James Madison Cloud

James Madison Cloud is my 3rd Great Grandfather and brother of another 3rd Great Grandfather, Durgan Cloud.

James Madison Cloud was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina around 1818.  He was the child of William Cloud and Sarah (unknown).

We know in past blogs regarding the father William Cloud that the family moved to Madison County, Alabama in the 1820's and settled in an area that became known as Cloud's Town named for his father who was one of the first merchants in the area.  The town was renamed to Vienna in 1832.  This portion of Alabama was still considered property of the Cherokee Indian tribes.  It wasn't until 1830 that this area of Alabama was open to settlers - so the Cloud clan were essentially squatting until that time. 

The Federal Census of 1830 we find a record for William Cloud, head of household, in Madison County, Alabama.  It is assumed that James was one of the male children listed in the household at that time.  James would have been 12 years old and probably working on the farm as they were farmers.  James mother is not listed in this census so it is also assumed she has passed away prior to 1830.

The 1840 Federal Census is much the same - William Cloud is listed as head of household and we assume one of the adult males ages 20 to 29 is that of James Madison Cloud.  At the time of the 1840 Census William Cloud had 16 slaves living on his property.  James's father, William, passes away in 1846 in Tennessee.  In William's Will he specifically notes that his slaves shall go free and he leaves it up to his executor to make it happen - or move them to a free state if he cannot.  In regards to James he does mention something that I don't quite understand.  In William's Will it states:

  "ITEM OF SECOND.  It is my wish that James M Cloud have Mary Chains daughter for living with, and taking care of me and managing my business for me till my death."

One can make a few assumptions from this statement.  First was that James Madison Cloud must have been helping run the family business - it is believed that William was still running a merchant business of some sort.  Second is that James stayed with his father until his death.  There is also the mention of Mary Chains and/or her daughter - were these slaves that weren't set free but given to James?  James staying with his father and running the business may be the explanation for his age when he first marries.

James Madison Cloud marries Louisa Marie Mann.  James was 27 years old when he first marries - quite old in those times.  Louisa was only 16 years old - an average age for a girl to marry.  They are married in Madison County, Alabama 26 October 1845.

James and Louisa have their first child, Sarah Elizabeth Cloud, in Nashville, Tennessee.  So James and Louisa must have resided there during that time - even though they were married only a year and half earlier in Alabama.  Maybe James was traveling between Madison County, Alabama and Tennessee?  We know that his father, William, owned property in both locations.

By the 1850 Federal Census we find James and Louisa living back in Madison County, Alabama.  They have two children living at home - Sarah and Louisa.  I don't ever see a Mary Chains or a daughter of Mary.  Maybe James opted for Mary Chains and her daughter to go free.  Living next door to James and Louisa is James's brother, Durgan, and his family.  On the other side of James are the parents and family of Louisa Mann - William Mann and Lucinda (McKinney) Mann.  On the other side if the Mann family is a McKinney family - believed to be the parents of Lucinda - so these would be the grandparents of James's wife Louisa.

Louisa and James have two more children, Maria in 1851 and William Adrain Cloud in 1852.  Louisa passes away in August of 1853, leaving James with four very young children.  James remarries only a few months later on 2 January 1854 to Mary Caroline Hammons.  Both marriages can be found online at the Madison County Records Center at http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/index.shtml under the Holdings tab.  James and Mary have two children, James Madison Cloud Jr and Martha Ellen Cloud.

We find the family in the 1860 Federal Census in South Eastern Madison County in the New Hope Post Office.  This record is slightly confusing.  There are two extra children here that I don't have listed for James - they could be children of a relative or another child of James and Mary.  I will post a copy of the record below.  The first one is an Ellich Cloud age 15.  We know Ellich is not a child of James and previous wife Louisa or he would have been in the 1850 Census.  James's second wife, Mary, would have been only 8 years old at the time of Ellich's birth - so it is not a child of hers either.  Another researcher noted this child as Erick Elliott Cloud - adopted son.  I haven't found anything to help prove or disprove that - and I cannot find Ellich in any future records.  The second extra child is Macha Cloud age 1.  This could definitely be a child of Mary and James due to the age.  I am just not sure - as Mary's children with James are listed last - and Macha is listed before them indicating they were not hers? 

UPDATE: After finding the obituary for Louisa Marie Mann I believe the extra child is actually Maria Cloud - child of James and Louisa.  I believe the age is just incorrect.  I had originally believed that Maria had passed away before 1860, and before Louisa's death, but her obituary stated all four children were still living.  Just an assumption.  So I believe that Macha is Maria.

UPDATE II:  I found a death record for a John E Cloud on the familysearch website (www.familysearch.org).  This record states that the parents of John were Jim Cloud and Caroline Hammonds.  His birth is listed as June of 1860.  I believe this to be another child of James Madison Cloud and Mary Caroline Hammons.  This John Cloud can be found living with relatives in the 1870 and 1880 censuses (he was living with half sister Sarah Elizabeth Cloud in 1880).  I've wondered who this John Cloud was and now he fits in!!  He was not born yet in the 1860 Census.

Also in the 1860 Census is a Jane Vann and presumably her son, Jerry, living with the Cloud family.  Their relation, if any, is unknown.  Could they have been slaves given to James by his father?  Their race is not noted either.

His second wife's death date is unknown.

By the 1870 Federal Census none of the individuals listed above can be found except for Sarah Elizabeth Cloud and Martha Ellen cloud - Sarah Cloud is married to George Washington Parker.  Martha Ellen Cloud can be found living with a Hornbuckle family, relation, if any, unknown.  William and Louisa show back up in 1880.  None of the other individuals can be located after this 1860 record.

James Madison Cloud and Louisa Marie Mann had the following children:

1. Sarah Elizabeth Cloud - born 5 May 1847 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.  Dies 5 July 1919 in Paul, Minidoka County, Idaho.  Marries George Washington Parker.
2. Louisa Jane Cloud - born about 1848 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death Unknown. Marries John Sullivan.
3. Maria Cloud - born about 1851 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.
4. William Adrain Cloud - born December 1852 in Madison County, Alabama.  Dies 1923 in New Hope, Madison County, Alabama.

