Had a guy tell me to use BIGGER WORDS when I write, explaining these BIGGER WORDS will make me more credible, because I will appear smarter to my audience. Smarter?? Yeah, I realize the BIGGER WORDS weren't about ALL CAPS or a larger font, and the intent was appreciated. Perhaps expanding my vocabulary would indeed be more impressive, but my philosophy is simple. I want anyone and everyone to not just read something I have written, but also to understand it. If there is a single word a reader doesn't know the meaning I feel I failed to convey what I intended. Suppose I split my writing into three segments, English, Spanish and say Hebrew or Chinese. While I suspect there are some who could read all four languages, but those folks are few and not likely a reader of this blog or anything else I might write. And, if they are multi-lingual they too will surely understand my simple writings.
Now what on God's green earth does this have to do with genealogy and more particularly Bell Genealogy, as my blog title suggests? Nothing I suppose. Oh, I can twist, turn and reshape it a bit and tell readers, like they exist, that in doing research, one must be prepared to interpret a wide and often not easily read writings and the language may not be familiar. Latin was used in some legal documents.
I had two years of Latin in high school, learned more than I should have considering . . . well, I remember a quote written in my Latin I book. "Latin is a dead language as you will plainly see, it killed all the Romans and now it is killing me". To give some inside of my desire to learn Latin, I remember than quote better than anything else I learned in the two years of Latin I & II. I did find it sad, my son, thirty years later did not have the opportunity to take Latin!
Okay, I have veered way off this time, but so what few read my words and NO ONE (big words :), did I appear smarter?) comments on anything I've written! I am considering either starting another blog and not being limited to one surname or expanding this one, but keeping the name the same. Just a warning to my dedicated readers! Yes, I've already established I have no "dedicated readers", so am I writing to myself and then answering myself? Gee, I'm going to stop here before I appear to be crazier than I already do.
Stay cool!
T.Bell
31 July 2011
15 July 2011
Various Records from early Stewart County, TN involving Bells
STEWART COUNTY DEEDS
Book 2 [1806-1809 registrations for 1783-1809 deeds]
107 Richard BOYD (Davidson Co.) to William BELL (Davidson Co.), 100a on W side of Wells Creek, adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; wit: R. SEARCY, D. McGAVOCK, William TAIT, William OUTLAW, Nimrod CROSSWELL; 27 Oct 1806
111 James and Sarah S. BROWNLOW (New Hanover Co., NC) to Daniel MASON (Halifax Co., NC), 1553a on N bank of Tennessee River near a large island; wit: John M. BINFORD, Richard A. BLOUNT, Fielding BELL; 15 Aug 1801, registered 23 Jul 1807
190 William R. BELL (Montgomery Co.) to Robert W. ELLISON, 100a adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; 21 Oct 1807
===========================================================================
Stewart County Court Minutes, March 1804 – October 1807
(Tennessee State Library & Archives, Stewart Co. Roll #38)
11 Sep 1804 Court:
Allowed Mason BENNETT to sell liquor at his dwelling house, with William R. BELL as security
- Allowed William R. BELL to build a mill on Wells’ Creek, below the mouth of a dry hollow about ½ mile above where he lives
- Allowed Mason BENNETT to keep a public ferry across the Cumberland River at his house, charging 4.5 cents per man & horse from June until December, and 12.5 cents the rest of the year, with William R. BELL as security.
11 Dec 1804 Court:
Deed for 374 acres from William R. BELL to R. W. ALLISON proven by Phillip HORNBERGER
12 Dec 1804 Court:
Deed for 274 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL proven by Nathaniel A. McNAIRY
9 Dec 1805 Court at the house of George MARTIN:
Deed for 365 acres from John REED to Thomas CLINTON proven by oath of William R. BELL
10 Jun 1806 Court
Interesting tidbit: - Court set the rates for tavern keepers in the county: 12.5 cents per meal, 12.5 cents for ½ pint of whiskey, 12.5 cents for horse feed, 6.5 cents for lodging, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of rum, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of brandy
21 Apr 1807 Court:
