Gallery of Honor: Saluting the Veterans in our Family

Honoring those family members and ancestors who served or are serving in the military.  It's a long and proud legacy for our family.  We salute you all and thank you for your service!!

Revolutionary War

A 5th great uncle of the Groton CT Grays.  1740 - 1813.  Buried in Groton.   Worth noting as well:  Elijah Gray, an uncle to Benjamin also served in the Revolutionary War, was wounded/captured and died in prison in N.J.

The Civil War

I found it interesting that within my own family branch, there are ancestors that fought for the north and the south during the war between the states.  Further research showed that their regiments may have crossed paths in Manassas, VA at the second battle of Bull Run.   Here are their stories:

Peter Devlin

170th NY Regiment, also known as the Irish Regiment

Peter would have been a 3rd great uncle (by marriage) to my husband Mike.  Peter and his wife, Catherine emigrated to America in the 1850's from Antrim Ireland.  After the war, Peter returned to NY and they had one daughter, Mary, who married Mike's ggreat Uncle Edward McAuliffe.  

This is Peter Devlin's discharge paper.  Pretty cool, eh? His regiment was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered and the war ended.  Peter would return to NY from here.

The History of the 170th Regiment

Daniel C. Paulk

49th Regiment, Georgia Infantry

Daniel C Paulk was my 3rd great grandfather on my grandma Ruby's side.  His is a sad story.  He was a farmer in rural south Georgia with a wife Jane, a young daughter Catherine, and a baby on the way. He signed up in August of 1862.  His regiment would make its way to Winchester, VA.  The weather was very cold and the soldiers were ill-equipped for the conditions.  Many died of measles or some other malady.  Daniel was one of those.  He died on November 2, 1862.  He is buried in the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery in Winchester, VA.  Unfortunately, because of poor record keeping, his headstone is mis-marked as are many from his regiment.  

Jane would give birth to a son, Daniel, in April of 1863. Sadly, he did not survive.

To read the history of this regiment, I highly recommend the book:

Wiregrass to Appomattox by James W. Parrish 

Gravesite of Daniel C Paulk at the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery, Winchester VA.  Note that headstone name is incorrect.

George R. Asbell

48th Regiment, Co. G, Georgia Infantry

"The Slappy Guards"

George Asbell is my great grandmother, Mamie Giddens' father.  His brothers, Andrew, John, and Stephen also served in this regiment.  This regiment saw 22 battles, including Gettysburg, where 55% of the men were killed or injured.

  

 History of the Slappy Guards regiment

Headstone of George Asbell in Twiggs Co. GA

WWI

Fred Oliver Gray, son of gg grandparents BB and Ellen Gray, U.S. Navy. Buried at Fort Bliss Cemetery, TX. 

The Greatest Generation 

Paul Rouse, U.S. Navy, brother of my paternal grandmother

My father-in-law PFC Edward McAuliffe Army AirCorps WWII

Mst. Sgt James McAuliffe US Marines, WWII and Korea. Uncle Jim is buried at
Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC

 Sgt. William (Billie) Gibbs Served in Army and Marines WWII (uncle)

         

Carl Gibbs (uncle)

My Dad: Airman First Class Lowell Giddens, USAF

Earl McMillan, U.S. Navy (uncle)

Glenn Giddens, U.S. Marines. (uncle)  Apologies for poor condition of photo,
 but it was found in my grandfather's wallet after many years.

                        Honorable Mention:   Robert Giddens, US Army (military pictures unavailable)

1970's to Present

James A.Black,  LTC US Army Retired. Photo is Vietnam 1971. (cousin)

Wayne Carter, Vietnam (cousin)

 Cmdr Jan Smith (L brother-in-law), US Navy

My brother, Sgt. Tom Giddens, US Air Force

My hubby, Petty Officer Michael McAuliffe, US Navy

Monty Ward US Navy (cousin)

Lt.Cmdr. Stephen Smith, US Navy currently serving in California (nephew)

Honorable Mention: Gordon McAuliffe, US Navy; Jimmy Walker Army  (military photos unavailable)

NOTE:  This blog entry can be edited at any time.  If you have a family member who has or is serving in the military and would like them included, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Any information or details that need to be corrected or added will be welcome as well.