James Madison Cloud and Mary Caroline Hammons had the following children:

1. James Madison Cloud - born about 1855 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.
2. Martha Ellen Cloud - born about 1857 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Marries cousin Waddy Cloud.
3. John E Cloud - born June 1860 in Madison Coounty, Alabama.  Died 9 Nov 1934 in Hobbs Island, Madison County, Alabama.  Married Angie Elizabeth Sewell.

Surname Saturday - PARKER

PARKER - What's in your name?

I found this article posted in a newspaper in the 1970's.  I thought it was interesting and falls in line with the Blog topic for today.

I have transcribed it below:

  In medieval times most English lords had portions of their estates set aside as park land, hunting preserves, or deer parks. One member of their official household was in charge of his preserve and was known by the title "gameskeeper" or "parker." The present day surname Parker owes its origin to this occupation or position.

  The word, itself, comes from the Old French "parquier, parchir" meaning a gameskeeper.  Its French roots are a definite indication that the surname evolved after the Norman conquest of England in 1065. Early records lend credence to this opinion for it is not until 1083 that we find a record of the name in England.  In that year an Anschetil Parcher is listed in the Domesday Bank in Somerset.

  While most of the early Parkers were servants of various English lords, at least one family of Earls of Macclesfield and of Morley, Sir Thomas Parker, the first Earl of Macclesfield, was Lord Chancellor of England in 1718.  In 1725 he was impeached and found guilty of embezzlement.

  The distribution of the name is quite widespread and it is not restricted to the limited areas of England. In a few instances the name disguises the medieval name Porker meaning "swineherd".

  Matthew Parker served as the chaplain to Anne Boleyn.  Other Parkers of note include Dorothy Parker, the American writer, Isaac Parker, the American jurist who was instrumental in the creation of Harvard Law School, and Theodore Parker, Massachusetts Unitarian clergy, who was a leading 19th century abolitionist.

The Parker cost of arms depicted above is but one of the many which are recorded for the name.

Nita Nanette Timmons

Nita lost her battle with cancer last night, March 29, 2011.  She was 40 years old.

Nita at 40 years old last Summer 2010

Nita Nanette Timmons is my 1st Cousin.  Nita is the daughter of Alzora Nanette Parker and Gordon Brown.  Nita's last name came from a previous marriage of Alzora's.

Nita with her mom, Alzora, about 1970

Nita was a very special person to me.  Nita was like having another sibling.  She was with our family all the time. We were very close growing up.  She was born in September of 1970 in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

A family picture.  The two babies are Nita and me.  Nita is on the left, we are sitting on Alzora's knees. Taken about 1971.

Nita was full of life and energy.  She was a joy to be around.  She had a big heart and would do anything for you no matter the inconvenience.  Nita always spoke her mind.  I could go on and on about all of the things I loved about Nita. 

Gotta love that smile!!

Nita with cousin Lisa Lung and Uncle Joe Lung

Nita surrounded by my family

Nita married her high school sweetheart, Shane Jackson, the Summer preceding our Senior year.  I walked her down the aisle.  A couple years later Nita gave birth to her only son, Mathew Jackson.  Mathew was Nita's world from then on.

Nita with her 80's shoulder pads

Nita was diagnosed with breast cancer about 7 years ago.  We all thought she had beat the cancer and then 4 years ago it came back with a vengeance taking over her body.  Nita had her lows and highs but was always positive on the outside.  You could call and talk to Nita and you would never know how sick she was - she sounded like the same old Nita from 20 years ago.  She did not like to be 'boobin' as she put it.  Crying was something she did not like to do - that was a private thing for her.  I always tried to make her laugh and forget about what she was going through when we talked. 

Such a sweet smile

Another pretty picture

There were some happy times in the last few years. Nita was able to come out and see me in Minnesota in 2009.  We were able to get the family together in the Summer of 2010 and celebrated her 40th birthday.  I think that touched Nita.  She was not expecting that birthday cake!  She did not like to be felt sorry for.

Nita and me in Minnesota

Summer 2010 - The Three Amigos - Lisa Lung, Steven Gunter and Nita Timmons

You could count on Nita to say what was on her mind.  She never waivered from honesty.  My daughters downloaded a song a few backs and it reminds a bit of Nita.  I have posted the song below.  Even though the title of song, Big Mouth, seems a bit negative, I don't see it that way.  Nita was passionate and just said what she thought.  Her Big Mouth - was a good thing.

Nita will always hold a special place in my heart.  I will miss her greatly.  She was a very special person.  I am very glad that her suffering is finally over and she can finally rest.



Sarah Elizabeth Cloud

Sarah Elizabeth Cloud is my Great Great Grandmother.

Sarah was born 5 May 1847 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.  Her parents were James Madison Cloud and Louis Marie Mann. 

The first census we find Sarah in is the 1850 Census in Madison County, Alabama.  She is living with her parents and younger sister, Louisa.  Living next door is the William Mann family (wife Lucinda - possible last name McKinney) - these are Louisa's parents.  Living next door on the other side is the Durgan Cloud family - we will also link into this family later in the family line via Elizabeth Ellen Cloud - who marries one of Sarah's sons.  Sarah's father is a first cousin to Durgan.  Two doors down on the other side of the Mann family is Thomas and Jane McKinney.  It is in this McKinney household that we will find Sarah's future husband in ten years later in the 1860 Census.  It is thought that Thomas and Jane might be the parents of Lucinda - who is married to William Mann.  It is unknown what Thomas and Jane's relationship to Sarah's future husband, George Parker, is.

Sarah's mother, Louisa, dies at the young age of 24 in 1853 in Madison County.  By that time Sarah's younger sister, Louisa has passed away as well as another young sibling, Maria.  There is one other surviving sibling of Sarah's though, William Adrain Cloud.  William is only one year old when his mother passes away.  The same year that Sarah's mother passes away her father remarries a Mary Hammond.  It is with Mary and James that we find Sarah with in the 1860 Census.  By 1860 Sarah has two new half siblings born to Mary Hammond and James Madison Cloud.  They are James Madison Cloud Jr and Martha Ellen Cloud.  There are a few other extra children in the household - that I don't have on my list of family.  There is Ellick who is 15 years old, Martha and William who are both 1 years old.  There are all Cloud's - I just didn't have them listed in the family notes.  I will need to research further who these children are.  I would assume that Martha and William, both age 1, are also the children of Mary and James.  Ellick can found on some other family trees online and listed as 'adopted'.  I need to confirm these.

