KESTERSON FAMILY GENEALOGY

Of

VINCENT KESTERSON
And Family

Vincent Kesterson was born around 1800 in Georgia, according to all accounts that have been found. I believe he was the son of John & Sarah Kesteson. He was married to Dolly Chandler. There are not records as to when or exactly where Vincent and Dolly died, but we do believe it was in the Saline Co AR area, where they lived most of their lives. Vincent was last known to be alive on the 1850 Census in Saline Co AR. In later years Dolly lived with a son in Bradley Co AR. She was last seen alive on the 1880 Census of Dorsey Co AR.

They were the parents of 8 children. James Monroe, Jerome Boneparte, David L, Marion M, Cordelia T, Emily A, Belsora and Octavia.

Ernest Lee Kesterson
18 July 1907 - 02 April 2000
Son of Thomas C & Jenneta (Davis) Kesterson
Husband of Thelma Rogers

Thelma (Rogers) Kesterson
25 September 1909 - September 1982
Wife of Ernest Lee Kesterson

Obituary

Earnest Lee Kesterson of Benton died Sunday, April 2, 2000. He was 92. He was born July 18, 1907. He retired as a miner from Alcoa. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Kesterson. Survivors include family members, Summer Bourque of Benton, David Bourque of Benton and Marilyn Cantrell of Benton. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at New Rosemont Cemetery. The Rev. L. D. Campbell will officiate.

The Benton Courier, Saline Co AR Apr 5 2000

Dudley Bradshaw
06 October 1898 - 1907
Son of John Monroe & Mary C (Kesterson)Bradshaw
Great Grandson of Vincent & Dolly
Little Rock, Pulaski Co AR

Obituary

Dudley Bradshaw, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw at their home in Little Rock, Friday, March 23 1900, after an illness of several days. Little Dudley was the pride of his fond parents to whom we extend sympathy.

Belsora (Kesterson) Harrison
10 March 1840 - 26 June 1914
Daughter of Vincent & Dolly (Chandler) Kesterson
Wife of Jesse J Harrison

Jesse J Harrison
01 January 1838 - 12 Decembe 1904
Son of Francis & Melinda Harrison
Husband of Belsora Kesterson

Rison Cemetery, Cleveland Co AR

Obituary

Mrs Balzora A Kesterson Harrison was born in Tennessee, March 10th, 1840, and died at the home of her daughter, Nolie, in Pine Bluff, Ark., June 26th, 1914.

She was married to the late Jesse Harrison Nov. 15, 1860, to which union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, all of whom survive her except a little girl who died in infancy.

At the early age of seventeen years she professed a hope in Christ, joined the Methodist Church and lived a devoted Christian life till God, in his goodness and mercy called her from this world of sorrow to the glory world above the skies. In all the relations of life she was ever faithful. In public life through a long period of her active years, she numbered her friends and acquaintances by the hundreds. She was among the first settlers of the country and helped to build it's churches and schools. She has been in feeble health for some months, due to the infirmity of age and the cares of life, and had said that she did not expect to live through this year. In her last illness she was sure that the end was near and talked as calmly and deliberately about her departure as though she was going on a pleasure trip, made all the necessary arrangements about her funeral, who should conduct it and the songs to be sung. Death must come to all. The prattling of innocent babyhood cannot stay the approach of the monster. The rosy cheek of youth turns white and the heart ceases to beat at this command. Old age complacently smiles an falls asleep in it's icy arms.

The funeral was conducted by Rev. James Thomas and W.C. Watson of Pine Bluff, and she was laid to rest beside her husband in the Rison cemetery. Her grave was covered with flowers. There in the silent city of the dead, her body awaits the summons from on high, when the dead shall hear His voice and come forth from their graves to meet him in the skies. May all the sons and daughters solive as to meet Mother in that city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God.

Watt Harlow (written at the special request of deceased)

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Obituary

Jesse Harrison died at his home in Rison, Ark., Tuesday morning Dec 12 1904 at 3o'clock a.m., Mr. Jesse Harrison, age 66 years 11 months and 12 days.

He was a native of Alabama but came with his parents to Arkansas when quite a boy, being only ten years of age. His family settled near this place and it was near here that he attended school, that he cleared away the forestand did general farm work until the beginning of the war between the states. When war was declared he was among the early volunteers and he continued in the confederate ranks until he received a gun shot wound in the knee which entitled him for service for nearly a year, as soon as he was sufficiently recovered he returned with his musket to the line of battle. He remained in the war until the surrender when he returned to his family and to the farm. In 1850 Mr. Harrison was married to Miss Balzora Kesterson with whom he lived pleasantly until his death. To them were born eight children; seven of whom were four boys and three girls, Messrs. J.E.,Robert, Joe, and Frank Harrison and Mrs. Dora Crump and Misses Mattie and Nolie Harrison, survive him. Mr. Harrison was one of our enterprising citizens. He was always anxious to see and assist in any move that would be beneficial to neighborhood. Mr. Harrison left the farm because of the injury he sustained in the army. Soon after the county seat was located at Toledo he moved there and went into the hotel business and remained there until Cotton Belt railroad was built and Rison located and then he was among the first to locate here. He was the first to build a substantial house where the town now stands and from that day, he was one of the leading citizens of that place. Among his public acts he served his people as magistrate and as County Judge. He was regularly in the hotel business until a few years ago when he quit for a year on account of failing health but he re-entered the business and remained in it until he sold out last year to his son, Mr. R.E. Harrison. Mr. Harrison was a Christian as well as a moral upright citizen. In 1862 he professed religion and joined the Methodist Church of which he was a constant member till his death. Mr.Harrison had been in failing health for a year or two and several times lately had beat death's door and while his death is much regreted it is not a surprise to those who had known him. In addition to the wife and children he has two brothers and two sisters, Daniel and Franklin Harrison and Mrs. E.H. Raiborn and Mrs. M.C. Harlow, who survive him. They weep over his departure but not as those who without hope for he died in the faith and assured his loved ones that he was going home to a better world.

The funeral was preached by brother Scott after which the odd Fellows and Masons in which orders he was an honored member, took charge and with befiting ceremoies his remains were laid to rest in the Rison Cemetery

Cleveland County Hearld Dec 15 1904