Rootbound in the Hills

Friday, July 18, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #187:
23 April 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #186:
16 April 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #185:
9 April 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #184:
2 April 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #183:
26 Mar 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #182:
19 Mar 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #181:
12 Mar 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy trails!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #180:
5 Mar 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #179:
26 Feb 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #178:
19 Feb 1991

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #177:
12 Feb 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #176:
5 Feb 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #175:
29 Jan 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #174:
22 Jan 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #173:
15 Jan 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week...happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #172:
8 Jan 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #171:
1 Jan 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #170:
25 Dec 1990

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #169:
18 Dec 1990

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #168:
11 Dec 1990

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #167:
4 Dec 1990

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #166:
27 Nov 1990

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy hunting!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #165:
20 Nov 1990

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

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

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

Earl LITTRELL (6730 Blessing Drive, Dallas, TX 75214) would like to hear from descendants of Timothy William DAVIS (born 1822, NC) and his wife, Margaret WELLS DAVIS, a native of Alabama. Margaret died in Lawrence County, MO, in 1899, and Timothy passed away in that same county the following year. Their children were: Ellen (married Francis HOWARD), Frank, Eli Marion, Nannie (married Brother STOCKSTILL), and Columbus who died young in Rogers, AR.

Earl LITTRELL (address above) is also on the lookout for descendants of Joseph and Dulsabella LITTRELL. He was born 1770-1780 in Virginia and died in 1833 in Howard County, MO. Joseph and Dulsabella had fourteen children: John W.D., James, Martha (married William MELLON), Levisa (married James FORREST), George, Robert, Mary (John McCULLY), Letha (married Alfred LAY), Garrett, Elizbeth (married Seth BOTTS), David, Alsia (married George WOLFSKILL), Lucinda (married John WALDEN), and Joseph. Can some of our readers assist Earl with his family quest?

Ruthalea E. SUMMERS (1017 Pompano, Post Isabel, TX 78578) wishes to make contact with anyone having a knowledge of the EDMONDS, CHASE, and LOCKHART families who resided in McDonald County, MO, during the period 1850-1900. Of particular interest to Ruthalea are Emma Louise (LOCKHART) EDMONDS and William P. CHASE who shared the estate of John LOCKHART upon his death on 13 Oct 1879 in McDonald County. William P. CHASE's deceased mother was Jane CHASE. Was she a daughter of John LOCKHART and Mary SMITH LOCKHART? Ruthalea wants to know!

Isiah PARK (born 1806, KY) and his wife Catherine (born 1808, KY) traveled to Texas from Columbia, MO, in 1848 with the Peters' Colony. Today his g-g-granddaughter, Betty TROUTMAN (3505 Easton Meadow #212, Garland, TX 75043), would like to know if her pioneering ancestors left any descendants in the Ozarks. Betty's great-grandfather, Daniel PARK, was a Confederate soldier who was killed in August of 1862 at a battle near Orient, AR. Other children of Isiah and Catherine include Eli, Ann, Woodson, W.R. (Wiley), and Marion - all born in Missouri. Do any of their descendants remain in this area?

The holiday season is a great time to share and preserve those old family stories and traditions. This year after everyone has pushed themselves away from those wonderful meals at the family gatherings, why not take out the old tape recorders and salvage some history - before it's forgotten!

Happy hunting!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #164:
13 Nov 1990

Bushwhackings continue to figure prominently in the Rootbound mail. A recent letter from Errol F. DURBIN (1203 Bird Avenue, Harrisonville, MO 64701) relates the story of how his wife's g-g-grandfather was bushwhacked in Bates County, MO, in 1861. That ancestor, Wilia SIGLER, was the son of John and Catherine SIGLER. His wife's name was Jane, and their children were Matilda and Perry Franklin. Wilia's widow, Jane, married Mark SHELTON two years after Wilia's death. Branches of this SIGLER family also lived in the areas of Joplin and Granby, MO. Errol would enjoy hearing from anyone who has a knowledge of his wife's SIGLER ancestry.

Jourdan G. MYERS (933 Champion Lane, Deer Park, CA 94576) has written a book on the MYERS family. His line came from Jackson County, TN, to Newton County, MO, between 1850 and 1860. One member of this group was Jonas MYERS who owned a farm in Franklin Township of Newton County. Next to that MYERS farm was one belonging to Reubin and Susannah KOTTI. He believes that Susannah KOTTI may have been Susannah MYERS, a sister to Jonas. Jourdan G. MYERS would be most happy to exchange information with any MYERS descendants in our area.

