9.5.15

Matilda Terry Ennis

Matilda Terry Ennis,
Artist drawing; note
facial feature of dimple at lip
and downward tilt of lip;
found in her children but
also children of her brothers.
MAH, 2015
Matilda Terry was the daughter of William Terry and Barbara Ennis Terry. She was born
Jan. 5, 1822 in Gibson County, Indiana and died  August 11, 1904 at the Ennis Farm, Oak Ridge, Barry Co., Missouri.
 
In 1839 she married at age 17 Elisha C Ennis at Prairie, Madison, Arkansas.
 
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.

Her obituary penned by her son, Methodist minister, Rev. John Wesley Ennis, had this to say about her: My Mother

Grandma Ennes, as she was called, was a native of IN, her parents moving west when she was young. Her parents' name was Barbara Ennis & William Terry. She was their 8th child. They named her Matilda.

She was converted when thirteen years old, joined the M E church where she claimed membership till death called her home.

She was married to Elisha Ennes in Arkansas, to which union was added eleven children, eight boys and three girls, four of them were called before her. The others are living east of Cassville near the old home where the family owns one acre of land as a burying ground. The father and mother and about thirty relatives are laid to rest.

My mother was 82 years old last January 5. For many years she had been in poor health, had been treated w/the best care we could give.

About three weeks ago her declining health was such she took her bed. The family, fearing the result, sent for me near Monett and I went at once to see her. The last ten days were with her all the time till death came and ended her suffering. It was my deepest desire that mother should retain her faculties so she could tell us what she desired, for we all wish to hear our friends tell how Eternity opens before them.

But O, sad to say, mother could not speak for two days. Over and over I bent above her dear old form hoping she would call my name once more. Her faded eyes would look at me but no word was uttered. My heart would almost break as I walked away, the tears falling from my eyes. Again I desired that she might die like one going to sleep but awful to say such untold suffering as she bore to the last moment.

I can only say good by Dear Mother.

J. W. Ennes
25 Aug 1904 Cassville Republican

14.8.14

THE WORTH FAMILY OF GUILFORD CO., NC

In my Mortimore line there is a woman whose name, by family legend was "Hannah Plemworth."  The only problem is that I have been unable to ever find evidence of that surname!  It crops up repeatedly in her descendants but no surname prior to that can I find under any spelling (Plymouth, Plemworth, Plymworth, and Plmworth). 
 
What I did find in the same time period and same locale was a large family named "Worth".   I have since be searching this vast pool to discover any clear links or hints of relationship. 

In the 1790 Census of Guilford Co., there are 3 families of surname Worth:

Daniel Worth 2/2/4/- (8). Believe this to be Daniel with wife Eustace Hussey Worth.
Francis Worth 2/-/3/- (5) Believed to be Francis and wife Mary, don on Richard Worth
Jobb 1/1/2/-/-/ (4) – See Daniel #1 below. s/o Daniel, husband of Rhoda Macy.

In Randolph Co..
Joseph 4/1/2/? (6).
Craven Co..
Thomas .

 It is easily noted that the Guilford group has many of the names that will be found in the later Mortimore line of David and Hannah Plemworth Mortimore. "Daniel", "Francis". Since it is conjectured by me that her name might have been WORTH, as no evidence of a surname of Plemworth has been found to date.


A Daniel Worth is mentioned in the Quaker Meeting notes for the county as well. There are others .

1. Daniel Worth, Minister -  "Daniel Worth was a Quaker from Guilford County, N.C., who migrated to Indiana, came back to North Carolina as an abolitionist Wesleyan Methodist missionary in 1857, and was forced to leave the state in 1860 after considerable trouble in connection with his antislavery activity. Letters written by or about Worth, and a few other items. Included are two letters, 1858 and 1859, from Worth at New Salem, N.C., to his nephew, Rev. Aaron Worth, about his work as an abolitionist Wesleyan Methodist missionary in North Carolina and other matters." His papers are at the UNC see http://www2.lib.unc.edu/mss/inv/w/Worth,Daniel.html.  Note he went to Indiana, as did the family of David and Hannah Mortimore. There is the legend in this family of a long time connection with "Methodism" as well. See also http://ncpedia.org/biography/worth-daniel and Noble J. Tolbert, "Daniel Worth: Tar Heel Abolitionist," North Carolina Historical Review 39 (July 1962). http://digital.ncdcr.gov/c dm/ref/collection/p16062coll9/id/3977. [Article on print page 284, PDF page 22.]. This last source indicates he was the son of Job and Rhoda Macy Worth, born Old Center, Guilford, May 3, 1795. He married Elizabeth Swaim, d/o Joshua and Sarah Elliot Swaim on March 5, 1818. In 1840 he was in Economy, Indiana.



2. Daniel Worth. Wife Eustace. His family information is thought to be: Name: Daniel Worth; Birth: 10 December 1739 (10 Dec 1739) - Nantucket, USA ; Death: 10 July 1830 (10 Jul 1830) - Guilford, North Carolina, USA ; Marriage: 9 February 1764 (9 Feb 1764) - Nantucket, Nantucket, MA (Massachusetts) ; Parents: Joseph Worth, Lydia Gorham ; Spouse: Eunice Hussey. He is probably the one listed on the Guilford Early Landowners Map prepared by Fred Hughes (and sold by Guilford County Genealogical Society) along with Jobb and a William Mortimore. A “Daniel Worth” and a “William Mortimore” signed a petition, Petition from inhabitants of Guilford County concerning the location of the county public buildings, Rollston, Richard; Et Al.1773 . Volume 09, Pages 806-809 (at http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr09-0238)


Francis Worth
1. Francis Worth is listed in the Guilford, North Carolina New Garden Monthly Meeting - 'Quaker Monthly Meetings Index'; Men's Minutes, 1783-1800 North Carolina Guilford. It is believed this man is Francis Worth; Birth: 21 January 1735 (21 Jan 1735) - Essex, USA ; Death: 20 Feb 1807 - Guilford, North Carolina, United States ; Marriage: 5 Feb 1756 - Nantucket, Nantucket, Massachusetts ; Parents: Richard Worth, Sarah Hoag ; Spouse: Mary Gardner.


