Martha Louise Shew

F, b. February 1855, d. 1909

FatherDaniel Shew b. c 1826, d. bt 1855 - 1860
MotherMargaret Battles b. c 1827
Martha Louise Shew|b. Feb 1855\nd. 1909|p2.htm#i21|Daniel Shew|b. c 1826\nd. bt 1855 - 1860|p2.htm#i22|Margaret Battles|b. c 1827|p2.htm#i23|Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Elizabeth Brewer|b. c 1790\nd. b 1860|p2.htm#i25|William Battles|b. bt 1790 - 1792|p67.htm#i1337|Ann Jacobs|b. c 1800|p71.htm#i1418|

BirthFeb 1855 Martha Louise Shew was born around Feb 1855 at prob Cherokee County, AL. The year of Martha Louise's birth is uncertain. Her tombstone reads 1856. The 1860 census has her age then as six (birth year of 1854); the 1870 census indicates she was 17 then (birth year of 1853). The 1880 census has her age as 25 (birth year of 1855) and the 1900 census says she was born in February 1855. For lack of a better choice, a date of 1855 is being tentatively selected to conform to the most specific census records.1,2,3,4,5 
1860 Census1 Aug 1860 She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 1 Aug 1860, in the household of her mother Margaret Battles Shew. She was shown as age 6, born AL.2 
Marriageb Oct 1869 Martha Louise Shew may have married Jasper Baird, son of William Baird, b Oct 1869. Although Opal Richardson Cottrell, daughter of Eula Baird Robertson, identified her grandparents as Jasper Baird (or Beard) and Martha Louise Shew, it is not at all certain that Martha Louise was actually married to Jasper. The evidence is contradictory at best.

First, Opal identified her grandfather as Jasper Baird (or Beard) and his father as Billy (William?) Baird. On the 1870 Cherokee County AL census, the last name of Baird appears with Martha Louise and Eula, but no first name. Jasper is reported by family history to have been killed while going for supplies, possibly by Indians, possibly in the Oklahoma Territory. The story has it that the wagon was found but no trace of him. Since Martha Louise married Abigah Livingston in October 1876, Jasper's date of death would have to be some time before then.

There was only one family in Cherokee County AL -- or, indeed, anywhere in the State of Alabama -- on the 1850 or 1860 census with a name similar to Baird/Beard/Bird/Biard with a son Jasper, and no other families of that name with a son of a proper age to have been Martha Louise Shew's first husband. That was the family of William and Christian A. Baird. Jasper N. Baird was their first-born child, and was recorded on the 1850 census as 8 years old (b. abt 1842) and on the 1860 census as age 18. That does not match the age of 22 shown for Martha Louise's husband on the 1870 census, but an age mistake of six years is common on census records. The place of birth matches (both Alabama) and, of course, the names match what Martha Louise told her daughter Eula and Eula told her daughter Opal (Jasper for the candidate for Eula's father and William -- "Billy" -- for Jasper's father).

The Baird family appeared in Cherokee County AL in 1850 and in 1860 but moved to Pope County, Arkansas at some point before the 1870 census. They appeared in Illinois Twp., Pope County, AR, in 1870. However, Jasper was NOT included in the listing for the family in 1870 and, moreover, did not appear in any Pope County entry in 1870. He therefore could have been the Baird shown as head of household and father of Eula on the 1870 census in Alabama.

The difficulty in drawing the inference that Jasper N. Baird, son of William and Christian Baird, was Eula's father is that Jasper N. Baird did not die in the 1870s. To the contrary, he died in Pope County, AR, in 1909. He was a veteran of the Confederacy, having served in Company G, 19th Regiment, Alabama Infantry, and had spent six or seven years before his death at the Confederate Veterans Home in Little Rock. He was apparently visiting his brothers in Pope County when he died of an obstructed bowel at the age of 66. He was not married and had no children, according to his obituary.

There are four possible explanations: (1) there is an uncanny similarity of names and this is not the right Jasper Baird, son of William Baird, of Cherokee County AL; (2) Jasper Baird deserted his wife and child; (3) Jasper and Martha Louise divorced; and (4) Jasper was Eula's father but never married Martha Louise; indeed he may not even have known about the child. 
1870 Census18 Jul 1870 Martha Louise Shew Baird and Jasper Baird appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Twp. 10, Range 8, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 18 Jul 1870. The head of the household, whose first name was not given but who is believed to be Jasper Baird, was shown as a 22-year-old farm hand born AL. Martha was shown as 17, born AL. Their daughter Eula L. was listed as living with them. The child was eight months old.3 
Marriage26 Oct 1876 Martha Louise Shew married Abigah C. Livingston on 26 Oct 1876 at Cherokee County, AL.6 
1880 Census7 Jun 1880 Martha Louise Shew Baird Livingston and Abigah C. Livingston appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 7 Jun 1880. Abigah was shown as a 21-year-old farmer born GA; Martha was 25, born AL of parents born AL. Their daughter Lula A. was listed as living with them. Her daughter Eula L. was listed as living with her. Lula (shown as "Lular") was age 3, born AL. Her daughter (Abigah's step-daughter) Eula Beard (Baird) was age 10, born AL. Also enumerated as a member of this household was Margaret Battles Shew, Martha's mother (shown as age 48, born AL of parents born AL).4 
1900 Census19 Jun 1900 Martha Louise Shew Baird Livingston and Abigah C. Livingston appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Williamson County, TX, at Justice Precinct 2, enumerated 19 Jun 1900. The family name was shown as "Levingston". Abigah was a 42-year-old farmer, born August 1859 in GA of parents born GA, married 22 years to wife Martha, 45, born February 1855 in AL of parents born AL, mother of 10, 8 surviving (there were nine surviving, no information is known about a tenth child if there was one). Their children Lula A., Richard Alonzo "Lon", John Jackson, Noel Barton, Susie, Leva Pyron and Arthur Carlton were listed as living with them. Lula was shown as 21, born July 1878, "Lan", 17, born June 1882, John, 15, born June 1884, "Noll, 14, born April 1886, Susie, 12, born Apr 1888, Levy, 9, born June 1891, and "Author", 4, born September 1895. Just beneath the family's record is the census entry for daughter Etta, 20, born June 1879, and son in law Austin Roberts, 21, born April 1879. All the young people were shown as born AL.5 
Note11 Jul 1907  The exact date on which the Livingstons arrived in Oklahoma is unknown. The first record of them there was on 11 July 1907, when they bought a lot in Frederick for $700 indicating that they were residents of Comanche County. (Note that Comanche County was divided into Comanche and Tillman Counties when Oklahoma became a state in November 1907.) An indenture for $700 was recorded on 21 Mar 1908, as was Abigah's sale of other Frederick property.7 
Death1909 Martha Louise Shew Baird Livingston died in 1909 at Frederick, Tillman County, OK. Opal Robertson Cottrell wrote her recollections of the death of her grandmother on a page from a 1968 calendar (though not necessarily in 1968):
"1909 -
Long before it got there we could see the buggy coming slowly
down our road -- My Dear Uncle
Leva - 15 years old - bringing us the
sad news of my Dear Grandmother's
Death - My grieving Mother - and my aunts & uncles - I am carried back through time and space to where you are - and I see you once more - as you were then - a large, close family, grieving for a Dear & loving Mother - my Grandmother Martha Livingston Buried in Cemetery Frederick Okla - 1909 - close by rests my Father J.C. Robertson - "1912" - Tall upright Log marks his resting place ("Woodman of the World"
marks his resting place). 
Burial1909 She was buried in 1909 at Frederick Cemetery, Frederick, Tillman County, OK. Her tombstone reads:
"LIVINGSTON
MARTHA E.
wife of
A.C. Livingston
1856-1909."1 

Family 1

Jasper Baird
Child
  • Eula L. Baird+ b. 24 Oct 1869, d. 13 Mar 1954

    • Family 2

    		Abigah C. Livingston
    Children
  • Lula A. Livingston+ b. Jul 1877, d. 19 Jan 1959
  • Margaret Etta Livingston+ b. 6 Jun 1880, d. 7 Jul 1956
  • Richard Alonzo "Lon" Livingston+ b. 9 Jun 1883, d. b 1975
  • John Jackson Livingston+ b. 14 Jun 1885, d. Feb 1957
  • Noel Barton Livingston+ b. 7 Apr 1887, d. c 15 Jun 1937
  • Susie Livingston+ b. 12 Apr 1889, d. 13 Apr 1978
  • Leva Pyron Livingston+ b. 21 Jun 1891, d. 8 Aug 1984
  • Arthur Carlton Livingston+ b. 20 Sep 1895, d. 5 Sep 1963

    • Citations

    1. Tombstone, Frederick Cemetery, Frederick, Tillman County, OK, photographed 2003 by JG Russell (private collection).
    2. 1860 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M653_5; Page: 315; Image: 318 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1870 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M593_7; Page: 268; H15/F15 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    4. 1880 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: T9_6; Page: 387; SD: 1; ED: 27, H5/F5 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1900 United States Federal Census, Williamson County TX, Roll: T623 1679; Page: 9B; SD: 10; ED: 125, H143/F153 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, T623 (1,854 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
    6. Alabama Marriage Collection, 1800-1969, online Ancestry.com, Provo UT. Hereinafter cited as Alabama Marriages 1800-1969.
    7. Land Records, Tillman County OK Deed Book 4, p 384-385.

