Tornado Alley

The real land of OZ......Kansas made National News today.

I stayed up last night to watch this Tornado hit Greensburg Kansas. It was ugly on the Radar. The local radio guy sat in his SUV on the side of the road watching the Wedge Tornado on the ground for some 20 minutes before hitting Greensburg. The Tornado was 1 mile wide, and the aftermath reminds me of the big Oklahoma City Tornado. There is nothing standing today in Greensburg. The destruction was estimated to be 95%. There are now 9 dead, still people missing, and some16 people critical at the hospital.

They are calling for more storms tonight, and more Tornado watches for our area. Time to grab that bottle of Jim Beam, and head for the basement.

Have a Good Week

Daniel

In the News

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, leads a protest march in New Orleans, Saturday, April 28, 2007. The march was to protest the pace of recovery from Hurricane Katrina in the 9th ward. Jackson is flanked by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Rep. William Jefferson, D-La.

- Nine more US troops killed today, and many more Iraq civilians. Our President has not only stop listening to the American People, concerning the War. He has now told our Congress and Senate to screw off, with their plans of early withdrawal.

- Gas prices are at almost $3 a gallon. They have ran out of excuses for high prices. Gas is costing more than a dollar more a gallon than a year ago. On a 15 gallon fill up that is more than my weekly pay raise this year.

- They are still trying to get answers about the Va Tech shooter. Dead men don't answer questions, we can only speculate. Just ask Timothy McViegh, who was briskly put to his death. There are still unanswered questions to this day.

- I read where Taliban Leaders in Afganistan have now taken over another province. I thought we won that War..................NOT!

- "Beam me up Scotty", which I frequently murmur about my customers. Today, they really did. Scotty's ashes were flown into space and scattered, smothered and covered, as Waffle House would have it.

- My mother started her Cancer medicine today. Sudent..........you can read about it here!

Song of the Week

A song for my brother and sisters........from a time that has now passed!

Natalie Merchant "Where I Go".

Have a good week

Daniel

Mother's Road to Recovery

I apologize that I haven't written for this Blog for the past two weeks. I have been preoccupied with the news that my 82 year old Mother, Louise, has Kidney Cancer. She called me on Friday (three weeks ago) and called her other children to tell of this news. Her Doctor told her by phone that she had Kidney Cancer and that it was not curable nor treatable. By Sunday, Mother did not have the energy to walk across the living room and my older Brother, Tim, took her to the Cancer Hospital. This has been quite an ordeal for my Mother and for my Brother and my Sisters.

Let me begin by saying that once that they took my Mother to the Hospital on Sunday, all I could do was pace the floor. My mind was preoccupied with my thoughts about her and what she must be feeling. By Tuesday, they had decided that Mother's health aside from the Kidney Cancer was in such great shape that they did Surgery on her and removed the tumorous Kidney. Her Cancer Doctor says there is a pill she can take once a day that should dissolve the rest of the Cancer. We are all hopeful and praying that this is the road to her recovery. She is still weak; but, alert. She is walking and eating and she is fighting to get her strength back after this Surgery.

I have been back and forth to Oklahoma City a couple of times during the last weeks. I think about my Mother every waking hour of the day wondering how she is, what her improvements are and wanting to be there with her.

I need to say this about my Mother - she is probably the most courageous person I've ever known. She always stood up for us kids. She's been a successful business person who stood up in front of large crowds of people and spoke. She is a leader among other co-workers. When we were growing up, we were not poor; but, we didn't have a lot of money. What money we had, she spent on us kids and not on herself. She's loved all of us kids through all of our own ups and downs and made us all better people because of it. My Mother is a Sports Fan and has been for several years. She knows all of the player's names in Major League Baseball and all the boy's names of the College Basketball Teams.

When I was little, I used to break everything nice that she had in the house and she still loved me. When I was five or six years old, I fell out of the car when it was going 50 mph and cracked my head open and she still loved me. When I got older and joined the Marines, they sent my Civilian clothes back in a box and she told me that she had never cried so hard on that day. I have, for many years, called and talked to my Mother two, three or 4 times a week. I can talk to her about anything in my life and she will listen as a best friend would.

I have enjoyed visiting with my three Sisters these past couple of weeks since we hardly get to see each other or speak. They are as stressed out about this whole situation as I am. I love all of them. My older Brother has lived with my Mother for some 20 years. I am grateful that he has been there to watch over Mother during this time.

I know that there are many, many people out there who are praying for her speedy recovery. I want all of you to know that I am thankful.

Song of the Week
My Mothers favorite singer is Barbara Striesand, and one of her favorites is "People".

Have a Good Week
Daniel

This Is A Real Fish Story

My sister Abby with a 33lb. Red fish.


I just love fish stories. My sister Abby, and my brother-in-law Frank LaCourse went fishing this week. They hired a guide, Capt. Bill Lake, to take them Red Fishing, off the coast of Louisiana. I'm including here several photographs of Abby and Frank, along with there big fish. The following is a story from louisianasportsman.com. Capt. Lake can tell this story better than I can. Abby said the first Red she got was 18lbs., and he was the smallest they caught all day. Most of the fish they caught were 30 plus ponuders.


DOWN IN DULARGE
Best of both worlds today for Frank & Abby LaCourse as they sure picked the right day to do the DU! Frank had been following the reports on this great website in regards to all the big reds we've been catching. Abby & Frank are on vacation and they wanted some of that action! We started off trout fishing as the tide would not be right for the big reds until late morning. Today was the day I've been waiting for as the yellow-mouths finally showed up in numbers & boy were they hungry. The trout have migrated further south than most people think! Nothing under 16 in. this morning as most everything was 16-21in. LSU chubs tightlined slow on the bottom did the trick although Abby caught some nice trout under a cork. We picked up 65 very nice trout and it was on to the redfish hole. The big reds were waiting for us and Abby & Frank had a blast tackling the bronze beasts. Abby played out fast after catching 3 or 4 big reds but Frank couldn't get enough. He must have caught & released 20 plus reds as Abby and I sat and watched. I think Frank would have spent the night out there if Abby & I would have let him! The couple was a joy to fish with and I'm sure they'll be back soon. Wildlife & fisheries are out on a regular basis as we were stopped for a routine check of life jackets, fishing licenses,fish size & limits,etc. First time I've had my state charter license checked in 12 years. The guys were very nice and professional. Good luck fishing.

Capt. Bill Lake



Enjoy These Pictures of Abby and Frank.

Song of the Week

I guess, for a long time most of us have wondered if anyone could ever sing much better than Barbara Striesand. Here is a duet, Barbara Striesand and Josh Groban called "All I Know Of Love". I believe they are in the same club.

Have a Good Week

Daniel

Sarah Oregon Reid Was My 2nd Great Grandmother

Asia Reid born 1801, was my 3nd Great Uncle.

This is a introduction to your REID family. My 2nd Great Grandparents were Richard Clark Gentryb1846 d 1912, and Sarah Oregon Reid b1846d1913. Sarah's parents were George Washington Reid and Nancy Ezzard.

The Reid family from the time they came to America were what I call "Trailblazers". Everytime land opened up for settlement they packed thier wagons and they were gone. All of the men were Officers, and fought in every War that threatened our country. There is some indication that some of this family was on the Oregon Trail. I believe this is where Sarah Oregon Reid, got her name. Enjoy!

The Reid Family Compiled 1938 By L.D. McPherson A Reid Descendant
"George, Samuel, Alexander, Andrew and John Reid, the sons of Alexander and Margaret McCay Reid of Rowan County, NC were in Greene (now Hancock)county, Ga. by about 1788. George first took a deed to land in the 14th district there as a former resident of Wilkes county, Georgia, October 10, 1788 at about which time Samuel bought land and settled on Shoulderbone creek. George Reid was Continental Commissioner of Accounts for South Carolina and Georgia in 1789, Justice of the Peace, Greene county, Ga., 1791-1792. He died there in 1799 as did his brothers, Andrew in 1791, John in 1806, and Alexander in 1814. His brother, Samuel, died and was buried on the old Reid Plantation of his son, Alexander 111, 4 and 1/2 miles northwest of Eatonton in Putnam county, Ga. in 1810, aged 82 years. The Samuel Reid Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Eatonton, Ga., is named in his honor. The first Reid in Carroll county, Ga., for whom dates are available was George Reid II, son of George and grandson of Alexander and Margaret of Europe, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. This George, the second, was born in North Carolina in 1799, married Jane Gaston (possibly in the Carolinas) ; was in the Georgia House of Representives from Jackson county, Ga., Jan. 12, 1801; Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett county, Ga., Feb. 2, 1819 to 1821 and Senator from Gwinnett county, Ga., 1819-21 and Extra Session 1821. He was amoung the first settlers in Carroll county, Ga., upon its organization in 1826. Their children were: Asa, Katie, Reese, Jennie,George III, Robert Alexander, Matthew, Elizabeth, Margaret I., Thomas Henry,and Jack. Amoung their children settling in the section of their new home in Carroll county were: Robert Alexander, Matthew, Margaret I. Hamilton, Jennie Norman, Katie Wiginton and Reese, the latter three at Abernathy, Ala. Ann married McMullen; Elizabeth, Wilson Brown and moved to Mississippi; Asa to Hot Springs, Ark., Dr. Thomas Henry, to the section of Little Rock, Ark. and Jack went West. The other son, George Reid III, was a captain in the Indian and Mexican Wars, going from Gwinnett county, Ga., as shown by a commission to him on which he served to return for commemorative burial at Lawrenceville, Ga.,the remains of officers and soldiers of that vicinity who were killed in the Mexican War at Goliad, Texas, March 7, 1830 and in the Indian War at Shepard's Plantation, Stewart county, Ga., June 9, 1836. He was in the House of Representives from Gwinnett county, Ga., in 1837, 1840, and 1841. He married a Whisenhunt and later moved West."
The above was copied from Reid papers on file at the Georgia Archives by Ottis Guinn.

