Charles Medaris (5)

Nancy Medaris (7) ( Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 05 Oct 1811, in Ohio, d. 25 Sep 1899, Ohio. She married Rueben Laycock 18 Nov. 1830. He was born 11 May 1809. They are buried at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Mt. Pisgah, Ohio.

Nancy and Rueben had the following children:

Stephen A. Laycock (8)

Malissa Laycock (8) b. 15 Apr 1839. She married Bennet French Lindsey, who was born in 1834.

Martha Laycock (8) b. 1840, married O. O. Behymer.

Malvina Laycock (8) b. 23 Nov. 1841, she married Wesley Calhoun who was b. 1834.

Sarah J. "Sallie" Laycock (8) b. 1845, she married Nathan H. Hatfield who was born in 1842.

Nancy B. Laycock (8) b. 1846, she married Hamer Swem, who was b. 1848.

Dr. Rueben L. Laycock (8) b. Aug. 1850, he married Mary E. ????.

Leonora V. Laycock (8) b. 12 Sep 1857, she married Dr. Frank Pierce Witham who was b. 14 Apr 1853.

(CR: 1850 Clermont Co., Ohio)

( credits 00, 50, 256)

Charles Medearis (7) ( Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) was born 27 June 1799 in North Carolina, and died 21 Feb. 1876. He married 1) Lydia Gest on 02 August 1821. Lydia was born 27 Feb. 1801 near Batavia and was the daughter of Enoch and Ida Gest. They moved to Ohio in 1803 with the other members of their family.

Charles and Lydia had the following children:

Melinda G. Medearis (8) b. 1822, d. 1894.

Arthur Elliot Medearis (8) b. 08 Feb. 1824, d. 30 Aug. 1845, age 21y 6m 22d

Paulina Medearis (8) b. 1826. (This daughter is the same as we have identified under Malachi Medearis (7) ( Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) (Research is underway to identify her correct family location.

Female (8) b. 1825 - 1830. Shows in 1830, 1840 Ohio Census, so far unidentified.

Idy G. Medearis (8) b. 18 Nov. 1831, d. 19 Oct. 1836, age 5y 1m one

Keziah Medearis (8) b. 04, April 1834, d. 31 Oct. 1836 age 2y 6m 27d

Shadrack Medearis (8) d. 27 May 1837

Melville C. Medearis (8) b. 11 May 1838, d. 15 Jan. 1839, age 8m 4d

Enoch G. Medearis (8) b. abt. 1840, Ohio. Married Sarah Pattison.

Edna A. Medearis (8) b. 25 May 1843, d. 01 Aug. 1861, age 18y 10m 8d. Listed as Emma in 1880 Ohio census.

Leonidas H. Medearis (8) b. 3 Aug. 1844, in Ohio, d. 18 June 1898.

Lydia died 28 May 1860 and Charles then married 2) Phoebe Hill abt., 1851 in Clermont Co., Ohio. She was b. 27 June 1830; d. 16 Jan 1899. Phoebe is found in the 1880 Ohio census with the following children:

Charles Elmer Medearis (8) b. 1866 in Ohio, he married Irene Pearl Neiswender.

Mary Louise Medearis (8) b. 1869 (1872) in Owensville, Ohio. She married Edwin C. Ely in 1899. This was Edwin's second marriage. Lou and Edwin had 2 children by this marriage.

Arthur, Edna, Melville, Idy, Shadrack, Keziah, Lydia, Phoebe and Charles are all buried in the Cemetery of I.O.O.F Boston Lodge in Clermont County, Ohio.

(CR: 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870 Clermont Co., Ohio; Phoebe and family in 1880 Clermont Co., Ohio)

(credits 17, 50, 51)

Malachi Medearis (7) ( Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1825 in Mississippi. He married Mary Hassy, 24 Jan. 1852 in Conecuh County, Alabama. It appears that Malachi and his wife Mary died sometime in the 1860's. It is unknown if perhaps they fell victim to the devastation of the War for Southern Independence or if they died of disease.

What we do know is that they had two children:

Phillip Napier Medearis (8) b. 04 Aug. 1853, d. 13 Dec. 1921. He married 1) Elizabeth Charity Tisdale, 2) Tillie Mae Bird.

Nimua Medearis (8) b. 1864 in Alabama. Nimua and her brother Phillip were adopted by a minister, Phillip Hawkins Napier and his wife Sarah, apparently after the death of their parents sometime prior to 1870.

(credits 00, 170, 171)

Samuel Medaris (7) (Malachi 6, Charles 5) b. 1800 - 1810. It is unknown who he married at this time. What we know about Samuel comes from some early census records. The 1830 Ohio census lists Samuel and family but it appears to be two families listed in one family unit.

(CR: 1830 Clermont Co., Ohio)

Shadrach Medaris (7) (Malachi 6, Charles 5) b. 1802 in North Carolina, married Sarah E. Ferree in 22 March 1827. They are buried in the Rose of Sharon Cemetery in Clermont County, Ohio.

Shadrach and his family lived at Olive Branch in Clermont County. According to their web site, Olive Branch is believed to have received its name because of its peaceful location along Shaylor Creek in Batavia Township. It is one of the five oldest existing communities in Clermont County. Olive Branch's first post office opened in February of 1845 with Shadrach Medaris as the first postmaster. It remained open until December, 1922. He was also listed as Justice of the Peace in 1838, Clermont County.

Shadrach and Sarah had the following known child:

Female (8) b. 1820 - 1825. Shows in 1830 Ohio Census, so far unidentified. Likely died very young.

John P. Medaris (8) b. 1838 in Ohio; d. 20 Jan. 1909 in Hamilton County, Ohio. Married Mary E. ????.

(CR: 1830, 1840 Clermont Co., Ohio, 1860 Hamilton Co., Ohio)

Haywood Medearis (7) ( Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1810, married Elizabeth ????. They lived in Iowa and then Mississippi. Haywood purchased 40 acres of property on 13 Nov. 1859, at Washington County, Mississippi. He is listed as a resident of Lawrence County, Mississippi at the time. This land was located of the city of Bogue Chitto, MS. The area where he purchased the property contains the current landmarks of Big Creek where it goes under hwy 55 and Cavalry Church on Cavalry Church Rd.

Haywood and Elizabeth had the following known children:

Nancy Medearis (8) b. 1837 in IA

Henry B. Medearis (8) b. 1840 in IA

Lydia A. Medearis (8) b. 1842 in IA

Samuel Medearis (8) b. 1846 in IA

(CR: 1850 Warren Co., Mississippi)

Prior Medaris (7) (Stephen 6, Charles 5) b. abt 1807 in New Jersey; d. Mar. 1850 of "consumption" (tuberculosis) in Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio. He married Catharine Guion on 14 Mar 1830. Catharine was born 38 July 1818, the daughter of Benjamin and Hannah Banta Guion. At the time of Prior's death, the family lived in Hamilton Co., Ohio near Stephen, Prior's father.
Prior and Catharine had the following children:

William Medaris (8) b. 20 Nov. 1831; d. 05 Dec. 1831
John Edward Medaris (8) b. 18 Nov. 1832; d. 25 Feb. 1833.
Angelina M. Medaris (8) b. 07 May 1834 in Ohio. She married Henry E. Holtzinger on 18 Sept. 1851. They had the following children:

Ida May Holtzinger (9) b. 02 Dec 1853, married L. A. Ault, 23 Sept. 1879.
William M. Holtzinger (9) b. 14 Oct. 1853

Elizabeth Medaris (8) b. 30 July 1836 in Missouri; d. 16 July 1873. She married Thompson Neave, 27 Oct. 1857. They had the following children:

Ella M. Neave (9) b. 06 Mar. 1859.
Florence May Neave (9) b. 29 Nov. 1867.

Ellen Medaris (8) b. 25 Oct. 1838 in Ohio. She married Benjamin F. Wright on 27 Oct. 1859. They lived in Harwell, Ohio. They had the following child:

Ella M. Wright (9) b. 08 Nov. 1863. She married D.r Wilson Saffin, on 17 Oct. 1883. They lived in Carthage, Ohio.

(CR: 1840 Hamilton Co., Ohio)

Hyatt Medaris (7) (William 6, Charles 5) b. abt 1810 in resided in Indiana in 1840. He married Elizabeth ????, born 1811.

Hyatt and Elizabeth had the following children:

Julia A. Medaris (8) b. abt. 1835 in Indiana. She married David Byers 04 July 1850 in Vigo County, Indiana.
Lydia A. Medaris (8) b. 1842 in Indiana
Samuel Medaris (8) b. 1845 in Indiana

(CR: 1840 Sullivan Co., Indiana; 1860 Vigo Co., Indiana)

John W. Medaris (7) (William 6, Charles 5) b. 22 Oct. 1814 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. 21 Sept. 1911 in White County, Ohio. John married 1) Martha ????

John had the following known children:

Harry L. Medaris (8) b. 1850 (Listed as Henry in the 1850 census).
Samuel Medaris (8) b. 1853
Martha Perry Medaris (8) b. 03 Apr. 1855 in Hartford, Indiana. she married Dr. W. A. Cochran.

John married (2) Elizabeth S. ????. It is belived that they had the following children.

Alta M. Medaris (8) b. 1862
Wilber F. Medaris (8) b. 1866

Very little is known about John except what was found in the following article:

A Standard History of White County Indiana

DR. JOHN W. MEDARIS

Doctor Medaris, although a physician of middle age when he became a resident of Brookston in 1859, continued to make that place his home and the center of his faithful practice, his Masonic activities and his splendid educational work— all tending to the progress of White County—for a period of more than half a century. At the time of his death on September 21, 1911, he was in his ninety-seventh year; the oldest person in White County, probably the oldest Mason in the state (having joined the order in 1846) and the veteran of the White County Medical Society, having survived Doctor Haymond for over a quarter of a century.

Doctor Medaris was born in Clearmont, Ohio, October 22, 1814, was educated in his native state, and received his medical training in the Miami School of Medicine at Cincinnati and the Sterling School of Medicine, Columbus. After his graduation he began practice at Hartford, Ohio, and in 1859 located at Brookston. The town was then very young and the doctor's circuit of practice was often many miles out in the country, over terrible roads and through storms and mud. But, like others of his fellows, he accepted such hardships with good cheer as matters-of-course in the career of the country doctor. No member of the profession was more widely known or beloved than Doctor Medaris.

In 1867, three years after the founding of the county medical society, Doctor Medaris realized another of his ambitions, which was particularly his triumph, in the building of the Brookston Academy, one of the prominent educational institutions of Northern Indiana. During the Civil war he had served as a member of the Indiana Sanitary Commission, having been detailed by Governor Morton to give medical aid and assistance to the Union soldiers of White County detained in the Memphis hospitals. But he was best known throughout the state for his enthusiasm and steadfastness in Masonry, which endured for sixty-five years— from the time he joined the order until his death. Through out its official life he was one of the stanchest and dearest friends of the Old Settlers Association; and at its meeting of August, 1911, held the month before his death, appeared to be in his usual health. A few days before he was called away to the Future which knows no centuries, he received a dispatch announcing the death of his daughter, at her home in Danville. The attendant shock, with a decline in his physical strength which had been noted a short time previously, undoubtedly hastened his end. A strong personality, which was evinced in practical accomplishments, honesty and sincerity, with a generosity which often went far beyond the bounds of self-protection, and an abiding affection for those nearest him, as well as a broad charity for all, were the marked traits in this revered patriarch.

(CR: 1850 Ohio Co., Indiana, 1860, 1880 White Co., Indiana)

Click here to view his actual discharge papers

Andrew Medaris (7) (William 6, Charles 5) b. 1823 in Ind. He married Nancy ????, who was born abt. 1836 in Pennsylvania. They lived with his father William (6) and William Worley in Illinois in 1860.

Andrew and Nancy had the following child;

Ortrellia Medaris (8) b. 1856 in Iowa.

(cr: 1860 Douglas Co., Illinois)

Generation 8

William Fletcher Madaris (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1820 in Guilford County, NC. Fletcher married Barbara Allen Buford on 12 May 1842, in Carroll County, Georgia. ( what's in a name? Fletcher ) Fletcher and Barbara had the following children:

Harriet E. Madaris (9) b. 1847,
William Alfred Madaris (9) b. 1848, married 1) Millie Elizabeth McBurnett 2) Alice Blackwell .
Sarah Jane Madaris (9) b. 1849
George Washington Madaris (9) b. 17 Apr. 1852. He married Naomi J. Shropshire .
Mary F. Madaris (9) b. 29 Nov. 1853 in Coweta County, Georgia; d. 30 Dec. 1939 in Fayette County, Georgia. She married C. Jasper Collins .
John Thomas Madaris (9) b. 1856, he married Lizzie Johnson.
Charles Buchannan Madaris (9) b. 1860, married 1) Fannie B. Richardson, 2) Martha "Mattie" Marselle Tucker .

All of the children were born in Coweta County, Georgia. Fletcher came to Georgia with his parents around 1826. His father was a miller and Fletcher likely helped in the mills and around the farm. Fletcher worked as a blacksmith and ferrier in the area's of Whitesburg, Handy and Newnan, Georgia.

When the War for Southern Independence started, Fletcher enlisted on 02 August 1861 at Camp McDonald in Cobb County, Georgia. Camp McDonald was located near Kennesaw where the Big Shanty Museum is now located. He is listed as a private, as well as the unit blacksmith and ferrier in Company D known as "The Coweta Rangers", of Phillips Legion of Georgia, Cavalry Battalion, Army of Northern Virginia, CSA. Phillips Legion was known as "Phillips Volunteers" and "The Georgia Volunteers". Under the command of General James Ewell Brown "JEB" Stuart, they were known as Company K, in Hampton's Brigade under the command of Lieutenant General Wade Hampton.

In Anderson's Brigade, they were the "Advanced Guard" for this famous Cavalry Unit. They led and cleared the way for Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Gen. Lee once referred to Stuart's Cavalry as his eyes and ears.

When Fletcher joined the Confederate Army so did his horse. Although no documentation of his horse's name has been found, his companion in battle is documented by Fletcher's pay stubs as he was compensated for the use of his personal horse and gear. Fletcher's horse was lost in either the battle of New Hope Church, Mine Run or Parker's Store, Virginia on November 27-30, 1863. Fletcher himself ended up in Hospital #3 at Lynchburg, Virginia. His records show that he received clothing there on 09 December 1863. Members of the Confederate Cavalry had to provide their own horses. If theirs was lost they were given a furlough in order to go home and obtain another horse, or obtain one locally. He remained dismounted until April 1864, when he obtained a new horse.

In December 1863, Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton was promoted to General and Fletcher's unit was assigned to Young's Brigade in Hampton's Division, JEB Stuart's Cavalry Corps. During his military tour, Fletcher participated in the following battles:

Stuart's Famous Raid around McClellan's Army,

The Picket Affair - Hartwood Church - Va.,

The Battle of Fredericksburg,

Chancellorsville

Operations against Stoneman's Raid.

The Gettysburg Campaign,

The Battle of Manassas Gap - Virginia,

The Bristoe Campaign,

The Battle of Mine Run - New Hope Church VA,

The Battle of The Wilderness,

Battles about Spottsylvania Court House,

Laurel Hill,

Ny River

Fredericksburg Road VA,

Operations against Sheridan's Raid (against George Armstrong Custer),

The battle of Yellow Tavern (in which JEB Stuart was killed at the side of Company K, Phillip's Cavalry),

The Battle of Cold Harbor

They participated in many other small skirmishes and raids throughout the war. In all Phillip's Cavalry participated in over 100 battles and skirmishes during it's existence. Fletcher was discharged on 08 June 1864 for being over the age of 45. He returned to Newnan, Georgia where he again worked as a blacksmith.

Click here for a text interpretation of the discharge papers

After returning home from the War, Fletcher returned to his family and blacksmith work. Times after the war were tough, there was little or no money and many families had lost everything they had. It is believed that Fletcher lived on the Madaris land once owned by his father and brothers in the area of Buckeye in Coweta County. He had lost two brothers in the war, Franklin and Jefferson, both who died in Charleston, South Carolina and were buried there. Little is found about the time period between 1865 and 1869.

On 31 October 1869, at about 1:30 pm, an argument broke out between Fletcher and a good friend and fellow Confederate veteran; Sterling Harrison Thomas. Sterling had fought alongside Fletcher's brother Thomas P. Madaris in Co. I, 37th Georgia, Infantry. According to the Thomas family it had been passed down that the argument was over a card game. We rely on their stories for the reason for the argument, but the facts of the incident were recorded in a newspaper article at the time. Sterling became enraged and started cussing and calling Fletcher insulting names. Sterling took his rifle and began to load it and according to witnesses, Fletcher left and went for the Sheriff of Coweta County, who was also Marshall for the City of Newnan. However when Sheriff Hackney determined that the problem was outside the corporate limits of Newnan he did not go. At about 3:00 pm, Fletcher was talking with some friends at a place on LaGrange Road about a mile and a half from the Coweta County Courthouse, when Sterling approached with a large rock hidden in his shirt. As he approached (approximately 5 steps away) he threw the rock at Fletcher with all of his might. It is unclear if the rock struck Fletcher or not, but as Sterling reached for another rock to throw, Fletcher pulled his pistol and fired two shots at his attacker. The first shot missed but the second shot struck Sterling near the backbone and exited the front near his groin. Before he could throw the rock Fletcher fired a third time striking Sterling in the upper arm and lodging near his elbow. Sterling was critically wounded.

It appears that Fletcher cared for his wounded friend, most likely regretting his actions. Later that day, Sterling asked Fletcher to take him to the home of a Mr. Allen in town. They arrived there at about 10 or 11 pm where he would receive care for his wounds. Unfortunately the wounds would prove fatal and Sterling Harrison Thomas died at the Allen home in Newnan, Georgia at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 01, 1869. Fletcher claimed his innocence based on self defense and reports say he did not try to flee. He was arrested the next day on a coroner's warrant pending an investigation.

No record has been found to say whether Fletcher served any time for the shooting, but it is believed that he did not. He was at home in the spring of 1870 when the census taker made his rounds.

Things seemed to go well for the family until the summer of 1871. On 08 July 1871, at about 8 or 9:00 pm, Fletcher went into the woods to gamble with a couple of local men; Gus Ector and Harrison Stephens. According to their story the two black men won Fetcher's watch and then left. A young girl saw them leave the woods and then overheard some arguing and a scuffle in the direction in which they came. She then reported seeing another black man run away carrying a double barreled shotgun. The next morning Fletcher's body was found in the woods propped against a tree. His neck was bruised and broken, and he had been beaten about the head with a hard instrument. The coroner identified the weapon as a double-barreled shotgun based on the wounds he found.

Ector and Stephens were arrested and tried for the murder of Fletcher Madaris. They were seen in the area and they had his watch on them when they were arrested. They were tried in September of 1871 and were acquitted by an all white jury for a lack of hard evidence to convict them. The mysterious man with the shotgun had not been found and the mostly circumstantial evidence produced enough doubt to free the two suspects. After the trial the jury stated that they felt the two were guilty, but the evidence was not proven.

Well this murder mystery lasted from 1871 to 2004, when I was contacted by Lauri Martineau, of Dallas, Texas. She had a letter written 10 Oct. 1972 by Corrine Thomas Sanders the grand daughter of Sterling Harrison Thomas. Amazingly the details of this letter solved the 133 year old murder mystery in Coweta County, and identifies the man seen running away from the scene with the double barreled shotgun.

