Infant Son McLemore

Notes:

Melba Gene notes that, as inscribed on Clarissa Batey McLemore's headstone, Clarissa died along with her infant son who lived only 9 days.

Notes:

Melba Gene McLemore writes that her great-great grandfather, Felix Harrelson McLemore "is often described as the most colorful of the McLemore brothers. His self proclaimed profession was that of a Professional Monte Dealer, although census records listed him as a farmer. Letters Felix and Clarissa exchanged show Felix was most often gone to Idaho or Montana prospecting for gold. From their letters, and the children's birth dates, we gather Felix was home long enough for Clarissa Isabella to become pregnant with one of their ten children, and then he would be off again on another mining prospect."

This is a letter he wrote his wife from Thompon Falls, Montana, as transcribed by Melba Gene McLemore:

Thompson Falls MO [Montana]
June 19th 187?
Dear Isabel, I write you a few lines in answer to yours of seven days ago and this being the first chance I have had to get a letter to the office I have had since I received your letter although I was here a week ago but did not have time to write as I was in a hurry to get on .We are still out from Thompson Falls fifteen miles prospecting land but have had bad luck that is we have not struck gold enough to pay in any quantities but are not done trying but don't know when we will give it up but not soon I have found another Lege of one I wrote to you about finding one sometime ago and was going to have an assay of it it only went $16.00 to the ton but I think it will get better as we go down on it and that is our business here today to get fuse and powder and tools to work the lege with the other one I found. I don't know now what it will go but I think it better than the other one. We went to bed rock in our placer mines but did not find gold enough to pay so gave it up but we are going down on our lege and will work a week or so and then I am going on a trip in the mountains with a man who has got horses and will furnish me to go with him and we will be gone for two months or more but you can still direct to Thompson. Hope you are all well can't say when I will be at home may not come this winter but will if I make money enough to get home on and back here in the Spring for I think I will make something here yet for the country is covered with minerals of all kinds. Tell Robert to be on his guard for he is in danger of being killed at any time I have only killed one deer since I have been here, but have not had time to hunt. I saw an awful large bear track in the sand between here and camp this morning but I have not seen one since I have been here. I got a letter from the boys and will answering them as soon as I get a little time hope they are getting out of the grass and they will have an easier time I don't intend for them to make another crop in that county if I can help it. Write soon and often and don't wait for me to write for it may be some time before I am where I can write as ever
F H McLemore

Another letter from Thompson Falls follows:

Thompson Falls
Dear Isabel,
I write you a few lines after waiting to hear from you. I have written two letters since I heard from any of you. What is the matter. Have you written or not or do you wait for me to write before you write. If so I think you owe me a dozen or more for I know that I have written a dozen more than I got from any of you. I am not doing anything of account. Hardly make my grub and sometimes don't make that. In fact couldn't do much if I had work to do for the snow is three feet or has been until a few days back. We had quite a thaw but it snowed all day yesterday and the night before. As the snow snow is over two feet deep now and will not be less until spring. I shall prospect next spring again after I do my assessment work on my claims which will take some twenty days as I own two Interests and as soon as I am done I will start for the mountains for two months and if I don't find something rich I will quit and go to work for wages and try to get back home by winter if I can. I hope you will get along without me until then which I know you can and better perhaps than if I was there but you don't know how bad I want to see you all but I can't get there now so I will try to content myself by thinking you will get along without me best. I hope the children are going to school. When you write give me all the news and don't write such short letters as this. Hope this will find all well.
As ever F H McLemore


The following letter, also transcribed by Melba Gene McLemore, is one that Felix wrote his son John Wright McLemore from the Idaho Territory in the 1880's:

Murrayville, Shoshone County Idaho Terr.
March the 22nd, 188?
John W. McLemore
Dear Son: I write you in answer to yours which came to hand a day or so ago. I haven't nothing new to write. I am working at a saw mill at two dollars a day and board and it is very hard work in heavy timber and snow but I don't think I will work long as the mill will not run only to the last of the month by the partie who is running now --- I will not stay here long for as soon as I can make a few dollars I will go to work on my claims. I wish you all was out here and I hope you will sell the place this year at some price for I can't live in that country anymore after seeing this country. What has become of Marion Oliver or do you know. I have written to him several times but got no answers. Is Tie Jones thear yet if not find out whear he is and write to me. I have written to him and Neal Campbell but have not got any answers -- I don't think Marion Oliver is in the county or he would have answered my letters -- I hope you will succeed in making a good crop, be sure and do the best you all can for I don't know when I will start home not before fall at any rate. I will try to save money enough to carry me home this summer if possible. Thear is quite a rush here now and plenty men out of work and can' get a day's work--I have just written to your mother-- I hope you boys will not let your mother do any hard work for she says she has not been well since I left home. Well I will close. Hope this will find all well. What is John Shep doing.
as ever your Affectionate Father
Felix McLemore FH McLemore

