52 Ancestors 2021: Week 24: Father's Day

I am beyond late in posting this - as Father's Day was June 20th... and it's September 29th. I apologize, again, in how far behind in these challenges that I am. My summer has not been amazing. From laptop problems to family problems - I've really been struggling. That said... I thought I'd stylize this blog the same way I did for Mother's Day. 

For Mother's Day, I talked about my direct maternal line and for this - I'll talk about my direct paternal line, following the Mefford surname as back as I possibly can. Now - my Dad has done his DNA and he has three Mefford lines, so, we have a lot of Mefford cousin DNA matches. A LOT. I've successfully been able to make DNA matches through my 8x Grandfather because of this endogamy. 

First and foremost, my last name of Mefford comes from my Father. My Dad is still living so I won't talk too in-depth about him. He just celebrated his 56th birthday last month. He has been the breadwinner for our family for my whole life. Dad is a ASME certified welder, boilermaker, pipefitter, and honestly, a jack of all trades. He can fix pretty much everything... just don't ask him to fix your washer or dryer. That's his kryptonite. 

Thankfully with my Dad having done his DNA through 23andme, I know that my Dad's paternal haplogroup is I-Z58 and his maternal haplogroup is H1b.

I-Z58 is said to be from "most probably, Northern Europe." The greatest frequency is "northwestern Europe," and that makes sense for the Mefford's as we hail from Germany, and possibly before that, France. We are definitely "Germanic European." 

H1b is said to have branched off between as far back as 8,000 years ago, to as near as 4,000 years ago. It's most commonly found in eastern Europe and NW Siberia. The eastern European is a bit fascinating for me as my Dad and I continue to get "Ashkenazi Jewish" in our DNA results. Perhaps it is from this particular ancestor. I'll have to speak about my Dad's direct maternal line another time. 

So for my direct paternal line... from my father, we'd go to,

My Granddad: Glen Bastin Mefford. My Granddad was born on April 4th, 1938, in the Ennis/Drakesboro area of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He was one of ten children, but a few unfortunately passed away young. Until his death, he was the oldest living brother to his siblings. Sadly, Granddad passed last year on August 11th, at the age of 82. He was home, at the farm, and under the care of hospice. The farm was his pride and joy. He loved the lake, and he loved spending the summer holidays there with his family.. but the farm is what he was most proud of, I believe. My Granddad was an ironworker, part of the local Union. He was a farmer his entire life. He loved to grow a humongous garden full of onions, leaf lettuce, tomatoes, corn, okra, squash, cucumbers, and so much more. I think his favorite meal ever was beans, bacon, cornbread, and green onions. 

My Granddad was married three times and had three kids, two stepchildren through his second marriage (my Grandma, Mina Geneva (Jones) Hendrix), and a stepdaughter in his last marriage. His oldest biological child was legally adopted, later on, by his stepfather and I've never met him to this day. 

Granddad is laid to rest in Forest Grove Cemetery in Ennis beside of his third wife, my step-Grammie, Nancy Lou (Estes) Fleming Mefford. 

My Great-Grandfather: Clinton "Clint" Mefford. Great-Granddaddy Clint was born on July 29th, 1903, in Ennis, KY. Clint married Edith Mae Bastin on June 26th, 1926, in Hartford, Ohio County, KY. Thank you to a book in the Henderson County Public Library for me even finding that information! They reared ten children and a few of them died quite young, sadly. 

Great-Granddaddy Clint worked in the coal mines most of his life and made very decent money doing so. I believe he, too, farmed quite a bit as well. He passed away on October 3rd, 1965, in Greenville, KY, of a myocardial infarction... due to arteriosclerotic heart disease. Runs in the family, sadly. He was only 62 years old. He died just a few months after my Dad was born and out of all the Mefford's -- I feel like my Dad resembles Great-Granddaddy Clint the absolute most. Especially when he's wearing a certain kind of hat like in the photograph I have of Clint. 

Clint is laid to rest in Allen's Chapel Cemetery in Ennis near his young children that went before him. His wife, Edith, re-married after his passing to Oscar Vincent.. She and Oscar are buried together in Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City. 

My 2x Grandfather: French Mefford. French was born on April 2nd, 1874 (as opposed to 1873 that's on his tombstone) in Paradise, Muhlenberg County, KY.

1874 is more consistent because A) his birth record says April 2nd, 1874.. and B) in the 1880 census which was summer of 1880, he was already 6 years old (1874), and C) His WW1 draft card that he helped fill out himself -- April 2nd, 1874. However, his death certificate says 1873 and I guess that's what they went with for his tombstone. 

French was one of four children - at least four that survived, anyway. Unsure if his parents lost any young children. French married Emma Lillie Turner on February 7th, 1898, in Muhlenberg County, KY. He and Emma Lillie reared four children: three daughters and a son. 

French was a farmer in occupation in all the censuses (through 1940). It appeared he worked on his own account in 1940. French, in my opinion, looks quite German. He looks like he was a decent sized man...and hopefully I don't get smacked when I get to heaven for saying this... the man had car doors for ears. Literally - I am so floored that my Dad and I don't have bigger ears because of him! 

French passed away at the age of 81, on April 24th, 1955, in Louisville. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage, due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He also had arteriosclerosis, and had a coronary incident two years prior to his death. 

He was laid to rest in Union Chapel Cemetery in Ennis, KY. His parents, too, are buried in this cemetery. 

My 3x Grandfather: George Washington Mefford. He was born on July 13th, 1847, in Muhlenberg County, KY. On March 19th, 1868, he married his first cousin - Amanda E. Hardison and they had four children: two girls and two boys. 

George was a farmer by occupation for most of his life it appears. In the 1920 census, he reports that he can indeed read and write. However, in prior censuses, he says he is not able to read or write. So sometime between 1910 and 1920, he perhaps either self-taught or someone taught him how to read and write. Perhaps he finally retired from farming and one of his daughters taught him how. Just speculating. In that 1920 census, he lives with his son, Buck Morton Mefford.

George lived to see the age of 82 - passing away on January 30th, 1930, in Ennis, KY. He died of chronic nephritis and was buried in Union Chapel Cemetery next to his wife who died before him in 1918. 

My 4x Grandfather: Andrew Jackson Mefford. Andy Mefford was born on February 25th, 1817, most likely in Muhlenberg County, but could have been Butler County, KY. On July 10th, 1839, in Muhlenberg County, he married his DOUBLE first cousin, Catharine "Katie" Mefford. They reared at least seven children before she passed away in 1855. 

