Photos - Henry Clay Witham's Family

We got in some terrific photos of Henry Clay Witham's family. Remember, Henry Clay is the son of William Granville "Uncle Bud" Witham. Uncle Bud was a brother to Francis Calvin Witham. These photos were sent in from Henry Clay's granddaughter, Dana. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

Henry Clay Witham - Postmaster - Willis Creek, KY

Curtis Witham - WWII

Roxie, Curtis, Henry, and Geneva Witham

Roxie Barnes Witham

Roxie, Clay Curtis, Henry, Geneva, Argie Witham

Obituary - Maxie Harding Witham

I'm sorry to have to announce the passing of another member of the Witham family. Thank you to Maxie's daughter, Dana, for passing the information on to us. We're sorry for your loss.

Maxie Harding Witham was the son of Henry Clay Witham. Henry Clay with was the son of William Granville "Uncle Bud" Witham. Uncle Bud was the brother of Francis Calvin Witham. 

Maxie H. Witham 

Born: Thu Mar 31, 1932

Died: Fri Jul 13, 2012

Visitation

05:00 PM to 08:00 PM, Mon Jul 16, 2012

Location: Our Funeral Home 

Funeral Service

11:00 AM Tue Jul 17, 2012

Location: Our Funeral Home 

Mr. Maxie Witham is survived by:

3 daughters: Janna C. Thomas, Dana (Greg) Speck and DeAnna (John)  Pritchard 

3 Sisters: Geneva White, Angie Belt and Eula Dicken

4 Grandchildren: Latasia Cecil, Brandon Whitham, Jessica Britt and Megan Speck

2 Great grandchildren: Clay and Olivia Cecil

Maxie H. Witham, 80, Lexington, Kentucky and formerly of Albany, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012 in Lexington. He was the son of the late Henry C. and Roxie Witham and a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was also preceded in death by a son, Tim Witham.

He is survived by three daughters, Janna C. Thomas, Albany; Dana (Greg) Speck, Somerset, KY; DeAnna (John) Pritchard, Byrdstown, TN; three sisters, Geneva White, Muncie, IN; Argie Belt, Owensville, MO; Eula Dicken, Bowling Green, KY; four grandchildren, Latasia Cecil, Brandon Witham, Jessica Britt and Megan Speck and two great-grandchildren, Clay and Olivia Cecil.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Talbott Funeral Home with Dr. John Toby officiating. Final resting place in Memorial Hill Cemetery. Arrangements made through Talbott Funeral Home of Albany.

Withams - 100 Years in Morgan County

100 years ago, in 1912, the Withams, made up of mostly farmers, moved from Kentucky to Morgan County, Illinois to search for work.

We don't know the exact date yet and we don't know how they made the move (boat? train? horse and buggy?) We do know that it was a long trip, no matter which mode of travel they used.

Russell County, KY to Morgan County, IL is a trip of about 335 miles, as the crow flies, and 456 miles by modern roads. Even in today's car, it would take about 7 1/2 hours to make that drive.

(Click the photo to enlarge it.)

If you have any more information about the date of the move, the mode of travel used, or anything else that relates to it, please comment below or send us a message. Thank you! ~Mike

Temperance McDonald-Dicken

Hi, Withams! I just heard from Becky with another great find.

Just to set the stage and jog your memory...

Becky is the great granddaughter of Alex Clay (Uncle Clay) Witham. Alex Clay is the oldest son of Francis Calvin Witham and his first wife, Martha (Mattie) McDonald. Sadly, Martha passed away when Uncle Clay was less than 2 months old, so Uncle Clay never knew his mother.

We also know that Martha grew up as a neighbor to Francis Calvin, so it seems to be a very romantic love story with such a tragic ending. Unfortunately, we don't know too much more than that about Martha.

