Brazos Genealogical Association, P.O. Box 5493, Bryan TX 77805. All rights reserved. Copyright 2001 The following article was serialized in "The Brazos Genealogist" Volume XIX Number 1 & Volume XX Number 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNOTATED ADOPTION RECORDS, 1862-1933 compiled by BILL PAGE Introduction Genealogists know the importance of examining deeds. Even so, few people realize that the older Texas deed books record adoptions. Prior to 1850, people wanting to adopt a child in Texas had to get a special law passed by the state legislature.1 On 16 Jan. 1850 the Texas legislature passed "An Act to Prescribe the Mode of Adoption."2 That law required adoptions to be recorded at the courthouse in the same manner as deeds. Adoption by deed was not unique to Texas. Similar laws existed in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and perhaps other states.3 The 1850 law did not end the legislature's involvement with adoptions. Until at least 1861 that body occasionally passed laws authorizing adoptions.4 These acts differed from those prior to 1850 in that they did not complete the adoption, but instead authorized persons to adopt children following the existing procedures. Apparently these laws were required because either the adoptive parents or the children failed to meet the criteria expected under the 1850 law, although none of the acts examined states that directly. The Texas constitution adopted in 1869 specifically prohibited the passage of special laws "regulating the adoption of children, emancipation of minors, and the granting of divorces."5 Some time passed before the constitutional ban removed adoptions from the consideration of the legislature. At least as late as May 1870 statesmen were still introducing bills to permit persons to adopt.6 Texans eventually learned that legislative adoptions were no longer permitted, though. The constitution of 1876 contains a prohibition similar to that in the 1869 constitution which is still in effect today.7 In Texas, adoptions continued to be recorded like deeds until 1931.8 In that year the legislature changed the way adoptions were handled and made the records involved confidential. Even though the law changed in 1931, three children in Brazos Co. were adopted in 1932 under the old method; one of those adoptions was not recorded until 1933. In 1933, another adoption took place, two years after the law had been changed. Time did not allow the compiler to read all entries in the Brazos Co. deed books; instead, the author identified listings by skimming the column stating deed types in the indexes, noting those that said adoption. This pamphlet therefore may omit some adoptions. During the seventy years covered by these records, adoptions were rare. From 1862 to 1889, only five children were adopted in Brazos Co. Adoptions did become slightly more common in later years, as the following table demonstrates: decade no. of children adopted 1860-1869 1 1870-1879 1 1880-1889 3 1890-1899 9 1900-1909 10 1910-1919 12 1920-1929 18 1930-1933 8 In total, the compiler identified 54 deeds which listed the adoptions of 62 Brazos Co. children. One additional deed was found which recorded the adoption of five children in Grimes Co. Of course, adoptions list only a small percentage of orphaned or abandoned children. Many were assigned guardians as part of the probate process for their deceased parents but were never adopted. In other cases, friends, neighbors, or relatives just took over the care of children whose parents had died, without any formal legal action. And, of course some orphans lived in orphanages or other institutions until they reached adulthood. Most entries have been supplemented with data from marriage records, obituaries, probate records, censuses, district court minutes, or other sources. The district court minutes mention only five adoptions, but one of those, the first known Brazos Co. adoption, was not listed in the deeds. Census records were not a good indicator as to whether or not specific children were adopted. The census sometimes listed adopted children as if they were the biological children of the adoptive parents. Other census entries listed biological relationships, such as grandson or niece. The census did sometimes indicate that children were adopted but, in some cases, the census stated this years before the actual adoption took place. In other words, as experienced genealogists know, census records are a convenient starting point in research, but the information they contain should be checked against other sources. Some records use the term "feme sole", which describes a single woman, whether never married, widowed, or divorced. Notes 1 See, for example, "An Act to Authorize Jacob F. WINFREE to Adopt Zachary Taylor LONG as His Lawful Child," approved 13 Mar. 1848; GAMMEL, H.P.N., The Laws of Texas 1822?1897, vol.3. 2 GAMMEL, H.P.N., The Laws of Texas 1822?1897, vol.3, p.474. 3 PECK, Emelyn Foster, Adoption Laws in the United States, Washington: U.S. Dept. of Labor Children's Bureau, publication #148, 1925, p.2. 4 See, for example, "An Act to Change the Names of Certain Children Therein Named, and to Authorize Certain Persons Therein Named to Adopt Such Children," approved 31 Dec. 1861. Special Laws of the Ninth Legislature of the State of Texas, Austin, 1863, pp.20?21. 5 Constitution of the State of Texas 1869, article 12, section 13 6 Texas House Journal, 12 Legislature, 1st Session, 1870, p.93. Concerning a petition from Eviline D. DEFU of Shelby Co. to make Mary Jane THOMPSON her heir and to change her name from THOMPSON to DEFU. 7 Texas Constitution of 1876, article 3, section 56 8 "Adoption of Minor Children," General Laws of the State of Texas Passed by the Forty?Second Legislature, pp.300?303; approved 21 May 1931; effective 90 days after adjournment. Annotated Records 1862: Brazos Co. District Court Minutes, Book C, p.244: Apr. 1862. William M. JONES, changed name to William Henry GREEN; adopted by Thomas H. & Harriett C.A. GREEN // Harriett Charity Ann MILLICAN married Thomas H. GREEN, probably in about 1851?1853, although the marriage record has not been found // The 1870 Brazos Co. census, p.54a, shows: GREEN, Thomas 59 , Harriett 39 EADES, Gano 6 Had William Henry GREEN died ? 