I was able to get by the cemetery today. Apparently the main body of the tornado went right between the church and the old cemetery. For those of you familiar with the cemetery, the woods right behind Henry's grave are pretty torn up.. A huge old tree (walnut I think) was uprooted leaving at least a 6 foot deep hole, and the rootball was as big as a van.

Now for the bad news.. The shade tree near the bronze plaque just added was also uprooted. This tree fell across many graves, including Derryl and Rachel Hart's.. Derryl and Rachel's stone was moved along the base,and tilted, but otherwise intact. Several graves behind Derryl's still have the tree/limbs over them, and I could not see the extent of the damage. I did notice one large stone that had been toppled. Many graves lie under the tree, and the tree will have to be removed to asses the damage. I would guess the tornado was probably a weak one, but it was enough to make a large mess..

A little boy was overheard praying: - "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

Valier, IL JOAN DEES, 74 of Valier passed away Thursday, Jan 22, 2004 at 12:38 p.m. at BarnesJewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at Newell Funeral Home at Waltonville. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan 26 at the Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville, officiated by Rev. Harol Ray Lewis. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in V alier.

Mrs Dees was born July 29, 1929 in Sesser to Clyde and Syble (Page) Isom. She married Leroy Dees on July 27, 1946 in Benton.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father and one sister, Flora Madline Grayhem.

Surviving are her husband, Leroy Dees ofValier, her sons, Donald H. Dees and wife Gailene of Akin and Terry L Dees and wife Maggie of Waltonville, her daughters, Syble Dees ofValier and Kathryn and husband Roger Young of Valier, her sisters, Doris Dotson of Christopher and Geneva and husband Tom Williams ofValier, her brothers, Howard Isom and wife Betty of Sesser, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mrs. Dees was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Valier.

NOTE: In 2002 I located Leroy & Joan & then in June 2003 they attended our Hart Reunion in Dexter, MO. Leroy is a grandson of our great aunt Elsie A. (Hart) (Melton) Nelson.)

Bell City, MO - Dorothy Ann Hart, 64, of Bell City, was born July 3, 1939 at Red Rock, Okla., the daughter of the late Oliver and Dorothy May Pickens Young, and died Monday, Feb 16,2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was secretary for Schott Farms. She had also been a construction worker, truck driver, and the secretary of the Pike Township. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

She and Doyle Colbert were united in marriage, in marriage to James Welker, and he also preceded her in death. In 1988 she later married Harold Hart, and he survives of the home.

Other survivors include one daughter, Sonika Spears of Advance; two step-sons, Kenneth Lynn Welker of Advance and Rick Hart of Altus, Okla.; one step-daughter, Shirley Ricker of San Antonio, Texas; one brother, Mike Young of Brown wood; three sisters, Betty Jo Thompson of Broken Arrow, Okla., Flora Johnson of Fort Smith, Ark., and Becca Gregory of Brownwood; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2004, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance with Billy Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bell City.

(Note: Gravel Hill Cemetery is located south west of Bell City, off of Highway Y.)

Cape Girardeau, MO - Hannah Lucille (Hart) Bennett, the daughter of the late Roosevelt and Sylvia Estele (Ramsey) Hart, was born near Parma, MO on July 4,1927, and died at her home in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, March 13,2004, at the age of 76.

Mrs. Bennett had lived most of her life in Bloomfield and Dexter and had lived in Cape Girardeau the past two years. She had been a member of the First General Baptist Church in Dexter until moving to Cape Girardeau where she transferred her membership to the First General Baptist Church there. She had been a seamstress and worked at the Elder Manufacturing Company in Bloomfield.

Surviving are one daughter, Connie Bennett of Cape Girardeau; one brother, Miles Ezra Hart of Henderson, KY.; three sisters, Vera Ross, Ruth Jennings of Dexter, and Helen McClintick of Williamsburg, VA. She was preceded in death by, one brother, Henry "Hank" Hart, and one sister, Clarice Goldsmith.

Visitation was held at from 12: noon to 2: p.m., Tuesday, March 16,2004 at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter. Funeral services were held at 2: p.m. Tuesday, March 16,2004 at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter with Pastor Sam Ramdial of Cape Girardeau and Rev. Kenneth Biggs officiating. Interment followed in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden, MO with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

CORNING, Ark. - Samantha (Hart) Cooper, 98, of Coming, Ark., died Friday, May 14, 2004, at Clay Health Care in Coming, Ark.

