Kate Blanche Speights

Notes:

The photo of her headstone, in Milam Cemetery, shows she was the wife of A. D. CAUSEY, and that she was born 1 July 1872 and died 2 Mar 1899.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=54446744

Family/Spouse: Alfred D. Causey. Alfred (son of Solomon Causey and Harriet Louisa Harvey) was born on 1 Sep 1869 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 16 Apr 1912 in Texas; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Sabine County Marriages 1875-1900, 1900-1910, Prior to 1875 by Blanche Toole, 1983, Library of Congress #82-84531: pg. 6, Causey, Alfred to Kate B. Speights 8 July 1890 by J. B. Larkin, M.G

Laura Buckmaster lists his middle name as DAVENPORT. She also shows he married Katie Blanche Speights, a daughter of Joshua Hopkins SPEIGHTS and Sallie YOUNGBLOOD, and that they were the parents of Sally Louise CAUSEY, the wife of D. B. FUSSELL.

Sabine County Marriage records show that an Alfred Causey did marry Kate B. Speights, and this is also supported by their tombstones at Milam Cemetery. She is shown as the wife of A. D. Causey, and his is inscribed "Twas hard to give theeup but they will O God be done." The tomb was installed by Woodmen of the World.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=causey&GSiman=1&GScid=2166680&GRid=54446698&

And Alfred being the father of Sally seems to be supported by the census listing below, although his birthdate on his tombstown is shown as 1 Sept 1869, and below it is shown as May 1870.

1900 Census
Texas, Sabine, Milam Pr. 4
Enumerated 22 and 23 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 41 Sheet 12A Stamped 140
207-207
E. Ney and Lizzie Rennels, plus 4 children
Causey, Alfred Boarder W M May 1870 30 Wd Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Sally Boarder W F May 1891 9 S Tx Tx Tx Tx
Barlow, Albert Lodger W M May 1830 70 S Tx Tx Tx

However, the tree compiled by Sharon Speights Varnes instead shows that Alfred and Kate were the parents of a Florence Causey, who married J. W. PARKIN. "Florence Causey Parkin that writes letter in Shawnee Boswell Osborne book. Her address in 1966 was 5915 Parkdale, Dallas, Texas 75227. In letter dated Nov. 29, 1964 she says that she is 68 (that would make it abt 1896 and I have her born June 20, 1886!) and her husband is 79."

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/W/G/WGVMan/generation06cont.html

This alternate theory fits with the 1910 census. Again, there are slight differences, namely that Alfred's middle initial is shown as A versus D, and his age again differs, and has children living with him that were not present with he and Sally at the time of the 1900 census.

1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 4
Enumerated 12 May 1910
SD 2 ED 134 Sheet 17A Stamped 167
254-259
Causey, Alfred A. Head M W 38 Wd Tx US US Farm Laborer (born ca 1872)
Causey, Ettie Dtr F W 15 S Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Florence Dtr F W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Alfred Son M W 10 S Tx Tx Tx

It appears likely that Alfred was actually the father of all four children, Sally (born ca 1891), Ettie (born ca 1894-1895), Florence (born ca 1896-1897), and Alfred (born ca 1897-1900)? At the time of the 1900 census, a 4 year old Florence Causey was living in Sabine County (Milam Pr. 4, HH 63/63) with Robert J and Martha Speights. Her date of birth was shown as Apr 1896, and her relationship was listed as "Cousin." In household 62/62, that of Frank and Margaret Andrews, two other Causey children were listed, shown as a niece and nephew, namely 6 year old Mary (born Jan'y 1894) and 2 year old John A. (born July 1897)---perhaps Mary Ettie and John Alfred? After the death of his wife, the younger children may have been taken in by relatives, with just his eldest daughter remaining in the care of her father, thus the separated family in 1900?

And in by 1910, Sallie had married, as seen below, and the younger children had moved back in with their father, as seen above.

1910 Census
Texas, San Augustine County, JP 1
Enumerated 28 Apr 1910
SD 2 ED 127 Sheet 9A Stamped 205
137-143
Fussell, D. L. Head M W 22 M1 0 Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Fussell, Sallie Wf F W M1 0 0/0 Tx Tx Tx

1. Sally Louise Causey was born in May 1891 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 11 Apr 1972 in Jasper County, Texas.
2. William Gordon Causey was born on 24 Sep 1892 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 31 May 1897 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
3. Mary Ettie Causey was born about 1894-1895 in Sabine County, Texas; and died.
4. Florence Causey was born on 12 Apr 1896 in Sabine County, Texas; died in Dec 1983 in Kirbyville, Jasper County, Texas.
5. Rev. James Alfred Causey was born on 14 Jul 1897 in Sabine County, Texas; died in Jan 1963 in Texas; was buried in Rosevine Cemetery, Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas.

