Jack Neil Strong

Notes:

Most of the information below was obtained on January 29, 1999 at Donald Joe Weavers ranch in St. Joe, Texas. Tape recordings were made over several hours. The quality of the tapes is poor due to background noise. Those present were Viola Strong Weaver, her son Don and his wife Pat, Barney Strong and his wife Violet, Anna L. (Rooney) Strong, Jack Neill Strong, and the compiler, Charles Strong.

Jack and his twin brother Jake were born on Christmas Day 1915, Jake dying shortly after his birth. Jack's mother, Tessie Soukup Strong died about six months later. Shortly after his mother's death, one of Walter Strong's aunts, Rosetta Neill came to visit the Strong family in Prague, Oklahoma. Jack was very ill. Rosetta and her husband, Hamilton Neill, took Jack home with them to Vinson (Harmon) County, Oklahoma to better care for him.

The Neill's farm was large and even had indoor plumbing, a rarity in rural Oklahoma in 1916. Jack went to school in Vinson, about 8 miles from the farm. In the early years, he traveled to school by horse and wagon, and later on a T-Model Ford School bus. When Jack was in either the fourth or fifth grade, he was teasing some girls and got into a fight. After the fight, they told him he didn't even have a father or mother. At the age of 10 or 11, this was a shock. As he walked up the lane to the farmhouse, his mother saw that he was crying and had been fighting. His dad asked what was wrong. Jack replied, "The kids said you weren't my Papa and Mama." They came clean and stated "We are not your Mama and Papa. You were a sick little baby, and we went and got you and we picked you out to be one of our little family." This did not help one bit. At this age, one does not understand that. Jack said "As a result of this, up to this day, it is hard for me to trust anybody!" After this, it was never the same. They treated me better than their own kids. They had two boys and two girls already gone from home. I was the only child there, and they spoiled me rotten.

When Jack was 14 or 15, the Neills told him that his father, Walter Strong, was alive. Shortly after this, Mr. Neill died, and Jack took care of his mother. He had to quit school, but went back for awhile. Mrs. Neill took Jack to see Walter and his stepmother, Stella. Perhaps this was when they were living west of Lawton, around 1931 or 1932. They visited for two or three days. Jack recalls playing with some kids. They were probably Barney, Bob, and Cecil. The day before they were to go home, they were eating and Walter asked Jack if he wanted to stay with them, or go home with Mommy Neill. Jack said "I want to go home." He thought that Walter might have been hurt by this decision. The next morning, he and his mother took the bus back to Vinson, Oklahoma. He added that "All of this was in the back of my mind, and I was very confused.

The Neill's may also have been uncertain as to their relationship with Jack. On the 1920 census, he was listed as their adopted son. In 1930, he was listed simply as a lodger.

After high school in the 1930's, Jack went to work for C.R. Anthony Company as a shoe salesman in Lawton, Oklahoma. There was a disagreement one evening after a big day's sale, to military personnel on payday, and Jack was fired. It appears he had a date. When he didn't show up for work on Monday, Mr. Anthony called him up from Oklahoma City. Jack refused to go back to Lawton, but agreed to continue working for him at the Oklahoma City store.

Soon Jack was working two jobs. His second job was with a drug store. About this time he married Bernadine and needed the money. This was in the late 1930s when times were hard. Soon, he was working at the drug store during the day, and as a bartender at the Black Hotel in the evenings. This was right before World War II. He doubled his wages.

While holding down these two jobs, Jack was drafted into the army early in World War II. While working at the bar, airmen from the Will Rogers Air Corps Base who were customers advised Jack to try to become a cook in the service. Upon induction into the army, he told them he was a cook at the Black Hotel. He was given a test about cuts of meat. Having grown up on a ranch, the test was a snap. At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he received ill-fitting clothes that afternoon, and was awakened at 4 am the next morning to scramble eggs all day in a field kitchen.

Jack was shipped to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training. While at Fort Leonard Wood, he cooked but never went through basic training, except for the rifle range. Jack was shipped overseas, first to North Africa, then to Sicily. He travelled "from the toe up through the north till the war ended." After the war, Jack was discharged in Virginia Beach, VA. Upon discharge, he hired a man with a Piper Cub plan to fly him to Oklahoma for $150, half of his mustering out pay.

Back in Oklahoma, Jack worked first for a beauty and barber supply company. Next he worked for Tom's Peanut Company. After that, he took a job selling jewelry and toys to stores in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. He also sold buttons and zippers. He worked for the Pearl Button Company of Lansing, Iowa for 32 years. Charles R. Strong and some of his brothers and sisters recall visiting Jack several times during these years. The Button Company went bankrupt, and so went Jacks retirement. Jack next started to sell flags, banners, and sales promotion material like that foung around car lots, parades, etc. The flag business was in several locations. First Austin and Seguin, Texas. Next he went to Miami, Florida. After Florida, he lived in New Orleans, Louisiana for 9 years. Later he retired to Hawaii and loved it. Since his only income was Social Security and he could not afford trips to the states to visit his children, he moved back to the states and settled in Forth Worth around 1994.

Obituary: Obituary Jack Neil Strong


Jack Neil Strong, 87, a retired salesman and entrepreneur died December 13th, 2003 in Fort Worth. Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday, December 18th at Forest Ridge Funeral Home, Hurst, Texas. His ashes will be placed at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery following the memorial service. Memorial: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Texas, 6100 Western Place, Suite 500, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Jack was born Christmas day, 1915 in Lawton, Okla. He proudly served in the US Army during World War II. He was an outstanding salesman throughout his life and sold a variety of items including Tom's Peanuts, buttons, zippers, costume jewelry, and flags and pennants. He never met a stranger and could always make you smile or laugh. He was a lover of life and lived life to its fullest to the very end. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Survivors: Daughters, Jacqueline Forni Conner of Denton and Dr. Kathy Morrison Zatopek and husband, Wayne Zatopek of Hurst and Tyler; Granddaughters, Christina Dittrich and husband, Derek Dittrich of Hamilton, Tex. and Meghann Brown and husband, Ryan Brown of Killeen, Tex. Great Granddaughters Shelby and Tayler Dittrich; sister, Viola Weaver of Gainesville; brother, Barney Strong of Gainesville; half-brother, Bob Strong of Lawton, Okla.

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Oklahoma, Harmon County, Francis Twp
16 January 1920
FM #105-106
Neils (sic), Hamilton Head M W 53 M Texas US US Farmer
Neils, Rosetta Wife F W 54 M Yes Texas Missouri Virginia
Neils, Clyde E Son M W 17 Ok Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Neils, Elmer H Son M w 15 Ok Tx Tx Farm Laborer
Neils, Jack Adopted Son M W 4 1/2 Ok Ok Ok

1940 Census
Oklahoma, Tillman, Frederick City
Enumerated April 18, 1940
ED 9 SD 71-6
Enumerated April 15, 1940
309-60 P 3000
Phillips, William Head M W 46 M No H-2 Tx Sameplace Mail Rural carrier USPO
Phillips, Mable Wf F W 43 M No H-3 Ohio Sameplace
Phillips, Billie C Son M W 16 S Okla Sameplace
Phillips, Doris E Dtr F W 14 S Okla Sameplace
Strong, Jack N Son-in-law M W 24 M No H-4 Okla Sameplace Shoe Salesman Shoe Store
Strong, Eugenia Dtr F W 20 M M-4 Okla Same Place
Strong, Irma G Dtr F W 1 S No O Okla

Jack married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jack married Eugenia Lou Phillips on 28 Mar 1937 in Frederick, Tillman County, Oklahoma. Eugenia was born on 12 Nov 1919 in Frederick, Tillman County, Oklahoma; died on 24 Nov 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
At the time of the marriage, the bride was 17, and her father J. W. Phillips gave permission on March 27, 1937. They were married by R. O. Callahan in the Methodist Church with R.H. Keeser and J.W. Phillips as witnesses. Eugenia and Jack were divorced in Tillman County, Divorce Petition-District Court Docket, Book 14, page 13, Case #8312, filed January 26, 1942. At that time, daughter Irma Jean was 3 years old and son James Timothy was about 14 months old. The divorce petition alleges that about February 14, 1940, Jack sent her and the children home, forced to live with her parents. She further alleges that Jack refused to support her since abandonment. She requested personal property and custody of the children, and also requested defendant pay $25/month child support plus $100 attorney fees. The divorce was granted on February 3, 1942. It granted all of the alleged is true. It also decreed that Jack was to pay the child support and the attorney fees, starting March 1, 1942.

1. Living
2. Living

Jack married Bernadine Horton before 1946. Bernadine was born on 26 Jan 1919 in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma; died on 10 Sep 2005 in Denton, Denton County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living

Notes:

Walter's middle name, Winfield, does not appear to be a family name. It is assumed that he was named in honor of General Winfield Scott.

