Fourth Generation (Great-Grandparents)

Fourth Generation (Great-Grandparents)
|
Andrew LANNING Parents
Francis Marion LANNING
Sarah Melissa HENSON
Minnie Ann COCHRAN Parents
William M. (Bill) Cochran, Jr.
Mary Adeline ORTON
|
FRANCIS MARION LANNING
SARAH MELISSA HENSON
Francis Marion LANNING, son of John J. LANNING and Annie FINNEY, was born on 8 Sep 1851 in
Turniptown, Gilmer County, GA, and died on 2 Mar 1929 in Acworth, Cobb County, GA at age 77. He was
buried in the Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA.
Sarah Melissa
HENSON, daughter
of Loyd HENSON
and Millie HARKINS,
was born on 23 May
1861 in Gilmer
County, GA, and died
on 17 May 1937 in
Gilmer County, GA at
age 75. She was
buried in Turniptown
Baptist Church
Cemetery, Gilmer
County, GA. A third
stroke caused her
death.
Francis LANNING
and Sarah HENSON were married on 30 May 1880 in Gilmer
County, GA by the W. J. Tillerman.
General Notes: When Mary Lanning Goble, granddaughter, was a child, Francis and Sarah lived in a two
room house which had a fireplace on each end. The porch had rotted off the front and only an old plank
stuck out for steps and entry into the house. One day Mary was bouncing on this old plank and her
mama, Minnie, noticed a small rattlesnake striking at her every time she bounced downward. Minnie's
quick action avoided Mary becoming a snake bite victim.
[This story given to Bill Griffin by Mary Lanning Goble]
Francis was living with his daughter, Becky Nabell in Acworth, Ga. when he died.
Sarah was living with her son Andrew in Gilmer County on Turniptown when she had her third stroke and
died.
Francis and Melissa Lanning
Francis and Melissa Tombstone
Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery
Left to right
Back row
Andrew, Carrie, Aunt Catty, Will, Western, Will Nabell, Vida
Front row
Sally, Lester holding Essie, Melissa, Francis, Rebecca holding Frances Nabell
Front seated
Nora Lee, Noah R
[“Lannings of Turniptown Road”]
A War Called Civil
Another neighbor of John and Annie at this time was the Henson family. Lloyd had also joined the
army leaving his wife, Millie, at home with their small children. At one time, Millie heard the Yankees were
nearby and stealing every thing that was loose. She quickly caught what chickens she could find, cooped
them, and had them hidden underneath the bed when the foragers arrived at her home. Melissa (Ma) was
three years old at the time and didn’t understand the reason her mother had hidden the chickens under
the bed. When the Yankees came inside the house to commence their plundering, the three year old
proudly showed them where the chickens were!
On one occasion, (it may have been at the same time) the Yankees paid John and Annie a visit.
Francis was 12 years old and small for his years. Knowing boys his age were fighting and being killed
every day, Annie was frightened. She had given one son (John Enos), and she was determined the
Yankees would not “capture” Francis if she could prevent it. She was wearing a dress typical for the era –
long and billowing. While the riders were getting off their horses, and before they had time to get to the
front door, Annie quickly hid Francis under her skirts!
[“Lannings of Turniptown Road”]
At the time of Annie’s death, Miranda and Margaret were her only children living on Turniptown.
Francis and Thomas had moved to Rome, Georgia with their families and were working in the cotton mills
there. Miranda sent them a telegram notifying them of their mother’s death.
The following story is from the book “The Lannings of Turniptown Road” by Margie Dunn
Francis Marion Lanning
1851 -1929
Francis Marion was born September 8, 1851. He was named for the legendary Revolutionary War figure,
Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” according to Aunt Becky.
On May 38, 1880, he went down to the courthouse in Ellijay for a marriage license. After a required two
day wait, he married Sarah Melissa Henson, daughter of neighbors Lloyd and Millie Henson. The
wedding ceremony was performed by W.J. Tillerman, Minister of the Gospel. Francis was 29 years old;
Melissa, 19.
Francis and Melissa set up housekeeping down the road, and across the creek from Annie, Miranda, and
Margaret (Margaret married later that year). The two room house was built of clapboard, and had a front
porch that faced Turniptown Creek. A lean-to on the back served as a kitchen. Francis farmed and raised
a number of hogs. He let these animals roam the mountains to fatten on chestnuts and other mast. Once
a year, he would round up the hogs and drive them [on foot] to the stock yards in Atlanta to be sold.
Keeping To Himself
Francis was not known as an out-going person. He kept pretty much to himself, not wanting to bother
anyone and not wanting to be bothered. One person who knew him well had this to say, “I never heard
Francis say a harm word about anyone. In fact, I never heard him say anything good either!” the meaning,
quite clear; he said nothing one way or the other. The story is told that in 1879, he was summoned to
appear in court as a witness in the trial of a neighbor woman charged with a misdemeanor. Francis
refused to acknowledge the summons and hid out in the wilds of Turniptown during the trial.
Francis had two favorite expletives. “Gee, buck a-mighty!” and “By Gad!” were the nearest he ever got to
cursing.
Raising The Family
To rear his family that eventually numbered ten children, Francis did many different jobs in addition to
farming. He cut tan bark, gathered chestnuts, sold animal hides, and for a while he worked as a laborer at
the White Path Gold Mine across the mountain. The job at the mine was hard and the $1 a day was well
earned.
Often walking across the mountains at night going home from work in a cold freezing rain, his children
recall how he would arrive at home with his beard frozen stiff.
Times were hard and though their cupboard wasn’t bare, it was very lean at times. For school, the
children’s lunch often consisted of cornbread or biscuit filled with syrup or a slice of fat back. Occasionally
they got a baked potato.
In 1900, Francis and Thomas moved from Turniptown to Rome, Georgia to work in the cotton mill. Francis
went to work as a carder. His six oldest children also went to work in the mill. Lester, age 18, and
Rebecca, age 17, were employed as weavers. Western, 15, Will, 13, Carrie, 11, and Andrew, 10, worked
as spinners. Sally went to work when she was 9. This was before child labor laws were enforced
forbidding the hiring of children, and it wasn’t unusual for
large numbers of children to be employed in factories. It
was common knowledge that the family with the largest
number of children was given preference to jobs over
smaller families. Mountain people were lured by steady
paying jobs and low rent mill owned houses.
Pa & Ma with Noah & Nora Lee
Francis moved to Cherokee County after a short stay in
Rome. Canton was nearer to Turniptown, and he
developed a pattern of working in the mill during the
winter months, then returning to Turniptown in early
spring to make a crop. His children would be left to
board with relatives, working on in the mill.
