The Holley family puzzle

As promised, this week I'm running information received from Johnnye Moore Clements on her Holley family, hoping someone out there can link up and help her solve her family puzzle.

Johnnye writes: "In today's article, you close by asking if I have a puzzler in my family tree. Well, yes, I do. It is in my Holley tree, which can be found in my husband's family forest. I've been trying to solve this mystery with some kind of 'proof' for a long, long time, along with other descendant-researchers. Perhaps some of your readers could help.

"I have much more than I will list below. Most of this information from John Holley number 5 on down was given to me and my daughter by my mother-in-law, Queen Celestia Holley Clements, as this is her family line (Clements/Holly/Sellers/Porter/Huff/Nolen/Turner). I have done research on the names she gave us since the 1970s (off and on). This was done the hard way BC (before computers) and I have used the computer to check some of the information I had.

"These families migrated from Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to settle in Alabama in Coosa, St. Clair, Blount and Jefferson counties. A few of them went on west to Mississippi and Texas (mainly their children). The following is condensed. I have lots more information and names."

Here's Johnnye's information. I have edited a little and spelled out some abbreviations to make it more understandable (I understood it, but you might not). 1. John Holley #1, born before 1700 in Virginia, married Sarah Church, born about the same time. Children: John Holley #2. 2. John Holley #2, born about 1715-1716 in Bertie District, S.C., married Rebecca Unknown. Children: Edward Holley. 3. Edward Holley, born about 1740 in Bertie District, S.C. Children: John #3, Sherod, Osbourne, William, Reddick, Mary, and possibly others. 4. William Holley, born 1765, Sampson Co., N.C. married Onie Hill. Children: John #4 (?). 1810 census shows only age groups, no names.

This is Johnnye's puzzle. She needs to prove William is John #4's father. 5. John Holley #4, born 1792 in Sampson Co., N.C., married Nancy Dawson who was born in 1796. She was the daughter of Joseph Dawson. Children: Annielizer (Annie Liza?), Calvin, Henry Mourning, William (could he be named after his grandfather?), Jason, Albert, Giles, Joseph S. (could he be named after his grandfather Dawson?), Sarah Jane (Sally), Mary Ann, David Dawson (Johnnye's link), Fielder, Elon (there is an error on the Coosa Co. census as he is shown as "Ellen, a female), and Martha M. (14th child).

6. David Dawson (Johnnye's link), born 1833 in DeKalb Co., Ga., married Telithia Elizabeth Turner who was born 1835 in Ala. She was the daughter of H.D. and Elizabeth Turner. Children: J.L. (no other name known), William A., Nancy A., Marion (Johnnye's link), and Martha. 7. Marion Holley, born 1859 in Coosa Co., Ala., died 1932 in Jefferson Co., Ala., married Ester Missouri Arminta Huff, daughter of Daniel Abner Huff and Mary Ann Nolen. Children: Louis Nolen and Queen Celestia (Johnnye's link).

8. Queen Celestia Holley, born 1896 in Coosa Co., Ala., married Edgar Theotis Clements, son of S.G. and Eulalia Grace Sellers Clements. William (number 4, above) disappeared in Georgia, where it is believed he died. His son, John (?), and other family members moved first to Pike Co., Ga., then to Coosa Co., Ala. in the 1840s.

They traveled in a covered wagon in family groups. All of John Holley's children were born in DeKalb and Pike counties in Georgia. Johnnye did not include an e-mail address, but if you can help solve her family puzzle, you can write to her at 5985 Cascade-Palmetto Hwy., Fairburn, GA 30213-2241.

Another e-mail arrived recently from Paige Valentine who was asking about genealogy classes. Paige writes: "I just read your article in the April 20 issue of The Citizen on 'Finding Your Folks.' It caught my eye because I'm in search of information on a genealogy class. I was hoping you could provide some guidance. I would like to trace my roots but do not know how to get started. I recalled a class being offered on 'Tracing your Roots' but I've searched through my old local newspapers and cannot find the info.

"Are you aware of a class or do you have another suggestion for me as to how to begin? Thank you for your time. Paige Valentine Epval@aol.com."

I'm not aware of any genealogy classes currently being taught in the area. But, there are some excellent beginner tips and sound advice on the net. Once again, go to good ol' Rootsweb (www.rootsweb.com) and browse the site. I believe they have several lessons on getting started in genealogy. Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com) also has articles and help on getting started.

There also is a very helpful (and hilarious) book available at the library called "Genealogy for Dummies." I found it at the Coweta library. You could probably find it at a bookstore, too. This not only covers genealogy, but includes information on how to use the Internet.

Do you know of classes? Think they are necessary or helpful? Think they are a waste of time? Whatever your opinion, please write and let Paige know. Got a story to tell about your ancestors? Got a genealogy tip? I'd love to hear about it. Send mail to The Citizen, Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; e-mail jkilgore@thecitizennews.com or jodiek444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!