Black Sheep Sunday - Part 7 (1944-1946) of From small town Georgia boy to notorious Texas (and beyond!) con man

 This post is the 7th in a series of posts about the life of my cousin and con man Elridge Solomon Price, Sr.  You can find the other installments here:  Part 1,  Part 2, Part 3, Part 4,  Part 5 and Part 6.

At the beginning of 1944, Elridge is 50 years old.  Things start out quiet that year, but he still has tax problems.

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Saturday, May 06, 1944, Page 11

Because this sale was never mentioned in the newspaper again, I do not know if it actually went through.  Elridge seemed to have some miracles stuck up his sleeve, so maybe he managed to pay the taxes before the sale was completed.  Again, I do not know.  

Then in December, it is "here we go again."  Edith filed for divorce... for the third time.  

Newspapers.com, The Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Wednesday, December 13, 1944, Page 11

"Eldridge Price

Defendant In
Divorce Suit

Ten minutes after a jury in coun-
ty court had found him sane, Eld-
ridge S. Price, oil man of Austin,
was named defendant in a divorce
and injunction suit filed in 53rd
district court by his wife, Mrs.
Edith W. Price, and Wednesday
had been restrained by Judge J.
Harris Gardner from interfering
and annoying his wife and their
two children, Jeamisean Edith
Price, nine-year-old daughter, and
Sterling W. Price, 15-year-old son.

Also named defendants in the
injunction phase of the suit were
L. Novy of Austin and Mrs. Jane
Weller Hill of San Antonio, whom
the plaintiff asserted are holding
part of the couple's business prop-
erty in trust for them and also were
placed under a restraining order
against disposing of any part of
this property.

Price was acquitted by a jury in
the county court late Tuesday aft-
ernoon on a lunacy complaint filed
in that court on Dec. 7 by Mrs.
Edith Wynn Price. The acquittal
came after extended testimony.

Judge Gardner set down for
hearing the application for injunc-
tion on Friday at 9 a. m. Pending
that time the restraining order
signed by the court will be in ef-
fect.

In her petition for divorce, Mrs.
Price alleged cruel treatment. She
seeks monthly support of $100 for
the two children until they reach
the age of 16.

The petition recited the couple
were married in Jackson, Miss.,
Feb. 19, 1917, and that they lived
together intermittently as husband
and wife until Dec. 5, 1944. During
their marriage, the petition further
set out, Mr. and Mrs. Price ac-
quired certain real estate, leases,
stocks, bonds, oil field equipment
and supplies, automobiles and nu-
merous other items of property,
part of which is located in Runnels
county and in other counties of
Texas; a home at 1508 Enfield road
which Mrs. Price said is reasonably
worth $15,000, and furnishings in
that home reasonably worth $5,000.
Petitioner gave the value of prop-
erty other than the home at $100,-
000.

In her petition, Mrs. Price seeks
to require her husband to file un-
der oath an inventory and appraise-
ment of all property, real and per-
sonal, and asks the court to enter
an order partitioning the property
between her and her husband."

    - Transcription by Google Gemini

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Thursday, December 14, 1944, Page 14

The hearing was continued.

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Thursday, December 21, 1944, Page 6

What transpired on January 2, 1945 is unknown, but on January 11, it was noted that the temporary restraining order was continued in force pending hearing for temporary injunction.

A decision was announced in the newspaper on February 4:

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Sunday, February 04, 1945, Page 4

While I am trying to keep my personal opinion out of this, I am amazed that any court in the land at that time would award Elridge custody of a child.  Even without knowing what was coming next, it is unbelievable.  

In March, we find out that Elridge is in trouble with the courts again.

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Friday, March 16, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Thursday, March 22, 1945, Page 8

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Friday, March 23, 1945, Page 18

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Monday, March 26, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, The Ponca City News, Ponca City, Oklahoma,
Tuesday, March 27, 1945, Page 1

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Tuesday, March 27, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, April 02, 1945, Page 1

So when Elridge is pulled out of a hotel room in Fort Worth and taken to jail, where is his son, Sterling?

