Martha E Alford Brumfield; Great Great Grandma

Martha Elizabeth Alford Brumfield

8 August 1846 MS – after 1910

My Great Great Grandmother

Martha was the daughter of Edwin Barksdale Alford & Martha P Smith. She was one of 13 children. Her siblings were: Warren Jackson, Cynthia Ann, Ira Payne, William H., Harriet Jane, Lacey A., Jeptha J., Julia Ann, Seaborn S., Elijah H., Julius Newton & Julia Ann Alford. The Edwin Alfords were in MS from the early 1800’s onwards.[1]^,[2]

Martha married Jessie Alexander Brumfield, son of Nathaniel Brumfield & Charlotte Temple Ott. In 1870 they were living in Osyka, Pike, MS with three children. Jessie was a farmer.[3] In 1878 those three children were attending school in Pike, MS.[4] By 1880 Jessie & Martha had 6 children, ages 11 months to 13 years old.[5] The children attended school in Pike Co., MS.[6]^,[7]

The family lived on Walkers Bridge Road in 1900. Jessie owned his farm without a mortgage. Three children were still at home.[8] In the 1910 census Martha was the mother of ten children; seven living.[9] Research has uncovered nine children for Martha.

At this time Martha’s death year is unknown. If you know more about my great great grandmother please contact me.

Martha, Jessie & Family:

1 Martha Elizabeth Alford b: 08 Aug 1846 Pike, MS, d: Aft. 1910

... + Jessie Alexander Brumfield b: 27 Sep 1838 LA, d: 27 May 1914 MS

......2 Martin Ellis Brumfield b: Sep 1865 MS, d: Aft. 1920

...... + Dollie King b: Jun 1877 LA

......2 Rose Ella Brumfield b: 18 Jul 1867 MS, d: 2 Oct 1948 Magnolia, Pike, MS

...... + Jasper Pascal Brown b: 15 May 1865 Pike, MS, m: 21 Dec 1887 in Pike, MS, d: 8 Jun 1950 McComb, Pike, MS

......2 John Edward Brumfield b: Nov 1869 MS, d: 1933

...... + Ada Beatrice Fortenberry b: 25 Oct 1894, d: 1956 MS

......2 Fletcher Boyd Brumfield b: 28 Jun 1875 MS, d: 11 Dec 1960 MS

...... + Mattie Burmfield b: 02 Mar 1880 MS, m: Abt. 1908, d: 8 Oct 1967

......2 Lily E. Brumfield b: 1876 MS, d: 1959

...... + Julius G. Alford b: 25 Oct 1869 LA, d: 1947

......2 Daisy L. Brumfield b: Jul 1879 MS

...... + Cornelius Alford

......2 Lucy May Brumfield b: 12 Apr 1881 MS, d: 15 Mar 1882 MS

......2 Sallie Joy Brumfield b: 31 May 1884 MS, d: 1973

...... + Joseph Ed Brumfield b: 1872 MS, d: 1955

......2 Newton N. Brumfield b: 8 Nov 1872, d: 14 Dec 1874 MS

---

[1] Conerly, Luke Ward. Resource Records of Pike/Walthall Counties Mississippi, 1798 – 1910. Reprint, Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, Inc. 1989.

[2] Land & Maps. Boyd, Gregory A. Family Maps of Pike County, Mississippi. Deluxe. Norman, Oklahoma: Arphax Publishing Co., 2005. Land patents for Edwin Alford in Pike, MS, 1849, 1851, 1859.

[3] 1870 US Census, Osyka, Pike, Mississippi, Microfilm Roll M593-745; Jesse A Bromfield family.

[4] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1878.  Greenwell Springs, LA. Three Brumfield children.

[5] 1880 Census, Pike Co., MS; ED 37, SD 3, Page 54; J Alek Brumfield family.

[6] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1885.  Greenwell Springs, LA. The children of J Alek Brumfield.

[7] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1890.  Greenwell Springs, LA. The children of Alex Brumfield.

[8] 1900 US Census, South of Magnolia at Walkers Bridge Rd., PIke Co., Mississippi, SD 7, ED 104, Sheet 31A; Jesse A. Brumfield family.

[9] 1910 US Census, Pike, Mississippi, SD 7, ED 95, Sheet 8A; Jessie A Brumfield family.

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1899 Gruissy Letter, Unrequited Love

This letter was written to my great grandmother, N. Regina (Gruissy) Mark 1879 OH – 1959 OH

To: Miss Regina Nancy Gruissy, 708 west Fourth St., Canton, OH

From: W H Ackerman

Postmarked: 9 AM 11 Jul 1899, Beach City, OH

Miss Regina N. Gruissy, Canton, O.

