Dera Lois Gentry

Notes:

On her marriage she was described as "of Arthur, Oklahoma." They were married by L. G. Maynard

Dera married Tolbert Newton Goodwin on 28 Dec 1920 in Stephens County, Oklahoma. Tolbert was born on 13 Sep 1897 in Indian Territory; died on 30 May 1972 in Bell, Los Angeles County, California; was buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Vol. 6, Stephens County Marriage Book:, Lic. #269
Dera Gentry, 18 to Talbert Goodwin of Panhandle, Carson County, TX on 12-28-1920

1. Mary Genevieve Goodwin was born on 21 Mar 1923 in Panhandle, Carson County, Texas; died on 11 Feb 2012.
2. James Howard Goodwin was born on 15 Aug 1924 in Panhandle, Carson County, Texas; died on 29 Jun 2006 in Garden Grove, Orange County, California.

Notes:

Lynell Gentry notes that her father, the youngest son of James and Zada Gentry, "talked about living in Wise Co. Texas, when he was a youngster. That was probably between Dera's birth in 1899 and Elmer's in 1901. Bessie told Anna Laura that they came across the Red River to Oklahoma on New Year's Day 1900 and lived in Grady Co. before settling in Stephens Co. Although on the 1900 census they are at Township 2SR3W, the same as Zada's mother and unmarried siblings. That location is around Alma, Oklahoma, where my Dad [Delbert] said he was born in 1893. Zada's father died there in 1899 and is buried near John M. and Pamelia Gentry in the Alma Cemetery."

Ken Harvey notes that in 1900 "We find four young unidentified Gentrys '[second] cousins [of Ed & Zada's children?]' living with Ed and Zada during the census of Indian Territory in 1900 and as a result they had to be enumerated there. They were presumably not on vacation as they were very young-perhaps their parents were starting to homestead in Indian Territory and were building their house having been there a few years. These youngsters were presumably the grandchildren of either James, Michael, Wesley or Abram-the sons of Preacher William Gentry.

We only know for certain that Wesley and Abram emigrated to Texas with the family. They could easily have been Wesley or Abram's grandchildren. They are Mollie, Stephen, Cubie and Addie. Assuming they are all siblings their unknown Gentry father was born in Texas and their mother was born in Kansas. In addition there was an unidentified fourteen year old nephew, Mayfield Ladd b. Mar. 1886 TX, who was presumably on a working vacation."

There were some Todd's in the area in 1900 but no Ladd's were found so it is not certain which name is correct.

In 1919 the couple bought about 160 acres of Stephens Co. land from Ed's nephew Franklin Melton Gentry and his wife. This was on Nov. 22nd. and the lands legal description was Sec. 4 1S 5W. (Book 103, Page 139, Stephens County Courthouse).

They sold this land to Bill Kirk in 1946 and moved to 2nd Street in Duncan.

J.E. Gentry's obituary, from THE DUNCAN EAGLE dated 19 January 1950 reads as follows:

"60 Year Resident of County, J.E. Gentry, Dies After Long Illness" Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon for James E. Gentry, 80, 704 North 2nd, who died in a local hospital Monday night after a long illness. Gentry had been a resident of this county for the past 60 years, having moved to Alma in 1889. He was born in Wise County, Texas [Lynell thinks this is an error*] in March, 1869. G. W. McCollum, Minister, conducted the rites as the West Main Church of Christ with Rev. Roy V. Harp of the First Christian Church assisting. Burial was in the Duncan Cemetery under the direction of Rangley-Holden Funeral Home.

Bearers were Bruce Ridley, V. K. McMasters, Jake Kirby, Gaylord Clark, M.E. Hitt and Bill Groppenbacher. Survivors include the widow Zada, five sons, A.L. of Duncan, Delbert of Duncan Route 3, Elmer and Jess of Duncan and Lloyd of Oklahoma City, three daughters, Ruth Gentry of the home address, Mrs. Bessie Payne of Oklahoma City, and Mrs. Dera Goodwin of Bell, California.

*Lynell noted that the 1860 and 1870 census records were in Johnson County, Texas, and she believes he was born there.

Ken Harvey further noted that he was known as Ed. He was a slow moving person.

(Research):Census Listings:

1900 census
Chickasaw Nation IT (Stephens Co. OK) ED 167 pg. 15 240/244
Jentry, J.E., Mar. 1869, 31, married 9, TX KY TN Farmer
Zadie, wife, Jan. 1875, 25, 6 children/6 living, KS TN KS
Arthur, son, Jun 1893, 7, IT
Delbert, son, Mar. 1894, 6, IT
Bessie, dau., Apr. 1896, 4, IT
Jesse, son, Apr. 1897, 3, IT
Deria, dau., Apr. 1899, 1, IT
Jentry, Mollie, cus., May 1896, 4, IT TX KS
Stephen, cus., Feb. 1897, 3, IT TX KS Cubie, cus, female, M
ar. 1897, 3, TX TX KS
Addie, cus., Feb. 1898, 2, IT, TX KS
Ladd?/Todd?, Mayfield, neph., Mar. 1886, 14, TX TN KS

1910 census
Grady Co. OK, Amber twn.,
ED 90 pg. 11 B
137/138
Jentry, James E., 41, married 20, TX KY KY
Elzada, 39, 7 children/7 living, KS TN TN
Arthur, son, 17, OK Delbert, son, 16, OK Bessie, dau., 14, OK Jesse, son, 13, OK
Dera, dau., 11, OK Elmer, son, 8, OK
Loyd, son, 1, OK

1920 census,
Stephens Co. OK, Parks twp.,
ED 250 pg. 14B.
Gentry, James E., 50, TX TN TN
Zada, 49, KS TN TN
Delbert, son, 25, OK
Dera, dau. 20, OK
Elmer, son, 18, OK
Lloyd R., son, 9, OK
Ruth, dau., 7, OK

1930 census
Stephens Co. OK Parks Twp.,
ED 69-21 Sheet 3A
34/38
Gentry, James E., MW 61 M 21 TX TN TN
Zada, wife FW 59 M 19 KS MS MS
Jess N., son MW 33 S OK TX KS
Lloyd, son MW 21 S OK TX KS
Ruth, dau. FW 17 S OK TX KS

James married Elzada Trawick about 1891. Elzada (daughter of James Jackson Trawick and Elizabeth Lucinda Adams) was born on 6 Jan 1871 in Coffeyville, Montgomery County, Kansas; died on 23 Jan 1951 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ken Harvey writes that she was known as Zadie or Elzadie. Her family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, shortly before she was born.

It was Zadie's habit, as with all the pioneers, to conserve water. She used to wash the dishes and disposing of that water she would then rinse them with fresh water. This rinse water was retained for the next dish washing. When piped water was installed Zadie continued her old routine for the rest of her life to the amusement of all.

Obituaries (Both courtesy of Lynell Gentry Cordell)

Duncan Eagle
Jan. 25, 1951

Mrs. Gentry, Pioneer Resident, Dies Tuesday

One of the first settlers of what is now Stephens County, Mrs. J. E. Gentry, 705 North 2nd, died Tuesday in a Duncan hospital after suffering a stroke last week. Mrs. Gentry, 80, had lived in Alma since 1889. She moved to Duncan several years ago.

Survivors include five sons, Arthur, Lee (sic), Elmer, Delbert, all of Duncan, and Lloyd of Oklahoma City; three daughters, Ruth Gentry of the home address; Mrs. Bessie Payne, Oklahoma City, and Mrs. Tolbert Goodwin of Bell, Calif.; a brother George Trawick of 705 Pecan; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rennels of Carpenter, and Mrs. Susie McMinn, Merkle, Texas; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Daily Banner (Duncan Banner)
January 23, 1951

'89er Dies in Hospital Here

Mrs. J. E. Gentry of 704 North 2nd, died at 8 a.m. today in a Duncan hospital. She had suffered a stroke Friday. Mrs. Gentry 80, had been a resident of Alma and Duncan since 1889. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Rangeley-Holden Funeral Home. Survivors include 5 sons, 3 daughters, a brother, 2 sisters, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. The sons are Arthur Gentry, 305 South 7th; Jess Gentry, 704 North 2nd; Elmer Gentry, 1116 Elm; Delbert Gentry, Duncan; Lloyd Gentry, Oklahoma City. The daughters are Ruth Gentry, home address; Mrs. Bessie Payne, Oklahoma City; Mrs. Tolbert Goodwin, Bell, Calif. The brother is George Trawick, 706 Pecan. The sisters are Mrs. Mary Rennels, Carpenter, Okla. and Mrs. Susie McMinn, Merkle, Tex.

