Hart Family Christmas Newsletters
HART FAMILY NEWSLETTER
2 0 0 3
Hi & Merry Christmas to everyone from the folks here in the Bootheel of Missouri & other places around the Country.

Winter 2002-2003 - “B-U-R-R-R-R-R.& COLD”

We had more cold weather & more snow in South- east Missouri this past winter than we have had in several years. Feb 23, at 8: p.m. Snow, Lightening & Thunder. Don’t remember this happening since the winter of 1979 when we had 15 inches of snow.

Joseph Andrew Burns, graduated from Haileyville High School in Haileyville, OK on May 19, 2003.

Haileyville High School has named two co-vale- dictorians and one salutatorian for the graduating senior class of 2003

Co-valedictorians are Joseph Andrew Burns and Samantha Jo Morley, Salutatorian is Eric O”Kelley

Graduation exercises are scheduled to take place May 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Burns is the son of Jason and Sharon (Hart) Burns & brother to Jamie Burns of Ti Valley, and the grand son of Jim & Pat Burns, also of Ti Valey, and the late James Vick Hart & Norma Jean Hart. Burns has attended Haileyville School for 13 years. He has been active in FCA for four years, which he served as president for the last two years. He is also president of BPA and vice president of TSA.

The honor student has been active in basketball for four years, was co-captain of the team this year, and was basketball homecoming captain. He is a member of the academic team and the Pittsburg County, OK. 8 All-Star. He is also a member of the speech team and an aide for the preschool.

Burns has been named to Who’s Who among American High School students, is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar, a member of the Nation and Indian honor societies and the United States Achievement Academy, and is a Boy’s State delegate.

His Academic team honors include being among the Pittsburg County 8 Conference Tourmanent Champions and regional tournament champions, and taking first place in Individual Foreign Extemporaneous at the Wilbourton Speech Tournament. Also, he won first in Humorous Duet Extemporaneous at the Latta Speech Tournament, second place as an individual in Foreign Extemporaneous at the regional speech tournament, and third place in Humorous Duet at the regional tournament. He qualified for state in both Foreign Extemporaneous and Humorous Duet.

Burns has been accepted in the University of Oklahoma honors program where he will be majoring in aerospace engineering. Congraulations to Andrew & we wish you the best in the future.

Jacquelyn (Jacqui) Oaster graduated from the Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs CO, May 30, 2003 on the Air Force Academy grounds. Congraulations Jacqui & we wish you the best in the future. Jacqui is the dauther of Bradley & Kimberly Lynn (Perry) Oaster, the granddaughter of Richard & Nancy (Hart) Oaster & the great-granddaughter of Mamie (Grissom) Hart. & the late Milas Hart. Could Jacqui be the first of the Hart descendants to graduate from the High School at the Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs???

Remember those in the U. S. Military

S/SGT Travis Swallows
355 Pecos Road
Tula Rosa, NM 88352
Travis wife Diana is also a S/Sgt in the US. Air Force & was in Saudi Arabia & Kuwait from July to September 2003 when she returned to her home base in NM. Travis is the son of Donna Mansfield & grandson of Neal & Christine (Hart) Mansfield, Dudley, MO. They have a daughter Ellaina.

PFC Robert A. Roussel
HHC, 1-36th IN, lST BDE, lAD
Medic PLT Unit #93030
APO AE 09324
Robert is the son of Bobby & Pattie Roussel of Gilbert, AZ & grandson of Marie (Hart) Roussel, Chandler, AZ.

Lucille (Hart) Bennett of Cape Girardeau, underwent Cancer Surgery on February 24, 2003 at the Southeast Hospital, Cape Girardeau, MO. Lucy was able to attend our Hart Reunion in June & we enjoyed her visit so much. She has made her Doctor visits & special exams & tests since then & has done well considering the Surgery. We keep her in our prayers, & ask that you do the same. Note: (Lucy was born July 4th, 1927 before I was born in March 22, 1928 & when I have my birthday, she always reminds me that I am just as old as she is. We have had a lot of fun out of this down through the years).

Dexter, MO, April 25, 2003
Kim Hart Adopt’s Kevin & Amanda
Our son Kim (he never did like that name) has cared for foster children in his home for the last eight years. Three of those children, Kevin Parks, age 5, Brittney Parks, age 4 & Amanda Parks, age 2 came into his home in March 1996. On April 25th, 2003 Kim adopted Kevin, now age 13 & Amanda, now age 10. Kevin & Amanda’s sister, Brittney is currently in another foster home in Kennett, MO. Kim is married to Brenda (Gee) Hart & she has two daughter’s of her own, Amanda & Stephanie. At the present time they have four other foster children in their home. Can’t imagine what their grocery bill is each week. Congraulations Kim, your mother & I want to wish the best for you all in the future.

Dexter, MO. July 16, 2003
Eloise Hart had Rotor Cuff Surgery at the St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She had been having trouble with it for several weeks before & when test were run, it was found that she had some damage in the Rotor Cuff area. After the Surgery she started Physical Thearpy on July 28th. Took her back to the Doctor on Aug 13th, as we thought she may have some infection in the incision. Dr. says no, but wanted to see her on Aug 20th. The Doctor released her then & she is still taking Therapy at home & seems to be doing good with that.