Dear friend. I will take the pleasure of writing to you this evening. Well Regina I was up to Massillon Sunday night. I went up on the 4 o’clock train and came home on the 8.51 train. But I did not see any girls I cared about. But of course no body else loves you. You say but I don’t think so.

Now Regina you know what I always said I loved you and you know it. If you knew you that letter hurt me you would never write that again. You know Regina I love you above all others. When you think I don’t care for you any more you can just stop writing to me.

I am also sorry to hear that you are not well hope you are better by this time. From Your Dear Beloved Friend, Walter. Ans. Soon

Another thing I always have used you like a lady best I know how. I remain as ever yours Truly, W H Ackerman. Ans Soon

Note: This letter was written in pencil on lined paper. It had a 2 cent stamp.

Regina was 20 years old at the time this letter was written. There are no family stories of this suitor for my great grandmother’s affections. 

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• Augustus Ceaser Gruissy

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

When we think of Easter we think of baskets of chocolate treats and pots of spring flowers. As a little girl [see above] the thing I liked best was getting a new Easter outfit. I loved the patent leather shoes, the little white gloves & purse, the hat with long ribbons that hung down my back and a pretty dress with a full skirt that would flare out when I spun around. 

I remember walking into church with my brothers in their new suits and my mother in a lovely dress & new hat. I felt like a little princess in all my finery. The sun would shine in through the stained glass windows and all our neighbors and friends who had looked so gray through the long winter would sparkle to life. 

Halfway through Mass my white ankle socks would slip down into those shiny new shoes, my white gloves would get hot and the thin elastic thread holding on my hat would cut into my chin. My brothers would start to fidget as their new shoes pinched their toes and their ties tightened. My mother would only have to glance up from her prayer book to remind us to sit still and keep our attention on the altar. When the Latin prayers and songs were over we would walk out with big smiles on our faces and thoughts of chocolate bunnies.

May this Easter bring many blessings & happy memories to you & yours!

Colleen

Jessie A Brumfield; Soldier & Farmer

Jessie Alexander Brumfield

27 September 1838 LA – 27 May 1914 MS

My Great Great Grandfather

Jessie Alexander Brumfield

JessieA Brumfield was the son of Nathaniel Brumfield & Charlotte Temple Ott. Jessie was one of 5 children. His siblings were: Martin Penn, John D., Sarah Lucy & Laura. In 1840 & 1850 the family lived in Washington Parish, LA. In 1850 Nathaniel was a farmer and his real estate was valued at $13,500.[1]

By 1860 Jessie’s father had died and his mother was married to Jessie’s uncle, Elijah Brumfield. The family was still in Washington Parish, LA.[2]

Jessie served in the Civil War. He and his brother John D. Brumfield enlisted 14 May 1862, after the death of their older brother, Martin Penn Brumfield. They signed for three years. Each received a $50 bounty. Martin was paid 40 cents a day for his horse. They served together in the 9th Battalion, 3rd Calvary, Company C from Louisiana. They were in Wingfield's Calvary.

Jessie married Martha Elizabeth Alford, daughter of Edwin Barksdale Alford & Martha P Smith.

By 1865 he had moved from LA across the border to MS [oldest child born there]. In 1870 they were living in Osyka, Pike, MS with three children. Jessie was a farmer.[4] In 1878 those three children were all attending school in Pike, MS.[5] By 1880 Jessie & Martha had 6 children, ages 11 months to 13 years old.[6] The children attended school in Pike Co., MS.[7]^,[8]

The family lived on Walkers Bridge Road in 1900. Jessie owned his farm without a mortgage. Three children were still at home.[9] Ten years later he was still farming.[10]

His obituary follows:

J. A. Brumfield was born Sept. 23, 1838, united with the Mt. Herman Baptist Church Oct., 1864, remained a member of the same until the organization of Bogue Chitto Baptist church, of which he went into the organization of, and remained a member of same until his death which occurred on May 23, 1914.[11]

Jessie & Family:

1 Jessie Alexander Brumfield b: 27 Sep 1838 LA, d: 27 May 1914 MS

... + Martha Elizabeth Alford b: 8 Aug 1846 Pike, MS, d: Aft. 1910

......2 Martin Ellis Brumfield b: Sep 1865 MS, d: Aft. 1920

...... + Dollie King b: Jun 1877 LA

......2 Rose Ella Brumfield b: 18 Jul 1867 MS, d: 2 Oct 1948 in Magnolia, Pike, MS

...... + Jasper Pascal Brown b: 15 May 1865 Pike, MS, m: 21 Dec 1887 Pike, MS, d: 8 Jun 1950 Pike, MS