Notes:

Married:
Lynell Gentry Cordell writes that "Zada Trawick's family was also in Wise Co., Texas in 1880. I wonder if John M. and Pamelia could have moved there after the 1880 census and Zada and Ed met and married there in 1890/91. Preacher William, possibly in need of care, his wife having probably died, could have been there around that time also." It is also possible that they married in Oklahoma, her obituary saying she had been a resident of Alma and Duncan since 1889.

Notes:

John's middle name is not known with certainty. Milton was recorded by the undertakers following his death. They probably misheard this however. Grace Gentry has told Lynell Gentry it was actually Melton. And as a grandson was nameed Franklin Melton Gentry, the balance of probability suggests that he was John Melton Gentry.

The Salt Lake Ancestral File gives John M. Gentry's birthdate as 1828 in Madison Co., Kentucky. However, on the 1870 Johnson Co, TX census, his computed date of birth would be 1830. On the 1900 Stephens Co, OK census, his computed date of birth would be December 1827.

John's son, William, recorded his father's birth state as Kentucky although John himself had recorded it as Tennessee ten years previously.

Significantly no parents for John are listed in the Ancestral File and a Samuel Gentry is given as "relation." Unfortunately the source of this data concerning Samuel is not immediately indicated. This ancestor entry was made on 20 Dec. 1937 by a member of the Mormon Church, probably long gone by now. The original data entry should be followed up. The Microfilm Reference is 183571 page 650. Ordinance 22555 Salt Lake.

1850-Recorded in Obion County, Tennessee Dist #2, page 705

1854 - "History of Johnson County, Texas" states that a John Gentry was elected County Commissioner. This probably was another John Gentry as census records cited below show that our John M. Gentry must have moved to Missouri sometime around this period.

1855 and 1859-- The family moved to Missouri where daughters Ellen, Sallie and Virginia were born.

1859 - John M. Gentry (31) probably migrated to Texas circa 1859, after a stay of about four years in Missouri. His son, William Miller Gentry, was therefore eight years old when they migrated to Texas. In later life he apparently had no memories of life in Tennessee, we can assume however that the boy did remember life in Missouri. They moved from Missouri to Texas shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. The raging debates leading to the Missouri compromise, prior to the Civil War, may have hastened their departure. In the book APRIL 1865, Jay Winik notes that "On one level, (Missouri) was the very embodiment of the Civil War itself: a conflict-ridden slave state that didn't secede, a state deeply divided in loyalties, a state with an ill-formed identity. On yet another level, as it descended into full-scale guerilla war, Missouri became a very different creature altogether, less a reflection of what the Civil War was and more a mirror for what the Civil War could become. It became a killing field."

1860 - John's real estate in the Grandview Post Office area in Johnson Co., Texas, was valued at $270 in 1860 and his personal property at $525. He was a farmer and he was now employing a farm labourer from Alabama, Sam Benge (23), who lived with the family.

His father was possibly in nearby Hillsboro, Hill Co. where he was presumably developing his newly founded Baptist Church.

1861-On March 30, A Jno M. Gentry (33) was elected an officer in the Grandview Calvary, Johnson Co, Texas. He became one of six corporals in the newly formed CSA. {Johnson Co, Texas, Civil War Declaration and Muster Roll from the Commisioners Court Ledger Book "A". Muster Roll of the Grandview Cavalry, p 244}. His younger brother, Wesley (19) served as a private in the same company. Wesley was listed as #44 out of 61 privates in the same company. They were under the command of Capt. Jacob S. Morrow. {p. 245}.

The military records cited above might be for another John M. Gentry. Lynell Cordell also found the following records: "Gentry, John M--Card #50325527, Pvt, Co. A, 18th Regiment Texas Cavalry, Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for Jan 15 to June 30, 1862. Enlisted March 1, 186- (blank) at Dallas, Texas for a period of one year. No pay received. Discharged May 29, under Conscript law [Probably too old] A.B. Mustain, Copyist

1861-"History of Johnson County, Texas" states that the Grandview Masonic Blue Lodge #266 A.F. and A.M. was chartered June 14, 1861. J.M. Gentry was listed as a charter member, along with W.G. Gentry.

1870 - Census, Johnson County, Texas ED 628

Ca. 1875-- "History of Johnson County, Texas" states that "Pupils from many places came to board in the homes of the families living in the neighborhood, and a number of new families moved here and built homes on five acre lots given for the purpose [of building Oakland College] by Philip Walker, Judge Harrison, John Gentry, Dr. L.H. Gebhard and James Houston." (p 360)

26 March 1877-Jesse W. Bell and James K. Blair relinquished and conveyed to J.M. Gentry and Jesse A. Gentry the rights, titles and interests in and to land in Grayson county. Jesse Bell and James Blair had previously purchased the land from the administrator of Christian Blair. The reason for the transfer is unknown, as is the relationship of Bell and Blair to the Gentrys. (Vol. A1 Grayson County, TX)

1878- J.M. Gentry purchased 12 acres of Timber land for $75 from J.A. Gentry in Grayson County, Texas. (Volume 44, Grayson County Bonham, TX)

1880 - Grayson County, Texas ED 7, page 145. Also living with the family was a 25 year old servant, J.C. Matthews, and John's youngest sister, Mary "Mollie" Gentry Bush. Mollie is listed as a boarder, and living with her three small sons, Willie, Harry, and Marcus Roy.

John's son William Miller Gentry is now living in Wise Co. with his wife and young family. Zada Trawick's family was also in Wise Co. in 1880. It is possible that John M. and Pamelia could have moved there after the 1880 census, and also that Preacher William, possibly in need of care, could have been there around that time also.

1885- Land record, Vol 5, Page 176, Wise Co., Texas J.M. and P.C. Gentry sold about 46 1/2 acres to J.C. McCraken.

1887-Land record Vol 11, page 434, Wise Co., Texas J.M. and P.C. Gentry sold (?) 130 acres to Burges. Says something about part of blk 11, league #2. Hunt School Land.

1890-Land record, Vol 19, page 310, Wise Co., Texas Sold 130 acres in Block 11, League #2, School land, to Jerry Williamson (son-in-law?)

1895- Land record Vol 31, page 284, Wise Co, Texas. Something else about the 130 acres sold to Burges Block 11, League #2, Hunt School land.

1900-He and Pamelia were living with his son and daughter in law, William M. and Mollie Gentry.

1901-A J.M. Gentry purchased "land situated in Fannin County, Texas on the waters of Brushy Creek being part of a Survey originally granted unto Wm Martin" from W.A. and Rosa B. Ayres for $400 cash and a $100 note. (Book 17, Page 488-489 Fannin Co, TX). It is not known if this is the same person a John Melton Gentry, who was residing in Oklahoma at that time.

Lewis Adair Payne has a copy (currently mislaid) of a four generation group photograph of John Milton Gentry and Pamelia Harpole taken around 1902. They, the grandparents in the picture, apparently died shortly afterwards. The original image, which is unfortunately not a very good piece of portraiture being taken from a distance, is probably the property of Dorothy Thompson. This important photograph apparently shows John (75), with a large beard and sitting. The rest of the seven people portrayed are apparently standing; Pamelia (75), William Miller Gentry (50) and his wife Mary Evelyn Mounts (46) with two of their children Permelia Gertrude (25) and Pearl (6). Gertie's husband Walter W. Payne and their first born child Carl (4). The picture was taken in front of William and Martha's house and a neighbour woman can additionally be seen nearby. This picture, when compared to Lynell's damaged double portrait of John and Pamela (Harpole) Gentry, seems to be of the same people. Anna Laura Payne confirmed the identity of the John and Pamela, remembering the portrait from her childhood. Charles Strong remembers the portrait, before damage, hanging in the home of James Edwin Gentry and Zada Trawick.

