31.3.10

Mystery Woman


Who is this woman. Could she be Millie Hudson James, daughter of William Hudson? Examing her face in magnification there is an apparent resemblance to the known Hudson children in the larger photo; a certain similar crease on the right side of the mouth from nose to jaw line. Maybe pure imagination. Anyone with links to Hudsons, though, this may be another possible ID factor ( two known family members had gaps between their two front teeth, the large ears through some lines are the others).


MUSIC GATHERING

A heritage of music flows through some of the Hudson-Ray family. Effie actually wrote a few songs (and an old 78 record bears witness to the work!). Her first husband was a musician and weather that was an interest they shared, or she picked it up in the marriage is unknown. Curtis played the guitar. Curtis and Virginia's daughter plays the piano, accordion, and some guitar one son plays the bass, but has been known to play the piano occasionally under extreme duress! At least one grandchild of Curtis also plays the guitar.

LEGENDS AND STORIES AND MYTHS, OH, MY!

I am researching the parents of one Mary Ann King, nicknamed "Polly' (In fact her marriage record uses that name)who married Joseph REED in 1805 in Livingston Co., KY.
Subsequent family records indicate her birthplace was KY as well.

A family legend indicates she was an "aunt" to Daniel Boone. "Aunt" during that time period could refer to a married woman of a particular relationship and not the sense we use today. I find that there is a King who married a daughter of Boone's youngest sister, Hannah BOONE STEWART. Her birthdate, place, and husband are all wrong. However, not enough is known yet about the family of her father, James KING to identify his possible sisters.....

I have seen mention, but have found no records yet, that another KING a generation further back married one of Daniel BOONE's cousins(?). This too, could be an explanation for the family legend.

My Mary Ann "Polly" King b. 2 Oct. 1786, KY md. Joseph REED 6 Sept. 1805 and died 8 Feb 1843, Clarksville, Red River Co., TX.

Her children (names can sometimes provide clues to parentage):
Sarah King Reed
Jane Reed
Hannah Reed (note this name and the above scenerios)
Mary Ann Reed TERRY (res. Ark and Mo)
Margaret K. Reed
Katherine C. Reed
Polly Reed
Lucinda King Reed TERRY (res. Ark, TX)
John Reed
Malinda Reed
Joseph Reed
James Reed

Family legend also indicates that she or her husband were members of the Cumberland Presyb. Church. On that denomination's website was a bio of a very early minister named Samuel King in TN. There may be a connection there as well... he is mentioned in reference to another early minister, Finis Ewing. That name shows up in the family of one of this Mary KING Reed's daughters: Finis Ewen TERRY. Maybe just honoring a minister once heard....but you never know.

The Samuel may be a similar respect connection only, but the website is worth a visit as it does include a family line on him so others researching this name may be interested in it.

I am interested in hearing from anyone with information on the KING family in that KY location at that time. Also, anyone with data on the KING marriages into the extended BOONE family.

Many King families appeared to have followed Mary REED KING's family as they went south into Arkasas (NW), Oklahoma (SE ca 1818), Missouri,and into Texas (ca 1838-).

Since this group was very "connectional" and had a habit of moving "en masse" with lots of kin providing a supportive network, marrying "cousins" at times...they may all be related.

If you have knowledge about a KING and BOONE family relationship please contact me so I can sort this out and determine if the family legend is true or not.

30.3.10

MARTIN AND MARY ANN TERRY (1814-1890)


MARTIN TERRY (FRANCIS MARTIN?) 1814-1890
Martin TERRY (William, John, William) was born the same year that Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner was composed. He was born on Tuesday, 25 October 1814, in Gibson County, Indiana as the third child of William and Barbara ENNIS TERRY. As just as young man of eighteen, he moved with his family in the spring of 1832 to southwest Arkansas. There, Martin met Mary Ann REED and they were married on 9 April 1835 in Illinois Township, Washington Co., Arkansas. In 1839, his brother John married Mary An REED’s sister, Lucinda King REED. There is a Martin TERRY on the Benton Co., Arkansas tax list of 1835-1837 and on Washington Co., in 1838.

The wives were the daughters of Joseph (1783-1855) and Mary “Polly” KING REED (1786-1843) had both come from Kentucky (they had been married in Livingston Co., Ky) into northwest Arkansas, according to John Terry’s family bible. Joseph had made an early foray into old Doaksville and Fort Towson in Indian Territory (SE Oklahoma between 1817-1820. He may have also been in Hempstead Co., Arkansas. They moved into NW Arkansas in 1829 and stayed there until 1839 when they joined son-in-law and daughter in Red River Co., Texas. There they settled just northwest of Clarksville. Joseph may have served in the Kentucky Militia of the War of 1812. There is a sergeant in that group and he may be the man on the roll of Capt. James Love’s 6nRegiment, enlisting 1 September 1812.

Martin and Mary Ann Terry lived in a time of rapid technological changes. During the time they resided in Madison Co., Arkansas, the new steam locomotive was appearing and on the nearby river ways, according to family letter of the time, steamboats traveled them bringing supplies and people. Later in life, Martin would hear of the telephone (with two of his sons bringing the first lines into Barry Co, Missouri.
Despite all the progressive moves of technology and science, Martin and Mary Ann saw many seams of the American national fabric unraveling. Conflicts over the question of slavery were driving the country (especially after the 1836 ‘Gag Resolutions’) and caused the split in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The split was simply a portent of forces festering throughout the country and rapidly increasing tensions erupted in April 1861 as the Civil War began.

