HOUSTON COUNTY, GA - HISTORY LETTERS Robert Lafayette Mitchell from Lousia F. Mangham Ross ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: "Ben Ross" silverwolfsr@hotmail.com Gerry Hill genealogyplus@bellsouth.net The following letter was written to Robert Lafayette Mitchell who lived in Franklin Co., Texas, shortly after the death of his wife Elizabeth (Betsy) Ross. The writer is Lousia F. Ross (nee Mangham), wife o f Dr. Benjamin L. Ross, Betsy's brother. The "Mother Hall"-referred to in the letter was Robert's older sister, Charity, who was first married to John Ross, Betsy's father. [This letter was published in the Texas State Genealogical Quarterly, The Stirpes, in December 1978. Permission granted by: Martha E. Jones, Ph.D. Texas State Genealogical Society President Fort Valley, Georgia February 20th 1888 Dear Cousin Robert Yours of the 14th inst. was handed me with our mail today. You will readily imagine our surprise at the announcement of your bereavement. We grieve with you. We too are bereft of one we loved dearly. True we have not for twenty six years enjoyed her- society, but we loved to think of her, which we did often, with affectionate remembrance of that part of our lives when were neighbours, friends, and relatives. I have always believed that COUSIN BETSY was DR'S favorite SISTER and that he never loved his own brother better than he did you. "Buddie" as he called you, was uppermost in his affections. We will ever cherish the memory and the bright Christian example, at all times exemplified of your dear departed one. We sometimes hear or read of one is a "model of Christian excellence;" we who knew Cousin Betsy's pure life can truthfully testify to the fact, without-exaggeration, she was a model worthy the emulation of all. To you, I know, she was more than all the World beside. Your children are, and will be kind and loving to you but cannot entirely relieve that feeling of desolate loneliness which naturally possesses one who is deprived of the companionship of one who was near and dear so long. Of the shock you all experienced at so sudden a demise, I can well understand, having passed through the same. You remember that MA, Grandma, and Mat all died suddenly and unexpectedly at my house. Now since the first sore pangs of grief have subsided, we can comfort ourselves with the assurance that our loved ones have "entered the rest that remaineth to the people of God," and that we too may enter that rest and be forever with those who have gone before. 0h! What a company we will meet "on the shining shore." I believe we will "know each other there," but I wish I could know whether it will be immediately after our demise, or not until the Resurrection shall have given us our heavenly bodies that the recognition will be. But we must be content to wait until "we shall know as we are known." Is it not enough that we will be recognized by Him who died to save us? And who is caring for in those provided mansions; those of our family who are for a time- -it may be only a short time- -"lost to us." Of your grief-stricken children all were present, I presume, as soon as informed of their mother's death. Did Jennie Ward arrive in time to mingle her tears with yours at her mother's grave? The impression cousin Betsy made by her Godly and blameless life will doubtless have its influence for good on many (or all) of her descendants. MOTHER HALL(Charity Mitchell) is with us now. I have never seen her so sad as she has been this afternoon since your letter was read. She says, and repeats it "I am so sorry for Buddie." She says cousin B. was the last one of Mr. Ross' first wife's children. Second sheet- -Tuesday Morning. Mr. and Mrs. HOOTEN died (perhaps) two years ago, after having moved back from Putnam Co. to, or near their old home in Ala. Only a short while, (I do not remember how long), between their deaths. We know nothing of their children. None of the HAYS children are near us. Four of the girls, three of whom are married, live near Irwinton, Wilkinson County; one of the twins, ANNA, lives about 40 miles from Savannah. Her husband, ROSS HOLDER superintends a section of Central R.R. Frank, the second boy has a family, lives at Mullen, is night watchman at Depot for same road. STONEWALL, youngest son, is fireman on train on road running from Macon to Brunswick. JOE, oldest, is in Florida, has two grown sons, besides other children. Some of the HAYS are doing well for themselves, others not so well. NANNIE, who is now Mrs. COUSINS, a widow, has