Notes for Mary Jo Jackson:

General Notes:

Mary " Jo" Martin was born 30 Sep 1931 in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, to Joseph D. and Della Mae Inman Jackson. When she was just an infant, her parents lived in a small community near Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Her mother had to get water to wash the clothes from a nearby spring. Then she would boil the clothes in a black iron pot that hung over a fire in the yard. One day she left her baby, Jo, just long enough to get some rinse water from the spring. When she returned to the house and walked in, a stranger was standing over the baby's crib getting ready to pick the child up. Della found that he and his former pregnant wife had lived in this house prior to their separation. He had returned, thinking the child was his baby and told Della he had planned to take the child, had she not walked in when she did. Wonder just how different Jo's life would have been without the love of her mom and dad. I am Jo, and everyday of my life I have thanked God for the two parents I had. I feel that who I am and how I think and reason about life is due to the love and nurturing care I received as I was growing up. We were not rich with money, but very rich in love and the things that mattered. We always had plenty of food, good shelter, warm clothing, and lots of work to keep us busy. We had special events in our lives that to this day are sweet memories. Once, the "real" Santa Claus came to see me on Christmas Eve, bringing a doll, a highchair for the doll and a tricycle. I was told to open the door when the knock came. When I did, this huge big Santa reached down, swooped me up and sat me on his lap. While he was asking if I had been a good little girl, I was wetting him in real Christmas terror. He quickly handed me to my Mom and said he assumed I had been a good little girl, and gave me my toys. Some years later, when I was 16 years old, I visited a friend in that community and while at church on Sunday morning, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was Joe Jackson's oldest daughter. I told him I was and he asked if I remembered my visit from Santa. Needless to say, my face was red with the memories.

I began school at Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, moving from there to Lawsonville School in Stokes Co., from there to Germanton, North Carolina, on to Winston-Salem,North Carolina, to Westfield School in Surry Co.,North Carolina, and finally to Nancy Reynolds School in Stokes, North Carolina. All of this moving around during school years was due to my dad's job with the North Carolina State Highway Department. My parents bought a farm when I was a freshman in high school. The farm house was quite a comedown from other places we had lived so it was some time before I felt comfortable in this new home. It was a log house, cool in the summer and also cool in the winter. It was heated by wood stoves. I remember my mom heating black irons on the stove, wrapping them in towels and placing them at the foot of the bed in the winter time so my sister and I could warm our cold feet.

Life on the farm in the late 40's was hard. Water had to be wound from a well. There was no indoor plumbing which meant I normally did not drink a lot before retiring at night. Food for the table was raised in the gardens and my Mom canned what was eaten in the winter months along with the cured hams, other pork and occasionally some beef that a peddler would bring by. The only food items bought at a store were flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, pepper and lots of Karo syrup. My sister ,my Dad and I loved mom's big hot biscuits with butter and Karo syrup. I never enjoyed farm life. Probably because at the time my Dad begin farming I had just realized I was a girl and was concerned about how I looked. It was very difficult to feel feminine after milking a cow before going to school in the mornings. I could never get the smell of warm milk from my hands. While in high school I had a job in the school office and also helped some of the teachers in their homes with baby sitting, ironing clothes, etc. to make some spending money. These were the days before "allowances" for children. (If someone had asked my Dad about giving my sister and me an allowance, he would have assured them he was "allowing" us to live in a warm house and have all we wanted to eat). A lot of the money I made on my odd jobs was spent for "Evening in Paris" cologne or some other equally cheap, smelly scent to try and remove the odors of farm life. I always felt there was more to do in the world than milk cows, hoe weeds from tobacco and corn and sweat profusely while picking green beans. I totally loved and adored Frank Sinatra. I loved listening to the "The Hit Parade" on Saturday nights on the radio. When my grandfather visited on a Saturday night, we listened to the "Grand Ole Opry." According to him, listening to songs like they sang on The Hit Parade was about as sinful as wearing shorts.

I was a cheerleader in school and this gave me the opportunity to get away from the community at times and see how others lived. Especially when the school teams played at tournaments in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At these events, I met "city girls" and marveled at their poise, self-assurance and maturity. As there was no money for college when I graduated from high school I moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and entered Draughon's Business School. The president of the school went with me to First Union Bank and introduced me to Clyde Barber. Mr. Barber said he had never loaned money to a country girl that did not pay him back, so just based on the fact that I came from a farm, he loaned me enough money to pay for tuition, books, etc. I then moved in with a police detective and his wife, telling them I knew how to cook and promised to have dinner ready for them and the house clean when they came in from work each day. The house cleaning was not a problem for me, but I really did not know how to boil water, as I had helped my Dad in the fields and had not done a lot of cooking, while at home. Evidently what I cooked was better than they had been used to because there were no complaints. I eventually got a job at the YWCA, giving me enough money for school supplies and a free meal each day so I moved from the detective's home into a boarding house. This was great as I met so many women from assorted areas of life. There were school teachers, office workers, accountants, one girl worked for a textile company. They taught the country girl many things. Of course in those days, one had to know how to play Canasta. I also learned how to dress, how to wear make-up and do a lot of things that my parents and grandparents probably thought were works of the devil. I also worked at grocery stores on Saturdays, dressed like Scarlett O'Hara, handing out Lemon Thin cookies (FFV company sponsored). For this embarrassing little job I received $12.00 per day. This was actually good money in those days. After graduating from the business school I worked as a junior accountant for a paper company for a while and then went to work as a data analyst for Western Electric. It was there that I met my husband, Paul. We met in January of 1954 and on April 30 of that year we were married. We had two dear children, and moved into a home we had built in Dav-Bow Park in Pfafftown,North Carolina, in 1959. We lived there until Dec of 1993.

After the children were born, I stopped working at Western Electric and stayed at home until they began elementary school. One of my neighbors, Marjorie Nifong, a teacher at Northwest Junior High School, told me about an opening for a secretary at her school. I applied for the job and began work there in 1964. About a year later the funds for that position were cut, but at the same time, I heard of an opening at North Forsyth Senior High School. I applied for the job, was interviewed by Julian Gibson, the principal, and hired. This was the most wonderful working experience one could have in that I loved the work, loved the children "young adults", and the school staff became an extended family. All of us who worked at North Forsyth during those years have remained friends and stay in contact with each other. Opal Allen, was the bookkeeper/secretary at North and she taught me the ropes, so to speak. She and I got along very well, both of us had been born in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, and so we used that as a yardstick with which to measure the deeds of others ie -" would it have been done that way in Stokes Co". We worked hard, laughed much and everyone respected the rights of others. Such a different work atmosphere than what I hear about in today's world. Opal and I worked together for so long and knew each other so well that we could actually communicate across the office with our eyes, never having to speak a word.

Paul and I had been brought up in the Baptist faith and so after our marriage we began attending church at Macedonia Baptist Church in Tobaccoville, North Carolina. This was the church Paul had attended as he grew up. We both became active in the church.

In June of 1961, First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a religious census under the direction of Rev. Ronald Rice and Rev. Bob Williams. This was to determine the feasibility of establishing a Baptist Church in the Old Richmond, Dav-Bow Park and Lake Hills communities, ten miles northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina , and in the area of our home. A survey in the community was taken and many of the people who were approached expressed enthusiasm for a new church, feeling the need for one in such a rapidly growing community. Meeting at Old Town School on June 27, 1961 with Rev. Ronald Rice, a committee was chosen to represent the community in working with the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association in starting a mission. This committee was composed of Folger Carlton, Grant Jeffries, Othel Wagoner and Jo Martin. On July 24, 1961, a meeting was held at our home with the local committee in attendance, along with representatives from First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem and the Missions Committee of the Pilot Mountain Assoc. Rev. Lewis E. Ludlum, Associational Missionary and Rev. Ronald Rice, Missions Pastor of First Baptist Church, presented a proposal to purchase four and one half acres of land on Highway 65 at Highway 67 for the sum of $12,000. This would be payable over a period of four years, as a cooperative venture of the Pilot Mountain Association, First Baptist Church and the people of the community. A meeting was held with interested members of the community at the Old Richmond Firehouse on Oct 18, 1961 and a vote was taken and passed to accept this assistance. Rev. Ronald Rice delivered our first sermon at this meeting. I can clearly remember telling him that I looked forward to the day when we would eventually have a church and a place for our hymnals to stay put. His comment to me was "there will come a time in your life when these days of working to have a new church in the community, will be a time that you look back on with great joy." He was so right! The following day the Old Richmond Grange was made available for our use and regular services began at 11 A.M. Sunday, October 22, 1961 with Ronald Rice as our pastor. Sunday School with Paul Stewart as Superintendent was organized and officers chosen for all departments. Initial members of the mission, designated at this time as "Elkin Highway Chapel" were: Ginger Dawn Jeffries, Grant and Eva Jeffries, Paul and Jo Martin, Clifford and Mildred Rhyne, Kate and Othel Wagoner. The following week five more names were added: Frances and Paul Stewart, Steve Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Truitt.

In a business session on March 28, 1962, we voted unanimously to assume the name Immanuel (God with us) Baptist Chapel. Thereafter meetings were held in the Old Richmond Grange Hall, Old Richmond School and in our home. In September 1962 a new home on Highway 65, near the church lot, was purchased to serve as the place of worship until a church building could be constructed. The basement of the house served as the worship area, with upstairs rooms being used for Sunday School classes and nursery.

With First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem providing assistance and generous financial support, Immanuel Baptist Chapel was able to proceed rapidly in 1965 with the building program. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on February 21, and construction began immediately with Howard Kiger, Contractor. In 1965 eighteen new members joined our church, and in 1966 twenty new members joined.

In a business session in November of 1975 the chapel voted to become a constituted autonomous church in March of 1976. Since there was already a church named Immanuel in the near vicinity, it was decided a name change was in order, and the members voted to assume the name Pfafftown Baptist Church.

Paul retired from Western Electric Co in 1982 after being with the company for thirty-five years. I took early retirement from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co School System in 1984 and we began to travel. We have covered all the fifty states with exception of Alaska and have visited all Canadian Provinces. At first we traveled on bus tours and although most were enjoyable, we decided to do our "own thing" and began planning our trips with the help of AAA maps. We found this to be most relaxing and pleasant, packing the trunk of the car, leaving home with no schedule, rhyme or reason. We have made some wonderful memories through the years, such as sitting quietly by the side of a lake in Yellowstone Park, very early in the morning, watching large elk cross the road in front of us, stopping on their way to give us a look. In 1999 we were on a trip back home from western states and were about twenty-five miles east of Nashville, TN when an eighteen-wheeler hit us twice. Most wrecks happen so quickly one can hardly recall what happened, but this one went on and on and on. We spun and turned and hit the guardrail twice. Finally we ceased movement and were so thankful to find we were alive and able to walk and talk. After being treated at local hospital we discovered we had only sustained broken and separated ribs. God must really have had something in mind for us to finish.

God has been exceedingly good to me during my life. He gave me great parents, and very loving grandparents. He brought a wonderful, loving and caring husband into my life and blessed me with two lovely, healthy and strong children. I thank Him every day. It is because of my family research that I have written this brief story of my life. I hope I have not lived in vain. I hope that along the way, I have had some impact on others that proved a blessing for them. Hopefully one hundred years from now, someone will enjoy reading about me and the fact that I did live, love and laugh a lot.

Update: In October of 2005, I made a decision to sell our home in Wilmington,North Carolina, and move to Boise, ID. Paul's declining health was the reason. He had Alzheimer disease and although I had cared for him at home for five years, he was becoming more and more difficult to take care of by myself. Our son lived in Boise and I knew he would be a great help to me at this time of my life. After the move, Paul's health continued to decline and sadly he passed away in July of 2006.

Update: (2008) Boise has become my home now. I am member of Amity United Methodist Church and am very active in church programs. Both my children are located here (as of 2007) and it is true, your home is where your heart is. I have a lovely, five-year old great-granddaughter who is teaching me new and exciting things every day. I look forward to watching her mature into a lovely young lady.

During the years after my retirement, I had become quite involved with genealogical research. I located many of our ancestors in my search, doing it the "old fashioned way" by visiting courthouses, cemeteries and libraries, and writing lots and lots of letters, but age was making this a tiring method so, in 1998 I purchased a computer and hopefully I can continue the pursuit of our heritage at an easier pace.

Notes for Mary Jo Jackson:

General Notes:

Mary " Jo" Martin was born 30 Sep 1931 in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, to Joseph D. and Della Mae Inman Jackson. When she was just an infant, her parents lived in a small community near Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Her mother had to get water to wash the clothes from a nearby spring. Then she would boil the clothes in a black iron pot that hung over a fire in the yard. One day she left her baby, Jo, just long enough to get some rinse water from the spring. When she returned to the house and walked in, a stranger was standing over the baby's crib getting ready to pick the child up. Della found that he and his former pregnant wife had lived in this house prior to their separation. He had returned, thinking the child was his baby and told Della he had planned to take the child, had she not walked in when she did. Wonder just how different Jo's life would have been without the love of her mom and dad. I am Jo, and everyday of my life I have thanked God for the two parents I had. I feel that who I am and how I think and reason about life is due to the love and nurturing care I received as I was growing up. We were not rich with money, but very rich in love and the things that mattered. We always had plenty of food, good shelter, warm clothing, and lots of work to keep us busy. We had special events in our lives that to this day are sweet memories. Once, the "real" Santa Claus came to see me on Christmas Eve, bringing a doll, a highchair for the doll and a tricycle. I was told to open the door when the knock came. When I did, this huge big Santa reached down, swooped me up and sat me on his lap. While he was asking if I had been a good little girl, I was wetting him in real Christmas terror. He quickly handed me to my Mom and said he assumed I had been a good little girl, and gave me my toys. Some years later, when I was 16 years old, I visited a friend in that community and while at church on Sunday morning, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was Joe Jackson's oldest daughter. I told him I was and he asked if I remembered my visit from Santa. Needless to say, my face was red with the memories.

