THE FAMILY OF CAMDEN

A Genealogy (Written about 1939)
by Mrs. Leona Isabel Turner
and Luetta Camden

Transcribed and published by William R. Carr, 1987

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Beginning of Mrs. Turner's Text

Transcriber's Additions

Additions, Including Marble's Ancestors

THE "BATTLE OF CAMDEN"

First Earl of Camden
William Camden

Please send additional information on The Family of Camden to camden@heritech.com.

TRANSCRIBER'S (1987) INTRODUCTION
TO FAMILY OF CAMDEN

For many years prior to World War Two, the Camden and Hancock reunion was held at the old Stonefort Reunion grounds at Stonefort, Illinois. Camdens, Hancocks and relatives from all over the country congregated there, and according to some, its size rivaled the Old Stonefort Reunion (which is still held). Former Saline County Judge, Lynden Hancock, was the President of the Reunion, and Leona Isabel Turner was its Secretary. According to Mrs. Turner, "Aunt Sis's family (Martha L. Camden and her husband George B. Hancock), were responsible for the beginning of the gathering of the kin together for her birthday dinner some years ago, then it grew until it was made a Reunion for all known relatives."

Mrs. Turner, then living at Kankakee, Illinois, compiled the information for this genealogy and prepared it into a mimeographed publication for distribution at the annual reunion. Untold hours of labor and research went into its preparation. She must have written, and answered, hundreds of letters to far-flung relatives. Obviously we owe a great debt of gratitude to that devoted and unselfish lady possessed of such a sense of "family". She was also, I believe, the prime mover behind the reunion. I don't know how many copies of this genealogy where originally published, nor how many of those survive. My father has managed to preserve his copy from which I have transcribed the following pages. Perhaps no other copy exists. I don't know. Nor do I know why the Camden Hancock Reunion was never resumed after the war. Perhaps the organizers were by then too old, or had passed away, and nobody stepped forward to fill there shoes. Or, perhaps the family had simply become too scattered. Few Camden's remain in the area.

Whatever the case, Mrs. Turner left a great mark of accomplishment on behalf of the Family of Camden. The many descendants of our common great ancestor, Marble McPatrick Peter Henry Camden, will find this genealogy invaluable in piecing together their family histories. At least that is my hope and feeling, and it is my hope that this effort will inspire a renewal of interest in our family history - perhaps even an eventual resumption of the reunion itself. Will someone step forward and continue what was begun? I hope so.

It must be understood that I am not a genealogist. I've made no attempt to update, edit, or research. All the credit for what has been done in that line is solely Mrs. Turner's. I've merely transcribed. I must apologize if there are any typographical errors which I've failed to detect and correct. I've endeavored to make them as few as possible.

Hopefully, making this work available will prompt others to take on the task of completing (or continuing) the job on behalf of their own branches of the family. The numbers of descendants since the 1939 era must be astounding. This genealogical groundwork should serve as the starting point for a hundred other genealogies, as the tree grows.

In the very few places where I have taken the liberty of adding a word or two not in the original, I have indicated it by placing them in parenthesis.

It is regretted that I have no current information on any of the branches of the family other than my own very small branch. This project was undertaken exclusively on the assumption that there must be many who would be happy to have a copy of this genealogy. In short, I've just "up and did it". A shot from the hip, so to speak, without any by-your-leaves. Sometimes that's the best way for some of us. Otherwise, it might not be done at all. I trust that the descendants of Mrs. Turner will appreciate this and approve of this action.

I would be pleased to learn more about the descendants and various branches of the Family of Camden, and welcome correspondence with commentary, general information, updates and corrections to this document, as well as information about the old reunions at Stonefort. I have some sketchy information about the famous Camden - Lawrence fight mentioned on page 16, but would like more information. (It is alleged to have been the only Civil War action fought in Johnson County, Illinois.) I wonder if Mrs. Turner ever got the authentic information which she was seeking and wrote it as she had intended? (New information is included below.)

By way of introducing myself, and my own connection to the Family of Camden, let me state that Marble and Sally Camden were my great, great, great grandparents. I am descended from their fifth child, Olivia Frances "Leave" (Camden) Wright, my great, great grandmother. Her daughter, Tranquoline "Tran" (Wright) Gurley was my great grandmother, and her only daughter, Sybil, was my grandmother. Sybil's third child, James Robert Carr, is my father, who is still very much alive and well at 74 years of age, and well remembers the Camden and Hancock Reunion.

Lastly, I think it fitting and appropriate that I dedicate this small effort of mine to the memory of the author of the following pages - Mrs. Leona Isabel Turner - and to my father, who preserved her work for us.

Bill Carr, 12 April, 1987

(October 2007 update): Linda Goodwin, sent the information that, ..." I believe my Aunt Luetta was the author/possibly co-author of the (Leona Turner's) genealogy. My cousin Betty, daughter of Loren Camden, was born in 1928 and was at the 1939 Camden family reunion where the Family of Camden was distributed. She also read the poem 'Old Grandad' aloud to the crowd that day and attests that my Aunt Luetta was the author of both. I know my aunt wrote poetry, I have a small collection of them. The main clue I have taken from the genealogy itself, is the text about Benjamin Thomas Camden, 6th child of Marble and Sallie. The author says:
'He hadn't seen me for years.....(and recognized me by my resemblance to my father) and said 'Hello Sheltie'. My argument is why would Benjamin call Leona Sheltie? Leona's father was Charles Henshaw, while Luetta's father was Shelton."
     In light of this information, I have added Luetta Camden as co-author of the text and probable author of the "Great Grandad" poem. WRC Oct. 2007

FAMILY OF CAMDEN
by Mrs. Leona Isabel Turner
and Luetta Camden (1939)

 1802-186?

his wife
Sallie L. Hopkins 1898 -1875

Their Children

Great Grandad (A Poem)

Index of Surnames 

This is a genealogy of the Camden family as far as we can find, written according to our own families and if you find names left out of your branch, remember we have written dozens of letters to all parts of the U.S. and even to England and we are not able to contact all of our relatives. Please fill in your families so that our children and grandchildren may find their lineage without trouble and we may write a fuller history later on.

I must offer my apologies for writing so fully of my own, but I think they are typical of the whole tribe for they all had the same qualities to a certain extent. All were honorable, self respecting, fighting, adventuresome pioneers in our U.S. We are to regret deeply that we didn't ask questions of our parents and grandparents who knew the history of their people so thoroughly. They were interested in the most distant relative and grandfather told us that they had never heard of a Camden who was not a relative. One characteristic that has helped us to trace relatives is their habit of naming their children for one another and for older relatives. Through the following pages you will find the same names appearing in every family. Bill, George, Ben, Mack, John, Mary, Martha, and Elizabeth were frequent as were Ann, Jane, Sarah, Frank, and Robert.

The numerous towns named Camden in America are said to be named after Lord Camden, the first Earl of Camden, who was so popular with the colonies because he championed their rights in the House of Lords before the Revolutionary War. At the tip of South America is a group of islands bearing the name. A group of historians in England are called the Camden Society in honor of  Wm. Camden who was the head of Westminster school and spent many years writing and recording ancient history in England, all written in Latin and later transcribed. His pictures show the long pointed nose and heavy brows such as many of the Camdens have. He also had fine curly hair, deep forelock, rather small rounded head, short neck with squared off cheek. Altogether the likeness is striking. His father was a painter of pictures. History records that when William was a sub-master at Westminster school, he became interested in a poor student named Ben Johnson and he supported him so that he could remain in school. Ben Johnson later became a famous author. This kindness seems typical of the family name.

The first Earl of Camden was given his name or title a century later than William lived. He was an attorney and married a rich London lady who owned the estates in London later known as Camden town. For his services to the crown, he was given the title which holds today.

Our records at Richmond and Washington, having been burned, we have letters saying that it is believed that the first American Camden who came to Va. was a younger brother or nephew of the First Earl of Camden, and that they may have come even earlier than the 1760's which was about the time the Earldom was created. The Camden society although concerned with history of England more than individual families, has printed evidence to show that all Camdens originated from one branch both in England and America.

Though the early southern colonies lacked schools and churches, they had the blood of gentlemen and as soon as possible gave their children as much education as could be had in their time. Their wives seemed to be mostly of Scotch-Irish extraction and to marry beneath them was a thing they could not condone in a member of the family. In the young there was an unusual gaiety and high spirits. The girls were apt to be tomboys and outdoor types, teasing and joking. They all loved horses and dogs. The girls were good cooks, clean and seldom lazy. When Aunt Sis was very small her family went on a trip to Ark and stopped to buy eggs from a colored woman, the first Sis had ever seen. She stared and stared and finally said with utmost disgust, "I think I'd wash!"

