Terry & Nancy's Ancestors

Family History Section

Person Page 913

John Allen Walker1,2,3

ID# 9122, (1789 - 1871)

Key Events:

Birth: 17 Jan 1789, Wilkes Co., Georgia,4,5,6
Marriage: 3 Oct 1836, Madison Co., Kentucky, Mary Boone Grimes (b. abt 1817, d. 28 Aug 1858)7,8
Death: 8 Dec 1871,9
Burial: Walker-Jameson Cemetery, Prairie, Monroe Co., Mississippi,10

Narrative:

John Allen Walker was born on 17 Jan 1789 in Wilkes Co., GeorgiaG.4,5,6
     John married Mary Boone Grimes on 3 Oct 1836 in Madison Co., KentuckyG.7,8
     John appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Monroe Co., MississippiG, with a household consisting of one male age 15 to 20 (unknown), one age 40 to 50 (himself), one female under age 5 (daughter Martha), and one age 20 to 30 (wife Mary). Also listed were 38 slaves.11
     John and Mary appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Monroe Co., MississippiG, enumerated 16 Nov 1850, reporting real estate valued at $40,000. Their children Martha, Louisa, Virginia, and Susanah were listed as living with them. Also listed are 106 slaves.2,12
     His wife died on 28 Aug 1858.13,14
     John appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Monroe Co., MississippiG, enumerated 7 Aug 1860, reporting real estate valued at $69,800 and personal estate of $218,680. His children Martha, Louisa, Virginia, and Susanah were listed as living with him. There were also 154 slaves housed in 22 slave houses.15,16
     John appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Aberdeen, Monroe Co., MississippiG, reporting real estate valued at $6,500 and personal estate of $2,000. His daughter Susanah was listed as living with him.17
     He was a farmer, apparently a very prosperous one, at least until the War.2,15,17
     John left a will dated 8 Jun 1871 stating he was of Monroe Co., MississippiG, in which he left all his land in Phillips Co., Arkansas, and all his stock in the Mobile and Ohio Rail Road and the New Orleans Jackson and Great Northern Rail Road to be shared equally by his three younger daughters, Louisa, Virginia, and Susanah. He said he had previously divided his household and kitchen furniture and all the land he owned in Mississippi between his four daughters. He said he had given more to the husband of his late daughter Martha than to the others, and he owed $1,500 and interest for several years, so her heirs were debarred from any further interest in his estate.18
     John died on 8 Dec 1871 at age 82.9 He was buried in Walker-Jameson Cemetery, Prairie, Monroe Co., MississippiG.10 His will was proved on 11 Jan 1872 in Monroe Co., MississippiG, Chancery Court.19
     Letters of administration for his estate were issued on 11 Jan 1872 to Maj. Robert H. Cobb since his will did not name an executor. Robert was named in response to a petition by the three daughters, the husbands of the two married daughters, and John T. Jameson, husband of the deceased daughter. Robert posted a bond of $30,000, with Jameson, Louisa's husband, Susanah, and G. W. Grimes as sureties.19
     The first settlement of the estate was filed on 29 Jan 1873. The administrator reported that he had received $4,680 from a lawsuit and payment on a note due the estate, and had spent $195 for the funeral, $2,000 to settle an issue with the land in Arkansas, and $594 for taxes on that land. This left a balance in the estate of $1,890.20
     The second settlement of the estate was filed on 14 Jul 1876. The administrator reported that he had received an additional $9,320 from the lawsuit, and had spent $325 for the cemetery monument, $43 for medical bills, $1,170 for taxes on the Arkansas land, and $780 for other expenses. This left a balance in the estate of $8,890.21
     The final settlement of the estate was filed on 7 Mar 1878. The administrator credited the estate with $533 in interest, and charged it $700 for his fees and $23 in other costs, leaving a balance of $8,700. He requested the estate be closed. Having received notice from each of the heirs that they were satisfied with the settlement, the court closed the estate and ordered disbursement of $2,900 to each of the three sisters. The settlement did not include the land in Arkansas, which consisted of 14 parcels totaling 3,700 acres, or the rail road shares.22

Children:
     Children with Mary Boone Grimes:

