First Generation 
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1. Solomon TROWER. Born on 1 Jan 1732 in King William, Virginia. Solomon died in Mercer County, Kentucky in Sep 1838; he was 106.

Source: Kentucky Census, 1810-90:
Year: 1830
Name: Trower, Solomon
County: Mercer
State: KY
Page: 365
Township: Mercer City
Record Type: Federal Population Schedule
Database: KY Federal Census Index
ID#: KYS2b168729; KYS2b168730
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VIRGINIA MILITIA IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, PART V
Virginia's Share in the Military Movements of the Revolution, page 293, Trower, Solomon Mercer Kentucky
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SOLOMON TROWER FAMILY
REVOLUTIONARY
VETERAN
BY
Wm. J. Carter
This is a story about people--TROWER people--a now vast family of persons all across America who descended from SOLOMON TROWER. Thin remarkable man-slave owner, planter, pioneer, patriot--was born in King William County, Virginia, on 1 January 1732. When he died in Mercer County, Kentucky, in September of 1838 he was well into his 106th year and was living with a second wife some forty years his junior.
In 1773 SOLOMON and his family had moved from King William County to Albemarle County, Virginia. We don't know why they moved, but it was most likely the same reason that# caused him and his growing family to later move on to Mercer County--the need for more land for an expanding family. Albemarle is one of the Piedmont counties, lying as it does just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1773 it was mostly a country of farmers. Although they did not know it at the time, the men of the Piedmont area were destined to play a major role in the Revolution. Officers and men of Albemarle were heavily involved in many of the major battles of the war--Long Bridge, Trenton, Stony Point, Brandywine, Germantown, Saratoga, Monmouth, Savannah, Charleston, Camden, King's Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford, Eutaw and Yorktown. We do not know which of these battles Solomon fought in but have reason to believe that he was among those at Valley Forge during the grim winter of 1777-1778. We do know that he was discharged from his last period of service three weeks before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

SOLOMON was 43 years old in April of 1775 when he volunteered as a Private for service in the Virginia Militia. By the time the Revolution was over, SOLOMON had served six periods of duty each three or more months in length. Men of the Continental Armies had to farm as well as fight and enlisted men generally served numerous short periods of duty.

During the last years of the War, Solomon was over age for combat service. This is indicated by the fact that during his last service he was on guard duty at Albemarle Barracks which was a prisoner of war camp. It is likely that he could have avoided service during the last years of the war, but that was not the choice he made. We must presume that he continued service stemmed from his deep commitment to the American cause. Men from his part of Virginia felt that way. In fact, both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison came from Albemarle.

We are fortunate to know as much about SOLOMON TROWER as we do. During his very long life he owned lands and slaves in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Records are found of marriages, deeds, wills, lawsuits, depositions and he is listed in various tax lists and numerous census records.

Additionally, several family letters written during the 19th century contain information about him. We know where he is buried and are able to read almost all of the inscription on his tombstone. Altogether, we know quite a bit about SOLOMON TROWER, and we know something about the men who were his close friends.

One of the richest sources of information about SOLOMON is the application he filed for pensions due him for his Revolutionary service. It took some doing just to live long enough to draw a Revolutionary pension. Somehow the young republic did not get around to rewarding its soldiers, except for those who were disabled, until some fifty years after the end of the conflict. The Pension Act was paused 7 June 1832. By that time, most veterans were dead of old age. But SOLOMON was still alive and made his application at the Mercer County Courthouse on 10 August 1832. It was approved and payments began in September of that year. That is pretty quick action for the government.

Such prompt action was probably due to the fact that records keeping during the Revolution was spotty and incomplete except for commissioned officers. About all that could be done in investigating a pension claim was to check the applicant to memory as to names of officers under whom he had served, places of service and dates. The judgment of truth of the applicant's account seems to have been made at the local level, based on his reputation for truthfulness as attested by character witnesses. Obviously, it would be to the advantage of the alleged veteran if his witnesses were men of local prominence. We know the names of those who appeared with SOLOMON: Jesse Head, neighbor and Methodist preacher; Mark McGohon, Revolutionary veteran and neighbor; A. H. Alexander; John B. Thompson; and Christopher Chinn.

Christopher Chinn was the County Judge. John B. Thompson owned land adjacent to SOLOMON'S place, and in the Mercer County histories, he is referred to as the Hon. John B. Thompson, Sr. John, Sr. died in the cholera epidemic of 1833. His son, John B. Thompson, Jr., born 1810 was also a lawyer. John, Jr., along with Christopher Chinn and SOLOMON'S widow were executors of his will. John, Jr., went on to a distinguished political career in Kentucky. He was Legislator, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and U. S. Senator.

An interesting sidelight concerning the name Christopher Chinn arose when the writer first visited the Kentucky State Archives in Frankfort during the summer of 1973. On entering the building it was noted that the directory listed a Col. Christopher Chinn as the Director. Naturally I sought him out and was pleased by his warm reception. His reply to my first question as to whether or not he was a descendant of the Christopher Chinn I knew about was in the affirmative and he stated that he knew a number of TROWERS still living in Mercer County. Col. Chinn is a retired officer of the U. S. Marine Corps and looks the part. He appeared to be in his early 60's and is a huge, masculine bear of a man, and although he looks out of place in a library, I was to learn that he is an accomplished scholar and has written several works on arms and military tactics.

It was through Col. Chinn that I heard about the Harrodsburg Historical Library and its outstanding collection of local historical materials. He recommended that I contact Mrs. C. B. VanArsdall, Jr., the Director, and arranged a visit to the Library.

It was late in the afternoon when Mrs. Carter and I drove into Harrodsburg the next day. We had intended arriving earlier but more time than planned was spent at SOLOMON TROWER'S grave. When we learned that the library was closed for the day, we checked into a motel and prepared for dinner. Before leaving, however, I called Mrs. VanArsdall just to mention Col. Chinn's referral and also inquire as to the time she would be at the library the next day. What was intended to be a brief call developed into a lengthy conversation covering what my interests were and what might be in their collection that would be of help. Mrs. VanArsdall suggested that she meet us at the Library before dinner so that we might examine the collection immediately. What we hoped to discover was the identity of any others who might have traced the family back to Mercer County. It took less than five minutes after we reached the Library and gotten peat the introductions, and our expressed appreciation to Mrs. VanArsdall for her graciousness in opening it so late in the afternoon. There as we had hoped we found a folder of correspondence between the Library and other Trower family historians. Of greatest interest was a group of letters to and from Mrs. Stanley H. (Betty) Young of Shelbyville, Illinois. On examining these letters it was apparent that Mrs. Young knew more about SOLOMON TROWER and his family than I had ever dreamed of learning. Such a find deserved celebration which was done at a genteel Harrodsburg restaurant that featured southern fried ham with hot biscuits and red eye gravy.

During the interval that has passed since that time, Betty Young and I have had an active correspondence and have visited together. Through her I have come to know many others who have an interest in this family. And of course, Betty and all the rest of us, owe much to her grandfather, WILLIAM ADDISON (AD) TROWER. This remarkable man sought out and corresponded with TROWER people almost one hundred years ago. Information contained in "AD" TROWER'S old letters was crucial to identification of early generations of this family. Also, through Betty's help, the writer has come in contact with many persons who know other branches of the TROWER family history.
Back to SOLOMON TROWER. We now have verified many things about him and are able to deduce quite a bit more from these known facts.

SOLOMON seems to have been a "self made" man. There is no surviving record of his owning any land or anything else before the Revolution. It is likely his war experiences served to broaden his perspective of the world and enabled him to utilize what he had learned for the well being of himself and his family. By 1787 we find land records in his name in Louisa County, Virginia, which adjoins Albemarle County. There are numerous deeds recorded between 1787 and 1804 of land transactions in this county and although some tax lists for the county do not show it, we have good reason to believe he also owned a number of slaves during his residence there.
SOLOMON'S first wife, and the mother of his children, was named SARAH. This is proved by her signature SARAH X TROWER on deed records. According to family legend, her maiden name was GIVENS.

We are able to identify six children of SOLOMON and SARAH:
1. THOMAS - born 1750 - 1760
2. JOHN (DR. JOHN WESLEY TROWER, SR.) - born 1766-1784, probably ca 1772
3. HENRY (HENRY T. TROWER) - born about 1776.
4. SOLOMON, JR. - born about 1782.
5. CATY (CATHERINE) - born about 1784.
6. SAMUEL - born 1775-1794.

The identification of THOMAS as one of the children is sure from the records of the suit, TROWER vs. TROWER. (See Records Section at the back of this book)." From the deposition of THOMAS TROWER in this suit we learn that he was living in Sullivan County, Tennessee, in 1825 when the deposition was made. He appears in the Census of 1830 for this county and from the Census record we can determine his age bracket.
JOHN and HENRY are clearly identified in two deeds recorded in Louisa County, Virginia, both dated 8 April 1799.

The identification of SOLOMON, JR., is circumstantial but altogether it is extensive and convincing.
CATY is positively identified as a child of SOLOMON as is shown in the Louisa County record of her marriage to William Patterson 14 September 1801.

One of the old "AD" TROWER letters mentions a son, SAMUEL, and says that he was drowned. The 1820 census of Mercer County, Kentucky, lists a SAMUEL TROWER and family along with other TROWER families we know about.

In his pension application of 1832, SOLOMON stated that he had been a Methodist for 61 years. Those who appeared for him as character witnesses affirmed their belief of this and also stated that they believed SOLOMON to be as old as he said he was.

An interesting bit of speculation can be constructed around SOLOMON'S very early Methodist membership. His testimony places him in the Methodist movement in 1771. At that early date the Methodist movement was just beginning its growth in the Colonies. At most, its total membership was only a few hundred. At the beginning of the Revolution the total Methodist membership in all of the Colonies was only a bit more than 3,000.
The very early Methodist membership of SOLOMON and presumably also his family is most revealing. It may well be true that he was converted to Methodism by Robert Williams who was one of the first four missionaries sent to the Colonies by John Wesley. It is known that Williams evangelized in Virginia and that King William County was a part of the area he covered.

SOLOMON'S early association with Methodism can be employed to give a plausible argument for dating the birth of his son JOHN. The argument is that SOLOMON and SARAH would likely not have named a son JOHN WESLEY if he was born before 1771 and would likely not have given this name to a son if he was born in 1775 or during the next few years after 1775. This requires some understanding of the early history of the Methodist movement in America.

John Wesley himself made only one brief trip to America and that was early in his career, about 1740. He spent most of his career in England and despite his broad evangelical approach to religion, in some ways he always remained High Church and a loyal supporter of the King. In 1775 John Wesley published a tract titled "A Calm Address to the American Colonies" in which he came out strongly in support of the views of King George. Wesley's "Calm Address" was a sensation and within three weeks, forty thousand copies were sold. Naturally, Wesley's views were angrily received by the Colonists, except for those with Tory views. There is one thing that we know for sure about old SOLOMON--he was not a Tory.

Taking these speculations for whatever they are worth, we arrive at a birth year of 1772 for JOHN which would have made him about 21 years old when he married NANCY ROBINSON in Albemarle County, 19 December 1793. This sounds about right. HENRY TROWER married some four years later so we might assign a birth year for him of 1776. Working backward from the known dates of their marriages we can assign a probable birth of 1782 for SOLOMON, JR., and perhaps 1784 for CATY.

The first family to leave Virginia and migrate to Kentucky appears to have been JOHN TROWER and his wife and children. They arrived in Harrodsburg perhaps as early as 1809. JOHN and his family appear in the 1810 Census records of Mercer County, Kentucky. The families of SOLOMON and HENRY came to Mercer County about 1812. The tax lists of Mercer County for the year 1813 have SOLOMON, JOHN, and HENRY listed and JOHN had 110 acres on Salt River. By 1820 the families of SAMUEL TROWER, SOLOMON TROWER, JR., and CATY PATTERSON were in the county.

In making the trip from Virginia to Kentucky it is likely that all of them took the wagon trail down the Cumberland valley and crossed over the Cumberland Gap into Sullivan County, Tennessee. From there the route to Mercer County was likely through the Pennington Gap into Harlan County, Kentucky, and on northeast to Harrodsburg.

The writer suspects that Mercer County was the intended destination when the whole family group left Virginia. Many Virginians came to Mercer County. It was the most desirable place to live in the early 19th Century, and remains so today. By 1810 Harrodsburg was a thriving community. Riverboat transportation up and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers gave commercial connections to New Orleans and the east coast. Additionally, the Mercer County area was pretty much in the center of the most rapidly developing part of Kentucky. The old territorial capitol at Danville was only 10 miles down the road south of Harrodsburg and it was only some 20 miles north to the state capitol at Frankfort.

Mercer County was and still remains one of America's most gracious and lovely areas. Its beauty and gentleness brings to mind the expression coined so long ago--"A perfect Kaintuck of a place."

One would expect that the TROWERS often thought back to their homeland, Virginia. Surely old SOLOMON did. He was an old man in terms of years when all of them left Louisa County. For him the departure meant final separation from places and persons he held dear. If Mercer County was pleasing, it did not erase in his mind the memories of the equally lovely area he left behind.

Virginians had a unique sense of pride about their native state. Theirs was a land which had been settled and developed and had produced a cultured civilization more than a century before white men moved to Kentucky. Theirs was the land which produced Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Most Virginians of-SOLOMON'S time would have believed "Virginia Gentlemen" the equal of any title a man might bear. Old SOLOMON probably felt that way. Sure, he missed Virginia, but he would have missed being with his family even more.

There surely was some communication by mail with friends and relatives back in Virginia and some visitation but we know little of the detail of this. We do know, however, that one of SOLOMON'S grandsons married a girl in Albemarle County in 1830. Also, according to family, another of his grandsons studied medicine at the University of Virginia.

The Mercer County TROWERS were the first family of that name to settle in Kentucky. SOLOMON, SR., and those of his children who came to Mercer County lived out the remainder of their respective lives there. By the 1830's though many of SOLOMON'S grandchildren were moving on to the newer frontiers. So far as is known to the writer, all of the TROWER families who were in the midwest by 1850 were descendant from SOLOMON TROWER, SR.

As we noted earlier, there have been a number of persons in this TROWER family who have traced the family back to Mercer County, Kentucky. Census records alone enable one to determine that the family came to Kentucky from Virginia. Then the question arises as to what part of Virginia they came from.

There were a number of TROWER families in Virginia before the Revolution. TROWER families appear in the early records of Princess Anne County, Northampton County, Hardy County, Louisa County, Campbell County, and Albemarle. Also there was a group that spelled the surname as THROWER in early Sussex County.

In the course of several years of correspondence with others, the editor has several times encountered the story that JOHN and HENRY TROWER of Mercer County, Kentucky, descend from the TROWERS of Princess Anne County, Virginia. Apparently this story is based on information contained in a deed which is recorded in Princess Anne County. An abstract of this conveyance is given in "Virginia Wills and Administrations. 1632-1800." The abstract of the deed in question is as follows:

Princess Anne Co.--Deed Book 13, p. 18: HENRY TROWER mentions wife ELIZABETH and sons, HENRY, THOMAS, JOHN and ROBERT. Daughters ELIZABETH and CLEAR (or CLARK) OWENS. Dated 17 Mar. 1772 - Proved 9 July 1772.

A quite reasonable working hypothesis could be made from this deed that HENRY and ELIZABETH were the parents of HENRY and JOHN of Mercer County. The hypothesis would seem even more plausible if one knew that HENRY and JOHN of Mercer County also had a brother, THOMAS. All of us who do family research form tentative conclusions about things, and sometimes further research verifies these conclusions. In this case, however, the writer is persuaded that the Princess Anne County origin for the family is not correct and that the trail of JOHN and HENRY of Mercer County clearly leads back to Louisa County.

It is possible that all of the TROWERS in early Virginia descend from a single immigrant ancestor but this cannot be proven. There is a legend in this TROWER family that SOLOMON descends from a Welsh sea captain who plied trade between the West Indies and Jamestown in Virginia. This legend comes down through the family of one of SOLOMON'S grandchildren who spent many years back in Albemarle County, DR. JOHN WESLEY TROWER, JR. The writer puts some faith in this story. We know that the TROWER name is found in quite early Welsh records. Possibly the immigrant of this TROWER family was the SAMUEL TROWERS (TROWER), 15, who immigrated from London to Jamestown on the ship CONCORD, 4 October 1677. SOLOMON could have been a grandson of this SAMUEL.

Perhaps this is as good a place as any to consider the question of whether SOLOMON was really as old as he said he was. People do sometimes live to the age of 106 years, but is far from common. We would like to see proof. Since proof is not available, we must do the best we can with the evidence.

After much consideration, the writer believes that SOLOMON was really as old as he said he was. The two census records we have show him in the age bracket that fits his claim. Also we have his two pension applications. In these he gives ages consistent with a birth year of 1732. Those who appeared as character witnesses on these two occasions affirmed their belief that he was as old as he claimed. His children and grandchildren believed that he was 106 years old when he died. Finally, we can cite the birth bracket for his son, THOMAS, who appears in the 1830 census of Sullivan County, Tennessee. This shows THOMAS born 1750-1760.

The evidence to the contrary of SOLOMON'S claim about his age hinges on the identification of SOLOMON TROWER mentioned in an early Louisa County will. This is found in "Abstracts of Louisa Co., Virginia Will Books, 1743-1760." From Will Book I, p. 55, we find:

Will of Elizabeth Key. Phillip Buford deposition. Phillip Buford made guardian of her property. Three sons: Prentiss, Wm. & . Dau Thompson. Grandson: SOLOMON TROWER to be decently cloathed and sent to his father. Dated 19 Dec 1761. Rec._____17___.

It is reported that some edges of the pages of the old will book are torn and obliterated to the extent that the dates are illegible in some places. By deciphering dates of wills which immediately precede this will and those which immediately follow, it seems likely that the will of Elizabeth Key falls in the period 1759-1762. If the SOLOMON TROWER of the Elizabeth Key will is the same as the one we are concerned with, then it would seem that he was not born as early as 1732 since the language used in the will suggests that grandson SOLOMON TROWER was a minor when the will was received. Perhaps the SOLOMON of the will was a cousin or nephew of the SOLOMON of Mercer County. The Louisa County connection makes it seem plausible that the two SOLOMONS are related.
As noted earlier, Solomon was a old man when he came to Mercer County. Even so he lived many years in that community. There is little doubt that he was well known there. His sons were successful and his grandchildren married into a number of the families of the area. He surely was one of the last of the Revolutionary veterans who sat on the speakers' platform at a 4th of July celebration. The little farm he bought was very near Harrodsburg, and it is easy to imagine him spending many afternoons sitting and talking with friends on the village square.

In 1821 old Solomon married a second wife. She was some forty years his junior and was an "old maid," which may have had some bearing on events which led up to a full scale family squabble. Much detail of this conflict appears in Mercer County Court Records as given in the Records Section of this TROWER book. It is a bit unusual in that so much of what seems to have been purely a family disagreement should find its way into legal records. Perhaps it means that strong families can sometimes have bitter controversies. As cousin RACHEL TROWER HILL puts it, "TROWERS are stubborn."

Whatever the cause might have been, the writer is driven to make some analysis and comment on the case. Admittedly, this is only one scenario which could be written into which the known facts could be made to fit.

It is a known fact that SOLOMON did take MARY BINGHAM to wife on the 23rd of May, 1821, at which time he was 89 years old. There is good evidence that her maiden name was BINGHAM. She was an "old maid" and some forty years younger than SOLOMON. Some continuing connection seems to have existed between the TROWER and gingham families. (We note that HENRY TROWER'S first son was named WESLEY BINGHAM TROWER. He was born 5 January 1801).

The first volley in this family legal battle was fired 24 June 1821. (See Articles of Agreement under this date in TROWER vs. TROWER in the Records Section.) In brief what this agreement says is that son HENRY agrees to go as SOLOMON'S agent to SOLOMON'S son THOMAS in Tennessee and seek to recover a Negro girl named Lotty. All was to be undertaken at HENRY'S own expense and in consideration whereof, the said SOLOMON agreed to give HENRY the said Negro girl if he is able to recover her.

HENRY went to Tennessee forthwith and presumably tried to carry out all of SOLOMON'S requests. The receipt dated 16 August 1821 shows that HENRY returned with the money but without the Negro girl, Lotty.
The only word we have from THOMAS about all of this is contained in his deposition which is given verbatim below:

DEPOSITION OF THOMAS TROWER taken in Sullivan Co., Tenn., Aug 13th 1825 at the Courthouse in Blountville by Samuel Rhea, Justice of the Peace. He deposeth and saith as follows:

"Some years ago, the particular time not recollected, my father SOLOMON TROWER, sold me several negroes and at the time gave a little negro girl to my daughter, EDNA A. TROWER, a minor. Consequently, I received the child for her and kept her upwards of three years and I believe between four and five years before my father made any claim to said negro girl, which he had given as above stated, during which time my father married his second wife. Some time after this event took place, my father then set up a claim to the said negro girl whose name was Charlotte. My father had become dissatisfied with me and gave my brother HENRY TROWER, a power of attorney to do this business with me. He came to me and made a demand of the negro girl and believing it was the effect of old age and of his late marriage, I did not think it my duty to give the negro girl up, upon which refusal, my brother HENRY TROWER sued me in the Federal Court at Knoxville in this state, in defense of which I produced a number of my Father's letters which he had written to me on the subject, by which letters I proved the gift of the said negro girl, which letters I have not been able to get since. I also proved by the depositions of Thomas Morrison and Ambrose Gaines the gift of the said girl from my Father to the said EDNA, my daughter, and I do firmly believe that my brother, the said HENRY, did everything in his power to recover the said girl."
THOS. TROWER
It is easy to imagine that THOMAS might have said more about the matter of the Negro girl had he chosen to do so. It is easy for all of us now living to condemn the institution of human slavery. Even old SOLOMON eventually came to doubt its justice. But mutual loyalty and affection was often a part of the master-slave relationship. By 1821 the Negro girl had been with THOMAS and his family for many years. Quite likely they felt that Lotty-Charlotte was a part of their family. They were not about to give her up. THOMAS might even have believed the whole thing a plot to take Lotty and sell her away for whatever money she might bring.

At one time or another while the conflict was in progress, subpoenas were issued to James Smith, William Patterson, Catherina Patterson, WESLEY B. TROWER, Levi Long, Sally Long, MARY ANN TROWER, LOUISA TROWER, John Smith, SOLOMON TROWER (JR.), William Pawling, Jesse Head, Sally Smith, Betsy Gibbons, Anny Smith, and Patsey Bowers. This list includes children, grandchildren, in-laws, friends, and even the Methodist preacher.

By 1825 the controversy had caused differences in the Mercer County front. On 25 May of that year SOLOMON appeared as plaintiff against his son HENRY.

Finally, during April of 1826, the court appointed referees "to arbitrate, settle and determine this matter of controversy." No report of settlement appears in the court records so we are left to make our own judgment.
For those who would like to side with THOMAS as to the reason for the controversy in the first place, the will of MARY BINGHAM TROWER should be examined. It is not usually the case that bitter feeling, of this sort finds expression in a will.

Whatever it was that led old SOLOMON to allow this disagreement to develop we can never know. The most we can say is that indeed he was an old man when this happened, and there let the matter rest.

In connection with the case of TROWER vs. TROWER, the question arises as to how the JOHN TROWER family avoided entanglement in the mess? For one thing, JOHN TROWER was already deceased, and perhaps most important, his widow and the children had already moved up to Franklin County.

Finally, something should be said about SOLOMON TROWER and the question of the abolition of human slavery. SOLOMON was born into a society which had known and practiced human slavery as long as Virginia had existed. SOLOMON owned slaves, as we have seen, took slaves with him when he moved to Kentucky. But SOLOMON was also a devout Methodist. By the early 1830's voices were being raised in sadness and anger against human bondage. Many of those who spoke out were Methodist clergymen. Eventually the conflict was to tear apart even the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. SOLOMON heard all of this. We do not know what opinions he may have voiced, but we do know what he did. In 1836 he emancipated his remaining slaves, Viney, Mary, Nancy and Hannah. Viney was to be given her freedom at SOLOMON'S death, and the others were to be freed as they reached age 21.

In July of 1838, SOLOMON seems to have sensed that his long life was coming to its end and that death was reaching out for him. On the 15th of July of that year, SOLOMON wrote his will and named his executors: John B. Thompson (Jr.), Christopher Chinn and his wife, MARY. In September of 1838 his life finally ended.

SOLOMON is buried in an old cemetery located in the countryside about 4 miles north of Harrodsburg. It is more than a mile from the main highway. The gently rolling farmland of which the old cemetery is a part is now owned by a Mr. Elmer Wiley. The last burial there was some 75 years ago. It is said that the old cemetery was once the burial ground for a nearby Methodist Church. It has the same sort of pastoral look that it must have had when SOLOMON was buried. One can see trees and grass, grazing cattle and fields of tobacco.

There may be more than a hundred bodies buried in the old cemetery. Some have carved headstones but most are unmarked or indicated by rough fieldstone. Surely there are many early TROWER burials in this plot. Possibly Viney also is buried here.

We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is SOLOMON'S grave. He wanted it that way. He requested in his will that a stone be placed at his head and his feet. The footstone is clearly marked with the initials S. T.

The grave is in the extreme northwest corner of the old burial ground beneath a large cedar that could have been planted more than a century ago. At the top of the headstone is engraved SOLOMON TROWER. The headstone is now fallen and broken across the date lines but we can read

Who was born Jan. 1, And departed Sept. _,

We do not know who selected the epitaph which appears on the bottom portion of the stone but it is appropriate:

"The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness."
--Solomon.

Solomon first married Sarah GIVENS, in Albermarle County, Virginia. Born abt 1755 in King William County, Virginia (Maybe). Sarah died in Virginia.

They had the following children:
		i.	Thomas. Born abt 1755 in (Probably) King William County, Virginia.
	2	ii.	John Wesley (~1772-ca1818)
	3	iii.	Henry T. (1777-1826)
		iv.	Catherine (Caty). Born in 1783 in Abermarle County, Virginia?
			Catherine (Caty) married William PATTERSON. Born ca 1779 in Abermarle, Virginia.
	4	v.	Solomon (1783-ca1827)
		vi.	Samuel. Born abt 1787 in Virginia.
			Samuel married Mary Ann COMBES. Born ca 1789 in Franklin, Kentucky.

Solomon second married Mary BINGHAM. Born ca 1736 in Mercer, Kentucky.

Second Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Solomon TROWER (1) & Sarah GIVENS

2. John Wesley TROWER. Born abt 1772 in Abermarle County, Virginia? John Wesley died in Mercer County, Kentucky ca 1818; he was 46.

On 1 Aug 1791 when John Wesley was 19, he first married Mary BELLAMY, in Louisa County, Virginia.

On 19 Dec 1793 when John Wesley was 21, he second married Nancy Robinson "Polly" ROBERTSON, in Albermarle County, Virginia. Born ca 1776 in Louisa, Virginia.

They had the following children:
	5	i.	Samuel Robertson (1794-1869)
	6	ii.	Pleasant Henry (1796-1868)
		iii.	Sarah. Born abt 1800 in Louisa, Kentucky.
			On 13 Jan 1817 when Sarah was 17, she married Robert GRIFFITH, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born ca 1795 in Louisa, Kentucky.
		iv.	Fannie. Born abt 1802.
			On 20 Sep 1819 when Fannie was 17, she married Allen DAVENPORT, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born ca 1798 in Louisa, Kentucky.
	7	v.	Thomas B. (1807-1878)
	8	vi.	John Wesley (1810-1855)
	9	vii.	William Addison (1811-1888)
	10	viii.	James Littleton (1816-1888)
		ix.	Catherine [1]. Born in 1813 in Mercer, Kentucky.
			Catherine married John WELCH (WALSH). Born ca 1809 in Mercer, Kentucky.

3. Henry T. TROWER. [2] Born on 11 Feb 1777 in Louisa County, Virginia. Henry T. died in Mercer, Kentucky in 1826; he was 48.

On 9 Jul 1798 when Henry T. was 21, he married Martha ANDERSON, daughter of Bartelot ANDERSON Jr. (1747-1824) & Frances DICKENSON (1754-1789), in Louisa County, Virginia. Born on 11 Feb 1777 in Louisa County, Virginia. Martha died in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri on 1 Aug 1845; she was 68.

Martha (Anderson) Trower, Will, 1845, Pike Co, MO & Mercer Co, KY
Submitted to the USGW Archives Project, 5-11-98
by Polly Askew Menendez, ggg granddaughter, (bobpolly@zapcom.net)
Surnames in parentheses are included by myself.

Martha Anderson was born 11 Feb 1777, Louisa Co, VA, daughter of Bartlett Anderson and Frances Dickerson.  She married Henry Thomas Trower 9 Jul 1798 in Louisa Co, VA. Henry was the son of Solomon Trower and Sarah Givens.  Solomon and many of his children moved to Mercer Co, Kentucky circa 1809/12.  Henry and Martha and probably their first seven children were among the families that moved to Kentucky. They had another four children once in Mercer County.  Only one of the eleven children died before the age of marriage.  Martha's husband, Henry T. Trower, died in Mercer County, 1826/27, and had been born in Virginia c1776. All of the children's marriages took place in Mercer Co, KY, except for son, Henry Anderson Trower and daughter Lucy Trower, who had moved to Pike Co, MO along with widow Martha Trower in the 1830's.  At the time of Martha's passing, in 1845, she was residing in the home of her youngest child, Lucy Trower, who had married George Alexander Riggs, 1842, Ashley, Pike Co, MO.
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Pike Co, MO 
Book C341

Martha Trower, Last Will & Testament3

I Martha Trower being of sound and disposing mind and memory, but of feeble health, do make and constitute this my last Will and Testament utterly revoking all others.

In the first place it is my will and desire that when it please God to take me home that my Executors hereinafter named see that I am buried in a decent Christian like manner and that all of my Just debts if any be paid.  In the second place I give and bequeath unto my children, Sarah Long(Lung), Wesley Trower, Louisa Askew, Jenetta Duncan, Pamelia Hogue, Martha Keneday(Canada), Henry Trower, Maria Bradley, Lucy Trower, and the children of my deceased daughter, Mary A. Coffman, all of the estate which I may have at the time of my death, after the payment of my debts -- equally to be divided among them, my grand children afore said to represent their mother Mary Ann Coffman and take one equal share.  But with the view of ? what is hereby given to my daughters, Louisa, Martha, Pamelia and Maria beyond all casualty, it is my will and desire and do I ? direct that what comes to the shares of my four last daughters go to and be held by Doctor John Slavens as their trustee but for their use and benefit free and excempt from all liability on the part of their said Husbands respectively & with the privilege on the part of the said Trustee of paying over to them respectively in person all or any portion of their said shares and if the ? is not paid over during the lives of my said daughters whatever of their shares respectively is left is to go to and belong to the children of my said daughters respectively that may be living at the time of the death of any one of my said daughters and it is my wish that said Trustee keep at interest whatever of money may fall to their shares of my said four daughters and pay over to them in person the interest until he may think proper to pay to them or some of them the principal as before mentioned.  I hereby constitute my friend Doctor John Slavens, Esc. and Trustee of this my last Will and Testament.  In witnessed where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of May 1841.

Test. J? Taylor                                      her
      Jacob Keller                              Martha Trower  (seal)
                                                    mark

Mercer County Sct:  September County Court, 1845

The foregoing Last Will and Testament of Martha Trower decd was this day produced into Court and proved by the oaths of J? Taylor and Jacob Keller two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
                                    Attest:  Tho Allen,  C.C.

State of Kentucky Mercer County Sct

I Thomas Allen Clerk of the Court for this county afore do certify this foregoing is a true copy of the last Will and Testament of Martha Trower decd, as this same stands on record in my office. (seal)  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 4th day of September 1845.
                                    Tho. Allen

State of Kentucky

Mercer County Sct.  I Elias Tompkins presiding Justice of the Mercer County Court do certify that Thomas Allen whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is Clerk of the Court for the county afs. and that his said certificate is in due form of Law.
    Given under my hand this 19 day of September 1845.
                                Elias Tompkins  J.P.M.C.

Recorded this 17th day of October 1845
                    A.K. Buckner Clerk
                    per G.K. ???

They had the following children:
	11	i.	Sarah Dickerson (1799-)
	12	ii.	Wesley Bingham (1801-1858)
		iii.	Mary Ann. Born on 10 Oct 1802 in Mercer, Kentucky. Mary Ann died bef 1844; she was 41. [3]
			Mary Ann married Robert COFFMAN. Born ca 1798 in Mercer, Kentucky.
	13	iv.	Louisa Fitzallen (1804-1878)
		v.	Janetta (Jennetter?) Beveridge. Born on 15 Jan 1806 in Mercer, Kentucky.
			In 1829 when Janetta (Jennetter?) Beveridge was 22, she first married James DUNCAN, in Mercer County, Kentucky. [3] Born ca 1802 in Mercer, Kentucky.
			Janetta (Jennetter?) Beveridge second married OWENS.
		vi.	Permelia Caroline. Born on 22 Dec 1808 in Mercer, Kentucky.
			On 24 Mar 1830 when Permelia Caroline was 21, she married Samuel HOGUE, in Mercer County, Kentucky. [3] Born ca 1804 in Mercer, Kentucky.
	14	vii.	Martha Abbott (1810-)
		viii.	Virginia Cosby. Born on 13 Aug 1812 in Mercer, Kentucky. Never married.
			Research: Never married.

	15	ix.	Henry Anderson (1814-1877)
		x.	Maria Pauline H. Born on 22 Mar 1816 in Kentucky.
			On 24 Feb 1836 when Maria Pauline H. was 19, she married Andrew J. BRADLEY, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born on 26 May 1780 in Kentucky. Andrew J. died on 8 Dec 1856; he was 76.
	16	xi.	Lucy Marion (1819-1874)

4. Solomon TROWER Jr. Born in 1783 in Abermarle County, Virginia? [4] Solomon died in Mercer County, Kentucky ca 1827; he was 44.

On 12 Mar 1804 when Solomon was 21, he first married Mary ANDERSON, daughter of Bartelot ANDERSON Jr. (1747-1824) & Frances DICKENSON (1754-1789), in Mercer County, Kentucky. [3] Born ca 1788 in Louisa, Virginia.

They had the following children:
	17	i.	Garland (~1805-~1845)
	18	ii.	James A. (1815-)
	19	iii.	Samuel G. (1819-)
	20	iv.	Harriet N. (1822-1880)

On 25 Sep 1805 when Solomon was 22, he second married Nancy SMITH, in Louisa County, Virginia. [3] Born in Abermarle, Virginia.

On 9 Nov 1826 when Solomon was 43, he third married Polly BURKS, daughter of Levi BURKS (ca1784-) & Sarah PIGG, in Mercer County, Kentucky. [3] Born in Mercer, Kentucky.

They had the following children:
		i.	Christopher. Christopher died on 14 Feb 1863 in Mercer County, Kentucky.
			His death was caused by wounds or illness during this service. [5]

			On 19 Dec 1848 Christopher married Elizabeth WHITENECK, in Mercer County, Kentucky.
		ii.	Erwin.

Third Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of John Wesley TROWER (2) & Nancy Robinson "Polly" ROBERTSON

5. Samuel Robertson TROWER. Born in 1794 in Virginia. Samuel Robertson died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 10 Mar 1869; he was 75. Buried in Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Kansas. Occupation: physician.

War of 1812 Mercer County, Kentucky Rolls:
Trower, Samuel R., Sergt, 10 Nov 1814, George McAfee's Co., Ky. Detatched Militia

On 12 Apr 1816 when Samuel Robertson was 22, he married Mary Ann COMBS, daughter of Jacob COMBS, in Franklin County, Kentucky. Born on 22 Oct 1799 in Virginia. Mary Ann died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 18 Nov 1886; she was 87.

They had the following children:
	21	i.	John (1818-1849)
		ii.	James. Born in 1817/1819 in Mercer, Kentucky. James died in Missouri.
			Killed in accident early in life. [6]

			On 15 Mar 1841 when James was 24, he married July Ann BARTLETT, in Johnson, Indiana. Born ca 1821 in Kentucky.
		iii.	Thomas B. Born in 1821 in Mercer, Kentucky.
			Perhaps moved to Kansas with his father; also reported that he may have been a preacher. [6]

			On 2 Mar 1848 when Thomas B. was 27, he married Sarah Margaret BEVANS, in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. Born ca 1825 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
		iv.	Samuel Robertson. Born in 7/1824/1825 in Mercer, Kentucky. Samuel Robertson died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas in Sep 1918; he was 94.
			On 3 Dec 1847 when Samuel Robertson was 23, he married Elizabeth GARRETT, in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. Born ca 1828 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
		v.	Joseph Allen [7]. Born on 29 Apr 1826 in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky. Joseph Allen died in Garfield, Oklahoma on 14 Oct 1914; he was 88. Buried in Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Kansas.
			Joseph Allen married Mary Catherine MILLER. Born ca 1830 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.
	22	vi.	Emily Caroline (1828-1892)
		vii.	Joanna. Born on 12 Mar 1830 in Mercer, Kentucky. Joanna died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 27 Jul 1894; she was 64.
			On 12 Apr 1851 when Joanna was 21, she married David F. MAGILL, in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. Born ca 1826 in Mercer, Kentucky.
	23	viii.	Sarah (1832-1870)

6. Pleasant Henry TROWER. Born on 29 Jul 1796 in Virginia. Pleasant Henry died in Feb 1868; he was 71. Buried in Kirtland, Arkansas.

1860 Missouri Census
TROWER, P. H.
Barry County
p. 953
Sugar Creed Township
ID#229111620

Pleasant Henry married Nancy SAFFELL, daughter of Joshua SAFFELL & Betsey MIDDLETON. Born on 7 Jun 1807 in Franklin County, Kentucky. Nancy died in Mt. Vernon, Missouri on 19 Sep 1895; she was 88.

1860 Missouri Census
TROWER, Nancy
Barry County
p. 849
Sugar Creed Township
ID#229111619
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Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 5th ea., 1887, Anderson Co.

