Rootbound in the Hills #46: 9 Aug 1988

by Rocky Macy

James A. STRIPLIN (P.O. Box 908, Haskell, OK 74436) is rooted firmly in the Southwest City area. He would like to hear from anyone who has information on the STRIPLIN, PUTNAM, or ESLEY families.

John Wesley STRIPLIN and Docia L. PUTNAM were Mr. STRIPLIN's parents. This Southwest City couple was married in Gentry, AR, in 1918. John Wesley was born in 1892 to William Thomas and Ester Ann (OLIVERSON) STRIPLIN. William Thomas STRIPLIN had two daughters, Rosanna and Sarah Siotha, by a previous marriage. In addition to John Wesley, he and Ester Ann had Thomas Baron (1884), James Henry (1888), and Ellis Dock (1894).

William Thomas STRIPLIN (1848) was the son of John and Rosanna (CLARK) STRIPLIN. Their other children were: Elijah (1833), James F. (1834), Emily (1838), and Richard M. (1842).

Docia (1900) was a daughter to Albert M. and Sarah E. PUTNAM. They resided in Southwest City 1880-1935. Docia had a brother, Marion W. (1894), and a sister, Mable E. (1897).

James A. STRIPLIN is also researching Benjamin and Esther (GREENWOOD) ESLEY, residents of Southwest City. Their children were Lillie (1873) and Jake. Lillie ESLEY MORRIS had two children, Phillip and Gladys (1899), both born in Southwest City.

Undoubtedly many of Mr. STRIPLIN's cousins still reside in our area. Get in touch!

Helen L. FOSTER (1144 Americana Ct. B-1, Des Moines, IA 50314) wishes to learn more about the children of David PERKINS (born 1803, VA) and Sarah WARE. The couple was married on 17 Jan 1825 in Goochland, VA. They moved to Howard County, MO, in 1838, and relocated to Chariton County, MO, in 1857. Children included Ann (1825), James (1827), William, Luther (1832), Mary (1836), Sarah (1837), Virginia (1838), Maria (1841), Robert (1843), and Andrew Jackson (1845).

Mrs. FOSTER is also tracking Martin ADAMS who was born in 1820 in Virginia. He was a resident of Howard County, MO, in 1850, Chariton County, MO, in 1860, and Warren County, IL, in 1870. Mr. Adams died in Warren County, IL, in 1881. Did he go to the gold rush? Who were his parents?

Here's another PERKINS: Kimberly D. PERKINS (38869 11th Street West, Palmdale, CA 93551-3802) needs information on Gertrude LASKER (born 1904, Buchanan County, MO), the wife of Bert STOUT (born 1900, Buchanan County, MO). They were the parents of Shirley Anne STOUT. Ms. PERKINS will exchange information with anyone who is researching a LASKER or STOUT line.

This correspondent from the Valley of the Sun may have hundreds of cousins in the Ozarks. Carolyn GRACE (5141 West Creedance Boulevard, Glendale, AZ 85310) reports:

"My great-grandfather, John Turner OXFORD, has descendants living in the Benton County, AR, area. He was married three times and had, I heard, twenty-one children! This equals a lot of names!"

It certainly does! Perhaps some of our readers can help Ms. GRACE get a line on some of her great-grandfather's descendants.

Norma F. MILLWEE (4011 Kiva Trail, S.W., Los Lunas, NM 87031) discovered Rootbound while visiting the Neosho Library. She said, "I found them (the columns) very interesting reading, especially since a lot of my family are from southwest Missouri. I have a great interest in history and genealogy."

A complete collection of past Rootbound columns is available in the Neosho City and County Library due to the efforts of the good people who comprise the Genealogy Friends of the Library. My thanks to them for preserving this work, and to Ms. MILLWEE for using it.

Rootbound Hits the Road: I've been invited to speak before the Delaware County Genealogical Society at its regular meeting next Tuesday, August 16, 7 p.m., at the Grove Public Library. My remarks will center on the pitfalls and pratfalls of writing a genealogy column. So, if you're tired of the TV reruns, stop by the Grove Public Library next Tuesday evening and let's get acquainted.

Until then...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #45: 2 Aug 1988

by Rocky Macy

The following is a letter that I received from Patsy BURNS (123 N.W. 22nd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73103) who had this to say:

"I hope someone can give me some information on my great-grandfather, John Henry ROBISON (ROBINSON / ROBERTSON). He was born in Illinois just across the river from St. Louis, MO. His daughter, Sara Jane, was born on 1 May 1860 in Noel, MO. John Henry and his wife, Mary WOMACK, also were parents of James I. ROBISON.

"The family went back to Illinois during the Civil War and returned to Noel after the war was over. His wife died, and John Henry ROBISON then married Rhoda BELCHER who produced Mary Frances (she spelled her last name ROBERTSON on her marriage certificate), Tom, and Margaret Delila (she spelled her last name ROBINSON). Margaret Delila married Freeman FIELDS.

"After Rhoda BELCHER died, John Henry married a third time and moved to Arkansas. He had a brother named Rise who lived in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas.

"I hope someone can give give me information on John Henry ROBISON and / or Rhoda BELCHER. I will be glad to refund any stamps used in writing to me. Thank you very much."

Also from the Sooner State, Mrs. Alceon JONES (1825 Willard Dr., Altus, OK 73521) has an old photo that was made by A.W. CADMAN of Rogers, AR. She would like to know the time period that Mr. CADMAN was in business.

Mrs. JONES wishes to learn more about her great-grandfather, Francis Meron SMITH. Mr. SMITH is believed to have been born on 8 April 1851 and died on 16 Jan 1911. He married Eliza Ellen HIGGINS sometime between 1870-75. Eliza was residing in her father's household in Perry County, AR, when the 1870 census was taken.

Mary Flo EDMISTON (Box 116, Gravette, AR 72736) is searching for information on Henry ELLIS and his wife, Maude. Henry was an uncle to Clyde EDMISTON. Mary Flo EDMISTON thought that Henry and Maude might be buried in the Noel Cemetery, but I have checked cemetery records for all of McDonald County and have not located the couple. Can any of our Rootbound readers shed some light on this one?

Hazel J. SOUTHALL HAYES (Box 77, Blair, OK 73526) is trying to locate the grave of her husband's uncle, Frank E. HAYES. Mr. HAYES was born on 3 Mar 1889 at Elk, KS, and married Ruby A. CRUMPTON on 6 April 1918. He died on 13 Aug 1960 at Stella, MO, at the age of 61 years, 5 months, and 10 days. His obituary states that funeral services were held Friday at the Methodist Church in Southwest City with the Rev. Henry WALLACE in charge. Mrs. HAYES and her husband visited Southwest City last year but were unable to locate the grave of Frank E. HAYES. He is not listed in the McDonald County cemetery records that I have. Do any of our readers know where Frank E. HAYES is buried?

Mrs. HAYES also mentioned that she is researching the following Ozark surnames: ALLEN, BERRY, BROWN, FRENCH, HIGHFILL, JOHNSON, SALSMAN, and TAYLOR.

Special thanks to Mrs. E.L. ITTNER of Noel for sending a recipe for horehound candy. My cousin (first cousin, once removed), Mary SREAVES CLOTFELTER, mentioned that she would like to have her grandmother's recipe for that candy. It won't be exactly the same as our grandmother's, but I'll bet Mrs. ITTNER's recipe still stirs some warm family memories.

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #44: 26 July 1988

by Rocky Macy

(Note: This column has been edited for clarity and contains some new information that was not available at the time of its original publication.)

Several weeks ago some friends and I traveled to Jay, OK, to hear Chief Wilma MANKILLER speak at a regional meeting of the Cherokee Nation. One of our group was Maggie POLSON WILSON CLINE, a card-carrying Cherokee. That meeting inspired me to write something on Maggie's family history and Cherokee genealogy. Maggie's daughter loaned me a copy of Cherokee Cavaliers by Edward Everett DALE and Gaston LITTON. Most of the following information comes from that book.

The story begins with OGANOTOTA. He had two sons: Major RIDGE who married Sue WICKETT, and David OO-WA-TEE, the husband of Susannah REESE. David and Susannah had several children including Stand WATIE (12 Dec 1806 - 9 Sep 1871) who went on to become the last Confederate general to surrender his sword at the close of the Civil War. Brigadier General Stand WATIE was the husband of Sarah Caroline BELL. Another son of David and Susannah was Gallegina "Buck" WATIE (a.k.a. Elias BOUDINOT). It is the collected and annotated correspondence of the RIDGE-WATIE-BOUDINOT families that comprises the text of Cherokee Cavaliers.

Maggie is a descendant of Major RIDGE and Susie WICKETT. The RIDGEs had three sons and a daughter: Walter, Sarah (wife of Charles PIX), George Washington Paschal, and John RIDGE who married Sarah Bird NORTHRUP. The children of John and Sarah were John Rollin (1827-1867) who married Elizabeth WILSON, Clarinda, Herman, Aenas who married Mava SAUNDERS, Susan Catherine (wife of Joshiah Woodward WASHBOURNE), Andrew Jackson (ca. 1835 - 1900) who married Helen C. DOOM (ca. 1840-1921), and Flora Chamberlin (wife of David POLSON).

David and Flora POLSON were the parents of John Henry POLSON who married Mary Ada "Mamie" SHIELDS. John Henry and Mamie Polson were Maggies's parents.

Many members of this interesting family are buried at Polson Cemetery, including Stand WATIE. The cemetery lies a couple of miles west of Southwest City on Cherokee Street.

Catherine IVES, secretary of the Pushmataha County Historical Society (P.O. Box 285, Antlers, OK 74523) has forwarded information regarding her group's new publication, Pushmataha County Cemeteries Old and New which canvasses 124 known cemeteries and grave sites. Pushmtaha County is in the heart of the old Choctaw Nation, mainly in Apukshunnubbe District and partly in Pushmataha District. It was formed from the Choctaw Nation counties of Cedar and parts of Jack Fork, Wade, Kiamichi, and Nashoba. The book has a full name index and county map. The 318-page volume may be purchased from the society for $25.00 plus $2.50 postage and handling.

John K. ACHILLE (Box 3557 Boles R.S., Alamogordo, NM 88311) is looking for information on Charles H. McALLISTER and his brother, Joseph S. McALLISTER. They were born in the 1830's in Parke County, IN. The family moved to Monroe and Wapello, IA, in 1851. Charles and Joseph and their families were somewhere in Oklahoma in the late 1880's to around 1915. Mr. ACHILLE will refund postage and share information with anyone having knowledge of these brothers.

Rootbound Tip: I've mentioned before the importance of sending an SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) any time that you write to someone requesting assistance. Refunding postage for those who answer your queries is also a nice touch.

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #43: 19 July 1988

by Rocky Macy

From our ancestors come our names;
from our virtues come our honors.
-- Old Pioneer Proverb

Mrs. Patsy BURNS (123 N.W. 22nd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73103) would like to correspond with her Ozark kin. Her mother, Beulah Josephine FIELDS, was born in Southwest City, MO, and her uncle, William E. FIELDS, lived his entire life in Delaware County, OK. Mrs. BURNS is conducting genealogical research on her family.