Sarah marries George Washington Parker 16 April 1865 in Madison County, Alabama.  When we find Sarah next in the 1870 Census she has two children born to her,  Louisa Jane Parker and James Madison Parker. By 1880 they are still in Madison County.  Louisa Jane has passed away.  James, as well as new children, William, Elizabeth and George are there also.  Her husband is farming - as he was in 1870 also.  Three more children are born during the 1880's - Garrett, Mary and Thomas. 

Sarah and her husband George are mentioned in the Last Will for her Grandfather, William Cloud.  This is ironic considering William passed away in 1846 - a year before either Sarah or George were born.  Apparently when William Cloud passed away his Will stated that his children could live on his land in Madison County, Alabama for three years.  After three years the property was to be sold and the proceeds were to divided amongst the grandchildren.  The children were able to get that time extended until the 1880's!  It was finally in 1888 when the Will was settled.  I'm not sure if it is known how much each grandchildren actually inherited.

Sarah's husband, George, passes away in 1895 in Madison County.  Sarah is left alone to raise her family.  James Madison Parker was married in 1889 but the remaining children all still living at home.  We find the famliy next in 1900 living in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  The family is all working in a cotton mill - most likely the Dallas Mill in Eastern Huntsville.  The 1900 Census indicates the Sarah gave birth to 8 children and only 7 are still living.  Louis Jane Parker is the child that has already passed away.

We find the family next in 1910 in Blackfoot, Bingham County, Idaho.  By this time her daughter, Elizabeth Ellen Parker, is no longer there.  It is presumed that she passed away some time between 1900 and 1910.  The family is farming again, the is time in Idaho.  We know that the family came to Idaho around 1904 - per the obituary of George Archie Parker - it notes this is when he starts working at the Utah Idaho Sugar Company.  We also know that Sarah had recently moved to Paul, Idaho at the time of her death in 1919 - from Denver, Colorado.  Many of her sons 1917/1918 draft cards refer to her residence at that time as Rockyford, Colorado - this location is just Southeast of Denver by 150 miles.

As I stated above Sarah Elizabeth Cloud Parker passes away in Paul, Minidoka County, Idaho 5 July 1919.  Her obituary says that she had recently moved there with her sons.  Her obituary says she dies from heart disease and that she died suddenly after an illness of only 12 hours.  She was 72 years old when she dies.  Below is  copy of the obituary, below that is her death certificate.

The death cerficate for Sarah references her mother as Caroline Mann - not Louisa Marie Mann.  The person who filled out the certificate appears to be George Archie Parker.  Since Louisa passed away when Sarah was so young we know George never knew her, Sarah probably barely remembered her.  It could be a reference to her step mother Mary - as her middle name may be Caroline.  Either way - I don't believe that information to be correct, and George was just going off of what he may have remembered. I do not know where Sarah is buried in Paul, Idaho.

This post completes George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud and their eight children.  I hope I have portrayed what I do know accurately.  I learned a few new things along this small journey, which is interesting to me.  I never put together the Dallas Mill employment until I set out to put the timeline into words - that is a link I may look more into.  There is the still the Mary Ellen Parker descendants from her and Porter Bowers - I would like to be able to contact some of them.  Thanks for reading - I will begin a new family shortly!

Steven Ray Gunter

Me?

I've had a few people ask why I didn't start my family blog with Gunter.  One would think that would be the most logical choice. I thought I should take a post to explain that a bit further. The answer is pretty simple.  Gunter is not my real surname.  I carry on the surname of my older sister's father, Emory Willie Gunter.

So what do I know about who my father is?  About as much as you.  My mother said she met 'Bob'....and the rest is history!  'Bob' would have been stationed in Mountain Home AFB in Jan/Feb of 1970.  My mom said she remembers that he was on his way home at the time she met him and that he lived somewhere in the South.  She believes she recalls that he was the son of a preacher.  She never got his last name.

So what have I done to find this mystery man?  Last year I decided to take a step towards finding him by trying to determine what my surname is.  I was going to try and do this by taking a DNA test.  I was hoping that I would match with a large number of the same surname individuals.  That would at least give me a surname - and a place to start.  So - I sent away for the kit - as a Father's Day gift from my wife and kids.  I received the kit a few weeks later, swabbed my cheek immediately and mailed it back.  The wait for a result was agonizing!  It took about 6 weeks to get the results.  The results were a bit disappointing.  I got probably 100 matches with about that many surnames!!  Apparently my DNA is about the most common of European descent.  The only real information that I got was that my father was most likely of Irish or Scottish heritage.  So now I know why I am so lucky!!

So - that was a bit of a blow to the plan.  Next I decided to contact the Air Force to see if I could get a list of the personnel stationed in Mountain Home, ID in 1970.  I could then cross reference that list with the matching surnames from the DNA test - and of course only look at the Bob, Bobby, Rob, Roberts...etc.  So I put in the request and it only took about 3 days to hear back from them.  The roster list from 1970 has been destroyed - apparently they only keep certain records for so long.  A second blow to the plan.  The picture below is me when I was 18 entering the military - maybe he looked something like this?

I'm getting ready for strike three.  I submitted my information to 'The Locator'.  We'll see if they are interested in helping me find someone who is almost impossible to find!!

That is the quick story of search for my father - and why I didn't start this blog with some Gunter ancestry.....not to say that I won't go down my sister's line....because I will! I started with Parker because that is my mother's surname.

For now - I will remain the fatherless child.

Happy St Patricks Day!!!  I will continue with some family ancestry on the next blog!!

Thomas Gordon Parker

Thomas Gordon Parker is the brother of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

Thomas was the youngest of the Parker clan.  He was born 16 November 1885 on McKinney Mountain, Madison County, Alabama.  This would be in the New Hope, Alabama area - what was once called Cloud's Town. His parents were George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud. 

