Saturday, December 27, 2014

Birth Theories for Robert DePriest (Robert Després)

While researching I've come across several different theories regarding Robert's birth with no proof one way or another. The dates seem to be between 1660 and 1665 so I go with 1663. While I don't know which theory on his birth place is correct, if any, I do have a favorite.

1) The France Theory is a popular theory with DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in France and fled to England where he caught a ship to Virginia.

2) The England Theory is a theory that is believed by some DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in England after his parents fled France. This is the same premise as the Belgian and Dutch Theories.

3) The Canadian Theory is a theory that is believed by only a few DePriest researchers. It is the belief that Robert was born in Canada or Virginia after the immigration of his parents to one or both of these places by way of Belgium after leaving France.

4) The Virginia Theory is the same as the Canadian Theory, except that he was born in Virginia.

France
Pros
DePriest name is of French origin.
Cons
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing Huguenots would probably not have money to pay for passage or purchase land upon arriving in Virginia. (Indentured service was an option.)
No known record of immigration or emigration.

England/Belgium/Holland
Pros
Thousands of Huguenots migrated to England to avoid persecution.
Cons
Fleeing Huguenots would probably not have money to pay for passage or purchase land upon arriving in Virginia. (Indentured service was an option.)
No known record of immigration or emigration.

Canada
Pros
DePriest name is of French origin.
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing European Huguenots would probably not have money to purchase land as Robert did.
Cons
No known records proving birth.

Virginia, British America Colony
Pros
Huguenots migrated to Virginia to avoid persecution.
First known records of Robert are in Virginia. Robert owned land in Virginia.
The large scale Huguenot migration from France to North America began in 1654, several years before Robert’s birth.
Fleeing European Huguenots would probably not have money to purchase land as Robert did.
No known record of immigration or emigration.
Cons
No known records proving birth.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Thomas Walker "Tom" DePriest (1858-1932)

Thomas Walker "Tom" DePriest was born the 6th of April 1858 in Cane Creek, Hickman, Tennessee, United States.[1]  He was the seventh child and fifth son of William Andrew DePriest and Nancy Jane Harder. 

Tom's childhood was filled with tragedy beginning with the death of his mother in August of 1860, when he was 2 years old.  The civil war began a year later and he watched as several members of his family marched off to war.  Tragedy struck again with the death of his father on the 16th of May 1862.[2]  Tom was 4 years old and he and his five living siblings went to live with their paternal grandparents.  If their father had indeed been off fighting in the war, it is probable that the children had already been living with them. Tom's brother William Josiah "Willie" DePriest died on the 20th of November 1865.[3]  Tom was 7 and Willie was 10.

When Tom's eldest sister, Mary Delila DePriest married Wyatt Harris "Whit" Bastin on the 12th of August 1866,[4] the children went to live with them.[5]  Tom began working at a young age and was not able to attend school.  Therefore, he was not able to read or write.

On the 26th of November 1878, Tom married Margaret "Ellen" Talley.[6][7]  Ellen had also grown up on Cane Creek and her aunt, Margaret "Eaisbel" Talley had just married Tom's brother James Houston "Jim" DePriest on the 12th of April 1877.[8][9]
 
Wedding Pic
Tom and Ellen lived and farmed along Cane Creek.[10]  Meanwhile, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent missionaries into Tennessee to share the gospel.  Ellen's parents, Elisha Freeland "Eli" Talley and Barbara Ellen "Barby" Hudson were the first on "The Creek" to be baptized.  They were baptized on the 20th of September 1879.[11]  Eli and Barby shared their feelings and testimonies with family and friends along the creek.  On the 29th of January 1880,  Tom, Ellen, Jim, Eaisbel and Leona Evelyn Talley, Ellen's sister, were baptized and confirmed by Elders Martin Garn and Hyrum Belnap.[12]

By November of 1880, Ellen was expecting their first child.  A fire broke out, and Ellen and the baby were exposed to too much smoke.  The baby, a daughter, was stillborn with Ellen barely surviving the labor and delivery.  Her survival was attributed to a Priesthood Blessing given to her while in labor.[13]  Tom and Ellen's next child was a son born the 15th of October 1881.  They named him William "Orson" DePriest (1881-1956).

Tom and Ellen remained faithful members of the Cane Creek Branch and regularly attended church services.  They held callings and Tom was put on the chapel building committee to help find a location for a chapel.[14]  Tom worked closely with his brother Jim who was the Branch President.

The saints in Cane Creek were persecuted due to their beliefs and were invited to immigrate to Manassa, Conejos, Colorado where a Mormon Settlement had been established.  Tom immigrated with his family, along with his brother Jim's family and the Lancaster family.  James Melton Lancaster had married Ellen's aunt and Eaisbel's sister Sarah Elizabeth Talley.  They left Cane Creek on the 26th of March 1883 and arrived in Manassa on the 1st of April.  Ellen faired the train ride well, though she was expecting another son.