An excerpt from this letter states:

"Newnan was where Sterling was shot in the back by his best friend. The friend was drunk at the time. His name was Fletch Mederris. He got some time in Atlanta prison. Sterling had a brother named Tommie Thomas. He lived in Bradley Ark. according to uncle Jeff who visited Tommie Thomas sometimes, he rode a mule from Bradley back to Atlanta, Ga. He got in a crap game with Fletch Mederris and shot him. He was poised as a negro. They never found him because they were looking for a negro. He regreted having shot the man because he begged for his life when he saw who he was facing. The riding a mule so far made him go through with it. Sterling lived 4 days and was taken in by a widow woman that did what she could and sent the bloody clothes back to Harriet and the children. Sterling was buried at Newnan Ga. Papa had to ware the coat with the hole in the back. It hurt him very bad. Fletch Mederris was killed before Harriet and family moved from Ga. She never knew who did the work just that a negro killed Fletch Mederris."

This letter lead us to search and find previously unknown news articles about the event. Their family legend states Thomas shot Fletcher, when in fact we now know that he strangled him with the double barreled shotgun, breaking his neck and likely beating him over the head with it. He likely waited for Fletcher, Ector and Stephens to finish playing craps and then disguised as a black man, he killed Fletcher and left the blame for Ector and Stephens. Sterling only lived one day after being shot and Tommie Thomas and Fletcher did not play craps before the murder. Thank goodness Ector and Stephens received a fair trial. The true killer was never caught and lived out his life in Arkansas.

Although his grave has not yet been found, Fletcher is likely buried in Coweta County most likely near the city of Sargent. There are many Madaris relatives buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, but many are unmarked and no records were are kept at the time. An exhaustive search has not yet located his grave.

Barbara moved in with her daughter Mary F. Madaris Collins and her family after Fletcher's death. Very little is known about Barbara, though one can imagine that she must have been a dedicated wife and mother. It is imaginable that she played the important role of running the farm and doing her part in the Confederate war effort. She probably combined resources with the other women in her family; including Sarah, Fletcher's mother. My favorite quote about southern women during the Civil War is a quote from the book "The Growth of the American Republic" which says:

"The ruling class in the South, which had most at stake, gave all it had to the cause. In the North able-bodied young men of means and position could buy substitutes without incurring social stigma: in the South the women saw to it that there were no gentlemen slackers. The patriotism of the Southern women was only equalled by their devotion. Left in charge of plantations they had to direct the necessary changes from cotton-raising to the production of food, to revive obsolete household industries such as spinning, weaving, and dyeing, to extract nitrates from the earth of cellars and smokehouses, to care for wounded soldiers, and to feed passing armies. It was the southern women who made courage from terror and bread from bran."

It is currently unknown where Barbara died or is buried. It is likely that Barbara died in the 1890's, but the missing 1890 census make it almost impossible to answer these questions.

For the details on Solving A Murder Mystery in Coweta County, click here

(CR: 1850, 1860, 1870 Coweta Co., Georgia)

(credits 00, 01)

A special credit and thanks to the Thomas family; descendants of Sterling and Thomas Thomas for coming forward with this information. Without the help of Lauri Martineau, 2nd great grand daughter of Sterling Thomas, we would never have solved this murder mystery in Coweta County, and known the real story of Fletcher Madaris.

Haywood Madaris (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1821. Haywood was a Private in Vagnon's Company, (Wilson's'), 5th Battalion, Georgia Mounted Volunteers, in the 2nd Seminole War of 1835 - 1842 . Haywood worked on the US Flag family farm and helped his father in the mill. He later was a business partner with his brother John (8) as they went into the mill business themselves. He and John co-owned a Lumber Mill in Buckeye, near Lodi (present day Sargent), just west of Newnan, Ga. When John died in 1853, Haywood was the executor of his estate. Haywood married Lucinda Adams on 24 Oct. 1844 in Newnan, Coweta Co., Ga.,. On 21 Sept. 1847, he was appointed Postmaster of Lodi. In 1850 Haywood was employed as a Penitentiary Guard at Milledgeville, Georgia. He and Lucinda show in the 1850 Baldwin County, Georgia census. The Penitentiary was burned by Sherman on his way to Savannah. This family moved to Copiah County, Mississippi by 1870 and show on the census record there.

Haywood and Lucinda had one known child:

Julia Madaris (9) b. 1852 in Georgia.

(CR: 1850 Baldwin Co., Georgia; 1860 Copiah Co., Mississippi)

Franklin Madaris (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1828 Carroll County, Georgia, near the city of Whitesburg, d. 1865 at the Naval Hospital, Fort Johnson, Charleston, South Carolina.

Franklin Confederate Flag Madaris was born about 1828 in Carroll County, Georgia near the city of Whitesburg. He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Jane Preddy Madaris. Franklin was born shortly after his parents and family moved from Guilford County, NC. His siblings were: William Fletcher, b. 1820, Haywood, b. abt 1821, John b. abt 1822, Jefferson b. 1832, Delona Jane b. 1834, Elizabeth M. b. 1835, Jackson b. 1838 and Thomas P. b. 1840.

Franklin worked on the farm and in the mills operated by his father and brothers. The Madaris family operated a lumber mill on property they purchased, in 1840, in Coweta County just across the Chattahoochee River from the McIntosh Indian Reserve.

Franklin married Margaret Davis, daughter of William and Sarah Davis of Carroll County in 1850. They apparently had no children. They were living with William Davis and family in the 1850 census.

When war broke out in the nation, Franklin took an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy and joined the Confederate Army on March 04, 1861 at Newnan, Georgia. He enlisted for a period of 3 years as a Private in Company E, 1st Regiment Georgia Regulars . From there he traveled with his regiment until it completed its organization at Macon, Georgia in April 1861. On March 07, 1861 they left on the Southwestern Railroad at 9:00 p.m. on their way to Savannah. The newly organized regiment was assigned duty in Savannah, Georgia, where they received training as soldiers.

Before seeing action, the regiment was sent to Fort Polaski where they placed the guns in position and readied the fort for action. They were then sent to Tybee Island where they awaited further orders.

On July 20, 1861 Franklin and his regiment of Georgia Regulars was ordered to Virginia. They left Savannah enroute to Charleston on board a freight train. They passed through Petersburg, Virginia and ended their journey in Richmond. They were then ordered to Manassas Junction. Franklin arrived at Hannover Junction, at the end of the battle of Bull Run. In his tour with the 1st Georgia Regulars, Franklin participated in the following battles and skirmishes.

Sept. 15, 1861	assigned Toombs' Brigade, Second Division, Potomac District, Department of Northern Virginia. Moved to Pine Creek, towards Centreville on the 16th.
Sept. 17, 1861	The Regulars are assigned picket duty at Munson's Hill.
Dec. 26, 1861	The First Georgia Regulars are assigned to camps for winter quarters. The camp is located between Manassas Junction and the stone bridge on the Bull Run River, near the Manassas Battlefield from the First Bull Run.
April 05, 1862	Siege, Yorktown, Virginia
May 05, 1862	Battle at Williamsburg, Virginia
May 31 - June 1, 1862	Battle of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, Virginia
June 27, 1862	The battle at Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor
June 30, 1862	In a busy day of battle, the Regulars participate in battle at Glendale, Nelson's Farm, Frazier's Farm, Charles City Cross Roads, New Market Road, Willis Church, Virginia.
July 01, 1862	Battle at Malvern Hill, Crew's Farm, Poindexter's Farm, Virginia.
Aug. 16 - Sept. 22, 1862	The Second Bull Run Campaign
Sept. 14, 1862	Battle at South Mountain, Maryland
Sept. 16 - 17, 1862	Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), Maryland
Sept. 20, 1862	Action at Shepardstown, West Virginia
Dec. 12 - 15, 1862	Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia
March 13, 1863	The 1st Georgia Regulars were re-assigned to the District of Middle Florida, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida
February 11, 1864	Skirmish at Lake City, Florida.
February 14, 1864	Evacuation, Gainesville, Florida
February 20, 1864	Battle at Olustee (Ocean Pond), Florida
March 01, 1864	Skirmish at McGort's Creek, Florida

After this skirmish the First Georgia Regulars found themselves at Lake Seminole in Chattahoochee, Florida. This is where the Chattahoochee River enters into Florida from Georgia into lake Seminole. When the River exits the lake on the south end, it becomes the Apalachicola River.

On May 03, 1864, the coast was being blockaded near the Apalachicola Bay by the US Steamers Somerset and Adela. Lt. G. W. Gift, in command of the CSS Chattahoochee, decided on a plan to capture one of the Union ships blockading the Apalachicola. The plan was to use small boats to overtake one of the Union blockade ships and then use that ship to overtake the other. They planned to enter the Apalachicola Bay in small launches and paddle from St. George's Sound toward the East Point.

The expedition arrived in Chattahoochee, Florida at 7:30 am on May 04, 1864. The expedition seeking volunteers took on 1 officer and 16 men from the First Georgia Regulars. One of these volunteers was Franklin Madaris. His name is misspelled Medavis on the register where he is listed as a landsman.

That morning Franklin transferred to the Confederate States Navy where he was assigned to the CSS Chattahoochee as a landsman and shows as boarding on May 04, 1864 in Chattahoochee, Florida. The expedition left Chattahoochee at 10:40 am, enroute to Appalachicola Bay, St. George's Sound to meet the Union Army. A party of seventy men from the Chattahoochee and twenty volunteers from Company F, Bouneau's Battalion of Confederate soldiers, manned seven boats.

The accounts of the expedition state they "Took with us 2 launches, pulling 14 oars each; 2 yawls, pulling 4 oars each; 2 cutters, 4 oars each; and 1 metallic boat, 4 oars. In all 7 boats." The boats were outfitted with "muffled oars, grapnels, incendiary materials, signal flags, lanterns, compasses, medical stores", and other provisions. The men were armed with "rifles, muskets and shot-guns"; the officers with "revolvers and cutlasses". In all they had over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Trying to sneak up on a ship in a calm moonlit night cause wakes in the water that are easily seen, therefore they would await a dark or stormy night to approach the unsuspecting ship and overtake it. They reached their position at East Point near the east pass of St. George's Sound where they waited for their moonless night. This positioned them near the blockading Adela. As their luck would have it the weather was perfect, calm and bright night after night. The wait lasted nearly a week until they eventually exhausted all their supplies hoping for the weather to deteriorate. Finally they were forced to send scouts into town for supplies but they returned with disappointing news. Spies in Apalachicola had warned the Union ships of the mission. They knew of their presence and their intent.

They remained until the 10th of May and as the scouts returned the storm they had been waiting for developed. They decided it was too dangerous to attack a ship that was forewarned of their plans so the mission was called off. As the storm intensified they used the cover to retreat back to the safe side of the bay. The first two boats attempted the crossing; one contained officers and the other contained the soldiers. Struggling in the waves they were caught in the fury of the storm and pushed out to sea.. The soldiers' boat became swamped in the storm and they had to be rescued by the other boat under the command of Lt. Gift. The rescue boat, now overweight with men, arms and supplies, became troubled itself. With the soldiers clinging on the outside of the boat they quickly threw their supplies overboard to bring the exhausted men into the safety of the boat. Finally, by lightening their load, they stayed afloat but were blown further out to sea. After deciding to head into the storm they eventually landed on deserted St. George Island. Already in a starved state and losing all their supplies in the storm, the men "ate palmetto cabbage, alligators and oysters". They would remain marooned for two days before being rescued by local citizens of Apalachicola.

The remainder of the boats did not attempt the crossing most likely after witnessing the struggle of the first two boats. But they were about to have their own problems. Now knowing the presence of the Confederates, light boats from the USS Schooner Chambers and the USS Somerset, detached troops below the town of Apalachicola with intent of confronting the Confederates. A detachment landed and quietly marched along the shore towards town with the launches following out of sight. They encountered the confederates at the wharves as they were preparing to embark. One of the small boats approached too quickly and the approaching party was spotted. As the Confederates scattered to safety they were fired upon by a howitzer from one of the boats.

The Union officers determined that Gift and some of his men were on the island and they sent a detachment to try and capture them. They arrived at the island but reported that they were unable to pursue them due to the extensive undergrowth and many paths found there.

During the two raids all of the expeditions boats were captured along with the supplies, with the exception of the one boat that had previously sunk in the Bay.

On the 13th, the stranded men were rescued from St. George Island by three men from Apalachicola who were working with the Confederates as scouts and spies. On their way back to Apalachicola they were confronted by the awaiting Union troops from the Chambers. Although most of the Confederates managed to escape, 7 of the group were taken prisoner. The three rescuers Thomas McClean, Anthony Murray and James Anderson were arrested and held as spies. Of the 4 soldiers captured one was Joseph Sire, captain afterguard of the CSS Chattahoochee.

The crew of the Chattahoochee regrouped and eventually made their way to Columbus, Georgia along the Chattahoochee River. It appears that they remained in Columbus until July 08, 1864, when a dispatch was sent to Lt. Gift to draft men from Columbus and "a good and trusty boat's crew" and report to Captain John McGrady. This group is to be trained in placing torpedoes in the Savannah, Georgia's waterways. Knowing he could trust the men of the CSS Chattahoochee, for this specialized and secret mission Lt. Gift had no problem making his selection. They arrived and was listed as in quarters at Savannah on July 22, 1864, ready for orders.

July 29, 1864, the former crew of the Chattahoochee was given orders to board the CSS Isondiga which was being used to place torpedoes upon which they would begin their training. They were listed as the only crew in Georgia trained in the placement of torpedoes. They would perform this important task for several months.

Franklin was later reassigned to the CSS Floating Battery Georgia, based in Savannah, Georgia on October 01, 1864. The CSS Georgia was poorly designed making it un-steerable and needing to be towed wherever it moved. Because of it's immobility the Georgia was re-designated as a Floating Battery. Franklin served on this ship for 76 days until December 15, 1864 when he was transferred to the CSS Isondiga, this time as a crew member. As Sherman's forces attacked Savannah, the Georgia being unable to flee had her guns plugged and was abandoned and burned on December 20, 1864.

After defending the city of Savannah, and being overpowered, the Isondiga and her crew headed upriver towards Augusta fleeing Sherman's forces. However, the river was shallow and the Isondiga became grounded in the Back River near a pontoon bridge. Franklin and the rest of the crew were forced to abandon ship and set her afire. The crew, carrying their supplies and wounded, marched northwards to Hardeeville where they would regroup with the other crews escaping Savannah.

On December 25, 1864 they arrived at Charleston, South Carolina where the crews of the Isondiga and Georgia were placed under the command of Lieutenant Dalton. The able bodied men from the Isondiga and Georgia along with the marines of the CSS Savannah were sent to reinforce Fort Johnson, which was being threatened by the Union Forces.

The men who were injured in the battles that took place defending Savannah were sent to the Naval Hospital located at Fort Johnson, in Charleston. It is unknown if Franklin died from wounds received in Savannah or was later killed in battle near Charleston, South Carolina. He was, however, buried alongside his brother, Jefferson Madaris, in the Port Society's Cemetery on the Ashley River in Charleston.

On Dec. 20, 1922 the Ladies Memorial Association of Charleston placed a monument at their graves in honor of the men of the Confederate Navy who died at that spot. Franklin and Jefferson's name is spelled Medaris on the memorial.

When the Johnson-Hagood Stadium was built in Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1940's, it was built on the site of the Port Society Cemetery. Before construction the builder was suppose to move the graves to the Magnolia Cemetery. In what is claimed to be a clerical error only the headstones were moved and the graves were left behind to be paved over.

During the summer of 1999, under the direction of the Confederate Heritage Trust, The South Carolina Department of Archeology and the South Carolina Hunley Commission, the remains of 22 Confederate seamen and marines were removed from underneath the stadium parking lot and walls. Over 100 volunteers worked 12 hour days to recover the remains. Among these remains were those of Franklin and Jefferson Madaris. The remains of a 3 year old child were also discovered. The identity of the child is unknown and is suspected to be a child or brother of one of the soldiers who were buried alongside him.

The skeletal remains were placed in small 1 foot by 2 foot caskets. Dirt from the original grave was placed in the box on which the bones were placed. The box was then filled with more of the original dirt. Buried along with the remains were any items found with the soldiers including buttons, buckles and a prayer book. On top of each was placed a handmade wooden cross before the lid was sealed.

On Nov. 11, 1999, a memorial service was held at the St. Johannes Lutheran Church in Charleston. On Friday, Nov. 12, 1999, a funeral procession made up of over 300 re-enactors followed eight horse drawn caissons carrying the 23 caskets from the Battery insight of Forts Sumter and Johnson northward along E. Bay Street and Morrison Street to the Magnolia Cemetery. The family members of Franklin and Jefferson Madaris walked in honor directly behind the caissons. At 2:00 pm the 22 Confederate heroes and the child were laid to rest in a proper service alongside their comrades who fought and died in the War Between the States in Charleston, South Carolina.

Capt. Randy Burbage, President of the Confederate Heritage Trust, presented a flag in honor of Franklin Madaris, "for the sacrifices he made for his country and a cause he so deeply believed in" to the Madaris family.

(CR: 1850 Carroll Co., Georgia)

(What's in a name? Talitha)

Delona Jane Madaris (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1834 Campbell County, Ga.; d. before 1870 in Campbell County, Ga. Delona married Abraham Ballard, son of Joshua and Elizabeth Bryant Ballard. He was born abt. 1830 in Georgia.

Abraham was a Confederate Flag Private in Co. G, 41st Georgia Infantry. He died in battle at Chattanooga, Tenn., 15 Nov. 1862. Delona died before 1870, as her children are found in other Ballard family listings in 1870.

Delona and Abraham had the following children:

Joshua Ballard (9)

Malinda Eliza Ballard (9)

Sarah Elizabeth Ballard (9) James M. Hammond

Lucinda Ballard (9) married George W. Bryant

Fannie A. Ballard (9) married Jefferson Davis Bryant

(CR: 1860 Campbell Co., Georgia)
(credits 00)

Jackson Madaris / Medaries (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1838 in Carroll County, Georgia. Jackson joined the Confederacy where he enlisted at Camp Bailey near Fairburn, Georgia - Campbell County, Sept. 25, 1861. CS / US Flag He served as a Pvt., in Company K, Campbell County, known as the "Chattahoochee Volunteers", in the 30th Georgia Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Army of Tennessee, CSA.

After forming at Camp Bailey, in Fairburn, Company K, joined the 30th regiment that was assembled at Milledgeville, Georgia. The 30th traveled to Savannah Georgia and was involved in several engagements there, likely near Fort Polaski. The Unit served at Charleston and in February, 1863, had about 300 effectives. The 30th Regiment traveled to North Georgia and fought in the Battle of Chickamauga in late September 1863. Company K, remained on detachment until the spring of 1864 along the East Coast, therefore it was not involved in the Chickamauga campaign. While enroute to Dalton, in North Georgia, to rejoin the Regiment, many of the troops jumped train in Palmetto and Fairburn, Georgia to visit their homes in Campbell County. Company K, continued north and fought battles in:

Calhoun, Ga.,

The Battle of New Hope Church, Georgia,

Kennesaw,

Peachtree Creek and the Battle of Jonesboro.

