Warren Co.NC THE COLONIAL PERIOD_Harris

From Essex England to the Sunny Southern USA

by: Robert E. Harris

CHAPTER 4

THE FAMILY OF d125/71 NELSON HARRIS;

born (c) 1756 and died in 1820.

Pages 410-531

Pages 378-409

Pages 531-676

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d125 MATTIE MAE HARRIS; b. October 7, 1897; d. October 24, 1979.

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Mattie Mae was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Mattie Mae attended the needs of her parents in their old ages.

Mattie Mae was a reporter for certain newspapers that had circulation in the area of her home.

Mattie Mae was, for many years, the secretary of the Harris Family Reunion Association. Her diligent efforts in keeping up with the names and address of the Harris relatives and in keeping them informed concerning the dates and locations of the annual reunions was, in large measure, responsible for the good attendances and participation by large numbers in such reunions.

The writer well remembers as a young boy the smiles on his father’s face, each year, when he would announce to the family in Fort Payne, Alabama, “We’ve received our card from Mattie Mae about the reunion.”

No doubt, this scene was happening in many households across the South.

Mattie Mae Harris was, with little doubt the best known member of the Harris family that centered around Jonesboro, Georgia. She had more personal contact with Harris family relatives than any other single person.

Mattie Mae is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church, Fayette County, Georgia.

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d125 REBIE HARRIS; b. January 29, 1899.

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Rebie was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Rebie attended Bethany School in Fayette County, Georgia.

Rebie worked in a photo shop for 12 years. Rebie worked as a dietitian for Campbell High School, Fairburn, Georgia, until her retirement in 1964.

Rebie married Joseph B. Harper on August 8, 1915 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Joe, the son of John Hunt Harper, was born March 25, 1887 and died February 10, 1942.

Joe is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

Joe was a farmer until he lost an arm.

Joe served as a deputy for Fulton County, Georgia.

Joe and Rebie first made their home in Fayette County. Then they made their home on Virginia Avenue west in College Park, Georgia.

Rebie is active in the College Park United Methodist Church.

Rebie lives now at Christian City, near Union City in Southwest Fulton County, Georgia.

Children of Rebie and Joe Harper:

1. Joseph Benjamin Harper; b. August 11, 1919.

2. Robert Hunt Harper; b. August 22, 1921; d. September 23, 1921.

Robert is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

3. John Harris Harper; b. December 12, 1927.

4. Edward Leroy Harper; b. November 15, 1930.

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d125 JOSEPH BENJAMIN HARPER; b. August 11, 1919.

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Joe was born in College Park, Georgia.

Joe graduated from Russell High School in Fulton County, Georgia.

Joe attended Georgia Tech.

Joe worked in construction and was skilled in the drilling and blasting of rock.

Joe married Frances Couch.

They live in College Park, Georgia.

Their son:

1. Ben Harper.

Ben is an employee of Delta Air Lines.

Ben married Linda Gunning.

They live at Cedar Grove in Fulton County, Georgia.

Their children:

a. Jay Harper; b. August, 1971.

b. Jenifer Harper; b. April, 1973.

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d125 JOHN HARRIS HARPER; b. December 12, 1927.

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Harris was born in College Park, Georgia.

Harris graduated from College Park High School.

Harris attended Georgia Tech and majored in civil engineering.

Harris is employed in engineering work with Robert and Company, Atlanta, Georgia.

Harris is an accomplished family historian. He has traced the Harper family and the Harris family, among others.

Harris has shared his work with the writer. His help is gratefully acknowledged by the writer.

Harris married Dorothy A. Hollingsworth on November 15, 1952 in Fulton County, Georgia.

They lived for several years in College Park. They now make their home in the Stone Mountain area.

Their children:

1. John Hollingsworth Harper; b. May 19, 1959.

John graduated from College Park High School.

John graduated from the University of Alabama.

John is employed by Delta Air Lines.

John married Lori Crow on April 1, 1989 at Mt. Paran Church of God in northwest Atlanta.

They live in Cobb County, Georgia.

2. Daniel Harper; b. February 12, 1964.

Dan grew up in College Park, Georgia. He graduated from College Park High School.

Dan is an employee of Ridgeview Institute Hospital in Smyrna, Georgia.

Dan married Lynn Berry on February 24, 1990 at the College Park United Methodist Church.

Lynn grew up in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Dan and Lynn make their home in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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d125 EDWARD LEROY HARPER; b. November 15, 1930.

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Ed was born in College Park, Georgia.

Ed graduated from College Park High School. He attended the University of Alabama.

Ed was an employee of Delta Air Lines. He is now retired.

Ed married Vera Gibbons of Rome, Georgia.

They made their home in East Point, Georgia.

After his retirement, Ed and Vera moved their home to the Ten Mile community of Tennessee.

Their daughter:

1. Ann Harper; b. July 31, 1959.

Ann attended Young Harris College and Mercer University in Georgia. She studied accounting.

Ann is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She does accounting work and teaches at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia.

Ann married Jim Smith.

They live in Macon, Georgia.

Their children:

a. James Smith; b. 1985.

b. Nicholas Smith; b. February, 1989.

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d125 JOSEPH GOODWIN HARRIS; born February 19, 1870; d. April 17, 1954.

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Good was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Good was a farmer.

He lived in the Fife community area of Fayette County on River Road.

Good is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

He did not marry.

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d125 LINTON ALEXANDER HARRIS; born May 28, 1872; d. September 27, 1956.

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Linton was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Linton married Millie Lilla Boyd on December 16, 1906.

Lilla was born January 22, 1888 and died March 29, 1970.

They are buried at Bethany United Methodist Church, Fayette County, Georgia.

Linton was a farmer.

They lived in Fayette County, Georgia near the Fife community.

Their children:

1. Martha Elizabeth Harris; born September 24, 1909 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Martha was employed by the Fulton County Board of Education from 1929 until 1972. She taught first grade and was an elementary school principal.

Martha is active in the College Park United Methodist Church.

Martha married Ralph E. Lewis on December 12, 1940. Ralph was born October 5, 1906.

Ralph was employed by Marchant Calculator Company. He was also employed by the United States Third Army Headquarters at Fort McPherson, Georgia.

Ralph and Martha lived in College Park, Georgia.

Ralph died August 16, 1984. He is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

Martha lives in College Park.

2. William Robert Harris; born August 16, 1914; d. January 16, 1986.

Robert is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

Robert was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Robert attended and graduated from Young Harris College in 1935.

Robert joined the F. W. Woolworth Company in 1935. He remained with that company for the rest of his career, except for military service during World War II.

Robert rose through the ranks to become the executive vice-president, then the president and chief operating officer of the F. W. Woolworth Company.

After a very successful career, Robert retired from Woolworth at the age of 65 years in 1980.

Robert married Gertrude Goss Green on November 30, 1941.

Gertrude was born December 25, 1915.

Prior to Robert’s death, they had lived in retirement in Florida.

Gertrude lives in Florida.

Their children:

a. Sally Green Harris (by previous marriage of Gertrude, later adopted by Robert).

Sally married Alford LaQuinta in Houston, Texas.

They live in Houston.

b. William Robert Harris, Jr.; born July 8, 1945.

Bill served in the United States Air Force with service in Vietnam.

He is now a pilot for Continental Airlines. He lives in Kingwood, Texas near the Houston International Airport.

3. Ida J. Harris; born December 9, 1919 and died August 24, 1920

She is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

4. Linton Alexander Harris, Jr.; born December 23, 1924; d. December 23, 1950.

He is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

Linton was born in Fayette County, Georgia,

Linton married Henrietta Davidson.

They lived at Washington, Georgia.

Linton was killed in an automobile accident.

Henrietta lives at Cleveland, Georgia.

Their son:

a. Linton Alexander Harris, III; born March 2, 1949 in Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia.

Linton married Marion Ellen Gilbert on August 14, 1971.

They live in Albany, Georgia.

Linton is a Certified Public Accountant in private industry in Albany, Georgia.

Their children:

I. Linton Alexander Harris, IV; born May 6, 1973.

II. Courtland Harris; born May 30, 1977.

III. John William Harris; born January 14, 1986.

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d125 EDWARD SIMMONS HARRIS; born October 7, 1874; d. November 3, 1973.

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Ed was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Ed married Mary Minnie Jones on January 10, 1898 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Minnie was born December 10, 1876 and died December 4, 1963.

They are buried at Bethany United Methodist Church, Fayette County, Georgia.

Edward was a farmer. He lived to be ninety-nine years of age.

They lived in Fayette County, Georgia near the Fife community, on Lees Lake Road.

Their children:

1. Eva Harris; born October 24, 1898; d. January 7, 1974.

Eva was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

Eva married Tom Callaway.

They lived in Manchester, Georgia.

Eva’s husband predeceased her.

They are buried at Manchester, Georgia.

2. Ralph Floyd Harris; born August 28, 1903 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Ralph was an executive with General Motors Corporation, Fisher Body Division, at Kansas City, Missouri.

Ralph is now retired.

Ralph married Mildred Patton, daughter of J. M. and Nancy La Fontaine White Patton.

Mildred was born on May 9, 1904 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Ralph and Mildred live on Lees Lake Road in Fayette County.

3. Flora Harris; born June 26, 1910; d. September 23, 1969.

She is buried at Bethany United Methodist Church.

Flora was born and died in Fayette County, Georgia.

Flora married Claude A. Rivers.

He was born January 15, 1908.

Claude has now remarried.

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d125 REBECCA SLEDGE HARRIS; b. December 5, 1824; d. June 11, 1906.

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Rebecca was born in the Shoulderbone community of Hancock County, Georgia. She was named for her maternal grandmother, Rebecca Sledge Clark.

Rebecca and her family were living in the Jonesboro area of Fayette County, Georgia prior to the year 1827.

Their home was located on Flint River Road about 2.5 miles west of Jonesboro, between Bethel Baptist Church and Thomas Road. This area became a part of Clayton County when it was created in 1858.

Rebecca married Garret Lemuel Wesley on February 9, 1845 in Fayette County, Georgia. Garrett was the son of Evans Wesley of Fayette County, Georgia. Garrett was born January 23, 1822 and died June 9, 1892.

Rebecca and Garrett made their home in Fayette County, Georgia. In 1850 they owned landlot 25 (202.5 acres) in land district 7 in Fayette County. This land is located four miles or so west of Fayetteville near Flat Rock Church.

About 1855, Rebecca and Garrett joined Garrett’s brother, Jackson Wesley, and others of the Martin and Watts families and moved to Clay County, Alabama.

This trip in covered wagons was not an easy one. The families suffered bad weather and sickness along the way.

Rebecca and Garrett established their home in the Idaho community of Clay County. This area, situated in the Talladega National Forest, is located between Ashland and Talladega.

Rebecca and Wesley returned to the Clayton County area of Georgia about the time of the War Between the States.

Wesley enlisted in Company E, 2^nd Regiment of The Georgia Cavalry (State Guards).

This unit was called the Fayette Dragoons.

The census records show that Garrett and Rebecca were living in Clayton County, Georgia in 1870.

They died in Clay County, Alabama.

They are buried in the cemetery of Sardis Methodist Church, near Idaho, in Clay County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Antinette H. Wesley; b. 1846.

2. John Elliot Wesley; b. November 19, 1847; d. January 20, 1921.

3. Dempsey Wesley; b. February, 1851.

4. Mark Lemuel Wesley; b. December 31, 1851; d. May 21, 1927.

5. Wyley Woodard Wesley; b. July 2, 1854; d. June 4, 1933.

6. Elizabeth “Lizzie”, Wesley; (twin) b. February 7, 1857.

7. William F. Wesley; (twin) b. February 7, 1857 in Alabama.

8. Mary S. Wesley; b. 1859, in Alabama.

9. Lilla G. Wesley; b. 1861.

A. Ada Wesley; b. 1864.

B. Frances B., “Fannie”, Wesley; b. 1867.

C. Effie Wesley; b. 1872.

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d125 JOHN ELLIOT WESLEY; b. November 19, 1847; d. January 20, 1921.

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John was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

John married Sarah Elizabeth George on January 28, 1868 in Henry County, Georgia. Betty was the daughter of Kaleb and Mary Parker George. Betty was born on February 6, 1849 in Georgia. She died on January 26, 1935 in Clayton County, Georgia.

John and Betty lived in Clayton County, Georgia just south of today’s Hartsfield Atlanta Airport.

They are buried in the old cemetery of Flat Rock Baptist Church, south of and adjacent to the Atlanta Airport.

Their children:

1. Annie Lavonia Wesley; b. February 27, 1869; d. August 17, 1939.

2. Irene K. Wesley; b. 1871.

3. Emma O. Wesley; b. March, 1873; d. 1954.

4. William B. Wesley; b. June, 1875.

5. John A. Wesley; b. August, 1876.

6. David A. Wesley; b. November, 1879. Dave married Annie Bell Wright.

7. George Lee Wesley; b. April, 1882.

8. Olen C. Wesley; b. August, 1884; d. 1955.

9. Doney O. Wesley; b. January, 1887.

Doney married John E. Wright on October 4, 1903 in Clayton County, Georgia.

A. Henry Taylor Wesley; b. April 19, 1889; d. July 22, 1960.

B. Garrett E. Wesley; b. April 23, 1892; d. October 19, 1975.

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d125 ANNIE LAVONIA WESLEY; b. February 27, 1869; d. August 17, 1939.

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Annie was born in Clayton County, Georgia. Annie married Robert C. Green on December 17, 1885 in Clayton County, Georgia. Robert was born on November 10, 1862 and died on April 4, 1905. Robert was the son of Nancy E. Leatherwood and Roderick C. Green.

Robert is buried in Flat Rock Cemetery, south of an adjacent to the Hartsfield Atlanta Airport in Clayton County.

After the death of Robert, Annie married Thomas Clenton Stacy Burks. They are buried in the College Park, Georgia city cemetery.

Children of Annie and Robert C. Green:

1. Corintha Green; b. August 2, 1888; d. as an infant.

2. Nellie Elizabeth Green; b. April 16, 1890; d. November 2, 1962.

Elizabeth was born in Clayton County, Georgia. She married John Ellis Mitchell on June 26, 1910 in Clayton County. John, the son of Martha Minten and George Washington Mitchell, was born on January 28, 1883 in Clayton County. John worked as a farmer and a barber. They lived in Riverdale, Georgia. John died on July 11, 1954. John and Elizabeth are buried in the cemetery of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, College Park, Georgia.

Their children:

a. Joseph Grady Mitchell; b. March 14, 1911; d. June 22, 1957.

Grady was born in Clayton County, Georgia. He died of a heart attack. Grady married Ruth Merritt.

Their daughter:

I. Barbara W. Mitchell.

b. Robert Washington Mitchell; b. May 3, 1914; d. February 12, 1972.

c. Mae Nell Mitchell; b. May 3, 1918.

Mae Nell was born in Clayton County, Georgia. She married Julian Perry Strickland on December 5, 1936. They had six daughters.

d. Melvin Thomas Mitchell; b. October 12, 1923. He married Margaret Louise McDaniel on August 10, 1961. They had three sons.

e. Annie Frances Mitchell; b. April 25, 1926.

f. Ralph Dean Mitchell; b. March 20, 1930 in Clayton County, Georgia.

He married (1) Lettie Estelle Manley and (2) Rose Allen.

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d125 ANNIE FRANCES MITCHELL; b. April 25, 1926.

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Annie was born in Clayton County, Georgia. Annie married James Edward Usrey on February 2, 1946 at Jonesboro, Georgia. James, the son of Stella Ann Smith and John Garnet Usrey, was born on April 17, 1919 in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. James worked as a typewriter repairman. They lived at Stockbridge, Henry County, Georgia. James died on December 29, 1980 at Stockbridge. He is buried at Bethany Baptist Church, McDonough, Georgia.

Annie lives in Hampton, Georgia.

Their daughter:

1. Elizabeth Ann Usrey; b. January 31, 1947.

Elizabeth was born at Albany, Daugherty County, Georgia. She moved with her family to Stockbridge, Georgia. Elizabeth married Larry Randall Rape on November 6, 1969 in Henry County, Georgia. Larry was born on August 15, 1945 in Henry County. He is the son of Odic Florence Garner and William Franklin Rape. Larry is an agent for Liberty National Life Insurance Company. Larry and Elizabeth live on Ola Road, McDonough, Georgia.

Their daughter:

a. Melissa Suzanne Rape; b. August 28, 1971 at Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia. Melissa married Mark Nelson Murphy on November 21, 1990.

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d125 EMMA O. WESLEY; b. March, 1873; d. 1954.

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Emma did not marry. She is buried in the old cemetery of Flat Rock Baptist Church, Clayton County, Georgia.

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d125 WILLIAM BUFORD WESLEY; b. June, 1875.

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Buford married Ida E. Hutchison. Ida was born in September of 1878.

Their children:

1. Terence Wesley.

2. William Buford Wesley, Jr.

3. Clara E. Wesley; d. 1901; d. 1987.

4. Mary Lynn Wesley; b. 1910; d. 1980.

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d125 TERENCE WESLEY

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Terence married Jewell Yancey.

They are buried in College Park Cemetery.

Their children:

1. Elizabeth Wesley.

2. William (Bill) Wesley.

3. Carolyn Wesley.

4. Clara Christine Wesley; b. c. 1929; d. November 28, 1991.

Clara was an employee of Amoco Oil Company for 27 years.

Clara married Raymond Frank Higgins.

They are buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, East Point, Georgia.

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d125 CLARA E. WESLEY; b. 1901; d. 1987.

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Clara married Floyd W. McEachern. They lived in Fayette County, Georgia. They are buried in College Park Cemetery.

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d125 MARY LYNN WESLEY; b. 1910; d. 1980.

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Mary Lynn married Elisha E. Williams. They are buried in the cemetery of Riverdale Methodist Church.

Their children:

1. Bertha Mae Williams; b. October 21, 1928.

Bertha married A. J. Morris, Jr.

A. J. was born in 1921.

They live in Fayette County, Georgia.

Their children:

a. David James Morris; b. 1955.

David married Darline Norman.

They live in Fayette County.

Their children:

I. Ivy Morris.

II. Emily Morris.

III. Amy Morris.

b. Linda Morris; b. 1962.

Linda married Dallas O. Hedgecock.

They live in Fayette County.

2. Harold O’Donald Williams.

3. Claude P. Williams.

4. Dorothy Lynn Williams.

Dorothy married Marvin Baxter.

Marvin is now deceased.

Dorothy lives at Powder Springs, Georgia.

5. Bobby Charles Williams.

Bobby lives at Douglasville, Georgia.

6. Betty Jean Williams.

Betty married Jimmy Duke.

They live at Smyrna, Georgia.

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d125 JOHN A. WESLEY; b. August, 1876.

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John married Lela Parker. Lela was born in May, 1871.

Their son:

1. Bernard Wesley; b. February, 1898.

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d125 OLEN C. WESLEY; b. August, 1884; d. 1955.

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Olen married Hettie A. . Hettie was born in 1886 and died in 1908.

They are buried in the old cemetery of Flat Rock Baptist Church, Clayton County, Georgia.

Their son:

1. Alexander C. Wesley; b. March 9, 1907; d. April 11, 1981.

Alexander served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

Alexander is buried in the old cemetery of Flat Rock Baptist Church, Clayton County, Georgia.

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d125 HENRY TAYLOR WESLEY; b. April 19, 1889; d. July 22, 1960.

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Henry was born in Clayton County, Georgia.

Henry married Katherine Emogene Brown.

Katherine was born June 30, 1891 in Georgia.

Henry and Katherine lived in Georgia and also in Cullman County, Alabama.

They died in Cullman County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Doris Daphne Wesley; b. February 3, 1912; d. November, 1984.

Doris married Frank Otis Hazlerig.

Frank was born on February 5, 1901 and died January 15, 1973.

Their children:

a. Catherine Emogene Hazlerig; b. March 3, 1938.

Jean married Hill.

Their children:

I. Mark Dickson Hill.

II. Jason Eugene Hill.

III. Gregory Earl Hill.

Later, Jean married Mel Baldwin.

They live in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

b. Roy Wesley Hazlerig; b. July 12, 1940.

c. Alice Tallulah Hazlerig; b. July 16, 1942.

Alice married Duggan Snipes.

Their children:

I. James Alan Snipes; b. October 24, 1962.

Alan married Sherri Jackson Rockwell on March 10, 1990.

II. Eric Montgomery Snipes; b. August 14, 1968.

d. Robert Everett Hazlerig; b. August 2, 1951.

2. John Crockett Wesley; b. December 3, 1914; d. March 19, 1982.

John was born in Georgia. He died in Cullman County, Alabama.