Deed for 100 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL, proven by oaths of William OUTLAW & Nimrod CROSSWELL
Stewart County Court Minutes
TSLA Archives, Stewart Co. Roll 38, Minutes Vol. 1, Nov. 1819 – May 1821
Note: page numbers included by transcriber – original pages not numbered
4 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing on Tennessee River, above the mouth of Cane Creek, up to the head of the creek and then intersecting a road being laid out from the mouth of Hurricane Creek to Hornberger’s & Wells Creek
- Court appoints George Bell overseer in place of Thomas Wyatt
51 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect the Hornberger road on the head of Hurricane Creek
96 - Court orders Isham Sills, William Sills, Joseph B. Neville, Henry Bell, Josiah Outland, Lewis Outland & Enos Outland to mark a road from Jethro Bass’ new ground to intersect the Eddyville road at the state line
167 - Court appoints Zachariah Wyatt overseer of the road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect Hornberger’s road near the head of Hurricane Creek, with Jesse Johnson, Gideon French, Samuel Alsup, Samuel Webb, James Nichols, George Webb, William Misher, James Holloway, John Ally, Henry Cassles, Charles Summers’ hands, John Summers, Dennis Barnes, Charles Barnes, James Paskill, Joseph Burchett, John Burchett, David Brigham & hands, Mark Murphy, Isaac Lowry, Green Berry Summers, Mr. Matthews, James Rushing, William Wyatt, James Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Curtis Smith, David Hill & hands, James Holmes & hands, Nathaniel Holmes, John Rolls, David Wilson, John Jones, Henry Wynn, John Boyd, Seth Outlaw, John W. Grover, Benjamin Brewer, Henry Lankford, Wilson Brown, Thomas Harris, William Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, Ephraim Wyatt, Levi Burcham, Edmond Holiway, John Ballor, Thomas James, Henry James, Benjamin Bell, Henry Hamel, Burwell Bell & George Bell to work under him
177 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following as jurors for the next term of the Circuit Court: Robert Daniel, Henry Lightfoot, Jesse Watkins, Henry Smith, Hardy B. Sills, Samuel Bell, David Brigham, Samuel Lockhart, John Lewis, Alexander Brown, James Fletcher, Cornelius Manning, Hamblin F. Manly, Joseph B. Neville, John Bird, David Irwin, Alexander Brightwell, James Caldwell, John Polk, Zadock McLester, David Gray Jr., William Elkins, Henry Pugh, William Tubbs, John Stewart & Horatio Humphreys
239 - William Yarborough vs. Lemuel Bell & George Bell (debt): jurors find for the plaintiff in the amount of $371 plus $11.13 damages and costs
254 - deed of gift from Lemuel Bell to George Bell for 100 acres acknowledged
- deed from Daniel Wyatt to Henry Hansel for 50 acres proven by oaths of Lemuel Bell and James Hansel
298 - George Bell elected constable
311 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following to serve as Jurors for the next term: Thomas Wynns, Miles Williams, Benjamin Brown, William Greer, David Deadrick, Nathaniel Askew, Endimeon Brigham, Millington Lain, Nimian Steele, Albert Holmes, Lemuel Bell, John Stewart, Thomas Walker, Drury Brinson, James Brigham Sr., Lewis Lockhart, Abel Jackson, Caleb Williams Sr., James Dunbar, Henry Pugh, John Williams, John Lee (Dicks Fork), Edmond Hogan, William Travis, Nathaniel Abney & Dempsey Turner
374 - Court orders Sheriff to summon jurors for the next term of Court: Thomas Wilson, David Wilson, Richard Faucet, James Hamlett, William McElrath, Lewis Hyer, Henry Wynns, Champane James, William Miller, John Pearce, John Almond, James Lowry, Thomas Wyatt, Nathaniel Scoles, Charles McHenry, Thomas Whitford, Nathaniel Parker, John Summers, James Pryor, George Boyd, William Bell Jr., William Bell Sr.., John Fletcher, Christopher Brandon, John Biggs & Nathan Thomas
William Tinsdale, Adam McGee, Roderick McAuley Appointed to settle with Nancy Bell, administratrix of Benjamin Bell, deceased. November 3, 1828
Stewart County, Tennessee, Deed Book 4, 1810-1813
Pg. 515 - Robert STOTHART (Davidson County) to George BELL (Davidson County), 2 tracts on Piney Fork: (1) all of 1280a not part of John McNAIRY’s three 640a tracts (#3252, #3254, & unknown), totaling 654.5a, plus 200a at the SE corner of the 1280a tract, (2) 425.5a (excepting interference with above tracts), NC grant #3233 to Robert NELSON, 17 Nov 1797, conveyed to STOTHART on 1 Jun 1799; wit: W. TAIT, Hugh F. BELL; 12 Mar 1813
