Where was James Wesley Blacketer Born?

This might be a silly question. Especially when I reveal most of the documentation I can find is in agreement. James Wesley Blacketer was born in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa, on 22 March 1894.

His dad Harrison Blacketer said so in 1898 and 1915. (1)

James Wesley Blacketer said so numerous times. (2)

Over the years, the census recordings for him do not disagree. (3)

His last wife, Rose, seemed to believe he was born in Joplin, Missouri, on 22 March 1896. (4) From what I've seen in my research a third wife is usually the last to know about her husband's origins whether on purpose or not. They're far removed usually from their husband's origins and family. And James Wesley may not have told her the truth. Or maybe Rose was grieving and made a mistake. 

James Wesley Blacketer Tombstone with incorrect birthdate.

And, actually, I believe James Wesley and Harrison, about this at least. The information is consistent throughout his life. However, the State of Iowa could not find a birth record for him. (5) But maybe Martha didn't register his birth, though the State of Iowa had started registering births in 1880. (6) So, why this blog post?

Why Council Bluffs?

Because I'm really wondering WHY he was born in Council Bluffs. Spoiler alert: I don't know. 

But if he was a full-term baby, James Wesley was most probably conceived between 27 June 1893 and 1 July 1893. (7) I always feel like things are really getting serious in my research when my ancestors make me use the Pregnancy Conception Calculator. Don't make me get the Pregnancy Conception Calculator out!😅 Where was everyone in 1893? Again, I don't know. I'm still working on that.

Here is what I do know:

On 18 March 1891, a surgeon's examining board examined Harrison Blacketer in Maryville, Nodaway, Missouri, for his Civil War pensions claim.(8) According to Harrison's affidavit taken the day before on 17 March 1891, he lived in Maryville. (9) The month before that in 1891, Andrew J. Davis of Maryville provided an affidavit for Harrison's pension claim. He stated they had been "near neighbors" for about eleven years. (10) I've yet to find any documentation for Harrison after that until he married Martha Jane Smith in 1898. (11)

Partial Timeline for Martha Jane (Smith) Blacketer (12)

Gap in Martha Jane's Timeline

And I have a gap in Martha Jane's timeline between the photocopied photo of her labeled as 1882 and her marriage to Harrison in 1898, except for James Wesley's birth in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1894. (13) If I go back further to 1880 in Maryville, Harrison Blacketer and Martha Jane Smith are living together, but not as husband and wife, but as stepfather and stepdaughter. And the enumerator recorded Estella C. Blacketer as Harrison's wife. Martha Jane was only 10 years old then. (14) This record implies that Estella C. is Martha's mother. Next door is Andrew J. Davis, Estella's father. Also, Harrison Blacketer's half-brother Jacob M. Blacketer lived on the other side of Andrew. (15)

Another Marriage for Harrison?

So, was Harrison first married to Estella C. and then her daughter Martha Jane Smith? Maybe. Why did Martha Jane give birth to James Wesley Blacketer in Council Bluffs? I still don't know, but I wonder if she ended up pregnant in 1893 and was sent away as an unmarried pregnant girl to have her baby? Or maybe she ran away? Or maybe she and Harrison ran away. I just don't know and likely never will.

But that does make me wonder. Were Harrison and Estella C. married? If so, did they ever divorce? What was going on?

For Jane Blacketer's widows pension claim, Stella C. Smith stated on 7 May 1918 she was Jane Blacketer's mother. (16) Is Stella C. Smith also Estella C. Blacketer? And that's what I'll tackle next, Estella's name. Clarity is needed. 😅

~Caroline

Sources:

1. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 3 May 1898, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, Harrison Blacketer, 16 April 1915, Ibid.

2. "United States World War I Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1968530 : accessed 28 Jun 2017) card for Wesley Blacketer, serial no. 126, Local Draft Board 44, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri; NARA microfilm publication M1509. Washington D.C., n.d. James Wesley Blacketer is the most likely informant: "Soldiers' Records: War of 1812—World War I," database, Missouri Digital Heritage, (http://sos.mo.gov/mdh/ : 22 Mar 2020), entry for Wesley Blacketer, Army serial no. 1514137; Office of the Adjutant General of Missouri. Also, St. Mary's Church (San Antonio, Texas), Baptisms, 1914-1919, p. 457, entry for Wesley James Blacketer baptism, 7 Jun 1919; imaged "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981," digital images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1681015 : accessed 13 Mar 2020) > digital film 007600001 > image 929 of 953; imaged from FHL film no. 25467. Also, "U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925," imaged, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1174/ : accessed 11 Oct 2010), application image, James W. Blacketer, 12 Jul 1920, no. 71442; National Archives microfilm M1372, Roll 1307. And, James Wesley Blacketer, SS no. 459-34-5587, 3 Feb 1943, Application for Account Number (Form SS-5), Social Security Administration, Baltimore, Maryland.

3. 1900 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Shoal Township, Cameron City Ward 1-2,  population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 41, p. 164 (stamped), sheet 12-A, dwelling 268, family 272, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1900 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/: accessed 8 September 2025). 1910 U.S. census, Clinton, Missouri, Cameron Ward 1, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 42, p. 147 (stamped), sheet 5-B, dwelling 127, family 124, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1910 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7884/ : accessed 8 September 2025. 1920 U.S. census, Bexar County, Texas, San Antonio, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 90, p. 65 (stamped), sheet 1-B, dwelling 26, family 29, James W. Blacketer household; imaged, "1920 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6061/ : accessed 11 Oct 2010). 1930 U.S. census, Bexar County, Texas, San Antonio, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 142, p. 140 (stamped), sheet 5-A, dwelling 75, family 81, James J. Blacketer household; imaged, "1930 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6224/ : accessed 11 October 2010). 1950 U.S. census, Bexar, Texas, San Antonio, Enumeration District (ED) 265-28, sheet 72, household 81, lines 24-25 James W. Blacketer household; imaged, "1950 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62308/ : accessed 2 April 2022.)

