Vassie Verlin Lankford

Vassie Verlin Lankford, daughter of Oscar Olan Lankford and Joanna “Anna” E. Pace, was born March 17, 1901 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She was the second of three children born to Oscar and Joanna—Loy Olen Lankford, Vassie Verlin Lankford, and an unnamed infant. She went by Verlin and is my 3rd cousin 3x removed. Our nearest common relatives are Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell (married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina), my 5th great grandparents.

On May 11, 1910, the Lankford family lived at Lawrenceville and Decatur Roads in the Berkshire District of Gwinnett County. Verlin’s grandparents, John Bailis and Clara A. (Minor) Lankford and uncle John Marcus “Mark” Lankford lived next door. Verlin’s father was a farmer on a general farm. Her parents had been married for 12 years. Her mother was enumerated as Anna, the mother of three children, two of which were living.  

Verlin married Walter Augustus Carroll, son of John Thomas Carroll and Lovely Ann Loucecily McCurdy, on April 26, 1919 in Fulton County, Georgia. Her first name was spelled “Verland” on the marriage license. Verlin and Walter were blessed with four children—John Walter Carroll, James “Eugene” Carroll, Betty Anne Carroll, and Mildred “Charlotte” Carroll. 

On January 26, 1920, Verlin and Walter lived with his parents and brother Mark in the Berkshire District. Walter worked as an automobile machinist. Verlin was 18 and Walter 19 years old. By 1925, the couple had moved to a house located at 67 Lowry Street in Atlanta. Walter had changed jobs and now worked as a roofer. 

On April 3, 1930, the Carroll family (Verlin, Walter, John, Eugene, and Betty) lived in a home located on Trinity Place in Decatur. Verlin and Walter owned the home, valued at $4500. The census record shows they also owned a radio. Walter worked as a policeman for DeKalb County. John and Eugene were both attending school. 

About 1935, Walter became a policeman for the city of Decatur in DeKalb County, Georgia. This was reflected in the 1936 Atlanta, Georgia City Directory, showing they had moved to a house on Lockwood Terrace in Decatur.

On April 13, 1940, Verlin, Walter, son John, and daughter Betty still lived in the Lockwood Terrace home. Verlin was enumerated as “Verlyn.” Her name would be spelled the same way in daughter Charlotte’s 2021 obituary. Betty’s age was inaccurately enumerated as one year old, with the fifth grade being the highest completed. Walter was a city policeman. 

When Verlin’s husband Walter registered for the World War II draft on February 16, 1942, he recorded Lockwood Terrace as his home address. Verlin was recorded as the person who would always know Walter’s address. Walter worked for G. S. Swords at Decatur’s City Hall.

Walter's World War II registration card

Verlin died at home on December 1, 1943. She was buried at Decatur Cemetery on December 3 following a service at Trinity Chapel officiated by Rev. George M. Acree. Verlin was provided an honorary escort by the Decatur Police Department. She was survived by her husband, sons John and Eugene, daughters Betty and Charlotte, parents, and brother Loy.

Photo used with permission of Joe Stoner, Find A Grave ID 47793749

Sadly, Verlin’s husband Walter died on New Year’s Eve 1944 leaving their four children orphans. At the time, John (24) was living in Houston, Texas, and James (22) in the military. Walter’s obituary noted that their son Sgt. Eugene Carroll was serving “with Gen. Patton’s Army during all the invasions” of World War II when Verlin died but was home on leave when Walter died. Both underage at 15 and 14 respectively, Charlotte and Betty were still living in Georgia. Charlotte’s 2021 obituary notes that she “left Decatur and moved to live with her aunt in Houston, Texas, but soon came back to Georgia to be raised by her aunt in Avondale Estates, Georgia and finished school in Decatur.” I do not find a record to show that Betty also moved to Houston. It appears she was attending Decatur High School in 1945 so if she did move, like Charlotte, she did not stay long. Betty would eventually move to Houston though where she lived a full and happy life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and educator.

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1925, 1936.
• Betty Murdock obituary; https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/betty-murdock-obituary?id=48908342. 
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/77419565/vassie-verlin-carroll: accessed 23 June 2023), memorial page for Vassie Verlin Lankford Carroll (17 Mar 1901–1 Dec 1943), Find a Grave Memorial ID 77419565, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Larry Wynn (contributor 47256286).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252692650/mildred-charlotte-smithmier: accessed 26 June 2023), memorial page for Mildred Charlotte Carroll Smithmier (27 Jul 1930–29 Sep 2021), Find a Grave Memorial ID 252692650, citing Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Sujava (contributor 47686977).
• Funeral Notice, Mrs. Walter A. Carroll, The Atlanta Constitution, December 2, 1943.
• Mrs. Walter A. Carroll obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 3, 1943.
• Obituary of Mildred Charlotte Smithmier, Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home; https://charlottememorial.com/tribute/details/5135/Mildred-Smithmier/obituary.html. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Avondale Estates, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1910, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Militia District 531, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• Verland Lankford and Walter A. Carroll, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• W. A. Carroll, Decatur Officer 9 Years, Is Dead, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 1, 1945.
• W. A. Carroll, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1898–1929.
• Walter Augustus Carroll, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947. 

Henry Allen Jones

Henry Allen Jones, son of Henry Clayborn Jones Jr. and Martha B. McCarty, was born in Between, Walton County, Georgia on April 25, 1884. He was the oldest child of six—Henry Allen Jones, James Marshall Jones, William “Troy” Jones, Pearl Elizabeth Jones, Charles “Charley” Wesley Jones, and Mary Etta Jones. He is my 1st cousin 2x removed with our nearest common relatives being Henry Clayborn Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Tuck, my 2nd great grandparents. 

Henry and his third wife Lena

On June 21, 1900, Henry and his family lived in Between, a town in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County. His parents had been married for 17 years and his mother enumerated as having had five children, all of which were living. Henry and his brother Troy worked as farm laborers; his father was a farmer.

A Jones family reunion was held in Walton County about 1908 and the photo below was taken that day. I believe Henry is number 39 in the back row. My grandmother, Floria Mae Burnette, is number 17.

Jones family reunion photo, ca. 1908 (click to enlarge)

On July 20, 1902 when Henry was 18, he married Vallie Dee Evans, daughter of Charles Thomas Evans and Judith Harden Locklin, in Walton County. 

Marriage license for Henry and Vallie (click to enlarge)

Henry and Vallie had two daughters together, Eula born in 1904 and Clara born in 1908. After discovering that Vallie had been having an affair for two months with a man named Otis E. Ogletree, the couple separated on August 4, 1909. Henry was granted custody of the children. I have been unable to find a divorce decree, but it probably occurred in 1910. 

Walton County Court minutes (click to enlarge)

On April 15, 1910, I found Henry and daughters Eula and Clara living in Between, next door to his parents and siblings Troy, Pearl, and Charles. Henry was enumerated as Allen H. Jones. The census enumerator recorded him as married once (M1) for seven years. This leads me to believe the divorce took place after April 15. I was unable to find Vallie in the census records. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm, which he rented. Eula was attending school but not her sister Clara.

