John Henry Parker Has Been Found!!! Information provided by descendant Billy Gene Lack and wife Jean bjl@telepath.com
Click Here for More Limestone/Usry info!
January 18, 1972, (John Usry) went to Richardson, Texas and talked with Mrs.Lottie Maud Kilborn....She said that her maiden name was Lottie Maud Usry, sometimes called "Pete", and that she was born September 19,1896 in Limestone Co., TX. Her parents were Rufus Milas Usry and Lela Maud Jackson Usry. Her grandfather was Benjamin Milam Usry.
Mrs. Kilborn said that her grandfather, Benjamin Milam Usry, died about 1902 at an age of about 63. His father (name unknown) was married to Mrs. Lucinda Parker, the widow of Silas Parker who was killed in 1836 at old Fort Parker, Limestone Co., TX, during an Indian massacre. Mrs. Lucinda Parker had been the mother of four Parker children. Two of them, Cinthia Ann and John, were taken captives by the Indians at the massacre at Fort Parker. Her husband, Silas Parker, was killed. Mrs. Parker soon thereafter married Mr. Usry and had one child, Benjamin. Mr. Usry and Lucy (Lucinda) were divorced, and she married again but did not have any more children. Lucinda died when her son Benjamin was about twelve years of age and he went to live with neighbors.[See txrec.htm#lime 1850 US Census]
Benjamin Milam Usry grew up and married Tabitha Anglin. She died during the Civil War. Benjamin served in the Confederate forces during this war. He afterward married Miss Zion Sharp, and they had four children:
Mrs. Kilborn said that her mother, Lela Maud Jackson, was the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Jackson and Mollie Rushing
Mrs. Kilborn produced a copy of an affidavit made years ago by her grandfather, Ben Usry:
State of Texas
Limestone County
Before me, W.W. Williams, a notary public in and for said county and state, on this day personally appeared B.M. Usry, being by me duly sworn says on oath that he is the son of Lucinda Usry, that said Lucinda Usry was first married to S.M. Parker to whom the S.M. Parker League in Limestone Co., TX, was granted; that by said marriage with said Parker said Lucinda Parker had four children, viz: Cinthia Ann Parker, who was captured by the Indians at the Fort Parker massacre in Limestone County, TX. John Parker who was also captured by the Indians at said massacre, Silas M. Parker, Jr., and Orlena Parker.
Affiant further says that Silas M. Parker, husband of Lucinda Parker, was killed in the Fort Parker massacre in 1836; that after his death his said wife married said Usry, the father of affiant and by whom she had only one child,affiant; that said Lucinda Usry obtained a divorce from said Usry and afterward married Wm. W. Roberts, by whom she had no children. Affiant further says that said Silas M. Parker, Jr. died some seven or eight years ago; that said Cinthia Ann Parker died shortly after the Civil War; that said Orlena Parker married one Rufus Oquina; that she died some five or six years ago, and her husband is still living; that said John Parker was captured by the Indians at the Fort Parker massacre, and no reliable or definite news has ever been heard from him since.
B.M. Usry
Subscribed and sworn to before me this Feb 1st, 1899. W.W. Williams, Notary Public, Limestone County, TX
The following was taken from the Brazos County, Texas marriage records:
Mr. William W.Roberts and Mrs. Lucinda Strauther, married June 28, 1844, by Wm. B. Smith, JP.
Mrs. Lucinda Strauther or Strother is believed to have had the maiden name of Lucinda Duty. She married Silas M. Parker about 1826, probably in Illinois, and became the mother of four children: Cinthia Anne, John, Orlena and Silas M., Jr. After she was widowed in 1836 at the Fort Parker Indian attack, Lucinda married and became the mother of Benjamin M. Usry.
Located two miles west of Groesbeck, Limestone Co., TX, reached by a road leading off from F.M. Highwy 1245, a sign at the entrance says:
The site of the grave of victims of the massacre at Fort Parker by Comanche and Kiowa Indians on May 19, 1836, in which Cinthia Ann Parker and others were captured.
