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
06 July 2011
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.
![]()
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
24 June 2011
Finally some Genealogy!!
I promised genealogical information, so here we go!
William Charles Bell was my 2nd great grandfather, born about 1821 in Stewart County, TN to George and Dulsanna Jane Bell*. I must admit, I am not 100% confident his name was William Charles. Most of my research has found just Charlie or simply a "C", but there is evidence supporting the name William Charles Bell in census records.
Charlie married Mary Adaline Yates, 17 November 1852 in Benton County, TN. This marriage was solemnized by J.P. Arnold, a Minister of God and to this union was born five children: Missouri E.; Horace Monroe; Queen; Rosella J and William Clark. Charlie died 20 Sep 1884 in Benton County, TN, but his place of burial remains unknown.
Recently I was sifting through some of my Dad's papers and discovered a deed I suppose settling Charlie Bell's estate. It was for 65 acres of land being sold by my great grandfather's siblings to him. I found it interesting, even though Mary Adaline was still alive, her name wasn't mentioned. Was this an example of the lack of rights women had in the 1880's? Yeah, I should know the answer to that and perhaps I do, somewhere buried in the back of my mind, but for now I'll leave it as a question.
Moving along, while reading this deed I began to realize I had numerous unanswered questions about my great grandfather's siblings. Some had moved out of Benton County and I had skipped over them, with the intention of doing more research at a later date. Well, that date was now and other than children's names I have learned some interesting bits of information.
Missouri E. Bell - born August 1853 in Benton County, TN, married John Y. Jordan, son of Jonathan & Rebecca Jordan, 22 October 1873 in Benton County, TN. They had one child, a daughter Minnie A. - born August 1883 in Benton Co., TN, who married William Massey Farrar 3 March 1895, in Benton Co., TN. Missouri died in 1932 and is buried at Eastview Cemetery in Benton Co., TN, along side her husband, who died 3 July 1929.
Horace Monroe Bell - born 23 July 1859. This is my great-grandfather and I will later devote an entire post to him. Please note, the photograph on my home page, the man with two horses is Horace Monroe Bell.
Queen Bell - born 7 October 1861 in Benton County, TN. I have found this to be a little complicated and will address Queen at a later time.
Rosella J Bell - born September 1863 in Benton County, TN, married Marion (Mace) Prince, 12 July 1877 in Benton County, TN, J.F. Presson, a Justice of Peace, officiated. Notice Ella, as she would later be called, had not had her 14th birthday when she married. When I began researching my family history I expected to find girls marrying young to be common; however, at least to this point, it is unusual in my family. Moving along, Ella and Mace Prince had two children, both born in Benton County, TN. Eva was the oldest, born 13 November 1878 and then Charles Orlander, born 11 August 1879. According to the 1880 US Census for Benton County, TN they lived next to Ella's siblings in Benton County. Next, they are found in the 1900 US Census living in Fulton County, KY. Eva is now married to Edward Burns Smith and they are living with her parents. The next census 1910 gets a little complicated. Edward and Eva Smith have moved to Hinds County, MS and both Ella and Charles are now living with them. Ella's marital status is a widow. Seemingly Mace has died and the 1920 US Census for Hinds Co., MS is the same. However, the 1930 US Census for Hinds County, MS offers a new perspective. While Ella is still living with the Smiths and is still designated a widow, Charles also lives in Hinds County, MS and living in his household is Mace Prince, age 74 and he is also widowed. What?? I searched for Marion/Mace Prince in both the 1910 and 1920 US censuses and have not been able to locate him. Where was he? If anyone has any ideas, please share them in the comments section. And . . . what's the deal with BOTH saying they are widowed?? Yeah, I have a couple of ideas, but I'd really like a little proof.
Also, Edward and Eva now have a daughter, Mary Adaline. It appears the child was born about 1921 making Eva 42-43 years old when she had her first child. I thought this strange, but while looking at a family tree on Ancestry.com I found a comment concerning Mary Adaline Smith that certainly intrigued me. It stated this child was found on their (Edward and Eva's) doorstep. That certainly explains Eva's late motherhood, but is this claim valid? I haven't found anything to either confirm or deny this mystery, but will continue searching. Again, anyone with thoughts, ideas and certainly facts to shed light on this, please contact me.
