Hart Family Christmas Newsletters
HART FAMILY NEWSLETTER
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Hi & Merry Christmas to everyone from the folks here in the Bootheel of Missouri & other places around the Country.

CORRECTION
Included in the Christmas Letter last year was the obituary of Murriel (Langford) Smith. The heading of the obituary I showed her name as Murriel Langford (Hart) Smith & it should have been Murriel Langford Smith. The name Hart should have been left out. I want to apologize to the family for this error.

During the last twenty years Murriel & I had corresponded with each other & in one of her letters she told me how she came in possession of our Great Great Grandfather John Henry Hart’s old Family Bible & I quote from her letter dated March 5th, 1980. “Henry Ezra Hart, (who was grandpa Martin Allen Hart’s brother) gave me the John Henry Hart’s Bible. He had wanted to give it to my Uncle Tom Hart but found him unable to care for it (after a stroke). So when I asked to see it and copy off the data, he gave it unto my care. I was the only one he knew that was interested - said his sons were not! I knew at the time he probably had a short time to live. In just a few months he was gone. From what he said I felt it was so fortunate I was there when I was. The record is so blurred and stained and the paper so darkened it is unreadable in spots. Some things have been scratched out and rewritten. It takes much study and a good magnifying glass. I tho’t you would like some Zerox copies of it, nevertheless.” Later she wrote me & said that the old Family Bible was in the possession of one of her daughters.

The following is the information that was written in the Bible.
John Henry Hart was bornd March 18, 1807
Mary Ann Hart was bornd Jan. 27, 1809
Lethea Ann Hart was bornd Oct 24, 1828
Margaret Hart was bornd Apr 24, 1830
Elizabeth Hart was bornd Dec. 1, 1838
Louiss Caledonia Hart was bornd July 11, 1841
Sarah America Hart was born March 27, 1843
Martin Hart was bornd Apr. 20, 1845
Mitchel Hart was born May 7, 1847
Nancy D. Hart was bornd Dec., 23, 1848
Lenores Matilda Hart was bornd May 25, 1851
Milo Hart was bornd Jan 26, 1853
John Jones Hart was bornd Feb 18, 1855

Children of Martin Hart
Ambie Hart, born Mar 17, 1871
Maggie Lou Dicie Hart, born June 21, 1874
Henry Ezra Hart, born Feb. 17, 1877
Martin Hart
Elsie Hart
Dottie Hart
(No clue given as to dates on last three)

Milo Hart was my grandfather (Murriel (Langford Smith). He always used ‘Jerome’ as his middle name. I have no idea why that was not in Bible.

I also have no idea why the name of Cassandra ‘Jones’ Hart was left out of Bible. She was John Henry’s second wife and my great grandmother.”

In September of this year I received a nice letter from her daughter Sue E. Courington of Tullahome, TN & the family of her sister Laurel L. Nicol has the old John Henry Hart Bible in their possession.

ANOTHER CORRECTION
In last years Christmas letter on pages #8 & #9, I listed some information on the Melton Family, compiled by Hal Pierce, Norman, OK.. After the Christmas letters were mailed & just before Christmas, I received a letter from Bill Melton of Sebastian, FL who has done research on the Melton Family for many, many years & I would like to quote from his letter.

“Hal Pierce hired two genealogists of Salt Lake City to try to find William Melton’s (b.ca.1733) ancestry. I have a copy of their research report to Hal. Hal shared it with Robbie Story, a closer relative of mine, of Ontario, CA, and he sent me a copy. I was excited at first but as I studied the research report my excitement turned to disappointment. The documentation is superficial. In my opinion, their conclusions are based on speculations and leaps of imagination. Approximately fifteen years ago I shared information with Hal. He had traced his ancestry to David Melton of Caswell Co., NC., whom I had identified as a son of James Melton (b.abt. 1768) who married Mary Pleasant and James was a son of William Melton (b. abt.1733). I worked hard to find documentation and Hal has changed things. He changed the order of birth of William’s children and added an eighth child, David Melton. The settlement of William’s estate makes no mention of David. If born in about 1774 in Goochland Co.VA., David would have been about five years old when William died. David would have been named by his mother when she distributed the personal property to the children but she did not. This David married Constant Hogg and later lived in Surry Co., NC. In my opinion he was not a son of William (b.abt.1733) I need proof!

William Melton (b.abt 1733) was not born in Fluvanna Co., VA., because it did not exist at that time. I will stop here and write to you again when I have access to my computer.

My research indicates that we are descended from the Richard Melton of Hanover and New Kent Counties, VA., probably though his son John. If so, Robert of Orange Co., NC., would have been William’s Uncle. In my opinion the Richard Melton who married Orpha Luten was a different Richard. More about this later.”

