Daniel Webster Blaylock 1882-1958 Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland

I'm not sure how I got started on looking for newspaper items for Daniel Webster Blaylock. Daniel went by D. W., and while hacking around in Newspaper Archives, I happened upon more than 100 newspaper entries for D. W. Blaylock in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois. Most of these entries are for Mrs. D. W. Blaylock (Mary Zulu (McKinley) Blaylock). Mary played bridge, directed local theatrical events, and was an Eastern Star. Here are the family details.

Daniel Webster Blaylock (FAG 82726831)
b. 22 Dec 1882 Millheim, Perry County, Missouri
d. 25 Nov 1958 Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
m. 23 Apr 1919 Tilden, Randolph County, Illinois
Mary Zulu McKinley (FAG 80968687)
b. 4 Jun 1893 Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
d. ?? Mar 1989 Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland

Child 1:
Living Blaylock
b. 6 Oct 1929 Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois
m. 20 Jun 1952 where?
Living Adams
b. 27 Mar 1931

I haven't had much luck in identifying D.W.'s parents. However, among the newspaper articles was a death announcement for his mother.

The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 7 Dec 1933

Mrs. J. M. Blaylock Dies.
Mrs. J. M. Blaylock, 68, mother of D. W. Blaylock of this city died yesterday in Flat River, Mo. Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow in that city. Mr. and Mrs. D. W, Blaylock will attend the service.

          Note: Flat River is in Saint Francois County, Missouri.

Here's a timeline for D. W.

1882 ( 0) born Millheim, Perry County, Missouri

1890 ( 8)

1900 (18) living Indian Territory, Missouri  Source: cens (Boarder)

190? (2?) attending Rolla School of Mines Source: newspaper

1910 (28) living Edwardsville, Madison County, Ilinois Source: cens

1918 (36) living Glen Carbon, Illinois (Mining Engineer) Source: WWI record

1919 (37) married Tilden, Illinois

1920 (38) living Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois Source: cens w/Mary

1920 (38) listed in Am. Inst. of Mining, Metallurgical... Chief Mining Engr. Source: Google books

1930 (48) living Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois Source: cens w/Mary

1935 (53) moves to Bethesda, Maryland Source: city directory

1940 (58) living Lakewood, Ohio Source: newspaper

1942 (60) living 1055 Sylvan Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio Source: WWII (Defense Plant Corp)

1950 (68) living

1955 (73) living Lakewood, Ohio Source: newspaper

1956 (74) living Lakewood, Ohio Source: obit

1958 (76) died Maryland...no obit in Washington Post; however, there was one in Illinois

The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 26 Nov 1958

D. W. Blaylock
Word was received here Wednesday morning of the death earlier of D. W. Blaylock of Bethesda, Md., a former resident and mining engineer for the Madison County Coal Co., whose main office was located at Glen Carbon for many years.
The deceased, who suffered a stroke two weeks ago, is survived by his wife, a son, D. W. Blaylock, Jr., and two grandsons.
Funeral services and burial will be held Saturday afternoon at Marissa. The time is 2 o'clock.

Here's a smattering of the newspaper articles.

=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 20 Oct 1928, Page 3
D. W, Blaylock attended an Alumni banquet of the Rolla School of Mines , in St. Louis, last evening.
According to Wikipedia: Missouri University of Science and Technology was known as the University of Missouri–Rolla and originally Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. The school is an institution of higher learning located in Rolla, Missouri and part of the University of Missouri System.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 30 Oct 1928, Page 2
Move Into Residence,
Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Blaylock have moved into the Barnsback residence on St. Louis street,
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 8 Jul 1932, Page 1
Rushed to Hospital.
D. W. Blaylock of this city was rushed to St. Elizabeth's Hospital at Gianite City this morning.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, 1 Dec 1933, Page 3
Mr. and Mrs. D. W Blaylock and son, Danny, spent Thanksgiving Day with Mrs. Blaylock's mother, Mrs J. H McKinley at Marlssa, Ill.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, 2 May 1935, Page 3
Bridge awards were given to Mrs. A. E. Stolze, Mrs. D. W. Blaylock and Mrs. R. I. McKee. A light luncheon was served the guests during the latter part of the afternoon.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 22 May 1937, page 2
Returning From Meeting.
D. W. Blaylock, a mining engineer of this city, returned Fnday night from Cincinnati, O, where he attended a four-day session of the American Mining Congress.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, 10 Aug 1940, Page 3
Mrs. D. W. Blaylock and son, Danny, of Cleveland, Ohio are spending the week-end here with Dr. and Mrs. O R. Keenan at their home on East Park street.
=====
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, IL, 13 Feb 1948, Page 4
Mrs. D. W. Blaylock spent several days in Marissa, as guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. McKinley.
===== 
The Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville, Illinois, 16 Aug 1955, Page 3
Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Blaylock, former residents, now of Lakewood. 0., were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wollbrinck.
=====

During the last years of their lives, the Blaylocks seem to split their time between Lakewood and Bethesda. Living descendants of this family live in the Bethesda, Maryland area.

