1844 - 1922

Daughter of Gibson Gaines

Susan Matilda Gaines - Born June 4, 1844 in Virginia - Probably, Botetourt or Roanoke County. She was the last child of Gibson Wortham Gaines and Ann Thrasher and an infant when her mother died February 11, 1845.

In 1848 Gibson, with his wagon load of 7 children, Mary Elizabeth, Robert, Margaret, James Henry, Lorenzo, Letitia Jane & Susan Matilda arrive in Illinois. He must have swept his new bride off her feet as he married again, November 27, 1849 in Hamilton County Illinois, to Mahala (Porter) Gholson, Hudson, who had lost a couple of husbands to early deaths. Mahala becomes step-mother to the above children as well as mother to her own four children.

Susan Matilda married John David Keasler October 8, 1868 in Hamilton County Illinois. They were married by Tomzen Gholson a Justice of the Peace. She was called by her family Aunt Tid. Her Bible had no family information written in it. Her Bible and above picture was viewed by Larry Melton in 1979 in the presence of Kate Wilson of Broughton. Susan and John didn't have any children. She died Dec. 21, 1922. She and John are buried in Mt. Oval Cemetery at Norris City, Illinois.

The above picture in my possession was given to me by Kate Wilson. If someone should want a copy I would be glad to share. The Bible however, I did just view it. Larry