WILLIAM FRANKLIN McKAY

WILLIAM FRANKLIN McKAY

So we started following the line of Clara Zadie McKay....her father was Benjamin Harvey McKay and the DNA (33) has led us to William Franklin McKay.

William Franklin McKay was born about 1821 in South Carolina. He married Julia Patterson in Itawamba County, Mississippi on December 30, 1846. Julia was born about 1827 in Georgia. They had five children: James, born about 1848, Mary J., born about 1849, Martha, born about 1851, Benjamin Harvey, born 10-25-1853, and Julia Ann, born 8-1-1856. All were born in Itawamba County.

We find them in the 1850 Census in Mississippi, William is a farmer with a real estate value of $25. 1860 Census from Itawamba County, Mississippi shows that W. F. McKay, 39 years old, was a farmer, had $125 in Personal Estate, was from South Carolina, had 5 children-12, 11, 9, 6, & 3. Benjamin Harvey was the 6 year old and in school. The oldest and youngest were not in school. W. F. McKay wife, Julia was 33 and from Georgia. 1870 their value has risen to $500 and they are still in Mississippi listed as farmers.

Julia died in 1889 and it is recorded that William joined a wagon train headed for Thackerville, Indian Territory (Oklahoma) which is where he passed away. He is 68 years old. His brother, Samuel was on this same train as were Ben and Joseph McKay.

Five Mc kay children moved to Caldwell County, Texas in abt 1889, then to Thackerville and Marietta, Indian Territory, Oklahoma. The exception was Telitha Mc Kay who married Orville Mills and remained in Itawamba and Prentiss counties. This according to info stated in querie in Itawamba Settlers Vol. 1 & 2. 976.2982 D25i

Itawamba County's name is of Indian origin and honors Levi Colbert, chief counsellor of the Chickasaw Nation. Some years prior to 1827, he was declared "It-a-Wam-Ba-Mingo," or "Bench Chief."

Settlers from the north came by way of Jackson's Military Road as well as the famed Natchez Trace. From the east they entered through what is now Marion and Lamar counties in Alabama. Jackson's Military Road extended from the Tennessee River to Madisonville, Louisiana, it was built as a result of an act of Congress passed in 1816. The Old Military Trace Road ran north from Cotton Gin Port through Itawabama County.

Itawamba County, Mississippi was created October 9, 1936 from the Chickasaw Cession of 1832.

McKay Family Line

McKay Family

So I'll start with my Nanny in the McKay line, Clara Zadie (McKay) Mason. Clara was born October 12, 1914 to Benjamin Harvey and Camella Eleanor (McCullers) Mckay. Clara's father was 56 when she was born and died when she was 13. Clara's mother remained a widow until her death in 1970. Clara's mother had a sister named Clara.

Nanny and Papa (Clara and Lemmie Mason) had a way of making everyone feel loved. They often had a game of dominoes with family members. Papa loved to play Solitaire with cards (no computer in that day and age). Nanny loved laughter. I will always see her standing with her hand on her hip laughing. She loved to cook (and did a wonderful job of it), shop, play cards, go places and have her family over. When all the Masons gathered and played cards or dominos the house shook with laughter!! They gave great hugs. She was married when she was 18. She married a man in the oilfield so she moved often with her four children. I remember moving with their family as we were in the oil field also. I've heard many stories of when we moved to South America with them. How I wish my children and grandchildren knew them intimately. Praise God they will in heaven one day!!

So Clara passed away July 26, 1980 in Konawa, Oklahoma from pneumonia. I was pregnant with my last child and Papa would not let me go in and see Nanny at the funeral home because he said (an old wives tail) if I saw a dead body it would make my baby have problems.

Written by Benny Wayne Mason in 1971

THEM

They're beautiful! You just can't live without them. They're a necessity. Without them you would lose a lot of love and patience. They should have museums and palaces made for them in their name. They're easy to love because they love everybody. If only the whole universe was like them wouldn't it be beautiful? God should get some extra special prize for creating something that is extra special to me. In fact I would like to thank you, dear Lord. Thank you and bless you dear Lord for GRANDPARENTS like mine for they're wonderful! P.S. I love you Nanny and Papa.