After Katie's death, Andy remarried to Nancy C. Webb on January 4th, 1858, and that union produced at least one son. Nancy was twenty years younger than Andy and of course, she outlived him as well. 

Andy, too, like his descendants, was a farmer. According to the 1870 census - he could not read or write. 

Andy passed away on July 28th, 1873, in Muhlenberg County. It is unknown where he's laid to rest but it's probably Union Chapel Cemetery or another cemetery in Ennis. He, nor his first wife Katie, have had a tombstone found in any cemetery as of yet. It could be because their graves were never marked, or it could be because the tombstones have been lost/destroyed over the years. 

My 5x Grandfather: George W. Mefford. George was born on January 11th, 1789, in the great state of Virginia. He married, sometime around 1811 to Anna Hudlow. His brother, Jacob, would marry Anna's sister Susan. Then George & Anna's son, Andy, married Jacob & Susan's daughter Katie (that's how they were double first cousins.) 

George and Anna eventually moved to the Butler County, KY area sometime, I believe, between 1820 and 1830. They had at least eight children together. George, too, was a farmer.. and according to the 1870 census, he could not read or write. 

George died of "old age" as it appears in the death ledger on October 24th, 1877, in Butler County, KY. He was 88 years old - although the death ledger says he was 96. The death ledger also seems like he was born to a "Jake" Mefford, but his Dad's name was actually John. However, his brother was indeed Jacob "Jake" Mefford. 

George and his wife Anna are buried in New Midway Church Cemetery in Rochester, Butler County, KY. Their tombstones still exist! I have yet to go to their grave site but it's on my bucket list!

My 6x Grandfather: John Mefford was born on October 8th, 1764, in the state of Pennsylvania it is said. He married Miss Mary Lemon on January 8th, 1787, in Rockingham County, Virginia. Sometime I believe between 1810 and 1820 -- he moved his family to the Logan County, KY area. John and Mary had at least two sons and two daughters to the best of my knowledge. 

John, like his descendants, I assume was a farmer. He, too, probably couldn't read or write... but since he died prior to 1850 - I can't find out all that awesome information. No, John passed away at 77 years of age, according to everything I've found. His date of death was April 18th, 1842, in Logan County, KY. He applied for a Revolutionary War pension in Logan County in December of 1840. 

According to paperwork found by other family members - his pension was turned down as he didn't "serve enough time," in the war. He apparently had served as a Minute Man guarding prisoners. He acted as his father's substitute in the year that Cornwallis was taken prisoner. 

John nor his wife Mary's tombstones have ever been found in a cemetery. They're likely buried in an old, possibly family cemetery in Logan County that is either destroyed or undiscovered/lost. 

My 7x Grandfather: Casper Mefford (Meffert). Casper was born in the Hessen area of Germany on August 27th, 1741. He and his two brothers: George and John (Gorg and Johann) came over with their father, Andrew (Andreas) and were a few of the first Meffert's / Mefford's to come to America. They came in 1749 aboard the ship "Rainer." 

Casper and his father and brothers came into the country in Pennsylvania and from there, spread out. Casper married Maria Siegler in Philadelphia on March 30th, 1763 - and for a while it seems they removed to Frederick County, Maryland, but eventually they headed south for Rockingham County, Virginia. I believe it was around 1778 when they arrived in Virginia.

In 1795, Casper had his land surveyed - he owned 225 acres. In 1793, he bought another 41 acres. They lived close to the North River - to the south of it. Probably south of today's Bridgewater, VA. 

Casper is said to have died in Rockingham County on November 23rd, 1805. Part of Casper's will still exists in Rockingham County - but apparently a lot of it was burned. According to family folklore, there was quite a battle over his estate. His wife is said to have survived him, living until 1816.

I would imagine that Casper and Maria are probably buried on Casper's original 225 acres...somewhere. No tombstones have ever been found/recovered. 

My 8x Grandfather: Andreas Meffert - the patriarch of any and all Mefford's in America today (or at least, it feels that way). It is said that Andreas and his three sons -- Johann, Gorg, and Casper came to America together on the ship "Rainer" in 1749. Apparently, his daughter Maria Magarathe and his wife, Anna Magdalena came as well - either at the same time or right near/around the same time. 

It is said Andreas and Magdalena had more children - but only Maria, Johann, Gorg, and Casper are named in Andreas' will. It's entirely possible that they had infants that died at birth or shortly thereafter.

Andreas himself is said to have been born January 2nd, 1707, in the Hessen area of Germany. He is said to have died on August 13th, 1760, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The immigration documents suggest the ship Rainer left Rotterdam, England, and came to Philadelphia. 

Between 1749 to 1753, it's said that Andreas and his family likely stayed in the Philadelphia area with a cousin - Egidius Meffert. Aegidius or Egidius came to America in 1748 it's said with a possible son - Johann Peter Meffert. Egidius was Andreas' first cousin, their fathers were brothers. 

After 1753 to 1760, Andreas appears on a tax list for Chester County, Pennsylvania. His will was written up on May 31st, 1760. He died soon after. 

Andreas and his wife on Find-a-Grave are listed in Peters Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. I don't think that's correct whatsoever... I believe an amateur family historian slapped them in there when Find-a-Grave was just starting out years ago. Likely, they are buried more in the Washington County, PA area on land they probably owned, or an old city cemetery potentially. Perhaps a church cemetery, a church comprised of primarily German immigrants. Anything is possible. 

Through Andreas' son Johannes "John" (whereas I come through son Casper), actor Tom Hanks is my 7th cousin 2x removed. Mr. Rogers (Fred McNeely Rogers) was also my 7th cousin 2x removed through Andreas. Tom Hanks and Mr. Rogers are 6th cousins through Johannes Meffert. Tom Hanks descends through the son, Jacob Mefford; and Mr. Rogers descends through the son William Mefford.

Today.com Article

Imagine my surprise when I read that article when it popped up on Facebook out of curiosity... only to see MEFFORD/MEFFERT staring at me!! I never ever thought it would actually be cool to be a Mefford!

My 9x Grandfather: Johann Conradt (John Conrad) Meffert. Born about 1666 and died, supposedly, on July 22nd, 1731. Not much is known about these "pre-America" Meffert's but.. it's believed Johann Conradt was married first to Anna Marie Glinder and had children with her... she died in 1702. Then he married my ancestor, Anna Maria Koch, who I believe survived him. 

In all, he had at least three children with the first wife and at least eight children with the second wife (my ancestor). Three of the daughters died very young, so they never married. One of the daughters married a surname of "Will." It's said that these Meffert's still have living descendants in Germany today. I've conversed with a few of them over the years. 

