Choctaw County Kin
from the Choctaw Plaindealer
by Louis Taunton

            If your email link is one that has been deleted; please submit a valid email link to me and I will link your name and query with the valid email address. Thanks, Jackie

        This is a new column that will be appearing in the Choctaw Co, MS newspaper, the Plaindealer, written by  Louis Taunton.
      This column no longer appears in the Choctaw Plaindealer.
        Please NOTE: Whenever your email address changes, send your new email address to Jackie Rhodes so that the update can be made on your query. Thanks.


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THE CHOCTAW PLAINDEALER
139 E MAIN ST
P O Box 910
ACKERMAN MS 39735-0910

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Published weekly on Wednesdays
 


CHOCTAW COUNTY KIN:  This new genealogical column appeared weekly in The Plaindealer (Choctaw County Newspaper).  The column was limited to people tracing their ancestry in Choctaw or surrounding counties.  Queries were mailed to:  Louis Taunton, P. O. Box 400, Louisville, MS 39339-0400 or email: kinfindr@telepak.net and included snail address as many older people do not use a computer.  
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Jan 5, 2000

        In 1937 Mrs. Jack LAUCE was Choctaw County's Supervisor of Historical Research Project, and she forwarded the following information to the Mississippi Archives: Colonel BROWN, a soldier in the American Revolution, is buried at Bethlehem Cemetery located about five miles, east of Ackerman, Miss.  Mrs. LAUCE gave as her reference: B. G. DOTSON of Ackerman.  Does anyone know the location of this grave, or are there relatives of Colonel BROWN still living in Choctaw Countybackground-color=#  Louis Taunton, P. O. Box 400, Louisville, MS 39339-0400, e-mail <kinfindr@telepak.net>

        Continuation of Company K, "Invincible Warriors," 15th Infantry, Confederate States of America, Soldiers from Choctaw County: Jerome PERKINS; Samuel PILAND; H. F. QUINN; J. C. QUINN; M. QUINN; Young REAGIN; J. B. RINER; H. H. ROBERTSON; E. D. SANDERS; J. W. SANDERS; N. SANDS; J. D. SANSING; J. F. SHARPE; W. W. SHAW; R. H. SHOTWELL, Lt. Col.; J. H. SLAUGHTER; J. M. SPRUILL; J. R. STARKS, Sgt-Major; C. STPEHENS; I. STEVENS; H. STIDMAN; T. F. STONE; John SWEEDEN; A. M. TATE; J. Singleton TISDALE; T. VAUGHN; George WABINGTON; T. W. WARREN; Jesse M. WATSON; Robert WEBB; T. L. WHITHEAD; B. H. WILLIAMS; W. C. WILLIAMS; M. WILLIAMSON; R. WILLIAMSON; J. WORRELL; H. T. WORTHY; A. J. YANCY; L. YANCY.

        "Choctaw Rebels," Company K, 24th Infantry, Confederate States of America Soldiers from Choctaw County, Miss: William F. ATKINS, Sgt.; James T. AYRES; William H. BITTLE; Joseph T. BOWEN; Henry B. BOX; J. W. BOX; William A. F. CALDWELL, 1st Lt.; John S. G. CAMERON; Daniel CARTER; Alexander K. CHANDLER; Absolom D. CROSS; John F. CURTIS; Joshua W. DENNON; Henry DUNCAN; W. H. DYRE; Jno. N. FURGSON; John W. FURR, 1st Sgt.; Elijah GARRETT; John B. GARRETT; Thomas H. GARRETT; A. R. GIBSON; A. I. M. CRAB; William R. GREEN; John HARRIS; William M. HARRIS; James HERRIAGE; William D. HERRING; Christopher C. HERRON; Landy P. HEWITT; J. W. HILL; James M. HITT; John HITT, Cpl.; Reuben HITT, Capt.;  Henry W. HOLLOWAY, Cpl.; John S. HOLLOWAY; William M. HOLMES; James INGRAM, Cpt.; Wiley P. INGRAM, James R. JACKS, Cpt.; Nicholas D. JACKS; Ripley C. JACKS; William M. JACKS; James M. JENNINGS; Thomas JENNINGS; William J. C. JENNINGS; Francis M. JOB; Daniel H. JONES; James JONES; James M. JONES; James S. JONES; John A. JONES; Rob H. JONES; T. M. P. JONES; Malden I. KILLOUGH, Sgt.; Peter T. KILPARTICK; Uriah B. KILPATRICK; William H. KILPATRICK; 2nd Lt.; Elizah P. KNIGHT; Richard S. LAWRENCE, 1st Lt.; John LINDSEY; David L. MALONE, Sgt.; Calvin Y. MARSHALL; William J. MATTHEWS; Andrew J. McDARR; John M. McGAUGH; Neslet McGAUGH; W. W. McGAW; James H. McGUIRE, 2nd Lt.; W. D. MILES; Lewis P. MILLINER; L. MITCHELL; Stephen K. MITCHELL, Cpt.; Jno. W. NASH; Green P. NEAL; Pinckey P. NEAL; Owen OLIVER; Thomas J. OLIVER; Andrew J. PEARSON; George W. PEEPLES; Adkin M. PERRY, Sgt.; William PERRY, Sgt.; J. B. PHILIPS; John PUTNAM; L. J. B. REDDING; William RICHARDSON; Thomas J. RUSHING; John R. SHAW; Matthew H. SHAW; William E. SHAW; Jno. L. SHINE; Jeremiah P. SIGLER; William C. STAPLES; Cullin P. STEEN; Young R. STOKES; Drury STOVALL; Thomas J. SWINDELL, William M. SWINDELL, Sgt.; William D. SYNOTT; Jasper N. TAYLOR, Cpt.; J. F. THOMPSON; Elisha THOMPSON; Thomas H. THOMPSON; John P. TINDRY; William A. TODD; Geo. N. TOMPKINS; Thomas R. TOWLES, Cpl.; William M. WEBB; J. I. WILLS; Thomas J. WILLS; Geo. W. WILSON; Lewis YOUNGBLOOD; Newton A. YOUNGBLOOD.

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Jan 12, 2000
        Bobby K. AVERY, 1321 Swallow Lane, Birmingham, AL 35213, phone: (205)-956-3930, is working on the AVERY line. William AVERY was born ca 1806 in Georgia, married Nancy WHEELER, born ca 1805.  Both were deceased by 1838. Their children were Benjamin Franklin, born 12 Feb 1827; Elizabeth (Eliza) Jane, born 1 Oct 1828; Granville Pillar, born 23 Apr 1833; William Henry, and Frances Lee, born 1834.  Some think that William Henry and Frances Lee were twins, but Mr. AVERY doubts this and thinks they were born in the same year.  The children were born in Giles County, TN, and only the first three children lived to adulthood. Mr. AVERY has documentation showing that the children inherited from Nancy WHEELER AVERY's father, Benjamin WHEELER, in Giles County, TN.  But as of yet he does not have any information on the father of William AVERY.  A guess on his part is that perhaps James AVERY, living in Maury County, TN, was the father of William.
        Mr. AVERY discovered in the book, "Early Records of Choctaw County, MS" a James AVERY on the tax rolls with 560 acres of land and a Ben AVERY along with an M. Lee (Macajah LEE) and a G. P. AVERY (Granville Pillar AVERY) in Choctaw County, MS. Macajah LEE married Frances WHEELER, sister of Nancy WHEELER AVERY.  Stories in the family say that when William and Nancy AVERY were killed or died, since Frances WHEELER LEE was barren that she and her husband took these children and moved to Miss.  From what is known about this AVERY family, they may have settled near the Choctaw/Oktibbeha County line.  It was rumored that later the AVERYS and some of their relatives moved to Arkansas.  Any help would be appreciated by Mr. AVERY.

