1. Bobby R. Huggin's books gives place of marriage as Henderson County, Texas.
2. Daniel lived at Anderson County, Texas...
3. He preceeded his mother in death and willed her l/2 of his estate and the other l/2 went to his brothers and sisters.
1. Source: Col. Huggins.
1. The following is an excerpt from a letter dated 9th January, 1843 and addressed to Mr. Samuel D. Strain, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was from his brother, William D. Strain who was now a doctor and living in Spring Hill, AL. There was no stamp on it, but was marked 25 (25 cens for delivery) in the space where the stamp would have been.
"Dear Brother Samuel,
Yours of the 7th ultimo came this evening to had. And I hasten to congratulate you on the memorable event which occurred onthe 20th of last month. I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with the lady whom you have married, but I know from mine with you, that you have made a good choice. You will permit me therefore to wich you both, long, prosperous and happy lives, with a numerous progeny - you have realized the most generous (joy that life) bestows - tis a consummation of all our pleasures this world a partner for life - a help mate - may you enjoy a continuous sunshine."
Source for marriage to Julia Chambers: Orange Co., NC, Marriage Bonds to 1868\
Letter from William D.Strain to Samuel D.StrainIt is not known at this time when or where Julia died. It is known, however, that Samuel married Lucy Hollingswoth on August 4, 1847 after having moved from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Mount Holly, Arkansas. The Hollingsworths had moved to Arkansas around 1837.
"In November, 1842, Colin L. McRae, his wife, Lydia Ann Chester, and their family, moved from Alabama to this neighborhood. (The neighborhood being referred to is Mount Holly, Union Co., AR) He was originally from Anson Co., North Carolina, while his wife came from Connecticut. In January, 1843, Major Edwrd W. Wright and family, also from Alabama, settled near by. He was originally from Macon, Georgia. In the winter of 1845, Dr. Charles Chester and his family came, while near the same time Christopher McRae and his large family were added to the community. He and his wife Jennet McRae, came directly from Scotland. Samuel D. Strain and others of like faith were attracted around this group of devoted Presbyterians, so that Rev. Mr. Williams found a company prepared of the Lord for his arrival....The first elders chosen were Christopher McRae, Colin L. McRae, Edward W. Wright, Charles Chester and Samuel D.Strain. All of these were ordained at the orgainization except Dr. Chester, who had been an ordained elder before coming to Mount Holly.
Samuel D. Strain, second of the original elders to go, died in Henderson County, Texas, July 16, 1864. In his memory the session bore testimony to his superior worth as a citizen, as a Christian, and an official in this church. He was emphatically an honest man, an Israelite in whom there was no guild."
---History of Mount Holly Presbyerian Church, pages, 1, 3, and 25.
The following events and/or facts were used in an effort to piece together a chronology of Samuel's family. It is indicated in the church records that Samuel's wife, Lucy Strain, joined the church November 17, 1850. We then know that Samuel's brother, Dr. William D. Strain moved from AL to Fairfield, TX. where a child was born on April 6, 1851. This date is significant because according to a handwritten note in the Alexander H. Strain bible, Grandmother Allie T. Strain states that "S. D. Strain had a brother to come to Texas with him, his name was Bill. He was a Dr. (and) settled at Fairfield, Tex." Because of this statement by Grandmother Strain, Samuel and Lucy and three children, all of which had been born in Mount Holly, must have gone to Texas together with William and his family in 1851. Apparently, Samuel and Lucy did not like Texas and moved back to Mount Holly where the remainder of their children were born. We know that Samuel and family are back in Mount Holly by January 8, 1853, because this is when their next child was born. We also have a copy of a promissary note of $100 that was loaned to Samuel later year, on Oct. 20, 1853 by John B. Hawkins. Incidently, the amount of interest was 12%. (I located a descendant of John B. Hawkins that lived in Houston, TX. I sent him a letter and copy of the note. I told him not to come knocking on my door expecting me to pay him the $100....that my people pay their debts. (He replied that he wasn't interested in the $100, but just 147 years of interest on it.) Lucy's parents also lived in Union Co., AR as is indicated by the 1850 census. However, they moved to Texas, perhaps around the same time Samuel and Lucy made their brief move. The Hollingsworths