----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Pool" <PoolL@theriver.com> To: <OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 8:58 AM Subject: RE: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? > IF I get what I'm hoping for, you may be able to hear me SHOUT! > > I've known for a couple of years that my Aunt Bessie (POOL) DAVIS referred > to "Uncle Siah". I have been very curious as to who he was. After my > family reunion in October, I was determined to find out his connection. My > older brothers knew of him; I didn't. I now am certain I know ... I want > documentation or to hear from someone that knows this to be true. > > The reason I e-mailed OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com was the HOLDERs are/were > there. > > Have I mentioned my family's connection to McCurtain Co., OK? > > Larry > > -----Original Message----- > From: Donna Walters [mailto:Donnarainbow7@cox.net] > Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 11:35 PM > To: OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? > > Good work Larry. Please keep us informed. > Cousin Donna sue > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Larry Pool" <PoolL@theriver.com> > To: <OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 5:59 AM > Subject: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? > > > Cousins - With the information I was provided and what I already had, > > I > did > > some more digging. > > > > Today, I sent for the Social Security application for Josiah POOL. He > > appears to be one of John J. POOL's sons and my grandfather's (Oliver > Green > > POOL) brother. It's my hope to finally have proof as to who John J. > POOL's > > wife was. She appears to be Nancy C. HAM. I hope to finally > > determine > that > > for sure. > > > > KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! > > > > Larry > > > > Josiah POOL > > Birth Date: 17 Apr 1881 > > Death Date: May 1967 > > Social Security Number: 457-18-0081 > > State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Texas > > Death Residence Localities ZIP Code: 75559 > > > > ==== OKMCCURT Mailing List ==== > CONTACT the list admin. at tawshasroots@yahoo.com > Visit the McCurtain county page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~okmccurt/mccurt.htm > > ============================== > Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the > last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx >

I am looking for any information on Elliot Jackson Caldwell and his wife Etta V. ? I believe they are buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, McCurtain Co., OK. Elliot's parents were Newton Dudley Caldwell and Lucy Ann Fontaine. Elliot is my great great uncle. I had corresponded with a Sharon McGaha from Texas but have lost contact with her. I believe she is a great granddaughter to this couple. If anyone can put me in touch with her I would appreciate it. Eliot was born January 24, 1886 in Mineral Springs, Howard Co., AR and died april 22, 1974 in Idabel, McCurtain Co., OK. He and Etta was married November 24, 1912 but I don't know where. Etta was born December 14, 1894 (where?) died March 27, 1967 (where?). They had 9 children: Ruby, Willie, Julie, Newton, Alpha, Bertha, Helen, Roy and Ester. I do not know if any of these people are living. I would hope to find some of their descendants so they can fill in some of my blanks. Thanks in advance for anyone's help! Jane Foley Cornelius, NC Formerly of Colorado Springs, CO Born DeQueen, AR

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1664.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Broken Bow Kiamichi Country Genealogy Society at BBKCGS@YAHOO.COM will be very glad to help you with the obits,etc. just send a message there and we will help you if there are any obits to be found. We do have a small fee for look-ups found. We can do newspaper microfilm search, census, school census, etc. Thanks Elaine

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: CLIFTON, INGRAM Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1664.1.1 Message Board Post: Thank you, thank you thank you!!!! This is them. How would I go about finding death dates and obits? I've done a lot of research on my own family but I've always had this type of stuff to begin with so I'm not sure where to start on this. CLIFTON, Grace E. Oct 30,1910 m."Cliff" 10-22-1932 CLIFTON, S.L."Cliff" Jan 17,1911 m.Grace 10-22-1932

IF I get what I'm hoping for, you may be able to hear me SHOUT! I've known for a couple of years that my Aunt Bessie (POOL) DAVIS referred to "Uncle Siah". I have been very curious as to who he was. After my family reunion in October, I was determined to find out his connection. My older brothers knew of him; I didn't. I now am certain I know ... I want documentation or to hear from someone that knows this to be true. The reason I e-mailed OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com was the HOLDERs are/were there. Have I mentioned my family's connection to McCurtain Co., OK? Larry -----Original Message----- From: Donna Walters [mailto:Donnarainbow7@cox.net] Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 11:35 PM To: OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? Good work Larry. Please keep us informed. Cousin Donna sue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Pool" <PoolL@theriver.com> To: <OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 5:59 AM Subject: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? > Cousins - With the information I was provided and what I already had, > I did > some more digging. > > Today, I sent for the Social Security application for Josiah POOL. He > appears to be one of John J. POOL's sons and my grandfather's (Oliver Green > POOL) brother. It's my hope to finally have proof as to who John J. POOL's > wife was. She appears to be Nancy C. HAM. I hope to finally > determine that > for sure. > > KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! > > Larry > > Josiah POOL > Birth Date: 17 Apr 1881 > Death Date: May 1967 > Social Security Number: 457-18-0081 > State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Texas > Death Residence Localities ZIP Code: 75559

