March 15, 2005
Spring 2005	Published quarterly since 1999	Vol 7 No. 1
Comments from the Editor Happy New Year Family! What a year we had. We had our family reunion in Guntersville Alabama at the home of William H. and Carolyn Plemmons home. What family came had a good time. At the end of the reunion Joyce Plemmons Reese announced that she would like to coordinate the 2005 Reunion. It was decided to hold it in Tuscumbia, Alabama on July 9^th 2005. The location of the early bird get together for July 8^th will be at the Ralph Bishop Community Center. The directions to the center are as follows: From Tuscumbia, or Muscle Shoals go U S 43 south to Russellville turn right at Underwood rd. or the first traffic light 3short blocks to Ash St. turn right 2 blocks to Community Center.  Coming from the South or East go U S 43 north to Underwood rd. at McDonalds turn left 3 short blocks turn right on Ash St. 2 blocks to Community Center. Joyce, the room that I got reserved will be set up with 10 tables and 50 chairs.  We will have an entrance from outside directly into the room.  There are 2 toilets for our use. We need to take out trash when finished. We hope that all will try to attend this year’s family reunion. As the years pass, we are loosing so many of our older ones that know the stories of our history here in the United States. We need to stay close and share these stories with our descendants. Joyce has stated in one of her emails that Our Cousins from Denver, Memphis, Mississippi, and Elk Hart Ind. are planning to join us. There are children of my Uncle Frances and Aunt Daisy Mae Fike that plan to attend. As well as Joyce’s children are planning on attending.
Forum on the 5Branches Website Some of you have discovered the forum that we have added to our website. This is a good way for all to ask questions, or post information that they want researched or information that they want passed along to the family. If you will log into the website at www.5branches.net you will see a button at the left to view the entries. We have several new entries since December 1^st that need to be addressed. Please go there and see if you can help these folks learn more about their families.
James Oliver Plemmons James Oliver Plemmons is believed to be the son of Andrew Plemmons b. 1812 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, and Dorcas “Dorthy” Smith b. 1806 in Buncombe County. James Oliver Plemmons was born around 1836 in Buncombe County. His brothers and sisters, according to Janet Webb’s book on page 83 are as follows: Elvire M. Plemmons b. 1833 who married John A. Woody John O. Plemmons b. 1835 Andrew Henry Plemmons b. 1837 Bailey Bruce Plemmons b. Jun 10, 1839 Peter Plemmons b. 1841 Lina Jane Plemmons b. 1842 Nancy E. Plemmons b. July 1844 Solomon Gilbert Plemmons b. Aug 1851 Thomas W. Plemmons b. 1852 According to Janet Webb’s book, John O. Plemmons married twice, the first wife is unknown and the second wife was Luelen Rathbone. According to the family of Emma Plemmons who is listed on page 85 as the daughter of John O. Plemmons says that she in fact was the daughter of a Jimmy Plemmons. Her death certificate even states that her father was Jimmy Plemmons. Here is the information that the family of James Oliver Plemmons has given me for our files: James Oliver Plemmons was b. 1836 in Buncombe County, North Carolina and died after 1903. He married Elizabeth Ledford Jan 8, 1854 in Madison County, North Carolina. Elizabeth Ledford was born in 1830 and died before 1894. James Oliver Plemmons then married a Rachel Rose Luellen Rathbone Aug 25, 1894 in Madison County, North Carolina. Luellen Rathbone was the daughter of Joseph Rathbone and Rachel Justice. She was born July 1869 in Madison County, North Carolina. James and Elizabeth had the following children according to Janet Webb: Andrew E. Plemmons b. Apr 2, 1855 and d. Jun 8, 1921 Thomas C. Plemmons b. 1858 Anglia Miranda b. 1859 James Newton b. Jan 25, 1863, d. Jan 5, 1940 Harriett b. 1865 Mary Kay b. 1867 Emma b. May 4, 1890 d. Jun 13, 1945 James and Luellen Rathbone Plemmons had the following children according to the daughter of Emma and the daughter of Alva: Furman (Fairday or Fred) Plemmmons b. July 18, 1898 Alva L. Plemmons b. Feb 26, 1903 d. Dec 15, 1959 According to the 1900 census record J O Plemmons and wife Elen were living in Middle Fork, Spring Creek, Madison County, North Carolina. Listed with the family was one older son born May 1856, name is hard to read, Harriett b. Jan 1873, Emma born May 1890, Furman b. July 1898, and Harrison, Grandson b. July 1889. According to the 1910 census the family was living in Cherry Log, Gilmer County, Georgia. Louella