  1. Martha Walker (abt 1838 - 31 Jan 1868)
  2. Louisa A. Walker (1841 - 1925)
  3. Sarah Virginia Walker+ (31 Oct 1844 - 12 Jul 1927)
  4. Susanah Walker (abt 1846 - 9 Jun 1933)
  5. Fanny Walker
  6. infant daughter Walker ( - 9 Mar 1851)

Citations

  1. [S3016] Sarah Virginia Cobb, Certificate of Death, shows name as John Allen Walker.
  2. [S3015] John A. Walker household, 1850 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi.
  3. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 112727149, Col John Allen Walker, includes tombstone photo showing name as John A. Walker.
  4. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 112727149, Col John Allen Walker, shows date, county, and state, and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  5. [S3015] John A. Walker household, 1850 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, shows age 55 and state, as Georgia.
  6. [S3017] John A. Walker household, 1860 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, shows age 70 and state, as South Carolina.
  7. [S3086] "Madison County, Kentucky Marriage Records, 1790-1843," Ancestry.com, record for John A. Walker and Mary B. Grimes, shows date.
  8. [S3015] John A. Walker household, 1850 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, shows them apparently living as husband and wife.
  9. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 112727149, Col John Allen Walker, shows date and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  10. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 112727149, Col John Allen Walker, includes tombstone photo.
  11. [S3088] John A. Walker household, 1840 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi.
  12. [S3090] John A. Walker, owner, 1850 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, slave schedule.
  13. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 112728609, Mary Boone Grimes Walker, shows date and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  14. [S3017] John A. Walker household, 1860 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, she is not included with the family.
  15. [S3017] John A. Walker household, 1860 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi.
  16. [S3089] John A. Walker, owner, 1860 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi, slave schedule.
  17. [S3087] John Walker household, 1870 U.S. Census, Monroe Co., Mississippi.
  18. [S2017] Inventory Record Chancery Court, Monroe Co., Mississippi, 1:232-3, will of John A. Walker.
  19. [S2017] Inventory Record Chancery Court, Monroe Co., Mississippi, 1:232-5, will of John A. Walker.
  20. [S5501] Chancery Court case files, Monroe Co., Mississippi, case 1484.1, John A. Walker, dec'd, 1st Annual Account, 29 Jan 1873.
  21. [S5501] Chancery Court case files, Monroe Co., Mississippi, case 1484.1, John A. Walker, dec'd, Second Annual Account, 14 Jul 1876.
  22. [S5501] Chancery Court case files, Monroe Co., Mississippi, case 1484.1, John A. Walker, dec'd, Final Annual Account, 7 Mar 1878; order of the court, same date, receipt for taxes paid Phillips Co. Arkansas, 9 Jan 1872.

Henry Clay Harding1,2,3

ID# 9125, (1865 - 1956)

Parents:

FatherSamuel Doak Harding (abt 1823 - )
MotherMary Isabelle Wylie ( - bef 1874)

Key Events:

Birth: 5 Nov 1865, Kickapoo, Anderson Co., Texas,4,5,6
Marriage: 18 Jul 1893, Mitchell Co., Texas, Fannie G. Manning (b. 8 Jan 1875, d. 5 Mar 1905)7,8
Marriage: 28 Jan 1908, St. Andrews Church, Amarillo, Texas, Virginia Leoma Cobb (b. 2 Feb 1868, d. 5 Dec 1958)9,10
Death: 11 Jun 1956, 312 W. 9th, Amarillo, Potter Co., Texas,11,12
Burial: Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Potter Co., Texas,13,3

Narrative:

