Sarah Ann "Sallie" HIGH was married to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.
It appears she was first married to a Mr. MC KINNEY since on the Mississippi record of her marriage to C. J. BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 (the same date she reported on her Confederate Veteran Widow's Pension Application as shown at the right), her name was recorded as Sarah A. MC KINNEY.
No other record has yet been found of that first marriage. But, it is speculated she was first married c1861 at a normal, marrying age of the time (c16) and that her first husband died during the Civil War.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V284-1B5 : accessed 22 Sep 2014), C. J. Blackwood and Sarah A. Mc Kinney, 20 Dec 1866; citing Oktibbeha,Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900508.
It is possible Sallie was first married to John MCKINNEY (c1839-?), son of John MCCINNEY (1803-1872) and Jane/Jenny/Jensy HALL (1804-1869) who were shown in the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census reports in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. In the 1860 report, on page 117, that family with John MCKINNEY, Jr., recorded as 21 years old, were enumerated on the same page (Dwelling # 912) near to a family headed by Lydia BLACKWOOD (Dwelling # 910) that included Columbus BLACKWOOD, recorded as aged 16. The HIGH family headed by Mark M. HIGH was recorded on page 104 in that census report with Sallie (recorded as Elizabeth HIGH, age 15, with birthplace Alabama).
There are several CSA military service records of persons from Mississippi named J. MCKINNEY, one of whom enlisted 28 May 1861 at Corinth, Mississippi in Co. E, 14th Mississippi Infantry, was captured at Confederate Ft. Donelson near Dover in northern Tennessee on 16 Feb 1862. He became a prisoner of war, was imprisoned at Camp Douglas, Illinois, and died of consumption (then used to describe tuberculosis) 20 Aug 1862.
Together, Sallie and Columbus had two known children who grew to adulthood. She reported to the census taker in 1910 that she had given birth to two children and that they were both then still living. Their names and birth years ares shown below.
1869 Columbus William Marion BLACKWOOD
1874 Edwin Mitchell BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Texas marriage record, William BLOCKWOOD (sic) and Nancy Arlina "Arlie" CUNNINGHAM (1870-1962) were married 17 May 1896 in Collin County, Texas. She was born in Tennessee to Joseph Hugh CUNNINGHAM (1842-1901) and his wife Mary Jane KILE (1843-1914).
Marriage record source: "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1977," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K61P-1J6 : accessed 25 Sep 2014), W M Blockwood and Arlie Cunningham, 17 May 1896, Marriage; citing Collin, Texas, United States, County Clerk.
William and Arlie had eight known children, five of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and approximate birth years are shown below.
1898 Ruth Oneva BLACKWOOD
1899 Willard R. BLACKWOOD
1901 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1903 Letha/Leta Ann BLACKWOOD
1904 Charles Lee BLACKWOOD
1906 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1908 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1912 Geneva D. BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Mississippi marriage record, Edwin Mitchell "Eddie" BLACKWOOD and Julia Elizabeth "Lizzie" DUNN were married 25 Oct 1896 in Ackerman, Choctaw County, Mississippi where Lizzie was born and raised.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZW-BQR : accessed 25 Sep 2014), E. M. Blackwood and Lizzie Dunn, 25 Oct 1896; citing , Choctaw, Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900637.
One online family tree indicated Eddie and Lizzie left for Runnels County, Texas the day after they were married. In Eddie's mother's CSA Widow's Pension application, she reported that she had resided in Runnels County, Texas since Nov 16, 1896. So, assuming those reported dates are correct and assuming the family travelled together, the relocation from Mississippi to Texas took 21 days.
Since William was married in Texas 17 May 1896, he had either already relocated and/or he had fallen in love with a Texas girl which, along with land and westward expansion opportunities, influenced his (and perhaps his family members') decision to relocate to Texas.
Together, Eddie and Lizzie had eight known children, seven of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and their approximate birth years are shown below.
1897 Lydia Rebeca BLACKWOOD
1900 Beulah Magnolia BLACKWOOD
1903 J. D. BLACKWOOD (died in infancy)
1905 Ora Lucille BLACKWOOD
1914 Graned Cates "GC" BLACKWOOD
1915 Mitchell Edwin BLACKWOOD
1917 Lizzie Mae BLACKWOOD
1919 Willie Lois BLACKWOOD
The noted Runnels County, Texas historian and author, Charlsie Mae GRAHAM POE (1909-2007), among her many historical contributions, wrote a regular column for the Abilene Reporter-News. Her column that appeared in the Wed, 25 Feb 1976 edition was entitled
A Tongue-Lashing Was in Store
When Grandma Drove Into Winters.
Charlsie had moved to Winters with her parents in 1915 when she was six years old. Her father opened and ran a grocery store there. She was not related by blood to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD or to his wife, Saran Ann "Sallie" HIGH. But, her early interest in history, coupled with the interactions of residents and visitors in the small town of Winters, coupled with her father's grocery store where customers frequently came, presented Charlsie with unique opportunities to observe, interact, and remember. Her life-long interests in history, especially local Texas history, and her wonderful writing abilities, combined to make her one of the most noted historians and authors of her time in that part of Texas.
