Fast forward decades later, and a Kodak camera is obsolete - but you still have a chance to preserve your family memories.
Gayle's Family Genealogy
Welcome to my family genealogy blog. This site is devoted to genealogy research for ancestral or collateral lines. Check here for occasional tips, updates, or nostalgic family items of interest. Inquires to: gaylevanh@gmail.com. Copyright ©2026 by Family Roots and Branches. No portion of this blog may be copied, redistributed, or used without the express written consent.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Don't Lose Yesterday's Memories
Fast forward decades later, and a Kodak camera is obsolete - but you still have a chance to preserve your family memories.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
What's in a Name ? Nicknames !
Abby Abigail
Addie Adelina
Aggie, also Nancy
(Scotish usage), Agnes, Agatha
Allie Alice,
Althea
Alma Almarinda
Amy Amelia
Annette Ann,
Anne
Axey Achsah
Babs, Barb, Babbie
Barbara
Becky Rebecca
Bee Beatrice,
Beatrix
Belle, Bella
Arabella, Isabel
Berty
Bertha,Roberta
Betty, Bess, Betsy,
Beth Elizabeth
Biddy Obedience,
Bridget
Cam Camilia
Candy Candace
Carrie
Caroline
Cassie Cassandra
Cathy, Kate, Kathy,
Kit, Kay, Kitty Catherine
Chrissie, Christie,
Chris Christina
Cicely, Cis
Cecelia
Cinda, Cindy
Lucinda, Cinderella
Clara Clarissa
Clemmie
Clementine
Collete
Nicolette
Connie
Constance
Corley
Cornelia
Creasy, Crecy
Lucretia
Deb, Debby
Deborah
Delia Cordelia
Della Adelina
Dicey, Diza
Eudicia, Boadicea
Dona Caledonia
Dot, Dolly
Dorothy
TR> Dotie Theordosia, Doris,
Dorothy, Odette,
Delores, Dora
Drucie
Drucilla
Eddie, Edy Edwina,
Edith
Effie Euphemia
Ella Eleanor,
Gabriella
Ellen, Elle
Eleanor, Helen
Elsie Alice,
Elsbeth
Emma Erminia
Essie Esther
Ethel
Ethelinda
Eudora, Dora
Theodora
Eunie, Nicey, Nicy
Eugenia, Eunice
Eura or Ura Eura or Ura Eureka
Eva Evangeline,
Evaline
Fanny, Frank
Frances
Flo, Flossie, Flora
Florence
Freddie
Fredericka
Gail Abigail
Genie, Gene Eugenia
Gertie Gertrude
Gincey, Jenny Jane
Greta Margaret
Grissel Griselda
Gussia Augusta
Gwen Gwendolyn
Hallie Mahalia
Hatty, Hattie, Harriett
Hepsy Hephzibah
Hetty Henrietta
Hulda Mahulda
Janet, Jeanne,
Jennet, Jenny, Jane, Virginia
Jess Jessie
Jessie Jessica
Josie, Jo Josepha,
Josephine
Judy Judith
Juliet Julia
Karen Karenhappuch
Kate, Kathy, Kay,
Kitty K(C)atherine
Leitha Alletha,
Tellitha
Lena Helena,
Magdalena
Letty Lettice,
Letitia
Lexie Alexa,
Alexandra
Lila Delilah
Lina Selina
Linda Malinda,
Ethelinda
Livvy Lavinia,
Olivia
Liz, Liza, Lizzy,
Libby Elizabeth, Eliza
Lotta, Lottie Charlotte
Lou, Louie, Lu,
Lulu, Louisa, Louise
Lucy Lucinda
Lula Tallulah
Madge, Margie Margaret, Margery, Marjorie
Mae, May Mary
Mag, Maggy Margaret
Mandy Amanda
Milly Emily,
Amelia, Millicent, Mildred
Minnie Mary,
Minerva
Modlin Magdalena -
German Usage
Molly, Polly Mary
Mona Desdemona,
Ramona
Myra Almira,
Palmyra
Nabby Abigail