1900 - Both John Milton and Pamelia C. Gentry were living with their son William M. Gentry in Stephens Co., Oklahoma in 1900.

1902-John M. Gentry becomes the 11th Masonic Worshipful Master, Lodge No. 54, in Velma, Oklahoma.

1904 - (Tombstone Inscription, surmounted by Masonic Insignia) JOHN M./GENTRY/ BORN/ DEC. 19. 1827/ DIED/MAR. 3. 1904/AGED/ 76Yrs. 2 Mos./ &15Das.

John married Pamelia C Harpole about 1850 in Tennessee. Pamelia (daughter of John Harpole and Mary Ann McMinamy) was born on 20 Mar 1827 in Obion County, Tennessee; died on 19 Jul 1903 in Alma, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory; was buried in Alma Cemetery, Alma, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following biographical details were compiled by Ken Harvey:

1827-Pamelia was born in March, possibly in Obion County, although her mother may have returned to the family home in Rutherford County for the birth of her first child. No record has been found of the event. The Obion County organization was created in 1832, and it is possible that early records were lost or never created in the first place. Pamelia's birthdate is recorded on her tombstone. The following is in HARPOLE COUSINS "Permelia E. Harpole (dau. of John and Elizabeth Swingley Harpole, page 368) b. March 20, 1820; d. May 13, 1847 m July 18, 1846 to James H. Chandler, Madison County, Tennessee." The date of birth appears to be incorrect, seven years to the day too early, and Pamela was born following the death of Elizabeth Swingley. Additionally, it was her first husband, James Chandler who probably died circa 1847. Lynell Cordell wrote to the authors of "Harpole Cousins" to ask about this and they could not tell her where they obtained the original information.The birth date in the book and the birth date on Pamelia's grave stone both show March 20, so they could very well be the same person, but that still leaves the year in doubt.

The 1830 and 1840 census records for the John Harpole family:

1830 census, Obion Co. TN pg. 159 Schedule: Male-Females, 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, then in increments of 10. Harpole, John, 012001-0100001 (The youngest female was 5-10 years old, born between 1820 and 1825)

1840 census, Obion Co. TN Schedule: Given and Surname of head of household and number of male/female. Males: 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, etc until 13th number, which is over 100. Females are the 2nd group of numbers. 133. John Harpole, 0101201-00001001 (Youngest female was between 20-30, born between 1820 and 1830)

1846 - James H. Chandler married Permilia (sic) Harpool on July 19, 1846, Obion Co., Tennessee. Bond: J. H. Chandler and Thomas G. Jenkins. Officiant: Cage Hale, J.P. The marriage license was issued the previous day. [Gary, Grace D. & Stricklin, Carolyn W. (1978) OBION COUNTY TENNESSEE MARRIAGE RECORDS 1824-1877]. "Our" Pamelia would have been aged 19 at this time. It is probable that her husband James died a short time afterwards without children and Pamelia remarried soon after. James H. Chandler died in 1849, and his estate sold the following items to Albert C. Harpole, Pamelia's brother: "table cloth, 2 peased quilts & linens, chest, bedstead & cord, 3 bed quilts, cover lid, and blanket," for a total amount of $27.25. These items may have been bough for Pamelia. At that time, if there was no will, the wife did not inherit even the necessities. According to the book, Harpole Cousins, Albert's sister Permelia was already dead by this time.

Sometime prior to 1849, Pamelia married John Melton Gentry. The marriage was probably conducted by John's father, the Baptist preacher and J.P., William Gentry. He may well have forgotten to record the ceremony in the Obion Courthouse. No marriage record for John M. Gentry and Pamelia Harpool, or Chandler, has every been found. The early death of Pamelia's full brother, William Harpole, would not have helped in perpetuating her memory with the Harpole family who remained in Tennessee after Pamelia moved to Texas with the Gentry's.

1850-Pamelia was living in the Gentry household with John and his mother, Polly, and his siblings. Pamelia and John are both shown as age 23. The rest of the census records in Texas and Indian Territory shows Pamelia only 2 to 3 years older than John, or the same age.

Lynell contends that the supposition that Pamela is the daughter of John Harpole and Mary Ann McMimany is still far from proven. Her contention is that we are ignoring some things in "Harpole Cousins," such as the books dates for John and Elizabeth McSwigley Harpole's daughter, Permelia and yet take as a fact that *our* Pamelia is the daughter of John Harpole. And until the date of birth can be proven or disproven, we don't know whether her mother is Elizabeth Swigley or Mary Ann McMinamy.

1860 - It is very noticable that there are no Harpoles in this census of Tennessee. There are however quite a lot of Harpools. Had the name undergone further anglisation? None of the 1850 Harpoles can be identified in 1860.

1903 - Transcription of Pamela's Tombstone:

MRS P. C. GENTRY/ WIFE OF /J. M. /GENTRY/ BORN MAR.20.1827/ DIED/ JULY 18. 1903

The name was pronounced Pa-meal-ya but spelled like Pamela or Pamelia.

RECORDED SPELLINGS

Pamilia Harpole

Pamelia C Gentry

Permelia C. Gentry

E. Gentry

Pamela Harpool

Permelia Gentry

P. C. Gentry Could the middle initial "C", used in the census and tombstone inscription, have, in fact, been a poorly written "G" for Gertrude? A granddaughter of Pamelia was named Permelia Gertrude in 1877; presumably named after her. The strong argument against this is that the "C" does occur three times.

Puzzlingly, Permelia name was represented by the initial "E." in the 1870 census of Johnson County, Texas. Was this simply an enumerator's error? It certainly looks like it.

Ruth Pearl Gentry had (1980) a picture of Pamelia C. Harpole which is presumably now [1996] in the possession of one of her children. Scott Philip Hall is thought to have inherited the family photographs including the portrait of Pamelia Harpole. He left Pampa, Texas, and is living (1997) in either New Mexico or Arizona. Lynell Gentry has a large portrait of Pamelia with her husband.

In 1900 Permelia recorded on the census that she had had seven children of whom two were now dead. The children who did not survive were presumably Ellen and Sallie. They may have died without issue but we cannot be certain of this.

1903-Photographed in a family group photo in her home in Alma with her husband John and two children.

Fay Payne Yeager thinks that our Pamelia [Harpole] was Cherokee Indian but I (Kenneth Harvey) have never asked her why she thinks so. This is certainly not correct.

Notes:

Married:
Fay Payne Yeager reports they had another daughter, named Mary. "She is not on a census but family history tells that John and Pamelia had a daughter named Mary that died young. An old saying was, "If a person is sitting by a window and a bird comes and sits on the window sill, that person is going to die." This happened to Mary." Ken Harvey is adament their is not daughter Mary. It was thought that a gravestone in the Oakland Cemetery in Johnson Co. TX that reads: "Sacred to the Memory of M. Mary Gentry Jan. ?, 18?5 (1865?) -- 1869" might be hers. However, an earlier transcription of the cemetery proves that this headstone was for the wife of Preacher William Gentry, whose date of birth was 1805, and who died in 1869.

Notes:

Lynell Gentry notes that his headstone lists him as being age 64 at the time of the death in 1899, which would make his year of birth as 1835 instead of 1838.

Ken Harvey writes that they lived in Searcy, Arkansas when their their two oldest children were born. Sometime before 1871, when daughter Elzada was born, they moved to Coffeyville, Kansas; perhaps as a result of railroad advertisements promoting Coffeyville and Independence as two large towns on the Border of the United States and the Indian Territory.

