George Ritchie Mercer & Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer Oliphint

George Ritchie Mercer was born on November 18, 1810 in Edinborough, Midlothian, Scotland to George Mercer and Janet Ritchie Wilson.

Elizabeth Linfoot was born on November 25, 1816 in LeedsYork, Yorkshire, England to William Linfoot and Elizabeth Benson. Upon the death of her father ca. 1828/1829, the mother moved her family to Montreal, Canada. The other children were William P., John, Thomas, Hannah, Rosetta, George, and Christopher.

George and Elizabeth were married in Montreal, Canada. Attracted by the generous colonization laws of Texas,  soon after their marriage they emigrated to Texas in 1835, at that time a part of Mexico. 

Move to Texas

En route their ship encountered a severe storm and was almost lost at sea, but managed to beach near Yucatan. Their trip took seventeen weeks. The water supply aboard the ship was exhausted and the passengers survived on the juice of rotting lemons.  On foot, and with much hardship, the passengers finally reached Brownsville. On the way, friendly Mexicans had given them sheepskins to help clothe them, their original clothing being in tatters. From Brownsville the group reached Galveston, and eventually many of them proceeded up the Trinity River to the town of Cincinnati in what is now northeast Walker County.

On October 4, 1835, a labor (177 acres) at Cincinnati and a league of land (4,428 acres) on the West Fork of the San Jacinto Rover were granted to George R. Mercer and his wife, Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer. The George Mercer Survey is easy to locate on county maps and the land is located in what is now Walker County, near Huntsville, Texas.

Even today, these lands are like an oasis in the midst of the forests, with green, rolling hills stretching into the distance. They had other lands, including those received as a result of Mercer's service with the Texas Army and in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Indians

They had many interesting experiences with the Indians. Once when Mr. Mercer had gone by ox cart to Houston for supplies, Elizabeth was sitting in the doorway of their cabin late on evening. She saw two Indians lurking behind the trees a short distance away. One was an old man, the other a tall young brave. She tried to remain calm, however, and waited for their next move. They did not bother her but all the while talking rapidly to each other, they walked into the house, cut down some smoked meat hanging from the rafters, and left. As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth went out the back door and ran two miles to her nearest neighbor.

When her husband returned several days later, the Indians again came to the cabin. Mr. Mercer could understand their language. They told him they knew his wife had been drigtened, but they did not want to hurt her. They merely needed food and knew he would have given it to them had he been there so they felt free to take it.

Battle of San Jacinto

George (age 26) was in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. He served in the 2nd Regiment Volunteers 1st Infantry Company

Children

Elizabeth and George Mercer had two sons: George H. and Matheson, called Matt. Elizabeth and her Mercer sons lived and worked in Cincinnati and George occupied the land on West San Jacinto, five miles west of Huntsville. Later, the family was united on West San Jacinto. George H. Mercer married Mary Kearse. Mattheson Mercer married Annie Scott. Both of these brothers fought in the Civil War

Cenotaph in Auburn Cemetery, Ellis Co., Texas

Yellow Fever

Mr. Mercer went to Galveston to work and at the age of 32 he fell sick to yellow fever. He died on October 6, 1842 in Galveston, Texas. It is said he is buried somewhere in Galveston, though his grave is unknown. There is a cenotaph in the Auburn Cemetery (in Ellis Co.) where his son is buried.

John William Oliphint

Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer and John Oliphint

Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer and John Oliphint

Elizabeth Mercer met John William Oliphint and married him about 1840/1843. They had eight children listed as follows: William A., Elisabeth, Etta, Allie,  Emma, Thomas Clifford, Anthony Bolyn, Boley, and John William.

Civil War

"During the Civil War, in which both of the Mercer boys and William A. Oliphint served for the Confederacy, J. W. was detailed from the regular Confederate Army to look after soldiers' families in the area. The Oliphint home served as a distribution center for supplies destined for these families and the broad front porch was stacked high with provisions. Wearing apparel cut out and made locally was sent from this point to the military.

Throughout the years the Oliphant home was known for the Southern hospitality dispensed there. Circuit riders and other travelers could count on a welcome and a night's rest there. After the war, sick and weary homeward-bound soldiers passing by the door could count on food, rest, and medical care from the Olphinats. Their children would remember such scenes many years later. As the chidlren matured, their parents deeded a tract to each. These days it appears that all ownership has passed from family hands.

The Oliphant family attended Martha's Chapel Methodist Church, located a short distance from the northeast boundary of Mercer's grant" (by Pat Louis Weekley, F11 and F12, Walker County History).

Elizabeth died on 11 Jul 1881 in Huntsville, Walker Co., Texas and is buried in Martha Chapel Cemetery, Walker Co., Texas.

Tombstone of Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer Oliphint

Information from Walker County History (Marjorie Oliphint Trantham, F652; Helen Oliphint Spencer, F710) and http://genforum.genealogy.com/mercer/messages/3288.html

Mathison Mercer & Martha Annie Scott

Mathison (or Mathieson) Mercer was born on September 5, 1841 in Houston, Texas to George Ritchie Mercer and Elizabeth Linfoot Mercer Oliphint.