Then the 30th regiment traveled north again and fought battles in

Franklin and Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Decatur and Nashville, Tennessee.

Jackson was in a hospital in Augusta, Georgia in March and April of 1862 possibly wounded in battle. However disease took a toll on this regiment and he may have just been sick. He rejoined his regiment in May of 1862.

Jackson was Captured on December 16, 1864 near Nashville, Tennessee. He was Captured by forces under Maj. Gen. Thomas, commanding Dept. of the Cumberland, and forwarded to Capt. S. E. Jones, Add’l A.D.C., Louisville. The POW roll shows that he arrived at the Military Prison in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 02, 1865. He was transferred to Camp Chase, Ohio on January 04, 1865. Given the choice between prison or enlistment to the US Army, Jackson took an oath of allegiance to the US Government at Camp Chase, on March 20, 1865.

The decision to sign allegeance to the US likely saved Jackson's life. Many men from the 30th Georgia died in this prison camp. Those soldiers who stayed in the prison camps suffered terribly, many dying from exposure, others from starvation or disease. The decision to take allegiance can certainly not be seen as a cowardly act. The Confederate service that Jackson provided from his enlistment until his capture, is certainly a record to make all his ancestors proud. The service he continued in the 6th US just continued his service with bravery.

Aftere signing the allegiance, Jackson was immediately transferred to Chicago, Illinois the same day where he was assigned to the 6th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Company A. This regiment was orderd to Leavenworth, Kansas in May, 1865, arriving there May 11. They moved to Fort Kearney, Nebraska on May 14, then to Julesburg, Colorado. This regiment of "Galvanized Yankees", spent their entire time on the Great Plains fighting Indians. They were on duty in the District of the Plains and Utah until 03 November 1866 when the regiment was mustered out.

Given blue uniforms and sent west to fight Indians, they were known as "Galvanized Yankees". Just like galvanized metal is a rough metal covered with a strong coating, the Galvanized Yankees were true Confederate soldiers covered in their adopted US blue uniforms. President Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin M. Staton resisted the idea of recruiting former Confederates until 1864, when the need for manpower arose. It is stated that after the men were mustered into service, many Union officers remained highly suspicious of the former Confederates. Most changed their minds, however, when they saw the Galvanized Yankees in battle. Many veteran Union officers came to believe that the US. Volunteers were among the best troops they had ever seen.

In July 1865, the 6th US Infantry arrived at Platte Bridge Station, (located in present day Caspar, Wyoming) to support companies of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. In response to the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre of Black Kettle's Cheyenne, these tribes were increasing raids along the trails. The regiment was in place to stand againt the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho who had gathered to attack Platte Bridge Station.

This allegeance to the US and service as Galvanized Yankees, caused problems for most of these soldiers on their return home. It appears the same was true for Jackson, after all, two of his brothers died at the hands of the federals in Charleston. These soldiers were shunned in the south and acceptance was difficulty not only by their friends, but even by their families. To make things worse they were also neglected by the United States after the war. In order to qualify for a pension for thier Federal service, they had to prove they were forced into joining the Confederacy against their will, which was not true for any of the soldiers. Unlike the North, who drafted their soldiers, the Confederate Army was copletely volunteer.

After the war, Jackson moved to Alabama where he returned to civilian life working as a Mill Hand in Franklin, according to the 1870 Federal Census. Jackson moved to Louisiana by 1880 and eventually to Arkansas along with his brother Thomas P. They adopted the spelling Medaries and are the head of all families who use this spelling. His Union service records also uses this spelling.

Jackson married Amanda L. Greer most likely in Louisiana about 1880. At the time of their marriage she had a son named Charles Harrison Greer from her previous marriage. Amanda was born in Louisiana in 1845. Amanda and Charles show as Gregor and Greyer in the census records, but according to Charles' 2nd great granddaughter, Renea Virgin, thier name was Greer.

In 1880 they lived in Lincoln County, Louisiana in the 5th Ward. In 1900 he still lived in the 5th Ward but was now listed as Louisiana Parish. They had one known daughter to this marriage. It is possible that more children were born to this union but are lost in the missing 1890 census. Perhaps further research will find them if they existed.

Jackson and Amanda had the following child::

Annie Medaries (9) b. May 1882 in Louisiana. She apparently never married died on 25 Nov. 1965 in Lake Village, Arkansas.

Jackson still lived in Louisiana Parish at the time of the 1910 and 1920 census. In 1920 he was listed as 85 years old, Amanda was 74. Annie still lived with them at the age of 40, remaining unmarried.

(CR: 1870 Macon Co., Alabama; 1880 Lincoln Co., Louisiana; 1900 Union Parish, Louisiana; 1910 Louisiana Parish, Louisiana; 1920 Louisiana Co., Louisiana)

(credits 00, 01 )

Thomas P. Madaris / Medaries (8) (Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. June 1840 in Coweta County, Georgia. Thomas' story is quite interesting and is a classic story of a southern soldier in the Confederacy. It shows the impact on the men Confederate Flag and their families following the war.

Thomas was married 3 times during his lifetime. He married 1) Martha E. Argo on 24 Sept. 1859 in Coweta County, Georgia. Martha was born in Alabama in 1839. In the 1860, Georgia Census, Thomas is enumerated in Meriwether Co, on the farm of William Fincher, his employer. Martha is enumerated with her mother Leanda Argo in Coweta County. They did not yet have any children.

Thomas enlisted in the Confederate Army in June 1861 at Newnan, Ga. He was a Pvt., Company C, 3rd Battalion, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Tennessee, CSA . They were known as "The County Line Volunteers", and later as "Lewis and Phillips Guards". He was transferred to Co. I, 37th Reg., Ga. Infantry on May 06, 1863 as his company was reorganized with the 37th originally attached to the Department of East Tennessee. Thomas' military career is as follows:

He enlisted 31 Aug. 1861, at Newnan, Georgia. He was sent to Lynchburg, Virginia where he was mustered in on 31 Aug. 1861. His muster in roll shows him as Thomas Madeiras. In January of 1862 he was given a 20 day furlough to Atlanta, Ga.

He then participated in the following battles: Battles at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, 28 Mar - 18 June 1862.

Battle at Richmond, Kentucky (Mount Zion Church), 18 June 1862.

Engagement at White's Farm, Richmond, Kentucky, 30 Aug. 1862.

Retreat from Perryville to London, Kentucky, 10 - 22 Oct. 1862.

Thomas was in Near Ristown Hospital and listed as sick for November & December 1862. He was not injured in battle but likely suffered from one of many diseases that plagued the troops in battle.

From November 1862 to June 1863 the 3rd Batt. Infantry was undergoing a reorganization to become the 37th Reg., Ga. Infantry. During this time period these men did not participate in any battle or engagements. Thomas apparently took a leave without permission and was listed in Jan. 1864 as returned from desertion and was arrested to face a court martial. It is unknown what the outcome of this trial was, but he was placed back on the muster rolls in April 1864 to serve the remainder of the war.

Upon re-enlistment, Thomas was engaged in the Atlanta Campaign, 01May 1864 until the 05 Aug. 1864, when Thomas was captured by a regiment of the US Army of the Cumberland and sent to a prison camp in Louisville, Kentucky. This date would place him at the Battle of Utoy Creek, Georgia. Louisville was a routing point, and the individual soldiers were screened and then given a chance to sign allegeance to the US or spend the remainder of the war in prison. On his arrival to Louisville on 10 Aug. 1864, Thomas signed an Oath of Allegiance to the United States to avoid going to prison. He was released and ordered North of the Ohio River for the remainder of the War. He was released from his restrictions after the war on 01 August 1866 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was a smart decision for Thomas, as many of this comrades died in the harsh confines of the Northern prisons from cold exposure, malnutrition and desease.

When Thomas returned home after the war there were problems. He did not stay in Georgia long and there was obvious problems with his family. Although avoiding the probability of death in a prison camp, desertion was a disgrace particularly in the South. Two of his brother's died fighting for the cause and Thomas had signed allegiance against his homeland. Battle left many men scarred not only physically, but emotionally. For an unknown reason, Martha filed divorce papers in Coweta County, Court in March of 1867. But Thomas and Martha did not separate until around 1870 possibly because of the discovery of Martha being pregnant.

Thomas and Martha had the following children:

Lewella Madaris (9) b. 1867 in Coweta County, Ga. In the July 1885 Court Records for Coweta County, is stated: "Luella Madaris on her own petition was allowed a home on the poor farm". She was 18 years old at the time. She is also listed in the 1900 Coweta Census as a Pauper, inmate of Coweta County. Lewella apparently never married. (CR: 1900 Coweta Co., GA)

John Thomas Madaris (9) b. 1869 in Coweta County, Ga.

Andrew Paul Jackson Madaris (9) b. 04 Apr 1870 in Coweta County, Ga.

Martha died in 1883 in Newnan, Ga. She is likely buried at the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, Coweta County, Georgia. Martha is listed as a Widow in the 1880 census. But Thomas was not dead. After leaving Georgia, Thomas moved to Louisiana along with his brother Jackson, where he settled in an area called D'Arbonne in Union Parish. There he married 2) Rebecca Mims, about 1871. She was born about 1852 in Alabama and died 03 Dec 1895 in Union Par., Louisiana.

Thomas and Rebecca had the following children:

Alto Medaries (9) b. ??, d. abt 1895.

Jane Medaries (9) b. ??, d. abt 1895

John Thomas Medaries (9) b. 12 Nov. 1871

Mary Medaries (9) b. 22 Feb 1873 d. 7 Jan 1962; buried in Hasley Cemetery, West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. She married on 9 Jan 1894, George Sidney Hale, her first cousin, born 1 Nov 1869, son of John and Euwaker Mims Hale.

Sallie Medaries (9) b. abt 1875 in Louisiana. She married on 2 Oct 1898 in Lincoln Par., Louisiana, John H. Hammonds .

Haywood Medaries (9) b. abt 1878, d. abt 1895

Joseph Lee Medaries (9) b. 25 Feb 1882 in Union Par., Louisiana

Allie B. Medaries (9) b. Mar 1886 in Union Par., Louisiana. She married 1) on 14 May 1921 in Shreveport, Caddo Par., Louisiana, George H. Billasch , born about 1895 in Springfield, Missouri. She married 2) on 30 Nov. 1938 in Shreveport, Caddo Par., Louisiana, W. M. Hughes , born about 1898.

Homer R. Medaries (9) b. 10 Nov 1890 in Louisiana; d. Dec 1965 in Louisiana.

(CR: 1860 Meriwether Co., Georgia; Martha in 1860 Coweta Co., Georgia; Martha in 1880 Coweta Co., Georgia)

An interesting analysis of Thomas' second family: Jane was his mother's middle name. John Thomas was the traditional name passed down through all branches and likely his grandfather's full name. He had a sister named Mary. His mother's name was Sarah but she went by Sallie. Haywood was his older brother's name. It is unknown what kind of epidemic or disaster struck the Medaries family in 1895, but at least 4 members of this family were lost.

Thomas married 3) Talitha Ann Arrant, 26 May 1895, in Union Parish. She was born 04 Mar 1880; died 7 Nov. 1953 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana.

Thomas and Talitha had the following Children:

Lee Ander Medaries (9) b. ?? d. abt 1916, buried in Concord Church Cemetery, Chatham, Union Par., Louisiana.

Jasper Luther Medaries (9) b. 3 Nov 1895 in D' Arbonne, Union Par., Louisiana.

Ethel Lee Medaries (9) b. Oct 1897 in Lincoln Par., Louisiana; d. 22 Apr 1976 in Collingston, Morehouse Par., Louisiana. She married on 17 Feb 1918 in Jackson Par., Louisiana, Hugh Luther McMillan , b. abt 1880, son of John and Mattie Martan McMillan.

Ora Bell Medaries (9) b, 11 Mar 1901 in Blanchard Springs, Union Co., Arkansas; d. 27 Mar 1992 in West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; buried in Monroe Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. She married on 21 Dec 1921 in Ouachita Par., Louisiana, Charles L. Collins, b. abt 1873 in Louisiana.

Eddie Medaries (9) b. 29 Nov 1907 in Blanchard Springs, Union Co., AR

Lonnie Medaries (9) b. 19 Sept. 1908 in Union Co., Arkansas; d. Mar 1979 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. He married on 30 Oct. 1944 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana, Grace Coleman , born 20 Aug. 1904 in Bienville Par., Louisiana; died Jun 1978 in Louisiana.

Wilbern Medaries (9) b. 2 Sept. 1910 in Union Co., Arkansas; d. 4 Dec 1972.

Thomas applied for a Confederate Pension in 1899, but apparently never received one. Pensions were not issued for the Confederacy until 1909. Thomas would not have received a pension from the Confederacy since he had signed allegiance to the US. Thomas died in Jackson Par., Louisiana and is buried there in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

(CR: 1880 Lincoln Co., Louisiana; 1900 Louisiana Parish, Louisiana;

(credits 00, 01, 34)

Israel A. Medaris (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1844. Israel married Martha Curtis who was b. 1848 in Indiana; d. 1906. She was the daughter of Alonzo and Sarah McAfee Curtis.

Israel and Martha had the following children:

Robert F. Medaris (9) was born on 10 Sep 1869 in Wayne Co., Indiana. He died on 9 Sep 1943 in Wayne Co., Indiana. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville, Indiana.

Mary Adeline (Adda) Medaris (9) b. 1872. Mary married Frank Snyder.

Samuel J. Medaris (9) b. 17 Mar 1874 in Wayne Co., Indiana, d. 13 Aug 1945 in Wayne Co., Indiana. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville, Indiana.

Laura Medaris (9) b. 1877 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Elizabeth Pearl Medaris (9) b. 29 Oct 1878 in Wayne Co., Indiana, d. 25 Apr 1953 in Wayne Co., Indiana. She is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville, Indiana.

(CR: 1880 Wayne Co., Indiana)

(credits 00, 50, 146)

Martha A. Medaris (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1842 in Indiana. She married Allen Cotton who was born in Missouri in 1841. They are in the 1870 Vermilion County, Vance Township, Missouri Census.

Martha and Allen had the following children:

Ida Cotton (9) b. 1867 in Illinois.

Carrie Cotton (9) b. 1869 in Illinois.

(CR: 1870 Vermillion Co., Illinois)

Sarah C. Medearis (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt 1849, she married 22 Feb. 1867 to Joseph T. Russell in Centerville, Wayne County, Indiana. Joseph was b. 12 Jun 1844 in Centerville, Wayne, Indiana, and d. Dec. 1926. They are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery , Wayne Co., Indiana. Joseph was the son of Vinnedge and Jane Rich Russell.

Sarah and Joseph had one known child, although there were likely more:

Vinnedge M. Russell (9) b. 1868, d. 1955. He married Charlott Henderson on 24 June 1896. She was b. 1873, d. 19??. They are buried at Earlham Cemetery , in Richmond, Indiana.

(credits 146)

Daniel B. Medearis (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 17 Sept. 1848 in Indiana, d. 1921 in Indiana. He married Eveline Kem, b. 21 Aug. 1849, d. 1919 in Indiana. Eveline was the daughter of William and Nancy Vinnedge Kem.

Daniel and Eveline had the following children:

Francis Medearis (9) (m) b. 1874 in Wayne County, Center Township, Indiana

Nan Medearis (9) b. 1877 in Wayne County, Center Township, Indiana.

Blanch Medearis (9) b. 1883.

John Fletcher Medearis (9) b. 25 June 1885 in Wayne County, Indiana; d. 19??. He married Myrtle "Mary" Appleton, b. 23 June 1886, d. 1959. Myrtle was the daughter of John Lindsey and Josephine Wynn Appleton.

E. Carl Medearis (9) b. 1890, d.19??. He married Celeste (Lessie) Pike , b. 1893 d. 18 June 1955.

There are likely more children born to this family, this list came from the 1880 Indiana Census. Most of this family is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery , Wayne Co., Indiana.

(CR: 1880 Wayne Co., Indiana)

(credits 00, 50, 146, 242)

Gertrude Margaret Medaris (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1852. She married Jasper Newton Gunder on 15 Aug. 1877 at the home of of her parents. They moved to Homer, Champaign, Illinois. In 1870, Gertrude is enumerated in the home of her sister Martha and her husband Allen Cotton in Vance, Missouri.

A biography of Jasper was published from Chapman Brothers "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County Ill" page 532 Chapman Brothers Publishers 1887, which I obtained from the Homer Historical Society.

Gertrude and Jasper had two children:

Nellie B. Gunder (9)

Carl Artemus Gunder (9).

Jasper, Gertrude and Carl are buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

(CR: 1870 Vermillion Co., Illinois -Gertruce with her sister's family)

(credits 229)

Lizzie Medaris (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. unk. She married Lafayette Jackson in January 1879.

Lizzie and Lafayette had the following children:

Arthur G. Jackson (9)

Fannie S. Jackson (9)

Mary C. Jackson (9)

History of Wayne County, Indiana;Volume II, (1884) Centre Township p. 341

Lafayette Jackson, farmer, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Jan. 3, 1851, the fifth son of Joseph W. and Mary (Harvey) Jackson. He was reared on the home farm attending the country schools, and subsequently a term at Earlham College. He now owns a fine farm of 250 acres of land on Nolan’s Fork, and is engaged in both general farming and stock-raising. He is one of the enterprising young farmers of the township, and a practical business man. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. In January, 1879,Mr. Jackson was married to Lizzie, daughter of John F. and Caroline (Abraham) Medaris, of Wayne County, her father of English and her mother of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have three children---Arthur G., Fannie S. and Mary C.

Luella A. Medearis (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b.1857, d. 24 May 1932. Luella married 1) Thomas Davis, 28 Sept. 1876 in Wayne County, Indiana. They had one child:

George Davis (8) b. 03 Nov. 1877 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

She married 2) DeWitt Clinton Russell on 10 Mar 1880 in Wayne Co., Indiana.. This was both of their's second marriage. DeWitt was first married to Margaret Hammond.

Luella and DeWitt had the following children:

Luella Alice Russell (8) b. 07 Dec. 1880 in Wayne Co., Indiana; d. 15 Aug. 1957. She married Charles Elmer Wilson, 31 Dec. 1902 in Wayne County, Indiana.

Fannie Eudora Russell (8) b. 07 Mar. 1882 in Wayne County, Indiana; d. 12 Dec. 1931. She married John Wickersham on 29 Nov. 1899 in Wayne County, Indiana.

Sarah Jennie Russell (8) b. 25 Aug. 1887 in Wayne Co., Indiana; d. aft. 1932.

Clara Martha Russell (8) (twin) b. 25 May 1891 in Wayne Co., Indiana; d. 14 Oct. 1975 in Wayne County, Indiana. She married John McMinn, 31 May 1911.

John Clinton Russel (8) (twin) b.25 May 1891 in Wayne Co., Indiana; d. 1959 in Wayne County, Indiana. He married Leota Colvin, 01 Mar. 1911.

Luella and Dewitt are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery , Wayne Co., Indiana.

(credits 00, 50, 243)

Charles W. Medaris (8) ( John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1862 in Indiana. He married Nola Endsley, on 31 Jan. 1884.