Stewart County Bonds and Settlements, Book 3 (Miscellaneous Entries Nov. 1814 – Nov. 1824)
48 Drury Bird and Jarrot Bell attest to the nuncupative will of William Outlaw on 10 Aug 1814; children Lucian and Indiana to receive ferry and land across from Dover, sons Alexander and Drury to receive the mill and land on Hurricane Creek; James Tagert and Drury Bird were appointed to settle with executor Isaac Lanier; 20 Aug 1814
194 Ephraim B. Davidson, guardian for the heirs of William Outlaw, warranty deed to Jarott Bell on 12 Feb 1818; Bell assigns the deed to William Bell on 22 Nov 1820 (witnessed by John Lightfoot and Thomas Lightfoot); recorded May term 1822
306 will of John Lightfoot: wife Nelly gets plantation on north side of Leatherwood Creek where son Thomas lives, son Wilson Lightfoot gets 100 acres of land where Joseph Daniel lives, son Henry Lightfoot gets part of the home tract adjoining Shepherd’s old line, son Thomas Lightfoot and daughter Mary Johnson get the balance of the land, daughter Tempy Deberry gets bridle and saddle, grandson John Lightfoot gets a horse; personal property of wife Nelly is to be divided among Nelly’s three children at her death; executors are sons Henry and Thomas; wit: James Miller, William Bell Jr.; written 17 Oct 1823
308 sale of the estate of John Lightfoot; buyers include George Atkins, Anderson Andrews, William Outlaw, John Bell, Willie Cathey, John Clark, Joseph Daniel, John Cathey, John K. Colson, Frederick Groce, Allen Johnson, Henry Johnson, William King, Moses Mirick, William Bell Jr., Henry Lightfoot, Alexander B. Outlaw, William Norrod, John Randle, Benjamin Peeples, Tilman Sexton, William Williams, George D. Randle, Benjamin Williams, David Hardison, Thomas Lightfoot, Drewry Byrd, Richard Taylor, Wilson Lightfoot, Nelly Lightfoot Bell, Littleberry Clark
(Note) marriage - Lightfoot, John - Cathey, Nelly before 1823 Will Book 3, page 277
339 Dennis Rushing, James Hamell, Henry Jamell, Benjamin Bell, administrator’s bond for Lamuel Bell; 1 Nov 1824
Stewart County Settlements and Bonds, Volume B (Nov. 1824-Feb. 1829)
24 sale of the estate of Lemuel Bell; buyers include Elisha Jackson, Fanny Reynolds, James Hamell, Arthur Pitt, Dennis Rushing, John Alley, Ninian Steal, Abner Smolly, Levi Burcham, Zachariah Wyatt, Vincent Wyatt, James Burcham, Benjamin Polk, John Rainwaters
Genealogical Abstracts of Reported Deaths from The Nashville Christian Advocate, 1839-1919
http://www.tngenweb.org/records/davidson/
May 17, 1855:
ELIZABETH E. OUTLAW w/o George W. Outlaw; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw; born Stewart Co., Tenn., March 26, 1826; died Montgomery Co., Tenn., March 12, 1855; left widower, 3 children.
February 26, 1857:
SARAH M. BELL w/o J. B. Bell; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw, born Stewart Co., Tenn., August 19, 1834; md May 21, 1854; died Humphreys Co., Tenn., December 25, 1856.
======================================================
1880 Mortality Schedule - Stewart County, TN
24 Brunson, Bell 14 f b S Tn Ky Tn Feb pneumonia 14
Book 2 [1806-1809 registrations for 1783-1809 deeds]
107 Richard BOYD (Davidson Co.) to William BELL (Davidson Co.), 100a on W side of Wells Creek, adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; wit: R. SEARCY, D. McGAVOCK, William TAIT, William OUTLAW, Nimrod CROSSWELL; 27 Oct 1806
111 James and Sarah S. BROWNLOW (New Hanover Co., NC) to Daniel MASON (Halifax Co., NC), 1553a on N bank of Tennessee River near a large island; wit: John M. BINFORD, Richard A. BLOUNT, Fielding BELL; 15 Aug 1801, registered 23 Jul 1807
190 William R. BELL (Montgomery Co.) to Robert W. ELLISON, 100a adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; 21 Oct 1807
===========================================================================
Stewart County Court Minutes, March 1804 – October 1807
(Tennessee State Library & Archives, Stewart Co. Roll #38)
11 Sep 1804 Court:
Allowed Mason BENNETT to sell liquor at his dwelling house, with William R. BELL as security
- Allowed William R. BELL to build a mill on Wells’ Creek, below the mouth of a dry hollow about ½ mile above where he lives
- Allowed Mason BENNETT to keep a public ferry across the Cumberland River at his house, charging 4.5 cents per man & horse from June until December, and 12.5 cents the rest of the year, with William R. BELL as security.