Henry married Bessie Imogene Geiger, daughter of John Louis Geiger and Mary Hargrove, in Walton County, on November 5, 1911. 

Marriage certificate for Henry and Bessie (click to enlarge)

Their son John Ralph Jones was born on January 9, 1913. Sadly, Bessie died on March 15, 1915, most likely in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia. She was buried at Bay Creek Cemetery in Loganville, Walton County, Georgia.

Henry married Lena Emiline Cook, daughter of Benjamin Cook and Margaret Webb, about 1918, most likely in Walton County. Together they had two children—Louise Jones born about 1919, and Gladys Evelyn Jones born about 1923. 

When Henry registered for the World War I draft in Walton County on September 12, 1918, he lived at RFD #6 in Monroe. He worked as a farmer for his father, H. C. Jones, of the same address. Henry’s wife Lena was listed as his nearest relative. He was described as having brown eyes and black hair; he was of medium height and build.

On January 2, 1920, the Jones family lived on Federal Highway in the town of Between. Henry worked as a farmer on a general farm and Lena was a housekeeper. Henry, Lena, and Clara were able to read and write. Ralph, age 6, was not attending school yet. Daughter Louise, whose age was enumerated as 1/52, was a newborn at one week old. On a side note, I can track all of Henry’s children except for Louise so wonder if perhaps she died in infancy. The Jones family lived next door to Henry’s parents and siblings Troy, Pearl, Charley, and Mary.

Henry’s father died at home in Between on February 9, 1921 of acute indigestion, contributed by gall stones. His sister Pearl died on August 30, 1921 of pellagra, a “disease caused by a lack of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3)” according to Wikipedia and appendicitis. Both were buried at New Hope Methodist Church in Between.

By April 16, 1930, Henry, wife Lena, and children Clara, John, and Gladys had moved to Panthersville, DeKalb County, Georgia where they lived on Orphans Home Road. The home, a rented farm, did not have a radio. The census record shows that Henry was 32 and Lena 23 when they married. Henry, Lena, Clara, and John were all able to read and write. Henry worked as a truck driver and Clara a laborer, both in the laundry industry. Henry’s son John worked as a laborer on a general farm. Sometime after the 1930 census was taken and before 1935, the family moved to a farm on Glenwood Road in Panthersville. 

On April 2, 1940, Henry and his family still lived on Glenwood Road. The farm, which he owned, was valued at $2500. He was enumerated as H. Allen Jones, age 54, and had an 8th grade education. Henry worked as a truck driver and had worked 48 hours the week prior to the census being taken. He had an income of $1000. His 28-year-old son John lived in the home. John, enumerated as Ralph, worked as a helper in an auto garage. Henry’s 17-year-old daughter Gladys still lived at home as well and was attending school. Two males, one named Earl L. Knight (age 19), and the other Charles R. Knight (age 17), lived in the home and were enumerated as Henry’s grandsons. Both were sons of Henry’s daughter Eula and her first husband, Earl Lester Knight Sr., who died in 1928. Eula remarried and moved to Monroe, Union, North Carolina with her new husband Herman L. Brooks. Earl and Charles had both been living in the home since 1935. Henry was listed as the person who would always know his address when his son John registered for the World War II draft in 1945. The registration card shows that Henry lived at #1 Decatur in DeKalb County at the time. 

Henry died on September 3, 1946 at the age of 62 at his Glenwood Road home in Decatur. He was buried at Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Decatur. Henry was survived by his wife Lena; daughters Eula, Clara, and Gladys; son John; mother Martha; sister Mary; brothers James, Charles, and Troy; and four grandchildren.

Photo used with permission of Tony Sills, Find A Grave member 47008815

Based on the tombstone engraving, he may have gone by his middle name, Allen.

References

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27903041/lena-emiline-jones: accessed 01 April 2023), memorial page for Lena Emiline Cook Jones (6 Aug 1895–7 May 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 27903041, citing Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Tony Sills (contributor 47008815).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/89104725/vallie-dee-jones_wimberly_huguley: accessed 02 April 2023), memorial page for Vallie Dee Evans Jones Wimberly Huguley (17 Jun 1887–Jun 1964), Find a Grave Memorial ID 89104725; Burial Details Unknown; maintained by Sarah Locklin Taylor (contributor 46921363).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27903213/henry-allen-jones: accessed 02 April 2023), memorial page for Henry Allen Jones (25 Apr 1884–3 Sep 1946), Find a Grave Memorial ID 27903213, citing Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Tony Sills (contributor 47008815).
• H. C. Jones, Standard Certificate of Death no. 5161, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1921.
• Henry Allen Jones, 62, Succumbs in Decatur, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 4, 1946.
• Henry Allen Jones, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Henry Allen Jones and Vallie Dee Evans, Georgia, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Henry Jones and Bessie Imogene Geiger, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Henry Allen Jones, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• John R. Jones, U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935–2014.
• John Ralph Jones, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Lena Cook Jones, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 8, 1969.
• Pearl Jones, Standard Certificate of Death no. 24245, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1921.
• Pellagra; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellagra. 
• Personal visit to New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• Superior Court Minutes, Walton County, Georgia, 1909.
• U.S. Federal Census, Between, Walton County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Panthersville, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Vinegar Hill, Walton County, Georgia, 1900, 1910. 

Nathan Mansfield Lankford

Nathan Mansfield Lankford, son of Curtis Caldwell Lankford and Catherine Anne Carruth, was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia on April 22, 1843. He was the fifth child of eight—Mary Elizabeth Lankford, Martha Emily Lankford, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford, James Carruth Lankford, Nathan Mansfield Lankford, John Bailis Lankford, Robert Cotesworth Lankford, and William Perry Lankford. Nathan’s sister Martha died in infancy in 1838, before he was born. 

Nathan is my 1st cousin 5x removed with our nearest common relatives being Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell. Nathan and Marion, married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, are my 5th great grandparents. According to the book “History of Gwinnett County, Georgia,” by James C. Flanigan, Nathan Lankford “served as a private soldier in the American Revolution. He was in the memorable Battle of King’s Mountain, October 7, 1780 at which time he was only sixteen years of age. He was a brick mason by trade and helped to build the first White House in Washington, D.C. The corner stone was laid by George Washington, October 13, 1782 and Nathan Lankford was present.” The book goes on to say that Nathan Mansfield Lankford’s great-grandfather and my 6th great-grandfather was John Lankford who was born in Cornwall County, England about 1709 and came to America about 1725. John “married a Miss Taylor who was a relative of President Zack Taylor.”

On August 2, 1850, eight-year-old Nathan lived in Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia with his parents and siblings Mary (age 16), Laureate (age 12), James (age 10), John (age 5), Robert (age 3), and William (one month). His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $3000. His 83-year-old grandmother, Marion Caldwell Lankford (enumerated as Mariam Lankford) lived next door, along with Elizabeth Lankford (age 66), and Robert Lankford (43). I believe Robert was his uncle (born 1809)—the age is right. I’m not sure who Elizabeth was at this point in my research.