John married Pauline Estelle Latham.

Their children:

a. James Darrell Wesley; b. October 31, 1937.

James married Geraldine Abbott.

Their son:

I. James Daniel Wesley; b. and d. September 21, 1962.

b. Donald Eugene Wesley; b. November 7, 1940.

Donald married Alice Delane Leston.

Their daughter:

I. Donna Elaine Wesley; b. October 15, 1970.

3. Hulen Taylor Wesley; b. June 6, 1916; d. August, 1990.

Hulen was born in Alabama. He married Cora Geneva Parker on December 9, 1936.

They are buried at Simco Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama.

Their children:

a. Gwendolyn Ann Wesley; b. March 10, 1938; d. April 26, 1972.

Gwendolyn married Maxie Hudson on July 13, 1958.

Their children:

I. Melanie Ann Hudson; b. May 9, 1962.

Melanie married Eddie Goodwin on August 15, 1988.

II. Daphne Paige Hudson; b. April 9, 1964

III. Wesley Patrick Hudson; b. March 16, 1967.

IV. Maxie Scott Hudson; b. October 27, 1968.

b. Patsy Darlene Wesley; b. June 4, 1944; d. April 30, 1987.

c. Herbert Taylor Wesley; b. December 24, 1947.

Herbert married Linda Jean Hinkle on September 2, 1967.

They live in Cullman County, Alabama.

Their children:

I. Karisa Leanne Wesley; b. September 27, 1977.

II. Katherine Lynn Wesley; b. November 3, 1979.

Kelly Lane Wesley; b. February 18, 1982.

3. Hulen Taylor Wesley; b. June 6, 1916; d. August, 1990.

Hulen was born in Alabama. He married Cora Geneva Parker on December 9, 1936.

They are buried at Simco Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama.

Their children:

d. Gwendolyn Ann Wesley; b. March 10, 1938; d. April 26, 1972.

Gwendolyn married Maxie Hudson on July 13, 1958.

Their children:

I. Melanie Ann Hudson; b. May 9, 1962.

Melanie married Eddie Goodwin on August 15, 1988.

II. Daphne Paige Hudson; b. April 9, 1964.

III. Wesley Patrick Hudson; b. March 16, 1967.

IV. Maxie Scott Hudson; b. October 27, 1968.

e. Patsy Darlene Wesley; b. June 4, 1944; d. April 30, 1987.

f. Herbert Taylor Wesley; b. December 24, 1947.

Herbert married Linda Jean Hinkle on September 2, 1967.

They live in Cullman County, Alabama.

Their children:

I. Karisa Leanne Wesley; b. September 27, 1977.

II. Katherine Lynn Wesley; b. November 3, 1979.

III. Kelly Lane Wesley; b. February 18, 1982.

4. Roland Lee Wesley; b. December 30, 1919.

Roland married June Clara Wildman on November 3, 1942.

They live in Cullman, Alabama.

Their children:

a. Joyce Delane Wesley; b. April 4, 1944.

Joyce married Charles Fredrick Koeneman in November, 1970.

Their daughter:

I. Meredith Parker Koeneman; b. August 14, 1974.

b. Roland Lee Wesley; b. February 26, 1950.

Roland married Kay Holcomb.

Their son:

I. Patrick Lee Holcomb Wesley; b. October 18, 1988.

5. Robert Eugene Wesley; b. January 27, 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert married Sarah Wanda Rains of Cullman, Alabama on September 11, 1943.

They live in the Fairview community of Cullman County, Alabama.

Robert is Mayor of Fairview.

Their children:

a. Robert Gary Wesley; b. August 22, 1944; d. June 3, 1979.

Robert married Glenda Jone Pruett on January 27, 1970.

Their son:

I. Robert Adrian Wesley; b. September 16, 1970.

b. Sheila Kay Wesley; b. August 20, 1946.

Sheila married Thomas A. Weller on May 28, 1976.

They live in Vandalia, Michigan.

c. Sarah Jane Wesley; b. October 26, 1956.

Sarah married Charles Rodney Chauvin on March 7, 1981.

Their children:

I. Katherine Leigh Chauvin; b. June 23, 1983.

II. Alison Marie Chauvin; b. December 30, 1988.

d. Teresa Ann Wesley; b. April 24, 1959.

Teresa married Leonard Everitt Laird, Sr. on January 15, 1983.

Their children:

I. Leonard Everitt Laird, Jr.; b. June 30, 1983.

II. Benjamin James Laird; b. October 15, 1985.

e. Wendy Allyn Wesley; b. March 25, 1966.

Wendy married John Joseph Valesquez on September 16, 1990 in Norfolk, Virginia.

6. James Daniel Wesley; b. August 10, 1924.

James was born in Fulton County, Georgia.

James married Thelma Armanda Chambers.

They live at Stockbridge, Georgia.

Their children:

a. Earnest Lamar Wesley; b. March 18, 1947; d. June 7, 1968.

Earnest served his country in the military forces of the United States. He was killed in the Vietnam Conflict.

b. John Daniel Wesley; b. December 7, 1957.

John married Roberta Lynn Gann.

c. Kenneth Lee Wesley; b. April 25, 1959.

Kenneth married Susan Walton.

Their daughter:

I. Katherine Suzanne Wesley; b. October, 1984.

THE FAMILY OF REBECCA S. HARRIS (d125/7113) AND GARRETT L. WESLEY

ABOVE: Rebecca S. Harris (1824-1906), daughter of Mariah Clark and Guilford Harris (d125/711), and her husband, Garrett Lemuel Wesley (1822-1892), son of Evans Wesley. Rebecca and Garrett are buried in the Sardis (Methodist Church) Cemetery in the Idaho community of Clay County, Alabama (see below). The above are snapshots taken of large framed pictures owned by Atwell C. Jenkins of Warsaw, Missouri, a great-grandson of Garrett and Rebecca.

BELOW: Those in this picture are children of Katherine Emogene Brown and Henry Taylor Wesley (1889-1960), a son of Sarah E. George and John Elliot Wesley (d125/7113/2). Katherine and Henry were born in Georgia and died in Cullman County, Alabama. LEFT to RIGHT: Hulen Taylor Wesley (1916-1990), buried at Simco Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama; John Crockett Wesley (1914-1982), died in Cullman County; Roland Lee Wesley, Cullman, Alabama; Doris Daphne Wesley Hazlerig (1912-1984); Robert Eugene Wesley, Mayor of Fairview, Cullman County, Alabama; James Daniel Wesley, Stockbridge, Georgia.

BOVE: These people are enjoying the 1991 Wesley Family Reunion at Cheaha State Park in Alabama.

LEFT: Patrick Lee Holcomb Wesley, b. 1988, is in the arms of his father, Ronald Lee Wesley, b. 1950, the son of June and Roland Lee Wesley of Cullman, Alabama.

RIGHT: Mary Ellen Martin Lowery of Canton, Georgia is the organizer of the Wesley Family Reunion. Mary Ellen is a descendent of Jackson Wesley, a brother of Garrett Wesley. She has researched Wesley family history and published the results of her information. Mary Ellen and the writer, Robert E. Harris, have shared the related family research.

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d125 GARRETT E. (EARL) WESLEY; b. April 23, 1892; d. October 19, 1975.

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Earl married Evie Odell Dailey on January 18, 1914.

Evie was born April 15, 1893 and died March 4, 1955.

They are buried in the old cemetery of Flat Rock Baptist Church, Clayton County, Georgia.

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d125 DEMPSEY WESLEY; b. February, 1851.

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Dempsey was born in Fayette County, Georgia. Dempsey married Effie B. . Effie was born about 1848 in Alabama. This family was living in Lee County, Alabama in 1880.

Their children:

1. Lila Wesley; b. 1872.

2. Garrett Wesley; b. 1874.

3. Lula Wesley; b. 1875.

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d125 MARK LEMUEL WESLEY; b. December 31, 1851; d. May 21, 1927.

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Mark was born in Fayette County, Georgia. Mark married Margaret E. Duncan on June 20, 1872.

Their children:

1. Walter Wesley.

2. Jess Wesley.

3. George L. Wesley.

4. Blake Evans Wesley; b. December 10, 1884; d. January 11, 1979.

5. Thad Wesley.

6. Lena Wesley (twin).

7. Lula Wesley (twin).

8. Nellie Wesley.

______________________

d125 WALTER WESLEY.

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Walter married Lizzie Horn.

Their children:

1. Walter Wesley.

2. Nona Faye Wesley; b. c. 1900; d. September 15, 1992. She married Tom Miller.

__________________

d125 JESS WESLEY.

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Jess married Annie Treadwell.

Their children:

1. Borden Wesley.

2. Louise Wesley.

3. Alice Wesley.

________________________

d125 GEORGE L. WESLEY.

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George married Annie Cox.

Their daughters:

1. Eunice Wesley; married Beamon King.

2. Mildred Wesley; married John Marbury.

3. Nell Wesley; married R. H. Stewart.

______________________________

d125 BLAKE EVANS WESLEY, SR.; b. December 10, 1884; d. January 11, 1979.

7113

Blake was born and died in Clay County, Alabama. Blake married Myrtie Hornsby.

Their children:

1. Ethel Wesley; b. October 28, 1907.

Ethel married James Jacobs.

Their son:

a. Wesley Jacobs.

Wesley married Faye Hill.

Their sons:

I. Scott Jacobs; married Amy Dean.

II. Dru Jacobs; married Pamela Green.

2. Inez Wesley; b. October 24, 1909.

Inez married Joe Jacobs.

Their children:

a. Ann Jacobs.

Ann married Pete Peters.

Their sons:

I. Jerry Peters; married Kathy Warren.

II. Ricky Peters; married Sharon Davis.

III. Joey Peters.

b. Billy Jacobs; b. December, 1936.

Billy married .

Their children:

I. Mark Jacobs.

II. David Jacobs.

III. Cathy Jacobs.

3. Northen Wesley; b. May 5, 1916; d. July 30, 1982.

Northen married Bessie Wesley.

Their daughter:

a. Margaret Wesley; b. March 7, 1939.

Margaret married Rayford Brand.

Their children:

I. Carla Brand; married Michael Eltz.

II. Alex Brand; married Deborah Tate.

4. Blake Evans Wesley, Jr.; b. April 29, 1921.

Blake married Lillie Mae Garner.

Their children:

a. Brenda Wesley; b. November 24, 19--.

Brenda married Thomas E. Smelly.

Their son:

I. Brian Keith Smelly.

b. Lavella Wesley; b. February 9, 1941.

Lavella married Connie Keith.

Their children:

I. Scott Blake Wesley.

II. Kelly Lavelle Wesley.

________________________

d125 LENA WESLEY (twin).

7113

Lena married George Dison.

Their sons:

1. Bruce Dison; married Gladys Jones.

2. Milton Dison.

________________________

d125 LULA WESLEY (twin).

7113

Lula married Wesley.

Their son:

1. Hilton Wesley.

Hilton married Alma Watts.

Their daughter:

a. Christine Wesley; married Bert Harris.

_____________________

d125 NELLIE WESLEY.

7113

Nellie married Hubert Darvin.

Their daughter:

1. Doris Darvin.

_______________________________

d125 WYLEY WOODARD WESLEY; b. July 2, 1854; d. June 4, 1933.

7113

Wyley was born in Fayette County, Georgia. Wyley married Susie Catherine Griffin. Susie was born October 16, 1854 and died August 17, 1944.

After the birth of their first child near College Park, Georgia, Wyley and Susie moved their family to the Idaho community of Clay County, Alabama. The trip was made about 1880 in covered wagons.

Wyley and Susie died in Clay County, Alabama. They are buried in the cemetery of Sardis Church, near Idaho, in Clay County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Nora Cornelia Wesley; b. June 28, 1880; d. April 2, 1966.

2. Odie M. Wesley; b. September 22, 1882; d. March 30, 1966.

3. Joicie Wesley; b. December 24, 1884; d. December 27, 1918.

4. Willie L. Wesley; b. 1887; d. 1906. Willie is buried at Sardis Church Cemetery, Clayton County, Alabama.

5. Ida Jane Wesley; b. October 5, 1889; d. April 4, 1970.

6. Hettie Wesley; b. 1893; d. 1967.

7. Bernie Woodard Wesley; b. 1895; d. 1898.

Bernie is buried in Sardis Church Cemetery, Clay County, Alabama.

8. Vergil Dewit Wesley; b. December 30, 1898; d. 1988.

Vergil was born in Clay County, Alabama. He farmed and lived in south Georgia. Vergil died of cancer in Valdosta, Georgia.

9. Clara Pearl Wesley; b. October 12, 1901.

______________________________

d125 NORA CORNELIA WESLEY; b. June 28, 1880; d. April 2, 1966.

7113

Nora was born near College Park, Georgia. She moved with her family to Clay County, Alabama as a baby.

Nora married James R. Ramsey in 1899. James was born April 14, 1872 and died July 7, 1920.

James was a deputy sheriff in Clay County, Alabama. He was killed while performing his duties as a deputy sheriff.

Their children:

1. Mamie E. Ramsey; b. November 29, 1900; d. 1989.

Mamie was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Mamie married Lemuel R. Standifer on December 18, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Lemuel was born December 9, 1896 and died December 28, 1973.

They died in Birmingham.

2. Mildred V. Ramsey; b. July 25, 1908. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

3. Ruth M. Ramsey; b. September 17, 1911.

Ruth was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Ruth taught school in Texas.

Ruth married Thomas L. Treadaway on September 16, 1933 in Texas.

Thomas was born November 20, 1908 and died April 24, 1965.

Ruth lives, now, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Their children:

a. Thomas Treadaway, Jr.; b. October 25, 1936; d. February 3, 1943.

b. Coleen Treadaway; b. April 15, 1945.

Coleen married James Boyette, Jr. on December 7, 1971.

They live in Birmingham, Alabama where Coleen teaches school.

Their children:

I. Anna M. Boyette; b. December 14, 1974.

II. Stacy M. Boyette; b. November 18, 1976.

_____________________

d125 ODIE M. WESLEY; b. September 22, 1882; d. March 30, 1966.

7113

Odie was born in Clay County, Alabama. Odie married John M. Jenkins of Clay County, Alabama. John was born March 28, 1867 and died February 11, 1927. They are buried in the cemetery of Sardis Church, Clay County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Borden W. Jenkins; b. November 15, 1900; d. February 3, 1925.

2. Bernice Jenkins; b. November 9, 1902; d. February 24, 1977.

Bernice and Borden are buried at Sardis Church Cemetery.

3. Arthur Jenkins; b. 1905; d. 1963.

Arthur married Mary Lou Duke.

Mary was born in 1906 and died in 1964.

4. Roy Jenkins; b. 1908; d. 1962.

Roy married Minnie .

Minnie was born in 1914.

Their children:

a. John Jenkins; b. 1946; d. 1950.

b. Roy Michael Jenkins; b. 1948; now deceased.

Roy lived in San Jose, California.

5. Atwell C. Jenkins; b. 1914.

Atwell married Miscal Sentell. She was born in 1914.

Atwell and Miscal live in Warsaw, Missouri.

Their daughter:

a. Wanda Jenkins; b. 1938.

Wanda married Jay Butler.

Jay was born in 1935.

Their children:

I. Mark Butler; b. 1958.

Mark married Kristiana Viduya. She was born in 1958.

II. Carolyn Butler; b. 1960.

Carolyn married James West.

James was born in 1959.

Their children:

A. Ashley West; b. 1985.

B. James West; b. 1988.

ABOVE is a March, 1903 photo of the family of Susie Catherine Griffin (1854-1944) and Wyley Woodward Wesley (1854-1933) at their home in Clay County, Alabama. Wyley was a son of Rebecca S. Harris (d125/7113) and Garrett Wesley. Wyley and Susie are shown in the center of the picture. Wyley’s brother, William F. Wesley (b. 1857) is shown on the right with his wife, Nancy, and their son, Frank Wesley. Rebecca, mother of William F. and Wyley, is shown in the right-center part of the photo. The children of Wyley and Susie are, left to right, Willie L. Wesley (1887-1906); Joicie Wesley (Miller) (1884-1918); Vergil Dewit Wesley (1898-1988) is standing in front of his father; Pearl Wesley (b. 1901) is in the high chair in front of her mother. Pearl (1993) is living in Golden Springs Nursing Home in Anniston; Ida Jane Wesley (Sims) (1889-1970); Hettie Wesley (Wright) (1893-1967).

UPPER LEFT are three daughters of Susie and Wyley Wesley (d125/7113/5). Left to right: Ida Jane Wesley Sims (1889-1970), Hettie Wesley Wright (1893-1967), and Pearl Wesley (b. 1901). Pearl lives in an Anniston, Alabama nursing home.

UPPER RIGHT: Atwell C. Jenkins (b. 1914). Atwell is a grandson of Susie and Wyley Wesley. He is the son of Odie M. Wesley (1882-1966) and John M. Jenkins (1867-1927). Atwell lives in Warsaw, Missouri. He is shown in this photo at the 1991 Wesley Family Reunion at Cheaha State Park in Alabama.

____________________

d125 JOICIE WESLEY; b. December 24, 1884; d. December 27, 1918.

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Joicie was born in Clay County, Alabama. Joicie married Stenson Miller in December, 1905.

Their children:

1. Dennis Miller.

2. Alice Miller.

_______________________

d125 IDA JANE WESLEY; b. October 5, 1889; d. April 4, 1970.

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Ida was born in Clay County, Alabama. Ida married Warner Martin Sims on April 4, 1917 in Clay County, Alabama. Warner was born October 11, 1889 and died December 7, 1944.

Their children:

1. B. L. Sims; b. December 16, 1918.

2. Clayton Sims.

3. Martin Sims; now deceased.

4. Frank Sims.

5. James Sims.

6. Cathryn Sims.

7. Virginia Sims.

_______________

d125 B. L. SIMS; b. December 16, 1918.

7113

551

B. L. married Norma Scott. Norma was born April 25, 1924. They live in Decatur, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Madeline Sims; b. August 14, 1949.

Madeline married Williams.

Their children:

a. Ashley Williams; b. January 6, 1974.

b. Heather Williams; b. October 15, 1976.

2. Bernie L. Sims, Jr.; b. March 24, 1953.

Bernie married .

Their children:

a. Whitney Sims; b. April 30, 1986.

b. Stephnie Sims; b. October 23, 1988.

3. Carla Sims.

Carla is graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (in 1990).

_______________________

d125 HETTIE WESLEY; b. 1893; d. 1967.

7113

Hettie was born in Clay County, Alabama. Hettie was a teacher. She taught in schools in east central Alabama.

Hettie married French Wright. After their marriage, Hettie and French lived in Anniston, Alabama.

Hettie wrote a story about her family. The story was entitled, A REQUEST GRANTED.

Their daughter:

1. La Nelle Wright; now deceased.

La Nelle was a student at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

La Nelle married Alan Humphries.

Alan was a teacher at Emory University.

They lived, at first, in Atlanta, Georgia.

La Nelle died as the result of a brain tumor.

Their children:

a. Susan Myree Humphries; b. September 16, 1952.

Susan married David Gaddis.

They live at Lawrenceville, Georgia.

b. David Alan Humphries; b. August 20, 1954. David lives in Atlanta.

c. Ann Wesley Humphries; b. June 21, 1958.

Ann married Robert Shaw.

Robert was the pastor of the Christian Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

They live now in Lexington, Kentucky.

___________________________

d125 CLARA PEARL WESLEY; b. October 12, 1901.

7113

Pearl was born in Clay County, Alabama. Pearl attended public schools in Clay County. She graduated from Clay County High School at Ashland, Alabama. Pearl earned her B. S. Degree in Education at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama.

Pearl taught school in Talladega County, Alabama. She moved to Anniston, Alabama in 1933. Pearl taught in the Anniston City Schools for 33 years and until she retired in 1966. After retirement, Pearl served as a substitute teacher.

Pearl gave assistance to her sister, Hettie, and her husband in their declining years.

Pearl lives in Anniston, Alabama.

_____________________________________

d125 ELIZABETH (LIZZIE) WESLEY (twin); b. February 7, 1857.

7113

Lizzie was born in Fayette County, Georgia. Lizzie married John W. Bullard on November 23, 1876 in Clayton County, Georgia. John was born on April 7, 1857 in Georgia.

Lizzie and John moved to Clay County, Alabama about 1883.

They are buried at Sardis Church in Clay County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Rosa Belle Bullard; b. November, 1877.

Rosa was born in Georgia.

Rosa married H. C. Bradshaw.

They made their home in Commanche County, Texas.

2. Byrd Bullard; b. June, 1882.

Byrd was born in Georgia.