Plemons was listed as the head of the house and she was widowed. In the household was the following: Farida G. son age 12 Alva L. son age 8 Hattie stepdaughter and she had one child with one living. Rachel step-granddaughter age 3. According to the family of Alva L. Plemmons sometime after 1903 they left Madison County North Carolina and went across the mountains to Cherry Log, Gilmer County, Georgia. They are not sure when James died but it must have been between 1905-1908. Louellen died somewhere between 1910 and 1913. Both James and Louellen died in Cherry Log, Gilmer County, Georgia. After Louellen died Alva L. Plemmons walked to Buffalo South Carolina to his ½ sister Emma’s house. She had married Benjamin Quinn.		Does this person look familiar? He is a Plemmons and we believe that he might be another son of James Oliver Plemmons. The family believes that the picture was taken sometime in 1880’s. If you have information on the James Oliver Plemmons family talked about in this article, could you please contact me and let me know what information that you might have. Helen Parker/Coordinator of the 5branches newsletter.
		Farida and wife
Mariah Elizabeth Plemmons We have another mystery to solve. A Bill Roberts contacted me about a Mariah/Merriah Elizabeth Plemmons who had three children with a man with the last name of Williams. The three children are Maggie who died in 1903 of typhoid fever. Before she died she married a man with the last name of Jones and had one son, Lonnie. According to the 1910 Buncombe County, Upper Hominy, North Carolina census this child was 6. Mariah is going by her middle name Elizabeth in this census and is age 49. John M. Pettitt is the head of household. In the household is Bennie Williams age 15 and Willie Williams age 12. What other information is known about this family is that Mariah also married a Will or William Devore. In the 1920 census Mariah E. Pettitt is the head of household in the Upper Hominy, Buncombe County, North Carolina census. Mr. Roberts said in his email to me that William Arthur Williams, son of Mariah and 1^st husband was born in McDowell County Nov 23, 1898 and died Oct 12, 1983 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. If anyone has information on this family please contact me and let me know. I will pass the information on to Mr. Roberts.
Searching for Tom Plemons I have been searching for my old air force buddy, Tom Plemons. He was from Harriman, TN. We were stationed together in Germany in the '60's. I have been trying to locate him for a reunion, but can't find him. Anyone have any input for me? Thanks, Larry
Note from the Forum on our webpage:
James M. Beaty I am an eighty-year old minister-educator trying to trace some of the early history of the Church of God. Some one asked on the message board about John Plemons and Barney Creek, NC. It is not in NC, but in Tennessee. It is a creek and not a town. On August 19, 1886 at the Spurling Mill, located on Barney Creek, Mr. R.G. Spurling organized a small group that took the name "Christian Union." This later became the Church of God with international offices in Cleveland. The Plemons family was a part of that group. In writing about this in 1913, A.J. Tomlinson, in his "Brief History of what is now call the Church of God" in his book The Last Great Conflict (Cleveland, TN: Walter Rodgers, 1913), listed the Plemons family as follows: "John and Polly Plemons, John, Jr., Melinda, Margaret (Plemon) Lauftis (Loftis) and Adeline." I just learned two days ago from an article on the internet by Ruth Plemons ("A Church is Born") a more complete form of the names, viz., "John James and Mary Adeline (the Polly above) Plemons, their daughter Margaret Plemons Lauftis (Loftis), John Paul (not Jr.) and Ester Melinda Thompson Plemons, son and daughter-in-law of James and Mary Adeline, (at this point Ruth inserted Barbara Spurling) and Adeline Lauftis." Since Barney Creek is about four miles from the NC-TN line I am not sure where they lived. Do either of you have the dates of birth, marriage and death of the members of this family, or any further information? I am actually editing the history of the Church of God (by Charles W. Conn) in French and trying to supply some new information that was not available to him. With my heartfelt thanks in advance, I am sincerely yours, James M. Beaty Can anyone answer this gentleman? I will send him what I have, but I think others might have more than I do. As I am through John James Plemons’ son William Alexander Plemmons, I can send him that information. But I do not have information on Margaret Plemons who married William Loftus. So help would be great.