Nancy Susana (McKee) Goodbar 1889-1927 Illinois, Missouri, Texas

I've had a pretty good handle on the children of Lemuel M. McKee and his wife Mary Elizabeth Blair. Only one child, a daughter, Nancy McKee (child 3) has remained a mystery. I knew from obituaries that she had married a Mr. Goodbar. From the 1900 census, I knew she had been born in Jul 1889. However, this too little information hasn't allowed me to get very far. 

As is so often the case, an event precipitated the posting of information on Ancestry.com. Nancy's granddaughter, Sharon Blair (Goodbar) Hetchler, died on 3 Feb 2011. A researcher posted information that has provided significant leads. Here's what I've been able to confirm so far.

Nancy Susana McKee (FAG memorial 82413173)
b. 17 Jul 1889 Illinois
d. 1 Apr 1927 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
m. abt 1918 (where? date?)
James Horace Goodbar
b. 23 Jan 1889 Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
d. 23 Mar 1973 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas

Child 1: Horace Blair Goodbar (FAG memorial 34633269)
b. 20 Jan 1919 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
d. 9 Sep 1966 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas

Child 2: James Horace Goodbar
b. 21 Jan 1919 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
A certificate for this child exists. I'm assuming they are twin boys born late at night. However, the certificate may also be a mistake. The researcher on Ancestry.com doesn't not mention this child.

Horace Blair Goodbar went by Blair. Blair married twice and had four children. Here is their information.

Wife 1: Edna Vermelle Holmes
b. 6 Feb 1919 Greenville, Hunt County, Texas
d. 19 Mar 1986 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas (died as Mrs. Phelps)

Child 1: Sharon Blair Goodbar (FAG memorial 79294482)
b. 30 Oct 1942 Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
d. 3 Feb 2011 Garland, Dallas County, Texas
m. Living Hetchler

Wife 2: Living Reid
b. 25 Aug 1920 Wichita County, Texas

Wife 2 and Blair had two daughters and a son, all of whom are living.

I'm still tracking information for members of this family. I've used Facebook to send a message to one of Blair's daughters to see if anyone in the family is interested in the project/information. I'm hoping that they are willing to fill in the blanks I still have.

I'm going to keep looking for info for this family. As always, if you're reading this blog and you're interested in this family please email me.

The State Historical Society of Missouri...Part 3

OK...now SHSM is getting positively speedy. I sent for Jesse Lemuel McKee's obituary about 48 hours ago and here it is.

Piedmont Wayne County Journal-Banner. 11 Feb 1971, Page 2 Columns 4 and 5

J. L. McKee Rites Held in Williamsville

Jesse Lemuel McKee, the son of Jesse and Rosa Noble McKee, was born in Wayne County, Missouri, on January 6, 1890.

Mr. McKee was converted early in life and attended the Assembly of God Church for many years.

On November 1, 1913, he was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Grable. Mr. and Mrs. McKee made their home in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors Corporation until his retirement. Mrs. McKee passed away on May 29, 1959. On December 21, 1960, he was married to Mrs. Nellie Mae Frazier who survives.

Other survivors include a step-daughter, Mrs. Gloria Salamore of Harvey, Illinois; two sisters; Mrs. Julia Hillis of Dexter, Missouri and Mrs. Alice Howard of Jackson, Missouri; three-step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Mr. McKee passed away at the Doctors Hospital, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on February 4, 1971 at the age of 81 years and 21 days.

Funeral services for Mr. McKee were held in the Assembly of God Church, Williamsville, Missouri on February 7, 1971 with Rev. Lester Freeman officiating. Music was furnished by the church choir, with Mrs. Floyd Gurley at the piano. Serving as casketbearers were O. L. Holmes, William Cradic, Charles Tinker, Sam Willard, Gene Manns, and Donald Murray.

Interment was made in the Holladay Cemetery at Williamsville. Coder Funeral Home of Williamsville, in charge of arrangements.

As you can see from the obit, I now know his mother's name, including her maiden name. So I should be able to click right along finding information for her. We'll see.

I'm getting to be positively enthusiastic about The State Historical Society of Missouri. So much so, I'm going to have to revisit their website to order my next obit and see what other info they might be able to provide me with. If I unearth anything of interest, I'll be sure to post it. But for now, I'm off in pursuit of all things Rosa Noble.

