James Stephen Cheney

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

James Stephen Cheney, son of Enoch Reeves Cheney and Sarah Haseltine English, was born in Georgia on September 18, 1860. James’ family lived in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia in June 1860 so that is most likely where he was born. There were at least six children in the Cheney family—William Henry Cheney, Anna Irene Cheney, James Stephen Cheney, Mary Elizabeth Cheney, Enoch Callaway Cheney, and Charles English Cheney. James is my 1st cousin 1x removed of husband of 2nd cousin 3x removed. While we don’t have any common relatives, James’ family lived two houses from my 3rd great grandparents, James Meriweather Lankford and Caroline Hobbs Lankford in 1860 so would have known each other. Life for the Cheney family would have been comfortable at the time with his father having real estate valued at $4000 and a personal estate of $8000.

Before James’ second birthday, his father marched off to war, serving as a private in Company C, Third Georgia Infantry (Dawson Grays) C.S.A. until his furlough in February 1865. 

By the time the census enumerator visited the home on June 28, 1870, the family had moved to nearby Penfield, less than five miles away. James’ father now had real estate valued at $1800 and a personal estate of $1400. He worked as a farmer, assisted by son Henry. James’ mother was keeping house while his sister Anna was in school. At 8 years old, it appears James was not attending school at the time.

On June 5, 1880, the Cheney family lived in the 138th District of Greene County. James (age 20) and his father were both farmers, his mother kept house, and his sister Anna (age 24) was a schoolteacher. Only his sister Mary (age 14) and brother Enoch (age 9) were attending school.

James married Emily A. Young, daughter of John Young and Jane Goolsby, in a ceremony that took place at her father’s house in Greene County, Georgia on January 18, 1882. The Greensboro Herald published the following on January 19, 1882:

Married, at the residence of the bride’s father, on Wednesday evening 18th, inst., by Rev. H. D. D. Straton, Mr. Jas. S. Cheney and Miss E. A. Young. May success attend them through life.

James Cheney and Emma Young marriage license

James and Emily had seven children—Tallulah Cheney (1882), Robert Reeves Cheney (1884), William “Lee” Cheney (1886), Frank Colly Cheney (1888), Eva M. Cheney (1890), Florence Dell Cheney (1893), and Sarah J. Cheney (1895). Sometime after their marriage, James moved the family to Athens, Clarke County, Georgia where he was active in the community. He was selected for jury duty in Athens for the June term in 1892 and then elected an alderman serving the first ward. He began a second term in December 1897. The Athens Daily Banner, which provided a lot of personal information, published the following on December 10:

Alderman, J. S. Cheney. James S. Cheney is the senior alderman from the first ward. He is now serving his second term in that office, having been re-elected last year. He is a livery stable owner and a progressive young business man. As chairman of the fire department committee, he has looked after the affairs of the department most carefully. He also has done good work on other committees and in the general work in behalf of the city.

It was not all work though. In March 1894, he and a Mr. Wynn of Kentucky, visited Bairdstown. In May 1895, he, along with friends John Weir and C. N. Weatherly, traveled to Bairdstown for a fishing and hunting trip “on the waters of Little river about the old Mercer spring.” He made a third trip to Bairdstown in December 1896 with a friend named B. H. Kinnebrew to visit relatives.

On June 6, 1900, James and his family lived on Hancock Avenue in Athens. James worked as a stock dealer. The census enumerator noted that James and Emily had been married for 18 years and that Emily was the mother of seven children, all of which were living. The house was full with the two of them, all seven children, three boarders, and a young servant girl named Elsie Hull (black, 12-years-old). Two of the boarders had the last name Cheney so were probably family—W. P. Cheney, a 16-year-old student, and Roy Cheney, a 19-year-old telegraph operator. The third boarder was Luther Tolbert, a 26-year-old grocery salesman. With the exception of Sarah, all the children were attending school.