4. Mrs. Rose Blacketer as the informant: "Texas Deaths, 1890-1977," database with images, FamilySearch, (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GY18-V4R : accessed 19 Mar 2020) > Image Group Number [IGN] 005145635 > image 363 of 3460 > image certificate no. 39348, James Wesley Blacketer, 6 Aug 1951; State Registrar, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Austin. Mrs. Rose Blacketer as next of kin and birthdate corrected in green: "U.S. National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962," database with images, Ancestry, (http://ancestry.com : accessed 22 Mar 2020), form image, Wesley Blacketer, Army serial no. 1514137; National Archives, "Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985," RG 92, College Park, Maryland. Tombstone has incorrect birthdate: Caroline Martin Pointer, "James Wesley Blacketer Tombstone Image," privately held by C.M. Pointer, [Address for Personal Use.], Conroe, Texas, 2010.

5. Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, "Notification of Record Search," 23 May 2016, James Wesley Blacketer, searched 1 January 1890 to 31 December 1899. They were unable to locate the record.

6. "Revised and Annotated Code of Iowa …in Force July 4, 1880," (Des Moines: Mills & Company, Publishers, 1880), 421; imaged The Iowa Legislature (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/shelves/code/ocr/1880%20Iowa%20Code%20(Miller%20Edition).pdf : accessed 10 September 2025).

7. Maple Tech International LLC, “Pregnancy Conception Calculator,” Calculator.net (https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-calculator.html : 16 October 2025) > search "22 Mar 1894" based on "Due Date."

8. Surgeon's Certificate, 18 March 1891, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho, in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256, but the photocopy is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

9. Harrison Blacketer, General Affidavit, 17 March 1891, Ibid.

10. Andrew J. Davis, General Affidavit, 5 February 1891, Ibid.

11. Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

12. Caroline Martin Pointer, "Starting Point Analysis Report for Martha Jane Smith," Report to File, 29 August 2025.

13. Martha Smith and her mother Estella C., photocopy of a photograph, annotated by unknown author, but likely Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones: “Martha Smith Born 1869-Died 1944, Estella C mother, Photo 1882”; privately held by C.M. Pointer [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,” Conroe, Texas, 2025. The photocopy is black and white and depicts a formal studio portrait of two women taken by an unknown photographer at an unknown location. Either the photograph itself or a photocopy of it was given to Mary Alice Blacketer by Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones. In about 1985, Norma Jean found Mary Alice. A photocopy of the original photograph was given to Lois Blacketer who then gave a photocopy to John Blacketer and C.M. Pointer. For James Wesley's birth: Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 3 May 1898, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. For James Wesley's birth: Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, Harrison Blacketer, 6 April 1915, Ibid.

14. 1880 U.S. census, Nodaway, Missouri, Maryville, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 261, p. 31 (penned), p. 205 (stamped), dwelling 279, family 288, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged “1880 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/ : 8 September 2025).

15. Ibid. For father-daughter relationship: Family Data Circular, 4 May 1898, Andrew J. Davis, (Private, Company I, 4th Iowa Cavalry, Civil War), pension no. S.C. 654,177; Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Washington, D.C. Also, Andrew as implied father of Estella: 1870 U.S. census, Adams County, Iowa, population schedule, Quincy township, page 13 (penned), dwelling 91, family 91, Estella C. Smith in Andrew J. Davis household; imaged "U.S. Federal Census Collection," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/ : 12 March 2024). For sibling relationship of Jacob of Maryville to Harrison: Jacob M. Blacketer General Affidavit, 5 June 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. For it being a half-relationship: Special Examination Report, p.17-18, Harrison Blacketer Deposition B, 11 June 1914, Ibid.

16. Stella C. Smith General Affidavit, 7 May 1915, Jane Blacketer Widows Pension File, Ibid.

Why 1898?

In my last post I wanted to know why Harrison Blacketer and Martha Jane Smith married in 1898. And for many years I really didn't even think about why they married in 1898. I was just happy they married and their marriage record was easily found.

Then I started going through everything I have about Martha Jane Smith and writing up analyses of everything in a Starting Point Analysis Report. And then I found something in my files I had overlooked. My Aunt Lois had sent me copies of family unit charts (family group sheets) authored by Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones, Maurice's daughter. (Maurice Blacketer was my grandfather James Wesley's younger brother.) 

How the author is related to Harrison, Martha Jane, Maurice, and Norma Jean Blacketer.

Norma Jean had created family unit charts for many Blacketer generations. On the Blacketer—Smith family unit chart she recorded a total of four children for Harrison and Martha Jane. (1)

Wait. Four?

I thought they had three children: James Wesley, Mildred, and Maurice. (2)

But, alas, there was another child. Harrison and Martha Jane had a stillborn girl in 1898. Norma stated she was buried in an unmarked grave at the foot of a friend in northwest corner in McDaniel Cemetery in Cameron, Clinton, Missouri. (3)

How terribly sad for them both. I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak and pain of their loss.

It also might explain their marrying in 1898 specifically. (4) I still do not know why James Wesley was born in 1894 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, but this does place, at the very least, Martha Jane in Cameron, Missouri, in 1898. (5)

Her and Harrison's obituaries place them in Cameron in about 1895. The information was likely provided by (James) Wesley or Martha Jane for Harrison's and by Maurice and/or Mildred for Martha Jane's. (6)

However, on their marriage license application, the recorder wrote down they were both "of Harrison County, Missouri," on 27 April 1898. (7) Harrison stated he was born there. (8) He lived there in 1850 and 1860. (9) And he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1863 in Bethany, Harrison, Missouri. (10) So maybe there was some confusion on Harrison's part or on the recorder's part.