Becky has had her nose to the grindstone for 2 1/2 years, trying to find the proverbial needle in Martha's haystack. She has now tracked down a living relative of Martha's sister, Temperance McDonald-Dicken. We have been given a photo, as well as additional information, about Temperance.

LEFT: Alfred Richard Dicken and his wife, Avo.   MIDDLE: Temperance  RIGHT: Lewis Allen Dicken 

Pictured above is Temperance McDonald-Dicken with her 2 sons and daughter-in-law. Thank you to Fred who provided the photo and to Becky who so kindly shared it with the rest of us. 

We also learned that Temperance is full-blooded Cherokee Indian, which means that Martha is most likely also Cherokee. If you recall, Catherine Bunch (Francis Calvin Witham's mother) was also full blooded Cherokee Indian. It appears that we have a lot of Cherokee roots in our family. 

If you have any more information for us about Martha (Mattie) McDonald, we would love to hear from you. Please comment on this post or send me a message. 

So, Becky takes us one step closer to Martha. She's still hot on the trail and if I were a bettin' man...

Announcement - Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kruzan

Congratulations to Mary Beth (Doolin) and her husband, Bill. Mary Beth and Bill got married on July 14th, 2012, the evening before the Witham family reunion, surrounded by immediate family on their patio. Mary Beth shared a few of her photos with us. Congratulations again - and welcome to the family, Bill and Brad!

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kruzan (Mary Beth Doolin)

Mary Beth, Bill, and Brad Kruzan

Witham Family Reunion 2012 - Photos

Hello, Withams! 

I got some hot emails in from both Mary Beth and Charlene with 2012 Witham family reunion photos. Thank you for sharing them, ladies! We appreciate you very much! 

Enjoy the photos!

Kelly & Jeff Dixon, Karter Longley, and Katie Dixon

Bucky & Connie Leadill

Teresa, Dan, & Evan Weigand

Joni, Kane, & Mike Doolin

Cole, Jennifer, Dan, & Raegan O'Bryan, Aunt Beulah

Kim Heise, Molly Pearce (fiancee), Andy Heise, Pat Heise

Charlene Smith, Aunt Betty, Bill Smith

Bill,. Brad, and Mary Beth Kruzan

Bill, Jonny Charlene, Shawn, and Tanner Smith

Teresa Weigand, Mary Louise Doolin, Mary Beth Kruzan, Mike & Kane Doolin

Tanner Smith, Brad Kruzan, Kane Doolin, Tracy Leadill-Mulquin (in pink)

Witham Family Reunion 2012 - Attendance Report

Hello, Withams!

We just wrapped up our 2012 Witham family reunion in Franklin, Illinois. We had a great turnout, with 31 people in attendance, even though many of us at a distance (including myself) were not able to attend this year. I'm very thankful for all of you who were able to attend, as this was our first reunion without Uncle Ray. I think he would be proud to see the reunion continuing to grow with new family members reconnecting each year. Thank you for helping to honor Uncle Ray by participating and continuing what he started. Please come visit with us again next year - and be sure to invite someone else, too.

Here is the attendance information for this year:

Witham Reunion--July 15, 2012   (31 present)
Mary L. Doolin
Connie and Bucky Leadill
Tracy Leadill-Mulquin
Bill & Charlene Smith
Shawn and Tanner Smith
Pat & Kim Heise
Jeff & Kelly Dixon
Katie Dixon & Karter Longley
Jennifer, Dan, Cole and Raegan O'Bryan
Beulah Witham
Mike, Joni and Kane Doolin
Andy Heise and Molly Pearce (fiance)
Betty Robinson
Bill, Mary Beth and Brad Kruzan
Teresa, Dan and Evan Weigand

If you would like to be placed on the invitation list for our 2013 Witham family reunion, just comment below or send me a note and I'll be sure you get added. We would love to have you there! ~Mike

Witham Family Reunion 2012

Hello, Withams!