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, April 03, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Wednesday, April 11, 1945, Page 14

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Wednesday, April 25, 1945, Page 14

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Thursday, April 26, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, April 02, 1945, Page 1

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Saturday, April 28, 1945, Page 1

Newspapers.com, The Waco Times-Herald, Waco, Texas,
Saturday, April 28, 1945, Page 1

Newspapers.com, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas,
Monday, April 30, 1945, Page 2

Newspapers.com, The Austin American, Austin, Texas,
Tuesday, May 01, 1945, Page 2

Elridge has unlimited "tricks" up his sleeve, apparently.  

Well, this concludes years 1944-1946 in the ongoing saga that was Elridge Solomon Price Sr.'s life.  I must stop here because 1947 was a doozy of a year, and this part is long enough.  Until next time...

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - How Do You Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools?

  From Randy (my cousin) over at Genea-Musings:

it's Saturday Night - 

time for more Genealogy Fun!!!

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1)  How do you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to help you understand the lives, history, and geography associated with your family and y our ancestors, that aid your genealogy and family history research?

2)  Please share the ways (at least one way!) that you use AI tools in your genealogy and family history research.

3) Please share your post or information as a comment or in your own blog post!

Here's mine:

I use AI quite often.  Almost every day. My favorite at this time is Google Gemini.  It is convenient because I am always in Google Chrome, and it is actually quite good.  I use Gemini to transcribe documents (Yes, I always proofread the AI work carefully!), answer questions about my ancestors' jobs, explain legal or medical terms, explain military rank, provide historical events for time lines, etc.  All of these details help in writing my blog posts.  

I also use Gemini for personal questions, too.  How to best store potatoes; how to clear the data on an old Motorola cell phone; and how to insert a text box in Google Docs is just a few of the questions I have asked Gemini in just the last couple of weeks.  I have also used AI to write cover letters for job applications, prepare forms, and most importantly, to ask who was the cast in Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video.  Because inquiring minds want to know.  When I wanted sonogram pictures of my puppy (don't judge me - it was a Facebook trend), I asked Gemini, and it referred me to Microsoft's Bing Image Creator to make the images for free.  They turned out adorable.

I do occasionally use ChatGPT, usually for images or if Gemini is having a bad hallucination day.   I ran into an issue with Gemini once about creating a timeline of my nephew's life.  Gemini continually printed incorrect dates, names, and other things even when I pointed out the errors.  That's when I moved over to Chat GPT and it did a great timeline for me without all the hallucinations or errors.  

Sometimes I use Claude. I have had good luck with its transcription of documents.

I know I do not use AI to its full potential.  I have not paid for any subscription plans - I only use the free plans.  So far that has been all I have needed. I do not understand all the different versions for images, etc. because I haven't researched them yet.  I have not branched out to the Family Search Full-Text Search (though I want to!). It is on my to do list to look into other AI sites and see what they have to offer.

For me, AI has improved my daily life.  I have embraced the technology and look forward to using it more.

Sympathy Saturday

    Sympathy Saturday will be where I share the obituaries and my condolences for members of my family tree who passed recently.  When you get to be a certain age, you begin to read the obituaries every day.  As the days go by, you read about more and more of your friends and family members who have died.  You compare their age to your own and get a jolt. "That could have been me." 

    For genealogists, checking obituaries and visiting cemeteries is as normal as breathing. I learn so much from an obituary, i.e., maiden names, parents' names; children's' and grandchildren's' names, funeral and burial locations, sometimes even a cause of death.  I want to learn these things not for any purpose but to put it on the family tree for future generations to see and learn about the family that went before them. I admit, most of these relatives I have never met, but I think it is important to share that they were here on this Earth, and they were important.

    So I am signed up with at least three funerals homes from Swainsboro, Vidalia, and Wrightsville to get daily notices of obituaries sent to my email.  Every day, I peruse them and with the help of the family tree, figure out who is related to me and add any new information to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a several weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

John Ridgely Tapley

December 18, 1946 - July 29, 2026

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Radney Funeral Home - Alexander City on Jul. 31, 2026.

Graveside Service for Mr. John Tapley, 79, of Jackson's Gap, will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Hillview Memorial Park. Marvin Wagoner will officiate.

Mr. Tapley passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Russell Medical. He was born on December 18, 1946, in Alexander City, Alabama to Albert Tapley and Connie Johnson Tapley. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Alexander City.

