Jesse Thomas Fitzgerald Family
of Navarro County, Texas


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Jesse Thomas “Tom” Schuyler Fitzgerald and 1) Martha Isabel Moore and 2) Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Frederick

Researched by Dana Stubbs, Cindy Prince, Donna Brooms and Hank Williams


Jesse Thomas “Tom” Schuyler Fitzgerald was born 08 December 1835 in the Santa Fe area of Maury County Tennessee as one of eight known children to the parents of James Garrett and Margaret (Thurman) Fitzgerald. He was reared and educated in his native county but he was working in Missouri when the call for Southern Arms came in 1861. He first served the Confederate Army in the state militia but in 1862 joined Co A, 11 Missouri Infantry Trans-Mississippi Department. He was never captured or wounded and was always able for duty. Tom saw action through the Red River campaign. The most noted battle he fought in was Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. Family members have told of the fact that, “he was so hungry during this time that grandpa ate rats to keep alive.” He was discharged from service at Shreveport, Louisiana.
Most of Tennessee and in particular mid Tennessee was devastated by the war and many Tennesseans ended up in Navarro County. This was the trek our Fitzgerald family took. When they (several of his brothers and his mother) left Tennessee Tom was first employed as a farm hand in Red River County. He followed the same occupation in Bowie County and one year later returned to Red River County.
Tom married 29 June 1868 in Red River County Texas to Martha Isabel Moore, born 3 February 1873, a daughter of John and Rebecca R. (Lightfoot) Moore. The couple removed to Navarro County that same year. He first farmed on rented land and by 1870 had bought a farm of eight acres. However, by his death he had acquired over 1000 acres in the western section of Navarro County. His wife, Martha, died 03 February 1873 in Navarro County Texas and was buried at White Church Cemetery, just south of Blooming Grove. Tom and Martha had three children.

1870 NAVARRO COUNTY US CENSUS, Dated 24 July 1870, PO Dresden, p 103
Thomas Fitzgerald, age 32, Farmer, born North Carolina; Martha, age 20, born Tennessee; Hannah, age 2, born Texas. (This child should read Sarah)

Tom remarried after the death of Martha. On 11 August 1874 he wed Mary Elizabeth (Frederick) Shepherd. She was the daughter of John and Nancy Frederick who had settled near Dresden, Navarro Co Texas. Mary had one child from a first marriage that family members tell that Tom raised just like his own son.

 


Marker Photo by Edward L. Williams

Confederate Veteran
White Church Cemetery, Navarro Co., TX
 


Marker Photo by Edward L. Williams

White Church Cemetery, Navarro Co., TX




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Record of Marks and Brands
In Navarro County Texas, October 22, 1874 Tom filed his cattle brand at the Courthouse in Corsicana.





1880 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 8 June 1880, p 479b & 480
J. T. S. Fitzgerald, age 45, Farmer, born Tennessee, both parents born Virginia; Mary E, age 26, Keeping house, born Arkansas, both parents born Alabama; Sarah F, age 11; William W, age 9; Alice, age 8; Thomas J., age 5; Albert A., age 3; Nancy, age 1; J. H. Shepherd, age 8, stepson, father born Missouri, mother born Arkansas. All children born Texas

1900 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 22 June 1900, PO Blooming Grove, p 94b
Jessie Fitzgerald, birth date December 1835, age 64, married 26 years, Farmer, born Tennessee, father born Virginia, mother born Virginia; Mary E, wife, birth date Mar 1854, age 46, gave birth to 13 children with 9 now living, born Arkansas, both parents born Alabama; Lee, birth date January 1886, age 14, Farm Laborer; Jessie D., birth date Apr 1888, age 12, Farm Laborer; Bula M., birth date Jan 1890, age 10; Ottis, birth date February 1896, age 4; Rosa, birth date February 1898, age 2. All children born Texas

Tom became known for his fine grade of stock he raised and for many, many years for farming in Navarro County as he never failed in making a crop. He also followed merchandising at Blooming Grove four years. His 27 page will is filed at the Navarro County Courthouse in Corsicana. He died 02 March 1910 and was laid to rest at White Church Cemetery, just south of Blooming Grove. It is worth noting that several of his descendants still own and operate sections of his lands in and around the Blooming Grove and Lone Oak area; 2007.

