Ernest Claude Easley

Notes:

Ernest ran for Mayor of San Augustine in 1995. He was defeated by Gertrude Lane, the first African American Mayor of that city.

The following paid political advertisement ran in the San Augustine Tribune prior to the election. (13 April 1995):

Some of you have asked "Who is Ernest Easley?" As of April 1, 1995 I have been a resident of San Augustine for eight years. During these eight years, I have been a volunteer worker with Care and Share serving as an interviewer and as president for the past two years.

Having 40 years of business experience and commited to a strong future of San Augustine, I will do my best to represent you as Mayor. My office will be open to you......

Since there are some of you I still do not know, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you something about myself. I was born March 2, 1927 in Hemphill and attended school in Hemphill, Yellowpine (two room school house), and Dallas. After graduation, I served almost two years in the U.S. Army - twelve months of this time in Italy.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, I secured a position with a national finance corporation where I was employed for over 38 years; having worked in Houston, Beaumont, Harlingen, San Antonio, and Dallas. For several years I managed their bank in Dallas.

After retiring and selecting San Augustine as my new home, I cam out of retirement and was elected vice-president/manager of the First National Bank Branch in Broaddus where I served until April, 1989.

I have been married to the former Billie Sue SMITH of Center for 44 years. We have a daughter Patti Easley BOSWELL of DeSoto, Texas and a son Dr. Ernest Lee EASLEY of Odessa, Texas. Also, grandsons and two granddaughters.

After becoming a resident of San Augustine, I joined the First Baptist Church and became active in community affairs. For the past two years, I have served as your City Councilman, Place No. 1. I have served as Chairman of the Leadership Committee and Director of the Economic Development Council. Recently, I was elected Director of Tri-County Community Action, Inc. In my church I have served as church treasurer for seven years, Director of Adult 4 Sunday School Department, served as a member of the Pastor Search Committee, and a member of the Building Committee for our Christian Activities building.

In the December 19, 2002 San Augustine Tribune, p 15, an article was written updating friends on his health. He had been diagnosed with Acute Myleogenous Leukemia in January, and spent 29 days in Chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson, but had not gone into remission. His son, Earnest (sic) Lee Easley, had been pastor of Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia since February. Daughter Patti, and her husband Charles, had been in Hartsville, South Carolina where he was the pastor of the Lakeview Baptist Church.

His obituary (following) was in the March 7, 2007 Sabine County Reporter. A similar obituary was published in the March 8, 2007 issue of the San Augustine Tribune.

Ernest C. Easley

Ernest C. Easley, 80, of Nacogdoches died Sunday, March 4, 2007. He fought a long battle with Chronic Myelo Monocytic Leukemia. He was born March 2, 1927, in Hemphill as a son of the late James Cannon Easley and Viola Pearl Easley. Survivors: wife, Billie Sue Easley; daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Dr. Charles BOSWELL of Hartsville, South Carolina; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ernest L. and Julie Easley of Powder Springs, Georgia; six grandchildren, Matthew and Aaron BOSWELL, Amy SNIDER, Jordan and Jonah EASLEY, Jessica EASLEY; three great-grandchildren, Jailee and Ashley EASLEY, and Caden BOSWELL; a brother and sister-in-law, James Louie and Evelyn EASLEY of San Juan Capistrano, California; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Jack and Becky SMITH of Center; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wilynn and Michael STRINGER of Pasadena. Funeral services are set for 3 p.m. today (Wednesday) at First Baptist Church in San Augustine with Dr. Allen Reed officiating. Interment will be follow at Yellowpine Cemetery in Yellowpine. Memorials may be made to Yellowpine Cemetery, c/o Ollie Faye SPARKS at P.O. Box 1110, Hemphill, Texas 75948. Wyman Roberts Funeral Chapel in San Augustine, directors.

Ernest married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living

Notes:

Name: James Cannon Easley
Death Date: 03 May 1936
Death Place: Precinct 7, Sabine, Texas
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 47 years 5 months 3 days
Estimated Birth Date: 1889
Birth Date:
Birthplace: Sabine Co.
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Viola Easley
Father's Name: Daniel Bush Easley
Father's Birthplace: Sabine Co.
Mother's Name: Julia Ann Easley
Mother's Birthplace: Sabine Co.
Occupation: Carpenter
Place of Residence:
Cemetery:
Burial Place: Yellow Pine, Tex.
Burial Date: 04 May 1936
Additional Relatives: X
Film Number: 2116935
Digital Film Number: 4166731
Image Number: 2756
Reference Number: cn 27644
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976

James married Viola Pearl Fullen before 1918 in Texas. Viola (daughter of Lawrence Allen "Lon" Fullen and Margaret Elvina "Viney" McNaughten) was born on 14 Jul 1898 in Sabine County, Texas; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She appears to have married second a Mr. Halbert. She can be found on the 1940 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas census, listed as Viola Halbert and living with sons L.B., Louis, and Ernest and daughter and son-in-law Lillie Mae and Carvy Mason.

