Divorced Part 2

Do you remember the days of snail mail? Thanks to a comment made by a reader of my previous post, Divorced, I used snail mail to seek out copies of the marriage and application for divorce. Thanks to the kindly service of the employees in the Coffey County Clerk’s office and the office of the Clerk of the District Court Office located in Coffey County, I received copies of the records in the mail!

Alexander Briles married Elizabeth M. E[ltz]worth were married in Coffey County Kansas on May 30, 1875.

Coffey County Kansas
Fourth Judicial District of Kansas
Clerk of District Court

Marriage License
Probate Judge’s Office
Burlington, Coffey County, Kansas

May 28 A.D. 1875
To any person authorized by law to perform the Marriage Ceremony, Greeting:
You are hereby authorized to join in marriage Alexander
Briles of Neosho twp County of Coffey
State of Kansas aged 57 years, and Elizabeth
El[zsw]orth of Neosho Twp County of Coffey
State of Kansas aged 51 years; and of this License
you will make due return to my office within thirty days.
Wm. A. Allison Probate Judge

Return
State of Kansas
Coffey County
I certify that on the 30th day of May 1875, I did join in marriage the
within named Alexander Briles and Elizabeth El[t]zworth
D. T. McAuly
Minister of the Gospel
I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of Marriage License and return recorded this
31 day of May 1875
Wm A Allison Probate Judge

Coffey County Courthouse, Marriage License, , Briles – Elsworth, 30 May 1875; Fourth Judicial District of Kansas, Burlington, Kansas.

Then in 1879, Alexander Briles files for divorce in Coffey County Court. Even though these old court records were difficult to transcribe, it is obvious this was not a happy marriage.

Fourth Judicial District of Kansas
Clerk of the District Court
Coffey County Courthouse
Burlington, KS

No. 1042
Alexander Briles
Vs Elizabeth M. Briles

page 2
Alex Briles
vs
Elizabeth M Briles
1042
Filed Dec. 2
1879
R Hadam
Clerk

page 3
State of Kansas
Coffey County
In District Court
in & for said county
Alexander Briles [pltf]
vs
Elizabeth M. Briles [Deft]
The Plaintiff says
That he has been a resident in good
faith of the State of Kansas for more
than one year [las] past, and that he is
now a resident in good faith of the said
County of Coffey
That on the 30th day of May 1875
the said plaintiff and defendant
were married to each other [?]
County of Coffey
The plaintiff further [assess] that since
[?] said Marriage this plaintiff has in
all [?] [committed] himself toward said
defendant as a faithful and loving
husband
The plaintiff further says that the said defendant
has been guilty of [?] neglect of [?] neglect of [duly] [?] the place of [housekeeper]
that defendant disregar[ding] her marital duties
to this plaintiff her husband has failed
neglected and refused to cohabit with the
plaintiff her husband for the space of
more than one year last [past] and still
so neglects fails and refuses to cohabit with
this plaintiff without any just cause or
[provocation] [has as] wife no part of this plaintiff
[?] [Therefore] plaintiff prays the court that

page 4
the parties hereto named be divorced
the marriage relation [hereafter] existing
between them be annulled & set
[aside] [or] [deed] for [other] proper] sale of
R. [?] & Jenkins
Pltf attys

Alexander Briles being first duly sworn
on oath says that the [several] matters
and things set forth and aversed in the
the foregoing [?] are true
Alexander Briles

Subscribed & Sworn to before me this
2d day of December 1879
R Hadam
Clerk Dist Court

Page 5
State of Kansas
Coffey County
In District Court
[in previous] term
Alexander Briles
vs
Elizabeth M. Briles [Missouri?]
[?]
Came [here] the said defendant
and [names] the issuing and [?] of
[?] in the {cal?] [each] the [?]
and [interest] her [appearance] therein [?]
rose [cr] for to said plaintiffs position
This defendant denies each and
every allegation in said petition
[contained]
The said defendant further says
that said defendant has been a
resident in good faith of the state of
Kansas for more than one year
last past & is [lives] now at the [date] of the
filing of the petition & of the [?]
herein a resident in good faith of said
county of Coffey
Deft further says that the said plaintif
& defendant were married to each other
[in] said Coffey County on the May 30
1875 and that [?]
said marriage She has in all things
conducted herself married to

page 6
plaintiff as a faithful loving and
obedient wife
[J?] the said plaintiff [disregarding]
his duties toward [her] [f?]
his wife, has been guilty of extreme
cruelty toward this defendant
[persuance] any just cause [for his reaction]
The said defendant further says
that said plaintiff has been guilty of
gross neglect of duty towards this
defendanty his wife without any
just cause or provocation on her
part.
Whereupon this defendant prays
that she may be severed from said
plaintiff and for [this] proper relief
Elizabeth M. Briles

Elizabeth M. Briles being first
duly sworn says that the several
matters and things set forth in her
[?] are true
Elizabeth M Briles
Subscribed to & sworn before me
2d day of December 1879
E B Peyton
Judges

page 7
Filed Dec 2
1879
R Hadam
Clerk
Docket I

Fourth Judicial District of Kansas, Coffey County, Kansas, No. 1042: Alexander Briles vs. Elizabeth M. Briles, Clerk of the District Court Office, Burlington, Kansas.

While the court documents do not contain a final divorce decry, I was able to locate a newspaper article which indicates the divorce was granted.

The Burlington Patriot (Burlington, KS)
25 Dec 1879
page 2

The following is an abstract of the balance of the cases disposed of at the December term of the District Court:
…
Alexander Briles vs. Elizabeth W. Briles; divorce granted

“Court News,” The Burlington Patriot (Burlington, KS), 25 December 1879, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 18 September 2022).

From this experience, I’ve learned several things:

• To keep digging for those records.
• That snail mail still works.
• that going back thru my research and carefully analyzing the research reveals research questions and leads to more records.

Mailbag

Do you remember the days of the SASE, putting one in a letter and then waiting for it to come back to you? (SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope) Well, even though I didn’t receive a SASE in the mail, I did receive a bounty of genealogy documents in the mail recently!

One package was from the Frankfort Community Public Library in Clinton County, Indiana and contained photocopies of probate records for my Ricketts/Reed family.