        Civil War Soldiers, Confederate States of America Company A, 4th Infantry from Choctaw County, MS: C. F. ADAMS, Sgt.; L. W. ADAMS; Sidney ADAMS; J. N. AIKEN; H. B. BAGWELL; W. L. BARNETT; George BOGAN (See 31st Miss. Infantry also); James C. BOSTON, Sgt.; John BOSTON, John BOTON; John B. BOWLES; 2nd Lt.; Joseph BRANDON; James BRANDON; A. J. BURTON, Bird BURTON; R. B. BUTLER; Thomas B. BUTLER; William J. BUTLER; F. B. CAMPBELL; R. J. CAMPBELL; Thomas CARLON; James N. COOK; W. W. CRAPLEY; F. B. CROCKER; J. B. CROCKER; Robert W. DAVIS, Sgt.; William T. DAWSON; Joshua W. DEAN; E. C. DEAN; John S. DEAN; Peyton DEAN; G. W. DEW; Luke DEVONE; William P. DUTTON; D. W. EASLEY; T. A. ETHRIDGE; M. B. FLANNINGAN (see WITHERS Lt. Artillery also); Daniel FRANKS; D. P. FRANKS; John W. FRANKS; Nathaniel G. FRANKS; Seaborn GARRETT; P. M. GARVIN, Sgt.; Joel C. HALL (see 4th Miss. Cavalry also); Reuben HALL; W. B. HALE, Capt.; H. M. HALLOM; L. C. HALLOM; J. C. HATHCOAT; J. H. HIGGINS; John HIGGINS (see 15th Miss. also); P. L. HOWARD; Nimrod HUEY; G. T. JAMES; John JAMES, William H. JAMES; J. W. JOHNSON, Jr.; J. W. JOHNSON, Sr.; W. H. H. JOHNSON (see 31st Miss. also); W. H. JONES; Alias KELLEY; John KELLEY; Samuel O. KELLEY; David KNIGHT; David LEE (see TURNER's Battery also); Samuel H. LLOYD (see 3rd Miss. also); F. M. LOLLAR; Thomas F. MABEY; C. W. McCAFFERTY; Isaac McCAFFERTY; J. McCAFFERTY; J. M. McCAFFERTY; Robert McCAFFERTY; William McCAFFERTY (see 2nd Miss. Cavalry also); H. McMELLON; Samuel MEADOWS; William J. MILTON, 3rd Lt.; H. T. MILLER; Lewis A. MILLER, musician; W. J. MILLS; H. R. MILUM (MILAM); James MINCHEW; James MINDCHEW; John N. MINTER; A. S. MONTGOMERY; James MONTGOMERY, Capt.; John (Jonathan) MONTGOMERY; C. D. MOORE; Hardy S. MOORE; John A. MOTHERSHED; G. B. NATIONS; S. W. NATIONS, 2nd Lt.; W. W. NATIONS; W. F. NELMS; J. N. NELSON (To be continued next week)
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Jan 19, 2000

        Last week we asked about Colonel BROWN, reportedly a veteran of the Revolutionary War, being buried in Bethlehem Cemetery in Choctaw County.  Mr. Duane THOMAS, P. O. BOX 280, Maben, MS 39750-0280, a member of the Sons of American Revolution, kindly provided the following information.  A John Brown, age 79 was living in Oktibbeha County when the 1840 Mississippi Census was taken.  An Edward BROWN was also enumerated as living close to this John BROWN -- perhaps a son.  Both of these men lived very close to the Choctaw County line -- perhaps near Sturgis -- which would not have been far from
Choctaw County and the Bethlehem Cemetery.  Any information that anyone can add about this BROWN Family, please contact Louis Taunton, P. O. Box 400, Louisville, MS 39339, or e-mail <kinfindr@explorecom.net>.

        In the first Court Session for 1900 the Grand Jury of Choctaw County consisted of the following:  W. T. HUNT, foremen; W. L. HUNT; G. C. PINNIX; A. B. WORRELL; G. H. WHITMIRE; A. J. BRADBERRY; Wallace MARTIN; J. S. BLACK; J. S. LEVER; Monroe FRANKLIN; H. McCLURE; M. PIERCE; R. S. HUNT; J. P. PILCHER; William BRUCE; H. E. SHEFFIELD;. W. P. BLANTON; J. M. BLACK; E. R. BLACKWOOD; and T. Z. BAGWELL. Petit Jury No. 1: M. T. BAILEY; A. J. CALDWELL; J. B. KING; J. A. WHITAKER; J. M. McKINLEY; Calvin GRIFFITH; T. J. McWHORTER; Lee OSWALT; R. W. HUTCHINSON; Joe BARRON; W. A. BRUCE; and R. A. GORDON. Petit Jury No. 2: James WORRELL; John RUFF; John MEECE; Buster FONDREN; R. R. LOVE; W. C. BUCK; James MOSS; J. S. CROW; Wallace WOOD; T. J. EVANS; and T. J. BROWN.

        The following is a continuation of soldiers in Company A, 4th Infantry, Choctaw County, Confederate States of America: George D. NICKOLLS; George PEARSON; Robert PEARSON, Cpl.; W. J. PEARSON (also see Company I, 15th Miss. Infantry);  John PERRY; R. K. PREWITT, 2nd Lt.; Samuel H. PURTLE; Alex P. RECTOR; Calvin J. REED; P. A. REED; E. W. REYNOLDS, Sgt. (See 35th Miss. Infantry also); D. SHUTTLES; Charles T. SIMPSON; William A. SIMPSON; A. J. SMITH; A. J. L. SMITH; Benj. SMITH; James B. SMITH, Sgt.; J. J. SMITH; John R. SMITH; John W. SMITH; Obadiah SMITH; Reuben SMITH; R. L. SMITH; R. B. SNELLINGS; John W. SNALLSON; E. S. SPROUSE; J. M. STRONG; J. H. STURDEVANT; A. C. SULLINS, Sgt.; Robert C. SULLINS; Isaac C. SULLIVAN, 2nd Lt. (see Wither's Artillery also); B. F. THOMPSON, 1st Sgt. (see Turner's Battery also); Daniel R. THOMPSON; Edward THOMPSON; E. W. THOMPSON; Jeptha THOMPSON; William A. TOAD; J. T. TRUSSELL; Murphy A. TURNER; S. A. TURNER; Simeon W. TURNER; A. J. WABLETON (see also WABBLETON as last name); F. B. WABLETON, G. W. WBLETON; B. WADDINGTON; James D. WARD, 3rd Sgt.; William T. WARD; James L. WARNER; Benjamin WATSON; T. E. WATSON; John T. WATSON; J. T. WATSON; A. S. WEIMS; James M. WILLIAMS (see Wither's Artilllery also); W. O. WILLIAMS; Benj. R. WILSON; J. F. WOOF; Lewis YANCY; S. T. C. YOUNGBLOOD; W. M. YOUNGBLOOD.
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Jan 26, 2000

        Jackie Rhodes, county Coordinator of the Choctaw County MSGenWeb site is seeking information on Choctaw  County.  Also she would like to have any cemetery information readers might have such as complete listings, your personal family listings, etc.

        The information on the John BROWN family keeps adding up.  As many will recall, I asked about information on a BROWN reportedly buried at Bethlehem Cemetery.  The latest information comes from Billy WEEKS, a friend of mine who grew up in the Gum Branch Community of Winston County, but now lives in Nashville, TN.  He related that Caroline CRAWFORD, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth CRAWFORD, married Andrew J. BROWN, who was a son of John BROWN, who was born in South Carolina.  Billy further stated that Caroline and Andrew J. BROWN are buried in the Blackwood Cemetery located in the Blackwood Cemetery located in the Tomspanbee National Forest.  As other information is received, I will pass it on.  Again does anyone know where in Bethlehem Cemetery is John BROWN buriedbackground-color=#  Any help would be appreciated.