The information on page #8 of the 1999 Christmas letter, beginning with

________Melton, b about 1565, of Gedling, Nottingham, England to Nathaniel Melton, b: 6 Apr 1760, Orange Co., NC is considered incorret at this time.

Thank’s Bill, & folk’s I am sorry that the information that I sent you last year was incorrect & as we work on this & when we get the correct information we will share it with you.

Robert A. Roussel Jr. & Kirsten Anne Martin were married on the 7th of January 2000 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Robert is the son of Robert A. & Patti (Johnson) Roussel of Gilbert, Airzona & Grandson of Marie (Hart) Roussel of Chandler AZ. Kirsten Anne is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Martin . Congraulations to Robert & Kirsten & we wish you the best in the future.

Emily Beth Teitloff Graduates from University of Kentucky
Emily Beth Teitloff, the daughter of Terry K. & Michele (Hart)Teitloff & granddaughter of Earlene Hart & the late Henry Hart of Smithland, Ky graduated from the University of Kentucky on Sunday, the 17th of May 2000. Congraulations Emily & we here in Missouri wish the best for you in the future.

Sean P. Roussel Graduates from Highland High School
Sean P. Roussel graduated from Highland Highschool, Gilbert, AZ, 18 may 2000, Sean is the son of Robert & Patty Roussel, grandson of Marie (Hart) Roussel, of Chandler, AZ. Congraulations Sean & we wish you the best in the future.

Jamie BurnsGraduates from Haileyville School
Jamie Burns graduated from the 8th grade at the Haileyville School, Haileyville, OK on 16 May 2000. Jamie is the daugther of Sharon (Hart)& Jason Burns of Blanco, OK, & the granddaughter of the late James (Vick) & Norma (Beck) Hart. Congraulations Jamie & we wish you the best in the future

NEW ARRIVALS

Irie Mitchell Hart arrived on 6 June 2000, to Hannah Michelle Hart in Cape Girardeau, MO. Congraulations to Hannah, the grandparents, Mitchell & Mary Hart, of Swinton, MO & great grandmother Ora Hart, of Advance, MO.

Travis Swallows & Diana Murray Married in Alamogordo, N. M.

Travis and Diana Swallows were married Sept. 9 2000, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Alamogordo, N. M. with a reception after the ceremony in the church fellowship hall. The bride is from Oakdale, Wis., and is the daughter of Robert and Jeannie Murray of Oakdale, Wis. The groom is from Dexter, MO and is the son of Donna Mansfield of Dudley and Allen and Vera Swallows of Dexter. He is the grandson of Neil and Christine (Hart) Mansfield of Dudley and Elmer and Myrtle Swallows of Dexter, great grandson of Lola Slaughter, and brother of Jeff Swallows of Dexter.

The bride wore an ivory full length gown with ivory embroidery and beaded flowers.

The groom wore a black tuxedo with a gray vest.

The maid of honor was Jacquilynn Smith from San Antonio, Texas and she wore a full length, burgendy, spaghetti strap gown.

The best man was Aaron Cox from Alamogordo, N. M. and he wore a black tuxedo with a black vest.

The bride’s family members attending the wedding were Robert and Jeannie Murray, parents of the bride from Oakdale, Wis.; Curt Todd and Scott Murray, brothers of the bride from Oakdale, Wis.; Kathy Grassman, sister of the bride from Neenah, Wis.; Annette Smith and Layla Nauman, sisters of the bride from Oakdale, Wis.

The groom’s family members attending the wedding were Donna Mansfield, mother of the groom from Dudley; Neil and Christine (Hart) Mansfield, grandparents of the groom from Dudley; and Gene and Sue fulks, great uncle and aunt of the groom from Tubac, Ariz.

Travis and Diana are both in the United States Air Force and stationed at Holliman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N. M. Diana is a 1992 graduate of Tomah High School, Tomah, Wis. She joined the United States Air Force in 1993 and is currently a Staff Sargent. Travis is a 1991 graduate of Dexter High school, Dexter, MO. He joined the United States Air Force in 1992 and is currently a Staff Sargent.

Congraulations Travis & Diana & all of us here in Missouri wish you two the very best in the future.

Alvin H. Hart, Indianapolis, IN
Alvin H. Hart, 70 of Indianapolis, IN., and formerly of Maunie, White County, Illinois, died Wednesday morning, 13 Sep 2000 in Indianapolis.