I began school at Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, moving from there to Lawsonville School in Stokes Co., from there to Germanton, North Carolina, on to Winston-Salem,North Carolina, to Westfield School in Surry Co.,North Carolina, and finally to Nancy Reynolds School in Stokes, North Carolina. All of this moving around during school years was due to my dad's job with the North Carolina State Highway Department. My parents bought a farm when I was a freshman in high school. The farm house was quite a comedown from other places we had lived so it was some time before I felt comfortable in this new home. It was a log house, cool in the summer and also cool in the winter. It was heated by wood stoves. I remember my mom heating black irons on the stove, wrapping them in towels and placing them at the foot of the bed in the winter time so my sister and I could warm our cold feet.

Life on the farm in the late 40's was hard. Water had to be wound from a well. There was no indoor plumbing which meant I normally did not drink a lot before retiring at night. Food for the table was raised in the gardens and my Mom canned what was eaten in the winter months along with the cured hams, other pork and occasionally some beef that a peddler would bring by. The only food items bought at a store were flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, pepper and lots of Karo syrup. My sister ,my Dad and I loved mom's big hot biscuits with butter and Karo syrup. I never enjoyed farm life. Probably because at the time my Dad begin farming I had just realized I was a girl and was concerned about how I looked. It was very difficult to feel feminine after milking a cow before going to school in the mornings. I could never get the smell of warm milk from my hands. While in high school I had a job in the school office and also helped some of the teachers in their homes with baby sitting, ironing clothes, etc. to make some spending money. These were the days before "allowances" for children. (If someone had asked my Dad about giving my sister and me an allowance, he would have assured them he was "allowing" us to live in a warm house and have all we wanted to eat). A lot of the money I made on my odd jobs was spent for "Evening in Paris" cologne or some other equally cheap, smelly scent to try and remove the odors of farm life. I always felt there was more to do in the world than milk cows, hoe weeds from tobacco and corn and sweat profusely while picking green beans. I totally loved and adored Frank Sinatra. I loved listening to the "The Hit Parade" on Saturday nights on the radio. When my grandfather visited on a Saturday night, we listened to the "Grand Ole Opry." According to him, listening to songs like they sang on The Hit Parade was about as sinful as wearing shorts.

I was a cheerleader in school and this gave me the opportunity to get away from the community at times and see how others lived. Especially when the school teams played at tournaments in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At these events, I met "city girls" and marveled at their poise, self-assurance and maturity. As there was no money for college when I graduated from high school I moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and entered Draughon's Business School. The president of the school went with me to First Union Bank and introduced me to Clyde Barber. Mr. Barber said he had never loaned money to a country girl that did not pay him back, so just based on the fact that I came from a farm, he loaned me enough money to pay for tuition, books, etc. I then moved in with a police detective and his wife, telling them I knew how to cook and promised to have dinner ready for them and the house clean when they came in from work each day. The house cleaning was not a problem for me, but I really did not know how to boil water, as I had helped my Dad in the fields and had not done a lot of cooking, while at home. Evidently what I cooked was better than they had been used to because there were no complaints. I eventually got a job at the YWCA, giving me enough money for school supplies and a free meal each day so I moved from the detective's home into a boarding house. This was great as I met so many women from assorted areas of life. There were school teachers, office workers, accountants, one girl worked for a textile company. They taught the country girl many things. Of course in those days, one had to know how to play Canasta. I also learned how to dress, how to wear make-up and do a lot of things that my parents and grandparents probably thought were works of the devil. I also worked at grocery stores on Saturdays, dressed like Scarlett O'Hara, handing out Lemon Thin cookies (FFV company sponsored). For this embarrassing little job I received $12.00 per day. This was actually good money in those days. After graduating from the business school I worked as a junior accountant for a paper company for a while and then went to work as a data analyst for Western Electric. It was there that I met my husband, Paul. We met in January of 1954 and on April 30 of that year we were married. We had two dear children, and moved into a home we had built in Dav-Bow Park in Pfafftown,North Carolina, in 1959. We lived there until Dec of 1993.

After the children were born, I stopped working at Western Electric and stayed at home until they began elementary school. One of my neighbors, Marjorie Nifong, a teacher at Northwest Junior High School, told me about an opening for a secretary at her school. I applied for the job and began work there in 1964. About a year later the funds for that position were cut, but at the same time, I heard of an opening at North Forsyth Senior High School. I applied for the job, was interviewed by Julian Gibson, the principal, and hired. This was the most wonderful working experience one could have in that I loved the work, loved the children "young adults", and the school staff became an extended family. All of us who worked at North Forsyth during those years have remained friends and stay in contact with each other. Opal Allen, was the bookkeeper/secretary at North and she taught me the ropes, so to speak. She and I got along very well, both of us had been born in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, and so we used that as a yardstick with which to measure the deeds of others ie -" would it have been done that way in Stokes Co". We worked hard, laughed much and everyone respected the rights of others. Such a different work atmosphere than what I hear about in today's world. Opal and I worked together for so long and knew each other so well that we could actually communicate across the office with our eyes, never having to speak a word.

Paul and I had been brought up in the Baptist faith and so after our marriage we began attending church at Macedonia Baptist Church in Tobaccoville, North Carolina. This was the church Paul had attended as he grew up. We both became active in the church.

In June of 1961, First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a religious census under the direction of Rev. Ronald Rice and Rev. Bob Williams. This was to determine the feasibility of establishing a Baptist Church in the Old Richmond, Dav-Bow Park and Lake Hills communities, ten miles northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina , and in the area of our home. A survey in the community was taken and many of the people who were approached expressed enthusiasm for a new church, feeling the need for one in such a rapidly growing community. Meeting at Old Town School on June 27, 1961 with Rev. Ronald Rice, a committee was chosen to represent the community in working with the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association in starting a mission. This committee was composed of Folger Carlton, Grant Jeffries, Othel Wagoner and Jo Martin. On July 24, 1961, a meeting was held at our home with the local committee in attendance, along with representatives from First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem and the Missions Committee of the Pilot Mountain Assoc. Rev. Lewis E. Ludlum, Associational Missionary and Rev. Ronald Rice, Missions Pastor of First Baptist Church, presented a proposal to purchase four and one half acres of land on Highway 65 at Highway 67 for the sum of $12,000. This would be payable over a period of four years, as a cooperative venture of the Pilot Mountain Association, First Baptist Church and the people of the community. A meeting was held with interested members of the community at the Old Richmond Firehouse on Oct 18, 1961 and a vote was taken and passed to accept this assistance. Rev. Ronald Rice delivered our first sermon at this meeting. I can clearly remember telling him that I looked forward to the day when we would eventually have a church and a place for our hymnals to stay put. His comment to me was "there will come a time in your life when these days of working to have a new church in the community, will be a time that you look back on with great joy." He was so right! The following day the Old Richmond Grange was made available for our use and regular services began at 11 A.M. Sunday, October 22, 1961 with Ronald Rice as our pastor. Sunday School with Paul Stewart as Superintendent was organized and officers chosen for all departments. Initial members of the mission, designated at this time as "Elkin Highway Chapel" were: Ginger Dawn Jeffries, Grant and Eva Jeffries, Paul and Jo Martin, Clifford and Mildred Rhyne, Kate and Othel Wagoner. The following week five more names were added: Frances and Paul Stewart, Steve Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Truitt.

In a business session on March 28, 1962, we voted unanimously to assume the name Immanuel (God with us) Baptist Chapel. Thereafter meetings were held in the Old Richmond Grange Hall, Old Richmond School and in our home. In September 1962 a new home on Highway 65, near the church lot, was purchased to serve as the place of worship until a church building could be constructed. The basement of the house served as the worship area, with upstairs rooms being used for Sunday School classes and nursery.

With First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem providing assistance and generous financial support, Immanuel Baptist Chapel was able to proceed rapidly in 1965 with the building program. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on February 21, and construction began immediately with Howard Kiger, Contractor. In 1965 eighteen new members joined our church, and in 1966 twenty new members joined.

In a business session in November of 1975 the chapel voted to become a constituted autonomous church in March of 1976. Since there was already a church named Immanuel in the near vicinity, it was decided a name change was in order, and the members voted to assume the name Pfafftown Baptist Church.

Paul retired from Western Electric Co in 1982 after being with the company for thirty-five years. I took early retirement from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co School System in 1984 and we began to travel. We have covered all the fifty states with exception of Alaska and have visited all Canadian Provinces. At first we traveled on bus tours and although most were enjoyable, we decided to do our "own thing" and began planning our trips with the help of AAA maps. We found this to be most relaxing and pleasant, packing the trunk of the car, leaving home with no schedule, rhyme or reason. We have made some wonderful memories through the years, such as sitting quietly by the side of a lake in Yellowstone Park, very early in the morning, watching large elk cross the road in front of us, stopping on their way to give us a look. In 1999 we were on a trip back home from western states and were about twenty-five miles east of Nashville, TN when an eighteen-wheeler hit us twice. Most wrecks happen so quickly one can hardly recall what happened, but this one went on and on and on. We spun and turned and hit the guardrail twice. Finally we ceased movement and were so thankful to find we were alive and able to walk and talk. After being treated at local hospital we discovered we had only sustained broken and separated ribs. God must really have had something in mind for us to finish.

God has been exceedingly good to me during my life. He gave me great parents, and very loving grandparents. He brought a wonderful, loving and caring husband into my life and blessed me with two lovely, healthy and strong children. I thank Him every day. It is because of my family research that I have written this brief story of my life. I hope I have not lived in vain. I hope that along the way, I have had some impact on others that proved a blessing for them. Hopefully one hundred years from now, someone will enjoy reading about me and the fact that I did live, love and laugh a lot.

Update: In October of 2005, I made a decision to sell our home in Wilmington,North Carolina, and move to Boise, ID. Paul's declining health was the reason. He had Alzheimer disease and although I had cared for him at home for five years, he was becoming more and more difficult to take care of by myself. Our son lived in Boise and I knew he would be a great help to me at this time of my life. After the move, Paul's health continued to decline and sadly he passed away in July of 2006.

Update: (2008) Boise has become my home now. I am member of Amity United Methodist Church and am very active in church programs. Both my children are located here (as of 2007) and it is true, your home is where your heart is. I have a lovely, five-year old great-granddaughter who is teaching me new and exciting things every day. I look forward to watching her mature into a lovely young lady.

During the years after my retirement, I had become quite involved with genealogical research. I located many of our ancestors in my search, doing it the "old fashioned way" by visiting courthouses, cemeteries and libraries, and writing lots and lots of letters, but age was making this a tiring method so, in 1998 I purchased a computer and hopefully I can continue the pursuit of our heritage at an easier pace.

Notes for Mary Jo Jackson:

General Notes:

Mary " Jo" Martin was born 30 Sep 1931 in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, to Joseph D. and Della Mae Inman Jackson. When she was just an infant, her parents lived in a small community near Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Her mother had to get water to wash the clothes from a nearby spring. Then she would boil the clothes in a black iron pot that hung over a fire in the yard. One day she left her baby, Jo, just long enough to get some rinse water from the spring. When she returned to the house and walked in, a stranger was standing over the baby's crib getting ready to pick the child up. Della found that he and his former pregnant wife had lived in this house prior to their separation. He had returned, thinking the child was his baby and told Della he had planned to take the child, had she not walked in when she did. Wonder just how different Jo's life would have been without the love of her mom and dad. I am Jo, and everyday of my life I have thanked God for the two parents I had. I feel that who I am and how I think and reason about life is due to the love and nurturing care I received as I was growing up. We were not rich with money, but very rich in love and the things that mattered. We always had plenty of food, good shelter, warm clothing, and lots of work to keep us busy. We had special events in our lives that to this day are sweet memories. Once, the "real" Santa Claus came to see me on Christmas Eve, bringing a doll, a highchair for the doll and a tricycle. I was told to open the door when the knock came. When I did, this huge big Santa reached down, swooped me up and sat me on his lap. While he was asking if I had been a good little girl, I was wetting him in real Christmas terror. He quickly handed me to my Mom and said he assumed I had been a good little girl, and gave me my toys. Some years later, when I was 16 years old, I visited a friend in that community and while at church on Sunday morning, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was Joe Jackson's oldest daughter. I told him I was and he asked if I remembered my visit from Santa. Needless to say, my face was red with the memories.

