Independence County Arkansas
March-April 1997 Queries

Hope you make a connection!

Tanya Gilliam Griffin Tue Feb 25 18:51:04 1997
Seek info on parents of William Joseph GRIFFIN, born 7 Apr 1879 in Pleasant Plains, Independence Co. ARK. His father was James Pinkerton "Pink" GRIFFIN and his mother, Rebecca A. DAVIDSON. W.J. had at least one brother, Andrew Franklin GRIFFIN, born 1877, and one sister, Nancy E. GRIFFIN. Pink died while the children were young and Rebecca married Ferdinand PRINCE. She and Ferdinand had at least two sons, Charlie PRINCE and John PRINCE. The family moved to Hopkins Co. TX and then W.J. went back to Independence Co. in 1904 where he married Arminta “Minnie”; HAMMETT on 17 Aug 1904. He took his bride to Hopkins Co. TX where they lived until about 1907 when they moved to Allen, Hughes, OK. Minnie died there in 1918 and W.J. moved back to Hopkins Co. TX where he died 26 Jun 1954. His brother, Andrew Franklin, died there in 1951. Nothing much is known about "Pink" GRIFFIN or Rebecca DAVIDSON. Any help would be greatly appreciated and I would like to correspond with any descendants or relatives! Thank you in advance.
Sue Evans
Looking for HARDEN/HARDIN connections. My GGGrandmother, Rebecca Harden moved to Independence county from about 1870...she was the wife of Gilbert Harden, who we think died before they moved, but not certain. They had the following children: Francis, b. 1842, d.1889 in Independence County(buried in Woods Cemetery), William, Mary, Zerilda, Sarah Jane, John L., Thomas, Theodosia, Benjamin, and Nancy. Some of the family I know moved on to Johnson, Ellis & Tarrant counties in TX, and then to OK. Any information would be appreciated. Will share info.
Harry O. Alvis 9 Mar 1997
I will exchange information on the HANKINS families throughout the southern U.S. Thomas HANKINS b. 1766 Va. and d. aft 1860 left Tenn. with his wife Verlena and settled in the Greenbriar Bottoms of Independence county about 1844. Some of their descendants still reside in the surrounding area. Reply to: Harry O. Alvis

Dan Varnell Fri Feb 28 19:54:20 1997
Would any of you know when and where Richard C. Varnell died? He lived and worked in Jackson County, Bryan Township. He was born in 1872 in Arkansas, he married Belle Williams (previous marriage name Reed) 1905. Between them they had Richard Montgomery (1906), Hazel M. (Stilwell) (1909), and Veston George(1914) (from whom I have descended). Richard's 1st marriage was to Rebecca A. Rutledge. I am also looking for Virgie (b.1894), Nora (b.1896), and Thomas (b.1899), and Jewel (b.1902). They are from either Richard's line or Belle's line. I perceive that Richard C. Varnell died just before Veston's birth. Belle, immediately after Richard's death, married John T. Davidson, and moved to Independence County.

D. Watson Sun Mar 2 18:34:12 1997
Looking for parents of John Decatur WATSON who m Sarah Jane Bruce in Independence County, Batesville. Cannot find his parents or his burial site. I believe he was born in Loudoun Co VA in 1819 and moved with parents to AR in 1821. I have his parents as Benjamin and Matilda Watson of Batesville, but I'm not sure that is correct. Have been to Batesville and did not find him in cemetery there. His son was Arthur Lee Watson. He may have been born in Atkins, Pope County.
Michael Brown 9 Mar 1997
I have information on the Moses WILKERSON family of Independence Co, AR. While tracking my Oldham family from Pendleton Co, KY, I found the family of Presley, Moses, and George WILKERSON that intermarried with the OLDHAMS and travelled together. I have several generations of the WILKERSON family and information to prove the lineage back to a Presley and Lydia CALK WILKERSON of Pendleton Co, KY. 507 Tech St., Paragould, AR, 72450.
Willis T. Finley Mon Feb 10 06:33:09 1997
Monroe Sharp & Florence Victoria Brown. Seeking ancestry and Descendant information for this Sharp family who lived near Jamestown in Independence County. A known issue, Clarence Boyd Sharp m. Cora Leone Tatum. Address: Willis T. Finley; 307 Fairview Dr.; Longview, TX 75604; (903) 759-0415

