Family Connections: The Church ~ Religious Traditions

 Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters was a member of the church community. She was affiliated with the Holsey Chapel Church, New Hope (Baptist Church) and St. Paul C.M.E. Church. ~ Here is an article about the church moved at 1718 Holman in 1935. Holsey C.M.E. at 3rd and Rubidoux

The Church And Holy Matrimony
Anna Laura was the daughter of William / John Washington and Susan (Leach) Washington. Her parents, Mr. William Washington and Miss Susan Leach were married by John M. Wilkerson, a minister of the Gospel and founder of the A. M. E. Church ~ Ebenezer A. M. E. Church.

William and Susan were married on Thursday, September 20, 1866 in  St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. Susan passed at age 58 on Thursday, January 9, 1890. Her funeral was held at the A.M.E. Church. William death day is unknown.

Susan’s mother Mrs. Delilah Lewis was a member of the Baptist church and had been for fifty years. She was joined the Baptist Church in 1837. And she was active with the church until her death on Thursday, April 14, 1887.

Anna Laura and her first husband William Allen application license to marry was dated on Monday, December 24, 1888 in  St. Joseph , Buchanan, Missouri. Those listed on the marriage license were Miss Laura Washington and Wm Allen. (George Fermon who was a witness.) ~ The deputy was Dave ? and the recorder was Thos ? Their surnames unreadable.

The names on the marriage license : Miss Laura Washington and Wm Allen.
The marriage took place on Wednesday, March 6, 1889 in St Joseph, Buchanan, MO
They were married by Rev Alexander C. Terrell of Ebenezer Chapel
The church located at 311 Antoine.

(The crop photo is a part of the 1947 handwritten obituary of Mrs. Anna Laura Walters.
She passed on Tuesday, February 11, 1947 in St. Joseph, Missouri at the age of 79.
It was about four months from he 80th birthday.

As I looked back over Anna’s obituary, I read that she was active in most of the aux- doing what was asked of her during her good health. In the funeral booklet, there were names and the order of the service. The Rev W. A Holmes and Rev Horning were over the service. It took place at the Alexander Funeral Home on Friday, February 14, 1947 at 2 pm

The Scripture was from John 14

The Music played…

Let The Lover Lights By Burning
God Will Take Care Of You
There is a Fountain
Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Thanks for reading
Family Connections: The Church ~ Religious Traditions
I believe that most of my ancestors called upon Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Who was Anna to me?
She was my Great Grandmother Anna and my mother’s Grandma Anna.

Posted on another site dated  July 31, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley

God bless
S.A.Blakley

Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors In 52 Weeks Challenge in 2025
The theme for Week 30 is “Religious Traditions.” Have you explored religious records for any of your ancestors? Do you have an ancestor who was active in his/her place of worship?

Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Walters: In Her Adversity

                            
Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters: She was a daughter, a sister, a step sister, a step daughter, a cousin, a wife, an in law, a step auntie, a child of God, a mother, a step mother, a friend, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and two times a widow. ~ As for her occupation, she was listed as a laundress (a wash woman) and a domestic worker.

In Her Adversity: Only if we could imagine.

Anna Laura Washington was born on Thursday, June 13, 1867 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was the daughter of the formerly enslaved William Washington and Susan (Leach) Washington.

The first known address of the Washington family was at 1801 Mulberry Street to where at least three generations lived. Some were born there and some died there. Susan’s mother Mrs. Delila Lewis. (1790 – 1887) came to live with the family in 1878. Delila was formerly enslaved born in Tennessee, then was moved to Kentucky and Missouri.

Anna, also known as Miss Laura Washington at age twenty one married William “Wm” Allen on Wednesday, March 6, 1889. Four months later, on Sunday, July 7, 1889, her 16 year old brother James “Jim” Washington was swimming in the middle of the stream near the bridge where the water was deep in the 102 River. He began to cramp and before help could research him, he drowned at 1:30 pm. His body was found the next day.

On Saturday, December 21, 1889, Anna Laura gave birth to her first born, Mary Anna Allen at 1801 Mulberry Street. Then 19 days later on Thursday, January 9, 1890, her mother, Susan passed at age 55 at the family home. Susan had been ill for a little over a year.

Anna was left to care for her daughter and her sisters. And by Wednesday, December 17, 1890, Anna’ ‘s father marries Mrs. Mahalah Winn (1841 – 1921) who became Anna’s step mother.