More than likely, as with other Meffert's in Germany during the time - Johann Conradt and his wives likely were of the German Lutheran faith. It is likely Johann Conradt was born and died in the area of Hessen. 

My 10x Grandfather: Hans Heinrich Meffert. Hans was born about 1634 in Hessen, Germany. He married on November 25th, 1659, to Anna Margarethe Emmel. They had at least seven children before she died in about 1680. Then he married Juliana Zehn and had at least five more children with her. These Meffert children still have living descendants in Germany today. 

It is said that Hans died in the Wachenbuchen area of Germany (Hesse) on June 10th, 1704. For a long time, Hans was the dead end for the Meffert family... but I believe I've managed to get a little further. 

My 11x Grandfather: Friedrich Meffard. Born in about 1594, probably in the Rheinland area of Germany. Friedrich married Margarethe Gildenfelder in the German Evangelical Reformed Church on January 8th, 1615 in Barbelroth, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Being that they married in 1611 and Hans wasn't born until about 1634.. it is very possible that Hans had a lot of older siblings, or perhaps there is a generation between Hans and Friedrich. It's possible for Friedrich to have had a son in say, 1612, that was the father of Hans in 1634. 

My 12x Grandfather: I believe the father of Friedrich is Michel Meffard born about 1574 in perhaps Gotha, Thuringia area of Germany. Michel's wife's name is reportedly Catharina. This is my wall/stump as of 2021. I haven't made any DNA matches past Andreas Meffert, technically... but they could be in my Dad's low low DNA matches (like 10cM and less). 

It is interesting that the last name has went from Mefford, to Meffert, to Meffard. I'm hoping in time my Dad will do his Y-DNA and that might yield us some better understanding of the Meffert last name and its migration patterns. :)

Thank you for reading my paternal line history. Maybe next year for Father's Day I can write about my Blanford direct paternal line.. and for Mother's Day I could write about my Grandma Mina's direct maternal line. 

Some examples of why I love Remini's app so much!

I thought I would highlight here on my blog some of my favorite examples as to why I love Remini's smartphone photo app so much! You can enhance, colorize, and so much more. So far, my favorite feature is enhancing. It's helped clear up so many old photographs of mine. Here are some examples.

Above is my 2x Grandfather, French Mefford. Look at those ears! It's a wonder my Dad and I don't have car doors for ears! I ponder if it's a result of the heavy endogamy in the Mefford family tree. French's parents were 1st cousins... and his Grandparents were double first cousins. He was the son of George Washington Mefford and Amanda Hardison. (1874-1955)

Above is my 2x Grandmother, Emma Lillie (Turner) Mefford. She was the daughter of Phylander Turner and Lucy Knight. (1879-1964)

The full photograph cleared up. I've tried colorizing it.. but the colors just don't come out 100% right. Maybe one day someone will colorize it for me instead of me trying to use an auto-colorizer. 

Above is my 2x Grandfather, Charles Clarence LaRue. This photo is from when he was around 17 or 18 years old.. so roughly 1900, give or take a year. I've tried coloring this one too and it just doesn't turn out well. Charles was the son of Benjamin Hardin LaRue and Mary Philapine Lawrey. He was the husband of Carrie Annie Byrd and Sarah (Beck) Staser. (1883-1980). 

Above is my 2x Grandmother, Mary Janella (Nally) Thompson. This is a zoom in of her face from a photograph of her and her twin sister. But just look at how much clearer she is.. I'm in awe, I'm stunned.. She was so magnificently beautiful. I wish her beauty would have passed down to me. (1882-1972)

Above is Mary Janella's twin sister, Camilla (Nally) Thompson. Janella & Camilla married brothers -- John Rowan Thompson & Samuel "Sam" Thompson. Thanks to this zoom in and enhancement, we can see that Camilla had a large scar on her face. Assuming this isn't mirrored photography, and she's looking at the camera, it would be on her left side I believe. I ponder what happened? I've never heard stories of her having had a scar before. My Nana nor my Grandma ever said anything about it. I wonder if it had faded by the time my Grandmother was born? (1882-1962)

Janella & Camilla were the daughters of Henry Oliver Nally and Vandalia Gibson. They were second cousins with their Thompson husbands. The Thompson's were sons of Martin Henry Thompson and Elizabeth Levina "Lou" Nally. 

If you've never tried the Remini photo app, please do! It works absolute wonders on your old photographs. 

52 Ancestors 2021: Week 12: Loss

 For this weeks topic, the first thing that comes to mind for me is the loss of children and just how many of our ancestors buried multiple infants or young children. So in this blog I'm going to discuss the children lost by three sets of my ancestors: Clint Mefford and Edith Bastin, Frank Bastin Sr and Ilena Singleton, and Charles LaRue and Carrie Byrd. 

First, Clint and Edith.

My Great-Grandparents, Clinton "Clint" Mefford and Edith, nee Bastin, were the parents of eleven children; only eight of those surviving past being a toddler or very young child. 

The first born child was named Billie on November 28th, 1927, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, likely near the community of Ennis. Billie is the only child that I haven't been able to obscure a death certificate for but his tombstone gives his date of death as March 27th, 1931. He's buried in Allen's Chapel Cemetery near his father, Clint, and other siblings. 

Billie appears in the 1930 census living with his parents and his younger sister, Mary Ellen (1929-2009). Aunt Mary told me years ago that all of the children died of the same thing, so chances are, young Billie died of bronchial pneumonia. 

After Billie's birth, Clint and Edith had Mary Ellen in 1929, Barbara Ray in 1933, Ima Jean in 1936, Glen Bastin in 1938 (my Granddad), and then came Clinton "Clint" Mefford Jr in 1940. 

Clint Jr was born on June 29th, 1940, in the community of Ennis, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. On his tombstone, his date of death is given as February 2nd, 1941, but according to his death certificate, it was February 1st, 1941. For Clint Jr, I do have a death certificate -- bronchial pneumonia / Influenza listed as the cause of death. 

The next child after little Clint was Wanda Lee Mefford, born on December 4th, 1942, again in the community of Ennis; and she died of bronchial pneumonia on January 1st, 1943, according to her death certificate. Again, her tombstone is off -- her birth date by two days and her death date by one. 

The dates on the death certificates are what I'm using as primary information, because the informant (and who helped fill out the certificates) was Clint himself so I believe he knew his children's birth dates and death dates. 