11 Dec 1804 Court:
Deed for 374 acres from William R. BELL to R. W. ALLISON proven by Phillip HORNBERGER
12 Dec 1804 Court:
Deed for 274 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL proven by Nathaniel A. McNAIRY
9 Dec 1805 Court at the house of George MARTIN:
Deed for 365 acres from John REED to Thomas CLINTON proven by oath of William R. BELL
10 Jun 1806 Court
Interesting tidbit: - Court set the rates for tavern keepers in the county: 12.5 cents per meal, 12.5 cents for ½ pint of whiskey, 12.5 cents for horse feed, 6.5 cents for lodging, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of rum, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of brandy
21 Apr 1807 Court:
Deed for 100 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL, proven by oaths of William OUTLAW & Nimrod CROSSWELL
Stewart County Court Minutes
TSLA Archives, Stewart Co. Roll 38, Minutes Vol. 1, Nov. 1819 – May 1821
Note: page numbers included by transcriber – original pages not numbered
4 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing on Tennessee River, above the mouth of Cane Creek, up to the head of the creek and then intersecting a road being laid out from the mouth of Hurricane Creek to Hornberger’s & Wells Creek
- Court appoints George Bell overseer in place of Thomas Wyatt
51 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect the Hornberger road on the head of Hurricane Creek
96 - Court orders Isham Sills, William Sills, Joseph B. Neville, Henry Bell, Josiah Outland, Lewis Outland & Enos Outland to mark a road from Jethro Bass’ new ground to intersect the Eddyville road at the state line
167 - Court appoints Zachariah Wyatt overseer of the road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect Hornberger’s road near the head of Hurricane Creek, with Jesse Johnson, Gideon French, Samuel Alsup, Samuel Webb, James Nichols, George Webb, William Misher, James Holloway, John Ally, Henry Cassles, Charles Summers’ hands, John Summers, Dennis Barnes, Charles Barnes, James Paskill, Joseph Burchett, John Burchett, David Brigham & hands, Mark Murphy, Isaac Lowry, Green Berry Summers, Mr. Matthews, James Rushing, William Wyatt, James Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Curtis Smith, David Hill & hands, James Holmes & hands, Nathaniel Holmes, John Rolls, David Wilson, John Jones, Henry Wynn, John Boyd, Seth Outlaw, John W. Grover, Benjamin Brewer, Henry Lankford, Wilson Brown, Thomas Harris, William Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, Ephraim Wyatt, Levi Burcham, Edmond Holiway, John Ballor, Thomas James, Henry James, Benjamin Bell, Henry Hamel, Burwell Bell & George Bell to work under him
177 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following as jurors for the next term of the Circuit Court: Robert Daniel, Henry Lightfoot, Jesse Watkins, Henry Smith, Hardy B. Sills, Samuel Bell, David Brigham, Samuel Lockhart, John Lewis, Alexander Brown, James Fletcher, Cornelius Manning, Hamblin F. Manly, Joseph B. Neville, John Bird, David Irwin, Alexander Brightwell, James Caldwell, John Polk, Zadock McLester, David Gray Jr., William Elkins, Henry Pugh, William Tubbs, John Stewart & Horatio Humphreys
239 - William Yarborough vs. Lemuel Bell & George Bell (debt): jurors find for the plaintiff in the amount of $371 plus $11.13 damages and costs
254 - deed of gift from Lemuel Bell to George Bell for 100 acres acknowledged
- deed from Daniel Wyatt to Henry Hansel for 50 acres proven by oaths of Lemuel Bell and James Hansel
298 - George Bell elected constable
311 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following to serve as Jurors for the next term: Thomas Wynns, Miles Williams, Benjamin Brown, William Greer, David Deadrick, Nathaniel Askew, Endimeon Brigham, Millington Lain, Nimian Steele, Albert Holmes, Lemuel Bell, John Stewart, Thomas Walker, Drury Brinson, James Brigham Sr., Lewis Lockhart, Abel Jackson, Caleb Williams Sr., James Dunbar, Henry Pugh, John Williams, John Lee (Dicks Fork), Edmond Hogan, William Travis, Nathaniel Abney & Dempsey Turner
374 - Court orders Sheriff to summon jurors for the next term of Court: Thomas Wilson, David Wilson, Richard Faucet, James Hamlett, William McElrath, Lewis Hyer, Henry Wynns, Champane James, William Miller, John Pearce, John Almond, James Lowry, Thomas Wyatt, Nathaniel Scoles, Charles McHenry, Thomas Whitford, Nathaniel Parker, John Summers, James Pryor, George Boyd, William Bell Jr., William Bell Sr.., John Fletcher, Christopher Brandon, John Biggs & Nathan Thomas
William Tinsdale, Adam McGee, Roderick McAuley Appointed to settle with Nancy Bell, administratrix of Benjamin Bell, deceased. November 3, 1828
Stewart County, Tennessee, Deed Book 4, 1810-1813
Pg. 515 - Robert STOTHART (Davidson County) to George BELL (Davidson County), 2 tracts on Piney Fork: (1) all of 1280a not part of John McNAIRY’s three 640a tracts (#3252, #3254, & unknown), totaling 654.5a, plus 200a at the SE corner of the 1280a tract, (2) 425.5a (excepting interference with above tracts), NC grant #3233 to Robert NELSON, 17 Nov 1797, conveyed to STOTHART on 1 Jun 1799; wit: W. TAIT, Hugh F. BELL; 12 Mar 1813
Stewart County Bonds and Settlements, Book 3 (Miscellaneous Entries Nov. 1814 – Nov. 1824)
