Bridges - Notes

NOTES

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Charles R. Cloud - Glendale, CA - 1969

MILITARY SERVICE:

Charles Cloud enlisted into the US Navy on October 16, 1942, age 19, he served 3 years 2 months and 25 Days, being discharged on January 10, 1946, at the rank of Boatswain 2/c. Charles was stationed for 22 months at Pearl Harbor, starting December 25, 1942, at the Naval Air Transport Squadron, Bishop Point, with primary duties of "Beaching and docking Naval Seaplanes and in charge and handled crew of men."

WORK:

After technical school in San Gabriel, where he met Mary Ann Alesi, he went to work at the Glendale Community Hospital in 1947, for the next 33 years. He became Chief Xray Technologist at the hospital in 1950. Charles was active in starting the Xray Technologist Union as secrtary for the then fledging organization.

[NI003]

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Charles H. Cloud and his son Charles R. CLOUD. - 1964 to 1974.

1922 Charles & Eula [Bridges] Cloud were living on a small ranch in Runnels County, TX, near Ballinger, on Pony Creek, when Charles R. Cloud was born. In 1927, after selling the ranch, they move to Los Angeles, CA. Charles finds full time work with a truck body company and holds this job throughout the depression years.

In 1928 they move to Monterey Park, CA and in December Eula M. catches pneumonia and dies. (see notes under Eula M. Bridges) 1930 Charles & Nora Bridges are married. Approximately 1939/1940 Charles goes to TX for the truck body company to pick up some cars and while he is their visits with his brothers & sisters. This is Charles' one and only visited to TX since leaving. About 1939/1940 Charles changes jobs and starts working for an orchard heating company as foreman and welder. They were installing the first smokeless heating pipe line system into orange orchards. After the World War II, Charles & Nora move to Lindsay CA. He is still working for the orchard heating company and becoming a salesman, selling the heating system and wind machines covering the San Joaquin Valley.

Retired in 1965, they move to Three Rivers, CA, now living in a large 45ft house trailer on the river. They lived there in the winter months and in the summer pulled a 25ft trailer to Lake Almanor, CA for the summer months. All there grand children fished a great deal with them in these two areas. I (Chris Cloud) caught a 7 3/4 Rainbow Trout out of Lake Almanor one of those many times we fished with them.

June 1974, Charles & Nora make there annual trip to Lake Almanor and after two weeks, Charles becomes suddenly ill & is rushed to Sacramento Medical Center for emergency abdominal surgery. He is recovering when he suddenly passes away on July 8, 1974. His ashes are interned in the Three Rivers Cemetery overlooking the San Joaquin Valley he loved so well. Nora later got a stone of Texas red granite with both their names inscribed on it.

[NI004]

In May/Jun 1928 the family and Mary Ann Bridges, Eula's mother, moves to Monterey Park, CA. In December 1928 Eula M. gets sick with pneumonia and dies at the age of 28. Her sister Nora Bridges, a registered nurse, who had arrived from TX, to care for Eula, stayed on to help her mother, Mary Ann Bridges, care for the four small children. A year and a half later in 1930, Charles & Nora were married.

[NI006]

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Charles R. Cloud - Glendale, CA

Eula Faye & Ronald divorce Abt 1967. Eula Faye does not re-marry.

[NI008]

Nora was living and working as a registered nurse in TX, when she got word that her sister Eula M. was ill. Nora immediately went to CA to care for her sister, who then died in December 1928. She stayed on to help raise the 4 young Cloud children and help her mother, Mary Ann Bridges who was living with Charles & Eula.

A year and a half later in 1930, Charles & Nora were married. Nora & Charles Cloud had no children, raising her sisters children and caring for her mother Mary Ann Bridges was very satisfying for her. Nora died April 20, 1988 at the age of 93, at the Garfield Medical Center, Monterey Park, CA. Her ashes were interned beside Charles at the Three Rivers Cemetery overlooking the San Joaquin Valley with the Texas red granite headstone she had gotten.

[NI009]

George Washington Bridges and Mary Ann [Ratto] Bridges were DIVORCED - Beaumont, Jefferson County, TX - About 1906. After the divorce George changed his name legally to "Gilford Louis Bridges". With his second wife "Texas" he lived near Fort Worth, TX, on 100 aces, where he was a farmer / rancher and good at veterinary medicine.