Also from the Sooner State comes a request from Mrs. Doris COOTS (736 N.W. 87th, Oklahoma City, OK 73114) for information about the BLAIR family of Benton County, AR. Her grandfather's obituary listed a sister, J.W. BLAIR, as living near Decatur, AR. Mrs. COOTS would like to make contact with any Benton County BLAIRs.

And our third letter this week out of Oklahoma's capital comes from Debra SPINDLE (5940 N.W. 41st, Oklahoma City, OK 73122). She is researching William G. BALL, M.D. (born ca. 1807, NY) and his wife, Elizabeth CHARLTON BALL (born ca. 1807, TN). Dr. and Mrs. BALL and their granddaughter, Martha Jane BALL, moved from Des Moines, IA, to Benton County, AR, around 1877. Ms. SPINDLE would like to locate death and burial information on this couple.

Debra SPINDLE is also seeking to learn about the ancestry of Daniel Webster CROMWELL who was born in Benton County, AR, on 27 July 1857. He was a penmanship teacher in several communities before his marriage to Martha Jane BALL in Southwest City, MO, in December of 1878. Daniel's father was possibly a Confederate soldier. Ms. SPINDLE believes that his parents might have been John W. CROMWELL and Elizabeth MAY. She would like to hear from any of our readers who might have information on Daniel Webster CROMWELL's ancestry.

Julia HAYS (Rt. 3, Box 149, Neosho, MO 64850) is working on a history of the Oakwood Christian Church which was formerly known as Oakwood Community Church. It is located two miles west of McElhany. She is collecting stories, information, and old pictures related to the church. If any of our readers can help Ms. HAYS with this project, please write to her at the above address or phone 417-364-8136 evenings.

Flora E. JOLLEY (260 East 1000 North, Logan, UT 84321) is trying to locate an original photograph of students at Crossroads School, Benton County, AR, which ran in the Winter 1971 issue of the Benton County Pioneer on page 13. Mrs. JOLLEY and her sister (Flora and Ruth HOGAN) were included in that picture which was taken in the 1930's. Mrs. JOLLEY would like to purchase a print of the original photograph. I'm certain that she would enjoy corresponding with anyone who remembers her or her sister.

Alberta ANDERS (Rt. 1, Box 398, Anderson, MO 64831) and Orpha SPEARS ANDERS SMYTHE (P.O. Box 463, Pineville, MO 64856) are tracing the lineage of William Tierney SPEARS, a former resident of Anderson, MO, and Western Grove, AR. He died in California in 1963. Mr. SPEARS was married to Martha GIBBINS from Mountain Home, AR. Her mother was a TRAMMILL. William Tierney SPEARS' grandmother was of the Blackfoot tribe, and his grandfather came from England and worked as a surveyor. Please contact either lady if you have information to share.

Need a boost up the old family tree? Write to Rootbound -- we're here to help! Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #42: 12 July 1988

by Rocky Macy

It is a beautiful belief,
That ever round our head
Are hovering, on angel wings,
The spirits of the dead.
--Harriet BEECHER STOWE

J. Harold PLUNK (2801 Camelot Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120) has done extensive national research on his ancestor, Peter PLUNK, who died in Lincoln County, NC, in 1791. He has identified over 1,600 descendants of Peter PLUNK and has this information entered into a computer data dase. Harold would love to hear from anyone with an interest in the genealogy of the PLUNK family. Other surnames which appear in his personal family tree charts include: WILKES, HOLYFIELD, GARLAND, DAWSON, AXTELL, WARF, HENRY, WHITNEY, DUNN, CLIFFORD, HOLLAND, YARBROUGH, MILLER, DANIEL, WILBANKS, FREEMAN, and LOWRANCE.

It looks as though I'm not the only newspaper person with an interest in genealogy. Alice Faye WEAVER BROWN (P.O. Box 400, Stroud, OK 74079), owner of the Stroud American, has sent word that she is researching the following Ozarks surnames: WEAVER, BAKER, JENKINS, FRAZIER, ROGERS, RODGERS, ALLEE, PHILLIPS, and HENDRICKS. Potential cousins may contact Alice at the above address.

Joyce HENSON MEEKS (108 N. Crescent Dr., Electra, TX 76360) is tracking the ancestry of her great-grandfather, Jesse HENSON, a resident of McDonald County in 1850. Other persons residing in the HENSON household at the time fo the 1850 census were Eleanor (aged 30), Polly (22), Elizabeth (21), Richard (19), Eli (15), Martha (13), Paul (12), Margaret (6), Samuel (5), Gilbert (3), Alfred (2), and John (7 months). Some of the family were living in Elk River Township in McDonald County in 1860. They were: Ellen (49), Margaret (17), Paul (22), Samuel (15), Gilbert (13), Alfred (11), Mo (10), Eugenia (9), and Wm. J. (5).

Two of Jessee HENSON's children were in Crawford County, AR, in 1880. They were Alfred, who had married Margaret Hesteranne FAIN, and John Chrisotpher Columbus HENSON, Mrs. MEEKS' grandfather. John C.C. HENSON was married first to Ethel BLEDSOE, and later to Onie SHAMBLIN. He was living in the Creek Nation of Indian Territory in 1900.

Mrs. MEEKS would like to correspond with anyone who has knowledge of her McDonald County heritage. She also commented in her letter that a group was recently formed to coordinate research efforts on HENSON, HINSON, HYNSON, and HANSON lines. Persons desiring more information about this national group may contact its president, J.J. SCHEFFELIN at 2722 Hazel, Texarkana, TX 75503.

The Missouri State Genealogical Associaltion mentioned Rootbound in its recent newsletter. That prompted a nice letter from Linda STUFFLEBEAN (6245 Celestite, Alta Loma, CA 91701). She is researching the ALBERTY family which resided in McDonald and Newton Counties in 1850, and she would like to correspond with anyone that has an interest in that lineage.

Our last letter out of the mailbag this week is from Maynard PAINTER (1 Circle Drive, Litchfield, IL 62056). His great-grandfather, Elisha PAINTER, was born in 1807, died in 1862, and in buried in the Painter Cemetery in Shell Knob, Barry County, MO. Elisha was married to Mahala WILKERSON. Their children were John, Allen, Alfred, Jacob, Thomas, Elizabeth, Elivina, William, Lucinda, and Martha. Maybnard would appreciate hearing from any of his Ozark cousins.

We already have a good variety of letters accumulated for next week. Until then...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #41: 5 July 1988

by Rocky Macy

Alene PIPKIN KINGREY (2405 Franklin Road, Scottsville, KY 42164) has forwarded extensive information on several families who have ties in Missouri and Arkansas. Much of it centers on John SCOTT (born 1770-75) and his wife, Franklin Frances WOOD. They moved from South Carolina to Barren County, KY, in the 1790's. Two of their twelve children married into the HOWARD family and relocated to Missouri in 1825. Some of the other children married individuals whith the following surnames: MITCHELL, BRANDON, STONE, GUM, DOTSON, HOLLAND, HOWELL, and TOSH.

Frances Franklin WOOD was the daughter of Malam WOOD and Fannie BISHOP. Ten of their eleven children married into these families: HOMES, SCOTT, PINCKLEY, GIST, GARDNER, REDMAN, MITCHELL, PITCHFORD, LOWREY, and PATTERSON.

Mrs. KINGREY also supplied Rootbound with material relating to the descendants of Jesse DRIVER (born 1806, TN) and his wife, Naoma SMITH. He was the son of Dempsey DRIVER and Elizabeth STINSON. Naoma was the daughter of Jesse SMITH. Several descendants of this family moved into northwest Arkansas, including a great-granddaughter, Rhoda Etta SMITH who married John Benjamin VARNER.

Anyone desiring more information on Mrs. KINGREY's lines should write to her at the above address.

And this from Flora HOGAN JOLLEY (260 East 1000 North, Logan, UT 84321):

"I have found my great-grandfather, William HOGAN, listed in the 1870 census for Flint Township, Benton County, AR. Perhaps some of his descendants still live in the area and could furnish me with some information. Also, my great-grandfather, Thomas LEACH, is listed in the 1860 census for Flint Township. I am trying to determine his date of death, where he is buried, and perhaps find out if there are any sexton's records which might provide information as to where he was born.

"Children of William and Elizabeth HOGAN: Martha, Bailey, Margrate, Mary, and John. Children of Thomas and Pelila LEACH: Sarah, Mary, Robert, Nathan, William, Edward, Joseph, Flora, Laura, and Boyd.

"Thomas LEACH was also listed in the 1870 census, but not in the 1880 census. I am assuming that he died between 1870 and 1880. I found Mary, Nathan, William, Joseph, Flora, Laura, and Boyd in the 1880 census for Flint Township, Benton County, AR."

Mrs. JOLLEY would like to hear from anyone who has knowledge of any of her family lines. Are any of her cousin reading this?

Joyce JOHNSON (5601 N.W. 65th, Oklahoma City, OK 73132) is trying to learn more about her great-grandparents, Douglas BURTON (born 1866, AR) and Matalda FIELDS (born 1859, Benton County, AR). Matalda had brothers named Jim and Dude. She and Douglas had two children: Margaret Elizabeth and Mary BURTON. Ms. JOHNSON would appreciate any assistance which our readers may provide.

Elsie HEDRICK FERGUSON (3000 Drakestone, Oklahoma City, OK 73120) has information to share or exchange on the family of John HOOVER (born ca 1785, PA) He married Elizabeth SHINGLEDECKER in Green County, OH, in 1809. They lived in Sangamon County, IL, and moved to Christian County, MO, in 1835. John died in 1847.

Some of the HOOVER children later moved to Benton County, AR. Grandson Sylvestor P. HARPER lived in Carroll County, AR, in 1870 with hsi wife Sarah and daughter Nancy. Sylvestor died ca 1875 in Arkansas, and his widow married Samuel HEDRICK. Samuel and Sarah HEDRICK both died in Sangamon County, IL.

Rootbound's backlog is building, so please be patient if you are waiting for your query to appear. We have received some more letters from the Oklahoma City area, as well as correspondence from Missouri, Texas, and California. These will run within the next couple of weeks. The growing interest in Rootbound is overwhelming - and greatly appreciated!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #40: 28 Jun 1988

by Rocky Macy

Mary SREAVES CLOTFELTER of Monett is a talented writer who has an intense interest in preserving family history. She recently submitted a biographical sketch for publication in The Crowder Quill, the literary magazine of Crowder College. The sketch, "Made from Scratch," won the Gold Quill Award for best non-fiction from a member of the community. The subject, Mary Jane ELLIS SREAVES, was the author's grandmother and my great-grandmother. Cousin Mary and Crowder College have given me permission to share this special piece of family fabric with our Rootbound readers.

"Made from Scratch"

by Mary SREAVES CLOTFELTER

Since I have been appointed to help compile a "centennial cookbook," I remember my widowed paternal grandmother who was a "scratch cook," and wish I had her recipe for horehound candy. Beginning with the leaves of the horehound plants that grew beside her chicken house, she produced pieces of medicinal cough candy which became the forerunner of today's molded cough drops.