Alexander and Margaret McCay 6th Great Grandparents
Alexander immigrated from Ireland in abt. 1745 with h
is wife, children, and brothers. Their port of entry was Ph
iladelphia. He was a Scotch Presbyterian. Alexander lived f
our years in Lancaster Co., Pa. and then moved to Rockingha
m Co., Va. On Jan. 11, 1775 he was old, infirm, and lived i
n Rowan Co., SC. At his death, his son Alexander recieved t
he plantation and the seven other children recieved 1/7 o
f the remaining property.This information comes from Kay
e Van Fleet. Her source: VA State Library CS 71 R 184 1939
, THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN IN SOME FAMILIES OF...by Lewin Dwi
nell McPherson R.H. 1992. by 1798 Andrew, Samuel,
George and John recieved land grants and had located
themselves in Greene County GA.

George Reid I and Katherine Margaret Chambers 5th Great Grandparents
Owner of the George Reid Family Bible was a Judge L. B. Moo
n, Jefferson, Ga. George was a Captain in the Rev. War. Ire
land Soldier, North Carolina DAR Index; d. Sept. 12, 1799 G
reene Co., Ga.Document by THE REID FAMILY by Bud L. D. McPherson, locate
d in the Arkansas Genealogy Project."George, Samuel, Alexander, Andrew,
and John Reid, the sons of Alexander Reid, and Margaret McKay Reid, of Rowan
County, NC were in Greene (now Hancock) County, Georgia by about
1788. George first took a deed to land to land in the 14th district, as a former resident of Wilkes Co., Georgia on October 10, 1788 at about which time Samuel bought land a
nd settled on Shoulderbone Creek." George Reid was the Continental Commissioner of Accounts for SC and GAin 1789, Justice of the Peace, Greene Co., Ga. from 1791-1792. He died therein 1799 as did his brothers Andrew in 1791, John in 1806 and Alexander in 1814. His brother Samuel died and was buried on the old Reid Plantation, of his son Alexander III, located 4 1/2 miles northwest of Eatonton, Putnam Co., Ga. in 1810, at the age of 82. Sources for the prperty info for George and Katherine Margaret 1792 Greene Co., Ga. Deed Book 2, 239. 30 May 1792 William Wardlow to Geo. Reid, both of Greene Co., the said Wm and Mary Wardlow, his wife for 20 PS Sterling, 30 ac. orig granted Miles Duncan and conveyed to James Ware then to Wm. Wardlow. Bounded by Richland Creek, John Ogletree, Bakes. s/William Wardlow, Mary Wardlow, Wit. Alex Hall, Hannah Hall.

George Reid II and Mary Jane Gaston 4th Great Grandparents
George Reid..b.November 27, 1774 married Jane GastonMarried JANE GASTON Born 1/9/1777 in GREEN Co. Ga Married on 1796 in GREENE Co. by/or Witness J.P. Ross. , George Died in Carroll Co. Ga 12/13/1853 & Jane Gaston Reid Died Carroll Co. Ga 3/17/1853 George Reid (Source: Families of Gwinnett Co. 1818-1968)George Reid (1773 Rowan Co., NC 12/12/1853 Carroll Co.,Ga.) son of George Reid of Ireland, volunteered as a private in 1792 GREEN CO., GA. for the duration of Wayne's War against Creek and Cherokee Indians. He continued actively in military service for four years, guarding forts and scouting after Indians. "George Reid, Gentleman at Arms" is one of forty-six names on an "original muster roll" 2/25/1794 of a militia troop of dragoons organized in Greene Co. "to protect settlers from repeated invasion of indians" This troop was to become famous in the annals of Middle Georgia. This roll is almost a complete roster of prominent families of Greene Co. George Reid moved from GREENE CO. to JACKSON CO. Ga. and subsequently represented the latter in the Georgia legislature in 1798, 1804 and 1817. He was justice of the peace in Jackson Co. in 1801. When Gwinnett Co. was formed in 1818, it took that part of Jackson Co., where George Reid resided. He was appointed Justice of the Inferior Court of Gwinnett Co., Ga. 2/2/1819-1821. He served in the legislature as a Senator from Gwinnett Co., Ga. in 1819, 1820-21 and in the extra session of 1821. In 1822, while a resident of Gwinnett, he was granted by the state 597 1/2 Acres of "headright" lands in Jackson Co.; however, he moved to Carroll Co. soon after it's formation in ca. 1827. George Reid married 1796 in Greene Co., Ga. JANE GASTON, b. 1776 in Ga., daughter of Matthew and Ann (Simonton) Gaston. Jane, as a widow, resided in Carroll Co., Ga. on 3/17/1855. From the Family Bible Pages of George and Jane Gaston Reid...(need to track down who originally sent this to me and get a duplicate copy.) Issue: Rhesa Reid, b. 1799; Asa Reid b. 1801 (see below); Catherine Reid, b. 1803;' Matthew Reid, b. 1806; Jane Reid, b. 1805; Margaret Reid, b. 2/29/1809; Robert Alexander Reid b. 4/30/1811; George Reid; Ann Reid; Thomas Henry Reid; Jackson Reid and John Reid. (dates on these last five neames unreadable)Asa Reid (above) was in FINCHER'S DIST. Gwinnett Co. in 1827 and there drew land lot #34 in the First Dist. of Troup Co., Ga. Asa remained in Gwinnett after 1830. In the 1840 HE IS IN BENTON CO., ALA. but finally settled in the area of CONWAY CO., ARKANSAS. He married Winney Castleberry. Matthew G. (Gaston?) Reid son of Asa Reid was born in Gwinnett Co., ca. 1825. He moved with his father to Conway Co., Arkansas prior to 1855 when he md. 1/26/1853 Martha Prince b. 1833 Tn, d/o Simeon Prince. Matthew joined the Union Army 12/26/1863 and d. 3/16/1864 in a military hospital in Clarksville, Arkansas.George volunteered as a private in Greene Co., Ga for service in Waynes War with the Creek and Cherokee Indians. He served four years "guarding fort and scouting about after Indians" (taken from Georgia Land Lotteries and Grants) His name "George Reid, Gentleman at Arms" appears on a muster roll of a militia troop of dragoons under the command of Capt Jonas Fauch, dated February 24 1794, he and his brother Alexander were with the regiment in its campaign against Elijah Clark and his "Trans-Ocenee-Republic" which fell that year. From History of Gwinnett Co., Ga.1794: (source Spring and Summer of 1794 AUGUSTA CHRONICLE) A series of attacks on William Melton of Greene County, who had been a Captain in the Greene County Militia were published. Judging from the articles, Melton must have taken undue credit for his prowess as an Indian fighter, so much so that George and Alexander contributed the following: Dated May 17 1794 & July 12 1794."I call upon the State to judge what Greene men can do When torn by factions, party men and their leaders too; We then all combine as one to effect their hellish plan, Promoting Tories, knaves and fools to break down honest men. They oft times in committees meet to know what best be done. To execute their dark designs before they can be known. Behold Tom---n fits as judge to hear what they propose. and if by chance an honest man, He answers, "He's no friend of ours" If so be we should elect a man in whom we can confide To execute the plans proposed Our power will soon be laid aside, then no longer should be judge nor you no more secure They antics than will you insult the militia will be raised in more.1798: George served in the Georgia State Legislature from Greene Co. He received 597 and 1/2 acres of head right lands in Jackson Co. George received from the United States, 40 acres of bounty land (warrant # 42663) for service in Waynes War, his widow Jane Gaston Reid, received an additional 120 acres. (warrant 14390)Jan 12 1801: George is named Justice of Peace in Jackson Co.1803: (source: Cherokee Indian Agency Pass Book) "George Reed and Alexander Hall have permission to pass from hence to Jackson County in the State of Georgia, through that part of the Cherokee County in the direct route to that place, taking care to make no infraction of the Laws & Regulations adapted to the Government & the Indian Department.So West Point Rtn: J. Meigs 14th June 1803 A. War in Tennessee 3201803-1804-& 1817 Served in the Georgia State Legislature, in the session of those years from Jackson Co., Georgia.1812: George Joined the War of 1812 first serving as Sergeant in Johnston's Georgia Militia and later receiving a commission on February 26 1813 as Captain of the Volunteer Troop of Dragoons, 8th Squadron and 4th Reg. of Cavalry. A payroll preserved in the Georgia Archives Military Record Book 1779-1839 states "Pay roll of a scout of men under the command of George Reid, Capt. of the Cavalry of Jackson County in the service of the state of Georgia by orders of Major Tandy Key Comdt. 25 Red. Georgia Militia for seven days furnishing their own horses, provisions, forage, arms, and ammunition commencing the 14th Nov. and ending the 19th same month including both days."Among the thirteen men assigned to George were Rhesa Reid and Samuel Reid. At the bottom of the payroll is written, "I certify on honor the above is a true return subscribed the 8th day of July 1814." Signed: George Reid, Capt. Cavalry, Jackson County.Mar 30, 1814 Honorably discharged at Ft. Harrison1819-1821: George is now in Gwinnett County (formed from Jackson Co. in 1818) He was Justice of Inferior Ct. of Gwinnett Co, Georgia from Feb 2 1819 to 1821. He also served as Senator from Gwinnett in sessions of 1819, 1810-21 and a special session in 1821.1826 George moved to Carroll County where in this year he was employed as a surveyor to help set the boundary lines between Georgia and Alabama. On Jan 22 his party was accosted by a group of Indian who took their compass and instruments and forced them to leave the area.One of the men in the group wrote Governor Troup:"They threatened me very serverly if I should be caught over Bright's line again surveying. I have come on the McIntosh's old place and have stopped my hands until I hear from you...provisions is scarce and my hand uneasy to go home. As to the number of men it will take to guard me, I am unable to say...There are three settlements of Indians in my district, that have in them about 10 men and in two miles on the Alabama side...there is forty to fifty warriors...who are to be placed on the treaty line as spies....1860 census shows George and his younger children living close to each other, including Matthew, son in law John Hamilton, Isaac Wiggington, and Charles Norman. Those sons who remained in Gwinnett Co. were Asa Rhesa and George III. 1830: George is found in Carroll Co. with his younger children living close to one another. They include, Matthew, son in laws John Hamilton, Isaac Wiggington, and Charles Norman. Those sons who remained in Gwinnett Co. at this time were Asa, Rhesa, and George III.1850 Carroll Co. Census lists839 1 George Reed 74 m NC 839 2 Jane Reed 73 f GADec 13 1853: George died in Carroll Co. Ga. He and Jane are said to be buried in the Reid Family Graveyard on top of Reid's Mountain near Bremen, Ga.1860 Widow Jane is living in the household of son Mathew and his wife Martha. Janes age is listed as 84, per the Carroll Co. Ga. census.Reid, George, Waynes' Indian War, BLW#100624-40-50 & BLW#6281-120-55, Soldier Jan 1853 Carroll Co., Ga. age 79, widow applied 17 Mar 1855 Carroll Co. Ga. age 79 however on 14 June 1854 she gave her age as 76. Soldier had volunteered at Greensborough Ga. in 1793 or 1974, soldier married Jane Gaston in 1796 and soldier died 13 Dec 1853History of Gwinnett Co. lists 12 children for George, we, however, know 14 were born to them.