As they grew older the men seemed to become somewhat melancholy as members of their families passed on, and there was some tendency to brood with sadness on the past when they were no longer able to engage in active work. Most of them lived to the age of 75 or more. The boys in their youth were a little wild, but the wildness consisted mostly of riding fast horses and restlessness, a drink now and then, but this always disappeared as they married and settled down. It seemed to be their ambition to have a large family and be proud of it. There were few divorces and no scandals.

Our folks didn't speak of their southern ancestry to any great extent, this being due mostly to the feeling in the North after the war and as they had come north to live they meant to be good citizens. Most of their neighbors were from the south at sometime themselves but hot feeling ran riot during the war and some years after. Great grandad's desire for adventure and new country was never quite satisfied for late in life he went to Missouri and Ark. and died in West Plains, Mo. he had a brother John, who was killed in Tenn., and a sister Cynthia. We appreciated the cooperation of the living descendants of each branch of the family for without the letters and records from family Bibles we could not have had the accurate information which will be of benefit to any who may wish to trace family connections in the future. In many cases it was the widows of Camden men who had kept the old records. Farthest cousins who had never seen any of us eagerly wrote and expressed a wish to meet the relatives. The Camdens knew their women and picked loyal ones.

None of us need to be ashamed of those hardy American forefathers. As far as we go back to the British Isles, there is no record except of learning and statesmanship. One of the most unusual traits of this family was their gentle handling of their children. In a day when children were ruled with a rod of iron, the Camdens treated theirs as individuals and showed them love and trust without spoiling or pampering them. They were the best possible parents. The father ruled the household and was obeyed, yet he was not a tyrant nor a killjoy. The women they married were real mothers and built character and ambition into their children. Another characteristic marked in every Camden is a strong sense of humor, a ready wit and mild sarcasm. Will Rogers was the nearest their type both in character and expression, natural, witty, sincere, clean wholesome American. If there was anything our race despised, it was a snob. They were modest and reserved except among kin or familiar friends.

To Leona Henshaw Turner must go the credit for first beginning the idea for the Reunion of the Camdens and a family tree. Her mother, Jane Camden Henshaw, daughter of Mack and granddaughter of Marble, had instilled in her the deep love of family relations and interest in all its branches. To her untiring zeal in getting addresses and writing to every known member of the family we owe our heartiest thanks. Also to Sis Hancock, oldest living child of Mack, we owe many details and trace of distant cousins.

To Robert M. Camden of Creal Springs and his brother Irwin goes credit for many dates and much necessary data, especially knowledge of burial places and dates for the kin and great grandfather Marble, whom Robert remembers and whom he resembles in stature.

To Martha Nelson Camden, widow of John, we owe most of the statistics for Uncle Shelt's family. She graciously answered all our letters and copied records from Uncle Shelt's family Bible. She also knew the where abouts of every branch of the family and looked them up and wrote us all the necessary details. Her husband, John died Dec. 1936 and she cared for him in invalidism many years. Victoria, widow of Shelt's Mack also sent records for us.

Will Hancock kindly wrote for us the records of his grandfather and mother from his mother's Bible which we very much needed, as we were not sure of ages and dates.

Ruth Hutchinson, her sister, Wanda, and Belle Camden, widow of Uncle Chris's Mack, have furnished all we needed from the old family Bible which Mac's wife had. Ruth and Wanda are daughters of Monta and are chips off the old block in every sense. Brought up without their mother, who died in early childhood of theirs, they stuck together and combed the country for relatives and history of their families and their family is interested and interesting.

Oma Tidwell Weaver and her brothers have shown deepest interest from the start and have been present at each Reunion. Have preserved records, pictures, and mementoes of our great grandfather and never lost touch with the older members of our family.

Of Aunt Leave's family we have Tran Gurley and her children and grandchildren who have always been present to show the same loyalty and family love that made Uncle John Wright's house home to the whole tribe. We hope others can come of this family.

Of Uncle Ben's family we have contacted only Dolph, oldest son of Uncle Ben's Bob. He is a well respected man of Johnston City, Ill. and through him we are to hear news of this branch of the family. Some live near Anna, Ill. Many others have written us but we cannot mention all of them. Not a single letter was unanswered, but the eagerness to hear from their distant cousins brought a thrill to us who were working to complete a family accurate family genealogy for our enjoyment as well as for our children. Some of the families are better known to the writers and therefore we have the most history of them but some of the material reached us too late to be printed so if you do not find all members of your family in this book please record all names and ages so that your children and descendants may have a tree that will be authentic. We thank you one and all who helped make this history possible and hope it will have results in holding our families together in the future.

Return to top of page.

MARBLE McPATRICK PETER HENRY CAMDEN

Marble McPatrick Peter Henry Camden was born near Richmond, Va. about 1802. He was married to Sallie L. Hopkins of South Carolina in 1827. They were married in a covered ox-wagon and emigrated at once to near Nashville, Tenn. where their eight children were born. With wife and eight children he came to Ill. in 1848 and settled on the farm in Johnson Co. near New Burnside. The only other relative of his family we have heard of is brother John, who was killed in Tenn., also a sister Cynthia, Mrs. Mock Grace of West Plains, Mo., She has daughters Mary and Martha Grace.

Marble, our pioneer great grandfather, was six feet three inches tall and had a fist that could "fell an ox". He was stern and yet kindhearted, as the hardships of those early days produced such men. Fighting, poverty, stony ground, living outdoors lives, seeking new country, building homes, rearing large families, left little time for polished manners and soft speaking, yet there was pride and truth, manliness and uprightness, love of justice and independence naturally inbred in his children. Some call his name Marvel. Granpa always said "Marble" but I never saw it spelled.

Marble's grandfather was a native of England and was in the Cavalry during the Revolutionary War. He named his son Patrick Henry after the great patriot of that time. We think one branch of Camdens came from Ireland but all we can find today of that name are in England and America. We are still investigating.

Eight years ago we found a George Camden of Wilmington, Ohio, who had brothers Ben and John, and sisters Elizabeth and Nellie. By pictures and names and from what he tells us, we are sure his father, who was born in Rockbridge, Va. near Lexington, was a son of Marble's brother. The father's name was George Washington Camden. Nellie Camden Woods, Ohio, and Mrs. Paul F. Landt, Anniston, Ala., also have sent me this information. Mrs. Luella Pelter of Buena Vista, Va., Box 545; is the daughter of Nellie Camden Vest, mentioned above, now dead. From pictures we exchanged and from likeness of names and origin of all from Virginia, we are sure of being the same family. We found a Lewis Camden in Los Angeles, Calif., whose father was Bruce Camden of Oklahoma, with whom we could find no connection.

Our folks always said, and from the oldest records we find, that the first Camdens coming to America were two young brothers from England or Ireland in 1769 and came to the new world to seek fortune as cotton planters in Virginia. Having no money, the estate going to the older brother, they found it hard to buy land and disliked having slaves. One died early and his three sons had to shift for themselves. His grandson, Marble, went to Carolina to become an overseer because he was too proud for his (friends in) Virginia to know that he was obliged to work for others. He was a kind master and the slaves always came to him to plead for them when the master was going to whip them. When he married and left for Tennessee the slaves cried and said "Who will befriend us now when you are gone?"

Marble was "much of a man" said Mack, his son. He always won in log rollings and house raisings of the day when contests of strength were held. Martha Camden, wife of Uncle Shelt's John, wrote me that Marble had a little dog he loved very dearly and that it was at Uncle John Wrights long after great grandfather died. Marble is buried at West Plains, Mo. His wife, Sarah L. Hopkins Camden died 5/2/1875 and is buried at Rich cemetery, Johnson County, with most of her children.

Marble's children were:

• (1) Shelton W. Camden, "Shelt", born Aug. 7, 1829. He had 10 children. Married four times. Died December 12, 1902. His descendants live in Kansas and west.
• (2) William M. Camden, "Bill", born 1831, died 1891. His descendants, Hancocks, live in Saline Co., Ill. and Oklahoma and Missouri.
• (3) Christopher Columbus Camden, "Chris", born Sept. 6, 1833, died Nov. 17, 1910, Had 10 children. Grandsons live in Mo. & Calif. Granddaughters in Ky., Ill., Calif.
• (4) McDowell Camden, born Oct. 17, 1836, died 1913. 7 children. Descendants Ill. & Mo.
• (5) Olivia Frances Camden, "Leave", Wright, born 1838, died 1882. 7 children. Her descendants live near Stonefort, Harrisburg, and Marion (Ill.)
• (6) Benjamin T. Camden, "Ben", born 1840, died 1901. 8 children. Des. in Ill., Shields at Cobden, Ill,. Bill at DuQuoin.
• (7) George W. Camden, born March 15, 1842, died Aug 20, 1877. 4 children. His children live at Creal Springs, Ill. 2 sons living.
• (8) Sarah Elizabeth Camden Tidwell, "Babe", born 1846, died 1909. 5 children, They live at Cairo, Ill., Memphis, Tenn. 4 living.