Molly was left a widow by Tom at fifty-six years of age with one daughter, Rose, age 12, still at home.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 25 April 1910, p
Mary E. Fitzgerald, age 56, widower, gave birth to 13 children with 7 now living, born Arkansas, both parents born Alabama, Farmer; Rosie, daughter, age 12, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Molly, joined the church in 1911 [she was] the [grandmother] of Mrs. Charles Turner, the great-grand parents of Mrs. Harold Bell, the great-great-grandparents of Bobby Dan and Bill Ray Bell.) [Her] children were: Beulah and Lee who joined the church on August 7, 1904; Rosa and Dee joined in 1911; Thomas, Willie, Betty, Lila, Frances and Alice joined by the dates are unknown.

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 9 February 1920, PO Blooming Grove, p 117
Mary Fitzgerald, age 66, widower, born Arkansas, father born unknown, mother born Arkansas, no occupation listed; Rosa, age 22, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; W. Sheppard, grandson, age 12, born Texas, both parents born Texas

In 1923 Molly filed and received a Widow’s Pension from the State of Texas, Navarro County, for Tom’s service for the Confederacy.

WIDOW'S APPLICATION FOR A PENSION No 50814 The State of Texas, County of Navarro,
I, Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald, do hereby make application for a pension pursuant to the provisions of Articles 6204 to 6227, inclusive, of the Revised Civil Statutes of 1925 as amended by H. B. No. 150, passed by the Forty-second Legislature at its Regular Session and all other laws of this State relating thereto.
I am a widow of J. T. S. Fitzgerald deceased, who departed this life on the 27th day of March, A. D. 1910 in the county of Navarro, in the State of Texas
I have not remarried since the death of my said husband; (or in case of remarriage that I am now a widow); and I do solemnly swear that I was never divorced from my said husband and that I never voluntarily abandoned him during his life but remained his true, faithful and lawful wife up to the date of his death. I was married to him on the 3rd day of August A. D. 1875, in the county of Navarro, in the State of Texas.
My husband, the said J. T. S. Fitzgerald, served as a Confederate soldier (or sailor) in the war between the States of the United States; or (that he was a soldier who, under special laws of the State of Texas during said war, served in organizations for the protection of the frontier against Indian raiders or Mexican marauders); or (that he was a soldier of the of the State of________who was in active service during said war.) That my said husband served honorably from the date of his enlistment until the close of the war, (or until he was discharged or paroled in some military organization regularly mustered into the army or navy or the Confederate States until the surrender). He was honorably discharged or paroled at Shreveport LA on June 8, 1965.
That I have been a bona fide resident of this State continuously 61 years
1. What is your age, and date of birth? 78 March 27, 1854
2. How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? 61 y
3. What is you post office address? Blooming Grove, Texas
4. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension law and been rejected? No
5. If rejected, state when and where
6. Did you husband draw a pension? No If so, give his file number
7. Give, if possible, the post office address of your deceased husband at the time of his enlistment Not Known
8. What was your husband's full name? Jesse Thomas Schuyler Fitzgerald
9. In what State was your husband's command originally organized? MO
10. How long did your husband serve? Enlisted in 1862 and served till close of war
11. If known to you, give date of enlistment and discharge Enlisted in 1862 and discharged in 1865
12. What was the name or letter of the company, or number of the regiment in which your husband served? If he was transferred from one branch of service to another, give time of transfer, description of command and time of service. (If applicant's husband was a pensioner give his file, number, which is evidence sufficient for proof of service.) Company A 11th Regiment MO Infantry
13. Name branch of service in which your husband served, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery, or the navy, or if commissioned as an officer by the President, his rank and line of duty, or if detailed for special service, under the law of conscription, the nature of service, and time of service Infantry
14. To what race do you belong? White
Wherefore your petitioner prays that her application for a pension may be approved and such other proceedings be had in the premises as required by law.
(Signature of Applicant) Mrs. M. E. (X) Fitzgerald Witness Clay Nash. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6 day of June A.
D. 1938 Clay Nash County Judge Navarro County, Texas.
Affidavit's of Witnesses signed by Walter Hayes and R. B. Mitchell
Letter from War Department, The Adjutant General's Office
June 13, 1932
Honorable Luther A. Johnson, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Johnson:
I have your letter of June 10, 1932, in which you request, on behalf of Judge Clay Nash, of Corsicana, Texas, to be furnished with the military record of J. T. S. Fitzgerald, who is said to have been a member of Company A, 11th Missouri Regiment and to have served in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and to have been discharged at Shreveport, LA., at the close of the war.
The records show that J. T. S. Fitzgerald, private, Company A, 11th Regiment Missouri Infantry, Confederate States Army, enlisted July 21, 1862, at Camp Cedar, and on the company muster roll for January and February, 1864, last on file, he is reported present. He was surrendered by General E. K. Smith, CSA, May 26, 1865, and was paroled at Shreveport, LA, June 8, 1865. His place of residence is shown as Maury County, Tennessee.
Very respectfully, Major General, The Adjutant General
State of Texas County of Navarro
Before me, the undersigned authority, this day personally appeared R. Bruce McCormick, owner of McCormick Funeral Service, Blooming Grove, Texas, who after being by me duly sworn deposes and says; The attached statement in the amount of Two Hundred Forty and No/100 ($240.00) Dollars, covering funeral service rendered for Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald, is a true and correct account.
Witness my hand and seal this the 26th day of March, A. D. 1941
Application for Mortuary Warrant
The State of Texas County of Navarro, I, J. D. Fitzgerald do hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald, who was pensioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 50814 and whose original county was Navarro.
The said pensioner Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald, died on the 22nd day of March, 1941, in the town of Blooming Grove, County of Navarro, Texas.
The pensioner died in the home of self who was related to the pensioner as self
That the warrant, which application is hereby made for, shall be applied to paying all or part of the funeral expenses incurred by the said pensioner Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald
I further certify that the warrant for the current month has not been cashed by the pensioner, to the best of my knowledge and belief.
I am related to the pensioner as Son, that my post office address is Blooming Grove, Texas
Signed J. D. Fitzgerald
Sworn to before me this 26 day of March, 1941 ________ Notary Public in and for Navarro, State of Texas.
Certificate of Undertaker
I, R. Bruce McCormick, do certify that I am undertaker in the town of Blooming Grove, County of Navarro, State of Texas that I had charge of the body of Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald, who died in the town of Blooming Grove, County of Navarro, State of Texas on the 22nd day of March 1941. That said body was prepared for burial by me on the 23rd day of March 1941, and that I am of the opinion that warrant herein applied for should be issued to the said ___________who makes the forgoing application.
Signed R. Bruce McCormick, Undertaker.
Certificate of Physician
I, M. J. Kuykendoll, do certify that I am a practicing physician, and that I attended Mrs. M. E. Fitzgerald in her last illness, and am of the opinion that his ailments were Senility, She had flu in January I further certify that I am of the opinion that the Mortuary Warrant above requested should be issued in the name of the aforementioned applicant, in accordance with Act passed by the Thirty-eighth Legislature and approved March, 2, 1923.
Signed M. J. Kuykendoll MD address Blooming Grove, Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 16 April 1930, PO Blooming Grove, p 186
Mary E. Fitzgerald, age 76, owns home, value of home 2000, Widowed, Age at first marriage 16, birthplace Arkansas, birthplace of father Alabama, birth place of mother Arkansas; Nora Beauford, daughter, age 57, Widowed, age at first marriage 13, birthplace Texas; birthplace of both parents Mississippi

