Family History of Henry and Allie Sanders - Hamilton County, Illinois NOTICE: This is a book written by family members. It tell the history of Henry and Allie Sanders, and their children. Henry & Allie Sanders Family Reunion 1982 Pages 1 thru 43 Written by: Henrietta Carte Page 44 Written by: Donald Sanders All Typing and Spelling Errors by: Edith Blackford Copies Compliments of: Edward Gilmore Booklet Covers Compliments of: Harry Blackford Holes Punched and Booklets compiled by: Sherry Gilmore, Rhonda Gilmore, Aaron Gilmore, Edith Blackford, Janeane Blackford, JaNelle Hale Family Tree Compiled by: Edith Blackford Transcribed by Jana Sanders As in all families, the Sanders family has had it’s share of crises, heartaches, secrets , and scandals. But it is not my intention to write any of them, Let the dead sleep in peace. Henrietta ( Letty ) Sanders Carte Fresno, Ca 1982 Father’s Family Wilmore Pa Sanders Born Tennessee in 1853 Sarah Ma Smith Sanders Daughter of John Smith born Hamilton County March 11, 1858 Married Jan 1, 1878 They had 7 children Edith Harry Maggie Charly Henry twin drowned at an early age Edward Killed by a train when still a very young man Grandpa Pa Sanders We know very little about Pa’s early life. Born in Tennessee in 1853.His left foot was club - - I never knew if he was born that way or an accident. He was away from home quiet alot in the early years - - he played the fiddle for dances - - weddings and etc I was told Aunt Maggie played the harmonica but I never heard either them play. In my early childhood he had a Shoe Shop - - it was on the right corner of the front yard, under the big sycamore threes. It was moved later - - when he had to quit work. I have a picture of him taken in front of his little shop in 1911. It is in the old family album. Grandma ( Ma ) Sanders Ma was a pioneer woman born Sarah Smith in Hamilton County Illinois she lived her entire life in Hamilton County - -, 30 years in McLeansboro, IL. Married to Pa Sanders for 52 years. They had 14 children - - 2 sets of twins only one survived my Father Henry. She was a mid-wife bore her children alone - -, many times buried them alone. She raised 7 children to adulthood - - - - Early years before McLeansboro they lived in 1 large room Log cabin - - - - Dad said the boys would climb a ladder to a lot to sleep - - bed was floor with fresh straw and home sewed comforter. Ma was a faithful and devoted wife - Mother - Grandmother whose hands and feet were always busy to bring comfort to the ones she loved. She could neither read or write but knew the bible by heart professed faith in the lord at the Baptist Church in 1888 at Oliver, Ill she was a member of the 1st Baptist Church in McLeansboro - - Up town she never felt comfortable there - - As a result often went to church. Of God called Holy Rollers near her home - - but she never felt quiet comfortable there either - - when they would get to shouting and shaking around. Grandma’s Death I never realized it but my McLeansboro years were coming to an end. I was 14 Dad received a telegram - - Ma was ill - - he taken me bet when we arrived she was in a coma. She died April 15 1926 I was inconsolable, by then Uncle Walter was the town undertaker - - while he and Aunt Annie prepared the body Fasttie and her mother came took me to their house. Dad went home, came back the day of the funeral in Ford with the family I cannot remember who came with him Ella was 18, Webb 13, Jack 11, Sarah 9, Edward 6. Mother did not come she was pregnant. Margie was born the following month in May after the funeral Aunt Edith had to stay to help settle things, Aunt Maggie had to go back to her job Uncle Ben had to get back to store - - so they taken me, Ross drove us to West Frankfort we drove back to pick up aunt Edith, stopped by cemetery - - they taken me home. Grandma committed suicide she taken Parish Green poison she used on her weeds. - - - There were many reasons she never completely got over Uncle Eddie’s death - - he was young lively - - in and out the house - - great tease. The children now all grown to busy with their own loves - - Pa was very cross - - she was lonely - - she was tired - - her mind just snapped. She lived long enough to say she was sorry and pray to her Lord she was buried in McLeansboro Cemetery Pa’s Death Pa did 3 months to the day after Ma’s death. He was miserable with guilt - - blamed himself for her passing - - kept going over the past - - and things he had said and done to her. Whither it was all justified - - I do not know. They had closed up the house and Pa moved down the street to Uncle Charly’s on the Rhine Aunt Callie’s mother Charity taken care of him - - family paid her. We saw him once, he was sitting on front porch his feet in a tub of water he had dropsy - - he looked old and ill. Aunt Maggie never came back for funeral she was still on case she had left 3mos ago for Ma’s funeral the house was sold and 306 east St Charles St. was out of my life forever. Henry Sanders Dad, we called him Papa - - born Oct 15 1892. One of 7 children born to Wilmore and Sarah Sanders - - They were pioneer people very poor, Christian people. Papa was a handsome man black hair - clear blue eyes (like his mother’s) a practical joker - hearty laugh - he was fun loving and kind - loved small children - -, older children was always a puzzle to him. He had very little formal education but like all Sanders men - - could do many manual chores - - good carpenter, electrician, painter and in his younger years an excellent horse trainer - - he also taken a vocational training course in shoe repair from the government. Worked several years for Campbell Grain co. Both in McLeansboro and Carmi as a miller. Papa like his son Eddie Ross had many friends - -, material things and money never concerned him much, he could never manage money - - he knew many women married only once - - to mother. I was told this story about Dad’s war service - - true or not I do not know a Carmi lawyer Ivan Elliot had most of Carmi service men’s records locked in his safe Dad tore ligament in his heart and was in a field hospital in France and it was bombed and gassed. Dr Brown told Mother - If Dad had lived a quiet life - - and taken care of himself - - he would have lived Longer Dad died of a heart attack morning of May 4, 1933 at his home on Railroad Ave, Carmi, Ill age 41 Aunt Edith and Uncle Ben Scarlett Uncle Ben was a very successful business man