The 1976 obither of her brother lists her as Mrs. Viola WALKER of Dallas.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1940 Census
Texas, Dallas, Dallas City, JP 1, Block 77-78
Enumerated 2 April 1940
SD 5 ED 255-18 Sheet 1B
Reagan
3129-23-R-25
Halbert, Viola head F W 41 S (M was written and then struck through) No H-4 Tx R Sabine County Texas
Easley, L B Son M W 22 S No H-2 Tx R Sabine County, Tx Grocery Salesman Retail Grocery Store
Easley, Louie Son M W 18 S Yes H-1 Tx R Sabine County, TX Grocery Salesman Retail Grocery Store
Easley, Ernest Son M W 13 S Yeas 4 Tx R Sabine County, TX
Mason, Carvy Son-in-law M W 21 M No H-1 Tx R Sabine County, TX Shoe Salesman Retail Shoe Store
Mason, Lillie Mae Dtr F W 20 M No H-4 Tx R Sabine County, TX
Mason, James C grandson M W 4/12 S Tx
Mason, Eldon Lodger M W 24 S No H-1 Tx R Sabine County, TX Grocery Salesman Retail Grocery Store

Notes:

Name: Daniel Bush Easley
Death Date: 12 May 1946
Death Place: Precinct #2, Yellow Pine, Sabine, Texas
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 86 years 10 months
Estimated Birth Date:
Birth Date: 12 Jul 1859
Birthplace: Sabine Co., Texas
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: James Easley
Father's Birthplace: South Carolina
Mother's Name: Nancy Walkins
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Farmer
Place of Residence: Yellow Pine, Sabine, Texas
Cemetery: Tower Hill Cem.
Burial Place: Yellow Pine, Texas
Burial Date: 13 May 1946
Additional Relatives:
Film Number: 2218376
Digital Film Number: 4030558
Image Number: 1003
Reference Number: cn 24169
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976


(Research):Census Listings:

1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Precinct 7
Enumerated 28 Apr 1910
SD 2 ED 132 Sheet 8B
139-139
Easley, Bush Hd M W 50 m1 32 Tx SC Tx Farmer
Easley, Julia Wf F W 50 M1 31 12/8 Tx Miss Miss
Easley, Price Son M W 22 S Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Easley, James Son M W 21 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Easley, Dan Son M W 17 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Easley, Clem Son M W 16 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Easley, Dewey Son M W 11 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Easley, Gay Son M W 9 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Hyden, Lizzie Mrs. Dtr F W 26 Wd 3/3 Tx Tx Tx
Hyden, Melia Grddtr F W 8 S Tx Tx Tx
Hyden, Alma Grddtr F W 7 S Tx Tx Tx
Hyden, Birtie Grddtr F W 2 S Tx Tx Tx

Daniel married Julia Ann Edward Travis on 18 Jan 1879 in Sabine County, Texas. Julia (daughter of James Cannon Travis and Sophronia Pauline White) was born on 2 Feb 1860 in Texas; died on 21 Jan 1949 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Yellowpine, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He and Elvina were living next door to his parents and a house away from his brother William at the time of the 1900 Sabine County Census. They were also living next to his parents at the time of the 1910 census. His death certificate, viewable online at FamilySearch.org, Texas Deaths, 1890-1976, shows that he was a farmer and rancher.

(Research):
Census Information:

1920 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 7, ED 169
6 & & Jan 1920 by Thos R Smith
SD 326 ED 169 Sheet 4B
80-80
Fullen, Lon A Hd M W 48 M Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Fullen, Vina Wife F W 42 M Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Robert L Son M W 15 S Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Clara Dtr F W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Fannie Dtr F W 11 S Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Hilliard Son M W 5 S Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Rosella Dtr F W 3 9/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Fullen, Lewis A Son M W 12 S Tx Tx Tx