When Charlsie and her family moved to Winters in 1915, Columbus was 71 years old and Sallie was 70. Charlsie had the opportunity to know them and to interact with them up until their deaths. Columbus died in 1919 when Charlsie was 10 years old, and Sallie died in 1926 when Charlsie was 17 years old. So, she definitely knew them during many of her formative years.
Excerpts from the article Charlsie wrote about them in 1976 are shown below.
WINTERS--The most unforgettable character of my childhood was Grandma Blackwood who drove a horse and buggy to Winters from her home south of town in the Franklin Community every Saturday. She was accompanied by her husband until his death in 1919.
The couple came bringing butter, eggs, chickens and other farm products in season to trade for their groceries.
Although their names were Columbus Jefferson and Sally Ann, I never heard them called anything but Grandma and Grandpa. And, the horse's name was Dolly. From Grandpa's diary we learn that he traded for her on Jan. 2, 1903.
We came to Winters in 1915 when I was a small child and all that I can remember about Grandpa was his quiet, kindly manner and his long black beard. Also the unusual name of "Sugar-foot" that he always called his wife.
I pondered this for awhile and decided it was because she carried lemon drops in her apron pocket wherever she went. And during church she handed these out to her husband and all the children sitting nearby. Naturally, all of us tried to sit close to her; but we knew better than to get her place. She had a certain seat and if anyone sat there, Grandma saw to it that he moved.
Grandma was modern enough to bob her hair, but there it stopped. She wore a little black bonnet, black leather houseshoes and a black and white checked apron for all occasions. Her small pocket knife and candy had to be in her apron pocket before she considered herself dressed.
She was a small woman and could have been called "Little Colonel" for the way she took charge of situations. All the men in town soon learned of Grandma's dislike for tobacco. If a clerk were smoking and asked her what he could do for her, she said "Well, the first thing you can do is get rid of that cigarette."
When they saw her coming, the men dropped their smoking as quickly as they could. They preferred burned fingers and holes in their pockets rather than facing her tongue lashing.
We had only one officer, a city marshall, who rode a horse about town. We called him, "Spark Plug," and soon shortened it to "Sparky." With Grandma's help, one officer was sufficient for she kept the law in order. While talking to "Sparky," she slapped a cigarette out of his mouth and said, "Don't you have any respect for a lady?"
He could have been calling her down for driving on the wrong side of the street. When cars were seen more frequently in the city there was fear she would be run over, but she informed the officer that she had been driving before he was born and would continue driving where she pleased…and she did, too!
Excerpts of Charlsie's article about Sallie and Columbus, to be continued.
Following are excerpts from a letter written by Sallie who had just turned 77 years old (on 11 Jan 1922) when the letter was written. It was written from her home in Winters, TX, and it was dated 13 Feb 1922. It was addressed to her cousin, Marvin Merritte HIGH and his wife, Minnie Ellen EDGAR who were then living in Kingsville, TX.
Sallie's father (Mark Mitchell HIGH) and Merritte's paternal grandfather (John Thomas HIGH) were brothers. Merritte HIGH and Minnie EDGAR were Bob Webb's maternal grandparents. The original of the letter was in historical documents given to Bob by his mother, Jean Marie HIGH WEBB who was born in Kingsville, TX on 26 Aug 1920. Thus, she was about 1.5 years old when her parents received the letter from Sallie.
Winters, Texas
Feb. 13, 1922
Mr. & Mrs. High
Kingsville, Texas
Dear Cousins,
Eddie has his land ready to plant when it rains. His wheat is just now coming up that was sown in Oct. He will sow oats as soon as it rains enough. Had a letter from William a few days ago. He said his family had very sore arms where they had been vaccinated, but he did not say what disease was up there that they had to be vaccinated.
You asked how many grandchildren I had. William has 2 boys and 3 girls living, 3 boys dead. Eddie has 5 girls and 2 boys living and one boy dead. He has 3 granddaughters that makes me great grandmother.
Eddie was 57 years old the 12 of last Oct. William was 52 the sixth of Dec. [Note: William was actually 62 on 06 Dec 1921, not 52]
William's oldest girl has married the second time. She married a Mr. Newton, and they live in Dallas.
Well, write again. I would like to hear from Cousin Peyton some time.
Your Cousin,
Sallie A. Blackwood
Winters, Texas
Route 5 Box 20
[Note: William's oldest girl was Ruth. She was shown in the 1920 census living with her parents as a widow with surname COLLINS. She was later (prior to 13 Feb 1922, the date her grandmother, Sallie, wrote the letter) married to William NEWTON. Ruth was first married to Elmer COLLINS in 1917. He was tragically killed in 1918 in a work-related accident as described in his obituaries posted on his memorial.] Elmer COLLINS
It appears she was first married to a Mr. MC KINNEY since on the Mississippi record of her marriage to C. J. BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 (the same date she reported on her Confederate Veteran Widow's Pension Application as shown at the right), her name was recorded as Sarah A. MC KINNEY.