After Wanda Lee came Owen Lee in 1944, Vernon Lee in 1946, Michael Wayne in 1949, and Sharon Ann in 1953. To my knowledge, Clint and Edith never lost another child. It's tough to say why they were plagued by bronchial pneumonia between the years of 1931-1943. Why did only Billie, Clint Jr, and Wanda succumb from this illness? 

It's no doubt that probably the other children: Mary, Barbara, Ima, and Glen probably got sick with the same Influenza their siblings had. Why did they survive and these three didn't? I guess some immune systems are better than others. Age at the time of the influenza played a factor as well, I'm sure. 

Granddaddy Clint worked in the coal mines and Grandma Edith was a homemaker who stayed at home and took care of her home and family. It's tough to say if their living conditions helped the influenza thrive -- I wouldn't think so, as I've heard my Granddad Glen say numerous times, they didn't grow up poor by any means. The coal mining business was obviously very good to Granddaddy Clint and his wife and children, from what my Granddad Glen has said over the years. 

Regardless, in 2021, Billie has been gone for ninety years; Clint Jr for eighty years, and Wanda for seventy-eight. These are entire lifetimes these kids have been gone... Only one sister remains living that would have any recollection of Clint Jr or Wanda, and that would be my Aunt Barbara Palmer of Chicago. Sadly, none alive today would have any memories of little Billie, as he was the first to be birthed, and the first to pass away. It's up to someone like me, the family genealogist, to keep his memory alive. 

I will share this one old photograph of Granddaddy Clint, Grandma Edith, Aunt Mary (standing in the back), Aunt Barbara in Clint's lap, and Edith holding Ima Jean. My Granddad hadn't been born yet, but probably would be conceived within a few months of this photo being taken. 

Second, Frank and Ilena. 

My Great-Great-Grandparents, Franklin Payton Bastin Sr and Ilena Singleton had eleven children in total; but only seven that lived past infancy. 

Bessie was their first child born in 1896, then came Bernice Marie in 1900, Frank Jr in 1901, Jennie Merle in 1904, and Edith Mae in 1908 (my Great-Grandmother). In the 1910 census, Ilena says she's birthed 6 kids at this point and only 5 are living. So there is a child born between 1900 and 1910 that mustn't have a tombstone - could have been a miscarriage early on, even; so perhaps it never had a proper burial. It deserves to be counted as a child, though. It existed. 

Next came William Norman in 1912, and then came the three that died very shortly after their births. First was Arthur F Bastin, misspelled Auther on his tombstone. He was born on December 10th, 1914, in the Nelson area of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and died just two days later -- December 12th, 1914. The dates on his tombstone are incorrect -- they say December 8th and December 11th. The death certificate says he died of malformation. 

I'll note that his tombstone looks pretty rough -- and when/if I'm able, I'd love to be able to clean it with some D/2 Biological Solution. 

Arthur is buried in Nelson Creek Cemetery in the community of Nelson, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.

The next child that came was Carl D. Bastin, born on November 15th, 1915, and he died March 22nd, 1916. His death certificate is a bit hard to read but I believe the cause of death reads "lung cold followed by bronchial pneumonia." 

There isn't a photograph of his tombstone on Find-a-Grave so that tells me that nobody has found one, but I would imagine since his brother and sister have a tombstone, that he does as well. I probably just need to get down to that cemetery and prod around for the tombstone -- it could be broken and under six inches to a foot of dirt. 

The next to come along was Vernerd Lee Bastin, born on June 29th, 1918, and died on October 24th, 1918. Her date of birth is off by a day on her tombstone. Her name on her death certificate looks more like "Vernon" or "Verna" or "Vermie" as it's been transcribed, but on the tombstone, it's Vernerd. On the birth index, it's Vernon -- she's marked as female on the death certificate as well. The cause of death is listed as influenza and probably labor pneumonia. 

Her tombstone, too, could use some T.L.C. with D/2. The epitaph bittersweetly says, "not lost, just gone before." 

After Vernerd, only one more child was born to Frank and Lena -- Roy Ferguson in 1919. It's another tough nut as to why certain ones of the Bastin children passed away and not the others. Why three in a row? Were they born a bit sickly to begin with? Well, we know Arthur died of malformation...so could Carl and Vernerd also have dealt with being a bit malformed? Frank Bastin, too, worked in the coal industry and his wife, Ilena "Lena" was a homemaker. This was in the 1910 and 1920 censuses whereas by 1930, he gave his profession as farmer. 

It's been 107 years since Arthur passed away, 106 for Carl, and 103 for Vernerd. There isn't a soul alive today that remembers these three Bastin children, nor the one that was born and died sometime between 1900-1910. There's no written record for that child, no family bible mentioning him or her... it's up to me to keep the memory of Arthur, Carl, and Vernerd alive.

Third, Charles and Carrie. 

My Great-Great-Grandparents Charles Clarence LaRue and Carrie Annie Byrd had eleven children but only eight made it past infancy or young childhood. 

First they had Shelby Clark in 1905, then came his little brother, John Franklin, born October 28th, 1906, in the Smith Mills area of Henderson County, Kentucky. John makes an appearance with his parents and his siblings: Shelby and Rosa, in the 1910 census... but he passes away shortly after. He is buried unmarked at the Smith Mills Cemetery (according to family story.) As Kentucky doesn't have any death certificates in 1910, it's unclear what he passed away from.

The next child born was little Mary Ernestine on November 17th, 1908, and she died October 18th, 1909. Whatever took Mary Ernestine in 1909 could very well be what took little John Franklin in 1910. Mary, too, is buried unmarked in the Smith Mills Cemetery near her parents and other siblings. Given that so many of my ancestors have lost children to bronchial pneumonia or influenza -- I ponder if their deaths weren't because of that. 

The next kids to come along were Rosa Lee in 1909, Woodrow Wilson in 1912, Verna Lorene in 1914 (my Great-Grandmother), Bonnie Wyonia in 1916, Ann Bessie Louise in 1918, and then the next little one to pass away young... Francis LaRue. He was born on February 24th, 1921, and died September 30th, 1921. He is the only one to have a death certificate -- but still no tombstone in the Smith Mills Cemetery. 

On his death certificate, he's listed as dying of membranous croup -- that's familiar to me as my other Great-Grandmother Anna Elizabeth (Thompson) Sandefur also lost a sibling, Vannie Louise Thompson, to membranous croup in 1915. A contributory cause to Francis' death was cardiovascular, interestingly enough. At least, that's what the word looks like to me. Truth be told, I thought it said something like "cord laubaum" or something but I don't believe that's right. 

