Mary Genevieve Goodwin

Notes:

Lynell Gentry Cordell found her listing on the SSDI:

U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-Current
Name: Mary G Adair
Born: 21 Mar 1923
Died: 11 Feb 2012
State (Year) SSN issued: Texas (Before 1951)

Ken Harvey writes: One of Mary's daughters was Dianne, who died from cancer at the age of 51 (1944 - 17 March 1995). Dianne had one daughter Lori (?) and two grandchildren. She used to visit Edith Lynell Gentry every year in Oklahoma. Lynell Cordell writes that she also had a son named Mitch Adair.

Notes:

On his marriage he was described as "of Panhandle, Carson Co., Texas." They were married by L. G. Maynard

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Talbert Newton Goodwin
City: Arthur
County: Stephens
State: Oklahoma
Birth Date: 13 Sep 1897
Race: White
Roll: 1852128
DraftBoard: 0
Occupation: Farmer for A. B. Goodwin, Arthur, Stephens Co. OK
Nearest relative: Mrs. Eva Goodwin, mother, Arthur, Stephens Co. OK
Height/Build: Medium/Medium
Color or eyes/hair: Blue/Brown

Tolbert married Dera Lois Gentry on 28 Dec 1920 in Stephens County, Oklahoma. Dera (daughter of James Edwin Gentry and Elzada Trawick) was born on 25 Jul 1899 in Stephens County, Indian Territory; died on 13 Jan 1988 in Garden Grove, Orange County, California; was buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Whittier, Los Angeles County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

On her marriage she was described as "of Arthur, Oklahoma." They were married by L. G. Maynard

Notes:

Married:
Vol. 6, Stephens County Marriage Book:, Lic. #269
Dera Gentry, 18 to Talbert Goodwin of Panhandle, Carson County, TX on 12-28-1920

Notes:

Lynell Gentry notes that her father, the youngest son of James and Zada Gentry, "talked about living in Wise Co. Texas, when he was a youngster. That was probably between Dera's birth in 1899 and Elmer's in 1901. Bessie told Anna Laura that they came across the Red River to Oklahoma on New Year's Day 1900 and lived in Grady Co. before settling in Stephens Co. Although on the 1900 census they are at Township 2SR3W, the same as Zada's mother and unmarried siblings. That location is around Alma, Oklahoma, where my Dad [Delbert] said he was born in 1893. Zada's father died there in 1899 and is buried near John M. and Pamelia Gentry in the Alma Cemetery."

Ken Harvey notes that in 1900 "We find four young unidentified Gentrys '[second] cousins [of Ed & Zada's children?]' living with Ed and Zada during the census of Indian Territory in 1900 and as a result they had to be enumerated there. They were presumably not on vacation as they were very young-perhaps their parents were starting to homestead in Indian Territory and were building their house having been there a few years. These youngsters were presumably the grandchildren of either James, Michael, Wesley or Abram-the sons of Preacher William Gentry.

We only know for certain that Wesley and Abram emigrated to Texas with the family. They could easily have been Wesley or Abram's grandchildren. They are Mollie, Stephen, Cubie and Addie. Assuming they are all siblings their unknown Gentry father was born in Texas and their mother was born in Kansas. In addition there was an unidentified fourteen year old nephew, Mayfield Ladd b. Mar. 1886 TX, who was presumably on a working vacation."

There were some Todd's in the area in 1900 but no Ladd's were found so it is not certain which name is correct.

In 1919 the couple bought about 160 acres of Stephens Co. land from Ed's nephew Franklin Melton Gentry and his wife. This was on Nov. 22nd. and the lands legal description was Sec. 4 1S 5W. (Book 103, Page 139, Stephens County Courthouse).

They sold this land to Bill Kirk in 1946 and moved to 2nd Street in Duncan.

J.E. Gentry's obituary, from THE DUNCAN EAGLE dated 19 January 1950 reads as follows:

"60 Year Resident of County, J.E. Gentry, Dies After Long Illness" Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon for James E. Gentry, 80, 704 North 2nd, who died in a local hospital Monday night after a long illness. Gentry had been a resident of this county for the past 60 years, having moved to Alma in 1889. He was born in Wise County, Texas [Lynell thinks this is an error*] in March, 1869. G. W. McCollum, Minister, conducted the rites as the West Main Church of Christ with Rev. Roy V. Harp of the First Christian Church assisting. Burial was in the Duncan Cemetery under the direction of Rangley-Holden Funeral Home.