1930 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 7
Enumerated 15 and 16 1930
ED 202-10 SD 19 Sheet 5A Stamped 115
89-91
Clark, Easual N Hed M W 32 M Tx Tx Tx Drayman Hauling
Clark, Bertie Wf F W 26 M 16 Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Lavern Dtr F W 8 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Easual Jr Son M W 7 S Tx Tx
Clark, Doil Son M W 5 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Knox Son m W 2 6/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Butler, Cornelius Hired Hand M Neg 13 S Tx Tx Tx Servant
90-92
Smith, Osborn Head mW 25 M Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Smith, Bradie Wf F W 28 M Tx Tx Tx
Smith, Artie Son M W 3 8/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Smith, Elbert Son M W 1 5/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Joe I Boarder M W 36 S Tx Tx Tx Drayman Hauling
92-94
Clark, Mrs. W. J. Had F W 44 Wd Tx La Tx Farmer
Clark, Edward Son m W 9 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Leon Son M W 7 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Truitt Son M W 6 S Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Paul Son M W 3 1/12 S Tx Tx Tx
93-95
Fullen, Lon A Head m W 44 M 21 Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Fullen, Edvina Wf F W53 m 18 Tx Tx La
Fullen, Hilliard Son M W 16 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Helper
Fullen, Rosella Dtr F W 14 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Helper
Fullen, Leroy Son M W 12 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Helper
94-96
Paudert, Pierse E Head M W 34 M Ark NY Ark Agent Insurance
Paudert, Ruby Wf F W 17 M Tx Tx Tx
Paudert, Elouise Dtr F W 7/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Paudert, Elizabeth Mother F W 69 Wd Ark Ark Ilkl
95-97
Clark, Mathes J head m W 32 M Tx Tx Tx Stockman Stock running
Clark, Daisy Wf F W 24 M Tx Tx Tx
Ivy, Frank Hired Had m W 78 Ev Miss Ireland Miss Farmer
96-98
Clark, Monroe Head m W 48 M 20 Tx Tx Ala Farmer
Clark, Bessie Wf F W 47 M Tx Tx Tx
Clark, Vira Dtr F W 13 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Helper
97-99
Clark, George B head M W 63 Tx Tx Tx Stockman
Clark, Bettie Wf F W 33 M 29 La La La

Lawrence married Margaret Elvina "Viney" McNaughten on 14 Mar 1896 in Sabine County, Texas. Margaret (daughter of George Washington McNaughten and Elizabeth Smith) was born on 13 Apr 1877 in Texas; died on 31 Mar 1957 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Fairmount Cemetery, Yellowpine, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

According to the 1910 census, they were married 14 years, and she was the mother of 7 total children, all still living.

(Medical):See attached sources.

James married Nancy Watkins. Nancy (daughter of Green Berry Watkins and Elizabeth Smith) was born on 11 Dec 1827 in Louisiana; died on 16 Jan 1905 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was known by his middle name, Cannon. He may have been married previously to an Elizabeth, also from Mississippi.

According to the MINUTES 1858-1890 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HEMPHILL, TEXAS, (James) Cannon and Sophronia (White) Travis were among the 11 founding members of the church. Sophronia was admitted by voucher on September 7, 1857 from W. C. Southwell, Missionary East Texas, as was her husband, Cannon Travis. Fellowship was withdrawn from Cannon Travis on November 10, 1860, and restored September 24, 1864. In June 1884, "charges having been preferred against Bro. Cannon Travis for unchristian conduct & said charges as alleged being Sustained, it was ordered that the Church withdraw fellowship from him & it is further ordered that his name be erased from the Church Book."

Note: Children's names and birthdates are based on a transcription of the 1870 census. The actual 1870 and 1880 census microfilm's should be carefully checked. The 1880 extract seems to have several glaring discrencies in names and dates. Blanche Toole speculates that perhaps the census taker knew Cannon and his family, and completed the information from (faulty) memory instead of by actually interviewing the family. Also, Charlie White lists a child named Jann White, born ca 1868 per the 1870 census who is not listed on either transcription of the census. Perhaps this is Martha Jane White.

Military Service Co. D 1 Tex HV Arty CSA (Courtesy of Tony Pickett)

Was shown on the muster roll of Captain J.M. Burroughs Company of the Sabine County Volunteer Infantry, CSA, and was enlisted at Hemphill, Texas by Drury Field for 3 months duty on January 15, 1863.

Jules Hurst writes that "I understand that Cannon died in Texas of cancer of the eye."

James married Sophronia Pauline White on 5 Dec 1850 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Sophronia (daughter of Edward White and Elizabeth Strickland) was born in Nov 1833 in Amite County, Mississippi; died on 15 Jun 1915 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sophronia was born during an auspicious month. On November 13, 1833, between midnight and dawn, thousands of meteors showered the sky over North America. To the native peoples of the land, it appeared that the stars were falling out of the heavens. Some thought it was the judgment day. Others called it "The Night the Stars Fell".