Clarissa wrote her husband in December, 1883 asking him to come home, as there had been some killings in McDade. Melba's transcription of this letter follows:

McDade Bastrop December the 10th 1883

Dear Husband In answer to yours which came in hand a few days Since and found all well and doing the the best we no how - your fruit trees has come and i went and got them and planted them out - you sayed to mark the hogs ive have marked all that didnt die the rest of them are looking very fine there is thousands of _____ yet plenty to last even till Spring-- Moley Bobs Wife is here bin here since sunday She stayed at Mr. Wards seven or eight days and 10 or 12 at Thads and is here and She dont no where bob is at left here a few days ago to hunt a place and have not herd from him since-The partys that rented the Wheat ? place have backed out wanted Thad to furnish 10 or 15 dolars to repane the houses and deduct it from the rent dont no of eny one else wanting land and will have to let it stand until you come home- well there has bin some killing in McDade Bose Heffington was kild there a few nights ago in the dark no one was present the parties met on the street near the market and both parties shot but neither party culd be found and it was a mistry for a while.what _____bose recieved the first shot through the left lung and brok and runn out g. milltons paster and went to miltons house and told about it- he lived about forty eight hours and made an afendavit and swore to it and it was against Jeff fitzpatrick and jeff has not bin seen since Walter sayes he is very proud now and going to bring him a saddle The cowes are very poor on account of eating acorns still I have rote all that is of eny interest. will close by saying I wis you would come home as soon as you can
Your Wife Isabell

(Transcriber's Note: It appears this letter was folded and an extra note added to the end of the paper as the writing appears upside down when looking at the front page of the letter. Written above Isabellas heading of "McDade Bastrop December the 10th 1883" is the following: "Bill says he has quiet crying and will give you some Eggs to make you an EGG Nog when you come home."

A few weeks later, Felix's own brothers Thad and Wright, were taken out of a saloon in McDade and hung by vigilantes, George Milton, Tom Bishop, Mr. Howery and Preacher Frank Fleming. His brothers-in- law, Az and Jack Batey, were killed in a shoot out on Christmas Day, the day following the hangings. Robert Stephens and Haywood Batey were also involved in the shoot out, but not killed. A niece, Pearl Lee Batey was to be born this same day, to Walter and Elizabeth Batey.

Had Felix been home, he likely would have been killed as well. He was interviewed by the St. Louis Globe Democrat Reporter on December 29 about the tragedies in McDade. Melba Gene was unable to find a copy of this article in any of the December, 1883 St. Louis papers, however the article was reprinted in several Texas newspapers.

Melba found the following related article from the Williamson County Sun, published on January 31, 1884:
"Last Monday afternoon, Felix McLemore and Marion Beatty, kinsmen of the men who were hung and shot at McDade on Christmas, rode into Taylor armed with Winchester rifles, and stopped at Pilgrim's saloon. Milton and Bishop, whose firearms were used with fatal effect in the McDade affray, were already in town, well armed, and at Boyd's store on the opposite side of Main street. The two hostile parties were soon aware of their proximity to each other and were vigilant and guarded in their movements on the streets. For a time fears were entertained of a deadly conflict on our streets, but neither party sought a meeting with the other, and Milton and Bishop, having attended to the business which brought them to town, left for home. McLemore and Beatty remained in town till next day, when Marshal Olive got a telegram from the sheriff of Bastrop county, to arrest Beatty, on a charge of robbery, and bring him to Bastrop; in compliance with which he made the arrest and carried Beatty up to Austin that day, McLemore accompanying his friend."

Felix and Isabella had ten children, nine of whom lived into adulthood. Of the nine children, Gabe would die at 17 years and one day of age. The youngest son would live 9 days, as inscribed on Isabella's headstone, as she too would pass from the birth of this child.

In 1892, some four years after Clarissa died, Felix and his children sold their land and McDade. The following year he took out a life insurance policy with New York Life in St. Louis, Missouri. He named his children Clarissa Isabell (Lotta) and Marion Harrelson McLemore as beneficiaries, and listed his occupation as Cowboy and Saloon Keeper.

Felix remarried to "a woman named Sara, around the same time his daughter Minnie Bell married in 1904. Oral family history has this as a short lived marriage---and no records of it have been found." He had a saloon in Mineral Wells about this same time.

Felix bailed out of the saloon business in 1916, he had gone broke from selling on credit. His address in 1919 was St. Louis, Missouri, where he was staying with his daughter, Lotta, and her husband, Claude Johnstone. This is where he was living when he died.

