Our new site address: Alabama African American Genealogy AlGenWeb-UsGenWeb http://www.dnaco.net/~diva1 If you would like to learn more about the AlabamaPOC_Genealogy group, please visit http://www.egroups.com/group/AlabamaPOC_Genealogy __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com
There sure is a Lauderdale County web site and email list. You can find it here http://www.rootsweb.com/~mslaude2 Scroll down the first page a little and you will see the links for the mailing list. All you have to do is click on the one you want (L=individual posts or D=several posts in one email) then hit send. Wahla! Your subscribed. Kristy Williams CC Sumter County, ALGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~alsumter CC Lauderdale County, MSGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~mslaude2 Co-CC Kemper County, MSGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~mskemper Co-CC Neshoba County, MSGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~msneshob ----- Original Message ----- From: <NURU@aol.com> To: <ALSUMTER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 5:17 PM Subject: [ALSUMTER] Launderdale mailing list > Hello, > I am researching my family surnames: > WINSTON, FRAZIER,WRIGHT,and DUNNING. > All lived in surrounding areas in Livingston, Emelle and Geiger > I just found out some might have relocated to Meridian Ms. > Can someone send me the address to the Lauderdale, Ms, mailing list. > Do they also have a webpage? > Thank you, > S. > >
Kristy, Thanks for posting it to the Sumter List. Actually, I am on the Sumter List, just not on the Lauderdale Co, MS List. Barbara
Hello, I am researching my family surnames: WINSTON, FRAZIER,WRIGHT,and DUNNING. All lived in surrounding areas in Livingston, Emelle and Geiger I just found out some might have relocated to Meridian Ms. Can someone send me the address to the Lauderdale, Ms, mailing list. Do they also have a webpage? Thank you, S.
Hi everyone, This was sent to me and I thought it was worth passing on. Kristy Williams http://www.rootsweb.com/~alsumter Sent in by Barbara Poythress Neal = = = = = = = The following was sent to me, and I thought it was well worth passing on: We think we have life hard? Sometimes it does us good to reflect on history and be thankful for what we have here in the U.S.A. I'm sending this to all my good friends and if you've seen it before then just reflect on it and have a Memorable 4th of July ! Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! I hope you will show your support by please sending this to as many people as you can. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games. The Rev. Richard R. Losch Livingston, Alabama http://rrl.sumternet.com
This is from Barbara Poythress Neal BarbPoythressNeal@CompuServe.com Please respond to her as she is not subscribed = = = = While at the Family History Library in Salt Lake in January 1998, I extracted the below info on Poythress marriages from film #0899110, "Lauderdale County, Mississippi General Index to Marriage Records, white, 1839-1938." I had made a notation while extracting, that there were no records indexed for 1845-1851, thus there could be additional Poythress marriages during that 7 year period, within the film's-named-100-year period. Listed below for each Poythress marriage that I spotted, are the year of the marriage; the names as listed in the Index; the Book #; and the page # [The notes in square brackets offer clarifying identification from my research; this info does not appear in the Index] These Index listings should enable anyone desiring the full marriage documentation to more easily locate it. Algernon E. Poythress, mentioned in my bracketed notes below, was born 12 Aug 1844. He was my great-grandfather, who had in 1853, moved from Mecklenburg Co, VA to Sumter Co, AL, as a child with his 7 siblings and their father James E. Poythress & mother Catherine Preston. James E. Poythress was possibly a son of Lewis Poythress. James E. Poythress (who died 17 Jan 1863) & his wife Catherine Preston (who died 18 Oct 1884) are buried in graves that are no longer marked, at Sumterville Methodist Cemetery, Sumter Co, AL. Algernon E. Poythress & his wife Ellen Belle McKinley had 11 children, 8 of whom lived to be adults. A.E. Poythress (a carpenter and farmer) & wife Ellen lived in Sumter Co, AL (except for less than 2 yrs in Florida in