The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to "improve" the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. After 5 years on the land, the original filer was entitled to the property, free and clear, except for a small registration fee. Title could also be acquired after only a 6-month residency and trivial improvements, provided the claimant paid the government $1.25 per acre. After the Civil War, Union soldiers could deduct the time they had served from the residency requirements. This served to opened western lands to qualified citizens, the Indian Territory of Kansas and Oklahoma-home to more than three dozen tribes-was subject to a series of legal measures that reduced its extent. A new philosophy of assimilation favored bringing Native Americans into the United States as individual citizens, rather than allowing them lands and tribal sovereignty-a philosophy that conveniently left many acres open for settlement.

However, these unassigned lands were not opened unitl 1889, and during the decades after the Homestead Act, settlers acting illegally forced the government's hand by squatting on Indian land. The Ingalls family, of Little House on the Prairie fame, was one of a group of white settlers who set up house on Osage lands in Kansas in the 1860s, before that tribe was removed (again) to Oklahoma.

The Trawick family did not stay long in Coffeyville. Kenn Harvey noted that "after the Jayhawkers became active they moved back to Searcy, Arkansas." In the late 1870's the family moved westward again, this time to Texas.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_vault/2014/11/25/history_of_western_settlement_railroad_advertisements_for_settlers_to_move.html

Wise County, Texas Deeds (researched by Charles Strong, 1998)

Vol 33, Page 192-July 1890 JJ and Elizabeth Trawick sold land to R.Z. Dunwiddie Vol 30, Page 446?-1894 Makes reference to Vol 33, Page 192 Initiated in Indian Territory Sounds as though the Trawicks moved to IT after the sale in 1890 but that the note wasn't paid and the deed file in Wise County until 1894

(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
J. J. TRAWICK Self M Male W 45 TN Farm
L. E. TRAWICK Wife M Female W 34 MS Keeping House MS MS
M. C. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 17 AR At Home
W. H. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 13 AR At Home TN MS
Elzadi TRAWICK Dau S Female W 9 KS At School
George TRAWICK Son S Male W 7 AR At School TN MS
Ida TRAWICK Dau S Female W 3 TX At Home
S. M. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 1 TX At Home TN MS
Tom AUTRY Son S Male W 28 TN Farmer TN TN
Source Information:
Census Place Precinct 6, Wise, Texas
Family History Library Film 1255333
NA Film Number T9-1333
Page Number 224D

James married Elizabeth Lucinda Adams before 1863 in Arkansas. Elizabeth (daughter of William Valentine Adams and Nancy Carroll) was born on 8 Feb 1845 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi; died on 7 Feb 1933 in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma; was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The 1860 Van Buren, Arkansas census shows W.V. and Nancy Adam's first child as Lucinda, age 14 born in MS. On the 1880 census, she is listed as L.E., age 34 born in MS. From then on she is called Lizzie, and her grave shows her as Elizebeth (sic) L. Trawick.

Ada Sunday News-Feb. 9, 1933 BURNS FATAL TO MRS. E. TRAWICK Mother of Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld Succumbs at Advanced Age. Mrs. Elizabeth Trawick, 88, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld, 600 W. Sixteenth, Tuesday evening at 6:40 o'clock from the effects of burns sustained earlier in the day when her dress caught fire from a stove. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the chapel of the Hudson-Keith Funeral Home, Rev. W.M. Speck officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs Trawick is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Mary Rennels of Canute, Okla., Mrs. J.E. Gentry of Arthur, Mrs J.O. McMinn of Trent, Texas, and Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld, of Ada; two sons, Henry Trawick of Hammond and George A. Trawick of Ada; 32 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. (Courtesy of Lynell Cordell)

Notes:

Ken Harvey writes that "William was known to have been a Baptist preacher. The sober preacher trained in the dialectics of the seminary was rare west of the Appalachians. The Baptists boasted that in 1817, in the State of New York, that there were only three preachers west of the Hudson that had ever been to college. The settlers demanded personality rather than diplomas from the men who called them to God. Kentucky was famous for the pathological intensity of the religious revivals that shook the populous at the turn of the century. Evangelists had swarmed over the area preaching in great open-air camp meetings where silent, lonely frontiersmen gathered to sing and shout. Revivalists knew their hell intimately---geography, climate, and vital statistics---and painted the sinners fate so hideously that shuddering crowds surged forward to the bushel-box alters to be born again. Hundreds fell to the ground senseless, the most elegantly dressed women in Kentucky lying in the mud alongside ragged trappers."

1817--A William Gentry appears on a Wayne Co, Kentucky list of Delinquent taxpayers. It is noted, as a reason for non-payment, that he had gone to Tennessee. If this is "our" William, he must have been born earlier than 1804, possibly as early as 1795.

1826 - Approximate year of the marriage, of William to Mary "Polly" ???, based on the date of birth of their eldest known child. Note, however, that there could have been earlier children who had left home before the 1850 census.

1830 - It has not been possible to find Preacher William Gentry in the 1830 census in Illinois (where several of his children were born).

1840 - A search for his location, in Kentucky, in the 1840 census has been negative using FTM Census Index on CD ROM (1996).

1846 - William Gentry was listed as a MG (Minister of the Gospel) and a JP (Justice of the Peace) in Obion Co., Tennessee. He officiated at the marriage of John Marr and Nancy R. Mills (Miles) on 11 Feb 1846, and at the marriage of Allen Walker to Margarette Jones on 29 July 1846.

Ken Harvey further noted that the Tennessee Baptist Historical Society has failed to find any reference to Preacher William Gentry in its Baptist collection. They should be contacted again, at their request, if the Obion County Church with which he may have been associated with can be identified. The first organization for the Missionary Baptists in Obion county was in Beulah, which was formed by the 1830s. At this period, the Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists worshipped in the same building. The church, known as Solitude, was located about 4 1/2 miles north of Union City. That original church building burned down in 1838 and a few years later (1841) the Beulah Baptist Church was built. There are no extant records for the next 12 years. However, it is most probably the church attended by the Gentry family, since it was located in their general area and was the only Baptist Church in the county. In 1858, W.H. McGowan was listed as pastor, and their were 72 members. (Adapted from Marshall and Goodspeed). It is assumed that William was a lay preacher. The reason for this assumption is that William is not referred to in the book by: Carroll, James Milton (1923) "A History of the Texas Baptists."

The postmaster of Bulah, Obion County, Tennesse as of 27 Sept 1847 was a William Gentry. This may well have been our William. (Source: TNGenWeb Project "Obion Post Office and Postmasters of Obion County, TN", cited by Lynell Cordell). Bulah (1847-1859) later became State Line, Fulton County, KY.

The document below, dated March 15, 1850, was found by Charles R. Strong and his daughter, Mary Pat Strong during mid June 2002. This was the only document found in the land records of Obion County Tennessee. No record was found of land purchase or land sale! (Also there were no land records found in Weakley County Tennessee). This may be due to fact that the old town of Bulah, Tennessee, was renamed State Line Kentucky after a border correction at some date. State Line KY located in Fulton County KY was not searched for land records.

Charles and Mary Pat observed that there was an abandoned store in State Line KY named Shaw as highlighted in the document below. Also, the "(???)" in the document might be either "etc." or "and so on and so forth".

