Who are you related to?

    Many early Texas pioneers settled in Jackson County and their descendants remain in the area.  
  

    Jesse Pumphrey was such a settler. Pumphrey (b. 1827, d. 1909) is pictured here with his daughter, Lavonia Pumphrey Laughter (back, left), her daughter, Alma Laughter Manly (back, right), and Alma’s daughter, Marion Manley Kuntz.  Jesse’s son, Murus Pumphrey, married Mattie Simons, thus bonding with another area pioneer family. Mattie Meade Pumphrey, “Miss Meadie,” beloved Edna school teacher, was a child of Murus and Mattie. 
    

    Mattie Simons Pumphrey was born to Milam Travis Simons, whose father was Capt. Thomas Simons. Captain Simons was born in 1794 in England, eventually settling in Texana, via Nova Scotia. He is described as a navigator, sea captain, and pioneer citizen.                                                                                                                      

     One of his 14 children, Mary Susan Simons, born in Texana in 1843 who later married Rev. O.A. Fisher, is the acclaimed ancestor of several members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.          

                 
    One purpose of the heritage organization, DRT, is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas. The group is committed to keeping Texas’ unique history and heritage alive for future generations. Jackson County is steeped in the legacy of these and many other historical families, several of whom will be highlighted in the weeks to come.                                                                                                                                                                              
    The DRT and the Sons of the Republic of Texas, are sponsoring a free genealogy workshop “Tracing Your Texas Roots” on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chamber of Commerce Building for those who wish to find if they have a Texas patriot in their family tree. Several state level DRT officers will be on hand to make a presentation, followed by individual research assistance to participants.