Job Worth:
1. Name: Job Worth; Birth: 11 Jul 1765 - Nantucket County (Nantucket) ; Death: 30 Sep 1822 - Guilford County (Guilford), North Carolina ;Marriage: 29 Nov 1787 - North Carolina ; Parents: Daniel Worth, Eunice Hussey ; Spouse: Rhoda Macy.
 
In 1790, "Hannah" would have been, it is assumed based on census records, about 10 years old.  If that is correct, she should be at home in 1790 and reflected as a female child.  That may help to eliminate some as a choice, unless she was indentured, orphaned, or a visiting relative. My head is starting to hurt.

 A quick note found in passing once indicated the possibility the "plem" might have been a prefix (poss. Flemish in origin) meaning attached to or alongside. If this was true, and lost amid some arcane linguistic or legal items, could it infer she had been adopted or was otherwise made part of a family named Worth?
 
While I get an aspirin, leave a note if you have any information on this troublesome surname or any of these Worths (Quaker and Methodist).

26.7.14

COCHREN FAMILY OF RENO CO., KANSAS

 
My grandfather was George Daniel COCHREN. He was born   25 Sep 1876 in Muncie, Delaware Co., IN  and died  9 Oct 1931 in Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS  He was buried  11 Oct 1931 Huntsville Cem., Reno Co., Ks. On 16 July 1912 he married Annie Byrthel Brown in Wichita, Kansas.
George Daniel Cochren 1876-1931
 
His occupation from 1912 through 1919 was farming. It is believed he, and his father and brothers may have been members of the Grand Army of the Republic (He was in the 'Sons of " organization and in the Odd Fellows of Hutchinson).
 
Shortly after their marriage Annie's family either moved or were residing in Coffey Co. During that time, however, in Reno Co. on 14 Nov. 1914 he entered into an agreement to work a person's land for a percentage of the harvest.

George is listed as a farmer in 1915 Halls Summit, Coffey, Kansas  He also helped his brothers and in-laws harvest their crops in around the Enterprise, Partridge, Plevna and Sylvia areas. Around 1917 he is thought to have worked for the railroad.  In 1919 with a growing family he bought property in Plevna (Property 1919 Plevna Twp., Reno Co., KS ;General Index to Deeds: Reno Co., KS Property 1919 Plevna, Reno Co., Ks ).  From at least 1920 to 1930 he was the Janitor  for the Plevna Public School in Plevna, Reno Co., Kansas.
 
George, James I.,
and Charles E. Cochren
Census records show him in 1877 Hunstville, Reno Co., Ks; 1880 Enterprise Twp., Reno Co., Ks ; 1910 in Huntsville Twp., Reno Co., Ks; In 1917 he may have been living in Harris, Ks, perhaps while employed by the railroad.; 1920 Plevna, Reno, Kansas ;  1930 Plevna, Reno Co., Kansas

He was the son of Civil War Veteran Newton Jasper COCHREN b: 18 Sep 1842 in Delaware Co., IN
and  Lucinda DRAKE b: 27 Jan 1839 in Starke Co., IN

Anne Byrthel BROWN b: 16 May 1889 in Garnett, Anderson Co., KS. She was the daughter of Burgess Franklin Brown and wife Ruhama Isadora Fenton Brown.  They were wed  16 Jul 1912 in Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS.  She had been previously married to Perry M. King and had one son who died.

In 1931, after a short battle with stomach cancer, he died in Hutchinson, Reno Co., Ks.
 
 
 
 
 
Children
  1. Infant COCHREN, b: about 1913 d:1913 Coffey Co., Kansas
  2. Elva Ethel COCHREN b: 24 May 1914, Coffery Co., Kansas
  3. Velma Dora COCHREN b: 16 Apr 1915 in Halls Summit, Coffey, Kansas
  4. George Valjean COCHREN b: 10 Dec 1919, Plevna, Reno Co., Kansas
  5. Stillborn COCHREN b: Apr 1929 in Plevna, Reno Co., Kansas
Plevna School while George was Custodian and his children students., ca. 1920's

Sources:
Death certificates
Marriage Certificates
Census records
Deeds
Family documents (Photos, papers, etc.)
For information and images on Plevna see this page.

The "Other" Brown Family of Warren County, Tennessee, part 1

Our history is filled with migration. People moved from one place to another with great freedom and endless dreams of the possibilities.  These were actions often denied them in the lands from which they had or their ancestors had sprung.  What this means, however, is that often whole family groups may be a place for a few years to a few decades and no one knows they were there except for tracking family genealogists who nose for family lines competes well with any bloodhound.

In the 1880's various companies (mainly Goodspeed's but there were others) went into prosperous communities of some size and wrote the local history.  For a price you could have your pioneer family included.   Some were written by frustrated fiction writers whose poetic descriptions of the landscape and the early struggles is heavy on emotion but thin on facts, dates, and names.  Others were filled with names (often with just initials) but thin on any of the stories of who came first and who followed or what they did.  As a result, many of these histories are filled with lots of information on families (biographies) but they are heavy on assumptions, legend and filled with bad information (names misspelled, wives maiden names misidentified, etc.).  Since those who included their biographies had to pay for that privilege that immediately limited who might include their story or line. The wealthy in a community were included but not the rank and file in most cases.  Thumb through any of these at the "Biography" sections and you will see this demonstrated.  This is often still the case in county genealogy websites where they base their information on these well known individuals or those who were long term in the county to the exclusion of others.