Martha Annie Scott was born on January 28, 1846 in Jefferson, Florida to Alexander Scott (b. Sept. 13, 1812) and Martha Ann Townsend (b. Jan. 24, 1826).

Mathison (age 24) married Martha (age 19) on April 11, 1865 in Walker County, Texas by Rev. S. M. Jenkins.

Mathison fought in the Civil War in the Co. H. 20th Tex Inf CSA. His brother, George H. Mercer, and step-father, Oliphint, also served in the Civil War.

Together they had five children: Jessie Elizabeth (b Feb 6, 1866), Martha A. R. (b. Feb. 17, 1869), William Mathison (b. Jan. 24, 1871), Kerrilla (b. Sept. 20, 1872), and Georgie (b. Aug. 11, 1877).

Martha died on April 14, 1884 and is buried in the Auburn Cemetery in Ellis Co., Texas.

Mathison died on June 15, 1923 and is buried alongside his wife.

 

Pipes Farm History - 12600 FM 916

Map of 12600 and 12700 FM 916:

Barn at 12600 FM 916:

[PHOTO OF FRONT]

Was on the property when Charlie Pipes bought the farm, though Charlie added the sheds on the side. Charlie used the barn to store ear corn and bailed hay for his livestock. The tin siding was added by Charlie, but the tin roof hasn't been replaced since the barn was built, and Kenneth Pipes said that the roof tin is most likely over 100 years old. The lumber currently stored in the barn loft is from an old house at the "North Place" that the help used to live in (located on CR 206).

Hog pen at 12600 FM 916:

Built in 1957 by Kenneth Pipes, made in high school for raising hogs. Used it until he went out of the hog business in the early 1990s. Kenneth took his hogs to sell in Ft. Worth, Newhoff packing plant in Dallas, and Columbia packing in Dallas. 

Destroyed in 2008, vacant since early 1990s. 

Windmill:

Windmill and well was here when Charlie Pipes bought the farm. Circa 1880. About 80 feet deep.

Pecan Trees:

Several pecan trees that are __ years old.

Ponds:

Three ponds. One dried up, source was spring. Charlie Pipes dug the pond at 12700 FM 916 out of a gully. One time the dam broke and you could hear the water gushing out up at the house. They had to rebuild the levee once the pond was empty.

Chambers Creek:

Old Bridge:

CR closed during WW2.  County discontinued maintenance on it because it wasn't as necessary, automobiles people could driver farther. Bridge was dismantled for scrap in 1950s.

Auburn in Ellis County

Auburn (from this site) 

Auburn was located sixteen miles southwest of Waxahachie in western Ellis County. About 1852, a caravan of 105 wagons came from Arkansas and chose that location because of the plentiful water supply from the nearby North Fork of Chambers Creek , the flat and tillable land suitable for crops and livestock and the good climate. Henry Files opened a general store.

In 1863 Reaiz (or Rezi) Jarvis Banks deeded land to the trustees of the Methodist Church to be used as the site for a church, school and cemetery. The community's name first appears on that deed. Martin P. Nation bought Eureka, a retired world champion short horse, to Auburn for breeding and at one time a racetrack was located half a mile from the general store.

By 1890 the community had a population of 290. Ten years later, businesses included two cotton gins, a corn mill, blacksmith shop and two grocery stores. Four church congregations met regularly - Methodist , Baptist , Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ. A two-story building, McCarver Chapel, housed a grade school on the first floor and a Masonic lodge on the second.

A post office opened Aug. 27, 1877 with Columbus G. Alford postmaster. Others who served in that capacity were: Henry C. Carnes Nov. 3, 1879; James W. Wylie Sept. 8, 1884; Henry J. Townsend Jan. 14, 1885; Isaac N. Morris Sept. 21, 1886; Quincy A. Hearne Jan. 28, 1889; Henry C. Carnes July 1889; Harvey J. Townsend July 13, 1890; John B. Ingle Feb. 12, 1896; Samuel C. Harrell, April 30, 1901; James Rollen Nov. 28, 1903; and Thomas M. Maureka Dec. 15, 1904. When the office closed Oct. 5, 1906, the mail was sent to Maypearl. Auburn School

By the 1940s, Auburn had only one business, a school, church and a few widely scattered dwellings. The 1968 population was reported to be only twelve. At present, the only landmarks are an old store building on the highway west of Maypearl at the turnoff to the cemetery and the cemetery. On April 11, 1978, a state historical marker for the cemetery was dedicated as a result of research and documentation done by Cloyd F. Stiles, a great-grandson of Rezin Banks.

Sources: Ellis County, Texas Cemetery Records, Vol. I ECGS,; 1981; Edna Davis Hawkins et al, History Workshop,

History of Ellis County, Texas, Waco, Texian Press, 1972 Marker Files, Texas Historical Commission, Austin, Texas "AUBURN, TX." The Handbook of Texas Online. 

Copyright 2002 Ellis County TXGenWeb All rights reserved.

Samuel S. Pipes & Sallie Elizabeth Gray

Samuel S. Pipes & Sallie Elizabeth Gray

Samuel S. Pipes was born on June 5, 1850 in Athens, Limestone Co., Alabama. His parents were Phillip Pipes and Peggy Ann Hill.