No other record has yet been found of that first marriage. But, it is speculated she was first married c1861 at a normal, marrying age of the time (c16) and that her first husband died during the Civil War.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V284-1B5 : accessed 22 Sep 2014), C. J. Blackwood and Sarah A. Mc Kinney, 20 Dec 1866; citing Oktibbeha,Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900508.
It is possible Sallie was first married to John MCKINNEY (c1839-?), son of John MCCINNEY (1803-1872) and Jane/Jenny/Jensy HALL (1804-1869) who were shown in the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census reports in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. In the 1860 report, on page 117, that family with John MCKINNEY, Jr., recorded as 21 years old, were enumerated on the same page (Dwelling # 912) near to a family headed by Lydia BLACKWOOD (Dwelling # 910) that included Columbus BLACKWOOD, recorded as aged 16. The HIGH family headed by Mark M. HIGH was recorded on page 104 in that census report with Sallie (recorded as Elizabeth HIGH, age 15, with birthplace Alabama).
There are several CSA military service records of persons from Mississippi named J. MCKINNEY, one of whom enlisted 28 May 1861 at Corinth, Mississippi in Co. E, 14th Mississippi Infantry, was captured at Confederate Ft. Donelson near Dover in northern Tennessee on 16 Feb 1862. He became a prisoner of war, was imprisoned at Camp Douglas, Illinois, and died of consumption (then used to describe tuberculosis) 20 Aug 1862.
Together, Sallie and Columbus had two known children who grew to adulthood. She reported to the census taker in 1910 that she had given birth to two children and that they were both then still living. Their names and birth years ares shown below.
1869 Columbus William Marion BLACKWOOD
1874 Edwin Mitchell BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Texas marriage record, William BLOCKWOOD (sic) and Nancy Arlina "Arlie" CUNNINGHAM (1870-1962) were married 17 May 1896 in Collin County, Texas. She was born in Tennessee to Joseph Hugh CUNNINGHAM (1842-1901) and his wife Mary Jane KILE (1843-1914).
Marriage record source: "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1977," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K61P-1J6 : accessed 25 Sep 2014), W M Blockwood and Arlie Cunningham, 17 May 1896, Marriage; citing Collin, Texas, United States, County Clerk.
William and Arlie had eight known children, five of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and approximate birth years are shown below.
1898 Ruth Oneva BLACKWOOD
1899 Willard R. BLACKWOOD
1901 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1903 Letha/Leta Ann BLACKWOOD
1904 Charles Lee BLACKWOOD
1906 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1908 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1912 Geneva D. BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Mississippi marriage record, Edwin Mitchell "Eddie" BLACKWOOD and Julia Elizabeth "Lizzie" DUNN were married 25 Oct 1896 in Ackerman, Choctaw County, Mississippi where Lizzie was born and raised.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZW-BQR : accessed 25 Sep 2014), E. M. Blackwood and Lizzie Dunn, 25 Oct 1896; citing , Choctaw, Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900637.
One online family tree indicated Eddie and Lizzie left for Runnels County, Texas the day after they were married. In Eddie's mother's CSA Widow's Pension application, she reported that she had resided in Runnels County, Texas since Nov 16, 1896. So, assuming those reported dates are correct and assuming the family travelled together, the relocation from Mississippi to Texas took 21 days.
Since William was married in Texas 17 May 1896, he had either already relocated and/or he had fallen in love with a Texas girl which, along with land and westward expansion opportunities, influenced his (and perhaps his family members') decision to relocate to Texas.
Together, Eddie and Lizzie had eight known children, seven of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and their approximate birth years are shown below.
1897 Lydia Rebeca BLACKWOOD
1900 Beulah Magnolia BLACKWOOD
1903 J. D. BLACKWOOD (died in infancy)
1905 Ora Lucille BLACKWOOD
1914 Graned Cates "GC" BLACKWOOD
1915 Mitchell Edwin BLACKWOOD
1917 Lizzie Mae BLACKWOOD
1919 Willie Lois BLACKWOOD
The noted Runnels County, Texas historian and author, Charlsie Mae GRAHAM POE (1909-2007), among her many historical contributions, wrote a regular column for the Abilene Reporter-News. Her column that appeared in the Wed, 25 Feb 1976 edition was entitled
A Tongue-Lashing Was in Store
When Grandma Drove Into Winters.
Charlsie had moved to Winters with her parents in 1915 when she was six years old. Her father opened and ran a grocery store there. She was not related by blood to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD or to his wife, Saran Ann "Sallie" HIGH. But, her early interest in history, coupled with the interactions of residents and visitors in the small town of Winters, coupled with her father's grocery store where customers frequently came, presented Charlsie with unique opportunities to observe, interact, and remember. Her life-long interests in history, especially local Texas history, and her wonderful writing abilities, combined to make her one of the most noted historians and authors of her time in that part of Texas.
