Sunday, July 6, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #174:
22 Jan 1991

by Rocky Macy

The United States government took over 56,000 acres of Indiana farmland in 1941 to create Jefferson Proving Ground, a facility that today tests 85 percent of the ammunition purchased by the military. That ammunition test center will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on 10-11 May 1991. To properly commemorate the event, an attempt is being made to locate personnel who have served there and members of families who were displaced by the construction of the center. This will be an especially meaningful reunion for those connected to Jefferson Proving Ground because the facility is scheduled to close soon. For more details, please write to Michael S. MOORE, Public Affairs Office, Jefferson Proving Ground, Madison, IN 47250.

Jo JONES (Rt. 1, Box 126, Bentonville, AR 72712) is tracing her husband's Benton County, AR, lineage. Of particular interest to Jo is the following line: Chauncey G. JONES (born 1910) married Vivian D. CARR (born 1918) on 16 Feb 1937. He was the son of Gabe C. JONES and Rosie Lee JAGGERS. She was the daughter of Herbert CARR (born 1882) and Armentoria "Mint" WILLIAMS. Mint was the daughter of Henry Franklyn WILLIAMS (born 1849) and Sarah Ann FRANCIS (born 1845). Other Benton County surnames that Jo is researching include BELL, COLLINS, OFFENBAKER, and PRICE. She would appreciate any assistance that our readers could provide.

Rose L. GUTHRIE (Rt. 2, Box 776, Ft. Gibson, OK 74434) is searching for descendants of William Mullinax FORD (born 5 July 1859, Sullivan County, TN) and his second wife, Addie LISTON (born 1877, Newton County, MO). William and Addie were married in Newton County, MO, on 8 Dec 1892. He died 23 Feb 1922 in Neosho, Newton County, MO, and is buried at the Elm Springs Cemetery in Newton County. Addie died in 1946 and is buried at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Neosho. Some of the children born to this couple were Bessie, Leslie E., Rex R., Inez P., and Oren Paul. If descendants of William and Addie FORD are reading Rootbound, please get in touch with Rose. She's waiting by the mailbox in beautiful Ft. Gibson!

Rachel DEMAREE CLEMONS (3740 North Romero Road, E50, Tucson, AZ 85705) has compiled a lengthy book on her RUTLEDGE family, and she also publishes a newsletter on the same surname. Those with a RUTLEDGE branch on their family tree might do well to contact Rachel for more information on her work.

Cynthia LEONARD (LEONARD Data Quest, 310-318 E. Seventh, Staunton, IL 62088) has compiled two products that might be of interest to our readers. One is a checklist of the most common sources for genealogical research, and the other is a package of forms designed to introduce young people to genealogy. Rootbound has not seen these products, so please contact Cynthia for more specifics.

Rootbound mourns the passing of two good friends: Alma MONHOLLAND (25 Mar 1925-21 Dec 1990) and Fred BLUE (18 Aug 1931-29 Dec 1990). Alma taught at the Noel School for thirteen years before retiring in 1989. Fred was a bus driver and custodian at that same school for more than two decades, retiring shortly before his death. Both of these individuals were important members of the Noel School "family" which made this writer's years at that school so very special. They touched countless lives and will be sadly missed.

Until next week...happy hunting!

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