Pa Got Religion
Francis was not the devout Christian his wife, Liss, was. He did not go with her to church, although he
professed to be a Christian. Liss, prayed for him, and often asked the Lord to let her know the condition of
her husband’s soul. One day her prayer was answered. Francis was standing at the spring in the back
yard, his mind seemingly occupied with deep thoughts. Liss stood at the kitchen window watching him.
Shortly, she heard him give a “little whoop of praise to the Lord”. She said she never worried about his
soul from then on. That day became known as the day, “Pa got religion at the spout in the yard”.
Dogs
Dogs were as important to a mountain man as the air he breathed. They often provided the food the
family ate, and were treated with great kindness. Francis always owned a dog, but never in his lifetime did
he buy, or sell one. To him it was a sin, going on the Bible reference that mentions the buying and selling
of dogs as being such.
Final Days
Francis enjoyed retiring early at night and demanded absolute quiet from the children. This pleased Liss
who enjoyed sitting alone in the peace and quiet. One night as she sat alone by the fire, something
disturbed a rattlesnake near the chimney rocks and it commenced singing, a sound that chills body and
soul. That night, she retired earlier than usual. Ma was a large woman and one morning she had gone
outside and found where a snake had shed its outer skin. She said the snake’s skin was as large as her
thigh.
Francis was at Will Nabell’s home in Acworth, Georgia when he died. A rather strange thing happened
before his death. He had been sick with Bright’s disease, and three days before he died, a summer rose,
dormant and lifeless, suddenly burst into bloom, producing one large red blossom. It was said that
neighbors, and passersby, would stop and stare at the rose in wonderment.
Aunt Vida had been called and told that he was near death, and to come. When she walked into the yard
and saw the blossom, she cried; “Oh, Lord! My daddy’s going to die!” Three days later, this prophecy
became reality on March 2, 1929.
Ma Lanning
Strange Omens and Warnings of Death
Ma Lanning claimed she was often forewarned of approaching death to her relatives. The signs or
warnings came in different and unusual ways.
One such instance came the night before her father, Lloyd Henson, died. That night, she had gone to bed
as usual. Shortly before day of the following morning, she woke to the loud sounds of a mocking bird
singing underneath her bedroom window. Aunt Sally Frady, said, “The mocking bird sung for the longest
time. It sung every song it knew ... then it flew away. A little while later, they came and told her Pap was
dead. Ma, said, the mocking bird never returned.”
In the early 1900’s, Ma and Pa were living in the old Canton Mill Village, then known as Roosterville. One
evening they were sitting on the front porch, quietly enjoying the evening when suddenly, out in the yard,
two lights rose up and out of the ground! The lights rose up into the air only a few feet, and then one
dropped back to the ground and went out. The other light continued to rise. Ma and Pa watched it go out
of sight. Turning to Pa, Ma asked, “Francis, did you see that?” “Yes”, he answered. “There’s going to be a
death”, she said, “and it’s going to be a little one”. The following morning they got the word a grandchild
had been born that night. It lived only for a few hours. (This child was mama and daddy’s firstborn [Noah
and Mattie]).
One time when Ma was staying with us, Frances and me had measles. One night Ma saw two lights go by
the window. She didn’t tell anyone about this right then, but mama said Ma appeared troubled, that she
looked worried and didn’t talk much until Frances and me began to get better. Then Ma told about seeing
the lights. Mama said, “I told her it was car lights, but Ma said it wasn’t, that it was a warning to her of
coming death, that she was afraid it was Frances and me that were going to die. That’s why she waited
until we got better before she told.” Several days after this incident, Ma got word one of her nephews, and
a cousin, had died.
The evening Western’s baby died, Ma Lanning said whippoorwills covered their porch. Whippoorwills
were uncommon in the area where Ma and Pa lived, and she said they never did hear them around. For
them all at once to suddenly swarm, and begin screaming and hollering, was an awful thing and she knew
it meant bad news.
Liss The Joker
After the death of Francis, Liss Lanning lived among her children. Liss was well known as a practical
joker, and enjoyed making little children the objects of her jokes. One of the pranks she enjoyed most was
to ram a large sweet potato in her mouth, throw back her head, wall her eyes, and appear to be choking
to death. Needless to say, Liss had a horrible impact on innocent children. However, it didn’t bother Liss,
who sat patiently in wait for the next innocent victim to come by.
One evening upon leaving a prayer meeting at the home of Emma Del Ray, in Canton, Liss was stricken
with one of the three strokes that would eventually lead to her death. She had always prayed that
whenever she died she would just go to sleep and never wake. She was at the home of her son, Andrew
Lanning on Turniptown Road, when the 3rd and final stroke paralyzed her left side and she fell into a deep
natural sleep. She slept for three days, and none of the family made any attempt to wake her. On the third
day, the final day of her life, as she lay dying, a solitary tear dropped from her left eye and rolled gently
down the paralyzed left side of her face. Ma always said the Lord had answered every prayer she had
prayed. Now, in death, HE had answered her final one.
Children from this marriage were:
1. George Lester LANNING
George Lester LANNING was born on 14 Jul 1881 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 16 Dec 1953 in
Canton, Cherokee County, GA at age 72, and was buried in Turniptown
Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA. George married Mary
Louisa Catherine RACKLEY on 9 Nov 1902 in Gilmer County, GA.
Mary was born 26 Nov 1881 in Gilmer County, GA and died 26 Aug 1959
in Canton, Cherokee County, GA. She was buried in the Turniptown
Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA. Mary was the daughter of
Augustus B. RACKLEY (1849-1929) and Sarah Cathern WOODY (-)
•
•
•
•
•
•
George Lester Lanning
registered for the 19171918 WWI draft in
Gilmer County, GA
Lester's grandchildren
called him "Papa Lanning".
He was a carpenter by trade. He helped to build the motels and hotels on Miami
Beach, Florida. He also helped to build military bases in Warner Robbins,
Georgia, Grand Island, Nebraska, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and other places.
Even though Lester moved around following work, he loved the mountains of
•
Turniptown and would still love them if he were alive today.
Following are some excerpts from the book “The Lannings of Turniptown Road” by Margie Dunn
Nov. 9,
1911
Lester Lanning purchased medicine for his wife. Cost $1.00. The following day
the doctor was called to the home when the patient showed no improvement.
House visit, $3.00.
There are others in the family who sang though not professionally. All of Uncle Lester’s children
were blessed with clear and beautiful voices. Once we were missing a member of our group for a
funeral service and Pauline came to our rescue and blended so well no one noticed the
difference. And, in a lighter vein, who can forget five-year-old Robert Frady’s rendition of I
LIKE MOUNTAIN MUSIK! For five cents he would sing his heart out!
POOR LITTLE ESSIE
Poor little Essie was a going a-long
A-singing her pretty little song.
She looked upon a hill so high
And there she seen that big bear’s eyes.