Tom and Ellen had ten additional children while living in Manassa; Hazen Roscoe "Haze" DePriest (1883-1956), Viera Armeda "Meade" DePriest (1885-1955), Mealie Alletta "Lettie" DePriest (1888-1977), Barbara Edna DePriest (1890-1979), Jesse Thomas "Jess" DePriest (1892-1963), Margaret Bernettie "Tince" DePriest (1894-1934), Mary "Phoebe" DePriest (1895-1978), Anthon Douglas "Doug" DePriest (1898-1988),Tabitha Egbert "Bitha" DePriest (1900-1986) and Iva Ellen DePriest (1903-1986).[15]

Haze, Ellen, Orson, Meade, Lettie, Tom,
Barbara, Jess, Tince, Phoebe (1897)
On the 10th of August 1884, the Cane Creek Massacre took place at the Conder home just prior to church services.  Many of Tom and Ellen's family and friends were there to witness the events.  They may have fought some of the vigilantes or even been vigilantes themselves.  This event caused Tom's brother, Pleasant Whitfield "Pleas" DePriest to join his brothers in Manassa.

DePriest Land Tracts in Manassa
The DePriest brothers bought tracts on the northwestern edge of town.[16]  Tom lived on the corner of North and Seventh streets.  Pleas lived on the tract directly behind him and Jim lived on the tract directly to the south.  Their children and grandchildren were able to grow up together and were all very close.

Missionary Pass Along Card
On the 1st of October 1906, Tom was called on a mission to the Central States for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[17]  At this time, the Central States Mission, included Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas.  Tom traveled without purse or script. leaving Ellen and their 10 children.  Tom and Ellen were able to write letters throughout his mission  because both had learned to read and write after joining the church.[18][19]    He returned home the 3rd of July 1908.[20]

Ellen & Tom about 1920
From his early childhood, Tom made a living as a farmer and raised a large garden and orchard.[21][22][23][24]  The DePriests were well known for their "green thumbs".  Tom was very active in the church and the community.[25]  He had a reputation of being a good neighbor and he was well known for his hospitality.[26]   He often allowed strangers into his home for several months at a time with no expectation of remuneration.

Tom died only 2 months after Jim on the 29th of September 1932.[27]  He had a large church funeral and was buried in the Old Manassa Cemetery[28] on the 2nd of October.  He was buried next to his brother Pleas.[29]  Jim was also buried there.[30] The cemetery is just south of Manassa. 

Grave Marker


Footnotes:
1. 1860 United States Census: Hickman, Tennessee, p27
2. Headstone image from findagrave.com for William Andrew DePriest #11263995
3. Headstone image from findagrave.com for William Josiah DePriest #112640132
4. Tennessee, Marriages, 1851-1900
5. 1870 United States Census: Hickman, Tennessee, p15
6. Hickman County, Tennessee Marriage Records
7. Tennessee, Marriages, 1796-1950
8. Lewis County, Tennessee Marriage Records
9. Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1950
10. 1880 United States Census: Hickman, Tennessee p353
11.. Journal of Elder Hyrum Belnap
12. LDS Church Membership Records
13. DePriest Family history records in possession of Michelle Hayley Stubbs
14. A Land of Strangers: Cane Creek Tennessee's Mormon Massacre
15. 1909 San Luis Stake Records
16. Pioneer Map of the First Survey of the Town of Manassa
17. 1906 San Luis Stake Missionary Records
18. 1885 Colorado State Census
19. Letters in possession of Cynthia DePriest Valentine
20. 1908 San Luis Stake Missionary Records
21. 1900 United States Census: Manassa, Conejos, Colorado p122A
22. 1910 United States Census: Manassa, Conejos, Colorado p18B
23. 1920 United States Census: Manassa, Conejos, Colorado p6A
24. 1930 United States Census: Manassa, Conejos, Colorado p8B
25. 1911 San Luis Stake Ordination Record
26. Antonito Ledger News, October 7, 1932
27. La Jara Gazette, October 6, 1932
28. Headstone Image from findagrave.com for Thomas Walker DePriest #37509339
29. Headstone Image from findagrave.com for Pleasant Whitfield DePriest #37509288
30. Headstone Image from frindagrave.com for James Houston DePriest #37509194

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Bessie DePriest: Namesake

Bessie DePriest was named after Bessie Lorrain Von Cannon and Jesse Thomas DePriest.

Bessie Lorraine Von Cannon was Bessie's aunt and the sister of Bessie's Freda Pearl Von Cannon.