two very bright good children. Her daughter, MINNIE married a Mr. Fox, Nov. 1885, lives at Millen, is well married. BELLE lives with Nannie and her son. JOHNIE COUSINS Cousins, with his aunt Belle made us a visit last Nov., which was a great pleasure to us all. It had been five years since they left Ft. Valley. We correspond with them and love them. I will inform them of the contents of your letter. MARTHA PRICE'S's, oldest girl, lives in Macon County. Her husband attends to a mill twelve miles from us. They have one child only, a daughter nearly grown Mother Hall has been with us ten years, except when she has visited uncle WILLIAM, HENRY (while he lived) JACKSON and HASSELTINE. She spends about two months every summer making her round of visits. She was 84 years old last Nov. (was born in 1803). Her health is as good as we could expect of one her age. She seldom lies down in daytime, sits with the family until after nine o'clock at night- - frequently until ten or eleven. Because she cannot move about with the ease she once did, she feels worthless and feeble. She reads and knits and complains much that she has nothing to do. She is not whimsical or disagreeable, and I think I may say she is content- -truly pious, more so than when you knew her, and more affectionate. Every day since your letter to her was received I have thought of writing you in answer to it- -she never writes now. Some days I am scarcely able to be out of bed, other days company prevents writing. Each time I would imagine how cousin Betsy would enjoy the reception of a letter through which she would be informed other sister's children, now I feel that the pleasure derived from the communication is lost because she will not be with you when it is viewed. JACKSON ROSS is travelling in several counties for the purpose of forming clubs of Farmer's Alliance. He staid here last night. The hour I had set apart for writing you was spent in his company. His second son of seventeen years, is a Printing office in this place, is six feet in height, is good looking and perfectly moral. The older boy-not yet twenty-is two inches taller than his brother, is running a saw mill, some miles south of Talbotton, is remarkably energetic and attentive to business. HASSELTINE'S farm was so injured by a freshet last July- -corn crop entirely destroyed- -that she, with the family, left her old home near the river (have rented it) and are living at Waymanville. Her husband and children are employed in Factory there. Of her three PICKARD boys, two are doing well. WILLIE, the youngest, after graduating at Mercer University went to Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky. from which institution he graduated last year, is well married, and at this time is pastor of church in Eufaula, Ala. The two girls married brothers, named PARSONS. SUSIE died some years ago leaving five children, her husband after a time married a good woman who has proven a mother to his little ones. They all live in Marion County. You will remember ANN BASKINS? She is now a widow (Mrs. KILLIN) She is a near neighbor of mine. I find her to be a good Christian woman. She speaks of you and your father's family in affectionate terms, refers to the visits she used to make and how she enjoyed them, said she lost sight of you all until I met her some years ago, is more than glad to hear from you, said when I answered your letter, (I have not seen her since reading your last) that I must speak of her, and tell you how much she loved you, your wife, MARTHA ANN and all connected with you. Mrs. KILLIN, has two daughters, one, Mrs. NORWOOD, lives near Perry. The other, Mrs. HOUSER- -who is a widow with a little boy, lives here with her mother. Now to tell you of my own family- - MATTIE'S's husband is pastor of Baptist Church, Brunswick, Ga. He is good man; a good husband and some think a good preacher. He was, six months, in Texas in 1886, would have remained in Colorado City had he not thought it-unsafe for the health of his family- -the climate was very trying to delicate children. JIMMIE -born July '61, has been for three years practicing medicine here with his father. JOHNNIE is a lawyer in Macon (born May '63). He was married, Dec. '86 to a Miss EVERETT, has a little girl 4 months old. MATTIE has two girls aged 3years and 18 months, named LOUISE and BESSIE. WILLIE, the baby you saw on your move to Texas, is clerking in a Drug Store in Brunswick. CARRIE LOU- -born April '69 is with us having graduated at Southern Female