This is a letter he wrote his daughter, Minnie, from St. Louis in 1919, transcribed by Melba.

St. Louis
6-6-19
7025 WATERMAN ST
MRS. MINNIE GAINES

DEAR DAUGHTER

WILL WRITE YOU AGAIN THIS LEAVES ME WELL-LOTTIE IS SITTING_UP THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY THINK SHE WILL BE OUT BY SUNDAY . THE YOUNGEST GIRL FLORENCE HAS A BAD CASE OF THE MUMPS. THIS IS THE FOURTH DAY IT HAS BEEN RAINING HERE FOR THE LAST SIX WEEKS FAIR TODAY

HAVENT HEARD FROM ANY OF THE FOLKS IN SOME TIME DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THE REASON WALTER HE WROTE THAT HE EXPETED TO GO TO DALLAS SHE ? BE OPERATED ON FOR THE PYLES AND HAVE NOT HEARD OF HIM SINCE WROTE JOHN BUT HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM DON'T GUESS I WILL SUPPOSE HE GOT MIFFTED BECAUSE I DID NOT STOP AS I WENT HOME FROM YOUR HOUSE. I DID NOT HAVE TIME FOR I WOULD OF MISSED THE TRAIN IF I HAD STOPPED. SO IF HE GOT MAD AT THAT I CANT HELP IT.

HAVE A NICE SMALL GARDEN HAVE HAD LOTS OF RADISHES AND LETTUS BEANS ARE BLOOMING IT IS ABOUT THE SISE OF YOUR GARDEN HAVE LOTS OF FLOWERS PLANTED OUT LOT OF ROSES BUT OUT ONLY A FEW IN BLOOM CLAUDE IS QUITE A GARDNER SO BETWEEN US I THINK WE WILL SOON HAVE LOTS TO EATE FROM IT- YOU CAN GET ANY VEGETABLE IN THE MARKET YOU CAN THINK OF SO THEY HAVE PLENTY TO EAT HERE - HAS KETON COME HOME YET. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW LOTTIE SAYS SHE WILL WRITE TO YOU AS SOON AS SHE IS ABLE-WILL CLOSE HOPE THIS FINDS YOU ALL WELL WRITE SOON I REMAIN AS EVER YOUR AFFECTIONATE OLD DAD

FELIX MCLEMORE

His body was brought back to Millsap, Texas by train, with his daughter Mollie there waiting. He was buried in the Cox Cemetery, next to his wife, Isabella.

(Research):
Census Information:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Oc
cupation Father's
Birthplace
Mother's Birthplace

F. H. MCLEMORE Self M Male W 37 LA Laborer TN MS
S. I. MCLEMORE Wife M Female W 33 GA Keeping House SC GA
Walter K. MCLEMORE Son S Male W 12 TX Works On Farm LA GA
Molly MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 10 TX At Home LA GA
John W. MCLEMORE Son S Male W 8 TX LA GA
Thomas A. MCLEMORE Son S Male W 7 TX LA GA (Actually Thaddeus Asbury)
Minnie B. MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 5 TX LA GA
Eliza MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 3 TX LA GA
Felix H. MCLEMORE Son S Male W 1 TX LA GA


Source Information:
Census Place Precinct 8, Bastrop, Texas
Family History Library Film 1255290
NA Film Number T9-1290
Page Number 209C - http://www.familysearch.org v.2.5.0


1900 Federal Census
Texas, Parker County, JP 5, ED 75
Enumerated 12 June 1900 by Sam P. Newbery
SD 3, ED 75, Sheet 5
86-86
McLemore, Felix Hd W M Mar 1843 57 Wd LA TN Miss Farmer
McLemore, Minnie B Dtr W F Mar 1878 21 S Tx La Ga
McLemore, Felix H Son W M Jun 1879 20 S Tx La Ga
McLemore, Clarisy I Dtr W F Apr 1882 18 S Tx La Ga
McLemore, Marion H Son W M Jun 1884 14 S Tx La Ga
McLemore, Nancy J Stepmother W F Mar 1835 65 Wd 8/6 Tenn Tenn NC

1910 Federal Census
Oklahoma, Jackson County, Bacum Township (part of)
Enumerated 29 April 1910 by D.C. Oliver
SD 5 ED 134 Sheet 7B
118-124
Littlefield, J.D. Hd M W 43 M1 20 Tx Tn Tx Farming
Littlefield, Mallie Wife F W 40 M1 20 4/4 Tx La Ga
Littlefield, Deland Dtr F w 18 S Tx Tx Tx
Littlefield, Cedcle Son M W 17 Tx Tx Tx
Littlefield, Keton Son M W 14 Ok Tx Tx
Littlefield, Ona B Dtr F W 8/12 Ok Tx Tx
McLemore, F.H.Father-in-law M W 67 Widow La Tn Miss Laborer Odd Jobs

