August Scavenger Hunt: "Find a Great-Grandparents grave."

 For the August scavenger hunt prompt: "Find a Great-Grandparents grave."

I'm finally sharing this on my blog in January -- and how appropriately on January 5th, 2023 - my Great-Grandpa's 110th birthday!

I don't have to go far for this set of my Great-Grandparents. Matter of fact, I can see their tombstone from my bedroom window. They're buried in Fernwood Cemetery here in Henderson.

Henry Lloyd Sandefur and Anna Elizabeth (Thompson) Sandefur.

Henry, or Poppy, was born on January 5th, 1913, in Henderson to Eugene Henry Sandefur and Ollie Lee Moss. He was the fifth of six children.

Poppy and his siblings grew up at 1421 Clay St (the Sandefur's lived in that house from about 1906 through the 1950's) - their front door was quite literally out the front door of Audubon School, which Poppy attended until about sixth grade or so. He used to hide his books out in the shed and hop trains - he'd go to Nashville for a day or two and return home.

Anna Elizabeth, called Liz by some, Lizzie by others, and occasionally Lizbet by her youngest brother (although usually just called Anna) was born August 18th, 1916, to John Rowan Thompson and Mary Janella Nally. She was the seventh of eight children.

Nana, as I call her, grew up in the Smith Mills area and attended Smith Mills School. I am not sure if she finished out school and graduated or not. If she did, I would have imagined she'd have graduated from Smith Mills, if so, it would have likely been 1933.

Nana and Poppy wed on August 25th, 1933, in Shawneetown. Nana was 17 years old and Poppy was 20... it was a shotgun wedding. Hence the elopement to Shawneetown.

They welcomed their first child, their daughter Carolyn, into the world on April 8th, 1934. By the 1940 census, they had a daughter and two sons (Donald & William 'Buddy'), and were living at 122 Burdette St. here in Henderson.

By the 1950 census, they had three daughters and two sons, living out at 1714 KY-416 (in Niagara). Back then, it was known as "Rural Route 2." They would have one more daughter about five years later.

After my Mom was born ('63) and my late Uncle Jay ('65), my Grandparents (Jady & Glynda) built a house next door to Nana & Poppy, at 1670 KY-416.

Poppy was a diabetic and also suffered severe heart problems. He passed away young on March 11th, 1970, at just 57 years of age. At the time of his death, my Nana didn't know where to bury him (as the spots near his parents in Fernwood were full.) Poppy's cousin, funeral director Paul B. Moss provided my Nana with the two plots - one for Poppy and one for herself. She tried to pay him back for the plots, and he wouldn't accept the money.

In the mid 1970's, Nana moved to town, and then my Grandparents moved to town as well. Nana lived for twenty some-odd years in Fair Acres until her Alzheimer's progressed far enough that we had to place her into a rest home (about early 1999.)

Nana passed away on October 2nd, 2001. I was in the third grade. I'll never forget coming home from school and getting the phone call about 40 minutes after I'd gotten home. That day and the following few days were without a doubt some of the worst in my life. I'll never forget her funeral - that was the hardest rain I've ever, to this day, experienced in my life. It certainly fit the mood. I felt like my heart had shattered into a million pieces and it was never going to be whole again.

My Nana was my very best friend. She had been my babysitter early-on in my life. After she went into the nursing home, my Grandma and I went every day, and I quite literally mean EVERY DAY to the nursing home to visit with her. Sometimes we'd go two or three times in one single day.

Nana is the entire reason I started doing genealogy. None of my friends knew any of their Great-Grandparents back then, so at just seven years old, I realized it was a rarity/oddity to know your Great-Grandparents.. (even if it's just one of them.) So I pondered if Nana ever knew any of her Great-Grandparents - unfortunately due to Alzheimer's, she couldn't answer that question (not accurately, anyway). My Grandma and I took to working on our family tree to figure out the answer. I've been hooked by the genealogy bug ever since. 2022 marks 22 years I've been doing genealogy. I owe everything to this beautiful, intelligent, wonderful, compassionate woman.

Some of you might remember my Nana, actually, because she was a bus driver for many years. I believe she drove a bus in the 60s, 70s, and into the early 80s. I know she drove the route out in Niagara but she might have substituted for other routes as well. She and Grandma Glynda would bowl with other bus drivers. I unfortunately didn't inherit Nana's bowling ball, but I did inherit Grandma Glynda's. It's certainly one of my prized possessions now.

I come from a family full of bus drivers, actually, lol. Poppy drove a bus as well. Their late daughter, Carolyn, drove a bus, and my Grandma - Glynda (Sandefur) Blanford also drove a bus. I believe one of the sons might have driven a city bus back in the day, too.