Mrs. Cooper was born July 22, 1905, at Puxico, MO. She was a member of the House of Prayer Church in Coming. She was a homemaker.

She married Cecil Cooper on July 3, 1926, in Coming. He preceded her in death May 25, 1984.

Survivors include two sons, Jerold Cooper of Piggott, Ark., and Dale Cooper of Poplar Bluff; five daughters, Naomi Housdan, Ruth Cavitt, Alice Ferguson, Anna Pritchard and Mary Hoover, all of Coming; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home in Coming. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel. The Rev. Carmon McMasters and the Rev. Jimmy McMasters will officiate. Burial will be in the Cantwell Cemetery in Coming.

(Note: Samantha (Hart) Cooper was the daughter of John Norris & Elizabeth (Bryant) Hart shown on page #28 of the James Hart Book.) Norris City, IL

Eva McNeil, 80, Norris City, died at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 19,2004 at her residence.

Mrs. McNeil was born Oct. 29, 1923 in Cottonwood, the daughter of Orley Alexander ¥1d Lottie J. (Catlin) Bryant. She married Charles James McNeil on June 10, 1964, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1999. She was a homemaker.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Naomi Frymire of Evansville, Ind.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis L. Stockton and Glenda and Larry Maynard, all of Norris City, and Karen and Howard Young of Keens burg, IL; nine grand­children; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Orley JT. and Mime Jean Bryant of Norris City; and a sister, Veda Stewart of Cobden. She was preceded in death by a great-grandchild. Visitation will be ITom 4 until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services for will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22,2004 at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City with the Rev. Dennis Reed officiating. Brenda Hafford was the organist. Naomi Frymire sang "In The Garden," "Precious Memories" and "How Great Thou Art." Casketbearers were Chris Frymire, Lee Frymire, Larry Maynard, Steve Stockton, Allen Young and Kevin Young Burial will be at Union Ridge Cemetery near Norris City.

Carmi, Illinois - Clint Harvey, 62, Woodlawn, died at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at his home.

Mr. Harvey was born Feb. 10, 1942 in White County, the son of Bernard and Mayme (Williams) Harvey. He married Vickie Hazlip on Nov. 2, 1971 in Jefferson County. He was a maintenance worker at the Jefferson County Courthouse until his retirement. Mr. Harvey was a member of White Swan Baptist Church and a member and past trustee of the Woodlawn Fire Department. He was active in the Jefferson County Crime Watch and Jefferson County Relay For Life.

Surviving are his wife, Vickie of Woodlawn; a brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Shirley Harvey ofEffingham; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Murphy, and Patsy and John Adkins, all of Norris City; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Eula Hazlip of Woodlawn; close mends, Don and Dottie Baker of Texico; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clyde Harvey. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Ill., with Don Rector and the Rev. Lindell Knox officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Catherine Cemetery near Woodlawn. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to White Swan Baptist Church.

NOTE: Clint was the grandson ofthe late Richard & Renda Mae (Catlin) Williams. Renda (called Mae) was a step sister to our Grandma Hannah 1. (Melton) Hart.

Dexter, MO - Jack Jennings, son of the late B. W. Jennings and Mattie Murr Jennings, was born on Feb. 1, 1932, at Newtonia, MO and died in his residence near Dexter on Thursday, July 8, 2004, at the age of 72.

Mr. Jennings was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, a former electronic specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration operating out of Lambert Field in S. Louis, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a resident of rural Dexter.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Hart on Nov. 24, 1956, at Dexter. Mrs. Jennings survives of the home near Dexter.

Besides his wife, survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Paul Imbeaux of O'Fallon, Amanda and Jay Tepe of Joplin, and Jill and Mike Noble of St. Charles; one brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Nell Jennings of Poplar Bluff: one sister, Dixie of Dexter; a sister in law, Vera Ross of Dexter; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Bill and Helen (Hart) McClintick of Williamsburg, VA., Miles and Wanda (Morrow) Hart of Henderson, Ky.; six grandchildren, J. J Imbeaux of Collinsville, Ill., Jacklyn Imbeaux of O'Fallon, Logan Tepe and Ian Tepe, both of Joplin, and Alex Noble and Arnie Noble, both of St. Charles.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Harry Jennings, Charles Jennings, Don Jennings, and Warren Jennings.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 11,2004, at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. Funeral services will be conducted at 10: a.m. Monday, July 12, 2004, in the Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter with Pastor Adam Mueller officiating. Interment and full military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

Footnote: On July 30, 2004, three weeks and one day after Jack passed away, his sister Mary Elizabeth "Dixie" (Jennings) Harty passed away & she was buried in the Dexter Cemetery.