The State Historical Society of Missouri...Part 2

I've persevered with sending obituary requests to The State Historical Society of Missouri. The most recently received obituary has turned out to be a blockbuster...for a brick wall I didn't know I had! Here's the layout of the family unit that I had before I had the obituary.

Jesse Alexander McKee
b. 25 Jul 1956 Coulterville, Randolph County, Illinois
d. 1 Sep 1911 Williamsville, Wayne County, Missouri
m. 4 Dec 1890 Butler County, Missouri
Celia Adeline Skief
b. 13 Dec 1872 Clay County, Arkansas
d. 4 Feb 1954 Dexter, Scott County, Missouri

Child 1: Mary J. McKee
b. Aug 1888 Missouri

Child 2: Jesse Lemuel McKee
b. 6 Jan 1890 Williamsville, Wayne County, Missouri
d. 4 Feb 1971 Williamsville, Wayne County, Missouri

Child 3: John Alexander McKee
b. 26 Nov 1891 Moark, Clay County, Arkansas
d. 28 Aug 1914 Williamsville, Wayne County, Missouri

Child 4: Jesse Franklin McKee
b. 19 Feb 1894 Moark, Clay County, Missouri
d. 30 May 1956 Saint Louis, Saint Louis City, Missouri

Child 5: Julia Ann McKee
b. Jan 1895 Missouri
d. 1972

Child 6: Alice Mae McKee
b. 11 Oct 1896 Williamsville, Wayne County, Missouri
d. 16 Feb 1976 Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri

Since Child 1 and Child 2 were born before the McKee/Skief marriage, I knew I was missing info...or an interesting story. The obituary I received cleared up the status of Child 1 and Child 2; however, it also introduced another wife for Jesse. Here's the obituary.

Dexter Messenger, 11 Feb 1954, Page 5, Column 4

CELIA ADELINE HILLIS BURIED SUNDAY

Celia Adeline Hillis, daughter of John and Winnie Edwards Skief was born on December 13, 1872 and departed this life on February 4, 1954, at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 22 days.

In 1886 she was married to John Stuart, who preceded her in death. To this union a daughter was born, who also preceded Mrs. Hillis in death. On December 4, 1890 she was united in marriage to Jesse A. McKee, and to this union five children were born. Mr. McKee and two children preceded her in death. Surviving this marriage are Mrs. Julia Hillis of Dexter, Jesse F. McKee of St. Louis, and Mrs. Alice Howard of Neeley's Landing, Mo.

On May 18, 1913, she was married to Samuel Hillis, who preceded her in death. Surviving are one step-daughter, Pearl Skief, Kennett, and one step-son, Jesse L. McKee, Pontiac, Mich. Also surviving are 25 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, a number of nephews and nieces, and many other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Hillis was born in Ill., and later moved to Williamsville, where she spent the greater portion of her life. She lived her last nine years in Dexter.

She was converted in the General Baptist church at an early age, then affiliated with the Assembly of God church in 1925 and lived a consistent Christian life, having won the respect of all who knew her.

Funeral services were conducted at the Assembly of God church, Dexter, Sunday afternoon, February 7, Rev. W. P. Campbell officiating. The remains were then taken to Williamsville where short graveside services were conducted by Rev. Morgan. Interment in Williamsville cemetery.

Stricland-Rainey service.

As you can see from the obituary, Celia also had a previous marriage (John Stuart) and a daughter (Child 1 Mary J. Stuart...shown as McKee on census records...thus the confusion).

In addition, the obituary lists Child 2 Jesse Lemuel McKee as a step-son. This fact introduces a new (unknown) first wife for Jesse Alexander McKee.

When the McKee/Skief marriage occurs, they are a blended family. The remainder of the children shown for Jesse and Celia are correct. The obituary also notes one missing child who preceded Celia in death...more details to chase down.

Going forward, I've sent for Jesse Lemuel McKee's obituary to see if it by chance lists his mother's name. Finding it in an obituary could short cut a long expensive search to breakdown this brick wall. If the obituary provides enlightening details, I'll be sure to post it.

So all in all, I'm glad I didn't give up on The State Historical Society of Missouri. The society's services have turned out to be faster and better than my first brush with them. So first impressions aren't always right...sometimes it's worth just going with the flow to see what happens.

The State Historical Society of Missouri

The demise of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness has severely slowed down my acquisition of obituaries. Random Acts provided lots of contacts with local volunteers who could go into local libraries and get copies for free or for a minimal sum of money. Sans Random Acts, I've been forced to dig deeper for newspapers.

In the case of Missouri, The State Historical Society of Missouri seems to have swept up all of the newspapers in Missouri and you have to go to them to get almost anything you want from a newspaper in Missouri. The Saint Louis Public Library has the Post Dispatch, but if you want anything outside of Saint Louis, you have to go through the society.

