Benjamine Medearis (4) (Charles 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) was born 4 September 1745 in Middlesex County, Virginia, d. 1784. He was baptized on 13 October 1745 at Christ Church in Middlesex. Benjamine married Ann ????.

Ann remarried to James Wright on 04 Jan. 1792 in Amherst County, Virginia.  In 1797, James applied for guardianship of Benjamin Maderas, orphan of Benjamin Maderas. 

Benjamine and Ann had 4 known children:

  1. Henry Medearis (5) born about 1767, married Nancy Wright in Henrico County, Virginia on 11 Sept. 1787.  She was likely the daughter of James Wright, who cared for the children after Benjamine’s early death.  Henry first shows in the 1779 Rent Rolls, of Middlesex County. He is in the 1782 Tax list of New Kent County; 1797 Census of Virginia, where he appears to be living alone; The 1790 Virginia census he is listed with 3 white and 7 black in the household.  In 1810, Henry is living in Richmond County and appears to be married, but no children in the household.  He appears to have died before 1820.
  2. Iverson Medearis (5) b. 29 May 1773 in New Kent Co., Virginia. He lived in Culpepper, Culpepper County, Virginia in 1810. He is listed as single. (CR: 1810 Culpepper Co., Virginia)
  3. Benjamine Medearis (5) birth date unknown. Benjamine married Sarah West.
  4. James Wilson Medearis (5) born abt. 1784 in Virginia. Married Margaret West.
  5. Nancy J. Medearis (5) birth date unknown. Nancy married James C. Stevens on 2 April 1813 in Albermarle Co., Virginia.

(CR: 1783, 1790 Middlesex Co., Virginia)

(Credits 17)

Generation 5

Benjamine Medearis (5) (Benjamine 4) birth date unknown. Benjamine married Sarah West on 31 July 1810 in Nelson County, Virginia.

Sarah was the sister to Benjamine’s brother James’ wife Margaret West. Margaret “Peggy” and Sarah West were the daughters of Francis & Elizabeth (unknown) West of Amherst Co, VA.  Their grandparents were Francis & Elizabeth Bransford West, wealthy Virginia planters.  Elizabeth Bransford West was sister to John Bransford, considered by many to be one of the wealthiest planters in Virginia at the time.

Benjamine fought in the War of 1812, in the service of the United States. He was a member of The Lynchburg Rifles, 4th Regiment, commanded by Lt. Colonel George Huston. He enlisted as a resident of Campbell County, Virginia.

Benjamine and Sarah had the following known children:

  1. Margaret Medearis (6) b. abt 1817, married Henry Philpot in 1843, Roane Co Tennessee. In the 1860 census, Sarah is living with this daughter and family in Tennessee.
  2. Martha Ann Medearis (6) b. abt 1819, married William Hendrixson, in 1844, Roane Co., Tennessee. William’s brother John Hendrixson, married Narcissus Medearis (6) (James Wilson 6, Benjamine 5)
  3. Francis H. Medearis (6) b. abt 1821, one source states that he married Harriet Armstrong, and Mary S. ????.
  4. Benjamin Medearis (6) b.  abt 1829, in Roane Co., Tennessee.  In the 1850, Bedford Co., census Benjamin had a daughter named Sarah.
  5. Mary Medearis (6) born in Roane Co., Tennessee. She married John Pearson.

Sarah Medaris signed a deed in 1827 in Roane Co., Tennessee to James West from The Heirs of Francis West. Also, signing this deed were:  John B. West, Nicholas West, Jesse West, Margaret Medaris & (Sarah Medaris), Daniel Dunagan for his wife, Henry Rulman for his wife.

Supporting Documents

The Herald of the Times
05 Feb. 1821

Saddle-Tree
Manufactory

     The Subscriber having commenced the above business in all its various fashions, in the village of Amsterdam; in Botetourt County, Va.  will furnish Saddles with any number of TREES, at any time without disappointment. He flatters himself that he can give general satisfaction, having had an experience of 23 years in the business.

BENJAMIN MEDERIS.
Amsterdam, Nov. 13, 1820 –3m

(CR: Sarah and Family in 1830, 1840 Roane Co., Tennessee)

(credits 134, 139)

James Wilson Medearis (5) (Benjamine 4) was born abt. 1784 in Virginia: died in 1829 in Booneville, Tennessee. He married Margaret “Peggy” West, on 19 December 1803 in Amherst County, Virginia. She was born abt 1785 and was the sister to his brother Benjamine’s wife, Sarah West *. Margaret “Peggy” was the daughter of Francis & Elizabeth (unknown) West of Amherst Co, VA.  See Sarah West’s information under Benjamine for more info on her line.

James and Peggy lived in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia in 1810.

James and Margaret had the following children:

  1. Henry Massey Medearis (6) b. 19 Feb. 1805 in Charlottesville, Albermarle County, Virginia; d. 04 Jun 1883 in Agee, Campbell County, Tennessee. He married Sarah Rucker.
  2. Nancy I. Medearis (6) b. 12 Aug. 1808 in Charlottesville, Albermarle County, Virginia; d. 26 Mar 1876 in Knoxville, Knox, County, Tennessee.
  3. Wilson Frank Medearis (6) b. 28 June 1817 in Charlottesville, Albermarle County, Virginia; d. 10 Jan 1882 Washington, Arkansas. He married Evelyn Decatur Young.
  4. Narcissus Medearis (6) b. 22 April 1820 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 06 Apr 1888 in Old Kane, Green County, Illinois.
  5. Margaret Medearis (6) born abt 1822 in Knox Co., Tennessee.  Margaret married Zachariah Cannon in Knox County, Tennessee on 10 Oct. 1848. The marriage was performed by George M. White JP, bond by A. Adams.
  6. James Medearis (6) b. abt 1824 in Knox County, Tennessee,
  7. Alvina Medearis (6) b. ???? married John Perry, 03 Aug. 1835 in Knox County, Tennessee. John Perry was a hat maker of the famous Knox hats.  Hat making was Tennessee’s second largest industry; the first was distilling whiskey. John & Alvina moved to Illinois from Knox County, Tennessee. in 1848 with other members of her Medearis family. They had 5 sons and 1 daughter:

James fought in the Virginia Militia in the War of 1812. He is listed in Pay Rolls of Militia Entitled to Land Bounty Under the Act of Congress of Sept. 28, 1850 (Richmond, 1851) and: Muster Rolls of the Virginia Militia in the War of 1812 (Richmond, 1852) which supplements Pay Rolls. This likely explains the large gap between Nancy & Wilson Frank.

James was apparently a Shoe Maker or Cobbler. A notice was posted in Knoxville, Knox Co. Tennessee on 16 Jan 1821 that reads:

“The subscriber wishes to inform the citizens of knoxville that he has commeenced the bot and shoemaking business in part of Robert King’s house, that was lately occupied by Drs. Wiatt and Mcintoch and opposite A. Rheas’ hotel. Wilson Madaris, December 12, 1820.” Vol. 5, No. 234, 16 Jan. 1821.

James died in 1829 in Booneville, Tennessee.  An administrative settlement in Oct 1829 grants Margaret Medaris a final settlement of $200.00 as the administrator of the estate.  Also named in this settlement are James West and George Shetterly.

In Jan 1831, Margaret sold part of the estate items to Nancy Medaris, Henry Medaris, and Michales (sic) Shetterly. Copies of the original handwritten documents have been provided by Knox Co Historical Society.

(CR: 1800, Middlesex Co., Virginia; 1810 Albemarle Co., Virginia; Margaret & family in 1830, 1840 Knox Co., Tennessee)

(credits 17, 18, 139, 181)

Generation 6

Francis H. Medearis (6) (Benjamine 5, Benjamine 4) b. abt 1821.  We have him as marrying Harriet Armstrong, 15 Aug. 1844, Roane Co., Tennessee.  However, we find Francis in Jack County, Texas in 1860 and he is married to Mary S. ????, who was born in 1830.  He has the following children listed with him.

  1. Sarah B. Medaris (7) b. 1857
  2. Elizabeth Medearis (7) b. 1859
  3. John F. Medearis (7) b. 1860
  4. William L. Medearis (7) b. 1862 in Texas
  5. Mary W. Medearis (7) b. 1864 in Texas
  6. Ellen T. Medearis (7) b. 1871 in Texas
  7. Margie A. Medearis (7) b. 1873 in Texas
  8. Joseph E. Medearis (7) b. 1874 in Texas
  9. Margaret J. Medearis (7) b. 1876 in Texas
  10. Samuel Medearis (7) b. 1879 in Texas

 (CR: 1860 Jack Co., Texas; 1880 Parker Co., Texas)

Mary Medares (6) (Benjamine 5, Benjamine 4) born in Roane Co., Tennessee. Mary married John Pearson on 17 Aug 1835 in, Roane Co, Tennessee.

Mary and John had the following children:

  1. Louisa Pearson (7) b. 1837, she married 1) John McFadden on 15 Mar 1855, in Knox Co., Tennessee. She married 2) Albert Roddy, in 1863.
  2. Margaret Pearson (7) b. 1839
  3. Ann E. Pearson (7) b. 1841
  4. Sarah Jane Pearson (7) b. 1842, she married John H. Smith, 6 Feb 1868, in Roane Co., Tennessee.
  5. Julia J. Pearson (7) b. 18 Mar 1844, she married 22 Mar 1866, William G. Smith, in Roane Co., Tennessee.
  6. George Pearson (7) b. 1846, he married Nancy J. Trice, 12 Apr 1866, in Roane Co., Tennessee.
  7. Loucinda Pearson (7) b. Dec 1849, she married Anthony Smith, 28 Dec 1870, in Roane Co., Tennessee.
  8. James Oliver Pierson (7) b. 12 Jan. 1857. He married 1) Minerva Bowlin, 29 Dec 1881, b. 18 Nov 1857, d. 13 Mar 1888. 2) Frances Jane Thompson Davis. note: Being an orphan from a baby, James spelled his name differently.

It appears that Mary and John Pearson both died in 1857, leaving their children orphaned. Various documents were found by Hazel Collins (credits 134) regarding the placement of the orphans into various homes.

(credits 134)

Henry Massey Medearis (6) (James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 19 Feb. 1805 in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia; d. 04 Jun 1883 in Agee, Campbell County, Tennessee. Henry married Sarah Rucker on the 27 Oct. 1834 in Knox, Co., Tennessee. She was born 10 May 1808 in Tennessee; died 16 Nov 1880 in Knox County, Tennessee.

Henry was a schoolteacher described as a “small man and blonde.” According to his family, “Henry was teaching school when the word came of the death of his son James Wilson at Andersonville, Georgia, Prison. He became so distraught that he left the school and never returned.”

Sarah Died of Consumption (TB) and is buried in Hinds Creek Cemetery, Anderson Co., Tennessee.

Henry and Sarah had the following children:

  1. James Wilson Medearis (7) b. abt 1837, d. 23 Aug. 1864 in Andersonville, Prison.
  2. Narcissus C. Medearis (7) b. Oct. 1840 in Anderson County, Tennessee. Known as “Norris”, she married Joseph Woods.
  3. Francis Jane Medearis (7) b. abt 1841, married Byrd Ezell on 20 Dec. 1866.
  4. John Medearis (7) b. abt 1843, died at age 7.
  5. Elizabeth Medearis (7) b. Feb. 1848, married R. Brown on 09 Mar. 1865 in Knox County, Tennessee.
  6. Thomas Whittier Medearis (7) b. 15 Feb. 1851.