Henry Clay Harding was born on 5 Nov 1865 in Kickapoo, Anderson Co., TexasG.4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Anderson Co., TexasG, in the household of his parents, Samuel Doak Harding and Mary Isabelle Wylie, in the household of Thomas Garland and his wife Mattie.
     His mother died before 1874, when Henry was about 9 years old.14
     Henry appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Runnels Co., Texas G, enumerated 9 Jun 1880, with his younger brothers James and Horrace at the ranch of Robert K. Wylie, his mother's brother.15
     Henry married first Fannie G. Manning on 18 Jul 1893 in Mitchell Co., TexasG, with Rev. D. H. Fallen of the Christian Church officiating.7,8
     He was working cattle on his uncle's ranch at the age of 14. He worked as a cowpuncher in Erath Co.G, and in the San Angelo area. He was later a range boss in Carlsbad, New Mexico and was a member of the Western Land & Commission Company in Erath Co.G.16,17,18,19
     Henry served as county and district clerk at Stanton, Martin Co., TexasG, and later was elected county judge there, while continuing to work in the cattle business.20
      In 1898 Henry sold his ranching interests and he and Fannie moved their family to DenverG where he became inspector for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.20 Henry and Fannie appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Denver, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, at 4103 West 30th Ave. G, enumerated 2 Jun 1900, reporting that they rented their home. Their children Lulu and Mary were listed as living with them, as were two lodgers, Irene Hammers, widowed, age 35, and apparently her daughter, Maud, age 12.21
     Henry left his position in Denver in Jul 1900, and moved his family to Amarillo, TexasG, where he became manager of the LX Ranch, north of town. The ranch was a 320,000-acre spread, running 35,000 cattle. While there he improved the headquarters on Bonita Creek, and experimented with raising alfalfa on 200 acres in the section of the ranch along the Canadian River. The hay was fed to the young cattle during the winter months.22,20,23
     His wife died on 5 Mar 1905.24
     Henry moved to St. LouisG in 1906 where he was in the livestock commission business for a year, then returned to Amarillo.20,25
     Henry married second Virginia Leoma Cobb, daughter of Maj. Robert H. Cobb and Sarah Virginia Walker, on 28 Jan 1908 in St. Andrews Church, Amarillo, TexasG, with Rev. E. McQueen Gray of Carlsbad, New Mexico, officiating.9,10 After a honeymoon trip of several weeks in Mexico, Henry and Virginia settled in their new home at Sixteenth and Lincoln Sts., Amarillo, TexasG.26
     Henry and Virginia appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Amarillo, Potter Co., Texas, at 1510 Lincoln St. G, enumerated 18 Apr 1910, reporting that they owned their home, which was mortgaged. His daughters by his previous marriage, Lulu and Mary, were listed as living with them, as was Alise Tornosky, a servant.27
     He bought the Harding Ranch in 1915, which included a large segment of the northern wing of the Palo Duro CanyonG, including land now under Lake Tanglewood, The Great Falls and Devil’s Kitchen. He opened the area to the public about 1925, with a restaurant, a dance pavilion, and featuring site-seeing around the Falls and Devil’s kitchen. Graduates of the area high schools had graduation parties there. He sold the ranch in 1938 and the public areas were closed.28,29,30,31
     Henry and Virginia appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Randall Co., Texas G, enumerated 19 Apr 1930, reporting they owned a farm valued at $22,500 and owned a radio. Listed as living with them are J. W. Ellison, a cook, Odus Redding, a farm laborer, and Glen Settle, a farm hand.32
     Henry and Virginia appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Amarillo, Potter Co., Texas, at 300 Polk South G, enumerated 8 Apr 1940, reporting that they were renting their home, for $30 per month, and had lived in the same dwelling in 1935.33
     After he left ranching he was a loan agent the 1st National Bank in Amarillo. In 1940 he identified himself as a bank inspector manager, focused on ranches and farms. That year he reported he worked 50 hours the last week of March, and had worked 52 weeks the prior year, earning $3,000.34,35
     Henry died on 11 Jun 1956 in 312 W. 9th, Amarillo, Potter Co., TexasG, at age 90.11,12 He was buried in Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Potter Co., TexasG.13,3

Children:
     Children with Fannie G. Manning:

  1. Lulu Guy Harding (24 Jun 1894 - 18 Dec 1950)
  2. Mary Isabel Harding (24 Aug 1896 - 18 Jan 1938)
  3. Henry C. Harding Jr. (16 Jan 1904 - 17 Aug 1904)

