Friday, November 22, 2013
Rapides Parish, Louisiana - Unknown Tintypes Images
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Graham Research
There has been a lot of discussion about the parentage of two men named Robert Graham who were born within a couple of years of each other and who both lived in the same area of Mississippi. One Robert Graham married Charlotte Pennington and the other Robert Graham married Ruth Smith. Robert and Ruth Smith Graham are parents of Emily Graham who married William Butter and was the subject of posts in this blog.
Another Graham researcher has now posted a well-researched study of the above mentioned Robert Grahams with a conclusion as to the parentage of the two separate men. Anyone who is interested in this Graham line should go to fulltiminglover.blogspot.com (Graham Southern Roots and Shoots) to read about this Graham dilemma.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
BUTTER PHOTOS
In post number three, there is a picture of the Butter House as it now appears in Forest Hill, Rapides, Louisiana. Following is a picture of the house as it appeared in the 1890's.
In the photo from left to right are neighbors Ettie and Essie Eldred and Ellen Butter, daughter of Henry and Susan O'Neal Butter.
The next photo is the only known picture of Susan Eliza O'Neal Butter (1834 - 1908).
In the photo from left to right are neighbors Ettie and Essie Eldred and Ellen Butter, daughter of Henry and Susan O'Neal Butter.
The next photo is the only known picture of Susan Eliza O'Neal Butter (1834 - 1908).
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
WILLIAM AND EMILY GRAHAM BUTTER FAMILY
William Butter, the eldest child of Henry and Susan O'Neal Butter, was born 8 June 1850 in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He and Emily Graham married 29 October 1868 also in Forest Hill. (Marriage record Rapides Parish Courthouse Vol. B p. 73) As mentioned in a previous post, Emily was the daughter of Robert Graham and Ruth Lucy Smith. Emily was born 10 August 1846 probably in Jackson Parish, Louisiana where they still resided in the 1850 census. By 1860 the family had arrived in Forest Hill.
Following are the children of William and Emily Butter: All were born in Forest Hill, LA.
1. Henry Robert Butter b. 25 August 1869; d. 18 December 1941, Lecompte, Rapides, LA; buried Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, Rapides, LA. Married Lavinia Matilda Dunn (more on this family later).
2. William Marshall Butter b. 20 August 1871; d. 14 May 1953, Lecompte, Rapides, LA. Married Ella Johnson.
3. Beaula Virginia Butter b.8 August 1873; d. 16 November 1947; buried Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, Rapides, LA. Married Ennis Simpson Duck.
4. Lula D. Butter b. 19 July 1877; d. 2 September 1952. Married Hadley Robert Graham, 16 March 1906, Rapides Parish, LA. (Note: Lula and Hadley were first cousins as Lula's mother, Emily Graham and Hadley's father, William Jackson Graham were siblings.)
5. John Rufus Butter b. 25 November 1879; d. 4 January 1978, Forest Hill, LA. Married Fannie Duck.
6. Randall Butter b. 14 September 1882; d. 28 January 1946. Married Isabella (Izzie) Henderson.
There appears to be some confusion on the given name for William Butter. The only way he ever signed his name was William Butter - no middle name and no initial. None of my aunts and uncles, his grandchildren, ever said his name was anything but William. A number of public family trees on various websites have him listed as William Marshall Butter. I think that the confusion comes from several sources. William and Emily named their second child William Marshall Butter. Second, the abbreviation for William is Wm. Also, William's death certificate lists William Marshall as his name. I clearly believe that this was a mistake and until proven wrong, I will continue to list him as just William Butter.
Two of my aunts and my Dad shared some of their memories of their grandmother, Emily Graham Butter. She was a tiny, dainty woman who was a good housekeeper. She loved to pick huckleberries for making pies and she would take a cane pole to the bank of the lake and fish for hours. Emily was a good church worker and she would prepare communion for the church and William would help serve the communion. One aunt remembered helping her grandmother pick figs from the fig trees in her yard and then make fig preserves. She would also help Grandma Emily cut out scraps of fabric to make quilts. Quilts in those days were made to be used so many did not survive intact. I feel so blessed to have one of my Great Grandmother Emily Butter's quilts pictured below.
William Butter followed in his father Henry's footsteps and served as clerk for the Spring Hill Baptist Church. Henry Butter last signed minutes for the Spring Hill meetings on September 3, 1880; he died on November 20, 1880. On Saturday, February 5, 1881, William Butter signed as Clerk Pro Tem and on Saturday, March 5, 1881, William signed as Clerk. From then on William was listed as Clerk, Recorder or Moderator for most of the meetings through July 31, 1897 which is the last meeting for which I have a copy.
Like most of his family and friends in that area, William was a farmer for most of his life.
The only known picture of William is the one of he and Emily standing together as an older couple.
William Butter died February 8, 1923. Emily Graham Butter lived a few more years until November 28, 1933. They are both buried in the Butters Cemetery, Forest Hill, Louisiana.
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| Emily Graham as a young woman |
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| Marriage License for William Butter and Emily Graham |
Following are the children of William and Emily Butter: All were born in Forest Hill, LA.
1. Henry Robert Butter b. 25 August 1869; d. 18 December 1941, Lecompte, Rapides, LA; buried Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, Rapides, LA. Married Lavinia Matilda Dunn (more on this family later).
2. William Marshall Butter b. 20 August 1871; d. 14 May 1953, Lecompte, Rapides, LA. Married Ella Johnson.
3. Beaula Virginia Butter b.8 August 1873; d. 16 November 1947; buried Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, Rapides, LA. Married Ennis Simpson Duck.
4. Lula D. Butter b. 19 July 1877; d. 2 September 1952. Married Hadley Robert Graham, 16 March 1906, Rapides Parish, LA. (Note: Lula and Hadley were first cousins as Lula's mother, Emily Graham and Hadley's father, William Jackson Graham were siblings.)
5. John Rufus Butter b. 25 November 1879; d. 4 January 1978, Forest Hill, LA. Married Fannie Duck.
6. Randall Butter b. 14 September 1882; d. 28 January 1946. Married Isabella (Izzie) Henderson.
There appears to be some confusion on the given name for William Butter. The only way he ever signed his name was William Butter - no middle name and no initial. None of my aunts and uncles, his grandchildren, ever said his name was anything but William. A number of public family trees on various websites have him listed as William Marshall Butter. I think that the confusion comes from several sources. William and Emily named their second child William Marshall Butter. Second, the abbreviation for William is Wm. Also, William's death certificate lists William Marshall as his name. I clearly believe that this was a mistake and until proven wrong, I will continue to list him as just William Butter.