had a child born in Texas on January 2, 1855. On July 17, 1857, Samuel D. Strain, having moved back to Mount Holly sometime between 1851 and 1853, bought 240 acres out of Sections 4 and 9, Townships 16 and 17, Range 18 W from Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Chipman for the sum of $1,000. On May 10, 1859, he bought 120 acres out of Section 17, Township 16, Range 18W from William M. Sims for $150. Eighteen days later, he sold that same piece of property to W. McRae for the same amount that he paid fot it. We have a copy of another note indicating that S. D. Strain borrowed $60 at 10% interest from J. H. Woffo(rd) on Jan. 23, 1861 and was to be paid on or by the first day of Jan. 1862. We know, according to a copy of a receipt from J.D. Holloway, Sheriff of Columbia Co., (AR) that S. D. Strain paid $1271 for his County Tax for the year 1862, March 267 - 1863. As stated above in the History of Mount Holly Presbyterian Church, Samuel D. passed away on July 16, 1864 in Henderson Co., TX. The 1860 TX Census shows the Hollingsworths living in Kickapoo, Anderson Co., TX. My research shows that the Anderson/Henderson Co., line had changed locations serveral times in the middle to late 1800s. Thus, it is my belief, and conclusion, that Samuel D. Strain was probably visiting his in-laws in Kickapoo, Henderson Co., TX when he died. This being during the Civil War, they were probably unable to ship his body back to Mount Holly and consequently buried him in Kickapoo, Texas. From all indications, Kickapoo, TX used to be located South of the present town of Frankston, Anderson, TX. The only remains of the town and cemetery today are scattered bricks and stones in a pasture. If my theory is correct, we may never know the exact location of Samuel's grave.
-Strain H. Armstrong-
1. The following is a chronicle of events in Lucy's life picking up after the death of her husband, Samuel D. Strain. These events are taken from the Federal Census, a Freedmen Contract, receipts, letters, and courthouse records:
When Samuel D., Lucy's husband, died, she was about 34 years old and had a house full of children to care for. The baby, Bennie, was only about 6 months old and Alex was about 2-l/2 years old. She had her hands full, but the two older sons were old enough to help. I have not found any indication that she owned any slaves, but it is fact that on Jan. 4, 1866, she signed a Freedmen Contract with two former slaves, Lewis King age 54, and Robert R(een) or R(un) age 22. The contrct was to expire on Dec. 25, 1866. Lewis King was to receive $11 per month, two suits of clothing, a patch and team to cultivate it with. He was also to get 3 pounds of tobacco, 1 spinning wheel, 1 table and benches, 3 pounds of sugar, 1 pair of shoes, and some blankets. There were some other items, but I couldn't read what they were. Robert was to get $11 per month and two suits of clothing. According to a copy of a receipt dated Sept., 1866, Lucy charged to her account at McRae and Watts, 4 pair of kids borgans for a total of $12. Another receipt reads, "Due Buck Hill Oct. 27, 1867. Mrs. Lucy Strain twenty five yards India Bagging and Seventy five pounds rope", signed Jas A. Mims. Another reads, Rec'd Millers Bluff Ark Jan 31st 1868 in good order on storage four(4) Bales of Cotton market as belo(w). Storage to order and on Act. of Mrs. Lucy Strain #400 #420 #417 #337." signed A. P. Farris & Co. There was another account where she had borrowed $14 in March, 1867 at 10% interest and paid $15 in May of 1868 to J. P. Crumpler. There is a two page accounting of her purchases at McRae and Watts for the entire year of 1870. At the bottom of it is shown a credit for her services....she and her sons hauled supplies to and from, and bales of cotton to the Ouachita river ports for shipment to New Orleans. I think Millers Bluff as a port and then there was Frenchport. She must have been doing pretty well, because on Mar. 23, 1870, it is recorded that Lucy, widow of S. D. Strain bought a piece of land out of Section 4, Township 17S, Range 18W from Mr. and Mrs. William Wood of New York City, for the sume of $480. There is an account of her selling three bales which totaled 1371 lbs @ 23 3/4 cents per lb for a total of $325.61 minus charges of $25.62 which netted her $299.99. (The charges were broken down like this: Internal Revenue Tax, .41; Freight $6.00; Charges $1.50 as per Bill Lading; River Insurance $1.30 per Bale, $3.90 @ 1/4%, $4.88; Fire Insurance @ 1/2% on Sale, $1.63; Drayage, Storage, Labor and Weighting, @ .75 per Bale, $2.25; Brokerasge of Sale @ 1/4%, .81; Commission on Sale @ 2-1/2%, $8.l4.) The transaction started on Feb. 4, 1870, probably at Frenchport and was final in New Orleans on Feb. 17, 1870. It was brokered by FELLOWS, FERGUSON & HERVEY.
Lucy's father, Barnett G. Hollingsworth died Dec. 23, 1874. In an apparent attempt to acquire her share of the estate, she wrote a letter to a Mr. Edwards in Texas. Her brother, Robert Hollingwsworth, who was an attorney then living in Tehaucana, TX is responding to her letter:
Tehuacana, Texas
July 6th, 1875
Mrs. Lucy Strain
Mt. Holly, Ark.Dear Sister,
Your letter to Mr. Edwards received, relative to the Estate of father and referred to me to give you a reply. You asked in regard to a will, there is no will. To settle the estate in the way proposed was a suggestion of mine to the heirs, and they think that that is the best way to wind it up without necessitating any unnecessary expenses. It will save the cost, fees, ets., which would be incurred in going through a cause of law. Then it amounts to so little, about three or four thousand, that it is unnecessary for us to go into law for a settlement. As all the heirs are of age and it was Father's expressed wish for me to have the remainder as he stated that he had given all (their?) portion as he was so unfortunate as to loose $8,000 Gold, before he died, in New Orleans that would have been for a division, and the remainder of the family wishes for me to take the Power-of-Atty which I did not want, but Nathan can explain to you when he returns home. I will send Power-of Atty to you for you to assign if you are fully convinced of the facts of the case, etc. and is (dispensed?) to do so. Write to me on receiving of this. All the (family?) (questions?) me. Prospects in the country seem flattering at present than has been for some time. I rec'd a letter from Will to (Clem?) sometime since, stating that he thought of coming to Texas and thought he would stop ( ) (Fairfield?) which I think is not a good idea. But I will write to him in a few days. Write soon.
Your Bro.
R. HollingsworthThere is an interesting receipt for the months of July, Aug., Sept., and Nov., of 1875 which was settled in full on Jan. 31st, 1876, and signed J. M. McRae. (This is the receipt that shows there was a pair of ladies shoes purchased ...for Robt.) At the bottom of this receipt is a credit....by haulding 354 brick, $2.54. It certainly appears that she was a hard working pioneer woman.
Eight months after the above transaction, Lucy passed away. The engraving on her headstone reads "Mrs. Lucy Strain, Wife of Samuel D. Strain, Died Sept 7, 1876. Aged 45 years."
Apparently, after her passing, her oldest son, William D. went to Texas to check on Lucy's share of her father's estate which Lucy had tried to get cleared up around three years earlier. The folliwing is a letter sent to William after his visit there. It is from Lucy's brother, Robert Hollingsworth, who has moved his practice from Tehuacana, TX to Graham City, Young Co., TX. (Graham City is known today as Graham)
HOLLINGSWORTH & HOLLINGSWORTH
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Land and Collecting Agents
Graham City, Young Co., Texas
March 26, 1878Mr. Wm. D. Strain
Mt. Holly (Ark)Dear Will,
I have just received a letter from Mr. McRae who suggested to me to write to you in regard to that estate matter. You was in Texas long enough and no doubt heard enough that ought to convince you that your attempt to make anything by a lawsuit out of your Grand Pa's Estate would be fruitless. And as for Nancy, there is not enough cash in the whole family, to buy a sick man's supper. And I am confident by you being so stubborn and bringing trouble where you ought not to you will lose in the course of time. To be plain and harsh with you if you continue to need not expect favors in the future from any of us. Evertything in Texas is as it is in Ark. and you are not by yourself in being in debt. If my debts were paid I would not have even a shirt left and so with 9/10th of the people in Texas. Your Grand Pa had comparatively no property when he died when he died he lost nearly $10,000 in New Orleans in 1873. That you know which was nearly all he had. Your Grand Ma claims what is left and why your continued (cautionsness?) it is unjust and uncalled for.