48 Drury Bird and Jarrot Bell attest to the nuncupative will of William Outlaw on 10 Aug 1814; children Lucian and Indiana to receive ferry and land across from Dover, sons Alexander and Drury to receive the mill and land on Hurricane Creek; James Tagert and Drury Bird were appointed to settle with executor Isaac Lanier; 20 Aug 1814
194 Ephraim B. Davidson, guardian for the heirs of William Outlaw, warranty deed to Jarott Bell on 12 Feb 1818; Bell assigns the deed to William Bell on 22 Nov 1820 (witnessed by John Lightfoot and Thomas Lightfoot); recorded May term 1822
306 will of John Lightfoot: wife Nelly gets plantation on north side of Leatherwood Creek where son Thomas lives, son Wilson Lightfoot gets 100 acres of land where Joseph Daniel lives, son Henry Lightfoot gets part of the home tract adjoining Shepherd’s old line, son Thomas Lightfoot and daughter Mary Johnson get the balance of the land, daughter Tempy Deberry gets bridle and saddle, grandson John Lightfoot gets a horse; personal property of wife Nelly is to be divided among Nelly’s three children at her death; executors are sons Henry and Thomas; wit: James Miller, William Bell Jr.; written 17 Oct 1823
308 sale of the estate of John Lightfoot; buyers include George Atkins, Anderson Andrews, William Outlaw, John Bell, Willie Cathey, John Clark, Joseph Daniel, John Cathey, John K. Colson, Frederick Groce, Allen Johnson, Henry Johnson, William King, Moses Mirick, William Bell Jr., Henry Lightfoot, Alexander B. Outlaw, William Norrod, John Randle, Benjamin Peeples, Tilman Sexton, William Williams, George D. Randle, Benjamin Williams, David Hardison, Thomas Lightfoot, Drewry Byrd, Richard Taylor, Wilson Lightfoot, Nelly Lightfoot Bell, Littleberry Clark
(Note) marriage - Lightfoot, John - Cathey, Nelly before 1823 Will Book 3, page 277
339 Dennis Rushing, James Hamell, Henry Jamell, Benjamin Bell, administrator’s bond for Lamuel Bell; 1 Nov 1824
Stewart County Settlements and Bonds, Volume B (Nov. 1824-Feb. 1829)
24 sale of the estate of Lemuel Bell; buyers include Elisha Jackson, Fanny Reynolds, James Hamell, Arthur Pitt, Dennis Rushing, John Alley, Ninian Steal, Abner Smolly, Levi Burcham, Zachariah Wyatt, Vincent Wyatt, James Burcham, Benjamin Polk, John Rainwaters
Genealogical Abstracts of Reported Deaths from The Nashville Christian Advocate, 1839-1919
http://www.tngenweb.org/records/davidson/
May 17, 1855:
ELIZABETH E. OUTLAW w/o George W. Outlaw; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw; born Stewart Co., Tenn., March 26, 1826; died Montgomery Co., Tenn., March 12, 1855; left widower, 3 children.
February 26, 1857:
SARAH M. BELL w/o J. B. Bell; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw, born Stewart Co., Tenn., August 19, 1834; md May 21, 1854; died Humphreys Co., Tenn., December 25, 1856.
======================================================
1880 Mortality Schedule - Stewart County, TN
24 Brunson, Bell 14 f b S Tn Ky Tn Feb pneumonia 14
12 July 2011
Foolishness
Yeah, it's pretty much official . . . . I'm writing to myself! Well, I do have a couple of folks stop by from time to time, but you know, that's okay I suppose. After all, I can screw up my spelling, grammar, punctuation and even tell stories without concern of being corrected, questioned or even doubted. Wow! I just became "my hero", able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and over time perhaps I can convince myself that is the "real me"! Wait, that tall building thing needs to change. Jumping high is pretty cool, but I wanna be able to fly! And why settle for just being fast as a bullet? No, no, no, I want bullets and rockets and grenades and bombs and any other body piercing matter to bounce off of me, but no capes, no tights! This may take some adjusting. Anyone watch the TV series, "The Greatest American Hero"? William Katt played the title role and he had some problems with his new found powers. Oh well, it's hot, really hot outside so why not stay inside, use my imagination and be silly? There's just not enough "silly" in the world today! Oh wait, there is plenty of silly, ridiculous, outrageous and disgusting, but not from a comedic stance. We have elected officials acting like spoiled babies and paying no attention to the fact they are suppose to be representing the voters who gave them their job. And this is certainly not a partisan issue, both sides of politics are heavily involved.
Sorry for my political outburst! It disturbs me when greed is so prevalent and we, the citizens are taken for fools. Our country could not have survived all of these years if our decision makers had always been so self-serving! Oh, it upsets me and I could write volumes, but politics and religion are subjects I was taught to never discuss. Some might agree with me, others would definitely not agree with me and nothing would be accomplished. If one is going to tear something down and rebuild it, be certain it is better than before. I don't even know what that means!
I'm thinkin' I'll publish this post, get it out of the way and start anew. However, if ANYONE would like to comment, even to question my sanity or why I would submit a post such as this, please feel free to jump in.
Have a safe week and stay cool!