Poor little Essie began to think
And that big eye began to wink.
Poor little Essie started to run
And after her that big bear come … SCRUNCH! …SCRUNCH!
An original song made up by Lester Lanning for his daughter, Essie Lanning (Allred) when she
was a child.
A Ghost and Uncle Lester
“When I was eight years old, Uncle Lester lived up on Turniptown Road. As you know, it was
dark in the mountains at night … no lights on the road … the houses far apart. One evening
Uncle Lester went to town to buy outing to make underclothes for the children. When he started
home, he put the bolt of cloth up on the horse behind him. It was getting late and going up the
dark mountain road, the horse began acting frightened. Uncle Lester looked back to see what was
the matter, and saw something white following him! He prodded the horse to go faster. In a few
minutes he looked back again. The white thing was still following him, only this time it was
larger! Uncle Lester forced the horse to go still faster. Finally he got home and when he got off
the horse he saw what the “ghost” was. It was the bolt of white outing, now completely unrolled,
strung all down the road behind him!”
Source:
Rosa Lee Castleberry
There were many notes collected while daddy talked about Turniptown and the family. There’s a
handful of paper scraps hastily scribbled on while daddy explained a cock fight to me. There
were breed names such as Gin Gray, War Hawk, Allen Roundhead and Muff, a big balloon buff
colored rooster with an under-jaw of red and a black breast. Uncle Lester raised these beautiful
birds and there was one he prized highly over the others. It was a Lanning Blue and was his own
registered breed. An old mountain man favored this rooster in a fight once. According to daddy
the man rushed up at the last minute to place his bet hollering “Put it ALL on Lanning Blue!”
Daddy said “his all” was a dime, rolled and tied in a corner of his handkerchief. There was one
kind of rooster called a Henny that some men were reluctant to pit their game cocks against. The
Henny looked like a hen and the other roosters wouldn’t want to challenge it. The Henny would
pounce on the opponent, often killing it before it knew what had happened. Cock fighting was
illegal then, as it is now but there was always a fight to be found if one wanted to look for it.
Family Group Record for George Lester LANNING
1 F Essie Mae LANNING
Children
5 M Lester Simpson LANNING
Born: 29 Jul 1903 - Gilmer County, GA
Born: 29 Jul 1914 - Gilmer County, GA
Died: Feb 1983 - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Died: 6 Mar 1915 - Gilmer County, GA
Buried: - Sunnyside Cemetery
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery,
Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Rev. Sam Arthur ALLRED (1900- )
2 F Sarah Neomah LANNING
NOTE: Gravestone shows Simpson Lanning only,
not Lester Simpson Lanning
6 F Augusta Jane (Gusta) LANNING
Born: 16 Aug 1907 - Gilmer County, GA
Born: 16 Apr 1916 - Gilmer County, GA
Died: 7 Feb 1968 - Etowah, TN
Died: - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Buried: - Green Hill
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery,
Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Windell Wayne MESSER
Marr. Date: 10 May 1931 - Canton, Cherokee
County, GA
Nicknamed – Omie
3 M Vernie Marion LANNING, Sr.
7 F Edna Jewell LANNING
Born: 11 Aug 1909 - Gilmer County, GA
Born: 13 Feb 1919 - Gilmer County, GA
Died: 6 Feb 1979 - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Died: 4 Mar 1983 - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery,
Buried: - Cherokee Memorial, Cherokee County,
Gilmer County, GA
GA
Spouse: Alice Emilee PENDLEY (1911- )
Spouse: Herbert Raye ASHE (
Marr. Date: 14 Apr 1933
Marr. Date: 10 Feb 1940 - Nelson, Georgia
4 M William Bail LANNING
8 F Carrie Pauline LANNING
Born: 2 Aug 1912 - Gilmer County, GA
Born: 6 Oct 1921 - Gilmer County, GA
Died: - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Spouse: W. L. STEPP (
Buried: - Cherokee Memorial, Cherokee County,
GA
Marr. Date: 7 Feb 1941 (6)
-
-
)
)
Spouse: Thomas Jefferson FITTS (
Spouse: Nora Inez RAY (
-
-
)
)
Marr. Date: 10 Apr 1948
Marr. Date:
9 F Olive Katherine LANNING
Born: 15 Jul 1924 - Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Willie Lee SMITH (1918-
)
Marr. Date: 9 Oct 1948
2. Rebecca LANNING
Rebecca LANNING was born on 14 Dec 1882 in Gilmer County, GA, and died on 19 Apr 1958 at age 75.
She was buried in Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer
County, GA. Rebecca married William A. NABELL. William was
born 10 Nov 1879 in GA and died 21 Nov 1940. He is buried in
the Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA
Aunt Becky Lanning Nabell
She worked willingly with her hands her entire life. She cut the
face masks for the dead. She kept on hand, flowers fashioned
out of colored crepe paper, to decorate a grave in wintertime. In the summer she
gathered spruce and pine boughs and seasonal flowers to preserve for later times when they would be
needed.
She learned to midwife and future generations lived because of her knowledge. She gave shoes, high top
with buttons, to a child, now grown old, who has never forgotten. Company was served and strangers
made welcome from her collection of beautiful cut glass and china housed in a tall glassed mahogany
cabinet. Company was anyone who dropped in near mealtime – be it a child or adult, rich or poor. To
these differences she was blind. The door to her home was always open.
She married a man from a wealthy family who was not of her faith and a new word was introduced to the
children, infidel. She prayed for them both – strength and wisdom for herself – salvation for him. She lost
a child that brought about rebirth in him. She called it a blessing.
She tended the sick and closed the eyes of the dying. She offered advice, “kill em with kindness” and took
it herself. These are some of the things we know about her and there are many more things that we don’t
know.
In her twilight years, she moved away from Turniptown. She was gone only a few years until they brought
her back to the mountains she loved.
She has two monuments in Turniptown, one at the church cemetery, a stone with the carved words,
bought by the family. The other she planted herself, just up the road a ways; a yellow forsythia bush at
the edge of what once was a yard. Today on Turniptown Road, this living monument, the yellow forsythia
which blooms early each spring, reminds us where she lived.
Source: Margie Lanning Dunn
1 M Francis Edward NABELL
Children of Rebecca and William
2 F Ruby NABELL
Born: 10 May 1905 - GA
Born: 15 Jun 1909 - GA
Died: 10 Oct 1975
Buried: - Hickory Grove Church Cemetery,
Acworth, GA
Spouse: Mary Lou DAVIS (1906-
)
3. John Western LANNING
John Western LANNING was born on 10 Dec 1884 in Gilmer County, GA. He died
on 15 March 1956 in GA at age 71, and was buried in Riverview Memorial Park,
Canton, Cherokee County, GA. John married Sallie Jane MORRIS about 1908 in
GA.