On September 22, 1860, 17-year-old Nathan and his family lived in the Berkshire district of Gwinnett County. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $2500 and a personal estate valued at $4500. Nathan was attending school. The Lankford family were clustered together in the neighborhood when the census enumerator visited. Nathan’s cousin, Robert Mansfield Braden Jr., his family, and Nathan’s aunt Rhoda Lankford Braden (sister of Nathan’s father) lived four houses away. Nathan’s uncle (his father’s and Rhoda’s brother) Robert S. Langford and his family lived next door to the Braden’s—three houses from Nathan’s house. Minor Langford lived next door and the age would be right to be Nathan’s uncle but I’m stumped by the other individuals living in the home with Minor—Mary Mathews and her children Harriett, Minerva, John, William, and Eli. I don’t believe they are related to the Lankford’s after finding Mary and her children living as a family unit with no others in other census years. I could be wrong though so take that information with a grain of salt. 

The Civil War began in 1861 and forever changed the Lankford family. In 1862, Nathan traveled to Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia and enlisted as a private in Company C, 12th Georgia Battalion Light Artillery. In November 1864, he was sent to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia by the physician in command and then furloughed home due to chills and fever in January 1865. Nathan didn't recover from his sickness until the fall of 1866 and didn’t return to his command. His regiment surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia on April 9, 1865 without Nathan present. At the time of his discharge, Nathan held the rank of sergeant. Nathan would later become “a member of Gen. C. A. Evans Camp Confederate Veterans” in Decatur, Georgia. Nathan’s brother James didn’t survive the war, dying of measles while in service. There is a Find A Grave memorial for James that shows him buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Following the end of the Civil War, Georgia was in shambles and reconstruction began. According to Ancestry.com, “the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required Southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment, draft new state constitutions, and register voters, both black and white. In order to vote, men had to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, and some were disqualified for their participation in Confederate government posts.” Nathan signed this oath on July 8, 1867. 

Nathan's oath of allegiance (click to enlarge)

Nathan married Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” McElroy, daughter of John William McElroy and Margaret Matilda Tilly, in DeKalb County, Georgia on November 14, 1867. Together they had five children—Frances Emily Lankford, William Curtis Lankford, Ellie Margaret (or Margaret Ellie) Lankford, Lenora Dean Lankford, and Allie Nina Lankford. 

Lankford-McElroy marriage record

On August 20, 1870, the Lankford family lived in the Brownings District of Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer with real estate valued at $800 and a personal estate valued at $525. His wife Mary E. was keeping house. Their first child, one year old Frances Emily, was enumerated as Fannie E. A 13-year-old black female named Frances McDaniel lived in the home as well and was a farm laborer. The 1870 Agricultural Census Schedule showed that Nathan had 280 acres of land—20 of which were “improved,” 200 “Woodland,” and 60 “Other unimproved.” His farm was valued at $800 and tools and machinery at $40. Nathan’s livestock was valued at $225 and included 1 mule, 1 milch cow, 1 other cattle, 5 sheep, and 11 swine. He grew wheat, Indian corn, and oats. During the period 1873–1876, the Georgia Property Tax Digests in Clarkston (Brownings District) of DeKalb County show that he had 202.5 acres of land valued at $1800. That same land was valued at $1500 during the period 1877–1880. 

On June 9, 1880, Nathan and his family lived in Clarkston (Brownings District, Cross Keys) of DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer. The enumerator noted that both of his parents were born in North Carolina. His wife was enumerated as Elizabeth, daughter Frances as Fannie, daughter Margaret Ellie as Ella, and daughter Lenora as Nora. Nathan’s 65-year-old mother-in-law Margaret (Tilly) McElroy lived with them, along with a 20-year-old black hired hand named Raz Turner who helped on the farm. The Manufacturers Census Schedule showed that the nature of his business was “Ginning” with a $1100 capital investment. He employed six hands to help him work the land, five of them above age 16. The “value of material (including mill supplies and fuel)” was $6000. The “value of product (including jobbing and repairing)” was $6300.

The year 1883 was a terrible one for the Lankford family with the death of Nathan’s father, Curtis, in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia on June 27. The Atlanta Constitution published a death notice on June 28: 

“Special to The Constitution. Stone Mountain, June 27.—Died, near this place to-day, Mr. C. C. Lankford, at his residence in Gwinnett county, aged 77 years. He leaves the wife of his youth, about the same age, several children and friends and relatives in Georgia and North Carolina to mourn their loss. Had been a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years.” 

Curtis’ death was soon followed by Nathan’s mother, Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford, in Gwinnett County on August 28, 1883. Both Curtis and Catherine were buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. 

In the year 1890, the Property Tax Digests for Stone Mountain showed that Mrs. N. M. Lankford had 200 acres of land valued at $1500. Nathan himself had 35 acres valued at $1200. That same year, Nathan decided to run for office. The Atlanta Constitution reported this on November 29, 1890:

Interested in becoming a county official—Mr. J. A. Mason, the present county treasurer, wants to serve another term. He is opposed by three clever men, Mr. John G. Brown, N. M. Lankford and I. N. Wilson. Mr. Mason’s opponents are all members of the alliance.

Nathan’s son William married Susan Allen on April 18, 1895. The Houston Home Journal in Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the marriage on April 25, 1895:

Powersville news. On last Thursday evening at 6 o’clock the marriage of Mr. Wm. Langford, of Midway, Ala., to Miss Susie Allen, of Powersville, was consummated at the residence of the residence [sic] of the bride’s uncle, Mr. W. E. Warren. A few minutes before six sweet notes of the wedding march were sounded on the organ by Miss Stella Tomlin, of Butler, Ga. Then came the bridal party as follows: Miss Maggie Allen with Mr. Tim Allen, Miss Emma Lou Jones, of Macon, with Mr. John Allen, Miss Maud Cliett with Mr. Jimmie Hughes. Mr. Lankford with his lovely bride leaning upon his arm came forward and took their proper place. Dr. W. L. Jones, the silver tongued divine, in a very beautiful and impressive manner joined them together as man and wife. After showers of congratulations and best wishes from their many friends, a very elegant and sumptuous luncheon was served. The bride is the accomplished daughter of Mrs. George W. Allen, and is in every way fitted to make Mr. Lankford a happy companion through life. The groom is a gentleman in every particular. Mr. Lankford has long been a trusted employe [sic] of the C. R. R. Co., and now holds a responsible position as depot agent at Midway, Ala. His friends are numbered by the score, who wish for him and his fair bride a long, prosperous and happy life. The happy couple left on the 7 o’clock train for a bridal tour in North Georgia. While there they will visit several points of interest, such as the Blue Ridge and Lookout mountains, Rome, Ga., and other points, after which they will return to their future home at Midway, Ala.