SAFFELL FAMILY. Among the pioneer families of Anderson County was the Saffell' s, Joshua having settled in 1790 about three miles southwest of Lawrenceburg. He married for his first wife a Miss Baker, who died in 1804, leaving four children: John, Baker, Samuel and Elizabeth. For his second wife Mr. Saffell married Miss Middleton, of Virginia, and to this marriage five children were born: James, Jacob, William, Nancy (Mrs. Trower) and Joshua. Mr. Saffell was a farmer, and owned 1,000 acres. Samuel Saffell was born in 1804 in Anderson County, and married Miss Sarah Bell Woods, daughter of Joseph Woods. He died May 26, 1875, and his wife December 12, 1872. She was born in 1804. They had nine children: Thomas (deceased), America, Ellen, (deceased) Willie (deceased), Sarah Bell (Mrs. C. n. Montgomery, deceased), Calpernia, William B., James T. and Patelina. William B., son of Samuel Saffell by this marriage, was born August 28, 1843, in Anderson County; received his education in the common schools; in 1868 was appointed United States revenue store-keeper for Anderson County, and held the position until 1874, when he engaged in business as a wholesale whisky [sic] dealer. Mr. Saffell is also general manager for W. H. McBrayer, distiller, and is engaged extensively in farming some 500 acres, which are located upon Fox Creek, one-half mile from Lawrenceburg. Mr. Saffell is vice-president and director the Lawrenceburg Bank, and a Master Mason of Anderson Lodge, No. 90, of Lawrenceburg. He married in 1883 Miss Frankie Bond, daughter of Hon. W. F. and Susan (Hanks) Bond, and has two children: Mary B. and Franklin McBrayer.

Saffell Baker Middleton Trower Woods Montgomery Bond Hanks McBrayer

VA

They had the following children:
		i.	Martha Ann. Born on 29 Nov 1826 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Martha Ann died in Hill County, Texas on 21 Jun 1878; she was 51.
			Martha Ann first married Tench Celine CARTER.
			Martha Ann second married William Riley McFARLAND.
		ii.	Nancy Jane. Born on 23 Feb 1829 in Kentucky. Nancy Jane died on 15 Jun 1906; she was 77. Buried in King’s Point Cemetery, Lockwood, Missouri.
			Nancy Jane married Preston GIPSON.

			Subject: Preston Gipson
			Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 16:37:03 -0500
			From: "Glenda Carney"
			 
			Hello, I saw your message on roots webb and just thought I would tell you Preston and Nancy were my great grandparents. My Grandfather was Leroy Gipson. I do have quite a bit of info on them, I saw there graves in Lockwood a few years back . my mother and Dad went with me back there before they died. I just thought it was very intersting, I am trying to find info on my grandmother who was married to Leroy. She was adoppted from Pa. and lived with William Hiatt in Mo. but haven’t found much. 
			 
			Well thats all I wanted to say, 
			Thanks
			Glenda Carney
		iii.	Elizabeth. Born on 11 Nov 1832 in Anderson County, Kentucky. Elizabeth died in Lake County, California on 3 Sep 1917; she was 84. Buried in Kelseyville, California.
		iv.	Harvey. Born in Mar 1834 in Kentucky. Harvey died in Fannin County, Texas in 1865; he was 30.
			Harvey married Margaret? BLACK.
		v.	Monroe. Born on 2 Sep 1836 in Indiana. Monroe died in 1862; he was 25. [8]
			1860 Missouri Census
			TROWER, Monroe
			Barry County
			p. 849
			Sugar Creed Township
			ID#229111618

		vi.	William. Born on 22 Jun 1839 in Barry County, Missouri. William died in Jul 1881; he was 42. [9]
		vii.	John P. Born on 29 Jun 1845 in Missouri. John P. died on 10 Nov 1862; he was 17. [10]  in 1861/1862. [11]
		viii.	Mary. Born in 1847 in Barry County, Missouri. Mary died in 1867; she was 20. [12]
			Mary married Preas LEA.
		ix.	Amanda. Born on 18 May 1848 in Barry County, Missouri. Amanda died in Mt. Vernon, Missouri in 1926; she was 77. Buried in Round Grove, Missouri.
			Amanda married Daniel James HUNT.
		x.	Thomas Jefferson. Born on 1 Dec 1851 in Barry County, Missouri. Thomas Jefferson died on 10 Feb 1906; he was 54. Buried in Moore Prarie Cemetery, Chatauqua County, Kansas.
			Thomas Jefferson married Virginia HUNT.

7. Dr. Thomas B. TROWER. [1] Born on 15 Nov 1807 in Albermarle County, Virginia. Thomas B. died in Charleston, Illinois on 15 Apr 1878; he was 70.

On 22 Jun 1831 when Thomas B. was 23, he married Polly Ann CUTLER, daughter of Judge Jacob CUTLER. Born on 28 Jan 1817 in Shelbyville, Shelby, Kentucky. Polly Ann died on 16 May 1904; she was 87.

They had the following children:
		i.	Amerial. Born on 23 Feb 1836 in Illinois. Amerial died on 10 Nov 1900; she was 64. Buried in Mound Cemetery, Charleston, Illinois.
			Amerial married Dr. L.L. SILVERTHORN.
		ii.	Xavier Bashaw. Born on 22 Aug 1838 in Charleston, Illinois. Xavier Bashaw died in Pana, Illinois in 1897; he was 58. Buried in Mound Cemetery, Charleston, Illinois.
			Xavier Bashaw married Annie POTTINGER. Annie died on 30 Jan 1880 in Louisville, Kentucky.
		iii.	Sinai Antonia. Born in 1839 in Illinois.
			Sinai Antonia married Richard NORFOLK.
		iv.	John V. Born on 17 Feb 1843 in Illinois. John V. died in Dallas, Texas on 18 Mar 1875; he was 32. Buried in Mound Cemetery, Charleston, Illinois. Occupation: Newspaper editor, Fort Madison, Iowa, Democrat. [13]
		v.	Sarah “Sallie”. Born in 1845 in Illinois.
			Sarah “Sallie” married Daniel SAYER.
		vi.	Mary H. Born in 1849 in Illinois.

8. Dr. John Wesley TROWER. [1] Born in 1810 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. John Wesley died in Shelbyville, Illinois on 1 Aug 1855; he was 45.

On 7 Sep 1830 when John Wesley was 20, he married Jane BREEDLOVE, daughter of Andrew BREEDLOVE, in Abermarle County, Virginia. [14] Born in 1805 in Abermarle, Virginia. Jane died in Shelbyville, Illinois in 1874; she was 69.

They had the following children:
		i.	Andrew Breedlove. Born in Jul 1831 in Shelbyville, Illinois.
		ii.	William Addison (Ad). Born on 11 Oct 1833 in Abermarle County, Virginia. William Addison (Ad) died in Shelbyville, Illinois on 4 Oct 1928; he was 94. Occupation: Farmer, Sheriff of Shelby County, Mayor of Shelbeyville, Postmaster, Publisher of “Shelby County Leader”.
			Ad Trower was the first in the family to do genealogy systematic research of the Trower family. [15]

			William Addison (Ad) married Cordelia SMITH.
		iii.	Mary Jane. Born on 25 May 1835 in Ohio. Mary Jane died in Shelbyville, Illinois.
			Mary Jane married Mason B. KELLY.
		iv.	John Eberly. Born on 25 Sep 1840 in Charleston, Illinois. John Eberly died in Quincy, Illinois on 22 Aug 1892; he was 51.
			John Eberly first married Augusta SIMPSON.
			John Eberly second married Mary Needpenny WHEYMEYER.
		v.	Thomas Jefferson. Born on 18 Feb 1843. Thomas Jefferson died on 4 May 1852; he was 9.

9. William Addison TROWER. [1] Born in May 1811 in Mercer County, Kentucky. William Addison died on 22 Aug 1888; he was 77. Buried in Trower Cemetery, Waynesville, Missouri.

Writing on the headstones of William and Mary are as follows:

Wm. A. Trower
Born May - 1811
Died Aug - 22 - 1888
In fine print:  Gathered in a good old age to the assembly of the righteous.

Mary, wife of W.A. Trower
Born Jan - 17 - 1823
Died Jan - 4 - 1902
In fine print:  Our mother here lies under ground, the dearest friend we ever knew, but through the Lord’s unbounded love we’ll meet again in realms above. [15]

Dear Bob,
      I am so excitied about finding your home page and all the information about the Trower Family. I am the ggggrandfather was William Addison Trower. I was born and raised in Pulaski County, MO where William A. and Mary Keeler Trower settled. The Trower Cemetery is only about a mile from my home. I am working on a Trower book for our family and our local library, and this information is wonderful. William's story says that he left Louisville, KY  in 1841 and a family of Doctors and Ministers and went to Shelby County, IN to vist relatives. He goes on to say that he met Mary Keeler there and because her father wouldn't let them see each other they eloped. As he came riding by on his horse, Mary jumped on and away they went. It says that they came to Pulaski County via St. Louis, on the back of a mule, with only a muzzle loading shotgun and a gunny sack containing a herbal medicine book and a family bible. To my surprise my cousin Gerald Bartlett Sullins, the ggg grandson on William A. Trower, gave this family bible just a few days ago. It will be cherished forever and passed down to my children. I am going to attach a page that I scanned from the bible. The words were written in walnut juice. If you can supply me with any addditional information I would very much appreciate it. Would you have any old pictures that you could scan and send on.   

Thanks,
Mike Weber
209 Westwind Drive
Waynesville, Mo 65583
573-774-6574

--------------------------
Trower-Keeler [16]

William A. Trower, born May 18, 1811, in Louisville, Ky., left a family of doctors and ministers traveling to Shelly County, IN, visiting relatives.  There he met and fell in love with Mary Keeler, born Jan. 17, 1823.

The age difference, perhaps, caused Mary’s father to forbid her to see him.  So, they arranged to elope!  Mary, with a small bundle of clothes was waiting out by the gate.  W.A. came riding by.  She jumped on behind him and they were off at high speed!  They went by way of St. Louis then on to Pulaski County, MO, where they found where they wanted to live.  They had stopped in route and were married, so now they arrived in 1841; by now on a mule, a stronger pack animal.  A gunny sack had a family Bible with names and dates written with walnut juice, and a large medical book with information (on) herbal medicines, and an old Muzzle-loading shot gun.  They bought land in what is now Trower Hollow and raised a large family:  Nancy Jane, born June 29, 1844, married Gordon Bartlett.  John W., born Feb. 8, 1847, married Eliz _______lived at Laquaey later; William P., born Sept. 30, 1848, later moved to New Mexico; Eliz Almeda, born Dec. 24, 1852, married Ruben Bartlett; Mary Ann, born May 7, 1855, married George Bartlett; Frances Ellen Trower, born July 15, 1858, married Jabez Goodman; Lee Grand, born May 6, 1860, married Mollie; Alice L., born March 21, 1862, married James McGuire; James M., born March 14, ______, married Rosa Gladden.

Lester Lee owned a farm joining Marion Vaught, raised his family there; son Fred owned a farm there.

Nancy Jane and Gordon Bartlett owned home and raised large family.  The Trower Cemetery for the family was on Nancy Jane and Gordon’s place.  The many children and grandchildren went to school at Deerlick, sometimes called Trower School.

Two Trower girls married Bartlett brothers; another sister, Mary, married a nephew, George, son of Solomon, who owned the Grist Mill on the Gasconade River.

My grandmother, Nancy Jane, was a strong pioneer type.  Doing the work of a doctor, she rode her horse far and near to help the sick.  Doctors were scarce.  She had the large, thick “Doctor Book” with much information on herbs with mixtures.  She was very good with children.  I’m glad she lived with us in her latter days.  Her courage and faith was an inspiration.

There are a few Trowers left in Pulaski County.  Jim, Rosa’s son, Otto, lives near Richland,----his sons and grandsons.  Henry T., lives out northeast of Waynesville near Merts old home place, grandson of Lee.

William Addison married Mary Ann KEALING. Born on 17 Jan 1823 in Shelby County, Kentucky. Mary Ann died in Pulaski County, near Waynesville, Missouri on 4 Jan 1902; she was 78.

Surname may be Keeler or Kealing.

They had the following children:
	24	i.	Sarah Nancy Jane (1845-1931)
		ii.	John Wesley. Born on 5 Jun 1848 in Waynesville, Missouri. John Wesley died in 1929; he was 80.
			John Wesley married Sarah Elizabeth ERVIN.
		iii.	William Pleasant “Bill”. Born on 30 Sep 1849 in Waynesville, Missouri. William Pleasant “Bill” died in Clovis, New Mexico on 3 Sep 1935; he was 85. Buried in Belleview Cemetery, Clovis, New Mexico.
			William Pleasant “Bill” first married Nancy Caroline WALTON.
			William Pleasant “Bill” second married India Ophelia CLARKE.
		iv.	Elizabeth Almeda “Medy”. Born on 24 Dec 1852.
			Elizabeth Almeda “Medy” married Reuben Henry BARTLETT.

			Said to be brother of John Gordon Bartlett (husband of Elizabeth’s sister, Sarah Jane). [17]
		v.	Mary Ann. Born on 17 May 1855 in Waynesville, Missouri.
			Mary Ann married George BARTLETT, son of Solomon BARTLETT.
		vi.	Frances Ellen. Born on 15 Jul 1858 in Waynesville, Missouri.
			Frances Ellen married Jabez GOODMAN.
		vii.	LeGrande. Born on 6 May 1859 in Waynesville, Missouri. LeGrande died in Trower Cemetery, Waynesville, Missouri on 29 May 1930; he was 71.
			LeGrande married Mary ROBINSON.
		viii.	Alice Louisa. Born on 21 Mar 1864 in Waynesville, Missouri. Alice Louisa died in Springfield, Missouri on 5 Jul 1961; she was 97.
			Alice Louisa married James McGUIRE.
		ix.	James Monroe. Born on 14 Mar 1866 in Waynesville, Missouri. James Monroe died on 6 Jan 1941; he was 74.
			James Monroe first married Belle CHURCH.
			James Monroe second married Rosetta Dell GLADDEN.

10. James Littleton TROWER. [1] Born in 1816 in Mercer County, Kentucky. James Littleton died in Dekalb or Gentry County, Missouri in 1888; he was 72.

James Littleton married Elizabeth. Born ca 1820 in Kentucky.

They had one child:
		i.	William Baxter. Born on 30 Nov 1840. William Baxter died in McFall, Missouri on 28 Dec 1917; he was 77.
			William Baxter married Mary Elizabeth RAY.

Family of Henry T. TROWER (3) & Martha ANDERSON

11. Sarah Dickerson TROWER. [3] Born on 7 Aug 1799.

Levi and Sarah moved to Pike County, Missouri and, in 1850, were living in Hartford Twp., Pike County, Missouri. [18]

In 1822 when Sarah Dickerson was 22, she married Levi LONG, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born ca 1795 in Mercer, Kentucky.

They had the following children:
		i.	John. Born in 1824 in Kentucky.
		ii.	Mary Ann. Born in 1826 in Kentucky.
		iii.	Susan M. Born in 1842 in Missouri.

12. Wesley Bingham TROWER. Born on 5 Jan 1801 in Mercer County, Kentucky. Wesley Bingham died in Pike County, Missouri on 3 Sep 1858; he was 57. 57 yrs, 7 m., 28 days. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

Family moved to Pike County, Missouri, shortly after 1830.  The 1850 census shows them living in the Hartford Twp, Pike County, Missouri. [18]

SMYRNA
Location: Hartford Twp. Sec. 23 T51N R4W. Take Hwy 161 south from Bowling Green to County Rd. 420. North on 420 0.5 miles to County Rd. 494, then west 0.5 miles. Cemetery was laid out in 1835 as the first public burying ground in Hartford Township. It consisted of 3 acres and was purchased for $5.00 from Wesley B. Trower and his wife Elizabeth. 22 Civil War veterans are buried in this cemetery. At present the cemetery has an organization known as the Smyrna Cemetery Ass'n. In 1969 a perpetual care fund was set up for its care.

On 14 May 1822 when Wesley Bingham was 21, he married Elizabeth JONES, daughter of John JONES Jr. (~1777-<1859) & Sarah JOHNSON (~1787-<1845), in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born on 22 Jun 1806 in Mercer County, Kentucky. Elizabeth died in Pike County, Missouri on 12 Sep 1867; she was 61.

Marion Co., Mo. Deed Book W2-472.  Elizabeth Trower, "with the consent of her husband, Wesley B. Trower",  sold the land she inherited from her father, John Jones to Mrs. Drucilla P. Ely, wife of A. E. M. Ely of the city of Palmyra for her sole & seperate use.
See under Jesse Jones for Ely.
-----
Anne Baker provided the genealogy for the RYAN and JONES families.--REF

They had the following children:
	25	i.	John (1824-1872)
	26	ii.	Henry Anderson (1825-1902)
	27	iii.	Martha Ann (1827-)
	28	iv.	Andrew Jackson (1828-1896)
	29	v.	Sarah “Sally” J. (1830-1872)
	30	vi.	James Duncan (1832-1907)
	31	vii.	Robert Jones (1834-)
	32	viii.	Julia Ann French (1837-)
	33	ix.	Benjamin Franklin (Twin) (1839-1900)
		x.	George Washington (Twin). Born on 31 Mar 1839. George Washington died in Killed During Civil War Near Ashley, Missouri on 28 Aug 1862; he was 23. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
			William Carter remarks that George lost his life while attempting to “save a Negro.”  A reunion is held each year 27 Aug at the Smyrma Cemetery in hohor of George. [18]

	34	xi.	Jesse Sutton (1842-)
	35	xii.	Jennetter (Janetta?) (1844-)
	36	xiii.	Mary Elizabeth (1847-1913)
	37	xiv.	Lucy Jane (1849-)

13. Louisa Fitzallen TROWER. Born on 10 Sep 1804. Louisa Fitzallen died in Harrodsburg, Mercer County Kentucky on 25 May 1878; she was 73. Buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Mercer County, Kentucky.

On 21 Oct 1829 when Louisa Fitzallen was 25, she married Eyre ASKEW, son of William ASKEW (1753-1827) & Catherine SLAUGHTER, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born in 1807 in Mercer, Kentucky. Eyre died in Harrodsburg, Mercer County Kentucky on 7 Sep 1868; he was 61.

They had the following children:
	38	i.	James F. (1844-1919)
		ii.	Catherine. Born in 1833.
		iii.	Mary. Born in 1834.
		iv.	Martha. Born in 1835.
		v.	William. Born in 1836.
		vi.	John. Born in 1838.

14. Martha Abbott TROWER. Born on 5 Mar 1810 in Kentucky.

In 1836 when Martha Abbott was 25, she married Henry Kenneday CANADA, in Mercer County, Kentucky. Born ca 1806 in Kentucky.

They had the following children:
		i.	Amanda. Born in 1838 in Kentucky.
		ii.	Martha. Born in 1840 in Kentucky.

15. Henry Anderson TROWER. Born on 17 Sep 1814 in Kentucky. Henry Anderson died on 1 Mar 1877; he was 62.

Research: Death date could be 1815 or 1875, hard to read.

On 17 Apr 1836 when Henry Anderson was 21, he married Matilda KEITH, daughter of Isaac KEITH (1791-1846) & Malinda MATTINGLEY. [19] Born on 11 May 1816 in Kentucky. Matilda died in Pike County, Missouri on 20 Sep 1855; she was 39.

They had the following children:
		i.	Martha Matilda. Born on 1 Nov 1837. Martha Matilda died on 20 Sep 1855; she was 17.
			William Carter lists birth and death dates differently:  b. 1 Nov 1838; d. 4 Sept 1886.  Carter, p. 322

	39	ii.	John Wesley (1839-1894)
		iii.	Mary Ann. Born on 9 Jan 1841 in Missouri. Mary Ann died on 17 Aug 1921; she was 80.
			Mary Ann married Thomas MOSS. Born ca 1837 in Missouri.
		iv.	Mariah. Born on 8 May 1842. Mariah died on 1 Oct 1896; she was 54.
			Mariah married A.F. REID. Born ca 1838 in Missouri.

			William Carter lists spouse of Maria B. Trower as “Jack Reed.” [20]
		v.	Richard Verdantis. Born on 22 Feb 1844 in New Hartford, Pike County, Missouri. Richard Verdantis died in New Hartford, Pike County, Missouri on 16 Jun 1865; he was 21. [21]
		vi.	Eliza Jane. Born on 6 Jan 1846. [22] Eliza Jane died on 14 Sep 1888; she was 42.
		vii.	Sarah Ellen. Born on 8 May 1848.
			Sarah Ellen married Nathan Eli REID. Born ca 1845 in Missouri.

			William Carter lists spouse of Sarah E. Trower as “N.E. Reed.” [20]
	40	viii.	Henry Anderson (1857-1936)
		ix.	William Isaac. Born on 10 Sep 1855 in New Hartford, Pike County, Missouri. William Isaac died in New Hartford, Pike County, Missouri on 23 Aug 1886; he was 30.
			William Carter lists William’s middle name as “Sterling.” [20]

16. Lucy Marion TROWER. Born on 18 Dec 1819 in Mercer, Kentucky. Lucy Marion died in New Orleans, Louisiana on 16 Aug 1874; she was 54. Buried in Smyrnia Graveyard, bet. Middleton and Ashley, Missouri.

On 17 Nov 1842 when Lucy Marion was 22, she married George Alexander Ashbury RIGGS, son of James RIGGS (1789-1867) & Frances Eleanor CREEL (1793-1825), in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri. Born on 12 Mar 1818 in Parkersburg, Wood, (West) Virginia. George Alexander Ashbury died in Benton, Arkansas on 31 Jan 1905; he was 86.

They had the following children:
	41	i.	James Marshall Newton (1843-1915)
		ii.	Permelia Frances. Born on 20 Dec 1843 in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri.
			Research: Born at 12 o'clock noon.

		iii.	George Webster Trower. Born on 28 Nov 1853 in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri. George Webster Trower died on 16 May 1854 in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
			Research: Born at 2:20AM?
			Died 8:00AM.

Family of Solomon TROWER Jr. (4) & Mary ANDERSON

17. Garland TROWER. Born abt 1805. Garland died in Dubuque, Iowa abt 1845; he was 40. Occupation: Minister. [6] Religion: Disciples of Christ.

In 1823 when Garland was 18, he first married Patsy BURKS, in Mercer County, Kentucky.

They had one child:
		i.	Nancy Jane. Born in 1837 in Iowa.

On 28 Nov 1839 when Garland was 34, he second married Jane SMITH, in Parke County, Indiana.

They had one child:
		i.	John O. Born on 1 Nov 1840 in Indiana.
			John O. married Margaret A. EARL.

18. James A. TROWER. Born in 1815 in Kentucky.

Family lived in Madison County, Kentucky. [20]

James A. married Permelia.

They had the following children:
		i.	Nancy. Born in 1841 in Kentucky.
		ii.	Thomas. Born in 1843 in Kentucky.
			Thomas married Eliza A. RAINEY.
		iii.	James. Born in 1844 in Kentucky.
		iv.	Susan. Born in 1847 in Kentucky.

19. Samuel G. TROWER. Born in 1819 in Kentucky.

In 1880, the family was living at Eureka, St. Louis County, Missouri. [20]

Samuel G. married Rosa. Born in 1831 in Alsace, France.

They had the following children:
		i.	Louis E. Born in 1870 in Missouri.
	42	ii.	William Ross (1873-)
		iii.	Florence B. Born in 1875 in Missouri.
		iv.	George W. Born in 1877 in Missouri.
		v.	Lavina. Born in 1879 in Missouri.

20. Harriet N. TROWER. [6] Born in 1822 in Kentucky. Harriet N. died in California on 20 Nov 1880; she was 58. Buried in Hydesville, Humboldt County, California.

On 26 Mar 1839 when Harriet N. was 17, she married Asa W. LANE. Born in 1811 in North Carolina. Asa W. died in Humboldt County, California bef 1880; he was 69.

They had the following children:
		i.	Martha Lane.
			Martha Lane married KARRY.
		ii.	Elizabeth.
		iii.	John.
		iv.	Sultana Frances. Born on 1 Apr 1847 in Dubuque, Iowa.
			Sultana Frances married DeWitt Clinton REAS.
		v.	Thomas H. Born in 1852 in California.
		vi.	Ann?. Born in 1856 in California.
		vii.	Jenetta “Nettie”. Born in 1858 in California.
			Jenetta “Nettie” married John THOMPSON.
		viii.	Frank. Born in 1860 in California.
		ix.	Charles. Born in 1862 in California.

Fourth Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Samuel Robertson TROWER (5) & Mary Ann COMBS

21. Dr. John TROWER. [6] Born in 1818 in Kentucky. John died in Indiana on 1 Jun 1849; he was 31. Buried in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, east of Morgantown, Indiana. Occupation: Doctor. Religion: Disciples of Christ.

On 15 Feb 1834 when John was 16, he married Harriet LAKE, daughter of Timothy LAKE & Polly COFFMAN, in Morgan, Indiana. Born on 10 Jul 1824 in Botetourt, Virginia. Harriet died in Leavenworth, Kansas on 24 Feb 1909; she was 84.

They had the following children:
	43	i.	Samuel Biggers (1842-1928)
		ii.	Lewis J. Born on 18 Jan 1839 in Jackson, Morgan, Indiana. Lewis J. died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 18 Oct 1881; he was 42.
			On 3 Jul 1871 when Lewis J. was 32, he married Sallie LEDGER, in Oskaloosa, Jefferson, Kansas.
		iii.	Timothy Lake. Born on 21 Nov 1840 in Jackson, Morgan, Indiana. Timothy Lake died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 7 Nov 1916; he was 75.
			On 10 Jan 1878 when Timothy Lake was 37, he married Anna MARSHALL, in Oskaloosa, Jefferson, Kansas.
		iv.	George Washington. Born on 24 Oct 1844 in Jackson, Morgan, Indiana. George Washington died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 14 May 1920; he was 75.
			On 31 Jul 1871 when George Washington was 26, he married Clarrisa Jane GIBSON, in Oskaloosa, Jefferson, Kansas.

22. Emily Caroline TROWER. Born in 1828 in Mercer, Kentucky. Emily Caroline died in Keokuk, Iowa on 7 Sep 1892; she was 64.

Circumstancial evidence places Emily in this family.  The only family of Trowers in Morgan County, Indiana, in 1841 was that of Dr. Samuel Trower, Sr. [7]

On 5 Jan 1841 when Emily Caroline was 13, she married Milton Denver GARRETT, in Morgan County, Indiana. Born on 29 May 1822 in Kentucky.

They had the following children:
		i.	Silas. Born in 1842 in Indiana.
		ii.	Clay. Born in 1843 in Indiana.
		iii.	Emily. Born in 1844 in Indiana.
		iv.	John W. Born in Nov 1844 in Indiana.
		v.	John William. Born in 1846 in Iowa.
		vi.	Elizabeth. Born in 1848 in Iowa.
		vii.	Mary J. Born in 1850 in Iowa.
		viii.	James D. Born in 1851 in Iowa.
		ix.	Thomas. Born in 1854 in Iowa.
		x.	Minnie. Born in 1856 in Iowa.
		xi.	Elijah. Born in 1859 in Iowa.

23. Sarah TROWER. Born on 11 Jun 1832 in Mercer, Kentucky. Sarah died in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri on 20 Feb 1870; she was 37. Buried in Frazier Cemetery.

On 13 Apr 1848 when Sarah was 15, she married Winslow Palmer SNYDER, in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. Born on 3 Jan 1828 in Washington County, indiana.

They had the following children:
		i.	Malinda J. Born in 1850 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			Malinda J. married William H. McCRAY. Born ca 1846 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		ii.	John. Born in 1851 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			John married Mary SMITH. Born ca 1855 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
		iii.	Ruth. Born in Oct 1853 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			Ruth married Mason STEED. Born ca 1849 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		iv.	Edward H. Born in Mar 1854 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			Edward H. married Mattie E. BURRIS. Born ca 1858 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
	44	v.	Johanna (1855-)
		vi.	Samuel Trower. Born in 1858 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		vii.	Margaret A. Born on 11 Apr 1859 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			Margaret A. married Simeon H. GRAY. Born ca 1855 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		viii.	William R. Born in 1861 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
			William R. married Lucy SAWYER. Born ca 1865 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
		ix.	Evans Augustus. Born in 1863 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		x.	Elizabeth C. Born on 29 Jan 1864 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		xi.	Winslow Palmer. Born on 27 Jun 1867 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		xii.	Thomas V. Born in 1869 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.
		xiii.	Hyrum King. Born on 16 Feb 1870 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.

Family of William Addison TROWER (9) & Mary Ann KEALING

24. Sarah Nancy Jane TROWER. Born on 29 Jun 1845 in Waynesville, Missouri. Sarah Nancy Jane died in Pulaski County, Missouri on 14 Jul 1931; she was 86. Buried in Trower Cemetery, Pulaski County, Missouri.

In 1868 when Sarah Nancy Jane was 22, she married John Gordon “Gord” BARTLETT, in Pulaski County, Missouri. Born on 4 Apr 1840 in Miller County, Missouri. John Gordon “Gord” died in Pulaski County, Missouri on 4 Apr 1915; he was 75.

They had one child:
		i.	John William. Born on 29 Aug 1869 in Waynesville, Pulaski County, Missouri. John William died in Hacket, Arkansas on 26 May 1956; he was 86.
			On 11 Oct 1891 when John William was 22, he married Rebecca Elizabeth BOWLING. Born on 18 May 1871 in Greene County, Tennessee. Rebecca Elizabeth died in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on 21 Feb 1943; she was 71.

Family of Wesley Bingham TROWER (12) & Elizabeth JONES

25. John TROWER. Born on 2 Feb 1824 in Kentucky. [23] John died in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1872; he was 47. Occupation: Steamboat captain, operating boats on the Mississippi river. [18]

John married Mary Elizabeth Evalyn GREENWAY, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born in 1827 in Tennessee. Mary Elizabeth Evalyn died in St. Paul, Minnesota on 10 Jan 1868; she was 41.

They had the following children:
	45	i.	William “Willie” Blair
		ii.	George. Born in 1841. George died in Ashley, Missouri on 28 Aug 1862; he was 21.
			Died at age 21; killed in Civil War. [24]
			
			SMYRNA CEMETERY
			During the Civil War a battle was fought in the town of Ashley on August 28, 1862. George Trower was killed and his body was buried in this cemetery. For a long time memorial services were held for him and other soldiers as well as other loved ones buried there, on the 28th of August each year. Later it was changed and the services are now held on the fourth Sunday of August. [25]
			
			The following is from "With Porter in North Missouri" by Joseph A. Mudd, pp. 233-236.  It is not as detailed as the 1883 History's account, but it does supplement information from the Confederate side.  You will note that it seems Joseph Mudd was unaware of the 1883 History of Pike County, Missouri, when he wrote this book.  You might also note that the newspaper is usually not a very accurate or objective recording of events during the Civil War... unlike today ;)  Anyway, the setting is soon after the Battle of Moore's Mill where Porter's group had suffered greatly and was breaking up and being re-organized.  Joseph Mudd had already left the company so he was not present at this event.  The account follows:
			
			    It was reported that there was a large number of muskets stored at Ashley, Pike County, awaiting distribution to the militia about to be enrolled.  Snyder was sent to get them.  In the light of the very meager information obtainable about this undertaking, it seems the management was bad.
			    
			The Missouri Democrat of August 30 says:
			"At daylight on Thursday morning last a party of guerrillas, one hundred and fifty in number, attacked a small detachment of State militia, some thirty in number, encamped at Ashley, Pike County. The fight had lasted about one hour when the rebels sent a flag of truce (the bearer of which was the notorious Capitan Beck) with the following message:
			 
			August 28, 1862
			COMMANDING OFFICER:
			We demand surrender, unconditional, of arms.  Your menwill be paroled.
			COLONELS PORTER AND BURBRIDGE
			 MAJOR SNYDER,
			Commanding Division.
			
			To which Captain Purse, commanding the State militia, made the following reply:
			
			August 28, 1862
			COLONEL PORTER AND OTHERS:
			Can't comply with your request.  Your men should respect your own messenger.
			W. H. PURSE,
			Captain, Commanding.
			
			     "The allusion in Captain Purse's note to `respecting their own messenger,' referred to the enemy shooting at our men and mortally wounding Beck, who was on his way back to his own lines with Captain P's reply.  There were two rebels killed and left on the ground, of whom Beck was one.  Several wounded were carried off.  One of the State troops was killed - Mr. George Trower - and five wounded.  Mr. Trower was not killed in the fight but was shot afterwards, by being decoyed by some of the secesh citizens to the edge of the town and then deliberately killed.  After the receipt of Captain Purse's reply the rebels fled in every direction.  Our informant, who was in the fight, states that as he come toward Louisiana he met four hundred or five hundred troops under Colonel Anderson and Fagg, going to reinforce Ashley."
			
			    The reader of the forgoing account will be puzzled as to how Captain Purse knew before writing his note declining to surrender that the bearer of his note while returning with it was shot by friends.  But everything went that was calculated to throw discredit on the rebels. The report of Captain Purse to Colonel George W. Anderson makes no mention of this incident:
			
			      "We were attacked about daylight this morning by  the enemy.  Our loss, one killed and five wounded.  We have found two of the enemy's dead, one of them being Moses Beck, captain.  Also two of their wounded.  We are satisfied the brush around is swarming with them.  Will report fully as soon as possible.
			                                            "W. H. PURSE,
			                                         "Captain, Commanding."
			
			    If a demand to surrender was sent it was not by the hands of Captain Beck.  Beck was not shot by his own men.  Sam Minor was standing by him when he was shot.  He says that Snyder was managing badly and seemed not to know what to do; that Beck was directing the loading of a wagon with hay for use as a portable fortification.  As he stepped from behind the stack he received his death wound.  He  loosened his money belt, containing gold, and gave it with his revolver to Sam.  He lived only a few minutes.  Davis Whiteside was mortally wounded about the same time and a little later Henry Lovelace was wounded, but not severely enough to be left on the field.  Henry Lovelace was the only member of Penny's company I have seen since the war.  A successful physician, a man of the highest integrity and of most lovable disposition, he was my neighbor in Lincoln County for many years.  He and his brother James Lovelace, of Montgomery County, have been dead about twenty years.
			
			    Sam Minor knows nothing of any demand having been made for a surrender. The other man killed was named Blue and was from Pike County - not a member of our company.  The name of the other wounded man left on the field is .
			
			    I know nothing of the military capacity of Captain Purse.  Personally he was greatly respected as a good man and good citizen.  Davis Whiteside lived several days after being wounded and until the end he was tenderly nursed by Mrs. Purse.  I have been told that the militia - perhaps by Captain Purse's order - placed Beck's body just as it was in a plain coffin and gave it decent burial, and that several years afterwards when the family exhumed it for interment in the family ground near Truxton, Lincoln County, they found several hundred dollars in greenbacks in his pocket.
			
			After the Ashley disaster the remainder of our little company scatteredand followed Colonel Porter's instructions to get through the lines as best as we could.
			
			        -"With Porter in North Missouri" by Joseph A. Mudd (1906) pp. 233-236
			
			As you may notice, Mudd was unaware that the surrender demand was actually being carried by J. C. Elmore (who was a civilian as far as I've been able to determine so far).  This account places the battle in the correct year (1862 - the 1883 History incorrectly has 1861).   William H. Purse was Captain of company "F" of the 49th Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia. Of company "F" John A. McAfee was 1st Lt. and William D. Orr was 2nd Lt. (George W. Anderson was Colonel, John M. Milroy was Lt. Colonel, Robert A. Campbell was Major and Thomas E. Williams was Adjutant for the 49th).
			
			As before, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who is related to any of the above people.
			
			Take care,
			 - Mike

	46	iii.	Benjamin Franklin (1865-)
		iv.	David. David died in Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota.
		v.	Janetta. Janetta died in Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota.

26. Henry Anderson TROWER. Born on 22 May 1825 in Mercer County, Kentucky. Henry Anderson died in Pike County, Missouri in 1902; he was 76. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.   Civil War. Company E., Home Guard.

William Carter refers to two sources for further information of Henry Trower:  Histories of “St. Charles, Montgomery and Warren Counties, Missouri” and “History of Pike Co., Mo.” [18]  No reference to publications, dates, or page numbers are given.
-----
"The History of Pike Co., Missouri," Mills & Company, Des Moines, Iowa, 1883. Pages 909-910.

HENRY TROWER, farmer and stock-raiser, Hartford township, post-office Middleton. He was born in Kentucky, May 22, 1825, and at five years of age moved with his parents to Pike County, Missouri, where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he commenced farming, and still follows the same occupation, owning a fine farm of 480 acres of well imporved land. He has a fine residence, in a beautiful location, and surrounded by a grove of timber. Mr. TROWER is a man of business, and has many friends. He has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for about thirty years. He was married in Pike County, Missouri, January 12, 1851, to MISS MARGARETTA BUTLER. By this union they had twelve children, of whom there are eight living: SARAH E., JEANETTE F., DANIEL B., EMMA, JOHN W., GEORGE F., FINIS E., and KITTIE; NANCY ELIZABETH, MARTHA D., JAMES H., and SAMWEL P., deceased. In August, 1862, he was commissioned captain of the home militia, and re-enlisted in October, 1863, and served to the end of the war. -
-----
From "History of St. Charles, Montgomery and Warren Cos., Missouri" pp 703 & 704.

HENRY TROWER
(Capt. Henry Anderson Trower)
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, and of Trower & Son, Dealers in Hardware, Etc., Middleton)

Mr. TROWER was principally reared in the vicinity of New Hartford, Pike County, where his parents removed from Kentucky, away back in 1830. His father was WESLEY B. TROWER, and his mother's maiden name ELIZABETH JONES. They are well remembered in the southern part of Pike county as eateemed neighbors and members of their community. The father was an energetic, substantial farmer, and was highly respected. HENRY, the subject of this sketch, was the third child of their family of children, and was born in Mercer Co., Ky., May 22, 1825. Reared on the farm, near New Hartford, he continued the life of a farmer after he grew up, and about the time of attaining his majority engaged in farming in that vicinity for himself. This he continued without interruption and with good success until he engaged in his present business with his son a ahort time ago. He still owns, however, in Pike County, a good farm of 360 acres, the carrying on of which he superintends. January 12, 1851, MR. TROWER was married to MISS MARGARET D. BUTLER, a daughter of an early settler of Pike County. The fruits of this union are: NANCY E. (deceased), MARTHA D. (deceased), SARAH E., now the wife of JASPER LOVELACE; JEANETTE F., the wife of WILLIAM ATKINSON; DANIEL, EMILY, consort of WILLIAM SWAGGET; JOHN W., GEORGE T., FANNIE C., KITTIE, SAMUEL P.(deceased), and JAMES H. (deceased). DANIEL is his father's partner in the hardware business. They carry a full line of shelf and heavy hardware, and are building up a good trade. MR. and MRS. TROWER are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. T. is a Republican in politics.