After James Wilson died at Andersonville, Sarah filed a claim for pension saying that son James Wilson was the sole support for the family. Her claim stated she was the wife of Henry,

“who is totally disabled from performing manual labor, from Physical disability and from having had his right arm broken and never nit together.” An affidavit dated May 1869, from Dr. A.T. Williams accompanied the claim. It stated “some fourteen or fifteen years ago (Henry) received a complicated fracture of the humorous which never united, forming an arterficial (sic) joint, entirely disableing him from performing manual labor sufficant to support his family.”

Henry Massey died in Agee, Campbell Co., Tennessee as is buried in the Agee Cemetery. Prior to his death on 4 June 1883, guardianship of Henry was transferred to W. C. Carns due to Henry being of “unsound mind”. W. C. Carns was married to Belle Brown, granddaughter of Henry, and brother of Susan Mynatt Carns, wife of Thomas Whittier.

(CR: 1830 Roane Co., Tennessee; 1840 Knox Co., Tennessee; 1850, 1880 Anderson Co., Tennessee)

(credits 17, 60)

Nancy I. Medearis (6) (James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 12 Aug. 1808 in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia; d. 26 Mar 1876 in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.  Nancy married George Shetterly, on 02 Dec. 1830 in Knox County, Tennessee. He was born 12 Apr 1808 in Knox Co., Tennessee; d. 26 Mar 1876 in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.

Nancy and George had the following  children:

  1. Margaret Ann Shetterly (7) b. abt 1834, Knox Co.,
  2. Michael Shetterly (7) b. 18 Jun 1836 Knox Co.,
  3. George W. Shetterly (7) b. 1 Oct. 1837 Knox Co.,
  4. Amanda Shetterly (7) b. abt 1842 Knox Co.,
  5. Phillip Shetterly (7) b. abt 1844 Knox Co.,
  6. Theodore Shetterly (7) b. 12 Aug. 1847 Knox Co.

Nancy and George are buried in Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. Her tombstone reads:

“Our Mother, Nancy I. – Wife of George Shetterly, Born in Charlottesville, Va., Aug. 1, 1808, Died in Knoxville, Tennessee. March 26, 1876, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord for they shall inherit Eternal Life.”

Findagrave: Nancy George
(credits 17)

Wilson Frank Medearis
Wilson Frank Medearis
Photo credit:
Beverly Hockett

Wilson Frank Medearis (6) (James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 28 May 1817 in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia; d, 10 Jan 1882 in Prairie Grove, Washington County, Arkansas. His headstone shows his age at time of death as “74y 7m 12 d”.

Wilson married Evaline Decatur Young, who was the daughter of Capt. John Calvin Young and Lucinda Hyder.  Eveline was born 19 Sept. 1819 in Tennessee; d. 03 Mar 1865. Wilson and Evelyn were married on 14 Dec 1837 in Knoxville. Wilson and Evelyn are buried in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Prairie Grove, Arkansas. 

Wilson and Evelyn had the following children:

  1. Lucinda Margaret Medearis (7) b. 5 Nov. 1838 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 23 Mar 1930. She married Lafayette Ellis.
  2. Robert Anderson Medearis (7) b. 1 Oct. 1840 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 3 Apr 1914 in Oklahoma,
  3. Julia Ann Medearis (7) b. 27 Oct. 1842 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 4 May 1927. She married Marion Crawford.
  4. Wilson Frank Medearis Jr. (7) b. 9 Aug. 1844 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 27 Mar 1888.
  5. John Wesley Medearis (7) b. 01 Sept. 1846 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 21 Feb. 1912.
  6. Thomas Edwin Medearis (7) b. 11 Aug. 1848 in Knox County, Tennessee; d. 23 Feb. 1933.
  7. Thursa Narcissus Medearis (7) b. 21 May 1850 in Greene County, Illinois; d. 27 Sept. 1851.
  8. Mary Evaline Medearis (7) b. 30 Apr 1852 in Illinois; d. 14 Aug. 1901. She married Benjamin Franklin Davis.
  9. William Henry Medearis (7) b. 24 Apr 1855 in Missouri; d. 6 Jul. 1934 in Texas. He married Sareanie Crawford.
  10. Amanda Malvina Medearis (7) b. 20 Dec 1856; d. 20 Feb. 1857.
  11. Virginia Tennessee Medearis (7) (***)b. abt 1858, Washington Co., Ark.; d. 4 Apr 1910.
  12. Albert Edward Medearis (7) b. 20 Apr 1861; d. 10 Jul. 1942. He married Mattie Cowan. They had no children.
  13. Jeannie Medearis (7) (***) this is possibly Virginia Tennessee) she married William Hankins.

In 1848, Wilson sold his land and belongings in what was termed by the Knox Co. Historical Society as a very quickly arranged sale.  It appears that Wilson Frank and his family then traveled west with Narcissus and John Hendrickson, Martha A. and William Hendrickson, and James Medearis (6) (Wilson’ brother) and his family, possibly others.

The 1850 census reports that Wilson Frank and his family were living in Greene Co, IL, while Narcissus and Martha A.’s families lived next to each other in Florissant, St. Louis Co, MO (right across the Mississippi River from Greene Co, IL.)  James was living in Hancock, IL, a few miles north of Greene Co.  Land records indicate that Wilson Frank Medearis bought 160 acres in Caldwell Co, MO on 10 Mar. 1856 (BLM serial #: MO NO s/n, Ref # 15539) and 80 acres in Washington Co, AR on 01 Feb. 1860 (BLM serial #:  AR NO s/n, Ref # 10279).  He paid cash for the properties.

Evelyn died 03 Mar., l865.  It is said she died because there was no doctor available due to the war. Wilson Frank and Evelyn are buried in Prairie Grove Cemetery, Washington Co., Ark. The cemetery is beside the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

(CR: 1840 Knox Co., Tennessee; 1850 Green Co., Illinois; 1860 Washington Co., Arkansas; 1870 Washington Co., Arkansas)

(credits 17, 19, 139, 181)

Narcissus Medearis (6) (James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 22 April 1820 in Knox Co., Tennessee. She married John Hendrixson, 13 Dec 1842, in Knox Co., Tennessee. John is the brother of William Hendrixson, who married Martha Ann Medearis (Benjamine 6, Benjamin 5).

(what’s in a name? Narcissus) (coming soon)

Narcissus and John had the following children:

  1. James Oscar Hendrickson (7) b. 18 Oct. 1844. Married Betty Sabina Smith on 18 Apr 1880 in Greene Co, IL.  James served in Co E, Illinois Infantry during the War for Southern Independence, and was a prison guard at the Confederate prison in Alton, Madison Co, IL.  He died at the IL National Veterans Home in Quincy, Adams Co, IL on 2-20-1920.
  2. George Hendrixson (7) b. 1850 St. Louis Co, MO- settled in IN
  3. Mary Hendrixson (7) b. 1857 St. Louis Co, MO. She married 1) Harry Warren on 07 Aug. 1883 in Greene Co, IL, then she married 2) ???? Kirchner.
  4. Nancy Hendrixson (7) b. 1862 in Greene Co, IL.
  5. Alice Hendrixson (7) b. 1867 in Greene Co, IL.  Died 28 Mar. 1869

Narcissus died 06 April 1888 in Old Kane, Greene Co, IL at the age of 67 years, 11 months, 16 days according to her obituary in the Carrollton Gazette. That would make her birthday 22 April 1820.  Narcissus is buried in Thompson cemetery with the following inscription:

“A sleep in Jesus far from the, The Kindred and their Graves___ but thine is still a blessed sleep from which none can wake to weep.”

Thompson Cemetery is in the back of a field behind a farmhouse in Old Kane. Take IL 267 north (past Lewis & Clark College) out of Godfrey, through Jerseyville. When you get to the Kane intersection, turn left (instead of right to go to Kane) at the Farm supply store. Go ½ mile and turn left. Go another ¼ mile till you come to a field road between two farmhouses. Turn right on the field road and go back to a grove of trees surrounded by barbed wire. The cemetery is in that grove of trees.

(credits 139)

James Medearis (6) (James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born abt 1824 in Knox Co., Tennessee.  He married 1) Frances Trowell, who was born abt 1822 in Anderson Co., Tennessee. They were married 27 Nov. 1844 in Knox Co., Tennessee.

James and Frances had the following children:

  1. Mary M. Medearis (7) born abt 1845 in Knox Co., Tennessee.,
  2. Lafayette M. Medearis (7) born 1848 in Knox Co., Tennessee.,
  3. William Medearis (7) born 1849 in MO,
  4. James Alexander Medearis (7) b. Jan 1850 in Hancock Co., Ill.
  5. Louis C. Medearis (7) born 1851 in IL

After Frances’ death, James married 2) Mary A. Arnold, who was born about 1829 in KY.  They were married on 25 Dec. 1855.

(CR: 1860, 1880 St. Louis Co., Missouri)

(credits 139)

Generation 7

James Wilson Medearis (7) (Henry Massey 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 5) born abt 1837.  He was a Private in Company C, 2nd Tennessee Infantry US. James was Captured at Rogersville, Tennessee on 06 November 1863. Taken to Andersonville, Georgia Prison where he died on 23 August 1864 from “Scorbutus” (Scurvy). James is buried in grave # 6555 in Section E, at Andersonville’s Memorial Cemetery.

(photo and credits 00)

Narcissus C. Medearis (7) (Henry Massey 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born Oct. 1840 in Anderson County, Tennessee. She was called “Norris” by her friends and family.  She married Joseph Woods on 02 July 1865 in Knox Co., Tennessee. John was the son of Alexander and Nancy Perry Woods.

Narcissus and Joseph had the following children:

  1. Sarah E. Woods (8) b. 1866 in Tennessee. She married Alvin Grant, 15 Nov. 1884.
  2. Frances Tennessee Woods (8) b. 1869 in Tennessee.
  3. Virginia “Jenny” Woods (8) b. 05 June 1872, d. 09 June 1934 in Tennessee. She married Joseph Pharoah Landrum II, b. 12 June 1859 in Anderson Co., Tennessee., d. 30 May 1932 in Anderson Co.
  4. John Henry Woods (8) b. Mar 1873 in Tennessee, He married Mary Riggs on 01 Sept. 1914 (possibly a second marriage)
  5. Isaac Frank Woods (8) b. Aug. 1878 in Tennessee. He married Sarah Elizabeth Redmond.

(CR: 1880 Anderson Co., Tennessee)

(credits 17, 84)

Thomas Whittier Medearis
Thomas and Susan Medearis
Photo Credit
John Pearson

Thomas Whittier Medearis (7) (Henry Massey 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 15 Feb. 1851 in Brushy Creek, Anderson Co., Tennessee. He married Susan Mynatt Carns on 30 June 1881 in Andersonville, Tennessee.

Susan was born 18 Oct. 1861 in Clear Creek, Tennessee. Susan was the daughter of Capt. William Carroll and Mary Adkins Carns, who commanded Company C of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry. This is also the regiment of Thomas’s brother James.

Thomas was described as 6′ 2″ tall. According to family stories, he married Susan under a great tree about three hundred yards from her home, secretly. He was 30 and she was 20.

Thomas died 15 Nov. 1922 in Schell City, Missouri and is buried there. Susan died 16 Feb. 1942 also in Schell City, Vernon County, Missouri.