Notes:

"Joshua Speights was very prominent in early Sabine County history, founding, together with Hampton Pratt, the first store in Hemphill. He also served as Chief Justice of Sabine County and as Senator in the Texas Legislature." (White and Toole)

SABINE COUNTY REPORTER 19 October 1994, Page 5 Oil Painting of Judge Speights is donated to county museum

The Sabine county Museum and the Virgie Speights Memorial Library has received a gift from Mr. and Mrs. James C. Vanderbilt of an oil painting of Judge Joshua H. Speights.

James, a great-grandson of Judge Speights,painted the portrait from a black and white copy of a picture taken of the Judge found in the archives of the Texas Legislature in Austin.

Joshua, a citizen of the Republic of Texas, served Sabine County in District #22, State Legislature 1853-1854, and 1859-1860, and also served as Judge of Sabine County 1877-1882. he was also a merchant, lawyer, physician, and farmer though not at the same time.

James and Marguerite Vanderbilt have been patrons of the museum and library from the beginning. They have given gifts of family heirlooms, valuable books and many mementos honoring Joshua H. Speights, his mother Rebbecca Hopkins Speights, and their descendants and relatives. James Vanderbilt spent a year studying and working for the British National Gallery in London, England. He retired form the Navy after World War II as a Lt. Commander. His hobbies are many but oil painting is his first love.

The Sabine County museum is very proud to have the portriat and is open Wednesday and Fridays and by appointment to visitors.

SABINE COUNTY REPORTER 27 March 2002, Page 9 SRT honors Vanderbilt with memorial

On Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001, the Sabine District Chapter #33 of Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT), dedicated an SRT memorial medallion at the grave of James C. Vanderbilt, deceased member of the chapter.

The unveiling ceremony of the historic marker was held at the Ft. Jesup National Park and Cemetery near Many, LA, in Sabine Parish. Sabine County Sheriff's Department proved the firing of the military salutes fo the occasion and the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Department provided an escort to the cemetery.

Vanderbilt was born April 15, 1915 in Ft. Jesup, LA. He was named at birth "Voyght Willard Boswell" and later changed his name to match his professional name as an artist.

James C. Vanderbilt was the great-grandson of Joshua Hopkins Speights, who came to Sabine County in approximately 1841. He was a professional artist and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

Vanderbilt was a strong patron of the arts and was dedicated to preserving our history and culture. He was a key person in the founding of the Virgie Speights Memorial Library and Museum in Hemphill. He and his wife donated many gifts to enhance and maintain the Library and Old Jail Buildin

Vanderbilt was a tireless worker and patron of the Sonoma Depot Museum in Sonoma, CA, where he lived for many years. His paintings and art illustrations for the movie industry, plus his gifts to preserve history will be enjoyed by future generations.

This is believed to be the first medallion dedicated outside of Texas.....Recognition of descendants and acceptance of the marker was conducted by Bill Speights. Speights and J.E. Gooch unveiled the marker.

From the SSDI: JAMES C VANDERBILT 15 Apr 1915 11 May 1998 (V) 95476 (Sonoma, Sonoma, CA) (none specified) 550-28-5822 California

Joshua married Sarah "Sallie" Jane Youngblood before 1870. Sarah (daughter of Henry Youngblood and Sarah Miller Harvey) was born on 1 Sep 1840 in Louisiana; died on 25 Aug 1899 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Know all men by these presents, That I Sarah Youngblood of the aforesaid State and County in consideration of the love and affection I have for my daughter Sarah J. Speights wife of Joshua H Speights of the same place have given granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do give grant and bargain sell and release unto her my said Daughter Sarah J. Speights all that certain lot or parcel of land lying in the State and County aforesaid in the Town of Hemphill and known and designated on the plot or map of said Town as lot number one (1) in Block number thirty five (35) comprising the entire North half of said Block number thirty five. Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining, to have and to hold all and singular the said premises unto the said Sarah J. Speights her heirs and assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself my heirs & executors and administrators! to warrant and forever defend all and singular the premises aforesaid unto the Sarah J Speights her heirs and assigns against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and scrawl for seal this the 28th day of August A. D. 1872

Signed and sealed and delivered in presence of Sarah Youngblood (Seal)

Drayton Pratt J. B. Bonneau M.D.

