James D. "J. D." Causey

Notes:

Shown as John A on the 1900 census, Alfred in 1910, and James A in 1930. Birth records of two of his sons simply show him as J A Causey. His tombstone is inscribed Rev. J. Alfred Causey. However, the obituary of son Leo shows his name as James Alfred, and this is assumed to be accurate.

Newton County Historical Committee, "Glimpses of Newton County History," (Nortex Press, Burnet, Texas, c. 1982) notes that Rev. J. A. CAUSEY was the first full-time pastor of the Church of God in Burkeville, Newton County, Texas. He pastored their for several years before resigning in 1925, leaving the church in care of the Rev. Henry Brooks.


(Research):

Census Listings:

1920
not located

1930 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP No. 8
Enumerated April 19, 1930
ED 202-11 SD 19 Sheet 9B
185-192
Causey, James A Head M W 32 M 17 Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Causey, Eppie B Wf F W 33 M 18 Tx Tx Tx
Causey, James B Son M W 14 S Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Alfred L Son M W 9 Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Mildred E. Dtr F W 7 Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Kate B Dtr F W 4 Tx Tx tx
Causey, Clide G Son M W 1 6/12 S Tx

James married Effie Beulah Stephenson. Effie was born on 9 Nov 1895 in Texas; died on 28 Apr 1990 in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana; was buried in Rosevine Cemetery, Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

First name shown as Eppie or Effie.

Notes:

His marker at the Milam Cemetery was erected by the Woodmens of the World, and in the enusing years it has toppled.

Alfred married Kate Blanche Speights. Kate (daughter of Joshua Hopkins Speights and Sarah "Sallie" Jane Youngblood) was born on 1 Jul 1871 in Texas; died on 2 Mar 1899 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The photo of her headstone, in Milam Cemetery, shows she was the wife of A. D. CAUSEY, and that she was born 1 July 1872 and died 2 Mar 1899.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=54446744

Notes:

Married:
Sabine County Marriages 1875-1900, 1900-1910, Prior to 1875 by Blanche Toole, 1983, Library of Congress #82-84531: pg. 6, Causey, Alfred to Kate B. Speights 8 July 1890 by J. B. Larkin, M.G

Laura Buckmaster lists his middle name as DAVENPORT. She also shows he married Katie Blanche Speights, a daughter of Joshua Hopkins SPEIGHTS and Sallie YOUNGBLOOD, and that they were the parents of Sally Louise CAUSEY, the wife of D. B. FUSSELL.

Sabine County Marriage records show that an Alfred Causey did marry Kate B. Speights, and this is also supported by their tombstones at Milam Cemetery. She is shown as the wife of A. D. Causey, and his is inscribed "Twas hard to give theeup but they will O God be done." The tomb was installed by Woodmen of the World.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=causey&GSiman=1&GScid=2166680&GRid=54446698&

And Alfred being the father of Sally seems to be supported by the census listing below, although his birthdate on his tombstown is shown as 1 Sept 1869, and below it is shown as May 1870.

1900 Census
Texas, Sabine, Milam Pr. 4
Enumerated 22 and 23 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 41 Sheet 12A Stamped 140
207-207
E. Ney and Lizzie Rennels, plus 4 children
Causey, Alfred Boarder W M May 1870 30 Wd Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Sally Boarder W F May 1891 9 S Tx Tx Tx Tx
Barlow, Albert Lodger W M May 1830 70 S Tx Tx Tx

However, the tree compiled by Sharon Speights Varnes instead shows that Alfred and Kate were the parents of a Florence Causey, who married J. W. PARKIN. "Florence Causey Parkin that writes letter in Shawnee Boswell Osborne book. Her address in 1966 was 5915 Parkdale, Dallas, Texas 75227. In letter dated Nov. 29, 1964 she says that she is 68 (that would make it abt 1896 and I have her born June 20, 1886!) and her husband is 79."

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/W/G/WGVMan/generation06cont.html

This alternate theory fits with the 1910 census. Again, there are slight differences, namely that Alfred's middle initial is shown as A versus D, and his age again differs, and has children living with him that were not present with he and Sally at the time of the 1900 census.