Thomas and Susan had the following children:

  1. Frank Calvin Medearis (8) b. 3 July 1881, married Mary Alice Headley (1888-956) on 27 Nov. 1907,
  2. Walter Virgil Medearis (8) b. & d. 23 Feb. 1883 still born in Tennessee.
  3. Jamaica Aline Medearis (8) b. 08 Jan. 1884 in Lafollette, Campbell Co., Tennessee., d. 29 Oct. 1962 in Eldorado Springs, MO.  She married John Albert Campbell.
  4. Sarah Elizabeth Medearis (8) b. 19 May1886 in Indiana., d. 01 Mar. 1961 in Towanda, Butler Co. Kansas. She married George Milton Headley.
  5. William Carrol Medearis (8) b. 25 Sept. 1887, in Newbern, Bartholomew Co., Indiana, d. 30 Aug 1966 in Schell City, MO.  He married 1) Nellie J. Mills, 2) Letha Abrams, 3) Martha Abram.
  6. Thomas Whittier Medearis Jr. (8) b. 11 Apr 1889. He married Mara Eleanor Miller.
  7. Mary Alta Medearis (8) b. 06 Sept 1890 in Indiana; d. 19 Apr. 1970 in Schell City, Missouri. She married 1) Elwood Overton, 2) Joseph Z. Dunn, 3) Olin E. Butler.
  8. Joseph Cross Medearis (8) b. 28 Sept.1892 in Dorsett Tennessee., d. 17 Nov. 1951 in Appleton City, MO.  He married Gladys Yvonne Keifer.
  9. James Tate Medearis (8) b. 06 Feb. 1894 in Knoxville, Anderson County, Tennessee; d. 20 Jan. 1939 in Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri.  He married Margaret Ann Mefford.
  10. Earnest Burnside Medearis (8) b. 28 Dec. 1895, in Knoxville, Tennessee., d. 20 Feb. 1968 in Mt. Home, ID.  He married Gladys Kelly (1905-1991) 15 Apr. 1928 in Lockwood, MO. Earnest had tuberculosis as a young man. He lived with and was nursed back to health by his brother Frank Calvin and his wife Mary in their home. Earnest and his wife had no children. They both studied at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri, and became teachers.
  11. Susan Mynatt Medearis (8) b. 27 May 1900, in Austin, Scott County, Indiana; d. 28 Jun 1979 in Schell City, Vernon County, Missouri. She married Albert Caruthers.
  12. Cleta Belle Medearis (8) b. 07 Apr. 1902 in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Illinois; d. 29 Mar. 1994. She married Don Kennedy.

Nevada Daily Mail, Thurs. Nov. 16, 1922

THOS. MEDEARIS DIED WEDNESDAY AT HOME NEAR HARWOOD

Thos. W. Medearis, seventy-one years old, died at his home near Harwood Wednesday afternoon. He is survived by his widow and his children, Frank C. Medearis, Carthage; Wm. C., Schell City; Thomas W., Kansas City; Joseph C., Rockwell, Iowa; James T. and Emmett, who lived with their parents; Mrs. John Campbell, Cristy, Wis.; Mrs. Geo. Hedley, Burden, Kas.; Mrs. Alta Averton, Schell City; Mrs. Albert Caruthers, Appleton City, and Miss Chita Medearis, Shell City, and twenty-three grandchildren. He came to Nevada from Sarcoxie in 1917.

(credits 17, 60, 200, 219)

Lucinda Margaret Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 05 Nov. 1838 in Knox County, Tennessee; died 23 Mar 1930. She married M. D. Lafayette Ellis on 07 Sep 1860 in Washington Co, AR.  Lafayette was the son of Ira Etheldred and Mary Bledsoe Ellis and was born in Missouri in 1841.

Lucinda and Lafayette had the following children:

  1. Eva Ellis (8) b. 1870 in MO.
  2. William Ellis (8) b. 1871 in MO
  3. Fannie Ellis (8) b. 1873 in Washington, AR.  She married Baden Bare.
  4. Julia Ellis (8) b. 16 Mar. 1876 in Washington, AR, d. 07 June 1952.
  5. Annie Ellis (8) b. 1878 in Washington, AR.
  6. Robert Young Ellis (8) b. 02 April 1881 in Neosho, MO and d. 06 Nov. 1962 in Stilwell, OK. He married Alta May Adams.

(credits 162, 181)

Robert Anderson Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 01 Oct. 1840 in Knox Co., Tennessee; died 03 Apr 1914 in Westville, Oklahoma.

In 1857 his family moved to Washington County, Arkansas. Robert was tall, blue eyed, had dark hair and very fair skin. While attending school in St. Louis, Mo., he was converted and was united with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Robert joined the Confederacy during the War for Southern Independence and was a Sergeant, in Company E, 17th (Griffiths) Arkansas Infantry, and later Sergeant, Company K, 11th and 17th Griffith’s Consolidated Arkansas Infantry. Park Hinds Medearis in 1948 indicated R. A. Medearis was a first Lt and a brevetted Captain. Robert carried this 1851 Colt Confederate Navy Revolver during the Civil War.

(Photos contributed by Beverly Hockett)

Robert married Rachel Amanda Hinds on 21 Aug. 1867. She was b. 28 Feb. 1842, in Guilford County, NC. Amanda died 24 Apr 1925 in Westville, Okla. at the home of her daughter Taska Medearis Gibson.

In 1868 Robert & Amanda united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was for many years an efficient ruling elder in the church. He was elected & served one year as Moderator of Arkansas Presbytery.

Robert served in the 26th Arkansas Legislature, serving in the Legislature for 4 years. He and Amanda settled on a farm 4 miles east of Westville, Oklahoma in 1901 & continued to live there.

Robert was a farmer in Arkansas, then moved 8 miles into Westville, Oklahoma where he owned stock and was president of the bank. Sometime after 1906 he joined the Presbyterian Church at Westville, Okla., and was instrumental in building the church at that place.  He said that he would rather have a Presbyterian church in Westville than a monument to his grave.

Robert is buried in the Old Union Cemetery, in Cincinnati, Arkansas.

Amanda was born in Guilford Co. N.C. to Newtonia, Mo., and in 1861 moved with her family to Viney Grove, Ark.  She was the daughter of Rev. Dr. John and Rhoda Webb Hinds. John was b. 1809 in Overton Co, Tennessee, d. 1862. Her mother was b. 1814 in Overton Co, Tennessee, d. 1904 in Peggs, OK.

John Hinds was a Doctor of Medicine & also Divinity. He went to medical school at Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky. He was a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. John died during the Civil War of dysentery.  He was captured by the Federals & put in prison.  When they discovered he wasn’t going to live, they let him go home where he only lived 3 weeks.

It is said Amanda, when a young girl of 19 was blamed for stealing a horse. (It was later was found out that Sue or Sarah Inks actually stole it.)  Amanda was taken prisoner by the Feds. A young Federal officer fell in love with her and was able to get General Blount drunk one night and had the General to sign her release. She would have probably stayed a prisoner until the end of the war otherwise. She was taken to Fort Smith and when she was released and had to walk home. She had to stop at farmhouses and spend the night along the way home.

She had a brother I. D. Iredel Hinds who was taken from his home at age of 14 by the Northern Army and was forced into the Federal Army where he had to fight with them for the length of the war.  Also said that Amanda’s brother Dudley (age 16 or 18) killed the soldier who stole Amanda’s side saddle & horse and set the house on fire. They saved only their family Bible, and a mattress they had hidden outside.

Robert and Amanda had the following children:

  1. Taska Medearis (8) b. 23 Oct. 1868, d. in 1929. She married George Wright Gibson.
  2. Robert Summerfield Medearis (8) b. 10 Jan. 1869 in Washington Co., Arkansas, d. 1934 in Little Rock, Ark. He married Myrtle Hendricks.
  3. John Frank Medearis (8) b. 23 Sept. 1872 in Summers, Ark. d. 1 Nov. 1961.
  4. Ida Lillian Medearis (8) b. 29 Jan,1876 in Washington, County, Ark, d. 10 Nov. 1965 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.  Ida is buried in Protestant Cemetery, Lafayette, Louisiana. She married Narcisse Thibodeaux in 1908 in Westville, Okla. She met him on an excursion cruise down the Mississippi River to New Orleans to attend the Mardi Gras. He was a Frenchman whose ancestors came from Arcadia. Narcisse was a member of one of the oldest French families who settled in Louisiana while that state was under the dominion of France prior to 1803 (as stated by newspaper He died in 1955 at age 75 of a heart attack while driving his truck.  He was a farmer and a native of St. Martin Parish. They had 1 child–a daughter who lived only a short time. Lillian moved to Fresno, CA shortly after Narcisse’s death (1955) and stayed for 9 years to be with her nieces Lois and Ida “Ruth”, children of her brother John Frank’ children. She flew back accompanied by Lois’ husband Randolph Ostrom as she was in a wheelchair and needed assistance.  She wanted to go back to Breux Bridge, Louisiana to live with her husband’s niece until she died so she could be buried with her husband.
  5. Amanda Blanche Medearis (8) b. 29 Sept, 1880, and d. 08 April 1948 at age 67. She married Willette “Will” Gordon McGuire.
  6. infant son (8) born 08 July 1883, died 11 July 1883, buried in the Old Union Cemetery, Cincinnati, Washington Co., Arkansas.
  7. Albert Iredelle Medearis (8) b. 07 Jan, 1878; d. Aug 1948; 1) Winnie Rhea, 2) Katherine Fargo.
  8. Park Hinds Medearis (8) b. 03 Mar 1887 in Cincinnati, Arkansas; d. 26 Dec 1983.
  • Seated is Robert Anderson Medearis, Rachel Amanda Hinds Medearis
  • In Front: Park Hinds Medearis & Blanche Medearis
  • In back: Ida Lillian Medearis, Robert Summerfield Medearis, Albert Iredelle Medearis, Itaska Medearis & John Frank Medearis

Supporting Documents

Robert Anderson Medearis’ Obituary in The Westville Record (Oklahoma)

Friday May 15, 1914–

Robert Anderson Medearis was born in Knox Co, Tennessee. Oct. 1, 1840.  His father moved to Washington County, Arkansas in 1857.  While attending school in St. Louis, Mo, he was converted and united with the M.E.S. church.  He served 4 years in the Confederate Army as Lieutenant of Shannon’s Co.  On August 21, 1867, he was married to Miss Amanda Hinds of Viney Grove, Ark.   In 1868 Robert & his wife “Amanda” united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  He was for many years an efficient ruling elder in the church.  He was elected & served one year as Moderator of Arkansas Presbytery.  He was elected to Arkansas State Legislature served 4 years.  He served 4 years in the legislature in Little Rock, Ark.  Sometime after 1906 he joined the Presbyterian Church at Westville, Okla., & was instrumental in building the church at that place.  He said that he would rather have a Presbyterian church in Westville than a monument to his grave.  8 children were given as a blessing to this home, one of whom died in infancy.  7 with the mother survive him, they are:  Mrs. George Gibson and Park Medearis of Westville, Mrs. Narcissee Thibeaux of Louisiana, Frank, Albert and Mrs. Willet McGuire of California and Dr. R. S. Medearis of Argenta, Ark.  He departed this life April 3, 1914, at his home in Westville, Okla.  He was interred at Old Union, Ark., where his early church work began.  He was consecrated, faithful, everyday Christian.  His friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

     Mr. Medearis was a brother-in-law of W. G. D. Hinds and Mrs. Jennie Brasel both of Muskogee “They have opened the gates of the sky; A spirit has soared to the mansions of love, And seeks for admittance on high?  by Jennie Brasel and J.A. Knox.