Charles and Nola had one child:

Infant Daughter (9) likely died at birth.

It is suspected that Nola died in childbirth with their daughter 16 Mar. 1891 at the age of 25. She is buried at Bryans Chapel Cemetery in Wayne County, Indiana.

After the death of Nola, Charles married Florence Smith who was b. Mar 1876 in Indiana. They were married 11 Jan. 1893.

Charles and Florence had the following children:

William F. Medaris (9) b. Aug 1894 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Hellen Medaris (9) b. Sep 1895 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Paul C. Medaris (9) b. Jun 1897 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Claud C. Medaris (9) b. Jun 1900 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Mary Elizabeth Medaris (8) (Charles R. 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 23 Apr 1839 d. 23 Mar 1899 married John Alexander Hancock b. 22 Dec 1834 d. 30 Jun 1862. Married on 29 May 1857. Both buried in Drakesville Cemetery, Davis Co., Iowa.

Mary and John had the following children:

John Lorenzo Hancock (9) b. 21 Sept. 1958, married Martha Oliver Coons on 16 Feb. 1882.

Charles Hancock (9) died as infant.

Addie Hancock (9) b. 14 July 1862

(credits 39, FTM)

Martha J. Medearis (8) (Charles R. 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 16 Jul. 1846 she married Robert M. Bryant, on 18 Oct. 1866.

Martha and Robert had the following children:

Mary Ella Bryant (9) b. 1868 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Nannie Bryant (9) b. Sept. 1869 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Hattie Bryant (9) b. Oct. 1871 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Sadie Bryant (9) b. 1876 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Luci (Lou) Bryant (9) b. 1879 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Lizzie Bryant (9) b. Dec. 1879 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Chatt Bryant (9) b. 1882 in Davis Co., Iowa.

Frances Bryant (9) b. June 1884 in Davis Co., Iowa.

(credits pending)

David C. (G) Medearis (8) (Charles R. 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) 7 Feb. 1849 d. 23 Feb. 1874 in Davis County, Iowa. David married Lydia Jinks, 28 Feb. 1867. David is buried in the Drakesville Cemetery , Davis County, Iowa.

David and Lydia had the following children:

Harry L. Medearis (9) b. 15 Nov. 1867 in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa, d. 26 Oct. 1960 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. He is buried at Glen Abbey Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
Carrie Medearis (9) b. 1868 in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa.
Eva Medearis (9) b. Oct. 1870; d. Nov. 1870 of Hemmorrhage of the bowels, in Drakesville, Iowa.
Belle Medearis (9) b. 1871 in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa.
George Medearis (9) b. 1874 in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa.

Lulu Leona Medearis (9) b. 11 Oct. 1875 in Pleasantville, Marion Co., Iowa, d. 23 Oct. 1925 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. She is buried at Glen Abbey Cemetery, San Diego, CA. She married ???? Coon.
Elizabeth (9) b. 15 Jan 1878 in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa, d. 11 Jan 1964.

Harry David Medearis (9) b. 8 Feb. 1896 in Ottumwa, Iowa, d. 4 Sep. 1936 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. He is buried at Glen Abbey Cemetery, San Diego, CA.

Unknown Medearis (9) listed as Private still living in 1996.

Dewey Samuel Medearis (9) b. 24 Feb. 1898 in Marshalton, Iowa, d. 25 Jun 1973 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. He is buried at Glen Abbey Cemetery, San Diego, CA. Dewey married Alice L. Swanson.
Viola Medearis (9) b. abt. 1900 in Ottumwa, IA.

Charles W. Medearis (8) (Charles R. 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1858, d. 1932, he married Alice ????. She was b. 1849, d. 1936/8. They are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery , Centerville, Indiana.

Charles and Alice had the following known children:

Webster Medearis (9) b. 1876 in Ind.

Sarah Medearis (9) b. 1878 in Ind.

(CR: 1880 Owen Co., Indiana)

Emsley Thomas Medearis Jr. (8) (Emsley Sr. 7, John 6, Charles 5) b. March 1836. He married 1) Martha Jane Fouts who was b. 22 Feb. 1840; d. 16 Apr. 1860. She is buried in Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery, Washington County, Missouri.

Emsley lived in Wayne Co., IN, in 1850 in household of his uncle, William Jefferson and Osage Co., KS. In 1880 he lived in La Grange, Lewis County, Missouri and is listed as a "harness maker".

Emsley and Martha had the following child:

Adolphus Medearis (9) b. 1858 in Indiana.
Dr. Eugene Francis Medearis (9) b. Aug. 1859 in MO, d. 22 Oct. 1920 in Kansas. He married Mathilde (Tilly) Phillips on 11 Nov. 1885. Tilly was b. 30 Nov. 1865, d. 12 Oct. 1941. Eugene was a Dentist. He and Mathilde had one child:

Elizabeth Francis Medearis (10) b. Sept. 1886 in Kansas.
Charles Medaris (9) b. 1865 in Illinois.
Lorain C. Medaris (9) b. 1868 in Illinois

Emsley remarried to 2) Cynthia E. ????. She is listed in the household in 1870, Illinios as a domestic servant.

(CR: 1880 Lewis Co., Missouri, 1900, 1910 Osage Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 50, 204, 259)

William J. T. Medearis (8) (William Jefferson 7, John 6, Charles 5) b. 1859. He married Alice Carney. In 1880, William is living with his brother Oran in Wayne County, Indiana and is employed as a harness maker. In 1900 he is married and living in Indianapolis, working as a contractor. In 1910 and 1920, this family is living in Portland, Oregon.

William and Alice had the following children:

Roland B. Medearis (9) b. Mar. 1883 in Ohio.
Glenn William Medearis (9) b. 02 Jun 1891 in Indiana; died 12 Aug. 1945 in Los Angeles, California.. He married Thelma Margurite Guest, who was b. 13 Feb. 1899; d. 04 Dec. 1974 in Los Angeles, California. Glenn was employed as a Railway Ticket Agent for the Southern Pacific Railway in 1917. His WWI draft registration described him as Medium height, slender build, blue eyes and light hair.
Madge M. Medearis (9) b. Jan. 1894 in Indiana.
Katherine Medearis (9) b. 1904 in Indiana.

(cr: 1880 Wayne Co., Indiana; 1900 Marion Co., Indiana; 1910-1920 Mulnomah Co., Oregon)

Oscar H. Medearis (8) ( William Jefferson 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1865, d. 12 Dec. 1937. He married 1) Cora M. Owens, on 31 Jan. 1888, and 2) Effie E. Siliven, daughter of Addison Siliven. Effie was b. 17 July 1876, d. 03 June 1954. He worked for Moore and Hadley in Wayne Co., Indiana in 1885.

Oscar and Cora had the following children:

Leo J. Medearis (9) b. 29 Aug. 1898, d. 20 Jan. 1957. He married A. Arva Sharpe, b. 1898, d. 19??.

Fran M. Medearis (9) b. Oct 1899 in Indiana.

Oscar and Effie are buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery , Centerville, Indiana.

( credits 146 )

Elizabeth Medaris (8) (John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. abt. 1815, married Andrew Jarrett, 02 March 1837 in Hancock County, Indiana. Andrew wa b. abt. 1814 in Virginia. They divorced August 18, 1848.

Elizabeth and Andrew had the following children:

Marian Jane Jarrett (9) b. 1839, married Andrew J. Eakes.

James M. Jarrett (9) b. 1843 Married Branna E. ????

David C. Jarrett (9) b. 1846 Married Matilda ?????.

John R. Medaris (8) (John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. Sept. 1826 in Scott County, Virginia, d. Oct. 2, 1903, Emporia, Lyon Co., Kansas. He married Sarah Permilia L. Julian, in Martinsville, Morgan Co., Indiana on Sept. 14, 1848. She was b. 20 Aug. 1831, Randolph Co., N.C; d. 15 Jan. 1912, Emporia, Lyon Co. KS. Both are buried in Maplewood Cemetery.

John R. Madaris enlisted at the commencement of the Civil War in Co. A, 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving for two years, when he was discharged "on account of disability resulting from exposure on the battlefield". He settled in Lyon Co., KS in 1866, held several civic positions, and belonged to the Methodist Church, and was a member of Preston B. Plumb Post G.A.R. which was in charge of his funeral. John R. Madaris was described as "an honest, upright citizen" in the local paper's obituary.

John R. is described in the military record being 32 years old at enlistment in Aug. 1861 for a period of 3 years (with 4 children 10 and under at home), 5 ft. 7-1/8 inches tall, light complexion, gray eyes, light hair--that last surprises me because James Cavasso had brown eyes and dark hair. By November, 1861, he was disabled by "diseases of lungs, bowels and diarrhea at Crab Orchard, Kentucky." He was reported "absent, sick at home, with surgeon's leave" from Feb. 1862 until his discharge in May '63 with breathing problems, lung and bowel hemorrhage, and typhoid fever," too feeble constitution for field duty, has done no duty for 12 months, disease contracted in the service in the line of duty." He died at age 78 of "softening of the brain and diseased lungs". He received a pension of $15 per month until his death, his widow's pension was $12 per month.

Sarah kept roomers in her home, raised 9 children, and was a faithful member of the Methodist Church for over 70 years. She was "loved by all who knew her for her kindness, unselfishness and thoughtfulness . . .the students who lived in her home loved and respected her".

John R. left no will. Sarah's will was dated Dec. 3, 1909, probated Jan. 26, 1914. She left an estate valued at $2,500 consisting of real estate and household effects.

John and Sarah had the following children:

Margaret F. Medaris (9) b. 1850, married Thomas H. Chamberlain.

Charles R. Medaris (9) b. 1853

Laura J. Medaris (9) b. 1858, she married Virgil C. Welch.

James Cavasso Medaris (9) b. 1860, d. 1826, possibly Stark Co., Ohio. He married 1) Susan Frances Ramsey, 2) Lucy ????.

William A. Medaris (9) b. 1866 in Indiana, never married.

Milton Alonzo Medaris (9) b. 1868 in Kansas, never married.

Minnie C. Medaris (9) b. 1871 in Kansas.

Dalton M. Medaris (9) b. 1874 in Kansas. (CR: 1895 Lyons Co., Kansas)

(CR: 1850 Hendricks Co., Indiana; 1860 Morgan Co., Indiana; 1870, 1880, 1895, 1900, Lyon Co., Kansas; Sarah in 1910 Lyon Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 50, 204)

James A. Madaris (8) (John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. 1830 in Indiana, he married Amanda ????. James enlisted in the US Army as a Private, Company I and C, 33rd Indiana Infantry. James was captured at Thompson's Station, Tennessee on US Flag

05 March 1863. He was later paroled at Richmond, Maine and delivered to City Point on 14 April, 1863. He was exchanged on 06 May 1863. He apparently returned to service after his exchange; James died 29 Aug. 1864 of wounds, and is buried at the Nashville National Cemetery, Nashville , Tennessee, in Section E grave 2685.

James and Amanda had the following known children:

William R. Madaris (9) b. 1855 in Indiana.
Nancy A. Madaris (9) b. 1859 in Indiana.

(CR: 1860 Morgan Co., Indiana)

Charles Bonnier Medaris (8) (John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. 31 Dec. 1831 in Hancock County, Indiana. He married Elizabeth A. Myers who was b. abt. 1832; the daughter of John E. and Jane Starnes Myers. They were married 27 March 1854 in Morgan County, Indiana.

Charles and Elizabeth had the following children:

Hiley J. Medaris (9) b. 1854 in Indiana.

William F. Medaris (9) b. 1857 in Indiana.

Sadie E. Medaris (9) b. 1862 in Indiana, d. 1940. She married William H. Potts.
Nancy E. Medaris (9) b. 1863 listed in the 1870 Illinois census.

Lyda "Libbie" Medaris (9) b. 20 Apr. 1863 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She married Theodore Moensch, on 17 July 1883.

Fannie Medaris (9) b. 1866

Lola Medaris (9) b. 1872 in Illinois.

(CR: 1860 Monroe Co., Indiana; 1870 Atlanta Co., Illinois; 1880 Marion Co., Indiana)

Elias Medaris (8) ( Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1828 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. 27 Nov. 1902 in Appanoose County, IA. He married 1) Mahala Knobb, on 24 April 1851 in Clermont County, Ohio.

US Flag

Elias and Mahala had only one child:

Thomas Medearis (9) b. 1851 in Clermont County , Ohio, d. 1 Apr. 1892 in Douds County, Iowa. He married Udorah R. McCready .

Mahala died in 1855 in Clermont County, Ohio. Elias then married 2) Karen Happuch Abbott on 19 June 1856. She was b. 05 April 1834 in Clermont County, Ohio, d. 12 Nov. 1925 in Appanoose, County, Iowa. Karen was the daughter of Thomas and Susan (?) Abbott .

Elias fought in the Union Army as a Corporal / Sergeant, Company D, 57th Ohio Infantry . Elias and family lived in Lee County, Iowa in 1880, Appanoose County in 1900.

Elias and Karen had the following children:

John Medaris (9) b. 08 July 1857 in Hawkin Valley, Clermont County, Ohio; d. Feb. 1907 in California. He married Cora Azelia Ragsdale.

George Medearis (9) b. 13 Oct. 1859 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. 1940 in California. He married Rose ????.

Marcellus Medearis (9) b. 17 Dec. 1861 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. abt. 1920, never married.

William Medearis (9) b. 18 Mar. 1866 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. in California, never married.

Luella Medearis (9) b. 28 Oct. 1869 in Clermont, County, Ohio; d. 27 Aug. 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She married William Thomas Organ.

Margaret "Maggie" Medearis (9) b. 03 Oct. 1873 in Lee County, Iowa; d. in California. She married 1) Will Marshall, 2) ???? Carrier.

Ida Matilda Medearis (9) b. 21 Oct. 1875 in Lee County, Iowa; d. 03 Aug. 1937 in Appanoose County, Iowa. She married Jim Simmons.

Albert Medearis (9) b. 28 Feb. 1879 in Burlington, Iowa; d. before 1933. He married Anna ????.

Arthur Medearis (9) b. 02 Sept. 1882 in Iowa; d. Nov. 1931 in Appanoose Co., Iowa, never married.

Ellery Medearis (9) b. 1883 in Iowa.

(CR: 1880 Lee Co., Iowa, 1895 Van Buren Co., Iowa)

(credits 18, 38, 39, 97, 253)

Martha A. Medearis (8) ( Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1837 in Ohio. She married William Henry Monjar 15 Aug. 1859.

William & Martha had four children:

Bert Monjar (9)

Joe Monjar (9)

Elton Monjar (9)

Metilda Monjar (9) married Allen Hughes.

(credits 69)

Hester A. Medaris (8) ( Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. Oct. 1843 in Ohio, d. 4 Feb 1906 of heart failure in Rossmayne, Hamilton County, Ohio. She married George Clem, 10 Sep 1868 in New Richmond, Clermont, Ohio. George was b. Feb. 1841, d. 17 Jan. 1913. Hester is buried in Pleasant Ridge, OH.

Hester and George had the following children:

William E. Clem (9) b. 05 Aug. 1869

Emma B. Clem (9) b. 14 Nov. 1874, d. after 1956. She married Warren Lasher.

Matilda Clem (9) b. 25 Jul 1877, d. 5 Sep 1877. She is buried Pleasant Hills, Hamilton County, OH

Nellie Clem (9) b. abt 1879

Albert Clem (9) b. 19 Jan 1880, d. 23 Apr 1912 and is buried Green Lawn Cem, Columbus, OH. He married 11 Jun 1907, Marie Henrietta (Gohl) Gould.

Albert Clem was an instructor with International Correspondence Schools. He was setting up chairs for a school presentation at a hotel. He went to the elevator to get more chairs; the elevator opened, but the cage was not there and he fell to his death. It was believed that his family owned the elevator. Patent information for David B. Clem, brother of George W. Clem and Albert's uncle, shows that David invented elevator systems. The family has a copy of the patent. According to researcher Dee Clem, Albert Allen Clem, brother of David and George, had an elevator patent that he sold to Otis Elevator Company.

(credits 50, 51, 186 )

Paulina Medearis (8) (Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 02 May 1826 in Ohio; d.16 Oct 1877. She married James M. Roudebush, 14 Feb. 1849. James was b. 1820 in Clermont Co., Ohio; d. 18 Jan 1863 in Stonelick, Clermont Co., Ohio.

Paulina and James had the following children:

Adelaia (Addie) Roudebush (9) b. abt. 1850 in Ohio, married ???? Doherty

Leonidus (Lon) Roudebush (9) b. abt. 1851 in Ohio.

Lydia Ella Roudebush (9) b. abt. 1853 in Ohio, married Leonidas Medaris (8) (Charles 7, Malachi 6, Charles 5) Lydia and Leonidas were 2nd cousins 1x removed.

Mary A. Roudebush (9) b. abt. 1855 in Ohio, married George Hill b.c1855

Charles Medaris Roudebush (9) b. 25 Jan 1857 in Ohio; d. 08 Oct 1888, married Florence Minnie Hensel, b.1862 d.1947

Emma Roudebush (9) b.1860

James Roudebush Jr. (9) b.1860

(credits 00, 255)

Sanders Medearis (8) (Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. abt. 1826, Clermont Co., Ohio; married Clarinda Redmon, 15 Feb. 1849, Batavia, Clermont Co., Ohio. Fought in the Mexican War in the 15th US Infantry. In 1900 at the age of 72, US Flag he was employed as a Guard at the Peoria Jail. He is buried in the Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, Illinois.

Sanders and Clarinda had the following known child:

Mary Redmon Medearis (9) b. 1850 she married John Wesley Kimzey. John was b. 1840 the son of William Boyd and Elizabeth Proctor Kimzey.

John Medearis (9) b. 1852.

(CR: 1850 Clermont Co., Ohio; 1860 Peoria Co., Illinois, 1900 Peoria Co., Illinois)

James Wood Medearis (8) (Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 18 May 1828, Clermont Co., Ohio; d. 07 Mar 1923, Toronto, Woodson Co., Kansas. As a teenage boy James was shanghaied on a ship that operated from Cincinnati, Ohio to New Orleans, US Flag Louisiana and forced to serve several years. Family stories state that he returned home and served for a short time in the Mexican War. He is said to have participated in the Battle of Buena Vista which took place on 22-23 Feb. 1847. However, no service records have been found to verify this. When James' widow applied for his Confederate Pension, they tried to prove his service in the Mexican War, but was apparently unable to find any documentation to prove it.

James married 1) Nancy Jane Davis on 4 May 1852 in Fountain Co., Indiana. She was b. 17 Aug. 1832 in Fountain Co., Indiana. d. 29 Jan 1895 Belmont Township, Woodson Co., Kansas. She was the daughter of Arthur and Mary Townsley Davis.

James and Nancy had the following children:

William Lonso Medearis (9) b. 1853

Christian Penner Medearis (9) b. 30 May 1855 in Terra Haute, Fountain Co., Indiana.

John Wood Medearis (9) b. 5 Sept. 1857

Mary Ann Medearis (9) b. 26 Aug. 1860 d. 10 Dec 1891 married Delbert M. Wright on 11 Sept. 1860 in Woodson Co., Kansas.

Nancy Matilda Medearis (9) b. 31 Aug. 1862 d. 17 Sept. 1946 married Edwin Glasscock 23 Feb. 1885 in Yates Center, Kansas.