Byrd married H. H. Brannon on September 6, 1900 in Clay County, Alabama.

3. Garrett C. Bullard; b. September, 1884.

Garrett was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Garrett married Willie I. .

4. Ollie Hortensie Bullard; b. August 4, 1886; d. October 14, 1913.

Ollie was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Ollie married Oscar Blake Gravette on August 31, 1901 in Clay County, Alabama.

Oscar was born May 28, 1882 and died December 24, 1947.

Their daughter:

a. Ulma Miriam Gravette; b. March 16, 1903; d. August 29, 1985.

Ulma was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Ulma married Julius A. Grogan on June 15, 1919.

Julius was born May 25, 1896 and died in July, 1982.

Their children:

I. Mary Grogan. Mary married Bullock.

II. Gerald C. Grogan; b. October 15, 1937.

Gerald married Patricia Dooley on May 28, 1960.

5. Elizabeth Rebecca Bullard; b. October 27, 1888; d. January 24, 1981.

Lizzie was born in Alabama.

Lizzie married Walter L. Dean.

6. Thomas H. Bullard; b. July 1, 1897.

7. Estell Bullard; b. October, 1899.

Estell lived with her sister, Rosa Belle Bullard Bradshaw and her husband in Commanche County, Texas after the death of her parents.

______________________________

d125 WILLIAM F. WESLEY (twin); b. February 7, 1857.

7113

William was born in Fayette County, Georgia.

William married Nannie .

Their son:

1. Frank Wesley.

______________________________

d125 MARY S. (MOLLY) WESLEY; b. 1859.

7113

Molly was born in Alabama.

Molly married John Dewell.

______________________

d125 LILLA G. WESLEY; b. 1861.

7113

Lilla was born in Georgia.

Lilla married John Ray.

Their children:

1. Jessie Ray, a daughter.

2. Fred Ray.

__________________

d125 ADA WESLEY; b. 1864.

7113

Ada was born in Clayton County, Georgia.

Ada married Blake Steed on October 19, 1884 in Clay County, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Pauline Steed.

2. Willie Steed, a daughter.

3. Garrett Steed.

4. Walker Steed.

5. Grady Steed.

______________________________________

d125 FRANCES BELLE (FANNIE) WESLEY; b. 1867.

7113

Fannie was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Fannie married Sanford A. (Bud) Steed on February 3, 1884 in Clay County, Alabama.

Bud and Blake Steed were brothers.

Fannie and Bud are buried at Ashland, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Hattie Steed. Hattie married Day.

They lived in Columbus, Georgia.

2. Irene Steed.

Irene worked in Columbus, Georgia. She died in Ashland, Alabama.

___________________

d125 EFFIE WESLEY; b. 1872.

7113

Effie was born in Clay County, Alabama.

Effie married T. S. Tomlin on January 10, 1888.

They lived in Gadsden, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Gertrude Tomlin.

2. Luna Tomlin. Luna married Forrester.

3. Willie Tomlin.

4. Erskine Tomlin.

_____________________

d125 JAMES S. HARRIS; b. May 26, 1827; d. November 8, 1844.

7114

James was born near Jonesboro, Georgia on Flint River Road.

He died at the age of 17 years.

He is buried in the Harris Family Cemetery on Flint River Road in Clayton County, Georgia.

__________________________

d125 SILAS ALSTON HARRIS; b. October 18, 1829; d. March 19, 1893.

7115

Silas was born 2.5 miles west of Jonesboro, Georgia on Flint River Road. This area was in Fayette County and became part of Clayton County when it was created in 1858. He was named for his uncles, Silas H. Clark and Alston Green Harris.

Silas was included in the Muster Roll of Company F, Second Regiment of Georgia Cavalry, Confederate States of America. During the War Between the States, this unit was known as the Clayton Dragoons. Oliver Frank, brother of Silas, also served in the same unit.

Silas received land from his father which was located on the north side of Flint River Road, between Bethel Baptist Church and Thomas Road.

Silas also bought and sold other lands in Clayton County, including residential property in Jonesboro.

Silas married Martha Ann Carson on November 29, 1855 in Fayette County, Georgia. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. William V. Tucker. Martha was born May 17, 1834 in neighboring Pike County, Georgia. She was of Irish descent.

Silas and Martha moved their family to the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia in 1874.

The Harmony community is centered around the Harmony Baptist Church. It is located about ten miles southeast of Gainesville, Georgia.

Silas, on August 16, 1876, acquired 330 acres of land on the waters of Pond Fork of the Oconee River from A. J. and R. S. Mundy of Clayton County, Georgia.

Silas, on November 16, 1889, acquired 225 acres of land on the Oconee the river from American Manufacturing Company of Scotland.

Silas also conveyed land to his children.

Silas and Martha were active in community affairs. They were also active in the affairs of Harmony Baptist Church. Silas served as a deacon in this church.

Silas was a farmer. He was a member of the Masonic Order.

Silas died of Bright's disease at the age of 63 years.

Martha lived a few years longer and died May 29, 1901 at the age of 67 years.

They are buried at Harmony Baptist Church, Hall County, Georgia.

Silas provided for all of his children in his will, including the children of his daughter, Elizabeth Clemintine Harris Hudgins, who had preceded him in death by about four months. Some of the gifts were intended to equalize, among his children, gifts previously made to some of his children.

All of the children of Silas and Martha were born near Jonesboro in Clayton County, Georgia. Those of school age by 1874 had attended school at Bethel Baptist Church.

Their children:

1. Thomas Guilford Harris; born February 25, 1858; d. January 6, 1935.

2. Emma Eldora Harris; born January 26, 1860; d. June 1, 1939.

3. John Tucker Harris; born February 20, 1862; d. August 9, 1916.

4. William Robert Harris; born September 12, 1865; d. February 6, 1927.

5. Elizabeth Clemintine Harris; born February 18, 1867; d. October 29, 1892.

6. Seth Tatum Harris; born March 22, 1869; d. September 19, 1910.

__________________________________

d125 THOMAS GUILFORD HARRIS; b. February 25, 1858; d. January 6, 1935.

7115

Tommy, as he was known by his cousins, was born about 2.5 miles west of Jonesboro, Georgia on Flint River Road. This area, later in 1858, became a part of the newly created Clayton County.

This area was also the location of the fictional plantation, Tara, of GONE WITH THE WIND.

Tommy, as a small child, witnessed the Battle of Jonesboro and the burning of Atlanta during the War Between the States. He recalled those vivid events in his old age.

Tommy attended his first school at Bethel Baptist Church on Flint River road. This church, including the original building, is still in existence.

Tommy's father, Silas, moved his family to the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia in 1874.

Tommy married Frances Louisiana Jackson on November 15, 1877 in Hall County, Georgia. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Wiley C. Smith.

Frances was born September 26, 1855 at Dry Pond in Jackson County, Georgia.

Frances’ parents were Sterling C. and Mary Jane Marler Jackson. They are buried at Oconee Baptist Church in Jackson County, Georgia.

Sterling Jackson was a Confederate veteran of the War Between the States.

Mary Jane's parents were Peterson T. and Frances Worsham Marler.

Frances Worsham Marler’s parents were Ludwell and Nancy Worsham.

Sterling’s parents were Ephraim and Louisiana Jackson.

These ancestors of Frances Jackson Harris had all lived in Jackson County, Georgia. Francis was named for her two grandmothers.

When Frances and her husband moved to the DeKalb County, Alabama, two of her brothers, Robert Lee Jackson and Will Jackson, moved there, too.

They made their homes on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County and raised their families there.

Tommy acquired 58 acres of land, "on the waters of the middle fork of the Oconee River" in Hall County, Georgia from his father, on October 19, 1878.

After the births of their first three children, and in 1882, Tommy and Frances moved their family to the Lookout Mountain area of DeKalb County, Alabama.

These first three children were Pallie, Cora and Silas.

Their first home in DeKalb County was located south of Dogtown, near Johnnys Creek in a house that would later be known as the Massey Place.

The fourth child of this family, Dora, was born on Lookout Mountain.

This family, in 1885, had moved to the valley south of Fort Payne and east of the AG railroad. At this location, their sons Edward and Augustus were born.

They lived again on Lookout Mountain and then in Fort Payne on Godfrey Avenue.

Members of this family attended the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. Two of the children, Cora and Dora, were baptized into this church in 1898.

Cora and Dora Harris were, also, charter members of Ruhama Baptist Church on Lookout Mountain.

Tom Harris was active as a farmer, merchant, and construction contractor during his lifetime.

Tom Harris was elected to the office of Sheriff of DeKalb County, as a Democrat, in 1910. He also served part of another term in this office, by appointment, about 1920.

Many memories linger on about the services of Tom Harris as Sheriff of DeKalb County.

Mr. Wayne Hambric, a senior citizen of Ider in the northern area of Sand Mountain, described Tom Harris to the writer as a completely honest country official.

Another elderly citizen, living in the southern area of Sand Mountain in the Kilpatrick community, recalled to the writer an experience he had as a small child. Tom Harris, campaigning on horseback for Sheriff in 1910, had arrived at their farm at dusk and had spent the night with their family.

Sheriff Harris never cared for carrying a gun. Most of the time he did not do so.

On more than one occasion he talked armed men, fleeing the law, intro surrendering themselves without a fight.

One such occasion was at Battelle, north of Valley Head in the Railroad Valley. An armed and desperate man was holed up in a barn threatening to kill anyone who came near him.

Sheriff Harris called to him and stated that he was coming in, unarmed, to talk with him. The Sheriff’s associates strongly disagreed with this action.

After a stressful period of waiting, the two men walked out together. The arrest was accomplished without bloodshed.

There was a shooting in other events.

The Sheriff and his deputies were involved in a shootout in the Ider community. One man was killed and others were wounded in that fracas.

Another episode involved a group of men who identified themselves as members of the Ku Klux Klan.

The principal activity of this group appeared to be the abduction and whipping of white men accused, by the group, of various moral offenses.

After warnings to this group failed to be effective, the Sheriff extended to some of the leaders of this group the hospitality and accommodations of some of the County jail cells.

Afterwards, this organization ceased to exist in DeKalb County.

The episode involving Will Wright, alias John Graves, took place in August of 1912.

It began with an attempt to burglarize Hall's Store in Collinsville.

There was a shootout between the perpetrator and local citizens with some injuries resulting.

A chase up the valley and across Lookout Mountain followed. Within a day or so, the fugitive was apprehended in Cherokee County.

A young man named Murphy had been killed by gunfire on Lookout Mountain in an exchange of gunfire between the fleeing fugitive and a locally formed posse.

The fugitive was severely wounded in that encounter and in another and encounter in Cherokee County.

Excitement and passions had run high in the wake of these events.

Sheriff Harris protected his prisoner from some well-meaning but excited citizens who, in the heat of the moment, did not care to wait for the due processes of justice.

Sheriff Harris carried his prisoner to Gadsden for medical treatment. The surgeons removed one of his arms in the course of such treatment.

A trial was expedited. Will Wright was convicted in January and was sentenced to be hanged.

The old county jail, located at Grand Avenue and Second Street South, in Fort Payne, contained a hanging tower in its upper floors.

Will Wright was hanged by Sheriff Harris on January 3, 1913.

This was the only execution which would ever take place in those facilities.

There were some rumors circulating, prior to the hanging, to the effect that Sheriff Harris would not perform such executions.

The Fort Payne Journal printed these sayings, describing Mr. Harris as a "gentleman".

Mr. Harris, in the next edition, assured the public that he would perform his duties as prescribed by law.

Sheriff Harris did not offer for reelection.

This incident concerning Will Wright bothered Tom Harris for many years. His family and close associates were aware of one of the reasons that contributed to these feelings.

Sheriff Harris believed that someone other than Will Wright had killed young Murphy.

He believes that a certain individual, with motive and opportunity, had used the cover of the shootout between Will Wright and the posse on Lookout Mountain to murder young Murphy.

Sheriff Harris tried hard but could not find sufficient evidence to support his theory of a second killer. However, he persisted in such belief for the remainder of his life. He was a person who believed in the rule of law and wanted justice for all people.

Notwithstanding such matters, Will Wright had received a fair trial and was convicted of the crimes charged. Will Wright, firing at night into the posse after him knew that he could have been guilty of the killing.

Tom Harris died at his home in for pain and suffering from cancer and heart problems. Francis Harris died a few years later on April 5, 1937.

They are buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama.

Children of Thomas G. and Francis Harris:

1. Cassie Palestine Harris; b. October 30, 1878; d. September 29, 1944.

2. Cora Elizabeth Harris; b. January 10, 1880; d. November 17, 1965.

3. Silas Robert Harris; b. September 15, 1881; d. August 6, 1940.

4. Dora Ophelia Harris; b. February 13, 1883; d. May 14, 1949.

5. Edward Candler Harris; b. February 8, 1886; d. February 9, 1973.

6. Augustus Combs Harris; b. January 11, 1889; d. July 6, 1947.

7. Charlie T. Harris; b. April 20, 1891; d. July 13, 1892.

Charlie is buried at Walkers Chapel on Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County, Alabama.

8. Joseph Jackson Harris; b. March 7, 1893; d. April 2, 1958.

Mary Virginia Harris; b. April 19, 1897; d. August 13, 1978.

THE FAMILY OF MARTHA ANN CARSON AND SILAS ALSTON HARRIS (d125/7115)

Martha Ann Carson (1834-1901) was born in Pike County, Georgia. Silas Alston Harris (1829-1893), the son of Mariah Clark and Guilford Harris (d125/711), was born at Jonesboro, Georgia. They lived at Jonesboro and also in the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia. They died in Hall County and are buried at Harmony Hall Baptist Church.

ABOVE: Grave markers of Silas Alston and Martha Ann Carson Harris in the cemetery of Harmony Hall Baptist Church.

BELOW: Thomas Guilford Harris (1858-1935), son of Martha Ann Carson and Silas Alston Harris, and his wife, Frances Louisiana Jackson (1855-1937). Thomas was born at Jonesboro. Frances, named for her two grandmothers, Frances Worsham Marler and Louisiana Jackson, was born at Dry Pond in Jackson County, Georgia. Her parents were Mary Jane Marler and Sterling Jackson. Frances and Thomas are buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama.

This is an earlier view of the family of Frances and Thomas G. Harris at their home near Johnnys Creek on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama. Left to right, seated: Edward Candler Harris, Sr., Augustus Combs Harris, Joseph Jackson Harris, Mary Virginia Harris (Rulon) in her mother’s arms, Frances Jackson Harris, Thomas G. Harris. Standing: Pallie Harris (McPherson), Dora Harris (Wallace), Cora Harris (Jones) (Majors), Silas Robert Harris.

BELOW: A view of the first car which passed through the Fort Payne, Alabama area. This scene is on the east side of the railroad in the south end of Fort Payne and near the home of Thomas G. Harris. The Harris children are using the family’s mules to pull the car out of the ditch.

BELOW: The children of Frances and Thomas G. Harris (d125/7115/1): Left to right: Pallie Harris McPherson (1878-1944), Cora Harris Jones Majors (1880-1965), Dora Harris Wallace (1883-1949), Mary Harris Rulon (1897-1978), Gus Harris (1889-1947), Edward Harris (1886-1973), Silas R. Harris (1881-1940) and Joe J. Harris (1893-1958).

_______________________________

d125 CASSIE PALESTINE HARRIS; b. October 30, 1878; d. September 29, 1944.

7115

Pallie was born at Bainbridge, Georgia.

By mid-1880, this family was living in the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia.

Some time in 1882, this family moved to DeKalb County, Alabama and lived on Lookout Mountain, near Johnnys Creek.

Pallie married James Louis McPherson on May 20, 1906 in Birmingham, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Bradley, a Baptist minister.

Jim McPherson was born May 27, 1877 at Blountsville, Blount County, Alabama.

Jim’s father was George Handley McPherson. He was of Scottish descent.

Jim had been married, previously, to Winifred Cox. Winifred was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cox, descendants of immigrants from Scotland.

Winifred was born about 1879 and died about 1900.

A child of that marriage was Bertha Louis McPherson; b. July 20, 1899.

Bertha married Austin Eugene Dumas on October 18, 1922 in Birmingham, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by a well-known and much-loved Presbyterian minister known widely to many simply as Brother Bryan.

Austin Eugene Dumas was the son of Jack and Emma Simms Dumas. He died in July, 1965.

Bertha lives in the East Lake area of Birmingham, Alabama.

Children of Bertha and Austin Eugene Dumas:

1. Bertha Imogene Dumas; b. June 9, 1924.

Imogene married Albert Huey Brown.

Their daughter:

a. Wanda Brown; b. May 10, 1942 in Birmingham.

Wanda married Ronald Willingham of Demopolis, Alabama.

Their daughters:

I. Tracey Willingham.

II. Shelley Willingham.

Later, Imogene married Harve Lawrence Sheppard.

Their daughter:

b. Dianne Sheppard; b. November 30, 1951.

Dianne married Ronald Lamon in Louisville, Kentucky.

Their children:

I. Krista Lamon; b. January, 1973.

II. Adrienne Heather Lamon; b. February 8, 1978.

III. Jonathan Austin Lamon; b. November 5, 1983.

Later, Imogene married Lawrence Verban Shoemaker.

2. Patricia Yvonne Dumas; b. November 6, 1932 and died November 8, 1933.

Jim and Pallie McPherson made their home in the East Lake area of Birmingham.

Jim died in Birmingham on October 23, 1946.

They are buried in Elmwood, Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama.

Children of Pallie and Jim McPherson:

1. Boy (twin); dead at birth.

2. James McPherson (twin); He lived about 7 months.

3. Mildred Frances McPherson; b. November 15, 1909; d. November 7, 1981.

4. Dorothy Sue (Dolly) McPherson; b. January 10, 1911; d. May 11, 1993.

5. Patrick Harris McPherson; b. May 17, 1914; d. October, 1983.

6. Grace Marguerite McPherson; b. December 14, 1915.

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d125 MILDRED FRANCES McPHERSON; b. November 15, 1909; d. November 7, 1981.

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Mildred was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mildred worked for United States government agencies in Washington, D.C. for more than 35 years.

Mildred married Harvie Ambrose Ligon, about 1935, in Washington, D.C.

Harvie was from Roanoke, Virginia.

Harvie preceded Mildred in death.

Mildred lived the last years of her live in Clearwater, Florida.

Mildred and Harvie are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama.

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d125 DOROTHY SUE McPHERSON; b. January 10, 1911; d. May 11, 1993.

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Dolly was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dolly married Henry Homer Southerland on October 16, 1932 in Birmingham.

Homer was born on October 16, 1907 in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama. Homer’s parents were Charles and Celia Southerland.

Homer and Dolly made their home in Trussville, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Homer was active in various business enterprises, even to the age of 80 years, in the Trussville area.

Homer died on Sunday, April 22, 1990 in Jefferson City, Alabama.

Dolly lived her last years in a health care facility in Birmingham. She died just after Mother’s day. Dolly and Homer are buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham.

Their children:

1. Mary Sue Southerland; b. August 24, 1934.

2. Henry Homer (Sonny) Southerland, Jr.; b. March 5, 1938.

Henry was born in Jefferson County, Alabama. He is active in business. Henry lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

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d125 MARY SUE SOUTHERLAND; b. August 24, 1934.

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Mary Sue was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mary Sue works for a group of doctors at Montclair Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.

Mary Sue married Herbert Hoover Marsh in the Birmingham, Alabama area.

He was born November 7, 1928 and died February 1, 1976.

Their children:

1. Michael March; b. November 17, 1954.

Mike was born in Birmingham.

Mike married Cynthia Entrekin.

Their children:

a. Anthony Marsh; b. July 27, 1978.

b. Andrea Marsh; b. November 12, 1986.

2. David March; b. February 18, 1958.

David was born in Birmingham.

David married Melissa Holman.

Their son:

a. Benjamin March; b. February 26, 1988.

Mary Sue Southerland Marsh married James Eugene Lightsey in 1988.

James was born on April 5, 1934 in the Birmingham area.

They live in Birmingham.

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d125 PATRICK HARRIS McPHERSON; b. May 17, 1914; d. October, 1983.

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Pat was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

Pat was employed, for most of his life, by a Chevrolet dealer in Birmingham.

Pat is buried in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, located on US Highway 11, north of Birmingham.

Pat married Claudia Roberta Watson.

Roberta was born April 29, 1919 in Birmingham, Alabama. She is the daughter of Robert John and Georgia Green Watson.

Roberta's parents were born in Belfast, Ireland. They lived in the Birmingham area.

Roberto lives in the East Lake area of Birmingham.

