Rootbound in the Hills

Rootbound in the Hills #242: 12 May 1992

2008-08-17T12:19:00.000+09:00

Rootbound in the Hills #241: 5 May 1992

2008-08-17T11:41:00.000+09:00

Last week's column regarding the GRAINGER family Bible brought the expected flurry of responses. Before this columnist's newspaper had even landed in the yard, the phone had started ringing. We heard from a GRAINGER, a VOWELS, and several MAILES. And the GRAINGER descendant with the quickest dialing finger was...Leonard MAILES of Seneca. Leonard assured Rootbound that he will share contents of this family treasure with his cousins. Congratulations, Leonard!

And that keeps our record perfect. Every family Bible that Rootbound has come across has found its way home!

Mrs. Martha SUTTON (5399 Highway 1611, Russell Springs, KY 42642) is seeking information on any PARCHEY/PARTCHEY/PARCHIE family line. She would also like to determine who the wife of James Robert BISHOP was between 1906-1915. Do some of our readers have information that would help Mrs. SUTTON in her search?

Rootbound's good friend, Dixie HAASE (Route 1, Box 1057, Granby, MO 64844) recently sent a copy of an old newspaper clipping for our ROARK file. The article deals with the 90th birthday of Julia BLANKENSHIP ROARK of Seneca, Newton County, MO, and, although the date was not included, it was probably written in the late 1950s. Some of the material contained in that piece is extracted below:

If any of Julia BLANKENSHIP ROARK's descendants would like to have a copy of the newspaper article mentioned above, please send a request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're always glad to share!

Dixie HAASE (above) also sent along some information on Lillian Joy ROARK that she obtained from the Records of the Bigham Funeral Home published by the Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho. Lillian Joy ROARK was born 28 May 1876 and died on 5 June 1943. She was the wife of Henry ROARK. Lillian's father was John T. McNATT and her mother was Mary BLANKENSHIP.

Thanks, Dixie, for continuing to provide our readers with all of that great genealogy!

Bonnie MANSFIELD (430 I Rick Court, Ridgecrest, CA 93555) has recently forwarded a flier telling about two books that she has published. Hidden Lineages is a surname index to previously unpublished names in the D.A.R. Lineage Books, Volumes 151-166. The names that she has indexed are those that appear in at least three consecutive generations - exclusive of the Revolutionary War veteran.

The second book published by Bonnie MANSFIELD is Family History Index, a list of less-than-common surnames that appear in twenty-five selected family histories. For more information on either volume, please contact Bonnie MANSFIELD at the address listed above.

Do you think of genealogy when you are shopping? The GRAINGER family Bible turned up at a rummage sale. And over the years Rootbound has come across many Bibles and old photos in the flea markets, all of which have been ragged, dusty, and meaningless to most people. But every one of those items has been a treasure when it has gotten connected to the right person. If you're shopping and come across potential treasure - let Rootbound know about it! We'll spread the word!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #240: 28 April 1992

2008-08-17T10:11:00.000+09:00

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this column each week is occasionally helping to reunite a lost treasure with its family. Such has been the case with several photographs and a few old family Bibles. This week we have another treasure just waiting to be claimed. Please read on...

Mozelle SANDLIN recently brought by the GRAINGER family Bible which her sister found at a rummage sale. This beautiful old volume published by the A.J. HOLMAN Company in 1895 is inscribed on the cover page with this stern warning: "GRAINGER Family BIBLE - Do Not Destroy." And it wasn't destroyed, but it did stray! The Bible is now in Rootbound's possession, and we will gladly return it to the first person showing a proof of relationship to this family.

The family information in the Bible is as follows:

And there you have it! With the most recent entry being 1981, surely some GRAINGER descendant (or BRYANT, WALLACE, NORRIS, MAILES, or MORGAN descendant) will want this important piece of their family heritage.

Special thanks to Mozelle SANDLIN of Neosho for bringing the GRAINGER family Bible to the attention of our readers. She and her sister have done someone a very good turn!

The first annual RAINEY/RANEY reunion will be held July 10th and 11th at the Holiday Inn in Franklin, TN. For further information contact Marynell BRYANT, Route 4, Box 56, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.

Marynell BRYANT (above) is also president of the Texas State Genealogical Society. That group has recently gone on-line with an "Electronic Library" that can be accessed at no charge by anyone having a computer and a modem. The Electronic Library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information on this unique and useful research tool, please contact Marynell BRYANT at the above address.

And until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #239: 21 April 1992

2008-08-17T07:57:00.000+09:00

Donna wrote to Rootbound a few weeks ago and received several replies to her queries. So now she has decided to try a couple of others. Please read on...

Donna GUTHRIE (Route 7, Box 341, Neosho, MO 64850) is the g-g-granddaughter of Thomas W. CRAIG who was born in the 1840s in Overton County, TN, or Green County, IL. He served in the Iowa Infantry during the Civil War. Thomas W. Craig is buried at Saginaw, MO.

Information that Donna extracted from Volume 29 of Pioneers of the Six Bulls (compiled by good friend Larry A. JAMES) shows an Isaac CRAIG and his second wife, Susannah ENGLAND CRAIG, with Thomas William CRAIG as a son. Was this Thomas Donna's ancestor. (Note: Isaac CRAIG fathered twenty-one children!)

Isaac R. THURMAN was another of Donna GUTHRIE's g-g-grandfathers. This Isaac, also a Civil War veteran, was the son of Joseph and Mary THURMAN who came to Newton County, MO, from Montgomery County, MO. Isaac married Martha Jane CLARK, a daughter of Robert and Cynthia (JONES) CLARK who came from North Carolina.

Robert and Cynthia CLARK (above) had seven children: Mary, Martha, William, James, Sarah, George, and Amanda. They were living in Newton County, MO, in 1860, but later all except Martha disappear from the records. Where did they go?

Donna GUTHRIE's previous queries dealt with WYATT, WOOD, and PIERCY lines. She appreciates the help that our readers were able to provide with those.

Lucille (PENDERGRASS) WEBB (Route 1, Box 3365, Diamond, MO 64840) says that she enjoys Rootbound very much and is upset when it doesn't run in the newspaper on the correct day. Lucille is searching for the parents of William H.H. WEBB who was born 1840-1841 in Illinois or Tennessee. He married Elizabeth H. PAYTON from Kentucky on 17 Oct 1861 in Adams County, IL.

William H.H. WEBB (above) enlisted in the Illinois Infantry, Company 1, Regiment 84th, on 11 Aug 1862 when he was twenty-two-years-old. He was discharged 6 June 1864.

William H.H. WEBB settled in Westline, Cass County, MO, after the war. That is where his son, Hiram H. WEBB., was born on 15 Sep 1868. William H.H. then moved his family on to McDonald County, MO. He died in McDonald County on 19 April 1890 and is buried in the Pineville Cemetery west of Highway 71.

William H.H. WEBB and his wife had sixteen children - including four sets of twins!

It is the parentage of William H.H. WEBB that our correspondent wishes to solve. The 1850 census of Adams County, IL, shows a William H. WEBB, age 9, who was born in Illinois and living with the William PAWIN family. Perhaps this youngster's parents were dead, or he may have been the son of Mrs. Malinda PAWIN, age 24. Could his father (or both parents) have been victims of the Indian wars? Was this William the same one that our correspondent is researching? Who has those important answers?

Lucille (PENDERGRASS) WEBB (above) also included a five-generation ancestor chart with her letter. Other surnames included on that chart were: CHASE, PROCTOR, OWENS, BARD, EDWARDS, HOUSER, BROWN, and SWADLEY.

Are you familiar with Pioneers of the Six Bulls, Larry JAMES' multi-volume history of Newton County, MO? Some of the area libraries have copies of this extensive work. For information on material contained in the individual volumes, contact the compiler, Larry A. JAMES, at 400 Susan Place in Neosho, MO 64850. And don't forget to tell Larry that you heard about his work through Rootbound!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #238: 14 April 1992

2008-08-17T05:42:00.000+09:00

Do any of our readers have information regarding the State Lunatic Asylum of Missouri that would have been in operation in the 1850s? Where was it located? How would one go about finding and searching its records? Today's first correspondent wants to know. Please read on...

Lenore W. BENNION (Route 1, Box 254, Stark City, MO 64866) needs that information as she tries to pinpoint the location and date of death of Micajah H. CLARK, the husband of Mary E. CLARK. There is an M.H. CLARK listed on the 1840 census of Benton Township, Newton County, MO. Micajah and Mary are on the 1850 census of Newton County. That document lists him as being born in Virginia around 1805 and her as being born in Tennessee around 1821. A Harriet FISHER, aged seventeen and born in Tennessee, was in the home with them. Was Harriet a sister to Mary, or a friend or servant?

Micajah H.. CLARK (above) was the first postmaster of Oliver's Prairie (Newton County, MO) which was opened on 31 Mar 1841. He held that post off and on until 22 Feb 1849. Micajah CLARK also purchased 320 acres of land in Newton County and had a patent for it dated 26 May 1840.

Early probate records in Newton County show that in December of 1850 the estate of M.H. CLARK (insane) was being handled by a guardian, William WRIGHT. In September of 1855 M.H. CLARK was listed as deceased, and Thomas K. HARMON, Public Administrator of Newton County, MO, was in charge of his estate. The last reference to M.H. CLARK being alive and insane was on 4 June 1855 when William WRIGHT presented "his account current...at this his final settlement as guardian..." M.H. CLARK may have died prior to the 4 June 1855 hearing.

In September of 1855 James HENDERSON, treasurer of the "State Lunatic Asylum" presented an account against the estate of M.H. CLARK as a balance due to the State Lunatic Asylum.

And now, back to the questions at hand. Where was the State Lunatic Asylum located, and how does one access its records? Lenore W. BENNION wants to know!

Over the past couple of years this columnist has been honored to have a few articles published in Heritage Quest, a national magazine of growing importance in the fields of genealogy and history. And although we have never met, I count the editors and publishers of Heritage Quest as good friends and among some of the best people involved in ancestoring.

It was pleasing to learn, therefore, that Heritage Quest has recently gone into the genealogical tour business. Leland MEITZLER, the owner and publisher of Heritage Quest, has announced that his company has started Heritage Quest Tours, the purpose of which is to offer genealogy tours to Salt Lake City for individuals. The programs are designed for Thursday arrivals with four days and three nights in Salt Lake. Hotel accommodations, transfers, breakfasts, and the assistance of a professional genealogist on staff with Heritage Quest are all included in the package.

For more information on this program, contact Heritage Quest Tours at 2800 Veterans Boulevard 166, Metairie, LA 70002. And be sure to tell those good folks at HQ that you heard about their new service through Rootbound!

And for more information on Heritage Quest magazine, write to P.O. Box 40, Orting, WA 98360. Each issue contains a good variety of interesting history and useful genealogy strategies.

Remember that Rootbound loves mail too. Send those queries to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're here to help!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #237: 7 April 1992

2008-08-17T02:55:00.000+09:00

A year or so ago this column ran information regarding the availability of social security records for genealogical research. At that time the process was hazy, but now more specifics are known. Please read on...

The application that your parents, grandparents, or other forebears filled out in order to become a part of the social security program may contain material that will add to your knowledge of their history. Social security records are protected, but once a person dies, his or her records may be obtained by a family member through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

If the social security number (SSN) or date of death is unknown, a good place to begin the search is to visit the Family History Center of the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ask the librarian or person on duty for assistance in the computerized Social Security Death Index. After locating your deceased relative in the alphabetical listing, copy the social security number and any other information contained in the index, such as date of death and last residence.

The next step in the process is to obtain Form SSA-L997 (third party request) from the nearest Social Security Office. Send the completed form and a letter of request to: Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235. Mention in your letter that the person whose records you are requesting is deceased and that you understand the records are no longer protected by the Privacy Act. Enclose a check for $7 if the social security number is known, and $16.50 if the number is not known. The search fee money will not be returned, even if the record is not found.

(Doesn't it seem like we spend a lot to time in genealogy just writing checks!)

If you are not familiar with the Family History Centers of the LDS Church, there are several in the Rootbound readership area. Just check your local phone book. Research in these facilities is free, and they can borrow specific items from the main library in Salt Lake City for just a nominal fee.

Joe CAMPBELL (22 Basildon Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714) has been searching for seven years for just one link in his family lineage, but to no avail. This consistent lack of luck, that even included queries to Rootbound, has led Joe to remark in a recent letter that he follows Rootbound each week "sometimes with chagrin when I read all those glowing reports of someone finding a vital link in their lineage when digging through the litter in their cat box!"

Not wishing to leave a good reader upset, Rootbound will try again!

Joe CAMPBELL (address above) is seeking to learn the parentage of his g-g-grandfather, John CAMPBELL, who, according to the family Bible, was born in 1778 in Lincoln County, KY. Kentucky did not become a state until 1790, so Lincoln County at that time was actually Fincastle County, VA. He was married in Lincoln County in 1803. Do any of our readers have information that might help Joe CAMPBELL in his search?

Over the years we have had requests for information on the credibility of certain companies that do professional genealogical research. As far as we know, there is no consumer guide for such services. If you are solicited by any company through the mails and their product or service doesn't meet expectations, notify the U.S. Postal Service. And if you have good results from a research company. let Rootbound know. We'll be very happy to share the news!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #236: 31 Mar 1992

2008-08-17T02:01:00.000+09:00

The St. Louis Genealogical Society has announced that its 23rd Annual Fair will be held on Saturday, 20 June 1992, at the Holiday Inn-Southwest and Viking Conference Center at Watson Road and Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis, MO. It is open both to members of the Society and others interested in genealogy.

Larry O. JENSEN, editor of the German Genealogical Digest and former supervisor of the European section of the Genealogical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, will speak on "Determining the Place of Origin of Immigrant German Ancestors," "Beginning German Research Procedures," and, "Advanced German Research Procedures."

William H. SCHOEFFLER, an accredited lecturer and author and Director of Education at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, will discuss "New England Research Sources," "Evidence Versus Proof: Guidelines for the Genealogist," and "What to Look for in Deeds and Probate Records."

Society members Eleanor CANNING STROUP and Rutha Ann ABELS HAGER will hold sessions, respectively on "Beginning Genealoggy" and "Genealogical Publishing: Ideas and Resources."

Attendees at this fair will also have access to a wide range of exhibitors, surname exchanges, trading posts, photo duplications, and will receive attendance prizes and a package of genealogical materials.

Tickets for the Annual Fair and registration forms may be received only by mail (with a self-addressed, stamped envelope) from the Society's office at 9011 Manchester Road, Suite 3, St. Louis, MO 63144. Registration is $17.50, and registration with lunch is $20.00. And, if you decide to attend this important Midwest genealogical event, be sure to let the sponsors know that you heard about it through Rootbound!

Betty TROUTMAN (22908 Cielo Vista, San Antonio, TX 78255) is trying to determine the parentage of William HAYS (born 7 Mar 1801, Northumberland County, VA) and his wife, Ann CUNNINGHAM (born 26 May 1798, Granville, NC). William died 7 Feb 1892 in Jackson County, MO, and Ann passed away in the same county on 20 Dec 1869. both are buried in Yankee Cemetery, Jackson County, MO.

The children of William and Ann (CUNNINGHAM) HAYS (above) were: Benjamin Franklin (born 1 Aug 1821, Henrico County, VA; married Jane Iva HOWELL), Nancy R. (born 15 Aug 1825, Augusta County, VA; married Jacob YANKEE), Ann Elizabeth (born 5 May 1828, Surry County, NC; married #1 Mr. YANKEE, #2. Charles CLAYTON), Matilda D. (born 30 May 1831, MO; never married), Susan Ruth Margaret (born 13 Dec 1837, MO; married Mr. LUTTRELL), and William Owen (born 1840, MO).

Betty TROUTMAN (above) would like to correspond with anyone who has knowledge of her HAYS roots.

Rootbound has recently received the 1992 edition of Merle GANIER's Family Periodicals and Reunions. This twenty-eight page pamphlet has an alphabetical listing of numerous family organizations as well as various publications including genealogical columns. Rootbound has been listed in its pages for several years. Copies of this useful document may be ordered from the compiler, Merle GANIER, at 2108 Grace Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111-2816, for the postage-paid price of just five dollars.

Rootbound would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who are descendants of baldknobbers. Those with stories to share of baldknobbers (or ordinary bushwhackers) should send them to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We'll share your very unique Ozark heritage with our readers.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #235: 24 Mar 1992

2008-08-17T00:53:00.000+09:00

Obituaries can be a gold mine of family history. They are, in fact, mini-biographies of the deceased that give important insights into the lives of our ancestors. Many area newspapers maintain microfilm or microfiche files of old issues that may be searched by those with patience and good eyesight, and obituary files are also being created and maintained by the genealogy departments of many of our local libraries.

Dixie HAASE (Rt. 1, Box 1057, Granby, MO 64844) is building an obituary file on people who lived in and around Granby or who were involved with the mines. She would like for our readers to send her copies of any obituaries that would tie into her file.

Dixie reports that she started her obituary file over five years ago, and she now has over two thousand entries. She calls the collection "From Bare Tracks to Dear Tales."

Some of the types of information that Dixie HAASE has gleaned from her obituary file include complete names, maiden names, spouse, marriage date, date and place of birth, names of parents and siblings, names of children and grandchildren, occupations, hobbies, military history, residences, length of illness and cause of death, church affiliation, friends, pallbearers, educational history, club memberships, location of relatives, nationality, nicknames, funeral home, and place of burial. Those tidbits offer dozens of leads into other research channels.

Dixie said in her letter that a few weeks ago she added an obituary to her collection that saddened her heart - that of her brother, Opal McDANIEL. We mourn her loss as well.

Doris FRANCISCO (628 S. Oronogo Street, Webb City, MO 64870), one of the hundreds of descendants of William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE, wishes to correspond with anyone who is researching the surname GLAZEBROOK. Doris has forwarded quite a collection of material on ROARK history that we will digest and try to print in a future Rootbound.

Nancy FOLEY JOHNSON (1097 Chinoe Road, Lexington, KY 40502) is helping with research for a book about the descendants of Abraham SALLE (born 1674). Abraham was a French Huguenot immigrant who fled France for England sometime after 1685 and then brought his family on to America in 1700. Soon after arriving in this country, he settled in Virginia. Abraham SALLE had six children, many of whose descendants moved on westward to Kentucky and then fanned out across the Untied States. Today there are descendants of Abraham SALLE (now spelled SALLE, SALLEY, SALLE, SALLY and SALLIE) in almost every state. Those who might tie into this French lineage should contact Nancy FOLEY JOHNSON so that their material might be included in the book.

Kathy BARTON (8751 Sharon Drive Derby, KS 67037) is seeking information on Timothy C. SMITH (born circa 1837, TN) and his wife, Margaret (Mary) V. O'DELL (born circa 1837, GA). They were married near Greenville in Wayne County, MO, around 1867. Their children were John, Leona, and Rutha. The couple lived in Ozark County, MO, in 1910.

Another couple that is of interest to Kathy BARTON (above) is David HALE (born circa 1823, TN) and his wife, Mary (possibly O'DELL) (born 1842, TN). They came to St. Francis township, Wayne County, MO, between 1844 and 1846. Mary died between 1870 and 1880 at Greenville in Wayne County. Their children were William, Greenberry, Martha, James, Sarah, David Alexander, Rejana, Lysander, John H., Mary, Allisone, Annie, and Johnathan Anderson. Are descendants of any of these folks still in the Ozarks?

Rootbound's stack of unanswered mail continues to shrink. If you are sitting out there with a question to ask in this column, now would be an excellent time to send it in. Just mail those queries to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And then sit back and wait for the answers to come pouring in!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #234: 17 Mar 1992

2008-08-16T23:52:00.000+09:00

Sometimes people learn about Rootbound is the strangest ways. A few years ago, for example, a lady from out-of-state discovered the column while going through some rumpled newspapers that had been used as packing for Christmas gifts. Now, another new friend has written to say that she came upon her first Rootbound column while spreading newspapers in her dog kennel! This columnist never realized just how useful Rootbound could be!

Judy JAMES (P.O. Box 237, Savanna, OK 74565) noticed in a February column that this columnist had written an article for American Genealogy Magazine dealing with the genealogy for Jesse and Frank JAMES. Her husband, Johnny B. JAMES, has been told that his father and grandfather were related to the famous outlaws. Frank JAMES' only child, Robert Franklin, died childless, and none of Jesse's descendants bear the JAMES surname. So it would appear that if Judy's husband were related to the outlaw brothers, it would be as some type of cousin.

Do we have other readers who might be descended from desperadoes? We'd love to hear your story. Just mail the details to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Judy JAMES (above) is also president of the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society in McAlister, OK. She states that they have an interest in exchanging publications with genealogical groups in our area. And, Judy's group has a query column that she compiles for the local newspaper. So, if you have family ties around McAlister or Pittsburg County, send those questions to Judy.

Margaret S. JONES (Rt. 2, Box 10-L-7, Medical Lake, WA 99022-9802) would like to correspond with anyone who has knowledge of the family of Hiram GIST (born 1800, TN) and his wife, Sarah (born circa 1806, KY). Their children included the following: a daughter (born 1827), Martin (1828), Thomas (1829), Dorinda (1831), Nancy (1833), Martha (1836), William (1839), Elizabeth and Sarah (1842), Hiram (1844), Arvilla (1846), and James (1849). The first seven or eight children were probably born in Cooper County, MO, and the remainder were possibly born in Jasper County, MO. Are their descendants still in this area?

Charles A. WARNER (3122 Wenzel Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129) is trying to locate the places and dates of death of two of his ancestors. Dr. John Jefferson BOOTH was born between 1801 and 1805. He lived and practiced medicine in Fredericktown, MO, starting in 1845. His son, David S. BOOTH, also a physician, was born 30 June 1928 in Philadelphia, PA. David S. BOOTH served as a surgeon in the Civil war, and he later had a medical practice and taught school in Jasper County, MO, and Enterprise, MO. Perhaps some of our readers might have old family medical records signed by David.

(A combination medical doctor and a school teacher. Times certainly have changed!)

Shirley J. BITTICKER (Rt. 3, Box 178, Dover, OH 44622) is trying to find an only cousin of her husband. The cousin (name not provided) was born 8 Feb 1930 to Martha Louise BARTHOLOMAUS somewhere in Missouri. Martha Louise was from Strasburg, OH, and she died in 1940. The youngster was probably adopted in Missouri. Do any of our readers have information to share with this correspondent?

Gene Doerge HOKE (2405 Cecil, Austin, TX 78744) is the grandson of Herman DOERGE and Christine WEISE who were married in Neosho, Newton County, MO, in 1880. Christine was a daughter of Henry WEISE. The WEISE family was residing in Jefferson County, MO, in 1870. Christine had sisters names Pauline, Sophia, Helen, Elora, and Rosie, and her brothers were William and Henry. Sophia's married name was KEUHNE, Pauline's was LANG, and Flora's was HAIFNER. Gene would particularly like to learn more about his WEISE roots. Who can help?

Any questions? Rootbound doesn't have all the answers, but our readers just might! Send those genealogical problems to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper - and then just sit back and wait on the postman!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #233: 10 Mar 1992

2008-08-16T10:03:00.000+09:00

Today's column will focus on the CAMPBELLs and KERRs of Benton County, AR, as well as many related lines. Those who might have a connection to these families would do well to please keep reading.

James Kerr CAMPBELL, II (4451 Callle de Arroyo, San Jose, CA 95118) has forwarded a great deal of computerized information on his lineage along with a few specific queries. He is the grandson of Arch Bryan CAMPBELL who was born 18 Aug 1900 in Vaughn, Benton County, AR, and died 17 Nov 1978 in Santa Clara, CA.

Arch Bryan CAMPBELL (above) was the son of James K. CAMPBELL (13 Nov 1852, Louisville, KY - 25 Dec 1923) and Sara Ellen HALL. Sara Ellen may have been a Cherokee Indian. James K. CAMPBELL was either the son or grandson of James M. CAMPBELL (1805, SC - 1883). James M. CAMPBELL married Elizabeth P. BAKER on 15 Dec 1826. Our correspondent has one source that cites William CAMPBELL as being the father of James K., thus making James M. the grandfather. Another source lists James M. as the father of James K. Do any of our readers know which is correct?

James K. CAMPBELL's first wife was Rosa GLOVER. She was killed at the family home near Rogers, Benton County, AR, when her clothing caught fire at the cook stove. Rosa died on 24 Oct 1884. James K. CAMPBELL and his second wife, Sara Ellen HALL, are both buried at Hart Cemetery in Bentonville, Benton County, AR.

Our correspondent's grandmother was Lucille KERR (3 Mar 1900, Bentonville, AR - 25 Jan 1969, Santa Clara,, CA). She was the daughter of Whitley Richardson KERR (31 Aug 1866, Monroe County, AR - 5 Jan 1934, Bentonville, AR) and Clara Mae HAMILTON (5 Dec 1874, AR - 9 July 1942, Tulsa, OK). Whitley and Clara were married 16 Dec 1897.

Whitley Richardson KERR (above) was the son of Benjamin Franklin KERR (19 Jan 1830, Hale County, AL - 25 Dec 1910, Monroe County, AR) and Catherine Louise MAY (20 July 1831, Merengo County, AL - 25 June 1890). Benjamin and Catherine were married on 12 Feb 1851.

Clara Mae HAMILTON (above) was the daughter of Lewis G. HAMILTON (23 Mar 1842 - 3 May 1906, Bentonville, AR) and Margaret Hesty ROBINSON (3 Oct 1850 - 14 May 1930, Bentonville, AR).

Benjamin Franklin KERR (above) was the son of John Williams KERR (15 May 1798, Lincoln County, KY - 22 Aug 1855, St. Louis, MO) and Margaret DIAL (14 Sep 1808, SC - 9 April 1884, Monroe County, AR). John and Margaret were married 26 Dec 1826 in Green County, AL.

Catharine Louise MAY (above) was the daughter of Asel MAY (25 Oct 1811, AL - 4 Aug 1836, AL) and Charlotte LACY (25 June 1813, KY - 5 April 1883, MS). Asel and Charlotte were married 2 Sep 1830.

Lewis G. HAMILTON (above) was the son of William and Nancy Elizabeth HAMILTON. Lewis' wife, Margaret Hesty ROBINSON, was a daughter of John D. ROBINSON (born in Boundary County, TX) and Nancy FIDLER (born in KY).

James Kerr CAMPBELL, II, our correspondent, would be very interested in hearing from any of our readers who have a knowledge of his family lines. He would especially like to obtain documentation - newspaper articles, obituaries, etc., that focus on his Ozarks' ancestors. If you are that special person who can help James with his research, please get in touch. He's waiting by the mailbox in sunny California!

The mail to Rootbound has been exceedingly light the past couple of months. This would be an excellent time to have your queries published. Just mail those genealogical questions and tidbits to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. What could be easier?

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #232: 3 Mar 1992

2008-08-15T11:14:00.000+09:00

Those important facts such as names and dates are really just the bare bones of genealogy. And a family history can never pretend to be complete until it is fleshed out with the anecdotes and wonderful tales that give the character and emotion back to our ancestors. Our first correspondent this week has many of the facts. Now she is hoping that some of our readers may be able to enhance her genealogy with stories about her ancestors as well. Please read on...

Kerry COY (3208 Spanish Oak, Ft. Worth, TX 76109) phoned recently to make inquiries about her COY ancestry in Newton County, MO. This columnist told her that Newton County has a Coy precinct, but that he was unsure as to the history of how it was named. Mrs. COY was encouraged to mail her family information to Rootbound.

The large packet of material that arrived from Kerry COY (above) contained many names, dates, and places, as well as a couple of very interesting first-person accounts that her ancestors authored years ago. Those histories provided much personal recollection, and Kerry, of course, would like to learn still more.

David COY was born 27 Mar 1832 in Pennsylvania (possibly Indiana County). He and his wife, Sallie, moved with their family from Harrison County, MO, to Newton County, MO, around 1884.

David COY had two children before his marriage to Sallie. Those children were Winfield (born 1859) and Violet Jane (1861). Both accompanied the family to Newton County.

The children of David and Sallie COY were William (1871), Robert E. (1871-26 Oct 1903), Oscar Lewis (1875-21 Dec 1953). Charles (1877), James Albert (15 Mar 1880), Dollie (28 Feb 1883), and Dorthie (1885). Two other children resided in the COY household: Orlando FLORA (30 Oct 1864 or 1865) and Olive FLORA (16 Aug 1862). The FLORA or FLORIA children possibly belonged to Sallie.

Robert E. COY (above) and his wife, Minnie, were residents of Dayton Township, Newton County, MO, in 1900. They had one child at that time. The child's name was possibly Yuron.

Oscar Lewis COY (above), the direct ancestor of our correspondent, was born in Lincoln Township, Harrison County, MO. Oscar moved to Colorado around 1900.

James Albert COY (above) was born near Grant City, Harrison County, MO. He is one of the people in this family who took the time, care, and love to preserve his memories. The following is a snippet of his personal history. Enjoy!

If any of our readers are COY descendants, Kerry would be most happy to hear from you. And she has many more family stories to share!

And while we're looking at the "whole story" of genealogy, please note that the Topeka Genealogical Society (P.O. Box 4048, Topeka, KS 66604) will be hosting their 20th annual genealogy conference April 24th and 25th. The featured speaker will be Dr. John Philip COLLETA of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Dr. COLLETA's presentation will be entitled "From the Bare Facts to the Whole Story." It will delve into the bare facts (using primary sources) and move on to the art of writing the family history. The goal will be to enable participants to form their genealogical work into a readable story. For more information on this important conference, please contact the Topeka Genealogical Society at the above address.

Do you need help collecting the facts and stories of your family history? Why not gather those questions and send them to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? Some of our readers may have just what you are looking for!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #231: 25 Feb 1992

2008-08-14T10:39:00.000+09:00

A recent letter from a very distant cousin contained a lot of "how to" information for this columnist to use as I dug through the records of Newton County, MO, for our common roots. Although certainly not an expert on research methods, I do have down some of the basics. Buy as I perused my cousin's letter, I began to focus on some tidbits of advice that ought to be of use to any researcher. Please read on...

Our particular research problem is to find the parentage of my great-grandfather, Thomas Franklin NUTT, a concrete mason who spent most of his life in Neosho, Newton County, MO. Tom was born 20 Sep 1870 in Neosho, and died in that same city of 14 May 1958. He is listed on the 1880 census of Newton County as being a grandchild in the household of Henry and Celana (RUTLEDGE) NUTT. But who were his parents?

The first place to check for clues is with the older family members. My grandmother, Tom's daughter, told me many years ago that he said his father and another man had gone out west when Tom was very young, and that the other man had eventually returned alone. The other man reported that Tom's father had been killed by Indians. That is an interesting tale, but us ardent family researchers prefer to drape those tales over facts.

Finding the truth about Thomas Franklin NUTT's parentage will take some tedious digging, a lot of time, and perhaps a good stroke or two of luck as well.

My newly discovered cousin, a resident of Amarillo, TX, is urging me to walk down the street and get to work in our local courthouse. And that's sound advice because courthouses do have many types of records that are of value to family tree researchers. (It gets kind of personal here, too, because Tom Nutt helped to do the cement work on the Newton County Courthouse!)

Most courthouses hold probate records. Usually a researcher can find an index to wills and administrations, and then, with a modicum of luck and a good tailwind, find the actual will itself. Wills often list family members, show relationships, and may even tell such other extraneous facts as where the relatives resided. And, for those wishing to learn more than just names, dates, and places, wills, through their listing of properties, tell quite a bit about the deceased and how he or she lived.

Marriage records are also a good source of genealogy that can be found in courthouses. Usually these are indexed by both bride and groom. A quick tour of the Newton County Courthouse revealed that Thomas Franklin NUTT married Etta Orvilla GRIFFITH on 31 March 1893. But there were no listings that would have been his probable parents.

Unfortunately, people then as now, often choose to marry in a county other than the one in which they resided. The trick then is to find the right county, either through luck or locating a prepared index at a library that might point to the location of the marriage.

Land records, too, are maintained in most courthouses. They are usually indexed by buyer and seller. Those records serve as proof of where individuals were at certain times. After determining location, other records, such as censuses, can then be utilized.

Funeral homes and cemeteries have records that many researchers fail to utilize. One has to be somewhat dubious of family data gathered from these sources because the person making the report may not have known all the specifics that he or she is being asked to detail. Being asked questions at a time when the shock of a death is still impacting a family can also be a factor in the reliability of memory.

And there are libraries, social security records, and a myriad of other places to look. Being a family researcher is very much like being a detective - but instead of peering into keyholes, we are searching for clues to our own personal pasts. It is history with significance...the history of ourselves!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #230: 18 Feb 1992

2008-08-13T11:37:00.000+09:00

Last week's column mentioned the importance of published family genealogies as a source for research. Many of these types of books are available in the genealogical sections of our local libraries. And the branch libraries of the LDS Church (several of which are in this area) have the card catalogue for the church's main library in Salt Lake City on microfiche. So it is relatively easy to find and use published family histories.

Remember when using work that has been compiled by other people, however, that their research methods may have not been as careful or thorough as your own. Published genealogies and histories give wonderful clues as to where to look for information, but their facts always need to be rechecked and verified before being incorporated as "truth" into your own family history.

This columnist has several good family histories in his own library. One of the best is MACY Genealogy which was authored by Sylvanus J. MACY in 1868. It covers the family history in fairly thorough detail from the time of the arrival of the immigrant ancestor, Thomas MACY, in the early 1630s until the book's publication more than two centuries later.

Another volume that occupies an important place in my library is The COFFIN Family which was edited by Louis COFFIN and published by descendants of Tristram COFFIN, the immigrant ancestor, in 1962. Tristram COFFIN and Thomas MACY were two of the ten original white purchasers of Nantucket Island. (A third original purchaser was Peter FOLGER, maternal grandfather of Benjamin FRANKLIN.)

A third volume in this columnist's personal collection is The QUACKENBUSH Family in America by Gail Richard QUACKENBUSH. This extensive work (nearly 900 pages) covers almost every known QUACKENBUSH in America from the 1650s until the 1980s.

Each of the above three books are coded by generation and individual, and each have complete indexes. Rootbound readers who believe they might have a family tie-in to any of these genealogies are encouraged to send their information or questions to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

And now...on to the mail!

Leona GUTHRIE (Box 1174, Choctaw, OK 73020) is seeking to learn more about J.O. CHESTER who lived with his wife, Katy Leona, near Ft. Smith, AR, at one time. J.O. died between 1900 and 1909. Katy Leona had been married earlier to a man named John AUSTIN by whom she had three children: May, Eddie, and John Felix AUSTIN.

Leona GUTHRIE (above) also wishes to gather information on Jacob C. HUTSEL (HUTZEL) and his wife, Mellie (or Mollie, or Millie), and their daughter, Elva Frances. The HUTSEL family lived in Houston, Texas County, MO, in 1900. Any of our readers with a CHESTER, AUSTIN, or HUTSEL connection might do well to contact Leona.

Mrs. O.D. ATKINSON (370 Church Road SW, Marietta, GA 30060) wishes to correspond with anyone who has material to share on David Franklin SINGLETON (born 1868, Benton County, AR), a son of Daniel Madison SINGLETON and Amanda GREEN SINGLETON. Who did he marry? Where is he buried? Family sources say that David had one daughter, Mary, who married Cooper HUDSPETH. She may have been living in Ft. Smith, AR, in 1971.

Mrs. O.D. ATKINSON (above) is also on the trail of descendants of William Edward and Nancy Margaret (COFFEE) SINGLETON. All of their children were born in Arkansas, probably in Washington or Benton Counties. The children of William and Nancy were: Amanda E. (born 1850; married Jasper DICKERSON), Franklin Alexander (born 1857; married Della HINTON; buried in Thornsberry Cemetery, Washington County, AR), and Lucinda (born 1861; married Jim GEORGE). Lucinda and Jim GEORGE were said to have had two children, Tony and Edmund, and Edmund supposedly migrated to Texas.

