Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A to Z April Challenge: C



is for Coleman.  My great-grandmother Mary Frances Jollett Davis’s sister Emma Jollett married Andrew Jackson “Jack” Coleman in 1880.  They had 5 children, including one set of twins:

Mattie Coleman (12 Mar 1882 Greene Co, VA – 10 Feb 1978 Page Co, VA)

John Franklin Coleman (9 Jul 1883 Page Co, VA  - )

Minnie Coleman (May 1888 Page Co, VA – Jan 1981 Arlington, VA)

Russell Coleman (29 Jul 1896 Page Co, VA - )

Reba Hildred Coleman (29 Jul 1896 – 12 Jan 1994 Chesapeake, VA)


Standing: Mattie, Minnie, John
Seated: Jack holding Russell, Emma holding Reba

Jack Coleman was known for his often long-winded prayers before the meal at the annual family reunions.  Invariably someone would have to interrupt to remind him the food was getting cold.

Mary Frances Jollett Davis
Jack and Emma Coleman

What else do I know about the Colemans?  Very little.  I don’t remember ever knowing the boys, but I have vague memories of Mattie and Minnie, and stronger memories of Reba.  Mattie became a teacher, a stern one at that, and was always called “Miss Mattie.”  My cousin insists Mattie and Reba were terrible gossips.  Minnie, on the other hand, was very sweet.  Her husband was a minister and president of Shenandoah College (now University).




Left:  Reba Coleman (Morris)
Center: Russell Coleman and John Coleman (seated)
Top right:  Minnie Coleman (Maiden)
Bottom right:  Mattie Coleman (Escue)

To “C” what others have thought of, Carry yourself over to the A to Z Challenge.



©2014, Wendy Mathias.  All rights reserved.

13 comments:

  1. What a lovely post with photos from times long past. How wonderful to have those of your family, and wonder about their lives.

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  2. Hello Wendy,

    What a great post! I think this is my new favorite blog! I will definitely be back to see what you dream up for the other letters, and to read more of your lovely writing. I am following now.

    I am doing the A to Z Challenge as well. Take a peek at my blog too if you get a chance! I write humor. (Well, I make myself laugh, and sometimes that's enough.)

    Best,
    MOV

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    1. Hi Wendy, nice job! I really like the names of the kids, and those twins are darling sitting on Mom and Dad's lap. I'm really enjoying meeting your family this way; this gives you a chance to highlight even those that you don't know too much about.

      Kathy M.

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    2. Kathy, This is precisely why I thought I could handle the daily challenge. I have lots of "little" info but no great stories to develop in depth.

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  3. Love the family history theme going through here-- I might consider this for next year ;) What a great way to learn more about your own family and share the history with others!

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  4. Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge. Genealogy is so fascinating. It is also very intimidating to me. I applaud you for your efforts to learn about your history.
    xoxo
    Andrea
    http://twins-happen.com

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  6. How cool to have those photos and to know the history of your family. Happy A-Z!

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  7. LOVE your approach to the A to Z Challenge!! This is going to be such a great resource for future generations!

    Looking forward to following your blog through the month!

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  8. It's so interesting to find out about forebears.Old photographs are so evocative.

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  9. How interesting and wonderful photos.I would love to know further back in my family than I do.
    http://www.cassam-isanyonethere.blogspot.com/

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  10. What a rich and wonderful theme for the Challenge! I'm so curious to see if you have relatives with names all the way to Z! Best of luck!

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  11. A - Z Challenge. Cute idea. Would join if I wasn't going to be away.

    I would not like Jack's long prayers if I was waiting to eat. ha

    Always fun to visit your blog, Wendy!

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