he live in west Frankfort, Ill it was a mining town , he owned a grocery store. Store was on one end of block and his house on the other end - house was very large and comfortable - - , very impressive to us. Uncle Ben and Aunt Edith worked at store - also son Ross was delivery man daughter Charla lived there with her husband Ezra - she was the housekeeper. Ezra worked in the coal mines Older daughter Grace lived there also with her husband Louie - Grace was court reporter, he was Jewish, owned a haberdashery shop up town. I spent many days there - - usually 2 weeks in summer, they would pick me up at Ma’s and bring me back. Grace kept me dressed up hair bows, hats and dresses she made me. Uncle Ben started expanding - buying real estate - -then mines closed down - no one able to pay their grocery bill or rent - - he lost everything. He bought them a small home and there they both died broke and ill buried in West Frankfort I might add - - Uncle Ben’s son Ross - - by previous marriage has also had a daughter was not retarded but he was slow, and a problem - - he drove delivery truck and car Uncle Ben always sitting on the front seat of car, telling him how to drive Ha Ha aunt Edith never said an unkind word to Ross - - and he was accepted by entire Sanders family Uncle Harry and Aunt Emlie I do not recall ever visiting Uncle Harry’s home when small we had a family reunion his place one summer in Mt. Vernon - - I was about 16 and they visited McLeansboro often He married a window - - Aunt Emlie she had 2 daughters Alma the youngest the oldest I can not even remember her name, she was Rosalie age Uncle Harry never moved back to McLeansboro after he left St. Louis he settled in Mt. Vernon - - he worked as a carpenter aunt Emlie was a quiet woman or maybe she appeared that way Uncle Harry had Pa’s booming voice and thick heavy eyebrows. They lived their life in Mt. Vernon and both are buried there Aunt Maggie after she and Rosalie moved to Elgin I saw her very few times - - but she kept in touch, she sent money for my shoes and etc. and paid for my dental work. She offered to send me to Nurses college - - which I could not do. I always admired Aunt Maggie she was a strong willed woman She went to Elgin along with Rosalie very little money- - she found employment at State Asylum - - teaching needle work. She and Rosalie boarded across street from her work in a private home. She had only 3rd grad education - -, she attended night school - - graduated the 8th grade and High school - - then went on to take course in practical nursing - - which she did until she retired. She had nice comfortable home in Elgin, Ill. Like Ma flowers every where. She was a nurse for wealthy people in and around Elgin, and stayed in beautiful homes - - usually until her patient died sometimes 1-2 years then she would go to Wallace and Rosalie’s home in Elgin for a rest - - she had nice room there which she paid for when they built house. She died in Elgin and is buried there. Uncle Walter and Aunt Annie & Family Uncle Walter & family were a Christian family he would say I live to serve the Lord. He was the deacon of the McLeansboro Baptist church many years. They were a fat jolly couple - - they had 2 children Eulah and Harold after they moved back to McLeansboro from St. Louis they moved up the hill from Ma and Pa Aunt Annie was from German decent - - always cooking and cleaning her house was immaculate - - always inside plants blooming in the house during winter not too common in those days. First they had a furniture store then later he was the town undertaker. Aunt Annie helping They are both buried in McLeansboro Uncle Walter died in April 1982 Uncle Charly and Aunt Callie Uncle Carly ran away from home at age 16 joined the navy - - was in the service many years including WWI and we thought him quite a guy. He sent money and coins to Ma & Pa from all over the world - - once he send Ella a big beautiful Japanese doll from Japan When he left the service he came back to McLeansboro and married Callie Shepard - - it was no secret Ma and others disapproved of the marriage - - I liked Aunt Callie - - she was good to me and a lot of fun - - later they built a house on the Rhine down the street from Ma & Pa’s They had 3 children Ruthie - Charles - - later years Harry Newton Aunt Callie could play anything on the piano by notes or ear - - she would sit down anytime mood suited her and play - - she was no housekeeper - - she died in rest home. Uncle Charly - - later years ill - , lonely took his life shot himself in the head - - they are both buried in McLeansboro, Ill Uncle Edward Uncle Edward called Eddie died at an early age - - date I do not know he worked in McLeansboro Cleaners as a presser - - Mother said he was quite a dresser He and his friends had girl friends in Carmi - - during rainy season when the roads were bad - - they would take the train, they usually stayed over night - - Uncle Eddie stayed at our house take the train home Sunday they decided this night to ride the freight train home - - but as it went thru McLeansboro it did not slow down. His friends decided not to jump to ride it thru - - but Uncle Eddie decided to get off - - he jumped Sheriff decided his overcoat caught and drug him under the wheels Poor Ma - - she never really got over his death She has raised mostly vegetables in her garden - - -, but after his death she had 1 vegetable garden - - rest of yard in flowers. She had flowers for his grave spring thru fall - - dried one during winter She had trunk in bedroom full moth balls and his clothes - - they were thrown out after her death Mother Allie McHenry Born Kansas City Missouri July 17, 1889. Daughter of Frank McHenry and Florence McKee-McHenry. Florence McHenry died when Allie was very young - her bother Franklin died at age 3 yr. he choked on piece of potato - left with 2 young daughters (Allie and Baby Gladys) Frank McHenry was a restless man, so he placed them in a Catholic orphanage - Gladys was adopted by a family name of Sthal. Mother was very unhappy - she said the sisters were very strict, stern and uncaring - worst was hearing the younger children crying for their parents - she wrote her father she would run away if he did not come for her. He appealed to his family so his father and step-mother took her They lived in St. Petersburg, Ill Grandmother McHenry owned a millerey shop - those days ladies wore hats and most had them made, it