Armchair Computer Class

We accessed GLO records by simply typing GLO, which means Government Land Office. Here we found our land patents and were able to pull up the original copies and print them. Many times there will be two names on the records that are valuable clues. However just accessing records that are beautifully handwritten and well over a hundred years old is a truly overwhelming experience. We did forum searches where people with the same surname are posting information and queries, at this site you can search by multiple key words and also go to regional, county, and interest searches. The participants also found many other genealogy sites with multiple on line listing of libraries, Latter Day Saints on-on-line libraries, Revolutionary War Sites, The War of 1812, French and Indian War, Muster Rolls of all these wars and Civil War sites. All in all it was enjoyed by most and a recent report from the libraries the researches that did not have a computer are using the libraries computers.

I will hold another seminar in August for additional information for the current researchers and do the intro class for the new researchers. Currently I am working on a list of periodicals, census, and other books for the libraries. If you have a special interest or know of a book that might be beneficial to our county Researchers let me know through Mr. or Mrs. Goodwin at the Lafayette County Press.

This summer has been extremely busy and I have had the opportunity to travel a little. While waiting for Uncle Buck to do his thing, I have visited and revisited several libraries. Camden Library has really a nice research room and through their historical society had furnished it very nicely. The Ouachita courthouse burned around 1875 and most records destroyed. However a lot of the thick books did not burn completely so a few records remain. I looked through their local chapter periodicals and did glean some helpful snip-its. Plano, Texas Library was wonderful with a vast room of early state records, books and microfiche. This is a great easy to access in and out Library. They also have a genealogy assistant to help newcomers find their material. Magnolia, Arkansas Asa Garrett Regional, The Southwest Arkansas Genealogical society has done a very good job with the collections of material they have put in place. Tuscaloosa, Alabama was very disappointing, because for one I didn’t stop in Vicksburg and went on to Alabama and second it was under construction and all but census records and few volumes of their county books were out. However I managed to search five hours without realizing the time on what they had out. One of their researchers was in and told me how vast the other resources that they have are so I am sure when it all gets put back together it will be great.

I have purchased 1880 census for Columbia County, a Marriage Record Book for Union County and two Marriage record books for Columbia County. I will have these at our next workshop for more clues from the past.

Happy Hunting ~ Aunt Ludie

Allen Query

Major Hezekiah Allen* note Major is not a rank but a name, was born about 1843, in Georgia. At the age of ten, his father,Hezekiah Allen moved his family to Coosa County, Alabama. Hezekiah had three sons, Major, Albert, and William H. Allen. Upon moving to Arkansas, Albert Allen and William Henry “Dick” were mustered into the Confederate Army where they served in Col A Grinsteads infantry. This later became Co C 33rd Arkansas Infantry. I am sending you under separate cover a copy of a picture of Major Hezekiah Allen that appeared in a local Genealogy Magazine with a couple of short articles. Census records and the article reflect the Allen’s lived in Ebenezer Community and Spotsville Community and were Methodist. There is a wealth of information on other Hezekiah Allen’s in the 1750’s through 1850. I am assuming it is a family name.

Information about the Bodcaw Lumber Company— The Bodcaw Lumber Company was incorporated in Texarkana, Miller County
Arkansas in 1889 in order to engage in purchasing, manufacturing and selling lumber. Two years later the Company moved its operation to Stamps, Arkansas. By 1917, the Arkansas based company was dissolved and its assets transferred to Good Pine, Louisiana. International Paper Company, Pineville, Louisiana donated the Collection of Lumber Company records to the Special Collections Division, University of Arkansas, on August 6. 1998. The records consist of minute books and stock ledgers.

Contents ~ 1 Minute Book, Jan 1889-Dec 1905 2 Minute Book, Feb 1906-May 1917 3 Minute Book, Apr 1917-Dec 1941 4 Stock Ledger, ca 1917-1941 5 Funny Louis Lumber Company stock and cash ledger, 1911-1921 In 1889 William Buchanan, a Tennessee sawmiller, acquired Bodcaw in Stamps, Arkansas, laying the groundwork for the company later acquired by International Paper.

Falcon Guards

I would like to find a list of the Falcon Guards I believe one of my ancestors could have been in that particular company. Also I would like a list of the Lafayette county company D patriots. B. K.

Dear B. K., Here is your list of Falcon Guards. J. C. C. Moss, Captain Wm. R. Selvidge, 1st Lt. P. S. Lively , 2 Lt. Wm. Martin 3rd F. J. Eddy , Orderly Sergeant Thomas Boyse, 2 ND Sergeant Thomas J. Milwee 3rd John Carson, 4th William Andrew Jackson Cooper, 1st corporal B. W. Bourland 2nd W.S. Kent 3rd J.H. Meador 4th Larkin Nix, Ensign