Margaret Ellen Medearis (9) b. 1 Oct. 1867 d. 12 Sept. 1939. Married Fergous W. Hutchinson 22 Mar 1892 in Woodson Co., Kansas. Is buried in Aurora Cemetery, Missouri.

Flora Isabelle Medearis (9) b. 6 Jun 1870 d. 3 Oct. 1953. Married Samuel Benjamin Ogden 9 Nov. 1896 in Yates Center, Kansas. She is buried in Dewey Cemetery, Dewey, Oklahoma.

At the time of their marriage, they were living in Fountain Co., Indiana. In 1858 they moved to Kansas but sometime prior to 1860 moved to Peoria, Illinois. James enlisted in the Union Army as a Private, Company C, 12th Regiment on 24 April 1861 and was mustered out 01 August 1861. By 1862 they were back in Indiana near Terra Haute. James again joined the Union Army and served as a Sergeant in Company E., 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry .

According to his war record he was 5'10" tall, and his occupation was Machinist. Pension under Certificate No. 42655: honorable discharged in Indianapolis, Indiana 6 July 1865. After his discharge the family moved by covered wagon to a farm 12 miles southwest of Yates Center, Woodson Co., Kansas. They moved into their house 01 Oct. 1868.

James first applied in 1880 for a pension for a disability suffered during his wartime service. Most of the package is documentation concerning the injury he suffered when a shell exploded near him during a battle in 1864. For the rest of his life he suffered from shortness of breath and heart palpitations that prevented him from being able to do a full days work. In 1865 his horse fell on him during a campaign and he received a hernia that he lived with for the rest of his life.

Nancy Jane died of lung fever 29 Jan. 1895 at the Medearis homestead in Kansas.

Obituary of Nancy Jane Davis Medearis

Nancy Jane Medeais has been a member of the Christian Church since 1854. Though a great sufferer in the later years of her life, she bore it with great patience and fortitude. She always had a smile and loving word for those in distress; a kind neighbor, loving mother and affectionate wife. She was one of 13 children. One sister Hannah Thoroughman of Belmont survives her. Nancy Jane was the mother of seven children--three boys and four girls; two have gone before her and five survive, two boys and three girls. The husband and four of the children were present during her late illness, which was long and painful. The did all that kind hearts and loving hands could do to ease the pain and make her last days on earth as bright as possible. The funeral services were conducted at the family residence by Elder Frams, after which the body was laid to rest in the Little Sandy Cemetery. In attendance wer the family, a large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors. The weather was very severe the day Nancy Jane was buried.

Her life of toil is ended here,

No more grief and care;

No more will fall the bitter tear,

No more be heard the prayer.

Let comfort be to each of those,

To whom her love was given,

For we believe that each one knows,

She's gone to rest in heaven.

James married a second time to 2) Elizabeth Jane Gehr Butler, the widow of James Butler. They were married on 30 Sept. 1896. She was b. 17 Sept. 1856 in Indiana.

James and Elizabeth had the following children:

Minnie Eliza Medearis (9) b. 17 Jul. 1897 d. 9 Apr 1945. Married Silas Morrow 17 Feb. 1915 in Yates Center, Kansas. She divorced Silas and married Charles Emerson Winger 19 Feb. 1930 in Wellington, Kansas. She is buried in Toronto, Kansas Cemetery.

Velma Luzette Medearis (9) b. 3 Jan 1899 d. 3 Feb. 1973. Married George Everett Lucas in Yates Center, Kansas 29 Nov. 1916. Buried in Toronto, Kansas Cemetery.

According to James' daughter Flora, James took his wife Nancy, daughter Flora and Charles Hill in a covered wagon to see the run for the opening of the Arkansas Territory near Blackwell, Oklahoma. A story she shared says that The men who had lost out on a claim or did not get the land they preferred became meaner and louder so James suggested that his wife and children get into the wagon. He then proceeded to build a fire, make coffee and serve the angry men and talked to them until morning. In doing this he may very well have saved the lives of some of the men who were losers as well as some of the lucky gentlemen who had gotten a choice claim.

James died in his Toronto, Kansas home on the 7 Mar 1923. His death certificate states, "cause of death Old Age" 97 years, 9 mo, 16 days. Elizabeth, his wife died 5 Apr 1932 in Wichita, Kansas.

(CR: 1850 Clermont Co. Ohio with his aunt, Nancy Laycock; 1860, 1880, 1900, 1910 Woodson Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 01, 04, 09, 130, 179 )

Melinda G. Medearis (8) (Charles 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) was born 1822, d. 1894. She married Joseph Harvey Smith, 18 Sept. 1844 in Clermont Co., OH. Joseph was the son of Joseph Sr. and Hannah Hair Smith. He was born 22 June 1815 in Stone Lick Twp, Clermont Co., OH, and died 1891. He is buried at Williamsburg, Clermont Co., OH. They lived near Blowville on Emerson Jester Farm.

Melinda and Joseph had the following children:

Charles Elliot Smith (9) b. 09 June 1845; d. 06 Jan. 1923. He married Ruth Moorhead who was b. 20 July 1843.

Francina Isabel Smith (9) b. 02 Aug. 1847, Williamsburg, OH; d. 06 April 1902, Williamsburg, OH. She married Thomas Walker Moorhead on 14 Oct. 1869, Clermont Co., OH. He was b. 18 Feb. 1845, Brown Co. OH; d. 14 Oct. 1935, Williamsburg, OH.

Thomas Walker Moorhead enlisted as a private in Company "K", 27th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Thomas was wounded by a bullet in the right shoulder at the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. The wound permanently crippled his arm. He was discharged: July 11, 1865, Louisville, KY. He was elected: 1875, Master, Grange Hall #455, Williamsburg, OH. Sometime after 1890, they resided on Main Street, Williamsburg, OH. He retired 23 June 1890, and received a Civil War Invalid pension, of $16.00 per month. He is buried in the Rose Cemetery, Clermont Co., OH, on old road out of Williamsburg toward Cincinnati, on right.

( credits 176 )

Enoch G. Medearis (8) (Charles 7, Malachi 6, Charles 5) b. abt. 1840, Ohio. He married Sarah Pattison, sister to Governor John M. Pattison. They had the following child:

Lulu Medearis (9) b. 1866 in Ohio.

(CR: 1870, 1880 Clermont Co., Ohio)

Dr. Leonidas H. Medaris (8) ( Charles 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 03 Aug. 1844, in Ohio, d. 18 June 1898. Leonidas married Lydia Ella Roudebush, b. 2 May 1853, d. 25 Nov. 1933. Leonidas fought for the US in Co. I, 153 Ohio Inf during the War for Southern US Flag Independence. Leonidas was a Physician. He enlisted on 02, May 1864 at Camp Dennison, Ohio and was mustered out with the company on 09 Sept. 1864 also at Camp Dennison..

Leonidas and Ella are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Milford Ohio. He and Ella had the following known child:

Charles F. Medaris (9) b. 21 Feb. 1872, most likely in Clermont Co., Ohio. Married Lida Sutherland.

William Medaris (9) b. 1876, most likely in Clermont Co., Ohio.

Dale Medaris (9) b. 1879, in Clermont County, Ohio.

(CR: 1880 Clermont Co, Ohio)

( credits 17, 50, 51 )

Charles Elmer Medearis (8) ( Charles 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. March 1867 in Ohio; d. 1914 in Kansas. He married Irene Pearl Neiswender on 17 March 1897 at Council Grove, Kansas. Irene was b. 31 Oct. 1877 in Shawnee County, Kansas, d. 06 Oct. 1937 in Michigan.

Charles and Irene had the following children:

Leroy Charles Medearis "Roy"(9) b. 1899 in Wabaunsee, Kansas; d. 1919 in Wabaunsee, Kansas.

Edward H. Medearis (9) b. 1902

Howard Medearis (9) b. 20 July 1903 in Wabaunsee, Kansas; d. 08 Jan. 1985 in Onaway, Presque Isle, Michigan.

Robert Medearis (9) b. 01 Jan. 1908 in Wabaunsee, Kansas; d. Jan. 1982 in Saginaw, Michigan.

Nellie I. Medearis (9) b. 1913 in Kansas.

Louis Albert Medearis (9) b. 09 Nov. 1914, Plum, Wabaunsee, Kansas, d. 09 or 11 Nov. 1973, Saginaw, Michigan. He married Evelyn May Wing who was b. 27 Aug. 1920 in Michigan; d. 22 Oct. 1999 in Mio, Oscoda, Michigan.

(CR: 1900, 1910 Waubansee Co., Kansas)

( credits 263)

Phillip Napier Medearis (8) ( Malachi 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) According to Phillip's headstone he was born in 1849, d. 13 Dec. 1921. However the only census record we have of him so far states he was born about 1855. Phillip's g-granddaughter sent in a copy of his death certificate which gives Phillip's date of death as 14 Nov. 1921 and that he died from pneumonia. He died in Moselle, Jones County, Mississippi. It states he was 68 yrs, 3 months and 10 days old. This would place his actual birth date at 04 Aug. 1853 in Clark County, Mississippi.

Phillip and his sister were adopted by a minister, Phillip Hawkins Napier and his wife Sarah , apparently after the death of their parents sometime prior to 1870. It is unclear as to the relationship of Phillip to his adoptive family, but one must suspect that a blood connection is certain.

Phillip married 1) Elizabeth Charity Tisdale on 26 Sept. 1877 at the home of her parents. They were married by Phillip's namesake Phillip Hawkins Napier who was a minister. Elizabeth was b. 07 Sept. 1847, d. 11 Nov. 1912 in Jones County, MS. She was the daughter of Washington Sherwood and Charity Dickenson Tisdale. Most of this family is buried in the Crosby Cemetery, Jones County, City of Moselle, Mississippi.

Phillip purchased 159.15 acres from the United States in Jones County, Mississippi on 05 Jan. 1889. This land was located just northwest of Moselle. Currently the land is along Rice Creek and contains Arrington Rd., the intersection of Royal Lane and Riverside Church Rd. and Cecil Davis Rd. This land lies just off of, and north of hwy 590. Other landmarks of interest in this area are: G. W. Tisdale Rd. and Tisdale Branch.

Phillip and Elizabeth had the following children:

Mary Charity Elizabeth Medearis (9) b. 01 Dec. 1878 in Jones Co., Ms, d. 23 Sept. 1970 in Jones Co., Ms. She married Enoch Windham.

Amanda Melvina Sophronie Medearis (9) b. 30 Oct. 1884, d. 05 Feb. 1992, she married Angus Folks.

Ora E. Medearis (9) b. 18 Dec. 1886, d. 10 Oct. 1887

Laura Mae Mabel Medearis (9) b. 08 Aug. 1888 in Jones Co., Ms, d. 25 Sept. 1969 in Jones Co., Ms. Married ???? Walters .

Ellen Melisha Jane Medearis (9) b. 02 Mar. 1881, d. 19 June 1961, she married Clemon Rogers, b. 12 Feb. 1871, d. 20 Mar. 1927. Buried in the Shady Grove Cemetery, Jones County, City of Laurel, Mississippi.

After Elizabeth's death, Phillip married 2) Tillie Mae Bird. They had two children:

Mary Odell Medearis (9) b. 29 Aug. 1914, d. 12 Sept. 1988. She married Rowland Fuller .

Mary Magdalene Medearis (9) b. 15 Dec. 1916. Married A. Penton .

Tillie died in a fire after Phillip's death. The two Mary's lived with different family members until being adopted by a couple in Van Cleave, MS.

(credits 00, 170, 171, 183 )

John P. Medaris (8) (Shadrach 7, Malachi 6, Charles 5) b. 1838 in Ohio; d. 20 Jan. 1909 in Hamilton County, Ohio. Married Mary E. ???? who was b. 1843; d. 22 Apr. 1906 in H amilton County, Ohio. They are buried in the Wesleyan Cemetery in Hamilton County, Ohio.

John enlistd in the 5th Ohio Infantry, Compan K where he served as a Sargeant. He was discharged on 18 Jun 1864 at Baltimore, Maryland

John and Mary had the following children:

William J. Medaris (9) b. 1867

Carrie Medaris (9) b. 1870; d. 04 Oct. 1941 in Hamilton County, Ohio. She married Charles E. Hudson who was b. 1860; d. 01 Feb. 1943. They are buried in Wesleyan Cemetery in Hamilton County, Ohio.

(CR: 1880 Hamilton Co., Ohio)

(credits 00 )

Generation 9

William Alfred Madaris (9) ( William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) born April 1848 in Coweta County, Georgia. William worked on his fathers farm and likely took care of the farm with his mother during the War for Southern Independence while his father was away.

William married 1) Millie Elizabeth McBurnett in Coweta County, on 28 October 1867. Millie Elizabeth McBurnett Madaris Elizabeth was b. 12 Mar. 1853 in Georgia, d. 28 July 1920 in Cedartown, Georgia of tuberculosis. She is buried at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery outside of Cedartown, Georgia. Elizabeth was the daughter of J. Thomas and Margaret Ann Winkles McBurnett. Margaret was of Cherokee Indian descent.

William and Elizabeth had the following children:

William Fletcher Madaris (10) b. 1871; d. 31 Dec. 1945.

Thomas Washington Joshua Madaris (10) b. 22 May 1872; d. 05 Jan. 1933

As our (Georgia) family lore has it; one day William went to the well for a bucket of water and was never heard from again. However research has discovered more of a controversy. There appears to have been a quick separation between William and Elizabeth after the birth of their son Thomas. She remarried to Leroy Easterwood on the 08 Feb. 1876 in Carroll County, Georgia. But what happened?

William and Elizabeth appear to have started off on shakey ground, as they were apart at the time of the 1870 census. William was at the home with his parents and Elizabeth is nowhere to be found. It is possible that William was at home helping on the family farm while his father was dealing with the issues involved in his having shot Sterling Thomas. But there may have been some improprieties on both William and Elizabeth's part.

Elizabeth is in the 1880 census of Polk County, Georgia with her new husband Leroy Easterwood. Thomas Washington (10) is listed in the census record with the Easterwood family and is listed as Thomas Easterwood. William Fletcher (10) does not show in the family of Lee and Elizabeth and we now know that he went to Alabama with his father.

But the story gets even more confusing. It appears that William married 2) Elizabeth Rebecca Dutton sometime after he and Elizabeth McBurnett separated. James Henry Madaris (11) had stated that Thomas Washington (10) had a brother named John R. Madaris. John is found in the City of Fayetteville, Georgia, cemetery, buried next to Elizabeth Rebecca Madaris and an unnamed child of Elizabeth's. Her death certificate states she was married to Bill Madaris. Research on the Dutton family finds them in 1850 Coweta County in the 19th district, very near the Madaris family. There is no marriage certificate found for Elizabeth Dutton and William or Bill Madaris.

It appears that William married Elizabeth Rebecca Dutton about 1875. She was born abt. 1844 in Georgia, although most of her census records say she was born about 1860. The fact that she was 06 years old in the 1850 census indicates that she was less than truthful with the census takers about her age. Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Martha A. Pate Dutton. It is likely that this was a common law marriage and it also appears that William left this family after only a few years.

This union had two known children.

Baby Elizabeth R. Madaris (10) An unnamed baby who possibly died at birth, identified on the headstone only by this name. When the name is listed as Baby "mothers name" it usually means an un-named stillborn.

John Russell Madaris (10) b. 25 May 1878 in Fayette County, Georgia, d. 21 Feb. 1928 in Fayette county, Georgia.

Elizabeth died 17 Jan. 1927 in Fayetteville, Georgia. She is buried in the City of Fayetteville Cemetery between two of her children; John R. and the baby.

William Alfred relocated to Alabama and remarried a few years later to Alice Lee Blackwell in Pike County, Alabama, 06 Feb. 1891. Alice was 13 years younger than William, b. 22 Oct. 1861.

William worked as a carpenter in Alabama. He is responsible for most of the Alabama Madaris' of today and half the Georgia tribe. Between his two wives William had 10 children. According to his Alabama family, William did not allow his children to attend school until it became mandatory under the law. Only the two youngest children received any formal education.

William and Alice had 8 children: Madaris Children

Charles Thomas Madaris (10) b. 03 Dec 1893. Married Martha Lavinia Ferguson.

Ada Barbara Madaris (10) b. 12 Jan 1896, d. 12 Jan. 1982. She married 1) ???? Emfinger and moved to Kissemme FL. She married 2) ???? Brown.

Judge A. Madaris (10) b. 1900, he died as a young child.

Mattie J. Madaris (10) b. 1904, it is believed she died in her early 20's. According to her neice, Daisy, Mattie ran away from home at age 16 when her father caught her putting flour on her face as powder. William did not allow her to wear make up. He "had a fit" and she ran away. It is uncertain what happend to her after that.

John Henry Madaris (10) b. 1906

Perry E. Madaris (10) b. 1908, Perry also lived with his brother, Charles' family. When he was older he worked for Charlie at the sawmill. Perry's behavior became disruptive to the family and Charlie eventually asked him to leave. Perry did leave and was not seen for many years. Charlie's oldest daughter, Daisy, said that her father spent the remainder of his days slowing down for hitch hikers looking to see if it was Perry. After Charlie's death, the family did locate Perry. He had fathered an illegitimate son, had severe diabetes and was married to an older woman. After his wife died Perry was put in the Veterans Hospital in Dadeville, Alabama where he stayed until he died in January 1976.

Jesse James Madaris (10) b. 04 June 1911 in Perote, Pike County, Alabama, d. 12 July 1986 in Demopolis, Marengo County, Ala. He married Martha Ann Louise Gray. She was born 08 Nov. 1915 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, d. 01 July 2001. Martha was the daughter of Robert Egather and Wilma Viola Padgett Gray . Jesse worked in a saw mill, was a truck driver and was in the National Guard during WWII. Martha was a seamstress and clerk. Jesse is buried in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Demopolis, Ala.

Lena Madaris (10) b. 26 Dec. 1914, d. 07 Dec. 1999 in Meridian, Mississippi. She married 1) Mr Thompson 2) Clyde Ham 3) Floyd Sentell.

William died in 1921 in Pike County, Troy, Alabama. He is buried in the Sandfield Cemetery , located at Zebulon Baptist Church on Hwy. 223 in Banks, Alabama. After William's death, Alice & the younger children moved first to Randall, Alabama then eventually came to live with Charlie and Mattie.

According to oldest daughter Daisy Styles, Charlie built a small house for his mother and siblings near their home. In 1935, Alice suffered a stroke, the family was facing yet another move from Brookwood, Tuscaloosa Co., Alabama to Braggs, Lowndes Co., Alabama and still had a house full of youngsters. Lena had obtained her LPN license, was married and had moved to Mississippi. So the decision was made to place Alice with Lena and her husband. Alice died 13 July 1940, age 78 years, 8 months, 21 days and is buried at Rosehill Cemetery, Meridian, Lauderdale Co, Miss. According to Lena Madaris Sentell (the youngest child of William and Alice's), the family records were destroyed in a fire in the home of Charles Thomas who raised the other children after his fathers death.