The wedding of James’ daughter Tallulah took place in Athens on July 18, 1901. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on July 19:

Were Married in Athens. Athens, Ga., July 18.—(Special.)—This morning at the home of Rev. Ellison D. Stone, Mr. Alonzo C. Hancock, of this city, and Miss Tallulah Cheney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Cheney, were united in married, Rev. Stone officiating.

By 1902, James had completed his second term as an alderman and now worked as a sanitary inspector. The Athens Banner published the following on December 20, 1902:

The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens. Mr. James S. Cheney, an ex-alderman is sanitary inspector and during his term of office has rendered valuable service the city.

There is not a city in the state whose officers rank higher. For the most part they have remained in office for a long term of years and are possessed of the experience that makes their services of additional value.

James continued to work with horses in 1903. The Athens Banner published the following on January 2, 1903 confirming that:

A Lot of Fine Horses Received. Messrs. James S. Cheney and B. C. McWhorter, who have formed a partnership in the stock business, have just received a lot of fine horses which they will set at prices that will astonish the purchasers. These horses are now at Carlton’s stables on Jackson street.

Mr. Cheney is one of the most experienced stock men in Athens, and Mr. McWhorter, who comes to Athens from Greensboro, and who will soon move his family here, has also had years of experience.

They are judges of good horses if there are any judges in Athens, and it will pay any prospective purchasers to call on them at once.

James’ son Robert, a traveling salesman, died at the age of 24 at home in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia on July 8, 1908. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on July 9, 1908:

Robert Reeves Cheney. The funeral of Robert Reeves Cheney, 24 years of age, who died at the residence, 119 East Georgia avenue, yesterday morning at 12:30 o’clock, will be held at the residence this morning at 10 o’clock. Rev. John E. Briggs, pastor of the Capitol Avenue Baptist church, officiating. The body will be taken to Bairdstown, Ga., for interment.

Robert was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown.

On April 15, 1910, James and his family lived in Atlanta. James continued to work as a stock dealer of horses. His son Lee worked as a horse salesman so most likely worked with his father. Son Frank worked as a ticket agent at the railroad office and daughter Eva worked as a stenographer in a real estate office. The census enumerator reflected the death of son Robert noting that Emily, enumerated as Emma, was the mother of seven children, six of which were living. Less than two years later, James was gone. He died of acute alcoholism in Atlanta on August 16, 1912. The Atlanta Constitution published the following on August 18, 1912 (getting his middle initial wrong):

J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown. Athens, Ga., August 17.—(Special.)—Quite a number of Athenians went to Bairdstown today to attend the funeral of J. W. Cheney, a former citizen of this place, and for some years a member of the city council here, whose death occurred in Atlanta yesterday. He was a brother-in-law of Judge C. T. Young, and the father of Mrs. A. C. Hancock of this city.

James was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, two sons, his mother, three brothers, and two sisters.

References

• A Lot of Fine Horses Received, Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, January 2, 1903.
• Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• Alderman J. S. Cheney, Athens Daily Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 10, 1897.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, December 11, 1896.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, March 23, 1894.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, May 17, 1895.
• Enoch R. Cheney, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• From Bairdstown, Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, January 19, 1882.
• J. W. Cheney, Bairdstown, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 18, 1912.
• James S. Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• James S. Cheney, Obituary abstracts, Georgia, Fulton County Records from the Atlanta History Center, 1827—1955.
• Mrs. Emelyn Young Cheney Death Certificate no. 35474, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Standard Certificate of Death.
• Robert Reeves Cheney, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 9, 1908.
• Robt. Reeves Cheney, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• The Jurors Drawn, The Weekly Banner, Athens, Georgia, March 29, 1892.
• The Steady March of Progress Made by the City of Athens, Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 20, 1902.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Athens Ward 2, Clarke County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta Ward 2, Fulton County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 141, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• Were Married in Athens, Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 19, 1901. 