George Washington Reid and Nancy Ezzard 3th Great Grandparents

George Washington Reid had a brother George Reid III. They were both Captains, and served in the indian and Mexican War's. They had another brother named Asa Reid,my 3rd Great Uncle, pictured above. Asa was born in 1801.
In 1830, George Reid is listed as head of household on page 320 in the census for Gwinnett County, Georgia. There is a male child 0-5 years old (probably Robert); 2 male children 5-10 years old (probably John and William); and 1 man 20-30 years old (George W. Reid). There are 2 females 0-5 years old (probably Elizabeth and Jane); and 1 female 20-30 years old (Nancy Ezzard Reid).In 1850, Captain George Reed (Reid) is listed as head of household #531 on page 165B in the Georgia Census in Gwinnett Co., Harbens District, enumerated on August 30, 1850. He is shown as age 47, farmer, born in Georgia. The value of his real estate is $1300. Also living with him is his wife, Nancy W. (Nancy Ward Ezzard Reid), age 45, born in Georgia (an error since she was born in South Carolina). Nine children are living in the home. They are:1) George W., age 16; 2) Asa M., age 15; 3) Wesley H., age 12; 4) Mary S., age 10; 5) Martha M., age 8; 6) Isaac S., age 5; 7) Sarah O., age 4; 8) James R., age 2; 9) Charles W., age 1.All children are shown as being born in Georgia. Also on this census in Gwinnett County are the households of four older married children of George and Nancy Reid: John L. Reid, Robert A. Reid, Jane C. Reid Rollins, and Elizabeth Reid Horton. Two other older married children are not in Gwinnett County. They are William M. Reid and Nancy E. Reid Bridges.In 1860, George Reid is listed as head of household #229 in the Arkansas Census for Clark County, Terre Noire Township. He is shown as George "Read", farmer, age 56, born in Georgia. His wife is listed as N.W. Read, age 54, born in Georgia (an error since she was born in South Carolina). Four of their children are living in the household. They are:1) Isaac, age 15; 2) S.O., age 12; 3) J.R., age 10; 4) C.W., age 9.All children are listed as born in Georgia. Also living in the household is a man named John M. Kels, age 21, born in Tennessee. His relationship to George, if any, is unknown.In 1870, George appears as head of household in Clark County, Arkansas in the Antoine Township, household #70. He is shown as George Reed, age 67, born in Georgia. Wife Nancy is listed as Nancy W., age 65, born in South Carolina. Living with them are:1) Sarah O. Reed, age 23; 2) James R. Reed, age 21; 3) Charles Reed, age 20; 4) Adaline Reed, age 20.All children are shown as born in Georgia. Adaline Reed has not previously shown up listed with the family for the census in 1850 or 1860. According to the article on the Brock/Reid family in the GEMS magazine published by the Pike County, Arkansas Archives and History Society (Volume 7, No. 2, page 7-43, Spring 1996), Adaline was a twin sister to Charles W. Reed. This information may have been surmised from the 1870 census and been due to the fact that she was the same age as Charles. One has to wonder if perhaps she was a niece of George Reid's and was living in the household at the time of the 1870 census. This is especially true considering that she was not on the 1850 census with the family when she would have been just 1 year old. Charles was listed as 1 year old and the youngest child of George W. and Nancy Reid on this census. In the 1860 census, Charles is listed again as the youngest child (C.W. Read, age 9), but again Adaline is not on this census. More research needs to be done to determine if she was indeed a child of George and Nancy and a twin to Charles since the circumstances tend to point to her not being their daughter but another relative.In 1880, George Reid was widowed and living alone on the Arkansas Census for Pike County, Wolf Creek Township. He is on page 443, household #3. He is shown as age 76, merchant, born in Georgia. His father is listed as born in North Carolina and his mother as born in Georgia (an error, she was born in North Carolina also). George is living next to the household of his daughter Sarah Oregon Reid Gentry and her husband Richard.George W. Reid died on February 10, 1881 and was buried in the Reid Cemetery in Clark County, Arkansas. This information comes from cemetery inscriptions published in the ARKANSAS FAMILY HISTORIAN, by Lewis E. Roberts, Vol. 24, No. 3, September 1986. According to this article, the Reid cemetery was lost to the public for many years and then rediscovered on October 2, 1983. The cemetery is located on Highway 26 between Clear Springs and Hollywood in Clark County, Arkansas. It is on the farm of Lloyd Stockton. The cemetery inscriptions for the article on the Reid Cemetery were submitted by Geraldean Horton Musgrave, a descendant of George W. Reid's daughter Elizabeth Reid Horton.
Nancy Ezzard Was the daughter of John L Ezzard and Margaret Ward 4th Great Grandparents
Nancy had a brother William Ezzard.
Birth: 12 JUN 1798 in Abbeville District, SC 1 Death: 24 MAR 1887 in Atlanta, Fulton County, GA 1 Note: Judge, served 3 terms as Mayor of Atlanta. He was Mayor of Atlanta in 1856,1857 and in 1861. He was administrator of estate of Elizabeth Ward, his aunt. In 1827 was State Senator from DeKalb County, GA. He was Methodist. In 1822 he was in Decatur County, GA. Discrepancy between Zeller marriage date and marriage date from Bible Records of NC and SC by Holland.

Song of the Week

This weeks song is by Willam Clarke. He started his career when he was forty years old, and was dead by the time he was forty five. One of the great harmonica players of old juke joint music of the 1940's. One of my favorites "Must be Jelly".

Have A Good Week

Daniel

Why Such Oddities?

Little kids should not be allowed in the airports. Specifically the baggage claim areas. There are a hundred passengers waiting for their baggage, standing right next to the luggage carousel. Why do parents think it is so cute for little Johnny to be up next to the carousel sticking his fingers in and out between the conveyer belts? In all of my travels, little Johnny is always there.

Who has been running the business? The accountants and lawyers have failed corporate America with lying, cheating, and stealing. Your 401K program was supposed to be the answer to a failing Social Security System. Now it’s worth squat. With all that said, isn’t it time to hand the business back to the Sales Department, and let them take care of the customer, as it should have been long before now, and was years ago. It’s funny how things come full circle.

When my Dad died, I watched him take his last breath. He died in his own fluid, as most people do. The oddity of coming in this world submerged in fluid, only to be taken out of this world in the same manner. God Bless Him!