When Charlsie and her family moved to Winters in 1915, Columbus was 71 years old and Sallie was 70. Charlsie had the opportunity to know them and to interact with them up until their deaths. Columbus died in 1919 when Charlsie was 10 years old, and Sallie died in 1926 when Charlsie was 17 years old. So, she definitely knew them during many of her formative years.
Excerpts from the article Charlsie wrote about them in 1976 are shown below.
WINTERS--The most unforgettable character of my childhood was Grandma Blackwood who drove a horse and buggy to Winters from her home south of town in the Franklin Community every Saturday. She was accompanied by her husband until his death in 1919.
The couple came bringing butter, eggs, chickens and other farm products in season to trade for their groceries.
Although their names were Columbus Jefferson and Sally Ann, I never heard them called anything but Grandma and Grandpa. And, the horse's name was Dolly. From Grandpa's diary we learn that he traded for her on Jan. 2, 1903.
We came to Winters in 1915 when I was a small child and all that I can remember about Grandpa was his quiet, kindly manner and his long black beard. Also the unusual name of "Sugar-foot" that he always called his wife.
I pondered this for awhile and decided it was because she carried lemon drops in her apron pocket wherever she went. And during church she handed these out to her husband and all the children sitting nearby. Naturally, all of us tried to sit close to her; but we knew better than to get her place. She had a certain seat and if anyone sat there, Grandma saw to it that he moved.
Grandma was modern enough to bob her hair, but there it stopped. She wore a little black bonnet, black leather houseshoes and a black and white checked apron for all occasions. Her small pocket knife and candy had to be in her apron pocket before she considered herself dressed.
She was a small woman and could have been called "Little Colonel" for the way she took charge of situations. All the men in town soon learned of Grandma's dislike for tobacco. If a clerk were smoking and asked her what he could do for her, she said "Well, the first thing you can do is get rid of that cigarette."
When they saw her coming, the men dropped their smoking as quickly as they could. They preferred burned fingers and holes in their pockets rather than facing her tongue lashing.
We had only one officer, a city marshall, who rode a horse about town. We called him, "Spark Plug," and soon shortened it to "Sparky." With Grandma's help, one officer was sufficient for she kept the law in order. While talking to "Sparky," she slapped a cigarette out of his mouth and said, "Don't you have any respect for a lady?"
He could have been calling her down for driving on the wrong side of the street. When cars were seen more frequently in the city there was fear she would be run over, but she informed the officer that she had been driving before he was born and would continue driving where she pleased…and she did, too!
Excerpts of Charlsie's article about Sallie and Columbus, to be continued.
Following are excerpts from a letter written by Sallie who had just turned 77 years old (on 11 Jan 1922) when the letter was written. It was written from her home in Winters, TX, and it was dated 13 Feb 1922. It was addressed to her cousin, Marvin Merritte HIGH and his wife, Minnie Ellen EDGAR who were then living in Kingsville, TX.
Sallie's father (Mark Mitchell HIGH) and Merritte's paternal grandfather (John Thomas HIGH) were brothers. Merritte HIGH and Minnie EDGAR were Bob Webb's maternal grandparents. The original of the letter was in historical documents given to Bob by his mother, Jean Marie HIGH WEBB who was born in Kingsville, TX on 26 Aug 1920. Thus, she was about 1.5 years old when her parents received the letter from Sallie.
Winters, Texas
Feb. 13, 1922
Mr. & Mrs. High
Kingsville, Texas
Dear Cousins,
Eddie has his land ready to plant when it rains. His wheat is just now coming up that was sown in Oct. He will sow oats as soon as it rains enough. Had a letter from William a few days ago. He said his family had very sore arms where they had been vaccinated, but he did not say what disease was up there that they had to be vaccinated.
You asked how many grandchildren I had. William has 2 boys and 3 girls living, 3 boys dead. Eddie has 5 girls and 2 boys living and one boy dead. He has 3 granddaughters that makes me great grandmother.
Eddie was 57 years old the 12 of last Oct. William was 52 the sixth of Dec. [Note: William was actually 62 on 06 Dec 1921, not 52]
William's oldest girl has married the second time. She married a Mr. Newton, and they live in Dallas.
Well, write again. I would like to hear from Cousin Peyton some time.
Your Cousin,
Sallie A. Blackwood
Winters, Texas
Route 5 Box 20
[Note: William's oldest girl was Ruth. She was shown in the 1920 census living with her parents as a widow with surname COLLINS. She was later (prior to 13 Feb 1922, the date her grandmother, Sallie, wrote the letter) married to William NEWTON. Ruth was first married to Elmer COLLINS in 1917. He was tragically killed in 1918 in a work-related accident as described in his obituaries posted on his memorial.] Elmer COLLINS
Sarah Ann "Sallie" HIGH was married to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.