    Daniel Shew

    M, b. circa 1826, d. between 1855 and 1860

    FatherBoston Shew b. c 1790, d. bt 1863 - 1870
    MotherElizabeth Brewer b. c 1790, d. b 1860
    Daniel Shew|b. c 1826\nd. bt 1855 - 1860|p2.htm#i22|Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Elizabeth Brewer|b. c 1790\nd. b 1860|p2.htm#i25|Phillip Shew|b. c 1750\nd. b Oct 1832|p2.htm#i26|Susannah [--M?--] Shew|b. c 1750\nd. a 1832|p15.htm#i281|||||||

    Birthc 1826 Daniel Shew, son of Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer, was born c 1826 at NC.1 
    1830 Census1830 Based on age and gender, Daniel Shew was probably included as a free white male, age 5-10, in the household of his father, Boston Shew, on the 1830 Census of Wilkes County, NC.2 
    1840 Census1840 Based on age and gender, Daniel Shew was probably included as a free white male, age 15-20, in the household of his father, Boston Shew, on the 1840 Census of Grayson County, VA. He was age 14 at the time of the census.3 
    Marriageb 1849 Daniel Shew married Margaret Battles, daughter of William Battles and Ann Jacobs, b 1849. 
    1850 Census22 Jan 1850 Daniel Shew and Margaret Battles Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of 27th District, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 22 Jan 1850. Daniel was shown as a 24-year-old farmer born NC; Margaret was shown as age 23, born AL. Their real estate was valued at $100. Their son William Washington was listed as living with them. The child was then one year old. Their household in the census was 1055. The family of Daniel's brother Simon was enumerated in the next census entry, household 1054; the family of Margaret's parents William and Ann Jacob Battles was enumerated in household 1052, and her brother "Tillford" (Guilford) Battles in household 1048 (the household of John Mackey).4 
    Note12 Oct 1854  Daniel Shew personally appeared in the Land Office at Lebanon, AL, on October 12, 1854, and represented that he wanted to obtain land in Cherokee County for his own use under the Act of 4th of August 1854. His signature appears on the sworn statement. He paid $1.00 an acre for the 40 acres in the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Section 3, Township 10, Range 8. The land grant itself was issued 1 Jan 1859; it is uncertain whether Daniel was alive when it was issued.5 
    Deathbt 1855 - 1860 Daniel Shew died bt 1855 - 1860 probably at Cherokee County, AL. Exactly when and where Daniel died is unknown. It could not have been earlier than late 1854 (he personally signed a land grant document in October 1854) and probably was before the 1860 census, enumerated 1 Aug 1860, on which Margaret appears alone with their three children. There is no further record of Daniel thereafter; Margaret was enumerated with daughter Martha Louise on both the 1870 and 1880 censuses.1 

    Family

    		Margaret Battles
    Children
  • William Washington Shew+ b. 19 Nov 1849, d. 10 Mar 1927
  • Gilford C. Shew+ b. c 1852, d. bt 1894 - 1900
  • Martha Louise Shew+ b. Feb 1855, d. 1909

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1830 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: 125; Page: 335 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifth Census of the United States, 1830, M19 (201 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1830 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1840 United States Federal Census, Grayson County VA, Roll 556, Book 1, Page 305 (Genealogy.com), imaged from Sixth Census of the United States, 1840, M704 (580 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1840 United States Federal Census.
    4. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 136; H1055/F1055 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    5. Land Records, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, document online).

    Margaret Battles

    F, b. circa 1827

    FatherWilliam Battles b. bt 1790 - 1792
    MotherAnn Jacobs b. c 1800
    Margaret Battles|b. c 1827|p2.htm#i23|William Battles|b. bt 1790 - 1792|p67.htm#i1337|Ann Jacobs|b. c 1800|p71.htm#i1418|William N. Battles|b. 2 Jan 1757\nd. 14 Dec 1840|p72.htm#i1441|Elizabeth Hopper||p73.htm#i1442|||||||

    Birthc 1827 Margaret Battles, daughter of William Battles and Ann Jacobs, was born c 1827 at AL. Margaret's year of birth could have been as early as 1827 (the 1850 census has her as 23 years old) and as late as 1832 (the 1870 census shows her as 38 and the 1880 census -- though hard to read -- may have her age as 48). The most likely is a date of birth before 1830.1
     
    Note  Although there is no specific documentary evidence, there is a persuasive circumstantial case that Margaret was the child of William Battles and Ann Jacobs, born before her parents married after the death of William's first wife. First, oral family tradition is that Margaret's maiden name was Battles. The source for this information was Margaret's granddaughter Eula, with whom Margaret lived from Eula's birth until (most likely) Margaret's death sometime after 1880. Second, Margaret's first son was named William, a name not found in her husband's family. It is therefore likely that the name was drawn from her family, and the most likely candidate would be her father. Third, Margaret's second son was named Gilford, again a name that is not found in her husband's family but is found in the Battles family (there is a Guilford Battles roughly the same age as Margaret around the same time in Cherokee County who also appears to be a child of William Battles). Fourth, William Battles is known to be a son of William Noel Battles, and one of Margaret's grandsons (Eula's younger brother) was named Noel. Fifth, William is the head of the only Battles family to live in Cherokee County around the time of Margaret's likely marriage to Daniel Shew. Sixth, the William Battles family lived in extremely close proximity to Margaret and her family for more than 20 years. They appear on the same page of the census in 1850, the same page in 1860 and the page immediately following in 1870.

    The real question is, who was Margaret's mother? The answer appears to be Ann Jacobs Battles, William's second wife -- but during a time when she and William were not free to marry. William was married first to Kiziah Wright in Oglethorpe County GA on December 12 1818 (note that William's brother Samuel married Kiziah's sister Nancy in Oglethorpe County on November 18 1805) and second to Ann Jacobs in St. Clair County AL on December 25, 1829. Kiziah petitioned for divorce from William in Blount County AL in 1824. Among the reasons cited was that William had abandoned Kiziah and "for the last two years ... hath lived and now is living in adultery with one Ann Jacobs with whom he has gone to the State of Tennessee". The divorce petition neither mentions children in William's custody nor requests support for children in Kiziah's custody. It is likely then that Kiziah and William had no children. Yet as of the 1830 census -- with an official enumeration day of June 1, 1830, only five months and six days after William's and Ann's marriage -- the census record for William's family shows five children living in the household: one boy and one girl who were 5-10 years of age, and one boy and two girls under five years of age. Matching up a variety of census records and land records, and factoring in the very great potential for errors in reporting birth years (and mixing up boys and girls!), it is postulated that the evidence now reasonably suggests the following to have been William and Ann's children, in order:

    George W. Battles, born TN circa 1824
    Margaret Battles, born AL circa 1827
    Guilford Battles, born AL circa 1829
    Azariah Battles, born AL circa 1830
    Samantha Battles, born AL circa 1832
    Julia Battles, born AL circa 1834
    William M. Battles, born AL circa 1836
    Francis "Franklin" Battles, born AL circa 1838
    Richard Lewis Battles, born AL circa 1840
    Charlsey M. Battles, born AL circa 1842

    The evidence of relationship is circumstantial, largely because the records of Cherokee County AL were lost in courthouse fires in 1882 and 1893. But there is enough to have a reasonable degree of comfort in these conclusions. For example, William (the father) and George W., Guilford, and Margaret (by her husband Daniel Shew) all obtained land grants in Township 10-S, Range 8-E, in Cherokee County; George, Guilford and Margaret were all approximately the right ages to be among the children living in William's household in 1830; George reported his birthplace as Tennessee (the state where William was reported to have lived with Ann before their marriage); Guilford and Margaret named their first sons William and both named daughters Martha; Margaret named her second son Gilford; Guilford and at least two of William's younger sons all served together in the same company of the 31st Alabama Infantry in the Civil War; Guilford Battles' son (Samuel) Thomas was recorded on the 1930 census as a 72-year-old cousin in the household of Margaret's grandson Sidney Wilburn "Bill" Shew in Lamar County TX. No one item by itself proves the case; taken together, they are strongly persuasive. 
    1830 Census1830 Based on age and gender, Margaret Battles was probably included as a free white female, age 5-10, in the household of her father, William Battles, on the 1830 Census of St. Clair County, AL.2 
    Marriageb 1849 Margaret Battles married Daniel Shew, son of Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer, b 1849. 
    1850 Census22 Jan 1850 Margaret Battles Shew and Daniel Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of 27th District, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 22 Jan 1850. Daniel was shown as a 24-year-old farmer born NC; Margaret was shown as age 23, born AL. Their real estate was valued at $100. Their son William Washington was listed as living with them. The child was then one year old. Their household in the census was 1055. The family of Daniel's brother Simon was enumerated in the next census entry, household 1054; the family of Margaret's parents William and Ann Jacob Battles was enumerated in household 1052, and her brother "Tillford" (Guilford) Battles in household 1048 (the household of John Mackey).3 
    1860 Census1 Aug 1860 Margaret Battles Shew appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 1 Aug 1860. Margaret was shown as "Margaret Shoe," age 30 or 38 (the document is hard to read), born AL. Her children William Washington, Gilford C. and Martha Louise were listed as living with her. The children were 10, 8 and 6, respectively, all born AL. She was apparently a widow; there is no record of Daniel Shew in this census or thereafter. William and Ann Battles (most likely Margaret's parents) and their three youngest children were four households away; her brother-in-law Simon Shew and his family were enumerated next door.4 
    1870 Census18 Jul 1870 Margaret Battles Shew appeared on the 1870 census of Twp. 10, Range 8, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 18 Jul 1870 in the household of Jasper Baird and Martha Louise Shew Baird, her daughter and son-in-law. She was age 38, born AL.5 
    1880 Census7 Jun 1880 Margaret Battles Shew appeared on the 1880 census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 7 Jun 1880 in the household of Abigah C. Livingston and Martha Louise Shew Baird Livingston, her daughter and son-in law. She was shown as age 46, born AL.6 
    Death When and where Margaret died is unknown. She was not enumerated with the Livingston family on the 1900 census in Texas, nor can she be found in any Alabama census record for 1900. Whether she lived long enough to accompany the family to Texas or died in Alabama is unknown. 

    Family

    		Daniel Shew
    Children
  • William Washington Shew+ b. 19 Nov 1849, d. 10 Mar 1927
  • Gilford C. Shew+ b. c 1852, d. bt 1894 - 1900
  • Martha Louise Shew+ b. Feb 1855, d. 1909

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1830 United States Federal Census, St. Clair County AL, Roll: 4; Page: 252 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifth Census of the United States, 1830, M19 (201 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1830 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 136; H1055/F1055 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    4. 1860 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M653_5; Page: 315; Image: 318 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1870 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M593_7; Page: 268; H15/F15 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    6. 1880 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: T9_6; Page: 387; SD: 1; ED: 27, H5/F5 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.