Anywho, while a sad event, I'm glad Norma Jean knew about this stillborn girl and recorded her down. Otherwise, she would have been lost to history.

And I'm glad I went back through my files with a fine-tooth comb.

Now I need to go back to Cameron. I have another cemetery to visit, though I don't have a lot of information about this burial. I wonder if I have enough? If the "friend" is also unmarked, probably not. But I need a look-see of the northwest corner of McDaniel Cemetery. You know, just to make sure.

Next up? Why have I spent so much time trying to nail down where everyone was before their marriage in 1898? Part of the reason has been to nail down better documentation of James Wesley's birth. And why was he born in Council Bluffs, Iowa?

~Caroline

1. Norma Jean Jones, Harrison Blacketer—Martha Jane Smith Family Unit Chart, Blacketer Family Unit Sheets, 1787-1993; photocopy supplied by Lois Blacketer, [Address for private use.], San Antonio, Texas 78223, 2012; privately held in Blacketer Family Files, Caroline Pointer, [Address for private use.], Conroe, Texas; This sheet does not offer any documentation for the information presented.

2. For James Wesley: Family Data Circular filled out by Harrison Blacketer 3 May 1898, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. For Mildred: Declaration for Widow’s Pension, 20 April 1915, Ibid. For Maurice: General Affidavit of Jane Blacketer, 22 July 1915, Ibid.

3. Norma Jean Jones, Harrison Blacketer—Martha Jane Smith Family Unit Chart, Blacketer Family Unit Sheets, 1787-1993; photocopy supplied by Lois Blacketer, [Address for private use.], San Antonio, Texas 78223, 2012; privately held in Blacketer Family Files, Caroline Pointer, [Address for private use.], Conroe, Texas; This sheet does not offer any documentation for the information presented.

4. Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

5. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 16 April 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

6. For Harrison: "Harrison Blacketer Dead," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 22 April 1915, p. 5, col. 5; Newspapers.com (http://newspapers.com : accessed 6 May 2018). Wesley Blacketer was the informant for Harrison's death certificate: "Missouri Death Certificates, 1910-1969," Missouri Secretary of State, imaged, Missouri Digital Heritage (https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1915/1915_00012089.PDF : viewed 23 Aug 2016), certificate image, Harrison Blacketer, 16 April 1915, no. 11982. For Martha Jane: "Mrs. Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Citizen Observer (Missouri), 27 April 1944, p. 5, cols. 1 and 2, Newspapers.com (http://newspapers.com : accessed 2 September 2025). Her son Maurice was the informant for her death certificate: "Missouri Death Certificates, 1910-1973," Missouri Secretary of State, imaged, Missouri Digital Heritage (https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1944/1944_00014457.PDF : viewed 25 March 2024), certificate image, Martha Jane Blacketer, 26 April 1944, no. 14461. 

7. Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

8. Special Examination Report, p.16, Deposition B, 11 June 1914,  Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

9. 1850 U.S. census, Harrison County, Missouri, population schedule, p. 845 (penned), p. 423 (stamped), dwelling 32, family 34, Howell R Blacketer household; imaged, "1850 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8054/ : 1 February 2024). And, 1860 U.S. census, Harrison, Missouri, Bethany, population schedule, p. 120, dwelling 811, family 786, Howel Blacketer household; imaged, "1860 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7667/ : 1 February 2024).  

10. Compiled Service Record, Harrison Blacketer, Pvt., Co. B, 12th Missouri Cavalry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

We Were Married in 1893. I mean 1892. Okay, 1890? 1898.

We all make decisions. Sometimes we decide to lie. They might just be little white lies, but I'd be surprised to find out there is someone out there in the world who hasn't lied even if it was a white lie to not hurt someone's feelings.

In any case, Harrison Blacketer and Martha Jane (Smith) Blacketer made decisions, and because we don't have a diary or journal explaining the reasoning behind their choices, the polite thing we can say is, "Decisions were made."

And with this particular decision they made, we might be able to deduce why. Maybe.

1893 Marriage

In 1898 and 1915 the U.S. pensions office asked veterans information about their families to make the claims process easier. (1) On 3 May 1898 Harrison Blacketer filled out and signed his Family Data Circular. He informed the Pensions Bureau of his marriage to Jane Smith in St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri, on 27 April 1893. He also informed them that they had a son name James Wesley Blacketer, born 22 March 1894. (2)

1892 Marriage

In 1900 the census enumerator recorded that Harrison and Martha J. Blacketer had been married for eight years, suggesting they married in 1892. The enumerator also recorded a son for Harrison, James Wesley Blacketer born March 1894. (3) Likewise, ten years later in 1910, the census enumerator recorded Harrison and Mattie Blacketer had been married for eighteen years, again, suggesting they had married in 1892. A sixteen-year-old Wesley is also recorded as Harrison's son, suggesting a birth year of about 1894. (4)

1890 Marriage

On the day he died, Harrison filled out another Family Data Circular for the Pensions Bureau. He informed them that he married Martha Jane Smith in St. Joseph, Missouri, on 27 April 1890. He also informed them he had a son named Wesley, born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on 22 March 1894. He also listed his two other children. (5) In both of their obituaries, the authors—likely Martha Jane or James Wesley for Harrison's obituary and likely Maurice and/or Mildred for Martha Jane's obituary—state 1890 as their marriage year. (6)

1898 Marriage

Martha Jane Blacketer provided proof of their correct marriage date, 27 April 1898, to the Pensions Bureau. She explains the mistake away by a misreading of the last number of the year on their marriage certificate. She also informs them that James Wesley was, indeed, born out of wedlock, and that Harrison had not been married and divorced before as the Pensions Bureau had been concerned about. (7)

1898 Blacketer-Smith Marriage License Application and Return (8)

But Was it a Misreading?