Children:
     There were no children with Virginia Leoma Cobb

Citations

  1. [S8650] Thomas Garland household, 1870 U.S. Census, Anderson Co., Texas, shows name as Henry Hardin.
  2. [S8653] "Harding-Cobb Nuptials," The Weekly Herald, 30 Jan 1908, shows name as Henry Clay Harding.
  3. [S3094] Henry Clay Harding, Certificate of Death.
  4. [S8650] Thomas Garland household, 1870 U.S. Census, Anderson Co., Texas, shows age 5 and state.
  5. [S3094] Henry Clay Harding, Certificate of Death, shows date, county, and state.
  6. [S1500] "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007," Ancestry.com, record for Henry Clay Harding, Soc. Sec. No. 453-22-0877, shows date, town, county, and state.
  7. [S8652] Marriage Record, Mitchell Co., Texas, 1:188, no. 188b, marriage of Henry Harding and Miss Fannie G. Manning, shows date and officant.
  8. [S3092] Henry C. Harding household, 1900 U.S. Census, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, shows married 7 years.
  9. [S8653] "Harding-Cobb Nuptials," The Weekly Herald, 30 Jan 1908, with note "From Tuesday's Daily" shows at high noon today, church, and officant.
  10. [S3091] Henry C. Harding household, 1910 U.S. Census, Potter Co., Texas, shows married two years, as his first and her second marriage.
  11. [S3094] Henry Clay Harding, Certificate of Death, shows date, city, county, and state.
  12. [S8654] Henry C. Harding obituary, The Amarillo Globe-Times, shows died at 11:39 a.m. and address.
  13. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 20199667, Henry Clay Harding, and includes tombstone photo.
  14. [S1202] "Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014," Ancestry.com, record for Samuel D. Harding and Miss J. J. Gailey, shows married 30 Aug 1874, Eastland, Texas.
  15. [S8651] Robert K. Wylie household, 1880 U.S. Census, Runnels Co., Texas, shows him as nephew of head of household.
  16. [S8651] Robert K. Wylie household, 1880 U.S. Census, Runnels Co., Texas, shows occupation as works with cattle.
  17. [S8653] "Harding-Cobb Nuptials," The Weekly Herald, 30 Jan 1908, shows ranching interests in eastern New Mexico by 1908 and member of Western Land & Commission Co.
  18. [S8654] Henry C. Harding obituary, The Amarillo Globe-Times, shows worked in Erath Co., San Angelo, and Carlsbad, New Mexico.
  19. [S3092] Henry C. Harding household, 1900 U.S. Census, Arapahoe Co., Colorado, shows occupation as stockman.
  20. [S8654] Henry C. Harding obituary, The Amarillo Globe-Times.
  21. [S3092] Henry C. Harding household, 1900 U.S. Census, Arapahoe Co., Colorado.
  22. [S8657] "Alfalfa by a Ranchman," The Weekly Herald, 16 Jan 1905, describes alfalfa rasing and improving headquarters.
  23. [S8653] "Harding-Cobb Nuptials," The Weekly Herald, 30 Jan 1908, shows he was a member of LX ranch until it dissolved.
  24. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 16454734, Fannie G. Harding, shows date and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  25. [S3091] Henry C. Harding household, 1910 U.S. Census, Potter Co., Texas, shows occupation as dealer, industry as live stock.
  26. [S8653] "Harding-Cobb Nuptials," The Weekly Herald, 30 Jan 1908.
  27. [S3091] Henry C. Harding household, 1910 U.S. Census, Potter Co., Texas.
  28. [S8655] "Currie Ranch History", describes location of ranch, opening to public.
  29. [S8656] "Harding's Ranch Will Be Closed," The Amarillo Globe-Times, 28 Apr 1938, shows ranch sold, resort open 15 years to be closed.
  30. [S8654] Henry C. Harding obituary, The Amarillo Globe-Times, shows he bought the ranch in1915, was part of the northern wing.
  31. [S3093] H. C. Harding household, 1930 U.S. Census, Randall Co., Texas, shows occupation as farmer, industry as stock farm.
  32. [S3093] H. C. Harding household, 1930 U.S. Census, Randall Co., Texas.
  33. [S5334] Henry Clay Harding household, 1940 U.S. Census, Potter Co., Texas.
  34. [S5334] Henry Clay Harding household, 1940 U.S. Census, Potter Co., Texas, shows occupation as bank inspector manager, industry as ranch and farm.
  35. [S3094] Henry Clay Harding, Certificate of Death, shows occupation as retired loan agent at 1st National Bank Amarillo.