Privates J. B. Nations, W.A. Altum, T. F. Gainn, Ben Lewis, A. Duckworth, Lott Porter Massey, M.L. Hinton, Z.P. Burns, S. Cox, R.W. Orman, Crabb, J.L. Jeffereys, C. Eddy, A.A. Rogers, J. Mcnatt, P.R.S. Jones, G.B. Friday, F. Richards, J. Archer, M. Jeffreys A. Sters, W. C. Milwee. J. Cook, A. Capps, I. Burns, L.T. Hinton, S Cothran, Wm Hairston, J. Spears, A.L. Thornton, W. Jeffreys, J.J. Jacobs, T. R. Smith, E. Altum, P.M. Hutchens, W.W. Lightfoot, B.J. Drake C. Crain, J.N. Gotcher, M. Lively, Wm Reynolds, J.M. Massey, L.E. Lile, J. P. Vines, E. N. Dudley, J. Cox, A. Adams, J. W. Turnbow, R. A. McClure, J. M. Gotcher, J. Roberts, Henry Lewis, J. W. Cooper, O.P. Carruth. J. Vines, T. Pollard, T. Beasley, A.P. Cothran. A. Burk, Wm. Arendell, E.M. Rockett, J.H. Raler, J. Turngough, J.R. Rockett, C. Gray. J. Duff, W.D. McClure.

Company D. From Lafayette County, Arkansas was first known as the Bright Star Rifles. They numbered seventy-three men.

Capt. Joseph C. Tyson 1st Lt. Charles A. Jenkins 2nd Lt. James J. Meyers 3rd Lt. Chesley G. Williams

I don’t have a list of the privates of the Bright Star, Company D. Volunteers of Lafayette County. I will find it and send it under separate cover.

Aunt Ludie ( Most of these extracts were from the True Democrat)

Camp/Cherokee Query

My Husband was told his maternal grandmothers family who are Camps are Cherokee. They did migrate into Arkansas. Can you help point me in a direction to search this line of Camps and the Cherokee heritage?

VA

Dear VA, Your request is sketchy however I will do my best to search and give you some key areas for your research. The bad news is the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arkansas burned to the ground in 1910 what wasn’t ashes was ruined by water. My resources show two sets of Camps—those descended from Rev. Ichabod Camp and Samuel Camp (originally from Connecticut) and those from Thomas originally from Virginia. Dawes Indian Index shows Camp to be in the Sioux tribe.

I did find several interesting web sites I can email you if you would send your address to Mr. Goodwin at the Press address.

Happy Hunting Aunt Ludie

McCurtain County/Indian Tribes

Ludie’s extracts from Arkansas Territory:

The first nation to claim Oklahoma was Spain then followed France and England. Spanish explorers traveled through Arkansas and into Oklahoma to Oklahoma’s northern border, however France made the more lasting contributions to the country. The French named the areas and those names remain today. Probably the most notable explorer was Bernard de Harpe.

The names of Ultima Thule, Poteau, Cossatot. Kiamichi is still familiar today. Dr. John Sibley, Indian agent for Louisisana Territory led the first American Expedition.into Oklahoma. (McCurtain County located in Arkansas Territory at this time). Other explorers included Stephen H. Long and Thomas Nuttal around 1817. Long and Nuttal visited about a dozen Caddoan tribes that lived along the Red River from Natchitoches, Louisiana to Idabel.

A Military Trace Road was built from FT. SMITH to FT. TOWSON crossing to Boar Creek near Dequeen, Arkansas then westward through McCurtain County and traces can be seen north of Little River to this day. In 1831 the Choctaws from Mississippi were removed to Indian Territory and were completed by 1833. A ration station was set up at the old Miller Court house which was thirty miles southeast of FT. Towson on the Red River.

David Folsom was the first Choctaw lay missionary among the Choctaws. He was in charge of one of the first parties of Choctaws to migrate west. He sent his two brothers Israel and McKee to school in Connecticut. Israel was the first to translate the Lord’s Prayer into Choctaw. The first Choctaw library contained books that David and his brothers ordered from Boston. David Folsom’s tomb is the oldest in Doaksville and the inscription reads; David Folsom, the First Republican Chief of the Choctaw Nation.

The Choctaws were related to the Muskogean group of the Algonquian family, their language being somewhat similar. The Choctaw burial was related with their belief in life after death. Food and drink and the deceased’s favorite dog or horse was placed near the corpse after killing the animal. The dead Indian was placed on a high gurney or platform near his house. He was then covered with buffalo robes, deer hides, and bark. Favorite hunting articles, ornaments and hunting utensil were placed around the corpse. During the first few days a fire was kept burning to keep the body warm for comfort and light.

The corpse remained there for five to six months. The stench was so strong the mourners sometimes passed out. When the body was decomposed enough the pickers were brought in. The picker fingernails sharpened and they absolutely picked the flesh off the bones. With every shred of flesh picked the skull was painted vermilion, the skeleton was then handed to the family and placed into a well constructed coffin. The platform was then burned, the coffin placed in the bone house and a celebration with the bone pickers as celebrated guest sat at the head of a huge banquet. —Games and medicine men and others next

Marriages-Book D Columbia County Rucker, Howell 21 to Dollie Robertson 15 on 31 of December 1882. Formby, Michial M. 29 to Telitha E. Formby 18, on 25 January 1877. W. M King 22 of Lafayette County to Ann M. Carlton 19 on July 23, 1876. Malone, T. W. 24 to Mollie Raborn 17 both of Buckner 20 of January, 1889. Shurtleff, William O. 27 to Sallie D. Cypert 20 .16 January 1879. Shurtliff George O. 25 to Martha A. E. Landers 17, December 3, 1878. Hardnett(pro. Hodnett) Arreler 25 to Rueben Miliner 21 June, 1, 1873.