A TRIBUTE TO CLARA MASON

A special name we've given to one so lovely and fair,
Who filled our lives with pleasures, far beyond compare,
Who always had a kind word or deed for those she met,
And when she said, "I love you," on that you could bet.
Her life was full of laughter, and the happiness she shared.
We always knew when she came 'round,
The family never gathered around her table just to eat,
For we were always well-assured it would be a delightful treat.
She wasn't just another common mother, sister, or granny.
She was one of a kind, Our very own, Our very special "Nanny." 

written by Arvle Knight and read at her funeral

Let's get back to her parents......the McKays.

Benjamin Harvey McKay was born October 25, 1853 in Nettleton, Mississippi. When he was 20 he married Mary Ellen Suggs in 1873 in Mississippi. Mary Ellen passed away in 1886 when she was 31. Benjamin was a widower for five years then he married Ella Pennington in 1891 in Arkansas. Ella lived until 1898 and that same year after her death Benjamin married Camella Eleanor McCullers who was 20 years younger than him. He had 11 children -the majority with Camella. When you go back through the years of family history it is not unusual for men to be married more than once as the women often suffered in childbirth (remember most birth control did not become prominent until the 1950s). Clara, my grandmother, was actually born when Benjamin was 56. Is it any wonder we had very few family stories of him? Oh how I wish my parents and grandparents were alive to discuss all of this. Did they even realize the history of it all. I'm sure Camella (we called Ma Kay) did at one time but it sure wasn't elaborated on. It could be a great story of doing the best you can and persevering through it all. Camella outlived Benjamin by 43 years. She remained a widow all those years. Benjamin passed away in 1927 in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. He was 74. Camella lived until 1971 passing away when she was 97. I have a copy of her obituary where it was stated “ Mrs. McKay, a resident of Rush Springs for 52 years was born in Alabama died in the Physician and Surgeons Hospital following a three week illness. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rush Springs and a resident of Marlow Manor for the past few years. She had 34 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.” I also have a copy of her death certificate.

I have from his son Rush in 1997 that Benjamin McKay bought 80 acres one mile north of Rush Springs from a man named Savage. He built a house which has since burned down. They lived at Addison's Bend, Oklahoma for 18 years prior to building in Rush Springs. They grew cotton, farmed about 200 acres with mule teams. Cotton brought about $1.00 pr 100 pounds.

Benjamin shows up in many years of census:

1860 in Itawamba Mississippi when he is only 6. 1870 in Prentiss Mississippi when he is 16, his father is a farmer. In 1880 he is still in Prentis, Mississippi and a farmer but by 1900 he was in the census in Arkansas. In 1910 the family has finally made it to Oklahoma and 1920 in Rush Springs. Every year he is a farmer.

Camella is listed in the 1930 census when Clara is 15 and then the 1940 census all in Rush Springs. In the 1940 Census Camella is 67 and lives with her son, Willliam. It states there she only had a 5^th grade education. She certainly made a good life with a 5^th grade education.

Benjamin's father, William Franklin, passed away when Benjamin was 12 and his mother, Julia Patterson, when he was 36.

Picture above: 1896 Clark Co. Arkansas Possibly wedding day for Desey Ann McKay, on the right with the corsage. Her sister Georgia A. McKay, IN front, Her Father Benjamin Harvey McKay, On his right, his 2nd wife, Ella Lee Pennington, I am not sure if the children are Ellas from a previous marriage, or the two children from this union

Picture above: Back Row Delia, Rush and Beulah, middle are Benjamin and Camella and then sitting in front of them are Carlie, Clara and Callie

 Picture in 1978









 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22212131

CLARA ZADIE (McKAY) MASON

JOHANN MARTHIN WOLFARTH/MARTIN WOLFORD

WOLFORD

So far we have gathered facts on “Ma Mason” Linnie Gertrude – then - Linnie's father, Wylie Riseden - next - John Milton – on to - Doctor John Milton – then - father Major John and now Johann Martin Wolford.