Morris Lamberson Fri Feb 14 14:31:20 1997
I am looking for information on the LAMBERSON and TURLEY surnames. My parents names were Robert Lee Lamberson and Maggie E. Turley Lamberson. My dad's (1890-1970) dad was Benjamin Franklin Lamberson (1853-1895) and his dad was Elijah Lamberson who was in the 1860 Ind. Co AR census. My dad and grandpa lived all their lives in Ind. Co AR. Elijah moved to Independence Co. from Tippah Co. Miss in the 1850s. But I cannot trace him back any further. My mom's parents were John N. Turley and Marget (sp) Ellen Young Turley. Ellen had several brothers and sisters near Magness. I am the youngest of 10 children and my older brothers were born near Magness in the early 1900s - John, Bill, Roe, J. P., Eugene, Eunie, . They moved to Woodruff Co., AR (McCrory) in the 1920s. Any leads you could give me would be appreciated. My grandparents on the Lamberson side were buried in the cemetery just south of Magness across the railroad tracks. - cemetery no longer used. Morris Lamberson, 951 Joseph Dr., Conway, AR 72032 501-327-4961

Sharon Turner Yoder Mon Feb 17 08:46:22 1997
ADAMS-need information on ANNA ADAMS,b. abt 1882, d.abt 1908, Clarksville, Johnson Co., AR, m. Benjamin Franklin TURNER,abt.1904. Anna had a brother, Newton. Any information on Anna or her family will be appreciated. Also seeking information on Benjamin's family-f.John C., m. Mancie Angeline. Benjamin married (2)Florida (Flora) Garner Powell, possibly in Johnson Co.

Willis T. Finley Sat Feb 1 17:01:11 1997
Clarence Boyd Sharp and Cora Leone Tatum. Seeking descendant and ancestor information. Clarence's parents were Monroe Sharp; Florence Brown. One issue of Clarence and Cora was Ewell William Sharp b. 30 May 1905 at Jamestown. Ewell moved to Oklahoma where he d. in 1983 at Ponca City. Willis T. Finley; 307 Fairview Dr.; Longview, TX 75604; (903) 759-0415.

Lee Lawyer Fri Jan 31 09:35:48 1997
TAYLOR--Seeking information on W. H. Taylor found on the 1880 census in Independence County with five children and married to E. C.. Family lore says he was married to a Choctaw Indian named Ellen. His son, W.W. moved north to Marion County and had many children and grandchildren many of which live in Gainesville, MO. W.H. is on the census in Williamson County, Ill for 1850 and 1860 and the Tax Roll for 1868 there. Any help would be appreciated. His two daughters married a Lamberson and a Williams. Both died and the daughters remarried.

Willis T. Finley Sat Feb 8 14:08:58 1997
Monroe Sharp & Florence Victoria Brown; Seeking ancestry and descendant information. One known issue Clarence Boyd Sharp m. Cora Leona Tatum. Willis. T. Finley; 307 Fairview Dr., Longview, TX 75604; (903) 759-0415.

Ken Klamm Sun Feb 9 16:08:25 1997
I am looking for information on the Gambill family which settled in Independence County, Arkansas. My great-great-grandfather was John Gambill, who settled in Independence County, Arkansas. He and his wife, Candes Wood Gambill, were from Middle Tennessee. I am trying to locate info regarding the county in Tennessee where this Gambill came from prior to settling in Independence Co. AR. John's daughter, Louisa Wood Gambill, married John M. Crumly in 1857.

Sam Womack Fri Mar 7 09:08:18 1997
STEPHENS/STEVENS, Reubin (Rubin, Ruben, etc) Wife Phebe [sic]. He was in Independence Co. as of the 1823 Tax rolls. Later was in White Co., prob that part that was taken from Independence Co.(if that was the way it goes)..Was living in 1853, per White Co Probate records for grandson James McDaniel. Need his/her dates of birth/death/marriage if poss.