In 1907, Walter was living in Comanche County, Oklahoma (Source: Estate Settlement of Mash & Eliza J. Hall). As he and Tessie Soukup were married sometime before 1908, this is presumably where they met.

According to the June 18, 1908 WALTERS (Oklahoma) JOURNAL, "Walter Strong who worked at the barber trade last fall, but who for some time has been in Lawton and Temple has returned to Walters and is at work for E.J. Blair, proprietor of Modern Barber Shop." Walter was mentioned again in the April 1, 1909 issue of THE NEW ERA, "Walter Strong and family left here about two weeks ago to visit relatives in Prague, Oklahoma. They have decided to locate there." Charles Strong located the family in the 1910 Prague, Oklahoma telephone directory, published March 24, 1910. The residential phone number of Walter Strong was 89. It appears that there were 148 phone numbers assigned to both residents and businesses at the time.

At the time of the 1910 Federal Census, he and Tessie were living at 13th and Broadway, Creek Township, Prague City, Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

Tessie died when she was only 29 of what her family called "kidney poisoning." It may have been complication from the birth of her twin sons five months earlier.

After Tessie died, Walter moved to Iowa City, Wichita County, Texas. Iowa City was west of Wichita Falls, and on the Burlington Northern Rail line. He was living in a boarding house, on Block M, owned by Dale and Vivian Pierce from Iowa. Many of the lodgers in the house worked as Oil Field Laborers. Walter's occupation was listed as Barber. Presumably he had more customers, and could make more money, near Wichita Falls than he could have made by remaining in Lawton. He was listed on the 1920 Federal Census, enumerated in January 1920, as Walter Strawn (sic), Lodger, M W, 38, Wd, Texas, Ohio, Missouri Barber Barber Shop. He was listed immediately following a 19 year old Roy D. West, born in Mississippi, who was a bookkeeper at a bank. This does not appear to be his future step-son, as the age and place of birth are different. Also living in the boarding home with him was 24 year old John R. McLEMORE. In an amazing coincidence, meaning absolutely nothing, Walter's great grandson, Tom STRONG, would some sixty years later marry Roy McLemore's half first cousin, twice removed, Melinda McLEMORE.

Homer, Viola and Barney were temporarily cared for by a woman they called "Grandma Dominic." As far as anyone knows, she was not a relative. They can be found in her home, listed as boarders, at the time of the 1920 census.

Walter's youngest son, Jack, was very ill after his mother died, and was taken in by Walter's Aunt, Rosetta Hall.

Walter apparently moved back to Oklahoma shortly after the 1920 census, as he an Stella Crouch were married in Grady county in June 1920. Stella had two sons from previous marriages, Roy WEST and Cecil Afton LEWIS.

Barney remembers going to first grade in Bison, Garfield County, Oklahoma shortly after his father remarried Stella. There is a picture of Viola, Homer, Barney, Cecil and Roy, in the possession of both the Lewis and Strong families, that was taken in Bison. All the boys are in ties except Homer. Cecil obviously borrowed an adult's tie, and Barney remembers his tie being tucked in. Barney also remembers playing baseball in Bison, and scarring his leg badly on a broken snuff jar after one game. Homer recalls also living the city of Waukomis, near Bison.

Stella and Walter later had another son, Robert Henry Strong. They lived on a farm near Wellston.

At the time of the 1930 census, the family was living in the 2nd Ward, King Township, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

(Research):

Census Information:

1910 Census
Oklahoma, Lincoln County, Prague
#12-13
Strong, Walter Head M W 29 M1 4 Texas Ohio Mo Eng Laborer
Strong, Terrisha WIfe F W 24 M1 4 Nebrasak Aust Aust Eng Mo
ther of 3 children, 2 of whom were still living
Strong, Homer son M w 2 Ok Tx Neb
Strong, Viola dau F w 9/12 Ok Tx Neb
Strong, Richard (sic) M w 15 S Tx Oh Mo Eng Laborer<---Walter's brother Rolla
Johns, Mary ??? F w 15 Ark Ark Ark Eng servant

1920 Census
Oklahoma, Comanche County, Lawton Township, Ward 5, Precinct 1 310
Park Avenue #113-125
Dominick, Agnes Head F W 51 Dv 1872 Nat. England England England
Dominick, Edna Mae Dau F W 24 Single Texas New York England Clerk Dept Store
Clift, W.H. Boarder M W 48 Wd Ark Tenn Tenn Gen. Man. City
Clift, Charles H Boarder M W 16 S Okl Ark TN
Strong, Homer Boarder M W 11 S Ok Unknown/US Unknown/US
Strong, Viola Mae Boarder F W 9 S Ok Unknown/US Unknown/US
Strong, Brunurd Boarder M W 6 S Ok Uknown/US Unknown/US
Williamson, Maria Boarder F W 29 Illinois Iowa Illinois
Williamson, Lucille Boarder F W 7 Illinois England Illinois
Note: Walter was working in Wichita County, Texas, and boarding there. Youngest son Jack was living with his great-aunt, Rosetta Neill in Harmon County, Oklahoma.

1930 Census
Oklahoma, Stephens County, Duncan, King Twp, 2nd Ward
1509 Cedar
#6-6 Strong, Walter W Head Rents $15 month no radio M W 48 Married age 37 Texas Ohio Texas Barber Barbershop Employed not a veteran
--------- , Stella Wife F W 36 Married age 26 Texas Texas Texas
West, Roy N Step-son M W 19 S Oklahoma TX TX Painter General Building
Lewis, Cecil E Step-son M W 17 S Oklahoma TX TX Waiter Cafe
Strong, Robert H son M W 5 S Oklahoma TX TX
Crouch, Henry J father-in-law M W 73 Widower TX South Carolina TX

(Medical):artherio sclerostic heart disease (5 years)

Walter married Terezie Rose "Tessie" Soukup on 4 Aug 1907 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Terezie (daughter of Frantisek "Frank" M. Soukup and Anna Beznoska) was born on 4 Jun 1886 in Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska; died on 3 Jun 1916 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma; was buried in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her first name may actually have been Tereza/Theresa.

The information below was acquired by Charles Strong September 1999. This information is from the Lawton, Oklahoma Genealogy Library located in the public library.

Article from Lawton Constitution June 5, 1916

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR Mrs. Strong

Funeral services for Mrs. Watler (sic) Strong, age 29 years, who died Saturday afternoon at the hospital at 4 o'clock, were held yesterday afternoon at the Beal Heights Presbyterian church, Rev. J. W. Moseley, pastor of the church officiating. Interment was made in the Lawton cemetery.

The deceased is survived by a husband and four children, Homer, 8; Viola May 6; Branyard, 2; and Jack, 5 months; a father, Frank Socket (sic) of Junction City; 2 sisters, Mrs. Geo. Errett (sic), of Prague, Okla. And Mrs. Anna Hooker of Tinney, Okla.; four brothers in Milligan, Neb., one at Prague and one at Junction City.

Notes:

Married:
Married by Oliver R. Land, Minister of the first Congregational Church of Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma Territory. Witnesses were Harry Soukup and Mrs. S.G. Royl. She was listed as Tessa on the marriage license.

Rhodene Frederick found the following burial records for Highland Cemetery in Lawton:

Strong, Tessie R., b. 1886, d. Jun 3, 1916, 30y, NE-Frank Sankeans (sic)
Strong, Walter W., b. 1881, d. Apr 4, 1961, 80y, TN-Ralph Strong

Notes:

For many years, it was assumed by his descendants that Ralph's middle name was pronounced Bernard. However, on Ralph's death certificate, filed by son Walter, his middle name was listed as "Brenard." Walter also named one of his sons after his father. Although the exact spelling he intended is not clear, his son's name was pronounced "Branyard." It appears, therefore, that Ralph shared his middle name with his father "Brainerd," a name that was apparently common in New England, but rare in rural Texas and Oklahoma.

1860 OHIO Census, Trumbull County Bristol Township Enumerated on 24 August 1860 With his parents, David Brainerd and Leonora (Sherman) Strong as a 2 year old

There was another Ralph Strong, age 4, on the 1860 Ohio census, the son of Samuel Strong of nearby Lake County, However, his death certificate shows that he was the son of Samuel STRONG and Sarah SCHRAM, and was born in July 1, 1856.

1870 NEBRASKA Census, Johnson County Todd Creek Township
Living with his Uncle, Hezekiah Strong, and listed as R.B. Strong, age 12, born in Ohio, Farm Laborer

Ralph and Mary Ella Hall were married in 1878 in Hunt County, Texas. They were living west of Hunt in 1880, in Collin County, Texas. Mary's parents, Mash and Eliza Hall lived in Collin County as well. By 1900, they had relocated to Hopkins County, Texas.

There was one other Strong family in Collin County in 1880, however, it does not appear that they were related to Ralph as they were from Tennessee.