I began school at Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, moving from there to Lawsonville School in Stokes Co., from there to Germanton, North Carolina, on to Winston-Salem,North Carolina, to Westfield School in Surry Co.,North Carolina, and finally to Nancy Reynolds School in Stokes, North Carolina. All of this moving around during school years was due to my dad's job with the North Carolina State Highway Department. My parents bought a farm when I was a freshman in high school. The farm house was quite a comedown from other places we had lived so it was some time before I felt comfortable in this new home. It was a log house, cool in the summer and also cool in the winter. It was heated by wood stoves. I remember my mom heating black irons on the stove, wrapping them in towels and placing them at the foot of the bed in the winter time so my sister and I could warm our cold feet.

Life on the farm in the late 40's was hard. Water had to be wound from a well. There was no indoor plumbing which meant I normally did not drink a lot before retiring at night. Food for the table was raised in the gardens and my Mom canned what was eaten in the winter months along with the cured hams, other pork and occasionally some beef that a peddler would bring by. The only food items bought at a store were flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, pepper and lots of Karo syrup. My sister ,my Dad and I loved mom's big hot biscuits with butter and Karo syrup. I never enjoyed farm life. Probably because at the time my Dad begin farming I had just realized I was a girl and was concerned about how I looked. It was very difficult to feel feminine after milking a cow before going to school in the mornings. I could never get the smell of warm milk from my hands. While in high school I had a job in the school office and also helped some of the teachers in their homes with baby sitting, ironing clothes, etc. to make some spending money. These were the days before "allowances" for children. (If someone had asked my Dad about giving my sister and me an allowance, he would have assured them he was "allowing" us to live in a warm house and have all we wanted to eat). A lot of the money I made on my odd jobs was spent for "Evening in Paris" cologne or some other equally cheap, smelly scent to try and remove the odors of farm life. I always felt there was more to do in the world than milk cows, hoe weeds from tobacco and corn and sweat profusely while picking green beans. I totally loved and adored Frank Sinatra. I loved listening to the "The Hit Parade" on Saturday nights on the radio. When my grandfather visited on a Saturday night, we listened to the "Grand Ole Opry." According to him, listening to songs like they sang on The Hit Parade was about as sinful as wearing shorts.

I was a cheerleader in school and this gave me the opportunity to get away from the community at times and see how others lived. Especially when the school teams played at tournaments in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At these events, I met "city girls" and marveled at their poise, self-assurance and maturity. As there was no money for college when I graduated from high school I moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and entered Draughon's Business School. The president of the school went with me to First Union Bank and introduced me to Clyde Barber. Mr. Barber said he had never loaned money to a country girl that did not pay him back, so just based on the fact that I came from a farm, he loaned me enough money to pay for tuition, books, etc. I then moved in with a police detective and his wife, telling them I knew how to cook and promised to have dinner ready for them and the house clean when they came in from work each day. The house cleaning was not a problem for me, but I really did not know how to boil water, as I had helped my Dad in the fields and had not done a lot of cooking, while at home. Evidently what I cooked was better than they had been used to because there were no complaints. I eventually got a job at the YWCA, giving me enough money for school supplies and a free meal each day so I moved from the detective's home into a boarding house. This was great as I met so many women from assorted areas of life. There were school teachers, office workers, accountants, one girl worked for a textile company. They taught the country girl many things. Of course in those days, one had to know how to play Canasta. I also learned how to dress, how to wear make-up and do a lot of things that my parents and grandparents probably thought were works of the devil. I also worked at grocery stores on Saturdays, dressed like Scarlett O'Hara, handing out Lemon Thin cookies (FFV company sponsored). For this embarrassing little job I received $12.00 per day. This was actually good money in those days. After graduating from the business school I worked as a junior accountant for a paper company for a while and then went to work as a data analyst for Western Electric. It was there that I met my husband, Paul. We met in January of 1954 and on April 30 of that year we were married. We had two dear children, and moved into a home we had built in Dav-Bow Park in Pfafftown,North Carolina, in 1959. We lived there until Dec of 1993.

After the children were born, I stopped working at Western Electric and stayed at home until they began elementary school. One of my neighbors, Marjorie Nifong, a teacher at Northwest Junior High School, told me about an opening for a secretary at her school. I applied for the job and began work there in 1964. About a year later the funds for that position were cut, but at the same time, I heard of an opening at North Forsyth Senior High School. I applied for the job, was interviewed by Julian Gibson, the principal, and hired. This was the most wonderful working experience one could have in that I loved the work, loved the children "young adults", and the school staff became an extended family. All of us who worked at North Forsyth during those years have remained friends and stay in contact with each other. Opal Allen, was the bookkeeper/secretary at North and she taught me the ropes, so to speak. She and I got along very well, both of us had been born in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, and so we used that as a yardstick with which to measure the deeds of others ie -" would it have been done that way in Stokes Co". We worked hard, laughed much and everyone respected the rights of others. Such a different work atmosphere than what I hear about in today's world. Opal and I worked together for so long and knew each other so well that we could actually communicate across the office with our eyes, never having to speak a word.

Paul and I had been brought up in the Baptist faith and so after our marriage we began attending church at Macedonia Baptist Church in Tobaccoville, North Carolina. This was the church Paul had attended as he grew up. We both became active in the church.

In June of 1961, First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a religious census under the direction of Rev. Ronald Rice and Rev. Bob Williams. This was to determine the feasibility of establishing a Baptist Church in the Old Richmond, Dav-Bow Park and Lake Hills communities, ten miles northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina , and in the area of our home. A survey in the community was taken and many of the people who were approached expressed enthusiasm for a new church, feeling the need for one in such a rapidly growing community. Meeting at Old Town School on June 27, 1961 with Rev. Ronald Rice, a committee was chosen to represent the community in working with the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association in starting a mission. This committee was composed of Folger Carlton, Grant Jeffries, Othel Wagoner and Jo Martin. On July 24, 1961, a meeting was held at our home with the local committee in attendance, along with representatives from First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem and the Missions Committee of the Pilot Mountain Assoc. Rev. Lewis E. Ludlum, Associational Missionary and Rev. Ronald Rice, Missions Pastor of First Baptist Church, presented a proposal to purchase four and one half acres of land on Highway 65 at Highway 67 for the sum of $12,000. This would be payable over a period of four years, as a cooperative venture of the Pilot Mountain Association, First Baptist Church and the people of the community. A meeting was held with interested members of the community at the Old Richmond Firehouse on Oct 18, 1961 and a vote was taken and passed to accept this assistance. Rev. Ronald Rice delivered our first sermon at this meeting. I can clearly remember telling him that I looked forward to the day when we would eventually have a church and a place for our hymnals to stay put. His comment to me was "there will come a time in your life when these days of working to have a new church in the community, will be a time that you look back on with great joy." He was so right! The following day the Old Richmond Grange was made available for our use and regular services began at 11 A.M. Sunday, October 22, 1961 with Ronald Rice as our pastor. Sunday School with Paul Stewart as Superintendent was organized and officers chosen for all departments. Initial members of the mission, designated at this time as "Elkin Highway Chapel" were: Ginger Dawn Jeffries, Grant and Eva Jeffries, Paul and Jo Martin, Clifford and Mildred Rhyne, Kate and Othel Wagoner. The following week five more names were added: Frances and Paul Stewart, Steve Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Truitt.

In a business session on March 28, 1962, we voted unanimously to assume the name Immanuel (God with us) Baptist Chapel. Thereafter meetings were held in the Old Richmond Grange Hall, Old Richmond School and in our home. In September 1962 a new home on Highway 65, near the church lot, was purchased to serve as the place of worship until a church building could be constructed. The basement of the house served as the worship area, with upstairs rooms being used for Sunday School classes and nursery.

With First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem providing assistance and generous financial support, Immanuel Baptist Chapel was able to proceed rapidly in 1965 with the building program. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on February 21, and construction began immediately with Howard Kiger, Contractor. In 1965 eighteen new members joined our church, and in 1966 twenty new members joined.

In a business session in November of 1975 the chapel voted to become a constituted autonomous church in March of 1976. Since there was already a church named Immanuel in the near vicinity, it was decided a name change was in order, and the members voted to assume the name Pfafftown Baptist Church.

Paul retired from Western Electric Co in 1982 after being with the company for thirty-five years. I took early retirement from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co School System in 1984 and we began to travel. We have covered all the fifty states with exception of Alaska and have visited all Canadian Provinces. At first we traveled on bus tours and although most were enjoyable, we decided to do our "own thing" and began planning our trips with the help of AAA maps. We found this to be most relaxing and pleasant, packing the trunk of the car, leaving home with no schedule, rhyme or reason. We have made some wonderful memories through the years, such as sitting quietly by the side of a lake in Yellowstone Park, very early in the morning, watching large elk cross the road in front of us, stopping on their way to give us a look. In 1999 we were on a trip back home from western states and were about twenty-five miles east of Nashville, TN when an eighteen-wheeler hit us twice. Most wrecks happen so quickly one can hardly recall what happened, but this one went on and on and on. We spun and turned and hit the guardrail twice. Finally we ceased movement and were so thankful to find we were alive and able to walk and talk. After being treated at local hospital we discovered we had only sustained broken and separated ribs. God must really have had something in mind for us to finish.

God has been exceedingly good to me during my life. He gave me great parents, and very loving grandparents. He brought a wonderful, loving and caring husband into my life and blessed me with two lovely, healthy and strong children. I thank Him every day. It is because of my family research that I have written this brief story of my life. I hope I have not lived in vain. I hope that along the way, I have had some impact on others that proved a blessing for them. Hopefully one hundred years from now, someone will enjoy reading about me and the fact that I did live, love and laugh a lot.

Update: In October of 2005, I made a decision to sell our home in Wilmington,North Carolina, and move to Boise, ID. Paul's declining health was the reason. He had Alzheimer disease and although I had cared for him at home for five years, he was becoming more and more difficult to take care of by myself. Our son lived in Boise and I knew he would be a great help to me at this time of my life. After the move, Paul's health continued to decline and sadly he passed away in July of 2006.

Update: (2008) Boise has become my home now. I am member of Amity United Methodist Church and am very active in church programs. Both my children are located here (as of 2007) and it is true, your home is where your heart is. I have a lovely, five-year old great-granddaughter who is teaching me new and exciting things every day. I look forward to watching her mature into a lovely young lady.

During the years after my retirement, I had become quite involved with genealogical research. I located many of our ancestors in my search, doing it the "old fashioned way" by visiting courthouses, cemeteries and libraries, and writing lots and lots of letters, but age was making this a tiring method so, in 1998 I purchased a computer and hopefully I can continue the pursuit of our heritage at an easier pace.

Notes for Mary Jo Jackson:

General Notes:

Mary " Jo" Martin was born 30 Sep 1931 in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, to Joseph D. and Della Mae Inman Jackson. When she was just an infant, her parents lived in a small community near Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Her mother had to get water to wash the clothes from a nearby spring. Then she would boil the clothes in a black iron pot that hung over a fire in the yard. One day she left her baby, Jo, just long enough to get some rinse water from the spring. When she returned to the house and walked in, a stranger was standing over the baby's crib getting ready to pick the child up. Della found that he and his former pregnant wife had lived in this house prior to their separation. He had returned, thinking the child was his baby and told Della he had planned to take the child, had she not walked in when she did. Wonder just how different Jo's life would have been without the love of her mom and dad. I am Jo, and everyday of my life I have thanked God for the two parents I had. I feel that who I am and how I think and reason about life is due to the love and nurturing care I received as I was growing up. We were not rich with money, but very rich in love and the things that mattered. We always had plenty of food, good shelter, warm clothing, and lots of work to keep us busy. We had special events in our lives that to this day are sweet memories. Once, the "real" Santa Claus came to see me on Christmas Eve, bringing a doll, a highchair for the doll and a tricycle. I was told to open the door when the knock came. When I did, this huge big Santa reached down, swooped me up and sat me on his lap. While he was asking if I had been a good little girl, I was wetting him in real Christmas terror. He quickly handed me to my Mom and said he assumed I had been a good little girl, and gave me my toys. Some years later, when I was 16 years old, I visited a friend in that community and while at church on Sunday morning, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I was Joe Jackson's oldest daughter. I told him I was and he asked if I remembered my visit from Santa. Needless to say, my face was red with the memories.

I began school at Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, moving from there to Lawsonville School in Stokes Co., from there to Germanton, North Carolina, on to Winston-Salem,North Carolina, to Westfield School in Surry Co.,North Carolina, and finally to Nancy Reynolds School in Stokes, North Carolina. All of this moving around during school years was due to my dad's job with the North Carolina State Highway Department. My parents bought a farm when I was a freshman in high school. The farm house was quite a comedown from other places we had lived so it was some time before I felt comfortable in this new home. It was a log house, cool in the summer and also cool in the winter. It was heated by wood stoves. I remember my mom heating black irons on the stove, wrapping them in towels and placing them at the foot of the bed in the winter time so my sister and I could warm our cold feet.