Sallie Elizabeth Gray was born on July 6, 1852 in Athens, Limestone Co. Alabama to Joseph C. Gray and Lucy Ann Martin.

Samuel (age 20) married Sallie (age 18) on July 27, 1870 in Limestone Co., Alabama.

They had seven children: Mary Ader (1872), Buford Elbert (1875), Lucy Eler (1878), John Tilden (1881), Carl Rado "Cal" (1883), Ross Machy (1887) and Etta May (1892).

Elizabeth died at the age of 54, on March 6, 1907. She was buried in the Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, Ellis Co., Texas. Samuel was 57 years old at the time.

Samuel (age 66) passed away on July 11, 1916 in Johnson Co., Texas and was buried at the Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Ellis Co., Texas.

Elisha Copeland & Winnifred F. Green

"Winaford" or "Winnifred"

Elisha Copeland & Winnifred F. Green

Elisha Copeland was born in 1807 in Kentucky to James Copeland and Elizabeth Margaret Blackwood. He was a farmer.

Rebecca, his first wife, was born circa 1812 in Kentucky, and died between 1850-1852 in Smith County, Texas.

Winnifred F. Green was born on January 2, 1829 in Cherokee Nation, Tennessee. Winnifred is also found as "Winaford" and "Winneford". Her parents were Rev. James F. Green and Elizabeth Matilda "Mary" Ammons.

Elisha first married Rebecca. Together they had seven children: Susannah (b. June 21, 1833, Kentucky/Alabama), Mary A. (b. 1836, Kentucky/Alabama), Johanna E. (b. circa 1834-38, Alabama), Martha A. (circa 1833-40, Alabama), William H. (circa 1842, Alabama), James A. (circa 1840-44, Tennessee), and Jonathan C. (circa 1838-46, Texas).

Elisha (age 44) and Winnifred (age 22) were married on February 8, 1851 in Troop, Smith Co., Texas. Together they had nine children: Alexander Green (b. January 2, 1852 in Smith Co., Texas), Charles Calvin (b. February 5, 1854), David T. (b. 1855), Andrew (b. 1857), Rebecca (circa 1858), Pascal (circa 1860), Malvina/Mary Amons (circa 1862), Lafayette (b. March 27, 1860).


In 1855, their son, David Timothy Copeland, was born.

"In 1850 Elisha Copeland was in Smith County with a wife and seven children. In 1860 Elisha had a new wife, Winniford, and six additional children - one was David - and in 1870 was found a widow, Winniford, with seven children - one new name. In 1860 Elisha was 53 and Winnifred was 27. His first wife was named Rebecca."

Elisha (age 54) died on November 28, 1861 in Smith Co., Texas. Winnifred was 32 years old.

Winnifred (age 67) died on April 28, 1896 in Auburn, Ellis Co., Texas. She was buried in the Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, Ellis Co., Texas.





"Sister Winnie F. Copeland died in her home near Auburn, Ellis County, Texas, on the 28th day of April, 1896. She was born in the State of Tennessee, January 2, 1830, making her age 66 years, 3 months, and 26 days.

In early childhood her parents moved to Marshall County, Alabama, where in her 13th year she professed religion and united with the Methodist Church of which she remained a rue and faithful member until death. In after years her family came to Texas and settled in Smith County. At the age of 22 years she was there happily united in marriage with Elisha Copeland and unto them were born eight children - five sons and three daughters. On November 26, 1862 her beloved husband died, then the cares and responsibilities of the family all fell on her hands. By diligent effort and preserving zeal she succeeded in raising her children, all of whom that are now living except the youngest daughter, are settle in life with families of their own and are members of their Mother's church. Two sons preceded their Mother to the better land.

For the last fifteen years Sister Copeland has made her home in and near Auburn and in contiguous parts of Johnson County. She was well known and highly esteemed by all her friends and acquaintances as a throughly devoted Christian, one whose life was strictly moulded according to the standards of the Scriptures. She loved her church and delighted in its services. She loved everybody and everybody loved and respected Aunt Winnie. It must truly be said of her, on one had more friends than she had.

During her illness which lasted for five months and nine days and finally terminated in her death, she was visited by ministers of the Gospel and very many loving and faithful neighbours and friends who manifested deep and abiding interest in her welfare and contributed by all means in their powers to alleviate her sufferings which though so long protracted, were borne with perfect patience and complete resignation to the will of the Lord. She often spoke of death and expressed her willingness to suffer and readiness to die.

Her death was calm, peaceful, and happy. As she lived, so she died. Well may it be said of her, 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.' 'They rest.' Her family ha lost a devoted Mother; the community a noble Christian; and the church a faithful and exemplary member. Their loss is her gain.

In the presence of friends and citizens, her funeral services were conducted and her remains deposited in the Auburn Cemetery to await the trump of God to awake them to eternal life.

J. C. G. R. Patton
Grandview, Texas
June 15, 1896
(Probably from The Texas Christian Advocate or Methodist Church Paper of 1896)"

Cicero Martin Chambliess & Mary Jane Snoddy

Cicero Martin Chambliess & Mary Jane Snoddy

Mary Jane Snoddy was born on December 12, 1861.