Johann Martin Wolfarth, you will see a name change from Wolfarth to Wolford.
JOHANN MARTHIN WOLFARTH/MARTIN WOLFORD, was born January 1, 1730, died December 09, 1780 in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, (now West) Virginia, He died on 9 Dec 1780 in Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co, WV.(249) He was buried in Shepardstown, Va Rev. War Marker.(153) In "West Virginians in the American Revolution" by Johnston is found the following: Johan Martin Wohlfarth, member of Capt. Stephenson's Co. in 1775, 1776 when it was at Roxbury Camp and Staten Island, per Treva Walton. He married Magdalen ELEANOR "LENNY" about 1769. Lenny was born April 10, 1752, died September 13, 1822 in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, (now West) Virginia. Note: Shepherdstown is in the very northeastern corner of what is now West Virginia. After the death of Johann in 1780, Eleanor married GEORGE REYNOLDS in 1782. George is said to have drowned in Jefferson County while trying to save another person in 1818. .. The Wolfords and Reynolds lived in the same area at the same time and probably were close friends. They have headstones in the same cemetery. Note: Elender Reynolds born on April 10, 1752 is buried in the same row as Rezin Reynolds, and Jacob Wolford. Children of JOHANN MARTIN WOLFORD and "LENNY" .....ELIZABETH WOLFORD, b. about January 01, 1771. ii....JACOB WOLFORD, b. February 15, 1772. ii....Maj. JOHN WOLFORD b. December 22, 1774.

Johan “Martin” was first mentioned in Shepherdstown in 1764. He was founder of a church in 1765. In 1765 there were only nine families of Lutherans in Shepherdstown. so says the record of that church, among these were Heinrich Budinger and Martin Wohlfarth. Johan or who many called Martin married in 1769, died December 1780. Martin was a prominent, wealthy man. He left over 400 acres of land and several properties in Shepherdstown. He owned 2 stills and the home he lived in was prominently adjacent to the mill and river, making it quite valuable. The property was a well known Tavern for many, many years. So, Johan was a very busy man who ran supplies during the The Revolution to far away places. He was an executor for the town founder, Thomas Shepherd. He amassed a small fortune in 15 years, (1764-1780) and was one of the 12 founders of the most prominent church in Shepherdstown. He was a respected and busy man and yet his kids didn't know him very well, his children were very young when he died. His son John moved on to Kentucky selling his share of his father's stock to build his own future. Martin spent the last days of his life in a hospital in Winchester, 30 minute drive from Shepherdstown and world away by horse drawn buggy. At any rate Johan Martin Wohlfarth is buried in the graveyard that appears to have been the first burial ground used in Shepherdstown, the church yard of what is now the German Reformed Church, but which used to be a union church. He lived 50 years.

Johan's wife, “Lenny” remarried to a friend of Johan's, George Reynolds. George, Lenny, Johann and many of their children are buried side by side. George and Lenny had several more children.

Wohlfarth, Johan Martin. 

We do have a transcribed copy of his will.....

From my (Jeanie Edwards) notes on John Martin:
From Will book No. I of Berkley Co. Martinsburg, West Virginia dated 1768-1788. 
He left land to wife Elenor, profits of all lands and lots in Mecklenburg and personal estate during the time she remains and my widow. If she remarries, she is to take one third. 
Eldest son Jacob 310 acres bought from Benjamin Chaplaine and 100 acres bought from Edward Lucas 
To son John 50 acres bought from William Morgan and Benjamin Chaplaine and stills. Lot 81 where I now live. 
To daughter Elizabeth lot I bought from Michael Lond and lot from Issac Druggett N79, bed, plates, etc. 
Signed Martin Wolford L.S. Executor friend William Morgan.

As with the Mason line there are more names to explore past Johann Martin Wolford. I won't add those names until I'm sure with documentation. With the Mason and the Wolford line we find people of determination. They have the same struggles we have and they made it through so much. From our line we found believers, farmers, landlords, a doctor, Major – people that lived to a “ripe old age” and ones that passed away young. May we be just that....people of faith and determination but not neglect letting our younger generations know of the people that came before them. I so wish my grandparents were alive so I could share this information with them. I find it sad that information was not passed down. We all need encouragement and pride in where we came from.

Actually you could plug in the information I have given you into familysearch.org and once it is plugged in go to relativefinder.org and you would be amazed how many Presidents, Kings, Entertainers, Declaration Signers, Astronauts we are connected to.

Next I'm on to the McKay/McCuller line that my grandma Nanny came from. I can't wait to find all the details!!

Major John Wolford

WOLFORD

So far we have gathered facts on “Ma Mason” Linnie Gertrude and on to Linnie's father, Wylie Riseden. Next was John Milton and now we have his father Doctor John Milton. Next we explore his father Major John.