Thank you all for reading about my Nana & Poppy. It means a lot. ❤️

52 Ancestors 2021: Week 25: Groups

Introducing the world to my literal 'babies' - our cemetery groups on Facebook. 

Henderson KY Cemetery Research Group

WKM (Western Kentucky Metro) Cemetery Research

Anyone and everyone is allowed and more than welcome to join. We love new members and embrace anyone who is interested in cemeteries - new or old. 

For a while, I was stumped on what to write about for 'groups' and then it finally hit me tonight: my cemetery groups on Facebook!

First and foremost, I have to mention my baby - Henderson KY Cemetery Research Group. It wasn't my brain child and I never, ever, no matter her feelings towards me or anything else want to take credit for it. Originally, the group was made in December of 2015 to house Sarah's cemetery photography, to talk about the cemeteries here in Henderson County, and for us to potentially get out and research some. 

Sarah and her then husband, Dustin Vittur, went out to some cemeteries in the Bluff City, Hebbardsville, Niagara areas and started having some success finding tombstones buried beneath the dirt (sometimes as little as three or four inches, and sometimes as much as a foot deep) that had been lost for decades. They were prodding the ground with fiberglass rods (about five feet in length. You can buy them at Rural King. They're actually called 'driveway stakes' I believe.) 

Well, the three of us had struck up a fast friendship in September of 2015 and knowing that I shared her love of cemeteries and the enthusiasm as well, they started inviting me along to the cemeteries and gave me a rod to look for tombstones. The first real cemetery adventure I went with the on was New Years Day 2016 so 1/1/2016. We ended up discovering a cemetery out in the outskirts of Hebbardsville (on the Green River) that even Mr. Blue didn't know about. 

Mr. Blue was a local man who in the 1980's and 1990's mapped out all (or close to all) of Henderson's cemeteries and made an accompanying book of the burials. The first tombstone I actually managed to find was in Ridgewood Cemetery in February of 2016. After finding my first tombstone, I was absolutely hooked. 

By September of 2016, Sarah had lined us up with an interview with the Gleaner and in October of 2016, we made the front page of the Sunday edition of the Gleaner newspaper. We were interviewed out at Bethel Cemetery and the tombstone we found that was featured was that of Eulalie Cosby. The tombstone had been missing for at least fifty years, if not longer. 

That day was absolutely one of the happiest days of my life. No matter our falling out - I will thank Sarah for the rest of my life, and thank God, too, for bringing her into my life and giving me the amazing opportunities that she did. 

We had our most successful day finding tombstones out at Bethel Baptist in October of 2016. We heaved so many tombstones up from a ditch... and for a long time we believed they had fell down over the edge with time. I've since talked to someone whose family owned land out there and they let me know: those tombstones were intentionally shoved down into that ditch, which just knowing that, it disgusts me. 

None of the above tombstones were documented in Mr. Blue's book so they had absolutely been uncounted for since before at least 1980. Bethel Baptist is definitely a treasure trove of lost tombstones buried beneath the Earth or off the side of the ditch. Cash Creek also proved to be a decent place to find lost tombstones. One day when we were out there, we found the lost tombstone of the son of Dr. McCarty. 

After making the front page of the Gleaner, we were asked to come document Brown-Konsler Cemetery in Cairo. The cemetery is actually set up to kind of be two different cemeteries - but right beside each other. Historians and genealogists over the years have just kind of decided to merge them because they really are in the same spot, separated by a few trees.

Then we were asked to come to Webster County and document a cemetery in the middle of the woods -- Asher Cemetery, and checked out Rock Stile Cemetery (which was a stones throw away) as well. 

Then we were asked to come check out Boswell Cemetery out in Bluff City which was 100% on our bucket list. The owners of the Craven Boswell house were SO incredibly nice. 

In November 2016, just a few days before my best friend was killed in a horrendous car accident, we were asked to document Dorsey Cemetery out in Corydon. We even found Noah Dorsey's lost tombstone! Noah and his wife are credited with naming Corydon and pretty much founding it (officially yet unofficially at the same time.) Noah's tombstone is a double - the bottom half is a young daughter of theirs that had passed away. 

After that, a lot of the cemetery stuff died down, especially for me, because I lost Nick so tragically in that car accident. I was broken and devastated. We did a few cemetery things in 2017 but a lot of it, Sarah and Dustin did by themselves, which I was more than okay with. They got a few more cemeteries documented out in the Zion and Hebbardsville areas which I'm incredibly thankful for.

By 2018, I knew something was going on between the two of them. I had lined up going out and documenting the Sights Cemetery but, that never happened. It was like, I had been shut out. At the start of 2019, I felt like I had been ex-communicated from the group because of S & D's divorce, so I started up my second baby -- WKM (Western Kentucky Metro) Cemetery Research. By mid 2019, I was told that I could have Henderson KY Cemetery Research Group, because both S & D had moved about an hour to an hour and a half away in different directions. I was relieved. 