Maybe. It could have been a misreading. I mean, the second eight of 1898 could have looked like a three (Or a two. Or a zero.) on the marriage certificate Harrison and Martha Jane had in their possession. That's plausible. But I also think there were some other things going on that affected their decisions. The first one is obvious after Martha Jane's explanation to the Pensions Bureau. Their firstborn James Wesley was born out of wedlock. They may have been reporting their marriage occurring before his birth to avoid societal shame for them and their son. That is likely. And understandable.

However, in 1915 there may be another practical reason Harrison provided this specific marriage date—27 April 1890—which is even two years earlier than stated in the 1900 and 1910 censuses. (9) Congress passed an act on 19 April 1908 allowing widows of veterans who had served 90 days or more and who were married to the veteran prior to 27 June 1890 to receive $12 per month without having to prove the veteran's death was caused by his service. (10)

1915 Certified Copy of Blacketer-Smith Marriage License (11)

So, I think it was a little of both. It depended on who wanted to know. It makes sense if we are going to try and make sense of their lying. I mean decisions. 

And someday our descendants will say the same about us when they find our lies: "Decisions were made." If they find them. I mean, I hope someone cares enough to look and wonder why I made the decisions I made. Or maybe not. LOL.

Of course decisions lead to more questions about Harrison and Martha Jane. Why did they marry in 1898? Why not before then? But this "block" has been built about their story. We will build another block on top of this one next time.

~Caroline

Sources:

1. Claire Prechtel-Khuskens, “Family Data Circulars of 1898 and 1915,” NGS Magazine, 38 (October-December 2012): 28–31; image copy, Twelve Key ( https://twelvekey.com/articles/ : accessed 14 October 2025). 

2. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 3 May 1898, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

3. 1900 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Shoal Township, Cameron City Ward 1-2,  population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 41, p. 164 (stamped), sheet 12-A, dwelling 268, family 272, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1900 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/: accessed 8 September 2025).

4. 1910 U.S. census, Clinton, Missouri, Cameron Ward 1, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 42, p. 147 (stamped), sheet 5-B, dwelling 127, family 124, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1910 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7884/ : accessed 8 September 2025.

5. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 16 April 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

6. "Harrison Blacketer Dead," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 22 April 1915, p. 5, col. 5. And, "Mrs. Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Citizen Observer (Missouri), 27 April 1944, p. 5, cols. 1 and 2.

7. For Pensions Bureau's concerns: Pensions Bureau Letter to Jane Blacketer, 15 July 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. For Jane Blacketer's Response: General Affidavit of Jane Blacketer, 22 July 1915, Ibid.

8. Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

9. Pensions Bureau Family Data Circular, 16 April 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. 1900 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Shoal Township, Cameron City Ward 1-2,  population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 41, p. 164 (stamped), sheet 12-A, dwelling 268, family 272, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1900 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/: accessed 8 September 2025). Also, 1910 U.S. census, Clinton, Missouri, Cameron Ward 1, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 42, p. 147 (stamped), sheet 5-B, dwelling 127, family 124, Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1910 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7884/ : accessed 8 September 2025.

10. United States Congress, The Statues at Large of the United States of America from December, 1907, to March, 1909…, vol. 35 (Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1909), 64, "An Act To increase the pension of widows, minor children, and so forth, of deceased soldiers and sailors of the late civil war, the war with Mexico, the various Indian wars, and so forth, and to grant a pension to certain widows of the deceased soldiers and sailors of the late civil war.”

11. Certified Copy of Blacketer—Smith Marriage License Jane Blacketer Supplied the Pensions Bureau, 22 April 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

Say Cheese!

 

Martha Jane Smith and Estella C. (Davis) Smith

I know. It isn't the best picture. BUT AT LEAST I HAVE A PICTURE. I don't have to daydream about what they looked like. And they most likely were not saying, "Cheese!"

Source: Martha Smith and her mother Estella C., photocopy of a photograph, annotated by unknown author, but likely Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones: “Martha Smith Born 1869-Died 1944, Estella C mother, Photo 1882”; privately held by C.M. Pointer [Address for Private Use,” Conroe, Texas, 2025. The photocopy is black and white and depicts a formal studio portrait of two women taken by an unknown photographer at an unknown location. Either the photograph itself or a photocopy of it was given to Mary Alice Blacketer by Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones. In about 1985, Norma Jean found Mary Alice. A photocopy of the original photograph was given to Lois Blacketer who then gave a photocopy to John Blacketer and C.M. Pointer.

Analysis: This black-and-white photocopy of a photograph was given to Caroline M. Pointer in 2012 by her Aunt Lois Blacketer, who was married to her Uncle Gerry Blacketer. In turn she was given a copy of it by Mary Alice Velda (Truitt) Blacketer. Mary Alice was the ex-wife of James Wesley and mother of Caroline’s mother and Aunt Lois’s husband Gerry. In about 1980, she was contacted by Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones and notified her she was James Wesley’s niece (daughter of James Wesley's younger brother Maurice), and that her uncle James Wesley disappeared in 1919. This photo or a photocopy of it was given to Mary Alice. It is not known who identified Martha Smith, born 1869 and died 1944 and her mother Estella C., or who dated the photo as 1882, but likely Norma Jean (Blacketer) Jones, a family historian. Though the photocopy is of okay quality, it is not the best either. 

Notes: If it was indeed taken in 1882, Martha would have been about thirteen years old and Estella C. about 32 years old, and they likely were residing in Maryville, Nodaway, Missouri. Their appearances in the photo do not disagree with these ages necessarily but cannot be definite.

As you can tell from my analysis Martha's son James Wesley was also complicated and messy. Turns out his behavior was not isolated. His lies were rooted in lies he grew up with, whether he knew it or not. And we will get through all of it block-by-block. Anywho, this photocopy of a photograph is a blessing to have.