David Athya

David Athya, son of James Athya and Jane Wylie, was born April 9, 1859 at 112 Commercial Road in Hutchesontown, Glasgow, County Lanarkshire, Scotland. David was the third child born to his parents. The others were James Wylie Athya, Isaac Athya, Margaret Athya, John D. Athya, Hugh Wylie Athya, and a second son named David Athya. He is my husband’s 2nd great-uncle with their nearest common relatives being David’s parents.

When David was born, his father James worked with cotton as a Power-Loom Tenter. James, present at his birth, signed the birth register.

David Athya birth register (click to enlarge)

David didn’t survive infancy. In early September 1860, he contracted measles, one of the leading causes of death in Scotland at the time. Although under the care of a doctor, he died on September 14 at 103 Commercial Road in Hutchesontown. At the age of 17 months, David was buried at Southern Necropolis Cemetery in Glasgow.

David Athya death register (click to enlarge)

References

• 1861 Scotland Census, Hutchesontown Registration District, Glasgow Civil Parish, County Lanarkshire, Scotland.
• 1881 Scotland Census, Gorbals Registration District, Glasgow Civil Parish, County Lanarkshire, Scotland.
• David Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 494, 1868.
• David Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/10 976, 1860.
• James Aithie and Jane Wylie, Scotland, Select Marriages, 1561–1910.
• John Athya, Margaret Athya, Hugh Wylie Athya, Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950
• Knox, W. W., A History of the Scottish People: Health in Scotland 1840–1940, SCRAN Learning Culture Heritage; http://www.scran.ac.uk/scotland/pdf/SP2_3Health.pdf. 

Lovicia Ann Elizabeth Janes

Lovicia Ann Elizabeth Janes, daughter of Simeon R. Janes and Elizabeth Wilson Gresham, was born about 1833 or 1834. Her parents married in Taliaferro County, Georgia on April 14, 1831 so she was most likely born there. Simeon and Elizabeth had three children together. Lovicia was the middle child. The others were Mary Jane Janes, born about 1832, and Martha Selah Henrietta Janes, born about 1836. She is my 1st cousin 4x removed with our nearest common relatives being my 4th great grandparents, William Janes IV and Selah Gresham.

Her’s was an unusual name and I honestly don’t know what the correct spelling was. In my research, I found her listed as Lovicia, Lovica, Lovitia, and Lavicia. I’ve chosen to use Lovicia in this sketch because that is how she signed her will.

 
Lovicia’s father died in 1834. She, along with her mother and sisters, were named share and share alike heirs in his will that was probated in Taliaferro County. 

On February 18, 1841, Lovicia’s mother married Reuben Josiah Dawson of Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia. Lovicia and her family were still living in Taliaferro County at the time. They may have moved to Wilkes County, Georgia for a while but eventually ended up in Greene County. It wasn’t long before the family began to grow.

Married, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, March 11, 1841

On November 15, 1847, Lovicia’s stepfather Reuben, along with Henry J. Haynes and Valentine D. Gresham, posted a $5,000 bond in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, after which Reuben was appointed the official guardian of Lovicia and her sisters. 

By the time the census was taken in 1850, Lovicia’s mother had four more children—John T. Dawson, Susan L. Dawson, Emma H. Dawson, and one enumerated as J. H. T. Dawson. They were all living together, along with Lovicia’s sisters Mary and Martha. Reuben Dawson was a farmer with real estate valued at $4000 so the family lived comfortably. Lovicia was not living in the home with the rest of the family when it was counted, and unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find her. As you’ll soon see, this was the only census record she would have appeared in during her lifetime.

In March, April, and May 1852, Reuben advertised the sale of a negro man named Jack who belonged to Mary, Lovicia, and Martha. The advertisement recorded R. J. Dawson as the guardian of the sisters, all minors.

"The Temperance Banner," Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852. Two months after date I will apply to the Court of Ordinary of Greene County, for leave to sell a Negro man named Jack, belonging to Mary Y., Lovitia E., and Martha C. Janes, minors, for the benefit of said minors. – R. J. Dawson, Guardian.