Concord, NH, Aug. 28, 2002
In my Christmas Letter in 1983, I wrote that Uncle Milas Hart, of Chowchilla, CA. died on Oct 18th of that year. Also in that letter I wrote that his Grand- son John W. Hart was critically injured in an automobile accident on the way to the funeral & his mother was killed. After the accident John lived in NH with his grandparents. Received word from John’s Aunt Nancy (Hart) Perry in Jan. of this year that John died on Aug. 28, 2002 in a hospital in NH. He is buried at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, NH. We know that this has been very hard on both sides of the family & that he is sorely missed by all.

Decatur, IL., Nov 28, 2002
Joan (Hart) Jones, 64, of Decatur died 8:13 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 27, 2002) in Lincoln Manor Nursing Home. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday in Calvary Baptist Church. There will be no visitation. Private family burial will be at a later date in Macon County Memorial Park. Grace/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: American Cancer Society.
Joan was born Jan. 2, 1938 in Akin, the daughter of Clarence and Audrey Whitestone Hart. She was an A. W. Cash Co. secretary for 25 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and enjoyed bowling and golf.
Surviving are her sons, Steve Jones and Rodney Jones and wife Linda, all of Decatur; daughter; Carol Eyestone and husband Brian of St. Louis; brothers, James Hart and wife Marty of California; Ralph Hart and wife Carolyn of Princeton; Ernie Hart and wife June of Fla.; Gary Hart and wife Norma of Decatur; Bobby Hart and wife Chris of California; sisters, June England and husband Jerry and Mary Underwood and husband Bob, all of Decatur; Kay Hinton of Florida; Linda Cole and husband Danny of Normal; mother Audrey Hart of Decatur; seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Clarence Hart and sister, Norma Jean.

Decatur, IL., Dec 23, 2002
Audrey Lucille Hart, 89, of Decatur died Sunday Dec. 22, 2002 in Lincoln Manor Nursing Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday in J. J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown. Memorials: Calvery Southern Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hart was born Jan. 12, 1913, in Akin, the daughter of Oscar and Monnie Summers Whetstone. She was a member of Calvary Southern Baptist Church. She married Clarence Ezra Hart on Aug. 18, 1933, in Akin. He preceded her in death Oct. 13, 1979.

Surviving are her sons, James (Marty) Hart of California; Ralph(Carolyn) Hart of Princeton; Ernest (June) Hart of Florida; Gary (Norma) Hart of Decatur, Bobby (Christine) Hart of California; daughters, June (Jerry) English and Mary (Bob) Underwood, both of Decatur; Linda (Daniel) Cole of Normal; Carol Hinton of Florida; brothers, Ronald (Hazel) Whetstone of Peoria; Kenneth (Wilma) Whetstone of Peoria; sisters, Wilma (Kenneth) Shafer of Minnesota; Imogene (Bob) Secretan of Peoria; Helen Bertram of California; 26 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters, Norma Hart and Joan Jones; brothers, Virgil Whetstone and James Whetstone; and sisters Mildred Knight; Sybil Brandhorst and Ruth Payne.

Norris City, IL., Jan. 16, 2003
Mayme Harvey, 90, Norris City, died at 12.45 p. m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 at White County Medical Center Skilled Care Unit.

Mrs. Harvey was born July 16, 1912, in Heralds Prairie Township, the daughter of Richard and Renda Mae (Catlin) Williams. She married Charles Benard Harvey Dec. 20. 1930, and he preceded her in death Oct. 15, 1978. She was a homemaker and member of Tennessee Bend Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Murphey, and Patsy and John Atkins, all of Norris City; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Shirley Harvey of Effingham, and Clinton and Vickie Harvey of Mt. Vernon, IL.; a daughter-in-law, Delpha Harvey of Norris City; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Aline Poshard of Vienna, Letha Porter of Norris City, Fleeta Guffey of St. Elmo and Opal Porter of Fayetteville, N.C.’ and two brothers, Bob Williams of Norris City and Richard Williams of New Haven.

She was preceded in death by a son, Clyde Harvey; two sisters, Bernice Hale and Dorothy Williams; three brothers, Shirley E. “S.E.” Williams, Everett Williams and Wilburn Williams; one grandson, one great-granddaughter and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 10: a.m. Saturday at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, the Rev. Dennis Reed officiating. Burial will be at Herald Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Shawneetown, IL., Jan. 17, 2003
Lois (Melton) Whipple Riley, 72 of Cookeville, Tenn. formerly of Shawneetown died Jan 17, 2003 at the Cookeville Regional Hospital.

Surviving are her husband Jack Riley, two daughters, Ginger Contlin & Debbie Zenke, and four brothers’ Curt, Leon, Gary Dean & Doyle Melton. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Vickerys Funeral Chapel in Ridgway, with burial in Palintine 2 Cemetery in Omaha.