was a trade and Mother learned it well each year Grandmother McHenry would take young Allie to St. Louis to buy supplies for her shop Mother said she would get sick on each trip. Their only son Bert, had one interest - Race Horses - he decided to move to southern Ill - but a farm and raise race horses - so they all moved to McLeansboro Ill Uncle Bert bought an impressive southern style on main street Mother was belle of McLeansboro young society set - she married a successful business man Howe Dennison - several years older than herself - he owned only Livery stable, and half of the block of towns business square - including the movie house, the yardage store - operated by his sister and her husband Dosie Marman and restaurant. Mr. Dennison died when Ella was 2 yr. of age, he is buried in McLeansboro Bert McHenry Mothers Uncle Bert, was the only son of Grandpa McHenry and his second wife Mother said they dotted on his every wish - he was very spoiled but was very kind and good to young Allie We know so little about him - he married young easy going German girl Ann They had two children Mae and Earl. Ann McHenry I know very little about Aunt Ann not even her maiden name - or if her and Uncle Bert divorced or he died - I believe they divorced. She with children moved to Chicago, where for many years she managed an A & P grocery store neighborhood called her Mrs. Mc She was a dedicated baseball fan She remarried in later years, last I knew of them - - Mae married Chicago policeman and Earl married - they were all in Chicago. Mother said Aunt Ann did not care to dance - - she was a heavy set happy German girl - but played a mean game of cards. Howe Dennison cared little for dancing - he was a serious business man. So at the McLeansboro dances Mother and Uncle Bert did the dancing Mother told me they use to waltz like a dream Years later at the Carmi fair Jim Graves always asked Mom to waltz - he loved to dance. Mother said when the McHenry’s moved into McLeansboro with their race horses card playing - dancing, they were considered a Godless group - Ha Aunt Ida Mears I remember Aunt Ida - large buxom self assured woman - daughter from Mr McHenry first marriage - she was widowed early with two small sons to support One named Will, other name I can not remember As most well brought up daughters in her day father insisted on her learning to play the piano - - and if she made a mistake - he would whip her fingers with a switch. So in later years she made her and her sons living playing the piano in a Chicago Speak Easy owned by the Mafia - later she was a Madam operating a expensive whore house also for the Mafia. By time Ella and I knew her, she was respectable, married to Edward Mears - running a rooming house for men only (women she said was too much trouble) was a beautiful house 2 story several servants - was member of several lodges - active in politics - she had connections at city hall until her death She was good to us in her way - if you agreed with her in every way - - she taken Webb in - also helped Ella while she was there - she paid Mothers fair for a visit had me over for dinner several times when I lived in Elgin. Mother came up for a visit with Ray Lee and I - - Aunt Ida was very old by then - we could not get in tough with her so we went to her house. Mother wanted to see if she would give her some things that had been her fathers Aunt Ida said she had lent her father some money years ago but at her death Mother could have his things. - - especially 2 diamond rinds and a beautiful mantel click that had a man on a hors riding around and around that was solid gold. New people live in the house they had bought it from Mr. Mears and did not know where he was they paid the payments to the bank - her beautiful dinning room set was in the window- Aunt Ida favorite niece was Mae- daughter of her step- son Bert, also lived in Chicago Mae’s mother Aunt Ann and Earl - - but no one was notified. Pearl Smith Pearl & Mother were friends may years they lived across street from each other in McLeansboro, both were Brides. Mr. Smith lost his mind and was committed to asylum, he lived many years before he he died. After Dad & Mother moved to Carmi - - Pearl followed. Dad’s friend Elgin Britton a widower with 2 daughters lived out of Carmi on a farm - I would say he was a gentleman’s farmer - - he and Pearl went together many years - - In those days you could not divorce a person in an asylum - - If possible I believe they would have married. They were always around like family and in different family situations they would keep us children - - like when Mother take Webb to camp in Georgia to visit Dad in Army - - the soldiers were all leaving for over seas. World War I was raging in Europe, Dad joined the army - - Pearl was staying with us at out home N 6th st. - she was a great comfort to Mother Elgin had a speech impediment, was no called to military service. When Mother and Webb returned from Georgia - -Webb had suitcase full of every thing the men were leaving behind in a way was very sad - - even had branches with cotton balls on them from the cotton fields, which were very strange to us - Ella took them to school to show. Last time Pearl visited Mother (she had moved to Evansville In) Mother lived 207 RR Ave Pearl was a mental case - she carried a hammer in her suit case - she would fly into terrible fits of uncontrollable rage. Dr Brown told Mother she was dangerous to have her in her home. He and sheriff make out the necessary papers to send her back to Evansville, where she was committed to an asylum - where she died. Elgin told Mother the last time she visited her she did not know him. Widow Dennison After Mr. Dennisons’s death Mother left Ella with her Uncle Bert & Aunt Ann on the farm - went to Elgin Ill to state asylum to work - - she could not stand the place, and missed Little Ella - - so after one week she came back to McLeansboro and settled for the summer with them - - she said she was so lonely and Ella had her cousins to play with Mae & Earl McHenry, Also Aunt Ann’s bothers and family were near - - also neighbors - Jack and Charly Shepard (Aunt Callie’s parents) Then Entered Dad into Mother’s Life Henry Sanders He worked at the livery stable and also Bert’s farm he was one of the best horse trainers around those parts. Mother said Dad courted her in fancy surrey with fringe on it - - I assume it belonged to her. They were married Aug 13 1911 