The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852

Lovicia’s sister Mary, age 21, died from pulmonary consumption in Greensboro on January 23, 1853. Perhaps sick herself, Lovicia had a will drawn up in Greene County which she signed on September 3, 1854. She would have been approximately 20 years old at the time. The will was probated in Greene County on December 5, 1854 so she apparently died soon after signing it. Lovicia named her mother and siblings as heirs to her estate.

Last Will & Testament of Lovicia A. E. Janes

Recorded in Wills Book G, pages 146 and 147, December 5th, 1854, Jas. W. Godkin, Ordinary

Georgia, Greene County. In the name of God, Amen.

I, Lovicia A. E. Janes, of said county and state, being mindful of my mortality, yet of sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following.

Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid.

Item 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my beloved sister Martha S. Janes Carlton one hundred dollars in money, to be invested by my Executors in a gold watch for her benefit and as a keepsake. 

Item 3rd. I give and bequeath all the remainder of my undivided estate right interest and property, of every kind, consisting of Georgia Rail Road stock, negroes, notes, money known as the property belonging to the minor heirs of Simeon R. Janes deceased, and most of which is now in the hand of Reuben J. Dawson, as the guardian of said minors, and all and every other property, which I may own at my death, together with its increase to James A. Carlton in trust, for the sole and separate use, benefit and behoof of my affectionate Mother Elizabeth Dawson for and during her natural life, free from the debts, control or management of her present, or any future husband, and after her death for the sole and separate use, benefit, maintenance and education of the following named children of my Mother, to wit. John T. Dawson, Susan L. Dawson, Emma H. J. Dawson, Henry T. Dawson, and Talula Dawson, and any other child or children hereafter borne of my said Mother.

Item 4th. It is my will and desire that the said property given in trust as aforesaid, shall be equally divided, share and share alike, at the death of my Mother, among her said five children and any others hereafter born, as aforesaid, and that those of them who are of age or married at that time, shall take their respective shares and that the shares of those who are minors shall remain in the hands of the said trustee for the purposes and uses above mentioned, to be likewise distributed as the said minors become of age or marry.

Item 5th. It is furthermore my will and desire that the said trust shall invest a suitable portion of said estate on property in a comfortable house and lot, at such place as my Mother may direct, as a home for her, provided she shall desire it to be done.

Lastly, I hereby constitute, nominate and appoint my brother-in-law James A. Carlton, sole executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-four.

“Carlton” in the Second line of the 2d item and “September” in the Sixth line of the last item inter lined before signings.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged on the day and year above in presence of 

James L. Brown

D. C. O’Keefe

William W. D. Weaver

Georgia, Greene County, Court of Ordinary in Chambers Nov 10th 1854.

Personally appeared before the court James L. Brown and William W. D. Weaver, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d and on oath say that they saw her sign the same and that each believed her to be of perfect, sound mind, and disposing memory at the time of her signing the same and that they signed their names as witnesses thereto in the presence of D. C. O’Keefe the other subscribing witness, and in the presence of the Testatrix.

Sworn to before me in Chambers this 10th day of Nov 1854.

Jas. W. Godkin, Ordinary

James L. Brown

William W. D. Weaver

Her will was proven to be valid in the Greene County Court of Ordinary in December 1854.

Georgia, Greene County. Court of Ordinary December Term 1854.

The last will and testament of Miss Lovitia E. Janes late of Greene County dec’d, having been proven before this count in Chambers in common form of Law by the oaths of James L. Brown and Wm. W. D. Weaver on the 10th day of November last and whereupon it is ordered that the will of said Lovicia E. Janes dec’d be now admitted to Record, and that Wm. W. D. Weaver, James L. Brown, John E. Jackson, or any three of them appraise the estate of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d and make their return to this court within the time prescribed by law. 