Life on the farm in the late 40's was hard. Water had to be wound from a well. There was no indoor plumbing which meant I normally did not drink a lot before retiring at night. Food for the table was raised in the gardens and my Mom canned what was eaten in the winter months along with the cured hams, other pork and occasionally some beef that a peddler would bring by. The only food items bought at a store were flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, pepper and lots of Karo syrup. My sister ,my Dad and I loved mom's big hot biscuits with butter and Karo syrup. I never enjoyed farm life. Probably because at the time my Dad begin farming I had just realized I was a girl and was concerned about how I looked. It was very difficult to feel feminine after milking a cow before going to school in the mornings. I could never get the smell of warm milk from my hands. While in high school I had a job in the school office and also helped some of the teachers in their homes with baby sitting, ironing clothes, etc. to make some spending money. These were the days before "allowances" for children. (If someone had asked my Dad about giving my sister and me an allowance, he would have assured them he was "allowing" us to live in a warm house and have all we wanted to eat). A lot of the money I made on my odd jobs was spent for "Evening in Paris" cologne or some other equally cheap, smelly scent to try and remove the odors of farm life. I always felt there was more to do in the world than milk cows, hoe weeds from tobacco and corn and sweat profusely while picking green beans. I totally loved and adored Frank Sinatra. I loved listening to the "The Hit Parade" on Saturday nights on the radio. When my grandfather visited on a Saturday night, we listened to the "Grand Ole Opry." According to him, listening to songs like they sang on The Hit Parade was about as sinful as wearing shorts.

I was a cheerleader in school and this gave me the opportunity to get away from the community at times and see how others lived. Especially when the school teams played at tournaments in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At these events, I met "city girls" and marveled at their poise, self-assurance and maturity. As there was no money for college when I graduated from high school I moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and entered Draughon's Business School. The president of the school went with me to First Union Bank and introduced me to Clyde Barber. Mr. Barber said he had never loaned money to a country girl that did not pay him back, so just based on the fact that I came from a farm, he loaned me enough money to pay for tuition, books, etc. I then moved in with a police detective and his wife, telling them I knew how to cook and promised to have dinner ready for them and the house clean when they came in from work each day. The house cleaning was not a problem for me, but I really did not know how to boil water, as I had helped my Dad in the fields and had not done a lot of cooking, while at home. Evidently what I cooked was better than they had been used to because there were no complaints. I eventually got a job at the YWCA, giving me enough money for school supplies and a free meal each day so I moved from the detective's home into a boarding house. This was great as I met so many women from assorted areas of life. There were school teachers, office workers, accountants, one girl worked for a textile company. They taught the country girl many things. Of course in those days, one had to know how to play Canasta. I also learned how to dress, how to wear make-up and do a lot of things that my parents and grandparents probably thought were works of the devil. I also worked at grocery stores on Saturdays, dressed like Scarlett O'Hara, handing out Lemon Thin cookies (FFV company sponsored). For this embarrassing little job I received $12.00 per day. This was actually good money in those days. After graduating from the business school I worked as a junior accountant for a paper company for a while and then went to work as a data analyst for Western Electric. It was there that I met my husband, Paul. We met in January of 1954 and on April 30 of that year we were married. We had two dear children, and moved into a home we had built in Dav-Bow Park in Pfafftown,North Carolina, in 1959. We lived there until Dec of 1993.

After the children were born, I stopped working at Western Electric and stayed at home until they began elementary school. One of my neighbors, Marjorie Nifong, a teacher at Northwest Junior High School, told me about an opening for a secretary at her school. I applied for the job and began work there in 1964. About a year later the funds for that position were cut, but at the same time, I heard of an opening at North Forsyth Senior High School. I applied for the job, was interviewed by Julian Gibson, the principal, and hired. This was the most wonderful working experience one could have in that I loved the work, loved the children "young adults", and the school staff became an extended family. All of us who worked at North Forsyth during those years have remained friends and stay in contact with each other. Opal Allen, was the bookkeeper/secretary at North and she taught me the ropes, so to speak. She and I got along very well, both of us had been born in Stokes Co.,North Carolina, and so we used that as a yardstick with which to measure the deeds of others ie -" would it have been done that way in Stokes Co". We worked hard, laughed much and everyone respected the rights of others. Such a different work atmosphere than what I hear about in today's world. Opal and I worked together for so long and knew each other so well that we could actually communicate across the office with our eyes, never having to speak a word.

Paul and I had been brought up in the Baptist faith and so after our marriage we began attending church at Macedonia Baptist Church in Tobaccoville, North Carolina. This was the church Paul had attended as he grew up. We both became active in the church.

In June of 1961, First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, conducted a religious census under the direction of Rev. Ronald Rice and Rev. Bob Williams. This was to determine the feasibility of establishing a Baptist Church in the Old Richmond, Dav-Bow Park and Lake Hills communities, ten miles northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina , and in the area of our home. A survey in the community was taken and many of the people who were approached expressed enthusiasm for a new church, feeling the need for one in such a rapidly growing community. Meeting at Old Town School on June 27, 1961 with Rev. Ronald Rice, a committee was chosen to represent the community in working with the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association in starting a mission. This committee was composed of Folger Carlton, Grant Jeffries, Othel Wagoner and Jo Martin. On July 24, 1961, a meeting was held at our home with the local committee in attendance, along with representatives from First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem and the Missions Committee of the Pilot Mountain Assoc. Rev. Lewis E. Ludlum, Associational Missionary and Rev. Ronald Rice, Missions Pastor of First Baptist Church, presented a proposal to purchase four and one half acres of land on Highway 65 at Highway 67 for the sum of $12,000. This would be payable over a period of four years, as a cooperative venture of the Pilot Mountain Association, First Baptist Church and the people of the community. A meeting was held with interested members of the community at the Old Richmond Firehouse on Oct 18, 1961 and a vote was taken and passed to accept this assistance. Rev. Ronald Rice delivered our first sermon at this meeting. I can clearly remember telling him that I looked forward to the day when we would eventually have a church and a place for our hymnals to stay put. His comment to me was "there will come a time in your life when these days of working to have a new church in the community, will be a time that you look back on with great joy." He was so right! The following day the Old Richmond Grange was made available for our use and regular services began at 11 A.M. Sunday, October 22, 1961 with Ronald Rice as our pastor. Sunday School with Paul Stewart as Superintendent was organized and officers chosen for all departments. Initial members of the mission, designated at this time as "Elkin Highway Chapel" were: Ginger Dawn Jeffries, Grant and Eva Jeffries, Paul and Jo Martin, Clifford and Mildred Rhyne, Kate and Othel Wagoner. The following week five more names were added: Frances and Paul Stewart, Steve Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Truitt.

In a business session on March 28, 1962, we voted unanimously to assume the name Immanuel (God with us) Baptist Chapel. Thereafter meetings were held in the Old Richmond Grange Hall, Old Richmond School and in our home. In September 1962 a new home on Highway 65, near the church lot, was purchased to serve as the place of worship until a church building could be constructed. The basement of the house served as the worship area, with upstairs rooms being used for Sunday School classes and nursery.

With First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem providing assistance and generous financial support, Immanuel Baptist Chapel was able to proceed rapidly in 1965 with the building program. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on February 21, and construction began immediately with Howard Kiger, Contractor. In 1965 eighteen new members joined our church, and in 1966 twenty new members joined.

In a business session in November of 1975 the chapel voted to become a constituted autonomous church in March of 1976. Since there was already a church named Immanuel in the near vicinity, it was decided a name change was in order, and the members voted to assume the name Pfafftown Baptist Church.

Paul retired from Western Electric Co in 1982 after being with the company for thirty-five years. I took early retirement from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co School System in 1984 and we began to travel. We have covered all the fifty states with exception of Alaska and have visited all Canadian Provinces. At first we traveled on bus tours and although most were enjoyable, we decided to do our "own thing" and began planning our trips with the help of AAA maps. We found this to be most relaxing and pleasant, packing the trunk of the car, leaving home with no schedule, rhyme or reason. We have made some wonderful memories through the years, such as sitting quietly by the side of a lake in Yellowstone Park, very early in the morning, watching large elk cross the road in front of us, stopping on their way to give us a look. In 1999 we were on a trip back home from western states and were about twenty-five miles east of Nashville, TN when an eighteen-wheeler hit us twice. Most wrecks happen so quickly one can hardly recall what happened, but this one went on and on and on. We spun and turned and hit the guardrail twice. Finally we ceased movement and were so thankful to find we were alive and able to walk and talk. After being treated at local hospital we discovered we had only sustained broken and separated ribs. God must really have had something in mind for us to finish.

God has been exceedingly good to me during my life. He gave me great parents, and very loving grandparents. He brought a wonderful, loving and caring husband into my life and blessed me with two lovely, healthy and strong children. I thank Him every day. It is because of my family research that I have written this brief story of my life. I hope I have not lived in vain. I hope that along the way, I have had some impact on others that proved a blessing for them. Hopefully one hundred years from now, someone will enjoy reading about me and the fact that I did live, love and laugh a lot.

Update: In October of 2005, I made a decision to sell our home in Wilmington,North Carolina, and move to Boise, ID. Paul's declining health was the reason. He had Alzheimer disease and although I had cared for him at home for five years, he was becoming more and more difficult to take care of by myself. Our son lived in Boise and I knew he would be a great help to me at this time of my life. After the move, Paul's health continued to decline and sadly he passed away in July of 2006.

Update: (2008) Boise has become my home now. I am member of Amity United Methodist Church and am very active in church programs. Both my children are located here (as of 2007) and it is true, your home is where your heart is. I have a lovely, five-year old great-granddaughter who is teaching me new and exciting things every day. I look forward to watching her mature into a lovely young lady.

During the years after my retirement, I had become quite involved with genealogical research. I located many of our ancestors in my search, doing it the "old fashioned way" by visiting courthouses, cemeteries and libraries, and writing lots and lots of letters, but age was making this a tiring method so, in 1998 I purchased a computer and hopefully I can continue the pursuit of our heritage at an easier pace.

Notes for Paul Ray Martin:

General Notes:

Paul R. Martin grew up in Tobaccoville, North Carolina, where he remembers a very happy childhood. Rolling a wheel and guiding it with a stiff wire could whittle away the hours of a long summer afternoon. But he soon grew up and had to help work on the farm. His father had died about a month before Paul was nine years old and he has fond memories of his father as he sat in the warmth of his lap in the mornings listening to his mother prepare breakfast. He recalls in the evenings when his father would pop corn over the flames in the fireplace. He was already married with two children when his mother died, but his feeling of loss was very great. She had carried the role of both parents in his life for so many years.

When Paul left home to find a job, he chose his occupation due to availability and stayed with his job at Western Electric until he retired thirty-five years later. On June 25, 1950, for reasons that were never made clear, North Korea attacked South Korea and the world changed. Paul was drafted into the army on 25 Oct 1950. He left Tobaccoville for Fort Jackson, SC, was processed into the Army there and ten days later was sent to Camp Polk, LA on a troop train. He took basic training at Camp Polk, LA and by 1 Apr 1951 the Thunderbirds were on the high seas - destination Hokkaido, Japan. The convoy moved across the Gulf of Mexico into the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. From the Canal Zone, some ships struck directly across the Pacific, while others, like the "General William Wiegle", swung north, stopping briefly at San Francisco. Paul was on this ship. After landing at Muroran on Hokkaido, the cold, northermost island of Japan, the 45th Division was moved by train to Chitose and Camp Crawford. Here in Camp Crawford Paul and his buddies were put through an intense training program. By fall, winter camps were completed and the Thunderbirds moved out of the tents and into buildings erected at Chitose. The Division completed its regular cycle of combat training and undertook an intensified program of exercises in landing, air transport and small arms fire. With completion of this phase of training, Paul and his buddies were given short leaves. Noboriebetsu, Japan was a popular site for relaxation and rest and Paul has some great memories of leave time spent there. In November, the Division was ordered to Korea. As each unit moved up, it received cold weather instructions, advice from the outgoing troops and then "faced the front" in freezing cold weather under clear skies. On 22 Dec 1951, Paul left Hokkaido, Japan for Korea, arriving on 30 Dec 1951, landing at Inchon. He traveled to the front line on an old train that had all the windows shot out. The temperature was 20 degrees below zero. He stayed in Korea, serving as a Sergeant in the Medical Detachment of the 45th Division, 120th Combat Engineers Battallion as a medic until 10 Jul 1952, when he left for Sasebo, Japan. He left Sasebo, Japan on the "General Black" landing in San Francisco, CA at the end of Jul 1952. The guys were met by the ever loyal Red Cross with coffee, doughnuts and off in the distance, out of sight and hearing was Betty Hutton to entertain the returning troops. In 1989, Paul organized a reunion of some of the men he served with in Korea. They had not seen each other for about 37 years and yet their conversations began on the same note as when they last spoke. And, although the Korean War was known as "the forgotten war" they shared memories that only they could understand. Our country lost over 36,500 men in that war, how can it be forgotten?

Paul flew from there to Fort Jackson,SC, took a thirty day leave, came home and bought a new 1952 Ford. He received his separation papers on 25 Sep 1952. In October of 1952, Paul returned to work at Western Electric Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina . It was here he met his wife, Jo. They met in January of 1954 and were married 30 Apr 1954 in York, South Carolina. Paul and Jo began saving and planning to build a home and in July of 1959 they moved with their two children into a new home at 4965 Hauser Drive in Pfafftown, North Carolina. Paul retired from Western Electric Company in 1982 and that summer he and Jo took a trip to Hawaii. After Jo retired they spent the next nine years traveling all over the US and Canada. In September of 1993, Paul suffered a stroke. Thankfully, he had a remarkable physical recovery but had some memory loss. Later, he developed Alzheimer Disease and died from this on Monday, July 3, 2006 in Boise, ID.