(1998) Mrs. Lena Madaris Sentell of Mississippi, said that her father died in 1921 when she was only 6 years old. They never knew any history about their father and never knew their grandparents. She said that she knew that William had been married once before but did not know that he had children from that marriage. She was quite enlightened to find out that she had more family than she ever knew about. I enjoyed my conversations with Lena and it was such a great opportunity to speak to the daughter of someone who was born in 1848! We lost Lena in 1999 and I wish I would of had more opportunities to speak with her about our family.

Why does it seem that William was such a traveler, leaving two families before settling in Alabama with his third family. Well the fact is that in the post Civil War years in the south, women outnumbered men by 3 to 1, even more in places. So many men had died in the war and left women alone to raise children and run a farm. There was considerable competition for men and Lord knows men are weak; not making an excuse. If a woman wanted to keep a man she had to be competitive in personality and likely looks. I would assume that finances could also play an important part of winning this competition. This competition produced a lot of odd facts in the history books. Many abandoned families, women marrying men much older than themselves. William's grandfather married a 30 year old woman when he was 72. This pattern is found in all of Williams uncles and many of his brothers. It is also found in many southern families during this time period.

So although the well story was passed down on our side of the family in Georgia, it is obvious that the family knew that William and his oldest son, William Fletcher, moved to Alabama. Divorce or separations were quite controversial in the 1880's and the "well" story was likely told rather than tell the truth. There had been no contact between the Alabama families of William and Alice and the Georgia families of William and Elizabeth until we rediscovered each other in 1994.

(CR: 1900 Pike Co., Alabama; 1910 Bullock Co., Alabama; 1920 Pike Co., Alabama; Millie Elizabeth McBurnett Easterwood; 1880 Polk Co., Georgia)

(Photo's contributed by Wanda Madaris Fulton (130) and Barbara Baines)

George Washington Madaris (9) ( William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 17 April 1853, d. 08 May, 1939 in Fulton County, Georgia. He married Naomi J. Shropshire on 14 Nov. 1880, in Fayette County, Georgia. Naomi was b. 1862, d. 18 Dec. 1914. Naomi's parents were Joshua and Manerva Lecter Smith Shropshire. George is enumerated with "Manev L. Shropshire", widow, in the 1880 Fayette county, Georgia census, along with his brother John.

George and Naomi had the following children:

Infant Died

Infant Died

Infant Died

Infant Died

Infant Died

Infant Died

Annie Elizabeth Madaris (10) b. 18 Dec. 1888; d. 20 April 1980 in Fulton County, Georgia.

Marcus Griffin Madaris (10) b. 16 Nov.1889 in Fayetteville, Georgia; d. 19 Mar. 1930 in Fulton County, Georgia. He was employed as a Switchman for Southern Railway. He married Ruby L. ???? Garrett. She had a daughter named Emily Garrett, presumably from a previous marriage.

George and Naomi are buried in the Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery, in the City of Tyrone, Georgia. George's grave is unmarked to Naomi's right, but plans are being made to mark his grave appropriately.

Atlanta Constitution

19 Dec. 1914

Mrs. G. W. Madaris,

Mrs. G. W. Madaris, aged 53 years, died Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the residence, 82 Dill Avenue, Capitol View. She is survived by her husband and two children, Miss Elizabeth Madaris, and Griffin Madaris. The body will be taken Sunday morning to Tyrone, Ga., for burial.

The Atlanta Constitution
10 May, 1939
Mr. G. W. Madaris

The friends of Mr. G. W. Madaris, Miss Elizabeth Madaris, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Madaris and Mrs. Mary Collins are invited to attend the funeral of Mr. G. W. Madaris this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock, at the chapel of A. C. Hemperley & Sons. Rev. W. A. Duncan will officiate. Interment, Hopewell cemetery, Fayette county. The nephews will serve as pallbearers and assemble at the chapel at 1:45 o'clock.

Note: Manerva Lecter Smith was the daugher of Miles and Sarah Mitchell Smith.

(CR: 1880 Fayette Co., GA, 1900 & 1920 Fulton Co., GA)

(credits 00) (Photo of George Washington Madaris courtesy of Allen Joshua Ballard)

Ballard Family Web site

Mary F. Madaris (9) ( William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 29 Nov. 1853 in Coweta County, Georgia; d. 30 Dec. 1939 in Fayette County, Georgia. She married C. Jasper Collins abt 1873, who was the son of John and Mary Collins. They lived in the area of North Coweta County, Georgia in 1880, they then moved to Fayette County, Georgia where they lived out their lives. They did live briefly in Riverdale, Georgia, Clayton County around 1910. Jasper was born in Mar. 1852; died 13 Aug. 1920 in Fayette County, Georgia.

Mary and Jasper had the following children:

Ruby Collins (10) b. 1873

Dora C. Collins (10) b. 1875. She married Henry Jackson in Fayette County, Georgia on 26 Dec. 1897.

Mary F. Collins (10) b. 01 Sept. 1878; d. 11 May 1941. She married George F. Davenport in Fayette County, Georgia on 12 Jun. 1898. George was b. 26 Dec. 1875; d. 27 Dec. 1958. Mary and George are buried in the Hopeful Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Fayette County, Georgia.

Flan Collins (10) b. 1878

Floyd J. Collins (10) b. 15 June 1879; d. 26 Dec. 1924 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He married Lottie ????. They lived in Eagan Park, in 1924. Floyd was employed by the railroad and was killed in a railroad accident.

John W. Collins (10) b. Feb. 1881. He married Daisey B. ????. She was b. 03 Feb. 1887; d. 13 Jan. 1918.

Charles M. Collins (10) b. Mar. 1886
Annie May Collins (10) b. Jan. 1891

Most of this family is buried in the Hopeful Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Fayette County, Georgia. This church is located at the intersection of Hwy 92 and New Hope Road in the Hopeful Community.

(CR: 1870 Coweta County, Georgia; 1880 Coweta Co., Georgia, 1900 Fayette County, Georgia, 1910 Clayton County, Georgia, 1920 - 1930 Fayette County, Georgia )

( credits 00, 04, 05, 211 ) (click here for more information on the Tucker family)

John Thomas Madaris (9) ( William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1856 in Coweta County, Georgia. John married Lizzie Johnson, 01 Feb. 1875 in Coweta County, Georgia. John is listed as Jack on the marriage certificate.

It is unknown what happened to this union and if any children were born to them. The last record of John is in the 1900 Missouri Census where he is 44 yrs old and living in Atchison County, Dale Township. It is unknown what happened to Lizzie.

(CR: 1880 Fayette Co., Georgia; 1900 Atchison Co., Missouri)

Charles Buchannan Madaris (9) ( William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 18 July 1858 in Coweta County, Georgia, d. 12 July 1934, Perry, Jefferson County, Florida. He is buried in Monticello, FL.

Charles married 1) Fannie B. Richardson on 13 Aug. 1878 in Coweta County, Georgia. Fannie was b. 18 Feb. 1861.

Charles and Fannie had one known child from this marriage:

Viola Madaris (10) b. 28 Jan 1880, d. 02 Mar 1954. It appears she never married.

Charles and Fannie may have divorced but the details are not yet known. Fannie died in Villa Rica, Carroll County, Georgia, 23 Dec. 1938. She and their daughter Viola are buried in the Villa Rica City Cemetery.

Charles married 2) Martha "Mattie" Marselle Tucker on 18 Dec 1891, in Alabama. Mattie was the daughter of Samuel C. and Margeret (Mary) Hunsucker Tucker. She was b. 14 Feb. 1876, in Cahaba, Dallas Co., AL; d. 30 July 1933 Bibb Co. AL.

Charles and Mattie had the following children:

John De Curtis Madaris (10) b. 07 Mar. 1893 in Maplesville, Alabama. He married Sallie Maybelle Gunter.

James Buchanan Madaris (10) b. 31 Aug. 1894 in Childon County, Alabama; d. 14 Feb. 1962. Married Pearl Katherine Reid

Julius Franklin Madaris (10) b. 08 June 1897, d. 02 Jul. 1974. Married Ruth Sadera Lawley.

George Madaris (10) b. 1901, d. 1901.

Mamie Madaris (10) b. 07 Dec. 1903, d. 07 Dec. 1996 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Bob Marcus "Mark" Madaris (10) b. 1906, died at age 21 from an injury that he incured while working on the Birmingham Public Library.

Ruby Madaris (10) b. 1910, married Robert Blackmon.

Mattie, Marcus and George are buried at Cox Chapel Cemetery in Bibb county, AL.

(CR: 1900 Bibb Co., Ala, 1910 Bibb Co., Ala, 1920 Bibb Co., Ala.)

John Thomas Madaris (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1869 in Coweta County, Georgia. John married Sarah Elizabeth Lovett on 20 Aug. 1882 in Coweta County, Ga. John went astary in his marriage and left, moving to Atlanta. There he met Miss Florence Evans, a young resident of Atlanta. John obtained a marriage licencse and sometime in late 1888 they were married. Shortly after the wedding, Sarah Madaris came up from Newnan and approached the new wife and revealed that she and John were still married. The authorities became involved and John was soon arrested for bigemy. He went to trial and pled "not guilty" to the charges. However both wives were in the courtroom and the jury quickly returned a verdict of "guilty". Judge Clark of the Atlanta Superior Court, sentenced John to four years in the penitentiary.

It is unclear what happened to Sarah or Florence after this case, but John is found next in 1897 operating a grocery store in Macon, Georgia. He is listed in the "Maloney's Macon Miscellaneous Directory 1897". John later moved to Pike Co., Alabama where he worked as a meat cutter and led a respectable life. He died 14 June 1922 in Pike Co., Alabama and his body was sent by train back home to Newnan, Georgia where he was buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent. John's grave is unmarked.

John and Elizabeth had one son:

William Perry Lee Madaris (10) b. 4 July 1883 in Coweta County, Ga. Married Lola Grace Griggs on 24 Dec. 1902 in Coweta County, Ga. William and Lola had the following children:

Annie Bell Madaris (11) b. 28 Jan 1904; d. 13 Mar. 1971 and is buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, Ga. She married Rembert Bishop.

John Drew Madaris (11) b. 11 Apr 1907, 11 May 1993. He married 1) Gertrude Mary Strickland on 28 Feb 1927 in Coweta County, Ga. She was b. 09 Aug. 1909, d. 16 May 2002. John married 2) Mary Clyde Johns on 24 Dec. 1946. John died 11 May 1993 in Coweta County, Ga. He is buried in the Oakhill Cemetery in Newnan.

Susie Kate Madaris (11) b. 01 Mar 1910. d. 24 Mar 1954.

Ruby Lee Madaris (11) b. 15 Oct. 1912. d. 01 Dec. 1994.

William and some of his family are buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery , Sargent, Georgia.

(CR: 1900, 1910 Coweta Co., GA)

(credits 03)

Andrew Paul Jackson Madaris (9) (Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 04 Apr 1870 in Coweta County, Georgia; d. 27 Apr 1923 in Coweta County, Georgia, of cirrhosis of the liver. Andrew is Buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery , in Sargent, Ga. Andrew married 1) Fanney O. Ivey.

Andrew and Fanney had the following children:

John Thomas Madaris (10) b. 12 Jan. 1903 in Coweta County, Ga. d. 15 Sep 1959 He married Minnie Duncan. Minnie was born 01 Sep 1888; died 15 Aug 1974 in Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia. They are both buried in the St. Paul Methodist Church Cemetery in Whitesburg, Carroll County, Ga.

Alton W. Madaris (10) b. 8 Oct. 1908 in Coweta County, Ga. In December 1922 Alton lost an arm in a hunting accident. He died in Sept 1954 in Coweta County, Ga. and is buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, Ga.

December 27, 1922 issue of the Herald & Advertiser

Alton, the 12 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Madaris, residing in the western part of the county, accidently shot himself while out hunting Saturday morning. He was carrying a shotgun, and the entire charge entered his right arm. He was brought to town, and after an examination it was found necessary to amputate the injured member between the wrist and elbow, the operation being performed by Drs. Turner and Woodruff. The lad is still at the sanitarium, but will be able to return home in a few days.

Dorothy Cyrena Madaris (10) b. 01 Oct. 1921 in Coweta County, Ga. died 5 Oct. 1983 and is buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery , in Sargent, Ga.

Andrew married 2) Carrie Belle Collins on the 4 Oct. 1890 in Coweta County, Ga.

Andrew and Carrie had the following Children:

Ida Lou Madaris (10) b. 18 Jan 1892 in Coweta County, Ga. d. 03 Mar. 1970 and is buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, Ga. She married John Pope Dyer on 19 Jan. 1910 in Coweta County, Georgia. He was b. 17 Sept. 1888, d. 10 Apr. 1956.

Annie Mae Madaris (10) b. 05 May 1893 in Coweta County, Ga.

Male infant (10) buried in the New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Sargent, Ga.

(CR: 1900, 1910, 1920 Coweta Co., GA)

( credits 00, 01, 03 )

John Thomas Medaries (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) born 12 Nov 1871 in Alabama; died 17 Feb 1947 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; buried 19 Feb 1947 in Sibley Cemetery, Sibley, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. He married on 28 Aug 1892 in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, Lilla Ellen Penuell, born 23 Aug 1872; died 18 Nov 1961 in Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, daughter of Ralph and Martha Caroline Davis Penuell.

John Thomas and Lilla had the following children:

Bertha Irene Medaries (10) b. 5 Oct 1893, Darbonne, Union Parish, Louisiana.

Eula Elva Medaries (10) b. 12 Dec 1895, Lincoln Parish Louisiana; d. 06 June 1977 at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana. Eula married William White Whittington Trimble who was b. 27 Nov. 1890 in Upper Bayou Rapides, Rapides Parish, Louisiana; he d. 10 Nov. 1935 near Collingston, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. They are both buried in Riverview Cemetery, Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.

Willis Wright Medaries (10) b. 30 Jan 1898, Choudrant, Lincoln Parish Louisiana.

Roy Erastus Medaries (10) b. 20 Mar 1901 d. 13 Sep 1931.

Doshie Katherine Medaries (10) b. 24 Feb 1903, Douglas, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana.

Ralph Glenn Medaries (10) b. 19 Jan 1906, Downsville, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana.

Duke Hansford Medaries (10) b. 12 Feb 1908, Louisiana.

J. L. Medaries (10) b. 3 Oct 1910, Louisiana.

Martha Audrey Medaries (10) b. 5 May 1915, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.

Joseph Lee Medaries (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 25 Feb 1882 in Union Par., Louisiana; d. 5 Apr 1945 in West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; buried aft. 5 Apr 1945 in Hasley Cemetery, West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. He married in Lincoln Par., Louisiana, Dollie Holstead, born 26 Jan 1875 in Lincoln Par., Louisiana; died 5 Mar 1949 in West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana.

Joseph Lee and Dollie had the following child:

Joseph Jewel Medaries (10)

Homer R. Medaries (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 10 Nov 1890 in Louisiana; d. Dec 1965 in Louisiana. He married Sammie Womack, on 06 Jul 1913 in Jackson Par., Louisiana. She was b. abt 1891 in Chatham, Jackson Par., Louisiana, and was the daughter of H. R. and Fannie ???? Womack.

Home was a barber and had shop in Chatham, Louisiana.

Homer and Sammie had the following children:

Warner R. Medaries (10)

Clyde Aaron Medaries (10)

Fay Allean Medaries (10)

Homer married 2) Ila Ethel Young, daughter of Charles Abernathy and Lurah I Worsham Young. She was born on 30 August 1894 in Archer County Texas. She first had married William Hobby "Bob" Ferguson at Wichita Falls on 5 June 1915. In the early 1920s they lived at Waco. Bob was born at Lufkin on 20 November 1888, and died of pneumonia on 5 April 1930 at Shreveport, Louisiana. Homer Medaris and Ila were married on 11 December 1930 at Shreveport. She died 8 January 1968 at Bossier-Shreveport. Ila had no children of her own.

Jasper Luther Medaries (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 03 Nov 1895 in D' Arbonne, Union Par., Louisiana; d. 22 Jul 1970 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; buried in Crossroad Baptish Church Cemetery, Grayson, Caldwell Par., Louisiana. He married on 4 Aug 1921 in Columbia, Caldwell Par., Louisiana, Mary Lucille Meredith , b. 10 Jan 1900 in Grayson, Caldwell Par., Louisiana; d. Feb 1978 in Louisiana, daughter of Clarence and Julia Fluett Meredith.

(Jasper is listed in a cemetery index as b. 10-3-1896; d. 7-29-1961)

Jasper Luther and Mary had the following children:

Jasper Luther Medaries Jr. (10)

Charles Anzley Medaries (10) b. 31 Oct 1924 in Clarks, Caldwell Par., Louisiana; d. 03 Jun. 1997. He married Ola Mae Goodman in Jena, LaSalle Par., Louisiana. She was b. 28 April 1926; d. 01 Jun. 1999. Charles was a Pvt. in the US Army, World War II. They are buried in Crossroad Baptish Church Cemetery, Grayson, Caldwell Par., Louisiana.

John Andrews Medaries (10) b. 30 Sept. 1927; d. 16 Jun. 1984. He married Willree Roberts on 24 Oct. 1953. They had three children. John was Cpl in the US Air Force, World War II. He is buried in Crossroad Baptish Church Cemetery, Grayson, Caldwell Par., Louisiana.

Eddie Medaries (9) ( Thomas P. 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ), b. 29 Nov 1907 in Blanchard Springs, Union Co., AR; d. 27 Aug 1985 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; buried aft. 27 Aug 1985 in Hasley Cemetery, West Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. He married on 15 Nov 1938 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana, Melba Rose Risher, born 6 Feb 1919 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana; died 26 Oct 1989 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana, daughter of Samuel H. and Carrie ???? Risher.

Eddie and Melba had the following children:

Carrie Patricia Medaris (10)

Litha Marie Medaris (10)

Mebra Rose Medaris (10), Jr., b. 3 Jun 1948 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana. She married on 11 Jun 1969 in Monroe, Ouachita Par., Louisiana, Lonnie Earl Marshall, born 23 Jun 1945 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Mary Adeline (Adda) Medaris (9) (Israel A. 8, John Fletcher 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1872. Mary married Frank Snyder about 1888 in Wayne Co., Indiana. Frank was b. Mar 1863 in Indiana, d. 1922. They are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville, Indiana.

Opal Snyder (10) b. Oct 1890 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Mable Snyder (10) b. Feb 1894 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Martha Snyder (10) b. May 1899 in Wayne Co., Indiana.

Paul Snyder (10) b. 1911, d. 1912. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Centerville, Indiana.

(credits 00, 50)

Laura J. Medaris (9) (John R. 8, John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. 1858, she married Virgil C. Welch on 22 Jan. 1879 in Hartford, Kansas.

They had one known child:

Perl Welch (10)

Morris County, Kansas Biographical Sketch

V. C. WELCH, proprietor and editor of the Morris County Enterprise. The paper was established January 1, 1878, by D. O. McCray, is Republican in politics, and issued every Thursday. On the first day of July of that year it passed into the hands of V. C. Welch, who has since published it, making it one of the best county papers published in the State. V. C. Welch was born at Fairfield, Iowa, August 3, 1855.

