Wednesday Woman

 

Let me try out a new blog post theme for Wednesdays.  In these posts, I will share information about a woman in my family tree whom I admire, know a story about, or know very little about in the hopes I will learn more from my readers.  

I am starting this series with my great-grandmother, Emma Vermell Harrell Drake (1867-1935).  She was my father's maternal grandmother, but he never knew her.  I do not know much about her, but hopefully someone out there can fill in some blanks.

Emma Vermell Harrell was born September 4, 1867 in Emanuel County, Georgia, the oldest child of William Robert Harrell (1838-1908) and Catherine M. Odom (1841-1875).  Emma's mother died when she was just 8 years old.  Her father remarried 2.5 years later and had two sons with his second wife, Winford "Mimie" Barwick (1853-1939).  

She married William John Drake (1857-1927) when she was only 15 years old on July 30, 1883.  John was 10 years older than her.  He was a widower with a 2.5 year old when he and Emma married.  I don't know for sure, but I am sure Emma raised that daughter after the marriage. They lived in the Adrian area. John was a Methodist preacher, so therefore, Emma was a preacher's wife.  

John and Emma had 9 children:

* Hattie Lay Drake (1884-1912).  

Hattie married George Wesley Wise (1883-1962) and they had one child,

        - Minne Sadie Wise (1911-1996).  

Hattie passed away from typhoid fever.  Interesting twist in that her widower, George Wesley Wise, married Hattie's half sister, her father's daughter from his first marriage, Samantha Augusta Drake (1881-1966).  He needed help raising Sadie and Samantha agreed.  

* Kenneth Catherine Drake (1886-1973)

Kenneth married Joshua Franklin Howell in 1907 and moved to South Carolina.  They had 10 children:

- Bessie Lou Howell (1909-1991)

- Luther William Howell (1912-1978)

- Louise Vermell Howell (1913-1986)

- Eula Mae Howell (1915-2001)

- Katie Marie Howell (1917-2004)

- William Thomas Howell Sr (1919-1994)

- Johnnie Doris Howell (1921-? )

- Viola Catherine Howell (1923-2019)

- Joshua Franklin Howell (Jr) (1925-?)

- Joseph Henry Howell Sr (1927-2003)

* William Lovick Drake (1892-1912) 

Lovick died from typhoid fever, same as his sister, Hattie.  It went through the entire family and everyone else recovered.

* Nealie Vermell Drake (1895-1970)

My grandmother.  She married Lusion Keman "Loosh" Tapley (1870-1935) in 1914.  She was his third wife and raised his three sons after the death of his second wife, Mattie Schwalls (1877-1912). Nealie and Loosh had six children of their own:

- William Lamar Tapley (1915-1985)

- John Russell "Russ" Tapley (1917-1967)

- Hugh Dorsey 'Dorse' Tapley (1919-2007)

- Jack Dempsey Tapley (1932-1994)

- Irene Tapley (1925-2004)

- Gilbert Earl Tapley (1928-2008) - My father.

* William Robert Drake (1897-1927)

Robert was married to Fannie Gallens. He was murdered when there was an altercation between him and a drifter he and his friends were harassing.  The drifter shot Robert. 

* James Weldon Drake (1900-1977)

James moved to Florida and married Corrie Evelyn Nicols (1906-2005).  They had 3 children:

- Sarah Joyce Drake (1927-?)

- James Robert Drake (1931-?)

- June Carol Drake (1936-2000)

* Keland Lawton Drake Sr (1903-1972)

Lawton also moved to Florida.  He married Maude Helen Crews (1908-1999) and they had 1 child:

- Keland Lawton Drake Jr (1932-2010)

* Nancy Mary Ann Drake (1906-1931)

Nancy married Alvin Donaldson and they had one child:

- Alvin Donaldson (Jr)

* Martha Lou Drake (1908-1986)

 Marthie was another one who relocated to Florida.  She married Leamon Ellison (1906-1987) and they had no children.  

That makes 23 grand-children for John and Emma Harrell Drake.  

On August 10, 1927 (just 2 months after their son, Robert, was murdered), John Drake, Emma's husband, got up in the middle of the night and went outside. When he returned, their son, James, accidentally shot his father, not realizing who it was until it was too late.  As he was dying John told that it was an accident, took the blame and therefore exonerated his son.

The story whispered in the family is that Emma was mentally "off." Crazy even.  I offer that she had good reason to be.  She lost her mother when she was very young. She lost 2 children to typhoid fever in 1912.  She herself had the fever and recovered. She lost a son to homicide in June 1927 and then her husband was shot and killed by their own son in August 1927.  