The other package was a thumb drive from Brad Quinlan. In June, he posted in the Facebook group, Descendants of Andersonville Prison, that he was making a trip to Washington, D.C. to do research and had time to take on more clients during that trip. Even though I had already requested the military and pension files for my civil war ancestors from the national archives, I did not know at the time about requesting the ENTIRE file. Not knowing what I might be missing, I elected to inquire about whether he had time to fulfill my requests. He did have time to take on my requests and a thumb drive arrived recently containing the images obtained from those files.

In both cases, there was an exchange of money. However, what I spent obtaining the records was a small percentage of what it would cost to pay travel expenses for me to obtain them myself.

I am thankful to have these records. Now, I have lots of work to do to get these transcribed!

• Probate Record for John Ricketts (2MTW-355)
• Partition file for John Ricketts’ estate
• Probate record for Mary Reed (KLVH-CFM)
• Military file for George Mentzer (LHKS-17Q)
• Pension file for George Mentzer
• Military file for James M. Ricketts (KV21-XBR)
• Pension file for James M. Ricketts
• Military file for Noah Briles (K2Q1-RG9)
• Pension file for Noah Briles
• Military files (3 of them) for Richmond F. Hammond (2B2M-GXK)
• Pension file for Richmond F. Hammond
• Military file for Washington Marion Crawford (KHFD-XRW)
• Pension file for Washington Marion Crawford

Alexander Briles

Alexander Briles was born on 14 Mar 1817 in North Carolina, United States.^1–3

He purchased  on 24 Apr 1838 in Randolph county, North Carolina.⁴ land being parcel of 240 acres John Briles purchased from Ezra Dorsett for $500 from John Briles

He lived in Randolph county, North Carolina on 1 Jun 1840.⁵ Alexander Briles was listed as a head of household on the 1840 census in Randolph County, North Carolina. Alexander’s household included 2 males under 5, 1 male 20-30, and 1 female 20-30.

Alexander lived in Randolph county, North Carolina on 1 Jun 1850.⁶ Alexr Briles was listed as the head of household on the 1850 census in Randolph County, NC. According to the census, Alexr was a 32 year old farmer born in North Carolina. Alexr owned $500 in real estate. Also listed in the household was Sarah, a 32 year old female;  Clark, a 12 year old male;  Washington, a 10 year old male; Sarah, an 8 year old female; John, a 6 year old male; Jane, a 4 year old female and Robt, an 1 year old male.

He sold land  on 1 Sep 1857 in Randolph county, North Carolina.⁷ land being 240 acres on waters of Little Caraway for $1000 to Robert Laughlin

He lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas Territory in Mar 1858.⁸ According to the 1859 Kansas Territorial census for Coffey County, Alex Briles settled there in March 1858.

Alexander lived in Coffey County, Kansas Territory before 1859.⁹

He lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas Territory in 1859.^8,10 Alex Briles was listed on the 1859 Kansas territory census in Coffey County. According to the census, Alexander settled in Kansas in March 1858 with 8 minors in the household and a total of 10 in the household.

He lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas Territory in 1860.¹¹ A. Briles was listed as a head of household on the 1860 census in Coffey County, Kansas Territory. According to the census, A. Briles, was 43 years old and born in North Carolina. He owned $800 in real estate. Also listed in the household were Sarah, D.C.,  N.W.,  S.R., J.F., Louisa, R.A., H.W., Z.R>, N.C. and B.R. Briles.

In 1860 Alexander was a farmer in Coffey, Kansas, United States.^2,11

He filed land entry papers on 1 Dec 1860 in Fort Scott, Bourbon, Kansas, United States.^12–13

He served in the military under Captain John Douglas in Company I of the Kansas State Militia in 1864 in Kansas, United States.¹⁴ under Captain John Douglas in Company I of the Kansas State Militia

Alexander lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas in 1865.¹⁵ Alexander Bryles was listed in the 1865 Kansas census living in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas as a 47 year old farmer born in North Carolina. According to the census, he owned $2800 in real estate and $1300 in personal estate. Also listed in the household was his wife, Sarah Briles, a 48 year old female born in North Carolina;  Louisa Bryles, a 19 year old female born in North Carolina; Robert Bryles, a 16 year old male born in North Carolina; Harrison Bryles, a 14 year old male born in North Carolina; Zebeder Bryles, a 12 year old male born in North Carolina; Nancy Bryles, a 10 year old female born in North Carolina and Benj Bryles, a 5 year old male born in Kansas.

He sold land W1/2 NE 1/4 Section 12 Township 23 of Range 15 East on 20 Sep 1869 in Coffey County, Kansas.¹⁶

He sold land being the NE1/4 NE 1/4 Section 12 Township 23 Range 15 East on 20 Sep 1869 in Coffey County, Kansas.^17–18

Alexander lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas on 26 Jun 1870.^19–20 Alexander Briles is listed as a 53 year old farmer on the 1870 census living in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas. According to the census, Alexander was born in North Carolina. Also listed in the household were Sarah, a 53 year old female;  Robbert, a 21 year old male; Harrison, an 18 year old male;  Zoebede, a 16 year old male; Nancy, a 14 year old female and Benjamin, a 10 year old male.

He lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas on 1 Mar 1875.²¹ Alexander Briles was listed as the head of household on the 1875 Kansas census in Coffey County, Kansas. According to the census, Alexander was a 57 year old male farmer born in North Carolina. Alexander owned $4,000 in real estate and $1,000 in personal property. Alexander’s household included 15 year old Benj Briles.

He sold land being the SE1/4NE1/4 Section 12 Township 23 Range 15 on 31 Jan 1877 in Coffey County, Kansas.²²

Alexander sold land land being the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 Section 7 Township 23 Range 16 to Benj R. Briles on 25 Nov 1879 in Coffey County, Kansas.²³

He sold land land being 30 acres in section 7 township 23 of range 16 to Elizabeth M. Briles on 22 Dec 1879 in Coffey County, Kansas.²⁴

He lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas on 2 Jun 1880.²⁵ Alex Briles was listed as a head of household on the 1880 census in Coffey county, Kansas. According to the census, Alex was a 60 year old divorced male farmer who was born in North Carolina. Alex’s household included his granddaughter, Anna Ruggles, a 13 year old female and his son, Benjamin Briles, aged 26.