After little Francis came Opal Lois in 1922, and James Alma in 1924. Dad LaRue was a farmer in occupation, and the LaRue's didn't have a whole lot in the way of money, honestly. Their living conditions very well could have impacted the lives of their young children... but as I've said twice already in this post, who knows why death struck three of the LaRue children and just these particular three and not the others. 

When it comes to the children of Frank & Lena and Charles & Carrie -- they're all gone now. For the children of theirs who died young, there's no one left alive with a single memory of them. There aren't any pictures, that I'm aware of... there's no written diary entries mentioning them or anything, as far as I know. So it's up to me, as the family historian, to keep the legacies of these little tots going for generations to remember them. 

It's been 111 years since John Franklin LaRue died, 112 since Mary Ernestine died, and exactly one hundred years this year since Francis LaRue died. That's not just one lifetime ago... that's multiple lifetimes. Without tombstones, these LaRue children would be forgotten about if it wasn't for Francis' death certificate, John Franklin appearing in the 1910 census, and as for Mary Ernestine, I'm guessing we have a family bible somewhere in one of the lines of the family mentioning her birth and death or else...who would know about it? The Smith Mills Cemetery sure isn't the best for keeping records, that's for sure. 

I have several more ancestors who lost more than one child young... but these three stuck out to me to talk about for this blog. Not just because I had tombstone photographs, and not just because I had some death certificates... but it struck me as interesting that each lost three... or at least three were documented, in Lena's case, as there's the missing one between 1900-1910. 

Plus, I haven't had the chance to write too much, yet, on my Mefford or Bastin side. I know way more about my Mom's side of the family.. a lot of them being Catholic, the record keeping is much better. But my paternal side is ever bit as important and with time I intend to write more blogs about them. 

Thanks for reading my ramblings tonight, it means a lot. If you haven't joined Blogger/Blogspot yet, you can create a free account and 'subscribe' or 'follow' my blog here. You can also leave a comment if you'd like. Thank you all!

52 Ancestors 2021: Week 10: Name's the Same

 My family tree is more than likely not unlike anyone else's -- a common theme of names are presidential, and I believe that's the theme I'm going to go with today for "Name's the Same." 

Currently in my tree, I have five George Washington Mefford's (well, I say five because I'm pretty sure my 5x Grandfather, George W. Mefford is a George Washington Mefford as well.) in my family tree. I have six Andrew Jackson Mefford's in my tree. 

Over all, there are 198 people in my tree with "George Washington" as their first and middle name (and one being the actual George Washington -- I relate to the Washington's, distantly, because of family that hail out of Virginia). 93 with Andrew Jackson. 9 with Grover Cleveland. 87 with Benjamin Franklin. 70 with Thomas Jefferson. 2 with Andrew Hamilton. 5 with John Adams. 4 with Abraham Lincoln, including the actual Abraham Lincoln (the midwife during his birth is a relative of mine!)

12 John Hancock's, 12 Jefferson Davis', 6 Ulysses Grant's, 30 James Madison's (including the actual James Madison), 27 James Monroe's, 2 Martin Van Buren's, 4 William Henry Harrison's, 2 John Tyler's, 3 James Polk's, 2 Zachary Taylor's, 6 Millard Fillmore's, 7 Franklin Pierce's, 9 James Buchanan's, 3 James Garfield's, 1 Chester Arthur, 7 Benjamin Harrison's, 7 William McKinley's, 6 Woodrow Wilson's, and I believe that's it. 

I believe it's become less of a trend as years went on to name kids after President's. My tree has 92,837 people in it and after Woodrow Wilson, there aren't anymore presidential names. No John Kennedy's, no Lyndon Johnson's, no Calvin Coolidge's, no Herbert Hoover's, Richard Nixon's, Ronald Reagan's, etc etc. 

So the ancestors today that I'm going to talk about are my 5x Grandfather, George W (pretty sure it's Washington) Mefford, my 4x Grandfather, Andrew Jackson Mefford, and my 3x Grandfather, George Washington Mefford.

First, before I talk about this, it'll be easier for you to see the Mefford endogamy in pedigree tree format. This tree begins with my 2x Grandfather, French Mefford. His parents were 1st cousins, and his Grandparents were DOUBLE first cousins. 

So as you can see, I descend from George W. Mefford and Anna Hudlow once, but I descend from Jacob Mefford and Susanna Hudlow twice. Therefore I descend from John Mefford and Mary Lemon a total of three times and Jacob Hudlow and Susanna Peters a total of three times. 

My 5x Grandfather, George W. Mefford was born on January 11th, 1789, in Virginia. He married his wife, Anna Hudlow, around the year 1811, probably while still living in Virginia. By the time his son Andy, my 4x Grandpa, was born in 1817, they were living in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where Anna passes away in 1859. I haven't found him listed in the 1820 census, but I can for the 1830 census; 1840, 1850, and 1870. I've found  him on the slave schedule for 1860 but that's it so far.

George re-marries to Nancy (Ward) McIntire on February 6th, 1868, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Eventually George passed away while living in Butler County, Kentucky, on October 24th, 1877. He and his first wife, Anna, are buried in New Midway Church Cemetery in Rochester, Butler County, Kentucky. 

George and Anna were the parents of the following children: Mary (1812) who married David Fisher, John (1813) who married Faith Arendell, Jacob (1815) who married Patience McKnelly, Andrew Jackson (1817) who married Catherine "Katie" Mefford, his double first cousin; Susan (1823) who married William "Bill" Williams, Eliza Ann Francis (1825) who married Samuel S. Bell and Daniel Joseph Revo, Mary Elizabeth (1829) who married Zebulon Campfield (also spelled Camfield), Pelitha A (1831) who married her double first cousin as well, Andrew Jackson Mefford. 

My 4x Grandfather, Andrew Jackson Mefford was born February 25th, 1817, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He married his double cousin, Catherine "Katie" Mefford on July 10th, 1839, in Muhlenberg County. Katie died sometime between the birth of their last child, Adaline in 1851 and when Andy re-married to Nancy C. Webb on January 4th, 1858, in Muhlenberg County. 

Andy consistently stayed in the Muhlenberg area -- he's found in the 1850, 1860, and 1870 censuses.  I believe he served in the Civil War but, it could be another "A.J. Mefford" that served -- as he did have a double first cousin named Andrew Jackson Mefford. He passed away on July 28th, 1873, in Muhlenberg County. It's unknown where he's buried, but it very well could be New Midway in Butler County, since that's where his parents are buried. 