Two of my aunts and my Dad shared some of their memories of their grandmother, Emily Graham Butter. She was a tiny, dainty woman who was a good housekeeper. She loved to pick huckleberries for making pies and she would take a cane pole to the bank of the lake and fish for hours. Emily was a good church worker and she would prepare communion for the church and William would help serve the communion. One aunt remembered helping her grandmother pick figs from the fig trees in her yard and then make fig preserves. She would also help Grandma Emily cut out scraps of fabric to make quilts. Quilts in those days were made to be used so many did not survive intact. I feel so blessed to have one of my Great Grandmother Emily Butter's quilts pictured below.
William Butter followed in his father Henry's footsteps and served as clerk for the Spring Hill Baptist Church. Henry Butter last signed minutes for the Spring Hill meetings on September 3, 1880; he died on November 20, 1880. On Saturday, February 5, 1881, William Butter signed as Clerk Pro Tem and on Saturday, March 5, 1881, William signed as Clerk. From then on William was listed as Clerk, Recorder or Moderator for most of the meetings through July 31, 1897 which is the last meeting for which I have a copy.
Like most of his family and friends in that area, William was a farmer for most of his life.
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| Home of William and Emily Graham Butter Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana |
William Butter died February 8, 1923. Emily Graham Butter lived a few more years until November 28, 1933. They are both buried in the Butters Cemetery, Forest Hill, Louisiana.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
GRAHAM-SMITH CONNECTION
GRAHAM/SMITH
CONNECTION
William
Butter (son of Henry Butter and Susan Eliza O'Neal) was the first
child and was born in 1850 in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
Emily Graham was the daughter of Robert Graham and Ruth Lucy Smith.
Emily was born in Louisiana – probably Jackson Parish.
As
referenced before, there is an excellent Graham blog called SouthernRoots and Shoots. For most of the Graham information, I will defer
to that resource. However, besides covering William and Emily Graham
Butter, I would like to present some information on Emily's mother,
Ruth Lucy Smith. Until recently, nothing was known of the Smith
line. Working backwards, here is what has been discovered.
In
the 1880 census, there was a Thomas Walker, white, male, 22 years old
living in the household of William and Laura Graham. William and
Emily were siblings. Backing up to the 1870 census for Rapides
Parish, William and Emily (Graham) Butter had Elizabeth Walker, 7,
female, white, living in the same house.
1870
Rapides Parish were also Joel Merchant and Elizabeth (Graham)
Merchant with Dempsey Walker, 12, female, white.
Continuing
in 1870 were Daniel H. Willis and wife Julianna (Graham) Willis with
Sarah Walker, 17, white, female.
Next
to Robert Graham (father of the above Grahams) were William Walker,
17, male, white, and Thomas Walker, 13, male, white.
So,
what was the connection with the Grahams and the Walkers? Going back
another ten years, there is a Thomas Walker, 33, born Mississippi and
wife Charity Walker, 44, born Mississippi. Their children were
Charlotte, 9; William, 7 and Sarah 7; Jefferson 4 (this was Thomas);
and Dempsy, 2.
William
Walker (oldest son of Thomas and Charity) lived as an adult in
Rapides Parish, Louisiana. His death record appears in Louisiana
Death Index 1850-1875 and lists his mother's maiden name as Charity
Smith. From this bit of information plus the fact that the Walker
children were all living with Graham families from 1860 forward, then
it is likely that Charity Smith and Ruth Lucy Smith are sisters. Next
step will be to try to find parents and other siblings.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
THE O'NEAL CHILDREN
Since first posted new information has been discovered linking additional O'Neal children to William Warren O'Neal and his second wife Margaret Iler. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the additional children.
This post will present the children of William Warren O'Neal and his first wife Margaret (maiden name unknown) plus the one known child of William Warren O'Neal and his second wife, Margaret Iler (widow of George Scott).
1. NANCY VIRGINIA O'NEAL was born on 13 April 1832 in Alabama, the eldest of the O'Neal children. She died on 2 October 1898 in Rapides Parish, Louisiana and is buried in the Butters Cemetery in Forest Hill. On 25 March 1847 Nancy Virginia O'Neal and Randal Bettison Eldred were married. Their history through census records which also name their children is shown below.
1850 Rapides Parish Louisiana Family #415
Randell Eldred age 38 Occupation: Tanner
Nancy O. Eldred age 18 born Alabama
Esther M. Eldred age 2
William Eldred age 1/12 (one month)
Researcher note: Family #416 was Nancy's parents William O'Neal - a Tanner, and mother Margaret O'Neal. Family #417 was Nancy's sister Henry and Susan Butter; Henry's occupation was a Sadler.
1860 Rapides Parish Louisiana #625
Randall B. Eldred age 41 (notice he hasn't aged much since the last census)
Nancy O. Eldred age 28 born S.C. (different than in 1850)
Esther age 12, William age 10, Robert age 7, Edward age 5, Ann Eliza age 2.
Note: Family # 624 is W.W. O'Neal age 21, Blacksmith, his wife Emma C. age 22 and baby Mary Ellen age 1. This is Nancy's brother.
Family # 622 is Nancy's sister and husband, Susan E. and Henry Butter; living in their household is Henry O'Neal age 17, the brother of Susan and Nancy. By 1860, their mother, the first Margaret O'Neal has died, the father Warren W. O'Neal has remarried to Margaret Iler and they have moved to another parish.
1870 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Nancy Eldred age 40 born Louisiana
William Eldred age 20, Annie Eldred age 11, Jefferson Eldred age 9, Leroy Eldred age 7.
Note: By 1870 Nancy's husband, Randall, has died and Nancy is head of house.
1880 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Nancy Eldred age 50 born Alabama
Annie Eldred age 19 (should be 21), Jeff Eldred age 18, Leroy Eldred age 16.
From the above census records the children (with approximate birth years) of Susan O'Neal and Randall Eldred are as follows:
Esther b. 1848; William b. 1850; Robert b. 1853; Edward b. 1855; Ann Eliza b. 1858;
Jefferson, b. 1861; Leroy b. 1863.
1850 Rapides Parish Louisiana Family #415
Randell Eldred age 38 Occupation: Tanner
Nancy O. Eldred age 18 born Alabama
Esther M. Eldred age 2
William Eldred age 1/12 (one month)
Researcher note: Family #416 was Nancy's parents William O'Neal - a Tanner, and mother Margaret O'Neal. Family #417 was Nancy's sister Henry and Susan Butter; Henry's occupation was a Sadler.