Obion County #1 - Wm Gentry

Book 1 - I, page 201-202

William G Gentry Mortgage to L. S. Barnes Registered 15th day of March 1850

This indenture made and entered into this day of March 1850 between William G Gentry of Obion County Tennessee of the one part and L.S. Barnes of Fulton County Kentucky of the other part. Witnesseth [sic] that the said Gentry for and in consideration of seven hundred and seven dollars and 05 cents in hand paid hath this day sold and by these presents doth convey unto said Barnes his assigns. (???) a certain gelding horse about six years old a sorrel mare about 11 years old six head of stock cattle one farm horse wagon also all my house hold and kitchen furniture consisting of feather and under beds clothing furniture (???) bed steads [sic] side bordes[sic] chairs cooking utensils and cup board ware also my stock hogs about 25 in number all of which property is now in my possession my farm and in and about my dwelling house in said Obion County. I also sell and convey to said Barnes my two succeeding crops which are to be made on my farm and I do sell and convey to him all the corn tobacco oats fodder potatoes and all other production which maybe thereon raised so what my family may be protected in (???) law as exempt from sale and I do sell him all of the profits production and mumments [sic] of my said farm for two years to come and I have assigned to said Barnes the following notes towit [sic] one on John Shaw & John Bayer for sixty seven dollars and 50 cts due 9th Feby [sic]1850 and on N. Gurley for one hundred and eighty dollars due 1st Feby [sic] 1850 one on RR Powel for one hundred dollars due 19th June 1850 one on same for fifty dollars due 19th April 1850 - one on Charles S. Tally for seventy five dollars due 1st May 1850 and whereas said Barnes is to pay for me to Messers [sic] Robinson and Keith seventy five dollars and Thos Mitchell thirty nine dollars and 50 cts and whereas he has also paid me two hundred dollars over and above the amount of said notes now shall I within two years pay to said Barnes or his order or cause the same to be done said Robinson and Keith and Mitchell debts said two hundred dollars and all liabilities that I may be under as the assignor of said notes and it is expressly understood that Gurley and Tally are not to be sued the first court nor under aliberal [sic] time and that I am to guaranty these debts then this obligation to be null and void else to remain in full force and virtue and it is further understood and so agreed between these parties that said Barnes to act as my agent in and about the management of sell of all the herein mortgaged property or interest and he is to have the right from time to sell and dispose of the same for the purposes of paying of dispersing this mortgage and I said Gentry for myself my heirs administrators (???) doth and will forever warrant and defend the title in (???) to the property things interests profits (???) herein sold against any and all claims whatever. In witness where of I have hereto set my hand and seal this day and date above written. John M. Gentry & James C. Gentry /s/ witnesses. -- /s/ Will Gentry (Seal

1850 - Unfortunately Preacher William Gentry was not listed as being present in his Obion Co. home, in Tennessee, at the time of the 1850 census enumeration. He is therefore presumably recorded elsewhere in the census of that year, possibly while on a visit to Kentucky, if he is recorded at all. Could he have already gone on to Texas, and left his wife and eldest son in charge of the family?

From the evidence above it would appear probable that;

1. Preacher William Gentry was born and married in Kentucky.

2. A few years following the marriage, ca. 1829, the young family moved to Illinois, probably to the southern part of that state.

3. They returned to Kentucky in about 1835 and remained in that state until ca. 1846 when they moved again

4. This time they moved to Tennessee and they had only been in Tennessee for a few years by the time of the 1850 census.

Using further data

5. The family then moved to, and stayed in, Missouri from about 1854. They would have been in that state for about four years (grand-daughter Ellen was born there in 1855, as was Virginia in 1858).

6. They then all headed to Texas in about 1859.

This assumes that William and his son John Melton Gentry stayed together as they migrated south. William could have gone ahead to Texas, before John and his family, without staying with them in Missouri. He was more mobile on account of the age of his children.

1860 - William Gentry is described (microfilm page 58), in 1860, simply as a Baptist Minister, age 55, born in Tennessee. Mary was the same age, but like all the children, listed as born in Kentucky. Clearly this contradicts the 1850 census. The family were living in Hillsboro, Hill Co., Texas. William's real estate here, at the time, was valued at $1,250 and his personal property at $3,115.

At this time there was a very high per capita income in Texas. This was to collapse in a few years with the civil war and it took a very long time to recover.

Preacher William's eldest son, John Melton Gentry (32), had real estate in Grandview area in nearby Johnson Co. This was valued at $270 and his personal property at $525. He was a farmer and he was now employing a farm labourer from Alabama, Sam Benge (23), who lived with his family.

1861-The book HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY noted that on June 14, 1861 the Masonic Blue Lodge #266 A.F. and A.M. was chartered. The charter members included W.F. and J.M. Gentry. The book also noted that the first organization of a Baptist church in Alvardo, TX is due to the Rev. William C.(G.?) Gentry. The church was organized on October 6, 1861 in the old Union Building, located on the corner of what is now Cummings ans Atchley streets. The upper story was used for Masonic meetings, the lower floor was a school and church. The records state that "after a few remarks by Brother William C. Gentry, the members present appointed Brother Gentry moderator pro-tem. They then adopted the Trinity River Association Constitution or by laws, written by Brother Carroll. After they organized,the door of th church was opened. Brother William C. Gentry was elected pastor and Jonathan Burk elected pastor and Jonathan Burk elected clerk." On the first Sunday in July 1862 Brother W.B. Senter was chosen to be pastor and moderator. Was this Rev. William Gentry our Preacher William moving to be closer to his son John? If it was not our William, there is a slight possibility that it could be William Gravit Gentry, born 23 Jan 1786 in Louisa Co, VA, son of John and Milly (Edwards) Gentry [THE GENTRY FAMILY IN AMERICA, p 24].

W. G. Gentry also purchased land in Hill County from Thomas A. Flippin and N.J. Fritze sometime in the 1860's. Also, the Johnson County Deeds Vol. D, Pg 84-December 27, 1860- W.G. Gentry-Land Patent in Hill County, Texas from Smith, 200 acres--witnessed by John M. Gentry

1870 - "Mary Gentry, 65 years of age, born in Kentucky, died in August of this year in Grayson Co., Texas." Was this Preacher William's wife? It certainly seems highly likely.

William's Grayson Co., Texas, census entry is proving difficult to find. He would have been aged 66. Ken Harvey believes he was still alive.

1871-Land records from Grayson County, Vol 38 pg 442 dated November 6, 1871 show that Mary Gentry owned, with her husband William G., 20 acres of land situated about one mile west of Sherman on the Gainsville and Sherman road at the time of her death. (Grayson Co, TX Vol 38 pages 442, 443 & 444)

1875 - A Rev. Gentry performed a wedding in Grayson Co. Texas and another one in Collin Co., Texas. Were these two ceremonies performed by the same man and was it "our" Rev. William Gentry? An unknown Rev. M. Gentry was active in Collin Co, also. He is not thought to be related.

1880 - Preacher William's, Wise Co., Texas, census return is proving difficult to find. He would have been aged 76. He might well have died before this. Zada Trawick's family was also in Wise Co. in 1880. I wonder if John M. and Pamelia could have moved there after the 1880 census and Zada and [James] Ed[win Gentry] met and married there in 1890/91.

"LOCALS ... ... A well known citizen by the name of Gentry, of the Sand Hill country, who was stopping in the East Mound country for his health died one day last week." Could this have been Preacher William's "obituary"? The newspaper date needs to be rechecked. Could the East Mound area be where Will and Molly lived? Their Wise Co. census return gives their location as E[numeration] D[istrict] 130.

From the deed listed below, it is known that William died before 1883.

Charles Strong located the following deed in Hill County, Texas (Hill Co, Vol. N)

1883-"Know all men by these presents that whereas on or about the ___ day of ___ A.D. 186_, W.G. Gentry, then a resident in Hill County, Texas now deceased, did make, execute and deliver to Thomas A. Flippin and N.J. Fritze for a valuable consideration to him in hand paid, a good and sufficient warranty deed to the following tract of land....and whence the said deed has been lost, mislaid or destroyed, and the record of the same in the deed records of said Hill County, having been destroyed by fire, now therefore in consideration of the ??? and the fact of the payment in full of the purchase money of said land, to said W.G. Gentry by the said Flippin & Fritze which we here acknowledge, We J.M. Gentry, James C. Gentry, Mitchell C. Gentry, Jesse A. Gentry, J.W. Gentry & Minerva A. Gentry his wife, B.F. Hodges and wife Sarah M. Hodges and L.B. Bush and wife Mary E. Bush, sole surviving heirs at law of the said W.G. Gentry, do bargain and sell, and by these presents do transfer and convey unto J.W. Siddons the ....title to said land...Witness our hands this the 19 day of September A.D. 1882. John M. Gentry, J.W. Gentry [Minerva's husband], M.A. Gentry, L.B. Bush, M.E. Bush, J.C. Gentry, M.C. Gentry, B.F. Hodges et ux, Sarah M. Hodges J.A. Gentry

It would be worth searching for the burial place and gravestone of Preacher William. He could be buried near Decatur. Lewis Payne remembers his maternal grandmother, Molly, speaking of Decatur and it seems that her husband, Will, and she could at the time, have lived outside this town, the Wise County seat.

