General Notes

[coosa1.ged]
500 K. W. 18t.
Lubbock, Tex.
July 27, 1984
Dear Marylyn,
I don't have much on the Blackstone Family. But here is what I know.
On October 1892 Thomas Franklin Blackstone, in Fulton Co. near Walnut
Grove, Arkansas took as his bride Nannie Jane Black. Nannie Jane was 25
yrs. old, dark black hair with blue eyes. Thomas Franklin was born in
Georgia Feb. 6, 1855 (1) and Nannie Jane was born near Walnut Grove, Ark.
Aug 9, 1867.
Thomas Franklin firs wife, Roxie Sears had died only shortly and left
an infant daughter, Rosie, only several hours old.
Nannie took charge of the home of four girls; Azie, Mollie, Jo, and
Rosie and four boys; Rasty, Bill, Emory and Wiley. (written to the side:
17th 1886 - 10 1926)
Unto this union came Sallie Lou, Oct. 15, 1893.  (over on next page).
Maude and Claude came April 30, 1896.  Claude live only four or 5 years.
Maude passed away 12-13, 1978.
Grady Thomas was born Mar. 3, 1903 passed away in Altus, Okla. May 2,
1975. He was followed by Elmer Lee July 17, 1905 passed away in McAllen,
Texas Nov. 1962.
Allie Mae, the last child born to this union came Aug. 29, 1907.
Early in the year of  1884, Thomas Franklin heard of free land in the
Indian Territory along the Red River adjoining Texas.
Thomas Franklin took his bridge and children in a covered wagon and
headed for the Indian headed for the Indian Territory. He didn't find as
he had been told. H moved to Barry (might not be right; hard to read) Ok.
and stayed two years.
He returned to Jackson County near Hess, rented some framing and (?
can't read the word) to make a living for his family.
Aug. 5, 1914 T. F came home for dinner. He stopped on his way back
(next page) to the farm and one of his friends was drunk, asked to have a
drink with him. T. F. replied that he didn't have time, Frank Bell took
out a gun and shot T. F. He died instantly.
Nannie ad her four children move to Elmer, Okla. They lived there
until 1916, at which time they moved to Altus. She live in Altus until
her death May 20, 1923.
While in Altus Grady worked in a grocery store and Lee in a meat
market after school.  Lee delivered meat in a one horse cart, with a
place to stand in the back.
Nannie stayed at now. She was lovely and wonderful person - our
grandma.
I don't have the dates of Allie Mae and (cannot make out the name)
marriages, but would love to have it.
Love, Willie
(1) Census records and other family records have him born in 1854.
This letter of four pages (scanned by a computer) was sent to me, Ron
Bridges, on 13 Mar 2003 via e-mail by Nancy Griffith.