Return to top of page.

1
SHELTON, ELDEST SON OF MARBLE AND SALLY
Shelton Camden's family Bible
Update, March, 2001, William Lewis Camden

Shelton W. Camden, oldest son of Marble and Sally, was born near Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 7, 1829 and came with his folks to Ill. in 1848. Shelt lived on the place in Pope Co. near Stonefort, Ill. known as the Geo. Howard place, now owned by John McSparin, until he traded places with Geo. Howard and moved to near Cherryvale, Kansas, where he became well to do growing wheat. He was the bad boy when a lad, always riding the calves, yoking up the animals, and getting a licking for his scrapes, but his energy seems to have turned to good use in later years. He was married four times. Delilah, his first wife died when John was born. (Delilah was) born Dec. 11, 1832, died 1858. Her children:

• (1) Pelona (Plona) Jane Camden, born Feb 28, 1855, married Sam H. Elem, 1875, lived near Eddyville, & had 7 children: 1. Joh Samuel Elem, born ? -died 1938 has 2 sons 2 daughters living. 2. Jay Elem has 2 sons, Jack & Bill, 6802 Passaic, Huntington Park, Calif. 3. Wm. Shelton Elem, deceased. 4. Nela Elem Robins, Holly, Colo., has on son living one daughter deceased. 45. Ella, Mrs. C.V. Pierce, has one son, Paul E. Pierce. 6. Lila Belle Haas, Bethany, Mo. has two girls, Mary M. and Barbara. & 7. Edythe, Mrs Carl Stirlen, the Little Minister of the Air has three daughters, Josephine Ella (or Ella Josephine), Rosalie, and Wren.
• (2) John A. Logan Camden, born Jan. 14, 1858 married Martha Nelson, daughter of Pryor Nelson, a Baptist minister of Marion, Ill. They had 8 children, 5 are deceased. The living: 1. Lona, Mrs. S.E. Barnett, 115 E. 15th St., St. Ada, Okla. has 3 children, 2 sons, 1 girl. 2. Paul Camden, 618 S. Sycamore St. Wichita, Kansas has one boy and one girl. 3. Delilah, Mrs. H.E. Smith, Beaumont, Texas, has one daughter, 19.

Martha Nelson Camden has sent these records from Uncle Shelt's Bible. John died at the age of 78 years in December, 1936. He was an invalid for 12 years. His wife, Martha, still survives and her interesting letters have helped greatly in getting these records. One daughter, Ethelyn, died 1935, leaving one daughter, age 13, and her husband. His name has not been given us. Shelt's second marriage was with Lucy Ann Jones in 1859. She died 1874. Her children:

• (1) Elbert Gilbert Camden, born May 25, 1869. Deceased.
• (2) Sarah Tranquoline Camden, born March 2, 1863, died 1872.
• (3) Mary Frances Camden, born March 23, 1865. Deceased.
• (4) Benjamin McDowell Camden, born Dec. 12, 1867, died 1927, Dec. 6. He married Victoria Mortimer, born July 1, 1871, in May. Their children are: 1. Lucy E. Camden, born Dec. 5. 1891 married Lawrence Dare Woodward, San Diego, Calif. 2. Lewis E. Camden, born Jan. 11,1894 married Elva Todd, their children are Faye Loraine, born May 17th 1924 and Bonnie Esther, born Oct. 3. 1925. 3. Mary Margaret Camden, born Feb. 14, 1897, died Oct. 15, 1922, buried beside her father Mack at Colorado Springs. 4. Leona A. Camden, born Sept. 17, 1899 married Eddie M. Cunningham, born Feb. 1, 1896. Their children are Virgil Lee, Victor Lou, and Virginia Lois.
• (5) William Lewis Camden, born April 21, 1873 in Illinois. (Information on this fifth child was contributed by Mr. & Mrs. Leon Green, and added here 16 March, 2001)

The data for this family was sent me by Victoria, widow of Mack, above and by Martha, widow of John. We learn that Uncle Shelt's descendants hold a reunion each year at Colorado Springs, Colo.

Shelt's third wife was Eliza Parks. They separated. She had no children.

Shelt's fourth wife was Tennessee Cole. Their children: Dora Camden Nelson m. Will Nelson, brother of Martha Nelson Camden, is deceased . 2. Ora, Mrs. Floyd Huff. 3. Ollie. d 4. Jim, deceased. The girls live in Idaho. We hope to hear from them.

Return to top of page.

2
WILLIAM McARTHUR CAMDEN, SECOND SON OF MARBLE AND SALLY

William McArthur Camden, second son of Marble and Sally, born June 20, 1831 died March 7, 1891, married Martha Duncan. His sons, Marvel, George, and John, all lived to be grown up, all deceased without descendants. His daughter, Isabel Camden, born April 27, 1856, died Jan. 15, 1894, married Jeff Hancock, a merchant at Stonefort, Ill.

Isabelle's children are Martha, Will, Simon, and Ed. Both the latter died without children. Martha married Ira Blackman. They have one daughter, Mrs. Genevieve Montigue, wife of Dr. Charles Montigue, of Sarasota, Fla. Genevieve has a son, Jean Montigue. These folks have attended the family reunions and are well known to all our local folks.

Will Hancock married Della Craig and they have Lynden, Glen, and Alice Isabel. Lynden M. Hancock married Ann Hetherington, their children are Mary Alice, Martha Ann, and Cynthia Jane. Lynden and family reside at Harrisburg, where he was formerly County Judge. He is president of our Reunion at the time of this writing, 1939. Glen Hancock married Clara Trammel and is a successful dentist at St. Louis, Mo. They have William Thomas and Olen Craig Hancock, Jr. Alice Isabel married George Barnes, has one daughter, Lynda Ann.

William Camden's second marriage was to Fannie Rushing, who was the mother of Benjamin C(olumbus) Camden, born Aug. 12, 1874 in Williamson Co., lives at Drumwright, Oklahoma. He was married to Bessie Bridgewater, has William Benjamin in U.S. Navy at San Pedro, Calif. Raymond Edward at home in school, Thomas Calvin, Long Beach, Calif., and Virginia Nadene at home in school. Bennie kindly wrote me this information. Thanks Irishman!

William Camden's third marriage was also to Martha, but we do not have her last name. Her daughter, Mary Camden Parton, was born August 12, 1888, at Lead Hill, Ark. She resides at Enid, Okla., has a daughter, Mollie Parton, born July 31, 1915.

Bennie says the names Mack, Mike, Patrick, Mc, are all Irish and not English but in the beginning the name was first known in England and they all married Scotch-Irish women who named the children, but the Bills and Georges won out in the long run.

Uncle Bill was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and suffered from exposure and had poor health, for several years was almost an invalid. He died at the age of sixty. Of his family we have little record except of the daughter, Isabel, who was married to S. J. Hancock and resided in Stonefort, Ill., where all who knew her lover her for the saintly character she was. Of her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren we have the record. If any who read have further information, we will be glad to have it.

As far as we know none of Uncle Bill's children survive except Bennie and his half sister Mary. Uncle Bill was true to type in naming his children. The first son, Marvel, after his father, John for his uncle. Then in his descendants we see all with the family names William, Martha, Mary, Ann, Cynthia, Jane, and Isabelle.

Uncle Bill was living in Missouri or Arkansas, but when he became ill he came with his family back to Stonefort, where he died at the home of his daughter, Isabelle. Mary is remembered as a beautiful child, and her mother was well liked among the kin. She lived to a ripe old age with her daughter in Oklahoma. After Uncle Bill's death they returned to their home.

"Camden "Christopher Columbus Camden, "Chris", third son of Marble and Sally, born Sept. 6, 1833, died Nov. 17, 1910, married Elizabeth A. Chapman, born June 15, 1839, died July 22, 1892. They were married April 2, 1857. Buried at Rich cemetery. Their children:

• (1) Francis Marion Camden - born Jan 1, 1858, died Aug 24, 1901. Unmarried

• (2) (George Washington Camden - born June 16, 1860, died Sept 13, 1861

• (3) (Mack Henry Camden - twin - born June 16, 1860, died March 18, 1915. married Belle Snyder

• (4) William Allen Camden - born Nov. 13, 1862, died Sept 30, 1867.

• (5) Sara Frances Camden - born Aug. 20, 1865, died Sept 19, 1867.

• (6) Mary L. Camden - born May 6, 1868, died Nov. 12, 1890 married J.K. Brown, 9/10/90

• (7) Columbus Franklin (Frank) Camden - born Dec. 8, 1870, died Dec. 8, 1892.

