Young Parents -- Thomas and Mary Elizabeth

Thomas and Mary Elizabeth were married on December 23, 1846. By 1848, they were parents of a little girl. Although early records list her name as "Atlanta" (I'd love to know the story behind that), later records use the nickname "Addie." Within two years, Lucy was born to the family. She is of particular interest to me because she is my great-grandmother. What I wouldn't give for a baby picture.

Lucy Probert

I can only imagine the joy followed soon after by sorrow, when their first-born son, Thomas, was born. I don't know how long Thomas lived, but their must have been complications. Little Thomas was buried in the Lexington Cemetery on November 21, 1854 followed a week later by the burial of his mother on November 28, 1854. I assume she died from the complications of childbirth.

Lexington Cemetery Record

Records like this always break my heart. Of the eleven family members buried here, two are children and two are infants. Baby Thomas is buried at the feet of his mother.

Grave of Mary Elizabeth Probert and Infant Son, Thomas

Thomas was 30 and a widower with two young daughters. Mary Elizabeth died at the age of 29.

A couple of months earlier, Thomas also lost his mother. She was only 51 years old and was living in Louisville with one of her daughters at the time of her death from cancer.

Kentucky Death Records, 1852-1953, Louisville, Jefferson Co., p. 3.

As any parent of two young children knows, you need a support system. Where was Thomas' support?

Next Up: The move to Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Thomas -- Young Husband and Entrepreneur

The next time Thomas appears in the public record is as a young husband to Mary Elizabeth Diamond. They were married in Lexington on December 23, 1846. The marriage was reported in the Lexington Observer and Reporter. Both the bride and the groom were of Lexington. Thomas was 22 and Mary Elizabeth was 21 years old at the time of their marriage.

Thomas initially supported his young family as a baker. The 1850 Census showed that Thomas was not only supporting his young wife and first-born daughter Atlanta (aka Addie), but also his widowed mother, Mary, and younger brother, William. William, John Bridges and Bow Higginbotham are listed as bakers and apparently living in the same residence.

Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: District 2, Fayette, Kentucky; Roll: M432_199; Page: 200B; Image: 178.

His bakery appeared to be quite successful as this notice was published in the Kentucky Statesman on March 30, 1850. 

Published in Kentucky Ancestors, Vol. 39. p. 183.

All seemed well for the young family. Thomas, who was left fatherless at the young age of 13 appeared to have stepped up to the plate and was quite responsible at the age of 25. What could possibly go wrong?

Note: The spelling of "Diamond" has appeared both with and without an "a" in  various records. The family that survives has chosen to spell it with an "a."

If you want to know when a new post is available, simply supply your email in the box provided on the right-hand menu bar.. You will be automatically notified when a new post is published. Thanks for following along.

Thomas -- The Early Years

Credit: Wikipedia.com

Thomas H. Probert, the son of William and Mary (Polly), was born on August 29, 1824. Until I discovered a digital copy of a marriage record for Thomas and his second wife, Kate, I had no idea that he was born in Hartford, Ohio County, Kentucky. In fact, I was surprised to learn that there was an Ohio County in Kentucky. It is about a four-hour drive from Cincinnati, located south of Evansville, Indiana.

The family had moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky just outside of Lexington where they were listed in the 1830 Census. Within four years, the family was listed in Lexington, where William initially made his living as a baker.

By the time William volunteered to be a fife player as part of a Lexington contingent of men who volunteered for the War of Texas Independence in 1836, William was working as a tailor.

Thomas was the first-born of five children, although one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth died at 18 months. He was only 12 years old when his father left for the war, and he had to grow up quickly. We are fortunate to have copies of correspondence from William to his wife in which it becomes obvious that William valued education. In a letter sent to his wife, Mary, dated  December 1836, William stated, "I am happy to know that you are doing so well as what you are and likewise that Thomas is able to help you a little. I hope he will be a good boy. I am very sorry to hear that William got his hand burnt, but I hope it is not injured much.  I am glad likewise that Nancy Jane is improving in her schooling. I would be glad if you could spare Mary Ann so that she could go to school, but these things I shall leave to your own good management."

Letters on file with the Texas Archives

In a second letter dated January 1937, William stated, "I hope you will endeavor to keep the children to school and expect that before my return I shall see a letter of Thomas' own writing."

I wrote about William's participation in the War for Texas Independence in several previous posts. What was unknown to all concerned was that life was about to get much more difficult. On William's return trip to Lexington via New Orleans, he succumbed to illness and died. Thomas was only 13 years old and the oldest of four children of a widowed mother. Things had to be tough.

Fifty Shades of Thomas Probert

No doubt about it. I have "favorite" ancestors. Thomas H. Probert, who always signed his name as T.H. Probert, is one of those. He is a paternal gg-grandfather to me, grandfather to Norine, father of nine, and husband of two. Although I've written about him before (links below), he still draws me in, "forcing" me back to the Kentucky Archives and historical newspapers, trying to understand who Thomas was. Although I've not yet read the runaway bestseller Fifty Shades of Gray, the title of the book  fits with my notion of Thomas. You could never describe one or two "facts" about Thomas and think you've figured out who he was. He is a complex man, and that's why I love him.