Children of Pat and Roberta McPherson:

1. Claudia Roberta McPherson; b. February 5, 1942.

Claudia graduated from the University of Alabama. She teaches at Penson, near Birmingham.

Claudia married Bruce Grady.

Bruce is from the Birmingham area.

Their son:

a. Bryant Randall Grady; b. 1971.

They live in Birmingham.

2. James Patrick McPherson; b. December 4, 1943.

James graduated from Birmingham Southern University. He received his postgraduate training and degrees at the University of Virginia.

James teaches at Mary Ball College in Stanton, Virginia.

He has not married.

3. Louise Marie McPherson; b. September 25, 1948.

Louise received her B.A. degree from Auburn University. She earned her Masters degree in Theater at the University of Florida.

Louise married Dr. Phil E. Henderson.

Dr. Henderson is a native of California. His family practice of medicine is in the Sacramento, California area.

They live at Roseville, California.

a. Blake Carlton Henderson; b. September 29, 1984 in California.

b. Melanie Elizabeth Henderson; b. August 26, 1988 in California.

4. William Robert McPherson; b. October 9, 1951; d. October 17, 1951.

5. Larry Sterling McPherson; b. February 9, 1956.

Larry graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration. Larry is employed as an Auditor with the State of Alabama.

He has not married. He lives at Cullman, Alabama.

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d125 GRACE MARGUERITE McPHERSON; b. December 14, 1915.

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Grace was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

Grace lived in Washington, D.C. for 35 years and worked for agencies of the United States.

These agencies included the FHA, Naval Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration and Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Grace also worked for the National Science Foundation.

Grace lived six years in Florida before returning to Birmingham.

Grace is a sponsor of American Indian children. She is presently sponsoring Cherokee Indian child.

Grace lives in the Roebuck area of Birmingham.

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d125 CORA ELIZABETH HARRIS; b. January 10, 1880; d. November 17, 1965.

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Cora was born in Georgia. Her family, by mid-1880, was living in the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia.

The family moved to DeKalb County, Alabama in 1882. They made their home on Lookout Mountain in the vicinity of Dogtown and Johnnys Creek.

The family lived, also, in the Lovelace community of Lookout Mountain and in the town of Fort Payne.

Cora, along with her sister, Dora, was baptized into the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne in 1898. Cora was also a charter member of Ruhama, Baptist Church at Dogtown on Lookout Mountain.

Cora married Hampton J. Jones on September 29, 1901 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Rev. Millard W. McNutt conducted the ceremony.

After their marriage, Cora and Hampton made their home in the Gadsden, Alabama area. Later, they moved to the Oklahoma territory.

Because of irreconcilable differences, Cora and Hampton dissolved their marriage. Cora, with her small children, returned to the Fort Payne and DeKalb County area about 1911.

Cora married Reuben Majors about 1915 in DeKalb County, Alabama.

Reuben, the son of Sam N. and Frances Bruce Majors, was born February 8, 1882 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Reuben's sister, Lula, was married to Cora's younger brother, Augustus C. Harris.

Reuben Majors and his brother, Charlie Majors of Fort Payne, had been partners in a grocery store in Fort Payne.

Reuben had also been an employee of the Killian and Dutton Gin Company in Fort Payne. A part of Reuben's responsibilities was to keep the trash cleaned out of the breast of the ginning equipment. This was done while the machinery was in operation. In the process of accomplishing this task, in October of 1912, Reuben had his right arm shredded from his body. He lived the rest of his life with one arm.

Reuben, a man of integrity with a strong work ethic, worked hard the remainder of his life with his other arm.

Reuben, Cora and her three children moved to Atlanta, Georgia about 1917.

Reuben was employed by the Southern Railway Company in Atlanta.

Cora and Reuben lived on Marietta Street, Northwest in Atlanta, Georgia.

The writer recalls the evening of November 14, 1948. Family members were sitting around a fireplace in Fort Payne. Uncle Reuben Majors was visiting from Atlanta. He was telling his sister, Lula Harris, about his serious heart condition. Also, he stated that he had taken care of some items of business in Fort Payne, including the acquisition of a burial place.

The next day, November 15, 1948, Reuben died enroute to his home in Atlanta.

Reuben is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama.

Cora, after the death of Reuben, continued to live in their home on Marietta Street in Atlanta.

Cora was active in her church and in other community activities.

Cora suffered from a broken hip and from other physical ailments that beset her as she grew older.

Cora maintained her sense of humor and her smile through all of her problems. She loved her children and her grandchildren. She worried more about their problems than she did her own.

Cora died in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 85 years. She is buried in the lot with her sister, Dora Wallace, at Crestlawn Cemetery in northwest Atlanta.

Children of Cora and Hampton Jones:

1. Hubert Bertell Jones; b. August 28, 1902; d. July 11, 1977.

2. Celia Estelle Jones; b. November 16, 1903.

3. Robert Burke Jones; b September 3, 1906; d. August 18, 1967.

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d125 HUBERT BERTELL JONES; b. August 28, 1902; d. July 11, 1977.

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Hubert was born in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama.

Hubert's family moved to the Oklahoma Territory and lived there for a few years. His family lived in Fort Payne, Alabama from about 1911 until about 1917.

Hubert attended schools in Fort Payne during those years.

Hubert was about 15 years of age when his family moved to Atlanta.

Hubert moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and worked in a hosiery mill. Hubert worked for many years as a supervisor in a hosiery mill in Chattanooga.

Hubert married Dolly Miranda Johnson in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Delzell.

Dolly was born on April 6, 1996 in Chattanooga. Her parents were Dan and Catherine Rebecca Harris Johnson.

Hubert and Dolly made their home in Chattanooga.

Hubert died at the age of seventy-four years. Dolly continued to live in Chattanooga until she died at the age of eighty-five years in 1993. They are buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Their son:

1. Herbert Kenneth Jones; b. February 18, 1929; d. February 25, 1966.

Herbert was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Herbert married Juanita Wright about 1947 in Chattanooga.

Juanita was born November 28, 1927 in Chattanooga.

Herbert is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Their children:

a. Allen Ray Jones; b. February 20, 1952 in Chattanooga.

Allen lived at East Ridge in Chattanooga

b. Roger Eric Jones; b. August 20, 1960 in Chattanooga.

Roger works at the TVA Nuclear Plant.

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d125 CELIA ESTELLE JONES; b. November 16, 1903.

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Estelle was born in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. Her family also lived in the Oklahoma Territory for several years.

Estelle lived in Fort Payne, Alabama from about 1911 until about 1917. She attended school in Fort Payne during this period of time.

Estelle told the writer about an event that happened to her just after her family moved to Fort Payne.

She said that she had been disappointed and was standing on the sidewalk, near the courthouse, sobbing.

A man stopped and asked her why she was crying. She told him that her grandfather (meaning Sheriff Tom Harris) wouldn't buy her a piece of candy.

The young lawyer, Charles J. Scott, dried her tears and bought her a piece of candy. Estelle said that she had always had a warm feeling in her heart for Mr. Scott because of that act of kindness.

Estelle was about 14 years of age when her family moved to Atlanta. She continued her education there.

Estelle graduated from Fulton High School and Southern Business College.

Estelle married Shaffer Allen (Rip) Vandiver on July 2, 1924 in Atlanta.

Shaffer was born April 18, 1899 in Georgia. He was the son of Joe and Hassie Vandiver. He was, also, a cousin of Ernest Vandiver, governor of Georgia.

Estelle and Shaffer moved their family to Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1932.

Shaffer Allen Vandiver died on April 30, 1959 in Spartanburg. He is buried at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Spartanburg.

Estelle lives in Spartanburg with her daughter, Allene, and her son-in-law, Franklin (Bobby) Prince.

Children of Estelle and Shaffer Allen (Rip) Vandiver:

1. Carolyn Elizabeth Vandiver; b. December 22, 1925.

2. Dorothy Anita Vandiver; b. April 4, 1927.

3. Ruth Delenah Vandiver; b. May 1, 1929.

4. Betty Jean Vandiver; b. June 9, 1931.

5. Sula Allene Vandiver; b. October 28, 1934.

6. Joe Allen Vandiver; b. October 19, 1936.

7. Thomas Carter Vandiver; b. June 22, 1940.

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d125 CAROLYN ELIZABTH VANDIVER; b. December 22, 1925.

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Carolyn was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She was about six years of age when her family moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Carolyn married James W. Cobb in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

James was born in Spartanburg.

James died on May 30, 1983 in Spartanburg. He is buried at Fort Prince Cemetery in Spartanburg.

Carolyn lives near Spartanburg at Wellford, S.C.

Daughter of Carolyn and James Cobb:

1. Gerrie Ann Cobb; b. October 8, 1942 in Spartanburg. She married Nix.

Their children:

a. Scott Nix; b. May 18, 1962.

Scott is married and has a son, Anthony Nix; b. 1982.

b. Kimberly Danette Nix; b. November 18, 1965.

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d125 DOROTHY ANITA VANDIVER; b. April 4, 1927.

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Dorothy was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She was about five years of age when her family moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Dorothy married Felix McAbee.

Felix was from Spartanburg. Felix served his country during World War II by enlisting in the United States Navy. He died in service in 1944 and was buried at sea.

Their child:

1. Anita Faye McAbee; b. October 18, 1944.

After the death of Felix, Dorothy married Clarence Hopper.

Children of Dorothy and Clarence Hopper:

2. Lanny Hopper; b. November 10, 1946 in Spartanburg.

3. Dianna Hopper; b. May 8, 1948 (a twin) in Spartanburg.

4. Donna Hopper; b. May 8, 1948 (a twin) in Spartanburg.

5. Jimmy Hopper; b. November 14, 1959 in Spartanburg.

Clarence Hopper is now deceased.

Dorothy lives in Spartanburg.

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d125 RUTH DELENAH VANDIVER; b. May 1, 1929.

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Ruth was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ruth was about three years of age when her family moved to Spartanburg.

Ruth married Clarence Seay.

They live in Spartanburg.

Their children:

1. Judy Seay.

Judy married Alan Thompson.

Their children:

a. Trent Thompson.

b. Amy Thompson.

2. Wayne Seay.

Wayne married Carole .

Their daughter:

a. Denna Seay.

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d125 BETTY JEAN VANDIVER; b. June 9, 1931.

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Betty was born in Atlanta, Georgia. A year later she was living in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Betty married Cletus Stephens from Spartanburg.

Their children:

1. Philip Stephens.

2. Dennis Stephens.

3. Gary Stephens.

Betty and Cletus were divorced.

Betty married Edward Workman of Inman, South Carolina.

They live in the Spartanburg area.

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d125 SUE ALLENE VANDIVER; b. October 28, 1934.

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Allene was born in Berg, South Carolina. She attended Fair Forest High School in Spartanburg.

Allene married Franklin Dupre (Bobby) Prince on July 30, 1954 in Spartanburg.

Bobby is a supervisor with Quincy Steak House.

Allene and Bobby have lived at West Point, Georgia, Phoenix City, Alabama and Morgan City, Louisiana.

They now live in Spartanburg.

Their children:

1. Randal Martin Prince; b. May 1, 1955 in Spartanburg. Randal married in Houma, Louisiana. They live in Sacramento, California.

2. Robin Carol Prince; b. January 13, 1959 in Spartanburg.

Robin married Jerry Lynn Jones on March 13, 1982 in Spartanburg.

Their children:

a. Wilson Tyler Jones; b. October, 1984.

b. Lindsay Nicole Jones; b. September 1, 1987.

3. Russell Van Prince; b. July 11, 1961 in Lanette, Alabama.

Russell married Donna Marie Hawkins of Hudson, North Carolina.

Their son:

a. Corey Daniel Prince; b. May 17, 1987.

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d125 JOE ALLEN VANDIVER; b. October 19, 1936.

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Joe was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. He served 30 years in the military service of his country.

Joe served in the Special Services, the Paratroopers and the Green Beret.

Joe was also a language expert for the military.

Joe married Englese Alsenge Jensen about 1958 in Germany.

Joe and his wife now live in Tucson, Arizona.

They have no children.

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d125 THOMAS CARTER VANDIVER; b. June 22, 1940.

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Thomas was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Thomas is a truck driver.

Thomas married Donna Way in Spartanburg.

They live in Greenville, South Carolina.

Their child:

1. Tracey Vandiver; b. December 28, 1966 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Tracey (at the time of this report) was a student at the University of South Carolina.

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d125 ROBERT BURKE JONES; b. September 3, 1906; d. August 18, 1967.

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Robert was born in Gadsden, Alabama.

Robert was a small child when his family lived in the Oklahoma Territory. He was about five years of age when his family moved to Fort Payne, Alabama.

Robert attended school in Fort Payne. He was about eleven years of age when his family arrived in Atlanta.

Robert married Marjorie Strickland on March 11, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Marjorie was born May 6, 1914.

Robert died in Atlanta. He is buried in Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.

Marjorie lives in southwest Atlanta at Lakewood Christian Manor. This is a retirement facility.

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d125 SILAS ROBERT HARRIS; b. September 15, 1881; d. August 6, 1940.

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Silas was born in the Harmony community of Hall County, Georgia.

Silas was about one year old when his family moved DeKalb County, Alabama.

Silas attended public schools in DeKalb County, Alabama.

As a young man, Silas joined with a group of DeKalb County, Alabama citizens who migrated to Comanche County, Texas. These citizens were, indeed, pioneer settlers in this Texas county.

Comanche County is located in the Texas Hill Country and is principally a farm area. Some oil production is present in this area. This is also an area where cattle and other domestic animal foods are produced.

Some of those who are migrated to Comanche County returned to DeKalb County, Alabama to live.

A visit to Comanche County and to its cemeteries will reveal the same family names that are common in DeKalb County, Alabama.

Silas married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ward.

Lizzie was born in 1873 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Her parents were J.D. and S.J. Ward. Her father, J.D. Ward, was born November 11, 1846 and died November 10, 1934.

Lizzie’s mother, S.J. Ward, was February 14, 1847 and died March 21, 1935.

They are buried in the Pendergrass Cemetery at Sidney, Comanche County, Texas.

Silas and Lizzie lived in Comanche County, Texas in the communities of Gustine and Sidney.

They owned and farmed about one hundred acres of land.

Silas was a very successful farmer. He took pride in his production of food and fiber. He also took pride in his livestock.

The writer recalls some of the visits Silas Harris made to Fort Payne from Comanche, Texas. He was always interested in visiting the farms and mule barns in the Fort Payne area.

Silas had an ever present sense of humor.

Silas and Lizzie were members of the Sidney Baptist Church.

Lizzie died in 1957.

They are buried in the Pendergrass Cemetery at Sidney, Comanche County, Texas.

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d125 DORA OPHELIA HARRIS; b. February 13, 1883; d. May 14, 1949.

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Dora was born on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama.

Dora’s family lived also in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Dora attended the public schools of DeKalb County.

Dora united with the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne by baptism in 1898. Dora was also a charter member of the Ruhama Baptist Church at Dogtown in DeKalb County.

Dora married Virgil Timmons Wallace on November 7, 1904. The ceremony was conducted by Judge Lovejoy.

Virgil, the son of Milton and Parthena Hagan Wallis, was born October 4, 1882.

Milton Wallis was born March 2, 1857 and died August 3, 1912.

Parthena was born September 10, 1863 and died January 9, 1915.

Milton and Parthena were married September 8, 1881. They are buried at Capital View on Stewart Avenue in Atlanta.

After their marriage Dora and Virgil lived in Gadsden and in Birmingham in Alabama. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia about 1914.

Virgil worked for the Southern Railway System in their Inman Yards facility in northwest Atlanta.

Virgil, on his job, lost his leg in a train switching accident in 1941. At this time he lost his physical capability to perform his work and was required to retire.

The family, at this time, was living on Hemphill Avenue, adjacent to the campus of Georgia Tech, in Atlanta.

Dora maintained a positive attitude toward life and toward people. She refrained from speaking unkindly about others. She had a habit of visiting her neighbors and friends who were sick.

Dora suffered a series of physical injuries as she approached the age of 60. She suffered four instances of broken hips, two on each side. She also suffered a broken arm.

Dora united with and became an active member of the Hemphill Avenue Church of God, which was located near her home.

While suffering from a broken hip, Dora called her pastor and suggested that the two of them should visit their church members who were confined to their homes. The pastor picked Dora and her wheel chair up at her residence and they made the visits.

Virgil died on March 12, 1955.

Dora and Virgil are buried in Crestlawn Cemetery in northwest Atlanta.

Their children:

1. Samuel Arthur Wallace; b. May 29, 1906; d. May 19, 1975.

1. Thomas Milton Wallace; b. July 15, 1908; d. November 12, 1993.

2. Charles Wallace; b. February 9, 1911; d. December 9, 1941.

3. Mary Elizabeth Wallace; b. 1917. Mary lived about six months.

4. Virgie Ruth Wallace; b. December 6, 1919.

ABOVE: These pictures were taken about 1900 and before any of the above were married. LEFT: Dora and Cora Harris, daughters of Frances and Thomas G. Harris. RIGHT: Cora Harris with Reuben Majors, the son of Frances Bruce and Sam N. Majors.

BELOW: Cora Harris and her husband, Reuben Majors, at their home in Atlanta. Reuben’s mother, Frances Bruce Majors, is in the center.

ABOVE LEFT: Cora Harris Jones Majors (1880-1965). ABOVE RIGHT: Silas Robert Harris (1881-1940) with children of Frances and Thomas G. Harris (d125/7115/1) in background.

BELOW: Children and grandchildren of Pallie Harris and Jim McPherson (d125/7115/11) of Birmingham join other Harris cousins at Cloudland, Georgia. These views are two different reunions. LEFT PICTURE, left to right: Mary Sue Southerland Marsh Lightsey is standing by her mother, Dorothy Sue (Dollie) McPherson Southerland; next is Dollie’s son, Henry Homer Southerland, Jr.; next are Dollie’s three sisters Mildred McPherson Ligon, Grace McPherson, and Bertha McPherson Dumas. RIGHT PICTURE, left to right: Mary Sue Lightsey, Bertha Dumas, Dollie Southerland, Grace McPherson, and Mildred Ligon.

UPPER LEFT: Ruth Wallace, daughter of Dora Harris and Virgil T. Wallace, with her husband, Morris J. Blackwell. Standing is Marthalyn Blackwell McCurry, the daughter of Morris by a previous marriage. Also standing is Wayne Abercrombie, the son of Ruth by a previous marriage.

RIGHT: Photos taken at Cloudland, Georgia. TOP: Ruth and Morris Blackwell. BOTTOM: Ruth and her niece, Nancy Wallace O’Dwyer, the daughter of Ruth’s brother, Samuel Arthur Wallace and Edith Connelly.

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d125 SAMUEL ARTHUR WALLACE; b. May 29, 1906; d. May 19, 1975.

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Sam was born in Gadsden, Alabama. They family also lived in Birmingham before making their home in Alabama. Sam attended public schools in Birmingham and in Atlanta.

Sam was a long time employee of the Radio Corporation of America- RCA.

As a company representative of the recording division of this corporation- RCA records-, Sam worked with prospective and rising stars in the entertainment industry. He became very well known, respected, and loved by those he helped to be successful as entertainers.

The list of entertainers he helped along the way is a very long list and includes such notables as Eddy Arnold and Elvis Presley. Sam was honored several times for his work.

Sam, in the fall of 1993, was, posthumously, inducted into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame. This was 18 years after his death.

Sam married Edith Mai Connelly. Edith as born in Greene County, Georgia on May 19, 1910.

Edith and Sam made their home in the Atlanta metro area in College Park. They were active in the community activities.

Sam, to family members, was known by his middle name, Arthur.

Edith died on April 20, 1984. They are buried in Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.

Their children:

1. Jacquelyn Edith Wallace; born July 25, 1929.

2. Nancy Elizabeth Wallace; born November 22, 1935.

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d125 JACQUELYN EDITH WALLACE; born July 25, 1929.

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Jackie was born in the Atlanta area.

Jackie married William Clyde Jeter on March 28, 1948. He was born September 28, 1926.

They live in St. Louis, Missouri.

Their children:

1. Karl Vincent Jeter; born April 16, 1953.

Karl married Linda Ann Singh on May 12, 1979.

Linda died in 1987.

Their child:

a. Kevin Jeter; b. March 7, 1984.

2. Karen Rene Jeter; born June 8, 1957.

Karen married Clark Beatty Gordon on October 15, 1977.

Their child:

a. Kyle Gordon; b. April 7, 1983.

3. Kenneth Allen Jeter; born August 17, 1958.

Kenneth married Lisa Crawley on June 21, 1980. Lisa was born January 1, 1961.