A proud and dedicated patriot, John honorably served his country in the United States Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) after a distinguished military career. He first served as a medic in the US Army 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), completing advanced medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he provided critical care and support to fellow service members. He later transitioned to the 214th Military Police Company, continuing his commitment to protecting and serving others.

Throughout his military career, John answered the call wherever needed. He served the people of Alabama during times of disaster, assisting with flood and hurricane relief efforts, and later deployed during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. On February 26, 1991, he participated in the historic Battle of 73 Easting, one of the most significant armored battles since World War II. His courage, dedication, and unwavering sense of duty reflected the values he carried throughout his life and left a legacy of honor, service, and sacrifice that will never be forgotten.

Following his passion, John also made a lifelong commitment to protecting others by serving with the Alabama State Troopers, where he retired with the rank of Corporal.

After retiring from law enforcement, John continued to excel in the private sector, building a successful career with Wells Fargo, where, after yet another successful 20-year stint, he retired as Vice President of Corporate Securities.

While his career was marked by remarkable accomplishments, those who knew John best will remember that he also knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. He never turned down an opportunity to island hop through the Caribbean, spend a week aboard a catamaran, or make time for a tailgate outside Jordan-Hare. His adventurous spirit, infectious sense of humor, and love for making memories brought joy to everyone.

Above all else, his greatest pride and deepest love were reserved for family. He shared fifty-eight wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Kay. He was a loving and dedicated father to his two children and a proud grandfather to his two grandchildren, who were among his greatest blessings. Whether offering wisdom, sharing stories, or simply enjoying time together, he cherished every moment with those he loved.

John's life was defined by service-to his country, his state, his community, and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and quiet heroism that will be remembered for generations.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Tapley; daughter, Kristy (Tommy) Hunter; son, Reid Tapley; grandchildren, Emma Tapley and Hank Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Ridgley Tapley.

Judy Ralph Tapley

July 12, 1954 - August 9, 2026

Casper, Wyoming

Judy Tapley peacefully passed away on August 9, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Judy was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 12, 1954, to Wallace and Jean Tapley. She was blessed with two siblings, Olin and Peggy, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and family experiences.

From an early age, Judy had a mischievous spirit and a knack for keeping life interesting. In her younger years, she loved wreaking a little havoc—often leaving her father, who was Bernalillo County Sheriff at the time, shaking his head while secretly smirking with pride. Judy was never afraid to be herself, and that independent spirit remained a part of who she was throughout her life.

Judy had four children: Sally and Samantha with Roger Smith, and Charles and Tiffany with Monty Chamblee. While family relationships were complicated over the years, each of her children remains a part of her story and legacy.

Judy was also incredibly knowledgeable when it came to automobiles. In her younger years, she had a remarkable talent for auto mechanics and could practically rebuild a carburetor in her sleep. She was smart, capable, resourceful, and never afraid to get her hands dirty or figure something out for herself.

In the late 1990s, Judy met the love of her life, Tommy Sanchez. The two built a beautiful life and home together and were married in 2012. Their years together brought companionship, love, and many cherished memories.

Judy was also a lifelong cat lover. She had a special place in her heart for her animals and leaves behind her beloved little boy, Chubby, who was a cherished companion.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Jean Tapley; her beloved husband, Tommy Sanchez; and her granddaughter, Sierra.

She is survived by her siblings, Olin (Woodi) Tapley of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Peggy (Albert) Armijo of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her children, Sally (Cooder) Frazier, Samantha (Karl) Fanning, Charles (Gen) Chamblee, and Tiffany (Bennie) Chamblee; her grandchildren, Vanessa, Isaac, Angelique, Brittany, Riella, Aiden, Caleb, and Tristan; dear friends Mike, Nicki, and Myke; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Judy's wishes were that there be no formal funeral services. Instead, those who knew her are invited to remember her in their own way and to share the stories and memories that made her uniquely Judy.

For those who would like to share a memory or story about Judy with her family, written memories may be mailed to:

C/O Tiffany Chamblee

599 Westshore

Casper, Wyoming 82601

Judy lived life on her own terms, leaving behind a complicated, colorful, and unforgettable story. She will be remembered by those whose lives she touched and will be deeply missed.