This leaves William Clark Bell, the youngest of Charlie and Mary Adaline Bell's children. Clark as he was called was born in July 1865, never married and after is mother's death, 1 June 1897 he lived with his sister Missouri and her family the rest of his life that ended 27 July 1911.
*Please note, many who have recorded information on Dulsanna Jane state her first name was Bulsanna; however, the actual written census record of 1860 Benton County, Tennessee clearly shows, at least to me with careful examination, that the first letter in her first name is spelled with a "D" and not a "B".
Thanks to all who take the time to visit this blog. Perhaps we have a kinship and can share information, family stories, etc. that will help us get to know our ancestors more than just names and dates.
Until next time have a safe weekend!
T. Bell
William Charles Bell was my 2nd great grandfather, born about 1821 in Stewart County, TN to George and Dulsanna Jane Bell*. I must admit, I am not 100% confident his name was William Charles. Most of my research has found just Charlie or simply a "C", but there is evidence supporting the name William Charles Bell in census records.
Charlie married Mary Adaline Yates, 17 November 1852 in Benton County, TN. This marriage was solemnized by J.P. Arnold, a Minister of God and to this union was born five children: Missouri E.; Horace Monroe; Queen; Rosella J and William Clark. Charlie died 20 Sep 1884 in Benton County, TN, but his place of burial remains unknown.
Recently I was sifting through some of my Dad's papers and discovered a deed I suppose settling Charlie Bell's estate. It was for 65 acres of land being sold by my great grandfather's siblings to him. I found it interesting, even though Mary Adaline was still alive, her name wasn't mentioned. Was this an example of the lack of rights women had in the 1880's? Yeah, I should know the answer to that and perhaps I do, somewhere buried in the back of my mind, but for now I'll leave it as a question.
Moving along, while reading this deed I began to realize I had numerous unanswered questions about my great grandfather's siblings. Some had moved out of Benton County and I had skipped over them, with the intention of doing more research at a later date. Well, that date was now and other than children's names I have learned some interesting bits of information.
Missouri E. Bell - born August 1853 in Benton County, TN, married John Y. Jordan, son of Jonathan & Rebecca Jordan, 22 October 1873 in Benton County, TN. They had one child, a daughter Minnie A. - born August 1883 in Benton Co., TN, who married William Massey Farrar 3 March 1895, in Benton Co., TN. Missouri died in 1932 and is buried at Eastview Cemetery in Benton Co., TN, along side her husband, who died 3 July 1929.
Horace Monroe Bell - born 23 July 1859. This is my great-grandfather and I will later devote an entire post to him. Please note, the photograph on my home page, the man with two horses is Horace Monroe Bell.
Queen Bell - born 7 October 1861 in Benton County, TN. I have found this to be a little complicated and will address Queen at a later time.
Rosella J Bell - born September 1863 in Benton County, TN, married Marion (Mace) Prince, 12 July 1877 in Benton County, TN, J.F. Presson, a Justice of Peace, officiated. Notice Ella, as she would later be called, had not had her 14th birthday when she married. When I began researching my family history I expected to find girls marrying young to be common; however, at least to this point, it is unusual in my family. Moving along, Ella and Mace Prince had two children, both born in Benton County, TN. Eva was the oldest, born 13 November 1878 and then Charles Orlander, born 11 August 1879. According to the 1880 US Census for Benton County, TN they lived next to Ella's siblings in Benton County. Next, they are found in the 1900 US Census living in Fulton County, KY. Eva is now married to Edward Burns Smith and they are living with her parents. The next census 1910 gets a little complicated. Edward and Eva Smith have moved to Hinds County, MS and both Ella and Charles are now living with them. Ella's marital status is a widow. Seemingly Mace has died and the 1920 US Census for Hinds Co., MS is the same. However, the 1930 US Census for Hinds County, MS offers a new perspective. While Ella is still living with the Smiths and is still designated a widow, Charles also lives in Hinds County, MS and living in his household is Mace Prince, age 74 and he is also widowed. What?? I searched for Marion/Mace Prince in both the 1910 and 1920 US censuses and have not been able to locate him. Where was he? If anyone has any ideas, please share them in the comments section. And . . . what's the deal with BOTH saying they are widowed?? Yeah, I have a couple of ideas, but I'd really like a little proof.