During the following year his parents moved to Knoxville, remaining until 1861, when they removed to Osceola, where he received the first rudiments of an education. In the winter of 1862-63, his father, Dr. S. S. Welch, enlisted in the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, serving until the war had closed. After the latter's return from the army, he removed to Kingston, Mo., where the subject of this sketch learned the printer's trade, which he has since followed, except a term of two years, which he spent in completing an academic course. He came to Kansas to reside permanently in 1877, locating at Hartford, where he was connected with the Hartford Enterprise until the Morris County Enterprise was established at Parkersville, of which he was foreman, until he became publisher. He is a member of the A., F. & A.M. Lodge at Parkersville.

He was married at Hartford, Kan., January 22, 1879, to Miss Laura Medaris. They have one child--Perl.

James Cavasso Medaris (9) (John R. 8, John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. 1860, d. 1826, possibly Stark Co., Ohio. He married 1) Susan Frances Ramsey, b. 14 Jan. 1867, Parkerville, Morris County, KS.,. d. 20 Jun 1973, Carmel, Monterey County, CA. Susan was the daughter of Henry Michael and Rebecca Jane Black Ramsey. James and Susan were married 03 July 1884.

According to Susan, James was born during the Civil war and his father did not see him until he was three years old.

James and Susan had the following children:

Lola Angela Madaris (10) b. 12 Nov. 1885 in Parkerville, Kansas, d. 05 Nov. 1967 in Pacific Grove, CA. Lola married George Henry Christian, who was b. 18 Mar. 1883 in Topeka, KS, d., 19 June 1907 in Topeka, KS.

Virgil Leroy Medaris (10) b. 18 Feb. 1887 in Parkerville, Kansas, d. 06 Feb. 1924 in CA. He married Frances M. Hayes in 1915 in Kansas City, MO.

James married 2) Lucy ???? sometime after Feb. 4, 1904, possibly in Canton, Stark Co., Ohio. James Cavasso and Lucy are believed to have had 1 daughter, 1 son.

(CR: 1880 Lyon Co., Kansas; Susan in the household of her father in 1900 Morris Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 204)

Sadie E. Medaris (9) (Charles B. 8, John 7, Thomas 6, Charles 5) b. 1862 in Indiana, d. 1940. She married William H. Potts on 13 Nov. 1880.

Sadie and William had the following children

Alma R. Potts (10) b. 12 Nov. 1883; d. 1954 in Indianapolis, IN

Florence E. Potts (10) b. 1893; d. 1893, Indianapolis, IN

(credits 259)

Thomas Medaris (9) (Elias 8 , Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1851 in Clermont County , Ohio, d. 01 Apr. 1892 in Douds County, Iowa. He married Udorah R. McCready, b. 1859, d. 1947 in Farmington , Van Buren Co. Iowa.

Thomas and Udorah had the following children:

George Medaris (10) b. 1877-1946 in Farmington, Iowa. He is buried Farmington Cem. Iowa. He married Genevieve ???? . They had the following children:

Stanley Medaris (11) d. 1988

Forrest Medaris (11)

Lewis Eugene Medaris (11)

Gladys Medaris (11) married ???? Hossenclever .

Doris Medaris (11) married ???? Batten .

Kessie Medaris (10) b. 1878, d. 1884.

Elsie Medaris (10) b. 1881, d. 1882.

Elery Medaris (10) b. 1883, d. 1962 in Farmington, Iowa.

May Medaris (10) married James Jordan.

Edna Medaris (10)

(CR: 1895 Van Buren Co., Iowa)

(credits 39)

John Medaris (9) (Elias 8 , Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 08 July 1857 in Hawkin Valley, Clermont County, Ohio; d. Feb. 1907 in California. He married Cora Azelia Ragsdale, abt. 1887. She was b. 28 Feb. 1865 in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri; d. 29 Jul. 1951 in Pike County Hospital.

John was employed as a Bridge Carpenter. He died as a result of a railroad accident on the Mississippi River, near Louisiana, Missouri. This is approximately 70 miles north of St. Louis. He and Cora are buried at Riverview Cemetery in Pike County, MO.

John and Cora had the following children:

James Andrew Medaris (10) b. 07 Mar. 1894, Louisiana, Missouri; d. 17 Nov. 1965, Aberdeen, South Dakota. He married Beatrice Bertha Vogel, 22 Sep 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of Abraham and Maude Metheeny Vogel. She was b. 22 Oct 1902 in Warmsprings, Montana; d. 16 Jul 1969 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is unknown where James is buried but Beatrice is buried at Riverside Mem. Park Cemetery, Aberteen, South Dakota. James and Beatrice had 5 children.

Mark Albert Medaris (10) b. 05 Feb. 1896, Louisiana, Missouri; d. Jul. 1979, Florissant, St. Louis, Missouri.

George Edward Medaris (10) b. 28 Sept. 1897, Louisiana, Missouri; d. 08 May 1971.

Catherine Medearis (10) b. May 1899, Louisiana, Missouri; d. 1905, Louisiana, Missouri, from Scarlett Fever.

Mary Margaret Medaris (10) b. 12 Jun. 1903, Louisiana, Missouri; d. Feb. 1986.

Thomas Anthony Medaris (10) b. 23 Nov. 1906, St. Louis, Missouri; d. 31 Dec. 1988.

John Medaris (10)

Charles Medaris (10)

(credits 97, 253)

Luella Medearis (9) (Elias 8 , Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 28 Oct. 1869 in Clermont, County, Ohio; d. 27 Aug. 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She married William Thomas Organ on 06 Dec. 1891.

Luella and William had the following children:

Blanche Ruth Organ (10)

Fern Eliza Organ (10)

Virgil William Organ (10)

Glenn Organ (10)

Elias Organ (10)

Clifford Gale Organ (10)

Flossie Muriel Organ (10)

Ermine Irene Organ (10)

(credits 97)

Ida Matilda Medearis (9) (Elias 8 , Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 21 Oct. 1875 in Lee County, Iowa, d. 03 Aug. 1937 in Appanoose County, Iowa. She married Jim Simmons and they had the following children:

Hazel Simmons (10)

Hubert Simmons (10)

Ed Simmons (10)

Faye Simmons (10)

Loletta Simmons (10)

Viola Simmons (10)

Mae Simmons (10) died at 9 months

(credits 97)

Albert Medearis (9) (Elias 8 , Charles 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) (9) b. 28 Feb. 1879 in Burlington, Iowa; d. before 1933. He married Anna ????.

Albert and Anna had the following children:

Harry Medearis (10)

Myrl Medearis (10)

Karen Ann Medearis (10)

(credits 97)

Christian Penner Medearis (9) (James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 30 May 1855 in Terra Haute, Fountain Co., Indiana. d. 5 Oct. 1914, Belmont Township, Woodson Co., Kansas. He married Mary Jane Ogden 3 Mar 1878 in Woodson Co., Kansas. Mary was born 12 Oct. 1860 in Canton, Illinois. d. 29 May 1934.

Christian and Mary had the following children:

James William Medearis (10) b. 23 Apr 1879 in Woodson County, Indiana.

Albert Lonzo Medearis (10) b. 3 June 1881

Fred Ray Medearis (10) b. 23 Apr 1887

Ethel Mae Medearis (10) b. 22 Dec 1888 d. 24 Mar 1932 married Howard Lincoln Martin 11 Feb. 1913.

Alma Myrtle Medearis (10) b. 3 June 1891 married Charles Hanley Chadwick 20 Jan 1909.

(CR: 1880, 1900, 1910 Woodson Co., Kansas)

John Wood Medearis (9) ( James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 5 Sept. 1857 in Terra Haute, Fountain Co., Indiana. d. 8 June 1934 in Woodson Co., Kansas at the age of 76 yrs 9 mo. 3 days. John married Georgia Ann Wilbur on 30 Apr 1878. Georgia was born 18 Sept. 1861 d. 20 May 1937 in Woodson, Kansas.

James and Georgia had the following children:

Nancy Caroline Bell Medearis (10) b. 10 June 1879 married Charles Wesley Dixon.

Nora Cora Medearis (10) b. 12 Sept. 1880; d. 15 Sept. 1972 San Leandro, Alameda, CA. She married Henry Chester Parker on 19 June 1905 in Woodson Co., Kansas.

Ennis Sylvester Medearis (10) b. 6 July 1882

Walter Franklin Medearis (10) b. 21 Aug. 1884 d. 12 Jan 1885

Lyle Dean Medearis (10) b. 12 June 1886, Woodson Co., Kansas d. 9 Mar 1968. He married Agnes Falbr b. May 1887 d. 9 Mar 1968 on 21 Oct. 1908.

John Clyde Medearis (10) b. 30 Sept. 1891 Woodson Co., Kansas d. 30 Dec 1968 Yates Center, Woodson, KS. He married Edna Rogers b. 9 Sept. 1894 on 8 Apr 1917.

(CR: 1880, 1900, 1910 Woodson Co., Kansas)

(credits 04, 05, 123, 154, 194, 196)

Charles F. Medaris (9) ( Leonidas H. 8, Charles 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 21 Feb. 1872, most likely in Clermont Co., Ohio. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio. Charles married Lida Sutherland in 1895. They had a mortgage company called Medaris, Delano and Sprouse that still exists. They lived on the Maumee River in Toledo.

Some sources have shown Charles' middle name as "Leonidas", but his death records states "F" as his middle initial.

They had one known child:

John Eugene Medaris (10)

William Medaris (9) ( Leonidas H. 8, Charles 7 , Malachi 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 1876, most likely in Clermont County, Ohio. We have very little information on William.

He was married and had the following child:

John Bruce Medaris (10) b. 12 May 1902 in Milford, Ohio, d. 11 Jul 1990 in Casselberry, Seminole Co., Florida and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.,.

In 1955, John was named the first commanding general of the newly created U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal. In 1958, he was named the commanding general of the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile Command, which included the AMBA, the Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency, White Sands Missile Range, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Redstone Arsenal. He was considered one of the nations leading authorities on the evolving U.S. space program before retiring from the military in 1960. He later became a minister to the Astronauts.

Click here for a Biography of Gen. Medaris . An annual award is presented in his honor. The Medaris Award named for the late Maj. Gen. John Medaris recognizes personal contributions in the field of defense preparedness.

Click here to see the Wehrner Von Braun Photo Collection including poses with John Bruce Medaris .

The following Obituary appeared in the Indianapolis Star on Monday, 16 July 1990.

John Medaris Commanded Nation's Early Space Program.

UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL

Orlando, Fla. -- Maj. Gen. John B. Medaris, who helped lead the nation into the space age and then turned to the priesthood after his retirement in Maitland, Fla., has died of cancer. He was 88. Medaris died Wednesday at his summer home in Highlands N.C., after a long struggle against bone and lung cancer. An avid golfer who tried his hand at business before becoming an Episcopal priest in 1970, Medaris was commander of the U.S. Army's early space program, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, when it orbited America's first satellite on Jan. 31, 1958. Col. Pat Patterson of Maitland, a friend of Medaris' for 47 years, said the former general was an excellent commander who picked the nation's first team of scientists to launch a rocket into space. "He picked his team, both military and civilian, and I have never seen a team surpass that one" Patterson said. The historic team that built those first missiles was headed by German scientist Wernher Von Braun, father of the Saturn V rocket that sent Americans to the moon. Kurt Debus, the Kennedy Space Center's first director, was another team member.

Medaris was born in Milford, Ohio, and at 16 lied about his age to get into the Marines. After a couple of years, he resigned and tried his hand at business, where he made and lost a fortune. In 1921, Medaris entered the Army as a second Lieutenant and advanced through the ranks. He came through 300 days or World War II combat without a scratch. He served as chief of the first Army contingent to Argentina from 1949 to 1952, and in 1955 was named commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. The thought sometimes crossed my mind that perhaps a power, or whatever it was, was keeping me intact because there was some important job that I was destined to do," he said in 1970.

Upon the launch of the Explorer I in 1988, he reminisced about the orbit of the first U.S. satellite, which occurred months after the Soviets had launched Sputnik I. "I didn't think of it as a personal triumph. It was a triumph of the whole team and it was on behalf of the entire nation to try to restore some confidence in our technology," he said. In recent years, the International Aerospace Hall of Fame made Medaris a fellow, its highest award. The Army awarded him with the first Medaris Award to Army Space Pioneers, a top honor created in his name. After he was ordained to the priesthood, Medaris was assigned curate of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland. He also served as relief rector in several North Carolina parishes. He believed in 1970 that he had been cured of cancer, which he developed in 1956, and again in 1964. But the cancer recurred in recent years.

(credits 17, 50, 51)

Generation 10

William Fletcher Madaris (10) ( William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) was born 30 Aug. 1870, in Coweta County, Georgia, d. 31 Dec. 1945 in Troy, Pike County, Alabama. William moved to Pike County, Alabama near his father. They lived near the city of Troy. William was married to Ada L. Mears, b. 03 Dec. 1877, d. 08 Nov. 1947 in Randolph County, Alabama. She was the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Ann Mansell Mears.

William and Ada had the following children:

Mary Lee Nora Madaris (11) b. 10 May 1897, in Coffee County, Alabama, d. 13 May 1978.

Ada Eudora Madaris (11) b. 12 Aug. 1900 and d. 21 Oct. 1969. She married Robert Franklin Mancil.

Samuel Alfred Fletcher Madaris (11) b. 02 Mar. 1902 in Alabama, d. Feb. 1975. He married 1) Rodie Bell Davenport, 2) Willie Alma Mancil

Deedy Author Madaris (11) born 1905, died as an infant.

Margaret Beatrice Madaris (11) b. 15 Sept. 1914 in Pike County, Alabama, d. 06 May 1993. She married 1) Clemy Pugh Mancil on 22 Aug. 1931 in Pike County, Alabama. He was the son of Green and Fannie LeCroy Mancil. Clemy was a first cousin to Robert Franklin Mancil, husband to Ada Madaris. Margaret and Clemy had two sons. After Clem's death Margaret married 2) Dan Holmes, and they had one child.

Willie Catherine Madaris (11) born 19 Feb. 1920, d. 1967. She is buried at Sandfield Cemetery at the foot of her parents. She married Alvie Garrett Rodgers. They had no children. Alvie had two children from a previous marriage that they raised.

William and Ada, are buried in the Sandfield Cemetery , located at Zebulon Baptist Church on Hwy. 223 in Banks, Alabama.

(CR: 1910 Pike Co., Alabama; 1920 Pike Co., Alabama.)

(credits 00, 145, 216 photo provided by Linda Mancil Jordan)

Thomas Washington Joshua Madaris (10), (William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5) was born 22 May 1872, in Coweta County, near Newnan, Georgia.

Thomas lived in an area of Coweta County, Georgia, Thomas & Lela Madaris known as the Panthers Creek District. He worked in the Cotton Mill in Sargent, west of Newnan, near the Carroll County, line. He married Lela Jane Terrell on 10 Nov. 1896 in Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia. Lela was the daughter of Willis and Temperance Maggie Giles Terrell. Lela was born in Douglas County, in Aug. 1877.

Thomas and Lela moved to Fishcreek, Georgia around the turn of the century where most of their children were born. Thomas was the Justice of the Peace for some time near Cedartown, Georgia. Sometime later in the 20's they moved to Egan Park, Georgia, now known as East Point, where he worked at the Gate City Cotton Mill. They lived in the mill houses known as Mill Village. He worked as the gate watchman for the mill. This is in the area of Central Avenue and East Taylor Avenue and Willingham Dr.

Around 1930 Thomas and Lela separated and the circumstances are unknown. This was the the era of the Great Depression and many strains were placed on families. He moved to Atlanta with Ms. Fannie Wallace at 445 Crews Street. After the separation, Lela moved in with their eldest son, William Porter Madaris. They lived in Cedar Hill, Georgia, between Cedartown and Rockmart, Georgia. William and his family moved to Sand Mountain, Alabama, where Lela lived until her death on 25 Nov. 1943 in DeKalb County, Alabama. She is buried at Lusk Chapel in Dawson, Alabama, on Sand Mountain with William Porter and his family.

Thomas died on 05 Jan. 1933 according to his death certificate, of stomach cancer, at the age of 60. He is buried in Douglasville, Georgia, in the Chapel Hill Baptist Church cemetery next to Fannie Wallace. Although it is believed that they were not officially married, it is believed they were considered common law at the time. She is listed as Mrs. T. W. Madaris on his funeral bill. The cemetery is located at the intersection of Annewakee Rd. and Chapel Hill Rd.

Thomas and Lela had the following children:

William Porter Madaris (11) b. 2 Oct. 1898, d. 88 Nov. 1947 in DeKalb County, Alabama. He married Lenora Aldridge in Haralson Co, Georgia on 02 June 1918. She was born 6 Jun 1900. They are buried on Sand Mountain with his mother Lela. (CR: 1920 Polk Co., GA)

Jesse Lee Madaris (11) b. 25 Oct. 1904, died in 1973. He married 1) Madalin "Mattie" Lou Jones 2) Grace ????.

James Henry Madaris (11) b. 25 Apr 1908, d. 17 Nov. 1987. He married 1) Lillie Pearl Ruth Smith, 2) Dorothy Horton Beardon, 3) Mattie Pugh Bishop.

Melvin Joshua Madaris (11) b. 30 Sept. 1911, d. 16 Oct. 1980 in Rome, Floyd County, Georgia. Melvin married Lois Geneva ???? . She was b. 12 Apr. 1909; d. Sept. 1991 in Floyd County, Georgia. They are both buried in the Flint Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Aragon Ga.

Dorothy Dean Madaris (11) b. 6 Jan 1915. She married Hughy Brannon in Nov. 1929 (14 yrs old). In 1930 they lived in Cartersville, Bartow County, Georgia. Her brothers James and Jesse were living as boarders in 1930, working at the cotton mill along with Hughey. It is uncertain what happened to Dorothy after 1930. Family stories were that she ran away with Hughey Brannon and was never heard from again.

(CR: 1920 Polk Co., Georgia. Lela Jane Terrell 1880 Douglas Co., Georgia)

( credits 00,01 & 02 )

John Russell Madaris (10) (John Thomas 9, William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 25 May 1878, d. 21 Feb. 1928, married Minnie Duncan. Minnie was b. 01 Sept. 1888, d. 15 Aug. 1974. John is buried in the City of Fayetteville, Ga. Cemetery next to his mother Elizabeth. Minnie is likely buried in Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia.

John and Minnie had the following children according to the census records:

Loressa Madaris (11) b. 1906

John D. Madaris (11) b. 18 Aug. 1907, d. Nov. 1986 in Griffin, Spalding County, GA.

James Madaris (11) b. 10 Jun 1915; d. Sept 1960

Willie Madaris (11) b. 04 Sept. 1916, d. 26 Jan. 1991 in Fairburn, Fulton County, GA.

Vera E. Madaris (11) b. 1920

(CR: 1900 Fayette Co., GA under Elizabeth, 1910 Spalding Co., GA)

( credits 00 )

If you are familiar with John R. and / or Minnie, Please contact me at
kellcin@mindspring.com

Charles Thomas Madaris (10) ( William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 03 Dec. 1893 in Troy, Alabama;, d. 08 July 1970. Married Martha Lavinia Ferguson on 07 Mar. 1919. She was b. 10 Oct 1898, d. 21 Oct 1979.

The photograph is of Charles during World War I. Contributed by Wanda Madaris Fulton (credits 130).