There is no record of what happened to Anna’s husband William. Assuming that William passed around 1890. Anna married Thornton Walters in the 1890’s. There were two Walters children born between 1890 – 1894.

Anna’s second husband Thornton lived a rough life before marrying Anna. He was in fights and was in trouble with the law. He served time in prison. Thornton became paralyzed on one side of his body for several years prior to 1903..

On Tuesday evening, of August 18, 1903, Thornton with the company with his family and Dan Gamon at Lake Contrary in St, Joseph, Missouri. Thornton and his friend, Dan Gamon got in a boat to go fishing across the lake. Dan was rowing the boat.

Thornton was “trying to adjust the line” and lost his balance, felling overboard. His friend couldn’t swim…. Thornton drowned in the bayou at the lake at 9pm. The water was twenty feet deep. His body was found the next day. ~ Thornton Walters (1858 – 1903)

Anna was left to care for three children: 1903 – 1909.
Mary / Bonita Walters was most likely to have been Anna’s step daughter. Bonita born around 1890. She gave birth to her son John Nelson on Saturday, August 24, 1907. On the birth noticed, she was listed as “B.O” Walters having a son.

On the 1920 census, John, at the age 13 was living with his Grandmother Laura. There is no record of what happened to Bonita. She was listed as Mary Walters, a widow on the 1910 census with her mother, Laura, and siblings. John was listed as a nephew of Laura which wasn’t the case.

Anna’s son, Joseph Walters could have been her biological son. Joseph was in trouble with the law. He didn’t get along with his brother in law Leo Lankford. In 1910, Joseph at age 16 was charged with assault and attempt to kill Leo who was paralyzed on the left side of his body since the age of four. Joseph did serve time in prison on other accounts. He passed at age 31 of TB.

Anna’s biological daughter, Mary married Leo Lankford Sr. on Friday, April 16,1909. Mary’s name was Mary Walters on the marriage license. Leo and Mary were listed on the 1910 census with Laura. Mary / Bonita was listed as daughter and Joseph as son of Laura Walters.

Throughout Anna’s lifetime, despite all that she went through, she kept on living .

On Anna’s February 1947 obituary
Anna had a daughter, Mary, 12 grandchildren (which included John Nelson, Mary Lankford had 11 children.) 14 great grandchildren, one son in law, Leo, some cousins and two step siblings, Townsend Winn and Ella (Buckner) Lewis who were living at the time of her passing.

Four sisters and one brother, James were mentioned by numbers. There is little known about three of her sister. Nannie, Amelia and Lillie. Her sister, Virginia passed in 1897. The Washington siblings did have a half brother name William Washington Jr. Little is know about William Jr.

Thanks for reading.
Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Walters: In Her Adversity

Anna passed at her daughter Mary’s home at the age of 79.
R.I.P. Great Grandmother Anna Laura

Blessings
S.A. Blakley

Week 38 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2023

The theme for Week 38 is “Adversity.” All of our families have had to face adversity at some point. Recognizing their struggles helps us recognize their humanity.

 This post was posted on September 21, 2023 by Susan Ann Blakley

 I added the In Memory to this blog:

Dade Family Connections

Branch Mrs. Louisa Jane (DADE) WASHINGTON

 Branch of Louis And Mary Ann (VENOY) DADE

Branch of Robert and Charlotta (DADE) LANKFORD / LANKFARD

                                                 Branch of Elias W.  Bartlett   Family Connections

                                         Branch of Blakey Blakley WHITE  Family Connections

Living In The Shadow Of William Washington

 In the beginning, I knew very little about my Washington Family Connections. I made some discoveries from what my mother told me and what material she had on her family. And through years of searching, I came across more on the family through the name of William Washington in the city of St. Joseph, Missouri. William was well, know during his time.

William Washington married his first wife, Miss Susan Leach on September 20, 1866 in St Joseph, Missouri. They were my 2nd great grandparents. They had 5 daughters and a son.

Living In The Shadow Of William Washington And the address of 1801 Mulberry Street

Susan was the daughter of Delilah Lewis. Susan’s name was never mentioned in any of the city directories She was hard to trace. Susan and her family were living in the shadow of William Washington.

When Susan’s mother, Delilah Lewis passed in April of 1887, William was mentioned. Susan’s was not. When William’s and Susan’s son, James drowned at the 102 River in July of 1889. William’s name was mentioned. Susan’s was not.