Bearers were Bruce Ridley, V. K. McMasters, Jake Kirby, Gaylord Clark, M.E. Hitt and Bill Groppenbacher. Survivors include the widow Zada, five sons, A.L. of Duncan, Delbert of Duncan Route 3, Elmer and Jess of Duncan and Lloyd of Oklahoma City, three daughters, Ruth Gentry of the home address, Mrs. Bessie Payne of Oklahoma City, and Mrs. Dera Goodwin of Bell, California.

*Lynell noted that the 1860 and 1870 census records were in Johnson County, Texas, and she believes he was born there.

Ken Harvey further noted that he was known as Ed. He was a slow moving person.

(Research):Census Listings:

1900 census
Chickasaw Nation IT (Stephens Co. OK) ED 167 pg. 15 240/244
Jentry, J.E., Mar. 1869, 31, married 9, TX KY TN Farmer
Zadie, wife, Jan. 1875, 25, 6 children/6 living, KS TN KS
Arthur, son, Jun 1893, 7, IT
Delbert, son, Mar. 1894, 6, IT
Bessie, dau., Apr. 1896, 4, IT
Jesse, son, Apr. 1897, 3, IT
Deria, dau., Apr. 1899, 1, IT
Jentry, Mollie, cus., May 1896, 4, IT TX KS
Stephen, cus., Feb. 1897, 3, IT TX KS Cubie, cus, female, M
ar. 1897, 3, TX TX KS
Addie, cus., Feb. 1898, 2, IT, TX KS
Ladd?/Todd?, Mayfield, neph., Mar. 1886, 14, TX TN KS

1910 census
Grady Co. OK, Amber twn.,
ED 90 pg. 11 B
137/138
Jentry, James E., 41, married 20, TX KY KY
Elzada, 39, 7 children/7 living, KS TN TN
Arthur, son, 17, OK Delbert, son, 16, OK Bessie, dau., 14, OK Jesse, son, 13, OK
Dera, dau., 11, OK Elmer, son, 8, OK
Loyd, son, 1, OK

1920 census,
Stephens Co. OK, Parks twp.,
ED 250 pg. 14B.
Gentry, James E., 50, TX TN TN
Zada, 49, KS TN TN
Delbert, son, 25, OK
Dera, dau. 20, OK
Elmer, son, 18, OK
Lloyd R., son, 9, OK
Ruth, dau., 7, OK

1930 census
Stephens Co. OK Parks Twp.,
ED 69-21 Sheet 3A
34/38
Gentry, James E., MW 61 M 21 TX TN TN
Zada, wife FW 59 M 19 KS MS MS
Jess N., son MW 33 S OK TX KS
Lloyd, son MW 21 S OK TX KS
Ruth, dau. FW 17 S OK TX KS

James married Elzada Trawick about 1891. Elzada (daughter of James Jackson Trawick and Elizabeth Lucinda Adams) was born on 6 Jan 1871 in Coffeyville, Montgomery County, Kansas; died on 23 Jan 1951 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ken Harvey writes that she was known as Zadie or Elzadie. Her family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, shortly before she was born.

It was Zadie's habit, as with all the pioneers, to conserve water. She used to wash the dishes and disposing of that water she would then rinse them with fresh water. This rinse water was retained for the next dish washing. When piped water was installed Zadie continued her old routine for the rest of her life to the amusement of all.

Obituaries (Both courtesy of Lynell Gentry Cordell)

Duncan Eagle
Jan. 25, 1951

Mrs. Gentry, Pioneer Resident, Dies Tuesday

One of the first settlers of what is now Stephens County, Mrs. J. E. Gentry, 705 North 2nd, died Tuesday in a Duncan hospital after suffering a stroke last week. Mrs. Gentry, 80, had lived in Alma since 1889. She moved to Duncan several years ago.