So after four months of research, I'm ready to write. I hope you'll follow along on this journey and tell me if Thomas speaks to you. Want to be overwhelmed? Try to imagine how many direct descendants of T.H. are currently walking this planet. I'm glad to be one of them.

Need to catch up? Here are links to previous posts I've written about Thomas H. Probert.

Sometimes There Are Surprises
Where I've Been
You Be the Jury - Guilty or Not Guilty
You Be the Jury - Guilty or Not Guilty - Part 2
The Verdict Is In

The Verdict Is In

Photo Credit: www.gizmodo.com.au

By now I'm sure you've figured out that the man who was accused in this shooting is in our family tree. For those in my generation, Thomas Probert is our gg-grandfather. He would have been Norine's grandfather had he lived long enough to meet her. This story, like the man himself, has many interesting twists and turns. Thomas was indicted for killing Jacob K. Spears in Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky. The fact that he killed Spears is not in dispute. The question is, was it self-defense? What were the underlying conditions of the time?

This was a BIG trial. People in the town packed the court room. The victim, Jacob Spears, was a member of a wealthy, influential Bourbon Co.family who ran a distillery and apparently coined the term "bourbon." In future posts, I'll fill you in on the details of the trial, the prosecutors, the defense team and the Spears family.

I hate to disappoint you, but the jury could not decide. The Louisville Daily Courier reported it with this announcement.

The jury was dismissed and Thomas Probert was free pending posting bail in the sum of $2500 in 1856 dollars! I haven't been able to find out whether or not Thomas got out on bail, but I assume he did. His defense team sought and eventually got a change of venue.

I haven't been able to get much information between the "hung jury" and the retrial, but I hope to go to Paris and research their newspapers that have not yet been digitized. However, I know that Thomas was retried in Lexington and this time there was a different outcome.

The Louisville Daily Courier reported on 14 February 1859 that the jury rendered a verdict of acquittal after being out for one hour. What's even more amazing to me is that on 22 February 1859, Thomas, a widower whose first wife died in childbirth, married Catherine Richardson of Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky. By 1860, they had relocated a short distance to Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co., Kentucky.

There's more to tell, and over the next month, I hope you'll follow along and get to know this complicated man. There is much to admire.

You Be the Jury - Guilty or Not Guilty Part 2

Yesterday I described a trial from 1856 as described in a newspaper article. The Killing of J. H. Spears was published by the Louisville Courier Journal on April 29, 1856, p.1. If you haven't read it yet, go to yesterday's post before you read the rest of the article. For those who have, here is some additional information.

wikipedia.com

Note: The Allen Revolver used in the killing may have looked something like this:











The Trial 

There was a very large crowd in attendance upon the trial, which lasted from Wednesday until Friday evening, the case being continued each night until 11:00 or 12:00 o’clock. The lawyers for the prosecution were Hon. Richard Hawes, R.W. Woolley, Richard H. and Robert Hanson and Capt. W.E. Simms; for the defense, Hon. Garrett Davis, Col. T.T. Martin, and W.W. Alexander. The judge committed him for further trial on Thursday, but the question of bail was argued by Davis, Alexander, Woolley and Simms until the next evening. Judge Samuel refused to allow him bail.

The case was conducted with great power and force. The speeches were very eloquent and able and that of Capt. Simms was particularly moving. His voice faltered and he shed tears in its delivery. He described the deceased as his most particular associate and his best friend – one who he deemed incapable in any but the noblest of actions – cut down in the prime of his life when health, happiness, etc. were before him. The favorite and eldest son of an old man who leant upon him for support, and his widowed sister’s idol.

Mr. Spears was a single man about 30 years of age of fine manly form and address, was at one time a resident of Louisville, Mississippi and the Eastern cities, as agent of the large mercantile and manufacturing house of his father in Paris, and, by his genial manners, drew around him a host of young associates who will deeply sympathize with his large and influential relations in Bourbon, at his sad and untimely fate. The Citizen says he was buried by Odd Fellows and followed to the grave by an immense concourse.

OK - so now you know the victim was very popular, well-thought of, and influential in the community? Do you want to change your vote? Guilty or not guilty?

You Be the Jury -- Guilty or Not Guilty?

I recently came across a case in the newspaper. The incident took place in Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky. I'm going to post the article exactly as it was printed. Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to decide if the Defendant is Guilty or Not Guilty. I'm telling you up front that convincing arguments can be made either way. Tell me what your verdict would be by either posting on the comments below or on facebook where you will also see this posted. No excuses -- guilty or not guilty.

In the next couple of days, I will post how the jury ruled. Enjoy!

The Case 

We saw a gentleman yesterday who was in Paris during the preliminary trial of Thos. H. Probert for the killing of J. H. Spears, and as we and others have published partial accounts of the affair, we will deem it but proper to give the important testimony. On Sunday, eight days before the occurrence, Probert rode up to a fishing frolic and Spears frightened his horse. Probert told him not to show his backside. Spears followed him up, and asked why he spoke to him so. Probert said his horse was wild, and as he was unwell, he didn’t wish to be thrown, and he meant what he said. Spears said he was a better man than Probert and could whip him and insisted on a fist fight. Probert declined, saying he didn’t wish to mar the enjoyment of the party and would rather postpone it. Spears afterwards told witnesses that he had sent a man to prepare arms; that he intended to call upon Probert, and if anything occurred, murder him.  Probert was informed of this, and advised by witness to absent himself from house; that Spears was intoxicated and might carry his threat into execution.