When Susan passed in January of 1890, she was listed Mrs. William Washington. When Virginia “Jennie” Washington passed in February of 1897, she was listed as the daughter of William Washington.

The crop postcard photo is of what I believe to be, a photo some of the Washington Family.
From left to right: seated are Susan, her husband William and the elderly lady was Delilah, Susan’s mother. The oldest daughter, Anna (behind William,) was my Great Grandmother, Anna Laura. (Photo colorized and repaired via My Heritage.)



There is little known of the other daughters of William and Susan. However, through searching, I discovered more about their daughter, Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters. As for Anna’s first husband William Allen, his life is a mystery. Perhaps he was living in someone’s shadow.

Now, I’m wondering about Susan’s siblings. I believe that she wasn’t the only child of Delilah. Delilah lived to be at least 100. Delilah’s 1887 obituary stated that she was about 113.

I continue searching for the Tivis Family Connections. I’m finding shadows there as well. Women were hidden behind their husband’s names. It’s hard to trace women.

Thanks for reading
Living In The Shadow Of William Washington: Week 44 In 2022

I posted this blog on  November 4, 2022 by Susan Ann Blakley
I added the In Remembrance For March

In Remembrance Dade Family Connections

In Remembrance Bartlett Family Connections

In Remembrance Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections. 

God Bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 44 ~ Amy Johnson Crow ~ Generations Café #52Ancestors 52 Weeks ~ facebook group.
This week’s theme is “Shadows.” There are some ancestors who seem to hide in darkness, whose stories are hard to tease out. There are also people who “live in the shadow” of someone else. This week, shine some light on one of those ancestors

Exploring Church Info: Where Relatives Gathered

 I’ve been on a row searching through church related information. This blog theme came from something I found in my Great Grandmother Anna Laura (Washington) Walters’ 1947 handwritten obituary. I haven’t really looked into Anna’s church life or other early family members” relationship with the church.

My Great Anna Laura was affiliated with the following churches; the Holsey Chapel, New Hope (Baptist Church) and St. Paul C.M.E Church. I’ve been searching old news papers. I was amazed by the discoveries I came across. (The crop photo is a part of the handwritten obituary of my Great Grandmother Anna.)

As I continue to search obituaries, newspapers and other sources about my family members, I began to see where some may have attended church. Still yet, years later, I can see that there were other relatives who attended the same church. And some of the churches changed their names and didn’t say much about which church was which. Example. The A.M.E. Church. This is confusing.

Where did some relatives worship and became members of a church in St. Joseph, Missouri? Where did some relatives get married? And where were the homecoming celebrations for their loved ones held?

African Methodist. Episcopal (A.M.E.)
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (C.M.E.)
Baptist Missionary Church

Ebenezer Baptist
Ebenezer A.M.E Church
3rd and Antoine
2115 Felix

The A.M.E. Church

The C.M.E. Church

St. Paul C.M.E.
Article about the church moved at 1718 Holman in 1935.
Holsey C.M.E. at 3rd and Robidoux

Hosley Memorial CME
Hosley Temple
Hosley Chapel The original was named after the Rev L. H. Hosley )
Hosley Chapel I.C.M.

New Hope Baptist Church (1884)
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Francis Street Baptist Church.
Francis Baptist Church.
Francis Street Missionary Baptist Church

Trinity Baptist Church established in 1925
Trinity Missionary Baptist Church

Pastors and Reverends of the church.
Rev. Aile J. Johnson, who married my Aunt Sarah Belle
Sarah was my mother’. Lula’s sister.

Rev Thomas A. White, my cousin on my father David’s side

Home Coming Celebrations:
I did discover that there were relatives who didn’t have funeral services at a church. Some were at the funeral home or at the gravesite. And some were are held the home of the departed.

My elven month old Aunt Edna Blakley’s funeral was held at her parents, John’s and Jennie’s home in 1904. My Great Grandfather Robert Louis Lankford / Lankfard’s funeral was at his home in 1919.

Marriages in the Bartlett Family were most likely held at Francis Street Church
The Rev Dr. Emmett M Cohron married Lucy Bartlett and Joshua A. Mossell in 1900. In 1903 he married Myrtle Peyton and William Younger and in 1912, he married. Juanita Bartlett and George Armstrong. And in 1914 he married Lucy Bartlett Mossell and George Gross.

It’s most likely Francis Street Church was where the Bartletts worship.
And more so that’s were funeral services were held.