Survivors include five sons, Arthur, Lee (sic), Elmer, Delbert, all of Duncan, and Lloyd of Oklahoma City; three daughters, Ruth Gentry of the home address; Mrs. Bessie Payne, Oklahoma City, and Mrs. Tolbert Goodwin of Bell, Calif.; a brother George Trawick of 705 Pecan; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rennels of Carpenter, and Mrs. Susie McMinn, Merkle, Texas; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Daily Banner (Duncan Banner)
January 23, 1951

'89er Dies in Hospital Here

Mrs. J. E. Gentry of 704 North 2nd, died at 8 a.m. today in a Duncan hospital. She had suffered a stroke Friday. Mrs. Gentry 80, had been a resident of Alma and Duncan since 1889. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Rangeley-Holden Funeral Home. Survivors include 5 sons, 3 daughters, a brother, 2 sisters, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. The sons are Arthur Gentry, 305 South 7th; Jess Gentry, 704 North 2nd; Elmer Gentry, 1116 Elm; Delbert Gentry, Duncan; Lloyd Gentry, Oklahoma City. The daughters are Ruth Gentry, home address; Mrs. Bessie Payne, Oklahoma City; Mrs. Tolbert Goodwin, Bell, Calif. The brother is George Trawick, 706 Pecan. The sisters are Mrs. Mary Rennels, Carpenter, Okla. and Mrs. Susie McMinn, Merkle, Tex.

Notes:

Married:
Lynell Gentry Cordell writes that "Zada Trawick's family was also in Wise Co., Texas in 1880. I wonder if John M. and Pamelia could have moved there after the 1880 census and Zada and Ed met and married there in 1890/91. Preacher William, possibly in need of care, his wife having probably died, could have been there around that time also." It is also possible that they married in Oklahoma, her obituary saying she had been a resident of Alma and Duncan since 1889.

Notes:

John's middle name is not known with certainty. Milton was recorded by the undertakers following his death. They probably misheard this however. Grace Gentry has told Lynell Gentry it was actually Melton. And as a grandson was nameed Franklin Melton Gentry, the balance of probability suggests that he was John Melton Gentry.

The Salt Lake Ancestral File gives John M. Gentry's birthdate as 1828 in Madison Co., Kentucky. However, on the 1870 Johnson Co, TX census, his computed date of birth would be 1830. On the 1900 Stephens Co, OK census, his computed date of birth would be December 1827.

John's son, William, recorded his father's birth state as Kentucky although John himself had recorded it as Tennessee ten years previously.

Significantly no parents for John are listed in the Ancestral File and a Samuel Gentry is given as "relation." Unfortunately the source of this data concerning Samuel is not immediately indicated. This ancestor entry was made on 20 Dec. 1937 by a member of the Mormon Church, probably long gone by now. The original data entry should be followed up. The Microfilm Reference is 183571 page 650. Ordinance 22555 Salt Lake.

1850-Recorded in Obion County, Tennessee Dist #2, page 705

1854 - "History of Johnson County, Texas" states that a John Gentry was elected County Commissioner. This probably was another John Gentry as census records cited below show that our John M. Gentry must have moved to Missouri sometime around this period.

1855 and 1859-- The family moved to Missouri where daughters Ellen, Sallie and Virginia were born.

1859 - John M. Gentry (31) probably migrated to Texas circa 1859, after a stay of about four years in Missouri. His son, William Miller Gentry, was therefore eight years old when they migrated to Texas. In later life he apparently had no memories of life in Tennessee, we can assume however that the boy did remember life in Missouri. They moved from Missouri to Texas shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. The raging debates leading to the Missouri compromise, prior to the Civil War, may have hastened their departure. In the book APRIL 1865, Jay Winik notes that "On one level, (Missouri) was the very embodiment of the Civil War itself: a conflict-ridden slave state that didn't secede, a state deeply divided in loyalties, a state with an ill-formed identity. On yet another level, as it descended into full-scale guerilla war, Missouri became a very different creature altogether, less a reflection of what the Civil War was and more a mirror for what the Civil War could become. It became a killing field."