In April, 1894, Henry A. Strong of Trumbull County, Ohio served as the administrator of the estate of his step-mother, Leanora A. (Sherman) STRONG. He filed a petition to sell lands. In his petition, he filed an affidavit for service by publication on Ralph Strong. The index page to the Estate shows he tried to send the statutorily required "notice to non residents" to Ralph in both Baird, Callihan (sic) County, Texas and in Blue, Indian Territory, apparently with no response. Blue is due North of Hunt County, where Ralph and Ella were married. Baird is in southwest of Collin County, near Abilene, in Callahan County. Ralph and his family apparently next move to the northeast of Collin County, as by 1896 the family was in Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County, Texas. At the time of the 1900 Federal Census, they were still in Hopkins County.

The 1900 census also indicated that Mary was the mother of nine children, eight of whom were living. According to Viola Strong Weaver's Bible, presented to her by her parents in August, 1950, the ninth child was apparently a son named Harry. He appears to have died young, as neither his birth or death date is recorded in the Bible.

Ralph next moved his family North, to the Oklahoma Terrotory, where Mary Ella died in 1905.

Ralph moved even further westward, where he is listed on the 1910 Roosevelt County, New Mexico Territory Census, Precinct No 12, Dora, with his second wife, Mary Stockbridge, and youngest son Ernest.

This census is notable as it shows Ralph's father as being born in New York instead of Ohio. Charles Strong read the Roosevelt County, New Mexico census for the year of 1920, but was not able to locate the family. Nor was he able to locate the family on the soundex for New Mexico.

Homer Strong reported that in additona to farming his grandfather, Ralph, had worked both as a jockey and a plainclothes policeman. Ralph's great-granddaughter, Peggy Patty, reports that Ralph actually was a bounty hunter, as was his oldest son Augustus (her grandfather). Plainclothes policeman was simply the more polite term the family used to describe this work, of which they were not proud.

On April 15, 1929, about 10 days before his death, Ralph and Mary entered into a warranty deed with Mrs. C. E. MITCHELL. They apparently sold her approximately 160 acres of land for $2,400. Mrs. MITCHELL also became responsible for the mortgage of $500. This land was situated in the Southwest Quarter of Section 24, Township 5 South, Range 34, East of the New Mexico Meriden in the County of Roosevelt, State of New Mexico. They sold it to her "reserving...the use of three (3) acres...the dwelling house, out-buildings, garden and orchards for a home as long as (either or both) of them shall live." On January 16, 1924, they had mortgaged this same 160 acres of land to Beulah H. Gibson for $500. Mary's sister, Celia Stockbridge, was married to a Frank MITCHELL.

In late April, 1929, the following article was published in the DUNCAN BANNER

SONS BRING FATHER HERE FOR TREATMENT

"R.B. Strong, father of Burt and W.W. Strong of Duncan, is being brought here from Partalas (sic), N.M. in a Beeson Grantham ambulance. Burt Strong left with the ambulance Tuesday to get his father, who had been in ill health for some time. They are expected here Thursday morning. Mr. Strong has been at Partalas for several months."

Ralph was moved into the home of his son Burt after being brought to Duncan. However, Burt and his father soon had a tremendous fight, and he moved Ralph to Walter's home. Barney remembers his parents living on the 700 block of Stephens about this time, although the obituary below lists this as the 700 block of 8th street. It is not known which of these addresses is correct. Barney also recalls that Burt and Ralph reconciled immediately before Ralph died.

Ralph's obituary was published in the Duncan (Oklahoma) Eagle Weekly on Thursday, April 25, 1929:

RALPH B. STRONG TAKEN BY DEATH

"Ralph B. Strong, 71 years of age, passed away here at 3:15 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the home of Walter W. Strong, 705 S. 8th Street. Cancer was the cause of his death. Funeral services were held at the Beeson Grantham Chapel at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon with Rev. T.P. Haskins of the Baptist Church officiating. Burial was at the Lawton Cemetery.

The deceased was a pioneer resident of New Mexico. He had homesteaded there 22 years ago and lived at Portales. He was brought to the home of his son here in Grantham Ambulance about three weeks ago, when his illness became more serious.

Surviving are the wife, seven sons, seventeen grandchildren, and three brothers. [Note: The surviving brothers would have been Frank, Fred and EITHER Charles or George.] The sons are Walter W. and Burt of Duncan, Claude and Earl of Cement, R.J. and A.H. of Tintino (sic), New Mexico, and Earnest of Toledo, Oregon."

On the death certificate, Walter W. Strong was the informant. He indicated that the parents of Ralph Brenard Strong were not known.

Rhodene Frederick found the following records relating to Ralphs burial at the Highland Cemetery in Lawton (Section 3276):

Strong, Ralph B., b. 1857, d. Apr 20, 1929, 72y, Ohio

His first wife, Mary Ella Hall, two of his sons (Leon and Walter), a daughter-in-law (Tessie Soukup) and grandson (Jake Strong) were buried in the same section.

(Research):
Census Listings:

1880 Census
Texas, Collin County
Strong, Ralf B,W, M, 23, Head, Ohio, Ohio, Ohio, Farmer
Strong, Mary E, W, F, 22, Wife, MO, TN,TN, Keeping House, No RW
Strong, Augustus,1,Son,TX,OH,MO

1900 Census
Texas, Hopkins County
Strong, Ralph,43,May 1857, OH, OH, OH, Farmer Married 23 Years, RW
Strong, Mary E,43, Apr 1861, MR, VA, TN,Married 23 Years, No RW
Strong, Leon S, 16, Apr 1864, TX, OH, MR, Laborer, No RW
Strong, Berthodne, 9 Oct 1880, TX, OH, MR, Laborer, No RW
Strong, Claudie E, 7 Oct 1892, TX, OH, MR, No RW
Strong, Raughley J, 6 Oct 1894, TX, OH, MR, No RW
Strong, Earl J, 3 Mar 1897, TX, OH, MR Strong, Earnest, 1 Apr 1899, TX, OH, MR

1910 Census
New Mexico Territory, Roosevelt County, Precinct No 12
Strong, Ralph B, Head, M, W, 53, M2, 3 Years,Ohio,New York, Ohio,English,Farmer, RW, O/F/F
Strong, Mary J, Wife, F,W,50, M1, 3 Years,Virginia,Maine, Tennessee, English,RW
Strong, Ernest R., Son,M,W,10,Texas,Ohio,Missouri,English, Farm Laborer,Reads

1920 Census
Not located

(Medical):Y DNA
R1B1

A direct male descendant volunteered to have his DNA tested. The results can be found at www.ysearch.org, under the user ID #Y2NVJ

Determined to be a high resolution match to other documented descendants of Elder John Strong, an early Puritan settler in New England.

Ralph married Mary Ella Hall on 4 May 1878 in Hunt County, Texas. Mary (daughter of Mashack Hall and Eliza Jane Neil) was born about 1858 in Missouri; died on 27 Sep 1905 in Comanche County, Oklahoma Territory; was buried in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Registry of Funerals, Walters Oklahoma, Page 1. Mary Ella Strong, age 49 died September 27, 1905 of Consumption. Reported by Walter Strong. Noted burial in Lawton Oklahoma.

Rhodene Frederick found the following burial record for Highland Cemetery in Lawton (Section 3276):

Strong, Mary E., b. 1858, d. 1905, 47y

Notes:

Married:
Ralph and Mary Ella (Hall) Strong were the parents of nine sons. They were married in 1878 in Hunt County, Texas. According to a transcription of Hunt County Marriages, R.B. Strong married Ella "Wall." Charles Strong examined the actual marriage certificate, and noted that the last name of the bride was clearly HALL. The compiler of "Hunt County, Texas, Marriages 1847-1911" either misread the original, or made an error while transcribing the record. The license was issued on 4 October 1877, the marriage was on 4 May 1878, and the license was filed on 21 May 1878. Ralph and Mary Ella can be found in neighboring Collin County at the time of the 1880 Federal census.

There were several other Strong bride and grooms listed in the transcription of Hunt County Marriages. R.B. Strong's marriage was the earliest however. It does not appear that any of the other Strong's were related to Ralph. Nor did there appear to be any other Strong families living in Hunt County at the time of the 1880 census,

Notes:

According to the ship manifest of the S.S. Bremen, Frank M. Soukup traveled to America with his half-brother John Zakovec, John's wife Josefa, and their two daughters. The North German Lloyd steamship arrived at the Port of New York on May 1, 1869.

"Most of the Czechs... (who later settled in Nebraska) were obliged to go elsewhere (first) to earn a living. Many originally came (in this country) from around Braidwood, Illinois, where they had worked in mines." (homesteads.http://www.rootsweb.com/~neethnic/czechs/cz-pg97a.html)


The following obituary is transcribed from an undated clipping, newspaper not known

Frank Soukup

The ravages of time, creeping unrelentlessly on, gathered in its arms Wednesday, March 15, 1933, Frank Soukup, who had been preparing for the journey. He had lived his allotted time and more. His days of activityhad long since ceased so he was patiently waitingfor the dend to come when he might fold his arms in peace and pass into eternal sleep.