Our correspondent, Mrs. O.D. ATKINSON, hopes that she still has cousins in the Ozarks who are willing and able to help her discover those elusive ancestors.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #229: 11 Feb 1992

2008-08-12T10:51:00.000+09:00

Back during the last century, in those days of old when we were not distracted by radio and television and the thousands of other "conveniences" that technology has since dumped upon us, people read more. And they wrote more, too. In fact, it was a fairly common pursuit of individuals in the closing decades of the nineteenth century to collect genealogy and publish family books. Today's researchers who can locate those old genealogies enjoy a rich harvest of family facts that can be rechecked and incorporated into the history of current generations.

Our first correspondent this week, Donna GUTHRIE (Rt. 7, Box 341, Neosho, MO 64850), would be a first cousin (three times removed) of Minnie WYATT FORSTER, a lady who authored several books about her life and her WYATT ancestors. Donna has one of the books, but she would obviously love to locate the others. Please read on...

William WYATT and his wife, Margaret (possibly HELMS), came to southwest Missouri in the 1840s. Their children were Amasa, Adeline, Emarine, Sarlida, Scott (Donna's g-g-grandfather), Benton, and Finis (the father of Minnie Jane WYATT FORSTER). According to Minnie and other family members, William WYATT and his brothers had come from England. The brothers chose to return to England, but William married and remained in this country. Other sources that Donna has found list William's place of birth as Virginia. Do any of our readers know more about this family?

Donna GUTHRIE (above) is also exploring a PIERCY (PEARCY) line. She is the great-granddaughter of Marcus Lafayette PIERCY and Emma WOOD of the Hickory Creek community of Newton County, MO. Their forebears apparently came to Newton County from Tennessee in the 1840s.

Nathaniel and Caroline PIERCY were the parents of Marcus (above). Nathaniel was listed as an heir to Samuel PIERCY/PEARCY in the 1850s. Were Samuel and Nancy PIERCY the parents of Nathaniel. Nathaniel died when Marcus was two-years-old.

Emma WOOD PIERCY (above) was the daughter of John WOOD (KY) and Margaret _____ (MO). John WOOD and his brother, George, came from Kentucky and were miners. Margaret's mother, Dicy SHELTY/SHETTLEY/SHELTON, was also born in Missouri, as was her mother. Who was Margaret's father?

There was also a John L. PIERCY and family living in Newton County in the 1850s. He was close in age to Nathaniel, but was not listed as an heir to Samuel's estate. Was John a family black sheep?

John L. PIERCY also had a son named Samuel. That Samuel married Sarlida WYATT, sister to Scott and Finis. Samuel and Sarlida followed the family pattern and named their son John.

Donna GUTHRIE would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who could help her find the missing pieces of her family puzzle.

The latest issue of American Genealogy Magazine has two articles on Jesse JAMES. One, by the magazine's editor, James PYLANT, explores the possibility that the famous outlaw faked his own death and actually lived to be one-hundred-and-three-years-old. The other, by this columnist, focuses on the JAMES genealogy - much of which has been covered in Rootbound previously.

With this issue American Genealogy Magazine goes from a four-issues-a-year format to six. And it looks new. The magazine is sturdier with a slick cover, and most importantly, it contains even more genealogy than it did before! For more information on this publication, please send a card or letter to James PYLANT at P.O. Box 1587, Stephenville, TX 76401.

And about those family history books - genealogies - whether they are old or new: a family history is treasure beyond measure! Why not get to work on yours today?

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #228: 4 Feb 1992

2008-08-11T11:51:00.000+09:00

A recent news article announced that the Granby (Newton County, MO) Historical Society will publish a new history book covering the one hundred and fifty years of Granby history. The book will contain hundreds of news articles and photos related to the oldest mining town in southwest Missouri, many of which were garnered from the scrapbooks of residents. for more information on this book, entitled simply, Granby, Missouri please contact the Granby Historical Society at P.O. Box 45, Granby, MO.

Earl E. BRYANT (2341 Arrowhead Drive, Emporia, KS 66801) is searching for information on his great-grandfather, Reverend Owen Rector BRYANT, who came to Rogers, Benton County, AR, in 1880. The last marriages performed by Reverend BRYANT were in 1884 in Benton County. What became of him after that? Who were his parents?

Reverend Owen Rector BRYANT (above) was the father of John Wesley BRYANT of Bentonville, AR (1883-1949). Earl E. BRYANT would like to hear from any of our readers who have information to share about his ancestors.

Luther L. SINGLETARY (1117 Nottingham Drive, Angleton, TX 77515) is searching for the place and dates of death for his great-grandparents, Asbury CHAPMAN (born circa 1828, TN) and Cynthia Jane STAFFORD (born 22 June 1833, TN). They left Dallas County, MO, in the 1860s and supposedly settled in northwest Arkansas. Their children that were listed on the 1860 census of Dallas County, MO, included Mahala Jane, Lucy E., and William B. Our correspondent, Luther L. SINGLETARY, states that he would be happy to pay postage and copying costs to anyone who will share material on his great-grandparents. Can some of our readers help?

The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society (P.O. Box K, Rogers, AR 72757) holds their regular monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of each month in the Community Room of the Farmers and Merchants Bank located at Fourth and Chestnut in downtown Rogers, AR. We understand that their January meeting focused on a talk by Sally JOHNSON on the forthcoming new Rogers Public Library and the possibility that the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society may decide to place their valuable collection of genealogical books in that library. Rootbound will keep our readers posted on the activities of the NAGS and the new library in Rogers as we become aware of them.

Merle GANIER (2108 Grace Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111-2816) has advised Rootbound that he is still publishing his annual compilation of genealogy columns and family books. His publication is entitled Family Periodicals. For purchasing information, please contact the compiler at the address above. It is a good resource item.

Other good genealogical books may be obtained through the Genealogical Publishing Company (1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202). Rootbound has mentioned several of this company's books in the past. Contact the GPC at the address above for a catalogue listing their wide variety of reference books.

And, as long as we are plugging companies that serve genealogists, don't forget about Everton's. Everton Publishers (P.O. Box 368, Logan, UT 84321) not only prints the Genealogical Helper, a great magazine that is a "must" for anyone seriously tracking their ancestors, but the company also produces a wide array of charts, forms, books, and other materials that make this pursuit so much easier.

No matter how tough the research seems to get, help is available!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #227: 28 Jan 1992

2008-08-11T09:08:00.000+09:00

A few weeks ago we published an anonymous testimonial from one of our readers regarding the book, Do People Grow on family Trees? by Ira WOLFMAN. We have now acquired our own copy and are very pleased with the product. Please read on...

The book, Do People Grow on Family Trees? is subtitled Genealogy for Kids and Other Beginners, and that is just what it is...a very good basic primer for anyone getting into the adventuresome sport of ancestoring. With a forward by Mister "Roots" himself, Alex HALEY, the volume by Ira WOLFMAN, editor-in-chief of Sesame Street Magazines, goes on to offer illustrations and guidance for just about every aspect of genealogy. HALEY's forward says in part, "How I wish I could have read this book when I was a child."

The publisher's promotional remarks on this fascinating book describe the scope of the text in these terms:

Do People Grow on Family Trees? is easy to read, informative, fun, and a must for "junior genealogists" of any age. Rootbound recommends this one highly! It may be ordered form the publisher, Workman Publishing (708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 for just $9.95. (Sorry, but we don't know whether that includes shipping and handling or not.) We do know, however, that the book is great!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #226: 21 Jan 1992

2008-08-11T03:18:00.000+09:00

Rootbound loves those genealogy success stories - especially when they are a result of this column! What follows is one that arrived in today's mail. Please read on...

Vivian BALLARD (4 Brightstone Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72714) has found some of her lost relatives through a query submitted by someone else, and now Vivian is out trying to track down more. She states:

Vivian closed her letter with the following mini-testimonial:

What a nice lady! Rootbound spews forth plenty of family information each week, usually never learning whether it has touched anyone's lives or not. It is always a thrill to learn that something we printed helped a family to piece itself back together.

And what about your success stories? We would love to hear about those recently discovered long-lost relatives - whether they were found through Rootbound or not. Just take pen in hand and tell us your tale - and then mail it to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. What could be easier!

The TERRELL Society (Rt. 5, Box 211, Reed Creek Drive, Bassett VA 24055) publishes a newsletter dealing with the surname TERRELL along with related spellings, and the group also has a lending library. Anyone interested in this particular surname or its many variations should contact the Society at the above address.

Need an old map of a particular state, country, or even railroad? The Gold Bug (P.O. Box 588, Alamo, CA 94507) is a good place to look. Rootbound has used this company before and always been pleased. For a free brochure, please write to the Gold Bug at the above address.

Winter is definitely here - and what a great time to work on genealogy! Get thee to a library!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #225: 14 Jan 1992

2008-08-11T02:25:00.000+09:00

The mail has been exceedingly light this winter, which makes Rootbound even more thankful for the continuing support that this column receives from local agencies that deal with family tree researchers. Our first letter this week, for instance, comes from an individual who was referred to Rootbound by both the librarian at the McDonald County Library and a clerk at the Newton County Courthouse. We thank them both! Please read on...

Edward HOUSE (4204 E. Central Avenue, Wichita, KS 67208-3822) is trying to determine what became of some of his ancestors and their relatives in southwest Missouri during the Civil War. But the story has its roots further east.

Benjamin COPP (born circa 1796, VA) and his wife, Amey (born circa 1810, NC) moved with their younger children and an older son and daughter and their families from eastern Tennessee to Murray County, GA, in 1845 or 1846. The older son was Jacob COPP (born 1827, TN), and his wife was Elizabeth (REAVES) (born circa 1828, TN). The older COPP daughter was Martha, and she was married to John REAVES, Elizabeth's brother.

The John REAVES family was in Missouri by 1852, and they are listed on the census of Buffalo Township in Newton County, MO, in 1860. Benjamin COPP was listed with them on that census, along with his youngest daughter, Sarah.

The 1860 census finds Jacob and Elizabeth COPP and their children in Rutledge Township, McDonald County, MO. Thomas JACKSON and his wife, Susan, lived in Honey Creek Township, McDonald county, with their daughters, Sarena and Winnie.

And then during the Civil War years things got interesting...

Benjamin COPP and his daughter disappeared from the public record during those years, as did Jacob's wife, Elizabeth. Jacob COPP married Thomas JACKSON's daughter, Sarena. Thomas JACKSON disappeared. And John REAVES and his wife, Martha (COPP), disappeared. (Martha turned up buried near Jacob in Wise county, TX, in 1892.)

Some family stories about Jacob COPP indicate that he was a Confederate sympathizer during the Civil War and involved in actions against Union soldiers. It is believed that Reese CRABTREE, who was killed by Confederate bushwhackers near Pilot Grove, MO, was the husband of Winnie (Jackson), Jacob's sister-in-law. Winnie's son was apparently born in Missouri in 1864, and that is the last record of any of the clan in Missouri. Jacob and Sarena had a son born in Grayson County, TX, in 1869. That baby was the grandfather of our correspondent.

Edward HOUSE (above) would be most interested in learning what became of his Ozark ancestors and their kin during the Civil War. Does he have cousins that are still here? Perhaps some of the local CRABTREEs could be of help. Get in touch!

Roots in southern Indiana? The Public Affairs Office of Jefferson Proving Ground in Madison, IN, has been collecting material on anyone who served at that installation. If your relative was stationed there (or if you were and would like to get your name and information into their files), contact Michael S. MOORE, Public Affairs Office, Jefferson Proving Ground, Madison, IN 47250. And be sure to mention that you heard about this on-going project through Rootbound.

A good friend and experienced genealogist who wishes to remain anonymous has written to inform this columnist about the book, Do People Grow on Family Trees, Genealogy for Kids and Other Beginners by Ira WOLFMAN, editor of Sesame Street Magazines. The book is the Official Ellis Island Handbook. It is published by Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. The publisher's telephone number is 1-800-722-7202. My friend says, "I think this is the best thing I've seen. It is for beginners, but it covers all bases and is delightful to read. Just a wonderful text." That's good enough for Rootbound - our copy is already on order!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #224: 7 Jan 1992

2008-08-10T11:31:00.000+09:00

John "Judge" SHIRLEY moved with his second wife, Elizabeth (PENNINGTON), and several family slaves to the community of Medoc (later name Georgia City) near Carthage, Jasper County, MO, shortly after their marriage in in 1837. There he raised fine Kentucky horses and farmed until buying a hotel and tavern on the town square of Carthage in 1858. The life and times of Judge SHIRLEY and his family would today be of interest to very few people if it were not for the fact that the SHIRLEY's third child, Myra Maebelle, grew up to become known as Belle STARR, "the Bandit Queen."

Noted author and folklorist, Phillip W. STEELE, has compiled the complete family history and genealogy of Belle STARR in his book, STARR Tracks: Belle and Pearl STARR. The genealogy that follows is but a small part of that fascinating book.

Judge and Elizabeth (PENNINGTON) SHIRLEY had six children: Charlotte A. (born 1838; married Mr. THOMPSON), John Allison "Bud" (1842-1864, killed in a guerrilla skirmish in southeastern Missouri during the Civil War), Myra Maebelle "Belle" (5 Feb 1848-3 Feb 1889), Edwin Benton (1850-1866, shot and killed by a man named PALMER in Texas), Mansfield (1852-1867, killed in a gunfight with lawmen in Indian Territory), and Cravens (a.k.a. Shug, Doc, and John Alva - born 1858). All of the SHIRLEY children were born in Missouri.

Myra Maebelle "Belle" was married four times. It was by her first husband, James C. "Jim" REED, that she had her only two children: Rose Pearl (1868-6 July 1925) and Edwin "Eddie" (1871-14 Dec 1896). Both father and son met violent deaths, with Jim (6 Feb 1845-6 Aug 1874) being shot by John MORRIS in Paris, TX, and Eddie being felled by gunshots from Joe GIBBS and J.W. CLARK in Claremore, OK. Rose Pearl went on to adopt the surname of her mother's third husband, Sam STARR, and she became notorious in her own right as a bordello operator in Ft. Smith, AR.

Belle STARR's other husbands were Bruce YOUNGER (a first cousin to outlaw Cole YOUNGER and a brother to the mother of the DALTON gang), and Jim JULY. Belle made her last husband, Jim, adopt the surname of his predecessor, Sam STARR, making him Jim JULY STARR. Some argue that Jim had a hand in Belle's murder in 1889.

Belle's son, Eddie, had no known children, so all of her descendants come from Pearl. Pearl had four children. The first was Mamie, an illegitimate daughter of Robert McCLURE. She was placed in an orphanage by a well-intentioned aunt, adopted, and became Flossie Pearl EPPLE. Mamie was born in 1887 and died in 1943.

Pearl STARR's other children were Ruth KAIGLER (1894-1979), a daughter of Charles KAIGLER, E. ERBACK (1898-1899), a son of Count ERBACH, and Jenette Steele ANDREWS (1902-1971), a daughter of Dell ANDREWS.

The third generation is as follows: Flossie Pearl EPPLE was the mother of Robert E. HUTTON (1908-1978). Ruth KAIGLERR was the mother of Veleska Myra WALT (born 1912). Veleska had no children. Jenette Steele ANDREWS was the mother of Delores VIGNOLO (born 1921). Delores also had no children.

The fourth generation: Robert E. HUTTON was the father of Flossie Mae HUTTON (born 1927).

The fifth generation: Flossie Mae HUTTON was the mother of Bette Lou WILEY (born 1947), Robert Lee WILEY (born 1948), and Frank William WILEY (born 1950).

The sixth generation: Bette Lou WILEY was the mother of Lauralee GOOD (born 1966), William R. GOOD (born 1969), and Jackson R. GOOD (born 1972). Frank William WILEY was the father of Rockie Lee WILEY (born 1972).

An interesting footnote to Belle STARR's life is that even though writers dubbed her "the Bandit Queen," she was actually only arrested three times - once for arson and twice for stealing horses!

STARR Tracks is available from the author, Phillip W. Steele (P.O. Box 191, Springdale, AR 72765) for the postage-paid price of $6.85. He has also published books on the JAMES brothers (covered previously in Rootbound) and the DALTONs. They're all jam-packed with historical drama and, of course, genealogy!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #223: 31 Dec 1991

2008-08-10T06:37:00.000+09:00

Rose STAUBER's annual Christmas letter is fast becoming a holiday highlight for this columnist. This year's message contained an update of Rose's kin - wonderful folks, all - and an interesting extract from some Cherokee research that she has undertaken for a cousin. The following two paragraphs are a verbatim reprint from a portion of Rose's letter that dealt with that research. Enjoy!

Poor fella! Thanks for sharing, Rose.

Charli GREENLEES (11065 Kimberly Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766-4020) ran a query a few months ago centering on her search for material on the FUTHEY family. She has written to report that there were no responses to her query. If any FUTHEY descendants remain in the Ozarks, please drop a line or two to your cousin in sunny California!

But on a brighter note, Rootbound is often successful. Take for example the following remarks that came from Ann BRANUM (1111 North 2000 West, 22 Glenwood Drive, Farr West, UT):

As we have said time and again, letters like that one from Ann BRANUM are much better than paychecks!

Newton County Roots is the official publication of the Genealogy Friends of the Library, Neosho City-County Library. For information on membership in the group and their publications, please write to the Genealogy Friends at P.O. Box 314, Neosho, MO 64850. And be sure to tell those good people that you heard about the group through Rootbound. This columnist has been a member for several years.

A few readers responded to our question regarding where to find old copies of Missouri newspapers. The State Historical Society of Missouri (1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, MO 65201) has extensive holdings on Missouri newspapers that can be accessed through inter-library loan. Most libraries will have a catalogue, or researchers can write to the Society and request information on particular counties.

Would you like to learn more about genealogy - at your own pace? Brigham Young University offers a variety of courses by correspondence that can provide an in-depth knowledge in the basics of family research. For details, please contact the BYU Department of Independent Study at 206 Harman Building, Provo, UT 84602. Their coursework will eventually lead to a certificate in genealogy, and it could also be instrumental for preparation in becoming a professional genealogist.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #222: 24 Dec 1991

2008-08-10T02:38:00.000+09:00

Rootbound is successful because our readers take the time to help others. Please read on...

Lila LEE (P.O. Box 118, Stites, ID 83552) recently submitted a query regarding Philip, Clingman, and Clint Leftric ANDERSON in Missouri and Benton County, AR. While she didn't receive replies from any ANDERSON descendants, Lila did get a nice letter form Lucy SIMS, a reader in Bentonville, who remembers Clingman ANDERSON from her childhood at Jane, McDonald County, MO. Clingman lived about six miles east of Jane.

Mrs. SIMS related to Lila that Clingman ANDERSON and her father were good friends in the period 1913-1918. Everyone called Clingman "Pappy" ANDERSON. Mrs. SIMS said that Clingman had four daughters: Ama, Ada, Nola, and Ola. She did not recall that there were any boys. Are descendants of this family still in the area? Lila LEE would love to learn more about her Ozark ancestors!

And thank you Lucy SIMS for sharing your memories with our friend in Idaho!

Mrs. Fawn HULLQUIST (3126 Scott River Road, Fort Janis, CA 96032) is seeking information on the QUINBY sisters. Statira Ann QUINBY married Douglas GALLIMORE. May Alice QUINBY was the wife of Thomas SHERER, and they lived in Seneca, Newton County, MO, in 1911. Lucy Harriet QUINBY married John FEATHERSTONE at Seneca, MO, and they were living in Osceola, MO, in 1911. Are these names familiar to any of our readers?

Robert E. BACON (229-A Avenida Majorca, Laguna Hills, CA 92653) wishes to learn the names of the parents, birthplace, or area of residence prior to 1867, of his great-grandfather, Reuben was born somewhere in Missouri in 1844. He married Mary Anna MURPHEY in 1865 in Illinois and lived in Vermillion and Champaign Counties between 1868 and 1884. Reuben died in Moline, NE, in 1889. Reuben and Mary Anna were the parents of Charles Howard BACON who was born in Richmond, MO, in 1867. Can any of our readers answer Robert BACON's questions about his great-grandfather?

Nelson Clay WILLIS (450 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90402) is researching Andrew NELSON and his wife, Sarah E. LANE. Andrew was born in Norway in 1839, and Sarah was born in Illinois in 1845. They were married in Newton County, MO, on 9 Dec 1867. The couple had the following children: Emma (born 1869, MO), Jessie (a female) (July 1871, MO), Blanch (1876, IA), and Lottie (Nov 1878, IA; died 1941, Eureka Springs, AR).

Andrew NELSON (above) was the postmaster of Shoalsburg, Newton County, MO, on 15 April 1867. He was a dry goods merchant in Seneca, MO, in 1870, and by 1880 he was a farmer in Lotts Creek, Kossuth County, IA. do any of our readers know more about this family?

Bonnie BARTLETT (3251 Partridge Way, Springfield, OR 97477) is the g-g-g-granddaughter of Daniel SLAVENS. He was a resident of Newton County, MO, and may have died there between 1890 and 1892. Has Daniel left a trail across the Ozarks?

Mrs. Julian H. SNELSON (2932 Amelia Street, Shreveport, LA 71108) desires to correspond with descendants of the following individuals: C.P. BLACKBURN (1857-1926), his wife, Eliza E. (18 Feb 1875-3 Dec 1945), James W. BLACKBURN (24 July 1854, KY-9 July 1927, Ritchey, Newton County, MO), his wife, Mrs. Ellen HEFLIN CARR BLACKBURN (1877, Lexington, MO-1916), Kansas T. HEFLIN, and Mrs. Eliza A. HEFLIN (24 Feb 1811-4 Nov 1879).

Were C.P. BLACKBURN and James W. BLACKBURN brothers? C.P., Eliza, and James W. are all buried in the Van Buren Cemetery in Newton County, MO. Kansas T. HEFLIN was a brother to Ellen and was living with her and James in 1910. Kansas T. HEFLIN is buried in the Black Fox Cemetery at Granby, MO. Mrs. Eliza A. HEFLIN is buried in the I/O.O.F. Cemetery at Neosho. Is she related to the others? Mrs. Julian H. SNELSON has many questions. Do any of our readers have some of the answers?

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #221: 17 Dec 1991

2008-08-10T01:08:00.000+09:00

Scrapbooks are an easy way to preserve family history. Every home should have a special place to collect those invitations, announcements, snapshots, newspaper articles, and whatever so that they would be handy for working into a scrapbook every few months or so. Wouldn't that be a treasure worth leaving to posterity!

Dixie HAASE (Rt. 1, Box 1057, Granby, MO 64844), a past contributor to Rootbound has forwarded a copy of an article that she found in a scrapbook. The article, which wasn't dated, was about Julia ROARK of Seneca, Newton County, MO, who was celebrating her 90th birthday that February 25th. Mrs. ROARK was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William BLANKENSHIP, and she was the widow of Curtis ROARK who had died in 1934. Julia and Curtis were married in 1885.

The children of Julia ROARK who were mentioned in the article included: Mrs. Mamie WINN of Los Angeles, CA, Mrs. Emma BARNES of Denver, CO, Mrs Mable NEIL of Fresno, CA, Mrs. Callie PATTON of Cardin, OK, and Mrs. Cassie MONTGOMERY of Seneca, MO. A son, Charley, had passed away in 1935.

How did Curtis ROARK tie in with William Carroll and Comfort (POE) ROARK who have been mentioned in this column many times?

There is a great deal of material on Julia ROARK in this clipping. Rootbound will send a copy to any of her descendants who send a request and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Penny C. LITTLE (625 East Monterey, Denison, TX 75020) is seeking information on a POLSON family that was rooted in northwest Arkansas or southwest Missouri. Of particular interest to Penny is G.W. POLSON, his father, Louie, and his brothers, William, David, and Andrew. Penny is also tracking Asberry and Cynthis CHAPMAN. G.W. POLSON's children were supposed to have attended school around Bentonville or Fayetteville, AR, in the 1880s. Are any of our readers researching this same family?

Related trivia: The Polson Cemetery that lies a few miles of Southwest City, MO, just across the Oklahoma line, is the final resting place of Confederate General Stand WATIE, the on;ly Cherokee Indian to rise to that rank.

Rootbound's old friend, Nova A. LEMONS (12206 Brisbane Avenue, Dallas, TX 75234-6528) would like to hear from any of our readers who have LEMONS ancestors in Missouri or Arkansas. Her special interest is Alfred William A. LEMONS who was born around 1859 in Missouri or Arkansas. Who were his parents? Was his mother a full-blooded Indian? He may have had a brother named Gaston LEMONS.

Alfred William A. LEMONS (above) was going by the name of William A. LEMONS when he married his first wife, Amanda Florence CARDER, in Montgomery County, AR, in 1879. Prior to that time he had lived in Polk County, AR. Do any of our readers have a knowledge of this individual?

The CASTOR Association of America collects information on the following surnames: KUSTER, KOSTER, CUSTER, KUSTERD, KUESTER, KESTER, CUSTARD, KUSTARD, KISTARD, KISTER, GERSTER, CASTER, CASTOR, KASTER, KASTOR, KOESTER, KIESTER, and KEISTER. The group has recently announced publication of its fourth book, The Descendants of Paulus and Gertrude KUSTERS. this volume covers the first four generations of descendants as well as the ancestry of Paulus and Gertrude in Germany. For further information on the group or their latest book, please contact the group's president, Jean M. WHITE at 1141 East Sandra Terrace, Phoenix, AZ 85022.

Fellow genelaogy columnist Donna POTTER PHILLIPS (2204 West Houston, Spokane, WA 99208-4440) is marketing a collection of her columns that ran in the Spokane Chronicle from 1886 until 1990. The subjects covered in those columns ranged from genealogy lessons for beginners to explanations of little-known sources or records. The collection is available from Donna for the postage-paid price of $15.00.

Winter's here! It's a great time to cozy up next to the fire and work on genealogy. And while you're at it, sort out those questions and send them to Rootbound. One of our readers may just have the answer that you have been looking for.!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #220: 10 Dec 1991

2008-08-09T10:52:00.000+09:00

Newspapers, what with their birth and wedding announcements, court news, and obituaries, can be excellent sources of genealogy. But which of our area newspapers are available for research? One of our favorite readers is interested in finding out. Please read on...

Mrs. Charles E. VAIL (2104 Hidden Oaks Trail, Bentonville, AR 72712) who has contacted Rootobund previously regarding her ancestor, Millington ALLEN, and the elusive location of Boyd Cemetery, has now written to request assistance in learning about the availability of local newspapers for research.

The only specific knowledge that we have on this subject is that a century or so of The Neosho Daily News and The Neosho Democrat are available on microfilm at the newspaper office on West Harmony in Neosho. They have a reader and will allow research during normal working hours. Are any other newspapers available to the public? Jean VAIL and Rootbound want to know!

Mrs. VAIL (above) also asked if personal research is allowed in the Newton County, MO, Courthouse. It is, and we have always found the folks who work there to be quite cordial. It is important to be considerate of the courthouse employees when doing research because, believe it or not, their main purpose in being there is not genealogy!

Dan D'ALESSANDRO (1920 Colleen Drive, Los altos, CA 94024) heard about Rootbound through, of all places, the Newton County Courthouse in Neosho, MO! He desires any available information o the following three individuals: Lala L. D'ALESSANDRO (14 Mar 1898-1 May 1928), and her parents, George C. EVANCE (22 June 1867-15 May 1916) and Susan M. EVANCE (1 May 1871-5 Nov 1899). All three of these individuals are buried in the Carterville, Jasper County, MO, Cemetery. Who can assist Dan with his research?

Hilary J. RAUCH (2238 Allegany Drive, Naperville, IL 60565) is married to the granddaughter of John Wesley ROLLINS/ROLLINGS who was born in January of 1852 or 1853 in Alabama or Georgia. John Wesley came to northwest Arkansas, probably Madison or Carroll County, before August of 1872 when her married his first wife, Martha Frances STANSELL.

The ROLLINS/ROLLINGS had two sons in Madison County, AR, before moving to Union County, OR, by December of 1876 where three daughters were born. The family then moved back to Madison County, AR, by April of 1881 and had four more children.

John Wesley ROLLINS/ROLLINGS married a second time (1899) in northwest Arkansas and had two more children, including our correspondent's father-in-law, Oscar George ROLLINS, who was born in March of 1902. John Wesley eventually relocatedd to northeast Oregon where he died in 1925. Do any of our readers have a knowledge of this individual or his descendants?

The Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society (2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602-1499) has numerous books for sale that would aid anyone researching a Mennonite lineage. For further information on publications that are available, please write to the society at the address listed above.

Today's first correspondent, Mrs. Charles E. VAIL, mentioned that she eventually did locate the farm of Millington ALLEN and the Boyd Cemetery. So persistence does pay off - usually! Mrs. VAIL also noted that she had set aside some research for a ten-year period, only to discover when she resumed that four of the people whom she formerly corresponded with had died. Genealogy, one must surmise, is something that needs to be done now!

With the holidays bringing families together, wouldn't this be a good time to get out pen and paper or that handy tape recorder and begin collecting those family tales and history? And when you come across a good story that might be of interest to others, why not share it. Send those family tidbits and queries to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close as the corner mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #219: 3 Dec 1991

2008-08-09T09:55:00.000+09:00

To successfully track ancestors across the Ozarks, it is often useful to have some knowledge of Indian history. Our Ozark forebears were occasionally native Americans. That seems to be the case with our first correspondent this week. Please read on...

Linda NELSON (520 E. Comanche, Norman, OK 73071) believes that one or both of her great-grandparents, John and Mary R. (TUCKER) NELSON, were Choctaw Indians. They were married in Bentonville, AR, on 1 July 1868 by Reverend L.T. RICE. The witnesses were Berry and Tennessee JOICE.

John NELSON (above) (1 Sep 1848-18 Mar 1898) was the son of John (1818-1899) and Mary (1 Dec 1817-13 May 1899). Mary (TUCKER) NELSON was born 14 June 1850 and died 28 Oct 1909.

The six children of John and Mary (TUCKER) NELSON were: Finley Benjamin (born 20 Dec 1870), Samuel Lawson (3 Sep 1874), John Hiram (19 June 1876), Louisa Tennessee (8 April 1878), Pleasant Elmer (19 April 1884), and Susa Ellen (3 Oct 1888). Our correspondent is the granddaughter of Pleasant Elmer NELSON. She would appreciate hearing from anyone with a knowledge of her family history.

Kathryn (Lancaster) (MICKOW) RUMMEL (One Tanworth Circle, Bella Vista, AR 72714) reports some good fortune that came about through a letter to Rootbound. Some time ago she wrote to ask for the name of a genealogy columnist in the south. We responded with Marie DeLAMAR (1000 Sixth Avenue, Albany, GA 31707) who writes a weekly column for the Albany newspaper. Kathryn relates that her first letter to Marie went unanswered. She wrote a second time, being sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (apparently one had not been included the first time), and a reply came. In that answer, Marie provided Kathryn with the first names of her great-grandparents, Lewis Thomas and Louise M. LANCASTER. Great work, Kathryn!

And the point of Kathryn's story is, of course, to always enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope when writing to anyone for information. It's a courtesy - and one that often pays far more than the cost of the postage!

Thelma KELLY SCHNAKE (Rt. 1, Stark City, MO 64866) wrote in response to a mention carried in Rootbound a few weeks ago about a John R. KELLEY family. She is the great-granddaughter of John and Jane KELLY - and believes that the two Johns may be one-in-the-same, even though the last names are slightly different.

Thelma's great-grandparents had twelve children, eight boys and four girls. the boys were: Greenberry, John, Richmond, William, Martin, Francis Marion, Thomas (Thelma's grandfather), and unknown. The girls were Mary (KING), Elizabeth (WHITE), Nancy (FREEMAN), and Rhoda (WEST). Richmond KELLY and his wife had a daughter, Sarah, who was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Will KELLY when her parents died. Do any of our readers have a KELLY line that would connect to Thelma's? Get in touch!

Thelma KELLY SCHNAKE (above) also said that she looks forward to reading Rootbound every week. What a nice lady!

The Ouachita County, AR, Courthouse was destroyed by fire on 19 Dec 1875, so there are no official county records before that time - except for the Tax Record Books which are located at the Arkansas History Commission. Now Yvonne SPENCE PERKINS (2107 54th Street, Lubbock, TX 79412) has completed two volumes of material extracted from those original tax books. For more information about either Early Oachita County Arkansas Tax Records (1846-1850, or Early Oachita County Arkansas Tax Records 1851-1857, please write to Yvonne at the address listed above.

Need a boost up that old family tree? Why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #218: 26 Nov 1991

2008-08-08T09:59:00.000+09:00

One of the more interesting aspects of genealogy is the discovery of all of those unique first names that our forefathers (and foremothers!) gave to their children. And when an unusual name surfaces, the subsequent reaction is usually to ponder its origin. Why, for instance, did a set of this writer's g-g-g-g-grandparents name their baby girl Comfort? And what were the circumstances that led another pair of my ancestors to give their daughter the name Mourning? And some are just humorous, such as the ROARK twin boys, Nip and Tuck! There is, one can almost be certain, stories behind the unusual names of our ancestors.

Sometimes the story behind unusual names is more obvious. Many babies were named after major figures in history such as United States Presidents, military heroes, sports figures, outlaws, and other notables. Rare is the family tree that doesn't have a George Washington somebody-or-other clinging to one of its branches. But what about those lesser notables? It shouldn't be surprising to learn that even the likes of Commodore PERRY had babies named after him. And one of his namesakes has an Ozarks connection. Please read on...

Audrey E. HANSEN (2158 Bower Court, SE, Salem OR 97301) is searching for anyone with a WISDOM family connection. She is especially interested in learning more about John Louis WISDOM (born around 1853), a son of Commodore Perry WISDOM. The family migrated from Kentucky and Tennessee to Missouri, Texas, and finally Arkansas. They were in Arkansas in the early 1870s. Mrs. HANSEN has asked if there are WISDOMs in any of our area telephone directories. She would appreciate any help that she could get.

Loretha TABLER BRADLEY (1201 Leisure Lane #4, Walnut Creek, CA 94595) has a letter that was sent from Neosho, Newotn County, MO, on 6 Dec 1892 to "Dear Aunt" from Louisa and S.A. SEAGROVE and family. She wishes to know if Louisa was a BRADLEY, DAVIS, HAINES, HANES, or HAYNES. Our correspondent would like to contact any SEAGROVEs living in our area today. Are you out there?

Voris O. CALLAWAY (4816 Del Crest, Del City,, OK 73115) is the grandson of Sarah Lydia (MACY) SPEARS on Newton County, MO. While going through his grandmother's old photo album, he recently discovered three unlabeled tin-types that appear to have been taken in the late 1800s. Voris has made copies of these tin-types and forwarded them to Rootbound for help with identification of the people in the portraits. We will leave these copies in the Genealogy Room of the Neosho City-County Library for the next few weeks in the hope that someone will be able to identify the subjects.

Sarah Lydia (MACY) SPEARS (above) was a daughter of Charles and Mary Jane (MEADOWS/MEADOR) MACY of Newton County, MO. (Charles and Mary Jane were also this writer's g-g-grandparents.) Sarah Lydia was born 16 Oct 1855 and married Nathan SPEARS on 1 Nov 1874. Mary Jane's father, Charles, was reportedly dragged from the family home by bushwhackers in 1879 and never heard from again. Does anyone know more to that story? (A few years before his disappearance, Charles MACY served on the Iron Switch (Belfast) School Board in rural Newton County.)

Is there a VAN WINKLE or LARNER in your family tree? Marilyn LARNER HICKS (3621 Duchess Trail, Dallas, TX 75229) has done extensive research on both of those surnames and published books that detail her research. For those working a VAN WINKLE or LARNER line, contact with Mrs. HICKS might prove useful.