WKM Cemetery Research hasn't done *as much* as our Henderson group but that's because my collaborators and myself haven't had the chance to get out and do as much. Taylor and I managed to find Jordan Cemetery in March of 2019, which was quite a feat for Henderson KY Cemetery Research Group. Jordan Cemetery is so grown up, you can't even tell it's there. It took us thirty minutes to finally find it. We wouldn't have ever finally found the right area to look if it wasn't for Taylor's Dad saying he and his late wife had been walking one evening and stumbled across it back before Taylor was even born, I believe. That finally gave us a pinpoint of where to look.

Jessica and Taylor have both done some things in Indiana for WKM, but as with all good things, things come to an end. A literal demonic seed that I called my best friend since I was 11 years old came in and destroyed the friendship I had with Taylor and of course, she felt slighted when I kicked her from the WKM group and blocked her, she tried to say she was the owner and operator of WKM (bull). We're on better terms now that we know who the demon spawn is and what she did to us.. but now WKM is just Jessica and myself. Supposedly, Taylor has started her own new group in Warrick Co and well, good luck to her, of course. The more cemetery research groups the better in my opinion. 

The last big thing I did for Henderson Ky Cemetery Research Group was getting Cheatham Cemetery in Zion documented and even finding a lost tombstone there. Well, the other half of a lost tombstone. It was in November of 2019 and a very exciting and rewarding day!

Now here it is late 2021 and I've been asked to come out and document a couple different locations but, it's November 7th, and I'm sick as a dog. Changing of the seasons (when it gets super cold for the first time of the year) always gets me sick. 

I'm hoping to order the large D/2 kit from Atlas Preservation and get to cleaning tombstones in the spring. Here's to 2022 being a big and exciting year for me and Henderson Ky Cemetery Research Group! I sure do miss finding lost tombstones. I miss being out in cemeteries and doing what I love. 

June Scavenger Hunt: Find someone who died in June.

 I posted about my 1st cousin 4x removed, Erastus Kohl Gibson, for the first time last August but, I felt today, he needed to be talked about again.

Erastus was born on September 19th, 1886. He was the son of George Harrell Gibson and Cora Francis Young.

On November 27th, 1912, in White County, IL, he married Mary Evelyn Hughes. They had one son, James, on December 15th, 1913.

On June 5th, 1917, Erastus filed his draft card at the age of 30. On June 19th, 1918, he was ordered for military service at Camp Zachary Taylor. Later that year, he headed to France to fight in WW1.

He arrived home from France April 2nd, 1919 after nine months. He was involved in four major battles -- and against what the article reads, he was actually injured slightly one time.

Before leaving for war -- Erastus and his wife, Mary, had gotten a divorce. The judge had ordered their son, James, to be with one parent for six months, and the other for six months.

Erastus hadn't had his son but for almost three months when she came to get the boy and take him. I'm guessing it was more an arrangement of, "you get our son January-June, and I get him July-December." That type of six months.

Unfortunately, in a stage of despondency over losing his son after only having him for just shy of three months - he drank carbolic acid and took his own life. He unfortunately was gone before physicians could reach him and potentially save his life.

Erastus died 103 years ago -- June 30th, 1919.

After his fathers suicide - James went on to live with his maternal Grandparents here in Henderson for several years, and then moved to California with his remarried mother. He married in 1938, had children, and finished out his life in California, passing away in 1975.

From what I can gather on Ancestry - James' descendants, children and grandchildren, had no idea of the reason for Erastus's suicide. Only after finding the same article I'm sharing with you all, did they finally know the *why*.

Erastus is laid to rest with most of his Gibson kinfolk in the Gibson Cemetery in Corydon. He is surrounded still by those who loved him.

103 years later - you aren't forgotten, cousin. 🙏🙏

June Scavenger Hunt: Find someone born in June.

  I present to y'all - my 5x Grandfather, Berryman Gibson.

Buried in the Gibson Cemetery in Corydon, he has an extensive list of descendants all over the United States today. From yours truly, the hometown genealogist, to an Emmy-winning journalist, to a Professor of Biophysics, to a renowned children's author, and a local barbecue restauranteur. That's barely scratching the surface at his descendants.

Berryman was born on June 13th, 1785, in Caswell County, North Carolina, to Gibson family patriarch Joel Gibson and his wife, Eleanor (her name is also given as Ellender at times.) Berryman *might* be a twin of his brother, Greenberry Gibson. They both go by the nickname "Berry" Gibson so... they've been confused with one another from time to time in a genealogy standpoint.