Donald Ray West Sun Mar 9 04:12:11 1997
Searching for my ggrandfather: William David WEST, b abt 1854 in TN, d Jan 1939, m Mary Jane TODD, b 7 Feb 1866 in AR, d 13 Apr 1917. Children were Nora, Myrte, Wille (f), Willis, Rose, W.A., B.C., Mel Vinnie and P.A. They lived in the Shepard Ridge area. William David West was reported as being born in TN, but I have no info on where. Mary Jane Todd may have been from Independence Co., AR. I live here Logan Co. (Magazine) and can be reached at 391 West Priddy, Magazine, AR 72943. 501-969-8425

Donald Ray West Sun Mar 9 04:26:35 1997
I am looking for my gggrandmother: Mahala ???, b abt 1838/39 in TN(?), d 11 Oct 1903, m Alexander TODD, b abt 1824/25. I know Mahala was my gggrandmother, but am not sure about Alexander. Mahala died in Logan Co., AR, while living with her daughter Mary Jane Todd WEST. I find Alexander in Independence Co. in the 1880 census, with wife Mahala, children John, Mary Jane, Alexander, and Annie. Can anyone help me?

Judith Knight Fri, 14 Mar 1997
Interested in any information available on Berryman ARNN who settled in the area prior to the Civil War. He owned property in the area which ultimately became Sharp County [near present day Sidney, AR]. Berryman and family had come from VA via Henry County, TN. judy arnn-knight

Patricia RileyTuesday, March 18, 1997
I am seeking any info. on Benjamin Lucy born Mar 09, 1840. Joined Co. H, 38th AR Infantry in August 1862 as a Pvt. and deserted Oct 1862. Believed to have married Sarah Jane Mathis in Independence Co. She lived in or around Cushman. He died in Calico Rock, Izard Co., on March 05 1940.

Sandra Nance Putzu Sun Mar 23 19:49:14 1997
I'm looking for any information on the Parr or Stuart family of Independence County. My g-great grandfather Andrew M. Parr is listed as living in Black River Township in the 1880-1900 census. He had seven children. His oldest William moved to Jackson County but before, doing so married Nancy Hill Stuart from Independence County. Andrew Parr was born in 1857. Nancy Hill Stuart was born in 1881. I cannot find any Stuart records. This area of Independence County I believe was later referred to as Cord. The Stuarts may have come from the hills of Tenn. I am interested in any information on the Parrs Andrew's wife Abby (no last name known) and the Stuarts.

Don Watson Mon Mar 24,1997
Searching for burial site of John Decatur Watson and Sarah Jane (Bruce) Watson. Said to be buried in a field next to a boundary or fence line, or similar. John's father and mother believed to be Benjamin Franklin Watson and Matilda Ball of Independence County. They arrived in Batesville from Loudoun County, Virginia about 1824 with the Rawlings and Ball families. Settled in the Powhattan area. Need to prove that Benjamin is John's father. Need parents of Benjamin. Lit Watson owned a store in Batesville. He was a cousin. John and Sarah had child Arthur Lee Watson, who married Louisa Jane Virden. They were parents of William Elton Watson, born in Atkins, Pope County, AR, 1875.

Paul Howard Thu, 20 Mar 97
I am interested in the history of Batesville and Independence Co. and especially these families: Wycough, Egner, Goff, and Totty from 1835 to present. Thank you. Paul Howard

Sandra Putzu Sat Mar 22 17:21:31 1997
I'm looking for additional information on Andrew M. PARR born 1857 in AR, married to Abby A. PARR. Children were William A.1878 my g-gfather), Robert B. 1880, Lucy 1882, Claretta 1890, Arthur 1893, Sular 1896 and Susie 1899. I'm especially interested in what his wife's maiden name might be and the 1900 census says his parents are from GA but where and who?? This information is from the 1900 census of Black River Township, Independence Co. AR which I think may later be referred to as Cord.