Frank Soukup was born in Koryto, okres (town) Kralovice, kraj (county) Plzen in Czechoslovakia, July 4, 1852. He came to this country along with his parents as a seventeen-year-old lad, first to Braidwood, Ill., to find work in the coal mines. From there he came to Nebraska, settling in Saunders County. At the age of twenty-two he married Anna Beznoska near what is now Morse Bluffs. In 1892 they moved to Fillmore county and purchased the farm now owned by Mrs. Antonie Krisl and Vaclav Capek. He later engaged in business here and in 1903 moved to Junction City, Ok., where his wife died.

About seven years ago he returned here and since then made his home with his son Harry. It is a happy thought that his baby son should care for the father, even as the father once cared for the baby son. He was perfectly happy and contented here. He had lived a generous life, too generous for his own good, and accepted with a spirit of generosity the events and circumstances which crowned the closing days of his career.

The deceased leaves surviving, five sons, Edward, Frank, Joe Harry and Will and two daughters, Lily Eret of Prague, Oklahoma and Anna Hooker of Baird, Tex, two sisters, Veronike Virkova and Anna Hines (Note: this is his half-sister, Anna Zakovec Hines) of Morse Bluffs, twenty seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Services were held at the home of his son Harry Saturday afternoon, being in charge of Rabi Z.C.B.J. of which organization he was a member and the body was laid to rest in the Bohemian national cemetery. The deceased passed away at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 4 days. (End)

According to Helena Soukup Parker, Frank farmed while in Saunders County, as well as operating a hotel and saloon. After his wife died, he lived with his son, Harry. Later he lived with his daughter Lillian Eret and later still with his son Alois Soukup in Prague, Oklahoma. At the time of his death, he was again living with Harry, who was the informant for his death certificate.

The information on the Soukup family is primarily from information graciously supplied by Helena Soukup Parker of Idyllwild, California. It has been supplemented by various census records and newspaper notices from Oklahoma as transcribed by Charles R. Strong. Additionally, information has been obtained from the book HISTORY OF MILLIGAN NEBRASKA 1888-1988 compiled by the Milligan Centennial History Book Committee and printed by Walsworth Publishing Co, Marceline, Missouri.

On Frank's certificate of death (completed by his son Harry), his parents are shown as Frank Soukup and Barbara Hines. This contradicts the more complete information provided by Nancy Soukup that showed Frank was the son of Antonin and Marie Soukup.

(Research):
Census Information:

From the Familysearch 1880 United States Census and National Index

Census Place:Douglas, Saunders, Nebraska
Source:FHL Film 1254756 National Archives Film T9-0756 Page 37 RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Frank SOCOOPSelfMMW27BOHEMIA Occ:FarmerFa: BOHEMIAMo: BOHEMIA
Ann SOCOOPWifeFMW20BOHEMIA Occ:Keeps HouseFa: BOHEMIAMo: BOHEMIA
Eddie SOCOOPSonMSW5NE Occ:At HomeFa: BOHEMIAMo: BOHEMIA
Frank SOCOOPSonMSW2NE Occ:At HomeFa: BOHEMIAMo: BOHEMIA
Joe SOCOOPSonMSW1NE Occ:At HomeFa: BOHEMIA

At the time of the 1900 census, they were in Fillmore County, Nebraska:

Soukup, Frank Head W M Jul 1852 47 M 26 Bohemia Bohemia Bohemia 1870
Farmer
Soukup, Anna Wife W F Nov 1860 30 F m 26 9/9 Bohema Bohemia Bohemia 1867
Soukup, Edward Son W M July 1875 24 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia Farm Labor
Soukup, Joseph Son W M May 1879 21 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia Farm Labor
Soukup, Mary Dtr W F May 1872 18 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia Housework
Soukup, Tessia Dtr W F Jun 1887 12 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia At School
Soukup, Harry Son W M Oct 1889 10 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia At School
Soukup, Anna Dtr W F Apr 1892 8 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia At School
Soukup, Louis Son W M Dec 1894 5 S Nebraska Bohemia Bohemia

On the 1910 Comanchee County Oklahoma Federal Census, the family is listed as follows:

Soukup, Frank, Head, Age 59, Widowed, Birthplace Bohemia (also his parent's birthplace), Employee in General Farmer, Speaks English, Rents, R&W
Soukup, Harry, Son, age 20, Birthplace Nebraska, Parents born in Bohemia,Farmer,
working on his own account, Speaks English, R&W, Survivor of Union or CSA
Soukup, Annie, Daughter, Age 18, Born Nebraska, Parents born in Bohemia, R&W
Soukup, Louie, Son, Age 15, Born Nebraska, Parents born in Bohemia, R&W)
Soukup, Willie, Son, Age 8, Born Nebraska, Parents born in Bohemia, R&
attended school during the year

The Soukup's lived two houses from Frank and Bessie Beznoska. Frank was a nephew of Anna Soukup's. They also lived next door to Joseph and Annie Placitz, ages 70 & 59, both born in Bohemia, relationship, if any, unknown.

Frantisek married Anna Beznoska on 10 Nov 1874 in Fremont, Dodge County, Nebraska. Anna (daughter of Frantisek "Frank" Beznoska and Anna Krylova) was born on 15 Sep 1859 in Beroun, Stredocesk? kraj, Bohemia; died on 14 Jul 1909 in Oklahoma; was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery (Milligan South), Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Helena Soukup Parker writes that Anna Beznoska was born in Bohemia on September 15, 1858 and came to Cleveland, Ohio in 1864 at the age of six years. She died in the home of her daughter Lillian Eret, Prague, Oklahoma, on July 14, 1909.

"Mrs. Anna Soukup of Oklahoma was buried in the Bohemian National Cemetery last Sunday in the presence of a large circle of her friends and relatives. Some few weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Soukup were summoned here on account of the death of their daughter, Mrs. Albert Kassick. When Mrs. Soukup left for home she was not feeling well and upon arriving was almost immediately taken sick and continued growing weaker until death finally came. Her husband F.M. Soukup for weeks was constantly by her side and accompanied her corpse here from Oklahoma. Last Tuesday he too was taken seriously ill and is now under the care of a physician although the case is not as serious as at first seemed. The Soukup's are old residents in this locality having lived on their half section farm two miles south of town her for many years before moving to Oklahoma. They have a host of friends here who symphatize with them in these days of trouble and who trust that Mr. Soukup will soon recover. The following from Oklahoma were present at the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Eret, Mrs. Tessie Strong, Miss Anna Soukup and Ed, Harry, Louis and Willie Soukup. Also the following relatives from Saunders county: Mrs. Racek, and son, Emil, Pr Jakovec, Mr and Mrs Anton Soukup, Mrs. John Varka, Mrs. Fr. Hinesh and Mrs. Joe Hinesh." (Undated, unreferenced copy of Newspaper clipping 1909)

(Note: Neither the State of Oklahoma or Nebraska had a death certificate on file for Anna).

Notes:

Married:
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ne/dodge/vitals/marriage/bookc.txt

Book C, Page 282:

FRANK SOCKIP(SOUKUP), Saunders Co. Nebr., Age 23 yrs., Born: Austria.
Father: Anton --. Mother: Mary Bushker (sic s/b Bures). - ANNA BEZROCK (sic s/b Beznoska), Saunders Co. Nebr., Age 18 yrs., Born: Austria. Father: Frank --. Mother: Anna Luker. Marriage Date: 10 November 1874. Witnesses: James Racek, Saunders Co. Nebr., L. M.
Keene, Fremont, Nebr By Whom: Wm. C. Ghost, Probate Judge, Where: Fremont,
Nebr.

Notes:

"a farmer in Bristolville, O., m. Betsey KAGY." (Dwight, p 194).

There was not a David Strong listed as paying personal property taxes in Trumbull from 1822-1834. A William STRONG was on this list, beginning in 1829, but his relationship to David is not known.

William, born ca 1790 in Massachussetts, is listed on the 1850 Trumbull County census. He is married to a Polly, born ca 1905 in Ohio, and they are the parents of Eliza (20), Electa (18), James (16), Tyrza Ann (8), Allen (7), and Milo (4), all born in Ohio.

David B. Strong registered a Cattle Marking June 25, 1841: Crop of right ear and hole in same.

On an 1841 plat of Bristol, David Strong's land was adjacent to land owned by the KAGY, ECKSTINE, and MAYHEW families. He appears to have owned the same plat of land from 1841 through 1890. On the 1900 plat of Bristol, it appears that this land had been transferred to Austin E. ULRICH.