Queries to Rootbound do work! Ruthalea SUMMERS (1017 Pompano, Port Isabel, TX 78578) ran a query on her LOCKHART family over a year ago and was surprised recently by a letter from a lady in Diamond, MO, who had just made a connection! So, if your query hasn't brought results, hang in there. It may yet!

And if you haven't written to Rootbound, remember...an unwritten query will never get answered! Send those comments, questions, and bits of family history to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. Somebody just may answer - even a year from now!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #217: 19 Nov 1991

2008-08-07T10:25:00.000+09:00

Rootbound has recently published columns focusing on the COLE (Dr. John Hunt COLE of Southwest City, MO) and JAMES (outlaws Frank and Jesse) families. Both columns brought a good response from readers. Now, Tom BOYD (205 SE 2nd Street, Bentonville, AR 72712) has forwarded a most interesting article that focuses on a COLE family (possibly connected to our physician) and the JAMES family of outlaw fame. The information was published by Alvin SEAMSTER, a cousin of Mr. BOYD's grandmother, Laura COLE WOODS. Mr. SEAMSTER at one time established a museum near Garfield, AR. His material follows:

Steven COLE of England and Mattie HUNTER of Wales came to America in the 1670s. They later married and had the following children: John, James, William, Mark, and Elizabeth. Stephen's will is recorded in Chester County, PA.

John COLE (above) married Jane BOUNDS and they moved to Rockingham County, NC. Their sons - Stephen, James, and William - were born in Rockingham County and served in the Revolutionary War. Stephen was a captain. He later moved to Missouri Territory, Cole County (MO) where Jefferson City now stands. Cole County, MO, was named after him on 20 Nov 1820.

Other children of John and Jane (BOUNDS) COLE included Jesse, Mark, John, Peter, Reuben, Samuel (the great-grandfather of Alvin SEAMSTER and Laura COLE), Mattie (married Stephen WALL), and Nancy (married Israel SNEED).

Jesse and Mark settled in Kentucky near a college so that their children could be educated. Mark died in Kentucky leaving his children to be raised by Jesse COLE. Zerelda Cole was a daughter of Mark. While in college, Zerelda met and married a Mr. JAMES, and became the mother of Frank and Jesse JAMES. Zerelda's sister married a Mr. YOUNGER, and she became the mother of Cole YOUNGER. There is (according to Mr. SEAMSTER) some disagreement about whether Jesse was the son of Zerelda or another wife of Mr. JAMES.

John and Reuben COLE were in the mercantile business in North Carolina, but in 1820 Dr. John COLE came to Arkansas and is listed on the 1830 and 1840 census of that state. John was the first postmaster at Sylvia in Washington County, AR, in the 1830s. Dr. COLE went to Texas before the Civil War.

Reuben COLE went to Jones County, GA, where he married Celia WADSWORTH. After Reuben's death in Mississippi, Celia and her son, Samuel, moved to Washington County, AR. They are both buried at Cane Hill Cemetery along with a son of Samuel, Dr. John COLE.

Samuel COLE, the great-grandfather of Laura COLE WOODS and Alvin SEAMSTER, was born in 1781. He married Polly GIBSON. She died before the family moved to Arkansas in 1832. Samuel and his kids settled seven miles from Pea Ridge. Samuel's children were Samuel, John, Hiram, James, and Newton Cannon COLE (the grandfather of Laura and Alvin). After five years in Arkansas, Samuel (the father) went back to Tennessee and helped move one thousand Cherokees to the Indian Territory where he lived with them for four years.

Alvin and Laura's grandfather, Newton Cannon COLE, was born in Tennessee in 1818 and died in Benton County, AR, in 1893. He is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Newton married Candace BRASHEARS who was on the wagon train when they came to Arkansas in 1832. The wagon train included thirteen families. Candace, born in 1820 in Kentucky, lived ninety-three years and passed on much family history. She did not, according to Alvin SEAMSTER, relate much of the JAMES family history, however, because it was considered a disgrace at that time to admit the relationship.

Newton Cannon and Candace (BRASHEARS) COLE (above) were the parents of William M. (the father of Laura COLE), Joseph, Nancy Jane (the mother of Alvin SEAMSTER), Jasper, Mary, James, John C., and Robert A. COLE.

Rootbound truly appreciates Tom BOYD sharing so much of his family history. If any of our readers discover that they are tied in to Tom's family, please contact him at his home in Bentonville and let him know.

And what about your family history? Send it to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper and we'll share it with our regular band of readers.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #216: 12 Nov 1991

2008-08-06T09:38:00.000+09:00

Rootbound has always generated a fair amount of mail from its readers. Knowing that people are actually out there reading the column makes writing it a pleasure. And not all of the mail comes to Rootbound - quite often it goes from reader to reader. We recently received a "thank you" from Dr. Michael KNOLL, the Swiss researcher at the University of South Carolina who is trying to learn more about McDonald County educator, Pryor McBee COLLINGS, aka Ellsworth COLLINGS. He stated that he had received "lots of mail" from Rootbound readers regarding Mr. COLLINGS. Thanks, readers, for being there!

One of our editors phoned to report that the Education Building at the University of Oklahoma in Norman is named for Ellsworth COLLINGS. He speculated that perhaps Mr. COLLINGS had been the head of the Education Department at one time. Does anyone know more about this particular phase of the famous Ozark educator's life?

Those with information to share about Pryor McBee (Ellsworth) COLLINGS should contact Dr. Michael KNOLL at the Museum of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208.

Toni MARTINAZZI (301 Harlem Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025) is the daughter of Ann CHAPMAN. Ann was the seventh child of Albert Rice CHAPMAN and Maggie (Margaret Rose?) BENA. Albert was the son of Coleman Wood CHAPMAN and Anna Elizabeth FERGUSON. He was born near Anderson, McDonald County, MO, in 1866. Albert married Maggie BENA on 22 Aug 1888.

Maggie BENA (above) was born 15 July 1871 at Goodman, McDonald County, MO. She was the child of Saturna BENA (BENNA) and Maria TAYLOR. Maria TATLOR was born 27 Mar 1844 in Scott County, MO.

A family story says that Maggie BENA was christened in the Cowskin River by her future father-in-law, Reverend Coleman Wood CHAPMAN. Our correspondent, Toni MARTINAZZI, wishes to know if Reverend CHAPMAN performed the marriage of Albert and Maggie and, if so, where? Where did Albert and Maggie meet? The couple did not stay in Missouri. Why and when did they leave?

Toni MARTINAZZI (above) also has some questions regarding Saturna BENA. He was in Missouri in 1864 at the age of twenty-five. Did he serve in the Civil War? Which side? The couple lived in Cape Girardeau for a few years before moving on to Splitlog, McDonald County, MO. They were residents of Splitlog until Saturna's death on 6 Nov 1918. Maria TAYLOR BENA died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank WILLIAMS, on 23 July 1928.

Saturna and Maria (TAYLOR) BENA had ten children, eight of whom survived to adulthood. Adolphis and Wallace died in infancy. the other eight were: Clara (married Jerry DAVIDSON before 1918; died 1935), Augusta (married Frank WILLIAMS before 1918), Maggie Rose (born 15 July 1871; married Albert CHAPMAN in 1888), Mildred (married W.A. MADISON before 1918), Grace (married Mr. JAMESON before 1918, and J.A. SNYDER after 1918), Lyda (married M.S. LESLIE before 1918), Charles (born 28Jan 1869; died at Splitlog on 25 Sep 1932; never married), and Sidney (died around 1918 in Colorado).

Perhaps descendants of these people still reside in the Ozarks. Hopefully they will get in touch with Toni in Illinois.

The Northwest Arkansas genealogical society (P.O. Box K, Rogers, AR 72757) still meets the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Fourth and Chestnut in downtown Rogers. For more information on membership, publications, or particular programs, please contact the society at the address listed above. The NAGS is one of the most active genealogical organizations in our area. They're good folks!

Of course, most residents of the Ozarks are good folks - and so were their ancestors! And if you need help in finding your good ancestors, why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? It's as easy as that!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #215: 5 Nov 1991

2008-08-05T20:43:00.000+09:00

Remember our column that mentioned the letter from the Swiss researcher who was writing a book on progressive education in America? He had been to McDonald County in search of material on Ellsworth COLLINGS who served as County Superintendent of Schools from 1915 until 1921. Mr. COLLINGS had written a book about a model school that he established in 1918 near Bethpage, MO. His work went on to be translated into several different languages and studied in many countries. Well, that piece has stirred a response from a relative. Please read on...

Dr. Bryce E. COLLINGS (P.O. Box 233, Anderson, MO 64831) is a third or fourth cousin of the late educator. As such, he has not done any direct work in relation to Ellsworth COLLINGS, but he has acquired a printout on the COLLINGS family that traces their common lineage back to Peter COLLINGS who was born in January of 1820. Dr. COLLINGS also believes that some of his family was born and reared near Arcola, MO. He will share what he knows of his family lineage with any of our readers who have a related interest.

The Swiss researcher, but the way, is Michael KNOLL (Museum of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208). Mr. KNOLL is still seeking to learn more about Ellsworth COLLINGS and his model school at Bethpage. Are any alumnae still around?

Judy CARPENTER (P.O. box 794, Bennington, VT 05201) wishes to correspond with others who are researching the surname HARVEY. Of particular interest to Judy are Edward HARVEY, John Vincent HARVEY (1841-1920), Walter Alonzo HARVEY (born May 1896), Merle HARVEY (born 1 Aug 1926), and Dell HARVEY. Do any of these names sound familiar?

Ava Nell CHEEK (39 Tamworth Circle, Bella Vista, AR 72714) has been searching in vain for the ancestry of her great-grandmother, Eliza Jane MATHEWS, for many years, but she now believes that she has stumbled upon Eliza's family. Please read on...

Eliza Jane MATHEWS was born in 1848 in Missouri. Our correspondent has reason to believe that Eliza was living near Joplin, MO, when she was sixteen. Recently Mrs. CHEEK found an Eliza J. MATHIS in the 1850 census of Barry County, MO. In 1860 that same family was listed as John W. MATHEWS (age 39, born TN), wife Susan (24, MO), and the following children, all born in Missouri: James B. (age 12), Eliza J. (10), Mark (10), George W. (5), and John B. (1). If this is her family, there should also be a brother named Dan born after 1860.

Eliza Jane MATHEWS (above) married Francis Z. "Zack" TURNER in Hunt County, TX, in 1870, and she died in 1924 in Taylor County, TX. Does anyone know if the entire family moved to Texas? If so, where? (They are not in the 1870 Hunt County census.) Ava Nell CHEEK in very interested in contacting her Ozark kin.

Ann BRANUM (1111 North 2000 West, 22 Glenwood Drive, Farr West, UT 84404) is requesting help with her Newton County, MO, roots. Her grandfather, Edward Byron HEATH, married Jemima BOWERS in 1873. Jemima was the daughter of Henry BOWERS of Newton County. Edward, born in Seneca (NY or MO?) may have been a school teacher or a minister. He and Jemima had two sons, Leonard and Robert.

Jemima BOWERS HEATH (above) had a brother named Leonard BOWERS who served in the Civil War. (Four men with that name served from Missouri.) Henry BOWERS, the father of Leonard and Jemima, was born in Tennessee and was residing in the vicinity of Shoal Creek in Newton County (post office at Grand Falls) in 1860. Leonard was nineteen at that time and Jemima was four. Do any of our readers know more about the BOWERS and HEATH families?

Can't get enough of Rootbound? Why not check out Rootbound in the Ozarks, a regular feature in American Genealogy Magazine. For more information on this publication, please write to the editor, James PYLANT, at P.O. Box 1587, Stephenville, TX 76401.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #214: 29 Oct 1991

2008-08-05T20:00:00.000+09:00

Recently we published a letter from a researcher in Canada who was attempting to learn more about a couple of Missouri military units involved in the Mexican War. Rose STAUBER noticed that query and has supplied Rootbound with some general information on the Mexican War that might be of interest to our readers. Please read on...

For openers, rose notes that the Time-Life series, The Mexican War, provides a good, over-all account of the conflict. That collection may be found in most public libraries. Our Canadian had two ancestors who died in that war. Battlefield casualties were low (1,721) according to information that Rose extracted from Time-Life, but an additional 11,155 perished from disease and exposure. The elements, one would surmise, were more likely to have killed the Canadian's ancestors than bullets.

Rose STAUBER reports that she has only located one Mexican War veteran in her family tree. He came from Illinois, a state that has published rosters of all its units. As a part of an inter-library loan of material on the 3rd Illinois, Rose also received microfiche for Official Army Reports from Executive Documents, 1st Session, 30th Congress, 1847-1848, Volume I. Included in this cache were reports from Winfield SCOTT on down to the regimental commanders, listing many items of genealogical significance such as the rosters of dead and wounded.

And, along with tips on Mexican War research, Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344) has also forwarded a query:

Rose is seeking information on the GAMBLE and WHEELER families. The GAMBLEs appear to have been Shawnee and adopted Cherokee. Samuel WHEELER's wife, Mary Ann FISH, was a Shawnee and adopted Cherokee. Matthew GAMBLE married Julia Ann WHEELER on 31 May 1882 in the Delaware District of the Cherokee Nation. Rose would appreciate hearing from anyone with a knowledge of there families.

Jane H. HERRIMAN (19 Portland Lane, Bella vista, AR 72714) has friends who are descendants of Henry GOODNIGHT. They (the friends) are seeking to locate relatives in the Ozarks. Henry lived around Mountain Home, Baxter County, AR, circa 1870, and he moved to the vicinity of Belton, TX, in 1892.

Owen GOODNIGHT was Henry's son. Owen's son, Dr. Clyde GOODNIGHT, currently resides at Rt. 2, Box 178-C, Temple, TX 76501. His cousin, Mrs. Gene (Jackie) GOODNIGHT, serves as the family historian. Her address is Rt. 3, Box 3568, Belton, TX 76513. Those with a GOODNIGHT branch on their family tree might do well to contact one of these individuals.

Corrine FAULKNER (P.O. Box 518, Kearney, MO 64060) wishes to hear from anyone researching a BUCKNER, CROSSWHITE, WADKINS, or WILLIAMS line in the Ozarks. Who can help?

Juanita TYLER KELLERMAN (745 West 1st Avenue, Rt. 3, Barnett, KS 66032-1100) is interested in learning more about Jonathan GRANT, an ancestor of her grandfather, Elza William TYLER, who lived in Sulphur Springs, Benton County, Ar. GRANT, a surveyor, was born around 1755. (Where?) He fought in the Revolutionary War, enlisting at Ft. Pitt, PA. Jonathan GRANT later lived in Beaver County, PA, and Columbiana and Holmes Counties of Ohio. His second wife was Sarah KELLY. Who was the first Mrs. GRANT? Who were Jonathan's parents? Juanita TYLER KELLERMAN would love to hear from anyone who has the answers to her questions.

Searching for that hard-to-find genealogical reference book, or one of the old standards? One of the best sources for building a home reference library suited to your own research needs is the Genealogical Publishing Company. For a free catalogue of their latest offerings, write to GPC at 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

And if it's those elusive Ozark ancestors that you're after, why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We're as close at the corner mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #213: 22 Oct 1991

2008-08-01T12:26:00.000+09:00

A recent letter from a Rootbound reader requesting information on how to become a certified or accredited genealogical researcher has prompted this columnist to do some basic research on the subject of research. Although several paths to becoming a labeled "expert" in the field seem to exist, two stand out as being better indicators of genealogical skills. This week's column will focus on certification programs offered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists and those in accreditation provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The Board for Certification of Genealogists formulates standards of professional genealogical research, establishes a register of people who are qualified to do such work, and provides libraries, societies, and individuals lists of those who have passed certification exams. At present the Board certifies researchers in six areas. Those are explained below:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers accreditation related to genealogical research in several geographic areas as well as two specific subjects. Persons applying for and passing the examinations of the LDS Church may become Accredited Genealogists (AG) with expertise in New England States, Eastern States, Southern States, Midwestern States, British Isles, Scandinavia, Canada, Pacific Area, Latin America, Continental Europe, Records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or American Indian Records.

Both programs mentioned above require extensive knowledge in the areas of interest as well as a good deal of practical experience. Both award recognition of skill based upon successful completion of an examination. For more detailed information, please write to: Board for Certification of Genealogists (P.O. Box 19165, Washington, DC 20036), or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Family History Library, 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150).

One good way to prepare for the examinations of both groups is to take course work in genealogy from Brigham Young University. BYU has several genealogy courses and a certificate program in that discipline that are offered through correspondence work. For a catalogue on the BYU program, please write to: BYU Department of Independent Study, 206 Harman Continuing Education Building, Provo, UT 84602.

If you do research, become a professional - and if you hire a researcher, make sure that he or she has the expertise and background to do the job correctly and thoroughly.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #212: 15 Oct 1991

2008-07-31T12:24:00.000+09:00

Rootbound's earlier column which suggested that Dr. John Hunt COLE of Southwest City, MO, may have actually been General John Hunt MORGAN, a hero of the Confederacy, continues to generate interest. Please read on...

June COLE (Star Route, Tussy, OK 73088) related the strange deathbed claim of her husband's great-grandfather, Dr. John Hunt COLE, to Rootbound. Dr. COLE told his stunned family that he was, in reality, General John Hunt MORGAN, a famous Confederate who was thought to have been killed during the Civil War. He had fled, the doctor stated, to the sanctuary of an entirely new identity. June and her husband, Darrel, have worked diligently for the past several years to prove or disprove the physician's strange tale.

After that column ran, June received a most interesting letter from one of our readers in northwest Arkansas. Margaret HUNT (111 Woodside Lane, Rogers, AR 72756) posed the theory that Dr. COLE might have been someone else who was hiding under an assumed identity. Specifically, she thinks that Dr. John Hunt COLE was possibly Captain Charles COLE, a convicted traitor who confessed to his crime, signed an amnesty oath, and was released "never to be seen again."

Citing material published in Confederate Agent, a book by James D. HORAN, Margaret HUNT describes Captain Charles COLE as a Confederate officer who had served with both Morgan and General Nathan Bedford FORREST. COLE volunteered his services to Captain Thomas HINES who had also served under General MORGAN. In September of 1864 HINES was plotting to capture the USS Michigan which was patrolling Lake Erie. He seems to have been planning the release of the Johnson Island Confederate prisoners who would then march on Sandusky, OH, and capture that city's Federal arsenal. They (the newly freed prisoners) would then form the nucleus of an army that could be used for greater things.

Captain COLE moved to Sandusky and pretended to be a wealthy Philadelphia banker. He met the captain of the USS Michigan and became friendly with the commander of the Johnson Island Camp and visited it with him. Captain COLE also set up contact with the local Copperheads in Sandusky. They were supposed to storm the prison from the outside while the prisoners attacked from within. Unfortunately for the Confederate cause in general and Captain COLE in particular, the plan was uncovered - resulting in Captain COLE's subsequent arrest, conviction, and self-banishment.

Margaret HUNT contends that there is a strong possibility that Dr. John Hunt COLE of Southwest City was really Captain Charles COLE rather than General John Hunt MORGAN.

June and Darrel COLE have yet to find any information on Dr. COLE prior to the end of the Civil Was, so it is possible that he could have been either General John Hunt MORGAN or Captain Charles COLE. In her response to Margaret HUNT, June COLE relates that she and her husband are familiar with the "Northwest Conspiracy" and have read extensively on Thomas HINES and Captain Charles COLE. For a variety of reasons, the current COLEs still believe that it is more likely that their ancestor was General John Hunt MORGAN rather than Captain COLE. In a recent move to establish a positive identity on Dr. COLE, June and Darrel have sent all of their photographs of the doctor and the general to a computer specialist in Virginia who developed the program that ages photographs of missing children and criminals. They are anxiously awaiting the results of that examination.

We are again asking our readers to search through those old family records for any mention of Dr. John Hunt COLE of the Southwest City, MO, area. Something as simple as a signature or a prescription could be the key to unlocking one of the strangest mysteries of the Civil War era. Dr. COLE had to have left a medical paper trail...but where is it?

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #211: 8 Oct 1991

2008-07-31T11:09:00.000+09:00

Another of our "flea market finds" has made its way home! Several weeks ago we mentioned an old photograph labeled "Aunt Minnie PHILLIPS VELTON and Joe VELTON - Pierce City, MO" that had been acquired by this columnist in an area flea market. Just after that column appeared, a Neosho reader phoned to say that she had located a nephew of the VELTON's. George VELTON of Pierce City now has that old photograph of his aunt and uncle - and Rootbound has the satisfaction of knowing that we're helped someone else to acquire a small piece of their heritage. And that, Good Readers, is a wonderful feeling!

Robert J. SURINGER (8511 Stroud, Houston, TX 77036-5557)is seeking to learn more about his g-g-grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth SURINGER, and their children. The SURINGER family arrived in Newton County, MO, around 1839 or 1840. The children of Richard and Elizabeth included: Wiley, William, Mary, Wright, Wesley, Martha, Jacob, Felitha, Rachael, and Pernecia. Our correspondent is particularly interested in the line of William SURINGER, but he would also welcome material on any of the other children as well. Are SURINGER descendants still in this area?

Rootbound had another letter from Hazel ELVEY (415 La Fonda Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065) whose research of her daughter-in-law's KITTRELL ancestry has led her into our local forest of ROARKs. Hazel included two family group sheets with this letter, one on the KITTRELLs and the other on the KELLEYs of Newton County, MO. Those sheets are abstracted below in the hopes that they might be of benefit to our readers.

Granville KITTRELL was born 22 June 1842 in Monroe County, TN, and he died 14 July 1926 in Joplin, MO. He was the son of William Sherman KITTRELL and Nancy BURTON. Granville married Grizzie E. BLANKENSHIP, a daughter of Payton BLANKENSHIP and Martha MAYS, on 6 July 1865 near Morgantown, MO. Grizzie was born 27 Dec 1843 in Blount, TN, and she died 10 July 1908, in Joplin, MO. Granville and Grizzie are buried at the Fairview Cemetery.

Granville and Grizzie KITTRELL (above) were the parents of Martha Elizabeth (31 July 1867-17 Mar 1945; married Joseph NUGENT), John Wesley (3 Nov 1868-1932; married Lula SMITH), Harris Anderson (24 Feb 1870-8 Aug 1955; second wife was Leona KELLEY - a daughter of William R. KELLEY and Camily Frances ROARK), Robert Payton (29 Aug 1871-31 Oct 1946; married Frances McDONALD), Charles Blackmore (26 Nov 1873-1 May 1947; married Daisy HENSLIE), Nancy Ida (7 April 1876-28 Oct 1944; married Mr. BUSHNELL), Emily Eunice (7 May 1877-29 June 1965; married Granville TMMONS), William Alonzo (20 Nov 1878-1950; married Emma JACKEY), Carrie G. (29 July 1881-1946; married John MORGAN), and Maude Neoma (2 Oct 1884-1955; married Lee SHIRLEY).

John R. KELLEY was born in Virginia around 1809 and was a resident of Van Buren Township, Newton County, MO, by 1840. He died 15 Sep 1855. John's wife, Jane, was a native of Tennessee. Their children included Elizabeth (born circa 1830, TN), Greenberry (circa 1832, IL), John (circa 1833, IL), James (circa 1836, IL), William R. (circa 1838, IL - 30 Mar 1907), Martin (circa 1840, IL), Francis Marion (circa 1842, MO), Nancy (circa 1845, MO), Sarah (circa 1847, MO, Lucinda Rhoda (circa 1849, MO), Thomas (circa 1851), and John (circa 1853, MO).

William R. KELLEY (above) married his second wife, Camily Frances ROARK, on 8 June 1871. They are buried at the Swars Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery in Newton County, MO.

Our correspondent, Hazel ELVEY, would certainly enjoy hearing from any of our readers who have a knowledge of her daughter-in-law's Ozark ancestry. Many KITTRELL, KELLEY, and ROARK descendants still live in this area - and those good folks need to share what they know about their genealogy with Hazel - and with Rootbound! So get busy!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #210: 1 Oct 1991

2008-07-30T11:50:00.000+09:00

Michael KNOLL is a researcher from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. He is presently serving as a visiting scholar at the University of South Carolina where he is engaged in a project on the history of progressive education in America. And what could that possibly have to do with Rootbound and the Ozarks? There is a connection, so please read on...

Of particular interest to Michael KNOLL is Ellsworth COLLINGS (original name: Pryor McBee COLLINGS) who served as the county superintendent of schools for McDonald County, MO, from 1915 until 1921. Mr. COLLINGS wrote a book, An Experiment with a Project Curriculum, (MacMillan, 1923), that dealt with a rural model school that he established in 1918. The text was subsequently translated into German, Spanish, and Russian, and, according to our correspondent, is still well remembered -even in Europe.

Michael KNOLL has visited McDonald County in his quest for information on the life and times of Ellsworth (Pryor McBee) COLLINGS, and he would like to supplement what he learned on that visit with the personal recollections of any of our readers who might have known the COLLINGS family or were familiar with the rural model school that Ellsworth set up at Bethpage. Those with material to share on this unique individual should contact Michael KNOLL at the Museum of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. And while you're at it, make a copy for Rootbound and we'll share it with all of our readers!

Christine RIEHMAN, writer of a most interesting letter several weeks ago regarding her LANKFORD kin and the possible involvement of one of them in the LINDBERGH kidnapping, has moved. Her new address is 42030 Selby Circle, Temecula, CA 92390. Christine mentioned in her most recent letter that Geraldo RIVERA did a special segment on the controversy surrounding the kidnapping. She is hoping that as more facts about the kidnapping are brought to light she will be able to learn more about her colorful relatives!

Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (Rt. 4, Box 440-1, Oak Grove, MO 64075) is still tracking her DOUGLASS family across the Ozarks. Kay is currently researching Thomas H. DOUGLASS (born 1785) who moved from Kentucky to Missouri in 1835. His assumed children were Nancy (SANDERS), Robert (supposedly born TN; married Sarah BARNES on 13 Feb 1838 in Polk County, MO), Jane (CONNER), John (married a PONTEL), Oliver (married a HAMILTON), Permelia (HAMILTON), William J. (married a SANDERS), Mary (HENDERSON), Edmund (married Phebe _____), George Alonzo (married a DONAHOE), Charles Edward (married a CARTER), Sidney Albert (married a GRAHAM), Camillus (married a DAVIS), and Ann (CHINAULT). The family lived in Jackson County, MO, during the 1850's, and some time later migrated to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Oregon. Kay will gladly exchange information with any of our readers who are working one on those lines.

Thanks to a nudge from author Phillip W. STEELE, this columnist has recently joined the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History. The organization is comprised of Old West buffs from around the country. They publish a quality quarterly magazine that provides an abundance of material on this unique era of American history. For more information on NOLA, please contact the group's secretary, Rick MILLER, at 615-C North Eighth Street, Killeen, TX 76541. And don't forget to tell Rick that you heard about NOLA through Rootbound!

The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society continues to meet the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Farmers and Merchants Bank located at Fourth and Chestnut in Rogers, AR. The NAGS is one of the largest genealogy groups in the Ozarks, and their quarterly, The Backtracker, is read by family researchers throughout the country. Membership information is available by writing to NAGS at P.O. Box K, Rogers, AR 72757.

Need a boost up the old family tree? Why not try writing to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We're here to help!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #209: 24 Sep 1991

2008-07-30T10:12:00.000+09:00

Sometime between 1910 and 1918 a train-pedestrian accident in Benton County, AR, took the life of William POLSTON. The fatal mishap may have occurred between Siloam Springs and a farm that Mr. POLSTON owned just over the Oklahoma line. Now, nearly a century later, his descendant Lois BURCH (316 Elizabeth Drive, Riverton, WY 82501), is eager to find out the details of her ancestor's unusual death. Can one of our readers supply her with a newspaper clipping about this accident?

Orella HOLLOWAY CHADWICK (7650 Fairview Road, Tillamook, OR 97141) is the great-granddaughter of James Marian RALSTON (born 5 Mar 1837, Vigo County, IN; died 1 Nov 1913, Bates County, MO) and Elizabeth Ann McCLELLAN (1838-1881). James and Elizabeth are both buried in the Adrian Cemetery in Bates County, MO. Their son, James William RALSTON, was born 11 Feb 1864 in Vigo County, IN.

James William RALSTON (above) married Carrie LOCKE in Canon City, CO, on 8 Sep 1889. Their first child, Walter, died at the age of one month, and a second child died in Kansas where the family had gone to participate in the Oklahoma land runs. Family tradition states that the luckless young James William RALSTON planted his stake in the section of land that was reserved for education. The family returned to Colorado in 1893, reportedly so destitute that they had to shod their milk cows to pull the wagon. Anyone with a tie to this RALSTON line should contact Orella in Tillamook.

Betty J. LUNDAY (P.O. Box 240, Fairland, IN 46126) is seeking to learn the burial place of Richard S. LUNDY who died in Seneca, Newton County, MO, on 27 July 1917. Mr. LUNDY was born 1 Jan 1840 in Martin County, IN. He married Almeda TALLEY on 19 Aug 1860 in Greene County, IN, and they moved to Missouri in 1866. The couple later resided in Arknasas and Kansas before moving to Missouri for good in 1898. Mr. LUNDY was a veteran of the Civil War, having served from August of 1862 until May of 1865 in Company C, 59th Regiment, Indian Infantry.

Did Richard and Almeda LUNDY have children? Betty LUNDAY wants to know!

The PITMAN/PITTMAN/PITMON/PITTMON family group held their annual national reunion recently in Hurst, TX. More information on this group may be obtained by writing to FRANCES PITTMAN MALCOLM at 2116 Shady Brook Drive, Bedford, TX 76021.

And speaking of reunions, there is a sharp new magazine out on the market entitled Reunions. Rootbound has previewed a copy and found it to be very impressive. The focus of the magazine is on how to plan and stage reunions, and it also announces family gatherings. For a free copy of this publication, send information on your next reunion to "Reunions, the Magazine" at P.O. Box 11727, Milwaukee, WI 53211-1727. The publishers have also asked that you mention that you heard about their work through Rootbound.

Joe W. RAYMON (P.O. box 280, Skiatook, OK 74070) believes that his great-grandfather, (first name unknown) RAYMON, is buried in an unmarked grave in the Cowskin Prairie Cemetery near Southwest City, McDonald County, MO. Mr. RAYMON came from France. He reportedly married a French-Canadian woman around Southwest City. Our correspondent remembered the senior Mr. RAYMON, and they spoke of a Raymon swimming hole that local children played in. Who can supply Joe with more information on his ancestor?

Our magazine article, "How to Build a Better Query" continues to lead a life of its own. Rootbound has recently learned that the piece has been copied and distributed to genealogy students in classes sponsored by the Fremont County Genealogical Society in Wyoming. If you're curious as to what makes this little article so useful to so many, send for your own free copy by writing to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And don't forget to enclose that all-important self-addressed, stamped envelope!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #208: 17 Sep 1991

2008-07-29T11:05:00.000+09:00

Rootbound recently sifted some genealogical data from the book, Jesse and Frank James: The Family History, and ran that material as a column. The book's author, Phillip W. STEELE (P.O. Box 191, Springdale, AR 72765), has written to say that the column stirred interest and orders for his book. Mr. STEELE has written similiar volumes on Belle STARR and the DALTON Gang. We'll abstract some of the genealogy contained in those in future columns.

Phillip W. STEELE (above) mentioned in his letter that there are many other infamous folks with Ozark ties. The list that he enumerated includes U.S. Marshall Bud LEDBETTER, Arknasas outlaw Tom DAUGHERTY, Little Dick WEST, Bill DOOLIN, Wyatt EARP, and "Ma" Kate BARKER. Do any of our readers descend from one of those notables?

Terry J. RAWE (420 Butchart Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6R 1R1) has three ancestors who died in the Mexican War while serving with Missouri units. Terry wishes to learn more about these individuals and their units, and he is particularly curious to learn why two of the men, Alexander MORGAN and his son, Patrick, died while in camp. Pleased read on...

Terry J. RAWE (above) is requesting information on Company K, 3rd Regiment, Missouri Mounted Volunteers which patrolled along the Santa Fe Trail from May to September 1847. Alexander and Patrick MORGAN from Dallas and Polk Counties, MO, were members of that unit.

Hugh MORGAN and his son, Spencer Alexander MORGAN, from Polk county, MO, are also of interest to Terry J. RAWE. They served with Captain ROBINSON's Company H, Separate Battalion, Missouri Mounted Infantry from the summer of 1846 until November of 1847.

And, lastly, our correspondent, Terry J. RAWE, is researching James Bryant HOOVER and his service in Company B, 3rd Regiment, Missouri Mounted Volunteers, a unit that saw action during the spring and summer of 1848. Do any of our readers have material to share with this Canadian researcher?

Hazel ELVEY (415 LaFonda Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065) is tracing the genealogy of her daughter-in-law and needs help sorting through some Newton County ROARKs. Her subject's grandfather was Harris A. KITTRELL (1870-1955), a resident of the Seneca, Newton County, MO, community. Mr. KITTRELL's second wife was Leona KRLLY. According to Leona's death certificate, her father was a KELLY and her mother was a ROARK. Hazel has found a record of the marriage between William R. KELLEY (1842-30 Mar 1907 and Camily F. ROARK (October 1841-January 1915) that occurred in January of 1871. Can anyone state whether or not Leona was their daughter?

Rootbound has carried a great deal on the family of William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE. Camily (above) was their daughter, Camily Frances.

Summit Publications (P.O. Box 222, Munroe Falls, OH 44262) has recently published the 1991-1992 edition of the Directory of Family "One-Name" Periodicals. This handy reference tool lists hundreds of addresses for groups dedicated to researching specific families. The listings are alphabetical and very easy to use. The book also contains a listing of variations for many of the names - which adds to its usefulness. It's well worth the postage-paid price of $9. For more information on this book or one of the many others published by Summit, please write to the address above.

Planning a school or family reunion? Why not share that information with Rootbound - and we'll tell everyone else! Address those letters to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. It's as easy as that!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #207: 10 Sep 1991

2008-07-28T11:49:00.000+09:00

Last week Rootbound carried queries concerning two area CRABTREE lines. We have since come across a series of obituaries from local newspapers on William H. CRABTREE, a resident of rural Neosho, Newton County, MO, who died at the age of eighty in August of 1948. Mr. CRABTREE was survived by one son, Roy CRABTREE of Salida, CA; a daughter, Mrs. Ida Bell MACY of Neosho, Rt. 4; two sisters, Mrs. Will LANKFORD, Seneca, MO, and Mrs. Sally GARRY of Kansas City; seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. One of the obituaries contained a great deal of material on Mr. CRABTREE's ancestry. It follows:

Are descendants of this CRABTREE line still living in this area? Rootbound would like a family update!

Christine HARRIS (2533 Guinotte Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64120) would like to contact descendants of the Jacob BULLARD or John BULLARD families who at one time lived in the vicinity of Gravette, Benton County, AR. Does anyone know the parentage of William Riley BULLARD who was born 13 Sep 1874 in Siloam Springs, AR? Was he a part
of the family that lived near Gravette?

Christine HARRIS (above) is also interested in the KILLION family of Benton County, AR, for inclusion in a BULLARD family history. Those with material to share should get in touch with her.

Lila L. LEE (P.O. Box 118, Stites, ID 83552) is the g-g-granddaughter of Clint Leftric ANDERSON, a resident of Flint Township, Benton County, AR, in the 1860's. She would like to learn more about two men who were related to Clint, possibly his brothers. The first, Clingman ANDERSON, might have lived in Missouri. He was the father of five or six children. The other, Philip ANDERSON, lived near Independence in Jackson County, MO. Do any of our readers have information to share on either of these men?

Need a boost up the old family tree? Write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #206: 3 Sep 1991

2008-07-28T06:16:00.000+09:00

Rootbound had a nice response from June COLE after our column that focused on her husband's great-grandfather, Dr. John Hunt COLE, a physician who practiced around Southwest City, MO, and may or may not have been the famous Confederate general, John Hunt MORGAN. June had originally believed that the four children that Dr. COLE had by his second wife, Caroline (REARIDON) COLE, had died as infants. She has since learned more about them. Please read on...