1860 - John's real estate in the Grandview Post Office area in Johnson Co., Texas, was valued at $270 in 1860 and his personal property at $525. He was a farmer and he was now employing a farm labourer from Alabama, Sam Benge (23), who lived with the family.

His father was possibly in nearby Hillsboro, Hill Co. where he was presumably developing his newly founded Baptist Church.

1861-On March 30, A Jno M. Gentry (33) was elected an officer in the Grandview Calvary, Johnson Co, Texas. He became one of six corporals in the newly formed CSA. {Johnson Co, Texas, Civil War Declaration and Muster Roll from the Commisioners Court Ledger Book "A". Muster Roll of the Grandview Cavalry, p 244}. His younger brother, Wesley (19) served as a private in the same company. Wesley was listed as #44 out of 61 privates in the same company. They were under the command of Capt. Jacob S. Morrow. {p. 245}.

The military records cited above might be for another John M. Gentry. Lynell Cordell also found the following records: "Gentry, John M--Card #50325527, Pvt, Co. A, 18th Regiment Texas Cavalry, Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for Jan 15 to June 30, 1862. Enlisted March 1, 186- (blank) at Dallas, Texas for a period of one year. No pay received. Discharged May 29, under Conscript law [Probably too old] A.B. Mustain, Copyist

1861-"History of Johnson County, Texas" states that the Grandview Masonic Blue Lodge #266 A.F. and A.M. was chartered June 14, 1861. J.M. Gentry was listed as a charter member, along with W.G. Gentry.

1870 - Census, Johnson County, Texas ED 628

Ca. 1875-- "History of Johnson County, Texas" states that "Pupils from many places came to board in the homes of the families living in the neighborhood, and a number of new families moved here and built homes on five acre lots given for the purpose [of building Oakland College] by Philip Walker, Judge Harrison, John Gentry, Dr. L.H. Gebhard and James Houston." (p 360)

26 March 1877-Jesse W. Bell and James K. Blair relinquished and conveyed to J.M. Gentry and Jesse A. Gentry the rights, titles and interests in and to land in Grayson county. Jesse Bell and James Blair had previously purchased the land from the administrator of Christian Blair. The reason for the transfer is unknown, as is the relationship of Bell and Blair to the Gentrys. (Vol. A1 Grayson County, TX)

1878- J.M. Gentry purchased 12 acres of Timber land for $75 from J.A. Gentry in Grayson County, Texas. (Volume 44, Grayson County Bonham, TX)

1880 - Grayson County, Texas ED 7, page 145. Also living with the family was a 25 year old servant, J.C. Matthews, and John's youngest sister, Mary "Mollie" Gentry Bush. Mollie is listed as a boarder, and living with her three small sons, Willie, Harry, and Marcus Roy.

John's son William Miller Gentry is now living in Wise Co. with his wife and young family. Zada Trawick's family was also in Wise Co. in 1880. It is possible that John M. and Pamelia could have moved there after the 1880 census, and also that Preacher William, possibly in need of care, could have been there around that time also.

1885- Land record, Vol 5, Page 176, Wise Co., Texas J.M. and P.C. Gentry sold about 46 1/2 acres to J.C. McCraken.

1887-Land record Vol 11, page 434, Wise Co., Texas J.M. and P.C. Gentry sold (?) 130 acres to Burges. Says something about part of blk 11, league #2. Hunt School Land.

1890-Land record, Vol 19, page 310, Wise Co., Texas Sold 130 acres in Block 11, League #2, School land, to Jerry Williamson (son-in-law?)

1895- Land record Vol 31, page 284, Wise Co, Texas. Something else about the 130 acres sold to Burges Block 11, League #2, Hunt School land.

1900-He and Pamelia were living with his son and daughter in law, William M. and Mollie Gentry.

1901-A J.M. Gentry purchased "land situated in Fannin County, Texas on the waters of Brushy Creek being part of a Survey originally granted unto Wm Martin" from W.A. and Rosa B. Ayres for $400 cash and a $100 note. (Book 17, Page 488-489 Fannin Co, TX). It is not known if this is the same person a John Melton Gentry, who was residing in Oklahoma at that time.