He was born 22 Mar 1930 in Maunie, the son of Alvin H. and Fern(LaMar) Hart. He married Ann McLeaster, and she survives. Mr. Hart was a recognized leader in the insurance industry. He served as vice president of Gregory & Apple Insurance for 20 years, retiring in 1995. Prior to that, he was marketing manager of Commercial Union Insurance from 1967-78. He was appointed by Harry McClain, insurance commissioner, to implement the education program accepted industry-wide by the Independent Insurance Agents Association. He provided insurance counsel to many African-American owned Indianapolis-based bussinesses. The 17th of November 1995 was recognized as “Alvin H. Hart Day” by then-Mayor Stephen Goldsmith of Indianapolis. Mr. Hart was a World War II Navy Veteran. He was an active member of First Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. He was also a volunteer at the Emerson Nursing Home, transporting residents to church and hosting numerous social activities for residents and serving as the chief financial source for such events. He also provided financial support and insurance guidance to numerous not-for-profit organizations such as the Indiana Historical Society. He was a member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Scottish Rite, Murat Temple. He graduated from Indiana University School of Business in 1954 and was a member of the Indiana University Hoosier Hundred Varsity Club.

He is survived by his mother, Fern Pittman of Mt. Vernon, IN.; his wife, Ann; one daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Chris O’Malley of Carmel, IN.; one grandson, Jack O’Malley; one sister and brother-in-law, Betty and James DeLong of Carmi; and one brother, Larry Pittman of Mt. Vernon, IN. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday 16 Sep 2000 at the Leppert & Hensley funeral Home in Indianapolis. Visitation was held there from 3-8 p.m. Friday.

A local (Carmi, IL) funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, 18 Sep 2000 at the Kittinger-Fair Funeral Home in Carmi, the Rev. Bill Fechtig officiating. Burial was at Little Prairie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Maunie United Methodist Church or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

(Note: Alvin’s Grandfather was John Jones Hart & John was a brother to our Great Grandfather Martin M. Hart. John also had a brother Milo Jerome Hart & sisters, Elizabeth, Louisa Caledonia, Sarah America, Nancy Dawson, Lenora Matilda & two half-brothers Samuel (Jones) Hart & Henry (Jones) Hart.)

Freda M. Phillips, Nortis City, IL
Freda M. Phillips, 89, of Norris City died at 6 p.m. Wednesday, 13 Sep 2000 at the Enfield Healthcare Center. She was born 3 Jan 1911 in Norris City, the daughter of Jesse Frederick and Edna Amy (Hillyard) Kisner. She married Truman Phillips 30-Nov 1928 and he preceded her in death on 14 Feb. 1999. She was a member of the Norris City First United Methodist Church and the May Chapter No. 718 Eastern Star.

Surviving are one son, Donald K. Phillips, of Newton; three grandchildren, Sharon Hazel, Alan Phillips and Gary Phillips; four great grandchildren, Greg, Wesley and Chase Phillips and Evan Hazel; a sister, Katheryn Walker of Deltona, FL. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, 16 Sep 2000 at the First United Methodist Church in Norris City, the Rev. Robert Shook officiating. Burial was in I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Norris City. Visitation was Friday at the Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City. Eastern Star May Chapter No. 718 conducted services at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

(Note: Freda’s grandmother was Malinda Hart & her great grandfather was Jesse Jernigan Hart & Jesse was a brother to our great great grandfather John Henry Hart.)

Did you know that Great Grandpa Martin Allen. Hart’s Maternal Grandmother was Mary Ann Pyle, the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret “Peggy” (Wishon) Pyle of White County, Illinois. The Pyle family held a family reunion this year & the following was copied from The Weekly Times, Carmi, IL June 13, 2000.

Pyle family, Kingdom Church hold reunion in White County, Illinois
The annual Pyle family and Kingdom community reunion was held Sunday, June 4, at Kingdom Church south of Carmi. In total 46 people attended.

Lyman Greer opened the gathering with prayer, and everyone enjoyed a delicious home-cooked, carry-in dinner at noon. Those attending were, David, Pat and Emily Woodruff, John, Brenda, Jay and Luke Pyle, Mike, Dianna, Tarah, Kaci and Bren Anderson, Walter and Betty Blazier, Kelly and Ellen Pyle, Gene and Glenda Ackerman, Mary Alice Pollard, Hazel Anderson, Pat Lodge, Pauline Hughes, Dallas and Ruby McGluken, Orval and Lillie Pertzsch, Jessie Cartmill, Katheryn and Wade Pyle, Pamela Butler, Mary Paine and Doug, T. J., Maggie Ann and Gracie Lue Ackerman, all of Carmi; Larry and Pat Andereson, Kent, Crystal, Grant and Afton Anderson and the Rev. Lyman Greer, all of Norris City; Arden Williams of Evansville, IN.; and Jean McLaughlin of Indianapolis, IN.