    Boston Shew

    M, b. circa 1790, d. between 1863 and 1870

    FatherPhillip Shew b. c 1750, d. b Oct 1832
    MotherSusannah [--M?--] Shew b. c 1750, d. a 1832
    Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Phillip Shew|b. c 1750\nd. b Oct 1832|p2.htm#i26|Susannah [--M?--] Shew|b. c 1750\nd. a 1832|p15.htm#i281|||||||||||||

    Birthc 1790 Boston Shew, son of Phillip Shew and Susannah [--M?--] Shew, was born c 1790 at prob Guilford County, NC. Note that it is not certain that Susannah Shew was Boston's mother; all that can be said for certain is that Susannah was the wife of Boston's father Phillip at the time of Phillip's death and that Phillip is not known to have had another wife.1 
    1800 Census1800 Based on age and gender, Boston Shew was probably included as a free white male, age 10-15, in the household of his father, Phillip Shew, on the 1800 Census of Salisbury, Guilford County, NC. He was about 10 at the time of the census.2 
    1810 Census1810 Based on age and gender, Boston Shew was probably included as a free white male, age 16-25, in the household of his father, Phillip Shew, on the 1810 Census of Wilkes County, NC. He was about 20 at the time of the census.3 
    Marr Bond18 Sep 1816 A marriage bond for Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer was issued on 18 Sep 1816 at Wilkes County, NC. The groom's brother Simon served as bondsman; R. Martin (the Wilkes County clerk) was witness.4 
    1820 Census1820 Boston Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1820 Census of Wilkes County, NC. Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Elizabeth Brewer Shew, his son Simon (male under age 10), his daughter Deborah C. (female under age 10). Both Boston and his wife were shown as under age 26.5 
    1830 Census1830 Boston Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1830 Census of Wilkes County, NC. Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Elizabeth Brewer Shew, his son Daniel (male age 5-10), his son Simon (male age 10-15), his daughter Mary A. (female under age 5), his daughter Deborah C. (female age 10-15). Two other daughters, one under age 5 and one 5-10 years of age, are unidentified.6 
    1840 Census1840 Boston Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1840 census of Grayson County, VA. Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Elizabeth Brewer Shew, his son John (male age 10-15), his sons Simon and Daniel (males age 15-20), his daughters Mary A. and Elvira (females age 10-15), his daughter Deborah C. (female age 20-30). The identities of the two daughters shown as ages 15-20 on the census are unknown. It is certainly possible that they married others who moved with the Shews to Cherokee County AL by 1850. One particular possibility to be investigated is Winny Lenderman, wife of John Lenderman (there were other Shew-Lenderman marriages). Additional research is required.7 
    1850 Census6 Nov 1850 Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 6 Nov 1850. Their children Elvira and John were listed as living with them. The family was enumerated in household 75, 26th District. Boston was shown as a 60-year-old farmer, Elizabeth as age 60, Elvira, age 20, John, age 17, all born NC.8 
    Marriageb 1859 Although it is not entirely certain, it appears that Elizabeth Brewer Shew died before 1859, and that Boston Shew, as a widower, remarried Nancy [--M?--] Shew b 1859 at poss AR.9 
    1860 Census13 Jun 1860 Boston Shew and Nancy [--M?--] Shew appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Big Springs Post Office, Franklin Township, Izard County, AR, enumerated 13 Jun 1860. Although there is no specific proof that this is our Boston Shew, the census shows a 70-year-old farm laborer born NC (we know of no other Boston Shews of that age and born NC). An apparent second wife, Nancy, was shown as 33 years old, born GA. Their son William Boston was listed as living with them. The child was one year old. It is more likely that the woman enumerated with him in 1860 was a wife rather than a niece or other relative, since yet a second boy surnamed Shew was born to her in 1863.9 
    Deathbt 1863 - 1870 Boston Shew probably died bt 1863 - 1870, most likely at AR. The earlier date is when the second of two boys who appear to be his sons by a second marriage was born; the later date is drawn from the 1870 census, on which Boston does not appear. By that 1870 census, the boys who appear to be his sons by a second marriage had been sent to live with others back in Cherokee County AL.10 

    Family 1

    		Elizabeth Brewer
    Children
  • Deborah C. Shew+ b. c 1817
  • Simon Shew+ b. c 1819
  • Daughter 1 (FNU) Shew b. bt 1 Jan 1820 - 1 Jan 1825
  • Daughter 2 (FNU) Shew b. bt 1 Jan 1825 - 1 Jan 1830
  • Daniel Shew+ b. c 1826, d. bt 1855 - 1860
  • Mary A. Shew+ b. c 1829
  • Elvira Shew b. c 1830
  • John Shew+ b. c 1833, d. a 1860

    • Family 2

    		Nancy [--M?--] Shew
    Children
  • William Boston Shew+ b. 12 Jan 1859, d. 24 Sep 1945
  • Jefferson Davis Shew+ b. c 1863, d. c 1918

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1800 United States Federal Census, Guilford County NC, Roll: M32_31; Page: 643 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Second Census of the United States, 1800, M32 (52 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1810 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: M252_43; Page: 865 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Third Census of the United States, 1810, M252 (71 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1810 United States Federal Census.
    4. North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868 [database on-line] (Provo, UT, 2000), from original data: An Index to Marriage Bonds Filed in the North Carolina State Archives, North Carolina Division of Archives and History (Raleigh, NC, 1977), online Ancestry.com, Record No. 02-222, Bond No. 000167341. Hereinafter cited as North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868.
    5. 1820 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: M33_83; Page: 494; Image: 346 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourth Census of the United States, 1820, M33 (142 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1820 United States Federal Census.
    6. 1830 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: 125; Page: 335 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifth Census of the United States, 1830, M19 (201 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1830 United States Federal Census.
    7. 1840 United States Federal Census, Grayson County VA, Roll 556, Book 1, Page 305 (Genealogy.com), imaged from Sixth Census of the United States, 1840, M704 (580 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1840 United States Federal Census.
    8. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 6; Image: 13 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    9. 1860 United States Federal Census, Izard County AR, Roll: M653_43; Page: 349; Image: 354 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    10. 1870 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, M593_7; Page: 268; Image: 76 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.

    Elizabeth Brewer

    F, b. circa 1790, d. before 1860

    Birthc 1790 Elizabeth Brewer was born c 1790 at NC.1,2 
    Marr Bond18 Sep 1816 A marriage bond for Elizabeth Brewer and Boston Shew was issued on 18 Sep 1816 at Wilkes County, NC. The groom's brother Simon served as bondsman; R. Martin (the Wilkes County clerk) was witness.3 
    1820 Census1820 Elizabeth Brewer Shew was probably included as a free white female in the household of her husband, Boston Shew, on the 1820 Census of Wilkes County, NC.4 
    1830 Census1830 Elizabeth Brewer Shew was probably included as a free white female in the household of her husband, Boston Shew, on the 1830 Census of Wilkes County, NC.5 
    1840 Census1840 Elizabeth Brewer Shew was probably included as a free white female in the household of her husband, Boston Shew, on the 1840 Census of Grayson County, VA.6 
    1850 Census6 Nov 1850 Elizabeth Brewer Shew and Boston Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 6 Nov 1850. Their children Elvira and John were listed as living with them. The family was enumerated in household 75, 26th District. Boston was shown as a 60-year-old farmer, Elizabeth as age 60, Elvira, age 20, John, age 17, all born NC.2 
    Deathb 1860 Elizabeth Brewer Shew died b 1860 at Cherokee County, AL. Although Elizabeth's date of death is not certain, it seems clear that it was before 1860, when Boston can be found on the Izard County AR census with an apparent second wife and young child.7 

    Family

    		Boston Shew
    Children
  • Deborah C. Shew+ b. c 1817
  • Simon Shew+ b. c 1819
  • Daughter 1 (FNU) Shew b. bt 1 Jan 1820 - 1 Jan 1825
  • Daughter 2 (FNU) Shew b. bt 1 Jan 1825 - 1 Jan 1830
  • Daniel Shew+ b. c 1826, d. bt 1855 - 1860
  • Mary A. Shew+ b. c 1829
  • Elvira Shew b. c 1830
  • John Shew+ b. c 1833, d. a 1860

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 6; Image: 13 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    3. North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868 [database on-line] (Provo, UT, 2000), from original data: An Index to Marriage Bonds Filed in the North Carolina State Archives, North Carolina Division of Archives and History (Raleigh, NC, 1977), online Ancestry.com, Record No. 02-222, Bond No. 000167341. Hereinafter cited as North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868.
    4. 1820 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: M33_83; Page: 494; Image: 346 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourth Census of the United States, 1820, M33 (142 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1820 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1830 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: 125; Page: 335 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifth Census of the United States, 1830, M19 (201 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1830 United States Federal Census.
    6. 1840 United States Federal Census, Grayson County VA, Roll 556, Book 1, Page 305 (Genealogy.com), imaged from Sixth Census of the United States, 1840, M704 (580 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1840 United States Federal Census.
    7. 1860 United States Federal Census, Izard County AR, Roll: M653_43; Page: 349; Image: 354 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.