1860 Rapides Parish Louisiana #625
Randall B. Eldred age 41 (notice he hasn't aged much since the last census)
Nancy O. Eldred age 28 born S.C. (different than in 1850)
Esther age 12, William age 10, Robert age 7, Edward age 5, Ann Eliza age 2.
Note: Family # 624 is W.W. O'Neal age 21, Blacksmith, his wife Emma C. age 22 and baby Mary Ellen age 1. This is Nancy's brother.
Family # 622 is Nancy's sister and husband, Susan E. and Henry Butter; living in their household is Henry O'Neal age 17, the brother of Susan and Nancy. By 1860, their mother, the first Margaret O'Neal has died, the father Warren W. O'Neal has remarried to Margaret Iler and they have moved to another parish.
1870 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Nancy Eldred age 40 born Louisiana
William Eldred age 20, Annie Eldred age 11, Jefferson Eldred age 9, Leroy Eldred age 7.
Note: By 1870 Nancy's husband, Randall, has died and Nancy is head of house.
1880 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Nancy Eldred age 50 born Alabama
Annie Eldred age 19 (should be 21), Jeff Eldred age 18, Leroy Eldred age 16.
From the above census records the children (with approximate birth years) of Susan O'Neal and Randall Eldred are as follows:
Esther b. 1848; William b. 1850; Robert b. 1853; Edward b. 1855; Ann Eliza b. 1858;
Jefferson, b. 1861; Leroy b. 1863.
2. SUSAN ELIZA O'NEAL, the second of the O'Neal children, was born on 7 February 1834 in Alabama. She died on 25 October 1908 in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana and is buried in the Butter Cemetery. Susan Eliza O'Neal and Henry Butter were married in Rapides Parish on 30 December 1847.
This couple was discussed in a previous post. There will be more on some of their children in a later post.
This couple was discussed in a previous post. There will be more on some of their children in a later post.
3. SARAH JANE O'NEAL was the last of the O'Neal children to be born in Alabama. Her birth date was 5 February 1836. She died on 22 February 1905 in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. She married David William Elliott on 2 April 1854.
1860 Rapides Parish Louisiana Family # 659
David Elliott age 26
Sarah Elliott age 22
Susan Elliott age 5
Nancy Elliott age 2
1870 St. Landry Parish Louisiana Ward 4
David Elliot age 38
Sarah Elliot age 34 born S.C.
Susan E. Elliot age 14, Mary age 11, Sarah V. age 9, David age 6, Henry M. age 4,
Lela M. age 7/12.
Also in house were Mellville W. Pender age 16, Alonzo M. Godwin age 18,
Fanny Coward age 17.
1880 St. Landry Parish Louisiana Family # 178
Elliott, David W. age 48
" Sarah age 43 born Alabama
" Sarah age 19, David age 16, Henry age 13, Lela age 10, Charles age 7, Ella age 5,
Julius age 2.
1900 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Eliot, Sarah J. age 64, born Feb. 1836 in Alabama
Julius W. son, age 22, born April 1878
Eva E. daughter, age 15, born September 1884.
O'Neil, Thomas, servant, 44 single, born LA, father born SC
Although Thomas O'Neil is listed as a servant, Thomas is the half brother of Sarah. He is the son of William Warren O'Neal and his second wife, Margaret Iler. Notice, also, that this surname is spelled different to the spelling usually seen for this family.
From the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900 census records, the following are known children of Sarah Jane O'Neal and David W. Elliott.
Susan b 1855; Nancy b. 1858; Mary b. 1859 or 1860; Sarah V. b. 1861; David b. 1864;
Henry M. b. 1866; Lela M. b. 1869; Charles b. 1873; Ella b. 1875; Julius b. 1878; Eva E. b. 1884.
4. WARREN O'NEAL was born about 1839 in Louisiana. According to other family researchers, he died in 1888 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Warren first married Emma Chafin in 1858 in Rapides Parish Louisiana. Emma was born in 1838 and died by 1879 as that is the year that Warren and Elvina L. Fontenot were wed in St. Landry Parish Louisiana. Below are the census records for this family. Only the 1870 census is missing as they have not been located in that census.
1860 Rapides Parish, Louisiana
W.W. O'Neal age 21
Emma C. O'Neal age 22
Mary Ellen O'Neal age 1
1880 6th Ward St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Oneal, Warren age 41
Elvina age 19 wife
William age 9
Jno D age 7
Amelia age 3/12 born March
1900 Police Jury Ward 6 St. Landry Parish Louisiana
Fontenot, Amelia age 72 born Dec. 1827 widow
O'Neal, Phillip H. Gd son age 18 born Aug. 1881
Lily N. Gd daugh. age 16 born Aug 1883
Alfred L. Gd son. age 15 born Feb. 1885
James H. Gd son age 13 born June 1887
By this 1900 census, both Warren O'Neal and his wife Elvina Fontenot were evidently deceased. Their children were living in the household of their maternal grandmother, Amelia Fontenot.
From the above census records the following are the children of Warren O'Neal and his first wife, Emma Chafin: Mary Ellen b. 1859; William b. 1871; John D. b. 1873.
The following are the children of Warren and his second wife, Elvina Fontenot: Amelia b. March 1880; Phillip H. b. Aug 1881; Lily Nora b. Aug 1883; Alfred L. b. Feb 1885; James Hugh b. June 1887.
5. JAMES M. O'NEAL was born about 1842 in Louisiana. He died on 17 October 1898 in Bayou Chicot, Louisiana. Warren and Virginia Alice Fogelman married on 1 Mary 1866. She was born about 1844 in Louisiana and she died in 1910 in Ball, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
1870 Natchitoches, Louisiana Ward 12
J.M. O'Neil age 26 born Louisiana
Virginia O'Neil age 24
Oscar age 3, Vivie age 1 (she died before the 1880 census), Marie Alice age 1/12 (one month).
1880 Red River, Texas Precinct 8
James M. Oneal age 37 born Louisiana
Verginia A. Oneal age 35
Oscar age 13, Mary A. age 10, Bulah M. age 8, James B. age 6, William W. age 3, Edna D. age 2
( Edna was born Jan. 1879)
1900 Spring Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana Ward 4
O'Niel, Virginia Head of house age 55
O'Niel, Willie W. son age 22 born Sept 1877
(Next door on one side is daughter Edna D. and husband John W. Nelson. Next door on the other side is daughter Ethel M. and husband Henry W. Nelson)
With only three census records to work with: 1870, 1880 and 1900, the following children are found with James M. O'Neal and wife Virginia Fogelman.