The afternoon was spent visiting and trying to identify old photographs. It was agreed that everyone would like to see more Kingdom school friends and church members. During roll call, the Henry Pyle family had twenty. representatives. The Ellison Pyle family had one representaive. The Nick Pyle family had zero representatives. The Leonard Pyle family had seven representatives. The Raymond Pyle family had five representatives. The Starlus Pyle family had one representative. the Chester Pyle family had zero representatives. The German Pyle family had one representative and the Virginia Pyle Brockett family had two representatives. The next reunion will take place the first Sunday in June, 2000.

Catlin Family Holds Reunion in Norris City, IL

Descendants of the Chester Catlin, Caroline Wilson and Laura Melton families gathered for the 75th annual Catlin reunion on Sunday, June 25, 2000 at the Norris City Park. Ten grandchildren and families were present, as well as several members of the John Catlin family. It was a beautiful day with lots of good food and visiting.

A letter of congratulations was read from Jesse White, secretary of state, in honor of the Catlin family’s help in continuing the reunion tradition. Fred Buttery was the oldest person present at 87 years of age, and Dwight Catlin had the honor of being the only person present to have attended all of the Catlin reunions. These two men remember Chester Catlin. (Note: Chester married Laura J. (Hendrix) Melton 2nd, on 30 June 1892, White Co., IL.)

Attending were Guthrie and Miriam Catlin and James O. and Minnie Catlin, all of Kentucky; Ken and Pat Stuckey of Florida; June VanGowpere, Albert and Ladona Brown and Otto Brown and Anita, all of Eldorado area; Veda Stewart and Roger, both of Cobden; Fred Buttery of Terre Haute, Ind.; Mary Baker of Maunie; Eva Hayden of Evansville, Ind.;Charlotte Roark of Pana; Danny Williams of Wichita, Kan.; Donna and Dane Chlebowski; Dan and Wanda Smith of Rolling Prairie; Fleeta, Henry and Crystal Guffey of St. Elmo; Phyllis Stockton and Mike and Shannon Stockton and family, all of Alton; Aubrey and Sue Catlin, Brian and Mike Catlin, Troy and Janice Catlin, Dorthy Holtzclaw and Bob and Garnet Phipps, all of Carmi; and Orley and Jean Bryant, Eva McNeil, Karen Young, Beuleh Pool, Pat Williams, Bobby Williams, Danny Williams, John Williams and family and Dwight and Ruth Catlin, all of Norris City. Several attendees did not sign the register..

Hart Family holds 23rd Reunion in Dexter

The descendants and friends of the late Martin A. and Hannah I. Hart met for their 23rd annual family reunion on Sunday, June 18 at the American Legion Hall in Dexter, Missouri.

A short business meeting was held before the noon meal. A one time donation in the amount of $200. was approved for the maintenance of the Old Mount Herman Cemetery in Bedford County, Tenn. This is the cemetery where our third Great Grandfather Henry Hart is buried.

It was decided to change the date of our next Hart reunion to the first Sunday in June starting the year of 2001. (Remember June 3rd 2001)

Kim Hart said the blessing and everyone enjoyed a delicious home-cooked, carry-in dinner at noon. After dinner Dick Hart held our Annual Auction and several got carried away with their bidding and over $200. was raised for our next years reunion.

Those attending were: Larry Hart of Kelso, Wash.; John Tanner of Flora, Ill.; Roy Poe, Corey Hart and Dylan Bader of Bloomfield; Normalene Hart and George Whitaker of Wappapello; Gary and Susan Hart and daughter Casey of Smyrna, Del.; Steve, Joy and children Matt Hart and Jade Green of Tuscumbia, Ala.; Brian L. and Denise A. Hart and son Joshua A., of Puxico; Mark and Jody Hill of St. Louis; Donna Mansfield, Neal and Christine Mansfield of Dudley; Ora Hart, Mitchell and Mary Hart, Butch, Sharon and Dalton Hart of Advance; Dick and Sharon Hart of Essex; Gene and Sue Fulks of Tuba, Ariz.; Doug and Judy Mansfield and children, Russell, David and Lisa Lucy of Pacific; Harold and Dorothy Hart, Brad, Angie (Hart) Maddoxand children, Clay and Colleen, of Bell City; Lucille Bennett, Vera Ross, Jack and Ruth Jennings, Kim and Brenda Hart and children, Kevin, Amanda and Brittney Parks, Stephanie Gee, John, D. J. and Frank Morris, Alan & Alma Hart and daughter Teea McIntyre, M. A. & Eloise of Dexter.

The oldest family member present was Ora Hart who was 82. of Advance. The youngest family member was Colleen Maddox of Bell City. Larry Hart traveled the farthest from Kelso, Wash. The couple married the least length of time was Kim and Brenda Hart of Dexter. The girl with the longest hair was Casey Hart of Smyrna, Del. The couple married the longest time was Neal and Christine (Hart) Mansfield of Dudley. The male with the baldest head was Butch Hart of Advance. The remainder of the day was spent visiting, taking pictures & viewing family history. Next year’s reunion will be held June 3rd, 200l.