William Gentry's parents are still unknown.According to Ken Harvey, the following are considered to be possible, but unlikely, parents of Preacher William Gentry, born circa 1804.

Gentry, (1909), M.S., Ph. D. "The Gentry Family in America 1676 to 1909 etc." The Grafton Press:New YPatrick Gentry (abt.1780-1820) of Louisa Co., Virginia. His son William B. Gentry (1802-?) married Sallie Sargent March 11, 1824. (p 74)

--Robert Gentry of Jackson Co., Tennessee. Robert was fifth generation but there are no dates. His son William was probably born in Jackson Co. where he was definately reared. (p 134)

--Mathew Gentry (abt. 1782-? ), son of Samuel. Matthew had migrated from Surrey Co., North Carolina to Warwick Co., indiana in 1822 where he settled and reared a large family. His children were: William, James, Mathew, Samuel and Thomas. (p 270)

--Thomas Gentry (1779-?) and Sussana Caster (1781-1854). Son William was born in 1806. Thomas' father was William Gentry of Gloucester Co., N.J. said to have been a revolutionary soldier. (p 292)

--Joseph Gentry (abt.1785-1835) of King William Co., Virginia. (p 294)

1810 - There are thirty-one potential Gentry parents of William in the state of Kentucky in 1810 when he would have been circa six years old at the time.

1820 - Of these there are, however, only seven possible candidates as William's parents in Madison Co. Kentucky in 1820 This ASSUMES that he was born c. 1804 in Madison Co., Kentucky. There is no compelling reason for this assumption however.

These Madison parental candidates, with some of their probable wives, have all been arrived at by a process of elimination, they are;

1. Bartlett Gentry and Elizabeth Timberlake, 2. ? Gentry and Elizabeth ?, 3. John Gentry, 4. John (Stumpy) Gentry, 5. John P. Gentry, 6. Josiah Gentry, 7. Josiah Gentry and Winney Musick

(Research):
Census Information:

1850 census, Obion Co. TN
District 2 West of District 1 (NE corner before the panhandle was included), North border is Kentucky.
496.
Polly GENTRY, 48, KY;
John, 23, KY, farmer;
Permelia, 23, TN;
James, 20, IL, farmer;
Michel, 18 IL, farmer;
Manerva, 13, KY;
Sarah, 12, KY;
Wesly, 8, KY;
Abram, 5, KY;
Mary, 4/12,TN

1860 census in Hill Co. TX
Hillsboro twp. ED 58 Pg. 459
397
Gentry, William 55 M Baptist Minister TN
Mary 55 F KY
Menerva 23 F KY
Sarah 20 F KY
Wesley 18 M KY
Abram 15 M KY
Mary 10 F KY


(Courtesy of Lynell Gentry Cordell)

(Medical):Y DNA Results, FTDNA Haplogroup:

I1 Haplogroup
Predicted Y-DNA Haplogroup 1-M253

A direct male descendant of William G. Gentry, still bearing the Gentry surname, volunteered to have his yDNA tested. The results can be found at www.ysearch.org, under the user ID #CBFD9, and the FamilyTreeDNA Kit number is 49107.

The DNA sample was a high resolution match to several documented descendants of Nicholas Gentry I of Hanover County, Virginia. Nicholas was said to be the original immigrant of his family line, and can first be found on colonial records of Virginia in 1684.

More about the Gentry DNA study can be found at:

http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/g/gentry/

I is often called the "Viking Haplogroup." This haplogroup is common among Icelandic populations, and is generally considered indicative of Scandinavian or Anglo-Saxon ancestry when it is found in a person of British descent.

A good website that discusses Haplogroup I1a is located at:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gallgaedhil/haplo_i1a_part_1.htm

William married Mary "Polly" ??? about 1826 in Kentucky. Mary was born on 23 Jan 1805 in Kentucky; died on 13 Jun 1869 in Texas; was buried in Oakland Cemetery, Grandview, Johnson County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1850-She is recorded in the census of 1850 as Polly Gentry, born in Kentucky in 1805,

1860-She is recorded as Mary Gentry. Polly is a familiar form of the formal name Mary.

1870 - "Mary Gentry, 65 years of age, born in Kentucky, died in August of this year in Grayson Co., Texas." Was this Preacher William's wife? It certainly seems highly likely.

1871-Land records from Grayson County, Vol 38 pg 442 dated November 6, 1871 show that Mary Gentry owned, with her husband William G., 20 acres of land situated about one mile west of Sherman on the Gainsville and Sherman road at the time of her death. (Grayson Co, TX Vol 38 pages 442, 443 & 444)

Charles Strong located the following probate record:

Grayson Co, TX Vol 38, pgs 442-444

The State of Texas, County of Grayson

Whereas on the 13th day of June, 1869, Mary Gentry, Wife of William G. Gentry, departed this life in said County and State leaving as her sole & only heirs the following named children to wit, John M. Gentry, James C. Gentry, Cyrus M. Gentry, Minerva A. Gentry wife of William J. Gentry, Sally M. Hodges wife of Benjamin F. Hodges, Jesse A. Gentry and Mary E. Gentry; and also the said Mary, dec'd, at the time of her death owned as community property with William G. Gentry, a certain tract of land situated in said County and State about one mile West of Sherman on the Gainsville x Sherman road and more particularly detailed as follows.....now the said Gentry suriviving Matrimonial partner of said Mary Gentry, desceased, as well as the heirs of the said Mary above named and who are all the lawful age to contract---being mutually desirous of settling the estate of said Mary and partitioning the same among themselves...have agreed with each other to partition said lands and to invest the title to the part set apart to each heir named in the portion so set apart and divest said heir of all interest in the remaining portion and they, the parties aforesaid, mutually agree that the followig plat and division of said lands illustrates substantially the division and partition agreed upon.

Witness our hands at Sherman this 6th day of November 1871

Signed by W.G. Gentry, J.A. Gentry, J. William Gentry, Minerva A. Gentry, Sarah M. Hodges, B.F. Hodges, J.M. Gentry, M.E. Gentry, C.M. Gentry and attested be L. Hare and Joseph Bledsoe

Could Mary's surname have been Miller? Her grandson by her son John Melton Gentry, William Miller Gentry, was clearly not given his mother's, Harpole surname, as his middle name. On the other hand it would have been quite reasonable for him to have received his paternal grandmother's surname.

Oakland Cemetery of Johnson Co., TX Miltenberger's Report, copied 1969 GENTRY, Mary Mrs. 23 Jan 1805 - 13 Jun 1869

The later recording of that cemetery is the one we found first:

Sacred to the Memory of M. Mary Gentry Jan. ?, 18?5 ? , 1869

Notes:

1792-John Harpole was born in Virginia [Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in; Goodspeed, W.A. (1887) HISTORY OF TENNESSEE pub. Goodspeed:Nashville, TN

1797-"John Harpole came from Virginia to Wilson County, Tennessee when a young man..." [Harpole, Andrew J. (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed]. A suggested hypothetical date might be later than 1797, however, we know that his father Solomon purchased land in Sumner County in 1797---when John would have been five years old

1808-Death of John's father, Solomon Harpole. John was sixteen years of age. John Harpole Sr was guardian of William and Polly, and may also have been named guardian of John. This close relationship indicates that John Sr. might actually have been another son of Solomon's, and not just a nephew.