Cicero Martin Chambliess was born on October 3, 1866.

They were married on ??.

They had Eula Chambliess on May 1, 1898.

Cicero passed away November 7, 1942 and was buried in Files Valley Cemetery, Itasca, TX.

Mary Jane passed away on February 16, 1946, and was buried with Cicero in Files Valley Cemetery.

Andrew Jefferson Rhoades & Hazel Hartman

Andrew Jefferson

Andrew Jefferson "Dusty" Rhoades (or Rhodes, or Rhoads) & Hazel Margret Hartman

Andrew Jefferson Rhoades, also known as "Dusty", was born on June 11, 1884 in Ennis, Ellis Co., Texas (or Miss.).

Hazel (Margret ?) Hartman was born in 1892 in Illionois.

They had three children, Beatrice, Rhoades, LC "Dusty" Rhoades, and Francis Marie Rhoades (1921).

Frances, Andrew Jefferson "Dusty", LC "Dusty", and Beatrice

Hazel Rhoads passed away in 1932. She was buried in the Cleburne Memorial Cemetery in Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas (located in Block 3, Lot 13).

Andrew remarried to Mae Belle Arnolds (1897-1986) in ??.

Andrew passed away on September 19, 1956 in Cleburne, TX at the age of 71. He was buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Cleburne, TX (located in Block 90, Lot 52) next to his 2nd wife, Mae Belle Rhoads.

Clarence Carroll Priest, Sr. & Eula Chambliess

Clarence Carroll Priest, Sr. & Eula Mae Chambliess (or Chambliss)

Clarence Carroll Priest, Sr. was born on May 16, 1889 in Caldwall, Texs (?). His parents were James Taylor Priest and Virginia Lee Rife (or Rose Elmiry Clinger).

Eula Mae Chambliess was born on May 1, 1898 to Cicero Martin Chambliess and Mary Jane Snoddy.

Clarence worked as a butcher.

Clarence and Eula were married in Austin (?).

They had three children, Clarence Carroll Priest, Jr. (1918), James Taylor Priest, and Daniel McNamar (or McHamara) Priest (1930).

Clarence Carroll, Jr., James Taylor, Eula Priest, and Daniel McNamara in May 1957.

Clarence passed away on November 29, 1945 in Rock Tank, Texas at the age of 56. Eula was 47 years old. He was buried in the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.

Tammie, Eula Priest, and Ann Tatum in 1965/6.

Eula (age 73) passed away at the Cleburne Hospital in Cleburne, Texas on April 1, 1972. She was buried alongside her husband at the Grandview Cemetery.

Clarence Carroll Priest, Jr & Francis Marie Rhoades

Clarence Carroll Priest, Jr & Francis Marie Rhoades (or Rhodes, or Rhoads)

Clarence Carroll Priest, Jr was born on May 24, 1918 in Rock Tank, Texas to Clarence Carroll Priest, Sr. and Eula Mae Chambliess. He has a younger brother, Daniel McNamar (born March 21, 1930 in Travis Co., Texas).

Francis and her chickens

Francis Marie Rhoades was born on August 14, 1921 in Cleburne, Texas. Her parents were Andrew Jefferson Rhoades (age 35) and Hazel Hartman (age 39). She had a sister, Beatrice Rhoades.

Francis

Clarence (age 22) married Francis Marie Rhodes (age 18) on June 10, 1940 in Glen Rose, Texas.

One year after they were married, they had a daughter, Jerry Ann (1941) in Cleburne, Texas. Then nine years later they had Jimmy Carroll (1950).

They attended North Cleburne Baptist Church in Cleburne, Texas.

Clarence

Clarence worked as a butcher. He later owned a sandwich shop in downtown Grandview, Texas called ??.Francis

Clarence passed away on August 28, 1975 in Grandview, Johnson Co., Texas at the age of 57. Francis was only 54 years old. Clarence was buried in the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.


On June 1, 1980, Frances (age 59) married Alvin Hughes in a nursing home.

Francis passed away on September 20, 1981 at the age of 60 and was buried in the Grandview Cemetery alongside her first husband, Clarence Carroll Priest, Jr..

Andrew Jackson Kent, Defender of the Alamo

Andrew Jackson Kent, Defender of the Alamo

Andrew Jackson Kent was born on February 25, 1791 in Green, Kentucky to Isaac Kent. His mother passed away and his father remarried to Lucy Hopkins. About 1810 his parents moved to the St. Charles District of the Louisiana District of the Indiana Territory near Jacob Zumwalt’s Fort (1).

Andrew married Elizabeth Zumwalt (born in 1798) in St. Charles Co., MO on April 30, 1816.

They had ten children, four of which are: Bosman Clifton Kent, David Boyd Kent, Mary Ann Kent, and Louisa Naomi Kent (3).

Lousia Kent, her daughter Rebecca Benson, and her grandchild.

Andrew was a close friend of Daniel Boone.