It appears she was first married to a Mr. MC KINNEY since on the Mississippi record of her marriage to C. J. BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 (the same date she reported on her Confederate Veteran Widow's Pension Application as shown at the right), her name was recorded as Sarah A. MC KINNEY.
No other record has yet been found of that first marriage. But, it is speculated she was first married c1861 at a normal, marrying age of the time (c16) and that her first husband died during the Civil War.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V284-1B5 : accessed 22 Sep 2014), C. J. Blackwood and Sarah A. Mc Kinney, 20 Dec 1866; citing Oktibbeha,Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900508.
It is possible Sallie was first married to John MCKINNEY (c1839-?), son of John MCCINNEY (1803-1872) and Jane/Jenny/Jensy HALL (1804-1869) who were shown in the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census reports in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. In the 1860 report, on page 117, that family with John MCKINNEY, Jr., recorded as 21 years old, were enumerated on the same page (Dwelling # 912) near to a family headed by Lydia BLACKWOOD (Dwelling # 910) that included Columbus BLACKWOOD, recorded as aged 16. The HIGH family headed by Mark M. HIGH was recorded on page 104 in that census report with Sallie (recorded as Elizabeth HIGH, age 15, with birthplace Alabama).
There are several CSA military service records of persons from Mississippi named J. MCKINNEY, one of whom enlisted 28 May 1861 at Corinth, Mississippi in Co. E, 14th Mississippi Infantry, was captured at Confederate Ft. Donelson near Dover in northern Tennessee on 16 Feb 1862. He became a prisoner of war, was imprisoned at Camp Douglas, Illinois, and died of consumption (then used to describe tuberculosis) 20 Aug 1862.
Together, Sallie and Columbus had two known children who grew to adulthood. She reported to the census taker in 1910 that she had given birth to two children and that they were both then still living. Their names and birth years ares shown below.
1869 Columbus William Marion BLACKWOOD
1874 Edwin Mitchell BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Texas marriage record, William BLOCKWOOD (sic) and Nancy Arlina "Arlie" CUNNINGHAM (1870-1962) were married 17 May 1896 in Collin County, Texas. She was born in Tennessee to Joseph Hugh CUNNINGHAM (1842-1901) and his wife Mary Jane KILE (1843-1914).
Marriage record source: "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1977," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K61P-1J6 : accessed 25 Sep 2014), W M Blockwood and Arlie Cunningham, 17 May 1896, Marriage; citing Collin, Texas, United States, County Clerk.
William and Arlie had eight known children, five of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and approximate birth years are shown below.
1898 Ruth Oneva BLACKWOOD
1899 Willard R. BLACKWOOD
1901 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1903 Letha/Leta Ann BLACKWOOD
1904 Charles Lee BLACKWOOD
1906 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1908 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1912 Geneva D. BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Mississippi marriage record, Edwin Mitchell "Eddie" BLACKWOOD and Julia Elizabeth "Lizzie" DUNN were married 25 Oct 1896 in Ackerman, Choctaw County, Mississippi where Lizzie was born and raised.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZW-BQR : accessed 25 Sep 2014), E. M. Blackwood and Lizzie Dunn, 25 Oct 1896; citing , Choctaw, Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900637.
One online family tree indicated Eddie and Lizzie left for Runnels County, Texas the day after they were married. In Eddie's mother's CSA Widow's Pension application, she reported that she had resided in Runnels County, Texas since Nov 16, 1896. So, assuming those reported dates are correct and assuming the family travelled together, the relocation from Mississippi to Texas took 21 days.
Since William was married in Texas 17 May 1896, he had either already relocated and/or he had fallen in love with a Texas girl which, along with land and westward expansion opportunities, influenced his (and perhaps his family members') decision to relocate to Texas.
Together, Eddie and Lizzie had eight known children, seven of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and their approximate birth years are shown below.
1897 Lydia Rebeca BLACKWOOD
1900 Beulah Magnolia BLACKWOOD
1903 J. D. BLACKWOOD (died in infancy)
1905 Ora Lucille BLACKWOOD
1914 Graned Cates "GC" BLACKWOOD
1915 Mitchell Edwin BLACKWOOD
1917 Lizzie Mae BLACKWOOD
1919 Willie Lois BLACKWOOD
The noted Runnels County, Texas historian and author, Charlsie Mae GRAHAM POE (1909-2007), among her many historical contributions, wrote a regular column for the Abilene Reporter-News. Her column that appeared in the Wed, 25 Feb 1976 edition was entitled
A Tongue-Lashing Was in Store
When Grandma Drove Into Winters.
Charlsie had moved to Winters with her parents in 1915 when she was six years old. Her father opened and ran a grocery store there. She was not related by blood to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD or to his wife, Saran Ann "Sallie" HIGH. But, her early interest in history, coupled with the interactions of residents and visitors in the small town of Winters, coupled with her father's grocery store where customers frequently came, presented Charlsie with unique opportunities to observe, interact, and remember. Her life-long interests in history, especially local Texas history, and her wonderful writing abilities, combined to make her one of the most noted historians and authors of her time in that part of Texas.