at McLeansboro Ella was 3 years of age Mother from McLeansboro society and Dad from wrong side of town - - parents being very poor - but very respected church going people I will write about some incidents of their marriage life later. They life together 22 years loved-fought-separated-back together Mother shed many tears Mother died of Cancer of the pancreas the morning of July 3, 1959 at her home Shochaw St. Carmi, Ill at the age of 69 years 11 months and 16 days I would like to state now , Papa was a different man before his war years practical joker - whistling constantly - fixing up place like Mother wanted Like all Sanders men but Uncle Walter, he had his Saturday night drunks - -card playing & women but he never mistreated his family like he did in later years Henry Sanders married the widow of Howe Dennison - Allie McHenry Dennison Aug 13, 1911 McLeansboro, Illinois Allie had a daughter 3 years of age Ella Florence Dennison Feb 14, 1908 McLeansboro, Illinois Henry and Allie had 8 children Henrietta Marie Sanders April 2, 1912 McLeansboro, Illinois Wilburt McHenry Sanders May 15, 1912 McLeansboro, Illinois Jack Franklin Sanders June 22, 1915 McLeansboro, Illinois Sarah Lena Sanders Dec 13, 1917 Carmi, Illinois Edward Ross Sanders March 6, 1920 Carmi, Illinois Margaret Rosalee Sanders May 10, 1926 Carmi, Illinois Donald Eugene Sanders Aug 19, 1928 Carmi, Illinois Edith Grace Sanders June 28, 1931 Carmi, Illinois Mother said they first moved to Carmi - - in 1915 Papa came first and rented a small house on upper 3rd st in north Carmi - -she was disappointed because they had money to rent nice house. She still had her nice furniture etc from her marriage to Mr Dennison - - she always remember little Ella there she had whooping cough everytime she got a coughing spell she would run out front sit on tree stump with her little white dog curly beside her - - someone poisoned the dog - - I don’t remember the place Our Home On 6th St. It was a comfortable home - large porch across the front with porch swing - 2 doors going into the house one into the parlor where Ella and I slept on a day bed Other door into a large bedroom then in extra large dining room, with day bed for Webb and Jack - - Papa built corner cabinet for school books and toys etc. Kitchen was built on had a step down - - large enough for large kitchen range - summer time - Mother put table style kerosene stove on top of it - -large kitchen cabinet - Papa built roof over the door to shield off the sun and rain - - you stepped out on the L shaped back porch from the dining room, an d of course Mother still had her furniture, pictures, chine - - which through the years had to be sold one after the other - - few feet from kitchen was the well - - very cold water of summer they would draw a bucket with dipper there for us kids - - But the big fenced in back yard and big old barn was our world, every kid in the neighborhood came there, Papa was a kid himself - - he built large adult flying jenny - Ella could ride anybody down I never remembered her getting sick - - made me sick to watch them this big old fashioned barn built end of lot by the ally one day Papa came home for lunch and Ella & Webb had hooked my clothes to the big hay pully - hook and pushed me out the window I was screaming and kicking - - one raining day we put the wagon up there and Webb missed and fell thru the opening in the wagon and all Later Papa decided he wanted the barn so he concreted the floor put in electric lights gambling table - - course his beer- - Mother said alright but I better never catch a women in there. The story I remember of Jack’s eye injury accured out home on 6th st. Jack was always playing with or tagging along with Webb and his neighborhood friend Wilson Holman It was spring - - every spring bed clothes were put on the line to air heave homemade quilts, feather beds - runs here hung over line also to be beaten with a carpet beater - - the boys were running thru the bed clothes - just as Jack came out Webb let go with a homemade bow and arrow (Jack finished the story) Jack didn’t tell anyone his eye was hurt, like he said you got whipping for everything whether it was your fault r not, the next couple of days infection set in and he finally had to tell Mom & Dad, Dr. Said if they had brought him to Dr. when it happened they could have saved sight of his eye. I remember a disturbed boy to large - for his age Ivan Miller the neighborhood kids teased him alot (not us Papa forbid it) Ivan , always carried a buggy whip - - one afternoon he ran Webb & Wilson home - - cutting their backs - - Ella ran out grabbed the whip and ran him all the way home with it. That evening Mr Miller came to see Papa - - he told Miller - - I told my kids, if they ever teased your son, I will give them a whipping - - these were small children he was whipping next time he whips small children - - I will come looking for you. Aunt Gladys Visit When we lived in the old 2 story house on 6th st - - Mother’s sister Gladys came to visit - - Mother was so happy to see her - - she was a pretty worldly woman - - she was with the theatrical group - - appearing in Evansville In - - she was a Toe Dancer she taken Ella back with her ( later Ella said she never saw such a superstitious bunch of people - like don’t lay your hat on the bed- - never raise umbrella in the house etc. bad luck) I was very young but have a spotty recollection of this day. Out neighbor on corner was an old maid Ceila Beck that day people came to town in wagons - horse back etc.-- her relatives came in big heavy wagon--one of the small boys fell out the wagon and the heavy wheel ran over him he lived for several days--Papa told us kids to be quiet and play down by the barn--Ella and the older kids did not play ball under the street light of an evening till after his death--later she came over to thank Papa and Mama and said us children were so well behaved. - - believe that was the day they hung Frank Louhonn--Papa did not believe in capital punishment--Mother said he stayed around house all day - - she said it was like a circus terrible. Ray Lee said he and Roy climbed a tree to watch Mother's Aunt Ida Mears and Cousin Rosalie sent us large boxes of clothes and material about twice a year----Uncle Ed Mears worked at Marshall Field & Co in Chicago as a supervisor called floor walker those days-after things did not sell down bargain basement-- he brought things home to send to Allie - - His suits fit dad and his silk custom made shirts made beautiful blouses etc. Rosalie was married to an Elgin millionaire's son her & Aunt Maggie mailed us many beautiful things even the children's baby clothes--baby pictures of Edith with baby dress embroidered B A B Y on it was Rosalie's--Mother sewed beautiful never a pattern--We would pick out picture of a dress in catalog or in store window-- Mother would cut her newspaper pattern--many times she would sew until early morning hours. We were always well dressed--I remember one Dad's drinking buddies said once "Well no wonder Henrys always short money look how his women folks dress"--- everyone wore hats those days--extra money Mother made making hats for friends and neighbors-paid for shoes stockings & etc.