I find it odd that in the north states the American flag is prevalent. Not just small flags, but huge flags. Flags fly at most businesses. This is prior to any war or September 11 attack of the WTC. You just don’t see that many flags being displayed in the south. There is an imaginary line that separates the north and south, and the east and west. Kearney, Mo., separates the north and south. This was also the hometown of Jesse James located just north of Kansas City. Columbia, Mo., separates the east and the west. East of Columbia, the people talk deliberately through their nose and it gets worse the further east you go.

Do you know of some of these Oddities, which you have encountered? If you do, send them to me and I will post on a later Blog.

Song of the Week

This song goes out to my sister Abigail and Frank. She lived in New Orleans for awhile, and then they moved up North a little. It is much quieter where she is now. There are no abandon cars, broken water pipes, and street lights that don't work. This is one of my favorites, by Otis Clay "Since I've been Loving You".

Have a Good Week

Daniel

One Year Anniversary

This week marks the first anniversary of the "Another Saturday Night Story" Blog. Reflecting back now, there has been many stories of family, stories of current events, and many stories of memories that will never be forgotten. I share these thoughts with you, with one purpose. That we may share together, those memories, and jog those memories of your own, so we may somehow make sense of this upside down world we live in.

Take the time tonight, if you haven't already, to go back and review the archives offered here month by month.

Thank you for listening to my rantings.

Song of the Week
I thought I would put up a few old songs for tonight, celebrating the anniversary. You can listen to the music while you browse the archive.

Tom Jones - It's not Unusual

The Beatles - When I'm 64

Broadway - Music Man - Ya got Trouble

Mitch Ryder - Shake A Tail Feather

Spanky and our Gang - Like To Get To Know You

Strawberry Alarm Clock - Incense and Peppermints

The 5th Dimension - One Less Bell To Answer

The Associations - Cherish

Classics IV - Traces Of Love

Have a Good Week
Daniel

TAPSCOTT...."THE EMIGRANT"......Part 2

Our Tapscott Ancestry
6th Great Grandfather - The Emigrant Boy - Henry Tapscott b 1685 d 1727
5th Great Grandfather - James Tapscott b 1722 d 1770
4th Great Grandfather - Henry Tapscott b 1769 d 1832
3rd Great Grandfather - Samuel Tapscott b1777 d 1858
2nd Great Grandfather - Dr. A. B. (Arlen Byron) "Ira" Tapscott b 1835 d 1882
Great Grandfather - Dr. Charles Vaught Tapscott b1869 d1921
Grandmother - Mary Sue Tapscott b.1905 d 1984

3rd Great Grandfather - Samuel Tapscott b1777 d 1858

Our story tonight begins with Samuel Tapscott who b1777d1858, he married Winifred Hill. Winifred Hill was also a first cousin to Samuel.

Our Hill ancestry in descending order:
7th Great Grandfather - William Hill b1636d1685, married Ann Bradshaw
6th Great Grandfather - William Hill Jr. b1660d1745, married Alice Castello
5th Great Grandfather - Castello Hill b1706d1750, married Ann Webb
5th Great Grandmother - Winifred Hill b1743d1828, married Henry Tapscott
(She is also our 4th Great Grandmother on the Tapscott side)
4th Great Grandfather - Isaac Hill b1749d1806
3rd Great Grandmother - Winifred Hill b1798d1860, married Samuel Tapscott

Samuel Tapscott and Winifred Hill had seven children:
John Hill Tapscott b1812d1877, married Mary Elizabeth Hobson
Henry C. Tapscott b1813d?
George H. Tapscott b1821d1886
Dr. James W. Tapscott b1830d1862
Dr. Samuel T.(S.T) Tapscott b1832d1919, married Elizabeth McPherson
Dr. Arlen Byron "Ira" Tapscott b1835d1882, married Mary L. Jones
Amanda Tapscott b1838d1912, married James Decater Sherman

My family descends from A.B. Tapscott

This was the 1850 Census from Rockingham County, NC. As John Fox pointed out in his posted comments last week. Maybe Samuel and Winifred were deprived of education, but they knew the importance of a good education, and raised thier children with these values. Although they could not read or write, they had three sons who became Doctors. In this Census it says that James was a teacher 1850, but we know in 1862 he was a Doctor.
Lived in Rockingham County, North Carolina. 1850 US Census NC Rockingham Co page 40B:

Samuel Tabscott 59 b VA farmer unable to read and write

Winfred Tabscoot 52 b VA unable to read and write

George Tabscoot 27 b VA laborer

James Tabscoot 20 b NC teacher

S. T. Tabscoot 17 b NC laborer male

A. B. Tabscoot 14 b NC male attended school

Amanda Tabscoot 12 b NC attended school

The will of Samuel TAPSCOTT was written 10 May 1857 and was probated in the March 1859 court session of Alamance Co NC. It names
"my wife Winefred"; sons John & Henry Tapscott; "my five younger children, namely George, James, Thomas, Byron & Amanda"; and "my dec'd brother James". "Know all men by these presents that I Samuel Tapscott being of sound & disposing mind do make and declare this to be my last will and testament. Ist. I bequeath to my wife Winefred four negros & their increase, Julius, Mario, Sina, & Eliza to have and to hold so long as she remains a widow but in case she marries or dies the foursaid property is to be divided equally among my five younger children, namely George, James, Thomas, Byron & Amanda. ÊI also give and bequeath to my wife the interest I own in the estate of my dec'd brother James together with my carriage, wagon, household & kitchen furniture, farming utinsils, Stock of every discription and two horses, all of which I wand divided at her death equally among my children whose names appear above. 2nd. ÊI give and bequeath to my daughter Amanda my girl Cornelia & claybank mare to own during her natural life but if she marry & die without issue the property must revert to my four sons above named. 3rd. I give to my son George at his mother's death all the land lying west of the crop road running from Zion church in the section of Hatchie river embracing the houses in which I now live, to have and to own so long as he shall live, but in the event that he should die, I want it divided equally between my three sons and daughter, namely, James, Thomas, Byron and Amanda. The remainder of the tract which lies east of the above named road I wish my son Byron to have & to use after her death it must be divided among his three brothers & Sister himself to wit: George, James, & Thomas. 4th. In consideration of the kindness of my son Thomas in nursing & administering medicine to a sick negro, I give him fifty dollars, extra. 5th. My two other sons, John & Henry Tapscott have already rec'd more than their proportions of my estate, I therefore give them one hundred dollars. 6th. I appoint my wife & Son George executrix & Executor of my estate May 10 1857 [Signed]
Samuel Tapscott [X his mark] Witnesses: John B. Thomas, Allsen Harris MD."

Here is what I believe.
Shortly before 1860 and the beginning of the Civil War, the Tapscotts moved South. There were many families, southern sympathizers, who smelled the fire of War, long before it started. These families would move on further South, and settle, in knowing the War was to begin shortly. In the 1860 Census of Obion, TN, I find mother Winifred Tapscott, with son A.B., and George. In another 1860 Census in Surrey County, MS, we find John Hill Tapscott, and younger brother S.T. This is also where S.T. met his wife Elizabeth "Lizzie" McPherson, she was born and raised in MS. In 1862, Dr. James Tapscott was killed in the Battle of Whitney Lane. When James died 1862, I believe that brothers A.B. and S.T., went to Westpoint AR to bury their older brother. It was then that they fell in love with this part of the country, vowing to come back here someday. It was not until after 1870 that A.B. settled in Westpoint, and two years later, S.T. opened a practice in Searcy, AR. In the will of Samuel Tapscott, he had left his lands to Winifred and the sons. I believe after the War, that Winifred and George did go back to the land and farm, although when George died they brought him back to Westpoint, AR, to be buried. So all four brothers are buried there, together, James, George, S.T., and my 2nd Grandfather A.B. Tapscott.

These are from my notes:
A brother James W. Tapscott settled in White County, AR. I recently found a Land Patent for James W.Tapscott in White County, AR, in 1861. James W. Tapscott died in 1862, in the Civil War, "Battle of Whitney Lane", around West Point, AR.

Both of A.B., and S.T. Tapscotts son's, became Doctors.

Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Chicago: Goodspeed Publishers, 1890 Prepared by Kara Spence of the White County Historical Society
A. Byron Tapscott, M. D., although a young man, is one of the leading physicians of West Point, and has a large practice, enjoying a reputation of which many older in the professional experience might well be proud. Dr. Tapscott is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Ira and Mary (Jones) Tapscott, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. Ira Byron was also a physician, and a graduate of the Medical College of Richmond, Va. He was a surgeon in Forrest's cavalry, in the late war, and after that struggle practiced in Tennessee until 1872, when he removed to Arkansas, continued his professional duties at West Point. He was a strong Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O. F., and died in January, 1887, at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. Tapscott is still living in West Point, and is the mother of five children, all living: A. Byron (our subject), Charles V. (also a Doctor), Emma J., Mary G. and Samuel F. At the age of fifteen Byron Tapscott commenced the study of medicine under his father's instruction, and in 1887 and 1888 attended the Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis. After graduating. he returned to West Point and embarked upon a career as a physician, also opening up a drug store, which he continued until October, 1889. Then he sold out, and has since devoted his whole attention to his rapidly increasing practice. He is firmly Democratic in his preferences, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Dr. ST Tapscott, and Dr. AB Tapscott were brothers born within 3 years of each other. Cora and Winnie were ST's daughters. A.B. practiced in Kinsett, and S.T practiced in Searcy.