I found the obituary on Great Grandma Martha (Emerson) Hart in April of this year, that I have been looking for, for 20 years & thought I would share it with you.

MARTHA EMMERSON HART, of Broughton, widow of Elder Martin Hart, departed to be with Jesus on August 28, 1927, having lived in this life 76 years, 3 months, and 7 days.

She was born in White County, Illinois, on May 21, 1851, and was the daughter of William and Mary Ann (Pyle) Emmerson. (Emmerson name also spelled with one m.) She was married May 20, 1870, (Marriage record says May 12, 1869), and this union was blessed with two sons and four daughters. The daughters, Amby White, (I do not know where the name White comes from, as Amby (Amy) died when she was a small child), Maggie Lou, Mrs. Elsie Melton, (Elsie also married Henry Frank Nelson after Noah Melton died), and Mattie D., all preceded her to the great beyond. Her husband also crossed to the other side eight years ago. The two sons, Henry of Macedonia, Ill., and Allen of Parmo, (Parma) Mo., survive her. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and two sisters, besides many other relatives and friends, who will greatly miss her because of the many good deeds of her life, and her kind disposition and friendly greeting to all. The two surviving sisters are, Mrs. Dica Oldham of Thackerey, and Mrs. Maggie Burris of Carmi.

In early life, she professed faith in Christ, and united with Old Kingdom church near Carmi, and at the time she went to join the church triumphant, she was a member of the Baptist church of Broughton.

Dear mother, tho’ our tears fall fast,
O’er the loss of one so precious,
We still can feel within our hearts
That thou art kind and gracious,
And so still trusting in thy love,
We breathe a thankful prayer,
That tho’ she can’t come back to us,
We can some day go to her.

The funeral was conducted Monday, August 29, at Brouthton, by Elder Fred Hedges of Ewing, a life long friend of the deceased, after which interment took place at Hickory Hill cemetery.

Was Great Great Grandma Cassandra (Jones) Hart a full blooded Indian or part Indian??

Down through the year’s I have been told that great great Grandma Cassandra (Jones) Hart was either full blooded Indian or part Indian. Last year when Eloise & I visited Thomas J. & Shirley Montgomery at Murphysboro, IL & he is a descendant of Samuel (Jones) Hart told us that the story had been passed on to them, that great great Grandma Cassandra was Indian. To this date, (Dec 2000) I have not found any written proof that she was Indian. However, I have studied some of the Physical Characteristics of Native Americans & I would like to pass part of that information on to you and you decide for yourself.

High cheekbones, where glasses set high on the face and get all smeary on the bottom of the lens. Almond shaped almost oriental looking eyes? Lazy eyes in children. Heavy “fat” eyelids where the eyelid appears to have an extra fold. A melanin (pigmentation) in the back of the eye on the retina peculiar to Native Americans.

“Shovel” teeth, the teeth have a ledge on the backside. Run your tongue across them, they feel almost like a shovel shape. Large front teeth with as light or more than slight gap. Lack of the Carrabelli cusp on the maxillary first molars, which is missing in Native Americans.

Large heavy earlobes. Crooked fingers particularly the little finger orpinky. An inverted breastbone. Ofter called a Chicken Breast. The bone actually makes in indentation in the chest.

My Dad, “Joe G. Hart & his brother, Uncle Milas Hart” had an inverted breastbone & I understand that one of our second cousin’s “Keith Roussel’s” breastbone is inverted.

Little toes that lie under the next one. A second toe longer than the big toe. A wider space between the big toe and second one. An extra ridge of bone along the outside of the foot.

Comparing families characteristics to old photographs of recognized Native Americans is all the proof many people need. Some who require more proof can explore the scientific and medical avenues. While those who ultimate goal is tribal recognition, must accumulate pertinent documentation of their direct line (birth, marriage and death records) back to the recognized Native American Ancestor.

If anyone that I send these letter’s to have any written proof that great great Grandma Cassandra (Jones) Hart was Indian or part Indian (Native American), it would be appreciated so much if you will share that information with me???

Daddy’s Dandelions

A four-year-old girl was picking dandelions in front of her house and bringing them in to her parents as a bouquet. Noticing that the dandelions in the yard were about to go to seed, her father had the idea of paying his daughter a penny for every dandelion she picked.

When he came home from work at the end of the day, she handed him a sack of dandelions. but looking at his yard, the father commented to her, “Why, it doesn’t look like you picked any dandelions here.” “I didn’t” the little girl replied. “They were easier to find in our neighbor’s yard” copied.