Sincere Thanks to All Who Served.  
We are Forever Grateful for Your Service.

Our Beloved Ruby Lee Rouse

Ruby Lee Rouse

It is a fortunate thing when someone touches your life in such a way that  memories sustain you throughout your life.  For me, that special person was  my grandmother, Ruby Rouse Giddens.  She was wise, loving, kind and held a quiet strength that carried her through some pretty difficult times. In other words, she was a great role model for her family.   I hope this edition will convey how special Ruby was to everyone who knew her.

I wasn't sure what I would uncover for her ancestry.  I am happy to report that I have been able to uncover quite a bit.  The interesting thing is that of all the loved ones I have researched so far, Ruby's family has the largest number of different families intertwined to create her story.  Kind of like a patchwork quilt. How fitting.
 Those who knew Ruby, know she was quite the quilter, so why not tell her story as if it were a quilt? The first pieces of this quilt will be items and documents I have found online or in books.  The other pieces of the quilt will be photos, conversations, and memories provided by family members .  All of these will be sewn together to create a biographical quilt I will call:

 "Ruby's Quilt"
A Patchwork of a Life Well-Lived

Ruby's Father's Heritage:
Rouse
Rouse Name Meaning
    English: nickname for a person with red hair, from Middle English, Old French rous ‘red(-haired)’ (Latin russ(e)us). Americanized spelling of German Raus.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press

The Rouse family can be traced back to Ruby's great grandfather, Joseph B. Rouse, Jr. (abt. 1820 - 1888). Joseph married twice.  His first wife was Nancy Burton (abt 1824 - abt 1854).  The 1850 census shows that they lived in Macon, GA.  By that time, they had 5 children: James Joseph, Nancy Margaret, Elizabeth, Martha, and Susan.  Jessie and Jonathan (Ruby's grandfather) would be born in 1851 and 1853, respectively. 

1850 census.  Family of Joseph B. Rouse with first wife Nancy Burton

By 1860, the Rouse family would live in Sumter, GA with Joseph's 2nd wife, Sarah J. Contin(sp)?.  Some family records state that they married around 1856.  Sarah would bring 4 children to the marriage, James H., Mary E, William B., and Henry O.  Joseph and Sarah then expanded the family with 4 more children: Fannie, Robert, Emma, and Ida.  Since Joseph B. was a farmer, I guess he had to keep the farmhands coming!  

1860 census.  J.B. would be married to his second wife Sarah J Contin(sp?)

In 1875,  Joseph and Nancy's youngest son, Jonathan, married Mary Elva Pounds.  Together, they had 8 children: Claudius, James Joseph (J.J.), Eva, Mela, Masy E, Fannie, Roy and Jonah.  The 1900 census shows that the family lived in Dougherty, GA. 

1880 census shows Jonathan and Elva living with her parents James and Nancy Pounds. 

1900 census shows the Rouse family living in Daugherty, GA.  Eldest son Claudius is listed as head of household.  It is believed that Jonathan died around 1888.

Ruby's Mother's Heritage:

 Fletcher
Fletcher is a surname of English, Scottish, and Irish origin. The name is an occupational name for an arrowsmith or seller of arrows, derived from the Middle English, Old English "Fulcher" or Old French flech(i)er (in turn from Old French fleche "arrow").
Fletcher (surname) - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher_(surname)

John Fletcher's Ancestry:

Fletcher Family History

source: History of Irwin County by J.B. Clements pg.418. William was Ruby's great great grandfather

According to the book, History of Irwin County by J. B. Clements, John W. Fletcher, Jr. (1861-1942) was born in Irwin county to John W. Fletcher Sr. and his 2nd wife, Martha Slaughter (1835-1891). They were descendants of William Fletcher, explained here:

John W. Fletcher, Sr. was Ruby's maternal great grandfather.  His first wife was Mary Ellen Paulk.  His 2nd wife was Martha Slaughter, not Parson. source: History of Irwin County by J.B. Clements, pg.432

 

Picture of a John Fletcher and wife.  Not sure if this is John W. Fletcher Sr, but he is kin.  FYI, Micajah Paulk (#3) is an ancestor of Ruby's maternal grandmother, Catherine as well as my mother's family Gibbs.  All Pioneers of the area. The family quilt keeps getting bigger!