Here is what I believe.
Three brothers attended, at the same time, Richmond Medical College, in Richmond, VA., sometime before 1860.

Cora Tapscott, daughter of Dr. S.T, founded the Searcy female Institute.
Winiford (Winnie) 1873 1942 , daughter of Dr. S.T., returned to Searcy to
teach at Searcy Female Institute after her graduation from Ole Miss in 1904. She was also librarian, after her father donated space for the Library in Searcy.

Dr. S.T. Tapscott, his house was located in Searcy, AR. It was a big house for it's day. Dr. S.T. donated part of the house, for awhile, as a public Library in Searcy. Mother remembers that when Flora Tapscott died, her life at that time was a blur. She had just had Becky, this was 1950. Now losing her Grandmother, which she loved very much. Mamaw Rice watched Tim and Becky while mother went to Arkansas for the funeral. She stayed at Dr. ST Tapscott's house, as shown in the photo, and remembers Cora. It was a beautiful house, and she remembers waiters bringing the food to the table. She remembers the fence around it, and the 2nd level. She said they all "hung around" in the back, which is behind the right side of the photo.The house is now an historic site.

Dr. A.B. Tapscott, my second Great Grandfather, was a surgeon for General Bedford Forrest during the Civil War. He had such admiration for the General, and had told many stories of the Great General to my Great Grandfather, Dr. Charles Tapscott, that he then named one of his son's Bedford Forrest Tapscott. Bedford Forrest Tapscott was born in 1910, and just recently past away in 2003. Bless Him!

We also know that A. B. probably told Civil War stories about the "Forrest Calvary", for which he served as a surgeon. Then Charles V. named one of his son's Bedford Forrest after the great General. Also our Grandmother was named Mary after her own grandmother named Mary who married A.B. Sr.

I am listing below my Tapscott family and where they are buried. It all falls into place now. That George H. Tapscott buried here is my A.B.'s brother, and I believe we have also found James. He is listed here as James W. Tapscott M.D. He died in the Civil War. The MD's of White County Arkansas Honored him with a eight ft. Obelisk at his gravesite in 1999. We did not know whether he belonged to us or not. I'm now convinced that in this 1850 census it shows he was 20 years old in 1850, and born 1830 on his gravestone. His occupation says he is a teacher on this census.
A brother James W. Tapscott settled in White County, AR. I recently found a Land Patent for James W.Tapscott in White County, AR, in 1861. James W. Tapscott died in 1862, in the Civil War, "Battle of Whitney Lane", around West Point, AR. Here is the way things worked in those days. If a local War Battle was eminent. The Commanding General would ride into nearby towns, and recruit Doctors for the Battles. They were in a sense contracted laboror's. They were not regular military soldiers. When the battles were over they would go back to thier practice in their nearby towns. Although after extracting, A.B. Tapscott military record, I believe he stayed with General Bedford Forrest for quite sometime, battle after battle. Some say he was the Generals personal physician. Back to the Battle of Whitney Lane. Here was James Tapscott, a volunteer Doctor, there on the battlefield only to nurse those who are sick and injured, and he was brutally stabbed in the back by a Union soldier. This is a very sad story, but well documented to this day.

Sometime between 1850 and 1860, the three brothers, James, S.T., and A.B., all went to Medical College in Richmond Virginia. I surmise that all three brothers served as Physicians during the Civil War with loyalty to the CSA. Amazing as it seems, all of these brothers are buried, together, there in Arkansas.

Here is the story of Dr. James W. Tapscott, who is a hero in the "Battle of Whitney’s Lane" on May 19, 1862.

All of the Tapscott Family members are all Buried at WestPoint Cemetery, WestPoint, Arkansas, and others are buried at Oak Grove Cemetery Searcy, Arkansas.

Great Grandfather - Dr. Charles Vaught Tapscott b1869 d1921

Dr. Charles Vaught Tapscott married Flora Louise Foster b1875d1950. Charles and Flora had five children:
Charles V. "Uncle Tarls"
Clinton Houston "Uncle Coochie"
Bedford Forrest "Uncle Buffa"
Mary "Sue"
George S.

Here is the census of 1920:
1920 U.S. Census • Arkansas • White • Kensett •ED# 171TAPSCOTT,
Charles V. Head 50 TN. N.C. TN.
Flora Lorette(Foster) Wife 44 Ark. TN. TN.
Charles E. Son 22 Ark.
Clinton Son 17 Ark.
Mollie J. Daughter 14 Ark.
Bedford F. Son 10 Ark.
George S. Son 5 Ark.

Dr. Charles and his wife, Flora, would be called out many times during the middle of the night for house calls, infant deliveries, e.t.c.; They had a
horse and buggy, and Dr. Charles carried a big black bag with him. When the automobile was made, he sweared at them. He never bought one till later years. He said they would never make it down to the river bottoms, which is where most farm folks lived back then. Dr. Charles died about four years before my mother was born. But she fondly remembers Flora, her grandmother. For a time Flora lived with my Grandfather and Grandmother.

It is Flora Foster Tapscott that I have found our ancestry back to Adam and Eve on my mothers side. She descends from Royalty. If anyone is interested in seeing this ancestry, let me know, it goes back some 93 generations.

Song of the Week

After researching the Tapscotts family for some fifteen years. There is one thing I have found to be constant. They were a very close family, that watched after each other, and shared their love with each other. This is an old song by Johnny Rivers called "Mountain of Love".

Have a good Week

Daniel

TAPSCOTT...."THE EMIGRANT"......Part 1

My research of the Tapscotts has been both exhausting, and exhilariating. It is with the help of many other Tapscott family researchers that I finally put our Tapscott family together in one piece. The story of the Tapscotts is about a boy, Henry, who comes to America in 1696. He spreads his seeds, and over generations they all learn trades, they fight in the Revolutionary War, as patriots, and in the The Civil War, for the Confederacy......and Yes...some died in these Wars. It is about three brothers who became Doctors, even though there mother and father never learn to read and write. There is so much to write here, there is so much to say, but there is no way I could ever get it all on this Blog. But suffice to say, I am going to try to to tell this compelling, and powerful story as briefly as I can in two parts.

The name TAPSCOTT was originally Tapp's Cott, meaning "Tapp's land." Tapscott is a Devonshire, England, name and the home of the Tapscotts was in Minehead-on-the-Coast (now called Minehead-on-Sea) in Devonshire. There are tombstones in the churchyard there bearing the name of Tapscott.

I will try to write a little about each of these ancestors in descending order.
Our Tapscott Ancestry
6th Great Grandfather - The Emigrant Boy - Henry Tapscott b 1685 d 1727
5th Great Grandfather - James Tapscott b 1722 d 1770
4th Great Grandfather - Henry Tapscott b 1769 d 1832
3rd Great Grandfather - Samuel Tapscott b1777 d 1858
2nd Great Grandfather - Dr. A. B. (Arlen Byron) "Ira" Tapscott b 1835 d 1882
Great Grandfather - Dr. Charles Vaught Tapscott b1869 d1921
Grandmother - Mary Sue Tapscott b.1905 d 1984

6th Great Grandfather - The Emigrant Boy - Henry Tapscott b 1685 d 1727

Our Tapscott family begins in America from which we descend from a young boy named Henry Tapscott, who arrived on the ship William and Orion in 1696, and bound himself to Alexander Swan until his 21st birthday, and then had to sue for his freedom. The document for his release gives us his birthdate of August 27 1685.
Henry married Ann Edney. Joseph Tapscott gives the following data on their possible marriage date. "I do not have the record of their marraige but Henry was released from indenture in 1706/7 and on the 16 May 1711 in Northumberland Order Book 1710-1713 they had a Richard Niggens (Nickens) indentured to them. So it is reasonable to say they were married BEF 16 MAY 1711 in Great Wicomico Parish, Northumberland Virginia.
The imigrant boy Henry lived on a 266 acre spread touching on Mr Carters Great Mill Pond. He died in April 1727 possessed of the farm and his oldest son Edney inherited the land whose son Henry (called Henry of Caswell) disposed of it in 1782 within days of his fathers death.
Records indicate that Henry was a Carpenter and a Joiner. From Northumbria Collectanea 1645-1720 m-z;1. Richard Niggins, Six years old next August, Elizabeth Niggins of Lancaster County Binds him apprentice to Henry and Ann Tapscott for 15 years and four months to be taught trade of joyner and trade of carpenter.. 16 May 1711 18.21my note; Niggins could be Higgins and do not know what 18.21. is.
Henry and Ann had three sons, Edney b1714 d 1782, Henry b1716 d1781, and James b1722 d 1770. Our family descends from their son James. We also descend from Edney, which you will see later.
Henry b1716, would be my 5th Great Uncle, he married second a woman name Mary Shearman. Her father was Martin Shearman who married Ann Chinn. Ann's mother and father were Rawliegh Chinn and Esther Ball. Esther was Mary's sister. Mary Ball married Lawrence Augustine Washington, their son was our first president, George Washington. These were the first families of our new Federal Government that lived along the Pontomac River in what is now modern day Washington D.C.. These families.........Washingtons, Parks, Dandridge, Chinn, Lee, and Ball all lived there, and intermarried. Powerful Military men, who had lots of land, and money. They then surrounded themselves with powerful statesmen, and the rest is history, we pushed the british out of America.
The picture above is of the Edgehill Plantation, in Lancaster County, VA. This was the home of Captain Henry Tapscott.
Interesting, the name Rawliegh to be rampant throughout generations of Tapscotts.