Martin had wanted to move to Texas in the 1850’s but the economy in Arkansas prevented it. His disappointment at the setbacks haunts several of the letters from the time. Northwest Arkansas suffered repeated depressions in the wake of the Great Depression of the 1830’s. Many left Arkansas to try their luck in Oregon or California, especially once tales of gold came back. After the death of Joseph reed in 1855, the desire to go to Texas was even stronger and began to make those plans. However, further setbacks arose and they moved instead north into southern Missouri.

Yet, something was stirring over the landscape. Could they have heard it, they would have recognized the drumming of horses hooves, and the pounding of marching feet as two armies moved into place.

29.3.10

PRELIMINARY INDEX TO TERRY FAMILY LETTERS


INDEX TO TERRY FAMILY LETTERS
Various versions of these letters are in existence ,as copies were distributed at various times by the late Hattie Terry (Kansas) and Ruth Terry Preston (Texas). I have copies given to me by both, with permission to reproduce from the latter. In the mid 1990’s Terry cousin, Jed D. Terry compiled, annotated, and printed the letters (along with photos, documents, etc.) into two volumes titled, The Terry Family Letters. Springfield: Jed D. Terry, 1996. This collection can be found in several academic and local history libraries.


The letters are specific to William and Barbara Terry and his children, and since his sons Martin and John married Reed sisters, a collection of some letters between Reed descendents. They date from 1848 to 1868. They represent communications from the family in Texas and the family left behind in NW Arkansas and later SW Missouri.
The index is a work in process, so may not be complete as to names or identifications. Family related names are marked with an * and others identified as possible from other sources. Collateral names into which children married include Harp, Waltrip, Ennis, Woodard/Woodward, Gutry/Guthrie, Riddle, Reed and Newberry/Newbery.


19 Dec 1948
Enoch Harp*
Elijah Waltrip*
Martin Terry *
Joseph Dennis
John Terry*
Brother (Thomas) Standford – Methodist Minister
Brother (Russell M.) Morgan – Methodist Minister
Neal Dennis
Thomas Terry*
Brother (John) Harrol – Methodist Minister
John Wright
Fletcher Terry*
Joseph Reed*
7 April 1852
Jo Bohannon*
John Ennis*
Josiah Terry*
Martin Terry*
6 May 1854
William Harp*
William Gutry*
Elisha Ennis*
Elisha Terry*
8 July 1855
Martin Terry*
William Harp*
William Gutry*
18 July 1857
Isaac Guest
Martin Terry*
31 July 1857
Joseph Terry*
17 Nov 1858
Findley/Finley*
Elisha Ennis*
Betsy Woodward*
Martin Terry*
Serena (Terry) Newberry*
William Terry*
Mother Terry*
Wm Harp*
Elisha Ennis*
Matilda (Terry) Ennis*
9 July 1871
William Ennis*
Martin ennis*
Wm Harp*
Nancy Ennis*
9 Nov. 1877
Matilda Terry*
Bill Terry*
Martin Terry*
10 August 1852
This letter contained political news as to people running for offices in NW Arkansas.
John Reed*
Hon. Joseph McMurry
------Perry
Col. Blackburn
Gen. John Wood Jr.
-----Conway
John Long
Capt C.M. Johnson
-----Smithson
Geo. Sanders
Gen. Jo Wood
Co. Benjamin Vaughn (Sheriff)
----Smithson
Henderson Bohannon*
10 July 1854 (Madison Co., Ark)
Lucinda Terry*
Fines Ewan Terry*
Tho. McGinnis
T.M. Johnson
Sarah Terry*
James Miller Terry*
Dr. S.L. Sanders
Elizabeth (Terry) Bohannon
William Terry*
Judge Berry
Jane Terry*
Clark Terry*
Gen. S. Wood
Dr. G.W. Forrest
10 Jan. 1855
Joel German
John Reed*
Elizabeth Woodward*
25 Dec. 1854
James Miller Terry*
15 Jan 1856
Mary Ann Reed Terry*
27 Feb. 1856
Joseph Terry*
Elizabeth (Terry) Woodward*
Major Middleston Tuttle
20 Dec. 1859 (Washington Co., Ark)
John Johnson
James Dickeson
Thomas Harp*
Bryant Smithson
John Homesley
James Sutton
Jack McGuire
John James
(late) 1867 (Newton Co., Mo)
Polly Reed*
Sarah Terry*
Lorenzo Dow Terry*
Betsy Woodard*
20 March 1882 (Purdy, Barry Co., Mo)
J.W. Riddle*
Nancy Harp*
Elizabeth Waltrip*
Betsy Woodard*
Matilda Ennis*
27 Sept 1867
John K. Terry*
Hetty Waltrip*
Millard Terry*
Marthay Waltrip*
Milburn Terry*
Nancy Waltrip*
Lige Waltrip*

28.3.10

MOORE MILKBARN - CARROLL CO., ARK

This image reveals the Moore Milkbarn. The Moore family ran dairy cows for many years. Taken 1993.

