This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Washam Rhodes Ryan Worsham Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AW.2ADE/620.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Carolyn, I hope I can fill in some blanks and add some interesting information. In the book, Worsham and Washam Family History, p 775, we wrote about William: "William served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War as a private with Captain Ellis Logan’s Company of State Guards. He was discharged near Mobile, AL because he was “ruptured.” He first applied for a pension on 16 May 1894 in Shelby Co., AL stating that he was “incapable of making a living by labor because of old age.” The application was approved, but he applied again for a pension on 6 Jan 1896 when he was living in Hanover community of Coosa County. He was farming and had no taxable assets. His medical report says he was ruptured and is now crippled and is old and infirm." "Mary Ann applied for a widow’s pension on 15 Apr 1899, stating that William had died on 28 Nov 1897. J. Busby and J. Hatterway attested to her being the widow of William. She listed her assets as “One sewing machine worth $10.00 and 1 clock worth $1.00.” On another page she lists that she owned one cow and calf worth $10.00 and household and kitchen furniture worth $25.00. Medically she was found to have “Rheumatism and heart trouble.” Mary Ann, widow was living with her widowed daughter, Sarah Rhodes in the 1900 census. She d aft 1900. ..." I also found the following since we wrote the book: Fri May 2, 1930, Greene Co, AR, From Daily Press, "Large Gathering of Aged People Guest of Bud Ryan. Bud Ryan popular owner of the Ryan Cafe, put the big pot in the little one so to speak in his royal, big entertainment of the aged people of Greene county at his well known place of business at noon today. When he served his guests a sumptous chicken dinner. A total of 137 guests, who have attained or passed the age of 75 years, shared in his hospitality by sitting at his festal board. The large dining room of the cafe was filled to overflowing when the guests filed in and were seated. Tables were extended from one end of the room to the other, symbolical of Bud's smile which extended from ear to ear, as he gave to each of the guests the glad hand and expressions of a cordial welcome, he as happy as the happiest guest present - and all were happy. Following the feast at the cafe, the aged guests were ushered to the Capitol Theater where John Collins, the manager of that popl! ar playhouse, entertained them in the presentation of "Paramount on Parade" a very interesting all - talking picture. It was a great feast, and it was a great time a big occasion that will stand out in the memory of the aged guests and their host of friends , through the years to come. Each of the aged guests registered his or her name with Miss Mary Ida Ryan, giving age, date of birth an place of residence. The register showed a total of 137 names, all of those who had either reached or passed the 75th anniversary of their birth." Listed was Mrs. Mary Jane Worsham June 10, 1853, age 76 born AL. I can add more, please let me know what information you are interested in. May I ask how you descend from this family? Do you have any photographs you would like to share? Hope to help, Larry Washam larrywasham@aol.com http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~worshamwasham/