When Charlsie and her family moved to Winters in 1915, Columbus was 71 years old and Sallie was 70. Charlsie had the opportunity to know them and to interact with them up until their deaths. Columbus died in 1919 when Charlsie was 10 years old, and Sallie died in 1926 when Charlsie was 17 years old. So, she definitely knew them during many of her formative years.
Excerpts from the article Charlsie wrote about them in 1976 are shown below.
WINTERS--The most unforgettable character of my childhood was Grandma Blackwood who drove a horse and buggy to Winters from her home south of town in the Franklin Community every Saturday. She was accompanied by her husband until his death in 1919.
The couple came bringing butter, eggs, chickens and other farm products in season to trade for their groceries.
Although their names were Columbus Jefferson and Sally Ann, I never heard them called anything but Grandma and Grandpa. And, the horse's name was Dolly. From Grandpa's diary we learn that he traded for her on Jan. 2, 1903.
We came to Winters in 1915 when I was a small child and all that I can remember about Grandpa was his quiet, kindly manner and his long black beard. Also the unusual name of "Sugar-foot" that he always called his wife.
I pondered this for awhile and decided it was because she carried lemon drops in her apron pocket wherever she went. And during church she handed these out to her husband and all the children sitting nearby. Naturally, all of us tried to sit close to her; but we knew better than to get her place. She had a certain seat and if anyone sat there, Grandma saw to it that he moved.
Grandma was modern enough to bob her hair, but there it stopped. She wore a little black bonnet, black leather houseshoes and a black and white checked apron for all occasions. Her small pocket knife and candy had to be in her apron pocket before she considered herself dressed.
She was a small woman and could have been called "Little Colonel" for the way she took charge of situations. All the men in town soon learned of Grandma's dislike for tobacco. If a clerk were smoking and asked her what he could do for her, she said "Well, the first thing you can do is get rid of that cigarette."
When they saw her coming, the men dropped their smoking as quickly as they could. They preferred burned fingers and holes in their pockets rather than facing her tongue lashing.
We had only one officer, a city marshall, who rode a horse about town. We called him, "Spark Plug," and soon shortened it to "Sparky." With Grandma's help, one officer was sufficient for she kept the law in order. While talking to "Sparky," she slapped a cigarette out of his mouth and said, "Don't you have any respect for a lady?"
He could have been calling her down for driving on the wrong side of the street. When cars were seen more frequently in the city there was fear she would be run over, but she informed the officer that she had been driving before he was born and would continue driving where she pleased…and she did, too!
Excerpts of Charlsie's article about Sallie and Columbus, to be continued.
Following are excerpts from a letter written by Sallie who had just turned 77 years old (on 11 Jan 1922) when the letter was written. It was written from her home in Winters, TX, and it was dated 13 Feb 1922. It was addressed to her cousin, Marvin Merritte HIGH and his wife, Minnie Ellen EDGAR who were then living in Kingsville, TX.
Sallie's father (Mark Mitchell HIGH) and Merritte's paternal grandfather (John Thomas HIGH) were brothers. Merritte HIGH and Minnie EDGAR were Bob Webb's maternal grandparents. The original of the letter was in historical documents given to Bob by his mother, Jean Marie HIGH WEBB who was born in Kingsville, TX on 26 Aug 1920. Thus, she was about 1.5 years old when her parents received the letter from Sallie.
Winters, Texas
Feb. 13, 1922
Mr. & Mrs. High
Kingsville, Texas
Dear Cousins,
Eddie has his land ready to plant when it rains. His wheat is just now coming up that was sown in Oct. He will sow oats as soon as it rains enough. Had a letter from William a few days ago. He said his family had very sore arms where they had been vaccinated, but he did not say what disease was up there that they had to be vaccinated.
You asked how many grandchildren I had. William has 2 boys and 3 girls living, 3 boys dead. Eddie has 5 girls and 2 boys living and one boy dead. He has 3 granddaughters that makes me great grandmother.
Eddie was 57 years old the 12 of last Oct. William was 52 the sixth of Dec. [Note: William was actually 62 on 06 Dec 1921, not 52]
William's oldest girl has married the second time. She married a Mr. Newton, and they live in Dallas.
Well, write again. I would like to hear from Cousin Peyton some time.
Your Cousin,
Sallie A. Blackwood
Winters, Texas
Route 5 Box 20
[Note: William's oldest girl was Ruth. She was shown in the 1920 census living with her parents as a widow with surname COLLINS. She was later (prior to 13 Feb 1922, the date her grandmother, Sallie, wrote the letter) married to William NEWTON. Ruth was first married to Elmer COLLINS in 1917. He was tragically killed in 1918 in a work-related accident as described in his obituaries posted on his memorial.] Elmer COLLINS
It appears she was first married to a Mr. MC KINNEY since on the Mississippi record of her marriage to C. J. BLACKWOOD on 20 Dec 1866 (the same date she reported on her Confederate Veteran Widow's Pension Application as shown at the right), her name was recorded as Sarah A. MC KINNEY.