Just a hundred years ago

In 1900, the average life expectancy is the United States was forty seven.
Only fourteen precent of the homes in the US had a bathtub.
Only eight percent of the homes in the US had a telephone, and a three minute call from Denver to New York cost $11.
There were only eight thousand cars in the US and only 144 miles of paved roads. T he maximum speed limit in most cities was ten miles an hour.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average wage in the US was twenty-two cents an hour, the average US worker made $200. to $400. per year.
More than ninety-five percent of births took place in the home.
More than ninety percent of all US physicians had no college education.
Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country as travelers or as immigrants.
Sugar cost 4 cents a pound; eggs were fourteen cents a dozen; coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women washed their hair only once a month and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Plutonium, insulin and antibiotics hadn’t been discovered yet.
Scotch tape, crossword puzzles, and iced tea hadn’t been invented.
One in ten US adults couldn’t read or write and only six percent had graduated from high school.

Some medical authorities warned that professional seamstresses were apt to become sexually aroused by the steady rhythm, hour after hour, of the sewing machine’s foot pedals. They recommended slipping bromide, which was thought to diminish sexual desire, into the women’s drinking water.

The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska had not been admitted to the Union yet.

(Note: Just something to think about.)


The Greatest and The Best The best day...Today.
The Greatest puzzle... Life.
The best work... Work you like.
The greatest mistake...Giving up.
The most ridiculous asset...Pride.
The greatest need... Common sense.
The most dangerous person...A liar.
The most expensive indulgence...Hate.
The most disagreeable person...The complainer.
The best teacher...One who makes you want to learn.
The greatest deceiver...The one who deceives himself.
The worst bankrupt...The soul who has lost enthusiasm.
The cheapest, easiest and most stupid thing to do... Finding fault.
The greatest comfort...The knowledge that you’ve done your best.
The meanest feeling...Feeling envious of another’s success.
The greatest thing in the world...Love.
The most agreeable campanion...The one who would not have you any different than you are.
The greatest victory...Victory over self. (Author unknown)

Looking Back

The following articles were copied from the Carmi, White County, Illinois Newspapers & I just wanted to share them with you.

Olive Hill News - 17 May 1894

Henry Hart and lady visited at J. R. Hedges’ Sunday last.

Jake Aud “sets the road on fire” with his dashing new rig, to Norris City and back once or twice a week -- some attraction we presume--poor horse.

While assisting Wm. Martin, near Stokes Station rolling logs, F. C. Pettypool of Herald, had his leg broken, knee bruised and the other foot bruised by a log falling on him. He was suffering severely at last accounts, but doing as well as can be expected.

Olive Hills News - 31 May 1894
It was T. C. instead of F. C. Pettypool who had his leg broken.
U. G. Melton, of Herald, says if he had a residence he could get justice.
F. R. Aud and family visited Mr.Auds’ mother Mrs. Martha Aud Sunday last.

Herald, IL - 18 Oct 1894
W. C.,Hedges, C. A. Catlin, A. J. Melton, Squire Nelson and F. C. Pettypool, wife and daughter, attended the Baptist Association at Dahlgreen last week.

Herald, IL - 27 Feb 1902

Mr. and Mrs. Sharpy Hart intend going to St. Louis in the near future. Note: Sharpy was Grandpa Martin Allen Hart

It is reported that D. K. Hedges has sold his house, barber shop and grocery department to Oscar Jones.

Miss Vianna Pettypool returned to her home in Ridgway last week after a visit of about two months among friends and relatives at this place.

Herald, IL - 20 Mar 1902

C. A. Catlin and wife and Sharpy Hart and wife visited relatives at Cottonwood Wednesday and Thursday. Note: C. A. Catlin & his wife Juliana (Hendrix) (Melton) Catlin was Grandma Hart’s stepfather & mother.

Thomas Hendrix has purchased the farm from E. A. Marlin known as the Samuel Marlin Place. The consideration was $3,,160. Note:Thomas Hendrix was a brother to Great Grandma Juliana (Hendrix) (Melton) Catlin

Patsy & Jim Lucas Visits Here
Our cousin Patsy (Aslin) Lucas and her husband Jim Lucas from Washington, were here in Dexter the first part of June visiting relatives. They had been to her daughter Janet Self’s home in Jasper, Texas before coming here. Enjoyed visiting with you twoagain and surewish you allcould have stayed for our Hart Reunion that was held on June 18th. Patsy is the daughter of our late Aunt Clara (Hart) Aslin & Uncle Ray Aslin.