Recycling Is Not New

For many previous generations, items were not so easily discarded. Useful items or resources were preserved and retasked to provided additional service. This is an image of an old iron bed stead put to use as a grating on an old well housing.

Moore Homestead -Interior

The subfloor of the homestead revealed the use of rough, small logs as cross beams, a source plentiful in the area.

Carroll Co., Ark: Moore Homestead


The Moore family were early pioneers of the County. Shown here is a photo of the remains of the first homestead as it appeared in 1993.

The Tech Sgt Skills At Saluting Started Young

Cub Scout....

The Artist As A Young Man


1978


At Grandma's

The front porch wing at grandma's - gentle rocking, soft spoken conversations, wild rides until caught, special times with grandma and grandpa, naps on a summer day....

Cutie at 27 Months

"Ray at 27 months 1947"

Christmas Time

Location is unknown but maybe Oregon or Washington. Note the jeans under the dress -so can assume it to be someplace where there was real winter. Sign reads "Merry Christmas from Gormans". Virginia has a strange look and Santa just looks bored.

Jess Hudson with Baby Curtis - Bristow, Ok 1924


Virginia Ray Hudson Stepp. 3 years

Probably taken in Oregon or Washington. Her father is holding a flower.

"Pears". Cullan Hudson. 1993


27.3.10

Moore Homestead, Barn, Carroll Co., Ark ca 1930


Mystery Photo

This man may be a brother to Effie Ray Hudson. If you know them, please leave a comment.

Virginia Mae Moore Hudson ca. 1950


Bristow, Oklahoma: Effie Hudson with a Sister

The photo was in 1930 in Bristow, Ok. It is believed the woman on the left is a sister (a Ray) of Effie, shown on the right. This would have been a year after the death of Effie's husband.

Mystery Photo


I believe this to be Brown relative from the Hutchinson area, but have lost the note about who it was. Many families have these types of photos, as traveling photographers with ponies were once a popular trend.

"Hmmm, I Wonder What The Others are Eating?"

David was pretty small when he attended his aunt's wedding; but I think he saw himself as pretty evenly matched with the cake.

Carol and Marilyn

I was not really all that much shorter than my oldest sister, her hair just always made it seem that way! Too bad certain photographic processes did not age as well as others. Carol, like Helen, was always such a sharp fashion plate; I was, well, shorter, wore glasses....do I really need to say more?

Music Time

Aunt Elva played the organ and the piano, and had been the instrumentalist at her church for many years. As a girl, she had starred in what she called 'operetta's' at her school in Hutchinson, Kansas. I often sang in church. So here in the late 1960's, as a young teen in her "Mama Cass" phase, we are going over a song. Believe it or not there were white boots to go with that outfit - which may account for the look on my aunt's face.

At the Shore, at the Shore....

Taken ca. 1968, Delaware, Rehobeth Beach. Left to right: Louis, Denise, Marilyn, Velma, Toni, and Terri...

TRIP TO DELAWARE


Taken ca 1968 Little Creek, Delaware.

24.3.10

William Terry (1785-1869)


In a letter written between two of his sons (Martin and John) in 1854, Martin described his father by writing:


"Father minds me of the little boy that went in the field to move stones and notwithstanding the ground was covered with as such he could easily move he went to a rock which mite be a spur of some neighboring mountain there heaved and set till exhausted all his energies without being able to afffect anything [.] In like manner father suffers his mind to be troubled about things he cannot help and had consequently better let alone...." 10 July 1854


Possibly the pragmatic words of a son about a dreamer father too often frustrated by the elusiveness of personal vision. As such it may be taken with a grain of salt but might also provide a clear and thought provoking epitaph to the life of a man who always seemed to be headed toward the next hill and the new horizon.
Chronology of the Life of William Terry:
1785- born in Hawkins Co. area of Old Sullivan Co., TN (area then known as the State of Franklin by many and covered several nearby state lands); parents John and Esther Brown Terry
1795 - 10 year of age
1805 - 20 years of age and possibly living in Kentucky
1807 - Marries Barbara Ennis, probably in Kentucky ; she has a brother John Ennis and her sister Nancy marries a brother of William's, John Terry and they settle in Indiana
1808 - first born child
1812 - start the move to Indiana
1814- son Martin (some think Francis Martin Terry) born in Gibson Co., Ind
1819 - William listed on land entries for Gibson Co.
1830 - William and John Terry listed with a John Ennis on census in Gibson Co.
1832 - Arrives in Arkansas
1840 - Wm Terry listed in Madison Co., Ark
1850 - Wm Terry on Madison Co., Ark census
1854 - Moved to 12 miles west of Fayettevile, Ark
1860 - Visits son John Terry in Red River Co., TX is enumerated on census there
1861 - Visting in SW Missouri, move to Barry Co., Mo
1863 - Visiting with married children in Mo.
1869 - Visiting with children in Greene Co., Mo; dies and is buried on that land; location unknown.

Civil War Veteran: John King Terry



John King Terry :Civil War Veteran

John was farming in Barry Co., Missouri, when the war broke out in 1861. John could obviously see the ‘writing on the wall’ concerning upcoming events and was enrolled on 24 March (near Cassville) of that same year. He was a private in Company “M”, 8th Regiment and Company “H”, 14th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry Volunteers. For most of that time he served a company blacksmith. At the time of his discharge on 18 April 1865 he was described as being : “5’11” high…[with] dark hair….and hazel eyes.”