1875: Brazos Co. Deed Book P, p.528. William W. SMITH & Martha A. SMITH, his wife, residents of Brazos Co., adopted Henry BROCKE, whose name was changed to William SMITH by the District Court on 5 July 1875 // Brazos Co. District Court Minutes, Book E, p.264: 19 July 1875. Henry BROCKE, age 3, request to change name to William SMITH; adopted by William W. and Martha SMITH // The 1870 Brazos Co. census, p.48, lists: SMITH, Wm. 29 , Martha 27 1887: Brazos Co. Deed Book 4, pp.47?49. The Christian Church Widows and Orphans Home of Kentucky placed a child named Alice Morris BROWN for adoption with Mr. W.W. HANWAY & his wife Mrs. Rusie ELLIS HANWAY; Alice BROWN was born 22 Aug. 1882 in St. Louis, the daughter of Benj. H. & Pattie B. BROWN (nee ROBERTS); dated 19 Sept. 1887 // W.W. HANWAY married Rushamah ELLIS on 22 June 1882, in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // Sue King HANWAY, daughter of W.W. & R.E. HANWAY, b.21 Dec. 1883, d.5 Mar. 1887, buried Bryan (tombstone inscription) ?? note that Alice Morris BROWN was adopted only about 6 months after the death of Sue HANWAY and that the two girls were fairly close to the same age // W.W. HANWAY, b.22 May 1880, d.28 Dec. 1895, buried Bryan (tombstone inscrip-tions) // Mr. W.W. HANWAY, aged 76 years, 7 months, 6 days, most of obituary was cut out of the Eagle before it was microfilmed, Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 Dec. 1895, p.4; 7 Jan. 1896, p.1; Galveston Daily News, 29 Dec. 1895, p.3 // W.W. HANWAY left all his property to his wife Ruhannah HANWAY, in a will dated 3 Sept. 1890; he died 28 Dec. 1895, Brazos Co. Probate File # 539 // Mrs. Rhu HANWAY m. J.D. IRONS, 10 Oct. 1897, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book I, p.30 // The 1900 Smith Co. census (ED 98, sheet 3b, line 73) lists: IRONS, Joshua D. , Rhumah Nov. 1860 wife (married 3 years) , Alice Aug. 1883 s.daughter b. Missouri HANWAY, James Feb. 1887 s.son 1889: Brazos Co. Deed Book 6, pp.245?246. Bob FOSTER and his wife Ann FOSTER of Brazos Co. adopted Jonas LAWE (perhaps LOWE ?), a minor; signed Bob FOSTER and Ann FOSTER (her mark); dated 29 Aug. 1889 // The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 13, sheet 11b?12a, line 100) lists the following African American family: FOSTER, Robert head June 1835 , Anna wife Jan. 1840 ?? mother of 0 children BOYD, Edward hired man May 1838 1889: Brazos Co. Deed Book 6, p.449. J.J. CONWAY gave up custody of his only daughter Helen CONWAY, "in her sixth year," who was also the daughter of Mrs. Clementine CONWAY, deceased; Helen was adopted by Chas. N. SIMPSON & Mary A. SIMPSON, his wife; dated 4 Nov. 1889 // J.J. CONWAY married Clementine CONWAY on 19 Feb. 1880 in Brazos Co.; Charles N. SIMPSON married Mollie A. CONWAY on 25 Jan. 1883 in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 13, sheet 13b?14a, line 98 shows: SIMPSON, Charles N. head June 1857 , Mary A. wife Mar. 1858 , Charles J. son Feb. 1885 , Neal son Dec. 1888 , George T. son Apr. 1893 , Nannie L. daughter Feb. 1896 , Martha mother Feb. 1835 CONWAY, Helen niece Jan. 1884 SIMPSON, Jennie sister Aug. 1864 // The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 7, sheet 8a, line 6) lists: SIMPSON, McDuff head Aug. 1867 , Leona C. wife Sept. 1872 (mother of 4 children, 3 living) , Joe son Oct. 1890 , McDuff, Jr. son Nov. 1892 , Sidney son Dec. 1895 // The 1870 Brazos Co. census (p.23a) lists: SIMPSON, Geo. 40 Ireland , Margret 35 Ireland , Chas. 12 Ill. , Mary 6 Miss. , McDuff 3 Tex. , Wm. Nov. 1869 Tex. // McDuff SIMPSON m. Leona CONWAY, 24 Dec. 1890, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book G?1, p.363 // Margaret SIMPSON, b. 12 Feb. 1835, d. 9 June 1905, buried Red Hill Cemetery (tombstone inscription) // Mrs. Margaret SIMPSON, about 75 years old, left 4 children: Charles, Robert, Will & Miss Jennie SIMPSON; buried Red Hill Cemetery, "Mrs. Margaret SIMPSON," Bryan Morning Eagle, 11 June 1905, p.2 // Miss Helen CONWAY m. Watts McNEELEY, 27 Feb. 1909, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book L, p.293 // W.W. McNEELEY, son of Mr. & Mrs. J.W. McNEELEY of Cedar Point, m. Miss Helen CONWAY, niece of Mrs. McDuff SIMPSON; Helen had lived with Mrs. SIMPSON since the death of her parents; also mentions Mr. Lock McNEELEY, brother of the groom, and Miss Willie Mae BROCKMAN, cousin of the bride, "McNEELEY?CONWAY," Bryan Morning Eagle and Pilot, 28 Feb. 1909, p.2 // Leona CONWAY SIMPSON, b.27 Sept. 1873, d.28 July 1952, buried Bryan (tombstone inscription) // Mrs. Leona CONWAY SIMPSON, b. 27 Sept. 1873, Hearne; lived in Bryan 63 years; survived by 3 sons: J.E. SIMPSON, S.R. SIMPSON, & McDuff SIMPSON; pallbearers were W.S. HIGGS, Jack BOONE, Lock McNEELEY, T.H. BLACK, Sam HOYLE, Melvin McNEELEY, & Miles LEBO, "Mrs. L.C. SIMPSON Succumbs Today Funeral Tuesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 July 1952, p.3 // Out?of?town visitors included a granddaughter Mrs. Goldie Ruth BRIANS; Mr. & Mrs. Otis GRAHAM; Mr. & Mrs. Walter DANIEL; Mr. & Mrs. Al ORTEGA; Mrs. Watt McNEELEY; Frank CONWAY; Mr. & Mrs. Lon BROCKMAN; L.J. BAKER; Miss Flo BURT; Mr. & Mrs. Elmer BROCKMAN; Marion BROCKMAN, "SIMPSON Funeral is Attended by Friends, Kinsmen," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 July 1952, p.6 1890: Brazos Co. Deed Book 7, p.522. J.J. CONWAY gave up custody of his son F.L. CONWAY, who would be 3 years old "the last of September 1890," who was also the son of Mrs. Clementine CONWAY, deceased, to J.M. & Betty CONWAY; dated 7 July 1890 // The 1900 Fort Bend Co. census (ED 9, sheet 11a, line 45) lists: CONWAY, Jeff head Feb. 1861 ?? married 11 years , Birtha wife Dec. 1872 ?? mother of 5 children; 2 living , Tom son Oct. 1890 , Florence dau. Dec. 1898 , Frank boarder Sept. 1887 // Bertha SCHUBERT CONWAY, 1872?1964, buried Bryan; Jefferson M. CONWAY, 1861?1931, buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // Jeff Mitchell CONWAY, b. 26 Jan. 1866, Brazos Co., survived by his widow Mrs. Bertha CONWAY; 1 son, Tom J. CONWAY; 4 daughters: Mrs. Louis MELASKY, Mrs. George HOLLAND, Mrs. Charles KUBAN, Miss Louise CONWAY, "Funeral Service This Afternoon for J.M. CONWAY," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 Oct. 1931, p.1 // Mrs. Bertha C. CONWAY, aged 91, lived in Bryan 58 years & in Waco for last 14 years, "Mrs. CONWAY," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 Jan. 1964, p.10 1892: Brazos Co. Deed Book 10, p.349. Robert HUDSPETH adopted his grandson, Henry Archie SMITH, son of his daughter L.H. SMITH & her husband J.D. SMITH; his name was changed to Henry Archie HUDSPETH in 1892 at the March term of the Brazos Co. District Court // Brazos Co. District Court Minutes, Book H, p.118: 9 Mar. 1892. Henry Archie SMITH changed his name to Henry Archie HUDSPETH // Miss L.A. HUDSPETH married Mr. J.D. SMITH on 16 Nov. 1882, in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 5, sheet 10a, line 43) shows: HUDSPETH, Robert b.Dec. 1828 head , Henry b.Sept. 1883 g. son //Robert HUDSPETH, b.18 Dec. 1828, Somerville, Tenn., m. 1st, Minerva COLLINS, in 1854, she d.1864; they had 5 children, 3 of whom survived Robert??Robert HUDSPETH, William HUDSPETH, Mrs. J.K. PRESNALL; Robert m. 2nd, Mrs. Mary KELLOGG, 1866, she d.1894; he m. 3rd, Mrs. Myrtle MARTIN, she d.1906; there were no children from the last 2 marriages, "Capt. Robt. H. HUDSPETH Dead," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 25 Jan. 1912, p.8 // Archie SMITH, minor, petition of his grandfather to be his guardian; filed 15 June 1886, aged 2 1/2 years old; his mother died in Brazos Co. in about Feb. 1884; his father was a "state convict" & was said not to be a fit guardian even if he were released from prison; Brazos Co. Probate File #326. 