Rena YOUNG is searching for information about her Choctaw Indian, Thomas HARVEY, who was born in the late 1700s.  His daughter was Lucy HARVEY, born about 1816 and married Archibold CAMERON, who was born 1812 in North Carolina.  They married in 1834 and lived in Greensboro, Choctaw County, Miss.  Lucy and Archibold had seven children: (1) Mary Elizabeth, born 1835 in Alabama and married George Washington GORDON (2) Cynthia, born 1838 in Miss. and married John L. HILLYER (3) Nancy, born 1840 in Miss., never married (4) Thomas, born 1843 in Miss. (5) Rufus Kay, born 1855 in Miss., and married Willie BELL (6) Flora Bell Zelda, born 1851 in Miss. and married Thomas Rufus HARRIS (7) Alice Wade, born 1854 in Miss., and married D. W. HUGHES (our great grandmother).  All these children came to Montaque County, Texas in 1874 from Choctaw County, Miss., from near French Camp, with a brother of Lucy HARVEY CAMERON, Bill HARVEY, and his wife and ten children.  We are hoping to find descendants of these people.  We know so little about Thomas HARVEY, his daughter, Lucy, and her husband, Archibold CAMERON.  She also added the following: My Native American was a Miss. Choctaw and from what I have been told, he claimed to be.  I don't understand why he was given land in Miss. and stayed there.  Why did some get to stay and some had to go to Oklahoma, even as late as 1900background-color=#  Our Thomas HARVEY was given this land in 1837. We have documents from Washington telling about it.  His daughter, Lucy HARVEY CAMERON, stayed in Choctaw County, Miss., and his son came to Texas in 1874.  Did all the people that signed on the final rolls expect to move to Oklahomabackground-color=# None of his people are signed on the final rolls.  I have checked several times.  My grandmother always said we had a number in case land opened up again in Miss.  I don't really know what she was talking about or how we could have a number if none of his children or grandchildren are listed on the final rolls.  Would he be given a number back in the 1830sbackground-color=#  Mrs. Young relates that all of this is getting more confusing to her as she learns more in her research. (County Coordinator Note: See related family story on Little Bit of History page.)
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Feb 2, 2000

Lynn Watson GREEN, 10711 Crestview Lane, Eagle River, AK 99577,  has been searching for several years for more information about her paternal great grandmother and family. Callie (or Caroline) Virginia SCRIVNER was supposedly born in Eupora, Webster County, MS in 1864. Mrs. GREEN has not been able to find any information confirming this nor the names of Callie's parents. Callie married Alfred McKINLEY HENSON in Choctaw County in 1886 and a marriage record for them has been found.  Information on this couple is available on the census records after 1880.  Callie died in Fentress, MS, in 1901 and is buried in South Union Cemetery. Mrs. GREEN would like to find more information about Callie, her parents, siblings, or anything anyone can offer.  Her grandmother, Ella Jewell HENSON WATSON was only three years old when her mother, Callie, died.  The querier was told that Callie was holding the baby and fell backwards, cutting her lip.  The resulting infection spread and was eventually the cause of death.  Any help would be appreciated.

Jackie WHITE HALE, 5717 Malden, Corpus Christi, TX 78413,  is searching for Alexander McTAGGART who was born 1810 in Maryland and died 1870 in Mississippi.  He married Jofene PURVIS and their descendants were Francis, Eliza J. M. A., N. A., M. M., and Alonzo was born 1846. Alonzo married Mary J. YANCY.  The children of Alonzo and Mary were Nancy, James Monroe McTAGGART, born 1869 and died 1918, John Lewis McTAGGART, born 1874 and died 1954, married Laura Esta Beulah WHITE, who was born 1881 and died 1948. Children of John Lewis and Laura were: Terah Mae McTAGGART, married Walter BUTTS; and Era Louis McTAGGART, born 1903 and died 1976.  The last child of Alonzo and Mary was John Hamilton McTAGGART, married Agnes R. McTAGGART, who was born 1909 and died 1996; Alexander McTAGGART purchased two 42 acre tracts of land in Choctaw  County on 1 March 1859.  Jackie's Mississippi WHITES are mostly concentrated around Brookhaven, Monticella and Nola, and is descended from the CARLISLE family in and around this area.  Any help regarding Alexander McTAGGART would be appreciated.

Vickie Elam WHITE, 112 Vley Rod. #1, Scotta NY 12302, is researching the CALLAWAY families who were in MS, specifically Choctaw and Winston Counties from 1850 onward.  She is particularly interested in William CALLAWAY and his possible sons: Jesse, Wiulliam J., Isaac, and J. H. W. (doesn't know what the initials stood for).  William was in Choctaw County, MS, in 1850 and then moved to Springfield, Limestone County, TX, wherehe evidently died between 1860 and 1870.  Living nearby were his possible sons.  J. H. W. CALLAWAY was in Winston County, MS, in 1850 and 1860.  He and his wife, Asenathe, are buried in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Winston County. Isaac served in the Civil War and died sometime between 1880 and 1900.  His sons, James Monroe CALLAWAY and Michael H. CALLAWAY, and daughter, Lettie CALLAWAY, were all still living in Winston County, MS, in 1900.  Mrs. WHITE believes that the William CALLAWAY's wife was named Hannah and that this was the same couple that was in the 1830 Newton County, GA, census and the 1840 Benton County, AL, census.  Is this William CALLAWAY the same person who was a charter member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Choctaw Countybackground-color=#  Any help would be appreciated.
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Feb 9, 2000

Emmitt CHANNELL, JR., 1339 South Hanover, Pottstown, PA 19465, is related to the following families in Choctaw County:  RAYHUGHES, MARTIN, McKNIGHT, SANDERS, PARKERSONS, SIMPSONS, and others.  He is wondering if anyone around the Weir area remembers his grandfather, Abner Benjamin CHANNELL (1870-1965).  After Abner's first wife, Sallie PARKERSON, died in 1923 at French Camp, he married Maggie WEEKS, widow  of Charles WEEKS.  Mr. CHANNELL related that she was the only grandmother that he ever knew.  Ben and Maggie lived at Weir for many years on the corner across from the Presbyterian Church.  In their later years, Ben's daughter, Ruby SIMPSON, and her husband, Everette SIMPSON, lived with them. Maggie had a daughter, Ruth YOUNGBLOOD, and a son, Charles WEEKS.  Other family names I remember are POWERS and QUARLES. Mr. Channell would love to get in touch with any of Maggie's relatives.  He also would like to have a copy of any pictures that anyone might have of these folks.  Perhaps someone who has been a member of the Weir Presbyterian Church might have a picture or some information they would share.  Ben CHANNELL died 20 Sep 1965 and Maggie WEEKS CHANNELL died 11 Feb 1965.

Daphne  is searching for information on her great grandmother Mae Rannie BROWN, who was born in 1881 in Choctaw County and died in 1910.  She was married to Willie Green KENNEDY.  Her dad named two other BROWN cousins, Luke and Sparkman BROWN.  These African-American ancestors, attended Hopewell Baptist Church in McCool, MS. She understands that Hopewell church has a cemetery.  Any help would be appreciated.  She will have to be contacted via computer.

On Saturday, April 29, 2000, at 1:00 p.m. friends and alumni of ACKERMAN HIGH SCHOOL  will gather at the old school auditorium to register and socialize.  Please notify any graduates or former Ackerman residents who may be interested.  In 1999 there were 225 people in attendance.  Carlson Reid, 115 East Quinn Street, P. O. Box 737, Ackerman, MS 39735, needs to be notified if you plan on attending as an estimate of the number attending will be needed.  A tour of the new school complex is anticipated for this event.

Wanda Henson CARLTON, 504 River Woods Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508 is researching the following families: ALLEN, ATKINS, BROCK, BROCKMAN, CALCOTE, COLLINS, DIGBY, HENSON, LAMB, RIDDELL, SEGLER, and SLADE. She is also searching for an obituary, death record, or any information on Edna Elizabeth SEBLERS, born 1875 and died 1928, married A. S. CAMPBELL , and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Sumner, Tallahatchie County, MS.

