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Y. Z. Ernest "Wisey" Wright

Male 1907 - 1985  (77 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Y. Z. Ernest "Wisey" Wright was born on 24 Aug 1907 in Texas (son of Keaton James Wright and Dilla Dillo Shaw); died on 8 Aug 1985 in Riverside County, California.

    Family/Spouse: Fannie Lou Brown. Fannie was born on 20 Mar 1909 in Texas; died on 14 Oct 1989 in Riverside County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Keaton James Wright was born on 23 Sep 1881 in Comanche County, Texas (son of William Keaton Wright and Margaret F. McLemore); died on 11 May 1966 in Jud, Haskell County, Texas; was buried in Haskell Cemetery, Haskell County, Texas.

    Notes:

    He married Dilla SHAW. They were the parents of 14 children. They raised four sons, Wisey Ernest, Buford Earl, Cicero Hazel, and Wayland. Another son, Audry Eugene died at the age of one year. Nine daughters survived and married: Odessa Fanita ATKINSON, Ruth Susie ALLISON, Winnie Mae STARNES, Adeline Magie PUGH, Maggie Lee ALLEN, Opal Joe BELCHER GRIMLAND, Rachel LANGE, Ruby Nell WALKER, and Bobbie Joe HERN.

    In 1996, the family celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first K.J. WRIGHT family reunion, from July 5 through July 7 in Breckenridge at the Pugh Ranch. At that time, there were 326 direct descendants of Keaton and Dilla. The first family reunion was held at the Wright home in Rochester, Haskell County, when their son, Cicero was coming home from the service in 1946.

    (Excerpted from a scan of a newspaper article from the Thursday, June 27, 1996 THROCKMORTON TRIBUNE titled "Keaton & Dillo Wright -1946," courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

    Note, the DOD in the above article and on the Texas Death Index vary by four days. I used the DOD on the Texas Death Index.

    (Research):Census Information:

    1900 Census
    Texas, Hamilton, JP 8
    A Keaton Wright, age 17, was listed as a farm laborer and b
    oarder in the home of James and McDaniel. He was shown as born in May 1883 in Texas, to parents born in Mississippi and Alabama. This is possibly a different Keaton Wright, perhaps a cousin?

    1910 Census
    Texas, Wilbarger County, JP 4
    Enumerated 16 April 1910
    SD 18 ED 240 Sheet 1B
    8-8
    Wright, Keton J Hd M W 28 m1 Tx Tx Tx Farmr
    Wright, Dilla Wf F W 24 m1 5 3/3 Tx Ms Tx
    Wright, Odesia Dtr F W 4 S Tx Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Y.Z. Son M W 2 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Audrey Son M W 11/12 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, John H Brother M W 23 S Tx Tx Tx Farm Laborer

    1920 Census
    Texas, Throckmorton County, Woodson, J.P. 3
    Enumerated January 1920
    SD 13, ED 111, Sheet 3A, Stamped 23

    Family 30
    Wright, K.J. Hd 39 M Tx Tx Us Farmer General
    Wright, Dilla Wf 34 M Tx Tx Us
    Wright, Odesie Dtr 14 S US US US (note, Texas was orig. written and then crossed through)
    Wright, Wiley Son 12 S US US US (note, Texas was orig. written and then crossed through)
    Wright, Ruth Dtr 9 Tx
    Wright, Buford Son 7 Tx
    Wright, Winnie Dtr 5 Tx
    Wright, Adaline Dtr 4 1/12 Tx
    Wright, Winnie (sic) 2 8/12 Tx
    Wright, ------ Dtr 1/12 Tx

    1930 Census
    Texas, Throckmorton County, Pr. 3
    Enumerated April 8, 1930 by Mrs. Esther P. Tuggle
    ED 224-4 SD 8-4 Sheet 2A Stamped 253
    (bottom of page)
    April 9 35-36
    Wright, Keet J Hd M W 49 M23 Tx Ark SC
    Wright, Dilla D Wf F W 47 M 21 Tx Miss Tx
    Wright, Ruth R Dtr F W 20 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Buford E Son M W 19 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Winnie M Dtr F W 17 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Adaline Dtr F W 15 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Maggie L Dtr F W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Opal Dtr F W 10 S Tx Tx Tx
    Sheet 2B (top of page)
    Wright, Cisno Son M W 9 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Rachael Dtr F W 6 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Ruby N Dtr F W 5 S Tx Tx Tx
    Wright, Bobbie G Son (sic) M W 1 11/12 Tx Tx Tx