1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 4
Enumerated 12 May 1910
SD 2 ED 134 Sheet 17A Stamped 167
254-259
Causey, Alfred A. Head M W 38 Wd Tx US US Farm Laborer (born ca 1872)
Causey, Ettie Dtr F W 15 S Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Florence Dtr F W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
Causey, Alfred Son M W 10 S Tx Tx Tx

It appears likely that Alfred was actually the father of all four children, Sally (born ca 1891), Ettie (born ca 1894-1895), Florence (born ca 1896-1897), and Alfred (born ca 1897-1900)? At the time of the 1900 census, a 4 year old Florence Causey was living in Sabine County (Milam Pr. 4, HH 63/63) with Robert J and Martha Speights. Her date of birth was shown as Apr 1896, and her relationship was listed as "Cousin." In household 62/62, that of Frank and Margaret Andrews, two other Causey children were listed, shown as a niece and nephew, namely 6 year old Mary (born Jan'y 1894) and 2 year old John A. (born July 1897)---perhaps Mary Ettie and John Alfred? After the death of his wife, the younger children may have been taken in by relatives, with just his eldest daughter remaining in the care of her father, thus the separated family in 1900?

And in by 1910, Sallie had married, as seen below, and the younger children had moved back in with their father, as seen above.

1910 Census
Texas, San Augustine County, JP 1
Enumerated 28 Apr 1910
SD 2 ED 127 Sheet 9A Stamped 205
137-143
Fussell, D. L. Head M W 22 M1 0 Tx Tx Tx Farmer
Fussell, Sallie Wf F W M1 0 0/0 Tx Tx Tx

Notes:

Per the "1850 Census Sabine Co, Texas with added family information and corrections" Solomon Causey owned 2 slaves and his mother Nancy owned 3.

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

Virgie Speights writes that they were an early pioneer family, "the Causeys being in Sabine County nearly as long as anybody. Early deeds writtn about 1830 or earlier mention them living at Pendleton or thereabouts, they came to Texas from South Carolina."

The Sabine County Reporter
October 22, 2014
Pages 1 and 2

"Milam Cemetery receives marker"

The Texas Historic Cemetery Dedication Ceremony for Milam Cemetery took place on Saturday, October 11, following the annual Nethery reunion...local historian Weldon McDaniel....gave a presentation outlining some of the significant historical events that took place in Milam and the importance of preserving the history of Milam Cemetery. He said as many as 85 percent of all early settlers coming into Texas put their boots in red dirt. Although San Augustine and Nacogdoches counties have a friendly battle over which is older, Milam is just as old as either of them....

Dorothy Nethery Spain had the honor of reading the script engraved on the marker:

"Milam, the first County Seat of Sabine County, has a history of travelers and visitors stretching back centuries. Native Americans and Spanish exploreres, soldiers and missionaries passed through and often camped on Las Boregas Creek. Texian settlers encountering the natural abundance echoed the words of Stephen F. Austin, who recorded in his diary entry of July 16, 1821: "We then suddenly came to an open rolling country thinly timbered soil about the color of Spanish browne, and in some places redder. This Red Land is very productive and is covered with the most luxuriant growth of grass I ever beheld in any country." The settlment first called Red Mound (Red Mount) was the seat of Government for the Sabine District since 1822, and was surveyed as a town site in 1828.

Milam Cemetery is on a high hill overlooking the historic community. The exact dated of the first burial will never be known Spanish Explorers were passing through present-day Milam as early as 1539 and camped on Las Boregas Creek a few hundred yards west of the cemetery. Local hisorians believed Anglo burials occurred here probably as early as 1775, since travelers used the campsite down the hill on the Las Boregas. The land on which the cemetery is located was granted to JOHN SMITH on Feb. 26, 1835. The first marked burial is dated 1864, although more than 100 unmarked graves are suspected. The numerous military Veterans dating back to the Creek War are interred here, as well as prominent early citizens from the CAUSEY, WEATHERRED. McGREW, and NETHERY families. Milam Cemetery may be the oldest organized cemetery in Sabine County, and cherished chronicle of generations of visitors and residents."


(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Sabine District
Enumerated 6 and 7 Nov 1850
199-199
Solomon W. Causey 34 M Farmer 1000 Miss
Martha Ann Causey 12 F Miss
Alphia E Causey 10 F Tx
William E Causey 4 M Tx
Mary V. Causey 6/12 F Tx
Nancy Causey 67 F SC

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

1870 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Beat No. 2, PO Sabine Town
Enumerated 23 July 1870
Pages 1 and 2 Stamped 7
320-320
Causey S 50 M W Farmer 300 600 Miss
Harriet L 43 F Keeping House La
Solomon J 13 M Tx
George W 10 M W Tx
Margeret 4 F W Tx
Alfred D 1 M W Tx
Williams Harriet 30 F B Domestic Servant Ga
Robert H 5 M B Tx
Virginia 1 F B Txs

Solomon married Harriet Louisa Harvey before 1860. Harriet (daughter of Seth Harvey and Zelotus Margaret Ann Boyd) was born about 1828 in Louisiana; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

On the Lemon/Limon Tree at WorldConnect, she is instead shown as Harriett Slaughter.