I received a letterr for ( ) today. All the family quite well when he wrote. My plain talk is not in anger but with the very best of feelings and as the trust of true friends and want you to listen to what I tell you. My love to all the family and Mr. McRae and Mary. Haven't time to write have more than a dozen letters to answer.
Yours truly
R. HollingsworthLucy's daughter, Laura and her husband, Robert Tate Strain, had moved to Texas and were living in Fairfield. However, Laura dies, it is believed, giving birth to their fifth daughter on Jan. 25, 1879. Lucy's heirs have assigned Robert as their lawful agent. They are still trying to get Lucy's share of her father's estate. Here is a copy of the letter they had written to, probably Lucy's broth Robert sometime after Jan 25, 1879. We know that Laura has passed away because she is n ot included in the folliwing letter.
The State of Arkansas
County of Union
Mt. HollyKnow all men by these presents that we, Mary J. McRae and John B. McRae, Sara Strain, William D. Strain, Saml. D. Strain, Camella Strain, Alex H. Strain, Binnie.
Resident citizens of said State and county and sole heirs of Lucy Strain, late of said state and county save Laura L. Strain, Wife of Robert T. Strain, have made, constituted and appointed and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint lawful agent and attorney in fact to demand and receive from the Administrator or heirs or anyone else in possession of the estate, or any part thereof, of Barnett Hollingsworth deceased, late of Navarro County, Texas, the interest of Lucy Strain deceased, mother of the above named heirs, in the said estate of Barnett Hollingsworth deceased in the said State of Texas, both personal and real. And we hereby further authorize and empower our said agent to recover our interest in said estate by suit, compromise or in such other mode legally as may be deemed to the best interest of said heirs and to give ( ) (guiltness) for all such property and to do and perform all other necessary acts touching our interest in the premises we hereby confirm all such acts by him legally done.
1. Samuel D. Strain, Jr. was about 9-1/2 years old when his father died. Being the next to the oldest son, he was expected to share the responsibilities for helping to take up the slack of a missing bread winner. Following is a chronicle of events showing what he was doing, when he was doing it, and where.
He is shown on the 1870, Union C., AR Census as living with the family with his Mother, Lucy, as the head of the household. He is listed as being 15 years old. We have two receipts with his name on them as well as his brother, W. D. The first one is dated July 29, 1874 and the other is dated Jan 28, 1875. They were from two different stores in Camden, AR, and both were for the purchase of staple dry goods and plantation supplies. The next one is for his poll tax, it states, "Received, Union Co., Ark., June 1st 1878 of Sam Strain the sume of $1.00....Dollars amount of Poll Tax and Penalties for the year 1877, (signed) J. E. Thompson, Collector. We have copies of three letters that mention Samuel, and here are excerpts of those letters that pertain to him: William D. is in Mount Holly and writing to Bettie who lives in Rose Bud, dated June 15, 1881..."I saw Mr. Scot (this is probably his sister's husband, A. O. Scott) in Magnolia and he told me that Sam was going to get Marryed this fall. I will be going over there before long and I will find out if it is true or not. I am not going until you send me your photograph. I want Sam to see it"...Another one from William D. in Mount Holly to Bettie in Rose Bud, this one is dated Aug. 20, 1881..."I have not heard from Sam since he left. Don't (know where) he will (go?) (write us?) or not"....The next one is from G. P. Utley in Cross Rodds, TX and he is writing to William D., who is now married and living in Rose Bud, AR., it is dated Jan 13, 1882..."Write me what Sam is doing and whether he is married or not..." (George P. Utley was raised in Mt. Holl, AR. He and William D. Strain joined the Mt. Holly Presbyterian Church on the same day. Sept 5, 1869. He was Nathan Hollingsworth's stepson) The folliwing is an entire letter written by Samuel D. Strain while living in Corss Roads, TX. He is writing to his sister-in-law, Bettie, William D's wife in Rose Bud:
Cross Roads Dec 9th, 1882
Mrs. Bettie Strain,
Mr dear sister, I received your letter a few days ago, I was surpised to hear from you so soon after having to move so far ( ). I am glad you and Will is pleased with your move. Wish you both a pleasnat and happy life. I wish I could be (there) and help Will build his log cabin. I ( ) build a ( ) any ( ) will send him some of ( ) wheat. I think ( ) splendid in Arkansas. Where is Alex? I have (not heard) from any of the family since I have been in the State. If I had have known before I left home (that they did not ) care anything about this matter (I think I would) have gone some other way. I wrote to Mary and John B. two or three days after I stopped at Kickapoo. ( ) and did (not) hear a word from home. I told Mr. Goodson to have a deed written and mailed to you all to sign ( ) by the first of January.
