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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Who is the Daddy?

Richmond Elijah Overton
Born About 1856 - 1928
My maternal grandmother was not sure of her paternity. Grandmother Gertrude was born in 1895 and her mother, Jane Furnace, died when she was 7 years old. Since Jane was dead and couldn't answer her children questions about their father, family and neighbors sitting on porches discussed the paternity of Jane's children, so, my grandmother grew up with uncertainty of her paternity. Jane's children with dark complexion would be assigned to Elijah Usher and Jane's lighter children would be assigned to Richmond Overton. My grandmother was dark, she would be Elijah's child.

After her mother's death, Grandma Gert was raised by Richmond Overton's mother, Alice. The twist to the story is that Alice was married to Elijah Usher. I remember snippets of conversation between my grandmother and her children concerning her paternity. Grandma's attitude was she was "mama's baby, papa's maybe."

The records show the uncertainty but lean toward Richmond Overton being the daddy.
1910 - In the household of Lige and Alice Usher, her name is Gertrude Overton. This is the only census I find Grandma before her marriage.
1919 - Grandma's Marriage Record - She is Gertrude Overton.
1924 - Grandma's Daughter's Notification of Birth Registration - Gertrude Eusher

Parent Information from Death Records of Grandma's Siblings
1916 - Carrie Overton - Parents are Rich Overton and Jane Furnice
1923 - Edgar Overton - Parents are Rich Overton and Jane Furnise
1928 - Ollie Wallace - Parents are Lige Usher and Marry Furnace
1934 - Haber Overton - Parents Richmond Overton and Unknown
1938 - Mary Brandon - Parents are Richmond Overton and Jane Furnice
1967 - Grandma - Parents are Richmond Overton and Jane Furnace.

Recently, I received a photograph from Cousin Alesa of the man I believe to be my great grandfather, the man in the above picture. This was my first time seeing an image of him. I looked to see if there is anything in his face similar to the faces of my siblings or me. I can't tell.

Both men are a part of my family's story. I gladly research them both.
Photograph Courtesy of Alesa Wilson
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1 comment:

  1. Teicha Hill MailhesMay 20, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    I recently found my great grandfather possibly listed in the 1880 census as Baby McBride in the home of John Wright. Annus McBride is listed as a servant in the home. I don't know if we can know if John Wright fathered the Baby McBride or not. However, I too, will continue to research John Wright and look for Annus's prior husband.

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