    Phillip Shew

    M, b. circa 1750, d. before October 1832

    Birthc 1750 Phillip Shew was born c 1750. There is nothing to indicate where Phillip may have been born.1 
    Marriagec 1770 He married Susannah [--M?--] Shew c 1770. Assuming that Susannah was the mother of Phillip's known children, their marriage would have been around 1770 (the first child was born around 1772). It is of course entirely possible and even likely that Phillip had more than one wife; his first child was born around 1772, his last not until 28 years later around 1800. Note that Susannah was Philip's wife at the time of his death (she was named in his will) and that Phillip's daughter Hesse (m. John Glass) had a daughter named Susannah Catherine (called Catherine) who was reported to have been taught to count in Dutch by her grandmother. If this child was named for her grandmother, then Susannah was surely the mother of at least Phillip's younger children.2 
    1790 Census1790 Phillip Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1790 Census of Guilford County, NC. The last name was shown as "Shoe". Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Susannah [--M?--] Shew, his sons Jacob, Henry, Daniel and Simon (males under 16 years old) and his daughters Eve Anna and Johanna. Another daughter is indicated on the census; her identity is not known.3 
    1800 Census1800 Phillip Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1800 census of Salisbury, Guilford County, NC. The last name is shown as "Shoe". Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Susannah [--M?--] Shew, his sons Joel and John Phillip (males under age 10), his sons Boston, Simon and Daniel (males age 10-15), his sons Henry and Jacob (males age 16-25), his daughters Hesse and Mary (females under age 10), his daughters Johanna and Eve Anna (females age 16-25). The census shows six daughters; only four have been identified (Eve Anna b. c1772, Johanna b. c1784, Mary b. c1792 and Hesse b. c1798).4 
    1810 Census1810 Phillip Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1810 Census of Wilkes County, NC. Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Susannah [--M?--] Shew, his son Joel (male age 10-15), his sons Simon, Boston and John Phillip (males age 16-25), his daughter Mary (female age 16-25), his daughter Johanna (female age 26-44). Another male 16-26 was enumerated on the census. That may have been son Daniel, who was about 28 at the time.5 
    1820 Census1820 Phillip Shew was listed as head of a household on the 1820 Census of Wilkes County, NC. Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Susannah [--M?--] Shew, his sons Joel (males age 16-26), his daughter Hesse (female age 16-26). The census also shows one female child under age 10. Given the ages of Phillip and his wife (they were 45+ in 1810 and he was 80-90 in 1830 and she 70-80 in 1830) it would appear that the little girl would likely be a granddaughter living with them.6 
    Will4 Jan 1826 Phillip Shew executed a will on 4 Jan 1826 at Wilkes County, NC. He named son Simon and son-in-law (John) Henry Lenderman as executors. With the exception of a bequest to one unmarried daughter, Hesse ("one Bed and furniture, one cow & calf, half Dozen pewter plates one Bason and one Dish and a half Dozen knifes and forks"), he left everything as a life estate to wife Susannah and directed that, upon her death, his mill (and associated real property) be equally divided among his sons, and his "Stock and Household and Kitchen furniture" be equally divided among his daughters. The sons and daughters were not named. The will was witnessed by Phillip and John Glass (probably father and son, considering the 1830 census); John Glass married Hesse the next year, in 1827.7 
    1830 Census1830 He was listed as head of a household on the 1830 Census of Wilkes County, NC. The last name was shown on the census as "Shaw". Based on age and gender, his household could have included his wife Susannah [--M?--] Shew. The household consisted of one male between age 80 and 90 (Phillip); and one female between age 70 and 80 (Susannah).8 
    Deathb Oct 1832 Phillip Shew died b Oct 1832 at Wilkes County, NC. Phillip's will was proved in the October 1832 term in the Wilkes County Court.9 

    Family

    		Susannah [--M?--] Shew
    Children
  • Eve Anna Shew b. 11 Apr 1772
  • Jacob Shew b. c 1780
  • Henry Shew b. c 1781
  • Daniel Shew b. 3 Jan 1782
  • Johanna Shew b. a 1784
  • Simon Shew b. c 1788
  • Boston Shew+ b. c 1790, d. bt 1863 - 1870
  • Mary Shew b. c 1792
  • John Phillip Shew b. c 1793
  • Hesse Shew+ b. c 1798
  • Joel Shew+ b. c 1800, d. 1874

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. Wilkes County Genealogical Society (Mrs. W.O. Absher editor) The Heritage of Wilkes County, North Carolina, Vol. I (Winston-Salem, NC: Hunter Publishing Co., 1982), (as to the information about Susannah Catherine Glass) p. 293 (No. 730, submitted by Gertrude Eller and Christine Walker). Hereinafter cited as Wilkes County Heritage Vol. I.
    3. 1790 United States Federal Census, Guilford County NC, Roll: M637_7; handmarked page 505 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from First Census of the United States, 1790, M637, RG 29 (12 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1790 United States Federal Census.
    4. 1800 United States Federal Census, Guilford County NC, Roll: M32_31; Page: 643 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Second Census of the United States, 1800, M32 (52 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1810 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County NC, Roll: M252_43; Page: 865 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Third Census of the United States, 1810, M252 (71 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1810 United States Federal Census.
    6. 1820 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County, NC, Roll: M33_83; Page: 529; Image: 381 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourth Census of the United States, 1820, M33 (142 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1820 United States Federal Census.
    7. Will.
    8. 1830 United States Federal Census, Wilkes County, NC, Roll: 125; Page: 383 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifth Census of the United States, 1830, M19 (201 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1830 United States Federal Census.
    9. Website, "Descendants of Phillip Shew" by Vanessa Church, online http://tinyurl.com/29x24n. Hereinafter cited as Church, "Descendants of Phillip Shew".

    Martin Gilbert Cottrell

    M, b. 30 September 1855, d. 26 March 1946

    FatherGeorge Washington Cottrell b. 5 Mar 1821, d. 21 May 1891
    MotherMartha Louisa Baker b. 9 May 1832, d. 17 Jan 1913
    Martin Gilbert Cottrell|b. 30 Sep 1855\nd. 26 Mar 1946|p2.htm#i27|George Washington Cottrell|b. 5 Mar 1821\nd. 21 May 1891|p16.htm#i310|Martha Louisa Baker|b. 9 May 1832\nd. 17 Jan 1913|p16.htm#i311|||||||Martin A. Baker|b. 9 Dec 1797\nd. 10 Nov 1868|p43.htm#i842|Elizabeth Buchanan|b. 6 Mar 1797\nd. 21 Jul 1854|p43.htm#i843|

    Birth30 Sep 1855 Martin Gilbert Cottrell, son of George Washington Cottrell and Martha Louisa Baker, was born on 30 Sep 1855 at prob Baker Community, Parker County, TX. M.G.'s place of birth is sometimes listed as Weatherford but is more likely to have been Long Creek in the Baker Community there.

    Although M.G.'s death certificate identifies his parents as George W. Cottrell and "Eliza" Baker, and no birth record exists, other facts establish that he was the first-born son of George Washington Cottrell and Martha Louisa Baker Cottrell. First, M.G.'s obituary states that he died at the home of his sister, Mrs. John H. Green, in Levelland (Hockley County TX) (he actually died at the home of his niece, Ludy Aycock, daughter of Mary Green). Mary E. Cottrell married John H. Green in Parker County on 4 Jan 1883; she was age 23, in the household of her father George W. Cottrell and mother "Dottie L." on the Parker County TX census in June 1880. The household recorded just before the Cottrells in that census was the household of Aaron C. and Sarah Jane Henson; Sarah Jane Cottrell and Aaron Henson married in Parker County on 1 Jan 1880. M.G., of course, had married Martha "Mattie" Johnson in Parker County on 27 Aug 1874 (the minister who married them also married the Greens). By roughly 1890, all of these families moved together to Iowa Park in Wichita County. George Washington Cottrell died there in 1891; Louisa lived with the Greens thereafter (as shown by both the 1900 and 1910 censuses); Sarah Jane died in 1898 and was buried right next to M.G.'s son Sammie in Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park. Clearly, M.G., Sarah Jane and Mary were siblings; George and Louisa were parents of all three (and others, including at least George W. and Margaret). The inconsistency of name among "Eliza," Louisa and "Dottie L." is insignificant particularly in light of the pension applications filed by both George and Louisa in the 1890s where both state they were married in Parker County in 1854 and had remained married to each other thereafter.1,2,3,4,5,6 
    Marriage27 Aug 1874 Martin Gilbert Cottrell married Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson, daughter of Matthew Johnson and Mary "Polly" Fore, on 27 Aug 1874 at Parker County, TX. The marriage license was issued on the same day as the marriage, which was performed by R.S. Proffitt, M.G. (Minister of the Gospel; Rev. Proffitt also performed the marriage of M.G.'s sister Mary E. Cottrell to John H. Green and of Mattie's sister Mary Johnson to Solomon Akers).6 
    1880 Census2 Jun 1880 Martin Gilbert Cottrell and Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson Cottrell appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Clay County, TX, enumerated 2 Jun 1880. The family was shown in Precinct 4. M.G. was shown as a 24-year-old farmer who could read and write, born TX of a father born KY and mother born NC. Mattie, shown as "M.H.," was shown as 23, unable to read or write, born KY of a father born VA and mother born GA. Their children Effalie, John W. and Nettie Hyburnia were listed as living with them. The three children (M.E. [Effalie], age 4; J.W. [John], age 3; and N.H. [Nettie], age 1) were all born TX.

    Note that two of M.G.'s Baker cousins -- George W. Baker and William A. Baker, sons of M.G.'s uncle Josiah Alexander Baker -- were living nearby in Clay County and are shown either on the same census page or the immediately preceding census page as M.G. and his family.7 
    Note19 Sep 1889  M.G. Cottrell first bought property in Iowa Park, Wichita County TX, on 19 Sep 1889, according to a deed for Lot 2, Block 143.8 
    Note10 Mar 1890  On 10 Mar 1890, M.G. Cottrell registered a cattle brand in Wichita County TX. 
    Note25 Mar 1891  On 25 Mar 1891, M.G. and a partner, A.P. Strange, bought property described as Lot 4 in Block M of Iowa Park, Wichita County TX. The promissory notes for the purchase were paid in full and released on Mar 25 1891, recorded at book 29, pp 216-217.9 
    Note13 Oct 1892  On 13 Oct 1892, M.G. and Mattie sold a parcel of land in Iowa Park, Wichita County TX, to J. Fleetwood Reed. The deed suggests that they had acquired the land in March of 1890.10 
    Note5 May 1893  On 5 May 1893, M.G. Cottrell, with the State of Texas, sued to dissolve the incorporation of Iowa Park, Wichita County TX. The exact reason for the suit is unknown. An original trial jury found for the plaintiffs; a second jury on December 12 1893 found for the defendants.11 
    Occupation1897 As of 1897, Martin Gilbert Cottrell was listed in the Denver city directory; the listing mentions the company he worked for (the Wrought Iron Range Co.) and a residence of 2329 Emerson. 
    1900 Census9 Jun 1900 He and Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Iowa Park, Wichita County, TX, enumerated 9 Jun 1900. The family last name appears as "Catrell." Martin G. and Mattie were shown as having been married 25 years. He was shown as 44, born TX Sep 1855, father born KY and mother SC. She was shown as age 42 but born TX in May 1868 (which would have made her 32, not 42), with 11 children, seven of whom were living (only 10 children are known), father born KY, mother born England. Their children Nettie Hyburnia, Theo, Maud Lillian, Gilbert Fleetwood and Clay Rex were listed as living with them. Nettie was shown as 21, born TX Feb 1879; Theo was shown as 14, born TX Mar 1885; Maud was shown as 10, born TX Jan 1890; Bert was shown as a daughter Birdie, 7, born TX Oct 1892; and Clay was shown as 2, born TX Apr 1898.12  
    Occupationc 1900 Martin Gilbert Cottrell served as a Deputy Sheriff at Wichita County, TX, c 1900. At the time, his wife's cousin John Silas Fore (John's father George was the brother of Mattie's mother Mary "Polly" Fore Johnson) was the Wichita County Sheriff (Fore served as sheriff from 1900-1902).13 
    Note14 Sep 1909  By September 1909, M.G. and Mattie Cottrell separated; they sold their home in Iowa Park. Mattie took several of children to Frederick, OK; M.G.'s whereabouts after the separation are not fully known. When he executed the deed to sell the family home on 14 Sep 1909, he was in Shelby County, TN (probably in Memphis). So far, there is no indication what he was doing there.14 
    Marriageb 1920 He married Lucia Ivey b 1920 at prob AL.15 
    1920 Census12 Jan 1920 Martin Gilbert Cottrell and Lucia Ivey Cottrell appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Hartford, Geneva County, AL, enumerated 12 Jan 1920. MG was shown as a 64-year-old salesman, born TX; Lucia was a 44-year-old teacher.15 
    Notebt 1925 - 1929  According to Mabel Reese Hutchins, daughter of James T. and Mollie Reese of Curry County, NM, Martin Gilbert Cottrell was the preacher at the Bellview Baptist Church in the rough time period of 1925-1929. He "commuted" between Hereford (Deaf Smith County TX) and Bellview each week, arriving on Wednesday in time for the prayer meeting and staying until Sunday night after services. When in Bellview he would stay with the Reese family; James Reese was a deacon of the church (which no longer exists).

