Rebecca (Ashcraft) Taylor (abt. 1903 - 1994)

Born about 1903 in Alabama, United States

Died 15 Apr 1994 at about age 91 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Harry Ide [send private message]

Biography

Rebecca Ashcraft^[1][2] was born on 4 April 1904,^[2] in Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama,^[2] to Lee Ashcraft and Mary Bayless.^[3] (However, the 1910 census claims that her mother was born in Tennessee, while Mary Bayless was born in Alabama.^[1] The 1920 and 1930 censuses, on the other hand, claim that her mother was born in Alabama.^[4][5] This discrepancy has not yet been resolved.)

In 1910, she was living with her family in ward 5, Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama. ^[1]

In 1920, she was living with her family at 975 Ponce De Leon Avenue, ward 9, Atlanta, DeKalb County, Georgia. She was attending school. ^[4]

She graduated from Washington Seminary, and attended Sweet Briar College for two years.^[3]

In 1926, she and her parents visited Europe. They arrived back in New York on 8 October 1926, sailing on the Rotterdam, which left Boulogne-sur-Mer on 29 September 1926. ^[2]

She married Claude Augustus McGinnis Jr, apparently on 2 November 1927. ^{[6] [7]} They had three children.^[3]

In 1930, Claude and Rebecca were living at 1341 Ponce De Leon South, with their son, and with her parents. ^[5]

In 1935, they were living in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.^[8] She was president of the Atlanta Junior League. ^[9]

In 1938, Claude and Rebecca had the members of their sewing club to lunch on Easter, with an Easter egg hunt. They then went for a week-long cruise. ^[10]

In 1940, Claude and Rebecca were living at 372 Pinetree Drive, Buckhead, Fulton County, Georgia, which they owned, and which was worth $12,000. with their children. ^[8]

On 9 February 1947, she married Robert Donnell Warren. ^[11]

When she died, she was going by the name 'Rebecca Ashcraft Taylor'.^[3]

On 15 April 1994, she died, at home in Memphis, Tennessee. She was buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. ^{[3] [12]}

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} 1910 U.S. census, ward 5, Florence, Lauderdale, Alabama, population schedule, enumeration district 62, p.65 A stamped = sheet 9 A penned, family 208; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RN8-K3L  : accessed 3 April 2022); citing National Archives, microfilm series T624, roll 21.

   Pine Street, owned, free, house

   head Lee Ashcraft, male, white, 38, married once, 7 years, born Alabama, manufacturer, fertilizer

   wife Mary B -, female, white, 36, married twice, 7 years, one child, one living, born Alabama, no occupation

   daughter Rebecca B -, female, white, 6, single, born Alabama, father born Alabama, mother born Tennessee [sic], no occupation

   house girl Mattie Carrol, female, black, 17, single, born Alabama, nurse, private family, not out of work 15 April 1910, 0 weeks unemployed in 1909

2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3}

   'List of United States Citizens ... S.S. Rotterdam, sailing from Boulogne-Sur-Mer, on Sept, 29th, 1926, arriving at port of New York, October 8th, 1926', no. 8, p.117 stamped; image copy, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7488/images/NYT715_3943-0633 : accessed 3 April 2022); citing National Archives, microfilm series T715.

   '10 ASHCRAFT LEE 55 M M [born] CLAY CO,ALA. JAN. 14th 1871 [address in US] ATLANTA,GEORGIA.

   '11 -DO- MARY B. 53 F M FLORENCE,ALABAMA. AUG. 31st 1873 -DO-'

   '12 -DO- REBECCA 22 F S FLORENCE,ALABAMA. APRIL 4th 1904 -DO-'

3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} Rebecca Ashcraft Taylor, death notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Sunday, 17 April 1994, p.I-18, col.4; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/403859476/ : accessed 3 April 2022); citing p.80.