KIDS:: A Sunday sehool teacher asked her children, as tbey were on the way to church service, "why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Longview, WA - Geneva B. Hart, 80, of Long view, died Sept. 5, 2004.

She was born June 21, 1924, in Bloomfield, Mo., and had lived in the local area for the past 43 years. Mrs. Hart received nurse's training at Lower Columbia College and worked for Dr. Marion Clark and Dr. Thomas Tossberg. She married Ezra Hart on Oct. 5, 1941, in Bloomfield. He preceded her in death on 27 Feb 2002 after 60 years of marriage.

She is survived by two daughters, Jean Hart and Kay Hart; three sons, Larry Hart, Mike Hart and Steve Hart; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great­grandchildren. One daughter Clara Jo (Hart) Tucker preceeded her in death on Jun 7, 1992. A memorial service was be held on Sept. 10, 2004. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Arrangements are by Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.

Footnote: On July 28, 2004, one month and eight days before Aunt Geneva (Hankins) Hart's passed away her brother Richard A. Hankins of Hots Springs, AR passed away and was buried at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, MO on August 5th, 2004.

Carmi Times - NORRIS CITY - Clyde R. "Rusty" Melton, 70, Norris City, died at 7 p.m. Saturday, Noy. 13,2004 at his residence.

Mr. Melton was born Dec. 5, 1933 in Herald, the son of Julian "Jack" Guy and Pauline Ferrell (Poole) Melton. He married Sandra Lee Shaw on Oct. 18, 1952. He was a member and elder at Norris City United Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Melton was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a life member of American Legion Post 109. He was president of Norris City Industries and past president of the Norris City Library Board. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Sandra Melton of Norris City; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl Lee and Ray Bruce of Hope, Ark., and Carol Marie and Terry Johnson of Norris City; three sons and daughters-in-law, Steven Wayne and Mary Ellen Melton, Jeffrey Lynn and Jane Melton and John Guy and Tammy Yolanda Melton, all of Norris City; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna Lou Fulkerson of Carmi and Lola Cummings of Omaha, Neb.; and a brother, Charles Melton of Farmer City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at United Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Norris City, the Rev. Rusty Pedigo and Scott Webb officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Oval Cemetery near Norris City. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. today at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, and then from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice or United Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Norris City.

For over twenty five years, most of you all know I have been searching for Great Aunt Elsie A. (Hart) (Melton) Nelson's four daughters, Martha (Mattie) Melton by Noah Conway Melton, Florice I. Nelson, Margaret (Maggie) Nelson & Lena Murel Nelson, by Henry Frank Nelson. In the 2002 letter, I told you about finding information on Florice 1. Nelson who married Baron Dees & when she died she was living in Waltonville, IL, in 1940. Her son Leroy Dees has attended our Hart Reunion the last couple of years. Also in the 2002 letter, another sister Lena Mure! Nelson Beaver died Sept 27th, 2001 & she was living at Girard, IL Another daughter Margaret (Maggie) Nelson married Rannel Hicks & I have known for years that they lived in South Bend, IN, but never could contact the right person to find out more about them & their family. This past summer one of Margaret & Rannel Hick's granddaughter's Shelley Ensinger & I have been corresponding In September I received copies of their obituaries from the South Bend newspapers. Margaret & Rannel divorced in 1948 & both remarried & I want to share their obituaries with you at this time.

South Bend, IN Tribune - 9 Oct 1980 - Rannel Hicks, 77, of 2825 N. Main, died unexpectedly at 6 a. m. today in his home. He was born on Aug. 22, 1903, in Franklin County, Ill., and had lived here since 1925, coming from Illinois. He retired in 1968 from Bendix Corp. in south Bend, where he had been employed for 29 years. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 9 at Bendix.