MAJOR JOHN WOLFORD

Maj. JOHN WOLFORD (JOHANN MARTIN WOLFORD), born on December 22, 1774 in West Virginia, died July 26, 1848 in Liberty, Casey County, Kentucky. Married (1) MARY JANE (JENNY) LAPSLEY on November 4, 1798 in Lancaster, Garrard County, KY. Jenny was born December 15, 1777 in Albermarle County, Virginia, died on January 30, 1816. Jenny was the daughter of JAMES LAPSLEY Sr. and MARY HAY'S. Almost a year after Jenny's death, he married (2) MAHALA LANE on December 15, 1816 in Adair County, Kentucky. Maj. John Wolford fathered 18 children between both of his wives. One of his sons, *Franklin Lane Wolford, becomes famous, and is written about through out history as a Civil War hero and a great lawyer of his time.

The 1830 census finds the family in Casey, Kentucky. Remember these census have very little information. It shows 11 free white people. By 1840 there are 8 free white people in the family recorded.

Russell County, Kentucky Court Records show in 1828 he was elected Jailor of Russell County in June but resigned in December of that year. Records show he was paid $25 for service as Commissioner of taxable property in Russell county. In September of 1834 the Governor of Kentucky appointed him as Justice of the Peace to fill the vacancy due to the death of Samuel Collins. Then in December he continued to assume the duties and position.

We actually have much more documentation about this family thanks to paperwork. Please find the attached 1810, 1813 and 1814 tax listings where he is listed. They provide interesting information about the amount of land, animals and slaves they had. There is also a US Revolutionary War Pension form.

Incase you wondered as of today there are 79 other folks that link me to Major John.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95368781/john-wolford#

REVOLUTIONARY WAR

The time is now near…” wrote Commander-in-Chief George Washington, which will “…determine whether Americans are to be Freemen or Slaves.” Over the course of the Revolutionary War, as many as 400,000 men from the ages of 16 to 60 fought against the British—about 25,000 gave their lives. Basic training was short, rations inadequate, and pay was poor. Some enlisted out of patriotism, some joined for the adventure, and others were drafted. Length of service varied from a few months to the duration of the war. Leaders like Washington soon discovered that instilling discipline and keeping an army of volunteers on the battlefield and off the wheat field (many soldiers were farmers who returned home during harvests without permission) was no easy feat. Despite all the obstacles, the colonists’ sheer dedication to the revolutionary cause enabled them to defeat the world’s most powerful military in five years. https://www.ancestry.com/contextux/historicalinsights/revolutionary-war-military-serving/persons/48553213027:1030:87458979

Indian Attacks and the Cornstalk Militia

Encouraged by the defeat of St. Clair, the Indians and their British backers struck hard at Kentucky. At times as many as two dozen people were slain at a single settlement.

Simon Kenton, an early commander of the Kentucky Militia, helped develop a more sophisticated Militia in Northern Kentucky when, in 1786, he trained spies and scouts, appointed commanders and signal corps, and procured arms and ammunition for his Company, which then was known as the Mason County Minutemen. For eight years these Minutemen covered all of Northern Kentucky from April until November, the months most subject to Indian depredation. It was during this same period that the militiamen of Kentucky came to be known as "The Limestone Volunteers".

The activities of these volunteers were not limited to their home state but often extended beyond Kentucky into Ohio and Indiana in pursuit of Indian raiding parties. Because of the serious nature of these interstate raids, President Washington ordered several of the National Militia to active duty for three-month tours to aid the frontier states to ward off the British-Indian threat. This, of course, caused various complications to arise. In order to continue such coordinated efforts, the Kentucky Board of War was established in 1791, whose duty it was to call out the Kentucky Militia in the service of the United States whenever necessary. It was due to these combined efforts of the Kentucky Militia and Federal troops that, during the next two years, the threat of Indian attacks was reduced to a minimum. Some 1,500 Kentucky Militiamen led by future Adjutant General and Governor John Adair, and future Governor Charles Scott, comprised half of the combined forces under General "Mad" Anthony Wayne to defeat a force of 2,000 Indians and 70 Canadians in August 1794, at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Ohio.

Also in 1794, Colonel William Whitley and the Southern Kentucky Militia, fighting alongside the Tennessee Territorial Militia, defeated the East Tennessee band of Chickamauga Indians. Following these two victories, treaties were signed, ending the Indian threat in the central Bluegrass and Southern Kentucky. However, it did not stop, but the scope and threat of attack in Western Kentucky were greatly diminished.

In 1811, General William Henry Harrison, a former Kentucky Militia officer serving as governor of the Indiana Territory, led a 1,000-man force into the Northwest to attack the Tecumseh alliance. In this force were 100 members of the Kentucky Militia under Colonel Daviess, who later lost his life in the defeat of the Indians at Tippecanoe in a victory that forever rid Kentucky of the Indian menace.