Walker/Indian Territory

Prominent in the public affairs of the Chickasaw nation Mr. Tandy Walker is a man of influence and ability. He was born in the Choctaw nation, July 14, 1840. His paternal grandfather, John Walker was a native of Alabama and came with the Choctaws from that state to the Territory. His wife Molly (Riddle) Walker, was a half-bred Choctaw Indian. He became a successful and extensive stock-raiser and farmer. For a number of years he was actively identified with agricultural interests in the Territory, where he died about 1850. His wife passed away about 1848.

Their son, Lewis Walker, became the father of our subject and another son was Governor Tandy Walker. The former was born in Mississippi and came to the Indian Territory when the Choctaws left their homes in that state and became inhabitants of the reservation here. He wedded Mary Cheadle. A native of the Chickasaw Nation in Mississippi and a daughter of Thomas Cheadle who married Miss Kemp a half-bred Chickasaw. He was a stock dealer and operated his farm by the aid of slaves. His death occurred in the Choctaw Nation. The marriage of Lewis and Mary Cheadle Walker was blessed with two children, but Martha the younger and the only daughter is now deceased. The father passed away about 1842 and the mother afterward became the wife of Colonel J.J. Johnston by whom she had four children namely; William, Frank, and D.H. who is now serving as the governor of the Chickasaw nation and the last son N. B.

Mr. Walker pursued his education the Choctaw nation and since entering upon his business career has too been an extensive stock-raiser. He is a lover of fine horses and makes judicious investments. At the time of the Civil War he served in the confederate army with the state troops of Arkansas under Captain Lewis and Colonel Rosey Carrol. After being at the front for six months he was appointed scout for G eneral Cooper.

Mr. Walker was very active in public affairs and through his efficient service has largely promoted the welfare of his people. He was sheriff of Tobocksy County in the Choctaw nation and also represented that county in the national assembly. After coming to the Chickasaw nation he was elected captain of militia and afterward was permit collector for two years. He also served two years in the senate and was a delegate to Washington, D.C, and signed the deed selling the Cheyenne and Arapahoe country. In 1897 he was a delegate to Washington under Governor Harris administration, being sent to the capital to protest against the Dawes and Choctaw rolls of citizens and is now chairman of that commission. He is a fair and trustworthy person in the discharge of all his public duties and his official record is unassailable.

Mr. Walker has been twice married, and by his first marriage, to Adeline Wade, he had two children, --Theodore and Annie. The former is now in the United States Army serving as a member of the heavy artillery at Presidio, California, and the latter is the wife of G. H. Perry. In May of 1865 Mr. Walker again united in Marriage to Miss Mary Isabella Cochran, a half-bred Choctaw and unto them have been born seven children who are now living, namely: Robert T., J. Tandy, James C, Cornelia, Ida, Catherine, and Minnie.

Mr. Walker certainly deserves representation for in this volume as one of the leading men of his nation, for he has done much to promote its public affairs. While he was first in the war he was also first in peace for the welfare of his country, and his name appears first on the Chicasaw rolls for the allotment of the land.

Rev. Fitzgerald

Dear D. F., Your great grandfather Rev. Fitzgerald was born in 1851 in Forsyth County, Georgia. In my search I found another distant relative of yours doing same research on your William. He writes. I have an old copy of a 1938 newspaper article with a picture dated 40 years before a Reverend W. A. Fitzgerald and family of Amity Arkansas, it has some dates and information, Merrell Fitzgerald, Mrs. Flora Baker, Miss Carrie Pride, Mr. and Mrs. Dock Connie, Mrs. Tom Martin, Mrs. Fred Runyan, boy, J. W. Fitzgerald are named in the picture. The article states he married a Miss Louise Dillard on October 10, 1879 and they have five daughters, two sons.

Aunt Ludie

Foster Query

Dear CS, There were many land patents listed for Fosters in Columbia and Lafayette County. Falcon Cemetery in Nevada County has many early Fosters listed in its census. Also Magnolia Columbia Lodge # 82 lists an A.W. Foster in their 1866 census. In addition I found Foster in the 1850 census of Union twshp. Lafayette county. I have not found a surname of Marquette in either of these counties. Early Jackson’s came into Southwest Arkansas from Georgia. A researcher from Texas, P. Knighton is also searching the Fisher Jackson line. I will send you her number under separate cover.

Aunt Ludie

Hardy Query

Dear C.M., From the 1880 census Buena Vista township of Columbia County, William E. Hardy 28 birth place in Arkansas his father Virginia and his mother from Alabama. Sallie W. wife age 17, birthplace Arkansas mother from Alabama. France E. age 1.BuenaVista, James W. Hardy age 25 birth in Arkansas –on parents. Wife Sarah E. 20 father from Georgia and mother from Alabama. Lena L. 3, and Emma E. ½.

--Marriages—Mandy Hardy 17, to Lawrence Boyd 22, 25 of January 1874. James W. Hardy 22 to Sarah E. Furlow 16, on 26 January 1876(consent from Sarah’s only living parent her mother Elizabeth C. White.D103… William E. Hardy 25 to Sarah W. Torrans 14 on 11 Feb 1877. (Note from Frances Torrans her only living parent giving consent for marriage. D-237. B. D. Hardy 21 to Melissa E. Baldersee 14, 13 January 1856. Elias Hardy to Melissa Crane 6 October 1859. William Baity to Mrs. Julia Hardy 30 October 1865. Book A Marriages

I hope this helps in your research.