   'TAYLOR'

   'Mrs. Rebecca Ashcraft Taylor, 90, formerly of Atlanta, died at her home in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday, April 15, 1994. She was the daughter of the late Mary Bayless Ashcraft and Lee Ashcraft. She graduated from Washington Seminary and attended Sweet Briar College. Mrs. Taylor was a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church, a past president of the Atlanta Junior League, a member of the Memphis Garden Club, the Junior League of Memphis, the Memphis Country Club and the Colonial Dames of America. She is survived by her son, Claude Augustus McGinnis, Jr., of Atlanta; two daughters, Mary Lee McGinnis McClain of Charleston, South Carolina and Eleanor McGinnis Robbins of Memphis, Tennessee; [sic] She leaves eight grandchildren, Mary Kimball McGinnis Biss of San Rafael, California, William Martin McGinnis of Atlanta, Alice Cary McGinnis Grubb of Winterville, N.C., Rebecca Ashcraft McGinnis of Atlanta, Rebecca McClain Newton of Atlanta, Mary Lee Ashcraft McClain of Charleston, S.C., Katherine Anne McClain of Chicago, Ill., Julia Page Robbins of Memphis, Tennessee; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 18 at 11 o'clock at St. John's Church, Memphis, Tennessee with The Reverend Frank M. McClain officiating. Memorial Park Funerl [sic] Home is in charge. Graveside services will be at Westview Cemetery at 2 o'clock, Tuesday, April 19. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to S. John's Church, 322 South Greer, Memphis, TN 38111 or The Mary & Lee Ashcraft Scholarship Fund, Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA. 24595. H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill.'

4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} 1920 U.S. census, ward 9, Atlanta, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, enumeration district 28, p.107 B stamped = sheet 10B penned, family 212; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJDC-QXS : accessed 3 April 2022); citing National Archives, microfilm series T625, roll 249.

   975 Ponce De Leon Avenue, owned, free of mortgage

   head Lee Ashcraft, male, white, 48, married, born Alabama, vice president, fertilizer company, employer

   wife Mary -, female, white, 45, married, born Alabama, no occuption

   daughter Rebecca -, female, white, 15, single, attended school, born Alabama, father born Alabama, mother born Alabama, no occuption

   servant Maud Phillips, female, black, 28, married, born Georgia, cook, private family

   servant Charlie Henderson, male, black, 40, single, born Georgia, chauffuer [sic], private family

5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} 1930 U.S. census, ward 9, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, enumeration district 2, p.206 A stamped = sheet 2 A penned, families 284 and 284A; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GR46-C9G : accessed 3 April 2022); see also lines 38-40 below the initial entry, and line 92 on sheet 1B; citing National Archives, microfilm series T626, roll 351.

   1341 Ponce De Leon South, owned, worth $40,000, rented, not a farm

   head Lee Ashcraft, male, white, 59, married, first at 30, born Alabama, president, chemical material fertilizer, actually at work last working day, not veteran

   wife Mary B, female, white, 57, married, first at 28 born Alabama, no occupation

   head/son-in-law, Claude A McGinnis Jr, male, white, 30, married, first at 28, born Georgia, contractor, office building, at work last working day, US veteran, World War

   wife/daughter Rebecca B, female, white, 25, married, first at 23, born Alabama, father born Alabama, mother born Alabama, no occupation

   son/grandson Claude III, male, white, 6 months, single, born Georgia

   chauffeur Charles Henderson, rented, $10, male, negro, 55, married first at 21, born Georgia, chauffeur, private family, actually at work last working day, not a US veteran

   nephew Gustavus H. Ashcraft, male, white, 26, single, born Alabama, salesman, chemical materials fertilizer, actually at work last working day, not a US veteran

   nephew Robert E. -, male, white, 23, single, born Alabama, salesman, chemicals, actually at work last working day, not a US veteran

   lodger Mary Henderson, female, negro, 23, married first at 19, born Georgia, cook, private family, actually at work last working day

   servant Clara Hawthorne, female, negro, 30, single, born Georgia, servant for private family, actually at work last working day

6. ↑ [pre-marriage stories], 'Miss Nelson honors Ashcraft-McGinnis wedding party' and 'Miss Margaret Elder honors Miss Ashcraft at bridge tea Oct. 24', The Atlanta Constitution, Wednesday 19 October 1927, p.14, col.2; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/397945792/ : accessed 3 April 2022).