BOISE, Idaho - Paul R. Martin, passed away Monday, July 3, 2006, in Boise, Idaho. He was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Tobaccoville, N.C., to William R. and Eliza Long Martin. Paul was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a sergeant in the medical detachment of the 45th Division, 120th Combat Engineers Battalion from October 1950 to September 1952. He returned to his job at Western Electric and retired from there in 1982 with 35 years of service. After his retirement, he loved planning and attending annual reunions for a small group of his Korean buddies and their wives. Paul was a Christian by faith, a very kind and generous man who loved his family dearly. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Jackson Martin; his daughter, Teri Lyn Dove of Southport; his son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Victoria Miller of Boise, Idaho; a granddaughter, Christine and husband Nick Paskett; a great- granddaughter Ashton Jade Paskett of Boise, Idaho; a sister, Eva Johnson of East Bend, N.C.; a brother, Roy W. Martin of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur Martin and Grady E. Martin; and three sisters, Della Martin Shamel, Alice Martin George and Beulah Martin Shore. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Paul will be held at 6 p.m. today, July 9, at Vogler & Sons Reynolda Road Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service until 9 p.m. The family suggests that memorials be made to any charity of the donor's choice.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal from 7/8/2006 - 7/9/2006.

Notes for Paul Ray Martin:

General Notes:

Paul R. Martin grew up in Tobaccoville, North Carolina, where he remembers a very happy childhood. Rolling a wheel and guiding it with a stiff wire could whittle away the hours of a long summer afternoon. But he soon grew up and had to help work on the farm. His father had died about a month before Paul was nine years old and he has fond memories of his father as he sat in the warmth of his lap in the mornings listening to his mother prepare breakfast. He recalls in the evenings when his father would pop corn over the flames in the fireplace. He was already married with two children when his mother died, but his feeling of loss was very great. She had carried the role of both parents in his life for so many years.

When Paul left home to find a job, he chose his occupation due to availability and stayed with his job at Western Electric until he retired thirty-five years later. On June 25, 1950, for reasons that were never made clear, North Korea attacked South Korea and the world changed. Paul was drafted into the army on 25 Oct 1950. He left Tobaccoville for Fort Jackson, SC, was processed into the Army there and ten days later was sent to Camp Polk, LA on a troop train. He took basic training at Camp Polk, LA and by 1 Apr 1951 the Thunderbirds were on the high seas - destination Hokkaido, Japan. The convoy moved across the Gulf of Mexico into the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. From the Canal Zone, some ships struck directly across the Pacific, while others, like the "General William Wiegle", swung north, stopping briefly at San Francisco. Paul was on this ship. After landing at Muroran on Hokkaido, the cold, northermost island of Japan, the 45th Division was moved by train to Chitose and Camp Crawford. Here in Camp Crawford Paul and his buddies were put through an intense training program. By fall, winter camps were completed and the Thunderbirds moved out of the tents and into buildings erected at Chitose. The Division completed its regular cycle of combat training and undertook an intensified program of exercises in landing, air transport and small arms fire. With completion of this phase of training, Paul and his buddies were given short leaves. Noboriebetsu, Japan was a popular site for relaxation and rest and Paul has some great memories of leave time spent there. In November, the Division was ordered to Korea. As each unit moved up, it received cold weather instructions, advice from the outgoing troops and then "faced the front" in freezing cold weather under clear skies. On 22 Dec 1951, Paul left Hokkaido, Japan for Korea, arriving on 30 Dec 1951, landing at Inchon. He traveled to the front line on an old train that had all the windows shot out. The temperature was 20 degrees below zero. He stayed in Korea, serving as a Sergeant in the Medical Detachment of the 45th Division, 120th Combat Engineers Battallion as a medic until 10 Jul 1952, when he left for Sasebo, Japan. He left Sasebo, Japan on the "General Black" landing in San Francisco, CA at the end of Jul 1952. The guys were met by the ever loyal Red Cross with coffee, doughnuts and off in the distance, out of sight and hearing was Betty Hutton to entertain the returning troops. In 1989, Paul organized a reunion of some of the men he served with in Korea. They had not seen each other for about 37 years and yet their conversations began on the same note as when they last spoke. And, although the Korean War was known as "the forgotten war" they shared memories that only they could understand. Our country lost over 36,500 men in that war, how can it be forgotten?

Paul flew from there to Fort Jackson,SC, took a thirty day leave, came home and bought a new 1952 Ford. He received his separation papers on 25 Sep 1952. In October of 1952, Paul returned to work at Western Electric Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina . It was here he met his wife, Jo. They met in January of 1954 and were married 30 Apr 1954 in York, South Carolina. Paul and Jo began saving and planning to build a home and in July of 1959 they moved with their two children into a new home at 4965 Hauser Drive in Pfafftown, North Carolina. Paul retired from Western Electric Company in 1982 and that summer he and Jo took a trip to Hawaii. After Jo retired they spent the next nine years traveling all over the US and Canada. In September of 1993, Paul suffered a stroke. Thankfully, he had a remarkable physical recovery but had some memory loss. Later, he developed Alzheimer Disease and died from this on Monday, July 3, 2006 in Boise, ID.

BOISE, Idaho - Paul R. Martin, passed away Monday, July 3, 2006, in Boise, Idaho. He was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Tobaccoville, N.C., to William R. and Eliza Long Martin. Paul was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a sergeant in the medical detachment of the 45th Division, 120th Combat Engineers Battalion from October 1950 to September 1952. He returned to his job at Western Electric and retired from there in 1982 with 35 years of service. After his retirement, he loved planning and attending annual reunions for a small group of his Korean buddies and their wives. Paul was a Christian by faith, a very kind and generous man who loved his family dearly. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Jackson Martin; his daughter, Teri Lyn Dove of Southport; his son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Victoria Miller of Boise, Idaho; a granddaughter, Christine and husband Nick Paskett; a great- granddaughter Ashton Jade Paskett of Boise, Idaho; a sister, Eva Johnson of East Bend, N.C.; a brother, Roy W. Martin of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur Martin and Grady E. Martin; and three sisters, Della Martin Shamel, Alice Martin George and Beulah Martin Shore. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Paul will be held at 6 p.m. today, July 9, at Vogler & Sons Reynolda Road Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service until 9 p.m. The family suggests that memorials be made to any charity of the donor's choice.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal from 7/8/2006 - 7/9/2006.

Notes for Doris Ann Jackson:

General Notes:

Doris Ann Jackson was asked to write a brief sketch of her life for this history, but since I do not expect to receive this from her in my lifetime :-) I will attempt to put down a few things I remember about her childhood.

We were too far apart in age to really have a lot in common while growing up. She is five years younger than me. I remember when Doris was born. The most lovely baby. She was everything I was not. I can remember with great clarity how people would look at her and say to my mother "Della, I know she is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen." They would then look at me, pat me on the head and say "honey, you sure do grow."

After high school, Doris married Edgar L. Burrow of King, North Carolina . They have three children: (1)Danny Burrow, married to Mickie Sue Ashburn. Danny has a son, Matthew, by previous marriage and a daughter, Melissa, adopted in his previous marriage. (2)Lisa Burrow, married to Leroy Smith. They have a daughter, Shannon Smith. (3)Landon Burrow, married to Annette Tournajan. They have a daughter, Rachel and a son, Ryan, by a previous marriage of Annette.

As Doris and I grew older, we became good friends as well as sisters. She and I have shared a lot of the same pain - that of our husbands having strokes and the stress we went through as we tried to help them in their recovery. She shared her grandchildren with Paul and me, always having a sweet story to tell us about them. She just "happens to have" pictures of them at any given moment.

Doris worked for Hanes Hosiery Company in Winston-Salem for several years. She currently enjoys shopping, cooking, and having lunch with her many friends.

Notes for Doris Ann Jackson:

General Notes:

Doris Ann Jackson was asked to write a brief sketch of her life for this history, but since I do not expect to receive this from her in my lifetime :-) I will attempt to put down a few things I remember about her childhood.

We were too far apart in age to really have a lot in common while growing up. She is five years younger than me. I remember when Doris was born. The most lovely baby. She was everything I was not. I can remember with great clarity how people would look at her and say to my mother "Della, I know she is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen." They would then look at me, pat me on the head and say "honey, you sure do grow."

After high school, Doris married Edgar L. Burrow of King, North Carolina . They have three children: (1)Danny Burrow, married to Mickie Sue Ashburn. Danny has a son, Matthew, by previous marriage and a daughter, Melissa, adopted in his previous marriage. (2)Lisa Burrow, married to Leroy Smith. They have a daughter, Shannon Smith. (3)Landon Burrow, married to Annette Tournajan. They have a daughter, Rachel and a son, Ryan, by a previous marriage of Annette.

As Doris and I grew older, we became good friends as well as sisters. She and I have shared a lot of the same pain - that of our husbands having strokes and the stress we went through as we tried to help them in their recovery. She shared her grandchildren with Paul and me, always having a sweet story to tell us about them. She just "happens to have" pictures of them at any given moment.

Doris worked for Hanes Hosiery Company in Winston-Salem for several years. She currently enjoys shopping, cooking, and having lunch with her many friends.

Notes for William Caleb Jackson:

General Notes:

My Grandfather Jackson did so many fun things, he let me help when he gathered honey from the bee hives, and this had to be an act of love on his part. He allowed me to help him sort apples that he used to make cider. I could help him count out sweet potato slips, as he sold these to other farmers in the area. He would always be able to find a "copper or two," which is what he called pennies, for me. After being cautioned not to say anything to my Grandmother, he would walk with me to Royal Hunter's store and we would spend a lot of time deciding just exactly how to spend those pennies on candy. Those BB-Bat all day suckers, or packages of Kits were hard decisions to make.

When W. Caleb Jackson was a young man, he was rabbit hunting and the gun accidentally went off and his arm was so severely damaged that it had to be removed. I was always amazed at what he could do with one hand. He rolled his own cigarettes. He would hold the small white wrapping paper in one hand, have the tobacco sack in his mouth and gently shake the tobacco into the paper (without dropping any) and then slowly roll the paper around the tobacco with one hand, lick the edge of paper and seal it. He could tie a neat bow on his shoe strings. In other words, not much my Grandpa could not do. He was my "hero." When he died in 1959, my second child was just a baby and I mourned that my children would grow up without him in their lives.

"In the 1910 Federal Census Caleb Jackson's widowed mother, Sarah, lived with him and Alice."

Notes for William Caleb Jackson:

General Notes:

My Grandfather Jackson did so many fun things, he let me help when he gathered honey from the bee hives, and this had to be an act of love on his part. He allowed me to help him sort apples that he used to make cider. I could help him count out sweet potato slips, as he sold these to other farmers in the area. He would always be able to find a "copper or two," which is what he called pennies, for me. After being cautioned not to say anything to my Grandmother, he would walk with me to Royal Hunter's store and we would spend a lot of time deciding just exactly how to spend those pennies on candy. Those BB-Bat all day suckers, or packages of Kits were hard decisions to make.

When W. Caleb Jackson was a young man, he was rabbit hunting and the gun accidentally went off and his arm was so severely damaged that it had to be removed. I was always amazed at what he could do with one hand. He rolled his own cigarettes. He would hold the small white wrapping paper in one hand, have the tobacco sack in his mouth and gently shake the tobacco into the paper (without dropping any) and then slowly roll the paper around the tobacco with one hand, lick the edge of paper and seal it. He could tie a neat bow on his shoe strings. In other words, not much my Grandpa could not do. He was my "hero." When he died in 1959, my second child was just a baby and I mourned that my children would grow up without him in their lives.

"In the 1910 Federal Census Caleb Jackson's widowed mother, Sarah, lived with him and Alice."

Notes for Essie Lavis Jackson:

General Notes:

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer November 22, 2008

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer age 92 of 108 West Oakdale Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina passed away Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was born July 3, 1916 in Surry County to the late Caleb and Alice East Jackson. She was retired from Quality Mills, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was of the Methodist faith. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, Willodene and David Hatcher, Mt. Airy, a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Bonnie Allred Mt. Airy, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Beamer was preceded in death by her first husband, A.S. Allred, her second husband, Curtis Roscoe Beamer, a daughter, Mary Baldwin, 3 step daughters, Wanda Baker, Anne Palmer, Betty Jo Cook, and a step son, Albert Allred, 7 sisters, Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madelene Jessup, Viola Jackson, and Myrtle Jackson and 5 brothers, Joe Jackson, Woodrow Jackson, Moir Jackson, Dallas Jackson and Quinten Jackson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Rev. Richard Loman. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Monday night at Moody Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030 or to the donors choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

.........................................................................................................................................

To: Heirs and friends of Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer.

“Grandma” gave me, David B. Hatcher, the responsibility of executing her last will and testament, upon her death. In addition to leaving some money for individuals, she left her home and household goods to others. A copy of her will has been probated and is on file at the Surry County Clerk’s Office, Dobson, NC 27017. If anyone desires any personnel items such as pictures, “what not’s” etc., then please let me know and I will try to accommodate your request.

The balance of this letter will give information about Grandma’s last few years of her life and a history or her family, which will be incomplete as I know only bits and pieces. (Maybe some of the grandchildren would like to get together and compile a more complete history and remembrance of her life and history.)

Grandma was born to Caleb and Alice Jackson of Westfield, NC, on July 3, 1916. She passed away November 22, 2008, being over 92 years old. Her seven sisters: Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madeleine Jessup, Viola Jackson, Myrtle Jackson; and five brothers: Joe, Woodrow, Moir, Dallas and Quentin all preceded her in death.