[NI010]

Mary Ann [Ratto] Bridges and George Washington Bridges were DIVORCED - Beaumont, Jefferson County, TX - About 1906. After the divorce, Mary Ann [Ratto] Bridges and the children, moved in with her father and step-mother on their farm in Brown County, TX, on the Rocky River.

[NI011]

Lloyd Bridges went to California in 1925. He was followed by Mary Ann Bridges, Eula [Bridges] and Charles H. Cloud in 1927.

[NI012]

The Kennedy's claim SCOT ISH descent.

[NI013]

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Dale R. MacMillan - Carmichael, CA - 1966

Dale was an only child and young when his father died. The Marley family claim to be descendents of Sir. Thomas Becket of England.

[NI014]

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Wayne & Shirley [Cloud] Pugh - Tulare, CA - 1971.

[NI015]

It's not certain when James M. BRIDGES came to TX. It is believed that young James M. BRIDGES, came to TX with Gilford Bridges, Approx. 1865 from MO. There was a rumor that Gilford left MO because of Quantrell and his raiders.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1880 CENSUS

TEXAS - Llano County - Precint No: 1 (Roll 1317, page 503R, Dwelling 48)

BRIDGES

AGE

SEX

OCCUPATION

BORN

FATHER BORN

MOTHER BORN

James

Farmer

Martha

(wife)

George

TX?

Penelopy

Lee

8/12

HICKMAN

John

Farmer

Mary

(wife)

Lavina

10/12

NOTES:

In Dwelling 47 is Gilford and his 2nd wife Iantha [Robinson] [Hickman] Bridges, mother to Martha and John in Dwelling 48 (above).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MORE ABOUT -- James Bridges: Information was sent by Martha Ann BRIDGES from the Bridges bible, Texas 1968, and Nora B. (BRIDGES) CLOUD, daughter of George W. BRIDGES (born Oct. 23, 1874) AKA G.W. Bridges who later in his life changed his name to Gilford Louis Bridges. Related by Nora Cloud: In the 1870's on a cattle drive north, a stranger spent the night at the camp fire of James M. Bridges. The next day he found out is had been "Billy the Kid". Both James M. and Martha M, spent most of their lives farming and ranching on Mill Creek, a tributary to the Sabinal River near Sabinal, TX. Martha lived in San Marcos, TX, before her death. Both were buried at Vanderpool, TX.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Received from Texas State Health Dept. - Aug 1971. DEATH CERTIFICATE: James Madison Bridges. BORN: December 12, 1849 DIED: September 23, 1926 BIRTHPLACE: Illinois NAME of FATHER: G.W. Bridges BIRTH PLACE of FATHER: Illinois MAIDEN NAME of MOTHER: Parmley BIRTH PLACE of MOTHER: Illinois SIGNED BY: Ella Cooley (Ella Penelope [Bridges] Cooley - Age 40)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[NI016]

According to the 1880 CENSUS for Llano County, Precint No: 1 - (Roll 1317, page 503R), Dwelling 48. Martha Hickman was born in Texas, her father was born in Georgia and his mother was born in Tennessee.

[NI017]

INFORMATION ON COOLEY FAMILY PROVIDED BY:

Rena Thelma [Cooley] Tetley - Dripping Springs, Hays County, TX - 1971.

[NI018]

INFORMATION ON COOLEY/BRIDGES FAMILY PROVIDED BY:

Rena Thelma [Cooley] Tetley - Dripping Springs, Hays County, TX - 1971.

[NI022]

INFORMATION on JAMES A. BRIDGES FAMILY PROVIDED BY:

Birtie [Mayes] Bridges - Kernersville, NC - 1971.

[NI025]

ORION COOLEY - Never Married.

[NI026]

MARION COOLEY - Never Married.

[NI031]

Arthur Lee and Jarrell Marion BRIDGES were raised by their Aunt Ella Penelope Cooley and Grandmother Martha [Hickman] BRIDGES after the death of their mother when they were very young.

[NI032]

Arthur Lee and Jarrell Marion BRIDGES were raised by their Aunt Ella Penelope Cooley and Grandmother Martha [Hickman] BRIDGES after the death of their mother when they were very young.

[NI034]

Sherry Bridges' last known address in 1971: 1801 Garner, Morgan City, Louisana. Married to: Ledet.

[NI035]

Twin to Jane Bridges born 1944 or 1945.

[NI036]

Twin to Jean Bridges born 1944 or 1945.

[NI042]

Fenelon & Carole to move to Venezuela summer of 1971, for a two year stay. Have been living in Los Angeles, CA.