---In early days two old maid sisters had hat store up town called "Thomas Sisters" the hats were mailed to them plain and they were trimmed to your liking or else made from scratch--using stiff Buckrum for frames-- during rush season like Easter etc Mother would help then out-- Ella going up to shop getting the hats & trim and Mother fixing them up I thought she was better at it than the sisters.- - she was taught the trade while a young girl--by her step-mother I remember in Carmi, Mother & Ella were walking up town--Ella had on new hat- a bird messed on it Ella said "I hate this damn town, even the birds shit on me." They had a theater fire last all their costumes and props--when they left town Ella came home. Aunt Gladys promised Mother she keep in touch--but she never heard from her again Ku Klux KLan Little House on Graves Road When Dad & Mother separated once-sold their only decent home--they ever had or ever owned==6th ST Mother taken her money and bought small house on gravel road outside city limits. ---Dad taken his part left--I don't know where but when he came back broke. Across road from house was a large field-called Millers field - us kids played there having caves--deep ditches to play cowboy & Indians--one dark night the Klan had their meeting in field on top of the hill all white robed and armed burning a 50 foot cross--us kids were scared to death I had nightmares for weeks Another incident out there, it was hot dry summer a farmer was bringing his bull to Carmi stock yard to sell, it went mad tore out of wagon--our neighbor grown son was sort slow-- we called him step-fetch-it-from slow moving Negro actor- the bull started after him -- and did he run around and around house screaming for someone to open the door they finally did and he ran inside. A group of men finally got the bull tied up in an old barn across from our house--it kick and bellowed all night--the next morning I stepped out the back door to empty the dish water--here comes this old cow drown driveway I screamed the bulls loose--Papa jumped out of bed, putting his pants on in a run--he looked at me disgusted--the cows full bag was flopping between her legs--Dad turned to Mother and said-Allie don't you ever teach her anything. Another time I came screaming running home from school saying a snake was chasing me--Dad went down road to see came back said that snake been dead for several days--Allie what matter with that child? Another time at school I was watching the boys play ball---had large safety pen in my mouth--ball hit me and I thought I had swallowed it--Pap taken me to Dr. Sibley (Dr. Sibley was his old war ????? having gone over seas with his regiment as a doctor) He told Pap to give me castor oil watch my stool for 24 hours- so on the pit I sat-everyone concerned-no pin. Papa said Doc what am I going to do with this child--Dr said use patience--she will be alright she wants attention. I never know where Papa got his whiskey for running whiskey. The sheriff was always snooping around--only once in all the years he was caught--while they were searching outside, Mother started to pour the evidence (whiskey) down the sink, which emptied into ditch back the house Sheriff cupped his hands- yelling for his deputy to bring container- Mother reached over picked up tea kettle of hot water off the stove, pouring it down sink also Papa was sent to the honor farm--what a terrible winter we had Webb and I had one pair Buster Brown shoes between us---I would wear them one day to school and Webb the next--of course we didn't mind that. Mother would give us a of books to get from the library--every night she would read to us by lamp light-going to bed early to save coal oil in the lamps & coal for the stove--sometime we would be down to the last bucket of coal- -but somehow she managed--our neighbors Funhouser's lived on farm--they let us run a bill for eggs-butter-milk their son Preston played with us--------------In Carmi every year at Christmas time they gave Christmas dinners and one toy for the poor children--we never went Mother said no------------One time someone put our name on the list for free basket for food Mother was furious. I remember I believe the worst tornado to hit White Counter--the sky became real dark and we were sent from school--most parents picked their children up in their cars--but we had long walk to out little house, time we hit the open road the wind was real strong--Papa was coming down the road to meet us--we had been home a little while--when storm hit we were on the out skirts of storm, never- the less everything in the yard was swept up-- sky was full everything was full everything from cattle to furniture--then the rains came--a county school house was demolished--papa & other men worked all night in pouring rain looking for babies--Mother stayed up made coffee--Next day we walked few miles out from out house---2 by 4 rammed thru a tree--chickens with straw thru them. There were funerals for days---later years Jim Graves said his family was in the path— taken all windows and doors from house--picked him up set him down out by hen house which was empty all chickens gone--Jim would panic when storm came up. Aunt Ann and Cousin Mae's visit One summer on their vacations they decided to visit Henry and Allie--they had old roaster car--the men bet them they would never make it--they did--to visit and back to Chicago. -- --Pearl Smith and Aunt Ann were old friends, dating back top McLeansboro days---On Sunday Pearl & Elgin Britton came over and we all went to the river "Little Wabash" for a picnic--Aunt Ann decided she wanted to swim she was a short fat woman but she