Felix married Clarisa Isabell "Isabella" Batey on 13 Oct 1866 in Bastrop County, Texas. Clarisa (daughter of Walter Warsham Batey and Eliza Evaline Gober) was born on 21 Jan 1849 in Franklin, Dekalb County, Georgia; died on 24 Aug 1888 in Millsap, Parker County, Texas; was buried in Cox Cemetery, Millsap, Parker County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sometimes shown as being born in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Melba states that of all the descendants of Keton Jones McLemore that she has interviewed, no on can state with certainty how the city of Louisville, or where the origin of his being born into a family of 13 children originated, so both these are still speculative and may be incorrect.

The youngest daughter of Keton Jones McLemore, Rosa, was interviewed by a grandson in 1941, and her detailed description of the family makeup was the starting point for much of the subsequent genealogical research done regarding the Keton Jones McLemore family. Rosa indicated that Keton was born when his mother was 60 years old, and that he was the youngest of 13 children, 11 boys and 2 girls. He was educated in Virginia and worked both as a school teacher and as a Methodist Minister. She further indicated that he died in Bastrop County at the age of 63 of gangrene. When son Felix Harrelson McLemore applied for an insurance policy, he also listed his father's cause of death as gangrene.

Keton is thought, but not proven, to be a brother of Nicholas McLemore, to whom he lived next to in Sabine Parish, Louisiana at the time of the 1850 Federal Census. Based on naming patterns, it is also ASSUMED, but not proven, that both are sons of Sterling McLEMORE of Kentucky, and grandsons of Ephraim McLEMORE and Hannah HUDSPETH.

Both Rosa and her brother Pleasant instead indicated that Keton Jones McLemore was a son of Samuel McLemore, an immigrant. In a 1954 letter to his grand niece, Ivy, Pleasant McLemore writes that "My grandfather Samuel McLemore was a lord, he disowned nobility, the title also, married and went to Kentucky, bought a Tobacco plantation, and became wealthy and raised 11 sons to manhood, father was the youngest, his dad sent him to Harvard...I know nothing about his brothers, though corespondd for some time with his nephew of Alabama and his youngest son came to see me when he was released from the Navy, his dads name is Carl S. McLemore a farmer in Scottsboro, Alabama."

Melba Gene McLemore noted that Pleasant was prone to boasting, and known at times to enhance the truth. One example of this is the fact that there are no records that Keton ever attended Harvard.

The family of Carl S. McLemore, born ca 1898 in Alabama, is shown in this index. It appears that Carl is a son of William McLemore of Tennessee, but it is not currently known how William McLemore fits into the larger McLemore family.

Melba Gene McLemore writes that "on March 4, 1850 - Many, Sabine Parish, La. a charter is issued for a Masonic Lodge, with K.J. being listed as Worshipful Master." Furthermore, the book titled "Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Louisiana " published by the order of the Grand Lodge, New Orleans, 1852 shows that K.J. McLemore was a member of the Many Lodge, #88, and expelled in 1852. (Perhaps because he moved to Texas?) It was noted in this same book that N.H. McLemore was rejected in 1852.

Melba also indicated that on 26 Jun 1851, Nicholas H. McLemore, in consideration of the sum of $150 sold to a third party property that had formerly been owned by K.J. McLemore, in the State of Louisiana, Parish of Sabine.

The following letters, written by K.J. McLemore to his son Felix, were provided by Melba Gene McLemore:

East Waco May 27th 1867
Written to Felix H. McLemore

Dear Son, having just met with Tom and Sam Mays, I avail myself of the opportunity of writing to you by them as I have written repeatedly by mail without getting any answer and I am now in great haste and cannot write much. I have lost two of my mules-John and Kit together with a small mare and I am fearful that they are stolen. I had them day before yesterday and yesterday ------- and jack along. I ----- and have been huting this day and cannot hear anything of them. I have been carrying on a slaughterhouse in East Waco but intend quitting as I am not making anything and I intend coming back as soon as I can if, however I have lost my mules it will be out of my power to come without help and I may want you to com and help me. If I do, I will write soon. We are all well. You have a brother here that you neve saw, born 6th past month named Rufus Walter. "Not Bill Walt" He is a noble specimen of his species. Tom Mays told me he saw you a short time ago which was the first I have heard certain of you since I saw you. I have not tried to write all I wish but it would suffice that I have not seen any country since I left Bastrop that I like as well as Bastrop. There is more horse stealing, murdering, etc. in this than any country I have ever lived in. Bell and Margaret are at work in a large spinning factory at one dollar and ten cents a day and both can soon clothe themselves well. I have ---- $70 due me here and as ---- square with my little affairs. I am determined to leave here. I have not heard from George or Philip, Wright or Thad since I have been here. If you are not engaged come up and see us and bring a work horse or two with you, so that I can come back. If Mrs. BATEY has never got her money from Hunt County, if you or any of you come properly authorized by Power of Attorny, I will go with you out there. I must stop. Good Bye your affectionate father, K.J. McLemore P.S. Ma and the children all send their love to all KJM