Thomas was only 9 years old when his father passed away in January of 1895.  I believe life must have changed drastically for the Parkers when this happened.  They had always lived and farmed in New Hope until George died.  After his death we find the Parker family moving to the 'big' city of Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  It is unknown why the family 'sold the farm' as it is assumed they did.  But, when we find Thomas next, he is in the 1900 Census in Huntsville and the whole family is working at the cotton mill.  Thomas is only 14 years old - but he is still working to help support the family.  You can see a picture of the Dallas Mill, where I believe the family worked, in the blog on Garrett Preston Parker.

In 1910 we find Thomas - referred to as Gordon from here on - living with his mother and siblings in Blackfoot, Bingham County, Idaho.  His occupation is listed as farming.

At some point between 1910 and 1914 Gordon moves down to Utah.  He marries Margaret Buchanan Shepherd 18 July 1914 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Margaret is the daughter of John Shepherd and Elizabeth Stratton, both from Scotland.  Below is a news article with an account of the marriage date as stated by Margaret years later - I'm not sure of the reason for the article.

 Their first child was born in December of 1915 named Nona Jeannette Parker in Roosevelt, Sevier County, Utah.

In the military draft record of 1918 we find Gordon in Elsinore, Sevier County, Utah.  He is employed at the Utah Idaho Sugar Company.  He is described as tall, of medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair.  His permanent home address is listed as Rockyford, CO - so we can assume that he and Margaret lived there for a while prior to 1918.  It's possible, and likely, that Gordon's nephew, Thomas Watson Parker, is living with him at this time.  This is due to the fact that Thomas Watson Parker also filled out the military draft card in Sevier County - although one year earlier - and Thomas Watson was also employed at the Sugar Company.  The draft record is below for Gordon.

I have been unable to find Gordon in the 1920 Census.   Their second child, Mazie Marjorie Parker, was born in Dragon, Utah in 1920 - so this is where they reside even though the census doesn't show him.  We do find Margaret's parents living in Dragon, UT in 1920 - most likely Gordon and Margaret and Nona are living with them.  We do know that in 1921 Gordon was in Canyon County, Idaho from the moonshining news article posted on the blog about Garrett Preston Parker.  Also Margaret and Gordon had a son that was not named in 1922 in Canyon County, ID, the son did not survive.  They are still in Idaho in 1923 when their next child is born, Creede M Parker.  By 1925 they are back in Utah.  They have another child born, Elizabeth Maxine Parker, in November of that year.  Elizabeth passes away in February of 1926 of pneumonia in Dragon, Uintah County, UT.

The following picture is probably taken some time around 1928, presumably in the Dragon, Utah area.  From left is John Shepherd, Elizabeth Stratton Shepherd, George Archie Parker (this could also be Thomas Gordon Parker), George Hunting, Ellen (Nellie) Shepherd Hunting, Nona Jeannette Parker, standing in front is Mazie Marjorie Parker and Creede M. Parker.  This picture was provided by the daughter of Nona Parker, Louise Banta Sharp.

We find Gordon in the 1930 Census living in Garland, Box Elder County, Utah.  There is a note on the census that says 'no house number'.  It also says 'West Mountain Road - State Road north of Sugar Factory'.  This area must be pretty rural.  My mother recalls going to stay at an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere that used to belong to Aunt Margaret, as she said.  She said it had dirt floors but had a built in bed.  The stove was outside the house.  She said when they went to stay there, there was still canned food in the cellar - and they ate it.  My Mom said she loved staying at this abandoned house - even though they were only there for a short time.

This next picture would have been taken around 1941.  They were together saying goodbye to Creede as he entered the Army.  From the left is Ellen Shepherd Hunting, George Hunting, George Archie Parker, Creede Parker, Gordon Parker, Nona Parker Banta.  Seated is Elizabeth Stratton Shepherd.  The children are Nona's.  They are Jeanne, LaReta and Louise.  Louise supplied me with this wonderful photo.  Thanks Louise!!

Gordon Thomas Parker and Margaret Buchanon Shepherd had the following children:

1. Nona Jeannette Parker - born 15 Dec 1915 in Roosevelt, Sevier, UT, died 22 Jun 1981 in Ventura, CA.  Married Robert Anderson Banta. Married Harland Lee Miler. 

2. Mazie Marjorie Parker - born 25 Sep 1920 in Dragon, Uintah, UT, died 11 Feb 2000 in Bremerton, Kitsap, WA.  Married Francis Luther Swett.  Married Robert Henry Tromley.

3. un-named boy - born 17 Dec 1922 in Nampa, Canyon, ID, died 17 Dec 1922 in Nampa, Canyon, ID

4. Creede M Parker - born 1923 in Nampa, Canyon, ID, died 2 Jan 1946 in the Phillipines (World War II)

5. Elizabeth Maxine Parker - born 10 Nov 1925 in Dragon, Uintah, UT, died 21 Feb 1926 in Dragon, Uintah, UT

The Parker family left the rural Utah area for the Northwest settling in Bremerton, Washington.  This happened sometime around 1950.  Gordon passed away in 1961 in Washington.  I have been unable to locate an obituary, death record or a headstone photograph.  I'm not sure where he is buried but it is most likely in Bremerton.  Margaret also passes away there in 1981.

Mary Ellen Parker

Mary Ellen Parker is the sister of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

Mary was born 12 November 1883 on McKinney Mountain, Madison County, Alabama.  She was the youngest daughter of George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.  This Parker family all grew up in what appears to be in the same place from birth until the death of the father, George, in 1895.  The area was originally called Clouds Town or Clouds Cove, then renamed to Vienna at some point and finally called New Hope sometime around the Civil War.  So by the time Mary is born it is called New Hope.  There was an area still referred to as Clouds Cove. Because this community was so small it appears it only contained one school house.  Pictured below is the school for Clouds Cove - this is most likely where all of these Parker children went to school.

The first census we find Mary Ellen in is the 1900 Census living in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  She is working at the cotton mill along with her brothers.  The mill is most likely the Dallas Mill - see previous post for Garrett Preston Parker for a picture of the mill.  It looks like none of the children are going to school in 1900 though - Mary is only 16 years old but is working to help support the family, as well is her younger brother Thomas Gordon Parker who is only 13 years old. 

