Robert Henry "Bob" Strong

Notes:

The Lawton Constitution

Friday, February 20, 2009

Robert Henry 'Bob' Strong

Funeral for Robert Henry "Bob" Strong, 84, Lawton, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with David D. King, pastor, officiating.

Mr. Strong died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at his home.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery under direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

He was born May 9, 1924, in Wellston, to Walter W. and Stella Crouch Strong. He and his family moved to Lawton, and he graduated from Lawton High School in 1943. He served in the Army during World War II in England, France, Belguim, Germany, and Austria. He served in Patton's 3rd Army and was awarded five Battle Stars as well as the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. He married Viola Bard on Aug. 4, 1956, in Lawton. She died Jan. 13, 2005. He married Billie Howeth on Feb. 16, 2008. He worked at Montgomery Wards for 40 years, retiring as the shoe department manager in 1982. He had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1965. He sang in the choir and taught the Men's Sunday School Class for eight years. He was also a member of the 50 plus choir at First Baptist Church and was a volunteer with RSVP.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; four stepdaughters and their husbands: Waynna and John Fremin, Alaska; Susan and Albert Culp, Anna Laura and Chuck Plymesser, all of Lawton; and Cathy and Dennis Mayo, Indiahoma; a brother, Barney Strong, Gainesville, Texas; a sister, Violet Weaver, Henryetta, Texas; two nieces: Sue Anna O'Hara, Houston; and Linda Williams, Sand Springs; seven nephews and their wives: Charles and Carolyn Lewis, Houston; Tommy and Elwanda Lewis, Lawton; Byron and Della Rice, Weatherford, Texas; Benny and Pam Strong, Gainesville, Texas; and Edward and Patsy Bard, Jack and Pat Bard, and David and Carol Bard, all of Lawton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two special friends: Stacie and Darrin Bain.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers: Homer Strong, Jack Strong, Cecil Lewis and Roy West. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist "Forward In Faith" Fund, 715 SW H, Lawton 73501, or to Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma, 1930 Ferris, Suite 5, Lawton 73507.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at grayfuneral.com.

(Courtesy of Lynell Gentry Cordell)

Robert married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Robert married Viola Bard on 4 Aug 1956 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Viola was born on 31 Jul 1921 in Chattanooga, Comanche County, Oklahoma; died on 13 Jan 2005 in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma; was buried in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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 Stella Crouch on 4 Jun 1920 in Chickasha, Grady County, Oklahoma. Stella (daughter of Henry Joseph Crouch and Geneva "Jennie" Arnold) was born on 8 Jun 1893 in Texas; died on 29 Dec 1959; was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

At the time of the 1910 Oklahoma Census, a Stella WEST was listed as a boarder in the home of Samuel Massey(?) in Baucum Twp, Jackson County, Oklahoma. She was listed as Female, White, age 18, Married, born in Texas, with both parents born in Texas. The column about her ability to read and write was left blank, so it is probable that someone other than she gave her information to the enumerator. Although she is listed as married, she is living apart from her husband. He son Roy West was born about 17 months after this listing, so presumably she and her husband were reunited, at least briefly.

Her son by a subsequent marriage, Cecil Afton Lewis, was born some two years after Roy. Both were born in Jackson County.

At the time of the 1920 Federal census, Stella and Will Lewis were renting a home at 129 Chickasha Avenue in Chickasha. Their census listing read as follows:

Lewis, Will E. Hd R M W 37 M -- Yes Yes Tex. Unknown La. Cook Restaurant
Lewis, Stella Wife F W 25 M -- Yes Yes Texas Texas Texas Waitress Restaurant
---------, Roy Son M W 8 1/2 Yes --- --- Oklahoma Texas Texas
---------, Cecil Son M W 6 1/2 -- -- -- Oklahoma Texas Texas

She was living with her third husband, Walter Winfield Strong, as the time of the 1930 census.

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

Census records show she was born in January 1895, however, cemetery records from Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lawton instead show her as born on 8 Jun 1893 and died 29 Dec 1959, at at 66. (Courtesy of Sue Anna Lewis O'Hara).

Notes:

Married:
Walter Strong, age 39, resident of Chickasha and Miss Stella Lewis, aged 26, resident of Chickasha. Subscribed and sworn on 4 June 1920.Married by John D. Salter, Minister of the M.E. Church South of Chickasha. Witnesses Mrs. John D. Salter and Harry Salter of Chickasha.

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:

(Research):
Census Listings:

1900 Census
Texas, Ellis County, JP 1, ED 13
#260-263
Crouch, Henry J Head W M May 1858 42 M/15 Yrs Texas South Carolina Texas
Crouch, Jenni Wife Jan 1868 32 M/15 Yrs 5/5 Texas Mississippi Texas
Crouch, Annie B Dtr W F Feb 1886 14 S Texas Texas Texas
Crouch, Belle Dtr W F May 1888 S Texas Texas Texas
Crouch, Emma M Dtr W F Jan 1892 7 S Texas Texas Texas
Crouch, Stella Dtr W F Jan 1895 4 S Texas Texas Texas
Crouch, Henry J* Son W M Mar 1897 3 S Texas Texas Texas

*Lisa Polk of Fort Worth notes that the younger Henry J. Crouch married Effie ARNOLD, the daughter of her Thomas ARNOLD, and appear to have been cousins.

1910 Census
not located

1920 Census
not located

At the time of the 1930 census, Henry Crouch Sr. was living with his daughter and son-in-law in the 2nd Ward, King Township, Duncan, Stephens 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

Henry married Geneva "Jennie" Arnold. Geneva (daughter of Frank Arnold and Elizabeth Yates) was born in Jan 1868 in Texas; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Due to the proximity of James, Thomas and Geneva "Jennie" Arnold, first in Ellis County, Texas and later in Oklahoma, it is assumed that they were all members of the same immediate family, and children of Frank Arnold. Their ages and locations of birth match on later census match those of Frank Arnold's children of the same name on the 1880 census. Their relationship as siblings has not been verified, however, and should be used as a starting point for future research.



(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census
Census Place:District 16, Cherokee, Texas
Source:FHL Film 1255295 National Archives Film T9-1295
Page 41
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Frank ARNOLD Self M W W 45 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: NC Mo: MS
James ARNOLD Son M S W 22 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: MS Mo: MS
Robert ARNOLD Son M S W 19 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: MS Mo: MS
Susan ARNOLD Dau F S W 16 TX Occ:Keeping House Fa: MS Mo: ---
Thomas ARNOLD Son M S W 14 TX Occ:At Home Fa: MS Mo: ---
Geneva ARNOLD Dau F S W 12 TX Occ: At Home Fa: MS Mo: ---
Mary ARNOLD Dau F S W 10 TX Fa: MS Mo: ---

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:

(Research):
Census Listings:

1880 Census
Census Place:District 16, Cherokee, Texas
Source:FHL Film 1255295 National Archives Film T9-1295
Page 41
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Frank ARNOLD Self M W W 45 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: NC Mo: MS
James ARNOLD Son M S W 22 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: MS Mo: MS
Robert ARNOLD Son M S W 19 MS Occ:Farmer Fa: MS Mo: MS
Susan ARNOLD Dau F S W 16 TX Occ:Keeping House Fa: MS Mo: --- (Married a SANDERS?)
Thomas ARNOLD Son M S W 14 TX Occ:At Home Fa: MS Mo: ---
Geneva ARNOLD Dau F S W 12 TX Occ: At Home Fa: MS Mo: ---
Mary ARNOLD Dau F S W 10 TX Fa: MS Mo: ---

Frank married Elizabeth Yates. Elizabeth was born before 1838; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]