contact Donna BAUGHMAN (8902 S.W. Talawa Dr., Tualatin, OR 97062).

Sennith (Sinnat) HAYWARD was born 24 Aug 1841 in Christian County, IL, and died 29 April 1923 in Gladstone, OR. He married Mary J. REVIS of Fayette County, IL, in 1868. The HAYWARD children included Carrie (born 24 Jan 1869, married Jay MILLER - the sheriff of York, NE, ca. 1920) and Mable (born 19 Mar 1879, married Owen JEFFERY, died 26 April 1971). Carrie and Jay had no known children. Owen and Mable JEFFERY were the parents of Owen and Bertha "Birdie" JEFFERY. Bertha married G.E. PRICKETT. Mrs. BAUGHMAN relates that some members of the HAYWARD family are buried at the Pineville Cemetery.

Donna BAUGHMAN would also like to learn more about Andrew HAYWARD, father of the above mentioned S.P. HAYWARD. He was born in 1802 in Missouri and moved to Blueville, IL, before 1850. Can any of our Rootbound readers give her a boost up the old family tree?

John W. COOK (1307 Teakwood Court, Cleveland, TN 37311) is researching Day (Dai or D.S.) COOK who died in Stella, MO, possibly in the 1950s. Funeral services were held at Wheaton. Does anyone know where Day COOK was buried?

Terry CARSON (4508 Larner St., The Colony, TX 75056) would like to correspond with anyone who has knowledge of the following surnames: CROSBY, HENDERSON, STIPES, and ARMSTRONG. Any volunteers?

Today's column marks a milestone of sorts for Rootbound. We have now published queries from twenty-five states. That's half of the country in less than a year. My sincere thanks to all of you who have helped to make this column work!

Happy Trails!