Friday Faces from the Past

 

Lewis M. Goodwin

born 1831 in Spencer County, Kentucky, USA

died 1914 in Labette County, Kansas, USA

and his wife,

Susan Graham Goodwin
born 1834 in Kentucky, USA
died 1899 in Edna, Labette County, Kansas. USA

Treasure Chest Thursday

 

This blue/green pitcher belonged to my great-grandmother, Bessie Alice Carter Ranney (1883-1960).  She was my mother's beloved grandmother.  

Mom told me that this pitcher sat on every breakfast table her grandmother prepared.  It was filled with cream or milk, ready to sweeten someone's morning coffee.  

It has survived and brings back good memories to my mother.

Wedding Wednesday

Judith Elise "Judy" Brown 

1941-1993

and

Homer Frank Tapley, Jr.

1937-1988

Married

March 15, 1958

in

Aiken, Aiken County, South Carolina, USA

Tuesday Timeline

Edward Plummer Drake Jr.

01 September 1918 - 10 June 1983

Georgia to California

64 years lived; 2 wars served through; 2 marriages; 5 children

A Life Timeline    

Date/Age	Event	Description
1918	Birth	01 Sep 1918 Georgia, USA
1920 Age 16 mths	Residence	Alamo, Wheeler, Georgia, USA
1921 Age 2	Birth of Sister	Carolyn Lucille Drake was born 17 Apr 1921 in Brunswick, Glynn, Georgia, USA
1924 Age 5	Birth of Brother	Robert Eldon Drake was born 29 Jan 1924 in Baconton, Mitchell, Georgia, USA
1926 Age 7	Birth of Sister	Gwendolyn Drake was born 27 May 1926 in Rochelle, Wilcox, Georgia, USA
1929 Age 11	Stock Market Crash	The Stock Market Crash of 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, was the most devastating crash in U.S. history. For 10 years after the crash all western industrialized countries were affected by an economic slump.
1929 Age 11	The Great Depression (1929-1941)	The Great Depression was a worldwide economic downturn that started with the stock market crash. The depression varied in countries around the world but generally started in 1929 and lasted until the beginning of World War II. Unemployment rose to 25% in the U.S. and as high as 33% in other countries. Countries whose jobs primarily came from industry suffered the most. The Great Depression was the largest economic downturn in history.
1930 Age 11	Residence	Atkinson County, Georgia, USA
1930 Age 11	The Holocaust (1930-1945)	The Holocaust refers to the systematic genocide of over six million European Jews by Nazi Germany. The genocide began in stages in the early 1930’s by removing Jews from society; moving the Jews to concentration camps, where they died of slave labor and disease; moving Jews to ghettos; mass shootings in conquered territories; and finally extermination camps where most Jews who survived the journey were killed in gas chambers.
1935 Age 16	Residence	Brunswick, Glynn, Georgia, USA
1939 Age 21	World War II (1939-1945)	World War II began on 01 Sep 1939 with the German invasion of Poland. The war involved most of the world’s powers and was divided into two sides; the Allies versus the Axis. World War II changed the boundaries of war with significant actions against civilians including the Holocaust and the only use of nuclear weapons in war. 100 million military personnel were involved in the conflict. World War II was the deadliest war in history with over 70 million casualties. World War II ended in 1945 with the victory of The Allies.
1940 Age 21	Residence	Columbia, Caldwell, Louisiana, USA
1941 Age 22	Military Service	U.S. Navy, World War II
1941 Age 23	Attack on Pearl Harbor	Pearl Harbor was an attack by the Japanese Navy on the U.S. Navy Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 07 Dec 1941. The attack by the Empire of Japan was intended to stop the U.S. from intervening in the war they were planning in South East Asia. Four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk during the attack. Three cruisers, three destroyers, one minelayer, and one anti-aircraft training ship were also sunk or damaged during the attack. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,402 personnel were killed, and 1,282 personnel were wounded during the attack. The U.S. declared war on the Empire of Japan after this attack, after which Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. This propelled the U.S. into the European theater during World War II.
1942 Age 23	Marriage	Married Ruby Christina Quick (1921-2004) on 01 Feb 1942 in Escambia County, Florida, USA
1943 Age 25	Birth of Daughter	Elaine Drake was born 16 Dec 1943.
1945 Age 26	Hiroshima and Nagasaki Nuclear Bombings	Only two nuclear bombs have ever been used offensively during war. The first was detonated on the city of Hiroshima, Japan near the end of World War II on 06 Aug 1945. The second was detonated on the city of Nagasaki, Japan three days later on August 9, 1945. The bombings resulted in the immediate deaths of approximately 110,000 people, mostly civilians, and the eventual deaths of many more due to injury, acute radiation sickness, and ionizing radiation.