~Caroline

Estella C. Davis Descendancy to Author

I Was Once Known as Martha, Now I'm Known as Jane

Before I can tackle Harrison Blacketer and his two marriages like I promised, I have to discuss his apparent second wife Martha Jane (Smith) Blacketer, my great grandmother. And I'll do it in small blocks to build up to...so many other things explaining these complicated individuals and others. LOL.

Over the course of her life Martha Jane went by several different given names. Because nothing is ever easy, right?

Here is a selection of names she went by or was known by:

1870: Sarah M. Smith (1)

1880: Mattie J. Smith (2)

1898: Jane Smith (3)

1900: Martha Jane Blacketer (4)

1910: Mattie Blacketer (5)

1915: Jane Blacketer (6)

1930: Martha J. Blacketer (7)

In an affidavit to the Pension Bureau on 22 July 1915, Jane explained she was known as "Martha," but she was then known as "Jane," which is the name she used when she married Harrison. (8) Much of the documentation supports that her maiden name was Martha Jane Smith and when younger, she was known as "Mattie," which can be a nickname for Martha. (9) Martha Jane had one death notice and two obituaries. (10) The two obituaries, written with information provided most likely by her son and daughter, used "Martha Jane Blacketer and "Mattie Jane Blacketer." (11) One of these obituaries mentions her maiden name "Smith." (12) These newspaper articles written posthumously seem to pull together all the name variations she used throughout her life except for one.

The enumerator recorded a different name for Estella's supposed daughter in the 1870 census in Andrew J. Davis's household in Maryville, Nodaway, Missouri, "Sarah M." (13) This may suggest "Sarah M." is a different child. However, the age appears to agree with other documents. (14) And her middle initial could stand for "Martha." Also, it is quite possible the enumerator recorded it wrong, or, in this household, as a baby her aunts, uncles, and maternal grandparents—who she lived with in 1870—called her "Sarah." Or maybe Estella was just trying out the name and decided later it didn't "fit" her daughter. Additionally, in 1900 the enumerator recorded that Estella C. Smith had only one child who was still living out of a total one child being born to her, very likely information given directly by her. At the time she was living as mother-in-law to Harrison Blacketer who was married to Martha Jane Blacketer, implying she was Martha Jane's mother. This supports the idea of her having only one child—Martha Jane Smith. (15)

Of note was another family member, a one-year-old Lorena Davis in the 1870 Andrew J. Davis household. (16) Ten years later in 1880 there was an 11-year-old "Morena" Davis in the Andrew J. Davis household next door to Harrison Blacketer where Estella C. Smith and Martha Jane Smith resided. (17) This was likely the same person and the enumerator incorrectly heard and/or spelled her name. But other than this minor spelling difference for Lorena/Morena and the name "Sarah M." for the supposed Martha Jane, the ages and places of birth in 1870 in Maryville for Estella C. Smith, Sarah M. Smith, Lorena Davis, and Andrew J. Davis seem to be consistent with the ages and places of birth for Estella C. Blacketer, Mattie J. Smith, Morena Davis, and Andrew J. Davis ten years later in 1880 in Maryville. (18)

It appears Martha Jane "Mattie" (Smith) Blacketer used her different given names as the seasons of her life changed.

It also appears that Harrison Blacketer married first Estella C. (Davis) Smith, and then second his step-daughter Martha Jane Smith. Did you catch that? Is that a mistake? I don't think so. But we will get to this complicated mess eventually. Block by block. ;)

Blacketer—Smith Descendancy to Author

~Caroline

Sources:

     1.   1870 U.S. census, Adams County, Iowa, population schedule, Quincy township, page 13 (penned), dwelling 91, family 91, Sarah M. Smith in Andrew J. Davis household; imaged "U.S. Federal Census Collection," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/ : 12 March 2024).

     2.   1880 U.S. census, Nodaway, Missouri, Maryville, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 261, p. 31 (penned), p. 205 (stamped), dwelling 279, family 288, Mattie J. Smith in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1880 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/ : 2 February 2024).

     3.    Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

     4.    1900 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Shoal Township, Cameron City Ward 1-2, Enumeration District (ED) 41, population schedule, p. 164 (stamped), sheet 12-A, dwelling 268, family 272, Martha J. Blacketer in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1900 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/: accessed 8 September 2025).

     5.    1910 U.S. census, Clinton, Missouri, Cameron Ward 1, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 42, p. 147 (stamped), sheet 5-B, dwelling 127, family 124, Mattie Blacketer in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1910 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7884/ : accessed 8 September 2025.

     6.    General Affidavit of Jane Blacketer, 22 July 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read.

     7.    1930 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Cameron, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 25-18, p. 114 (stamped), sheet 3-A, dwelling 67, family 67, Martha J. Blacketer in Maurice Blacketer household; imaged, "1930 United States Federal Census," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6224/ : accessed 28 August 2025).

     8.    General Affidavit of Jane Blacketer, 22 July 1915, Harrison Blacketer Civil War Pension File including the Widows Pension Application, Pointer Family Papers; privately held by Caroline Pointer [Address for Private Use,] Conroe, Texas, 2020. This photocopy of the file was made by Judy Hopkins of Boise, Idaho in 2018 from her own family collection. She obtained the file from the Veterans Administration in 2000. Each page was numbered by hand by Judy 1-256 but is missing pages 149-156. The photocopy is easily read. For marriage: Buchanan County, Missouri, "Marriage Record from June 5, 1897 to Dec. 28, 1899," vol. N, p. 326, Harrison Blacketer–Jane Smith, 27 April 1898; imaged "Missouri, County Marriage, Naturalization, and Court Records, 1800-1991," FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2060668 : accessed 28 August 2025) > IGN 007425041 > image 425 of 505; citing Buchanan County, Missouri Recorder of Deeds, St. Joseph.