[NI056]

INFORMATION on the RODGERS/CHENAULT FAMILIES PROVIDED BY:

Martha Ann [Bridges] Rodgers, Chenault - San Marcos, TX - 1971.

[NI060]

Eston Franklin Rodgers, Jr., Reidoso, NM, had a home, store and is supervisor of the Apache Indian reservation in 1971.

[NI064]

Clarance Chenault is a cousin to General Clair Chenault of the W.W. II, Flying Tigers.

[NI070]

US Air Force - 1957 to 1961. Stationed in Spain - Air Force Weather Service. University of Davis after military. U.S. Forest Ranger from about 1965 to 1985.

>Stationed at first in the Sierras.

>1968 Mt. Laguna, CA.

>1975 Nice, CA, near Clear Lake.

>Jan 1977 - Headquarters - San Bernadeno CA.

>Retired and opened a Landscaping Business in Redlands, CA.

[NI071]

Enlisted U.S. Army: 1959 to 1963 - Stationed in Germany as an Army musician. Graduated Fresno State College - Major is in Music. Teaches Music in the School Districts around Fresno.

[NI072]

INFORMATION on BURROUGHS Family PROVIDED BY:

Rindie [Burroughs] Bridges - La Mesa, CA - 1971.

[NI074]

According to Rick GROVER (E-mail: grover1@primenet.com) & Terri WALKER (E-Mail: terjess@earthlink.net), descendants of George W. BRIDGES brother James, the Bridges were in and around Pope County, Illinois before moving to Missouri. According to the 1860 Census, most of their children were born in Illinois.

_______________________________________________________________________

1860 CENSUS

MISSOURI - Lawrence County, Mount Pleasant Township (Roll 138 page 72, Dwelling 490).

BRIDGES	AGE	SEX	OCCUPATION	LAND VALUE	BORN
Geo. W.	31	M	Farmer	R.E. 150	IL
Mary	29	F	(Wife)		IL
Amanda	12	F			IL
J.M.	10	M	(James Madison)		IL
Lorania	5	F			MO
Gilford	2	M			MO

NOTE:

Dwelling 489 is the home of James M. BRIDGES and living in the same area is Gilford BRIDGES. Have been unable to find Gilford or James M. in 1870 Census, Missouri or Texas. Looks like the Civil War has scattered the families.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The story on the BRIDGES line in my family as related by Martha Ann [BRIDGES] RODGERS - CHENAULT in 1967, she was 76 at this time. Martha Ann was the daughter of James Madison BRIDGES who was the son of George W. BRIDGES. George W. and James BRIDGES were brothers, she was uncertain about the first name of James, it may have been J.M. George W. married Mary PARMLEY (in IL) and they lived somewhere near Joplin, MO. during the Civil War. Their son James Madison BRIDGES was born in 1849 (in IL). Sometime after the Civil War started, George W. BRIDGES joined the Confederate army. Later while home on leave, George W. and two other men who lived near by, were captured by Union forces and in some way all three were killed. The bodies were not allowed to be recovered by their families for a long time. The bones of all three were buried in one common grave when they were finally recovered.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSOURI 1863 UNION MILITARY ORDER No: 11

Issued August 25, 1863 by Brigadier General Thomas Ewing,

Union Commander of the District of the Border. Headquarters at Kabsas City, MO.

It decreed that all persons living in three western counties of Missouri -- Cass, Bates & Jackson and those in the Northen half of Vernon County, were to leave their homes by September 9, 1863. It was given immediately after Quantrills raid on Lawrence, Kansas, a foray so filled with senseless cruelty and brutality it shocked the nation. This mass eviction was the most drastic and repressive military measure directed against civilians during the Civil War. To make matters worse, General Fremont had placed Missouri under martial law and the Union soldiers were told to live off the land. James Lane the first U.S. Senator from Kansas is given credit for the severity of the enforcement of Order No: 11. Lanes Brigade conducted a thorough and systematic looting of western Missouri, sparing no one.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BRIDGES lived in western Missouri, it is not known if all the children survived this ordeal or even Mary [Parmely] BRIDGES survived this military order. It's not certain when Gilford (Guilford) BRIDGES came to TX. It is believed that young James M. BRIDGES, son of George W. Bridges, came to TX with Gilford, Aprox. 1865 from MO. There was a rumor that Gilford left MO because of Quantrell and his raiders. I have not been able to find any of the families in the 1870 Census for Missouri or Texas.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1880 CENSUS

TEXAS - Llano County, Percint No: 1 (Roll 1317 page 503R, Dwelling 48.)