    Keaton married Dilla Dillo Shaw on 23 Sep 1904 in Haskell County, Texas. Dilla was born on 12 Sep 1884 in Erath County, Texas; died on 23 Jun 1974 in Erath County, Texas; was buried in Haskell Cemetery, Haskell County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Dilla Dillo Shaw was born on 12 Sep 1884 in Erath County, Texas; died on 23 Jun 1974 in Erath County, Texas; was buried in Haskell Cemetery, Haskell County, Texas.

    Notes:

    Her middle name might instead be Dorcas.

    She died in an auto accident. The social security death index instead lists her year of birth as 1885, and date of death as Jan 1974. It appears that the news article relating to the Keaton and Dillo Wright family reunion, from which her birth and death date were taken, would be more accurate. Her last residence on the SSDI was Rochester, Haskell County, Texas.

    Children:
    1. Odessa Lafanta Wright was born on 22 Jul 1905 in Texas; died on 19 Oct 1994 in Breckenridge, Stephens County, Texas.
    2. 1. Y. Z. Ernest "Wisey" Wright was born on 24 Aug 1907 in Texas; died on 8 Aug 1985 in Riverside County, California.
    3. Audrey Eugene Wright was born about 1909 in Texas; died about 1910 in Texas.
    4. Ruth Susie Wright was born on 24 Sep 1910 in Texas; died on 27 Jan 1980 in Jones County, Texas.
    5. Buford Earl Wright was born on 24 Mar 1912 in Texas; died on 9 May 2005 in Seymour, Baylor County, Texas.
    6. Winnie Mae Wright was born about 1915 in Texas; and died.
    7. Adeline Magie Wright was born on 19 Oct 1915 in Texas; died on 24 Nov 1995 in Breckenridge, Stephens County, Texas.
    8. Maggie Lee Wright was born on 12 Jul 1917 in Texas; died on 14 Dec 1996 in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas.
    9. Living
    10. Cicero Hazel Wright was born on 2 Aug 1921 in Throckmorton, Throckmorton County, Texas; died on 11 May 1989 in Lamar County, Texas.
    11. Living
    12. Living
    13. Living
    14. Living


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  William Keaton Wright was born on 15 Mar 1851 in Tennessee (son of James Wright and Eliza Jane McLemore); died on 15 Mar 1899 in Hamilton County, Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.

    Notes:

    Melba Gene McLemore writes that she was informed by Betty Beadle that there is a monument with three sides at Honey Creek Cemetery near Hico, and this is where William Keaton Wright and both wives are buried.

    (Research):Census Information:

    1880 Federal Census
    Wm. Wright Self M M W 29 Tn Farmer Al Tn
    Margaret Wright W M F W 26 Tx Keeping House --- ---
    Wm. Wright Son S M W 7 Tx At Home Tn Tx
    Gailey Wright Son S M W 5 Tx Tn Tx
    Norville Wright Son S M W 2 Tx Tn Tx
    James Wright Brother S M W 26 Tx Farmer Al Tn
    Hamilton, TX
    FHL 1255308 NA Film T9-1308 Page 352A

    William married Margaret F. McLemore on 29 Nov 1871 in Travis County, Texas. Margaret (daughter of Keton Jones McLemore and Rebecca Jane Harrelson) was born on 8 Jan 1852 in Texas; died on 25 Nov 1890 in Hico, Hamilton County, Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Margaret F. McLemore was born on 8 Jan 1852 in Texas (daughter of Keton Jones McLemore and Rebecca Jane Harrelson); died on 25 Nov 1890 in Hico, Hamilton County, Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.

    Notes:

    Her younger half-brother, Pleasant, recounts that "she was Black Headed and very pretty (however, I never saw an ugly female McLemore)."