   'Miss Nelson Honors Ashcraft-McGinnis Wedding Party'

   'Honoring the wedding party of Miss Rebecca Ashcraft and Claude A. McGinnis, Jr., whose marriage will be solemnized November 2, Miss Louise Nelson entertained at dinner at the Piedmont Driving club Tuesday evening. Pink roses and pale pink dahlias interspersed with ferns formed the decorations for the table which was lighted by the glow from pink unshaded candles in silver candle sticks.'

   'The guests included the members of the wedding party.'

   ---

   'Miss Margaret Elder Honors Miss Ashcraft At Bridge Tea Oct. 24'

   'Among the interesting parties planned in compliment to Miss Rebecca Ashcraft, one of the most popular and feted of the fall brides-elect, will be the lovely bridge--tea at which Miss Margaret Elder, who will be one of Miss Ashcraft's bridesmaids, will entertain Monday, October 24, at her home on Ponce de Leon avenue.'

   'The guests will include the members of the Ashcraft-McGinnis wedding party and a few other friends of the bride-to-be.'

   'Mrs. St. Elmo Massengale will be hostess on the same date at a luncheon to be given at her home, 1050 Ponce de Leon avenue, this lovely affair also to honor Miss Ashcraft.'

   'Wednesday, October 26, is the date selected by Mrs. Coley J. Lewis for the luncheon at which she will be hostess, honoring this bride-elect. Mrs. Lewis will entertain at her home on Springdale road.'

   'Mrs. Walter Colquitt's luncheon, complimenting Miss Ashcraft, will be a prominent event of Thursday, October 27, taking place at the Atlanta Athletic club.'

   'Miss Ashcraft's marriage to Claude A. McGinnis, Jr., will be among the fashionable social events of the autumn, taking place November 22. [sic]'

7. ↑ 'As four women hear it', The Atlanta Constitution, Sunday 2 October 1927, p.7M, cols.1-3; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/397939044/ : accessed 3 April 2022); citing p.73.

   'AS FOUR WOMEN HEAR IT'

   'VERY RARELY do Four Women have the opportunity to chronicle anything of such pleasurable content as the announcement of the engagement of lovely Rebecca Ashcraft to Claude A. McGinnis, Jr., first because of the eminent place both occupy in our affections and second because of the eminent ploace both occupy in everybody's affections.'

   'And, of course, it's always a pleasure to write of anyone concerning whom such lovely things can be said as of Miss Ashcraft and her fiancee. Never, in fact, has an Atlanta girl enjoyed such wide popularity, such undisputed belleship and such universal love as has this only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ashcraft, who have bequeathed to her that personal charm, that heritage of birth and that graciousness of manner born of a long line of southern aristocracy, the possession of which has contributed toward placing her parents in the front ranks of Atlanta's foremost citizens.'

   'The handsome Ashcraft home in Druid Hills has long been a popular center of social activity and Miss Ashcraft's reputation as a hostess is no less sustained than that of her gracious mother. Celebrated, too, is her distinctive and unusual type of beauty, her lovely blond hair, which she wears unbobbed and perfectly marceled, combining with her lustrous brown eyes and flawless fair complexion in striking effect. Always exquisitly groomed, she exercises rare taste and judgment in the selection of her costumes, and is known for the chic and becomingness with which she enhances her slender gracefulness. She received her early education at Washington seminary, where she was a member of the O. B. X. sorority, being chosen because of her qualifications for leadership as president of this exclusive group. Following her graduation at the seinary, Miss Ashcraft joined the group of Atlanta girls attending Sweetbriar college, in Virginia, and later finished her education in the cultural centers of Europe where she enjoyed all the advantages of extensive travel.'