On 30 Jun 1853 when Henry Anderson was 28, he married Margaret Jane BUTLER, daughter of Joseph BUTLER (1800-1852) & Drusilla KING (1809-1895), in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 30 Aug 1830 in Pike County, Missouri. Margaret Jane died in Middletown, Missouri on 17 Oct 1907; she was 77.

They had the following children:
		i.	Nancy E. Born on 4 Dec 1851 in Pike County, Missouri. Nancy E. died in Pike County, Missouri on 16 May 1872; she was 20. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		ii.	Martha D. Born on 31 Jan 1853 in Pike County, Missouri. Martha D. died on 6 Aug 1855; she was 2. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		iii.	Sarah Evaline. Born on 23 Mar 1855 in Pike County, Missouri.
			Sarah was said to have been a noted faith healer. [26]

			Sarah Evaline married Jasper LOVELACE. Born abt 1855 in Pike County, Missouri.
		iv.	Jennetta Frances. Born on 30 Jul 1858 in Pike County, Missouri.
			Lived in Springfield, Illinois. [26]

			Jennetta Frances married William ATKINSON. Born abt 1858 in Pike County, Missouri.
		v.	James Henry. Born in Pike County, Missouri. James Henry died on 23 Dec 1858 in Pike County, Missouri. 2 mos., 28 days. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
	47	vi.	Daniel Boone (1859-1915)
	48	vii.	Emily (1862-)
	49	viii.	John Wesley (1864-1952)
		ix.	George Franklin. Born on 15 Jan 1866 in Pike County, Missouri.
			George had, at one time, a furniture store and untertaking establishment in Oklahoma. [26]

			George Franklin married Lillie MOSELEY. Born abt 1867 in Pike County, Missouri.
		x.	Finis Ewing. Born on 19 Mar 1868 in Pike County, Missouri. Finis Ewing died in Pike County, Missouri on 19 Jul 1895; he was 27. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
			Lived in Middleton, Missouri. [26]

	50	xi.	Katherine Elizabeth (1871-)
		xii.	Samuel P. Samuel P. died on 6 May 1875. 1 yr, 3 mo., 25 days. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

27. Martha Ann TROWER. Born on 15 Feb 1827 in Kentucky.

On 19 Dec 1844 when Martha Ann was 17, she married David HENTON.

They had the following children:
	51	i.	Sarah E.
		ii.	Jesse S.
			Jesse S. married HOBBS.
		iii.	Wesley T.
		iv.	John K.
		v.	Julia A.
			Julia A. married VANNOY.
		vi.	James L.
		vii.	Mary M.
			Mary M. married LETT.
		viii.	Andrew J.
		ix.	Drusilla D.
			Drusilla D. married BUCKINGHAM.

28. Andrew Jackson TROWER. Born on 10 Oct 1828 in Missouri. Andrew Jackson died in Pike County, Missouri on 30 Oct 1896; he was 68. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.   Civil War. Company E., Home Guard.

On 8 Dec 1850 when Andrew Jackson was 22, he married Sarah Ann (Sally) BUTLER, daughter of Joseph BUTLER (1800-1852) & Drusilla KING (1809-1895), in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 28 Sep 1827 in Eddyville, Pope County, Illinois. Sarah Ann (Sally) died in Vandalia, Missouri on 20 Oct 1914; she was 87. [27]

"Sarah and Andrew Trower had 11 children, and when I knew her she had more spark and sass and wit than many a girl of seventeen can ever hope for.  At 87 she weighed less than a hundred pounds and was tiny and wore fussy, ruffly, silky things.  She loved to 'dress up' and made an occasion of it.  Even after they were grown, she bossed every one of her children, and they didn't seem to mind at all, but rather invited it by teasing her about it." [28]

Written at Cleveland, Oklahoma, Aug 1, 1909:

I was born Sept. 28, 1827. I will write from 1832 up till the present time. On Aug 6th in 1832 my Mother gave birth to twin babies, which of course required a great deal of attention and at that early age, 5 years, I was put to work at anything I could do. At the age of 8. Mother was sick and I did all the work, Washed, Ironed, cooked for the family which was eight in number. At the age of 9, 1 went to my first school three months. At the age of 10, I was house keeper for a while. The year I was 11, Father moved to Missouri and the year I was 12 he moved on a 40 acre tract of land in the timber which was one mile from his prairie farm that winter. Father would cut and split rails, load them on the wagon which was hauled by oxen and my brother which was younger than I would drive to the farm and unload them. It took us both to throw off the rails. Sometimes the snow would almost blind us when the wind was blowing. In the spring, Father would plow up the sod and we children would drop the corn and cover it with hoes, when not there, we were in the tobacco patch.

By this time we got sheep and raised flax. And you may guess our work was not easy. From the lint of the flax we manufactured our summer clothes, sheets, tableclothes, towels, under bedticks, and it all had to go through many processes before we got it ready for the back. From the wool of the sheep we spun and wove it for our blankets and winter clothing. It was work or do without them. Calico dresses in those days were the nicest dress that was worn and sunbonnets. In those days, children didn't have shoes till 10 or 12 years old. At the age of 15 I went to school 3 mts, that ended my schooling. It was then I commence spinning, weaving, cutting, sewing and various other kinds of work. Father was a poor man, had a large family, and I worked every way I could to get my own things. I have cut and made men's overcoats for $ 1.00, suits for $ 2.00: knit yarn socks and sell them for 20 or 25 cents a pair. Give a pair of socks for a yard of calico.

I have stayed places and lots of hard work for 50¢ a week, that was customary in those days. There wasn't many places to go, but few schools, no churches near by. I have walked 4 miles to preaching and carried my shoes until nearly- there I put them on, I was married Dec.8, 1850 age 23 yrs to Andrew J. Trower, he was a year younger than myself. we moved home the first of January in 1851 on a 40 acre tract of land located in the prairie, not a foot of it plowed or fenced, into a log house 1648 covered with clapboards and a door of the same, and no windows. Our start in life was very limited but God blessed us with strenght (sic) and willing minds, and with vim and courage we commenced the battle of life. We toiled on without faltering through the 50's and 60's and by living economcally (sic) and working hard we added to our 40 acres more land. We became the parents of Eleven children but still lived in one room log house with its extensive fireplace and wide rock hearth. It was on this I cooked till '64,  when I bought me a second hand stove, but it was then and there I spent the sweetest and happiest time of my life, but I didn't realize it then. It was then I had my children with me. It was then I could hear all their wants and merry prattles: it was then I could hear the whack of the old loom and the buss of the spinning wheels. It was then I could hear the bleating of the sheep, lowing of cows, neighing of horses, and squealing of hogs and noise of geese, turkeys and chickens. All these, with good health, went to make a home a happy place.

It was in the 60's my husband was called to do service in the war of ‘60. He was from home most of the time for 4 or 5 years, I had two children in that time. My oldest son was but 9 years old that spring and we made most of the crops in that time. My husband would come home for a few days, but not long enough to do much work, therefore it made it very hard on me. I have helped chop and haul wood, cut corn, pull fodder, gather corn, help feed the stock and many other things to see after, but God gave me health, strength and courage to stand all my troubles and trials in those days gone by. Our children all became grown, married and left us one by one; the last and youngest one married and left us in 1888. It was hard to give him up, for his father was in very poor health and almost an invalid. It was then again hard on me, but we battled on in life, doing the best we could till on Oct. 30, 1896 the spirit came and called him from me. I was left to battle life's dark pathway alone. I broke up housekeeping in 1899, Since that time I have had no home only with my children and friends and I feel that I have many friends. I do appreciate and thank my dear children and kind friends for what they have done for me, both in Oklahoma and Missouri. I am nearing my 82nd year. I feel that I will be cared for in my feeble days which are upon me. I am putting my trust in One who is able to save all who trust him. 
-----
Andrew J. Trower. Born Oct 10, 1828 - Died Oct. 30, 1896 Buried at Smyrna, Sarah A. Trower, Born Sept, 28, 1827 - Died Oct. 20, 1914 Buried at Smyrna, One daughter 8 mts and one son 10 mts Buried at Smyrna, dont know where rest of family is buried. Smyrna is 3 miles  south west of New Hartford, MO In west part of Hartford T-51 N.- R. 5 - 4 west Sec 23.

They had the following children:
	52	i.	Martha Ann (1851-1935)
	53	ii.	Wesley B. (1853-1919)
	54	iii.	Julia Frances “Fannie” (1854-1890)
		iv.	David H. Born on 24 Jun 1857. David H. died on 7 Jul 1926; he was 69.
			David H. married Sally MANAHAN.
		v.	Sally C. Born on 16 Jun 1859 in Pike County, Missouri. Sally C. died on 25 Sep 1859 in Pike County, Missouri. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		vi.	Mary L. Born on 6 Feb 1860. Mary L. died on 2 Mar 1942; she was 82.
			Mary L. married Jim McQUIRK/MCWHIRT.
		vii.	Laura B. Born on 3 Sep 1862. Laura B. died on 4 Dec 1932; she was 70.
			On 6 Dec 1883 when Laura B. was 21, she married Frank B. DILLARD.
	55	viii.	Robert J. (1864-1926)
		ix.	Almeda F. “Met”. Born on 17 Jun 1868. Almeda F. “Met” died in Brush Creek Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri on 13 May 1946; she was 77.
			Almeda F. “Met” married Charles F. JOHNSON.
		x.	Edgar B. Born on 17 Aug 1868.
			E.B. Trower is listed as owning 80 acres in section 15 of the Hartford Township, 1900 Pike County Plat.  His property is bounded to the north by B. F. Trower.--REF

			On 21 Oct 1888 when Edgar B. was 20, he first married Maggie SADDLER.
			Edgar B. second married Minnie SHARP.
		xi.	Joseph A. Joseph A. died on 18 Oct 1856 in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 16 Dec 1855 in Pike County, Missouri. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

29. Sarah “Sally” J. TROWER. Born on 6 Jun 1830 in Kentucky. Sarah “Sally” J. died in Pike County, Missouri on 4 Jul 1872; she was 42. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

Sarah “Sally” J. married Robert KING. Born on 6 Jul 1825. Robert died in Pike Co. Missouri on 31 Mar 1899; he was 73.

They had the following children:
		i.	Charles W. Born on 28 Sep 1861. Charles W. died on 6 Oct 1861 in Pike Co. Missouri. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		ii.	Lucy A. Born on 25 Nov 1867 in Pike Co. Missouri. Lucy A. died in Pike Co. Missouri on 19 Jul 1869; she was 1. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

30. James Duncan TROWER. Born on 3 Sep 1832 in Pike County, Missouri. James Duncan died on 25 May 1907; he was 74. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.   Civil War. pvt. co. a, 67th reg., mo. inf.

On 26 Jan 1853 when James Duncan was 20, he first married Luvica COX, in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 8 Oct 1838. Luvica died on 18 Jan 1877; she was 38.

They had the following children:
		i.	Elizabeth. Born in 1854.
		ii.	Henry A. Born in 1857.
		iii.	George W. Born on 28 Mar 1860. George W. died in Pike County, Missouri on 1 Jun 1912; he was 52. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
			George W. married Mary RUTHERFORD. Born on 4 Feb 1864. Mary died on 7 Sep 1897; she was 33.
	56	iv.	Benjamin Franklin (1862-1938)
		v.	Mary M. Born in 1865.
		vi.	Ella. Born in 1870.
		vii.	Jessie.
	57	viii.	Ephraim (1874-)
		ix.	Moses (Died as Child). Born on 17 Oct 1876. Moses died on 29 Jan 1877. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

James Duncan second married Mary. Born on 28 Sep 1846. Mary died on 28 Dec 1932; she was 86.

They had the following children:
		i.	Elias. Born on 11 May 1884. Elias died on 15 May 1884. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		ii.	Ada. Ada died on 15 Dec 1886. Aged 3 mos., 15 days.

31. Robert Jones TROWER. Born on 12 Aug 1834 in Missouri.   Civil War veteran, on the Union side.

William Carter lists the wife of Robert as Mary Chamberlain. [18]

Research: Research: CNIDR Isearch-cgi 1.20.06 (File: 22)

THE FIGHT AT ASHLEY

  The fight at Ashley was not one that belonged to the Home Guards, but rather to the few enrolled militia that were stationed there and  citizens who bravely defended the town against a guerrilla raid that was made August 24, 1861.  The object of the raid was doubtless to get possession of the arms that were deposited as a protection against depredation.  It seems that the enrolled militia stationed there were not apprehensive of any immediate danger, and therefore merely a few sentinels had been stationed along the main roads leading to the town, to give notice of any hostile inroads. Only a few individuals were at the armory when the attack was made, which followed immediately upon  the heels of the sentinels, who had fled, bringing the intelligence  that the bushwackers were coming in large numbers.  There was but a  moment's time to get ready for the unequal contest.  The guerrillas numbered from 125 to 130, while not more than about nineteen Union men could, on the spur of the moment, be marshaled to oppose them,  and these were somewhat scattered, about twelve having betaken  themselves to the second story of J. C. Elmore's store room, four more to the upper room of John McCormick's store, while a few more congregated in a brick building s few rods north of Elmore's store. Such was the situation when the whole band of rebels came rushing down from the north, yelling like savages.  Their reckless progress was, however, suddenly checked by a few well directed shots from that upper room over Elmore's store.  A line of battle was hastily formed, and the advance was made with greater caution.   Prudence soon dictated that it was well to take refuge behind houses,  fences, and whatever might afford shelter against the storm of leaden  hail that kept pouring in from the three buildings mentioned.  To these the rebels now began to give special attention, pouring into them volley after volley, directing most of their efforts to Elmore's store room, as it was a frame building.  Some twenty-eight bullets penetrated even the interior of the building, passing through a wooden partition, one ball making an orifice at the opposite end of the house. Quite a number of balls entered the windows of McCormick's store, whose brick walls stopped the flight of others.  The building north was also said to have been well "peppered."  The conflict lasted some forty  minutes, when the leaders of the band sent Mr. J. C. Elmore, whom they had taken prisoner, with a flag of truce, bearing the following  message:

"Ashley, August 28, 1861.
"Commanding Officer--We demand an unconditional surrender, as far as arms are concerned.  All prisoners will be paroled on honor.
Cols. Porter and Burbridge,
"Maj. Snyder, Commanding 3d Division."

The following was the reply of Captain Purse:

"Ashley, August 28, 1861.
"Col. Porter, etc.--Can't comply with your request.  Your men should have respected your own messenger.
W. H. Purse, 
"Captain, Commanding Post."

  The significance of the last sentence is indicated by the fact that the while Mr. E. was standing waiting at his own door awaiting the answer to the message he just brought, the guerrillas had fired upon him, a ball penetrating him just below the shoulder blade, and passing out under his right arm.  A few more shots were fired after Mr.  Elmore's return to the rebels with the reply, he not having been  seriously wounded when the retreat began.  A subsequent investigation developed these facts:  On the union side, James Venable was  mortally wounded in the hip and abdomen, dying the next day; Ambrose Varnarsdale was dangerously wounded in the chest; John W. Kiser, shot in the shoulder slightly; Robert Trower, in the hip slightly;  Sam. S. Grimmett, in the thigh and hand slightly; Crede L. Grimmett, in the face slightly; Joseph W. Orr (Capt. Rice's company of Red Rovers), in the wrist severely; H. M. Reid, in the ribs slightly;  John McCormick, in the hand slightly.  A short time after the fight George Trower was shot and instantly killed by a squad of men who pretended to belong to his brother's company of enrolled militia, and thus deceived him.  Thus the total was two killed and nine wounded.  The guerrilla's loss was the following:  Capt. Moses Beck, instantly killed by a musket ball through the head; Mr. Wosham,  instantly killed by a ball carrying away part of the skull; James William Frudley, a young man of nineteen from St. Charles, wounded in the abdomen, died the following night; Davis Whiteside of Lincoln, wounded in the abdomen, died the next night, muster-roll in his  possession, being Beck's orderly sergeant; David Blue, of Ralls,  found the next Friday at house of Ambrose Lovelace, wounded in abdomen, afterwards died; Clint. Burbridge, and one Snyder, were reported as slightly wounded.  Just what the casualties were is not fully known.  Pools of blood in the woods back of Ashley indicated that others were seriously wounded, a number of whom were reported to have died soon after.  Besides these casualties the rebels lost a horse, eight guns, two revolvers, a bowie knife  belonging to Capt. Beck, and other things of less importance.  How the union men were able to get the horse is worthy of some ex- planation.  Just before coming to Ashley, about seventy-five guerrillas undertook to relieve Moses Hendricks, who lived three miles from town, of five guns.  Before delivering them over, however, he undertook to discharge their contents into the bodies of his assailants.  In the attempt he was captured and put on a horse with his hands tied, with the assurance that he would be hung at twelve that day.  When the time came for the attack on Ashley he was left in the woods near by, sitting on a horse provided for him, while one of the band held the rope about the horse's neck.  During the fight he succeeded in loosing his hands and wresting the rope from the hands of the guerrilla, whereupon he set out for Ashley,  making, it is said, excellent time while thirty or forty shots were fired after him.  Thus it was that a life was saved and a horse captured.

from: History of Pike County, Missouri (1883), pp.274-276

------------------
P.S. The year on this may be wrong.  I think the "battle" was fought in 1862 not 1861 (an error in the book).  I will double check my notes at home.
 - Mike White

Robert Jones first married Permelia KILBY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Martha F.
		ii.	Willie.
		iii.	James L.
		iv.	Elizabeth F.
		v.	Nancy L.

Robert Jones second married Mary CHAMBERLAIN.

They had one child:
	58	i.	Janetta “Nettie”

32. Julia Ann French TROWER. Born on 5 Oct 1837 in Missouri.

Julia Ann French married Joseph KILBY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Fannie.
			Fannie married John BREWSTETTER.
		ii.	Andrew Jackson.
		iii.	Martha Jenetta.
		iv.	George Wasington.
		v.	Sarah E.
		vi.	Belle.

33. Benjamin Franklin TROWER. Born on 31 May 1839. Benjamin Franklin died in Pike County, Missouri on 30 Mar 1900; he was 60. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

On 18 Jan 1863 when Benjamin Franklin was 23, he married Lydia E. LAFFERTY, in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 8 Sep 1845 in Pike County, Missouri. Lydia E. died in Pike County, Missouri on 12 Nov 1899; she was 54.

They had the following children:
		i.	Clementine P. Born in 1865 in Missouri.
		ii.	Loretta “Rettie”. Born in 1870 in Missouri.
		iii.	Decorda R. B. Born in 1872 in Missouri.
		iv.	Abraham M. Born in 1868 in Missouri.
		v.	James H. Born in 1877 in Missouri.
		vi.	Jacob W. Born on 4 Aug 1874 in Pike County, Missouri. Jacob W. died in Pike County, Missouri on 11 Aug 1875; he was 1. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

34. Jesse Sutton TROWER. Born on 18 Oct 1842 in Pike County, Missouri. Religion: Presbyterian.

Family lived in Hartford Twp., Pike County, Missouri. [29]

On 12 Oct 1864 when Jesse Sutton was 21, he married Eliza A. CROUCH, in Pike County, Missouri. Born in 1848 in Middleton, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	William F. Born ca 1870 in Missouri.
		ii.	Julia Fannie. Born ca 1873 in Missouri.
		iii.	Henry Clinton. Born in 1877 in Missouri.
		iv.	Mary D. Born on 1 Mar 1866. Mary D. died on 17 Mar 1868; she was 2.
		v.	Ada A. Born in Aug 1869. Ada A. died on 30 Dec 1870; she was 1.
		vi.	Elizabeth A. Born in Jan 1868. Elizabeth A. died on 10 Nov 1868.
		vii.	Elnora. Born in Jul 1880. Elnora died in Pike County, Missouri on 15 Jul 1881; she was 1. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		viii.	Martha Letha. Born in Jun 1883. Martha Letha died in Pike County, Missouri on 17 Apr 1886; she was 2. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

35. Jennetter (Janetta?) TROWER. Born on 26 Aug 1844.

Jennetter (Janetta?) married Thomas KILBY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Nannie.
		ii.	Jesse.
		iii.	Lizzie.

36. Mary Elizabeth TROWER. Born on 14 Feb 1847 in Pike County, Missouri. Mary Elizabeth died in Pike County, Missouri in 1913; she was 65. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

Mary Elizabeth married Robert E. “Dick” LAFFERTY. Born in 1848. Robert E. “Dick” died in 1914; he was 66.

They had one child:
		i.	Eddy F. Born in Feb 1869. Eddy F. died on 29 Jun 1869 in Pike County, Missouri. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

37. Lucy Jane TROWER. Born on 26 Jun 1849 in Pike County, Missouri.

Research: Single in 1875 when account was written. (Family Puzzlers, p. 14)

Lucy Jane first married George RIGGS.

Lucy Jane second married Edward HUTCHINS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Jeanetta.
		ii.	Nancy.
		iii.	Franklin.

Family of Louisa Fitzallen TROWER (13) & Eyre ASKEW

38. James F. ASKEW. Born on 3 Jan 1844 in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky. James F. died in Great Crossings, Scott County, Kentucky on 3 Feb 1919; he was 75.

In 1878 when James F. was 33, he married Annie JOHNSON, daughter of General William JOHNSON & Anne E. DARNABY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Louise. Born on 29 May 1881 in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. Louise died in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky on 8 Apr 1941; she was 59.
		ii.	Anne Darnaby. Born on 29 Mar 1883 in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. Anne Darnaby died in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky on 5 Mar 1942; she was 58.
			On 24 Jan 1906 when Anne Darnaby was 22, she married James Leslie CARRICK, in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky.
	59	iii.	William Johnson (1885-1965)
		iv.	James F. Born on 31 Aug 1892 in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. James F. died in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky on 26 Dec 1975; he was 83. Buried in Georgetown Cemetery.

Family of Henry Anderson TROWER (15) & Matilda KEITH

39. John Wesley TROWER. Born on 6 Apr 1839 in Kentucky. [30] John Wesley died on 3 Mar 1894; he was 54. [20]

John Wesley first married Virginia SONNER [31], daughter of Henry SONNER & Jane MYERS. Born in 1842 in Kentucky.

They had the following children:
	60	i.	William Sterling (1862-1939)
	61	ii.	Edward Marcellis (1864-1941)
		iii.	Richard (Died as Child). Born on 3 Sep 1867 in Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri.
		iv.	John Wesley. Born on 20 Apr 1869 in Lincoln, Missouri. John Wesley died on 27 Feb 1942; he was 72. Occupation: Baptist minister. [32]
	62	v.	Joseph Louis (1870-1942)
		vi.	Lucy Jane. Born on 30 May 1872 in Lincoln, Missouri. Lucy Jane died on 5 Nov 1955; she was 83. Buried in Olney Cemetery.
	63	vii.	Francis Lee (1875-1960)

John Wesley second married Amanda PARSONS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Alonzo (Twin). Born on 8 Apr 1882 in Kentucky.
			ct: Trower
			 Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 17:37:33 EDT
			From: Kevlyn214@aol.com
			
			Hi Bob,
			This info is still incorrect. My great grandfather was Alonzo. My grandmother (his daughter) is still alive. She says there was no Ethel or Cleveland. Also Virginia's last name was Sonner. Her father is Henry Sonner and mother is Jane Myers. Henry's father is Jacob Sonner and mother Catherine Hiser. To verify virginia's last name, an easy source is the census. 1850 for Mo., she is with her father and mother in Lincoln co., (same area as John Wesley), 1860 she is with John Wesley, still in Lincoln Co., Jane is listed in this census since Henry died., 1870 Virginia and John live next door to Jane Sonner. I have a lot more documentation to support this. Please change it or do the work to verify it.
			
			I do not mean to be rude, but so many people have incorporated this incorrect info into their family tree's and I hate for it to be wrong. 
			
			Lynne Jones

		ii.	Eva. Born on 19 May 1886 in Kentucky. Eva died in Nov 1944; she was 58. Buried in Valhalla Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
			Eva married Joseph ST. CYR.
		iii.	Ida Belle. Born on 5 Feb 1889 in Kentucky. Ida Belle died on 22 Jan 1973; she was 83. Buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.

40. Henry Anderson TROWER Jr. Born on 21 Mar 1857. [33] Henry Anderson died in Pike County, Missouri on 2 Oct 1936; he was 79. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

Henry Anderson married Margueritte “Nannie” DOWNING. Born on 21 Mar 1857. Margueritte “Nannie” died on 2 Oct 1936; she was 79.

They had the following children:
		i.	Mary “Mollie” L. Born on 18 Sep 1877.
		ii.	Gertrude Ellen. Born on 29 Dec 1878.
	64	iii.	Annie Elizabeth (1880-)
		iv.	Julia Webster. Born on 18 Jan 1882.
		v.	James Arthur. Born on 10 Sep 1883.
			James Arthur married Ethel VANNOY. Born on 3 Nov 1890 in New Hartford, Missouri. Ethel died on 12 Aug .
	65	vi.	Jasper Nuton (1885-1921)
		vii.	Christia Harrison. Born on 4 Mar 1887.
			On 22 May 1929 when Christia Harrison was 42, she married Flora J. JOHNSON. Born in Louisiana, Missouri.
		viii.	Fronia Kathrine. Born on 20 Apr 1889.
		ix.	Nola Taylor. Born on 16 Oct 1890.
			Nola Taylor married MARTIN.
	66	x.	Henry Earl (1894-)
		xi.	Nannie Luvida. Born on 27 Jun 1899.
			Nannie Luvida married PRITCHETT.
		xii.	Viola May. Born on 1 Sep 1901.

Family of Lucy Marion TROWER (16) & George Alexander Ashbury RIGGS

41. James Marshall Newton RIGGS. Born on 4 Oct 1843 in Harrison, Indiana. James Marshall Newton died in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on 4 Apr 1915; he was 71.

Research: James was born at 5:00AM Wednesday morning, at Uncle Robert Baldwin's in Harrison County, Indiana.

James Marshall Newton married Alice TORREY.

They had one child:
		i.	Dugald Marshall. Born on 12 Aug 1869 in Jefferson, MS. Dugald Marshall died in Marshall, Texas on 18 Oct 1870; he was 1.

Family of Samuel G. TROWER (19) & Rosa

42. William Ross TROWER. Born in 1873 in Missouri.

William Ross first married FARLEY.  died ca 1917.

They had the following children:
	67	i.	Mary
	68	ii.	William Ross (-1946)
	69	iii.	Roscoe F.

William Ross second married Emma DONNELSON.

Fifth Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Dr. John TROWER (21) & Harriet LAKE

43. Samuel Biggers TROWER. Born on 15 Sep 1842 in Morgan County, Indiana. Samuel Biggers died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 26 Nov 1928; he was 86. Buried in Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.

On 10 Sep 1863 when Samuel Biggers was 20, he married Mary Ellen CARTER. [34] Born on 11 Jan 1842 in Indiana. Mary Ellen died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 21 Apr 1905; she was 63.

They had the following children:
	70	i.	Harriet Luella (1864-1900)
		ii.	Sarah E. “Dolly”. Born on 26 Dec 1870 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. Sarah E. “Dolly” died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 10 Sep 1893; she was 22. Buried in Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.
			On 26 Dec 1889 when Sarah E. “Dolly” was 19, she married Joseph A. MEREDITH, in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.
		iii.	Jacob. Born on 23 May 1869 in Jefferson, Kansas. Jacob died on 3 Apr 1898; he was 28.
			On 5 Oct 1887 when Jacob was 18, he married Margarite J. WISE.
		iv.	Laura A. Born on 18 Feb .
			On 12 Dec 1894 Laura A. married Abbott Ira OVERSTREET.
		v.	George.
		vi.	Louis Ony.
			In Nov 1904 Louis Ony married Florence YANLEY, in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.
		vii.	John. Born on 4 Jul 1879.

Family of Sarah TROWER (23) & Winslow Palmer SNYDER

44. Johanna SNYDER. Born on 11 Jun 1855 in Tremont, Buchanan, Missouri.

Johanna married Henry Clay ELLIS. Born on 10 Nov 1831 in Kentucky.

They had the following children:
	71	i.	Edward Winslow (1878-)
		ii.	Alonzo H. Born in Apr 1880 in Joplin, Jasper, Missouri.
		iii.	John H. Born on 14 Apr 1882 in Buchanan County, Missouri.
		iv.	Joel R. Born on 4 Apr 1886 in Buchanan County, Missouri.
		v.	Ethel Eva. Born on 12 Aug 1890 in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri.

Family of John TROWER (25) & Mary Elizabeth Evalyn GREENWAY

45. William “Willie” Blair TROWER.

William “Willie” Blair married Ida LEEPER.

They had the following children:
		i.	Virginia Ruth.
		ii.	Weldon.
			Family lived in Stoner, Missouri. [24]

			Weldon married Ruby McBEE.

46. Benjamin Franklin TROWER. Born in 1865. Occupation: Clerk.

In 1905, family was living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. [24]

Benjamin Franklin married Margaret Susan WISDOM.

They had the following children:
		i.	infant.
			Stillborn. [24]

	72	ii.	Rachel Evalyn (1890-)
		iii.	infant (Twin).
			Lived three hours. [24]

		iv.	infant (Twin).
			Lived three hours. [24]

		v.	Earl A. Born in 1893. Earl A. died on 30 May 1913; he was 20.
	73	vi.	Elva Fay (1896-)
		vii.	Ruth. Born in 1899.
			Ruth married Arnold M. BUDINGER.

			Family lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota. [24]

Family of Henry Anderson TROWER (26) & Margaret Jane BUTLER

47. Daniel Boone TROWER. Born on 14 Nov 1859 in Pike County, Missouri. Daniel Boone died on 10 Aug 1915; he was 55. Buried in Bellflower, Missouri.

Daniel Boone first married Amanda SPURLOCK. Born abt 1859 in Pike County, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	74	i.	Arch (1884-1946)
		ii.	Douglas.
		iii.	Bert.
			Killed in a railroad accident. [35]

Daniel Boone second married Angela DOWELL. Born on 10 Aug 1869 in Pike County, Missouri. Angela died on 18 Jan 1906; she was 36.

They had the following children:
		i.	Vivian.
			Vivian first married Carl SMITH.
			Vivian second married Chris.
		ii.	Elizabeth.
			Elizabeth married Mac CLEM.
		iii.	Clyde. Buried in Springfield, Illinois.
		iv.	Marie.
			Marie married Paddy KELLY.
		v.	Arvilla. Buried in Bellflower, Missouri.
		vi.	Florine.
			Florine married Matthew DONNELLY.
		vii.	Margaret.
		viii.	Frank.
		ix.	infant (Twin). Born on 15 Jan 1906. infant died on 13 Feb 1906. Buried in Bellflower, Missouri.
		x.	infant (Twin). Born on 15 Jan 1906. infant died on 13 Feb 1906. Buried in Bellflower, Missouri.

Daniel Boone third married Goldie. Born in St. Louis, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Harry. Occupation: Roman Catholic priest.
		ii.	William. Occupation: Roman Catholic priest.
		iii.	Verle.

48. Emily TROWER. Born on 28 Mar 1862 in Pike County, Missouri.

Emily married William SWAGGET [36].

They had the following children:
		i.	Ollie. Born in Dec 1844 in Missouri.
		ii.	Alton S. Born in Sep 1886 in Missouri.
		iii.	Martha. Born in Oct 1890 in California.
		iv.	Emma E. Born in Aug 1893 in California.
		v.	Elsie Llewellyn. Born on 10 Aug 1896 in Fresno, California.
			Elsie Llewellyn married Alexander ALOYSIUS. Born on 7 Mar 1885 in Manhattan, New York, NY.

49. John Wesley TROWER. Born on 10 Jan 1864 in Pike County, Missouri. John Wesley died on 29 Nov 1952; he was 88. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

JOHN WESLEY TROWER - m. ALICE ANN INGRAM of Bowling Green, Mo., 8 APR 1885 at Middleton, Mo. ALICE was b. 4 NOV 1864, d. 20 AUG 1930. In 1893 JOHN WESLEY was among the 50,000 persons who staked a claim in Cherokee Strip in Ok. He and two friends took their claim in a wagon pulled by an ox and a mule. He returned to Mo. for a short period of time but went back to Ok. in 1898. He remained in Garfield Co., Ok., for a few years and then sold his claim and returned to Mo. After the claim was sold, oil was discovered on the land. [35]

On 8 Apr 1885 when John Wesley was 21, he married Alice Ann INGRAM, in Middleton, Missouri. Born on 4 Nov 1864 in Bowling Green, Missouri. Alice Ann died on 20 Aug 1930; she was 65.

They had the following children:
		i.	Artie Lee. Born on 27 Jun 1886 in Missouri. Artie Lee died on 8 Aug 1887; he was 1. [37] Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
	75	ii.	Leonard Philander (1888-1954)
	76	iii.	Victoria Jane (1890-1962)
		iv.	Stella Audra. Born on 19 Aug 1893 in Garfield, Oklahoma. Stella Audra died on 11 Mar 1966; she was 72.
			Stella Audra married Ben MITCHELL.
	77	v.	John Henry (1896-1968)
	78	vi.	Ola Kay (O.K.) (1898-)
		vii.	Finis Milton. Born on 15 Jan 1903 in Missouri. Finis Milton died on 9 Nov 1972; he was 69.
			Finis Milton married Blanche BAKER.
	79	viii.	William Harvey (1906-1963)

50. Katherine Elizabeth TROWER. Born on 24 Feb 1871 in Pike County, Missouri.

Katherine Elizabeth married William BARTLETT. Born on 22 Mar 1869 in Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Fredda Margaret. Born on 13 Oct 1900 in Middletown, Missouri.
			Fredda Margaret married James Roy INLOW. Born on 20 Oct 1897 in Missouri.
		ii.	Willie Katherine.
		iii.	Harry Clayton.
		iv.	Henry Lindell.
		v.	Zelphia Louella.

Family of Martha Ann TROWER (27) & David HENTON

51. Sarah E. HENTON.

Sarah E. married John KILBY.

They had one child:
		i.	Oma.
			Oma married Dr. A.B. POTTER.

Family of Andrew Jackson TROWER (28) & Sarah Ann (Sally) BUTLER

52. Martha Ann TROWER. Born on 24 Nov 1851 in Pike County, Missouri. Martha Ann died in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri on 21 Jun 1935; she was 83.

Martha Ann married Ambrose Jefferson VANARSDEL Jr., son of Ambrose Jefferson VANARSDEL & Phoebe BURTON. Born on 9 Aug 1844. Ambrose Jefferson died in Pike County, Missouri on 23 May 1912; he was 67.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sallie May. Born in Jan 1875. Sallie May died on 1 Sep 1876; she was 1. Aged 1 yr., 7 mos., 23 days. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		ii.	William Jefferson. Born in 1874. William Jefferson died on 21 Apr 1876; he was 2. Aged 2 yrs., 9 mos., 12 days. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

53. Wesley B. TROWER. Born on 13 Feb 1853. Wesley B. died on 29 Jan 1919; he was 65.

On 24 Feb 1875 when Wesley B. was 22, he married Margaret M. SMITH, daughter of John Shawhan SMITH (1820-1885) & Melvina HINKSON (1832-1863). Born on 7 Oct 1857.

They had the following children:
		i.	Albert.
		ii.	Larry.
		iii.	Ralph.
		iv.	Edna.
		v.	Jessie.
		vi.	Vernie.
		vii.	Dot.

54. Julia Frances “Fannie” TROWER. Born on 28 May 1854 in Missouri. Julia Frances “Fannie” died in Pike County, Missouri on 9 Feb 1890; she was 35. Buried in Old Smyrna Church Graveyard, Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri.

"After the birth of her last baby, John Frances, Julia Frances Trower Smith died on the day of February 9, 1890, [38] and is buried with many friends and relatives in the Old Smyrna Church Graveyard, Pike County, Mo.  She had auburn red hair, and was greatly mourned by her many brothers and sisters, as well as by her father, Andrew J. Trower, and her mother, Sarah A. Butler Trower." [39]

On 19 Dec 1875 when Julia Frances “Fannie” was 21, she married John Thomas “Squire” SMITH, son of John Shawhan SMITH (1820-1885) & Melvina HINKSON (1832-1863), in Pike County, Missouri. Born on 30 Jan 1854 in Harrison County, Kentucky. John Thomas “Squire” died in Pike Co. Missouri on 8 Apr 1916; he was 62.

"After Julia's death, John Thomas Smith raised his five children with the help of his sisters and relatives, who lived nearby.  Nancy Shawhan  Smith Vanarsdale took the baby John Frances  Smith for a while until he was old enough to be cared for by the girls at home.  This family of children lived on the road between Gazette, Mo. and Vandalia, Mo. in a house which was then next door to the old Clithero place, not far up the road from the Chandler place, both places still known by those names even now in 1951.  When his family were growing up up, many incidents of interest happened to them which have been told in 'Meet My Association' by Isobel  Chandler Madsen, a manuscript in preparation to preserve the tales of interest and general knowledge about the years gone by.  The house where they lived has long since been moved to another location." [40]
"He studied law and practiced it, along with farming, and running horses at the County Fairs, raising his own tobacco, and making most of his own liquor using malt that he made himself from his own barley shoots.  He was a gregarious and vocal character, known as "Squire" and "Judge" in the county where he was widely acquainted.  He sang well, and often led the singing at revivals and in the church.  He was the Superintendent of the church at Estes, but would never join it because he did not want to pin his religious convictions to any creed that was not flexible.  What the denomination of the church at Estes was, I have not learned, but I doubt that it made much difference to grandfather.  He was a fun-loving man, and liked to hear himself talk, and he liked people.  His funeral in Pike County was almost as big an affair in the county as was that of Adolph Busch in St. Louis, which he and a trainload of politicians attended, staying for three days and having the time of their lives." [41]
-----
1900 Soundex:  MO S530 Pike County, ED 90 S17 L61, Hartford Township, Pike County, MO
John T. Smith b. Jan 1854 (46) b. KY
Smith, Edith Mae (D) Nov 1886 (13) b. MO
John F. (s) Aug 1889 (10) b. MO
-----
Original letter owned by Bettye Warner (granddaughter of Edith Smith)
Letter written on lined note paper:

Curryville, Mo.
10-31-12

My Dear Children,
I am well.  Mama is poorly, has a bad cough.  It is cold and wet this morning. Had a heavy rain last night.  I have my coal for the winter hauled. Have made four trips to Vandalia within thelast week.  Have not gathered any corn yet, it is hardly dry enough.