L. MaybenSun, 23 Mar 1997
This is my grandmother: NANCE, Mary L, born 1878 Independence County. Married 1895 to William T Nolen. Father's name may be Thomas. She married 2nd John Thomas Mayben c:1900-1903. Does anyone know this person? Thank you.
Ben Reynolds Sun Mar 30,1997
Seeking to share information on these families of Independence County. Descendants of Mathew Raiford Comer 1 Mathew Raiford Comer b: Jun 1838 in , Clay, IN d: 08 Jan 1883 in Sandtown, Independence, AR .. +Dianna Mason Bales b: 1845 in ,Independence, AR d: 14 Dec 1886 in ,Independence, AR ........ 2 George B Comer d: Apr 1928 ............ +Rhonda Waddles ........ 2 Amos Barbee Comer b: Bef Jun 1865 in ,Independence, AR d: 29 Jul 1952 in Tupelo, Jackson, AR ............ +Mary Jane Hall b: Bef Jul 1864 in ,,AL d: Abt 1907 in ,Independence, AR ................... 3 Ben Comer b: 14 Jul 1880 ................... 3 Robert Comer b: May 1887 ................... 3 Daisy Bell Comer b: 05 Oct 1892 in Wolfe City, Hunt, TX d: 25 Jun 1986 in Longview, Gregg, TX ....................... +Hubert Crabtree b: 10 Apr 1888 in Tupelo,Jackson, AR d: 06 Feb 1978 in Tupelo, Jackson, AR ............................. 4 Alex Lynn Crabtree b: 22 Sep 1909 ............................. 4 Jewel Dean Crabtree b: 13 Jul 1911 ............................. 4 John Raymond Crabtree b: 21 Sep 1913 ............................. 4 Marjorie Evelyn Crabtree b: 15 Mar 1917 in Tupelo, Jackson, AR ................................. +Raymond Cooke Reynolds b: 29 Sep 1898 in Cresson, Parker, TX d: 06 Feb 1950 in Flora,, IL ............................. 4 Theo Lorene Crabtree b: 08 Sep 1919 ............................. 4 Wilma Maureen Crabtree b: 05 Sep 1922 ................... 3 Myrtle Comer b: Jul 1894 ................... 3 John Comer b: Sep 1896 ................... 3 William Comer b: 1899 ........ 2 Sarah Elizabeth Comer b: 1870 ............ +Hall Harrison

Nancy GriffithTue, 1 Apr 1997
I am doing research on the Saffold family. John Saffold settled on the White River in 1819. He was a prosperous farmer, as were his son and grandson, both named James F. Saffold. His daughters and granddaughters married into the Lamberton, Foster, Adams, and Patrick families. The Patricks eventually moved to Texas. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has information on this family; I am particularly interested in photographs, as we don't have any. Thanks! Nancy.

Jim HarmonMon, 31 Mar 1997
Searching for descendants of Charles Mize, Nicholas Mize, and Nancy Mize who moved to Independence Co. AR around 1855-1860. Each family had several children and moved to AL, MS and TX but I have not been able to find any of their descendants. I have extensive files on Charles, Nicholas and Nancy's parents and back so if you know any further information, I would be more than happy to exchange data. Email: jharmon@earthlink.net Further information at my Genealogy Homepage at: http://members.xoom.com/genjym

Marvin JanewayApril 5, 1997
Seeking information on my Grandfather, Marcus Lafayette JANEWAY. In 1908, he moved to Batesville, AR. from Wilburton, OK. He would have been 41 years old at that time. His wife's name was Fanny. May have died in Independence County. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Donald E. Roe04/06/97
I am looking for information on one HARMON ROE who lived in Independence County, Arkansas, from around 1846 until his death in 1862. He married Sarah Maria Wilson on August 31, 1848. Would like to know where he lived and where he is buried. Thanks, Don

Kraig Ruckel Sun Apr 6,1997
BATTERTON---seeking information on the Anderson BATTERTON family who lived in Izard, Independence, and Lawrence counties in Arkansas in the late 1800's. Allied families that I am aware of include: BRICE, BRITTAIN, BROWN, CLAXTON, COOPER, DURBIN, RUBY.