Goodspeed 1889 History of Washington Co. AR p. 77

MEDEARIS

The Medearis family settled near Cincinnati about 1860. Wilson Frank Medearis married Evaline Decatur Young. Their son Robert Anderson Medearis was born October 1, 1840 in Knox County, Tennessee. The family lived in Newtonia, MO. for awhile & they moved into Washington County, AR. After the marriage of Robert A. Medearis to Rachel Amanda Elizabeth Hinds, they moved on a farm south of Cincinnati. This we know as the Medearis farm. Children of Robert A. Medearis & Amanda Hinds Medearis are listed below. Their children were all born in Cincinnati, AR

Mrs. Medearis Dead

Mrs. R. A. Medearis, died at this home of her daughter Mrs. G.W. Gibson, in the city Friday morning, April 24th. Mrs. Medearis was the daughter of Rev. Dr. John Hinds, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was born Feb. 28th, 1842, in Guilford Co. N.C. They moved to Newtonia, MO, and in 1861 the family moved to Viney Grove.

In 1867, at the age of 25 years she was married to R. A. Medearis. They settled on a farm about 4 miles east of Westville and continued to live there moving to Westville in 1901. 8 children were born to this union, one dying in infancy.

The surviving are: Mrs. G. W. Gibson of Westville, Dr. R. S. Medearis of Little Rock, J.F. Medearis of Fresno, CA, Mrs. Lillian Thibodeaux of Breaubridge LA, A. J. Medearis of Loyalton, CA, Mrs. Blanche McGuire of Fresno, CA and Dr. P.H. Medearis of Tahlequah, one brother of the deceased survives, Mr. W.G.D. Hinds of Oklahoma City.

Her husband, R. A. Medearis, well known to most of the people of this community died 11 years ago the 3rd day of this month, April.

Mrs. Medearis made the good confession and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in her girlhood and since coming to Westville has been an honored member of the Presbyterian Church of this place. She set a splendid example of quiet, modest and faithful Christian living, always doing a generous share in any way she was able, in all things that were helpful to her neighbors or uplifting her community.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon at Presbyterian Church this city by the Rev. P.C. Irwin. Interment followed at Union Hill Cemetery, near Cincinnati.

Census Records: 1970 Washington Co., Arkansas

 (credits 00, 17, 47, 162, 181)

Wilson Frank Medearis Jr. (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 09 Aug. 1844, in Knox County, Tennessee; died 27 Mar 1888 in Walnut Ridge, Lawrence County, Arkansas. He married 1) Margaret Munger, who was born 05 May 1846; died 27 April 1875, sister to his brother John’s wife Elizabeth.

Wilson Frank Medearis Jr.

Wilson joined the Confederacy and fought as a Private, in Company E, 17th Arkansas Infantry, Griffith’s, and Company K & H, 11th and 17th Consolidated Arkansas Infantry.

Park Hinds Medearis wrote about Wilson in the Civil War:

“Dad had a brother Wilson Jr.. They called him Wilse. He and dad went through the four years of the Civil War fighting for the South. They dressed in blue uniforms and went inside the Union lines one night and captured a General and brought him out. Wilse was such a dare devil the Northern army had a reward for him. He was captured many times but always got away. From what Uncle Dudley Hinds told me Wilse was as expert with a pistol as Wild Bill.”

I found more on this incident in the “Notes on the battle of Clinton, Louisiana, June 3, 1863” by taken from Anthony C. Rushing’s book Ranks of Honor. A Regimental History of the Eleventh Arkansas Infantry Regiment and Poe’s Cavalry Battalion, C.S.A., 1861-1865.

1863

“Federal intelligence was apparently lacking, for the previously mentioned Brigadier General Neal Dow (wounded on May 27) was still recuperating at the plantation house of Mrs. George Cage during the evening of June 30 — Mrs. George Cage was the wife of Colonel George C. Cage, commander of the Louisiana Battalion within Colonel Logan’s Brigade! Not surprisingly, plans were made to capture General Dow by members of Logan’s force; Captain John McKowen, Jr., 1st Louisiana Cavalry convinced Colonel Frank Powers to let him and a small unit snatch the Yankee general from behind Federal lines. Three members of the 11th and 17th Consolidated Arkansas Mounted Infantry, Sgt. John G.B. Simms, Pvt. John R. Petty, and Pvt. Wilson F. Medearis (all from Co. H of Colonel Griffith’s command) joined Captain McKowen at the Plains Store crossroads before sundown. Joined by a mysterious person known only as “Tex”, after dark they rode to within 1/4 mile of Mrs. Cage house, crept up in the darkness, overpowered the guards, burst in, and found Brigadier General Dow missing! General Dow had heard rumors of his impending capture and had left on horseback earlier that evening. Fortunately for the Rebels, a lone horseman was spotted hiding behind a tree and Sgt. Simms and Pvt. Petty rode over to investigate. Sgt. Simms leveled his pistol at the head of the lone rider and demanded, “Are you General Dow?” “Yes sir!” came the reply. Simms then stated to the hapless Federal commander, “Surrender, or I’ll kill you!”. Dow agreed and rode with his captors back to Logan’s headquarters near Clinton. This capture of a high-ranking Federal commander by members of the 11th & 17th Arkansas Infantry was noticed by officials in both the United States and Confederate States governments — it ranks with the capture of the U.S.S. Petrel on April 22, 1864 as perhaps their most famous exploit.”

Wilson and Margaret had the following children:

  1. Robert Dudley Medearis (8) b. 12 July 1867, d. 26 Nov. 1904.  Served in the Spanish American War in an Arkansas Regiment. It is likely that he served in the same regiment with his brother James, but that record has not been located yet. His headstone in Snow Cemetery, Lawrence County, Arkansas is a Woodsman of the World.
  2. James Frank Medearis (8) b. 12 Jan 1869 in Sharp County, Arkansas; d. 30 Aug 1932 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. He married Alice Brooks Phelps on the 5 May 1896. When war was declared against Spain in 1898, James organized Company C, of the Second Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Captain of the Company. He also served his country in WWI.  James was the Chairman of the Lawrence County, Arkansas, Board of Education. It is unknown if James and Alice had any children.
    James served as Mayor of Walnut Ridge at intervals over a period of 18 years. During his terms of office, most of the water and sewer improvements were made, as well as paved streets. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Walnut Ridge School Board, chairman of the Lawrence County Board of Education, chairman of the Lawrence County chapter of the American Red Cross, and president of the Jonesboro Chapter, Veterans of the Spanish American War.
  3. Flora Jane Medearis (8) b. 31 Jan. 1871 in Lawrence Co., Arkansas, d. 16 Apr. 1936 in Lawrence Co., Ark. She married Charles Loafman Bottom.
  4. George Young Medearis (8) b. 1874.  
  5. Frederick Charles Medearis (8) b. 10 Nov 1875, d. 07 Jun 1876

Margaret died in May 1876. Wilson remarried to 2) Eva Jane Austin, who was born in June 1861, in Tennessee. She was the daughter of Joel B. and Eliza Austin. Wilson and Eva were married on 14 Nov 1878, Randolph Co., AR.

Wilson and Eva had the following children:

  1. Maude Medearis (8) b. 26 Nov. 1883. She married Harry Kirk. In the fall of 1932 they were living in Los Angeles, CA.
  2. Alice Margaret Medearis (8) b. 31 Dec. 1889 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. She married 1) Dr. John Cicero Hughes, 2) ???? Vinson.

(CR: 1850 Greene Co., Arkansas; 1860 Illinois, Washington Co, Arkansas; 1970 Lawrence Co., Arkansas; 1880 Cache, Lawrence Co., Arkansas)

(credits 18, 19, 181)

John Wesley Medearis

John Wesley Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 01 Sept. 1846; died 21 Feb. 1912. He married Elizabeth Munger on 17 Feb. 1868 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. She is the sister to Margaret Munger, wife of John’s brother; Wilson Frank Jr. Elizabeth was born in 20 Nov. 1838; died 30 Mar 1921 in Lexington Oklahoma. They are buried in Willow View cemetery, Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

John joined the Confederate Army and served as a Private, then Sergeant in Company G, of the 34th Arkansas Infantry.  He later joined the US army when war was declared against Spain in 1898. He was a Private, Wagoner in Company A, 2nd U.S. Volunteer Infantry.

John and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. James Clark Medearis (8) b. 28 Oct. 1871 in Lawrence Co., Ark. d. 8 Nov. 1952 in Purcell, Okla.
  2. Mary Effie Medearis (8) b. 30 Mar 1874 d. 24 Mar 1933. Married Frank Boydston on 30 Nov. 1896.
  3. Eva Florence Medearis (8) b. 6 Sept. 1875 d. 9 Sept. 1875
  4. John Augustus Medearis (8) b. 17 July 1878 in Walnut Ridge Ark., d. 27 Dec 1957.
  5. John Wesley Medearis Jr. (8) b. April 1880

(CR: 1900 Cleveland Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 39, 181)

Thomas Edwin Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 11 Aug. 1848 in Knox County, Tennessee; died 23 Feb. 1933.  Thomas married ???? ???? and they had two daughters.

  1. Myrtle Medearis (8) married ???? Smith, lived in Ranger, Texas.
  2. Eddie Medearis (8) married ???? Vice, lived in Ranger, Texas.

William Henry Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) b. 24 Apr 1855 in Missouri; d. 6 Jul. 1934 in Texas. He married Sardeanie Crawford in 1882. 

William and Sardeanie had the following children:

  1. Eva E. Medearis (8) b. Jun 1881 in Arkansas
  2. Oscar A. Medearis (8) b. 22 Dec 1882 in Arkansas; d. 10 Mar 1886 in Washington County, Arkansas.
  3. William A. Medearis (8) b. Feb 1884 in Arkansas.  He married Cora F. ????.
  4. Lutetia L. Medearis (8) b. Sept 1885 in Arkansas.  She married Alexander Cameron Rimmer.
  5. Homer F. Medaris (8) b. 21 Mar 1887 in Arkansas; d. 25 Dec 1888 in Washington County, Arkansas.
  6. Wilson Dudley Medearis (8) b. 01 Oct. 1888 in Arkansas. He married Mamie Helen Young.
  7. Edna D. Medearis (8) b. Feb 1891 in Arkansas

(CR: 1880 Washington County, Arkansas; 1900 Briscoe, Texas; 1920 Greer Oklahoma)

Albert Edward Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 20 Apr 1861; died 10 Jul. 1942. He married Mattie L. Cowan. They had no children. Albert is buried at Fairview / Shawnee cemetery, in Pottawatomie Co., Oklahoma.

Original Poem By Albert Medearis written 1938
(published in a newspaper)

Our Eleven Days Honeymoon In A Covered Wagon 50 Years Ago
From Fayetteville, Ark., to Purcell, Indian Territory.

Now friends, if you will listen, a story I will relate,
It happened over in Arkansas in September 1888.
The girl was fair and beautiful, with hair as black as a crow;
The boy was tall and slender, but that’s been fifty years ago. 

That happy event took place in a good old country home;
In a nice parlor where we courted all along;
At that time there were no auto’s, and buggies wore scarce you know;
But then, my friends, just think, that’s been fifty years ago. 

It was agreed before that time, we lived in Chickasaw,
So in a very few days we left the good old state of Arkansas;
It was in a covered wagon, and of course it was kind of slow,
But now, just stop and think: that’s been fifty years ago. 