I can find no information on Sallie Jane Morris (10-12-2006) but it appears she was
born about 1888 or 1889 according to the census reports.
On June 15, 1900, 15 year old John W. was listed on the Rome District, Floyd
County, GA census with his father Francis and family. John W. is shown as a Cotton Mill Laborer.
On September 12, 1918, 34 year old John Western registered for the WWI draft in Cobb County, GA with
an address of Roswell, GA. His present occupation was listed as Textiles, Roswell Mfg. Co. He was
married to Sallie Lanning at the time.
Height = medium
Build = medium
Eyes = blue
Hair = Brown
On January 20, 1920, 35 year old John W. was listed on the Militia District 386, Cochran City, Bleckley
County, GA census. Western was renting a home and working in a Cotton Mill. His wife Sallie and
children Nellie, James, Millard, and Eunie are listed with him there. Why Western was in this central
Georgia county is unknown unless it was just to follow the jobs offered by the Cotton mills of that day.
On April 25, 1930, 45 year old John W. was listed on the Acworth District, Cobb County, GA census. His
occupation is listed as carding/spinning in a Cotton Mill. Listed on this census with him is his wife Sallie
and children James, Millard, Eunie, Bessie, Georgia, and William. Also listed in his house is a nephew,
Oran Morris, 16 years old who appears to be working in the same cotton mill.
Children of John Western and Sallie
1. F
Nellie Mae LANNING
4
F
Eunice V. LANNING
Born: 17 Feb 1909
Born: About 1919 - GA
Died: 11 May 1980
Spouse: Mr BAGLEY ( - )
Buried: - Lawnwood Memorial Cemetery,
Newton County, GA
Spouse: Dozier SMITHWICK (-)
Spouse: Augustus Stovall CHRISTIAN(-)
2
M
James LANNING
5
F
Bessie LANNING
Born: About 1912 - GA
Born: About 1922 - GA
Spouse: Georgia BELL (- )
Spouse: J. C. SUTTON (- )
3
6
M
F. Millard LANNING
M
George L. LANNING
Born: 21 Jul 1915 - GA
Born: 28 Nov 1923
Died: 5 Jul 1974
Died: 14 Mar 1982
Buried: - Oak Grove Cemetery,
Cherokee County, GA
Spouse: Helen Ester CRAWFORD (1923-)
Spouse: Mamie Louise MORGAN (1916- )
7
M
William Arvil LANNING
Born: 7 Feb 1925
Spouse: Jessie BAKER (1925- )
An early picture of Andrew and Western
4. William Lloyd LANNING
William Lloyd LANNING was born on 12 Dec 1886 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 26 Dec 1947 in
DeKalb County, GA at age 61, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery, Rome,
Floyd County, Georgia. William married Flossie Belle EDWARDS, the
daughter of Zackary and Julia EDWARDS on 20 Jun 1907.
Flossie was born 26 October 1891 and died 1 September 1980 in Detroit,
Michigan. She was returned to Oakland Cemetery in Rome, Floyd County, GA
for burial.
General Notes
<> In 1900, William is listed in his father's household in Rome, Floyd
County, GA.
<> In 1900, Flossie is listed in the household of her father (Zachary T. &
Julia) Trion, Chattooga County, GA (9)
<> In 1910, William was living in Rome, Floyd County, GA when the federal
census was taken. Will was listed with wife Flossie and son Clarence. He is
listed as a machinist in a cotton mill.
<> In 1920, William was living in Canton, Cherokee County, GA when the
federal census was taken. Listed with William is his wife Flossie and
children Clarence and Rosa Lee. He was listed as working in a cotton mill.
<> In 1930, Will is listed on Sheet # 15 B, Enumeration District 22, Canton,
Georgia federal census. William L. is listed with spouse Flossie and children
Clarence, Rosa Lee, and Viola
Children of Will and Flossie
1 M Clarence LANNING
4 M William Frank LANNING
Born: 1908
Born: 18 Sep 1923
Spouse: Dorothy (UNKNOWN) ( - )
Died: 28 Nov 1962
Events --* Military - Air Force – enlisted in 1935 and
spent 30 years. He retired from the Air Force.
Spouse: Ellen CLANCY (1919- )
General Notes - World War II and
Korean Veteran - Entered the Navy
October 27, 1941 -- Years of
2 F Rosa Lee LANNING
Service = 18 years, 5 months, 6 days
5 M Lewis Leon LANNING
Born: 19 Oct 1910
Born: 21 May 1926
Spouse: Henry Grady CASTLEBERRY (1908-)
Died: - Detroit, Michigan (8)
Spouse: Agnes Minerva (1927-
3 F Viola LANNING
Events - * Military: Veteran of WW II.
6 F Annie Ruth LANNING
Born: About 1915
Born: 27 Jul 1928
)
Spouse: Lawrence Robert FREEMAN (1922)
5. Carrie Ethel LANNING
Carrie Ethel LANNING was born on 10 Dec 1888 in Gilmer County, GA, died in 1974 at age 86. She was
buried in Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA. Carrie married
William Cleve FLEMING about 1908. Cleve was the son of Charles H. and Nancy
M. FLEMING of Alabama. Cleve died on January 3, 1962 and was buried in the
Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery in Gilmer County.
<> In 1900, 13 year old Cleve is listed with his parents and
siblings on the Russellville, Franklin County, AL census. He
is shown "working on farm".
<> In 1910, 25 year old Cleve is shown as a boarder in Canton,
GA on the Cherokee County census. Along with Cleve is his wife
of two years, "Fannie". This must be Carrie because all the
ages and places fit. Carrie is shown giving birth to one child
but no living child at this time, thus the reason for the Infant Fleming of
1909. Cleve is employed by the cotton mill and Fannie is unemployed.
<> In 1930, January 17, William C. is listed in a rental property in Canton,
GA on the federal census along with his wife, Carrie. William is shown
working in a cotton mill. Along with William and wife are two sons, Robert,
aged 8 and Roy, aged 1and 5/12.
<> On April 9, 1930, Cleve was listed on the Militia District 792, Canton
Town, Cherokee County, GA census with wife Carrie and children Dollie,
Robert, W.C., Francis, Charlie, and Edna L. He is listed as an overseer in a
cotton mill.
<> Sometime about 1950, Cleve and Carrie moved back to Gilmer County and
purchased a home on Chatsworth Highway just outside the town of Ellijay. They
were both living here at the time of their deaths.