Aunt Ludie

Hughes Query

(Note there is more in the letter but it will be addressed next week)

Dear ER There are many free sites to search and associations. Hughes is a well-known name to me and they have a newsletter that I will send you an email so you can subscribe. I will also send you a link for weekly-published newsletters via email that gives you many new sites each week to explore.

In a quick search I found your ancestor in Smackover Township. Smackover Township had 67 families (some were in Columbia and some in Union County). The physician there was W. C. Viser: Minister Arthur W. Simmons and the Blacksmith Richard Hughes. I also found an Elizabeth Hughes in a Village cemetery (Elizabeth, wife of F. Hughes b1832 d1862. I also found in Union county 1859 will book E pages 134 George Hughes and next to that Thomas Ingram 1866 Will book E page 514.

Aunt Ludie

Van Winkle Query

Dear VW, I show the Van Winkle family in Mississippi Township in Columbia County Arkansas in the 1880 census. They are at dwelling 115, Martha J. shows to be the head of the household at age 34 born in Arkansas with Father from Alabama and Mother from Mississippi. The children in the house are as follows Catherine 16, Nancy A., 14, William J., 13, John R., 11, Jackson 7, Ben J. 6, Amanda j., 3. Other neighbors of the Van Winkle family include Hill, Carson, and Willis. Stewart. Crawford and Montgomery.

Columbia County Marriage book shows Sarah Van Winkle 20 married John B. Hill age 50 June 3, 1877.

Book D-267 Alvin A. Van Winkle to Mary Dick 02,14, 1878. D-374 Catherine Van Winkle to A. M St. John (record incomplete)

--------------Union County Records J. Vanwinkle 25 to Nancy Harris 16, August 14, 1854. John Vanwinkle to Martha Goodie 24 March 1861. Happy Hunting

Aunt Ludie

Invincible Guards

General Pearce after the Battle at Wilson’s Creek gave his volunteers the choice of enlisting in the regular band. Their condition was terrible, shoes worn out, clothes in tatters, insufficient clothing for winter. The worst news of all was that it was just September. These are synopsis of men, whose last names I feel will interest my readers. They are taken from Magazines and electronic data not completely researched, but I believe will be interesting reading,

Bateman, W.J., In 1857 William Jason Bateman paid $2.50 to help build Shiloh Baptist church. He married his brother, Robert’s widow Elizabeth Ann Fomby (probably Formby). He enlisted in Co A 33 Arkansas Inf.

Pvt. Bateman, R. H., was on the Columbia County Tax list for 1855. He married Elizabeth Fomby daughter of Fountain Formby and Sophia Cooper. He enlisted in Co A Band 33rd Arkansas infantry. Sgt/Pvt no dates on when he died in the war.

Clark, (there are three James Clarks listed in Columbia county and Lafayette county so here goes). (1) Willaby Clark age 59 born South Carolina has son James 28 years old 1860. (2) Nicholas Clark has a son James 21 years old in 1850. (3) Dr. James Clark 30 years old b. Georgia. Physician in town of Magnolia in 1860.

McDonald Query

Dear L. Mc, I first find John C. McDonald on the 1860 census in Columbia County Mississippi Township Federal Population Schedule in the AR 1860 Federal Census Index ID#AR126218260 Page 258. He is listed again in Mississippi Township 1870 Census page 444.

In a quick search I found a David McDonald family in Mecklenburg County, NC (this is in the Charlotte North Carolina area) who witnessed a will for Susannah Emerson in February 1826. She named one of her sons David McDonald Emerson who moved to Floyd County Georgia. Others of David’s brothers moved to Tuscaloosa Co., Al., then to Floyd Co., Ga., and Chatooga Co., Ga., and finally to Columbia Co., Arkansas. I believe there could be a connection to your John Cox McDonald and the Emerson family the founders of the town. *(This is strictly a supposition without substantial proof and only electronic information).

In a survey of Periodical sources the Southwest Arkansas Genealogical Magazine published an article on McDonalds. The Periodical Title: So-We-Ar Volume 10 issue 1 spring 1986. Another periodical on Southwestern Arkansas, Lafayette County Lookback, volume 8 issue 2 fall 1991. The History and Genealogy section at the Magnolia library will have these issues.

Aunt Ludie

Loose Papers

Please readers if you have family Bibles with dates of births and deaths let us copy it for our county genealogy files and to possibly help some one in North Carolina or Alaska find pieces of their family puzzle. Perhaps you are left with or have papers you don’t want or would like to reunite Bibles or loose papers with members of families that would preserve and cherish them. I can advertise the articles through roots web and possibly find the family.

Land Ownership

Without land one faced starvation at worst, or serfdom to a landowner and perpetual servility. Is it any wonder that ancestors risked their lives in order to say with authority, “This Land Is Mine!”

Long before the study of economics, and the relationship of overpopulation to famine and war was studied. It was a fact of life that many more children must be born than were expected to live to adulthood. The need to relocate was recognized to follow the food supply. Today we still have the need to relocate, for those people still see opportunity, rather than meeting the challenges and more difficult road of “Bloom where ye was planted.”