1812-[The twenty year old John Harpole] was a soldier in the War of 1812. [Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recoreded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in; Goodspeed, W.A. (1887) HISTORY OF TENNESSEE pub. Goodspeed:Nashville, TN] John Harpole, Trumpeter, Major General Andrew Jackson, Capt. E. Kirkpatrick, Mounted Gunmen [Sistler, Byron & Barbara (1992) ENLISTED MEN, WAR OF 1812]

1813-Allotment to the heirs of Solomon Harpole. Heirs: William Harpole, Polly Patterson, John Harpole. 21 June 1813. Recorded in Deed Book E.

1814-On a receipt dated 25 Nov 1814, "Rec. from Wyatt Bettis the sum of ninety-six cents for the direct tax ont he property of John Harpole. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes TENNESSEE COUSINS]

1815-John Harpole...married Elizabeth Swigley...(of) Wilson County, TN [Harpole, Andrew J. (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed] This marriage took place on 26 January 1815 and the bondman was [John's first cousin] George Harpole. [Whitley, Edythe Rucker--compiler (1981) MARRIAGES OF WILSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE 1802-1850]

1815-John Harpole was bondsman at the marriage of George Bullard and Elizabeth Spradlin of 2 Mar 1815 in Wilson County, Tennessee

1815-Solomon Wesley Harpole [the oldest child of John and Elizabeth] was born in Wilson [County] Tennessee (later that same year of 1815) [Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed]

1816-"This is to certify that I, John Jr., heir of Solomon Harpole deceased do relinquish all claims to a tract of land to Thomas Patterson who conveyed it to Wyatt Bettes, Jr. Dated 30 July 1816." Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book G.

"This is to certify that John Harpole, Sr., guardian for William Harpole and Thomas Patterson, heirs of Solomon Harpole reqlinquish their claims to land on Spring Creek to John Harpole, Jr. dated 30 July 1816." Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book G.

Thomas Patterson and Polly, his wife, formerly Polly Harpole, daughter of Solomon Harpole, deceased, transferred ownership of 56 acres on Spring Creek to Wyatt Bettes on 16 August 1816. Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book F. Presumably this was the land she inherited from her father.

"This is to certify that we John Harpole, Jr. and Thomas Patterson relinquish our claims to land on Spring Creek being a part of the dower of Christina Bettes, formerly the wife of Solomon Harpole to William Harpole. Dated 30 July 1816. Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book G.

1816-John Harpole was a soldier (again under General Jackson) int he Seminole war which was fought from 1816-1818 in the Florida Everglades. [Harpole, Andrew J (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in; Goodspeed, W.A. (1887) HISTORY OF TENNESSEE pub. Goodspeed:Nashville, TN

1817----Received this 21st day of Feb 1817 from John Harpole the sum of 92 1/2 cents for the direct tax of Wilson County for 1816. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1819-The first settler, Elisha Parker, was recorded in the Western District of Tennessee. This was the same area that John, and his brother William, were to settle a few years later. Obion County was eventually created from this Western District in 1832 from the Chickasaw Indian Cession and named after the Obion River.

1820-John Harpole and Jonas Swingley had 314 acres of land on Barton's Creek, Wilson County, transferred to them by Joseph Swingley on 25 May 1820. Recorded in Wilson County, Tennessee Deed book H [Partlow, Thomas E. (1984) WILSON COUNTY TENNESSEE DEED BOOKS C-M, 1793-1829 [An Index] page 252]

1822-Received of John Harpole Jr Four Hundred and Eighteen Dollars Thirty Six cents in full of my estate January 26, 1822. /s/ William Harpole [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS] William Harpole must have sold his share of their father's estate to John Harpole Jr. If this reference is to sixty acres, as is understood, John paid $7 an acre

1824-John's first wife, Elizabeth, dies in December in Wilson County, Tennessee. This was the same year their daughter, Milly, was born and the two events may well have been connected. [Acklen, Jeannette Tillotson compiler (1976) TENNESSEE TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS Lebanon, Wilson County]. Extant Obion County marriage records start in this year and the first Circuit Court is held there in the home of W.M. Wilson.

1825-John Harpole transfers 200 acres of land in Wilson County to Jonas Swingley on 3 December 1828. Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book L. [Partlow, Thomas E. (1984) WILSON COUNTY TENNESSEE DEED BOOKS C-M, 1793-1829 [An Index] page 198]

1826-John Harpole marries for the second time, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. This county is next door to Wilson County on the southside. His wife, Mary Ann, is probably in ther late thirties based on the 1830 census. She is identified as Mary Ann McMinamy. She is not described as a widow.

1826-[John Harpole's military] services was acknowledged...by the [Tennessee State] Government granting him 160 acres of land in what was to become Obion County, Tennessee. [Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed]

-John Harpole was listed, among others, as an early settler in the north-east of Obion County (later District No. 1 of Obion County). "Among other early settlers were Obidah Roberts, northwest of Union City; Benjamin Totten at Totten's well, in the northeast part of the county; also in the same locality Jethro L. Byrd, John Harpole and Thomas Sayles." [Goodspeed (1887) THE GOODSPEED HISTORY OF TENNESSEE pub. Goodspeed:Nashville, TN] It is recorded that John's son Solomon Wesley Harpole...."came to Obion County in 1826 (when he would have been eleven years old) and resided on the farm later owned by (his own son) John T(homas Harpole), for two years..." [Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed]

"The first wheat planted in Obion County was planted by Lemuel Curlin and John Harpole. They cleared the land together. The forest was so very heavy, clearing land was no easy task." [Curlin, Thomas R. in convesation with his son R.T. Curlin. Extracted from Marshall's OBION COUNTY HISTORY and quoted in "Obion Origins" pub. by Obion County Genealogical Society in August 1986]

1827-Pamelia C. Harpole, the precise spelling varies, was born in March, and almost certainly in Obion County. There is no known contemporaneous record of this event. She appears to have been the first child born to John's second wife, May Ann McMinamy. She was incorrectly thought to have been born seven years earlier to John's first wife. This misunderstanding was recorded in HARPOLE COUSINS but this secondary record (original source unknown) is still an important source and in independant of Kenneth Harvey's family confirmation of her close relationship to John Harpole. Pamelia is listed as the wife of John M. Gentry on the 1850 Obion County, Tennessee census. William Harpole was once considered as her possible father, however he was ruled out because of the existance of a full listing of William's children in both the Obion County History [Obion County History Society (1985) OBION COUNTY HISTORY, VOL II Pub. Union City, Tennessee] and in HARPOLE COUSINS.

-Received of John Harpole 25 cents in full of state and county tax for 1827. /s/ Joel S. Enloe [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

-John Harpole of Obion County, Tennessee transferred 56 acres on Spring Creek, Wilson Co, Tennessee to Thomas Kindred on 23 July 1827. Recorded in Wilson County Deed Book

1828-[John and his family, including Solomon Wesley Harpole] ...then moved two miles north of that [original] farm...[Harpole, John Thomas (1887) Recorded by him on the assumed questionaire form from which his "biography" was compiled for inclusion in Goodspeed] Presumably the homestead was relocated a few miles north. John most likely kept both farms, as a grandson of his was to be born on and inherit the southernmost property. It seems probable he received two land grant of 80 acres each, two miles apart. One of these pioneer log residences, presumably the second, was still standing until 1991, when it burnt down. It was known, at the time, to be the oldest house in north-west Tennessee. [Correspondence of Dr. David Harpole of Richmond, Virginia with Kenneth Harvey]

-Received of John Harpole 37 1/2 cents in full of his state and county tax for the year 1828. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1829-John Harpole, J.P. is given as the officiant at the marriage of Joseph Scott to Martha Jackson on 2 September 1829.

1829--"Some Interesting Facts About Early Obion County and Union City, TN" by T.D. Ozment states: Lem Curlin and John Harpole cleared some land in about 1829 and planted the first wheat ever planted in the county. According to Marshall's history this was just a few miles northeast of Union City."