Alexander lived in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas on 1 Jul 1895.²⁶ Alex Briles is listed as a 70 year old male living in the household of H. W. Briles on the 1895 census in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas. According to the census, Alex was born in North Carolina.

He sold land  on 5 Oct 1898 in Coffey County, Kansas.²⁷ land being 2 1/2 acres in the norhteast corner of the Northeast 1/4 Section 7 Township 23 Range 16 to Mary Ann Briles

He died on 14 Jan 1900 at the age of 82 in Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas.^3,28–32

Alexander was buried on 15 Jan 1900 at Big Creek Cemetery in Coffey County, Kansas.^3,32

ENDNOTES:

1. Broyles, John K., Keith’s Typescript with Additions, (Clinton, TN: John K. Broyles, Sr.), p. 87

2. Kansas Territorial Settlers of 1860: Part II: Born in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Briles born NC, 1860; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 30 July 2022).

3. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online October 2016), memorial for Alexander Briles (1817-1900), Find a Grave Memorial no. E71311048, created by Wonderer, citing Big Creek Cemetery, Coffey County, Kansas;, Alexander Briles.

4. North Carolina, Randolph County. Record of Deeds, 1779-1963.  Film #19637 DGS 7517640. Alexander Briels, 24 April 1838 Vol. 21: page 316-317; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 31 July 2022.

5. 1840 U.S. Census, Randolph County North Carolina, population scheudle, , page 22, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M704.

6. 1850 U.S. Census, Randolph County, North Carolina, population schedule, Northern Division, Randolph County, North Carolina, page 404 Image 80 of 179, household 562, Alexr Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432

7. North Carolina, Randolph County. Record of Deeds, 1779-1963.  Film #470234 DGS 7560693. Alexander Briles, 1 Sep 1857 Vol. 31: page 42-43; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 31 July 2022.

8. 1859 Kansas Census, Coffey County, Kansas Territory, population schedule, Neotho Township, Coffey County, Kansas Image 2 of 4, line 16, Alex. Briles; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 31 July 2022)

9. Throckmorton George, et al, First Hand Historical Episodes of Early Coffey County (KS) (N.p.: n.p., maybe 195),p. 51 Early Days in the Crandall Neighborhood.  digital images, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com viewed online 31 July 2022.

10. “Kansas, Compiled Census Index, 1850-1890,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (July 2017), Alexander Briles.

11. 1860 U.S. Census, Coffey County, Kansas, population schedule, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 68 Image 4 of 9, household 513, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653

12. United States Bureau of Land Management, “General Land Office Records,” database with images, BLM.Gov (http://glorecords.blm.gov : viewed online April 2018), Briles, Alexander.

13. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510470 DGS 8561297. Alexander Briles, 2 Jan 1869 Book I: page 190; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 3 August 2022.

14. , Muster Rolls, Price’s Raid October 1864 14th thur 16th Regiments, Vol. 6 (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), page 480; digital image, Kansas Memory, kansasmemory.org viewed online 3 August 2022.

15. 1865 Kansas Census, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, Kansas state census, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 10 (image 10) Image 10 of 11, family 64, Alexander Bryles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2018)

16. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510472 GS 8561299. Alexander Briles, 20 September 1869 Vol. O: page 625 (image 321); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 3 August 2022.

17. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510472 DGS 8561299. Alexander Briles to Noah Briles, 20 September 1869 Vol. O: page 603; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 3 August 2022.

18. Coffey County Kansas. Range Index Section 12, Township 23, Range 15 Coffey County Kansas (Briles, KS.016).

19. 1870 Agriculture Census, Coffey County, Kansas, Agriculture Schedule, , Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 4 Image 2 of 3, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017)

20. 1870 U.S. Census, Coffey County, Kansas, population schedule, Neosho Township, Coffey County, KS, page 9 Image 9 of 16, family 58, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 28 October 2021); NARA microfilm publication T132

21. 1875 Kansas State Census, Coffey County, Kansas, Kansas State Census, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 12 Image 7 of 13, household 97, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); Kansas State Historical Society

22. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510473 DGS 8561300. Alexander Briles to Robert Briles, 31 January 1877 Vo. 17: page 542; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 3 August 2022.

23. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510476 DGS 8561303. Alexander Briles, 25 Nov 1879 Vol. 25: page 344; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 August 2022.

24. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510476 DGS 8561303. Alexander Briles, 2 Dec 1879 Vol. 25: page 330; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 August 2022.

25. 1880 U.S. Census, Coffey County, Kansas, population schedule, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, ED 49, page 4 Image 2 of 13, household 20, Alex Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication T9

26. 1895 Kansas Census, Coffey County, State Census, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 15, Alex Briles (in household of H. W. Briles); microfilm, Kansas State Historical Society (Topeka, KS : viewed online July 2017)

27. Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903.  Film #1510489 DGS 8561315. Alexander Briles, 5 Oct 1898 vol 57: page 486; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 August 2022.

28. “Kansas Deaths and Burials, Index, 1885-1930,” database on-line, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2016), Alexander Briles.

29. “Grandpa Briles Dead,” The Daily Republican (Burlington, Kansas), 15 January 1900, page 3; digital iamge, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 3 September 2020).

30. “Alexander Briles,” Burlington Republican (Burlington, Kansas), 19 January 1900, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 3 September 2020).

31. “Alexander Briles,” LeRoy Reporter (LeRoy, Kansas), 19 January 1900, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 3 September 2020).

32. Gibbon Joseph, page 51, 14 January 1900; Alexander Briles, Funeral Records – Gibbons Mortuary (Coffey County, Kansas), Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, Kansas.

Divorced

Have you encountered a hint on a census record that you’ve yet to prove? That’s my situation with the 1880 census record for Alexander Briles.

Alex Briles was listed as a head of household on the 1880 census in Coffey county, Kansas. According to the census, Alex was a 60 year old divorced male farmer who was born in North Carolina. Alex’s household included his granddaughter, Anna Ruggles, a 13 year old female and his son, Benjamin Briles, aged 26.