Mary Beth just sent out an announcement concerning the upcoming Witham Family Reunion for this year. Here is her announcement. Hope to see you there! ~Mike


Hello Everyone!
As you know, Uncle Ray was the one who arranged our annual Witham Family Reunion.  He always scheduled them a year in advance.  The date he had for this year is Sunday, July 15, 2012.  It's very hard to think of having a reunion without him but I know many of us cousins have talked recently about it and we will have this one as a time to gather together as family and a time to pay tribute to what Uncle Ray began so many years ago.

I hope as many of you that can, will be able to join us.

Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012
Time: Gather at noon, eat at 12:30pm
Place: Lion's Club, Franklin, IL

Bring a covered dish or two to share, your own drinks and table service.  Feel free to bring any pictures from past reunions or of family members who cannot come.  I know our family has grown over the years.  It would be nice to keep caught up with them.

In closing, this is the Witham Family webpage: http://withamfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/
It was established and is maintained by Mike Smith.  Mike is Tom Witham's grandson.  I met Mike at last year's reunion.  He's quite talented and it shows.  I suggest you check it out.  Mike has family history, pictures, last year's reunion, news, and much more.  He's good about posting and keeping it updated.

So, spread the word and I hope to see you in July!
Until then, Happy Easter, Happy Spring!
Mary Beth Doolin
granddaughter of Mary Witham Smith

Rheta A. Smith (Hovey) - Obituary

I'm sorry to have to report another passing in our family. Rheta Smith, who was married to Aunt Mary's son, John, has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thank you to Mary Beth for letting us know. Here is Rheta's obituary.


Mrs. Rheta A. Smith (Hovey)
November 23, 1933 - March 13, 2012

Visitation:
March 18, 2012 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Williamson Funeral Home
1405 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650

Services:
March 19, 2012 11:00am
Williamson Funeral Home
1405 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650

Rheta A. Smith, 78, of Jacksonville, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama, with her family by her side. She was born November 23, 1933, in Loami, the daughter of Russell and Grace Johnson Hovey. She married John E. Smith on December 23, 1952 at Union Baptist Church near Pisgah, and he survives. She is also survived by four children, Robin (husband, Neil) Snelling, Rusty Smith, Doug (wife, Christy) Smith, and Susan (husband, Timm) Pennell, all of Jacksonville; nine grandchildren, Matt (wife, Aimee) Snelling, Ally and Andy Smith, Brandon (wife, Heather) and Andrew Miller, Adam Logue, Holly, Ethan, and Dillon Pennell; four great-granddaughters, Grace and Katie Snelling, Amelia Pennell, and Taylor Miller; four sisters, Virginia Edwards of Springfield, Joyce (husband, Jim) Crawford of Springfield, Martha Pippin of Greenview, and Kay (husband, Larry) Price of Springfield; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Roger D. Hovey (surviving wife Janet of Springfield). Mrs. Smith graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. She worked for Jacksonville School District #117 for twenty-five years, most of those years as the school secretary at North Jacksonville Elementary. She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Mrs. Smith was a loving wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother. She and John enjoyed spending their winters in Florida and their summers at the lake. When her children needed her, she was always there to give her love and support. She was the #1 Fan at each of her grandchildren’s sporting and school events. Rheta cherished her friends and family. She looked forward to her monthly “sisters luncheon”, enjoyed keeping in touch with her high school girlfriends, loved getting together with the same bunco group for over fifty years, and playing Scrabble, cards, or lawn games with the many friends she made while camping and traveling. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Centenary United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.

Witham Family History 2012

Hello, Withams!

Here are the latest developments for our Witham Family History project.

Unfortunately, the first two posts of this year were obituaries. That caused me to stop and think long and hard for awhile. While I didn't know Wendell, I sure wish I would have been able to contact him, talk to him, and interview him about his life and what he knows about our family.