My hogs are doing nicely.

Old ma___(letter torn in half at this  point, leaving several words missing)___the winter

NOTE: Nothing more after this entry.--REF
-----
From hand-written letter in possession of Bettye Warner (granddaughter of Edith Smith)
On Iowa State Insurance Company letterhead:
J. T. Smith, Agent
Gazette, Missouri

May 23, 1915

Dear Edith,

We are all well, getting along all right.  Hope you are all well.

Everything looks nice.  Looks we will raise something, when you come out this fall. We can give you plenty of pumpkin pie.

I was at the old Smyrna cemetery the other day.  Am sending you a little Rose off your Mama’s grave.  Thought it would please you.

Aunt Sis is here, will spend the weekend with us.

Your same old Dad,

J. T. Smith
-----
Subject: Re: [MOPIKE-L] McDonalds of Hartford Township
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 00:51:55 -0500
From: chuck
 
Bob Francis wrote: 

Fellow researchers,
Does anyone have information on the McDonalds of Hartford township?  Thanks to Kevin Williams for posting the 1900 Gazette area Plat!  The McDonalds on this plat, Gertie and C. M., are of particular interest to me.

Bob Francis
---
Bob,

I ran across the name McDonald on the 1900 census. It is part of Ancestrys images and some is hard to make out. Here is what I think it says:

Number of dwelling: 77

Jesse McDonald- Head of H./ W/M born May, 1879; age 21; married 4 years; born in MO; both parents born in MO; Occup. Farmer; can read/write/speak english; owns property/no mortgage; Farm (not house)
Gertie - Wife W/F; born Nov, 1878; age 21; m'd 4 years, mother of 3 children; 2 living; born in MO; both parents b. MO; can read/write/sp. eng.
Bessie - daughter w/f born Dec, 1897; age 3, single; b. MO
Jesse - son w/m  born May, 1900; age ? months; single; b. MO
William -  nephew w/m  born Sept. 1887; age 12; single, b. MO; at school

This is taken from Hartford Township. Supervisors Dist. 9, Enumeration Dist 90, Sheet 4. Dated June 8th and 9th, 1900 by John T. Smith, Enumerator.

Hope this helps someone.

Chuck McCardie
-----
SMITH SQUIRE Pike County MO 050 Buffalo Twp Federal Population Schedule MO 1870 Federal Census Index MO301166063

They had the following children:
	80	i.	Archie Pearl (1877-1927)
	81	ii.	Sallie Jackson (1879->1955)
	82	iii.	Margaret Melvina (1881->1935)
	83	iv.	Edith Mae (1886-1933)
	84	v.	John Francis (1889-1962)

55. Robert J. TROWER. Born on 21 Mar 1864. Robert J. died on 13 Jul 1926; he was 62.

On 14 Oct 1883 when Robert J. was 19, he married Carrie HARRIAN/HOFFMAN.

They had one child:
	85	i.	Rex Clyde

Family of James Duncan TROWER (30) & Luvica COX

56. Benjamin Franklin TROWER. Born on 9 Dec 1862. Benjamin Franklin died in Pike County, Missouri on 16 Jan 1938; he was 75. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.

Benjamin Franklin married Emma C.. Born on 3 Jun 1866. Emma C. died on 19 Mar 1949; she was 82.

They had the following children:
		i.	W. B. Born on 22 Dec 1883. W. B. died on 27 Sep 1906; he was 22. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		ii.	Harvey B. Born on 23 Jul 1885. Harvey B. died on 30 Jan 1901; he was 15. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		iii.	Elmer A. Born on 11 Sep 1885. Elmer A. died on 17 Feb 1890; he was 4. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		iv.	Annie May. Born on 2 May 1909. Annie May died on 26 Nov 1909. Buried in Smyrna Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri.
		v.	M. Catherine. Born on 12 Sep 1909.

57. Ephraim TROWER. Born in 1874.

On 12 Feb 1897 when Ephraim was 23, he married Effie WRIGHT, daughter of Charles B. WRIGHT & Elizabeth TAUL. Born on 19 Jul 1878. Effie died on 8 Jan 1908; she was 29.

They had the following children:
		i.	Etta.
			Etta married Claude SHANNON.
		ii.	Della.
			Della married Osby McGEE.
	86	iii.	Minnie

Family of Robert Jones TROWER (31) & Mary CHAMBERLAIN

58. Janetta “Nettie” TROWER.

Janetta “Nettie” married Charles HENRY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Leona.
			Leona married Bill NEWBY.
		ii.	Vista.

Family of James F. ASKEW (38) & Annie JOHNSON

59. William Johnson ASKEW. Born on 25 Feb 1885 in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. William Johnson died in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky on 28 Oct 1965; he was 80. Buried in Georgetown Cemetery.

William Johnson married Emily Beard SCEARCE, daughter of George S. SCEARCE (-1901) & Emma West BEARD.

They had the following children:
		i.	Emily Beard. Born in 1913.
	87	ii.	William Johnson (1921-)

Family of John Wesley TROWER (39) & Virginia SONNER

60. William Sterling TROWER. Born on 3 Jan 1862 in Lincoln, Missouri. William Sterling died on 8 Jun 1939; he was 77. Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.

William Sterling married Dora Emily PARSONS, daughter of Josephus PARSONS & Mandy Susan. Born on 11 Nov 1872 in Hawk point, Missouri. Dora Emily died in Middleton, Missouri on 10 Feb 1949; she was 76.

They had the following children:
		i.	Lena Mae. Born on 3 Feb 1890 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Lena Mae died on 3 Sep 1948; she was 58. Buried in Rock Island, Illinois.
			On 29 Oct 1909 when Lena Mae was 19, she first married Eugene PEERY.
			On 26 Sep 1928 when Lena Mae was 38, she second married John HINSBERGER.
		ii.	Paul Leslie. Born on 5 Sep 1893 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Paul Leslie died in Louisiana, Missouri on 5 Nov 1972; he was 79. Buried in Bowling Green, Missouri. Resided in Lived on farm near Hartford, Missouri.
			On 4 Nov 1914 when Paul Leslie was 21, he first married Blanche SPIRES, in Bellflower, Missouri.
			On 24 Dec 1961 when Paul Leslie was 68, he second married Grace BROWN, in Louisiana, Missouri.
	88	iii.	Nola Susan (1895-1944)
		iv.	Charley Ester. Born on 15 Mar 1897. Charley Ester died on 20 Aug 1963; he was 66. Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.
	89	v.	William Sterling (1899-1972)
	90	vi.	Joseph Clarence (1901-1937)
	91	vii.	Floy Ada (1904-)
		viii.	Earl Kinnard. Born on 26 Sep 1905 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Resided in Largo, Florida.
			Earl Kinnard married Marie MATHESON. Born in Davenport, Iowa.
		ix.	Edgar Edward. Born on 7 Nov 1906 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Resided in Warrenton, Missouri.
			Edgar Edward married Clara Belle CLARK. Born in Bellflower, Missouri.
		x.	infant (Stillborn). Born on 7 Nov 1906. infant died on 7 Nov 1906.
		xi.	Edna. Born on 7 Nov 1906. Edna died on 8 Dec 1907; she was 1. Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.
	92	xii.	Dora Ethel (1910-)
		xiii.	Violet. Born on 11 Nov 1911. Violet died on 13 Nov 1912; she was 1. Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.

61. Edward Marcellis TROWER. Born on 6 Dec 1864 in Olney, Pettis County, Missouri. Edward Marcellis died on 15 May 1941; he was 76.

Edward Marcellis married Eliza Jane SIMPSON. Born on 26 Nov 1861 in Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Lucy Jane. Born on 8 Jun 1887 in Ketterman, Vernon, Missouri.
			Lucy Jane married Milo TANNEHILL. Born on 18 Nov 1887 in Dubois, Pawnee, Nebraska.
		ii.	Ella M. Born on 10 Jun 1889 in Missouri.
			Ella M. married William Calvin RICHARDS. Born ca 1885 in Missouri.
		iii.	Cora. Born on 31 Mar 1892 in Missouri.
			Cora married Robert ROBINSON. Born ca 1888 in Missouri.
		iv.	Sadie. Born on 29 Jul 1895 in Missouri.
			Sadie married Guy GIBBS. Born ca 1891 in Missouri.
		v.	John Henry. Born on 6 Dec 1897 in Missouri.
		vi.	Dorothy. Born on 27 Feb 1902 in Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri.
			Dorothy married John Thad ESLINGER. Born ca 1898 in Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri.

62. Joseph Louis TROWER. Born on 10 Mar 1870 in Lincoln, Missouri. Joseph Louis died on 25 Feb 1942; he was 71. Buried in Fairview Cemetery, near Hawle Point, Missouri.

Joseph Louis married Sallie HART. Born ca 1874 in Lincoln, Missouri. Sallie died in 1899; she was 25.

They had the following children:
	93	i.	Leota (1896-1961)
	94	ii.	Beulah (1897-)

63. Francis Lee TROWER. Born on 14 Jun 1875 in Texas County, Missouri. Francis Lee died on 30 Jul 1960; he was 85. Buried in Olney Cemetery.

On 2 Jan 1897 when Francis Lee was 21, he married Cora Belle TAGG, daughter of Joseph TAGG & Sarah PARSONS. Born on 14 Nov 1879 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Cora Belle died on 7 Dec 1965; she was 86.

They had the following children:
	95	i.	Josie Lee (1902-)
		ii.	Earnest. Born on 27 Aug 1905 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Earnest died on 13 May 1970; he was 64. Buried in Olney Cemetery.
	96	iii.	Francis Stone (1908-)
		iv.	Muriel. Born on 2 Apr 1910 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.
		v.	Virgil. Born on 12 Nov 1912 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.
	97	vi.	Leroy (1919-1970)
		vii.	infant (Died as Infant).
	98	viii.	Laura Belle (1927-)

Family of Henry Anderson TROWER Jr. (40) & Margueritte “Nannie” DOWNING

64. Annie Elizabeth TROWER. Born on 27 Aug 1880 in New Hartford, Missouri.

Annie Elizabeth married Fred OLNHAUSEN. Born in New Hartford, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Michael.

65. Jasper Nuton TROWER. Born on 28 Jul 1885 in New Hartford, Missouri. Jasper Nuton died on 27 Jul 1921; he was 35. Buried in New Hartford, Missouri.

Jasper Nuton married Mary Eva PRITCHETT. Born on 7 Sep 1884 in New Hartford, Missouri. Mary Eva died in New Hartford, Missouri on 16 Feb 1954; she was 69.

They had the following children:
	99	i.	Joseph Buford (1905-1928)
	100	ii.	Thomas Gerald (1907-)
		iii.	Margaret Helen. Born on 20 Sep 1908 in New Hartford, Missouri.
			On 16 Aug 1928 when Margaret Helen was 19, she married Clark Lehman ADAMS.
	101	iv.	Marion Cecil (1910-)
	102	v.	James Willard (1913-)
		vi.	Mary Agnes. Born on 18 Mar 1915 in New Hartford, Missouri. Mary Agnes died on 19 Aug 1934; she was 19. Buried in Paris, Missouri.
			In 1933 when Mary Agnes was 17, she married Eugene DELANEY. Born in Hannibal, Missouri.
		vii.	John Clayton. Born on 4 Dec 1916 in New Hartford, Missouri.
			On 4 Mar 1943 when John Clayton was 26, he married Martha Jane THOMPSON. Born on 14 Jan 1927 in Vandalia, Missouri.
		viii.	Richard Webster. Born on 13 Mar 1919 in New Hartford, Missouri.
			On 7 Jun 1943 when Richard Webster was 24, he married Mary Ellen HULSE. Born on 30 Apr 1918 in Rensselaer, Missouri?
	103	ix.	Jasper Phillip (1921-)

66. Henry Earl TROWER. Born on 16 Apr 1894.

On 13 Sep 1914 when Henry Earl was 20, he married Beulah Belle LEMASTERS. Born on 21 Mar 1895 in Middleton, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	104	i.	Opal Pauline (1915-)
	105	ii.	Tressie Lorene (1918-1941)
		iii.	Earl Lyndol. Born on 1 Oct 1921.
			On 31 May 1946 when Earl Lyndol was 24, he married Isabelle.
	106	iv.	Vivian Mae Belle (1927-)

Family of William Ross TROWER (42) & FARLEY

67. Mary TROWER.

Mary married SCHAEFFER.

They had one child:
		i.	Helen.

68. William Ross TROWER Jr. William Ross died on 5 Jan 1946.

William Ross married Lulu E. KIENINGER.

They had the following children:
	107	i.	Ross Henry (1922-)
		ii.	Gloria Martha.
			Gloria Martha married WATSON.

69. Roscoe F. TROWER.

Roscoe F. married Emma KEITH.

They had the following children:
		i.	Jean [42].
			Jean married WHALEY.
		ii.	Betty [42].
			Betty married METZLER.
		iii.	William Robert.

Sixth Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Samuel Biggers TROWER (43) & Mary Ellen CARTER

70. Harriet Luella TROWER. Born on 10 Jun 1864 in Indiana. Harriet Luella died in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas on 30 Sep 1900; she was 36. Buried in Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas.

On 3 Nov 1881 when Harriet Luella was 17, she married Samuel Wilson CROCE, son of George Washington CROCE & Sarah Ann MORRIS, in Jefferson. Born on 30 Apr 1857 in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. Samuel Wilson died in Pharoah, Okfuskee, Oklahoma on 6 Sep 1936; he was 79.

They had the following children:
	108	i.	George Leroy (1892-1939)
		ii.	Nora Ann. Born on 26 Jan 1884 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. Nora Ann died on 12 Dec 1921; she was 37.
			Nora Ann married Burton W. BEATTY.
		iii.	William F. Born on 12 Jun 1886 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. William F. died on 25 Jan 1973; he was 86.
			On 5 Feb 1910 when William F. was 23, he married Ada L. TETERS, in Haldenville, Hughes, Oklahoma.
		iv.	Iva E. Born on 24 Sep 1888 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. Iva E. died on 29 Feb 1964; she was 75.
			Iva E. married Ernest A. TETERS.
		v.	Edna. Born on 7 Apr 1890 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. Edna died in Holdenville, Hughes, Oklahoma on 11 Oct 1911; she was 21. Buried in Holdenville, Hughes, Oklahoma.
		vi.	Mary Netta. Born on 5 Apr 1895. Mary Netta died on 16 Jan 1982; she was 86.
			Mary Netta married Rich UTOON.
		vii.	Clara E. Born on 23 Jul 1897 in Oklahoma. Clara E. died in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Oklahoma on 24 Oct 1979; she was 82. Buried on 26 Oct 1979 in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
			Clara E. married John COMPTON.
		viii.	Sadie Ellen. Sadie Ellen died on 10 Mar 1921 in Meeker, Lincoln, Oklahoma.
			Sadie Ellen married Robert Cletus ROBERTS.

Family of Johanna SNYDER (44) & Henry Clay ELLIS

71. Edward Winslow ELLIS. Born on 2 Mar 1878 in Joplin, Jasper, Missouri.

Edward Winslow married Laura Matilda DAVIS. Born on 25 Dec 1878 in Hayward, Alameda, California.

They had the following children:
		i.	Lloyd Edward. Born on 18 Mar 1901 in San Jose, California.
			Lloyd Edward married Isabella A. LOEFFERT. Born on 11 Sep 1907 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.
		ii.	Margarite Adele. Born on 1 Sep 1902 in San Jose, California.
			Margarite Adele married Lester Joseph TINNON. Born on 6 Sep 1890 in San Ramon, Alameda County, California.
	109	iii.	Jaunita Olive (1905-)
		iv.	Beulah Evelyn. Born on 1 Jun 1906 in Burlingame, California.
			Beulah Evelyn married Lawrence WALKER. Born in 1904 in San Francisco, California.
	110	v.	William Percy (1908-)

Family of Benjamin Franklin TROWER (46) & Margaret Susan WISDOM

72. Rachel Evalyn TROWER. Born in 1890.

Rachel Evalyn married Isadore Garfield HENRY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Frank Garfield.
	111	ii.	Margaret Lillian
		iii.	Winifred Fay.
			Winifred Fay married DUNN.

73. Elva Fay TROWER. Born in 1896.

Elva Fay married Andrew HANSEN.

They had the following children:
		i.	Marjorie Ruth.
		ii.	Robert T.
		iii.	Clarence Andrew. Born on 13 Aug 1922 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Clarence Andrew died on 6 Aug 1946; he was 23. [43]
			Clarence was a Naval fighter pilot, Lt., Junior Grade.  Awarded Dinstinguished Flying Cross. [26]

			On 6 Feb 1944 when Clarence Andrew was 21, he married Jacqueline SKAAR.

Family of Daniel Boone TROWER (47) & Amanda SPURLOCK

74. Arch TROWER. Born on 11 Feb 1884. Arch died in Bellflower, Missouri on 2 Nov 1946; he was 62.

Arch married Edna BELL.

They had the following children:
		i.	Namon Daniel. Namon Daniel died on 25 Sep 1939. Buried in Middleton, Missouri.
			Namon Daniel married Zella ROMANS.
	112	ii.	Zelma
	113	iii.	Jessie Bert
	114	iv.	Evelyn
	115	v.	Randall (Cotton)
		vi.	Richard “Red”.
	116	vii.	Nina Amanda (-1951)
		viii.	Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey died on 18 Jan 1969.
			Paul Harvey married Billie.
		ix.	Arch Donald. Arch Donald died on 2 Aug 1969.

Family of John Wesley TROWER (49) & Alice Ann INGRAM

75. Leonard Philander TROWER. Born on 10 Aug 1888 in Missouri. Leonard Philander died on 4 Apr 1954; he was 65.

Leonard Philander married Ada Belle LOVELACE. Born in Middleton, Missouri.

They had one child:
	117	i.	Mary Belle

76. Victoria Jane TROWER. Born on 30 Oct 1890. Victoria Jane died on 24 Dec 1962; she was 72.

Victoria Jane married Bert HAKE.

They had one child:
		i.	Russell Wagner.

77. John Henry TROWER. Born on 11 Jan 1896 in Missouri. John Henry died on 28 Jan 1968; he was 72.

John Henry married Iona BEEDLE. Born on 13 Sep 1900.

They had one child:
	118	i.	John Allen (1925-1960)

78. Ola Kay (O.K.) TROWER. Born on 30 Jul 1898 in Garfield, Oklahoma. [44]

Ola Kay (O.K.) married Crystal Aileen BRADEN. Born on 22 Apr 1900 in Lake Odessa, Michigan.

They had the following children:
	119	i.	Guy Wesley (1924-)
	120	ii.	Theodore Robert (1926-)
	121	iii.	Arthur Edward (1928-)
	122	iv.	Laura Samuella (1935-)
		v.	John David. Born on 31 Oct 1939 in Cheboygan, Michigan. Occupation: Circus trainer and magician.
			On 6 Feb 1965 when John David was 25, he married Eloise CANTU, in San Antonio, Texas.
	123	vi.	Mary Ann (1942-)

79. William Harvey TROWER. Born on 2 Apr 1906 in Missouri. William Harvey died on 16 Nov 1963; he was 57.

William Harvey married Edna VOSS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Joann.
			Joann married Richard SORRELLS.
		ii.	Sheryl.

Family of Julia Frances “Fannie” TROWER (54) & John Thomas “Squire” SMITH

80. Archie Pearl SMITH. Born on 30 Jul 1877 in Pike County, Missouri. Archie Pearl died in 1927; he was 49. Occupation: Fire chief in Granite City, Illinois.

On 23 Jan 1903 when Archie Pearl was 25, he married Maude LAIRD.

They had the following children:
	124	i.	Nadene (Twin) (1905-)
	125	ii.	Irene (Twin) (1905-)

81. Sallie Jackson SMITH. Born on 22 Sep 1879 in Kansas. Sallie Jackson died aft 1955; she was 75.

On 27 Oct 1897 when Sallie Jackson was 18, she married Mason BRANSTETTER, son of Thomas Benton BRANSTETTER (1833-1894) & Elizabeth C. BRANSTETTER (1836-1913). Born on 14 Jul 1873. Mason died aft 1955; he was 81.

The ancestry of Mason Branstetter has not yet been proven.  It is circumstancial based upon the data received from “The Branstetter Tree,” WorldConnect Project, by Carl Chaney Branstetter.--REF

They had the following children:
	126	i.	Eunice (1900-)
	127	ii.	Floyd Mason (1902-)
		iii.	Dymple Frances. Born on 9 Oct 1904.
			On 24 Dec 1931 when Dymple Frances was 27, she married Mark MEDARIS.

			Research: Brother of Edward Medaris.
	128	iv.	Mancell Pearl (1908-)

82. Margaret Melvina SMITH. Born on 28 Nov 1881 in Pike County, Missouri. Margaret Melvina died aft 1935; she was 53.

“Margaret Melvina Smith and Oscar William Chandler married December 24, 1899, Pike County, Mo., by Rev. Oaks.  They lived the first year with the family of Matthew and Cornelia Chandler, Vandalia, Mo., on (the) road to Gazette, on the Old Home Place, and then they struck out on their own, and continued to strike out for a good many years.  They made their first real home for their children in the county seat of Pike County, Bowling Green, Mo., and years later in Warren, Ohio, another county seat.  They managed to have three children, and to educate them as they went along in public schools and high schools.  Then the children left home to go away to college, and they really began to learn things, and never stopped learning more and more amazing things during the years when more changes were taking place that at any other time in history…changes in the average man’s fundamental beliefs, in his philosophy, in his conception of religion, in his manner of governmental spread, in his whole world outlook, in transportation, communication, education…indeed more changes than occurred durinmg the preceeding 4000 years all put together!  In the lifetime of these children giant intellects in science were learning how to control nature in its application to human life.  If it is true that problems are better teachers than lectures, then these children lived when all about them were problems, some being solved temporarily, and some left wide open to see working into chaos, getting deeper into chaos and farther away from a solution. [45]
-----
Letter in possession of Bettye Warner (granddaughter of Edith Smith):
Written on lined note paper:

Dear Sis,
Don’t think I have forgotten you, got both your letters, but have been so awful busy, week before last we were filled up with Carnival people. Lots of trouble and work combined.  We are giving up the hotel, have bought us a nice new house in Warren, O. just 4 miles from here.  The place changed hands & the other man is going to run it, it is to (sic) much work

On 24 Dec 1899 when Margaret Melvina was 18, she married Oscar William CHANDLER, son of Matthew CHANDLER (1825-) & Cecelia Holdcraft McMILLIAN. Born on 23 Nov 1876 in Pike County, Missouri. Oscar William died in Sulphar, Oklahoma on 26 Nov 1960; he was 84.

They had the following children:
	129	i.	Rex Eugene (1901-1964)
	130	ii.	Isobel Frances (1903-1971)
	131	iii.	Oscar William (1913-1998)

83. Edith Mae SMITH. Born on 6 Nov 1886 in Pike County, Missouri. Edith Mae died in 1933; she was 46. [46] Buried in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1910 when Edith Mae was 23, she married General F. HAMLETT. Born on 8 Feb 1889 in Vandalia, Missouri. General F. died in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 14 Nov 1972; he was 83.

From Memorial Bulletin received from Bettye Warner:

In Memory of General F. Hamlett
Born in Vandalia, Missouri, February 8, 1889
Passed Away Minneapolis, Minn., November 14, 1972
At the Age of 83 Years 9 Months 6 Days
Services from Washburn McReavey--Southeast Chapel
405 Central Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Thursday, November 16, 1972--1:00 P.M.
Clery Officiating: The Rev. Paul Bubna
Music by Mr. Merrill P. Womach

Survived by
Sons, John P., Ed and Paul Hamlett; Daughter, Mrs. Betty Tyrell; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren

Interment: Sunset Memorial Park

They had the following children:
		i.	Forest Smith (Died as Infant). Born on 3 Jan 1911.
			Died as an infant.

	132	ii.	Wayne (1912-1961)
	133	iii.	John Phillip (1913-1982)
	134	iv.	Jefferson Edward (1916-1975)
	135	v.	Paul Richard (1922-1999)
	136	vi.	Betty (1926-)

84. John Francis SMITH. Born on 21 Aug 1889 in Pike County, Missouri. John Francis died in Cahokia, Illinois on 16 Mar 1962; he was 72. Buried in Valhalla Burial Park, St. Clair County, Belleville, Illinois.

My Grandparents, John Francis Smith and Ina Mae McDonald
by Bob Francis

John Francis Smith was born in Pike County, Missouri, August 21, 1889.  His father, John Thomas Smith, was a well-respected farmer and some-time lawyer, known locally as "Squire."  John Thomas Smith owned a fine farm near the village of Gazette, Missouri, and there raised five children: Archie Pearl (July 30, 1877 – 1927), who married Maude Laird; Sallie Jackson (September 22, 1879 - ), who married Mason Branstetter; Margaret Melvina (November 28, 1881 – after 1938), who married Oscar William Chandler (November 23, 1876 – November 26, 1960); Edith Mae (November 6, 1886 – 1933), who married General F. Hamlett; John Francis (above).  

As mentioned above, shortly after John Francis Smith was born his mother, Julia Trower, died.  He was then raised by John Thomas Smith’s sister, Nancy Shawhan (Smith) (Hinkson) VanArsdel (August 24, 1851 – September 11, 1931), until .  Nancy was the last family member to bear the name "Shawhan" as an ancestral heritage.  Nancy married first to her cousin, Humphrey Hinkson (1846 – 1882), son of John Hinkson (1804 – 1872) and Margaret Ewalt (1813 – 1873). Humphrey and Nancy shared common grandparents in  Samuel Hinkson and Nancy Wilson (see above). She second married William VanArsdel (1842 – 1912), son of Ambrose J. VanArsdel and Phoebe Burton. Upon reaching an age where his sisters could care for him, John Francis Smith returned to his father’s care.

I know nothing about my grandfather’s childhood or adolescence.  Fortunately, I do have a picture of him as a lad of about twelve years old, taken with his sister Edith and their father John Thomas Smith. As to his temperament as a child, I can only guess that he was the typical youngest child, doted on by his sisters  I do know that sometime in the early part of this century he met and fell in love with Ina Mae McDonald.  I do not know how they met but I suspect that they were neighbors.

Ina Mae McDonald was born August 8, 1888, in Barry, Pike County, Illinois. She was the eldest daughter of Robert McDonald (-1943) and Nancy Hanks (-1941).  Her siblings were Clifford, Lillian, Irene, and Archibald.  I know almost nothing about this family, at present.  I do know that, as a child, her father took the entire family west to Oregon by covered wagon, but returned to Illinois because the job market did not pan out.  In later years, her father owned a small grocery store in East St. Louis, Illinois.

In her early years, Ina was a beautiful woman.  I have a picture of her taken about 1915 that really shows her beauty.  Ina and John Smith were married November 25, 1912, in Barry, Illinois.  Shortly thereafter the couple moved to Cahokia, Illinois, where John worked for the Oscar Myer meat packing plant.

The Smith family was, to put it mildly, very poor.  My mother recently told me that when she was growing up the old house was a one room shack and that the only means of privacy afforded her was to drape a sheet across her little corner of the room.  She, her sister, two brothers, her mother and father all lived in a space no bigger than a large living room. They did not even have an outhouse; what constituted their "outhouse" was a broken down truck with a toilet stool where the seats once sat.  I can only imagine how they managed to dispose of the refuse.

There is a family story that well illustrates the poor condition in which they lived.  My Mom’s aunt "Maggie" (for whom she was named) visited their home once and commented on the miserable conditions.  Aunt "Mag," John Francis Smith’s second older sister (and mother of family historian Isobel Chandler Madsen), was an impeccably dressed, cultured, and sophisticated lady who was, in my Mom’s words, "very prim and proper."  Aunt Maggie represented the "norm" for the Smith family .  Their father, John Thomas Smith, was an educated man of some means who provided well for his children.  Though not wealthy, the Smith family had certainly risen above the level of mere survival.  Aunt Mag chided her younger brother that he should not live in such conditions.

Well, that did not set well with John Francis Smith.  There is a personality streak in our family fondly called the "Jack Smith" syndrome. Whenever one of us gets stubborn, ‘ornery, and downright contrary around a fellow Smith relative, that person is quick to reply, "damn, it sure looks like the ‘Jack Smith’ is coming out in you!"  This translates mostly to a knee-jerk response to do the very opposite that someone tells you to do.  For example, if someone says, "take out the trash" in a way deemed a "command" by a Smith, the "Jack Smith" will kick in and hell will freeze over before the trash is taken out.  Got the picture?  Well, on that day long ago the "Jack Smith" came out in Jack Smith.  He told his sister, "you can’t tell me how to raise my kids in my own home--get-the-hell-out-of my house!."  That was the last Grandpa Smith had to do with his sister.

By the time I was born (1949), my grandmother was already in her sixties and her physical beauty had vanished. However, it was replaced by an inner beauty that shone like a beacon in the night.  I have met a few saints in my time on this earth, and I can say that she was truly a saint.  In fact, I believe that my grandmother continues to look over me as my "guardian angel," This wonderful woman lived to the grand old age of 91, and is buried alongside her husband at the Valhalla Burial Park, St. Clair County, Belleville, Illinois.

My grandfather lived until March 16, 1962.  His was the first death that I experienced first-hand and it was hard to understand.

On 25 Nov 1912 when John Francis was 23, he married Ina Mae McDONALD, daughter of Robert McDONALD (-1943) & Nancy HANKINS (-1941), in Barry, Illinois. Born on 8 Aug 1888 in Barry, Illinois. Ina Mae died in Decatur, Illinois on 19 Sep 1979; she was 91.

Ina Mae (McDonald) Smith’s social security #:  321-56-8564
Source:  Social Security Death Index on internet
-----
Record from Memorial Record Book of Ina Mae McDonald Smith:

Name:  Ina Mae Smith
Place of Birth:  Barry, Illinois
Date:  August 8, 1888
Place Entered in Rest:  Decatur, Illinois
Date:  September 19, 1979
Age:  91 Years 1 Month 11 Days
Rested in State:  Kasely Cahokia Mortuary

Funeral Service:
Place:  Kasely Cahokia Chapel
City:  Cahokia, Illinois
Hour:  10:00 AM
Date:  September 21, 1979

Officiating:
Rev. Kenneth D. Hall
Rev. Bob Francis

Pallbearers:
Walter Cook, 1115 Upper Cahokia Rd.
L.D. Fortrsee, 729 Howell Ave., Cahokia, Ill.
James L. Dobbs, 2042 Sandy Ridge, Cahokia, Ill.
Hubert T. Brooks, 813 Midred, Cahokia, Ill.
John Watterson, R1 Box 270 (unreadable)
Duck Davis, 834 Midred Ave., Cahokia

Organist: Mrs. Marjorie Guenther
Vocal Selection:  "Beyond the Sunset"
Soloist:  Mr. Ed Latta

Interment:  Valhalla Burial Park, St. Clair County, Belleville, Illinois
Section:  C-2  Lot:  173  Grave:  2
Interment Date:  September 21, 1979, 11:30 AM

Ina Mae McDonald Smith was a member of the Maplewood Park Baptist Church, Cahokia, Illinois.

List of Relatives and Friends:

Georgia Pugh
Marie Wheeler, Cahokia, Ill.
Lula Holmes, Cahokia, Ill.
Nellie Stanfield, Cahokia, Ill.
Juanita White, Cahokia, Ill.
Vivian Maxwell, 116 S. Laurel, Staunten, Ill.
Doy Craig for Ruth Craig her classmate, 504 Garrison, Cahokia, Ill.
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cook
D. Davis
Jennie P. Fortner
Mr. & Mrs. L.D. Fortner
Betty Laxton
Pat Moor Jones, 6829 Thurston, Berkeley
Mr. & Mrs. William House, 527 Midred Ave., Cahokia, Ill.
Ralph & Agnes Wigger
Mary Branson
Frances Marineau
Ali Phillips
Doris Ridgeway, Apt. 152, H.P., St. Libby, Ill., 62282
Walter & Verna Cook
Paul Singletary
Jim Andis
Mrs. Mary Roberts
Mr. & Mrs. H.L. Brooks
Rev. & Mrs. Kenneth Hall, 2006 Maple Tree Drive
Mrs. Clara Venable
Sally Jo McKeown, Decatur, Ill.
Carol McKeown, Andley, Ill.
James & Clara Dobbs
Ruth Murphey
John Watterson, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Harmon (Skinnie) Hillyard
Angus Miller, Sr.
Mrs. & Mr. Thomas R. Francis, 1106 Cimmaron, J.C. Mo.  65101
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Latta
Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Gregory

Ina Mae McDonald Smith's Memorial Book is in the possession of Robert E. Francis.
-----
Valhalla Cemetery , 1406 South 59th Street., Belleville, Illinois 62223. Opened in 1931. Phone (618) 233-3110.

They had the following children:
	137	i.	John Francis (1913-1986)
		ii.	Robert. Born in 1918 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Robert died in Cahokia, Illinois in 1921; he was 3.
			Robert was named after Ina’s father, Robert McDonald. [47]
			“Grandma Hanks had a brother, a doctor, named Robert.  I believe he delivered all us kids.  When Robert (her brother) was sick and all bloated up, Dr. Hanks stayed with him until he died.  From that day onward, Pop (John Francis Smith) refused to talk about the death of his son.  He would not even mention his name.  Pop had a fear of death.” [48]

	138	iii.	Archie Pearl (1921-1968)
	139	iv.	Margaret Louisa (1924-)
	140	v.	Sarah Ann (1928-)

Family of Robert J. TROWER (55) & Carrie HARRIAN/HOFFMAN

85. Rex Clyde TROWER.

Child:
	141	i.	August Jackson

Family of Ephraim TROWER (57) & Effie WRIGHT

86. Minnie TROWER.

Minnie married Charles ANDREWS.

They had one child:
		i.	Dean.

Family of William Johnson ASKEW (59) & Emily Beard SCEARCE

87. William Johnson ASKEW Jr. Born on 25 Mar 1921 in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky.

On 25 Dec 1943 when William Johnson was 22, he married Vivian Mae SMITH, in Alexandria, Virginia. Born on 26 Jun 1921 in Kansas City, Missouri. Vivian Mae died in Richmond, Virginia on 7 Sep 1964; she was 43.

They had the following children:
	142	i.	Polly Thomas (1946-)
	143	ii.	Anne Johnson (1944-)
	144	iii.	Vivian Gwyn (1948-)
		iv.	William Johnson. Born on 4 Oct 1951 in Hinsdale, Cook County, Illinois.
	145	v.	Pamela Lee (1958-)

Family of William Sterling TROWER (60) & Dora Emily PARSONS

88. Nola Susan TROWER. Born on 26 Aug 1895 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Nola Susan died on 20 Jul 1944; she was 48. Buried in Los Angeles, California. Resided in They lived near Gazette, Missouri, until 1936. [49]

Family moved to Los Angeles, California, after 1936. [49]

Nola Susan married B.G. “Tex” UTLEY.

They had one child:
		i.	Paul Robert.

89. William Sterling TROWER Jr. Born on 28 Apr 1899 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. William Sterling died on 16 Feb 1972; he was 72. Buried in Bellflower Cemetery, Bellflower, Missouri. Resided in Spent most of their lives on their farm near Bellflower, Missouri. [49] Occupation: Grocer, farmer.

On 26 Feb 1919 when William Sterling was 19, he married Margueritte McKinley PARSONS. Born on 21 Feb 1899 in Marling, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	146	i.	Mary Hazel (1920-)
	147	ii.	Kenneth Parsons (1923-)
	148	iii.	Jesse Joseph (1931-)
	149	iv.	James Franklin (1932-)
	150	v.	Emma Mildred (1940-)

90. Joseph Clarence TROWER. Born on 1 Apr 1901 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Joseph Clarence died in Bellflower, Missouri on 25 Sep 1937; he was 36. Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.

On 20 Oct 1928 when Joseph Clarence was 27, he married Bessie BROWN. Born in Marling, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	151	i.	Richard Eugene (1932-)
	152	ii.	Betty Gail (1936-)

91. Floy Ada TROWER. Born on 7 Jan 1904 in Olney, Missouri.

Floy Ada married Homer McDONALD.

They had the following children:
		i.	Juanita. Juanita died bef 11 Jul 1998.
		ii.	Elsie. Born on 28 Sep 1922 in Near Silex, Missouri. Elsie died in Bowling Green, Missouri on 11 Jul 1998; she was 75.
			From obituary:
			Elsie Mae McDonald
			
			Graveside services for Elsie Mae McDonald, 75, of Bowling Green were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Bowling Green with the Rev. Ed Engle officiating. Miss McDonald died July 11, 1998 at the Country View Nursing Home in Bowling Green. She was born Sept. 28, 1922, near Silex to Homer O. and Floy Ada Trower McDonald.  She lived in Bowling Green most of her life. She was a member of Second Baptist Church. Miss McDonald was a seamstress at the Bridal Originals garment factory in Bowling Green. She was preceded in death by one sister, Juanita McDonald. Mudd-Veach Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

92. Dora Ethel TROWER. Born on 5 Jun 1910 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Resided in Vandalia, Missouri.

On 24 Apr 1926 when Dora Ethel was 15, she married Walter BAKER. Walter died on 17 Oct 1967.

They had the following children:
	153	i.	Walter Kinnard (1927-)
		ii.	infant (Died as Infant). Buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Montgomery County, Missouri.
	154	iii.	Xena Nadine (1933-)
		iv.	Joseph Paul. Born on 4 Nov 1940 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Resided in Vandalia, Missouri. Occupation: Salesman for Western Auto.
			Joseph Paul married Pamela Kay HARTUNG. Born on 5 Jun 1960 in Vandalia, Missouri.