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1664.1 Message Board Post: Here are the Cliftons listed in the Denison Cemetery in Idabel. The list is not up to date. Elaine CLIFTON, Barney D. Aug 30,1894 Oct 21,1961 OK Sgt Air Ser WWI CLIFTON, Charley T. 1873 1951 m.Sallie L. CLIFTON, Cleo Frank Mar 8,1906 Feb 5,1979 m.Oma 12-26-1939 CLIFTON, Grace E. Oct 30,1910 m."Cliff" 10-22-1932 CLIFTON, John F. Sep 16,1861 Mar 8,1942 m.Laura CLIFTON, Laura E. Sep 23,1875 Jun 11,1939 m.John CLIFTON, Oma Mae Sep 15,1906 Nov 22,1981 m.Cleo 12-26-1939 CLIFTON, S.L."Cliff" Jan 17,1911 m.Grace 10-22-1932 CLIFTON, Sallie L. 1887 1943 m.Charlie T.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: CLIFTON, INGRAM Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1664 Message Board Post: I'm looking for any info (especially photos and obits) of SL and Grace CLIFTON. SL's given name was Sharlet but he went by SL. He died in 1989 but not sure when. No idea when Grace died. They lived in Idabel. They had a daughter named Charlotte Kaye CLIFTON who married Gary Bruce INGRAM. Any info greatly appreciated Thank you Michelle Ingram

Good work Larry. Please keep us informed. Cousin Donna sue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Pool" <PoolL@theriver.com> To: <OKMCCURT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 5:59 AM Subject: [OKMCCURT] Josiah POOL - John J. POOL's & Nancy C. HAM's Son? > Cousins - With the information I was provided and what I already had, I did > some more digging. > > Today, I sent for the Social Security application for Josiah POOL. He > appears to be one of John J. POOL's sons and my grandfather's (Oliver Green > POOL) brother. It's my hope to finally have proof as to who John J. POOL's > wife was. She appears to be Nancy C. HAM. I hope to finally determine that > for sure. > > KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! > > Larry > > Josiah POOL > Birth Date: 17 Apr 1881 > Death Date: May 1967 > Social Security Number: 457-18-0081 > State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Texas > Death Residence Localities ZIP Code: 75559 > Localities: > Beaver Dam, Bowie, Texas > Bethlehem, Bowie, Texas > College Hill, Bowie, Texas > Dalby Springs, Bowie, Texas > De Kalb, Bowie, Texas > Hodgson, Bowie, Texas > Oak Ridge, Bowie, Texas > Siloam, Bowie, Texas > Spring Hill, Bowie, Texas > > -----Original Message----- > From: Larry Pool [mailto:PoolL@theriver.com] > Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:48 PM > To: 'Colesars'; 'jholder@shreve.net' > Cc: Delpha Pool (Lttldchss94@wmconnect.com); 'Sonnyboypool@wmconnect.com'; > Harold L. Poole Jr. (snake@bayou.com) > Subject: FW: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? > > Mike - The attached "Holder Descendant Chart" has the strongest evidence I > have ever seen as to how J. S. POOL is connected to my family. Various ones > of them referred to him as "Uncle Siah". By the attachments, he truly must > be my grandfather's brother. My grandfather was Oliver Green POOL; his > father was John J. POOL. My family was in the Polk, Sebastian and Scott > Co., AR censuses from 1850 to 1900. The 1850 Polk Co., AR census is my POOL > brick wall. Here is the only one I have with Josiah C. POOL: > > 1900 Scott Co., AR, Lewis Twp., ED 114, pg. 6, census 12 June 1900: > > Oliver G. POOL white b. Oct 1872 27 b. AR father > KY mother AR farmer, rents farm, married 5 years. > Minnie wife June 1878 21 b. AR > parents LA, had 3 children w/2 living now. > Newman son May 1894 6 b. AR > parents AR > Loaver dtr. Nov 1897 2 > same birth info > John J. FATHER May 1820 80 b. IL > father NC mother IL widowed > Josiah C. Brother April 1881 19 b. AR father > IL mother AR farm laborer > Eva sister Oct 1887 12 b. > AR father IL mother AR > > Oliver G. POOL and family are in the 1910 and 1920 Red River Co., TX census. > > Yesterday, I also sent an e-mail to James Holder (jholder@shreve.net). I > anxiously hope to hear from him soon. Where does he live? > > I would love to contact anyone that can provide more information / > documentation on "Uncle Siah" (J. S. POOL). Where do the Holders you refer > to that live in AZ live? > > Those in Cc: is my sister and my brothers. We were discussing "Uncle Siah" > at a recent family reunion. > > Larry > > -----Original Message----- > From: Colesars [mailto:mcolesar@gorge.net] > Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 10:23 AM > To: 'Larry Pool' > Subject: RE: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? > > Hi Larry, > > It's always nice to meet a new cousin. Yes my Holders are in Red River, but > I don't actually know any of them there. I've received much Holder info > from James Holder (jholder@shreve.net). Attached are some things he sent to > me. I come from the Robert Lee Holder line also. Birdie Mozelle (Holder) > Herman is my grandmother. > > The brother in law would be Louis Sidney Holder. I don't know J.S. Pools > parents. If you find out, please let me know. > > There are lots of Holder descendents in Colorado and Arizona. I don't > think they know any more about genealogy than I do, but if you want to know > who they are let me know. There is a Holder reunion is Colorado > occasionally. > > Have a great new year, > > Mike Colesar > Hood River, OR > > From: Larry Pool [mailto:PoolL@theriver.com] > Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 12:51 PM > To: mcolesar@gorge.net > Subject: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? > Importance: High > > Michael - Do you have any HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? > I'm looking for any possible connection to this census: > 1920 Red River Co., TX Precinct 7 ED 159, Sheet 20 > POOL James S. 37 TX US US (POOL / POOLE?) > Leola 32 TX TX TX (Leola HOLDER) > Henry 9 TX TX TX > Lester 8 TX TX TX > Pershing 1 TX TX TX > Holder, L 23 TX TX TX brother-in-law > > Larry Pool > Tucson, AZ > > > > > ==== OKMCCURT Mailing List ==== > CONTACT the list admin. at tawshasroots@yahoo.com > Visit the McCurtain county page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~okmccurt/mccurt.htm > > ============================== > Find your ancestors in the Birth, Marriage and Death Records. > New content added every business day. Learn more: > http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx >

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1494.2.2.1.2.1.1 Message Board Post: Diane, I also live in Texas (Houston) and would like to talk to you on the phone about the Williams family--to see if there is a connection between yours and mine. my home phone number is 713 665 0902. My cell number is 832 236 3925 (after 4:00).

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1493.1.1 Message Board Post: Yes! There is a Sam Williams Mountain East of Broken Bow lake. I hunted there as a young man. I graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1964 and often heard others talking of Sam Williams mountain.

I'll try tomorrow Friday January 7th but no promises. I'll let you know if I can find the graves - I'll see if the cemetery directory person can direct me to the spot. If they are not there, then there will be a delay as the cemetery is huge and I'll have to have them show me where the site it. Sharon Fields McKeever Valliant, OK jimg2003@citystar.com wrote: >This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > >Surnames: Greene >Classification: Query > >Message Board URL: > >http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1663 > >Message Board Post: > >I am looking for someone that might be able to take a photo of my aunt & uncle's headstone. I believe the name of the cemetery is Dennison Cemetery, in Idabel. It is located out by the old Rancho Drive in theater. The names on the stone are: >Lawton Vance Greene >Ruby Greene > >If anyone can help me out with this I would be ever so grateful to you. > >Thank you >Jim > > >==== OKMCCURT Mailing List ==== >CONTACT the list admin. at tawshasroots@yahoo.com >Visit the McCurtain county page at http://www.rootsweb.com/~okmccurt/mccurt.htm > >============================== >Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for >ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: >http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx > >. > > >

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Greene Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1663 Message Board Post: I am looking for someone that might be able to take a photo of my aunt & uncle's headstone. I believe the name of the cemetery is Dennison Cemetery, in Idabel. It is located out by the old Rancho Drive in theater. The names on the stone are: Lawton Vance Greene Ruby Greene If anyone can help me out with this I would be ever so grateful to you. Thank you Jim

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DAVIS, COLLEY & FRIZZELL Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1662 Message Board Post: Sometime after 1910 this family moved from TX to OK. Children's names were: Rosey L. Colley, Mary Colley, Nancy E. Colley, Hattie O. Colley, William S. Colley, Minnie Colley, Henry T. Colley, Annie B. Colley & Nora L. Colley. I would like to contact any descendant of this family. Lamar Davis charlesd01@alltel.net

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1418.2 Message Board Post: Orland Axton is also still living. He lives in Oregon.