"In order to lay claim to his homestead, Andrew converted to the Catholic Church, became a Mexican citizen, took title to his league and labor of land, and settled in with his family to work the land. We know from written records that Andrew was an accomplished carpenter. He built his home in the standard "Texas Dog Run" style consisting of two separate areas of living quarters (each with fireplace) and an open space in between. He raised cattle, and split shingles for his neighbors.

Like many other Mexican/Anglo citizens, Andrew Kent became convinced over time that Texas must become independant and free of the oppresive Mexican rule. Andrew fought in at least two skirmishes with the Mexican army prior to the siege of the Alamo. In both of these battles the Texans were victorious.

Andrew Kent and his 18 year old son, David Boyd Kent, had been at the Alamo several times prior to the final siege. It seems they had been coming and going in order to help defend the makeshift fortress, take care of business back at home, and forage for food for the Alamo defenders.

When the call came from Colonel Travis for additional volunteers, both Andrew and David were at home. It seems they had quite a bitter argument about whether David would accompany Andrew back to the Alamo. Andrew felt David was needed at home to assist the family and David wanted to be at the Alamo where the action was. Andrew probably realized that whoever went into the Alamo this time would not return.

Andrew prevailed and David reluctantly went home while Andrew returned to the Alamo as one of the 32 brave men from Gonzalez who answered the call of Colonel Travis. Andrew re-joined the small rag tag army headquartered in the Mission San Antonio de Bejar (the Alamo) who were already engaged in the fiercest battle to date with General Santa Ana.

David didn't remain home for long, however, and soon began operating as a courier between Colonel Travis and Colonel Fannin in Gonzalez. He stealthily ventured back and forth many times carrying messages. During one of David's trips away from the Alamo the final battle was fought and Andrew Kent lost his life along with Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Colonel Travis, and many other heroes in pursuit of freedom and liberty" (by Stan Delk)

Andrew, age 35, was killed on March 6, 1836 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas during the Battle of the Alamo.

A memorial in front of the Alamo

Kent County, Texas, established in 1876, was named for him.

Elizabeth passed away in 1844 at the age of 46.

A Texas Historical Marker in Lavaca/DeWitt County

How we are related:

(1) Andrew Jackson Kent & Elizabeth Zumwalt
(2) ---Lousia Kent & James Billings
(3) ------John Billings & Rebecca Benson
(4) ---------Elizabeth Lucretia Billings & Leonidis Polk Tatum
(5) ------------Charles Edward Tatum, Sr. & Muriel Lorraine Covington
(6) ---------------George Howard Tatum & Marjorie Ann Raley
(7) ------------------G. Tatum & A. Pipes
(8) ---------------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

Marion Monroe Raley, Sr. & Juanita Parker

Marion Monroe Raley, Sr. & Juanita Parker

Marion Monroe Raley, Sr. was born on February 15, 1903 in Bay City, Matagorda County, Texas. His parents were Franklin Monroe Raley (age 25) and Pauline Marie Frederic (age 19). His mother's family was from St. Charles Parrish in Lousiana, and Marjorie Raley Tatum said that they were of Cajun descent.

Juanita Parker was born on June 29, 1908 in Menard, Menard County, Texas to Vasso Washington Parker (age 24) and Minnie Chatham (or McWilliams) (age 19).

Together they had two children, Marion Monroe, Jr. and Marjorie Ann (1936).

Juanita, age 53, passed away on August 14, 1961 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Marion was 58 at the time.

Marion passed away on February 18, 1973 in Blanco, Blanco County, Texas at the age of 70 years old.

Weston Adams Covington, Jr. & Muriel Stidham

Weston Adams Covington, Jr. & Muriel Stidham

Weston Adams Covington, Jr. was born on July 7, 1887 in Stockdale, Wilson County, Texas. His parents were Weston Adams Covington Sr. (age 28) and Sarah Juliett Adams, and he was the fourth oldest of ten children.

Muriel Stidham, daughter of Adam Ronalus Stidham (age 34) and Martha Ellen Young (age 18), was born on May 6, 1894 in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. She was the oldest of six children.

Wes (age 25) and Muriel (age 18) were married on October 20, 1912 in Seadrift, Cahoun County, Texas.

They had five children, Muriel Laurine, Thelma Florence, Weston Adams III, Dorothy Nell, and Garland Rex.

Muriel passed away on April 1, 1971 in Blanco, Blanco County, Texas at the age of 77, and was buried in San Antonio, Texas.

At the age of 88, Weston passed away on October 6, 1975 in Blanco, Blanco County, Texas. He was buried in San Antonio, Texas.

(1) http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/m/i/Brenda-J-Smith-suchomelskipworth/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0188.html
(2) http://yeahpot.com/gedcom/stiddemtimen/pafg142.htm#17142
(3) http://www.covingtonhistory.co.uk/OffspringWXYZ.htm

Leonidis Polk Tatum & Elizabeth Lucretia Billings

Leonidis "Lon" Polk Tatum & Elizabeth Lucretia Billings

Leonidis "Lon" Polk Tatum was born in 1860/61 in Nashville, Dickson County, Tennessee.

Elizabeth Lucretia Billings was born in 1875 in Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas to John Riley Billings (age 28) and Rebecca Benson (age 22).