I did know Uncle Ray and I took his passing harder than expected. While I know Uncle Ray had a full, blessed life, it reminded me that there are only 2 of my grandpa's siblings still with us. It was a stark reminder that their generation won't be with us forever and when they pass, a lot of information and family history passes with them. I was reminded, however, that out of all of Charlie Witham's kids (9 of them), the youngest one to pass away was Uncle Hank at the age of 74 - and that's with 5 brothers who all went to war. So, the Withams have some longevity about them, anyway, it seems. We're trying to gather some pictures of Uncle Ray so we can make a video memorial for the website. I'll be sure to pass that on if we're able to do it.

Uncle Ray was the leader for our family reunion. The reunion was important to Uncle Ray. He kept it going for many, many years. Uncle Ray was leading the reunion even way back in my teen years when I used to come to the reunions with my grandpa. That brings me to a question I've been getting a lot, lately.

So, what's going on with the reunion? As far as I know, someone will be taking over the responsibilities for the reunion. There are a few names being tossed around, but I don't want to give them out yet until I hear something definitive. I will make a post immediately as soon as I hear anything at all.

Aunt Myrtle's daughter, Charlene, has put together a family email list to make circulating important family news easier. If you want to get on her list, please email me or make a comment on this post to that effect and I will pass it on to Charlene so you can be included in family news.

This is our 79th blog post. This blog has really helped us attract other folks across the internet who are interested in Witham family history. We've made quite a few contacts who are distant relatives our ours, mainly descendants of Francis Calvin Witham's brothers. Expect to hear more about them as developments unfold.

It's also been fun to get emails from my distant cousins who are becoming more interested in our family history and want to know more.

Becky is hot on the trail of Catherine Bunch, Francis Calvin Witham's mother. So, expect some VERY interesting Catherine Bunch developments, too.

I'll be continuing my monthly interview phone calls with Aunt Marjorie. Aunt Marjorie is my grandpa's sister and one of only 2 remaining siblings he has. Aunt Marjorie's memory is as sharp as they come. I'm really enjoying talking to her. So far, we've discussed them growing up in Pisgah and we've talked a lot about Francis Calvin Witham. Next, we'll talk about Uncle Clay Witham, Grandma Mary Susan Witham, and her parents Charlie and Josie Witham. I'm still gathering and organizing information from her. When I get done talking to her about each subject, I'll organize it and post it to the family history blog and to Ancestry.com to share it with all of you.

I've also been able to reconnect with some members of my family, which is a terrific blessing! My Aunt Cyndy came to the reunion last year and brought her husband, Randy. Aunt Cyndy and I used to come to the reunions with my grandpa many years ago. This was our first reunion together without him there, which was emotional, but it was soooo good to see her there. I've also reconnected with her sister, my Aunt Cathy. I'm really enjoying talking to her and getting to know her better. It's been a real blessing to me! They also have another sister that I didn't know about, Aunt Michelle, who I recently met on Facebook.

Through Becky's efforts, we have recently met a professional genealogy researcher who does fantastic research work. We are talking about utilizing his expertise this year through paid research to see if we can break through some brick walls we have come up against. We'll keep you updated on that if we decide to move forward with it.

Please pray for Rheta Smith. She is married to Aunt Mary's son, Johnny. She is in the hospital and in need of prayers.

Stay tuned for more Witham family history coming soon...

~Mike

Howard Wendell Witham - Obituary

Howard Wendell Witham
1914-2012

I'm sad to report that we received word from our cousin, Jack Witham Payne, that his oldest relative, Howard Wendell Witham has passed away.

Wendell is the son of Thomas Joshua Witham. Thomas Joshua is a brother to Francis Calvin Witham .

Wendell died Jan 17, 2012. His body is at the Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs, KY. Visitation is Thursday Jan 19,2012 5-6 PM and the funeral is Friday, Jan 20, 2012 at 1 PM. The funeral home does not have Internet access but his obituary will be in the Columbia (KY) Magazine.