1830-Rec. of John Harpole $3 and 50 cents for Smith work done in the year 1828 and 1829 up to the present date. February 19, 1830 /s/ Jesse Thompson. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1830 Federal Census: John was listed in the first Federal census of the county and his household age structure was reported as one male between ages 5/10 (Wilson P, age 8), two males aged between 10/15 (Solomon W, age 14 and Albert C., age 12) One female between 5/10 (Millie, age 6) and one female, presumably Mary Ann, aged circa 45. It is puzzling that Pamelia is not accounted for, who would have been around three years old. Kenneth Harvey does not believe that Millie is a nickname for Pamelia, as both individuals are recorded in different households in the 1850 Obion County census.

--Rec. of John Harpole two dollars and thirty seven and one-half cents in full for State and County tax. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1833-Rec. of John Harpole one dollar and 62 and 1/2 cents in full of State & County tax for the year 1832. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1834--Both John and James Harpole are summonded by the Sheriff to serve as Grand and Petty Jurors at the Circuit Court meeting in Troy in November 1834. [Minutes of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Obion County 1834-1836. Transcriptions of the County Archives of Tennessee 1941] The identity of James Harpole is unknown. Could this have actually been William?

1835-Rec. of Douglas and Ward by the hand of John Harpole five dollars and sixty two and a half cents in full of the state and county tax on 1,000 acres of land in Obion County for the year 1835. [Harpole, Belma & Agnes HARPOLE COUSINS]

1837-John Harpole was assessed as "W(hite) Poll 1" like all other 94 taxpayers in Obion County, District 1. He was recorded as owning 250 acres and no slaves.

1850-The 1850 census index for Obion County, Tennessee shows: John Harpole (59), born in Virginia, and those of his children at home; (Wilson) Page (28), Millie (26) and William (Alexander) (18). John's mother, the elderly (Anna) Christianna Bettes, born in 1770, was living in their home.

1857-John Harpole is recorded as possessing no slaves, three horses, one mule, eleven cattle, fifteen sheep, thirty five swine, 72 bushels of wheat and 250 bushels of corn. [Agricultural Wealth of the County of Obion 1857 (extracted from a book containing the statistics in the Registry of Deeds Office in Obion County]

1860-Not located in the 1860 census.

1861-Date of death cited in HARPOLE COUSINS was 12 February 1861. May actually have died prior to the 1860 census.

The Harpole cemetery is located on land belonging to Tom Elam (as of 1986), east of Jordan Highway on the old Hickman-Dresden Road. No tombstones have been found but John Harpole and his two wives are buried to the east of the Log House, according to CEMETERIES OF OBION COUNTY, TENNESSEE VOL. ONE. This reference to John Harpole, and his two wives by a non-family source, confirms that John was known locally to have married a second time. The "second wife" referred to in this case was probably actually his mother, Anna Christina Dice. His real first wife, Elizabeth Swingley, was buried in Wilson County.

John married Mary Ann McMinamy on 21 Sep 1826 in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Mary was born on 20 Jun 1788; died before 1850. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1826-John Harpole marries for the second time, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. This county is next door to Wilson County on the southside. His wife, Mary Ann, is probably in ther late thirties based on the 1830 census. She is identified as Mary Ann McMinamy. She is not described as a widow.

(Lucas, Silas Emmett-compiler (1981) 35,000 Tennessee Marriage Records and Bonds 1783-1870)

Notes:

Married:
1826-John Harpole marries for the second time, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. This county is next door to Wilson County on the southside. His wife, Mary Ann, is probably in ther late thirties based on the 1830 census. She is identified as Mary Ann McMinamy. She is not described as a widow.

(Lucas, Silas Emmett-compiler (1981) 35,000 Tennessee Marriage Records and Bonds 1783-1870)

Notes:

John and his brother Gibson migrated to Tennessee from North Carolina in the late 1820's.

1830 Census, Carroll County, Tennessee pg 75 John Traywick, 1 male 30-40; 1 female 20-30

1840 Census, Carroll County, Tennessee pg 43 John Trawig 2 males 0-5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 30-40 (females missing from this extraction??)

(Extract by Beverly Hudock, courtesy of Lynell Cordell)

John married Diana Cook in 1832. Diana was born about 1803 in North Carolina; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography of her son, Andrew Marcus Trawick gives her maiden name, and also states she was born 1803 and died 1860. As she was not located on the 1860 census, it is possible she died before that, or in any case prior to the census.

Notes:

Married:
Beverly Hudock says that from census information and from the History of Carroll County, TN she was able to conclude that John Traywick married Diana Cook (shown as Diannah on the 1850 census)

Notes:

Land Record Certificate #17.928 E 269 To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas, William Valentine Adams of Tishomingo County, Mississippi has deposited in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States, a certificate of the REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE, at Pontotoc whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Valentine Adams according to the provisions of........................etc. South West quarter of Section Seven in Township Six, of Range Ten, East, in the District of lands subject to sale at Pontotoc, Mississippi, containing one hundred and fifty nine acres and seventy eight hundredths of an acre.......... Dated 4 Jan. 1845 signed by President of the United States, John Tyler, by John Tyler, Jr. Sec'y.

Email from Lynell Cordell:

I've been working on the Adams family lately. Lizzie 'Adams' Trawick's family was in Van Buren Co. Ar in 1860 & 1870 and then disappeared. I found two marriages in Van Buren Co. that I thought could be their daughters, Mary Jane married Alfred Bost and Martha E. married George Parnell. So I traced both of them to Jack Co. Texas and today I came across the 1880 Jack Co. census online and couldn't believe it when I saw William V. and Nancy Adams there! How about that?

(Research):

Census Listings:


1850 Census
Mississippi, Tishomingo County, Southern Division
Enumerated 22 Oct 1850
469-469
Alfred M Carrol 49 M Farmer 200 NC
Elizabeth Carrol 43 F Ala
Catherine Carrol 19 F Tenn
Joseph D. Carrol 14 F Tenn
Lydia Carrol 7 F Mi
George W Carrol 1 M Miss
470-470
Wm V. Adams 27 M Farmer 150 Miss
Nancy Adams 23 F Miss
Mary J Adams 9 F Miss
David A Adams 6/12 M Miss

1880 Census
Texas, Jack County, Precinct 5
Enumerated 17 and 18 of June 1880
Page 24D, SD 3, ED 161
206-206
Bost, Alfred W M 32 Farmer NC NC NC
Bost, Mary J W F 32 Wf Keeping House Miss Miss Miss
Bost, Thomas W M 8 Son Ark NC Miss
Bost, Nancy A W F 6 Dtr Ark NC Miss
Bost, John D W M 4 Son Tx NC Miss
Bost, Jams L W M 2 Son Miss SC Tx
207-207
Adams, Wm V W N 58 Farmer Miss SC Tx
Adams, Nancy W F 53 Wife Keeping House Ala NC NC
Adams, Joseph T W M 21 S Farm Hand Ark Miss Ala
Adams, Sarah A W F 14 Dtr At Home Ark Miss Ala

William married Nancy Carroll on 6 Feb 1845 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. Nancy (daughter of Alfred Marrien Carroll and Elizabeth Moore) was born on 20 Feb 1826 in Alabama; died on 10 May 1909; was buried in Benjamin Cemetery, Benjamin, Knox County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After her husband died, Nancy apparently lived with her daughter Sarah, also widowed.

(Research):
Census Listings:

1900 Census
Knox Co. Texas ED 43 Pg. 171A
24/24
Martin, Sarah A., head, Oct. 1866, 33, Wd. Married 8 yrs. 4/4 children.
Martin, Glenn T., son, Oct. 1892, 7, TX TN AR
Martin, James C., son, March 1894, 6, TX TN AR
Martin, Willis A., son, Sept. 1895, 4, TX TN AR
Martin, Ruth E., daughter, Jan. 1897, 3, TX TN AR
Adams, Nancy, mother, Feb. 1827, 73, Wd., Married 40 yrs. 11/5 children, AL NC NC

Notes:

Married:
"Marriage Bonds, State of Mississippi" Tishomingo Co. 1842-1846 William V. Adams and Nancy Carroll, Feb 6, 1845 Sanders Mill, M.G. Surety: John Moore