Oscar b. 1867; Vivie b. 1869 (died before 1880); Marie Alice born 1870; Bulah M. b. 1872; James B. b. 1874; William W. b. 1877; Edna D. b. 1879 (as per 1900 census born Jan. 1879);
Ethel Mae b. 1882 (some Ancestry trees have Ethel as a child of this couple; she is included because she lives next door to her mother in 1900).
(Some trees also have Milton Marion b. 1887 as a child of this couple. As of this post, there has been no proof found of this family member.)
6. HENRY O'NEAL was born about 1844 in Louisiana. As previously discussed, he evidently died after being discharged from the Confederate Army while enroute home to Louisiana. He was unmarried and had no children.
7. MARY HARRIET O'NEAL was born 16 February 1847 in Louisiana. She died on 13 October 1929 in Allen Parish, Louisiana. She married Andrew Jackson Kennedy on 28 April 1868 in Rapides Parish Louisiana. Andrew was born about 1840 and died prior to the 1900 census. As of this post, this couple has not been found on the 1870 census. This is probably due to the last name being spelled in some form other that a normal misspelling.
1880 Spring Hill Ward, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Kennedy, Jackson age 40
Mary age 33 born Louisiana
Marion age 10
Henry age 6
Nancy age 4
Oliver age 2
1900 Spring Hill Ward 4, Rapides Parish, Louisiana Family # 205
Kenady, Mary H. Head age 51 born January 1849 in LA widow
Oliver W. son age 21 born July 1879
Jefferson E. son age 18 born Dec. 1881
Ellie L. daugh. age 14 born Jan. 1886
1920 Police Jury Ward 4, Allen Parish, Louisiana Family # 170
Kennedy, Marion age 48, wd.
Eva M. daughter age 16
Anta son age 10
Ollie O daugh. age 6
Kennedy, Mary H. mother 72 wd.
From the above three census records the following are the children that appear for Andrew Jackson Kennedy and Mary Harriet O'Neal.
Marion b. abt 1870 or 1871; Henry born 1874; Nancy born 1876; Oliver born 1878; Jefferson E. born 1881; Ellie L. born 1886.
Further internet research has revealed some full names and birth dates for these children as follows:
Marion O'Neal Kennedy born 23 Feb. 1871.
Henry Milton Kennedy born 1 Sept. 1873.
Nancy Virginia Kennedy born 12 April 1876.
Oliver Warren Kennedy born 25 July 1878.
Jefferson E. Kennedy born 18 Dec. 1881
Ellie L. Kennedy born Jan. 1886.
8. THOMAS O'NEAL was born in 1856, the son of William Warren O'Neal and his second wife Margaret Iler. As far as is known, Thomas was not married and had no children. As discussed above, in 1900 he resided in the household with his half-sister, Sarah Jane O'Neal Ellliot in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He was 44 years old and single.
Additional children are as follows:
RANDALL O'NEAL was born about 1858 and died before 1891 in Louisiana. He married Martha E. Mattie Carter.
ANN E. O'NEAL was born 16 July 1858 in Louisiana and died 6 Oct 1908 in Avoyelles Parish. She married Thomas Deakins.
EMMA G. O'NEAL was born Oct 1859 and died before 1920 in Houston, Texas. She married Charles Oscar Pearce.
MELVILLE O'NEAL was born in 1863 according to the 1870 census and nothing else has yet been found about him.
IRA O'NEAL was born in 1868 according to the 1870 census and nothing else has yet been found about him.
Randall, Ann, and Emma have been proven to belong to William Warren O'Neal and Margaret Iler O'Neal by DNA connections from their descendants and the descendants of the children of William Warren O'Neal and his first wife Margaret Unknown maiden name. Melville and Ira O'Neal were born before William Warren O'Neal died and were living with their mother on the 1870 census.
If anyone has additional information or corrections to the above facts, please leave a message in the comments.
1860 Rapides Parish Louisiana Family # 659
David Elliott age 26
Sarah Elliott age 22
Susan Elliott age 5
Nancy Elliott age 2
1870 St. Landry Parish Louisiana Ward 4
David Elliot age 38
Sarah Elliot age 34 born S.C.
Susan E. Elliot age 14, Mary age 11, Sarah V. age 9, David age 6, Henry M. age 4,
Lela M. age 7/12.
Also in house were Mellville W. Pender age 16, Alonzo M. Godwin age 18,
Fanny Coward age 17.
1880 St. Landry Parish Louisiana Family # 178
Elliott, David W. age 48
" Sarah age 43 born Alabama
" Sarah age 19, David age 16, Henry age 13, Lela age 10, Charles age 7, Ella age 5,
Julius age 2.
1900 Rapides Parish Louisiana
Eliot, Sarah J. age 64, born Feb. 1836 in Alabama
Julius W. son, age 22, born April 1878
Eva E. daughter, age 15, born September 1884.
O'Neil, Thomas, servant, 44 single, born LA, father born SC
Although Thomas O'Neil is listed as a servant, Thomas is the half brother of Sarah. He is the son of William Warren O'Neal and his second wife, Margaret Iler. Notice, also, that this surname is spelled different to the spelling usually seen for this family.
From the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900 census records, the following are known children of Sarah Jane O'Neal and David W. Elliott.
Susan b 1855; Nancy b. 1858; Mary b. 1859 or 1860; Sarah V. b. 1861; David b. 1864;
Henry M. b. 1866; Lela M. b. 1869; Charles b. 1873; Ella b. 1875; Julius b. 1878; Eva E. b. 1884.
4. WARREN O'NEAL was born about 1839 in Louisiana. According to other family researchers, he died in 1888 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Warren first married Emma Chafin in 1858 in Rapides Parish Louisiana. Emma was born in 1838 and died by 1879 as that is the year that Warren and Elvina L. Fontenot were wed in St. Landry Parish Louisiana. Below are the census records for this family. Only the 1870 census is missing as they have not been located in that census.
1860 Rapides Parish, Louisiana
W.W. O'Neal age 21
Emma C. O'Neal age 22
Mary Ellen O'Neal age 1
1880 6th Ward St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Oneal, Warren age 41
Elvina age 19 wife
William age 9
Jno D age 7
Amelia age 3/12 born March
1900 Police Jury Ward 6 St. Landry Parish Louisiana
Fontenot, Amelia age 72 born Dec. 1827 widow
O'Neal, Phillip H. Gd son age 18 born Aug. 1881
Lily N. Gd daugh. age 16 born Aug 1883
Alfred L. Gd son. age 15 born Feb. 1885
James H. Gd son age 13 born June 1887
By this 1900 census, both Warren O'Neal and his wife Elvina Fontenot were evidently deceased. Their children were living in the household of their maternal grandmother, Amelia Fontenot.
