My great-grandmother Mama Kelly (Mary Pearl Harrison Kelly) had a really interesting family tree that can be traced way back to Renaissance Italy. Mama Kelly's 10th great-grandfather was Jeronimo Bassano, a musician and instrument maker who was born in the town of Bassano del Grappa, near Venice, Italy. Much has been written about this Bassano … Continue reading The Bassanos and Laniers
Thomas Bembry
Thomas Bembry, son of Miles Bembry, was born about 1799, in North Carolina, probably Martin County. He moved with his parents to Edgecombe County, and is found there with his own household, and a small farm with six slaves on the 1830 census. His first wife is unknown, but he married her between 1815 and 1820. … Continue reading Thomas Bembry
Will of Needham Bryan of Martin County, North Carolina, 11 March 1797
Martin County Will Book page 343; 11 March 1797. Will of Needham Bryan, Martin County, NC, 1797 In the name of God Amen I Nedam Bryan of the County of Martin and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and Memory Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory life Do make and Ordain … Continue reading Will of Needham Bryan of Martin County, North Carolina, 11 March 1797
The Mystery Wives of Thomas Bembry
Thomas Bembry almost certainly had two wives. The second wife was Mary, last name probably Savage. He married her before 1850, probably in Pulaski County, GA, and her presumed father (or another relative), Charles Savage, is living with the couple on the 1850 census. Many online trees list Martha "Patsy" Dickens as Thomas Bembry's first … Continue reading The Mystery Wives of Thomas Bembry
Sarah Ann Simpson
Sarah Simpson, wife of Thomas N Bembry, was born in 1833 in Sumter County, GA. (She did not know what her actual birthday was, according to pension documents she filled out later in life.) Her father, James Simpson, born in 1795, was either out of a clan of Simpsons living in the northwestern corner of … Continue reading Sarah Ann Simpson
Palma Lee Lashley
Palma Lashley's family background is fairly well documented. Born 20, August 1885, her parents were Edmund (or Edmond) Lashley, a farmer, and Mary Lorena Bullard. Palma was the second of six children. She attended at least some school, and consistently reported herself as able to read and write on censuses. Palma married Hiram Bembry on … Continue reading Palma Lee Lashley
Matilda Williams
Matilda Williams was born 22 October 1856 in Bulloch County, GA, to James J. Williams and his wife, Mariah, last name probably Hendricks. James was born in Georgia in 1835, probably to Jonathan Williams and his wife Matilda. Jonathan was the son of Wilson Williams, a very early settler in the state. (The surname Williams … Continue reading Matilda Williams
Lucy Jewell Smith
Jewell Smith was the second daughter of Bertus "Bert" Monroe Smith and Mollie Irene Sumner. She was born 25 September 1910 in Florida. As far as I know, Jewell was the first person in our line to have a high school diploma. She was certainly the first woman to have one. Because the Smith name is … Continue reading Lucy Jewell Smith
Ann Bryan
Ann Bryan, wife of Miles Bembry, was born between 1760-1765 in North Carolina. She was a favorite daughter of Needham Bryan and Jerusha Cain, and is mentioned by name in his Needham's will, dated 1797. She was bequeathed 100 acres in Martin County, NC. NEDAM BRYAN; Martin County will book page 343; 11 March … Continue reading Ann Bryan
Kenneth Bembry Gets Too Big for His Britches
Kenneth Bembry, youngest son of Miles Bembry and Ann Bryan, was one of the richest Bembrys there ever was. Born in 1798, he must have been considered a likely boy, because Miles paid tuition to the Albin Plantation to have him educated along with the owner's children. In 1822, Kenneth married Mary Mayo, daughter of … Continue reading Kenneth Bembry Gets Too Big for His Britches
A Long Way to Tennessee 