    Mrs. Hutchins was a young child at the time (she was born in 1917), but in communications with the Cottrell family in May 2004 remembered clearly that the preacher had only one eye and wore a patch over the other eye. (M.G. lost an eye to cancer and wore an eye patch for the last 20 or more years of his life.)

    The exact date of M.G.'s move from Bellview-Hereford to Lovington is not known. However, a news brief in the Lovington (NM) Leader on May 31, 1929, indicated that M.G. was still in Bellview as of that date, while by July 26 of that year, he was mentioned in an article in the Weatherford (TX) Democrat as a resident of Lovington. The date can thus safely be fixed in June or July of 1929.16 
    1930 Census17 Apr 1930 Martin Gilbert Cottrell appeared on the 1930 census of Prairieview, Lea County, NM in the household of James Robinson Baker and Mary Howard Baker, his cousin and his cousin's wife. He was shown as age 75, a widower and preacher.17 
    Notebt 1931 - 1945  After going to live with his cousin James R. Baker in Lovington, Martin Gilbert Cottrell served as a Baptist minister, performing marriages, conducting funerals, preaching in church. He served for some years at Antioch Baptist Church, a small congregation east of town, about one mile west of the Texas border.18 
    Note12 Feb 1937  Martin Gilbert Cottrell was one of two family member ministers who conducted the funeral of James Robinson Baker, M.G.'s cousin and lifelong friend with whom he had lived for some time around 1930.19 
    Death26 Mar 1946 Martin Gilbert Cottrell died on 26 Mar 1946 at the home of his sister, Mary Cottrell Green, Levelland, Hockley County, TX, at age 90.2,20 
    Buriala 26 Mar 1946 He was buried a 26 Mar 1946 at Lovington Cemetery, Lovington, Lea County, NM.21,22 

    Family

    		Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson
    Children
  • Effalie Cottrell b. 6 Nov 1875, d. bt 1898 - 1900
  • John W. Cottrell+ b. 11 Feb 1877, d. 12 Apr 1951
  • Nettie Hyburnia Cottrell+ b. 6 Feb 1879, d. 8 Mar 1934
  • Addie Lee Cottrell+ b. 31 Mar 1881, d. 6 May 1974
  • Theo Cottrell+ b. 11 Nov 1885, d. 3 May 1984
  • Sammie Cottrell b. 5 May 1887, d. 11 Apr 1892
  • Maud Lillian Cottrell+ b. 26 Jan 1890, d. 27 Feb 1975
  • Gilbert Fleetwood Cottrell b. 10 Oct 1892, d. 12 Jul 1970
  • Willie Cottrell b. 11 Jan 1895, d. 1896
  • Clay Rex Cottrell+ b. 20 Apr 1898, d. 21 Sep 1970

    • Citations

    1. Interview with Opal Robertson Cottrell (Kents Store, VA), by Bobette Richardson, 1980s. Hereinafter cited as Richardson interview of Opal Cottrell.
    2. Obituary, Martin Gilbert Cottrell, Lovington Leader, Lovington, Lea County NM, Mar 1946.
    3. 1880 United States Federal Census, Parker County TX, Roll: T9_1323; Page: 458.2000; Enumeration District: 139 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    4. Marriage License/Certificate, Mary E. Cottrell and John H. Green, Parker County TX, 4 Jan 1883, copy at family website online.
    5. Marriage License/Certificate, Sarah Jane Cottrell and Aaron C. Henson, Parker County TX, 1 Jan 1880, copy at family website online.
    6. Marriage License/Certificate, Martin Gilbert Cottrell and Martha "Mattie" Johnson, Parker County TX, 27 Aug 1874, copy at family website online.
    7. 1880 United States Federal Census, Clay County TX, Roll: T9_1296; Page: 492.2000; Enumeration District: 164 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    8. Land Records, Wichita County TX Deed Book O, pp 64-65.
    9. Land Records, Wichita County TX Deed book V, pp 70-71.
    10. Land Records, Wichita County TX Deed Book 2, pp 591-593.
    11. Newspaper Item, Iowa Park Leader, Iowa Park, Wichita County TX, Vol. 20, No. 6, special section on 100th anniversary of Iowa Park, pp. 52-53.
    12. 1900 United States Federal Census, Wichita County TX, Roll: T623 1679; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 127 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, T623 (1,854 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
    13. Newspaper Item, Iowa Park Leader, Iowa Park, Wichita County TX, 1970, article about Addie Cottrell Harris.
    14. Land Records, Wichita County TX Deed Book 25, pp 234-235.
    15. 1920 United States Federal Census, Geneva County AL, Roll: T625_16; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 105; Image: 158 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920, T625 (2,076 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.
    16. E-Mail Message, Nancy Blackburn to JG Russell, 11 May 2004.
    17. 1930 United States Federal Census, Lea County NM, Roll: 1395; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 6; Image: 977.0 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930, T626 (2,667 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1930 United States Federal Census.
    18. Newspaper Item, various newspapers reporting various events, Lea County, NM.
    19. Obituary, James R. Baker, Lovington Leader, Feb 12, 1937.
    20. Death Certificate, TX Dept. of State Health Services, Martin Gilbert Cottrell, Hockley County, Certif. 13603, filed 27 Mar 1946.
    21. Lea County NM Cemetery records online, online . Hereinafter cited as Lea County NM Cemetery records.
    22. Tombstone, Lovington Cemetery, Lovington, Lea County NM, 2004, photographed by JG Russell (private collection).

    Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson

    F, b. 15 May 1857, d. 3 July 1912

    FatherMatthew Johnson b. c 1813, d. bt 1860 - 1870
    MotherMary "Polly" Fore b. c 1818
    Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson|b. 15 May 1857\nd. 3 Jul 1912|p2.htm#i28|Matthew Johnson|b. c 1813\nd. bt 1860 - 1870|p26.htm#i511|Mary "Polly" Fore|b. c 1818|p29.htm#i564|||||||Jesse Fore|b. c 1787|p80.htm#i1601|Nancy C. [--M?--] Fore|b. 12 Jan 1786\nd. 11 Oct 1882|p81.htm#i1602|

    Birth15 May 1857 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson, daughter of Matthew Johnson and Mary "Polly" Fore, was born on 15 May 1857 at Pulaski County, KY. There is a discrepancy between family stories as to Mattie's birthdate and birth records kept in Pulaski County KY in the 1850s. The Pulaski County records show four children born to Mathew and Mary Fore Johnson: William in 1853, Mary (shown as a male) in 1856, "Mathew" (shown as a male) in 1857 and Penelope in 1859. The 1860 Pulaski County census shows the four youngest children of Mary and Mathew Johnson as a boy William, age 7; a girl Mary, age 5; a girl Martha, age 3; and a girl Nelly, age 1. It is therefore most likely that the tax collector taking down the information on the children in the years of their births misidentified Mary's gender and Martha's gender and name (she was probably called, simply, "Mattie", a name the tax collector took to be the male Mathew rather than the female Martha). Family records, meanwhile, indicate a birthdate of 15 May 1858. A birth year of 1857 is more likely (it matches the census records); the later date is more likely (there was another child born only 10 months before Feb 1857, the date shown by Pulaski County, and May is shown on the 1900 census).1,2,3 
    1860 Census1 Jun 1860 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of District 1, Somerset, Pulaski County, KY, enumerated 1 Jun 1860, in the household of her parents, Matthew Johnson and Mary "Polly" Fore. She was shown as 3, born KY.4 
    1870 Census28 Aug 1870 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Parker County, TX, enumerated 28 Aug 1870, in the household of her mother Mary "Polly" Fore Johnson. She was shown as 12, born KY.5 
    Marriage27 Aug 1874 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson married Martin Gilbert Cottrell, son of George Washington Cottrell and Martha Louisa Baker, on 27 Aug 1874 at Parker County, TX. The marriage license was issued on the same day as the marriage, which was performed by R.S. Proffitt, M.G. (Minister of the Gospel; Rev. Proffitt also performed the marriage of M.G.'s sister Mary E. Cottrell to John H. Green and of Mattie's sister Mary Johnson to Solomon Akers).6 
    1880 Census2 Jun 1880 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson Cottrell and Martin Gilbert Cottrell appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Clay County, TX, enumerated 2 Jun 1880. The family was shown in Precinct 4. M.G. was shown as a 24-year-old farmer who could read and write, born TX of a father born KY and mother born NC. Mattie, shown as "M.H.," was shown as 23, unable to read or write, born KY of a father born VA and mother born GA. Their children Effalie, John W. and Nettie Hyburnia were listed as living with them. The three children (M.E. [Effalie], age 4; J.W. [John], age 3; and N.H. [Nettie], age 1) were all born TX.