 Looking over early tax lists, marriage lists, and land deeds are names that it was clear were there, sometimes for a generation, before they moved on.  They built the area and then headed for 'something more' due to drought, high costs of life, death, or the lure of what was over the other hill.

As a result, some researchers often assume that because only one family of a name was in "the book" there were no others.  Sometimes they assume that there could be no relationship because none made it into the book.  The truth is that often when a man or woman might have several spouses, the first born children might have gone away and been basically forgotten.  New families were created and new wives might not know about those earlier children.  The offspring left might never know that they had a half-brother or sister out there.  The same with cousins.  In some documented cases, the very spelling of the name changed to just such a separation of family lines.

In Warren Co., Tennessee there is a group of BROWN family members whose relationship is unclear but there are teasing elements of family legend that may bear a closer look and with fresher eyes.

There was another Isaac Brown (in fact several in TN).  This particular line is first known to be in the county due to the birth of the oldest son.

1829 AugAge: 23; Warren Co. TN; Eldest son born here          
 
1830 — Age: 24Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee, United StatesIsaac Brown Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 F
   
1836 — Age: 30Warren, Tennessee, United States      

1838 — Age: 32Warren, Tennessee, United StatesIsaac H Brown Year: 1838 Residence: Warren, Tennessee      

1840 — Age: 34Warren, Tennessee, United Statesme: Isaac Brown Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Warren, Tennessee Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1 Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 Free White Person      

1841-10 Dec— Age: 35 Phelps, Co., Mo, United States10 Dec 1841 Acres: 84.4 Meridian: 5th

His children:

Ptolema Philadelphus Brown1829 – 1903
Juan Fernandez Brown1831 – 1850
Archimedes Brown1834 – 1863
Selticana Brown1834 – 1900
Lycurgus Brown1836 – 1882
Elsinor Odensia Brown1838 – 1910
Mithero Berzanes (BarJames) "M.B." Brown1840 – 1910
Mary A. Brown1843 – 1887
Marcellus Brown1845 – 1933
Fascilina Brown1847 – 1885
Marcius Sabinus Brown1849 – 1912
Leonidas Hannibal Brown i1852 – 1897

Isaac died in 1892 in Texas Co., Missouri

To be continued...

20.7.14

BROWN faces

Recently, one Brown line of ISAAC HAIRIE BROWN (1806-1892) of Warren Co., TN and Texas Co., Mo. discovered a connection to Halopgroup J-M172.  A female descendent of this same Brown line had earlier reported a halopgroup of U5a1a1.  What is needed is for more known descendents of this family to have their DNA tested in order to establish relationships and origins.  Until then, however, the family face may have to step in and provide possible visual traits and common features.

Isaac Hairie Brown (1806-1892)
His son, Ptolemy Philadelphius Brown, aka P.P. Brown

Isaac's son, Archimedes Brown, died in the Civil War

Marcellius Brown, son of Isaac

Son of Isaac, Marcus Sabines Brown

Grandson of Isaac, Samuel M. Brown

Grandson of Isaac, Burgess Franklin Brown

26.6.14

Female Descendent of Brown Line & DNA

It will be interestng, as more Brown descendents discover their DNA, how this line connects.  With so many of a similar name it will either add to the confusion or clear things up! I look forward to verifying the family legend of my line of Isaac Brown and wife Mary and their son (my great, great, great grandfather) Ptolema Philadelphius Brown.

So far a male descendent of  that line, Velma nee Cochren has been identified as having DNA fitting into Haplogroup U5a1a1.  Her family tree names include; BROWN, COCHREN, FENTON, DRAKE, MORTIMORE, KIRKPATRICK, DESHIL/DRISCOL, etc.

Her female ancestors include names: BROWN, FENTON, DRAKE, MORTIMORE, KIRKPATRICK, DESHIL/DRISCOL and possibly MOONEY.


"U5a1a1 is very large and diverse with 5 named subclades (U5a1a1a to U5a1a1e) and another 40 samples that are U5a1a1*, and 10 samples that are U5a1a1 with no extra mutations. U5a1a1 and its subclades are found throughout Europe. U5a1a1* has the largest number of samples in the UK, with a smaller number found in Germany, Poland and Scandinavia, a still smaller number found in eastern Europe and 2 samples in Turkey.  There are 27 samples of U5a1a1 that also have a mutation at 152, including subclades U5a1a1a and U5a1a1b. These samples are found most frequently in eastern Europe and Russia. U5a1a1c has 7 samples and is found in Sweden, Scotland, Slovenia and Russia. U5a1a1d has 23 samples and is found most often in Ireland, Scotland and Wales with a smaller number of samples in western Europe and rarely found in eastern Europe. It is interesting that U5a1a1d is found most frequently in Ireland and Scotland and less frequently in England. Perhaps this group had its origins among early Britons and was replaced in England by later migrations? There are 4 U5a1a1e samples, one each from the UK, Poland, Norway and Finland. There is also a proposed new subclade U5a1a1*Group F with a back mutation at 16270 that has been found in Germany, Bohemia and Hungary."