Charles Royall cnroyall@wcc.net

Notes:

Might instead have been born in South Carolina.

From FindAGrave:

"William and a brother, probably Asa, signed on a note for yet another brother, when he could not pay the note, William and Asa were unwilling to pay the note so to protect their assets, they left the state in the middle of the night, crossing the Mississippi River family and slaves.

William was suffering from yellow fever, and died in the river crossing and was buried on the banks of the river. His new widow, Rebecca Hopkins Speights continued the journey to Texas and settled in Sabine County in 1843...

William married Rebecca Hopkins on 17 Dec 1817 in Virginia. Rebecca was born about 1796 in South Carolina; died on 4 Oct 1857 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Per "1850 Census Sabine County, Texas with added Family Information and Corrections", Rebecca Hopkins Speights owned 20 slaves. She might instead have been born in North Carolina, or Virginia.

On April 27, 2013, a Historic Marker was dedicated at the Speights-Pratt Cemetery in Sabine County and reads "Rebecca Hopkins Speights (b. 1796) arrived in Sabine County in 1842 as a widow with four sons and a daughter*. She owned about 250 acres including this site, which became a cemetery with her burial in 1857. Sited near the Speights' home, the cemetery was actually on land granted to Mathew Arnold Parker, a Texas Revolutionary veteran and First Chief Justice (County Judge) of Sabine County. Joshua M. Hopkins Speights, buried here, was a State Legislator and County Judge. he and Hampton Pratt were among the first merchants in Hemphill. Of fifty-one marked graves, more than half bear the Speights surname. An unknown number of unmarked graves include Speights family slaves. The Speights-Pratt Cemetery Association manages this historic burial ground. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2010."

*Most family descendants instead have attributed four daugthers to Rebecca, the eldest Susan, dying as an infant. The other daughters generally are shown as Susan Green Speights Low, the wife of Dr. James Low; Amands Melvina Speights, who died at age 14; and Mary A. F. C. Speights Caraway, wife of Nathaniel Caraway. More work should be done to verify the exact family makeup, and ensure which children commonly attributed to William Speights and Rebecca Hopkins were actually born to them. It may also be possible that the historical marker is incorrect, though that seems less likely.

Notes:

The son of Benjamin and Susanna Collins Youngblood. Henry Youngblood and family moved to Desota Parish, LA in 1837. Eight of their sons fought in the Civil War, two of them giving their lives. (White and Toole, p 81).

There are numerous Youngblood families in the 1850 Newton County, Texas census. There connection to this family, if any, is not currently known.

Henry married Sarah Miller Harvey about 1816 in Marion County, Mississippi. Sarah was born about 1801; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John Harvey, b ca 1700, was living in Va. in 1742, but moved his sons, John Jr., Michael, and THOMAS to S.C. in 1756. THOMAS HARVEY and his four sons, John, Evan, James, and MICHAEL (Sr.), are listed in the DAR Records. They were all in Gen. Eliza Clark's co. in the American Revolution. MICHAEL HARVEY (Sr.) d in Ga in 1810, m REBECCA HAWKINS, (dau of PINKETHMAN HAWKINS). Issue: MICHAEL JR. m POLLY CLOWER in Warren County, Ga in 1796. Issue: SARAH MILLER HARVEY, b Ju 10, 1801. The family moved to Pike County, Miss, in 1810. (White and Toole, p 81).

Notes:

Married:
Virgie Speights shows that they has 13 children. (Speights, p. 36).

Notes:

"WM SPEIGHTS, (son of Wm and Sarah Speights) was born June 25, 1745, probably in N.C. The family Bible also listed Mary b Nov 2, 1736; John b. Sept 30, 1739; Ruth, b Mar 25, 1742; Joseph, b Nov 20, 1748; and Leah, b June 19, 1751. In this same Bible was the name only of Mary Minchew. This younger Wm Speights is believed to have m Ann Phelps in 1772 (Chowan Co N.C. Records). He fought in the American Revolution and rec'd Bounty land in Hancock Co, Georgia and according to family legend, John and Levi Speights were brothers. They also rec'd bounty grants in the same county. Levi's family did not come to Texas so far as is known."

William married Ann Phelps about 1772 in Chowan County, North Carolina. Ann was born before 1752; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]