    Note that two of M.G.'s Baker cousins -- George W. Baker and William A. Baker, sons of M.G.'s uncle Josiah Alexander Baker -- were living nearby in Clay County and are shown either on the same census page or the immediately preceding census page as M.G. and his family.7 
    1900 Census9 Jun 1900 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson and Martin Gilbert Cottrell appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Iowa Park, Wichita County, TX, enumerated 9 Jun 1900. The family last name appears as "Catrell." Martin G. and Mattie were shown as having been married 25 years. He was shown as 44, born TX Sep 1855, father born KY and mother SC. She was shown as age 42 but born TX in May 1868 (which would have made her 32, not 42), with 11 children, seven of whom were living (only 10 children are known), father born KY, mother born England. Their children Nettie Hyburnia, Theo, Maud Lillian, Gilbert Fleetwood and Clay Rex were listed as living with them. Nettie was shown as 21, born TX Feb 1879; Theo was shown as 14, born TX Mar 1885; Maud was shown as 10, born TX Jan 1890; Bert was shown as a daughter Birdie, 7, born TX Oct 1892; and Clay was shown as 2, born TX Apr 1898.8 
    NoteSep 1909  By September 1909, Mattie and MG had separated. That month, they concluded the sale of their home in Iowa Park; Mattie took the younger children with her to live in Frederick, Tillman County, OK.9 
    1910 Census18 Apr 1910 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Frederick, Tillman County, OK, at Ward 1, enumerated 18 Apr 1910. Mattie was shown as 51, born KY of a father born in VA and mother born in GA, and the mother of 10 children, 8 living. (The two who died as children were a boy named Sammie and a girl named Willie. Sammie died in Iowa Park, TX and Willie in Provo, Utah). She owned a mortgaged home and was able to read and write. Her children Theo, Maud Lillian, Gilbert Fleetwood and Clay Rex were listed as living with her. Theo was 24 and Maud was 20 (both were telegraph operators); Bert was 17 and Clay was 11 (both attending school). All the children were born in TX.10 
    Death3 Jul 1912 Martha H. "Mattie" Johnson Cottrell died on 3 Jul 1912 at Frederick, Tillman County, OK, at age 55. According to her deathcertificate, the cause of death was Bright's Disease (acute nephritis). The death may have run in the family; her nephew Frank Johnson (son of Napoleon B. Johnson) also died of Bright's Disease.

    Her obituary in the Frederick OK Press read: "Death Comes To Mrs. Cottrell. Mrs. Mattie Cottrell died suddenly at her home on North Eleventh street, Wednesday night at nine o'clock, the immediate cause of death being heart failure. Mrs. Cottrell had been ill for a long time with Bright's disease. Recently she had become better and her condition was not considered alarming. Wednesday night she was sitting on the side of the bed, preparing to retire for the night. Her daughter, Miss Maude Cottrell, was in another room, when she heard her mother struggling, and, hurrying in, found life almost extinct.

    "Mrs. Cottrell was a native of Kentucky, but was reared in Texas, where she lived the greater part of her life. She came to Frederick three years ago from Iowa Park, and during her residence here, had drawn about her many friends who had learned to love and respect her. She was a member of the Christian church, and was one whose religion was exemplified in her every-day life. She was 56 years of age.

    "She is survived by her widower, Gilbert Cottrell, of Iowa Park, Texas, and the following daughters and sons: Mrs. Nettie Holly, Montague, Texas; Mrs. Addie Harris, Iowa Park, Texas; Mrs. A.D. Hodges and Miss Maude Cottrell, Frederick; John Cottrell, Mobridge, South Dakota; Bert and Clay Cottrell, Frederick.

    "Funeral services will be held Sunday, upon the arrival of John Cottrell from Mobridge, South Dakota."11,12 
    Burialc 7 Jul 1912 She was buried c 7 Jul 1912 at Frederick Cemetery, Frederick, Tillman County, OK. Mattie's grave is unmarked. It is one of six spaces in lot 47, block F, spaces 1-6 in the original section, purchased by her son John Cottrell for $25.00. The deed for the spaces was recorded on 27 July 1912.12,13 

    Family

    		Martin Gilbert Cottrell
    Children
  • Effalie Cottrell b. 6 Nov 1875, d. bt 1898 - 1900
  • John W. Cottrell+ b. 11 Feb 1877, d. 12 Apr 1951
  • Nettie Hyburnia Cottrell+ b. 6 Feb 1879, d. 8 Mar 1934
  • Addie Lee Cottrell+ b. 31 Mar 1881, d. 6 May 1974
  • Theo Cottrell+ b. 11 Nov 1885, d. 3 May 1984
  • Sammie Cottrell b. 5 May 1887, d. 11 Apr 1892
  • Maud Lillian Cottrell+ b. 26 Jan 1890, d. 27 Feb 1975
  • Gilbert Fleetwood Cottrell b. 10 Oct 1892, d. 12 Jul 1970
  • Willie Cottrell b. 11 Jan 1895, d. 1896
  • Clay Rex Cottrell+ b. 20 Apr 1898, d. 21 Sep 1970

    • Citations

    1. Interview with Opal Robertson Cottrell (Kents Store, VA), by Bobette Richardson, 1980s. Hereinafter cited as Richardson interview of Opal Cottrell.
    2. 1860 United States Federal Census, Pulaski County KY (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    3. Kentucky State Archives Film #994053: KY Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1852-1910); Pulaski Co: 1852-1859, 1861, 1874-1878; Filmed Jan 1981 by The Division of Archives & Records, Frankfort, KY, 1857 Births, p 3.
    4. 1860 United States Federal Census, Somerset, Pulaski County, KY, Roll: M653_393; Page: 0; Image: 151 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1870 United States Federal Census, Precinct 1, Parker, TX, Roll: M593_1601; Page: 382; Image: 307 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    6. Marriage License/Certificate, Martin Gilbert Cottrell and Martha "Mattie" Johnson, Parker County TX, 27 Aug 1874, copy at family website online.
    7. 1880 United States Federal Census, Clay County TX, Roll: T9_1296; Page: 492.2000; Enumeration District: 164 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    8. 1900 United States Federal Census, Wichita County TX, Roll: T623 1679; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 127 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, T623 (1,854 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
    9. Land Records, Wichita County TX Deed Book 25, Pg 234-235.
    10. 1910 United States Federal Census, Tillman County OK, Roll: T624_1275; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 248; Image: 777 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910, T624 (1,178 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1910 United States Federal Census.
    11. Obituary, Martha Johnson Cottrell, Frederick OK Press, Jul 1912.
    12. Death Certificate, OK State Dept. of Health, Mrs. M.G. Cottrell, Tillman County, No. 6119, filed 1 Aug 1912.
    13. Land Records, Tillman County OK, Deed Book 23, p. 298.

    Elvira Shew

    F, b. circa 1830

    FatherBoston Shew b. c 1790, d. bt 1863 - 1870
    MotherElizabeth Brewer b. c 1790, d. b 1860
    Elvira Shew|b. c 1830|p2.htm#i29|Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Elizabeth Brewer|b. c 1790\nd. b 1860|p2.htm#i25|Phillip Shew|b. c 1750\nd. b Oct 1832|p2.htm#i26|Susannah [--M?--] Shew|b. c 1750\nd. a 1832|p15.htm#i281|||||||

    Birthc 1830 Elvira Shew, daughter of Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer, was born c 1830 at prob Wilkes County, NC.1 
    1840 Census1840 Based on age and gender, Elvira Shew was probably included as a free white female, age 10-15, in the household of her father, Boston Shew, on the 1840 Census of Grayson County, VA. She was about age 10 at the time of the census.2 
    1850 Census6 Nov 1850 Elvira Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 6 Nov 1850, in the household of her parents, Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer Shew. She was shown as 20, born NC.3 

    Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1840 United States Federal Census, Grayson County VA, Roll 556, Book 1, Page 305 (Genealogy.com), imaged from Sixth Census of the United States, 1840, M704 (580 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1840 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 6; Image: 13 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.

    John Shew

    M, b. circa 1833, d. after 1860

    FatherBoston Shew b. c 1790, d. bt 1863 - 1870
    MotherElizabeth Brewer b. c 1790, d. b 1860
    John Shew|b. c 1833\nd. a 1860|p2.htm#i30|Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Elizabeth Brewer|b. c 1790\nd. b 1860|p2.htm#i25|Phillip Shew|b. c 1750\nd. b Oct 1832|p2.htm#i26|Susannah [--M?--] Shew|b. c 1750\nd. a 1832|p15.htm#i281|||||||

    Birthc 1833 John Shew, son of Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer, was born c 1833 at NC. Because Boston and his family were still in Wilkes Co. NC for the 1830 census, and because of the age of the youngest boy shown on the 1840 census and the fact that John is shown as being age 17 in 1850, it is assumed that John was born in North Carolina.1 
    1840 Census1840 Based on age and gender, John Shew was probably included as a free white male, age 10-15, in the household of his father, Boston Shew, on the 1840 Census of Grayson County, VA. He was however only about age 7 at the time of the census.2 
    1850 Census6 Nov 1850 John Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 6 Nov 1850, in the household of his parents, Boston Shew and Elizabeth Brewer Shew. He was shown as 17, born NC.3 
    Marriagec 1855 John Shew married Mary H. [--M?--] Shew c 1855 at prob Cherokee County, AL.4 
    1860 Census14 Jun 1860 John Shew and Mary H. [--M?--] Shew appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of 3d District, Blue Pond, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 14 Jun 1860. The family was in household 120. John was shown as a 25-year-old farmer, born NC; Mary was shown as age 22, born AL. Their children James L. and Frances Eliza were listed as living with them. James was 3 and Frances was seven months old, both born AL. Next door in household 119 was John's sister Mary Shew Day and her family.5 
    Deatha 1860 John Shew died a 1860. John was alive on the 1860 Cherokee County AL census. There is no census record for him thereafter. There is a John Shew listed in the 22nd Alabama Infantry Regiment in the Civil War, and that regiment was drawn from Cherokee County among others. The Alabama Archive website shows only that "John Shoe" was wounded in the Battle of Shiloh (citing The Democratic Watchtower of Talladega, 23 Apr 1862). Thus far, it is unknown whether John died in the war. However, it is known that his wife Mary was remarried and living in Arkansas by 1880. (On the 1880 Marion County AR census, James Shoe, age 21, and Eliza Shoe, age 18, both born AL, are shown as stepchildren in the household of Barry Combs, age 52, whose wife is shown as Mary, age 42, born AL.).6,7,8 

    Family

    		Mary H. [--M?--] Shew
    Children
  • James L. Shew+ b. c 1857
  • Frances Eliza Shew b. c Dec 1859

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1840 United States Federal Census, Grayson County VA, Roll 556, Book 1, Page 305 (Genealogy.com), imaged from Sixth Census of the United States, 1840, M704 (580 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1840 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 6; Image: 13 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    4. 1860 United States Federal Census (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    5. 1860 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M653_5; Page: 106; Image: 107 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    6. National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, online http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html, John Shew, 22 Alabama Infantry, Film No. M374 roll 40. Hereinafter cited as Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System.
    7. 1880 United States Federal Census, Marion County, AR, Roll: T9_51; Page: 9.1000; Enumeration District: 104; Image: 0020 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    8. Web site, Alabama Dept. of History and Archives online).