May 30th As Tom and Sam Mays have not come yet, but are camped some 4 miles back I now proceed to add that I have found my mules but I do not know how long I may keep them as horse stealing is the order of the day here. There has been a good many stolen from East Waco since I have been here. We are having a great abundance of rain and I look for sickness and feel anxious to leave here. In fact I would do so immediately if I could and shall be sure to do so in a month. If I can possibly close with my business. Algerine PERKINS comes to see me occasionally. Preaches ----- Sunday, he is still the same akward -----. I do no see much improvement, if any. They are trying to hold district court here but I do not think they have qutie got their jury made up. They have summonded a great many negroes. God! I pity my country. Tell Walt I saw his friend John DAVIS some time ago. He was trafficking round with a wagon said he had not home. I think he will never pay Walt though he spoke of the debt. I want you to write immediately on the receipt of this. I have written to you several & rec'd no answer. I wrote to BACHMAN about a month ago to inquire after you, but have no answer from him either. I now no nothing more to write that may interest you. You can ride here in 2 or 2 days and if you are not too closely engaged I hope you will do so and I repeat if Mrs. BATEY or any of you come I will go with you to Hunt County. Your Ma says tell Walt that his namesake is the finest boy in Texas. I must stop and get up my mules and harness them to the wagon os I will only -----. Truly. Your Aff't Father K.J. McLemore

Sept . 7th 1868
Seguin , Tx.

To Felix H. McLemore,

Dear Son, After waiting until my patience has become exhausted, I again resume the pen, hoping to be more fortunate in obtaining an answer than I have been here tofore. You will see that I am still at Seguin, simply from the fact that I have not been able to get away, tho I am still determined to go on West, or rather South. I have truly but little to write that can interest you, let it suffice we are all well or tolerably so. Just now Rufus has been quiet sick, is now quite pert again. Bob still has the 3rd day chills, but they do not seem to hurt him much. I have only had one letter from you since I left your house & none from any other source. Amanda red'd on from Thad about 2 weeks since. He was then well, but had been sick some. He was then at Wright's in Clinton, but was going the next day to Lavacca with his team. Hauling is now a good price. $2.00 per 100 lbs. from Lavacca to Seguin & 2 to Austin. Phillip will start in a day or two. He would perhaps be gone now, but was kept home on account of Amanda. She had a daughter born day before yesterday. I may make a trip below myself before I go on South. If I do I will drive an ox team & let Bob drive my mules. I could get stocks here to manage or carry West if I would rather gather them, but I sould not undertake to do that, as it would almost be impossible owing to the mesquite brush. You would be surprised to see how this country has grown up. It is next thing to an impossibility to gather stock here-ther has been an abundance of rain here during the last 4 or 5 weeks and the grass indeed fine. Crops are very good as a general thing, tho the cotton worm has been preying on the cotton crop for some time. Most of the cotton that I see is now bare of foilage. I am indeed very anxious to hear from you & know how you are getting along & what you intend or think of doing. I am told there will be no difficulty in getting stocks to manage out West & I will use every effort in my power to get a good stock to manage in the spring. If you was here with a good team, I suspedt you could make more in one or two trips than you will make in your whole years hard work-What is Walt doing? And what does he talk of doing.-I must close as (Babe) Amanda's little girl is waiting to carry my letter to the office. I shall expect an immediate answer & if I don't get it, I shall be a little ashy. The family all join me in best wishes to you & yours, together with kind regards to Walt & Family. Meanwhile, I remain Truly your aff't Father, K.J. McLemore P.S. Can my little grandson walk & talk-You must kiss him for Grandpa-Goodbye. Direct to care of Ebner and I will get it.

(Notes from Melba Gene McLemore: The letter above was written to my Great-great Grandfather, Felix Harrelson McLemore from his father, Keton Jones McLemore. Walt (to whom Keton sends his regards at the end of the letter) is most likely Walter Worsham BATEY, Felix McLemore's Father-in-Law. Felix's little grandson is my great grandfather, Walter Keton McLemore, who was one year old on the day this letter was written. Walter Keton McLemore would raise my father after the death of my grandfather, Eugene Allen McLemore.