The Origin of the Corn Stalk Militia

From an article in the Glasgow Times, dated 9 November 1961 by Jimmy Simmons

“The oldest military force in Kentucky was the Militia. Kentucky has had a militia since the time of Boone and Harrod. Even today the State Constitution provides that every able bodied male between the ages of 18 and 45 shall constitute the militia. In the early days of our history, the Militia Law was the only practical method of defense that the pioneer had against the Indians. Each county was divided into companies and the men in that area were required to join that company; with the right to elect their own officers. Musters were held once each month (usually on a Saturday), and the numbers of each company were acquired to attend and furnish their own muskets or rifle.

“Those who could not afford a weapon were furnished with state weapons upon swearing a pauper’s oath. These musters were taken quite seriously until the end of the Indian threat; after that they were mostly a social affair. In fact, the Militia became jokingly known as the “Corn Stalk Militia,” due to the practice of many militiamen drilling with cornstalks rather than muskets.”

*WOLFORD, FRANK LANE. Frank Lane Wolford, lawyer, Union officer, and congressman, was born to John and Mahalia Wolford on September 2, 1817, in Adair County, Kentucky. He studied law under Hiram Thomas, was admitted to the bar in Casey County, and practiced law in Liberty, Kentucky. During the Mexican War, Wolford served under Col. William R. McKee. In 1847 he returned to Kentucky and was elected to the Kentucky House, serving from 1847 until 1849. From 1849 until the outbreak of the Civil war, Wolford earned a reputation as one of the best criminal lawyers in the Green River region.

  During the Civil War, Wolford recruited for the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, serving as Colonel. He spent most of his time in the 1st Cavalry chasing Gen. John Hunt Morgan of the Confederate Cavalry until Morgan's capture in July 1863. In March 1864, Wolford was dishonorably discharged from the army by President Lincoln after publicly criticizing his presidency and was arrested and jailed several times by Gen. Stephen T. Burbridge until Lincoln intervened and ended the matter in 1865.
  On March 4, 1865, Wolford returned to the Kentucky House to represent the Casey Russell district, serving until 1867. In 1865 and 1869, he was a Kentucky presidential elector, voting for Gen. George B. McClellan and Horatio Seymour, respectively. In 1867 he was appointed adjutant general by Gov. John W. Stevenson (1867 71), serving until 1868. He practiced law in Liberty until 1879 and then in Adair County. He was elected to the U.S. Congress, where he represented the 11th Congressional District, serving two terms (March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1887).
  Wolford was married twice: to Nancy Dever on November 2, 1849 and to Elizabeth Bailey on April 6, 1865. He died August 2, 1895, and was buried in the Columbia, Kentucky, cemetery.http://www.kykinfolk.com/adair/wolfordbio.htm

Dr. John Wolford

DR JOHN WOLFORD

So far we have gathered facts on “Ma Mason” Linnie Gertrude and on to Linnie's father, Wylie Riseden Wolford. Next was John Milton Wolford and now we have his father Doctor John Milton Wolford.

John Milton Wolford was born March 7, 1802 in Kentucky to John and Mary Jane Lapsley. He married Emily Jane Grider  May 15, 1823 in Adair, Kentucky and had 12 children. His first wife, Emily, passed away from pneumonia February 15, 1853. He married Cassander Darnell in June of that same year who was 20 years younger than him. She was 31. She outlived him by six years.

John was 14 when his father died an 46 when his mother passed away.

It sounds like he was a very busy man and at the time of his wife's death he still had small children. There is actually several that have left remarks about him you will find most interesting. …....Dr. John Milton Wolford was a Medical Doctor and Surgeon. He also taught others to be Doctors and Surgeons. He was also the Sheriff of Russell County, Kentucky. He fathered a total of (15) children of which (12) were with Emily Jane Grider, She died of pneumonia on 15 Feb 1853. And from another: John was noted as being an intelligent man. Was a surveyor, school-teacher, sheriff and jailer, justice of the peace, and most notably was a doctor. He was Dr. John Milton Wolford, and many a young doctors studied under this very busy man. And the last comment: Bio: John was a medical doctor and served as Sheriff of Russell County. He had fifteen children, twelve with Emily Jane Grider and three with Cassina Darnell. He was a son of John Wolford and Mary Jane Lapsley, and a half brother of Colonel Frank Wolford.