I believe that I will find more, if I keep searching the newspapers. I have learned something about the people who marriage some of my relatives . Rev Dr. Emmett M. Cohron was a well known. Most likely he knew some of my relatives. I didn’t know that Uncle Aile and my cousin Rev. T. A. White knew each other.

It’s a small world. The more I keep searching, the more I see some connections. I believed that there is more out there. I continue on the quest to discover more my family connections,

Thanks for reading.
Exploring Church Info: Where Relatives Gathered ~ Week 36 In 2022  was posted  posted on September 9, 2022 by Susan Ann Blakley on word press. and added the In Remembrance to this site. 

In Remembrance of the ...

DADE Family Connections

BARTLETT Family Connections

Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections 


God bless
S.A. Blakley


Week 36 and September’s Theme
Amy Johnson Crow #52Ancestors 52 Weeks ~ facebook group

The theme for Week 36 and September is “Exploration.” Where did your ancestors explore? Who moved around a lot? You could also share records, libraries, or archives that you’ve explored in. Remember, there’s no wrong way to interpret the theme!

The Wonder Of Mysteries Still Unsolved

 For decades, I’ve been wondering; Who was this Mary Walters listed on the 1910 census with my Great Grandmother Anna Laura and my Grandparents, Leo and Mary Anna? Very little is known about this Mary Walters. What happened to her?

From what I recall, my mother, Lula shared with me about her mother, Mary’s siblings; she had a stepsister and a stepbrother. And about ten years ago, I asked my mother’s sister, Josie what she knew about her mother’s siblings. As far as Aunt Josie heard, her aunt’s name was Bonita Walters and her uncle was Joe Walters.

The first known record of Mary Walters can be found on the 1910 United States Federal Missouri Census in Buchanan County in St. Joseph, Ward 6, District 0078. She was listed as the daughter of Laura Walters. “Mary” was 20 years old.

When I was looking over Laura Walters’ household on the 1910 census, I assumed that the first Mary was Laura ‘s stepdaughter. Because, the other Mary was Laura’s daughter. I noticed that both Marys were 20 years old. I think it would be odd with two daughters with the same name. Mary Lankfard was born on December 21, 1889.

Although, through searching, I began to think. Could the first “Mary” have been Laura’s daughter too? Laura was listed as having three children on that 1910 census and all were listed in her household.. (By the way, Laura was her middle name.. Anna was her first name, Anna’s second husband’ was Thornton Walters.)

A Record of birth of a Walters child in 1907
The child on listed on the 1910 Census.
Birth Record of a child ~ “Bo” Walters colored, gave birth to a male colored at 23rd and Charles. The father’s name wasn’t listed ( Info discovered on Dec 22, 2019.) On the index, there was a B.O. Walters who had a child in 1907. ID #30875 via .St. Joseph, Missouri birth record.

Records of John Walters as Laura Walters’ grandson and not her nephew:
His name was listed once as John WALTERS on the 1920 census with Laura Walters who was listed as his grandmother. John surname was NELSON on the 1910, 1930 1940 and 1950 censuses. And on his tombstone and obituary, his surname is recorded as NELSON.

Searching the City Directory 1906 and 1907  ~ City Directory in St Joseph, Missouri, USA There was a Mary Walters listed with a Laura Walters at 2223 Charles. I’m not for sure which Mary this was. But, more likely she was the one with the son. Then again where was the other Mary during this time. ? The other Mary was Mary ALLEN who was Anna LAURA’s daughter, from her first husband William Allen. Unfortunately, I haven’t located Mary / Bonita Walters’ birth record.

City Directories 1908 and 1909 ~ There was no Mary Walters listed.

The only information about Mary Walters appears to be on the 1910 census. However, the 1906 and 1907 city directories connects a mother who had a son born in 1907 living with a Laura Walters at the same address. The Walters household was not listed on the 1900 census.

A Mystery Still
I can’t find any trace of Mary Walters or Bonita Walters. What happened to Bonita? She wasn’t listed on the 1920 census or any others. Did she have a different surname? Or did she passed before 1920? It’s possible that she passed. This could explain why John was living with his Grandmother Anna.

I’m lead to believe that the first Mary’s named was Bonita. It’s a mystery to why her name was recorded as Mary. . ~ Wondering if her name was Bonnette WALTER? There is a Bonnette listed in the city 1911 directory. But, still there is the wonder of the surname NELSON. I even searched for a Bonita Nelson and a Mary Nelson. I couldn’t find leads.