Their children:

b. Elizabeth Victoria Jeter; born July 9, 1981.

c. Daniel Alan Jeter; born September 16, 1982.

4. Keith Wallace Jeter; born August 2, 1964.

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d125 NANCY ELIZABETH WALLACE; born November 22, 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Nancy married William Lawrence O’Dwyer on July 29, 1953. He died July 6, 1970. He is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta.

Nancy has taught and worked in management positions at Sequoyah High School in DeKalb County, Georgia. Nancy is now Registrar for Sequoyah Junior High School.

Nancy lives in northeast Atlanta.

Their children:

1. Lillian Rose O’Dwyer; born March 4, 1957 in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Rose married Thad Lee Cheatham on June 18, 1988. They lived in Lexington, Kentucky. Later, Rose remarried.

2. Samuel Kendall O’Dwyer; born October 11, 1959.

Sam was born in DeKalb County, Georgia. Sam is a deputy sheriff for Effingham County, Georgia.

Sam married Sheila Cochran on February 14, 1989. Sheila is also employed as a deputy sheriff. They live in Springfield, Georgia.

Their daughter:

a. Caitlin Patricia-Rose O’Dwyer; b. July 13, 1990.

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d125 THOMAS MILTON WALLACE; b. July 15, 1908; d. November 12, 1993.

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Tom was born in the Ensley area of Birmingham, Alabama. He was about five years of age when his family moved to Atlanta. Tom attended public schools in the Atlanta-Fulton County area.

Tom began his career with the Southern Railway system at the age of fourteen years. He served this company for fifty years, as a messenger, flagman, and as a conductor. Tom retired in 1973 at the age 64 years.

Tom married Louise Bernice Gill on February 15, 1929 in Atlanta. Louise was born on December 31, 1908 near Barnesville, Georgia. Her parents were Elvira Waller and Walter Thomas Gill. Walter and Elvira are buried at Crestlawn Cemetery in Atlanta. Tom is also buried there.

Louise continues to live in a retirement facility at 179 King Springs Village Parkway, Smyrna, Georgia.

Their children:

1. Frank Lanier Wallace; b. February 20, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Frank attended Georgia Tech for one year and played on the basketball team.

Frank transferred to Western Kentucky University where he completed his college work and played basketball for three years. He was the first string center on this team.

Frank married Norma Carolyn Sheffield on January 30, 1954. Norma was born November 5, 1934. She died February 22, 1986.

Their children:

a. Debra Denise Wallace; b. November 27, 1954.

Debra married Donald Lee Hulker on June 19, 1971.

Their children:

I. Donald Lee Hulker, Jr.; b. December 6, 1973.

II. Debra Leigh Hulker; b. June 11, 1975.

III. Jennifer Ann Hulker; b. May 2, 1980.

b. Donna Leslye Wallace; b. September 7, 1957.

Donna married Francis Anthony Biller, Jr. on January 21, 1977. He was born August 19, 1957.

Their children:

I. Frances Anthony Biller, III; b. January 16, 1981.

II. Matthew Lucas Biller; b. December 22, 1982.

III. Sarah Katherine Biller; b. September 27, 1984.

IV. Benjamin Jacob Biller; b. October 25, 1986.

c. Frank Lanier Wallace, Jr.; b. December 16, 1962.

Frank is serving his country in the United States Marines.

Frank married Lolita Algon on June 6, 1987.

Lolita was born October 10, 1953.

Frank, Sr. married Beverlee Champagne on August 28, 1985.

Beverlee was born May 1, 1937.

They live in Memphis, Tennessee where Frank is employed in the insurance industry.

2. Donald Bruce Wallace; b. July 2, 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Donald attended public schools in the Atlanta-Fulton County area. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He also played basketball at this school. Don attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Don served his country in the United States Air Force. His four years of service in the Air Force included duty in Labrador and in Frankfort, Germany.

Don married Linda Evanglyn Shoemaker on December 16, 1967.

Linda was born May 15, 1945.

Don and Linda live in Mableton, Georgia where Don is a fencing construction contractor.

Their children:

a. India Louise Wallace; b. July 6, 1971.

b. Donald Bruce Wallace, Jr.; b. October 7, 1974.

________________________

d125 CHARLES WALLACE; b. February 9, 1911; d. December 9, 1941.

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Charles was born in the Ensley area of Birmingham, Alabama. Charles was about three years of age when his family moved to Atlanta.

Charles was educated in the public schools of Atlanta.

Charles died in a wreck of his truck in the vicinity of Gaffney, South Carolina.

Charles is buried near his parents in Crestlawn Cemetery, northwest Atlanta, Georgia.

Charles was not married.

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d125 VIRGIE RUTH WALLACE; born December 6, 1919 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Ruth attended Couch Grammar School, Maddox Junior High School and O’Keefe High School in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ruth was baptized at nine years of age into the Church of God.

Ruth worked in a regional office of Texaco Oil Company for about 21 years and until the company relocated the office in another city.

Ruth married Everett Theo Abercrombie on April 18, 1937 in Atlanta, Georgia. Everett was born September 6, 1915 and died March 3, 1966.

Their child:

1. Everett Wayne Abercrombie; born August 30, 1938.

Ruth and Everett were divorced.

Ruth married Morris Jefferson Blackwell on March 19, 1949 in Atlanta. Morris was born November 15, 1919 in Cobb County, Georgia. Morris is the son of Starlin Louis and Annie Lee Beavers Blackwell.

Morris was an employee of the Greyhound Bus Corporation. He was a dispatcher at Greyhound’s Atlanta Bus Terminal.

Morris and Ruth operated a wrecker service and a wreckage storage facility, for the use of insurance companies, in northwest Atlanta.

They are now retired.

They live in Smyrna, Georgia and attend the Mt. Paran Church of God.

Morris’ daughter by a previous marriage:

1. Frances Marthalyn Blackwell; b. October 12, 1941 in Cobb County, Georgia.

Marthalyn married James Byron McCurry on July 31, 1960. He was born May 20, 1940.

They live in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Their children:

a. David Morris McCurry; b. November 26, 1961.

David married Stephanie Beshears on August 16, 1986. Stephanie was born December 21, 1966.

Their child:

I. Candice Lorraine McCurry; b. July 11, 1987.

b. James Darryl McCurry; b. June 16, 1964.

c. Donald Jay McCurry; b. September 13, 1966.

d. Dana Lynn McCurry; b. May 10, 1971.

____________________________________

d125 EVERETT WAYNE ABERCROMBIE; b. August 30, 1938.

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Wayne was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

Wayne attended public schools in Atlanta and graduated from O’Keefe High School.

Wayne was educated at Emory University and Westminister Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.

Wayne received his Ph. D. in Music from Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana.

Wayne has followed a career in music.

As a teenager, Wayne sang with the LeFevre Aires in Atlanta.

Wayne taught music at West Georgia College, Carrollton, Georgia. He also taught music at Indiana University, South Bend, Indiana.

Wayne has been a guest conductor of music on many occasions.

Wayne is currently teaching music at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Wayne married Betty Jean Britt on March 23, 1959 in New Jersey.

Their children:

1. Mary Elizabeth Abercrombie; b. July 21, 1960.

Mary Beth married Michael Doyle on March 17, 1980.

Their children:

a. Jennifer Lee Doyle; b. October 28, 1980.

b. Lindsay Jo Doyle; b. March 30, 1982.

They live now at Norcross, Georgia.

2. Stephanie Ruth Abercrombie; b. March 20, 1962.

Stephanie married Stanley Gibson on August 13, 1988.

Stanley was born April 8, 1949.

They live at Lilburn, Georgia.

Their son:

a. Adam Michael Gibson; b. June 10, 1991.

3. Robyn Charlyne Abercrombie; b. October 4, 1964.

She lives in the Atlanta metro area.

4. Christopher Ian Abercrombie; b. August 22, 1969.

Ian is serving his country in the United States Marines. At this time (Nov., 1990), Ian faces service in Saudi Arabia.

Wayne and Betty Jean are divorced.

Wayne married Roxanne Olevsky on May 21, 1977 in New York City.

Their children:

5. Shira Lynn Abercrombie; b. January 23, 1979.

6. Jaron Olevsky Abercrombie; b. January 19, 1982.

_______________________________

d125 EDWARD CANDLER HARRIS; b. February 8, 1886; d. February 9, 1973.

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Ed was born on a farm located in the valley south of Fort Payne and east of the AG Railroad. That area is now a part of the city of Fort Payne, Alabama.

Ed was educated in DeKalb County, Alabama public schools.

Ed married Mary Elizabeth (Maidie) McNutt on December 22, 1907 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Maidie was born January 8, 1885 on Lookout Mountain, south of Fort Payne, Alabama. She was the daughter of Rev. Millard W. and Minerva Janne Killian McNutt. Her father was a Methodist minister. He also held elective office in DeKalb County.

Maidie died in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 14, 1976.

Ed and Maidie are buried “down on the mountain” at McNutt Memorial Methodist Church in DeKalb County, Alabama.

After their married and in the course of their lives together for more than 65 years, Ed and Maidie lived: in the Lovelace community on Lookout Mountain; in Gadsden, Alabama; in the Cloudland community of Chattooga County, Georgia; and in Chattanooga.

Ed farmed most of his life. The farm activity was from the first rays of morning light until late in the evening, leaving only time for the necessary farm maintenance chores.

Ed, when he was older, worked as a blacksmith in Chattanooga for the Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia (TAAG) Railroad. He had worked for this company before when the family lived in Gadsden, Alabama.

Ed and Maidie were active members of McNutt Memorial Methodist Church in DeKalb County.

They lived their last years in Chattanooga and attended a small church in their neighborhood which was the Church of Nazarene.

Ed and Maidie were hard working and industrious people. They followed a strict code of personal conduct. They were responsible citizens in their community and participated in community activities and in the activities of their church.

They were strict, loving, and tender parents to their children. They let indelible marks of character and traits of love and consideration for others with their children.

Children of Ed and Maidie Harris:

1. James Earl Harris; b. October 6, 1908.

2. Pallie T. Harris; b. December 20, 1909; d. September 14, 1910.

Pallie is buried at Walkers Chapel on Lookout Mountain, DeKalb County, Alabama.

3. Oscar Jones Harris; b. January 19, 1911.

4. Ernest Willard Harris; b. November 23, 1913.

5. Mary Elizabeth (Mamie) Harris; b. January 23, 1915.

6. Ruth Ovelle Harris; b. January 4, 1918.

7. Frances Minerva Harris; b. September 14, 1920.

8. Myrtle Mae Harris; b. June 26, 1924.

9. Cora Lee Harris; b. April 3, 1926.

A. Edward Candler Harris, Jr.; b. May 15, 1928.

NOTE: The name Candler was for Allen Daniel Candler, (b. 1834; d. 1910), a very popular citizen of Jonesboro, Georgia. He was a congressman, mayor of Jonesboro, governor of Georgia, and a Confederate solider.

_________________________

d125 JAMES EARL HARRIS; b. October 6, 1908.

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Earl was born in the Lovelace community on Lookout Mountain, south of Fort Payne in DeKalb County, Alabama.

Earl grew up on a farm. He attended public schools in DeKalb County, Alabama and in Chattooga County, Georgia.

Earl married Ethel Steele on July 5, 1930.

Ethel was the daughter of Joseph W. and Viola Wilson Steele.

Ethel died in 1984. She is buried at Ringgold, Georgia.

Earl and Ethel made their home in the Rossville, Georgia area, near Chattanooga.

They lived and worked for a number of years in the area of Detroit, Michigan.

Earl and Ethel were married for more than 53 years.

Earl lives at Rossville, Georgia.

Children of Earl and Ethel Harris:

1. Martha Jo Harris; b. 1943.

2. Olyse Harris; b. 1945.

ABOVE: Edward Candler Harris, Sr. (1886-1973), son of Frances Jackson and Thomas G. Harris (d125/7115/1), and wife, Mary Elizabeth (Maidie) McNutt (1885-1976), daughter of Minerva Killian and Reverend Milliard McNutt.

BELOW: The children of Mary and Edward Harris on December 25, 1972, celebrating their parents’ 65^th wedding anniversary. LEFT to RIGHT: Frances M. Harris Jackson Wilhoit, Cora Lee Harris Short Zickgraf, Mary Elizabeth (Mamie) Harris Simmons, Myrtle Harris Mayer, Ruth Harris Miller, Ernest Willard Harris, Oscar Jones Harris, Edward Candler Harris, Jr., and James Earl Harris.

UPPER LEFT, Left to Right: Willard Harris (seated), Mamie and Joe Simmons, Frances and Gene Wilhoit, Lee and Grant Zickgraf.

LOWER LEFT, Left to Right: Willard Harris, Ruth Harris Miller, Joe R. Harris, Frances Harris Wilhoit, Earl Harris, Ruth Wallace Blackwell, Edward C. Harris, Jr., Oscar Harris, Robert E. Harris, Lee Harris Zickgraf, Tom M. Wallace and Grace McPherson.

The Harris cousins get together each year at Cloudland, Georgia- the descendants of Frances and Thomas G. Harris (d125/7115/1)

and any other relatives who wish to come and see some smiling faces

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d125 MARTHA JO HARRIS; b. 1943.

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Martha was born in Rossville, Georgia.

Martha and her family lived for several years in the Detroit area.

Martha married Thomas Penny in Soddy, Tennessee.

Their children:

1. Thomas Earl Penny; b. 1973 in Chattanooga.

2. LeAnn Penny; b. 1976 in Chattanooga.

Martha, Thomas, and the children live in Orlando, Florida.

____________________

d125 OLYSE HARRIS; b. 1945.

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Olyse was born in Rossville, Georgia. Olyse and her family lived for several years in the Detroit area.

Olyse married David Brinkley.

Their children:

1. Mark Brinkley.

2. Shannon Brinkley.

3. David Brinkley.

Olyse, later, married Timothy Jann.

They live in Romulus, Michigan.

Their child:

4. Tonya Jann.

__________________________

d125 OSCAR JONES HARRIS; b. January 19, 1911.

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Oscar was born in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama.

Within a year or so after his birth, the family was living in the Lovelace community of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Oscar was educated in the public schools of DeKalb County, Alabama and the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia.

Oscar married Lora Kathleen Johnson on January 15, 1938.

Lora, the daughter of Dan and Catherine Rebecca Harris Johnson, was born July 4, 1919 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Oscar and Lora have made their home in the Red Bank area of Chattanooga for many years.

Oscar has been active in the sale of real estate in the Chattanooga area for many years.

Children of Oscar and Lora Harris:

1. Melvin Fletcher Harris; b. June 28, 1939.

2. Larry Daniel Harris; b. October 16, 1940.

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d125 MELVIN FLETCHER HARRIS; b. June 28, 1939.

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Melvin was born in Chattanooga.

Melvin married Brenda Abercrombie. Brenda was born January 20, 1943 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mitchell Abercrombie.

Melvin and Brenda made their home in Tucker, Georgia.

Their children:

1. Sheri Renee Harris; b. May 7, 1963.

Sheri married Burt Sanders.

Their children:

a. Whitley Sanders; b. August 16, 1989.

b. Zachary Sanders; b. January 17, 1991.

2. Robin Lea Harris; b. July 12, 1965.

3. Mark Joseph Harris; b. July 31, 1968.

Melvin and Brenda were divorced. Melvin lives at Lilburn, Georgia.

___________________________

d125 LARRY DANIEL HARRIS; b. October 16, 1940.

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Danny was born in Chattanooga.

Danny married Judy Waters. Judy, daughter of Bert and Kathleen Waters, was born November 18, 1945.

They live in Chattanooga.

Their children:

1. Jeffry Randall Harris; b. August 31, 1966.

2. Edward Daniel Harris; b. June 21, 1968.

Edward Daniel married Malinda .

Their son:

a. Steven Edward Harris; b. January, 1990.

3. Suzan Lynn Harris; b. March 1, 1972.

________________________________

d125 ERNEST WILLARD HARRIS; b. November 23, 1913.

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Willard was born in the Lovelace community of DeKalb County, Alabama. Willard was educated in the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia and DeKalb County, Alabama.

Willard married Charlene Chadwick on October 14, 1931 at Cloudland, Chattooga County, Georgia. Charlene is the daughter of Ed and Ethel Perkins Chadwick. Charlene was born April 21, 1913 at High, Georgia.

Willard and Charlene have lived at Cloudland and at LaFayette, Georgia.

Charlene died on May 16, 1993. She is buried in Little River Cemetery in Georgia.

Willard lives at Rossville, Georgia.

Their children:

1. Thomas Guilford Harris; b. August 9, 1932.

2. James Oscar Harris; b. October 14, 1934.

3. Dewey Allen Harris; b. September 25, 1939.

4. Jerry Ernest Harris; b. June 3, 1945.

_______________________________

d125 THOMAS GUILFORD HARRIS; b. August 9, 1932.

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T. G. was born at Cloudland, Georgia. He was named for his great-grandfather Harris.

T. G. was educated in the public schools of LaFayette and Walker County, Georgia. He was also educated at Emory University in the Atlanta area.

T. G. is a Methodist minister. He served the Trinity United Methodist Church of Lenoir City, Tennessee as pastor.

T. G. now lives at Knoxville, Tennessee.

T. G. married Sybil Ann Pursley on December 27, 1962. She was the daughter of Joe and Stancil Pursley.

Sybil died in 1987.

Their son:

1. Gilbert Harris; b. May 29, 1971 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

___________________________

d125 JAMES OSCAR HARRIS; b. October 14, 1934.

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James was born at Cloudland, Georgia.

James and his family also lived at LaFayette, Georgia.

James was educated in the public schools of LaFayette and Walker County, Georgia.

James married Linda Biggs.

James and Linda live in Birmingham.

Their children:

1. Leah Beth Harris.

2. Geania Lynn Harris.

3. Lockridge Harris.

4. Bryan Harris.

___________________________

d125 DEWEY ALLEN HARRIS; b. September 25, 1939.

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Dewey was born at LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia.

Dewey was educated in the public schools of LaFayette and Walker County, Georgia.

Dewey married Sue .

Dewey and Sue live in the Red Bank area of Chattanooga.

Their children:

1. Timberly Sue Harris; born in the Chattanooga area.

Sue married Darryl Patterson.

Their children:

a. Josh Patterson.

b. Teska Patterson.

2. Leslie Harris; born in Rossville, Georgia.

3. Allen Harris; born in Hixon, Tennessee.

___________________________

d125 JERRY ERNEST HARRIS; b. June 3, 1945 at LaFayette, Walker County, Georgia.

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Jerry was educated in the public schools of LaFayette and Walker County, Georgia.

______________________________________

d125 MARY ELIZABETH (MAMIE) HARRIS; b. January 23, 1915.

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Mamie was born in the Lovelace community of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Mamie was educated in the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia and DeKalb County, Alabama.

Mamie married Herman Eugene (Joe) Simmons on May 21, 1933 at Menlo, Chattooga County, Georgia.

The ceremony was conducted by Oscar Wyatt, J.P.

Joe was born September 13, 1909 on Lookout Mountain in the Cloudland, Georgia area. Joe is the son of Thomas and Nancy Broyles Simmons.

Mamie and Joe live at Cloudland on the southeastern brow of Lookout Mountain.

Their children:

1. Joan Eugenia Simmons; b. April 8, 1934.

2. Robert Harris Simmons; b. October 11, 1939.

_____________________________

d125 JOAN EUGENIA SIMMONS; b. April 8, 1934.

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Joan was born at Cloudland, Georgia. She was educated in the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia.

Joan married William Leslie Mathis on September 19, 1953 at Menlo Methodist Church. The ceremony was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Clarence L. Harris. Rev. Harris, cousin of the bride, now lives in semiretirement at Peachtree City, Georgia.

Bill Mathis is the son of Otis and Jessie Allison Mathis.

Joan and Bill live in the Vestavia Hills area of Birmingham, Alabama.

Their children:

1. William Leslie Mathis, Jr.; b. April 6,1955.

William married Mary Esther Brocato on October 12, 1979 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Homewood, Alabama. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Martin Muller.

Mary is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brocato.

Their children:

a. Emily Mathis; b. December 14, 1982 in Birmingham.

b. Frances Allison Mathis; b. May 4, 1985 in Birmingham.

c. Jane Ann Mathis; b. January 17, 1991 in Birmingham.

2. Leigh Ann Mathis; b. February 7, 1964 at Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Leigh Ann married Foster Yielding on August 2, 1986 at Vestavia Methodist Church. Foster is the son of Fletcher and Martha Yielding.

Leigh Ann and Foster live in Marietta, Georgia.

Their children:

a. Gaines Yielding; born in Miami, Florida.

b. Wilson Yielding; born in Marietta, Georgia.