Family of Joseph Louis TROWER (62) & Sallie HART

93. Leota TROWER. Born on 14 Sep 1896 in Montgomery County, Missouri. Leota died on 2 Jan 1961; she was 64. Buried in Olney Cemetery.

On 26 Apr 1922 when Leota was 25, she married Charles Henry EDWARDS [50], son of William Henry EDWARDS & Kate REYMER. Born on 22 Oct 1888 in Hawk Point, Missouri. Charles Henry died on 15 Feb 1958; he was 69.

They had the following children:
	155	i.	Archie Oscar (1923-)
	156	ii.	Joseph Floyd (1925-)
	157	iii.	Marvin Wayne (1930-)
	158	iv.	Ola Mae (1932-)
	159	v.	George Henry (1933-)
	160	vi.	Jo Ann (1934-)

94. Beulah TROWER. Born in Oct 1897 in Montgomery County, Missouri.

On 3 Mar 1932 when Beulah was 34, she married Buell Forrest PEERY, in High Hill, Missouri. Born on 13 Jul 1900 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

They had one child:
	161	i.	Ina May (1935-)

Family of Francis Lee TROWER (63) & Cora Belle TAGG

95. Josie Lee TROWER. Born on 26 Aug 1902 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 18 Oct 1922 when Josie Lee was 20, she married Allan Henry O’LEARY, in Middleton, Missouri. Born in Middleton, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	162	i.	Evelyn (1923-)
	163	ii.	Opal Bernice (1925-)
	164	iii.	Betty Jo (1927-)
	165	iv.	Allan Henry (1935-)
		v.	Robert Wayne. Born on 17 Jun 1944 in Middleton, Missouri. Occupation: U.S. Army career soldier. [51]
			Robert Wayne married Ida Lucille WRIGHT.

96. Francis Stone TROWER. Born on 11 Aug 1908 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 27 Sep 1932 when Francis Stone was 24, he married Edna Marie SPYERS. Born on 25 May 1913.

They had the following children:
		i.	Shirley Faye. Born on 10 Aug 1936 in Montgomery City, Missouri.
	166	ii.	Shelby Jean (1940-)
	167	iii.	Sandra Sue (1942-)

97. Leroy TROWER. Born on 5 Oct 1919 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. Leroy died on 29 Jun 1970; he was 50. Buried in Olney Cemetery.

Leroy married Mary Lou EDWARDS.

They had the following children:
	168	i.	Beverly Anne
	169	ii.	Leroy

98. Laura Belle TROWER. Born on 24 Feb 1927 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 22 Sep 1946 when Laura Belle was 19, she married Howard Vernon CALLAWAY. Born on 24 Feb 1919 in Montgomery City, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Bruce Lee. Born on 15 May 1955 in Montgomery City, Missouri.

Family of Jasper Nuton TROWER (65) & Mary Eva PRITCHETT

99. Joseph Buford TROWER. Born on 31 Jul 1905 in New Hartford, Missouri. Joseph Buford died on 31 Jul 1928; he was 23. Buried in New Hartford, Missouri.

Joseph Buford married Clemma WRIGHT.

They had the following children:
		i.	Leo. Born on 2 Feb 1921.
		ii.	Robert.
		iii.	Roscoe.

100. Thomas Gerald TROWER. Born on 23 Jan 1907 in New Hartford, Missouri.

In 1928 when Thomas Gerald was 20, he married Leola May THOMPSON. Born on 13 Jun 1906.

They had the following children:
	170	i.	Wanda Franciline (1929-)
	171	ii.	Helen Maxine (1933-)
		iii.	James Gray [52]. Born on 30 Oct 1943 in New Hartford, Missouri.
			On 20 Jun 1964 when James Gray was 20, he married Elizabeth Jane CORTE. Born on 17 Apr 1942 in St. Clement, Missouri.

101. Marion Cecil TROWER. Born on 10 Sep 1910 in New Hartford, Missouri.

On 1 Sep 1939 when Marion Cecil was 28, he married Pauline Lillian NESBITT. Born on 12 Aug 1914 in Hannibal, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Donald Richard. Born on 13 Oct 1940 in Hannibal, Missouri. Donald Richard died on 14 Nov 1969; he was 29.
			On 27 Feb 1969 when Donald Richard was 28, he married Beverly Earle WARD. Born in Hannibal, Missouri.
		ii.	Beverly Jean. Born on 29 Apr 1946 in Hannibal, Missouri.

102. James Willard TROWER. Born on 8 Jan 1913 in New Hartford, Missouri.

On 25 Jul 1931 when James Willard was 18, he married Bessie RILEY. Born in Hannibal, Missouri.

They had one child:
	172	i.	Loretta (1932-)

103. Jasper Phillip TROWER. Born on 2 Aug 1921.

On 17 Apr 1943 when Jasper Phillip was 21, he married Phyllis Eleanor HOUCK. Born in Hannibal, Missouri.

They had one child:
	173	i.	Vicki Joan (1949-)

Family of Henry Earl TROWER (66) & Beulah Belle LEMASTERS

104. Opal Pauline TROWER. Born on 22 Nov 1915 in Gazette, Audrain County, Missouri.

On 4 Jun 1938 when Opal Pauline was 22, she married John SADOYAN. Born on 18 Jan 1911 in Fresno, California.

They had one child:
		i.	Melinda. Born on 22 Aug 1940.
			On 30 Dec 1960 when Melinda was 20, she married Dan CUNNINGHAM.

105. Tressie Lorene TROWER. Born on 29 Oct 1918 in Gazette, Audrain County, Missouri. Tressie Lorene died on 25 Nov 1941; she was 23.

On 11 May 1940 when Tressie Lorene was 21, she married Leroy DAVIDSON.

They had one child:
	174	i.	Helen Elaine (1941-)

106. Vivian Mae Belle TROWER. Born on 10 May 1927 in Gazette, Audrain County, Missouri.

On 3 Jun 1946 when Vivian Mae Belle was 19, she married Howard WHITEAKER. Born in Vandalia, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	David Wayne. Born on 14 Feb 1956 in Vandalia, Missouri.

Family of William Ross TROWER Jr. (68) & Lulu E. KIENINGER

107. Ross Henry TROWER. [42] Born on 22 Feb 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri. Occupation: Lutheran minister. Religion: Lutheran.

Subject: Descendants of Solomon Trower
Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2000 14:52:29 -0400
From: "Dr. Ross H. Trower"

I would like to add/correct information relating to Ross Henry Trower and his descendants.  Will you make the changes for me?
 
Ross Henry Trower was born 22 February 1922 in St. Louis, MO.  He was married to the former Margaret Elfrieda Elsa Doering on 20 August 1944.  They have four children:  David Ross Trower, Martha Christine (Trower) Edmonds, Paul William Trower, and John Lawrence Trower.
 
There is additional information I can give, but I will await your reply.
 
The Rev. Dr. Ross H. Trower
Rear Admiral, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy (Ret.)

On 20 Aug 1944 when Ross Henry was 22, he married Margaret Elfrieda Elsa DOERING. Born in Vandalia, Illinois.

They had the following children:
		i.	David Ross.
		ii.	Martha Christine.
			Martha Christine married EDMONDS.
		iii.	Paul William.
		iv.	John Lawrence.

Seventh Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Harriet Luella TROWER (70) & Samuel Wilson CROCE

108. George Leroy CROCE. Born on 13 Nov 1892 in Winchester, Jefferson, Kansas. George Leroy died in Norman, Cleveland, Oklahoma on 6 Jul 1939; he was 46. Buried in Henryeha, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Resided in Holdenville, Bald Hill, Oklahoma; Winchester, Kansas.   World War I. Occupation: Oil field teamster.

On 21 Feb 1913 when George Leroy was 20, he first married Esther BOWERS.

On 23 Sep 1919 when George Leroy was 26, he second married Effie CUNNINGHAM, daughter of George Washington CUNNINGHAM & Martha Elizabeth TIPTON, in Haskell, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Born on 9 May 1899 in Greenforest, Carroll, Arkansas. Effie died in Seminole, Seminole, Oklahoma on 14 Nov 1986; she was 87.

They had the following children:
	175	i.	Betty Lou (1929-)
		ii.	Leonard Leroy. Born on 20 Nov 1920 in Bald Hill, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Leonard Leroy died in Sacramento, Sacramento, California on 29 Oct 1986; he was 65. Buried on 4 Nov 1986 in Presidio National Cemetery, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
			Leonard Leroy married Faith HOWARD.
		iii.	Maudine. Born on 5 Oct 1922 in Bald Hill, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Maudine died in Bald Hill, Okmulgee, Oklahoma on 11 Aug 1924; she was 1.
		iv.	Billy Gene. Born on 7 May 1931 in Bald Hill, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
			Billy Gene married Louise HILSER.
		v.	Onis Wallace. Born on 24 May 1934 in Bald Hill, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
			On 19 Jun  Onis Wallace married Debra Ray LEWIS, in Gainsville, Cooke, Texas.

Family of Edward Winslow ELLIS (71) & Laura Matilda DAVIS

109. Jaunita Olive ELLIS. Born on 29 Jan 1905 in Burlingame, California.

Jaunita Olive married Charles HOLLAND. Born on 6 Apr 1904 in Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois.

They had one child:
		i.	Mary Lou. Born on 15 Feb 1925 in St. Helena, Napa County, California.

110. William Percy ELLIS. Born on 4 Dec 1908 in Burlingame, San Mateo County, California.

Child:
		i.	Pamela Ann.

Family of Rachel Evalyn TROWER (72) & Isadore Garfield HENRY

111. Margaret Lillian HENRY.

Margaret Lillian married WORKMAN.

They had the following children:
		i.	David.
		ii.	Roberta.
		iii.	Susan.
			Susan married MILLER.

Family of Arch TROWER (74) & Edna BELL

112. Zelma TROWER.

Zelma married Pearl HOLT. Born in Bellflower, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Archie.
		ii.	Pearl.
		iii.	John.
		iv.	Donald.
		v.	Joyce.

113. Jessie Bert TROWER.

On 4 Sep 1933 Jessie Bert married Elsie May PENDLETON.

They had the following children:
	176	i.	Roger Bert (1935-)
	177	ii.	Vernon Leroy (1936-)
	178	iii.	David Lee (1939-)

114. Evelyn TROWER.

Evelyn married Lloyd NECHAUSS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Lloyd.
		ii.	Doris.
		iii.	Diana.

115. Randall (Cotton) TROWER.

Randall (Cotton) married Nancy HOLCUMBRINK.

They had the following children:
		i.	Randall.
		ii.	Robert.
		iii.	Douglas.
		iv.	Janet.
		v.	infant.
			Deceased. [53]

		vi.	infant.
			Deceased. [53]

116. Nina Amanda TROWER. Nina Amanda died on 8 Feb 1951.

Children:
		i.	Paula.
		ii.	Patricia.

Family of Leonard Philander TROWER (75) & Ada Belle LOVELACE

117. Mary Belle TROWER.

Mary Belle married Arthur BOOTH.

They had one child:
	179	i.	Carol Ann

Family of John Henry TROWER (77) & Iona BEEDLE

118. John Allen TROWER. Born on 22 Aug 1925. John Allen died on 1 Nov 1960; he was 35.

John Allen married June Audra FRIEDEN.

They had the following children:
	180	i.	Peggy Ann (1951-)
		ii.	Gene Allen. Born on 8 Jun 1955.
			On 22 Dec 1973 when Gene Allen was 18, he married Clare WIEBERG.

Family of Ola Kay (O.K.) TROWER (78) & Crystal Aileen BRADEN

119. Guy Wesley TROWER. Born on 17 Oct 1924 in Cheboygan, Michigan.

On 1 Jun 1948 when Guy Wesley was 23, he married Derva Ellen DIXON. Born on 16 May 1926 in Bain Twp., Aitkin County, Minnesota.

They had the following children:
		i.	Faith Ann (Died as Infant). Born on 11 May 1949.
		ii.	Paul Wesley. Born on 21 Jul 1950.   U.S. Navy.
	181	iii.	Daniel Guy (1952-)
		iv.	Faith Ellen. Born on 5 Apr 1954.
		v.	Joel Dixon. Born on 7 Dec 1959.
		vi.	Jonathan Kay. Born on 7 Dec 1959.
		vii.	Timothy James. Born on 13 Jul 1963.
		viii.	Ethan Andrew. Born on 6 Oct 1968.

120. Theodore Robert TROWER. Born on 2 Aug 1926 in Cheboygan, Michigan.

On 26 Jun 1949 when Theodore Robert was 22, he married Ruby Joan HALL, in Little Falls, Michigan.

They had the following children:
		i.	Barbara Jean. Born on 25 Feb 1952.
			On 10 Dec 1970 when Barbara Jean was 18, she married Rudy BRAZIL, in Cheboygan, Michigan.
		ii.	Dale Robert. Born on 10 Oct 1953.
		iii.	John Michael. Born on 16 Sep 1955.
		iv.	Christopher Edward. Born on 2 Feb 1964.

121. Arthur Edward TROWER. Born on 7 Aug 1928 in Cheboygan, Michigan.

On 13 Feb 1965 when Arthur Edward was 36, he married Estelle Katherina May NORDMAN.

They had the following children:
		i.	Ernest Edward. Born on 5 Jan 1967.
		ii.	Robert Henry. Born on 22 Jul 1968.
		iii.	Benjamin Earl. Born on 16 Jun 1972.

122. Laura Samuella TROWER. Born on 19 Jul 1935 in Cheboygan, Michigan.

On 30 Jun 1956 when Laura Samuella was 20, she married Richard STROEBEL, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

They had the following children:
		i.	Joanna Lee. Born on 14 Oct 1958 in Saginaw, Michigan.
		ii.	Katherine Louise. Born on 26 Apr 1960 in Saginaw, Michigan.
		iii.	Amy Caroline. Born on 3 Jun 1961 in Saginaw, Michigan.
		iv.	Nancy Elizabeth. Born on 7 Feb 1963 in Saginaw, Michigan.

123. Mary Ann TROWER. Born on 12 Dec 1942 in Cheboygan, Michigan.

On 16 Mar 1961 when Mary Ann was 18, she married Alfred SUNDIN.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sheryl Ann (Adopted). Born on 26 Aug 1967.
		ii.	Stephen Michael. Born on 13 May 1969.

Family of Archie Pearl SMITH (80) & Maude LAIRD

124. Nadene SMITH. Born on 27 Jun 1905.

Nadene first married John BANCROFT.

They had one child:
		i.	William Pearl.

Nadene second married Mr. HOWARD.

125. Irene SMITH. Born on 27 Jun 1905.

Irene married Jewel GREGG.

They had one child:
		i.	Richard P. Smith.

Family of Sallie Jackson SMITH (81) & Mason BRANSTETTER

126. Eunice BRANSTETTER. Born on 3 Apr 1900.

On 23 Nov 1916 when Eunice was 16, she married Edward MEDARIS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Mason.
			Mason first married .
			On 17 Apr 1945 Mason second married Mary PECOLA.
	182	ii.	Vivian (1919-)
	183	iii.	Dymple (1922-)

127. Floyd Mason BRANSTETTER. Born on 23 Jul 1902.

On 6 Apr 1923 when Floyd Mason was 20, he married Emma DORSTEN.

They had the following children:
		i.	Floyd. Born on 7 Mar 1925. Floyd died on 13 Jul 1927; he was 2.
		ii.	Fred B. Born on 15 Sep 1928.
			Research: The Son of Lloyd (9) Branstetter, named Fred (10) Branstetter, was drafted into the Army in 1950. and in the winter of 1951 was stationed at Camp Chaffee Arkansas. One of his bunkmates was another Missouri boy, the son of Leslie and Eunice Chandler, Paul Chandler. These two boys had never met and had never even heard of each other. It seems that Fred mentioned the fact that his dad had cousin who was a General, and Paul mentioned that HIS father had a cousin who was a General. Imagine their surprise when they discovered that they were each one equally related to the same General, who is Brigadier General Rex Chandler (9).
			
			These two draftees become buddies and chummed around together until Fred received a medical discharge for having a bad kidney which was removed at the Veteran's Hospital in St. Louis in April, 1951. Fred graduated in June 1950 from Washington University In St. Louis, a major in chemical engineering, and Paul was a student at Missouri University when he was drafted, where he commuted between his father's home In Middletown, Mo., to Columbia, Mo., in his own plane whenever he felt he could spare the time. Fred's first job after graduation was with a chemical dye company in Buffalo, N. Y., at the east end of Lake Erie, and his grandfather Drosten had given him a car for a graduation present. Fred arrived at our house in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, driving his first car, on his way to take over his first job, very happy and proud. He stayed a couple of days, and then during the summer drove down from Buffalo over week ends, because Fred became interested In Carl G. "Duff" (10) Madsen, Jr., who had just graduated in pre-med from Princeton University and was preparing to enter Ohio State Medical College for the next four years.  Fred also became intrigued with the beach along Lake erie, and all the people on summer vacation from all over the country, and in watching Mayor carl G. Madsen, Sr., hold court at the Town Hall, known as the Gripe Center.  It was all new to him, and Fred liked everybody he met and was well liked in return.” [54]

		iii.	Shirley. Born on 28 Sep 1932.
		iv.	Sally. Born on 9 Mar 1934.

128. Mancell Pearl BRANSTETTER. Born on 12 Sep 1908.

On 17 Jul 1938 when Mancell Pearl was 29, he married Zela BRADER.

They had one child:
		i.	Zoe Ann. Born on 27 Sep 1942.

Family of Margaret Melvina SMITH (82) & Oscar William CHANDLER

129. Rex Eugene CHANDLER. Born on 24 Jun 1901 in Pike County, Missouri. Rex Eugene died in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas on 6 Sep 1964; he was 63. Buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

On 10 Jun 1925 when Rex Eugene was 23, he married Ann PAGE, in San Antonio, Texas.

They had the following children:
		i.	Rex E. Born in May 1926 in West Point, New York. Rex E. died in Feb 1929; he was 2. Buried in West Point, New York.
	184	ii.	Robert Page (1929-)
	185	iii.	Ann Page (1931-)

130. Isobel Frances CHANDLER. Born on 2 Dec 1903 in Frankford, Pike County, Missouri. Isobel Frances died in Geneva, Ohio in Sep 1971; she was 67.

Training Record:
Grade School:  Slater, Mo. and Bowling Green, Mo.
High School:  Niles, Ohio
College:  Kent State University, Ohio, art major
State Life Certificate, Ohio, Mo.
University of California, Los Angeles, 1942, Government, Economics
University of Florida, St. Petersburg High School Building, 1943, Engineering and Blueprint tracing (War course).

Teaching record:
1923-1928:  Wood St. School, Youngstown, Ohio, Arts and Crafts, Americanization classes and fifth grade subjects.

July 9, 1927, married Carl G. Madesn of Litchfield, Minnesota, in the Episcopal Church, Revenna, Ohio, while attending summer school at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.  Resigned from teaching March, 1928, because married women were not allowed to teach at that time.

December 9, 1928, first son, Carl G. Madsen II, was born in the City Hospital, Warren, Ohio.

From 1928 on, taught as a substitute teacher…Warren Ohio City Schools at irregular intervals, in grade and Junior High.

During war years (World War II) taught art as a special subject in the Sunshine School, Pass-a-Grille, Florida.  This school was directly across from Isobel's house on 24th street.

April 6, 1945, second son born, Neale (Kris) Christian, St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Fall term, Lake Eirie College, Painesville, Ohio, Child Psychology, Genetics, 1949.

Norton School of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida, (Palm Beach Art Institute) studied under the following teachers (1954-1959):  William Thon, Dong Kingman, Edgar Whitney, Frank Reilly, Bruce Mitchell, David Frendenthal.

Ashtabula Fine Arts Center, Ashtabula, Ohio (1957-1962), studied sculptoring and ceramics under Thano Johnson, Walter Sinz, Roger Mack (Cleveland School of Art, director Toshiko Takaozu), Tony Carao, Joanne Kodonno.

Member as of 1962, Ashtabula County Historical Society; Palm Beach Art Institute (past member of Bo?a ?aten Art Club, Youngstown Art Alliance, Mahoning Valley Society of Painters; First Presbyterian Church, Warren, Ohio), Butler Art Museum Exhibitors, Palm Beach Art Exhibitors; St. Petersburg, exhibited art, and was director of Finance of the St. Petersburg Art Museum for one term; Santa Monica Art Club, 1941-42.  Geneva, Ohio, PTA; Riviera Beach, Florida, PTA.

Worked summers in husband's donut shop in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, 1938-1945, 1948-1962, etc., as one-half manager, social security rating.  Worked two winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, donut shop owned jointly by Carl Madsen and Charles Baum, 1942-1944, closed because of rationing.   (Isobel Chandler Madsen, "SHAWHAN/SMITH/CHANDLER/MADSEN Genealogy" [1962 update], pp. 52-53).
-----
It was reading Isobel  Chandler Madsen's  chronicle of the Shawhan and Smith families that peaked my interest in taking up the task of bringing the family history up to date for my generation.  Her genealogical monograph "SHAWHAN, SMITH, CHANDLER, MADSEN" (1699-1951) has been an invaluable resource in compiling this version of the SHAWHAN/SMITH family history.  {REF}

I am not sure whether the Isobel Chandler listed in the Social Security Death Records list is the same as our Isobel.  However, the information fits her very well.  The information is as follows:  b. 02 Dec 1903, d. Sep. 1971, Ohio, Zip Code 44041, SSN 279-16-0551.  {REF}

On 9 Jul 1927 when Isobel Frances was 23, she married Carl G. MADSEN, son of Soren MADSEN & Sophia Ann, in Ravenna, Ohio. Born on 1 Aug 1907 in Litchfield, Minnesota.

Carl George Madsen was born August 1, 1907, Litchfield, Minnesota, youngestof three sons of Soren and Sophia Ann Madsen, who came to live in Litchfield, bring with them two older sons, Clav and Aage Madsen, born to them in Kalenborg, Denmark.  Carl attended grade school in Litchfield, Minn., and in Aslov, Minn., where he lived with an aunt and uncle (William from Denmark) Madsen, after his mother died.  His father was a contractor and builder, and cabinet-maker by trade.  He built schools and churches in and around Litchfield and Chicago.  Carl attended High School in Litchfield, Minn.  After graduation he went to live near his father in Chicago.  Clav Madsen attended the University of illinois, and was a graduate architect.  Aage attended the University of Minnesota and graduated as an agriculture major.  Carl worked for Pillsbury Flour Mills, Kresge Co., Densens Milk Co., and Madsen Donut Shop.  He was elected Mayor of the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake and served two terms, not choosing to run for a third.  He owned and operated a commercial fishing boat that he owned in Base-a-Grille, Florida, in the wintertime while operating the donut shop in the summer.  He was Captain of dea-sea charter boat “Okeh” owned by Capt. Frank Sauer, Rivera Beach, Florida, for three winters.  Hobbies are Hydrology, Meterology, Securities market, antique furniture refinishing.  His character is one of tolerance and cheerfulness and gregariousness, combined with complete integrity and attention to details.  Self-educated after high school, proving that experience is the best teacher. [55]

They had the following children:
	186	i.	Carl G. (1928-)
		ii.	Neal Christian. Born on 6 Apr 1945 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

131. Oscar William CHANDLER. Born on 20 Feb 1913 in Slater, Saline County, Missouri. Oscar William died in Kailua,, Hawaii on 8 Feb 1998; he was 84.

"Husky" graduated from the University of Oklahoma and while there was a noted champion diver on their swim team.  He later was in the Army and trained in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  He was an officer in the Ski unit and fought in WWII in the Italian Alps. He was an architect and home builder and later worked as an appraiser for (FHA?) in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Oscar William "Husky" Chandler, Jr. and Alpha Dolly "Doll" Morris are both buried at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
-----
From William T. Chandler letter (dated July 4, 2000):
“My grandfather Oscar William Chandler, Jr. died in February of 1999 from complications from prostate cancer.  I was one of the pall bearers.He was a First Lieutenant in the US Army during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division.   He even received the silver star for one incident where he captured a German squad who had his unit under fire.  You may already have that information.”

On 17 Apr 1937 when Oscar William was 24, he married Alpha Dolly MORRIS, daughter of Robert Walter MORRIS (1885-1965) & Delia MOORE (1895-1986), in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born on 5 Jan 1914 in Oklahoma. Alpha Dolly died in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 4 Mar 1987; she was 73.

From William T. Chandler letter (dated July 4, 2000):
“My grandmother is Alpha Dolly Morris.  She retired from the IRS due to emphysema.   She died back in the early 80's due to complications from her emphysema.  They lived in Tulsa and Oklahoma City most of their married life.”

They had the following children:
	187	i.	Robert Grant (1938-)
	188	ii.	Larry Dale (1941-)
	189	iii.	William Morris (1947-)

Family of Edith Mae SMITH (83) & General F. HAMLETT

132. Wayne HAMLETT. Born on 30 Jan 1912. Wayne died in Glen Lake, Minnesota in 1961; he was 48.

Wayne married Laverne McIVOR. Born on 7 Aug 1911. Laverne died on 23 Nov 1981; she was 70.

They had one child:
	190	i.	Dayle (1934-)

133. John Phillip HAMLETT. Born on 4 Oct 1913. John Phillip died on 8 Sep 1982; he was 68.

Married and had four girls and two boys.

John Phillip married Virgie.

They had the following children:
		i.	Phyllis.
		ii.	Joann.
		iii.	Suzette.
		iv.	LaRea.
		v.	John Phillip.

134. Jefferson Edward HAMLETT. Born on 24 Jun 1916. Jefferson Edward died on 5 Mar 1975; he was 58.

Lived in Los Angeles, California.  Married and had four boys and one girl.

Jefferson Edward married Roberta Lorraine SMITH. Born in 1914. Roberta Lorraine died in 1977; she was 63.

They had the following children:
	191	i.	Dennis Edward (1943-)
		ii.	Michael Leroy (Twin). Born on 15 Jan 1946.
		iii.	Patrick William (Twin). Born on 15 Jan 1946.
	192	iv.	Kathleen Ann (1940-)
		v.	Timothy Paul. Born on 11 Jul 1947.

135. Paul Richard HAMLETT. Born on 17 Aug 1922. Paul Richard died in Hennepin, Minnesota on 7 Oct 1999; he was 77.

Paul Richard married Dorothy GORSKI. Born on 20 Dec 1922. Dorothy died in Hennepin, Minnesota on 4 Sep 1999; she was 76.

They had one child:
	193	i.	Cheryle

136. Betty HAMLETT. Born on 24 Sep 1926.

On 2 Mar 1946 when Betty was 19, she first married Holmes TYRRELL. Born on 28 Oct 1921. Holmes died in Columbia, Missouri on 7 Jul 1990; he was 68.

They had the following children:
	194	i.	Patie Edith (1948-)
		ii.	Holmes A. Born on 2 Jan 1952 in Missouri. Resided in Bridgeton, Missouri.
	195	iii.	Bettye Alice (1953-)

On 24 Jun 1973 when Betty was 46, she second married Salvatore “Sam” LAROCCA. Born on 25 Aug 1912 in Sicily.

Family of John Francis SMITH (84) & Ina Mae McDONALD

137. John Francis SMITH Jr. Born on 30 Sep 1913 in East St. Louis, Illinois. John Francis died in Zavalla, Angelina, Texas in Nov 1986; he was 73.

John Francis married Edna Earl GREEN, daughter of William Butler GREEN & Obie Jeanette FRANCE. Born on 16 Nov 1920 in Mayfield, Graves County, Kentucky. Edna Earl died in Zavalla, Angelina, Texas in Jun 1994; she was 73.

They had the following children:
		i.	John William. Born in 1940.
			Research: Known as "Billie."

		ii.	Bobbie. Born on 26 Jun 1943.

138. Archie Pearl SMITH. Born on 13 Sep 1921 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Archie Pearl died in Cahokia, Illinois on 13 Oct 1968; he was 47. Buried in Valhalla Burial Park, St. Clair County, Belleville, Illinois.

Archie Pearl married Vivian DAVIS. Born on 16 May 1928. Vivian died on 14 Jan 1973; she was 44.

They had the following children:
		i.	Dennis. Born on 17 Mar 1945. Dennis died in California on 9 Mar 1969; he was 23. Buried in Valhalla Burial Park, St. Clair County, Belleville, Illinois.
		ii.	Diane (Adopted).

139. Margaret Louisa SMITH. Born on 30 Aug 1924 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Occupation: Housewife. Education: High School.

On 5 Sep 1942 when Margaret Louisa was 18, she first married John Virgil FRANCIS, son of German Jewish WWI Pilot & Deva Jerene BROADBENT (1892-1989), in St. Charles, Missouri. Born on 1 Jul 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Stories by John Francis:

March 7-10, 1999:  Dad tells many stories about his childhood and adulthood that are impossible to verify but, nevertheless, he insists upon as being true.  I will attempt to write these as he tells them without critical analysis.

His Father as a German Jewish Prisoner of War:  The story goes as follows:  Though adopted in 1915 and raised by the Francis family of Frederickstown, Missouri, he was actually born James Robert Broadbent III, the son of a German Jewish World War I pilot and a young woman named “Jerene” or Irene Broadbent.  Jerene is listed on the Bethesda Home for Foundlings (I have a copy of the document), St. Louis, Missouri.  The document lists Jerene Broadbent as his birth-mother and her location as North Dakota.  She was of Lutheran faith.

The story is told that Jerene and the soldier met while on a ship from (port ) to the United States.  They had a romantic interlude and she became pregnant.  She was supposed to be of English heritage and from a wealthy family.

The soldier was taken to Bellville, Illinois, and was interred in a top secret Jewish Concentration Camp.  The reason for the top secret nature of this camp was that such camps were not supposed to exist in World War I.  According to the story, there were five camps of this type in the United States.  When asked how he came by such information, Dad told of a “lawyer” who acquired the information while researching into his family origins.

While in the Home for Foundlings, (then) James Broadbent had a deformity, perhaps a club foot.  The Home routinely killed babies who were infirmed by giving them the “black bottle.”  The Black Bottle was in actuality a poison concoction.  Dad was within three days of being given the “Black Bottle” when he was adopted by the Francis family.

Dad’s reason for claiming that his father was a World War I pilot stems from a recollection that he had at about the age of 4 or 5.  He said that a man landed a bi-plane in his mother’s farm field one day.  The man was dressed in the World War I pilot’s dress, with a scarf and helmet.  He picked dad up and treated him as if he knew him.  The man left some articles of clothing with Mrs. Francis with the instructions to give these to the child.  Dad says that he kept these momentos for many years and was convinced that the man was, in fact, his father.  The momentos were lost when Dad lived in St. Louis, Missouri, and someone broke into the his apartment and stole the trunk where they were stored.

When Dad was 5 or 6 years old, his foster-father killed himself with stricnine (spelling?).  The old man had received an injury when younger and had had a metal plate inplanted in his skull.  One hot day he was outside working in the garden and “went crazy” from the heat of the metal plate upon his skull.  He went inside the house and got some poison and took it.  He gave Dad a last kiss and went out to the barn to milk the cow.  In his crazed condition, the old man tried taking the cow out into the yard and milk it, but the cow would not cooperate.  The poison had had worked its way into him and he was almost gone.  He walked to the porch of the house and collapsed.  About that time a doctor was passing the farm in his buggy.  The doctor got out and ran to the porch.  He checked Mr. Francis and pronounced him dead.  A small amaount of the poison was on dad’s lip--enough that would have killed him had he licked his lips--but the doctor caught it in time and wiped it off.
-----
Dad’s Family.
My Dad, John Virgil Francis, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, July 1, 1915.  Born James Broadbent, he was an orphan left at the Bethesda Home for Foundlings, St. Louis, Missouri, by his mother Jerene Broadbent.  Jerene was a young woman of 22 when she gave her baby up for adoption.  For many years, very little was known about her other than she was born in North Dakota and was a Lutheran by religion.  In 2000, I found out more about her.  I discovered a “Jerene Broadbent” on the Social Security Death Index and requested her original Social Security application from the Social Security Administration.  I found that she was born in Deva Jerene Broadbent in Dickenson, North Dakota, August 24, 1892 [this perfectly matched the age and place on the Bethesda paperwork!], and died in Tucson, Arizona, November 20, 1989.  Her parents were Jeremiah Broadbent (1856-) and Lula Ann Clark. Searching further, I found a link between Jeremiah Broadbent and William Broadbent* (about 1794-March 13, 1892) and Hannah.  William’s father was Benjamin Broadbent (1765-March 27, 1855) and Sarah Hilton (1770-after 1841). The Broadbents hailed from England, arriving in the American Colonies in the early 1800’s.  The family emigrated to Wisconsin, Iowa, and finally to North Dakota.

[*Please note that the connection between Jeremiah and William Broadbent is, at best, tenuous.  No proof exists except the following notation found in the Latter Day Saints’ International Genealogy Index: Jeremiah Broadbent born in 1856 in Sylvester, Green Co., Wisconsin. Father was William, Mother Hannah LDS Source 446092 page 0028 (this is a proxy baptism and has little info of use).  There is no certainty that this Jeremiah Broadbent is the father of Jerene.  The earlier generations, that of William Broadbent and his father, Benjamin, were sent to me by a fellow SHAWHAN family researcher, Ron Shawhan, from a Borderbund CD, which contains “The Descendants of Benjamin Broadbent.”]

I find it very interesting that all of the Broadbent men plus Dad’s mother (except Jeremiah, for which I do not have death data) lived to a ripe old age: Benjamin, age 90; William, age 98; Jerene, age 97.  As of this writing, my father is 85 years old.  If the averages work out, Dad should live another 10 years.

A letter acquired by Dad in November 1941 provides the basic data from which the Broadbent research was made possible.  The letter reads as follows:

Bethesda General Hospital
St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 7th, 1941.

To Whom It May Concern

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT the records of the Bethesda Maternity Home, a Division of the Bethesda General Hospital, at 3651 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, show the following information:

Jerene Broadbent age 22 years, of Lutheran faith, from North Dakota, gave birth to a baby on July 1st, 1915 at Bethesda Maternity Home.

The child was called James Broadbent.

On July 2nd, 1915, Jerene Broadbent signed a paper relinquishing all claims to her son James Broadbent.

On December 25th., 1915 this child was taken out for adoption by Mr. & Mrs. John Frances (sic) of Frederickstown, Missouri.

Signed Mabel Norman

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of November 1941

J. Elise Schroeder
Notary Public in and for the city of St. Louis
State of Missouri

My Commission as Notary Public expires the 17th day of December 1943

Dad was adopted by John A. and Josephine Francis on April 15, 1916.  His Deed of Adoption reads as follows:

This deed made and entered into this 15th day of April, 1916, by and between John A. Francis and Josephine Francis, his wife, of the City of Fredericktown, County of Madison and State of Missouri, parties of the first part, and John Virgil Francis, a minor, of said city, of the other part.

WITNESSETH: That the parties of the first part, in consideration of One ($1.00) Dollar, to them in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and of the love and affection they bear unto the said John Virgil Francis and for diverse other considerations them thereunto moving, have adopted and hereby do adopted the said John Virgil Francis as and for their child, heir and devisee, under and by virtue of and as is provided by the laws of the State of Missouri relating to the adoption of children.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year first above written

(signed) John A. Francis
(signed) Josephine Francis

STATE OF MISSOURI
COUNTY OF MADISON

On this 15th day of April, 1916, before me personally appeared John A. Francis and Josephine Francis, to me personally known to be the persons described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same as their free act and deed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and notorial seal, the day and year first above written.

My term expires November 18th, 1916

(Signed) Robert H. Davis
Notary Public

Stories by John Francis:
In a series of interviews with Dad over a period of several years, I have gleaned some interesting information from him. He tells many stories about his childhood and adulthood that are impossible to verify but, nevertheless, he insists upon as being true.  I will attempt to write these as he tells them without critical analysis.

His Father as a German Jewish Prisoner of War:  The story goes as follows:  Though adopted in 1915 and raised by the Francis family of Frederickstown, Missouri, he was actually born James Robert Broadbent III, the son of a German Jewish World War I pilot and a young woman named “Jerene” or Irene Broadbent.  Jerene is listed on the Bethesda Home for Foundlings (I have a copy of the document), St. Louis, Missouri.  The document lists Jerene Broadbent as his birth-mother and her location as North Dakota.  She was of Lutheran faith.

The story is told that Jerene and the soldier (maybe pilot) met while on a ship from (port ) to the United States.  They had a romantic interlude and she became pregnant.  She was supposed to be of English heritage and from a wealthy family.

The soldier was taken to Bellville, Illinois, and was interred in a top secret Jewish Concentration Camp.  The reason for the top secret nature of this camp was that such camps were not supposed to exist in World War I.  According to the story, there were five camps of this type in the United States.  When asked how he came by such information, Dad told of a “lawyer” who acquired the information while researching into his family origins.

While in the Home for Foundlings, (then) James Broadbent had a deformity, perhaps a club foot.  The Home routinely killed babies who were infirmed by giving them the “black bottle.”  The Black Bottle was in actuality a poison concoction.  Dad was within three days of being given the “Black Bottle” when he was adopted by the Francis family.

Dad’s reason for claiming that his father was a World War I pilot stems from a recollection that he had at about the age of 4 or 5.  He said that a man landed a bi-plane in his mother’s farm field one day.  The man was dressed in the World War I pilot’s dress, with a scarf and helmet.  He picked Dad up and treated him as if he knew him.  The man left some articles of clothing with Mrs. Francis with the instructions to give these to the child.  Dad says that he kept these Momentos for many years and was convinced that the man was, in fact, his father.  The Momentos were lost when Dad lived in St. Louis, Missouri, and someone broke into the his apartment and stole the trunk where they were stored.

When Dad was 5 or 6 years old, his foster-father killed himself with stricnine (spelling?).  The old man had received an injury when younger and had had a metal plate inplanted in his skull.  One hot day he was outside working in the garden and “went crazy” from the heat of the metal plate upon his skull.  He went inside the house and got some poison and took it.  He gave Dad a last kiss and went out to the barn to milk the cow.  In his crazed condition, the old man tried taking the cow out into the yard and milk it, but the cow would not cooperate.  The poison had had worked its way into him and he was almost gone.  He walked to the porch of the house and collapsed.  About that time a doctor was passing the farm in his buggy.  The doctor got out and ran to the porch.  He checked Mr. Francis and pronounced him dead.  A small amount of the poison was on Dad’s lip--enough that would have killed him had he licked his lips--but the doctor caught it in time and wiped it off.