Andy and Katie were the parents of the following children: Caroline (1840) who married Joseph Webb, Jacob "Jake" (1840) who married his first cousin Annie Lorena Campfield and secondly to Prudence "Prudie" Maxie, Eliza Ann (1841) who married Zebulon Campfield (yes, the same Zebulon Campfield who was first married to Eliza Ann's aunt, Mary Elizabeth Mefford. The same Zebulon Campfield who's daughter, Annie, married Eliza's brother, Jake), secondly she married James William Turley; George Washington (1847) who married his first cousin, Amanda Hardison; Elizabeth "Lizzie" Mefford (1848) who married Jacob Hardison and second to Thomas C Traughber; Franklin Pierce (1849) who married his first cousin Louisa Campfield (another dau. of Zebulon Campfield & Mary Elizabeth Mefford), second to Mary E Cottrell, and third to Mary Arendell; and lastly, Adaline (1851) who died young in 1855. 

My 3x Grandfather, George Washington Mefford, was born July 13th, 1847, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He married his first cousin, Amanda E. Hardison on March 19th, 1868, in Muhlenberg County. They stayed in the Paradise/Skilesville/Ennis areas of Muhlenberg County for the rest of their lives. Amanda predeceased him in 1918 and then George went to the Lord on January 30th, 1930. 

George and Amanda are buried in Union Chapel Cemetery in Ennis, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The dates I use for George come from his death certificate -- but his tombstone reflects a birth date of July 6th, 1846. I don't believe that's accurate. He also didn't die on January 10th -- he died January 30th, according to his death certificate. 

George and Amanda were the parents of seven children (according to the 1900 census) but only four that lived: Cordelia (1871) who married Robert Edmond Zeck and moved to Texas, French (1874) who married Emma Lillie Turner, Buck Morton (1879) who married Cordelia Jenkins, and Annie Hazel (1888) who married John Blackburn Fleming. 

The Mefford's marry into the Fleming's several different times. My late step-Grandmother, Nancy Lou (Estes) Fleming Mefford; her first husband, Bobby Fleming, was a cousin of ours through the Mefford's. 

It is through Annie Hazel (Mefford) Fleming that I am related to Scott Porter of the Tennessee Wraith Chasers (of Ghost Asylum and Haunted Towns fame on Travel Channel). Scott and myself are DNA matches on Ancestry DNA (his Dad has also tested, and so has my Dad. We all match each other of course). Scott and I are third cousin once removed.

The Mefford Family reunion that happens every fall in Dunmor, Kentucky, is usually comprised of those who descend from French Mefford and Buck Morton Mefford. That's how I met my 3rd cousin 1x removed, Kim, who I consider one of my best friends and favorite cousins today. 

As you can tell from my earlier paragraphs -- we marry into the Campfield/Camfield family several times as well. They're a difficult family to work on, as well, because of the inter-marrying. The Mefford's have been a nightmare because of it. All of our DNA matches appear closer than what they actually are. I'll match a Mefford 2nd/3rd Mefford cousins at almost a first cousin level. Half first cousin/high 2nd cousin level anyway. My Dad matches them even higher than I do, obviously -- he really does match his 2nd and 3rd Mefford cousins at a 1st cousin level. 

Thanks for reading my Mefford ramblings this evening. I much appreciate it!

52 Ancestors 2020: Week 3: Long Line

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, 2020 Challenges

Week Three: "Long Line."

Long line could be taken in a lot of ways. I could talk about the long line of bus drivers I descend from or the long line of jokesters I come from. Maybe the long line of farmers in my family. But I thought the best thing to talk about when it comes to "long line" is how far back my roots in America go on each branch of my tree. Or at least...the ones I've confirmed the furthest back. 

Firstly, my Mefford line. I have three of them, you know. My 3x Grandparents were first cousins...and then my 3x Grandfather's parents were double first cousins. *Yes, that is banjos you hear playing in the background.*

The first Mefford, or Meffert, in America was Andreas Meffert, born January 2nd, 1707, in Hessen, Germany. He migrated to America with some of his sons in 1749, coming in through, I believe, the Port of Philadelphia. Andreas or as he became to be known as, Andrew, spent the rest of his life living in the Washington County, Pennsylvania area, where he died on August 13th, 1760. His widow, Anna Magdalena Haas Meffert is said to have made the move down to Frederick County, VA, where she died in 1765. 

I descend through their son Casper Mefford. It's interesting to note, and I'll add it right here, that Tom Hanks and Mr. Rogers also descend from Andreas Meffert -- through his son Johannes "John" Meffert. Tom Hanks didn't know about his Meffert lineage until he went to portray Mr. Rogers in a biopic a couple of years ago. A couple genealogists put their heads together and found the connection. Imagine my surprise when I open an article to see the name "Andreas Meffert" in it. I about fainted. 

Anyway -- Casper Mefford was the first to use the spelling Mefford and keep it. He was born August 27th, 1741 in Hessen, Germany, and migrated with his father in 1749. He married miss Maria Siegler in Philadelphia on March 30th, 1763. Eventually, Casper, Maria, and their family migrated south to Virginia where Casper died on November 23rd, 1805, in Rockingham County. Casper's widow, Maria, passed away April 16th, 1816, also in Rockingham County. 

From Casper, I descend from his son John Mefford. John was born October 8th, 1764, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On January 8th, 1787, in Rockingham County, Virginia, he married miss Mary Lemon. By the 1820 census, John and his family were living in the Logan County, Kentucky, area. John died in Logan County on April 18th, 1842. John's wife, Mary, preceded him in death by at least two years. 

From John, I actually descend through two of his children. Twice through his son, Jacob; and once through his son, George. 

George W. Mefford was born January 11th, 1789, in Rockingham County, Virginia. In approximately 1811, probably in Rockingham County, Virginia, he married miss Anna Hudlow. By the 1830 census, he was living in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He died in Butler County, Kentucky, on October 24th, 1877, and his tombstone still stands. Anna preceded him in death on November 19th, 1859, in Butler County...and her tombstone still stands, too. 

As for his brother, Jacob -- he was born May 11th, 1790, in Rockingham County, Virginia. He married miss Susanna "Susan" Hudlow on December 21st, 1808, in Rockingham County. By the 1820 census, they appear to be living in Logan County, Kentucky. Jacob died in the Muhlenberg County area in roughly October of 1835. Susan reportedly died the following year, in 1836.

From George, I descend through his son, Andrew Jackson Mefford, who was born February 25th, 1817, in what was probably Logan County, Kentucky. On July 10th, 1839, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, he married miss Catharine "Katie" Mefford -- his double first cousin. Catharine was the daughter of Jacob Mefford & Susan Hudlow. She was born January 28th, 1817, in Logan County, Kentucky. Katie passed away August 26th, 1855, in Muhlenberg County, leaving Andrew a widower. 