DEATH CERTIFICATE: Place of Death Navarro County, Full Name Mary Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Sex F, Color W, Widowed, Date of Birth 27 March 1854, Age 86 years 11 months 25 days, Trade Housewife, Birthplace Ark, Father's Name John Frederick, Father's Birthplace Ark, Mother's Maiden Name Nancy T Eldridge, Mother's Birthplace Ark, Informant J. D. Fitzgerald address Blooming Grove, Place of Burial White Church Cemetery, Date 23 March 1941, Undertaker R McCormick, address Blooming Grove, Date of Death 22 March 1941, I hereby certify that I attended the deceased from March 16, 1941 to March 22, 1941, I last saw her alive on March 22, 1941 The death occurred on the date stated above at 6 PM the primary cause of death was senility Contributory causes were had Flu in January, M. J. Kuykendall MD address Blooming Grove.


The three known children of Tom and Martha (Moore) Fitzgerald

1. Sarah Frances Fitzgerald
Sarah Frances Fitzgerald was born 23 July 1869 in Dresden, Navarro County Texas. She married 10 March 1885 to Hugh Palmer. Hugh was born 14 February 1861.
Hugh was a prominent merchant in Frost Texas where the family made their home. However, on 30 October 1894 he was found dead in his store. “He had been shot through the head. The wound is said to be a frightful one and his brains were scattered about the floor.” Sheriff Weaver was of the notion that Hugh “had been murdered and the object of the assassin was robbery.” He is buried at Frost Cemetery, Navarro County Texas.

The three known children of Hugh and Sarah Frances Palmer:
a. Fitz Hugh Palmer, 21 Jun 1886-9 Aug 1966. He served in both World Wars and is buried at Frost Cemetery
b. Robert T. Palmer, 80 Sep 1888-12 Apr 1949. He served in the 2nd World War and is buried at Frost Cemetery
c. Winnie Palmer, 10 Aug 1890-29 Feb 1956 and is buried at Frost Cemetery.