   'Making her debut with that memorable group which included Misses Harriet Shedden, Margaret Elder, Ellen Newell, Isa Sadler and Louise Nelson, among a score of others, she has since been the center of social admiration in a circle whose scope is ever widening, and one thrills to think one may perhaps have the pleasure of viewing one or all of these lovely belles, clad, for instance, in shimmering pink velvet, following in the wake of this beautiful bride-to-be down the church aisles.'

   'The groom-elect, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude A. A. McGinnis, has pursued a course no less meteoric in the world of successful business and finance than has his lovely bride-to-be in the realm of society. Beginning his career at Tech High school, he entered Georgia Tech graduating in an incredibly short time with the class of 1921. During his college days, honors were draped upon him. He was a prominent member of the S. A. E. fraternity, his high scholarship standards leading to membership in Phi Kappa Phi, Tech's honor society.'

   'Following his graduation, he entered the construction field, his business acumen having won for him in a very short time the responsibility of the vice presidency of the Carr Construction company.'

   'So popular has he been in his social life, that shortly after his entrance into financial circles, he was inducted into such exclusive organizations as the Nine O'Clocks and the Piedmont Driving club.'

   'Neither is he devoid, despite his extremely modern and up-to-date ideas of that very necessary, though somewhat old-fashioned quality—sentiment! For was not his a case of love at first sight? And a case of true love when one considers that he first glimpsed Miss Ashcraft's blonde loveliness on the eve of her departure for one of her annual jaunts to Europe—and that he had to wait through one whole summer before even being presented to her.'

   'The gorgeous diamond ring which cemented the engagement was made to order by one of Atlanta's leading jewelers with romance dictating the only requirement that the number of stones making up the elaborate design correpond exactly to the number of birthdays alloted the lovely bride-elect.'

   'So numerous will be the parties celebrating the nuptials of this popular couple that the first date has already been spoken for. "We want to give our party before you are tired of parties," said the prospective hosts of this initial affair, and because they are both men and connoisseurs of things good to eat, they added "and while you are still hungry." This party of parties will take place Saturday evening, October 8, at the handsome new Athletic club, and the hosts of the occasion will be Claude A. McGinnis, Sr., father of the groom-to-be, and W. E. Richardson, that guiding spirit of Atlanta clubdom, which fact insures the unqualified success of the party at the beginning.'

   'Neither are first dates the only favors bid for with these two. A well-known bootmaker, who in his exclusive French shop shods a goodly portion of fastidious feminine Atlanta, begged the pleasure of supplying the bridal slippers. They will be different and unusual and the last word in smart footwear, no doubt, and will form a perfect compliment for the exquisite ensemble.'

   'The wedding bells will ring exactly at 9 o'clock Wednesday evening, November 2, and the vows will be taken in the North American Presbyterian church, which at that hour will harbor one of the most brilliant gatherings of representative society ever assembled under southern skies.'

8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} 1940 U.S. census, Buckhead, Fulton County, Georgia, population schedule, enumeration district 60-24B, p.474 B stamped = sheet 23 B penned, household 554; image copy, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9M1-4NG2 : accessed 3 April 2022); citing National Archives, microfilm series T627, roll 675.

   372 Pinetree Drive, owned, worth $12000; all lived in Atlanta, Fulton County, in 1935

   Claude A McGinnis Jr, male, white, 40, married, finished 4 years of college, born Georgia, worked 44 hours week of 24 March, salesman, at fertilizer plant, earned $5000 in 52 weeks in 1939

   wife Rebecca A, 36, female, white, married, finished 2 years of college, born Alabama, engaged in home housework, earned $0 in 0 weeks work in 1939

   son Claude A III, 10, male, white, in school, finished 4 years, born Georgia

   daughter Mary L, 8, female, white, in school, single, finished 2 years of school, in school, born Georgia

   daughter Eleanor A, female, white, 1, not in school, born Georgia

9. ↑ 'Moro gives junior leaguer 'goo-goo' eyes and dimples', The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 30 April 1935, p.4, cols. 7-8; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/384710774/ : accessed 3 April 2022).

