2003 Lavaca County, Texas Queries

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Sharlene Thomas Thu, 02 Jan 2003 16:52:46
TAYLOR, John Franklin, born November 14, 1848 in Lavaca Co., TX (according to death certificate). The names of his parents are unknown at this time. He went by the name of Frank. He had a sister named Mary who "may" have been a twin to him. She married James W. TOOMEY . There was also a brother Charlie/Charley Taylor, who was killed for being a horse thief (same Charlie in Sutton/Taylor feud??). According to family lore, Frank Taylor ran away from home when he was 8 or 9 years old because he didn't get along with his step mother. The surviving family of today know absolutely nothing before John Franklin Taylor. He shows up in 1872 in Live Oak County and later in life in Bee County. I have his marriages and children from that period on. I have not found anything on him for 1850, 1860 or 1870. I would love to know who his parents were and any other siblings, etc. Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, Sharlene Taylor Thomas

Lou Poole Thu, 16 Jan 2003 16:04:38
I've just begun researching the SMITH family that is allied with the GEPHART family. Peter Gephart married Anne/Anne Smith 1 December 1832 in Fountain County, Indiana. They moved from there to Monroe County, Illinois, then to Missouri, and finally to Lavaca County, Republic of Texas, about 1841. The Gephart family originally came from Berks County, PA. Anne/Anna Smith, in the 1850 census, stated that she was 34 years old and born in NY. In 1860 she said she was 45 years old, born in Illinois. (I'd bet that she was born in PA.) Two of Peter and Anna (Smith) Gephart's children married Smiths: Cloey Ann Gephart m. James Smith 1 December 1859, and Lydia Ann Gephart m. Eli Smith 12 Jun 1861. I figure that James and Eli Smith might have been related to Anna Smith (perhaps cousins?).If anyone has done any research on this Smith family, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Jo Sehl Wed, 22 Jan 2003 15:26:24
Searching for information on Frank Moore BAKER, married Lesner GILLIUM; they had several children in the Hochheim and Hallettsville area. (so scant is the info that I have, but must start somewhere) including, Frank, Carlton Moore, Geneva, and perhaps more. Any info would be appreciated. Jo in Kansas

Robert King Fri, 24 Jan 2003 16:46:19
Joseph MACH - believed to be my grandmother's brother. Listed in the 1920 U.S. Census, County of Lavaca, other townships, ED #121 as Joseph Mach age 31, Annie Mach age 32, daughter Annie age 5, son Frank age 4, daughter Vlasta age 2, and son Joseph age 3 months. Thanks for any assistance. Bob King

Kristi Hawthorne Thu, 30 Jan 2003 13:40:03
Looking for Lewis LAWRENCE and Rachel HENCH. They had at least one son born in Lavaca County, Dec. 6, 1874 by the name of Thomas Madison Lawrence, who later moved to California. Seeking marriage or birth/death information on Lewis Lawrence and Rachel Hench. Thank you for any help. Kristi Hawthorne, Oceanside, CA

Sadie E. Allen Fri, 7 Feb 2003 16:13:30
ALLEN, Sadie - from Fort Worth, Texas. I am looking for relatives of Fred and Celie (Cecilia, or Celia?) PRICE. They are from the Yoakum-Shiner area and were born in the 1880's. They moved to Itasca, Hill County, Texas and had several children, one of which was Freddie Price (b. approx. 1903 - d. approx. 1944). Freddie is the father of my mother Freddie Mae (b. 1928 - present). I am interested in hearing from any and and all Prices who have older relatives alive that I could interview for our Family History.

Carol Parks Tue, 11 Feb 2003 08:14:59
I am searching for info on Alban FAHR, my Great Grandfather. He was a charter member of the Sons of Hermann in Moulton, Texas.

Peggy Neill Tue, 11 Feb 2003 12:05:02
Would appreciate any info on Burials at Sublime, Texas, Want info particularly on Sophia Von BIEBENSTEIN grave and any relations. Peggy Neill, Box 336, Leming, Texas 78050

Janie Rodriguez Tue, 11 Feb 2003 15:55:30
I'm looking for an obit for Plutarco MANSANALES, dead August 8, 1962, in Yoakum; was buried by the Buffington Funeral Home.Please let me know what you can.

Bonnie Percy Tue, 18 Feb 2003 08:24:14
Is there a cemetary named or near "Bowers" or "Bowersville" near Moulton, and if so, are there any names/dates listed for the surnames of MUELLER or ZIMMERMANN . I am trying to find the parents of my greatgrandparents. Otto Zimmermann (B 3-20-1865 , M 11-26-1889 , D 3-19-1943 Gonzales County); Friedericke Wilhemina Mueller (B 3-13-1867 , D 1-31-1945 Gonzales County); Children: Hugo, Lydia, Selma. Otto's parents: Heinrich and Emma ??? Otto's siblings may include: Emil, Voigt, Bill, a sister. Friedericka's parents: Unknown. Friedericka's siblings may include: Gerhardt, John, George, August, a sister.