Caroline was only sixteen and Dr. COLE was fifty-four when they married in 1879. there was apparently not much contact between their children and those of Dr. COLE's first marriage to Maggie CRITZER. The second set of children were either not aware of the name change (MORGAN to COLE), or chose not to believe it.

The four sons born to John and Caroline COLE worked in the lead mines around Miami and Pitcher, OK. At least two of them married and had children. The boys were: Harvey "Bill" (born Aug 1884; buried at Baxter Springs, KS), Joseph (born Nov 1889; buried at Baxter Springs, KS), Ralph Freedom (born 13 July 1892; died 7 Apr 1951; buried at Miami, OK), and Thomas E. (born 22 Mar 1895; died 23 Dec 1931; buried at Baxter Springs, KS).

Ralph Freedom COLE (above) had a son, Robert, who lives in Cardin, OK, and Thomas E. COLE had a son named Richard.

Darrel and June COLE (Star Route, Tussy, OK 73088) are still eager to prove or disprove the deathbed claim of Dr. John Hunt COLE that he was, in fact, General John Hunt MORGAN. They are particularly desirous to obtain a sample of Dr. COLE's handwriting. Rootbound readers are urged to check their old family records to see if any of Dr. COLE's notes or letters have survived the ninety years since his death. What a story this could be!

Patty GREER (Rt. 1, Box 56-1, Wyandotte, OK 74370) is tracking two different CRABTREE lines across the Ozarks. Her husband's ancestor, Marta Ann CRABTREE, was born in Missouri. She married Anderson SNOW on 21 Aug 1864 at Mt. Vernon, Lawrence County, MO. Marta Ann died on 10 Feb 1926 in Neosho, Newton County, MO.

Vernice E. CRABTREE (born 7 Dec 1842, Anderson, McDonald County, MO) was the grandmother of our correspondent. She married Edward F. McNARY on 22 Sep 1897, and died around 1904 or 1905. Vernice and Edward lived in the Drywood village near Lamar, Barton County, MO. She died from a miscarriage that occurred while she was plowing the garden. Vernice is buried in Barton Cemetery.

Patty GREER (above) would certainly enjoy hearing from any of our readers with CRABTREE connections.

Mrs. Barbara BANDY JONES (903 15th Avenue, NW, Ardmore, OK 73401) is working a couple of KING lines. She is a direct descendant of Jesse KING, Sr., of Barry County, MO. Also, Barbara's great-grandmother, Nancy Adaline LeGRAND, had a brother sister, and niece who married children of Daniel and Elizabeth Ramah (KING) BROWN. Nancy's first husband was James Madison BANDY.

Barbara BANDY JONES (above) mentioned an interest in Sanford H. and Nancy (HUTCHINSON) KING as well. Sanford may have died on 26 Feb 1841 in Newton County, MO. His tenth child, Rebecca, may have been the wife of Wiley ROARK (born 22 Jan 1838, TN; died 6 Oct 1889; buried at Maple Park Cemetery, Lawrence County, MO). Wiley was a brother of William Carroll ROARK, a Newton County, MO, residentent who has been written about extensively in Rootbound. Barbara reports that Wiley ROARK's wife, Rebecca, may not have been a KING at all, but rather a CHITWOOD. Who has the facts that will help this researcher?

Ancestors in Great Britain? The International Society for British Genealogy and Family History might be able to help. For more information on this group, please write to P.O. Box 3115, Salt Lake City, UT 84110l. Rootbound has a copy of their most recentent newsletter - it's excellent!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #205: 27 Aug 1991

2008-07-28T05:35:00.000+09:00

Though few people today probably realize it, there were many famous individuals who called the Ozarks home. Yes, most school children know that Dr. George Washington CARVER was born into slavery on a farm near Diamond, Newton County, MO, and that the "bandit queen," Belle STARR (Myrabelle SHIRLEY) was a native of the area around Carthage, Jasper County, MO. And not too far north of Carthage is the small town of Lamar, MO, in Barton County, the birthplace of President Harry S. TRUMAN. But the list doesn't end there. Please read on...

Larry A. JAMES, whose multi-volume Saga of the Six Bulls continues to grow as a definitive source of Newton County, MO, history and genealogy, has provided Rootbound with a list of notables who have roots in and around Neosho. Perhaps as our readers scan through these names they will come up with others in neighboring communities. If that happens, send them to Rootbound and we'll share.

Thomas Hart BENTON, a painter of world renown, came from Neosho. Though some might assume that Benton School in Neosho was named for him, that honor was actually bestowed upon his father, Congressman M.E. BENTON, also a resident of the "Flower Box City."

Other Neosho natives include Admirals Roy E. ANDERSON and Wayne RICKMAN, Wiley BRITTON (author of books on the Civil War), Medal of Honor Recipients Aaron R. HUDSON (Civil War) and M. Waldo HATLER (World War I), Herman JAEGER (credited with saving the grapes of France), Dan LONGWELL (Chairman of the Board of Life Magazine), True MORSE (Undersecretary of Agriculture of President EISENHOWER), Mert SANDERS (Warden of the Missouri State Penitentiary), Jacquelin SCOTT (actress), James S. SCOTT (music composer), Roy SCANTLIN (State Commissioner of Education), Cassius SHARTEL (Member of Congress and President of the Missouri State Constitutional Convention of 1922), O.P. SKAGGS (founder of Safeway), Joe SOBIESKI (candidate for governor of Missouri), and Hugh Armstrong ROBINSON (pioneer aviator whose exploits have been noted in previous Rootbound columns.

Will ROGERS and Champ CLARK each attended Scarritt College in Neosho. Scarritt was located where Intermediate School is today. Ma BARKER reportedly lived in Neosho for a while, and Ralph HOUK played baseball in the town.

Our thanks to Larry A. JAMES for sharing this interesting list. Those desiring more information on his Saga of the Six Bulls should contact Larry at his home at 400 Susan Place, Neosho, MO 64850. It's an invaluable series!

It's been quite a while since Rootbound has heard from Jean HAAR (1600 South Baldwin Avenue, #26, Arcadia, CA 91007), and we thought that maybe she had found all of her Ozark ancestors. But a recent letter indicates that there are still a few missing pages in the family album.

Jean HAAR (above) is seeking information on Ella (TUNNELL) SMITH, daughter of William David TUNNELL and his wife, Nancy Jane HUTCHINGS, who were living in Joplin, MO, in 1880 with children Sophronia, Charles, and Fenton. That family was in Indian Territory (OK) by 1905. And Jean also wishes to know more about William and Octavia (MOSS) CHADDOCK who were residents of Benton County, AR, in 1900. Do any of our readers have information to share?

Other surnames of interest to Jean HAAR (above) include: BLAIR, BOGAN, BULLARD, CASEY, CROWLEY, FULKERSON, HOUSTON, LINVILLE, LIVINGSTON, MAYO, McCLAIN, MONEY, PERKINS, RHEA, RORK, ROARK, STEPHENSON, UTT, and WARE.

Rootbound would like to add to our list of area notables. If you know of some famous (or infamous) individuals who have roots in the Ozarks, send those name to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #204: 20 Aug 1991

2008-07-28T03:15:00.001+09:00

The best thing about writing Rootbound week after week is knowing that the work is occasionally of benefit to others. Those sincere "thank-yous" are better than paychecks. Take, for instance, the one that arrived recently from Dorothy SCHLAUD in Michigan. Please read on...

Dorothy SCHLAUD (6303 Woodsdale Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439) ran a query a couple of months ago seeking information on the May-Keith Cemetery near Maysville, AR, the place where many of her relatives are buried. Dorothy was concerned about the deteriorating condition of the cemetery, and she wanted to learn who to contact about fixing it up.

We then noted a few weeks later that Rose STAUBER of Grove, OK, had written to say that she was assisting Dorothy in determining ownership of the cemetery.

Dorothy, in her current letter, states that Rose has located the name of the individual who owns the land around the cemetery, and that she (Dorothy) has contacted him and received permission to work at straightening it. And, as an added bonus, Dorothy's query to Rootbound also brought responses from a couple of relatives who still reside in this area. It's always great to know that people are reading Rootbound and reaching out to their misplaced relatives!

Rose STAUBER is still reading the column also. After the last mention of the cemetery ran in this column telling people to direct responses to Rose, she quickly fired off a letter stating that this is Dorothy's project and all correspondence should go to her. Sorry, Rose.

Rose's letter posed some interesting questions about the actual ownership of family cemeteries, and their access to the public if surrounded by private land. Rootbound would be interested in hearing from any of our readers who have some legal expertise (or personal knowledge) in this area. It undoubtedly varies by state.

The STAUDT/STOUDT/STOUT (1733-1991) 17th annual family reunion will be held on Sunday, August 25th, 1991, at Umbenhauer's Park in Bernville, PA. For more information on this family organiztion or the reunion, please contact Mrs. Beulah STOUDT FOLLMER at Rt. 1, Box 897, Shillington, PA 19607.

John Mitchell RORABAUGH was born 16 Mar 1837 in Randolph County, VA, and died 19 Nov 1912 at Diamond, Newton County, MO. Do any of our readers know where he is buried? Roy L. RORABAUGH (1727 High Street, Keokuk, IA 52632) wants to know.

And while we're searching for burial sites, Bob WILKERSON (Rt. 2, Box 127, Urbana, MO 65767) wishes to know the final resting place of Daniel SARTWELL (1809-1878). Was it the Pineville Cemetery, Spring Hill Cemetery, or some other location? Also among the missing is Daniel's widow, Elizabegth COON SARTWELL (1816-1890). Where is she buried? Their children were: Ancel, Pulaski, Helen, and Candice (married John CREACH). Are their descendants still in this corner of the Ozarks?

Irene NICOLICH (HCR 79, Box 1357, Hoquiam, WA 98550) needs birth and death dates for Isaac and Martha (NORRIS) GARMAN who died in Gravette, AR, and are buried in Word Cemetery. Where were they born? Where in Missouri was Mary Jane (RUSSELL) GARMAN born and who were her parents? Irene would like to correspond with descendants of these people.

Thanks to the Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho and the Exchange Club of Neosho for inviting this columnist to speak to their respective organizations. If other area groups are interested, we now have two prepared talks: one on the basics of genealogy and the other on the genealogy of several Ozark outlaws and desperadoes. For more information on these free programs, please write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #203: 13 Aug 1991

2008-07-27T06:31:00.000+09:00

Of all the outlaws and desperadoes who ravaged the countryside during the last century, few received the amount of attention and notoriety that was accorded to Jesse and Frank JAMES. And although much has been written on these brothers, very little of it has dealt with their genealogy.

Author and historian Phillip W. STEELE has provided a great deal of ancestral material on the JAMES boys in his book, Jesse and Frank JAMES: The Family History. The genealogy that follows has been extracted from that work with the kind permission of the author. Please read on...

Alexander Franklin "Frank" JAMES (born 10 Jan 1843, Clay County, MO), Jesse Woodson JAMES (5 Sep 1847), and Susan Lavenia JAMES (25 Nov 1849) were the only children of Robert Sallee JAMES and Zerelda E. COLE. The father, a minister, had been born on 17July 1818 in Logan County, KY to John M. JAMES and Mary "Polly" POOR. Robert Salee JAMES died on 18 Aug 1850 while prospecting for gold in California. His wife, Zerelda, was born 29 Jan 1825 in Woodford County, KY, to James COLE and Sallie LINDSAY. Zerelda died on a train near Oklahoma City, OK, on 10 Feb 1911.

John M. JAMES (above) (born 1775; died 1827) was the son of William JAMES (born 1754, Pembrokeshire, Wales; died 1805) and Mary HINES. William and Mary were married 15 July 1774. Mary "Polly" POOR who married John M. JAMES on 26 Mar 1807, was born in1790 to Robert POOR and Elizabeth MIMMS. Elizabeth MIMMS was born 3 April 1769 to Shadrack MIMMS (born 1734; died 1777) and Elizabeth WOODSON. Robert POOR and Elizabeth MIMMS were married 7 Feb 1789.

James COLE (above) (born 8 Sep 1804) was the son of Richard COLE, Jr. (born 23 April 1763; died 9 July 1839) and Sally YATES. Richard was the son of Richard COLE, Sr., who was born in Pennsylvania in 1729. James COLE's wife, Sallie LINDSAY, was the daughter of Anthony LINDSAY, Jr., and Alsey Alice COLE (born 20 June 1769, died 7 July 1813). Alseey was also a child of Richard COLE Sr., which means that James COLE and his wife, Sallie LINDSAY, were first-cousins.

Alexander Franklin "Frank" JAMES married Anna RALSTON on 6 June 1874. Their only child, Robert Franklin JAMES (1878-1959), died childless leaving the infamous Frank JAMES with no known descendants.

Susan Lavenia JAMES, a strikingly beautiful young woman, married Allen H. PARMER in Clay County, MO, on 24 Nov 1870. Their children were Robert Archie (1872-1883), Flora (BENSON) (1877-1926), Zelma (EDWARDS) (1879-1972), Allen, Jr. (1882-1885), Susan Kate (1885-1903), and Feta (ROSE) (1887-1978).

Jesse Woodson JAMES married his first-cousin, Zerelda Amanda "ZEE" MIMMS on 24 April 1874. Their children included Jesse Edwards JAMES (1875-1951) who went on to become an attorney in Los Angeles, twins Gould and Montgomery who died as infants, and Mary Susan JAMES (1879-1935). Jesse Edwards JAMES and his wife, Stella McGOWAN, had four daughters: Lucille Martha (LEWIS) (1900-1988), Josephine Frances (ROSS), (1902-1964), Jessie Estelle (BAUMEL) (1906-1987), and Ethel Rose (OWENS) (born 1908). Mary Susan JAMES married Henry LaFayette BARR. Their children were Lawrence H. (1902-1984), Forster Ray (1904-1977), Chester A. (1907-1984), and Henrietta (1913-died as an infant).

Zerelda E. COLE JAMES, the mother of Frank, Jesse, and Susan, was married to Benjamin A. SIMMS for a brief period of time after the death of Robert Sallee JAMES. They separated and he was subsequently killed in an accident. She then married Dr. Reuben SAMUEL by whom she had five children. It was Dr. SAMUEL who filled the role of father while the JAMES children were growing up.

The book, Jesse and Frank JAMES: The Family History, contains a great amount of genealogical data of the SAMUEL family and other lines related to the JAMESes. And it is well supplemented with photos and stories about Frank and Jesse. Copies are available from the author, Phillip W. STEELE (P.O. Box 191, Springdale, AR 72765) for the postage-paid price of only $6.85. (I bought my copy at a bookstore for $7.99 - and it was well worth that!)

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #202: 6 Aug 1991

2008-07-27T04:09:00.000+09:00

Rootbound loves a good mystery...and we've uncovered one that borders on the incredible! Please read on...

Quite a while ago this column carried a query from Darrel COLE (Star Route, Tussy, OK 73088) seeking information on his great-grandfather, Dr. John Hunt COLE. Dr. COLE came to Southwest City, McDonald County, MO, from Marion County, KS, early in 1879, and he practiced medicine in this area until his death at Vian, Indian Territory, in 1899.

A year or so after that column ran, Rootbound's good friend (and fellow genealogy columnist), Raymond E. JERRFIES of Pea Ridge, AR, forwarded a copy of a magazine article that focused on Dr. COLE. The article, "The Mystery of John Hunt Cole," was written by Mike GRISSOM and featured in the September 1988 issues of The United Daughters of the Confederacy Magazine...and what a tale it told!

Dr. COLE, it seems, made a deathbed confession to his family that he was actually John Hunt MORGAN...Confederate General John Hunt Morgan, one of Dixie's better known commanders who was famous for his ingenuity and daring. General MORGAN was supposedly killed on 4 Sep 1864 during a surprise nighttime attack on a house in which he and some of his men were quartered. Dr. COLE, in explaining how he survived, told of changing coats with an aide to confuse the enemy in the event of his capture or death.

Although wounded in the attack, General MORGAN, according to the COLE family, was able to flee and eventually made his way to Illinois where he located and married an old friend, Maggie CRITZER. It was at that time that he assumed the name COLE. Within a few months of settling in Illinois, the story goes, John Hunt COLE was recognized as General MORGAN. a revelation that led to gun-play and the deaths of several men. COLE and his in-laws, the CRITZERs, then decided that a change of scenery might be advantageous to their health and well-being.

The two families settled on the plains of Kansas where Maggie COLE gave birth to five children. In an effort to slow Maggie's deteriorating health, John Hunt COLE moved her and the children to Southwest City, MO, in 1879 where he used his extensive education to assume the title and practice of medical doctor. Maggie passed away shortly after that move, leaving Dr. COLE in need of a mother for his children. He married Carolyn REARIDON on 8 May 1879. John and Carolyn had four sons, none of whom survived to adulthood.

During Dr. COLE's lifetime he kept his past a virtual secret, choosing only to confide in his wife and oldest son, John MORGAN COLE. But after contracting pneumonia in November of 1899 and realizing that his demise was imminent, the old physician summoned his family to his bedside. There, amidst his last few moments on earth, Dr. COLE wrote the signature "John Hunt MORGAN" on a slip of paper and told the stunned assembly, "This is who I really am."

Author Mike GRISSOM and the COLE family offer several pieces of circumstantial evidence that back up the possibility that the doctor's strange confession is true. Photos of old Dr. COLE, it seems, do bear a close resemblance to those of young General MORGAN. There are also similarities between the names of COLE's children and those of relatives of General MORGAN. General MORGAN may have had an aide named Captain COLE, and one of his officers had masqueraded as the General on an earlier occasion in a maneuver that allowed his leader to evade capture.

Samples of General MORGAN's handwriting exist today. Dr. COLE's deathbed signature, which would have served as irrefutable evidence of his claim, disappeared many years ago. But this mystery can still be solved.

Darrell COLE and his genealogy-enthusiast wife, June, need one of two things to prove or disprove their old family tradition: documentary evidence of the existence of John Hunt COLE prior to 1865, or a sample of the handwriting and/or signature of Dr. John Hunt COLE. They are hopeful that some Rootbound reader may have an old medical report or a certificate signed by Dr. COLE. This would verify or vilify the physician's strange tale and bring resolution to questions that have tantalized a family for nearly a century.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #201: 30 July 1991

2008-07-27T03:22:00.001+09:00

Rootbound has been out foraging through area flea markets again, and this time we've come up with a couple of beautiful old photographs that need to find their way back to family. Please read on...

The first photograph appears to be a wedding portrait. It is labeled Mr. Bert J. MURPHY and Miss Nannie MATTHEWS. The second picture is of an older couple, perhaps in their fifties, whose names are Aunt Minnie PHILLIPS VELTON and Joe VELTON. "Pierce City, MO" is also written on the reverse of the VELTON's photograph. Both of these treasures are in excellent condition, very old, and anxiously awaiting a reunion with their families.

Betty MARTY (1212 Lou Ida Drive, Neosho, MO 64850) has several old Oddfellows Journals from this area. if your ancestor belonged to the I.O.O.F, Betty might have material of interest to share.

John HUNNICUTT (Rt. 2, Box 174, Noel, MO 64854) is trying to find out more about his great-grandmother, Easter Indiana STALLCUP. We've had that surname mentioned in Rootbound before. Is there anyone out there who can help John with his ancestry?

Bonnie MARTIN (Rt. 2, Box 312, Neosho, MO 64850), a good friend and fellow genealogy columnist, would like to come in contact with anyone who knew Robert Gentry MARTIN (1853-1940), a one-time resident of the Racine, Newton County, MO, area. He was the father of Robert Harrison MARTIN, and both are buried at New Salem Cemetery west of Neosho in rural Newton County, MO, along with other members of the MARTIN family. Allied names are HOLDER, ANDERSON, LANKFORD, SPENCER, and KING. Rootbound wishes Bonnie success with her quest ... and her column!

Dorothea MASON STEFFAN (1026 Crest Court, Neosho, MO 64850) is searching for information on Moses DOTY (born 1796) who was killed in 1863 in Lone Jack, Jackson County, MO, possibly by QUANTRIILL's raiders. Moses had a freight line that ran from Lone Jack to Harrison, AR. Who were his parents? Where was he born?

Moses DOTY (above) was on the 1830 census of Marion County, TN, with a wife and three children. He married Nancy A. GREEN in 1846 at Jackson County, MO. Who was his first Wife? Dorthea hopes that some of our readers are working this same line.

The current issue of American Genealogy magazine features an article by this writer entitled "Ozark Sources." Several groups are covered including the Missouri State Genealogical Society (Springfield, MO), Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society, and the Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho, MO. The works of Vivibar Publications and Larry A. JAMES, both of Neosho, are also noted. If any of the groups or individuals noted in the article receive inquiries as a result of the publication, we hope that they will let Rootbound know.

American Genealogy is a quarterly magazine. The current issue has over forty pages of interesting articles and queries, and it is completely indexed by surname. For ordering information, please contact James PYLANT, Editor, at P.O. Box 1587, Stephenville, TX 76401 (phone 817-965-6979). And remember to let James know that you heard about his work through Rootbound!

And while we're in the bragging mode...Rootbound has now gone international. The most recent issue of Generations, the quarterly publication of the Manitoba (Canada) genealogical Society, carries a reprint of our article that came to have a life of its own: "How to Built a Better Query." This is the fourth time that particular piece has appeared in print, and a couple of more groups have expressed interest in using it.

For a free copy of "How to Build a Better Query," please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And while you're at it, why not include a query or two with that request? Rootbound is always ready to help track down those elusive ancestors!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #200: 23 July 1991

2008-07-26T10:43:00.000+09:00

(Columnist's note: This column is Rootbound's 200th. To honor that milestone, I have decided to reprint my favorite column. It was number 57, first published in October of 1988 as a tribute to my late grandfather. It is respectfully dedicated to his children, grandchildren, and other descendants.)

Daniel Alexander SREAVES:
28 Oct 1888 - 29 Sep 1970

The Ozarks were ablaze in their flaming fall glory, much as they are today. Grover CLEVELAND was in the White House, but within a couple of weeks he would be defeated for reelection by Benjamin HARRISON. Folks in the cities were discussing the tariff and the huge U.S. Treasury surplus of cash, while their country cousins were more concerned with practical matters, like whether to expect a repeat of the past winter's awful blizzard.

It was near Huntsville, Arkansas, a century ago this week that Alex and Mary Jane SREAVES welcomed their first child into the world. The boy, Dan, would spend twelve years in the hills of Madison County playing, going to school, working on the farm, and developing the self-reliance and strong character needed to stand him well over the rough trails of life.

Family legend has it that Alex SREAVES had a violent argument with an unstable neighbor in 1901. Whatever the case, Alex did gather his family into two covered wagons and head for Missouri that year. Mary Jane's brother, Tommy ELLIS, drove the second wagon. The small group of adventurers walked, rode, and camped out for three days and nights enroute to their new home in Anderson, Missouri. Before long, however, the family again pulled up stakes and went to an area between Goodman and Seneca, MO, known as Swars Prairie. It was on this prairie that Dan SREAVES spent most of the rest of his life.

Dan married Nancy Jane "Sis" ROARK on 13 March 1912 in McDonald County. This union brought forth seven children: Harold Dean, Mary Ruth (Mrs. Fred MARBLE), Ned Roark (married Gwendolyn WALLACE), Ruby Florine (Mrs. Garland MACY), Virgie Christine (Mrs. A.G. "Bob" DOBBS), Betty Lou (Mrs. Dalton MACY), and Floyd Edgar (married Shirley MEANS). Dan and Sis also raised her nephew, Ivan ROARK.

The SREAVES family attended church and Sunday School regularly. Dan always tithed, even during times when it seem as though the money just wasn't there, and for years he was instrumental in providing the necessary financial support to keep the doors open at the small Swars Prairie Methodist Church. (My mother, Florine, told me on several occasions that there were so many SREAVES in that small church that the hymn Bringing in the Sheeves would often be sung as Bringing in the SREAVES!) Throughout his life, Dan sought counsel in the Bible before making important decisions.

Dan SREAVES was a farmer, and at times he supplemented the modest farm income by hauling milk and driving a school bus. He and his brother, Jess, were also sorghum producers. Dan had a special filtration process that used local red clay to ultimately render a clear, bitterless sorghum. He would load the sorghum into his old Model-T Ford and take it to stores in Joplin and the surrounding area. People always knew that the SREAVES name of sorghum meant quality.

The devotion that Dan SREAVES had toward his wife never wavered. Sis died in 1953, leaving her husband to endure a period of grief and loneliness. But Dan was not destined to live out the remainder of his life in solitude. He eventually married a widow, Martha THOMPSON ROARK, who had been his childhood sweetheart. There are still people in Seneca who remember Dan pushing Martha down the street in a wheelbarrow on their wedding day!

Dan SREAVES made two significant pilgrimages during his later years. Both were life-long dreams. In the early 1960s his daughter, Christine, and her family took him back to Huntsville. It was the only time that he ever returned to his birthplace. After much searching he found his old schoolhouse well hidden in an overgrowth of Arkansas brambles. The little building was being used to store hay. He also was able to locate a childhood friend while on this trip. Dan and his buddy from yesteryear visited in the man's yard until well after dark.

The other important trek was to California. During hard times the family would often say, perhaps only half-jokingly, that they might just sell out and move to California. They never made the move, but in the summer of 1970 Dan, Martha, and his granddaughter, Sharon SREAVES, did fly to Los Angeles to visit his daughter, Ruth, and her family. And what a wonderful time they had! Dan kicked off his shoes to wade in the Pacific Ocean, and he even rode the rides at Disneyland!

Dan SREAVES passed away quietly just a few weeks after returning from the west coast. The crowd that gathered at the little church on Swars Prairie for the services was so immense that loudspeakers had to be set up outside for the ones who were unable to find seating inside. With the same minister who had buried Sis officiating, and grandsons serving as pallbearers, the funeral was a fond and emotional farewell to a wonderful man. It was as if the many kindnesses that Dan had shown to others throughout his lifetime had been summoned forth as mourners.

The SREAVES name still meant quality!

Rootbound in the Hills #199: 16 July 1991

2008-07-26T09:57:00.000+09:00

The fish in Grand Lake must not be biting because Rose STAUBER has found time to assist her relatives with their genealogy. Please read on...

Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344) has a relative who is searching for material on Elijah Nelson BOLLMAN and Gertie K. KITCH who were married on 25 Dec 1902at Peoria, Indian Territory. Gertie's parents were William M. KITCH and Martha STEPHENS. William and Martha are listed on the 1900 census of the Quapaw Nation. Martha was born in Clay County, KY, in 1843, and she died in Galena, KS, in 1943. The BOLLMANs, KITCHes, and STEPHENS all came to the three-state area of MO-AR-OK from around Terre Haute, IN.

Rose is looking for other family researchers, family descendants, or anyone with information on any of the three families listed above. She would be more than happy to exchange information on her research.

An out-of-state reader wrote to Rootbound a few weeks ago regarding preservation of the May-Keith Cemetery in Maysville, AR. Rose STAUBER (above) has taken up that cause as well. (Those fish must really not be biting!) Persons with an interest in the preservation and maintenance of the May-Keith Cemetery would probably benefit from contacting Rose. Perhaps a work group can be formed.

Florence ESTES (1134 Olwsnup Avenue, Gridley, CA 95948) is on the trail of Elisha Hiram ESTES (born 1790, TN) and his wife, Mary Jane DOYLE. (Who were her parents and when did she and Hiram get married?) The couple had three sons: Thomas DOYLE (born 1818; married Rhoda FARMER), Hiram (born 1820; married Pernina FARMER in Benton County, AR, in 1837), and Elisha (born 1822; married Elizabeth DAVIS in Franklin County, MO). Elisha and Elizabeth were in Newton County, MO, by 1850. Florence would appreciate hearing from any of our readers who have a knowledge of her ESTES ancestry.

Terry RANDLES (9530 Ferguson Road, Apt. 1100, Dallas, TX 75228) wishes to correspond with others who are tracking a STALCUP or STALCOP line. Another line of interest to Terry is CLOYD. Both lead back to Wilmington, DE. Are there descendants of these families reading Rootbound?

Melvina CUTBURTH ARNETT (Rt. 1, Box 54, Houstonia, MO 65333) is writing a history of the CUTBURTH/CUTBIRTH surname. The specific line that she is working is that of David and Mary CUTBIRTH and their children: Elizabeth (married Uriah HINCHY), Charlotte (married John HINCHY), James (married Sarah _____), Benjamin, Green (married Mary Ann _____), Charles, David D., Andrew Jackson, and one unidentified female. Were there more? This family was on the Taney County, MO, census in 1840, and they had relocated to McDonald County, MO, by 1850. Any CUTBURTH or CUTBIRTH researcher who has material to share for Melvina's book needs to get in touch with her.

The Barry County Genealogical Society's seminar planned for this August has been cancelled. Persons desiring to learn more about this new group should contact its president, Daniel J. HAY, at P.O. Box 291, Cassville, MO 65625.

Rootbound received a nice note from Sharon RILEY of Modesto, CA, thanking us for sending the photograph of her grandaunt, Cora E. KELLY KING. We had been trying to find a home for that flea market find for nearly three years, and now it has one!

The Dollarhide Systems (203 W. Holly Street, Bellingham, WA 98225) publishes a quarterly entitled Genealogy Bulletin that is free for the asking. The current issue is thirty-two pages of interesting articles, an event queries and queries section for readers, and advertisements of the company's products. Not all good things in life are free, but this one is! Why not write and ask for yours today?

Planning a family or school reunion? Send a notice to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper - and we'll spread the word!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #198: 9 July 1991

2008-07-25T10:38:00.000+09:00

It's been one of Rootbound's unclaimed treasures for over two years, but now, thanks to the barest thread of circumstance, that beautiful old photograph of Cora E. KELLY KING has found its way back to her family! Please read on...

Rootbound purchased that photograph at an area flea market and tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to find a claimant. During that same period of time we returned Bibles, correspondence, and other photographs to misplaced families, but Cora's picture just sat on the shelf collecting dust.

Then a chain of events began occurring that led to a happy conclusion for a lady in California - and for Rootbound! Several months ago an article by this columnist entitled "Flea Market Genealogy" appeared in Heritage Quest Magazine. That piece focused on ways of returning strayed family memorabilia to descendants of the original owners. As a result of that article, Heritage Quest started a special department to advertise, free-of-charge, flea market finds. To help the magazine with its new effort, this writer submitted a couple of entries, including a description of the photograph of Cora E. KELLY KING.

Within days a letter arrived from Sharon KELLEY RILEY (2405 Silvaire Court, Modesto, CA 95350). The excited correspondent related that Cora Evelyn KELLY KING was her grandfather's sister. Cora, the daughter of John Marion KELLEY and Martha STRANGE, was born in Neosho County, KS, in October of 1882. Her older brother, Thomas Franklin, was born in Jack County, TX, in October of 1880, and her two younger brothers, Joseph William (born Jan 1886) and Wallis Lawrence (10 Oct 1888), were each natives of Neosho County, KS.

John Marion KELLEY (above) was born in Neosho, Newton County, MO, in 1859. He died in August of 1918. His wife, Martha STRANGE, was born in July of 1864 in Blount County, TN, to Franklin Madison STRANGE and Susan GAULT. She died around 1890.

Thomas Franklin KELLEY (above) had a daughter whom he named "Cora" in honor of his sister. That Cora is having a fiftieth wedding anniversary this summer, and our correspondent plans on giving her the old photograph of her aunt as an anniversary gift. Talk about special! Everybody wins in this one - Sharon KELLEY RILEY, her Aunt Cora, and especially Rootbound!

Viola FLORY (Rt. 1, Box 1278, Stella, MO 64867) is a grandniece of Sarah Ellen (LIGHT/LYGHT) WOOD who was born around 1854 and married in Illinois. Sarah Ellen was in Wilson County, KS, in 1880 with the following children: John W. (age 6), Mary S. (age 4), Sanford (age2) and Dora (age 1 month, born KS). She was in Rich Hill, MO, in 1884, and by 1900 Sarah Ellen was residing at 1512 Woolers Street, Nevada, Vernon County, MO. Sanford (age 22) was living at home in 1900, and Sarah Ellen also had a daughter named Frankie (age 6, MO) in the household.

Dora WOOD (above) married Hardin JOHNSTON and they had at least two children: Eva (born 1898, MO) and John (1899, KS). Sarah Ellen possibly married John ROOT later in life and moved to Homestead, MT. Do any of our readers have more information on this family?

Christine RIEHMAN, writer of a most interesting letter a few weeks ago regarding her LANKFORD ancestors and the possible involvement of one of them in the LINDBERGH kidnapping, has moved. Her new address is 42030 Selby Circle, Temecula, CA 92390. Christine mentioned in her most recent letter that Geraldo RIVERA did a special segment on the controversy surrounding that kidnapping. She is hoping that as more facts about the kidnapping are brought to light, she will learn more about her colorful relatives!

And what about your colorful relatives? If there is still more to learn, write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. Our readers will help - they're absolutely the best!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #197: 2 July 1991

2008-07-24T10:49:00.000+09:00

It was a front page story in the evening edition of the Sioux City Tribune on Saturday, 1 Aug 1925. The newspaper officially recognized Alice FAGEN, aged fifty-nine, of Sioux City as being the youngest great-grandmother in the state of Iowa. A photo of Alice and her six great-grandchildren was included with the article. And what was Alice's connection with the Ozarks? Please read on...

The article also featured a picture of Alice's father, Joseph HALLOWAY, an eight-one-year-old Civil War veteran who was residing in Goodman, McDonald County, MO. Now Joseph's g-g-g-granddaughter, Peggy LINSTEAD (3519 Grandview Drive, Rockford, IL 61111), is trying to trace his past through McDonald County. She believes that Joseph HALLOWAY died in 1929. In addition to living at Goodman, he may have also stayed in the Joplin, MO, area. Do any of our readers have more information about this individual?

Don R. BROWN (P.O. Box 523, Bentonville, AR 72712) is tracking his INMAN family across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Don is the g-g-grandson of (William) Jefferson and Maria (COOPER) INMAN. Jefferson and Maria were on the Ozark County, MO, census in 1850 living next door to Maria's parents. The family was in Wright County, MO, by 1860. It is likely that Jefferson was killed at home by bushwhackers in the 1860s. This INMAN line had migrated on to Randolph County, AR, by 1870.

The father of Jefferson INMAN (above) was possibly John INMAN, a resident of Crawford County, MO, in 1840. John was living with a widowed son, Alvy, and his young children in Texas County, MO, in 1850. Related families of Texas County possibly include BURDINE, FARRIS, and WOOD. Was Jefferson the son of John INMAN? Who was John's wife?

Other surnames on the five-generation chart that Don R. BROWN (above) has prepared on his mother, Juanita E. RAINS, include: DABNEY, STACY, JONES, KENNEDY, HANCOCK, and PENLEY. Our correspondent would appreciate hearing from any ROOTBOUND readers who might have information to share on his ancestry - particularly the INMANs.

Helen A. RICHARDS (P.O. Box 18, Clipper Mills, CA 95930) is trying to identify the parents of Thomas Dennis ANDERSON and his wife, Margaret PAUL. The couple was apparently rooted in Tennessee and Illinois. Thomas may have had a brother living in McDonald County, MO, and he also had a sister named Lavinia. (Helen A. RICHARDS is the daughter-in-law of the late Salena Jane PECK RICHARDS, a Neosho area school teacher, and Paul Lee RICHARDS.)

Nancy SCHONEMANN (5805 Palomino Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64505) is seeking data on Thomas R. SIMPSON and his wife, Cassandra FULTON. He was born in Indiana in 1820, and she was a native of Virginia, born in 1824. They settled in Cass or Bates County, MO, by 1842. Thomas R. SIMPSON was a farmer and stock dealer in Butler, MO, where he died in 1911. Known children include Caroline (born around 1841), Elvira, Thomas C., Sophia E., and James N. Did their descendants remain in the area?