We find Mary next in Blackfoot, Bingham County, Idaho in 1910.  She is again living with her mother and brothers.  She is not working at this time.  It is listed that she can read and write.  At some point within the next year she meets and marries her husband Porter Dallas Bowers.  Porter's parents were Isaac Bowers and Adaline Holwick. They are married 18 February 1911 in Blackfoot, Bingham County, Idaho.  What is unknown is how they would have met.  In 1910 Porter is living in Cornwall, Latah County, Idaho and that is back where him and Mary are living when he fills out his World War I draft card in 1917.  So it appears he came down to Blackfoot for the purpose of marrying Mary - and then went back home with her to Cornwall.  These two Idaho towns are 600 miles apart and it is not a direct route from one to the other, even today.  I do wonder the circumstances of this marriage.

As stated Mary is in Cornwall, Latah County, Idaho in 1917 living with her husband.  We do know her brother, Garrett Preston Parker, was living with them as well, as stated on his draft card as well.  This is still where we find Mary in the next census of 1920.  In 1920 they have 4 children living with, Missiline, Fred A., Jessie, and William.  The father is farming.  By 1921 the family has moved to Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho - this is where we find the grave of William Francis Bowers who passes away in July of that year.

In 1930 the Bowers family are still in Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho.  Porter is now the manager of a hotel.  The family has 8 lodgers living with them.  They now have 5 children living at home - two new ones, Flossie and John are now there.  The eldest child, Missiline (referred to in this census as Minnie), is working at a produce shed as an egg counter?  I can't really read the occupation, so I'll paste it here for you, reader, to decipher. Update - the occupation is egg candler! Thanks Connie!

As far as I can tell Mary and Porter had the following children:

1. Missiline Bowers - born 1912 in Latah County, Idaho

2. Fred A Bowers - born 11 Jan 1913 in Latah County, Idaho, died 17 Oct 1971 in Canyon County, Idaho

3. Jessie B Bowers - born 1915 in Latah County, Idaho

4. William F Bowers - born 19 Jul 1916 in Latah County, Idaho, dies 21 Jul 1921 in Canyon County, Idaho

5. Flossie B Bowers - born 25 Mar 1921 in Idaho, married a Mr. Dobson

6. John Raymond Bowers - born 1 Jul 1922 in Idaho, died Dec 1970 in Canyon County, Idaho

I have been unable to find much information on the Bowers family.  It's a bit frustrating considering it appears like they lived in Caldwell, Id - not too far from where I grew up. 

Mary passed away 24 August 1965 in Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho.  Her obituary references that all but one of the children listed above are still living.  Mary and Porter are buried in the Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa, Idaho.  They have a joint headstone pictured below.

Here is the obituary:

Garrett Preston Parker

Garrett Preston Parker is the brother of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

Garrett was born 25 May 1882 on McKinney Mountain, Madison County, Alabama to George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.  He was only 12 years old when his father passes away in January of 1895.  The first record we have for Garrett is the 1900 Census.  Here we find him living with his mother and siblings.  His occupation is a spinner in a cotton mill in Huntsville, Alabama.  I should note his whole family is working in the cotton mill with the exception of his mother, Sarah, and his oldest sister, Lizzie.  Lizzie was 21 years old and not married - I wonder why she was not working also?  His younger sister Mary Ellen was working in the cotton mill - so it couldn't a gender thing.  Of course this was the last record we saw for Lizzie - maybe her health wasn't good. 

I'm not sure which cotton mill the family was working in - or how many there even were.  But most likely they worked at the Dallas Mill. This is based on some assumptions.  First - in the 1900 Census all the families around them are also working at a cotton mill.  The Dallas Mill provided everything for employees who worked there, housing, medical, groceries - they acted as their own small community. Second, on the previous page of the 1900 Census (so it could on the same street or still very close) the occupation of a resident was listed as Police in the town of Dallas.  So I think they very easily could have been employed at the Dallas Mill in 1900.  I have attached a picture below of the mill.  I borrowed this picture from the website titled Alabama Mosaic - that houses many photographs of Alabama history.  I will have to spend more time looking at the Dallas Mill photographs to see if I can lucky with a family photo!!

By 1910 the family is living in Idaho.  His occupation is now farming - along with the rest of his siblings.  What brought the family to Idaho is unknown.  Maybe they did not enjoy the life working at the cotton mill in Alabama.  The eldest son in the family, James Madison Parker, had already moved west.  It's possible the family followed James.

We know that Garrett is still in Idaho in 1918 when he filled out the draft card for World War I.  On his draft card he is living in Moscow, Latah County, Idaho.  He is listed as medium height, medium build, and having blue eyes and brown hair.  He has one physical impairment - he has one lost finger.  Hmmm, I wonder if that happened at the cotton mill!  His occupation is listed as farm laborer and he lists that he works for Porter Bowers - Porter is the husband of his younger sister Mary Ellen Parker.  I have attached the draft card below.

In 1920 we find Garrett in Cornwall, Latah County, Idaho.  He is living with his sister, Mary Ellen, and her family.  His occupation is farmer - working for Mary's husband, Porter.

By 1921 Garrett is in Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho.  He is living at a residence with at least two of his brothers, Gordon and Archie.  We know this because all three brothers were arrested in 1921 for making moonshine at their home.  Seized during the arrest was two barrels of corn mash, a large copper boiler and a large quantity of moonshine.  It should be noted that George Archie Parker escaped during the arrest.  The news article is below.

In 1930 we find Garrett and his brother George Archie living with their younger brother, Thomas Gordon Parker, and his family in Garland, Box Elder County, Utah.  I wonder if these three Parker brothers are still making moonshine!

Garrett Preston Parker dies 15 July 1940 in Provo, Utah.  He had been living at the Utah State Hospital for 3 months when he passes away.  The reason for death is listed as Cerebral Thrombosis - most likely a stroke.  It listed his normal residence as Leota, Uintah County, Utah - which would have been close to his brother, Gordon.  He was single and it is not known if he ever fathered any children.

Here is his death certificate.

Garrett is buried in the Provo City Cemetery.  I have requested a picture of his headstone from Find A Grave.  I will add to this post when that request is fulfilled. Update the area of the Provo City Cemetery that Garrett is buried in does not have any headstones.  This are was reserved for the 'paupers' or poor people.  Sad.

George Archie Parker

George Archie Parker is the brother of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

George was born 14 January 1879 on McKinney Mountain, Madison County, Alabama.  George was the 5th born child to George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.  George is first found in the 1880 Census, Madison County, Alabama, living with his parents and siblings.