Following is a list of the Civil War Soldiers from Choctaw County that were in Company G, 5th Miss. Infantry: William ADCOCK; H. J. AGEE; Felix BARNES; Willis BARNS; S. C. BOSTICK, 1st Sgt.; J. J. BOYD, 1st Lt.; F. W. BOYD; M. O. BRUNSON, Sgt.; Samuel BUTLER; Josiah CAUGHMAN, Sgt.; James COOPER; Jesse CRAFT; John CROTWELL; A. L. DANIELS; Abijah DAVIS; Godfrey DOVE; Thomas DULIN; John DUNAGAN; James DUPEY; S. J. ELLIS; H. L. FLOWERS; J. W. FLOWERS; J. V. FORD; T. W. FRANKLIN; Robert FRESHOWER; Levin GLISSON; J. H. GRISWOLD; Richard HALLMAN; J. B. F. HANCOCK; John HANDLEY; C. R. HARDY; John HAWKINS; William HOLBROOKS; Jehu HOLLINGSWORTH; L. K. HOLLINSWORTH; J. F. HOUSTON; William S. HOUSTON; John HUSTON; E. K. ISHEE; J. B. ISHEE; B. C. JONES; Thomas LAIRD; Alexander LAMB; G. W. LUCKY; J. A. MARTIN; Zebulon MASON; Roderick MATHEW; Roderick MATHEW; Thomas McHENRY, Cpl.; John McNAIR; Thomas McREE; Samuel MEADOWS, Cpt.; J. C. MEANS, Cpt.
(To be continued next week)

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Feb 16, 2000

Beth Thurman is searching for information on the BAILEY/VERNON and MITCHELL/ PEARSON (intermarried into the THOMPSON and FOWLER) families. They eventually wound up around the Stewart, MS area. Mrs. Thurman's VERNONs and BAILEYs came into Choctaw Co. sometime in the 1840s. According to the 1850 Choctaw Co. census, the following are listed: Robert Baskin VERNON, age 32, born SC; Elizabeth BAILEY VERNON, age 33, born SC; William E. VERNON, age 10, born SC; John Joseph VERNON, age 5, born SC. J. Brantley (Dock) was born after the census. J. Brantley died and is buried in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Drew Co, AR. John Joseph VERNON (Mrs. Thurman's ancestor) is buried in Old Troy Cemetery. John Joseph and William VERNON served in the Civil War and William lost his life in this war. John Joseph VERNON married Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) PEARSON. They moved to Drew Co, AR in the late 1800s (1890s she thinks) and settled near Old Troy Community in Drew Co, AR. Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) PEARSON's mother was Lucinda MITCHELL, the daughter of Linny and Peter MITCHELL. Lucinda was the sister of Seth MITCHELL, who is buried near Stewart, MS. Children of John Joseph and Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) PEARSON VERNON were: (1) Robert Bascom VERNON, married Mattie JOHNSON; (2) Georgia Alcora VERNON, married first Jack MURPHY;  second James William LAGRONE and third Allie WOLFE and is buried at Prairie Grove Cemetery in Drew Co, AR; (3) William John VERNNON, married background-color=# GOYNE; (4) Elizabeth (Betty) VERNON, married Jim DONALDSON; (5) James Malcom VERNON; (6) Delia VERNON, married Elmo AHRENS; (7) Joseph VERNON died early and is buried in the Old Troy Cemetery, Drew Co, AR. With the exception of VERNON MURPHY LAGRONE WOLFE and Joseph VERNON, all of the others, including Elizabeth PEARSON VERNON are buried in the El Dorado, AR Cemetery., The Monroe Co, MS History mentions a Allye VERNON who married a James S. FISACKERLY, who was born in 1886. Mrs. Thurman is sure there is a connection, but doesn't know what. The same history also lists a James VERNON as head of a household in Choctaw Co, MS in 1840. According to one source, there were three VERNON brothers who were originally in NC. Their names were: Robert Baskin, William Brantley and Andrew Pickens VERNON. This same source said they left NC in the early 1800s, went to KY, and then to AL before going into MS. She doubts the NC souce as the census shows their being born in SC. According to this source, Andrew Pickens VERNON married a Perniva MITCHELL, daughter of Peter MITCHELL, Sr. who ties into this same family through Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) PEARSON, the wife of John Joseph VERNON; which, if ture, would make her part of another of my lines. Andrew Pickens VERNON had three children: (1) James Artemis VERNON, (2) Roert Brantley VERNON, (3) Nancy Jane VERNON who reportedly married Joseph JACKS. Supposedly, they lived in Choctaw Co. Andrew Pickens VERNON is supposed to have died young in a horse accident. His widow married L. Malcom TAYLOR and moved to Leslie, AR. According to the same source, James Artemis VERNON married Sarah Ann Narcissa JACKS and lived in Stewart, MS. (Query to be continued next week.)

Mary Ann Wiseman is searching for a Mach MOLE, born 1880 in MS and for a John WOOL or WOLE born 1878 in Indiana, who lived in MS. Mrs Wiseman states that these are her brickwalls.
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Feb 23, 2000

(Continued from last week)
Beth THURMAN, 218 Browning Dr., Monticello, AR 71655, is searching for BAILEY/ VERNON and MITCHELL/PEARSON information.  These families intermarried into the THOMPSON and FOWLER families and eventually wound up around the Stewart, MS, area.  The 1850 Choctaw Census listed the following BAILEYS that she suspects as possibly being brothers to her Elizabeth BAILEY, the wife of R. B. VERNON; William BAILEY, age 40, born in SC with wife, Celia, age 28, born in SC, with children, Mary A., age 11, born in MS, John age 7, born in MS; Edwin, age 2, born in MS; Robert BAILEY, born in SC, with wife, Mary, age 19, and child, Margaret, age 5 months.
        Catherine Elizabeth PEARSON came from this line of MITCHELLS according to one source; George MITCHELL, born 1750, had a son, Merrit MITCHELL, born ca 1770-1780 and married Sally S. HUTCHINSON, born ca 1780.  Peter Frank MITCHELL, Sr., born about 1790 and died 1870-1880, married first Lucinda (Linna) MITCHELL and their children were Lenny, Penina born 1824, Fannie, born 1832 (mother of her Catherine Elizabeth PEARSON) who married W. J. PEARSON, William MITCHELL and Seth MITCHELL, born 1836.  According to another source, Mrs. Thurman's PEARSON ancestry is as follows: (1) John PEARSON married the widow of a THOMPSON, Elizabeth PREWITT (PRUITT).  (She was the ancestor of the famous Judge THOMPSON from Kosciusko, MS.) The census of 1860 Choctaw County, MS, lists the following: (2) William J. PEARSON, age 31, born in Alabama (next door was Elizabeth PEARSON, age 73, born in SC, the mother of George.  Elizabeth had been married to a THOMPSON previously.  Living with her was an Ann THOMPSON, age 50, born in SC, and three HERRING children, all born in Alabama.  Lurena PEARSON, age 27, born in Alabama with children, George W., age 9, Robert, age 7, William J., age 6, (who later married Lucinda MITCHELL) , Mary E., age 4, Rufus, age 1. (4) William J. PEARSON and Lucinda MITCHELL PEARSON were the parents of Catherine Elizabeth (Lizzie) PEARSON who married Pressly FOWLER the second time and had Robert and Willie FOWLER, half brothers of Lucinda's.  If anyone can provide more information on these families, Ms Thurman would appreciate it.

Anna FARRIS, 12503 LaMargie, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, is looking for information on the Joseph CARTER that is listed on the 1860 Choctaw Co census as she thinks he may be one of her ancestors.  His wife is named Jemima GILLIAM, and she has one that went to AR and one that came to LA. Anna thinks that they may be relatives so she is looking for the tie that binds them; they are both from SC - possible cousins, their ages are only a few years apart, and both are named Joseph. Any help would be appreciated.

Readers of this column can be on the lookout for future updates on the "Colonel" BROWN of the Revolutionary War, who is reportedly buried in the Bethlehem Cemetery.  Again, if anyone knows or remembers any of their folks talking of this man or his burial place, please contact me.  Thanks.

