Monday, April 7, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills # 35:
24 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

The Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho will sponsor their second annual Summer Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, June 11th, at Crowder College. Marsha RISING, a certified genealogist from Springfield, will be the featured speaker. Her presentation will focus on problem solving techniques for the genelaogist, proving identity, distinguishing individuals of the same name, and methods for achieving good results from genealogical correspondence. Sharon ASHTON of Norman, OK, will also be speaking on Indian research. Pre-registration for the workshop has already closed, but persons wishing to participate may sign up on the day of the workshop. The registration fee of $16.50 includes a noon luncheon. See you there!

Mrs. Martha E. TUTT (P.O. Box 105, Mercedes, TX 78570) would like to contact descendants of Shelby C. STOKES and Frances A. MULLENS STOKES from Wayne County, KY, who lived in Benton County, AR, in the 1890's and into the early 1900's. Their children were Stella, Shelly, Robert, and Laura. Fannie MULLENS STOKES is believed to have been in Collingsville, OK, in the 1920's.

Arlene PIPKIN KINGREY (2405 Franklin Road, Scottsville, KY 42164) is interested in exchanging information with anyone of the following surnames: PIPKIN, MARSH, BARTON, WILSON, SCOTT, GUM, SHORT, BARKER, LAW, BANDY, LEE, McTOSH, FITZPATRICT, EAST, and HOWELL. Does she have any cousins reading this column?

Bill and Carol ELLIS (1201 Maple Street, Friona, TX 79035) have been publishing a newsletter about the surname ELLIS for the past decade. Each issue is packed with ELLIS information, history, and queries. This is one of the best family surname newsletters that I have seen. Those of you with an ELLIS branch in your tree might want to subscribe. The cost of $12.00 per year covers four issues and entitles subscribers to unlimited queries. If you write to Bill and Carol, pleease mention that you heard about their work in Rootbound.

Speaking of ELLIS: My g-g-g-grandfather, Joshua C. ELLIS, was born in North Carolina on 31 Jan 1814. He married Sarah KELLY. Joshua died on 21 Dec 1880 and is buried at Vaughan Cemetery near Hindsville, AR. Their children included Hiram Kelly, Joshua Thomas, James, Adeline (O'CONNOR), Sarah, and William J. The 1880 census lists Joshua and Sarah in Prairie township of Madison County, AR.

Their son, William J. ELLIS (my g-g-grandfather) was born in Georgia in 1840. He married Matilda J. COOK, a native of Washington County, AR. Their children were Elizabeth (1861), Josephine (1863), Mary Jane (1866), Jessy R. (1869), Ward (1871), Isaac (1873), and Thomas (1877). The family was residing in War Eagle Township, Madison County, AR, in 1880.

My great-grandmother, Mary Jane ELLIS, was born in Huntsville, AR, on 12 Oct 1866. She married Alexander SREAVES on 15 Jan 1888 in Washington County, AR. They later migrated to McDonald County, MO, where numerous descendants reside today.

Rootbound Ramblings: Genealogy involves far more than just tracking down ancestors. A significant aspect of the work is the preservation of your immediate family history. Most genealogical "how to" books stress the importance of keeping a journal, a daily account of your journey through life. Imagine how excited you would be to discover a journal or diary that was kept by an ancestor 200 years ago. Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear that ancestor's story, in his or her own words! That's the same type of impact that your story might have on your descendants a century or two from now. But they won't have it to read unless you take the time to write - everyday! Get started - I have!

Happy trails!

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