The trunk of the oak tree under which they were buried still stands and the grave is marked by a granite slab. Also site of state monument to the pioneers erected in 1922 and the graves of other old settlers and veterans of the Texas War for Independence....Limestone County Historical Society, 1963.
Obituary of B.M. Usry
From the Groesbeck Journal IX, No 6, page 6; Thursday June 5, 1902
ANOTHER LANDMARK GONE, B.M. USRY, OLD AND RESPECTED CITIZEN, PASSES AWAY.
For three consecutive weeks we have been called on to chronicle the death of an old citizen, each of whom was loved and honored among their neighbors, and each of whom has contributed largely to the advancement of this county. First, F.C.Oliver responded to the summons, then L.G. Aspley, and now that prince of a man, who numbered friends by the hundreds, B.M. Usry, has succumbed to the inevitable fate that awaits us all, and gone to join the innumerable caravan that move to the pale realm. Mr. Usry's death came as a surprise to everyone, few being aware of his illness. He was stricken Tuesday with a congestive chill, which was followed by another Thursday night, and then it was realized that his race was about run. He lingered until Saturday morning, when just as the King of day came peeping over the hills, he breathed his last, and thus ended the lifeof one who was a friend to all men.
Mr. Usry was about 61 years of age and had lived here all of his life. His mother was the widow of Silas M. Parker who was killed in the Fort Parker massacre, and he was therefore a half brother of Cinthia Anne Parker who was captured by the Indians in this raid and was carried into captivity. His nephew, Cinthia Anne's son, Quanah Parker , now a prosperous chief among the Commanches, has often requested his uncle Ben to visit him, but he never did, being too far away from home. Mr. Usry was a man that was well read upon all subject. His mind was of that quick grasping character, that enabled him to solve intricate problems with alacrity, and his sound judgment upon all matters, was looked up to by his acquaintances. He always took an active part in politics and was outspoken in his convictions, being a democrat of the old school, unyielding and unbending. While he was not a professed christian, yet his Bible was his constant companion, and it is doubtful if there is one to be found more famiiar with its teachings than he was. He believed with all his soul that a crown awaited those who did their duty. His life has been one of kindness to his fellowmen and tender devotion to his family. In the language of Marc Antony, "he was gentle and kind,and the elements so mixed in him that the world might say, he was a man." Let us hope, as we verily believe, that when his eyes beheld for the last time the dimly receding shore of this vale of tears, that the light of the eternal morning burst upon his gaze, and accompanied by the angelic hosts, that he found safe shelter in the loving arms of his Master.
Mr. Usry leaves two children, Mrs. Lee Seawright and Rufus Usry, besides other relatives who mourn his loss, and in their bereavement they have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Interment was held at the old Lewisville cemetery, funeral services being conducted by Rev. J. M. Thurmond
Obituary of Rufus Usry
(For more info on Rufus Usry click here.)
From the Groesbeck Journal -- Thursday June 9, 1955
FUNERAL RITES ARE HELD FOR RUFUS M. USRY, SUNDAY
Funeral services were held for Rufus Milam Usry Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in Groesbeck at the Shelton Funeral Home.
Mr. Usry had lived all his life in Limestone County in the Groesbeck vicinity until 1936 when he and Mrs. Usry moved to Richardson, near Dallas. He was born in Groesbeck on July 21, 1874, the son of Benjamin and Zion Usry, pioneer residents of this sections. He succumbed early Saturday morning in the Woodlawn Hospital in Dallas.
Surviving him are his wife,the former Lela Maud Jackson, whith whom he was united in wedlock in Groesbeck on Dec. 12, 1895, and their daughter, Mrs. Lettie Kilborn of Dallas.