Clarence Thomas Plemmons Family 1. Clarence Thomas^6 Plemmons (Nelson Dock Jefferson^5, William Jefferson^4, Thomas^3, Thomas^2 Plemons, Thomas^1 Plemin) was born 27 Jul 1879 in Madison County, North Carolina, and died 19 Aug 1920 in Rutherford County, North Carolina. He married Rachel Tolitha Cumi Case 01 Mar 1900 in Madison County, North Carolina. She was born 24 Oct 1880 in Madison County, North Carolina, and died 11 Feb 1962 in Greenville, South Carolina. Children of Clarence Plemmons and Rachel Case are: + 2 i. Joseph Howard^7 Plemmons, born 25 Dec 1900 in Madison County, North Carolina. + 3 ii. William Harlan Plemmons, born 12 Sep 1902 in Madison County, North Carolina; died 24 May 1986. + 4 iii. Lalah Elizabeth Plemmons, born 12 Sep 1902 in Madison County, North Carolina. 5 iv. Son Plemmons, born 1905. + 6 v. Doc Hardy Plemmons, born 22 Sep 1908 in Isard County, Arkansas; died 23 Jun 1957. + 7 vi. Mildred Josephine Plemmons, born 28 Sep 1910. 8 vii. Laura Gladys Plemmons, born 22 Oct 1912. 9 viii. Hazel Plemmons, born 06 Mar 1916. 10 ix. Isham Hillard Plemmons, born 29 Apr 1889 in Sevier County, Tennessee; died 29 Jun 1959. He married Sarah Ona Plemmons 25 Apr 1909 in Madison County, North Carolina; born 19 Jul 1890 in Madison County, North Carolina; died 16 Jul 1972 in Enka, North Carolina. + 11 x. Herman Harrill Plemmons, born 02 Apr 1920 in Ruthford County, North Carolina. (sent by Doctor Herman Plemmons of Irma South Carolina.
Barton Plemmons of Arlington Texas…Son of Hubert Leroy Plemmons and Pearl Ethel Kennedy Barton Plemmons, 85, a retired postal clerk, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed Wednesday, March 2, 2005, at an Arlington hospital. Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday in Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth. Visitation: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, prior to the graveside service. Barton was born in Booneville, Ark., on Nov. 27, 1919. He married Anita Mae Malone on Oct. 18, 1940. In World War II, Barton proudly served in the Anti-Tank Company, 27th Infantry, United States Army. A veteran of the Asiatic-Pacific and the Philippine Liberation campaigns, he spent many an hour recounting his experiences to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barton was retired from the U.S. Postal Service. After retirement he enjoyed camping in Colorado with family and friends. He took a great interest in educational and sporting achievements of his great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert L. Plemmons; mother, Pearl Ethel Kennedy; and grandson, John Vernon Young. Survivors: Wife of 64 years and four months, Nita Plemmons of Hurst; daughter, Wanda Hawks of Hurst; son, Randal Plemmons and wife, Revis, of Bedford; granddaughter, Terri Adams of Glasgow, Ky.; grandson, Terrellton Young of Glasgow, Ky.; and great-grandchildren, Dustin McClinton, Travis Adams, Coby Adams, Autumn Young, Gavin Young, Tyler and Courtney Young. Published in the Star-Telegram on 3/4/2005. This is an obituary that was printed in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. I went to Janet’s book to see if Hubert Plemmons was listed there, and found NO information. Does anyone know anything about this family? Hubert Leroy Plemmons was born Jun 11, 1894 in Haywood County, North Carolina and died in Burkburnett, Wichita County, Texas. Pearl Ethel Kenedy born July 17, 1898 in Magazine, Arkansas and died in Burkburnett, Wichita County, Texas. I only have the one son listed for this marriage. And this coincides with the 1930 census for Wichita County, Texas. Hubert Leroy Plemmons had several brothers Robert E. Plemmons born in 1874 in North Carolina and it is not known where he died. Joseph Lonzo Plemmons born Sept 1882 in North Carolina and died unknown, Garland C. Plemmons born July 1880 in North Carolina and married Arby L. Bradley in 1910, Frazier born 1878, and two sisters, Florence born 1876 and Artie D. born Oct 1889. Artie married a Joshua Killgo and had several children. Durwood, Colon, Edith E., and Mildred One researcher states that Hubert, Joseph, and Robert’s mother was a Susan Plemmons who married Robert Jerome Russell and that the children kept Susan’s maiden name as their last name. Any ideas about this family?