1860 U.S. Census, Coffey County, Kansas, population schedule, Neosho Township, Coffey County, Kansas, page 68 Image 4 of 9, household 513, Alexander Briles; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653

Since Alexander’s first wife, Sarah died in 1872, the census record hints at a second marriage and subsequent divorce. While I haven’t located an image of a marriage record for Alexander, I did find an index record. According to that index, Alexander Briles married Elizabeth Eltzworth (Ellsworth) on May 30, 1875 in Coffey County, Kansas.

Kansas Marriages, 1840-1935 index (http://familysearch.org: FamilySearch), Alexander Briles – Elizabeth Eltzworth

Unfortunately, these records have not been digitized. Thus, I have yet to obtain a copy of the license. However, a deed supports the marriage of Alexander and Elizabeth. On 1 Jan 1877, Alexander Briles and Elizabeth M. Briles, his wife, sold land to Alexander’s son, Robert A. Briles.

This indenture, made this thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven between Alexander Briles and Elizabeth M Briles his wife of the county of Coffey and state of Kansas of the first part, and Robert A Briles of same place of the second part, witnesseth that the parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of two hundred (200) dollars to them duly paid, have bargained and sole, and by these presents do grant and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns, all that land or parcel of land situated in Coffey County and State of Kansas and described as follows, to wit:
The South East quarter of the North East Quarter of section twelve (12) in Township twenty three (23) of range fifteen (15) containing 40 acres more or less.
With the appurtenances, and all the estate, title and interest, of the said parties of the first part therein. And the said Alexander Briles does hereby covenant and agree, that at the delivery hereof he is the lawful owner of the premises above granted, and seized of a good and indefensible estate of inheritance therein, in fee simple, and that the same are free and clear of all encumbrances, and that he will warrant defend the same in the quiet and peaceable possession of said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever.
In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written.
Alexander Briles (seal)
Elizabet M Briles (seal)
State of Kansas
Coffey County
On this 31st day of January AD 1877 before me a notary public in and for said county, personally came Alexander Briles and Elizabeth M Briles his wife to me personally known to be the same person above named and affixed to the foregoing conveyance as grantors and they duly acknowledge the execution of the same.
In testimony, whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal on the day and year last above written.
Wm H Bear
Notary Public
The testament, of which the foregoing is a true copy, was filed for record on the 31st day of January 1877, at 3 o’clock and 0 minutes p M.
Wm H Bear

Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903. Film #1510473 DGS 8561300. Alexander Briles to Robert Briles, 31 January 1877 Vo. 17: page 542; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 3 August 2022.

Since the 1880 census record indicates that Alexander Briles was divorced, that divorce had to have taken place sometime between the time Alexander and Elizabeth, his wife, sold land to Robert and June of 1880. A clue to that divorce may be in another deed. In this case, Alexander Briles sold 30 acres of land to Elizabeth M. Briles. Unlike the earlier deed, Elizabeth M. Briles is not referred to as Alexander’s wife.

Page 330 – image 271
This Indenture, made this 2nd day of December in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine, between Alexander Briles
of the County of Coffey
and state of Kansas of the first part, and Elizabeth M. Briles
of the same place
of the second part: Witnesseth, that the party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of
Two Hundred dollars
to him duly paid has bargained and sold, and by these presents do grant and convey to the said
party of the second part his heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land, situated in Coffey
County, and State of Kansas and described as follows, to wit:
Commencing at the south east corner of the north
east quarter of the north east quarter of section
seven in township twenty three of range sixteen
thence west to 4 rods East of the center of said quarter
section (being the southwest corner of said NE quarter
of NE quarter section) thence north to the middle or
channel of Turkey Creek, thence down the channel
of said creek to the point where the same crosses the north
line of said section, thence East to the point where said
north line of section intersects the channel of said Tur-
key creek, thence down the channel of said creek to
point where the same crosses the East line of said section
thence south to place of beginning containing 30 acres
more or less
with the appurtenances, and all the estate, title and interest of said part of the first part therein And
the said Alexander Briles
do hereby covenant and agree, that at the delivery hereof, he is the lawful owner of the premises
above granted, and seized of a good and indefeasible estate of inheritance therein in fee simple, and that the
same are free and clear of all incumbrances,, and that he will warrant and defend the same in the
quiet and peaceable possession of said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns forever, against
the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever.
In witness whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set hand and seal
the day and year above written.
Alexander Briles

State of Kansas, Coffey County
On this 2nd day of December A.D. 1879, before me, a
Notary Public in and for said County, personally came
Alexander Briles
to me personally known to be the same person whose name is affixed
to the foregoing conveyance as grantor and he duly acknowledged the execution of the same.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
seal, on the day and year last above written.
S. C. Junkins
Notary Public
The instrument of which the foregoing is a true copy, was filed for record on the 3rd
day of December 1879, at 5 ou8217’clock and 0 minutes P.M.
Wm H. Bear Register of Deeds
By M. L. B. Floyd Deputy
Entered in Transfer record in my office on this 3rd day of Dec. A.D. 1879
Wm. H. Throckmorton County Clerk

Kansas, Coffey County. Deed Records, 1857-1903. Film #1510476 DGS 8561303. Alexander Briles, 2 Dec 1879 Vol. 25: page 330; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 August 2022.

Based on this 1879 deed, I think Alexander and Elizabeth were likely divorced around the time the 30 acres of land was sold to Elizabeth. However, I will need to locate a record of the divorce to confirm that suspicion.

Militia

When researching civil war records, have you used any militia records? If you had ancestors living in Kansas during the civil war, they just might be listed in Kansas militia records.

Since my BRILES family was living in Coffey county Kansas during the civil war, I found Alexander Briles, his son, John Briles, nephew, Branson Briles, son in law, Japhet Mentzer and son-in-law, Thomas Ruggles on the muster roll for Company I of the 16th Regiment of the Kansas Militia.

Muster Roll of Captain John Douglas,
Company I
of the Sixteenth Regiment,
Kansas State Militia,
Colonel F. W. Potter
Twelfth Day of October 1864,
when last mustered to the twenty-ninth day of October 1864

Briles, John 3 Corp – Joined Sept 12, 1863 Neosho Twp; ordered into active service Oct 12th Leroy by F. W. Potter; relieved from duty Oct 29th by F W Potter
Briles, Branson Priv – joined Sept 12 1863 Neosho Twp ; ordered into active service Oct 12th Leroy by F. W. Potter; releived from duty Oct 29th by F W Potter
Mentzer, Japhet – joined Sept 12 1863 Neosho Twp ; ordered into active service Oct 12th Leroy by F. W. Potter; releived from duty Oct 29th by F W Potter
Rugles, Thomas – joined Sept 12 1863 Neosho Twp ; ordered into active service Oct 12th Leroy by F. W. Potter; releived from duty Oct 29th by F W Potter
Briles, Alexander – joined Sept 12th Neosho Twp; ordered into active service Oct 12th Leroy by F. W. Potter; relieved form duty Oct 29th by F W Potter

Muster Rolls, Price’s Raid October 1864 14th thur 16th Regiments, Vol. 6 (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), page 480; digital image, Kansas Memory, kansasmemory.org viewed online 3 August 2022.

At the time these men were mustered into service, General Sterling Price was causing havoc in Missouri in what is known as “Price’s Raid“. A search of newspapers for “Kansas Militia” in October 1864 finds a transcript of the telegrams to the governor about the threat General Price posed to Kansas, the governors response and the order calling up the militia.

Telegrams

United States Military Telegraph
Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, 1864
To Governor Carney — The line is now cut this side Sedalia. This indicates a rebel move by some body west or south. Hurry up the militia.
S. R. Curtis, Maj.Gen.

United States Military Telegraph
Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, 1864
To Governor Carney — I request that you issue the call. Let the militia turn out. If not needed, they will of course be discharged. Their call and collection would enable us, at lest to give an impetus to Price’s departure. In your prompt responses to my request heretofore. I am sure we have saved the State from desolation. Let us do it now. The enemy is near Sedalia, and a fight is expected there to-night. They have burned Syracuse, Lamine and Otterile depots to-day. You see, they seem moving steadily westward. Delay is ruinous.
S. R. Curtis, Maj. Gen.

The Leavenworth Times (Leavenworth, KS) 11 Oct 1864, page 2

Governor’s Response

Kansans rally! You will do so as you have always promptly done,, when your soil has been invaded. The call, this time, will come to you louder and stronger, because you know the foe will seek to glut his vengeance upon you.
Meet him, then at the threshold and strike boldly, strike as one man against him.
Let all business be suspended. The work to be done now is to protect the State against marauder and murderer. Until that is accomplished, we must lead a soldier’s life, and do a soldier’s duty.
Men of Kansas, rally! One blow, one earnest, united blow, will foil the invader and save you. Who will falter? Who is not ready to meet the peril? Who will not defend his home and the State?
To arms, then ? To arms and the tentod field, until the rebel foe shall be baffled and beaten back.
Thomas Carney, Governor
N. B. – Major General Deitzler will lead the brave men of Kansas and issue the necessary orders. Commanding Officers of brigades and battalions will se that their respective commands are in readiness for immediate service.
Thomas Carney, Governor

The Leavenworth Times (Leavenworth, KS) 11 Oct 1864, page 2

Orders Calling Up the Militia

Major-General Deitzler’s Order

In pursuance of this call of the Governor, the Militia of Kansas will turn out and rendezvous immediately, as follows:
Headquarters, Dep’t Kansas State Militia
Topeka, Kansas Oct. 9, 1864

General Order
No. 54
In pursuance of the proclamation of the Commander-in-Chief, of the 8th inst., the Militia of Kansas will turn out and rendezvous immediately, at the points indicated below:
Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha and Marshall counties, at Atchison under Brigadier General Byron Sherry.
Atchison, Leavenworth, Jefferson, Jackson, Pottawatomie, Riley, Davis, Waubaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas and Johnson counties. at Olathe, under Brigadier General M. S. Grant.
Wyanodott, at Wyandott, under Major E. S. Hubbard.
Miami, Franklin, Osage, Morriss and Lyon counties, at Paola, under Brigadier General W. H. M. Fishback.
Linn, Anderson and Coffee counties, at Mound City, under Brigadier General S. N. Wood.
Bourbon Allen and Woodson counties, at Fort Scott.
Commanders of Brigades and Regiments will promptly prepare their respective commands for active service for thirty days, unless sooner discharged, and see that each man is supplied with two blankets, a tin cup, knife and fork and a haversack; and also, a coffee pot and frying pan for every five men.
Let each Regiment and detachment bring its own transportation and all the rations possible, but there must be no delay on any account. The general Government will undoubtedly pay all proper charges for such transportation and supplies, and will furnish rations and forage as far and as soon as possible, at the points indicated in this order.
Let each man come with such arms as are at hand and a full supply of ammunition. As this campaign will be a short one no change of clothing will be necessary.
Until further orders the Headquarters of the Militia will be at Olathe, to which point all returns and communications will be sent. By order of
Geo W. Dietzler, Maj Gen. K. S. M.
John T. Morton, A.A.G.
All Federal officers in this Department will aid in giving circulation and success to this effort to concentrate troops for immediate service.
Quartermasters and Commissaries will aid to the utmost of their abilities to have requisite provisions accumulated as fast as possible.
An earnest and united movement should animate officers and men — Volunteer and Militia.
Let business and personal strife be suspended; partisan discussions and political animosities avoided: and instead of impatience, fault-finding and detraction, too common among raw recruits, let every man display the fortitude, patience and endurance which distinguish the patriotic soldier engaged in the defense of his home and his Country.
The sooner this call is met the more certain will be its success; and the General earnestly appeals to soldiers and citizens to unite all their moral and physical energies in this effort to stifle the fiendish hordes that again threaten the people of Kansas and the peace of our country.
By Command of Major General Curtis.
oct11 G. S. Charlot, A.A.G

The Leavenworth Times (Leavenworth, KS) 11 Oct 1864, page 2

Many of these militia registers called up in response to General Price have been digitized and posted on the Kansas Memory site hosted by the Kansas State Historical Society.

Dower Rights

As you research in different locations, do you ever make assumptions about the records in the new area based on your previous research experiences? That would be me when it comes to working with land records!

Over the years, I’ve used a lot of deeds for the sale of land to help separate men of the same name due to the wife’s signature on the deed. As I was reviewing the records for my 3rd great grandfather, Alexander Briles, I came across a deed where he purchased land in Randolph County, North Carolina from a John Briles. I’m sure that when I first encountered this deed, I assumed that the grantor, John Briles, was the father of Alexander Briles.

However, as I transcribed this deed, I realized that a second John Briles was a witness to the deed. And, I realized that the deed did not contain a signature or dower release for the wife of John Briles. Trying to figure out who these two men are, I first looked in my file to see how many potential ‘John Briles’ I had in my file. I found that I only have two John Briles who would have been old enough to own land in 1838. One was the father of Alexander and the other was his brother. Records indicate that both were married at the time Alexander Briles purchased land from John Briles.

A check of the 1840 census for Randolph County, North Carolina only shows two men named John Briles living in Randolph County, NC.

A study of the census image shows both households containing females old enough to be a wife. The image also shows the Alexander Briles listed on the same page as the two John Briles.

Thus, I’m fairly certain Alexander Briles bought land from either his father or his brother. Since the deed referenced the person who sold the land to John Briles, I looked up that deed – and again noticed the lack of a wife’s signature on the deed or the release of dower. Glancing at a few other deeds, I couldn’t find any with a wife’s signature.

That’s when I remembered how Judy Russell encourages us to know the laws in the areas we are researching. A quick Google search came up with the answer spelled out on a North Carolina GenWeb site. On the site, Kathy Gunter Sullivan, CG answers the question, “What are DOWER rights and what rights did a widow have in regard to inheritance?”

http://www.ncgenweb.us/catawba/ncq_a.htm#:~:text=This%20was%20called%20dower%20by,was%20called%20his%20%22curtesy.%22

A wife’s right to one-third of her husband’s land became effective only at his death,

he could sell any and all of the property

Thus, at the time of these land transactions, the wife had no say as to whether the land was sold and thus was not included as a signatory on the deed. This will make it difficult to figure out which John sold the land and which John witnessed the deed!

Alexander Briles Land Purchase

Randolph County, North Carolina
Deeds, v. 19-21 1831-1939
Film 19637 DGS 7517640

Image 728 of 847
page 316

This indenture made this twenty fourth of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty eight between John Briles of this
County of Randolph and State of North Carolina
of the one part and Alexander Briles of the
county and state aforesaid of the other part
Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the
sum of five hundred dollars to him in hand
paid by the said Alexander Briles the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted
bargained and by these presents doth grant bargain
and sell allien and confirm unto the said
Alexander Briles a certain piece of parcel
of land lying and being in the County
and State aforesaid on the waters of Little
Carraway – Beginning at a black oak and
running East 146 poles to a post oak thence south
twenty six degrees East 160 poles to a pine thence south
53 poles to a black oak at the main road thence
south 40 degrees west along the main road
Crossing the creek ninety two poles to a Spanish
oak thence west 65 poles to a hickory thence
south 10 poles Spanish oak thence west 20
poles to a hickory thence south 8 poles to a white
oak thence west 60 poles to a gum thence north
260 poles to the beginning the whole 240 acres
be the same more or less it being a tract of land
purchased form Izra Dorsett by the said John
Briles together with all the appurtenances

page 317 – image 729
here unto belonging or in anywise
appurtaining to have and to hold unto
the said Alexander Briles his heirs and assigns
forever and the aforesaid John Briles doth
hereby bind myself my heirs extrs & adminis
trtors to warrant and defend the above bounded
premises unto the said Alexander Briles his
heirs and assigns shall and will warrant
and defend by these presents In witness
whereof the said John Briles doth hereunto
set his hand and affixed his seal the day &
year above written
John Briles (seal)
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of
John Briles
Solomon Briles

State of North Carolina
Randolph County
Court of Pleas & quarter sessions
May Term 1838
The execution of this deed was duly acknowledged
in open court & ordered to be registered
Hugh McCain Clck

John Briles Land Purchase

Randolph County, North Carolina
Deeds, v. 19-21 1831-1939
Film 19637 DGS 7517640

page 96 – image 340
This Indenture made the twenty fourth of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty four between Ezra Dorset of the County of
Randolph and State of North Caroline of the one part
and John Briles of the County and state aforesaid
of the other part witnesseth that for and in consideration

page 97
of the sum of four hundred dollars to him
in hand paid by the said John Briles the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged by the said Ezra
Dorset and hath this day bargained and sold and
delivered unto the said John Briles a certain tract
or parcel of land lying and being on the waters of
Little Carraway – Beginning at a black oak &
runs east 146 poles to a post oak thence south
26 east 160 poles to a pine thence south
53 poles to a black oak at the main road then
south 40 degrees west along the main road x
the creek to a spanish oak 92 poles thence
west 65 poles to a hickory then south 10 poles
to a spanish oak then west 20 poles to a
hickory then south 8 poles to a white oak
then west 60 poles to a gum then north 260
to the place of Beginning in all 240 acres be
the same more or less together with all woods
wasy waters [mines] minerals and appurtenances
to the said land belonging or appurtating to the
said John Briles his heirs and assigns forever &
and the said Ezra Dorsett doth hereby warrant
and defend the title to the said land and tenement
with the appurtenances to the said John Briles
his heirs and assigns forever against any other
person or persons whatsoever – In witness whereof
the said Ezra Dorset hath hereunto set his hand
and affixed his seal the day and year first above
written – Ezra (his mark) Dorsett seal)
Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of
Azial Rusuh
Julias Gregson

State of North Carolina
Randolph County
Court of Pleas 7 quarter sessions
May term 1835
The execution of this deed was dully proven in
open court by Azial Rush & order to be registered
Hugh McCain CCC

Using Deed Mapper, I created a plot of these two pieces of land on the waters of the Little Caraway. The plot on the left is from the Alexander’s purchase and the plot on the right is from John’s purchase.

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma

Marriage Puzzle

Has a census record ever helped you identify a new spouse? The 1950 census record for what appears to be my great grandfather may do just that. It shows an 80 year old E G Briles with a 72 year old wife named Anna living in Yates Center, Kansas.