(Continuation of Choctaw County, Company G, 5th Infantry, War Between the States Soldiers)
Oliver MILEY; Henry MOORE; John MOORE; E. W. MOULDER; J. M. MOULDER; James NELSON; John NELSON; A. J. NICHOLS; Charles NORRIS; Stephen OWENS, Jr., 2nd Lt.; D. W. PLATT; T. J. PURVIS, 1st Cpl.; W. J. PURVIS; M. S. ROBERTS; Jolly ROBINSON, Cpl.; Josiah SIMPSON; John SIMS; H. C. SMITH; Sgt.; S. H. SMITH; G.
SMITH, Surgeon; Spencer SMITH. (To be continued in a future column.)
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Mar 1, 2000

Robert A. Beohm, 1559 Bancroft Ave., Youngstown, OH 44514,  is searching for information on John N. GOODWIN and his wife Sarah STARKEY or any of their children.  Children of this couple were: George Washington GOODWIN, born 10 Dec 1841; Thomas J. GOODWIN, born 1844; Ensley James GOODWIN, born 1849; Sarah Isabelle GOODWIN, born 1849; Ophelia Angella GOODWIN, born 1847; Jane GOODWIN, born 1854.  Since George Washington was born in Choctaw Co, Mr. Beohm assumes that the other children were also born in Choctaw Co. John N. GOODWIN was born in 1806 in SC, and Sarah STARKEY was born in 1819 in GA. Mr. Beohm would be extremely grateful for any information on any of the above mentioned GOODWINS.

Mrs. Jean SHROYER, 5808 Van Winkle Lane, Austin, TX 78739-1668, is seeking the parents of John HARVEY, born 1793 in KY and died after 1870 census in MS.  He married Miss Caty/Catherine HARVEY, daughter of Joel Vincent HARVEY (1764 VA) and wife, Nancy Amzi CLAYTON, who was born 1766 in VA. Joel and Nancy were married 1782 in Charlotte Co, VA. Mrs. Shroyer asks if John HARVEY's father, John HARVEY, Sr., of KY in Christian Co or a Thomas HARVEYbackground-color=#  John HARVEY that was born in 1793 moved to the Choctaw County, MS area and is listed in the tax lists in the 1840s with his family.  Known children were: George Barnett HARVEY, born 1819 in Christian Co, KY, and died in 1894 at Regency, Brown County (later Mills County), TX.  George Barnett married Emily Allen MAHON (1833 AL - 1912 - TX); possibly Lewis G. W. HARVEY, (born 1822 in KY and died after 1900 TX) who married Elizabeth background-color=#background-color=#background-color=#.  Mrs. Shroyer wishes to correspond with anyone who descends from these families of VA, SC, GA, KY, MS, AR, and TX.  Her allied lines are: BARNETT, PLEXICO, HORNE, ALDRIDGE, GANN, REDD, MAHON, ALLEN, GLENN, COOK, DUNCAN, SNOW, LINCH, POOLE.

The following is a list of the men from Choctaw County who served in the Confederacy in the War Between the States in Company I, 15th Infantry, known as "Choctaw Guards (Rangers)".  All men are privates unless noted otherwise beside their name.
John Henry ADAMS; James H. ALEXANDER; John ALEXANDER; Lewis ALEXANDER; Thomas H. ALEXANDER; Jesse W. ARMSTRONG; J. L. ARMSTRONG; Sammie W. ASTON; John H. AUSTIN; James AVANT; John BAGWELL; LeContes W. BAGWELL; Martin V. BAGWELL; P. C. BAGWELL; Terry H. BAGWELL; William A. BAGWELL; John C. BASKINS, Sgt.; Alexander BLAKE; Joseph A. BLANTON; Philip BLANTON; William N. BLANTON; James BOWERS; Frederick BRASH; Robert W. BROWN; John W. W. BUCK; Albert L. BUCK; Abel A. BUTLER; W. J. BUTLER; Amos CAMPBELL; Jesse D. CANNON; Edward CARLON; Thomas CARLON; John J. CARTER; John T. CARTER; Joseph O. CARTER; Robert H. CARTER; Sinclair B. CARTER; H. F. CHILDRESS, Sgt.; F. COLEMAN; George H. COLLIER; James C. COLLIER; Joseph COLLIER; J. W. CONE; John B. COOK; Ben F. COX; Daniel COX; David M. B. CRAWFORD, 4th Cpt.; James H. CRAWFORD; John B. DARBY; Oliver P. DAVIS; Franklin A. DAWSON; John DEAN; Napoleon P. DEAN; James B. DORRIS; John H. DORRIS; David M. P. DOTSON; George W. C. DRANE, Cpl.; John H. DRANE; Virgil L. DRANE; D. W. EASLEY; Andrew J. EDWARDS, James W. EDWARDS; Lemach EDWARDS; Thomas J. EVANS; John P. FAIR; Thomas A. FAIR; John R. FOWLER; Thomas J. FOWLER; James GARDNER; O. L. FULLER; Osborn GARRETT; Thomas Y. GARRETT, Cpl.; William H. GARRETT; L. C. GORDON, Cpt.; W. A. GORDON; William H. GREEN; Ben C. GREGORY; Joseph C. HALLAM; Philip L. HALLAM, 2nd Lt.; Samuel C. HALLAM; James M. HARMON; Henry J. HARRISON; R. J. HARRISON; John H. HARVEY; William H. HARVEY; Chas. R. HEMPHILL. (To be continued)

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Mar 8, 2000

Peggy would like to exchange information on James Benjamin (Bud) MITCHELL, born 1855 in Winston Co., MS.  He married Mattie Patience McCULLY, who was born 1856, in 1877.  Then he married Caroline BLANTON, who was born 1854, in 1897. Bud and Mattie MITCHELL had a daughter, Minnie Lee MITCHELL, born in 1878 who married John Henry BAILEY.  Minnie Lee and John Henry BAILEY had a son named John James BAILEY, b. in 1911 and married Juanita THRAILKILL about 1940. Mrs. Mitchell thinks they all lived in Choctaw Co., MS.  James Benjamin (Bud) MITCHELL died in Ackerman, Choctaw Co., MS, 24 Feb 1944.  Mrs.MITCHELL would like to exchange information on any of these families.

Johnnie BOUCK, would like to know the parents of William Isaac CORK who married his cousin, Mary Ann (Molly) CORK.  Their daughter, Edna Vilulla CORK, was born 1 April 1869 in Ackerman, Choctaw Co., MS, and married William Franklin (Frank) BAGWELL on 18 Dec 1888 in Choctaw Co., MS.  Mary Ann (Mollie) CORK's parents were James CORK ll, who was born in Alabama and Rebecca Catherine CORK who was born in Choctaw Co., MS.  Frank and Edna BAGWELL lived three and one half miles north of Ackerman on the farm of Edna's parents.  Edna CORK BAGWELL died 8 Nov 1897 at age 28. William Isaac CORK was born 7 January 1842 and died 14 Jun 1881.  His wife Mary Ann was born 1 Nov 1846 and died 26 Sep 1928 and is buried with her husband in Lebanon Cemetery, Choctaw Co., MS.

Arvil HENDERSON, 703 Spring Valley Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22405, is interested in contacting anyone related to the Milton HENDERSON family of Choctaw County. It is thought that he had a brother by the name of Claude HENDERSON.  My father, who is deceased, was French HENDERSON, who married Lucille BRIGHT HENDERSON.  Would like to hear from anyone with connections.

Alan is looking for information on William Henry WILLIAMS born in Choctaw Co on 11 May 254.  William was the son of Richard and Lucinda (WEAVER) WILLIAMS.  William married Hester Ann TACKETT in 1874 in Perry Co., Arkansas. Hester was born 19 June 1854, possibly in Monroe Co., MS.  Any information would be appreciated.