No other record has yet been found of that first marriage. But, it is speculated she was first married c1861 at a normal, marrying age of the time (c16) and that her first husband died during the Civil War.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V284-1B5 : accessed 22 Sep 2014), C. J. Blackwood and Sarah A. Mc Kinney, 20 Dec 1866; citing Oktibbeha,Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900508.
It is possible Sallie was first married to John MCKINNEY (c1839-?), son of John MCCINNEY (1803-1872) and Jane/Jenny/Jensy HALL (1804-1869) who were shown in the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census reports in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. In the 1860 report, on page 117, that family with John MCKINNEY, Jr., recorded as 21 years old, were enumerated on the same page (Dwelling # 912) near to a family headed by Lydia BLACKWOOD (Dwelling # 910) that included Columbus BLACKWOOD, recorded as aged 16. The HIGH family headed by Mark M. HIGH was recorded on page 104 in that census report with Sallie (recorded as Elizabeth HIGH, age 15, with birthplace Alabama).
There are several CSA military service records of persons from Mississippi named J. MCKINNEY, one of whom enlisted 28 May 1861 at Corinth, Mississippi in Co. E, 14th Mississippi Infantry, was captured at Confederate Ft. Donelson near Dover in northern Tennessee on 16 Feb 1862. He became a prisoner of war, was imprisoned at Camp Douglas, Illinois, and died of consumption (then used to describe tuberculosis) 20 Aug 1862.
Together, Sallie and Columbus had two known children who grew to adulthood. She reported to the census taker in 1910 that she had given birth to two children and that they were both then still living. Their names and birth years ares shown below.
1869 Columbus William Marion BLACKWOOD
1874 Edwin Mitchell BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Texas marriage record, William BLOCKWOOD (sic) and Nancy Arlina "Arlie" CUNNINGHAM (1870-1962) were married 17 May 1896 in Collin County, Texas. She was born in Tennessee to Joseph Hugh CUNNINGHAM (1842-1901) and his wife Mary Jane KILE (1843-1914).
Marriage record source: "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1977," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K61P-1J6 : accessed 25 Sep 2014), W M Blockwood and Arlie Cunningham, 17 May 1896, Marriage; citing Collin, Texas, United States, County Clerk.
William and Arlie had eight known children, five of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and approximate birth years are shown below.
1898 Ruth Oneva BLACKWOOD
1899 Willard R. BLACKWOOD
1901 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1903 Letha/Leta Ann BLACKWOOD
1904 Charles Lee BLACKWOOD
1906 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1908 Infant Male BLACKWOOD
1912 Geneva D. BLACKWOOD
As recorded in a Mississippi marriage record, Edwin Mitchell "Eddie" BLACKWOOD and Julia Elizabeth "Lizzie" DUNN were married 25 Oct 1896 in Ackerman, Choctaw County, Mississippi where Lizzie was born and raised.
Source: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZW-BQR : accessed 25 Sep 2014), E. M. Blackwood and Lizzie Dunn, 25 Oct 1896; citing , Choctaw, Mississippi; FHL microfilm 900637.
One online family tree indicated Eddie and Lizzie left for Runnels County, Texas the day after they were married. In Eddie's mother's CSA Widow's Pension application, she reported that she had resided in Runnels County, Texas since Nov 16, 1896. So, assuming those reported dates are correct and assuming the family travelled together, the relocation from Mississippi to Texas took 21 days.
Since William was married in Texas 17 May 1896, he had either already relocated and/or he had fallen in love with a Texas girl which, along with land and westward expansion opportunities, influenced his (and perhaps his family members') decision to relocate to Texas.
Together, Eddie and Lizzie had eight known children, seven of whom grew to adulthood. Their names and their approximate birth years are shown below.
1897 Lydia Rebeca BLACKWOOD
1900 Beulah Magnolia BLACKWOOD
1903 J. D. BLACKWOOD (died in infancy)
1905 Ora Lucille BLACKWOOD
1914 Graned Cates "GC" BLACKWOOD
1915 Mitchell Edwin BLACKWOOD
1917 Lizzie Mae BLACKWOOD
1919 Willie Lois BLACKWOOD
The noted Runnels County, Texas historian and author, Charlsie Mae GRAHAM POE (1909-2007), among her many historical contributions, wrote a regular column for the Abilene Reporter-News. Her column that appeared in the Wed, 25 Feb 1976 edition was entitled
A Tongue-Lashing Was in Store
When Grandma Drove Into Winters.
Charlsie had moved to Winters with her parents in 1915 when she was six years old. Her father opened and ran a grocery store there. She was not related by blood to Columbus Jefferson BLACKWOOD or to his wife, Saran Ann "Sallie" HIGH. But, her early interest in history, coupled with the interactions of residents and visitors in the small town of Winters, coupled with her father's grocery store where customers frequently came, presented Charlsie with unique opportunities to observe, interact, and remember. Her life-long interests in history, especially local Texas history, and her wonderful writing abilities, combined to make her one of the most noted historians and authors of her time in that part of Texas.