Then there was her smothered chicken, which she served when her large family returned home for big pot-luck family dinners on Sunday. Since Grandma hatched her own eggs, she had a surplus of roosters, and they, one by one, became the main dish for those special occasions. Hen's were granted a reprieve because they were destined to become layers of eggs for breakfast, ingredients for the good sorghum cakes Grandma made, and, most importantly, farm income.

Most young roosters are elusive birds and prone to making erratic turns and skids, sometimes becoming airborne when pursued. This made capture difficult for a grandmother past her prime. As a result, Grandma had a "chicken catcher," a long bamboo fishing pole with a wire noose attached at the end. With the aid of this contraption, the target rooster never lived to crow anothe morning, but did utter a few squawks when he was beheaded. This, of course, was the beginning of Grandma's smothered chicken, a real meat stretcher of tender fowl covered with some sort of steaming cream gravy and seasoned with a pinch of this and that. I wish I knew the spices she used.

I also remember the rich blackberry jelly Grandma made from berries she foraged, scratch by scratch, from her rocky hillsides. This delicacy, combined with sweet cream butter churned daily, spread atop a warm slice of her fresh sourdough bread, was a treat to be remembered by her grandchildren, and then passed on! Her house always had a lingering smell of all the good things she had cooked from scratch on her old wood stove.

Now as I reminisce, I realize Grandma was a real "made from scratch" pioneer filled with fortitude and grit. Perhaps it was passed down to her from her ancestors, the earliest settlers of Nantucket Island, and the other hardy folks, including native Americans, who had added to her gene pool along the way. Then there was the circumstance of providence which had helped to give her a perserving spirit.

I wish my children and their children had known this gentle, brave lady, Mary Jane SREAVES, who chose to spend her remaining years on her wilderness land and face the thorns of life. Now owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the people of Missouri, it has been set aside as a natural history area.

Little did Grandma know that the last residents of her land would be the wild things, but I think some of her Indian heritage would cause her to be pleased. The wild plum thickets drop their overripe fruit on the ground, the blueberries stain the mouths of the creatures who relish them, and the blackberry brambles cover the old paths and encroach upon the abandoned garden. Daffodils mark the edge of Grandma's long-ago yard, and the sweet smell of her lilacs permeates the springtime air.

Alex and Mary Jane SREAVES lived on their 80-acre farm in northern McDonald County during the early days of this century. Their property, which lies in the hills just beyond Buffalo Creek, was purchased a few years ago by the Missouri Conservation Department and is now known as Buffalo Hills. The state has preserved the natural beauty of the old homestead, and Cousin Mary has captured, on paper, some of the essence of that sprightly pioneer woman who did so much to turn the patch of wilderness into a home. Their efforts help to maintain and fortify a rich family heritage.

Rootbound in the Hills #39: 21 June 1988

by Rocky Macy

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

"Dear Rocky,

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

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

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

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

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

"Sincerely,

Pauline SHARP PACE"

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

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

Mrs. Alceon JONES (1825 Willard Drive, Altus, OK 73521) had this to say:

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

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

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

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

Rootbound in the Hills #38: 14 June 1988

by Rocky Macy

"Don't make love by the garden gate;
Love is blind, but the neighbors ain't!"
--Old Pioneer Proverb

Mrs. Delbert W. LEWIS (316 Conner, Joplin, MO 64801) is searching for information on the ancestry of Fielding LEWIS of Tazewell, TN. Mrs. LEWIS also sent word that the National LEWIS-MOORE Reunion will be held at the Ramada Inn in Joplin on July 16th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Interested cousins are invited to attend and encouraged to bring family pictures, genealogy material, scrapbooks, etc. The daytime activities are informal, but the 6 p.m. buffet dinner will require reservations. For more information, please call 417-623-3192.

And this from Terry PAIR (3460) Sidney, St. Louis, MO 63104):

"I'm seeking information on the PRICE family of McDonald County, MO. Specifically, I need further information on Micajer and Kizzie PRICE, residents of Buffalo Township during the 1850s and 1860s. The moved to Texas during or after the Civil War. It seems probable that Micajer's father was Campbell PRICE. Kizzie's family is unknown."

Waunita BEASLEY (P.O. Box 523, Noel, MO 64854) Is researching John and Caroline (THOMAS) ELLIS. Caroline THOMAS was born ca. 1858 in TN. She married John ELLIS in McDonald County, MO, on 7 Sep 1875. Mrs. BEASLEY has no information on John, but she does know that Caroline had the following two sisters: Bethena (Thena) THOMAS who was born around 1860 in MO and married David Leonard AMES; and, Elizabeth (Lizz) THOMAS who was born ca. 1863-65 in TX. Lizz was married twice, first to James ADAIR ca. 1881-82, and then to Joseph Siloam PARTAIN in 1886. Did Caroline, Thena, and Lizz have other brothers and sisters?

Another couple that Waunita BEASLEY would like to learn more about are Marion and Mary (HAWKINS) THOMAS who lived in or near Colcord, OK, and are buried in Hico (Old Baptist) Cemetery near Siloam Springs, AR.

Mrs. BEASLEY would also like assistance with the line of George W. HOWELL who was born ca. 1815 in SC. George was married three times. By his first wife, name unknown, he had four children: Lehu, James, John, and Eli. Wife number two, name also unknown, bore two Children: Caroline (or Catherine) and Nancy. The children by the first two wives were all born in GA. George married his third wife, Mary Jane NOX (KNOX) in 1869 in Benton County, AR. Their four children, all born in AR, were: Joseph Columbus, Francis Marion, Mary (Hailey), and Mahalda (Mollie).

Thank you, Mrs. BEASLEY, for sharing your queries with us. Hopefully some of our Rootbound readers can help you with your search.

Mildred FOURT MELTON (HCR 4, box 120-A, Houston, MO 65483) would like to correspond with any HUFFAKERs in our area.

Here is some more genealogical information related to the SMITH family of Southwest City which was featured in last week's Rootbound. Benjamin and Sarah "Sallie" (FLORENCE) RADCLIFF, the parents of Dr. Benjamin Franklin SMITH's second and third wives, had sixteen children. They were: William (13 May 1819 - 5 Sep 1828), George (11 Nov 1820, married Catherine REEVES on 25 Sep 1851), Marion (4 Apr 1822 - 18 Dec 1825), Elias (2 Aug 1823 - 1 Oct 1843), Tabitha (6 June 1825 - 29 Sep 1832), Benjamin Franklin (2 Mar 1827), Sarah (Dr. SMITH's second wife), John (14 Apr 1830, married Catherine BARNES on 12 Aug 1855), Mary (5 Oct 1831 - 22 Feb 1861, married P.H. DELAPLANE on 2 Sep 1851), Elizabeth (4 July 1833 - 29 Mar 1854), Snytha (3 Jan 1835 - 31 July 1836), A. Dudley (15 Feb 1837, married Mary LEIBY on 1 Apr 1862), Matilda (Dr. SMITH's third wife), Marcus Brown (10 Jan 1840), Jane (14 Oct 1842), and Angeline (or Anna / Anne) (21 Nov 1844, married John POLLOCH on 24 Feb 1871).

Benjamin RADCLIFF was the son of Benjamin RADCLIFF (born 31 Oct 1750) and Christianna _____ (born 12 Aug 1761). Sarah FLORENCE was the daughter of William FLORENCE.

Information on the RADCLIFF and FLORENCE families was provided by Durley R. SMITH (1106 Pendant, St. Louis, MO 63131). Dudley has our sincere thanks for sharing his family records.

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #37: 7 June 1988

by Rocky Macy

This week's column focuses on the pioneering SMITH family of Southwest City, MO. Information has been supplied by Dudley R. SMITH of St. Louis, Dr. and Mrs. George W. BLANKENSHIP of Neosho, and Lucy (Mrs. Ted) SMITH of Southwest City. This brief history of the early generations is dedicated with love to Lucy's grandchildren: Heidi, Tiffany, Justin, and Reed SMITH - from Uncle Rocky.

It was in the early spring of 1867 when Dr. Benjamin Franklin SMITH bundled his family into the covered wagon for the long trek from Ohio to the Missouri Ozarks. The travelers stopped at Neosho for two months, but then decided to move on southward. Late in the evening they made camp on an abandoned farmstead one mile north of the present site of Southwest City. A charred fireplace and chimney were all that remained for the farmhouse that had apparently burned during the Civil War. As the SMITHs prepared their camp, an unlucky prairie chicken flew up and landed on the chimney - just in time to be the main course at supper! The family later built their home on the site.

Dr. SMITH was born in Ross County, OH, on 25 Aug 1820. His father, George SMITH, a native of Delaware, died in Ross County in 1884 at the age of 94. Dr. SMITH graduated from Starling Medical School in Columbus, OH, in 1850, and practice medicine in Williamsport, OH, and later in McDonald County.

Rhoda (or Rhody) BETTS, a daughter of Thomas BETTS, became Dr. SMITH's first wife in December of 1845. She died a few years later, leaving the doctor with two small children, Rusilla and Cynthia.

Sarah RADCLIFF, daughter of Benjamin RADCLIFF and Sarah FLORENCE, became the second Mrs. SMITH on 26 Oct 1852. Six children were born to this union: Mary R. (3 Oct 1853 - 4 Nov 1867); Laura S. (14 Oct 1855 - 15 Aug 1911, married Dwight E. HAVENS); George Washington (26 Jan 1858 - 24 Mar 1929, married 1. Cynthia Ann SHIELDS, and 2. Jessie Wagonseller ZUMBRUNEN); Benjamin Franklin (17 Mar 1861 - 6 Jan 1908, married Margaret Louise SHERMAN); William F. (27 Feb 1863 - 9 Mar 1910, married Ada VERMILLIAN); and, Sarah "Sallie" Radcliff (28 Sep 1866 - ?, married Dr, C.A. GRAY). Sarah RADCLIFF SMITH, the doctor's second wife, was gored to death by a cow on 1 Sep 1868.

Dr. SMITH married Matilda B. RADCLIFF, a sister to his second wife, on 4 Mar 1869. She was born on 11 May 1838 and died on 11 June 1917. Their five children were: James Bennett (14 Aug 1871 - 1941, married Nona RAY); Patrick Henry (12 Jan 1873 - 15 Jan 1931 , married Carman Roxie TRUAX); Jennie R. (11 Nov 1874 - ?, married E.G. CROXDALE); Harriett G. (ca. 1876 - ?, married Oliver W. KILLAM); and, John D. (12 Mar 1878 - 1962).

George Washington and Cynthia SHIELDS SMITH were the parents of Mary Edith "Mayme" SMITH who married Calvin Blaine BLANKENSHIP. Dr. Benjamin Franklin SMITH, Jr. and his wife, Margaret, provided the other Dr. SMITH with five grandchildren. They included: Fannie Radcliff who married John A. BOYD; Ruby Elizabeth who became Mrs. Earl Cleveland HOLLAR; Sherman A., the husband of Eureka LEGG; Benjamin Franklin who married Stella G. WALTERS; and Dudley Reeves who married Helen Anna MILDE.

