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.