Nan, Nancy,
Nanny Agnes - Scotish usage
Nan, Nancy,
Nanny Ann, Anne, Anna - English usage
Neecy Permecia
Nell, Nelly
Eleanor, Ellen, Helen, Penelope
Nerva, Nerve
Minerva
Netty Antionette,
Henriells, Joannette, Zan(n)etta
Nicey Eunice
Nina Ann, Anna,
Penina
Nita Anita ,
Juanita
Noma Naomi
Nona Winona
Nora Eleanor,
Honora, Leonora
Ola Viola, Tuliola
Ollie Olivia,
Ollvine
Pam Pamala
Patsy, Patty,
Pat, Martha, Patricia
Peg, Peggy Margaret
Phemie Euphemia
Pheny Josephine
Polly, Poll Mary,
Paulina
Prissy Pricilla
Prudy, Prue
Prudance
Reba Rebecca
Rena Serena, Irena,
Arrena
Rita Marguerita
Roxie Roxanne
Sadie, Sally,
Sal Sarah, Sara
Sam, Sammy Samantha
Sandra Cassandra
Sheba Bathsheba
Sillah Drusiliah,
Drucilla, Priscilla
Sinah Arcena
Sis, Sisley,
Sesaley Cecilia
Sophy Sophia
Sue, Suke, Suky,
Susie Susan, Susannah
Tabby Tabitha
Tammy Tamira
Tamzine Thomasine
Tempy Temperance
Terry, Tess Theresa
Theny Bethena
Thursa, Thursday,
Thurze Theresa
Tilda, Tilly, Mathilda, Matilda
Tina Albertina,
Christina
Tish Letitia
Trix, Trixy
Beatrix, Beatrice
Trudy Gertrude
Vergie Virginia
Viney, Vinnie
Lavinia
Willie Williamana,
any feminine form of William
Wilmett,
Wilmot Wilhelmina
Winnie Winifred
Xina Christina
Zilla Zerilda,
Luzilla, Barzilla
Zoey Zoe
(Originally compiled by Ernest Connally and Pauline Jones Gandrud, added to by Joan Wright and others)
Before Statehood Listings
Order State Date
1. Delaware Dec.
7, 1787
2. Pennsylvania Dec
12, 1787
3. New
Jersey Dec. 18, 1787
4. Georgia Jan. 2, 1788
5. Connecticut Jan.
9, 1788
6. Massachusetts Feb.6,
1788
7. Maryland Apr.
28, 1788
8. South
Carolina May 23, 1788
9. New
Hampshire June 21, 1788
10. Virginia June 25, 1788
11. New
York July 26, 1788
12. North
Carolina Nov. 21, 1788
13. Rhode
Island May
29, 1790
14. Vermont Mar.
4, 1791
15. Kentucky June
1, 1792
16. Tennessee June
1, 1796
17. Ohio Mar.
1, 1803
18. Louisiana Apr.
30, 1812
19. Indiana Dec. 11, 1816
20. Mississippi Dec.
10, 1817
21. Illinois Dec.
3, 1818
22. Alabama Dec.
14, 1819
23. Maine Mar.
15, 1820
24. Missouri Aug.
10, 1821
25. Arkansas June
15, 1836
26. Michigan Jan.
26, 1837
27. Florida Mar.
3, 1845
28. Texas Dec.
29, 1845
29. Iowa Dec.
28, 1846
30. Wisconsin May
29, 1848
31. California Sept.
9, 1850
32. Minnesota May
11, 1858
33. Oregon Feb. 14, 1859
34. Kansas Jan.
29, 1861
35. West
Virginia June
20, 1863
36. Nevada Oct.
31, 1864
37. Nebraska Mar.
1, 1867
38. Colorado Aug.
1, 1876
39. North
Dakota Nov.
2, 1889
40. South
Dakota Nov.
2, 1889
41. Montana Nov.
8, 1889
42. Washington, Nov.
11, 1889
43. Idaho July
3, 1890
44. Wyoming July
10, 1890
45. Utah Jan.
4, 1896
46. Oklahoma Nov.
16, 1907
47. New
Mexico Jan.
6, 1912
48. Arizona Feb.
14, 1912
49. Alaska Jan.
3, 1959
50. Hawaii Aug.
21, 1959
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
A closer look at Algernon Sidney Clement
A cousin, Algernon Sidney Clement. A man dedicated to his family, his country and his God.