Andy re-married and eventually passed away on July 28th, 1873, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. From Andy and Katie, I descend through their son, George Washington Mefford. George was born July 13th, 1847, in Muhlenberg County. On March 19th, 1868, in Muhlenberg County, he married miss Amanda Hardison -- his first cousin. 

Amanda "Manda" Hardison was born December 14th, 1848, in Logan County, Kentucky and was the daughter of John A. Hardison and Mary Anna "Annie" Mefford. Annie Mefford was a sister of Catharine "Katie" Mefford, thus making her a daughter of Jacob Mefford & Susan Hudlow. Annie was born circa 1819 and passed away sometime between 1860 and 1870. 

As for George & Manda -- Manda passed away on August 23rd, 1918, in Muhlenberg County. George outlived her and passed away on January 30th, 1930, in Muhlenberg County. From the two of them came only two daughters and two sons. I descend through the eldest boy, French Mefford. 

French Mefford was born April 2nd, 1874, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. On February 7th, 1898, he married miss Emma Lillie Turner in Muhlenberg County. French died April 24th, 1955, in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Lillie passed December 14th, 1964, in Greenville, Muhlenberg County. 

From them was born one son and three daughters. I descend, of course, through their son -- Clinton "Clint" Mefford. He was born July 29th, 1903, in Ennis, Muhlenberg County. He married the lovely Edith Mae Bastin on June 26th, 1926, in Hartford, Ohio County, Kentucky. He preceded her in death on October 3rd, 1965, in Greenville. She went on to re-marry and lived until April 11th, 1988, passing in Daviess County, Kentucky. 

Their son, Glen Bastin Mefford, was my Grandfather.. and he sadly passed away on August 11th, 2020. From Granddad Glen to Andreas Meffert was nine generations. Nine generations between Granddad and the first Meffert to land on American soil. Even though, in 1749, we weren't quite the United States, were we? We were the British Colonies of America, I believe? 

****

Anyway... the second line I can talk about, that goes back even further in American history -- is my mother's maiden name, Blanford. It originally was spelled Blandford before someone dropped the middle D. We hailed from the area of Dorset, England. Just a short distance from the actual town of Dorset is a little place called Blandford Forum and I believe that's where we originated from. We got our last name from the town, more than likely..so who knows what our last name was before Blandford. Or perhaps...the town was named for us. Hmph!

Thomas Blandford was born about 1648 in the Dorset area of England. He is the furthest back documented Blandford I can trace. I believe he came to America around the year 1673, although it could have been as early as 1660. I had previously believed Thomas was a son of a John Blandford & Dorothy Wright, but, there's not a lot of concrete evidence to back that up. 

We know Thomas married Tabitha Wright on June 13th, 1678, in Calvert County, Maryland. The Blandford's at this point are starting to become well documented here in America because they're Catholic. And let's face it... Catholics keep phenomenal records. Thomas passed away in Prince George's County in 1698. Tabitha survived him until 1701. Tabitha had previously had children with William Mills -- that's also a very old name in Catholic America coming over from England. 

From Thomas & Tabitha, I descend from their son, Thomas Blandford. Thomas was born in either late 1678 or early 1679, Calvert County, Maryland. Around 1697 or so, he married Sarah Beaven. They both died in Prince George's County around 1749. 

From Thomas & Sarah, I descend through John Blandford. John was born roughly in 1709 in Prince George's County. His first wife was an Elizabeth Hagan, but his second wife, was a woman named Eleanor, who he married around 1751. Her last name right now remains a mystery. John passed in Prince George's, in 1770. 

From John and his second wife Eleanor, I come from their son, John Baptist Blandford. John Baptist was born about 1758, likely in Prince George's County, Maryland -- and around 1773, he married Elizabeth Clarke. Sometime after that, they made the "Great Catholic Migration" from Maryland down to Eastern Kentucky. John & Elizabeth both supposedly pass in Nelson County, Kentucky, in 1797. 

Their son, John Baptist Blandford, comes next in my lineage. He was born about 1774, likely in Prince George's County, Maryland, and married miss Catharine Hagan on November 12th, 1795, in Nelson County, Kentucky. The Hagan's, too, are an old English Catholic family. John passed away, probably in Nelson or Washington County, Kentucky, in 1818. Catharine eventually migrated with her children to Union County, Kentucky, where she died May 7th, 1859. It is likely she was buried in Saint Vincent / Sacred Heart Cemetery but no tombstone exists today. 

Through them came a son named Richard B (probably Baptist) Blandford. He was born about 1810 in likely Nelson County, Kentucky. Through his second wife, Rosella Jane Boone, whom he married November 9th, 1847, in Union County, Kentucky, I descend. Richard passed away sometime between the 1860 and 1870 censuses, leaving Rosella as a widow. Rosella passed away in 1910 in Union County, Kentucky, and too, is likely buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery with no existing tombstone. 

From Richard & Rosella came a son named Samuel "Sam" Blandford and it is through him and his two wives that he populated present day Union County, Henderson County, and even some of Daviess County with Blandford's. I think even some crossed over the river into Evansville, Indiana. 

Samuel Blandford was born April 15th, 1860, in Union County, Kentucky and he married his first wife, October 8th, 1883, at Saint Vincent Church, in Saint Vincent, Union County, Kentucky... her name was Mary Olive Oatman Raley, "Ollie" for short. The Raley's, too, are an old English Catholic family. 

Ollie preceded Sam in death on June 16th, 1906, in Union County, Kentucky. Sam married again and eventually left his second wife a widow on February 1st, 1916, in Union County, Kentucky. I believe both Sam & Ollie are likely buried in Saint Vincent Cemetery, but again, no tombstones have been found. It's plausible they could be interred at Saint Peter Catholic Cemetery but, again, no tombstones have been located. 

Sam & Ollie bore several children, their son Martin Allen Blanford being my ancestor. Dad Blanford, as he was called, was born February 28th, 1888, in Morganfield, Union County, Kentucky. He married the beautiful Mary Agnes Nally on January 7th, 1913, in Union County -- likely at Saint Peter Church. Agnes bore him six children before the good Lord called her home at an early age -- just 32 years young, on January 28th, 1927. She died of tuberculosis. The Nally family, too, is an old English Catholic family. 

Dad Blanford married again and lived a long life -- he passed away April 24th, 1968, in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Dad & Agnes' first son, Richard Jerome Blanford, was my Great-Grandfather. "Dick" as he was known, was born November 5th, 1913, in Union County, Kentucky. 