Cousins - With the information I was provided and what I already had, I did some more digging. Today, I sent for the Social Security application for Josiah POOL. He appears to be one of John J. POOL's sons and my grandfather's (Oliver Green POOL) brother. It's my hope to finally have proof as to who John J. POOL's wife was. She appears to be Nancy C. HAM. I hope to finally determine that for sure. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! Larry Josiah POOL Birth Date: 17 Apr 1881 Death Date: May 1967 Social Security Number: 457-18-0081 State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Texas Death Residence Localities ZIP Code: 75559 Localities: Beaver Dam, Bowie, Texas Bethlehem, Bowie, Texas College Hill, Bowie, Texas Dalby Springs, Bowie, Texas De Kalb, Bowie, Texas Hodgson, Bowie, Texas Oak Ridge, Bowie, Texas Siloam, Bowie, Texas Spring Hill, Bowie, Texas -----Original Message----- From: Larry Pool [mailto:PoolL@theriver.com] Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:48 PM To: 'Colesars'; 'jholder@shreve.net' Cc: Delpha Pool (Lttldchss94@wmconnect.com); 'Sonnyboypool@wmconnect.com'; Harold L. Poole Jr. (snake@bayou.com) Subject: FW: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? Mike - The attached "Holder Descendant Chart" has the strongest evidence I have ever seen as to how J. S. POOL is connected to my family. Various ones of them referred to him as "Uncle Siah". By the attachments, he truly must be my grandfather's brother. My grandfather was Oliver Green POOL; his father was John J. POOL. My family was in the Polk, Sebastian and Scott Co., AR censuses from 1850 to 1900. The 1850 Polk Co., AR census is my POOL brick wall. Here is the only one I have with Josiah C. POOL: 1900 Scott Co., AR, Lewis Twp., ED 114, pg. 6, census 12 June 1900: Oliver G. POOL white b. Oct 1872 27 b. AR father KY mother AR farmer, rents farm, married 5 years. Minnie wife June 1878 21 b. AR parents LA, had 3 children w/2 living now. Newman son May 1894 6 b. AR parents AR Loaver dtr. Nov 1897 2 same birth info John J. FATHER May 1820 80 b. IL father NC mother IL widowed Josiah C. Brother April 1881 19 b. AR father IL mother AR farm laborer Eva sister Oct 1887 12 b. AR father IL mother AR Oliver G. POOL and family are in the 1910 and 1920 Red River Co., TX census. Yesterday, I also sent an e-mail to James Holder (jholder@shreve.net). I anxiously hope to hear from him soon. Where does he live? I would love to contact anyone that can provide more information / documentation on "Uncle Siah" (J. S. POOL). Where do the Holders you refer to that live in AZ live? Those in Cc: is my sister and my brothers. We were discussing "Uncle Siah" at a recent family reunion. Larry -----Original Message----- From: Colesars [mailto:mcolesar@gorge.net] Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 10:23 AM To: 'Larry Pool' Subject: RE: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? Hi Larry, It's always nice to meet a new cousin. Yes my Holders are in Red River, but I don't actually know any of them there. I've received much Holder info from James Holder (jholder@shreve.net). Attached are some things he sent to me. I come from the Robert Lee Holder line also. Birdie Mozelle (Holder) Herman is my grandmother. The brother in law would be Louis Sidney Holder. I don't know J.S. Pools parents. If you find out, please let me know. There are lots of Holder descendents in Colorado and Arizona. I don't think they know any more about genealogy than I do, but if you want to know who they are let me know. There is a Holder reunion is Colorado occasionally. Have a great new year, Mike Colesar Hood River, OR From: Larry Pool [mailto:PoolL@theriver.com] Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 12:51 PM To: mcolesar@gorge.net Subject: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? Importance: High Michael - Do you have any HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX? I'm looking for any possible connection to this census: 1920 Red River Co., TX Precinct 7 ED 159, Sheet 20 POOL James S. 37 TX US US (POOL / POOLE?) Leola 32 TX TX TX (Leola HOLDER) Henry 9 TX TX TX Lester 8 TX TX TX Pershing 1 TX TX TX Holder, L 23 TX TX TX brother-in-law Larry Pool Tucson, AZ