• (8) Cynthia A. Camden - born Oct. 18, 1873, died Nov. 7, 1898 married Frank McGee.

• (9) Monta Eudora Camden - born Feb. 15, 1876, died March 8, 1906 married Joseph H. Lawrence, Fairfield, Ill.

• (10) Ota Jane Camden - born Sept. 10, 1881, died Oct. 10, 1892. Mack Henry Camden married Belle Snyder, November 28, 1894. Their children:

(1) Wm. Franklin - born Oct. 3, 1895 married Pecola Browning, 1920, 1 girl.
(2) Chas. Elvin - born Feb. 4, 1897 married Faye Wills, 1917, 1 girl, 1 boy, Chas. was killed in an oil field accident July 16, 1920.
(3) James Milo - born Oct. 10, 1898 married Ruth Howard, 1925, 1 girl.
(4) Lawrence Allen - born Nov. 13, 1900 married Irene Bartlett, 1922, 1 boy.
(5) George Warren - born April 24, 1903 married Bessie Cupp, 1925.
(6) Mack Donald - born Feb. 23, 1906 married Mary Tatum, 1931.
(7) Wayland Victor born July 25, 1908 married Opal Clem, 1931.
(8) Robert Newell, born June 24, 1912 married Viola Jetter 1931, 1 girl.

Cynthia A. Camden married Frank McGee from Mortens, Tex. She died leaving twins, Roscoe and Ruth McGee. Ruth died, Roscoe survives.

Monta Eudora Camden married Joseph Henry Lawrence. She is buried at Fairfield. Her children:

• (1) Wanda, born March 13, 1897, married W. G. Tate, lives at Frankfort, Ky. One daughter, Joellyn Tate, born 1921.

• (2) Ruth Lee, born June 28, 1900, married Hutchinson, lives 1725 Magnolia Ave., Los Angeles, Calif.

• (3) Eulala Maye Lawrence, born May 20, 1903, lives at Chicago, Ill. Her permanent address is Fairfield, Ill.

• (4) Joseph Franklin Lawrence, born Sept. 9, 1905, lives in Detroit, Mich. Has two daughters, Suzanne Lee and Gail Joan.

Those living of Uncle Chris's family are seven sons of Mack at Witchita, Kan., their mother, Belle Snyder, lives in Los Angeles, Calif. One child of Cynthia's lives in Ennis, Texas, Roscoe McGee. Four children of Monta, as named above. Monta's children are all lovable and true to the Camden type, independent and active. Her children are much interested in their mother's family and ancestors. All of Uncle Chris's children died before him except Mack.

Chris married Cass Hogg in March, 1894 and she survived him. Uncle Chris was well respected and loved by his neighbors and family. The newspaper notice of his death states that he came with his parents to Illinois in 1848 and settled with them on the old farm, he later homesteaded an adjoining farm, where he lived for the rest of his life. He sold it and moved into Burnside shortly before his death.

Uncle Chris was a good boy but he was funny and the other boys liked to tease him to hear his comical remarks. His own boys were full of mischief and liked to tease him too. Once shortly after he had joined the church, the hogs got out and Uncle Chris ran calling the dog and the boys to come and help get them back. As he ran he stumbled and fell and, looking back, saw Mack and Marion rolling on the ground laughing. They laughed twice as hard when he yelled in his high pitched voice, "It ain't so damn funny!".

The newspaper notice says that he was very honest, hardworking and kind to the poor and needy and had a habit of attending strictly to his own business. He was "Uncle Chris" to the whole countryside and made a very good living raising berries and other fruit. He was one of the oldest pioneers of Burnside township and his funeral was attended by an unusually large number of old families in that community. All his children had passed away at the time of his death except his son, Mack, then living in Oklahoma, who followed him four years later. All his brothers and sisters preceded him except his brother Mack, who died July, 1913. His sister, Babe Tidwell, died just one year before him.

Notice the names, George, William, Mack, Henry, Mary, Sara, Jane, and Elizabeth as they occur over and over again in our family, also Marble, Ben, Ann, Martha, John, Robert, Frank, and others.

Uncle Chris's son Mack, who passed away at the age of 54 of double pneumonia, was very much the good type of Christian citizen that his father had been. He was a faithful member of the Baptist church, respected and loved by his family and all who knew him. The author remembers Mack as "Uncle Chris's Mack" - handsome and much loved, with a lovable family of wife and eight sons.

Mac Dowell Camden, fourth son of Marble and Sally, was born Oct. 27, 1836, died July 3, 1913. He is buried at Rich Cemetery where also are his mother, wife, and brothers. "Mack" was married four times, first Nancy Parks, who lived one year. His second wife was Tranquoline Shelton, born Oct. 6, 1840, died March, 1870, daughter of Hubbard Shelton of Kentucky. Children of Mack and Tran Camden, married 1859.

• (1) Robert William, died twenty days after birth.

• (2) Shelton_Columbus, "Shelt", born Dec. 19, 1861, died March 15, 1926. Buried at Bolton, Stonefort. Has 6 children living, 19 grand children, 15 gr.gr.children.

• (3) Martha "Sis", married Geo. Hancock. She was born 1863. Has 8 living children, 21 grandchildren.

• (4) Sarah Jane, born 1864, died 1935, married Charles Irvin Henshaw. 4 children, 14 grandchildren.

• (5) Julia Isabel, born 1866, died 1886, married Jim Mason of Crab Orchard. One son, one daughter deceased. 3 living grandchildren.

• (6) Elvis Ethelbert Camden, born 1869, died 1920, buried McKenzie Cemetery, Taft, Mo. 4 daughters living, 4 grandchildren.

Third marriage of Mack was to Puss Kelton, who was a kind mother to his children but lived only two years and passed on with her baby, Mary, age 1.

Fourth marriage, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, of Iowa, died Feb. 18, 1899. Their children:

(1) Leona I. Camden, born 1880 married Jesse Stout, 1898. Four children living and six grandchildren.
(2) George M. Camden, born 1882, married Clara Worley.

George and Leona live at Poplar Bluff, Mo. and have always been very dear to the older brother and sisters and their families have always kept in touch even though they have lived so long apart. John took care of his father in his old age and deserves much credit for the faithful way he discharged his responsibility.

Grampa Mack Camden, although married four times, was never separated or divorced and had a wife only 34 years in all. He died age 76. He was a widower the last 14 years of his life. Grandmother Tranquoline Shelton had brothers Malcolm and Ethelbert and a sister Georgiann. These names lead us to believe that her mother whose name was Brizandine, was old Scotch or Norman blood. "Thel" Shelton was a Baptist minister in Missouri, had four sons and two daughters, lived to about 80 and died at San Antonio, Tex. He often visited his Camden nephews and nieces in Ill. and kept up correspondence.

Mack was the smallest of his brothers, square shoulders, full chest, deep blue eyes, soft silky, curly dark hair, long slender nose, which greatly resembles the noses of the Camdens pictured in histories and encyclopedias. He had a round head short neck, pointed chin on a rather small face. His teeth were good and not very large. He had a high, sweet, tenor voice and was often asked to sing the old ballads. Neighbors said on a clear morning he could be heard singing ten miles away. He was full of funny stories and was very gay and friendly and had many friends. He was a good dancer in his youth and welcome at parties and merrymaking, log rollings, house raisings, quiltings, corn huskings, and dances, which constituted their good times. Everyone went to church for social contacts.

In the South, Virginia, and Tenn. there were very few schools and little opportunity for learning. Grandmother Tran was very well educated as samples of her writing show. She taught Mack to write after they were married but he wrote a clear hand and correctly spelled each word. He could count and calculate very quickly. He greatly desired education for his children and was willing to sacrifice so that their children could have a better chance than they had. They knew the names of all the families for miles around and could tell you who each one married and where they came from. Mack was honest and taught his children that there was only one way to live so as to be respected and to have self respect. His family meant everything to him.

Shelton_Columbus Camden, oldest son of Mack and Tran, was born Dec. 19. 1861, died March 15, 1926, married Alveretta Jones, March 19, 1885, who survives with six children. Shelt was named for Uncle Shelt and also for his mother, who was Tranquoline Shelton. Columbus was for Uncle Chris. His children are:

• (1) Lucetta Camden Edwards married Wm. T. Edwards, Kankakee, Ill. Her children are Kenneth Camden Edwards married Kathryn; Ann L. married Leslie E. Rutledge, has 2 children, Leslie, Jr. and Kenneth Jack; Wilma A. Edwards.

• (2) Lula Mary Camden married Clarence Minor, son Arley. She died Jan 6, 1913.