When Charlsie and her family moved to Winters in 1915, Columbus was 71 years old and Sallie was 70. Charlsie had the opportunity to know them and to interact with them up until their deaths. Columbus died in 1919 when Charlsie was 10 years old, and Sallie died in 1926 when Charlsie was 17 years old. So, she definitely knew them during many of her formative years.
Excerpts from the article Charlsie wrote about them in 1976 are shown below.
WINTERS--The most unforgettable character of my childhood was Grandma Blackwood who drove a horse and buggy to Winters from her home south of town in the Franklin Community every Saturday. She was accompanied by her husband until his death in 1919.
The couple came bringing butter, eggs, chickens and other farm products in season to trade for their groceries.
Although their names were Columbus Jefferson and Sally Ann, I never heard them called anything but Grandma and Grandpa. And, the horse's name was Dolly. From Grandpa's diary we learn that he traded for her on Jan. 2, 1903.
We came to Winters in 1915 when I was a small child and all that I can remember about Grandpa was his quiet, kindly manner and his long black beard. Also the unusual name of "Sugar-foot" that he always called his wife.
I pondered this for awhile and decided it was because she carried lemon drops in her apron pocket wherever she went. And during church she handed these out to her husband and all the children sitting nearby. Naturally, all of us tried to sit close to her; but we knew better than to get her place. She had a certain seat and if anyone sat there, Grandma saw to it that he moved.
Grandma was modern enough to bob her hair, but there it stopped. She wore a little black bonnet, black leather houseshoes and a black and white checked apron for all occasions. Her small pocket knife and candy had to be in her apron pocket before she considered herself dressed.
She was a small woman and could have been called "Little Colonel" for the way she took charge of situations. All the men in town soon learned of Grandma's dislike for tobacco. If a clerk were smoking and asked her what he could do for her, she said "Well, the first thing you can do is get rid of that cigarette."
When they saw her coming, the men dropped their smoking as quickly as they could. They preferred burned fingers and holes in their pockets rather than facing her tongue lashing.
We had only one officer, a city marshall, who rode a horse about town. We called him, "Spark Plug," and soon shortened it to "Sparky." With Grandma's help, one officer was sufficient for she kept the law in order. While talking to "Sparky," she slapped a cigarette out of his mouth and said, "Don't you have any respect for a lady?"
He could have been calling her down for driving on the wrong side of the street. When cars were seen more frequently in the city there was fear she would be run over, but she informed the officer that she had been driving before he was born and would continue driving where she pleased…and she did, too!
Excerpts of Charlsie's article about Sallie and Columbus, to be continued.
Following are excerpts from a letter written by Sallie who had just turned 77 years old (on 11 Jan 1922) when the letter was written. It was written from her home in Winters, TX, and it was dated 13 Feb 1922. It was addressed to her cousin, Marvin Merritte HIGH and his wife, Minnie Ellen EDGAR who were then living in Kingsville, TX.
Sallie's father (Mark Mitchell HIGH) and Merritte's paternal grandfather (John Thomas HIGH) were brothers. Merritte HIGH and Minnie EDGAR were Bob Webb's maternal grandparents. The original of the letter was in historical documents given to Bob by his mother, Jean Marie HIGH WEBB who was born in Kingsville, TX on 26 Aug 1920. Thus, she was about 1.5 years old when her parents received the letter from Sallie.
Winters, Texas
Feb. 13, 1922
Mr. & Mrs. High
Kingsville, Texas
Dear Cousins,
Eddie has his land ready to plant when it rains. His wheat is just now coming up that was sown in Oct. He will sow oats as soon as it rains enough. Had a letter from William a few days ago. He said his family had very sore arms where they had been vaccinated, but he did not say what disease was up there that they had to be vaccinated.
You asked how many grandchildren I had. William has 2 boys and 3 girls living, 3 boys dead. Eddie has 5 girls and 2 boys living and one boy dead. He has 3 granddaughters that makes me great grandmother.
Eddie was 57 years old the 12 of last Oct. William was 52 the sixth of Dec. [Note: William was actually 62 on 06 Dec 1921, not 52]
William's oldest girl has married the second time. She married a Mr. Newton, and they live in Dallas.
Well, write again. I would like to hear from Cousin Peyton some time.
Your Cousin,
Sallie A. Blackwood
Winters, Texas
Route 5 Box 20
[Note: William's oldest girl was Ruth. She was shown in the 1920 census living with her parents as a widow with surname COLLINS. She was later (prior to 13 Feb 1922, the date her grandmother, Sallie, wrote the letter) married to William NEWTON. Ruth was first married to Elmer COLLINS in 1917. He was tragically killed in 1918 in a work-related accident as described in his obituaries posted on his memorial.] Elmer COLLINS
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