Finley Elder1,2,3

ID# 9128, (1902 - 1991)

Parents:

FatherMartin Wallace Elder (23 Mar 1856 - 18 Apr 1934)
MotherSarah Finley Williams (10 Aug 1864 - 26 Feb 1949)

Key Events:

Birth: 11 Apr 1902, Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee,4,5,6
Marriage: 12 Nov 1929, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, Donald Gracey (b. 31 Jul 1899, d. 14 Jan 1986)7,8,9
Death: 9 Feb 1991, Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee,10,11,12
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee,13

Narrative:

Finley Elder was born on 11 Apr 1902 in Clarksville, Montgomery Co., TennesseeG.4,5,6
     She appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, G in the household of her parents, Martin Wallace Elder and Sarah Finley Williams.14 She appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, G in the household of her parents.15
     Finley married Donald Gracey, son of Julien Frank Gracey and Minnie Irene Thomas, on 12 Nov 1929 in Montgomery Co., TennesseeG, with Rev. J. H. Lacy officiating.7,8,9
     Finley and Donald appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, at 226 Castle G, enumerated 7 Apr 1930, reporting that they owned a home valued at $4,000, and owned a radio.16
     They appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, G in the household of her mother, reporting that they had lived in the same house in 1935.17
     Her husband died on 14 Jan 1986 in Clarksville, Montgomery Co., TennesseeG.18,19,20
     Finley died on 9 Feb 1991 in Clarksville, Montgomery Co., TennesseeG, at age 88.10,11,12 She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgomery Co., TennesseeG.13
     Finley was the last surviving member of the Elder family, which had been prominent in Clarksville's commercial and social life for almost 200 years. In her will she left four million dollars to be divided between the public library, Memorial Hospital, Austin Peay State University, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Museum. Each was to receive 28.5% of that amount, except the museum which was to received 14.5%. The amount was to be held in trust for 30 years, with the organizations to receive the interest on their shares, then to receive the principal. Each was free to use the money as they chose, except for the university, which was to use it to establish scholarships in the name of her late husband. She also left smaller amounts to her church and that of her late husband, and to many individuals.21

Children:
     There were no children with Donald Gracey

Citations

  1. [S9938] Finley Elder, Delayed Certificate of Birth, shows middle name as "(none)", citing family Bible record and affidavit of mother.
  2. [S9935] M. W. Elder household, 1910 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows name as Marie Elder.
  3. [S9936] Martin W. Elder household, 1920 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows name as Finley Elder.
  4. [S9935] M. W. Elder household, 1910 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows age 8 and state.
  5. [S9936] Martin W. Elder household, 1920 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows age 17 and state.
  6. [S9938] Finley Elder, Delayed Certificate of Birth, shows date, city and county, citing family Bible record and affidavit of mother.
  7. [S9829] Marriage Licenses, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, no. 83, Donald Gracey and Miss Finley Elder, shows date and officant.
  8. [S3010] Donald Gracey household, 1930 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows married, with his first marriage at age 30 and hers at 27.
  9. [S9933] Sarah Finley Elder household, 1940 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee, shows married.
  10. [S9939] Finley Elder Gracey obituary, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, shows date, and at Memorial Hospital.
  11. [S1000] "Social Security Death Index," Ancestry.com, record for Finley E. Gracey, Soc. Sec. No. 410-74-3672, shows date.
  12. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 52165503, Finley Elder Gracey, shows date and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  13. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 52165503, Finley Elder Gracey, includes tombstone photo.
  14. [S9935] M. W. Elder household, 1910 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee.
  15. [S9936] Martin W. Elder household, 1920 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee.
  16. [S3010] Donald Gracey household, 1930 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee.
  17. [S9933] Sarah Finley Elder household, 1940 U.S. Census, Montgomery Co., Tennessee.
  18. [S9942] Donald Gracey obituary, The Leaf-Chronicle, shows died Tuesday, at Memorial Hospital.
  19. [S3504] "U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010," Ancestry.com, record for Donald Gracey, Soc. Sec. No. 414-52-7370, shows date.
  20. [S500] Findagrave.com, online, memorial # 52165502, Donald Gracey, shows date and includes tombstone photo showing same.
  21. [S9940] "Finley Cracey Bequeaths $4 Million to Community," The Leaf-Chronicle, 15 Feb 1991.