On June 6, 1900, Nathan, his wife Mary, and daughters Margaret (age 26) and Allie (age 22) lived in Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Nathan and Mary had been married for 30 years. The census enumerator recorded Mary as the mother of five children, all of which were living. Nathan was a farmer. On August 5, 1901, The Atlanta Constitution reported that “Mrs. Will Lankford, of Ozark, Ala., is visiting the family of Mr. N. M. Lankford.” A very sad event took place on March 17, 1903 when Nathan’s grandson, Warren Lankford, died at his home. The Home Journal of Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the death on April 2, 1903:

In Memoriam. Written for The Home Journal. Little Warren Lankford, the 3-year-old son of Mr. W. C. and Mrs. Susan Allen Lankford, went to sleep March 17, 1903, at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lankford, Clarkston, Ga. Intelligent beyond his years, sweet and winsome, we all loved him. God, in His wisdom, chose this bright jewel for His kingdom. His little voice, though sadly missed here, is making sweet melody in his heavenly home. May the gentle influences of his short life spent here cause his bereaved parents to look over the mystic river of death into the sweet haven of eternal rest. He is not dead, only sleeping; the bud, transplanted, shall bloom again far brighter than moon or stars.

Loved ones, press onward to the Golden City, and there, united with little Warren, you may live through all eternity and there with him praise our Father, who doeth all things well.

Powersville, Ga.  F. D. Chunn.

But the year 1903 ended on a happy note for the Lankford family with the marriage of their daughter Allie. The Constitution reported it on November 25, 1903:

Atlanta, GA. Wednesday, November 25, 1903—ESTES-LANKFORD. Clarkston, Ga., November 24—(Special.) A beautiful and interesting event of the week was the marriage this evening of Miss Allie Nina Lankford and Mr. Thomas Otto Estes. The event was characterized by the sweet solemnity of a home wedding and was witnessed by the relatives and most intimate friends of the young couple. The bride, who is a handsome brunette, wore a traveling suit of brown with hat to match and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley. An elegant course dinner was served the guests and Mr. and Mrs. Estes left on the evening train for their home in Lincolnton. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Lankford and by her sweet Christian character has endeared herself to many friends who regret to give her up. Mr. Estes is a prominent business man of Lincolnton and has many friends there who will delight to welcome his bride.

Nathan’s sister, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford McClain, died on January 23, 1905, just five days after her birthday. She was buried at Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. In October 1907, Nathan and Mary traveled to Orlando, Florida where they spent the winter. 

At age 60, Nathan filed for an Indigent Pension in Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia on December 16, 1908 based on the grounds of infirmity and poverty. He stated that he “has no real estate in the State of Georgia, nor in any other State, but that his wife, Mary E. Lankford, does own a house and let in DeKalb County, Georgia, bought from J. W. Kirkpatrick, administrator [sic] that the purchase price paid thereafer [sic] was $800.00 and that the whole amount of the purchase price was paid by said Mary E. Lankford, and that N. M. Lankford paid no part of the purchase price at all.” He further stated “My physical condition is very poor. … I am not able to make a living at any kind of labor.” Nathan was supported by his wife and children during the years 1901 to 1907. He stated that his support cost about $125 per year and that he contributed $50 of that from his own labor or income. This was the first time he had applied for a pension. Two doctors—W. S. Angelely and C. S. Branyon—examined him on September 22, 1908 and determined that his precise physical condition was “rupture piles, indigestion, and a general breakdown which renders him unable to do manual labor or any other kind of labor to support himself.” 

On August 10, 1909, Nathan’s nephew, George Curtis Lankford, son of his brother John Balis Lankford, married Ramona Bennett. Nathan most likely attended the wedding which was reported in The Atlanta Constitution on August 14: 

Bennett-Langford. A pretty wedding of the week was that of Miss Ramona Bennett and Mr. George Curtis Lankford, at St. Phillip’s Episcopal cathedral, on Tuesday morning, at 11 o’clock. Rev. Gilbert Higgs officiating. Mr. W. Taber player the wedding march. Miss May Belle Yarbrough, maid of honor, wore a white lingerio gown trimmed with lace, and wore a picture hat of white Neapolitan, and carried a shower bouquet of pink roses. The bride entered with her father, Mr. H. W. Bennett, who gave her away. Her gown was of blue silk trimmed in pearl gray, and her picture hat was of blue. She carried a shower bouquet of bride roses. She was met at the altar by the groom and his best man, Mr. Robert Lankford, of Tifton. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford left for an extended trip. They will return the latter part of the month.

On February 20, 1910, The Atlanta Constitution reported that Nathan and Elizabeth hosted the 95th birthday family reunion of Granny McElroy (Elizabeth’s mother Margaret (Tilly) McElroy) at his home. The celebration was attended by about 50 members of the family. On April 16, 1910, the census enumerator found Nathan and his wife living in Clarkston. Their daughter Margaret, her husband Pleasant Collinsworth, and five-year-old son Allen lived with them. Nathan’s 95-year-old mother-in-law Margaret McElroy lived with them as well. Pleasant supported his family by working as a physician in a general practice. In September 1911, Nathan traveled to Rome, Georgia to attend a confederate soldier’s reunion. February 1912 brought the 97th birthday celebration of Nathan’s mother-in-law in Norcross. The Atlanta Constitution reported it on February 15, 1912 and noted that “Mrs. McElroy was considered one of the pioneers of Georgia, having moved to Georgia from Pendleton, S.C., when 11 years old.” A year later, the McElroy family gathered again to celebrate the 98th birthday of Granny McElroy. The Constitution in Atlanta reported it on February 13, 1913:

Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday—Norcross, Ga., February 13—(Special.)—Descendants of the fourth generation were gathered yesterday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Estes, Clarkston, to celebrate the ninety-eighth birthday of Mrs. Margaret McElroy and to hope that she will pass the century mark as hale and hearty as she is at the present time. 

On February 3, 1914, Nathan’s brother Robert Cotesworth Lankford, died suddenly of heart failure in Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Robert was buried at Harmony Grove Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. That same year, Nathan’s five-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Catherine Estes, daughter of Allie (Lankford) and Thomas Estes died on October 6. Elizabeth was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

Nathan’s mother-in-law Margaret McElroy turned 100 years old in February 1915. Five generations of the family gathered at the home of Stephen Tilly McElroy, Nathan’s brother-in-law, in Norcross, Georgia to celebrate. 

Less than two years after the death of Nathan’s granddaughter Elizabeth Estes, her father (and Nathan’s son-in-law) Thomas Estes died on May 10, 1916. Thomas was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

At the age of 101 years, Granny McElroy, died on August 7, 1916 at Nathan and Mary’s home. The Atlanta Constitution reported her death later that day … “She came here two weeks ago from Norcross to visit her daughter, and on the day of her arrival received a fall, breaking her hip and receiving other injuries. The fall was the immediate cause of her death, as, notwithstanding her advanced age, she had been enjoying fairly good health.”

In late August 1916, Nathan’s grandnephew, Bennett Curtis Lankford, grandson of his brother John Bailis Lankford, died in Atlanta. Bennett was buried at Harmony Grove Church Cemetery. A little over a year later, on October 17, 1917, Nathan’s brother William Perry Lankford died at his home in Tucker, Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was buried at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Stone Mountain.