Lewis Adair Payne has a copy (currently mislaid) of a four generation group photograph of John Milton Gentry and Pamelia Harpole taken around 1902. They, the grandparents in the picture, apparently died shortly afterwards. The original image, which is unfortunately not a very good piece of portraiture being taken from a distance, is probably the property of Dorothy Thompson. This important photograph apparently shows John (75), with a large beard and sitting. The rest of the seven people portrayed are apparently standing; Pamelia (75), William Miller Gentry (50) and his wife Mary Evelyn Mounts (46) with two of their children Permelia Gertrude (25) and Pearl (6). Gertie's husband Walter W. Payne and their first born child Carl (4). The picture was taken in front of William and Martha's house and a neighbour woman can additionally be seen nearby. This picture, when compared to Lynell's damaged double portrait of John and Pamela (Harpole) Gentry, seems to be of the same people. Anna Laura Payne confirmed the identity of the John and Pamela, remembering the portrait from her childhood. Charles Strong remembers the portrait, before damage, hanging in the home of James Edwin Gentry and Zada Trawick.

1900 - Both John Milton and Pamelia C. Gentry were living with their son William M. Gentry in Stephens Co., Oklahoma in 1900.

1902-John M. Gentry becomes the 11th Masonic Worshipful Master, Lodge No. 54, in Velma, Oklahoma.

1904 - (Tombstone Inscription, surmounted by Masonic Insignia) JOHN M./GENTRY/ BORN/ DEC. 19. 1827/ DIED/MAR. 3. 1904/AGED/ 76Yrs. 2 Mos./ &15Das.

John married Pamelia C Harpole about 1850 in Tennessee. Pamelia (daughter of John Harpole and Mary Ann McMinamy) was born on 20 Mar 1827 in Obion County, Tennessee; died on 19 Jul 1903 in Alma, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory; was buried in Alma Cemetery, Alma, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following biographical details were compiled by Ken Harvey:

1827-Pamelia was born in March, possibly in Obion County, although her mother may have returned to the family home in Rutherford County for the birth of her first child. No record has been found of the event. The Obion County organization was created in 1832, and it is possible that early records were lost or never created in the first place. Pamelia's birthdate is recorded on her tombstone. The following is in HARPOLE COUSINS "Permelia E. Harpole (dau. of John and Elizabeth Swingley Harpole, page 368) b. March 20, 1820; d. May 13, 1847 m July 18, 1846 to James H. Chandler, Madison County, Tennessee." The date of birth appears to be incorrect, seven years to the day too early, and Pamela was born following the death of Elizabeth Swingley. Additionally, it was her first husband, James Chandler who probably died circa 1847. Lynell Cordell wrote to the authors of "Harpole Cousins" to ask about this and they could not tell her where they obtained the original information.The birth date in the book and the birth date on Pamelia's grave stone both show March 20, so they could very well be the same person, but that still leaves the year in doubt.

The 1830 and 1840 census records for the John Harpole family:

1830 census, Obion Co. TN pg. 159 Schedule: Male-Females, 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, then in increments of 10. Harpole, John, 012001-0100001 (The youngest female was 5-10 years old, born between 1820 and 1825)

1840 census, Obion Co. TN Schedule: Given and Surname of head of household and number of male/female. Males: 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, etc until 13th number, which is over 100. Females are the 2nd group of numbers. 133. John Harpole, 0101201-00001001 (Youngest female was between 20-30, born between 1820 and 1830)

1846 - James H. Chandler married Permilia (sic) Harpool on July 19, 1846, Obion Co., Tennessee. Bond: J. H. Chandler and Thomas G. Jenkins. Officiant: Cage Hale, J.P. The marriage license was issued the previous day. [Gary, Grace D. & Stricklin, Carolyn W. (1978) OBION COUNTY TENNESSEE MARRIAGE RECORDS 1824-1877]. "Our" Pamelia would have been aged 19 at this time. It is probable that her husband James died a short time afterwards without children and Pamelia remarried soon after. James H. Chandler died in 1849, and his estate sold the following items to Albert C. Harpole, Pamelia's brother: "table cloth, 2 peased quilts & linens, chest, bedstead & cord, 3 bed quilts, cover lid, and blanket," for a total amount of $27.25. These items may have been bough for Pamelia. At that time, if there was no will, the wife did not inherit even the necessities. According to the book, Harpole Cousins, Albert's sister Permelia was already dead by this time.