The family is in the 1850 census in Kentucky. This census says he is a doctor. It says the value of real estate is 674. (The farmers usually listed their value around 200 so this is a lot at that time.) The 1860 Census again reflects the family and he is a doctor with Real Estate Value of 1386 and Personal value of 1500. Amazing they asked these questions and the questions were answered. I can't imagine anyone answering such questions these days. I guess they trusted their government those days? The last census as 1870 which lists him as a Physician/Surgeon. His Real Estate Value is now 1300 and Personal Value 3000.

Dr. John Wolford died March 23, 1874 in Russell Co., Kentucky. He was 72. His death certificate shows he died of asthma.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64089077

I found the cover page of his Will but have not located what is actually in it.

JOHN MILTON WOLFORD JR.

JOHN MILTON WOLFORD JR.

So far we have gathered facts on “Ma Mason” Linnie Gertrude and on to Linnie's father, Wylie Riseden Wolford. Now we will go one more generation to John Milton Wolford. Ancestry shows I share DNA with 71 others in our family line from John that have also had their DNA done. That's just a neat indicator pointing us to our John. :)

John Milton Wolford, Jr. was born October 26, 1824 in Russel County, Kentucky to John Milton, Sr. and Emily Jane Grider. He married Mary Jane Epperson March 23, 1848 in Kentucky. He passed away May 19, 1903 in Dallas, Texas. He was 78 years old. He is buried in the Mills Cemetery in Dallas.

We find his family in the 1850 and 1860 census still in Kentucky. He is 26 in the 1850 census. It lists him as a Farmer. 1860, 1870, 1880 he is in Dallas, Texas. By 1900 he is still in Dallas but widowed and a landlord of a farm.

John and Mary had twelve children. Twelve children!!!

Interesting: John Wolford was 36years old when Abraham Lincoln is elected as the 16th President of United States.

Attached find the headstone for John and Emily.

WOLFORD, Linnie, Wylie, Martha Syrilda

WOLFORD FAMILY PICTURE

(Left to right) 1st row: John, Martha, Wiley and Ida

2ndrow: Mollie, Linnie, Aretha

3rdrow: Raymond , Walter, Gene, Lemmie and Charley

Wylie with sons and grandson

So we have gone back through the generations of the Mason family line (confirmed to 1752 with James Mason) but just as important in that mix was the Wolford family line because Marion Francis Mason was married to Linnie Gertrude Wolford who gave birth to Francis, Elmer, Lemmie, Enoch and Hershel. Let's explore this family line.

Linnie Gertrude Wolford was born on January 9, 1891, in Garland, Texas to Wiley Riseden and Martha Syrilda Coulson. She married Marion Francis Mason on July 7, 1906, in Chigley, Oklahoma. She died on August 28, 1976, in Konawa, Oklahoma, at the age of 85. Linnie was a strong woman. She gave birth to Francis, Lemmie and Elmer within their first few years of marriage then eight years later she gave birth to Enoch who only lived three years. The year after his death she gave birth to Hershel. Lennie's mother died when she was 42, her father when she was 44 and her husband when she was 51. She had been married 35 years. She went on to live 34 more years passing away in 1976. She was a pastor's wife for many years and then went on to preach after Marion passed away.

Attached are some of the cards of confirmation she was a minister.

They read: The General Council of the Assemblies of God Springfield, Missouri Certifies that Linnie G Mason is hereby recognized by the Executive Presbytery of the General Council as an ORDAINED MINISTER of the Gospel, affiliated and in good standing with the Assemblies of God. You can see her signature on all of the cards.

There is also the family picture that a copy was given to me. Aunt Fran said it always hung in her mother's home. She loved her family!

Attached to a paper written by her grandaughter Charlotte about “Ma Mason”

Linnie it reads:

I would like to add a post script to this. Our Sister Mason was also a preacher. When her husband was in a rvival and preaching every night sometimes he would be so tired or his voice would have had it so she would preach a night or so and again when he was away from home and in a revival she would fill his pulpit in the home church and I never

heard her preach on that was not good and they always spiritually uplifted. Our whole church felt the same way. One who has known her much longer than any of us.....

Charlotte Mason

November 3, 1958

A Soldieress of the Cross

She is not one who would command attention or cause a second glance because of an unusual appearance. However, there is such a glowing countenance about her that one could not help but notice it.