On January 2, 1920, Nathan and Mary lived with his daughter (Ellie) Margaret and her family (husband Pleasant Collinsworth and sons Allen and Pleasant Jr.) in Omega, Tift County, Georgia. Nathan was 76 years old and no longer working. His son-in-law Pleasant continued to work as a physician in a general practice. 

Nathan died in Omega on June 5, 1920, probably at his daughter’s house. His body was brought from south Georgia to Norcross for a funeral service held at the Methodist church with Rev. Nath Thompson, a former pastor, officiating. After the service, Nathan was buried at Norcross Town Cemetery in Norcross, Georgia with six of his grandsons acting as pallbearers. Nathan was considered a “highly respected citizen of Clarkston.” He was very active in the Methodist church and dedicated much of his life to the church. Nathan was a teacher and superintendent for the church Sunday school. He was known to have a “strong Christian character” and to be a peace maker.

Gravestone photo used with permission of Lisa Spulick

References

• Accident Is Fatal For Granny McElroy; Dies in 102d Year, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 7, 1916.
• Bennett-Langford Marriage, The Atlanta Constitution, August 14, 1909.
• C. R. Lankford, Norcross, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1914.
• Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Browning, DeKalb, Georgia; Archive Collection Number: T1137; Roll: T1137:7; Page: 43; Line: 34; Schedule Type: Agriculture 17.
• Family Reunion, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 20, 1910.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93965522/laura-mitchell-mcclain: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Laura Mitchell Lankford McClain (28 Jan 1839–23 Jan 1905), Find a Grave Memorial ID 93965522, citing Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Whitfield (contributor 47786265).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88556032/james-carruth-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for James Carruth Lankford (15 Feb 1841–4 Jan 1862), Find a Grave Memorial ID 88556032, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Linda Hinkle (contributor 47082158).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37121270/nathan-mansfield-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Nathan Mansfield Lankford (20 Apr 1843–5 Jun 1920), Find a Grave Memorial ID 37121270, citing Norcross City Cemetery, Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Quietly Resting (contributor 47077524).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28795020/curtis-caldwell-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Curtis Caldwell Lankford (1 Feb 1806–27 Jun 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28795020, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28794784/catherine-anne-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford (9 Nov 1810–28 Aug 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28794784, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, Nathan M. Lankford, 1873–1876, 1877–1880, 1890.
• History of Gwinnett County, Georgia, vol. 2, James C. Flanigan, printed by Tyler & Co., 1984.
• In Memoriam, Little Warren Lankford, Home Journal, Perry, Georgia, April 2, 1903.
• In Memorium, The News-Herald, Lawrenceville, Georgia, July 22, 1920.
• Interested in Becoming a County Official, The Atlanta Constitution, November 28, 1890.
• Lankford Funeral Notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 27, 1916.
• Marriage of Estes Lankford, The Constitution, November 25, 1903.
• Miss Elizabeth Catherine Estes Funeral, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 1914.
• Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 15, 1912.
• Mrs. Will Lankford visits family, The Atlanta Constitution, August 5, 1901.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• N. M. Lankford, U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles.
• Nathan Lankford Dies on Saturday, The Atlanta Constitution, June 6, 1920.
• Nathan M. Lankford and Lizzie McElroy, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Nathan M. Lankford, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• One Hundred Candles Lighted on Cake at “Granny” McElroy’s Birthday Party, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 14, 1915.
• Powersville news, marriage of William Langford to Miss Susie Allen, Houston Home Journal, April 25, 1895.
• Special to The Constitution, Curtis Lankford death notice, The Atlanta Constitution, June 28, 1883.
• Tombstone photo by Quietly Resting, Find A Grave Memorial# 37121270.
• Travel to Rome, Georgia, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 24, 1911.
• Trip to Florida, The Atlanta Constitution, October 27, 1907.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1850, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Cross Keys, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Omega, Tift County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Agriculture, 1870.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Manufacturing, 1880.
• W. P. Lankford Obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 18, 1917.
• William Perry Lankford obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, October 18, 1917. 

William “Beten” Overton

William “Beten” Overton, son of James Henry Overton and Nancy Sparks, was born in Georgia on August 31, 1871. Beten’s family lived in the Diamonds District of Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia in July 1870, so it’s possible he was born there but I haven’t found a record to prove that yet. As far as I can tell, there were 10 children in the Overton family—Joseph A. Y. Overton, Susan P. Overton, John Matthew Overton, Sarah Cordelia Overton, Cora Overton, Alger L. Overton, William Beten Overton, Jane Overton, Julia Overton, and one unknown child (mother Nancy’s obituary noted that she had 10 children). Beten would be my 1st cousin 3x removed with our nearest common relatives being Abijah Overton and Elizabeth Ann Rhodes, my 3rd great grandparents.

On June 18, 1880, the Overton family lived in the Philips District of DeKalb County, Georgia. His father was a miller, his mother worked at farming. Brother John and sisters Sarah, Cora, and Alger all three worked on the farm as well as attended school. At eight years old, it doesn’t appear Beten was attending school at that time with his siblings.

Overton family in the 1880 census (click to enlarge)

By the mid-1880s, the Overton family had moved to Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. They were still living in Atlanta when the 1890s rolled around. In 1893, Beten and his family lived at 392 Decatur Avenue in Atlanta. By 1895, the family had moved to 341 E. Hunter Street. In 1896, Beten lived as a boarder at an Atlanta home located at 107 Waterhouse. During this decade, Beten worked as a trunk maker.

By June 2, 1900, Beten and his parents moved out of state and lived in Ward 1 of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. At age 28, Beten was the only child living at home. A male boarder named Eugene Teasley lived in the home with the family. Beten continued to work as a trunk maker while his father worked as a carpenter. He and his parents were all able to read and write. His mother Nancy was enumerated as having had seven children, all of which were living. At some point, Beten moved to Charleston, Tennessee (he was living there in 1904). Beten didn’t stay in Tennessee long though. By July 1907, he was living in Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia, where he met his future bride, Martha “Mattie” Amanda Quillian, daughter of William Quillian and Jamie Tye. On July 11, the North-Georgia Citizen published a paragraph that mentioned the couple:

A fishing party, composed of Mr. Alex Shultz and Miss Maggie Joyce, Mr. Jack Farmer and Miss Sylvester Quillian, Mr. W. B. Overton and Miss Mattie Quillian spent the fourth very pleasantly on Conasauga river.

It’s here that Beten’s timeline becomes confusing to me. I find conflicting records for the marriage of Beten and Mattie. On November 21, 1907, the North-Georgia Citizen published a story detailing their wedding in a quiet ceremony on November 14, 1907 (the article doesn’t specify the church being located in Dalton, but that was most likely the case):

North-Georgia Citizen
November 14, 1907

Last Thursday evening Cupid found his way into the parsonage of the First Methodist church and Miss Mattie Quillian and Mr. W. B. Overton were his chosen ones, for a little wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. R. A. Edmondson, and the young couple went on their way rejoicing.