5th Great Grandfather - James Tapscott b 1722 d 1770

James Tapscott married a woman name Catherine. We don't know her last name, but there is record of her first name being Catherine. It could be assumed that her last name was George. It seems the Tapscotts and George family intermarried.
James Tapscott will was written 5 December 1769; probated 8 January 1770. He named his children listed below. Aside from some items, all of his moveable estate and slaves were to be divided among his five children. Exers: Brothers Henry Tapscott and Benjamin George. Wit: Enoch George, George Tapscott, Benjamin George.

1769 will of James TAPSCOTT Northumberland Co VA Record Book 10 page 456 [transcribed from the original by Lin Van Buren]

In the Name of God Amen I James Tapscott ofthe County of Northumberland and Colony ofVirginia being very sick and weak but of PerfectSence and memory blessed by God, but Calling tomind the Uncertainty of this Life do make this myLast will and Testament in manner following (Viz): --Imprimis I Resign my Soul to God and my Body tothe Earth to be Decently buried at the Discretionof my Executors hereafter Named, and as to myworldly goods I dispose thereof as followeth: ~Item, I give to my son George Tapscott all mywearing Cloaths Silver Shoe-Buckels, and RidingHorse Saddle and Bridle, and My big Gun.-Item, I give to my Son Henry Tapscott my Little Gun.--Item, it is my Desire that all my Debts Should be paidOut of my Moveable Estate, and after they are paidthen to be Equally Divided among my five Children,George Tapscott, Ann Conway Tapscott, CatyTapscott, Betty Tapscott and Henry Tapscott, tothem and thier [sic] Heirs forever.~Item, as to my Negroes that I have not made over tothem in Court it is my Desire they Should be EquallyDivided among my five children above-mentioned, tothem and their Heirs forever.--Lastly I do Nominate and Appoint my Brother HenryTapscott and my Brother Benja. George, Executorsof this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revokingall Other Wills by me heretofore made as Witnessmy hand and Seal this 5. Day of December, 1769.[Signed] James Tapscott {Seal}Signed, Sealed and Acknowledgedby the first mentioned James -Tapscott to be his Last will -In Presence ofEnoch GeorgeGeorge TapscottBenja. George.-

James and Catherine Tapscott had five children, George b1748 d1787, Ann b 1750 d ?, Catherine b1752 d?, Elizabeth b?d?, and Henry b1769 d1832.
Our family descends from their son Henry.

This was the generation that fought the Revolutionary War. This record of George Tapscott:
Crozier's Virginia County Records, Vol. IV.Lancaster Co. p. 56George Tapscott m Elizabeth James 16 Nov 1780George received all his father's wearing clothes, silver shoe buckles, riding horse, saddle, bridle, and "my big gun"Source: "Genealogical Abstracts of RevolutionaryWar Pension Files Vol III N-Z" by Virgil D. White"TAPSCOTT, George, VA Line, R18351 also VA1/2 Pay, on 13 Jul 1812 William & Raleigh Tapscottappl in Buckingham Co VA for letters of adm'r asheirs of dec'd sol George Tapscott, in 1847 inBuckingham Co VA sol's only heirs were WilliamTapscott (adm'r), Nancy W. (Tapscott) who mRobert Evans, Sarah S. (Tapscott) who m IsaacBaber, James, George & Realeigh Tapscott &Elizabeth (Tapscott) who m John N. Blankenship,date of sol's death was not given"A Family Bible belonging to his grandson George5Tapscott (1819-1901) makes this mention ofGeorge3 (James2, Henry1) Tapscott:

4th Great Grandfather - Henry Tapscott b 1769 d 1832

Henry Tapscott married a cousin, Nancy Tapscott. They lived in Rockingham County, NC. This is where it get's interesting. Lets go back to the three sons of "The Emigrant", Henry, and Ann. Nancy, descends from there son Edney, then his son Henry. They are first cousins. This also means that these two men are also my Great Grandfathers. Marrying cousins was not unheard of in those days, in fact many families have married cousins over the years. There are many reasons for that, which I don't want to get into here in this writing. The fact that our family forks back to "The Emigrant", Henry, means that those Grandfathers, and thier siblings, are all Aunts and Uncles, and their children are all first cousins. This is not a bad thing, it just means that we have double Tapscott blood. In the case of my first cousins, Tommy and Kent Tapscott, they are direct male descendents that carry the Male YDNA. I am quite sure that they are probably related to most Tapscotts of America, being a direct male descendent of "The Emigrant", twice over. I would be proud of this fact, the Tapscotts were a wonderful group of family in the early days, and help build America to what it is today.

Henry and Nancy had six children. Samuel b1791 d1858, Henry b1800 d 1858, William, Nancy(was blind), Susanna, and James. I found Nancy in a 1860 census living with another relative in Obion County, TN. Our family descends from thier son Samuel.
It is way to much to go into here, but you will find that the Tapscotts married into a close knit of families, Hill, Castello, George, Windsor, and Swift families among others. The boys married the girls, and the girls married the boys. Nancy Tapscott was the daughter of Henry Tapscott and Winfred Hill.

Now I'm going to update the ancestry Chart of my relation.
Our Tapscott Ancestry
6th Great Grandfather - The Emigrant Boy - Henry Tapscott b 1685 d 1727
5th Great Grandfather - James Tapscott b 1722 d 1770
5th Great Grandfather - Edney Tapscott b 1714 d 1782
4th Great Grandfather - Henry Tapscott b 1769 d 1832
4th Great Grandfather - Henry Tapscott b 1746 d 1817
3rd Great Grandfather - Samuel Tapscott b1777 d 1858
2nd Great Grandfather - Dr. A. B. (Arlen Byron) "Ira" Tapscott b 1835 d 1882
Great Grandfather - Dr. Charles Vaught Tapscott b1869 d1921
Grandmother - Mary Sue Tapscott b.1905 d 1984

I don't know how our Henry, who married Nancy, got to Rockingham County, NC, because the family roots were back in Lancaster County, VA. He was a very successful farmer, and left alot of land that was farmed by Tapscotts for several years, including my 3rd Great Grandfather, Samuel Tapscott. He left the land to his youngest sons, which we will talk about later.

Here is the will of Henry Tapscott of Rockingham County, NC.:

In the name of God Amen, I Henry Tapscott of the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina being in a low State of Health But in perfect mind and memory, But calling to mind the mortality of my Body, and that it is appointed for all once to
die, do make constitute and Ordain this my last will and Testament in mammer and form following - this is to Say and principally command my Soul into the hands of almighty God who gave it and my body I commit to the Earth, to be Buried in a
decent Christian Like manner, at the discretion of my Executors when I shall here after nominate and appoint and as to Such Worldly Good as it hath pleaseth God to Bless me with in this world, I give demise and bequeath the Same in manner and
form following- that is to say, my desire first and Last that all my Just Debts be paid_
I leave my lands, one negro woman named Ednye, my Stock and House hold and kitchin furniture Such as is not named, to any of my Children to be Sold to pay my debts_
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Samuel Tapscott one negro woman by the name of Ester and Feather bed and furniture and horse to him, his heirs or assigns for ever_
Item I give and bequeath to my son William Tapscott one negro boy name of John, one feather bed and furniture to him, his heirs or assigns for ever_
Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancey Tapscott one negro Girl by the name of Mary, one feather bed and furniture one black .......... to her and her heirs or assigns for ever_
Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Susannah Tapscott, one negro woman by the name of Shirley one feather Bed and furniture to her, her heirs or assigns for ever_
Item I give and bequeath to my son James Tapscott, one negro Girl by the name of Lisa one negro boy by the name of D....... one feather bed and furniture to him his heirs or assigns for ever_
Lastly I constitute and ordain my son Henry C. Tapscott my executor of this my last will and Testament Revoking and disavowing all and Every other will by me heretofore made, declaring this my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I do
hereunto Set my hand and affix my Seal, this 26th day of May 1832_
Signed and sealed in presents of us
John Tapscott, Senr Henry Tapscott, Senr (seal)
State of North Carolina
Caswell County....................July Court 1832_
The Executiion of the foregoing last will and Testament of Henry Tapscott dec'd was duly proved in open court by the oaths of John Tapscott and Joseph Windsor the Subscribing witnesses thereto and on motion ordained to be Recorded_ At the
same time Henry C. Tapscott, the Executor therein named, Came into open Court and duly qualified to Execute the Same,
And Letters Adminstry were ordered to be issued to him which did issue accordingly_
Test Paul A. Haralson, Clk Joseph Windsor

This ends the era from the Tapscotts arrival in 1696, up to the Civil War period. I will continue this story next week with, TAPSCOTT...."THE EMIGRANT"......Part 2.

Many Thanks go out to those who help put this family together. John fox, Lin Van Buren, Dan Tapscott who was an early researcher and lived not far from the original Tapscott Home. Dan Is now deceased. Many thanks to other Tapscott researchers who have help me finally find this family.