the mid-1870s) until they moved to Lauderdale Co, MS after purchasing land there on 1 Nov 1899. A.E. Poythress died 11 April 1918, and his wife Ellen died 6 Aug 1918; they are buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian near the Poythress family marker, with neither having an individual marker, in Lot 4, Section 5. James Speed Poythress, mentioned in my bracketed notes below, was born 24 Sep 1829. He was a son of David Poythress & grandson of Lewis Poythress. They also lived in Mecklenburg Co, VA for many years. Lewis Poythress died in that area of VA. Lewis' son David Poythress moved, apparently in the late 1850s, across the state line to NC; he died 26 Sep 1876 and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery, in Henderson, Vance Co, NC. David's son James Speed Poythress moved to Sumter Co, AL from Mecklenburg Co, VA, possibly in the same wagon train with the family of James E. Poythress & Catherine Preston, above. James Speed Poythress and his wife "Mattie" Martha Grice Raiford had 9 children born in Sumter Co, AL, who lived to be adults. J.S. Poythress moved his family to Meridian by about 1893; he was a storekeeper there. J.S. Poythress died 17 March 1923; his wife Mattie had died 19 Aug 1917; they are buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lot 358. Markers for them were placed at that Lot in Spring 1998 by descendants and Poythress researchers. In order by MEN, who had "Poythress" for surname: 1902 John T. & Grace D. Dunn; 4; 194 [John Thomas Poythress, a son of James Speed Poythress] 1908 B.R. & Bessie Robinson; 7; 209 [Bryant Richardson Poythress, Sr., a son of James Speed Poythress] 1917 C.H. & Pearl Beasley; 17; 210 [Carl Hutton Poythress, a son of James Speed Poythress] 1918 B.E. & Lena Spinks; 17; 550 [Bennie Edward Poythress, Sr., a son of Algernon E. Poythress] 1922 Charles W. & Minnie M. Tutt; 23; 289 [Charles William Poythress, Sr., a son of James Speed Poythress, marrying second wife Minnie (nee Mitchell) Tutt] 1924 R.L. & Florence L. Hawkins; 27; 157 [Robert Lee Poythress, Jr., son of Robert Lee Poythress, Sr. & grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1925 James S. & Rose E. Jones; 27; 314 [James Stroble Poythress, son of James David Poythress & grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1925 J. W. & Martha Lois Corbitt; 27; 494 [John Wallace Poythress, son of Robert Lee Poythress, Sr. & grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1929 J. W. & Mary E. Brett; 33; 197 [John Wallace Poythress, son of Robert Lee Poythress, Sr. & grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1929 Robert L. Jr. & Addie K. Husband; 33; 459 [Robert Lee Poythress, Jr., grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1934 Harold Frederick & Violet E. Crook; 38; 16 [Harold Frederick Poythress, son of Robert Lee Poythress, Sr. & grandson of James Speed Poythress] 1935 Norbert Earl & Sarah Francis Davis; 39; 207 [Norbert Earl Poythress, son of James David Poythress & grandson of James Speed Poythress] In order by WOMEN, who at time of marriage had "Poythress" for surname: 1903 Annie P. & Charles A. Curtis; 4; 494 [Annie Priscilla Poythress, daughter of Algernon E. Poythress] 1904 Sallie G. & C. M. Card; 5; 51 [Sallie G. Poythress, daughter of James Speed Poythress] 1904 Adelaide E. & Thomas M. Curtis; 5; 223 [Adelaide Ellen or Elenor Poythress, daughter of Algernon E. Poythress] 1910 Roberta C. & Walter J. Gartin; 8; 96 [Roberta Clare or Clair Poythress, daughter of Algernon E. Poythress] 1914 Willie M. & Wm. John Trest; 13; 571 [Willie Mae Poythress, daughter of James David Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1917 Grace & Malcolm McCraw; 17; 253 [Grace Beulah Poythress, daughter of James David Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1920 Kate & W. J. Gartin; 21; 92 [Frances Katherine Poythress, daughter of Algernon E. Poythress; married Walter J. Gartin after death of her younger sister Roberta, above] 1925 Annie Grice & Everett Shamburger; 29; 58 [Annie Grice Poythress, daughter of James David Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1927 Helen Grace & John J. Watts; 31; 167 [Helen Grace Poythress, daughter of John Thomas Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1928 Martha & George E. Thompson; 31; 538 [Martha Corbitt, then divorced from John Wallace Poythress, above] 1928 Eleanor & Thomas C. Clancy; 33; 31 [Eleanor Grace Poythress, daughter of Robert Lee Poythress, Sr. & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1932 Katherine & L. R. Bass; 37; 228 [Katherine Poythress,daughter of John Thomas Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1935 Margaret Elizabeth & Edw. Speed; 38; 522 [Margaret Elizabeth Poythress, daughter of James David Poythress & granddtr of James Speed Poythress] 1938 Rose Jones & W. B. Wilmurth Jr.; 41; 364 [Rose Jones, then divorced from James Stroble Poythress, above]