'Til next time - I'm outta here,
T. Bell
Sorry for my political outburst! It disturbs me when greed is so prevalent and we, the citizens are taken for fools. Our country could not have survived all of these years if our decision makers had always been so self-serving! Oh, it upsets me and I could write volumes, but politics and religion are subjects I was taught to never discuss. Some might agree with me, others would definitely not agree with me and nothing would be accomplished. If one is going to tear something down and rebuild it, be certain it is better than before. I don't even know what that means!
I'm thinkin' I'll publish this post, get it out of the way and start anew. However, if ANYONE would like to comment, even to question my sanity or why I would submit a post such as this, please feel free to jump in.
Have a safe week and stay cool!
'Til next time - I'm outta here,
T. Bell
06 July 2011
Are Those DNA Projects Reliable?
Recently I read a comment on a genealogical forum that disturbed me. A lady innocently submitted a query about one of her ancestors. She explained she had just started doing family research and asked for help. Nothing sinister, certainly no arrogance or hostility, just a simple request. BAM!!! It was much like a giant cat pouncing on unsuspecting prey! This guy immediately and unprovoked attacks her, telling her she is not related to a certain seemingly affluent line and begins spouting about DNA and how testing has proven her line was not a part of the high and mighty line his DNA proved he WAS a descendant.
Wow! Such arrogance for absolutely no reason whatsoever, but it didn't end there. The lady responds, apologizes for knowing nothing about DNA testing and again explains she was simply looking for "family" information to relay to her siblings. The arrogant ass again pounced, this time suggesting the lady was less than intelligent or else she would have known about the DNA projects and how they worked. Not once did he make any attempt, feeble or otherwise to tell this lady WHO she was or was not related.
This exchanged was more than two years ago or I would have jumped in and told the guy what I thought of him and my words would not have been flattering. A couple of things I should mention; 1) - the name who the lady was seeking information was two, three maybe four generations after the generation the DNA ass had referenced; 2) - This just happened to be one of my family lines.
Frankly, I could write, in large bold, block letters on a matchbook pretty much all I know about DNA. Perhaps that alone disqualifies me from offering an opinion and is grounds to write me off as a "doofus", at least in some circles. Hey, in keeping with my honesty . . . I have known me all of my life and believe me when I say, I know so many other, much better reasons to tack such a moniker on me. Like the time . . . oh no, I'm not going there, just trust me.
Back to those DNA projects. It is my understanding the process is basically a scientific method of comparing one person's DNA to another's DNA either proving or disproving kinship. As recently as this morning I have read a wide range of articles on the subject. While I still cannot say I understand the actual process, I do understand the concept. But, isn't it a fact, before comparisons can be made DNA must exist from that distant source who walked this earth generations ago? How can these DNA tests be made legitimate when there is no body of that distant ancestor? While I do not know this for a fact, I am yet to discover ANYONE who knows the location of the burial spot of the individual this guy referenced in his DNA brag.
I do not deny the scientific evidence that can be found, nor the link such evidence can prove or disprove; however, without a body how are such comparisons possible? I suppose there are some genuinely nice people who are associated with DNA projects, but it has been my experience the ones I have dealt with are snobs. They treat others as though they are lesser! Oh please, it reminds me of childhood playground brags of "my daddy can beat up your daddy".
What happened to research, documents and I suppose common sense? Unfortunately all of our ancestors were not famous, did not write an autobiography or have biographies written about them. Heck, many did not leave wills and even when they did they were not complete as to even who their children were. So, tracing our ancestry is not an easy task, but in my opinion, DNA projects are not always accurate. Again, not that they can't be, but how does one prove kinship to someone when there is no DNA?
A final thought - common religious belief has God creating Adam and Eve, the start of mankind. Doesn't this make us ALL related, per DNA testing? Oh, then comes Noah, the ark and the flood! Wasn't it Noah, his wife and their three sons and their wives? Again, would this not make us ALL related through DNA testing?
I do not expect everyone or possibly even anyone to agree with my ramblings, but until convinced, proven or shown otherwise I'll keep my opinion. Of course, as of this writing not a soul has commented on anything I have written on this blog. Is ANYONE reading my words?
Until next time, I'm outta here!
T Bell
Wow! Such arrogance for absolutely no reason whatsoever, but it didn't end there. The lady responds, apologizes for knowing nothing about DNA testing and again explains she was simply looking for "family" information to relay to her siblings. The arrogant ass again pounced, this time suggesting the lady was less than intelligent or else she would have known about the DNA projects and how they worked. Not once did he make any attempt, feeble or otherwise to tell this lady WHO she was or was not related.
This exchanged was more than two years ago or I would have jumped in and told the guy what I thought of him and my words would not have been flattering. A couple of things I should mention; 1) - the name who the lady was seeking information was two, three maybe four generations after the generation the DNA ass had referenced; 2) - This just happened to be one of my family lines.
Frankly, I could write, in large bold, block letters on a matchbook pretty much all I know about DNA. Perhaps that alone disqualifies me from offering an opinion and is grounds to write me off as a "doofus", at least in some circles. Hey, in keeping with my honesty . . . I have known me all of my life and believe me when I say, I know so many other, much better reasons to tack such a moniker on me. Like the time . . . oh no, I'm not going there, just trust me.