1950 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population schedule, Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas, ED 104-14, page 11 Image 11 of 25, line 21, E. G. Briles; digital images, National Archives (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

E. G. Briles’ age and location in the census are in line with what I already knew about my great grandfather. Edward Grant Briles was born in July 1869 in Coffey County, Kansas. Thus, he would have been 80 years old in May of 1950. Thanks to the Ancestry database, Kansas, U.S., City and County Census Records, 1919-1961, I’ve found him living in Yates Center, Kansas in 1948.

Kansas, City and County Census Records 1919-1961, Yates Center, 1948; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017). Original Source: Population Schedules and Statistical Rolls: Cities (1919-1961).

This same database tells me that Anna M Briles was living in Yates Center with 2 people in the household in 1949 and 1950. Unlike previous years in these census records, the 1950 census recorded the street address which matches the address found for E. G. Briles on the 1950 federal census record. AND, there is no mention of an Edward Briles or an E. G. Briles on these Kansas census records living in Yates Center in 1949 or 1950.

Kansas, City and County Census Records, 1919-1961, Anna M. Briles, 1 March 1950; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 3 April 2022). Original Source: Kansas State Board of Agriculture.

These census records suggest that Edward G. Briles remarried sometime after the 1948 census was taken and when the 1949 census was taken. However, none of the records associated with Edward Briles’ death in July 1951 mention this second wife.

For example, his obituary published in the Emporia Gazette identifies his four children and states that his wife, Artie, died in May 1947.

Ed Briles Dead
Ed Briles, of Yates Center, died Monday evening at 6 o’clock at St. Mary’s hospital. He was the father of E. O. Briles, 924 Constitution.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Mr. Briles was born July 18, 1867 in LeRoy, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Briles. He and Artie Ricketts were married and she preceded him in death in Yates Center in May, 1947.
Survivors are two sons, E. O. Briles, 924 Constitution; Glenn Briles, of Yates Center; two daughters, Mrs. Ethel Darby, of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Lulu Cope, of Yates Center; a sister, Mrs. Angie Barr, of Burlington, and seven grandchildren.

“Ed Briles Dead,” obituary, The Emporia Gazette (Emporia, Kansas), 2 August 1951, p. 4; Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online July 2018).

A different obituary was published in the Yates Center newspaper. It also makes no mention of a second wife while providing details about his wife, Artie and their children.

E. G. Briles
E. G. Briles, son of Noah and Sarah Briles, was born on a farm in the Crandall vicinity, west of Le Roy, Kans. He passed away in St. Mary’s hospital, Emporia, Kans. On July 23, 1951, at the age of 82 years and five days.
He was married to Artie Ricketts on February 19, 1890, who preceded him in death on April 28, 1947. Their four children survive: namely: E. O. Briles of Emporia, Kans. Mrs. Ethel Darby of Los Angeles, Calif., Glen Briles and Mrs. Lulu Cope, Yates Center, also a sister, Mrs. Angie Barr of Burlington Kans.; and seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
His entire life was spent within a radius of 25 miles of his birthplace. He was engaged in farming as long as his health would permit, and after moving to Yates Center, he engaged in carpentering.
Services were held at the Campbell Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, July 25, conducted by Miles C. Cool, “No Night There” and “Beyond the Sunset” were sung by H. E. Redfearn, Nr. With Charlene Morris as accompanist. Casketbearers were Leonard Massoth, Leonard Turner, Harry Ashley, N. L. Briles, August Flake and E. B. Lake. Burial was in the Crandall cemetery.

“E. G. Briles”, Yates Center News, (Yates Center, Kansas), 2 August 1951, page 5, microfilm; Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS.

In the probate court records for the estate of Francis Artlissa Ricketts Briles and her husband, Eddie G. Briles, the Decree of Descent identifies the four children and indicates that “E. G. Briles, aka Eddie G. Briles had no spouse … who survived him other than the persons above named” (i.e. the 4 children)

Since the obituary and probate records do not name a second wife, I now have a puzzle to solve regarding the 1950 census record. For now, I see two possible solutions to this puzzle.

• The E. G. Briles in the 1950 U.S. Census might be a different E. G. Briles
• E. G. Briles may have been married to Anna, but she likely died prior to his death in July of 1951.

To help figure out whether my great-grandfather had a second wife, I am writing the Woodson County Clerk to see if there is a marriage record for an Eddie Briles between 1948 and 1950.

I have also identified a possible ‘Anna’ in the Find a Grave records for Woodson County, Kansas. I then located this person on FamilySearch. While this is a long shot, I have messaged contributors to Anna’s profile on FamilySearch to see if they knew anything about a possible marriage to an Edward Briles. I may also need to schedule a trip to the Kansas State Historical Society to read the newspaper microfilm for 1948 to 1951.

For now, it is a puzzle!

Census Surprise

By now, most of my readers have already found their immediate family on the 1950 census. But I’m curious, were there any surprises in your work with the 1950 census?

Thanks to my preparation for the 1950 Census, finding my parents and grandparents was relatively easy. My dad’s family was found exactly where I expected – living at 911 Second Avenue in Dodge City, Kansas on ED 29-15.

1950 U.S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 29-15, p. 14 Image 14 of 34, line 18, Crawford Leon; digital images, National Archives (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

I even registered my email address to transcribe the CRAWFORD names found on this page.

So, on April 2nd, I expected to be able to search for the CRAWFORD surname to get back to the page. That’s when I discovered that the names were not being indexed as CRAWFORD but as CRAMFORD.

1950 U.S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 29-15, p. 14 Image 14 of 34, line 18, Crawford Leon; digital images, National Archives (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

When I looked at my transcription history and clicked on the ‘i’, I learned that I will have to wait for the ’24 hours’ to expire before my transcription would appear — and then only if approved by a moderator.

When I searched the county where my mother was living for the BRILES surname, I found that her sister was correctly indexed by the computer. However, the Briles family on the previous page had the surname correctly indexed but the given names were not correctly read.

1950 U.S. Census, Lyon County, Kansas, population schedule, Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas, ED 56-16, page 8 Image 8 of 26, line 28, Edward O. Briles; digital images, National Archies (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

While discovering that I have to wait and hope that my transcriptions replace the computer indexing, those weren’t the only surprises in the 1950 census.

One of the first surprises was that I did not find my great-grandmother, Josie Crawford, living with my grandparents in Dodge City. Nor was she living in the household of my great-aunt, Esther Crawford Noll. Thus, she is likely living with a different child. I likely will need to wait for indexing to find her.