......2 John Edward Brumfield b: Nov 1869 in Mississippi, USA, d: 1933

...... + Ada Beatrice Fortenberry b: 25 Oct 1894, d: 1956 MS

......2 Fletcher Boyd Brumfield b: 28 Jun 1875 MS, d: 11 Dec 1960 MS

...... + Mattie Burmfield b: 2 Mar 1880 MS, m: Abt. 1908, d: 08 Oct 1967

......2 Lily E. Brumfield b: 1876 MS, d: 1959

...... + Julius G. Alford b: 25 Oct 1869 LA, d: 1947

......2 Daisy L. Brumfield b: Jul 1879 MS

...... + Cornelius Alford

......2 Lucy May Brumfield b: 12 Apr 1881 MS, d: 15 Mar 1882 MS

......2 Sallie Joy Brumfield b: 31 May 1884 MS, d: 1973

...... + Joseph Ed Brumfield b: 1872 MS, d: 1955

......2 Newton N. Brumfield b: 8 Nov 1872, d: 14 Dec 1874 MS

---

[1] Williams, Jr., Ernest Russ. A Potpourri of Historical Data concerning the Founding Families and Individuals of Washington Parish, Louisiana, 1798 - 1860. Monroe, LA: Northeast Louisiana University, 1990.

[2] 1860 US Census, Washington Parish, Louisiana; Elijah Brumfield family.

[3] Fold3 Civil War Service records, Confederate records, Louisiana, Wingfield’s. J A Brumfield.

[4] 1870 US Census, Osyka, Pike, Mississippi, Microfilm Roll M593-745; Jesse A Bromfield family.

[5] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1878.  Greenwell Springs, LA. Three Brumfield children.

[6] 1880 Census, Pike Co., MS; ED 37, SD 3, Page 54; J Alek Brumfield family.

[7] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1885.  Greenwell Springs, LA. The children of J Alek Brumfield.

[8] Haymon, Serena Abbess. Pike County, Mississippi School Census, 1890.  Greenwell Springs, LA. The children of Alex Brumfield.

[9] 1900 US Census, south of Magnolia at Walkers Bridge Rd., PIke Co., Mississippi, SD 7, ED 104, Sheet 31A; Jesse A. Brumfield family.

[10] 1910 US Census, Pike, Mississippi, SD 7, ED 95, Sheet 8A; Jessie A Brumfield family.

[11] Williams, E. Russ. Abstracts of Obituaries from the Minutes of the Magee's Creek Baptist Association (Mississippi and Louisiana), 1882 - 1924. Monroe, Louisiana: Privately printed, 1978. Page 73; J A Brumfield.

Forget Me Not: Joe W. Brumfield, Merchant & WWI Veteran in MS

‘Joe W. Brumfield Dies of Heart Attack Monday’

"Joe W. Brumfield native of Walkers Bridge and resident of Puscagoult for the past 40 years, died of a heart attack on Monday night about 9 o’clock. Mr. Brumfield was sitting on the sea wall with friends when the attack came. And even though everything possible was done for him, he died a short time later.

Mr. Brummfield has been in the mercantile business in the coast town for many years and was at one time employed by Godchaux in New Orleans. At a   wholesale convention in New Orleans a few months ago, he was cited as the most outstanding mercantile merchant in the south.

Mr. Brumfield was a Mason, a member of the Rotary Club, and a World War I veteran. He was a member of the Baptist church and served as a deacon. He was son of Frank Brumfield and the late Mrs. Brumfield of Walkers Bridge. Other survivors are his wife, the former Flossie Wingo, a native of Pontotoc, a daughter, Mrs. Vincent Blackwell of Columbia, Missouri, one son, Henry Brumfield of Pascagoula and six sisters, Mrs. Phillip Brunson of Magnolia, Mrs. Pearl Stout, Pascagoula, Mrs. Harry Pittman, Fernwood, Mrs. Lindsey Murphre, Savannah, Ga., Mrs. Audrey Ford and Miss Hannah Brummmmfield, both of Magnolia, and two brothers, Thad Brumfield of Gulfport and Frank Brumfield, Moss Point.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 from the First Baptist Church in Pascagoula with interment in the Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. Rites were conducted by the rev. Milton Varnado, pastor and lifelong friend of the deceased. He was assisted by several other local ministers."

From: Magee, Zuma Fendlason. Selected Obituaries from Louisiana (Washington & Tangipahoa Parishes) and from Mississippi (Pike, Walthall & Marion Counties). Volume I. Franklinton, Louisiana: Privately printed, 1976. From Franklinton Library, LA.

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Family Treasure: Belleek Tea Party

Teacup, Saucers & Small plate

These delicate items, once owned by my great aunt, look just perfect for a tea party and I am tempted to brew a pot of tea but I keep them safely in my glass front cabinet. At one time there must have been more cups but just this one cup remains. I wonder if my aunt and her sisters used these pieces or just displayed them.