Also, Edward and Eva now have a daughter, Mary Adaline. It appears the child was born about 1921 making Eva 42-43 years old when she had her first child. I thought this strange, but while looking at a family tree on Ancestry.com I found a comment concerning Mary Adaline Smith that certainly intrigued me. It stated this child was found on their (Edward and Eva's) doorstep. That certainly explains Eva's late motherhood, but is this claim valid? I haven't found anything to either confirm or deny this mystery, but will continue searching. Again, anyone with thoughts, ideas and certainly facts to shed light on this, please contact me.
This leaves William Clark Bell, the youngest of Charlie and Mary Adaline Bell's children. Clark as he was called was born in July 1865, never married and after is mother's death, 1 June 1897 he lived with his sister Missouri and her family the rest of his life that ended 27 July 1911.
*Please note, many who have recorded information on Dulsanna Jane state her first name was Bulsanna; however, the actual written census record of 1860 Benton County, Tennessee clearly shows, at least to me with careful examination, that the first letter in her first name is spelled with a "D" and not a "B".
Thanks to all who take the time to visit this blog. Perhaps we have a kinship and can share information, family stories, etc. that will help us get to know our ancestors more than just names and dates.
Until next time have a safe weekend!
T. Bell
14 June 2011
Getting my genealogy blog legs back
For those of you who have previously visited my blog you will notice I did away with bellblogger and decided to use my real name. It was a little strange, visiting other websites and reading some of the things I have written but not seeing my name attached. Yeah, I suppose my ego played a role in this, even though I have never considered myself to be one of those ego kind of guys. I try to be accurate and thorough in my final analysis and to see another name being given credit for my research, even a name of my invention, an alter ego so to speak troubled me. Weird huh?
There is so much out there that is not accurate and this troubles me as I have previously noted. It is distrubing to spend hours, days, weeks, months or even years sifting through records and documents to find a name or date and then go to someone's family tree and see misinformation. Who among us, who actually puts the time, energy and effort into genealogy wants to discover our ancestor with a wife or husband they did not have? One of my family lines has a fella who, by most anyone's account, is the absolute most knowledgable person anywhere on this family. A few years ago, I came upon a sampling of his work and quickly realized he was mistaken in one of his lines, my line. I contacted him, not to correct him but to ask where he had found the information. He promised he would send me copies of the documents he had used, but the information never arrived nor did he answer my emails.
I truly want to be accurate. Finding factual, documented information is extremely difficult at times and at other times I honestly believe it is impossible. It took me more than thirty years to find my 4th great grandfather Bell, but I found him! Yes, that day I felt like I had won the lottery. Well maybe not one of those huge lotteries, but you know what I mean. A side note: I really would like to know how it feels to win one of those huge lotteries, so anyone with advice on winning, I'm listening.
One final thought to anyone who is just starting the journey of finding your ancestors. Document ALL of your information! Make notes where anything and everything you find comes from, talk to older relatives immediately and record or write ALL of their tales, stories and all they will tell you. Their information may be the most valuable of any information you find. I did not do this and regret it tremendously, but that is for another time.
Hope you enjoyed my words, please visit often and tell others! As always I encourage your comments good and bad. Next time I will actually include genealogical information!
T Bell
There is so much out there that is not accurate and this troubles me as I have previously noted. It is distrubing to spend hours, days, weeks, months or even years sifting through records and documents to find a name or date and then go to someone's family tree and see misinformation. Who among us, who actually puts the time, energy and effort into genealogy wants to discover our ancestor with a wife or husband they did not have? One of my family lines has a fella who, by most anyone's account, is the absolute most knowledgable person anywhere on this family. A few years ago, I came upon a sampling of his work and quickly realized he was mistaken in one of his lines, my line. I contacted him, not to correct him but to ask where he had found the information. He promised he would send me copies of the documents he had used, but the information never arrived nor did he answer my emails.