Personally appeared in open court James A. Carlton, the Sole Executor appointed in the will of Lovicia E. Janes dec’d who was duly qualified and letters testamentary was then issued to him.

In 1855, Reuben filed Letters of Dismission in the Greene County Court of Ordinary to have himself removed from Guardianship from all three sisters and estates.

References

• Elizabeth M. Gresham and Simeon R. Janes, Georgia Marriages to 1850 and Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Elizabeth Wilson Janes and Reuben J. Dawson marriage certificate, Greene County, Georgia, February 1841.
• Lovitia Janes, Greene, Court Records 1852–1879, Probate Records 1852–1879.
• Married, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, March 11, 1841.
• Obituary, Miss Mary Jane Janes, The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, February 5, 1853.
• The Temperance Banner, Penfield, Georgia, March 20, 1852 and February 17, 1855.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 147, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• Wilkes Superior Court, News & Planters’ Gazette, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia, November 10, 1842.
• Will of Lovicia E. Janes, Greene County, Georgia, 1854.
• Will of Simeon R. Janes, Taliaferro County, Georgia, 1838. 

Edward Finnus Steward

Edward Finnus (or Finnes) Steward, son of James Franklin Steward and Susie Elizabeth Patman, was born in Pangburn, White County, Arkansas on December 27, 1899. Edward was the second child born to his parents. He had an older sister named Carrie Blith Steward, born in 1897. 

Edward was my step-grandfather, married to my Granny, Daisy Lee Shields. I never met him; only knew of him. Granny was married six times, twice to Edward. I was told he was her favorite husband so was curious about him. After recently researching Granny’s last husband, Hoyt Vest, who I fondly remember, I wanted to learn more about Edward. The results of my research follow, although there are large gaps. I spent a lot of time searching the census records but so far, have been unable to find him in 1920 or 1940. Disappointing as usual, but I had to move on. Hopefully, I’ll stumble on these records at some point. 

In researching Edward, I immediately found inconsistent dates in the records. A delayed birth certificate dated February 26, 1944 and signed by his mother, records his date of birth as December 27, 1900. Yet on June 18, 1900, five-month-old Edward, his mother Susie, and sister Carrie lived with his maternal grandparents John and Martha Patman in the Big Creek Township of White County, Arkansas. His middle name was also spelled “Finnes” on the delayed birth certificate. In other records, it was spelled “Finnus.” 

Top portion of Edward's delayed birth certificate (click to enlarge)

But back to the census record, Edward’s parents had apparently divorced—his mother was enumerated with a “D” in the marital status column. She was also enumerated with her maiden name, Patman. She worked as a farmer. Her father was also a farmer so perhaps she worked with him. Edward and Carrie’s last name was spelled Stewart vs. Steward. The William C. Patman family lived next door and were probably related, although I don’t know how.

On January 24, 1903, Edward’s father James took a second wife when he married Mary “Minnie” Olive Pryor in Cleburne, Arkansas. Minnie and her parents were all from Illinois. James and Minnie added seven children to the family—Clemmy (or Clemmie) Fermon Steward (1904 in Heber, Cleburne, Arkansas), Guion (or Juion) R. Steward (1907 in Pangburn), James Reedus Steward (1909 in Pangburn), John (Johnny) Steward (about 1911 in Arkansas), Murrel (about 1914 in Arkansas), Woodley (about 1916 in Arkansas), and Alvin (about 1918 in Arkansas). 

On May 21, 1910, Edward and his family lived in the Big Creek Township of White County, Arkansas. His father was a farmer on a general farm. Edward’s paternal grandfather was from Tennessee, which was probably what brought him to Tennessee, where he met my Granny. His paternal grandmother was from Missouri. Minnie was enumerated as the mother of three children, all of which were living. In addition to school, both Edward and Carrie worked as farm laborers on the home farm, and both could read and write.