The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Hospitality Room of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Fourth and Chestnut in Rogers, AR. For information on programs or activities of the group, please contact Anthony Lee ROCKEFELLER, Vice-President, at 520 North 37th Street, Rogers, AR 72756.

The Genealogy Friends of the Library (P.O. Box 314, Neosho, MO 64850) plan to publish a family history book entitled Biographical Sketches of Newton County Families and Their Neighbors. Family histories and photographs are being sought for this project. Those wishing to submit material or order copies of the book at special pre-publication prices should contact the Genealogy Friends at the address mentioned above.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #196: 25 June 1991

2008-07-23T11:32:00.000+09:00

Rootbound continues to stress the importance of saving personal correspondence. Those old postcards, letters, and love notes will one day become the source of much family history that would have otherwise been forgotten. Earl R. SAVAGE is about to go chasing ancestors through the Ozarks solely because of a letter written more than a century ago. Please read on...

Earl R. SAVAGE (9939 Palmerston Road, Richmond, VA 23236) has recently found a letter that his grandfather, Jacob Erasmus Tyree KIBLINGER wrote to his (Jacob's) father from Neosho, MO, on 21 Aug 1878. Jacob was possibly visiting his uncle, Peter Franklin KIBLINGER, a wagon maker who was married to Lydia Henrietta HUFFMAN. Peter and Lydia are thought to have moved to Missouri from Virginia, later settling in Indiana. Their children were William Henry, Elizabeth Ann, John Wesley, and Napoleon Bonapart. Did they live in this area, and are any KIBLINGER descendants still here?

Mrs. Charles E. VAIL (2104 Hidden Oaks Trail, Bentonville, AR 72712) phoned recently to discuss her Ozark genealogy. She has done extensive research on the PYEATT family of Washington County, AR, and the PYATTs of Barry County, MO, who moved on to the area around Eureka Springs. Also, the brother of Mrs. VAIL's g-g-grandfather was Millington ALLEN of Newton County, MO. His descendants married into the following families: PRUITT, HILL, LEATHERS, DEAL, MOORE, and RIGGS. Mr. ALLEN had two step-children named HALFORD. Some of his descendants are buried in the Diamond Cemetery at Diamond, Newton County, MO. Mrs. VAIL would be most happy to exchange information with any of her Ozark cousins.

Dorothy CROSSWHITE (708 West Hunt Street, McKinney, TX 75069) is searching for descendants of William L. CROSSWHITE (born 1826, Campbell County, TN) and his wife, Elizabeth SHOUN (born 1829). They were married on 7 Mar 1847. Elizabeth died in 1904 and William passed away the following year. Both are buried in Parker, KS.

Dorothy CROSSWHITE (address above) is also tracking descendants of Robert Henderson CROSSWHITE, a one-time resident of Kansas City. Robert's brother, J. Webster CROSSWHITE, M.D., was residing in the area around Weston-Celina, TX, at the time of his death in 1937. Robert and J. Webster were sons of Alfred C. CROSSWHITE. Did they leave trails across the Ozarks?

Elizabeth B. DICKENS (1828 Buttercup Road, Elizabeth, CO 80107) is researching her great-grandfather, Joseph DUSTO, who was born 6 Feb 1835 and died on 6 Nov 1868 in or near Neosho, Newton County, Missouri. Perhaps some of the members of the Genealogy Friends of the Library in Neosho could be of assistance to Elizabeth.

Sue CRAWFORD LAMBRIGHT (102 Heritage Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715-8314) is trying to identify the parents of Thompson "Steamboat Bill" CROFFORD (CRAWFORD). He married Nancy BREEDING on 11 June 1846 in Osage County, MO, and they resided in Osage and Maries Counties up until the 1870's. The couple's four children were all born in Maries County, MO. They were: Mary E. (born 1846), A.B. (1847), William (1849), and Thomas C. (1861). Was Thompson a brother to William Andrew and Augustus CROFFORD? Sue LAMBRIGHT wants to know!

The 11th Annual Conference of the Missouri State Genealogical Association will be held on August 2-3, 1991, at William Woods College in Fulton, MO. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Lloyd DeWitt BOCKSTRUCK, a nationally recognized and respected genealogist. Mr. BOCKSTRUCK will share his expertise on Virginia and Kentucky research with conference attendees. For further information, please write to the Missouri State Genealogical Association at P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205-0833.

Word has recently come from Canada that the Manitoba Genealogical Society plans to reprint our article, "How to Build a Better Query", in their quarterly, Generations. Those of you not into Canadian research may obtain a copy of this article by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. This makes the fourth request to reprint, so it must be meeting the needs of genealogists!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #195: 18 June 1991

2008-07-22T10:20:00.000+09:00

Someone let their guard down for just a moment and another family treasure hit the auction block! Please read on...

Rootbound's friend, Margaret GRANDY, (1703 Susan Place, Neosho, MO 64850), has forwarded copies of original family record Bible pages that were in a box of books purchased at an auction by her brother, Robert L. BENSON, also of Neosho, Newton County, MO. The material deals with the WHITE family of Oswego, Labette County, KS. The surname for each individual listed in the material that follows is WHITE unless otherwise indicated.

Margaret and Robert would like to see these fragile Bible pages back in the hands of descendants of the WHITE family. For further information, please contact Margaret GRANDY at the address above - and be sure to include that self-addressed, stamped envelope!

Juanita TYLER KELLERMAN (745 West 1st Avenue, Rt. 3, Box 33, Garnett, KS 66032) is seeking information on her grandfather, Elza William TYLER, who moved to Sulphur Springs, Benton County, AR, in 1919. Elza was born in St. Mary's, OH, in 1856. His father and grandfather were both named Ebenezer TYLER. Elza died in 1934 and is buried in the Butler Creek Cemetery near Sulphur Springs. His son, Alvin TYLER, resided around Sulphur Springs after the death of his father. Does anyone have other material to share on this family?

Free samples, anyone? N. Dale TALKINGTON (2011 Iowa Street, Norman, OK 73069) says that he will send a free copy of his "cousin fidner" chart to anyone who supplies him with a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope. The chart, which goes to the seventh cousin, shows how to sort through all of the degrees of cousin-ship. For those who don't understand just what "second cousin once removed" is, this should be just the thing! And don't forget to tell Dale that you heard about his "cousin finder" through Rootbound.

The Barry County (MO) Genealogical Society will be hosting a summer seminar on Saturday, August 10th, 1991, in Cassville. This columnist has been invited to attend as one of the guest speakers. To learn more about this event, please write to the group's president, Daniel J. HAY, at P.O. Box 291, Cassville, MO 65625. Rootbound will see you there!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #194: 11 June 1991

2008-07-21T11:39:00.000+09:00

Genealogy...it's just one mystery after another! And you, Good Readers, are always welcome to help the detectives. As a case in point, who among you has clues to fill in the gaps in the life story of Lucinda POGUE? Please read on...

Mrs. Jeanne MOULTON (Box 220, Hussar, Alberta, Canada TOJ 1SO) is very interested in identifying the parents and siblings of Lucinda POGUE. Lucinda first appears on the 1850 McDonald County, MO, census as an eighteen-year-old living with the Austin CARBEY family. By 1860 she is reported as being thirty-years-old and in residence with the Nathan KIRBY family of McDonald County. (Could CARBEY and KIRBY have been the same name?) The 1860 census also reported that Lucinda had a two-year-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth ROBERTS.

Lucinda POGUE had her own home by 1870 where she lived with her daughter, Mary, and Lucinda's twenty-five-year-old, insane sister, Henrietta POGUE. Mary was the wife of John ADDINGTON by 1876 at which time she was residing with Lucinda and Henrietta in Pineville, McDonald County, MO, along with her two sons, Joab and John ADDINGTON. Mary's husband, John ADDINGTON, died between 1876 and 1878, and she then married Simon BROOKS. Their baby, William BROOKS, was listed on the 1880 census. Lucinda and Henrietta were both in Pineville in 1880.

John ADDINGTON, Mary ROBERTS' husband, had a sister who married into the NOEL family. It is possible that he is buried in one of the two or three unmarked graves at the Shelt Noel Cemetery near Pineville. Does anyone know? Does anyone know if Lucinda was ever married and to whom? And how did she come to live with the CARBEY and/or KIRBY families? Our friend in Canada is looking for answers!

Rosemarye ADAMS (P.O. Box 333, Ft. Gibson, OK 74434) is searching for any information on her grandfather, Apslum (or Absolom) Prairie HOLMES. He was reportedly born in Missouri on 16 Jan 1853. One family story indicates that he was born on a prairie, hence the unique middle name. He was the son of Ben and Norcis (or Noracis) HOLMES. Does that family connect with any of our readers?

Sonia KAMMILLER (2609 Canterbury, Ponca City, OK 74604) learned about Rootbound through a query that this columnist placed in the newsletter of the GOODENOW Family Association. She is trying to find descendants of Daniel Long KELLEY and his wife, Malvina ROOK. Three of their children were married at Diamond, Newton County, MO, near the turn of this century. The children and marriage dates were: Benella KELLEY BUCHANAN (1898), Edward P. KELLEY (1900), and Roy Bell KELLEY (1904). Are any of their grandchildren reading Rootbound?

Descendants of Leonard and Barbara (SLEMP) SHOUN (SHOWN/SHAWN) of Johnson County, TN, are being invited to show up at the annual family reunion to be held in McKinney, TX, on July 6-7, 1991. All cousins are encouraged to come share in the fun, fellowship, and family history. For more information, please contact LaVerne GRAVES at 402 South Bass Street, McKinney, TX 75069.

Mayre TUBBS WISEMAN (2100 Santa Fe, #1009, Wichita Falls, TX 76309-3454) needs information on the parents, siblings, and first wife of Abraham RICHARDSON who was born in Ohio in 1802 and was a resident of Milam County, TX, in 1850. The following children of Abraham's were all born in Missouri: Daniel (born 1833; went to California), Isaac (1833), Sally (1835), Abraham (1836), James (1837), Elizabeth (1839), and Jane (1841). Were their other children?

Grace CROWDER (Rt. 2, Box 53-A, Noel, MO 64854) wrote for a copy of our article, "How to Build a Better Query." In her letter Grace went on to say that she has documented her CROWDER ancestry to about 1670. Grace and General CROWDER (the one for whom Ft. Crowder was named) are both descendants of Bartholomew and Elizabeth who were granted land in Charles City and Prince George Counties, VA, as early as 1700.

Copies of the article that Grace requested are still available. Just send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper along with each request.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #193: 4 June 1991

2008-07-21T03:30:00.000+09:00

Over the past few years Rootbound has meandered through the pages of many good community newspapers. Some we stayed with, others we didn't. And in the process of switching and searching for the widest possible coverage, several good friends were misplaced. But Katie NEATHERRY has found her way back to Rootbound! Please read on...

Katie NEATHERRY (508 Johnson Drive, Noel, MO 64854) is the wonderful lady who wrote to Rootbound a couple of years ago advising us of an old autograph book that she had found at a flea market in Fayetteville, Washington County, AR. The book contained signatures and personal notes collected by a little girl, Chubby CHAPMAN, during the early years of this century. After her find was mentioned in Rootbound, Katie was able to return the book to the original owner, now a senior citizen living in Joplin, MO.

Well, Katie has been shopping again! This time she has come up with an old copy of The Norman Shield, the manual of Sigma Chi Fraternity. The owner was Chris Allen SELBY. The inside cover has the signatures of fifty-seven of Chris's fraternity brothers, along with their hometowns, most of which were in Arkansas. Katie would like to return this book to Chris or one of his fraternity brothers. Will this be another success story for Katie? It could happen twice!

Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (Rt. 4, Box 440-1, Oak Grove, MO 64075) is another perennial contributor to Rootbound. Kay is currently searching for the parents, siblings, and first husband of Nancy DOUGLAS(S) SORRELS (born 1845, MO) who married William C. SORRELS in 1866, probably in Arkansas. William C. SORRELS was born in Missouri. Nancy had a son, Joseph DOUGLAS(S), who was born 4 Feb 1861 in Arkansas. Her SORRELs children included Violet (born 1867, AR), Thomas (1868, AR), Alexander (1871, AR), Frances, Lizzie, William (1882, ID), Nina (1888, OR), and possibly others. The family had relocated to Indian Territory, Oklahoma, by 1900.

Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (above) is also tracking the parents and siblings of Melissa Jane (possibly LOFTIN or SLAUGHTER) who was born 25 Mar 1856 in Arkansas and died 16 Feb 1918 in Carson County, TX. She married Joseph DOUGLAS(S) around 1879, possibly in Oregon. Melissa Jane lived most of her adult life in LeFlore and Pittsburg Counties, OK. Her children who lived to adulthood were Laura J., Sarah M., R.A.E. "Bettie," and Willian "Bert" DOUGLAS(S). Are their descendants still in this area?

Dorothy SCHLAUD (6303 Woodsdale Drive, Grand Blanc, WI 48439) is researching William Bird KEITH who was born 14 Nov 1803 on Duck River in Bedford County, TN. He married Sarah Ruth MAY about 1859. William died in Maysville, AR, on 8 April 1860. Many of his descendants carried on the name "Bird." Consequently, Dorthy SCHLAUD is looking at the possibility that it once was a surname. Does anyone know of a BIRD/KEITH connection, possibly in Tennessee or further east?

Roots in the Old South? Mississippi Memories is a new quarterly that contains a variety of records from throughout the state of Mississsippi. For specifics, please contact editors Joyce SHANNON BRIDGES and Wanda VOLENTINE HEAD at P.O. Box 18991, Shreveport, LA 71138. And remember to let those good ladies know that you heard about their publication through Rootbound!

Curtis Media Incorporation (P.O. Box 376, Diamond, MO 64840) has announced that pre-publication orders are being accepted for their new book, Newton County Missouri to 1990, a pictorial history. In preparing this work, the publishers collected pictures from Seneca, Neosho, Stella, Wentworth, Ritchey, Granby, Newtonia, Stark City, Diamond, Fairview, Spurgeon, McElhaney, Redings Mill, and Camp Crowder . Contact Curtis Media for more information. Rootbound is anxious to see this one!

Do any of our readers have knowledge of the JENT family, many of whom are buried at the Belfast Cemetery in Newton County, MO? Was Dicey JENT ROARK a member of this clan? Rootbound is curious!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #192: 28 May 1991

2008-07-21T02:32:00.000+09:00

It may not be the Pulitzer, but we're mighty proud anyway! Please read on...

Two years ago Rootbound won third place in the column writing contest sponsored by the Council of Genealogy Columnists. Last year's entry won no prizes (Could it have been lost in the mail?), and this year...second place! We're moving right on up the old ladder of success!

In a letter announcing the winners, it was noted that the judges felt Rootbound in the Hills exhibited "good, solid reporting," and that they particularly liked the column on the WEEMS family Bible. It's nice to be honored by your peers. Some things are better than a paycheck! (First place went to Lesta WESTMORE and her column, Family Trails, which runs each week in the Omaha newspaper.)

Florence ESTES (1134 Olwsnup Avenue, Gridley, CA 95948) is seeking information on Hiram ESTES (born 1820) and his wife, Pernina FARMER (born 27 Feb 1823). Hiram, a son of Hiram ESTES (born 1790) and Mary Jane DOYLE (born 1796, TN), was residing with his family in Newton County, MO, in 1860. Hiram's brother, Thomas Doyle ESTES (born 1818) married Rhoda FARMER. Do any of our readers have information to share with Florence?

Mildred WAGNER (Rt. 1, Box 124, Mulberry, AR 72947) is tracking her SMITH lineage through northwest Arkansas. Her g-g-grandfather, John B. SMITH, was born in Tennessee and came to Crawford County, AR, around 1820. Some of his cousins were known to have settled around Mound City, KS, and at least one cousin, Nelson SMITH, lived near Prairie Grove in Washington County, AR.

John B. SMITH (above) married a lady named Tennessee. Their children included Vandy (born 1820), Elizabeth (1820), Albert (1822), Allen (1825), Sarah (1827), Alford (1828), M.A. (1831), unknown (1833), Lillian (1836), Delilah (1838), N.B. (son, 1841), and Jimmy or Tinny (1841).

Albert SMITH (above), the great-grandfather of our correspondent, married Phoebe SPURLOCK. Their children included Mary Jane (born 1846), Allen (1847), Henry (1852), Burton (1853), Clinton (1854), Calvin Clay (1858), and Erwin "Doc" (1861).

Mildred WAGNER is the granddaughter of Calvin Clay SMITH. She would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who could help her sort out the SMITHs of northwest Arkansas.

Evelyn Lee MARTIN (1292 N. Walnut, La Habra, CA 90631) wishes to exchange information with anyone researching a PARCELL line. Do we have any takers?

Cynthia McMULLEN (Rt. 3, Box 621, Huntington, TX 75949) wants to learn more about Samuel VAUGHAN (born circa 1776; died circa 1853), a resident of northwest Arkansas. One of his daughters married Stephen HOLMESLY. Their daughter, Didamie (born 9 Jan 1835); died 16 Dec 1920), married William David BURNETT. Cynthia would appreciate help in tracing this lineage.

Stefano FERRO and Katarina DAIDONE were born in Camporeale, Sicily, in the early 1800s. They had several children including a son, Salvatore, who came to the United States. Salvatore FERRO's children settled in various parts of this country, and one of his sons, Dominico FERRO, resided in Kansas City, MO. Now Raymond FERRO (90 Gelpi Avenue, Kenner, LA 70065) is trying to locate descendants of this family. Did any of them make it to the Ozarks?

E.A. HOUSER (P.O. Box 25872, Tamarac, FL 33321), the founder and publisher of HOUSER Hunters, has announced publication of the most extensive chronicle of the HOUSER family in America. The book, Descendants of john HOUSER (1709-1763), contains data on over 17,000 people in its 600 pages. For more information on this volume, please contact the compiler at the above address.

Congratulations to Rootbound's good friend and newest competitor, Raymond JEFFERIES, on the advent of his genealogy column, Back Pedaling, which recently premiered in an area newspaper. Ray, your first issue looks great! And the competition will keep us on our toes here at Rootbound!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #191: 21 May 1991

2008-07-20T10:28:00.000+09:00

Just what is the connection between Albert EINSTEIN and the LINDBERGH kidnapping? And why is it of interest to Rootbound? For those of you with enquiring minds, please read on...

Christine RIEHMAN (P.O. Box 5792, Canyon Lake, CA 92380) is piecing together the genealogy and exploits of her grandfather, Wilford Joe LANKFORD, and his brothers, Claud, Arthur, and Caton (or CLARENCE) LANKFORD. She describes these men as being felons in Missouri and Illinois throughout the 1920s and into the 1940s. Though she didn't provide specifics, Christine says that she has news clippings of a "dastardly deed" that those fellows participated in in Quincy, IL, in 1919.

Caton LANKFORD, according to our correspondent, was a popular prisoner in the Illinois prison system. Family tradition has it that he: 1. was a genius or near-genius; 2. knew many foreign languages and taught languages to diplomats to prepare them for foreign service; 3. was small of build, short of stature, and very, very mean; 4. was visited by Albert EINSTEIN while in prison; and, 5. was released from prison to a minister in the 1950s, and occupied his later years by rewriting children's Bible stories.

And, as if Caton was not interesting enough in his own right, Christine added this tidbit: her grandfather, Wilford Joe LANKFORD, may have been involved in the LINDBERGH kidnapping! The Widow HAUPTMANN, it seems, has a San Francisco attorney working to prove her late husband's innocence, and some evidence exists to implicate Wilford. Christine RIEHMAN would, quite obviously, love to hear from any of our readers who have a knowledge of her felonious forebears!

Loyas DREHR (P.O. Box 62, Milano, TX 76556) is the grandson of David H. DEAN who was born 18 Mar 1841 in Benton County, AR, to David W. and Matilda DEAN. David H. DEAN married Nancy E. JONES (born 18 Dec 1852, TN), and they were the parents of Marthy Ellen (born 1884, AR) and Sarrah Lola (1886, AR). David H. DEAN's brothers were William C., Ransom, Ziljaha, James, and George. Did any of these DEANs leave trails across the Ozarks?

Katherine BROWN (Rt. 3, box 206, Neosho, MO 64850) is searching for material on her GATEWOOD kin. Of particular interest to Katherine are the following GATEWOOD siblings: J.M. (born 1861, Monroe County, MO), Charlie C. (6 Sep 1863, Monroe County, MO), Etta (1864; married 1. Levie LOFTON and 2. Charlie FRANCHER), M.R. "Ryle" (1866), Andy R. (23 Feb 1868; married Sarah Ann ISAAC in Vinita, OK; was a preacher residing in Bixby, OK, in 1910), Ada (1870), Lee (10 Aug 1871; died at Bokosho, OK), and John Calhoon (31 July 1876, married Sarah Olive AKERS in 1894, Newton County, MO; died 2 Dec 1910, Clarendon, TX).

Katherine BROWN (above) has an interesting photo of these GATEWOOD children along with their father and mother and grandmother. She would be very willing to share and exchange information with others who are researching this family.

The 1991 Conference in the States of the National Genealogical Society will be held 29 May through 1 June at the Oregon Center in Portland, OR. For further information on this important event, please write to the National Genealogical Society at 4527 17th Street, North, Arlington, VA 22207-2399. (Rootbound won't make it to this year's convention, but one of these years we'll get the urge to splurge - and go!)

Would you like to learn more about the fine art of genealogy from experts? Brigham Young University offers several home study courses designed to make skilled ancestor hunters out of almost anyone. To learn more about BYU's certificate or degree programs in genealogy, write to: Brigham Young University, Department of Independent Study, 206 Harman Building, Provo, UT 84602. Be certain to ask for the most recent catalogue. And don't forget to tell the good folks at BYU that you heard about their program through Rootbound!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #190: 14 May 1991

2008-07-20T07:40:00.000+09:00

Many years ago this writer watched a beautiful old cemetery slowly disappear as the farmer who owned the surrounding pasture plowed more and more of it under each spring. Today only a few stones remain - in a wooded corner that was apparently unfit for tillage. Our first correspondent is concerned with a similar problem. Please read on...

Dorothy SCHLAUD (6303 Woodsdale Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439) wishes to protect the final resting place of her g-g-g-grandfather, Reynolds MAY, and her g-g-grandfather, William Bird KEITH. Her ancestors are buried at the May-Keith Cemetery near Maysville, AR. Dorothy reports that cows are knocking over tombstones and destroying the cemetery. She would like to help in getting it fenced, but does not know who to contact for permission and assistance. Could any of our readers lend a hand with this worthy project?

Donald D. DERR (301 South 21st Street, Atchison, KS 66002) would like to exchange information on the following individuals: Edward (or Emnell) E. SHATTO and his wife, Elizabeth WURKENTIRE, who were in northeastern Oklahoma after 1910; Dr. SPROUSE of Arkansas (a relative of the SHATTO's); the CLOE or CLOW families of Jasper County, MO; the INMAN families of Butler and Stone County Counties, MO; and, the SWANK families of southern Missouri. Who has material to share on one of these lines?

Mark Jay MITCHELL (520 South 1250 East, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062) is on the trail of descendants of two of his g-g-grandfathers, Alvin A. NICHOLS and Alfred T. JONES, Confederate army veterans who settled in Franklin and Johnson Counties in northwestern Arkansas. Alvin A. NICHOLS was born in December of 1841 in Marshall County, AL, to Lawson and Martha (BAIN) NICCHOLS. His wife, Sarah, was born in Kentucky around 1845. Alvin and Sarah were the parents of Silas F. (born Sep 1867, AR), Mahlon (Jan 1870, AR), Osmond Copley (16 Jan 1872, AR), Dudley (circa 1872, AR), Lawsson (circa 1875, AR), William S. (1875, AR), Wallace W. (July 1877, AR), Bud (Oct 1879, AR), Levi (AR), Ida (Dec 1880, AR), Cora (Sep 1882, AR), Laura (March 1887, AR), and Ora (Oct 1890, AR).

Alfred T. JONES (above) was born to Wilson and Judith (KIRBY) JONES on 11 Nov 1844 in Anderson, SC. He died on 28 April 1931 in Spadra, Johnson County, AR. Alfred's wife was Mary Ada McCRAVEY (born Nov 1850, AL), a daughter of Richard Holmes and Mary Ann (HOLLAND) McCRAVEY.

The children of Alfred and Mary Ada JONES (above) were Eula (born circa 1872, AL), Ethel (Nov 1872, AL), Jessie (circa 1874, AL), Laura (30 Mar 1877, Tyro, Tate County, MS), Mary Moss (circa 1878, MS), Velma (Jan 1884, AR), Julia B. (Oct 1886, AR), Nina (April 1889, AR), and Guy W. (April 1891, AR).

Our correspondent, Mark Jay MITCHELL, would certainly like to get in contact with anyone who shares a line of descent from Alvin A. NICHOLS or Alfred T. JONES. Are any of Mark's cousins reading Rootbound?

Our best friend in the Pacific northwest, Don VINCENT (P.O. Box 1467, Orting, WA 98360), has announced that his popular book series, 800 Missouri Families, is now on sale at a special low price. Volumes 1-5 of 800 Missouri Families may be purchased until July 4th as a set for just $67.50 plus $7.50 postage and handling. Rootbound has reviewed a couple of these books in the past. Each is approximately 200 pages of carefully documented research on families who settled in central Missouri. For further information or to order, please contact Don at his home in Washington.

The annual reunion of Westview, Dessa, and No. 4 Schools of rural Newton County, MO, will be held on 8 June 1991 at the Westview School located just off of Highway 60 between Nesoho and Seneca, MO. the doors will open at 4 p.m., and a covered dish dinner will be enjoyed at 6 p.m. The reunion committee urges all alumnae and friends of these schools to attend. And don't forget to bring those pictures for display!

Send word of your reunion to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper and we'll help spread it around!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #189: 7 May 1991

2008-07-20T01:47:00.000+09:00

Flea markets are places rich in family history...and Rootbound has sung that song before. With that in mind, it wasn't too surprising for this columnist to recently learn that garage sales can also harbor some excellent genealogy. Please read on...

Paul ANTOS, an old army buddy who raises kids, dogs, and goats in the hills of Oregon, forwarded a copy of the Society of Colonial Wars which he found at a garage sale. The book contains the group's constitution as well as a listing of the officers and members of 1897-1898, along with many of their genealogies. This volume is indexed, so those who feel that grampa might have been a member of the Society of Colonial Wars during the years 1897-1898 might do well to contact Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. If he's hiding in those yellowed pages, we'll ferret him out! Please remember to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with that request.

Vicky BRADY (617 South Lincoln, Neosho, MO 64850) would like information on Robert Franklin BARLOW (born 19 June 1855; died 11 July 1907) who married Sarah Isebelle RANDOLPH (born 16 Nov 1851; died 11 Jan 1920). Robert lived at Clinton and Lebanon, MO, before moving to Newton County, MO.

Robert and Sarah BARLOW (above) were the parents of Oliver Richard (born 6 Aug 1878; died 8 Jan 1957), Dora COLEMAN (6 Oct 1880), Andrew Cyrus (14 Jan 1884), Charles Robert (6 July 1887), Lillie Florance (12 Dec 1889), Milton Irwin (18 Sep 1892), Earl Clarence (31 July 1897), Bessie Mable (16 Sep 1900), and Edgil Oral (11 May 1903).

Oliver Richard BARLOW (above) married Ada Rozella GIBSON (born 9 Feb 1879; died 24 April 1962). Their children included Nellie Elizabeth REDING (born 1 Mar 1905), Eva Marie BEATTY (4 Oct 1906), Lottie Isabelle TESTERMAN (28 Nov 1912), Raymond Richard (16 Sep 1914), and Ruby May WOLFENBARGER (28 May 1916).

Vicky BRADY would like to know if Robert Franklin BARLOW had any brothers or sisters. She would appreciate hearing from anyone with a knowledge of Robert Franklin BARLOW or any of his descendants.

Rose PARKS (Rt. 1, Box 119-B, Avery, TX 75554) is seeking to learn more about Joseph P. and Altha (COX) PARKS who came to Benton County, AR, from Georgia to homestead in 1872. Their children were Mary Jane, Willis, Nancy, Allison, and Harrison. (Allison and Harrison were twin boys born in 1877.) Joseph died in 1878, and Altha then married Henry ROBERTS. Altha sold the homestead around 1896.

Giles and Nancy M. COX, the parents of Altha COX PARKS (above), came to Arkansas with the PARKS family and were on the 1880 census. The COX children were Andrew, Elizabeth, Mary, Rufus, Alice, Joseph, and Harriett. All were born in Georgia except for Harriett who was a native of Arkansas. The COX family was not on the 1900 census of Arkansas. Had they gone to Missouri? Rose PARKS wants to know!

Ted BANVARD (Rt. 1, Box 718, Shepherdstown, WV 25443) maintains a computer database on the surname GOODENOW and variant spellings. Those with a GOODENOW limb on the family tree (such as the children of this columnist) might benefit from contacting him.

Midwest Family Connections (P.O. Box 363, Fort Thomas, KY 41075) publishes newsletters on a variety of surnames. They have forwarded review copies of the BARNETT and SIMPSON newsletters to Rootbound. Both are approximately twenty pages in length and contain assorted material from several sourcees. The publishers plan is to interest people in specific names and collect material from subscribers for future issues. Other surname newsletters that have been printed by this group include: ADAMS, ASHCRAFT, COLVIN, ELLIS, HAWKINS, INGLES, LANCASTER, LAWTHORN, MONROE, OWENS, PHILLIPS, RIDDLE, RILEY, SMITH, TURNER, WRIGHT, and YELTON. For more information, please contact the publisher at the address above.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #188: 30 April 1991

2008-07-19T10:12:00.000+09:00

It's always wonderful to hear from old friends, and Joan MEEKER SSTRAUSBURG is no exception. Joan wrote several letters to Rootbound during the column's early days. Recently she saw an article by this writer in The Genealogical Helper and was reminded of Rootbound's past help in her search for Ozark ancestors. Joan has a new query that follows:

Joan MEEKER STRASBURG (2415 Elm Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53801-5527) is seeking descendants of Henry Bushfield HAVENS and Mary Ann "Polly" DARR/DOERR HOSKINS HAVENS. Henry was born around 1839 in Indiana, and he died at Seneca, Newton County, MO about 1891. Polly was born in Virginia around 1836, and she is thought to have died about 1873.

Henry and Polly HAVENS (above) were married in Sullivan County, MO, on Christmas Day, 1862, after the deaths of her first husband, Jasper HOSKINS (in the Civil War), and Henry's first wife, Mary Jane WILLIAMS HAVENS. The children of Henry and Polly were Letitia (born circa 1865; married John SINGLETON), Louisa Belle (born circa 1867; married Thomas CRAWFORD), Henry B. (born circa 1868; died young), Schuyler Patrick (born 8 Sep 1870; married Mary E. GLIDEWELL of Chillicothe, MO; died 6 Dec 1937 at Joplin, MO), and Julia M. (born circa 1873; married William HUTTON in 1890).

Henry Bushfield HAVENS (above) married Elizabeth CLARK KAIN in 1874 after the death of Polly, and he married M.A. RUMMERFIELD in 1878. His children by his first wife, Mary Jane WILLIAMS HAVENS, were Mariah Jane (born 1859; married H. WRIGHT and a Mr. JENNINGS; died at St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO), Eli R. (born circa 1860; married Sarah A. LEWELLEN in 1884), and John William (born circa 1861; married Emma FRAKES). Both of these sons were buried at Joplin, MO.

Our correspondent, Joan MEEKER STRASBURG, would like to exchange information with our readers on any of the above individuals. Who can help with her research?

Joan MEEKER STRASBURG (address above) also submitted a list of surnames that she is researching in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Those names include: BATES, BELL, BOYD, BUCKELEW, CLARK, CRAWFORD, CUNNINGHAM, DANIEL(S), DARR, DOERR, ELMORE FARRELL, FRAKES, GLIDEWELL, HARGRAVE, HAVENS, HOLLINGSWORTH, HOSKINS, HOUSEMAN, HUTTON, JEFFCOTT, JENNINGS, KAIN, KNIFONG, LESLIE, LEWELLEN, MITCHELL, MOSER, MOSIER, MYERS, NICHOLS, NOEL, OAKES, OVERALL, PENTONY, RUMMERFIELD, SINGLETON, SMITH WALKER, WHIPPLE, WHITE, WILLIAMS, WILSON, and WRIGHT. Persons tracking one of those names across the Ozarks might do well to contact Joan at her home in Sheboygan.

Phillis S. OWEN (1224 N. Yost, Kennewick, WA 99336) would like to hear from any ROBERTS, TODD, VINES, or MAYFIELD living in the Rootbound area. Specifically she is searching for information on Caroline ROBERTS (born 1833, TN) who married Rodney A. TODD in Barry County, MO, on 29 Mar 1849. Rodney was the son of Augustus and Margaret (LOWERY) TODD.

Phyllis learned from an 1840 Washington County, AR, slave deed that Caroline's father was one of seven children of Emsley and Sinai ROBERTS of Maury County, TN. His six siblings were Caroline (VINES), Dixie (MAYFIELD), Solomon, George, Isaac, and Emsley. Sinai ROBERTS later married John GIBSON. (When and where?)

An 1853 Washington County, AR, slave deed lists Caroline and Milly ROBERTS as each receiving a portion of their proceeds from the sale of slaves. Milly (born around 1836) and a younger Sinai (born around 1839) were daughters of Mary Ann ROBERTS. Could Caroline have been Mary Ann's daughter also? Phillis S. OWEN wants to know!

A new book on the BURDICK family has recently been published by the International Ancestry Library (2317 Riverbluff Parkway #249, Sarasota, FL 34231-5032). For more information, please contact the publisher. That group also publishes a BURDICK family newsletter.

Spring is here! Why not take advantage of the weather and go roaming through those greening cemeteries in search of lost ancestors?

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #187: 23 April 1991

2008-07-18T10:03:00.000+09:00

If your Scottish ancestor came to America in the period 1757-1763 and was born before 1741, he may have been a soldier with Col. Simon FRASER's 78th Highlander Regiment. This military group was recruited in the Inverness area and came over to fight the French in Canada. Many remained in America after discharge in 1763. Please read on...

Walter H. McINTOSH (Box 214, Topsfield, MA 01983) has rosters listing all officers and private soldiers in the fourteen companies of the regiment, and a separate list of the 170 men who remained in North America of their own choice following discharge. A number of them remained in Canada and married French-Canadian women, while others trickled down into New England and New York state.

For those who suspect that their Scottish ancestor may have arrived in America with the 78th Highlander regiment, Mr. McINTOSH will check his records free to see if their name appears. Please send him the full name of the ancestor as well as a twenty-nine cent stamped legal envelope. And when you write to Mr. McINTOSH, let him know that you heard about his work through Rootbound!

Frances CHAPMAN THOMSON (22 Surrey Square, Abilene, TX 79606) is searching for information on her great-grandparents, Sief and Sara Metilda (SELLERS) CHAPMAN. Sara Metilda was born in September of 1862. Their son, Elledge Osman CHAPMAN, was born in June of 1882 at Anderson, McDonald County, MO. Sief died in a logging accident around 1884 and is buried at Neosho, Newton County, MO. His widow later married a Mr. WEAVER, and they relocated to Bell County, TX. Do any of our readers have material to share on this family?

Karen S. BEISSNER (680 Village Green Parkway, Newport News, VA 23602-7075) wishes to learn more about Benjamin A. WOODS, Jr. (born between 1805 and 1810, TN; died 7 June 1899, Newton County, MO), and his first wife, Mary. They had five or six children (Julia Ann, Henry, Margaret, Franklin, and Lewis), and were all living in Newton County, MO, in 1850.