Jan 1, 1846, indenture of apprenticeship between John REEL, David B. STRONG and Leah CLAY, age 9. John REEL, guardian of Leah CLAY, does bind Leah CLAY unto David B. STRONG until she reaches the age of 18, to learn the trade of housekeeping. Upon expiration of apprenticeship, David will provide Leah CLAY with a new bible, at least two suits of common wearing apparel, one cow, one bed, and one spinning wheel. (Historical Collections of Bristol Township, Bristolville, Ohio Thomas J. Kachur 1989, p. 72, xerox copies provided by the Trumbull County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society).


David's first wife, Betsy, died on June 15, 1851

David Strong married Leanora A. Sherman one month after Betsy died, on July 15, 1851 in Ashtabula County. The fact that he had four small motherless children at home was likely the reason for the brief courtship.

By the time of the 1870 census, David's three oldest boys had moved away from home. Daughter Ella had died. Ralph, who would have only been around 12 years old, was working on the farm of his Uncle Hezekiah B. Strong in Nebraska, and since 11 year old Charles had not been listed on the 1860 census, he most likely was only age 9 or 10.

David and Leanora were divorced after the 1870 census, but remarried prior to the census of 1880.

David and Leanora died within weeks of each other in early 1894, as can be seen from the brief obituary below from the "Historical Collections of Bristol Township, Bristolville, Ohio" by Thomas J. Kachur, 1989, p. 209, xerox copies provided by the Trumbull County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society:

STRONG, David B., m. Mrs. Leanora A. (Sherman) STRONG Mar 16, 1876. Leanora was the step-mother of H.A. Strong of Warren. David d. Mar. 30, 1894, and she d. Apr 8, 1894.

OBITUARY WESTERN RESERVE DEMOCRAT, APRIL 6, 1894, PAGE 8, COLUMN 2 OAKFIELD

David Strong, an old pioneer of Bristol, died at his home, Friday, March 30. Funeral services were held Sunday. The relatives of the deceased desire, through the columns of the DEMOCRAT to extend their earnest thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly leant their assistance during Mr. Strong's sickness and death. The choir has their special gratitude for their part rendered in the funeral service. (Courtesy of William Billig).

The Strong Estates were probated in Trumbull County, Ohio (Estates no. 1060 and 1065).

David's personal goods and chattel were appraised on April 17, 1894, and determined to be worth $96.20. His estate consisted of 1 Bay Mare, 1 Bay Colt, 1 Buggy, 1 Cow, 18 Chickens, Wood, 1 old sleigh and wagon, 1 set of old bobbs, contents of blacksmith shop, a tool chest with tools, household furniture and potatoes. When these items were sold, $127.06 was raised. $59 was used to pay A.E. Miner for David's Casket and Burial Robe, with the balance being used to pay debts incurred in settling the estate.

Rhodene Frederick also found a reference to the probate proceedings in 1892 in nearby Geauga County for a David B. Strong. Copies of these records indicate this was another David B. Strong, a resident of Huntsburgh Township, and husband of Dorcas Strong. Their children were listed as Mrs. Mary E. Johnson and Ms.? S. Johnson.

(Research):Census Information:

Per 1850 OHIO CENSUS:
(David was a farmer, with $800 in property)
District 143?, Bristol Township
Enumerated on 22 August 1850
#1056-1084
Strong, David B age: 31 born: NY
Strong, Betsy Ann age 31 born: VA
Strong, John A age 8 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, George age 6 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, Henry age 4 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, Hannah age 2 born: Trumbull Co, OH

1860 OHIO CENSUS,
Trumbull County Bristol Township
Enumerated on 24 August 1860
#1418-1379
Strong, David age 40 M Farmer born in NY
Strong, Leonora age 28 F born in Ohio
Strong, John age 18 M Printers Apprentice born Ohio
Strong, George age 16 M born Ohio Attended School Strong, H
enry age 14 M born Ohio Attended School
Strong, Francis age 7 M born Ohio Attended Schol
Strong, Ella age 4 F born Ohio
Strong, Ralph age 2 M born Ohio
Strong, Mary age 12 F born Ohio Attended School (Shown as Hannah on the 1850 census)

1870 OHIO CENSUS
Trumbull County
Film Roll #1271 Page #45:
Bristol Township,
Enumerated 4 August 1870

#62-63
STRONG David B 52 m NY Farmer
(RP $2800, PP $825)
STRONG Leanora A 40 f OH Keeping House
STRONG Frank A 17 m OH At Store?
STRONG Charles A 11 m OH At School
STRONG Fred A 9 m OH At School
STRONG Alice M 5 f OH At School


1880 OHIO CENSUS
Trumbull County

Daniel (sic) B. STRONG Self M Male W 66 NY Farmer CT CT
Lenora STRONG Wife M Female W 48 OH MA MA
Allie M. STRONG Dau S Female W 15 OH NY OH

Source Information:
Census Place Bristol, Trumbull, Ohio
Family History Library Film 1255070
NA Film Number T9-1070
Page Number 38B

Trumbull County, Ohio Directory, 1889-90
D. B. Strong
Bristolville Bristol OH

David married Leanora Arline Sherman on 15 Jul 1851 in Jefferson Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio. Leanora (daughter of Albert A. Sherman and Sarah Richmond) was born on 18 Jul 1832 in Ohio; died on 8 Apr 1894 in Bristol Township, Trumbull County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Leonora died eight days after her husband. Her step-son, Henry, was executor of her estate. He had also been the executor of his father's estate. Her assets at the time of her death consisted solely of land and hay. The estate received $252 for the sale of these, and after paying the administration expenses, along with $59 for a casket and burial robe, the balance of $184 was allocated ratably to her surviving children: Fred, Frank, Ralph, Charles and Alice (Cutting).

The following obituary is courtesy of William Billig,

WESTERN RESERVE DEMOCRAT

Mrs. Arline Strong, step-mother of Mr. H.A. Strong of this city, died at the family home in Bristol Sunday forenoon. The funeral services were held Tuesday at 11 o'clock and the remains buried in the Bristol cemetery. Deceased was the widow of David B. Strong who died March 30, and her illness dated from his death. She was 64 years of age.

Notes:

Married:
Rhodene Frederick examined a 3 vol. set of books by John Harris Sherman, THE SHERMAN DIRECTORY. This series had over 25,000 Shermans listed, mainly extracted from the 1850 census. This was donated to the Clayton Library in Houston by Art Cohan. In this book, she found the following entry:

Leonora A. Sherman born Jul. 18, 1832 prob. Ohio. Daughter of Albert A. Sherman. Married D. B. Storey (sic) Jan 4, 1851

Rhodene ALSO found this record of marriage in Ashtabula, Ohio records at the Clayton:

Leonora A. Sherman to David B. Strong Jul 15, 1851

Although it appeared that the January 4, marriage to D.B. Storey was most likely a transcription error, I wrote the Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court, Probate Division, in Jefferson Ohio, and asked them to check their records for marriage licenses for Leanora Sherman for BOTH of the above dates. They sent a copy of the only marriage record on file, that of David B. Strong to Leonora A. Sherman, which was dated July 15, 1851. In her cover letter, written March 21, 2005, Candace Baker, Deputy Clerk, responded that "There was not another marriage record for Leonora for Jan. 1851. I think possibly that they thought the name Strong was Storey, as the writing was hard to decipher."

David and Leanora appeared to have renewed their vows twenty five years later, this time in Trumbull County. Interestingly enough, they chose to do this on the 35th anniversary of David's marriage to his first wife, Betsey Kagey.

STRONG, David B to STRONG, Leanora A (Mrs) of Bristol m 16 Mar 1876 by James Brown MG (L 1871-76 p 573) (7/393)

From 100 YEAR OF TRUMBULL COUNTY, OHIO, MARRIAGES 1800-1900 Courtesy of the Trumbull County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society

The same wedding date, March 16, 1876, is found in the "Historical Collections of Bristol Township, Bristolville, Ohio" by Thomas J. Kachur, 1989, p. 209.

The actual certificate documenting this was included in the probate files of the estate of David and Leanora Strong in Trumbull County.

An article in the "Trumbull County (Ohio) Independent" dated March 24, 1876 explained the reason for this remarriage: "The following divorce case, I believe, was the only successful one during the present term of court. Mrs. L. Strong vs. David B. Strong for divorce, on the ground of neglect of duty, etc. Divorce was granted. But now comes a singular turn in the case. Mr. Gillmer defended the husband with such vigor, and showed by such irrefutable arguments that these parties should not be separated, that, although the judge's sympathies for the woman could not be overcome, the parties themselves experienced a very great revival of earlier sympathies. In such a masterly manner did defendant's counsel portray the manly qualities of Mr. Strong, that the quick and appreciative nature of the petitioner (Leanora) was again touched as of old, and in precisely four days and a half days from the time the divorce was granted a (marriage) license was procured, and the happy couple were again married. We sincerely wish the bride and groom much joy."