1894: Brazos Co. Deed Book 12, p.408. G.W. HOWARD and wife C.S. HOWARD adopted the infant grandson of Mrs. Lucy McKAY, aged 9 months, and who was named by the grandmother David Lancaster HOWARD; dated 24 Sept. 1894 // 1880 Brazos Co. census, p.276b lists: McKAY, James 50 , Lucy 46 , Elam 18 son GRIFFIN, Mary 20 daughter SMITH, Nancy 16 step?daughter // Mary McKAY married H.W. GRIFFIN, on 3 Dec. 1878 in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // Louis McKAY, b. 13 Oct. 1892, son of Elum Angelo McKAY & Nancy Ida COLE McKAY (Brazos Co. delayed births) 1894: Brazos Co. Deed Book 13, p.624. Rhoda L. COX, a "feme sole", adopted Rhoda Lee HEARNE, aged 19 years, the child of Asa H. HEARNE and Bettie HEARNE, both deceased; dated 9 Nov. 1894 // The 1899 Brazos Co. tax rolls state that Mrs. R.L. COX owned 126 acres of land // The 1900 Robertson Co. census (ED 116, sheet 2, line 41) lists: BATTEY, Wm. R. Jan. 1866 married 3 years , Rhoda Jan. 1876 wife; mother 1 child, alive at time of census , William R. Nov. 1897 son COX, Rhoda L. Dec. 1820 mother-in-law; widowed; mother 1 child, alive at time of census // Rhoda Lee BATLEY, petitioner, stated that Mrs. Rhoda Lee COX, who lived in Robertson Co., died on 9 Jan. 1901; COX owned property in Brazos Co. & in Buffalo, Leon Co.; COX left wrote a will in Robertson Co. dated 3 June 1897 in which she left all her property to Rhoda Lee BATLEY, her niece, Robertson Co. Probate Minutes, Book L, pp.534?535, 595 1894?: Brazos Co. Deed Book 70, pp.5?6. Copy of adoption recorded in Grimes Co. Deed Records, vol.4, p.216 (comparing the ages given below with 1900 census suggests this was done ca. 1894). William HENRY, son & heir of R.M. HENRY, adopted Jefferson Gould WALKER, aged 12 years; Mattie Blain WALKER, aged 10 years; Madgie WALKER, aged 7 years; Charley HENRY [should this be Charley Henry WALKER?], aged 4 years; & Susie Jane WALKER, aged 2 years; all children of Katy WALKER; Mattie Blain WALKER BANKHEAD of Los Angeles swore to the accuracy of this on 7 Mar. 1927; at that time, William HENRY was deceased; he had owned property in Brazos Co. as described in Brazos Co. Deed Books vol.D, p.404 & vol.N, p.214 // The 1900 Grimes Co. census (ED 24, sheet 13, line 53) shows: HENRY, William b.May 1854 white head WALKER, Mattie b.Mar. 1884 black boarder , Gould b.Feb. 1882 black boarder , Susan b.May 1886 black boarder , Madge b.June 1892 black boarder , Catherine b.Jan.1849 black boarder (widowed) It appears that either the census taker or the adoption record confused the ages for Susan & Madge 1895: Brazos Co. Deed Book 14, p.187. Hugh JARVIS adopted Eliza Ellen WALKER, aged 3 months, daughter of Rufus WALKER & his deceased wife Fannie WALKER; Rufus WALKER consented to the adoption; dated 30 Mar. 1895 // Hugh JARVIS married Miss Anna DAVIS on 9 Nov. 1887 in Brazos Co.; Rufus WALKER married Miss Fannie DeHART on 9 Oct. 1892 in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // The 1900 Brazos Co. census, pp.200B?201A (ED 4, sheet 3, line 99) shows: JARVES, Hugh E. head Mar. 1866 , A.L. wife Feb. 1866 COX, John cousin 1877 Where is Eliza Ellen ? 1895: Brazos Co. Deed Book 14, pp.417?418. T.E. PLUMMER of Brazos Co. adopted Irene MOSS, a minor, both of whose parents had died; Irene was 7 years old; dated 31 Oct. 1895 // Mr. R.J. PLUMMER m. Mrs. Mollie T. MOSS, 23 Jan. 1895, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book H, p.38 // The 1896 Brazos Co. tax rolls list T.E. PLUMMER as paying the poll tax, but as not owning land // Richard Ira PLUMMER m. Eliza (Louisa) T. PARKER on 17 Dec. 1850, perhaps in Walker Co.; they had 5 children: Sarah Jane, Thadeus E., Mary Elizabeth, Richard Ira, Jr., & Isaac Spurgin, Walker County, Texas A History, Walker Co. Genealogical Society, 1986, p.602 // The 1860 Walker Co. census (p.112b) lists: PLUMMER, Richard J. 30 , Louisa 29 , Thadeus E. 8 , Mary E. 5 , Richard J. 3 , Spurgen 1 (male) PLUMMER, Mary A. 55 , Sarah J. 9 // The 1900 Walker Co. census (ED 37, sheet 33b, line 71, & ED 40, sheet 7b, line 58) list: PLUMMER, Thaddus E. Sep. 1851 married 8 years , Jessie P. May 1869 wife; mother of 0 children *** PLUMMER, Richard Oct. 1856 married 5 years , Mollie Apr. 1868 mother of 4 children; 3 living at time of census MOSS, Taylor M. June 1891 son PLUMMER, Emmit Mar. 1897 son , Edna Aug. 1899 daughter 1897: Brazos Co. Deed Book 17, p.42. L.R. WYNNE, a "feme sole", living in Brazos Co., adopted Naoma KYLE, minor child of J.W. KYLE, who was living in Bell Co.; signed L.R. WYNNE, dated 23 Apr. 1897 // This needs further research, but Naoma KYLE may have been related to the following, listed in the Bell Co. 1900 Soundex: ESTELL, Keach, mother of James W. KYLE (b. Nov. 1896), ED 29, sheet 5, line 26 ?? or, James W. KYLE, ED 18, sheet 1, line 47 ??? //The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 6, sheet 6, line 53) shows: FREEMAN, Charles W. head Jan. 1873 Ala Ala Ala , Clyde N. wife Jan. 1884 Tx Tx Tx (Charles & Clyde had been married 1 year) WYNNE, Louisa R. m?in?law 1846 SC SC SC mother of 1 child //C.W. FREEMAN married Miss Clyde WYNN, 24 Nov. 1898, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book I, p.188 // The 1910 Bell Co. census (ED 2, sheet 14b, line 99) lists: FREEMAN, Charles W. head 37 , Naoma C. wife 26 , Curtis P. son 9 , Aubrey G. son 6 , Huling P. son 4 , Cecil W. son 4/12 1897: Brazos Co. Deed Book 17, p.45. Wm. C. WARREN & Eva WARREN, his wife, adopted Gertrude STANLEY, whom they had "raised, nurtured, and educated ever since she was an infant"; dated 25 June 1897 // The 1880 Brazos Co. census (p.237c) lists: WARREN, William C. 46 head , Eva J. 34 wife DARNELL, Robert 9 orphan // The 1900 Brazos Co. census (ED 5, sheet 9, line 72) shows: WARREN, William C. head b. May 1835 , Jane E. wife b. Jan. 1845 ?? mother of 0 children , Gertrude Ad. daughter b. 1883 // Eva J. WARREN d. 25 Jan. 1919 in Robertson Co., Index to Texas Death Records, 1903?1940 // W.C. WARREN lived in Brazos Co.; died Robertson Co. on about 26 Apr. 1919; will dated 29 Mar. 1917 left property to his adopted daughter Gertrude McKINNEY, wife of W.A. McKINNEY of Robertson Co., signed W.C. WARREN (his mark), Brazos Co. Probate File #1140 // The 1920 Robertson Co. census (ED 179, sheet 3b, line 96) shows: McKINNEY, William A. 59 head , Gertrude 39 wife SYKES, Lottie 19 adopt. dau. // Gertrude McKINNEY d.30 May 1935, Robertson Co.; her parents were J.P. STANLEY & Josephine