Charlie was the stand-in father for his family. After his father's death, Charlie took in all of his brother's a sister along with his aging mother. He cared for a very large extended family and provided for them all. He was the rock for this family and deserves great admiration for all he did.

Charlie and Martha had the following children:

Daisy Pearl Madaris (11) b. 13 Dec 1919. She married George Howell Styles on 25 May 1940 in Jasper, Ala., Walker County. He died 06 Sept. 2001. George is buried in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

John Thomas Madaris (11) b. 31 Aug. 1921, d. 03 June 1922, buried New Bethel Cemetery, Banks, Ala., Pike County.

Nellie Ruth Madaris (11) b. 31 Oct 1922; d. 09 Aug. 2007, married Joseph Leldon Lawson on 24 Jan 1942 in Columbus, Mississippi.

Charles Thomas Madaris Jr. (11) b. 02 Jan. 1925, d. 18 Jan. 1979. Buried in Braggs, Ala. He married Sarah Lanell Till on 01 Mar 1947 in Selma, Dallas County, Alabama.

James Earl Madaris (11) b. 23 Jan.1927, d.14 Dec. 1974, he is buried Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. He married Sarah Benton on 30 May 1954 in Enterprise, Ala.

Vera Evelyn Madaris (11) b. 23 March 1928, d. 20 Dec 1998. She is buried in Braggs, Ala. She married Joe Brislin Gates on 27 May 1945 in Braggs, Ala., Lowndes County.

Margaret Erline Madaris (11) b.7 Aug 1929, married William Clark Luckie Jr. on 13 June 1947 in Braggs, Ala., Lowndes County.

Frances Lavinia Madaris (11) b.10 Aug. 1933, married Joseph Franklin Stanford in Selma, Ala., Dallas County.

Donald Lee Madaris (11) b. 6 July 1939, married Kay Weldon on 30 June 1979 in Texas.

(CR: 1920 Pike Co., Alabama)

(credits 04, 08, 09, 130 )

John Henry Madaris (10) ( William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 24 Jan. 1906, d. 24 Sept. 1967 in Winn, Clarke County, Ala. He married Ruby Mae Roberts, 23 Feb 1935. She was the daughter of William Jefferson and Ida McCloskey Roberts . Ruby was b. 07 Aug 1916 in Winn, Alabama, Clarke County, d. 14 Oct 1991 in Stapleton, Alabama, Baldwin County at the age of 75.

After his father's death, John Henry worked with his older brother Charlie, in the Sawmill business, eventually moving to Stapleton. John died at the age of 61 and is buried Bay Minette, Alabama, Pine Grove Cemetery.

John and Ruby had 3 boys.

William Madaris (11)

Raymond Earl Madaris (11)

Johnnie Madaris (11)

Obituary: Mobile Register: 30 September 1967

John Henry Madaris 61 of Stapleton, who died Sunday, in the Mobile Infirmary, was buried Tuesday in the Pine Grove Cemetery, following rites in the Pine Grove Holiness Church, near Bay Minette. The retired civil service employee of Brookley Air Base, who was a native of Troy, Ala., is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruby Madaris, Stapleton; three sons, William Madaris, and Raymond Earl Madaris, both of Stapleton and Sgt. Johnnie Madaris, Ft. Lewis, Washington; two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Brown, Kissemme, Fla. and Mrs. Lena Ham, Meridian, Mill., and two brothers, Jessie Madaris, Demopolis, Ala., Perry Madaris, Banks AL

( credits 177, 179 )

John De Curtis Madaris (10) ( Charles B. 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 07 Mar. 1893 in Maplesville, Alabama. He married Sallie Maybelle Gunter. Described as a robust man who worked for a company building railroad cars for US Flag 40 years. According to those who knew him, he was the strongest man they ever saw. It was said he could pull and set two railroad ties alone. He would hold up the door to a freight car while someone else screwed it to the frame. He could carry freight car jacks, one in each hand and stick them under the car and jack it up by himself. He drank too much and became infamous in the bars of Alexandria, VA for being a person who could do anything physical if challenged. Someone once saw him break a brick by bending it !!

John fought in World War I and was assigned to the 306th Signal Battalion. He registered for the draft in 1942 and listed his employer as "Fruit Growers of America".

They had the following children:

John De Curtis Madaris Jr. (11) b.19 May 1923

Francelle Madaris (11)

Charles R. Madaris (11)

Robert Marion Madaris (11)

( credits 04, 83 ) (Photo courtesy of John C. Madaris, Grandson of John De. Sr., cropped for display on this site.)

James Buchanan Madaris (10) ( Charles B. 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 31 Aug. 1894 in Childon County, Alabama; d. 14 Feb. 1962. Married Pearl Katherine Reid who was b. 03 Aug. 1902. When James registered for WWI, he was working for "Wash Southern RR" and was living in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1942 James and family was living at 220 S. Alfred St, Alexandria, Virginia when he registered for the WWII Draft. His listed his occupation as "Gen. Chairman of B.R.C. of A; F.G.E. - W.F.E. & B.R.E. Washington. James was described as medium height, medium build with blue eyes and brown hair.

James and Pearl had the following children:

Virginia Adeline Madaris (11)

Julius Franklin Madaris (10) ( Charles B. 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 08 June 1897 in Randolph County, Alabama; d. 02 Jul. 1974 in Fultondale, Jefferson County, Alabama. Julius married Ruth Sadera Lawley on 01 Feb. 1918. Ruth was b. 05 June 1900, d. 26 June 1980. They are both buried in Trussville, Alabama, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

When Julius registered for WWI, he was living in Randolph, Alabama and was working for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company. He was described as tall, medium build with blue eyes and brown hair. Julius was later a Coal Miner.

Julius and Ruth had the following children.

Carl "Sonny" Franklin Madaris (11) b. 4 Jan 1919, d. 17 Jan 1976. married Willie Ruth Walthall on 03 Oct. 1950 in Iuka, Mississippi. Carl retired from the US Navy. Carl is buried in Moncrief Cemetery, Gardendale, Alabama.

Joseph "Joe" Edward Madaris (11) married 1) Manane Moreland, 2) Pat ????

Mary Francis Madaris (11) b. 30 Jan. 1920, d. 13 Aug. 1980. She married Joseph Marion Church on 14 Mar. 1942. Joseph was b. 19 Aug. 1916, d. 19 Aug. 1971. Mary is buried in Union Grove Cemetery, Chilton Co Alabama.

Ruth Lenora Madaris (11) married Leon Wiggins.

William "Bill" Edward Madaris (11) married Mary ????.

Doris Faye Madaris (11) married Robert Crocker.

Robert Curtis Madaris (11) b. 04 Oct. 1927; d. 10 May 2006. He married 1) Alice Jean Vedell, 2) Martha Laverne Walton.

Jeanette Madaris (11) married 1) Herbert Mealer 2) Frank Powell.

(CR: 1920 Bibb Co., Alabama)

Mamie Madaris (10) ( Charles B. 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 07 Dec. 1903, d. 07 Dec. 1996 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She married 1) Carl Archibald, 2) Sam Davis. They lived in Pickens County, Alabama, near Gordo.

Mamie and Carl had four children:

Charles Bruce Archibald (11) b. 07 Dec. 1923, d. ?/?/??. He lived in Jemison, Chilton Co., Alabama. Charles was a disabled American veteran. He enlisted in U S Army on 08 Dec. 1941.

Zula Vernell Archibald (11) b. 02 June 1925 in Pickens Co., Alabama, d. 15 June 1988 in Mobile, AL. Zula married Robert Fred Ware , Jr., b. 28 July 1930 in Toxey, Choctaw Co., AL, d. 14 Aug. 1997, in Millry, Washington Co., AL.

James Marvin Archibald (11)

Carl Tucker Archibald (11) never married

(credits 04, 108)

James William Medearis (10) (Christian Penner 9 , James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 23 Apr 1879 in Woodson, Kansas. James married 1) Nellie Della Butler, 27 June 1899 in Belmont Township, Kansas. Nellie was born 30 Dec 1882 d.01 Aug. 1912. She was the daughter of Eliza J. Gehr Butler Medearis, and the step sister to his father.

James and Nellie had the following children:

Orval Oliver Medearis (11) b. 15 Apr 1901

Lloyd Alfonso Medearis (11) b. 20 mar 1903

Raymond Medearis (11) b.& d. July 1912

James disappeared in Toronto, Kansas in 1916. He left home to catch at train to visit his ill brother, Fred, he never arrived and his disappearance remained a mystery until it was recently solved by DNA testing. The grandchildren of James tested their DNA and connected to our Medearis family. They contacted this site and research into this Smith family history, locations and dates discovered the true identity of their grandfather.

It is unknown what circumstances brought about a name change, but James changed his name to James Benjamin Smith. He remarried to 2) Caroline Elizabeth Richards Bester, the widow of a Fred Bester and daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Webber Richards of Ogallah, Trego Co., Kansas. They were married 02 July 1920 in Craig, Moffat Co., Colorado.

Jim and Caroline had one child:

William James Smith (11) b. 18 Mar. 1924; d. 28 Feb 1993. He married Olive Jean Kline on 22 Oct 1950, at the First Baptist Church, in Craig, Moffat Co., Colorado. They are buried in Craig Cemetery, Craig, Moffat Co., Colorado.

James Benjamin Smith d. 12 May 1950 in Denver Colorado of brain cancer. He is buried in Craig Cemetery, Craig, Moffat Co., Colorado.

(CR: 1900 Woodson Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 50, 51, 269)

Albert Lonzo Medearis (10) (Christian Penner 9 , James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles ) b. 3 Jun 1881 in Kansas. d. 4 Aug. 1960 in Union City, Oklahoma. He married 21 Feb. 1901 to Daisy Maneveria Pendley b. 11 July 1880 d. 31 May 1965.

Albert and Daisy had the following children:

Hazel Mae Medearis (11) b. 1 Apr 1901

Iva Myrtle Medearis (11) b. 18 Nov. 1902

Viola Maudie Medearis (11) b. 23 May 1905

Leo Lewis Medearis (11) b. 7 Mar 1907

Marie Medearis (11) b. 22 July 1909

Genevieve Maxine Medearis (11) b. 8 June 1912

Edith Delno Medearis (11) b. 8 Sept. 1915

Fred Ray Medearis (10) (Christian Penner 9 , James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) born 23 Apr 1887 in Kansas; died 9 Feb. 1932, in Woodburn, Oregon. He married Pearle B. Laymeyer, 25 Mar 1908 in Woodson Co., Kansas. She was born 16 Feb. 1887 in Iowa; died 02 Jun 1861 in Oregon. They moved to Oregon in 1930. Fred is buried in Belle Passe Cemetery south of Woodburn, Oregon.

Pearl is listed in one source as "Waymire".

Fred and Pearle had the following children:

Roy Eugene Medearis (11) b. 29 Dec 1908 in Rose, Woodson County, Kansas; d. 02 May 1997, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon. He married Violet Mae Hobbs on 07 April 1928 in Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas, daughter of John and Josephine Lillie Hobbs. She was born 29 Feb. 1912 on a farm South of Toronto, Woodson County, Kansas, and died 03 Dec. 2000 in Gladstone, Oregon. They are both buried in Aurora Cemetery, Aurora, Oregon.

Chester Harvey Medearis (11) b. 07 Jan 1911 in Kansas; d. 10 Dec 1962. Married Lola Bea Holeman in Vancouver, Washington in 1942.

Russel Leon Medearis (11) b. 25 Jun 1913 in Kansas. He married 1) Geneva Taylor 18 Feb. 1936. They divorced and he married 2) Marion Farrell 3) Mary Howe.

Thelma Edna Medearis (11) b. 25 Aug. 1915in Kansas; married Ed Nelson.

Myrtle Mae Medearis (11) b. 8 Nov. 1917 in Kansas; married Kenneth Hankins in June 1939.

Raymond A. Medearis (11) b. 7 Feb. 1921 in Kansas; married Rosenna Norten.

(CR: 1910 Woodson Co., Kansas)

(credits 50, 51, 226)

Nancy Caroline Bell Medearis (10) ( John Wood 9 , James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 10 June 1879 in Woodson County, Kansas; d. 10 June 1971 in Modesto, California. Nancy married Charles Wesley Dixon on 02 Dec 1901 in Eureka, Kansas. Nancy was known as Carrie Dixon to her family.

Carrie and Charles had the following children:

Mark Lamota Dixon (11)

Pauletta Dixon (11) b. Feb. 9, 1904 d March 15, 1904.

Charles Wilbur Dixon (11)

Georgia Winona Dixon (11) b. 29 July 1912 Yates Center, Woodson Co. KS, d. 15 Oct 2001 Oakdale, Stanislaus Co. CA. She married Edward MacPhail Jr. on 06 July 1935 Oakland, CA.

Wanda Leona Dixon (11)

(credits 191)

Ennis Sylvester Medearis (10) ( John Wood 9 , James Wood 8 , Malachi 7 , Thomas 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 6 July 1882 in Woodson County, Kansas, d. 1 Jan 1939 in Wichita, Kansas. He married Charlottie Eliza Hollinger 28 June 1911. She was born 5 Aug. 1888 d. 25 Dec 1937.

Ennis and Charlottie had the following children:

Merton Lenorel Medearis (11) b. 31 Mar 1912 in Rose, Woodson Co., Kansas. He married Florence Irene Balentine 27 May 1931 in Wellington, Sumner Co., Kansas. She was the daughter of Alphus and Lelia Clark Ballantine . Merton died 15 January 1995 in Colton, San Bernandino Co., California.

Celia Mearl Medearis (11) b. 9 July 1915 in Britt, Iowa. She married 1) ???????? 2) George O. Long.

(CR: 1910 Woodson Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 130, 145, 216)

Generation 11

Mary Lee Nora Madaris (11) (William Fletcher 10 , William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 10 May 1897, in Coffee County, Alabama, d. 13 May 1976. She lived in Columbus, GA most of her life and is buried at Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia. She married 1) John Harvey Alexander , b. 08 Jan. 1880 in Bullock County, AL.

Mary and John had the following children.

Inez Alexander (12) b. 31 Aug. 1914, d. Jan. 1998 at the age of 84.

Harvey Leslie Alexander (12) b. 06 Jan. 1916, d. 08 May 1946 at the age of 30. He is buried in Banks, Alabama at the Old Farm Cemetery. He married 1) Pearl Frances Elizabeth Herring, 2) Grace ????.

Daisy Hilda Alexander (12) b. 24 Mar. 1917; d. 16 May 2005 at the age of 88. Buried at Lakeview Memory Gardens, Phoenix City, Alabama.

Emmalee Nora Alexander (12) b. 17 Nov. 1920; d. 01 Jan. 1999 at the age of 79. She is buried in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia.

After John Harvey died she married 2) ??? ????. It is unknown what happened to ???? but Mary married 3) Richard Ellison.

Gene Alexander, grandson of Mary Lee Nora and son of Harvey Lester, shares this story:

After John Harvey died as the result of a fall from a runaway horse and wagon, Nora (as she was called) was not welcomed at the Alexander Farm in Banks, Alabama. She picked up her four little children and moved to Columbus, Georgia where work was available. She found work at the then, Jordan Textile Mill. In order to survive during that period of time, she put her three girls in the Elizabeth Shepherd Home for Girls and sent her son, my dad, Harvey to St. Simon’s Island to a Boys Home. She met and married a man named Mr. Rufus Kitchens. Mr. Kitchens had no desire or finances to raise the four children so Nora was forced to leave them in the Homes until they were 18 years old. Harvey, eventually, ran away from St. Simons and with the signature of his mother, Nora, he enlisted in the U.S. Army....at age 16. The three girls eventually graduated from the school as ESHG and went on to marry and create families of their own. Nora, on the other had went from the “frying pan into the fire.” After Rufus Kitchens died, she met and married Richard Ellison. Nora died in Columbus, Georgia May 13, 1978.

(credits 00, 130, 145)

Ada Eudora Madaris (11) ( William Fletcher 10 , William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 12 Aug. 1900; d. 21 Oct. 1969. She married Robert Franklin Mancil on 08 Mar. 1916 in Georgetown, Georgia. They ran away because she was only 15 at the time and he was 39 or 40. It can only assume that her family didn't approve of the marriage because of the age difference but they stayed married until he died in 1959. She never remarried. He was b. 03 Apr. 1876 and d. 30 June 1959, buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, near Banks, Alabama.

Ada and Robert had the following children:

J. B. Mancil (12) b. 03 Dec. 1917 and d. 24 Nov. 1954. He married Alma Florence Rodgers.

Willie Frank Mancil (12) b. 30 May 1919 and d. May 1981.

( credits 216, 145)

Samuel Alfred Fletcher Madaris (11) ( William Fletcher 10 , William Alfred 9 , William Fletcher 8 , Thomas 7 , John 6 , Charles 5 ) b. 02 Mar. 1902 in Alabama, d. Feb. 1975 in Montgomery County, Alabama. (from Social Security Death Index =SSN# 416-28-1175) He married 1) Rodie Bell Davenport, 08 April 1923 in Pike Co., Alabama. She was b. abt 1906.

Samuel and Rodie had the following known children:

Willie Richard Madaris (12) b. 1925, he married Queen Nell Scarborough. They have three boys. Willie enlisted into the United States Army on 21 November 1945.

Mildred Lucille Madaris (12) married ???? Register.

Ethel Frances Madaris (12) b. 1937 died at 5 weeks.

The following obituary appeared in Montgomery (Alabama) Advertiser 3/12/37.

TROY, ALA., March 11.-- (Special)

Ethel Frances Madaris, 5 weeks old, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Fletcher Madaris near Josie. Surviving are her parents, one brother, Willie Madaris; two sisters Lucile and Katherine Madarie; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs Willie Madaris and Mr. and Mrs Green Mansell. Funeral was held from the Wesley Chapel Church on Wednesday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. H. A. Screws pastor of the Methodist Church at Banks officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetary with Rhodes Funeral Home in Charge.

Rodie died and Fletcher married 2) Willie Alma Mancil, daughter of Green and Fanny LeCroy Mancil. They were married 10 Oct. 1931 in Troy, Pike County, Alabama.

Fletcher and Fannie had the following children:

Katherine Madaris (12) married Ed Kilpatrick.

Fletcher Madaris Jr. (12) b. 18 Nov. 1935; d. 06 Dec. 1935. Buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Pike Co., Alabama.

Sybil Madaris (12) married Michener "Mickey" Griffin.

Collene Madaris (12) married D.L Mulkey.

Betty Mae Madaris (12) married Johnny Mulkey.

Samuel Alfred Madaris (12) married Linda ????.

Jesse Lee Madaris (11) (Thomas W J 10, William Alfred 9, William Fletcher 8, Thomas 7, John 6, Charles 5) b. 25 Oct. 1904, died in 1973. He married 1) Madalin "Mattie" Lou Jones b. 26 May 1906, d. 17 Jan 1987. They were married 19 Mar 1922. He was 17 and she was 14. She is buried in Hill Crest Cemetery in East Point, Ga.

Jesse and Mattie had the following known children:

James Thomas Madaris (12) b. 20 July 1925; d. 24 Jan. 1927 in Fulton County, Georgia. He died of measles and pneumonia at their home in College Park, Georgia. He is buried in the College Park Cemetery.

He married 2) Grace ????.