I truly want to be accurate. Finding factual, documented information is extremely difficult at times and at other times I honestly believe it is impossible. It took me more than thirty years to find my 4th great grandfather Bell, but I found him! Yes, that day I felt like I had won the lottery. Well maybe not one of those huge lotteries, but you know what I mean. A side note: I really would like to know how it feels to win one of those huge lotteries, so anyone with advice on winning, I'm listening.
One final thought to anyone who is just starting the journey of finding your ancestors. Document ALL of your information! Make notes where anything and everything you find comes from, talk to older relatives immediately and record or write ALL of their tales, stories and all they will tell you. Their information may be the most valuable of any information you find. I did not do this and regret it tremendously, but that is for another time.
Hope you enjoyed my words, please visit often and tell others! As always I encourage your comments good and bad. Next time I will actually include genealogical information!
T Bell
13 June 2011
I'm BACK!!!
Wow! Has it really been nine months since I last posted on this blog? As age creeps up on me I have discovered, the passing of time is about the only thing that is faster now than it was 20+ years ago. Sorry, I can't believe I even suggested age is creeping up on me. Heck aging is a runaway train, a space ship traveling at Mach 100! Next month I will turn sixty and that just can't be. It seems like it was just last year I was fifty!
And genealogy, I'm not so sure it's healthy! Researching ancestors means finding dates of death, burial sites, etc. and frankly it's a bit morbid. And then I fnd myself reading obituaries, looking for a recently deceased relative to add to my family tree and yes, that too is morbid. For me it's not easy growing old and those who say it is better than the alternative, huh? Perhaps it is better than the alternative, but such a statement is akin to preferring to be a little sick versus being a lot sick. No one in their right mind wants to be sick period! And while life seems to be better than death, why settle? Why see the world as it is better to be alive than to be dead? Live life to the fullest and make everyday an adventure, not a chore! I stumbled upon this quote a while back and would like to share it.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways in a cloud of dust, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Holy Sh*t! What a Ride!"
I plan to be more in touch and will try and add something to this blog at least once a week. Should ANYONE have ANYTHING they would like to contribute, please use the comment portion.
Have a GREAT week,
T Bell
And genealogy, I'm not so sure it's healthy! Researching ancestors means finding dates of death, burial sites, etc. and frankly it's a bit morbid. And then I fnd myself reading obituaries, looking for a recently deceased relative to add to my family tree and yes, that too is morbid. For me it's not easy growing old and those who say it is better than the alternative, huh? Perhaps it is better than the alternative, but such a statement is akin to preferring to be a little sick versus being a lot sick. No one in their right mind wants to be sick period! And while life seems to be better than death, why settle? Why see the world as it is better to be alive than to be dead? Live life to the fullest and make everyday an adventure, not a chore! I stumbled upon this quote a while back and would like to share it.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways in a cloud of dust, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Holy Sh*t! What a Ride!"
I plan to be more in touch and will try and add something to this blog at least once a week. Should ANYONE have ANYTHING they would like to contribute, please use the comment portion.
Have a GREAT week,
T Bell
04 September 2010
Monument
For this post I am going to veer away from Bell genealogy or any family genealogy and present an article from The Camden Chronicle, from Thursday, September 2, 2010.
Before I begin, this comes from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary to show I am keeping with the genealogy theme of this blog.
Definition of GENEALOGY
1 : an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
2 : regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor or older form : pedigree
3 : the study of family pedigrees
4 : an account of the origin and historical development of something.
Now on to my post -
Wow, I was fully prepared to label “Pilot Knob” as the highest point in West Tennessee. After all, this was something I had been told my entire life, by those I considered knowledgeable and educated in the matter; however, like so many things we “think” we learn as children, myths can take on a factual belief, yet are not necessarily real. Nevertheless, the historical significance of this site cannot be disputed, can it? Does this mean that some day history will be rewritten and future generations will be told the things General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his troops did were basically insignificant? I sincerely hope not!
This is what I discovered regarding “Pilot Knob”, from this website -
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/tn_consv/archive/highpoints.htm
Tennessee’s High Points
By Bob Fulcher
Many of us have repeated the falsehood that Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park’s Pilot Knob is the highest point in West Tennessee. It is a cruel surprise that Pilot Knob is not even the Benton County HP. There are, in fact, 15 West Tennessee peaks on the list higher than our once-thought-to-be-so-special riverfront knob. Chester County’s Sand Mountain, at 740-feet, is the glory, the rooftop, the apex of West Tennessee.