BRIDGES

AGE

SEX

OCCUPATION

BORN

FATHER BORN

MOTHER BORN

James

Farmer

Martha

(wife)

George

TX?

Penelopy

Lee

8/12

HICKMAN

John

Farmer

Mary

(wife)

Lavina

10/12

[NI075]

Quotes from letters of Marth Ann [BRIDGES], Rodgers, Chenault - 1967-1971. She states that her grandmother, Mary Parmley, was from England. Their were two Parmley girls, Kit and Mary. She remembers talking to a Baptist preacher, a cousin named Parmley, who told her the Parmleys were heirs to an estate in England. (It may have been Mary's mother that was from England. According to the census, Missouri 1860, Mary was born in Illinois.)

[NI076]

INFORMATION on JAMES M. BRIDGES Family, PROVIDED BY:

Rick Grover - LaVerne, CA - E-mail: grover1@primenet.comm

Terri Walker - Kansas, MO - E-Mail: terjess@earthlink.nett

According to Rick GROVER & Terri WALKER the Bridges were in and around Pope County, Illinois before moving to MIssouri. According to the 1860 Census, most of the children were born in Illinois.

__________________________________________________________________________

1860 CENSUS

MISSOURI, Lawrence County, Mount Pleasant Township (Roll 138 page 72, Dwelling 489).

BRIDGES	-	AGE	-	SEX	-	OCCUPATION	-	LAND VALUE	-	BORN
James M.		39		M		Farmer		R.E. 800		TN
Rebecca (Parmely)		39		F		(wife)				IL
J.G.		18		M						IL
Samuel		16		M						IL
Harriet		15		F						IL
Julia A.		12		F						IL
Elvina		7		F						IL
James M.		4		M						MO
Geo. W.		1		M						MO

NOTE:

Dwelling 490 is the home of George W. BRIDGES and living in the same area is Gilford BRIDGES. Have been unable to find James M. in 1870 Census, Missouri. Looks like the Civil War has scattered the families.

_________________________________________________________________________

From an undated newspaper clipping:

"Died. At the home of his son, J. G. Bridges, McDowell, Mo., of heart disease, James M. Bridges, aged 69 years, 2 months and 25 days. James M. Bridges was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, Sept. 25, 1821; removed with his parents at an early age to Pope county, Illinois, and in 1852 to Lawrence county, Missouri, and since that time has lived in Lawrence and Barry counties. Mr. Bridges was married in the fall of 1838 to Rebecca Parmely, who survives him. Their union was blessed with seven children - four sons and three daughters - three of whom are still living. ... About 12 months before his death he professed faith in Christ, and desired to regain his health that he might unite with members of his family in the Missionary Baptist church. ... " [Actually he left four children - three sons and one daughter.]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[NI081]

INFORMATION on JAMES M. BRIDGES Family, PROVIDED BY:

Rick Grover - LaVerne, CA - E-mail: grover1@primenet.comm

Terri Walker - Kansas, MO - E-Mail: terjess@earthlink.nett

Rebecca PARMLEY's sister Mary weds George W. BRIDGES, brother to James M. Bridges.

========================================================================

The following letter fragments (Elvira & Rebecca) are from: Terri Walker

________________________________________________________________________

From a letter from Rebecca to her daughter Elvira, from Pierce City MO on 6/24/1895: "You wanted to know if John Parmely that is Dr. John still wrote to me. Yes, I have got two letters from him and one from his girl. India Rebecca is her name."

_______________________________________________________________________

From a letter from Rebecca to her grand-daughter Julia, from Pierce City MO on 6/24/1895: " Dr. John Parmelys little girl wrote me a nice letter not long ago. She is but 13 years old and she is a splendid writer. She said she was my name sake. Her name is India Rebecca."

________________________________________________________________________

From a note from Rebecca to her daughter Elvira, undated: "Vie [Elvira] I for got to tell you in your letter that Jimmie [James M., b. 1856] and Ellen was going to Arkansaw this fall to where her sister June lives - to Randolph County on Black River - to get them a place to live."