William Florence SMITH and Ada Belle VERMILLIAN SMITH were the parents of Mildred, wife of Ellsworth MOORE; Benjamin Franklin "Frank" who married Iris Zeta MILLER; Roscoe Vermillian, the husband of Pearl Pozy PEARSON; Ed F. who married Grace B. STEVENSON; Mabel, the wife of James E. CONARD; Pauline; and, Willie Jewel.

Dr. C.A. GRAY and his wife, Sarah, added four grandchildren to the list. They were Mable, Harry, Lucille, and Carey.

Patrick Henry and Carman Roxie TRUAX SMITH were the parents of ten children. Eight are listed here: Delina, the wife of Luther WILLIAMS; Vera, who married Bill COLLINS; Gorda Barbara; Ada Louise, the wife of Al SINGER; Jennie Mae who became Mrs. Robert Lewis SHORT; Theodore Roosevelt "Ted", who married Lucy CLARK; Robert Jackson "Jack", husband of Jo Ann STEVENSON, and Harry Franklin.

Oliver W. and Hattie Gorda SMITH KILLIAM had the following children: Winfried Henry "Hank"; Louise, who married John G. HURD; and Radcliffe who married Sue _____.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin SMITH, SR., died on 27 Dec 1892 and is buried at the Southwest City Cemetery. Although he has been gone nearly a century, the spirit of that rugged pioneer remains with his numerous descendants who populate our beautiful Ozarks.

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #36: 31 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

He only deserves to be remembered by Posterity who treasures up and preserves the history of his ancestors. -- Edmund BURKE

The Delaware County Genealogical Society will host the Heritage Quest Road Show on Tuesday evening, June 21st, at the Grove Community Center which is located at 104 West Third Street in Grove, OK. The mobile genealogy education program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. In addition to a lecture presentation, many books and research materials will be available for purchase. There is no entry fee, but donations will be accepted. I plan to attend this event, and hope to see many of you there also.

Dudley R. SMITH (1106 Pendant, St. Louis, MO 63131) is researching his McDonald County lineage. He is the son of Dudley Reeves SMITH who was born on 22 June 1898 in Southwest City, and Helen Anna MILDE, a native of Jackson, MO. Mr. SMITH's McDonald County grandparents were Benjamin Franklin SMITH, Jr. (born 17 Mar 1861 in Williamsport, OH; died 6 Jan 1908 in Southwest City), and Margaret Louise SHERMAN(born 21 Oct 1863 in Coy, McDonald County, MO; died 25 Feb 1951 in Southwest City). Margaret Louise SHERMAN was the daughter of Abner Gauf SHERMAN (born 17 Mar 1827 in Knox County, OH; died 10 July 1919 in Anderson, MO), and Mary Agnes DONAGHE (born May 1828; died 18 Oct 1893 in McDonald county, MO). They were married on 7 Aug 1846.

Mr. SMITH is seeking to learn more about his great-grandfather, Abner Gauf SHERMAN. According to Goodspeed's 1888 History of McDonald and Newton Counties, Mr. SHERMAN was a veteran of the Confederate Army. Perhaps some of Dudley SMITH's numerous Southwest City cousins can provide further information about Abner Gauf SHERMAN.

Other surnames of interest to Mr. SMITH are RADCLIFF, FLORENCE, CALLIHAN, DOBKINS, HERMANN, WESSELL, BRUENING, WELTECKE, SCHRIEMER, ELBRECHT, and SEWING.

Dudley R. SMITH is also doing research for his aunt, Stella WALTERS SMITH, a native of Noel, MO. Her mother was Maryetta COOMBES, daughter of George COOMBES and Mary RICH. They are seeking to learn about the parentage of Mary RICH.

Rootbound ran a history fo the NOEL family in January which was based on information provided by Harold and Dorothy Jane SCHIFFERLI of Noel, MO. It was noted in that column that that Harold's maternal grandparents were George COOMBES and Elizabeth Ellen NOEL. This George COOMBES is the same one that Mr. SMITH is researching. Mary RICH was his first Wife. After her death, he married Elizabeth Ellen NOEL BROWN, widow of Edward BROWN of Pineville.

I was pleased to learn that Margaret W. EMERSON, former President of the Joplin Genealogical Society, is running for Recording Secretary of the Missouri State Genealogical Association. It's good to see people from our area so active in this important group.

Betty J. LEWIS (1032 N. Birch, Sand Springs, OK) is a professional genelaogist who works with Cherokee ancestry. Information on fees and research capabilities may be obtained by writing to her at the above address.

More Ramblings: Last week I discussed the importance of preserving the history of your immediate family, and suggested keeping a daily journal as one way of meeting this important obligation to the future. I neglected to mention that a lot of family history is written down and then thrown out. Personal letters, those from relatives and friends, offer a wealth of information about the day-to-day ordinary experiences that make up life. Most good family historians supplement their journal-writing with a correspondence file. Gramma's letters may not mean much today, but they will after she's been gone for a few years! Some people even go so far as to copy the letters that they send to others, and place the copies in their files.

If you don't preserve your own history, some day your trail through life may fade to little more than what's chiseled on your tombstone. Think about it!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills # 35: 24 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

The Genealogy Friends of the Library of Neosho will sponsor their second annual Summer Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, June 11th, at Crowder College. Marsha RISING, a certified genealogist from Springfield, will be the featured speaker. Her presentation will focus on problem solving techniques for the genelaogist, proving identity, distinguishing individuals of the same name, and methods for achieving good results from genealogical correspondence. Sharon ASHTON of Norman, OK, will also be speaking on Indian research. Pre-registration for the workshop has already closed, but persons wishing to participate may sign up on the day of the workshop. The registration fee of $16.50 includes a noon luncheon. See you there!

Mrs. Martha E. TUTT (P.O. Box 105, Mercedes, TX 78570) would like to contact descendants of Shelby C. STOKES and Frances A. MULLENS STOKES from Wayne County, KY, who lived in Benton County, AR, in the 1890's and into the early 1900's. Their children were Stella, Shelly, Robert, and Laura. Fannie MULLENS STOKES is believed to have been in Collingsville, OK, in the 1920's.

Arlene PIPKIN KINGREY (2405 Franklin Road, Scottsville, KY 42164) is interested in exchanging information with anyone of the following surnames: PIPKIN, MARSH, BARTON, WILSON, SCOTT, GUM, SHORT, BARKER, LAW, BANDY, LEE, McTOSH, FITZPATRICT, EAST, and HOWELL. Does she have any cousins reading this column?

Bill and Carol ELLIS (1201 Maple Street, Friona, TX 79035) have been publishing a newsletter about the surname ELLIS for the past decade. Each issue is packed with ELLIS information, history, and queries. This is one of the best family surname newsletters that I have seen. Those of you with an ELLIS branch in your tree might want to subscribe. The cost of $12.00 per year covers four issues and entitles subscribers to unlimited queries. If you write to Bill and Carol, pleease mention that you heard about their work in Rootbound.

Speaking of ELLIS: My g-g-g-grandfather, Joshua C. ELLIS, was born in North Carolina on 31 Jan 1814. He married Sarah KELLY. Joshua died on 21 Dec 1880 and is buried at Vaughan Cemetery near Hindsville, AR. Their children included Hiram Kelly, Joshua Thomas, James, Adeline (O'CONNOR), Sarah, and William J. The 1880 census lists Joshua and Sarah in Prairie township of Madison County, AR.

Their son, William J. ELLIS (my g-g-grandfather) was born in Georgia in 1840. He married Matilda J. COOK, a native of Washington County, AR. Their children were Elizabeth (1861), Josephine (1863), Mary Jane (1866), Jessy R. (1869), Ward (1871), Isaac (1873), and Thomas (1877). The family was residing in War Eagle Township, Madison County, AR, in 1880.

My great-grandmother, Mary Jane ELLIS, was born in Huntsville, AR, on 12 Oct 1866. She married Alexander SREAVES on 15 Jan 1888 in Washington County, AR. They later migrated to McDonald County, MO, where numerous descendants reside today.

Rootbound Ramblings: Genealogy involves far more than just tracking down ancestors. A significant aspect of the work is the preservation of your immediate family history. Most genealogical "how to" books stress the importance of keeping a journal, a daily account of your journey through life. Imagine how excited you would be to discover a journal or diary that was kept by an ancestor 200 years ago. Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear that ancestor's story, in his or her own words! That's the same type of impact that your story might have on your descendants a century or two from now. But they won't have it to read unless you take the time to write - everyday! Get started - I have!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #34: 17 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

Mrs. Billie VINYARD SHORE (509 W. Shawnee, Tahlequah, OK 74464) is searching for descendants of Moab MARTIN who married Rerinda UTTERBACK in 1827. He married his second wife, Roberta JONES, in 1854/55. Moab had fifteen children in Hardin County, KY, by these two marriages. Some of the children moved to Missouri. Moab's sister, Jane MARTIN, married Abraham DUFFEE in Hardin County, KY. Mrs. SHORE is interested in learning more about the descendants of this couple as well.

Mrs. SHORE has roots in Benton County, AR, that extend back to around 1830. Her Benton County lines include HARRIS, LEAK, MASON, FITZGERALD, and VINYARD. Rootbound will print queries on those families in upcoming columns. Mrs. SHORE would be happy to exchange information with anyone who is doing related research.

And from east of the Mississippi, Cheryl M. STUBENRAUCH (990 Colony Lane, Hoffman Estates, IL 60195) has sent the following:

"The names I'm interested in are Livy (Liva) LINSCOTT who married a Mr. LAUTER some time around 1884-1887, possibly in Southwest City, MO.

"Livy's father, Francis M. LINSCOTT, filed for his Civil War pension from Southwest City in April of 1888, and didn't reapply until July of 1890 in Indian Territory.

"The 1900 federal census shows Livy's two children living in Winfield, KS, with Francis M. LINSCOTT. That census lists the children's place of birth as Indian Territory. The children were Bertha LAUTER (born August 1888) and Charles FULLER (born January 1890). Livy's second husband was George A. FULLER. In September of 1891, Livy, George, and the children were living in Texas."

Mrs. STUBENRAUCH would enjoy hearing from anyone who has information about her lines of research.

Pauline SHARP PACE (105 N. Hickory Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) has spent the past fourteen years trying to determine what became of her aunt, Alice SHARP. Alice and her three children, Walter, Rose, and Eddie, left Evensville, TN, in 1904 to make their home in OK. The daughter, Rose SHARP, married William MATHIS and they lived in Greeenwood, AR. Rose and William had a son, Stanley Hayes MATHIS, in 1915. Their family (Rose, William, and Stanley MATHIS) later lived in Anderson, McDonald County, MO.

Ms. PACE learned through the Ozark Funeral Home that Rose and William MATHIS are buried in the Anderson Cemetery. She has obtained a Missouri death certificate on William who died in 1946. Rose died in 1952, but a death certificate for her is not on file in Missouri. She closes with this poignant note:

"I have learned nothing about Aunt Alice from hours and hours of record searching and microfilm reading. My hope is that someone in Anderson will remember this family and help me. It has been a long time ago, but I still beleive in Miracles. It will happen."

I certainly hope so. Wouldn't it be great if Rootbound could help make it happen!