Together they had four children: Jewel, Lonnie, Mary and Charles Edward Tatum (1902). There son, Charles, was born on September 3, 1902 in Del Rio, Texas.

There is a family rumor that Lon was a deputy somewhere in southwest Texas. He liked to gamble, and one night gambled away his family's telephone insulator company, the Whitall Tatum Company (named after Edward Tatum and John Whitall - whose spouse was Mary Tatum, daughter of John and Hannah Tatum, of Woodbury, NJ). None of these rumors have been confirmed, and are probably exaggerations.

Leonidis passed away in 1945 in Sutherland Springs, Wilson County, Texas.

Elizabeth passed away in 1946 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

Charles Edward Tatum Sr. & Muriel Laurine Covington

Charles Edward Tatum Sr. & Muriel Laurine Covington

Charles Edward Tatum was born on September 3, 1902 in Del Rio, Val Verde County, Texas to Leonidis "Lon" Polk Tatum and Elizabeth Lucretia (or "Ann") Billings.

Muriel Laurine (or "Lorraine") Covington was born in Houston, Harris County, Texas on May 6, 1913. Her parents were Weston Adams Covington (age 26) and Muriel Stidham (age 19).

At the age of 28, Charles married Muriel Laurine (or "Lorraine") Covington (age 17) on August 23, 1930 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

They had four boys, the first one being born a year after they were married: Charles Edward, Jr. (1931-2010), Riley Weston (1933-2008), George Howard (1935-2000), and William "Bill" Fuqua (1937-?).

Muriel was known as "G. G." to her great-grandchildren.

Charles passed away on January 8, 1976 in Blanco, Blanco County, Texas. He was buried at the Blanco Cemetery in Blanco, Texas (located in section 1H, rows 49 & 50). Muriel was 63 years old at the time and they had been married for 46 years.

Muriel passed away on this date in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. She was buried next to her husband, Charles, at the Blanco Cemetery in Blanco, Texas (located in section 1H, rows 49 & 50).

George Thomas McFerrin & Sarah Elizabeth Davies

George Thomas McFerrin & Sarah Elizabeth Davis

George Thomas McFerrin was born on October 7, 1851 in Itawamba County, Mississippi. His parents were William Bryant (or "Thomas") McFerrin and Ruth Weaver (age 23 or 24). George was the third oldest of five children.

Sarah Elizabeth Davis was born in Winston or Walker County, Alabama on November 12, 1856 to Thomas E. Davis (about age 28) and Mary Jennie Speagle (aboug age 29). She was the oldest of six children, five girls and one boy.

George (age 21) and Sarah (age 16) were married on October 5, 1873 in Fulton, Itawamba County, Mississippi.

Together they had eleven children, and the first one was born in 1874, a year after they were married. Their children were: Eda Jane (1874), Dora Ellene (1876), William Elijah (1878), Corra Ann "Carie" (1881), Effie Lee (1883), Willie Clifford (1884), George (or Isac) Cornealous (1886), Emmit Levie (1888), Lou Etta (1890), Arlecy Bell (Leacy) (1893), and Iuna Mae (1895).

George passed away at the age of 66 years old on December 5, 1917, in Grandview, Johnson County, Texas. Sarah was 61 years old at the time, and they had been married for 44 years.

On March 7, 1941, Sarah passed away in Grandview, Johnson County, Texas. She was 85 years old. Sarah was buried alongside her husband, George, at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas (in section G).

How we are related:
(1) George Thomas McFerrin & Sarah Elizabeth Davies
(2) ---Eda Jane McFerrin & Buford Elbert Pipes
(3) ------Mattie Beth Stiles & Charlie William Pipes
(4) --------- William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(5) ------------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(6) ---------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

David Timothy Copeland & Jessie Elizabeth Mercer

Picture of Jessie Elizabeth Mercer Copeland

David Timothy Copeland & Jessie Elizabeth Mercer

David Timothy Copeland was born on March 24, 1855 in Troup, Smith County, Texas. His parents were Elisha Copeland (age 48) and Winnifred (or "Winneford", "Winaford") F. Green (age 25). His mother, Winnifred, came from the Cherokee Nation in eastern Tennessee. David was an only child, of what we know.

Jessie Mercer Copeland

Jessie Mercer Copeland

Jessie Elizabeth Mercer was born on February 6, 1866 in Walker County, Texas to Mathison Mercer (age 25) and Martha Annie Scott (age 19). Her father, Mathison, has "Republican of Texas" inscribed on his tombstone by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Her grandfather, George Ritchie Mercer, fought against Santa Anna in the battle of San Jacinto and has his name inscribed on the San Jacinto Monument. Jessie was born the second oldest out of five children.

"Mrs. Copeland came to the Auburn community in 1870 at the age of four. Mr Copeland was born in 1855 and has spent most of his life around Auburn. He has been connected with the Methodist Church in Maypearl since 1879 and has been one of its stewards for 17 years." (The Waxahachie Daily Light, Wednesday, December 5, 1934)

On December 4, 1884, when Jessie was 18 years old and when David was 29 years old, they were married in the Auburn community Ellis County, Texas and lived there ever since.