"U5a1a is the largest subclade with 133 FMS test results, and Behar et al. estimate its age as about 12,000 ybp.  There are 103 FMS test results in U5a1a1 (6,800 ybp) and 30 FMS test results in U5a1a2 (10,300 ybp). There are no known test results that are U5a1a*, and this might indicate that U5a1a lived in a community with slow population growth, while its two subclades lived in communities that had begun to grow very rapidly.  U5a1a1 is very large and diverse with 5 named subclades (U5a1a1a to U5a1a1e) and another 26 samples that are U5a1a1*, and 8 samples that are U5a1a1 with no extra mutations. U5a1a1 and its subclades are found throughout Europe. U5a1a1* has the largest number of samples in the UK, with a smaller number found in Germany,  Poland and Scandinavia, a still smaller number found in eastern Europe and 2 samples in Turkey. There are 20 samples of U5a1a1 that also have a mutation at 152, including subclades U5a1a1a and U5a1a1b. These samples are found most frequently in eastern Europe.
 (Source:  https://www.familytreedna.com/public/u5b/default.aspx?section=results) 

L.W. Brown 1849-1900

Two forms of this name have come down through families of Brown descendents. One line had the name as LIBERTADES WARE BROWN, b. Feb. 11,1849, Texas County, Missouri and died May 13, 1900.  The other line, direct descendents of this man, have the name as  LIBETHRIDES WARE BROWN OR 'BETH'. 

This Brown family had the tendency to name their children for figures from classical history, mysthology or notable geographical locations.  "Libethrides" =  Also known as 'nymphae Libethrides' was the name of the Muses in Greek mythology, one thought to have been derived from the well Libethra in Thrace.  [the other name“Libertades” also filled the bill in the name pattern since it is the plural form of the Spanish term for liberty. This would have been right after the Mexican American War of 1846. ] “Ware”= This may refer to 1) the name of his father , 2) it may also as likely be a reference to an author of a popular writing of the day, one Joseph Ware, author of The Emigrant’s Guide to New Mexico, California, and Oregon; giving the different overland and sea routes (1849), or 3) an unknown source or significance. *

According to his descendents, "Beth", as he preffered being known,  was a grandchild of Isaac and Mary Moony Brown. The Brown's oldest daughter, Juan Fernandez Brown, became pregnant while unwed, and this baby was born illegitimately.

His mother is JUAN FERNANDEZ BROWN, b. 1831, Davidson County, Tennessee; d. March 07, 1854, Texas County, Missouri. "Juan" – may refer to the explorer Juan de Categena with Magellan.* "Ferdinand" – may refer to the explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Also, an island chain made famous in the story of Robinson Crusoe.  His father is unknown.  His mother married a local widower, George Bradford,  and died in childbirth with their first child. As a result, it is believed he was then raised by his grandparents, Isaac Haire Brown and wife Mary (possibly Mooney) Brown.

He had a close, brotherly relationship with Marcus Sabine Brown aka "Bine".  Originally, Beth and Bine were said to be brothers; however, that was incorrect; instead, Beth was the nephew of Bine. 

Beth's marriage to Nancy E. Johnson took place on Oct 18, 1869, and 11 children were produced.1) William H.; 2)John Allen(m: Mary B. Eaves); 3)Samuel M.; 4)Isaac Haire (B: July 11, 1872, D: July 24, 1934); 5)Leonides; 6)Francis; 7) Lenora (m:August Wallis and m: _ Smith); 8) Sarah Jane (m: George H. Watkins); 9) Iva (m: Ed C. Kitchen); 10) Mary Malena C. Johns; and 11) Miss Louise.



27.4.14

Sena Adeline Boyd Priest

Birth: 1873
Erie County
Pennsylvania, USA
Death: 1949
Barry County
Missouri, USA
Daughter of William Sylvester Boyd and Margaret Ann Niner Boyd.  Margaret was the daughter of immigrants Henry and Margaret (Huner) Niner.

Grand daughter of Hanson William Boyd and Sally Ann Robbins Boyd. "Hans" Boyd had been born in County Down Ireland and immigrated with his parents and family around 1820.

She married Charles Reuben Priest in August of 1889 in Barry Co., Mo.

Her siblings:
Edna Maggie Boyd Terry
Myrtle Boyd Terry
Bertha Boyd
Archie William Boyd
Junie Silas Boyd
Perry Sylvester Boyd
Louis F. Boyd (d before 1900)

Charles Reuben Priest and wife Sena Adeline Boyd


They farmed in Barry County, Missouri in the Flat Creek area. Charles Reuben Priest (1870-1948) was the son of Alexander Lawrence Priest and Almeda Jane Mullet.  

Sena Adeline Boyd (1874-1948) was the daughter of William Sylvester Boyd and Margaret Ann Niner.

Their children:
Maude V. Priest Marbut
Allie M. Priest
Clarence C. Priest
Bessie M. Priest
Raymond W. Priest
Edna E. Priest
Lawrence Priest
Norman E. Priest
Melvin Marion Priest (d.1950 in Oklahoma)

Melvin Marion Priest with brother and son

Left to right: Melvin Marion Priest (1910-1950), Melvin Daniel Priest, son of Melvin Marion Priest (he is labeled "Charles" because that was his nickname for many years) and Norman Priest, brother to Melvin Marion Priest.





24.4.14

Isaac H. Brown: A Scottish Story Revisted (UPDATED)

Historic Analysis of 1969 Brown Letter: Does the letter provide clues to historical time frames for the Isaac Brown Family?

Marilyn A. Hudson, MLIS (2014)
 
UPDATE:  Recent DNA tests in two lines call into question some of the current understandings about this line.  In neither test was there any clearly defined and identifiable Native American DNA.  This seriously erodes part of this legend.  One line was also given information that connected them to a line that was in NC, VA. and PA.  It is interesting to note that in at least two of these lines is also a story of a Native American wife but it is several generations earlier.  Any male Brown descendants of this line are urged to have their DNA test done and begin to clarify this situation.