The marriage was a very quiet affair, being performed in the presence of only two witnesses, Misses Lucy Quillian and Cora Felker, the former being a sister to the bride and the latter a first cousin. The young people immediately left for their future home at Fillmore. The bride is a daughter of Mr. W. F. Quillian and is much admired by a large circle of friends in this county. The groom is a young farmer of Fillmore.

Yet on April 18, 1910, the census enumerator found Beten, Mattie, and their two children, William “Willie” Nolan Overton (age 5) and Gladys O. Overton (age 12/12), living in Civil District 6 of Hamilton County, Tennessee. This census record shows Beten and Mattie had been married for eight years, which would mean they married about 1902. That makes sense with Willie being born in 1904 (in Charleston, Tennessee according to his World War II draft card), but what about the 1907 news article announcing their wedding? This is the only marriage record I’ve found so far so am not sure what to think about this. I won’t speculate on anything, just sharing what I found. Whatever the case, Beten and Mattie settled in the Fillmore community of Dalton and apparently enjoyed a circle of friends. On January 23, 1908, they threw a party at their house that was reported in the North-Georgia Citizen on January 30:

Quite a number of young people met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Overton last Thursday night and enjoyed a party. Among those present were Misses Lucy and Sylvester Quillian, Lucy Longley, Louise Felker, and Mrs. G. G. Glenn, Messrs. George Jack and Sam Farmer, Jesse Armstrong and Henry Longley.

Overton family in the 1910 census (click to enlarge)

Sorrow entered Beten’s life when his mother Nancy died on January 17, 1910 at the age of 70 from a stroke of paralysis. Nancy had been living with Beten’s brother John in the Grove Level community of Dalton for several years. She was buried the next day at Grove Level Community Cemetery in Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia. Her obituary noted that Beten lived in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee at the time of her death. As noted above, it’s already known from the 1910 census record that on April 18 that Beten and his family lived in Hamilton County, Tennessee in a rented home on Jefferson Street. Beten was still working as a trunk maker for a lumber company. Both he and Mattie could read and write. In 1912, they welcomed their third child to the family, a son they named Guy Speaker Overton. Sadly, Beten would not see his son, or any of his children, grow up—he died on November 9, 1913. Beten was buried at Grove Level Community Cemetery in Dalton. The North-Georgia Citizen published the following story on November 13:

Mr. B. Overton Died at Grove Level Sunday: Deceased Was Well Known and Respected Farmer, North-Georgia Citizen, November 13, 1913. Mr. B. Overton, a well-known and highly respected farmer of the Grove Level settlement, died at his residence Sunday morning. Mr. Overton was one of the county’s good, substantial citizens, and the fact that he was in the prime of manhood when death’s summons came, causes his demise to be doubly deplored among his acquaintances and friends. Monday afternoon, the funeral was conducted at Grove Level, interment being in the cemetery there. Mr. Overton is survived by his widow and two children.

Tombstone photo by Find a Grave contributor kellison1904, no. 47303298

Unfortunately, the obituary doesn’t say what caused Beten’s death at age 42, and I don’t find any other death record for him. His obituary also noted that he had two children, vs. three who were only nine, five, and one when he died.

References

• A Fishing Party, North Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, July 11, 1907
• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1885, 1895, 1896.
• Excellent Old Lady Died at Grove Level: Mrs. J. H. Overton Passed Away Early Monday Morning, North-Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, January 20, 1910.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 24 January 2021), memorial page for William Beten Overton (31 Aug 1871–9 Nov 1913), Find a Grave Memorial no. 100879817, citing Grove Level Community Cemetery, Dalton, Whitfield County, Georgia, USA; maintained by kellison1904 (contributor 47303298).
• Guy Speaker Overton, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
• In Memoriam, Mrs. Nancy Overton, North-Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, March 31, 1910.
• Move to Conyers, North-Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, February 24, 1910.
• Mrs. J. H. Overton, Atlanta Georgian and News, Atlanta, Georgia, January 18, 1910.
• Mrs. Will Quillian Died Last Saturday: Beloved Resident of Near Pleasant Grove Passed Away, North Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, September 20, 1917.
• Overton-Quillian, North Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, November 21, 1907
• Party, North-Georgia Citizen, Dalton, Georgia, January 30, 1908.
• U.S. Federal Census, Civil District 6, Hamilton County, Tennessee, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Civil District 6, Hamilton County, Tennessee, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Conyers, Newton County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Lithonia, Diamonds District, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Little Rock Ward 1, Pulaski County, Arkansas, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Philips, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• William Nolan T. Overton, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.

William Newman Caldwell

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.

William Newman Caldwell, son of Clayton C. Caldwell and Margaret L. Pounds, was born in February 1854 in DeKalb County, Georgia. I believe he went by Newman. To my knowledge, there were eight children in the Caldwell family—Ann Caldwell, Emmy Caldwell, Margaret Melvinie Caldwell, John Caldwell, Henry Caldwell, William Newman Caldwell, Robert Caldwell, and Mary Elizabeth Caldwell. His maternal uncle was named William Newman Pounds so I’m guessing that he was named for him but I have no way of confirming that.

Newman wasn’t in my database but I knew other Caldwell’s were so I started digging, looking for a connection. It took the better part of a Sunday before I found it—Newman is the step grandson of my 4th great grand aunt. We have no common relative. The connection trail goes this way: my father Samuel Terrell Lankford > his father Carroll Harvey Lankford > his mother Alice Beman Lankford > her father James C. Lankford > his mother Caroline B. Hobbs > her mother Mary Elizabeth Lankford > her father Nathan Lankford > his daughter Marion Lankford > her husband John T. Pounds > his daughter Margaret L. Pounds > and finally her son William Newman Caldwell.

Sometime after the birth of Mary in about 1859 and before the census was taken in 1860, it appears that Newman’s father Clayton died. On September 21, 1860, Newman lived with his mother and siblings in the Berkshire community of the 405th District of Gwinnett County, Georgia. They lived next door to his maternal uncle Richard Davis Pounds and his family.

On July 15, 1870, Newman was living with his sister Margaret, her husband, and children Nancy (3) and William (1) in Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia. He was enumerated as William Newman, age 16, working as a farm laborer. Newman was unable to read or write at the time. Margaret’s husband, John Yarbrough, was working as a farm laborer as well.

Newman married Samantha Elizabeth Seay, daughter of John A. Seay and Samantha Thomas, in DeKalb County on August 1, 1878. Newman was six years older than Samantha.

On June 7, 1880, Newman and Samantha lived in Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia. He was working on a farm while Samantha kept house. The census taker enumerated his as Wm. N. Colwell. Eight and a half years later, Newman and Samantha were finally blessed with a son they named William Melvin Caldwell. William was born in Georgia on January 18, 1889.