College, LaGrange, Ga. last summer. Our love may induce us to conceal the faults and magnify the virtues of our off spring. But unbiased persons compliment them and say we have cause to be proud of them. But I say we should be thankful that they have so far been well behaved and an honor to their parents. DR(Benjamin Lafayette Ross). is healthy and for his age (62 last Oct.) is active and vigorous. He asks me to tell you that he rejoices to know that his sister was ready for the summons to a happier and better clime, that for you he has the deepest sympathy. And that he would gladly, were it in his power, do anything to alleviate your grief or lessen your weight of sorrow. Your letter telling us of your family and MARTHA ANN'S was more satisfactory than I can, by words of mine, make you believe. Please remember us in love to each and all of them. How glad we would be to meet any one of them. Mr. GOLDEN (MATTIE'S Husband) met JOHN WARD at a Convention in Texas for which we were glad. We were also glad to have a letter from John some years ago. Dr. carried it, for weeks, in his pocket intending to answer it, but did not. I could fill pages more were Ito tell you all that I would like to say. I know you are weary of trying to decipher these lines. Allow me; however, to tell you that Dr. recently received a long letter from WESLEY SOLOMON. I wish you could read it. It is filled with reminiscences of the past, of his schoolboy days at Antioch, etc. He said that of all the boys reared in "the Antioch neighborhood," as far as he knew, himself JOHN PERRY, and "LAFAYETTE," were the only ones now living. He spoke of POIHILL, of the SHERIDAN boys, of the RILEY Boys, and TOM and ALBERT GRAY, etc. WESLEY has been a preacher 39 years. His oldest son is a preacher, and so is MARY'S oldest son. He said if he had his life to live over again he would pursue the same course, only he would begin earlier. Since I have begun on another sheet, and the mail has passed for today (Tuesday 21st) I will indulge a little longer in this pleasant task and beg you to pardon me for encroaching on your time and putting your patience to such a trial. I would like to speak of each one of your children separately and say that I am pleased to know that they are all well situated, etc. And Martha Ann, you say, is her same old self! I can recall her cheerful contented manner of life and her laugh, which would be familiar to me even after these years of absence. Your brother BEN wrote "SIS CHARITY" two or three or four years ago. In reply I wrote to him since which time I have heard nothing. IDA BALDWIN has been making annual visits. I love her much. She is a lovable woman. You, I guess, learn of her and MANGHAM through your correspondence with Uncle WILLIAM. My brother has bad affliction of almost every conceivable kind. After being reduced to the veriest poverty, through the treachery of others, (JOHN L> WOODWARD being one of the chief factors!!) his wife, after years of poor health, died in May 1884, leaving 8- children, twin boys ten months old, the oldest daughter at that time in Texas, the second one in a deplorable state of health, had been at our house for months just prior to her mother's death. In May '85, ANNIE, the oldest girl died, the following October one of the twins passed away, the next July the oldest boy (18 years old) too was laid in the grave!! The second boy is not strong, came near death, of pneumonia last December. For three months past CLAUDE (second daughter on whom household matters depend) has been in bed, much of the time seriously ill. One comfort I have. -My brother is a devout Christian. By God's grace he has been sustained. His character as a man of integrity and uprightness has never been questioned. He holds the office of County School Commissioner, has had it for six years. He is agent for Corbin Banking Co. Loan Association. His school at this time numbers 65 pupils, and with all, it is only a meager support for so expensive a family. If you could know how often I have been interrupted since this writing was begun, you would not wonder that it is so blotched and thoughts are so disconnected. I think you have acted wisely In accepting a home among your married children. They will comfort your declining years. Remember us in much love to them all I repeat. Write us again at an early date please. Affectionately Lou.F. Ross ===================== John Ross born 15 Feb 1786 Va. He is shown as the son of John Ross born Va d a 1805 and Priscilla Burton. John Jr. died 17 Jul 1837 