Alex Clay Witham & HC Witham

This is a photo of Alex Clay Witham. If you remember from an earlier post, Alex Clay is the son of Francis Calvin Witham and his first wife, Martha.

This picture is from Becky Bucalo, Alex Clay Witham's great granddaughter. We've found a few other photos where we weren't sure if it was Alex Clay or not, but this is the first photo we have found that is definitely Alex Clay.

Alex Clay Witham is on the right (from our perspective). The photo was labeled with "Dad" underneath Alex Clay's photo. It was labeled by Adlee Witham, daughter to Alex Clay and grandmother to Becky Bucalo.

The back of the photo gives us a clue as to who the other gentleman is. The back of the photo is labeled: "A.C. Witham" and "H.C. Witham".

We're not positive, but we think the other gentleman may be Henry Clay Witham. We think he may be a cousin to Alex Clay, but we're not for sure.

If you have any more information on this photo, please leave a comment below or email me.

Barbara Jean Smith Burress - Obituary

Charlene Smith, Aunt Myrtle's daughter, just shared some bad news that I wanted to pass along. I'm sorry to have to report that Barbara Jean Smith Burress, Aunt Mary (Witham) and Uncle Earl Smith's oldest child passed away Tuesday, December 14. 

You can find her obituary online here: 

http://barbara-burress.last-memories.com/

Barbara J. Burress, 79, of Decatur, IL passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2010) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Private family visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 18, 2010) at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel with graveside services immediately following at Windsor Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Donor's Choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.

Mrs. Burress was born on July 28, 1931 in Pisgah, IL, the daughter of Earl and Mary (Witham) Smith. She retired in 1990 as a L.P.N. at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She married Dennis R. Burress on June 22, 1974.

Surviving are her husband: Dennis R. Burress of Decatur, IL; son: Glenn Davis of Decatur, IL; daughter: Deborah Woltz of Decatur, IL; step children: Tina (Chip) Northrop of Altamont, IL, Robin Burress of Decatur, IL, Devin Burress of West Palm Beach, FL and John Burress of Orlando, FL; brother: John (Rheta) Smith of Jacksonville, IL; sister: Mary Louise Doolin of Jacksonville, IL; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one great grandson and one great-great grandson.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Goetter, Dr. Esparaz, Dr. Raycraft and all the staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel
"A Life Celebration Home"

Albany, Kentucky

Francis Calvin Witham was born in Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky in 1858. We have his residence listed as Clinton County up to the 1900 census, when he then listed Creelsboro, Russell County, Kentucky as his home.

For today's blog post, I thought we would highlight the town where Francis Calvin was born: Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky.

Albany is a city in Clinton County, Kentucky, United States. Clinton County was formed in 1836. It's name is in honor of the seventh Governor of new York State, DeWitt Clinton. The population of Albany was 2,220 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Clinton County. It is located on U.S. Route 127 about six miles from the Tennessee border.

The community grew around a tavern established by Benjamin Dowell in the early 19th century. In 1837 residents voted to make the location the seat of county government, and named the newly-formed town after Albany, New York. It was attacked by Confederate forces during the Civil War and many buildings, including the courthouse, were burned.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany,_Kentucky
             http://genealogytrails.com/ken/clinton/

Janie Cate "Jennie" Witham Sparks

I just love this picture of Janie Cate "Jennie" Witham Sparks. It was shared with us by her granddaughter, Sandy Sparks McCurley.

"Aunt Jen" was a daughter of Francis Calvin and Mary Susan Witham.

Click on the picture for a better view.

If you have any stories to share about Aunt Jen, please leave a comment below or email me and I'll be happy to add it for you.