DICKSON, Robertson Co. Index to Deaths, vol.1, 1903?1972, reel #1477494 // The 1880 Robertson Co. census (p.566a) shows: STANLEY, Jas. P. 32 head , Josephine 20 wife , Edward 4 son , Marion b.Sept.1879 son 1899: Brazos Co. Deed Book 17, pp.623?624. Willie CHILDES, a "feme sole" of Brazos Co., adopted Mabel MOORE, aged 19 months; Willie CHILDES had the "care & custody of said child from her birth" & had no children of her own; signed Willie CHILDES (her mark), 27 May 1899// Rhody (or Rody or Rhoda) MOORE apprenticed her child Mabel MOORE, aged 1 year, 4 months, to Willie CHILDES; dated 31 Mar. 1899; signed Rody MOORE (her mark), Brazos Co. Probate File #616 // Willie CHILDS purchased land in Bryan on 20 Apr. 1896, Brazos Co. Deed Record, Book 16, p.259 // Willie CHILDS is listed as owning property in Bryan on the 1900 Brazos Co. Tax Rolls, but the 1901 tax rolls do not list her 1903: Brazos Co. Deed Book 24, p.596. R.M. NALL & his wife Mattie NALL adopted Bessie Vera NALL, aged 10, child of Henry E. NALL & Eliza NALL; dated 14 Sept. 1903 // Bessie Vera NALL was b.26 May 1893, daughter of Richard Milton NALL & Mattie Ann ROLLO NALL (delayed birth certificates) // Mrs. ??? NALL died from pneumonia; was married to Henry E. NALL, a printer; she & her husband were "deaf mutes" who had met in school at Austin; was sister?in?law to Bryan City Marshal NALL; Galveston Daily News, 23 Dec. 1893, p.1, col.6 // Henry E. NALL was survived by his brother, R.M. NALL, "Died from Injuries," (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 10 Sept. 1908, p.3 // Mrs. Mattie Ann ROLLO NALL, b. 29 Sept. 1855, Greenville, Ala., m. R.M. NALL on 5 Feb. 1876, "Mrs. NALL Laid to Rest on Wednesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 Oct. 1921, p.1 // R.M. NALL, b. 30 Dec. 1853 at Rusk, Tx., m. Miss Mattie ROLLE in Grimes Co. in 1876; survived by 3 daughters and 2 sons: Mrs. Lamar BETHEA, M.G. NALL, Mrs. B.B. TREADWELL, Roger M. NALL, & Mrs. Emmett TRANT, "Pioneer Citizen Died Today," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Sept. 1924, p.1 // Bess NALL TRANT, b.26 May 1893, d.1 Mar. 1952, buried Bryan (tombstone inscription) // Mrs. Bess NALL TRANT, b. 26 May 1893, "youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. R.M. NALL"; married Thanksgiving Day, 1919, to Emmett TRANT, deceased; survived by 1 daughter Mrs. Orland DODSON & 2 sons Emmett TRANT, Jr. & Richard Nall TRANT, "Funeral Date is Indefinite for Mrs. B.N. TRANT," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 Mar. 1952, p.10 1904: Brazos Co. Deed Book 28, p.361. Marzella BALLARD, a "feme sole", Brazos Co. resident, adopted Helen THOMAS, who was 3 years old on 31 Aug. 1904, "a mulatto", & who took the name THOMAS "from her father"; dated 15 Oct. 1904; signed Marzella BALLARD (her mark). 1906: Brazos Co. Deed Book 31, p.56. S.M. WINTERS and his wife M.L. WINTERS adopted Stella BUSH, the child of Stella BUSH, late a resident of Galveston, and ??? BUSH, the father, who apparently died before the birth of the child at Beaumont [this is difficult to understand in the original]; Stella BUSH was about 6 months old; her name was changed to Stella BUSH WINTERS; signed Sam M. WINTERS & Maud L. WINTERS; dated 16 Apr. 1906 // The 1920 Wichita Co. census (ED 156, sheet 20B, line 95) lists: WINTERS, Samuel M. head 53 , Maud L. wife 48 , Stell B. daughter 14 //Mrs. Maude Lenora WINTERS died 16 Feb. 1929, Wichita Co., Index to Texas Death Records, 1903?1940 1907: Brazos Co. Deed Book 31, p.299. Henry TURNER, an African American resident of Brazos Co., adopted Beaulah TURNER, Jesse TURNER, James A. TURNER, William TURNER, Robbie TURNER, the children of Victoria HILL, all of whom lived in Brazos Co. & who were also African Americans; dated 14 Aug. 1907 & signed Henry TURNER & Victoria HILL (her mark); Victoria was a "feme sole" // Henry TURNER & Miss Casanna JOHNSON got a marriage license on 18 Feb. 1896, but the records do not indicate that an actual marriage was ever performed, Brazos Co. Marriage Record, Book H, p.172 // Frank HILL m. Victoria TURNER on 1 Mar. 1906, Brazos Co. Marriage Record, Book K, p.260 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 11, sheet 13b, line 79) shows the following African American family: TURNER, Henry 34 head father of 6 children , Cassie 29 wife mother of 6 children , Effie 13 daughter , Jessie 13 son , James Henry 11 son , William 10 son , Floyd 10 son , Tommy 8 son , Robbie 7 son , Lillie T. 3 daughter , Rudolph 1 son // Cassie TURNER, b.1882, d.1966, buried Oakwood Cemetery (tombstone inscription) // Cassie TURNER, aged 84, died 11 Feb. 1966, Brazos Co. Death Record, Book 12, p.378 1908: Brazos Co. Deed Book 31, p.464. J.D. MURRAY adopted Euria CATO, aged 10 years, daughter of Mrs. Mary CATO; signed Mary CATO (her mark); dated 19 Jan. 1908. // Burl CATO married Mary MOORE on 28 Nov. 1880 in Brazos Co. (marriage records) // Euria CATO, represented by her "next friend" J.D. MURRAY, had her name changed to Eula MURRAY, Brazos Co. District Co. Minutes, Book L, p.318, 10 Mar. 1908 // For additional information, see entry under "1926" 1909: Brazos Co. Deed Book 31, pp.635?636. George CHILDRESS & his wife Annie, both deceased, had formerly lived in Madison Co., Tx.; they left a daughter Alice CHILDRESS, aged about 7. Annie CHILDRESS (formerly Annie RACE?) was the sister of Minnie SMITH (formerly Minnie RASCO?), who was the wife of Allen SMITH of Brazos Co.; Allen & Minnie SMITH adopted Alice, who was thereafter known as Alice CHILDRESS SMITH; dated 17 Feb. 1909 // Apparently Alice CHILDRESS, b. 30 May 1901 in Madison Co., listed in the statewide index to probate birth records // The 1900 Madison Co. census (ED 31, sheet 10b, line 68) lists: CHILDRESS, George May 1879 head , Annie June 1880 wife // The 1910 Brazos Co. Census (ED 10, sheet 5b, line 69) lists: SMITH, Allen 32 head married 13 years; lived on Anderson St. , Minnie 37 mother of 0 children , Alice 8 adopted // The 1920 Brazos Co. Census (ED 8, sheet 10a, line 45) lists: SMITH, Allen head 41 lived on W. 26th St. , Minnie wife 46 , Alice C. dau. 18 JOHNSON, Richard servant 22 , Luciel ??? 17 // Allen SMITH, the manager of the LANGFORD Produce Co., and his wife Minnie lived at 606 W. 26th St., Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 // Minnie SMITH, aged 79, d. 6 Nov. 1962, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 11, p.400 1911: Brazos Co. Deed Book 39, p.65. Joe GREEN adopted Ison GREEN; dated 9 Sept. 1911. 