3. Julia Mathis; b. October 14, 1966.

Julia attended the University of Alabama.

Julia married Brad McGill on August 10, 1991 in Birmingham, Alabama.

______________________________

d125 ROBERT HARRIS SIMMONS; b. October 11, 1939.

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Bob was born at Menlo, Chattooga County, Georgia. Bob attended public schools in Chattooga County.

Bob is the principal of Lake City Junior High School West at Lake City, Florida.

Bob married Carol Sue Ward on November 1, 1958 at Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama. Carol is the daughter of Lonnie and Jewell Jones Ward. They are now divorced.

Bob lives at Lake City, Florida.

Their children:

1. Suzanna Simmons; b. May 22, 1959 at Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama.

Suzanna married Michael Ray Barrs on August 30, 1980 in Lake City, Florida.

Michael is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Barrs.

Their children:

a. Brian Barrs; b. October 20, 1983 at Lake City, Florida.

b. Brad Barrs; b. May 20, 1985 at Lake City, Florida.

2. Jeffry Ward Simmons; b. May 11, 1961 at Anniston, Alabama.

Jeffry married Nancy Coquett on May 4, 1985 at Lake City, Florida Catholic Church.

Their sons:

a. Joshua Simmons; b. June 26, 1988.

b. Justin L. Simmons.

__________________________

d125 RUTH OVELLE HARRIS; b. January 4, 1918.

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Ruth was born in the Lovelace community of DeKalb County, Alabama.

Ruth was educated in the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia and DeKalb County, Alabama. Ruth graduated from DeKalb County High School, Fort Payne, Alabama.

Ruth married Julian Russell (Jack) Miller on December 6, 1944. Jack, son of Charles Cebran and Zoe Killian Miller, was born July 10, 1911.

Ruth and Jack live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Their children:

1. Susan Lynn Miller; b. February 23, 1947 in Chattanooga.

Susan married Charles Shattle on October 31, 1966.

Charles is the son of Charles and Thelma Shattle.

Their children:

a. Clinton Douglas Shattle; b. August 20, 1967 in Chattanooga.

b. Kathie Elizabeth Shattle; b. March 29, 1969 in Chattanooga.

c. Cinthia Renee Shattle; b. July 19, 1974 in Chattanooga.

2. Thomas Earl Miller; b. August 25, 1948 in Chattanooga.

3. Julian Russell Miller, Jr.; b. March 19, 1950 in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Julian married Rabeah from Thailand.

Their children:

a. Kathy Miller; b. November 19, 1971.

b. David Tony Miller; b. May 9, 1974.

_______________________________

d125 FRANCES MINERVA HARRIS; b. September 14, 1920.

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Frances was born at Cloudland, Chattooga County, Georgia.

Frances was educated in the public schools of Chattooga County, Georgia, DeKalb County, Alabama and Cherokee County, Alabama.

She graduated from Sandrock High School, Cherokee County, Alabama, located on Lookout Mountain.

Frances married William Haworth Jackson on January 11, 1941.

Bill, son of William Christopher Jackson, was born June 19, 1920 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Bill is now deceased.

Their son:

1. William Samuel Jackson; b. October 30, 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Bill married Teresa Denice Luttrell on March 15, 1975 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. T. G. Harris, a cousin of the groom.

Teresa, daughter of Edward and Doris Elizabeth Hilton Luttrell, was born April 11, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Their daughter:

a. Christine Elizabeth Jackson; b. April 3, 1983 in San Jose, California.

Frances and Bill were divorced.

Frances married Eugene Smith Wilhoit on November 23, 1963 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. T. G. Harris, nephew of the bride.

Gene, son of Osborne Nance and Mamie Fitzgerald Wilhoit, was born September 7, 1917 in Bradley County, Tennessee.

Frances and Gene live on the east side of Chattanooga in Bradley County, Tennessee.

__________________________

d125 MYRTLE MAE HARRIS; b. June 26, 1924.

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Myrtle was born at Cloudland, Georgia.

Myrtle was educated at Lovelace Grammar School and DeKalb County High School, Ft. Payne, Alabama. She graduated from Central High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1943.

Myrtle attended Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga. She, also, worked for Southern Bell.

Myrtle married Robert Allen Mayer in 1950 in Chattanooga.

Robert was born July 23, 1928 at Melrose Park, Illinois. Robert is the son of Lester Edward and Marie Edwards Mayer.

Robert served his country in the United States Navy near the end of World War II.

Robert attended Tennessee Temple College in Chattanooga.

Robert is a Baptist minister.

Robert and Myrtle lived for several years in the Caribbean area doing missionary and pastoral work.

They lived on St. Thomas Island and on St. Martin, Netherlands Antilles.

They returned to Chattanooga for a few years and then moved to the west coast of Florida.

They live in Ft. Myers, Florida.

They are members of McGregor Baptist Church.

Robert owns a radio station at St. Kitts in the Caribbean.

Their children:

1. Linda Carol Mayer; b. October 27, 1953.

Linda was born on St. Thomas Island.

Linda married David Burkhart at Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga.

They live in Chattanooga.

Their son:

a. David Burkhart, Jr.; b. August 3, 1978 in Chattanooga.

2. Donna Sue Mayer; b. December 31, 1954 on St. Thomas Island.

Donna married Michael Weirich in 1982 at McGregor Baptist Church, Ft. Myers, Florida.

They live in New Orleans, Louisiana where Michael is a student at the Southern Baptist Seminary.

Their son:

a. Jonathan Michael Weirich, Jr.; b. September, 1988.

3. Sandra Jean Mayer; b. February 24, 1956 on St. Thomas Island.

Sandra married Tim Regal at Kingwood Baptist Church, Chattanooga.

They live in Chattanooga where Tim is minister of youth at Duncan Park Baptist Church.

Their children:

a. Dallas T. Regal; b. 1979 in Chattanooga.

b. Char Aaron Regal; b. 1981 in Ft. Myers, Florida.

4. Stephen Allen Mayer; b. March 19, 1958 at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Stephen married Lynn McCauley in 1981 at Chattanooga.

They live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Their children:

a. Crystal Genene Mayer; b. July 8, 1982 at Springfield, Tennessee.

b. Amanda Gail Mayer; b. May 6, 1984.

c. Jessica Lynn Mayer; b. October 9, 1987.

d. Ryan Allen Mayer; b. April 30, 1990.

_______________________

d125 CORA LEE HARRIS; b. April 3, 1926.

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Lee was born at Cloudland, Georgia.

Lee was educated at Lovelace Grammar School on Lookout Mountain and DeKalb County High School, Ft. Payne, Alabama. She graduated from Central High School, Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1944.

Lee lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lee married Wingfield Short in Atlanta, Georgia. Wingfield was born in Atlanta and operated a sporting goods store there.

Lee and Wingfield lived on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for several years. Wingfield operated a men’s clothing store and Lee did accounting work on Hilton Head.

They, later, moved to Franklin, North Carolina.

Wingfield died April 23, 1977 at Franklin, North Carolina. He is buried there.

Their daughter:

1. Melanie Ann Short; b. November 5, 1962 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lee married Grant Louis Zickgraf on May 11, 1979 in Franklin, North Carolina. Grant was born in Georgia.

Grant is involved with several business enterprises at Franklin, North Carolina including a hardwood lumber business.

Lee and Grant live at Franklin, North Carolina.

__________________________

d125 MELANIE ANN SHORT; b. November 5, 1962 at Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

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Melanie lived, also, at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Franklin, North Carolina.

Melanie married Randall Cook in Franklin, North Carolina.

Their son:

1. Adam Randall Cook; b. July 22, 1982 at Franklin, North Carolina.

Melanie and Randall were divorced.

Melanie married David Moffitt in March, 1989 at Franklin, North Carolina.

They live in Franklin, North Carolina.

Their son:

2. Evan Sloan Moffitt; b. August 31, 1990.

___________________________________

d125 EDWARD CANDLER HARRIS, JR.; b. May 15, 1928.

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Edward was born at Cloudland, Georgia.

Edward was educated at Lovelace and Brown Fell Schools on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama. He was also educated at Central High School, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Edward served his country in the United States Navy, 1946 to 1949. He experienced sea duty in the Persian Gulf. He served as an Electrician 3^rd Class.

Edward married Sarah Henry on March 20, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sarah, daughter of Justice R. and Anna Belle Winfield Henry, was born January 17, 1931 in Starkville, Mississippi.

Sarah died June 4, 1984 in West Point, Mississippi. She is buried in Clay County Memorial Gardens, West Point.

Their children:

1. Donald Harris; b. September 30, 1951.

2. Debra Kay Harris; b. November 17, 1957.

After the death of Sarah, Edward married Joy Blake on January 4, 1985 at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Cedar Bluff, Mississippi.

Joy was born August 5, 1937 at Cedar Bluff, Mississippi.

Edward and Joy live at Cedar Bluff, Mississippi.

After his military service, Edward worked for a number of years for the City of West Point, Mississippi. He is now retired.

______________________

d125 DONALD HARRIS; b. September 30, 1951.

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Donald was born at West Point, Mississippi.

Donald attended Clay High School, Clay County, Mississippi.

Donald served his country for six years in the United States Army.

Donald married Von Parrott at Leesville, Virginia.

Their children:

1. Stephanie Harris; b. March 30, 1974 (twin).

2. Daphanie Harris; b. March 30, 1974 (twin).

Donald and Von were divorced.

Later, Donald married Martha Camp on February 16, 1979 at Siloam Baptist Church, Siloam, Mississippi.

They live at Cedar Bluff, Mississippi.

Their daughter:

3. Shanna Lee Harris; b. August 25, 1982.

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d125 DEBRA KAY HARRIS; b. November 17, 1957.

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Debra was born near West Point, Mississippi.

Debra attended Clay County High School, Clay County, Mississippi.

Debra worked for a period of time in Jackson, Mississippi.

Debra studied horticulture as a student at Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.

Debra married Steven Earl Newman.

Steve has earned a Ph. D. in his field and is employed as Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Mississippi State University.

Debra and Steve live near the University.

ABOVE: The parents of Gus and Lula Harris in Fort Payne about 1932. Left to right: Thomas Guilford and Frances Jackson Harris; Frances Elizabeth Bruce and her husband, Samuel Nicholson Majors.

BELOW: The family of Lula and Gus Harris in Fort Payne, Alabama about 1940. Left to right: Robert Edward Harris, James Erskine Harris, Augustus C. Harris, Flora Ellen Harris (Franklin), Betty Ann Harris (Reece), Samuel Thomas Harris, Lula B. Majors Harris, Joseph Ralph Harris, and Margie May Harris (Plyler).

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d125 AUGUSTUS COMBS HARRIS; b. January 11, 1889; d. July 6, 1947.

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Gus was born on a farm located in the valley south of Fort Payne, Alabama and east of the AGS Railroad. That area is now a part of the city of Fort Payne.

Gus attended county schools on Lookout Mountain and in Fort Payne. He was a student at DeKalb County High School in Fort Payne.

As a young man, Gus worked on the farm. He also worked in the oil fields of the Oklahoma Territory. His sister, Cora, has also lived at that time in the Oklahoma Territory.

Gus married Lula Bruce Majors on January 12, 1911 in DeKalb County, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Millard W. McNutt at the home of Marion Killian on Lookout Mountain.

Lula, daughter of Samuel Nicholson and Frances Elizabeth Bruce Majors, was born December 18, 1888 in DeKalb County, Alabama. Her birth place was a farm about seven miles south of Fort Payne and on the east side of the AGS Railroad, at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

Lula’s grandparents lived in DeKalb County, Alabama. They were Samuel and Amanda Melvina Chitwood Majors of Lebanon and Rev. Bailey and Patsy Gilliam Bruce of Fort Payne and Collbran.

Lula’s great-grandparents who also lived at Lebanon in DeKalb County were Alexander W. Majors and Mathias Chitwood.

Lula and her sister, Eula (Bohanon), were members of the first freshmen class of DeKalb County High School in Fort Payne, Alabama. Organized in 1908, the first session of the school was held in the Fort Payne Opera House Building. At that time the new school building was being constructed, a few blocks to the east, at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

After their marriage, Gus and Lula lived in Birmingham, where Gus was employed in a steel mill.

They returned to Fort Payne and lived at various places. Gus farmed for a while and worked as a laborer for the AGS Railroad. At that time, they lived in a railroad section house at Allen, north of Fort Payne.

Gus was appointed to the Railway Mail Service (U.S. Postal Service) on October 8, 1918. He spent the remainder of his life in that service.

Gus worked, at first, in the Birmingham Mail Terminal. Next, he was assigned to the Jacksonville and Tampa Railway Post Office.

Finally, he was assigned to the Chattanooga and Meridian Railway Post Office.

Gus worked out of Chattanooga on the AGS Railroad which passes through Fort Payne, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. He commuted by rail, to his work from his home in Fort Payne.

Gus became a supervisor, clerk in charge, in his work.

Gus had moved his family from Birmingham to Fort Payne in 1919 when he had been transferred to Florida.

The oldest child of this family, James Erskine Harris, started to school in Fort Payne in the fall of 1919.

Every year since that time, a descendant of Gus and Lula has been a student in the public schools in Fort Payne. In 1990, great-grandchildren Zane Reece II and Alicia Reece are in attendance in school in Fort Payne.

After living the first eleven years of their marriage in rented houses, Gus and Lula constructed their own home in 1922. The house, still in existence, is located at 600 Gault Avenue Southwest on land purchased from Mr. R.J. Guest, Sr. and Mr. Charles M. T. Sawyer.

The three youngest children were born in this house.

Gus had a strong work ethic and enjoyed singing as he worked. One of his favorite “work songs” was “Uncloudy Day”.

Gus had an ever present sense of humor which he enjoyed using to make others feel at ease.

Gus and Lula united with the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne on August 28, 1922 and remained as faithful members of that church until they died.

Gus had been a member of this church at an earlier time, but such time of membership is not known to the writer. Existing records show that he had moved his membership from this church in 1912.

This family strongly supported the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. Gus served for many years as a deacon. He was president of the Baraca Class at the time of his death.

Gus was, also, a county leader in the Baptist Brotherhood. He was a source of counsel and inspiration to several of the young men of the community who contemplated full time Christian service.

During his last year or so Gus suffered from a severe case of arthritis in one of his knees. He could not walk without assistance.

Gus was stricken and died from an embolism (blood clot) on a Sunday morning at his home. He was 58 years of age.

Lula, originally, was a member of the Lebanon Methodist Church. She became a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church at Collbran and was baptized by Rev. Joe Bethune in 1906, when she was 17 years of age.

Lula’s grandfather, Rev. Bailey Bruce, was one of the organizers of the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne in 1885. At that time, Rev. Bruce was pastor of the Collbran Baptist Church. He was also the moderator of the Cherokee (now DeKalb) Baptist Association. He stood with the small band of people, in 1885, when this church was organized.

Lula, in addition to her other duties, spent a great deal of time in the affairs of her church.

She made an avocation of visiting the sick and shut-in people in the community. She was a friend to many who found it difficult to shift for themselves.

When her church moved to create an extension department, they simply gave Lula a title for the service she was already performing.

Lula’s life ended peacefully on December 6, 1961, a few days short of her 73^rd birthday. She died of heart problems.

A committee of Lula’s friends in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Mary Weatherly, Mima Gilbreath and Lillie Malone, included in a resolution concerning her these words: “She was a great Christian and a noble mother. She kept her heart from guile and her mind from doubt. She lived simply, expecting little and giving much. She forgot herself in serving others, and left behind a trail of sunlight that will be a beacon to guide the steps of those who might otherwise walk in darkness.”

Lula’s church named a WMU circle for her. Her grave marker contains the inscription, “She went about doing good.”

Gus and Lula are buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama.

For those who were fortunate enough to know Gus and Lula personally during their lives, descriptive words are not required. For the benefit of their descendants who did not know then, we would describe them as being of strong character, hard working, and quietly devout in their religious experience. Gus and Lula came from well known and respected families in the Fort Payne and the DeKalb County area. They lived simple, unselfish, and exemplary lives. They loved people and were loved in return. They passed their strengths of character on to their descendants.

Their descendants, to this date, include: seven children, seven grandsons, seven granddaughters, ten great-grandsons, and nine great-granddaughters.

Children of Gus and Lula:

1. James Erskine Harris; b. November 27, 1911; d. June 11, 1976.

2. Samuel Thomas Harris; b. February 18, 1914.

3. Joseph Ralph Harris; March 22, 1916.

4. Flora Ellen Harris; b. August 11, 1919.

5. Margie May Harris; b. May 24, 1923.

6. Robert Edward Harris; b. December 3, 1925.

7. Betty Ann Harris; May 20, 1928.

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d125 JAMES ERSKINE HARRIS; b. November 27, 1911; d. June 11, 1976.

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James Erskine was born in Fort Payne, Alabama. His place of birth was a two-story wood frame house located at the southeast corner of Godrey Avenue and Fifth Street North.

James Erskine was known as “Erskine” and sometimes by a nickname “Onk” during his early years and through high school. Thereafter, throughout his naval career and adult life he was known as “James” or “Jim.”

At an early age, James Erskine began to attend the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. He was regular in attendance, earning an award for three years of perfect attendance in the Intermediate department. He was baptized in 1924.

James Erskine was active in sports at DeKalb County High School where he participated in basketball, football, and baseball.

James Erskine was also active in music. He played a cornet in the band organized and directed by Professor Frank Thacker in Fort Payne. Although the instrument he played more resembled a trumpet to some, his mother insisted that it was a cornet. Since she bought the instrument with money she earned by taking in washing, she could call it what she pleased. It was, therefore, a cornet.

James Erskine graduated from DeKalb County High School in the Class of 1930. The country, at this time, was in the throes of the great depression.

James Erskine worked at various jobs, including house painting. He finally decided on a career in the United States Navy. He started his career in the Navy on September 19, 1932 and was assigned to San Diego, California for his initial training.

His early years in the Navy were spent in the Pacific fleet. Along with his naval work, James Erskine participated in baseball, boxing, and as a member of the whaleboat crew.

James Erskine spent much of his naval career on sea duty. He served as Chief Petty Officer on the USS Dorsey, a destroyer. He was assigned to North Atlanta convoy duty during the years immediately preceding the entry of the United States into World War II. This duty involved armed conflict between the United States Navy and the German submarine fleet.

During World War II, James Erskine participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France. He was wounded in the invasion of Southern France and was removed to a naval hospital in Philadelphia. He later served on the aircraft carriers, USS Cabot and USS Wright. At the time of his retirement in 1953, James Erskine was serving as a Warrant Officer at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. He was living, at that time, with his family at nearby Warrington, Florida.

James Erskine was married to Twila Marion Gerbert on December 9, 1938 in San Diego County, California. The minister was Mr. J.A. Moore.

Twila Marion Gerbert (sometimes called “Buddy” or “Margaret”) was born August 4, 1911. She was the daughter of Charles Marion and Ethel Deen Gerbert. Her early life was spent in Nevada and California. She was a member of Warrington Baptist Church.

Twila was baptized into the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne on August 4, 1940.

Twila died November 13, 1968 in Warrington, Florida. She is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery, which is part of the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

After retiring from military service in 1953, James Erskine worked in a civil service position at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. His job involved ship stores, including fuels. He retired from his civil service job in 1972 after almost 40 years of government service. He later worked for a short time in the private sector.

James Erskine was a member of the Warrington Baptist Church. He also held memberships in the Fleet Reserve organization and the Order of Moose. He was a Mason, member of West Pensacola Lodge 296 F & AM.

James Erskine died in Warrington, Florida on June 11, 1976 at the age of 64 years. He is buried with his wife in the Barrancas National Cemetery at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

The military installation at Pensacola dates back to the 1830s. The National Cemetery at that place is a very old burying place for the veterans of the nation’s Armed Forces and their spouses. It is a very quiet and restful place and leads one reminisce about the contributions of those who sleep there. It is like a National Honor Roll for many who gave their best years and quite often their last breath of life in the service of their country. There are many stories entwined there, such as the loneliness of sea duty for a young man far from his home…a hard life…the dangers and horrors of war at sea.

The soft sea breezes tug gently at the palm trees—that guard this place of rest—of those who did so much—for so many.

The daughter of Twila and Jim Harris:

1. Jo Ann Harris; born January 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

ABOVE: James Erskine Harris (1911-1976), son of Lula and Gus Harris. As the oldest child in a large family, Erskine helped with the cooking and with the smaller children. At age 15, he played a cornet in Professor Frank Thacker’s band in Fort Payne. At age 18 (center), he graduated from high school. He entered the United States Navy in 1932 at the age of 20. From that point, he was called James or Jim. Jim married Twila Marion Gerbert in 1938. He called her “Buddy” (right). After devoting the major part of his adult life to the defense of his country, he and Twila are buried in the Barrancas National Cemetery at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

BELOW LEFT: Twila and Jim Harris, with their daughter, Jo Ann Harris (Webb).