Vivian Creeden7 Apr 1997
CHANDLER - Seek info on George CHANDLER, b 1790-1800, died ca 1846 Independence Co; wife Nancy. Also William CHANDLER, b 1790-1800, died bet 1840-50 Independence Co. Can anyone send me the names of their children? Did either have a son Samuel Ellis CHANDLER, born 10 April 1826? Any info on these people will be much appreciated.
Melinda Roles JacquierApril 7, 1997
I am trying to find the parents of my great grandmother Susan Agnes HARRIS who was born in Alabama in Apr 1848 and moved to Batesville, Arkansas before 1852. Had possible brother David (1841) and sister Catharine (1852/4). When she was older Susan moved to Saline County, Illinois where she married John William Cox and died in Aug. 1882. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Shaunna (Forister) Howat 4/8/97
Looking for information regarding William Meadows HALE and his wife Amanda Melvina Woods HALE. They had most of their children in the 1870s and '80's in Tennessee, but my records show that William HALE died and is buried in Batesville in 1927. His wife also is buried there (I would assume at the same place). I do not have any birthdate or birthplace information for him or her, and would appreciate any more information anyone might have, including a look at their headstones, if possible.
CHARLOTTE C. SMITHFri, 11 Apr 1997
Researching the Thomas B.Carpenter family who lived in area from 1850 on. Especially interested in the Garrett family connection. Thomas B. Carpenter married Tabitha Garrett who was in Independence probably by 1840 from Ky.
Paula L.HAWKINS JOHNSONTue, 8 Apr 1997 Researching family surnames of Independence Co.,AR: HOGAN,GUNTER,HAWKINS,STEWART,HAND. The HOGAN,Griffin raised GUNTER,George C. HAND,John T (J.T.) was a minister in Baptist church Looking for William M.GUNTER who married HAWKINS widow JACKSON-HAWKINS, Mary Ann . Children Robert,Rosberry,Mary Jane Would like to obtain info on a Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist church also. Please email me. Thank you . Paula
Robin Hoff Kaspar4 Apr 1997
SMITH-Looking for anyone researching SMITH in Independence Co. James S. and Rachel S. SMITH came to Jefferson Township from Lewis Co. Tennessee sometime after 1851. They are listed on the 1860 census with children William(?) D. D. age 23, Nancy L. age 17, Frances age 15 and James A.W. age 9. Other children not on this census include Livonia Jane m. James J. GORDON, Nicholas C. and Lucy A. Frances was listed on 1850 Lewis Co. TN census as Rachel.
Cheryl KenterApr 16,1997
RAGAN/PILKINGTON: I am researching these family names, the following is the information I have on these family members that lived in Fulton County in the 1870's: RAGAN, Joseph Wesley and his wife TURNER, Sarah (aka Sally and Rachel). They migrated to AR from Dickson County, TN via Texas County, MO. They were the parents of the following children in Fulton County: David Gray, age 18; Netta, age 15; Rachel, age 13; Arena E., age 11; Benjamin, age 10; Solomon, age 21. Living near them was their married son, J. M. RAGAN, age 26 and his wife, Mary, age 16. Their daughter Mary Catherine RAGAN was also living near them with her husband William R. PILKINGTON and their children. Mary Catherine RAGAN was b. May 2, 1836 in Dickson County, TN, married on Nov 16, 1854, Hartville, Wright County, MO and she died on May 29, 1915, Cushman, Independence Co., AR; William R. PILKINGTON, was b. May 24, 1833, Pulaski, Giles County, TN, died Dec 27, 1910, Cushman, Independence Co., AR. They were the parents of the following children: Johnny; Francis; Martha Jane, b. 1856, Webster Co., MO; Joseph M. b. 1858, Webster Co., MO; Lucinda E., b. 1860, (married George Washington Pilgrim, III on Jan 11, 1889 at St. James, Stone Co., AR), died in Titus County, TX; William B., b.1862 (married M. C. Copeland Jan 27, 1889. St James, Stone County, AR); Jesse W., b. 1863; James N., b. 1868 (married Hester or Chester L. Holdman, Dec 9, 1888, St. James, Stone Co., AR);David Gray, b. 1874; Rachel Letitia, b. 1876,(married Robert E Lee Pilgrim, Oct 28, 1894, St. James, Stone County, AR) died abt 1911 Pine, Camp County, TX; Clunie Monroe, b. 1878, (married Rebecca Wilkson, June 17, 1901, Izard Co., AR). If you are related to any of these folks, I would love to hear from you. If you have anymore information on these folks, I would love to hear from you, also. You can reach me at ckenter838@aol.com or my cousin judyswan@csulb.edu