Lisa HUNT McNEESE is looking for information on the MILLERS in Attala Co.  She has very little except for the following: James MILLER, born 1824 in NC married Patsy CLARK born 1827 in AL.  Their son Author Lee MILLER, born 1873 in MS and died 1934 in MS, married Ada LEWIS (1871-1933), daughter of Author and Ada; Nola Leona MILLER (1895-1978) married Thomas Starklie Geto SELF (1890-1987).  Allied lines of Mrs. McNEESE are: HUNT, BOWIE, RAY, SELF, BLAINE, NORRIS.  Her brick wall is as follows: Darlinski Lodosky Pulaski INGRAM (and she relates this name is real and not a joke) married Benjamin Martin BLAINE, who was born 1845 and died in 1929.  Benjamin Martin is buried at South Union Methodist Church Cemetery, and Darlinski is buried at Mountain Gap.  Their children were Birtie, Lizette, and Ella.  Any help on these families would be appreciated.

A reminder to our readers in Choctaw County: With the coming of spring, time for memorials, or, as some people say, homecomings, will soon be held at many of the churches throughout Choctaw County.  Please let us know two or three weeks in advance so we may put them in this column and on the Choctaw Co List on the Internet.  Some folks might be surprised when long lost relatives show up. Note from Jackie Rhodes, County Coordinator: Homecoming and Reunion information may also be submitted for posting on the Reunion Page of Choctaw Co. Submit information to Jackie Rhodes for posting.

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Mar 15, 2000

Marylee LINGLE, P. O. Box 131742, Spring, TX 77393-1742,  needs help with the following:  She has a picture of a man that her family thinks is her great- grandfather, but they cannot date the picture.  He is wearing a uniform, and on his hat, it says, "Southern Express Company." At the time this picture would have been made, the family lived in Winston County or near there.  The picture says, Cabinet Portrait, West Point and Aberdeen, Miss. and in handwriting, "Burnitt."  Can any of the readers identify the Southern Express Company by location or datebackground-color=#  Her great grandfather was Coleman Watkins McELVANEY, whom she has been chasing - him and this family - for years and cannot go back to where they were before coming to MS. Mrs. Lingle also asks does anyone know if Susan Norwood HOOKER is still writing a genealogical column for the Pontotoc, MS, newspaper.  If so, can anyone help Mrs. Lingle with an address, either e-mail or regular mail.  She would like to correspond with any McELVANY descendants in MS.

Mrs. Jean SHROYER, 5808 Van Winkle Lane, Austin, TX 78739-1668,  writes that a word in one of the sentences was omitted in a recent column.  Everyone please note the following correction as it should read: "Mrs. Shroyer asks if John HARVEY was John HARVEY, Sr., of KY in Christian County or a Thomas HARVEYbackground-color=#"  Mrs. Shroyer's allied lines are: BARNETT, PLEXICO, HORNE, ALDRIDGE, GANN, REDD, MAHON, ALLEN, GLENN, COOK, DUNCAN, SNOW, LINCH, and POOLE.

Jackie Rhodes County Coordinator for Choctaw County suggests that researchers keep a POSTING log for their research In this log enter each website where you post information, especially the URL.  This way any time your e-mail address changes, or you have new information to add; it will be a lot simpler if you have the log to help you find all the places where you need to update your e-mail address or information. This suggestion also: We would like to ask submitters to this column please to send in new e-mail addresses when yours changes.  This way, everyone will be aware of your e-mail address.  Who knows, without a correct e-mail address, you just might miss that important missing link.

For those researching on the computer, you might want to try this site:
<http://www.geocities.com/gsmiss> Pamela Dyess Mann  is the state coordinator for Mississippi Migrations.  She suggests that you might want to stop by the state homepage and check it out.  She is also looking for volunteers for the county pages.  Pamela has over half of the 82 counties online and is working hard at getting the rest online.

Billy WEEKS and Duane THOMAS have both sent information on the elusive John BROWN, the Revolutionary Soldier, who is buried at Bethlehem Cemetery in Choctaw County.  John BROWN, according to Miss Welch's book, was born in Spartanburg District, SC, in May 1756.  He was the son of Andrew BROWN who was also a Revolutionary soldier.  His military service stated that "He volunteered as a private in 1777 under Capt. John GOYNE.  He was in Col. ROEBUCK's Regiment and under Colonel PICKENS."   After the war he moved from Spartanburg District to Pendleton District, SC, and then to GA in 1816.  He moved on to Jefferson County, AL, in 1817 and came to Miss. in 1838.  He
settled first in Winston County, MS, and later moved to Oktibbeha County, MS,
near the Choctaw County, MS, county line.  (More information from these two sources will be given in next week's column.)

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Mar 22, 2000

Mozelle Partridge CHASON  states that her great great grandmother,Maria PARTRIDGE, born about 1839, was first married to a PARTRIDGE, born about 1836, whose given name she does not know.  Maria PARTRIDGE and her husband, who reportedly died in the Civil War, had two children, Frank and Mary Ann PARTRIDGE. Maria PARTRIDGE then married Richard USSERY sometime during the latter part of the Civil War or soon thereafter and had several USSERY children.  I found Maria and Richard listed in the 1880 Choctaw County, MS, census, and living in the household were two grandchildren - Mrs. Chason's grandfather, William Jack PARTRIDGE, and his sister MolliePARTRIDGE.  No one seems to know what happened to Mollie, who she married, or if she lived to be old enough to marry.  Mrs. Chason would be very happy if someone could tell her (1) the maiden name of Maria PARTRIDGE, who married J. Richard USSERY (2) the given name of her first husband (PARTRIDGE) (3) what happened to Mollie PARTRIDGEbackground-color=# Mrs. Chason has searched for this information for so many years, and no one seems to know the answer.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jeannette CALDWELL, 2226 Paloma Ave, Stockton, CA 95209,  is researching the family of William Alexander F. CALDWELL, M. D.  He was born in 1826 somewhere in Alabama.  He was listed as living with his parents and siblings in Greensboro, Choctaw Co., MS, on the 1840 and 1850 census.  He is then listed on the 1860 Choctaw Co., MS, census as a physician and having a wife named America, born 1838, and a daughter named Alpha B., born 1858, both born in MS.  He later married Sarah Jane COCKRAN, born 1838, with whom he had at least five more children, one of whom is my husband's great-grandfather.  William is also listed as a First Lieutenant in the "Choctaw Rebels" Company K, 24th Infantry, Confederate States of America Soldiers from Choctaw Co., MS.  He served in the war as a surgeon.  Mrs. Caldwell would like to find out where William may have gone to medical school, what happened to his first wife and child, and where in Alabama he was born.  Parents of William Alexander F. CALDWELL were William CALDWELL, born 1802 in SC, and Frances born 1805 in SC.  Siblings were: Blanton, born 1829 in AL, John W., born 1831 in AL, Eliza F., born 1833 in AL, M. C., born 1835 in AL, Mildred born 1837 in MS; Alonzo, born 1842 in MS; Isabella, born 1844 in MS.  Any help on this family would be greatly appreciated.