Notes:

Mash Hall was born in Tennessee circa 1830. His given name, Mashack, is probably biblical: From Daniel 1:7 "The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego." (NIV)

He and Eliza married sometime prior to 1851, when he was 19 and she 17. Their son Robert was born in Missouri circa 1851. Their next several children were also born in Missouri, the last one who was born in that state being Mary Ella who was born between 1856 and 1858. The Hall's relocated to Texas sometime before the 1860 Census.

Mash was a member of the C.S.A. during the Civil War. On July 31, 1862, the third company from East Collin County, Texas was organized. John K. Bumpass was elected captain.

According to an article (courtesy of Jeanne Darnell) from The Farmersville Times, dated August 19, 1903, and published in the COLLIN CHRONICLES (Vol. IX, No. 1, Fall 1988): "The company contained about 100 men, all matured which was very different to the two first. This company joined Martin's battalion which was afterwards organized into a regiment known as the 5th Texas Partisan Rangers. Gen. Albert Pike was its first division commander and later Gen. Sam Bell Maxey succeeded him. After the organization of the company it went to Shelly Springs in this county thence to Ft. Washita, Chicisaw (sic) Nation. Remained there some six weeks guarding Indians and disaffected whites. Their next destination was Skin Bayou, 20 miles north of Ft. Smith, in Cherokee Nation, but their headquarters were Sulleyville, Arkansas. Retired before the Federals to Cole Creek not far from where South McAlester now stands. In February, 1863 they reached here and camped on a high hill. The weather made one of its radical changes, the wind coming from the north and the snow falling to the depth of one foot. This caught the army without horse feed entirely and no rations for the soldiers except very coarse corn meal and very little bacon. Half of the horses died in a very short time, the commissary department losing 60 fine mules in one night. To stay there was next to impossible and they dropped down to Terrapin Creek, Choctaw Nation. At this place the battalion underwent the change into a regiment. The horses and mules were sent to Texas for the winter and the regiment remained there...(a number being granted a furlough who remained through the spring at home)...

At the coming of summer, camp was broken and the march was kept up till the neighborhood of Ft. Gibson was reached around which they rendezvoused till the battle of Cabin Creek in 1863. A small number of Confederates drove back about four times their number but the streams, which were swollen, ran down and they had to give back. In doing this James Hendrex was left behind. He had been shot in the thigh and could not escape but hid away from the Indians by lying in the water something like a week and probably would have died there had word not been sent in to the Federals at Ft. Gibson under flag of truce that he was wounded....and unable to care for him(self). The Union soldiers sent out and got him at once. The Federal physician took him to his home in Ft. Gibson and kept him until death relieved his suffering. Willam Candler, brother of Arch Candler was killed and MASH HALL who lives on Cowskin (Creek) was shot through the thigh...."

Other Hall families listed were: Caleb Hall, a 21 year old farm laborer born in Missouri; Oliver Hall, age 40, school teacher born in North Carolina; and Jesse Hall, a 32 yr old married farmer from Tennessee. The relationship, if any, of these Hall's to Mash and his family is unknown.

The Hall's were still living in Collin Count at the time of the 1880 Federal Census.
Son Robert lived next door, in household #34-38. Daughter Mary Ella Hall was living with her husband, Ralph B STRONG in Collin County in Enumeration District 28, Family 363.

Mash and his wife died sometime prior to 1907, as at this time a deed disposing of their land by their heirs was filed in Collin County. Charles Strong located this deed when he visited the Collin County courthouse. It was recorded in V 145, page 501-510. Page 509 was inadvertently not copied.

Heirs of Mash and Eliza Hall Co ?, Deed H.S. Carver The State of Texas, County of Collin

Know all men by these presents that the undersigned as the heirs at law of Mash Hall and his wife Eliza J Hall both late of Collin County, Texas deceased to wit: Jesse L. Hall, a son of Robert Hall, deceased joined by his wife Russell Hall, of Hunt County, Texas; Sarah Janes/James a feme-sole of Hunt county Texas; Jasie Ward joined by her husband J.R. Ward of Sutton county Texas; James H. Keener and wife I.R. Keener of Colorado county Texas; Essie B. Maxwell joined by her husband J.S. Maxwell of Caryell county Texas, Mash A. Keener of Hunt County, Texas; Wm A Hall and wife Mary Hall; Gussie Strong joined by his wife Gertrude Strong, Walter Strong and Lee Strong children of Mary Ella Strong deceased; Rosetta Neil joined by her husband H. Neil; P.N. Hall and wife Minnie Hall of Oklahoma Territory; Dara Terry joined by her husband W.B. Terry of Hunt County, Texas; Janie Pile joined by her husband C.J. Pile of Camp county Texas and H.N. Hall and wife Henri of New Mexico for and in consideration of the sum of six thousand three hundred and seventy dollars ($6370) to us and each of us cash in hand paid by H.S. Carver, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, have granted bargained sold and conveyed and by these presents do grant bargain sell and convey unto the said H.S. Carver of Collin County Texas all that certain tract as parcel of land situated in Collin County Texas and being a part of the L.B. Outlaw survey and a part of that portion of said survey set apart and known as the widows share in the northeast corner of 203 acres deeded to Allen & Gard(?)..Thence south to the southeast corner of said 203 acres...thence east, north and west to the place of beginning So as to include 100 acres of land and being the same tract of land conveyed by William Fowler and wife Nancy Fowler to Mash Hall by deed dated March 10, 1865 and recorded Vol. P Page 204 Collin County Deed records.

Second tract: Beginning at the southeast corner of the above described tract of land formerly owned by Mash Hall...Thence north 31.60 chains to the northeast corner thereof...Thence east 12.60 chs a past..thence south 31.60 chs a past Thence west 12.65 chs to the place of beginning containing 40 acres of Land to have and hold the above described premises together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in any-wise belonging unto the said H.S. Carver, his heirs and assigns forever and we do hereby bind ourselves and our heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said H.S. Carver his heirs and assigns against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming as to claim the same as any part thereof: witness our hands this the 7th day of February, 1907:

J.R. Wood (sic) Josie Wood (sic) J.S. Maxwell Essie Maxwell Lee Strong Gussie Strong Gertrude Strong Walter Strong P.N. Hall Minnie Hall J.H. Keener I.R. Keener H.N. Hall Henri Hall W.B. Terry Dara Terry Jesse L. Hall Russell Hall Mash A. Keener Sarah Janes/James Janie Pile C.J. Pile William A. Hall Mary E. Hall H. Neill Rosetta Neill

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF DEED/NOTARIZATION LOCATION AND DATE:

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Comanche ...Lee Strong...21 Mar 1907...

State of Texas, County of Hunt ...W.B. Terry and wife Dara Terry...7 Feb 1907...

State of Texas, County of Hunt ...Jesse L. Hall and wife...and the said Russel Hall wife of said Jesse Hall...7 Feb 1907...

State of Texas, County of Sutton ...J.R. Ward and wife Jose Ward....1 May 1907...

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Roger Mills ...Wm A. Hall and wife Mary E. Hall....6 Mar 1907...

State of Texas, County of Colorado ....James H. Keener and wife I.R. Keener....10 Feby 1907...

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Comanche ...P.N. Hall and wife Minnie Hall....12 Feby 1907....

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Comanche ...Walter Strong..25 May 1907....

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Greer ...H. Neil and wife Rosetta Neil..1 Mar 1907...

State of (Texas), County of (Caryell) ...J.S. Maxwell and wife Essie Maxwell...12th day of Aug 1907...A.R. Williams Notary Public in and for Caryell County, Texas...

State of Texas, County of Hunt ...Mash A. Keener...4 Feby 1907...

State of Texas, County of Hunt ...Janie Pile wife of C.J. Pile...28 Feb 1907...

State of Texas, County of Hunt ...Sarah James a feme-sole...21 Feby 1907...

State of Texas, County of Grayson ...C.J. Pile...2 March 1907...

Territory of Oklahoma, County of Comanche ...Gussie Strong and wife Gertrude Strong...22 Mar 1907...

Territory of Oklahoma (sic), County of Roosevelt ...H.N. Hall and wife Henri Hall....(page missing, date not determinable)

The actual deed from the heirs of Mash and Eliza J Hall to H.S. Carver is recorded in V145, pages 501-502. The notarized statements verifying the acknowledgement of this deed by each of its signatories follow on pages 503 though 507. Page 508 was inadvertently not copied, but pages 509 and 510 were. It appears that a related deed acknowledging the sale of land by the Hall heirs to H.S. Carver began on page 508, continuing through page 509. This deed was signed by L.E. Bumpass as guardian of "C____(?) Hall and others." A notarized state acknowledging his signature in Collin County on the 23rd of July 1907 is included.