On July 1, 1948, in Wabash, Ind., he married Mary K. Hunt Sailors, who survives, Also surviving are a son, William B. Hicks of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a step­daughter, Mrs. Ellen Graven of Mishawaka; three step sons, Robert D. Sailors of south Bend, James L. Sailors ofIndianapolis and Allen Hunt Sailors of LaF ortaine, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; 10 great­grandchildren, and a sister Mrs. Mildred Mabry, of Valier, IlL Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, where services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

South Bend, IN Tribune - 21 July 1985 Margaret Hicks Stauffer, 79, of Fairfield, Calif., formerly of South Bend, died July lOin Fairfield after an illness. She was born March 7, 1906, in Herald, IL., and moved from South Bend to California in 1965. In 1952, in South Bend, she married William Stauffer, who survives. Mrs. Stauffer is also survived by a daughter, Betty Andrade of Herlong, Calif.; a son William Hicks of Pittsburgh, Pa., four grandchildren and four great granchildren. She was a former member of Gilmer Park United Methodist Church.

Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery. The Guisinger Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Now this leaves Great Aunt Elsie & Great Uncle Noah Melton's daughter Martha (Mattie) that I have not located. We bel eve that she married a man by the name of Sherman Elder & he was a barber in Eldorado, Saline Co., IL in the late 1920's 30's & died in about 1933. He is suppose to be buried in Hickory Hill Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL Uncle Star Hart told me one time that in the late 1950's when he was living in Zephyr Hill, Florida, Martha (Mattie) came by their home one Sunday afternoon & they were not at home. She left a note on their door, saying that she was sorry that she missed them, but she would be in touch later. LEFT NO ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER WHERE SHE COULD BE REACHED. Ifwe could only locate her, we would know where all of Great Grandpa Martin M. & Martha (Emerson) Hart's children & great grandchildren went too.

Hart Family Gathers For 27th Year On Sunday, June 6, 2004 the descendants of Martin A. Hart and Hannah 1. (Melton) Hart held their 27th annual Hart reunion at the American Legion Building in Dexter, MO.

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

The blessing was given by Jerry Hart before a potluck dinner and visiting was enjoyed by 41 relatives and friends.

After the noon meal the White Elephant auction was held by Dick Hart our Auctioneer. Everyone had a great time visiting & bidding on the various item's for sale.

Attending the reunion was Leroy Dees of V alier, lL and his friend Phyllis Wofford of Zeigler, lL, Ora Hart, Mitchell, Mary (Rendleman) Hart & grandson lrie Hart, Alan & Della Hart, of Advance, Doug Mansfield, Pacific, MO & his daughter Lisa Lucy, New Madrid, MO, Bill & Pat Dickerson, Patterson, MO., Neal & Christine (Hart) Mansfield & Donna Mansfield, of Dudley, Harold Hart of Bell City, Gene & Mary Sue (Hart) Fulks of Tubac, AZ, Jerry & Doris Hart of Russellville, AR., Dick & Sharon Hart of Essex, Vera (Hart) Ross, Jack & Ruth (Hart) Jennings, Kim, Brenda, Amanda & Kevin Hart, Bud & Peggy Kirkbride, M. A. & Eloise Hart, Tom Menley, all of Dexter, Kathleen Green ofPuxico, Ray, Tammie (Hart) Goodson & their son Ray

Thomas Goodson of Jackson, Shelly (Hart) Bader & children, Dylan & Brooke Bader of Bloomfield.

Our next Hart Reunion will be held June 6, 2005, at the American Legion Building in Dexter.

LAST HOME PLACE

The last home that Grandpa Martin Allen Hart & Grandma Hannah lona (Melton) Hart located at 529 N. Sassafras Street in Dexter was tom down this past summer & a new Commerical Building has been built there. A lot of you will remember that Grandpa & Grandma sold the old farm located Northwest of Dexter to Bernard Pixley in 1952 & they lived on Sassafras St. for seven years, when he died in January 1959 & she died in December of the same year. The following was sent to me by Helen (Hart) McClintick of Williamsburg, VA.

Hart - Dixon Reunion, Harrisburg, Illinois

The following was sent to me about the Dixon­

Hart Reunion that is held in Harrisburg, Illinois each year.