Mary Urban - THANK YOU! ... for your kindly trying to help. I spent a lot of the weekend researching and some other kind folks shared information. I now have: 1900 Census Red River County, TX Precinct 7 Part 2 Families 151-245 180/181 Holder William Head WM Aug. 1859 40 Widow TN AL TN Farmer (William Henry) Walter Son WM Dec. 1886 13 Single TX TN TX Farm Laborer (John Walter) Leola Dau. WF Feb. 1888 12 Single TX TN TX (Francis Leola) Albert Son WM Jan. 1890 10 Single TX TN TX Farm Laborer (William Albert) Joe Son WM Sept. 1891 8 Single TX TN TX (Joseph H.) Roy Son WM Mar. 1893 7 Single TX TN TX (Roy A.) Robert Son WM Oct. 1895 4 Single TX TN TX (Robert Lee) Lewis Son WM Mar. 1897 3 Single TX TN TX (Louis Sidney) William's wife was Julia Alice O'BANNON. She was born 26 Feb 1868. They were married 21 Jan 1886 and she died 2 Dec 1898 at 30 years old. Having seven children in less than 14 years may have attributed to her early death. Some of this HOLDER family was also across the river in McCurtain Co., OK. Larry Pool Tucson, AZ -----Original Message----- From: gc-gateway@rootsweb.com [mailto:gc-gateway@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of marylu@urbans.us Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 1:34 PM To: HOLDER-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [HOLDER] Re: HOLDERs in Red River Co., TX This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Caj.2ACIB/1091.1 Message Board Post: This is not my Holder family, but you can find this family in the 1900 Red River Co. TX census (ED 113, p 11A/273, house #180) listing the widowed father William and 7 children, including Leola b Feb 1888 TX and Lewis b Mar 1897 TX. William's state of birth is TN, and I suspect he was married there, as his wife was also a native of TN. It looks like they probably married after the 1880 census, so with her not appearing in any census, you will have to rely on some other source to identify her. An obituary of William or any of the children might name her. Good luck.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SaB.2ACI/1659.2.1.1 Message Board Post: Karen did you get the information you needed. I have not been able to find out anything . I went to the website that Wanda sent but what they told me I printed out and sent to you did you get it.? Margie

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! from North Carolina. I hope that everyone finds that missing piece of their family puzzle in 2005! Jane Foley Isn't This What Christmas Is About? Pa never had such compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. Come on, Matt." he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But, I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what. Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all Summer hauling down from the mountain, and then! all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "What are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "Why?" "I rode by just today, "Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put th! e meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children-- sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed he! r face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes. Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine. At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Does anyone have any information in their family tree about Lena Durant born December 17, 1908 and died August 1977 at Henryetta, OK. She was married to Elvie Lee (Jack) Martin who was born July 29, 1907 and died May 1993 at Henrietta, OK? The Jennie Lila Durant Costilow mentioned in the previous email inquiries prompted me to ask about Lena Durant Martin.

Jennie had a cousin named William, he had three sons one was named Gibby ( Charles) Durant. He was killed between 1910 and 1913 at a dance. Does your Uncle remember hearing anything about him by chance. He also was married to Nora(h) Cravens and they had a son Luther Calvin born in 1910. Can not find him after a guardianship request by Frank Sears who married Nora. Luther would be my husbands great uncle. Bette Sears --- la_flaquita@hotmail.com wrote: > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Surnames: Costilow > Classification: Query > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/SaB.2ACI/1346.1.1 > > Message Board Post: > > I know this is really old but I was messing around and came across this. > My grandfather is Henry Louis Costilow, the youngest son of Jennie Lila > Durant Costilow. He will turn 91 in Jan. 2004. He remembers his > mother's death (he was eight years old)- not in a house fire but from a > ruptured appendix. The doctor came to the house and operated on her on > the kitchen table but couldn't save her. My grandfather went to live > with some uncles and aunts in the area and stayed close to his oldest > sister Lena. > > > ==== OKMCCURT Mailing List ==== > CONTACT the list admin. at tawshasroots@yahoo.com > Visit the McCurtain county page at > http://www.rootsweb.com/~okmccurt/mccurt.htm > > ============================== > Find your ancestors in the Birth, Marriage and Death Records. > New content added every business day. Learn more: > http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx > > ===== Bette Sears home page http://www.geocities.com/bezzsears I am Researching Beck, Hall, McPhail, Oiley, Oley and Vogel of IL area. Blair, Craven, Cravens, Cravin, Durant , Murrin, Pressley ,Sears, Sisk. Standford of AR. ,CA. and OK area. Bohn, Dreer, Hild, Hohl, Peoples or Peebles, Schwaegerle, Simon, of MO., KY., IN. Austria, Switzerland and Germany area. Layton, Ruth, AZ., CA., PA. and Germany __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo