William Handley Griffin

M, (12 May 1930 - 29 January 1931)
FatherGeorge William Griffin (6 Jun 1882 - 3 Jun 1979)
MotherTomera Leslie Handley (28 Sep 1889 - 31 Mar 1979)
Birth*12 May 1930 William was born at Washington, District of Columbia, on 12 May 1930. 
Death*29 January 1931 He died at Washington, District of Columbia, on 29 January 1931. 
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants
Last Edited9 July 1999

William Edmond Samuels

M, (26 August 1928 - 17 April 2006)
Birth*26 August 1928 William was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 26 August 1928. 
Biography*  (an unknown value.) 
Death*17 April 2006 He died at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 17 April 2006 at age 77.1 
Last Edited15 December 2006

Citations

  1. U.S. Social Security Administration, compiler, Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Online database at Ancestry.com.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/vital/ssdi/main.htm

Don Whatley Kerley

M, (21 February 1931 - 5 August 1981)
FatherJulian A. Kerley (16 Jul 1910 - 28 Aug 1962)
MotherMildred Eugenia Whatley (21 Apr 1912 - 30 Oct 1992)
Birth*21 February 1931 Don was born at Clay Co., Alabama, on 21 February 1931. 
Employment* Don's occupation: welder. 
Death*5 August 1981 He died at Douglasville, Douglas Co., Georgia, on 5 August 1981 at age 50. 
Burial*7 August 1981 His body was interred on 7 August 1981 at Lineville City Cemetery, Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* Mrs. Charles (Margaret Whatley) Lee wrote 12 Dec 1980: Mildred's son [Don Whatley Kerley] is in the Veterans' Hospital in Decatur, Ga. He has lung cancer and had surgery. They didn't remove the lung, it was inoperable. He will start radiation treatments the 15th.... Don was in the Korean War and was exposed to a lot of cold weather. He had frozen feet and had a joint of his toes removed.
      The following obituary is from The Lineville Tribune Thursday, 13 Aug 1981: Mr. Don W. Kerley, Age 50 Mr. Don W. Kerley, age 50, of Douglasville, Ga, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 1981, at Douglas General Hospital in Douglasville, Ga. after an extended illness. Private graveside services for Mr. Kerley were held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 7, 1981 at Lineville City Cemetery with Rev. Don Cross officiating. Military graveside services followed. Mr. Kerley is survived by his wife, Mary Kerley of Douglasville, Ga., his mother, Mrs. Mildred Kerley of Lineville, 1 sister, Jeanette Kerley of Tampa, Fla. Pallbearers for Mr. Kerley were U.S. Marines. Mr. Kerley was a native of Clay County, a Veteran of the Korean War, a Welder and a Methodist by faith. Benefield Funeral Home of Lineville in charge of the arrangements. The Family requested no flowers but memorial contributions may be made to Clay Co. Rescue Squad or the local Cancer Fund. 
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants
Last Edited9 July 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 211; location for memorial pamphlet.

Lemuel Taylor Wallace

M, (20 September 1929 - 19 June 1989)
Birth*20 September 1929 Lemuel was born at Flintville, Lincoln Co., Tennessee, on 20 September 1929. 
Employment* Lemuel's occupation: printer. 
Death*19 June 1989 He died at Anniston, Calhoun Co., Alabama, on 19 June 1989 at age 59. 
Burial*21 June 1989 His body was interred on 21 June 1989 at Memorial Garden Cemetery, Anniston, Calhoun Co., Alabama
Biography* Lem was a printer with the Anniston Star newspaper for 28 years, and was a Korean War Veteran. He had a sudden pancreas attack and died less than two days later. The following obituary is from The Anniston Star: Wallace rites set Services for Lemuel Taylor Wallace, 59, of 147 Glade Road, will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary chapel with Dr. Bill Barnes and Dr. Nelson Kuykendall officiating. Burial will be in Anniston Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 tonight at the funeral home. Mr. Wallace died Monday [19 Jun 1989 handwritten] at Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Barbara Wallace of Anniston; a daughter, Miss Belinda Wallace of Anniston; a son, Charles Wallace of Birmingham; five sisters, Mrs. Stella Fanning of Elora, Tenn., Mrs. Adna Gravitt and Mrs. Maxine Smith, both of Crossville, Mrs. Lillian Nicholson of Gardendale and Mrs. Nina Spurlock of Fontana, Calif; and a brother, Bee Irvin Wallace of Fontana. Pallbearers will be Joe Hays, Doug Shaddix, Bobby Adams, Edwin Thomas, Al Bachelor and Robert DeLoach. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of the First Baptist Church of Saks. Mr. Wallace was a Tennessee native, a Crossville resident for 22 years and an Anniston resident since 1961. He was an employee at The Anniston Star for 28 years, a Korean War veteran and a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Saks. Friends have the option of sending flowers, or making donations to the First Baptist Church of Saks building fund.
      The following additional comments are by a reporter for The Anniston Star: MONDAY WAS NOT a very good day at the Anniston Star. The news came early that Lem Wallace, one of our pressmen, had died during the night. His death was unexpected and a shock. It also hurt deeply. Lem, who had worked here 28 years, was not a loud person. But he was a funny person. His humor, quiet and usually with a point, was the one thing most mentioned around The Star Monday morning. And, if you need a bottom line on the guy, it is this: Of all the people who work here at The Star, if you picked one person everyone in the building liked and respected, it would have been Lem Wallace. Those of you who knew Lem don't have to be told that. He was a rare and special person whom we loved... and already miss. Very much.... 

Family

Child
Last Edited9 July 1999

Amsler Dean

M, (8 June 1894 - 20 June 1895)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*8 June 1894 Amsler was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 8 June 1894. 
Death*20 June 1895 He died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 20 June 1895 at age 1. 
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Otho William Dean

M, (3 May 1896 - 18 May 1948)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*3 May 1896 Otho was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 3 May 1896. 
Census*1900 He was in the in 1900 census at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama
Marriage*16 June 1927 He married Nellie Mae Rowe at Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa Co., Alabama, on 16 June 1927 at age 31. 
Marriage*5 August 1937 He married Evelyn Bonner at Oak Hill, Wilcox Co., Alabama, on 5 August 1937 at age 41. 
Death*18 May 1948 He died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 18 May 1948 at age 52. 
Burial* His body was interred at Oak Hill Cemetery, Wilcox Co., Alabama
Biography* Otho Dean wrote the following letter to his father from France during World War I and it was reprinted in what appears to be the Ashland Progress: _______________________Somewhere in France. _______________________Nov. 24, 1918 Dear Father: We are now camped on the side of a hill just a little way down from the valley known as Death's Valley. In fact we are in the lower end of the valley about twelve or fifteen miles from Verdun, a place which has been occupied by the Germans for the last four years up until a few weeks ago. When we first came here we couldn't have the smallest light burning where you could see it from the outside of the tents. Now we can have a big bon fire anywhere on the hills. I will tell you a little about our trip from beginning to end. Then when I get home, which I don't think will be long, I will go into detail and explain all I have been through since I have been wearing the khaki. We left Camp Mead, Md., at 8:15 Sunday morning, July 14th, arrived in Philadelphia, Pa., at 1:45 p.m. After staying around the wharf until about 3:30, we loaded the transport, Haverford, an English transport, formerly a battle boat. The boat pulled out at 7:10 on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 o'clock we steamed into the harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. We could see very plainly the ruins caused by the big explosion that happened there last spring, and a horrible sight it was. We waited there until all the ships in our company arrived. There were twenty-eight in all. On Saturday morning at 8:00 o'clock we steamed out of Halifax, bidding farewell to the States for only a short time we hoped. We took the northern route across the Atlantic. After a few days at sea, we sighted an iceberg at a distance. We sailed peacefully for a few days, when we ran across a couple of submarines, and we had a lively little combat. The result being, I believe, of the German human devils finding a watery grave, thereby putting an end to those two subs. On July 13th we landed in Liverpool, England, and that is another pretty place. We hiked, I think I am safe in saying, four miles to a rest camp called Knotty Ash rest camp. I really cannot see why it is called a rest camp, because we never got any rest there. We were there about two days, then hiked to a station, boarded a train. (Will describe the English passenger train when I get home) for Romsey, England, to catch a train for France. Came across the Channel on the St. George, landed in Le Harve, France. It was here that we begain hearing the mutterings of the frogs, and we have been hearing it since. We were here a day or two. This was the first place that we had any real bad weather. Gee! but it rained. We left this camp one night and were loaded in box cars as if we were anything but people. I won't go into detail about these box cars. They are marked 36-40 hommes or 8 chevaux, meaning you can put 36-40 men, or eight horses in one. We had full packs with us, so they only put thirty-two men in each car. We started out for a three days and nights ride, some of us sleeping and some of us only trying. When we got off the train we were in Montmorillon France, and you could not tell whether we were white men or negroes, and I have hardly been able to tell since. The company hiked out to St. Lemier, France, about fifteen kilometers from where we left the train. I happened to be on detail and rode out on a truck. This little town I should judge from its size, has a population of about eight or ten thousand people. It was here that I became acquainted with "Pup Tents." We pitched our tents in a beautiful field, a nice spring close, also a stream running through. So we were able to bathe. There was a camp of negroes on the other side of the stream, and I soon realized that there were no negroes or white people in the army, but that they are all soldiers. This was a little hard for Southern boys to learn.... It was here that I began to have trouble with my eyes. The second attack I was sent to the base hospital at Limogles [Limoges?], France. Was there two weeks, and while there, my company moved to La Courtine. Here we were in training for quite a good while, and I enjoyed it all except wearing gas masks. There would be more pleasure in wearing a dog muzzle than wearing gas masks. When we left this place, we were headed for the front. We were where we could hear the roar and see the flash of the cannons. We did not know whether we had stopped far enough back to be comfortable or not. Any way as far as the danger of the Huns was concerned, we were very comfortable, but My! the rain and mud was awful. Will wait till I get home to tell you the different places we were camped while at the front. By-the-way we are still at the same camp we were at when the last gun fired. I will now tell you of our work at the front. I came over with the 304th Ammunition Training, and am still with the same Company. It is the duty of the Ammunition Training to supply the active fighting forces with ammunition. The first thing we were sent up to help the engineers build an ammunition dump. So we did a good day's work, and were ready for a good night's sleep in dug-outs when an order came for our company to go up to the trenches to a certain battle field to pick up the wounded. We started with no lights on the trucks. After a little ways, we came to where the roads had been blown up. The M. P. were there to caution the drivers. We were not allowed to strike a match to light a cigarette. The allied artillery was sending shells over our heads to the German lines. We knew neither the minute or the hour when the German artillery would answer, and probably we would lose our nerve, limb or life. But the answer never came. The Hun was on the run, and don't guess he had time to place his artillery. At daybreak, we started out across the battlefield of the day before. Since then, we have been burying the dead, working the roads, and are now salvaging. Don't know what will be next on program. But since we did not get to go to Germany, we hope to get home soon. With best wishes to the family, I am, _______________________Your son, ___________________________Otho Dean

      Otho was an accountant and auditor. The following death notice is from an unknown source: Otho W. Dean, Auditor For Alabama, Dies ASHLAND, Ala., May 18--Otho W. Dean, auditor for the State of Alabama, Oakhill, died suddenly here this morning following a heart attack. Mr. Dean was in Ashland auditing the books of the circuit clerk. He is survived by his wife and two children.
      The following obituary appears to be from the Progressive Era for Thursday, May 20, 1948: OTHO W. DEAN Otho W. Dean, 52, died at the home of his mother in Ashland, Ala., at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 1948. Mr. Dean was stricken with a sudden heart attack about 8:30 a.m. while he was at work examining books in the Clay County Court House at Ashland. He was removed to the home of his mother, but died in a short while. The funeral service was held from the Oak Hill, Ala., A. R. Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 19th. The service was conducted by Rev. S. L. McKay of Oak Hill and Rev. R. C. Kennedy of Camden. Burial was in the Oak Hill cemetery. Mr. Dean was a son of Mrs. W. T. Dean of Ashland and the late W. T. Dean. He was employed for some years in the banking business in Ashland, and was later general manager of the Ashland Short Line Rail Road. About 1941 he became connected with the Department of the State Auditor and continued in this work of examiner of court house records until the time of his death. Mr. Dean married Miss Evelyn Bonner of Rosebud, Ala., Wilcox County, the daughter of Mr. Lee Bonner, about ten years ago. She was at the time teaching in Ashland. Following their marriage they lived in Ashland for about a year, and then moved to Rosebud where they made their home with Mr. Bonner. They continued to reside there until Mr. Dean's death. Mr. Dean was well known in Wilcox County, and in many counties of the state. He was a genial and pleasant person and was well liked wherever he went. He had friends in all parts of the state. He loved his family and spent as much time at home as the nature of his work permitted. He was an expert examiner of accounts and stood well with the Department. He was a member of the Oak Hill A. R. Presbyterian Church, and was a Mason. His death came as a great and unexpected shock to his family and his many friends over the state. He is survived by his widow and two young children, Eula Bonner Dean and Donna Lee Dean of Rosebud; his mother, Mrs. W. T. Dean of Ashland; two sisters, Miss Annie Maude Dean of Montgomery and Mrs. Ewart Speir [read Speer] of Birmingham; and one brother, Ewart Dean of Pennsylvania. The pall bearers were J. L. Dale, J. C. Harper, Jr., Joe Bonner, Eugene Watts, W. B. Kennedy and James Bonner. Some of his associates from the state Auditor's Department and friends from Clay County served as an escort of honorary pall bearers. Matthews was in charge of the service.
      The following funeral notice was from The Birmingham News for Saturday, 22 May 1948: Otho William Dean's Funeral Rites Conducted At Oak Hill OAK HILL, Ala., May 22--Funeral services for Otho William Dean, 52, who died in Ashland after suffering a heart attack were held here Wednesday at the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Dean was employed by the state as an examiner of public accounts at the time of his death. A veteran of World War I, Mr. Dean had been associated with the First National Bank of Miami, the First National Bank, of Gadsden, and the First National Bank, of Ashland, before going with the state. A member of the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, he also was a Mason and member of the American Legion. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Evelyn Bonner Dean; his mother; two sisters, Miss Annie Dean, Montgomery, and Mrs. E. A. Speer, Birmingham; a brother, E. G. Dean, Butler, Pa., and two daughters, Bonnie and Donna Lee Dean.
      The following obituary is from an unknown source: Funeral Services Held For William Otho Dean Funeral services were held here Tuesday for Otho William Dean at the home of his mother, with Rev. H. Frank Ledford, pastor of the Ashland Methodist church officiating. Mr. Dean was born May 3, 1896 in Ashland. He died May 18, 1948, a victim of a heart attack. Further funeral services and burial was May 19 at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Hill, Ala., where Mr. Dean has resided for 10 years. Surviving besides his mother are the widow and two children, Bonnie, age six, and Donna Lee, three months; two sisters, Mrs. E. A. Speer, Birmingham and Miss Annie Maude Dean, Montgomery; and one brother, Ewart, of Ashland. Mr. Dean was a Mason, Knight Templer, and Past Patron of Mackay Chapter No. 122 O. E. S. He was a veteran of World War I, a member of the American Legion, Past Commanders Club, 40 and 8 Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans.
      The following is from the Ashland Progress: RESOLUTION OF RESPECT TO OTHO DEAN WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen proper to remove from our midst one of our esteemed co-workers, Otho Dean, whom from our long association we had learned to love and respect. Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, by the members of the State Department of Examiners of Public Account in convention assembled at the State Capitol, July 1 and 2, 1948, that our Department and the State of Alabama has suffered an inestimable loss in the death of our departed brother, and that we extend to the bereaved family and other loved ones, our deepest sympathy and condolences. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and that a copy be forwarded to the family of Mr. Dean. 

Family 1

Nellie Mae Rowe (July 1905 - September 1928)

Family 2

Evelyn Bonner (23 May 1904 - )
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Nellie Mae Rowe

F, (July 1905 - September 1928)
Father(?) Rowe (s 1875 - )
MotherAnnie Lee (s 1877 - a 1928)
Birth*July 1905 Nellie was born in July 1905. 
Marriage*16 June 1927 She married Otho William Dean at Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa Co., Alabama, on 16 June 1927 at age 21. 
Married Name16 June 1927  As of 16 June 1927, her married name was Dean. 
Death*September 1928 She died at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in September 1928 at age 23. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Reform, Pickens Co., Alabama
Biography* Mrs. Otho W. (Nell Rowe) Dean was a member of the Clay County high school faculty for three years and was assistant to the principal. She died of blood poisoning. The following obituary and memorial are apparently from the Ashland Progress: Mrs. O. W. Dean Died In Birmingham Hospital Mrs. Nell Dean, wife of Otho W. Dean, of this city [Ashland, AL?], Died at the Baptist Hospital in Birmingham Saturday at 10:25 a.m., after a few days violent illness caused from blood poisoning. She was carried to the hospital soon after the serious nature of her trouble was discovered, and the best medical skill co-operated with her relatives and friends in a vigorous and persisted fight to save her life, but all efforts failed. Her remains were carried to her old home, Reform, where an impressive funeral service, conducted by her pastor, Rev. F. J. Fleming, assisted by Rev. Foster Mills, was held Sunday afternoon. The Interment was in the Reform cemetery. Mrs. Dean was 23 years of age last July. She was married to Mr. Dean while she was quite young, but her mother, Mrs. A. L. Rowe, of Reform, survives her. During the last three years Mrs. Dean had been a member of the Clay County High School faculty in which capacity she rendered efficient service. She was just beginning her fourth year's work and, as assistant to the principal, she was filling well an important and responsible place. She was universally esteemed for her many excellent qualities of mind and heart. Besides her devoted husband, quite a number of relatives and friends were with her during her distressing illness and a large group of friends from here attended the funeral, thus paying a deserved tribute of esteem. RESOLUTIONS Whereas, God in His wisdom has entered our midst and taken from Mackey Chapter our sister and Worthy Matron, Nell Rowe Dean and Whereas, for a time we have been permitted to walk with her in the pilgrimage of life and around the same altar we have learned the lessons of our order, and, Whereas, we realize that we must humbly submit to the will of our Heavenly Father who "doeth all things well." Therefore, be it resolved, First: That in the death of our Worthy Matron, we have sustained an irreparable loss. Second: That while our hearts are saddened, we rejoice in the memory or her service and loyalty to our order. Third: That Mackey Chapter Number 122, O[rder of the]. E[astern]. S[tar]. hereby extends sincere love and profound sympathy to our Brother, Otho W. Dean, and to the mother, Mrs. Annie Lee Rowe, in their loss, and it is with the faith of Ada, the hope of Martha, and the love of Electa that we point them to The Great Father whose love is sufficient in their hour of sadness. And, be it further resolved that in our love and appreciation of Brother Dean, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Chapter, a copy be furnished the Ashland Progress for publication, a copy be sent to Brother Dean and a copy sent to Mrs. Rowe. "From our chain a link has fallen, In the East a Star has set, But engraved on memory's tablet, Is a name we'll ne'er forget Signed, E. J. Garrison, ________Clyde S. Cardwell ________Bessie B. McKay. 

Family

Otho William Dean (3 May 1896 - 18 May 1948)
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Evelyn Bonner

F, (23 May 1904 - )
Birth*23 May 1904 Evelyn was born on 23 May 1904. 
Employment* Evelyn's occupation: teacher. 
Marriage*5 August 1937 She married Otho William Dean at Oak Hill, Wilcox Co., Alabama, on 5 August 1937 at age 33. 
Married Name5 August 1937  As of 5 August 1937, her married name was Dean. 

Family

Otho William Dean (3 May 1896 - 18 May 1948)
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited2 December 2001

Ewart Gladstone Dean

M, (13 February 1898 - 6 October 1980)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*13 February 1898 Ewart was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 13 February 1898. 
Employment* Ewart's occupation: elec. contractor. 
Census*1900 He was in the in 1900 census at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama
Marriage*25 September 1921 He married Bessie Mae Bell at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 25 September 1921 at age 23. 
Death*6 October 1980 He died at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 6 October 1980 at age 82. 
Burial*9 October 1980 His body was interred on 9 October 1980 at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* The following obituary is from an unknown source: Mr. Ewart G. Dean, 82 Mr. Ewart G. Dean, 82, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama and a former resident of Ashland, passed away Monday, Oct 6, 1980, in Birmingham, following a brief illness. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1980, at 11 A.M. from the Chapel of Brock Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Drinkwater officiating. Burial was in the Ashland City Cemetery with Brock Funeral Home directing. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Bebe [Bessie Bell] Dean Bowen of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Ellaree Dean Speer of Birmingham; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Dean was a native of Ashland. He was a retired electrical contractor and member of the Ashland First Baptist Church. Active pallbearers were Emyl Griffin, Marshall Griffin, Earl Reeves, Joe Griffin, Brandt Thomas and Smith Thomas, Jr, Funeral arrangements by Brock Funeral Home. 

Family

Bessie Mae Bell (30 May 1900 - 22 February 1963)
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 8; obituary.

Bessie Mae Bell

F, (30 May 1900 - 22 February 1963)
FatherThomas Jefferson Bell (12 Feb 1862 - 8 Dec 1925)
MotherAnna Elizabeth Farrow (19 Jul 1863 - 24 Feb 1926)
Birth*30 May 1900 Bessie was born on 30 May 1900. 
Marriage*25 September 1921 She married Ewart Gladstone Dean at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 25 September 1921 at age 21. 
Married Name25 September 1921  As of 25 September 1921, her married name was Dean. 
Death*22 February 1963 She died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 February 1963 at age 62. 
Burial* Her body was interred at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1 

Family

Ewart Gladstone Dean (13 February 1898 - 6 October 1980)
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited23 December 2002

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 8.

Ellaree Dean

F, (21 October 1900 - 29 August 1996)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*21 October 1900 Ellaree was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 21 October 1900. 
Marriage*23 December 1923 She married Ewart Andrew Speer at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 23 December 1923 at age 23. 
Married Name23 December 1923  As of 23 December 1923, her married name was Speer. 
Death*29 August 1996 She died at Youngstown, Mahoning Co., Ohio, on 29 August 1996 at age 95. 
Burial*3 September 1996 Her body was interred on 3 September 1996 at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama
Biography*  Ellaree jotted down a few of her recollections in the summer of 1992: We lived on Lineville street [in Ashland, AL] the first seven years of my life. Grandmother and Grandpa Dean lived across the street about a half block away. My mother would take me to Grandmother Dean's when she wanted to go to the Missionary Society, a U[nited].D[aughters of the].C[onfederacy]. meeting, shopping, etc. Grandmother was in poor health and a grown granddaughter, Katherine (Cattie) had come to live with them. When Grandmother died, Cattie and Grandpa moved in the house with us and both died at our home.
      Ellaree attended Judson College in Marion, AL. The following is from an unknown source, possibly the Ashland Progress: ASHLAND GIRL WEDS FORMER ASHLAND BOY A quiet and pretty home wedding was solemnized in Ashland Sunday afternoon at the home of the bride's parent's, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Dean when Mr. Ewart Speer led to the marriage altar Miss Ellaree Dean. The ceremony was spoken at 1:30 o'clock by Rev. F. J. Fleming, pastor of the Ashland Baptist church, in the presence of only a few of the relatives and friends of the young couple. The happy event is the culmination of a pretty romance which had its inception back in the years when the groom resided in Ashland, which has also been the continuous home of the bride. Mr. Speer is now a resident of Birmingham where he holds a responsible and lucrative position with the Alabama Power Co. His bride is one of Ashland's most popular and accomplished young ladies. Mr. and Mrs. Speer left immediately for a trip to Kentucky and other points, after which they will be at home in Birmingham.
      Ellaree was teacher, a housewife, and for 17 years, from November 1947 until October 30, 1965 she managed the Birmingham-Southern College bookstore. She was also a member of the Mackey Chapter No. 122 of O[rder of the].E[astern].S[tar]. in Ashland, AL. She now lives with her daugher, Anne, in Youngstown, OH. In a 3 May 1977 letter, Ellaree noted "just don't see too well & getting about a problem." In a 6 Jul 1979 letter, Ellaree added "my knee & back much better but can't do anything about that 'old age business' - just want to be able to get about - and especially make it to the car - ha!" In a 4 Aug 1991 letter, Ellaree wrote: You see I don't see very well but get along OK for 90+ yrs. Had to give up living alone & that really hurt, nothing like "being at home." Had a really bad fall, broke my left pelvis bone, fractured my right ribs & fractured left shoulder. In hospital several weeks & several weeks learning to walk again.
      Mrs. L. O. (Anna Speer) Gregg wrote 12 Sep 1996: She died at my home [1375 Youngstown Country Club Road, Youngstown, OH 44505] on August 29, 1996 and was buried in the Ashland City Cemetery in the Dean, Dorr, Speer plot on September 3. She was 95 years and 10 months old. 

Family

Ewart Andrew Speer (18 October 1898 - 3 October 1948)
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited26 April 2000

Ewart Andrew Speer

M, (18 October 1898 - 3 October 1948)
FatherWalter A. Speer (15 Feb 1875 - 18 Sep 1904)
MotherDora Ann Whatley (24 Feb 1879 - 17 Nov 1971)
Birth*18 October 1898 Ewart was born at Lineville, Clay Co., Alabama, on 18 October 1898. 
Employment* Ewart's occupation: Alabama Power Co. 
Marriage*23 December 1923 He married Ellaree Dean at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 23 December 1923 at age 25. 
Death*3 October 1948 He died at Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, on 3 October 1948 at age 49. 
Burial*5 October 1948 His body was interred on 5 October 1948 at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography* According to his 1948-49 Alabama Driver's License, Ewart A. Speer was 5 ft. 8 in. tall and 160 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. The following obituary is from an unknown source, possibly the Ashland Progress: Ewart A. Speer, Former Resident of Clay County Died in Birmingham Ewart Andrew Speer of Birmingham, formerly of Ashland, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home Sunday evening, Oct. 3, at 6:00 o'clock. He had been in ill health for the past eight months. Mr. Speer was the son of the late Walter A. Speer and Mrs. Dora A. Speer. Born in Clay county, he received his elementary and secondary education in Ashland. He later attended A.P.I. at Auburn and Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham. For 16 years he worked for Alabama Power Company in Birmingham then became manager of the major appliance department at Pizitz. He resigned three months ago because of his failing health. Ewart Speer married Ellaree Dean of Ashland. They had two children, Anne, who is now a student at Northern University, and Ewart A. who is a student in Birmingham Elementary school. Surviving Mr. Speer are his widow, two children, his mother and two brothers, Fred W. Speer and Clayton Speer. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout's Chapel in Birmingham by the Rev. H. F. Ledford of Ashland, assisted by J. H. Buchanan, Rev. Lee _amson and Dr. Geroge A. Stuart of Birmingham. Sam B. Owen ______ at the organ. Following the service in Birmingham interment was at the Ashland cemetery. Active pallbearers were Joe I. Griffin, C. H. Burgdorf, C. G. Fiquett, Paul Brown, W. N. Key, J. D. Oliver. Honorary pallbearers were W. S. Senle, W. P. Clower, R. O. Cosby, J. J. Cataleno, Lambert Horne, Asher Brogan, Bill Ewing, W. C. Allen, Harry Hicks. Out of town friends attending the funeral were: Mrs. Dora A. Noe, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Figuett, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burgdorf, Miss Patricia Burgdorf, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Noble, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hicks. Mrs. Zada Grissom, Mrs. A. E. McConnell, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Key, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Wood, Mrs. W. W. Eberhardt, Paul Brown, W. S. Seale, Bill Ewing, Mrs. John Hendon, Joe Griffin. Mrs. Leon Moore, Mrs. Kevin Vowell, Mrs. H. L. Busby, Mrs. John Crouch and Mrs. Zola Gaudin, all of Birmingham. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Speer and Miss Betsy Speer of Lebanon, Tenn., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Speer and Miss Carol Speer of Jacksonville, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. Brant Whatley of Montezuma, Ga. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Griffin and Mrs. D. M. Yost of Sylacauga, Mr. and Mrs. Ewart Dean of Butler, Penn., Miss Annie Maude Dean of St. Petersburg, Fla. Mrs. J. T. Bonner, Joe Bonner, Emil [read Emyl] Griffin, Mrs. LeEmma Griffin, Mrs. Ike Griffin, Mrs. Robert Whatley and Mr. and Mrs. Will Griffin all of Lineville.
      Another obituary is from what appears to be a Birmingham, AL paper: Ewart A. Speer, Former Pizitz Department Head, Succumbs Ewart A. Speer, 49, 1328 43rd Street, Belview Heights, Alabama Power Company supervisor for a number of years and later with the Pizitz department store, died last night at his home of a heart attack. He had been in ill health eight months. An employee of the Alabama Power Company for 16 years, Mr. Speer was supervisor of the Western district until he left to become the manager of the appliance department at Pizitz. He resigned three months ago because of his health. Surviving are the widow, Ellaree Dean Speer; a son, E. A. Speer, Jr; a daughter, Miss Ann Speer and his mother, Mrs. Dora A. Noe, all of Birmingham; two brothers, Fred W. Speer, Jacksonville, Fla. and Clayton W. Speer, Lebanon, Tenn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Ridout funeral home. Burial will follow at Ashland. 

Family

Ellaree Dean (21 October 1900 - 29 August 1996)
Child
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 29 and obituary.

Mary Lou Dean

F, (6 December 1905 - 14 December 1905)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*6 December 1905 Mary was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 6 December 1905. 
Death*14 December 1905 She died at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 14 December 1905. 
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999

Annie Maude Dean

F, (11 December 1906 - 27 November 1977)
FatherWilliam Thomas Dean (13 Aug 1870 - 29 Nov 1947)
MotherEldora Griffin (12 Nov 1868 - 2 Jul 1965)
Birth*11 December 1906 Annie was born at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 11 December 1906. 
Marriage*22 June 1954 She married William Henry Dorr at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 June 1954 at age 47. 
Married Name22 June 1954  As of 22 June 1954, her married name was Dorr. 
Death*27 November 1977 She died at Saint Petersburg, Pinellas Co., Florida, on 27 November 1977 at age 70. 
Burial*1 December 1977 Her body was interred on 1 December 1977 at Ashland City Cemetery, Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama.1 
Biography*  Annie Maude was an English teacher for many years, beginning in 1928 with her graduation from Judson College in Marion, AL. She taught in high schools, first in Dadeville, and then in Ashland, until 1943, when she became Director of the YWCA/USO. She was a Professor of Education and Psychology at Huntingdon College in Montgomery for the 1947/48 school year. In 1948 she moved to St. Petersburg, FL, and taught English at St. Petersburg Senior High School until her death. Annie Maude Dean was Chairman of the English Department at St. Petersburg Senior High School from 1958 until 1965. From 1958 until 1965 she also taught English in the evening division at St. Petersburg Junior College. Her mother, Mrs. W. T. (Eldora Griffin) Dean, wrote in a 24 Jan 1960 letter that Annie Maude "has 150 students in the different classes at high school & 25 in the adult night class she teaches at Jr. College."
      Annie served a term as President of the Pinellas Council of Teachers of English, a term as Treasurer of the Florida Council, and was on the Membership Committee of the National Council. The following is from p. 217 of the 1971 edition of Two Thousand Women of Achievement edited by Ernest Kay, and published by Melrose Press Limited of London: DORR, Annie Maude Dean, born in Ashland, Ala., U.S A., on 11 December 1906. Profession: Educator. Married at Ashland, on 22 June 1954, to William Henry Dorr. Education: B.A., Judson College, Marion, Ala., 1928; Diplomas in Piano and Speech, ibid, 1928; M.A., George Peabody College, Nashville, Tenn., 1945. Appointments held: English Teacher, Tallapoosa County High School, Dadeville, Ala., 1928--32; English Teacher, Clay County High School, Ashland, 1932--43, Director of Young Women's Christian Association--U.S.O., Carolina Beach, N.C, 1943--44, Durham, North Carolina, 1944, Montgomery, Ala., 1945--47; Professor of Education and Psychology, Huntingdon College, Montgomery, 1947--48; English Teacher, St. Petersburg Senior High School, 1948--; Chairman English Department, ibid, 1958-- 65, 1968--; English Teacher, St. Petersburg Junior College, evening division, 1956--62. Professional affiliations: Pinellas Council of Teacher of English (Second Vice-President, 1953--54; President, 1954--55, 1962--63; First Vice-President, 1963--64; Chairman, By-Laws Committee,1965--67); Florida Council of Teachers of English (Treasurer, 1955--57; Chairman, Textbook Evaluation Committee, 1962--64; Chairman State Convention, 1960); National Council of Teachers of English (Membership Committee, 1962; Delegate to National Council, 1954--62); Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association. Other memberships: Alpha Delta Kappa (Secretary, Beta Kappa Chapter); St. Petersburg Young Women's Christian Association Service Club (Sponsor, 1948--62); St. Petersburg High School National Honor Society (Sponsor, 1962--); Florida State National Honor Society (Sponsor, 1962--63); St. Petersburg Civic Music Association; St. Petersburg Little Theater; Order of Eastern Star (Worthy Matron, Mackey Chapter No. 122, 1934--35; Organist,1936--40); First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg. Other listings Who's Who of American Women; Who' s Who in the South and Southwest; Dictionary of International Biography; Personalities of the West and Midwest, etc. Address: 1300 Sixth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33705, U.S.A.
      The following obituary is from an unknown source: Mrs. Annie Maude Dean Dorr Passes Mrs. Annie Maude Dean Dorr, 70, a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, and a former resident of Clay County, passed away Sunday, November 27, 1977, in St. Petersburg, Florida, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Thursday (today), December 1, 1977, at 2:00 p.m. at the Blair-Brock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jack Drinkwater officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashland City Cemetery with Blair-Brock Funeral Home directing and in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Mr. William H. Dorr of St. Petersburg, Florida; one sister, Mrs. Ellaree Speer of Birmingham; and one brother, Mr. Ewart G. Dean of Birmingham. Mrs. Dorr was a native of Clay County and a former member of the Ashland First Baptist Church. She was presently a member of the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida and a school teacher. She taught in Dadeville, Goodwater, Ashland, and Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, before joining the faculty at Sr. High School in St. Petersburg. She served with the USO three years during World War II in North Carolina, Alabama and Texas. She was selected to Who's Who of America. Mrs. Dorr finished Judson College and received her Masters Degree from George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. The body will lie in state at Blair-Brock Funeral Home until time for services.
      Annie and William H. Dorr had no children. 

Family

William Henry Dorr (29 January 1893 - December 1983)
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited29 December 2004

Citations

  1. Clay County Alabama Historical Society, Cemeteries of Clay County, Alabama, La Grange, GA: Family Tree, 1987.
    p 29 and obituary.

William Henry Dorr

M, (29 January 1893 - December 1983)
FatherCarl Dorr (c 1863 - )
Birth*29 January 1893 William was born at Limerick, Jefferson Co., New York, on 29 January 1893. 
Marriage*22 June 1954 He married Annie Maude Dean at Ashland, Clay Co., Alabama, on 22 June 1954 at age 61. 
Death*December 1983 He died at Inverness, Citrus Co., Florida, in December 1983 at age 90. 
Biography* According to the wedding announcement from an unknown source, William Henry Dorr graduated from St. Lawrence University where he was a member of the Zeta Alpha Phi Fraternity. 

Family

Annie Maude Dean (11 December 1906 - 27 November 1977)
ChartsJoseph Culpepper of SC Descendants
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#1)
John Culpepper of Randolph AL Female Descendants (#2)
Last Edited9 July 1999