Advance, MO., Feb 26, 2003
Rev. Marcus J. Ladd, 88, of Advance, was born April 16, 1914, at Zalma, the son of the late James Nathan and Nellie Umfleet Ladd and passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center.

Marcus raised livestock and was a successful farmer. He had been a General Baptist minister in the local area for 39 years. He was a member of the Ladd Chapel General Baptist Church near Zalma.

Marcus and Mildred Hendrix were united in marriage on Aug 13, 1931, at Brownwood, and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughter, Rachel Choate of Advance and Ruthann Blanton and her husband, Carol of Scott City; two grandaughters, Kim Brown of Cape Girardeau and Shawna Read and her husband, Vance of Cape Girardeau; and two sisters, Goldie Pickett of Advance and Lillian Schaffert of Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Loren Ladd; a daughter, Shirley Ladd; four brothers; and four sisters.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb 22, 2003, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance with Rev. Ray Placher officiating and assisted by Rev. Norman Elledge. Interment followed at Balch Cemetery near Zalma. (Note: If you will note in last years Christmas Letter, Marcus & Mildred celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 13th, 2002)

Columbus, Ohio, April 14, 2003
Verbal Melton, 92, Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Carmi, IL died Sunday morning, April 13, 2003 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus.

Mrs. Melton was born March 8, 1911, west of Herald, the daughter of Arnold and Mercy (Bennett) Aud. She married William Nobert Melton Jan 17, 1932 in Norris City, IL and he preceded her in death Oct 21, 1997. She was raised in the Herald Community and graduated from Herald School. She lived in Gary, Ind. and Chicago, IL, working various jobs before returning to White County to get married. Mrs Melton worked as a seamstress at Ainsbrooke garmet factory in Carmi. Following her husband’s death, she moved to Columbus, Ohio. She was involved with First Baptist Church in Carmi and Tennessee Bend Baptist Church in Herald.

Surviving are a daughter, Janice Knotter of Columbus, Ohio; two granddaughters and their husbands, Mark and Martha Loudenslagel of Columbus, and Mick and Julie Coon of Dallas, Texas; a grandson and his wife, Dan and Linda Knotter of Naperville; five great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Virginia Aud of Carmi.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six brother, Ernie, Everett, John, Herschel, Lowell and Emil; and a sister, Lena Medlin. The body will be cremated, and graveside services will be held at a later date at Herald Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Carmi.

Bell City, MO., May 21, 2003
Thomas Harris Rendleman, Sr. 92, of Bell City, MO, was born March 22, 1911, at Ulin, Ill., the son of the late Gabriel and Georgia Goodman Rendleman and died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at his home.

Mr. Rendleman was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Bell City United Methodist Church for over 68 years; he was a charter member of the Bell City Rotary Club. In 1931 he graduated from Bell City High School. On July 27, 1935, he and Nona Bollinger were united in marriage at Kennett, and she survives of the home.

Other survivores include a son, Thomas H. Rendleman, Jr., of Bell City; two daughters, Suzanne Boswell of Scott City and Mary Hart of Advance; three sisters, Marcia Kinder and Joann Johnson, both of Painton, and Virginia Jenkins of Advance; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Visitation was held from 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2003, at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance. The funeral service was conducted at 2: p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at Bell City United Methodist Church with Rev. Linda Zych officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Advance.

Evansville, IND., June 19, 2003
Hilda Pauline (Catlin) Snider, 85, Evansville, Ind., died Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at Deaconess Hospital in that city. She was born May 17, 1918 at Herald, IL,. the daughter of Judd D. and Vallie (Nelson) Catlin. Mrs. Snider worked for 23 years as an inspectorfor Shane’s Uniform Co., which later became Carhartt Midwest Inc. She retired in 1980. She was a member of Tennessee Bend Baptist Church in Herald, which was built by her father, grandfather and uncle. She enjoyed sewing and quilting. Her greatest joy was babysitting for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are three sons, Don Snider and his wife, Diane of Evansville, Carlos Snider and his wife, Debbie, of Brownsburg, Ind., and Lonnie Snider, with whom she lived, of Evansville; a sister, Vonda Downen, Phonix, Ariz., two brothers, Kenneth Catlin of West Virginia and James O. Catlin of Sebree, Ky.; four grandchildren, Donnie Ray Snider, Lesa and Randy Neisen, and Kensey Snider; two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Nicole Neisen; and a friend of the family, Frannie Harp of Evansville.

Her husband Roy R. Snider, preceded her in death in 1974. Funeral services will be held at 11: a.m. Friday, June 20, 2003 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville. Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 19) at Browning Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

NEW ARRIVALS

Triplets, Corbin William Hart, Keaton Andrew Hart & Chloe Noelle Hart arrived on Jan 8, 2003 in Bloomington, IL. to Todd and Jill Hart. Corbin weight was 4 lbs., 8 oz., Keaton 4 lbs., 8 oz. & Chloe was 3 lbs., 12 oz. Congraulations to the parents Todd & Jill Hart, the grandparents Gary Allen & Norma Jean Hart of Decatur, IL

Matt Underwood sent the information about the triplets & stated that he was not sure how many times triplets have been born into the Hart family, but this is the first set that he is aware of in any time recently. Grandpa & Grandma Martin Allen & Hannah I. (Melton) Hart’s first children were twins & were stillborn, my brother Jerry & his wife Doris (Beal) Hart’s daughter Pam & Chuck Duncan, have twin boys & cousin Harold & May (Massey) Hart had two sets of twins. Does anyone know of others?