Could anyone tell me a good researcher in Sumter Co.? I am looking for a Wm. Hall married to a Susan ??? Years ago I had contacted a very good researcher, but I cannot find her name at the present time. I do not care if the person is a "professional" genealogist. Any help appreciated very much. Marlene
Read: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~binkley/ellen_pack2.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: Emily5505@aol.com To: alabama-slaves@egroups.com ; POCSOUTH-L@rootsweb.com ; OH-CW-AfricaAmer-L@rootsweb.com ; OH-AfricaAmer-L@rootsweb.com ; ALSUMTER-L@rootsweb.com ; AL-AfricaAmer-L@rootsweb.com ; AfricanAmericanGenealogy@egroups.com ; AFRICAN-AMERICAN-L@history.rootsweb.com ; AfAmer-RoundTable@onelist.com Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 7:12 PM Subject: Re: [alabama-slaves] Fw: Good News, Bad News, Good News: The Merger of RootsW... I wonder if Rootsweb asked USGenweb or any of the other list managers/web site developers if they wanted their information sold to Ancestry.com. Do these persons lose control of their sites since Rootsweb has been sold? Will anyone else profit from the extensive databases that Rootsweb has sold? Databases which only exist because of the hard work of so many other people. Emily - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a joint effort of Alabama African American Genealogy Alabama African American Genealogy http://www.rootsweb.com/~alaag alabama_slaves@yahoo.com
Oh Rita Please! Your making me blush! Thanks for the kind words, Kristy ----- Original Message ----- From: <RLitch616@aol.com> To: <ALSUMTER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 5:58 PM Subject: [ALSUMTER] Re: New Coordinator for Sumter Co. site and list > Kristy Williams, you are incredible! I'm posting this to the Sumter Co. list > to let readers know that you and your great co-workers have done a superb job > with the Mississippi county sites for Lauderdale, Kemper, and Neshoba. And > now you've taken on the neighboring county of Sumter Co., AL. Color me > happy! Genie searchers will benefit so much from the dedication of you and > the others who help you on the county sites. > > Best regards to all of you. > Rita Litchfield >
AMEN! to that! Thank you for all the hard work. You are doing great! Sincerely, June S. Midkiff
Kristy Williams, you are incredible! I'm posting this to the Sumter Co. list to let readers know that you and your great co-workers have done a superb job with the Mississippi county sites for Lauderdale, Kemper, and Neshoba. And now you've taken on the neighboring county of Sumter Co., AL. Color me happy! Genie searchers will benefit so much from the dedication of you and the others who help you on the county sites. Best regards to all of you. Rita Litchfield
Posted on: Sumter Co. Al Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/Sumter?read=196 Surname: WILLIAMS, MOSLEY ------------------------- Betty, My gg grand father was William Norman Williams who was in Kemper Co.Ms.in 1870. He had a brother Abraham Fletcher Williams who migrated to Fl. from Al. the father of these two are Wilson C. Williams born in Ga. and died in Sumter Co. Fl. Do you think they fit in with your family? I have been unable to locate any other siblings.I am stuck on this line. My gg grandfather William Norman Williams migrated from Kemper Co. to Lauderdale Co.Ms.and died there in 1912. He was married to Lucinda Mosley July 4,1852 probably in Dale Co. Al. Bobbye@microsped.com
Posted on: Sumter Co. Al Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/Sumter?read=195 Surname: Williams, Matthews ------------------------- Thanks for the posting. Intercourse is actually a town in Sumter Co AL. My Williams were in a town called Enterprise also but that was in Clarke Co MS. Sorry I have not seen anything on the names you mentioned.