On July 9, 1900, Newman, Samantha, and Melvin lived in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia. Norman and Samantha had been married for 22 years. This census record confirms that they had only had the one child, Melvin. Newman was a farmer. Samantha’s birth year was listed as 1860, different than the 1858 that was engraved on her tombstone. Newman’s mother Margaret died in Georgia on February 19, 1905. She was buried at the Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

On May 3, 1910, Newman, enumerated as William N.,” was still living in Stone Mountain. He was a farmer on a home farm. Newman and his wife had been married for 31 years. His son Melvin had apparently just gotten married and he and his wife Willie lived in the home as well and was working on the home farm. Newman was surrounded by family with his brother Robert and his family living on one side of his house and his widowed sister Mary and her family living on the other side. One thing of interest on the 1910 census sheet—Newman’s house was dwelling number 93. Dwelling number 88 was the DeKalb County chain gang with 20 prisoners and one worker living there.

On January 10, 1920, Newman, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren all lived together on Bairdstown Road in Woodville, Greene County, Georgia. The house, which he owned, was classified as a farm. Newman was enumerated as a farmer and his son as a laborer. Newman’s grandchildren were twins John and William (8), Roy (7), Fred (5), Jane (3), and Melvin (5 months). This would have been a busy household.

Newman’s sister Margaret died in Armuchee, Floyd County, Georgia of Influenza type C on February 8, 1930. She was buried at New Armuchee Cemetery in Armuchee. Two months later, the census enumerator visited. On April 15, 1930, both Newman, his wife, and his son William and his family were still living in Woodville, however, were now living in separate houses on Woodville Road. His son William and his family lived four houses away. There were three more grandchildren in the family—Mae (6), Mildred (4), and Curtis (2 months). At age 76, Newman was renting his home and had finally retired.

Newman died from bronchitis and cardiac asthma in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia on April 10, 1935 after nearly a month’s illness. His son William was the informant on his death certificate. Newman was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown.

References

• U.S. Federal Census, District 405, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stone Mountain, DeKalb, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene, Georgia, 1920, 1930.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed 25 April 2020), memorial page for Margaret L. Pounds Caldwell (14 Jun 1821–19 Feb 1905), Find a Grave Memorial no. 88547776, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Linda Hinkle (contributor 47082158).
• Certificate of Death no. 11482, Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Certificate of Death no. 10005, W. N. Caldwell, Georgia Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

William Troy Jones, a veteran of World War I

William Troy Jones

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “military.”

William “Troy” Jones, son of Henry Clayborn Jones Jr. and Martha B. McCarthy, was born on July 11, 1891 near Monroe in Walton County, Georgia. Troy was the third child of six—Henry Allen Jones, James Marshall Jones, William Troy Jones, Pearl Elizabeth Jones, Charles Wesley Jones, and Mary Etta Jones. He was my 1st cousin 2x removed with our nearest common relatives being Henry Clayborn Jones Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Tuck, “former prominent and highly respected Walton county citizens.”

On June 21, 1900, Troy lived with his family in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County. His father was a farmer with sons Henry and James helping on the farm. Troy’s mother had five children, all of which were living.

On April 15, 1910, Troy and his family continued to live in the Vinegar Hill District of Walton County, in the town of Between. Troy’s father, a general farmer, owned the family farm free and clear. Troy, Pearl, and Charles were living at home. Troy’s brother Henry Allen (enumerated as Allen H. Jones) lived next door. At age 18, Troy was working on the home farm, along with his brother Charles. Everyone in the house could read and write. His sister Mary was not living with the family. His parents had been married for 27 years.

Troy served as a private in the U.S. Army during World War I. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 at the age of 25. He lived in Monroe and worked for H. A. Jones as a laborer on a farm nearby. Henry Allen Jones was the registrar that day. I assume both were the same person—his brother. Troy was tall and of medium build. He had blue eyes and light hair. Troy was inducted at Monroe on July 16, 1918. His birth year was recorded as 1892 instead of 1891. The Army sent him to Medical Officers’ Training Camp at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia at Fort Oglethorpe, Chickamauga Park, Georgia. It appears that he stayed there until August 1, 1918 and was then sent to Medical Detachment at Camp McClellan near Anniston, Alabama until October 29, 1918. From there he served in the depot brigade until he was discharged on January 3, 1919. Troy, a private, never served overseas.

Dora, Troy, and son William

On January 2, 1920, Troy, now age 28, still lived at home on the Federal Highway in the Lindleys District of Walton County. Troy and Charles were both helping their father with the farm. Sisters Pearl and Mary, were not working so were most likely helping their mother with the household chores. The year 1921 was full of sorrow for the Jones family. Troy’s father died at home of acute indigestion contributed by gall stones on February 9 and his sister Pearl died on August 30 of pellagra and appendicitis at the age of 26. Both were buried at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Between.

On April 5, 1930, Troy, his widowed mother, brother Charles, and sister Mary lived on State Highway No. 10 in Between. He and his mother were farmers on a general farm, assisted by Charles and Mary. Troy had a sixth-grade education while everyone else made it through the seventh grade.

By April 2, 1940 when the census enumerator came around again, not much had changed—Troy, Charles, and Mary were still living on the farm with their mother. Troy, now 45 years old, was still single, as was Charles and Mary. Troy was the primary worker on the farm having worked 48 weeks prior to the census being taken. His brother Charles had only worked for 20 weeks.

Troy, Dora holding Barbara, and William

Troy married Dora E. Palmer, daughter of Andrew Jackson Palmer and Lula Carter, in Monroe on April 27, 1946. Together they had two children, William Randolph Jones and Barbara Ann Jones.

On September 3, 1946, his brother Henry died in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia and was buried at Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Decatur. Troy’s mother died in Loganville, Walton County on July 6, 1948. She was buried at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Between. Years would pass before the Jones family suffered another death in the family and then they lost three members in three years. The first to pass away was Troy’s brother Charles in Loganville on May 15, 1972. Troy’s sister Mary died in Gwinnett County, Georgia on May 14, 1973. Charles and Mary were both buried at New Hope Methodist Church in Between with their parents. And then Troy himself died in Gwinnett County on January 2, 1974 at the age of 83. His funeral was held two days later on January 4 at New Hope Methodist Church with Revs. Lockridge and Lancaster officiating. Troy was buried in the church cemetery where many other Jones family members rest in eternity. He was survived by his wife Dora (who lived to be 93 years old), his son William, and daughter Barbara.

Dora and Troy Jones

References

• Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
• Miss Martha J. Jones Buried on Wednesday, “Walton Tribune,” January 19, 1934.
• Personal visit to New Hope Methodist Church, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• Standard Certificate of Death 24245, Pearl Jones, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Standard Certificate of Death 5161, H. C. Jones, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• U.S. Army Medical Department, Office of Medical History, chapter II: Medical Officers’ Training Camps; https://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwi/VolVII/ch02part1.html.
• U.S. Federal Census, Between, Walton County, Georgia, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Lindleys District, Walton, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Vinegar Hill, Walton, Georgia, 1900, 1910.
• William T. Jones, Georgia, World War I Service Cards, 1917–1919.
• William Troy Jones funeral notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 4, 1974.
• William Troy Jones military marker, New Hope Methodist Church, Between, Walton County, Georgia.
• William Troy Jones, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.