Allen Cole Pena arrived on Feb 21 2000 in Gilbert, AZ, weighed 8 lbs. 7 ozs. to Allen & Brooke (Roussel) Pena. Congraulations to Allen & Brooke, the grandparents, Bobby & Patti Roussel & the great grandmother Marie (Hart) Roussel.

Wesley Scott Pena arrived on Jan 17 2002 in Gilbert, AR, weighed 9 lbs. 11 ozs. to Allen & Brooke (Roussel) Pena. Congraulations to Allen & Brooke, the grandparents, Bobby & Patti Roussel ^ the great grandmother Marie (Hart) Roussel.

Note: Received a note from 2nd cousin Bobby Roussel last year & he said that he enjoyed the Holliday’s with his grandchildren & that was the first that I knew he had grandchildren. These two births should have been in my 2000 & 2002 Christmas Newsletter. Sorry Bobby & Patti. Keep me informed in the future???

Helen (Ellie) Kimberly Oaster arrived on Aug 28 2003 in Colorado Springs, CO, weighed 6 lbs. to Jeremy & Megan Oaster. Congraulations to Jeremy & Megan, the grandparents Bradley (Jerry) & Kimberly Lynn (Perry) Oaster, the great grand parents, Richard & Nancy (Hart) Perry & the great great grandmother Mamie (Grissom) Hart. NOTE: Nancy is the daughter of our late Uncle Milas Hart.

Micah Darion Hawkins arrived on Nov 11, 2000 in Jasper,.TX to David Y. & Melissa Y. Hawkins. Congraulations to David & Melissa, the grandmother Janet Wilkinson & the great grandparents Jim & Patsy (Aslin) Lucas. This is another birth that I failed to get in my 2000 Newsletter. Sorry folks.

Quintin Andrew Hawkins arrived Jan 27 2003 in Beaumont, TX to Albert and Missy Hawkins. Congraulations to Albert & Missy, the grandmother Janet Wilkinson & the great Grandparents Jim & Patsy (Aslin) Lucas

Madelyn Page Smith arrived May 16, 2003 to David Y. & Jennifer L. Hawkins. Congraulations to David & Jennifer, the grandmother Janet Wilkinson & the great grandparents Jim & Patsy (Aslin) Lucas. NOTE: Patsy is the daughter of our late Aunt Clara Hart.

Words To Live By

Be careful of the words you say. Make them soft and sweet. You never know from day to day which ones you will have to eat.

Leroy and Joan Dees of Valier, IL
Visits Hart Reunion in Dexter, MO.

If you remember or you can look back on last years Christmas Letter on pages 4, 5 & 6 you can see where I had located some of Great Aunt Elsie A. Hart’s desendants. As many of you know Great Aunt Elsie died in 1910 & left her second husband Henry Frank Nelson with three small daughters & one step daughter & they were: his step daughter, Martha (Mattie) Melton, born Jan 7, 1901 by Elsie’s first husband, Noah C. Melton, who died before Martha was born, daughters, Florice I, Nelson, born Jun 9, 1904, Margaret (Maggie) Nelson, born 1906 & Lena Murel Nelson, born Feb 2, 1908.

Florice I. Nelson married Bearon Dees & had three children, Donald Dees, born 1922 & died 1942, Leroy Dees born 1925 & Janice Dees born 1932.

I failed to mention last year that Leroy Dees & I had made contact with each other & that Leroy had shared some family information. We, at the Hart Reunion had the privilige & pleasure to meet & enjoy a visit from Leroy & Joan Dees of Valier, IL. Leroy is a grandson of our Great Aunt. Aunt Elsie (Hart) (Melton) Nelson. We want to invite you back in June 2004 to our next Hart Reunion.

Twenty Sixth Annual Hart Reunion

On Sunday, June 1, 2003 the descendants of Martin A. Hart and Hannah I. (Melton) Hart held their 26th annual Hart reunion at the American Legion Building in Dexter.

Richard (Dick) Hart, master of ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the reunion and Mary Hart gave the treasurer’s report.

The blessing was given by Jerry Hart before a potluck dinner and visiting was enjoyed by 63 relatives and friends.

After the noon meal the White Elephant auction was held by Dick Hart our Auctioneer.