In tracing your ancestors, you may be surprised to see one family who rooted immediately, and have remained in the same area for generations. Another family may seem to perpetually follow the frontier, much as Daniel Boone did. When he knew he had a neighbor it was time to move. In your research, their propensity to “seat” or “move” will dictate to large part your investigation methods and sources.

LeMay Query

Next I devise and bequeath to T. P. LeMay and Mamie LeMay Fort jointly and equally share and interest alike all my real and personal property. My issue is I have never found Mamie listed on census or another place with the family. I will be through your area this coming Friday morning and would like to visit with you on this issue. ES in Louisiana

Dear ES, I don’t know if I can assist much, but I will give it a try. First of all there are several of your cousins that still live in this county and I am familiar with the family. I look forward to meeting you and your wife Friday. Aunt Ludie

I had an enjoyable visit with Mr. Stephenson and his lovely wife. Through phone visits and a couple of emails I was able to establish several avenues for Mr. Stephenson to search. D.H. LeMay as shown in marriage records was married three times. First to Edna Eggers August 13, 1882. Second records show Carrie Eggers November 16, 1885. Third the records reflect Mattie McClendon June 8, 1891. (Your grandmother’s marriage E. E. Fort to Mamie LeMay dated July 11, 1900.

When Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson arrived I was able to show him the old LeMay cemetery between Stamps and Lewisville. I thank Bruce Burton and his Scout troop for having worked on this cemetery a few months back. Had the troop not cleaned and weeded there would have not been a way possible to walk in and establish the cemetery and markers. Again Mr. Burton and troops, thank you. The Stephensons were very surprised and pleased to find this place in time where his ancestors rested.

I also showed him where the Wilson cemetery was located and left them alone to sketch markers, make memos and pictures.

Mr. Stephenson left a wonderful gift for our county. He shared Battle and Fort History, which goes into the beginning of Lewisville. It is a very interesting manuscript and will be copied and put in both libraries and the archives at our courthouse.

I had posted several messages for information on the LeMay family and many of the cousins responded w ith great interest of the LeMay cemetery. They are all interested in seeing it restored and preserved. I spoke with the president of the Lafayette County Historical Society Maebell Pierce and she and the officers are too very concerned about the lemma cemetery and many others in our county. She said plans will be made to see about possibly a clean up and maintenance of these neglected cemeteries. -More on this later.

One troubling email I received mentioned that many markers were knocked down and destroyed when the power line was erected over the cemetery. I really hope this can be investigated and all markers re-established. The markers that are there from Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson census are not nearly all the markers that should be there according to local family members living in Stamps.

Timber Industry

Stamps became a full-fledged village almost overnight when the L&A located its car and machine shops here. Bodcaw was the largest shippers of yellow pine in the Southwest, putting two plants in the town and the headquarters in the region. All of the small towns around took advantage of the timber-boom and relied heavily on the railways and manpower to operate and lend to the leading growth of the area. In other words Stamps and the Bodcaw Lumber Company was the gateway for the timber industry and many were able to invest and be rewarded by this fast growing avenue of investment.

WILLIAM BUCHANAN A TIMBERMAN

Our heritage could not be told with out the mention of a timberman, who built his sawmill in Stamps, Arkansas. He also with few backers built their own railroad into Louisiana to carry their logs and timber to market. This was their second business a little later, so we won’t touch much on this area of the Lousiana, and Arkansas Railroad. Mind you this venture was funded out of the back pockets of William Buchanan, Harvey Couch, andWilliam Edenborn.

These railroads were run as personal business. Buchanan and Edenborn died in the 1920’s and lead the way as changes to the world and the north Louisiana and south Arkansas region presented significant challenges.

William Buchanan came from Tennessee and founded the timber industry in Stamps in 1870’s. In 1889 he acquired the Bodcaw Lumber Company from a group of local businessmen. In 1970 Bodcaw’s vast holdings were bid on by Weyerhaeuser and International Paper and IP acquired Bodcaw for 108 million dollars. IP sold the oil and gas holdings and integrated Bodcaw’s mill and timberlands into its holding.

ENTREPRENEURS ENGAGING IN THE TIMBER INDUSTRY P.D. BURTON, SR.

A prominent Timberman and oil and gas entrepreneur shown at a logging camp believed to be around Walker Creek area. Burton, Sr. on the right end wearing bolar hat. The land holdings of timber, oil and gas are in the third generations, passing from Sr. Burton to P.D. Burton, Jr., to Burton Associates and managed by Bruce Burton who graciously shared family history with our readers. As you can tell by Mr. Burton, Sr. picture he was a very dignified business-like man whether on the job or out in public and I understand a gentlemen raised in Texarkana with southern graciousness and a sense of fine business like qualities. He decided to move Lewisville and engage in the timber, and oil and gas market. Due to shrewdness and keen business sense of the grand old era his endeavors are still in the family today.

LUDIE AT TIMBER DAY

Readers I will be on hand at TIMBER DAY, this Saturday from 9:30A.M. – 2:30 P.M. I will have two genealogy sessions and will answer or try to answer any question you have. Remember to bring a notebook to jot down information. Members of the Historical Society will also be there to answer questions, and some pictures of the Sawmill days that have appeared in my columns will be there. Also on hand will be applications for the Lafayette county Historical Society.

--Next week still more logging camp information-a true account of logging camp at Taylor, Arkansas.