(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census
Texas, Sabine County, 4th Precinct
Enumerated 15 Jun 1880
Page 4 SD 1 ED 86
39-39
Causey, Harriet L W F 52 Farming La NC NC
Causey, George W M 20 Son Works on Farm Tx Miss La
Causey, Margret W F 14 Dtr At Home Tx Miss La
Causey, Alfred D W M 10 Son Works on Farm Tx Miss La

Notes:

"Joshua Speights was very prominent in early Sabine County history, founding, together with Hampton Pratt, the first store in Hemphill. He also served as Chief Justice of Sabine County and as Senator in the Texas Legislature." (White and Toole)

SABINE COUNTY REPORTER 19 October 1994, Page 5 Oil Painting of Judge Speights is donated to county museum

The Sabine county Museum and the Virgie Speights Memorial Library has received a gift from Mr. and Mrs. James C. Vanderbilt of an oil painting of Judge Joshua H. Speights.

James, a great-grandson of Judge Speights,painted the portrait from a black and white copy of a picture taken of the Judge found in the archives of the Texas Legislature in Austin.

Joshua, a citizen of the Republic of Texas, served Sabine County in District #22, State Legislature 1853-1854, and 1859-1860, and also served as Judge of Sabine County 1877-1882. he was also a merchant, lawyer, physician, and farmer though not at the same time.

James and Marguerite Vanderbilt have been patrons of the museum and library from the beginning. They have given gifts of family heirlooms, valuable books and many mementos honoring Joshua H. Speights, his mother Rebbecca Hopkins Speights, and their descendants and relatives. James Vanderbilt spent a year studying and working for the British National Gallery in London, England. He retired form the Navy after World War II as a Lt. Commander. His hobbies are many but oil painting is his first love.

The Sabine County museum is very proud to have the portriat and is open Wednesday and Fridays and by appointment to visitors.

SABINE COUNTY REPORTER 27 March 2002, Page 9 SRT honors Vanderbilt with memorial

On Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001, the Sabine District Chapter #33 of Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT), dedicated an SRT memorial medallion at the grave of James C. Vanderbilt, deceased member of the chapter.

The unveiling ceremony of the historic marker was held at the Ft. Jesup National Park and Cemetery near Many, LA, in Sabine Parish. Sabine County Sheriff's Department proved the firing of the military salutes fo the occasion and the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Department provided an escort to the cemetery.

Vanderbilt was born April 15, 1915 in Ft. Jesup, LA. He was named at birth "Voyght Willard Boswell" and later changed his name to match his professional name as an artist.

James C. Vanderbilt was the great-grandson of Joshua Hopkins Speights, who came to Sabine County in approximately 1841. He was a professional artist and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

Vanderbilt was a strong patron of the arts and was dedicated to preserving our history and culture. He was a key person in the founding of the Virgie Speights Memorial Library and Museum in Hemphill. He and his wife donated many gifts to enhance and maintain the Library and Old Jail Buildin

Vanderbilt was a tireless worker and patron of the Sonoma Depot Museum in Sonoma, CA, where he lived for many years. His paintings and art illustrations for the movie industry, plus his gifts to preserve history will be enjoyed by future generations.

This is believed to be the first medallion dedicated outside of Texas.....Recognition of descendants and acceptance of the marker was conducted by Bill Speights. Speights and J.E. Gooch unveiled the marker.

From the SSDI: JAMES C VANDERBILT 15 Apr 1915 11 May 1998 (V) 95476 (Sonoma, Sonoma, CA) (none specified) 550-28-5822 California

Joshua married Sarah "Sallie" Jane Youngblood before 1870. Sarah (daughter of Henry Youngblood and Sarah Miller Harvey) was born on 1 Sep 1840 in Louisiana; died on 25 Aug 1899 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Know all men by these presents, That I Sarah Youngblood of the aforesaid State and County in consideration of the love and affection I have for my daughter Sarah J. Speights wife of Joshua H Speights of the same place have given granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do give grant and bargain sell and release unto her my said Daughter Sarah J. Speights all that certain lot or parcel of land lying in the State and County aforesaid in the Town of Hemphill and known and designated on the plot or map of said Town as lot number one (1) in Block number thirty five (35) comprising the entire North half of said Block number thirty five. Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining, to have and to hold all and singular the said premises unto the said Sarah J. Speights her heirs and assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself my heirs & executors and administrators! to warrant and forever defend all and singular the premises aforesaid unto the Sarah J Speights her heirs and assigns against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and scrawl for seal this the 28th day of August A. D. 1872

Signed and sealed and delivered in presence of Sarah Youngblood (Seal)

Drayton Pratt J. B. Bonneau M.D.

Charles Royall cnroyall@wcc.net