Friday, April 11, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #39:
21 June 1988

by Rocky Macy

A few weeks ago we published a query from Pauline SHARP PACE (105 North Hickory Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) who was trying to determine what had become of her father's sister. The aunt, Alice SHARP, had bundled up her three children (Walter, Rose, and Eddie) in 1904, and had left Tennessee heading toward Indian Territory. Mrs. PACE knew that Rose had married William MATHIS. She also knew that the MATHIS family had eventually resided in Anderson, MO. What she had been unable to learn, however, was the fate of Aunt Alice. Well, thanks to the kindness of a Rootbound reader in Anderson, Mrs. PACE now has her answer:
"Dear Rocky,

"It has happened! I owe you and Rootbound a debt of gratitude. A lovely lady in Anderson, MO, read my query. She was in school with Stanley Hayes MATHIS and last saw him in 1974 at their 40th year high school reunion. She gave me his Roswell, NM, address.

"I immediately called his home, only to learn of his death in May of 1987. However, his very gracious wife gave me names and addresses of two relatives. One name, unfortunately, turned out to be a relative of Stanley's first wife. The second name (in Los Angeles, CA) took a few days to find at home.

"Then the miracle happened! This was Walter SHARP's son, Ed SHARP (Aunt Alice's grandson). We talked for about an hour and I enjoyed every minute of it. He said that Alice had married Ed HAYES, and that she had died many years ago. At the time of her death, she was with her daughter, Rose, in Anderson, MO, and was buried there.

"I am assuming that she was buried in the Anderson Cemetery, as that is where we found Rose. I have written to the cemetery manager for verification. I plan to go to Anderson to pay homage to a lovely lady whom I did not have the privilege of knowing.

"I am grateful to Rootbound for the excellent story that you prepared and published for me. Thank you, Rootbound, for making it happen.

"Sincerely,

Pauline SHARP PACE"

I have written to Mrs. PACE informing her that her aunt, Alice B. HAYES, is indeed buried in the Anderson Cemetery. The tombstone inscription reads "1865-1935". Our "thanks" to the Anderson reader who was so instrumental in helping Mrs. PACE solve her family mystery.

Several letters arrived this week from the Oklahoma City area. It seems Mary GODDARD gave Rootbound a nice mention in the genealogy column that she writes for The Daily Oklahoman. We'll begin printing these "Sooner queries" this week. Read on...

Mrs. Alceon JONES (1825 Willard Drive, Altus, OK 73521) had this to say:
"I would like to correspond with descendants of Jonathan RATLIFF (born 18 Feb 1807) and Dulaney ROWLAND (2 Dec 1812 - 5 July 1879). It is my understanding that their last years were in Benton County, AR, and that they are probably buried at Walnut Hill Cemetery. They were my great-great-grandparents."

Mrs. Lonina L. MOORE (140 West Rose Drive, Midwest City, OK 73110) reports having several family ties in northwest Arkansas. She sent a family tree chart which contained the following surnames: BOYD, McGREGOR, CHEEK, HOUSTON, GRAHAM, PATTON, OWENBY, BLOYD, WILSON, WHITE, KENDRICK, SURRATT, WALDRIP, and MITCHELL. She would like to exchange information with anyone who is researching the same names.

Virginia HAYES (P.O. Box 154, Minco, OK 73059) is seeking information on Isham WRIGHT who was a farmer in Benton County, AR, between 1880 and 1900. Isham was born in Alabama to William and Clarissa (SELF) WRIGHT. The family moved to Fannin County, TX, ca 1850. William died in TX in 1870, and Clarissa died in 1885 in Washington County, AR. Virginia will share information with a descendant or anyone having knowledge of this family.

We'll get to the rest of the Oklahoma mail as space permits. Until then...happy trails!

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