In roughly 1808, he married Susan A. Duncan in either Caswell Co, NC, or perhaps Pittsylvania Co, VA. It is known that around 1808, the family had left Caswell Co, NC and headed to Pittsylvania Co, VA. From there, by about 1814 or so (after the War of 1812), Berryman headed to the Henderson Co, KY area.

Berryman or his brother Greenberry fought in the War of 1812, in the 7th Regiment Virginia Militia. The registration name is just "Berry Gibson," so honestly it could have been Berryman OR Greenberry.. I'd love to know which one.

The family made their roots just outside of Corydon - in the area of current day "J. Gibson Rd" (named after Joel? Maybe John? Maybe James? Lots of J. Gibson's in the family!) which is beside both of the Gibson cemeteries in Corydon. It is said that the Gibson's had wondrous sized plantations. My Grandma Glynda talked about overhearing the older generation in her youth talking about the old "Gibson homestead," there near the cemetery. I believe it was gone/torn down by the time my Grandma was born in 1941, though.

Berryman and his wife Susan had at least eleven children that I'm aware of, possibly more that died in infancy/youth.

Susan preceded Berryman in death in 1865 - and the Good Lord called Berryman home in September of 1869. His tombstone erroneously gives his death date as September 1st, 1870. However - the 1870 federal mortality schedule which lists deaths PRIOR to June 1st, 1870 - says he died in September of 1869. His cause of death was consumption, which is the old term for tuberculosis.

I believe sometime in possibly the 1930's or 1940's (and possibly it was even later than that, as I wasn't born myself until 1993) - Berryman and Susan's tombstones were replaced. No original headstones for them have been found by myself or other Gibson descendants at the cemetery as of 2022. Whoever replaced the originals either destroyed them or kept them for themselves.

Their children:

1. James William Gibson, February 18 1810 / May 27 1885, married Mary Watson, then Mary E. Royster. Buried in the 2nd Gibson Cemetery in Corydon.

2. Elizabeth "Betsey" Gibson, born in about 1811. I believe she died prior to 1850. She was the wife of her first cousin, Solomon Stone (son of Josiah Stone & Vicey Gibson.)

3. Joel E. Gibson, 1813 / 1853. Married Margaret J. Martin. He could be buried in either cemetery.

4. Martha Gibson, born about 1815. As of the 1850 census, she was unwed and living with her parents. She disappears after that. She's likely buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

5. John Gregory Gibson, December 18 1816 / November 6 1890. Married Mahala Caroline Busby, then Elizabeth (?). John & Mahala are my 4x Grandparents. They're buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

6. Bailey Gibson, December 8 1818 / February 5 1859. Married Sirena Weldon. He's said to be buried in the main family cemetery. His death year has also been given in error as 1866. His will was written in 1857, and I believe he died 1859.

7. Mary Susan "Polly" Gibson, February 10 1823 / January 12 1864. Married William Tapp. They're buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

8. Robert W. Gibson, November 16 1824 / January 6 1884. Married Catherine Pritchett, then Lucy Ann Floyd. He and his second wife, Lucy, are buried in the Tapp Cemetery southwest of Poole in Webster County.

9. William C. Gibson, October 16 1825 / January 2 1898. Married Mary Frances Floyd. He's buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

10. Nathan Alander Gibson Sr, January 5 1828 / July 23 1899. Married Marietta "Mary" Webster, then Eliza Jane Webster, and lastly Susan B. Hancock. He's buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

11. Susan Ann Gibson, May 24 1833 / March 18 1887. Married William Lafayette Welden. She's buried in the main Gibson Cemetery.

If you're a Berryman Gibson descendant - please let me know! I love meeting new Gibson cousins. If you've got a Gibson line and you aren't sure if you're a Berryman descendant, or a Joel Gibson descendant, feel free to message me!

June Scavenger Hunt: Find the letter "X" in a name.

 ** Photograph from Karen Waddell in 2012. I know where this cemetery is, but I haven't been as I didn't know who owned the land. I've since learned that the land has been designated as a cemetery and anyone can go visit at any time. **

For June's Scavenger Hunt prompt: "Find the letter "X" in a name." Well, in this area... what better last name could their be than Dixon?

This is the grave of George Washington Dixon Sr. and his wife, Eliza A. Sutton. They are buried in Rawley Cemetery, also called "Tunnell Hill Cemetery" on a few death certificates as it's out towards the Tunnell Hill area of the county.

Rawley Cemetery is located, if you're heading south on Highway 41-A towards Poole - it is located between Cairo and Poole. On the right side of the road. In a thicket of woods between the Dixon Rd (before the cemetery) and Petersburg Rd (after the cemetery.)