“Quote from Cecil Spivey of Buckner, I remember my father telling of logs that were so big they could only haul one log on a wagon pulled by six mules.” How accurate the account judging by the picture of R.M. Burton seated on log at Arkana on Arkansas, Louisiana State line 1908. Photo courtesy of Burton family

Indian/Freemasonry

Dear JD, There were many very famous Indians that were FreeMasons. The earliest date I found for a Lodge was Cherokee Lodge #21 in Tallequah Cherokee Indian Nation. It was founded November 7, 1848. Among the tribes that belonged were Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Seneca, Iorquios, Oneida, Seneca, Mohawk, Ojihwe, Shawnee. William Augusta Bowles, a Mohawk, was Grand Master of five Nations in 1790. Crazy Bull grandson of Sitting Bull was a FreeMason, Techumse who was Shawnee was a FreeMason.

There is an Indian degree team that administers degrees in full native dress out of Oklahoma City. I will send you under separate cover, note and address to find more about various nations and leaders that were the most famous FreeMasons.

Happy Hunting Aunt Ludie

Massey Family

I do have much on the Massey line and there are still people in my area that are related as well as myself. We are approaching a celebration for our Timber Days, which was the largest Timber Company in the World at one time and I am going to share the next few weeks leading to our celebration many people involved with our Timber industry. One of our founding fathers was Mayor of Stamps Albert Pike Massey.

Mayor Massey served the town of Stamps during his nearly three decades of residence there. He filled several important public offices, including that of mayor for three terms, and he had property and business interest, which made him on of the substantial citizens of the town. Albert Pike Massey was born in Buckner, Arkansas near Stamps, February 16 1858, and began his life as a farmer. It was in 1900 that he moved to Stamps, where he first found employment with the Bodcaw Lumber Company, and for a time followed it to Texas. He then returned to Stamps, where he engaged in the livery business until growing and being persuaded to join the political arena. His public live grew so rapidly it took all his time and attention. He was a Democrat and he served as city Marshall for several years, then he was postmaster for the eight years of the Wilson administration, or the Democratic administration, and as mayor for six years. He was serving his third term when he died suddenly, at the age of seventy, December 14, 1928. He was a man of much ability and unselfish devotion to the public welfare. A communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mayor Massey was loyal and progressive, and the church passed resolution in tribute to this fine character at the time of his death.

Albert Pike Massey married Katie Bell Cobb, of Gonzales, County Texas, December 4. 1890. Mrs. Massey survives her husband and is a prominent resident of Stamps, a member of the Woodman Circle. To her and her husband were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy and one son Alvia died in 1920. The survivors are, Mrs. Sidney Johnson,of Stamps, Mrs. Frank Miller, of Haslam Texas; Mrs. Joseph Caltagirone of Texarkana; Mrs. H. A. Turner of Little Rock; Cecil R. Massey, of Bartlesville, OK; and W.N. Massey of St. Louis Mo.

In spite of 72 years, Mayor Massey was a man of force, of high ideals, and of much executive ability. He had the interest of his community of much at heart and endeared himself to all his fellow-citizens.

Resolutions were passed by the City Government, reading, in part, as follows: Whereas the City of Stamps, Lafayette County, Arkansas, has sustained the loss of its beloved and efficient Mayor, by death of the Honorable Mayor Albert Pike Massey, who quietly passed to the Great Beyond on December 14, 1928.

Therefore be it Resolved that the City Council in regular session, express extreme sorrow at the untimely passing of our faithful citizen and useful public official and that our sincere sympathy be extended to the widow and other relatives in this sad hour of bereavement..(notes and snip-it Arkansas and its People c1930)

NOTES FROM SOUTH CAROLINA WILL BOOK SS 1771-1774 ROBERT RANDAL, Johns Island, St. Johns Parrish. Colletori County Planter. Wife Sarah, residue of estate, executrix. Brother and sister-in-law: William and Catherine Massey, Nephew, John Massey, under 21years of age, son of said Massey of Charles town. Nieces Catherine and Sarah Massey, under 21 year unmarried, daughters said Massey. Mentions nephew John Massey to be maintained and educated out of my estate. Wit. JAMES LATTA, THOMAS HANSCOME, JOHN HOLMES.

D: 26 September 1770 P. 22 Dec.1772 R.nd p258 Uncle Buck and I go to Charleston, SC often and I found this in the South Carolina room there. The Coopers and Massey had land in the low country and on the Ashley River. I plan to visit some of the cemeteries on my next visit.

MARRIAGE RECORDS W.B. MASSEY TO LELLA FAY BOURLAND 02/24/1907 WM. W. MASSEY TO MARTH J. ALTUM 08/17/1878 (AN ALTUM WAS IN MASSEY REGIMENT FROM CAMDEN AREA) W.J. TO JENNIE MCCRAW 02/21/1876 D.M. MCCRAW TO JOSIE COOK01/09/1896

Happy Hunting Aunt Ludie

Indian Heritage

What has happened is the assimilation that the native Americans were taught. From the story she related to me, the older ones that could have helped with her heritage were taught to bury their past. Therefore it wasn’t discussed or written down. This leaves the fourth and fifth generations without documentation of their lineage.