   'Moro Gives Junior Leaguer 'Goo-Goo' Eyes and Dimples'

   'REBECCA ASHCRAFT McGINNIS—"She wonders from whence dimples come, what makes them show upon her face. . . . She makes bold statement as she sits. . . . She taunts the artist . . . With taunting words to spur one on, it's easy. . . . If the lady will allow, let's give her 'goo-goo eyes'," writes Gonzalez.'

   'By MORO GONZALEZ.'

   'Noted Mexican Caricaturist.'

   'Step up and meet the lady. . . .'

   'Rebecca is her name! . . . '

   'She poses, and the why and wherefore is this:'

   'In many cities of this land they have what's called the Junior League. . . . And one does hear it's quite a trick to be a member of this group. . . . In various spots, the story is told, little misses lose sleep the night before they vote to see just who belongs. . . .'

   'At any rate this winsome matron that you see is president of the Atlanta Junior League—heads the lasaies who do charity work for various welfare agencies. . . .'

   'This Rebecca of whom we write, makes a bold statement as she sits. . . . Says she, "I'll be disappointed if you do not make the drawing extremely funny!" She taunts the artist. . . . With taunting words to spur one on—it's easy then. . . . '

   'So, if the lady will allow—let's give her "goo-goo eyes." . . . Like small dark beads they shin—are smiling eyes! . . . Just imagine! There's laughter in her eyes,—my lads,—in spite of what she knows is being done . . .! That's a sense of humor of better brand.'

    

   'Dimples Are Feature.'

   'The unique feature be the deep dimples on both cheeks. . . . She asks with interest about the structure of her head. . . . She wonders from whence dimples come, what makes them show upon her face. . . . She holds the smile and says, "I've never felt so funny! It's jolly,—I'm having lots of fun. . . .!"'

   '"Is she a feminist, by chance?" . . . Brightly and without ado she answers, "Women ought to stay at home and attend to the children." . . . That is fine. . . . She does not care for some things gals today are apt to do. . . . Would lie it better if some did not choose to ape the men. . . . Here is a lady who a lady be. . . .'

   'We chat along and she to say in casual way, that she favors anything that gives the gels the "look demure." . . . It's something to be praised. . . . In passing Rebecca McGinnis observe that post-war hysteria is dying out—we are quieting down. . . . "People have been living too fast," she says,—with that comment she unfolds a pertinent truth.'

    

   'Typical Only Child.'

   'Rebecca Ashcraft McGinnis is a typical only child. . . . . Her own two children are mentioned. . . . She beams, "I'm wild about them and fascinated with them." That remark is often heard, but should be heard again. . . . Something good in such a speech. . . . I ask about friend husband, Claude A., Jr. . . . She quickly says, "He's a very fine fellow!"'

   'All this is much O. K. . . . When wife and mothere speak thus this scribe does say that a mounting chorus of such remarks are welcome things. . .'

   '"Why do you ask so many things?" inquired Rebecca . . . and one explains that she will be written about today. . . .'

   'With dimpled smile she says, "Oh, I can just imagine what a struggle that will be! !" . . .'

   'But she was wrong. . . . It's a pleasure, madame.'

   'Folks—I'll be seeing you. . . .'

10. ↑ 'Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft are hosts at novel Easter celebration', The Atlanta Constitution, Tuesday, 19 April 1938, p.13, cols.1-2; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/384675579/ : accessed 3 April 2022).

    'Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft Are Hosts At Novel Easter Celebration.'

    'By Sally Forth.'