Immediately below this, beginning on page 509 and concluding on page 510, is a deed signed by R.B. Strong, Guardian of "Burton R. Strong, Claud E. Strong, Raleigh J. Strong, Earl E. Strong, and Earnest R. Strong" also to H. S. Carver and dated 6 August 1907. Ralph's signature is also notarized, but the Territory and County in which it was notarized is too faint to read. It was likely notarized in the Territory of New Mexico, Roosevelt County (where additional documents related to this transaction were notarized. These additional records can be found in the records of Collin County, Texas Vol A-3, pages 656-666).

(Research):1860 Census
Collin County, Texas (Farmersville), Page 177
#1124-1177
Mashack Hall 30 m Farmer --- $500 Tenn
Eliza J. 32 F Virginia
Robert H. 8 m Missouri
Sarah E. 7 m (sic) Mo
William A. 6 m
Comfort N. 5 f
Mary E. 4 f
Josephine 3 f
Endimion 6/12 m

1870 Census
Collin County, Texas (Farmersville), Pages 33 & 34
Mash Hall 41 M W Farmer $400 $600 Tennessee
Eliza 42 F W Keeping House Virginia
Robert 18 M W Farm Laborer Missouri
Sarah 16 F W
William 14 M W Farm Laborer
Comfort 14 F W At home
Ellen 12 F W At home
Josephine 11 F W at home
Ednemon 10 M W at home
Dora 6 F W Texas
Janie 4 F W Texas
Rosetta 2 F W Texas
Patrick 5/12 Texas

1880 Census
Collin County, Texas ED 21, Page 109, #34-38
Enumeration District 21, page 109, #34-38
Hall, Mash W M 48 Married Farmer TN TN? TN?
Hall, E.J. W F 46 Married Keeping House VA VA VA
Hall, W.C.? W F 25 son Farm Laborer MO TN VA
Hall, Comfort W F 23 dtr House Keeper MO TN VA
Hall, Dora B W F 16 dtr House Keeper TX TN VA
Hall, M.J. W F 11 dtr House Keeper TX TN VA
Hall, RosettaW F 9 dtr House Keeper TX TN VA
Hall, PatrickW M 7 son TX TN VA
Hall, Hinson (sic)W M 4 son TX TN VA

Mashack married Eliza Jane Neil on 25 Aug 1850 in Scotland County, Missouri. Eliza (daughter of Patrick Neil and Comfort Kilgore) was born on 18 Dec 1827 in Scott County, Virginia; died on 11 Feb 1901 in Collin County, Texas; was buried in I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Farmersville, Collin County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Petr Zakovec emailed, in December 2014, that he had found the wedding record of Anton and Mary, and that Antonin was a "blacksmith journeyman from Plasy no.15, son of Josef Soukup, shoemaker from Plasy no.15 and Teresie, born Hyke?ov?, from Babiny no. 19"

Anton Soukup and family can first be found in Braidwood, Illinois, later moving to Nebraska to homestead.

"Most of the Czechs in this vicinity (Saunders County, Nebraska) were obliged to go elsewhere to earn a living. Many originally came (in this country) from around Braidwood, Illinois, where they had worked in mines. So back there they went for the winter season, or to Omaha (and in either case they went to Omaha afoot), leaving their wives to take care of the children and homesteads. Mrs. Frank Hines (living at date of writing) remembers when her husband left for Braidwood and two weeks later their son Frank was born. There was no alternative, they had to live."

Source: As noted at http://www.rootsweb.com/~neethnic/czechs/cz-pg97a.html

When Anton's son, Frank died in in 1933, the informant for the death certificate (Harry Soukup, a grandson of Anton) erroneously stated that Frank's father was also named Frank Soukup.

CZECH NATIONAL CEMETERY (also known as Killian Cemetery) located in Bohemian township in the NE 1/4 SW 1/4 of Sec 23 Township 17, Range 5E of Saunders County, Nebraska.

Recorded on April 12, 1977 and completed on April 15, 1977 by Clarabelle Mares 1722 E 19 Fremont, Nebraska and assisted by Kathrine Petersen. Cemetery in very good condition. Working from front to back in rows.

Marie Soukup 1813 - 1885
Antonin Soukup 1814 - 1898

It appears, however, that a widowed 83 year old Mary Soukup was listed in the household of her daughter and son-in-law, the VIRKA's, at the time of the 1900 census, so her date of death must have actually been shortly after that census.

(Research):
Census Listings:

1870 Federal Census
Illinois, Will County, Reed Township,
Braidwood Post office (page 57)
#392-227
Sycopp, Antoin 50 M W C. Miner Bohemia
Sycopp Mary 44 F W Bohemia
Sycopp Frank 18 M W Coal Miner Bohemia
Sycopp Antoine 22 MW " Bohemia
Sycopp Fannie 9 F W At home Bohemia

It appears that most of the inhabitants of Braidwood were coal miners. Although there were many miners from the east coast of the United States, most of them were immigrants, predominately from Ireland, Wales, Germany, Belgium and Bohemia.


From the Familysearch 1880 United States Census and National Index. This MAY be the listing for the same couple, but there are some differences that would need to be accounted for.

Census Place:Douglas, Saunders, Nebraska Source:FHL Film 1254756 National Archives Film T9-0756 Page 37 RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Anton Saml. SOCOOP Self M M W 75 BOHEMIA Occ:Too Old To Work Fa: BOHEMIA Mo: BOHEMIA
Rosy SOCOOP Wife F M W 72 BOHEMIA Occ:Too Old To Work Fa: BOHEMIAMo: BOHEMIA

Notice the dramatic change in age between 1870 and 1880. It appears that the ages listed in 1870 may have been off, as the 1880 ages more closely match their years of birth according to their tombstones.

(Medical):Y DNA Results, FTDNA Haplogroup:

R1b1

A direct male descendant volunteered to have his DNA tested
. The results can be found at www.ysearch.org, under the user ID #J7DYD. The FamilyTreeDNA Kit number is 69508.

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.

Antonin married Marie Buresova on 21 Nov 1848 in Koryta, Plzen-Sever, Plzensk? kraj, Bohemia. Marie was born on 9 Jul 1815 in Sedlec, Plzen-Sever, Plzensk? kraj, Bohemia; died after 1900 in Saunders County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Petr Zakovec emailed, in December 2014, that he had found the wedding record of Anton and Mary, and that the bride, Marie was the "widow of departed Matej ??kovec, blacksmith from Koryta no. 13, daughter of Martin Bure?, farmer from Sedlec no. 12, and Johanna, born Hausner, from Robcice no. 5"

The 1870 Will County, Illinois census shows Anton Sycopp (Soukup) as married to a Mary, six years younger than him, born circa 1826.

The FamilySearch transcription of the 1880 census for Saunders County, Nebraska, shows an Anton Soocop (Soukup) married to a Rosy. If this is the same couple, not only is the first name of the wife listed differently, but both couples have reported ages considerably higher than the ten years you would expect based on the ages on the 1870 census. Rosy is listed as being age 72, born circa 1808. According to her tombstone, Marie was born ca 1814, and didn't die until 1898. This MAY be a different couple.

Nancy Soukup's genealogical chart shows that Marie's maiden name was unknown, however, and that she was first married to a Mr. Zakovec, having two children with him: John Zakovec and Anna Zakovec Hines. Nancy further indicated that Marie's maiden name *might* have been Bures. Additionally, Ken Chromy shows on his Gedcom that the parents of Anton Soukup, Jr. were Anton Soukup, Sr. and Mary Buresh. Neither Nancy or Ken cite a source for this information. It appears that it could be from the death certificate of Anton Soukup, Jr. This shows that he was the son of Anton Soukup and Marie Buresova. The informant for this certificate was Rosarie Soukup, presumably Anton Jr.'s wife, Rosalie Datel Soukup. It is highly probable that she knew her mother-in-law, or at least knew her maiden name. Therefore it seems reasonable to accept that Anton's wife was Marie Bures. Additionally, the death certificate for Marie's daughter by her first marriage, Anna Zakovec Hines, shows that her parents were Maria Bures and Mathew Zakovec. The informant on that death certificated, filed in 1934, was Mrs. John Hines, a daughter in law of Anna's.

It is also noted that on the 1880 Saunders County, NE census, HH 127-127 was that of Barbara BURES and her husband, Vaclas Chlup (transcribed as Kloop), HH 128-128 Frank and Ann Soukup (transcribed as Socoop), HH 129-129 Anton and Rosy Soukup (Socoop), and HH 130-130 Anton (age 75) Soukup (Socoop) and Rosy (age 72, or Marie BURES Soukup)? Both the Chlup and the Soukup were in Bohemia, then Will County, IL, then Saunders County, NE, and finally, Fillmore County, NE.