Back to those DNA projects. It is my understanding the process is basically a scientific method of comparing one person's DNA to another's DNA either proving or disproving kinship. As recently as this morning I have read a wide range of articles on the subject. While I still cannot say I understand the actual process, I do understand the concept. But, isn't it a fact, before comparisons can be made DNA must exist from that distant source who walked this earth generations ago? How can these DNA tests be made legitimate when there is no body of that distant ancestor? While I do not know this for a fact, I am yet to discover ANYONE who knows the location of the burial spot of the individual this guy referenced in his DNA brag.
I do not deny the scientific evidence that can be found, nor the link such evidence can prove or disprove; however, without a body how are such comparisons possible? I suppose there are some genuinely nice people who are associated with DNA projects, but it has been my experience the ones I have dealt with are snobs. They treat others as though they are lesser! Oh please, it reminds me of childhood playground brags of "my daddy can beat up your daddy".
What happened to research, documents and I suppose common sense? Unfortunately all of our ancestors were not famous, did not write an autobiography or have biographies written about them. Heck, many did not leave wills and even when they did they were not complete as to even who their children were. So, tracing our ancestry is not an easy task, but in my opinion, DNA projects are not always accurate. Again, not that they can't be, but how does one prove kinship to someone when there is no DNA?
A final thought - common religious belief has God creating Adam and Eve, the start of mankind. Doesn't this make us ALL related, per DNA testing? Oh, then comes Noah, the ark and the flood! Wasn't it Noah, his wife and their three sons and their wives? Again, would this not make us ALL related through DNA testing?
I do not expect everyone or possibly even anyone to agree with my ramblings, but until convinced, proven or shown otherwise I'll keep my opinion. Of course, as of this writing not a soul has commented on anything I have written on this blog. Is ANYONE reading my words?
Until next time, I'm outta here!
T Bell
02 July 2011
My Mystery Great, Great Aunt
I must admit the third child of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell has had me stumped, hoo-dooed, confused, baffled and/or well, mumbling to myself. She first appears in the 1870 US Census of Benton County, TN as Q.F.F., age 9; however, she is nowhere to be found in the 1880 census. Okay, by 1880 she was 19 years old, could have married and moved away from Benton County. Then again, she could have died!
I wasn't willing to accept her death so I looked a little closer and the 1880 census revealed a clue, I think. Marion A. Prince and family lived next to Charly Bell and family and next was John Jordan and family, the children of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell all living as neighbors, except Q.F.F. I then examined who lived the other side of Marion A. Prince and discovered this. It was Alfred Lashlee, Leander C Roberson, Nathan Roberson and John P Lashlee. I did notice Leander C Roberson was age 19 and his wife, Valony M.A. was 15. I really can't explain why maybe it was just being nosey, but I checked for marriage records and discovered L.C. Roberson married V.A. Bell, 23 February 1879 and the marriage was soldemnized by J.P. Lashlee a Justice of Peace. So who was this Valony M.A. Bell?
I have been unable to learn who were the parents of Valony M.A. Bell Roberson; however, as a result of my curiosity I suppose, I traced, tracked and followed Leander C Roberson to Fulton County, KY. At times his surname was Robinson, at other times it was Robertson, in fact, his death certificate gives his surname as Robertson and the informant was a son, L.M. (Landon Maxwell) Robertson. Indeed my journey has been confusing, but interesting. Oh, I fail to mention Leander C. Robinson's wife in the 1900 US Census for Fulton County, KY was named Queen and tis census showed they had been married 22 years. Leander's date of birth was given as June 1860 and Queen's was October 1863. She had had 5 children, with 4 still living. The childrn were : Birtie, a son, born April 1881 in Tennessee; Stella, a daughter, born February 1886 in Kentucky and Pearl, a daughter, born November 1887 in Kentucky. A fourth child, Landon Maxwell was married at the time to Edith Benedick. They were married in Obion County, Tennessee, 28 October 1899.
The 1910 US Census for Fulton County, KY shows Leander Roberson's wife as Queenie. It also shows she had 4 children and all 4 are living.
Before going to the 1920 census it should be noted Commonwealth of Kentucky, Certificate of Death #6940, dated 2 March 1918 and signed by Registrar J.F. Royster is for Leander C. Robertson. Notice a "t" is added to his surname, the informant is L.M. Robertson of Fulton, KY (probably his son, Landon Maxwell Roberson). The certificate gives Leander's date of birth as 25 June 1860, his date of death as 1 March 1918 and has his age at time of death to be 57 years 8 months and 4 days. His birthplace is given as Benton Co., TN, father Jim Robertson, birthplace South Carolina and occupation Special Agent for SC Railroad. His mother's name is listed as unknown, but her place of birth is given as South Carolina.