Gene Morris of Winchester, TN
Received a letter from our distant cousin Gene Morris of Winchester, TN in November. He began the letter with “Dear Hearts and Gentle People” sung by Dinah Shore who was born in a house now across from the local Library in Winchester, TN. Gene traveled to Greece in May and Israel in June & 3 days in Branson for 3 days for the Burrow reunion. Then to Oregon in August to the “Pope-Morris Reunion” at Bend. Lee Morris age 100 flew up from Calif to attend. Then he spent several days on the West Coast before returning to Tennessee. Gene Morris is a descendent of the Samuel M. & Mary (Saint) Morris family who are related to the Coats family of Texas Co., MO & the Coats family is related to our Harts.

Sharon Jean Emerson Orbeck, Pasco, WA
Received a nice note and family information from Sharon Jean (Emerson) Orbeck of Pasco, WA in March & glad to hear from her. If I keep hearing from the Emerson’s in Washington, I will have their family information completed in the near future. Sharon is a grand daughter of Allen & Clara (Gollihur) Emerson & they left White Co., IL in the earley 1880’s & went to the state of Washington. (I searched for this family for 15 years before locating some of them.)

Brooke Bader Little Miss Bloomfield
Little Miss Bloomfield for 2000 was Brooke Elizabeth Bader, six year-old daughter of Shelly (Hart) and Tom Bader. First attendant was Robyn Michelle Chism, six year-old daughter of Rob and Michelle Chism and second attendant was Harley Dawn Durall, four year-old daughter of Drucella Durall.. The grandparents of Brooke are Alan Hart of Dexter, MO & Judy Abbott of Poplar Bluff, MO & the Great grandparents are M. A. & Eloise Hart of Dexter, MO & the great great grand mothers are Anna (Bruce) (Hart) Mann & Lillian (Lewis) Myrick of Dexter, MO. Congraulation’s Brooke & we wish you the best in the future.

Elsie A. Hart
In the 1992 Hart Newsletter was included some family information on Great Aunt Elsie A. Hart hoping that more could be found on her family. I have been able to add a little to that since then & hopefully someone in White, Franklin & Hamilton Counties will be able to help some?

Elsie A. Hart was born to Martin M. & Martha (Emerson) Hart 19 May 1883 in Illinois. Elsie first married Noah Conway Melton, 12 November 1899, White Co., IL Noah was born 3 September 1883 in White Co., IL & Noah died during the first year that he & Aunt Elsie were married & she was expecting her first child at that time. Noah C. Melton is buried at the Herald Cemetery, White Co., IL & does not have a grave marker. Their daughter, Martha (Mattie) Melton was born 7 January 1901, White Co., Il & she married Sherman Elder who was a barber in Eldorado, IL in the late 1920’s & early 1930’s & he died about 1933 & is buried at the Hickory Hill Cemetery, Broughton, Hamilton Co., IL. I don’t believe that Martha (Mattie) Melton ever remarried. After Noah C. Melton died Great Aunt Elsie A. (Hart) Melton married 2nd Henry Frank Nelson, 25 July 1903, White Co., IL & he was born 26 Jan 1875, White Co., IL to Charles “SQUIRE” & Margaret Pamela (Pool) Nelson. Aunt Elsie died either in Oct. or Nov. 1910 at the home of her parent’s in Broughton, Hamilton Co., IL & both she & Frank are buried at the Hickory Hill Cemetery, Broughton, IL.

Elsie & Frank Nelson had three daughters:

Florence (Florice) I. Nelson, born about 1905. Florence may have married a man by the name of “Deese” as it shows that she furnished the information on her fathers Certificate of Death, 11 Apr 1927. ]

Margaret (Maggie) Nelson, born about 1908. Margaret married Randall Hick, 31 May 1924 in Logan, Franklin Co., IL. Randall parents were: Dock & Martha (Perryman) Hicks of Franklin Co., IL. Margaret & Randall Hicks moved to South Bend, IN in the 1930’s as he is listed in the City Directory (1937) as working as a range builder, Malleable Steel Range Mfg Co., South Bend, IN & resided at Route #6. They may have had three children, Betty, Billy (William) & Glenn Hicks.

Lena M. Nelson, born about 1909. No other information.

If anyone has any additional information on Great Aunt Elsie & her family, please let me hear from you.

He will never play a Fiddle because his ear’s are too little
Our youngest son “Kim” was born in Nov. 1956 & was in the hospital for eight or nine days after he was born. When we did get to bring him home, Grandpa Martin Allen Hart came to see him. He came into the bedroom where Kim was at & Grand- pa Hart took one look at him & said “He will never play a Fiddle because his ear’s are too little.”

Aunt Geneva Hart health has improved
Cousin Christine (Hart) Mansfield called on Dec. 2nd & told me that she had talked to Aunt Geneva Hart in Arizona and that she is still going to the Mayo Clenic at Scottsdale, AZ for her examinations & treatments. Her last visit there a few days beforeChristine talked to her, the Doctor told her that her Cancer is almost gone and that the lung problem is much better. We are so thankful to the good Lord for the good report.