Sometime prior to 1849, Pamelia married John Melton Gentry. The marriage was probably conducted by John's father, the Baptist preacher and J.P., William Gentry. He may well have forgotten to record the ceremony in the Obion Courthouse. No marriage record for John M. Gentry and Pamelia Harpool, or Chandler, has every been found. The early death of Pamelia's full brother, William Harpole, would not have helped in perpetuating her memory with the Harpole family who remained in Tennessee after Pamelia moved to Texas with the Gentry's.

1850-Pamelia was living in the Gentry household with John and his mother, Polly, and his siblings. Pamelia and John are both shown as age 23. The rest of the census records in Texas and Indian Territory shows Pamelia only 2 to 3 years older than John, or the same age.

Lynell contends that the supposition that Pamela is the daughter of John Harpole and Mary Ann McMimany is still far from proven. Her contention is that we are ignoring some things in "Harpole Cousins," such as the books dates for John and Elizabeth McSwigley Harpole's daughter, Permelia and yet take as a fact that *our* Pamelia is the daughter of John Harpole. And until the date of birth can be proven or disproven, we don't know whether her mother is Elizabeth Swigley or Mary Ann McMinamy.

1860 - It is very noticable that there are no Harpoles in this census of Tennessee. There are however quite a lot of Harpools. Had the name undergone further anglisation? None of the 1850 Harpoles can be identified in 1860.

1903 - Transcription of Pamela's Tombstone:

MRS P. C. GENTRY/ WIFE OF /J. M. /GENTRY/ BORN MAR.20.1827/ DIED/ JULY 18. 1903

The name was pronounced Pa-meal-ya but spelled like Pamela or Pamelia.

RECORDED SPELLINGS

Pamilia Harpole

Pamelia C Gentry

Permelia C. Gentry

E. Gentry

Pamela Harpool

Permelia Gentry

P. C. Gentry Could the middle initial "C", used in the census and tombstone inscription, have, in fact, been a poorly written "G" for Gertrude? A granddaughter of Pamelia was named Permelia Gertrude in 1877; presumably named after her. The strong argument against this is that the "C" does occur three times.

Puzzlingly, Permelia name was represented by the initial "E." in the 1870 census of Johnson County, Texas. Was this simply an enumerator's error? It certainly looks like it.

Ruth Pearl Gentry had (1980) a picture of Pamelia C. Harpole which is presumably now [1996] in the possession of one of her children. Scott Philip Hall is thought to have inherited the family photographs including the portrait of Pamelia Harpole. He left Pampa, Texas, and is living (1997) in either New Mexico or Arizona. Lynell Gentry has a large portrait of Pamelia with her husband.

In 1900 Permelia recorded on the census that she had had seven children of whom two were now dead. The children who did not survive were presumably Ellen and Sallie. They may have died without issue but we cannot be certain of this.

1903-Photographed in a family group photo in her home in Alma with her husband John and two children.

Fay Payne Yeager thinks that our Pamelia [Harpole] was Cherokee Indian but I (Kenneth Harvey) have never asked her why she thinks so. This is certainly not correct.

Notes:

Married:
Fay Payne Yeager reports they had another daughter, named Mary. "She is not on a census but family history tells that John and Pamelia had a daughter named Mary that died young. An old saying was, "If a person is sitting by a window and a bird comes and sits on the window sill, that person is going to die." This happened to Mary." Ken Harvey is adament their is not daughter Mary. It was thought that a gravestone in the Oakland Cemetery in Johnson Co. TX that reads: "Sacred to the Memory of M. Mary Gentry Jan. ?, 18?5 (1865?) -- 1869" might be hers. However, an earlier transcription of the cemetery proves that this headstone was for the wife of Preacher William Gentry, whose date of birth was 1805, and who died in 1869.