George Washington Dixon, born on August 13th, 1828, was the son of William Quinton Dixon (born circa 1769 in Maryland) and more than likely his second wife given their age difference, Maria Cecilia "Myra" Conaway (born circa 1793 in Maryland.) By the time of William & Maria's son, John's, birth in 1824 - they were living in Henderson Co, KY.

William's probate was in 1851 here in Henderson County. William and his wife, Maria, are either buried in the Old Dixon (also called Old Marks, Dixon-Pritchett, Pritchett-Crooks, etc.) Cemetery or perhaps in this cemetery.

The oldest tombstone found in Rawley thus far is for William Higginson, dated 1851. The oldest documented burial (with proof) in the old Dixon (or whatever name you wish to call it) is Thomas Newell in 1843.

Eliza A. (Sutton) Dixon, born on August 6th, 1840, was the daughter of William Sutton and Permelia Poole. They are buried here in Rawley Cemetery. They were prominent figures of the Cairo area. Permelia was of course a daughter of John Poole and Jane Huston, who the town Poole derives its name.

George and Eliza wed on July 27th, 1857, here in Henderson County, KY. I believe they had 14 children - that's all I've been able to find. Of course, as my usual nature, you know I've got to tell you a bit about their kids.

1. Paulina E. Dixon - Born August 16th, 1858, died May 20th, 1860. Buried in Rawley Cemetery.

2. Katherine Lenora "Kate" Dixon. Born May 12th, 1860, died March 12th, 1936. Wife of Isham Elijah Cottingham. They're buried in Fernwood.

3. Ashley B. Dixon. Born May 14th, 1862, died June 9th, 1939. Never married. He moved up to Anderson, IN, with his sister Effie and her husband. His death certificate says he was brought back to Henderson Ky for burial - I believe he's buried in Rawley Cemetery.

4. Sarah Frances "Fanny" Dixon. Born November 17th, 1864, died November 19th, 1893. She married Cyrus A. Cannon and they had one son - John Hinkle Cannon. Buried in Rawley Cemetery.

5. George M. Dixon. Born May 9th, 1867, died June 25th, 1931. Never married. He was a farmer in the Corydon community. Buried in Rawley Cemetery.

6. Permelia Effie Dixon. Born May 23rd, 1869, died August 28th, 1961. She married George Alexander Whitledge. They never had children. They moved up to Anderson, IN. After her husbands death, she lived with her sister Chestine and her brother David. She's buried in Maplewood Cemetery.

7. Jessie Mariah Dixon. Born in 1871. Married John C. Wise, and I believe she must have passed away, likely from childbirth, within the first year or two of their marriage. She's probably buried in Rawley Cemetery. They wed in 1894, and she's definitely deceased by 1900.

8. William Wallace Dixon. Born April 19th, 1873, died March 29th, 1958. He married Lulu Bell Melton. He died in West Virginia, but he was buried in Corydon Cemetery.

9. David Dexter Dixon. Born February 9th, 1875, died April 25th, 1965. He was a Dentist. He never married. He lived with his sisters Effie and Chestine before his death. He's buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana.

10. Chestine Dixon. Born February 21st, 1877, died January 6th, 1967. She never married. She lived up in Anderson, IN, with Effie and David. She's buried in Maplewood Cemetery.

11. Payne Dixon. Born April 28th, 1878, died June 6th, 1878. Buried in Rawley Cemetery.

12. Wynnfield Dixon. Born May 27th, 1879, died March 8th, 1903. He never married. He died at 23 years old in a horrible accident involving a coal train. He's buried in Rawley Cemetery.

13. Quinton Vanningham Dixon. Born March 17th, 1881, died September 1st, 1966. He was married to Allie Young Branson but they divorced after 1920. I can't find him in the 1930, 40, or 50 censuses. He's buried in Corydon Cemetery.

14. Dixie G. Dixon. Born May 28th, 1883, died July 10th, 1884. Buried in Rawley Cemetery.

If you get some free time, go check out Rawley Cemetery. You might just stumble across an ancestor or two of yours out there. The Dixon's aren't the only family buried out there, other last names include: Arnett, Conrad, Cottingham (one of the most populous of the cemetery, no doubt), Crook, Dunekake, Ehlers, Harrington, Heck, Hurt, Kohl, McClure, McMullin, Minton, Overfield, Pritchett, of course the Rawley's (the namesake, obviously!), Pritchett, Quinn, Sellars, Sigler, Sugg, Sutton (the second most populous last name out there), Tapp, Whitledge, Willett, and Zeman.

June Scavenger Hunt: Find a grave with an angel statue.

Charles Zeddie Isiah Dossett -- I photographed his grave in April of 2017. He's buried in Union Hill Cemetery in the Little Dixie area of Henderson County.

Charles was born on June 2nd, 1916, to Zeddie Isiah Dossett and Mae Overfield. He only had one elder brother, Elmo, who was two years older. He was likely born in the Little Dixie area.