Ellen MERRITT (P.O. Box 857, Bentonville, AR 72712) wishes to learn more about the ancestry and lives of her great-grandparents, William H. GIPSON (born 1867, MO) and Arzula Palestine "Tine" (LANCASTER) GIPSON. Palestine's first husband was E.S. CHOATE whom she married in Illinois in the 1860s. They had nine children, some of whom were Jess, E.E., I.E., W.H., Nettie, Laura, and Leona. After Mr. CHOATE died, Tine married Mr. GIPSON in Illinois or Missouri, and they had two additional children, Winten "Willie" and Montana "Montia".

William GIPSON was killed in Oklahoma (where?) by a train in 1907. Tine lived around Halltown, MO, with her daughter, Montia HUFF, until being killed in an auto accident in Kansas in 1930. Palestine GIPSON is buried in Halltown, MO. GIPSON, CHOATE, and HUFF descendants might learn something of value by contacting Ellen at her home in Bentonville.

Bernice MATTHEWS (3538 D-E 56th Street, Maywood, CA 90270) needs information on Reuben BROWN, William HINES, and Richard HINES of Madison County, MO. William and Reuben both served in the War of 1812 and received bounty land. Both of those men moved to Sebastian County, AR, around 1840. Bernice would be pleased to share her material with others researching these same individuals.

Is there a SPENCER in your family tree? Then the SPENCER Historical and Genealogical Society (formerly SPENCER Family Association) might be able to lend a hand in your family research. For more information on this surname organization, please write to Virginia C. O'BRYAN (1326 East Lawrence Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85020-3034). And let Virginia know that you heard about her group through Rootbound!

Footsteps Through Time is a national newsletter for persons with a MACY lineage. The editor, Anna J. BEDROSIAN (9510 Superior Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2569), sent a complimentary copy of the most recent issue to Rootbound, and we were delighted to find that the lead article dealt with the line of John MAYSEY of Fairfax County, VA, the progenitor of the branch that came to reside in the Ozarks. The cost of the quarterly publication is seven dollars per year, and back issues are available.

Until next week...happy hunting!

Monday, June 30, 2008

Rootbound in the Hills #163:
6 Nov 1990

Her letter began, "Rootbound - what a very nice idea." And, of course, Mary had more to say. Please read on...

Mary LaRUE (P.O. Box 542, Nowata, OK 74048) is searching for any information on the family of J.H. and Rachel MOUNTS. He died in 1924 and she passed away in 1926. Mary has only recently discovered that they are buried in Fairview Cemetery. (She didn't mention where the cemetery was located - perhaps Fairview, Newton County, MO.) Anyone with a knowledge of this couple or their family is asked to please contact Mary LaRUE at her home in Nowata.

In the mid-1800s a family named WHITSON (WITSON) and another family named McDANIEL took in some orphaned children by the name of McMURTREY. They were located near Dardanelle, AR. Now, Mrs. Leona NEEL (P.O. Box 132, Langley, OK 74350) is trying to find descendants of these children. Which of our readers can assist Leona in her quest?

J.R. DENNINGTON (Rt. 2, Box 12, Bonham, TX 75418) is tracking the surname DENNINGTON in Missouri and CODY in Arkansas. Do we have readers working either of those lines?

The surname BRIGGS is of interest to Barbara C. LONG (12555 Valley View Drive, Chesterland, OH 44026). Her ancestor, Archibald BRIGGS (1818-1911), son of John BRIGGS, Jr. and Mary BOAL, resided in Anderson County, TX, prior to migrating to Cole County, AR, before 1860. Archibald's wife was Mary E. BARNETT, a daughter of Abner and Catherine BARNETT. Archibald and Mary BRIGGS had three children: Thomas Benton "Ben", Florence Emily, and Benjamin Franklin "Frank" BRIGGS.

Ben BRIGGS (above) was born in 1850 in Texas. He married a woman named Sarah, and they had the following ten children: R.E., Roger, Viola, Lee, Carl, Virgil, Gertrude, Garry, Oma, and Jesse. All of the children were believed to have been born in the area of Washington County, Ar. Ben may have eventually mored to Stilwell, OK, along with his father, Archibald.

Frank BRIGGS (above) (1851-1911) married Martha F. HAYMAN in Belle Plains, TX. Their three oldest children (Walter F., Archibald, and Florence Belle) were born in Texas, and the younger ones (Nancy Ann, John F., William Alva, and Ida Ellen) were born in Washington County, AR. Descendants of the BRIGGS family are undoubtedly in the Ozarks today, and Barbara C. LONG would like to correspond with them.