Jack adds, "I had the pleasure of visiting him at the ancestral Witham Home in Jamestown, KY as well as at the annual Witham reunion in Wolf Creek, KY. He was a class act, a total gentleman with a keen mind and wit and regaled me of many stories about my ancestry. He remembered my Grandfather, George Sherman Witham as a child. He still put out a garden, drove a car and lived alone until his mid 90ies. I regret that I did not know him longer."

Below are some photos of Wendell along with the Witham ancestral home that he lived in.

Becky got to visit the Witham home in July of 2011. Here is what she had to say about it:

"The Witham Family Home! We can only guess the Withams that have lived in this house and visited there! My Great Uncle Wendell Witham lives there now and he is 97 years old. It is a beautiful place surrounded by the green and rolling hills of Kentucky! It is on Witham Road! You gotta love my Ol' Kentucky Home!! :)"

Thank you to Jack for passing on the infomation and thank you to Becky and Jack for the photos.

William Raymond Witham - Obituary

W. Ray Witham, 85 of O'Fallon, IL born, Sunday, December 26, 1926, in Pisgah, (Morgan County), IL died January 20, 2012 at 3:50 am at Relais Bonne Eau, Edwardsville, IL.

Ray was a Veteran, proudly serving in the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force. He entered the Army when he was 17 years of age and served in Germany during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1974, as a Chief Master Sergeant, with more than 30 years of service. After his retirement from Military Service he worked as an Employee-Labor Relations Specialist as a Civilian at Scott Air Force Base for 16 and one half years.

Ray went to Grade School, first through eighth grade, in a one room Rural School Building in the Community of Pisgah, IL and attended Franklin Community High School in Franklin, IL. He graduated from High School in 1951 and attended Bethany College in Lindsberg, KS.

Ray loved his Church, his Country and his Family. He loved playing golf with his golfing buddies. The most one could lose was $2.00 but Ray always said it was more fun to win than it was to lose. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan, in the days of Dizzy and Paul Dean. His Great Grand Children Cole and Raegan were his pride and joy.

Ray was a member of the First United Methodist Church, O'Fallon, IL, Life member and Past Master (1996 and 2008) of O'Fallon Masonic Lodge 576, O'Fallon, IL, member and Past Master, Lebanon Masonic Lodge 110, Lebanon, IL. He also served the O'Fallon Lodge as Secretary for four and one half years.

He was a life member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies, Valley of Southern IL, Belleville, IL. He served as Presiding Officer of the Cahokia Council Princes of Jerusalem and Thrice Potent Master of The St. Clair Lodge of Perfection. Ray received the Meritorious Service Award in Springfield, IL June 1984. He was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd Degree, September 1, 1987, in Boston, MA.

Ray was a member of the Belleville York Right Masonic Bodies, Belleville, IL. He served as presiding Officer of all three bodies. Member of the following pendent York Rite Bodies; Southern Illinois York Rite College 33, served as Governor (2000-2001). Cahokia Mounds Council 225, Allied Masonic Degrees, Past Venerable Master. Patros Tabernacle LVIII, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar High Priest, Past VEP. He was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, Saxa Ruba Conclave, Champagne, IL. He was awarded the Knight York Cross of Honor, November 30, 1987, in Danville IL, and awarded the Order of Purple Cross, August 2, 1997 in Denver, CO. Ray was an Honorary member Belvidere Commandry No. 2 and Emanuel No. 81.

Ray was a member of the Ainad Shriners, East St. Louis, IL. He was a member and Past Commander (1975) Ainad Shrine Legion of Honor, member and Past President (1997 and 2000) of Dania Shrine Club, O'Fallon, IL. He was a member of the Sword of Bunker Hill, Charles A. Lindbergh Chapter 247, National Sojourners Past President (1999-2000). He was also a member of General Rogers Clark Camp, Hero's of 76, Past Commander (2000-2003).