Another surprise was a chance discovery of my father living in Emporia, Kansas after finding him listed with his parents in Dodge City. Since my dad was a student at Kansas State Teachers College at the time, I shouldn’t have been surprised to find him in Emporia — but I wasn’t looking for him there.

1950 U.S. Census, Lyon County, Kansas, population schedule, Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas, ED 56-31, page 21 Image 21 of 57, Line 3, Eugene Crawford; digital images, National Archies (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

However, my biggest surprise was finding E. G. Briles, whom I believe to be my great-grandfather with a wife named Anna. My great-grandmother, Frances Artlissa Ricketts Briles died in 1947, thus I expected to find Edward G. Briles as a widower. Thus, finding him in the 1950 census with a wife named Anna was a HUGE surprise.

1950 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population schedule, Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas, ED 104-14, page 11 Image 11 of 25, line 21, E. G. Briles; digital images, National Archives (1950census.archives.gov : viewed online 1 April 2022)

A search of the Kansas, U.S., City and County Census Records, 1919-1961, confirms that an Anna Briles was living in Yates Center, Kansas with TWO people in her household in 1949 and 1950. Thus, I will need to do further research to see if I can verify a marriage for Edward G. Briles between 1947 and 1950.

So, how about you? Did you have any surprises in the 1950 census?

1950 Census

I had this post scheduled for later in March. However, it’s now a post for Randy Seaver’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge.

It’s Saturday Night – 

time for more Genealogy Fun! 

Your mission, should you decide to accept it (cue the Mission Impossible music here) is to:1) The 1950 United States Census will be available to search on 1 April 2022 – less than three weeks away. How have you prepared yourself to search it? Have you found 1950 addresses of your family members and persons of interest? Have you identified the State, County, Town and Enumeration District? Have you made a table of your findings so you can systematically find everyone on your list? What will you do with the information you gather?

---

Are you ready? Do you know where your ancestors may have lived in 1950? While others have been preparing for quite some time, I have to admit I haven’t. I haven’t spent much time on this task for several reasons:

• My ancestors were living in Dodge City, Emporia, and Yates Center at the time.
• I learned to use census records by scanning microfilm to locate the desired family. Thus, I can do this again.
• All of my ancestors were living in Kansas which means that in addition to information from the 1940 census, I also have information from Kansas census records for various years that provide street addresses. (Kansas City and County Records, 1919-1961)

On my dad’s side of the tree, my living ancestors were all living at 911 Second street in Dodge City, Kansas in 1950. Thus, I can use Steve Morse’s “Viewing 1940/1950 Enumeration Districts in One Step” site to locate the map for Dodge City.

To figure out which Enumeration District I need to access, I am relying on previous knowledge. From personal experience, I know that 911 Second is the southwest corner of the intersection of 2nd avenue and Elm Street. I also have deed records indicating that this is lot 7 of block 47. When I enlarge the map of Dodge City, and locate this intersection, I find that I need to look in ED 29-15.

When it comes to my mom’s side of the tree, my grandparents were living in Emporia while my great grandfathers were living in Yates Center and Neosho Falls. Since my grandparents tended to move around a lot, I need to pin down their probable address in 1950. A search of the Ancestry database, U.S. City Directories 1822-1995 for the surname BRILES living in Emporia, Kansas provides the information needed. In both 1949 and 1951, my grandparents were living at 924 Constitution.

A search of Google helps me put 924 Constitution on a map.

From the Google map, I figured out that Constitution Street is two blocks west of Commercial street. Commercial street is highlighted in blue on the enumeration map. With my previous knowledge of Emporia’s streets, I knew that 9th avenue was north of 6th avenue (which is also highlighted in blue). Locating those two streets on the ED map, I learn that ED 56-16 is the one that I need to use to locate my grandparents.

For my great-grandfathers, it appears that I will have to do more scanning of pages. My great grandfather, Charles Mentzer, was living in Neosho Falls. Since, the town is not separated from the rest o the township, I will need to scan the entire township (ED 104-7) to locate Charles.

My other great-grandfather on my mom’s side was living in Yates Center at the time. When I enlarge the ED map of Woodson County, it appears that Yates Center is in 4 different EDs but there is no map of the town showing which portions of the town are in which ED.

Thus, it appears that I will need to scan several EDs to locate Edward G. Briles. Since I would have a lot of MENTZER cousins living in Woodson county, scanning these various EDs will help me locate them while locating my great-grandfather.

To help me make sure I scan all of the townships where my MENTZER cousins lived, I can use a search of the Ancestry database, Kansas, U.S., City and County Census Records, 1919-1961 for the MENTZER surname between 1948-1952. The results from this search will allow me to create a checklist of cousins I need to find.

Besides these MENTZER cousins, I would have an aunt living in Emporia and great aunts and uncles on my ‘to-do’ list. Using information I have already compiled on these individuals, I can use the same process described above to identify the appropriate Enumeration District. Besides my Mentzer cousins shown above, I quickly created a list of ancestors and their siblings that will need located in the 1950 census.

• Herbert Mentzer — ED 16-19 in Coffey County, Kansas
• Leon Crawford family (including his mother) – ED 29-15 in Ford County, Kansas
• Helen Horton – ED 29-16 in Ford County, Kansas
• Myrtle Jones – ED 29-18 in Ford County, Kansas
• Esther Noll — ED 29-6 in Ford County, Kansas
• E. O. Briles family — ED 56-16 in Lyon County, Kansas
• Letha Doolittle — ED 56-31 in Lyon County, Kansas
• Gladys Green – ED 56-31 in Lyon County, Kansas
• Edward G Briles – EDs 104-14 to 104-17 in Woodson County, KS
• Glen Briles – EDs 104-14 to 104-17 in Woodson County, KS
• Lulu Cope – EDs 104-14 to104-17 in Woodson County, KS
• Charles Mentzer – ED 104-7 in Woodson County, KS
• Leslie Mentzer – ED 104-7 in Woodson County, KS

My to-do list will contain some great aunts and uncles living in larger communities. If the above process does not help me locate them easily, I will just wait until those cities are indexed to do my search.