A lady from Grove, OK, wrote recently asking how to go about locating relatives that the family lost contact with many years ago. I recommended that she write a letter, giving as many details as possible, and send it to the Genealogical Helper, P.O. Box 378, Logan, UT 84321. That magazine has a section called Missing Folk Finder which works with the specific issue of trying to locate those lost to history. The Helper has over 50,000 subscribers coast-to-coast.

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #33: 10 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

The old Rootbound mailbag was heavier than usual this week - in spite of those new twenty-five cent stamps! Letters continue to come from all parts of the country. Let's begin this week with some of the local genealogical news:

Congratulations to the good folks at the Joplin Genealogical Society (P.O. Box 152, Joplin, MO 64802). Their new president, Dwayne CRANDALL, has sent word that the group won the Southwestern Bell Volunteer Award for this year. They were nominated by Mrs. Joan BANKS, Library director of the Joplin Public Library.

Mr. CRANDALL has submitted the following query to Rootbound:

"My maternal great-grandfather, George W. CRAIN, was born ca. 1855 in MO. His parents, names unknown, were born in TN. George married Caroline SMALLWOOD who was born ca. 1860. Caroline's father was born in NC and her mother was a native of TN. George and Caroline lived in Douglas County, MO, in 1880. Caroline was listed as a widow on land records dated 10 Aug 1891. She possibly remairred to a preacher."

Please contact Dwayne CRANDALL at the Joplin Genealogical Society if you are able to assist him in his research.

Many westerners seem to be strongly rooted in the Ozarks. A case in point is Mrs. Jean HARR (1600 South Baldwin Ave., #26, Arcadia, CA 91006). She wrote seeking information on the descendants of James W. TUNNELL (with daughters Celia and Ella), and James' sister, Martha TUNNELL BENEDICT (with daughters Iva and Nellie). All were married and believed to be living in McDonald County, MO, ca. 1910. Mrs. HARR is also researching William and Octavia CHADDOCK who lived in Benton County, AR, in 1900, and William David TUNNELL who was a resident of Indian Territory (OK) in 1905. William David TUNNELL's children included Sophronia, Charles, Fenton, and possibly others.

Additional surnames that Mrs. HARR is tracking include: BLAIR, BOGAN, BULLARD, CASEY, CROWLEY, FULKERSON, HOUSTON, HUTCHINGS, LINVILLE, LIVINGSTON, MAYO, McCLAIN, MONETT, MONEY, PERKINS, RHEA, ROREX, STEPHENSON, UTT, and WARE. Please contact her at the above address if you have information to share.

Ellis R. BROCKMAN (505 Kane, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858) had this to say:

"Dear Mr. Macy,

"The following information concerns that family I am interested in, and I hope that you will be able to publish a query for me in your column.

"Dennis and Sarah CALLAHAN came to Arkansas about 1835. They first settled in Washington County and later moved to Benton County. They have been located in the 1850 census in Sugar Creek Township. They had three children that I know of: George Jewell, Mary H. who married Frederick SIMS (this family also lived in Benton County), and Elizabeth D. Who married J.D. PEER (this family lived, I believe, in Fayetteville, AR).

"I am interested in corresponding with anyone who is also researching the above CALLAHAN, SIMS, or PEER families. Thank you for your help."

Who out there can give our Michigan friend a boost with his Ozarks research?

Janet K. PEASE (10310 West 62nd Place, Apt. 202, Arvada, CO 80004) is trying to locate the burial site of her g-grandfather, Alva OWEN, who was originally from Schuyler County, IL. Mr. OWEN died on 21 Nov 1883 near Maysville, Baxter County, AR, at the home of his son, Samuel. Samuel OWEN was listed in the 1880 census as living in Batie Township, Benton County, AR.

Ms. PEASE is also seeking information on Francis H. POINTS and his sister, Iva Myrtle POINTS. Her letter contained an error on either the birth or death date of Francis, so I have deleted that information. Iva died on 28 Dec 1890 at age 22 years and six days. Both are buried in the Rocky Comfort Cemetery in McDonald County, MO. They were the children of John B. POINTS who married Salina C. McKINLEY in 1865 Schuyler County, IL. John B. POINTS died in Schuyler County in 1870, and Salina then married James H. KELLY in 1881 in Barry County, MO. Salina is also buried in the Rocky Comfort Cemetery. Her date of birth was 18 May 1842, and she died on 24 June 1914. Ms. PEASE would appreciate any assistance that our readers can offer.

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #32: 3 May 1988

by Rocky Macy

The mail poured in this week from coast to coast. It's great to know that so many Americans are rooted in the Ozarks!

Audrey SOLL (12817 Acheson Dr., Whittier, CA 90601) is seeking information about Benjamin BARNHILL and his wife, Frances DUNLAP, both of Tennessee. He died in 1894 in Benton County, AR. She would also like to know the names of the parents of Lydia Ellen SANDHAM. Lydia married John HERMAN in 1865 in IL, and she died in 1907 in Benton County, AR. If any of our readers can be of assistance, please write to Ms. SOLL at the above address.

Also from the West Coast, Betty BROWN (P.O. Box 881, Idyllwild, CA 92349) has written a nice letter regarding her lines in the Southwest City area. Ms. BROWN is a granddaughter of Nathan GANN and Ervin Lonzo DRAKE. She has done extensive research on the GANNs and DRAKEs and has lots of information which she will share. Mrs. BROWN mentioned in her letter that she has a complete list of DRAKE marriages from the mid-1800's to 1975 for McDonald and Delaware Counties which she will send to anyone who supplies a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). Betty BROWN would like to hear from those who are researching the same lines.

And from Colorado: Mrs. Marianne WEST (604 E. Cedar, Lamar, CO 81052) is trying to find the location of Elk City, MO. Her husband's grandmother, Minnie Byrl WYLIE, was born in Elk City on 1 Sep 1885, a daughter to James Martin WYLIE and Rosetta YEAGER. James supposedly deserted his family when Minnie was about twelve-years-old.

A friend has told Mrs. WEST that Elk City was located in McDonald County. I brought the inquiry to the attention of Zella Mae COLLIE of the McDonald County Library. Mrs. COLLIE could find no record of Elk City, but she did find a reference to Elk Mills which was located on the Elk River close to the border of the Indian Nation. Her source stated that Elk Mills was near the valleys of Patterson and Buffalo Creeks. The village mill was burned during the Civil War, and the town gradually fell into decay.

If any of our readers have information about Elk City or Elk Mills, please share it with Rootbound.

Good friend and former Southwest City resident Al DIXON sent a few sun-drenched notes from Florida. He noticed the query a couple of weeks ago about the WANN and DENTON families in Southwest City. Al reports that John DENTON was his great-grandfather. I have forwarded his letter on the the lady who made the inquiry. I know that she will appreciate Al's assistance.

Rylen RUDY (143 S. High St., Neosho, MO 64850) sent a packet of information about several families. One item that quickly caught my attention was a note on the ROARK family. Rylen had this to say:

"You published a picture of the Nathan ROARK family in a recent issue of your newspaper. I took it over to Mrs. Perry BLISS and she was thrilled to see a picture of her grandfather."

Mrs. BLISS (Hughla Lillian ROARK) is the daughter of Nathan's son, Henry Curtice ROARK (born 27 Mar 1874; died 6 Feb 1967) and Lillian Jay McNATT (born 28 May 1876; died 5 June 1943).

The photo that Rylen mentioned was supplied to Rootbound by Dean ROARK of Anderson, MO. I have recently acquired a photo of Comfort POE ROARK and eight of her children and their spouses. The treasure was loaned by cousins Dale ROARK MORRIS (Mrs. Carl "Big Dog" MORRIS) and Sam NUNN. We'll try to run it in this newspaper soon so tht it may be enjoyed by the numerous descendants who still reside in our area.

Special thanks to Sam NUNN of Neosho for giving me a beautiful photograph of my grandmother, Nancy Jane ROARK SREAVES, and her three sisters, Lucinda Comfort ROARK WILSON, Martha Carol ROARK NUNN, and Mary M. ROARK TUCKER. They were four lovely girls!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #31: 26 April 1988

by Rocky Macy

Frances BRUNGLE (6619 Pheasant Road, Baltimore, MD 21220) wants to contact anyone who is working on the surname WORTHINGTON. She reports that she has many relatives living in our area, but has lost contact with most of them over the years. If any of her cousins see this, perhaps they will pick up a pen and re-establish those family ties!

Rootbound was mentioned once again in the latest issue of Genealogical Helper. The notice generated several out-of-state queries. Genealogical Helper is an absolute must for anyone who is doing any type of family tree research. If you're not familiar with the publication, visit the genealogy section of your local library and leaf through some back issues. This is one magazine that really is hard to put down.

Joanne JARNIGAN (10210 South 239th, #11, Kent, WA 98031) would like more information on John and Mary LOGGINS HARVEY of Bates County, MO. John was born in GA in 1800 and Mary was born in TN in 1808. Their children that were born in TN include James, John, and Thomas. The couple also had children born in IL (Rosann, William, Rhoada, Oliver Jackson, Giles, and Reuben), TX (Joel and Elizabeth), and MO (Lucinda and John Calvin). Reuben married Harriet RADCLIFF. Their children were Clarence, Orie, Charley, Cora, Fletcher, Leonard, Leslie, Albert, Edward, and Reuben Gilbert (Mrs. JARNIGAN's father). The HARVEYs arrived in MO in 1845 and migrated to WA about 1898.

Rootbound printed a query from Georgia M. ROGERS (Spartan Village 39, Wrightstown, NJ 08562) a few weeks ago. She has written again, this time mentioning that her grandparents owned the "Barlow Brothers Circus" which toured across Missouri in the early 1900's. I'm certain that Mrs. ROGERS would like to hear from anyone who might have attended her grandparent's circus.

Good friend Rylen RUDY of Neosho has given me a xeroxed copy of Centennial History of Newton County, Missouri which was compiled in 1876 by J.M. RITCHEY, George HUBBERT, and N.H. DALE as part of our country's centennial celebration. The book has a wealth of Newton County history stored in its pages. Thanks, Rylen.

Also new on my bookshelf is Short Stories and Wit of Tom P. Morgan by J. Dickson BLACK. Mr. MORGAN was a humorist who wrote a daily column for The Kansas City Star during the early years of this century. He made his home in Rogers, AR. This collection of his humorous prose and poetry is a delightful reminder of simpler times. It may be purchased for $5 postpaid by writing to J. Dickson BLACK, Route 11, Box 225, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Anne LONG (Route 2, Box 671, Grangeville, ID 83530) publishes a family periodical entitled Poe Pages. She recently sent me a note stating that Volume 2 of her publication mentions a Comfort POE who was born in 1826 in KY and married Simpson LIGHTFOOT. The Comfort POE who was a grandmother to our local ROARK descendants was born on 11 Nov 1822 in KY. The Comfort mentioned by Ms. LONG could perhaps be a cousin. Anyone wishing to pursue this tidbit may purchase Volume 2 from Ms. Long by sending $5 to the address listed above.