On July 11th, 1931, probably in Holy Name Catholic Church, he married miss Verna Lorene LaRue and to them 13 children were born. They both lived long, but hard lives at times. Lorene passed away of breast cancer on May 8th, 1991. The LaRue's had been in Henderson County for quite a while, and Lorene and her immediate LaRue family were Catholic, but I don't believe the LaRue's were always Catholic. I'll talk about them again in a minute. 

Dick passed away from prostate cancer on December 14th, 1995, in Geneva, Henderson County, Kentucky. I actually had the pleasure of knowing my Great-Grandfather, just for a short while. I turned three the February after his passing. 

Their son, James Allen Blanford, who passed away six years ago today.. was my Grandfather. 

From my Grandpa Jady to Thomas Blandford of Dorset, England, are ten generations. Ten generations between the first English Blandford in America to my Grandpa. 

*****

For my LaRue kin -- we came to America as French Huguenots. As defined on Wikipedia -- "Huguenots were French Protestants who held to the Reformed, or Calvinist, tradition of Protestantism." Now, my LaRue line can be traced further back into France than just what I'm going to talk about but -- my French Huguenot ancestor is my 9th Great-Grandfather, Abraham LaRue or "Le Roux". 

As per Wikipedia -- "The LaRue family and its descendants trace their ancestry back to the French Huguenot Abraham LeRoux, who sailed to America with his family around 1680 as part of a mass exodus from France. According to LaRue descendant and author of Six Generations of LaRue and Allied Families, Otis M. Mather, several attempts to trace Abraham's family to a particular individual or locality in France have been unsuccessful. However, Don Holland Watson began the search in 1961 and, along with his two sisters, visited Germany and France on several occasions, tracing the family from the sub-province of Lalloeu in France to Mannheim, in Germany, and from there to the USA, then tracking the family until modern times, all across the USA in personal visits.

Although there are dozens of family traditions describing in various ways how Abraham and his family first arrived in America, all sources agree that some of the LaRues were murdered during or soon after the Massacre of St. Bartholomew in 1572, and afterward scattered across Europe and, eventually, America, where several members of the family were reunited.

Abraham LeRoux (LaRue) settled in New Jersey, where he died in 1712, leaving behind a son named Peter. Peter had three sons of his own; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, from which sprang the LaRue families of Virginia and Kentucky."

Peter died in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1783. I descend from his son, Isaac LaRue Sr. Isaac was born 309 years ago today -- January 11th, 1712, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Around 1743, he married Phebe Carmen, and reared at least ten children who went forth and populated Kentucky & Virginia with LaRue's of all kinds. On March 20th, 1795, Isaac Sr dies in Frederick County, Virginia. 

From him, comes my 6th Great-Grandfather, Jacob LaRue Sr. Jacob was born May 1st, 1744, in Frederick County, Virginia. He married twice and had a slew of children with both women. I descend through his first wife, Mary Frost, whom he married in 1765 in Clarke County, Virginia. She died in 1804. Jacob eventually moved with a number of his descendants to present day Hardin County, Kentucky, where he died September 15th, 1821. 

My 5th Great-Grandfather was Samuel LaRue -- born about 1781 in Virginia. He married miss Elizabeth Dodge (Dodge is a very old American last name with roots in very early New England American history) on June 2nd, 1801, in Hardin County, Kentucky. Elizabeth passed in 1821 and Samuel shortly after in 1826. They mostly had daughters, which meant the LaRue last name was starting to die out... but they had two sons; one being my 4th Great-Grandfather. 

Josiah "Si" LaRue has been a tough man to trace down. He was born about 1804, likely in Hardin County, Kentucky, and by October 13th, 1828, in Floyd County, Indiana, he married miss Mary Castleman (old German family). They remain, however, in Hardin County in subsequent censuses. It seems they both die between 1850 and 1860. They had at least eleven children -- mostly sons, so the LaRue last name makes a come back! 

A lot of Josiah & Mary's descendants end up in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and even further west. I descend through their son, Benjamin Hardin LaRue. Ben LaRue was born about December of 1844 in probably Hardin County, Kentucky. For some reason, by the mid 1860's, he's made his way to Henderson County, Kentucky, where he marries miss Mary Philapine Lawrey. 

I'm unsure exactly when Mary passes away, but it was between the 1880 and 1900 census. She's likely buried in Smith Mills Cemetery in Smith Mills, Henderson County, Kentucky. Ben LaRue reportedly died on New Years Day 1901 and his will was probated on January 30th, 1901. He, too, is likely buried in Smith Mills Cemetery. 

They, too, had eleven children -- one of them being my 2nd Great-Grandfather, Charles Clarence "Dad" LaRue. Dad LaRue was born June 8th, 1883, in Henderson County, Kentucky. On April 27th, 1904, also in Henderson, he married Carrie Annie Byrd and they, too, had eleven children -- but only eight that survived past a few years old. Carrie predeceased Dad on June 29th, 1955.. and eventually Dad LaRue re-married, 

In 1973, Dad LaRue and his daughter, Verna Lorene LaRue (my Great-Grandmother) wrote into the local Evansville newspaper column "Bish Says" to try and get information on his parents. 

She goes so far as to say "Never heard his father mention any relative." Well -- Ben LaRue had eleven siblings and apparently, he'd never talked about them, either! Eventually, my Great-Grandmother received an answer from this article and came into contact with descendants of Josiah LaRue -- Ben LaRue's father -- who lived out in Kansas. My Mom, her parents, and my Great-Grandparents -- Dick Blanford and Verna Lorene LaRue, went on a road trip and went to Kansas to meet these cousins of Lorene. 

My Great-Grandmother might be gone, and my Great-Great-Grandfather might be gone, too, but.. I've solved the LaRue lineage. I don't, however, know exactly why Ben LaRue didn't talk about his parents or siblings or where he came from. I know he was born in 1844 and I believe his parents might have died between 1850-1860... but.. he still should have been old enough to have known who they were, known their names and whatnot. He had 10 siblings.. he should have at least known their names.. I suppose dementia could have played a factor. By the time he wanted to tell his son, Charles Clarence, about his family... maybe he didn't remember. 

The Lawrey line, too, though, has proved a tough nut to crack. That's a story for another time. 

*****

These are my furthest back and most well documented "overseas to America" lines. I do have my Sandefur, Gibson, Moss, Hazelwood, etc lines back to the 1700's but, I haven't made the official "jump over the big pond" with them. Not verified anyway. So perhaps I'll talk about those ancestors another day!