Our first night to camp out was near the old city of Tahlequah;
We saw lots of Indian men, and a few Indian squaw.
Some wore long hair, and carried arrows and a bow;
But that’s the way they did over there, fifty years ago. 

As we drove on westward, over these lonely Indian trails,
We traveled miles, not seeing a soul, but lots of prairie chickens, and quails.
When night came our fine team of horses was getting tired and slow;
But just think, we have traveled twenty miles, fifty years ago. 

Now, friends, before I close this crudely written poem,
We’d loved to turn Time backward to that good old country home
And live it all over again as it was in those days;
Fore we’ve enjoyed every one of the fifty years,
And been blessed in many ways.

(Composed and written for our Golden Wedding Anniversary  September 18, 1938)

(contributed by Beverly Hockett, 181)

(Will of Mattie L. Cowan Medearis) Coming soon !

(CR: 1900, 1910 Pottawatomie Co., Oklahoma)

Jeannie Medearis (7) (Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) Married William Hankins.

Jennie and William had the following children:

  1. John Frank Hankins (8)
  2. Fred Hankins (8)
  3. Roberta Hankins (8)
  4. Cassie Hankins (8)

(credits 181)

Generation 8

Frank Calvin Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 03 Jul. 1881, in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee; died 23 June 1964 in Cowley County, Kansas.  Frank married Mary Alice Headley on 27 Nov. 1907 at the home of her parents in Tower Hill, Shelby County, Illinois. Mary was born Sept. 21, 1888, she was the daughter of George and Margaret Robinson Headley. She died Oct. 26, 1956.in Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri.

Rev, Frank Calvin Medearis preached his first sermon on Sept. 12, 1911, and was ordained to the Baptist Ministry at Pepsin (southwest of Sarcoxie, Mo.) on March 6, 1912. He served churches at Duenweg, Prosperity, and Carthage, Mo.; Burden, Ks.; and Miami, Ok. He also served as Associational Missionary for the Spring River Baptist Association. He died buried at the Burden Cemetery, Burden, Cowley Co. Kansas.

Frank and Mary had the following children:

  1. Hazel Alice Medearis (9) b.0 5 Nov. 1908. Hazel married Joseph Frank Pearson.
  2. Vivian Mynatt Medearis (9) b.23 June 1910, Christian Co. IL., d. 27 Dec. 1999, Springfield, Greene Co. Mo. She married Armin Gimbel in Carthage, Missouri. They were married by her father, Frank Calvin Medearis on 27 Sept. 1946. Armin was born 27 Sept. 1911, near Herington, KS; died 08 Oct. 2003, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Vivian and Armin both were teachers, she in social sciences and he in industrial arts. They had one daughter.
    1. Suzanne Kay Gimbel (10) died at birth.
  3. Kenneth Calvin Medearis (9) b.19 Sep.1912, Newton Co. Mo., d. 03 Oct. 1998, Hendersonville, North Carolina. He was married to Elizabeth “Beth” Stacy in New York. They were married by Kenneth’s father, Rev. Frank Calvin Medearis. They had two children.
  4. Carson Howard Medearis (8) b. 19 Jan. 1915 in Dunawig, Missouri; d. 02 Mar. 2005 in Norman, Oklahoma. He married Marie Estes, who deceased in 2003. They had three children.
  5. Ava Marie Medearis (9) b. 23 Apr. 1918, Cowley Co. Ks., d. 31 Mar. 2002, Kingfisher, Kingfisher Co. Ok. She married Robert “Bob” Orr in Burden, Kansas, 23 April 1934.Mary and Bob are buried at the Burden Cemetery, Burden, Cowley Co. Kansas. Robert was born on 23 April 1914; died 25 May 1981. They have two daughters but had two twin sons who died at birth.
  6. Helen Ruthe Medearis (8) was born in Burden, Kansas, 23 Oct. 1921. She married Daniel Albert Seager on 06 Mar. 1943, in Carthage, Missouri. Daniel was born 01 Jan. 1920, in Jacksonville, Florida. They had three daughters. Helen was a teacher, bookkeeper, and buyer for J.C. Penney prior to the birth of their children; Daniel was a teacher, librarian and library director.

Frank Calvin and Mary A. Medearis are buried at the Burden Cemetery, Burden, Cowley Co. Kansas.

(credits 17, 200, 219)

Jamaica Aline Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 08 Jan. 1884 in Lafollette, Campbell Co., Tennessee.; died 29 Oct. 1962 in Eldorado Springs, MO.  She is buried at Middle Inlet, WI.  She married John Albert Campbell on 03 Sept. 1905 in Tower Hill, IL. He was the son of Jacob and Rachel Hill Campbell. John was born 15 Feb. 1857 in Troy, Miami or Wood Co. Ohio, and died 25 Dec. 1956 in Wausaukee, Marinette Co. Wisconsin.

Jamaica and John had the following children:

  1. Edith Mynatt Campbell (9) b. 14 Jan. 1907, in Tower Hill, Shelby Co. Illinois.
  2. Gladys Rachel Campbell (9) b. 31 July 1909, in Tower Hill, Shelby Co. Illinois; d. 16 Sept. 1938.
  3. Clarence Medearis Campbell (9) b. 11 Sept. 1913, in Rosamond, Christian Co. Illinois; d. 04 Feb. 1915.
  4. John Lawrence Campbell (9) b. 01 May 1917, in Crivitz, Marinette Co. Wisconsin; d. 16 April 2001.

(credits 17, 200)

Sarah Elizabeth Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 19 May1886 in Indiana; died 01 Mar. 1961 in Towanda, Butler Co. Kansas. She is buried in Towanda, KS. She married George Milton Headley, on 01 Mar. 1907 in Tower Hill, Shelby County, Illinois. He was the son of George and Margaret Robinson Headley. He was born 20 Oct. 1883 in Barnhill Twp. White Co. Illinois, and died 30 Oct. 1960 in Eldorado, Butler Co. Kansas.

Sarah and George had the following children:

  1. Ruth Susan Headley (9) b. 13 Feb. 1909, Tower Hill, Shelby Co. Illinois; d. 30 Sept. 1910, Pepsin, Newton Co. Missouri.
  2. Margaret Alta Headley (9) b. 19 Sept. 1911, in Pepsin, Newton Co. Missouri; d. 19 Aug. 2002, in Hot Springs, Garland, Co. Arkansas.
  3. Kent Medearis Headley (9) 23 Nov. 1914, Sarcoxie, Jasper Co. Missouri.

(credits 17, 200)

William Carrol Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 25 Sept. 1887, in Newbern, Bartholomew Co., Indiana; died 30 Aug 1966 in Schell City, MO.  He married 1) Nellie J. Mills, on 18 Apr 1909 in Tower Hill, Shelby Co., Illinois. She was born 1888; died 11 Jan. 1916.

William and Nellie had the following children:

  1. Grace J Medearis (9) b. 26 Aug. 1909, in Tower Hill, Shelby Co. Illinois.
  2. Carroll William Medearis (9) b. 13 June 1911, in Tower Hill, Shelby Co. Illinois; d. April 1976, Schell City, Vernon Co. Missouri. He married Ellen Alexander, who was b. 28 Mar. 1913, d. 14 Feb. 1985, in Schell City, Vernon Co. Missouri.
  3. Wendell Medearis (9) b. Bet. 1912 – 1914; d. Infancy.
  4. Glen Edward Medearis (9) b. 01 May 1915, in Sarcoxie, Jasper Co. Missouri.

William married 2) Letha Abrams, on 19 Dec. 1925 in Near Reeds, Jasper Co., Missouri. She was born 1876 and died 10 Sept. 1943.

He married 3) Martha Abram, 06 Oct. 1944.

Nevada Daily Mail, Wed. Aug. 31, 1966

SCHELL CITY MAN DIES

William Carroll Medearis, 79, retired Schell City area farmer, died unexpectedly at 8:30 o’clock last night at the home of his sister, Mrs. Alta Butler in Schell City. Although he had not been well, his death was the result of a sudden heart seizure. Mr. Medearis was born Aug. 25, 1887, near Newborn, Ind. He had farmed in the Schell City area for many years prior to his retirement. Mr. Medearis was a member of the Schell City Baptist Church, was a former Democratic committeeman in the Schell City area and was the president of the Green Lawn Cemetery board. On April 18, 1909, he was married to Nellie Mills, and the couple had three children; she died Jan. 11, 1916. Mr. Medearis was then married to Letha Jane Abram on Dec. 19, 1925, and she died Sept. 10, 1943. On Oct. 6, Saturday he was married to Martha Abram, who survives.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Martha Medearis of the home in Schell City; two sons, Carroll Medearis of Schell City, and Glenn Medearis of Gardner, Kan., and a daughter, Mrs. Grace J. Prough of Modesto, Calif.; two brothers, the Rev. Thomas W. Medearis of Pasadena, Calif., and the Rev. Ernest B. Medearis of Mountain Home, Idaho; three sisters, Mrs. Alta Butler of Schell City, Mrs. Susie Caruthers of El Dorado Springs, and Mrs. Cleta Kennedy of Kansas City; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at two o’clock (Daylight Savings Time) Saturday afternoon at the Schell City Baptist Church. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of the Lewis and Son Funeral Home.

(CR: 1930 Vernon Co., Missouri)

(credits 17, 200)

Dr. Thomas Whittier Medearis Jr.

Dr. Thomas Whittier Medearis Jr. (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 11 Apr 1889 in Columbus, Bartholmew Co., Indiana. He married Mara Eleanor Miller on 13 Jan 1913 in Pepsin, Newton Co., MO. She was the daughter of Samuel and Ida Holt Miller. Mara was born 18 June 1892 in Newton Co. Missouri, and died 04 April 1985 in Irving, Dallas County, Texas. Thomas died 07 July 1970 in Pasadena, Los Angeles Co, CA. Thomas and Mara are buried in Oak Crest Abby, Park Cemetery, Carthage, Jasper Co., MO.

Thomas was a pastor and teacher. He had an impressive list of credentials and was honored in Who’s Who in America, v. 34. 1966-67. He was a valuable genealogist on the Medearis line.

Thomas and Mara had the following children:

  1. Thomas Dallas Medearis (9) b. 14 Mar. 1914, Liberty, Clay Co., Missouri; d. 10 Jan. 1915, near Pepsin, Newton Co., Missouri.
  2. Allen Miller Medearis (9) b. 19 Jan. 1917, Liberty, Clay Co., Missouri; d. 27 Apr. 2008 in San Marino, Los Angeles Co., California.  He was a lawyer by profession. He married 1) Margaret Viers in 1936 in Miami, Oklahoma. Marriage ended in divorce. They had one daughter. Allen then married 2) Mary McGinty on 3 Aug 1952 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Mary was born 22 Mar 1931 in Louisville, Kentucky.  They had two children before this marriage ended in divorce.
  3. Roger Norman Medearis (9) b. 6 Mar 1920, Fayette, Howard Co., Missouri; d. “He left this earth at 5:45PM, Pacific Time, July 5, 2001”, San Marino, Los Angeles Co., California.
  4. Dorothy Lou Medearis (9) b. 06 Sept. 1924, Boliver, Polk Co., Missouri.  She married ???? Boto.
  5. Marian Adell Medearis (9) b. 01 April 1927, Boliver, Polk Co., Missouri.