    Children:
    1. William Thaddeaus Wright was born on 20 Apr 1873 in Texas; died on 16 Jul 1963.
    2. Garlington Coker Wright was born on 24 Sep 1875 in Caldwell County, Texas; died on 1 Sep 1966 in Hamilton County, Texas.
    3. Norvel Felix Wright was born on 24 Apr 1878 in Hamilton County, Texas; died on 31 Oct 1952 in Hobbs, Lea County, New Mexico.
    4. 2. Keaton James Wright was born on 23 Sep 1881 in Comanche County, Texas; died on 11 May 1966 in Jud, Haskell County, Texas; was buried in Haskell Cemetery, Haskell County, Texas.
    5. Benjamin Harrison Wright was born on 27 Jul 1884 in Bell County, Texas; and died.
    6. John Hood Wright was born on 29 Jun 1887 in Carlton, Hamilton County, Texas; died on 26 Aug 1951 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  James Wright was born about 1816 in Kentucky (son of Benjamin Wright and Hannah McLemore); died about 1855 in Mississippi.

    Notes:

    James Wright was a member of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Lincoln County, Tennessee by 1840.

    Middle name sometimes shown as HARRISON.

    Melba Gene McLemore found a Power of Attorney from James Wright to William H. Ragsdale, proven by oath of John WILLY and John ISOM, GI Cty., TN Cty. Ct. Min. p 201.

    Will Johnson shows him, apparently in error, as dying after 1870 in Illinois. This contradicts the research of both Douglas Wright and Melba Gene McLemore, who both show his death much earlier, Doug Wright shows he died in Hamilton County, Texas whereas Melba Gene shows he died in Mississippi. He is not listed with his wife and children at the time of the 1860 Rusk County, Texas census.

    (Research):See Notes for Eliza Jane McLemore for census transcriptions

    James married Eliza Jane McLemore on 24 Apr 1839 in Lincoln County, Tennessee. Eliza (daughter of Sterling C. McLemore and Martha C. "Patsy" Whitaker) was born on 6 Dec 1819 in Lincoln County, Tennessee; died on 23 May 1883 in Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Eliza Jane McLemore was born on 6 Dec 1819 in Lincoln County, Tennessee (daughter of Sterling C. McLemore and Martha C. "Patsy" Whitaker); died on 23 May 1883 in Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.

    Notes:

    In Betty Via's book about the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church of Lincoln County, Tennesse, an Eliza Wright, member 1840, joined by letter, June 1844, is listed. Betty notes that this Eliza is believed to be the wife of James Wright.

    Douglas Wright shows that after James died, she married second, around 1860, Jack Thompson (1815-1870). Melba Gene McLemore reports that Jack was also said to be buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, but if so his headstone is long gone as it can not be seen in this cemetery.

    Melba Gene McLemore provided the following excerpt of a letter from her ancestor, Keton Jones McLemore, that relates to Eliza Jane McLemore Wright Thompson:

    Keton's Letter March 1, 1870 (Partial)
    :
    "If you hear from Thad, don't fail to let me know immediately, --- I rec'd. a letter from your cousin Jack yesterday, he was then at your cousin Eliza Thompsons in Travis Co. & I have just answered his letter, directed my letter to Onion Creek, care of Sterling J. Wright, and if Jack should be at your home, as he spoke something in his letter of coming there, you can inform him of that fast."

    (Research):Census Information:

    1840 Census
    Lincoln County, Tennessee
    Page 11, Line 21
    Wright, Wm.
    One Male 20 to 30, One Female 15 to 20

    1850 Census
    Tennessee, Lincoln County, Subdivision No. 2
    Enumerated 6 Nov 1850 by Alfred Bearden
    Stamped 56
    989-989
    Martha Pegrim 56 F $1000 Kent (Eliza Jane's twice widowed m
    other)
    George A. Pegrim 18 M Tenn
    Columbus Pegrim 16 M Tenn Attended School during year
    Martha C Pegrim 13 F Tenn Attended School during year
    990-990
    James Wright 34 M Shoemaker Kent
    Eliza Wright 29 F Tenn
    Martha M Wright 10 F Tenn
    Mary J Wright 7 F Tenn
    Sterling J Wright 5 M Tenn
    Benjamin Wright 2 M Tenn
    991-991
    Josiah ROUGHTON

