Rootbound in the Hills

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #242:
12 May 1992

Rootbound in the Hills #241:
5 May 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hidden Lineages is a surname index to previously unpublished names in the D.A.R. Lineage Books, Volumes 151-166.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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #240:
28 April 1992

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

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

The family information in the Bible is as follows:

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

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

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

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

And until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #239:
21 April 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #238:
14 April 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #237:
7 April 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #236:
31 Mar 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #235:
24 Mar 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #234:
17 Mar 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #233:
10 Mar 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #232:
3 Mar 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #231:
25 Feb 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #230:
18 Feb 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

And now...on to the mail!

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #229:
11 Feb 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #228:
4 Feb 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #227:
28 Jan 1992

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #226:
21 Jan 1992

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

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

Vivian closed her letter with the following mini-testimonial:

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #225:
14 Jan 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #224:
7 Jan 1992

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #223:
31 Dec 1991

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

Poor fella! Thanks for sharing, Rose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #222:
24 Dec 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #221:
17 Dec 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #220:
10 Dec 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #219:
3 Dec 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #218:
26 Nov 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #217:
19 Nov 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!