Jesse Thomas DePriest was Bessie's father.

Bessie's daughter, Bessie Colette Witten, was named after her.

 

Richard Larry Witten: Namesake

In 1947, the song "Open the Door, Richard" by Jack McVea was #1 on music billboard charts.  Young, Charlie Witten was almost 3 years old and loved to sing this song.  When his new baby brother was born less than a year later, it was only natural for his parents to name the baby Richard.  This sure made little Charlie happy![1]

Here is a list of people that were named after Richard Larry Witten. There may be others that need to be added.

1) Richard Cory Westberg, his nephew and the son of his sister, Beverly Ann Westberg.
2) Richard Alan "Rick" Witten, his son.

Footnotes:
1) From the memory of Bessie Witten, Richard's mother.

Nancy Jane Hester: Namesake

Nancy Jane "Nannie" Hester (1885-1973) is named after Nancy Jane Hester (1870-1956).

Nancy was Nannie's aunt and the sister of nannie's father, Wiley Jones Hester, Jr.

Here is a list of people that were named after her and/or her namesake.  There may be others that need to be added.

1) Nancy Carol Taylor - her granddaughter and the daughter of her daughter, Opal Lee Witten Taylor.
2) Nancy Jean Westberg - her great granddaughter, the granddaughter of her son, Robert Dalton Witten and the daughter of her granddaughter, Beverly Ann Witten.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Thomas Franklin Witten: Namesake

Thomas Franklin "Frank" Witten was named after Thomas Franklin Sipe, Thomas J Sipe and Thomas O Witten.

Thomas Franklin Sipe was the brother of Rufus Monroe Sipe and grand-uncle of Frank.  Rufus was the father of Elizabeth Jane Sipe, Frank's mother.

Thomas J was Frank's uncle and the brother of Elizabeth Jane Sipe, Frank's mother.

Thomas O Witten was the brother of Isaac M Witten and grand-uncle of Frank.  Isaac was the father of Isaac James Witten, Frank's father.

Here is a list of people that were named after him and/or his namesake.  There may be others that need to be added.

1) Thomas Wade, his nephew and the son of his sister, Mary Elizabeth Witten Wade.
2) Frank Wade, his nephew and the son of his sister, Mary Elizabeth Witten Wade.
3) Wiley Franklin Witten, his son.
4) Thomas Delmar Taylor, his grandson and the son of his daughter, Opal Lee Witten Taylor.
5) Thomas Cleveland Witten, his grandson and the son of his son, Isaac Jones Witten.

Note - Frank's daughter, Ethel, married Ray Clarence Thomas.


Jessie Belle Witten: Namesake

Jessie Belle Witten was named after Jessie Josephine Witten.

Jessie Josephine was Jessie Belle's aunt and sister of Thomas Franklin "Frank" Witten, Jessie Belle's father.

Ethel Elizabeth Witten: Namesake

Ethel Elizabeth Witten was named after Elizabeth Jane Sipe, Mary Elizabeth Witten, Barbara Elizabeth Hester and Elizabeth Gass.

Elizabeth Jane Sipe was the mother of Thomas Franklin "Frank" Witten, Ethel's father.  She died when Frank was 5 years old.

Mary Elizabeth Witten was Ethel's aunt and Frank's sister.

Barbara Elizabeth Hester was the sister of Nancy Jane "Nannie" Hester, Ethel's mother.

Elizabeth Gass was the mother of Wiley Jones Hester, Jr, Nannie's father.

Wiley Franklin Witten: Namesake

Wiley Franklin "Frankie" Witten was named after his father and three Wiley's.

Frankie's father was Thomas Franklin "Frank" Witten.  He was probably called Frankie as a young boy.

Wiley Jones Hester, Sr was the grandfather of Nancy Jane "Nannie" Hester, Frankie's mother.  Wiley Jones Hester, Jr was the father of Nannie.  Wiley Jones Hester, III was the brother of Nannie and born 1 year after she was.

Jewel Witten: Namesake

Jewel Witten was named after her cousins, Jewel Hester and Jewell Ellen Davis.

Jewel Witten's mother was Nancy Jane "Nannie" Hester.  Jewel Hester's father was Wiley Jones Hester III.  Nannie and Wiley were sister and brother.

Jewell Ellen Davis is the daughter of Nancy "Annie" Francis Witten.  Annie was the sister of Thomas Franklin "Franklin" Witten, Jewel Witten's father.

Jewel Witten was born the 24th of June 1918 and only lived 9 days.

Jewel Hester was born the 5th of August 1910 and only lived 10 months.

Jewell Ellen Davis was born the 24th of February 1909.  She only lived 46 years.