========================================================================

The following is from Rick Grover: One of the documents that I copied was a hand written list of births and deaths from which I got most of my information. What is interesting about this list is that it is written on a printed cover to a program for the Minutes of the Seventeenth Annual Session of the Big Saline Association of United Baptists, held at the Zion Hill Meeting House, Pope County, Illinois, September 2d, 3d and 4th, A.D. 1870. One of the officers for the session was Eld. E. Parmley, Golconda, Ill., Moderator.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[NI090]

Erny Preston is buried beside her first husband. I do not know if Preston is her maiden name.

[NI101]

Barbara Gail Dreugler was married previously, husband unknown. They had one child together, Belinda Fay (?) born May 8, 1959.

[NI104]

Texas Lewis was an orphan - No known relatives. No Children.

[NI129]

INFORMATION on GUILFORD BRIDGES and his Descendants, PROVIDED BY:

Nora Bridges - Three Rivers, CA - 1968

Lou Bridges - Tuscola, TX - 1998 - E-mail: bridges@abilene.com..

Anne Maxwell - San Antonio, TX - 1998 - E-mail: SpldRtnTxn@aol.com..

Nelda Crews - Terrell, TX - 1998 - E-mail: nldennis@unicopm.nett

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1850 CENSUS

MISSOURI - Lawrence County - District No: 47 (Roll 155, page 68).

BRIDGES	-	AGE	-	SEX	-	OCCUPATION	-	R.E. VALUE	-	BORN
Gilford		4		M		Farmer		1000		NC
Lorana		38		F		(wife)				TN
Martha		15		F						MO
Jas.		12		M						MO
Benjamine		10		M						MO
Aaron		8		M						MO
Thomas B.		6		M						MO
Flemming		4		M						MO
John		2		M						MO
Samuel P.		6/12		M						MO

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1860 CENSUS

MISSOURI - Lawrence County - Mount Pleasant Township (Roll 138, page 65).

BRIDGES	-	AGE	-	SEX	-	OCCUPATION	-	R.E. VALUE	-	BORN
Gilford		50		M		Farmer		8000		NC
Lorana		46		F		(wife)				TN
Aaron		18		M		Farmer				MO
Thomas		16		M		Farmer				MO
Flemming		14		M						MO
John		12		M						MO
Samuel		10		M						MO
James		22		M		Farmer				MO
Lucy		18		F						IL

NOTE:

James and Lucy Bridges are James Henry (son to Gilford) and his wife Lucinda Austin.

==========================================================================

MISSOURI 1863 UNION MILITARY ORDER No: 11

Issued August 25, 1863 by Brigadier General Thomas Ewing,

Union Commander of the District of the Border. Headquarters at Kabsas City, MO.

==========================================================================

The BRIDGES lived in western Missouri, it is not known if all the children survived this ordeal or even Mary [Parmely] BRIDGES survived this military order. It's not certain when Gilford (Guilford) BRIDGES came to TX. It is believed that young James M. BRIDGES, son of George W. Bridges, came to TX with Gilford, Aprox. 1865 from MO. There was a rumor that Gilford left MO because of Quantrell and his raiders. Have been unable to find Gilford in 1870 Census, Missouri or Texas. Looks like the Civil War has scattered the families. -

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1880 CENSUS

TEXAS - Llano County - Precint No: 1 (Roll 1317, page 503R, Dwelling 47).

BRIDGES

AGE

SEX

OCCUPATION

BORN

FATHER BORN

MOTHER BORN

Gilford

Farmer

Iancy

(wife)

Lorena

Jenrina

Gilford

Molly

NOTES:

Iancy is Iantha [Robinson] [Hickman]. In Dwelling 48 is daughter Martha Hickman married to James M. and son John Hickman married to Mary.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[NI130]

Jenrina Bridges nickname "Babe".

[NI139]

Buck & Mollie are survived by 7 Children, and 2 KNOWN Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI140]

William Dunham & Lena May are survived by 3 Children, 6 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children. June 1998. Robert Harris & Lena May had no KNOWN Children.

[NI141]

Wiley & Beulah had 8 Children, no other info available. June 1998.

[NI142]

Mr. Stein & Della had 1 KNOWN Child, Carl. No other information is known. June 1998. Cecil Coulter & Della had 4 Children. No other Information is known. June 1998.

[NI154]

William and Carolyn at last count have 3 Children and 5 Grand Children. June 1989 .

[NI155]

William and Carolyn at last count have 3 Children and 5 Grand Children. June 1989.

[NI156]

Clyde and Thelma have 2 Children and 2 Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI158]

Jessie & Hellen had 1 Child, 2 Grand Child, and 1 Great Grand Child. June 1998.