1912: Brazos Co. Deed Book 42, p.584. Corlie PERSONS, father of Mattie PERSONS, gave custody of Mattie to Charles W. CLIFTON & his wife Alberta CLIFTON; Mattie's mother Lizzie PERSONS had "deserted said child and gone to parts unknown"; dated 5 Oct. 1912 // Collier PERSONS m. Miss Lizzie GLASPER, 30 Dec. 1908, Brazos Co. Marriage Record, Book L, p.261 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 7, sheet 4; taken 23 Apr. 1910) shows the following African American family: PEARSON, Collier 24 head married 1 year , Lizzy 23 wife , Matty 6/12 months old daughter // Charles CLIFTON m. Alberta HILL, 26 Sept. 1909, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book L, p.375 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 14, sheet 3B, line 98) shows the following African American family: CLIFTON, Charlie 62 head of household , Alberta 33 wife PERSON, Mattie 12 a. daughter 1912: Brazos Co. Deed Book 42, pp.5?6. Henry FICKEL & Annie FICKEL, his wife, adopted Fannie MILBERGL, a girl, and Anton & Leopold MILBERGL, boys, the children of Anton MILBERGL & Teresia MILBERGL, both deceased; dated 12 Oct. 1912 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 11, sheet 5B) shows: FICKEL, Henry head 50 , Anne wife 44 mother of 0 children MILBERGER, Fannie adopted 14 (age hard to read) MILBERGER, Antone adopted 13 MILBERGER, Lee adopted 11Note that the census used the term "adopted" before the actual legal event // Antone MILBERGER died about 28 Feb. 1902; Frank STASNEY was appointed guardian of his 4 children: Henry, Leopold, Fannie & Anton; STASNEY eventually asked to be removed as guardian; Henry FICKEL was appointed guardian on 18 Oct. 1911; Fannie MILBURGER m. Joe E. OJESKY on 4 Aug. 1913, Brazos Co. Probate File #715 // Joe OJESKY m. Miss Fannie MILBERGER, 4 Aug. 1913, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book N, p.81 1914: Brazos Co. Deed Book 43, p.467. J.B. CARROLL & his wife M.D. CARROLL adopted Robert Everett LOCKLEY, aged 3 years on 30 Mar. 1914; dated 21 Nov. 1914 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 14, sheet 5a, line 35) lists: CARROLL, James B. head 48 lived on Sulphur Springs Road , Martha D. wife 45 married 25 years; mother 4 children , Stella dau. 24 , Clennie dau. 23 , Truman son 19 , Landruss son 17 // Martha Dora CARROLL's maiden name was McMURRAY (birth certificates for Lanos Lamar CARROLL & James Truman CARROLL) // Robert Everette CARROLL, b.30 Mar. 1911, d.20 Sept. 1982, buried Bethel; James Burt CARROLL, b.6 Feb. 1862, d.4 Jul. 1936, buried Bethel; Martha Dora CARROLL, b.12 Sept. 1864, d.5 Jan. 1954, buried Bethel (tombstone inscriptions) // Robert Everette CARROLL was survived by his wife Margueritte Neville CARROLL, a son John R. CARROLL, & 4 daughters: Leslie COLE, Bettie YOUNG, Sue LEWELLYN, & Linda LENTZ; a brother Charles H. MANLY; & 9 grandchildren, "Robert Everette CARROLL," Bryan?College Station Eagle, 21 Feb. 1982, p.7A // James CARROLL was b.6 Feb. 1862 in Edinberg, Mississippi; was survived by his widow, 3 sons: L.L. CARROLL, J.T. CARROLL, R.E. CARROLL, & 2 daughters: Mrs. Oliver BOND, Mrs. J.T. PATE, "Funeral Service of James CARROLL Held on Sunday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 July 1936, p.1 // Jas. Bert CARROLL, b. 6 Feb. 1862, d. 4 Jul. 1936, was married to Dora CARROLL, was a farmer?merchant, buried "Old Bethel" cemetery, cause of death??hypostatic pneumonia, City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol.4, pp.86?87 [reel 1311225] // Mrs. CARROLL was b. 12 Sept. 1864 in Mississippi; was survived by 2 daughters: Mrs. Stella PATE, Mrs. Clinnie BOND; 3 sons: J. Truman CARROLL, Lanos CARROLL, R.E. CARROLL; & 3 grandchildren, "Mrs. CARROLL, 89, Dies Today," Bryan Daily Eagle, 5 Jan. 1954, p.5 // James Truman CARROLL, b. 8 Dec. 1890, Harvey, survived by his widow Mrs. Cora L. CARROLL, a daughter Mrs. George R. MARCY, 2 sons James David CARROLL & Rex Travis CARROLL, a sister Mrs. Oliver BOND, & 2 brothers L.L. CARROLL & R.E. CARROLL, "J.T. CARROLL," Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 Mar. 1965, p.8 1914: Brazos Co. Deed Book 43, p.378. W.G. REYNOLDS & his wife L.C. REYNOLDS adopted Rodney EVANS, born 9 Mar. 1903, whose parents were "reputed to be dead" and who was placed in the care of the REYNOLDS at about age 9 months by Rev. MORRIS; name changed to Ralph Rodney REYNOLDS; dated 27 July 1914 // W.G. REYNOLDS m. Miss Lona GILPIN, 7 May 1893, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book G?2, p.216 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 10, sheet 7) lists: REYNOLDS, Willis 52 2nd marriage; married 16 years , Luna 37 1st marriage; mother of 0 children , Ralph 7 adopted // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 8, sheet 7a, line 43) lists the following family as living on West 27th Street: REYNOLDS, Willis G. 62 head , Lona 46 wife , Ralph 16 son // Willis G. REYNOLDS, b. Apr. 1858, d. Nov. 1931, buried Bryan; Lona C. REYNOLDS, b. Apr. 1872, d. Jul. 1948, buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // Willis G. REYNOLDS, b. 30 Apr. 1858, m. Miss Lona GILPIN of Tabor, ca. 1900; survived by his widow and son Ralph REYNOLDS, "Funeral is Held for Aged Citizen This Afternoon," Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 Nov. 1931, p.1 // Willis G. REYNOLDS, aged 73, d. 15 Nov. 1931 from uremic coma, City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol.4, p.68 [reel 1311225] 1915: Brazos Co. Deed Book 44, pp.316?317. John Jefferson RICHEY and Mary Catherine RICHEY, his wife, adopted "boy BERTRAM", who was 10 months old; they gave him the name Robert Thomas RICHEY; dated 2 Nov. 1915, College Station. Louise BERTRAM (or BERTAM), of Harris Co., the mother of the infant boy, was of legal age; she gave custody of the boy to Judd Mortimer LEWIS so that he could find the child a good home; dated 22 Jan. 1915; witnessed by Isabelle REYNOLDS // Neither Louise BERTRAM nor Isabelle REYNOLDS are listed in the 1913 or 1915 Houston City Directory; those directories state that Judd Mortimer LEWIS was a poet for the Houston Post // The 1920 Brazos Co. census lists the RICHEY family two times (ED 12, sheet 8a, line 20 & ED 12, sheet 9b, line 85); both times they are shown to live on the College Campus": RICHEY, John J. 43 head , Mary F. 37 (or 32) wife , Robert T. 5 son , Florence W. 3/12 daughter // Mary Catherine RICHEY died 25 Mar. 1935, & was survived by her husband John J. RICHEY & 2 children, Robert T. RICHEY & Miss Florence RICHEY; her maiden name was FICKLIN; she was born in Marshall, Illinois, "Funeral Service for Mrs. RICHEY Tuesday Morning," Bryan Daily Eagle, 25 Mar. 1935, p.1; "Mrs. RICHEY Dies After Protracted Illness Sunday," Battalion, 27 Mar. 1935, p.1 1917: Brazos Co. Deed Book 46, p.162. Billie BARBER & his wife Ruth BARBER, of College Station, adopted Willie B. HIGGINS, a girl about 1 year old; Willie was the daughter of Texanna HIGGINS, a resident of Brazos Co., and Buck HIGGINS, residence unknown; signed by Texanna HIGGINS (her mark); dated 3 Nov. 1917 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 12, sheet 3b, line 91) shows the following African American family: BARBER, Billie 24 head of household , Ruth 25 wife , Willie 3 7/12 (or 1/12?) daughter 1919: Brazos Co. Deed Book 48, pp.275?276. Mrs. Jessie JORDAN, Humane Officer of Houston, Harris Co., transfered custody of the child Alice DAY to Robert HOWELL, and his wife Willie BREWER HOWELL; Alice DAY had been born in Houston 18 Sept. 1916. Robert & Willie HOWELL adopted Alice DAY; dated 24 Apr. 1919 // Robert Wistar HOWELL, b.21 Jan. 1877, d.11 July 1960; Willie Brewer HOWELL, b.18 Jul. 1885, d.20 Nov. 1945, both buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // Mrs. HOWELL was b. 18 July 1885 in Nacogdoches, Tx., daughter of Mr. & Mrs. H.E. BREWER; married R.W. HOWELL on 24 Apr. 1912; survived by her husband, R.W. HOWELL, & a daughter, Mrs. W.W. HARRIS, Jr., "Funeral Service for Mrs. HOWELL Wednesday Morn," Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 Nov. 1945, p.1 // Robert HOWELL was b. 21 Jan. 1877 in Bryan, the son of Dr. J.W. HOWELL; he was survived by his daughter Mrs. W.W. HARRIS, "R.W. HOWELL Funeral to be Wednesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 July 1960, p.1 1919: Brazos Co. Deed Book 48, pp.345?346. Henry JENKINS & his wife Lessie Lee JENKINS adopted Mattie COOKSEY, aged about 1 year; daughter of Katie COOKSEY, who lived in Pawnee Co., Okla.; name changed to Mamie Lee JENKINS; signed Henry JENKINS (his mark); dated 24 May 1919 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 9, sheet 27A, line 19), recorded on 31 Jan. 1920, shows the following African American family: JENKINS, Harry 27 head of household , Lessie 25 wife , Mamie 1 6/12 daughter // Henry JENKINS, a taxi driver, and his wife Lessie Lee, both African Americans, lived at 1302 N. Hall St., in Bryan, Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 1919: Brazos Co. Deed Book 49, p.445. H.M. MYERS & his wife Clara MYERS adopted Edwina MYERS, the daughter of Savannah PEARL, "a single woman"; dated 20 Sept. 1919 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 10, sheet 1B, line 97) shows the following African American family: MYERS, Henry M. 50 head of household , Clara 47 wife , Elnora 3 daughter 1920: Brazos Co. Deed Book 50, p.510. T.W. COLE & his wife Arnettie COLE adopted Arthur BEARD; dated 13 Mar. 1920 // Thomas W. COLE, b.14 Jul.1866, d.13 Jan. 1936, buried Bryan; Mrs. T.W. COLE, b.9 Oct. 1876, d.2 Jul.1962, buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 7, sheet 7b, line 55) shows: COLE, Thomas W. 53 head of household , Nettie 43 wife , Ethel A. 18 son // Arthur BEARD, represented by his guardian T.W. COLE, had his last name changed to COLE, Brazos Co. District Co. Minutes, Book N, p.116, dated 18 Mar. 1920 // Arthur BEARD m. Zenobia Elizabeth BLANCHARD, 22 June 1920, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book P, p.360 // Thomas COLE was survived by his wife Mrs. Nettie COLE, "Bryan Resident Succumbs Today; Funeral Tuesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 Jan. 1936, p.1 // Thos. Wm. COLE, a janitor, b.14 July 1866, d.13 Jan. 1936, married to Mrs. Nettie COLE, cause of death uranic nephritis, City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol.4, pp.84?85 [reel 1311225] // Mrs. Arnette Goen COLE (or is GOEN a surname ?) d. in Houston; survived by 2 sisters Mrs. Lillie Mae POWELL & Mrs. Belle UPRIGHT & 1 brother A.A. WYATT, "Mrs. COLE," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 July 1962, p.8 1920: Brazos Co. Deed Book 53, p.12. Ulysses NELSON and his wife Nora NELSON adopted Ora Lee NELSON, daughter of Maggie NELSON, who lived in Brazos Co., and Claude NELSON, deceased; signed Maggie NELSON (her mark); dated 7 Apr. 1920 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 3, Sheet 9A, p.39) shows the following African American family: NELSON, Ulysses 47 head , Nora 46 wife , Jordan 18 son , Robert 16 son , Lesley 15 daughter , Osylee 13 daughter , Bessie 11 daughter , Thelma 8 daughter , Oralee 4 daughter HINES, Willis 74 father?in?law // There are delayed birth certificates for 2 children of "Ulyses S." or "Lish" NELSON & Nora HINES NELSON: Jordan NELSON, b.28 Aug. 1900; Bessie, b.5 Dec. 1907// Claude NELSON, deceased, resident of Brazos Co., died in Fort Baird, Mexico on 25 Jan. 1920, had been a U.S. soldier & was declared "permanently totally disabled" on 1 Dec. 1918, filed 13 July 1920, Brazos Co. Probate File #1176 // Mrs. A.J. (Stella) BUCHANAN was appointed guardian of Ora Lee NELSON, a minor; Mrs. BUCHANAN was appointed guardian because it was thought that her service as head of the Brazos Co. Red Cross would be useful in obtaining the federal benefits due Ora Lee NELSON because of her father's military service; by Jan. 1921, Ora Lee NELSON's father had died but her mother was still alive & had given parental authority to Ulusses NELSON & Nora NELSON, Ora Lee NELSON's grandparents; Ora Lee was 18 on 4 Aug. 1934, Brazos Co. Probate File #1192 // Estate of Claude NELSON, who died on about 25 Jan. 1920 in Fort Baird, Mexico, Brazos Co. Probate File #1394 // Ulysses NELSON, aged 83, died 11 Mar. 1956, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 9, p.538 1920: Brazos Co. Deed Book 53, pp.540?541. Dock McINTOSH & Leander McINTOSH, his wife, adopted Lorane THOMPSON, aged 1 year, 2 weeks, the illegimitate child of Dan THOMPSON & Beulah BELL, "a single woman"; dated 9 Oct. 1920 // Dock McINTOSH, a carpenter, and his wife Lena, both African Americans, lived at 605 East 21st St., Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 // Dock McINTOSH, aged 51, d. 30 Oct. 1941, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 5, p.54 // Leander McINTOSH, aged 50, d. 11 May 1949, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 8, p.190 // City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol. 4, pp.238?239 (reel 1311225) Dock McINTOSH, an African American, b. 13 June 1890, d. 30 Oct. 1941, buried Oakwood, informant Ed McINTOSH 1921: Brazos Co. Deed Book 54, p.616. J.J. PUTZ adopted Mary Josephine PUTZ, about 4 months old; dated 14 May 1921 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 12, sheet 4b, line 63) shows: PUTZ, Jacob J. 42 head of household , Mary 32 wife , Louie 12 son // Mary Josephine PUTZ m. Tony S. PICOLLO, Jr., 2 Oct. 1938, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book W, p.130 // Jake PUTZ, aged 67, was survived by his widow Mrs. Mary PUTZ, a daughter Mrs. Tony PICCOLO, & a son Louis PUTZ, "Funeral Services for Jake PUTZ to be Wednesday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 Oct. 1947, p.1 1921: Brazos Co. Deed Book 57, pp.75?76. Mr. Ebbie HENSON, father of Eddie HENSON & Lula May HENSON, gave custody of the children to Phoebie (or Febay) ROGERS & Dave ROGERS, husband & wife, who adopted them; Eddie HENSON was b. Aug. 1913; Lula May HENSON was b. Aug. 1915; dated 10 Sept. 1921 // Dave RODGERS m. Phoebe BROWN, 4 Feb. 1918, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book O, p.485 // Ebbie HENSON was an African American laborer for the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 // Ebbie HENSON d. 16 Jan. 1940 in Brazos Co., Index to Texas Death Records, 1903?1940 // City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol. 4, pp.220?221 (reel 1311225) Ebbie HENSON, an African American, b. 1882, d. 16 Jan. 1940, a laborer, was married, informant was Gussie HENSON, buried Oakwood Cemetery, cause of death was apoplexy // Pheby ROGERS, aged 44, d. 30 Nov. 1936, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 4, p.134 1922: Brazos Co. Deed Book 58, p.408. Sam JOHNSON adopted James WOODS, Jr., son of James WOOD, Sr. & Liza WOODS, both deceased; James & Liza WOODS had lived in Bryan; signed Sam JOHNSON (his mark); dated 10 June 1922 // The 1910 Brazos Co. census (ED 9, sheet 14b, line 55) shows the following African American family: JOHNSON, Sam 50 head , Jane 50 wife, married 30 years, mother of 0 children WOOD, Jim 14 adopted son Note that the census used the term "adopted son" 12 years before the actual adoption // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 9, sheet 27b, line 51) shows the following African American family: JOHNSON, Sam 72 head [note the age difference between 1910 & 1920] WOOD, James 24 son , Welson 20 son , Roy 12 son 1922: Brazos Co. Deed Book 59, pp.114?115. J.T. KELLEY & his wife Annie KELLEY adopted Margaret Louise ???, a minor girl & orphan, living in the Hope Cottage Orphan Home at Dallas, Tx.; dated 20 Sept. 1922 // J.T. KELLEY m. Miss Annie HAMILTON, 14 Aug. 1911, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book M, p.160 // In 1933, the Hope Cottage Association at Dallas accepted white children aged 0?2, Children Under Institutional Care in Foster Homes, Washington: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1933, p.119. 1922: Brazos Co. Deed Book 59, pp.218?219. Ms. Tamer MOORING, a Brazos Co. resident, adopted Cecil BELL, the infant son of Beulah BELL, who also lived in Brazos Co.; dated 23 Oct. 1922 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 8, sheet 19, line 3a) shows the following African American family: MOORING, Tamer 36 single woman SIMMONS, Jessie 22 niece SIMMONS, Luther 13 nephew 1923: Brazos Co. Deed Book 61, p.397. Louisa BOHANAN, adopted Willie FIELDS, aged 10 years, the son of Ella B. FRANKLIN; dated 13 Apr. 1922. 1926: Brazos Co. Deed Book 68, pp.201?202. Mrs. Amanda MURRAY, widow of J.D. MURRAY, adopted Dorthy Louise CANBURY; Dorthy had been in the care of Evangelist Orphans Home at Waco; dated 23 Apr. 1926 // Jeff D. MURRAY, b. 4 Oct. 1861, d. 1 May 1925, buried Bryan; Amanda Elizabeth MURRAY, b. 29 Mar. 1868, d. 27 Sept. 1952, buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // Jefferson Davis MURRAY, b. 1862, Coffee Co., Ala., was survived by his widow & 2 sons Charles MURRAY & H.J. MURRAY & 1 daughter Dorothy MURRAY, "J.D. MURRAY Died Bryan Last Night," Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 May 1925, p.1 // Mrs. Amanda Elizabeth MURRAY, b.29 Mar. 1868, Troy, Ala., "Funeral Service for Mrs. MURRAY Held Here," Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 Sept. 1952, p.6 // Jeff Davis MURRAY died about 1 May 1925 at his home in Brazos Co.; left wife Amanda & children C.L. MURRAY, A.J. MURRAY & Mrs. Eula MURRAY PAPSON, wife of N.A. PAPSON, Brazos Co. Probate File #1315 1926: Brazos Co. Deed Book 68, pp.280?281. Gilbert RODGERS & Lottie RODGERS, his wife, adopted Lawrence MOORE, aged 7 months, son of Gladys MOORE, a "feme sole" who lived in Brazos Co.; dated 20 May 1926; signed Gilbert RODGERS (his mark) & Lottie RODGERS // Apparently Alonzo MOORE, son of Vergy MOORE & Gladys MOORE, b.16 Oct. 1925, Brazos Co. Birth Records, Book 3, p.83 // Gilbert ROGERS m. Lottie LENTON, 26 Dec. 1914, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book N, p.339 1926: Brazos Co. Deed Book 68, p.282. Mr. & Mrs. D.B. MILNER adopted Marilyn MILNER, who was given to them by the Texas Children's Home Finding Society; dated 19 May 1926 // D.B. MILNER m. Francis ALLEN, 3 Sept. 1920, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book P, p.398 // Miss Frances ALLEN, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C.S. ALLEN, of Calvert, m. D.B. MILLNER, of A&M, son of President & Mrs. MILLNER of Henderson, at Calvert, "MILLNER?ALLEN," Bryan Daily Eagle, 3 Sept. 1926, p.3 // Capt. Drinkard B. MILNER, aged 34, died San Antonio, funeral held at Henderson, son of the late R.T. MILNER, president of Texas A&M from 1908 to 1913, survived by his wife Mrs. Frances ALLEN MILNER, 1 daughter Marilyn, and his mother Mrs. R.T. MILNER, "Veteran of Marines Funeral Thursday," San Antonio Express, 4 Sept. 1930, p.13 // In 1933, The Texas Children's Home Finding Society was located in San Antonio and accepted children aged 0?10, Children Under Institutional Care in Foster Homes, Washington: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1933, p.119. 1926: Brazos Co. Deed Book 69, pp.421?422. James RHODES & Ida RHODES, his wife, adopted Clenard THOMSON (or THOMPSON), about 6 years old, son of Jesse THOMSON, deceased, & Nancy THOMSON; dated 27 Dec. 1926 // Ida RHODES, aged 43, d. 31 Dec. 1935, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 4, p.36 1927: Brazos Co. Deed Book 69, p.584. Fred JONES (listed as "JOHNS" once in record) adopted Mabel JOHNS, aged 7 years, and Juanita JOHNS, aged 1 year, 5 months, the children of Jesse JOHNS, d.Apr.1926, and Nettie JOHNS; dated 21 Feb. 1927; signed Nettie JOHNS & Fred JOHNS (his mark) // Jessie JOHNS m. Nettie D. GREER, 7 Oct. 1916, Brazos Co. Marriage Records Book O, p.120 // Mabel JOHNS, b. 25 Nov. 1919, daughter of Jessie JOHNS & Nettie GREER JOHNS, Brazos Co. Birth Records, Book 3, p.110 // Junita JOHNS, b.22 July 1925, daughter of Jessie JOHNS & Nettie GREER JOHNS, Brazos Co. Birth Records, Book 3, p.110 // Jessie JOHNS, d. 26 Apr. 1926, in Brazos Co., Index to Death Records??Texas, 1903?1940 1928: Brazos Co. Deed Book 72, p.115. J.O. PEEBLES & his wife Cecilia PEEBLES, both of whom lived in Brazos Co., adopted Betty Joe MESSINGER (formerly Sally), a resident of Dallas; dated 13 Feb. 1928 // J.O. PEEBLES, a bookkeeper at the A&M Commissary, and his wife Cecilia lived in the College Park addition, Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 // J.O. PEEBLES (b. 1889, d.1951), buried Bryan; Cecelia F. PEEBLES (b. 24 Feb. 1896, d.15 June 1977), buried Bryan (tombstone inscriptions) // John O. PEEBLES, b.5 Dec. 1888, Cuero, survived by his wife Mrs. Cecilia PEEBLES, 1 daughter Mrs. P.D. GRANT, 1 son J.S. PEEBLES, "To Hold Funeral for J.O. PEEBLES Thursday 3 P.M.," Bryan Daily Eagle, 13 June 1951, p.10 1929: Brazos Co. Deed Book 