Attending the reunion for the first time was Leroy & Joan Dees of Valier, IL., Leroy is a grandson of Martin A. Hart’s sister, Elsie (Hart) (Melton) Nelson who lived in White County, IL in the late 1800’s & early 1900’s. Others attending the reunion were: Gene & Sue (Hart) Fulks, Tubac, AZ., Geneva (Hankins) Hart David Patterson, Kay Hart & Jean Hart of Portland, OR., Ora (Perrigan) Hart, Mitchell & Mary Hart, Amos (Butch) & Sharon Hart, Advance, Mo., Ray & Tammie Goodson, grandson Taylor Goodson & son Ray Thomas Goodson, Jackson, MO., Alan & Della Hart, Advance, MO., Lucille (Hart) Bennett, Cape Girardeau, MO., Vera (Hart) Ross, Dexter, MO., Neal & Christine (Hart) Mansfield & Donna Mansfield, Dudley, MO., Jeff, Jammie Swallows & Jeffry, Dexter, MO., Kim & Brenda Hart & children Stephanie Gee, Amanda Hart, Kevin Hart, Amber Coupson & Savanah Lovette, Dexter, MO., Gary Hart, Bloomingdale, GA., Shelley (Hart) Bader, son Dylan & daughter Brooke, Bloomfield, MO., Dalton Hart & Kaylea Hart, Dexter., MO., Jerry & Doris Hart, Perry & Mary Hart, Russellville, AR., Angie (Hart) Maddox, son Clay & daughter Colleen Maddox, Bell City, MO., Julie DeLay & son Presley DeLay, Advance, MO., Doug & Judy Mansfield, sons Russ & Dave Mansfield & Stephanie White of Pacific, MO., Lisa (Mansfield) Lucy , New Madrid, MO., Bernard & Eunice Pixley, Vera & Wilma Jean Staggs, Virginia Young, Floyd & Phyllis Edwards, M. A. & Eloise Hart, Dexter, MO.

Our next Hart Reunion will be held June 6, 2004, at the American Legion Building in Dexter.

CATLIN REUNION in NORRIS CITY

Approximately sixty-five people attended the Catlin Reunion, held at the Norris City, Illinois Park, Sunday June 22, 2003. It was an enjoyable day and the weather was great.

Attending from St. Elmo, IL were Fleeta, Henry & Crystal Guffey, from Florida were Ken & Pat Stuckey, from Georgia were July Gallagher & children, from Kentucky, Guthrie & Mariam Catlin, James O. & Thomas Catlin, from Missouri were Phil, Carol & Adam Klein, from Indiana were Fred Buttery, Mable Fouts, from Arizona were Herschel & Margaret Catlin, from Pana, IL was Charlotte Roark, from Eldorado, IL were June Vangampher, from Broughton, IL were Otto & Anita Brown, from Cobden, IL Veda Stewart, Roger Stewart, Jerry & Bonnie Holman & Kathie Jensen, from Maunie were Mary Baker & Ernest Johnson, from Carmi were Aubrey, Sue, Mike & Brian Catlin, Leon & Margaret Hale, Pate O’Neil, from Norris City were Bob & Melba Williams, John & Carol Williams & family, Dwight & Ruth Catlin, Dorothy Murphy, Patsy Adkins, Muriel Pool, Glenda Maynord & Karen, Orley & Jean Bryant, Ezra & Marjorie Millspaugh.

Thanks Fleeta for sending the information on the Catlin reunion again this year. If my memory is correct, this was your 78th Annual Catlin reunion. Folks, isn’t that great. I probably mentioned in one of my past Christmas Newletters that Grandma Hannah I. (Melton) Hart’s step father was Chester Catlin & there were half brothers & sisters & step brothers & sisters, 23 all together

Children of Velt Hart Get Together

All of Uncle Velt Hart’s children, (Lucille, Vera, Ruth, Ezra, Wanda, Helen & Bill), got together this summer to share a week of fun & sun at the lake home of Leslie McClintick and Carol Sink at Lake Anna, Virginia, just out of Washington, D. C. Leslie, Carol & daughter Casey were hostess to their Aunts & Uncles from Missouri as well as her mom & dad, Helen & Bill McClintick from Williamsburg, Virginia Leslie’s brother Kevin & his wife Shelly & daughter Kelsey from Dallas, Texas, her sister, Cindy Homewood and children, Erin & Ian from Williamsburg, Virginia. Her niece Brooke and Jason Svadeba & son Eric from Raliegh, North Carolina, all attended the week of family fun on the lake.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Clyde (Rusty) & Sandra Lee (Shaw) Melton of Norris City, IL, celebrated their Fiftieth Anniversary on October 18, 2002. I am a little late on this one, since I didn’t know about it until Christmas last year, but we still want to congraulate them.

Eloise & I celebrated our Fifty Fifth Anniversary on August 27th, 2003

MARRIAGES

BRIAN OASTER AND BRIE BUERKLE were married Dec 21st, 2002 at a small Chapel in Colordao Springs, CO. Brian is the son of Bradley (Jerry) & Kimberly Lynn (Perry) Oaster & the grandson of Richard & Nancy (Hart) Perry & the great grandson of Mamie (Grissom) Hart. Congraulations to Brian and Brie and we wish you the best of luck in the future.