In addition, my grandmother evidently never saw or talked to her parents after she married my grandfather, Loosh Tapley.  I am guessing her parents were not thrilled with the 25 year age difference, that he had been married twice before, and he had 4 children from those marriages.  When I pointed out to my father that his grandmother, Emma, died three months after his father, he had no recollection of going to the funeral or his mother going.  He never met his grandmother.

Plus at least 3 of her other children moved away before Emma passed.  It would not be so easy to travel in the 1930's so I don't know how much she saw them.

So I would venture to say that Emma had to be a strong woman with a true faith that got her through all those hard things in her life.  She worked hard and was a faithful and loving wife and mother.  She deserves to be admired and honored.  

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 few weeks.

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

Rita Tapley Marshall
April 20, 1942 - May 14, 2026
Waycross, Ware, Georgia, USA

Rita Tapley "Nanu" Marshall, 84, died peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning (May 14, 2026) following a brief illness at Waycross Health and Rehabilitation.

She was born in Villa Rica GA, had lived most of her life in Marietta GA before making her home in Waycross for the past 8 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Eugene Marshall, a son Kevin Howard Marshall and her parents Carl Norman Tapley and Roberta Lee Tapley.

She was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and the Adult Ladies 2. Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her son: David Marshall (wife Briana), a granddaughter, Isabela Marshall, and a grandson, Elijah Marshall all of Waycross; a sister: Cathy Miller (husband Art) of Magnolia Springs AL, and two nephews, Drew Miller of Magnolia Springs, AL and Ben Miller of Tallapoosa GA.

In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 7136 Central Ave, Waycross, GA 31503 or online at www.pvbcwaycross.org.

A committal service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday (May 16, 2026) in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Villa Rica, GA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday (May 26, 2026) at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

Sympathy can be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.

Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.

Marcella Diane Nail Sapp
July 08, 1967 - June 01, 2026

Marcella Diane Sapp, 58, entered into eternal rest on June 1, 2026, at Community Hospice.

Born on July 8, 1967, Marcella was the daughter of Velma Beasley Curl of Reidsville and Ben L. Nail of Collins. She was a 1985 graduate of Pinewood Christian Academy and knew from an early age that she was called to become a teacher. She attended Georgia Southern University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education.

Marcella devoted her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. During her career, she taught in the Tattnall, Montgomery, and Wheeler County school systems. Although she never had children of her own, she lovingly considered her students to be her children. She poured her heart into the classroom and touched the lives of countless students and their families through her compassion, patience, and dedication.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Lyons, Marcella’s life was grounded in her Christian faith. Shortly after beginning her teaching career, she married the love of her life, William “Lee” Sapp of Lyons. Together they shared more than thirty-one years of marriage built on faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

In November 2004, Marcella was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, a diagnosis that ultimately prevented her from returning to the classroom she loved so dearly. Through every challenge that followed, Lee remained faithfully by her side, honoring the vows he made before God. Despite the limitations imposed by her illness, Marcella and Lee continued to enjoy road trips and make cherished memories together for many years.

In January 2023, Marcella’s health declined further, leaving her bedridden. Yet even then, her mind remained as sharp as ever. She enjoyed talking on the phone with family and friends, sharing good food, and watching her favorite television programs. Though her earthly body endured many hardships, Marcella rarely complained. Those closest to her knew that if she voiced her struggles, it was in prayer. In her Bible, she had marked Psalm 143, a quiet testimony to the faith that sustained her through difficult days. Though she seldom shared her burdens with others, she faithfully carried them to the Lord in prayer.

Marcella will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to education, her quiet strength, and her steadfast faith in God. Her grace in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Kay Lively Nail; her brother-in-law, Dewey O. Batton; and her grandparents, Otis and Jessie Beasley and Frank and Eunice Nail.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of more than thirty-one years, William “Lee” Sapp; her beloved fur babies; her mother and stepfather, Velma and Gary Curl of Reidsville; her father, Ben L. Nail of Collins; her sister, Melissa Batton of Lyons; her brother, Brent Nail (MaryLynn) of Bishop; her niece, Laura Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee; her nephew, Ben Johnson of Atlanta; her nephew, Garrett Nail, and her niece, Gracen Nail, both of Bishop; her great-nephews, Camdon Cody and Carson Cody of Lebanon, Tennessee; and numerous extended family members, former students, and dear friends.

A graveside funeral service celebrating Marcella’s life will be held on Saturday morning, June 6th, 2026, at 10:00 at Cedar Creek Primitive Baptist Church, 1199 Cedar Creek Church Road, Collins, Georgia. Pastor Brian Durden will officiate.