     9.    Christine Rose, Nicknames Past and Present 5th Edition Expanded, (San Jose: CR Publications, 2007), p.12-13.

     10.   "Mrs. Jane Blacketer Passed on Suddenly," The Cameron News-Observer (Missouri), 26 April 1944, p. 1, col. 6, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/1122192751/ : accessed 8 September 2025). Also, "Mrs. Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 27 April 1944, p. 5, cols. 1 and 2, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/338263322/ : accessed 9 September 2025). And, "Mattie Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 4 May 1944, p. 5, col. 1, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/338263374/ : accessed 8 September 2025).

     11.   "Mrs. Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 27 April 1944, p. 5, cols. 1 and 2, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/338263322/ : accessed 9 September 2025). And, "Mattie Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 4 May 1944, p. 5, col. 1, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/338263374/ : accessed 8 September 2025).

     12.   "Mrs. Jane Blacketer," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 27 April 1944, p. 5, cols. 1 and 2, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/338263322/ : accessed 9 September 2025). 

     13.   1870 U.S. census, Adams County, Iowa, population schedule, Quincy township, page 13 (penned), dwelling 91, family 91, Sarah M. Smith in Andrew J. Davis household; imaged "U.S. Federal Census Collection," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/ : 12 March 2024).

     14.   Selected: Death Certificate lists age 74 years and 10 months: "Missouri Death Certificates, 1910-1973," Missouri Secretary of State, imaged, Missouri Digital Heritage (https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1944/1944_00014457.PDF : viewed 25 March 2024), certificate image, Martha Jane Blacketer, 26 April 1944, no. 14461. Age 10 in 1880: 1880 U.S. census, Nodaway, Missouri, Maryville, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 261, p. 31 (penned), p. 205 (stamped), dwelling 279, family 288, Mattie J. Smith in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1880 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/ : 2 February 2024).

     15.   1900 U.S. census, Clinton County, Missouri, Shoal Township, Cameron City Ward 1-2, Enumeration District (ED) 41, population schedule, p. 164 (stamped), sheet 12-A, dwelling 268, family 272, Martha J. Blacketer in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1900 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/: accessed 8 September 2025). 

     16.   1870 U.S. census, Adams County, Iowa, population schedule, Quincy township, page 13 (penned), dwelling 91, family 91, Sarah M. Smith in Andrew J. Davis household; imaged "U.S. Federal Census Collection," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/ : 12 March 2024).

     17.   1880 U.S. census, Nodaway, Missouri, Maryville, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 261, p. 31 (penned), p. 205 (stamped), dwelling 279, family 288, Mattie J. Smith in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1880 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/ : 2 February 2024).

     18.   1870 U.S. census, Adams County, Iowa, population schedule, Quincy township, page 13 (penned), dwelling 91, family 91, Sarah M. Smith in Andrew J. Davis household; imaged "U.S. Federal Census Collection," Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/ : 12 March 2024). And, 1880 U.S. census, Nodaway, Missouri, Maryville, population schedule, Enumeration District (ED) 261, p. 31 (penned), p. 205 (stamped), dwelling 279, family 288, Mattie J. Smith in Harrison Blacketer household; imaged, “1880 United States Federal Census,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/ : 2 February 2024).

How Did Harrison Blacketer's Life Turn Out?

I thought we'd jump back to my great grandfather Harrison Blacketer.  How did his life turn out? We left him doing hard labor with a ball-and-chain on his leg and a sign on his back. Despite his poor choice as a young soldier, he went on to have a good life as far as I have been able to uncover. He and his wife did get caught in a lie at one point, but we will get to that later this week. But I thought I'd share a transcription of his obituary and a picture of his and Mattie's tombstone that I took a year-and-a-half ago. Any genealogist would be elated to find this obituary, I think. It is chock-full of information and stories to unpack. And we will get to those this week with some of the storytelling coming from Harrison himself. The information in the obituary is mostly true. For fun, any guesses of what isn't true? 

Tombstone

Harrison and Martha Jane Blacketer's Tombstone in Graceland Cemetery.

Obituary Transcription

Source: "Harrison Blacketer Dead," The Cameron Sun (Missouri), 22 April 1915, p. 5, col. 5; Newspapers.com (http://newspapers.com : accessed 6 May 2018).

HARRISON BLACKETER DEAD

Had Been a Resident of Cameron

For Many Years—Funeral

Services and Interment

Saturday

     Harrison Blacketer was born in

Indiana, April 21, 1845.  Died at

Cameron, Mo., April 16, 1915, fol-

lowing an illness of a week.  He

moved with his father when a boy

to Missouri, locating at Bethany in

Harrison county.  At the age of 16

he enlisted as a soldier in the Army

of the Republic, Company H, Twelfth

Missouri Cavalry, and served three

years.  At the end of the war his 

company was transferred to the

plains to fight the Indians.  It was

while he was in this service carry-

ing the mail from Fort Loramie to

Fort Mitchell he received his injury

from his horse falling on the ice.

     He was married to Miss Martha

Jane Smith April 27, 1890.  To this 

union were born three children:

Wesley, 21; Mildred, 13; and Mau-

rice, 9.  Mr. Blacketer moved to

Cameron in the year 1895 and lived

here till his death.  The funeral serv-

ices were held at the First Methodist

Church, conducted by the pastor,

Rev. G.H. Zentz, Saturday, April

17.  Interment was made at Grace-

land cemetery.

[End of transcription.]

~Caroline

Was It Really Worth It?

My husband's side of the family ~the Pointer's~ seem to think they have the corner on bad ancestors. When in Iowa last summer, I got the chance to ask a few of them just why they thought their ancestors were so bad.  More than one replied, "Because," and in a loud whisper they continued,"We have a murder in the family. Possibly two. And possibly 2 murderers"


[Snort.] Well, I'm no mathematician, but in my family? 6 murders + 1 possible murderer + 1 possible pirate + 1 accused & imprisoned witch + 2 publically accused fornicators (one who later married the publically accused & imprisoned witch = I win. [Not that I'm keeping count of all the naughty people in the family, or anything.]