MISTY PAIGE HALE AND JOHN WILLIAM “JACK” LINDSEY were married September 27, 2003 at five o’clock in the evening at The Potter’s House Worship Center, Smithland, KY. Misty is the daughter of Louis & Janet (Hart) Hale and the granddaughter of Earlene Hart & the late Henry Hart. Jack is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Bob Lindsey. Congraulations to Misty and Jack and the best of luck in the future.

Kody Gilbow, graduated from University of Missouri in May 2003 with a degree in Finance.. He left Dexter on the 4th of July to go to Los Angeles, CA, where he is employed by a Mortgage Company Congraulations Kody & we wish the best for you in the future. Kody is the son of Kerry & Carol Gilbow & the Grandson of Vera (Hart) (Gilbow) Ross of Dexter..

Tammy Ferguson, & daughter Gracie came to visit her family, Dick & Sharon Hart of Essex, MO & Grandma Ora Hart of Advance for 10 days in Oct. Tammy lives in San Diego, CA & it was good to see you again.

Kirk & Judy Gilbow, of Aurora, CO came home to Dexter for a visit with his Mother Vera (Hart) Gilbow & his brother Kerry’s family the first week of November. Kirk has been diagnosed with Pherifreal Neurophy & is taking Steroid Treatment which is helping him walk again.. We hope that you recover soon & can get back to your old normal self.

Another New Arrival
Josh Thomas Svadeba arrived Nov 1, 2003 in Raliegh, N.C. to Jason & Brooke (Homewood) Svadeba. Congraulations to Jason & Brooke, the grandparents George & Cynthia (McClintick) Homewood & the great grandparents Bill & Helen (Hart) McClintick of Williamsburg, VA. Carmi, Illinois - Nov 24th, 2003

Funeral services for Ina Rae (Hankins) (Parks) Marx, Carmi, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi, with Mike Buckman officiating.

Recorded music played included “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and “On The Wings Of A Dove.”

Casketbearers were Darrell Hankins, Steven Wolfe, Paul Renzaglia, Rick Allen, Michael Dawes and Johnny Voss. Burial was at Union Ridge Cemetery near New Haven.
Note: Ina was born to Claude & Vera Mae (Melton) Hankins, May 3, 1919 in White Co., IL. She first married Basil S. Parks, Oct 10, 1936 & they had one daughter Norma Joyce. Basil preceded her in death May 1, 1982 & she married 2nd, Raymond Marks. Ina’s mother Vera Melton was a sister to our Grandma Hannah I. (Melton) Hart.

Since The Computer (Web Sites) seems to the going thing, these days, I receive a lot of family information & will pass some of it to you, as space permits. The following Reunion news was sent to me by Marguerette Powell a decendant of Elizabeth Hart & James Coats shown on page 56 of the James Hart Book. & Smyer family on page 59.

Smyer Reunion in Houston, MO
On June 21, 2003, the decendants of Rufus and Tiny May Smyer met at Houston Senior Citizens Center for a family reunion.

A descendant of Texas county pioneer James Coats, Rufus Smyer was born in 1880 in Texas County, the son of Robert Smyer and Elizabeth Jane Coats Smyer. Tiny May Varnell was born in 1885, daughter of pioneer Isaac Houston Varnell. Rufus Smith (should be Smyer) and Tiny Mae Varnell were married in 1902. Thirteen children were born to this union, and today three survive, Ruby Mires, Ruth Massey and Jean Evans.

The reunion was a celebration of the lives of Rufus and Tiny May Smyer and their family. Following a pot luck dinner, a short program was given in honor of the family with Anita Clarkston as emcee. Piano solos were presented by Madison and Bailey McCullock and Christopher, Conner, Kathryn and Cevan Clarkston. Kathryn and Devan Clarkston performed a violin duet and Kevan also did a violin solo.

Anita Clarkston had prepared a brief history of the Smyer family including the many trials and tribulations of raising a large family in the early 1900’s. Family stories were told by Ruby Miers, Ruth Massey, Jean Evans and others, stories of how a family of 13 can be happy and survive with little or no income, living on what could be taken from the land on the rock hills of Texas County. All are proud of their heritage, however none would want to go back to the hardship of those days.

In attendance for the reunion were Ruth and Dearl Massey, Clydie “Bud”, Linda and Misty Evans, Gerald and Virginia Murphy, Marshall and Ruby Mires; Clydie and Jean Evans, all of Houston; Bob and Marian Hutsell of Denton, Texas; Drs. Scott and Dawna McCulloch and Madison and Baily McCulloch, Lee’s Summit; Roland Smyer, Anita Clarkston, and Monty and Arlene Friend, Bendavis; Jeremy and Jonathan Bradford, Branson; George Miers, Harvey and Colene Hank, Frank Howell and Clara Smyer, and Gary and Jackie Hessee, Springfield; Neva Bryant and Jim Salyer, Mtn. Grove; Pearl Smyer, Cabool; Herbert and Beverly Reaves, Willow Springs; Drs. Wendell and Cindy Clarkston, Kevan, Katy, Connor and Christopher Clarkston, Overland Park, KS; and Norman and DeLores Smyer, Declo, Idaho.