A big "Thank You" to the Genealogy Friends of the Library in Neosho for plugging Rootbound in their latest newsletter. It's an honor to be included in your excellent publication! What follows is one of two queries that I had in that newsletter:

William MARTIN and his wife, Delana, were residing in Buffalo Township, Newton County, MO, in 1860. They were the parents of Adam, Harriett, Hezekiah, William, Mourning, and Julia Ann (PRITCHARD). Was William MARTIN the son of Abraham and Mourning BIGGS MARTIN, and a brother to Hezekiah MARTIN?

There are numerous MARTIN descendants in this area. I'd like to hear from a few.

Until next week, I'm waiting by the mailbox. Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #30: 19 April 1988

by Rocky Macy

For those of you who were unable to make it to Southwest City for Rootbound's Genealogy Workshop this past Saturday, here is a recap of what you missed:

Mr. Rylen RUDY, a family genealogist from Neosho, served as a moderator and spoke on basic procedures and sources used in genelaogy. Mr. RUDY brought a wide selection of books and materials for workshop participants to browse through. Also serving on the panel were Mrs. Sybil JOBE, President of the Newton County Historical Society, and Dr. Robert TUCKER, professional genealogist from Noel, MO. Mrs. JOBE told of her experiences in researching and writing a family history, and Dr. TUCKER discussed brass rubbings from the old churches of England. All three panelists fielded questions from the audience on a variety of genealogical topics.

In addition to the distinguished panel, representatives from two other groups showed up and provided information about sources in their areas. Those most welcome guests were Mr. Raymond E. JEFFERIES, past president of the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society, and Mr. Carl A. HANNAH, program chairman for the Grove Genedalogical Society.

I hope that those of you who were able to attend enjoyed the session as much as I did. Many thanks to the speakers who put so much time and effort in providing our readers with this quality presentation. It was special! Thanks, also, to those of you who came to listen and learn. One of the highlights of the day for me was getting to meet so many of our readers. Maybe we can do it again next year!

I now have a copy of The Stagecoach Bulletin for Genealogists (Jan.-Feb. 1988) which has a nationwide directory for newspaper genealogy columns. If you need the name and address for a genealogical column in some other part of the United States, I'll be happy to let you know what is available.

Dr. Robert TUCKER of Noel has told me about a most interesting book which is available in the office of the Circuit Clerk and Recorder in Pineville. It seems that after the McDonald County Courthouse burned during the Civil War, people were encouraged to come in and re-register their land deeds. Many did. The volume of pre-Civil War land information was recently indexed by Dr. TUCKER for ease in research. He describes it as being "a gold mine of early McDonald County history." If your McDonald County lines extend back beyond the Civil War, be sure to stop by the Recorder's office and ask to look through this book.

Here's something from this week's mailbag:

"Dear Mr. Macy:

"None of my ancestors settled in Missouri. However, in a recent column you invited lists of ancestral surnames, so here is mine (surnames followed by states of residence): ATWATER (CT), BALLARD (VA, SC, MS), BROONER / BRUNER (PA, KY, IN), CAMPBELL (TN), COOPER (MD, KY), COX (MA, KY, IN), DePASS (SC), LEITNEW (Wurttemberg, Germany, and KY), McDANIEL (MD, KY, IN), MUNDO (Hessen-Dermstadt, Germany and KY), PHILLIPS (AL, MS), ROOT (CT), and SANDLIN (SC, MS).

"Thank you. Your column is quite interesting.

"Very truly yours,

"Claudette M. ITTNER
"(Route 1, Box 80-A, Noel, MO 64854)"

I'm certain that Mrs. ITTNER would be happy to exchange information with anyone who is researching one of her surnames.

Hazeldean CLARK BALLARD (P.O. Box 140, Vina, CA 96092) phoned in a query the other evening. Her family has roots in the Anderson, MO, area. Two surnames that are of interest to Hazeldean are WHITEHEAD and HERRING. She would like to hear from any of her Missouri kin.

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #29: 12 April 1988

by Rocky Macy

Two weeks ago we printed a letter form a lady in the state of Washington who was researching the surnames WANN and DENTON in the Southwest City area. In response to that query, Carrie EDWARDS, a Southwest City reader, brought the following letter to our newspaper office:

"Mr. Macy,

"My folks came to Southwest City in 1904. I remember many people who were old when I was a child. Mrs. WANN was one of them. She lived on the hill at the end of Main Street. My mother knew her, but I remember nothing about her except she was small in stature and, I believe, lived alone. I do remember that she had young visitors come from out-of-town to see her.

"There was a 'WANN' School east of town, and also a 'WANN' Cemetery not far from Southwest City.

"Many people should remember Jim DENTON and his daughter 'Oma' who lived on our Main Street close to our only lumber yard. Oma taught in our school system many years and died in Grove at Lake Manor not many years back.

"I'm sure others can tell you more about these 'Old Timers' in Southwest City. I've been here all these years and have lived on Cherokee Street for sixty-three years."

Thank you, Carrie EDWARDS, for taking the time to write that wonderful letter! I am forwarding a copy on to the person who wanted the information, and I'm certain that she will be delighted with your assistance.

ROARK descendant Dan RICKETT of Anderson, MO, provided me with a magazine article entitled "Grandfather's Rifle' by Bill BROCKWAY. Writing for the April 1988 issue of Muzzle Blasts magazine, the author relates the story of an antique firearm which originally belonged to his g-g-g-grandfather, John ROARK, who homesteaded on Goose Creek in Macon County, TN, sometime around 1800 on a land grant awarded to his uncle, James ROARK, as a reward for military service in the Revolutionary War. John ROARK and his brother-in-law, Bill LINVILLE, later served with Andrew JACKSON at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.

The only obvious connection between these ROARKs and the ones who settled in our area is the fact that Macon County, TN, adjoins Allen County, KY, the place where William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE were married. Thanks, Dan, for placing another small piece in the puzzle. It's always good to hear from a cousin!

Jean BOHANNAN of the Delaware County Genealogical Society has provided Rootbound with information about the genealogy section of the Grove Public Library. The extensive genealogy holdings of the library include the International Genealogical Index (IGI) of the Mormon Church, War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (128 volumes), several hundred rolls of census film, and a good selection of Indian research material. The library's hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday; and, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The letter form Mrs. BOHANNAN came as quite a coincidence because just a few weeks ago I purchased a copy of Claude Hanna Retraces Memory's Road, a book which she compiled and edited. The book is a collection of newspaper columns by Claude HANNA which appeared in the Delaware County Journal between 1964 and 1971. Mr. HANNA, a retired Grove school administrator and postmaster, penned his memories of growing up in the Grove area in the early days of the 20th century as a regular feature for the newspaper.

The excellent volume of Mr. HANNA's work may be purchased at the Grove Public Library or at The Bookmark bookstore at 21 East 3rd in Grove, OK, for only $5.95. Also available at The Bookmark is A History of Monkey Island which sells for $8 and contains quite a lot of genealogical material. Profits from the sale of the HANNA book have been earmarked for improvements at the Grove Springs Park, and the proceeds from the book on Monkey Island go to the Delaware County Historical Society.

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #28: 5 April 1988

by Rocky Macy

Mrs. Terry NEECE (Rt. 1, Box 498, Goodman, MO 64843) is trying to learn more about the family of her husband's great-grandmother, Easter Indiana STALCUP. She married Young ABERCROMBIE in Pineville, MO, in 1877. Easter supposedly came with her family from Georgia and settled in Lanyard Hollow, Benton County, AR. She had a sister, possibly named Mary, who married and lived near Dallas, TX, and a brother, L.A. (Los) who is buried in the Bethel Cemetery near Decatur, AR. Easter and her siblings were possibly of Cherokee Descent. Their mother supposedly died shortly after moving to Arkansas, and the father was killed by bushwhackers.

Some family reports on Easter Indiana STALCUP give her parents' names as Peter and Mary, but her brother's death certificate lists the father as Jack and contains an incorrect entry for the mother. Mrs. NEECE has been unable to find this family on any census or cemetery record. She did find an Easter STALCUP on the 1870 census of Flint County, AR (11-years-old, born in GA) living in the Alexander DUCKWORTH home. If anyone can assist Mrs. NEECE in this research, please contact her at the above address.

Two queries arrived this week from Lindy GREENUP McDOWELL (P.O. Box 1113, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455). She is seeking information on her great-grandmother, Mary LAWSON, who was first married to John GREENUP (he probably died in the Civil War), and she was later married to Daniel FRYE. Mary and Daniel lived in McDonald County.

Lindy GREENUP McDOWELL is also researching her grandparents, Thomas William and Ida GREENUP who lived in Noel, MO, at one time. Ida was the daughter of George Washington CARPENTER and Mary Charollet INSKEEP. Ida had brothers and sisters in Delaware County, OK, that included George, Vaus, Will, Eddie, May, and Mary. Will married Mary Emma FRYE. Ms. McDOWELL would be happy to exchange information with anyone who is working on one of her lines.

The postman has brought two nice letters from Carl A. HANNAH (Rt. 4, Box 242, Grove, OK 74344) this past week. He is the program chairman for the Grove Genealogical Society which meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Grove Public Library. The group has graciously invited me to present a program at the August meeting, and I'm looking forard to it!

Mr. HANNAH mentioned that his family tree has roots in the Ozarks. His grandmother, Louisiana Tennessee FRANKLIN, was born in Taney County, MO. She was married in McDonald County to Anderson Montel HANNAH. Mr. HANNAH has also sent four generation charts on each of his parents. His surnames, in addition to those already mentioned include WYLY, HARRIS, WILSON, TUNNELL, GENTRY, WOOD, PATTERSON, WHITTENBERGER, FRUIT, PATTON, DAWSON, CUNNINGHAM, NESBITT, GIBSON, TURNER, and PARK. I'm certain that Mr. HANNAH would enjoy hearing from others who are working on the same surnames.

And this note comes from a letter which I received recently from my father's cousin, Maryruth NUTT, of Kansas City.

"I am very much interested in your Grandmother SREAVES maiden name, ROARK. I believe the ROARK family came to Newton County in the same migration as the NUTT and RUTLEDGE families. These original settler families were very clanish and really were almost a closed society. I have heard Tom speak often of the ROARKs"

Tom was Thomas Franklin NUTT, the writer's grandfather and my great-grandfather. The RUTLEDGE reference was to Thomas RUTLEDGE, an early settler of Newton County. I would like to hear from anyone working those lines.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Rootbound will be sponsoring a special program dealing with the fundamentals of genealogy. Mr. Rylen RUDY and several other experienced genealogists will give the presentation at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th, at the Southwest City School Cafeteria. They ask that participants bring notebooks, pencils, and a desire to learn more about this interesting hobby. There will be no fee for the program. I hope to meet many of you there.

Until next week...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #27: 29 Mar 1988

by Rocky Macy

This week's first query comes to us from Rose STAUBER (Rt. 3, Box 1084, Grove, OK 74344):

"I'm seeking information about my maternal great-great-grandfather, G.W. ROSE, He and his wife, Eliza, are buried in Oakwood Cemetery north of Goodman. The tombstone gives G. W. ROSE's date of birth as 24 July 1825, and his wife's as 25 Oct 1828.

"The following information is believed to apply:

"About 1865-67, a daughter, Lizzie Baker, married David C. PIERCE in Adams County, IL. The PIERCEs moved to Newton County, MO, in 1869.