Melinda Pennington Wed Apr 16, 1997
Independence Co. KIRKPATRICK - Searching for additional information on the KIRKPATRICK family. Andrew Jackson KIRKPATRICK b: 24 Nov 1868 in AR m: Ida Maud CULLINS in AR, moved to Oklahoma. Andrew's father was David D. KIRKPATRICK b: 1841 in Reeds Creek, AR and who served in the Civil War and married to Marriah L. SULLIVAN (would like additional information on SULLIVAN's). David's father was Edmond Singleton KIRKPATRICK b: 22 Feb 1810 in Jackson Co. TN m: Anna Barnett WOODROME (I would like more information on the WOODROME's). Edmond's father was John Award KIRKPATRICK b: 24 April 1786 in Chester Co. SC m: 1st wife name unknown and 2nd wife, Sarah TINSLEY (Edmond was child from the 1st wife).

Melinda PenningtonApr 16, 1997
Independence Co. CULLINS - Searching for any CULLINS researchers out there. My grandfather was Opal Cullins KIRKPATRICK and his mother's name was Ida Maud CULLINS b: 5 July 1877 in AR, she married Andrew Jackson KIRKPATRICK on 16 June 1894 in Jamestown, AR and this family eventually moved to Oklahoma but I know some of the CULLINS ancestors still live in Independence Co. AR. Her parents were: John S. CULLINS b: 30 July 1852 in TN and m: Alice J. ELMS on 15 Oct 1874 in Independence Co. AR. John's parents were: Captain John W. CULLINS b: 30 June 1828 in Abbeville, SC m: Mary Ann SIMMS 1851 in SC. John served during the Civil War. His parents were: Elijah CULLINS b: SC m: Mary SWAIN b: SC. This family moved to Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas.

Melinda PenningtonApr 16,1997
Independence Co. ELMS - Searching for any ELMS in the areas of Independence Co. Arkansas, Texas, Vernon Co., IL, Ohio Co., Kentucky, Virginia and Franklin Co. PA.
Cleta Terrell or Cleta Terrell 21 April 1997
My gg grandparents, Zera and Harriett (Strong) BLAKELY were in the 1860 census of Independence County. Their children were Benjamin Croy Blakely, Hulda Rosalie Blakely, Charles Blakely, and Rufus Daniel Blakely. Harriet's daughters from her first marriage Lucinda and Mary Croy were also with them as well as Zera's daughter Adline Blakely. Harriet was still living in Independence County in 1870 as Zera was supposedly killed in the war. Hulda had married Nathaniel Moore Van Cleave in December of 1869. Benjamin and his family as well as Hulda and Nathaniel's family moved to Sebastian County by 1884. Does anyone recognize any of these people?
Charlesetta Bragg-Ford23 Apr 1997
Looking for information about Magness of Batesville and Newark; Meriweather (and variant spellings) of Batesville, and Newark; Valentine; McCauley (Mc Cailey). The Magness family members migrated into Poplar Bluff, MO and also Oklahoma.
Dennis Valentine 4/28/97
Looking for info on Alford Mays and Dorcus Sanderfer Mays. She lived in Jamestown; he lived in Batesville. Married Aug. 14, 1889. I would like to know of any records especially for Dorcus. We think her maiden name was Whittaker (?). Alford is buried in a cemetery outside of Batesville.
Linda Slott April 27, 1997
CONNER, William and EDGAR, Minerva Lenora. Seeking information on William and Minerva Conner who were married in Independence county November 16, 1871. William is on the 1870 census with his son William 3 months. I believe the first wife was Emilie STOKES whom William married March 24, 1868 in Independence and probably died in childbirth. I would like any information on William and Minerva's parentage and siblings, as well as any info for Emilie. Thank you, Linda Researching: Allen, Breedon, Conner, Edgar, Farnsworth, Hallie, Hamm, Mooney, Stokes, Warren In: AR, MO, MS, NE, NY, OK, TN, TX, VA, WI