-----
From Journal of Robert E. Francis:
As a young man, Dad worked many jobs in and around St. Louis, Missouri.  He worked for a while at Monsanto Chemical plant, East St. Louis, Illinois, as a welder.  He welded large chemical containers, or vats, that contained highly toxic materials.  This was a very hazardous job in that the chemicals were both lethally toxic and flammable.  Any spark lit when fumes were present resulted in major explosions; thus, the welders were under strick guidelines to ensure safety.

On one occasion, he was given orders to climb down into an enclosed vat.  However, knowing that vat was unsafe, he refused to go down into it.  He warned that it was unsafe, but his words went unheeded.  A second man went down and, upon lighting the welder, was killed instantly—or so my father tells the tale.

One of my Dad’s hobbies was motorcycling.  His riding buddies included Russell McKeown who eventually married my Mom’s sister, Sally Smith.  He tells the story that he worked in the circus for a while as a motorcyclist and would ride inside a rotating “wheel” that gyrated.

It was in this “persona” as a street-wise motorcyclist that attracted my mother to him.  He used to stop by her house decked out in his “rebel” outfit—leather jacket, leather pants, long leather boots—and literally swept her off her feet with his style and flash.

My Mom says he loved to dance and was very good at it.  They would go to the local bars and night clubs and dance and drink way into the night.

They were married in St. Charles, Missouri, September 5, 1942, in a “motorcycle wedding.” Their marriage certificate reads as follows (all underlined words are handwritten):

“I Albert Ermaling a Justice of the Peace hereby Certify that on the 5th day of September A. D. 1942 Mr. John V. Francis of East St. Louis State of Illinois were by me legally joined in Holy Matrimony in the City of St. Charles State of Missouri according to the laws of said State and under authority of a marriage licanse issued on the 5th day of September 1942 by the Recorder of Deeds of the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri.

Mrs. Jack Smith
Mr. J. F. Smith

This was Dad’s second marriage.  He first married a woman by the name of Loretta some years earlier and had three children: Richard, Carolyn and Charles.  I am not sure of their ages and will discuss each of them later in this narrative.

When the war broke out in December 1942, Dad and his new family moved shortly thereafter to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  This is as good a time as any to discuss my Dad’s particular “gifts.”  He is probably a genius. I say this not to boast but as a simple matter of fact.  Though he has never mentioned receiving an IQ test, there is no question in my mind that his IQ is above 150; more likely, 165 and above.  It was this native intelligence that elevated him beyond his natural circumstances in life.  Evidently, the military caught wind of his intelligence, because he was chosen to work on the top secret project later known as “The Manhattan Project;” that is, the making of the Atomic Bomb.

Dad has told numerous stories of his experiences in developing the Atomic Bomb.  I am not certain how much of what he says is accurate (he is prone to exaggeration); however, if even half of what he says is true, the “Manhattan Project” was a lethal business.

He says that when the young men and women were chosen to work on the project, no one was told of the actual purpose of the Manhattan Project.  Instead, they were given jobs of assembling and handling materials which were potentially deadly.  Since no one really understood the lethal nature of radioactive isatopes, these young people were exposed to doses of radiation which undoubtedly caused many of them to suffer cancerous conditions in later life.  Dad quickly recognized the dangerous environment and researched (as best he could) the potential hazards of radiation on the human body.  When he presented his findings to his superiors, he said that they immediately promoted him “to shut him up,” he claimed.

One of Dad’s favorite stories during the War Years (World War II and the Korean War) was his trip to Washington, D. C., and New York City, in 1948.  While in New York, he received a high dosage of radiation; so much so, he claims that, when he walked into a photo shop, he exposed all of the film!  The doctors told him that he would never again have to worry about having children, since the radiation had rendered him sterile.  Then, out of the blue, I was born on March 15, 1949.  I was fondly called his “radiation baby.”

Dad claims to have been the first to invent the geiger counter, the device used to detect radiation in the atmosphere.  He claims that, since he worked for the government, he was not given credit for his invention.  While this is a huge claim, I don’t doubt that he had a major role in its creation; for now I come to Dad’s greatest gift: inventiveness.  In Myers-Briggs  parlance, he is an INTP, Introverted Intuitive Thinker Perceiver [I will not go into an in-depth discussion of Personality Type in this narrative. I refer the reader to TypeTalk by Otto Kroeger and Janet Thuesen (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1988) and Please Understand Me II by David Kearsey (Del Mar, California: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1998)]. INTP’s are the intellectuals of the world, the stereo-typical absent-minded professors who can’t remember to come in out of the rain because they are chasing some brilliant idea.  The Absent-Minded Professor and The Nutty Professor are two comedic examples of this.  Albert Einstein is perhaps the greatest example of this type.

Dad personifies this type of person.  His brilliance is at times dazzling; and, in his prime, I have no doubt that he was an intellectual force to be reckoned with.  I remember as a child in the mid-to-late 1950’s wondering through his workshop.  Scattered here and there were marvelous inventions.  One that blew me away was a motorized skateboard replete with a hand-held fuel injection throttle that actually worked!  Dad “road-tested” the device by taking it out to a deserted strip and putting it through its paces.  My brother Tom was the test pilot and he tells of the skateboard going over thirty-five miles an hour.

Another of Dad’s inventions was his “Acousta-Lamp.” He actually patented this product which was a sound system (then) far ahead of its time.  It was a tall cylindrical device, standing about five or six foot high and about twelve inches in diameter. The woofer and tweeter were located on the bottom and top respectively and the cylinder was made of either clear or opaque plastic.  What made the sound system unique was its secondary feature, that of being a lighting system.  Two circular flourescent lamps were fitted on both ends of the lamp and discretely hidden to soften the light.  The plastic cylinder was then decorated with beautiful patterns of various styles and shapes.  I remember one that had a design of vines seemingly growing up on the inside of the tube.  It was a simple yet eloquent design and the sound it produced was very mellow.  Whenever the base sounds were produced, the Acousta Lamp would literally pulse with the music, making for an interesting asthetic affect. Sadly (in keeping with his type), Dad was not a businessman.  I learned much later that his partner—along with his second wife, Hemma—stole his business away from him; all quite legal and proper, of course.

One of the “down-sides” of this personality type is the INTP’s natural arrogance.  It is an arrogance born out of this type’s need for intellectual competency.  INTPs have been called the “architects of ideas,” and they are truly demanding of themselves and others in the realm of ideas. Consequently, they do not “suffer fools” well; especially those whose ineptitude is hidden behind positions of authority.  INTP’s can hardly resist letting such fools know--either through spoken or unspoken language—that they are just that, fools. On such occasions, the INTP’s brilliance can, in fact, work against them.  It takes a very strong INTP to hide his/her disdain for such people.

I suspect my Dad could not resist such temptations.  Though lacking in the necessary educational degrees to compete in the field of Nuclear Research, Dad undoubtedly knew more about his field than most of his peers.  It is interesting to speculate how far he might have risen in the ranks had he been given a classical education.  Unfortunately, by the 1950’s young college graduates were edging out the older uneducated pioneers in the field.  Given Dad’s personality, it must have been a bitter pill to swallow that his experience and genius was not being fully recognized and that his colleagues and he were being replaced by these young upstarts.

The beginning of the end of his time at Oak Ridge, as Dad tells it, came about because of a project given to him by his superiors.  He was put in charge of setting up and monitoring radiation detection devices throughout the Oak Ridge area.  He was to measure and report levels of radiation in the atmosphere and, if the levels exceeded the standards set by the Atomic Energy Commission, he was to make this known to the authorities in order to ensure proper safety levels.  Dad says that he actually invented the devices himself, set them up, and established the monitoring system.  Over a period of time, he discovered unsafe levels of radiation and reported this to his superiors who, in turn, whitewashed the whole affair.  Shortly afterward he was relieved of his job. (An interesting side note to this story is that, as recently as 1998, an exposé appeared in a major newspaper proving that radiation experiments were intentionally conducted on the population at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to determine what effect long-term high levels of radiation had on a community—Dad was right!)

On the domestic front, Dad and Mom had their first child, John Virgil “Skip” Francis, Jr., on July 8, 1943.  Their second child, Thomas Russell Francis, was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1945. Eleven months later my mom gave birth to her third son, James Edward Francis, June 16, 1946, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  As mentioned above, I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 15, 1949. I will write at length about my brothers later in this narrative.

By 1951, my parent’s marriage was on the rocks.  Both were responsible for the break-up but, I suspect, Dad must bear much of the responsibility.  Though he maintains to this day that my Mom was the guilty party, Dad’s track record as a faithful husband was, at best, poor.  From all I can gather on this sensitive subject, both were drinking and partying heavily.  Owing to the fact that both parents are still living, I cannot at this juncture tell the complete and unadulterated story of their relationship--some day this will be told; for now, it must simply be said that both undermined the relationship and proved untrustworthy and they payed the ultimate price for their infidelities.  I will discuss their relationship further when I present my mom’s family history.

Dad continued to work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee through the 1950’s.  I am not sure what his relationship to the Nuclear Plant was, but I do remember him working at something called “X-10” during the late 50’s.  By the early 1960’s, Dad had opened a small business on the outskirts of Oak Ridge.  I can’t remember the name of the business but I remember hanging out there for hours on end during my summer visits.

In the summer of 1962, things changed dramatically for the worse for Dad and his family.  I remember that summer well because it was the year my brother and I left our mom and step-dad to live with Dad (I will discuss this at length below).  By this time, Dad and Hemma had broken up and he began a relationship with his young secretary, Wilma.  Wilma had three daughters, Janet, Leigh Ann and Jody.

They had the following children:
	196	i.	John Virgil (1943-)
	197	ii.	Thomas Russell (1945-)
		iii.	James Edward. Born on 16 Jun 1946 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  in 1965/1968  United States Air Force. James Edward died in Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand on 11 Mar 1968; he was 21. Buried on 22 Mar 1968 in Wichita, Kansas. Religion: Southern Baptist.
			Information taken from Vietnam Memorial Web Site:
			
			Last name: FRANCIS
			First name: JAMES EDWARD
			Home of Record (official): ST LOUIS
			State (official): MO
			Date of Birth: Sunday, June 16, 1946
			Sex: Male
			Race: Caucasian
			Marital Status: Married
			
			--- Military ---
			
			Branch: Air Force
			Rank: A1C
			Serial Number: 356388964
			Component: Regular
			Pay grade: E3
			MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): /Not reported
			
			--- Action ---
			
			Start of Tour: Monday, October 16, 1967
			Date of Casualty: Monday, March 11, 1968
			Age at time of loss: 21
			Casualty type: (C2) Non-hostile, died of illness/injury
			Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
			Country: Thailand
			Province: /Not Reported
			The Wall: Panel 44E - Row 014
			---------
			Taken from a web site (http://www.vspa.com/T-Korat-JamesFrancis-A1C.htm) honoring the Vietnam Security Police Association:
			A Memorial Service,
			Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand
			
			In Memoriam of
			
			A1C James E. Francis, 388th Security Police Squadron,
			A1C James W. Reese, 388th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, and
			A1C Frank A. Uhlic, Jr., 388th Munitions Maintenance Squadron
			
			                               By: Frank Paul
			                   Korat Royal Thia Air Base - March 1968
			
			My name is Frank Paul, I was at Korat Air Base, Thailand, in March of 1968, and I was on duty at the time A1C James E. Francis was killed. I still have a copy of the Memorial Service Pamphlet that was held for him at the base chapel, on 16 March 1968 (below photos).
			      James E. Francis was killed along with James W. Reese of the 388th Maint. Munitions Squadron. A1C James Francis died in a very heroic way I thought, as he was on duty at the Munitions Bomb Dump which was approximately 3-4 miles off the installation. Francis was on two men Response Team patrolling the area with another SP, Sgt Miglarese, of Pennsylvania. While on patrol they were called to a certain bomb dump bunker, because the bombs had started fragmenting, and told to help the MMS troops out of the bunker. Sgt Miglarese got one man out and Airman Francis went in to rescue A1C Reese, but at that moment both Airmen were killed when the whole bunker went up.
			      I also noticed that his name was not on the VSPA Medals roll of honor, I remember an assembly we had later and we were told Francis would be awarded the Airman's Medal. We thought he should be awarded something more but they told us this was the highest award he could receive, because he was not in a combat zone.
			      Thanks for listening to what I had to say about this, I helped pack his footlocker to send home, and I just have not forgot the tragedy his family must of felt at the time.
			
			Thanks again,
			
			Frank Paul
			
			A1C James E Francis (Korat Royal Thai Air Base March 1968) was an SP (81150), E3 (A1C) and assigned to the 388 SPS at Korat RTFB, Thailand at the time of his death. He was in service less than 2 1/2 years when killed. He was married but no children were listed.
			-----
			Subject: Your Brother James
			Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 17:40:45 -0600
			From: "PWC"
			
			I am a member of the VSPA and was happy to see your brothers name listed with the other heroes, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
			
			I was a SSgt working in Security Police investigation at the time of the explosion. I was on call that evening, which required me to respond to any crime scene or incident that would need further investigation. The bomb dump was located approximately 5 miles off base. I was on base and heard a loud explosion and the ground shake, I immediately called in and asked what had happened, They only knew that an explosion had occurred at the bomb dump. I had a vehicle assigned to me, and immediately headed out to the bomb dump.Upon my arrival at the entrance, most emergency crews fire department, ambulance, and EOD were on scene. We could not let anyone into the area until EOD, had declared it safe from unexploded ordinance. I cannot remember who brought the other Security Policeman  that was with your brother out, but he was dazed and in shock. I took off his gun belt and pistol for safekeeping, and they put him in the ambulance. I later turned his equipment into the armory.
			
			I was later told he had made it back to the vehicle, and was blown about fifty yards by the explosion.
			
			I read your account of the incident which is very accurate, the only thing I could add was that at Commanders call because of the incident we were all briefed not to respond into a bunker or revetment after a small explosion had occurred, because more than likely a large one will follow. This happened a few months later and the two man security alert team remained at a safe distance, which saved their lives. Id like to think your brother saved there lives because he went down the dangerous path first, and we all learned from it.Although I did not know your brother personally know that he was a true hero and will not be forgotten. It was an honor to serve in the same Squadron.
			 
			God Bless 
			 
			Peter W. Coxon

			Biography: In Memoriam Book for James Edward Francis:
			
			In Memory of AF1 James Edward Francis, born June 16, 1946, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Entered into rest March 11, 1968, Korat, Thailand, age 21 years, 8 months, 25 days.
			
			Service:
			Held at:  McConnell Air Force Base Chapel, Wichita, Kansas.
			Date:  March 22, 1968--3:00 PM, Friday
			Officiating Clergy:  Chaplain Henry A. Nordstrand, McConnell Air Force Base
			Place of Interment:  Old Mission Cemetery
			Location of Gravesite:  Section M, Lot 24, Grave 1, Wichita, Kansas
			Laid to rest at gravesite:  4:30 PM, Friday, March 22, 1968
			Pallbearers:  Personnel, McConnell Air Force Base
			
			Relatives and Friends:
			Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Bass
			Mr. & Mrs. Richard Buck
			Mrs. Archie P. Smith
			Mrs. J.E. Francis
			Robert E. Francis
			Robert J. Smith
			Janet Goddard
			Charles Wheeler
			Lottie Wheeler
			Geo Parsons
			Mrs. Robert W. Smith
			Robert W. Smith
			Mrs. A.N. Goureau
			John Francis & family, Jr.
			Mrs. Margie Garman
			Denise Cameron
			Mrs. Geo Russell
			Mrs. Bob Holder
			Mr. & Mrs. John D. Jenks
			Mr. Will Packer
			Mr. Paul Davis
			Don & Wynona Jenks
			1 LT N.D. Hathorne
			
			______________________________________________________
			Obituary in the Wichita Eagle:
			"McConnell Rites Friday Set for Airman Francis"
			Services for A.1.C. James Edward Francis, 21, who died in an accident March 11 at Korat Air Force Base, Thailand, will be at 3 p.m. Friday at McConnell AFB Chapel.  Burial will be in Old Mission Cemetery.
			Born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., he lived in St. Louis before entering the Air Force in 1965.  He left Forbes AFB, Topeka, for Thailand a few months ago.  He was a Methodist.  His wife resided with her parents at 1953 Payne while Francis was on duty in Thailand.
			Survivors include his widow, Carolyn Sue; and parents Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Buck, Osage Beach, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs. John V. Francis, Sr., Lyndon, Ky.; six brothers and eight sisters.
			Quiring Mortuary has charge.
			______________________________________________________
			Obituary ( source):
			FRANCIS––James E., A/1c, U.S.A.F., age 21, of 1953 Payne died in Korat, Thailand on March 11th.  Funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday in the McConnell Air Force Base Chapel.  Chaplain Henry A. Nordstrand of McConnell Air Force Base will officiate.  Interment will be in Old Mission Cemetery.  The casket will not be opened at any time.
			QUIRING MORTUARY
			______________________________________________________
			Postcards from Jim on route to Thailand:
			
			(Postmark 18 Oct 1967)
			
			Mr. & Mrs. R.M. Buck
			Box 132
			Lynn Creek, Mo.
			
			Hi, Ma.
			Well we are on our way.  We stopped over in Alaska and we are heading for Japan.  As soon as I find out my address I will write more.  I sure miss you and Buck.  We take care of the station.
			Love, Jim
			
			(Postmark 18 Oct 1967)
			
			Mr. & Mrs. R.M. Buck
			Box 132
			Lynn Creek, Mo.
			
			Hi, Ma.
			Well I thought I would drop you a few lines while I had a chance.  We are in Japan and it is raining.  It shouldn't take too much longer before we arrive in Thailand.  Will write later.
			Love, Jim
			______________________________________________________
			Letter to parents, 29 Dec 67:
			
			Dear Mother & Buck,
			
			Well I figured I had better sit down and write you all a letter, before you disown me.  Everything seems to be just fine over here, except me hating the place.  I know it will take a year to get used to Thailand.
			
			Everything seems to happen over here all at once.  First of all the President flew in for a suprise (sic) visit.  We had to go into expanded security to secure the base.  We only had 2 hours to do this.  All together there were 510 men posted, counting G.I.'s and their guards.  I guarded the area surrounding the presidents trailer.  We had to work 14 hours plus our 8 hours of regular duty.  It really didn't seem too long because we were in a way proud to do it.  Then just 2 days ago "The Bob Hope Show" was at Korat.  I had to stand guard on it also.  The show lasted around 2 hours but I got to see the last 20 minutes of it.  I had to stand guard on the rear of the stage.  I think I could have been in some of the pictures taken.  I was sitting right up front.  They told us the show will be on T.V. around the middle of January.  So look for the listings in the T.V. guide you might see me on the show.  I'll try to send some pictures of it.  I thought Miss World was so beautiful.  I got to meet her for a while back stage.  She had a great personality.  The rest of the actors seemed a little stuck up.  I had to work 17 hours for that including my 8 hours of regular work.  I enjoyed every minute of it, and I would do it all over if I had the chance.
			
			Well I guess I had better close.  I hope you are feeling better after the operation.  Buck I hope you have a Happy Birthday.  And I hope you have a good year at the station.  I am sorry to make this short, but I have to get ready for work.  I will write more later.  May God bless you both and keep you safe.
			
			Your loving son,
			Jim
			
			P.S.  I sure miss you both very much.

			Research: James Edward  Francis was born June 16, 1946, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Born prematurely (at 7 months), Jim was not given much of a chance to live.  The story goes (told by my father, John Virgil Francis) that at birth Jim was so small that his head and body fit in the palm of Dad's hand with his little arms and legs extending out on each side.  The doctors told the family that Jim's chance of surviving was very small and that they might as well take him home to die.  Dad fed Jim beer rather than milk "to fatten him up" and it worked!  When asking my mother (Margaret  Smith) about the truthfulness of this story, she just laughed.  "This is just one of your dad's crazy tales," she said; and, since Dad is rather good at telling tall tales (and believing them!), I can only suppose that the kernal of truth (Jim being premature and small) had undergone the magical transformation of oral tradition.
			
			Jim was almost three years older than me; yet, emotionally, psychologically, and physically, we were about the same age.  We did everything together: played, fought, laughed, cried, got into mischief–even slept in the same bed–together.
			
			Because of his premature birth, Jim was always small for his age.  This may have been the cause of his frequent bouts with low self-esteem; something that plagued him throughout his childhood and adolescence.  From time to time, this need to be recognized prompted him to do things that got him into trouble.  I'll never forget one incident where Jim and I sat together in a small wooded area behind our house in Cahokia, Illinois (the family lived on Howell Avenue, within a short walking distance of my mother's parents, John Frances  Smith and Ina McDonald Smith.  They, in turn, lived just behind my uncle Archie Pearl  Smith and his family).   At any rate, Jim decided to see what would happen if he lit a fire.  Well, our stepfather Richard M. Buck (nicknamed "Buck") came running out of the house just in time to save us.  In later years, Buck described the scene in the following way, "I looked out the window and saw the back yard on fire.  I ran outside and there the two of you (Jim and me) were sitting calmly in the middle of the fire."
			
			What I remember most about Jim was his sensitive, loving nature.  Of all the brothers, Jim was clearly the most spiritually minded.  In his teens, he became actively involved in the local Baptist church, often dragging me along with him.  This involvement in the church eventually helped Jim through the difficulties associated with low self-esteem and he began to blossom into the caring, gentle, and compassionate soul that we all remember so well.
			
			ACCOUNT OF JIM'S DEATH:  I believe it was compassion that killed him, in the end.  Jim died on March 11, 1968, in a bomb dump accident at Kurat Air Force Base, Thailand.  By the time of his tour in Thailand, Jim had "come into his own" as the saying goes (adulthood suited Jim well and, though it is rather foolish to speculate on what he may have accomplished had he lived, I like to think that he would have added a great measure of kindness to this old world).   One of Jim's responsibilities as an Air Force security policeman was to patrol the Air Base.  On the fateful day of his death, Jim was patrolling the bomb dump area when he came upon an accident in the making.  A fork lift driver had dropped a 750 lb. bomb from a trailer, injuring one of the crew.  The bomb had gone "low order" which in munitions parlance was smoke, sparks, and fire.  Normally, an accidental dropping of an unfused bomb would not have been a problem (theoretically, an unfused bomb can be dropped from 35,000 feet without exploding); unfortunately, this particular lot of bombs were "unstable" (that is, the chemical ingredients were mixed incorrectly at the factory).   At any rate, Jim saw the accident and–unaware of the potential danger of a "low order" bomb–pulled the injured man out of the revetment area.  I am not sure how much time passed between the time Jim pulled the man out of the immediate area, but the bomb eventually went "high order;" i.e., it fully detonated.  When it detonated, it caused the entire revetment of over one hundred 750 lb. bombs to go off.  The result of this explosion was the immediate death of James Edward Francis and the wounded man that he tried to save.  According to accounts of the Kurat Air Force Base accident, the explosion was so powerful that the roof of the dining facility over a mile away from ground zero was completely torn off.  Can you imagine what the impact of this explosion did to a man only yards away?  I believe Jim did not know what hit him.  One moment he was a living human being, the next moment he was vaporized.
			
			I can tell this story with the greatest accuracy because I sat through a training lecture while attending the the U.S. Air Force Munitions Technical Training School in Denver, Colorado, in the summer of 1968 (I enlisted in the Air Force within a month of Jim's funeral).  The instructor showed the Kurat Air Base accident as an example of what could go wrong in the business of munitions.  I witnessed the actual site of the explosion which showed Jim's mangled jeep, the ten-story hole that was left in the revetment after the explosion, even an "x-marks-the-spot" where Jim and the other man was killed.  [REF]

			Military: Enlistment Record (DD Form 4--1 Oct 63) for James Edward Francis:
			Sex: Male
			Race: Cauc
			Service Number:  AF17728134
			Mental Test Data: AFQT 7C Score--40, Group III
			Home Address: 1823 Benton, St. Louis, Missouri
			Place of Enlistment: St. Louis
			Date Enlisted: 22 Nov 1965
			For Service In: Regular Air Force
			No. Years to Serve: 4
			Grade: E-1 Basic Airman
			Authority for Grade: AFSC 00010, Par 2-10 AFM 33-3
			Initial Assignment: Hqs, Lackland Mil Tng Ctr, Lackland AFB, Texas
			Date of Birth: 16 Jun 46
			Place of Birth: OkaRidge (sic), Tenn.
			Color of Eyes: Blue
			Color of Hair: Brown
			Height: 67.2
			Weight: 138
			Citizen: Yes
			Marital Status: Single
			Civilian Education--Grammar, 8 yrs; High School, 4 yrs
			Main Civilan Occupation: Student
			Registered for Selective Sewrvice: Yes
			Selective Service Number: 23-104-46-188
			Classification: 1A
			Selective Service Board Number: 104 St. Louis, Mo.
			Remarks: M25, A50, G40, E50, 6 Oct 65
			Oath of Office Given at: Overland, Missouri
			Date: 22 Nov 65
			Remarks: RSIC 706A2032
			Enlisting Officer:  Paul J. Jennings, 2nd LT INF CA2535-26
			------------------
			AIRMAN MILITARY RECORD (AF FORM 7)

			Official USAF Documents:
			
			FROM:
			DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
			838th Air Police Squadron (TAC)
			Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas  66620
			
			13 October 1966
			REPLY TO ATTN OF:  SLQC
			SUBJECT:  Letter of Reprimand
			TO:  A3C  James E. Francis, AF17728134
			
			1.  It has been brought to my attention that on 3 October 1966, you were observed loitering on duty by 1stLt (sic) Clyde R. Davis, FV3152402, while assigned duty as Primary Strike Team Member in the 55th SRW Aircraft Parking area.
			
			2.  You are hereby counseled in regard to the above mentioned incident.  You are advised that this organization will not tolerate further action such as this on your part as it brings discredit on our profession and on the 838th Air Police Squadron.
			
			3.  Further infractions such as listed above will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
			
			4.  This letter of Reprimand will be placed in your official records.
			
			5.  You are ordered to receipt acknowledgement of this letter by indorsement hereto, within seventy-two (72) hours after receipt.
			
			WALTER E SMITH, 1stLt (sic), USAF
			Commander
			______________________________________________________
			SPECIAL ORDER G-143, Hq PACAF, APO San Francisco 96553, 25 Jun 68
			
			4.  By direction of the President, A1C JAMES E FRANCIS, AF17728134, is awarded the Airman's Medal, posthumously, for heroism involving risk of life on 11 March 1968.
			______________________________________________________
			AIRMAN'S MEDAL
			
			This decoration, one of several Air Force awards established by Congress on July 6, 1960, takes the place of the Soldier's Medal for Air Force personnel. It is awarded to any member of the armed forces of the United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the award's authorization, shall have distinguished himself or herself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual combat.
			
			This medal (pictured below) was designed and sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry. On the obverse of the circular medal is the figure of the Greek god Hermes, son of Zeus, resting on one knee. He has just released from his open hands a falcon, shown rising into flight. Within the raised rim of the medal, is the inscription "Airman's Medal" in raised letters. The reverse of the medal, has a raised outer edge and bears the inscription, "For Valor" above a space for the recipient's name which is within a stylized laurel wreath open at the top and tied at the bottom.
			
			The Airman's Medal is unique in that its shape does not follow the octagonal shape of its counterparts, the Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Coast Guard Medal. It had been established practice heretofore to design military decorations with a distinctive shape, so that they would not be confused at a distance with service or campaign medals, which are always
			circular in shape. The reason for this is because the design was originally approved for use as The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. The ribbon is based on that of the soldier's Medal but using different colors. In the center are alternating thin stripes of gold and dark blue, (seven gold and six dark blue) bordered at the edges with wide stripes of pale (sky) blue.
			______________________________________________________
			Personal Property Inventory of Francis, James E. AF17728134, 388th Security Police Squadron
			CASUALTY INFORMATION:
			TYPE:  DEAD
			DATE:  11 MARCH 1968
			PLACE:  APO SAN FRANCISCO  96288
			
			LIST OF PROPERTY:
			4 Trousers, civilian
			3 Trowsers, 1505's
			3 Shirts, 1505's
			1 Maroon civilian jacket
			1 Blue and black civilian sweater
			1 Flute
			1 Canned miscellaneous items
			1 Playtape 2 track recorder
			13 Recording cartridges
			1 pr Shoe trees
			1 Fatigue hat
			1 Clothing marking kit
			1 set Papermate pen and pencil
			1 Blue necktie
			1 Shoe polish cotton balls
			1 Recording tape (empty)
			1 Blue military hat
			1 set Color pencils
			3 Blue manila folders
			1 Hankerchief
			40 Miscellaneous envelopes
			19 Church bulletins
			1 Note book
			1 Shaver card
			1 Blitz cloth
			1 Hasp set, locking
			1 Large note book
			1 Swimming trunk
			2 Military rain coat, blue
			3 Towels
			2 pr Jungle fatigues
			1 pr Black shorts, civilian
			4 Civilian short sleeve shirts
			5 Fatigue trousers
			1 Alarm clock
			2 Security Police, clubs
			1 Small brown suit case
			1 Slot car, red
			3 Model aircraft
			3 Locks and keys
			2 pr Heavy wool socks
			1 Western jeans
			6 Fatigue shirts
			1 Knife hunting (civ)
			1 Transformer
			1 Garrison hat military
			1 Military shirt blue
			1 Black beret
			1 Wrapped and sealed packages
			1 Bundle of letters, personal
			1 Writing pad
			1 Metal ruler
			18 Recorder tapes
			1 Reel recorder
			1 Recorder, Dokorder pt 36 BX
			1 Razor electric, Sears
			1 Camera Petri, Racer
			3 Face cloths
			4 Wash towels
			1 Sabre
			11 Tee shirts
			1 set Insulated underwear
			1 Boxed photo album
			1 Brief case black and silver
			1 Civilian seater, Red and blue
			1 Large photo, unframed
			1 Purple ring, plastic
			1 Softball glove
			2 Softballs
			1 Holy Bible
			1 Ship model
			1 Large framed picture
			1 I.D. braclet silver
			1 pr Sun glasses
			1 Shaving kit
			1 12 Transistor radio (miniature)
			1 Box miscellaneous photos
			1 Miniature New Testament
			1 Roll of film
			2 Boxes envelopes
			1 Medium size photo
			3 pr Shorts
			1 Suit case, medium size brown
			1 pr Military shoes, low quarters
			1 pr Military shoes, brogan
			1 pr Military shoes, boots jungle
			1 pr Military shoes, boots combat
			1 pr Shoes, track
			1 Carpet bag, blue
			1 pr Headset (civ)
			1 Miniature tiger
			1 Miniature elephant
			1 Duffel Bag blue
			1 AM/FM Radio, make Toshiba
			1 Book, Thai, Self Taught
			1 Set of miscellaneous keys
			Miscellaneous receipts
			Miscellaneous posters and news papers
			2 Pamphlets
			1 Set drivers records
			1 Wallet with cards and papers, etc.
			
			DATE:  25 Mar 68
			NAME AND GRADE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER:  CLARK T. JOHNSON, 1st Lt, USAF
			Summary Court Officer
			______________________________________________________
			Odds & Ends:
			
			PAY CHANGE NOTICE:
			AFSN:  17728134
			NAME:  FRANCIS JAMES E
			GRADE:  A3C
			INCOME:
			BASE PAY:  179.70
			SP/FOREIGN DUTY PAY:  9.00
			QUARTERS ALLOWANCE:  60.00
			CLOTHING/PERSONAL ALW:  4.80
			DEDUCTIONS:
			FEDERAL INCOME TAX:  17.50
			SOCIAL SECURITY:  7.50
			E ALLOTMENT:  106.25
			OTHER:  2.10
			______________________________________________________
			QUIRING'S MORTUARY, INC.
			
			MARCH 28, 1968
			
			MRS. CAROLYN FRANCIS
			1953 PAYNE
			WICHITA, KANSAS
			
			FUNERAL SERVICES FOR JAMES E. FRANCIS
			
			OUR COMPLETE SERVICE, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, PROFESSIONAL & STAFF SERVICES:  $75.00
			STEEL VAULT:  200.00
			CASH ADVANCED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE FAMILY:
			CEMTERY PROPERTY:  $100
			OPENING & CLOSING GRAVE:  85.00
			FAMILY FLOWERS:  30.00
			TOTAL:  $490.00
			
			DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
			HEADQUARTERS 388TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING (PACAF)
			APO SAN FRANCISCO 96288
			
			Mrs. Margaret L. Buck
			Box 132
			Linn Creek, Missouri  65052
			
			Dear Mrs. Buck
			
			It is with deep regret and sincere sympathy that I inform you of the circumstances surrounding the death of your son, Airman First Class James E. Francis.
			
			On the night of 11 March 1968, Jim was on duty as a member of a mobile security alert team patrolling the base.  At about 9:20, the team responded to an explosion of a 750 pound bomb in the storage area, which caused a fire in one of the munitions storage bunkers.  We are not sure exactly what happened after that but we believe that Jim heard a call for help from the bunker.  He and another airman went into the bunker to assist an injured man who was still there.  Jim and the other airman carried the injured man outside and placed him in a position behind a protective wall located outside the bunker.  the bunker.  The other airman ran to a Security Police truck to obtain an ambulance for the injured man.  Jim remained with him.  At that time there was a second, larger explosion which killed Jim and the injured airman.
			
			An investigation of all the circumstances surrounding your son's death is being conducted and you will be informed of the findings as soon as it is completed.
			
			Jim did an outstanding job under difficult circumstances.  His pleasing personality and devotion to duty won him the respect of those who knew him.  On behalf of the men of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, I offer our deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow.
			
			Sincerely,
			
			PAUL P. DOUGLAS, JR., Colonel, USAF
			Commander
			
			______________________________________________________
			Mrs Carolyn S. Francis
			1528 West l8th Street
			Wichita, Kansas
			
			Dear Mrs Francis
			
			It is with deep regret that I officially inform you of the death of your husband, AlC James E. Francis. He died in Thailand on 11 March 1968 as the result of injuries received in an accidental explosion in a bomb storage area at Korat AFB, Thailand.
			
			Your husbands overseas commander is writing you a letter which will contain all the known circumstances concerning his death. The mortuary branch, Headquarters USAF, Washington D. C. will communicate with you concerning his remains.
			
			If you have questions you may contact my personal representative at area code 512-652-3505.
			
			Please accept my sincere sympathy.
			
			GEORGE E. McCORD B/GEN Hqs,
			USAF Military Personnel Center
			
			DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
			HEADQUARTERS 388TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING (PACAF)
			APO SAN FRANCISCO 96288
			
			______________________________________________________
			28 March 1968
			
			Mrs. Carolyn S. Francis
			1953 North Payne
			Wichita, Kansas 67203
			
			Dear Mrs. Francis
			
			In my letter of 16 March 1968 informing you of the circumstances surrounding the death of your husband, Airman First Class James E. Francis, I indicated that an investigation was being conducted. That investigation has been completed and confirms the basic information in that letter. The only fact of significance that was determined is that after Jim helped bring the injured man out of the bunker, he went to the Security Police vehicle at the other end of the protective wall to call for an ambulance for the injured man and then returned to him, rather than remaining with him as I originally stated. We still do not know what caused the explosion and because of the nature of these things, we may never know.
			
			Again, please accept my personal condolences and those of each man in the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing.
			
			Sincerely
			
			PAUL P. DOUGLAS, JR., Colonel, USAF
			Commander
			______________________________________________________
			Letter to Mrs. Francis from Commander, 388th Security Police Squadron:
			
			16 March 1968
			
			Dear Mrs. Francis,
			
			It is with great sorrow that I write you as your husband's commanding officer.  Jim was a dear friend of mine and an outstanding Security Policeman.  Since his arrival from Forbes Air Force Base my office has received only the highest praise for Jim's work and performance.
			
			I know Jim was a very devoted Christian and lived close to God daily.  In fact, Jim had composed a poem I believe he intended for you which I feel you should be aware of, if he hadn't already sent to you.  The poem was found among his personal affects and is stated agan (sic) for you.
			
			"Darling, God placed me miles from you; 
			He's made my world a better blue.
			Yet he put my heart on the wings of a dove.
			And flew to you my thoughts of love.
			To place in your heart or hold in your hand,
			Until I'm set from this hot barren land;
			But if I don't come home once more,
			God's promised to let us meet at heaven's door."
			by James E. Francis
			
			I am sure he would have wanted you to hear the poem.  I hope I didn't do wrong sending it to you in this letter.
			
			Jim gave his life heroically for his country.  You should feel only prode (sic) of him and have faith that God is taking care of him from here on into eternity.  Jim's love for his fellow man was not merely a feeling of affection, but an unselfish, willing sacrifice and giving of himself for mankind, without any thought of being thanked or rewarded.  His love like gods (sic) love was demonstrated in everything he said and did.  The climax of his love was seen when he gave his life for his fellow man.
			
			Carolyn, agan (sic) let me say that I am terribly sorry and pass on to you the sympathy of the entire Security Police Squadron with which Jim served.  If there is anything I or the Squadron can do for you Please (underlined) contact us directly or through the nearest base.
			
			God be with you,
			Major Bill G. Stricker
			Commander, 388th Security Police Squadron
			______________________________________________________
			DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
			HEADQUARTERS 635TH COMBAT SUPPORT GROUP (PACAF)
			APO SAN FRANC1SCO 96330
			
			16 March 1968
			
			Mrs Carolyn Francis
			1953 Payne
			Witchita, Kansas 67203
			
			Dear Mrs Francis;
			
			I had the privilege to be associated with your husband with the USAF Security Police at Korat, Royal Thai Air Force Base, and although I am not presently stationed at that installation I have heard of his untimely demise and wish to extend my sincere and profound sympathy to you in this, your hour of grief.
			
			Your husband was not only a fine Security Policeman but represented the epitome of what desired in a non commissioned officer and security policeman. He was my personal friend and my professional colleague and your lose is also mine. Please accept my deep and unaffected expression of sorrow for your irreplaceble loss. If there is any thing that I can do to assist you I am always available.
			