[NI159]

Jessie & Hellen had 1 Child, 2 Grand Child, and 1 Great Grand Child. June 1998.

[NI161]

Oscar & Elinborg are survived by 4 Children, 6 Grand Children, 5 Great Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI162]

William Dunham & Lena May are survived by 3 Children, 6 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI163]

Wiley & Beulah had 8 Children, no other info available. June 1998.

[NI166]

Cecil Coulter & Della had 4 Children. No other Information is Known. June 1998.

[NI236]

Buck & Mary had 3 Children, Leonard, Rexie, and Marjorie.

[NI247]

Clint Ducan & Iva Bridges had 2 Children, 2 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI251]

James Middlebrook's nickname was "Pomp".

[NI273]

Jewell Middlebrooks was twin sister to James.

[NI274]

James Middlebrooks was a twin brother to Jewell Middlebrooks. James & Georgia had 3 Children and 3 Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI277]

Oscar & Elinborg are survived by 4 Children, 6 Grand Children, 5 Great Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI278]

Buck & Mollie are survived by 7 Children, and 2 KNOWN Grand Children. June 1998.

[NI293]

Robert Harris & Lena May had no KNOWN Children.

[NI316]

Ivan and Zelma have 1 Child, 2 Grand Children, 4 Great Grand Children. June 1988

[NI411]

Buck & Mary had 3 Children, Leonard, Rexie, and Marjorie.

[NI422]

Melborn Whitten & Iva Middlebrooks had 3 known Children and 1 Grand Child. June 1998.

[NI424]

Ivan and Zelma have 1 Child, 2 Grand Children, 4 Great Grand Children. June 1988.

[NI431]

Jack and Judy at last count have 3 Children. June 1998.

[NI463]

Jack and Judy at last count have 3 Children. June 1998.

[NI514]

Sarah "Sally" NIXON had no children. Sally had one leg amputated and wore a wooden leg. She would ride a pony to church and would always pick up as many children as could get on behind her.

[NI515]

Henry Buchmeyer half brother Herman Lehmann was captured by Comanche Indians at age 11 and held until age 21 (1870 - 1879).

[NI516]

Barnnett Nunnelly is buried in Glendale, CA.

[NI522]

INFORMATION on John RATTO, PROVIDED BY:

>Charles R. CLOUD - Glendale, CA - 1966 / 1998

> Nora [Bridges] CLOUD - Three Rivers, CA - 1965.

> Gladys [Ratto] WILLIFORD - Odessa, TX - 1972.

> Theodora [Nunnelly] WILLIAMS - Houston, TX - 1972

>Clayton NIXON - 1972

> and Listed Documents below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOHN RATTO was born near Genoa, in northern Italy in 1840. After his mother died at the birth of her fourth child, a boy (also named John) and who was left with an aunt in Italy, when his father migrated to America with the three older children, John, Thomas and Tamas Rose. John was Aprox. 12 years old when they landed in New York (about 1852). Tamas Rose died a short time after there arrival.

For the next three years John hired out with a traveling show of some sorts returning to New York, NY, each winter. Aprox. 1855 when John was 15, the show unexpectedly broke up leaving him stranded in Arkansas. He was picked up by the Andrew J. NIXON family and became part of their wagon train headed west.

About this same time, 1855, his father and brother, Thomas, went to San Francisco, John never saw his father again (his first name is unknown).

Some how the Nixon wagon train ran into trouble on the Staked Plains of Texas and almost perished of thirst. They made it into the Fredricksburg - Gillispie County area and decided to stay, settling at Squaw Creek after A.J. Nixon bought the Stark Ranch, about 1856. Two other families who were in the wagon train also settled in the area were the Plummers and the Joys.

John lived with the Andrew Jackson Nixon family until the Civil War started. At the beginning of the war, 1861, John was a freighter for the Texas Rangers and the Confederacy. In 1862 he enlisted in the Texas Ranger Battalion. In 1863 the Ranger Regiment was transferred to the Confederate Army and his battalion became Company A, McCords Regiment of Texas Calvery. His regiment served in South Texas and on the frontier of the state.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRIEF REGIMENTAL HISTORY:

The "Frontier Cavalry Regiment" [also called 46th Regiment] was formerly organized in May, 1864. The unit served in the Trans-Mississippi Dept. on the Texas frontier principally against Indians. It was formed with 1,240 men and in April, 1865, totalled 102 men.