Now, Big Paw Paw never murdered anyone, at least not that I've found. And no one ever murdered him, which is amazing. Again, I'm not a mathematicion, but his 4 marriages + 3 divorces + 2 confirmed extra-marital liasions [may have been more, but hard proof on extra-marital affairs is hard to come by] + being a lousy husband 4 times + being a lousy father 2 times + being kicked out of his family 1 time + being kicked out of the Catholic Church 1 time [may have been more & may have been a formal excommunication] = 1 naughty Big Paw Paw.


And it's very easy for me to list all of Big Paw Paw's faults and mistakes.  [Mainly because there are so many of them.]  And it's also very easy for me to forget that Big Paw Paw didn't always make bad choices.  Why? Because those who knew him, didn't think very highly of him. And Big Paw Paw didn't leave much of a paper trail behind on things he did get right.


However, I'm proud to announce that I've found hard proof that indicates that Big Paw Paw wasn't wrong all the time. [Amazing. I know.] Well, at least the 45th District Bexar County Court Judge didn't think Big Paw Paw was wrong in 1938.


I mentioned in my post A Review of All the Players a piece of property with a house that Big Paw Paw sues his sister, Jane Rosin, over.  When I first read in the San Antonio Express that Big Paw Paw had sued his sister, I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Suing a family member never turns out well. If divorcing his 1st wife, who was the younger sister of Otto Rosin, Jane's husband, wasn't bad enough, then suing Jane later over some property and a house definitely did not help familial relations. But, of course, you and I have 20-20 vision in this case and Big Paw Paw was a bit nearsighted [and so was Jane].


Big Paw Paw first acquired the house and property located at Lot number 14 in Block numbered 1, New City Block 6000 in the City of San Antonio, said lot having 50 feet fronting the East side of Palmetto Ave. in Dignowity Place on 20 Aug 1925 from a C.E. and Alice Scull [sic].  So, he purchased this home approximately 2 years after his divorce from Emma.


Then, according to his 2nd wife's petition to the court during their divorce [Her story is forthcoming. LOTS of drama], Big Paw Paw had practically abandoned this home, which she was living in at the time she filed for divorce. This petition was filed Aug 1927. She explains to the court that Big Paw Paw was refusing to pay her weekly allowance of $15 set by the court; that he wasn't paying the mortgage or the insurance on the home; that he wasn't paying the creditors on the liens on the home; that he wasn't securing the home against theft and vandalism; and that he wasn't paying the payments on the furniture in the home. Basically? Big Paw Paw just wasn't paying for diddly squat when it came to Oveta. So they asked the court to appoint a receiver to handle all the community property. The best part of this petition? She states the actual address of the house [Hallelujah!]: 730 N. Palmetto, on the southeast corner of Palmetto & Burnett [sic] Streets. [But don't go rush to look it up just yet. Lemme finish the story. Then, I'll show it to you.]


I'm sure by know Oveta was thinking she pulled one over on Big Paw Paw. A receiver, Bernard Loben, was appointed to take over the community property 7 Oct 1927. [Poor Bernard. And Oveta. They had no clue who they were up against.]


On 5 Dec 1927, Big Paw Paw files a Public Affidavit [Gawd, I love his paper trails.]. In this affidavit  he says this same property was purchased before his marriage to Oveta, that she had no interest in it whatsoever, that she had abandoned him, and that she hadn't lived with him for at least 6 months. [So there.] Interestingly, the affidavit wasn't filed until 7 Mar 1928. [Hm.]


Because Big Paw Paw apparently didn't like to leave anything to chance, he executed a Warranty Deed with V/L [Vendor's Lien] with a John Marshall, Jr. of Galveston, Texas [who I've always believed to be his older brother] on this same property for $5000. And like the affidavit, it was executed on 5 Dec 1927 and filed 7 Mar 1928 in Bexar County, Texas.  The Vendors Lien part just meant that Big Paw Paw would go on making the lien payments and at the conclusion of the liens, the property would be owned outright by John.


So, Round 1, Big Paw Paw.


Remember how I told you in my post Smiling Big and Laughing Hard that Big Paw Paw's first wife, Emma [Again. This was Otto Rosin's, Jane's husband's, little sister.], contracted tuberculosis and died 11 Mar 1931? Good. Keep on remembering that.


Now. The next bit of documentation on this property that I could find was where John Marshall, Jr. [Big Paw Paw's big brother] executes a Warranty Deed with Otto Rosin effectively selling this property & house of Big Paw Paw's [or what used to be his] "...for a good valuable and sufficient consideration to me in hand paid..." No amount was recorded for the selling price. It was filed on 5 Feb 1932. Coincidentally less than a year after Emma died at such a young age.


Then in an act that would wake the sleeping giant, Otto Rosin executes a Warranty Deed with his wife Jane Rosin [Big Paw Paw's oldest sister], and sells her the same property for $3000 on 24 Jun 1937.


Enter Big Paw Paw.


On 2 Jul 1937, Big Paw Paw files a lawsuit in the 45th District Court of Bexar County.  And he claimed the following [But I re-worded the legalese. You're welcome.]:

