Friday, June 5, 2009

Favorite Family Foto Friday



It is time once again for Favorite Family Foto Friday hosted by Deborah at Pictures, Pots, Pens. Be sure to drop in on Deborah to say hello and check out Mr. Linky to enjoy other Favorite Family Foto Friday submissions.


In keeping with my Genealogy theme, I am continuing to introduce you to my Maw McDonald's maternal ancestors. My maternal grandmother was Eula Ilene Newland. Her mother was Nellie Jane Atkinson. You have met in previous posts Grandma Nellie's Daddy, David James Atkinson, and her Momma, Elizabeth Rachel Smith (Davis?).

Joseph Tid Atkinson
ca. 1900


Today, I would like you to meet Grandma Nellie's only surviving brother, Joseph Tid Atkinson. Uncle Tid was born on July 22, 1878 in McNairy County, TN. If you are unfamiliar with Tennessee, McNairy County is the home of legendary Sheriff Bufford Pusser and is one of the neighboring counties to my home in Hardeman County, TN. In the above foto, Uncle Tid is about 22 years of age.


Joseph Tid Atkinson, Melvin Thomas Newland
Eula Ilene Newland, UNKNOWN, Jennie Vilene Newland
ca. 1925-26

The above foto shows Uncle Tid with Maw McDonald and two of her siblings, Melvin and Vilene. Vilene is my Maw McDonald's twin. The other female is unknown to me at present, although I feel she is surely related due to the great resemblance in her appearance to Maw. This picture was take about 1925 or 1926. That would make Uncle Tid about 47-48 years old. Maw and Vilene are 14-15 and Melvin is 17-18. Uncle Tid worked on the family farm and was also a watch repairman by trade.


Uncle Tid with his wife, Rebecca
ca. 1931

Uncle Tid married very late in life, being just over 50 years old when he married on December 5, 1928. I have not been able to find court records to determine what county he married in. The Family Bible kept by Grandpa Atkinson, and later by Aunt Susie, contains the marriage date. He married Rebecca, who was 14 years his junior, but I have not been able to find her maiden name. It was not recorded in the Family Bible. At the time of this foto, Rebecca is pregnant with their one and only child, Janie Sue, who was born on August 14, 1931 in McNairy County, TN. I do not know who the other man and the little boy are.



Uncle Tid
ca. 1940


Joseph Tid Atkinson passed from this life on February 1, 1941 in McNairy County, TN, at the age of 62 years, 6 months and 9 days. He was buried within a small family cemetery in McNairy County. He left his wife, Rebecca and his daughter Janie Sue, who was only 9 years old at the time. To my knowledge, Rebecca never re-married. Janie Sue grew up to marry a man from McNairy County. They moved to New Mexico, taking Rebecca with them. Rebecca died in New Mexico and is buried there.

15 comments:

bj said...

Good morning, Di..
It is very interesting and great that you have all these records of your kin.
Thanks for sharing...

ClassyChassy said...

Great post today - and interesting reading about your family....wonderful tribute!

The Raggedy Girl said...

These are always so interesting and I am amazed at the amount of family knowledge you have!!

The Raggedy Girl

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

So interesting, I just love the family stores. So often people forget where they come from, what makes them who they are. It is so important to know your History or to me it is.
Thanks for sharing.

donna said...

your posts are filled with lots of family history and very interesting...I enjoy them and always wish I had more knowledge of mine...

hugs to you
donna

Pat said...

Diane, these photos are so great, they show the real life that people lived in those days. No computers, microwaves....dishwasher. Hard work, integrity and family is what got them through, and if they were blessed with the knowledge of Jesus, their trials were made a little lighter. Thanks for sharing!

Trish said...

Diane, looking at these photo's is like looking at my history too! Overall's, Work Boots. the ladies wearing hats... My family is from Stewart and Houston Counties...in Tennessee. Here in the North, we don't refer to counties, like they do in the South...these Posts always make me home sick!!!
Love,
trish

xinex said...

How nice that you possess all those vintage pics of your ancestors. That's priceless!...Christine

Angela said...

Great pictures!!! I just love reading about old family histories! Very interesting!

Samantha said...

These pictures are priceless, so many precious memories.
Love you !

Lori said...

Family histories are SO interesting! I love the old pictures. Your blog is always such a nice place to be. :)

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Diane,
I love reading your Foto Friday posts. You are so good at sharing all those interesting details and old photos!

I've been browsing through your recent posts, Diane. An enjoyable blog you have!

Hope you have a blessed first week June weekend!

Mrs. Mac said...

Great photos Diane. And your introduction is nice too. Isn't it a great past time to figure out all of the pieces to the family puzzle?

Malisa said...

Girl, you have it together when it comes to your family history!

Malisa

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

Well, you know how I love old photos...your are great and I love that you have kept track of your family history. The "unknown" surely must be family - you are right - there is such a strong resemblance!

Thank you for sharing!