The few remaining men disbanded prior to the surrender in June, 1865. The field officers were Colonel James E. McCord, Lt. Colonel James B. Barry and Major W.J. Alexander. John RATTO may have been at the battle of Galveston Bay and the capture of the Union gun boat "Harriet Lane". His grandson Lloyd Bridges remembers him speaking of it.

The last year of the war he drove a hospital ambulance and ammunition wagons for the regiment. His comrade through out the war was William Jasper Nixon, his future brother-in-law. Gladys [Ratto] Williford, a granddaughter also remembers him saying while he was in the Army he drove an ambulance part of the time and sometimes the ammunition wagon. She also remembers once he told us kids, that during the thick of battle he was where the bullets were the thickest. Someone asked where that was and he said, "under the ammunition wagon."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"SOLDIER'S APPLICATION for CONFEDERATE PENSION"

Application Date: August 21, 1925

Age: 85

Resided in Texas: 65 Yrs., 32 Yrs. in Blanket, TX.

Former Occupation: Farmer

Current Condition: "Very Feeble"

TYPE OF DISCHARGE or SURRENDER: "At the close of the War in the Spring of 1865, I was discharged or disbanded at Velasco, TX."

Length of Service: 4 Yrs.

TIME OF SERVICE: "1st year was freighter for Rangers & Confederacy but in 1862 enlisted as a Texas Ranger and in 1863 our regiment transferred to Confederate Service."

UNIT DESIGNATION: Company A, McCord's Regiment, Col. James E. McCord, Major W.J. Alexander and Lt. Col. James B. "Buck" Barry. Also Called: 46th Regiment and referred to as "FRONTIER CAVALRY REGIMENT".

IF TRANSFERRED: "Not transferred, except our Reg't of Rangers taken over by Confederacy in 1863."

BRANCH OF SERVICE: "Cavalry and last 12 Months I drove Hospital Ambulance for said Regiment."

The above Information was dictated by John Ratto and signed by his Mark.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WAR DEPARTMENT:

September 10, 1925 They were NOT able to verify John RATTO as a member of Company A, McCord's Regiment of Texas Cavalry, CSA, for Dec. 24, 1862 to Feb. 28, 1863 (only roll file).

***BUT***

A -ROTTO- (No Christian Name shown) was present. I belive that because of handwritten documents, an "a" and "o" could be misinterpreted.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN AFFIDAVIT of WITNESSES:

William Jasper NIXON, a member of Company A, McCord's Regiment verified that John RATTO was a member and the above application was accurate.

NOTE: W.J. NIXON sister Hannah B. married John RATTO in 1865.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER THE CIVIL WAR:

John and Hannah started home steading at Squaw Creek, Gillespie County, TX. He was a teamster and owned his wagon and equipment. He freighted from Fort Sumter and other south Texas towns to Fort Worth and Dallas. He said he made trips to Ft. Worth when there was nothing but a post office, a general store, blacksmith, barber shop and a few other business.

He freighted buffalo hides, pecans, flour and all kinds of commodities. Some time before 1900, John and his son Albert, bought a large farm in Brown County, TX, on the Rocky River, between the towns of May and Holder. It was here that his daughter, Mary Ann [Ratto] Bridges, brought her three children after the divorce from George W. Bridges, Aprox. 1906.

For many years John Ratto held large family reunions here on the farm. Some of the relatives surnames were:

Bridges -- Gibson -- New -- Ratto -- Turner -- Buchmeyer -- Gray

Nixon -- Stone -- Everage -- Hamilton -- Nunnelly -- Strackbein

John Ratto is buried at Pleasent Valley Cemetery, Brown County TX, near May, TX.

Sarah and her mother Lurana Nixon are also buried here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

1870 CENSUS - TEXAS, Gillespie County, Squaw Creek -- Roll 1587, page 344.

1880 CENSUS - TEXAS, Gillespie County, Squaw Creek -- Roll 1305, page 306.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[NI524]

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Michael O. and Helen [Ratto] SMITH, Brownwood, TX - 1971.

[NI528]

Thomas Ratto and his father moved to San Franciso, CA, about 1855 and John Ratto never saw his father again. Thomas & Johns father owned a store in San Francisco, CA, after their father was shot and killed in the store, Thomas moved to Galveston, TX, the year is unknown when all this happened. Thomas died in the 1900 Galveston flood, it is also unknown if he ever married.