Sarah Frances married 2) Thomas D. Neal. Tom Neal was born May 1862 in Texas.

1900 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 7 June 1900, p 129
Thomas Neal, birth date May 1862, age 38, married 3 years, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Farmer; Sarah F., birth date July 1867, age 32, gave birth to 4 children with 3 now living, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Texas; Maud, daughter, birth date March 1893, age 6, both parents born Texas; Drew, brother, birth date February 1864, age 36, single, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Farm Laborer; Hugh Palmer, step son, birth date June 1886, age 13, father born Alabama, mother born Texas; Robert Palmer, step son, birth date September 1887, age 12, father born Alabama, mother born Texas; Winnie Palmer, step daughter, birth date August 1890, age 9, father born Alabama, mother born Texas; all children born Texas

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Frances … joined by the dates are unknown.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 25 April 1910, p
Thomas Neal, age 47, married 11 years, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Texas, Farmer; Frances, age not listed, gave birth to 4 children with 3 now living, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Louisiana; Maud, age 16; both parents born Texas; Robert Palmer, step son, age 22; father born Georgia, mother born Texas; Winnie Palmer, age 19, father born Georgia, mother born Texas; all children born Texas

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 9 January 1920, Mertins Road,, p 134
T. D. Neal, owns home, age 57, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Farmer; Frances, age 52, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Texas; Winnie Palmer, step daughter, age 29, born Texas, father born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 3 April 1930, p 195 and 196
Ben (looks like last name listed as Forter) [I think the recorder left off Tom and Frances]
Next page 196 states Robert Palmer, step son, age 42, divorced, born Texas, father born Georgia, mother born Texas, Laborer, Farm; Winnie Palmer, step daughter, age 37, single, born Texas, father born Georgia, mother born Texas; Frances A., step granddaughter, age 7, born Texas, both parents born Texas

Tom and Sarah Neal had one known daughter.
a. Maud Neal

Tom Neal died 28 May 1950 and Sarah died 13 December 1952. They were both buried at the Frost Cemetery in Navarro County.

2. William Wesley Fitzgerald
William was born in 1870 in Navarro County Texas. He married Estella Belle Gardner.

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Willie … joined by the dates are unknown.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 5 May 1910, PO Blooming Grove, p 122
William W. Fitzgerald, age 39, married 9 years, born Texas, both parents born Tennessee, Farm Laborer; Estella B., age 28, gave birth to 1 child with no children now living, born Texas, both parents born Alabama

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 21 February 1920, p 235
Will W. Fitzgerald, age 49, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Farmer; Bell, age 41, born Texas, both parents born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 12 April 1930, p 317
William W. Fitzgerald, age 60 [should read 50], married, age at first marriage 32, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Texas, Farmer; Estella B., age 48, age at first marriage 18, born Texas, father born Georgia, mother born Alabama; William W., age illegible, born Texas; Andrew Gardner, brother in law, age 55, widower, born Georgia, father born Georgia, mother born Alabama, Laborer, Farm

The two known children of William and Estella Belle Fitzgerald:
a. Abram Fitzgerald, 02 Jul 1902-01 Feb 1904
b. Billy Fitzgerald, born about 1924

William died June 1951 and Estella Bella died 1957. They are both buried at the Dresden Cemetery in Navarro County Texas.

3. Alice Isabel Fitzgerald


Alice was born 3 November 1872 at Dresden, Navarro County Texas. She graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart.
HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Alice … joined the church dates are unknown.

1900 DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 9 June 1900, PO Dallas City, Main St., p 150
Head of household is illegible however looks to be a large boarding house
Alice Fitzgerald, age 23, single, boarder, birth date Nov 1876, born Texas, father born Texas, mother born Texas, elocutionist
NOTE H. C. Blackmon is listed living next door.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS, dated 9 November 1901, p 10
Licensed to wed H. C. Blackman and Miss Alice Fitzgerald
H. C. Blackman was born 1 January 1877 in Jonesville, Yadkin County North Carolina.