The 1920 U.S. Census of Fulton Co., KY adds to the confusion surrounding Queen Bell Roberson. First, her name is given as L.G. Roberson, age 54 years, with an estimated birth date of 1866. It shows she is a widowed, white female, born in TN, owns her home and indicates she can read and write, a contradiction to the 1900 census. Of course she could have easily learned in 20 years. Also in this household is Morton Williams, age 31, her son-in-law; Pearl Williams, age 32, her daughter and Evelyn Williams, age 7, her granddaughter.
The 1930 US Census for Fulton County, KY may indeed be the most confusing of all. The name given for the head of household is Leander C Roberson, a female, age 62, who was born in Tennessee. In this household is Morton Williams, age 42, son-in-law whos occupation is given as a conductor for the railroad. His wife and daughter of the head of household, Ella P. Williams, age 42. Both she and Morton were 24 when they were married. They have a daughter, granddaughter of the head of household, Dorothy Williams, age 17 who was born in KY.
And finally, Queen's death certificate.
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Please notice her parents! Yes, this must be the third child of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell, but who was Valony M.A. Bell? I fell totally incomplete with this, but I am at a loss as to where to turn next. I should also mention, the marriage of L.C. Roberson and V.A. Bell is the only marriage I have been able to find for Leander C. Roberson in Tennessee or Kentucky. If there is anyone who can shed light on this, please let me know.
I wasn't willing to accept her death so I looked a little closer and the 1880 census revealed a clue, I think. Marion A. Prince and family lived next to Charly Bell and family and next was John Jordan and family, the children of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell all living as neighbors, except Q.F.F. I then examined who lived the other side of Marion A. Prince and discovered this. It was Alfred Lashlee, Leander C Roberson, Nathan Roberson and John P Lashlee. I did notice Leander C Roberson was age 19 and his wife, Valony M.A. was 15. I really can't explain why maybe it was just being nosey, but I checked for marriage records and discovered L.C. Roberson married V.A. Bell, 23 February 1879 and the marriage was soldemnized by J.P. Lashlee a Justice of Peace. So who was this Valony M.A. Bell?
I have been unable to learn who were the parents of Valony M.A. Bell Roberson; however, as a result of my curiosity I suppose, I traced, tracked and followed Leander C Roberson to Fulton County, KY. At times his surname was Robinson, at other times it was Robertson, in fact, his death certificate gives his surname as Robertson and the informant was a son, L.M. (Landon Maxwell) Robertson. Indeed my journey has been confusing, but interesting. Oh, I fail to mention Leander C. Robinson's wife in the 1900 US Census for Fulton County, KY was named Queen and tis census showed they had been married 22 years. Leander's date of birth was given as June 1860 and Queen's was October 1863. She had had 5 children, with 4 still living. The childrn were : Birtie, a son, born April 1881 in Tennessee; Stella, a daughter, born February 1886 in Kentucky and Pearl, a daughter, born November 1887 in Kentucky. A fourth child, Landon Maxwell was married at the time to Edith Benedick. They were married in Obion County, Tennessee, 28 October 1899.
The 1910 US Census for Fulton County, KY shows Leander Roberson's wife as Queenie. It also shows she had 4 children and all 4 are living.
Before going to the 1920 census it should be noted Commonwealth of Kentucky, Certificate of Death #6940, dated 2 March 1918 and signed by Registrar J.F. Royster is for Leander C. Robertson. Notice a "t" is added to his surname, the informant is L.M. Robertson of Fulton, KY (probably his son, Landon Maxwell Roberson). The certificate gives Leander's date of birth as 25 June 1860, his date of death as 1 March 1918 and has his age at time of death to be 57 years 8 months and 4 days. His birthplace is given as Benton Co., TN, father Jim Robertson, birthplace South Carolina and occupation Special Agent for SC Railroad. His mother's name is listed as unknown, but her place of birth is given as South Carolina.
The 1920 U.S. Census of Fulton Co., KY adds to the confusion surrounding Queen Bell Roberson. First, her name is given as L.G. Roberson, age 54 years, with an estimated birth date of 1866. It shows she is a widowed, white female, born in TN, owns her home and indicates she can read and write, a contradiction to the 1900 census. Of course she could have easily learned in 20 years. Also in this household is Morton Williams, age 31, her son-in-law; Pearl Williams, age 32, her daughter and Evelyn Williams, age 7, her granddaughter.
The 1930 US Census for Fulton County, KY may indeed be the most confusing of all. The name given for the head of household is Leander C Roberson, a female, age 62, who was born in Tennessee. In this household is Morton Williams, age 42, son-in-law whos occupation is given as a conductor for the railroad. His wife and daughter of the head of household, Ella P. Williams, age 42. Both she and Morton were 24 when they were married. They have a daughter, granddaughter of the head of household, Dorothy Williams, age 17 who was born in KY.
And finally, Queen's death certificate.
"Click on Death Certificate to Enlarge"
T. Bell
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