Unfortunately, little Charles' life was cut short when he passed away on November 8th, 1921, at 5 years old, of meningitis following diphtheria. I believe it says he'd had diphtheria for two weeks.

His grave is a little worn, but by far, the most beautiful out at Union Hill Cemetery. I'm sure it's a beautiful grave for what was a beautiful little boy.

Through his father, he was a Great-Great-Grandson of Charles Crook and Deborah Marks. Through his mother, he was a Great-Great-Grandson of Martin and Mary Ann Overfield. Those couples are likely the ancestors of many members of our group here.

Charles lies beside his father, who died in 1965 of a cerebral thrombosis (and hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.) His mother and brother, sadly, perished in a house fire together in 1977. They, too, join little Charles in Union Hill.

Next time you're out at this cemetery - take a moment and remember this little family and the tragedies they endured.

I just now realized that the right arm is broken off of Charles' angel statue. How sad. 🙁 Perhaps the church could raise funds to fix it. That would be a wonderful blessing.

June Scavenger Hunt: Find a notable member of the community.

 For the prompt of "Find a notable member of the community," for June's Scavenger Hunt - I could think of no one more fitting than my cousin, Owen Hamner Beck.

*Tombstone photograph from Karen Waddell when she photographed the cemetery about ten years ago.*

To this day, in the Geneva and Smith Mills areas - you likely can't find a person who didn't know Hamner. From his barbecuing to his volunteer efforts around the community - I don't think there's a way Hamner didn't help out the area and its people.

Hamner was my Great-Grandma's (Lorene LaRue Blanford) first cousin. He was the son of Thomas Jesse Beck and his first wife, Laura Pearl LaRue, who was my Great-Great-Grandaunt.

He was an exceptionally close friend to my Great-Grandpa, Dick Blanford, and helped him do many things - including making apple cider. That's the photograph I've decided to share with y'all. Hamner (left in the picture) is helping Dick (center of the photo) with the apple cider process.

Hambone, as many called him, married Drusie Mae Gaines on November 7th, 1931, and they reared seven children together - two being stillborn. Of their surviving children - all were sons. I can only imagine how full Drusie's hands were as they were growing up.

In the 1940 census, the married couple and their children are living on the "Mt. Vernon Rd." and are neighbors of the Bishop's and Rhodes'. In the 1950 census, they're living on Highway 136 and are neighbors of the Dance's and Staser's. Back in those days, everyone knew everyone in that small community... and they were all related too, 😂

Hamner's wife, Drusie, preceded him in death on December 20th, 1990, and then he received his own set of Angel wings on January 25th, 2000. I was almost 7 when he passed - I don't remember Hamner from my childhood (I know I met him but, the memories are just too far back and too fuzzy), but I do remember Grandpa Jady talking about him often after Hamner passed. He always had a story to tell about his Dad and Hamner.

Hamner, like most of the other Beck's, lays resting in the Smith Mills Cemetery.

If y'all have any memories with Hamner, please feel free to share! I imagine several of y'all that are from Geneva and Smith Mills remember him and probably know his sons.

June Scavenger Hunt: Find a common last name in your area.

 I know there are a few more prominent last names than Williams, but trust me, it's pretty dang popular! haha.

This is the grave of Vandelia (spelled Van . Delia on her grave) "Vannie" (Nally) Williams. As with the other Vandalia/Vandelia's in the family, their name is often said to have really been "Vannie Delia" or "Vannie Dalia." That's why Vandelia's is written the way it is on the top of her tombstone.

Vannie was the daughter of Henry Oliver Nally and Vandalia Delia "Vannie" (Gibson) Nally. Henry & Vandalia were my 3x Grandparents. I suspect that my 3x Grandmother was also a "Vannie Delia" but the full spelling of her first name was Vandalia - likely named after the proposed colony. ( Read more about that here: Vandalia Colony )

Vannie was actually a twin sister of Henry Oliver "Bud" Nally (technically he was a Jr, but he and his father never used Sr & Jr in their names). They were born on November 19th, 1891, in Corydon, KY. They were clearly named after their parents - but Vannie's first name was spelled Vandelia, whereas I believe wholeheartedly my 3x Grandmother's was Vandalia.

Vannie married Richard James Williams, likely in late 1912, and they had only one daughter -- Eleanor Dorothy Williams on September 16th, 1913.

Unfortunately, on November 9th, 1913, just ten days shy of her 22nd birthday... Vannie passed away of vascular disease of the heart and dropsy. The following day, she was laid to rest in the Gibson Cemetery where quite literally her entire family resides.

After Vannie's passing - Richard remarried to Vannie's niece, Gertrude "Gertie" Baker. (Gertie was the daughter of Vannie's eldest sister, Emma.) Together, they had one son who died in infancy.