			With Sympathy
			
			 HENRY K. LAMBERT
			Lt Col, USAF Commander
			635th Security Police
			P.O. Box 2863
			APO San Francisco 96330
			______________________________________________________
			OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
			UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
			WASHINGTON
			
			March 22, 1968
			
			My dear Mrs. Francis:
			
			It was with utmost regret that I learned of the loss of your husband, Airman First Class James E. Francis.
			
			While I realize there is little I can say to comfort you, I do want you to know that we of the Air Force share your sorrow. I hope the memory of your husband's selfless dedication to his fellow man will, in time, be of consolation to you.
			
			My deepest sympathy is extended to you and the other members of the family.
			
			Sincerely,
			
			J. P. McCONNELL, General, USAF
			Chief of Staff
			
			Mrs. James E. Francis
			1953 North Payne
			Wichita, Kansas
			______________________________________________________
			Western Union Telegram #1:
			GAMJC2 SY WA242  GOVT UPD=WASHINGTON DC 12=
			MRS MARGARET L BUCK DONT DELIVER BTWN 10PM KAND 6=
			REPORT DELVY CHGS GNTD=
			DOX (sic) 132 LYNN CREEK MO=
			
			IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET THAT I LEARNED OF THE DEATH OF YOUR SON.  MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO YOU IN YOUR GREAT LOSS.  MY MORTUARY BRANCH THIS HEADQUARTERS, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING FOR RETURN AND DISPOSITIONS OF HIS REMAINS.  REMAINS WILL BE RETURNED TO U.S. PORT BY MILITARY AIR TRANSPORTATIO N. EXACT TIME OF ARRIVAL NOT YET KNOW:  HOWEVER, AS SOON AS THIS INFORMATION IS RECEIVED, I WILL UWIRE (sic) YOU.  SHIPMENT FROM PORT TO FINAL DESTINATION WILL BE MADE BY EITHER RAIL OR COMMERCIAL AIR, WHICHEVER IS DETERMINED TO BE FASTES (sic) AND MOST PRACTICABLE BY PORT AUTHORITIES.  PORT AUTHORITIES WILL NOTIFY YOU BY TELEGRAM EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME OF SHIPMENT TO DESTINATION DIRECTED BY HIS WIFE.  TIME AND DATE OF FUNERAL SHOULD NOT BE SET NOR SHOULD RELATIVE COME FROM DISTANCE TO ATTEND SERVICES UNTIL TELEGRAM IS RECEIVED.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL AREA CODE 202 OXFORD 7058 BETWEEN 8:15 AM AND 4:30 MPM (sic) EST, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.  PLEASE TALK WITH MRS. LONG OR MR COURTNEY MY SPECIAL ADVISORS ON MORTUARY AFFAIRS.  AFTER 4:30 PM CALL OXFORD 55791=
			HUGH C MUNRO CHIEF MORTUARY BRANCH HQ USAF=
			10581 CDT
			202 70585 8:15 4:30 4:30 55971=
			______________________________________________________
			Western Union Telegram #2:
			JC#2
			XV GOVT PD=WUX FAIRFIELD CALIF 18 1145A PST=
			MRS MARGARET L BUCK REPORT DELIVERY REASONABLE DELIVERY BOX 132 LINN CREEK MO=  CHARGES PAID REPORT CHGS=
			REMAINS OF YOUR SON A1C JAMES E FRANCIS ESCORTED BY TSGT WILFORD M BARNETT ARE BEING SHIPPED TO THE QUIRING MORTUARY 935 NORTH HILLSIDE WICHITA KANSAS  REMAINS DEPARTING SAN FRANCISCO CALI 1155 PM 18 MAR 68 ARRIVING WICHITA KANSAS 3 PM 19 MAR 68 TWA FLIGHT 430=
			MORTUARY OFFICER=
			______________________________________________________
			THE WHITE HOUSE
			WASHINGTON
			
			March 30, 1968
			
			Dear Mrs. Francis:
			
			It was with deep regret that I learned of the death of your husband, Airman First-Class James E. Francis, in Thailand.
			
			Your husband's loss will be deeply felt by his countrymen as well as his loved ones. The Nation is grateful for the sacrifices that are being made by brave Americans like your husband in Vietnam and other troubled areas around the world so that freedom for all peace-loving people may be won and preserved.
			
			Mrs. Johnson and I join in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to you and the other members of the family. You will be remembered in our prayers.
			
			Sincerely,
			
			Lyndon Johnson (signature)
			
			Mrs. James E. Francis
			1953 North Payne
			Wichita, Kansas

			On 9 Apr 1966 when James Edward was 19, he married Carolyn SMITH, daughter of Robert SMITH.
	198	iv.	Robert Eugene (1949-)

Margaret Louisa second married Richard Marion BUCK, son of John Ad BUCK (ca1893-1962) & Maude COOPER. Born on 8 Jan 1921 in Nevada, Iowa. Richard Marion died in Tucson Arizona on 26 Feb 1997; he was 76.

Research: “In Memorium to Richard Buck" by Bob Francis, from "Root & Branch: The Shawhan and Smith Family History Newsletter, Spring, 1997"

It’s hard to believe he’s gone, even now, as I write these words.  Richard Marion Buck, known to one and all as simply “Buck,” that mountain of a man–both figuratively and literally–breathed his last at 3:36 PM, February 26, 1997.  In medicalese, Buck’s last moments are summarized as follows:  Immediate Cause of Death:  Respiratory Failure due to or as a consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Other significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause:  renal failure, anemia, congestive heart failure.  In short, Buck’s system simply shut down, and the old fellow died just the way he wanted:  without the painful lingering.
I don’t know much at all about Buck’s childhood and youth (which says a lot about him and me), but the little I have gathered is as follows.  He was born in Nevada, Iowa, on January 8, 1921, to John Add and Maude Cooper Buck.  Little is known about his childhood years except through his own storytelling lore (which may be of questionable historical value): “I used to walk twenty-five miles (barefoot) to school in the snow, carrying my little sister on my back.  This was after I had worked all night in the coal mine.  But I was damned glad for what I had Junior, I can tell you that!”  
At some point in his childhood, the family moved to the Cumberland Gap area of Kentucky.  Some of the Buck relatives lived in that part of the world (my mother tells of once visiting one of his uncles).   Again, little is known about this period of his life.  I know that he quit school after the tenth grade and went into partnership with a relative in the trucking business.  
Another piece of apocryphal literature comes from Buck’s  short-lived stint with the military.  It seems he and the military did not see eye-to-eye on things, so the old boy just decided to go home to the farm one day and kinda’ forgot about the military.  The story goes that he spent a year at home before the Army came calling.  Amazingly, he did not get into a lot of hot water (at least the kind that winds up in court-martials).  He was mustered out with an honorable discharge.
His path merged with our’s  in 1952, when he stopped for a cup of coffee in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  He eyed this young beauty waiting on tables and, well, the “rest is history” as they say.  The picture at the bottom of the page was taken shortly after my mom and Buck met.
Evidently, things were going pretty badly for my mom in her marriage with my father John Francis, and Buck became a “shoulder she could cry on.”  They fell in love and eventually decided to strike out on their own, leaving their kids with their spouses (Buck was married with two children and my mom had four children).  The “pact” last about two weeks.  My mom was heartbroken over leaving her children behind, so Buck decided to change the agreement; he’d do what was necessary to make this relationship work.
Buck raised us kids and did the best he could with what he had.  I can only speak for myself from this point onward, for my relationship with Buck was a rocky one.  I welcome future “stories” of him from others who knew, loved, and remembered him in their own unique ways, and will be glad to include these in future editions of the Newsletter.  However, this story is mine, and I accept my rather limited and singular vantage point.
For most of his adult life, Buck was one of those people for whom tenderness, gentleness, and lovingkindness were strangers.  It was not that he did not love us; of course he did in his own way, but his love was measured more in terms of teaching us how to survive in what he perceived to be a difficult world.  One of his favorite sayings was, “it’s a hard cruel world out there Junior, and you’d better learn to survive in it.”
Buck projected an image of toughness that gave him an aura of someone bigger than life.  It is this image that I carry with me to this day; it is also this image that I believe made it all but impossible for Buck to show feelings (I was so pleased to hear from my mom that, in his later years, he would actually get “misty-eyed” when watching a touching movie on T.V.).
During our childhood years, Buck worked at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, as a maintenance man,  eventually becaming the head of the department.   My brother Tom tells stories of Buck’s natural brilliance in troubleshooting.  “Once Buck took a boiler apart piece-by-piece and laid it all out on the floor,” Tom said.  “After fixing the problem, Buck put the broiler back together perfectly.”
Unfortunately, while Buck had great natural mechanical abilities, he was (to put it kindly) no businessman.  He held many jobs over the years but never really knew how to demand what his talents deserved.  Strangely, the tough old guy was soft when it came to his employers.  He naively assumed that if a man did an honorable day’s work he would be compensated accordingly.  Consequently, he worked long and hard for many employers who used his loyalty without regard for the person.  Buck just took it all in stride.  If he did complain about his lot in life, only my mother can tell that story.
Over seventeen years ago, my mom and Buck moved to the desert of Arizona.  He went into semi-retirement there, but continued to work for a carnival company for a number of years.  His health began to decline about ten years ago.  Buck was overweight most of his life; but in his last years he became extremely obese.  Finally, toward the end of his life, he could barely walk.  After a visit to family members a few years back, Buck had a terrible “spell.”  He had to stay on portable oxygen and would sometimes fall asleep mid-sentence.
Interestingly, Buck really “mellowed” in his last years.  As mentioned above, he began to admit to feelings of tenderness and sentimentality that would have been impossible only a few years before.  Perhaps in his weakened condition, he began to recognize other untapped strengths; that maybe being a “man” also included those aspects of life that he had theretofore considered beneath him.  I don’t know; however, I know for sure that he showed love for his wife, sons, and grandchildren more than he ever had before.  I am thankful for that.  I can now say with genuine, heartfelt love, “thank you Buck, for your life.”

Chronology: Obituary from the Tucson Morning Star, dated March 4, 1997:
Buck, Richard M., of Marana, Arizona, passed from this life on February 26, 1997.  Richard, the son of John A. and Maude Cooper Buck, was born in Nevada, Iowa on January 8, 1921.  Known as "Buck" to everyone who knew and loved him, he was a self-proclaimed "Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None."  Buck is survived by his wife, Maggie, of the home; two daughters, Linda Stengel and Shirley Macy; four sons, Butch, Skip, Tom, and Bob Francis.  He is preceded in death by one son, Jim Francis.  He had 10 grandchildren.  A Memorial Service was held on March 3, 1997, at the First Baptist Church in Avra Valley, AZ, with Buck's son, Chaplain (CPT) Bob Francis, officiating.

______________________________________________________

Pertinent Data from State of Arizona Death Certificate:
Name of Deceased:  Richard Marion Buck
Date of Death:  February 26, 1997
Place of Death:  Pima County, Tucson, Arizona
Hospital:  Northwest Hospital
Date of Birth:  January 8, 1921
Age:  76
Marital Status:  Married
Surviving Spouse:  Margaret L. Smith
State and City of Birth:  Nevada, Iowa
Social Security No.:  294-14-8365
Usual Occupation:  Truck Driver
Kind of Business:  Freight
Usual Residence:  Arizona
County:  Pima
Town or City:  Marana
Zip Code:  85653
How long in Arizona:  19 years
Street Address:  17705 W. Wolcott Ln.
Previous State of Residence:  Missouri
Elementary-Secondary (0-12):  10
Father's Name:  John Add Buck
Mother's Maiden Name:  Maude Ester Cooper
Informant's Signature:  Margaret L. Buck
Relationship to deceased:  Wife
Burial, Cremation, Removal:  Cremation
Date:  2/28/1997
Cemetery or Crematory:  Evergreen Crematory, Tucson, Arizona
Embalmer's Signature:  Not embalmed
Funeral Home:  Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 Oracle Rd., Tucson, Arizona
Funeral Director Signature:  George A. Choban
Certificate No.:  F0861
Certfying Physian Information:
Signature and Title:  John Z. Carter, M.D.
Date Signed:  2/27/97
Hour of Death:  3:36 P.M.
Name and Address of Certifier:  J.Z. Carter, M.D., 2055 W. Hospital Dr., Tucson, AZ
Authorized for Cremation:  Yes
Date Registered:  Mar. 4, 1997
File Reg. No.:  1555
Registrar's Signature:  Geraldine Cumberland, Deputy
Reg. District: 1004

Sequentially list conditions, if any, leading to immediate cause, enter underlying cause (disease or injury that initiated events resulting in death:

Part One:
Immediate Cause:  Respiratory Failure
Due to or as a consequence of:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Part Two:  Other significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause given in Part One.
Renal failure, anemia, congestive heart failure.

Autopsy:  No
Was case referred to medical examiner?  Yes--Cremation

Date certificate issued:  March 11, 1997
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On 21 Oct 2000 when Margaret Louisa was 76, she third married Winston PROCTOR.

140. Sarah Ann SMITH. Born on 12 May 1928 in East St. Louis, Illinois.

In 1943 when Sarah Ann was 14, she first married Russell Franklin McKEOWN, son of Mac McKEOWN (1887-1948) & Ethel Nancy EPPERLY (1888-1960). Born on 23 May 1920 in Dodsland, Canada. Russell Franklin died in Sullivan, Illinois on 13 Nov 2001; he was 81.

They had the following children:
	199	i.	Judith Ann (1944-)
	200	ii.	Nancy Mae (1946-)
	201	iii.	Russell Franklin (1948-)
	202	iv.	Carol Jean (1951-)
	203	v.	Sallie Joan (1954-)

Sarah Ann second married Norman STARNES.

Family of Rex Clyde TROWER (85)

141. August Jackson TROWER.

Child:
		i.	David A.

Family of William Johnson ASKEW Jr. (87) & Vivian Mae SMITH

142. Polly Thomas ASKEW. Born on 17 Nov 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky.

On 22 Aug 1964 when Polly Thomas was 17, she first married Arthur Robinson McKAY, in Richmond, Virginia. Born on 13 Oct 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia.

They had one child:
		i.	Christopher Robin. Born on 28 Apr 1965 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

On 18 Mar 1970 when Polly Thomas was 23, she second married Robert MENENDEZ, in San Francisco, California. Born on 4 Jul 1941 in New York, New York.

They had the following children:
	204	i.	Robert Charles (1971-)
	205	ii.	Juliet Vivian (1973-)
		iii.	Amy Askew. Born on 26 Nov 1974 in Redwood City, San Mateo County, California.
		iv.	Chancelor Roberts. Born on 12 Dec 1995 in Mendocino, California.
		v.	Joanna Leigh. Born on 28 Aug 1984 in Ukiah, Mendocino County, California.

143. Anne Johnson ASKEW. Born on 26 Oct 1944 in Jacksonville, Florida.

On 28 Jul 1965 when Anne Johnson was 20, she married Reginald Nash JONES, in Richmond, Virginia.

They had the following children:
		i.	Charles Everett. Born on 11 Mar 1970 in Bangkok, Thailand.
		ii.	Emily Reed. Born on 25 Dec 1971 in Richmond, Virginia.

144. Vivian Gwyn ASKEW. Born on 22 Sep 1948 in Hinsdale, Cook County, Illinois.

On 13 Sep 1969 when Vivian Gwyn was 20, she first married Dennis LINKOUS, in Richmond, Virginia. Born on 23 Jan 1944.

They had one child:
		i.	Tracy Lee. Born on 6 Apr 1974 in Richmond, Virginia.

On 31 Aug 1984 when Vivian Gwyn was 35, she second married Charles S. JONES, in Richmond, Virginia.

They had one child:
		i.	Charles S. “Chase”. Born on 16 Sep 1985 in Richmond, Virginia.

145. Pamela Lee ASKEW. Born on 21 Jan 1958 in Louisville, Kentucky.

On 25 Aug 1979 when Pamela Lee was 21, she first married Michael D. SCHWARTZ, in Richmond, Virginia.

They had one child:
		i.	William Andrew. Born on 31 Oct 1982 in Richmond, Virginia.

On 28 May 1988 when Pamela Lee was 30, she second married Channing H. BANGS, in Richmond, Virginia.

They had one child:
		i.	Jennifer Lee. Born on 4 Jan 1990 in Richmond, Virginia.

Family of William Sterling TROWER Jr. (89) & Margueritte McKinley PARSONS

146. Mary Hazel TROWER. Born on 7 Aug 1920 in Corso, Lincoln County, Missouri. Occupation: Nurse. Education: RN from School of Nursing at St. John’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. Religion: Presbyterian.

On 23 Aug 1941 when Mary Hazel was 21, she married Robert G. HOLMES. Robert G. died on 9 Mar 1952.

They had the following children:
	206	i.	Robert Lanning (1943-)
		ii.	Joseph Hugh. Born on 17 Jun 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri.

147. Kenneth Parsons TROWER. Born on 19 Jun 1923 in Martinsville, Montgomery County, Missouri.   Served Indiana U.S. Army Indiana World War II Indiana New Guinea, the invasion of the Phillipines and the Korean occupation Army. [49]

On 16 Jan 1944 when Kenneth Parsons was 20, he first married Margaret Elois MARTIN. Born in Harts, West Virginia. Margaret Elois died on 20 Apr 1952.

They had the following children:
		i.	Eva Sandra. Born on 1 Sep 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland.
		ii.	John William. Born on 1 May 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland.

On 8 Nov 1953 when Kenneth Parsons was 30, he second married Helen LUCAS. Born in Logan, West Virginia.

148. Jesse Joseph TROWER. [49] Born on 4 Mar 1931 in Bellflower, Montgomery County, Missouri. Occupation: Presbyterian minister.  Ordained Presbyterian minister, June 3, 1956. Education: A.B. degree, Westminster College, Fulton, Mo., 1953; M. Div., Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 1956. Religion: Presbyterian.

On 1 Sep 1956 when Jesse Joseph was 25, he married Golda Louise WINDERS, daughter of Gordon WINDERS & Della BELT. Born on 1 Jun 1932.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sara Louise (Twin). Born on 9 Oct 1961 in Bloomfield, Iowa.
		ii.	Samuel Loren (Twin). Born on 9 Oct 1961 in Bloomfield, Iowa.
		iii.	Stephen Leigh. Born on 24 Oct 1964 in Bloomfield, Iowa.
		iv.	Suzanna Lynn. Born on 10 Apr 1971 in Bloomfield, Iowa.

149. James Franklin TROWER. Born on 20 Nov 1932 in Bellflower, Missouri.   20 year U.S. Army veteran; served Indiana Korean Occupation Army and Indiana Vietnam. [49]

On 24 May 1952 when James Franklin was 19, he married Mary Lee OBERSMITH, daughter of George OBERSMITH & Emma VONESCHEN. Born on 29 Jan 1934 in Bellflower, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	207	i.	James Ronald (1953-)
		ii.	Sharon Lee. Born on 9 Apr 1955 in Shelby, Michigan.
		iii.	Georgia Sue. Born on 12 Apr 1958 in Shelby, Michigan.
		iv.	Margaret Jo. Born on 20 Jan 1964 in Ft. Hood, Texas.

150. Emma Mildred TROWER. Born on 17 Oct 1940 in Bellflower, Missouri.

On 1 Mar 1960 when Emma Mildred was 19, she married Thomas Eckles RAMSEY.

Thomas lived in Maryville, Tennesee. [56]

They had the following children:
		i.	David Lawrence. Born on 3 Sep 1960 in Knoxville, Tennesee.
		ii.	Barbara Trower. Born on 29 Jun 1963 in Maryville, Tennessee.

Family of Joseph Clarence TROWER (90) & Bessie BROWN

151. Richard Eugene TROWER. Born on 8 Dec 1932 in New Hartford, Missouri.   Served Indiana U.S. Army during the Korean War. [50]

On 30 Jan 1960 when Richard Eugene was 27, he married Wilma MEREDITH. Born in St. Clair, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	John Mark. Born on 11 May 1963 in Anchorage, Alaska.

152. Betty Gail TROWER. Born on 15 Apr 1936 in New Hartford, Missouri.

On 5 Jun 1955 when Betty Gail was 19, she married Herbert Ralph TRUE. Born in Bellflower, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Herbert Eugene. Born on 17 Mar 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Family of Dora Ethel TROWER (92) & Walter BAKER

153. Walter Kinnard BAKER. Born on 4 Nov 1927.

On 10 Jun 1950 when Walter Kinnard was 22, he first married Margaret HUTTON. Born in Troy, Missouri.

On 9 Nov 1950 when Walter Kinnard was 23, he second married Twila Jane BUFFINGTON.

They had one child:
		i.	Bonnie Kay. Born on 5 Aug 1953.

154. Xena Nadine BAKER. Born on 6 Jan 1933 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 1 Oct 1950 when Xena Nadine was 17, she married Louis Melvin REES. Born in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Louis Dwane. Born on 28 Jul 1953.
		ii.	Lisa Diane. Born on 8 Dec 1964.

Family of Leota TROWER (93) & Charles Henry EDWARDS

155. Archie Oscar EDWARDS. Born on 18 Jan 1923 in Corso, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 4 May 1951 when Archie Oscar was 28, he married Charlene FINLEY, daughter of Charles Walker FINLEY & Mary Belle CANNON. Born on 12 Jul 1930.

They had the following children:
		i.	Robert Eugene. Born on 10 Mar 1954 in Missouri.
		ii.	Kevin Charles. Born on 13 Jan 1959 in Missouri.

156. Joseph Floyd EDWARDS. Born on 8 Oct 1925 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.  in 1944/1946  U.S. Army Corporal; served Indiana the Pacific theatre. Resided in Troy, Missouri.

On 12 Aug 1955 when Joseph Floyd was 29, he married Delores June DICKERSON, daughter of Gerald DICKERSON & Ermal. Born on 25 Jul 1936.

They had the following children:
		i.	Joseph Floyd. Born on 14 Nov 1956 in Troy, Missouri.
		ii.	Deborah Louise. Born on 5 Nov 1958 in Troy, Missouri.
		iii.	Mark Anthony. Born on 1 Mar 1963 in Troy, Missouri.

157. Marvin Wayne EDWARDS. Born on 21 Jul 1930 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.  in 1950/1954  U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant.

On 28 Sep 1951 when Marvin Wayne was 21, he married Ruby Etta FINLEY, daughter of Frank Anderson FINLEY & Mamie Ethel TUCKER. Born on 27 Oct 1928.

They had the following children:
		i.	Patricia Lynn. Born on 19 Feb 1953 in Washington, D.C.
		ii.	Frank Wayne. Born on 17 Nov 1954 in Washington, D.C.
		iii.	Cheryl Faye. Born on 13 Jul 1956 in Troy, Missouri.
		iv.	Bryan Finley. Born on 2 Jul 1963 in Troy, Missouri.

158. Ola Mae EDWARDS. Born on 15 Feb 1932 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 18 Apr 1952 when Ola Mae was 20, she married Charles Gilmore ELLIS, son of Guy A. ELLIS & Martha FINLEY, in Auburn, Missouri. Born on 31 Mar 1925.

They had the following children:
		i.	William Joseph. Born in 1/19/1953/54 in Troy, Missouri.
		ii.	James Lee. Born on 29 Nov 1954 in Troy, Missouri.
		iii.	John Clark. Born on 15 Dec 1957 in Troy, Missouri.
		iv.	Charles Edward. Born on 12 Dec 1962 in Troy, Missouri.

159. George Henry EDWARDS. Born on 29 May 1933 in Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri.   U.S. Air Force, Major.

Career U.S. Air Force officer and pilot.  Served with the Strategic Air Command since 1953, flying B-52 bombers.  He served in Vietnam. [50]

On 24 Nov 1954 when George Henry was 21, he married Mary D. ARCHER. Born on 18 Apr 1935 in Houston, Texas.

They had the following children:
		i.	Phyllis Diane. Born on 5 Sep 1955 in Houston, Texas.
		ii.	Jacqueline Kay. Born on 4 May 1957 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
		iii.	Bruce Gerald. Born on 22 Oct 1958 in Altus AFB, Oklahoma.
		iv.	Carl Henry. Born on 2 Apr 1960 in Eglin AFB, Florida.
		v.	Scott Reid. Born on 28 Aug 1964 in Westminster AFB, Michigan.
		vi.	Steven Edwards. Born on 5 Nov 1968 in Puerto Rico.

160. Jo Ann EDWARDS. Born on 1 Dec 1934 in Corso, Lincoln County, Missouri.

On 27 Apr 1956 when Jo Ann was 21, she married Carroll Lee SIMMONS. Born on 3 Sep 1928 in Whiteside, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	208	i.	Steven Wayne (1957-)
	209	ii.	Curtis Lee (1960-)
		iii.	Roger Dean. Born on 5 Oct 1962 in Troy, Missouri.

Family of Beulah TROWER (94) & Buell Forrest PEERY

161. Ina May PEERY. Born on 26 Oct 1935 in Middleton, Missouri.

On 23 Sep 1951 when Ina May was 15, she married George Fred FREIE, son of Edward FREIE & Mary BLANE. Born on 21 Jul 1927 in Middleton, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Jeffrey Buell. Born on 31 Jan 1964 in Columbia, Missouri.
		ii.	Timothy Clare. Born on 23 May 1970 in Columbia, Missouri.

Family of Josie Lee TROWER (95) & Allan Henry O’LEARY

162. Evelyn O’LEARY. Born on 19 Aug 1923 in Middleton, Missouri.

Evelyn first married Earnest Eugene MABRY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Virginia Lee.
		ii.	Beverly Ann.

Evelyn second married Herbert BRACHT.

They had one child:
		i.	Ronald Dean.

163. Opal Bernice O’LEARY. Born on 17 Jul 1925 in Middleton, Missouri.

Opal Bernice first married Hugo Fred MUSKOPF.

They had one child:
		i.	Frederick Lee.

Opal Bernice second married David J. GARRISON.

They had the following children:
		i.	Linda Marie.
		ii.	David Craig.
		iii.	Betty Evelyn.

164. Betty Jo O’LEARY. Born on 24 Sep 1927 in Middleton, Missouri.

On 6 Sep 1947 when Betty Jo was 19, she married Loren Orville HATCH.

They had the following children:
		i.	June Lorraine.
		ii.	Martin Loren.
		iii.	Christina Louise.

165. Allan Henry O’LEARY. Born on 8 Jun 1935 in Middleton, Missouri.

Allan Henry first married Rita Joneth RUSSEL.

They had the following children:
		i.	Helen Rita.
		ii.	Sherie Ann.
		iii.	Kathy May.

Allan Henry second married Mary Neal RINEY.

Family of Francis Stone TROWER (96) & Edna Marie SPYERS

166. Shelby Jean TROWER. Born on 18 May 1940 in Montgomery City, Missouri.

On 14 Nov 1959 when Shelby Jean was 19, she married Robert BRANDKAMP Jr.. Born in Montgomery City, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Robert. Born on 15 Feb 1963 in Frankfort, Germany.

167. Sandra Sue TROWER. Born on 27 Jan 1942 in Montgomery City, Missouri.

On 1 Jul 1961 when Sandra Sue was 19, she married J. Donald NATION. Born on 18 Mar 1941 in Montgomery City, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	J. Donald. Born on 5 Jul 1962.
		ii.	Cynthia Sue. Born on 2 Feb 1965.
		iii.	Penny Lee. Born on 2 Sep 1967.
		iv.	Tina Jean. Born on 30 Jun 1969.

Family of Leroy TROWER (97) & Mary Lou EDWARDS

168. Beverly Anne TROWER.

On 14 Apr 1964 Beverly Anne first married William Wallace WELLS. Born in Santa Anna, California.

On 14 Dec 1966 Beverly Anne second married Martin Anthony WILBERS.

They had one child:
		i.	Anthony Martin.

On 6 Aug 1969 Beverly Anne third married Rodney Carroll STEVENS.

They had the following children:
		i.	Stephanie Michelle. Born on 1 Jun 1969.
		ii.	Cynthia Diane. Born on 5 May 1972.

169. Leroy TROWER. Born in Williamson County, Illinois.

On 10 Feb 1947 Leroy first married Idah Irene CLOSE.

They had the following children:
		i.	Bonnie Rebecca. Born on 5 Dec 1950 in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
		ii.	Byron Lee. Born on 3 Jul 1959 in Cherry Point, North Carolina.

On 6 Jul 1967 Leroy second married Mary Susan DEES.

They had the following children:
		i.	Shanna Marie. Born on 16 Nov 1966.
		ii.	Rhonda Kay. Born on 7 Apr 1968.

Family of Thomas Gerald TROWER (100) & Leola May THOMPSON

170. Wanda Franciline TROWER. Born on 11 Nov 1929 in New Hartford, Missouri.

Wanda Franciline married Patrick PEZZIMENTI. Born in St. Louis, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Cathy. Born on 18 Mar 1952.
		ii.	Cindy.

171. Helen Maxine TROWER. Born on 20 Jun 1933 in New Hartford, Missouri.

On 16 Feb 1955 when Helen Maxine was 21, she married Elvore Don GRAY [52]. Born on 30 May 1932.

They had one child:
		i.	Roger Dean. Born on 26 Apr 1957.

Family of James Willard TROWER (102) & Bessie RILEY

172. Loretta TROWER. [52] Born on 17 Feb 1932 in Hannibal, Missouri.

In Sep 1949 when Loretta was 17, she married Donald RANSDELL. Born in Hannibal, Missouri.

They had the following children:
		i.	Kenneth. Born on 27 Sep 1952.
		ii.	Randy. Born on 13 Oct 1954.
		iii.	Chrissie. Born on 6 Apr 1957.

Family of Jasper Phillip TROWER (103) & Phyllis Eleanor HOUCK

173. Vicki Joan TROWER. Born on 20 May 1949 in Hannibal, Missouri.

In 1969 when Vicki Joan was 19, she married Marshall CHIASSON III.

They had one child:
		i.	UNNAMED. Born on 19 Jun 1970.

Family of Tressie Lorene TROWER (105) & Leroy DAVIDSON

174. Helen Elaine DAVIDSON. [42] Born on 24 Nov 1941 in Middleton, Missouri.

On 24 Aug 1962 when Helen Elaine was 20, she married Herbert JONES. Born in Vandalia, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Terri Rene. Born on 7 Jan 1964 in St. Charles, Missouri.

Eighth Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of George Leroy CROCE (108) & Effie CUNNINGHAM

175. Betty Lou CROCE. Born on 4 Apr 1929 in Bald Hill, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. Occupation: Homemaker.

On 6 May 1946 when Betty Lou was 17, she married Charles MARTIN, son of Isaac Ferdinand MARTIN (1893-1972) & Amanda Josephine SNOW (1901-). Born on 11 Dec 1922 in Maud, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Charles died in Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas on 28 Feb 1979; he was 56.

They had the following children:
		i.	Randy Charles. Born on 15 Dec 1946 in Seminole, Seminole, Oklahoma.
			In May 1979 when Randy Charles was 32, he married Londa TUCKER.
		ii.	Susan Lou. Born on 11 Jan 1948 in Seminole, Seminole, Oklahoma. Susan Lou died on 12 Jan 1948 in Seminole, Seminole, Oklahoma. Buried on 13 Jan 1948 in Cummings Cemetery, Maud, Pottowattomie, Oklahoma.
		iii.	Sherilyn Kaye. Born on 1 Jul 1949 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.
			Sherilyn Kaye married Wayne GOODWIN.
		iv.	Beverly Jo. Born on 17 Nov 1950 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.
			On 29 Nov 1968 when Beverly Jo was 18, she married Leonard Dewayne GILLHAM.
		v.	Deana Gaye. Born on 1 May 1954 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.
			Deana Gaye married Steve MULLICAN.
		vi.	Timothy Chris. Born on 11 Nov 1960 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.
			On 27 Feb 1981 when Timothy Chris was 20, he married Tammy Ruth ALEXANDER, in St. Louis, Pottowatamie, Oklahoma.
	210	vii.	Leah Zanette (1965-)

Family of Jessie Bert TROWER (113) & Elsie May PENDLETON

176. Roger Bert TROWER. Born on 14 Feb 1935.

On 27 Aug 1956 when Roger Bert was 21, he first married Mary BOICE.

They had one child:
		i.	Tonya Lynette. Born on 15 Jan 1962.

On 8 Jan 1972 when Roger Bert was 36, he second married Lenota HENNESSEE.

177. Vernon Leroy TROWER. Born on 1 Nov 1936.

On 16 Nov 1959 when Vernon Leroy was 23, he married Sandra CAMERON.

They had the following children:
		i.	Ronald Jay. Born on 22 Nov 1960.
		ii.	Jon Michael. Born on 25 Jan 1963.
		iii.	Kimberly Ann. Born on 1 Mar 1964.
		iv.	Lorie Lynn. Born on 4 Jan 1971.

178. David Lee TROWER. Born on 30 Aug 1939.

On 2 Sep 1962 when David Lee was 23, he married Sherroll Ruth SWEITZER.

They had the following children:
		i.	Michael David. Born on 5 Sep 1964.
		ii.	Archie Bert (Adopted). Born on 5 Jan 1970.

Family of Mary Belle TROWER (117) & Arthur BOOTH

179. Carol Ann BOOTH.

Child:
		i.	Richard Booth.

Family of John Allen TROWER (118) & June Audra FRIEDEN

180. Peggy Ann TROWER. Born on 25 Sep 1951.

On 7 Sep 1968 when Peggy Ann was 16, she married James DAVIDSON.

They had the following children:
		i.	Melissa. Born on 14 Mar 1969.
		ii.	Robyn Ann. Born on 15 Apr 1972.

Family of Guy Wesley TROWER (119) & Derva Ellen DIXON

181. Daniel Guy TROWER. Born on 8 Jan 1952.

On 22 Jul 1972 when Daniel Guy was 20, he married Ruth Ellen CORNELISON. Born on 1 Apr 1954 in Springfield, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Mary Ellen. Born on 4 Jun 1973 in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Family of Eunice BRANSTETTER (126) & Edward MEDARIS

182. Vivian MEDARIS. Born on 24 Feb 1919.

On 2 Mar 1940 when Vivian was 21, she married James Edward RAMSEY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Chris. Born on 22 Sep 1937.
		ii.	James Edward. Born on 31 Dec 1942.
		iii.	Eunice  Vickie. Born on 27 Jul 1944.

183. Dymple MEDARIS. Born on 28 May 1922.

On 19 May 1940 when Dymple was 17, she married James BRAY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Michael. Born on 28 Jul 1943.
		ii.	James Patrick. Born on 8 Jun 1948.

Family of Rex Eugene CHANDLER (129) & Ann PAGE

184. Robert Page CHANDLER. Born on 3 Jan 1929 in West Point, New York.

Robert Page married Sally Etta Charlotte GROOVER. Born on 18 Feb 1932 in Opelika, Alaska.

They had the following children:
		i.	Charlotte Victoria. Born on 17 May 1952.
		ii.	Deborah Elizabeth. Born on 11 Nov 1954.
		iii.	Cynthia Gale. Born on 3 Jan 1956.
		iv.	Rex Eugene.
		v.	Angela Fay. Born on 14 May 1960.

185. Ann Page CHANDLER. Born on 9 Oct 1931.

Ann Page married Clair RUBLEE Jr.. Born on 17 Feb 1928 in Newport, Vermont.

They had the following children:
		i.	Mark. Born on 15 Nov 1954.
		ii.	Lynn. Born on 28 May 1956.
		iii.	Craig. Born on 14 Jul 1958.
		iv.	Gale Louise. Born on 29 Nov 1961.

Family of Isobel Frances CHANDLER (130) & Carl G. MADSEN

186. Carl G. MADSEN Jr. Born on 9 Dec 1928 in Warren, Ohio.

On 20 Jun 1954 when Carl G. was 25, he married Alice Rosalyn LESLIE. Born on 19 Feb 1933 in Elwood City, Pennsylvania.

They had the following children:
		i.	Anders. Born on 22 Jul 1955 in Topeka, Kansas.
		ii.	Stephen. Born on 26 Jun 1959 in Mainbridge, Maryland.
		iii.	Alec. Born on 7 Jul 1961 in Painsville, Ohio.