Children of Carrie and Cleve
1. F
Infant FLEMING
2
M
Robert FLEMING
Born: About 1909
Born: About 1912 - GA
Died: About 1909
3 M Roy FLEMING
4
Born: 1918 - GA
5 M William Cleve FLEMING, Jr.
Born: About 1920 – GA
6 F Edna Lee FLEMING
Born: 27 Apr 1922
Born: About 1924 - GA
F
Dolly Mae FLEMING
Died: 7 Apr 1978 - Rockdale County, GA
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church
Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA
Events: William was a veteran of WWII
7 M Francis H. FLEMING
8
Born: 1924 - GA
Born: About 1927 - GA
Died: 1978
M
Charlie FLEMING
Francis and Sarah Lanning and family. Carrie is on the back row, second from the left.
6. Andrew Thomas LANNING
Andrew Thomas LANNING married Minnie Ann COCHRAN on 9 Aug 1918 in Gilmer County, GA.
[See Generation Three for Andrew’s story.]
7. Sarah Delaney (Sally) LANNING
Sarah (Sally)Delaney LANNING was born on 10 Jan 1892 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 17 Sep 1972
at age 80, and was buried in Mt. Calvary Baptist, Cherokee County, GA.
Sarah married Edward Bennett FRADY about 1911.
Ed was born March 28, 1892 in Gilmer County, GA and died April 4, 1975. He
is buried in Canton, GA. Ed was the second child of George S. FRADY and
Nancy WINTERS.
<> 1900 - 8 year old Edd is listed on the Boardtown
District, Gilmer County, GA federal census with parents
and siblings
<> 1910 - 18 year old Edd B. is listed on the Boardtown
District, Gilmer County, GA federal census with his
parents and siblings
<> 1917 - June 5: 28 year old Edward B. Frady registered for the WWI draft in
Cherokee County, GA. The following information is copied from this draft
Registration:
Address: Canton, GA ---- DOB: March 28, 1889 ---- Natural born
Place of birth: Gilmer County, GA ---- Occupation: Textile
Employer: Canton Cotton Mills ---- Address: Canton, GA
Dependents: wife and two children ---- M Status: Married
Race: Caucasian ---- Height: Medium ---- Weight: Medium ---- Eyes: Blue
Hair: Red
<> 1920 - April: Ed and Sallie are listed on Wallace St. on the Canton,
Cherokee County federal census with 3 children, May, Thelma and Tarleton
along with three boarders. The boarders appear to be a young family, possibly
relatives living with them and working in the cotton mill. Chula, Pearl, and
Augusta Cornwell are the names of this young family. Ed is living next door
to his father and mother and younger siblings.
<> 1930 - Ed and Sallie and children are listed on Middle St in the Cherokee
County, GA federal census. They are listed in Militia District 792 of Canton
and both are shown employed in the cotton mill.
Children of Sallie and Ed
1
F
Gladys Maye FRADY
Born: 2 May 1913
2
F
Thelma Lee FRADY
Born: 16 Oct 1916
Spouse: William Jack GHORLEY (1910-)
3 M Tarleton Edgar FRADY
Spouse: George PATTERSON ( - )
4 M Robert Cleveland FRADY
Born: 7 Nov 1929
Born: 20 Oct 1919
Spouse: Margaret CATE (- )
Spouse: Rose DUPREE (- )
8. Vida Viola LANNING
Vida Viola LANNING was born on 27 Feb 1894 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 14 Apr 1971 at age 77,
and was buried in Wildwood Baptist Church, Spalding County, GA. Vida married
Charley Lee CRADOCK about 1918 in East Point, GA. Charley was born December
15, 1894 in SC and died on August 24, 1971 in Spalding County, GA. He is buried in
Wildwood Baptist Church cemetery. Charley was the son of Willie Lee and Florence
OWENS CRADDOCK.
<> In 1900, 3 year old Charley was listed on the Greenville County, SC census in the
Fairview Township. He is listed in the household of his father Willie.
<> In 1910, 14 year old Charley is still in his father's household in Anderson County,
Williamston Township. Even at this early age, Charley is already employed as a
duffer in a cotton mill. His father and 8 year old sister Nellie are also employed in the
cotton mill.
According to Sarah Craddock Maner, daughter of Vida and Charley, some time prior to 1918, Willie Lee
and Florence Craddock moved to East Point, GA and opened a boarding house. It was here that Vida
met Charlie Lee when she and her sister Nora Lee moved to East Point looking for work. It is possible
they stayed at this boarding house.
After their marriage in East Point about 1918, Charlie and Vida moved back to SC where he farmed in the
town of Fountain Inn. (Note: Fountain Inn is in Greenville County)
<> In 1920, I can not find a definite census for Charley and Vida. I do find a Charles and Lydia in
Fairview, Greenville County, SC which I believe to be them. There are a couple of things that don’t quite
fit but census records in 1920 were not rocket science.
<> In 1930, it appears that Charley and Vida have moved back into the state of GA to the
area of Alpharetta. They are listed on the Big Creek Militia District, Milton County census.
At this time, they have four children, Willie Marion, Milton Lee, Charles E, and Sara M.
The census shows all four of the children born in Georgia. Charlie is listed as a farmer.
10 year old Willie Marion is also listed as a farm laborer on the farm. Their final child, son
Cleveland was born in Alpharetta.
About 1941, Charlie and Vida moved on into Spalding County, GA near Griffin. They later
donated land to build a church there and there both Charlie and Vida are buried.
Children of Vida and Charley
1 M Willie Marion CRADDOCK
4 F Sarah Missouri CRADOCK
Born: 1920 - Fountain Inn, SC
Born: 3 Apr 1926
Spouse: Molena [UNKNOWN] (- )
Spouse: Clarence WALKER (-)
Marr. Date: About 1942
Spouse: William Floyd MANER (1923-2003)
2 M Milton Lee "Bobby" CRADDOCK
Marr. Date:
5 M Cleveland CRADDOCK
Born: 1921 - Georgia
Born: 1931 - Alpharetta, GA
Spouse: Gussie (Mrs. Bobby Cradock)(-)
3 M Charles Edward CRADDOCK
Born: 22 Sep 1924
Died: 15 Oct 1992 - Spalding County, GA
Cause of Death: Cerebral Hemmorage
Spouse: Mary Colleene WILES (- )
9. Noah Richard LANNING
Noah Richard LANNING was born on 23 May 1897 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 6 Dec 1969 at age 72,
and was buried in Indian Knoll Cemetery,
Cherokee County, GA. Noah married Mattie
Lou HULSEY on April 1, 1923 in Gilmer
County, GA. Mattie was born on September
21, 1900 and died on November 13, 1996.
She is buried in the Indian Knoll Cemetery in
Cherokee County, GA. Mattie was the
daughter of Thomas Kerry HULSEY and
Matilda BLACKSTOCK.
In 1910, twelve year old Noah is listed with his
Father's household in Cherokee County, GA.