A young girl who was a slave at the time of the event said "Somebody in the quarters started yellin' in the middle of the night to come out and to look up at the sky. We went outside and there they was a fallin' everywhere! Big stars coming down real close to the groun' and just before they hit the ground they would burn up! We was all scared. Some O'the folks was screamin' and some was prayin' we all made so much noise, the white folk came out to see what was happenin'. They looked up and then they got scared too."

The celestial phenomenon called "the most impressive and awesome display ever recorded" was, in fact, the Leonids meteor shower seen in one of its most impressive years. Viewers witnessed 50,000 to 150,000 meteors per hour, only equaled by the November 17, 1966 display, when the Leonid shower brought 150,000 meteors per hour. Debris from the comet Temple-Tuttle that orbits the sun every 33 years causes the shower.

She was born and raised in Amite County, Mississippi, and can be found on the 1850 census with her parents. Sometime after that, the family moved to Sabine County, Texas.

After her husband's death, she lived with her oldest son, William Hardy Travis. She can be found living with he and his wife, Grace Ener, at the time of the 1900 and 1910 Sabine County census.

Notes:

William enlisted in Co F, 11th Texas Regiment CSA under Col. Roberts and Cpt. Silbey on 17 February 1862. He was discharged on 3 August 1862, cause not stated. According to Robert Cecil McDaniel's book CITIZEN SOLDIERS OF SABINE COUNTY, TEXAS, he was wounded at war. His younger brother John served with him in the same unit.

Around 1868, William and John married sisters, Margaret and Jane Allen. Neither family can be located on the 1870 Sabine County census. It is possible they were simply missed in this first census in the aftermath of the Civil War. At the time of the 1880 census, William & Elizabeth and John & Jane lived in adjoining homes. Listed in William's home was 60 year old Celie Payne, a servant born in Georgia. Could she have been a former slave of Elizabeth Allen's step-Grandmother, Jane Payne Allen?

William's confederate pension application listed his occupation as Carpenter. On census records, he was reported as a farmer.

His younger children, Lena, Ginnie, and Washington Fullen are all shown on the Sabine County 1890 Scholastic census. The very youngest, eight year old Britton, remained at home.

In 1900, sons William and Lawrence lived on either side of their parent's home. Washington and Britton were still at home. According to the 1910 census, William and Margaret had been married for 42 years, and had a total of 6 children, 5 of whom were still living.

On some census records, his middle initial was shown as "R." However, according to his tombstone, his middle name was Morrison.

In 1924 he served as a witness to the confederate pension application for Susannah Halbert Mason, along with witnesse W W Halbert. Both signed with their marks.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1860 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Milam Beat, PO Milam
Enumerated 12 Jun 1860
Page 2, Stamped 318
7-7
Solomon Cawsey 44 M Farmer 1000 2625 Miss
Harriet L. Cawsey 34 F $--- $1320 La
William M. Fullen 16 M Tx
John W. Fullen 12 M Tx
William E Cawsey 12 M Tx
Sebern J. Cawsey 2 M Tx
Geo W Cawsey 1/12 M Tx

1870
Not located

1880 Census
Texas, Sabine County
Enumerated 24 Jun 1880
Page 12D SD 1 ED 85
114-115
Fullen, William W M 34 Farmer Tex Pa Pa
Fullen, Elizabeth W F 31 W Keeping House Tx Miss Miss
Fullen, William A W M 9 Son Tx
Fullen, Lawrence W M 7 Son Tx
Fullen, Lena W F 5 Dtr Tx
Fullen, Jenn??? A W F 10/12 Aug Dtr Tx
Payne, Celie V F 61 Servant House Servant Ga Ga Ga

William married Margaret Elizabeth Allen about 1868 in Sabine County, Texas. Margaret (daughter of John Wooldridge Allen and Caroline C. McGrew) was born on 15 Oct 1847 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 19 Nov 1916; was buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 7
Enumerated 7 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 69 Sheet 8B
133-133
McNaughten, G. W. Head W M Apr 1850 50 M 31 La Tx Ala Farmer
McNaughten, Elizabeth Wf W F Aug 1847 52 M 31 11/10 La Ala Miss
McNaughten, Ellis G Son W M Jan 1879 21 S Tx La La Farm Laborer
McNaughten, Ed D Son W M Dec 1880 19 S Tx La La Farm Laborer
McNaughten, Celia J Dtr W F May 1885 15 S Tx La La Farm Laborer
McNaughten, Mittie J Dtr W F Feb 1889 11 S Tx La La Farm Laborer

George married Elizabeth Smith on 10 Dec 1868 in Newton County, Texas. Elizabeth (daughter of John Hillis Smith, Sr. and Zeroine Garlington) was born on 15 Aug 1847 in Vernon Parish, Louisiana; died in 1927 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]