Formation of Ellis County Baptist Association
Source: The History of the Ellis County Baptist Association,
A. D. Brooks, 1907
According to Elder E. C. Leake of Navarro County, before this Association was formed in 1872, there were only twelve Baptist churches in the area comprised of all Ellis County, that part of Dallas County west of the Trinity River, those parts of Johnson and Tarrant Counties south and east of the cross timbers and that part of Navarro County between Trinity River and Chambers' Creek. In addition, only four ordained Baptist preachers lived in this area: D. D. Swindall, Josiah Leake, R. Q. Burnett and F. M. Herring, although there were some active laymen. In order to unite efforts for preaching the gospel, in July 1872 at the General Association meeting in Collin County, a movement was begun to create an association in each district. The Waxahachie Association (Ellis County) was formed in October at Liberty Church, Grove Creek, in Ellis County. Representatives at the first session were:
Lancaster
James A. Lindsay, George White, Wm. Orr, James Rafferty and Elders Josiah Leake and E. C. Leake.
Johnson Station
Elders J. C. Burnett, J. D. Blanton, C. C. Strahan and G. W. Evans
Prairie Valley
C. H. Patrick, N. V. Lovett and W. D. Vestal
Waxahachie
R. M. Wyatt, W. H. Roberts and E. Finch
Deer Creek
A. S. Clement
(Source: Ellis County Website via www.usgenweb.com
The following listings mention A.S. Clement and is likely part of his wife Rebekka (nee Farrar) family.
A. J. and Anna E. Farrar - page 211
Exs: John R. Flippin, Memphis, Tenn. ; Jas. A. Flippen; Thomas J. Flippen and George W. Farrar, Fayette Co. Tenn.
Date 10 June 1878
Attest: Mollie Farrar, John Burnett, A. S. Clement;
Filed 22 July 1880; rec. 23 Sept. 1880
(Source: Ellis County, Texas via www.usgenweb.com
1880 US Census & National Index CD
Ellis Co., Prect. 4, TX Pg. 499B
Enumeration date, dwelling & family number are not listed
Algernon S. Clement 41 W M Self Farmer Place of birth: Mississippi Father: NC Mother: MS
Rebecca " 37 W F Wife KY NC NC
Lucy Ann " 9 W F Dau TX MS KY
Henry Allen 27 W M Laborer Other AR VA MS
Bee Creek community was located about five miles south of Maypearl at Bee Creek and Bee Creek School House Roads. The creek runs though rolling terrain surfaced with clays and clay loams with oak, juniper and grasses. It is rough land and was used mostly for range with some crop land. Bee Creek empties into Chambers Creek about 5-1/2 miles north of Italy.
Postmasters were Thomas A. Canon, June 14, 1886; Clava V. Via, Sept. 25, 1886; Thomas A. Canon, Dec. 8, 1889; Amanda V. Vancleave, Dec. 1, 1891; Algernon S. Clement June 25, 1892; (name changed to Beecreek); Henry S. Vancleave Nov. 18, 1893; Marion C. Cornwell Juned 18, 1897; Hance Day Jan. 31, 1898; Matthew A. Davidson June 11, 1903. Office was discontinued Sept. 15, 1904 with mail sent to Maypearl.
There once was a school and cemetery on the School House Road, but today the scattered stones of the cemetery are the only reminders of this community.
References:
U. S. Postal Department, Washinigton, D. C.
Handbook of Texas Online
Personal visit to area and interviews with older residents
The following letter was handwritten by Lucy Clement Witten, following the death of her father Algernon Sidney Clement in 1909. Special thanks to Clement cousin and fellow researcher Marty Johnson of Texas, for sharing the letter and permission to transcribe it.
In memory of Bro. A.S. Clement. On Wednesday February 17, 1909. Bro A.S. Clement's spirit was taken from his body to God who gave it. Bro. Clement was born April 9, 1839 in Hines County, Miss. Born of poor parents and in a new country, he had very limited opportunities to gain an education and attended school only a few months in all his life. However in youth, and in later life he used ever available means to educate himself and was a constant reader, especially of the Bible, and such history as he could procure. be it said to his credit, be not only left himself conversant with the topics of the day, but attained a through knowledge of the scriptures.
He professed religion when but a youth and joined the old County Line Baptist Church near his home. He left his home in early life traveling west on horseback with little money, but a good store of determination. He stopped a year or two in Louisiana and then came to Texas, where he became a citizen of Ellis county in 1868, living with his Aunt Mrs. Davis.