(credits 17, 50, 200)

Mary Alta Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 06 Sept 1890 in Indiana; died 19 Apr. 1970 in Schell City, Missouri. She married 1) Elwood Overton, on 31 May 1914 in Sarcoxie, Jasper County, Missouri. He was the son of Thomas and Minerva Overton. Elwood was born 26 Feb. 1889; died 29 Dec. 1918.

Mary and Elwood had the following children:

  1. Thomas Dale Overton (9) b. 10 Apr 1915, Liberty, Clay Co. Missouri.
  2. Wayne Arthur Overton (9) b. 11 Feb 1917, Carl Junction, Jasper Co. Missouri.
  3. Rex Elwood Overton (9) b. 18 May 1918, Carl Junction, Jasper Co. Missouri.

Mary married 2) Joseph Z. Dunn, 04 Jan 1924. Joseph died 09 Sept. 1941.

Mary and Joseph had the following children:

  1. Robert Joseph Dunn (9) b. 04 Dec 1925, Schell City, Vernon Co. Missouri.
  2. John Calvin Dunn (9) b. 29 May 1934, Schell City, Vernon Co. Missouri. He married Peggy Applegate, 02 April 1954. She was b. 27 May 1939.

Mary married 3) Olin E. Butler on 28 Oc. 1960. Olin died 14 June 1965.

The Nevada Mail, Wed. April 22, 1970

BUTLER RITES

Funeral rites for Mrs. Alta Mary Butler, Schell City resident who died at the Cedar 6 County memorial hospital, will be conducted at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the Schell City Baptist church. The Rev. Robert Burkey will officiate, and interment will be in the Green Lawn cemetery under the direction of Lewis and Sons funeral home.

Mrs. butler was born Sept. 6, 1890, in Indiana the daughter of Thomas Whittier and Susan Mynatte Carns Medearis. On May 31, 1914, she was married to the Rev. Elwood Overton, deceased; she was then married on Jan. 3, 1924 to Joseph Dunn, also deceased. On Oct.28, 1960, she was married to Olin Butler who died June 14, 1965.

Survivors include five sons: Dale Overton of Schell city, and Wayne and Rex Overton of Hamilton, Mont., Robert Dunn of Brighton, Colo. and John Dunn of Venghazi, Liya, Africa; a stepdaughter, Bertha short of Nevada; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Dr. Thomas W. Medearis of Pasadena, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Susie Caruthers of El Dorado Springs, and Mrs. Cleta Kennedy of Kansas City.

(credits 17, 200)

Joseph Cross Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 28 Sept.1892 in Dorsett, Anderson County, Tennessee; died 17 Nov. 1951 in Appleton City, St. Clair County, Missouri.  He married 1) Gladys Matilda Keifer, 09 Oct. 1913 in the home of Joseph’s brother Frank Calvin Medearis, in Reeds, Jasper Co. Missouri. She was born. abt. 1895, and died 11 July 1923 in Iowa City, Johnson Co. Iowa.

Joseph and Gladys had the following children:

  1. Ray Wilson Medearis (9) b. 14 July 1914; interred Appleton City, MO
  2. Ralph Melvin Medearis (9) b. 04 Mar. 1916.
  3. Yvonne Gladys Medearis (9) b. 31 Dec. 1918; d. 04 Mar. 2004 in Paola, KS., and was laid to rest on 08 Mar. 2004 at the Appleton City Cemetery. She married Earnest Lloyd Reed on 03 Jan. 1937. 
  4. Wilbur Joe Medearis (9) b. 21 April 1921.
  5. Wanda Ludell Medearis (9) b. 17 April 1923.  Married Louis Martin Ellegard on 22 Nov. 1941.

Joseph married 2) Lena M. ???? sometime after July 1923. She was b. abt. 1897 in Iowa.

(credits 17, 181, 200)

James Tate Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 06 Feb. 1894 in Knoxville, Anderson (now Knox) County, Tennessee; died 20 Jan. 1939 in Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri.  He married Margaret Ann Mefford, in Nevada on 23 Feb 1925 in Nevada, Vernon Co. Missouri, daughter of James and Etta Hurt Mefford. She was born 09 Nov. 1895 in Sarcoxie, Jasper Co. Missouri, and died 18 Oct. 1955 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

James attended schools in Indiana and Illinois and finally the Sarcoxie high school, his father being a grocer there. After leaving high school and taking some commercial training, he was employed in the office of John W. Verbryck Flour and Feed Co. at Carl Junction during the period of 1918-1921, and for 13 years was in the employ of the Federal Pure Food Company. He came to Carthage, Mo. from Schell City, Mo. and for 11 years continued his work as a salesman for the food company. He was elected to the office of police judge in April 1936 and was re-elected in 1938. He was a Republican.

James and Margaret had the following children:

  1. Florence Irlene Medearis (9) b. 01 July 1926, Carthage, Jasper Co. Missouri.
  2. Naomi Caroline Medearis (9) b. 21 Feb. 1929, Carthage, Jasper Co. Missouri; d. 01 Mar. 1929.

(credits 17, 200)

Susan Mynatt Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 27 May 1900, in Austin, Scott County, Indiana; died 28 Jun 1979 in Schell City, Vernon County, Missouri. She married Albert Caruthers, 24 Feb. 1920 in Blue Mound. He was the son of William and Sarah Moore Caruthers. He was born 11 Sept. 1894 in El Dorado Springs, Cedar Co. Missouri, and died 14 Jan. 1962 in Appleton City, St Clair Co. Missouri.

  1. Jewell Caruthers (9) b. 18 Feb. 1924, Appleton City, St Clair Co. Missouri.
  2. Evelyn Caruthers (9) b. 27 Aug. 1932, Appleton City, St Clair Co. Missouri.

The Nevada Mail, Friday, June 29, 1979

SUSIE CARUTHERS

Susie Mattie Caruthers, 79, El Dorado Springs, died Thursday at rural Schell City while visiting her daughter. Born May 27, 1900, in Indiana, she was the daughter of Thomas Whittier and Susan Mynatt Carns Medearis. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs. She was married Feb. 24, 1920, at Blue Mound to Albert R. Caruthers. He died Jan 14, 1962.

Survivors include two daughters, Jewell McKinney and Evelyn Bell, both of Schell City: a sister, Cleta Kennedy, Nevada, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday at Schell City Baptist Church with the Rev. Glen Golden officiating. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemtery, Schell City, under the direction of Lewis and Sons Funeral Home, Schell City.

(credits 17, 200)

Cleta Belle Medearis (8) (Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 07 Apr. 1902 in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Illinois; died 29 Mar. 1994. She married Don Kennedy in Schell City, Missouri, 24 Jan. 1924. He was the son of Walter and Mary Roberts Kennedy. He was born 26 May 1898 in Powersville, Putnam Co. Missouri, and died 25 June 1977 in Nevada, Vernon Co. Missouri.

  1. Don William Kennedy (9) b. 16 Oct. 1925, Shell City, Vernon Co. Missouri.
  2. Mynatte May Kennedy (9) b. 31 Dec. 1927, Shell City, Vernon Co. Missouri.
  3. Marye Mynatte Kennedy (9) b. 31 Dec. 1927.

Nevada Daily Mail, 31 Mar. 1994

CLETA BELLE (MRS. DON) KENNEDY

Clete Belle (Mrs. Don) Kennedy, 91, Nevada, died March 29, 1994, at Moore-Few Care Center. Born April 7, 1902, in Shelbyville, Ill., to Thomas Whittier and Susan Mynatt Carns Medearis, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Nevada.

She married Don Kennedy on Jan. 24, 1924, in Schell City. He preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were one grandson, Roger Kennedy, seven brothers, four sisters, and her parents. Survivors include one son, Don W. Kennedy, Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Marye Nadine Holley, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Mynette Maxine Whisler, Carthage; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Milster Funeral Home, Nevada, burial in Newton Burial Park. Dr. William Cox will officiate. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church Festival of Praise.

(credits 17, 200)

Taska Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 23 Oct. 1868, died in 1929 from a stroke. She married George Wright Gibson, son of Civil War Captain George Gibson. They were married 24 Dec. 1891 in Washington County, Oklahoma. The family states that Taska was a large woman, common for the time, weighing in at about 300 lbs. in her maturity.

Itaska and Georgia had one child:

  1. Albert Gibson (9) became a dentist in Palm Springs, CA. Albert married Bonita Becton of El Reno, Oklahoma Dec. 1927.  She was a music student.  Her father had a clothing store & her mother was a music teacher.
  2. Infant Daughter (9) b. & d. 17 Mar. 1895. She is buried in Old Union Cemetery in Cincinnati, Arkansas.

(credits 181)

Dr. Robert Summerfield Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 10 Jan. 1869 in Washington Co., Arkansas, died 1934 in Little Rock, Ark. Robert was called “Summie” by his brothers & sisters.

He married Myrtle Hendricks who was born 10 Jan. 1869; died 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Myrtle was of German descent and was a piano teacher. Robert and Myrtle lived in Little Rock, Arkansas.

After moving to North Little Rock Robert had been a practicing physician & surgeon.  He was prominent in medical work during the influenza epidemic during the World War.  He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Guys Medical School in London, England and of the University of Paris, France. His younger brother Park Hinds Medearis went to Europe with his oldest brother when he was getting another degree in medicine from University in Paris and London.

Robert Summerfield died at age 65 of a heart attack as he was getting into his car to visit a patient one night.  He lived at 301 West Nineteenth St. in North Little Rock.  Burial was in Edgewood Memorial Park.

Robert and Myrtle had the following children:

  1. Mary Medearis (9) b. 31 May 1915 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mary is said to have looked very much like her mother with very black hair. She married Richard Franklin Reeves. They divorced in 1968. Mary wrote a book entitled: ” Big Docs Girl”. It is a children’s book about the life of a little girl whose father is a country, Doctor. The book sounds very much like Mary’s life. The book was made into a Television Drama in the 1970’s. This book is found in most libraries in the children’s section. Mary also wrote a history of Washington County, Arkansas. Mary and Richard had five children.
  2. Robert Anderson Medearis (9)
  3. Ruth Luella Medearis (9)
  4. Mellie-Kate Medearis (9) (died young)

Illness Fatal to North Side Doctor

Dr. R. S. Medearis aged 65, 301 West 19th St. North Little Rock, died at his residence at 7 p.m. last night after a three week illness. Dr. Medearis had been an active practicing physician in North Little Rock for 20 years and was prominent in medical work during the influenza epidemic during the World war. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Medearis, one son Robert Anderson Medearis; three daughters, Myrtle, Mellie Kate and Ruth Luella Medearis, all of North Little Rock; 2 sisters, Mrs. Lillian Thibodeaux of Louisiana and Mrs. Blanche McGuire of Fresno, CA and 3 brothers, Albert Medearis of Burbank CA, Frank Medearis of Fresno CA and Dr. P.H. Medearis, of Tahlequah, OK. Funeral arrangements will be in charge of Owens and Co.

Obituary for Robert S. Medearis

Funeral services for Dr. Robert S. Medearis, 301 West 19th St. North Little Rock who died at 7 o’clock Saturday night, will be held at 2;30 o’clock tomorrow afternoon at the family residence. The Rev. J. K. Jobe, pastor of the Central Baptist Church, will be in charge. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park in charge of Owens and Company. Dr. Medearis was born in Cincinnati, AR. He came to North Little Rock 20 years ago and since that time has been a practicing physician. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Guys Medical School in London, England and of the University of Paris, France. Active pallbearers will be S.H. Williamson, Dr. W. M. Burns, Dr. Shelby Atkinson, Dr. Howell Atkinson, Dr. H.L. White and Dr. H.A. Summers. Honorary pallbearers will include Dr. D. M. Switzer, Dr. A.R. Howell, Robert Grimmet, D. C. Conley, E.L. Brazil and D. W. Hyatt.