1870 census in the household of John W. and Martha Fletcher. I love reading these, especially when they list lots of other family members who lived nearby.

Ruby's grandfather John Fletcher, Jr was a farmer who raised cattle and crops on his farm in Berrien County.  John married Catherine Paulk (1862-1940) on    April 12, 1883. They had 2 daughters: Sarah and Margaret.

Ruby's grandfather, John W. Fletcher, Jr

Catherine Paulk's Ancestry:

Paulk
    Variant spelling of Scottish Polk, a reduced form of Pollock. Shortened form of German Paulke, a pet form Paul.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Pressk's Ancestry:

Catherine Paulk's grandfather and grandmother were Thomas and Nancy Henderson Paulk

source:Irwin County History by J.B. Clements pg 426

Catherine was the only living child of Daniel C. Paulk (1837-1862) and Margaret Gaskins (1835-1900). They also had an infant son Daniel, who died at birth on April 15, 1863. 

Gravesite of Infant Son of Daniel C. and Margaret Gaskins Paulk  source:findagrave.com

Gravesite of Margaret Gaskins Paulk, Catherine's mother. source: findagrave.com

Daniel C. Paulk served in the 50th GA Regiment of the Confederate Army.  He mustered out in August of 1862 and his regiment went to VA.  He died of 'disease', possibly measles in Winchester, VA on November 2, 1862, leaving a then pregnant wife with a small daughter, Catherine.   He is buried at the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery in Winchester, VA.  Unfortunately, his headstone is mismarked as are several from this regiment.  One of these days, I hope to visit his gravesite.

Daniel C. Paulk headstone incorrectly spelled at Stonewall Confederate Cemetery, Winchester, VA

 

Vindication for me.  There are so many errors about Daniel C. Paulk online.  He had a cousin also named Daniel Paulk who served in the 49th Regiment and died in 1863 of wounds suffered in the war.  The overlap is overwhelming.  This one paragraph states what I suspected to be true as far as his correct burial site.                                                                   source: Wiregrass to Appomattox by James W. Parrish

On a separate note, to learn more about Daniel's regiment, I highly recommend the book Wiregrass to Appomattox: The Untold Story of GA 50th Regiment, CSA by James W. Parrish.  It is interesting and eye opening.  

Now, where were we?  Oh yeah, Daniel Paulk's heritage.

Parents of Daniel Paulk, Thomas and Nancy Henderson Paulk. photo courtesy of Derek Ennis Veal

Daniel was the son of Thomas Paulk (1812-1894) and Nancy Henderson (1810-1901).    One of Thomas and Nancy's children was Mahala Henderson Paulk, Daniel's sister.  She would marry my mother's 3rd g greatfather, James Gibbs, Sr.  This is the connection of those two families intertwined with ours.

Gaskins and McMillan

                  Margaret Gaskins' (Catherine's mother) parents were                                William (1804-1880) and Jane McMillan Gaskins (1816-1894).  

source:findagrave.com

 Jane's parents were Daniel McMillan (1782-1838) and Margaret Smith(1785-1819).  They were from N.C. and died in Irwin Co. 

Daniel McMillan gravesite source:findagrave.com

Ruby's Own Family is Added to the Quilt

Ruby's Parents: James Joseph(JJ) and Sarah Fletcher Rouse

Ruby Lee Rouse was born to Sarah Fletcher (1884- 1912) and James Joseph "J.J." Rouse (1878-1964)  on March 15, 1910 in Alapaha GA.  Sarah and JJ had 3 children:  James Paul 1908-1962, Ruby 1910-2003, baby James Aldine 1912.

1910 Census of JJ and Sarah Rouse with daughters Ruby and Margaret

Ruby's Birthplace in Alapaha GA.  Photo courtesy of Gail Giddens Mosely

 

Ruby's mother Sarah Fletcher Rouse photo courtesy of Gail Giddens Mosely

The story of Ruby's young childhood is a sad one.  Shortly after her mother gave birth to James Aldine, she hemorrhaged and died shortly after his birth.  Baby James would only live to be a few months old.  Circumstances of his death are not factually known, but some stories state he may have been malnourished. 