"On 23 September 1877 a son, my great-grandfather, Thomas Fletcher ROSE married Mary Lucinda MARQUUES (or MARQUIS) in McDonald County, MO.

"I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has information which would assist me in my search."

Ms. STAUBER is the daughter of long-time Noel resident Martin Stauber.

Rootbound published a brief query from Helen A. HEWITT (6900 S.E. 33rd Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040) a few weeks ago. This past week a letter arrived from Mrs. HEWITT which expands on the previous query. She had this to say:

"Dear Mr. Macy:

"Thank you for sending the issue of Rootbound in the Hills. I firmly believe more genealogy columns are needed.

"I had two great-great-uncles and one great-great-aunt living in Benton County, AR, and McDonald County, MO, and would be interested in contacting any of their descendants. The query I would like to place is:

"Would like to hear from descendants of Robert and Nancy (COLE) WANN who came to Benton County, AR, in 1849, and his brother, Emsley WANN (1816-1903) who came to McDonald County, MO, by 1849, and was on the Benton County censuses in 1860 and 1870. Would particularly like to find their mother's maiden name. Also seeking information on Mary A. THOMASON and her son, James S. DENTON, who were living in Southwest City in 1900.

"Do you have a local genealogical or historical society? I would be happy to send them my family group sheets if they would be interested.

"I lead a southern states interest group in Seattle once a month and plan to take your paper and letter to show them. So you might be hearing from other northwesterners!"

Hope so, Helen. I also hope that some of our Rootbound readers will be able to help to help you with your research. Thanks for writing.

Georgia McMAHON ROGERS (Spartan Village #39, Wrightstown, NJ 08562) has submitted her four generation chart. The following surnames (mostly rooted in Canada and New England) are included: CLARK, BARLOW, ARMSTRONG, WHEELER, FREEMAN, BATES, ACKERMAN, SMITH, GILT, GELT, BOULDRON, McKENZIE, McMAHON, STAR, and STARR. If you think you might have a connection, drop Mrs. ROGERS a note.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Genealogy Friends of the Library will present genealogist Leland K. MEITZLER at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Neosho High School Library. MEITZLER is the managing editor of Heritage Quest Magazine and lectures nationally on family history. Admission will be by donation.

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #26: 22 Mar 1988

by Rocky Macy

This week the postman brought a letter from Mrs. Anna COOPER (P.O. Box 272, Wheaton, MO 64874). She is researching the family of George Washington NICHOLS and Martha OAKS (OCHE). George Nichols was born in 1827 and died in 1897. He is buried in the Rocky Comfort Cemetery in Hiwasse, AR. George's wife, Martha, was born in 1829 in Kentucky and died in 1908. She is buried in Cherryvale, KS. The couple's children were Milar, Jane, William, and Tom. Mrs. COOPER's husband is a descendant of the NICHOLS family. She would appreciate any assistance which Rootbound readers may be able to offer.

Here is another query from Raymond E. JEFFERIES (c/o Jeff-Gen Research, P.O. 369, Pea Ridge, AR 72751). He is seeking information about Dr. Israel STANIFORD and Amanda HUFFACRE who were reportedly married at or around Neosho, MO, year unknown. Dr. STANIFORD may be buried in the vicinity of Bella Vista, AR, and Amanda is reported to be buried around Southwest City, MO. Perhaps some of our Neosho readers will be able to help with this one.

Mention was made in last week's Rootbound of the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society and its excellent quarterly publication, The Backpacker. Persons desiring more information about this group may write to the Society at P.O. Box K, Rogers, AR 72757. Membership dues are $9 per calendar year, and copies of The Backtracker may be purchased individually for $2.50 each. Not only do members get The Backtracker free, but they are also entitled to three fifty-word queries in each issue at no charge.

Rootbound's good friend, Naomi F. MILLER ORTIZ of Bartlesville, OK, forwarded a copy of a genealogy column which appears in The Daily Oklahoman each Saturday. The column welcomes brief, free ancestral queries from or about Oklahomans, with priority to those citing specific people, places, and times. Queries should be sent to Mary GODDARD, The Daily Oklahoman, Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. And when you write, tell Mary that you read about her column in Rootbound!

Vera H. MURPHREE (778 Dorothy St., Chula Vista, CA 92011) appears to be tracking the same POE line that spawned Comfort POE ROARK, matriarch of most of the ROARKs in this area. She believes, as do I, that Comfort was the daughter of William POE. William had a twin brother named Johnson POE. Unsubstantiated information that I have collected from other researchers indicates that William was born 15 April 1778 in NC and died on 16 April 1855 in Allen County, KY. William was married twice. His first wife was Sarah ROARK, and wife number two was Delaney AUSTIN. It is unclear as to which wife would have been the mother of Comfort. William and Johnson were probably sons of Benjamin POE who was born on 14 Aug 1749 in Culpepper County, VA and died in late 1839 in Allen County, KY. Do any of our readers have a family Bible or other documents which might shed some light on all of this speculation? If you do, please share it with Rootbound.

Rootbound Shortcut: Prepare a list of surnames that you are researching, and stuff a copy in each genealogical letter that you send out. I sent my surnames list to Annabelle E. CHANDLER of Meadow Vista, CA, after running her BRUNNER query in Rootbound a few weeks ago. She noticed a couple of names of interest and wrote back. It turns out that we share a good bit of common lineage. She has provided me with information about our BRACKIN and STALCUP lines that I didn't have, and it looks as though I also have data which she needs. And it all began with a surname list! (When you get your surname list put together, send it to Rootbound and we'll publish it!)

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #25: 15 Mar 1988

by Rocky Macy

Edythe HALL RILEY of Noel has accumulated an extensive amount of genealogical information on the HALL family of Benton County, AR, and McDonald County, MO. With her kind permission, the following is submitted to the readers of Rootbound:

1. Randolph HALL was born 9 Jan 1796 in VA and died in 1896. He married Polly CANADY who was born on 5 June 1805 and died in 1891. Their children were: Catherine E. (born 13 July 1825, married John Emmel BEASLY); Martha Jane (born 19 June 1827, married Jake YEARWOOD); Judah Ann (born 12 May 1829, married Patrick DUNCAN); Thomas Burrell(born 13 Nov 1830, died young); James Fanning (born 1 June 1832, died young); Jefferson Monroe (born 13 Aug 1834, died young); John Randolph (see below); Albert Eli (born 12 Apr 1838, married _____ SPICER); Mary Malinda (born 6 Dec 1839, married Ed ZUMBRO); Levander Turrett (born 19 Dec 1841, went to Texas); Marmon Ro (born 16 Feb 1844, married Leatha June BULLARD); Lambert Carney (born 2 Sep 1846, married Martha BIVINS); Jarman C. (born 23 July 1848); and Nancy Mahalia (born 9 Sep 1850, married Frank JONES).

2. John Randolph HALL was born 28 Jul 1836 in Rutherford County, TN, and died on 27 Oct 1912 in Noel, MO. He married Louisa Penelopy Jane "Jennie" CHRISTENBERRY on 17 Apr 1868. She was born on 16 Dec 1848, the daughter of John Edd CHRISTENBERRY and Terzey MITCHELL. Their children were were Mahala (born 1869, died young), Randolph (born 3 June 1872 in TN, died 22 Mar 1894 in AR); Joseph Samuel (born 10 Apr 1874 in TN, 29 July 1903 in AR); Ivan (born July 1875 in TN, died 25 July 1957 in CA, married Anne Dixion McCULLOUGH); John Edward (see below); Lillie Mae (born 13 May 1883 in TN, married Walter MALONEY); and, Mack Clarance (born 2 Nov 1890 in TN, died 1948 in Noel, MO, married Hazel CAMPBELL).

3. John Edward HALL was born 28 July 1880 in Bedford County, TN, and died on 24 June 1954 in Noel, MO. He married Ina E. DEAN in Pineville, MO, on 29 Aug 1907. She was the daughter of Henry E. DEAN and Adelia Maria WASSON. "Edd" and Ina had six children, one of whom was Mrs. RILEY.

An interesting note is that Hall Ridge Road in Noel was named after descendants of Randolph and Polly HALL. Our thanks to Edyth HALL RILEY for sharing her research with our readers.

Raymond E. JEFFERIES (c/o Jeff-Gen Reasearch, P.O. Box 369, Pea Ridge, AR 72751) has sent a couple of nice letters after noticing the recent mention of Rootbound in the Hills in The Genealogical Helper. Mr. JEFFERIES has been doing professional genealogical research in Washington and Benton Counties for the past fifteen years, and doe limited work in the usrrounding counties. Far a complete listing of Mr. JEFFERIES' resource materials and information about Jeff-Gen, send a long SASE to him at the above address.

Mr. JEFFERIES is a past president of the Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society. He reports that the Society has placed over $25,000 worth of materials in the Bentonville Public Library. The Society also publishes an excellent quarterly called The Backtracker. (I was a member of the group in 1980 and received one of the most significant genealogical breaks that I've ever had as a result of a query in The Backtracker.)

The following query was submitted by Raymond E. JEFFERIES:

"Seeking information on Dr. Israel STANIFORD, a physician who was born in Indian Territory. The 1880 census of Benton County, AR, Mt. Vernon Township, lists Dr. STANIFORD as being 39-years-old. His wife, Amanda (HUFFACRE) was listed as being aged 38 and born in Missouri. Her parents were both born in Tennessee. Their children at that time were Ira W. (16), Rhoda A. (14), John (11), Wm. H. (9), Laura B. (8), Ide E. (5), Edward (1), and Norman (4 months). The first four were born in Kansas, and the last four were natives of Missouri. The parents apparently died in 1892 as the younger children all had guardians at that time."

Many thanks to Raymond E. JEFFERIES for his information and query.

Until next time...happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #24: 8 Mar 1988

by Rocky Macy

Rootbound in the Hills received a nice mention in the most recent issue of The Genealogical Helper, a national magazine dedicated to "helping more people find more genealogy." One of the people who read the piece was Helen HEWITT (6900 S.E. 33rd, Mercer Island, WA 98040. She asked for more information about the column and mentioned that her great-uncles, Robert WANN and Emsley WANN, lived in this area, as did her great-aunt, Jane WANN HUTSON, wife of Benjamin HUTSON. Anyone working on WANN or HUTSON lines should drop a note to Helen.

Rootbound received a second letter from Naomi F. MILLER ORTIZ (707 South Cherokee Ave, Bartlesville, OK 74003). Her query which appeared in the 9 Feb 1988 column sought information on the siblings and parents of her great-grandfather, William Henry GRIFFITH, who was born in Pennsylvania, lived in Ohio and Missouri, and died in Oklahoma. Naomi has sent her four-generation chart which contains the following surnames and locations: MILLER (MO), GRIFFITH (KS, MO, OK, OH, PA), HOOD (MO), WILSON (IA, MO), EASTER (KY), ENGRAM (MO), CLINE (MO, PA), TERRIL (no state given), GABRIEL (KY), and RAMEY (VA). She would, I am certain, enjoy hearing from anyone who might be a twig on one of her branches.