That night, Spears visited Probert and was told that he was absent. On Friday Probert went to Cincinnati and returned on Monday evening. That evening (Monday) Spears, accompanied by a friend, went as far down the railroad as Cynthiana. Probert was informed by Spear’s friends that he got into the baggage car at Cynthiana and advised to go in and make up their difficulty, but he said he didn’t wish to see him, and upon arriving at the depot at Paris, immediately repaired to his bar-room. (Probert had been the baker for the hotel and had acted as bar keeper for two or three months) soon after, Spears came out of the car intoxicated and assisted by his friend, went down in the saloon of the Bourbon House. His friend remarked to Probert, “I have brought you a customer,“ and Spears called for something to drink. Probert set out the liquor and Spears asked him to drink with them several times. Probert declined. Spears asked him if it was because of their difficulty, or if he didn’t wish to drink.  He said it was the latter. Spears then threw the liquor in Probert’s face.  Probert asked him if knew what he was doing. Spears said he did, and at the same time Probert picked up the pistol, and Spears drew back the glass and the pistol fired, and the glass was thrown at the same moment.

Spears received one ball in the neck, one in the face and one in the side of the head, and two struck the ceiling. The tumbler knocked down a cigar box, and broke a pane of glass in the window. The only persons present were Spears’ friend and the two young Messrs. Thurston and the landlords of the hotel. Spears lived in a state of insensibility for three hours. The pistol was an Allen’s revolver, and had lain in the same place from which Probert drew it when he fired, behind the water tank, during his absence in Cincinnati.

Spears was proven to have been very drunk in going from the cars, and walked between two friends, who braced him by the arms to prevent his staggering or falling. But Mr. Thurston said he walked alone when in the saloon. Spears was not armed, but his friend ran out of the room when the fight commenced, and said they were both shooting and one or the other must be killed. Probert was not on good terms with Spear’s friend. Probert came out and desired to go to jail, and his friends secreted him until the Sheriff could arrive to prevent Spear’s friends from mobbing him who seemed to be afraid he might leave.

This is a picture that hangs in the home of a friend of Rogers Barde of Paris, Bourbon, Kentucky.
I am so grateful that she sent it to me.

Tom's Annual Christmas Message

Click to enlarge

Texas First Families!

It's been six months. I could say something trite about how busy I've been, but it's true. I'm fully taking advantage of being retired.

About 18 months ago, I was able to make the link between my gg-grandfather, Thomas H. Probert, and his father, William E. Probert. One of the interesting discoveries was that he was a "Fife Major" (literally playing a flute-like instrument called a fife) in the War for Texas Independence in 1837. He was 47 years old when he left his wife and children and headed to Texas along with more than 100 other volunteers from Lexington, Kentucky. Here are a few posts related to his story:

http://jonesfamilymatters.blogspot.com/2012/06/war-of-texas-independence.html
http://jonesfamilymatters.blogspot.com/2012/07/in-his-own-words.html
http://jonesfamilymatters.blogspot.com/2012/09/all-for-naught.html

It became apparent that if I was willing to document this relationship that my family could qualify for "Texas First Families." I know from experience that compiling one of these applications requires you to really organize the information you have and "fill in the blanks" if you find missing information. I was up to the challenge.

I put together an application and waited for the review committee to request additional information. (I've never submitted a lineage application without the reviewers wanting clarification or more documentation). Imagine my surprise when this beautiful certificate arrived in the mail six weeks later. I must be getting good at this. Based on this, I know that I could also apply for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas -- maybe a 2014 project.

Yesterday I also submitted an application for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Vincent Wainright was our family's "patriot" through the Jones/Wainright line. Vincent served as a "Minuteman" in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. It could be months before I know the outcome of that one.

So I hope the drought is over. I have a lot of information recently discovered from newspapers about Thomas Probert, our gg-grandfather from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. I look forward to sharing it all with you.

Ian's Preschool Graduation

It seems hard to believe, but my "super-great, special extra, grandson #1" aka Ian, graduated from preschool on May 19th. This weekend he will celebrate his 5th birthday. Where has the time gone? I'm not ready for kindergarten -- but I know he is.

Ian and friend

Ian has attended the same preschool since he was an infant. The staff is very caring and competent and he has flourished there. The church held a lovely ceremony that featured two musicians from Tennessee who were top-notch performers. The graduates entertained us with two songs including "This Little Light of Mine." Bill and I were privileged to attend and be a part of the day.

Roland and Andrew

The only downside was that grandson #2, Andrew, was not feeling well. He snuggled into his parents doing everything he could to feel better. Grandma Kathy can't help but look at this picture and want to hold him.

His teachers warned us -- in no time at all, we will be attending their high school graduations. Believe me, I can wait.