Kay Buening Thu, 20 Feb 2003 15:30:04
Searching for information on parents of GRIMES, James Alexander, b. 5/15/1867 in Lavaca County. Any information greatly appreciated.

Bryce Penney Wed, 26 Feb 2003 12:45:23
Louis TURNER immigrated from Germany to Halletsville in the 1850's - born 1833 in Germany. Served as a bugler in Civil War, returned and ran the Turner Stagecoach stop which is pictured in Stagecoach Stops of Texas. He married either a widow or divorced woman named Josephine Bragger or Broucher DUBOIS in 1861, perhaps in Halletsville. I am searching for information about Jospehine who was also born in Germany I believe. Both died in Halletsville, Louis in 1906 and Josephine in 1911. Any help you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks, Bryce Penney

Peggy Neill Fri, 28 Feb 2003 17:44:21
Ernest Wilhelm NEUMAN mar. Pauline von BIEBERSTEIN 4/8/l873, Washington Co. Tx. Where are they buried:? Sophia von Bieberstein buried at the Geiger Cem., at Sublime,Tx. believed to be her Mother. Will share and appreciate any info. Lempeg@aol.com

Margaret Phillips Tue, 11 Mar 2003 20:38:15
Jim BENNETT and Bowie (General Beauregard) Bennett, two of my grandfather's uncles, and John Bennett (my grandfather's brother who married Hattie CHAMPION ) settled in Lavaca County and served as lawmen around the turn of the last century. Do you know of them or of anyone researching them?

Sharon Sproles Sat, 15 Mar 2003 13:42:41
My grt grandparents were Henry H. RUSSELL b. 2-22-1846 MS d. 9-20-1932 Halletsville, TX. (was a land surveyor) Married an Anna M. (Annie HEMPHILL ) Russell. b. 2-16-1846 (or45) in MS., d. 2-10-1938 Hallettsville, TX. Married July 20, 1875, Lavaca, County. My "great search" is for Annie Hemphill Russell. Only fact I know about her is she was born in MS. had a brother named John Hemphill who was living with them at time of 1900 census in Halletsvile, TX. I don't know when she moved from MS to TX, except that she was there by 1875. They lived and raised their family in Hallettsville. At one time Henry was Sheriff. My mother said her grandmother Annie, was a very religious person and was known for her kindness. Their Children were; 1. Grace Elizabeth (Lizzie) an old maid school teacher in the area. 2. John Roy (died around 23 yrs of age, had one daughter Lucille Avant Russell) 3. Sallie 4. Mona (Riedie) 5. Jewel T. (My grandfather. Died in 1960) 6. Leiona (died in a mental hospital) 7. Willlard Lorraine (Ren-Was a Houston lawyer, and principle in or around Halletsville before he married. Died in 1974) Question: Is there an obit. Records for her death date. Or perhaps I could obtain a copy of death certificate which may show some family history. Or any information regarding Henry Hamilton Russell's family. I do know from a book "History of Lavaca County" That he was one of two of the youngest confederate soldiers to fight in the civil war from TX. However I'm told ANNIE isn't mentioned in it. I know this is long. Please forgive me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sharon Sproles, Daleville, Va 24083

Sarah Edwards Mon, 26 Aug 2002 11:08:48
FRANKS, Albert, former slave was born in Alabama around 1835, but moved to Lavaca County, Texas with his owners family in the 1860's. Albert Franks is listed on the 1870 Lavaca County census records with his daughter Pinkie Franks. There is also an Alfred Franks on the 1870 census who maybe a relative of Albert. My Gr-Gr-Grandfather, Giles MONROE married Pinkie Franks in Lavaca County on March 25, 1880. I am researching the Franks-Monroe relations from the Lavaca County area. I I live in England and I have never met any of my Franks relatives. If anyone knows of any Afro-American Franks in Lavaca County, please let me know. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Exaann Sun, 6 Apr 2003 18:58:48
I am looking for any information on COLBATH, Lee Robert married to SPOKE, Elizabeth Laura around 1900, in Lavaca. Their children include, Mamie, Preston, Maudie, George, & Laura (Tootsie). I would to love to share information, as Lee Robert is my gg-grandfather. Laura is my grandmother.

Angie Hughes Mon, 12 May 2003 19:16:39
Looking for the family of my gggrandmother, Elizabeth H. WHITE, b 1844 of possible Cherokee heritage. Married in Halletsvilles to Mr. B.T. ADAMS in 1858. Mr. Adams died leaving her with one child, Sam Adams. She then married Mr. Martin L. NEWMAN and had at least nine more children. She and Mr. Newman are buried in Jefferson Co., Oklahoma.