From the above census records the following are the children of Warren O'Neal and his first wife, Emma Chafin: Mary Ellen b. 1859; William b. 1871; John D. b. 1873.
The following are the children of Warren and his second wife, Elvina Fontenot: Amelia b. March 1880; Phillip H. b. Aug 1881; Lily Nora b. Aug 1883; Alfred L. b. Feb 1885; James Hugh b. June 1887.
5. JAMES M. O'NEAL was born about 1842 in Louisiana. He died on 17 October 1898 in Bayou Chicot, Louisiana. Warren and Virginia Alice Fogelman married on 1 Mary 1866. She was born about 1844 in Louisiana and she died in 1910 in Ball, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
1870 Natchitoches, Louisiana Ward 12
J.M. O'Neil age 26 born Louisiana
Virginia O'Neil age 24
Oscar age 3, Vivie age 1 (she died before the 1880 census), Marie Alice age 1/12 (one month).
1880 Red River, Texas Precinct 8
James M. Oneal age 37 born Louisiana
Verginia A. Oneal age 35
Oscar age 13, Mary A. age 10, Bulah M. age 8, James B. age 6, William W. age 3, Edna D. age 2
( Edna was born Jan. 1879)
1900 Spring Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana Ward 4
O'Niel, Virginia Head of house age 55
O'Niel, Willie W. son age 22 born Sept 1877
(Next door on one side is daughter Edna D. and husband John W. Nelson. Next door on the other side is daughter Ethel M. and husband Henry W. Nelson)
With only three census records to work with: 1870, 1880 and 1900, the following children are found with James M. O'Neal and wife Virginia Fogelman.
Oscar b. 1867; Vivie b. 1869 (died before 1880); Marie Alice born 1870; Bulah M. b. 1872; James B. b. 1874; William W. b. 1877; Edna D. b. 1879 (as per 1900 census born Jan. 1879);
Ethel Mae b. 1882 (some Ancestry trees have Ethel as a child of this couple; she is included because she lives next door to her mother in 1900).
(Some trees also have Milton Marion b. 1887 as a child of this couple. As of this post, there has been no proof found of this family member.)
6. HENRY O'NEAL was born about 1844 in Louisiana. As previously discussed, he evidently died after being discharged from the Confederate Army while enroute home to Louisiana. He was unmarried and had no children.
7. MARY HARRIET O'NEAL was born 16 February 1847 in Louisiana. She died on 13 October 1929 in Allen Parish, Louisiana. She married Andrew Jackson Kennedy on 28 April 1868 in Rapides Parish Louisiana. Andrew was born about 1840 and died prior to the 1900 census. As of this post, this couple has not been found on the 1870 census. This is probably due to the last name being spelled in some form other that a normal misspelling.
1880 Spring Hill Ward, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Kennedy, Jackson age 40
Mary age 33 born Louisiana
Marion age 10
Henry age 6
Nancy age 4
Oliver age 2
1900 Spring Hill Ward 4, Rapides Parish, Louisiana Family # 205
Kenady, Mary H. Head age 51 born January 1849 in LA widow
Oliver W. son age 21 born July 1879
Jefferson E. son age 18 born Dec. 1881
Ellie L. daugh. age 14 born Jan. 1886
1920 Police Jury Ward 4, Allen Parish, Louisiana Family # 170
Kennedy, Marion age 48, wd.
Eva M. daughter age 16
Anta son age 10
Ollie O daugh. age 6
Kennedy, Mary H. mother 72 wd.
From the above three census records the following are the children that appear for Andrew Jackson Kennedy and Mary Harriet O'Neal.
Marion b. abt 1870 or 1871; Henry born 1874; Nancy born 1876; Oliver born 1878; Jefferson E. born 1881; Ellie L. born 1886.
Further internet research has revealed some full names and birth dates for these children as follows:
Marion O'Neal Kennedy born 23 Feb. 1871.
Henry Milton Kennedy born 1 Sept. 1873.
Nancy Virginia Kennedy born 12 April 1876.
Oliver Warren Kennedy born 25 July 1878.
Jefferson E. Kennedy born 18 Dec. 1881
Ellie L. Kennedy born Jan. 1886.
8. THOMAS O'NEAL was born in 1856, the son of William Warren O'Neal and his second wife Margaret Iler. As far as is known, Thomas was not married and had no children. As discussed above, in 1900 he resided in the household with his half-sister, Sarah Jane O'Neal Ellliot in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. He was 44 years old and single.
Additional children are as follows:
NEW INFORMATION SINCE FIRST POSTED
RANDALL O'NEAL was born about 1858 and died before 1891 in Louisiana. He married Martha E. Mattie Carter.
ANN E. O'NEAL was born 16 July 1858 in Louisiana and died 6 Oct 1908 in Avoyelles Parish. She married Thomas Deakins.
EMMA G. O'NEAL was born Oct 1859 and died before 1920 in Houston, Texas. She married Charles Oscar Pearce.
MELVILLE O'NEAL was born in 1863 according to the 1870 census and nothing else has yet been found about him.
IRA O'NEAL was born in 1868 according to the 1870 census and nothing else has yet been found about him.
Randall, Ann, and Emma have been proven to belong to William Warren O'Neal and Margaret Iler O'Neal by DNA connections from their descendants and the descendants of the children of William Warren O'Neal and his first wife Margaret Unknown maiden name. Melville and Ira O'Neal were born before William Warren O'Neal died and were living with their mother on the 1870 census.
If anyone has additional information or corrections to the above facts, please leave a message in the comments.
Next post: Back to the Butter Family
Friday, February 22, 2013
OUR O'NEAL FAMILY
Some information in this post can now be updated with new information. The new data concerns William Warren O'Neal and his second wife, Margaret Iler and their children. The new information will be in bold Italic type. Scroll down to see what has been discovered since this 2013 post. (Virginia B. Fields - August 8, 2018)
Before journeying forward with this Butter family, we should stop and take a look at Susan Eliza O'Neal's family. Her father was William Warren O'Neal, born about 1810 probably in South Carolina. Her mother was Margaret (last name unknown) who was born about 1814 probably in South Carolina. The statistics on William Warren and Margaret are from census records in 1840 and 1850. They had the following children:
Nancy Virginia born about 1832 in Alabama
Susan Eliza born 7 February 1834 in Alabama
Sarah Jane born 5 February 1836 in Alabama
Warren born about 1839 in Louisiana
James born about 1842 in Louisiana
Henry born about 1844 in Louisiana
Mary Harriet born about 1847 in Louisiana
Margaret (maiden name unknown) O'Neal died after the 1850 census and before 17 August 1853. (She is listed as deceased in the Spring Hill Baptist Church records on 31 December 1852.) This is known because William Warren O'Neal married Margaret Iler, widow of George Scott, in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana on that date. William Warren and Margaret Iler then had a son, Thomas O'Neal, born about 1856. William Warren O'Neal died in Avoyelles Parish Louisiana in 1868.(He actually probably died either in Rapides or St. Landry Parish.)