On September 12, 1918, Noah registered for the 1917-1918 WWI
draft in Gilmer County, GA. The card shows Noa Richard Lanning of East Ellijay, Gilmer, GA. Noah is
listed as a farmer, employed by 'self''. Vitals were shown as: medium height, medium build, eyes blue and
hair light.
In 1920, I can not find Noah on any census. Since he did not marry until 1923, I believe he was moving
around and was not still long enough for a census taker to catch him.
In 1920, Mattie was listed in the Townsend, Pickens County, GA census with her father’s household.
In 1930, 33 year old Noah is his own rental home in the New Cotton Mill Village in Canton, Cherokee
County, GA with his wife and two daughters Frances and Marjorie. Also in the house is Mattie (Greenway
I think), a servant. Both Noah and Mattie are employed in a Cotton Mill.
Attached are a couple of stories that appeared in the Times Courier newspaper.
Southern gospel history lives 'Beyond the Grave'
by Mechele R. Dillard
Features Editor mechele@timescourier.com
Gospel music has a rich history in north Georgia. The singing of old-time hymns is still alive and well in the churches
of Gilmer County, and quartets continue to be a standard in Southern gospel. Today, millions of compact discs of
these groups are sold every year, with their slick, shiny surfaces and perfectly mastered sounds - not a crack or a pop
to be found. However, in the early days of sound recording, a few pops and cracks were expected, overshadowed by
the wonder of this new technology.
Music of the North Canton Quartet, a pioneer of sound recordings in the gospel music industry in the 1920s, is still
requested by gospel music fans today. (L-R) R.J. Chastain, Leslie Gaddis, Levi Gaddis and Gilmer County resident
Noah Lanning recorded "I'm Bound for Home" and "I Want to Live Beyond the Grave" for Columbia in 1927. The
group was paid $50 for their efforts. "I'm Bound for Home" is included in the 2003 box set, Goodbye, Babylon.
Contributed photo
Noah Lanning, a Gilmer resident, was born in 1897. He and his family came to this area from North Carolina, settling
in the Turniptown district of the county. Gospel singing was a big part of Lanning's life, just as it was for all people in
the area at the time. Not only was it a way to express their devotion to the Lord they worshiped, singing was a main
form of entertainment, and a way to pass the little free time these hardworking people enjoyed.
Lanning, like so many others of his day, was a farmer. But, with profits from farming being so low (the average farmer
in the 1920s had an annual income of $67.80), Lanning moved to the Atlanta/Canton area to find work. He was also a
talented singer, and, after the move, he became part of a local group, the North Canton Quartet.
The main "gigs" for quartet groups of that era were singing conventions and funerals. No money was involved, only
the feeling of a day well-done and, with funerals, the knowledge that their harmonies comforted a grieving family in its
hour of need.
During the 20s, sound recordings were the new thrill of the day in the circles that could afford them. Most recordings
of the day were made in New York City, but talent scouts did come to other areas, looking for new artists. After all,
talent is often found in some of the poorest areas, but, because of the money involved, those individuals are unable
to chase their dreams. So, to find the best of the best, scouts must go to these areas and uncover talent for
themselves - just as a scout did with the North Canton Quartet.
Columbia had opened an Atlanta branch and, signing the North Canton Quartet, this leader of phonograph recordings
paid the group $50 in 1927 to record "I'm Bound for Home" and "I Want to Live Beyond the Grave."
Francis Hardin, daughter of late Columbia recording artist Noah Lanning, holds a framed copy of the North Canton
Quartet's early recording, "I Want to Live Beyond the Grave." Photo by Mechele R. Dillard
Frances Hardin, Lanning's daughter, remembers her father and his music. She remembers his love for Gilmer County
and for Turniptown Church. And, she hopes that her father's music, which is still being requested and played on area
radio stations, will live on here as she knows he continues to live "beyond the grave."
"Daddy always thought the Lord was surely partial to Gilmer County," said Hardin, "and that He exposed His most
creative hand there, leaving an abundance of woods and waters, sculptured hills and apple orchards like no other."
We all hope to leave a piece of history when we leave this Earth, and Lanning did just that with his participation in the
North Canton Quartet. The recording the group made is housed at the Country Music Foundation Library in Nashville,
and, in 2003, the group was remembered with the inclusion of "I'm Bound for Home" on the six-CD box set, Goodbye,
Babylon. The collection of old-time gospel standards and rarities, gathered and presented by Lance Ledbetter, has
received praise from reviewers and gospel lovers alike.
"He would be properly awestruck by the sophisticated electronic media making it possible to echo his replays over the
hills he crisscrossed as a boy in search of 'possums, coons and squirrels to put on the supper table," said Hardin.
Times may have changed, but something truly good always remains the same; such as it is with the music of the late
Noah Lanning, Gilmer County resident and member of the North Canton Quartet, a pioneer in the recording industry
and an indelible name in gospel music history.
Tribute paid to North Canton Quartet by Georgia Representative Ed Jenkins
by Mechele R. Dillard
Features Editor
mechele@timescourier.com
Francis Hardin, daughter of the late Noah Lanning of Gilmer County, received the following communication from
Ninth District of Georgia Representative Ed Jenkins in May of 1987; the tribute referenced in Jenkins's letter then
follows:
"Dear Ms. Hardin:
"Please find enclosed two copies of the Congressional Record for May 18, 1987, which includes my tribute to the
North Canton Quartet and the members' contribution to gospel music history ... Thank you for sending me the
newspaper article on the quartet, which included your father, Noah Lanning. I know you must be very proud of your
heritage. I appreciate the privilege of affording the recognition to people who make worthwhile contributions."
North Canton Quartet Marks 60th Anniversary of Recording:
"Mr. Speaker, today I would like to make a note in history of the anniversary of an art form indigenous to the
Southeastern United States, specifically in reference to my district [9th] in North Georgia.
"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Columbia Phonograph, now Columbia Broadcasting System, recording
of gospel music in the South. The talent scouts sent looking for the music of the people chose the North Canton
Quartet and pianist in 1927 to cut a recording in an Atlanta studio. R.J. Chastain, Leslie Gaddis, Levi Gaddis, Noah
Lanning, and pianist Ambus Worley of Canton, GA, were paid $50 to make the recording for Columbia.
"The recording, 'I Want to Live Beyond the Grave,' has been preserved by CBS in its New Jersey museum and in the
Country Music Foundation Library in Nashville, TN.
"When the five men from Canton, GA, lent their harmonizing art to the recording, they were part of the most available
form of entertainment in the South at that time. The art form still lives in the Saturday night, Sunday afternoon, and
Sunday night "singings" held in rural churches throughout the South.
"During this 60th anniversary of the North Canton Quartet recording, I would like to pay tribute to those men who
helped preserve part of our American music history and to the many others who have contributed to the art and to
those who continue to do so."