Sugar Bowl & Creamer

These all belonged to my great aunt, Kathleen G Coyle. I believe my aunt bought her various Belleek items during her trips to Ireland. I have passenger lists showing Kathleen visiting Ireland in August 1928 & September 1935.  These pieces of pottery all have the' Third Mark' which means they were made between 1926 - 1946. 

When my daughter and I visited Ireland in 2012 we enjoyed our tour of the Belleek factory and shop. Naturally, I bought a few items of my own!

Belleek Shop, Ireland

Outside the Belleek Shop with my purchases. 

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Emmaline Smith Brown in MS

Emmaline Smith Brown

13 September 1831 MS – 3 August 1920 MS

My Great Great Grandmother

Emmaline was the daughter of Wyatt Smith and Euseba Fortenberry. She was one of 9 children. Her siblings were: Saryntha, William, Jasper, Newton, Rankin, Eliza Jane, Adolphus & Walter.

In 1850 the Wyatt Smith family was in Pike Co., MS. Wyatt was a farmer. Emmaline was 13 years old.[1]

 Emmaline Smith married Allen M Brown on 28 April 1858.[2]

By 1860 Allen’s father had died. Allen & his wife lived with Allen’s mother, Mary. Both Mary & Allen were planters on their farm in Liberty, Amite, MS. Allen’s brother, James, was also living on the farm.[3]

In 1870 Allen and Emmaline were in Osyka where he was a farmer. Their three children were at home: Jasper, Alvira & Mary.[4] This is the last record of Allen. In 1880 Emmaline was raising their children alone.[5]

Emmaline is buried at Silver Springs Baptist Church cemetery.[6] I was able to visit the cemetery and photograph her headstone.

 Emmaline, Allen & Family:

1 Emmaline Smith b: 13 Sep 1831 Pike, MS, d: 3 Aug 1920 Pike, MS

... + Allen Moses Brown b: 26 Jan 1836 in Liberty, Amite, MS, m: 28 Apr 1858, d: Aft. 1870

......2 Mary E. Brown b: 13 Aug 1861

......2 Jasper Pascal Brown b: 15 May 1865 Pike, MS, d: 8 Jun 1950 McComb, Pike, MS

...... + Rose Ella Brumfield b: 18 Jul 1867 MS, m: 21 Dec 1887 Pike, MS d: 2 Oct 1948 Magnolia, Pike, MS

......2 Alvira E. Brown b: 5 Aug 1868

---

[1] 1850 United States Census, Pike County, Mississippi. Wiatt Smith family.

[2] Brown Family Papers; 1700's to 1900's; Gathered by Rayleen Hall Brown from Various Family Members; Includes Brown, Fortenberry, Smith, Alford, Ott, Kennington & Dillon. Includes information on Allen M Brown.

[3] 1860 US Census, Liberty, Amite, MS; Microfilm M653-577; Mary Brown family.

[4] 1870 U.S. Census, Osyka, E Pike Co., Pike Co., MS; Page 3, Line 19; Allen M Brown family.

[5] 1880 U. S. Census, Pike Co., Mississippi; 1880; First District, Beat #1; Page 56, Line 467; Emmaline Brown family.

[6] 'Cemetery Inscription Pike County, Mississippi 1750 - 1978' by Ray & June Sartin Parish.  Page 610.  Silver Springs Baptist Church cemetery.  Emmaline S. Brown.

1896 Gruissy Letter

This letter was written to my great grandmother, N. Regina (Gruissy) Mark 1879 OH – 1959 OH; daughter of Augustus Ceaser Gruissy and his second wife, Esther Barbara Wolf. Regina was 17 years old when her teacher wrote this letter.

To: Miss Regina Nancy Gruissy, Canton, Ohio

 From: J. Alida Helureich, Canton Ohio, Sept 10, 1896

Dear Regina,

We miss you in the Seventh Grade. Surely you are not thinking of quitting school. Remember that now is your only time for gaining an education and, if you allow the golden opportunity to pass by unheeded. It can never return. And remember how much better your advantages are than hundreds of boys and girls who can not attend except at night and then have only two hours of instruction while you are having five hours in the open day-time and can have your regular rest at night.

I hope to see you at school next Monday with a determination to, at least finish the Dueber School if you do not want to go any further, but, I would like to see you graduate and have your Diploma framed and hanging in your parlor at home.

With much love, I am

Your affectionate teacher

J. Alida Helureich

Note: This letter was written in blue ink with very neat handwriting. It had a 2 cent stamp.

My paternal grandmother, Ivy (Mark) Brown who was a daughter of Regina did not think that her mother returned to school as the teacher had advised. My grandmother said, “She [Regina] was the youngest. Her parents were getting pretty old and she went out to work.” As a teacher myself I feel disappointed that Regina did not return to school however, once she began working she met a tall young man who would become her husband.

Related Posts:

• Regina's Bible
• Augustus Ceaser Gruissy