Richard Archer Fri, 16 May 2003 14:43:57
ATKINSON, Mamie Palmyra (Pallie) born Mar 9, 1876, in Hope, Lavaca County, Texas. Her parents were father James Baker Atkinson born 1850 in nearby Victoria, Victoria County, Texas and mother Jane Frances DUKE (Fannie) born 1852, in Tennessee. Her parents were married in Lavaca County, Texas on April 8, 1875. This is my wife's great grandmother whom she knew till her death in 1968, but not much is known about her parents and grandparents. If anyone has records of birth, death, land, court or census records for Mamie Palmyra Atkinson WILLIAMS. Will share information on the following Surnames:Atkinson, Williams, Duke, PATTON

Ina Tue, 3 Jun 2003 12:07:12
Does anyone know of HASTINGS Slave Records or where I may research them? I am looking for a slave name Queen born about 1848. Thanks for your help.

Mary Moore Sun, 22 Jun 2003 10:00:02
I am trying to locate information on my great grandparents.William CHLDRESS married Ann MORROW on March 7, 1861 in Hallettsville, TX. Her fathers name was Alfred Morrow married to Nancy Ann SIMPSON. Alfred Morrow was on the 1850 census, Lavaca County,Texas. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Baker Sun, 22 Jun 2003 20:29:23
BORDOVSKY, Joh. and Maria, from Moravia, Austria, in Nov./Dec. 1884. Specifically interested in gravesites for both--believed to be at "St. Mary's near Hallettsville."

Bob Rigdon Wed, 25 Jun 2003 17:37:58
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who may have came across the name James C. FINNIE in any cemetary listing, etc. James Finnie and family, which consisted of wife Martha Louisa Finnie, and children: Eliza (Finnie) Turrentine, Joshua Finnie, and Fred C. Finnie, were listed on the 1870 and 1880 Texas census in Lavaca County. They arrived in Lavaca County from Duck Hill, Mississippi in 1853. Any help will be much appreciated. I will be more than happy to share the info I have on the family in Montgomery County, Mississippi.

Smith Mon, 30 Jun 2003 08:10:49
Seeking information on Johnnie (Johnny) WILLIAMS m. Lucy JOHNSON and moved to Shiner, Tx. Daughter was Ethel Williams m. David SMITH in Shiner.

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George Hons Sat, 5 Jul 2003 12:00:08
I am wanting to locate the Grave of: MALIK, Theresa, died 1901 or 1902 in the Halletsville area. Thank you, George Hons, Floresville, TX 78114

Joyce Moore Fri, 18 Jul 2003 14:39:11
GAERTNER, William of Lavaca County married Hertha TAUCH, daughter of Emil Tauch and Wilhelmina BIELEFELD. Couple is known to have one son William Jr. born 1926 in Lavaca County. Would like additional information about the family or a family contact.

Joyce Moore Fri, 18 Jul 2003 14:39:11
GAERTNER, William of Lavaca County married Hertha TAUCH, daughter of Emil Tauch and Wilhelmina BIELEFELD. Couple is known to have one son William Jr. born 1926 in Lavaca County. Would like additional information about the family or a family contact. Email -- jmoore1302@Yahoo.com -- Joyce

Dale Johnson Sat Jul 19 11:27:09 2003
Trying to find descendants of Stella BLACKWOOD and Duncan STEEN. Stella was the child of Isiah Bradshaw Blackwood and Amanda WHITEHURST Blackwood.I need to compare genealogy on the Whitehurst and Blackwood genealogy.

Martha Maranda Sun, 20 Jul 2003 18:56:39
I am looking for my Great Grandfather WUNDERLICH. I do not know his given name, but his last name was Wunderlich. He married Helena LOCKMANN in Lavaca County in Wied. He died early in life possible in his 20's or 30's. He and Helena had three children: Elsie Wunderlich (born 10-6-1896) married Otto JANSZEN ; Hedwig Wunderlich (born 12-22-1892) married a man named SMITH ; Martha - we do not know anything about her. All of these people lived in or around Wied (Lavaca County)Texas. I believe my Great Great Grandfather was Fred Wunderlich (born in 1837)and Great Great Grandmother was Sophia Wunderlich(born in 1844). Both Fred and Sophia were born in Germany. Could you please help me to find some information on my Great Grandfather Wunderlich.