Until recently, I've resisted in part because when you read about the process it seems so drawn out. You can make only one request at a time. You must wait until they answer your current request before you can make your next request. They notifying you via email with an obit or a note of regret that they couldn't find it.

Obituaries for non members are $15 and $5 for members. Membership is $25. I have more than a few obituaries to pursue in Missouri; therefore, being a member would save me lots of cash. I just needed to be prepared to order the obits as quickly as possible. So I joined up and sent my first request.

The response took quiet a bit of time. I immediately started counting weeks and looking at how many obits I had to order. At the slow rate of response, my membership would run out before I had exhausted my list of needed obituaries. But I had already joined, so I sent in my second request. Turnaround time was about a week and half for the second request. The third request had a similar response time...much improved!

So if I had to characterized my experience, I have to say a slow start but rapidly improving. I'm still not sure I'll get all the obits I need during my one year membership but I'm more hopeful than I was.

To see details from the most recent obit, go to the Find A Grave memorial for William Robert McMillan (82016524). Meanwhile, I'm typing up my next request.

Esther S. (Anderson) Rich, 1885-1943, England, Maine

Just when I think I've wrung everything possible out of the Google News Archive, I strike pay dirt...or in this case an obit...again.

The Lewiston Daily Sun, Monday, 11 Jan 1943, Page 2

MRS. ESTHER RICH

NORWAY--Mrs. Esther Rich, 57, died Thursday at the home of her brother, Henry Anderson of Biddeford, where she had been since Thanksgiving. She had been ill for several weeks. She came here in 1908, and married Odell C. Rich.

She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Gordon Eastman of Lovell, Mrs. Eleanor Marcotte of Norway, one son, Odell C. Rich Jr., of West Paris, her mother, two brothers and three sisters, all of Biddeford.

Never ever give up...just rewrite your search terms...you never know...just keep typing...

Lillie May (Burns) Lawrence, 1896-1975, Texas, Arkansas

Lillie May Burns (b. 27 April 1896 in Hopkins County, Texas) was the daughter of William "Bill" B. Burns and Sarah "Sally" C. Booth. Lillie was the youngest child in her family and only two when her mother died. After Sally's death, Bill seems to disappear. He's difficult to locate in records. Lillie appears to have been raised by her older brother Henry.

Lillie marries young--she's a month short of 17--when she marries Charles Elon Lawrence on 9 March 1913 in New Boston, Bowie County, Texas. Charles was born 28 March 1895 in Detroit, Red River County, Texas, the son of Samuel Patton Lawrence and Mary Idella Campbell. Lillie and Charles have the following children.

Child 1:
Ennis Alvin Lawrence
b. 12 Sep 1914 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas
d. 6 Mar 1996 Horatio, Seiver County, Arkansas (FAG 46197105)
m. Where? When?...before 1938
Myrtle Leona Lincoln
b. 26 Jun 1916 Bowie County, Texas
d. 7 Apr 2003 Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas (FAG 7364244)

Child 2:
Leona Virginia Lawrence
b. 27 Aug 1919 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas
d. 1 Oct 1992 Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana
m. Where? When?...before 1952
Howard Franklin Collins
b. 23 Nov 1912 Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas
d. 7 oct 1984 Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Child 3:
Loyd Elon Lawrence
b. 9 Jul 1923 Bowie County, Texas
d. 21 Dec 1971 New York City, New York

Child 4:
Mandy Lawrence
b. 1925 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas
d. Before Apr 1930 New Boston, Bowie County, Texas

Child 5:
Della May Lawrence
b. 28 Dec 1936 Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas
d. 28 Aug 1950 Taylor, Columbia County, Arkansas (FAG 67532136)

Child 6:
Living Lawrence
b. 29 Dec 1936 Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas
m. When? Where?
Joseph Oscar Hood
b. 26 Mar 1926 Plain Dealing, Bossier Parish, Louisiana
d. ?? Nov 1985 Plain Dealing, Bossier Parish, Louisiana

At some point, Charles becomes a reverend, and sometime in the 1930's the family moved to Arkansas. Losing three children must have tested the faith of both Charles and Lillie. The loss must also have caused them to cling tighter to their living children.

Both Charles and Lillie die in Horatio, Sevier County, Arkansas. Charles dies 27 June 1974 with Lillie following on 23 Feb 1975. Both are buried in Horatio Cemetery, Horatio, Sevier County, Arkansas.

I'm missing obituaries for Lillie and Charles. The obituaries would of course provide more detail about lives of Lillie and Charles. The demise of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness closes the door on one possible route to these obits. My next best bet is to see if a local library offers a look up service. If I strike pay dirt, I'll post a follow up. In the meantime, if you're researching this family I'd like the opportunity to trade info with you. Please post a comment.