BELOW RIGHT: Jo Ann Harris, with her husband, Lieutenant Commander Pierre Charles (Pete) Webb.

BELOW: The children of Lula and Gus Harris in Fort Payne, Alabama in October of 1986. At this time, Lula, Gus, and James Erskine are deceased. Left to right: Robert E. Harris, Sam T. Harris, Flora H. Franklin, Betty H. Reece, Joe R. Harris, and Margie H. Plyler.

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d125 JO ANN HARRIS; b. January 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Jo Ann lived with her parents in Warrington, Florida during her formative years. She attended public schools in the Pensacola area. She graduated from Escambia High School in 1963 and attended Pensacola Junior College.

Jo Ann worked for Southern Bell in Pensacola.

Jo Ann married Pierre Charles Webb at the Pensacola Naval Air Station on April 12, 1969.

Pete Webb was born October 10, 1945 in Long Beach, California. Pete’s parents are Charles Doty Webb, Captain, U.S. Navy retired, and Lucine Schmitz Webb. Pete grew up as a child of a naval officer. He continued in that tradition as a young man.

Pete graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1963. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967 and served as a naval officer until he resigned from active duty in 1974. Pete was a pilot and flew naval aircraft on combat missions during two tours of duty in Vietnam. He is now a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

After resigned from the U.S. Navy in 1974, the family moved from California to Houston, Texas where Pete had accepted a position with Texas Instruments, Inc. Jo Ann sold real estate, part time, in Houston.

The family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in April, 1978.

After living in Charlotte for a few years, the family moved to the Washington, D.C. area where Pete is employed in the computer industry. Jo Ann is employed by a long distance telephone service.

The family lives at Fairfax, Virginia.

Their children:

1. Jamie Elizabeth Webb; b. July 8, 1971 at Escondido, California. Jamie graduated from high school in 1989. Jamie is a student at the University of Virginia.

2. Richard Charles Webb; b. January 11, 1978 at Pasadena, Texas.

3. Michael Glenn Webb; b. September 10, 1979 at Charlotte, N.C.

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d125 SAMUEL THOMAS HARRIS; b. February 18, 1914.

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Sam was born a few miles north of Fort Payne in DeKalb County, Alabama. That area is now occupied by the Terrapin Hills Golf Course.

Sam was named for his two grandfathers, Samuel N. Majors and Thomas G. Harris.

After Sam was born, the family lived briefly on Lookout Mountain, south of Fort Payne and in Birmingham. The family returned to Fort Payne in 1919 and established a permanent residence there. Sam was then five years of age.

Sam attended public schools in Fort Payne from 1921 to 1933. He graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1933.

Sam was active in sports in high school. He earned an honorable mention for the all-state football team and a football scholarship to Birmingham Southern College.

Sam attended the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne as a child. About 1932, he started attending the First Methodist Church of Fort Payne and united with the church at the age of 18 years.

Sam was married to Margaret Eloise Hubbard in Birmingham, Alabama on July 12 194-. The wedding was solemnized in the Walker Memorial Methodist Church in Birmingham with the Reverend

Albert Branscomb officiating.

Margaret, daughter of Newman Grady and Ruth Howle Hubbard, was born January 17 19-- at Linville, Clay County, Alabama. Margaret attended public schools in Birmingham, graduating from West End High School in 1935.

Margaret attended Birmingham Southern College and received her A.B. degree in 1939.

After receiving her degree, Margaret was a teacher in the Gadsden, Alabama school system for two years. She also taught in the Birmingham school system for five years.

Sam began his college work in September of 1934. He attended Birmingham Southern College for four years and was a member of the football team for four years.

After completing his college work, Sam began a career in insurance and real estate. He accepted a position with Crowe Perryman Agency in Birmingham in June of 1938. He also worked with other firms in the Birmingham area until he began his own business, Harris Realty Company, in Birmingham.

During World War II, Sam enlisted and served in the United States Merchant Marines.

Sam and Margaret were active in the Walker Memorial Methodist Church and later became active in the Vestavia Hills Methodist Church where Sam teaches a Sunday School class.

Sam has been active in the Lions Club for several years. He has held several offices in that organization including that of District Governor. He was president of the Birmingham Downtown Lions Club in 1970-71 and was chosen as the Lion of the Year in his Club in 1983.

Sam and Margaret live in Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, Alabama.

Their children:

1. Terry Ann Harris; born October 15, 1947.

2. Donald Thomas Harris; born November 18, 1952.

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d125 TERRY ANN HARRIS; born October 15, 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Terry attended public schools in Birmingham, graduating from Ramsay High School in 1965. She attended Auburn University, receiving her B.S. degree in education in 1968. Terry Ann was married to Claude Terrence Rollen on December 21, 1968. The wedding was solemnized at the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama. The Reverend Woodfin Grove officiated the ceremony.

Claude Terrence Rollen, son of Claude Grayson and Zaidee Godwin Rollen, was born May 5, 1945 at Quantico, Virginia. Terry's father was a career officer in the United States Marines.

Terry graduated from Paris high school, Selma, Alabama in 1963. He attended Auburn University and studied chemistry on an ROTC scholarship. He received his B.S. degree in Chemistry in 1967 and also accepted a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy at the same time.

Terry received flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station and at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.

After their marriage and in conformance to Terry’s naval career, the family has lived in the following locations: Jacksonville, Florida; Monterey, California; Key West, Florida; Patuxent River, Maryland; Orlando, Florida; Orange Park, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; and Titusville, Florida.

While stationed in Monterey, Terry earned his Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Terry has recently retired from the military service. He held the rank of Commander in the United States Navy.

Terry and Terry are members of the United Methodist Church.

They live at Orange Park, Florida.

Their children:

1. Scott Terrence Rollen; born January 16, 1973 at Key West, Florida.

Scott, in 1993, is a student at Auburn University in Alabama.

2. Laura Suzanne Rollen; born September 16, 1975 at Patuxent River, Maryland.

Suzanne, in 1993, is a student at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

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d125 DONALD THOMAS HARRIS; born November 18, 1952 at Birmingham, Alabama.

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Don attended public schools in Birmingham and graduated from W. A. Berry High School in 1971.

Don studied music in college, receiving his Bachelor's Degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1976 and receiving his Masters Degree in Music from the University of Alabama in 1979.

Donna was married to Hariett Diann Arnold on June 7, 1974 at Birmingham, Alabama. The wedding was solemnized at the Southminister Presbyterian Church, Vestavia Hills, with the Reverend Robert L. Catlin officiating.

Diann, daughter of Leland and Ann Semmes Arnold, was born August 10, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Diann attended public schools in the Birmingham area, graduating from W. A. Berry High School in 1972.

Diann attended the University of Montevallo at Montevallo, Alabama where she received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 1974. She also attended Georgia State College in Milledgeville where she received her Master’s Degree in Education—Learning Disabilities—in 1980.

The family lived for a period of time in Sandersville, Georgia where Don served as Director of Music and as Organist at the United Methodist Church and where Diann taught special classes in learning disability at T.J. Elder Elementary School.

The family moved to the Atlanta area in the fall of 1984. Don served as Director of Music and as Organist at the Pattillo United Methodist Church.

Don is currently teaching music in school.

Diann has continued her career in the teaching profession.

They live at Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia.

Their children:

1. Megan Elaine Harris; born November 19, 1977 in Birmingham, Alabama.

2. Erin Diann Harris; born April 3, 1981 at Milledgeville, Georgia.

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d125 JOSEPH RALPH HARRIS; born Match 22, 1916.

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Joe was born on Lookout Mountain, a few miles south of Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Joe attended public schools in Fort Payne, beginning the first grade in 1922 and graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1935. He participated in varsity sports, including football, while attending high school.

After graduation, Joe worked for a period of time in the United States Post Office in Fort Payne. He began this work at the age of 19 years in 1935.

Joe entered the business world as a service station operator in Fort Payne. As a partner, he operated a Woco Pep (Pure Oil) station in 1938. Early in 1941, he opened a new Standard Oil Service Station at the northeast corner of Gault Avenue and Third Street South.

Joe began work with Greyhound Bus Lines as a driver on December 1, 1941 and continued to work for that company until 1962.

Joe is married to Margaret Pauline Durham on October 18, 1936 at Rising Fawn, Georgia. Judge Hale officiated.

Margaret, daughter of Rother Dewey and Zela Clay Durham, was born September 3, 1918 at Chavies, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Margaret attended public schools in Fort Payne, graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1936. She won the award, “Miss DeKalb,” in 1935.

Margaret attended the First Baptist Church and was baptized July 28, 1932.

Joe’s work with the Greyhound Company carried the family to Birmingham in 1941. They returned to Fort Payne in 1946 where Joe was assigned to a local schedule with Greyhound.

Joe’s work with the Southeastern Greyhound Corporation involved, for the most part, routes between Birmingham and Atlanta and Birmingham and Chattanooga. For several years, his assigned route was between Collinsville and Chattanooga. This route permitted the family to live in Fort Payne.

Margaret worked as a partner in a textile business, R.D. Durham and Son, Inc., with her brother, Hubert. She later sold her interest in that business.

After leaving the Greyhound Corporation in 1962, Joe and Margaret organized and operated a new business, DeKalb Yarn Sales. This business has grown to be a major supplier of yarn in an area of many hosiery mills.

Joe sold the business to Harriet and Henderson Yarn, Inc. Joe continues to manage the business with the able assistance of his daughter, Martha H. Stout.

Joe and his brother, Robert, formed a partnership, Harris Engineering Company, in 1955. This was a consulting engineering business organized principally to locate and design highways. The firm designed roads in DeKalb, Blount, and St. Clair Counties, including a section of Interstate 59 north of Birmingham. The partnership was dissolved after 3 years and Robert continued to operate the business as a sole ownership.

Joe attends and supports the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. He is a member of the Baraca Class.

Joe has been active in the Fort Payne Lions Club and has served as president of that organization. Joe is a Mason, a member of Fort Payne Lodge 437 F & AM.

Joe and Margaret are members of DeSota County Club.

Margaret is a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. She taught Sunday School classes there.

Joe and Margaret live in Fort Payne.

Their children:

1. Ralph Clay Harris; born August 15, 1938.

2. Martha Marie Harris; born February 11, 1941.

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d125 RALPH CLAY HARRIS; born August 15, 1938.

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Ralph was born in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama.

The family moved to Birmingham in 1941. Ralph began his first grade of school in 1944 at Woodlawn Elementary School with the second year at Gibson Elementary School in Birmingham. The family removed to Fort Payne in 1946. Ralph attended public schools in Fort Payne, graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1956.

Ralph was a member of the Beta Club and was President of the Student Council. He also played varsity basketball in high school.

Ralph worked during his summer months for Harris Engineering Company in Fort Payne.

Ralph was in regular attendance at the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne. He was baptized on March 9, 1947 at the age of 8 years.

Ralph began his college work at Auburn University in the fall of 1956. His roommate was Don Stout, his future brother-in-law.

Responding to a call to the ministry, Ralph transferred to Samford University for his second year of college. He received his A.B. Degree in English from Samford University in 1960. Ralph continued his preparation for the ministry by attending the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. He received his Bachelors Degree in Theology from that institution in 1963.

Ralph was married to Jerrie Locklear on November 26, 1959 in Fort Payne, Alabama. The wedding ceremony took place at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend Bob Mowrey officiating.

Jerrie, daughter of Jack Monroe Locklear, Sr. and Marie Price Locklear, was born August 31, 1940 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Jerrie attended public schools in Fort Payne and Anniston. She graduated from DeKalb County High School, Fort Payne, in 1958.

Jerrie attended First Baptist Church in Fort Payne and was baptized in September, 1952.

Jerrie attended Samford University in 1958 and 1959.

Ralph’s first pastorate was with the new Brandenburg Baptist Church in Kentucky.

Ralph and Jerrie lived in Louisville, Kentucky until they moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1962. Ralph was Associate Pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville from 1962 until April, 1966. The pastor at Park Avenue Baptist Church was the Reverend Bob Mowrey.

Ralph became pastor of Parsons Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio in April, 1966. He remained at that post until 1973 when he returned to the Nashville, Tennessee area to serve as pastor of Donalson First Baptist Church. He also served as Trustee for the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1981 and 1982 while in the Nashville area.

The family returned to Ohio in January, 1983. Ralph accepted the position of Director of Evangelism with the Ohio State Baptist Convention.

Ralph is now pastor of the First Baptist Church of Winter Haven, Florida.

They live at Winter Haven.

Their children:

1. Dianna Jo Harris; b. April 9, 1963.

2. Vickie Leianne Harris; b. May 10, 1967.

3. David Ralph Harris; b. November 9, 1972.

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d125 DIANNA JO HARRIS; born April 9, 1963.

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Dianna was born in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Dianna was baptized in 1971 at Parsons Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 8 years.

Dianna entered college at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama in the fall of 1981.

Dianna completed her work and received her B.S. Degree in Accounting in May, 1985 at Samford University.

Dianna lives in Birmingham.

Dianna married Dr. Christopher Jay McCallum on June 19, 1993 in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. McCallum of Birmingham.

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d125 VICKIE LEIANNE HARRIS; born May 10, 1967.

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Vickie was born in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

Vickie (in 1990) has completed her work and has received her degree from Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. She is planning a career in marketing.

Vickie lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

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d125 DAVID RALPH HARRIS; born November 9, 1972.

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David was born in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

David is now (1993) a student at Florida State University at Tallahassee.

David’s home is with his parents at Winter Haven, Florida.

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d125 MARTHA MARIE HARRIS; born February 11, 1941.

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Martha was born in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Martha attended public schools in Fort Payne beginning first grade in 1947. She graduated from Fort Payne High School in 1959. Martha had the honor of being valedictorian of her class. She served as editor of the Fort Payne Wildcat and was the first president of the Tri-Hi-Y.

Martha began her college training at Auburn University in the fall of 1959. She completed her work for a degree at Athens College in 1963 where she received her B.S. Degree in Educated in Mathematics.

Martha attended the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne as a child, uniting with that church by baptism on June 25, 1950 at the age of nine years.

Martha was married to Richard Don Stout on September 17, 1960 in Fort Payne. The ceremony was held at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend R. Leland Tindle officiating.

Richard Don Stout, son of Richard Lewis and Ora E. C. Chastain Stout, was born May 10, 1938 in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Don attended first and second grades at Plainview Elementary School, Rainsville, Alabama. Don also attended public schools in Fort Payne, graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1956. Don served as president of the Beta Club in high school. During the summer months, Don worked for Jerald Mitchell Cleaners and for Harris Engineering Company in Fort Payne.

Don attended Auburn University beginning in the fall of 1956. His roommate was Ralph Harris, his future brother-in-law.

Don received his B.S. Degree in Mathematics from Auburn University in December of 1960. He also received a B.A. Degree in History from Athens College in 1964.

Don attended the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne and united with that church. He was baptized on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959.

Don and Martha lived in Athens, Alabama from December, 1960 until 1973. Don worked at the Marshall Space Flight Center for the General Electric Company, Computer Sciences and Control Data.

Martha also worked for General Electric Company in Huntsville.

Don and Martha lived in Crofton, Maryland in the 1973-1974 time period where Don worked for Computer Sciences Corporation.

Don and Martha returned to Fort Payne in 1974. Don is a partner in The Gas House, Incorporated and Martha is assisting in the management of Harriet and Henderson Yarns, Inc.

Don has been active in historic research, serving as a Trustee for Landmarks. He served as President of Williams Avenue PTA. He is also a member of Fort Payne Lodge 437 F & AM.

Martha has been active in PTA. She served as Vice-President of Fort Payne High School PTA and as Secretary of the PTA Council. She was a member of the World’s Fair Committee of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.

Martha is active in the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne where she sings in the choir. She has taught Sunday School and served as G.A. Director and teacher.

Don and Martha live in the North Fort Payne area near the Terrapin Hills Golf Course.

Their children:

1. Richard Don Stout, Jr.; born March 16, 1964.

2. Suzanne Stout; born September 24, 1966 in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama.

Suzanne graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Suzanne, in 1993, is a teacher in a public school in Montgomery, Alabama.

ABOVE: Joe R. Harris, son of Lula and Gus Harris, with his wife, Margaret Durham, daughter of Zela Clay and Rother D. Durham. They live in Fort Payne, Alabama.

ABOVE LEFT: October, 1986. Margaret and Joe R. Harris, on their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

ABOVE RIGHT: Margaret and Joe R. Harris, with their children, grandchildren and house helper. Left to right: Suzanne Stout, Vickie Leianne Harris, Jerrie Locklear Harris, Margaret and Joe, Don Stout, Sr., Martha Harris Stout, Lizie Kelley, and Rev. Ralph C. Harris.

BELOW: Martha Marie Harris, daughter of Margaret and Joe R. Harris, with her husband, Richard Don Stout, Sr., and their children, Richard Don Stout, Jr. and Suzanne Stout. Martha and Don live in Fort Payne, Alabama.

ABOVE: Left to right: Augustus C. Harris, with his first grandchild, Ralph C. Harris; Ralph C. Harris and Don Stout, Sr. as college Students.

BELOW: Joe R. Harris (in the 1940s) as a driver for Southeastern Greyhound Corporation; Ralph C. Harris, with his uncle, Robert E. Harris, about 1943.

ABOVE, center: Flora Ellen Harris, daughter of Lula and Gus Harris (d125/7115/16) with her husband, John Hoyt Franklin, son of Mary Ellen Tucker and John Hardy Franklin. Hoyt is shown on the right. Flora and Hoyt are shown with Flora’s mother, Lula Majors Harris, on the left.

BELOW: Flora (on the left) is shown with other family members at Cloudland, Georgia. Left to right: Zane Reece, II; Alicia Reece, in front of Linda Forrester Harris, Sandra Hood Reece, and John A. Harris.

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d125 RICHARD DON STOUT, JR.; b. March 16, 1964.

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Richard was born at Athens, Limestone County, Alabama.

Richard attended Julian Newman Elementary School in Athens beginning first grade in 1970. He also attended elementary school in Crofton, Maryland. The family moved to Fort Payne in 1974.

Richard attended public schools in Fort Payne, graduating from Fort Payne High School in 1982.

Richard was active in sports in high school, playing on the golf team and the basketball team. He served as treasurer of the National Honor Society and was a Junior Marshall.

Richard has been in regular attendance at the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. He was baptized on June 15, 1975 at the age of eleven years.

Richard attended Auburn University and received his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1986.

Richard is currently employed by the Rheem Company in Montgomery, Alabama.

Richard married Karen Elizabeth Long on May 21, 1988 at First Baptist Church in Fort Payne, Alabama. Rev. Ralph C. Harris, uncle of the groom, officiated. Karen, daughter of Kenneth Wayne and Susan Igou Long, was born July 12, 1968 in Fort Payne, Alabama. Karen’s grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Igou of Fort Payne and Mr. and Mrs. Owen Long of Rainsville.

Karen attended the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and graduated from Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. Karen and Richard live in Wetumpka, Alabama.

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d125 FLORA ELLEN HARRIS.; born August 11, 1919.

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Flora was born on Godfrey Avenue in Fort Payne, Alabama.

The family moved to their new home at 600 Gault Avenue South, Fort Payne, in 1922.

Flora began first grade in 1935 in Fort Payne public schools and graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1937.

At an early age, Flora started attending the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne. She united with that church by baptism on March 20, 1932.

After graduating from high school, Flora worked for the probate court of DeKalb County. This was during the term of Judge Andy Johnson. She also worked for Cobble’s Mill in Fort Payne.

Flora moved to Chattanooga in May of 1941 to attend McKenzie School of Business. She later attended night classes at the University of Chattanooga. Flora also worked for Southeastern Optical Company and Cumberland Case Company in Chattanooga.

Flora moved to Fort Payne in 1947 and accepted a position with the American Red Cross as Executive Secretary. She worked in that position for several years. Flora accepted a job with Ladd Engineering in January, 1956. In 1970 she was elected to the Board of Directors of Ladd Engineering Company and as Assistant Secretary. In August 1981, Flora changed to a status of semi-retirement with the company.

Flora was married to John Hoyt Franklin on January 11, 1947 in Ringgold, Georgia. The Reverend Joe Bethune officiated.