73, pp.409?410. Joseph FAZZINO & his wife Josephine FAZZINO adopted Richard ??, aged about 1 1/2 years; he had been in the care of the Home of the Holy Infancy in Austin, operated by the Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent di Paul; dated 2 Feb. 1929 // Joe FAZINNO m. Josephine SALVAGGIO, 19 Sept. 1925, Brazos Co. Marriage Records, Book R, p.426 // Miss Josephine SALVAGGIO, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ross SALVAGGIO, m. Joe FEZZINO, son of Mrs. Kate FEZZINO, "Joe FEZZINO and Miss SALVAGGIO Wed on Saturday," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 25 Sept. 1925, p.2 // Joe J. FAZZINO, b.27 Nov. 1906, d.21 Aug. 1952, buried Mt. Calvary (tombstone inscription) // Joe J. FAZZINO, b.27 Nov. 1906 in Brazos Co., survived by his widow Mrs. Josephine FAZZINO & 1 son Johnny FAZZINO, "Joe J. FAZZINO Funeral Service to be Saturday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 Aug. 1952, p.8 // In 1933, the Home of the Holy Infancy in Austin accedpted white children aged 0?3, Children Under Institutional Care in Foster Homes, Washington: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1933, p.118 1929: Brazos Co. Deed Book 79, p.158. Mr. R.B. EHLINGER adopted Baldo Marquez PILLOT, minor son of Leila Marquez EHLINGER, formerly Leila Marquez PILLOT; dated 29 May 1929; recorded 19 Feb. 1931 // R.B. EHLINGER, a physician and his wife Lalla, lived on College Highway, Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 1930: Brazos Co. Deed Book 76, pp.316?317. John ROTH & his wife Mary ROTH adopted Angelina LOPEZ, daughter of Rafael LOPEZ; dated 1 Jan. 1930; signed John ROTH & Mary ROTH (her mark) // John ROTH m. Miss Mary RAHNERT, 24 Nov. 1898, Brazos Co. Marriage Record Book I, p.187 // John ROTH, b.1872, d.1953, buried Mt. Calvary; Mary ROTH, b.1878, d.1956, buried Mt. Calvary (tombstone inscriptions) // John ROTH, b.3 Apr. 1871, Germany, survived by his wife Mrs. MARY ROTH and daughter Mrs. Joe BONIFAZI, "Funeral Service Held Today for Kurten Resident," Bryan Daily Eagle, 17 Mar. 1953, p.5 // Mrs. ROTH, maiden name RAHNERT, b.22 Mar. 1878, Germany; lived in Brazos Co. 66 years; widow of John ROTH, surived by her daughter Mrs. Angelina BONIFAZI, "Rosary for Mrs. ROTH Tomorrow," Bryan Daily Eagle, 9 Aug. 1956, p.8 // The 1920 Brazos Co. census (ED 5, sheet 12B, line 71) shows: ROTH, John 48 head b. Bohemia , Mary 42 wife b. East Prussia // The 1920 Brazos Co. census lists the ROTH family next to the LOPEZ family (ED 5, sheet 12b, line 79): LOPEZ, Rafal 65 widowed came to U.S. 1909 , Peter 16 son , Cliffus 10 son , Joseph 9 son , Angel 8 daughter // Rafael LOPEZ, came to the U.S. ca. 1907 from Yoccatecas, Mexico; his wife died ca. 1913; his children were Peter LOPEZ, b. ca. 1904, Cliff LOPEZ, b. ca. 1910, Joe LOPEZ, b. ca. 1911, & Angel LOPEZ, b. ca. 1912; he owned 100 acres of land in Brazos Co. but rented that out & leased land from John ROTH, "Rafael LOPEZ, Father of Cliff LOPEZ, Visits Eagle Office on Tuesday ?? A Farmer of Brazos," Bryan Weekly Eagle, 11 Feb. 1926, p.1, col.2 // Joe H. BONIFAZI, son of Mr. & Mrs. A. BONIFAZI, was the husband of Anzelo ROTH, The Men and Women in World War II from Brazos County and Aggie Veterans 1931: Brazos Co. Deed Book 79, p.43. Harry KOHLER & Bessie KOHLER adopted Mary Francis HINES, infant daughter of Bill HINES & Lottie Eldrige HINES (or MILES), 3 days old; Bill HINES had deserted his wife Lottie; dated 20 Jan. 1931 1931: Brazos Co. Deed Book 79, pp.378?379. Hugo STASNEY & his wife Mary STASNEY adopted Claude Neil ELLIS, son of J.C. & Lola ELLIS, both of whom were alive and apparently living in Houston, Tx.; dated 24 Mar. 1931 // Hugo STASNEY, a laborer for the LANGFORD Produce Co., & his wife Mary, lived at 2000 Echols St., Bryan Texas City Directory, 1937 [did Hugo STASNEY get information about adoption procedures from Allen SMITH, the manager of the LANGFORD Produce Co., who had adopted a child in 1909?] // Hugo F. STASNEY, b. 12 Apr. 1881, d. 9 June 1942, buried College Station (tombstone inscription) // Hugo STASNY, b. 12 Apr. 1881 in Shiloh community, Brazos Co., survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary STASNY, 2 sons Claude Neal STASNY & Lawrence STASNY & 1 daughter Mrs. W.A. DEEN, "Funeral Service Held Today for Hugo F. STASNY," Bryan Daily Eagle, 10 June 1942, p.1 1932: Brazos Co. Deed Book 82, p.156. Charles J. NELSON adopted William R. WILLS, resident of Brazos Co., the son of Elizabeth NELSON WILLS & her husband William Ray WILLS, deceased, dated 11 July 1932 // City of Bryan Cemetery Book, vol. 4, p.69 (reel 1311225) Wm. Ray WILLS, aged 28, committed suicide 5 Feb. 1932, buried Winchester, Ky. // W.R. WILLS, married about 15 months earlier to Elizabeth NELSON, daughter of Col. & Mrs. C.J. NELSON, "Poison Taken by Local Man Monday Night," Bryan Daily Eagle, 2 Feb. 1932, p.1 // R.W. WILLS, aged 28, survived by his wife, the daughter of Col. & Mrs. C.J. NELSON; by a baby son; & by his parents Mr. & Mrs. Ward WILLS of Winchester, Ky., "Poison is Fatal to WILLS Today at Local Clinic," Bryan Daily Eagle, 5 Feb. 1932, p.1 1932: Brazos Co. Deed Book 82, pp.622?623. Gladys PATTERSON, of Harris Co., mother of Alexander PATTERSON, b. 1 Mar. 1931, agreed to let John GAFFORD & Alberta GAFFORD, his wife, residents of Brazos Co., adopt her son; Mr. & Mrs. GAFFORD, who had custody of Alexander since he was about 1 month old, adopted the child, afterwards called Alexander GAFFORD, dated 12 Apr. 1932, signed John GAFFORD & Alberta GAFFORD (her mark); Gladys PATTERSON, a single woman, lived at 1116 Ruthven St. in Houston // The 1931/1932 Houston City Directory lists Gladys PATTERSON as living at 1116 Ruthven St. (p.119); the listing by street address shows that to be the residence of Raymond JACKSON (p.1997); the alphabetical directory gives his first name as "Raymonta", shows that he was married to Pearl ???, and was a driver for the Avenue Cleaners & Dyers (p.865) // John & Albert GAFFORD, both African Americans had 1 child; lived at 502 W. 19th Street, Bryan City Directory, 1937 // Johnnie GAFFORD, aged 74, d. 22 Nov. 1975, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 15, p.149 1932: Brazos Co. Deed Book 84, pp.188?190. John M. ROSS & Lillie ROSS adopted Rossie Leon BRISBON, son of R.L. BRISBON & Lanner (or Lena or Lenner) BRISBON, residents of Brazos Co., dated 2 Nov. 1932; recorded 10 July 1933 // Mrs. Lillie WARREN ROSS, wife of J.M. ROSS, survived by her husband, "Funeral Services Held Here for Mrs. J.M. ROSS, Bryan Daily Eagle, 22 Jan. 1934, p.1 // Robert Lee BRISBON, aged 73, d. 5 Oct. 1937, Brazos Co. Death Records, Book 4, p.192 1933: Brazos Co. Deed Book 83, pp.413?414. Welborn WILSON & Tennessee WILSON, his wife, adopted Ed Willie CURRY, born 26 Nov. 1930, son of Katie MAYS (or MAYES), dated 4 Mar. 1933