    William Washington Shew

    M, b. 19 November 1849, d. 10 March 1927

    FatherDaniel Shew b. c 1826, d. bt 1855 - 1860
    MotherMargaret Battles b. c 1827
    William Washington Shew|b. 19 Nov 1849\nd. 10 Mar 1927|p2.htm#i31|Daniel Shew|b. c 1826\nd. bt 1855 - 1860|p2.htm#i22|Margaret Battles|b. c 1827|p2.htm#i23|Boston Shew|b. c 1790\nd. bt 1863 - 1870|p2.htm#i24|Elizabeth Brewer|b. c 1790\nd. b 1860|p2.htm#i25|William Battles|b. bt 1790 - 1792|p67.htm#i1337|Ann Jacobs|b. c 1800|p71.htm#i1418|

    Birth19 Nov 1849 William Washington Shew, son of Daniel Shew and Margaret Battles, was born on 19 Nov 1849 at Cherokee County, AL.1 
    1850 Census22 Jan 1850 William Washington Shew appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of 27th District, Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 22 Jan 1850, in the household of his parents, Daniel Shew and Margaret Battles Shew. He was shown as one year old, born AL.2 
    1860 Census1 Aug 1860 William Washington Shew appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 1 Aug 1860, in the household of his mother Margaret Battles Shew. He was shown as age 10, born AL.3 
    Marriage25 Nov 1869 William Washington Shew married Nancy Elizabeth Allen, daughter of Charles H.F.M. Allen and Francis [--M?--] Allen, on 25 Nov 1869 at Etowah County, AL. The marriage was performed by John Dickson, Justice of the Peace. Note that Nancy Allen's sister Lutitia ("Tommie") Allen married William Shew's brother, Gilford Shew.1,4 
    1870 Census8 Sep 1870 William Washington Shew and Nancy Elizabeth Allen Shew appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, enumerated 8 Sep 1870. William was shown as a 20-year-old farmer, born AL; (Nancy) Elizabeth as a 22-year-old, born AL.5 
    1880 Census9 Jun 1880 William Washington Shew and Nancy Elizabeth Allen Shew appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Cherokee County, AL, at Twp 10, Range 8, enumerated 9 Jun 1880. The family is shown in household 37. William was shown as a 30-year-old farmer born AL; Nancy as age 32 born AL. Their children Mary Ella, Martha (Mattie), Jonie M., Thomas Jefferson, Edna and Lucretia were listed as living with them. The children -- (Mary) Ella, age 10; Martha, age 8; Jonie, age 5; Thomas, age 4; Edna age 2; and Lucretia, age one month (born Apr 1880) -- were all born AL. Nearby were numerous relatives. In household 29 were William's father's half-brothers William and (Jefferson) Davis Shew; in household 32, his uncle Simon; in household 33, his cousin Adline Shew Keener; in household 34 his cousin Martin Battles; and in household 35, Martin Battles' mother and siblings.6 
    Occupationc 1885 William Washington Shew was reportedly a Minister of the Gospel c 1885 at Etowah County, AL. On 27 Sep 1885, he is recorded as the Minister who performed the wedding of J. D. Payne and M. L. Ward in Etowah County. 
    1900 Census8 Jun 1900 He and Nancy Elizabeth Allen Shew appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Atascosa County, TX, at Justice Precinct 2, enumerated 8 Jun 1900. He was shown as a 51-year-old farmer, born Nov 1849 in AL; Nancy was shown as 52, born July 1847 in AL, mother of 12 children, eight surviving. Their children Jonie M., Eva Luchia, Rhoda and Annie were listed as living with them. The children were all shown as born AL: Jonie was shown as 25, born Feb 1875; Eva as 18, born June 1881; Rhoda as 17, born Apr 1883; and Annie as 13, born Feb 1887.7  
    1910 Census16 Apr 1910 William Washington Shew and Nancy Elizabeth Allen Shew appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Atascosa County, TX, enumerated 16 Apr 1910. William was shown as a 60-year-old farmer,and Nancy as 61 years old and mother of 12 children, 8 surviving. Both were born AL. They had been married 41 years. Their children Rhoda and Thomas Jefferson were listed as living with them. Rhoda was shown as age 26, born AL; Thomas Jefferson as age 34, born AL. Also enumerated in the household were Georgia Bynum Shew, Beatrice Shew, Mary Katherine Shew and Chester Walton Shew, Thomas's wife, daughters and son. Thomas and Georgia had been married nine years. Beatrice was 3 and Kate (Mary Katherine) 2, both born CO; Chester was two months old, born TX.8 
    1920 Census7 Feb 1920 William Washington Shew and Nancy Elizabeth Allen Shew appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Milam County, TX, at Justice Precinct 4, enumerated 7 Feb 1920. William was shown as age 70; Nancy as 71. Both were born in AL. Enumerated with them was Almeda J. Lancaster, age 15, born TX. She was their granddaughter, daughter of Edna Shew Lancaster.9 
    Death10 Mar 1927 William Washington Shew died on 10 Mar 1927 at Rockdale, Milam County, TX, at age 77.1 
    Buriala 10 Mar 1927 He was buried a 10 Mar 1927 at Rockdale, Milam County, TX. 

    Family

    		Nancy Elizabeth Allen
    Children
  • Mary Ella Shew+ b. Sep 1870
  • Martha (Mattie) Shew b. Sep 1873
  • Jonie M. Shew b. 21 Feb 1875
  • Thomas Jefferson Shew+ b. 25 Nov 1876, d. 12 Jul 1940
  • Edna Shew+ b. c 1878
  • Lucretia Shew b. Apr 1880
  • Eva Luchia Shew b. Jun 1881
  • Rhoda Shew b. Apr 1883
  • Annie Shew b. Feb 1887, d. b 1911

    • Citations

    1. Website, "Descendants of Philip Shew", by Esther Knapp, online http://www.geocities.com/knopfsan/shew_family.html. Hereinafter cited as Knapp, "Descendants of Philip Shew".
    2. 1850 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M432_3; Page: 136; H1055/F1055 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1860 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M653_5; Page: 315; Image: 318 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    4. Alabama Marriage Collection, 1800-1969, online Ancestry.com, Provo UT, W. W. Shew and Elizabeth Allen, 25 Nov 1869, Etowah County AL. Hereinafter cited as Alabama Marriages 1800-1969.
    5. 1870 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: M593_7; Page: 240; Image: 22 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    6. 1880 United States Federal Census, Cherokee County AL, Roll: T9_6; Page: 332.4000; Enumeration District: 23 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    7. 1900 United States Federal Census, Atascosa County TX, Roll: T623 1608; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 4 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, T623 (1,854 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
    8. 1910 United States Federal Census, Atascosa County TX, Roll: T624_1528; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 2; Image: 717 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910, T624 (1,178 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1910 United States Federal Census.
    9. 1920 United States Federal Census, Milam County TX, Roll: T625_1833; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 123; Image: 231 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920, T625 (2,076 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.

    William M. Robertson

    M, b. circa 1847

    FatherGustavus Boone Robertson b. 7 Nov 1827, d. 20 Dec 1903
    MotherIsabella Gentry b. 3 Sep 1832, d. a 1 Oct 1903
    William M. Robertson|b. c 1847|p2.htm#i32|Gustavus Boone Robertson|b. 7 Nov 1827\nd. 20 Dec 1903|p1.htm#i17|Isabella Gentry|b. 3 Sep 1832\nd. a 1 Oct 1903|p1.htm#i18|William M. Robertson|b. c 1794\nd. 25 Jun 1864|p1.htm#i19|[Martha?] Robertson|b. c 1800|p54.htm#i1080|Elijah Gentry|b. 1787\nd. bt Sep 1860 - 19 Dec 1868|p25.htm#i486|Wilmoth Killen|b. c 1794\nd. a 23 Jun 1870|p31.htm#i603|