Hi everyone, I thought I would introduce myself. My name is Kristy Williams and I am the new County Coordinator and listowner for Sumter County. I'd like to thank Denise for the great work she did on the Sumter site. There are several new areas I would like to mention. We have a "First Families" section. Your ancestor doesn't have to have really been a "first" family. It was just a catchy name. Here you can send in photos, histories, stories, just about anything of interest about your ancestors. I believe genealogy is more than just names dates and facts. It's about how they worked, loved, laughed and lived. There is also birth, marriage and death pages. Here you will be able to send in names, dates and locations if known with your name and email address as a contact. There will also be a "War" page, so that important information about our ancestors in the wars can be placed. Also, a section for towns/communities and schools. This will be a place for histories, photos, stories etc. Well, there are lots of areas to contribute information and make Sumter come alive. I invite you to come and check it out and of course, if you have any information you would like to contribute, I will be happy to post it. Sincerely, Kristy Williams http://www.rootsweb.com/~alsumter
A History of the Town of Livingston, Alabama, the book by Robert D. Spratt, copyright 1997 edition, was published (thanks to a generous grant from The Sumter County Historical Society) by Livingston Press, Station 22 The University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 35470 No phone number is shown on their invoice When I bought my copy in 1997, the cost of this excellent 180-page paperback was $12.95 plus $3 shipping per order. Try sending them a check for $15.95 and requesting a copy; it should still be available. Barbara
Posted on: Sumter County Alabama Obituaries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/SumterObits?read=18 Surname: Hall, Scarbrough, McMillan, Gillespie, Blackshear ------------------------- The following was in program form and handed out to those attending the funeral of: Annie Maude (Annette) Scarbrough Hall Born January 14, 1914 in Alexandria, Alabama to William Alva Scarbrough & Mamie Sabra Scarbrough. Passed from this life on Saturday, December 19, 1998 at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama. Graveside services held on Wednesday, December 23, 1998, at the Brewersville Cemetery, in the Brewersville community on Highway 28 southwest of Livingston, AL. She resided last at Shelton County Homeland, a domiciliary located at 149 First Avenue, Jemson, Alabama. Sister Hall was married to Joe McMillan (Joe Mac) Hall, for over 45 years; until his death in November of 1980. She is survived by one son, Joe McMillan Hall II,of Helena, Alabama, and his wife, Charlotte; five grandchildren - Joe McMillan Hall III and his wife Mary, of Birmingham, Alabama; William Michael Hall and his wife Carla, of Dallas, Texas; Tabitha Annette Burnham and her husband Vaughn, and Rachel Elizabeth Law and husband Jeffrey, of Jennings, Florida; and Sonja Renée Cumberland and husband Michael, of Lauderdale, Mississippi. Her nine great-grandchildren are: Nancy Kingston Hall, Phoebe Michelle Hall, Monica Layne McMahon, Joseph Blake McMahon, Jason Tanner Law, Olivia Rachel Law, Jeffrey William Law, Jr., Ashley Brooke Cumberland, and Ana Lisa Cumberland. Sister Hall had four sisters and two brothers, of which is still living and resides in Coral Gables, Florida, Emma Frances Scarbrough Keppler. She has surviving, numerous neices and nephews for whom she was extremely fond. Sister Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Mac Hall, in April, 1980, as well as her youngest son, William Arthur Hall, in December, 1996, and his wife Sonja Faye Roberson Hall who passed from this life in August of 1994. After the closing of the family-owned general store, which has long been torn down and out of so many peoples memories, Sister Hall worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses in Sumter and Marengo Counties. She left Coatopa after her husbands death and lived at intervals with one or the other of her sons, or at least close by. She stayed in touch with family and friends who meant so very much to her. Annette Hall was baptized by her son, Bill, not far from where we are today, in a shallow creek, Foscue Creek, I believe it was, in the mid to late 1960s. Witnessing this precious event were her daughter-in-law Sonja, and three granddaughters, Tabitha, Renée and Rachel. Renée recalls them singing, as Sister Hall came up out of the water, Oh Happy Day! And oh what a happy day it must have been to see one so loved, as Sister Hall was by her family, making that step to eternal salvation and a home in Heaven with the Lord. The granddaughters tell that Sister Hall loved her Lord, praying diligently. They recall seeing tears in their grandmothers eyes as she spoke of her saviour. Rachel remembers a time, not long after the passing of her mother, Sonja, that Sister Hall spoke of the fear of dying; that it would be so dark. She could not understand why Sonja showed no signs of being afraid of dying. Rachel explained that her mother new that Heaven awaited those that loved the Lord and obeyed Him. Mother, Rachel