Update on Mom & Eloise’s Mother & Aunt Ora
They are both in Health Care Centers as they were last year at this time. Mom has fell at least nine times during the last few weeks & after a few falls I finally convinced her that she needed to use a walker for her own safety. She started using it but still falls some. So far, only two bruised toes & a knot on her head. Eloise Mother has been having several problems & was in bed for about a week with her back, but now has started to set up some & feels a little better. Aunt Ora Hart has improved some since last year at this time.

Henry Hart of Edgefield Co., SC & Bedrord Co., TN
Thought I would include the following in this years letter so that you may be able to figure out where you belong in the Hart Family. (Henry was my 3rd Great Grandfather.)

Henry HART. Born on 25 Dec 1783 in Edgefield Co, SC. Buried in Old Mt. Herman Cem, Bedford Co, TN. In 1805 when Henry was 21, he married Nancy RAINEY, daughter of John RAINEY. Born on 11 Nov 1784. They had the following children:

1 James Williamson Hart (1805-1883) James Williamson Hart, mar. 1st Sally Gott 26 Jan 1830, mar. 2nd Jane (Gott) Britton 18 Nov 1835 & mar. Hulda (Campbell) McGhee 13 Jul 1875, all in White Co., IL

2 . John Henry Hart (1807-1879) John Henry Hart, mar. 1st, Mary Ann ________, & she was born 27 Jan 1809, mar. 2nd Cassandra Jones about 1838 in TN. (John Henry Hart is my 2nd Great Grandfather.)

3 Rachel.Hart Born in (1809-_____) Rachel Hart, mar. Lewis Farris 6 Oct 1829, Pope Co., IL.

4 Leatha Hart (1811-1869) Letethe (Leatha) Hart, mar. William Martin in TN.

5 . Elizabeth Hart (1812-) Elizabeth Hart, mar. James Coats about 1827.

6 . Malinda. Hart Born in 1813 & probably died young?

7 Nancy Hart(1814-1890) Nancy Hart, mar. George Washington Gossage in 1832.

8 Nathan T. Hart (1816-1890) Nathan Hart, mar. 1st ________________ & mar 2nd Martha M. Rice 12 Aug 1841, White Co., IL

9 Darrel J. Hart (1818-1876) Darrel J. Hart, mar. Rachel Morris about 1838.

10. Catherine Hart (1820-) Catherine Hart, mar. James Shook about 1847.

11. Jessie Jernigan Hart (1821-ca1892) Jesse Jernigan Hart, mar. 1st Lucinda Frier (?) & mar. 2nd Catherine Hill. (Jessie had a daughter , Malinda who married John Henry Kisner 4 Mar 1875 in White Co., IL)

12 Agnes R. Hart (1824-1846) Agnes R. Hart, mar. William Jasper Morris.

13 Martin Marshell Leroy Hampton Hart (1826-1864) Martin Marhall Leroy Hampton Hart, mar. Mary Morris.

14 William J. Hart Born in 1829 in TN. William H. Hart, mar. 1st Sarah Pool, 15 Jan 1850 in White Co., IL & mar. 2nd Jamima _________.

If you find where I have made error’s on these family members, please send me the right info. & I will correct my records. Thanks.

After the mild winter we had last year, most of us here think we will have some really cold weather this winter & possibly a couple big snows. So far we have had three cold spells, below 20 degrees & a few snow flurries on two occasions. Sure can’t take the cold & hot weather like I use too. ( I don’t think age has any thing to do with it either.)

I am on the Internet
Well the Internet finally caught up with me & I broke down and now have an E-Mail Address, which is - [email protected] When there are babies born, weddings other special events, in the family, please send them to me by E-Mail. For those of you that are not on the Internet, you can still mail those events to me or call, which ever is convenient for you. I can always use more infomation for the Christmas Letter.

REMEMBER THE HART FAMILY REUNION 3 JUNE, 2000 - 10:00 a.m. AMERICAN LEGION DEXTER, MISSOURI

M. A. & Eloise Hart 716 N. Catalpa Street Dexter, MO 63841-1104

Christmas Card & Letters Christmas Cards & Letters are already showing up at our house this year & I would like to share a little from two of our new found cousins, Thomas J. & Shirley Montgomery of Murphysboro, IL. “When you celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you will remember that Jesus gave His life, so that we could have the best, eternal life. He lives today. He is always with us no matter what we have to go through in troubles of all kinds.”

Well folks, here it is the 9th of December & this year has really went by in a hurry & I was beginning to think for a while that I wasn’t going to have enough time to put this letter together. Looks like I did & I hope you all enjoy just a little bit of the letter. Let us hear from you. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful, joyous and prosperous New Year.

Love & Best Wishes, M. A. & Eloise Hart


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