Robert (Bobby) A. Roussel of AZ sent me the following:

Friends

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything , wrote in the sand:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone, why?” The other friend replied “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

To say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Thanks Bobby, this was gooood.

Dan Wilkinson of OR sent me the following

The Pweor of the Hmuan mnid

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch codnutced at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are tpyed, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltter be in the rghit oedrer. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervy lteter by istief, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig hug?

Thanks Dan, another good one. Guess you can find anything on the internet??????

Ten Commandments Cajun Style
1. God is number one... and das’ All.
2. Don’t pray to nuthin’ or nobody... jus’ God.
3. Don’t cuss nobody... ‘specially de Good Lord.
4...When it be Sunday...pass yo’self by God’s House.
5. Yo mama an’yo daddy dun did it all.. lissen to dem.
6. Killin’ duck an ‘ fish, das’ OK... people No.
7. God done give you a wife.. sleep wit’ just her.
8. Don’t take nobody’s boat. or nuttin’ else.
9. Don’t go wantin’ someboby’s stuff.
10. Stop lyin’ yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf!
I said a prayer for you today.
The way I often do.
I asked the Lord to fill your day
with joys and blessings, too.

I asked him to be close to you
and hear you when you call
and give to you life's sweetest gifts,
for you deserve them all!

Thanks to Christine Walters, a descendant of James Hart & Henry Hart for providing the following information:

I (Christine Walters) can’t find a clear record that James Hart was in the revolution but this excerpt came to my attention some time ago. I don’t know what book or document it came out of.

“Issued the First of October, 1784 to Mr. James Hart, Late Sergeant in Moor’s Troops. Myddleton’s Regiment, Sumpter’s Brigade State Troops for One Hundred and Five Pounds, Fifteen Shillings Sterling being the amount pay and Bounty due him for service in that troop together with interest thereon from the first of April, 1782 to date hereof; agreeable to a resolution of General Assemby of the Eleventh of March last.”

If this be our James Hart then it would appear that he was a Sergeant” as stated and was paid for his service. That being said - I still don’t have the Papers to prove it.

(Note: Do you have the papers?)

HENRY HART

From the Battle of New Orleans comes this account of the son of James Hart.

“Henry Hart is listed on the muster rolls of Captain Thomas Scurry of the second regiment, Tennessee Volunteers Mounted Gunmen commanded by “Col. Thomas Williamson in the service of the United States from the 28th day of September, 1814, to the 27th of April, 1815. These men mostly came from: Bedford, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, Giles & Smith counties. This regiment was part of General John Coffee’s brigade that fought at Pensacola and New Orleans. Marching from Fayetteville to Camp Gaines (30 miles from Fort Montgomery), they helped Jackson take the port of Pensacola from the Spanish on 7 November 1814. Williamson’s men then participated in all of the engagements at New Orleans, where they were part of the left line of Jackson’s breastworks. In March 1815 they returned to Tennessee via the Natchez Trace.”

[Tennessee State Archives] National Archive records bear out the fact that a Henry Hart of Bedford County was with this unit.”

Henry applied for and received a land grant for his services in the war. Although he did not use it, his children did. Almost all the Harts, except for Henry and his son Derrel, took this grant and settled in Pope Co., Illinois.

This land grant, called the Granting Bounty, gave land to certain officers and men who had been engaged in military service of the country. Two Henry Harts from Bedford County applied and received land grants from this act. Most of the grants were in Arkansas, Missouri & Illinois. Henry’s children probably used this grant when they moved to Illinois. Henry was known to have been in Bedford Co., Tenn around the 1812-14 time frame. After Henry died, his wife Nancy Rainey Hart, moved to Illinois to live with their daughter Nancy Hart Gossage.

Thanks Christine.

Anyone who may have other information to add to the above or have comments about the articles, please let me know at: [email protected].

Christine Walters of Lexington, TN came by for a visit on Sunday afternoon Sept. 21st after attending her Aunts Birthday Party in Cape Girardeau, MO on Saturday. Christine is a descendant from Catherine Hart & Catherine was a sister to our Great Great Grandfather John Henry Hart. Eloise and I enjoyed her visit & want to do it again sometime. Christine is the Webmaster for our Hart Website, does a lot of work to keep it going & up to date.
Thanks Chris.

Remember The Five Rules To Be Happy

1. Free Your Heart From Hatred.
2. Free Your Mind from Worries.
3. Live Simply.
4. Give More.
5. Expect Less.

Thanks to Aaron Newcomb for the 100 stamps to mail some of the Christmas Newsletters this year. Aaron was born Sept. 4, 1909 in White Co., Il to Lewis & Rose Etta (Aud) Newcomb. His grandparents were John & Martha Ann (Hart) Aud. When Uncle Star & Uncle Velt was living, I can remember them talking about living on Aaron Newcomb’s father Lewis Newcomb’s farm in White Co. Aaron had 9 brother’s & sisters: Bessie, b. 1893, Corbet, b 1894, Dexter “Deck”, b 1897, Laurence Elvie, b 1899, Theodore, b 1902, Roy C., b 1905, Willard, b 1907, Lura, b 1912 & Noel, b 1914. Aaron was 94 years young in September & lives in Heber Springs, AR.
Thanks again Aaron.