The story within the family of Isaac H. Brown of Texas county, Missouri was that the family name had originally been a) MacDiernie and was from Scotland and b) that on running away from an apprenticeship he changed it to Brown.  It was generally understood the original individual thus defined was Isaac H. Brown.   A closer reading of the document used to support this theory offers some interesting ideas while also raising some important questions regarding the timeline.  This legend appears to have originated in the line of one of Isaac's sons.  It should be noted Isaac always said on the census that he was born in Tennessee.  Only one of his children appears to have ever identified him as having been born in Scotland.  This would seem to suggest a misunderstanding of a family story.


Isaac H. Brown, Texas Co., Missouri.
Did he runaway from apprenticeship in Scotland and change his name from McDeirnie (or MacDiarmid) to BROWN?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transcript of relevant letter parts dated  December 21, 1969:
Dear Georgia [1] : It seems only yesterday that I received your letter…your letter was a lovely letter and full of news and hope of finding more of our kin. Maybe I can help you in some way to continue your search.
You see my father told me a story when I was a small boy, when I asked him how we were named Brown.  Then I asked him again when I was in my teens. Also again a short time before he died. The story was the same.  Some things that I can’t remember, as hard as I have tried the last two months.
[This is important because it shows a consistency in the narrative but also that there were some details lost]
In the beginning our real name was Scotch – MacDiernie pronounced MAC-DEER-KNEE….
[Spelled variously there is evidence that a family group of that name  and similar (Macdermid) was a protectorate under the broader Clan Campbell of Breadalbane umbrella in Argyll, Scotland.]
The story I remember is this. MacDiernie  ran away from the apprentice school in Scotland.  He was 14 years old at the time that he stowed away on a ship and came to the United States.

Mary Brown, was she a Choctaw or
is the story older?
[ Born ca. 1806 he is about fourteen in 1820.   There were problems with apprentice schools many years earlier. One Edinburgh paper mentioned the issue  often in papers dated to the 1780's]
 He joined some group to fight the Indians. – Was wounded and left to die.  A tribe of Indians found him and brought him back to good health again.  He lived with the Indians for a while and married one of them. [2]
[Arriving in the U.S. around 1820 on the eastern seaboard there was not much 'Indian fighting' going on except west of the Mississippi, in Indiana Territory and in Florida. There were localized events but more detail is needed on them. The belief she was either Choctaw or Cherokee places the event within the areas of the Carolinas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia depending on the tribal group. When asked to identify the suggested name Washatah (phonetic spelling of name as it descended) Cherokee speakers did not identify it.] 

Being afraid that someone would find him and send him back to the school, he changed his name from MacDiernie to Brown. That is the story our Grandfather told my father.

I believe the story because while I was in Canada I checked with some Scotch people and they checked … MacDiernie listed. Out clan is the CAMPBELL’S OF BREADALBANE (BREEDAL’BRIN).

Maybe this will help you, but I forgot the name of the Indians also weather it was a greatgrandfather or not.  Maybe our Great, Greatgrandfather – I can’t remember……..Fred” [3]
[This is important because it leaves open the idea that the story may be older than supposed. ]

Only one of his children claimed a Scottish birthplace for Isaac and Isaac on every census gave his birthplace (and the birthplace of his father) as Tennessee.  Now, in the first years of being a runaway a person might fear being found and sent back to make good on their apprenticeship (since money was put forward often as a loan to a third party in such situations) but after decades?  That would then make Isaac a truly grand liar and a man, as the Good book says, who had no truth in him.  While that may indeed be the case, it would seem that given the nature of many of children as stalwart people of high moral caliber that they would have been raised with high ethical standards. So, it seems out of character that he would have continued to lie once the need no longer existed. Indeed, in similar cases, there is often found a renewed pride in that first nationality that the person and their heirs appreciate.

Conclusion: Given the uncertainty of the letter writing in being able to pinpoint to whom the story referred, given that the greatest chance of encountering large scale 'Indian fighting' was a generation before Isaac, and given the fact he consistently responds to census takers with a Tennessee birthplace, and given that in a previous generation there was a recognized problem with runaway apprentices reported in Scottish newspapers.  In addition, several other Brown lines also share this common story of a Native American woman indicating that perhaps all are retelling a shared family myth or legend (which may be rooted in fact).  Together these all present a strong case for the story referring to the father or other ancestor, of this Isaac.  It is at least a possibility that should be explored and considered.



[1] Georgia Adams is believed to be Georgia Brown, daughter of Felix Grundy Brown, son of P.P. Brown; PP. was son of Isaac Brown.
[2] The common assumption that this individual was Isaac H. Brown (1806-1883) of Texas County, Missouri may be in error.  Nowhere in this letter is there an identifier as to who this stow-away was. Indeed it is clearly stated that it could be referring to his father or beyond.  Second, there is the idea of stepping into an Indian conflict if the 1820 date of arrival is correct. This date is based on the information he was 14 when he ran away and subsequent census reports as to his birth year, which remained constant over time.  The conflicts with Native inhabitants in 1820 was largely west of the Mississippi and south into Florida and an occasional hot spot in Indiana Territory.  Earlier, however, during the colonial and revolutionary period there were active conflicts all across the Atlantic regions and into the Ohio valley areas.
[3] “Fred” was an uncle of Georgia's.

 

A "Haire" Situation: A Tale of 2 Isaac H. Brown's **UPDATED**

This is the tale of two Isaac H. Brown's, although there are hundreds of them, this will focus on the confusion of two individuals.
 
1) My line is Isaac H. Brown, born ca 1806 in Tennessee (although a legend ties him to Scotland but more on that later) who married a "Mary" born ca. 1810 in Tennessee.  They removed to settle in Phelps and then Texas counties in Missouri by  about the 1840-1855 period.  The couple had many children of unique, classical, historical and mythological origins revealing they were more than passingly well-read. The couple dies within years of each other in Texas County, Missouri, probably buried on a private family burial ground. His Find-A-grave page is here.
 