Pallbearers are Brent Nail, Garrett Nail, James Rogers, Joe Skeens, Ben Johnson, and Tommy Kennedy.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475, in Marcella’s memory.

Though she is no longer with us, Marcella’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Written by her sister, Melissa.

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 that actually passed away in the Spring. I got behind on email for while.

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

Dessie Lewis Claxton

December 27, 1941 - April 14, 2026

Dessie Lewis Claxton, age 84, of Swainsboro, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home after an extended illness. Funeral services were held Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at Union Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Sam Bowen officiating and Elder Will Martin assisting. Mr. Claxton lay in state one hour prior to service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Family received friends Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tomlinson Funeral Home. Pallbearers were his grandsons. Lewis was born December 27, 1941, in Swainsboro, to the late Elder William Claxton and Nannie Lou Hudson Claxton, and was a lifelong resident of Emanuel County. He was a truck driver for over 35 years and retired from Claxton Septic Service. Lewis was a very loving daddy who instilled in his girls at an early age to always take care of each other as well as others around them. He enjoyed gardening and was very passionate about fishing. Nothing made him happier than a string of “good eatin’ size” bream. Lewis’ greatest pleasure was sharing a meal with someone. He was a member of Union Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Claxton is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda Watkins Claxton; stepmother, Sarah Hudson Claxton; brother, Harold Claxton; and special friend, Catherine Kirby. Survivors include his daughters, Lesa Edwards, Barbara Williamson, Jane Claxton and Betty (Shane) Blalock; bonus son, Roy (Linda) Smith; step-sisters, Judy (Russell) Moore, Barbara (Allen) Strickland and Jessie (Donnie) Garrett; brother-in-law, Glen (Tammy) Watkins; grandchildren, Steven (Leslie) Edwards, Matthew Edwards (Kelsi McElroy), Tyler (Holly) Williamson, Faith (Brandon) Page, Tammie (Chance) Callaway, Katelyn (John) Hooks, Bill (Nikki) Hackle, Ryan Blalock, Ashley Blalock, Kayte Blalock and Morgan Blalock; great-grandchildren, Dylan (Emilie) Edwards, Baylee Edwards, Ashton Edwards, Karson McElroy, Danni Lynn Williamson, Demi Williamson, Denver Williamson, Weston Page, Collins Page, Gannon Williford, Chandler Callaway, Karsyn Callaway, Madilyn Hooks, Tucker Hooks, Eli Hackle, Baylor Hackle, Ansley Crosby, Avery Crosby, Ava Crosby and Leah Osborne; special nieces, Karen (David) Underwood, Laura (Billy) Tompkins, Jill (Tom) Usher and Julie (Andy) Love. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Union Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Barbara Williamson, 114 Francis Ave., Swainsboro, GA 30401. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Emanuel County Nursing Home and Pruitt Health Hospice for taking such excellent care of their dad the past year. Tomlinson Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

Linda Marie Claxton Scarboro

April 19, 1959 - May 10, 2026

Mrs. Linda Marie Scarboro, 67, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at her residence. She was born on April 19, 1959. in Swainsboro to the late Carvie Claxton and Alma Thelma Gregory Claxton. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rex Scarboro; grandson, Christian Malphrus; sisters, Jeanine Sumner, Gloria Scarboro; brother, Carvie “Buddy” Claxton, Jr.

Linda was a simple gracious woman whose life was defined by service. Through her work caring for patients at PruittHealth, she offered compassion, dignity and warmth to those who needed it most.

Her quiet strength and steady kindness touched many lives and reflected the depth of her character. She carried a deep love for God and found peace in the beauty of nature where she felt closest to her faith. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit and humility and the way she gave of herself without hesitation. Her legacy is one of love, service and quiet grace.

Survivors include her daughters, Diane Craig of Aiken, SC, Samantha Scarboro of Twin City, Carol Scarboro of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Nathan Henry (Jessica), Courtney Carter (Shayla), Jamie Bush, Samuel Scarboro; great-grandchildren, Peyton Henry, Leliana Harris; brother, Glen Claxton of Atlanta; sisters, Mary Wilson of Kingsland, Patricia Radford of Augusta; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

Interment will be in Bithynia Primitive Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Condolences may be made at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Linda Marie Scarboro, 67, of Swainsboro.

Here's how these Claxtons were related to each other:

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 that actually passed away last year. I got behind on email for while, but I did not think I was that behind. I am not sure how I missed them.