For those of you that would like to keep me up dated on the news that is going on in your family, births weddings, baptism’s, special happening’s, reunion’s, death’s & change of address, you can e-mail it to me at: [email protected] or snail mail it to me at:
M. A. & Eloise Hart
1009 Cedar Lane
Dexter, MO 63841

In my December 2001 Newsletter I wrote that Jack Jennings, husband of our cousin Ruth (Hart) Jennings had surgery on his throat the 12th of April that year at the Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. He took 34 radiation treatments after the surgery He had gone back to the Doctor in November of that year a & had a good report. Jack had done well & until Oct. of this year & he started losing weight, went back to the Doctor for more test. Cancer was found in other places & he was hospitalized the first part of November. He took three high powered treatments then came home & has had some rough times since then. He went back to the Doctor the 4th of Dec & is to take more treatments next week. He has felt some better the last few days but still rough going for him. Ruth &Jack, we just want you to know that we keep you in our daily prayers.

Robert Roussell was home on furlough in Nov. in Gilbert, AZ visiting his Dad & Mom, Robert Sr., & Pattie, his wife Kristen & his brothers & sisters. He is back in Bagdad now & will be there until May next year. Robert’s address is on page one of this letter if you would like to write him. Those Military men & women need all the support that we can give them & keep them in your prayers.

Tyler Dean Malotte, arrived Dec 2, 2003 to Milissa (Powell) & Quinten Malotte. in Independence, KS. He weighed 9 lbs & 3 oz & 23 inches long. Congraulations to the parents, the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Roger Powell & the great grandparents Dean & Marguerette Powell. NOTE: This family is from the James & Elizabeth (Hart) Coats family form Texas Co., MO I hope that I have this correct Marguerette?

Children of Martin A. & Hannah I. Hart & Their Children Grandpa & Grandma Hart had thirty nine grand- children from 1926 to 1952 & when I started doing Genealogy twenty five years ago, cousin Lucille & I could not name them all. Just thought that may be there may be one or two of you that may want to know where they all fit in.

Twins, stillborn 1901,

Star & Elizabeth (Grampp) Hart’s children: Myrtle Christine, Hilda Marie, Edgar Allen born 20 Mar 1930, died 26 Oct 1965, Mary Sue, William S. & Stanley.

Rosevelt & Sylvia (Ramsey) Hart’s children: Hannah Luclille, Charles Henry born 4 Jun 1929, died 16 Feb 1985, Vera Rose, Helen Irene, Clarice Myrle born 8 Jun 1936, died 13 Jul 1989, Alma Ruth & Miles Ezra.

Grayson (Joe) Hart & Anna (Bruce) Hart’s children: M. A., James Victor born 12 Jan 1930, died 15 Oct 1979 & Donald Jerome.

Martin M. & Captolia (Smith) Hart’s children: Jackie Gene, born 11 Aug 1928, died 18 Nov 1981, Martin L. (Buddy), born 4 Oct 1929, died 24 Feb 1958, Lola Mae, Marjorie A., born 30 Jan 1935, died 21 Mar 1988 & Genesse.

Merida (Merdith) Hart, born 27 Oct 1910, died at 27 months.

Clara Hart & Raymon Aslin’s children: Patsy Ruth, Robert Ray, James LeRoy (Jim), Gary Leon & Susan Rebecca.

Charles Henry Hart, born 27 May 1915 died at l month.

Amos & Ora (Perrigan) Hart’s children: Harold Gene, Thomas Dean (Tom), born 16 Apr 1938, died 22 Apr 1989, Richard Lee (Dick), Mitchel Wayne & Amos LeRoy (Butch).

Milas & Mamie (Grissom) Hart’s children: Johnny Wilson & Nancy Loraine

Ezra & Geneva (Hankins) Hart’s children: Frances Jean (Jeanie), Larry D., Phyllis Kay, Michael D., Stephen R. & Clara Jo (Jody), born 2 Aug 1952, died 7 Jun 1992.

REMEMBER
The Hart Annual Reunion is Sunday, 4 June 2004 at The American Legion, Dexter, Missouri Everyone Welcome Let me know if you plan to attend?

You can see the James Hart Genealogy, By Christine Walters & the Hart Christmas Letters from 1994 through 2003 at: http://www.angelfire.com/tn3/hart/index.html

Well folks, it is about time to finish this up for another year. In visiting with first cousins, second cousins & so on, I know that this has been a good year for some of you & really been difficult for others. Eloise & I have had our good times & also a few difficulties. The Good Lord did not tell us that everyday would be good & we have to learn to be patient & everything will work out for the good of the Lord Remember to pray for those that are having illness & difficulties in their families. God Bless 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

M. A. & Eloise Hart
1009 Cedar Lane
Dexter, MO 63841


Back

Moon & Back Graphics