George's father passed away in 1895 on January 25th, just 11 days after George turned 16 years old.  George Archie can be found living in Huntsville, Alabama in the 1900 Census where his profession is listed as a spinner at a cotton mill.

The next record for George is a marriage certificate from 1908.  George married Frankie Hill in Lonoke County, Arkansas.  Frankie Hill's parents were John Hill and Alva Jennings.  This information comes from Nancy Beene - a Grand Daughter of George Parker.  Below is a copy of the marriage certificate.

In 1910 we find George in two different census's.  The first finds him in Richwoods, Lonoke County, Arkansas living with his wife Frankie.  His occupation is a farmer.  Also in 1910 we find George A Parker living with his mother and siblings in Blackfoot, Bingham County, Idaho.  Here is occupation is listed as a laborer at a sugar factory.  This holds up to the later obituary for George which stated he worked for Utah-Idaho Sugar Company for 15 years as a bookkeeper.

We find the World War I Draft Registration card for George Archie Parker and it lists his residence in 1918 as Otero, Colorado.  On this he lists relaves, namely his mother, as living in Rockyford, Colorado.  George's obituary says he went to Barber College in Denver, Colorado in 1919.  The draft card is below.

By 1920 George and Frankie have had two children, Leslie Forrest Parker and Cecil Parker.  This family is found in the 1920 Census living in Crooked Creek, Lononke County, Arkansas.  His occupation is a farmer.

We do know that in 1921 George Archie Parker was in Idaho again living with his family as there is a newspaper article where he is arrested with his two younger brothers for making moonshine in Nampa, Idaho.  I will post this newpaper article with his brother's, Preston Garrett Parker, blog.  There is not much information on Preston - so I thought it would fit nicer there.

By 1930 we have George in two census's again.  The first finds him in Fletcher, Lonoke County, Arkansas.  His son Cecil passed away in 1920 and his wife Frankie passed away in 1923.  So Leslie Forrest Parker is the only relative living with him.  George and Leslie are living with a Hill family - presumably a relation from his wife's family.  His occupation is farmer. The second census finds him Garland, Box Elder County, Utah living with his brother's family. Here his occupation is sheep herder.

Below are two pictures of George Archie Parker.  One is from Nancy Beene, the Grand Daughter from Arkansas of George and the other was supplied by Louise Sharp, the Grand Daughter of Thomas Gordon Parker whom George was living with in 1930 - and at the time of his death in 1949.

This is picture from approximately 1928 taken in Utah.

This picture is from 1937 taken in Arkansas.  He is holding the daughter of Leslie Forrest Parker.

George passes away 26 January 1949 in Vernal, Uintah County, Utah.  Below is the obituary and the death certificate.

Some of the pallbearer's at his funeral were Harland Lee Miler, the 2nd husband of George's niece, Nona Jeannette Parker, George Hunting is his brother's (Thomas Gordon Parker) brother-in-law (married to Gordon's wife's sister Ellen Shepherd), John Parker is a cousin (son of James Madison Parker - his uncle).  Not sure who the others are or if they were related.

William Lottie Parker

William Lottie Parker is the brother of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

William was born 27 August 1874 on McKinney Moutain, Madison County, Alabama.  He was the 3rd child  born to George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.  I have seen some online trees list William's middle name as Loton.  He is referred to as Lottie in the obiturary for his brother, James Madison Parker.  Most of the census's have him just listed by his first name of William.

William is found in the 1880 Census in Madison County living with his parents and siblings.  We next find William in the 1990 Census living in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  He is living with his widowed mother, Sarah, and five other siblings.  His profession is listed as a weaver in a cotton mill.

1910 is an odd census for William because he is found in two locations.  The first location he is found in Richwoods, Lonoke County, Arkansas living with his brother, George.  His profession is listed as a farm laborer.  Also in 1910 he is found in Blackfoot, ID living with widowed mother and four siblings.

William marries Mary (Mollie) Talley back in Madison County, Alabama in 1919.  Mollie is the daughter of James Talley and Sarah (last name unknown).  I cannot find where I got the 1919 date from.  But, by 1920 William is living with his wife in Madison Crossroads, Madison County, Alabama.  His occupation is listed as farmer. Living next door is Mollie's father, James Talley, with two of her brothers.  It is unknown why William went back to Alabama as the rest of the children all remained in the West.  One thing that might have led to that was the death of his mother, Sarah, in 1919.  She passed away in June of that year in Idaho.

In 1930 William and Mollie are living with James Talley.  William is still a farmer in Madison Crossroads.  They are both in thier fifties by this time.  Is appears there were no children born to William and Mollie.

William passes away 11 September 1952 in Madison Crossroads.  The death record can be found on Ancestry.com in the Alabama Deaths, 1908-59.  Mollie lives another 6 years and passes away in 1958. They are both buried in the Madison Crossroads Cemetery.  Thier joint headstone is pictured below.

James Madison Parker

James Madison Parker is my Great Grandfather.

James is the eldest son of George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.  James was born in Madison County 23 February 1868 on McKinney Mountain.  I presume he was named after Sarah's father, James Madison Cloud. 

James can be found in the 1870 & 1880 census living in New Hope, Madison County, Alabama.  At the age of 12 in 1880 he is listed as a farm laborer.  He is listed as not being able to write, but the box for can not read is not checked - so you would assume he could.  James marries Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Ellen Cloud on 8 September 1889 in Madison County, Alabama.  Lizzie is the daughter of William Jackson Cloud and Mary B. Bush.  In case you were thinking it, yes, James and Lizzie were related.  They were 2nd cousins - they shared the same Great Grandfather, William Cloud. The marriage record can be found on the Madison County Records website.  Also on this site under the Unofficial Record of County births, two birth dates are found - the children's names are not listed.  James's occupation is listed as farmer.

James and Lizzie have 4 children all born in Madison County, Alabama.  The death of his father, George, seems to have been the catalyst for change.  George dies in 1895 in Madison County and the next record we find for James is the birth of his 5th child, John Owens Parker, in Hickory Ridge, Cross County, Arkansas.  By 1900 this Parker family can be found living in Snowflake Town, Navajo County, Arizona.  Thier 6th child is born here.  In this census his occupation is listed as 'day laborer'.  Two of his children are in school.  Of the 6 births given by Lizzie 4 children remain living.  James is listed as being unemployed for 6 months during the last 12 months.  The children in school are listed as only being in school for two months - and that was in June of 1900.  So I would assum the Parker family arrived in Snowflake Town around April 1900.