(Bob Fulcher is a regional interpretive specialist for Tennessee State Parks.)
This article doesn't show an author, generally this means a staff writer; however, I am unable to offer credit to anyone, but clearly state it is not my article. Hopefully, I haven't made this too confusing, but I found the article extremely interesting and wanted to share.
In the Fall of 1931, an unidentified man and a monument in memory of Nathan B. Forrest arrived by rail at the Eva Depot from Calhoun, GA. This man stayed at the Holland Hotel in Eva about two weeks until the job of erecting the monument was completed.
Albert Cherry and Oscar Pafford were at the depot when the train arrived. The man said he was looking for someone to help get the monument up the hill and set it up. The monument consisted of the base, middle section and the shaft.
Mr. Cherry and Mr. Pafford contracted the job for $500. The monument was rolled off the train at the depot. Mr. Cherry and Mr. Pafford made wooden wheels for the wagon, Mr. Cherry had four big white horses and after loading the base onto the wagon the horses were hitched to the wagon and pulled the base to the foot of Knob Hill. The horses were unable to pull it up the hill. Mr. Cherry went to Dickson (Note: Dickson was some 50-60 miles or more from Eva) and rented a truck, the wagon was hooked to the truck and the truck couldn't pull up the hill. At this time, Mr. Bob Farmer was the Road Commissioner and he told Mr. Cherry that they had only one dozer, which was in use during the day, but they could use it after work to pull the load. Mr. Carsewell Holland drove the dozer home after work. Mr. Cherry, Mr. Pafford and Mr. Holland hooked the wagon onto the dozer and pulled it up the hill. The other two sections were lighter and were pulled up by the horses and wagon.
When all the pieces were on top of the hill and ready to set into place, some young men were hired to help. They were Ernie Cherry, David B. Pafford, Ben B. Holland, Addilea Hollingsworth and Omas (Bigen) Sanderfur. These young men were paid 25 cents per hour. An A-frame was built, cables were tied to trees with two winches on each side. Leather strips were put under the timber with long bolts to tighten the shaft to lift the set on the second piece. The base was set on lead to keep water out. Between the base and the first piece and the first and shaft a one inch strip of lead was laid around the edge to seal out water also.
Ernie Cherry placed a new Indian Head Penny, heads up on the base before the second piece was set into place. Mr. Ernie Cherry related this information to Clara Nelle Morisette on October 20, 1993. Mr. Cherry was 84 years old and the only one living at this time that helped in the erection of the monument in memory of Nathan Bedford Forrset. Mr. Ernie Cherry died November 21, 1995.
The following is an article that came out in the January 31, 1930 issue of The Camden Chronicle.
Forrest Monument for Pilot Knob -
While at Nashville last week attending the meeting of the Good Roads Association, O.P. Lashlee was informed that the legal status having been settled satisfactorily, a charter would be granted for the Forrest Memorial Park at Pilot Knob on the Tennessee River.
It will be remembered that an appropriation of $10,000 for this purpose was made at the last season of the General Assembly, but the matter was held up until Governor Horton called the extra session, when the bill was revived and adopted.
This means that the money is available and as soon as Spring opens, steps will be taken to have a monument erected on the spot where General Forrest directed the memorable attack on the federal gunboat at Johnsonville in the sixties. Mr. Lashlee is chairman of the park association.
02 September 2010
Alexander Bell
For some time now I have wondered who Alexander Bell was and if or how he was related to me. Here is what I knew about him. According to his tombstone at the Camden City Cemetery, in Camden, TN, he was born 22 October 1830 and died 24 January 1904 and was a Mason, but other than that I knew little about him. So, yesterday I ventured to the Benton County Library in Camden hoping to find answers.