said, was looking forward to the day when shed leave this temporary life and go home to be with her Lord. Rachel reassured her grandmother that there was nothing to fear; that God would take care of her, and ease her through it. Sister Hall was a loving grandmother, as her grandchildren will attest. When asked of them for some memories of their grandmother, most of them recall how she taught them the art of canning, jelly making, and the like; and also, not only teaching them to play the came of Canasta, but giving them very good competition in their games. They also talked about the multitude of afghans their grandmother crocheted over the years. She wanted to make certain that each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and niece and nephew received one. Everyone was proud to have an "Annette afghan." Tabitha, the eldest grandchild, also remembers playing dress-up in Granny Halls old clothes, which looked anything but old. Renée still, to this day, has one of the hats they played with. Rachel recalls how her grandmother loved flowers and how the two of them would plant the seeds, tend the beds, and eventually gather and arrange the flowers. Joe III recalls Granny as a very caring and giving person; how she took extra measure in welcoming his wife, Mary into the family. Joe also recalls the fudge and divinity his grandmother made, especially at Christmastime. In addition to the other memories of his grandmother, Michael stated that she always made him feel special, just because he was Michael. She not only taught him to make fig preserves and plum jelly from the fruit in her yard, but also made certain he took some home to have for himself. Renée remembers, especially at this holiday season, that one of the girls (and it was special to be the one) would be allowed to spend the night with Granny Hall and in order to help prepare Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Mixing the dressing was the highlight of the evening. Renée attributes her love of cooking to her grandmothers patience and encouragement. Sister Halls son Joe II, relates that he cannot begin to tell what his mother meant to him, but said that she instilled in his life the concept of right and wrong, and that she made sure he and his brother, Bill, felt secure with food and shelter as well as a normal interaction with their peers. Joe II wants to share with you one memory he has of his mothers love. On the night of his sixth grade graduation, his mother drove him to a party in Epes in the pouring rain in the dark. She did it because she knew it was very important to him. In those days that was a long way to travel at night, and in the rain. Joe al
Posted on: Sumter County Alabama Obituaries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/SumterObits?read=17 Surname: Hall, Scarbrough, McMillan, Gillespie, Blackshear ------------------------- The following was in program form and handed out to those attending the funeral of: Annie Maude (Annette) Scarbrough Hall Born January 14, 1914 in Alexandria, Alabama to William Alva Scarbrough & Mamie Sabra Scarbrough. Passed from this life on Saturday, December 19, 1998 at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama. She resided last at Shelton County Homeland, a domiciliary located at 149 First Avenue, Jemson, Alabama. Sister Hall was married to Joe McMillan (Joe Mac) Hall, for over 45 years; until his death in November of 1980. She is survived by one son, Joe McMillan Hall II,of Helena, Alabama, and his wife, Charlotte; five grandchildren - Joe McMillan Hall III and his wife Mary, of Birmingham, Alabama; William Michael Hall and his wife Carla, of Dallas, Texas; Tabitha Annette Burnham and her husband Vaughn, and Rachel Elizabeth Law and husband Jeffrey, of Jennings, Florida; and Sonja Renée Cumberland and husband Michael, of Lauderdale, Mississippi. Her nine great-grandchildren are: Nancy Kingston Hall, Phoebe Michelle Hall, Monica Layne McMahon, Joseph Blake McMahon, Jason Tanner Law, Olivia Rachel Law, Jeffrey William Law, Jr., Ashley Brooke Cumberland, and Ana Lisa Cumberland. Sister Hall had four sisters and two brothers, of which is still living and resides in Coral Gables, Florida, Emma Frances Scarbrough Keppler. She has surviving, numerous neices and nephews for whom she was extremely fond. Sister Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Mac Hall, in April, 1980, as well as her youngest son, William Arthur Hall, in December, 1996, and his wife Sonja Faye Roberson Hall who passed from this life in August of 1994. After the closing of the family-owned general store, which has long been torn down and out of so many peoples memories, Sister Hall worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses in Sumter and Marengo Counties. She left Coatopa after her husbands death and lived at intervals with one or the other of her sons, or at least close by. She stayed in touch with family and friends who meant so very much to her. Annette Hall was baptized by her son, Bill, not far from where we are today, in a shallow creek, Foscue Creek, I believe it was, in the mid to late 1960s. Witnessing this precious event were her daughter-in-law Sonja, and three granddaughters, Tabitha, Renée and Rachel. Renée recalls them singing, as Sister