Ray was preceded in death by his:

Parents: Charles W. and Josie nee Mann, Witham
Daughter: Donna Rippey
Grandson: Curtis Ray Rippey
Son-in-Law: Warren Rippey
Four Brothers: Hank, Tom, Ed and Warren
Two Sisters: Myrtle Probasco and Mary Smith

Ray is survived by his:

Wife: Beulah, who he married in 1947, in Jacksonville, IL with the Late Reverend Garfield Rodgers Officiating
Daughter: Christina (Bill) Watson of Haslet, TX
Granddaughter: Jennifer (Dan) O'Bryan of Breese, IL
Grandson: Brad (Erin) Davison-Rippey of Des Moines, IA
Great Grandson: Cole E. O'Bryan
Great Granddaughter: Raegan C. O'Bryan of Breese, IL
Sisters: Marjorie Witham and Betty Robinson of Jacksonville, IL
Many loving nieces and nephews

Memorials: In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of O'Fallon, IL, O'Fallon Lodge 576, 32 Degree Learning Center for Children, Inc., and /or Hospice of Southern IL.

Visitation: Friends may call from 3-8 pm Monday, January 23, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL with a Legion of Honor walk through at 7:15pm followed by a Masonic Service.

Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Dickinson and Rev. Joel Catlin officiating. Interment will follow at the O'Fallon, IL city Cemetery.

Francis Calvin & Mary Witham with Kids

Hello, everyone! I just got this photo in from Aunt Marjorie and wanted to share it with you. Thank you, Aunt Marjorie!

Gpa Francis Calvin & Gma Mary Witham. Kids: Charley Witham on left. Uncle Walter on right. Uncle Bill Witham in the middle. Aunt Jen on Gpa's lap. Aunt X on Gma's lap.

Aunt Marjorie wrote, "If the eyes look funny, Billy Jean (Billy Jean Witham) told me her dad (William Fredrick Witham) punched the eyes out (of the photo) with a pencil."

George Washington Witham / Civil War / 13th Kentucky Cavalry

Private George Washington Witham served in Units M&C in the 13th Kentucky Cavalry for the Union Army during the Civil War.

The 13th Kentucky Cavalry was a volunteer regiment that was organized at Columbia, Kentucky and mustered in for one year on December 22, 1863 under the command of Colonel James W. Weatherford.

The 13th Kentucky Cavalry spent its entire service in active work, fighting in numerous skirmishes and some severe engagements.

13th Kentucky Cavalry Headstone
Placed next to his Memorial Headstone

This regiment was attached to District of South Central Kentucky, 1st Division, XXIII Corps, Department of the Ohio, to January 1864. District of Southwest Kentucky, Department of the Ohio, to April 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, District of Kentucky, Department of the Ohio, to July 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Kentucky, to January 1865.

Their detail included duty at Lebanon and protecting country south of Lebanon until June 1864. Cumberland River, Ky., November 26, 1863. Creelsboro and Celina December 7. Cumberland River March 19, 1864. Obey's River March 28 (detachment). Expedition to Obey's River April 18–20. Wolf River May 18. Operations against Morgan May 31-June 30. Cynthiana June 12. Liberty June 17. Canton and Roaring Springs August 22. At Camp Burnside August 26-September 16. Ordered to Mt. Sterling September 16. Burbridge's Expedition into southwest Virginia September 20-October 17. Saltville, Va., October 2. At Mt. Sterling, Lexington and Crab Orchard, Ky., until December 17. At Camp Nelson, Ky., until January 10, 1865.

Remember that Kentucky was a border state of key importance in the Civil War. It was the site of fierce battles. President Abraham Lincoln recognized the importance of the Commonwealth when he declared "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky." In a September 1861 letter to Orville Browning, Lincoln wrote "I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game. ... We would as well consent to separation at once, including the surrender of the capital." Kentucky was also the birthplace of President Lincoln, his wife, Mary Todd, and his Southern conterpart, President Jefferson Davis.