1910 DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 16, 17, 18 April 1910, PO City of Dallas (part of), p 263
Henry C. Blackman, age 33, married 8 years, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, Mechanic, Gin Company; Alice, age 32, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born illegible; Clifton, age 7; Joy, age 5; Fern, age 3; all children born Texas

1920 DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 9 January 1920, PO City of Dallas, Victor Street, p 51
Henry C. Blackman, owns home, age 42, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, Mechanic, Gin Company; Alice, age 42, born Texas; father born Tennessee, mother born Texas; Clifton, age 18; Joy, age 15; Fern, age 12; all children born Texas

1930 DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 2 April 1930, PO Dallas City, Victor Street, p 108
Henry C. Blackman, owns home, value of home 4000, age 53, married, age at first marriage 24, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, Foreman, Gin; Alice I., age 53, age at first marriage 24, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Texas; Fern I., age 23, single, born Texas


The three known children of HC and Alice Blackmon
a. Henry Clifton Blackmon, 26 Jun 1902-23 Apr 1987; married Frances Elizabeth Dacus
b. Joy Alice Blackmon, 4 Nov 1904-31 Oct 1988; married 1) Donald James Williams 2) Clarence A. West
c. Fern Isabel Blackmon, b. 14 Feb 1907; married 1) Jay Renfro 2) Joseph E. Banks

HC lived in Dallas for forty years. He was employed by the Murray Company as foreman and machinist for forty six years. He died 23 February 1946 and was buried at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. Alice lived in Dallas for 75 years and was a teacher at the old Metropolitan Business College in Dallas. She died at the age of 101 on 15 September 1974 and was buried near her husband in Dallas.



The one known child of Mr. Sheppard and Mary Elizabeth “Molly” (Frederick) Shepherd

1. James “Jim” H. Shepherd
James H. Shepherd was born 31 Dec 1871 in Texas. He married 1) 02 October 1899 Navarro County to Ella Reese; 2) to F. T. 02 Jun 1873—Mar 1911. She is buried at White Church Cemetery, near Blooming Grove, Navarro Co Texas; 3) to “Quinnie” which is listed on the 1920 Navarro Co. Texas census; He married 4) Martha listed on the 1930 Navarro Co. Texas census. It is believed that Jim married again but at this time the data is unproven.
In the 1920 and 1930 Census his occupation is listed as Dairy Farmer. And in a 1920’s Corsicana City Directory shows “Shepherd, (Corsicana Dairy) h Motor Route A ½ mi e State Orphans Home”


1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 16 January 1920, p
James H. Shepherd, age 48, born Texas, both parents born South Dakota, Farmer, Dairy Farmer; name Quinnie, age 35, born Texas, both parents born Texas; Andrew, age 23, Farm Hand, Dairy Farm; Edward, age 14; Walter T., age 12; Ethel B., age 3; all children born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 14 April 1930, p
James H. Shepherd, owns home, no home value listed, age 58, married, age at first marriage 21, born Texas; both parents born Arkansas, Farmer, Dairy Farmer; Martha D., age 50, age at first marriage 18, born Texas, father born South Carolina, mother born Georgia; Ethel B., age 13, born Texas, both parents born Texas; Claudia B. Davis, stepdaughter, age 12, born Texas, both parents born Texas

The known children of James H. Shepherd:
a. Mamie M. Shepherd, b. 12 Apr 1894—04 Jan 1994 married Owen S. Page, 06 Feb 1884—02 May 1957 both buried Oakwood Cemetery, Navarro Co TX
b. Andrew Elmer Shepherd, b. 25 Jun 1896—15 Jul 1976, married Mary Simmons, both buried Seagraves, Gaines Co Texas
c. Vennie Shepherd,
d. Ocie Shepherd, 12 Aug 1902- 15 Jul 1971, married Barney Blackmon born Rusk Co Texas. Barney buried in Ruck Co Texas and Ocie buried Orange Co TX
e. Edward Wilson Shepherd, 03 May 1905—09 Feb 1971. Buried Richland Cemetery in Richland, Navarro Co Texas
f. Walter Tillman Shepherd, born ca 1908 married Lovie Lorain Bonner.

Children of James H. and F. T. Shepherd:
g. Juanita Shepherd, 25 Feb 1911—03 Mar 1911, buried White Church Cemetery
h. Onita Shepherd, 25 Feb 1911—10 Apr 1911, buried White Church Cemetery

Child of James H. and “Quinnie” Shepherd:
i. Ethel B. Shepherd, born abt 1917, married Ernest Jefferson Smith.

Obituary
James H. Sheppard Died Tuesday
James H. Sheppard, 90, died at the Twilight Home Tuesday morning.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the McCammon Chapel with burial in the White Church cemetery near Blooming Grove.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Mamie Page, Corsicana; Mrs. Vennie McLeland, Monroe, La.; Mrs. Ocie Blackmon, Orange, and Mrs. Ethel J. Smith, Harbor City, Calif.; three sons, Elmer Sheppard, Seagraves; Ed Sheppard, Wortham, and W. T. Sheppard, Dallas; three sisters, Mrs. Beulah Sheppard, Kilgore; Mrs. Bettie Woodard, Fort Worth, and Mrs. Rose Cook, Dallas; 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and other relatives.