• (3) Orpha Jan Camden married Pleas Barnwell. Children, Mrs. Leota Little, 2 children, Shirley and Raymond Little. Mrs. Pauline Stalker, San Diego, Cal. Raymond Barnwell, Creal Springs. Orpha died 1918.

• (4) Julia Isabel, died 1920, married Rob't Rose. Children, Mrs. Hazel Mitchell, four children; Wayne Rose; Mrs. Mildred Reynolds, 5 children; Shelton J. Rose.

• (5) Harry C. Camden, died age 21.

• (6) Luther E. Camden, unmarried.

• (7) Loren L. Camden married Elizabeth Loless; children, Dorothey Lee, Alice Louise, Betty Ruth, Harold Leslie, only Camden grandchild of Shelt is that boy.

• (8) Clyda Beth Camden married Earl Schuhardt, 2 children, Wanda, Delilah.

• (9) Minnie Acynthia Camden married J.O. Brown, 2 children, James O., Gerald A.

• (10) Aubrey Eugene Camden married Ruth Kilhefner, Stirling, Ill.

Shelt did not greatly resemble the Camdens except in size and his hair, soft, brown, fine, and curly, grew high off from the temples, making a deep forelock, otherwise he resembled his mother's people. He had gray eyes and a long Lincoln-like face, sandy beard and mustache. He had much the same characteristics of the older ones, was rather strict and stern, yet reasonable and of good judgment and could read character at a glance. If he felt uneasy at meeting a new acquaintance he would be very slow to become friends and there usually proved to be a dishonesty of some sort in the newcomer.

He was the friendliest person on earth. Every young lad or old person would stop to chat with him because he was so interested in everyone. His ambitions for his children were unbounded. He always wanted them to have a chance as his mother died when he was eight years old and his schooling was very sketchy, yet he read constantly and never made a mistake in public speaking. His discipline of his children was near perfection. He seldom punished, yet a look was usually enough to stop the noisiest action. He was the head of the family and was respected and loved but was no tyrant or overbearing. He could tell of an incident he had seen and react it so clearly that you could see it. That was natural to his father also and must have been a characteristic of the family. They loved to sit by the fireside on winter evening and tell stories and some thrillers and hair raising tales were poured out as we children listened without moving. There was a strain of Irish and old settler belief in the spiritual and dreams that came true that was common among people of their day.

To them a man must first be honest, a good citizen, good neighbor, and of course decent and loyal to his family. The simple goodness of their lives was foundation for a nation like this. Somehow they dug a living out of their soil and managed to feed, shelter, and clothe the large families and set an example of Godliness and uprightness that brings a lump to our throats today.

Shelt was an invalid the last year of his life and died of Bright's Disease at the age of 64. His father and brother Elvis also succumbed to the same disease. Many of his friends came long distances to visit him while he was ill. Those who lived with him during his shut in days said it was like living in the house with an angel because he never complained, and could not be upset. He remained sweet and kind and planned the work and management as long as he lived. Everyone who knew him pays tribute to his very real, sincere Christian life. His family worshiped him.

Martha "Sis" L. Hancock, oldest daughter of Mack and Tran Camden, born Aug 23, 1863 married Geo. B. Hancock, lived many years on the farm east of Stonefort near Delwood, Ill. Geo. owned a large farm and machinery, threshed all wheat for miles around and in winter ran a sawmill. Aunt Sis is 76 years old at this writing (1939). Their children are:

• (1) Luella, born March 14, 1884 married Rayburn Morse, dec., 2nd marriage to Rev. David Morse.

• (2) Pearl, born Jan. 28, 1887 married John Barker. Her children, Leo at Carbondale, Ervin, died age 4. James B. married Virginia Shock. Bert Barker.

• (3) Tranquoline married Arthur Hill. She was born Sept. 3, 1889, Her children: 1. Leota married Carl Murphy, one son, Billy Jo. 2. Ada married Claude Morse, one son, Claude M. Morse. 3. Guy married Louise Hausser. Guy is a teacher and our program director. 4. Martha. 5. G.B. 6. Lonny. 7. David. 8. Robert. 9. Betty Jean.

• (4) Barnett Hancock, born August 27, 1891, his wife Adeline, 1 son, Wayne Dwight.

• (5) Belle, born March 6, 1894, married Curt Riggs, one son, Carl Riggs, Second marriage, Dixon, has one son, Elza Dixon.

• (6) Icy, born 1897, married Riley Gee, deceased. She has four boys, Norman, Noval, George, and Jack, one daughter, Lauretta.

• (7) Ina, twin to Icy, married Joe Pyles, They have Herbert, Maxine, Marguerite, Second marriage to Frank Vineyard. Has one son, Frank Vineyard.

• (8) William Hancock, born Aug. 7, 1901 married Nellie McClusky, 1 son, Jacky Dean.

Aunt Sis is the oldest descendant of Mack's branch and is both in looks and disposition a typical Camden. She was always a very energetic worker and had no time for lazy people. Very clean and neat down to the present day after all her years of hard work and loss, yet her spirit is ready to do and dare and she never gives up nor thinks of herself. She was always quick, active, and aggressive, quick of speech and of temper, yet reasonable and humorous. She seemed tireless, always busy. She has always been in touch with all her relatives and no where could we find a gladder welcome than at Aunt Sis's house.

Memories of fun and romping with Luella, Pearl, Tran, and Barnett, and had dozens cousins of the clan will live forever. We climbed trees, rode saplings, waded creeks, told big tales, some of our own imaginings, went on errands to the store, fell and broke the eggs, milked cows, and rode horses. Aunt Sis had time for consecration too, when her health permitted was found often in the house of worship and set an example in truth. She has the pointed face and nose and eyes of the Camdens and the quick temper, ruled by good sense however. Uncle George worked hard but left her a widow to raise the younger children alone, a hard task at which she did her best. Aunt Sis's family were responsible for the beginning of the gathering of the kin together for her birthday dinner some years ago, then it grew until it was made a Reunion for all known relatives.

Sarah Jane, daughter of Mack and Tran Camden, granddaughter of Marble, was born December 23, 1864, died April 13, 1935, buried at Little Saline Cemetery, Stonefort, Ill. She married Charles Irvin Henshaw September 3, 1884. Her children:

• (1) Mrs. Leona Isabel Turner, Kankakee, Ill, Secretary of Reunion.

• (2) Nora Elizabeth, born Jan. 29, 1888, married Charles Otto Dunn, Carrier Mills. Her children: 1. John Charles (J.C.) married Maude Blanche Stanley, 2 sons, Jerome Dunn, born Dec. 21, 1932 in Carrier Mills, Ill. - died Nov. 16, 2002, Burbank, CA, and Steven Earl Dunn, born Feb. 26, 1940 in Hollywood, CA. Steven is is married to Ann R. Bayliff. They have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. 2. Clyde married Merle Dallas. 3. Kenneth died 1932, age 20. 4. William died age 4. 5. Velma married Loren Dallas, one daughter, Ellen Colleen.

• (3) Mack D. married Katie Campbell. He was born May 24, 1890. Children 1. Mary Jeannette married Harry Brayfield, one son, Harry, Jr. 2. Gilbert Webb married Nellie Glen Mabry, children, Shirley Ann, Virginia Lee. 3. Geneva, at home. 4. Jenell, at home.

• (4) George, died age 4.

• (5) Arthur, born 1894 married Winnie Buckner, Carrier Mills. Children: 1. George. 2. Evelyn, married Ellis Harris, one daughter, Phyllis. 3. Lena Mae. 4. Charlene. 5. Mary Alice. 6. Patsy Jean.

• (6) William, born 1897, died Apr. 30, 1938, married Magdalene Pyles. No children.

(Transcriber's Note: Nora Elizabeth's family info., above, was updated here on 14 March, 2003 thanks to Steven E. Dunn who emailed the information)

Aunt Jane was rather petted by her father and brothers, was a cute, brave, little ambitious person in a frail body, yet she lived 71 years. As a child she was cunning and would follow her folks about and tell them tales of her fanciful imagination.

Once her brother Shelt, age 9, was chopping stovewood and she, little 5 year old, ran out telling him the following tale, "I was walking along and I heard a noise out in the bushes, I looked to see what it was and it was the moon trying to change. I threw in a quarter and she changed." About that time she stuck her foot on the chopping block and Shelt's axe came down and off came a toe, but her stepmother stuck it back on and it grew, rather crookedly however, and she always cut a hole in her everyday shoe to give her toe relief. Shelt was frantic with remorse and talked of it all his life.