    'EASTER SUNDAY has a double significance for Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ashcraft, for their only daughter, Rebecca Ashcraft McGinnis, was born on Easter Sunday. Of course it is a very rare occasion when Rebecca's birthday, April 3, falls again on Easter Sunday, due to the variations of the church calendar, but that only gives her opportunity to celebrate it twice each year.'

    'By way of celebration last Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft invited the members of Rebecca's sewing club and their husbands to luncheon. The sewing club, as you know, includes eight of Rebecca's closest friends, the organization having been formed at the close of their debut season several years ago. Ever since that time, the group has met twice each month, keeping the members in close touch with each other.'

    'In the afternoon the children of the members joined their parents for an Easter egg hunt in the Ashcraft garden, with tea served in the playhouse of Mary Lee McGinnis, small granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft, which is an important feature of the garden. Callie Healey Jr. and Stanley Arkwright were the prize winners among the little girls, and Ralph Paris Jr. and Henry Grady IV were the fortunate ones among the boys.'

    'The only club member missing at luncheon was Mrs. Danny O'Day, the former Ida Sadler, whose marriage last fall took her to New York for residence. The guests included Bill and Callie Orme Healey, Wright and Ellen Newell Bryan, Joe and Margaret Elder Haverty, Ralph and Edyth Coleman Paris, Henry a nd Harriett Shedden Grady, Preston and Anne Stringfellow Arkwright, Trenton and Constance Cone Tunnell and Claude and Rebecca Ashcraft McGinnis. Gus and Betty Cole Ashcraft assisted their uncle and aunt in entertaining.'

    'The children included Callie and Bill Healey Jr., Newell and Mary Lane Bryan, Margaret and May Haverty, Edyth and Ralph Paris Jr., Bob and Henry Grady IV, Anne and Stanley Arkright, Constance and Trenton Tunnell Jr. and Mary Lee and Claude McGinnis Jr., III.'

    'Speaking of Claude and Rebecca McGinnis, reminds Sally to tell you of the grand trip which is in store for them. Leaving tomorrow evening for Jacksonville, Fla., they will join Mr. and Mrs. Phil Howe for a week's cruise aboard the latter's boat, "The Rascal." You will remember that it was the Howes who visited Claude and Rebecca two years ago at Thanksgiving and made such a hit at the Nine O'Clocks' ball.'

    '"The Rascal" is quite a luxurious boat, providing sleeping quarters for a part of eight. Heading southward early Thursday morning, its first port of call will be Miami, where the Atlantans and their hosts will doubtless go ashore for some of the gaieties the city affords. Later they will sail leisurely down the coast to Matacumbia, one of the Florida keys, where the fishing is unsurpassed.'

    'In addition to fishing for sailfish and sheepshead, the congenial foursome will spend many hours lazily sunning themselves on the deck of "The Rascal," playing bridge, or talking over the grand times they have enjoyed together since they became such close friends.'

11. ↑ 'Mrs. Rebecca McGinnis wed to Mr. Warren, of Memphis', The Atlanta Constitution, Monday 10 February 1947, p.13, cols. 1-2; image copy, Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.com/image/399930737/ : accessed 3 April 2022).

    'Mrs. Rebecca McGinnis Wed To Mr. Warren, of Memphis'

    'The marriage of Mrs. Rebecca Ashcraft McGinnis to Robert Donnell Warren, of Memphis, Tenn., was solemnized at the home of her father, Lee Ashcraft, yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock. The quiet ceremony was performed by the Rev. Vernon S. Broyles, Jr., Pastor of the North Avenue Presbyterian Church.'

    'After March 1, Mr. and Mrs. Warren will be at home at 2240 Jefferson Avenue in Memphis.'

12. ↑ 'Rebecca Ashcraft Taylor', memorial 192040941, created by Christopher Gadsen, 7 August 2018; database, Find A Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192040941/rebecca-taylor : accessed 3 April 2022); citing Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

See also

• Rebecca Ashcraft, on FamilySearch's Family Tree