Edward registered for the World War I draft in White County, Arkansas on September 14, 1918. His registration card is one of the few records where his birthdate is recorded correctly--December 27, 1899. Edward was 18 years old and a self-employed farmer living and working with his father in Pangburn. When he entered his name, he spelled his middle name "Finest." Edward described himself as being of medium height and build and having brown eyes and black hair. He listed his father as his nearest relative.

World War I draft registration card (click to enlarge)

On January 8, 1920, the Steward family lived on Heber Springs Road in Big Creek, however, Edward wasn’t living with them. As mentioned earlier, this was one of the census records I’ve been unable to find Edward in. 

On December 6, 1920, Edward married Martha Ann “Prudy or Prudie” Vickrey, daughter of Levi King Vickrey and Margaret Henson in Woodruff County, Arkansas. Prudie was born in Tennessee. Both Edward and Prudie lived in the Cotton Plant Township, Woodruff County, Arkansas at the time. Their son, Charles Edward Steward was born in Woodruff County on January 26, 1928. Charles had green eyes, brown hair and a light complexion. A stillborn daughter was born and died in Cotton Plant on July14, 1924. The baby was buried at the Cotton Plant Memorial Cemetery. 

On April 23, 1930, Edward, Prudy, and Charles lived in Genesee, Genesee County, Michigan. He owned the house, valued at $1500. There was a radio in the household. Edward was a machinist in an auto plant. The census enumerator noted that Edward was 20 years old when he married and Prudy 18. Both could read and write. Charles was 2 years, 2 months. Prudy filed for divorce from Edward in Woodruff County on May 10, 1935. The uncontested divorce was finalized on September 9, 1935.

Edward and Prudy's divorce decree (click to enlarge)

Interestingly, the 1935 Chattanooga, Tennessee City Directory had an entry for an Edward F. Stewart, who worked as a mechanic for the Household Refrigeration Company, and wife Clara P. living at 1437 Park Avenue. I would imagine the directory was printed in late 1934 so, assuming this Edward is the subject of this sketch, he wouldn’t have been divorced yet. Had he and Prudy already moved on and he and Clara were living together? I have no way of knowing the answer to that question but do believe it’s him. I say that because when Edward filled out his World War II draft registration card in February 1942, he listed Mrs. Clara May Steward as the person who would always know his address. 

World War II draft registration card (click to enlarge)

This card contained some of inconsistencies I mentioned earlier—middle name was spelled “Fines” vs. Finnus, and the year of his birth 1900 vs. 1899. You’ll recall his mother recorded the year as 1900 on his delayed birth certificate yet he was five months old in the 1900 census. Edward was 5’ 9” tall and weighed 150 pounds. He had brown eyes and hair and a light complexion. Edward listed his employer as T.V.A. or rather the Tennessee Valley Authority, “a federally owned electric utility corporation in the United States” according to Wikipedia. Although Edward lived in Hamilton County, Tennessee, he registered in Polk County, where the T.V.A. was located. Edward still worked for the T.V.A. in 1943, although he was considered a “transient,” working as a welder at the Fontana Dam in Swain County, North Carolina. 

Tennessee Valley Authority form (click to enlarge)

On February 19, 1947, Edward published an announcement in the Chattanooga Daily Times stating “I will not be responsible after this date, Feb. 18, 1947, for debts made by anyone other than myself. Signed: E. F. STEWARD. Address: 1505 Cowart St.” Perhaps that was in anticipation of what he knew was coming. On February 20, the Chattanooga Daily Times reported that Clara filed for divorce from Edward. The same notice ran months later on November 30, 1947. Curious about the Cowart Street address, I searched newspapers.com and discovered it was apparently where Edward worked. In 1938, I found several advertisements for the G. L. Heard Company, a welding shop located at 1505 Cowart Street. This makes sense now that we know Edward worked as a welder for the T.V.A.