She named her children for her folks too. I recall her brother, Elvis, once said, "The next one she names will probably be Elvis and I'll go over and kill it." The children were the joy of her life and she watched with a smile every little action. Very seldom did I ever see her show anger. She had affection for all. Jane married young and her health was never the best, but she had the courage and grit enough for an army. Living on a large farm with garden, cattle, and chickens, she worked early and late, cared for her children, washed, fed, and clothed and managed them so that they gave the least amount of trouble. Charles acquired lands and cattle and prospered but she never stopped working and planning as long as she was able to do so. When failing eyesight and aging limbs no longer allowed her active endeavour she was obliged for a few years to be waited upon and cared for by her children. Her husband preceded her in death, 1932. She named Leona for her half sister, Leona, and cousin, Isabel Hancock. Nora Elizabeth for her stepmother. Mack for her father. George for both uncle and brother. Chas Arthur for his father. William for his uncle.

To illustrate character of Jane Camden Henshaw and a typical kid stunt of their times, once Shelt and Jane were visiting at Uncle John Wright's, the children were playing in the barn lot and dared Jane to ride a mule which was known to run away at the least provocation. Shelt told Jane that it was a very contrary mule, that she must yell "get up" when she wished it to stop and whip it very hard until it stopped. She must say "whoa" to make it go faster. They put her on bareback and gave her a hickory gad and the mule started around and around the lot, he went frightening her to death. She clung for dear life and never stopped whipping the mule until the boys finally got scared and managed to catch him and release her. They got the proper chastising for their mischief and Jane ate standing for a few days, but she was as game as that all her life and was always outspoken for what was right, setting an example for her children.

Julia I. Camden, fourth child of Mack and Tran, born 1866, died 1886, married Jim Mason, who was born December 4, 1858 and died Sept. 11, 1934. Julia's children:

• (1) John Francis Mason married Frances Lenora George, Dec. 11, 1904. They have one daughter, Julia Louise Mason, born Sept. 12, 1924.

• (2) Mary Mason, born July 31, 1885, died Nov. 10, 1911, married Jim Fairless. Two sons, Mason Fairless and Alvin Fairless. One of these boys lives with his father near Poplar Bluff, Mo. The other in Chicago, Ill.

Julia died at the age of twenty with tuberculosis. She fed her baby, Mary, and went to bed at her father's house and died in a few hours while her husband was gone for the doctor. She told her father she could see heaven and her mother who had died before her and smiled happily as she seemed to fall asleep.

John Mason's daughter, Julia Louise Mason, who lives with her mother at Pin Bluff, Ark. charmingly wrote and gave us these records from Grandpa Mason's Bible. She is a sophmore in highschool, age 14, and we hope to meet her sometime for her intelligent letter tells us she will be another cousin to be proud of. John Mason was born Jan. 26, 1884 in Marion, Ill. and died Feb. 26, 1939.

Elvis Ethelbert Camden, son of Mack and Tran Camden, born Dec. 2, 1869, died June 20, 1920, married Jane Finley. Their children:

• (1) Cora, married Lewis Saunders of Doniphan, Mo. later moved to Washington, D.C. Has one son, James Lewis Saunders, Jr., age 17.

• (2) Juanita, married Reuben Midkiff, lives at Deepwater, Mo. Has one son, Wallace, one daughter, Betty Jean.

• (3) Ruby, married Ernest Mattkee of Detroit, Moved to Amhertberg, Canada.

• (4) Faye, married S.W. Sturtevant, Montgomery, Ala. 1 daughter, Shirley Ann, (age) 5.

Uncle Elvis was one month old when his mother died of dropsy. He spent his youth near Stonefort, Ill. and lived much of the time at the home of my father, his oldest brother. We loved Elvis because he was so fond of we children. He attended the Old Crab Orchard Academy under Jas. Turner. My father paid for his education which he duly repaid. He clerked for a time in Bernie, Mo. and traveled for the same firm but most of his life was spent in teaching.

Notice of his death as it was printed in the paper. "Butler County Teacher dies Tuesday at Taft, Mo. June 20, 1920. E.E. Camden, 50 years of age, veteran school teacher in Butler Co., passed away Tues. at his home at Taft, Mo., from an illness with Bright's Disease, from which he had been suffering for some time. The funeral was held Thursday from the home and internment was made at the McKenzie Cemetery near Taft. The deceased is survived by his wife and four daughters. He was a schoolmate of county superintendent of schools, S. O Holloway and during the school year end in May he was principal of the Ball's mill School where he was popular among his students and highy respected by the entire community. His death will come as a great loss to the teaching staff of the county's schools.

Olivia Frances "Leave" Camden, fifth child of Marble and Sally, born 1838, died May 14, 1880, married John Wright. Her children:

• (1) Sarah Ann (b. Dec. 17, 1858), married Tom Hutchinson (Hutchison [b. Dec. 17, 1854], m. July 5, 1877), Hardin Co., their children. 1. Lizzie, married Robert Jenkins. 2. Julia, married Homer Pate, died: 2nd marriage Reve Edgar Slavens. Julia had 2 children. All of this family are dead except Julia's 2 children. Sarah Ann was named for her grandmother and named her children old family names. They were lovely girls.
  (Transcriber's note: Family Bible indicates 1. Mary A. (b. 1878 d. 1879), 2. Lula B. (b. 1879 d. 1880), 3. Liza M. (b. 1883), 4. Juby E. (b. 1884), 4. W. T. (b. 1888), 5. John (b. 1890), 6. Auda (b. 1894) 

• (2) Martha, married Levi Groves. We have no record of birth date or children.

• (3) Jane, married Rev. Pryor Nelson, lives in Marion, Ill. Her children: 1. Flora, deceased, married Bert Griggs. 2. Paralee married Raymond Bruce, one daughter, Elizabeth. 3. Stella, first married Milton Fletcher, 2nd Robert Ford. Jane was always friendly and quiet, her children handsome.

• (4) Willie Wright, died in early youth. Named for her brother.

• (5) (Virginia) Tranquoline, "Tran", married Green Gurley, Harrisburg. Her Children: 1. Sybil Otterpohl, sons George, and James Carr, daughter Flora. 2. Willie (Uncle Bill Gurley). Sybil is a beautiful woman and her children have the beautiful eyes and heavy brows of their mother and grandmother, Tran. They are typical brows of the old family pictures of the old Camdens.

• (6) Elbert married Sarah Potts, deceased. Their children: one son, deceased, Mrs. Artie Potter, Harrisburg, Chloe Dorris, Belvia Grace, Harrisburg. (The son, Otis, who died at age 24, had one son, Otis, Jr. – see Transcriber's Update on Elbert and Sarah below)

• (7) Alice Wright, died age 16.

I was of the opinion that they had a son John also, as the old folks always used to speak of "Little John Wright". We are sorry not to have full information as to ages and whereabouts of all this family. Tran says that her mother's Bible was burned when Elbert's house burned and so we lack full dates here.

Aunt Leave and Uncle John Wright were beloved by the whole countryside as benevolent, kind, Christian, folk, whose home was open and seemed to be a meeting place for all. Orphan children were given a place to call home and shown kindness and consideration. The old folks came to stay when they could no longer work and care for themselves. The young folks gathered at Uncle John's to have company and good times with their children, and cousins loved them as much as their own brothers and sisters. Yet neither Aunt Leave nor Uncle John had good health and both died in their forties and two of their children died in youth. No grandson lives bearing the name of Wright (see Transcriber's Update on Elbert and Sarah below), but the name will live in the hearts of all who knew them.

In their grandchildren and great grandchildren, we see the handsome countenances and the personality passed down, while goodness and kindness of heart is still doing duty in their descendants. Jane, Tran, and Elbert, of Olivia's children are living not far from their childhood home. Tran and her grandchildren have attended the Reunions and have great interest in meeting the kinfolks. Aunt Leave is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery on the Harrisburg, Marion road.