Notes:

Lynell Gentry notes that his headstone lists him as being age 64 at the time of the death in 1899, which would make his year of birth as 1835 instead of 1838.

Ken Harvey writes that they lived in Searcy, Arkansas when their their two oldest children were born. Sometime before 1871, when daughter Elzada was born, they moved to Coffeyville, Kansas; perhaps as a result of railroad advertisements promoting Coffeyville and Independence as two large towns on the Border of the United States and the Indian Territory.

The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to "improve" the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. After 5 years on the land, the original filer was entitled to the property, free and clear, except for a small registration fee. Title could also be acquired after only a 6-month residency and trivial improvements, provided the claimant paid the government $1.25 per acre. After the Civil War, Union soldiers could deduct the time they had served from the residency requirements. This served to opened western lands to qualified citizens, the Indian Territory of Kansas and Oklahoma-home to more than three dozen tribes-was subject to a series of legal measures that reduced its extent. A new philosophy of assimilation favored bringing Native Americans into the United States as individual citizens, rather than allowing them lands and tribal sovereignty-a philosophy that conveniently left many acres open for settlement.

However, these unassigned lands were not opened unitl 1889, and during the decades after the Homestead Act, settlers acting illegally forced the government's hand by squatting on Indian land. The Ingalls family, of Little House on the Prairie fame, was one of a group of white settlers who set up house on Osage lands in Kansas in the 1860s, before that tribe was removed (again) to Oklahoma.

The Trawick family did not stay long in Coffeyville. Kenn Harvey noted that "after the Jayhawkers became active they moved back to Searcy, Arkansas." In the late 1870's the family moved westward again, this time to Texas.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_vault/2014/11/25/history_of_western_settlement_railroad_advertisements_for_settlers_to_move.html

Wise County, Texas Deeds (researched by Charles Strong, 1998)

Vol 33, Page 192-July 1890 JJ and Elizabeth Trawick sold land to R.Z. Dunwiddie Vol 30, Page 446?-1894 Makes reference to Vol 33, Page 192 Initiated in Indian Territory Sounds as though the Trawicks moved to IT after the sale in 1890 but that the note wasn't paid and the deed file in Wise County until 1894

(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
J. J. TRAWICK Self M Male W 45 TN Farm
L. E. TRAWICK Wife M Female W 34 MS Keeping House MS MS
M. C. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 17 AR At Home
W. H. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 13 AR At Home TN MS
Elzadi TRAWICK Dau S Female W 9 KS At School
George TRAWICK Son S Male W 7 AR At School TN MS
Ida TRAWICK Dau S Female W 3 TX At Home
S. M. TRAWICK Dau S Female W 1 TX At Home TN MS
Tom AUTRY Son S Male W 28 TN Farmer TN TN
Source Information:
Census Place Precinct 6, Wise, Texas
Family History Library Film 1255333
NA Film Number T9-1333
Page Number 224D

James married Elizabeth Lucinda Adams before 1863 in Arkansas. Elizabeth (daughter of William Valentine Adams and Nancy Carroll) was born on 8 Feb 1845 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi; died on 7 Feb 1933 in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma; was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The 1860 Van Buren, Arkansas census shows W.V. and Nancy Adam's first child as Lucinda, age 14 born in MS. On the 1880 census, she is listed as L.E., age 34 born in MS. From then on she is called Lizzie, and her grave shows her as Elizebeth (sic) L. Trawick.

Ada Sunday News-Feb. 9, 1933 BURNS FATAL TO MRS. E. TRAWICK Mother of Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld Succumbs at Advanced Age. Mrs. Elizabeth Trawick, 88, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld, 600 W. Sixteenth, Tuesday evening at 6:40 o'clock from the effects of burns sustained earlier in the day when her dress caught fire from a stove. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the chapel of the Hudson-Keith Funeral Home, Rev. W.M. Speck officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs Trawick is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Mary Rennels of Canute, Okla., Mrs. J.E. Gentry of Arthur, Mrs J.O. McMinn of Trent, Texas, and Mrs. W.R. Threlkeld, of Ada; two sons, Henry Trawick of Hammond and George A. Trawick of Ada; 32 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. (Courtesy of Lynell Cordell)