    1860 Federal Census
    Texas, Rusk County, Beat No. 9
    Enumerated 19 July 1860
    P.O. Box New Danville Page 134
    864-882
    E.J. Wright 40 F $900 Tenn
    S.J. Wright 14 M Tenn
    B.H. Wright 12 M Tenn
    Wm. W. Wright 9 M Tenn
    P.B. Wright 7 F Tenn
    James N Wright 5 M Tex
    865-883
    Columbus Pegrim 25 M $700 Tenn
    Josephine Pegrim 16 f Tex (nee Nowlin, according to Melba Gene McLemore)
    866-884
    G.A. Pegram 28 M $500 Tenn
    Sarah Pegram 30 F Tenn
    William Pegram 8 M Tenn
    S.C. Pegram 6 F Tx
    C.C. Pegram 4 M Tx
    James M Pegram 1 M Tx

    Notes:

    Married:
    "Lincoln County Tennessee Official Marriage Records 1838-1880", by Helen C. Marsh & Timothy R. Marsh, pub. 1974

    McLEMORE
    Eliza J. McLemore to James Wright 24 April 1839

    (Courtesy of Noveda Metzger)

    Children:
    1. Martha E. Wright was born on 25 Mar 1836 in Tennessee; died on 20 Nov 1885; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.
    2. Mary Jane Wright was born in Jan 1842 in Tennessee; died on 13 Feb 1919 in Rusk County, Texas.
    3. Sterling Jackson Wright was born about 1845 in Tennessee; died after 1860 in Texas.
    4. Benjamin Harrison Wright was born on 18 Apr 1848 in Lincoln County, Tennessee; died on 21 Oct 1917 in Itasca, Hill County, Texas.
    5. 4. William Keaton Wright was born on 15 Mar 1851 in Tennessee; died on 15 Mar 1899 in Hamilton County, Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.
    6. Perlina Berry Wright was born on 27 Apr 1853 in Lincoln County, Tennessee; died on 4 Apr 1942 in Carlton, Hamilton County, Texas; was buried on 4 Apr 1942 in Carlton, Hamilton County, Texas.
    7. James Nicholas Wright was born on 9 May 1855 in Texas; died before 1920 in Hamilton County, Texas.

  3. 10.  Keton Jones McLemore was born about 1809 in Kentucky; died after 1873 in Bastrop County, Texas.

    Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sept . 7th 1868
    Seguin , Tx.

    To Felix H. McLemore,

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

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

    Seguin, Texas
    Nov 21, 1868

    To Felix H. McLemore

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

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

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

    (Research):
    Census Listings:

    1830 Census-Richland, Arkansas Territory

    Enumerated alone, but living next door to Wright McLemore

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

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

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

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

    She has the family transcribed as follows:

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Census listings courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

    (Medical):

    Y DNA Results, FTDNA Haplogroup:

    R1b1

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

    See the results for Group O at the following website:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


  4. 11.  Rebecca Jane Harrelson was born about 1820 in Mississippi; died between 1852 and 1853 in Jefferson County, Texas.

    Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

    (Courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

    Notes:

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

    Children:
    1. Wright K. McLemore was born about Jan 1835 in Mississippi; died on 24 Dec 1883 in McDade, Bastrop County, Texas; was buried in Baker Hill Cemetery, McDade, Bastrop County, Texas.
    2. Lucretia Jane McLemore was born on 10 Nov 1838 in Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi; died on 7 Mar 1930 in Yselta, El Paso County, Texas.
    3. Amanda F. McLemore was born on 13 Feb 1840 in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana; died on 14 Jul 1922 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; was buried in St. James Catholic Cemetery, Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas.
    4. Felix Harrelson McLemore was born on 16 Mar 1843 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana; died on 16 Nov 1919 in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri; was buried in Cox Cemetery, Millsap, Parker County, Texas.
    5. Thaddeus Kociusko McLemore was born on 8 Nov 1846 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana; died on 24 Dec 1883 in McDade, Bastrop County, Texas; was buried in Baker Hill Cemetery, McDade, Bastrop County, Texas.
    6. Rebecca Isabella "Bell" McLemore was born on 15 Mar 1850 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana; died on 16 Jan 1918 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas.
    7. 5. Margaret F. McLemore was born on 8 Jan 1852 in Texas; died on 25 Nov 1890 in Hico, Hamilton County, Texas; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas.
    8. Infant McLemore was born about 1853 in Jefferson County, Texas; died about 1853 in Jefferson County, Texas.