I was told a story of who John Nelson’s father was. It could be true. However, I have no evidence of that. I can’t obtain John Nelson’s death certificate due to that I’m not a direct relative. John’s parents were not mentioned in his obituary. This mystery is still mystery.

I still wondered, if Bonita’s mother was Anna Laura. Walters. Anna was listed as Joseph Walters’ mother on two other documents. There is a news article listing Joseph Walters as Leo Lankfard’s brother in law. Then I though this would make Joseph was Mary (Allen) Lankford’s half brother and not stepbrother.

Could it be that Anna raised Bonita as her daughter after Bonita’s father passed in August 1903? Ironically, Anna’s daughter Mary ALLEN took the Walters surname at some point. She married Leo Lankford as Mary WALTERS in April of 1909. They were married in Andrew County Missouri.




I hope someone will discover the names of John Nelson’s parents were. I don’t think John had any children. He had a step daughter, name Gordinna (Parker) Hatton. Yes, she was listed as a Nelson on records.

Additional wonders to this mystery:
Could this Bonita be the Mary Walters who was black, living at 1213 S 15th in 1924 and 1926 in St. Joseph? And there was a David Walters listed at the same address with Mary Walters at 1213 S. 15th. Don’t know if they were married.

There was a Mandy Walters living at 116 Coffee in 1924. Anna LAURA Walters lived at 110 Coffee along with her son Joseph Walters who passed in 1926. This makes me wonder about Mandy. I can’t find leads on her either.

In all, I believe that Anna’s other daughter “Mary” passed and that Anna cared for John. And my Grandmother Mary did carry the Walters name. Perhaps, her father stepfather, Thornton Walters raised Mary Allen as his daughter. So she went by Mary Walters as well. When Thornton passed in 1903, he was listed as the father of three. So was Anna when she passed in 1947, she was a mother of three.

What was her name? Mrs. Mary Walters, Bonita Walters or Bonnette Walter?
The Wonder Of Mysteries Still Unsolved ~ Week 35 In 2022
Thanks for reading.

God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

October In Remembrance: 

Dade Family Connections

Bartlett Family Connections

 Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections

The Wonder Of Mysteries Still Unsolved ~ Week 35 In 2022
This was Posted on September 2, 2022 by Susan Ann Blakley  added In Remembrance October 2022

Week 35 ~ Amy Johnson Crow ~ Generations Cafe #52Ancestotd 52 Weeks ~ facebook group

Week 35’s theme is “Free Space.” I intended for this to be a week for you to choose whatever you want to write about. (Though that’s true every week!) But also feel free to riff off of the theme — maybe an ancestor who went West for land, going to a family vacation spot, or a bingo-playing ancestor? Have fun with this theme!

Brick Walls

I have come across a lot of brick walls on my family connections journey. And I’ve made it through some of them. But still, I have some brick walls I want to conquer.

William Allen was one of my great grandfathers. I have had a brick wall with him for a very long time. I’ve been looking back over what I know about him.

What do I know about William Allen and the people in his life?

On December 24, 1888, Wm. Allen applied for a license in St. Joseph, Missouri to marry a Miss Laura Washington (1867- 1947). George Fermon signed his name as a witness to William Allen’s signature; as Wm. made his mark on the application.

On March 6, 1889, Wm. Allen and Miss Laura Washington were married in St. Joseph, Missouri. They were married by The  Rev Alexander Carl Terrell (1850 – 1922). He was the pastor at the Methodist Church on  311 Antoine in St. Joseph, MO.

Nine months later, on December 21, 1889, William and Anna Laura Allen were blessed with a daughter, Mary Anna Allen. William Allen was listed on my Grandmother, Mary Anna Allen’s birth record. However, Mary’s name wasn’t listed on the record.

Also on Mary’s birth certificate, William was listed as an American at age 28. He was from Georgetown, Missouri. His occupation was a farm hand. Date of returned birth record was January 4, 1890.

William and Anna were living with Anna’s parents at 1801 Mulberry in 1889. This was the place where Mary was born. Mary was Anna Laura’s first child.



I checked the censuses and St. Joseph, City Directories. I can only assume that the black William Allen on the 1880 census was Mary’s father. I’m not for sure that he’s the correct William. I haven’t found a death notice of William’s passing.