French ancestry is of interest to Patsy DeLARODERIE (P.O. Box 58, Grosse Tetem, LA 70740). She is looking for material on the AUDIBERT and DeLARODERIE families who arrived from France around 1814. The families are believed to have settled near St. Louis, MO, and Alphonse DeLARODERIE and Madam Francois AUDIBERT were in New Madrid, MO, in 1816. Did they make it on over to the Ozarks?

Most family tree charts only have room to list individuals for four or five generations, and a few extend up to ten generations. (A ten-generation chart will provide room for information on one thousand and twenty-three people.) Rootbound has recently received a flyer from Dana J. MARTIN (P.O. Box 4382, Houma, LA 70361) who states that he has developed a seventeen-generation chart that measures only two feet by three feet. For more information on this unique item, contact Mr. MARTIN at his home in Louisiana. The cost of the chart is $6 for one or three for $16, postage included.

Expanded Ego Department: Thank you Heritage Quest magazine for making an article by this writer, "Genealogy Meets the Next Generation," your cover story for issue number thirty! The piece dealt with ways to interest children in family tree research. For more information on Heritage Quest or a subscription, please write to the magazine at P.O. Box 40, Orting, WA 98360.

And while you're at it, why not write to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We'll help you shake that old family tree!

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #162:
30 Oct 1990

Rootbound's best friend in the Far North, Sue HANNAH (7048 Timothy Street, Anchorage, AK 99502), has written to say that although her query on the M.E. and Elledn KEEGAN family of the Seneca, MO, area stirred no new information, a couple of our readers did send her a copy of the column, and one even sent the entire newspaper! Our readers care!

Virginia COTTRELL (2013 Cherry Lane, Durant, OK 74701) wishes to correspond with anyone tracking a COSTEN family line. Her ancestor, William COSTEN, married Cassa Ann McALLISTER. William and Cassa COSTEN had twelve children, each born in Tennessee. The youngest child, Thomas, was born in September of 1854. Their other children were Meredith, James A., Sam Houston, Mary Ann (married William DUDLEY), William W., John C., George W., Andrew J., Eliphas P., Frances M., Susan E., and Thomas J.

Sam Houston COSTEN (above) was a Confederate soldier who was captured at Vicksburg. He received a pension in Oklahoma, and spent the last years of his life with a niece, Cassie HERN, in the vicinities of Dewar and Westville, OK. He died in Westville in 1928. Eliphas COSTEN (above) married Zalmona McCRACKEN at Eureka Springs, AR, in 1869. Their father, William COSTEN, died in Pope County, AR. Are these COSTEN lines still in the Ozarks?

The HOCKENBERRY family of this area will be the subject of an upcoming genealogical book by Anna B. METTZ (4009 East Northwestern Drive, Edmond, OK 73034). To complete her work, Anna needs to contact descendants of Bob and Roxie STEEL whose farm south of Neosho, Newton County, MO, was incorporated into Camp Crowder during the 1940s. Bob was born near Marshall, OK, on 6 July 1893 to James and Rosa Lee HOCKENBERRY STEEL. Roxie was born 5 June 1905. Descendants of any of these people should contact Anna so that they might be included in her book.

Genevieve POPE HERMAN (1904 Patricia Lane, Billings, MT 59102) submitted a query to Rootbound last year and reports that it produced some valuable results. She is currently seeking the family history of James H. POPE (alias John H. POPE) who was born approximately 1826 in Tennessee. James was first married around 1848, possibly in Tennessee. His second marriage was to Delila KIRBY RISENHOOVER COX around 1860. He resided in Missouri from 1880 until 1891. Genevieve will answer all correspondence.

Wilma JONES DANIELS (2041 Legrand Road, Columbia SC 29223) wishes to contact others researching the surname GRIFFITH. She has extensive material on her line that goes back to Wales.

The surname RUTLEDGE is being researched by Laurence E. SEITS (155 Buckhorn Drive, Apt. 203, North Aurora, IL 60542). His branch is rooted in Virginia. And that same surname is also being worked by Lois WATSON RUTLEDGE (HC 30, Box67, McCook, NE 69001). Her lines are from West Virginia and Colorado.

Eunice WILKERSON DINSMORE (227 South Dryden, Stillwater, OK 74074) is tracking the following family names in southwest Missouri - particularly McDonald and Barry County: RADER, JEFFERS, CRAWFORD, WILKERSON, and GRANT. She will exchange material with others doing similar research.

ANDRIESSEN is a Swedish surname that is being explored by Linda J. STELPFLUG (W214N10357 Oak Lane, Germantown, WI 52022). One common derivative of that name is ANDERSON. Linda would enjoy hearing from any of our readers who have this unusual surname in their family tree.

The fourth PITMAN/PITTMAN/PITMON reunion will be held on 3 Nov 1990 at the UAW Hall in Hurst, TX. Those desiring further information should contact Frances PITTMAN MALCOM at 2116 Shady Brook, Bedford, TX 76021.