Our correspondent did not find a record of this WOODS family for 1860, but by 1870 Benjamin is listed on the Newton County, MO, census with his second wife, Cintha A. (JAMISON) and the following children: Mary, Henry T., Minnie B., Eliza Pearl, and James W. Cintha was born 20 April 1834 in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, and she died on 8 Jan 1901 in Newton County, MO. Who were her parents? When and where did she marry Benjamin WOODS, Jr.? Karen BEISSNER wants to know!

Leona HERRERA (Rt. 1, Box 95-A, Lowell, AR 75745) is seeking to discover more about her grandmother, Eva MYERS MORRIS TOLBERT, a lady of Indian descent who was born 12 Aug 1894. Eva married Thomas E. TOLBERT in Booneville, Yell County, AR, on 16 Aug 1910. She died on 1 May 1927. Do any of our readers know about Eva?

Vicky BRADY (671 South Lincoln, Neosho, MO 64850) would like to find out more about Robert Slater BRADY (born 7 April 1903, IA) who married Alma A. CLARK on 7 Aug 1926 in Newton County, MO. Alma was born 21 April 1907 in Golden, MO, and died on 17 Oct 1976. Robert BRADY boarded a train around 1941 on his way to Iowa to find work. He wired money home along the way, and that was the last that anyone ever heard of him. Robert's son, Kenneth Robert BRADY, saw a man that looked like his father in Oklahoma sometime between 1962 and 1966. Which of our readers can help solve this mystery?

Rootbound's friend, Nick Vine HALL, one of Australia's better known genealogists, has recently published Parish Registers in Australia, a listing of transcripts, microforms, and indexes of Australian parish registers. The book lists in 360 pages the locations of some 5,524 different parish registers and copies held in over 153 record centers across the country. It covers all states and territories and encompasses forty-two different religions. So, if Grampa was from Down Under, get in touch with Nick at 25 Mills Street, Middle Park, Australia 3206.

And if your roots are here in the Ozarks, write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're here to help!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #186: 16 April 1991

2008-07-17T09:42:00.000+09:00

There is no end to the surprises that will be found in the Rootbound mailbag. Today's first letter, for instance, deals with an axe murder! Please read on...

Vicki ROUNSAVALL (1949 Juneway Terrace, Fayetteville, AR 72703) wishes to contact descendants or others having knowledge of the HOWERY (HOWRY) family who resided in northwest Arkansas by 1827. At that time, George HOWERY, the original settler, lived at Cane Hill in Washington County. He left there in 1828 and moved near Wesley in Madison County, AR. His sons were probably William, James, Daniel, and George, Jr.

Daniel HOWREY (above) received one of the earliest land patents in Madison County, AR, in 1836. His land was located near the community of Crossroads. His first purchase of land in Benton County, AR, was Town Lot 48 in the town of Bentonville in 1842. Daniel was involved in numerous land transactions in the town of "Mudtown" (now Lowell, AR) by the year 1845. His original land purchase of thirty-three acres in Mudtown was acquired from Jonathan PING.

Daniel HOWREY's first wife was Margaret LANDERS, and his second wife was Lucy Jane ROBERTS ATWOOD. His brother, James, married Lucinda ALEXANDER, and George, Jr. was the husband of Marinda GRAHAM. James and George, Jr. are both included in the court and deed records of Benton County.

Daniel HOWERY was murdered in Barry County, MO, in May of 1868. An account of his death as copied from a newspaper in Mt. Vernon, MO, states that he was killed with an axe by Robert MANN, also a former resident of Benton County, AR. The whereabouts of Daniel's wife, Lucy Jane, and his children between 1868 and 1875 is unknown.

Our correspondent, Vicki ROUNSAVALL, would certainly enjoy hearing from anyone who has a knowledge of her Ozark roots. And Rootbound would like to know more about Robert MANN and his deadly axe!

Mary J. PETERSON (925 Louis Street, Eugene, OR 97402) needs help in tracking her southwest Missouri ancestors. Abner GARRISON married Janie McCULLOUGH and lived in Stone County, MO, where one of their seven children, Mary Jane, was born in 1875. Mary Jane married a Mr. TURNER, and their daughter, Edith TURNER (born 1 July 1895, Barry County, MO) became the wife of Ira James STOCKTON who was also born in Barry County in the 1890s. Mary needs birth, marriage, death, and cemetery information on these TURNERs, STOCKTONs, and GARRISONs. Who were Abner and Janie's parents? All help will be appreciated.

Gene L. JACKSON (4001 Twilight Drive South, Ft. Worth, TX 76116-7649) has recently published a book about his ancestry entitled Zachary Taylor FRENCH and Rachel Evelyn DUCKWORTH - Their Ancestors and Descendants. The couple mentioned in the title were born in Indiana, married in Iowa, and lived in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. Their four daughters (Effie, Dora, Carrie, and Elsie) married and spawned numerous descendants who now live in all sections of the United States. For more information on this book, please contact the author at the above address.

Mary MINT PARRISH (5735 North Cloverly Avenue, Temple City, CA 91780) is on the trail of Hartshorn and Phebe (ERICKSON) COLE, and Hartshorn's second wife, Mary "Polly" PARKER. All three of those individuals were in Dent County, MO, from 1845 until 1880. Hartshorn's daughter, Margaret Elizabeth COLE, married James Henry BREECE II, and they were aged seventy-four and seventy-six and living in Ozark County, MO, in 1900. Are their descendants still in the Ozarks?

Thank you Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho, Newton County, MO, for reprinting How to Build a Better Query by this writer in the most recent issue of Newton County Roots. That piece, published earlier in Southern Queries and The Genealogical Helper, seems to have a life of its own. Those who have yet to see this set of guidelines for how to write good queries may obtain a free copy by writing to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #185: 9 April 1991

2008-07-16T11:12:00.000+09:00

What is this fascination that America has with bad guys? It seems that the deadliest of desperadoes became folk heroes almost before their carcasses quit jerking at the end of the hangman's rope. And our interest in the good guys is no less intense, whether it is the marshals of the old west or the G-Men chasing down rum-runners during prohibition.

For those whose taste in history runs to cops and robbers, the Fraternal Order of Police of Joplin has published an outstanding book that provides a history of crime in southwest Missouri in words and photographs. The book, Lawmen and Outlaws, has stories of officers who were wounded or killed in the line of duty, as well as biographies of the famous outlaws who played a part in this area's history. Rootbound purchased a copy of this hardcover treasure. It's great!

Lawmen and Outlaws may be ordered from the Fraternal Order of Police by sending a check for $22 (that includes postage) to: FOP History Book, Box 1134, Joplin, MO 64802. And don't forget to mention that you heard about the book through Rootbound!

Jane LEE SCALLON (211 Barron, Rusk, TX 75785) is searching for any information on the surname FARQUHARSON. Her grandfather, Charles Byron FARQUHARSOON, made oil well supplies and was an inventor. He was born in March of 1869 and died in August of 1935. Charles Byron FARQUHARSON is buried at the Catholic Cemetery in Tulsa, OK. Jane would be very pleased to correspond with anyone regarding this unusual surname.

Florence ESTES (1134 Oewsnup Avenue, Gridley, CA 95948) is trying to learn more about Hiram ESTES (born 1790, TN) and his wife, Mary Jane DOYLE (born 1794). They had three sons, all born around Union, Franklin County, MO. The boys were Thomas Doyle (born 1818), Hiram (1820), and Elisa (1822). Our correspondent would especially like to learn the names of the parents and siblings of Hiram and Mary Jane ESTES.

Bertha L. JEFFERS (92-1041 Makakilo Drive #83, Ewa Beach, HI 96707) is seeking information and descendants of Ezekiel and Hannah (JEFFERS) CORDELL. Hannah M. JEFFERS (born 1851, Greene County, TN) was the daughter of William Pierce and Hannah M. (BRADLEY) JEFFERS. She married Ezekiel on 2 Feb 1872 at Pineville, McDonald County, MO. Hannah (JEFFERS) CORDELL was living in Arkansas in 1907, and she was a resident of Chance, OK, in 1914. She may be buried at Pea Ridge, AR.

Ezekiel and Hannah CORDELL (above) were the parents of Ezekiel, Jr. "Zeke" and Effie. Another child may have been Thomas Jefferson CAUDILL (born 19 June 1884, McDonald County, MO). His parents were listed as Ezekiel CAUDILL (born Benton County, AR) and Hannah JEFFERS (born TN). Bertha L. JEFFERS is anxious to hear from any of our readers who are exploring a local CORDELL or CAUDILL connection. She's waiting by the mailbox on the beach in sunny Hawaii!

The Thomas MINOR Society was founded in September of 1979 in Chew Magna, Somerset County, England, and was named for the group's immigrant ancestor who left Chew Magna in 1629 enroute to America. This year the organization will hold a reunion in the Stonington/Mystic area of Connecticut on August 19-23, 1991. Those desiring more information on the reunion or the organization should contact Geral WILDE (815 #300 West, Provo, UT 84604).

Your local LDS Library is a great place to do family research. These facilities house major genealogical collections on microfiche, and they weeill assist researchers in obtaining books and other material from the main library at Salt Lake City. And the best part is that there is an LDS Branch Library near you! Check it out!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #184: 2 April 1991

2008-07-15T09:47:00.000+09:00

Are you new to genealogy? Would you like to learn more about what has recently become America's number one hobby? Help, as they say, is on the way. Please read on...

The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society will be sponsoring a free seminar entitled "The World of Genealogy" and featuring well known genealogist Ron BREMER of Salt Lake City. the topics of the seminar will include an introduction and remarks on organization, speeding up your genealogy, little-known resources, laws and rules of genealogy, and a question and answer session. All of those who attend are encouraged to come prepared to discuss their own genealogical problems.

Ron BREMER (above) is a former Research Specialist for the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. He is also the author of The Compendium of Historical Sources and The World's Funniest Epitaphs, and has had articles published in numerous genealogical magazines. His seminar will be held on Friday, May 10th, 1991, at the Rogers Chamber of Commerce at 113 North 4th in Rogers, AR. Rootbound will see you there!

Jan RHINEHART GOLDEN (703 8th Avenue, Albany, GA 31701) wishes to correspond with anyone concerning the RINEHART, LYCHLITER (LICHLYTER), and WHITTENBERG families who moved from Tennessee to Washington and Crawford County, AR, in the mid-1800s. She has information to share about their Tennessee roots.

Dr. Bob DILLARD (1585 Crown Drive, Reno, NV 89503) reports that a 1915 biographical sketch of his great-grandfather says his sister, Elizabeth DENNIS, married to a Mr. BRICKEY and was living in Newton County, MO. Can anyone identify this BRICKEY family? Where are they buried? Who were (are) their descendants? Bob DILLARD wants to know.

Eleanor FULLERTON PHILLIPS (2500 Linden Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304) is researching Catharine WOODS STORY, a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth GATES WOODS, who was born in 1844 in Athens County, OH. At some point in her life, Catharine relocated from Clarke County, IA, to Hoover, AR. Who knows the rest of her story?

Roots in Alabama? The Alabama Genealogical Register is published quarterly under the editorship of Elizabeth WOOD THOMAS. Mrs. THOMAS not only pioneered the publication of Alabama genealogical records in the form of quarterly magazines, she also brought to the campus of Samford University (then Howard College), Birmingham, AL, a high level genealogical program with nationally known genealogists as instructors. The genealogical institute at Samford University is recognized internationally as one of the best. For more information on the quarterly or the institute, please contact Mrs. THOMAS at P.O. Box 6708, Gulfport, MS 39506.

The Augustan Society (P.O. Box P, Torrance, CA 90508-0210) has recently provided Rootbound with Book 12 of their Augustan Society Omnibus. This superbly crafted 160-page quarterly focuses on international genealogy, American colonial genealogy, royal and noble ancestry and history, heraldry, vexillology (whatever that is!), the crusades, knighthood, chivalry, ancient history, royal biographies, and historical maps. This volume is extremely interesting, even to those (like this writer) who have yet to discover any royal roots. A subscription is $40 per year (four issues), and a single copy price is $15. Rootbound recommends this one highly!

Where is the best place to hunt for ancestors? Many are hiding right down the street at your local library! Check it out!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #183: 26 Mar 1991

2008-07-11T10:41:00.000+09:00

Catherine KLEIN is studying American Civilization at La Sorbonne University in Paris, France, where she is writing a thesis on the emigration of Alsaticians to the United States. Catherine is seeking information about cousins, Mathis and Catherin KLEIN-HAEBERLIN, who emigrated from Fortschwir near Colmar to Chicago in 1897 with their eight children. They appear on the 1900 census of Chicago, but were not there in 1910. Where the family moved is unknown. If anyone has information to share, please write to Catherine KLEIN at 971 Rampe d'Ardon, 02000 Laon, France.

And while we're in an international mode...

Joyce BERRY (2210 Robb Avenue, Comox, British Columbia, V9N4T1, Canada) is interested in corresponding with anyone who has information on George and Lydia (POOL) COOP who were in Rogers, Benton County, AR, on 18 Sep 1924 at which time they had just sold their farm and were preparing to move back to Dellvale, Norton County, KS. Joyce is also tracking L.E. and Laney Mary (POOL) BURROUGHS who were married on 2 Dec 1880 in Norton County, KS. At the time of their marriage, Laney was 21-years-old and L.E. was thirty-three. What became of this couple?

Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344) desires to learn more about Stephen Grant ROSE and his wife, Ida Mae ANDERSON, who lived in southern Newton County, MO, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The couple had seven children, five girls and two boys. The girls married Edward CRAVENS, Orville HINMAN, Jack WHISTLER, Edward WHISTLER, and Victor COX. The boys married Hazel SMITH and Lola Lorene DAWSON. Rose would like to obtain information on this family, and she can provide a history of the ROSE family to other researchers. Who has some facts to share with one of our favorite correspondents?

Robert V. DRENNAN (9323 San Fernando Way, Dallas, TX 75218) is looking for material on James WILSON (born circa 1807, NC) and his wife, Madaline Elizabeth. They were in Bradley County, TN, in 1850, and in Walker County, GA, in 1860 and 1870. The couple had moved to War Eagle Township, Madison County, AR, after 1870.

The children of James and Madaline WILSON (above) were Martha Catherine (married Jesse O. DRENNAN), Mary A., John L., William H., James, Margaret, and Joseph (married Frances DRENNAN). Madaline died 10 April 1879. James, Madalien, and children James, John, Joseph, William, and Margaret are all buried in McConnell Cemetery south of Huntsville, AR.

Joseph and Frances (DRENNAN) WILSON (above) had the following children: Sarah E., Emma F., James W., and John. They were all living in Madison County AR, in 1910. Our correspondent would especially like to hear from descendants of these individuals.

Donna POTTER PHILLIPS (2204 W. Houston, Spokane, WA 99208-4440) reports that all of her Heritage Hunting columns from the Spokane newspaper have been published in a 125-page booklet. The columns cover the years 1986-1990. Her collection may be ordered for the postage-paid price of just $12.50.

The Missouri State Genealogical Association (P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205-0833) has announced that they have a limited supply of copies of Taney County, Missouri, Tombstone Inscriptions (volumes one and two combined). This work was compiled by Betty HARVEY WILLIAMS and originally printed in 1965. The reprint edition is now available for $13.00, postage included.

Thank you, Jackie COPELAND of Noel, for the nice note about your recent "find" in Rootbound. It is the successes of our readers that keep this column going!

Need help shaking the old family tree? Write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #182: 19 Mar 1991

2008-07-10T10:24:00.000+09:00

It never fails. Just when the stack of letters to Rootbound begins to dangerously dwindle, something always comes along to stir another flurry of correspondence.

The latest case in point involves publication of an article by the columnist entitled "How to Build a Better Query" that ran in the most recent issue of The Genealogical Helper. The piece was a reprint that had originally appeared in Southern Queries last summer. The Helper, with its national publication of around 50,000, prompted query-laden mail to Rootbound from such divergent points as Virginia and Hawaii, with many stops in between. We'll take a look at those letters over the next few weeks.

Buddy SAMUELS (Rt.3, Box 190, Concordia 64020) is on the trail of Basil WILSON who resided in Reynolds and Madison County, MO 1850-1860. Basil's parents were most likely William WILSON and Delilah BUSH, both Carolinians. Basil married Lucinda VANCE, possibly a native of Wisconsin. Who were Lucinda's parents?

Buddy SAMUELS (above) has volunteered to assist any of our readers with research in Lafayette or Johnson County, MO. She also reports that she has a huge file on the surname LEE. Those writing to Buddy for assistance should do her the courtesy of including a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Don MITCHELL (611 Fields, Canon City, CO 81212) is the grandson of Harvey C. and Dona (COVEY) MITCHELL who were residents of Gravette, Benton County, AR, during the early years of this century. Harvey was born in 1847 in South Carolina, and died in May of 1909 - place unknown.

The children of Harvey and Dona MITCHELL (above) were a son, Welcome (born Oct 1889), a son, Evert (1892-1957), a daughter, Alfa Marie (born Feb 1896), and a son, Luther (June 1903-1939). Luther was the father of our correspondent. He is buried in Anderson, McDonald County, MO. Do any of our readers have other information regarding this family.

Raymond E. BARNTHSON (Rt. 2, Box 296, Troy, KS 66087) is trying to locate the cemetery where Matthias CLEMENTSON is buried. Matthias, the husband of Tobina LARSON, moved to Anderson, McDonald County, MO, by covered wagon in the early 1900s. He died on 1 April 1918 and is presumed to be buried somewhere in the vicinity of Anderson. Does anyone know where he is buried?

Jo Ann S. JACKSON (8017 Calmont #208, Ft. Worth, TX 76116) is seeking to learn more about two of her forebears who were residents of northwest Arkansas during the last half of the 19th century. James E. JACKSON was born in May of 1861 in Newton County, AR. In 1900 he was living in Newton County, AR, with his wife, Nancy, and the following children: Mills, William, James, Sarah, George, David, John, Asher, and Sherman.

The other individual of interest to Jo Ann is Alexander "Doc" JACKSON who was born in September of 1865 in Newton or Washington County, AR. In 1900 Doc and his wife, Minnie, had the following children living at home: Clayton, Myrtle, Sylvania, Claud, and Zedia. Doc JACKSON may have lived on a farm near Siloam Springs, AR, as late as the 1930s. Our correspondent is anxious to hear from any of our readers having a knowledge of her Ozark roots.

Connie DAWE of Arvada, CO, described "How to Build a Better Query" as a "valuable reference tool," Mary J. PETERSON of Eugene, OR, said it was "interesting and informative." and Mary MINT PARRISH of Temple City, CA, felt that it should be "in the front of every genealogical quarterly and newsletter." What nice folks! If you would like a free copy of these guidelines for good query writing, just send a request and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. It's as simple as that!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #181: 12 Mar 1991

2008-07-09T09:29:00.000+09:00

The devices used to snare ancestors are almost limitless. One that has been fairly successful for this columnist is the query to newsletters of family surname organizations. In fact, a recent question in GOODENOW's Ghosts, the newsletter of the GOODENOW Family Association, brought a couple of replies that provided information on eight additional generations of one of my wife's lines. Placing a query in one of these newsletters usually requires membership in the organization, but the cost of the dues fades from view as lost ancestors begin to report in.

Merle GANIER (2109 Grace Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76111-2816) publishes an annual listing of family surname periodicals. The 1991 version of this useful document also contains addresses for many newspaper genealogy columns. It is available from the compiler at the above address for just five dollars. Rootbound has a copy - and it does get used!

Elinore STEPP FORTNEY (Box 31-D Acton Square, Waldorf, MD 20601-9402) is seeking to correspond with anyone tracking a STEPP lineage across Georgia, Arkansas, or Oklahoma. Her ancestor, John Wesley STEPP, married Nancy Missouri McDONALD on 20 Sep 1872 in Lumpkin County, GA. The couple had three children in Hall County, GA: Leually (married Alonzo Barnes ROOD), Edd (married Roxie PHILLIPS), and Joe (married Ora _____).

John and Nancy then migrated to the Russelville area of Pope County, AR, where they had three more children: Hugh J. (married Mrs. PRINCE), Mary Ola (married John Amase HAMAKER), and James W (born May of 1889). John Wesley STEPP is listed on the 1900 census of Pope County, AR, with another wife, Matilda Jane ROOD. They had the following children: William Franklin, Henry Almon (married Blanch CARDARELLI), and Lewly Frances (married 1. Charley HARTMAN, and 2. Oscar ALREAD).

Some members of the STEPP family were known to be around Ft. Smith, AR, in the 1930s, while others were living near Vian, OK, at that same time. Our correspondent would certainly enjoy hearing from any of their descendants.

James E. GENTRY, Jr. (1004 N. Frederick, Mountain Grove, MO 65711) is searching for the parentage of Catherine HOLT (born 10 Jan 1824, Lincoln County, TN) who married Henry COBLE on 21 April 1844 in Greene County, MO. Their children were Peter Nicholas, John Marion, and Alfred Luther. Catherine HOLT COBLE died in Neosho, Newton County, MO, on 18 April 1854. Does she have grandchildren in our area today?

Clyde D. MEADOR (2244 Bromfield Circle, Wichita, KS 67226) wishes to correspond with anyone having a MEADOR lineage. His particular lines extend from Virginia, through the Carolinas, and into Alabama.

The Topeka Genealogical Society will host its 19th Annual Topeka Genealogy Conference and Workshop on Friday and Saturday, April 26th and 27th, 1991, at the Maner Conference Centre, 17th and Western, Topeka, KS 66604-0048.

James PLYANT, editor of American Genealogy has recently announced that his magazine will begin featuring a regular column by this writer in its April issue. Although the column will probably titled Rootbound in the Hills, it will have a different format than the one carried in your local newspaper, focusing on general Ozarks research rather than queries. For further information or a subscription, please write to the editor at P.O. Box 1587, Stephensville, TX 76401.

Misplaced an ancestor? Write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're here to help!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #180: 5 Mar 1991

2008-07-08T10:35:00.000+09:00

As mentioned time and again in this space, Rootbound loves the flea markets! Even the quickest of passes through one of these treasure houses will produce armloads of misplaced family history. How unfortunate it is that these old photos, documents, and other records are seldom reunited with the proper kin.

Rootbound has been privileged on several occasions to assist in the return of family memorabilia that had surfaced in area flea markets. Chubby CHAPMAN's autograph book and the WEEMS family Bible were memorable successes, as was the collection of personal papers that had once belonged to Henry H. and Susie (REBER) STRONG of Granby.

It was the STRONG family papers, in fact, that served as the genesis of an article, Flea Market Genealogy, written by this columnist and appearing in the current issue of Heritage Quest magazine. That essay looks at methods for connecting strayed family artifacts with their owners or heirs, and it offers some advice aimed at keeping contemporary records in the family and away from the flea markets.

Locating the owner or heir of an item is the most difficult phase of flea market genealogy. It involves looking for clues, making an identification of the subject, and establishing contact with that person or their descendant. This will often involve advertising, and could, under certain conditions, prove to be expensive.

The second phase, keeping cherished items out of flea markets, is much simpler. Organize and label everything, especially photos. Labels and file folders turn "clutter: into "record," something that is much less likely to be pitched or sold in a box of junk at an estate sale. And if labeled items do wind up in flea markets, the chances are much greater that they will eventually find their way back into the hands of those who care.

Rootbound is always pleased to showcase flea market finds that have an Ozarks connection. There is no charge - just send a description of the item to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And now, after publishing Flea Market Genealogy, Heritage Quest has announced that they will provide a free national forum for the same service. Address correspondence to: HQ Flea Market, C/O Heritage Quest, P.O. Box 40, Orting, WA 98360-0040. And when you write to those good folks at HQ, remember to let them know that you heard about their new magazine feature through Rootbound!

Evelyn E. PRICE (439 Stambaugh Street, Redwood City, CA 94063) is seeking information on William W. GOODBREAD and his wife, Harriet E. PHELPS, who moved to Pettigrew, Madison County, AR, in the early 1890s. Their daughter, Rebecca "Annie" GOODBREAD, married Rufus H. GUTHRIE in Pettigrew in 1899. both families then moved to Grand Tower, Jackson County, IL, the original home of the GOODBREADs. William Francis GUTHRIE was born in Grand Tower on 1 July 1900.

Rufus GUTHRIE (above) died or left the family shortly after the birth of his son. Annie remarried and died in Guthrie, Logan County, OK, in 1902. What happened to Rufus? Evelyn RICE wants to know!

Researching in southeast Missouri? Rootbound's good friend, Thelma S. McMANUS (507 Vine Street, Doniphan, MO 63935) writes the popular genealogy column, Kissin' Kin, each Sunday for the Daily American Republic of Poplar Bluff, MO. Thelma reports that her column covers anything east of Springfield and south of St. Louis. That's a big piece of real estate - and one that was undoubtedly crossed by many of our ancestors as they headed for the Ozarks!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #179: 26 Feb 1991

2008-07-07T10:40:00.000+09:00

Funeral homes are one important source of genealogy that novices to the sport of ancestor hunting often fail to check. Not only do their records usually provide the full name of the deceased, they can generally be counted on to give other useful information such as the person's place and date of birth, date of death, place of burial, name of spouse, and names of parents. Unfortunately funeral homes, being private businesses, are not always readily accessible for research.

But that doesn't have to hamper genealogists in Neosho, Newton County, MO. Violet CARRICK, Juanita WILBANKS, and Barbara AUGSPURGER have recently compiled and published the Records of Thompson Funeral Home of Neosho, Missouri 1928-1945. The book is a well organized fountain of information, and essential reading for anyone with roots in the Neosho area. It may be purchased for the postage-paid price of just $12 from Vivibar Publications, Rt. 4, Box 257-A, Neosho, MO 64850. Rootbound has a copy and we recommend it highly!

A companion book to the one mentioned above, Records of the Bigham Funeral Home of Neosho, Missouri 1916-1945, was published a couple of years ago by the Genealogy Friends of the Library. That volume is also a "must" for those doing Neosho area research. It is still available from the Genealogy Friends of the Library (P.O. Box 314, Neosho, MO 64850) for $13 plus $1.25 postage and handling.

Are there other publications available on area funeral homes? Let us hear...Rootbound will help spread the word!

Margaret JOHNSON (Rt. 3, Box 146, Port Lavaca, TX 77979) wishes to correspond with anyone having a knowledge of Mary COOK DAVENPORT HUBBARD. Mary was born around 1816, probably in Franklin County, TN. She married Mr. DAVENPORT in Tennessee and had the following children by him: Nancy C. (born circa 1836, TN), Lavinia (circa 1838, TN; married Mr. PERCELL), Mary Jane (circa 1840, TN; married Mr. SILVERTOOTH), Florida Adeline (1844; married John F.M. DOWNUM), and John W. (1845). When and where did Mr. DAVENPORT die?

On 31 Aug 1849, Mary COOK DAVENPORT, a widow, married Benjamin HUBBARD in Washington County, AR, and the couple lived for many years in Benton County, AR. Mary died around 1897 while living with her daughter, Charlotte HUBBARD KILLEBREW, in Sarcoxie, Jasper County, MO. Are her descendants still in this area?

Dr. Gene GIBBS (2525 Bel Air Court, Minot, ND 58701) would like to correspond with anyone researching the surname GIBBS. His particular line involves a Quaker family who migrated from Vermont to Iowa. Have they branched into the Ozarks?

Rootbound's best friend in Maine, Connee JELLISON, reports that her genealogy column is no longer being carried by the Bangor Daily News. Connee has printed queries for our readers in the past, and we know that her departure from the pages of that newspaper will represent a significant loss to the field of genealogy.

The 1991 DEMENT Family Reunion will be held July 19-21 at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN. For further information, please contact Samuel DEMENT, Reunion Chairman, at 110 Westwood Trace, Nashville, TN 37212.

Need help shaking the old family tree? Write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close at the mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #178: 19 Feb 1991

2008-07-07T07:45:00.000+09:00

Rootbound recently invited our readers to share their special family trees in this column. Grace WASHBURN JORDAN (P.O. Box 245, Centerton, AR 72719) has responded with a copy of her lineage to the Pilgrims that includes two signers of the Mayflower Compact. The material is included below and is numbered according to generations:

Hannah ROGERS (above - generation #3) was the daughter of John ROGERS, Jr. (1640-1723) and Elizabeth PAYBODIE (born 1647). Elizabeth was the daughter of William PAYBODIE (1620-1707) and Elizabeth ALDEN (1634-31 May 1717). Elizabeth ALDEN, in turn, was the daughter of John ALDEN (born 1598) and Priscilla MULLINS. John ALDEN and Governor William BRADFORD were signers of the Mayflower Compact.

A couple of years ago Rootbound published a similar genealogy on Amber and Nicki YOUNKER of Noel, McDonald County, MO, who can trace their ancestry back to Frances EATON, also a Pilgrim. Amber and Nicki and Grace WASHBURN JORDAN are all eligible for membership in the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (4 Winslow Street, Plymouth, MA 02361).

As a point of interest, Grace WASHBURN JORDAN (above) also noted that her WASHBURN ancestry extends back to Sir Roger de WASHBOURNE who was born around 1219 in the southern part of Worcestershire, England. The first immigrant to America was William WASHBOURNE who arrived around 1647. He changed the spelling to its present form.

Although Grace didn't elaborate, persons who can connect with British or other European royalty can often extend those lines back through CHARLEMAGNE and into the early Middle Ages. CHARLEMAGNE's lineages down into various royal families are so extensive and well documented that he is sometimes referred to as the "Grandfather of Europe." Are some of his grandchildren reading Rootbound?

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #177: 12 Feb 1991

2008-07-07T07:00:00.000+09:00

Rose STAUBER, Rootbound's best friend on Grand Lake, has recently come up with an original Civil War discharge certificate that she would like to return to the appropriate family. Rose's soldier was Corporal Thomas GARRIGAN, a member of Company F, 38th Regiment, New York State Volunteers. Thomas was born in Greene County, NY, around 1843. GARRIGAN is an unusual surname, and Rose is hopeful that it will strike a familiar chord with one of our readers. If it does, please get in touch with Rose STAUBER at Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344.

And speaking of Civil War discharge papers, Rootbound still has those that belonged to Cornelius TUCKER of Hart, MO. Mr. TUCKER apparently left the documents in the vault of the general store in Tiff City, McDonald County, MO, for safekeeping more than a century ago. Dean SHAVER unearthed this treasure a few years back, and his widow, Virginia, passed them on to Rootbound so that we could get them back to Cornelius TUCKER's descendants.

R.E. McBRIDE (4 Grier Drive, Bella Vista Village, Hiwasse, AR 72739) is seeking to learn anything about the history and ancestry of his father, Robert Emmett McBRIDE, Sr. The elder McBRIDE was born in Baltimore, MD, in 1883, and married our correspondents mother, Mrs. Rose DICKEY FREEMAN, on 2 Oct 1919 in Pulaski County, AR. Robert Emmett McBRIDE, Sr. was an ornamental plasterer who was known to have worked in Atlanta, GA, in December of 1920, Monroe, LA, in March of 1921, Alexandria, LA, in April of 1921, and Hot Springs, AR, in May of that same year. Robert Emmett and Rose were divorced shortly after the birth of our correspondent on 9 Feb 1921 in New Orleans, LA. Do any of our readers have information to share with R.E. McBRIDE regarding his father?

Goldia HUGHES CULLER (3350 Hughes Road, Darlington, MD 21034-1311) is searching for leads on the HUGHES family of Neosho, Newton County, MO, who migrated to Oklahoma around 1889. She is particularly interested in Lee HUGHES, his sons, Jess William and John Lee, and any of their relatives. Are their descendants reading this?

Mrs. Martha R. BONE (1777 Pinewood Drive, Greenville, MS 38701) is on the trail of Fannie WEAVER ALLEN, the wife of Hugh Roy ALLEN. Fannie lived in Cross County, AR, from 1850 until her death in January of 1880. Her children were Frank, Charles, and Mary. Did they leave permanent trails across our Ozarks?

Anna J. BEDROSIAN, the editor of Footsteps Through Time, a fine newsletter dealing with the MACY family, noticed that an earlier mention of her work carried the wrong address. Anna's correct address is 5120 Superior Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Anna reports that she is always on the lookout for historical information on all branches of the MACY family, and she will share what she has in her files. Get in touch, cousins!

Need an address on where to write for birth, death, marriage, or divorce records? Rootbound can help. Send the request, including type of record and state, to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper - and remember to enclose that very important self-addressed, stamped envelope. What could be easier?

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #176: 5 Feb 1991

2008-07-07T03:08:00.000+09:00

As reported time and again in Rootbound, our area libraries are excellent places to hunt ancestors. Most, if not all, have rooms reserved and stocked for the study of genealogy. One of the best in this regard has always been the McDonald County Library at Pineville. the dedicated staff of that facility have spent years assembling a wide array of reference items such as local histories and genealogies, materials related to Indian research, census indexes, books about research in other parts of the country, a superior collection of local obituaries, and much more.

Now, through a much needed expansion of their hours of operation, the McDonald County Library will be more readily accessible to those of us who are unable to do research during normal weekday hours or on Saturday mornings. Effective Febraury 5th the facility will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. That represents a 27 percent increase in the library's hours of operation. Hats off to the library board!

Roger SHAW (102 West Knickerbocker, Midwest City, OK 73110) reports that his family would like to acquire a photograph of Bert CRUM, a relative who died on 21 Nov 1940 and is buried at Soldiers' Plot, Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Mr. CRUM served in the infantry in World War I and afterward was a salesman. He lived in Joplin for twenty years and was a member of the Christian Church, American Legion, and the Elks Lodge. Do any of our readers have a photo of Bert CRUM that they would share with Roger?

Jimmie A. CARRUTH (P.O. Box 22, Knickerbocker, TX 76939) is having trouble sorting out some DAVIDSONs of northwest Arkansas. Her ancestor, John E. DAVIDSON, was born in North Carolina around 1787. He moved to Maury County, TN, around 1807, and married Mary N. HOLMES in that same county in 1810. (Who were Mary's parents?) John and Mary were residents of Washington County, AR, in 1830, and living in Benton County, AR, between 1840 and 1860.

Unfortunately for our correspondent, there was also another John DAVIDSON (of England) in Washington County, AR, during the same period. His records inevitably became entangled with those of Jimmie's ancestor.

Jimmie A. CARRUTH (above) believes that John E. and Mary DAVIDSON were the parents of the following sons (each born in Arkansas after 1830): Jonah H. (or Josiah H.), Harvey N., John C., and Sidney B. Was Eliza Gardner DAVIDSON (born 1811, TN) their child, and were there other daughters? Eliza married David MITCHELL in Washington County, AR, in 1830 and moved to Texas around 1845. Our correspondent also wishes to know when John E. and Mary DAVIDSON died and where they are buried. She will answer all correspondence.

Wilma J. DANIELS (2041 Legrand Road, Columbia SC 29223) is interested in learning what became of the Carrel JONES family who were residents of Wyandotte County, KS, in 1860. In addition to Carrel, the family included his wife, Mathilda, daughters Rebecca and Nancy, a man named Jonathan JONES, and Mary JONES (aged sixty-one). Wilma is almost certain that this Mary JONES was her g-g-grandmother. Can any of our readers help in proving or disproving that relationship? Has anyone seen this family on an 1870 or an 1880 census?

Need help shaking the old family tree? Why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We're as close as the corner mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #175: 29 Jan 1991

2008-07-07T02:12:00.000+09:00

Although the holiday season will have long since passed when this column appears in print, the columnist could not put his Christmas mail away without sharing portions of the letter that arrived from Rose STAAUBER. Rose, an old friend of Rootbound, created a beautiful letter for the season in which she let her ancestors do the talking. It is a gathering of statements from her proud heritage and includes the following:

Martin STAUBER (above) resides at Noel and is the patriarch of one of the finest families ever to grace the Ozarks. Our thanks to his daughter, Rose for agreeing to share segments of her Christmas letter with Rootbound.