2) The other line was an Isaac H. Brown, a man of business in Pennsylvania whose dates and wife's name were eerily similar.  This man's middle name was "Haire" and he and his wife had two daughters and were buried in Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. His Find-a-Grave page is here.
 
A "Haire" Situation Emerges
In the early 1990's a "researcher" assigned that middle name to the Missouri man and it stuck.  No evidence was offered to prove that the Missouri man's name was indeed that.  It was repeated until it became set in stone.  Many of the online trees deleted many notes and questions regarding the research on this line leaving only the filled in spaces and opened the way for a persistent repetition of the information.  I know, because my original GEDcom file contained all those notes but on seeing my information online the notes I included with sources and questions are not there.

UPDATE:  The descendants of one of the Missouri Isaac Haire Brown have verified that his middle name was indeed Haire and they have Bible records proving it.  There were, for some reason, a lot of men named Isaac Brown spread through several states in the early years of the 19th century.  The fact that two men named Isaac Haire Brown were born in the same general time period and married women named Mary is a coincidence bearing closer scrutiny.  It may, in fact, point to an earlier familial relationship.
 
 

8.3.14

Dennis Ray Terry (1947-2014)

Dennis Terry, 66, of Wellington, Kansas went to be with his Lord, Wednesday, March 5, 2014 with his loving family by his side
 
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Wellington. Visitation will be held Friday, March 7, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Wellington. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with the Hillside Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left with the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Wellington, Kansas.
  
Dennis Ray Terry was born November 3, 1947 the son of Roy Dennis and Velma Dora (Cochran) Terry in Bushnell, NE. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1966 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Holmes Theological Seminary in Greensville, South Carolina. .
 
After going steady since August 11, 1964 Dennis and Linda (Weaver) were united in marriage on September 11, 1967 in Derby, KS. Dennis was a Pastor and Lay Minister in Pratt, KS, and then a machinist at TECT Aerospace from 1972 until 2010.
 
Dennis enjoyed fishing, woodworking, refinishing furniture and working on their home. He was also involved in Community Theater, singing in groups, and studying Bible history. He was a gifted singer, Bible teacher and speaker. Most of all he loved his family and God.
  
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Linda of the home, daughters: Tamara Martin and her husband Mike of Wellington, Debra Alexander and her husband Eddie of Papillion, NE, and Davina Tredway and husband Mike of Wellington, KS; 8 grandchildren: Alex Shamblin, David Brokaw, Christina Martin, Nicholas Martin, Mikaela Alexander, Sarah Alexander, Joanna Tredway and Abby Tredway; his brother, Reverend Gary Terry and his wife Georgia of Wellington, KS, two sisters: Marilyn Hudson and her husband Reverend Marvin Hudson of Norman, OK, and Helen Calvert and her husband Walter of Delaware; and 5 great grandchildren.
  
He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister and two grandchildren: Kathrine “Kat” Tredway and Thomas “T.J.” Alexander.

1.3.14

Find-A-Grave

I have added a link to this resource (see the bottom of the page).  I have added many records when I found they were not listed and known some wonderful and helpful people.
 
Most of the people who volunteer are very nice and helpful. Some, though, are stinkers.  They can be identified by their making contact with them impossible. This is an area Find-A-Grave should work on to improve contact for complaints.
 
I had found a relative in Missouri a few years back, whose grave entry had been done by a volunteer who had died. I had tried to contact and no response and since the info he had loaded was so wrong, I was told to just add a correct entry.
 
Recently, I received a rather curt email telling me to remove this entry I had added and seeing they were also a relative, I removed the duplicate.  It would have been nice to have made contact with this distant relative, compare notes and see what other blanks might be filled as a result of two branches of a family getting together. 
 
Unfortunately, the woman had closed all means of communicating with her. Examining her profile page I read her instructions and comments on Find-A-Grave with growing dismay because they were the written equivalent of a stare and 'back-off buddy'!
 
It is hoped that people are all equally willing to be helpful and friendly. Especially when they are fruit from a common tree.  The truth is sometimes they are not.  Most of the time, however, people who do family history are friendly, eager to help, and live by a code of 'random acts of genealogy.'
 
I must just admit some branches will remain mysteries because people are unwilling to participate and share and connect to others in positive and meaningful ways.
 
Go out and do a random act of genealogy today. It will make someone happy.

11.12.13

WINDOWS OF MEMORY

Note: These are not related to me, but thought people looking for families with these names might be interested.  The stained glass windows in the 1928 Gothic sanctuary of Wesley UMC in Oklahoma City has many windows donated in memory or to honor a family.



Narthex
In this area, there are various donations and gifts such as plaques, furnishings, and decorations. Above the narthex area (which faces the eastern entrance of the church) is this window -
East Window
“Jesus Blessing the Little Children” (1928)- Mrs. Florida Knight.