Melvina Culp Rutledge Plemmons We have still another mystery to solve. Melvina Culp Rutledge was married the W P Plemmons. The picture is of Melvina. This is what was on the death certificate: Full Name: W.P. Plemmons Address: 907 Fifth Ave.Gastonia,N.C. (Gaston County) Male White Married DOD   6-17-1928   DOB  2-22-1887 Lived 41 Yr.  3 Mo. 27 Days Trade: Mill Work / cardroom Birthplace: Marion, N.C.      Parents:  Unknown Informant:   Mrs. W.P. Plemmons     (filed  6-30-1928) Reg: W. Meek Adams     Cause of Death: Died sudden, no diagnosis made. Signed:  W. A. Bentley   Coroner Mc Adenville Place Buried:    Clover, S.C.  Date--6-18-1928 Undertaker: Rhyme & Mc Clean Here is another email that we received from Teresa: The photo I sent today was a digital copy of Woodrow's Grandmother (my Dad). Melvina was married before to a John Rutledge, they had a daughter "Odessa Marie Rutledge". Melvina had a second marriage; it   was to William Ervin Plemmons. They together had one son "Woodrow Wilson Plemmons" (my Dad) his birth date is July 21, 1917. The photo that I sent was a digital copy of the tin. William had a sister whose name was "Mae”, she married a Sam Pharr, had three kids, Mildred, Maggie & Mack. Mae remarried a Gregory and had two kids, "Elbert & Kitty". Here is what the funeral record for Mae Belle Pharr said: Mrs. Mae Belle Pharr Gregory, 85, of 341 Ridge Ave., Allentown, died Sunday (July 22, 1973) in her home. She was the widow of Herbert Gregory. Born in Marshall, NC, she was a daughter of the late Mack and Maggie (Norris) Plemmons. Surviving are two sons, Edgar M. Pharr of Union South Carolina and Herbert I. Gregory, with whom she resided; three daughters, Maggie May Jane Pharr, and Mildred Louise Pharr, both at home, and Mrs. Vernia K. Dahlberg of Doraville, Ga; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 pm, Thursday in the Brown, Bolton & Jolley Funeral Home, 227 W. South St, Union, South Carolina. Calling hours will be after 7 pm Wednesday. Local arrangements are being made by the Kohet Funeral Home, Ridge Avenue and Turner Street, Allentown. Here is what the obituary for Woodrow Wilson Plemons said: Rock Hill—Mr. Woodrow Wilson Plemons, 85, of 1211 Jenkins St. Died Saturday, January 25, 2003, at home. The funeral will be 2 pm Tuesday at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, with the Rev. Gary Adkins officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hills Cemetery. A native of Rock Hill, Mr. Plemons was a son fot he late William and Melvina Elizabeth Culp Plemons. He was a carpenter and retired from Apple Tree Contractor’s Inc. with more than 25 years of service. He was a veteran of both the US Army and US Navy. Surviving are his wife Margie T. Plemons; his son Kenny Plemons of York; three daughters, Bobbie P. Weaver, Sandra P. Hinson and Teresa P. Thompson, all of Rock Hill; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 tonight at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, and other times at home. Memorials may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 325 S. Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730.
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