 On the 1890 St. Joseph, Missouri city directory, William Allen was listed as a labor residing at Mulberry NE Cor 18th. This was the same address of William Washington Sr. and Susan (Leach) Washington (1835- 1890). They were the parents of Anna Laura Allen. There was a colored William Allen on the 1880 census living in St. Joseph. He was MO born in 1858 in MO. His parents were from Virginia.


On the 1893 St. Joseph’s City directory there is a colored William Allen lived at 510 N 3rd in St. Joseph, Missouri. I lost track of him. Wondering if he was the same William listed on the 1880 MO census in St. Joseph, His parents were from Virginia.

There’s a clue that the William Allen on the 1890 military census lived at 617 Corby. He enlisted in St. Louis MO. on Dec 31, 1889. And was discharged on March of 1893 in Fort Riley Kansas. This Wm. Allen was from Ripley County Missouri. This will could have been the William Allen on the 1882 City Directory living at 6th and 9th Hall and Corby.

On the 1870 and 1880 MO censuses, there was a Wm. Allen listed as mulatto with parents John Allen and Ann (Ramsel) Allen in Clay, Monroe, Missouri. I can’t find more on his parents or siblings listed on the censuses.

William Allen and Anna Laura Washington were married. I wonder if they divorced?
Anna Laura Walters was listed as the widow of Thornton Walters in 1898.
I haven’t located their marriage record.
I haven’t found a Laura Allen or Anna Allen as a widow of William Allen

The brick wall on William Allen still remains.
I hope to stumble across some clues, someday.
In the mean time, I’m waiting.

July In Remembrance: 
Dade Family Connections

July In Remembrance: 
Bartlett Family Connections
    
July In Remembrance: 
 Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections

Thanks for reading
Week 15 (Apr. 12-18): Brick Wall

God bless you
S.A. Blakley

 Brick Walls 

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Susan Ann Blakley on another site. 

Week 15: Brick Wall ~ Generations Café via facebook

Brick walls—we all have them. This would be a good week to write down what you know about your brick wall problem. (Sometimes just writing about it can help!) You could write about an ancestor who used to be a brick wall. Or get creative—maybe an ancestor who was a bricklayer? Feel free to share your links and stories in the comments.

In Memory Of Anna Laura (Washington) Walters

This photo is believe to have been of Anna Laura Washington.

Who was Anna Laura Walters?

She was the daughter of William / John Washington and Susan (Leach) Washington.
She was born on June 13, 1867
She passed on Feb 11,  1947

She was a laundress / wash woman.

She was the widow of William Allen
They had a daughter named Mary Anna Allen Lankford / Lankfard

She was the widow of Thornton Walters.
Anna was listed as the mother of the following on census record.
Mary / Bonita / Bonnette Walters
Joseph Walters.


Thanks for reading.
God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Thinking About My Great Grandmother Anna Walters

My Great Grandmother Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters was born on June 13, 1867 in St. Joseph, Missouri.  She was the daughter of  former slaves, William / John Washington and Susan (Leach) Washington. Anna was the widow of William / Robert Allen and Thornton Walters. She was the mother of Mary (Allen) Lankford / Lankfard, Mary / Bonita (Walters) Nelson and Joseph Walters.

It’s been a challenge to discover info on Anna’s parents, siblings and relatives. According to Anna’s obituary she had cousins. I continue to search for leads.  I haven’t gotten far.

I’m assuming Anna’s cousins were on her father’s side. I came across many Washingtons in the city where they lived during the 1870’s to 1920’s. It’s hard to figure out who was related.

It’s strange how things come about in life. If we don’t keep in touch, we can lose track of relatives.  If we don’t tell others that we are related, we will never know. It’s good to keep know and keep in contact with relatives.

It’s good to pass on info on who’s who in the family. Things can get lost through the generations. I’m finding out that the DNA testing is a good source to use. I’m finding relatives that way too. I pray that others will make some connections.

I’ve notice that while searching for my ancestors, it has opening me up. It makes me what to know more. I can think about them.  I wonder what happened to them. Where they did ended up?  Did they have off springs.

May we continue to have some wonder about our ancestors.
May we see the good in life as we grow in wisdom.
Amen!

Thanks for reading.
Susan

My Mother's Grandmother: Maw

Tuesday's Treasure: 

One day my mother share with me something about her Grandmother Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters. I don't recall how the conversation came about. But, my mother told me that I walked like her Grandma. I laughed and said what? My mother said  to me, "You walk liked my Maw." In other works, my mother's mother was pigeon toed.
 
Some of the above information was taken from my notes; written on Leap Day, February 29 1980.