borrowed Pearls suit they hung up a blanket she got the suit on--could not get the suit up on off finally had to cut it off--I'm like sister Sarah--I never saw Mother laugh so much and hard---they slept by window Aunt Ann said she slept like a baby--country air coming in and the tinkle of cow bells--remainder her of days on their farm. Webb Street Donald & James were born when we lived on Webb St. ---I turned 16 that April--Papa was drinking heavily by then---Mother cried most her pregnancy when Don was born his eyes were swollen shut and red--Ella bathed his eyes several times a day finally they were alright---I was happy only 1 block from my best friend Dorothy Lee-- Family use to set on front porch summer evenings listen to the Hillard family play ---she played piano - - Father & boys played different instruments---Tragedy that summer also neighbor shot himself and Papa got his throat cut---Dr .Sibley did not think he would live--Sunday morning here was Uncle Charley-Uncle Harry wanting Papa to write down the name --he would not--Uncle Charley had a gun---We heard later Coy Robinson of McLeansboro did it--really don't know In our girls bedroom was an old flu we had it cleaned and curtain for our closet---One night Papa had 10 gallons of whiskey sitting in it--Sheriff came searching the house--Ella and I got up put the jus between us and covered up they came in turned flashlight on us found nothing and walked out----Papa could not believe it Mother put her foot down no more whisky running--course he did as he pleased I remember Railroad Ave. before Papa died--he use to call baby Edith his little woman --call to her so she would walk the path to his little house from Mothers--he had few chickens--and his beer drinking-card playing cronies---would give Donnie a dime for every egg he found--At Papa's funeral little Donnie came in with couple eggs --aid here’s those damn eggs.----very sad. Papa's Funeral Papa's funeral was held at his home on Railroad Ave. his casket was in the parlor in front of the bay Windows--his friends held all night old fashioned wake--Minister Ford from the Church of God conducted the service---his daughter sang--Minister Ford said he had known Papa many years-------The funeral had started when they had stopped off so another young convict could visit his dying mother--funeral was stopped for awhile so mother and family could go into the back bedroom and visit few minutes with Webb--- We all appreciated the fact the deputy taken off Webb’s handcuffs cemetery all family said goodbye to Webb as he left from there back to prison . Papa's was a large funeral he had many friends--A Mrs Hunt, her husband was a foreman for the railroad repair crew said she attended Mr. Dennison's funeral ( they lived in McLeansboro at the time ) she said she felt very sad at that time Mother was left a young widow with small child and money and this day she was left 4 small children and no money---------one incident amused me--one of Papa's old Negro friends came to the side door asked if he could see Henry--Mother let him in-- in her mind she was very charitable I have tried to write down facts as I remember them of McLeansboro and Sanders family When Uncle Charlys daughter Ruth Vedder was in McLeansboro, caring for her ill Mother, Aunt Callie I write her for any information or dates Uncle Charley could remember but he was to old and ill to be helpful--she wrote she had an old book he had given her with early dates in it at home but I never got her Texas address. Wish all the younger Sanders could have known Dad & mother when they were young. Beautiful couple.....Dad dark hair....those steel blue eyes Mother fair. Long thick red hair ( she could sit on it) ...during day wore long thick braid down back...evening wound it around her head. Ella and I use to brush it.....wearing high heels all the time beautiful legs....and singing with her lovely voice. Doctor said her headaches caused from her heavy hair The day Patty Blackford cut her hair...all hell broke loose...Mother got up from bed look in mirror.......burst into tears, go back to bed. Dad came home from work he was stunned.....he stayed drunk all weekend. Dad........always whistling....pulling jokes....but never could take one He was a miller at Benton Mill....we lived across street old Newman house At noon and evening he would jump low fence....grabbing up little ones Old Dave & Lowelle Sheppard.... daughters were neighbors He was old fashion in some of his believes.... there were things girls should not do. later when Ella went out Webb would go with her. If she talked to boy on corner he would not tell.... I would. When I graduated from 8th grade I could not go to high school.... no need for girl.... so I went to work at factory.... he never could understand why I started running around with older girls I worked with. Dad & Webb & us would go blackberry picking.... him & Webb were great clean fast pickers.... once I saw a snake dropped all my berries.... Once Webb and I went alone.... he helped me threw a bob wire fence. inside bull charged us.... I was soon over the fence waiting for Webb.... Don’t ask me how.... Dad loved that one, but decided I was better off at home. Once we went to old man Tucker apple orchard.... to steal apples....Webb was up a tree Ella & U on ground.... here comes old man Tucker in his buggy.... Ella said stay down.... but I started screaming & running for home. Old man following us in his buggy.... Mother was horrified Dad thought it great joke. Once Webb dropped a safety pin from his overalls in toilet it caught on 2 by 4....Jack said Well all I can do is pray....Dad loved to retell these things One summer I came home from vacation in McLeansboro....Webb said Letty we are very poor....I said well that’s alright I have $2.00 One summer Carmi fair.... we all went to Kids Day. Next day Ladies Day ....Mother & Pearl Smith went.... we were all unhappy wanted to go again. Dad said come on. gathered us up bare footed and dirty. baby in his arms ....We walked right into Mother & Pearl....she burst into tears....saying Henry how could you....she took us home in a taxi....and older ones sure got out butts whipped One Halloween we wanted to go show with Mother & Pearl....Daddy baby sit.... First we taken wash pan of water....opened screen door little put water on it, then Dad cut up pumpkins....tied with rags on shoes and we skated on big dining room floor....Mother came