Sarah and James are buried in the Jane Gaskins Family Cemetery, Berrien Co. Photo source:findagrave.com

 By 1917, J.J. remarried.  His second wife was Lula McPhaul. This WWI draft card shows they lived in Enigma, GA.  My father remembers Ruby saying that she and Uncle Paul had some schooling in Enigma.  

1917 WWI draft card for JJ Rouse.  Shows place of residence as Enigma with next of kin being 2nd wife, Lula

It is not known when or under what circumstances, but Paul and Ruby would eventually return to their grandparents, John W. and Catherine Fletcher, and be raised by them on their farm in Berrien County.  
J.J. and Lula would have two children, Elva and Joseph.

1930 Census shows JJ and Lula lived in Ocilla, GA

 At some point the family moved to Jacksonville, FL.  J.J. worked for the Florida-Times Union.  Their son Joseph would work in NYC as a visual merchandiser for large department stores. He would eventually return to Tifton in his latter years.

J.J. and Lula are buried in Riverside Memorial Cemetery, Jacksonville FL

JJ Rouse grave marker in Jacksonville, FL. photo: findagrave.com

The Heritage of Elizabeth Gray

Elizabeth Gray Gibbs 1915 - 1975

Surname Gray:
An ancient Anglo-Scottish name literally meaning a man with gray hair or beard from the pre- 7th century word "graeg".  Of course, in our family it could mean : those whose hair turns prematurely gray.  wink wink 😉

source: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/gray

 
All kidding aside, because of all the information I have been able to uncover (we're talking 7 generations here), this will be a lengthy edition.  So grab some popcorn, your favorite beverage, and get comfy.  May I introduce to you to the American lineage of Phillip Gray:

When starting the research into my grandmother, Elizabeth Gray Gibbs' family history , I wasn't sure what I would find.  She died in 1975 when I was almost eleven.  Memories are a little foggy and I only remember snapshots of times we shared and names of family members being mentioned through the years.
 What I didn't know was that the Grays were such entrepreneurs.  It is also the first branch in which a time frame can be determined for when the first  ancestors may have arrived in the U.S.  The following account is taken from the History of Ledyard CT.  A similar account is written in the book Gray Genealogy.

The Connecticut Grays

Two Scotch brothers, Phillip and Benjamin Gray, arrived from the Island of Guernsey to Boston on a vessel "whilst still boys".   We know that Phillip (our ancestor) was born in 1690. If he were a boy, he may have arrived anywhere from 1700 to 1710.  Phillip moved from Boston to Groton, CT, north of Ledyard, around 1710.  It was here that Phillip Sr.  married whom I believe to be Mary Killam.  Together, they had 4 sons: Phillip Jr., Benjamin, Ezekial, and Elijah.  Phillip Sr's. occupation was a knitter.  A knitter at that time may have been the same as someone who spun flax or silk for clothing as this was a cottage industry in the early days of Groton. Elijah fought in the Revolutionary War, was wounded and sent to the Jersey prison ship near NY where he died. He left behind a wife and 4 children.   Ezekial died at sea at the age of 18.  There are many accounts of local men being lost at sea either while whaling or sailing around Cape Horn for international trade.  

Marriage entry for Phillip Gray and Mary Killam in 1737.  Also lists their 4 children correctly.  Most verbal stories handed down state that Phillip's wife was a Mary Stoddard, but looking at this doc, I believe Mary Killem is the correct person. 

 Phillip Gray, Jr. was my 6th g grandfather.    He was born in 1749 in Groton, CT.  His first wife was Hannah Latham.  Together, they had 6 children: Jonas, Latham Sr, Ezekial, Stephen, Lydia, and Mary.  After Hannah died, Phillip married Mercy Chapman.  They had a son named Asa, who is credited with writing a pamphlet on the Gray family history as he knew it.
Latham Gray Sr.(1772-1821)  married Amy Brown(?-1822) in 1791.  Together, they had 2 sons and 6 daughters: Henry, Latham, Jr., Mercy, Esther, Annah, Betsey Amy, and Filena  
Thus far, I have been unable to find out much about Phillip Gray, Jr. or his son Latham's occupation, but piecing together local town history and the careers of other family members, it may be a safe conclusion that they were involved in the lumber or sawmill industry.   Phillip Sr .'s 2nd son, Benjamin who was a revolutionary war veteran, partnered with Joseph Lee to build the Lee's Brook Sawmill .  The Grays that remained in Groton would continue to work in sawmill industry as well as farming. Future generations that left Groton would continue this occupation elsewhere.