Upson Co. Ga. He married #1 1 Dec 1806 Mary "Polly" Matthews born a 1788. She is said to be the child of William & Dorcas Wright. Children of John & Polly were: A-Dorcas born 31 Oct 1808-died 1852 Randolph Co. Ga. married John Henry Hatcher. More on Dtr. Sara (Ties to My Roberts line) B- John William Ross born 6 Feb 1810 Wilkinson Co. Ga. married 3 Oct 1838 Talbot Co. Ga. Isabella Perry C-Elizabeth "Betsy" born 7 Apr 1812 Wilkinson Co. Ga. who had just died when the letter was written-and was the last of "this" set of children-married 5 Jan 1839 Robert Lafayette Mitchell. Dtr. Jennie is mentioned-who married a Ward. D- Mary "Polly" b a 1814 died 4 Dec 1828 and married William Hays (Hay). Children are said to be Anna E. Twin born 1853 Ga, married Marik Ross Holder born 1852 on 18 Jan 1876 Wilkinson Co Ga, (Had Frank, Stonewall, Joseph Holder), Frank, Stonewall, Joe. (Name of twin not known) E- Martha Ann born 10 Aug 1820 died 3 Nov 1884 married 10 Jan 1839 Crawford Co. Ga. and had at least Romulus-and Remus- probably twins. John then married Charity Mitchell born 13 Nov 1803 died 18 Mar 1891-who had apparently married again, after his death in 1837-as mentioned in the letter. Charlity was dtr of Benjamin C. and Charity Mackey. She and Joss had at least-A-Dr. Benjamin Lafayette born 9 Oct 1825-died 12 Oct 1902 Ft. Valley, Peach, Ga. married Louisa Frances Mangham born 3 Dec 1829 Talbot Co. Ga. died 8 Jun 1899-not long after she wrote this wonderful letter we are sharing. B-And Hasseltine Judson _______ Benjamin C. Mitchell born 17 Aug 1777 Hancock Co. Ga. died 21 Dec 1849 Talbot Co. Ga. son of William born 1741 Ireland and Ruth Jackson. He married #1 Francis Motley and had A- Ruth 11 Jan 1808 Wilkinson Co. Ga. B- William John "Joe" Frances born 9 Jun 1813 Wilkinson Co. Ga. died 20 Jun 1910 Sherman, Tx. married Alice Lowry born 1815 and had at least Mary Elizabeth- She married Alexander Hamilton Riley-son of Joseph Riley & Betsy Smith more later... Joe married second Margaret Caroline Riley dtr of Joseph "Joe" and "Betsy" Smith. More later. (This is the Riley Boys-mentioned in the letter-family of Joseph) _________ Joseph "Joe" Riley born 7 Jan 1780 NC died 1870 married "Betsy" Smith #1 Children were: Thomas Jefferson Riley born 1815 Ga d aft 1870 probably Taylor Co. Ga. He was Chairman of the Inferior Court-among other things. He married Harriet Howe-dtr of Robert & Susannah Gray (See Gray later) (More on this family- mine) B-Peter E. Riley born 1816 Ga d aft 1887 probably Taylor Co. He married Lydia Sauls born 1816 NC C-Margaret Carolyn Riley- see above-Born 30 Nov. 1818 Greene Co. Ga. died 28 Feb 1877 Mitchell Homestead, Taylor, Ga. married 5 Oct. 1837 Talbot Co. Ga. William John Frances Mitchell-had at least William J.F. born 1837-CSA, Benjamin, Caroline, P H. D-Joseph born 1824 died Mar 1884 married 9 Sep 1871 Taylor Co. Ga. Mary Catherine Hammock born 1844 died 26 Aug 1923 Taylor Co. Ga. had at least Joseph 1872, Wm. H. 1875,Emmet T 1876, Carolyn 1878. E-Female born 1828 F- Alexander Hamilton born 24 Jan 1829 Greene Co. Ga. died 19 May 1885 Taylor Co. Ga. buried Antioch Bap. Church Cemetery, on US 19 NC, Butler, Taylor, Ga. So Joe Mitchell's dtr. by his 1st wife- married Alexander Hamilton above-and then he turned around and married Joe's older sister as his #2 wife. G- James Madison born 1831 H- John W. 1833 Constituting the "Riley Boys"-plus their families Joseph Riley was the son of my ancestors John Riley & Nancy Jane Lynch ____ Pastor Albert Thomas Gray born 18 Oct 1826 Talbot Co. Ga. died 20 Jul 1884 Henry Co. Ga. and was a 2nd cousin of the "Riley Boys". He married 20 Jul 1848 Permelia Rebecca Thomas born 1826 Ga. They had at least A-Edward A born 12 Aug 1852-Pastor B-Lovick Wales 1859 C-Loyd 1862 D-Jennie 1864 Herbert Lee 21 May 1868-Pastor He probably also had Alberta who wrote on James Henry Gray's picture "He is the sweetest fellow that ever lived, my own sweet cousin Jimmy Gray. (And she married 12-15-1863..he married 2 days earlier) Albert Gray was the son of Archibald Gray & Cynthia Armour of Greene,Crawford & Talbot Co. Ga. (Now Taylor) They are also my ancestors. Archibald is the son of James Gray & Mary Riley-and Mary is the sibling of John Rev. Sol. who married Nancy Lynch above. ________________ I do not yet know how "Cousin Lou happens to be a cousin-or if it is a fond term. Louisa Frances Mangham was the dtr. of Henry H. Mangham born 1804 Hancock Co. Ga. died 6 Jan 1886 Taylor Co. Ga. and Elizabeth Thweatt born 1809. (More on her lines)