Being a border state, Kentucky was among the chief places where the "brother against brother" scenario was prevalent. Kentucky was officially neutral at the start of the war, but after a failed attempt by the confederacy to take the state of Kentucky, the legislature petitioned the Union for assistance, and thereafter fell under Union control.

The regiment lost a total of 94 men during service; 1 officer and 9 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 1 officer and 83 enlisted men died of disease.

The 13th Kentucky Cavalry mustered out of service at Camp Nelson on January 10, 1865.

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I was able to find the following accounts of a few of the encounters the 13th Kentucky Cavalry was involved with:


Rebel Guerrillas on Main Street

November 21, 1864

In the fall of 1864, Col. James W. Weatherford’s 13th Kentucky Cavalry force, USA, which guarded Campbellsville’s citizens from rebel activity, was reduced from 60 to 20 men.

Just before a heavy November snowfall, Henry C. Magruder’s rebel guerrilla band, about seventeen in number, came to the small settlement of Colesby in northern Taylor County. They captured and killed Cpl. Samuel Williams of Company L, 13th Kentucky Cavalry, who was visiting his uncle and then "pressed" a slave to guide them to Campbellsville.

They rode into town around sunset and shot two cavalrymen who were patrolling the streets, mortally wounding Pvt. James C. Blankenship and seriously wounding the other.

Up and down Main Street, the guerrillas fired their weapons, aiming at startled citizens, the Louisville Journal reported: They broke into the stores of Messrs. Gowdy, Turner & Co., and Chandler and Mourning, obtaining $75 in money from the former and nothing from the latter. Every citizen they met was relieved of pocketbooks and watches. In an incredibly short space of time, they robbed the citizens of at least $2,000 in money, watches, etc. Mr. [Ferdinand] Hiestand was robbed of $1,485, mostly Kentucky bank notes. James Blandford [saddler] lost a valuable gold watch and overcoat; Jeter & Haskins, $100; E.[Edward] Rice, $100; Frank Hackley, $15; Billy Marr, $15; John H. Chandler, gold watch, and $40 in money. Several other citizens were robbed....

News of the siege spread quickly to the residents of upper Main Street where a large stagecoach was pulling in from Lebanon. Unfortunately for the guerrillas, several discharged Federal artillerymen were among its passengers. When told of what was happening down the street, the discharged soldiers took cover in a house on this block, gathered some weapons, and prepared to protect the coach from the guerrillas.

Magruder’s men worked their way up the street, robbing citizens and stores. They surrounded the empty stagecoach and its valuable horses. The Federal soldiers opened fire, injuring one of the guerrillas. The rebels skedaddled. Later, they passed through Saloma on the old Lexington–Nashville Road, eating dinner and camping on the farm of southern sympathizer, Daniel Williams, who lived just over the Taylor County line in Green County.

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The Battle of Saltville (1 October – 3 October 1864) was fought near the town of Saltville, Virginia, during the Civil War.

Saltville was very important to the confederacy as salt was the primary means of preserving food and Saltville was the South's only significant source of salt. The confederacy wanted to hold Saltville and the Union wanted to capture it.

The battle was fought by both regular and homeguard Confederate units against regular Union troops, including one of the few black cavalry units, over an important saltworks in the town.

Union cavalry and infantry raiders led by Brig. Gen. Stephen Burbridge attempted to destroy the saltworks near Saltville. He was delayed at Clinch Mountain and Laurel Gap by a makeshift Confederate force, enabling Brig. Gen. Alfred E. Jackson to concentrate troops near Saltville to meet him. On the morning of October 1, the Federals attacked but made little headway. Confederate reinforcements continued to arrive during the day.  After day-long fighting, Burbridge retired without accomplishing his objective. The battle was a Confederate victory, stained by the murders of captured and wounded white and black Union troops by irregular guerrilla forces under the notorious Champ Ferguson. Ferguson was tried after the war in Nashville, TN for these and other non-military killings, found guilty and executed. A second battle occurred two months later when Union General George Stoneman defeated Confederate defenders and burned the saltworks.