If you have never been to this library and have relatives associated with Benton County I highly recommend a visit. While larger libraries may have more resources their Genealogy Room is well equipped with information pertaining to Benton and surrounding counties, as well as other states. And, if you are there on a Wednesday morning, Ms Virginia Pafford will assist in your efforts. Ms Pafford is knowledgable in a great deal of Benton County history, as well as Benton Countians. There may be others who volunteer and if so I suspect they are also extremely helpful, but Ms Pafford was there yesterday. Also, the lower level of the library, the basement if you will, houses the Archives, a wealth of information and there is a lady there who will gladly assist. I do not remember her name, sorry, but she too was extremely helpful. So if you're in the area, stop by the library I think you'll be glad you did. And if you're a fan of catfish, just down the street and off to the right is the Country and Western Restaurant. Of course, they have much more than catfish and all the trimmings, including a daily lunch buffet, but the catfish is delicious and irresistable.
Now back to Alexander Bell. I know he married Louisa Elizabeth Corbitt, 26 September 1858, in Benton County, TN. When Alex died, an article was written in the 29 January 1904, Camden Chronicle stating he was survived by seven children. In the same newspaper the were two separate notes that mentioned his illness and death. One notes that Carl McRae and his sister, Mrs. E. E. Travis of Memphis were called to Camden the latter part of the previous week due to the illness of their grandfather, Alex Bell.
The second article mentions Ella Lockhart and her two nephews, Charles Collier and Alexander Bell of Stewart were in Camden during the illness and death of her brother, Alex Bell. Research has led me to believe Ella is the shorten version of Louella and Louella E Bell married George W. Lockhart, 6 December 1874, in Houston County, TN. I also suspect the father and mother of Louella Bell are George Washington Bell and Hannah Brown Bell; however, this puts somewhat of a question concerning Alex Bell and Ella Lockhart being siblings. Oh well, this has become typical of late in my research. I find one thing or even a partial something and more confusion erupts.
It seems I am the only one reading this blog, but maybe with a little luck, okay a lot of luck, others will pass through, read my words and spread the word. Maybe then, someone will know the answer to some of my questions and actually be willing to share.
Until next time, have a great day and be thorough in your research!
If you have never been to this library and have relatives associated with Benton County I highly recommend a visit. While larger libraries may have more resources their Genealogy Room is well equipped with information pertaining to Benton and surrounding counties, as well as other states. And, if you are there on a Wednesday morning, Ms Virginia Pafford will assist in your efforts. Ms Pafford is knowledgable in a great deal of Benton County history, as well as Benton Countians. There may be others who volunteer and if so I suspect they are also extremely helpful, but Ms Pafford was there yesterday. Also, the lower level of the library, the basement if you will, houses the Archives, a wealth of information and there is a lady there who will gladly assist. I do not remember her name, sorry, but she too was extremely helpful. So if you're in the area, stop by the library I think you'll be glad you did. And if you're a fan of catfish, just down the street and off to the right is the Country and Western Restaurant. Of course, they have much more than catfish and all the trimmings, including a daily lunch buffet, but the catfish is delicious and irresistable.
Now back to Alexander Bell. I know he married Louisa Elizabeth Corbitt, 26 September 1858, in Benton County, TN. When Alex died, an article was written in the 29 January 1904, Camden Chronicle stating he was survived by seven children. In the same newspaper the were two separate notes that mentioned his illness and death. One notes that Carl McRae and his sister, Mrs. E. E. Travis of Memphis were called to Camden the latter part of the previous week due to the illness of their grandfather, Alex Bell.
The second article mentions Ella Lockhart and her two nephews, Charles Collier and Alexander Bell of Stewart were in Camden during the illness and death of her brother, Alex Bell. Research has led me to believe Ella is the shorten version of Louella and Louella E Bell married George W. Lockhart, 6 December 1874, in Houston County, TN. I also suspect the father and mother of Louella Bell are George Washington Bell and Hannah Brown Bell; however, this puts somewhat of a question concerning Alex Bell and Ella Lockhart being siblings. Oh well, this has become typical of late in my research. I find one thing or even a partial something and more confusion erupts.
It seems I am the only one reading this blog, but maybe with a little luck, okay a lot of luck, others will pass through, read my words and spread the word. Maybe then, someone will know the answer to some of my questions and actually be willing to share.
Until next time, have a great day and be thorough in your research!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)