Tenth Generation (Continued)
Family of Mary Mahala Buckalew (2864) & William H. Finley

4838. Robert Lee Finley. Born on 19 October 1867 in Bandera Co, TX. Robert Lee died in NM on 9 January 1919; he was 51. Nickname: Val.

Lived in Causey, NM.

On 16 August 1911 when Robert Lee was 43, he married Ada Payne, in Roosevelt Co., NM. Born on 11 October 1879 in TX. Ada died on 1 April 1957; she was 77.

They had the following children:
7230 i. William Edward (Private)
7231 ii. Pecos Uvalde (1916-1942)
7232 iii. Robert Lee (1919-1919)

4839. Laura Ann Finley. Born on 11 March 1870 in Bandera Co, TX. Laura Ann died in Yorktown, Dewitt Co., TX, on 19 November 1948; she was 78. Buried on 22 November 1948.

Much, if not most, of the information about the descendants of Laura Ann (Finley) Dickinson was provided by Ella Faye (Fenniken) Johnson.

THE GOLDEN THREAD by Ella Faye Johnson

Threads entwine in the creation of awe-inspiring tapestries. Tapestries to be cherished by future generations. As the fabrick is woven, threads of true life experiences give strength, adding colors of the times.

Patterns of life are created as people thread their years from birth, through youth, and into adulthood. A tapestry of life bridges the years of happiness, disappointments and hardships. Surviving the trials of a growing family, cherishing loved ones, singing the old songs, living by the Golden Rule and always being there to love and be loved... This was my grandmother, Laura Ann Finley, The Golden Thread.

On March 11 1870 Laura Ann arrived to gladden the heart of her widowed mother, Mary. What treasures did this tiny girl possess? What hardships would she struggle to overcome?

Life was not kind in those early days in the Bandera, Texas wilderness. Six families lived in the encampment covering several hundred acres. When supplies were needed, men took "turns" driving wagons pulled by teams of oxen over the rugged terrain with a destination of San Antonio, Texas. Along with fear of raiding savage Indians, such a buying trip required many days. These early settlers lived in log cabins made of timber hewn from liveoak trees. Sharing those frightening times in the settlement were three of Robert Buckelew's orphaned children, including Frank the youngest. All were cared for by their Uncle Berry and Aunt Martha. Frank and Uncle Berry rode herd over the cattle on the open range, always fearful of Indian raids. Raids within the settlement and along the roadway brought fear and bloodshed to these pioneer families. In need of supplies, the long journey across rugged terrain took the men several days by wagon train to San Antonio and back with food and treasures for their loved ones. Ambushes by the Lipan Indians of these loaded wagons often occurred. Men died with arrows to the body, food and supplies were strewn along the trail. Such was the fate of uncle Berry when an encounter with the Lipans occurred less than ten miles from home. When found, his faithful dog Old Cuff stood watch over the arrow-pierced and battered body of his master. For safety the women and children left the settlement, Old Cedar Brake Ranch, moving to the Davenport family home. When the menfolk were gone on a buying trip, Frank, age fourteen, and his black companion, Morris, were left "in charge." They looked after the women and thirteen children, as well as the livestock.

"Massa" Davenport demanded strict obedience from the boys. When the lead oxen lost the heavy bell from his neck, Morris pleaded with Frank to help find that bell. While searching, caution gone to the wind, and with frank doing hand-springs, grunting sounds of pigs in the pasture caused alarm and they investigated. Instead of pigs they discovered Lipan Indians! The black boy ran so fast that he escaped. Frank was not so lucky, captured by Indians and taken to a hilltop nearby, their warwhoops alerted the frightened women and children of impending danger and probably massacre of their beloved Frank.

After many days of travel on bleeding feet, he was strapped to a bareback horse. Upon reaching the Pecos River near Colorado, the raiding braves brought the captive white boy to their grounds. Frank showed remarkable bravery as he was beaten with thorn- covered branches by women and children and when the old squaw drew blades of sharp knives across his throat, but his life was spared and he lived a life known only to the Indians. Perhaps his handsprings helped spare his life, as the Indians repeatedly made him perform. In time, he became a trustee, guarding horses on the open range.

Eleven months passed and the Lipans moved into Old Mexico. Frank's Mexican friend told a Mr. Hudson about the
captive white boy. With the encouragement and help of Mr. Hudson and the Mexican, Frank escaped. Clad only in a loin cloth and moccasins, brown of skin, with flowing black hair, he stole two of the best Indian ponies for his daring long ride to freedom.

Mrs. hudson, sewed a shirt and pants for him as somewhat of a disguise. Frank and Mr. Hudson traveled on horseback by night and hid during the day. After ten days they reached Bandera. Ashamed of his appearance, he hid under the bed when his sisters Mary and Martha arrived to welcome him home. What excitement! Tears of joy were shed as men, women and children in the settlement hugged the living Frank who they had long feared dead.

In later life, Frank--Frances Monroe Buckelew--became a Circuit Rider preacher, married and had nine children. he wrote the story of his life as an Indian Captive, traveling by buckboard to sell his book.

As grandchildren, we never tired of hearing this exciting episode in the early life of our Grandmother's uncle. Threads were being woven into the tapestry of her life.

Years passed, and at age thirteen Laura Ann became an orphan who took on the responsibilities of the home: cooking, washing, ironing, gardening, canning and helping her two brothers with the chores. It was never an easy life.

Reverend Samuel Dickinson, fourteen years her senior, claimed Laura as his bride when she was seventeen. More threads were added to our family tapestry. Their home was blessed with the patter of little feet, and always great love and sharing. M mother, Mary Ellen Dickinson, third in the growing family was followed by two sisters, then two sets of twins. With nine children to care for there was never an end to work in the house or on the farm. Grandmother ...the Golden Thread gave her best.

There were wonderful stories about the exploits of Aunt Winnie and Uncle Finley, the first set of twins. This coupled with the surprises and unexpected events created by Lesslie and Wesley, the second set. Papa could never tell the twin boys apart; as a matter of fact, neither could their teachers. Great color was added to our expanding family tapestry.

The Ten Commandments and dedication to true Christian living provided a sound foundation for the entire family. Discipline with love and prayers brought harmony to the expanding family. Childdren married, grandchildren arrived. Laura Ann, our Golden Thread, was there to love, guide and share with us all. Nine children and twenty-six grandchildren with numerous great-grandchildren cherish this wonderful tapestry woven by Laura Ann Finley and Samuel Abel Dickinson.

On 8 March 1887 when Laura Ann was 16, she married Rev. Samuel Abel Dickinson, in Bandera Co, TX. Born on 14 February 1856 in Lavaca Co, TX. Samuel Abel died in Karnes Co, TX, on 9 February 1935; he was 78.

They had the following children:
7233 i. Samuel William (1889-1971)
7234 ii. Carrie Lee (1891-)
7235 iii. Mary Ellen (1893-1932)
7236 iv. Eva Laura (1897-)
7237 v. Rhoda Mae (1898-)
7238 vi. Finley Earl (Twin) (1901-1987)
7239 vii. Winnie Pearl (Private)
7240 viii. John Wesley (Private)
7241 ix. James Leslie (Private)

Previous * Next
Contents * Index * Surnames * Contact

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This genealogy web site will terminate production on December 31, 2004.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life these past six years. - Les Buckalew
1