[NI529]

Tamas Rose Ratto died shortly after arriving in New York City, NY.

[NI530]

There were two John's, probably with different middle names, in this family. When John was born his mother died shortly afterwards. He was left with Aunts in Italy, when the rest of the family migrated to America. The two Johns born in 1840 and 1852 was confirmed by Nora [Bridges] Cloud and Theodora [Nunnelly] Willams. It is believed by remembrance of, Theodora [Nunnelly] Willams, that the younger John eventfully migrated to America and caught up with his brother Thomas. They both were living in Galveston, TX, and had a successful store, dealing with candy, cigars, snuff and etc. business. I belive he was killed during the great Galveston flood of 1900 with his brother Thomas.

[NI611]

John HICKMAN came to Texas from Georgia for his health as a young man. John died when Martha was about 7 years old, which is about 1863.

[NI612]

According to the 1880 CENSUS for Llano County, Precint No: 1 -- Roll 1317, page 503R, Dwelling 48. John Hickman was born in Texas, his father was born in Georgia and his mother was born in Tennessee.

[NI659]

Andrew Jackson Nixon served in the War of 1812 from Indiana. Lived at various times in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Arkansas.

[NI660]

INFORMATION on The NIXON Family, PROVIDED BY:

Clayton O. Nixon - Menard, TX - 1968 (Published NIXON Historian).

Francis NIXON may have been born in Scotland. The CENSUS records mention North Carolina. Frances NIXON and Catherine ELLIOTT had 7 sons and 5 daughters. The information on the daughters is unknown at this time. Some sources say that Frances was 105 years old when he died, which will place his birth in 1759.

[NI661]

Catherine [Elliott] Nixon was living in 1860. CENSUS 1860 of Franklin County, Arkansas, Six Mile Township.

[NI665]

William Jasper NIXON was a comarde in arms with John RATTO during the Civil War, both served in the same unit. William joined the Texas Rangers in 1861 and John was a freight hauler for the unit until he joined the Rangers. The Texas Ranges were transferred to the Confederate Army in 1862 and they were refereed to as the "Frontier Cavalry Regiment" [also called 46th Regiment]. For more on the unit see notes on John RATTO.

[NI667]

Walter Gray Ratto was a veteran of W.W.I., serving in the cavalry. After W.W.I. he had lived in Patterson California until moving back to Texas in 1966. He never married.

[NI668]

INFORMATION on Ben RATTO, PROVIDED BY:

Fannie [Ratto] DRAKE - Beaumont, TX - 1972.

[NI692]

INFORMATION on WILLIAMS Family, PROVIDED BY:

Theodora [Nunnelly] WILLIAMS - Houston, TX - 1972.

[NI693]

INFORMATION on John NUNNELY Family, PROVIDED BY:

John & Merriola NUNNELLY - Port Arthur, TX - 1972.

[NI695]

INFORMATION on Beryl NUNNELLY, PROVIDED BY:

Beryl NUNNELLY - Groves, TX - 1972.

[NI700]

INFORMATION on Hargis BUCHMEYER Family, PROVIDED BY:

Hargis & Minnie Buchmeyer and Nellie Jarrell - Texas - 1972.

[NI702]

INFORMATION on the Leroy BUCHMEYER Family, PROVIDED BY:

Leroy & Dollie Buchmeyer and Nellie Jarrell - Texas - 1972.

[NI704]

INFORMATION on the Henry BUCHMEYER Family, PROVIDED BY:

Henry, Jr. & Alice Buchmeyer - Dallas, TX - 1972.

[NI705]

INFORMATION on JARRELL Family, PROVIDED BY:

Nellie & Marrion JARRELL - Overton, TX - 1972.

[NI707]

INFORMATION on the James C. EVERITT Family, PROVIDED BY:

J.C. Everitt - Dallas, TX - 1972.

[NI709]

INFORMATION on Charles ELSE Family, PROVIDED BY:

Ruth Else and Nellie Jarell - Clinton, MS - 1972.

[NI712]

It is claimed in this history, that John Coffee NIXON was the Great Grandfather to President Richard M. NIXON. John H. NIXON, his son, went to California about 1850. His grandson was Richard M. NIXON -- This account has proven to be not true.

[NI720]

Frances M. Nixon, II died in the Civil War in 1863/1864.

[NI737]

John Nixon and wife Mary leave for California about 1850. John Coffee NIXON and wife Mary gave them $1,000 for the journey.