In his submission to the LDS Ancestral File, Howard Knapp Parker instead shows the parents of Frank M. Soukup (born 4 July 1852) as Mary Zakovec and Frank Soukup of Korytech, Plzen, Bohemia. To further complicate matters, when Frank died in in 1933, the informant for his death certificate stated that he was the son of Frank Soukup and Barbara Hines. The informant for Frank's death certificate was Harry Soukup, his son. Harry's grandparents appear to have died before he was born, so perhaps he had only garbled recollections of their names.

When Veronica Wirka, the younger sister of Anton and Frank, died in 1938, only the last name of her father, Soukup, was reported. Her mother's name was left entirely blank. The informant for this certificate was Mrs. ?.L. Hines of Morse Bluff. Her relationship to Veronica is unknown.

Nancy Soukup of Davey, Nebraska obtained her information about Anton and Marie Soukup from their tombstones at the Killian Cemetery. Killian Cemetery is in Saunders County, just a couple miles west of Morse Bluff. An index to Nebraska's cemeteries is at http://www.rootsweb.com/~necemete/; and #8 is Killian Hill, or the Czech National Cemetery. Many members of the Zakovec, Hines, and Virka families are all buried there.

(Research):At the time of the 1900 census, Mary was living with daughter and son-in-law, Veronika & John Virka, and listed as a widow, age 83, and the mother of 8 children, five of whom were living. Her year of birth was listed as 1819, with the month of birth being shown as unknown.

Notes:

Married:
Marriage information courtesy of Petr Zakovec.

http://www.portafontium.cz/iipimage/30067054/plana-ps-20_1930-o?x=68&y=5&w=708&h=319

"Wedding Date : 21st November 1848

Groom: Soukup Anton?n, blacksmith journeyman from Plasy no.15, son of Josef Soukup, shoemaker from Plasy no.15 and Teresie, born Hyke?ov?, from Babiny no. 19

Bride : Marie, widow of departed Matej ??kovec, blacksmith from Koryta no. 13, daughter of Martin Bure?, farmer from Sedlec no. 12, and Johanna, born Hausner, from Robcice no. 5"

Notes:

The Immigrants Ships Transcribers Guild has the following information relating to the ship Bark "Industrie" of Bremen:

The ship arrived at the port on 27 May 1865, and Frank's occupation was shown as "Miller," and the families destination was shown as Baltimore. Included among the passengers were:

BEZNOSKA, Franz 42 Anna 43 Veronica 9 Theresia 10 Franz 7 Anna 5, Bohemia.

http://www.immigrantships.net/v5/1800v5/industrie18650527.html

A Nebraska Czech's website notes that:

"Frank Beznoska, Beroun. Came to Cleveland in 1865. Died March 3, 1900, aged 78. Remembered as an able ferryman, who saved people from drowning on several occasions. "

From http://www.rootsweb.com/~neethnic/czechs/cz-pg97a.html

The family first settled in Cleveland, Ohio. They later came to Nebraska and homesteaded on a farm southeast of Morse Bluff. Two of their daughters remained in Cleveland.

He and his wife were seriously injured in a runaway carriage in 1897. His wife died due to the injuries, and he went to live with his son, Frank Beznoska, Jr. His obituary reads as follows:

"Frank Beznosky (sic) Sr. of Morse Bluff, died at his home in Morse Bluff, March 3, of paralysis. He came to Saunders County from Bohemia in 1869, and engaged in farming. Two years ago his team ran away, killing his wife and injuring Mr. Beznosky so badly that he never recovered, and his death was no doubt due to this abuse. The deceased leaves five children, Mrs. James Racek, Mrs. Soukup of Milligan, Nebraska, Frank Beznoska, and two others in Ohio. The funeral was held, Monday, March 5.

(Courtesty of Caroline Mastny, Schuyler, Nebraska)

CZECH NATIONAL CEMETERY (also known as Killian Cemetery) located in Bohemian township in the NE 1/4 SW 1/4 of Sec 23 Township 17, Range 5E of Saunders County, Nebraska.

Recorded on April 12, 1977 and completed on April 15, 1977 by Clarabelle Mares 1722 E 19 Fremont, Nebraska and assisted by Kathrine Petersen. Cemetery in very good condition. Working from front to back in rows.

Row 5 Sec 1 east to west

Frantisek Beznoska d 3 Mar 1900 78 yrs


(Research):

Census Listings:

1870 Federal Census
Nebraska, Saunders County, Twp 16 Range 6E, PO Cedar Bluffs
Enumerated 15 Jun 1870
Page 3 Stamped 315
39-30
Besnosker, Frank 50 m W Farmer $400 Bohemia
Besnosker, Anna 49 F W Keeps Houe Bohemia
Besnosker, Sarah 15 F W At Service Gohemia
Besnosker, Frank 13 M W Bohemia
Besnosker, Anna 11 F W Bohemia

From the Familysearch 1880 United States Census and National Index

Census Place:Douglas, Saunders, Nebraska Source:FHL Film 1254756
National Archives Film T9-0756 Page 37

RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace

Frank BASNOSKY Self M M W 55 BOHEMIA Occ: Farmer Fa: BOHEMIA Mo: BOHEMIA
Ann BASNOSKY Wife F M W 50 BOHEMIA Occ: Keeps House Fa: BOHEMIA Mo: BOHEMIA





(Medical):Y DNA Results, FTDNA Haplogroup:

R1a

A direct male descendant volunteered to have his DNA tested
. The results can be found at www.ysearch.org, under the user ID #8HGEM. The FamilyTreeDNA kit number is 70191.

R1a The R1a lineage is believed to have originated in the Eurasian Steppes north of the Black & Caspian Seas. This lineage is thought to descend from a population of the Kurgan culture, known for the domestication of the horse (circa 3000 B.C.E.). These people were also believed to be the first speakers of the Indo-European language group. This lineage is found in central & western Asia, India, and in Slavic populations of Europe.

Frantisek married Anna Krylova before 1842. Anna was born about 1821 in Bohemia; died on 25 Jun 1897 in Saunders County, Nebraska; was buried in Czech National (Killian) Cemetery, Morse Bluff, Saunders County, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A newspaper clipping from 1897 details the accident that claimed the life of Anna Beznoska, and seriously injured her husband:

"Frank Bisnoski (sic) Sr. and wife of Saunders County were victims of a serious runaway Sunday. While driving a spirited team and going down hill, the team became unmanageable and started to run. At the bottom of the hill the horses ran into a wire fence, and the occupants of the bugy were violently thrown into the fence. Mr. Bisnoski received some very severe cuts by the entangled wire...Mrs. Bisnoski, however, was more unfortunate, and received a scalp wound among other injuries. The results could be fatal (to her). Both of these people are upward of 70 years of age, and the results of the accident will be a question for some time. Dr. Doan was called to attendance and relieved the sufferings of the injured as far as was possible. The team was badly cut from the wire and it is feared one of them will have to be killed to relieve if of it's injuries."

A follow up article noted: "Mrs. Bisnoski (sic) who was so seriously injured a few weeks ago in a runaway accident in Saunders County could not survive the injuries received and died during Friday night. The funeral services were held Saturday. A large community of friends were in attendance at the last rites."

(Undated, unreferenced clipping courtesy of Caroline Mastny, Schuyler, Nebraska)

(Research):CZECH NATIONAL CEMETERY (also known as Killian Cemetery) located in Bohemian township in the NE 1/4 SW 1/4 of Sec 23 Township 17, Range 5E of Saunders County, Nebraska.

Recorded on April 12, 1977 and completed on April 15, 1977 by Clarabelle Mares 1722 E 19 Fremont, Nebraska and assisted by Kathrine Petersen. Cemetery in very good condition. Working from front to back in rows.

Row 5 Sec 1 east to west

Anna Beznoska d 25 Jun 1897 76 yrs




















(Medical):mtDNA: A direct female descendant of Anna, who descends as follows: Anna KRYL>Anna BEZNOSKA>Tessie Rose SOUKUP>Viola STRONG Weaver submitted a DNA sample to FamilyTreeDNA in Houston. The results were as follows:

Presumed Haplogroup: N1b

HVR1 Mutations: 145A, 176G, 183C, 189C, 223T, 390A, 519C
HRV2: Not tested

The results are posted at www.mitosearch.org under the user ID E899U, and as of June, 2006, there were not any matches, which is quite unusual. This is likely because the N1B Haplogroup is uncommon in Europe, and not included as one of the nine lineages that encompass almost all mtDNAs from European, North African and Western Asian Caucasians. Rather, it is in the cluster of "minor haplogroups" W, I and N1b. These three are present in low frequencies in Europe, Near East and Caucasus but only I and N1b have been also detected in Egypt and Arabia. The N1b haplogroup in Europe often indicates Jewish ancestry. The last group radiated around 39,000-52,000 yr BP, giving at least four ancestral clusters. One of them originated haplogroup B that expanded to Eastern Asia, reaching Japan and southeastern Pacific Archipelagos."

Source: http://www.trinicenter.com/sciencenews/27082001.htm