Rowena OGDEN (8865 East Baseline Road, Space 1257, Mesa, AZ 85208) wrote to Rootbound last year seeking information on her great-grandmother, Narcissis LONGHORN PIERSON. Although she has yet to receive any responses to her query, Rowena is still hopeful that one of our readers will recognize her ancestor's name and get in touch.

Philip C. ALLEN (10 Pine, Bella Vista, AR 72714) is trying to locate a copy of The POSEY Family in America by Lloyd Franklin POSEY. The book was probably published by a company called "Meet Your Ancestors" of Hattiesburg, MS, in the early 1950's. If any of our readers know where to obtain a copy of this work, please contact Philip.

Roger SHAW (102 W. Knickerbocker, Midwest City,, OK 73110) is seeking material on the SHANNON family that would involve his g-g-grandmother, Emily Lenora SHANNON, born in 1863 around Monett, MO. She died in 1945 in Oklahoma City, OK. Regarding Emily, our correspondent has the following information: She had an uncle named David N. SHANNON. David N. SHANNON had a nephew, Robert F. SHANNON, who resided in Barry County, MO. R.E. SHANNON, another relative, died in Fairview, MO, in 1911. And, Emily had a nephew by the name of Archie SHANNON. Do any of our readers have connections to this family?

Back to Rose STAUBER's beautiful Christmas letter: How many of you are providing similar opportunities to your descendants by saving family correspondence and keeping a journal? Family history begins with you...today! Get to it!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #174: 22 Jan 1991

2008-07-06T12:52:00.000+09:00

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!

Rootbound in the Hills #173: 15 Jan 1991

2008-07-06T10:59:00.000+09:00

Was Grampa, or perhaps Gramma, ever a member of the Missouri legislature? It would be easy to verify with the new booklet, Historical Listing of the Missouri Legislature, that was compiled by the staff of the Missouri State Archives. Hundreds of state senators and representatives are identified in this work that begins with members of the Territorial Assembly of 1818 and goes on through the present 84th General Assembly. Each entry gives the legislator's name, county of residence, position served, and years of service. This valuable genealogical and historical resource may be had free of charge by writing to the Missouri State Archives at 1001 Industrial Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

ELAM is a surname that this writer has seen represented in several Ozark communities. Those with an ELAM branch on their family tree should be interested in the following query.

Monica ELAM (HC 70, Box 4775, Sahuarita, AZ 85629) is trying to locate descendants of Richard H. ELAM who was born on 11 Nov 1815 in Rutherford County, NC, to William B. and Patience (HURT) ELAM. Richard married Lockey TAYLOR (born 1820, SC), a daughter of William TAYLOR, on 2 Feb 1837 in Fayette County, IL. Richard's second wife was Elizabeth ROGERS whom he married on 5 July 1857, also in Fayette County, IL.

Richard and Lockey ELAM had eight children, most of whom moved with Richard and his second wife, Elizabeth, to Greene County, MO, between 1857 and 1860. The children were Julia Ann, Sarah E., Louise E., Mary L., James H. (born 1839, Fayette County, IL; married Louisa M.P. ROGERS on 4 Mar 1860, Greene County, MO; died 1873, Newton County, MO), Moses (born 1843, IL; married Deliah A. YOUNG on 20 Mar 1864 in Greene County, MO), William T. (born 1844, IL; married Lydia Elvira CHAMP on 18 Sep 1869, Greene County, MO; died in Newton County, MO), and Daniel Jay (born 16 Mar 1848, IL; married Frances BOX on 5 Mar 1869, Barry County, MO; died 9 Mar 1925, Franklin County, AR).

Our correspondent, Monica ELAM, would certainly like to hear from her Ozark kin.

Marian RICHTER SCHUETZ (25W611 Buurlington, Naperville, IL 60563) is seeking information on descendants of William BRUNKEN and Clara PETERSEN whose family lived in Alva, Texhoma, and Meno, OK. Related surnames include KIRMSE, KLETKE, and LINDORFER. Are any of our readers working on one of those lines?

Paul BARKER (P.O. Box 4207, Springfield, MO 65808) is searching for the date and location of the marriage of John L. BARNETT (born 19 Feb 1863, Barry County, MO) and Julia DUNCAN. John L. BARNETT died in Grove, OK, in 1932. Paul would also like to know the exact date of John's death and his place of burial. Who can help with this research?

Hunting for those elusive ancestors in Indiana, Michigan, or Illinois? Michiana Roots a weekly genealogy column penned by Rootbound's good friend, Carol COLLINS, might be able to help. Carol's column is carried each Sunday in the South Bend Tribune and has a circulation of 125,000. Queries are free and should be addressed to Michiana Roots, the South Bend Tribune, 225 W. Colfax, South Bend, IN 46626. Carol has the first four years of her column assembled in book form. It may be purchased for just $15.95 from the same address, with checks made payable to the columnist. The book covers the period 1972-1977. And when you write to Carol, be certain to tell her that you heard about her work through Rootbound in the Hills.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #172: 8 Jan 1991

2008-07-06T02:45:00.000+09:00

Several weeks ago we mentioned that Rootbound continues to receive more mail from Texas than any other state. By way of explanation of this Ozarks-Texas connection, Fred O. LEAF (13152 Blodgett Avenue, Downey, CA 90242) has written to tell of the role that Stephen AUSTIN played in strengthening this migration pattern. Please read on...

According to our correspondent, back during the time when Texas was part of Mexico, Indians around the area of what is now Brownwood, TX, were routinely killing Mexican soldiers and stealing their supplies. The government was ready to give up in despair when Stephen AUSTIN approached Mexican officials and offered to bring settlers form Missouri and Arkansas to help control the Indians. The new settlers arrived and were given land by the government of Mexico, but within a couple of years they became unhappy with proposed taxes. Many banded together and resettled in East Texas. In later years others were lured to Texas by the prospect of quick wealth in the cattle business.

Regardless of the reasons, it is abundantly clear to this columnist that many modern-day Texans have roots in the Ozarks, and that, of course, is something to be very proud about!

Margaret A. FRANDSEN (6417 Brushwood Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107) wishes to contact descendants of of her g-g-grandparents, William and Rebecca L. (WALKER) VAUGHAN. They were residents of Benton County, AR, in 1850 with the following children: Francis (born 1840), ANDREW (1842), Martha (1844; married Mr. DUNHAM; died circa 1925), Defthsey (1846; married Silas NICHOLSON), John Benton (1847; married Julia McGINNIS, died 1934), Willaim C. (1848), and Marion (1850).

Other children born to William and Rebecca VAUGHAN (above) include Columbus (born 1854), George (1855), Mary (1857), Rebecca L. (1859; married William G. HAYS; died 1934), and James (1862, married Miss LEE). Are descendants of any of these people still in the Ozarks?

Margaret A. FRANDSEN (above) learned about Rootbound through the courtesy of one of our regular readers, Mrs. Marie KING of Rogers, AR. Thanks, Marie. We appreciate all that our readers do to keep this column working.

Rootbound has recently acquired two books that would be of interest to descendants of the brave Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock aboard the Mayflower in 1621. Mayflower Increasings provides and accurate and reliable summary of all that is presently known about the passengers of the Mayflower for the first three generations in America, including names, dates, places, spouses, and children. Mayflower Marriages chronicles the marriages of Mayflower descendants for two hundred years. Both books were compile by Susan E. ROSER. They are well organized and completely indexed. For more information, please write to The Genealogical Publishing Company, at 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Are you a descendant of one of the Pilgrims? A U.S. President? European royalty? How about sharing those unique family trees with Rootbound? This first cousin (ten times removed!) of Benjamin FRANKLIN would be more than happy to make Rootbound readers aware of your special family heritage.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #171: 1 Jan 1991

2008-07-06T02:00:00.000+09:00

The election had occurred in early November, but it was not until the 10th of January in 1845 the the West Union Intelligencer was able to publish detailed presidential election returns in the contest between James K. POLK and Henry CLAY. That Friday morning edition carried a county-by-county summary for several states, including Missouri, as its front page news.

Polk won that election and even carried Missouri (41,369-31,251). He was also successful in this area, carrying Jasper County (242-115), Barry County (478-172), and Newton County (663-150). (McDonald County was part of Newton County until 3 Mar 1849.)

That old copy of the West Union Intelligencer was liberated from a local flea market by Don JESSEN of Neosho, Newton County, MO. Hats off to Don for sharing that Ozark political history with Rootbound!

Shirley A. WAGERS (11418 40th Avenue Court, NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335) is seeking information on William Riley PERSE (PURSE/PIERCE) (born circa 1819, NY) and his wife, Rhoda Ann (born circa 1828, NY). William and Rhoda were residents of Newton County, MO, in 1870 along with the following children: George Riley, William Munroe, Cora Bell, and Frank. Two older children, Charles Carroll and Ruth Ann, were married and living elsewhere. Ruth Ann's first husband was Francis EVANS, and husband number two was Hezekiah KLINGENSMITH. Ruth Ann died in 1925 in Mercer County, MO. Are any of our readers working with this family?

Kay ROBERTS SMITH (P.O. Box 92, Disney, OK 74340) is trying to determine the parentage and ancestry of her grandparents, James C. and Elsie L. (WILSON) ROBERTS. James was born 1 April 1872 in Minersville, KS, and Elsie was born in Concordia, KS, on 8 Sep 1878. They were married in Republic County, KS, on 17 Oct 1893.

James and Elsie ROBERTS (above) had the following children: Freddie Alford, Zora Fern, Ruby Mae, Albert William, Clyde Calvin, Beulah Marie, and Zelma Mildred. In addition to finding out who her great-grandparents were, Kay ROBERTS SMITH would also like to pinpoint the location of Minersville, KS. who can help?

Rootbound has received a copy of thee most recent issue of the WREN Kin Newsletter, the official publication of the WREN Family Association. The current issue of this four-page quarterly contains queries, articles on William R. WREN of Virginia and Sir Christopher WREN, the famous British architect of the seventeenth century, and other items of interest to WREN family researchers. For more information, please contact Ruth WREN at 5809 Tautoga, El Paso, TX 79924. And, as always, remember to tell Ruth that you heard about her work through Rootbound!

Col. Ralph E. PEARSON (2218 Alta Vista Avenue, Austin, TX 78704) reports that his genealogy column, Your Family and Mine, has been in continuous publication since 1938. Col. PEARSON has published several volumes of history and genealogy, and he has a particular interest in the following surnames: CRYSDALE, FEE, HOBSON, KLINGLESMITH, McAFEE, MACY, PEARSON, PHEE, PRATER, RAIFORD, ROBBINS, and WESTLAKE. Those tracking one of the above names might do well to contact Col. PEARSON at his home in Austin.

Do the winter "blahs" get you down? Why not spend some time chasing ancestors through the local library? You'd be surprised to learn how many of them are there waiting for your visit.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #170: 25 Dec 1990

2008-07-05T10:35:00.000+09:00

Writing Rootbound in the Hills for over three years has given this columnist the opportunity to meet many wonderful people through the mail. And occasionally these new friends turn out to be relatives! Please read on...

LTC Voris O. CALLAWAY (4816 Del Crest Drive, Del City, OK 73115) is the great-grandson of Charles and Mary Jane (MEADOWS/MEADOR) MACY who settled in Newton County, MO, around 1870. His line of descent comes through their daughter, Sarah Lydia MACY (born circa 1855, KY). Sarah Lydia married William Nathan SPEARS near Springfield, MO, around 1873. William Nathan had been born near Springfield in 1853 to William and Malinda SPEARS. Voris would appreciate hearing from anyone with a knowledge of his Ozark ancestry.

Rootbound will respond to the above query, and perhaps others will as well. Charles and Mary Jane (MEADOWS) MACY were my g-g-grandparents. My MACY lineage comes through their son, William Steven MACY (born 17 Jan 1862, Emporia, KS; died 30 Sep 1938, Newton County, MO), and his son, Charles Eugene MACY (7 Aug 1900, Newton County, MO; died 27 Dec 1972, Newton County, MO), and his son (my father), Garland Eugene Macy (born 19 Oct 1924, Newton County, MO). It would seem that Voris O. CALLAWAY and this writer are second cousins once removed.

Pauline WHITEHILL (Rt. 1, Box 256, Anderson, MO 64831) is a newly discovered third cousin of mine. Our common ancestors are our g-g-grandparents, William Carroll ROARK and Comfort (POE) ROARK, who migrated to southwest Missouri from Kentucky in the early 1850s. William and Comfort have been mentioned in Rootbound on several occasions, and we printed an entire column about their children in December of 1987.

Pauline's line of descent from William and Comfort comes through their daughter, Camily Frances ROARK, who married William R. "Will" KELLEY. Will KELLEY (born 4 Mar 1842) came to this area from Polk County, MO. He served in the Civil War with Company L of the 6th Regiment of the Missouri Calvary. Will died on 30 Feb 1907. Will and Camily's son, William Marion KELLEY, married Bertha Dell WHITMAN, and they were the parents of Pauline's mother, Mary Frances KELLEY, who grew up to become Mrs. Charley A. THOMPSON.

Cousin Pauline relates that she has quite a lot of material on the ROARKs, but would like to learn more about her KELLEY lineage. Perhaps some of our readers will be able to help her in this endeavor.

This writer's ROARK lineage comes down through William and Comfort's son, Samuel James ROARK (25 Feb 1855, MO - 30 Nov 1925, Newton County, MO), to his daughter, Nancy Jane (ROARK) SREAVES, to my mother, Ruby Florine SREAVES MACY (14 July 1921, Newton County, MO - 8 Dec 1986, Noel, McDonald County, MO).

Pauline mentions in her letter that she used to play with my mother, her sister, Christine SREAVES DOBBS, and their cousin, Margaret ANDERSON SMITH, when the little girls would all meet at Grandmother SREAVES' house. Perhaps Christine and Margaret will get in touch with Pauline and relive some old memories!

The special Rootbound column on the ROARK family that ran three years ago is still available. Those desiring a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And while you're at it, tell us a little bit about your ROARK ancestry.

Despite the way this particular column, it isn't necessary to be a relative of the columnist to have your query printed in Rootbound. Our mission is to help more people find more ancestors - yours, mine, and ours!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #169: 18 Dec 1990

2008-07-05T08:57:00.000+09:00

The Civil War would be over within weeks, and throughout the ravaged countryside war-weary soldiers were beginning to wander home in search of a normal existence. Thoughts of life after that bloody tragedy were undoubtedly on the minds of James H. FONTAINE and Maria WELLER when they were united in marriage in Ray County, MO, on the second day of March, 1865.

James and Maria made a home in Ray County where each of their seven children were born. In 1884 the family moved to Willow Springs, MO, and a son, John W. FONTAINE, settled in Joplin, MO, in 1898.

Someone (it was probably Maria) recorded a great deal of information about the FONTAINE family in a four-inch thick leather Bible. The Bible was also used to store newspaper clippings and family obituaries. It is, quite obviously, a wealth of genealogy.

Betty MARTY (1212 Lou Ida Drive, Neosho, MO 64850) has that old FONTAINE family Bible in her possession. It was given to her mother by someone in Monett, MO, many years ago. Betty would be happy to share the material with any FONTAINE researchers. Are descendants of James and Maria reading Rootbound?

William McMILLAN and Jane SLOAN were married in Lawrence County, AR, in 1829. They were living in Benton County, AR, in 1850, and William was killed in a mill accident in Benton County five years later. Mary REED RASMUSSEN (1524 Bessie, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701) is interested in contacting descendants of this couple, and she is also on the trail of Malcom and Joanna JACOBS McMILLAN who died in Boone County, AR. Can any of our readers help Mary in her quest.

Leslie ERICKSON (600 East Ocean Boulevard, Apt. 701, Long Beach, CA 90802) wants information on Robert MORROW and his wife, Julie SIMPSON. Robert was born around 1796 and died in 1849 at Ozark, MO. L.J. MORROW and I.N. MORROW were the administrators of his estate. L.J. MORROW may have had a brother named Demosthenes.

L.J. MORROW (above) married Harriet Boliver TIPTON on 24 Nov 1847. Harriet, a daughter of John TIPTON, was born 28 Dec 1830. L.J. and Harriet were living in Springfield, MO, in 1850. Nancy TIPTON (age 37) was the head of another household in Springfield at that time. A John TIPTON (age 6) resided in Nancy's house. L.J. MORROW and his young John TIPTON eventually went to California together. How were they related? Who has material to share on the MORRTOWs and TIPTONs?

Virgie MILLER (6416 January Court, Weed, CA 96094) is searching for material on her great-grandparents, James and Elizbeth RIDGEWAY. James was born in Vermillion County, IN, on 20 May 1829. He moved to Nevada, Vernon County, MO, around 1873, and died on 2 Jan 1884. James and Elizabeth's children were: Frank (born 1852), Edward (1856), Charles (1858), James (1860), Harry 1862), William (1864) Henry (1867), Mary (1868), and Lulu (1871). Are any of our readers climbing a RIDGEWAY tree?

As the membership chairman of the Council of Genealogy Columnists, this writer has been compiling an extensive list of people who write columns similar to Rootbound. We have identified over two hundred and forty such individuals nationwide (and three on foreign soil), and there are undoubtedly others. We would welcome any information that our readers might have regarding genealogy columnists who might not be aware of our association. And for those of you who would like an address for a columnist in another state, just send the request and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We'll put you in touch with someone who is closer to the roots of your family tree!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #168: 11 Dec 1990

2008-07-05T05:37:00.000+09:00

The one hundredth anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Run will not be held until September of 1993, but the Cowley County (KS) Genealogical Society has started early in collecting copies of documents, pictures, and stories associated with the people who made the famous "run" on 16 Sep 1893. A publication honoring the one hundredth anniversary of the event is planned if enough material is received. All material received will be on file at the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Arkansas City, Kansas 67005.

Barbara HAMMOND (514 North Main, Paris, IL 61944) has asked Rootbound readers to help her look for what may be a "needle in a haystack." The objects of her search are Isaac N. JAMES (born 1825, TN) and his wife, Matilda QUANTRILL or CANTRILL (born 1825, TN). They were married around 1843. Isaac and Matilda lived in Bell Township, Benton County, AR, prior to 1860, and in 1860 they were residents of Illinois Township, Washington County, AR. Barbara would like to hear from anyone with material to share on one of these individuals, or from persons researching a JAMES, QUANTRILL, or CANTRILL line in this area.

Barbara KRAJACIC (P.O. Box 674, Stillwater, OK 74076) recently found some genealogical material on her family while searching in the Genealogy Room of the City-County Library in Neosho, Newton County, MO. She still has many bare limbs in her family tree, however, and desires assistance in filling in those blanks. Basically what Barbara has in her family files is as follows:

Harvey TESTERMAN (or TESTERMENT) (born 1816, NC) married Nancy EADES (born 1823, TN) on 20 Nov 1841 at either Osage County, MO, or Osage County, OK. By 1850 the couple was residing with their children in Newton County, MO. The children were James (born 1843), Lewis (1844), Ambrose (1846), Jacob Monroe (17 Sep 1847 at Seneca, Newton County, MO; married Martha Ann FREEMAN; died 13 July 1906), Emily Jane (29 Aug 1849; married Daniel H. MILLIS; died 17 April 1925), and William Alson (born 6 Aug 1851 at Joplin, MO).

Barbara KRAJACIC (address above) is the great-granddaughter of Jacob Monroe TESTERMAN. Does she have cousins who read Rootbound?

Margaret Ann THETFORD is the genealogy columnist for The Dallas Morning News and a good friend to Rootbound. Margaret reports that a collection of her columns from 10 Nov 1979 to 30 Dec 1989 (1,006 columns!) is now available to researchers on either microfiche or microfilm for just twenty-five dollars. This collection of columns has a full name index. It may be ordered from the columnist in either format (microfiche or microfilm) by sending a request and payment to 3725 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205-2124. And don't forget to tell Margaret Ann that you heard about her column, Family Tree, through Rootbound!

Those of our readers with Mennonite connections might be interested in joining the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. Dues are twenty dollars per year and members receive two quality publications. For further information, please write directly to the group at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602-1499.

And what about your special group? Rootbound would be happy to publicize reunions and other events of interest to our readers. Just drop a few lines to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. What could be easier?

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #167: 4 Dec 1990

2008-07-05T04:52:00.000+09:00

Most of the people who migrated through the Ozarks in the last century were headed west or south, but, as with anything else, there were always a few exceptions. Please read on...

Sondra J. BERGMAN (719 Kentner, Defiance, OH 43512) reports that the ancestors she is tracking may have come to Ozark County, MO, from Oklahoma or Arkansas. Her group of forebears include people with the following surnames: CLEMONS (many variations), McDANIEL, MILLER, MORRISON, PROCK, and WIMBERLEY. Some of these folks later shifted to Wright County, MO. Have their descendants remained in the Ozarks?

Paula J. EICHER ATWOOD (721 Old Fort Place, Fort Morgan, CO 80701) is searching for relatives, ancestors, or descendants of her grandmother, Ethel Lennie May SUTTLE. Ethel was born in the 1850s at Neosho, MO, to Malcolm Holmes SUTTLE and Arvilla Belle FURBY SUTTLE. Ethel married Orville Earl EICHER, son of John Atchison and Margaret Elizabeth (WILSON) EICHER. Our correspondent would be very pleased to hear from anyone with a knowledge of her Ozark ancestry.

Betty Jane JAMES (61 Blue Jay Place, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147) is interested in the lineage of her husband, Raymond V. JAMES, and in particular, his great-grandfather, John W.M. JAMES. John was born 5 May 1846 in Missouri, Arkansas, or Texas. He died on 16 June 1917 in Oliver Township, Taney County, MO, and is buried at Gobbler's Knob.

John W.M. JAMES (above) married Mrs. Martha J. SAXON around 1873 in Missouri. Their children were John W.M. (born circa 1874, MO), Thomas A. (April 1880, married Ella _____), and Walter Lloyd (3 Mar 1882, Stone County, MO; married Maud Lavina SMITH 27 Nov 1899, Galena, MO; died 6 Oct 1951, Sacramento, CA). Walter Lloyd JAMES was the grandfather of our correspondent's husband.

The second wife of John W.M. JAMES was Rebecca Jane WILLIS (born 4 Oct 1858, TN), a daughter of Arron WILLIS. Arron died around 1885 and is buried at Purdy in Barry County, MO. Betty Jane JAMES has a great deal of information to share about the WILLIS family as well. Those researching an area JAMES or WILLIS branch should contact Betty Jane at her home in Pagosa Springs.

And there's still more mail from Colorado...

Regular correspondent Janet K. PEASE (10310 West 62nd Place #202, Arvada, CO 80004) is seeking to locate descendants of Mattie A. POINTS who was born in Arkansas in 1886 near the Boston Mounntains. She was the daughter of Francille Sylvester POINTS and a Miss SADLER. Mattie's first husband was George TAYLOR whom she married in 1903 in Newton County, MO. Their sons were Tommy, Walter, Frank, and Amos TAYLOR. Mattie's second husband was Edward SNOW. She died in 1918 and is buried in the Seneca Cemetery at Seneca, Newton County, MO.

Another POINTS of interest to Janet K. PEASE (address above) is Franklin (born 1893, MO), a son of Benjamin and Lydia (KEITHLY) POINTS. Franklin married his first wife, Beatrice GISH, in 1920 in Newton County, MO. After their divorce, Beatrice married Harrison TWIGGS in 1926 in Ottawa County, OK, and Franklin married Mrs. Laura Jane LEDFORD in 1935 in Picher, OK. Franklin was deceased by 1937. Do any of our readers have information to share about these individuals?

Are you new to genealogy? After learning all that you can from family members, the best places to start searching for those elusive ancestors are in the local libraries, courthouses, and cemeteries. And for those questions that still remain, write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close at the mailbox!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #166: 27 Nov 1990

2008-07-03T11:02:00.000+09:00

Are your parents' aunts and uncles "great" or "grand" in their relationship to you? According to Jackie SMITH ARNOLD in her book, Kinship: It's All Relative, the correct way to address one of these individuals (your grandparents' siblings) would be grandaunt or granduncle. A sister or brother of a great-grandparent would be a great-grandaunt or a great-granduncle. Alas, dear readers, there appears to be no such critter as a "great aunt" or a "great uncle"!

Kinship: It's All Relative may be obtained from the publisher, Genealogical Publishing Company (1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202) for $6.95 plus $2.50 postage and handling. It's a super little volume that unravels the most complicated family ties!

Bonnie REEDS LIPSCOMB (2645 Beech Tree Street, Hemet, CA 92343) is seeking to learn more about the family and ancestry of her g-g-grandfather, John KENDALL, who was born around 1817 in Bourbon County, KY. John and his wife (name unknown) moved to Davies County, IN, before 1844. All of their children were born in Davies County. The children were: Elizabeth (born circa 1844), William F. (circa 1846), Augustus/Augustine (circa 1849), Isaac N. (circa 1851), Eliza (circa 1853), George W. (circa 1855), Olive J. (circa 1863), Elisha (circa 1867), and Martha (circa 1869). The family settled in Jasper County, MO, near Carthage by 1870.

Isaac N. KENDALL (above) was the great-grandfather of our correspondent. He married Ina CAREY on 17 Dec 1876 in Carthage, and died 17 Sep 1885 in Neosho. Isaac and Ina were separated at the time of his death. Do any of our readers know where he is buried? Who has family information to share with Bonnie?

Janet K. PEASE (10210 W. 62nd Place #202, Arvada, CO 80004) wishes to contact descendants of Jenette "Nettie" JUSTUS who was born to James H. and Nancy (BENNETT) JUSTUS in Benton County, MO, in 1865. Nettie's first husband was Columbus DORRIS. They were married in 1882 in Polk County, MO, and were residing in Esculapia Township, Benton County, AR, in 1900. Nettie was living in Rogers, AR, by 1910. In 1935 she was Mrs. W.S. BURDEN of the state of Colorado. Columbus and Nettie DORRIS were the parents of Jessie (born 1888), James (1890), John (1893), Nellie (1897), and a son born in 1900. Are there any DORRIS descendants reading Rootbound?

Janet K. PEASE (address above) also reports that she will exchange information on all branches of the POINTS family. she has a particular interest in those rooted in the vicinities of Newton County, MO, and Ottawa County, OK. Any takers?

Christene D. COLLINS (2 Wigand Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72714) is the daughter of Thomas Pleasant McBRIDE (born March 1855, IL) and Ora DAWSON. Thomas was the son of Lott McBRIDE. Thomas and Ora were married in Arkadelphia, AR, in March of 1910, and he died in Rosebud, TX, in 1925. Thomas McBRIDE had a brother name John Daniel, a half-brother named George McBRIDE, and possibly a sister named Annie who lived at Paris, TX. Christene would be most interested in hearing from anyone who has a knowledge of her father or his siblings. She is also searching for information on James A. DOBBS. (No further details were provided on Mr. DOBBS.) Can some of our readers assist Christene with her research?

Descendants of the NUTT family of Newton County, MO, might be interested in learning that two members of that clan eventually settled in Granbury, TX, where they became prominent local businessmen. Jesse and Jacob NUTT, distillers while they were in Missouri, operated a store and hotel in Granbury.

And speaking of that family, who can identify the parents of Thomas Franklin NUTT, a native of Newton County, MO, born in 1870? He was the grandson of Henry NUTT and Celana RUTLEDGE, and living in their household in 1880. But who were his parents? Rootbound wants to know!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #165: 20 Nov 1990

2008-07-02T10:39:00.000+09:00

Why does Rootbound continue to receive more mail from Texas than any other state? One theory is that as our ancestors wandered into the beautiful Ozarks, some of their kin remained restive and headed south, eventually making it to the Lone Star State. Whatever the reason, that Texas mail just keeps coming! Please read on...

Janice MAUDLIN CASTLEMAN (470 Waterworks Road, Midlothian, TX 76065) is tracking the Thomas DOSS family of Washington and Crawford County, AR, the John M. MURREY family of Washington County, AR, and the Sylvester "Sil" LEE family of Benton County, AR. These families were all in northwest Arkansas around the turn of the century.

Thomas DOSS (above) married Bertha MURREY, and both eventually died in Oklahoma. John M. MURREY is believed to have come to Arkansas from Rutherford County, TN. Sylvester LEE was a native of Butler County, KY. Janice would appreciate any information regarding these individuals or their descendants.

Earl LITTRELL (6730 Blessing Drive, Dallas, TX 75214) would like to hear from descendants of Timothy William DAVIS (born 1822, NC) and his wife, Margaret WELLS DAVIS, a native of Alabama. Margaret died in Lawrence County, MO, in 1899, and Timothy passed away in that same county the following year. Their children were: Ellen (married Francis HOWARD), Frank, Eli Marion, Nannie (married Brother STOCKSTILL), and Columbus who died young in Rogers, AR.

Earl LITTRELL (address above) is also on the lookout for descendants of Joseph and Dulsabella LITTRELL. He was born 1770-1780 in Virginia and died in 1833 in Howard County, MO. Joseph and Dulsabella had fourteen children: John W.D., James, Martha (married William MELLON), Levisa (married James FORREST), George, Robert, Mary (John McCULLY), Letha (married Alfred LAY), Garrett, Elizbeth (married Seth BOTTS), David, Alsia (married George WOLFSKILL), Lucinda (married John WALDEN), and Joseph. Can some of our readers assist Earl with his family quest?

Ruthalea E. SUMMERS (1017 Pompano, Post Isabel, TX 78578) wishes to make contact with anyone having a knowledge of the EDMONDS, CHASE, and LOCKHART families who resided in McDonald County, MO, during the period 1850-1900. Of particular interest to Ruthalea are Emma Louise (LOCKHART) EDMONDS and William P. CHASE who shared the estate of John LOCKHART upon his death on 13 Oct 1879 in McDonald County. William P. CHASE's deceased mother was Jane CHASE. Was she a daughter of John LOCKHART and Mary SMITH LOCKHART? Ruthalea wants to know!

Isiah PARK (born 1806, KY) and his wife Catherine (born 1808, KY) traveled to Texas from Columbia, MO, in 1848 with the Peters' Colony. Today his g-g-granddaughter, Betty TROUTMAN (3505 Easton Meadow #212, Garland, TX 75043), would like to know if her pioneering ancestors left any descendants in the Ozarks. Betty's great-grandfather, Daniel PARK, was a Confederate soldier who was killed in August of 1862 at a battle near Orient, AR. Other children of Isiah and Catherine include Eli, Ann, Woodson, W.R. (Wiley), and Marion - all born in Missouri. Do any of their descendants remain in this area?

The holiday season is a great time to share and preserve those old family stories and traditions. This year after everyone has pushed themselves away from those wonderful meals at the family gatherings, why not take out the old tape recorders and salvage some history - before it's forgotten!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #164: 13 Nov 1990

2008-07-01T10:10:00.000+09:00

Bushwhackings continue to figure prominently in the Rootbound mail. A recent letter from Errol F. DURBIN (1203 Bird Avenue, Harrisonville, MO 64701) relates the story of how his wife's g-g-grandfather was bushwhacked in Bates County, MO, in 1861. That ancestor, Wilia SIGLER, was the son of John and Catherine SIGLER. His wife's name was Jane, and their children were Matilda and Perry Franklin. Wilia's widow, Jane, married Mark SHELTON two years after Wilia's death. Branches of this SIGLER family also lived in the areas of Joplin and Granby, MO. Errol would enjoy hearing from anyone who has a knowledge of his wife's SIGLER ancestry.

Jourdan G. MYERS (933 Champion Lane, Deer Park, CA 94576) has written a book on the MYERS family. His line came from Jackson County, TN, to Newton County, MO, between 1850 and 1860. One member of this group was Jonas MYERS who owned a farm in Franklin Township of Newton County. Next to that MYERS farm was one belonging to Reubin and Susannah KOTTI. He believes that Susannah KOTTI may have been Susannah MYERS, a sister to Jonas. Jourdan G. MYERS would be most happy to exchange information with any MYERS descendants in our area.

Ellen MERRITT (P.O. Box 857, Bentonville, AR 72712) wishes to learn more about the ancestry and lives of her great-grandparents, William H. GIPSON (born 1867, MO) and Arzula Palestine "Tine" (LANCASTER) GIPSON. Palestine's first husband was E.S. CHOATE whom she married in Illinois in the 1860s. They had nine children, some of whom were Jess, E.E., I.E., W.H., Nettie, Laura, and Leona. After Mr. CHOATE died, Tine married Mr. GIPSON in Illinois or Missouri, and they had two additional children, Winten "Willie" and Montana "Montia".

William GIPSON was killed in Oklahoma (where?) by a train in 1907. Tine lived around Halltown, MO, with her daughter, Montia HUFF, until being killed in an auto accident in Kansas in 1930. Palestine GIPSON is buried in Halltown, MO. GIPSON, CHOATE, and HUFF descendants might learn something of value by contacting Ellen at her home in Bentonville.

Bernice MATTHEWS (3538 D-E 56th Street, Maywood, CA 90270) needs information on Reuben BROWN, William HINES, and Richard HINES of Madison County, MO. William and Reuben both served in the War of 1812 and received bounty land. Both of those men moved to Sebastian County, AR, around 1840. Bernice would be pleased to share her material with others researching these same individuals.

Is there a SPENCER in your family tree? Then the SPENCER Historical and Genealogical Society (formerly SPENCER Family Association) might be able to lend a hand in your family research. For more information on this surname organization, please write to Virginia C. O'BRYAN (1326 East Lawrence Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85020-3034). And let Virginia know that you heard about her group through Rootbound!

Footsteps Through Time is a national newsletter for persons with a MACY lineage. The editor, Anna J. BEDROSIAN (9510 Superior Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2569), sent a complimentary copy of the most recent issue to Rootbound, and we were delighted to find that the lead article dealt with the line of John MAYSEY of Fairfax County, VA, the progenitor of the branch that came to reside in the Ozarks. The cost of the quarterly publication is seven dollars per year, and back issues are available.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #163: 6 Nov 1990

2008-06-30T11:47:00.000+09:00

Her letter began, "Rootbound - what a very nice idea." And, of course, Mary had more to say. Please read on...

Mary LaRUE (P.O. Box 542, Nowata, OK 74048) is searching for any information on the family of J.H. and Rachel MOUNTS. He died in 1924 and she passed away in 1926. Mary has only recently discovered that they are buried in Fairview Cemetery. (She didn't mention where the cemetery was located - perhaps Fairview, Newton County, MO.) Anyone with a knowledge of this couple or their family is asked to please contact Mary LaRUE at her home in Nowata.

In the mid-1800s a family named WHITSON (WITSON) and another family named McDANIEL took in some orphaned children by the name of McMURTREY. They were located near Dardanelle, AR. Now, Mrs. Leona NEEL (P.O. Box 132, Langley, OK 74350) is trying to find descendants of these children. Which of our readers can assist Leona in her quest?

J.R. DENNINGTON (Rt. 2, Box 12, Bonham, TX 75418) is tracking the surname DENNINGTON in Missouri and CODY in Arkansas. Do we have readers working either of those lines?

The surname BRIGGS is of interest to Barbara C. LONG (12555 Valley View Drive, Chesterland, OH 44026). Her ancestor, Archibald BRIGGS (1818-1911), son of John BRIGGS, Jr. and Mary BOAL, resided in Anderson County, TX, prior to migrating to Cole County, AR, before 1860. Archibald's wife was Mary E. BARNETT, a daughter of Abner and Catherine BARNETT. Archibald and Mary BRIGGS had three children: Thomas Benton "Ben", Florence Emily, and Benjamin Franklin "Frank" BRIGGS.

Ben BRIGGS (above) was born in 1850 in Texas. He married a woman named Sarah, and they had the following ten children: R.E., Roger, Viola, Lee, Carl, Virgil, Gertrude, Garry, Oma, and Jesse. All of the children were believed to have been born in the area of Washington County, Ar. Ben may have eventually mored to Stilwell, OK, along with his father, Archibald.