Grandma had been in reasonably good health, and with the help of family care-givers, she was able to live alone, and could get about her home with the use of a walker. Two days before she passed away, she suffered a severe stroke, from which she was unable to recover.

Grandma grew up with her large family on a small farm in Westfield. She would tell stories of her growing up years with her siblings and the fun they had on the farm working, playing and looking of ways to take short cuts with their working chores. As I remember some of the tales when they got together, they were always filled with practical jokes and gut wrenching laughter. Their family was animated with fun and laughter.

When Grandma was in her late teens, she was courted heavily by some of the local bachelors, among whom was a handsome widower, seventeen years her senior and with four young children. His name was Albert Sparger Allred, but most people called him “Bud”. The children; Wanda, Albert, Ann and Betty ranged in age from about 11 down to 5. Well Bud asked the question and Grandma said yes! This was in the middle of the great depression, 1934. In about a year Grandma had a baby of her own, Alice Willodene. Two years later there was Mary and then about 9 years after that Jerry came along. Times were hard.

Bud was a “Miller”. He ground corn and wheat to make meal and etc. However this was not sufficient to support his family. He took a job in Radford, VA., and therefore he was away from home a lot. Lavis raised the family. Family gardens, hogs, a milk cow, and chickens for eggs and food kept the family going. In the early forties, Wanda went to Baltimore to work and soon got married. Albert joined the Navy, Ann and Betty Jo entered nursing training. Lavis started working in the mill and Bud looked after Spargers’ Orchard and then started raising tobacco on a small farm in Flat Rock. Willodene says she remembers her Dad loading the pickup with apples and with Lavis and the children and then taking off for Florida. They traded apples along the way for gas, meals and a place to sleep. It was a thrilling and enjoyable trip.

Grandma was always up-beat, laughing and enjoying a good joke. Of course some of her brothers were always around to help out and play a practical joke. Life was hard, but it was simple and good.

In the mid fifties, Wanda, Ann, Betty Jo, Willodene and Mary were all married and starting families. Lavis and Bud and Jerry were the only ones at home. Bud had built a new house, which he built himself. It is said that in the planning stages, Lavis would slip around and move the stakes, because she wanted it bigger. Wanda and family (3 boys) were in Keizer, W. Virginia, Albert joined the Army. Ann, with two boys and two girls, was in South Carolina. Betty Jo, with a boy and a girl, lived in Winston Salem. Willodene was following David around the USA where ever the Air Force took them. Mary was in Nebraska and then Maryland, with a daughter and a son. Finally, Jerry was in New Port News with a daughter.

Grandma continued to work in the mill and more and more became the major bread winner. By the early sixties, Bud was being bothered by sugar diabetes and started a slow decline in health. Leading up to the mid sixties the Nation was preparing for war; first by Kennedy and then by President Johnson. David and Willodene were on the move; Germany, Turkey, Japan, Korea, and then to Thailand from whence David was flying missions into North Vietnam.

The year of 1966 was eventful. David was shot down over North Vietnam, some 300 miles behind friendly lines. He was taken captive and held in North Vietnam for more than six years. Willodene with her two daughters soon moved back to Mount Airy, where she and Grandma became invaluable support for each other. Wanda passed away in 1966.

The seventies started with a New President, but the war continued. Willodene built a new house, David and over 500 other captives were released from North Vietnam in early 1973. Bud had passed away in 1971 (after an extended illness) as well as David’s Dad. Grandma had moved to Mount Airy on Oakdale Street. It was a time of readjustment. Many family changes were taking place; job changes, more grandchildren, un-timely deaths, and divorces. In the midst of all these changes, Grandma was a main stay of encouragement, love, and stability. She really loved her children and grandchildren, and later on, her great grandchildren.

In mid 73 she met a new comer to Mount Airy who had lost his wife. Curtis Beamer, who was originally from the Elkin area, had spent some 50 years in Flint, Michigan as an employee of General Motors. They were married in 1973 and lived in Grandma’s house on Oakdale Street. They would buy merchandise from local hosiery mills and peddle these items in country stores throughout Northwestern North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia. They had a very happy life together, traveling and visiting family in Florida and Eastern United States and the Midwest.

Curtis died in 1987 and Grandma lived alone again. Albert died in 1981, Betty Jo in 1987, and Mary died in 1991. Grandma went back to work. She worked at the new Derby Cafeteria, then as a greeter at K-Mart. She really enjoyed her job at K-mart because she could talk to so many people. She enjoyed playing rook with Curtis and later with other friends. These were times of more laughter and parties, enjoying life and having a good time. She had a “ton” of nieces, nephews, cousins and old friends. (By the way, Bud came from a family of seventeen children!)

As a son-in-law, I must say that Grandma was a challenge. She always wanted to be in charge and have the last word. The last few months or her life gave me the opportunity to learn a little patience. Looking back, I needed her input and am now thankful that she gave me the opportunity to practice with her. Grandma, you lived life to the fullest and you made your mark in history. We love you! Rest in Peace!

David Hatcher.

Notes for Essie Lavis Jackson:

General Notes:

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer November 22, 2008

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer age 92 of 108 West Oakdale Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina passed away Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was born July 3, 1916 in Surry County to the late Caleb and Alice East Jackson. She was retired from Quality Mills, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was of the Methodist faith. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, Willodene and David Hatcher, Mt. Airy, a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Bonnie Allred Mt. Airy, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Beamer was preceded in death by her first husband, A.S. Allred, her second husband, Curtis Roscoe Beamer, a daughter, Mary Baldwin, 3 step daughters, Wanda Baker, Anne Palmer, Betty Jo Cook, and a step son, Albert Allred, 7 sisters, Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madelene Jessup, Viola Jackson, and Myrtle Jackson and 5 brothers, Joe Jackson, Woodrow Jackson, Moir Jackson, Dallas Jackson and Quinten Jackson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Rev. Richard Loman. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Monday night at Moody Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030 or to the donors choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

.........................................................................................................................................

To: Heirs and friends of Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer.

“Grandma” gave me, David B. Hatcher, the responsibility of executing her last will and testament, upon her death. In addition to leaving some money for individuals, she left her home and household goods to others. A copy of her will has been probated and is on file at the Surry County Clerk’s Office, Dobson, NC 27017. If anyone desires any personnel items such as pictures, “what not’s” etc., then please let me know and I will try to accommodate your request.

The balance of this letter will give information about Grandma’s last few years of her life and a history or her family, which will be incomplete as I know only bits and pieces. (Maybe some of the grandchildren would like to get together and compile a more complete history and remembrance of her life and history.)

Grandma was born to Caleb and Alice Jackson of Westfield, NC, on July 3, 1916. She passed away November 22, 2008, being over 92 years old. Her seven sisters: Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madeleine Jessup, Viola Jackson, Myrtle Jackson; and five brothers: Joe, Woodrow, Moir, Dallas and Quentin all preceded her in death.

Grandma had been in reasonably good health, and with the help of family care-givers, she was able to live alone, and could get about her home with the use of a walker. Two days before she passed away, she suffered a severe stroke, from which she was unable to recover.

Grandma grew up with her large family on a small farm in Westfield. She would tell stories of her growing up years with her siblings and the fun they had on the farm working, playing and looking of ways to take short cuts with their working chores. As I remember some of the tales when they got together, they were always filled with practical jokes and gut wrenching laughter. Their family was animated with fun and laughter.

When Grandma was in her late teens, she was courted heavily by some of the local bachelors, among whom was a handsome widower, seventeen years her senior and with four young children. His name was Albert Sparger Allred, but most people called him “Bud”. The children; Wanda, Albert, Ann and Betty ranged in age from about 11 down to 5. Well Bud asked the question and Grandma said yes! This was in the middle of the great depression, 1934. In about a year Grandma had a baby of her own, Alice Willodene. Two years later there was Mary and then about 9 years after that Jerry came along. Times were hard.

Bud was a “Miller”. He ground corn and wheat to make meal and etc. However this was not sufficient to support his family. He took a job in Radford, VA., and therefore he was away from home a lot. Lavis raised the family. Family gardens, hogs, a milk cow, and chickens for eggs and food kept the family going. In the early forties, Wanda went to Baltimore to work and soon got married. Albert joined the Navy, Ann and Betty Jo entered nursing training. Lavis started working in the mill and Bud looked after Spargers’ Orchard and then started raising tobacco on a small farm in Flat Rock. Willodene says she remembers her Dad loading the pickup with apples and with Lavis and the children and then taking off for Florida. They traded apples along the way for gas, meals and a place to sleep. It was a thrilling and enjoyable trip.

Grandma was always up-beat, laughing and enjoying a good joke. Of course some of her brothers were always around to help out and play a practical joke. Life was hard, but it was simple and good.

In the mid fifties, Wanda, Ann, Betty Jo, Willodene and Mary were all married and starting families. Lavis and Bud and Jerry were the only ones at home. Bud had built a new house, which he built himself. It is said that in the planning stages, Lavis would slip around and move the stakes, because she wanted it bigger. Wanda and family (3 boys) were in Keizer, W. Virginia, Albert joined the Army. Ann, with two boys and two girls, was in South Carolina. Betty Jo, with a boy and a girl, lived in Winston Salem. Willodene was following David around the USA where ever the Air Force took them. Mary was in Nebraska and then Maryland, with a daughter and a son. Finally, Jerry was in New Port News with a daughter.

Grandma continued to work in the mill and more and more became the major bread winner. By the early sixties, Bud was being bothered by sugar diabetes and started a slow decline in health. Leading up to the mid sixties the Nation was preparing for war; first by Kennedy and then by President Johnson. David and Willodene were on the move; Germany, Turkey, Japan, Korea, and then to Thailand from whence David was flying missions into North Vietnam.

The year of 1966 was eventful. David was shot down over North Vietnam, some 300 miles behind friendly lines. He was taken captive and held in North Vietnam for more than six years. Willodene with her two daughters soon moved back to Mount Airy, where she and Grandma became invaluable support for each other. Wanda passed away in 1966.

The seventies started with a New President, but the war continued. Willodene built a new house, David and over 500 other captives were released from North Vietnam in early 1973. Bud had passed away in 1971 (after an extended illness) as well as David’s Dad. Grandma had moved to Mount Airy on Oakdale Street. It was a time of readjustment. Many family changes were taking place; job changes, more grandchildren, un-timely deaths, and divorces. In the midst of all these changes, Grandma was a main stay of encouragement, love, and stability. She really loved her children and grandchildren, and later on, her great grandchildren.

In mid 73 she met a new comer to Mount Airy who had lost his wife. Curtis Beamer, who was originally from the Elkin area, had spent some 50 years in Flint, Michigan as an employee of General Motors. They were married in 1973 and lived in Grandma’s house on Oakdale Street. They would buy merchandise from local hosiery mills and peddle these items in country stores throughout Northwestern North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia. They had a very happy life together, traveling and visiting family in Florida and Eastern United States and the Midwest.

Curtis died in 1987 and Grandma lived alone again. Albert died in 1981, Betty Jo in 1987, and Mary died in 1991. Grandma went back to work. She worked at the new Derby Cafeteria, then as a greeter at K-Mart. She really enjoyed her job at K-mart because she could talk to so many people. She enjoyed playing rook with Curtis and later with other friends. These were times of more laughter and parties, enjoying life and having a good time. She had a “ton” of nieces, nephews, cousins and old friends. (By the way, Bud came from a family of seventeen children!)

As a son-in-law, I must say that Grandma was a challenge. She always wanted to be in charge and have the last word. The last few months or her life gave me the opportunity to learn a little patience. Looking back, I needed her input and am now thankful that she gave me the opportunity to practice with her. Grandma, you lived life to the fullest and you made your mark in history. We love you! Rest in Peace!

David Hatcher.

Notes for Essie Lavis Jackson:

General Notes:

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer November 22, 2008

Mrs. Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer age 92 of 108 West Oakdale Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina passed away Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was born July 3, 1916 in Surry County to the late Caleb and Alice East Jackson. She was retired from Quality Mills, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was of the Methodist faith. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, Willodene and David Hatcher, Mt. Airy, a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Bonnie Allred Mt. Airy, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Beamer was preceded in death by her first husband, A.S. Allred, her second husband, Curtis Roscoe Beamer, a daughter, Mary Baldwin, 3 step daughters, Wanda Baker, Anne Palmer, Betty Jo Cook, and a step son, Albert Allred, 7 sisters, Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madelene Jessup, Viola Jackson, and Myrtle Jackson and 5 brothers, Joe Jackson, Woodrow Jackson, Moir Jackson, Dallas Jackson and Quinten Jackson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Rev. Richard Loman. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Monday night at Moody Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030 or to the donors choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

.........................................................................................................................................

To: Heirs and friends of Lavis Jackson Allred Beamer.

“Grandma” gave me, David B. Hatcher, the responsibility of executing her last will and testament, upon her death. In addition to leaving some money for individuals, she left her home and household goods to others. A copy of her will has been probated and is on file at the Surry County Clerk’s Office, Dobson, NC 27017. If anyone desires any personnel items such as pictures, “what not’s” etc., then please let me know and I will try to accommodate your request.