 Photo above the name of my  mother's Grandmother who was called Maw!
 This was taken from Anna's obituary February of 1947.

I have no photos of my Great Grandmother, Anna. Oh, how I wished I did. I do believe that there were photos of her. My mother's parents had photos. There are some much we can get out of photos.

I wonder. What other things that I (and others) do that reminds others of other relatives. It's nice to know. I'm thankful to know that I walked like my mother's grandma.

Thanks for reading.
S.A. Blakley

Clues From The Past: Part 6 ~ Mrs. Anna Laura Walters : In Remembrance

From Mrs. Anna Laura Walter's obituary booklet

Clues From The Past: Part 5 ~ Mrs. Anna Laura Walters : ? In Photo

Unknown Relatives

This photo is still a mystery. I can only image who these people were in this photo.

Some how they were connected to my Grandmother Mary (ALLEN) LANKFORD / LANKFARD.

 

 WASHINGTON - ALLEN  Family Connection

DADE - LANKFORD / LANKFARD Family Connections

Here's who I think they could have been. Click on blog:
 Unknown Relatives: Who Could They Have Been?

 

Clues From The Past : Part 4 ~ Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' Marriages, Children And Church Life

Piecing some of the puzzle together:

 Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' obituary

 A part of Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' obituary 1947

She reunited in marriage to this union 1 children was born. 
Also her husband and two children precede her in death


Anna united in marriage to ....

1st William / Robert ALLEN on March 6, 1889 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
They had a child, named Mary ALLEN born on December 21, 1889.
The year of William / Robert's death is unknown.
He may have passed before Mary was born or when Mary was an infant.

2nd  Thornton WALTERS.
The year of their  marriage is unknown.
Thornton and Anna had a daughter, named Mary and a son named Joseph.

Mary Walters Nelson was born about 1890. Little is known about her. She was a widow on the 1910 census. Mary had a son named John C. NELSON. Mary passed and it appeared that Anna cared for her grandson, John when he was a child. Also John was listed with her on 1920 and 1930 censuses.

I'm not for sure what Mary's surname was at the time of her passing. I assume that it was Nelson. I can't locate her death record in Missouri. I'm in the process of searching the Missouri death records for all the Marys from 1910 - 1920 in Buchanan County.

Question: Why did Anna had 2 daughters with same first names? Could Mary Walters had been Thornton's daughter and Anna raise her as her daughter. Mary Allen was born in 1889 and Mary Walters born  about 1890. Also, Mary Walters first name may have been Bonita. Not for sure.

Joseph Walters (1893 - 1926) Little is known about Joseph. He was single and was a laborer.

The year 1904  is a ?  on the paper above. Some of the info was crossed out.
Not for sure if connected with the churches.

She was formerly a member of Hale Chapel which was located at 18th and
She was affiliated with  Holsey  Chapel now New Hope St Paul C.M.E. in 1904 and was  an active in most of the aux doing all that was asked of her during her in good health.

Thanks for reading.
S.A.Blakley

Clues From The Past: Part 3 ~ Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' Step Siblings

A part of Anna Walter's obituary in 1947 

Mrs. Anna Laura Walters was survived by a daughter Mrs. Mary Lankford of the city
which was St. Joseph, Missouri.

Anna's stepsister was Mrs. Ella LEWIS (1871 - 1954) of St. Joseph, Missouri.
 Mrs. Ella (BUCKNER) LEWIS  was the wife of  Mr. Wilbur Lewis. 

Anna's stepbrother was Mr. Townsend WYNNE (1862- 1956)
Mr. Townsend WYNNE of Cleveland, Ohio.
I'm not for sure if WYNNE was Townsend surname.
He was listed as Townsend BRUKINS on a record.
I can't find the source of the WYNNE Family surname.
His mother may have married a WINN. Townsend took that surname.

Townsend's 1st marriage in 1880 to Miss Mary A. WOODWARD
and their children. Surname spelled in varies ways. WYNNE, WYNN, WINN.

Mr. Harry Jackson WYNNE, b) 1880
He married Miss Viola BROWN in 1907.

Mrs. Cora A. (WYNNE) STEWART b) 1883
She married Mr.Worley Alonza STEWART in 1905.

Mr. Royal Sylvester "Roy" WYNN b)  1884
I'm not for sure may have passed in 1947 Jackson County in Missouri.
There is a Roy WINN listed on the Missouri death record.
This Roy age about 61. cira born 1886.
Not much was known about this Roy WINN.

