This picture is tattered and torn, but it is one of my greatest treasures.
Have you ever had a favorite ancestor? One that you were attracted to more than the others? That's how I have always felt about the woman in this picture, my great great grandmother, Julia Ann McAnear. Sitting beside Julia Ann is her husband, John Martin Blanton. They were married in 1850. Their marriage lasted only 23 years, as John Martin died in 1873 at the age of 46. In those 23 years, they had 16 children.
After John Martin died, Julia Ann never remarried. She remained on their farm in Cass County, Texas, farming and rearing her children. Many of those children, my great grandfather included, moved to Johnson County, Texas. After her children were grown, Julia Ann moved there and spent her last years living with one of her sons. She died at the age of 86 and is buried in Marystown Cemetery near Egan, Texas.
Copyright © 2009 Deborah Blanton McCoy.
Do not copy the articles or pictures in this blog without the consent of the author.
Do not copy the articles or pictures in this blog without the consent of the author.
You hold an uncanny resemblance to Julia Ann, Debbie! What a great photo, and it would be one of my favorites, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie ~
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! I thought I was the only one to have "favorite" ancestors!! There are definitely some that I just feel like I somehow know, even though they lived and died sometimes 100 years before my time!
16 children in 23 years! Wow! This is a great story. I'm glad you posted it and shared with us the photo! I too have a favorite ancestor--a great-grandmother whom I never met. I often wonder if we'd be close if we were living in the same generation. I enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteI just love those old photos! I think the torn part just gives it more character! I have "secret" conversations with some of my long gone ancestors and I'll be you do too with Julia Ann! Oh, only if the photo could talk back!!!
ReplyDeleteI find old images endlessly fascinating. Truly, moments frozen in time. I usually restore old and historical photographs - with just a little reluctance - but especially if I am going to use them in historical videos. I can understand the "authenticity" argument against restoration though...
ReplyDeleteHappy 1st birthday to you & your blog! I am enjoying getting to know you & your kith 'n kin -- e.g., your cousin & mine, Hal P. (he & I connect on a mutual ROBERTS / GILL line).
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