Children of Noah and Mattie
1 F Frances Melissa LANNING
3 F Sarah Lou LANNING
Born: 10 Dec 1925
Born: 20 Dec 1930
Spouse: James Thomas HARDIN, Jr. (1917-1997)
Spouse: Crawford HOLCOMBE (- )
Marriage Date: 15 Apr 1959
2 F Margie Matilda LANNING (1)
4 F Barbara Ann LANNING
Born: 20 Sep 1928
Born: 4 May 1935
Died: 13 Feb 1998
Spouse: O.C. (Tom) BENNETT ( -1992)
Buried: - Cherokee Memorial, Cherokee County,
GA
Spouse: Thomas DUNN (1929 - )
General Notes for Child Margie Matilda LANNING
Margie was one of the daughters of Noah and Mattie that researched the family
tree and provided the information for the book, "The Lannings of Turniptown Road".
Margie passed away before she could put all her notes in book form and her sister
Sarah Lou received all her notes. Lou gave those notes to Francis Griffin, a cousin,
to put in order and publish. Many thanks from many Lanning ancestors go to
Margie for her diligence in collection our family history for preservation.
General Notes for Child Sarah Lou LANNING
Lou came into possession of all Margie's research notes when Margie passed away. When she was
contacted by Francis Griffin, a cousin, seeking family information, she passed all these notes along with
the understanding they were to be typed and published. This promise was complete when the book "The
Lannings of Turniptown Road" was published.
General Notes for Child Frances Melissa LANNING
Noah and Andrew at Turniptown
Early picture of Francis, Margie and Lou
Noah Lanning
Nora Lee, Noah, and Essie Allred
Aurie Henson
Grady Frady
Cotton Mill Village -- 1914
10. Nora Lee LANNING
Nora Lee LANNING was born on 10 May 1900 in Gilmer County, GA, died on 18 January, 1984 at age
84. Nora was buried in the Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County,
GA. Nora married Roy Lee GARNER who was born on January 19, 1896 in
Paulding County, GA. Roy died on November 27, 1979 and was buried in the
Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery in Gilmer County, GA. Roy was the son of
John Thomas and Martha M. (Mandy) [UNKNOWN] GARNER.
Roy Garner was married to Lila M. [UNKNOWN] about 1917 and this marriage
produced one daughter Oma GARNER.
Nora Lee was listed as "baby", 1 month old on the 1900 census for Floyd County,
GA in her father’s household.
4 year old Roy Lee is listed as Lee R. on the 1900 census for Paulding County, GA
in his father's household.
In 1910, he is listed as Leroy on the Dekalb County, AL census in his father's household
In 1920, Roy had left home and married and now lived in Fullerville, Carroll County, GA where he is listed
on the census as Roy Lee, a switch from the Lee Roy of the two previous censuses. Roy is now married
to Lila M. with daughter Oma L. Garner and is shown working in a mill.
Between the 1920 census date and April 1923, Roy has now married Nora Lee and they are living in Fort
Payne, Dekalb County, AL. I have no information on the status of Lila, divorced or deceased. This move
is verified by the birth of a son to Roy and Nora in April of 1923. This son also died in 1923 and is buried
in Fort Payne, Dekalb County, AL.
By May of 1924, Nora and Roy have moved back to Georgia and are now living in Cherokee County
where their second child, Hazel is born.
This young family has moved again, from Canton to Rome – between 1924 and 1930 where they appear
on the Floyd County census. Roy’s occupation is house carpenter. Also in the house is Oma, Roy's
daughter, Nora's step-daughter and their new daughter Hazel M. That it is Nora's step-daughter is born
out by the fact that Nora was married at age 22, only 6 years earlier. The 1920 census shows this to be
true; Roy has a wife Lila in Carroll County, GA.
Nora and Roy Tombstone at Turniptown
Nora Lee, Noah Richard, and Essie Allred
Children of Nora Lee and Roy Lee
1 M Lee Roy GARNER
3 F Ruth Elizabeth GARNER
Born: 13 Apr 1923 - Fort Payne, Dekalb County, AL
Born: 24 Sep 1925 - Canton, Cherokee County, GA
Died: 18 Apr 1923 - Fort Payne, Dekalb County, AL
Died: 28 Jun 1926
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery,
Gilmer County, GA
2 F Hazel Mae GARNER
Born: 11 May 1924 - Cherokee County, GA
Died: 2006
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery,
Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Alvin John DOUGHERTY (1929-
)
Cleveland Craddock and Hazel Garner
I do not know if a later picture of the Francis Marion children exists so I post this one here to refresh
memories from the days as children to later days as we may remember them.
William M. (Bill) COCHRAN
Mary Adeline ORTON
William M. (Bill) COCHRAN, son of William COCHRAN and Delilah RACKLEY, was born on March 9,
1846 in Gilmer County, GA. His death certificate states that he was born in March of 1845. He died on
November 26, 1922, in Protection, Gilmer County, GA, and was buried in Protection, Gilmer County, GA
in the Cochran Family Cemetery off Big Creek Road.
Lawrence Stanley notes in his book, "A Little History of Gilmer County", Page 55 shows the following:
The Cochran Family
Henry Cochran, Born __________ Died ________ Married Mary Ellis, daughter
of James Madison Ellis. Served in the 10th Tennessee Cavalry in the Civil War.
(See "A Rough Road in a Good Land.")
Children:
1. Jain (Jane) Cochran, Born Nov. 11, 1841
2. Mary Cochran, Born Jan. 15, 1843
3. Fletcher Cochran, Born Jan. 10, 1845
4. William Cochran, Born March 9, 1846
5. Richard Cochran, Born May 15, 1847
6. Riley Cochran, Born Nov. 25, 1848
7. William Nelson Cochran, Born July 15, 1860
This William is the William Cochran who
married Mary Orton in 1884 but this has to
be a mistake in the information furnished the
author of that book. These listed are not the
children of this Henry and Mary Ellis. Henry
was born in 1836 and Mary Ellis was born in
1847. They were married in 1866.
Likewise, all the children listed in the book
do not belong to Henry and Mary Ellis
Cochran. They are listed on the census to
William Cochran and Delilah Rackley.
Mary Adeline ORTON was born in 1859 in
Morganton, Fannin County, GA. She was the daughter of Alfred Franklin ORTON and Matilda RUFTY.
Mary died before 1918 of a heart attack in Ralston, Gilmer County, GA and is buried in the Cochran
Family Cemetery off Big Creek Road in Gilmer County.
Mary had an illegitimate daughter, approximately 15 years old when she married William Cochran
according to Mary Lanning Goble, her Granddaughter.