They had eight daughters in all, the first being born two years after they were married: Una (1886), Alda (1887), Maida (1891), Stella (1892), Esther (1894), Jessie Irene (1895), Nellie May (1900), and Kerrilla Amelia (1903).

In 1913, one of their granddaughters, Mattie Beth Stiles Pipes, was born in their home on December 26th.

David and Jessie Copeland

David and Jessie Copeland

Jessie Copeland

They celebrated their "Golden Wedding Anniversary" (50 years) on December 4, 1934 at their home with 109 guests from around the state of Texas.

At the age of 79, Jessie passed away on November 1, 1945 in Auburn, Ellis County, Texas. Her husband, David, was 90 years old at the time and they had been married for 61 years.

David passed away on September 19, 1949 in Auburn, Ellis County, Texas at the age of 94.

Jessie and David were both buried at the Auburn Cemetery in Ellis County.

How we are related:
(1) David Timothy Copeland & Jessie Elizabeth
(2) ---Una Copeland & Jiles Whitfield Stiles
(3) ------Mattie Beth Stiles & Charlie William Pipes
(4) --------- William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(5) ------------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(6) ---------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

Seaburn S. Stiles & Martha Ann Franklin

Seaburn S. Stiles & Martha Ann Franklin

Seaburn (or "Seaborn", "Seborn") S. Stiles was born on February 3, 1847 in Kelson, Lincoln County, Tennessee to James Little Stiles (age 38) and Mary Ann Taylor (age 36). He was the tenth of eleventh children, five girls and six boys.

Martha Ann Franklin was born in Lincoln County, Tennessee in 1851. Her parents were Harmon M. Franklin (age 25) and Phoebe Fanning (age 21). She was an only child (that we know of). She more commonly went by the name, "Mattie" or simply "Matt".

Seaburn and Martha were married on February 16, 1868 in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

They had eight children, the first being born a year after they were married: Laura Allie (1869-1939), James William (1871-1889), Robert Young (1873-1903), John Clifton (1875-1958), Horace Altamont, (1878-1962), Lillie B (1881-1948), Jiles Whitfield (1885-1956), and Henry Gorman (1893-1979).

Seaburn moved with his family to Ellis County, Texas sometime before the birth of his son Jiles Whitfield Stiles in 1885 (1).

Martha passed away on March 15, 1923 in Maypearl, Ellis County, Texas at the age of 72. She and Seaburn, who was 76 at the time, had been married for 55 years.

When Seaburn was 78 years old, he passed away in Maypearl, Ellis County, Texas on May 21, 1925.

Both Martha and Seaburn were buried at the Maypearl Cemetery in Maypearl, Texas (at plot C, Blk 13, Plots 17 & 18 - look for "Seborn Sugg").

(1) The Lindell-Herndon Genealogy database

How we are related:
(1) Seaburn S. Stiles & Martha Ann Franklin
(2) ---Jiles Whitfield Stiles & Una Copeland
(3) ------Mattie Beth Stiles & Charlie William Pipes
(4) --------- William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(5) ------------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(6) ---------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

Jiles Whitfield Stiles & Una Copeland

Jiles Whitfield Stiles & Una Copeland

Jiles Whitfield (or "Winfield") Stiles was born on June 27, 1885 in Johnson County, Texas. He was the fifth out of eight children born to Seaborn S. Stiles (age 38) and Martha Ann Franklin (age 34).

On July 16, 1886, Eunice "Una" Copeland was born to David Timothy Copeland (age 31) and Jessie Elizabeth Mercer (age 20) in Auburn, Ellis County, Texas. She was the oldest of eight girls.

Una's Social Security card

Picture of Jiles and Una

When Jiles was 20 years old and Una was 19 years old, they were married on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1905 in Auburn, Ellis County, Texas.

They had their first daughter, Maida Allene (1906), a year after their marriage, and seven years later they had their second daughter, Mattie Beth (1913).

Picture of Una, Allene, and Jiles Stiles.

Jiles worked as a Watkins sales man in Jacksonville, Texas.

Picture of Una, Jiles, Allene and a friend.

Picture of Stiles House

In the 1930s they bought a house in the community of Auburn, at 13764 FM 916 near Maypearl, Texas. Their daughter Mattie Beth was married to Charlie William Pipes at this house on July 24, 1937. This house was later home to their grandson, Kenneth Pipes and his family, then passed down to Jeffrey Pipes and his family. It was sold to non-relatives in 2009, whom refurbished the entire house and property.

Picture of Jiles, Una, and baby.

Picture of Jiles and Una

Jiles passed away in Auburn, Texas on February 3, 1956 at the age of 71. Una was 70 years old at the time, and they had been married for 51 years. Jiles was buried at the Auburn Cemetery in Ellis County, Texas.

Picture of Una, and Billy and Randy Morrow

On February 13, 1961, Una passed away at the Johnson County Memorial Hospital in Cleburne, Texas. She was 75 years old when she died, and was buried with her husband at the Auburn Cemetery in Ellis County, Texas.