During his years of activity in Groesbeck and Limestone County affairs, Mr. Usry had large farming interests, and he was elected as county commissioner in 1904, serving several years. He also served at one time as City Marshal of Groesbeck, and later served the city as an officer for a number of years just prior to moving to Richardson.
He was a member of the Methodist Church. Rev. R.F. Thompson, local pastor, conductd the services. Special music was provided by Mrs. Charles Ferguson, organist, and Mrs. W.C. Shelton, vocalist. Interment was in the Ft. Fisher Memorial Park, with the following serving as pallbearers: John Browder, Wilford Sanders, Max Scharff, W.A. Browder, Joe T. Henderson and B.L. Bradley.
This book, published by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1893, contains two brief biographies which mention the name Benjamin Usry:
The biography of John Anglin of GROESBECK: John Anglin, born March 23, 1823, Clay County, Missouri, was a son of Elisha Anglin, born in Powell Valley, VA., and his wife, Rachel Wilson, who was born in Virginia and died in Edgar County, ILL. John Anglin moved to Texas with his father at age 11, about 1833. In 1842 he married Missouri Ann Powell, who was born at Memphis, Tenn. Their first child, Tabitha, became the wife of Benjamin M. Usery.
The biography of Mrs. Saluda Ann Sharp, of Hornhill, Limestone County, TX, the widow of Edward W. Sharp. In this biography it is stated that Edward W. Sharp was the son of Anthony Sharp, born about 1801 in Missouri. He married Charlotte Walker about 1825, and they moved to Texas in 1836. They had six children: Edward W., James E., Robert L., Rachel, William A., and Alphenzie. Alphenzie, born about 1840 married Benjamin Usery, born about 1837. Alphenzie was deceased at the time of the biography, 1893.
(Editor's note: From the above, it appears that Tabitha Anglin was the first wife of Benjamin Usry and died during the Civil War; Alphenzie Sharp was the second wife of Benjamin Usry, and died sometime before 1893
A book written by Ray A. Walter, printed by Von Boechmann-Jones, Austin, Texas, copyright 1959.
In a description of the capture of Fort Parker in 1836 by Indians, it is stated that: "Samuel M. Frost and his son Robert, fell inside the fort."
The survivors of the Indian attack left Fort Parker and headed for Fort Houston in Anderson Co. "Mrs. Parker and Elizabeth Frost were the only ones having shoes."
"After Silas' death at the fort, Lucinda married a Mr. Usry; to this union was born Benjamin M. Usry. Later, Lucinda married W.W. Roberts; she died about 1852. Catherine Duty Anglin and Lucinda Duty Parker were sisters.
".......The mystery of Mr. Usry needs to be identified,as he was one of the early settlers of Texas. Did he later marry Elizabeth Frost, the widow of Samuel Frost and the mother of Robert Frost? According to the land deed records, this widow did marry an Usry. Was it the same one?
49-150 Elizabeth Usry to Alphonzo Steele, waranty deed, Nov 6, 1845, 300 acres in A. Varela tract.
49-152 The State of Texas, County of Limestone, 7 June 1847, Elizabeth Usrey of Hariston Co., to Alphonse Steel of Limestone County, for $400, land on waters of Navistoa Creek known as FROST Creek, and a part of the Robert Frost head right fourth of a league of land granted by the Mexican government in 1835 and surveyed by P.Z.R. Wheelock(?), by estimation 807 acres. Signed by mark: Elizabeth Usery (formerly the widow of Samuel Frost deceased and mother and heir of Robert Frost, deceased.)
D-300 Benjamin M. Usry and wife Tabitha, to T.W. Bowdon, warranty deed, Feb. 9, 1861, $650 for 150 acres on Frosts Creek.
P-223 Benjamin M. Usry to John Anglin, deed, Jan 11, 1866, 150 acres.
B-339 Anthony Sharp to N.A. Usry, filed Nov. 25, 1874, for $500, land about four miles SW from Springfield, on Frost Creek.