Bill Cochran's brother Richard, [Uncle Dick], was afflicted with osteoclerosis and supposedly fell out of his
chair into the fireplace and burned to death before anyone found him. (Story given to Bill Griffin from Mary
Lanning Goble - granddaughter of Bill and Mary)
1850 - Gilmer County, GA Census
7 year old William is listed with his parents and siblings in Subdivision 33, the Diamond area of Gilmer
County.
1860 – Gilmer County, GA Census
14 year old William is listed in the house with his mother Delilah as the HOH. It appears his father has
died sometime between the 1850 and 1860 census dates.
1861 – 1865 Civil War tears the country apart and Gilmer County was not without its share of problems.
No battles were fought there but those left as Home Guards and guerilla fighters plundered the
countryside and left many families with nothing.
1870 - July 13 - Gilmer County, GA Census
HOH - Lila Cochran (65), Mary (24), William (27), Jane ( ), Richard (28), Elizabeth (21), and W. M. Woody
(21), a domestic servant
1880 – Morganton, Fannin County, GA Census
Mary A., 21 years old, is listed in the household of Frank and Matilda in Morganton, Fannin County, GA.
She is listed as a farm worker.
1880 – June 25th – Gilmer County, GA Census
33 year old William is still living with his mother and two sisters. William is shown as a farmer.
1884 – 39 year old Bill and 25 year old Mary were married on May 15, 1884 in Gilmer County, GA
according to Georgia marriage records. They were married by Junior Holden, NP.
1890 – Census
There are no census records for Gilmer County in 1890. It appears that Bill and Mary remained in Gilmer
County for their entire life after marriage.
1898 – The Spanish – American war begins
29 March
The United States Government issued an ultimatum to the Spanish Government to terminate its presence
in Cuba. Spain did not accept the ultimatum in its reply of April 1, 1898.
11 April
The U.S. President William McKinley requested authorization from the U.S. Congress to intervene in
Cuba, with the object of putting an end to the war between Cuban revolutionaries and Spain.
1 July
The Battle of San Juan Hill was the bloodiest and most famous battle of the Spanish-American War. It
could be described as America's (with Cuban help) version of the Battle of Bunker Hill, with roughly the
same casualties and battleground.
The battle has become famous partly because it led directly to the major political rise of Theodore
Roosevelt.
1900 – Gilmer County, GA Census, Diamond District, 160/161/ Sheet 10
William and Mary and children are listed as:
Cochran, William - Head - w - m - Jul - 1860 - 39 - M - 15 - GA - NC - NC - Farmer
Mary- wife - w - f - Oct - 1859 - 42 - m - 15 - 6 - 6 GA - NC - NC
Martha - daughter - w - f - May - 1885 - 15 - s - GA - GA - GA
Sidney - son - w - m - Feb 1888 - 13 - s - GA - GA - GA
Minnie - daughter - w - f - May - 1889 - 11 - s - GA - GA - GA
Rosetta - daughter - w - f - Aug - 1891 - 9 - s - GA - GA - GA
Luella - daughter - w - f - Sep - 1893 - 8 - s - GA - GA - GA
James - son - w - m - Sep - 1895 - 5 - s - GA - GA - GA
1910 – Gilmer County, GA Census
William and Mary and children are listed in the Diamond District, 126/126 as:
William Cochran - head - 60
Mary - wife - 57
Martha - daughter - 25
Sidney - son - 23
Minnie - daughter - 19
Louella - daughter - 18
Clifford - son - 12 ------> this is the James of the 1900 census
Between 1910 – 1918
Mary is not listed on the 1920 census and this bears out the information I have from Mary Lanning Goble,
her grand daughter. Mary died before Andrew and Minnie were married in 1918. According to Mary, her
mother Minnie told her that Mary died in her arms. Mary had been complaining of pain in her back and
had heated an iron on the stove and had Minnie rubbing the iron up and down her back. It was at this
time she passed away.
1920 – Gilmer County, GA Census
74 year old William M. is listed as a farmer with daughters Martha and Millie in the Diamond District. Bill is
shown as a widower and the girls are shown as single.
I can find no record of a daughter Millie born about 1892. I think this might have been a daughter-in-law or
a granddaughter.
1922 – November 26 – Gilmer County, GA
William’s death certificate shows the following information:
1922 - November 26 - Certificate of Death
Title Cochran, William
Birth Date 1845
Age at Death 77 years 8 months
City of Death Protection
County of Death Gilmer
Date of Death 1922 -11-26 Time of death: 12:10
a.m.
Year of Death 1922
Father's Name William Cochran
Mother's Name Lila Rackley
First Name William
Last Name Cochran
Race or Ethnic Origin Caucasian
Certificate Number 29421
Sex Male
Spouse's Name Mary Cochran
Format Document
Cite as Death Certificates, Vital Records, Public
Health, RG 26-5-95, Georgia Archives
Digital Collection Georgia Death Certificates
Filename 004176527
Information Furnished by: Martha Cochran,
Protection, GA
Filed: December 4, 1922 with Lester Mullinax,
Local Registrar
Last seen alive: November 24 by Dr. W. H. Ellis
of Pisgah, GA
Attended by Dr. Ellis from October 10 to
November 24, 1922
Burial: November 28, 1922 in the family
cemetery
In Charge: Clifford Cochran, Protection, GA
Bill and Mary are buried in a private cemetery [Cochran Cemetery] on a mountain top near where they
lived on Pisgah Road off Big Creek Road in Ralston, Georgia. The cemetery is on private property now.
Story has it that it was part of an Indian burial ground but this can not be confirmed. The location of this
gravesite was given to Bill Griffin in August 2004 by Glenda Stover Garland, granddaughter of William
and Mary.
Glenda advised me that the Gilmer Genealogical Society had visited the cemetery and verified its
existence and location.
Children of Bill and Mary Cochran
1. F Martha COCHRAN
Born: May 1885
Martha never married
2. M Sidney COCHRAN
Born February 1887
Spouse: M. Tilda [UNKNOWN]
3 F Minnie Ann COCHRAN
Born: 15 May 1889
Died: 12 Jan 1938 - Gilmer County, GA
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Andrew Thomas LANNING (1891-1975)
Marr. Date: 9 Aug 1918 - Gilmer County, GA (4)
[SEE THIRD GENERATION]
4 F Rosetta COCHRAN
Born: Aug 1890
Died: 15 Mar 1958
Buried: - New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery
Spouse: Robert C. STOVER (1882)
5 F Luella (Eller) COCHRAN
Aunt “Eller”
Born: Sep 1892
Died: 1975
Buried: - Turniptown Baptist Church Cemetery, Gilmer County, GA
Spouse: Tom HENSON (1893-1967)
6 M Clifford (James) COCHRAN
Born: Sep 1895
Spouse: Mary Josie ELLIS (1900- )