Picture of gravestone

How we are related:
(1) Jiles Whitfield Stiles & Una Copeland
(2) ---Mattie Beth Stiles & Charlie William Pipes
(3) ------ William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(4) ---------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(5) ------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

Buford Elbert Pipes & Eda Jane McFerrin

Buford Elbert Pipes & Eda Jane McFerrin

picture of Buford and Eda Jane on the porch of their Auburn home

Eda Jane McFerrin was born in Ittiwambi County, Mississippi on June 10, 1874. Her parents were George Thomas McFerrin (age 23) and Sarah Elizabeth Davis (age 18). Eda Jane was the oldest of nine children. She had five younger sisters and four younger brothers.

How did she meet Buford?

picture of Buford and his two sisters

Buford Elbert Pipes was born on September 15, 1875 in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama to Samuel S. Pipes (age 25) and Sallie Elizabeth Gray (age 23). He was the second oldest of seven children, three girls and four boys.

When did he move to Texas?

Where did he marry Eda McFerrin ?

When Buford was 22 years old, he married Eda Jane McFerrin (age 23) on November 7, 1897.

picture of Buford and Eda Jane on porch with sons

Two years after they were married, they had their first child, Thomas Samuel, who was born in 1899. They had seven children in total, all boys. Following Thomas was Charlie William (1901), Jessie (1905), Claude Ethridge (1907), Edgar Ivan (1908), Richard Riley (1911), and finally Winston Woodrow "Finn" in 1913. Their son, Jessie, died in 1907 at the young age of two years old, leaving them with six boys in total.

Auburn House, painted by Ann Tatum

Picture of Eda Jane in 1951 (age 77)

In 1943, Buford (age 68) and Eda Jane (age 69) moved into the "Kuykendall house", or the "Auburn house", which their son, Charlie William, had bought as an investment.

picture of gravestone

In 1956 Eda Jane (age 82), passed away in Grandview, Texas. She and Buford had celebrated 59 years of marriage together. She was buried at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.

picture of Buford and his brother, John, in 1957

Buford passed away at the age of 82 on April 30, 1958 in Grandview, Texas. He was buried next to his wife at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.

How we are related:
(1) Buford Elbert Pipes & Eda Jane McFerrin
(2) ---Mattie Beth Stiles & Charlie William Pipes
(3) ------ William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(4) ---------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(5) ------------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun

Charlie William Pipes

Charlie William Pipes

(July 19, 1901 – October 16, 1979)

Picture of Charlie (baby) and his older brother, Thomas.

Charlie William Pipes was born on July 19, 1901 in Johnson County, Texas to Buford Elbert Pipes (age 26) and Eda Jane McFerrin (age 27). He was the second oldest of seven children, all whom were boys. As a child he attended a rural school house in Salem, located on CR 205 near Grandview, Texas. One autumn he stayed home from school to pick cotton on the farm, and afterward he never returned to school. He had finished his schooling around 5th grade.

Picture of Salem, or Bethel, school in 1903 or 1904.He learned about farming from his father, Buford, and together they worked as tenant farmers on the Mayfield farm. Charlie was a self-employed farmer with his primary crop being cotton.

Picture of Charlie, about 18 years of age

At the age of 36, he married Mattie Beth Stiles (age 24) on July 24, 1937 at the home of Mattie Beth's parents, Jiles and Una Stiles. After a honeymoon in Waco, they moved in with Charlie's parents on the Mayfield farm in the Salem Community (2 miles northeast of Grandview, Texas). Buford's parents and brothers moved out because the landlord ended their lease, yet continued to allow Charlie and his family to work and live on the farm. They lived there until 1943.

On October 24, 1940 Charlie (age 39) and Mattie Beth (age 27) gave birth to their only child, William Kenneth Pipes, who was born at the Mayfield Farm.

picture of Auburn house

When he was 40 (in 1941), he bought the "Kuykendahl" farm, or the "Auburn house", as an investment. There used to be a cotton gin in front of the Kuykendall house, but was gone before Charlie acquired the property. Charlie allowed his brother and sister-in-law, Winston and Betty Pipes, to live in the house for a time. Then his parents, Buford and Eda Jane, moved into the house around 1944, since they were asked to leave the Mayfield farm.

picture of the Pipes (or "Great's" house)

At the age of 42 (in 1943) he bought a house and farmstead at 12700 FM 916 near Grandview, Texas.

picture of cow trailer

Kenneth, his son, remembers when Charlie had bought a custom-made cow trailer in Ft. Worth, which he used to take to the Stockyards to sell his cattle. He could fit two cows and a calf into the trailer that was made of oak wood. He also used this to haul cotton, or to take a group of friends and family fishing.

picture of shack

There was also a small shack out behind their house where he would board hired negro familes who picked cotton in the fields.

picture of Charlie

Charlie was known as "Grandaddy" by his three grandchildren, and he never met his nine great-grandchildren.

On October 16, 1979, Charlie passed away in Johnson County, Texas. He was buried at the Grandview Cemetery in Grandview, Texas.

picture of gravestone

How we are related:

(1) Charlie William Pipes & Mattie Beth Stiles
(2) --- William Kenneth Pipes & Jerry Ann Priest
(3) ------A. Pipes & G. Tatum
(4) ---------L. Ducommun & M. Ducommun