Cloister, North
(West) “The Nativity” – Mrs. William E. Rowland
(Center) “The Boy Christ”- Mr. & Mrs. J. Edgar Strader
(East) “Christ at the Door”- Mrs. Clara Bell & Family

North Transept
“The Transfiguration” (1928)-Mr. & Mrs. Hillard John Scott
(West) “The Last Supper” –Mr. & Mrs. L.R. Springer
(Center) “Jesus and His Mother”- Ladies’ Bible Class
(East) “The First Disciple”

Chancel  (West or Choir)
“The Beckoning Christ” (Come Unto Me) (1928) - Mr. Overstreet, father of Mrs. Campbell Russell

South Transept
“The Good Shepherd” (1928)- Mrs. Jessie B. Fleming and Mrs. Virginia C. Shike
“Rich Young Man”- T.Harold and Captain W.E. Corkhill
“Gethsemane”- Mrs. D.G. Murray & Family
“Best Friend” – Mrs. Laura S. Day and Miss Olga Stokesberry
“Empty Tomb”- Mr. & Mrs. O.H. Putney

Cloister, South (or Ambulatory)
(East) “Holy Women of the Tomb”- Mrs. N.A. Whittaker and Family
(Center) “World Encircled” – WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union)
(West) “The Ascension”- Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson and Miss Minnie Suitor


Exterior:
Triangular Plot (East) – Fronting east entry area between Douglas and Classen Blvd. Land donated by noted early Oklahoma City founding leader, Anton Classen (before 1928).  Mrs. Classen later donated landscaping and other improvements.
Large Window on the South Transept, "Jesus, The Good Shepherd"
Donated by Mrs. Jesse B. Fleming and Mrs. Virginia C. Shike - to honor husband and father, George Fleming.
He made the 1889 land run and opened the first drug store in Oklahoma City.

10.4.13

Terry Wills - Virginia

unidentified source:

Terry, Jasper - This will was probated July 6 1819. Names wife as Margaret and children as : Kezia Graham, Jemima Drweasem Karon Happuck, Rose, William, Jonathan, Elijah, and a step-daughter Sussanah Snidow.  Montgomery Co., Va.

Terry, William - Will probated Feb 1826. Names wife Patience, and nieces Elizabeth, Patience Cooper, daughters of Washington Cooper.

New DNA studies are establishing relationships - and disconnecting previously accepted relationships -
see Terry's at World Families.

30.3.13

DNA

A male descendent of the William Terry, Botetourt Co., Va. group has been identified as having DNA fitting into the I2a2 grouping.

This Terry line is -

  • William Terry  md. Rachel Manson
  • John Terry md Esther Brown
  • William Terry md Barbara Ennis
  • Martin Terry md Mary Ann Reed
  • John King Terry md Mary Ann Riddle
  • Wesley Sartin Terry md. Edna Maggie Boyd
  • Roy Dennis Terry md. #1 -                        #2 - Velma Cochren
  • LIVING
A male descendent of Velma Cochren has been identified as having DNA fitting into Haplogroup U5a1a1.

Her family tree names include; BROWN, COCHREN, FENTON, DRAKE, MORTIMORE, KIRKPATRICK, DESHIL, etc.

26.2.13

The Carter Girls

Nettie, Annie, Nellie Carter daughters of Mary Louisa Ray and Charles Henry Carter.

Annie Catherine Carter King

 From the family of Mary Louisa Ray and Charles Henry Carter:  
Annie was born 30 Jan 1902 in Scott Co., Missouri and died  20 Oct 1996 in Herrin, Williamson, Illinois.  She married Homer King  in 1921 in Scott Co., Missouri. 
Her children:  

Kathryn King 1923 –
Mildred Fay King 1927 – 2011
Virginia King 1930 –
Nadine King

Nettie Odela Carter Adkins

Another child of Mary Louisa Ray and Charles Henry Carter -
Nettie Odela Carter was born Jan. 18, 1900 in Wayne Co., Mo, probably around Black Creek or Lost Creek.  She is listed on the 1900 in Johnson Township, Carter, Missouri
In 1910 she is in Williams, Wayne, Missouri .   In 1920, she is  20 and on the Richland, Scott, Missouri census and by 1930 she is married the Thomas L. Adkins and is buried in Deepwater, Bates, Missouri .   She died  in Nov 1934 in Bates County and is buried in Radford Cemetery.

Nellie Carter King

Nellie Carter was born about 1905 in Wayne Co., Missouri to Mary Louisa RAY and her husband Charles Henry CARTER.   She is listed on the  1910 census for Wayne and on the Scott Co., Mo census for 1920.  She married Jesse King. Nothing more is known. 

A Mystery No More : Ray-Carter Line

When this photo was first discovered no one had any clues who these people were.  The first of two clues was that it belonged to Effie Algerty Ray Conner Hudson and the second clue that on a second image of just the same three women the names "Annie, Nellie, and Nettie" were penciled on the back.

Finally, the mystery has been solved, although many still remain.

Effie had a sister Mary Louisa Ray who married Charles Henry Carter. They settled in Scott Co., Mo.  They had daughters Nellie, Nettie, Annie, and Julie C. Carter.    Left to right the women above are: Annie Catherine Carter King (wife of Homer), Nellie Carter, and Nettie Carter King (wife of Jesse).  The children are thought to be Annie's daughters.   

Effie and Mary Louisa were the daughters of Drury Edward Ray and Harriet Anna Rowe Ray. The other siblings were:  Lucy Elizabeth Ray Hurst Lord, Julius Harriet Ray and Wilson Edward Ray,

8.2.13

Minature Leather Work - Curtis Hudson

Curtis R. Hudson when he was about 13-15 years old crafted some minatures including a saddle, holster, and chaps. During that time period he was living in Seibert, Colorado. See more here.

Buckeye, Arizona Rodeo Parade ca 1963

Shown left to right Marvin J. Hudson, Curtis R.Hudson and Roy C. Hudson in Buckeye, Arizona.