At one point he serve under Captain John Kelso; a federal officer noted in the War of the Rebellion record series as a man who received many field promotions over the course of the conflict. He may be the man in charge when the company John was with recovered the items stolen from his in-laws farm by bushwhackers (see The Box), since Kelso’s reports describe several incidents that may relate to this event. As a lieutenant, Kelso wrote a report dated 25 July 1862 that did mention Company “H” of the 14th Missouri State Militia.
A report of 5 August 1862 by a Captain Milton Burch, 14 Missouri Cavalry noted that Kelso had been put in charge of the Company “H”. Yet another report by Burch, 13 November 1862, contained a report of just one of many instances where Kelso and men pursued rebels through the hills of southwest Missouri.

Following his discharge in 1865, he lived for two years, according to family legend in Newton County, Missouri. The family then returned to Barry Co., Missouri, where they would remain for the rest of their lives. When John went to war, he was the father of one child, William G., who died in September of 1863. His mother, Mary Ann Reed Terry wrote in a letter of 1867 that John “is married…[they] have five children, four boys and one girl. The oldest boy is dead, the next is twins….”

Sources:
National Archives and Records Center, Washington, D.C. John K. Terry, Private, Application #601.473.Co.H.8th Missouri Militia Cavalry (Volunteers). Case files approved pension applications veterans who served in the Army and Navy in the Civil war…;Records group 15, Records of the Veterans Administration.

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official records of the United States and Confederate Armies (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1901).

23.3.10

MISSING CHILD! : The Strange Disappearance of J.F. Conner 1925


What caused young Jesse Feeman Conner to run away from home in 1925: the normal adolescent struggles for autonomy, the stress of moving from Okmulgee to Bristow, or the tensions of a blended family, or a young man's dreams of adventure and found riches? The answer may never be known but what does remain is this postcard used to circulate information about the lost boy. A worried mother and step-father were very concerned. Luckily, in this particular case, the young man returned home safe and unharmed.

WAR IS HELL ON EVERYBODY


The family of Martin and Mary Ann Reed Terry had just migrated from northern Arkansas into Barry Co., Missouri when the Civil war, almost literally, exploded in their back yard. Where they had recently left armies were surging northward. The northern forces were moving down from the north and the east.
The family, like most of the region, was now dogged by hardship and sorrow over the next few years. The war struck hard taking both lands and lives. Martin and his family fled their home 23 July 1861 as troops massed in the area just north of Barry Co., Mo. All around the area of their old Arkansas home, and the friends and family still there, the war raged. Battles such as "Pea Ridge", "Wilson's Creek", "Prairie Grove", and "Carthage" meant that they lived as refugees scurrying back and forth trying to keep out of the way of both sides.


September saw Martin and family in northeast Missouri trying to escape the sweeping ravages of war. However, the large numbers of homeless families and moving soldiers had left in their wake a different kind of killing field. A battlefield where illness and not bullets took an awful toll on the family:


"We left home July 23 and stopt in Casconde County 40 miles from her the 19 of Sept. There we was nearly all sick and William and Henderson died William on the 9 of October and Henderson on the 16 of November and the fever settled in your mother's rite eye and it went out. Our disease was considered low typhus. We had the best medical help the country could afford, but no human help could avail. William said tell friends I die in view of a blissful immortality and that is worth all the world to me and Henderson said he trusted the savior and was not afraid to die and he expected to get to heaven and we have a sweet hope that they are forever at rest. We came up here yesterday with the intention of going on to Springfield but in view of everything we think it not to be the best at this time. We have been on the wear and tear ever since we left home and like many others we are pretty well ruined. We yet have our wagon and 4 head of horses and a yoke of cattle whether we stay here or come up to Springfield or go on to Ioway I know not. We should be glad to hear from you and our little [touch of home?] there what became of it. These are the times that try mens soles be faithful to the grace given." --Martin Terry, writing from Rollo, Phelps Co., Mo to his son John King Terry, dated 3 April 1862.

Martin would later settled back into Barry Co., Mo, serving even as a justice of the peave in Capps Creek Township beginning in July 1866. Martin Terry died 2 Feb. 189 in Barry Co., Mo. and was buried in the Arnhart Cemetery located near the hamlet of Purdy. His wife, Mary Ann Reed Terry died three years later on 3 July 1893.


[Hudson, Marilyn A. Terry Trails. 1995; unpublished manuscript. Permission to use transcribed letters 1994, Ruth Terry Preston to Marilyn A. Hudson]

Possibilities for Further Research: Terry Line

Many of these may prove to be will-o-wisps or mere coincidence, but one never knows...perhaps the new DNA testing process will clarify things.
Many of the Terry's out of Botetourt Co., VA have, in the first three generations, the name "Green." This may simply be the naming of a child over a war hero but it does crop up in the line of William Terry (1724-1792) through the lines of Jasper Terry and John Terry. One family line, Ruth Terry Preston and Nell Wray told me once, had heard that somewhere "back" there the name was associated with the Terry's, perhaps as a Green Terry. What made this interesting was the fact that the sister or daughter of a Col. Nathaniel Terry allegedly married a Capt. Berryman Green on 6 Nov. 1789, in Halifax Co., Va.
A letter written by William Terry (1785-1869), and dated 1857, makes mention of his having visited some cousins of the "old stock of Martin" on Pea Ridge in Benton Co., Ark. Some of those Martins can be found, according to census records , earlier in Hawkins Co., TN and before that in Virginia. All of which brings to mind that William's aunt Rachel married a John Martin in Virginia.
Another aunt, Jemina Terry married an Ezekiel Boucher and many by that name end up in Barry Co., Mo. Did they, like so many in that era, travel accompanied by extended family?