My grandmother is a woman who has a stout build and a very independent personality. Accenting her determined face, she wears her hair in a braided knot at the back of her head. She was once red headed, but with the passing of time her hair has turned almost completely white. The mixture of red and white hair makes a pinkish tint that matches her ruddy complexion. She has a normal supply of wrinkles that seem to make her whole face participate in the action when she smiles. Her kindly, hazel eyes are deeply set beneath a broad, smooth forehead.

When one begins to converse with Grandmother, he notices her outstanding qualities. There is such a serenity and peace surrounding her very being. She speaks with knowledge which was not achieved through books, but by experience.

She had her share of hard knocks, for she was the wife of a pioneer preacher. They traveled from town to town, living in a covered wagon most of the time. She has often told me of building a campfire, heating the rusted irons, and pressing her husband's white shirts. Besides this, she had four children to tend to. Grandmother worked enthusiastically at the services where Grandfather preached. In fact, her voice is harsh today from straining it in outdoor revivals singing songs and leading.

Memories from great granddaughter Vicki Moore. I remember visiting a tiny home

she lived in that was very hot to me and then her in my wedding pictures. My grandfather, Lemmie, loved and respected his mother a lot. Even after his father had been buried in another town once his mother died he had his father's coffin broght to be with his mother in Vamoosa Cemetary outside Konawa, Oklahoma. Oh how I wish as a young lady I had sat down to visit with her and find out about her life growing up!! Wonderful and comforting to know I will take that opportunity in heaven when I see her again.

April 14, 1973 Benny Mason, Vicki Mason, Lennie Gertrude Wolford Mason, Lemmie Mason

There is also the family picture that a copy was given to me. Aunt Fran said it always hung in her mother's home. She loved her family!

Note: Lennie's great, great, great grandmother went by the name Lenny......wouldn't you just love to know if they passed that name down through the generations? Did she know the story of her great, great, great grandmother? May we do a good job of letting our children know where their names came from—especially if they are down from family members!!

WYLIE RISEDEN WOLFORD

Linnie's father was Wylie Riseden Wolford born May 23, 1849 in Russell, Kentucky to John Milton Wolford (1824-1903) and Mary Jane Epison (1827-1898). Wylie married Martha Syrilda Coalsonin 1874 in Texas. Martha Surilda (it looked like from the many census they are in she often went by Rilda) was born December 20, 1858 in Wyetherville, Va. and she passed away on January 26, 1933 in Lewiston, Texas. She was 75. Wylie passed away September 7, 1935 in Mt. Belview, Texas. He was 86. Through Ancestry it now shows I have 23 DNA matches with Wylie and Martha.

Wylie was in the 1850 Census as just a young guy then in 1860 all in Dallas, Texas. In the 1900 Census he shows up as a farmer and on his death certificate a retired farmer is listed. The family is in the 1910 census.

Wylie and Martha had 10 children. The 1930 census shows they lived with their married daughter.

They are buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler, Texas.

Wylie pictured with his sons and a grandson.

JAMES MASON

JAMES MASON

James Mason was born in 1752 in Hyde County, North Carolina. John married Charity Swindell (who was born in 1755) in 1768. They went on to have 11 children as noted. James passed away after October 22, 1822 the same year Charity did. James was 70 and Charity was 67 at their passing.

Children

(1) Allen, (2) Caffee , (3) Eleanor, (4) Isabel, (5) Kesiah 1787-1819 (6) Wright, (7) James Jr., (8) Caleb, (9) John, (10)THOMAS 1780-1814 (11) Henry 1791-1815 (See more information under Henry-Pension of War of 1812)

Side note: Charity's parents were father Caleb and mother Kesiah---both names are used in naming their children. Also, Thomas is James Sr. grandfather's name.

I'm honest with you that I have a LOT more names that go farther back in our Mason line but I only have documentation that definitely puts us back this far. For example the information I have on James parents (John and Sarah Sparrow) - some of the information just doesn't line up....yet. So before I share anymore I will build more information. If you are investigating our genealogy and want the info I have past this contact me and I'll share that with you.

Documentations we can find:

• American Genealogical Biographical Index Heads of families at the first Census North Carolina by US Bureau of the Census James Mason is listed in Hyde County, North Carolina

• 1786 North Carolina Compiled Census in Hyde County Township Gibbs district

• US and International Marriage Records James born in 1752 married Charity 1768

• We find an 1800 and 1810 census which lists free white males and females. James family is listed.