(credits 18, 181)

John Frank Medearis

John Frank Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 23 Sept. 1872 in Summers, Washington Co., Arkansas; died 01 Nov. 1961 in Fresno, CA. He married 1) Minnie Doak Gilbreath on 30 Apr 1895 in Cincinnati, Arkansas. Minnie was born 23 May 1874 in Cincinnati, Arkansas; died 03 Jul. 1952 in Fresno, California. Minnie was the daughter of Samuel and Loretta Harnage Gilbreath.

John Frank was called “Frank” by his family and was employed as a home builder.  He lived in Fresno 49 years and for about 9 years in the early 1900s in Madera, California. He spent 30 years as a builder and Realtor. His early career included work for an Arizona lumber company and the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company in the early 1900s. He would ride the logs down a flume from Madera to get to Fresno.

He operated a grocery store at 1301 Fulton St. (use to be called “J” St.) in Fresno from 1912-1917. They lived at 527 San Pablo by 1910 and this was the edge of town with vineyards all around–this is now downtown Fresno.  This house was moved in the 1980’s to make way for the freeway that connect Hwy 99 & Hwy 41.

After the death of Minnie, Frank married 2) May Stebbins.  The marriage was annulled shortly after the marriage. Family stories are that May was only after Franks money.

Frank and Minnie are both buried at Belmont Memorial Gardens in Fresno, CA.

Frank and Minnie had the following children:

  1. Ida Ruth Medearis (9) b. 05 Apr 1896 in Cincinnati, Ark., d. 4 June 1990 in Redwood City, CA. She married Leslie Matthew Glock on 13 Jan 1918. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and died of a heart attack at age 45 at the Railroad yard. She is buried at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno.
  2. Robert Ralph Medearis (9) b. 26 Mar 1898, d. as infant 24 Apr. 1899. Robert is buried in the Old Union Cemetery, in Cincinnati, Arkansas.
  3. Lois Taska (Elinor) Medearis (9) b. 28 Oct 1905. She always claimed to have been born in 1908 but 1905 matches all of her records. Lois d. 05 Dec. 1995. She also used the middle name of Elinor instead of Taska, most likely because she did not like the name. She married 1) Carl Williams, but the marriage was annulled. She married 2) Randolph Whitney “Duke” Ostrom, 27 Aug. 1933. He was born 22 July 1910, d. 10 Aug. 1996. Lois and Randolph are buried in Fresno, CA at Belmont Memorial Park. 

Census Records:  1900 Benton Co., Arkansas

(credits 39, 47, 162, 181)   

Amanda Blanche Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 29 Sept 1880 and died 08 April 1948 at age 67. Amanda is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA. She married Willette “Will” Gordon McGuire.  He died Jan. 1942. His parents were John and Amanda Blackburn McGuire. Willette was a retired merchant and a veteran of the Spanish-American War. He died of a stroke.  He was a native of North Carolina and had resided in Fresno since 1918.  He had lived in Calif. 39 years. They lived at 3115 E. Huntington Blvd. from about 1925-1942 when it was sold after he died. 

Willette and Amanda had one child.

  1. Raymond McGuire (9)

(credits 181)

Albert Iredelle Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) b. 07 Jan 1878 in Washington Co., Ark, d. Aug 1948 in San Diego, CA. He his interred in a Mausoleum in Sand Diego. He married 1) Winnie Rhea (pronounced Ray) 1908 in Loyalton, CA.

Albert and Winnie had one child:

  1. Monique Medearis (9) married Walter Dickerson.

Albert and Winnie divorced, and he married 2) Katherine Fargo.

Albert is interred in a Mausoleum in San Diego.

(credits 181)

Dr. Park Hinds Medearis (8) (Robert Anderson 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 03 Mar 1887 in Cincinnati, Arkansas; d. 26 Dec 1983 at age 96. He is buried in Tahlequah City Cemetery. Park married Caroline Marratta, April 1920 in Louisville, Kentucky. Carolyn died 27 Jan. 1977. She had Parkinson’s disease.

They arrived back in Tahlequah after their marriage just in time for him to aid the victims of the Peggs tornado. Before attending medical school in Kentucky, Park attended Sorbonne University in Paris, France. While there he learned French under Jean Pentet (pronounced Pantay) who later moved to U.S. after he had learned English from Park.

Park graduated from Louisville Medical School, Louisville, Ky., in 1916.  He practiced medicine in Proctor, OK.  for 3 years where he became an avid fox hunter. He moved to Tahlequah in 1919 and practiced medicine until his retirement in 1977, moving to Go Ye Village Retirement Center.

A newspaper article in the Muskogee Daily July 3, 1978 tells about him. In 1919, the young doctor fresh out of medical school set up practice in this sometimes-untamed area of northeastern Oklahoma.  For the following 59 years, Dr. Medearis survived hazards not unlike Gunsmoke’s “Doc”.  Medearis treated a few of Cookson Hills’ outlaws in his day. “They wouldn’t hurt a doctor.” He also treated the lawmen who were shot by the early day criminals. One man appeared at his office with a bullet in his shoulder, telling Medearis he was shot accidentally by his friend. “I dressed the wound several times. Later I found out he was a bank robber”. He once kept a deputy sheriff alive for a month after the officer had been shot in the head while attempting to go into the Cookson Hills. The deputy’s death sparked a retaliation. “They brought law officers from all over the state. Hundreds of them searching the whole county from house to house. They found the men in a thicket.” A gunbattle ensued. The killers were shot to death.

He also made a few dangerous calls. While fording a flooded creek on horseback, the horse stumbled, tossing him into the mid-December icy waters. “I thought I was going to catch pneumonia”. While his wet clothes turned to ice, he continued to the shack to doctor a sick family. “My main field was pediatrics,” says the now 91-year-old physician who closed his cluttered medical office last year. Tahlequah had a population of 2,200 then. Dr. Medearis’ steady hands brought in 4,000 babies in his almost six decades of practice. Most were born in their parent’s homes, said Medearis who remembers the midnight rides to outlying homesteads.

Tahlequah has changed quite a bit from the cotton producing town it once was. When Medearis arrived, the streets were unpaved, there were 2 buildings on the Northeastern Oklahoma State University campus, cotton pickers lined up at the 4 or 5 cotton gins.  He learned his surgical technique by assisting another Tahlequah doctor. “I watched him for so long, I was familiar with everything”. His generation of physicians was the last to make house calls. “Doctors now are lazy. They don’t work like we use to. I was on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week”.

Medearis was a hard worker before he became a doctor.  He worked on his father’s farm from the age of 7 until he went off to medical school in Kentucky. He was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian church of Tahlequah where he served as deacon, elder & trustee. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club which started in 1924 and he was honored in 1968 for 45 years of being a member of the Tahlequah Kiwanis and had been a member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge No. 10 since 1912.

He said in 1978 that he had kept a pack of hounds for 40 years. Medearis said he never made a fortune, but people usually paid him.  “One year an old man brought me 13 hams. We ate a lot of ham that year.”  Medearis would never have been seen hanging around a saloon.  He’s a teetotaler and he also is in perfect physical condition.  Good food, lots of sleep and no alcohol leads to a long life, he says.  Who can argue with a 91-year-old? (He lived to be 96).

Park and Carolyn had the following children:

  1. Theresa Lillian Medearis (9) B. 21 July 1921 d. 29 July 1935 at age 14.
  2. Mary Sue Medearis (9) b. 24 Nov. 1926. Married a Sidney McNair Wyly.  He was the son of William Buffington (Buff) and Cora Archer McNair Wyly, whose home was the Old Baptist Mission on Academy Street.

Cora Archer McNair was the daughter of Felix and Nancy Bushyhead McNair.  Felix was one of the first Cherokees to study medicine.  Nancy Bushyhead was the daughter of Jesse and Eliza Wilkinson Bushyhead. Jesse was a Baptist minister, jurist and leader of a contingent of the “Trail of Tears” party. Their son and brother to Nancy was Dennis W. Bushyhead was a principal chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1879-1887 and founded the Cherokee National Party. Mary and Sidney had five children.

  1. Robert Park Medearis (9) b. 17 Aug. 1930 served as Oklahoma State Senator for Cherokee Co. and later served in the Oklahoma State Legislature. He was not only a founding partner, but he was the President and Chairman of the Board of Tahlequah Savings & Loan for a number of years. Park and his wife Martha had four children.

(credits 47, 181, 262)

Flora Jane Medearis (8) (Wilson Frank Jr. 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 31 Jan. 1871 in Lawrence Co., Arkansas; died 16 Apr. 1936 in Lawrence Co., Ark. She married Charles Loafman Bottom (1867 – 1945) in Dec. 1887, in Doniphan, Ripley Co., Missouri. Flora died at home of a heart attack.  She and her husband are buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co, AR.

Flora and Charles had the following children:

  1. Robert Bottom (9) b. 1889, d. 1889. He is buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.
  2. Lelia Maude Bottom (9) b. 1890, d. 1956. She married H. R. Hennessee (1891 – ????) in 1915 in Lawrence Co., AR. She is buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.
  3. Ethel G. Bottom (9) b. 1892, d. 1956. She moved to OK abt. 1914/1915.  She married in Holdenville in Apr 1916 to R. D. Starbuck. At the time they were both of Ada, OK. She is buried in OK.
  4. Grace M. Bottom (9) b. 1893, d. 1893. She is buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.
  5. Winnie O. Bottom (9) b. 1896, d. 1896. She is buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.
  6. Myrtle Eva Bottom (9) b. 1897, d. 1979. She worked 16 years for the U.S. government. During that time, she saw the parade given to honor General Pershing.  She later returned to Arkansas and lived there with her parents.  She is buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.
  7. Savannah Gladys “Van” Bottom (9) b. 1898, d. 1926. She married Dr. John C. Hughes.
  8. George Dewey Bottom (19) b. 1899, d. 1965, He married Donna Hurn (1903 – ?). George is buried in Lawrence Memorial Cemetery, Walnut Ridge, Lawrence Co., AR.  It is believed that Donna died in CA.
  9. Charles W. “Raz” Bottom (9) b. 1902, d. 1937. unmarried.
  10. Margaret Matilda Jane “Maggie” Bottom (9) b. 1905, d. 1991. In 1926 in Biggers, AR. She married Clifton Kirkpatrick (1904-1969). Both are buried in the Snow Cemetery, Lawrence Co., AR.

(credits 19)

Alice Margaret Medearis (8) (Wilson Frank Jr. 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) b.  31 Dec. 1889 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. She married 1) Dr. John Cicero Hughes, b. 12 November 1904; d. 7 July 1906 of a heart attack in Hoxie, Arkansas. He was the son of Dr. J. C. and Alice Hughes.

Alice and John had the following children:

  1. Lucille Hughes (9)
  2. Max D. Hughes, M.D. (9) b. 25 Nov. 1906 Lawrence Co., Arkansas; d. 29 Apr. 1990, Memphis, Tennessee. He was a Capt. in the US Army WWII and a Medical Doctor.
  3. Doris Hughes (9) b. Abt. 1916, Walnut Ridge, Campbell Twp., Lawrence Co., Arkansas; d. 24 Sep 1986, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Walnut Ridge, Lawrence Co., Arkansas.