22.3.10

TERRY'S AND EARLY METHODISM: A POSSIBLE CONNECTION


One of the fundamental elements in any family's evolution is the influence of religion in crafting their traditions, values, and daily life. Like vines, the religious and secular histories are often intertwined. Any attempt to understand the one divorced from the other is often a sure guarantee valuable insights will be lost. Understanding a family's religious history is to understand many of theirmotivations and subsequent actions with far greater clarity.

Evidence from several private records reveal Terry lines that indicate religion was taken seriously. Some joined the Disciples of Christ, Baptist, and other groups, yet there are intriguing clues that seem to suggest some of these early Terry's had a connection to early American Methodism. Not surprising for a group that at one time could claim a church in every county, yet the details are fascinating and illuminate migration and family stories.


William Terry, resident of Boteourt Co. married Rachel Manson on 3 Feb. 1759 in Christ Church in Philadelphia. It was part of the Church of England and, after the Revolution, the group from which the Angelican Church emerged.

The spread of Methodism in America parallels the trek of the early pioneers such as Daniel Boone (who cleared the trail into then largely unknown Kentucky in the late 1700's). The early Methodist preachers were not far behind such pioneers. Even before the formal organization of the "American Methodist Church" or the "Methodist Episcopal Church" (1784), there existed an early circuit (a regular route traveled by one minister in order to preach, baptize, and marry) known as the "Holstein Circuit" (Norwood). It covered the area of NE Tennessee, and SW Virginia through which John Terry, son of William, and his wife Esther Brown Terry migrated circa 1790. Other circuits would form, interestingly enough, in Botetourt Co.,Va, in Kentucky, and southern Indiana. All locations into which John Terry and kin were known to have moved.


  • The "father" of American Methodism, Frances Asbury (1745-1816) traveled some of those same areas of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee on his own circuit journeys of the late 1700's and early 1800's. His journal records that in 1786 he stopped at "Terry's" on the border of Fairfield and Chester Co. Cited, re notes, as "Tar Yard" on some old maps. In 1807 he stopped at "Terry's" in the upper part of Greenville Co., near Marietta. The notes indicate this should not be confused with the Terry at Fork Shoals 20 miles below Greenville in NC. An 1833 letter reporting on ministerial activities noted "...my first efforts were in Botetourt, Holston, and New River Circuits 40 years ago [1793]...I kept up with [information?] Viz. Nathaniel Tery 4 miles distant in the bent of James River. (Clark, Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury, vol 1.;pg. 446,507,374-75,574).


  • Many of the early Tery letters reveal people of great faith, living as best they could by their moral convictions and standards. They bear witness of the faith to their relatives, relations, and from their deathbeds. An interest in the church and religious matters was evidenced early as revealed by an 1848 letter of William Terry (1785-1869, son of John), to his son John Terry in Red River Co., Texas:"...our preacher is not onto circuits again and that brother Standford is presiding elder in place of brother Harrol and that brother Harrol is stationed at Little Rock." According to the North Arkansas Conference, United Methodist Church, Commission on Archives and History, the 13th session of the conference was held in 1848. The event recorded that a John Hormel served the Little Rock Station. A Russell M. Morgan served the Huntsville Church in the Fayetteville district in 1848, and Thomas Stanford was Presiding Elder of the Fayetteville District.


  • Another interesting thing to note relates to names. William's son Martin is thought by some to have also bear the name Francis; this could relate to the "Swamp Fox" of Revolutionary fame or to the early Methodist leader. There is evidence of naming for both in several lines. A strong point of support may be he named one of his sons Lorenz (or Lorenzo) Dow Terry (1845-1894). Lorenz Dow was a fiery, evangelical preacher and one-time Methodist who crisscrossed the early circuit locales of Tennessee and Kentucky in the early years of the nineteenth century. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that at some point the paths of Terry's and Dow actually intersected.


  • Certain letters of Martin Terry from the 1850s-1870s reveal a man of strong moral convictions. He comments about the need for prohibition in the Ozarks to curtail the victimization produced in order to create a market for liquer. The problem was the quality of the product sold was often literally deadly and many families were ruined by the death or addictions which resulted. He also had strong political views but that is for another study.


  • Martin and his brother John married sisters;Mary Ann and Lucinda Reed were children of Joseph Reed, and a transcript of an oral history project interview with a descendent of this same Reed states he was a Methodist minister. Reed went to Red River, Texas in 1839 and with him was John Terry, whose biography includes mention of a long membership in the Methodist Episcopal South Church. [see "Fine Points of History" interview with Juanita Stiles Cornwell of Clarksville (1980) in East Texas University Archives pg.10,104.;Biographical Souvinir of the State of Texas (1880),pg.817,794-5].