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

William 'Billy' Anthony Minton
May 2, 1949 - May 29, 2025
Swainsboro, GA

William Anthony Minton, Billy, Husband, Daddy, Paw Paw, Loggerhead

Billy was brought into this world on May 2, 1949 to the late Eddie Minton and Vina Bell Brantley and had four siblings; Lamar, Eloise, Martha, and Jack. He had several nieces and nephews. In his youth, Billy lived on a farm in Kite, Ga. and enjoyed hunting and fishing which was a hobby that continued throughout his life. During his high school years, Billy was a multi-sport athlete but his height and skills at center on the basketball court set him apart from other players. 

After high school, he attended Brewton Parker College and later transferred to Georgia Southern. Afterwards, he began a career at Thermo King in Louisville, Ga., became a National Guardsman, and eventually became owner of Billy Jack’s Bar and Lounge where he enjoyed and appreciated all his friends and customers. He was well known for making his famous Tom Collins drink which people stated was the best in five counties. It was also known that he and his brother Jack were the undisputed tag team champion bouncers.

The time his life really began to change was when he met a fiery red headed woman, Loraine Frederick from Norristown, who had two sons, Robert and Reagan Moxley. Shortly afterwards came a cute little Loggerhead Jr., William Andrew Minton. Billy enjoyed taking his boys dog deer hunting, riding dirt roads looking for deer tracks, fishing the Ogeechee River, watching Scooby-Doo every morning, and telling the same story over and over and over. He was also a master of making sure his boys were doing a job correctly while he stood back displaying his first-class instructing skills.

Billy and Loraine enjoyed sight-seeing while riding around Emanuel and surrounding counties. They would stop and eat lunch at small restaurants or grab some fried chicken from a convenience store. Loraine would eat a couple of bites and give Billy the leftovers.

His family continued to grow with the addition of two daughters-in-law, Marcie Jelf (Robert) and Joni McCoy (Reagan). His greatest prizes in life were his four grandchildren. River and Raimy Moxley (Joni and Reagan), Audrey Moxley (Robert and Marcie), and Willow Minton (Andrew). 

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

Agnes Logue Harrison
September 14, 1931 - June 04, 2025
Kite, Georgia

Mrs. Agnes Harrison, 93, of Kite passed away at her residence on June 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 14, 1931, to the late Thomas and Marie Logue. Mrs. Agnes loved cooking and caring for her family. She worked for many years in the Kite school system, managing the school’s lunchroom. She was a long-time member of the Kite Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Talmadge Ovid Harrison, her parents, a son, Terry Harrison, a sister, Elizabeth Dickens, and her brothers, Gilbert Logue, Dupree Logue, Emory Logue, Lamar Logue, Clayton Logue, and Bill Logue.

She is survived by her children, Ron (Patricia) Harrison, Guy (Cathy) Harrison, Jim Harrison, and Marie (Mickey) Mimbs, ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, her sister, Katherine (George) Harrison, special friend, Inez Thomas.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Kite First Baptist Church at 4pm with Rev. Burton Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00pm until 4:00pm.

Interment will follow at the Kite City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Connor Harrison, Tommy Logue, Aaron Harrison, David Wood, Michael Harrison, and William Harrison.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to University Home Health Services, nurse Sherie Lawrence, and Angela Wood for their care of Mrs. Harrison.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements Mrs. Agnes Harrison, 93, of Kite.

Wedding Wednesday

Norma Jean Gardner

1936-2023 

and

Benjamin Anding Russell

1935-1995

Married June 25, 1954

Gallman, Copiah, Mississippi, USA 

Russell-Gardner Vows Exchanged In Gallman

HAZLEHURST, July 17 — Miss Norma Jean Gardner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie Franklin Gardner, of Gallman, became the bride of Benjamin Anding Russell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Laron Rusell of Hazlehurst, on Friday evening June 25 at 7:30 o'clock. The Rev. Roy Remont, pastor, officiated at the double-ring ceremony.

The Gallman Baptist church, the scene of the wedding, was beautifully decorated with Southern smilax and woodwardia ferns forming a background for baskets of exquisite white gladioli. Tall lighted white tapers in cathedral candelbra, cast a soft glow and completed the setting.

Preceding the ceremony, a program of nuptial music was played by Mrs. Charles A. Stevens. The traditional wedding marches were used.

The bride's only attendant, Mrs. Billy Ray Whittington, wore an original model of blue linen. Her accessories were white and her corsage was of white carnations.

Mr. Russell was attended by his brother, Roy Laron Russell Jr.