There will be thirty four dollars (34.00) each ones part. Tell Will that ( )S. D. ( ) I have just passed through my first (norther). It lasted ten days and nights. I do not know when ( Ark. I did not ( ) was at (Mrs.) ( ) a day or two after I wrote to you. Said Tom Edwards had (written) twice to her and never did get an (answer). I concluded it (wasn't ) any use to go down (there).
S. D. StrainIt is said that Samuel D. and his brother, Alex, mentioned above worked as partners with either cows or horses.
Refer to Alexander Hunder Strain for that story. -Strain H. Armstrong-
1. William wrote a letter dated 9 Jan 1843 to his brother Samuel D. Strain, Sr. congratulating him on his marriage to Julia Chambers.
2. William was living in Spring Hill, Alabama, at that time.
1. Alternate place of birth: 1832 in Texas.
2. Theodore is shown on the 1860, VanZandt County, Texas, Census as T. R. Oldham.
3. He was recruited 20 Mar 1862 into Co. "H" 1st Texas in Kickapoo, Texas.
4. Col. Huggins said his name was Theodore.
5. T. R. & Elizabeth are shown to be living next to Elizabeth's brothers, J.C. and B. Hollingsworth.
6. Pvt. Theadore R. Oldham was killed in the Civil War 30 Aug 1862, Battle of 2nd Manassas, Virginia.
Elizabeth "Betty" HOLLINGSWORTH
1. Strain H. Armstrong gives alternate place of birth of Arkansas.
2. According to the 1870 Census, Elizabeth had moved back home with Barnett after her husband's death in the Civil War.
1. Source of marriage of Minton and Mary Jane Beeman from The McRae Family of Union Co., AR., by Carol Lemley. Date of marriage for LDS, Film #2034564.
2. The 1850 Arkansas Census shows Mary J. and Mintonand a male child that is 6/12. This would be James.
3. The 1860 Arkansas Census shows Minta (Minton) and Mary and James 9, George 6, and Jenny 3.
4. Strain H. Armstrong believes the Major was probably killed in the Civil War.
1. Mary Jane was the first of seven children.
2. Sources: Marriage of Minton & Mary Jane from The McRae Family of Union County, Arkansas, by Carol Lemley
Date of marriage from LDS, Film #2034564.
1850 Arkansas Census shows Mary J. and Minton and a male child that is 6/12 who would be
James.
1860 Arkansas Census shows Minta (Minton) and Mary, James (9), George (6), and Jenny (3).
1. The 1880 Navarro County, Texas, Census shows Nathan Hollingsworth and wife, M. J. (Mary Jane) as parents of a 4-year old daughter, M. C. (On the Confederate Home Roster, Nathan lists his daughter as Mrs. Kate Sanders). Also listed on the census with them is a 22-year old female by the name of J. M. Utley. This would probably be the daughter of Mary Jane and Minton Utley, her first husband. Her name was Jenny.
2. Source for marriage: Navarro County Marriage Book Vol II, Book 8, page 42.