Anderson.............15   Gurley.............3,13    Pate.................13 
Arnold...............15   Haas..................5    Pelter................3
Baker................15   Hancock....2,4,5,6,8,10    Phillips.............14
Barnes................6   Harris...............11    Pierce................5
Barnett...............5   Hausser..............10    Potter...............13
Barnwell..............9   Henshaw.......2,8,11,12    Potts................13
Bartlett..............7   Hetherington..........6    Pyles.............10,11
Blackman..............5   Hill.................10    Reynolds..............9
Brayfield............11   Hogg..................7    Riggs................10
Bridgewater...........6   Holloway.............14    Robins................5
Brockett.............14   Hopkins..........3,4,17    Rogers................2
Brown...............6,9   Howard..............4,7    Rose..................9
Browning..............7   Huff..................5    Rushing...............6
Bruce................13   Hutchinson.......2,7,13    Rutledge..............9
Buckner..............11   Jenkins..............13    Saunders.............12
Camden........1 thru 17   Jetter................7    Schuhardt.............9
Campbell.............11   Jones...............5,9    Shelton.............8,9
Carr.................13   Kelton................8    Shock................10
Chapman...............6   Kilhefner.............9    Slavens..............13
Clem..................7   Landt.................3    Smith.................5
Copeland.............14   Lasley...............14    Snyder..............6,7
Craig..............6,14   Lawrence..............7    Stalker...............9
Cross................14   Little................9    Stirlen...............5
Cunningham............5   Loless................9    Stout.................8
Cupp..................7   Mabry................11    Sturtevant...........12
Dallas...............11   Mason..............8,12    Tanner...............15
Deaton...............15   Mattkee..............12    Tate..................7
Dixon................10   McClusky.............10    Tatum.................7
Duncan................5   McGee.................7    Tidwell..3,4,8,14,15,16
Dunn.................11   McNew................14    Todd..................5
Edmonson.............15   McSparin..............4    Trammel...............6
Edwards...............9   Midkiff..............12    Turner........1,2,11,13
Elem................4,5   Minor.................9    Vest..................3
Fairless.............12   Mitchell..............9    Vinyard..............10
Finley...............12   Montigue..............5    Wallace..............15
Fletcher.............13   Morse................10    Weaver.............3,16
Gee..................10   Mortermer.............5    Wills.................7
George...............12   Mounce...............14    Wilson................8
Grace.................3   Murphy...............10    Woods.................3
Greer................15   Nelson.............5,13    Woodward..............5
Griggs...............13   Odel.................14    Worley................8
Groves...............13   Parks...............5,8    Wright................3
Parton................6  

CAMDEN ROOTS
MARBLE'S ANCESTORS

Mrs. Turner's book included almost no information on Marble's parents and ancestors except, "The only other relative of his family we have heard of is brother John, who was killed in Tenn., also a sister Cynthia, Mrs. Mock Grace of West Plains, Mo., She has daughters Mary and Martha Grace..." Here is the barest outline of what we have since learned of Marble's antecedents, according to, and compliments of, Roanna Erin Camden Cann, of Virginia, who is the webmaster of a large genealogical web site which includes the Camdens of Virginia. (http://bergerelmore.tribalpages.com – password needed to get into Roanna's site is "marble"). Roanna has taken the lineage almost back to the Middle Ages, including six generations of English "Cambdens" prior to the first to settle in the New World. She ventures this English lineage based on her research thus far, but it is still ongoing – no absolute guarantees as yet.

(1) Thomas "Cambden" (b in 1400s data unknown)

(2) William Cambden (b1500), (name of spouse unknown)

(3) Sampson Cambden (b. 1525), married Elizabeth Giles Curwen (1526-1565)

(4) Humphery Cambden (b. 1556), married Cecily Pettus (1560-1588)

(5) John Cambden (b. 1582, d. 1658), married Sarah ----? (b. 1582)

(6) John "Jonah" Cambden (b. 1634), married Hannah Harris (b. 1630)

(1) Thomas "Cambden" (b 1654), married Maria Steinrode (First American Generation) Thomas was transported to Baltimore, MD in 1669, his transportation paid by David Fry of Anne Arundel County, VA.

(2) John Henry Camden (1695-1738), born in Maryland. He married Esther Wood (1700-1724)

(3) John Camden (born Mar. 30,1721. Died prior to Sept. 28th,1808 in Amherst County, Virginia, who married Mary Ann (or Elizabeth) Cash (1721-1790). Mary Ann and Elizabeth were sisters. John may have married the second after the death of the first, (or the names may have been confused). One of John's children was William Camden, who left a will disposing of considerable estate. (reproduced below)

(4) Benjamin Camden (born 1750, in Maryland. Died in 1820), married Elizabeth Wright. Benjamin and Elizabeth were Marble's parents (though there is reason to suspect that Benjamin and Elizabeth may be Marble's grand parents rather than parents).

Roanna Erin Camden Cann makes some interesting connections that pivot around Elizabeth Wright whose ancestors may include Pocahantas and George Washington.  No absolute guarantees of this as yet, but Mrs. Cann is working on it. See The Washington connect and Native American Connections below.

Many additional web sources have become available since this page was first published. In addition to Roanna's site, the most comprehensive that I have found to date is:

Descendants of Thomas Cambden Camden - 12 Generations
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/b/o/w/MICHAEL--BOWEN/GENE4-0001.html

NATIVE AMERICAN CAMDENS

In February of 2001 we received the following email from Joan (Stutsman?)

"... My mystery is a Polina Camden. She was the sister of Marble. She married a Richard Glass in Rockbridge, Va Jan. 23, 1817. The mystery is a young girl who was about four years old when they married. Her name was Martha (Patsy). She had Cherokee blood and I am not sure if she was the daughter of Polina or of Richard or someone else. Polina's parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth Wright Camden... If you have information about Polina would you let me know?

Thanks, Joan" JMstutsman@aol.com

---

In June of 2001 we received the following email from Jeanne King who is a descendent of Polina's branch of the family, and who provided her family information above:

"...There has been some discussion among my cousins about this. There is a good possibility that Polina and her husband "inherited" three little girls instead of the girls being theirs. The girls are on the Census with Polina and her husband. There are some that say the children belong to Polina's husband's brother and his wife, who were killed in the Trail of Tears. The girls are 1/2 Cherokee Indian. After seeing your tree and passing it on, there are no Cherokee in Camden's line, so it is more probably her nieces that they raised. The girls were very young when their parents died. So, they aren't really Camden's, just raised by Camden/Glass. In all of our charts on family tree, we use Camden and Glass because that is A. all we know for sure B. They raised them. In records to the Indian Affairs Board to prove what percentage of Cherokee the girls have, they named Polina as their mother and Camden as her last name, HOWEVER, it is also stated that their Indian name was CAMBERLEN. Is there anyone else that you know of that knows more about Polina Camden? In later census, she and her husband live alone with one daughter,  Francis (I think) who was older and listed as "idiotic" – The other girls were off and married by that time. There is another web site that goes into in detail about the relationship with Camden family. Going from 6 different people, doing independent research, we all keep ending up there. Indian records are scarce and hard to get, with more accurate records that explain the exact parentage of the three little girls. We have copies of letters about Polina and Bible entries and census that tie them all together, but a little link may still be still missing.

Jeannie King jaaking@home.com, June 03, 2001 10:34 AM

I was reading on your website regarding Polina Camden (Camlin according to Richard Glass’ war pension and death benefit records and statements from her children) and the relationship to Martha Glass (Who is my GGGGrandmother). It is my understanding via family “stories” that Martha’s father was Richard Glass’ brother. Her parents were killed floating on a cataract that capsized on the Shenandoah river, and her Uncle Richard and his wife Polina raised the three girls and one boy as their own, they were Jackson, Nancy, Martha and Betsy. The family was part of the Cherokee relocation “trail of tears” of the tribe located in the Rock Bridge area of Georgia. I also read that the children were ½ blood Cherokee, and although this is possible as I have no proof to the contrary and conflicting comments from two of the children one says ½ blood the other say 1/4 blood, the photocopy of a painting I have of Martha Glass she leaned heavily towards the native American traits. She was born in Rockbridge Virginia in 1812 and died in 1901 in Collinsville Texas , she was buried at that Patton Cemetery.

She (Martha Glass) and James Graham had 11 children according to what I can find.

James
Lucinda “Cindy”
Dardley
Richard
John
Josephine
Mary
William
Martha
Amanda
Charles

NOTE: Dardley Graham it is my understanding that he used the nickname “Dee” and Charles and he might be one and the same person, but I have no proof of this only other people's guess.

When she (Martha) died in 1901 she was living with James C. Crosslin and Lucinda “Cindy” Graham, who are my GGGrandparents. From there I have some continued history on the Crosslin / Croslin line of the family. The name changed with James and Lucinda’s son Robert…he dropped an “s” out of the name as he felt it was too long. So one branch of cousins and their generations are Croslin and the rest are Crosslin. If you or anyone else is interested in any of my information or documentation please by all means email me.

Jackie Croslin-Flake jflake@npgcable.com

JAN. 2012 NOTE FROM ELAINE NALL BAY: My grandmother, Jessie Dee Brown Pilcher used to tell us as kids about her 1/2 Cherokee grandmother (Martha "Patsy" Glass) going outside to sit under a tree to smoke a pipe. I read on the website that Polina Camden who m Richard Glass is Bartley Camden's dau and Benjamin Sr's granddaughter.  And this has been proved by DNA testing? I had always heard the story in my family that Martha "Patsy" Glass was raised by her aunt & uncle after her parents' were killed in a boating accident.  So my questions are: Martha's surname is actually Camden? probably took her uncle's surname? Polinda Camden, Martha's aunt, raised her and her siblings and was sister to Martha's father, Bartley? Is it possible to have "We have copies of letters about Polina and Bible entries and census that tie them all together, but a little link may still be still missing." Just trying to get this all straightened out and verified before I put in on the Pilcher Family Tree on ancestry.com.