The balance of this letter will give information about Grandma’s last few years of her life and a history or her family, which will be incomplete as I know only bits and pieces. (Maybe some of the grandchildren would like to get together and compile a more complete history and remembrance of her life and history.)

Grandma was born to Caleb and Alice Jackson of Westfield, NC, on July 3, 1916. She passed away November 22, 2008, being over 92 years old. Her seven sisters: Virgie Martin, Bertie Taylor, Nellie Gardner, June Smith, Madeleine Jessup, Viola Jackson, Myrtle Jackson; and five brothers: Joe, Woodrow, Moir, Dallas and Quentin all preceded her in death.

Grandma had been in reasonably good health, and with the help of family care-givers, she was able to live alone, and could get about her home with the use of a walker. Two days before she passed away, she suffered a severe stroke, from which she was unable to recover.

Grandma grew up with her large family on a small farm in Westfield. She would tell stories of her growing up years with her siblings and the fun they had on the farm working, playing and looking of ways to take short cuts with their working chores. As I remember some of the tales when they got together, they were always filled with practical jokes and gut wrenching laughter. Their family was animated with fun and laughter.

When Grandma was in her late teens, she was courted heavily by some of the local bachelors, among whom was a handsome widower, seventeen years her senior and with four young children. His name was Albert Sparger Allred, but most people called him “Bud”. The children; Wanda, Albert, Ann and Betty ranged in age from about 11 down to 5. Well Bud asked the question and Grandma said yes! This was in the middle of the great depression, 1934. In about a year Grandma had a baby of her own, Alice Willodene. Two years later there was Mary and then about 9 years after that Jerry came along. Times were hard.

Bud was a “Miller”. He ground corn and wheat to make meal and etc. However this was not sufficient to support his family. He took a job in Radford, VA., and therefore he was away from home a lot. Lavis raised the family. Family gardens, hogs, a milk cow, and chickens for eggs and food kept the family going. In the early forties, Wanda went to Baltimore to work and soon got married. Albert joined the Navy, Ann and Betty Jo entered nursing training. Lavis started working in the mill and Bud looked after Spargers’ Orchard and then started raising tobacco on a small farm in Flat Rock. Willodene says she remembers her Dad loading the pickup with apples and with Lavis and the children and then taking off for Florida. They traded apples along the way for gas, meals and a place to sleep. It was a thrilling and enjoyable trip.

Grandma was always up-beat, laughing and enjoying a good joke. Of course some of her brothers were always around to help out and play a practical joke. Life was hard, but it was simple and good.

In the mid fifties, Wanda, Ann, Betty Jo, Willodene and Mary were all married and starting families. Lavis and Bud and Jerry were the only ones at home. Bud had built a new house, which he built himself. It is said that in the planning stages, Lavis would slip around and move the stakes, because she wanted it bigger. Wanda and family (3 boys) were in Keizer, W. Virginia, Albert joined the Army. Ann, with two boys and two girls, was in South Carolina. Betty Jo, with a boy and a girl, lived in Winston Salem. Willodene was following David around the USA where ever the Air Force took them. Mary was in Nebraska and then Maryland, with a daughter and a son. Finally, Jerry was in New Port News with a daughter.

Grandma continued to work in the mill and more and more became the major bread winner. By the early sixties, Bud was being bothered by sugar diabetes and started a slow decline in health. Leading up to the mid sixties the Nation was preparing for war; first by Kennedy and then by President Johnson. David and Willodene were on the move; Germany, Turkey, Japan, Korea, and then to Thailand from whence David was flying missions into North Vietnam.

The year of 1966 was eventful. David was shot down over North Vietnam, some 300 miles behind friendly lines. He was taken captive and held in North Vietnam for more than six years. Willodene with her two daughters soon moved back to Mount Airy, where she and Grandma became invaluable support for each other. Wanda passed away in 1966.

The seventies started with a New President, but the war continued. Willodene built a new house, David and over 500 other captives were released from North Vietnam in early 1973. Bud had passed away in 1971 (after an extended illness) as well as David’s Dad. Grandma had moved to Mount Airy on Oakdale Street. It was a time of readjustment. Many family changes were taking place; job changes, more grandchildren, un-timely deaths, and divorces. In the midst of all these changes, Grandma was a main stay of encouragement, love, and stability. She really loved her children and grandchildren, and later on, her great grandchildren.

In mid 73 she met a new comer to Mount Airy who had lost his wife. Curtis Beamer, who was originally from the Elkin area, had spent some 50 years in Flint, Michigan as an employee of General Motors. They were married in 1973 and lived in Grandma’s house on Oakdale Street. They would buy merchandise from local hosiery mills and peddle these items in country stores throughout Northwestern North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia. They had a very happy life together, traveling and visiting family in Florida and Eastern United States and the Midwest.

Curtis died in 1987 and Grandma lived alone again. Albert died in 1981, Betty Jo in 1987, and Mary died in 1991. Grandma went back to work. She worked at the new Derby Cafeteria, then as a greeter at K-Mart. She really enjoyed her job at K-mart because she could talk to so many people. She enjoyed playing rook with Curtis and later with other friends. These were times of more laughter and parties, enjoying life and having a good time. She had a “ton” of nieces, nephews, cousins and old friends. (By the way, Bud came from a family of seventeen children!)

As a son-in-law, I must say that Grandma was a challenge. She always wanted to be in charge and have the last word. The last few months or her life gave me the opportunity to learn a little patience. Looking back, I needed her input and am now thankful that she gave me the opportunity to practice with her. Grandma, you lived life to the fullest and you made your mark in history. We love you! Rest in Peace!

David Hatcher.

Notes for Virginia Nell Jackson:

General Notes:

Virginia Nell (Nellie) Jackson Gardner June 09, 2007

Mrs. Virginia Nell (Nellie) Jackson Gardner beloved wife of Mr. Henry Lee Gardner, Jr. passed away on June 9, 2007 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was born February 6, 1927 in Westfield, NC to the late Caleb and Alice East Jackson. She was a member of Haymore Memorial Baptist Church and the Ruby Ward WMU Group. Nellie was retired from Quality Mills and was member of the VFW Auxiliary. Surviving are her husband of sixty years, Henry Lee Gardner, Jr.; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dr. David Nickola of Atlanta, GA.; a daughter-in-law, Pat T. Gardner, Mt. Airy, NC; three grandchildren, Dr. Bryan C. Quick of Chamblee, GA, David L. and Leanne T. Gardner of Mt. Airy, NC; two step grandchildren, Damon Nickola of Atlanta, GA, and Janice Nickola, Boulder, CO, and one sister, Lavis Beamer, Mt. Airy, NC. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Jean Gardner; a son David Lee Gardner, five brothers, Joe, Moir, Woodrow, Quentin, and Dallas Jackson; six sisters, Bertie Taylor, Vergie Martin, Myrtle and Viola Jackson, Magdalene Jessup and June Smith. Graveside services will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at Oakdale Cemetery. Reverend Robert McCrary and Reverend Richard Loman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northern Hospital of Surry County Foundation in memory of Nellie Gardner, PO Box 1101, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030 for the Skill Nursing Unit. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of the skilled and long term care unit at Northern Hospital of Surry County for their compassionate and devoted care of Nellie. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Moody Funeral Service is serving the Gardner family.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com

Notes for Virginia Nell Jackson:

General Notes:

Virginia Nell (Nellie) Jackson Gardner June 09, 2007

Mrs. Virginia Nell (Nellie) Jackson Gardner beloved wife of Mr. Henry Lee Gardner, Jr. passed away on June 9, 2007 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was born February 6, 1927 in Westfield, NC to the late Caleb and Alice East Jackson. She was a member of Haymore Memorial Baptist Church and the Ruby Ward WMU Group. Nellie was retired from Quality Mills and was member of the VFW Auxiliary. Surviving are her husband of sixty years, Henry Lee Gardner, Jr.; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dr. David Nickola of Atlanta, GA.; a daughter-in-law, Pat T. Gardner, Mt. Airy, NC; three grandchildren, Dr. Bryan C. Quick of Chamblee, GA, David L. and Leanne T. Gardner of Mt. Airy, NC; two step grandchildren, Damon Nickola of Atlanta, GA, and Janice Nickola, Boulder, CO, and one sister, Lavis Beamer, Mt. Airy, NC. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Jean Gardner; a son David Lee Gardner, five brothers, Joe, Moir, Woodrow, Quentin, and Dallas Jackson; six sisters, Bertie Taylor, Vergie Martin, Myrtle and Viola Jackson, Magdalene Jessup and June Smith. Graveside services will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at Oakdale Cemetery. Reverend Robert McCrary and Reverend Richard Loman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northern Hospital of Surry County Foundation in memory of Nellie Gardner, PO Box 1101, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030 for the Skill Nursing Unit. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of the skilled and long term care unit at Northern Hospital of Surry County for their compassionate and devoted care of Nellie. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Moody Funeral Service is serving the Gardner family.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com

Notes for Ira Zebedee Inman:

General Notes:

I have great memories of my grandfather, Zeb Inman. He played games with me and taught me how to dance. He had lovely brown eyes. He died 52 days before his 95th birthday. So much history had played out in our nation and world in his lifetime. And so many memories he had of that history died with him. I wish I had taken the time and interest when he was around to have talked with him more about family and things he could remember about life when he was a child. Man had moved from horse and wagon to rockets going into space. Telephones had brought families closer, and automobiles made life a little easier. Grandpa watched all of this without ever being overwhelmed with it. After all, he was the man, who, after selling his tobacco, had bought a bottle of moonshine to celebrate the good crop and on the way home, had probably emptied the bottle. While driving the wagon past a cemetery in the community in the dark of night, he was the one that saw the ghost chasing him home. He ran the horses and wagon into the yard, jumped out and entered the house, declaring to everyone what he had seen. With experiences like that, who would be awed by a telephone or rocket? He had such a good sense of humor. One of the radio programs he really loved was the "Grand Ole Opry" on Saturday nights. When he was visiting us, our radio was always turned to the station that carried that program. (Even though it did come on at the same time of "The Hit Parade.") Everyone needed a Grandpa like I had.

Notes for Ira Zebedee Inman:

General Notes:

I have great memories of my grandfather, Zeb Inman. He played games with me and taught me how to dance. He had lovely brown eyes. He died 52 days before his 95th birthday. So much history had played out in our nation and world in his lifetime. And so many memories he had of that history died with him. I wish I had taken the time and interest when he was around to have talked with him more about family and things he could remember about life when he was a child. Man had moved from horse and wagon to rockets going into space. Telephones had brought families closer, and automobiles made life a little easier. Grandpa watched all of this without ever being overwhelmed with it. After all, he was the man, who, after selling his tobacco, had bought a bottle of moonshine to celebrate the good crop and on the way home, had probably emptied the bottle. While driving the wagon past a cemetery in the community in the dark of night, he was the one that saw the ghost chasing him home. He ran the horses and wagon into the yard, jumped out and entered the house, declaring to everyone what he had seen. With experiences like that, who would be awed by a telephone or rocket? He had such a good sense of humor. One of the radio programs he really loved was the "Grand Ole Opry" on Saturday nights. When he was visiting us, our radio was always turned to the station that carried that program. (Even though it did come on at the same time of "The Hit Parade.") Everyone needed a Grandpa like I had.

Notes for Thelma Alene Inman:

General Notes:

Anderson, Thelma Allene Inman View/Sign Guest Book

ANDERSON MOUNT AIRY - Mrs. Thelma Allene Inman Anderson, age 91, of 1029 Mt. Herman Church Road, Mount Airy, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Central Continuing Care. Mrs. Anderson was born in Surry County on September 2, 1917 daughter of the late Zeb D. Inman and Nancy Carolyn Love Inman and was a member of Mt. Herman United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Tom Wilson Anderson of the home; two daughters and son-in-law, Allene and Robert "Sonny" Joyce of Pfafftown and Margie Ruth Rogers of Rural Hall; four grandchildren, Teresa Ashburn of King, Bobby Joyce of Orange, CA, Deborah Rogers of Rural Hall and Annette Fishel and husband Chris of Rural Hall; nine great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by a son, David Dean Anderson; one son-in-law, A.J. Rogers; five sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m.. The service will be conducted by Rev. Harry Sherrill and Rev. Cullon Forrest with burial to follow in Mt. Herman United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Central Continuing Care Nursing Home staff. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Mt. Herman United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Carlton Jessup 1219 Dearmin Road, Westfield, NC 27053. The family will receive friends at Moody Funeral Home on Wednesday night, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal on 6/3/2009

Notes for Thelma Alene Inman:

General Notes:

Anderson, Thelma Allene Inman View/Sign Guest Book

ANDERSON MOUNT AIRY - Mrs. Thelma Allene Inman Anderson, age 91, of 1029 Mt. Herman Church Road, Mount Airy, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Central Continuing Care. Mrs. Anderson was born in Surry County on September 2, 1917 daughter of the late Zeb D. Inman and Nancy Carolyn Love Inman and was a member of Mt. Herman United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Tom Wilson Anderson of the home; two daughters and son-in-law, Allene and Robert "Sonny" Joyce of Pfafftown and Margie Ruth Rogers of Rural Hall; four grandchildren, Teresa Ashburn of King, Bobby Joyce of Orange, CA, Deborah Rogers of Rural Hall and Annette Fishel and husband Chris of Rural Hall; nine great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by a son, David Dean Anderson; one son-in-law, A.J. Rogers; five sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m.. The service will be conducted by Rev. Harry Sherrill and Rev. Cullon Forrest with burial to follow in Mt. Herman United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Central Continuing Care Nursing Home staff. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Mt. Herman United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Carlton Jessup 1219 Dearmin Road, Westfield, NC 27053. The family will receive friends at Moody Funeral Home on Wednesday night, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal on 6/3/2009

Notes for William Henry Inman:

General Notes:

William H. Inman purchased 84 3/4 acres of land from William H. Armstrong for the price of $500.00. (Surry, North Carolina Deed Book 22, p. 506) This tract of land was located in the Holly Springs section of Surry Co. William built two cabins, side by side, and he and Mary raised a family of eight children, while farming the land. Today these cabins are still being used. They are located across the road from Holly Springs Baptist church, just off Highway 52. The old home place was sold to W.W. Simmons in 1904 for the price of $705. Simmons in turn sold 37.77 acres of the land to D.L. and Job McGee for the sum of $470.