Cherie KURANKO, P. O. Box 1881, Orting, WA 98360,  is looking for other researchers interested in the following: Lawrence Jackson JOHNSON married to Tommie Lee LEVERETT and later to Callie Sue ROGERS. Lawrence's parents, I believe were James Henry JOHNSON and Laura E. BLEDSOE.  All lived in Choctaw Co., MS, in the Mathiston, MS, and surrounding area.  Also she is looking for William Wilkinson JENKINS, he usually went by W. W. JENKINS.  He was married to Annie LANKFORD.  William was born in Alabama as well as his wife Annie.  They later moved to MS and lived.  William had a brother named Sam JENKINS and a sister named Annie JENKINS, both younger than he.  Their parents are unknown at this time.  All these folks were born in the late 1800s.  Mrs. Kuranko will give more details to those who either write or e-mail her.
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Mar 29, 2000

I recently visited the Mississippi Archives at Jackson and found an 1890 Pension Warrant Book for Choctaw County.  The following are pensioners for Choctaw County with a few across the county lines, but drawing their check through Choctaw County: A. M. ATKINS, LaGrange; J. H. ADAMS, Ackerman; Elizabeth BLANTON, Ackerman; A. A. BRIDGES, in three years time his post office address changed from Kenago to Poplar Creek to Chester; M. V. BROCK, Bywy; T. S. CATLEDGE, Ackerman; J. A. COLSTON, French Camp; S. F. FONDREN, Pinto; G. H. FONDREN, Pinto; (where was this post office located in Choctaw Countybackground-color=#); Susan FORD, Double Springs, Oktibbeha County; M. E. HENDERSON, Chester; M. J. HOWARD, Sturgis; H. J. D. HENDRICKS, Spring Valley in Webster County and then West Point, MS; J. H. KING, Weir; Susan S. KENNEDY, Spay; Rebecca McHAN, Sturgis; Nancy MULLINS Chester; H. T. MILLER, Chester; C. C. McARTHUR, Chester; Mrs. S. E. MIDDLETON, Cumberland; M. L. OSWALT, Calooga, Webster County; Mary Ann PHILLIPS, Sturgis; Houston QUINN, Ackerman; A. J. SNOW, Ackerman; Sarah E. SPRUIELL; Webster County; Julia A. SMITH, Chester - Choctaw County Clerk returned voucher and said he could not find her in October 1890; Benjamin T. SANDERS, Cumberland, Webster County; Martha E. THOMPSON, Spay; Sarah A. THOMAS, Huntsville and then French Camp post office; T. WEATHERALL, Chester; Mary WOODWARD, Weir; and W. G. WHITE, Spring Valley and then Mathiston post office.

A picture of the 1913 CORK SCHOOL appeared in the Choctaw Plaindealer in 1950 with the following students identified: Marvin GRIFFIN, Fanny CRAFTON, Arnold PERRY, Claudie CORK, Jessie CRAFTON, Ovie MABUS, Plumer GRIFFIN, Carl MOSS, Paul BUCHANAN, Emmett McGOVERN, Julia BIDDLE, Ann McGOVERN, Lucile CORK, Clyde McWHORTER - Teacher, Myrtle CORK; Casey GRIFFIN, Ruby CORK, Gilbert ROBINSON, Virgil RAMPLY, Estel McGOVERN, Silas BUCHANAN, Myrtle USURY, Corbett GRIFFIN, Homer GRIFFIN, Lois JEFFCOAT, Ila PERRY, Josie CORK, Lillie BUCHANAN, Ira MOSS, Ora MOSS, Era MOSS, Howard CORK, Claude BUCHANAN, Carl EDWARDS, Lester GRIFFIN, Myrtle CRAFTON, Mae PERRY, Vernon BIDDLE, Mavis BIDDLE, Roy MOSS, Harvey EDWARDS, and Keller USURY.  Most of the students looked in the age six to sixteen year bracket with most of the students being the younger set.

Also a picture of the WEIR SCHOOL of 1894 was featured with the following students standing in front of the school: Maggie Morgan OLIVER, Ester Irving SMITH, Swinton WHITMIRE, Norman Bowie FRAZIER, Clara Irving SMITH, Jennie Weir HUNT, Ada Mabry WEEKS, Etoile Love IRVING, Alma Irving LOVE, Bertha Irving STRAWBRIDGE, Eddie McELROY, Grace Irving REED, Lillie Mabry PICKLE, Mavis Irving LYNCH, Cammie Whitmire WHALEY, Arthur TOWNSEND, Press IRVING, Crayton BOWIE, Burford IRVING, and the teacher, Holmes LOVE.  There was a bell tower on top in the center of the building.

In 1922 the students of the CHESTER SCHOOL had their picture taken in front of the former Choctaw Courthouse which was located in Chester.  The students were: Ome Zell McWHORTER, Bonnie McGOVERN, Josephene KEEN, Gladys BOWIE, Ella Lee REDD, Odell HODGES, Pauline HODGES, Lucille HODGES, Katherine MOSS, Louise EDWARDS, Christene BIFFLE, Ila Lee REDD, Olean STEVENSON, Versie McGOVERN, William CROWSON, Ruth KEEN, Mamie BIDDLE on the first row.  Loyd HOLDEN, Carmen WEATHERALL, Ora KING, Ruby KING, Maudie LIDDELL, Nannie EDWARDS, Lillie Bell MOSS, Miriam LOVE, Pauline CROWSON, Mary KEEN, Vivian HODGES, Mamie McGOVERN (to be continued in a later column)
Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Apr 5, 2000

For those interested in their ancestor or relatives who were living during the 1917-1918 time frame and registered for the draft in Choctaw County, try the web site: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ussearch Then enter the surname or exact name, if known, check the State of Mississippi and press enter.  This gives a list of the people starting with the last name as the surname you entered.  If you prefer, or if you find your ancestor, write to NARA, Southeast Region, 1557 St. Joseph Ave, East Point, GA 39344 for the draft registration.  All of the draft registrations for World War I are housed in East Point.  Send $10.00 for a copy, and ask for a copy of both sides because there could be information on the back that you would like to have.  Always ask for copies of both sides when sending for documents since some office workers will only copy one side of a document.  A physical description or other pertinent family information just might be on the back.

(Continuation from last week of the names of students attending Chester School in 1922) Ave Nell McWHORTER, Bifford Jack KEEN, Malcolm MOSS, Dewitt HOLDEN, Nolen STEWART, Z. T. MELTON, Riley McINTIRE, Alf RAY, Derrell DAWSON, Bud COLLIER, Terrell MELTON, Leroy LIDDELL, Ralph KING, Alf KYLE, William MEDDERS, Bernice McGOVERN, G. D. WEATHERALL, William Sherman EDWARDS, J. D. STEWART, Vester PRUDEN, B. H. RAY, Doyle CROWDER, Terrell PERRY, Bertrand MELTON, Melton McINTIRE, Stacy ADAMS, Louis BIDDLE, James McINTIRE, Johnny COLLIER, Myrtle KING, Gutha MELTON, Annie BELL McINTIRE, Geneva WEATHERALL, Jody STEWART, Lester ROBINSON, Shirley McINTIRE, Wilma MELTON, Jewell CROWSON, Arline RAY, Kelly MOSS, Wiley COLLIER, Vernon COLLIER, Floyd PRUDEN, Fly LIDDELL, Ira MOSS, Denny RAY, Clara McINTIRE, Tess RAY, Evelyn MEDDERS, Maudine HODGES, William BIDDLE, Loyd RAY, Marline LOVE, Maggie Lee COLLIER, Lois JEFFOCATS, Opal KEEN, Era MOSS, Flora RAY, Etoyle WEATHERALL, John A. BIFFLE, Loyd McINTIRE, Harvey CROWSON, Amos PRUDEN, Carlos CROWSON, Grady STEETY, Jewell ROBINSON, Puuvil McINTIRE, Mamie LIDDELL, Bud HODGES, Earline RAY, Bud HODGES, Earlene RAY, Russell GASTON, Stella ADAMS, Vernon KING, Pearl WEATHERALL, Rollin WEATHERALL, Mary LOVE, K. T. BARNETT, Artie B. OSBORN, Doyle PERRY, Gladys BUCK, Roy MOSS, Dorothy RAY, Floyd McINTIRE, Ethel RAY, Lannie BOWIE, Mavis BIDDLE, Fred KEEN, Ora MOSS, Nathaniel RAY, Bertha BOWIE, Spurgeon WEATHERALL, Mary Lou MELTON, Tarent EDWARDS, Ketie Lou CALCOTE, William CROWSON. Teachers were: Miss Florence WEATHERALL, Miss Lema KEEN, Mr. Edwin TENNYSON, Miss Merra TENNYSON, Miss Janie ADAMS. 