Song of the Week

"The Smithereens", have got alot of publicity lately from their latest album "Meet the Smithereens". You will remember and old song they did years ago called "A Girl Like You". They have done a remake of old Beatle tunes on their new album. I have to admit they are pretty good. I guess what makes it sound better than the old beatle recordings are the instruments, and recording studios we have now are so high tech. Here is one of their cuts from thier new album, "I Saw Her Standing There".

Have a Good Week
Daniel

Things We Will Always Remember

I loved my Grandfather, Guy W. Gentry, and my Grandmother, Sue Tapscott. They were affectionately known to us kids as "Poo and Grandaddy. Tonight, I am posting a letter, authored by my sister Becky, to her two daughters, Erica and Ashley.


Dear Erica & Ashley,

I want to tell you a story about your Great Grandparents, Poo and Grandaddy. Erica, you had a picture on your refrigerator of a couple, you cut it out from the newspaper. It was their wedding picture from 50 years ago and you thought they looked so cute and you wanted to be friends with them. I am enclosing a picture of Poo and Grandaddy which I believe was taken before they were married or soon after. They were so cute and always happy. I want you to know about them.

When Poo was 18 years old she won a scholarship, in piano, to the Conservatory of Music in Chicago. They would put these on in small towns and give scholarships to young people. When Grandaddy found out she had won the scholarship he asked Poo to marry him. He didn’t want to lose her to the big city or anyone else. They married and soon after she was pregnant with my mother, Louise. Poo was 19 years old when Mother was born. She did not carry another child to full term until she had Uncle Rick, some 20 years later. Consequently, my mother and her brother are 20 years apart with no children in between. My dad used to love to tell the story of taking Rick, when he was about 2 years old, into the Drug Store and sitting at the soda fountain. The man behind the counter commented on the cute son he had. Dad said, “This isn’t my son, this is my brother-in-law.”

In fact, the reason that we called her Poo was because she didn’t want to be called Grandma or Granny or anything like that. She was too young for those names. She wanted to be called Momma Sue. Well, Tim knew she wasn’t his Momma, so he dropped that part and Sue came out as Poo. That is how she became Poo to all of us. It was a big deal for her to let your friends call her Poo. It always made her mad that Dad called her Poo. She would say, “I am not your Poo!”

Poo was absolutely the most fun person I ever knew. She laughed and laughed until tears ran down her face on a regular basis. When Mother was pregnant with Tim, her water broke and all Poo could do was laugh. Mother said they went to the doctor’s office and Poo couldn’t even talk, she was laughing so hard. Needless to say, Mother was not real happy about this but she said everyone in the doctor’s office was laughing. Laughing can be so contagious.


It was always fun to go to Poo and Grandaddy’s house. Grandaddy had his office in what had been the garage. He always ate lunch in the house. He would have a ham and cheese sandwich, cottage cheese and peaches and milk. We kids always got to have Coca-Cola at Poo and Grandaddy’s. This was during the time that Coke bottles were very small. At home we would have Coca-Cola but when those 6 bottles were gone, it was gone. Also, we often shared a bottle with someone. When we went to Poo and Grandaddy’s we could drink all the Coca-Cola we wanted and if they ran out, Poo just went to the grocery store, T Norman’s, and got some more. One time when we were visiting Danny went into the bathroom to wash his hands. Poo said, “Don’t use those guest towels over the toilet.” Danny replied, “Poo, don’t you think I know how to act in a fine home?” A fine home is what they had.

One day when I was 5 or so, Poo told me when she was born that her name was Molly Sue, not Mary Sue. She had changed it because she didn’t like the name Molly. I told her I did. I promptly named my favorite doll Molly. I remember her distinctly. She had short, dark hair. I always wanted her to have long hair. Mother told me that if “we” cut my hair it would make it grow faster. Huh?? I cut Molly’s hair and it didn’t grow at all.

When I was probably about 8 years old I remember doing somersaults in Poo’s bedroom with Danny and Debby. Poo told us not to do that in the house. Danny said something about how she was just jealous because she couldn’t do one. She immediately got down on the floor and did a somersault. Then she told us that we had to go outside to do any more. We never could get her to do another one but we laughed and laughed.

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, Grandaddy went out and on his own bought Christmas presents for all of us. He bought me an Around the World doll. She was from Ireland and he told me that was my heritage.

When I was probably 12 or 13 years old, Poo and Grandaddy came to our house in Springfield. I remember Grandaddy hugging me and saying that my face was getting fat. I was horrified! I know now that he was saying that I was getting older and maturing. He just kept apologizing to me and trying to explain what he meant. I feel bad to this day that I made him feel so bad.

When I got older she taught me to shave my toes. That’s right, one day she looked down at my toes and said, “Oh, you have my hairy toes. You have to shave those when you shave your legs.” Can you imagine your Grandmother telling you such a thing? She also told me one night after dinner that we weren’t going to do the dishes. She said your grandfather is in the other room waiting for us and I think these dishes can wait for us instead of him. She gave me permission to not do dishes sometimes after dinner because there were other things or people waiting that were more important. I have always said a silent thank you to Poo for that, whenever dishes needed to wait instead of people.

When we lived in Dallas Poo would come and stay with me during the week. Your Dad was gone and I was home with you two little babies. She loved being there, as she never liked being alone. I would need to go to the grocery store and would ask her if she could watch you kids. She would say, “Of course!” But she didn’t want to stay at the house. I would pack you kids in the car and Poo and we would go to the grocery store. Poo would stay in the car with you two while I went in. Never mind that this was the summer it was over 100 degrees for 100 days in a row. I left the three of you and the air conditioner going and all was well.

Erica, she thought you had the heartiest laugh. She would say listen to that! She thought that Ashley was just beautiful. She would talk about how healthy she was. Ashley would nurse so vigorously that you could hear the “milk running down her back.” I don’t know why it is said that way but Poo said I was a cow just like her. She said we were made for nursing babies.

Erica, when you were about 3 months old, Uncle Tim came to see us in Colorado. I will never forget, he was sitting in the living room holding you and he said, “Becky, forgive me.” I said what, and he said you looked like Grandaddy. I said thank you because I had seen it too. When babies are born they change so much from day to day and you get glimpses of other people. I had seen Grandaddy before in you but never had anyone to confer with about this. I was thankful that Tim affirmed my thoughts. Grandaddy had been gone 7 years by then. He was kind of hunch backed and usually wore a cowboy hat. I wasn’t appalled that Tim could see Grandaddy in you, I was thrilled and we all knew how beautiful you were. When Poo would come to see us in Dallas you were 2 and not changing so much any more. We could no longer see Grandaddy in you, but she would look at you and say, I wish I could see Guy in her like you and Tim did.

She always talked about the day he died. They had gone shopping for a couch and had gone out to lunch afterwards. She told of how Grandaddy teased her for ordering pie. I can’t remember if it was coconut cream or banana cream. Anyway, she said he was the ‘cutest little booger’ she had ever seen. Grandaddy died later that day while resting on the couch while she was cooking dinner. We didn’t really realize how blessed he was to not suffer the way so many others have. It was just so hard to have him and in the blink of an eye he was gone.

One day when my Mother was visiting us in Grand Rapids, we were out shopping. We were having a great time. I said to Mother, “Do you miss your Mother?” She said, “I miss my Daddy.” “Everyday.” We all watched Poo suffer for a long time and knew the blessing it would be when she was gone. There was no preparation for Grandaddy. When Poo died she had been in bed in the nursing home for several years and, as happens in nursing homes, she didn’t have any shoes left. We decided to bury her without shoes, as she wouldn’t have wanted us to buy shoes just to bury her. We laughed thinking how Grandaddy would tease her – arriving in heaven, barefoot, to meet her Maker.

Poo and Grandaddy always had the most fun. They loved to Square Dance. Grandaddy eventually became a caller, but I can remember them all dressed up in their outfits. The picture on the back of this frame is of them Square Dancing. Find something that you and your partner like doing so you can do it together, be it dancing, playing cards, watching movies, or whatever. Find that something and have fun with it.