C-27 J.W. and Dolly Anglin to B.M. Usry, deed, filed Feb. 5, 1875, estae of W.H. Anglin
Note: from the deed B339, the possibility is found that the second wife of Benjamin M. Usry had the name "N.A.". This was probably Nancy Alponzie. Perhaps sometimes called "Zion?"
Info provided from the email I received from Jean and Billy Gene Lack bjl@telepath.com
A little bit of Lack family history:
Nathan Jarred b, 1807 in Tennessee father of Mary Lucinda Jarred.
They moved to Upshur County, Tx. about 1850. Their children:
______________________________________
Andrew Lack married Emmiline Seals, born in Tx. Her mother: Elizabeth Seals
Their children:
Alexander Campbell married Drucilla Lee Parker, Drucilla was born in
1878 in Texas, to John Henry Parker and Elizabeth Ann Clark. John Parker
was the brother of Cynthia Ann Parker. John Henry and Cynthia Ann were
captured by Indians in 1836, and Cynthia was the mother of Quannah
Parker, an Indian chief.
Alexander and Drucilla had the following children:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owen Lack married Vee Bainey Courtney in 1931. She is now called Vera,
and her parents were Tom and Cynthia Courtney. Owen and Vera are the
parents of 10 children, 4 sons, and 6 daughters, all born in Wynnewood.
_______________________________________________________
BILLY GENE LACK married Barbara Jean Williams Sept. 29, 1951, in
Ardmore, Ok. Jean's parents were John Elzie and Rose Etta Williams.
Bill and Jean's children:
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FORMER RESIDENT OF GROESBECK DIED IN RICHARDSON JUNE 4Reprint of Biographies from The Lone Star State
Land Deed Records, Limestone County, Texas
James Thomas Lack, born June 13, 1817, married Mary Lucinda Jarred, born July 8, 1827 both born in Tennessee.
Thomas Lack born June 13, 1817 in Tn.
Lucinda Lack b. July 8, 1827 in Tn.
Letha Ann Lack b. 1843 in Tn.
ANDREW LACK b. 1848 IN TN. [Bill's great grandfather]
Ellen Frances b. Nov. 22 1849 in Tn.
Isom Farris Lack b. Texas
James Thomas, Jr. b. Tx.
Columbus Alexander b. Tx.
John W.b. Tx.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL LACK b.1872 TX. (Bill's grandfather)
John E. b. 1875 Tx.
Etta M. b.Tx.
Johnnie May b. July 29, 1898 Millsap, Tx.
Liffie Clifton, [Jack] b. Apr. 29, 1900 Millsap, Tx.
Clara Etta b. Oct. 17, 1905 Wynnewood, Ok.
Myrtle Alberta b. Nov. 27, 1907 Wynnewood, Ok.
Ruby Estelle b. June 10, 1910 Wynnewood, Ok.
OWEN T. LACK b. AUGUST 15, 1912 WYNNEWOOD, OK.
BILL LACK b. MAY 29, 1932 WYNNEWOOD, OK
Myrtie May b. May 23, 1933 now called Margie
Owen Ray b. Jan 7, 1938
Florence Loretta b.Feb 4, 1940
Margaret Ruth b. Aug. 27, 1941
Linda Johnice b. Oct. 8, 1942
Clara Louise b. Feb. 22, 1944
O.T. b. May 27, 1947
Carolyn Sue b. Jan. 7 1949? D. Feb. 4, 1949?
Elic Carlos b. Dec. 14, 1951
Rose Marie born March 8, 1953 Wynnewood, Ok.
Michael Owen b. Aug. 15, 1955 Pamona, Ca.
David Gene b.Apr. 23, 1957 Wynnewood, Ok.
Doris Elaine b. Feb. 27, 1961 Wynnewood, Ok.
Brenda Karen b. Apr. 25, 1964 Ardmore, Ok