Some time in 1862 he was drafted as a soldier and served in Mc Gruder's Calvary, west of the Mississippi river until the close of the war and received his discharge.
In 1870 he was married to Miss Rebecca Farrar, who died June 22, 1901. One child, a daughter was given to them, who is Mrs. Pat Witten of Waxachachie.
He has three sisters living, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Leak and two brothers, G.W. Clement of Maypearl and C.C. Clement of Baylor county.
He was a charter member of Old Bee Creek Church and went into the organization of what is now the Ellis County Baptist Association in 1879.
He was afterwards a member of Greathouse Church, where he was ordained a deacon. Later he became a member anda acting deacon of Plum Grove Church, where his membership was when he died.
Always faithful, honest and true, always standing firm for what he thought to be right. In December 1902 he married a second time to Mrs. L.J. Ray, who survives him and mourns his death.
Be it resolved by the Plum Grove Church, That in his death Plum Grove church lost one of her strongest followers, a model deacon, and a loving member, his wife devoted husband and a most aggreeable companion, his daughter a noble and loving at her; his relatives a friend whose place cannot be filled; Ellis county one of her best citizens, Texas as one of her good men.
Friends, relatives, daughter and wife he has gone never to return until the resurrection morning at which time his spiritual form will come forth from the grave a spiritual tabernacle for the indwelling of that same spirit that has gone to God who gave it.
Knowing these things let us not weep as those who have no hope, but rather rejoice that the time is soon coming when we will go to that glorious time if we follow the example of our dear brother as he followed Christ. His faith in Christ was surpassed by none, but he, like Paul, felt a weakness in the flesh and trusted all to Christ, who he believed would bring him out of the grave at his coming to gather up his followers.
He was a deep thinker and in all things reasonable. It was his delight to talk of the work of the Kingdom of his Lord-A lover of the church work and his pastor was thought of and looked after by him; his friends were many, his enemies few, if any - His presence is gone, but his good works and influences is with us and will remain to point us to a higher life.
He fought a good fight; he kept the faith and God has called him home to wear the crown.
A.W. Willis
A. Wardlaw
D.B. Dearcy
Committee
Adopted by Plum Grove Church in regular conference Saturday, April 24, 1909, and ordered sent to the Baptist Echo for publication and a copy sent to his wife and daughter, and also spread on the church records.
In Memory of my dear Father
By Lucy Clement Witten
@ death of Algernon Clement
(Reference to Algernon being born in "Hines County", is actually Hinds County, Mississippi)
transcribed Sept. 1, 2006 by Gayle Hennington -Van Horn
Family Group Record
Husband: Algernon Sidney Clement
Born: 9 Apr 1839 - Hinds County, Mississippi
Died: 17 Feb 1909 - Milford, Elllis County, Texas
Buried: - Milford Cemetery, Ellis County, Texas
Father: William Sidney Clement (1807-Abt 1874)
Mother: Amelia Ann Mullican (1822-After 1900)
Marriage: 18 Jan 1870 Place: Ellis County, Texas
Other Spouse: Lucinda J. Ray (1849-After 1920) Date: Dec 1902 - Ellis County, Texas
Wife: Rebekah L. Farrar
Born: 9 Mar 1842 - Kentucky
Died: 22 Jun 1901 - Milford, Elllis County, Texas
Buried: - Milford Cemetery, Ellis County, Texas
Father: George W. Farrar (1807-)
Mother: Ann E. Hester
Children
1 F Lucy Ann Clement
Born: Apr 1871 - Ellis County, Texas
Died: 9 Mar 1964 - Ellis County, Texas
Buried: - Hillcrest Burial Park Cemetery, Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
Spouse: Patrick Shields Witten (1868-1950)
Marr. Date: Abt 1892 - Texas
Saturday, November 8, 2025
How Photo Retouching Worked Before Photoshop
BY JOCELYN SEARS JULY 28, 2016
Francis Chickering-an Early Settler of Dedham
Monday, October 27, 2025
Family Group Sheet: Benjamin Apling Burdette family
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| Benjamin and Millie Burdette |
The following is the most recent version, and has been confirmed and sourced. If you are a descendant from any of Ben and Millie's children, I would welcome your correspondence at: gaylevanh@gmail.com
Special thanks to Bob and Julia Fox for the photo of Ben and Millie. It is greatly appreciated.