The 12 known children of Tom and Molly (Frederick) Fitzgerald



1. Thomas Jefferson Fitzgerald
Thomas Jefferson Fitzgerald was born 24 Jun 1875 in Navarro County Texas. He married Mary Eliza Drain on 24 June 1894. Mary’s parents were Will and Margaret (Thurman) Drain


UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE, TEXAS:
Fitzgerald, Thomas Jefferson Fitzgerald and wife, Mary Elizabeth Drain, joined the church on August 7, 1898, under pastor J. D. Odom. Thomas died in Oct. 1902. Their children were Tommy, Minnie Lee, Omie, and Mabel. Mrs. Mary E. Fitzgerald later married Albert Garretson and left B. G. but later returned moving her letter to this church on September 6, 1914. her three daughters, Minnie, Omi, and Mabel joined this church on August 26, 1914.

1900 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 22 June 1900, PO Blooming Grove, p 94b
Tom Fitzgerald, birth date Jun 1875, age 24, married 6 years, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas, Farm laborer, rents farm home; Mary, birth date August 1878, age 24, gave birth to 2 children with 2 now living, born Tennessee, both parents born Tennessee; Thomas, birth date Nov 1895, age 5; Minnie, birth date Feb 1898, age 2; Both children born Texas with father born Texas and mother born Tennessee.

The four known children of Thomas and Mary (Drain) Fitzgerald:
a. Thomas William Fitzgerald, 12 Nov 1895-25 Oct 1942; married Darthula Fannie Reid.
b. Minnie Lee Fitzgerald, 6 Feb 1898-4 Apr 1977; married Lee “Harry” Harrison
c. Omie Mae Fitzgerald, 30 Apr 1900-5 May 1982; married Charles William Turner
d. Mabel Jefferson Fitzgerald, 1 Jun 1903-16 Dec 1948; married 1) Lewis P. Simpson 2) Cecil Heard

Thomas died 28 October 1902 in Navarro County Texas and was buried at White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove.

2. Albert O. Fitzgerald
Albert O. Fitzgerald was born 5 February 1877 in Navarro County. On 27 September 1888 at the age of 11 years he was playing in the family barn and fell through the loft window and hung himself. He was buried at White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove.

3. Nancy Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Nancy Elizabeth Fitzgerald was born 16 January 1879 in Navarro County. On 2 August 1896 she married Guy Milliron. Guy was born in 25 September 1872 in Byhalia, Marshall Co Mississippi. His parents were James B. and Francis Evelyn (Boggan) Milliron.

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Betty … joined the church by the dates are unknown.

The eight known children of Guy and Nancy (Fitzgerald) Milliron:
a. William Van Milliron, 8 May 1897-16 Dec 1961
b. Mary Edna Milliron, 16 Jan 1898-26 Apr 1966
c. Alice Evlyn Milliron, 10 Feb 1901
d. Jim Bob Milliron, 22 Dec 1903-14 Aug 1952; married Edna Bernice Robinson
e. Jessie Fay Milliron, 16 Mar 1905
f. Bessie Ruth Milliron, 13 Apr 1907-8 Apr 1965
g. Otis Earl Milliron, 11 Feb 1910-27 Jun 1934; married Thelma Dixie Parker
h. Clinton Guy Milliron, 15 Sep 1912-15 Sep 1923

Guy died 7 May 1917 in Blooming Grove and is buried at White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove.

Betty married 2) Mr. Woodward. Betty died 31 July 1964 in Ft. Worth, Tarrant County Texas.

4. Margaret Lila Fitzgerald
Margaret Lila Fitzgerald was born 28 November 1880 in Navarro County and died age of 8 months old on 1 July 1881 and was buried at the White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove, Texas.

5. Tinie Fitzgerald
Tinie Fitzgerald was born 20 October 1882 in Navarro County and died at the age of 22 days on 12 November 1882 and was buried at the White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove, Texas.

6. Mary Louisa Fitzgerald
Mary Louisa Fitzgerald was born 18 May 1884 in Blooming Grove, Navarro County Texas. She married Robert Edward Tipping. Robert was born in 1875.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 19 April 1910, p 107
Robert E. Tipping, age 33, married 10 years, born Texas, father born South Carolina, mother born Georgia, Farmer; Mary L., age 26, gave birth to 2 children with 2 children now living, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Myrtle E., age 8; Martha E., age 6; both children born Texas; Hiram C. Fitzgerald, cousin, age 25, born Texas, both parents born Tennessee