• We were blessed to find James will in the probate records. It is as follows:

JAMES MASON WILL

I James MASON Sr. of the County of Hyde and State of North Carolina,

Being in perfect mind and memory. I make this my Last will and testament to be in full force Declaring all other Will made by me Null and Voyd: I will and Bequeath as follows this:

1st -I will and Bequeath unto my Loving wife Charity MASON one third part of all my house hold furniture in doors and one third part of all my stock and one third of Everything Else that I own of any kind to be laid off and Valued by two men all my property and the widow to have one third of the property after Being value by these two men in any property she may most need or choose to make up her part first; It is my Request and Choice that John L. Swindell and Samuel Topping Should Value all my Estate and lay off one third part to my Loving wife Charity MASON in any thing she may want first. Therefore I James MASON Sr. do hereby Authorize the Said John L. Swindell and Samuel Topping to lay off and value my Estate agreeable to the words of this my Last will Test. 

2nd I will & Bequeath unto my Daughter Issabella Gibbs & Bartee Gibbs one Shilling to be paid out of my Estate.

Item 3d I will and Bequeath unto my Son James MASON one Shilling to be paid out of my Estate.

Item 4th . I will and Bequeath the other two thirds or Balance of my propert not given to my wife unto the Children as follows Namely Allen , John and Coffee &Caleb MASON and John Sawyer and Moses Hudson to be Equally divided between the Last Six Named Sons and sons in Law-- I constitute and Appoint my Loving Son Allen MASON my Lawful Executor to this my Last will & testament to act and do agreeable to the words of this my Last Will ??Witness there of I JamesMASON Sr. have hereunto set my hand and Seal to this my Last Will and testament October 22, 1822.

James (his mark) MASON

In presence of us Saml Topping Coffee MASON (mark)

PENSIONS FOR WAR OF 1812

I've included the following information on Thomas brother Henry as it holds interesting information. He was 24.

HENRY MASON (1791-1815)

Henry MASON, the son of James Mason, was enlisted into the army on 27 June, 1812 by Capt. W. Blount. He was 21 (b.c. 1791), 5’11” tall, with light hair, eyes and complexion. He was a farmer from Hyde Co., NC. He enlisted for 5 years and was made a Sergeant. He was sent to Ft. Johnson and later died in the General Hospital on James Island on 17 February 1815. Letter of Administration to the estate of Henry MASON was granted to James Mason with John Mason and Coffey Mason his sureties in May 1815 Hyde County Court. What his estate may have been, other than the land grant mentioned below, is not clear. There are no estate papers and there is no evidence he owned property or was married. In May 1836 Hyde County Court Minutes: “Satisfactory evidence was addressed in court to prove that John Mason, Allen Mason, James Mason, Isabel Gibbs, Kisiah Hutson, and Elinor Sawyer, the brothers and sisters heirs at law to Henry MASON, late soldier in the 18th.... “ This was part of an application sent to Washington for a land bounty for 160 acres in Conway County in Arkansas.

The grant reads:

Andrew Jackson President of the United States

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETINGS: KNOW YE, That in pursuances of the Acts of Congress appropriating and granting Land to the late Army of the United States passed on and since the sixth day of May, 1812, John Mason brother and the other heirs at law of Henry Mason having deposited in the General Land-Offiec a Warrant in their favor, numbered 26816 there is granted unto the said John Mason brother and heirs at law of Henry Mason late a sergeant of Captain Blounts Company in the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry a certain tract of land containing One hundred and Sixty acres being the South East Quarter of Section Twenty Four of Township North in Range Sixteen West in the Tract appropriated (by the Acts aforesaid) for Military Bounties, in Arkansas. To have and to hold the Quarter Section of Land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said John Mason brother and the other heirs at Law of Henry Mason and to their heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made patent, and the Seal of the General Land-Office to the hereunto affixed. Given under my Hand in the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eigthteen hundred and thirty six and of the Independence of the United States of America the sistieth.

By the President, (signed Andrew Jackson) By (signed A.J. Donelson) Commissioner of the General Land-Office

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The heirs of Henry Mason, John Mason, Allen Mason, Kizian Hutson, Elinor Sawyer, and Isabella Gibbs, sold this land to Dorset Mason, their nephew.

Contributed by Ina Mason Carpenter

I find it interesting that James would be my 5^th Great Grandfather. Now if you do the math by this time just in adults that brings us to 64 adults in my life...that does not take into account their children and their children's children. Do you get the picture what has gone on before us and will after us?

Next I'll share information with you on the Wolford (MaMason's family line) Family!!