Vannie and Richard's daughter, Eleanor, married Elvis McKasson and had at least four children. Eleanor lived to see the age of 70, passing away in 1984. Her family resides over on the Indiana side of the river these days.

Vannie Williams has one of the largest graves in the Gibson Cemetery... and she certainly deserves it. A young wife, mother, daughter, sister... taken incredibly too soon.

Along with her niece, Vannie Louise Thompson, and her cousin, Vandelia (Gibson) Schultz.. she and her mother make up the only four known Vandalia/Vandelia/Vannie Delia's in the family. It's a name I'd love to see brought back to life in the family. I've always wanted to name my first daughter Glynda Geneva (after both of my Grandmothers) but if I had a second daughter, I'd likely name her Vandalia Janella (to pay homage to my 3x and my 2x Grandmothers.)

Rest in peace, Great-Great-Grandaunt. 🙏 Almost a hundred years later, you aren't forgotten.

June Scavenger Hunt: Find a large grave AND find a long epitaph on a grave.

 This will be for two June Scavenger Hunt prompts -- "Find a large grave (bigger than you!)" and "Find a long epitaph on a grave."

Here is the grave of Malinda Jane (Crook) Dossett out at Union Hill Cemetery in the Little Dixie (outer Corydon) area of Henderson County.

Malinda was born on August 27th, 1865; she was the daughter of Isiah Crook and Johana Baker. As far as I can tell, she was the only daughter of Isiah and Johana - but she had two older half-siblings through her mother -- Leanna (who died at just a year old) and Charles (who died in at 15 years old.)

She married Henry Newton Dossett sometime in the mid 1880's and had only one son with him: Zeddie Isiah Dossett.

Malinda's time on this Earth was cut short on October 5th, 1896. She was only 31 years old.

After her passing, Henry ended up remarrying to Daisy Allen and moving to St. Louis, where he passed away in 1924. Their son, Zeddie, was raised by his maternal Grandparents - Isiah and Johana. They, too, are buried in Union Hill Cemetery.

Her epitaph reads: "We loved her, we loved her, but angels loved her more, and they have sweetly called her to yonders shining shore. The golden gates were opened, a gentle voice said come, and with farewell unspoken, she calmly entered home."

I am unsure of the origins of her epitaph - but it is a popular one. Although some variations of it do appear - like instead of the word 'called,' some graves read 'lulled.' It's a beautiful poem, regardless of its origins or variations.

Have you ever seen this epitaph on a grave before? Please share if you have!

May Scavenger Hunt: Find someone who passed away young.

 Now, this person doesn't have an existing tombstone that I've been able to find... and that makes me want to highlight their short life even more. Those without a tombstone, in my opinion, deserve an extra little bit of thought, because they have no special place of memorial.

This is Laura Pearl (LaRue) Beck and she lived to see the age of 29... the same age I am right this very second.

Laura was born on March 8th, 1888, in Smith Mills, to Benjamin Hardin "Ben" LaRue and Mary Philapine (Lawrey) LaRue. She was one of at least eleven children. Unfortunately, Ben and Mary were plagued by children who would die at a young age.

When Laura was 23 years old, she married Thomas Jesse Beck on November 15th, 1911, in Posey County, Indiana.

Together, they reared three children before Laura's untimely passing. On September 26th, 1917, she passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis. Just 29 years young. The same age I am now... mind blowing, honestly.

Laura was a beautiful young lady. She looked a lot like her siblings - you could tell those LaRue genes were strong. (Or perhaps it's the Lawrey genes..?)

Laura was only about 11 years old when her mother passed away, and about 13 years old when her father passed away. Unfortunately, Laura's three children were even younger than that when they lost her.

Laura was likely buried in Smith Mills Cemetery near her parents -- but even their grave is unmarked. Laura's grave is as well. I'm not even sure what section of the Smith Mills Cemetery that it's in.. likely the older part.

Almost two years later, Laura's widower Thomas Jesse remarried to Mable Claybrook who was about ten years his junior. Together, they had a staggering SIXTEEN children. That's sixteen that I know about! There *could* be a miscarriage or stillbirth I'm unaware of.

Thomas Jesse Beck was the son of Isaac Lawrence Beck and Adrain "Ade" Willingham. He was about eight years old when his father died, and he was about ten when his mother died. Maybe this was something he and Laura connected with each other about.

(A little interesting tidbit to note for the LaRue family -- Laura's brother, Charles Clarence LaRue *my Great-Great-Grandfather* his second wife was Sarah (Beck) Staser. She was actually the niece of Isaac Lawrence Beck. Small town, huh?)