Sometime after Edward’s divorce from Clara, he married my Granny, Daisy Lee Shields, daughter of James Stewart Shields and Hattie Jane Rhinehart. I found them together on April 13, 1950, living at State Route 2 in the Blackstock community of Catoosa County, Georgia. In this census record, you clearly see a 10-year age difference between the two of them—he was 49 and she 39. Neither were working, nor where they seeking work. The marriage was short-lived though with them divorcing in Chattanooga late April 1953. I know nothing else of their life together.

I can't confirm but my mother believed this is Edward with my Granny

Chattanooga Daily Times, April 26, 1953

Edward married one last time to Bertie Kay Wyman, daughter of John Thomas Wyman and Fannie Bell Adams, date unknown. It appears they moved to Detroit, Michigan for a while, which is where they were living when Bertie’s brother Albert died in December 1956.

Edward’s father died from pneumonia in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas on May 30, 1961. He was buried the same day at Siloam Spring Cemetery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Edward and Bertie moved back to Tennessee at some point, settling in Signal Mountain, a town in Hamilton County. On June 10, 1983, Edward died in a hospital in Dunlap, Sequatchie County, Tennessee, about 22 miles from his home. His funeral was held on June 12 at the Ewton Funeral Home chapel, followed by burial at the Chattanooga Memorial Park in Chattanooga. Edward was survived by his wife Bertie; son Charles; brothers Clemmie, Juion, Johnny, Murrel, and Alvin; sister Carrie; and two grandchildren. The Social Security Death Index has his birthdate as December 27, 1900, so he apparently carried the wrong birth year his entire life.

References

• Albert Wyman obituary, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tenne, December 3, 1956.
• Albert Wyman, Delayed Certificate of Birth no. 237880, State of Tennessee, Dept. of Public Health, Div. of Vital Statistics, June 26, 1943.
• Alvin Prior Steward, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• Carrie Blith Steward, Delayed Birth Certificate no. 005657, Arkansas State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, April 27, 1960.
• Charles Edward Steward, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, January 28, 1946. 
• Clemmie Fermon Steward, Delayed Birth Certificate no. 6602, State of Arkansas, State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, July 3, 1942.
• Debts Announcement, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Febuary 17, 1947.
• Divorce Suits Filed, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, February 20, 1947 and November 30, 1947.
• Divorces Granted, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 26, 1953.
• Edward Fines Steward, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Edward Finnes Steward, Delayed Birth Certificate no. 15924, Arkansas State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, February 26, 1944.
• Edward Steward obituary, Chattanooga News-Free Press, June 12, 1983.
• Edward Stewart, U.S., Tennessee Valley, Family Removal and Population Readjustment Case Files, 1934–1953.
• G. L. Heard advertisement, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 11, 1938.
• J. F. Steward and Prudy Vicrey, Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837–1957.
• James Franklin Steward, Certificate of Death no. 05997, Arkansas State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, June 5, 1961.
• James Reedus Steward, Delayed Birth Certificate no. 63335, Arkansas State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, January 20, 1955.
• Martha Ann Prudie Vickrey, Delayed Certificate of Birth Certificate, State of Tennessee, Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Statistics, September 30, 1952.
• Prudy and Edward Steward Divorce Petition Coupon, Woodruff, Arkansas, March 10, 1935.
• Prudy and Edward Steward, Arkansas, U.S., Divorce Index, 1923-1939, Woodruff County, Arkansas, 1935.
• Prudy and Edward Steward, Divorce Decree or Dismissal Coupon, Woodruff, Arkansas, September 9, 1935.
• Stillborn Infant Steward, Certificate of Death 1370, State of Arkansas, State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, July 15, 1924.
• Tennessee Valley Authority; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Valley_Authority. 
• U.S. City Directory, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1935.
• U.S. Federal Census, Big Creek, White County, Arkansas, 1900, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Blackstock, Catoosa County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Genesee, Genesee County, Michigan, 1930.