Seguin, Texas
Nov 21, 1868

To Felix H. McLemore

My dear son, having written 3 letters to you without obtaining any answers and having become weary on that account I now . . . once more, hoping ... successful in obtaining an answer to it. . I have only but little to write of interest, let it suffice, we are all tolerable well now. I wrote you about the death of your little brother Rufus which I suppose you got, we have all been sick and at the time Rufus died we were expecting Adaline to die, but she has recovered and is as playful today as usual. I am still living at the . place, & I reckon will be compelled to stay untill I can raise a crop as any sickness has put me in debt and I do not see how I can get out without raising a crop of cotton. I have not .. the place yet but think I can do so. There is two concrete houses of 2 rooms each and 3 log cabins . . . good lots . . of land under . . . If I . I will be compelled to hire some help unless you will come & join me in cultivating it. I would much prefer going on out to Bee or Nueces counties. The people out there I learn are all doing . . good crops there this season and have a market for their beef at St. Mary's or Rock Port & Corpus Christi. There is a man now stopping in sight of me who lives out there near Page's [?] Store, he says they have twice the money in circulation out there than we have here with no clashing & fussing about politics. Here it is a continual clash. Enough to turn a man's brain. Since the elections the Negroes have become more self important and impudent than before and that will be the finale of the matter God only knows.---- I saw Pat ..'s wife in Seguin not long since, but did not have time to talk much with her. She begged me to come back to Papalota , she said they were all getting sick out there. Old Dave Calahan still lives at the same old place, has a very large stock & is entirely independent. Bill Miller is said to be rich in stock & money. Sam Smith is shipping beeves and I learn is doing well. Old Anderson Williams lives at his old place on the Medio, Peter Degat [?] at his old place. Major Stein is merchandising on Popalota, Old Billy .. Is back there. Charly Megesly [?] lives at the reef near Corpus. I now know of nothing more to write. If I was not so hard run [?] I would come immediately to see you, but it is out of my power. I am trying to get loading to start to the Post. I will go as soon as I can. Prob.[?] will start tomorrow or next day. I heard from Thad not long since on his way to Austin & was sick. I have been thinking he might be at your house now I expect you to answer this immediately Your father K.J. McLemore I have written to George & Lucretia but no answer.

Randolph Branch, Texas
March 21st, 1870
Written to Felix H. McLemore

Dear Son, Yours of the 4th Inst. is received and agreeable to my usual custom of promptitude in my correspondance. I hasten to reply. Have nothing of great interest to write. Let it suffice we are all well and have had last night and today a fine rain Which we thought we were needing very much as the ground was so dry that we were unable to plow or plant. I have been coinsaratively idle for 2 weeks or near that time, have not planted anything but a few vegetables. Irish Potatoes, Peas, Sowed Cabbage Lettuce, Mustard KC and a little Corn for early roasting ears. The corn is killed and if I could have plowed I should have been done planting corn & perhaps cotton which would no doubted have been labor in vain.-I now think I will not plant corn for 10 days yet. Say the last of this or 1st of next month as I feel sure we may expect a cold spell about 17th next month, being Easter Sunday and full moon 2 days before. It will be very apt to come, and in planting any corn I wish to plant, so as to secure my crop against any severe weather we may have about that time and it is a matter of great importance with the farmer to secure a good stand at the first planting. I am indeed quite uneasy on account of Thad, his trip to La. Particularly in company with the Characters he is with is unsafe & I shall suffer on his account untill I find he has returned in safety. You said that your country had filled with desperados and horse thieves and I learn that such is the case here and am credibly informed that there have been some 6 or 7 hanged by mobs for horse stealing on the San Marcos and in Caldwell County. Mexicans generally I believe. I should feel no fears of John Wilson, he is no doubt a bad man and mean enough to murder, or do anything, but he is no doubt a great coward, but as caution is the parent of safety, I should not find myself in his way, but be prepared and if I could prove his threats and meet with him I would certainly take care of myself if possible--If you hear from Thad, don't fail to let me know immediately, --- I rec'd. a letter from your cousin Jack yesterday, he was then at your cousin Eliza Thompsons in Travis Co. & I have just answered his letter, directed my letter to Onion Creek, care of Sterling J. Wright, and if Jack should be at your home, as he spoke something in his letter of coming there, you can inform him of that fast. Amanda & her children are at my house. Ebner having gone below. They are not well. Manda and two of the children have been having chills. I must now close & do not know when you will hear from me again as I am writing on my last paper, using my last envelop & no money to buy more, with gloomy prospects for provisions, but having worked through so long I still expect to make out. I am very anxious to have Mag at home, but see no way of getting her here. I suppose if Thad gets back he will come out here before long & I want him to bring her home--you see I have only room to say good bye, Your Father ...K.J. McLemore
PS I have not heard of your Bro. Wright in some time. don't hangle & quarrel with George. It is no credit to either of you .I know him perhaps too well. Give him what he has got and let go. KJM