Clara Bell White's misfortune

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “misfortune.”

Clara Bell White, the daughter of Candler Milton White and Lenora Dean Lankford, was born on February 9, 1898 in Georgia, most likely Clarkston, DeKalb County. She was the oldest child of three—Clara Bell White, Charles Candler White, and Russell L. White. Clara would be my 3rd cousin 3x removed with our nearest common relatives being Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell who were married in Rutherford County, North Carolina about 1790.

In September 1899, baby Charles was born in Clarkston making Clara a big sister. The family still lived in Clarkston when the census enumerator visited on June 5, 1900. On that day, Clara’s parents had been married for three years. Her father made a living as a carpenter. Clara’s youngest brother Russell was welcomed into the family about 1902.

Sadly, Clara’s young life came to a tragic end on September 26, 1904 when she died after contracting tonsillitis in Clarkston at the age of six. Clara must have died early on the 26th as her death was reported in The Atlanta Constitution that same day. The news article noted that Clara was buried at Indian Creek Cemetery in Clarkston, however, Find-A-Grave has Clara’s burial location as Clarkston Cemetery and includes the photo used here. An Indian Creek Cemetery transcription found on the Georgia USGenWeb Archives Project website lists Clara’s parents but not her so perhaps there was a last minute change in cemeteries at the time of burial.

Had Clara been born today, the doctor would have prescribed antibiotics once she was diagnosed with tonsillitis and she probably would have recovered within days. Unfortunately, she had the misfortune of being born in 1898, long before penicillin was discovered in London in 1928 and first used on humans in March 1942.

References

1. The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 26, 1904.
2. The real story behind penicillin, WETA PBS News Hour, September 27, 2013. 
3. Tombstone photo by Quietly Resting, Find A Grave Memorial 40237381.

Hayden Edgar George

The George family (from the left:
James. Julia standing in front of James,
mother Mary with daughter Raleigh in her lap,
Hayden standing beside his mother, and
Ennis standing in front of Hayden).

Hayden Edgar George, son of Raleigh David George and Mary Willie Hollingsworth, was born in Smyrna, Cobb County, Georgia on July 21, 1882. He was the third child of six—James England George, Bertie George, Hayden Edgar George, Ennis Adele George, Julia Cleo George, and Raleigh Mae George. Hayden was the husband of my first great grand aunt, Lillie Della (Dell) Lankford. Dell was the sister of my great grandmother, Alice Beman Lankford.

Hayden was just five years old when his older sister Bertie died in 1887. She was buried at Smyrna Presbyterian Campground Cemetery in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia.

Raleigh David George died in Rockdale County, Georgia on March 23, 1891 leaving Hayden without a father at the young age of three. Raleigh was buried in a plot beside Hayden’s sister Bertie at Smyrna Presbyterian Campground Cemetery.

Hayden’s mother Mary and his sisters Julia, Ennis, and Raleigh were living in Doraville, DeKalb County, Georgia when the census enumerator came to visit on June 1, 1900 but Hayden was not living with them. His older brother James was living in Greene County with his wife Gussie and father-in-law William Harris McCarty, a Civil War veteran. I’ve looked in the surrounding areas in Doraville and Greene County but so far haven’t been able to find Hayden during that census year. He would have been 18 years old so certainly could be living on his own by then. But where? Hayden’s mother Mary was a dress maker and his siblings were at school. His sister Ennis was enumerated twice in 1900—the first time on June 1 with her mother as noted above. She was enumerated as Eunice on that record. The second time was on June 6 and the census enumerator recorded her as a pupil at the Georgia Academy for the Blind on College Street in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

On April 15, 1910, Hayden lived in Penfield, Greene County, Georgia with his brother James and his family. James’ father-in-law William lived with them as well. Hayden’s sister Julia and her husband Augustus Hamilton Clark lived next door. Julia’s neighbor was my 2nd great grandmother Mary Ann (Wilson) Lankford (widowed and 58) and two of her children, Oliver Wilson Lankford (age 20) and Lillie Della Lankford (Dell, age 17). Five months later, Hayden married Dell, Mary’s daughter with James C. Lankford, in Greene County on September 19. Together they had four children—Dell Louise George, Mary Winnie George, Marguerite Elizabeth George, and Hayden Edgar George Jr. They didn’t wait long to start their family. One day before their first anniversary, Hayden and Dell welcomed daughter Dell Louise, who was most likely born in Greene County on September 18, 1911. A year and a half later daughter Mary Winnie was born in Greene County on March 12, 1913.

Greene County, Georgia marriage record for Hayden and Dell

Sometime after Mary’s birth in 1913, Hayden moved his family to Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. They were living at 53 Crew Street when Hayden registered for the World War I draft on September 12, 1918. He was working as a switchman for a freight yard at the time. Hayden recorded his physical description as tall and of medium build, light blue eyes, and light hair. Although only 36 years old, Hayden was already balding, noting that he was “bald on top.”

It's believed the man is Hayden
but that needs to be confirmed.
The woman is unknown.

By January 17, 1920, Hayden, Dell, and their three children had moved a few doors down to 65 Crew Street where they rented a home. Hayden switched occupations and was now an automobile machinist. He told the census enumerator that he could read and write. An early Christmas present arrived on December 6, 1920 in the form of baby Marguerite. I can’t find a birth record for Marguerite but assume she was born in Atlanta. I assume that for Hayden Jr. as well, born on March 15, 1922 since both the 1924 and 1929 Atlanta city directories show Hayden and Dell living in Atlanta. In 1924, they lived at 505 Pulliam Street. By 1929, they had moved back to Crew Street, living at house number 608. Hayden continued to be a machinist through the 1920s.

On April 8, 1930, Hayden and his family lived at 429 Crew Street in Ward 2 of Atlanta where he rented a home. The census enumerator noted that Hayden was 28 and Dell was 18 when they married. He also incorrectly recorded Hayden’s name as Clayden. Hayden continued to support his family as an automobile machinist. Dell wasn’t working but their daughter Winnie worked as a telephone operator. Atlanta city directories for 1935 and 1936 show Hayden and Dell living at 62 Clarke Street SW. In 1935, Hayden worked as a foreman but no occupation was listed in 1936. Was he working? He was only 54 years old so too young for retirement at that age.

Hayden’s mother Mary (Hollingsworth) George died on January 6, 1935. She was buried beside her husband and daughter Bertie at Smyrna Presbyterian Campground Cemetery in Conyers.

A year and a half later, Hayden died in Fulton County, Georgia on September 18, 1936. He was buried at Penfield Cemetery in Penfield. If I recall correctly, he’s buried near my great grandmother Alice Lankford Callaway. I remember seeing Hayden’s grave every time I’ve been to Penfield Cemetery and over the years, that’s been quite a few times.

Hayden's stone at Penfield Cemetery