Aunt Ludie

Cooper

--William Cooper, Ninety Six District, wheelright. Wife: Lidy, land where I now live during her widowhood. Sons: eldest Jacob, land purchsed of James White: William, land purchased of Isaac Young, part of land laid our for Curtise Wood. Stacy: residue of land of said Wood. Nathan and Samuel under 21 years, land where I live at marriage or death of my wife. Jeremiah, Jonathan, David, and youngest Joseph, under 21 years. Daughters: Sarah and Hanah under 18 years: residue of estate to wife and all my children. Exors: wife, son Stacey; John Odell. Wit: Henry Clark, Henry Trueman Hill, Mary Peckett, her mark. D. 23 June 1775. P: nd R: nd p.401

WP, Thanks so much for sharing this. I will see that the others I have in my file will get a copy of this as this ties in with Parker, Cooper, and Massey. I will also send a copy to our public library.

William Coopers, son Jacob to his son Jonathan is the connection of the Coopers to Columbia county and Lafayette county. Thirteen children were born to Mary Magdeline Massey and Jonathan Cooper. Many of their names are listed in The History of Columbia County, and also Goodspeed Volume of important community leaders list William Andrew Jackson Coopers of accomplishments to southwest Arkansas. –more on Cooper and Goodspeed next week- also Fisher, Foster, Marquette, Jackson.

Massey

Dear JN, Yes there were two Masseys in the Falcon guards. Lott Porter Massey date of birth 1819 Laurens district South Carolina. He was the son of John and Mary (Wise) Massey. The date of enlistment shows July 18, 1861. He was captured April 8, 1862 at Island no. 10 and taken to Camp Douglas, Illinois where he died Sept ember 02, 1862. He is buried at the Mound Oak Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. Lotts brother John M. Massey was also captured at Island No. 10 and died and he too are buried at Mound Oak. According to census records John’s date of birth 1822 in Laurens District South Carolina. He married Selalta Wallace December 1, 1844 in Lowendes County Mississippi. The date of his death his military records show to be July 7, 1862.

JN, I hope this helps your search. Happy Hunting Aunt Ludie

McKamie

Do you know the story of the demise of John McKamie (1792-1862)? Yankees shot him when he refused to surrender on the retreat from Ft. Donaldson. John died in the arms of son Joseph who supplied the name of McKamie to your area of Lafayette County. I would like to locate early accounts of this incident. It is said that John followed nine of his sons and sons-in-law into the Confederate service to become a chaplain.

The above John had twelve children. I know very little about the descendants of any except eldest son, John Pierce McKamie 1822-1880. John (father of John Pierce) came from Troup County Georgia to Claiborne Parish about 1850. Some of his children came to the Falcon area. Perhaps in the 1860’s or a little earlier. Tombstones in Shiloh tell us that John Pierce’s wife was Elizabeth Hartwell, daughter of William Barksdale. Presumably the widow of a Hartwell, but I know nothing of the Hartwell and little of Barksdales.

One of John Pierce’s sons, William Barkesdale McKemie 1850-1948 went to Commanche County Texas about 1896. His family was part of a group including Wilson, Lightfoot and Nance. Maybe Laudermilk, too. William Barkesdales wife was Frances Wilson 1861-1915, apparently a daughter of Dick Wilson that I found in the 1870 Nevada County census and then nothing more on them.

John McKamie was a ME minister and I believe John Pierce was also. Can you point me toward additional resources? Is the history of the Shiloh Methodist Church recounted anywhere?

ONWARD THROUGH THE FOG!!! Willie McKamie http://austinfarm.org/homegrown

Dear WM, What a wonderful letter and I am so happy you found my web site and have been enjoying the Mars Hill cemetery census. As I was reading your letter and the spelling of the McKemie/McKamie name. I know of the family outside of Magnolia in Emerson that joins the Louisiana line and Claiborne Parish. Mrs. Lucy McKemie Wyrick celebrated her 99th birthday this summer and I was privileged to attend. I believe she had told me her father had a twin brother. She is still a most attractive lady and lived alone with minimal assistance until a few years ago. I would certainly suggest if you make a trip soon to visit with her, as she is very alert.

What I found surprising was the family resemblance of Mrs. Lucy and some of the other McKamie members here in my county. A very good friend of mine just passed away and Mrs. Wyrick and Mrs. Aaron McKamie Vines had much family resemblance. I only hate I didn’t follow up with Mrs. Vines before her demise. She really was a beautiful person inside and out. I still know the McKamie family in the Falcon area and I will send you their names under separate cover.

The only other source I can help you with is perhaps the Methodist Episcopal records that are maintained at Hendrix College in Conway. I hope to find time to go up in the next few months a couple of other researchers have Bibles to donate to the Museum there. If your ancestor were circuit-riding preachers the Methodist web site maybe could help you out. I haven’t had much success, as they want time frames and full names, which the first names are eluding me.

I am including some data that may be redundant to you but might help someone else on this line.