  • Joseph Reed is an interesting study in himself. He is probably a nephew or cousin of a Rev. Joseph Reed/Reid who accompanied the noted Rev. Stephenson into the area of Red River County, Texas between 1817-1820, a time when our Joseph Reed was also in the area.(Steely, Six months from Tennesse, 1982) This other early Reed also came out of Kentucky and Tennesse and resided in Hempstead, Arkansas for a time. He was a slave owning minister, a vocal supporter of the south, and thus part of the split creating the Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal South prior to the Civil War. Our Reed died in TX in 1839 but from the letters and notations in a family Bible he was in Oklahoma and Indian Territory (Ft. Towson) prior to 1830.


  • Letters of the 1860's and 1870's mention Methodism in relation to meetings or revivals in areas of their southwest Missouri relatives. Also mentioned are Cumberland Presybeterians (Reed may have been associated with them as well for a time) and Baptists.


  • In one letter dated 9 Nov. 1877, William's daughter, Matilda Terry Ennis, is said to "be one of our liveliest preachers" and a "Northern Methodist". It is possible she was a "deaconess" or merely a very active church woman, but it is interesting to note that in the Holiness Movement of the same period noted Phoebe Palmer, for example, was part of many revival efforts in the New York period from as early as 1857. This reveals a trend toward greater female participation - and some acceptance of the same - among some groups of Methodists.


  • The ten year silence between the two Terry brothers during and after the Civil War has been attributed to the devastation and rebuilding of the conflict. The conflict took a heavy toll on the families as both sides contributed family to the cause or lost family as part of the illnesses that followed the troops. It may be, however, that once again religion plays an important role in interpreting the silence as the result of conflicting theological and ideological views. Martin's line in Missorui had clear connections to the North via "Northern Methodist" church membership and John in Texas was connected to the "Methodist Episcopal South". This allegiance reveals that probably the brothers took two different sides in the conflict (and military records seem to support this). The wording of the letter that broke the silence (written by the wives) suggest something beyond disrupted mails was at fault. The letter dated 27 September 1867 reads in part: "I am no politician and take no part in political controversy and I exceedingly regret the unhappy circumstances that has made such a deep and lasting wounds in the minds of those that once was friends and are bound by the nearest and dearest ties of kindred relation." The fact the letter was written by Martin's wife to her sister, and the fact she notes the severing of family ties, seems to pointedly highlight the silence was brought on by more than merely the hardship and grief of war. It may have been caused by differences of deep idealogical and theological significance to the brothers.


  • John King Terry, Martin's son was married in 1861 in Cassville, Mo by "Methodist minister, Keith Hankins" (County record/Civil war pension record).


  • There is a persistent story that Martin was a minister as well. No definitive records exist but if he were a Methodist he may have been a lay pastor and records for those individuals were not usually kept at the time. However, the area of the Ozarks where Martin lived was well known as a place difficult to keep ministers and a tradition of lay ministers evolved in many locations, including Barry Co. This may be what is referred to by the oral tradition. [Clark. Ozark Baptizings, hangings, and other diversions, 1984, pg. 78, 98, 147].

Further research may minimize or correct any Terry connections to early Methodism, but at this point the cumulative evidence presents a strong case for the serious consideration of this relationship, no matter how short-lived. It certainly serves to clarify the dominate role that religion played in the areas through which all the Terry lines traveled on their way west to Missorui.

Marilyn A. Terry Hudson, 1993.
Marilyn holds a B.A. degree in History and a Masters in Library and Information Studies. Image was taken at the Wesley House, London, and shows the prayer room of John Wesley.

VISIT WITH THE TRAVELERS


VISIT WITH THE TRAVELERS

They left the green and rocky land
So many years ago, as a close-knit band;
From purple valleys and misty blue hills
Came a special people with oak strong wills.

In their veins the blood of warriors and kings-
Artisans and poets who gave the vision wings.
Farmers, ladies, gentlemen and dreamers –
They all came with the pious and the schemers.

In the still and the shadow of the early morn,
When birds are silent and the stars forlorn –
The moments of time shift and bend;
Hear their lilting voices carried on the wind.

Listen to the story of the Travelers,
Note it all well for their story is yours.
Follow them across the seas and plain –
See their faces in the falling silver rain.

Hear the pipes’ call in the crisp, cold air,
Moment by moment their lives they share.
All a part of the pattern of the weaver –
Fashioned ‘neath the light a falling star.

Past the mountains, forest, and the grassy plain,
Comes each of the Travelers holding fast a name.
Listen to the Legend and remember one and all –
Remember each story…write it on the wall.

They left their green and rocky land –
Like coins spilling from an ancient hand.
As they spread out across the hills and plains –
Feel their blood…feel their blood…running in your veins.

Marilyn A. Hudson (c1992) Seanchaidhe

21.3.10

Roy Dennis Terry with sons Gary and Dennis


SURVIVING FAMILY OF WESLEY SARTIN TERRY

Photo taken at the 1988 funeral of their sibling Roy Dennis Terry, Missouri.

JOHN KING TERRY - His children


JOHN KING TERRY: HEADSTONE, BARRY CO., MO

LEFT--Civil War Vet. John King Terry and wife, Mary Ann Riddle. Their headstone in Barry Co., Missouri.