• That around 30 Jun 1937, Jane Rosin, et. al. "seized and possessed" the now infamous [at least in my mind] property.
• That Jane Rosin, et. al. [Otto] "unlawfully entered...and ejected" Big Paw Paw from his house and took possession of his house to the tune of $7500 in damages. [Now, that? I would've loved to have seen.]
• That the rental value of the home was $500 per month.
• That he purchased the home from Mr. Schull in 1925.
• That in 1928 he conveyed the property to his brother, John Marshall, Jr. [Do you realize how many hours I looked for direct proof of their kinship? To think that all this time it was just sitting there. In a lawsuit. Yowzer.] And that the deed was to be held in trust by John Marshall, Jr. and that no consideration was paid. 
• That in 1932 that Big Paw Paw requested that his his brother, John, place the deed in the name of a person in San Antonio [Remember. John was from and in Galveston, Texas] "...in order to facilitate the handling of said property." And it was understood, according to Big Paw Paw, by all parties that the deed was to be held in trust by Otto Rosin and that Otto didn't pay anything for the property. So, according to Big Paw Paw, John essentially transferred the deed to Otto Rosin. I guess Big Paw Paw was still paying on those liens on the property. Otherwise, why not sell it back to Big Paw Paw?
• That before the execution of the deed from Otto to Jane on 30 Jun 1937, that Jane had no interest in the property and that even though the deed had been conveyed from Otto to Jane, it had not been "...placed of record in Bexar County, Deed Records." [Oops.]
• And that  Big Paw Paw had been unlawfully kicked out of his home. That no money had changed hands between Otto and Jane. That this was fraud. And that, "Jane Rosin well knew that her said husband had been the holder of the title to said property in trust for plaintiff..." all before the transaction. [Big Paw Paw was fit to be tied.]

And what did the court find? That Big Paw Paw was right:

• That the first conveyance to John Marshall, Jr. "...constituted nothing more than a mortgage, and the legal title remained vested in Joseph Marshall." 
• That Big Paw Paw payed off the debt.
• That John conveyed it to Otto at the insistence of Big Paw Paw; that "...Otto received said deed for indemnity purposes constituting a mortgage, the legal title remaining in plaintiff."
• That Jane & Otto had no "further liability."
• That Jane had been fully aware of the situation before the last conveyance from Otto to herself.
• That Jane Rosin, et. al., give the deed to Big Paw Paw.
• That Jane Rosin, et. al., not pay any damages to Big Paw.

Round 2, Big Paw Paw


So what happened to the property?  Well, Big Paw Paw and my grandmother, Paw Paw (his 4th wife), finally sold it in 1946 to an Isaac and Esther Mora and their son, Oswaldo Mora for $3000.


And what does it look like today? Well, I didn't get a chance to go by there when I was last in San Antonio because my silly living relatives wanted to do a whole bunch of stuff. [It's hard balancing the living and the dead.] But I did find it on Google Maps. It's depressing, really. It looks abandoned. The windows are all boarded up. However, if I ever win the lottery and after I purchase my 2nd great-grandparent's home which is 3 blocks south of the Riverwalk there in San Antonio [prime real estate], I'm gonna buy this house.


But I think it's ironic and sad that Big Paw Paw worked so hard to keep this house, and now it's abandoned. I also think it's ironic and sad that Jane SO wanted to get back at Big Paw Paw [O.K., I'm guessing.] with this house, and now it's abandoned. Was it really worth it?


The address is 730 North Palmetto, southeast corner of Palmetto and Burnet, but the address doesn't take you to the southeast corner of Palmetto and Burnet. But this is the photo of the house on the southeast corner. [If you're not able to see it here, then click the link, "View Larger Map" down below.]

View Larger Map

Tombstone Tuesday: Martha Jane Smith Blacketer

Martha "Mattie" Jane (Smith) Blacketer

Is it just me, or did her name not get exciting until she married a Blacketer?  To top it off, her mom was a Davis.  See, this is what I get for complaining about all my Mary's.

Ah. Harrison and Mattie.  What kind of relationship did they have?  According to the 1880 census, Harrison [36yo] was married to Mattie's mother, Estella C. Smith [29yo], and Mattie J. Smith is listed as Harrison's step-daughter.  Now, this is the census where they asked the question about illnesses, which is a cool question if your ancestor had the misfortune of being ill.  And according to this census, Estella had been sick.  She's listed as having heart disease and pneumonia [poor thing!].  I would imagine being 10yo, little Mattie had to do a lot, if not all, the housework.

While looking for a marriage record for Harrison and Estella, I came across a marriage record for Harrison and Mattie.  No she wasn't 10yo, but 28yo, and Harrison was 53yo.  Now this wouldn't be so strange to me if maybe I could find another marriage for Harrison to someone. Anyone.  As mentioned in last weeks post, Harrison had been in the Civil War.  So maybe he hadn't dealt with that very well, and just never married.  Maybe Estella had been widowed and was ill with little Mattie, and Harrison took them in.  Maybe Harrison even married Estella, and I can't find their marriage record.  Maybe he never married her, but just said he did.

But what makes this stranger, is that Estella did not pass away before Harrison and Mattie got married.  [You were assuming that, weren't you?]  In the 1900 census, Harrison, Mattie, and their son [my grandfather] are listed together.  And guess who else is listed as being in their household.  Right.  Estella.  And she's listed as Harrison's mother-in-law.

So what was going on in this household?  That definitely is the question.  My plan is to search further for a marriage record for Harrison and Estella.  Or Harrison and another woman.  I understand that Mattie had been probably running that household for a while, but I find it a little strange that a man who had at least raised a child from the age of 10, marries her 18 years later.  But what do I know?  I wasn't there.  Maybe they fell in love.  [Or something else.]  Maybe after being a bachelor for 53 years [if he didn't marry previously], Harrison thought, "It's time to get hitched.  And why not Mattie?  She's been running my household for so long anyways?"

Well, I hope it wasn't like that.  [I'm just having a little fun.]  Maybe they did fall in love after so many years together.  They did have a total of 3 children: James Wesley, Maude, and Maurice.

Makes me wonder what my descendants will think about me and my decisions.  I guess I'd better hurry and get everything written down.  Well, at least what I want them to know.  You know, my version.  The rest they can figure out.  They can wonder, "What the heck was she thinkin'?"  [I'm assuming, of course, they'll have my Texas accent.]

Below is Harrison's and Mattie's tombstone, which is located in Graceland Memorial Cemetery in Cameron, Clinton Co, MO.  It was real sunny that day so I took some close-ups too.