1910 finds the Parker family in Bingham, Blackfoot County, Idaho.  They have 7 children living with them.  James's occupation is listed as a farmer.  The youngest daughter at this time is Mattie Marie Parker, 10 months old.  By December of 1910 Mattie passes away.  She is buried in the Grove City Cemetery.  The picture below is of James Madison Parker with his wife Lizzie Ellen Cloud Parker and thier youngest daughter, Mattie Marie Parker.  I got this picture from Jim Lattimer - Jim is married to a descendant of James Parker's daughter, Cora Alice Parker.

By 1920 the Parker family is living in Monroe, Sevier County, Utah.  His occupation is day laborer.  He is a home owner at this time.  They have 8 children living with them.  One is my Grandfather, Raymond Leslie Parker who was born in 1915 in Blackfoot, ID.  They are still living in Utah in 1930 but in Peterson, Morgan County.  James is now renting his home and his occupation is a farm operator.

The next decade was a rough on the Parker family.  Thie oldest son, Thomas Watson Parker, commits suicide in 1931 by throwing himself in front of a train in Utah.  Two more sons would lost thier lives in 1932.  James Madison Parker Jr died in March of 1932.  I'm not sure how he died but my mother tells a story that he father told her of finding one of his brother's after he has shot himself out back of the house in a chicken coup. Newell Homer Parker was shot and killed in June of 1932 in Hobbs Island, Alabama.  The family most likely moved back there after Thomas and James killed themselves - or may have just been back visiting relatives.  Lizzie Ellen Cloud Parker wrote a book about the death of Newell in Alabama.  I will post that later. One of thier daughters, Lizzie Ellen Parker (whom was married at the time to Lawrence Wesely Roberts, died in 1934 after a lingerin illness.  Not a good decade for them.

At some point James Madison Parker joins the Mormon Church.  At the time of his death he was an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  According to his obituary he wrote articles dealing with pensions for the Pensioner publication.  He passed away 5 October 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

James and Lizzie had the following children:

1. Carrie Dallas Parker - born 26 Aug 1890 in Madison County, AL, dies 12 May 1891 in Madison County, AL
2. Cora Alice Parker - born 15 Jan 1892 in Madison County, AL, dies 18 Jul 1968 in Blackfoot, ID.  She marries Andrew Virgil Baldwin.
3. Thomas Watson Parker - born 25 Oct 1893 in Madison County, AL, dies 25 Mar 1931 in Box Elder, UT.  Never married.
4. Annie May Parker - born 4 Sep 1895 in Madison County, AL, dies 30 Sep 1896 in Madison County, AL.
5. John Owens Parker - born 21 Jul 1897 in Hickory Ridge, Cross County, AR, dies 24 Feb 1975 in Draper, UT.  Marries Ruby Dean Bowden.
6. James Madison Parker Jr - born 16 Apr 1900 in Snowflake Town, Navajo County, AZ, dies 16 Mar 1932 in an unknown location. Never married.
7. Lizzie Ellen Parker - born 6 May 1903 in Littlefield, AZ, dies 18 Feb 1934 in Salt Lake City, UT. Marries Lawrence Wesley Roberts.
8. Ethel Bell Parker - born 6 Dec 1904 in Denver, CO, dies 22 Dec 1975 in Draper, UT.  Marries Nathan Baldwin.
9. Un-named boy Parker - born and dies in 1905 in Colorado.
10. Mattie Marie Parker - born 6 Jul 1909 in Blackfoot, ID, dies 15 Dec 1910 in Blackfoot, ID.
11. Laura Thelma Parker - born 1 Mar 1911 in Blackfoot, ID, dies 15 May 1972 in Clearfield, UT.  Marries Herbert Harris Hanney.
12. Newell Homer Parker - born 11 Sep 1912 in Blackfoot, ID, dies 6 Jun 1932 in Madison County, AL. Never married.
13. Raymond Leslie Parker - born 27 Feb 1915 in Blackfoot, ID, dies 25 Jan 1974 in Boise, ID.  Marries Virginia Dorthea Conkey.

Below are two obituaries for James and his death certificate.  The obituaries are again supplied by Jim Lattimer.

Louisa Jane Parker & Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Bell Parker

I'm going to cover both of these Parker daughters in one post because not much is known about either of them.

Louisa Jane Parker and Lizzie Bell Parker are the sister's of my Great Grandfather, James Madison Parker.

Louisa Jane Parker was the oldest daughter born to George Washington Parker and Sarah Elizabeth Cloud on 13 April 1866 on Mckinney Mountain in Madison County, Alabama.  One can presume that she was named after Sarah's mother, Louisa Marie Mann.  Although Sarah had a sister named Louisa Jane Cloud.  So thier eldest daughter could definately have been named after both the Grandmother, whom had passed away when Sarah was only 6 years old, or the sister.  Louisa Jane Parker died at the early age of 7 years old.  Louisa can be found in the 1870 census living with her parents and brother James Madison Parker in Madison County, Alabama.  She is not found in any other records.  I have not been able to prove the death date with a record to back it up.  She is thought to have died 14 November 1873.

Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Bell Parker was 4th born child to George and Sarah.  She was born on McKinney Mountain, Madison County, Alabama on 20 February 1877.  Lizzie can be foun in the 1880 census in Madison County, Alabama living with her parents and siblings.  She can be found again in the 1900 census living in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  Her father has passed away be this time and she is living with her mother and siblings. It is not known if Lizzie ever married or when she passed away.  She is not found in any of the households in the 1910 census of her mother or siblings.

I have not been able to find any other information on these two daughters of George and Sarah.  No known pictures exist of these two daughters.

George Washington Parker

We will start with the oldest known Parker relation.

George Washington Parker is believed to have been born in Alabama, January 18th, 1847.  George would me my Great Great Grandfather. I do not recall where I got the exact birth date from.  It was always rumored that Ethel Bell Parker Baldwin had done extensive family history research many years ago.  Possibly she was able to discover this information.  I will continue to look through my information to see if I can attribute the date.  The year can be found in the U.S. & International Marriage Records, 1560 - 1900.  Also the census's that George is found corroborate this year.