Dear M.A. Hart,
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the Dixon-Hart Reunion in Harrisburg. This year was the 74th reunion. I hate to say this, but our reunion is getting smaller each year. We onl;y had 13 family members attending this year. Our young people won't take an interest. This reunion is held on the 4th Sunday of August each year. The reunions have been held in various places, the old family church yard - different parks around the Harrisburg area, but we old-timers have opted for the comfort of air conditioning the last several years. We are now meetting in the Pruit-Harris Community Building in downtown Harrisburg. We would like to invite any of your family of Hart's to our next reunion. I would be happy to send each of you an invitation if you would send names and addresses.

I think it is exciting to publish a family newsletter each year. I would love to read one of them. I think some of us would enjoy attending one of your reunIOns.

I am not related to the Dixon-Hart family myself ­only through marriage. As I understand it - my husband's family is related to both the Dixon's and the Hart's of Harrisburg.

I will include a list of the people attending the last reunion in August of 2004.

Hoping to hear from you again.

Sincerely,
Margaret A. Duncan
Recording Secretary for the Harrisburg, Illinois Dixon-Hart Reunion

Jim and Margaret Duncan - 409 Lickliter St., Benton, IL 62812 - 618-439-4717, Curtis and Jeanette Alexander - 1125 South Washington St., Harrisburg, IL 62946. John W. Tanner - P.O. Box 152, Flora, Illinois 62839-0152. Eloine Koche - 824 West Sloan St., Harrisburg, II 62946, Crystal Koche Rathe - 201 South 11 th St., Bonnie, IL 62816,
Gene Morris - P. O. Box 383, Winchester, TN 37398,
Monty Dixon - 421 Court St., Belleville, IL 62220,
Marianne and Gene Lyons - 6 Country Club Lane, Harrisburg, IL 62946,
Ron and Dona Dixon - 441 North Harvey St., Griffith, IN 46319,
Forrest Dixon 4302 North Breadnutter, Beverly Hills, Florida.
Please keep in touch - I know the others would like to hear more from you.

Postage Contributors - Gene Morris, of Winchester, Tennessee sent money for postage to the Hart Reunion Fund. Thanks Gene.

GRANDMA'S Apron

The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans ITom the oven; it was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken-coop the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half­hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came those old aprons were ideal hiding places for the kids; and when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling-wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. ­

From the garden it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled it carried out the hulls.

In the fall it was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out on the porch and waved herapron, and the men knew it was time to come in ITom the fields for dinner.

It will be a long time before anyone invents something that will replace that old-time apron that served so many purposes.

Author unknown.

How many of you can remember our Grandma's & Moms always wore an apron??????

The James Hart & His Descendants Book that was written by Charles Gerton Hart & published by Marion P. Hart in 1976 is still avaiable. The book traces our family back to James Hart in 1750 in South Carolina. It is a hard back book & consist of 435 pages & includes an index. The cost of the book is $22.50 including postage & may be orderded from Sam Hart, 4067 Hideway, Tucker, GA 30084. Proceeds from this book goes for the upkeep of the Mount Hermon Cemetery Fund. The Mount Hermon Cemetery is located in Bedford County, TN & that is where our third great grandfather Henry Hart is buried.

JOHN HENRY & CASSANDRA HART

I have found family members from most of John Henry & Cassandra (Jones) Hart's children, but there are some that I haven't located in my family search. The following is just a short summary of their children, I have located & the ones that I haven't. There is a number of Hart Researchers out there & if any of you have any information on these families that I haven't located, please contact me, as I would like to include them in my records & will share information with others.

Several of the descendants have been found of Lethy (Letha) A. Hart, who married William Francis Marion Austin, but haven't found where they died & are buried? Found descendants of Louisa C. (Hart) (Emerson) (Watson) Duncan, but haven't found where Louisa died & is buried? (Louisa may have been living in Wayne or White County, IL when she died?) Sarah America Hart married William 1. Champion, 19 Feb 1874 in Pope Co., IL & may have married a man by the name of Norman & had a daughter Casander? No more information on Sarah. I am from Martin M. Hart & located most of his descendants. Nancy Dawson Hart first married Robert Anderson Martin 10 Feb 1870, White Co., IL, had four children, Rosetta Martin, born 1871, Callie, W. Martin, born _?, Theodore Martin, born 1877 & Carrie E Martin, born 1879. Nancy Dawson (Hart) (Anderson) married 2nd James R., Adams, 18 Feb 1883, Saline Co.,IL No more information on Nancy. Lenoria M. Hali married 1. B Graham, but I do not know where or when? Elizabeth married Michael Gunn or Guin & I haven't found where or when they married or any of their descendants? I have located most of Milo J. Hart & John 1. Hart's descendants. Cassandra had two son's, Samuel Jones & Henry Jones, before she married John Henry Hart & they went by the name of Hart. I have located some descendants of Samuel, but none of Henry's.