Judy ROBERSON (1239 Willowbrook Dr. #8, Huntsville, AL 35802) is seeking information on her husband's grandfather, __________ ROBERSON, who possibly worked for the railroad at one time. Grandfather ROBERSON died circa 1907 in Kansas City, MO, or Kansas City, KS. His wife was Mary Elizabeth THIEMANN. She was born on 22 Oct 1882 in Fayetteville Twp., IL, and died 27 Jan 1953 in Walla Walla, WA. They were the parents of Frank Edward ROBERSON who was born on 9 Mar 1907 in Kansas City, MO, and died on 8 Jan 1955 in Raytown, MO. Mother and son were on the 1910 census living with a Siras WELDY family in Kansas City, MO, and she was listed as a widow. Mary Elizabeth married Walter HEMBREE after 1910. Please contact Judy ROBERSON at the above address if you have information regarding her line of research.

My children's maternal grandfather was Edwin Seville ROBERSON. A native of Paonia, CO, Edwin went on to become a journeyman printer, working for The Paonian and The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Colorado, and eventually joining the Arkansas Democrat in Little Rock, AR. According to his mother, Edna Bashaba GOODENOW ROBERSON HULSE, Edwin was at one time the youngest printer-engraver in the U.S. Another interesting family note is that Edwin's cousin, Georgia DAVIS, was the wife of comedian Red SKELTON.

This past week the mailman brought the first issue of Genealogy Friends Newsletter, the new publication of Neosho's Genealogy Friends of the Library. The impressive newsletter contained a wide variety of information of interest to family tree researchers as well as several queries of local relevance. Issue #2 will provide a list of members and surnames that each is researching. I'll have my list in - and maybe a couple of queries to boot!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #23: 1 Mar 1988

by Rocky Macy

Here's another genealogical tidbit for the ROARK file: William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE, the progenitors of most of our local ROARK lines, were probably married in Allen County, KY, on 10 Nov 1838.

I received that piece of information from a fellow researcher several years ago. Unfortunately, he provided no documentation. This past week a letter came from Mr. William L. THOMAS of Smith's Grove, KY, which verified the earlier report. He sent a xeroxed page from Early Allen County, Kentucky, Marriages by Oliphant which listed William Carroll ROARK and Comfort POE as being married in that county on 10 Nov 1838. The marriage was performed by Levi ROARK.

Mr. THOMAS mentioned in his reply that the ROARKs and POEs were generally in Monroe, Allen, and Warren Counties, with some spilling over into Simpson County and adjoining Tennessee counties.

The next step in my research will be to contact the the county clerk in Allen County to see if an official record of the marriage exists. (Mr. THOMAS stated in his letter that the original courthouse was burned and many records were lost.)

In case you missed it, the Rootbound column of 8 Dec 1987 dealt exclusively with William and Comfort and their children. I would be glad to forward a copy for an SASE.

Mrs. Annabelle E. CHANDLER (817 Cole Road, Meadow Vista, CA 95722) has written seeking information on her g-g-g-grandfather, William THOMAS, Sr, who was born in PA in 1777. He married Lydia BRUNER in 1801 in Mercer County, KY. William was the son of Abraham and Susannah SMITH THOMAS. Lydia was the daughter of of Peter BRUNER. Peter BRUNER's children married people with the following surnames: BANTA, THOMAS, HARRIS, MAGOFFIN, VOORHIES, and DEMARRE. Mrs. CHANDLER's lines extend into Mercer, Washington, Breckenridge, and Shelby Counties in KY. She would like to exchange information with anyone doing related research.

Jack P. WILLIAMS (626 Cherry Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110) who has written previously about the surname PERRY and Crowder College, has forwarded a "thank you" for a brochure on Crowder College that I mailed to him. In his most recent letter, Jack states:

"The brochure arrived. Crowder appears to have a very attractive campus. It is certainly different that the way I remember Camp Crowder. I best remember it for the depth and abundance of its mud since the moment ground was broken for construction it started to rain, and it rained and continued to rain. I recall our cars had to frequently be towed from the parking lot since the mud was so deep it was impossible to move otherwise.

"The brochure arrived in the same mail as the current issue of Smithsonian magazine, and I was startled to find mention of Crowder College in the magazine. The issue has an interesting article on the Australian solar car race, and I was surprised to read that the college had an entry. It is regretable that the entry was overturned by high winds, but the fact there was even an entry by a community college is amazing. Everyone in the project is to be congratulated, and I hope their next car is even more successful."

So do I, Jack. Our corner of the Ozarks is indeed fortunate to have a quality community college like Crowder.

Leonard L. DAMRON (Rt. 1, Box 118, Sulphur Springs, AR 72768) postulates that our area was part of the normal migration route from the East to Arkansas and Texas. He suggests that our ancestors crossed the Mississippi, passed through Springfield, Sarcoxie, and Carthage, and moved on to the area of Southwest City. From there they took advantage of the first break in the Ozark Mountains west of the Mississippi River and headed south to Siloam Springs, Ft. Smith, and beyond. A few, of course, stayed in the Ozarks - lucky for us!

Happy trails!

Rootbound in the Hills #22: 23 Feb 1988

by Rocky Macy

My good friends, Fred and Margaret ANDERSON SMITH, of Goodman, MO, sent me a wonderful little book this past week. Ozark Trails and Tales: A Collection of Memories by Fred Wellington SMITH is a delightful account of a trip that Fred and his father took to Chicago in 1922. It is supplemented with many vignettes of life in and around Goodman in the 1920's. The book was compiled and edited by Fred's son as a surprise for his father.

Fred's parents were James Van Etta SMITH and Caroline Estelle STAIGER SMITH. The family moved from Kansas City to Goodman in 1911 after taking advantage of an offer from Kansas City Southern Railway to provide free round trip transportation to anyone who wanted to look for property along the rail line. Fred was only four-years-old when they arrived in Goodman.

Here is a small sampler from Ozark Trails and Tales:

"Do you remember how the Civil War vets would come to town on the 4th of July waving the Yankee and the Confederate hats?

"Two Civil War vets that I knew real well were J.A. BRAY and C.R. EDDINGS. They both bought Model Ts about the same time.

"Mr. EDDINGS learned to drive his after having his right leg amputated. That was because he had bought a pair of aluminum shoes about a year before and developed a bunion on his right foot. Actually they were like snow shoes with spikes on the soles for walking on ice and aluminum capped toes. They had pretty good leather and were supposed to last a long time. I guess the right one did."

Fred's humor is also evident in his poetry. This selection is entitled "Hotel Goodman":

"Did you ever eat dinner in the old Goodman Hotel?
And listen to the stories that the old timers would tell?
Or drink from the wooden bucket at the old Goodman well?
If the man before you chewed tobacco, how the water would smell!"

Persons desiring more information about Ozark Trails and Tales may write to Fred SMITH at P.O. Box 276, Goodman, MO 64843.

Several weeks ago I mentioned the fine genealogy collection at the City-County Library in Neosho. This week I received a letter from Phyllis CHANCELLOR HOLLEY, chairperson of Genealogy Friends of the Library, a support group for the City-County Library. She explained that the group was formed to share genealogical materials for the library.

Genealogy Friends of the Library meet the second Monday of each month in the genealogy room of the City-County Library. They publish a bimonthly newsletter for members. Membership dues are $7 per year. For further information, please contact Genealogy Friends of the Library, 507 W. Hickory, Neosho, MO 64850. My check is in the mail!

I have also recently joined the Missouri State Genealogical Association (P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205). $10 annual dues entitle members to issues of its newsletter and quarterly journal. Members may submit information for publication and free queries of up to fifty words. The organization also collects and publishes four-generation charts of its members.

I'm still waiting to hear from Rootbound readers about the possibility of establishing a genealogical group in this area. Share your thoughts on this idea - please!

Rootbound in the Hills #21: 16 Feb 1988

by Rocky Macy

Nomah HAWK is seeking assistance in tracing the lineage of her great-grandmother, Elizabeth MILLS WELLS. Elizabeth was born on 19 March 1837 or 1838, and died on 30 Jan 1909. Elizabeth, who was married to Elbert WELLS, lived in the vicinity of Corsicanna, MO, and is buried at the Corsicanna Cemetery. Nomah is also researching her great-great-grandfather, Charles I. PRICE. He had a daughter, Mary Modean PRICE, who married James D. WOOTENON on 16 Sep 1860, possibly in Barry County, MO. Anyone having information about these individuals should contact Ms. HAWK at Rt. 4, Box 186, Bentonville, AR 72712.

This week's Rootbound mailbag also had a nice letter from Rylen M. RUDY (143S. High St., Neosho, MO 64850). Mr. RUDY, a respected genealogical researcher, has a line which connects with the NOEL family. I have forwarded his query on to Harold and Dorothy Jane SCHIFFERLI, the kind people who provided the NOEL family material for Rootbound's previous article. Basically, Mr. RUDY is interested in learning the parentage of Bill NOEL who was born on 29 Dec 1878 in McDonald County. Bill was married on 10 Dec 1905 to Priscilla "Puss" B. HARMON of Erie Township, McDonald County. He died on 12 June 1954 and is buried at the Noel Cemetery. Rylen would also like to know Bill NOEL's complete name. Who can help?

In addition to his query, Rylen RUDY sent along a copy of his four generation chart. His parents were Earl Rylen RUDY (b. 2 Feb 1885 in Neosho, MO) and Clifford Eve MARTIN (b. 24 Dec 1884 in McDonald County, MO); grandparents were Rylen Barnett RUDY (b. 24 Feb 1861 in Tolona, IL), and Ada Elizabeth CAMPBELL (b. 14 May 1862 in Smithville, AR), Horace Tong MARTIN (b. Feb 1860 in McDonald County, MO), and Christine Ann MAYFIELD (b. 17 Jan 1861 in McDonald County, MO); and, great-grandparents were Perlonzo Conduit RUDY (b. 2 July 1834 in Edgar County, IL), Virginia E. BARNETT (b. 1835 in Jessamine County, KY), William Hugh CAMPBELL (b. 7 Aug 1829 in Lawrence County, TN), Louisa Jane HOLT (b. 9 Apr 1828 in TN), John MARTIN (b. 1837 in TN), Mary Catherine MORRIS (b. 1838 in TN), John Franklin MAYFIELD (b. 23 Apr 1835 in KY), and Elizabeth HARMON (b. 6 March 1836 in Greene County, TN).

Mr. RUDY has generously offered to assist anyone who ties in with any of his lines.

Carole HUFF (7730 Hoff Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938) is trying to locate information on her husband's great-great-grandfather, William HUFF. He was born in Kentucky circa 1823, and married in 1844 in Campbell County, TN. She would appreciate any assistance which our readers may offer.

I have a HUFF line also. Mary E. "Polly" HUFF was born on 9 Apr 1790 in Breckenridge County, KY. She married William MASEY on 9 Jan 1813, and died in Breckenridge County on 12 May 1883. They had twelve children, including a son, Charles (MACY), who migrated to Newton County, MO.

Special thanks to Mrs. COLLIE and her assistant at the McDonald County Library for coordinating and supervising the final exam for my genealogy correspondence course. The test was a real ego bruiser. I'm glad to have it behind me!

Until next week - happy hunting!