Time Line: In 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed and signed by President Franklin Pierce. The Kansas Territory was opened up for settlement. The Crimean War 1854-1856

1880 Federal Census of Surry, North Carolina

Census Place:Westfield, Surry, NCSource:FHL Film 1254983 National Archives Film T9-0983 Page 121A

RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace

Henry INMONSelfMMW24NCOcc:FarmerFa: NCMo: NC

Mary INMONWifeFMW21NCOcc:Keeps HouseFa: NCMo: NC

Emma INMONDauFSW2NCFa: NCMo: NC

Zebides INMONSonMSW4MNCFa: NCMo: NC

Thomas PAYNEOtherMSB10NCOcc:Farm LaborerFa: NCMo: NC

Notes for William Henry Inman:

General Notes:

William H. Inman purchased 84 3/4 acres of land from William H. Armstrong for the price of $500.00. (Surry, North Carolina Deed Book 22, p. 506) This tract of land was located in the Holly Springs section of Surry Co. William built two cabins, side by side, and he and Mary raised a family of eight children, while farming the land. Today these cabins are still being used. They are located across the road from Holly Springs Baptist church, just off Highway 52. The old home place was sold to W.W. Simmons in 1904 for the price of $705. Simmons in turn sold 37.77 acres of the land to D.L. and Job McGee for the sum of $470.

Time Line: In 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed and signed by President Franklin Pierce. The Kansas Territory was opened up for settlement. The Crimean War 1854-1856

1880 Federal Census of Surry, North Carolina

Census Place:Westfield, Surry, NCSource:FHL Film 1254983 National Archives Film T9-0983 Page 121A

RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace

Henry INMONSelfMMW24NCOcc:FarmerFa: NCMo: NC

Mary INMONWifeFMW21NCOcc:Keeps HouseFa: NCMo: NC

Emma INMONDauFSW2NCFa: NCMo: NC

Zebides INMONSonMSW4MNCFa: NCMo: NC

Thomas PAYNEOtherMSB10NCOcc:Farm LaborerFa: NCMo: NC

Notes for George Lee Inman:

General Notes:

George Lee Inman worked at the Mount Airy Granite Quarry in Surry Co., NC

Notes for George Lee Inman:

General Notes:

George Lee Inman worked at the Mount Airy Granite Quarry in Surry Co., NC

Notes for Joseph M. Jackson:

General Notes:

Joseph M. Jackson spent his youth on his father's farm in Westfield,North Carolina and left home as a young man. Relatives still living in the area say that when Joseph left home, he had only a clean shirt and no money. He moved to Colorado and accumulated a large fortune there.

In his will, Joseph stated he wanted all of his estate left to his wife as long as she lived and at her death all of his property, stocks, bonds, etc. were to be sold and the money to be divided up equally between his brothers, William Buck Jackson and Robert Franklin Jackson and his sister, Martha Jackson Pell, and their children. He had only one child by his first wife, Susan Von Cannon. He did not have children by his second wife, Anna Henderson. From the way that Joseph made out his will, it seemed that he had become very displeased with his son Andrew, and did not want him to inherit his fortune. He said that he had given Andrew a good share of his property and that he had deeded it away contrary to his father's expressed wishes. He left his wife all income, rents, interest of all real or personal property that he had in trust, except for ten dollars per month that was to given to his son, Andrew Jackson, during his natural lifetime. He appointed his nephew, Andrew Jackson, of Mount Airy,North Carolina and Joseph A. Pell, his nephew of Pilot MountainNC to act as the executor of his will, which was written 16 Jan 1923 in Denver, CO. His wishes were carried out after the death of his wife, Anna, and many relatives living inNorth Carolina received a share of his estate.

The following biography was taken from an article written in "A Portrait and Biological Album of Washington Co., KS," date not given. Sent to Lucille Jackson Vernon by Keith Parrish of Washington, DC.

" Joseph M. Jackson, a retired farmer and a resident of Clifton, owns and occupies one of the most pleasant homes within the town limits, to which he moved in the spring of 1889. Prior to this, he had been located on a good farm on section 35 of Clifton Twp., of which he still retains ownership. He preempt this land in the spring of 1870 and thereafter lived upon it until his removal to Clifton, sojourning there for a period of nineteen years. He is numbered among the leading pioneers of Washington Co., KS and has been no unimportant factor in assisting it to its present condition. He literally built up a home from the wilderness, bringing his land to a good state of cultivation and erecting substantial buildings. Beside this farm, he owns another farm of eighty acres in the same township and still another eighty acres in Sheridan Twp., both of which are well improved.

Joseph M. Jackson passed his younger years quietly engaged in agricultural pursuits and remaining a member of the parental household until reaching his maturity. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, not desiring to affiliate with the enemies of the Union, he left home and enlisted in Co. D in a regiment of 8th TN Cavalry, being mustered in as a Sgt. He participated in some of the important battles which followed and was in several skirmishes. His regiment was sent after the rebel raider, Morgan. In the latter part of 1863, he became ill, and was confined to the hospital for nine months. Upon his recovery, he rejoined his regiment and was at the battle of Greenville in Oct 11864. While on the retreat, his horse, a very fine and swift animal, was shot three times, but carried his master beyond the point of danger before falling disabled. Joseph had become separated from his comrades, but joined them the next day. He had himself been wounded at the time his horse was shot and now was compelled to lie in the hospital again. He was three times confined in the hospital and finally on the 24th of May, received his honorable discharge from the service, after serving for two years and nine months, being nine months in the Cumberland Mtns., detained in mountain fights.

Upon retiring from the Army, Joseph returned toNorth Carolina and settled in Watauga Co., where he lived for four and one half years. In the meantime he married Susan Von Cannon on 12 Sep 1865. This lady was born in Randolph Co.,North Carolina 30 Oct 1842 and is the daughter of Jacob and Nancy Hammon Von Cannon.

Joseph possesses rare business qualities, being more than ordinarily wide-awake, enterprising and industrious. He arrived with his family in Washington Co.,KS on 12 Sep 1870. The country around bore a wide contrast to its present condition, Indians and wild animals still being plentiful. Securing his land, he labored in true pioneer style while the country settled up around him by degrees and he watched with interest and satisfaction the growth and development of this now prosperous commonwealth. Both he and his wife were reared in the doctrines of the Quaker faith, but they are now members of the Methodist Church. Politically, Joseph is a sound Republican. As a former soldier, he belongs to the G.A.R. being a member of Sedgwick Post No.24. "

Notes for Joseph M. Jackson:

General Notes:

Joseph M. Jackson spent his youth on his father's farm in Westfield,North Carolina and left home as a young man. Relatives still living in the area say that when Joseph left home, he had only a clean shirt and no money. He moved to Colorado and accumulated a large fortune there.

In his will, Joseph stated he wanted all of his estate left to his wife as long as she lived and at her death all of his property, stocks, bonds, etc. were to be sold and the money to be divided up equally between his brothers, William Buck Jackson and Robert Franklin Jackson and his sister, Martha Jackson Pell, and their children. He had only one child by his first wife, Susan Von Cannon. He did not have children by his second wife, Anna Henderson. From the way that Joseph made out his will, it seemed that he had become very displeased with his son Andrew, and did not want him to inherit his fortune. He said that he had given Andrew a good share of his property and that he had deeded it away contrary to his father's expressed wishes. He left his wife all income, rents, interest of all real or personal property that he had in trust, except for ten dollars per month that was to given to his son, Andrew Jackson, during his natural lifetime. He appointed his nephew, Andrew Jackson, of Mount Airy,North Carolina and Joseph A. Pell, his nephew of Pilot MountainNC to act as the executor of his will, which was written 16 Jan 1923 in Denver, CO. His wishes were carried out after the death of his wife, Anna, and many relatives living inNorth Carolina received a share of his estate.

The following biography was taken from an article written in "A Portrait and Biological Album of Washington Co., KS," date not given. Sent to Lucille Jackson Vernon by Keith Parrish of Washington, DC.

" Joseph M. Jackson, a retired farmer and a resident of Clifton, owns and occupies one of the most pleasant homes within the town limits, to which he moved in the spring of 1889. Prior to this, he had been located on a good farm on section 35 of Clifton Twp., of which he still retains ownership. He preempt this land in the spring of 1870 and thereafter lived upon it until his removal to Clifton, sojourning there for a period of nineteen years. He is numbered among the leading pioneers of Washington Co., KS and has been no unimportant factor in assisting it to its present condition. He literally built up a home from the wilderness, bringing his land to a good state of cultivation and erecting substantial buildings. Beside this farm, he owns another farm of eighty acres in the same township and still another eighty acres in Sheridan Twp., both of which are well improved.

Joseph M. Jackson passed his younger years quietly engaged in agricultural pursuits and remaining a member of the parental household until reaching his maturity. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, not desiring to affiliate with the enemies of the Union, he left home and enlisted in Co. D in a regiment of 8th TN Cavalry, being mustered in as a Sgt. He participated in some of the important battles which followed and was in several skirmishes. His regiment was sent after the rebel raider, Morgan. In the latter part of 1863, he became ill, and was confined to the hospital for nine months. Upon his recovery, he rejoined his regiment and was at the battle of Greenville in Oct 11864. While on the retreat, his horse, a very fine and swift animal, was shot three times, but carried his master beyond the point of danger before falling disabled. Joseph had become separated from his comrades, but joined them the next day. He had himself been wounded at the time his horse was shot and now was compelled to lie in the hospital again. He was three times confined in the hospital and finally on the 24th of May, received his honorable discharge from the service, after serving for two years and nine months, being nine months in the Cumberland Mtns., detained in mountain fights.

Upon retiring from the Army, Joseph returned toNorth Carolina and settled in Watauga Co., where he lived for four and one half years. In the meantime he married Susan Von Cannon on 12 Sep 1865. This lady was born in Randolph Co.,North Carolina 30 Oct 1842 and is the daughter of Jacob and Nancy Hammon Von Cannon.

Joseph possesses rare business qualities, being more than ordinarily wide-awake, enterprising and industrious. He arrived with his family in Washington Co.,KS on 12 Sep 1870. The country around bore a wide contrast to its present condition, Indians and wild animals still being plentiful. Securing his land, he labored in true pioneer style while the country settled up around him by degrees and he watched with interest and satisfaction the growth and development of this now prosperous commonwealth. Both he and his wife were reared in the doctrines of the Quaker faith, but they are now members of the Methodist Church. Politically, Joseph is a sound Republican. As a former soldier, he belongs to the G.A.R. being a member of Sedgwick Post No.24. "

Notes for Nathan or Nathaniel Shelton:

General Notes:

Military Records of Individual Civil War Soldiers. A Nathan

Shelton, Grayson County, VA enlisted as a Private on 04 June

1861 at the age of 24 in Company D, 50th Infantry Regiment,

Virginia, Confederate. Death place listed as Elkhorn, West Virginia.

Listed in 1860 U.S. Census, Grayson Co., VA, Page 156, Big

Meadows PO, 18 Sept 1860, dwelling 1177, line 6. Shelton,

Nathan, 23, Farmer, b. NC; Hester Ann, 22, b. NC; Sarah J., 2,

b. NC.

Listed in 1870 U.S. Census, Grayson Co., VA, Wilson Creek

District, Mouth of Wilson PO, Page 40, 12 August 1870, dwelling

279, line 28. SHelton, Nathan, 34, Farmer, b. NC; Hesterann,

30, keeping house, b. VA; Sarah J. 12, at school, b. VA; Cena

M., 9, at school, b. VA; James F., 7, b. VA; Milla, 5, b. VA;

Nathaniel, 2, b. VA.

Listed in 1880 U.S. Census, Grayson Co., VA, Wilson District, ED

37, Page 42, 23 June 1880, dwelling 301, line 1. Shelton,

Nathan, 45, married, Farm Laborer, b. NC, parents b. NC; ?Hulie,

44, wife, married, keeping house, b. VA, parents b. NC & VA;

Cena G., 16, daughter, single, b. VA; James F., 13, son, single,

b. VA; Milly E., 11, daughter, single, b. VA; Nathan J., 9, son,

single, b. VA; William, 7, son, single, b. VA; Mary A., 6,

daughter, single, b. VA; Drucy R., 3, daughter, single, b. VA;

Lucy, 2/12, May, daughter, b. VA.