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 14 January 1920, PO Dresden, Blooming Grove Road, p 65b
Robert Tipping, age 45, born Texas father born South Carolina, mother born Georgia, Farmer; Mary, age 35, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Myrtle, age 18; Maggie, age 16; Doyle, age 8; Wynona, age 5; Buna Fay, age 2 2/12; all children born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 7 April 1930, p 225
Robert Tipping, owns home, no value of home listed, age 55, married, age at first marriage 25, born Texas, father born South Carolina, mother born Texas, Farmer; Mary L., age 46, age at first marriage 16, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Doyle, age 18; Wynona, age 15; Buna F., age 12; all children born Texas

The five known children of Robert and Mary (Fitzgerald) Tipping:
a. Myrtle Evelyn Tipping, 14 Feb 1902-; married George Loden
b. Margaret Elizabeth Tipping, 20 Feb 1904-27 Dec 1974; married Carl Anderson
c. Ernest Doyle Tipping, 31 Jul 1911-21 Oct 1963; married Samuel Doris Weston
d. Wynona Tipping, 15 May 1914-18 May 1970; married Bobby Gantt
e. Buna Fay Tipping,;married Allen Blams

Mary died in 1950 and Robert died 7 August 1965. They are both buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery near Blooming Grove.

7. Lee Fitzgerald


Lee Fitzgerald was born 24 January 1886 in Navarro County Texas. He married 12 September 1906 in Navarro County to Nellie Flowers. Nellie was born 9 June 1891 Morgantown, Butler Co Kentucky. Nellie’s parents were James Ansel and Nora (Breedlove) Flowers.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 25 April 1910, p 112
Lee Fitzgerald, age 24, married 3 years, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas, Farmer; Nell, age 18, gave birth to 2 children with 2 children now living, born Kentucky, both parents born Kentucky; Violet, age 2; J.T.S., age 2/12; both children born Texas

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 9 February 1920, PO Blooming Grove, p 117
Lee Fitzgerald, age 34, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Missouri, Farmer, Retired; Nellie, age 28, born Kentucky, both parents born Kentucky; Violet, age 11; J. T. S., age 9½; Jim, age 7; Aubrey L., age 5; Nellie, age 1; all children born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 16 April 1930, PO Corsicana City, p 79
Lee Fitzgerald, owns home, value of home 1600, age 43, married, age at first marriage 21, born Texas, father born Tennessee, both parents born Tennessee, Pipe Line work, Oil Field; Nellie, age 37, age at first marriage 15, born Kentucky, father born Kentucky, mother born Illinois; Aubrey L., age 15; Nellie B., age 12; Charlie J., age 6; Robert E., age 4; Ardyce, age 1; all children born Texas

The eleven known children of Lee and Nellie (Flowers) Fitzgerald:
a. Violet Fitzgerald, 29 Dec 1908-11 Feb 1997; married 1) Jessie Hanson 2) Odie Elmo Burns
b. Jesse Thomas Fitzgerald, 18 Feb 1910-22 Dec 1967; married 1) Viola Bonner 2) Helen Raney
c. James Ancle Fitzgerald, 5 Apr 1912-30 Jul 1954; married 1) Zelma Estele Keller 2) Lucille 3) Carrie Hoffman
d. Aubrey Lee Fitzgerald, 24 Jun 1914-6 Feb 1990; married Vesta Lee Kelly
e. Nellie Bea Fitzgerald, 2 Feb 1918-13 Apr 2004; married Roland Leslie Sherrard
f. Ellis Clifton Fitzgerald, 1919-1919
g. Charlie Jo Fitzgerald, 11 Nov 1923-4 Jul 1983; married 1) Hazel Shockey 2) Ruth
h. Bobby Earl Fitzgerald, 26 Aug 1926-18 Dec 1980; Yolanda Lucchesi
i. Nora Ardyce Fitzgerald, 1 Jan 1929-; married 1) Bruce Owen Armstrong 2) Dale Garland Weaver
j. Vivian Alline Fitzgerald, 19 Nov 1931-; married 1) R. J. Hargrove 2) Howard Roger Handlin
k. Leslie Gene Fitzgerald,

In later years Lee and Nellie lived in Dallas, Texas. Lee was at MD Anderson in Houston at the time of his death on 30 January 1955. Nellie died at the age of 101 on 17 July 1992 in Corsicana. Lee and Nellie are buried at Rose Hill Cemetery near Blooming Grove.

8. Jesse Dee Fitzgerald
Jesse Dee Fitzgerald was born 4 October 1888 in Navarro County Texas. He married Sallie Meador. Sallie was born 17 July 1889 in Texas.