1947  Age 28	Birth of Son	Edward Plummer Drake III was born 19 Apr 1947 in Livermore, Alameda, California, USA
1947 Age 28	The Cold War (1947-1991)	The Cold War was an extensive period of political and military tension between the Soviet Union and the powers of the Western World, primarily the U.S. The tensions began after World War II when the U.S. and the Soviet Union disagreed about the configuration of the post war world. While the war consisted of proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, a nuclear arms race, the race to space, and military coalitions, the primary participants never officially engaged in conflict. The Cold War ended in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
1949 Age 30	Residence	New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA
1949 Age 31	Marriage	Married Doris Claire Bentley (1927-2004) on 05 Dec 1949 in Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
1950 Age 31	Residence	Naval Air Station, Barrigada, Guam, USA Military Service during Korean Conflict
1950 Age 31	Korean War (1950-1953)	The Korean War was a conflict between the Republic of Korea supported by the U.S. and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea supported by the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union. The Korean War began with the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. The war ended when an armistice was signed designating the 38th parallel as the demilitarized zone.
1952 Age 33	Birth of daughter	Carolyn Lucille Drake was born 03 Feb 1952 in Alameda County, California, USA
1955 Age 36	Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968)	The Civil Rights Movement was a movement, primarily in the Southern U.S., aimed at restoring suffrage and outlawing racial discrimination against African-Americans. During this time period non-violent protests and civil disobedience staged by activists created crisis situations for the government. Some notable protests include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, the Greensboro Sit-in, and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Notable legislation was passed during this time including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Voting Rights Act of 1965, The Immigration and Nationality Service Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
1955 Age 37	Birth of daughter	Doris Claire Drake was born 03 Nov 1955 in Los Angeles County, California, USA
1959 Age 41	Vietnam War (1959-1975)	The Vietnam War was fought between the communist forces of North Vietnam supported by China and the Soviet Union and the non-communist forces of  South Vietnam supported by the U.S. and other allies. The Viet Cong, a communist group, fought a mostly guerilla war against the South Vietnamese in the area. South Vietnam and their allies fought a mostly traditional war supported by large military airstrikes and ground offensives. The Vietnam War resulted in large casualties including 4 million Vietnamese from both sides, 1.5-2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,159 U.S. soldiers.
1960 Age 41	Residence	Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA
1963 Age 45	John F. Kennedy Assassination	President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot while riding with his wife in a Presidential motorcade near Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas on 22 Nov 1963. After a government investigation, Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the assassination but was killed before he could stand trial. President Kennedy was succeeded by his Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson.
1965 Age 47	Birth of Son	Clyde Bentley Drake was born 16 Nov 1965.
1969 Age 50	Apollo 11 Moon Landing	Apollo 11 was the first lunar mission of NASA’s Apollo program and the first space mission to land a man on the moon. The "Eagle" lunar module reached the moon on 20 Jul 1969 after which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Jr. became the first two men to walk on the moon. It is estimated that 600 million people across the world watched the broadcast of the moon landing. After conducting a number of operations on the moon, the astronauts returned safely to earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on 24 Jul 1969.
1977 Age 58	Son’s Marriage	Edward Plummer Drake III was married on 18 Jun 1977 in Los Angeles County, California, USA.
1977 Age 59	Divorce	He and Doris Claire Bentley were divorced in Sep 1977 in Los Angeles County, California, USA
1980 Age 61	Death of Father	Edward Plummer Drake Sr died on 17 Apr 1980
1983 Age 64	Death	Edward Plummer Drake Jr died 10 Jun 1983 in Contra Costa County, California, USA and was buried on 20 Jun in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA.

Rest in peace and Happy Birthday.