Good friend and genealogy columnist for The Dallas Morning News, Margaret Ann THETFORD (3725 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205-2124) has announced that a 1979-1989 compilation of her column, Family Tree, is now available on microfilm or microfiche, $25 postpaid. Those with Texas roots might benefit from this unique collection.

And we hope that our readers are benefiting from Rootbound! We're still as close as the mailbox.

Happy hunting!

Rootbound in the Hills #161:
23 Oct 1990

Did you know that McDonald County, MO, was organized on 3 Mar 1849 from Newton County and named after Alexander McDONALD, a Revolutionary War soldier? Or than Newton County was organized on 31 Dec 1838 from Barry County and named for another Revolutionary War soldier, John NEWTON? And Barry County, it seems, was created on 5 Jan 1835 from Greene County and named for William T. BARRY, U.S. Postmaster General. Those facts, as well as other useful information, can be found in the booklet, A Guide to County Records on Microfilm, which was published by the Missouri State Archives. To learn more about the activities and publications of the Missouri State Archives, write to P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Barbara LAWSON WILLS (112 N. Birmingham (112 North Birmingham Place, Tulsa, OK 74110) is a professional writer and genealogy enthusiast. She is seeking information on some of her ancestors, and promises to answer every letter that she receives. The following individuals are of interest to Barbara:

Thomas A. LAWSON (born circa 1835, TN; died circa 1870, AR) who married Nancy Ann BUSBY (born 14 Oct 1833, TN; died 1920, Newton County, AR). Thomas and Nancy were possibly married in Missouri around 1864.

Our correspondent (above) also wishes to learn more about John Hudson COWLES (born 26 Aug 1825, MA; died 23 Feb 1904, Newton County, AR) and his wife, Margaret Lueretta SMITH (born 10 Dec 1849, KY; died 5 Dec 1925, Muskogee County, OK). Margaret was the daughter of Godfrey SMITH and Sarah Elizabeth "Bettie" MILEMS/MILAMS. The children of John and Margarett were: Leuretta May (1871, AR - 1952, OK; married Thomas A LAWSON), Hiram Dexter (1875, AR - 1973, OK; married Nancy Ann LILES), Bertha Beatrice (1879, AR - 1943, OK; married Joseph HELT), Harry Eddy (1882, Marion County, AR - 1950; married Belle COLLINS), Margaret Elizabeth (1883, Newton County, AR - 1924, OK; married Joe BUSBY) and Carrie Viola (1887, AR - 1926, Muskogee County, OK; married Doc LILES).

Other surnames that are listed on the five generation chart of Barbara LAWSON WILLS include: BELL, HALE, HUBBS, JAMES, JONES, ROBERTS, STEPHENS, and YANLY. Anyone tracking one of those names might benefit from writing to Barbara at her home in Tulsa.

Betty DUCKWORTH (Rt. 5, Box 159, Jasper, TX 75951) is searching for descendants of Ezekiel Sylevester and Lucinda (NELSON) DUCKWORTH. The couple left Effingham County, IL, for Franklin County, MO, in 1900. Their children were William, Monroe, Stephen, George, Theodore Grant, Harriett, and James. Theodore Grant DUCKWORTH and his wife, Effie Cora, were in Reynolds County and Poplar Bluff, MO, in 1910 along with their family. Hopefully some of our readers can help Betty get her DUCKWORTHs all in a row!

Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (5797 Sycamore, Rialto, CA 92376) is seeking to discover more about James and Rachel CREASON who arrived in the United States around 1776. The couple had nine sons: Peter, James, Isaac, William, Jacob, Gilbert, Willis (born 1800, Madison County, KY), Owen, and Elijah. The paths of this family eventually led through Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Mary Ann CREASON ROHDE (address above) also wishes to exchange information on the following individuals: Michael DOLAN (born circa 1854, MA), his wife, Anna FITZPATRICK (circa 1857, MA), their son, George DOLAN (circa 1888, CO), Alonjo PRESLEY (ca. 1851, GA), his wife, Eliza RENFRO (1859, GA), and their daughter, Erma Lena PRESLEY (1896, TX). Although none of those names show a local connection, they do appear to be spread out enough to have possibly left trails across the Ozarks. Mary Ann hopes so!

Rootbound has several postcards that were mailed to Mrs. F. L. "Gertie" PLOTNER of Anderson, MO, between 1957 and 1977. We would like to return those cards to Mrs. PLOTNER or one of her relatives. They may be had by writing to Rootbound in the Hillsin care of this newspaper. What could be easier!

Happy hunting!