Hall came up out of the water, Oh Happy Day! And oh what a happy day it must have been to see one so loved, as Sister Hall was by her family, making that step to eternal salvation and a home in Heaven with the Lord. The granddaughters tell that Sister Hall loved her Lord, praying diligently. They recall seeing tears in their grandmothers eyes as she spoke of her saviour. Rachel remembers a time, not long after the passing of her mother, Sonja, that Sister Hall spoke of the fear of dying; that it would be so dark. She could not understand why Sonja showed no signs of being afraid of dying. Rachel explained that her mother new that Heaven awaited those that loved the Lord and obeyed Him. Mother, Rachel said, was looking forward to the day when shed leave this temporary life and go home to be with her Lord. Rachel reassured her grandmother that there was nothing to fear; that God would take care of her, and ease her through it. Sister Hall was a loving grandmother, as her grandchildren will attest. When asked of them for some memories of their grandmother, most of them recall how she taught them the art of canning, jelly making, and the like; and also, not only teaching them to play the came of Canasta, but giving them very good competition in their games. They also talked about the multitude of afghans their grandmother crocheted over the years. She wanted to make certain that each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and niece and nephew received one. Everyone was proud to have an "Annette afghan." Tabitha, the eldest grandchild, also remembers playing dress-up in Granny Halls old clothes, which looked anything but old. Renée still, to this day, has one of the hats they played with. Rachel recalls how her grandmother loved flowers and how the two of them would plant the seeds, tend the beds, and eventually gather and arrange the flowers. Joe III recalls Granny as a very caring and giving person; how she took extra measure in welcoming his wife, Mary into the family. Joe also recalls the fudge and divinity his grandmother made, especially at Christmastime. In addition to the other memories of his grandmother, Michael stated that she always made him feel special, just because he was Michael. She not only taught him to make fig preserves and plum jelly from the fruit in her yard, but also made certain he took some home to have for himself. Renée remembers, especially at this holiday season, that one of the girls (and it was special to be the one) would be allowed to spend the night with Granny Hall and in order to help prepare Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Mixing the dressing was the highlight of the evening. Renée attributes her love of cooking to her grandmothers patience and encouragement. Sister Halls son Joe II, relates that he cannot begin to tell what his mother meant to him, but said that she instilled in his life the concept of right and wrong, and that she made sure he and his brother, Bill, felt secure with food and shelter as well as a normal interaction with their peers. Joe II wants to share with you one memory he has of his mothers love. On the night of his sixth grade graduation, his mother drove him to a party in Epes in the pouring rain in the dark. She did it because she knew it was very important to him. In those days that was a long way to travel at night, and in the rain. Joe also says that the little memories of his mother have such big meanings in his life today. All of you who knew Sister Hall have many memories of your own. These m
In a message dated 6/2/2000 9:49:14 PM Central Daylight Time, SReneeHC@aol.com writes: << HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON ALABAMA is a very good book to use in researching ancestors. I believe the author is Spratt. You really must search the pages one-by-one, though, as the index is not complete. There is quite a lot of interesting information about the area, if you can take the time to "read" this history of Livinston, which is county seat of Sumter County. I was able to identify ancestors whom I'd never even heard of, and I grew up in around Livingston. >> Does anyone know where I can get a copy of this book? love joan
Posted on: Sumter County, Alabama Biographies Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/SumterBios?read=3 Surname: Hall, McMillan, Gillespie, Blackshear ------------------------- HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON ALABAMA is a very good book to use in researching ancestors. I believe the author is Spratt. You really must search the pages one-by-one, though, as the index is not complete. There is quite a lot of interesting information about the area, if you can take the time to "read" this history of Livinston, which is county seat of Sumter County. I was able to identify ancestors whom I'd never even heard of, and I grew up in around Livingston. Good Luck!
Posted on: Sumter Co. Al Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Al/Sumter?read=193 Surname: ------------------------- There is a wonderful new site for anyone who lost loved ones in Vietnam. It is the Virtual Wall where one can look up names and leave remembrances. The URL is: http://www1.thevirtualwall.org/ Wish I could make it clickable. Please pass this on. Lest We Forget