Uncle Danny wrote this about Poo and Grandaddy. Keep in mind that this happened 27 years after Grandaddy was gone.
“ In 1997, I had just recently moved to Wichita, KS. I was working for Coastal Oil Company at the time as a Vice President of Marketing. It was only by chance that one spring evening I ended up going to the local Convention Center, and introduced to the local Square Dancers. My Colleague had told me that Coastal was a big donor to this organization, and that she had for many years gone to the big "Jamboree's" downtown, but that she would be more than grateful, if I would fill in for her that night, as she already had other important plans. I said I would, and I'm certainly glad I did.
As I approached the Convention Center, at the front doors, were a man and lady sitting at a table with name badges, and a sign that said "check in here". The man was wearing a western shirt, with a western bow tie, slacks and boots, and one of those big belt buckles. The lady wore a very bright pink dress with fluffy sleeves, the dress came to her knees, where she wore a very large petticoat underneath. I remember, only once, when I was a young boy of seeing my Grandmother (Poo), and my Grandfather (Granddaddy), all dressed up for their own Square Dancing Jamboree's.
I introduced myself, and they introduced themselves, then the man went and got another couple, I believe their names were Bob and Sally. Turns out Bob and Sally were head of the local Square Dance Association. They began telling me how much they appreciate Coastal's support throughout the state of Kansas for the Association, and began telling me what they were going to do in tonight’s ceremony and "Jamboree".
I said my Grandfather and Grandmother were Square Dancers, and my Granddaddy was also a caller. The man said, "sure enough", what was your Grandfathers name? I said it was "Guy Gentry". Then Sally said, and "Sue Gentry" was his wife. I said yes, that was my Grandmother. Then Bob and Sally began telling me about Guy and Sue Gentry. He said Guy Gentry pioneered Square Dancing in many places, Kansas being one of them. Guy Gentry started the first Square Dancers Association in Kansas at Dodge City. That was the first one, then it moved on east and west from there, we have over fifty Associations now in the State of Kansas. There is over a thousand Square Dancers that will be here tonight. Then he said, "Guy Gentry is the one who started it all".
That night, will always remain in my mind, after all, I was only there by chance, and then meeting these fine folks who knew my Poo and Granddaddy. Here I was in my suit leading the Square Dancers out on the floor, then I was led on stage like some celebrity. Bob got up on the microphone, and introduced me as Guy Gentry's grandson, and began to tell the story of how Square Dancing started in the State of Kansas.
I told my colleague the next morning I had so much fun, that I volunteered to go the next year, she could make other plans. It turns out I went the next two years, and I had a lot of fun each time I went there. What a wonderful group of people, these Square Dancers, a legacy of my Grandfather. How odd I had this chance meeting. Do you think Granddaddy arranged this meeting?....sometimes I think he did!...God Bless him, and my Grandmother Poo!”

I remember Poo telling me that before Grandaddy died, Uncle Danny had sent him a letter from Vietnam. Pappy died July 3rd and Grandaddy died October 31st, 1970. Danny must have thought he needed to write Grandaddy, after all Pappy left quite quickly. Danny was in Vietnam and unable to come to Pappy’s funeral. Anyway, Poo said that Danny told Grandaddy that he was ‘a great man’. He said something to the effect of ‘he was the kind of man he hoped to be.’ When we were going through Mother’s pictures of all our family, I showed Rick a picture of Danny and Grandaddy. Rick said he always thought Danny was Grandaddy’s favorite. Isn’t life funny? Rick, who was basically an only child and had Poo and Grandaddy all to himself as his Mother and Daddy, should feel that way. I have to admit they had enough love for all of us though. I always thought I was the favorite.

Poo and Grandaddy were so much fun! Grandaddy always called my mother Bill. I don’t know why but that was his pet name for her. He and Poo taught my Mom and Dad how to Square Dance and Grandaddy also taught my dad sales after he got out of the newspaper business. Dad had decided he couldn’t make enough money in the newspaper business and so went into sales and worked for Grandaddy for a period of time. We moved away from Oklahoma City when I was 6, but my Grandparents (on both sides) were very much a part of our lives. They weren’t perfect; Poo had her own demons and was the most racist person I have ever known. Sometimes, it is hard to reconcile her vile comments with the person I loved so. But, she was a product of her time and her upbringing and unfortunately, people didn’t know better. (I hope she isn’t rolling over in her grave for me saying that.) Grandaddy never touched a drop of alcohol in his life. I think when Poo got older she would have a glass of Sherry, on occasion, with the bridge ladies in the afternoon. But, their fun was wholesome and happy and they enriched my life more than these words or any could ever explain. I loved them both tremendously and still miss them today.

Love,
Mom

Song Of The Week

This week's song is dedicated to my Grandmother "Poo", who just loved this song so much, she cried each time she heard it. By the Everly Brothers called "Cathy's Clown".

Don't want your love any more.
Don't want your kisses, that's for sure.
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown.
I've got to stand tall.You know a man can't crawl.
For when he knows you're telling lies
And he hears them passing by,He's not a man at all.
Don't want your love any more.
Don't want your kisses, that's for sure.
I die each time I hear this sound,
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown.
When you see me shed a tear,
And you know that it's sincere,
Don't you think it's kind of sad
That you're treating me so bad?
Or don't you even care?
Don't want your love any more.
Don't want your kisses , that's for sure.
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown.

Have a Good Week
Daniel

Vicky Lynn Hogan

This is a sad story. Anna Nichole Smith died this week, her real name was Vicky Lynn Hogan, she was 39 years old. As if there has not been enough written this week about her, I am going to give it a shot also. She was raised in a small town, which is a suburb of Houston, TX. She got pregnant with her first child, Daniel, when she was sixteen. She was a waitress at a local restaurant, when she first married young Daniel's father. She later divorced him, and later married Oil Billionaire, J. Howard Marshall, who was 63 years her senior. When Marshall died in 1995, Smith stood to inherit his fortune, which is still tied up in court. It was a few months back that Daniel died while visiting his mother, Anna, after she had just gave birth to her second child. Who is the father of young Dannie Lynn?...........there are now three men who have claimed to be the father, and there is also the idea that she was pregnated with frozen sperm from J. Howard Marshall.

Anna Nichole Smith was a beautiful woman. Yes.......she was a look alike Marilyn Monroe, a blond bombshell. She was Playmate of the year in 1993 for Playboy Magazine. Like Monroe, she will not be remembered for her acting, singing, or success. She will only be remembered for her good looks, and her body.

She is not as stupid as what people think. She marketed herself the way she did, and yes we loved her, we made her what she was. There is an old saying, "Find what your good at, and stick to it", and she did just that. Her name was always in the spotlight, and it still is, even after her death. We are all so curious about the rich and famous. So sad, her last interview, you could tell she was so strung out on drugs. Most likely to sedate the loss of her son Daniel, just a few months ago. Bless her soul....and may she find peace everafter. If you see my Dad "Pete", please offer him your heavenly autograph.

Elton John did a song called "Candle in the Wind", and then was redone again when Princess Di died in a car wreck. I never understood this because the song is about the most famous of all blond bombshell's, Marilyn Monroe. Princess Di was no blond bombshell, was not an actress, and was not from Hollywood.

Anyway here is the last two paragraphs of the song, not for Princess Di, but for Anna Nichole Smith.
Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
Oh the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude

Goodbye Norma Jean
From the young man in the 22nd row
Who sees you as something as more than sexual
More than just our Marilyn Monroe

Song of the Week
Frankie Laine died this week at the age 93. You will remember him for his song "Rawhide(Original Cut)". While we are on the subject of Old Western, I'm throwing in some Roy Rogers, and the Son's of the Pioneers. My favorite "Tumbling Tumblweed".

Have a Good Week
Daniel

Racism in America

On the subject of racism, I've been overly concerned of the hint of racism throughout this country for some time. First off, I was raised in a home where the word, "nigger" was never said. I never ever had a hint of racism from my Mother or my Father.

Later in my life, when I joined the Marines and went to Vietnam, I served in Boot Camp with several blacks, and we became very close buddies all the way into my Vietnam Tour. Those men were like brothers to me. One saved my life, and another, I saved his life while in Vietnam. It was later in my Marine career, that I met Sgt. Watson. Sgt. Watson served two tours in Vietnam, and yes he was an alcoholic. He taught me many things, helped me through some very troublesome times. He taught me to be whole again, and more importantly what being whole really meant. He was not like a brother, but more like a father.

I can tell you, from being a History buff, that yes, America was founded on Slavery. And yes, it was one of the last countries to abolish Slavery in the world. But, there is still a hint of racism throughout this Country. It has been passed down from generation to generation, and it will not be annihilated until each one of us decides that we are all created equal. This attitude has to be passed down to future generations.

The world we live in now is somewhat difficult for those who see color and race as a challenge to their own race. Things are not the same as they were even a hundred years ago. We have multiple colors and races now in America. If you think that you're white, you own a home, and a new car, and have medium income in America, if you think that gives you the right to be racist toward others whether they are Black, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Chinese, or any other race, you're wrong! If you think for one minute that you're more educated than another person of another color, you're wrong. If you think because people are poor that they are dumber than you, or not as ambitious as you, you are wrong again.

If I was to give you a visual picture of the New Orleans Convention Center after Hurricane Katrina, and there on the steps stood a white male Harvard Graduate, and on the other step was a black lady in a wheel chair who we know has been on Welfare for most of her life. Who stood the best chance of surviving? There is no difference. It doesn't matter how intelligent you are, how much education you have, how much money you have, we are all human beings. It doesn't matter what you're color is, or your race. If you think you're sons or daughters or grandchildren will not marry other races - wake up. If you have the mindset that white people are only going to marry white people, all I can say is what the airline pilot says to his passengers when they're ready to crash, "hold your arms to the back of your head, and lean forward."

Now we have a Black Presidential Candidate. Very bright, and quite favorable, in the election polls. I intend to read his book published in 1995, “ Dreams from My Father”. Is America ready for a Black president?

I only have one complaint. If the Hispanics are going to live with us, they must learn to speak English. This is Kansas, USA, there is a sign on the door that says “In”, and “Out”. They are continually going “Out” the “In” door, while others are trying to come “In”. For many, only the kids, who go to school, can count their parents money.

Song of the Week
This is one of my favorites, from the movie "Fighting Temptations", starring Cuba Gooding Jr., and Beyonce. If you haven’t seen the movie......get it.... it is great acting, a great story, and has great music. My favorite song from the track is “He Still Loves Me”, featuring Beyonce, and Eddie Lavert from the O’Jays.

Have a good Week

Daniel