 The Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill still exists today.  Check it out:    http://www.ledyardsawmill.org

 

Grave marker for Benjamin Gray of Groton, CT, brother of Phillip Gray, Sr.

 Grays of Herkimer NY

According to the history of Ledyard, CT, the population of the town began to deteriorate as certain industries died off.  Farming became hard with "worn-out" farms and fewer children being born to take up the family trade.  Many families moved west for a better life.  Latham Gray, Jr. (1800-1884)was one of those who moved west to Ohio, Herkimer County, NY.  In 1820, he bought 300 acres on the southside of the creek of the town of Ohio and began improvements, so many in fact, that businesses were started and the area was called Gray or Grayville.  By 1828, Latham moved his first wife Julia Ann Pendelton Gray and their two boys:  Henry Pendleton and William L. from CT to NY.  The village thrived under Latham's efforts.  Dairy was a major industry in the area. In 1837, Latham bought a business which produced cheese boxes.  The first store,  blacksmith shop, tavern, boot & shoe shop, and tannery  all opened and have been credited to his talents with business development.  It has also been said that he may have been a manufacturer of lumber and furniture maker.  A sawmill was already in place on the northern side of the creek of his 300 acres, so this may have been possible and would certainly continue the family business started in CT.  He was also a Free mason and supervisor of the village.  Busy Guy!!
His son William L Gray, would become the first postmaster of Gray NY.
 

History of Ohio/Gray NY p. 447
 

On the homefront, Latham's first wife, Julia died in 1831.  He married his second wife, Catherine Benchley in 1836.  They had one daughter, Helen S. and one son, Charles.  Catherine died in 1855.  A crazy side note here: Catherine Benchley was the sister of Lucina.  Lucina would marry Latham's son, Henry.  So, father and son married two sisters.  Basically, Henry P married his step aunt.  Wow!  😮 Latham would marry a third time to Mary Ann Vickery.  That marriage produced no children. 
Latham died in 1884, leaving quite a legacy in Herkimer county.  He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Gray NY, as are Catherine and Mary Ann.  Julia's burial location is unknown.

Latham Gray Jr.'s gravesite

The Grays of Georgia

Latham Jr.'s  eldest son Henry Pendleton Gray, married Lucina Benchley in 1847, you know, his stepmom's sister.    They had 9 children: Benjamin Benchley (BB) , John C., George, Mary, Catherine, Henry P., William, Charles, & Helen. 

1855 NY Census showing Henry and Lucina living in the household of Lucina's parents Benjamin and Sarah Benchley.  It also lists their first four children: Benjamin, John, George and Mary.

Sometime between 1855 and 1860, the Grays moved from NY to Taylor GA.  By 1870, they would live in Brunswick, GA.  On the 1870 census, Henry lists his occupation as salesman.

1870 Census.  Henry and Lucina had moved to GA and added to their family with four children.  The first 5 children were born in NY.  BB was out of the house by this time and married.  Also, Lucina is mistakenly named Susan. Daughter Mary Cordelia is listed as Caroline.

 In 1880, millwork was listed as his occupation. I'm seeing the family trend continue here.      In 1876, Henry's first wife, Lucina died.  In 1878, Henry married Mrs. Mary Brown.  She had two children from a previous marriage, Eddy and Minnie.  She died in 1889.  Henry married for a third time to Mary S. Furlong in 1891.  She died in 1894 of ueteran cancer.
Henry would eventually move to Willacoochee, GA and live with his daughter Kate until his death in 1912.  He is buried in Brunswick along with Lucina and his 2nd wife Mary in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Sadly, it is in poor condition.
photo sources: findagrave.com

Gray Family Plot in Oak Grove Cemetery, Brunswick, GA

Lucina's headstone laying on the ground and broken.  Not all graves have markers.

Lucina's broken headstone 😢