(Research):
Census Listings:

1830 Census-Richland, Arkansas Territory

Enumerated alone, but living next door to Wright McLemore

Arkansas Territory, Arkansas County, Richland Township
Series: M19 Roll: 5 Page: 76
Year: 1830

Household consists of one male under the age of 20, and listed as McLemore, Reten J

1840 Census
Macklamoer, K.J.
State: LA Year: 1840
County: Natchitoches Parish Record Type: Federal Population Schedule
Township: No Township Listed Page: 180
Database: LA 1840 Federal Census Index

In Kathy Casagranda's 1850 Sabine Parish Census Transcription, she indicated that in 1846 K.J. McLemore was Assessor and that an R.J. (sic) McLemore was Captain of Police Jury Ward Two. As of 1850, K.J. was shown as Sheriff. (p. 14).

She has the family transcribed as follows:

619 McLemore, H.J. 41 M Kentucky (Note by Melba: Occupation was listed as Sheriff)
619 McLemore, Rebecca 30 F Mississippi
619 McLemore, Wright 15 M Mississippi
619 McLemore, Lucretia 10 F Mississippi
619 McLemore, Amanda 9 F Louisiana
619 McLemore, Felix 6 M Louisiana
619 McLemore, Thaddeus 4 M Louisiana
619 McLemore, Rebecca 1 F Louisiana


Listed immediately after K.J. McLemore's family was that of Nicholoas McLemore. The relationship between the two families is not known with certainty, but they appear to be related based on their migration patterns and proximity.

620 McLemore, Nicholas 39 M Farmer Tennessee
620 McLemore, Jane 31 F Tennessee
620 McLemore, Chas 1 M Mississippi
620 McLemore, Sterling 14 M Mississippi
620 McLemore, Evaline 11 F Tennessee
620 McLemore, William 10 M Tennessee
620 McLemore, Jas 8 M Tennessee
620 McLemore, Laura 5 F Mississippi
620 McLemore, Robt 4 M Mississippi

Casagranda notes that the Nicholas McLemore family was living in the 1860 census with children James, Robert, Richard and Martha still at home. After 1860, there were no further records for this family in the Parish. However, she noted that a large number of individuals named McLemore lived in Union Parish.

Keton and family were in Bee County, Texas at the time of the 1860 census

Texas, Bee County, Papalote
#290-229
Enumerated 3 July 1860 By A S Thurman
PAGES 146b and 147 a
R.J. Mclamore 50 M Farmer KY
Nancy J Mclamore 23 F Tenn
Felix H Mclamore 16 M La
Thadeus R Mclamore 14 M La
Rebecca E Mclamore 11 F La
Margaret F Mclamore 8 F Tex
Rob J Mclamore 3 M Tex
Emily M Mclamore Age 8/12 F Tex

1870 Census
Texas, Guadalupe County, Seguin, Pr 4
Enumerated by James M. Thornton
Stamped 422
#65-69
K.J. age 60 Farmer $300 KY
Nancy - age 33-Wife Keeps House Tennessee
R.J. Age 20 F W La
Sarah Age 14 F W Tex
Robert age 12 M W Tex
Emaley age 8 F W Tex
Adaline age 5 F W Tex
Rosa age 11/12 F W Tex

(Census listings courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

(Medical):

Y DNA Results, FTDNA Haplogroup:

R1b1

A direct male descendant of Keton McLemore was a participant in the Morrison DNA study. The kit number was 35844, and this DNA was a high definition match to two other McLemore's (not previously proven to be related), as well as with a McElmurry from Kentucky

See the results for Group O at the following website:

http://www.geneticousins.com/morrison/

Keton's descendant was a match to a descendant of Wright McLemore of Arkansas, matching in 24 of 25 markers. Wright and Keton lived in adjoining households at the time of the 1830 Richland County, Arkansas census. Keton's descendant was also a high resolution match, 24 of 25 markers, with a direct male descendant of John McLemore, born 1822 in North Carolina, who later migrated to Georgia and Texas. He moved to Jasper and Newton Counties, Texas, just across the border from Sabine Parish, Lousiana, where Keton McLemore lived for some period of time. The markers that differ are, in each case, rapidly mutating markers.

According to FamilytreeDNA in Houston, the probability that the two DNA donors share a common ancestor, is as follows:

In comparing 25 markers, the probability of sharing a common ancestor within the last...