The First Grade Class of Ackerman High School of 1919-1920 included the following students: Mary Ella CROSBY, Bessie CHRISMOND, Anita COLBERT, Erin MOSS, Constance DAWSON, Agnes BOGGAN, Myrtle LANDTHRIP, Mary Margaret DOBBS, Erma EDWARDS, Nancy POTTS, Webb BRUCE, Gerald CALLOWAY, Virginia MABUS, Elizabeth QUINN, Lizzie CHANDLER, Irene COOK, Mary MARTIN, Ella CHANDLER, Louise SISSON, J. D. LANDTHRIP, Russell SULLIVAN, R. K. PREWITT, Carvel GORDON, Howard WIGGINS, Dick MOSS, R. V. BURNEY, Bennie CAMPBELL, Wesley JAMES, and teacher, Mrs. Maggie JOINER. Does anyone have a photo of this class of Ackerman students that they might share with the readersbackground-color=#

Column Appearing in the Plaindealer the week of Apr 12, 2000

Sheryl Cooper Bassi, P. O. Box 143, Leland, MS 38756,  is searching for information on Leonard CAGLE who was born about 1789 in Moore Co., NC and married Chasity, their children, especially Isaac (Farmer) CAGLE, born 1819, Choctaw Co., and his descendants. Isaac CAGLE married (1) America SMITH, born 1824, about 1841.  Their children were: Matilda, William Henry, Isaiah or Isaac, Sarah, James S., and Haseltine. Isaac married (2) Margaret A. BATTS, born 1823, Choctaw Co., (no children), and his third marriage was to Missouri Calli NOBLES, born 1823, Rankin Co., MS, on 5 Jun 1870.  Isaac and Missouri's children were: Samuel Justin CAGLE, born 12 Apr 1871 (Mrs. Bassi's line), George Isaac CAGLE, born 1873 in Choctaw Co., MS. Mrs. Bassi would appreciate any information on this family, especially concerning Leonard and Charity CAGLE.

In the June 1900 issue of The Choctaw Plaindealer, the following item was on page 3, column 2: We (Mr. J. Lem SEAWRIGHT was editor) were shown a razor one day this week that has been in constant use ever since before the Revolutionary War.  The razor was carried through the revolution by the grandfather of Mrs. Jesse HUGHES.  He gave it to his son, who was the father of Mrs. HUGHES, and he gave it to Mr. Jesse HUGHES, who now owns it.  Mr. HUGHES has been shaving with it for a number of years, and it still looks as good as new.  Does anyone know who Mrs. HUGHES was prior to marriage to Mr. Jesse HUGHESbackground-color=#  Is the razor still in existencebackground-color=# Are there still descendants of this family in Choctaw County todaybackground-color=# If so, please contact Louis Taunton.

Again we would like to ask our readers if they have old pictures of Choctaw County that they will share with readers of The Choctaw Plaindealer.  These pictures will be taken good care of, or if you are in Louisville, carry these pictures by Scrivener and Son Photo located at 126 South Court Avenue and wait for the original so a copy can be made.  The Plaindealer is searching for pictures of old schools, early scenes, stores, houses in Ackerman, Weir, Chester or any of the communities or early settlers.  I am particularly interested in pictures (if any exist) of early courthouses at Chester, LaGrange, and Greensboro.

In 1900 W. W. RILEY sold coffins.  Does any one know if any store records of  this establishment are still in existencebackground-color=#

In 1800 the population of Choctaw County was 10,847.  A breakdown of the population by Beats is as follows (1880 population is given first and then the 1900 population): Beat 1 (includes in the town of Chester) - 2,327 and 2,290; Beat 2 - 1,854 and 2,490; Beat 3 (includes French Camp) - 1,862 and 2,214. The town of French Camp's population was 420 in 1800, and in 1890 it had dropped to 267.  Beat 4 (includes Weir) - 1,341 and 1,338; and Beat 5 (includes Ackerman) - 1,652 and 2,515.

From "Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi, Vol. II," printed by The Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1891, page 236: "One of the best schools in the state is at French Camp, Choctaw County, under the management of the Central Mississippi Presbytery, and is in two divisions; first, the Central Mississippi Institute for females, established in 1886, Rev. A. H. MACKLIN being president of the faculty; second, the French Camp Academy for males, established in 1887, of which J. A. MACKLIN is president. Each has commodious buildings and boarding houses, and a beautiful campus, about $15,000 having been expended on these improvements.  These institutions have a high course of study, including the languages, arts, and sciences, fitting students in some branches to enter the state university."
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I t is always a pleasure to start this column on a positive note.  Mr. Emitt CHANNELL wrote that from his query about his grandfather, Ben CHANNELL, from Weir, he heard from two different people.  These people gave him all the answers and contacts that he was seeking.  Thank you to all the great folks in Choctaw County who make this column work!!!

Judy Strickland HADOKOWITZ is seeking information on the following:  My great grandfather, Willis K. STRICKLAND, was in the 3rd Battalion, Company D, of the Confederate Army from Choctaw County. He returned from the war and married Salicia Jane MORMON, daughter of James and Millie MORMON, in 1865.  I have information on Willis back to the 1600s in VA and will gladly share any data that will help anyone.  I am stuck on finding more about James and Millie MORMON. Several of their sons, Hillsman and John, moved to AR with Willis and Salicia.  James Jasper STRICKLAND, my grandfather, was born in Choctaw Co in December 1865.  He married Laura RAY and moved to Ashley Co, AR, in the 1890s.  His second wife was Harriet Anna BUZBEE, daughter of Nimrod and Eliza McCOY BUZBEE.  Family history says that James and Miss Hattie lived not far from each other in MS and never met until they moved to AR.  Mrs. Hadokowitz states that she will be more than happy to share any data she has and looks forward to hearing from any cousins.

Ken Jackson, RR 1, Box 434, Greenwood, MS 38930, seeks information on descendants of William J. JACKSON and Mary Elizabeth BAGWELL from Choctaw, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties.  William J. JACKSON was Ken's great-grandfather; his son, James David Washington JACKSON, and Lura Jane WELLS, were Ken's grandparents.  His grandparents moved to Carroll County, MS, about 1905.  Mr. Jackson would like to know more about the JACKSON and WELLS families from the above mentioned counties.  He states that he will gladly exchange information with anyone connected to these families.

Peggy is looking for information on the family of John Ben MITCHELL and Mattie BEALL MITCHELL of Choctaw Co., MS.  J. Ben MITCHELL was born between 1855-1860 in Winston Co., MS, and died in 1924 in Choctaw Co., MS.  He married Mattie BEALL in 1886 in Neshoba Co., MS. Mattie was born in 1861 and died 1941 in Waco, TX.  Children were: Clifford E., Claude, Clyde B., Pearl, Presley Bryant, Paul D., Percy John, and Thomas Perry.  Percy and Perry were twins.  Five of the children were living in TX in 1941 and two were in CA.  Clifford married M. E. WILLIAMS, and she had a daughter named Marion or Mattie WILLIAMS. Pearl married Earnest L. STANLEY and is thought to have died in Columbus, MS.  Mrs. Mitchell would love to exchange information with any members of this family. Mrs. Mitchell is also researching the following surnames: CHILDS (SC-GA-MS); MITCHELL (VA-SC-MS-TX); JEFFRIES (GA-MS); UPCHURCH (England-VA-NC-AL-MS); LINDSEY (AL-MS); McCULLY (Ireland-SC-MS); LUNDY (GA-MS); LATIMER (GA-MS); CLARK (VA-TN-MS); HIERS (TN-MS).

Harry (Hal) L. MARTIN III, 933 Cottonwood Dr., Barstow, CA 92311, phone: 760-252-3351; is seeking information on the James Wiley WEEKS/Mary Elizabeth PEEPLES family who lived in Choctaw and Webster Counties in MS in the 1800s.  One of their sons, Dr. William Henry WEEKS, born 18 Jan 1875 was Mr. Martin's grandfather. Mr. Martin believes that there were seven siblings in the family.  Some of the family was buried (he thinks) in Spring Valley Cemetery in Mathiston.  Any help, large or small, would be gratefully appreciated by Mr. Martin.
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