William Warren O'Neal and Margaret Iler had several children as follows: Thomas b. 1856; Randall b abt 1858; Ann E. O'Neal b. 16 July 1858; Emma G. b. October 1859; Melville b 1863; Ira b 1868. In the 1870 census in St. Landry Parish, Melville and Ira are in the household of their mother Margaret O'Neal. There is now a DNA connection linking some of these children to the children of William Warren O'Neal's first family.
On the 11 April 1859, William Warren O'Neal sold land in St. Landry Parish.
On 8 November 1860, William Warren O'Neal signed as a witness to the marriage of Julia Ryals and Oliver Humble in St. Landry Parish.
On 18 April 1860, William Warren O'Neal sold land in St. Landry Parish which includes a release of Dower by Margaret E. Iler O'Neal. Papers signed at the home of William O'Neal at Bayou Jack, St. Landry Parish.
So far, research has not revealed who William Warren O'Neal's parents are. What is known is that sometime after 1810, he left South Carolina and began a journey across the south eventually ending in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Between February 1836 when Sarah Jane was born and sometime in 1839 when Warren was born, the family left Alabama and went to Louisiana. They appear in the 1840 census of Rapides Parish. Their precise residence in Alabama is unknown. As of February 2013, I have personally checked all but four Alabama counties for land transactions involving William W. O'Neal. There are a few counties where the records have been lost to fire or flood; however, no land record has so far been found.
In the Rapides Parish Louisiana 1850 census, the family is listed as follows:
O'Neal, William 40 Farmer South Carolina
Margaret 36 South Carolina
Sarah 13 Alabama
Warren 11 Louisiana
James 8 Louisiana
Harry 6 Louisiana
Mary 1 Louisiana
As reported in the Henry Butter blog post, the O'Neals are living next door to Henry Butter and their daughter, Susan O'Neal Butter.
So far, William Warren O'Neal has not been found in the 1860 census. He and the second Margaret should be living in Rapides, St. Landry or Avoyelles Parish. They are more likely living in St. Landry or Rapides Parish as they sold land in St. Landry Parish just prior to the enumeration date for the 1860 census.) I have not read the St. Landry or Avoyelles Parish census line by line but they have not appeared in the index for any of the variant spellings of O'Neal. There are some online trees that have William O'Neal in DeKalb County, Georgia in 1860. There is a William O'Neal in that county and state but the wife and children do not match up with our O'Neal family at all. It would have been a bit unusual for a family to come all the way across the south to Louisiana, then travel all the way back to Georgia and then return to Louisiana in such a short period of time.
Following are some other known facts about this particular O'Neal family.
William Warren O'Neal was received by letter Springhill Baptist Church 9 November 1844.
Margaret O'Neal received by letter Springhill Baptist Church 9 November 1844.
Warren O'Neal and James O'Neal baptized 7 October 1857 Springhill Baptist Church.
Nancy O'Neal received by letter 9 November 1844 Springhill Baptist Church.
Warren O'Neal joined the Confederate Army in Rapides Parish 8 March 1862. His service records are listed as William Warren and sometimes Warren William O'Neal. He was discharged 10 June 1865.
These vouchers are among the ones in the
service file for William Warren O'Neal.
He and his brother, Henry, were in
Company H, 8th Louisiana Infantry.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Before journeying forward with this Butter family, we should stop and take a look at Susan Eliza O'Neal's family. Her father was William Warren O'Neal, born about 1810 probably in South Carolina. Her mother was Margaret (last name unknown) who was born about 1814 probably in South Carolina. The statistics on William Warren and Margaret are from census records in 1840 and 1850. They had the following children:
Nancy Virginia born about 1832 in Alabama
Susan Eliza born 7 February 1834 in Alabama
Sarah Jane born 5 February 1836 in Alabama
Warren born about 1839 in Louisiana
James born about 1842 in Louisiana
Henry born about 1844 in Louisiana
Mary Harriet born about 1847 in Louisiana
Margaret (maiden name unknown) O'Neal died after the 1850 census and before 17 August 1853. (She is listed as deceased in the Spring Hill Baptist Church records on 31 December 1852.) This is known because William Warren O'Neal married Margaret Iler, widow of George Scott, in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana on that date. William Warren and Margaret Iler then had a son, Thomas O'Neal, born about 1856. William Warren O'Neal died in Avoyelles Parish Louisiana in 1868.(He actually probably died either in Rapides or St. Landry Parish.)
William Warren O'Neal and Margaret Iler had several children as follows: Thomas b. 1856; Randall b abt 1858; Ann E. O'Neal b. 16 July 1858; Emma G. b. October 1859; Melville b 1863; Ira b 1868. In the 1870 census in St. Landry Parish, Melville and Ira are in the household of their mother Margaret O'Neal. There is now a DNA connection linking some of these children to the children of William Warren O'Neal's first family.
On the 11 April 1859, William Warren O'Neal sold land in St. Landry Parish.
On 8 November 1860, William Warren O'Neal signed as a witness to the marriage of Julia Ryals and Oliver Humble in St. Landry Parish.
On 18 April 1860, William Warren O'Neal sold land in St. Landry Parish which includes a release of Dower by Margaret E. Iler O'Neal. Papers signed at the home of William O'Neal at Bayou Jack, St. Landry Parish.
So far, research has not revealed who William Warren O'Neal's parents are. What is known is that sometime after 1810, he left South Carolina and began a journey across the south eventually ending in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Between February 1836 when Sarah Jane was born and sometime in 1839 when Warren was born, the family left Alabama and went to Louisiana. They appear in the 1840 census of Rapides Parish. Their precise residence in Alabama is unknown. As of February 2013, I have personally checked all but four Alabama counties for land transactions involving William W. O'Neal. There are a few counties where the records have been lost to fire or flood; however, no land record has so far been found.