Alice married 2) ???? Vinson. They were living in Little Rock in the fall of 1932.

(credits 19)

James Clark Medearis (8) (John Wesley 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 28 Oct. 1871 in Lawrence Co., Arkansas; died 08 Nov. 1952 in Purcell, Okla. He married Minnie Stinnett on 08 Nov. 1896. Minnie was born 13 Jun 1880; died 07 Mar 1960.

James and Minnie had the following children:

  1. Charley Guy Medearis (9) b. 29 Sept. 1897 d. 8 Mar 1969.  He married Bertie Lou Kimbriel, b. 26 Apr 1901, d. 20 May 1980. They had the following children:
    1. Ervin James Medearis (10) b. 10 June 1918 d. 5 Mar 1982
    2. Vera Annie Medearis (10) married James Jacoby.

(CR: 1900, 1910 Cleveland Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 39)

John Augustus Medearis (8) (John Wesley 7, Wilson Frank 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 17 July 1878 in Walnut Ridge Arkansas; died 27 Dec 1957.  He married 1) Anna Miranda Tierman on 15 Dec 1903. Anna was born 29 Dec. 1879; died 16 Dec 1935.

John and Anna had the following children:

  1. Grace Medearis (9) b & d. 24 Aug. 1906 in Lexington, Ok.
  2. Anna Blanche Medearis (9) 6 Oct. 1908 in Lexington, Ok., d. 22 Feb 1936 in Lexington, Ok. She married Irvin Hollowell.
  3. Bessie Jane Medearis (9) b. 4 Mar. 1910 in Lexington, Ok., d. 21 May 1991 in Purcell, Ok. She married 1) Elton Lee Jefferies, on 06 Oct. 1929.  2) Samuel David Stark.
  4. Hazel May Medearis (9) b. 03 Nov. 1913 in Lexington, OK, d. 10 Dec. 1998 in Oklahoma City, OK.  She married James Arlon Witt on 01 July 1928.
  5. Leroy Medearis (9) b & d. 9 Nov. 1914 in Lexington, Ok.
  6. John Augustus Medearis Jr. (9) b. 4 Aug. 1916 in Lexington, Ok., d. 17 Dec. 1935.
  7. Ruth Elizabeth Medearis (9) b. 03 Feb. 1921 in Lexington, OK, married Leslie Dewel Phelps on 19 Sept. 1938.  Leslie d. 18 Oct. 1985.  Ruth remarried Obble Lewis Harrell on 25 Sept. 1999.
  8. James Albert Medearis (9) b. 17 May 1922. He married Willie Johnson.

John married 2) Mollie Childress, 3) Fannie E. Johnson.

John, Anna and Fannie are buried in Willow View Cemetery, Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

(CR: 1910 Cleveland Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 39, 212)

William A. Medearis (8) (William H. 7, Wilson F. 6, James W. 5, Benjamine 4) b. Feb 1884 in Arkansas.  He married Cora F. ????.  She was b. 1889 in Texas. 

William and Cora had the following child:

  1. Lillie F. Medearis (8) b. 1910 in Oklahoma.

Lutetia L. Medearis (8) (William H. 7, Wilson F. 6, James W. 5, Benjamine 4) b. Sept 1885 in Arkansas.  She married Alexander Cameron Rimmer, 29 Jan 1905 in Greer, Oklahoma.  Alexander was b. 19 Aug. 1881 in Hunt, Texas; d. 05 Dec 1970 in Mangum, Greer County, Oklahoma. 

Lutetia and Alexander had the following children:

  1. Homer Rimmer (9) b. 04 Mar 1906 in Oklahoma; d. 25 Jan 1975 in Gree, Oklahoma.
  2. Ruth Lee Rimmer (9) b. 21 July 1907 in Oklahoma; d. 31 Dec 1980 in Gree, Oklahoma.

(CR: 1900 Briscoe, Texas; 1910 – 1930 Greer, Oklahoma)

Wilson Dudley Medearis (8) (William H. 7, Wilson F. 6, James W. 5, Benjamine 4) b. 01 Oct. 1888 in Arkansas. He married Mamie Helen Young, who was born 30 Dec. 1890 in Marlin Falls, Texas; d. 08 Oct 1974 in Mangum, Greer County, Oklahoma. 

Wilson and Mamie had the following children:

  1. Myrtle Dean Medearis (9) b. 08 Aug 1908 in Mangum, Greer County, Oklahoma; d. 10 Aug 1917 in Greer County, Oklahoma.
  2. Hazel Ida Medearis (9) b. 12 Aug 1911 in Greer County, Oklahoma; d. 24 Nov 1912 in Greer County, Oklahoma.
  3. Helen Lucille Medearis (9) b. 19 Nov 1913 in Mangum, Greer County, Oklahoma; d. 06 May 2010 in Carlsbad, Eddy County, New Mexico.
  4. Donald Ed Medearis (9) b. 10 Sept 1919 in Greer County, Oklahoma; d. 13 Feb 1922 in Greer County, Oklahoma.
  5. Billy J. Medearis (9) (f) b. 1927 Oklahoma
  6. Marie Medearis (9) b. 1929 Oklahoma


(CR: 1900 Briscoe, Texas; 1910-1930 Greer County, Oklahoma)

Generation 9

Hazel Alice Medearis (9) (Frank Calvin 8, Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 05 Nov. 1908; died 08 Jan. 2004 in Belle Vista, Arkansas. She is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Missouri. Hazel married Joseph Frank Pearson.

Hazel Pearson

Bella Vista — Hazel Pearson, 95, of Bella Vista died Jan. 8, 2004, at her home. She was born Nov. 5, 1908, in Tower Hill, Ill., to the Rev. Frank C. Medearis and Mary A. Headley. She was a former resident of Springfield, Mo., where she was a member of Broadway Baptist Church. she was preceded in death by her husband, J. Frank Pearson; two sons, John E. Pearson and Kenneth E. Pearson; two grandsons.

Survivors include three sons, Howard N. Pearson of Moriarty, N.M., the Rev. Gary W. Pearson of Rohnert Park, Calif., and the Rev. Donald L. Pearson of Alamosa, Colo; two daughters, Janice Tate Willis of Cuba, Mo., and Wilma J. Fields of Bella Vista; 26 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Carson H. Medearis of Norman, Okla; one sister; Helen R. Seager of Greeley, Colo.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Broadway Baptist Church in Springfield with the Rev. Norman Noble and the Rev. Eddie Bumpers officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund, Broadway Baptist Church, 2537 N. Broadway, Springfield, Mo. 65803.

Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory assisted with the arrangements.

Hazel and Joseph had the following children:

  1. John Franklin Pearson (10) b. 09 March 1928, d.01 May 1999 at his home in Stanley, New Mexico. John married Donna Mae Morris on 22 Dec. 1952 in Springfield, Missouri.

John was a 2nd Class Petty Officer in the Navy during WWII. He was a Mason of the Englewood Lodge 743 in Ohio; a member of the 32nd Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton Ohio. John was a member of the Silver Trowell #141 Chapter and a member of the Stanley Union Church in Stanley, NM. John completed his MBA in Master Science and Business Administration. John was a good friend and a very detailed researcher. He taught me a great deal about research and about genealogy in general. Also known as (credits 17), you will find his research throughout our Family Tree.

John will certainly be missed by everyone, and we will always be grateful to him for the work he did to add leaves to our Family Tree. John was laid to rest on 05 May 1999 at 10am in the Stanley Cemetery, Stanley, NM.

  1. Kenneth Edward Pearson (10)
  2. Gary Wayne Pearson (10) b. 12 Oct. 1941; d. 29 June 2004 in Liberty, Missouri. He was buried at Glenridge Cemetery, Liberty, Missouri.

Golden Gate Seminary Professor Dies of Cancer
Dr. Gary Pearson

by By Jeff Jones

Mill Valley, Calif.–Dr. Gary Pearson, a faculty member at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, died from cancer on June 29 at the age of 62 in Missouri.

Pearson served as director of theological field education and professor of ministry at the Seminary for 13 years. In addition to working at the Seminary, he also served the Golden Hills Baptist Association as their director of missions. Pearson also ministered to churches by serving as a church conflict mediator.

“Dr. Pearson will be missed institutionally and personally. His leadership of our Field Education Program was recognized nationally by the Association of Theological Schools. His understanding of human relationships and conflict management was so profound, that I and many others sought his wisdom whenever we needed to navigate a win-win solution to difficult personnel problems,” said Rick Durst, academic dean of the Seminary. “Gary was innovative and a learner to the end. He had creative new ventures under development to his last day at Golden Gate.”

Pearson held Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and a Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Missouri State University. In 2002 Pearson received a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Sonoma State University.

Pearson is survived by his wife, Jean, and two sons, David and Danny.

  1. Howard Neal Pearson (10) d. 13 July 2010, Edgewood, Santa Fe Co., New Mexico.

There are more living children.

(credits 17, 200)

Roger Norman Medearis

Roger Norman Medearis (9) (Thomas W.  Jr. 8, Thomas W. 7, Henry M. 6, James Wilson 5, Benjamine 4) born 06 Mar 1920, “He left this earth at 5:45PM, Pacific Time, July 5, 2001” San Marino, Los Angeles Co., California. Roger married Elizabeth Lee Burrall.

Roger Norman is a great artist. Some of his work is on display in the National Art Museum in Washington D.C. One of his paintings titled “We Shall Come Rejoicing” features 26 people who include “my father, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins”.  

We Shall Come Rejoicing


Roger Medearis; American Artist
From a Times Staff Writer LA Times, 9 July 2001

Roger Medearis, an artist of the American Regionalism school who studied with Thomas Hart Benton, has died. He was 81. Medearis, whose work focused on American life and landscapes, died of cancer Thursday evening at his home in San Marino.

Born in Fayette, Mo., Medearis grew up in Missouri and Oklahoma and was greatly influenced by the landscape and culture of the Midwest. At the age of 18, Medearis enrolled in the Kansas City (Mo.) Art Institute, where he studied with Benton. In an interview some years ago, Medearis recalled Benton’s classes.

“Paintings by the old masters were projected on a screen, and we would redo them as blocks and cylinders and spheres;” Medearis told a reporter for the Washington Post. “And before we began painting, we would model the entire composition in clay a feeling for weight and depth comes from that.”

Medearis defined his own regionalism, eventually painting works that now hang in the National Museum of American Art in Washington, the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, the New York Public Library and in a number of prominent private collections.

His career as an artist was interrupted by World War II, when he served as the Navy’s chief topographic draftsman.

After the war, Medearis had some success selling paintings, but he also discovered that the rise of Abstract Expressionism had made the regional art he loved less popular. As a result, Medearis turned to the business world to make a living, becoming a salesman for Container Corp. of America. He stayed away from art until the late 1960s, when encouragement from his second wife, Betty, prompted him to return. For 30 years, he produced a stream of paintings, drawings, lithographs and bronzes.

Medearis is survived by his wife; a son, Tom Medearis; four stepdaughters, Katherine Sterling, Jennifer Syme, Leslie Sterling and Wendy Mclean, a brother, Miller Medearis; two sisters, Dorothy Boto and Marian Merryman; three grandchildren, and seven step grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am. Thursday at the San Marino Community Church. The family asks that any memorial contributions be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.

(credits 17, 50)

To Be Continued