Mrs. Anna L. (WYNNE) PEYTON (1886 - 1910)
She married Dr. Wade Hampton PEYTON Jr. in 1905.

Mrs. Callie J. (WYNN) DAVIS (1896 - 1951)
She married Mr. Watkins DAVIS in 1914

Townsend 2nd marriage in 1919 to Louise JONES.

-------------
Townsend and Ella's mother was
Mrs. Mahala "Mahalie" (HILL) BRUKINS BUCKNER WINN WASHINGTON

Mahala was married to
1st    Slave marriage ? BRUKINS ~
2nd   James BUCKNER ~ 3 Brukins children listed on marriage record in 1869.
3rd    ? WINN
4th   John / William WASHINGTON in 1890

Note: Mrs. Mahala WINN was her name when she married Wm WASHINGTON

"Mahalie: was born in Missouri in 1841.
She was the mother of 7;
Two children were living during the time the 1910 census was taken.
Her parents were from KY

-------------
 Anna's survivors continues

12 Grandchildren: Included
Leo and Mary  (Allen) Lankford's 11 children
Mary (Walters) Nelson's son

14 Great Grand children

1 son in law who was named Mr. Leo Lankford Sr.

A numbers of cousins
d a host of friends mourned her passing.

Mrs. Walters is survived by

Build a house a fence of trust
Just around today
Fill the place with loving deeds
and therein stay
Look not through the sheltering bars.

----------------------------
Some Thoughts
----------------------------
I took note that Anna had cousins. Either on her father's Washington side or her mother's Leach side.  I think it was more likely on the Washington side. There were a lot of Washington in St. Joseph.

Also, Anna didn't have any nieces or nephews.
All her Washington siblings passed on early in life.

I did search for Anna's death announcement in the newspaper.
I discovered that she passed at her daughter, Mary Lankford's home.

Thanks for reading.
S. A. Blakley

Clues From the Past: Part 2 ~ Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' Parents And Siblings

Searching For Information On Mrs. Anna Laura Walters

 A part of Mrs. Anna Laura Washington Walters' obituary, 1947.
The handwriting on this piece of paper is a question.
It appears to have been Anna's granddaughter, Sarah Belle (Lankford) Johnson.

I've been on the journey to find more info on my Great Grandmother Anna Laura (WASHINGTON) (ALLEN) WALTERS' parents. Anna was the daughter of John / William WASHINGTON and Susan (LEACH)WASHINGTON. Here's what I've discovered.

I've been searching cities directories for William / John Washington and Susan Washington. There were many Washingtons listed in St. Joseph, Missouri. I believe some were related to William and Susan. 

I haven't located Susan Leach or Susan Washington on the city directories. However, there were at least two or three William Washingtons at times and one Wiley.  How confusing.

I've been narrowing the Williams down by addresses and occupations. I think that Anna Walters' father was named John William Washington. Through searching the censuses and obituaries, I have come across other information.

 Anna's father was listed as William J. Washington, J. William Washington, Geo W. Washington, W. Geo Washington, etc..  Through researching, I came across a son of William Washington. His name was John W. or William Washington.

This John W. or William Washington lived with his father, William and his step mother, Mahala and his step sister Ella Lewis in 1910. Also, William Jr. may have went by Wiley Washington. William Jr. was married. His wife passed before 1910. Also, Wiley had a son named Charles Ernest Washington.

  On Mrs. Anna Laura Walters' obituary:
  List of her survivors . The son in law was Leo Lankford / Lankfard.

          Siblings Of Laura (Washington) Allen Walters       

Death Living

Nannie  Washington

Birth Aug 1869 in St. Joseph, Missouri                                              

Death Living

Death 15 July 1895 in St. Joseph, Missouri

Amelia Washington

Birth about 1871 in Missouri

Death Living

Death in Missouri, 

James A.  Washington

Birth about 1873 in Missouri

Death Living

Death 8 July 1889 in St. Joseph, Missouri

Virginia F. Washington

Birth about 1876 in Missouri                               

Death Living

Death 18 Feb 1897 in St Joseph, Missouri, 

          Lillie  Washington
          Birth 1879 in St Joseph, Missouri,
          Death in Missouri.                                                          

          John / William Washington's son

          William Washington Jr.
          Birth  about 1859 ?
          Death:
        

         Thanks for reading.
          S. A. Blakley

Death Living

 

         I hope to find more on the journey.