Samuel Asbury Burnette

Samuel Asbury Burnette, son of Thomas Terrell Burnette and Elizabeth Jones, was born in Greene County, Georgia on November 18, 1912. He was the 12th child of 13—Luther Terrell Burnette, Eva Drucilla Burnette, Floria Mae Burnette, Twin Burnette, Jesse Burnette (twin), Willie Lloyd Burnette, Prince Albert Burnette, Claudia Burnette, Maudie Burnette, Henry T. Burnette, Eleanor Estelle Burnette, Samuel Asbury Burnette, and Julia Virginia Burnette. He was most likely given the name Samuel to honor his paternal grandfather, Samuel Pride Burnett. He went by Sam and was my great-uncle. Our nearest common relatives are his parents.

Samuel A. Burnette in the middle. Others unknown.

Sam’s maternal grandmother, Millicent Virginia Overton Burnette, died on January 10, 1916. She was buried at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County.

On February 13, 1920, the Burnette family lived in the Walker District of Greene County. Sam was enumerated as Sammie. His father worked as a farmer on a general farm. With the exception of Sam and his four-year-old sister Julia, all the children worked as laborers on the home farm. Sam’s widowed grandfather Samuel P. Burnett, mentioned above, lived in the home with the family. Sam’s oldest brother Luther and his wife Etta Bell lived next door. At age seven, Sam was apparently not attending school and was unable to read or write. Sam’s grandfather Burnette died in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia on September 2, 1926. He was buried beside his wife at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

On April 14, 1930, Sam, his parents, brother Henry, and sister Julia lived on Greensboro Road in the Walker District. Luther and his family, now with daughters Hazel and Francis, still lived next door. Sam’s father was a general farmer, assisted by Henry. At age 17, Sam was unemployed, not attending school, and now able to read and write. 

Sam’s father died from chronic myocarditis in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia on February 6, 1940. He was buried at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro. 

Sometime after the 1930 census was taken and prior to 1935, Sam married Kittie Lorene Askew, daughter of William Clarence Askew and Adaline Ruth Mullins. I estimate this time period because on April 24, 1940, the enumerator checked the box that Sam and Lorene had been living in the same house since at least 1935. The house was a rental home on the road to Eatonton in the Walker District. I haven’t found a marriage record to pinpoint the date though. In 1940, Lorene’s parents and aunt Kitty Askew lived next door. Her brother Griffin Askew lived five houses away. Sam was working a 50-hour week as a laborer on his father-in-law’s farm in Greene County. On October 16, 1940, Sam, now 27 years old, registered for the World War II draft in Greensboro. This registration card is the only record I have found that lists his middle name vs. a middle initial. Sam listed Lorene as the person who would always know his address. He was 5’11”, weighed 152 pounds, had gray eyes, brown hair, and a dark complexion. 

Samuel's World War II draft registration card

On April 7, 1950, Sam, Lorene, and their sons Hale and Terry lived in Greene County on alternate Route 44 from Greensboro to Eatonton. The census enumerator noted Sam’s occupation as “saws, nails, and planks” in the carpenter industry where he worked a 40-hour week. The highest-grade Sam had attended in school was the sixth, although he didn’t finish it. Sam was the sole bread winner in the home and never served in the military. 

Sam’s mother died in Greensboro on December 2, 1956. She was buried beside his father at Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery. 

The paper trail then goes dark until January 12, 1983 when Sam died in Clarke County, Georgia. At the age of 70, he was buried in a plot beside his parents.

My daddy remembered his uncle Sam as a kind, quiet man, and said he was a little hen pecked (his comment, not mine). Daddy said his uncle and aunt seldom visited their house when he was growing up but he remembered that Sam didn’t do anything without consulting Lorene first. He said Lorene was good to her husband.

References

• Personal visit to Walker United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia.
• Samuel A. Burnette, Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Samuel Asbury Burnette, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1898–1929.
• U.S. Federal Census, Walker District, Greene County, Georgia, 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950.