Rootbound in the Hills #144: 26 June 1990

by Rocky Macy

As a response to a recent column that mentioned three area men who died in the Civil War, good friend Rylen RUDY (143 South High Street, Neosho, MO 64850) has written to remind Rootbound that he is a descendant of Mark HARMON, one of the three fatalities. Rylen's mother was Clifford Eve MARTIN, a daughter of Horace Tong MARTIN and Christine Ann MAYFIELD. Christine was the daughter of John Franklin MAYFIELD and Elizabeth HARMON, and Elizabeth, in turn, was the daughter of John Mark Harmon (the murdered soldier) and Elizabeth S. KEY.

The death of Rylen's g-g-grandfather was recorded in Goodspeed's 1888 History of McDonald County, in the following manner:

"The second murder during the war was that of Uncle Mark Harmon, early in 1862, by Confederate bushwhackers. He was an uncompromising Union man, and on that date had attended a Union meeting at Poole's Prairie. He carried his gun, and while returning, saw a party advancing, on whom he called to declare themselves friend or foes. In reply they fired on him and then hacked his body, inflicting several wounds."

Thanks, Rylen, for sharing a portion of your family history. Rootbound would be pleased to hear from others who have Ozark lineages back to that troubled era.

Marie KING (1812 South 8th, Rogers, AR 72756) is seeking information on Freely Ann WEAVER, a daughter of Lorenzo and Martha (BRAY) WEAVER. Freely Ann (age 17) married John H. ONY (age 18) in Washington County, AR, on 28 May 1888. John was a blacksmith. Three of John and Freely Ann ONY's children (Sherman, May, and Lafate) were possibly living in Monett, MO, in the years around World War I.

John Wesley WEAVER, an older brother of Freely Ann's, married Flora MISER, and they had a son named William or Willie. After John Wesley died, Flora married his cousin, James Thomas WEAVER, on 26 Nov 1896 in Washington County, AR. He was the son of Hazy and Ike/Irick (THOMAS) WEAVER of the area around Westville, OK. If descendants of any of these individuals are reading Rootbound, they should get in touch with their cousin, Marie.

Helen MIZE CHRISTIAN (Rt. 1, Box 352, Mounds, OK 74047) is searching for descendants of Hannah (MIZE) MARCUM, a daughter of Logan MIZE and Eliza PING. Hannah and her siblings, Mary Ellen and George Bee, moved from Pulaski County, KY, to Benton County, AR, between 1875 and 1880. While in Benton County, the youngsters lived with their grandparents, Stephen and Nancy (SEWELL) PING. Mary Ellen married a Mr. WILSON, and George Bee became the husband of Rosa Essafern REYNOLDS. Hannah is believed to have eventually moved to Joplin, MO. Helen will answer all correspondence regarding these individuals.

Mrs. Ray L. GREER (107 SE 14th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712) would like to hear from anyone with a knowledge of Marshall and William MEREDITH, residents of Decatur, IN, circa 1870. She also wishes to contact descendants of Daniel MEREDITH who lived in Camden County, MO, at one time. Who can help?

Jeffrey C. WEAVER (2800 South 8th Street, Apt. 251-A, Arlington, VA 22204) edits a WEAVER family newsletter. those with an interest in that surname should contact Jeff for further information about the newsletter.

Rootbound has recently acquired copies of Missouri maps from 1885 and 1904. Readers who are trying to pinpoint Missouri communities of yesteryear might benefit by sending their questions to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. It never hurts to ask!

Until next week...happy hunting!