Columbia County Marriage T.E. McKemie 26 to W.A. Howell 24 11/24/1885 B.C. Marshall 25 of Kingsland, Cleveland County Ar to S. Cattir McKemie

1880 Census Columbia County twnship Magnolia Dwelling 1 McKemmie, Julia 38 bp(MS) bpf(VA) bpm(MS) Hattie M. 16 Arkansas—Mis—Miss Parola 14 Arkansas (Georgia) Miss William 12 Ar Georgia Miss Maud 10 AR Georgia Miss John 8 Arkansas Georgia Miss Prush 6 Arkansas Georgia Miss Beulah 4 Arkansas Georgia Miss Pearl 2 Arkansas Georgia Miss

If anyone can add to our request on more information on the McKamie line please call or write in. Again thanks so much for sending your query and enlightening us with more historical facts of our county. Aunt Ludie

Miller County Militia

Dear C. T., The ninth Regiment, according to Arkansas Gazette, 1825, was Jacob Pennington, Colonel. John T. Clark, Lt. Colonel. Nathaniel Robbins, jMajor. These men were commissioned June 10, 1823.

Hempstead County, Alexander M. Oakley. Captain. John Stewart 2nd Lt. William McDonald, cornet. These men were commissioned March 5, 1825.

In the list of the officers of the Militia, it is possible that some errors occurred in the dates of the commissions, and some names inserted, of those who resigned or left the territory.

Happy Hunting Aunt Ludie

Nations

Dear JN, I find your Levi Nations as the oldest son of Nathaniel Nations and Elizabeth Brown. Nathaniel’s date of birth is around 1788, in Pendleton District, South Carolina. Nathaniel and Elizabeth were married in Lincoln County, Tennessee at Elizabeth’s brother Jesse Brown on September 9, 1809. Abraham, according to my electronic sources, is Nathaniel’s father. Abraham’s wife is Rebecca her birth is around 1755. Christopher Nations is the father of Abraham and his spouse is Elizabeth Swaim. Then John the father of Abraham, John the father of John and Henry Nations the progenitor of the family. Old Henry was born 1593 in North Petheron, Somerset, England.

Searching in Columbia County I found land records for Willis and Levi. The earliest date of land purchase was September 9, 1856. Eighty Acres was purchased in township 18.0 range 20.0W section 31. In 1857 eighty acres and seventy-eight acres in that year also. 1858 another tract of seventy-seven acres and again a buy of forty acres in 1860. These tracts were Levis and I only show Willis buying one tract in Columbia County. Levi and Willis are brothers. These two brothers also owned land in Hempstead County.

Levi Nations married Elvira East on June 9, 1836 in Hempstead County. Elvira was born 1818 in Hempstead County and died 1861 in Columbia County. Elvira is buried at Jerusalem cemetery.

Levi was born around 1812 either in Mississippi Territory or Tennessee or Alabama. The date of death for Levi is September 4, 1879. He is buried in Shongaloo Louisiana. Levi possibly remarried after Elvira’s demise to Sarah Ann Dees. This name shows in another electronic record and since he wasn’t buried in the same cemetery as Elvira I am adding it to your information.

Jim I also found Levi was the oldest of eleven children. One brother died in the CW. I am sending you the copies of all the land records I accessed. I am sure a Platt map will show where this land lies. Aunt Ludie

Parker

Dear M.P., There is much on the Parker line that links this county together and many descendents still live here. Your answer will be long. I will first address Cynthia Ann Parker and then I will address the Parker line in Lafayette and Columbia counties.

Cynthia Ann Parkers date of birth 28 October, 1827, Charleston, Coles County, Illinois Death 28 October 1864, Anderson county, Texas. Cynthia’s father was Silas Parker and her mother Lucinda Duty. Silas Parker’s father and mother John Parker and Sally White wife no2 Martha Duty wife no1.religon Baptist started primitive Baptist church. John Parker date of birth 6th September 1758 Baltimore MD date of death 9th 1836, Fort Parker, Texas. Nathaniel Parker (John Parker’s father) birth 1730 Hampshire county Virginia death 1793. Ann Clayton Nathaniel’s wife. Below is a list of the children in birth order of John Parker marriage about 1776 Culpepper county VA.

Daniel Parker John Parker Abigail Parker Mary Parker Benjamin F.W. Parker Phoebe Parker Isaac Parker Joseph A. Parker James W. Parker Nathaniel Parker Silas Parker (Cynthia’s father) Rachel Parker Susannah Parker Hardships in VA after the Revolutionary War—go to article Barricade follows to finish

Next week: Tragedy at Fort Parker and Quanah Parker’s address at the 1910 Texas State Fair ? Other Parker’s also next week. Continued—Silas Parker was a stubborn man..Story appeared in:

It Really Happened in East Texas,/ by Robert M. Hayes Story…. continue with Silas story..

Next week Chief Quanah Parker addresses Texas State Fair in 1910 and Parker’s in Lafayette and Columbia Counties… Continued ~~~~

John Parker and Nancy Folsom were married September 7, 1819 in Hancock County, Georgia. This positions your line of Parkers in the same area and time frame with Elder John Parker ( Cynthia Ann Parkers grandfather). Their son Elijah Parker married Frances Caroline Walker. Their son John Walker Parker who would be your 3rd great grandfather, married Eliza Ann Cooper. John and Eliza moved from Guntown, Mississippi to Columbia, County Arkansas and homesteaded land in the town of Buckner in 1872. Later John Walker and Eliza moved to Stamps. About the time they moved to Stamps it was being incoroporated. John Walker Parker was the first mayor of Stamps and held that office for several years. He was awarded a certificate from the governor and was also a justice of the peace for many years.

I hope this helps your quest for your Parker connection to your white and Indian cousins. HAPPY HUNTING.