Thomas Jesse Beck lived to see the age of 79 - he passed on September 14th, 1971. His widow, Mable, lived to see 78; she passed away on March 7th, 1981. They are buried in Smith Mills Cemetery as well.

Now - y'all know I've got to do it... I've got to tell you about Laura and Thomas' three children, and then, as an added bonus, I've got to tell y'all about Thomas and Mable's sixteen.

The eldest, and the two youngest children of Thomas and Mable are still living. I will list them as I don't believe anyone here will have a problem with that/privacy and whatnot, but if any member of the family does reach out and wishes their names removed, I'll do so. 🙂 I feel like we're all family here and all related to each other (some of us closer than others lol) so hopefully no one has a problem with the post. 🙂

The three children of Laura (LaRue) Beck and Thomas Jesse Beck:

1. Owen Hamner "Hambone" Beck; born August 5th, 1912, died January 25th, 2000. He married Drusie Mae Gaines. They're buried in the Smith Mills Cemetery. (Hamner was a close friend of my Great-Grandpa, Dick Blanford. Hamner and Lorene (LaRue) Blanford were first cousins.)

2. Catherine Adrain (Beck) Gaines Newman; born November 25th, 1913, died January 6th, 2012. Her first husband was Clifford Gaines, second husband was Frank Newman. She and her first husband are buried in Fairmont Cemetery.

3. Norman Edward Beck; born January 25th, 1915, died February 10th, 1996. He married Beatrice McCormick first, then Mary Della Rice. He and Mary Della are buried in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

The sixteen children of Thomas Jesse Beck and Mable Claybrook:

1. Naomi Ruth Beck; born in 1920. As far as I know - she is 101, going to turn 102 this year and still living! Talk about some longevity! Naomi was married to Shelby Curtis Harris who preceded her in death in 1993. Naomi lives up towards Indianapolis.

2. Lawrence Clifford "Pete" Beck; born February 15th, 1922, died June 24th, 2003. He married Ella Louise Williams. They're buried in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

3. Thomas Jesse Beck Jr; born August 27th, 1923, died August 13th, 1924. He's buried in Smith Mills Cemetery.

4. Alvin Richard Beck; born December 4th, 1924, died March 2nd, 2005. He married Nelda Sue Cowan. They're buried in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

5. Calvin Charles Beck; born December 4th, 1924; died December 7th, 2006. He married Anna Mae Mills (who is still living). Calvin was buried in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

6. Thomas Rudolph "Rudy" Beck; born September 7th, 1926; died May 8th, 1989. He married Virginia Sonday. They're buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Charles, Missouri.

7. Joyce Louise (Beck) Hanley; born June 18th, 1928, died March 13th, 1992. She married Luther Dixon Hanley. (Their son Jim Hanley is a noted member of our community!) Joyce and Luther are buried in St. Louis Cemetery.

8. Bennie Lee Beck; stillborn on January 27th, 1931. He's buried in Smith Mills Cemetery.

9. Billy Donald Beck; born February 11th, 1932; died January 22nd, 1989. He married Rubye Parker. They're buried in Smith Mills Cemetery.

10. Jerry Wayne Beck; born August 25th, 1934; died March 31st, 1990. He married Patricia Ann Wimber. They're buried in Smith Mills Cemetery.

11. Franklin M. Beck; born April 8th, 1937, died August 30th, 1937. He's buried in the Smith Mills Cemetery.

12. Thomas Larry Beck; born October 23rd, 1938, died May 7th, 2000. His first wife was Vivian Joyce Elmore, his second was Melva Louise Westerman. He's buried with Melva in Smith Mills Cemetery.

13. Phyllis Jean Beck; born March 13th, 1940, died October 3rd, 1940. She's buried in Smith Mills Cemetery.

14. Barbara Sue Beck; born July 7th, 1941, died July 9th, 1941. She's buried in the Smith Mills Cemetery.

15. Scarlett F Beck; still living. Previously married to Chester Ervin Jr, currently married to Billy Herron.

16. Linda P Beck; still living. Married to Harold Fulkerson.

So.. there you have it. All nineteen children of Thomas Jesse Beck... three with his first wife, sixteen with his second wife. And if you'll notice -- only ONE set of twins. However, it seems Thomas and Mable name three different children with the first name of "Thomas." Thomas Jesse Beck Jr, Thomas Rudolph "Rudy" Beck, and Thomas Larry Beck. I guess they really liked the name Thomas, huh?

Hopefully in the Beck line, someone names a daughter "Laura Pearl," in the future. I think that would be a lovely homage to Laura Pearl (Beck) LaRue who died so young. This is almost 105 years later and her memory remains.

Thanks for reading along about my Great-Great-Grandaunt this evening. I'm sure a lot of Beck cousins are about to pop up out of the woodwork so, hello to all of you from a LaRue cousin!