The following is a Court Document that has some information on the family that may ring a bell in someone's memory that well tell us where these Family member's went too? If any of you have any information on any of these families that you will share, please contact me, by snail mail or e-mail.

RECORDS FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT, WHITE CO, IL.(NO DATE ON THE RECORD)

John H. Hart died Apr 13, 1879 Leaving Casander R. his widow and Samuel Hart, Cobden, Union Co, Ill, Leathy A. Austin wife of Marion Austin. Louisa C. Duncan, Martin Hart, Nancy D. Martin ­now Adams, Lenoria M. Graham - wife of 1. B. Graham, Milo G. Hart - Same - (Middle initial G. should be a "J".), John 1. Hart - Same Elizabeth Gunn - wife of Michael- died before her father died & before the deed was made - She was daughter of John H. Hart. She left 5 children all minors,

Cassander, Nancy M., Francis T., Mary E., Geo. W. Gunn. Mr. Gunn will act for them as next friend - and his children, Sarah M. Norman, (Listed as Sarah America in Bible) was child of - John H. Hart and she died before her father leaving 2 children Casander Norman who married Henry Murphy & she recently died leaving a young child named Murphy - don't know its name. It is great grandchild of John H. Hart - Sarah M. Norman left another child Martha Norman who died in infancy without children. She died before said John H. Hart her grandfather.

All live in White County, but Samuel Hart, but M. C. Gunn & his children who live 2 miles of Stone Fort Saline Co. Samuel Hart lives in Johnson Co., Ills.

All sold to Mrs Hart except Samuel Hart & the children of Mr. Gunn & the Murphy Child.

Page #1 - Circuit Court, White County, Illinois 1883 Casander R. Hart vs Samuel Hart - BILL FOR

PARTITION, ETC.

Filed 23rd day of May A. D. 1883, and summons issued as by prayer of the Bill I am directed. Signed: John D. Martin, Clerk.

And that process of publication may be had against the said Samuel Hart then and there to answer this bill.

By Jasper Partridge, Solicitor.
Casander R. Hart

State of Illinois) ) SS. White County, )

Casander R. Hart being duly sworn, on oath, states, that she has heard the foregoing bill of complaint read over and explained to her and that she is one of the complainants, and that the same is true in substance and in fact, except as to such matters as are stated on her infromation and belief, and as to these she believes them to be true.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22 day of March 1883. Signed,

Casander R. X Hart
her mark
John D. Martin Clerk

Celebrates Fifty Eighth Anniversary - Congraulations to Christine (Hart) & Neal Mansfield of Dudley, Missouri who celebrated their fifth eighth Wedding Anniversary on November 27, 2004. They were married in Dexter, MO. Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions
Author Unknown

This is beautiful and wonderfull!! Enjoy!

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.

My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self­consciously and listen.

My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.

My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.

My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight.

Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.

My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!

Interested In ANew Hart Book???????

We have a few Hart relativies that are interested in publishing a Second Addition to the James Hart & His Descendants Book that was compiled by Charles Gerton Hart & published by Marion P. Hart in 1976. A lot of new family information has been compiled, by several new researcher's since the book was published. There is a lot of information out there, that has not been compiled. Send me your thought's bye-mail or snail mail to me.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!! !

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."

Well folks, it is time for me finish this year's letter & get it to the printer & then in the mail to you folks. It is always a joy, to compile this little bit of family history, tidbits & other happenings.. It is like my wife Eloise say's, when she proof reads it; she laughs at some of it & also sheds a few tears when reads about the loved one's that we have lost duirng the last year. God Bless & Merry Christmas..

Love & Best Wishes,
M, A. & Eloise Hart 1009 Cedar Lane Dexter, MO 63841-9404