threw screen....water all over her good hat etc.....Dad picked up his hat said see you kids later. One hot summer night....Mother had out bath water ready big tub in kitchen ....she kept calling us in....Ella was telling us ghost stories....Dad taken sheet threw over his hear....came up behind us....Who....we came in screaming falling over tub etc.....that was fun to Dad. Ella was always protective of us younger ones. whip any boy in neighborhood Iran Miller had bull whip use to run us home. Ella waited for him one day taken whip away and used it on him. I could go on and on....but this gives you an idea of the Happy Times Precious Memories Retta Carte 1977 Ella Florence Dennison Born McLeansboro IL Feb 14, 1908 Daughter of Howe & Allie Dennison Named after her Grandmother McHenry She was born into McLeansoro society The McHenry’s wealthy farmers raising through horse, etc. Beautiful house on Main St. Her father, Howe Dennison owned the livery stables, restaurant, movie house and other real estate. Aunt Duche Morman owned the yardage shop Aunt Mary Meade Dentist Dr Mary Meade of Carmi Uncle Frank Bachelor later successful rancher Ramona, CA Ella married James Graves Oct 22 1927 giving our family James and Pete Later married Roy Lopinot who have always been great friend to our family Ella died April 27, 1961 Add on : 1982 Ella was beautiful young woman deep auburn hair clear true red head complexion always has a scrubbed look - - she lived in two worlds Carmi we lived on wrong side of tracks - in McLeansboro her visit with her fathers relations was up town She did not care for dancing or playing cards - jewelry - - she loved to read in school she excelled in penman ship - - I was told like her father - - she was very protective of her younger sisters and brothers - could whip any boy in the neighborhood - - at age 15 she went to Chicago to live with Mothers Aunt Ida at that time Ida ran a rooming house for men only Ella help the maid make the beds and clean the bath room - - she hated it - - they were mostly Greek decents hair all over beds and bathroom. Aunt Ida got her a job at a friends jewelry store - - there she met and married Bob Peno - - a Chicago cab driver - - their marriage was a disaster - -she came home and had a nervous breakdown Later she met and married James Graves of Crossville - - their marriage was a stormy one Jim drank more and more and worked less and less - - she cleaned house and did washings to feed her sons. Finally she left the boys with Mother and went to St Louis to wash - - there she met and married Roy Lopinot and enjoyed several years of happiness until her death. Henrietta Marie Sanders born April 2, 1912 McLeansboro, IL I was very spoiled, ... there was Ella, Rosalie, Charla, Grace Mae McHenry besides the doting Grandparents & Aunts all living up & down stream we call the Rhine. When Dad & Mother moved to Carmi, I stayed.. Mother wasn’t feeling well that summer and Webb was ill baby. Dad brought me home at school age . . hard to adjust... I wasn’t the center of attention there. Cried about anything and everything Mother always said I was good quiet child... till I was 16... then was the wildest girl she had. Married Ray Lee June 9, 1934 and we had our Shirley Later married Russell Care Sept 26, 1946... who has always enjoyed and loved or family Add on: 1982 I waited too long to ask Mother about my middle name Marie - - knowing Mother it meant something to her - - but I can not recall family member or friend named Marie - - - I remember a popular song Mother use to sing and Aunt Callie played on piano many times. Sweet Marie Oh Sweet Marie Sweet little daises Down in the dell Darling I love you Daises won’t tell Henrietta was and is an old popular name - - family always call me Letty at time I attended school, comic strip called Henrietta the Hen kids teased me constantly - I hated it - - living with my Grandparents and doting Aunts and Cousins all the attention till school age - - when Dad decided it was time for me to come home - - was hard to adjust and fit into a big family I love my family , proud of my handsome father, and poised mother. At an early age I was very emotional - she and quiet - - when mother read us a sad story I would burst into tears, when we went to the movie house if picture was sad I would sniffle - - kids would all move away from me - - when Ella or Webb got a whipping or strapping, I should say. I would cry hysterically I was always a puzzle to Dad it was always Allie what the matter with that child or Allie do something with that child. Mother said I never game her much worry till I was sixteen. HA ! Wilburt McHenry Sanders Born May 15, 1913 McLeansboro, IL Named after Grandpa Sanders Wilmore, Mother Uncle Bert and Mother’s maiden name. Mother said Webb was sweet baby with quiet smile always Always a loner... we had company or family re-union.. he would pick up his plate eat alone. Webb was good worker as a boy caddied at gold course... picked berries etc. Always bring his money home. Married Virginia Jones Feb 15 1940 Died Sept. 10 1962 Add on: 1982 Family all said Dad was very proud of his first born son - beautiful baby - soft sweet smile and red sandy hair - - Webb most always a loner - - he had neighbor- hood friends and played with Jack - - but he kept things to himself - - and could play for hours alone - - making toy bows & arrows - - kites and etc. Went to thru grade school together ( coming home to live with my family and sick most of the time I did not pass ) Ella & Webb were very protective of me. I sincerely believe if Papa had not moved back on 6th street where all the neighborhood boys had been to reform school, Webb would have survived those restless years - - he would come in late Mother would say Henry Webb came in late at such and such time. Papa would say Boy you had better straighten up - - penitentiary waiting for you - - and that is just what happened - - send to Joliet Penitentiary age 16 locked up in a cell with harden criminals bring from a poor family all visited him when we could and sent him what money we could spare - - I ordered him books from a large book store in Chicago - - all classics good reading - - he said the only thing that kept him from going stir crazy was reading and writing poetry - - When he came back married Virginia Jones, short unhappy marriage - - ended in divorce His Last Parole Mr Carte signed his papers No Illinois parole would be granted - - Mr Carte got him a job in a lumber mill in Sierra Mountains - - but he could no adjust to the every day lunch box routine - - So he stated working the fruit and vegetable season up and down Ca into WA state for apple season- - most winters coming to our house - - later he really let go - - living on skid row - - drinking wine. Sept 10 1962 his body was found floating in slough in Stockton CA he had been dead 3 days - - he had been murdered. Family buried him in Clovis CA Sept 14 1962 age 48 seems all his adult life was a tragedy - - he caused the family trouble, worry and heart ache - - but we miss him and think of him often - -Mother once said he was as sweet a baby as any of us. Jack Franklin Sanders Born June 22 1915 Named after Jack Sheppard and Mother baby brother Franklin Jack was chubby serious little baby.. always tagging after Webb & his playmates... great student Married Clara Drois King July 31, 1938 and gave our family Doug Add On: 1982 Mother said Jack best baby she ever had - - and even when he was ill as a child he would just turn his head to the wall - - no fuss - - It comes to my mind young Jack always tagging after Webb and Wilson Holman - - He was chubby and always squinted one eye and cheek caused from bow and arrow accident - - he like all of us worked from an early age - - was rough trying to graduate from high school - - getting up early walking to town to janitor work - - then walking to school, usual with bread and jelly sandwich - - Spring Dad died left mother with several young children - - was long hard summer - - Mother Veteran’s widow - - but checks did not arrive until fall - - Jack worked at Mr Smiths grocery store - - putting so much on grocery bill, so they could eat and have a few dollars in pocket - - first bell mother paid when checks come in was grocery bill. Jack in my opinion was wonderful, thoughtful son, brother, father, husband and I’m told a doting Grandfather he taken Papa’s place early - - helping all the family thru their troubles. Jack lived most his life in Carmi - - he worked short period in Chicago in grocery store staying with Ray Lee and me. 502 N. 2nd St. will be an address long remembered in Sanders family. Sarah Lena Sanders Born Dec. 13, 1917 Named after Mothers friend Lena Wells and I always thought Grandma Sanders but Sarah says no. Sarah was a chubby pretty baby.. big dimples... Uncle Henry said years later. . she looked just like Grandma Sanders when she was young. Sarah was a tom-boy disliked playing with dolls etc.... liked to play marbles... play ball... swim... etc. She was a good religious woman. Married Edison Campbell Sept 11, 1935 and gave us Donald, Allen Dale ( died as an infant), Wesley, Alice, Junior, Phyliss, Marlena, & Lenard. Later married Martin Gorance of whom we enjoy and like very much Add on: 1982 Sarah I thought was named after Grandma Sarah Sanders - - she says no - - I know the Lena was for Lena Wells, Mothers friend & neighbor - - Sarah was blonde, blue eyed chubby baby - - looked healthy but had a heart murmur and pneumonia several winters straight - - to Mothers concern she was always a tom-boy she would rather play ball or out swim her brothers, than play with dolls. Once Uncle Henry came by to see us and Sarah came out the door Uncle Henry grabbed her and cried or said you look just like my mother did when she was young - - Grandma Sanders would have been proud of Sarah, always a good church going girl - - She married Edison Campbell of Enfield, IL they had 8 beautiful children - - Theirs was a good happy family life - - but a hard one no modern convinces - - Sarah worked hard - - large garden - - canned food raised chickens - - etc. - - After Edison’s tragic death she proved her strength and capability going to work to raise her young children - - helping other children in need - - scout work etc. - - after several years a widow she married Martin Gorrance - - and still continues her busy life to help and comfort her children and grandchildren - - her community and church and her many hobbies. Edward Ross Sanders Born March 6, 1920 Ed was first child born after the war. Named after his was buddy Ross who was killed in action and his youngest brother Eddie. Ed & Sarah when young looked enough alike to be twins .. he always had a ready .. deep laugh.. but always restless. He married Sarah South Gave us Sandy, Candy, & Terry Died Nov 22 1960 Margaret Rosalie Sanders Margie Pargie .. born May 10, 1926 Named after Aunt Maggie and her daughter Rosalie. Margie was a beautiful baby, right after her birth she looked like a big doll... her disposition was a lot like mine... Mother use to call that Sanders disposition... quiet... cry about thing and get mad and pout... she called me Hen-Letty that how I got name of Letty. She was young Christian woman Married James Cummings Sept 21, 1946 gave us Cindy and Lisa Donald Eugene Sanders Born Aug 19, 1928 Dad was ill and Mother tired and worried He was a beautiful baby... but his eyes were matted shut.. Ella cared for them daily. I can’t think of Don without James, Don had lots of dark hair even down his neck.. James fair and little fuzzy. Don had to grow up little to fast... always hard worker and self supporting He married Shirley Pierce has two step children Kathy and Marie and gave us handsome twins Don and Mark Edith Grace Sanders Eddie graceful born June 28, 1931 Dad was very ill when Edith was born.. Use to call her his little woman... he loved to sit and watch her... also the three boys. Don James and Pete. He was to ill to hardly walk. Eddie being so close to Shirley always seemed like my own daughter. Like Shirley she married young Harry Blackford Aug 22, 1947 gave us Todd , Sherry & J.R. Childhood memories By: Donald E. Sanders I thought my name was (shut up ) until I was about 12 or 13 years old. I remember my first pair of shoes - - I walked backwards for two miles just looking at the tracks I was making. All joking aside - - looking back I don’t know how Mom managed to raise us all by herself like she did - - times were sure hard. God Bless Her I can’t think of my younger years without remembering the many-many times I had to call on Jack and Doris for help. They were always there and never let me down. Without them I would never have made it. Love you all, Don "List transcribed and organized by Jana Sanders, HBsundae@aol.com All rights reserved." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Jana Sanders