John Hoyt Franklin, son of John Hardy and Mary Allen Tucker Franklin, was born April 26, 1908 in Albertville, Marshall County, Alabama.

Hoyt’s great-grandfather was Judge John N. Franklin of Lebanon in DeKalb County. Mr. Franklin served as probate judge for a long number of years. During the months preceding Alabama’s entry into the War Between the States, Judge Franklin, along with Mr. William O. Winston of Valley Head, represented DeKalb County in the secession convention in Montgomery.

Representing, as they saw it, the will of a majority of the citizens of the county, these two delegates voted against secession throughout the convention.

Hoyt attended public schools in Jefferson County, Alabama. He also attended public schools in Cherokee County where he graduated from Gaylesville High School in 1927.

During the years after graduation, Hoyt attended the Nashville Automotive College. He worked for the Gulf Refining Company in Birmingham and the International Harvester Company, heavy equipment division, in Chattanooga.

Hoyt served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Prior to entering the conflict, Hoyt had enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard. He served in the 181^st Field Artillery Unit. Hoyt was also assigned as Assistant Motor Officer with the 70^th Infantry Division. He participated in the Rhineland campaign in central Europe.

Hoyt was discharged from the U.S. Army in April, 1946 after more than five years of active service. He had served as private, master sergeant, and as a warrant officer. He had specialized in maintaining heavy equipment.

After discharge from the United States Army, Hoyt pursued a career as a mechanic and tractor dealer in Fort Payne. Hoyt and his brother, David Lamar Stone, operated an automobile and heavy equipment repair business on First Street in Fort Payne, Later, Hoyt and Flora sold farm equipment in South Fort Payne, specializing in Massey-Ferguson equipment.

Hoyt entered service in the Alabama National Guard in Fort Payne on February 1, 1954. He organized the main repair shop for that unit. Hoyt served the National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer, retiring from that organization on April 30, 1970.

As a tribute to his years of faithful service, the Alabama National Guard, in January of 1982, dedicated the John H. Franklin Building as a part of the new facilities constructed in North Fort Payne.

Although Hoyt was originally a Methodist, he was baptized into the Baptist faith by the Reverend Frank Bowman in Birmingham. Hoyt united with the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne on August 5, 1959. He attended and supported that church for the remainder of his life.

After several years of declining heath, John Hoyt Franklin died on November 26, 1979 in a Birmingham hospital. He is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne.

Hoyt and Flora had no children. Hoyt’s son by a previous marriage, Olin Stone Franklin, lives in Cedartown, Georgia.

Flora does volunteer work at Baptist Medical Center- DeKalb with the American Red Cross. She also works with the state heath department in their cancer and hypertension clinics. She also works with RSVP in their volunteer projects.

Flora lives in Fort Payne, Alabama.

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d125 MARGIE MAY HARRIS.; born May 24, 1923.

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Margie was born in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama.

Margie attended public schools in Fort Payne, beginning first grade in 1929. She graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1941.

Margie, at an early age, attended the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne. She united with that church by baptism on March 31, 1935. In later years, Margie united with the Methodist Church with her husband.

After high school, Margie took a course in business training in Fort Payne.

Margie, as a high school student, worked as a clerk with V. J. Elmore Ten Cent Store in Fort Payne. After high school, Margie accepted a clerical position with the V. J. Elmore Company’s headquarters in Birmingham. Mable Saffles, Margie’s first cousin, was an employee in the same office. Another employee in the same office was Grace Flyler, Margie’s future sister-in-law.

Margie and Grace roomed with Mrs. Mary Ann Slawson in West End.

Margie resigned from the V. J. Elmore Company early in 1943. She worked for the Standard Oil Company office in Birmingham for about one and one-half years until October, 1944.

Margie was married to John White Plyler on October 24, 1944 at Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama. The married was performed by a Methodist minister, Reverend O. C. Lloyd.

John White Plyler, son of Barnes R. and Ada Gordon Plyler, was born June 23, 1921 at Cedar Bluff, Cherokee County, Alabama. His father, at the time, was working for the Alabama Power Company on a project near Cedar Bluff.

The family, later, moved to Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama where John attended public schools. John graduated from Chilton County High School in 1939.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in September of 1942. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with combat experience in the European Theatre of operations. John was the pilot of a B-17 bomber and held the rank of First Lieutenant. John resigned from the service in June of 1945.

During his military service, John earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with five clusters and the European Theatre of Operations Ribbon.

After leaving the military service, John and Margie lived for a period of time in Montgomery, Alabama. At that time, John worked for the National Cash Register Company. Margie worked for the Alabama State Department of Industrial Relations.

John accepted a position with the V. J. Elmore Stores Company in 1947. His first assignment was as Assistant Store Manager in Jasper, Alabama. After working in Jasper for about two years, John was reassigned to Russellville, Alabama as Assistant Manager of the store here.

John was promoted to the rank of Store Manager and assigned to the V. J. Elmore store in Greensboro, Alabama in March of 1950. John was reassigned to manage a larger store in Alexander City, Alabama in 1952.

John was promoted to District Manager in 1965. He was assigned to the Southeast Alabama and Atlanta district. His new duties included the development of new stores in the metro Atlanta area.

John was reassigned as Manager of the Birmingham District in 1969. The family moved from Alexander City to Birmingham in the spring in 1969.

John’s career with the V. J. Elmore Company came to an end in 1981 after 34 years of service. The V. J. Elmore Company has been acquired by the Genesco Company of Nashville, Tennessee. After a few years, all of these stores were closed. John was among the last of the V. J. Elmore employees retained by the parent company.

After leaving the V. J. Elmore Company, John worked for a period of time with the T. G. & Y. Family Stores. He also worked as a store manager for the Big “B” Drug Company for about 4 years. John is now retired.

Margie accepted a position in 1971 with the Jefferson County Board of Education as a librarian. She served initially as librarian at Shades Mountain Elementary School. She, later, worked in a similar position at Shades Valley High School. Margie recently retired but responds to call back for temporary substitute duties.

John and Margie are members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in the South Birmingham area.

They live in the Hoover area of Birmingham.

Their children:

1. Suzanne Plyler; born January 20, 1950.

2. Janice Patricia Plyler; born March 1, 1955; d. March 18, 1957.

3. Amy Elizabeth Plyler; born October 6, 1959.

ABOVE: Margie May Harris, daughter of Lula and Gus Harris, and her husband, John White Plyler, son of Ada Gordon and Barnes R. Plyler. They live in Birmingham.

BELOW: Their grandson, William Ray Buechner, Jr. (B. J.), the son of Suzanne Plyler and William Ray (Bill) Buechner, Sr. B. J. lives in Montgomery.

ABOVE: Daughters of Margie Harris and John White Plyler. Left: Suzanne Plyler, wife of William Ray (Bill) Buechner, Sr. Right: Amy Plyler, wife of William Gray (Bill) Johnson.

BELOW: Left: Bill Buechner, Sr. and his wife, Suzanne Plyler, with Brigitte Lea Buechner, Bill’s daughter by a previous marriage. Right: Margie and John White Plyler.

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d125 SUZANNE PLYLER.; born January 6, 1950.

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Suzanne was born at Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.

Later, in 1950, the family moved to Greensboro, Alabama. The family moved to Alexander City, Alabama in 1952 where Suzy attended public schools. She graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 1968. While in high school, Suzy was a member of the National Honor Society.

Suzy attended the First Methodist Church in Alexander City.

Suzy enrolled in Auburn University in the fall of 1968. She received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Educated from Auburn University in 1972. Suzy was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a social sorority, at Auburn.

Suzy continued her educated by attending Auburn University in Montgomery, where she received her Masters Degree in Education in 1975. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, a teachers honorary society.

Suzy accepted a teaching position at Morning View Elementary School, Montgomery, Alabama in the fall of 1972. She is currently teaching at Brewbaker Elementary School in East Montgomery.

Suzy was married to William Ray Buechner on December 16, 1978 at the Frazier Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

William Ray Buechner, son of Irving H. and Elizabeth Billingsley Buechner, was born May 9, 1946 at St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida.

Bill attended public schools in St. Petersburg, graduated from Northeast High School in 1964.

Bill attended St. Petersburg Junior College and graduated from the University of Florida in 1969 with a B.S. Degree in building construction.

Bill was a member of Pi Kappa Phi social fraternity in college.

Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969. He received pilot training at Craig Air Force Base, Selma, Alabama. He was later based at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas and served in combat in Vietnam in 1971-1974. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a pilot of KC-135 aircraft.

Bill received his discharge from military service in 1974. He is a member of the United States Air Force Reserve.

After being self-employed for a number of years, Bill is employed as a flying crew member with United Air Lines.

Bill has a daughter by a previous marriage. She is Brigitte Lea Buechner who was born July 17, 1970 in Selma, Dallas County, Alabama. Brigitte is attending school in Tampa, Florida.

Bill and Suzy are members of Frazier Memorial Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

The family lives in Montgomery, Alabama.

Their son:

1. William Ray Buechner, Jr.; born in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama on August 27, 1981.

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d125 JANICE PATRICIA PLYLER; born March 1, 1955; d. March 18, 1957.

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Patricia was born in Alexander City, Alabama.

Although Patricia was born with the handicap of spinal bifida, she was, indeed, an alert and interesting child. She received the best of care in her home and in medical institutions.

She died in Birmingham, Alabama at University Hospital.

She is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama with her maternal grandparents.

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d125 AMY ELIZABETH PLYLER; born October 6, 1959.

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Amy was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

The family, at the time of Amy’s birth, was living in Alexander City, Alabama.

During her early years, Amy underwent a number of surgical procedures to correct her physical problems caused by the Rhesus blood factor syndrome. She exhibited courage and determination through these circumstances and has emerged as a beautiful, intelligent, witty, and fun-loving young lady.

Amy attended public schools in Alexander City, Alabama, beginning first grade in 1966.

The family moved to Birmingham in 1969. Amy attended third grade at Shades Mountain Elementary School in Birmingham.

Amy attended W.A. Berry High School and graduated in 1978.

Amy began her college work at Auburn in the fall of 1978. She changed her career goals while at Auburn. Amy completed her work and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Auburn University in June, 1984.

Amy accepted employment, within her specialty area, with the Alabama State Health Department. Initially, she worked in the Troy, Alabama area. Later, she worked with this agency in the Auburn-Opelika area. Amy is now chief dietitian for Valley Hospital, Chambers County, Alabama.

Amy earned her masters degree as a part-time student at the Montgomery campus of Auburn University in 1991.

Amy is a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Birmingham.

Amy married William Gray (Bill) Johnson on August 29, 1992 at Delraida Methodist Church in Montgomery.

They live in Montgomery, Alabama.

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d125 ROBERT EDWARD HARRIS; b. December 3, 1925.

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Robert was born in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama. Robert attended public schools in Fort Payne, graduating from DeKalb County High School in 1943.

Robert was baptized into the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne on September 25, 1938 by Reverend Brady Justice.

Robert worked at various jobs growing up. These included: selling worms for fish bait, mowing lawns, carrying papers, and working at grocery stores. He worked as a freight clerk for V.J. Elmore Stores in Birmingham after graduation from high school. He worked for Mr. Sheridan Lowrey’s Market until he entered the Army. He worked two Christmas seasons for the U.S. Railway Mail Service.

Robert became a soldier in March, 1944. He served as a rifleman in combat in Europe during World War II. He was assigned to Company B, 347^th Regiment, 87^th Infantry Division, Third Army- commanded by General George S. Patton. Robert was seriously injured in combat in Europe on December 16, 1944. He left the service of his country with permanent disabilities from combat wounds.

Robert attended Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham and Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He graduated from Georgia Tech in the class of 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Later in life, Robert attended law school at night. He earned his bachelors degree and his masters degree in law from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta.

Robert is a registered professional engineer and land surveyor. He is also a member of the active bar of Georgia.

Robert started his professional career on January 2, 1950 as assistant county engineer for Perry County, Marion, Alabama. He also worked as an engineer for the United States TVA and the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

Returning to his home county, Robert worked as assistant county engineer for DeKalb County, Alabama. He also worked for a few months for Ladd Engineering Company of Fort Payne.

He was later selected by the DeKalb County Commission to be their County Engineer.

Robert left county employment in 1956 to form a consulting engineering organization in Fort Payne. Robert and his brother, Joe R. Harris, formed a partnership doing business as Harris Engineering Company. This company operated for seven years. Joe left the firm after three years.

The company’s principal activity was the planning, located and design of public roads in DeKalb, Blount, St. Clair, and Jefferson Counties in Alabama. The most significant project was Interstate Highway 59 from the Jefferson County line northward to Whitney, Alabama.

Robert received an honor from the Fort Payne Junior Chamber of Commerce early in 1958. He was selected as most outstanding young man. He was also nominated by this organization in 1958 and 1959 for the honor of being one of Alabama’s four most outstanding young men.

Robert qualified to run for the office of State Representative in 1958. He was elected and represented DeKalb County in the Alabama House of Representatives for four years, ending in November, 1962.

Some of the more significant activities of that legislative term were:

Passing local legislation to strengthen DeKalb County school by increasing school tax by 7.5 mills.

Passing legislation to authorize a junior college on the line between DeKalb and Jackson Counties. Sponsors of this legislation in the House of Representatives were: Bernard Cabiness and Wallace Gross of Jackson County, Ralph Meade of Cherokee County and Robert Harris of DeKalb County.

Robert was the floor manager of the legislation in the House.

State Senate sponsors of this legislation were Donald Word of Jackson County and George Godfrey of Cherokee County (who represented Cherokee and DeKalb in the State Senate).

The construction and operation of this junior college was financed by the incoming administration of Governor George Wallace.

Robert married Tommie Leonore Griffith in Atlanta, Georgia on March 19, 1949.

Tommie, daughter of Benjamin F. and Electra Hill Griffith, was born September 20, 1927 in Winder, Barrow County, Georgia.

Tommie attended Commercial High School in Atlanta. She worked for National Cylinder Gas Company in Atlanta.

Robert and Tommie lived in Marion, Alabama; Knoxville, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; and Fort Payne, Alabama.

Tommie sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne.

Children of Robert and Tommie Harris:

1. James Edward Harris; b. February 1, 1950; d. November 25, 1957.

2. Robert Griffith Harris; b. September 21, 1951.

3. William Bruce Harris; b. January 21, 1953.

4. John Augustus Harris; b. February 27, 1954.

Tommie and Robert were divorced in April, 1964.

Tommie continued to live in Fort Payne and was an employee of Vulcraft Corporation.

Tommie died January 12, 1982. She is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Fort Payne, Alabama.

Robert’s community activities in Fort Payne and DeKalb County included the following:

County Chairman of the Alabama Association for Crippled Children and Adults (Easter Seal Society) for nine years;

President of the Junior High School Parent Teachers Association;

Vice-Chairman of the Fort Payne City Planning Commission;

Disaster Chairman, Civil Defense;

Member and Worshipful Master of Fort Payne Lodge 437, F & AM;

High Priest of Royal Arch Masons, Chapter 107; member, Board of Trustees, Fort Payne Lodge 437, F & AM; Grand Marshall of the Alabama State Grand Lodge of Masons;

Charter member of VFW Post 3128 in Fort Payne.

He was active in the First Baptist Church in Fort Payne, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and as member of the church historic committee, and on the building committee.

Robert also was a member of the Civitan Club and a member of the Alabama Historical Association.

Robert, from about 1953, has pursued interests in the history of DeKalb County, Alabama and his own family’s history. He was pursued family history research.

Robert was a member of the Section Affairs Committee of the Alabama Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Robert was a member of the DeKalb County Democratic Executive Committee and was President of DeKalb County Young Democrats.

Robert was chairman of the campaign committee for the Democratic Party in DeKalb County for the 1960 elections.

Robert was area representative for Georgia Tech and interviewed prospective students for that institution.

Robert accepted a position with the Federal Aviation Administration, Atlanta, Georgia in November of 1962. He was a field engineer, working on the installation of air navigational aids in the Southeastern United States. The nature of this position permitted him to retain his residence in Fort Payne.

Activities in this position included a role in the construction of a new air carrier airport to serve the city of Jackson, Mississippi in 1963 and major expansion of the Memphis, Tennessee airport.

Robert worked as a planner, engineer and compliance specialist in the Atlanta Airport’s District Office. This office had jurisdiction for the development of airport facilities in the states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Robert was, for 14 years, the Assistant Manager of this office.

Robert retired from the Federal Aviation Administration on January 31, 1987.

At the time of his retirement, Robert was honored for twenty-five years of service to the aviation community by the public officials, the airport managers and elements of the aviation industry in the areas he had served. These honors came in the form of letters of commendation, proclamations, luncheons, and a retirement dinner.

The City of Atlanta sponsored a luncheon, provided a plaque of appreciation and proclaimed January 31, 1987 to be Robert E. Harris Appreciation Day at the William B. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.

Governor James G. Martin of North Carolina provided a certificate of honor conferring the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

After retirement from the FAA, Robert became a partner in the law firm of Mallard, Minor and Harris in northeast Atlanta.

He has pursued his work as an attorney and as an aviation consultant.

He has also pursued his interests in family history.

Robert is married to Lawana Dixon Smith. The ceremony was performed at Briarlake Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia on September 21, 1974 by the Reverend J. Hoffman Harris.

Lawana, daughter of Eugene and Ina Sheppard Dixon, was born June 13, 1928 at Avera, Jefferson County, Georgia. Lawana was educated in the public schools of Jefferson County, Georgia, graduating from Avera High School in 1946. She was a member of the Beta Club in high school.

Lawana attended Georgia State College (for women) at Milledgeville.

Lawana moved to Atlanta in 1947 and completed a cosmetology course at Artistic Beauty Institute. She now operates a small beauty shop in DeKalb County, Georgia near her home.

Lawana was married to Ralph S. Smith of Thompson, Georgia. She was widowed when Ralph died in an automobile accident in Texas in 1968.

Lawana has four children from her marriage to Ralph Smith:

1. Ralph Stevenson Smith was born April 20, 1950 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. Ralph was educated in the public schools of DeKalb County, Georgia and in the public schools of Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Lake Highland High School, Dallas, Texas in 1969.

Ralph is single and lives in Atlanta.

2. Don Hartman Smith was born February 4, 1952 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. Don was educated in the public schools of DeKalb County, Georgia and Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Henderson High School, DeKalb County, Georgia in 1970.

Don is a veteran of the United States Air Force. His enlistment was from February 15, 1973 until February 15, 1977. His service included tours of duty in Mississippi, Turkey and South Carolina. While in service, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Don attended DeKalb Community College and Southern Technical Institute, Marietta, Georgia. Don graduated from Southern Technical Institute with high honors and a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology on June 7, 1980.

Don is employed as a research engineer with AT&T, Bell Laboratories, Norcross, Georgia. Don is a member of Peachtree Baptist Church.

Don lives in northeast Atlanta.

3. Cynthia Marie Smith was born April 26, 1957 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

She attended public schools in DeKalb County, Georgia and Dallas, Texas.

Cynthia graduated from Henderson High School, DeKalb County, Georgia on June 5, 1975. She attended Georgia Southern College, Statesboro, Georgia, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Criminal Justice on June 9, 1979. Cindy was employed as an assistant library procurement officer at Georgia Southern College, Statesboro, Georgia.

Cindy is now working as a substitute rural letter carrier with the United States Postal Service.

Cindy was married to Michael Wayne Hendrix on July 7, 1979 at Briarlake Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia. The minister was the Reverend J. Hoffman Harris.

Mike, son of Carol and Margaret Gunter Hendrix, was born April 11, 1956 at Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia.

Mike attended Marvin Pittman School on the Georgia Southern Campus in Statesboro. Mike graduated from Statesboro High School in 1974. He is employed as a machinist by Statesboro Auto Parts Company.

A son, John Michael Hendrix, was born to Cindy and Mike on September 14, 1984 in Statesboro, Georgia.

Cindy, Mike, and little John Michael live on a farm, north of Statesboro in Bulloch County, Georgia.

4. Dixon Eugene Smith was born June 26, 1960 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. Dixon attended public schools in DeKalb County, Georgia and in Dallas, Texas. Dixon graduated from Henderson High School, DeKalb County, Georgia in June, 1979.

Dixon attended DeKalb College. He works for a florist in DeKalb County and lives in northeast Atlanta.

Robert maintains his membership in Post 3128, Veterans of Foreign War, in Fort Payne.

Robert is a Mason, maintaining his membership in Fort Payne Lodge 437 F & AM. He is also a member of the Fort Payne York Rite Bodies. He is also a member of Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta.

Robert and Lawana are Baptists and live in the Tucker community of DeKalb County, Georgia.

Pages 378-409

Pages 531-676

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