Family of Oscar William CHANDLER (131) & Alpha Dolly MORRIS

187. Robert Grant CHANDLER. Born on 21 Mar 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Robert Grant Chandler retired from the Air Force as a Colonel.  He was a jet fighter pilot and served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, stationed in Manila, and became a fighter pilot instructor in Florida or Virginia before his retirement. 
-----
 Note: As of this writing, none of the above children of Robert Grant Chandler have married (5/15/99)
-----
From William T. Chandler letter (dated July 4, 2000):
“My father, Robert Grant Chandler,  is a retired USAF Colonel.  He flew jets fighters and served in Vietnam as a F-100 Super Sabre pilot.  After his tour in Vietnam he then started flying F-4 Phantoms in the late 60's.  He was also a Squadron Commander at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.  Prior to retiring, he was transferred to the Pentagon to serve in the AF's research,development, and acquisition office.  He served there several years where he was promoted to Colonel.  When he retired from the AF in 1983 he went to work for Ford Aerospace in Newport Beach, CA.  After being Ford Aerospace was bought out by Loral, my father was then transferred to their Washington D.C. office.   From 1993 to 1996 we lived in Manassas, VA.   He then was layed off by them, and he became a consultant for a brief amount of time.  Then in 1997, he was hired as a president of a small company called Versatron.  They lived in Santa Rosa, CA.  He then retired in 1999 and travels around the country visiting relatives in Texas.”
-----
Subject: Long Lost Cousin....
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 15:57:07 EDT
From: FoxTwo@aol.com
To: DARBY@visi.net
 
Dear Bob,
   I saw your note to my son William (Bill) Chandler, who recently started searching our  geneoloy.  I thought you might be interested in some information on my branch of the clan and a few of my recollections.
   It would seem that you and I are second cousins; since my Grandmother (your great aunt) was Margaret Smith.  She died in a car wreck in Ohio when I was an infant, so I never knew her.  But I can tell you she raised three very intelligent and talented children; Rex, Isobel and my father Oscar William Jr.  All were artistic; Isobel was a professional painter; Rex was a West Point grad, who painted as a hobby; and my father was an architect and builder.  I knew Rex well, in fact he attended my wedding in 1961, and we honeymooned in his fishing cabin at Port Aransas, TX.  Have you ever communicated with Isobels son Dr. Carl (Duff) Madsen, who is about 70 now.  He is a physchiatrist, living in Indiana.  His brother Kris recently died.  Rex had two children; Robert (Bob) and Anne.  Robert Page Chandler,  is probably still alive, reportedly living in TX...but we haven't been able to find him lately.  His sister Anne, a fine artist, is dead.  
   My father left Ohio after high school with ambitions to attend West Point.  He enlisted in the Army, was stationed in Hawaii, but never got an appointment.  He went to live with Rex, then stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, then went on to nearby college at the Univ. of Oklahoma.  There he met and married my mother Alpha Dolly Morris.  I came along soon and interrupted his college schedule.  He went to work as a draftsman in Oklahoma City, but joined the Army shortly after WW II started.  He attended OCS and became an artillery officer.  He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division and trained in Colorado and Texas.  My mother and I were camp followers until they went to Italy.  Dad won a Silver Star for capturing a batch of Germans using a pack artillery weapon.  After the war he went into business for himself designing homes.  He later expanded that to include building.  During one of the late 50's business slowdowns, he again went to work for the government, the FHA.  He worked in the home building/appraisal business for the FHA and the VA until retirement in the 70's.  He lived his last years in Hawaii with my youngest brother William. 
   In my early years while growing up in Oklahoma we visited Missouri and Ohio to see relatives every couple of years, but that tapered off to little contact as my parents aged.  My mother was a good correspondent and started doing some geneology work; I have her records in storage.  When I find them, I will review them for possible additions to your files.
   For what it is worth about me; I was born in Oklahoma City OK, March 31, 1938. I was raised in OKC, attended Univ. of Okla (2 years), joined the Air Force and spent 25 years as a fighter pilot/staff officer/squadron commander.  I eventually graduated from Univ of Tampa.  I  did a Vietnam combat tour, various flying jobs in the US and Pacific,  a staff tour at Langley AFB, VA at Headquarters Tactical Air Command.  I retired from the Air Force in 1983 after a final tour in the Pentagon.  I went into the aerospace business on the civilian side, first to Ford Aerospace which was bought by Loral, which was bought by Lockheed Martin.  My last two years of work was as President of a small electronics engineering/manufacturing company (Versatron Corp.) in Healdsburg, CA (75 miles north of San Francisco).  I am now retired, living in our RV, looking for that perfect retirement location.  My wife (of 39 years) and I spend a lot of time harassing our children to get married and produce grandchildren.  We have three; William, Sharon and Robert G. Jr.  I think my son told you of my two younger Brothers, Larry and William.
   Thanks for the info and the documents you sent Bill.  I would be interested in knowing more of your branch of the family, beyond birth & death dates.

"Cousin Bob"

On 11 Mar 1961 when Robert Grant was 22, he married Myrna Lee DENTON, in Big Spring, Texas. Born on 25 Jun 1939 in Texas.

They had the following children:
		i.	William Travis. Born on 7 Jan 1962 in Big Spring, Texas.
			William T. Chandler
			6451 Montecito Boulevard, Unit A
			Santa Rosa, CA 95409
			-----
			
			Subject: Re: Chandler connection
			Date:  Tue, 4 Jul 2000 19:19:50 EDT
			From:  Teacher812@aol.com
			
			First of all, it is great hearing from the proverbial long lost 2nd cousin once removed.  
			
			I will start from my siblings and I.
			
			William Travis Chandler, born Jan 7, 1962 in Big Spring, TX at Webb Air Force Base.
			Sharon Lynn Chandler, born July 12, 1965 at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona
			Robert Grant Chandler, Jr. born March 26, 1968 at Clark Air Force Base, Angeles City, Republic of Phillipines
			
			He has another brother by the name of William Morris Chandler.  He lives in Kailua, Hawaii.  I do not know much about him except he is the youngest of the Chandler sons.    He is married to Joyce Chandler, maiden name .  He has a daughter and son.  The son's name is Chris.  Daughter's name I don't know.  
			
			Larry Dale Chandler is married to a Margaret Chandler, will provide maiden name latter.  He has one son from his current marriage, James Richard Chandler.  James or Jim is currently attending Texas A&M. 
			
			He was previously married to Earlene Blagg Chandler.  They had two offspring.  Robert Dale Chandler and Kelly (middle name ) Chandler.  She is married and has a daugher and son (just born yesterday).
			
			My grandfather Oscar William Chandler, Jr. died in February of 1999 from complications from prostate cancer.  I was one of the pall bearers.He was a First Lieutenant in the US Army during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division.   He even received the silver star for one incident where he captured a German squad who had his unit under fire.  You may already have that information.
			
			My grandmother is Alpha Dolly Morris.  She retired from the IRS due to emphysema.   She died back in the early 80's due to complications from her emphysema.  They lived in Tulsa and Oklahoma City most of their married life.
			
			I am a teacher in Santa Rosa, California.  I have a BA in Political Science, a Master's in Public Administration, and a Masters in Elementary Education.  
			
			My brother is a Digital Subscriber Line installer for a company called Covad.  He and I are roomates.  
			
			My sister is a teacher in Santa Ana, California.  She lives in Newport Beach, CA
			
			My father, Robert Grant Chandler,  is a retired USAF Colonel.  He flew jets fighters and served in Vietnam as a F-100 Super Sabre pilot.  After his tour in Vietnam he then started flying F-4 Phantoms in the late 60's.  He was also a Squadron Commander at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.  Prior to retiring, he was transferred to the Pentagon to serve in the AF's research,development, and acquisition office.  He served there several years where he was promoted to Colonel.  When he retired from the AF in 1983 he went to work for Ford Aerospace in Newport Beach, CA.  After being Ford Aerospace was bought out by Loral, my father was then transferred to their Washington D.C. office.   From 1993 to 1996 we lived in Manassas, VA.   He then was layed off by them, and he became a consultant for a brief amount of time.  Then in 1997, he was hired as a president of a small company called Versatron.  They lived in Santa Rosa, CA.  He then retired in 1999 and travels around the country visiting relatives in Texas.   
			
			Since my dad was in the military we travelled all across the country.   In chronological order, we have lived in Texas, where he met my mom and where I was born.  Then we briefly moved to Luke Air Force Base in the Phoenix area, where among other things, my sister Sharon was born.  Then after that we then lived in the Phillipines at Clark Air Force Base where my brother was born.  After the Phillipines, we then moved to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.  After that, we moved to Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia.  After Hampton, we then moved back to Big Spring, TX , my birthplace to stay with my mother and maternal grandparents (Travis Franklin and Tressie Hartwell Denton) while my dad served a tour of duty in Korea at Kunsan Air Force Base.  After Korea, we then moved to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta Georgia.  Then after that, we then moved to Fairfax, VA and then Nokesville, VA while my dad was stationed at the Pentagon for a couple of years until he retired in 1983.  We then packed up our bags and moved 3000 miles to San Juan Capistrano, CA.  We lived there for 12 or 13 years before my dad's company transferred him to the Washington D.C./Arlington office.  During that time, we lived in Manassas, VA again, not far from where we lived the first time.  
			
			I then moved by myself to San Bernardino County, California to a town called Victorville for my first teaching job.  After three months, I resigned because I didn't like the location or the school district.  After a few months of unemployment, I then moved up to Santa Rosa, CA where my folks had moved to because my father had been hired as president of a small defense related electronics firm.  I then worked as a computer teacher at a  school then as a summer school teacher for Windsor Unified Schools.  I also worked six months as a Special Education teacher in Vallejo, CA.  I am currently working again as a summer school teacher in Windsor, CA..
			
			I can provide you with more, but I will have to call and get more precise information.
			
			Thanks again long lost cousin. Well that brings you up to date on this branch, with a few omissions which I will try and get for you.
			
			I cannot seem to go back beyond my great grandfather Oscar William Chandler, Sr.  I have located a William Oscar Chandler and am wondering if that is my great-great granddad.  But I am not certain that my theory is correct.  If you can provide me some information I would be so greatly appreciative.
			
			Thanks again, cousin.
			
			William (Bill) Travis Chandler

		ii.	Sharon Lynn. Born on 12 Jul 1965 in Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona.
		iii.	Robert Grant. Born on 26 Mar 1968 in Clark Air Force Base, Angeles City, Republic Of Phillipines.

188. Larry Dale CHANDLER. Born on 26 Feb 1941 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

On 23 Jan 1960 when Larry Dale was 18, he first married Earlene BLAGG, daughter of Earl Thomas BLAGG (1903-1986) & Mabel Rachel VANORDEN (1910-1992), in Millington, Shelby County, Tennessee. Born on 23 Nov 1940 in Sulphur, Murray County, Oklahoma.

Subject: Re: Shawhan data
Date: Fri, 21 May 1999 23:25:42 -0500
From: "Earlene Chandler"
To:  "Bob Francis"

Hi Bob,
Yes, Aunt Isobel was a very special lady.  I was with her only a couple of weeks every few years when she and Carl visited us in Oklahoma and I never met her two sons of whom she was so proud.  I believe I have the address of one of them if you would like it.  Uncle Rex was also beloved.  I was with him only twice for a period of a few days in the 1960's when we visited them in San Antonio and also went to Aransas Pass, TX where he had a beach house. I couldn't do justice to describe "Dad Chandler" (Oscar William "Husky" Chandler).  He was a very dear man and it would take volumes to tell you about him so I won't even try.  I knew their father, Oscar William, Sr. only
for a short time when I was still in high school and the short time that he lived after my marriage to his grandson .  He was in a nursing home in Sulphur, Murray Co., Oklahoma for awhile before his death there.  I believe you show his birth date as 26 Nov 1876 and that is incorrect.  We shared the
same birthday, 23 Nov (the 1876 is correct).  However, he died 26 Nov 1960 in Sulphur and is buried with Margaret in the Memorial Cemetery, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.

I'm the former wife of Larry (his name is really Larry Dale, not Lawrence as shown on your site) and have remained in sporadic contact due to our two children together.  Larry, his wife and their son live in Houston, TX.  The youngest of the three boys, Bill, is a dear and has always seemed like MY little brother.  We remain in contact more frequently but only by phone. Bill lives in Hawaii.  I haven't kept in contact with Bob but I believe he lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

I interpret your below message to mean you already have a copy of Aunt Isobel's genealogy  finished in the 1950s.  Is that correct?  If so, there's nothing I can add to that data.  The only personal knowledge I have is of the family of Oscar William Chandler's later generations and the "privacy" issue bothers me somewhat.  As I mentioned in my earlier note, I've been researching my own family lines for quite a few years now but I've never put it on the internet.  How would you handle the privacy issue?
............. Earlene Blagg Chandler

They had the following children:
	211	i.	Kellie Ann (1965-)
		ii.	Robert Dale. Born on 25 May 1967 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

ca1778-1979 Larry Dale second married Margaret KLUMPKIN, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

They had one child:
		i.	James. Born abt1981-1982.

189. William Morris CHANDLER. Born on 28 Jan 1947 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

On 29 Sep 1978 when William Morris was 31, he married Joyce COMPRINI, in Redstone, Colorado.

They had the following children:
		i.	Christopher Kanoa. Born on 24 Sep 1983 in Hawaii.
		ii.	Angela Marie. Born on 18 Aug 1987 in Hawaii.

Family of Wayne HAMLETT (132) & Laverne McIVOR

190. Dayle HAMLET. Born on 25 Aug 1934.

Dayle married Jim DUFF.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sally A. Born on 9 Jun 1958.
			Sally A. married WILEY.
		ii.	Mary J. Born on 11 Mar 1962.
			Mary J. married MOODY.
		iii.	John Michael. Born on 3 Aug 1963.

Family of Jefferson Edward HAMLETT (134) & Roberta Lorraine SMITH

191. Dennis Edward HAMLETT. Born on 19 Aug 1943.

Dear Bob,

Perhaps you can input this information about our family.

Father:  Jefferson Edward Hamlett
Mother: Roberta Lorraine Hamlett (Smith)

Children:  Kathleen Ann Hamlett (Airey) DOB  12-20-40; married Joseph Airey
in 1965; two children, Joanna Airey (6-27-75) 
                                                and Alison (4-14-74)
               Dennis Edward Hamlett DOB  8-19-43;  Married Catherine Ann
Hester in 1975; two children:  Kelly Kathleen Hamlett 
                                                (8-1-78) and Erin Lorraine
Hamlett (6-25-80)
     Michael Leroy Hamlett DOB 1-15-46
     Patrick William Hamlett DOB 1-15-46
     Timothy Paul Hamlett DOB  7-11-47

Thanks,

Dennis Edward Hamlett
Oakland, CA 
dehamo11@pipeline.com

In 1975 when Dennis Edward was 31, he married Catherine Ann HESTER.

They had the following children:
		i.	Kelly Kathleen. Born on 1 Aug 1978.
		ii.	Erin Lorraine. Born on 25 Jun 1980.

192. Kathleen Ann HAMLETT. Born on 20 Dec 1940.

In 1965 when Kathleen Ann was 24, she married Joseph AIREY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Joanna. Born on 27 Jun 1975.
		ii.	Alison. Born on 14 Apr 1974.

Family of Paul Richard HAMLETT (135) & Dorothy GORSKI

193. Cheryle HAMLETT.

Cheryle married Bob CARLESON.

They had the following children:
		i.	Carrie.
		ii.	Patrick.

Family of Betty HAMLETT (136) & Holmes TYRRELL

194. Patie Edith TYRRELL. Born on 16 Oct 1948 in Missouri.

Patie Edith married CORNELL.

They had the following children:
		i.	Donald Thomas. Born on 5 Sep 1978.
		ii.	Michael. Born on 8 Dec 1981 in California.

195. Bettye Alice TYRRELL. Born on 8 Feb 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri.

On 12 Jun 1971 when Bettye Alice was 18, she married Thomas Francis WARNER.

They had the following children:
		i.	Thomas Francis. Born on 25 Mar 1971 in Farmington, Missouri. Resided in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
		ii.	Corey Wayne. Born on 4 Jun 1978 in Farmington, Missouri. Resided in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

Family of Margaret Louisa SMITH (139) & John Virgil FRANCIS

196. John Virgil FRANCIS Jr. Born on 8 Jul 1943 in East St. Louis, Illinois.

In 1965 when John Virgil was 21, he first married Sandy GORMAN.

They had one child:
	212	i.	Suzanne Irene (1967-)

In 1969 when John Virgil was 25, he second married Sonya SCHAAF.

They had one child:
	213	i.	Kacie (1970-)

In 1983 when John Virgil was 39, he third married Elyndale JONES. Born in 1965.

On 27 Sep 1985 when John Virgil was 42, he fourth married Christine CRAVENS, daughter of Lawrence CRAVENS (1922-1994) & Catherine JERGUSON (1927-), in Miami, Dade County, Florida. Born on 2 Aug 1947 in Miami, Dade County, Florida.

They had one child:
		i.	Christy Nicole. Born on 13 Jul 1989.

197. Thomas Russell FRANCIS. Born on 12 Jul 1945 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.   U.S. Air Force.

On May 16, 1993, Thomas  Francis and Nancy  McKeown were married "in the eyes of God" by the Reverend Chaplain (Captain) Robert E.  Francis in their home in Midway, Kentucky.  The ceremony was simple yet beautiful, with Nancy's children Casey, Lindsey, and ______ present.  Nancy's youngest sister Sallie Joe and her husband_________ were also present.  [REF]

On 16 Jun 1967 when Thomas Russell was 21, he first married Betty HYMES, in Osage Beach, MO, Indiana Betty's parent's home. Born in 1949.

They had the following children:
	214	i.	Chad Alan (1970-)
	215	ii.	Candace Ann (1972-)

On 15 May 1993 when Thomas Russell was 47, he second married Nancy Mae McKEOWN (200) , daughter of Russell Franklin McKEOWN (1920-2001) & Sarah Ann SMITH (140) (1928-), in Midway, Kentucky. [57] Born on 17 Feb 1946 in Decatur, Illinois.

198. Robert Eugene FRANCIS. Born on 15 Mar 1949 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  in 1968-1971; 1988-2001  United States Air Force; United States Army. Occupation: United Methodist Minister. Education: BA, University Of Missouri--Kansas City, 1977; M. Divinity, St. Paul School Of Theology (Methodist), Kansas City, Missouri, 1980. Religion: Christian.  Ordained Elder, United Methodist Church, 1981.

Article from newspaper publication, probably from Osage Beach, Missouri, or Camdenton, Missouri, found in Richard M. Buck's wallet:

“SGT Robt. E. Francis Receives Air Force Commendation Medal

“Wichita, Kan.--Sergeant Robert E. Francis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Buck, Osage Beach, Mo., has received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service while assigned at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam.

“Sergeant Francis, a fire protection specialist, was presented the medal at McConnell AFB, Kan., where he is now serving with the 23rd Civil Engineering Squadron, a unit of the Tactical Air Command which provides combat units for air support of U.S. ground forces.

“The sergeant is a 1967 graduate of Camdenton High School.”
-----
Civilian Schooling:
1973–1977:  University of Missouri--Kansas City, B.A., Judaic Studies
1977–1980:  St. Paul School of Theology (United Methodist), Masters in Divinity--Kansas City
1995–present:  University of Maryland, College Park--in process of getting a Masters Degree in Mental Health

Ordination:
1979:  Ordained Deacon, United Methodist Church, Missouri West Conference, Fayette, Mo.
1981:  Ordained Elder, United Methodist Church, Missouri West Conference, Fayette, Mo.

Civilian Churches served:
1978-79:  Youth pastor, Lee's Summit United Methodist Church, Lee's Summit, Mo.
1979-1983:  Pastor, Cole Camp United Methodist Church, Cole Camp, Mo. (Cole Camp is about 25 miles south of Sedalia, Mo.)
1983-1985:  Associate pastor, North Cross United Methodist Church, Kansas City, Mo.
1985-Jan. 1988:  Pastor, Platte City United Methodist Church, Platte City, Mo. (Platte City is only about 8 miles east of Weston, Mo.)

Military Schooling:
April-June 1968:  Airman Basic Course, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX
June-October 1968: Munitions Technical Training School, Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado
Jan.–Apr. 1988:  Chaplain Officer Basic Course, Fort Monmouth, NJ
Jul-Dec 1991:  Chaplain Officer Advanced Course, Fort Monmouth, NJ
Jan-Mar 1994:  Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Ks

Military Assignments:
Enlisted (Air Force):
Oct 1968-Apr 1969:  4th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, NC
Apr 1969-Apr 1970:  412th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, Phu Cat AFB, April-October; and 34th ABS Munitions, Bien Hoa, AFB, Vietnam
Apr 1970-Feb 1971:  23rd Civil Engineering Squadron, McConnell AFB, Wichita Ks.  Discharged from Air Force.

Officer (U.S. Army):
Apr 1988-Nov 27, 1989:  2nd Chemical BN, Ft. Hood, TX
Nov 27, 1989-June 26, 1990:  1/66 Armor BN (Tank BN), Ft. Hood, TX
June 26, 1990–June 25, 1991:  Post Chaplain, Camp Long, Korea
Jan. 3, 1992-June 29, 1994:  161st Quartermaster BN, Ft. Lee, VA
June 30, 1994–May 25, 1995:  165th Military Intelligence BN, Darmstadt, Germany
May 26, 1995–February, 1998:  Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (hospital chaplain), Landstuhl, Germany
April 3, 1998-February 1, 2001:  71st Transportation Battaion, Ft. Eustis, Virginia

Awards:
Army Service Ribbon
Vietnam Service Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon
Vietnam Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal (2)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Commendation Medal (3)
Meritorius Service Medal (2)

On 14 May 1972 when Robert Eugene was 23, he married Lucinda Leigh McCLURE, daughter of Richard Lee “Lee” McCLURE (1921-) & Lucille CORBIN (1926-), in Osage Beach, Missouri. Born on 11 Mar 1950 in Boonville, Missouri.

They had the following children:
	216	i.	Rachel Deliath (1973-)
		ii.	Shoshana Leigh. Born on 10 Sep 1978 in Kansas City, Missouri. Education: Ramstein Am. H. S., 1996;  VCU college student.
			On 4 Mar 2000 when Shoshana Leigh was 21, she married Timothy TOWSLEE, son of Donald Leroy TOWSLEE & Sarah Jean MORRIS, in Richmond, Virginia. Officiated by CH (CPT) Robert E. Francis.  The location for the wedding was an old warehouse in the “Bottoms” of Richmond, Virginia.  The warehouse had been turned into an art museum.  It was pretty funky! Born on 2 Aug 1977 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Family of Sarah Ann SMITH (140) & Russell Franklin McKEOWN

199. Judith Ann McKEOWN. Born on 26 Jun 1944 in East St. Louis, Illinois.

On 19 Jan 1963 when Judith Ann was 18, she married Charles CUMMINS, son of William Oscar CUMMINS (1878-1965) & Ethel REBER (1898-1974), in Decatur, Illinois. Born on 22 Sep 1942 in Decatur, Illinois.

They had the following children:
	217	i.	Charles Brett (1966-)
		ii.	Jo Anne “Joey”. Born on 7 Apr 1970 in Decatur, Illinois.
			On 6 May 1989 when Jo Anne “Joey” was 19, she married Steven Eric CREVISTON. Born on 29 Mar 1964 in Decatur, Illinois.
	218	iii.	Jenny (1971-)

200. Nancy Mae McKEOWN. Born on 17 Feb 1946 in Decatur, Illinois.

In Jul 1966 when Nancy Mae was 20, she first married William Louis SANDERS.

They had one child:
	219	i.	William Robert (1967-)

On 22 Jul 1973 when Nancy Mae was 27, she second married Gary Lynn STARNES, son of Norman STARNES & Dorothy.

They had the following children:
		i.	Casey Jackson. Born on 5 Dec 1974 in Boulder, Colorado.
	220	ii.	Lindsay Morgan (1977-)

On 15 May 1993 when Nancy Mae was 47, she third married Thomas Russell FRANCIS (197) , son of John Virgil FRANCIS (1915-) & Margaret Louisa SMITH (139) (1924-), in Midway, Kentucky. [57] Born on 12 Jul 1945 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

On May 16, 1993, Thomas  Francis and Nancy  McKeown were married "in the eyes of God" by the Reverend Chaplain (Captain) Robert E.  Francis in their home in Midway, Kentucky.  The ceremony was simple yet beautiful, with Nancy's children Casey, Lindsey, and ______ present.  Nancy's youngest sister Sallie Joe and her husband_________ were also present.  [REF]

201. Russell Franklin McKEOWN Jr. Born on 12 May 1948 in Decatur, Illinois.

Russell Franklin first married Marla.

They had the following children:
	221	i.	Jason
		ii.	Allison.

Russell Franklin second married Sabrina.

202. Carol Jean McKEOWN. Born on 15 Dec 1951 in Decatur, Illinois.

She first did not marry John Robert WORLEY. Born on 26 Mar 1951 in Decatur, Illinois.

They had one child:
		i.	John Robert. Born on 24 Nov 1969 in Decatur, Illinois.

On 24 Apr 1971 when Carol Jean was 19, she second married Kenneth Eugene LESTER, in Champaign, Illinois.

They had one child:
	222	i.	Jamie Nicole (Lester) (1972-)

203. Sallie Joan McKEOWN. Born on 24 Sep 1954 in Decatur, Illinois.

Divorced from William Backstein, May, 1976, no children.

In Jun 1972 when Sallie Joan was 17, she first married William BACKSTEIN.

In Aug 1981 when Sallie Joan was 26, she second married Tony HIGGINS.

They had one child:
	223	i.	Emily (1981-)

Family of Polly Thomas ASKEW (142) & Robert MENENDEZ

204. Robert Charles MENENDEZ. Born on 13 Jun 1971 in San Francisco, California.

On 27 Aug 1996 when Robert Charles was 25, he married Rosemarie RUBIO, in St. Helena, California. Born on 24 Aug 1970 in Santa Rosa, California.

They had the following children:
		i.	Skylor Garrett Howe.
		ii.	Chancelor Roberts.
		iii.	Sasha Blaine.

205. Juliet Vivian MENENDEZ. Born on 22 Mar 1973 in Hanford, California.

On 24 Dec 1992 when Juliet Vivian was 19, she first married Robin Flood MARDEUSZ, in Ukiah, California. Born on 13 Aug 1974 in Washington.

On 12 Feb 1997 when Juliet Vivian was 23, she second married Brian Vern PERRY, in Everett, Washington. Born on 10 Mar 1966 in Redondo Beach, California.

They had one child:
		i.	Tallinn Kai Vinnian. Born on 26 Aug 1997 in Snohomish, Washington.

Family of Mary Hazel TROWER (146) & Robert G. HOLMES

206. Robert Lanning HOLMES. Born on 15 Jun 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Robert Lanning married Joann WEBBER. Born on 27 Feb 1945 in Clinton, Tennessee.

They had the following children:
		i.	Julia Victoria. Born on 18 Jan 1970 in Clinton, Tennessee.
		ii.	Robert Joseph. Born on 19 Aug 1972 in Clinton, Tennessee.

Family of James Franklin TROWER (149) & Mary Lee OBERSMITH

207. James Ronald TROWER. Born on 29 Jul 1953 in Mexico, Missouri.

In Jul 1972 when James Ronald was 18, he married Karen Lee LANE.

They had one child:
		i.	Jodi Michelle. Born on 10 Feb 1973 in Lampasas, Texas.

Family of Jo Ann EDWARDS (160) & Carroll Lee SIMMONS

208. Steven Wayne SIMMONS. Born on 1 Feb 1957 in Troy, Missouri.

On 5 Jul 1980 when Steven Wayne was 23, he married Penelope Ann TESSON.

They had the following children:
		i.	Brian C. Born on 25 Apr 1985.
		ii.	Michael S. Born on 24 Nov 1990.
		iii.	Lauren M. Born on 24 Nov 1990.
		iv.	Katherine E. Born on 24 Nov 1990.

209. Curtis Lee SIMMONS. Born on 29 Sep 1960 in Troy, Missouri.

On 12 Jul 1986 when Curtis Lee was 25, he married Terri KIMBERLING.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sara N. Born on 18 Feb 1988.
		ii.	Kevin C. Born on 26 Sep 1990.
		iii.	Rebecca J. Born on 27 Nov 1993.
		iv.	Tricia L. Born on 3 Apr 1995.
		v.	Alicia R. Born on 4 Jun 1997.

Ninth Generation 
_________________________________________
Family of Betty Lou CROCE (175) & Charles MARTIN

210. Leah Zanette MARTIN. Born on 19 Aug 1965 in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

On 12 May 1984 when Leah Zanette was 18, she married James “Jim” Edsel LECAMUS, son of Edsel Joseph LECAMUS (1923-) & Vivian Gloria BONIN (1925-), in Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas. Born on 4 Jul 1961 in Independence, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

They had the following children:
		i.	Meghann Abigail. Born on 29 Oct 1985 in Houston, Texas.
		ii.	Rebecca Annice. Born on 7 Oct 1992 in Houston, Texas.
		iii.	Allsion Skye. Born on 29 Dec 1993 in Channelview, Texas.

Family of Larry Dale CHANDLER (188) & Earlene BLAGG

211. Kellie Ann CHANDLER. Born on 25 Jun 1965 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

On 3 Jul 1990 when Kellie Ann was 25, she married Andrew William HRVATIN, son of Albert HRVATIN & Mary Lou AMBROSE, in New Orleans, Orleans County, Louisiana. Born on 5 May 1966 in Joliet, Will County, Illinois.

They had one child:
		i.	Alicia Rose. Born on 16 Nov 1996 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.

Family of John Virgil FRANCIS Jr. (196) & Sandy GORMAN

212. Suzanne Irene FRANCIS. Born on 21 Aug 1967.

In Sep 1996 when Suzanne Irene was 29, she married Brian NORVELLE.

They had one child:
		i.	James. Born in Feb 2000.

Family of John Virgil FRANCIS Jr. (196) & Sonya SCHAAF

213. Kacie FRANCIS. Born on 21 Jul 1970.

In 1994 when Kacie was 23, she married Robert TOFFOLI.

They had the following children:
		i.	Samantha Nicole. Born on 1 Jul 1997 in Orlando, Florida.
		ii.	Louis Clay. Born in Apr 2000 in Hollywood, Florida.

Family of Thomas Russell FRANCIS (197) & Betty HYMES

214. Chad Alan FRANCIS. Born on 16 Dec 1970 in Springfield, Illinois.

Chad Alan first married Stephanie, in Germany.

Research: Chad married Stephanie while stationed in Germany as a U.S. Army soldier.  {REF}

Chad Alan second married Julie KIRKWIG, in Nacagdoches, Texas.

They had the following children:
		i.	Sagil Elizabeth [58]. Born on 17 Jun 1999. 3:45 PM, 8 lbs., 13 oz., 20” long.
		ii.	Mason Elizabeth. Born on 8 Jan 2001 in Jefferson City, Missouri.
			Note from Tom Francis, January 18, 2001:
			
			Bobby,
			
			Be so kind as to seek God's Blessings on our newest family arrival.  Mason Elizabeth Francis has chosen Chad and Julie Francis as her earthly parents. She has chosen kind hearted people for her journey on this plane for this time.
			
			Born January 8, 2001, weighed 7 lbs 4 oz, was 19" long, see attached picture.
			
			It was good talking to you the other day, I'd been wondering what was going on with my bro.  I think our idea on traveling is good, though I'd like to see you soon, I would much rather you and I get away for a few days, lay on the ground like a coupla old dawgs, eat balogna and crackers and fart whenever we feel the need.  Our float trip was one of my favorite times and I look forward to doing it again.
			
			Talk to ya later.
			
			Tom

215. Candace Ann FRANCIS. Born on 21 Jun 1972 in Jefferson City, MO.

On 26 Jul 1997 when Candace Ann was 25, she married John Mark JEFFRIES, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

They had one child:
		i.	Grace Elizabeth. Born on 20 Mar 2001.
			Bob,
			
			Just received the article, and, like, I'm kin to a celebrity!!! What a nice write up.  This guy really caught the flavor of the chaplaincy didn't he?? And what a welcome to the community.
			
			Candy is visiting with her new baby, did I tell you I was a grampa again??
			
			Grace Elizabeth Jeffries, born March 20, 9:33 AM, 7 lbs 8 oz, 21" long and a doll baby.  I held her all through  lunch today, what a little cutie she is.
			
			Say HI to Cindy for me.
			
			We'll talk more later.
			
			Tom

Family of Robert Eugene FRANCIS (198) & Lucinda Leigh McCLURE

216. Rachel Deliath FRANCIS. Born on 24 Sep 1973 in Independence, Missouri. Occupation: Teacher. Religion: Taoist/Unitarian Universalist.

On 29 May 1994 when Rachel Deliath was 20, she married Lance CASE, son of Patrick Richard CASE (1950-) & Wilma Jean BENTZ (1956-), in Petersburg, Virginia. Born on 26 Aug 1972.

They had one child:
		i.	Lily Jane. Born on 6 Mar 1998 in Ellsworth, Maine. Born at 11:37AM, 7lbs., 3oz., 21”.

Family of Judith Ann McKEOWN (199) & Charles CUMMINS

217. Charles Brett CUMMINS. Born on 2 Jun 1966 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, Illinois.

On 25 Oct 1986 when Charles Brett was 20, he married Kelly Jo CHAPMAN.

They had the following children:
		i.	Austin Brett. Born on 29 Nov 1988 in Mattoon, Illinois. Hospital:  Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
			Austin’s middle name is after his father.

		ii.	Anna Jo. Born on 24 Jun 1992 in Mattoon, Illinois. Hospital:  Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
			Anna is named after her maternal great-grandmother Anna Huffaker.  Her middle name is after her mother.

218. Jenny CUMMINS. Born on 19 Jun 1971.

In Jun 1989 when Jenny was 17, she first married Tony MOON.

On 8 Aug 1999 when Jenny was 28, she second married Jerry Lee BURGER, in Eppingham, Illinois.

They had the following children:
		i.	Ethan Lee. Born on 8 Jan 2002 in Mattoon, Illinois.
		ii.	Brett Christian. Born on 11 Sep 2000 in Mattoon, Illinois.

Family of Nancy Mae McKEOWN (200) & William Louis SANDERS

219. William Robert STARNES. [59] Born on 6 Mar 1967 in Carbondale, Illinois.

Research: Couple divorced.

William Robert married Jennifer Alison UNDERWOOD. Born on 11 Oct 1971.

They had the following children:
		i.	Anna Elizabeth. Born on 31 Jan 1993 in Springfield, Missouri.
		ii.	Drew Christopher. Born on 31 Mar 1994 in Springfield, Missouri.
		iii.	Katie McKenzie. Born on 3 Jan 1997 in Springfield, Missouri.

Family of Nancy Mae McKEOWN (200) & Gary Lynn STARNES

220. Lindsay Morgan STARNES. Born on 7 Feb 1977 in Westminster, Colorado.

In 1995 when Lindsay Morgan was 17, she married Steven TERRY.

They had the following children:
		i.	Coralie Eden. Born on 11 Aug 1994 in Lexington, Kentucky.
		ii.	Addison Steven. Born on 9 Feb 1996 in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Family of Russell Franklin McKEOWN Jr. (201) & Marla

221. Jason McKEOWN.

Jason married Lisa.

They had the following children:
		i.	Kelsi Jean (Twin). Born on 4 Apr 1995.
		ii.	Anthony (Twin). Born on 4 Apr 1995.

Family of Carol Jean McKEOWN (202) & Kenneth Eugene LESTER

222. Jamie Nicole (Lester) McKEOWN. Born on 7 Mar 1972.

She did not marry Clarence Ben DOUGLAS III. Born in 1971 in New York, New York.

They had one child:
		i.	Julian Lacy Wyatt. Born on 12 Sep 2000 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Family of Sallie Joan McKEOWN (203) & Tony HIGGINS

223. Emily HIGGINS. Born on 7 Dec 1981.

Child:
		i.	Aaron Joshua. Born on 8 Oct 2000.

Sources 

1. William Carter, Solomon Trower Family:  Revolutionary Veteran, 311.
2. William Carter, Solomon Trower Family:  Revolutionary Veteran, 311-312.
3. William Carter, Solomon Trower Family:  Revolutionary Veteran, 312.
4. From “Bishop” genealogy, Rootsweb WorldConnect project, Anne Baker (abaker@searnet.com) Records of Amalie Preston of Salvisa, Ky. 1997.
5. From “Bishop” genealogy, Rootsweb WorldConnect project, Anne Baker (abaker@searnet.com)
6. William Carter, Solomon Trower Family:  Revolutionary Veteran, 313.
7. William Carter, Solomon Trower Family:  Revolutionary Veteran, 314.
8. Said to have died of pneumonia in a Confederate Army Camp.  He served in the 11th Missouri Infantry, CSA, and was in a Confederate Army hospital in Mulberry, Arkansas, in 1862, but the records do not show that he died there. (Carter, p. 314)
9. Died of typhoid fever.  Married (name unknown) after Civil War at Hempstead, Arkansas.  (Carter, p. 314)
10. Died at Camp Mulberry, Arkansas.  (Carter, p. 314)
11. He was a Confederate soldier in Company C., 8th Regiment, 11th Missouri Infantry, CSA.    (Carter, p. 314)
12. Died of tuberculosis.
13. Carter, p. 316
14. Carter, p. 318
15. Carter, p. 319
16. “History of Pulaski County,” Vol. 1.  Date, page number, and author unknown.  Sent to me May 22, 1998 from Michael Weber, 209 Westwind Drive, Waynesville, Mo 65583
573-774-6574
17. Carter, p. 320.
18. Carter, p. 321
19. Carter states marriage date as 1835.  Carter, p. 322
20. Carter, p. 322
21. Killed in action in Civil War.  William Carter lists the date as June 14, 1865.  (Carter, p. 322)
22. William Carter lists birth year as 1848.  (Carter, p. 322)
23. William Carter differs on the John’s birthdate, listing it at October 2, 1824.  (Carter, p. 321)
24. Carter, p. 323
25. Missouri Pioneers of Pike County. (Bowling Green, Missouri:  InfoTech Publications, 1992), p. 79.
26. Carter, p. 324
27. February 15 {ES}
28. Madsen, p. 32.
29. Carter, p. 332
30. William Carter lists birthdate as 16 April 1836.  Carter, p. 322
31. William Carter lists the surname as “Sonners.” (Carter, p. 333)
32. Carter, p. 333
33. William Carter lists birth year as 1854.  (Carter, p. 322)
34. Marriage date may be September 5, 1864.  Source:  Genealogy material from Betty Lou Martin.
35. Carter, p. 325
36. Surname also listed as SWIGGETT. {LDS Descendancy Chart, ID #278L-HF)
37. Died of complications from the measles.  (Carter, p. 325)
38. Nancy Shawhan Smith once told my grandfather John Frances (8) Smith that Julia Trower died of "Milk Leg."  My wife (Cindy Francis), an RN, looked up Milk Leg and gave the following definition:  Postpartum thrombophlebitis.  Infection of the lining of a blood vessel where a clot has attached to the vessel wall.

Onset is usually between the 10th and 20th post partum (about the same time breast milk comes in full--hence, the name "milk leg").  Can lead to pulminary embolism and death related to obstruction of the circulation to the lung.  {REF}
39. Madsen, p. 31.
40. Madsen, p. 34.
41. Madsen, p. 35.
42. Carter, p. 344
43. Killed in flying accident at Corpus Christi, Texas. (Carter, p. 324)
44. Born in a sod hut.  (Carter, p. 325)
45. Madsen, pp. 45-46.
46. Edith died of a heart attack.
47. From interview with Margaret Smith Buck, June, 1998.
48. From phone conversation with Sarah Ann Smith Starnes, 14 March, 1998.
49. Carter, p. 335
50. Carter, p. 336
51. Carter, p. 337
52. Carter, p. 343
53. Carter, p. 327
54. Madsen, pp. 36a and 36b.
55. Madsen, p. 54.
56. Carter, p. 338
57. Tom and Nancy were married by brother, CH (CPT) Robert E. (Bob) Francis.  On June 8, 1993, they were legally married in Kona-Kailua, Hawaii, by Hawaiian minister.  {Information provided by Tom Francis--REF}
58. Sagil Elizabeth’s name was officially changed to Katelyn Marie, due to the influence of grandmother Betty Hymes. The bitch strikes again!--REF July 5, 1999.
59. Name was changed from Sanders to Starnes.  {REF}