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 25 April 1910, p
Jessie D. Fitzgerald, age 22, married 0 years, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas, Farmer; Sallie, age 18, born Texas, both parents born Texas

1920 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 15 January 1920, PO Dresden, p 166
Dee Fitzgerald, age 31, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas, Farmer; Sally, age 28, born Texas, both parents born Texas; Jessie D., daughter, age 3; Joe Francis, daughter, age 4/12; both children born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 23 April 1930, PO Blooming Grove, p 795B
J. Dee Fitzgerald, owns home, value of home 1000, age 42, married, age at first marriage 21, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas, no occupation listed; Sallie, age 37, age at first marriage 17, born Texas, both parents born Texas; Jessie D., daughter, age 13; Jo F., daughter, age 10; Sue N., age 6; All children born Texas

The four known children of Jesse Dee and Sallie (Meador) Fitzgerald:
a. Jesse Dee Fitzgerald, died 29 Mar 1996; married James Brown
b. Jo Frances Fitzgerald, 15 Sep 1919; married John W. “Buster” Bays
c. Sue Nell Fitzgerald, 12 Feb 1924; married Johnny Etheredge
d. Thomas Albert Fitzgerald, 8 Sep 1930; married Jessie

Jesse Dee died in 1951 and Sallie died in 1885. They are buried at Rose Hill Cemetery near Blooming Grove.

9. Beulah M. Fitzgerald
Beulah M. Fitzgerald was born 11 January 1890 in Navarro County Texas. She was married by W. C. Newburn of Blooming Grove on 1 January 1909 in Blooming Grove to William Nuton Sheppard. Willy was born 24 February 1890. His father was Abner Sheppard. Willy was a Grocery Store owner/operator.

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Beulah … joined the church on August 7, 1904 …

1910 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 23 April 1910, p 111
Will N. Sheppard, age 20, married 1 year, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Farmer; Beulah, age 20, gave birth to 1 child, 1 child living, both Texas, Odis, 5/12, born Texas

1920 HENDERSON COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 7-13 January 1920, PO Athens, Palestine St., p 75
Will Sheppard, age 29, born Texas, both parents born Mississippi, Proprietor, Mercantile Market; Beulah, age 29, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Reuben, age 10; Vera Ruth, age 7; Billie, son, age 1 6/12; all children born Texas

1930 NAVARRO COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, dated 16 April 1930, PO Corsicana City, West Tenth Av, p 58
Will N. Sheppard, owns home, value of home 3000, age 40, married, age at first marriage 15, born Texas, both parents born Mississippi, Butcher, Meat Market, Farmer; Beulah, age 40, age at first marriage 15, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Rueben, age 20; Bottler, Bottler worker; Billie, male, age 11; J. D., male, age 8; all children born Texas

The four known children of Willey and Beulah (Fitzgerald) Sheppard:
a. Reuben D. Sheppard, 31 Oct 1909-; married Opal Jenkins 2) Martha Pyka
b. Vera Ruth Sheppard, 26 Jan 1912-30 Mar 1982; married Arthur E. Petty
c. William Newton Sheppard, 15 Jul 1918-married Regina Manning
d. J. D. Sheppard, 19 Jan 1922-; married Billie Mae Gibbs

Will died 12 August 1879 in Kilgore, Gregg County Texas and Beulah died 13 December 1981.

10. L. C. Fitzgerald
L. C. Fitzgerald was born 03 February 1893 in Navarro County Texas and died at the age of 7 years on 14 February 1900. He was buried at White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove.

11. Ottis Fitzgerald
Ottis Fitzgerald was born 27 January 1896 in Navarro County Texas and died at the age of 4 years on 8 August 1900. He was buried at White Church Cemetery just south of Blooming Grove.

12. Rose F. Fitzgerald
Rose F. Fitzgerald was born February 1898 in Navarro County Texas. She married Samuel Taylor Cook.

HISTORY OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE
Fitzgerald: … Rosa … joined the church in 1911 …

1930 DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS US CENSUS, Dated 16 April 1930, PO Dallas City, p 46
Sam Cook, owns home, value of home 3000, age 33, married, age at first marriage 24, born Texas, both parents born Texas, Clark, Post office; Rose, age 32, age at first marriage 23, born Texas, father born Tennessee, mother born Arkansas; Elizabeth D., age 8; Illegible A., age 4; all children born Texas

The three known children of Samuel and Rose (Fitzgerald) Cook:
a. Elizabeth Cook, 10 Sep 1921-; married Howard F. Crabtree
b. Patsye Ann Cook, 30 Mar 1925-; married Charles R. Ribbs
c. George Wayne Cook, 23 Sep 1930-23 Nov 1930

Rose died in 1981 in Dallas, Texas.


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Edward L. Williams & Barbara Knox