2 Civil War battles were fought in saltville. The first was Oct 2, 1864 and resulted in the defeat of a Union army of 5200 men. The 2nd battle was Dec 20, 1864 and resulted in the destruction of the Saltworks by the Union army.

2 future US presidents also fought in the saltworks campaign: Rutherford B Hayes, and William McKinley.

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Thank you to Becky for the 13th Kentucky Cavalry Headstone photo and to both Jack and Becky for the photo of GW Witham. 

Charley Witham's Kids

I absolutely LOVE this photo I got from Aunt Myrtle's daughter, Charlene. It's a photo of Gpa Charley and Gma Josie's first five kids. It was taken in 1919. It's also the youngest photo I've ever seen of my grandpa. Thank you for sharing, Charlene!

(L-R) Hank, Myrtle, Ed, Tom, Mary

Charles Washington Witham - WWII Draft Registration Card

In a follow-up to our last post, here is the WWII draft registration card for Charles Washington Witham.

With this card, we learned that Grandpa Charley and Grandma Josie lived at 304 Hardin St. in Jacksonville. Grandpa Charley was 55 years old when he registered for this draft. It looks like they didn't have a telephone at this time and Grandma Josie was working at the State Hospital. Interesting!

304 Hardin Ave

Charles Washington Witham - WWI Draft Registration Card

Ancestry.com is one of my favorite websites. The things you can learn there are absolutely amazing! Take this document, for example. It's a copy of Charles Washington Witham's WWI Draft Registration Card - IN HIS OWN HANDWRITING!! How neat is that?!

(Remember to click on the photo to view it in a larger size)

We can learn a thing or two about grandpa Charley from this document, also. It looks like he was 30 years old when he filled this out and he was living in rural Jacksonville at the time. It looks like he was working as a farmer for a William Masters in Jacksonville. He was tall and stout with brown eyes and dark brown hair. He may have also claimed an exemption from the draft on the basis that he was needed to provide support for his wife and kids.

Bishop Wendell & Esther Smith

This is a great photo I received from Warren Smith Sr. It's a photo of his parents, Bishop Wendell & Esther Smith. Bishop Wendell Smith is the son of Addie Lee Witham, the grandson of Alex Clay Witham, and the great-grandson of Francis Calvin Witham. Thank you for sharing the photo, Warren!

Bishop Wendell & Esther Smith

Witham Family Reunion 2011 - More Pictures

Hi, Withams! I just got a new batch of photos in from the Witham Family Reunion that I wanted to share with you. These are Uncle Ray's photos. I think Mary Beth took many of them for Uncle Ray. Thank you to Mary Beth for taking them and to Uncle Ray for sharing them! Enjoy!

Uncle Ray Addressing The Family

David Smith, Connie Smith, Bishop Wendell Smith, Warren Smith, Becky Bucalo, Jackie Lacy

Sandy McCurley & Marilyn Yost

Charlene Smith

Bill Smith, Charlene Smith, Shawn Smith, Tanner Smith

Mary Louise Doolin & Mary Beth Doolin

Judy Leak & Aunt Betty Robinson

Uncle Ray Witham & Aunt Betty Robinson

Uncle Ray & Aunt Beulah Witham

Connie Leadill, Tracy Leadill Mulquin, "Bucky" Leadill

Kelly, Jeff, Kate, and Carter Dixon

Randy Eaton, Cyndy Argenta-Eaton, Jerry Witham, Mike Smith

Nancey & Richard Koehler

Mary Louise Doolin & Charlene Smith

Mary Beth Doolin, Boyfriend Bill, Mary Louise Doolin

Shawn Smith, Mary Beth Doolin, Jeff Dixon