Arnolds and Vollenweiders of Fayette and Coweta

I know I promised you Bowers and Morgans this week, but things have popped up that need to be done first. I'll get back to those wonderful Coweta families soon, though ... I promise.

I know you will remember the column we did last year about "Aunt Kate" Kerlin celebrating her 98th birthday. Well, I'm saddened to report that Mrs. Kerlin passed away recently. But what a wonderful life she had.

Pat Walston, the wife of Aunt Kate's nephew, wrote a beautiful farewell "obituary," if you will, and I'd like to print it here since newspapers no longer do that type of thing (unless you pay for the space). Free death notices and memorials to loved ones have become a thing of the past, I'm afraid. And they give such insights into the character of the person as seen through the thoughts of loved ones and friends.

Well, here I can do pretty much what I please, as long as it pertains to genealogy. And Aunt Kate's rich Fayette heritage certainly fits into that category.

So here, beautifully written by one who knew and loved her, is a memorial to Evie Kate Davis Kerlin. Pat calls it ... "Safely Home."

"On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, Evie Kate Davis Kerlin completed her earthly journey and arrived safely home. It must have been some reunion. Awaiting her at journey's end were her parents, Jodie and Addie Davis, natives of Fayette County; her 11 brothers and sisters and their spouses; her husband, Daniel Kerlin, also a native of Fayette County; her only daughter, Katheren Kerlin Ragsdale, her only grandson, Curtis Daniel Ragsdale and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"She was the end of a generation, an era, and a big part of history.

"Evie Kate was born Tuesday, June 14, 1904, in a log cabin in Fayette County, and would have been 99 on her next birthday.

"She is survived by the family of her great-grandson, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Daniel Ragsdale, son of her deceased grandson, Curtis Daniel Ragsdale by a first marriage and their three children, Brittany, Loren, and Justin. She is also survived by her granddaughter-in-law, Sharon Ragsdale, second wife of her deceased grandson, Curtis Daniel Ragsdale, and their four children, Chris, Kathy, Joseph and William.

"Evie Kate, being one of 12 brothers and sisters, leaves behind many, many nieces and nephews and their descendants.

"'Aunt Kate's' funeral was held Jan. 20, 2003, in the Chapel of Davis-Struempf Funeral Home in Austell. Her serviceÂ was conducted by the Rev. Allen Martin and interment was at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, where she was laid to rest beside her beloved husband of 47 years, 'Uncle Dan.'

"Aunt Kate remained active until her late 80s/early 90s until age and failing health necessitated that she become a resident of Well-Star Paulding Nursing Home in Dallas, Ga. After the tragic, accidental death of her only grandson, she was faithfully attended by the family of her nephew, Jack Davis, of Mableton. Last year on June 14, 2002, the family gathered there to honor her and celebrate her 98th birthday.Â Aunt Kate died there as she lived, softly, quietly, and triumphantly.

"She lived a life of service to others never adding the world 'no' to her vocabulary. She resided for many years in East Point, where she was active in United Methodist Church, Russell High School, and the Eastern Star. She was also a long-time sponsor for the Rainbow Girls.

"Our hearts are saddened by the passing of this great Southern lady, especially the family of her nephew, Ted Walston of Fayette County. A Verse from her remembrance card reads: 'I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.'"

I'd like to thank Pat for submitting that wonderful memorial. We share in your loss.

The other topic I wanted to mention is (finally) my visit to the Fayette County Historical Society's library last week. I was trying to find more information on the Vollenweiders (there was none), but I was pleased to meet Bobby Kerlin who gave me a tour and showed off the library's vast collection of Civil War material. It is awesome. Carolyn Cary had told me they had a great collection, but I never imagined just how great it was.

They also have many of the original marriage books for Fayette County and much research material on families and county history.

The things they don't have, and I wish they did, are transcribed censuses for sale. They have them there for you to research, but none are for sale. What a market they are missing! People are clamoring for research materials with the booming interest in genealogy, and now, with the Internet, people can "find their folks" even faster than before. I hope they will consider making these sought-after resources available. Census books, marriage books, and cemetery books are probably the most useful resources in genealogy.

If you haven't paid them a visit, you should consider it. They are on Lee Street just a block from the courthouse and the Methodist church. They are open Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The phone number is 770-716-6020.

Next week I promise to get back to family research and fill you in on a few more details Frances Hanson Arnold has shared with me on her husband's family.

I'm still looking for stories about your Atlanta area ancestors. Send them to The Citizen, Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; jkilgore@thecitizennews.com or jodiek444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!

(Judy regrets that time does not permit her to do personal research for others. She will willingly share research information on her own family lines, including collateral and allied lines.)