EDNA MAGGIE BOYD TERRY


Taken in the Wichita, Kansas home of one of her children in about 1968.

ROOTS IN THE OLD COUNTRY: ATHLONE AND THE ENNIS LINE


Traveling to the 'auld country' was a rare and almost spiritual experience. Feeling the wind of Ireland kiss my face, seeing my first stone wall circling a small field, feeling my heart throb to the beat of the bodhran...it was as they say so often - 'grand'.

I had grown up hearing tales from my father of one of his relatives who still had a burr in his speech, then learned tales of courage, escape, and struggle in a new land. I listened wide-eyed and with imagination soaring.....

This family line lived in Athlone,Westmeath, Ireland. They owned land and property (or was part of a family owning such land or property). One day the man was out riding his lands and happened upon a British soldiers (or in another family's version a groundskeeper) abusing one of the farmers. Stepping in to halt the beating, one thing led to another, and a fatal blow was struck. Knowing he would surely be punished severely for the act, he hurried home and arranged for himself and his three-year old son to be smuggled to America.

He settled in Virginia and commenced establishing a new life in a new land...

That small boy, the story goes, grew up to be JAMES ENNIS of VIRGINIA, Revolutionary War Hero, known as Captain James ENNIS (1735-1778), son of Sir John Ennis of County Westmeath,Ireland.

He enlisted in February of 1776 with the 9th Regiment of the Virginia Line of the Continental Army.

Captain James Ennis was captured by the British Army at the Battle of Germantown, contested on the outskirts of Philadelphia (Oct 4, 1777), and would die of smallpox the following year while a prisoner of war (perhaps on one of the era’s notorious ‘prison ships’ employed by the British).

Ennis is noted in M. Lee Minnis’ book, “THE FIRST VIRGINIA REGIMENT OF FOOT, 1775-1783″ as an officer of Colonel Charles Harrison’s First Regiment of Artillery in the Continental Army (page 240). (www.genforum.genealogy.com/ennis/messages/1445.html; family history; various researchers)

From this line came one Barbara Ennis who married William Terry, son of John and Esther Brown Terry of Botetourt Co., Va.

The traditions of the homeland stayed in place in surprising ways. In the 1930's one the direct Ennis line living in Northern Arkansas testified to her lineage. Her language was full of the rich heritage of an oral tradition when she said " these are the generations as I have been taught them..."
Their accuracy? Nearly 100 percent - not too unusual when one understands the role of oral history in ancient Irish society. So the story of the movement from Ireland may have more than a kernel of truth in it. After all, it is very important you get your generations in order. So, between the Ennis, the Riddle, the Ray, the Reed, the Kirkpatrick, the Boyd, and all the others....is it any wonder we are dancing? As my father showed me more than once, there is nothing like a barefoot kitchen jug. 'Tis grand!

ELMWOOD: TERRY HOME OF BOTETOURT CO., VIRGINIA


According to many researchers this house was the home of the Terry's in what is now Roanoke, VA. It served as the recreation offices of the city in 1944 and later the main library but was demolished in 1964 as the and the libraries grew ( public library). The area is known as Elmwood Park. The last Terry to reside there on South Jefferson Street was the town's first millionaire, Peyton L. Terry. According to one source, Peyton acquired "Elmwood" in 1868 after the Civil War. Other sources indicate he was the son of a Stephen Terry and there had been a "Elmwood" ikn Pittsylvania Co.. Continuing research will clarify the connection as valid or just a really good story.
Peyton Leftwich Terry of the Pittsylvania Co. Va area, was the descendent of Steven (1805-), son of William (1777-1815), son of Stephen (1750-1802), son of Zachariah (1725-1767 and all in the same Pittsylvania Co., Va area) who may have been the son of a James Terry (dates and location unknown). His wife, Mary Terry, wrote a book, "Big Lick Homefront: 1861-1865" written in 1898.
Although connection to this home is still possible due to many unanswered family history questions. from the information about the last Terry resident (who may or may not have named it), it would appear that there is no clear connection to the Peyton L. Terry of Elmwood and the line of this page.

The TERRY line of this page goes back to William (b. Ct?) and Rachel Manson Terry (early pioneer and Rev. War Soldier in Botetourt Co., VA and the Big Lick/Black Creek area). He owned land there at least as early as the mid-1700's. His son John Terry (wife Esther Brown) who settled in Perry County, Indiana and was also a Rev. War soldier, to William and Barbara Ennis Terry, Martin and Mary Ann Reed Terry, John King and Mary Ann Riddle Terry, and Wesley Sartin and Edna Maggie Boyd Terry.
The family tended to be very prolific and to be westward bound - with many lines being the first settlers in numerous locations, from Kentucky to Texas and beyond.

20.3.10

WHAT SHOES!!




The Victorian era had many symbols of a class system - customs and habits that revealed a dependence on servants for those in certain social classes, or those who wished to be considered in those social classes (some things never change). The large 'painted lady' Victorian houses, for example, made necessary a large family and/or supportive servants. The dress of women, the better class and definitely 'lady' variety, also revealed this class symbol in such things as hooks down the back of dresses, lacing's, and similar things. As the spirit of Independence infiltrated all ranks of society - accommodations were made to reflect this new and daring streak of individualism. Buttonhooks made possible the lacing of high and elegant ladies shoes something anyone - with or without a servant - could accomplish with finesse. Shown here is an ad reflecting the type of shoes common in the 1870-1920 time period. The one is a drawing of a buttonhook owned by Effie A. Ray Conner Hudson and given to the bride of her grandson as a wedding present.

