This week's birthdays from my family tree:
Dec. 22
Fred M. Brinson (my wife's great-great uncle on her father's side), b. 1922 in Bonneau, Berkeley Co., SC; d. March 19, 1924, in Bonneau, Berkeley County, SC.
Dec. 23
• James Madison Carey (father-in-law of Homer Lee Wilson DDS, my first cousin three times removed on my mother's side), b. 1859; d. Nov. 11, 1929, in Rowan County, Ky. Carey was Rowan County's deputy clerk of court during the Rowan County War and later was a postmaster and successful merchant. He also was one of the investors/founders in the Morehead Light Company, which brought electrification to the town. Project headed by E.E. Maggard, who started many ventures in Morehead.
• Denzil Lee Smith (my third cousin on my father's side), b. 1929 in Wrigley, Morgan County, Ky.; d. Aug. 9, 1951, in Crockett, Morgan County, Ky. Died of a broken neck and crushed skull suffered in a logging accident at age 22. Death certificate indicates he was a farmer.
Dec. 24
Clell Ted Gregory (my second cousin twice removed on my mother's side), b. 1914 in Rowan County, Ky.; d. Nov. 7, 1954 in Richmond, Madison County, Ky.
Dec. 25
Dennis Downing (my 4G grandfather on my mother's side), b. 1801 in Motgomery County, Ky.; d. Oct. 2, 1837, in Henry County, Ind. Jean Burchett writes in a letter of Oct. 3, 1991, via Ancestry.com: "' 'Downing raised on farm in Montgomery Co., KY, received common school education. In 1821 he married Miss Mary McCormick b. 1802, daughter of William McCormick, a native of Virginia, both of Irish descent. Dennis moved to Indiana when the children were quite small. Two younger children were born in Indiana. Will probated 10 Feb 1838 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana. His brother Francis and Richard Haynes adminstrator. His debts exceeded his property.' ... The three sons moved to Missouri; whereas the daughters stayed in Kentucky."
Earl Dean Headrick (my third cousin twice removed on my mother's side), b. 1924 in Liberal, Seward County, Kan.; d. Jan. 3, 2000, in Kisnet, Seward County, Kan.
Dec. 26
Bethel George Hall (my 2G uncle on my mother's side), b. 1893 in Morehead, Rowan County, Ky.; d. May 19, 1979, in Rowan County, Ky. His obituary in the Morehead News says Bethel G. Hall, 84, of Clearfield, died on a Saturday at St. Claire Medical Center. A native of Rowan County, he was the son of the late George Washington and Nancy Abigail Quesinberry Hall. Judge Hall attended school in Rowan Conty and later Morehead Normal School. After graduation, he became one of the first teachers to serve at Bronson, Ky., in 1912. During his lifetime he was a cook for the Clearfield Lumber Co., managed the Clearfield Supply Co., and was parts manager for Kurts Auto Sales. He also served as postmaster for Clearfield for 15 years. In 1943, he was appointed Rowan County judge by Gov. Simeon Willis. He served in that office until 1945. He also served on the Rowan Coounty Board of Education.
Elvis N. Elam (my first cousin twice removed on my mother's side), b. 1917 in Breathitt County, Ky.; d. Jan. 14, 2007, in Morehead, Rowan County, Ky.
Paula Jean Trent Thomas (my first cousin once removed on my mother's side). Happy birthday, Aunt Jean! Hope you have a great day.
Dec. 27
William Tipton Brooks (grandfather of my half uncle Ronnie Jackson Brooks on my mother's side), b. 1879 in Claiborne County, Tenn.; d. July 11, 1960, in Clark County, Ohio.
Dec. 28
Lydia Ann Barber (my 4G aunt-in-law on my father's side), b. 1835 in Bath County, Ky.; d. Sept. 5, 1904, in Kentucky.
James Stewart Caudill (my 3G uncle on my mother's side), b. 1865 in Elliott County, Ky.; d. Nov. 10, 1886, in Rowan County, Ky. Died at age 21.
Osia Mae Hall (my first cousin three times removed on my mother's side), b. 1889 in Kentucky; d. Sept. 25, 1969, in Clearfield, Rowan County, Ky.