Frank BRIGGS (above) (1851-1911) married Martha F. HAYMAN in Belle Plains, TX. Their three oldest children (Walter F., Archibald, and Florence Belle) were born in Texas, and the younger ones (Nancy Ann, John F., William Alva, and Ida Ellen) were born in Washington County, AR. Descendants of the BRIGGS family are undoubtedly in the Ozarks today, and Barbara C. LONG would like to correspond with them.

French ancestry is of interest to Patsy DeLARODERIE (P.O. Box 58, Grosse Tetem, LA 70740). She is looking for material on the AUDIBERT and DeLARODERIE families who arrived from France around 1814. The families are believed to have settled near St. Louis, MO, and Alphonse DeLARODERIE and Madam Francois AUDIBERT were in New Madrid, MO, in 1816. Did they make it on over to the Ozarks?

Most family tree charts only have room to list individuals for four or five generations, and a few extend up to ten generations. (A ten-generation chart will provide room for information on one thousand and twenty-three people.) Rootbound has recently received a flyer from Dana J. MARTIN (P.O. Box 4382, Houma, LA 70361) who states that he has developed a seventeen-generation chart that measures only two feet by three feet. For more information on this unique item, contact Mr. MARTIN at his home in Louisiana. The cost of the chart is $6 for one or three for $16, postage included.

Expanded Ego Department: Thank you Heritage Quest magazine for making an article by this writer, "Genealogy Meets the Next Generation," your cover story for issue number thirty! The piece dealt with ways to interest children in family tree research. For more information on Heritage Quest or a subscription, please write to the magazine at P.O. Box 40, Orting, WA 98360.

And while you're at it, why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We'll help you shake that old family tree!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #162: 30 Oct 1990

2008-06-30T06:17:00.000+09:00

Rootbound's best friend in the Far North, Sue HANNAH (7048 Timothy Street, Anchorage, AK 99502), has written to say that although her query on the M.E. and Elledn KEEGAN family of the Seneca, MO, area stirred no new information, a couple of our readers did send her a copy of the column, and one even sent the entire newspaper! Our readers care!

Virginia COTTRELL (2013 Cherry Lane, Durant, OK 74701) wishes to correspond with anyone tracking a COSTEN family line. Her ancestor, William COSTEN, married Cassa Ann McALLISTER. William and Cassa COSTEN had twelve children, each born in Tennessee. The youngest child, Thomas, was born in September of 1854. Their other children were Meredith, James A., Sam Houston, Mary Ann (married William DUDLEY), William W., John C., George W., Andrew J., Eliphas P., Frances M., Susan E., and Thomas J.

Sam Houston COSTEN (above) was a Confederate soldier who was captured at Vicksburg. He received a pension in Oklahoma, and spent the last years of his life with a niece, Cassie HERN, in the vicinities of Dewar and Westville, OK. He died in Westville in 1928. Eliphas COSTEN (above) married Zalmona McCRACKEN at Eureka Springs, AR, in 1869. Their father, William COSTEN, died in Pope County, AR. Are these COSTEN lines still in the Ozarks?

The HOCKENBERRY family of this area will be the subject of an upcoming genealogical book by Anna B. METTZ (4009 East Northwestern Drive, Edmond, OK 73034). To complete her work, Anna needs to contact descendants of Bob and Roxie STEEL whose farm south of Neosho, Newton County, MO, was incorporated into Camp Crowder during the 1940s. Bob was born near Marshall, OK, on 6 July 1893 to James and Rosa Lee HOCKENBERRY STEEL. Roxie was born 5 June 1905. Descendants of any of these people should contact Anna so that they might be included in her book.

Genevieve POPE HERMAN (1904 Patricia Lane, Billings, MT 59102) submitted a query to Rootbound last year and reports that it produced some valuable results. She is currently seeking the family history of James H. POPE (alias John H. POPE) who was born approximately 1826 in Tennessee. James was first married around 1848, possibly in Tennessee. His second marriage was to Delila KIRBY RISENHOOVER COX around 1860. He resided in Missouri from 1880 until 1891. Genevieve will answer all correspondence.

Wilma JONES DANIELS (2041 Legrand Road, Columbia SC 29223) wishes to contact others researching the surname GRIFFITH. She has extensive material on her line that goes back to Wales.

The surname RUTLEDGE is being researched by Laurence E. SEITS (155 Buckhorn Drive, Apt. 203, North Aurora, IL 60542). His branch is rooted in Virginia. And that same surname is also being worked by Lois WATSON RUTLEDGE (HC 30, Box67, McCook, NE 69001). Her lines are from West Virginia and Colorado.

Eunice WILKERSON DINSMORE (227 South Dryden, Stillwater, OK 74074) is tracking the following family names in southwest Missouri - particularly McDonald and Barry County: RADER, JEFFERS, CRAWFORD, WILKERSON, and GRANT. She will exchange material with others doing similar research.

ANDRIESSEN is a Swedish surname that is being explored by Linda J. STELPFLUG (W214N10357 Oak Lane, Germantown, WI 52022). One common derivative of that name is ANDERSON. Linda would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who have this unusual surname in their family tree.

The fourth PITMAN/PITTMAN/PITMON reunion will be held on 3 Nov 1990 at the UAW Hall in Hurst, TX. Those desiring further information should contact Frances PITTMAN MALCOM at 2116 Shady Brook, Bedford, TX 76021.

Good friend and genealogy columnist for The Dallas Morning News, Margaret Ann THETFORD (3725 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205-2124) has announced that a 1979-1989 compilation of her column, Family Tree, is now available on microfilm or microfiche, $25 postpaid. Those with Texas roots might benefit from this unique collection.

And we hope that our readers are benefiting from Rootbound! We're still as close as the mailbox.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #161: 23 Oct 1990

2008-06-30T02:29:00.000+09:00

Did you know that McDonald County, MO, was organized on 3 Mar 1849 from Newton County and named after Alexander McDONALD, a Revolutionary War soldier? Or than Newton County was organized on 31 Dec 1838 from Barry County and named for another Revolutionary War soldier, John NEWTON? And Barry County, it seems, was created on 5 Jan 1835 from Greene County and named for William T. BARRY, U.S. Postmaster General. Those facts, as well as other useful information, can be found in the booklet, A Guide to County Records on Microfilm, which was published by the Missouri State Archives. To learn more about the activities and publications of the Missouri State Archives, write to P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Barbara LAWSON WILLS (112 N. Birmingham (112 North Birmingham Place, Tulsa, OK 74110) is a professional writer and genealogy enthusiast. She is seeking information on some of her ancestors, and promises to answer every letter that she receives. The following individuals are of interest to Barbara:

Thomas A. LAWSON (born circa 1835, TN; died circa 1870, AR) who married Nancy Ann BUSBY (born 14 Oct 1833, TN; died 1920, Newton County, AR). Thomas and Nancy were possibly married in Missouri around 1864.

Our correspondent (above) also wishes to learn more about John Hudson COWLES (born 26 Aug 1825, MA; died 23 Feb 1904, Newton County, AR) and his wife, Margaret Lueretta SMITH (born 10 Dec 1849, KY; died 5 Dec 1925, Muskogee County, OK). Margaret was the daughter of Godfrey SMITH and Sarah Elizabeth "Bettie" MILEMS/MILAMS. The children of John and Margarett were: Leuretta May (1871, AR - 1952, OK; married Thomas A LAWSON), Hiram Dexter (1875, AR - 1973, OK; married Nancy Ann LILES), Bertha Beatrice (1879, AR - 1943, OK; married Joseph HELT), Harry Eddy (1882, Marion County, AR - 1950; married Belle COLLINS), Margaret Elizabeth (1883, Newton County, AR - 1924, OK; married Joe BUSBY) and Carrie Viola (1887, AR - 1926, Muskogee County, OK; married Doc LILES).

Other surnames that are listed on the five generation chart of Barbara LAWSON WILLS include: BELL, HALE, HUBBS, JAMES, JONES, ROBERTS, STEPHENS, and YANLY. Anyone tracking one of those names might benefit from writing to Barbara at her home in Tulsa.

Betty DUCKWORTH (Rt. 5, Box 159, Jasper, TX 75951) is searching for descendants of Ezekiel Sylevester and Lucinda (NELSON) DUCKWORTH. The couple left Effingham County, IL, for Franklin County, MO, in 1900. Their children were William, Monroe, Stephen, George, Theodore Grant, Harriett, and James. Theodore Grant DUCKWORTH and his wife, Effie Cora, were in Reynolds County and Poplar Bluff, MO, in 1910 along with their family. Hopefully some of our readers can help Betty get her DUCKWORTHs all in a row!

Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (5797 Sycamore, Rialto, CA 92376) is seeking to discover more about James and Rachel CREASON who arrived in the United States around 1776. The couple had nine sons: Peter, James, Isaac, William, Jacob, Gilbert, Willis (born 1800, Madison County, KY), Owen, and Elijah. The paths of this family eventually led through Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (address above) also wishes to exchange information on the following individuals: Michael DOLAN (born circa 1854, MA), his wife, Anna FITZPATRICK (circa 1857, MA), their son, George DOLAN (circa 1888, CO), Alonjo PRESLEY (ca. 1851, GA), his wife, Eliza RENFRO (1859, GA), and their daughter, Erma Lena PRESLEY (1896, TX). Although none of those names show a local connection, they do appear to be spread out enough to have possibly left trails across the Ozarks. Mary Ann hopes so!

Rootbound has several postcards that were mailed to Mrs. F. L. "Gertie" PLOTNER of Anderson, MO, between 1957 and 1977. We would like to return those cards to Mrs. PLOTNER or one of her relatives. They may be had by writing to Rootbound in the Hillsin care of this newspaper. What could be easier!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #160: 16 Oct 1990

2008-06-30T01:23:00.000+09:00

Whenever a few words in this column help to forge a family connection, Rootbound is working...and nothing could make us happier! Please read on...

G. Don HOBSON (8 Hollow Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714) has recently written to report that he has been contacted by two other HOBSON researchers since Rootbound mentioned that he has a lengthy HOBSON genealogy in his possession. In fact, one of the ladies who wrote to him shared the same third and fourth great-grandfathers as Don. His newly discovered cousin is from Bartlesville, OK.

Leeta GUNN ROBINSON (2320 Wallace Street, Clovis, NM 88101) wishes to identify all descendants of Reuben and Mary GOFORTH GUNN. Their children were Charles, James, Abisha, Elisha, William, Lawson, John, and Mary. Leeta is also interested in the Ozark lines of GREENUP, GUINN, and HART. She would particularly like to hear from any of our readers who have a knowledge of William J. HART, James Henry HART, and William F. GUINN who married Ann E. GREENUP.

Lynette KLEINPETER (Rt. 1, Box 1319, Ethel, LA 70730) is seeking to learn the ancestors and siblings of William Douglas LAWSON. Mr. LAWSON was born 19 July 1920 in Quapaw, OK, and died 20 Oct 1979 in Wichita, KS. His parents were William McKinley LAWSON and Laura Mae COMBS.

Lynette KLEINPETER (address above) also desires to exchange information on Ray Robert HATFIELD, a resident of Chillicothe, MO, who was born 6 Jan 1899 on died 12 Oct 1944. Ray was the youngest of thirteen children. He married Marie Pauline BURTON, a daughter of John Newton and Emma Grace GODSEY. Do we have readers working one of these lines?

And this from Kansas...Jane Kay BROWN (2215 Hageman, Salina, KS 67401) would like to correspond with all descendants of Napoleon B. HOPPER and his wife, Mary Virginia McQUEEN. They were the parents of twelve children. Four of their sons (Frank, Tom, Leonard, and Willard HOPPER) were living in the area of Pagemine and Rogers, AR, when Napoleon died in 1924. Are their descendants still in the Ozarks?

Willis CREASON and his wife, Ruth MOODY, had eight children, all born in Missouri between 1818 and 1834. The children were Isaac, Andrew, Riley, James, Howard, Perry, Jane, and Nancy. Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (5797 Sycamore, Rialto, CA 92376) would like to hear from any descendants of this CREASON family, or from anyone researching any other CREASON/CRESON/CRESSON line.

Two other midwestern families are also of interest to Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (address above). William STEWART/STUART and his wife, Mary ERICKSON, had four daughters born in Missouri. They were Sarah, Mary, Jane, and Clair. Abraham and Mary Matilda (MAIDEN) MOHNEY were married in Missouri in 1862. Mary Matilda was born in Missouri in 1844. Who were her parents?

John FOWLER (5121 Turnstone, Austin, TX 78744) has roots in Newton County, MO. His g-g-grandparents, James S. and Sarah Jerusha FOWLER, resided in Newton County in the last century along with the following children: Richard G., James C. (possibly moved to Arkansas), Joel Hawkins (stayed in Newton County), Margaret Frances (married John G. WILSON), Andrew J. (moved to Texas), Lucy Ann, Eliza Jane, and Sarah J. (married Lafayette GRIMES). Mr. Fowler would like to exchange information with any of his Ozark cousins.

The VAN WINKLE Family, a new genealogy that focuses on Peter Marselis VAN WINKLE (1814-1882) and his ancestors (back to the 16th century) and descendants, has been published by Marilyn LARNER HICKS (3621 Duchess Trail, Dallas, TX 75229). Although Rootbound has not seen a copy of this work, we do know that it contains over five hundred pages and sells for $50 plus $3 postage and handling. For more information or to order, please contact the compiler at the address listed above.

Footsteps Through Time is the national newsletter for persons with a MACY lineage. The editor, Anna J. BEDROSIAN (510 Superior Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2569) sent a complimentary copy of the most recent issue to Rootbound, and we were delighted to find that the lead article dealt with the line of John MAYSEY of Fairfax County, VA, the progenitor of the branch that came to reside in the Ozarks. The cost of this quarterly publication is seven dollars per year, and back issues are available.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #159: 9 Oct 1990

2008-06-29T09:45:00.000+09:00

We're not exactly sure what a "Missouri Barn Sale" is, but that's where Rootbound's good friend, Raymond E. JEFFERIES, claims to have come up with his latest genealogical treasure. Ray's find, the ledger of an unidentified doctor who might have been from the Pineville, McDonald County, MO, area, contains the names and medical backgrounds of numerous individuals who lived in this area in the late 1800's. Some of the names gleaned from the ledger include:

If Grampa's name is on that list, Raymond E. JEFFERIES (c/o Jeff-Gen Research, P.O. Box 369, Pea Ridge, AR 72751) might have some valuable family medical information to share!

Sarah HUDSON PIERCE (P.O. Box 683, Plain Dealing, LA 71064), a poet with Ozark roots, wishes to exchange information with anyone working the surname RITZ. Sarah is a native of Sulphur Springs, Benton County, AR. Responses to her query do not have to be in rhyming verse!

Although Jareta BISHOP TUGMON (Rt. 2, Box 610, Locust Grove, OK 74352) was raised as a daughter of William Perry BISHOP (born 15 Nov 1906, Fulton County, AR) and Opal POWELL BISHOP (born 1906, Paden, OK), she believes that she was actually the daughter of William's sister, Nellie Zadie BISHOP. Nellie was born 12 Feb 1904 in Fulton County, AR, and died 25 May 1984 in Sand Springs, OK. She was the wife of C.F. DADD. He is also deceased. Nellie and William were the children of George Perry BISHOP (born 15 Nov 1878, Louisville, KY) and Ella DUNKERSON BISHOP. Jareta BISHOP TUGMON has many family questions that need to be answered. Who can help?

Georgia BALL FARWELL (HCR 01, Box 227, Eagle Rock, MO 65641) is trying to identify descendants of James Crutcher BALL and his second wife, Jammina BRINKLEY. They were married in Orange County, NC, in 1821. (James had married his first wife, Elizabeth FREEMAN, in 1818, also in Orange County.) James and Jammina's children were born in Bedford County, TN, and Kentucky. The family later lived in Missouri and were in Benton County, AR, by 1860. James passed away between 1850 and 1860 at an undetermined location.

The children of James and Jammina BALL were: Winnie (born circa 1830), Sarah (circa 1834), James (circa 1836), Manerva (circa 1839), William (circa 1841), Benjamin (circa 1842), and Elizabeth (circa 1850). Winnie married James THREAT in Kentucky or Tennessee, and she moved with her parents to Missouri and Benton County, AR.

Georgia BALL FARWELL (address above) is busy writing two books on her family history. She would appreciate any help that our readers could provide.

Mrs. Eloise C. MABEE (1303 Oak Street, Oregon City, OR 97045) has recently learned that her late husband's great-grandparents are buried in Neosho, Newton County, MO. She would enjoy hearing from anyone who might have of knowledge of this couple, Nathaniel and Susannah (STOVER) FOSTER. The FOSTERs lived in Ontario Canada, and Iowa before moving to southern Missouri. Mrs. MABEE would especially like to have a photograph or description of Nathaniel and Susannah's tombstones. Is there a Good Samaritan with a camera reading Rootbound?

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 (born 1880). Herbert was the son of Bryant CARR (born 1856) and Martha Mahalia ETRIS (born 1857). Mint was the daughter of Henry Franklyn WILLIAMS (born 1849) and Sarah Ann FRANCIS (born 1845). Other Benton County, AR, surnames that Jo is researching include BELL, COLLINS, OFFENBAKER, and PRICE. She would appreciate any assistance that our readers could provide.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills # 158: 2 Oct 1990

2008-06-29T03:30:00.000+09:00

Rootbound continues to find its way to new places. It's only been a few short weeks since we printed our first query from Alaska, and now the mail has yielded a letter from Alabama - also a first! Please read on...

Ann GREGATH (P.O. Box 1045, Cullman, AL 35056) would like to know more about the GROGAN and NANCE families of southwest Missouri. Her ancestors, William GORGAN (born 1800, SC) and his wife, Permelia (born 1805, GA) were in Missouri by 1844. They were on the McDonald County census in 1850 and 1860. Permelia and her youngest son were residents of Grant County, AR, in 1870, and she died in Grant County, a widow, in January of 1880.

The children of William and Permelia GROGAN were: Hyram (born 1824, GA),Marion (1828, GA), Marcellus (1830, TN), Artilisha Lucretia (17 Feb 1834, TN), Mary J. (1838, TN), and William Lafayette (1844, MO). Hyram married America M. _____ before 1849 in Missouri. Artilishas Lucretia (our correspondent's ancestor) was first married to a Mr. WAKEFIELD, and then became the wife of Anderson HANCE in Missouri in 1859.

Ann GREGATH (address above) would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who have a knowledge of her Ozark ancestry.

Thomas Fletcher ROSE married Mary Lucinda MARQUIS on 23 Sep 1877 in McDonald County, MO. She was the daughter of William Maxwell MARQUIS, originally of Bellefontaine, Logan County, OH. Bellefontaine Presbyterian Church records provide a complete genealogy back six generations to the immigrant, William MARQUIS, who came to Opequon Valley near Winchester, Frederick County, VA, in 1720. Descendants or relatives of William Maxwell MARQUIS who would like to share this family history need to contact their cousin, Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344). It's a family treasure to be had for the asking!

Lena C. HIGH (9000 Brockington #58, Sherwood, AR 72120) is researching Peter KELLER (born 1812, Rockingham County, VA), a son of Lewis KELLER. Peter was married twice. His second wife, Julia (last name unknown), was born in Arkansas between 1838 and 1841. Peter and Julia had five children born in Vernon County, MO. He died in Coleman County, TX. Do these individauls enter into the research of any of our readers?

Gertrude GAYLOR NOLAN (10846 Biddinger Road, Harrison, OH 45030) is trying to obtain information on the GAYLOR/GAYLER surname in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. She has the following trails into the Ozarks:

Jesse GAYLOR (born 1815, VA) settled in an area of northwest Arkansas called Gayler Mountain. Calvin Smith GAYLOR (born 1822, TN) resided in Polk and Taney County, MO. One of Calvin's sons settled in Stone County, AR, and another came to live in Newton County, MO. William GAYLOR (born 1825, GA or AL) had descendants in Yell County, AR, and Coal and Wagoner County, OK. And Eli GAYLOR (born 1840, AL) had descendants in Carter, Love, Latimer, and Pittsburg County, OK.

Undoubtedly many descendants of these GAYLORs must still reside in the Ozarks. They might be able to learn a great deal of family history by taking pen in hand and writing to Gertrude in Ohio.

Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (Rt. 4, Box 440-1, Oak Grove, MO 64075) is on the trail of Mary Elizabeth RUTLEDGE (born 1 Dec 1870, MO; died 6 June 1947, Pitttsburg County, OK). She married Obadiah GOODMAN around 1890 in Arkansas or southwest Missouri. Mary Elizbeth's parents supposedly came to Missouri from Kentucky, where he father (name unknown) was a Methodist minister. She had a sister named Rosa and a brother, Charlie. Their mother's name was Mary. Do any of our readers have information to share with Kay?

Need help in tracking those Benton County, Arkansas, roots? One excellent resource is the Benton County Historical Society. They may be contacted at P.O. Box 1034, Bentonville, AR 72712. And remember to tell those good folks that Rootbound sent you!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #157: 25 Sep 1990

2008-06-29T02:28:00.000+09:00

Remember the family Bible of J.H. and Martha (GARNER) WEEMS of Newtonia that stirred so much interest in Rootbound a few months ago. That Bible is now safely in the possession of J.H. and Martha's daughter, but the interest hasn't dissipated. Please read on...

Mrs. Ed LAUGHLIN (118 South 2nd, Goodman, MO) 64843) relates that Martha GARNER was a sister to her grandfather, Eli GARNER. Martha and Eli also had a sister, Angie GARNER CHURCH. Eli GARNER's first wife was Sarah HOLLOWAY, and his second wife was Sarah LEWIS. Eli's daughter, Mattie Lee GARNER, married Claude E. WOLFENBARGER - and they were the parents of our correspondent. Mrs. LAUGHLIN also reports that her grand-aunt, Martha GARNER WEEMS, ran a hotel in Newtonia or Stark City for several years. Mrs. LAUGHLIN would appreciate hearing from others who are researching this family.

A year ago this month Rootbound printed a query from Reba Jo CURRY JONES (4712 29th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410) regarding her great-grandparents, Joseph and Martha (SMITH) OWENS, who lived in Missouri before the Civil War. She received a reply from a reader in Bentonville, AR, suggesting that Joseph may have been Joseph William "Joe Bill" OWENS, the son of Peter and Nancy (Patterson) OWENS of Kentucky. Other children of that couple included: Elizabeth Long (married Sam STAPLES), Chenelsy Sharp (Mrs. Jacob HARDY), Susan Leach (Mrs. Burks HARDY), John Simeon, and Walter Henry.

Reba Jo CURRY JONES (above) needs to know if any of our readers have more specific information on Joseph William OWENS, the son of Peter and Nancy OWENS. Was he her great-grandfather?

Leslie ERICKSON (600 East Ocean Boulevard, Apt. 701, Long Beach, CA 90802) is seeking information on William Thomas Lester (born 27 Oct 1802, KY) who died 13 Mar 1859 in Crawford County, AR. He married Margaret TALKINGTON in 1830, and they resided in Hempstead and Washington County, AR, before settling in Crawford County around 1844. Leslie would be pleased to exchange material with anyone working this family line.

Lillie M. SMITH (204 South 25th, Temple, TX 76504) wishes to learn more about the following individuals: James BRADLEY (resided in Clark County, AR, 1820-1830, and in Independence County, AR, 1840); Robert MARSHALL (resided in Washington County, AR, 1830-1840); and John MARSHALL (resided in Washington County, AR, 1830-1840). Which of our readers can assist Lillie with her quest?

The fish must not be biting in Grand Lake because Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344) is back at work on her genealogy! Rose is still looking to contact descendants of Stephen Grant ROSE and Ida May ANDERSON. The couple were married in McDonald County, MO, on 5 Mar 1885. Ida May was reportedly a native of Anderson, MO. According to her 1933 obituary, Stephen Grant preceded her in death. Each of the couple's seven children survived to adulthood, and at the time of Ida May's death were living in Elk City and Independence, Kansas, and the Bartlesville and Tulsa areas of Oklahoma. Rose would exchange information with any descendants of this couple.

Rootbound tried unsuccessfully a few months ago to find a descendant of Cora E. KELLY KING who had a portrait photograph taken by Duncan Studios of Pierce City, MO, during the early days of this century. Rose STAUBER (above) mentioned in her letter that her grandfather's brother, Charles Marquis ROSE, married a Cora KELLY on 14 Jan 1910 in Grove, OK. Cora KELLY ROSE, a Cherokee Indian, died 4 Sep 1918 and is buried at Fairland, OK. Unfortunately, Rose can't make a connection between her Cora KELLY and ours - and the photograph is still in the Rootbound files waiting on anyone who can show a relationship.

Send those queries to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. We're as close as the mailbox and always eager to help!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #156: 18 Sep 1990

2008-06-29T01:30:00.000+09:00

The small community of Rocky Comfort, MO, located in eastern McDonald County, is well known to most of us who reside in this part of the world. But did you know that there are several landmarks in Benton County, AR, that bear the same name? Please read on...

Raymond E. JEFFERIES (Jeff-Gen Research, P.O. Box 369, Pea Ridge, AR 72751), a frequent contributor to Rootbound, wishes to learn more about a Rocky Comfort Cemetery and Church near Hiwasse, Benton County, AR. He is also collecting information on two Rocky Comfort Schools, one near Hiwasse and the other located somewhere in southern Benton County. Raymond is hopeful that some of our readers will be able to provide him with material on those places. Rootbound would also be interested in hearing about those and any other Rocky Comforts of the Ozarks.

Sandy McGUIRE (29226 SW Baker Road, Sherwood, OR 97140) is tracing the ancestry of James W. WHITEID (born 1844, TN) who married Virginia WILLIAMS of Lawrence County, MO, around 1870. The WHITEIDs settled in Stone County, MO, and both eventually died there. They are buried at Ponce de Leon, MO.

Sandy McGUIRE (above) is also on the trail of Edward ROGERS (born 21 Feb 1840, Green County, IN) who married Sarah SHEETS of Monroe County, IN, on 22 July 1858. Edward died 6 Mar 1922 at Reed Springs, MO, and is buried at the Coon Ridge Cemetery along with his wife, Sarah, who died 16 Mar 1916. Can any of our readers assist Sandy with her WHITEID or ROGERS lines?

Jonathan G. HANKS (1827-1886) was buried at either Bowdry or Baker Cemetery located on private property north and east of Pineville, McDonald County, MO. His descendant, Darlene HANKS SLAPAR (Box 31, Eudna, KS 66025) wants to learn why he came to be buried there. Are descendants of Jonathan G. HANKS still in the area? Darlene would also like to visit her ancestor's grave, but to do this she needs to know the name and address of the property owner. Who can help our friend from Kansas?

Charisse FLOYD (34 Eve Lane, Conway, AR 72032) is researching the lineage of John Irvin SPARKS (born 3 Mar 1851) and his wife, Mary Belle SCOBEE (born 1854), residents of Missouri. She was the daughter of Steven Jackson SCOBEE and the granddaughter of Christie SCOBEE. John and Mary Belle (SCOBEE) SPARKS were the parents of Ida Mae, William, Jim, Roy, Marvin, Lee Rice, Pearl, Scobee, and Sally. Do they have descendants in the Ozarks?

Mary E. WHITE (2 Matlock Circle, Bella Vista, AR 72714) recently forwarded some interesting notes on her ancestry. Mary's parents were Charles MILLER and Gladys Evelyn WALL. Gladys was the daughter of Joseph WALL (Dierks, AR) and Mary Ellen JONES (born 11 Feb 1844, Mt. Willing, AL). Other surnames on Mary's maternal family tree include: BROWN, CARPENTIER, CORBEL, HAWKINS, HOLLADAY, and HUGHES. Those researching any of the above mentioned surnames, especially those rooted in Alabama or Arkansas, might do well to contact Mary.

Leslie ERICKSON (600 East Ocean Boulevard, Apt. 701, Long Beach, CA 90802) wants information on Robert MORROW and his wife, Julie SIMPSON. Robert was born around 1796 and died in 1849 at Ozark, MO. L.J. MORROW and I.N. MORROW were the administrators of his estate. L.J. MORROW may have had a brother names Demosthenes.

L.J. MORROW (above) married Harriet Boliver TIPTON on 24 Nov 1847. Harriet, a daughter of John TIPTON, was born 28 Dec 1830. L.J. and Harriet were living in Springfield, MO, in 1850. Nancy TIPTON (age 37) was the head of another household in Springfield at that time. A John TIPTON (age 6) resided in Nancy's house. L.J. MORROW and this young John TIPTON eventually went to California together. How were they related? Who has material to share on the MORROWs and the TIPTONs?

Ancestry, Inc. (P.O. Box 308, Salt Lake City, UT 84110-0308) publishes a wide array of books and forms that are of value to genealogists. For a free copy of Ancestry's 1990 catalogue, write to the address listed above or phone 1-800-531-1790. And don't forget to tell those good folks that Rootbound sent you!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #155: 11 Sep 1990

2008-06-28T10:03:00.000+09:00

Three years ago Rootbound ran a lengthy column on the family of William Carroll ROARK and his wife, Comfort POE, who settled in Newton County, MO, between 1853 and 1855. That article noted that Nathan ROARK, a son to William and Comfort, had two children living in his household in 1870 who were, due to their ages, probably step-children. The youngsters' names were John and Mary, and their mother, Nathan's first wife, was Margaret MEADOR.

Now from Rubelle ROARK RICKETT (Rt. 3, Box 246, Anderson, MO 64831), a granddaughter of Nathan ROARK's, comes the evidence to support our initial educated guess. Mrs. RICKETT has forwarded the text of an Affidavit of Heirship that was filed with the Clerk of McDonald County on 23 March 1885. The affidavit was submitted by Joel HIRE(S) of McDonald County. In it he testified that he was the father-in-law of Francis W. MEADOR, and that Francis W. MEADOR had only two heirs, J.N. (John) MEADOR and Mary E. MEADOR (Mrs. Jas. W. FLEMING).

That document, taken with the fact that Margaret was listed on the 1860 census of McDonald County as the wife of Francis MEADOR and the mother of one-year-old John, and that information on her and John agrees with that contained in the 1870 census entry on the family of Nathan ROARK, would strongly indicate that John and Mary were Nathan's step-children. According to Rubelle RICKETT, the children's natural father, Francis W. MEADOR, was killed in the Civil War.

Thank you, Rubelle RICKETT, for adding another piece to the ROARK family portrait. William and his son, Nathan, each fathered large families, and their descendants number in the hundreds - or more!

Copies of the special column on the ROARK family may be obtained by sending a request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper. And while you're at it, why not jot down some of your ROARK genealogy and include that as well!

Joseph H. CAMPBELL (22 Basildon Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714) is one researcher who never gives up. In a recent letter he outlined eight steps that he has taken in order to ascertain the parentage and ancestry of his great-grandfather, John CAMPBELL. As it is with most common names, our correspondent has found this problem to be very difficult, and, as yet, unsolved. Perhaps some of our readers will be able to lend a hand. Please read on...

John CAMPBELL (above) was, according to a Bible notation, born in Lincoln County, KY, in March of 1778. Kentucky had not achieved statehood at that time, and his birthplace may have actually been Pincastle County, Virginia. He married Eleanor in August of 1802. Beyond those few facts, Joseph H. CAMPBELL knows very little about his ancestor. He is hoping that some of our readers might have the key to this family puzzle.

Missouri Queries is a quarterly magazine published by Carolyn WILSON WEIDNER (West 2206 Borden Road, Spokane, WA 99204-9968). Queries that have a Missouri connection are printed free, and the magazine itself sells for $3 per issue plus $1.25 postage and handling. The current issue has thirty pages and is completely indexed. Mrs. WEIDNER also publishes a similar magazine entitled New York State Queries.

Mark Those Calendars: The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society has announced that it will host a Heritage Quest Road Show on 8 Oct 1990. An interesting program will be presented by Leland MEITZLER, a co-founder of Heritage Quest magazine, and participants will have the opportunity to preview and purchase a wide array of genealogical books and materials. The free program will be held at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Chamber of Commerce which is located at 113 North Fourth in Rogers, AR. Rootbound will see you there!

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #154: 4 Sep 1990

2008-06-27T10:19:00.000+09:00

Rootbound does enjoy the mail - especially notes of appreciation like the one received recently from Charles W. GIVENS (21401 County Road G, Cortez, CO 81321). Mr. GIVENS reported that his query in Rootbound had been very successful, and that he had acquired new information on his great-grandfather, John E. GIVENS. Great work, readers!

Harrison MILNE (25 Sherman, Bella Vista, AR 72714) states that he has fairly complete genealogies for seven generations of the families of Thomas BAILEY and Benjamin WILLIAMS. Some of their descendants eventually migrated from eastern Tennessee to McDonald County, MO. The surnames WEEMS and POGUE also figure prominently in these genealogies. Those with an interest in a local BAILEY or WILLIAMS lineage might do well to contact Harrison.

Rootbound received a letter from Mrs. Ray L. GREER (107 SE 14th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712) who told about her great-grandmother, Rachael Elizabeth BURKS HARDY, an herb doctor who treated Rebel soldiers in Kentucky during the Civil War. Many Ozark families arrived via Kentucky, so perhaps Rachael has other descendants in this area as well.

Mrs. Jacquie SHORES CARTMELL (8029 NW 20th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73127-1132) is researching William Gus CARTMILL/CARTMELL, the son of William CARTMILL (born MO) and Mary Jane BURRIS (born October 1845/1846, AR). Mary Jane was the daughter of James and Nancy BURRIS She may have been married to a LOVE before her marriage to William.

Mary Jane BURRIS CURTMILL (above) married James Allen FLIPPIN in Neosho, MO, on 10 Mar 1883. The couple had two children, Ethel (born August 1885, MO) and William A. (born May 1887, MO). The FLIPPIN family was living in Pawnee County, Oklahoma Territory, in 1900. Are their descendants still in the Ozarks?

Jacqueline WILLIAMS JUDAH (P.O. Box 3924, South Padre Island, TX 78597) ran a query in Rootbound last winter on her MILAM and SUTTLE Ozark lineages. She has recently written to say that she received one letter on each surname. Are there others in this area working those same names?

Ruth CLINE (1120 Pepper Drive, Sp. 77, El Cajon, CA 92021) wishes to learn more about Guilford BRIDGES (born cicra 1810). Guilford was a resident of Newton county, MO, in 1840, along with his wife (name unknown) and six children. He is listed on the 1850 census of Lawrence County, MO, with a wife, Luranda or Lorania, and eight children. The 1850 census indicates that Guilford and his wife had been married within the year. The youngest child in the family at that time was Samuel, aged six months.

Benjamin Franklin BRIDGES, son of Guilford (above), was born 13 Mar 1840 in Missouri. He married his first wife, Susan WOODS, on 4 Aug 1859 in Lawrence County, MO, and married wife number two, Penelope AKE, on 7 Sep 1868 in Williamson County, TX. What became of Susan?

Ruth CLINE (above) is eager to hear from her Ozark cousins. Perhaps some of the BRIDGES still residing in Newton County will be able to assist her with her genealogy - or vice-versa.

Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (Rt. 4, Box 440-1, Oak Grove, MO 64075) is tracking the line of Mary Elizabeth RUTLEDGE (born 1 Dec 1870, MO; died 6 June 1947, Pittsburg County, OK). She was the daughter of John B. RUTLEDGE and Elizabeth ROARK. John B. RUTLEDGE was born 15 Aug 1853 in Tennessee and died 4 Dec 1889 in Dent or Texas County, MO. John was the son of Stephen W. RUTLEDGE (born 1833, TN; died 1910, Texas County, MO) and Mary MASSEY, a daughter of Richard MASSEY and Mary ALSUP. Stephen's parents were Wilson RUTLEDGE and _____ WILSON. Which of our readers can assist Kay with her research?

Why not let Rootbound help bag your elusive ancestors? We're as close as the mailbox!

Happy hunting!