The bride was lovely in her wedding dress of heavenly blue organza with the fittd bodice coming to a point in front at the waist line, and trimmed with tiny pearl buttons. The bouffant skirt, a mass of fine tucks forming three inch squares. She carried a white Bible, on which rested a purple orchid surrounded by velvet leaves, tuberoses and stock, from which showered a cascade of satin streamers tied in lovers knots.

For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Gardner wore a dress of figured nylon with white accesories and white carnation corsage.

The bride-groom's mother chose a powder blue sheer and white accessories.

After a short wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. Russell are now at home at Georgetown street, Hazlehurst. Among those attending the wedding were Mrs. Fred Channel, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Wesley, Norma Sharon Wesley, Miss Mary Welch,

Under the picture:  MR. AND MRS. BENJAMIN A. RUSSELL — who were married recently in the Gallman Baptist church, are now at home in Hazelhurst. She is the former Miss Norma Jean Gardner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie Franklin Gardner of Gallman.

- Transcription by Google Gemini

Friday's Faces from the Past

 

Marylene Frost

1930-2020

and

Edith Charlene Frost

1930-1970

        

Marylene and Edith Charlene Frost are the 3rd cousins 1x removed 

of Mary Elizabeth 'Liz' Tapley on the Claxton Line.

They are 4th cousins on the Swain/Tapley line.

OR...

Mappy Monday

 

Johnson County Highway Map, 1932, State Highway Board of Georgia, Held by Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia, Digital Collection: County Maps, Surveyor General, RG 3-9-66

    My family's roots run deep in Johnson County, Georgia.  Since it's Monday, I thought I would try to show a map of  the general areas where three of my ancestral families settled.

    My branch of the Tapley family lived near Fortner Mill Pond which is near Powell's Chapel United Methodist Church. As a matter of fact, that area was named Powell on census records.  This area is between Kite and Bartow (Jefferson County) off Highway 221.  The land had originally belonged to the Solomon Page family but when my great-grandparents married - Jim Tapley and Becky Page, it became Tapley land.  Each one of their married children was given a plot of land so they were all neighbors.  

    My Drake family was from Adrian. Now Adrian straddles the Johnson and Emanuel County lines.  Some Drakes lived in each county, but my line - the children of James William Drake and Mary Ann Brantley - were born and spent their childhoods in Emanuel County.  Unfortunately, I do not know where their land was exactly.  They attended Poplar Springs Church which is in Johnson County.  

    George Schwalls settled outside of Kite near the Tom community.  He and his family attended Minton Chapel church and many are buried there. I do not know the location of their homeplace. Since George is my biggest brick wall, and my friend says he was a spy, I guess way out in the country in Johnson  County is as good a place as any to hide.  

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun -- Your Favorite Online Class At RootsTech 2026

  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)  RootsTech 2026 just finished today.  Did you watch any classes online?

2) Which online class was your favorite, perhaps the most informative, most helpful, or most entertaining, for you?

3)  Share your selected online class in your own blog post, in a comment on this post, or in a Facebook or other social media post.  Please leave a link to your post on this blog post to help us find your post.

Here's mine:

I attended RootsTech 2026 online Wednesday night and the next three days, as I have done every year.  This year, I did not do a summary each day on this blog.  I have not gotten much sleep the last few days, and with classes as late as 10 or 11 PM, I just haven't had the energy to write blog posts also.  

I took fewer classes this time because every year, I get overwhelmed and never go back to my notes and complete any research that I was so excited about after taking the classes.  I also never go back and watch any of the classes I missed, so I wanted to try a little more laid back, easier pace this year.  I have to say the ones I attended were, for the most part, great classes.  So it is going to be hard for me to just pick one favorite!

But pick I did.  My favorite class was New to German Genealogy? Start Here! by Katherine Schober.  I take a beginner German genealogy class every year because I am still chasing my biggest brick wall, my 2nd great-grandfather, George W. Schwalls, Sr.  I never make any progress.  However this class was different.  Katherine took her time and explained step by step how to proceed in finding out what town and state (or province) your German ancestor was from.  She gave us tons of resources to use.  I learned a lot, and I was not overwhelmed this time around.  I have already taken her advice and did a search on Newspapers.com for any reference to George, and I have a second action item on my list that she suggested.  I can't believe I was off and running before the conference was even over!

I must also give a shout out, though, to my most fun class.  It was Gravestone Symbols from A to Z by Cathy Wallace.  Cathy made this topic so entertaining, catchy and easy to remember, by using the ABC song to go over all the things you may see in a cemetery from an anchor to Zzzz's from a sleeping baby statue.  While I have seen most of these symbols before, Cathy made it stick in my head and showed me a couple unknown to me.