27.1.13

Thomas Benjamin Cain

Donated - unknown source
Thistewood (Now Beechwood) Cemetery
Pulaski Co., Il

Hudson-Cain Line

The 'dead end'  of the Hudson line is the family of a William Hudson who married an Emily Jane Cain in 1868 Evansville, Vanderburg, Indiana.   On the 1880 Census they are in Mound City, Pulaski, Il census and the family consists of William, Emily, Lewis Hudson, Millie Hudson and stepson, Benjamin Kane.  Working backward from that information I began to search for where this child was in 1870, the first census after the marriage.  I found who I believe to be William Hudson, his wife using the name "Emma" and a child named Lewis living in Evansville.  No "Benjamin".  Then I found two children, Benjamin and William Cain enumerated with a Thomas B. Carter and an older woman named Millie Parker.  Further backtracking found that Thomas B. Carter was the half-brother of Emily and the woman most certainly their mother who had been Millie Greer, married a Cullen W. Carter and then a Lewis Cain. Parker is thought to be a third husband.  The family is found in 1850 showing children of both Carter and Cain last names. Lewis Hudson is listed as next of kin when Thomas Benjamin Carter dies at the Veterans hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1919.

Other records indicate that Benjamin Cain was Thomas Benjamin Cain and he remained in southern Illinois.  It is believed he married Rosy Anna Brown.  His grave is thought to be in the Thistlewood Cemetery (now Beechwood) in Pulaski Co., Illinois.  The graves are not listed in Find-a-Grave and other listings but the area is well known for not having complete records assessible for online research.  No record of his step-father or his mother's grave have been found either.

It is assumed that Emily was his mother but no marriage records have been located connecting her to a marriage before William Hudson.  Further, there is the fact the child has her maiden name.  What this might mean is an illegitimate birth or the child belonged to someone else.  The name may provide some clues to the father.

Emily had at least two full brothers, Henry and Alexander, who are hard to locate after the Civil War.  It is possible these might be parent of the child and with a death the child might have been taken in by family members.  That he was named after an uncle may indicate a figure who was respected by the younger brothers.

It is obvious that Emily named her Hudson children after her father Lewis and her mother Millie.  On the death certificate of Lewis Hudson he noted his mother's name as Emma Carter which might indicate a confused awareness of his mother's family tree, since he had known his uncle Thomas B. Carter and records indicate she used on one census the name "Emma."

Thomas B. Carter, to further confuse things purchased a cemetery plot in Mechanicsville, Vanderburgh Co., Ind in 1876.  He also purchased a plot in the Cairo City Cemetery in southern Ill in the  mid 1880's.  They were apparently never used  - at least no evidence has been found to date. Plots for wives? Plots for sister and her husband? Plot for his own eventual demise? Plot for his mother or a wife?

26.1.13

Where Are They? Dead, buried, and invisible

One of the most frustrating aspects of tracking family history is when people who should be buried in a cemetery do not appear on any index, list, etc.   Numerous death certificates will say where the burial was to take place but they frequently cannot be found with any ease.  Reasons might be a last minute choice for the burial site, poor maintenance of local cemeteries leading to destruction or loss of markers (not all people had formal and expensive stone markers), local flood or development that might destroy portions of a burial ground.   The value of local volunteers doing indexes of headstones, grave records, and obituaries is incalculable. 

To researchers who must depend on the work of others because they cannot make those cemetery visits or conduct their own index work, the online records, lists and resources are a boon.   Too often they merely repeat the mistakes or limitations of previous works.

One area that has greatly frustrated research for one line is the area of Pulaski Co., Il and nearby Alexander Co., Il.   Several lines had probable and known deaths in the area.  Death certificates indicate burial location.  Most of the time, however, there is no index, no list, or what is found is obviously far short of the total burials recorded for the site.  

Local history researchers and community volunteers can combine to address these issues.  Local scouts, church, youth, business, school and paranormal groups are often willing to give back to their communities and preserve cemeteries and other historic records or sites.  

Long live random acts of genealogy kindness!

22.1.13

Postcards




Pine Dresser Box - Annie Brown Cochren Willard

Passed in the family, it is not clear which husband gave her this box.  Family legend was that George D. Cochren gave it to her shortly after they married in 1912 in Kansas.  Dating the style of the box by McGraw Box Company, McGraw, NY will help to determine which is the most likely. Most styles found online appear to be square shaped boxes rather than this style. It appears to have metal (art nouveau?) trim, a tiny brass lock, satin lining, a mirror, and dovetail construction. The manufacturers name and address are incised on the bottom. It has some interesting slots inside that I know must have served some purpose (hair combs, hat pins?).  
Annie Brown Willaard with 3rd husband, Daniel Verne Willard
Annie Brown with 2nd husband, George Daniel Cochren


On bottom: McGraw Box Company, MNFG, McGraw, NY

Boeing Pins - Roy Dennis Terry


Roy Dennis Terry worked for Boeing Aircraft, Wichita, Kansas for about 30 years.  While there he was a member of a union as well. He wore the pin on the pencils/pens he used at work from the 1960's until he retired in about 1974.

Shadow Box

Part country decor and part historical artifacts, this shadow box was created in the 1980's.  It contains items of family  history interest:

Shelf 1 (top): a ceramic thimble, a milk bottle lid, a shell pin and a knife owned by Roy Terry, a watch owned by Roy Terry

Shelf 2: FFA award keychain, Marvin J. Hudson  empty,  religious track (ca 1910) w skeleton key, bride and groom from wedding cake of Marvin J. Hudson and Marilyn Terry Hudson.

Shelf 3:  reproduction miniature can with rock eff, pins from Boeing belonging to Roy D. Terry

Shelf 4: Old photo of unknown elderly couple, vintage sticker with minature rabbit, old pocket watch belonging to Marvin Hudson, a minature bottle of Chanel No. 5 (empty).

Shelf 5:  Minature gum packages, craft nest with bird and eggs, original wooden thread spools, minature reproduction can

Shelf  6  (bottom): a craft rose, a minature tin of Anacin, a brial garter (Marilyn A. Hudson), a knife belonging to Roy Terry

Find-a-Grave

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