Patti Mauldin Thu, 24 Jul 2003 10:21:21
LUEDECKE, Erwin John - born 6/8/1903 in Fayette Co, Texas died 7/15/1984 in Hallettsville, Texas. Father-Emil Luedecke, Mother-Sophie WEIGE Luedecke, siblings - Linda Luedecke OSBORN (no information) and Hellmuth Fritz Luedecke born 1/28/1908 died 6/27/1994. Erwin John married twice - unknown first wife and children; 2nd wife Reba DUFNER - children - Jimmy Luedecke and Emil D. Would like information on wife #1 and children and on father Emil Luedecke. Sophie is a widow in 1920 census. Trying to find information for both Jimmy and Emil D. Luedecke. Thank you, Patti Mauldin, 201 CR 287 N , Zehpyr, Texas 76890

Connie Jo Simpson Mon, 4 Aug 2003 04:05:55
COPELAND, J.C. born1849 in:LA died:1919 buried:Cornish Cemetery,Jefferson county,OK. Married: Sarah Elizabeth CRUMBLEY [CROMLEY] born1841 Henry county,GA. Marriage Date: 13 May 1868 in: Lavaca county, TX.They had 5 children: [1] Alexander "Alec" Copeland born 1871 or 72; [2] Martha E. Copeland born 1874; [3] William "Will" Edward Copeland born 1875; [4] Nan E. Copeland born 1878 and [5] Henry Joiner Copeland born 1882. I need to know if all the children were born in: Lavaca, Co. I was raised in Independence, MO by my grandad [William E. Copeland] and he always talked about Lavaca, he loved it. I am doing genealogy on the family and have run into dead ends. J. C. Copeland [think his 1st name was John] remarried an American Indian woman, after Sarah passed away. I don't know what year Sarah died or where. I don't know the Indian womans name. Any info on this Copeland family would be greatly appreciated.

Connie Jo Simpson Sun, 10 Aug 2003 10:45:26
COPELAND, J.C. born1849 in:LA died:1919 buried:Cornish Cemetery, Jefferson county, OK. Married: Sarah Elizabeth CRUMBLEY [CROMLEY] born1841 Henry county, GA. Marriage Date: 13 May 1868 in: Lavaca county, TX They had 5 children: [1] Alexander "Alec" Copeland born 1871 or 72; [2] Martha E. Copeland born 1874; [3] William "Will" Edward Copeland born 1875; [4] Nan E. Copeland born 1878; and [5] Henry Joiner Copeland born 1882. I need to know if all the children were born in: Lavaca, CO. I was raised in Independence, Mo by my grandad [William E. Copeland] and he always talked about Lavaca, he loved it. I am doing Genealogy on the family and have run into dead ends. J. C. Copeland [think his 1st name was John] remarried an American Indian woman, after Sarah passed away. I don't know what year Sarah died or where. I don't know the Indian womans name. Any info on this Copeland family would be greatly appreciated.

Wayne Stroman Sun, 10 Aug 2003 11:49:14
Trying to locate the grave of of my Great Grandfater John. J. STROMAN. He was born December 5, 1825 in Organgeburg County S.C. He was married to Ann Elizabeth GRAMLING. She is buried in the Old Hardin County Cemetery near Kountze, Texas. According to the October 5, 1899 Halletsville Herald, he was supposed to have been buried at the Hardy School on October 4, 1899. Is this the same cemetery that was part of the Antioch Baptist Church near Creole Community? According to the family the Lavaca River was at flood stage and his remains could not be transported to the Harless Cemetery. So they had to resort to the next best place that was on high ground. Would appreciate any help that anyone can provide. Wayne J. Stroman, Spring, TX, 281-255-6833

Millie Moore Tue, 19 Aug 2003 22:25:35
I am looking for BC MC DONALD .Did he die in that Co? I am Missing an Aunt, Marget GOLAHAR, must have mar.or died there. I will help on the names that I have, COLBATHS, BELT & POSTENS.

Kathy Massanet Thu, 21 Aug 2003 17:35:03
BOWEN, Robert Lee, died in Hallettsville, 19 Jul 1993. Interested in any information on this person, who may be my ancestor.

Jerry Griffin Tue, 16 Sep 2003 02:37:28
Looking for any information on the surname VORDICK. This family lived in or near the Hallsville area. Father's name was John Dea Vordick, mother's name was Virginia Lillian (MARTIN) Vordick. Had a baby girl named Jessie May born 24 Sept 1924 died 20 Nov 20 1924 believed to be buried somewhere in or near Hallettsville. Very little is know about this family. The father of John Dea Vordick, John Paul Vordick, is buried in Wharton County. Am trying to find any information about this family. The oldest living member of this line is 83 yrs old and knows nothing about the family except the above names. The information about the baby girl was found written in an old Bible that belonged to V. Lilliam Vordick, so hopefully it is correct. Any information you might be able to provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jerry Griffin (for William Clifton Vordick)

Queries after September 2003 can be found on the Lavaca County Message Board.