    Birthc 1847 William M. Robertson, son of Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry, was born c 1847 at MS. William's date of birth is extrapolated from census records. William first appears on the October 1850 census in Winston County MS as a three-year-old, giving a birth year of 1847. In August 1860, he is listed as age 12, giving a year of birth between 1847 and 1848. In August 1870, he is listed as age 22. In June 1880, he is listed as age 32. His birth would have been no later than May 31, 1847 (making him just barely three at the time of the 1850 census enumeration date of 1 Jun 1850) and no earlier than July 1847, making him 12, 22 and 32 at the time of the other censuses.1 
    1850 Census17 Oct 1850 William M. Robertson appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Winston County, MS, enumerated 17 Oct 1850, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as age 3, born MS.2 
    1860 Census1 Aug 1860 William M. Robertson appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Twp. 14, Range 8, Attala County, MS, enumerated 1 Aug 1860, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as age 12, born MS.3 
    Notea Jun 1865  The family moved from Mississippi to Lamar County TX by covered wagon in 1865, according to the obituary of George G. Robertson in the Cooper Review in April 1950; 1865 is also the date given by Martha Robertson Crenshaw for the family's arrival in Texas (per her pension application). Given the birth of Fannie Robertson in June 1865, the move was likely to have been after that child's birth.4 
    1870 Census31 Aug 1870 William M. Robertson appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Beat No. 2, Paris, Lamar County, TX, enumerated 31 Aug 1870, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as age 22, born MS, with personalty of $400.5 
    Note27 Nov 1871  On 27 Nov 1871, a William M. Robertson sold 20 acres of land in Lamar County. It is unknown whether this is the same William M. Robertson.6 
    Note31 May 1872  A marriage license was issued for William Robertson and Cuma Shaw. There is no indication the marriage was actually performed and no proof that it is our William who is referred to. All later documents naming his wife name her as Louisa Victoria or L.V.7 
    Marriageb 1879 William M. Robertson married Louisa Victoria [--M?--] Robertson b 1879. The marriage date is extrapolated from the 1880 census, where William and wife Louisa Victoria are shown with their baby Lulu, age 1. 
    1880 Census18 Jun 1880 William M. Robertson and Louisa Victoria [--M?--] Robertson appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Delta County, TX, enumerated 18 Jun 1880. William was shown as a 32-year-old farmer, born MS; Louisa was age 19, born MO. Their daughter Lulu B. was listed as living with them. Lulu was shown as age 1, born TX.8 
    Note24 Jan 1883  W.M. Robertson purchased four and five-eights acres of land in Delta County for $24.00 from J. William Champion.9 
    Note24 Apr 1885  W.M. Robertson registered both a cattle mark and a brand in Delta County TX.10 
    Note20 Jan 1889  As of January 20, 1889, William and wife Louisa V. Robertson were living in Wilbarger County, according to the statement in a deed executed at Harrold Texas on that date in favor of William's brother-in-law Amos Hendix.11 
    Note  There are no records yet located as to William Robertson or his family after 1889. The notes of Mildred Pittman Hendrix (whose husband Amos Dewey Hendrix was the son of Mary Isabella Robertson Hendrix and thus William's nephew) indicate that "Bill and Victoria Robertson had 3 daughters and 1 son, Willie." None of them can be found on 1900/1910 census records.12 

    Family

    		Louisa Victoria [--M?--] Robertson
    Child
  • Lulu B. Robertson b. 1879

    • Citations

    1. Estimate derived from various United States Federal Census reports.
    2. 1850 United States Federal Census, Winston County MS, Roll: M432_382; Page: 373; Image: 752 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1860 United States Federal Census, Attala County MS, Roll: M653_577; Page: 76; H455/F494 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    4. Obituary, George G. Robertson, Cooper Review, Delta County TX weekly, April 1950.
    5. 1870 United States Federal Census, Lamar County TX, Roll: M593_1594; Page: 38; H307/F307 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    6. Land Records, Lamar County TX, Deed Book V, pp 437-438.
    7. Court Records, Lamar County TX, 31 May 1872.
    8. 1880 United States Federal Census, Delta County TX, Roll: T9_1300; Page: 501.2000; Enumeration District: 20 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    9. Land Records, Delta County TX, 24 Jan 1883.
    10. Court Records, Delta County TX, Record of Brands and Marks, p 34, line 935, digital copy in collection of JG Russell.
    11. Land Records, Delta County deed books.
    12. Mary Ann Hendrix Thurmond (e-mail address), computerized family records database.

    John Elijah Robertson

    M, b. February 1850, d. 30 December 1923

    FatherGustavus Boone Robertson b. 7 Nov 1827, d. 20 Dec 1903
    MotherIsabella Gentry b. 3 Sep 1832, d. a 1 Oct 1903
    John Elijah Robertson|b. Feb 1850\nd. 30 Dec 1923|p2.htm#i33|Gustavus Boone Robertson|b. 7 Nov 1827\nd. 20 Dec 1903|p1.htm#i17|Isabella Gentry|b. 3 Sep 1832\nd. a 1 Oct 1903|p1.htm#i18|William M. Robertson|b. c 1794\nd. 25 Jun 1864|p1.htm#i19|[Martha?] Robertson|b. c 1800|p54.htm#i1080|Elijah Gentry|b. 1787\nd. bt Sep 1860 - 19 Dec 1868|p25.htm#i486|Wilmoth Killen|b. c 1794\nd. a 23 Jun 1870|p31.htm#i603|

    BirthFeb 1850 John Elijah Robertson, son of Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry, was born in Feb 1850 at MS.1,2 
    1850 Census17 Oct 1850 John Elijah Robertson appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Winston County, MS, enumerated 17 Oct 1850, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as age 5 months, born MS.1 
    1860 Census1 Aug 1860 John Elijah Robertson appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Twp. 14, Range 8, Attala County, MS, enumerated 1 Aug 1860, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as Elijha, age 10, born MS.3 
    Notea Jun 1865  The family moved from Mississippi to Lamar County TX by covered wagon in 1865, according to the obituary of George G. Robertson in the Cooper Review in April 1950; 1865 is also the date given by Martha Robertson Crenshaw for the family's arrival in Texas (per her pension application). Given the birth of Fannie Robertson in June 1865, the move was likely to have been after that child's birth.4 
    1870 Census31 Aug 1870 John Elijah Robertson appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Beat No. 2, Paris, Lamar County, TX, enumerated 31 Aug 1870, in the household of his parents, Gustavus Boone Robertson and Isabella Gentry Robertson. He was shown as age 20, born MS.5 
    Marriage7 Apr 1876 John Elijah Robertson married Martha Jane Ellis on 7 Apr 1876 at Delta County, TX. The marriage license was issued 4 Apr 1876; the marriage was performed on the 7th by D.M. Clower, Minister, and recorded 10 Apr 1876 by George Jones, clerk.6 
    1880 Census19 Jun 1880 John Elijah Robertson and Martha Jane Ellis Robertson appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Delta County, TX, enumerated 19 Jun 1880. John was shown as a 30-year-old farmer, born MS; Martha Jane as age 22. Their children Marshal and Gertrude were listed as living with them. Marshall was shown as age 3, and Gertrude as age 7 months (born August 1879), both born TX. The family was enumerated in household 111. Nearby were John's brother William (household 108), Martha Jane's parents (household 109), John's brother George (as a boarder in household 113) and George's future bride and her parents (household 115).7 
    Note1 Aug 1884  John's brother George G. Robertson filed a lunacy petition in County Court on 1 Aug 1884, supported by their father G.B. Robertson. They alleged that John believed he was getting directions from God and was scaring his wife and two children. John was found to be a lunatic (insane) by a six-member jury and was committed to the State Lunatic Asylum in Austin by order of D.H. Lane, County Judge of Delta County. John remained in the asylum for many years, until his death in 1923.8,9 
    Note19 Sep 1889  According to the minutes of the County Court, an action (presumably for divorce) by M.J. Robertson against J.E. Robertson was continued at the request of the plaintiff.10 
    Note21 Mar 1890  On 21 Mar 1890, Martha abandoned her suit for divorce against John, which could not be prosecuted due to his commitment. This is the last record that can be found as to John's family. What happened to his wife and his children is unknown.11 
    1900 Census2 Jun 1900 John Elijah Robertson appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Austin, Travis County, TX, at State Lunatic Asylum, enumerated 2 Jun 1900. John was enumerated among the inmates at the State Lunatic Asylum, having been committed in 1884 on an application filed by his brother George. He was shown as age 50, born MS Feb 1850, married 25 years.2  
    1910 Census25 Apr 1910 He appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Austin, Travis County, TX, at State Lunatic Asylum, enumerated 25 Apr 1910. John was shown as age 60, born in MS.12 
    1920 Censusbt 2 Jan 1920 - 12 Jan 1920 He appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Austin, Travis County, TX, at State Lunatic Asylum, enumerated bt 2 Jan 1920 - 12 Jan 1920. The 1920 census was the last record of John at the State Lunatic Asylum. He was shown as age 69, born MS.13 
    Death30 Dec 1923 He died on 30 Dec 1923 at Austin, Travis County, TX, at age 73. The cause of death listed on the death certificate was "general debility," with "chronic mania" as a contributory factor.9 
    Burial1 Jan 1924 He was buried on 1 Jan 1924 at Oakwood Cemetery, 1601 Navasota St., Austin, Travis County, TX.9 

    Family

    		Martha Jane Ellis
    Children
  • Marshal Robertson b. c 1877
  • Gertrude Robertson b. Aug 1879

    • Citations

    1. 1850 United States Federal Census, Winston County MS, Roll: M432_382; Page: 373; Image: 752 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Seventh Census of the United States, 1850, M432 (1,009 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
    2. 1900 United States Federal Census, Travis County, TX, Roll: T623 1673; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 141 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900, T623 (1,854 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
    3. 1860 United States Federal Census, Attala County MS, Roll: M653_577; Page: 76; H455/F494 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, M653 (1,438 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
    4. Obituary, George G. Robertson, Cooper Review, Delta County TX weekly, April 1950.
    5. 1870 United States Federal Census, Lamar County TX, Roll: M593_1594; Page: 38; H307/F307 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, M593, RG29 (1,761 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
    6. Marriage License/Certificate, Robertson-Ellis, Delta County TX Marriages Book 1 [1871-1886], p 148, (photo online).
    7. 1880 United States Federal Census, Delta County TX, Roll: T9_1300; Page: 15; SD: 2; ED: 20, H111/F112 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, T9 (1,454 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
    8. Court Records, Delta County TX, Probate Court Minute Book E, p 263-265.
    9. Death Certificate, TX Dept. of State Health Services, J.E. Robertson, Travis County, Certif. No. 36853, filed 7 Jan 1924.
    10. Court Records, Delta County Civil Court Minute Book E, p 166.
    11. Court Records, Delta County Delta County Civil Court Minute Book E, p 182.
    12. 1910 United States Federal Census, Travis County TX, Roll: T624_1595; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 136; Image: 223 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910, T624 (1,178 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1910 United States Federal Census.
    13. 1920 United States Federal Census, Travis County TX, Roll: T625_1852; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 106; Image: 536 (Ancestry.com, Provo, UT), imaged from Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920, T625 (2,076 rolls), National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Hereinafter cited as 1920 United States Federal Census.

    Bird Alexander Robertson

    M, b. 7 January 1852, d. 21 January 1919

    FatherGustavus Boone Robertson b. 7 Nov 1827, d. 20 Dec 1903
    MotherIsabella Gentry b. 3 Sep 1832, d. a 1 Oct 1903
    Bird Alexander Robertson|b. 7 Jan 1852\nd.