Sunday, June 22, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #146:
10 July 1990

by Rocky Macy

Philadelphia HARRISON DENNIS borrowed some business stationery from her husband, I.M. DENNIS, to write to a relative on 20 Jan 1902. the letterhead read: DENNIS and WHITENELL - Manufacturers and Dealers in Mining Supplies - Dealers in Fine Vehicles and Harness. The firm was located in Joplin, Jasper County, MO, with a factory and office at 501 Virginia Avenue, buggy and harness repository at 412-415 Virginia Avenue, and a warehouse on Grande Avenue.

A copy of thst letter has come into the possession of Delphia's first cousin (twice removed), Agnes M. DEES CROMIE (900 West 8th, Apt. 3, Odessa, TX 79763), and she, of course, would like to learn more about her Ozark connections.

Delphia's father was Benjamin HARRISON (born circa 1816), a Civil War veteran who owned a farm in Newton County, MO, thirty-five miles from Joplin. He had at least two brothers: Abner HARRISON (born around 1803 or 1804), a resident of Saline County, AR, who died in Arkansas in 1855. The other brother (our correspondent's great-grandfather) was Andrew HARRISON who lived in Laurel County, KY.

In addition to Delphia (born circa 1851), Benjamin was also the father of Margaret (born circa 1843) who became Mrs. Hugh CAUDELL of Webb City, Jasper County, MO, Martha (born circa 1839), the wife of Jack PARKER of near Siloam Springs, AR, Evaling (WHITING), and Charles (born circa 1856), a resident of Fayetteville, AR.

Benjamin HARRISON died in Newton County, MO, on 9 Oct 1905. During his declining years he lived with his widowed daughter, Evaline WHITING.

Agnes M. DEES CROMIE (address above) wishes that she had known more about her Ozark cousins when she was stationed at Camp Crowder (near Neosho, Newton County, MO) from 1943-1946. Now she has to play catch-up! Who can help?

Nova A. LEMONS (12206 Brisbane Avenue, Dallas, TX 75234) is seeking to determine the parentage of William A. LEMONS who was born around 1859 in Missouri. Will married Amanda Florence CARDER in Montgomery County, AR, in 1879. They lived in Polk County, AR, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma Indian Territory, and possibly Missouri. Will had three other wives: Clara HILLSBERRY, Ada WHITE, and Mattie REDDING CHAMBERS. He went by the alias "Burrell ODENWOOD" while staying in Indian Territory. Will LEMONS died in the 1920's, place unknown. Nova A. LEMONS (address above) would certainly enjoy hearing from any of our readers who might have a knowledge of Will LEMONS and his parents or descendants.

Rootbound has learned that our good friend, Dixie HAASE (Rt. 1, Box1057, Granby, MO 64844) is the unofficial historian for the town of Granby. She compiled information for the Granby history book and is still collecting material about the town's past. Those with stories or news articles related to Granby should contact Dixie - and tell her that Rootbound sent you!

Reunion News: The STAUDT - STOUDT - STOUT national family organization will hold its 16th annual family reunion on Sunday, August 26, 1990, at Umbenhauer's Park in Bernville, PA. for more information, please contact Mrs. Beulah STOUDT FOLLMER at RD 1, Box 897, Shillington, PA 19607.

Flea Market Find: On an old picture postcard postmarked in Walker, MO, on 29 May 1912, Gladys R. pencilled the following message to her friend, Miss Florence DAVIS of Shell City, MO:
Dear Florence, How are you? I heard you was sick. Was you sick long? Mamma wants your ripe tomato butter recipe, and send it by the mail. We had company Sunday, there were 24 here. All of you come over and take an auto ride. My Aunt Ada REMLY has a new auto. Uncle Wallie REYNOLDS has an auto, too. Yours Truly, Gladys R.

Rootbound will return this beautiful old card to the first of our readers who can show a proof of relationship to Florence, Ada, Wallie, or Gladys.

Until next week...happy hunting!

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