BOYD FAMILY HISTORY


From L.E. Boyd (West Monrow, NY - 2002) and two other researchers, originally copy sent to me in 1992.
Boyd Family History, 1911,
by Genevieve Boyd Smith, Ellen Boyd and Bertha Boyd

"William Boyd, the first of our ancestors of whom we have any record,was born at Lynchen, County Down, Ireland on March 24, 1768. He always lived with his grandfather. He was a college man and was also an engraver and slater by trade. Some say he was also a civil engineer. He has been discribed as gentle and scholarly.

He was first married when quite young to Peggy COOPER. She soon died leaving one child a daughter named Jane who lived with her mother'speople and is supposed to have died soon after her father came toAmerica.

For his second wife, William Boyd married Elizabeth Carson. He always called her Betty.

To them were born ten children: seven girls and three boys. The two oldest, Margaret and Ann died in Ireland. Next came Hans and then Ann and Margaret named for the lost ones. Then another Jane, and William,Mary, Samuel, and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Carson Boyd had a brother Samuel Carson of "Iauint ne glar,[spelling unclear] " County Down, Ireland, and a sister Molly Carson who married James CRAWFORD the son of William Boyd's sister [note: no sister is named here] and there is still in existence a letter written by their son, James Crawford of Pittsburgh, to his uncle Wm Boyd of Greenfield, Erie County in 1847, in which he relates some interesting facts about his family. [note: no letter has been seen by thisresearcher].

Elizabeth Boyd's father Samuel Carson Sr. had six sisters one of whom married a BEATY, one a DUNCAN, one a JOHNSON, one A GRAHAM, and onemarried a TATE, and lived in Erie Co., PA and the sixth sister married a FINLEY and were first settlers at Finley's Lake N.Y.

William Boyd was a Protestant and belonged to a certain sect called Croppies because they wore their hair short while the custom of those days was to wear it long. But it seems he did not care to wear his cut and being high in the councils of his church and a high officer in some of the wars between Protestants and Catholics he was allowed to wear it as he liked.

He seems to have been quite a wealthy man in Ireland and to have made a good deal of money by working at his trade both at home in Scotland, but the religious troubles continuing, also troubles with England, made life were unpleasant, and he also having trouble over some property he finally decided to come to America if it were possible to get safely away which he was finally enabled to fo although at one time it was only his long hair that saved him.

They sailed from Belfast probably in January 1819 when the youngest son James was about three months old. For a time, it was thought theywould make the quickest voyage known at that time, but when over halfway across, storms came up and blew them off their course and it was weeks before they got back on it again.

In the meantime, measles had broken out on board ship and the seven children of William and Elizabeth all took them. From the first, William and Mary were very sick and they finally died and were buried in the ocean.

They landed at Baltimore where they had a cousin named Peter Boyd,about the first of May after being on the ocean about three months.

The next we learn of them they had brought an improved farm in southern Pennsylvannia near York. Here they had a two story hosue and good barns but they had been in possesion but a short time when the buildings were all burned by an enemy of the former owner who did not know of the trasnfer of property. Practically everything belonging tothe family was burned. Hans, the oldest son got out one large sachel in which the clothing was usually kept, but the clothing had been removed to air so all was burned.

Soon after this the farm was sold at a great loss and the family removed to Finley's Lake in Chautauqua County N.Y. where the aunt Nancy Carson Finley lived.

They settled on what was known as the Berry place and lived there for some time...

Source:
Author: Genevvieve Boyd Smith, Ellen Boyd or Bertha Boyd
Title: A handwritten account of the lineage and history of the family ofWilliam Boyd, born 1768 in County Down, Ireland, his immigration toBaltimore, and his settling in Erie County, Pa. Publication: 1911 (unpublished mss.)

19.3.10

FOSSIL HUNTING


This one is especially for the grandkids; they love photos of us that seem a little strange (and most of them do for some reason I cannot fathom!). This is from a camping trip down into Texas to do some fossil hunting in the early 1980's. We had just finished a semester of geology and were deeply smitten as 'rock hounds'.

Curtis Hudson with Sons (Marvin J. and Roy C.)

Curtis was just recovering from ulcer surgery (the latest medical approach to the problem) and had several removed from his stomach.

OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY

In the 1970's the country was excited about its bicentennial and a fad for all things old-fashioned erupted. One of those trends was the "Old Fashioned Sunday" were people worshipped under old fashioned brush arbors, had gospel singing dinners on the grounds, dressed up in clothes and styles from an earlier day, pastors arrived on horseback like an old circuit rider, and folks generally had some fun with history.

ROY D. TERRY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Taken at Roy's funeral, the image shows: (LtoR) Velma Terry, Lou Priest (behind Velma), Elva Merry, Dennis Terry, Marilyn Terry Hudson, Pearl Terry Garrett (blue), Ada Terry Norwood (shorter woman in front), Lola Terry Horner (white suit) , Claude and Barbara Terry, last one is Ruby (d/o Pearl Terry Garrett).

SUMMER IN MISSOURI AT GRANDMA'S


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