In 1860 there is a Geo Parker living with a Thomas and Jane McKinney in Post Office New Hope, Madison County, Alabama.  His birth state is listed as Alabama and he is listed as attending school - he would have been 13 years old.  Could he be a relative of the McKinney's?  That is unknown.  Many of the online research information on this Parker line state his children were born on McKinney Mountain - is that a reference to the home of the McKinney's where George was living in 1860?  I believe this to be the correct George Parker partly because the McKinney link but also because living only a few houses away is George's future wife, Sarah Elizabeth Cloud.

George Washington Parker married Sarah Elizabeth Cloud on 16 April 1865 in Madison County, Alabama.  This information is found in the online Marriage Records.  Sarah Elizabeth Cloud is the daughter of James Madison Cloud and Louisa Marie Mann.  This is from the Family Data Collections posted online in Ancestry.  There is one record that contradicts this and that is the Death record for Sarah - it lists her mother as Caroline Mann and not Louisa.  The 1850 Census record corroborates the mother as Louisa.

In 1870 George and Sarah are found living in Madison County, Gurleysville Post Office.  They have two children by this time, Louisa age 4 and James age 2.  This would be James Madison Parker - my Great Grandfather.  Also living with George and Sarah are a black family - William and Maria Love and their two children.  George's profession is listed as a farmer - with William Love listed as a farm laborer.  The census lists George's birth state as Alabama, Sarah's as Tennessee and Louisa and James as Alabama.  George and Sarah as able to read and write as indicated on the census as well.

In 1880 George and Sarah are still residing in Madison County, Alabama.  They now have 4 children living with them.  They are James age 12, William age 7, Elizabeth age 4 and George age 1.  Louisa is no longer living by 1880.  George's profession is still listed as a farmer.

There are no more records that reference George Washington Parker.  It is unknown who his parents were.  George is not living by the 1900 Census that finds Sarah with some of their children living in Huntsville, Alabama. I have found online tree's that list his death date as 25 January 1895 in New Hope, Alabama.  It appears George was born, lived, and died in the same vicinity his whole life.  We know he went to school and was able to read and write - and like most men in that era he was farmer and earned his living the old fashioned way - with his back and bare hands.

George and Sarah had the following children - each of which I will cover in future posts:

1. Louisa Jane Parker - born 13 April 1866 in Madison County, AL, died 14 Nov 1873 in Madison County, AL
2. James Madison Parker - born 23 February 1868 in Madison County, AL, died 5 October, 1949 in Salt Lake City, UT.  James married Elizabeth Ellen Cloud.
3. William Lottie Parker - born 27 August 1874 in Madison County, AL, died in 1952 in Owens Cross Roads, AL.  William married Mollie Talley.
4. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bell Parker - born 20 February 1877 in Madison County, AL, death is unknown.  It is not known if she married.
5. George Archie Parker - born 14 January 1879 in Madison County, AL, died 26 January 1949 in Vernal, Uintah County, UT.  It is believed that George married Frankie Hill in Arkansas.
6. Preston Garrett Parker - born 25 May 1882 in Madison County, AL, died 15 Jul 1940 in Provo, UT.  He was never married.
7. Mary Ellen Parker - born 12 November 1883 in Madison County, AL, died 24 August 1965 in Caldwell, Canyon County, ID.  She married Porter Dallas Bowers.
8. Thomas Gordon Parker - born 16 Nov 1885 in Madison County, AL, died 5 July 1961 in Washington.  He married Margaret Buchanan Shepherd.

There are some assumptions out there on who the father of George Washington Parker is.  Some have linked this George Washington Parker to parents Alfred Parker and Mary Chestnut.  Alfred and Mary do have a son named George Washington Parker.  This George can be found in separate census's than my George in 1860, 1870 and 1880.  I have not been able to prove or disprove that they are indeed my George's parents.  Considering the separate census's - and the distance between the two locations (about 300 miles) - one could assume they are not the same person.  But - I have yet been able to prove that.

Okay - this was a bit long for my first person post.  I doubt they will all be this long - but who knows.  I do recall some other information that I have seen over the years - like a Will for the grandfather of Sarah Elizabeth Cloud that referenced her husband, George Washington Parker, but I have been unable to locate it now.  I need to do some more searching - because that would be interesting information.

I don't know if any photo's exist of George or his wife Sarah.  I will be posting some photo's of some of his children.  Until then....thanks for reading!

Welcome to my....Family Pursuit!

Hello.  This will be my first official post to my new blogger site.  I will be learning as I go - so please be patient with me! 

I will trying to update this page daily.  We'll see how that goes.  My goal is to share family history information - in all of the various branches that I touch.  I will, of course, start with the ones closest to me.  I would hope that anyone linked to these branches would put their comments in, validate any of  my assumptions, and give me some encouragement.

So, let's answer a few basic questions first. 

Why?  I'm not sure I can answer that question.  I really want to do it so 'lost' relations can be found again.  Finding people that I am related to is very gratifying - I'm not sure why.  It's like putting together a life size puzzle - where the pieces are scattered across the States and even overseas.  I've always enjoyed puzzles - this is just a never ending puzzle!

When / how did this start?  I never had any interest in family history until the Summer of 2001 when my wife and I were building our second house.  Our first house had sold in two weeks (yep, pretty sure we didn't ask the right price!) and we hadn't yet broke ground on the second house.  So, we packed all of our belongings into a storage unit and moved in with my Mom.  During this stay with my Mom she mentioned a cousin stating that we were related to Chief Quanah Parker - and she also mentioned that she had heard, while growing up, that we were also related to the 'hanging judge' Parker in Texas.  The Indian link instantly sparked my curiosity - and my passion for genealogy was born!  I will get to specifics on those stories in later posts.  But that is the how and when it all started.

All I ask from you, the reader, is that you give me a little encouragement along the way.  If you see something that I have stated incorrectly - please let me know.  If you are related to the families I post about - let me know!!  If you can add any knowledge - be sure to let me know!

I think I will end this for now!  I will post again soon!

Steven Ray Gunter....yep that's me!