In the Rapides Parish Louisiana 1850 census, the family is listed as follows:
O'Neal, William 40 Farmer South Carolina
Margaret 36 South Carolina
Sarah 13 Alabama
Warren 11 Louisiana
James 8 Louisiana
Harry 6 Louisiana
Mary 1 Louisiana
As reported in the Henry Butter blog post, the O'Neals are living next door to Henry Butter and their daughter, Susan O'Neal Butter.
So far, William Warren O'Neal has not been found in the 1860 census. He and the second Margaret should be living in Rapides, St. Landry or Avoyelles Parish. They are more likely living in St. Landry or Rapides Parish as they sold land in St. Landry Parish just prior to the enumeration date for the 1860 census.) I have not read the St. Landry or Avoyelles Parish census line by line but they have not appeared in the index for any of the variant spellings of O'Neal. There are some online trees that have William O'Neal in DeKalb County, Georgia in 1860. There is a William O'Neal in that county and state but the wife and children do not match up with our O'Neal family at all. It would have been a bit unusual for a family to come all the way across the south to Louisiana, then travel all the way back to Georgia and then return to Louisiana in such a short period of time.
Following are some other known facts about this particular O'Neal family.
William Warren O'Neal was received by letter Springhill Baptist Church 9 November 1844.
Margaret O'Neal received by letter Springhill Baptist Church 9 November 1844.
Warren O'Neal and James O'Neal baptized 7 October 1857 Springhill Baptist Church.
Nancy O'Neal received by letter 9 November 1844 Springhill Baptist Church.
Warren O'Neal joined the Confederate Army in Rapides Parish 8 March 1862. His service records are listed as William Warren and sometimes Warren William O'Neal. He was discharged 10 June 1865.
These vouchers are among the ones in the
service file for William Warren O'Neal.
He and his brother, Henry, were in
Company H, 8th Louisiana Infantry.
 |
| This voucher for Henry O'Neal shows that he is presumed dead as he has been missing and was very ill .
Henry O'Neal joined the Confederate Army with his brother Warren on 8 March 1862. He left the service on 12 January 1863 and is presumed to have died enroute home as he was listed as very ill when he was discharged and he never reached his family in Rapides Parish.
Next post: marriages of the O'Neal children |
Monday, February 4, 2013
HENRY AND SUSAN O'NEAL BUTTER FAMILY
As previously discussed, Henry Butter and Susan O'Neal married in Rapides Parish, Louisiana on 30 December 1847. In fact, according to some older family members they married a few feet from where they ended up living and later dying. In case no one has done the math, Henry was 31 years old and Susan was just shy of her 14th birthday. Their first child was born and died on 8 September 1848. This baby was not named and it is not known if it was a boy or girl. The list below begins with their named children all of whom were born and died in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
- William Butter, born 8 June 1850; died 8 Feb 1923. Married to Emily Graham 29 October 1868.
- John Butter, born 4 April 1852; died 15 April 1852.
- Elizza Ann Butter, born 25 April 1853; died 12 June 1878. Married to a Stanfield.
- Sarah Frances Butter, born 25 June 1855; died 17 August 1925. Married Joseph Chevalier on 18 December 1876.
- Ellen Virginia Butter, born 21 March 1857; died 18 July 1923. Never married.
- John Henry Butter, born 13 October 1858; died 1 August 1937. Married Ester Jane Randolph on 29 January 1885.
- Susan Harriet Butter, born 29 December 1860; died 18 April 1924. Married John Jackson Smith on 29 December 1886.
- Warren James Butter, born 5 February 1865; died 20 September 1879.
- Francis Eugene Butter, born 10 July 1869; died 5 May 1899.
- Charlie O'Neal Butter, born 5 August 1873; died 27 August 1898.
There will be more information in a later blog on William Butter and Emily Graham; also on John Henry Butter and Ester Randolph. Meanwhile, for anyone researching the Graham line, there is an excellent blog dealing with our particular Grahams: Graham Southern Roots and Shoots . Rather than repeating my Graham information, I will defer to the Graham blog for most information.
The Butter House was built by Henry and Susan O'Neal Butter in Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It is thought that the house was started in the late 1850's but was not finished until the 1860's. Until late 2012, this house was continuously occupied by Butter descendants.
 |
| Susan O'Neal Butter Obituary as it appeared in the Baptist Chronicle . No date on the paper. |
*********************************************************************************
Next post: Interview information about Henry and Susan
Saturday, January 26, 2013
HENRY BUTTER (1816-1880) PART 2
Henry Butter (1816-1880) Part 2
Census records for Henry Butter and Family
Henry first appears in the United State census in 1850 in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Page 31 (written), page 66 (stamped). 20 September 1850. Dwelling number 417, Family number 418.
Henry Butter Age 33 male Occupation: Sadler Place of Birth England
Susan " 16 female Alabama
William " 6/12 male Louisiana
Asa Hamilton 14 male Louisiana
John Bass 45 male Louisiana
(At this time it is not known who Asa Hamilton and John Bass are but possibly they are hired hands to help in Henry's tanning and saddle business or with farming.)
Note: Henry and Susan are living next door to her parents, William and Margaret O'Neal. William is listed as a Tanner. Two houses down and next to the O'Neals is another daughter (Susan's sister) Nancy Virginia and her husband Randell Eldred.
1860 Census Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Page 90. 9 July 1860. Dwelling and Family number 622.
Henry Butter Age 44 male Merchant England
Susan E. " 25 female Alabama
William " 11 male Louisiana
Ann " 7 female Louisiana
Sarah " 5 female Louisiana
Ellen " 3 female Louisiana
Henry " 2 male Louisiana
Henry O'Neal 17 male Louisiana
Note: Henry O'Neal is the younger brother of Susan E. O'Neal Butter
1870 Census Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Page 157 (written). Spring Hill Ward. 8 July 1870. Dwelling number 1250; Family number 1378.
Butter, Henry 54 male Farmer England
Susan 35 female Keeping House Alabama
Sarah 15 female At home Louisiana
Ellen 12 female " "
Henry 11 male " "
Susan 10 female " "
Warren 5 male " "
Eugene 2/12 male " " Born April
1880 Census Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Page 106, Enumeration District 40. Spring Hill. 29 June 1880.
Dwelling number 1036; Family 1070.
Born Father Mother
Butters, Henry 63 male Farmer England Scotland England
Elisa 46 female Keeping house Alabama N. Carolina N. Carolina
Henry 21 male Louisiana England Alabama
Virginia 20 female " " "
Sarah 18 female " " "
Eugene 12 male " " "
Charles 7 male " " "
The 1880 census for Henry and family was taken on 29 June 1880. Henry died later that year in November 1880. There is no 1890 census so it is twenty years later, in 1900, that we see Susan and daughter Ellen Virginia.