In June of 2007, Roanna Erin Camden Cann told us she has made a viable connection between the famous "Native Virginian" Indian Princess Pocahontas and Marble Camden's mother Elizabeth Wright. Here's the lineage as she sees it so far:

1. Pocahontas "Rebecca" (1595-1617) married John Rolfe who had one child...

2. Thomas Rolfe, (1615-       ), married Jane Poythress. They had a daughter...

3. Jane Rolfe (1650-1676), married Col. Robert Bolling. They had a son...

4. Col. John Bolling (1675-1729), married Mary Kennon. They had a son...

5. Maj. John Bolling (1700-1757), married Elizabeth Blair. They had a daughter...

6. Elizabeth Bolling (1731-1776), married Benjamin Wright. They had a daughter...

7. Elizabeth Wright (1766-      ), married Benjamin Camden, Sr.

8. And from this union came Marble McPatrick Peter Henry Camden (or his parents)

See Roanna's web site at: http://bergerelmore.tribalpages.com (password needed to get into Roanna's site is "marble")

In March of 2008, Patti Voelker sent us the following email.

My grandmother's name was Goldia Camden Branstetter Elfering. Her mother was Anna Frances Camden born October 4, 1870. Anna died January 27, 1936 in Los Angeles, CA. Her parents were Mason Jackson Camden (also called Marble Jack) born January 18, 1841 and died March 18, 1884 in Stott City, Lawrence Co (Missouri, I presume). He was married to Eliza Elizabeth Scott.

I have Mason Jackson Camden's parents listed as Leroy Camden and Alethia or Odelia Payne, and Leroy's parents as Benjamen Camden and Elizabeth Wright. But it is really fuzzy and my facts don't fit with your information. I do know that Anna Frances Camden was 1/8 Cherokee, and I am pretty sure it is from the Camden side.

Do you have any information that can help me?

I appreciate any help you may have. Thank you.

Patricia Elfering Voelker (jer1patti1@hotmail.com) 

"...Leroy S. Camden, wife Odelia and family, appear on the Dawes Rolls as belonging to the Choctaw nation. This information can be found at Rootsweb within the Native American database. Interesting! Family legend always held that the Camden`s were Cherokee, but I could find only one Camden on the Cherokee final roster. This was an "A. B. Camden" without reference to full name or gender. - DJ Camden -- Leroy S. Camden Birth: Apr. 29, 1799 Death: Jul. 20, 1876 Note: Husband of Odelia Burial: Colley Cemetery Lawrence County Missouri, USA Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?] Record added: Oct 5 2007 By: Pat Sproat" (From Roanna Camden Cann's web site at: http://bergerelmore.tribalpages.com (password needed to get into Roanna's site is "marble")

An interesting Indian Ancestry Research Site: http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/ 

GEORGE WASHINGTON CONNECTION?

Roanna Camden Cann tells us that Elizabeth Wright, whose ancestry appears to directly connect to Pocahontas, probably also connects, more indirectly, to George Washington, "Father of the nation." It goes like this:

3.  George Washington (1731-1799) [working backward]
2.  Augustine Washington (1694-1743), father
1.  Lawrence Washington (1659-1698), grandfather
2.  John Washington, (George's great grandfather), who had a daughter... [now going forward]
3.  Anne Washington, who had a son...
4.  Maj. John Wright (b. 1685), who had a daughter...
5.  Francis Wright (b. 1710), who had a son...
6.  Benjamin Wright (b. 1730), who had a daughter
7.  Elizabeth Wright (1766-     ), married Benjamin Camden, Sr.
8.  And from this union came Marble McPatrick Peter Henry Camden (maybe)...

As I understand it, the link between Anne Washington and Maj. John Wright has not yet been absolutely proven, but here's hoping Roanna's research will make that confirmation.

FIRST EARL OF CAMDEN

Camden, Charles Pratt, 1st Earl,
VISCOUNT BAYHAM OF BAYHAM ABBEY, BARON CAMDEN OF CAMDEN PLACE

(baptized March 21, 1714, London, Eng.--d. April 18, 1794, London), English jurist who, as chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas (1761-66), refused to enforce general warrants (naming no particular person to be arrested). As lord chancellor of Great Britain (1766-70), he opposed the government's North American colonial policy of taxation without parliamentary representation.

Pratt (created Baron Camden in 1765 and Earl Camden in 1786) was a school friend and political ally of the statesman William Pitt the Elder, 1st Earl of Chatham. In 1763, as chief justice, he granted a writ of habeas corpus to the radical politician John Wilkes, who, in the periodical North Briton, had referred to a speech by King George III as a lie and had been arrested for sedition on a general warrant. In the cases of Wilkes v. Wood (1763) and Entick v. Carrington (1764-65), he firmly declared general warrants unlawful.

In his first speech in the House of Lords (1765), Camden attacked the Stamp Act, one of the colonists' grievances that led to the American Revolution. His continued opposition to the colonial taxation policy resulted in his dismissal as lord chancellor.

Encyclopaedia Britannica CD97. Copyright (c) 1996 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All Rights Reserved

William Camden

(b. May 2, 1551, London, Eng.--d. Nov. 9, 1623, Chislehurst, Kent), English antiquary, a pioneer of historical method, and author of Britannia, the first comprehensive topographical survey of England.

Educated at Christ's Hospital and St. Paul's School, Camden was admitted to Magdalen College, Oxford, but moved to Broadgates Hall (later Pembroke College) and then to Christ Church, becoming B.A. in 1573. In 1571 he had moved to London, and in 1575 he was appointed second master of Westminster School and in 1593 headmaster. In 1595 he published a Greek grammar. In 1589 Camden was granted the prebend of Ilfracombe and in 1597 was appointed Clarenceux king-of-arms. He was thereby relieved of a schoolmaster's chores and given more time for writing.

From the time he left Oxford, Camden devoted his leisure to antiquarian studies and spent his vacations traveling the country, collecting material for his Britannia (1586), a topographical survey of England in Latin. He planned to write a general history of England but published only a number of medieval chronicles and some of his commonplace collections (Remaines; 1605). In 1607 he began his Annales Rerum Anglicarum et Hibernicarum Regnante Elizabetha ("Annals of the Affairs of England and Ireland During the Reign of Elizabeth"). The first volume, which took the story down to 1588, was published in 1615. The second, completed in 1617, was not published until two years after his death. Camden's work has been the basis of most later accounts of Elizabeth I's reign. Criticism has been leveled at his treatment of the Mary, Queen of Scots, episode, and it was alleged that he altered his account to please James I.

Camden suffered from poor health, and in 1618 he retired to Chislehurst, Kent. Before his death he founded a chair of history at the University of Oxford. The Camden Society, founded in 1838, published many historical documents and was merged with the Royal Historical Society in 1897.

Camden was an active member of the Society of Antiquaries, founded about 1585, which laid the foundations for the school of 17th-century historians. Camden was the first to recognize the importance of ancient languages in the study of place-names and to make known the existence of Romano-British coins.

Encyclopaedia Britannica CD97. Copyright (c) 1996 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A CAMDEN LOGO

Not to politicize this genealogical Web-page, but merely as possible point of interest to Camdens and others who have chanced to see this symbol on some of this domain's political commentary pages, this will explain the logo's genesis and meaning. 
    This logo, of course, is not an historic Camden Crest or Coat of Arms, but the personal logo of the webmaster, William R. Carr, who sometimes uses the name "Camden" as a pseudonym. He adopted this "pen-name," and devised the logo, in about 1958, while still in high school. Perhaps it was the egocentric lark of a child who fancied he might someday become an artist and writer. Unfortunately, those early ambitions were never realized, and he became a merchant mariner instead.
    The symbolism of the logo is political and sociological as well as personal. The rattlesnake (in this case a timber-rattler, common to his home in Southern Illinois), carries the "Don't Tread on Me" connotation of some of our Republic's earliest flags. The "C" of course stands for Carr, Camden, and the Constitution.
    The Bishop symbolizes the (governing) "establishment" and social and religious "orthodoxy" – generally necessary to a stable and orderly society, but also a perennial threat to freedom and liberty. The dagger, perpetually cutting into the Bishop, symbolizes the sword of Truth and Justice, necessary to keep tyranny of governing powers in check. It symbolizes the power of a Free People and their spirit of resistance to Tyranny.
    In the latter decades of the twentieth century, and onward, the logo also came to symbolize the owner's personal stand against the corrosive forces of "Political Correctness" and globalism (i.e., the New World Order).
    Lamentably, in this context, it increasingly appears that this logo is just another symbol of a lost cause.