4 generations is
27.54%
8 generations is
58.22%
12 generations is
78.24%
16 generations is
89.3%
20 generations is
94.93%
24 generations is
97.66%

In addition to this above matches, the Wright McLemore, John McLemore, and Keton Jones McLemore descendants were also matches to two proven descendants of Abraham Macklemore, the immigrant, and John McLemore, born 1762, the Revolutionary soldier who left descendants in Knox County, Tennessee; Dade County, Missouri; Illinois; Mississippi; and Alabama.

Each of these matches, including the McElmurry, can be found indexed in these files.

The members of R1b are believed to be the descendants of the first modern humans who entered Europe about 35,000-40,000 years ago. Those R1b forebearers were the people who painted the beautiful art in the caves in Spain and France. They were the contemporaries (and perhaps exterminators) of the European Neanderthals. R1b is the most common Y haplogroup in Europe - more than half of men of European descent belong to R1b. Fourteen of the 30 most common haplotypes in the YSTR.org database are typical of R1b.

Keton married Rebecca Jane Harrelson on 28 May 1833 in Hinds County, Mississippi. Rebecca was born about 1820 in Mississippi; died between 1852 and 1853 in Jefferson County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Rosa McLemore wrote that her father first wife was "Isabell Harrison" the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Virginia. She was probably assuming her name was Isabella based on the middle name of Keton's daughter Rebecca, apparently named for her mother.

She was actually the daughter of Solomon J. HARRELSON. It is believed that she died in childbirth, along with her eighth child, around 1853, probably in Jefferson County Texas. When son Felix Harrelson McLemore applied for an insurance policy, he listed his mother's cause of death as dysentery, after an illness of six weeks.

K.J. MCLEMORE , MARRIAGE TO REBECCA JANE HARRELSON ,
BNDS. SOLOMON J. HARRELSON , FATHER CONSENTS. MAY 28 ,1833.HINDS CO. ,
MISSISSIPPI MARRIAGE BOOKS
MARRIAGE BOOK 1,PAGE 261.28 MAY 1833.HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

ESTATE PAPERS OF SOLOMON J. HARRELSON , FATHER OF REBECCA JANE MCLEMORE nee
HARRELSON,SHOW K.J. MCLEMORE BOUGHT A BRASS CLOCK FOR 30$, AND A PLOW FOR
$1.00 from the ESTATE OF SOLOMON J. HARRELSON.

HINDS COUNTY INVENTORY BOOK 2- 1836-1839
ROLL 87
#297-INVENTORY OF ESTATE OF SOLOMON J. HARRELSON MAY 16, 1837
#387-INVENTORY OF PROPERTY
#388- CONTINUANCE OF PROPERTY
FILED JAN . 23, 1838

(Courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

Notes:

Married:
In a March 1, 1955 letter to his niece, Pleasant McLemore, the youngest son of Keton by his second wife, recalls that the names of his fathers descendants by his first wife, as far as he knew, were "Lucreacia, Wright, Mandy, Isabel, Felix before Isabel (my error), Maggie, and then Thad, as for Harrison, I never heard of him.....I never did see Wright, saw Thad once, when we stopped at Felixes a few minutes, he didn't talk to me, and I didn't know who he was."

Notes:

Melba McLemore, a descendant, notes that the spelling BATEY was used in the family Bible. Jerald Hemphill and other researchers instead use the alternative spelling of BEATY. Jerald Hemphill also has Walter's date of birth as 23 Dec 1819 and date of death as Aug 1884.

(Research):Census Listings:

1860 Census
Texas, Burleson County, P.O. Blue Branch
Enumerated 18 August 1860
Page 82
553-545
W.W. Beaty 40 M Potter(?) 160 1092 N.C.
Eliza Batey 36 F Ga
David Beatey 16 M Ga
John Beatey 14 M Ga
Clarissa Beaty 11 F Ga
Jerry Beaty 9 M Miss
Walter Beaty 7 M Miss
Eliza Beaty 5 F Tx
Mary Beaty 1 F Tx

1870 Census
Not located

1880 Census

Walter Batey Self M M W 50 Ky Farmer Ky Ky
Eliza Batey Wife M F W 50 Ky Keeps House Ky Ky
Asburry Batey Son S M W 27 Tx Works on Farm Ky Ky
Census Place Precinct 3, Runnels County, Texas
FHL Film 1255324
NA Film T9-1324
Page Number 631 C

Walter married Eliza Evaline Gober on 10 Jan 1842 in Dekalb County, Georgia. Eliza was born on 1 Jan 1824 in Georgia; died on 26 May 1906 in Millsap, Parker County, Texas; was buried in Cox Cemetery, Millsap, Parker County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jerald Hemphill instead shows her date of death as 25 May 1906. He shows her as the daughter of Thomas Craddock GOBER and Clarissa Wisdom PITCHFORD. She is said to have been born in DeKalb County, Georgia.