1900 Census Rapides Parish, Louisiana.. Sheet number 20, Enumeration District 127. Spring Hill Ward 4. 18 June 1900.
Born
Butter, Susan E. Head Female Feb. 1834 66 widow Alabama S. Carolina Alabama
" Ellen V. Daughter Female Mar 1865 35 single Louisiana France Alabama
It is interesting to note that while Henry Butter was alive, his place of birth was always listed as England. Only in the 1900 census did his daughter, Ellen Virginia, have France as her father's birthplace. We should always keep in mind that it is not known who gave the family information to the census taker. In 1900 it could have been Susan or Ellen. There is one other document that states Henry's birthplace as France which will be discussed later. There is speculation that Henry's father was in the British military or foreign service and stationed in France at the time of Henry's birth. In his lifetime, Henry wanted it known that he was of English heritage.
1900 Census Rapides Parish, Louisiana.. Sheet number 20, Enumeration District 127. Spring Hill Ward 4. 18 June 1900.
Born
Butter, Susan E. Head Female Feb. 1834 66 widow Alabama S. Carolina Alabama
" Ellen V. Daughter Female Mar 1865 35 single Louisiana France Alabama
It is interesting to note that while Henry Butter was alive, his place of birth was always listed as England. Only in the 1900 census did his daughter, Ellen Virginia, have France as her father's birthplace. We should always keep in mind that it is not known who gave the family information to the census taker. In 1900 it could have been Susan or Ellen. There is one other document that states Henry's birthplace as France which will be discussed later. There is speculation that Henry's father was in the British military or foreign service and stationed in France at the time of Henry's birth. In his lifetime, Henry wanted it known that he was of English heritage.
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Next Post: Henry and Susan's children
Friday, January 25, 2013
HENRY BUTTER, IMMIGRANT ANCESTOR PART 1
HENRY BUTTER,
IMMIGRANT ANCESTOR
Part 1
Until recently
there have been only a few people researching or interested in our
Henry Butter. Now his name appears on more family trees but he is
still not being widely researched. Henry Butter is the ancestor that
first captured my interest all those years ago. It has been a
frustrating journey as his ancestors are still not known. In the
following posts, I will present what is known about Henry and will
back up that knowledge with sources; additionally, I will try to
separate fact from fiction.
KNOWN FACTS
ABOUT HENRY BUTTER
Born 3 July
1816
Married to
Susan Eliza O'Neal 30 December 1847
Baptized 5
September 1849 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Became a U.S.
citizen 12 November 1850, Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Died 20
November 1880, Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Buried Butter
Cemetery, Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
There are no
official vital records to substantiate any of the above events;
however, there are two passages that reference all of Henry's life
events. The first is the minutes from the Springhill Baptist Church
entered by Henry's eldest son, William Butter, after his father's
death. All spelling and punctuation are as they appear in the orignal quotes.
“We mourn
the loss of our beloved Bro H Butter Deac of our Church called from us by our Heavenly Father Born July the 3 1816 a native of Great
Britton Baptised on the 5 Sept 1849 Adopted as a citizen of the
South in 1850 and died Nov 20th 1880..........” Signed
Wm Butter Clerk
The second
source, to anyone's knowledge, does not actually exist any more; this
was a family Bible that had belonged to Henry and Susan Butter.
Before the Bible disappeared, a family member copied the following
information.
“Henry
Butter a native of Great Britten (sic) was born on 3rd day
of July 1816. Baptized on 5th day of September 1849 and
was received as a citizen of the United States in District Court of
Rapides Parish on November 12 A.D. 1850. Henry Butter and Susan
Eliza O'Neal were united in marriage by Rev. H. Roberts in Rapides
Parish on 30th day of December A.D. 1847.”
The first
question that should come to mind is why don't we have his
naturalization papers? The simple and tragic answer is that on May
13, 1864 the town of Alexandria, Louisiana was burned to the ground
by Union troops as they left the area. Before the town was burned,
the court house was raided and documents were strewn in the street
and some were set afire. All legal transactions including land,
marriages and naturalizations were destroyed. Rapides Parish records
now start in 1865.
Although there
are no primary sources for Henry's life events, the Church minutes
and the Bible quote plus his tombstone in the Butter Cemetery all
agree and give good secondary strength to the information.
Next post: Part 2 Henry Butter
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
WELCOME TO MY BUTTER FAMILY BLOG
Welcome to my
genealogy blog about the above named families. After many years of
searching out elusive ancestors, I will attempt to share what I have
found along the way. In doing so, I hope to attract other
researchers to my blog who will want to collaborate. By sharing our
information maybe a complete picture can be put forth on a particular
ancestor or even a complete line. My dream would be that everyone
will eventually post the same information on their trees. No small
dream!!
For this first post, I will introduce myself, tell how I began this journey and present a tribute to my mentor.
My name is
Virginia Butter Fields (Ginny). My husband and I are retired with
three adult children and five grandsons. We live in Texas and since
retiring have enjoyed living aboard and cruising our boat both in the
Pacific Northwest and Mexico. I have put trips to Salt Lake City on
my agenda on a fairly regular basis. My cousin and I also do road
trips seeking all that we can find on our ancestors; these trips are
fondly known as our Dead Relative Tours. Our husbands are delighted
with our connection for this hobby as they do not have to accompany
us through dusty courthouses and weedy cemeteries. My goal is to
leave my descendants the most complete family history possible.
My genealogy
journey began when a letter addressed to my Dad arrived at our house
in about 1960. The person was asking my Dad where he was originally
from and if he knew anything about his family history. She was
researching the Butter surname and had found my Dad in the phone
book while passing through our city. My Dad and Mom replied to her
with what he knew about his ancestors. This was fairly easy as he
was born and raised in a tiny Louisiana rural area where his great
grandfather had settled when he arrived from England in the 1840's.
Once the letter was mailed, my Dad realized who the sender was – a
relative also from his home place of Forest Hill, Louisiana. Her name
was Corrie Butter and I was hooked on family history. Corrie and I
consulted many times over the years and Corrie was always gracious
and anxious to share her information. Our last visit was the end of
November 2013 when I visited Forest Hill. She and her niece gave me
a tour of the house built by our immigrant Butter ancestor. It was a
great day and a great visit. Sadly, Corrie passed away on January 3,
2014 at the age of 93. Her passing leaves a void in my genealogy
life; her great love of family and history and her willingness to
share have been an inspiration for many years.
Next post: Henry Butter (1816-1880) immigrant ancestor.
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