Husband: Benjamin Apling Burdette
Born: 23 Dec 1835 - DeKalb County, Georgia
Died: 14 Sep 1921 - Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Buried: 15 Sep 1921 - Meridian Cemetery, Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Father: James Woodall (Jim) Burdett (1807-1868)
Mother: Alice Falkner (1815-Abt 1862)
Marriage: 4 Jan 1855 Place: Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama
Wife: Amelia Elizabeth (Millie) Hood
Born: 1 Oct 1838 - Newton County, Georgia
Died: 23 Apr 1926 - Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Buried: - Meridian Cemetery, Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Father: Josa Hood (1808-1870)
Mother: Harriet Salina Robertson (1815-1887)
Children
1 F Maryann Martina (Mattie) Burdette
Born: 30 Jan 1856 - Randolph County, Alabama
Died: 29 May 1921 - Lubbock County, Texas
Buried: - City of Lubbock Cemetery, Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
Spouse: Jasper Alexander Syfrett (1849-1950)
Marr. Date: 27 Nov 1873 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
2 M William Wesley Burdette
Born: 13 Apr 1858 - Randolph County, Alabama
Died: 23 Aug 1937 - Denton, Denton County, Texas
Buried: - Old Dublin Memorial Park, Dublin, Erath County, Texas
Spouse: Louisa Winifred Thurman (1858-1920)
Marr. Date: 23 Jul 1882 - Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Spouse: Alice Lovelace ( - Abt 1945)
Marr. Date: After 1920
3 F Emily (Emma) Frances Burdette
Born: 9 Nov 1859 - Randolph County, Alabama
Died: 11 Jun 1946 - Mexia, Limestone County, Texas
Buried: 12 Jun 1946 - Dew Cemetery, Mexia, Limestone County, Texas
Spouse: William Houston Bailey (1855- )
Marr. Date: 18 Jul 1878 - Concord, Shelby County, Texas
4 M Benjamin A. Burdette
Born: 27 Nov 1861 - Randolph County, Alabama
Died: Abt 1862 - Randolph County, Alabama
5 M James Gora Burdette
Born: 19 Dec 1866 - Texas
Died: Bef 1870 - Poss. Leon County, Texas
6 F Susan Elizabeth (Bettie) Burdette
Born: 3 Sep 1868 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: 7 Aug 1959 - Spur, Dickens County, Texas
Buried: - Meridian Cemetery, Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Spouse: John Pleasant Jordan (1846-1929)
Marr. Date: 14 Jan 1886 - Bosque County, Texas
7 F Salina (Lina) Isabel Burdette
Born: 13 Aug 1871 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: 15 Apr 1954 - San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Buried: - Meridian Cemetery, Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Spouse: Frank C. Gandy (1866-1922)
Marr. Date: 5 Nov 1885 - Glenrose, Somervell County, Texas
8 M John Monroe Burdette
Born: 7 Mar 1873 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: Bet 1873 and 1880 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
9 F Lurana A. Burdette
Born: 27 Jan 1875 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: 1887 - Bosque County, Texas
10 M Albert Alonzo Burdett
Born: 26 Jul 1877 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: 29 Jul 1960 - Sudan, Lamb County, Texas
Buried: - Sudan Cemetery, Sudan, Lamb County, Texas
Spouse: Maggie N. Bowman (1882-1966)
Marr. Date: 8 Oct 1899 - Comanche County, Texas
11 F Ella Mae Burdette
Born: 20 Oct 1880 - Marquez, Leon County, Texas
Died: 21 Nov 1957 - Canyon, Randall County, Texas
Buried: 23 Nov 1957 - Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Lubbock, Lubbock
County, Texas Plot # N 155 Space 2 (next to husband Fletcher)
12 M George Issac (Sr.) Burdette
Born: 28 Aug 1882 - Meridian, Bosque County, Texas
Died: 15 Sep 1947 - Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Buried: 16 Sep 1947 - Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Spouse: Annie L. Burns (1881- )
Spouse: Dozie Lee Redwine (1883-1934)
Marr. Date: 1902 - Texas
____________________________________________
Last Modified: 27 Oct 2025


