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Information on William Fly

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Information on William Fly:

Burial: Methodist Church Cemetery, West Columbia, Texas
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/8
Military: Various offices of military
Occupation: Magistrate - Maury co
Residence: 1835, Tax List of Yalobusha Co, MS
MARY MITCHELL:
Burial: outside the fence of the Askey Cemetery on Highway 97 West
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/8
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 372/344
26 Apr 1866, buried where J.C. Wilson was buried, west of Guadalupe River
Marriage Notes for WILLIAM FLY and MARY MITCHELL:
Fly, William Mitchell, Mary 10 Nov 1809 Tennessee, Maury County
Marriage: 15 Nov 1810, Maury County, Tennessee
Children of WILLIAM FLY and MARY MITCHELL are:
  1. ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9 FLY, b. 03 Aug 1811, Turkey Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 01 Oct 1855, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi.
  2. SARAH JANE FLY, b. 21 Jun 1814, Turkey Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 02 Apr 1829, Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee. Died in infancy ?age 2, note from Louisiana Fly
  3. JOHN DALTON FLY, b. 16 Dec 1816, Turkey Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 03 Mar 1899, Canton, Madison County, Mississippi.
  4. DAVID WILLIAMSON FLY, b. 28 Jun 1819, Williamson County, Tennessee; d. 12 Jan 1892, Hondo, Medina County, Texas.
  5. ELIJAH MADDEN FLY, b. 17 May 1824, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 24 Jul 1899, Rockport, Aransas County, Texas.
  6. MARY MALINDA FLY, b. 21 Jan 1826, Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 24 Nov 1905, Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas.
  7. SOPHIA LOUISIANA FLY, b. 15 Jan 1827, Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. Dec 1905, San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas.
  8. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FLY, b. 15 Jan 1827, Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 1895, Goliad, Goliad County, Texas.
  9. ELVIRA JOSEPHINE FLY, b. 07 Dec 1831, Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 12 Apr 1896, Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi.
  10. SAMUEL MADDEN FLY, b. 28 Mar 1834, Maury County, Tennessee; d. 1847, Yalobusha County, Mississippi.
  11. GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE FLY, b. 02 Jun 1835, Coffeeville, Yalobusha County, Mississippi; d. 27 Jan 1905, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas.
  12. JULES LEONIDAS FLY, b. 1838, Yalobusha County, Mississippi; d. 1847, Madison County, Mississippi.

Biography: From the Memoirs of the "Flye Forum"

Fly Family Legends:

Colonel William Fly & Mary Mitchell Fly - William Fly, the second son, married Mary Mitchell in 1810. She was the daughter of Andrew Mitchell, all of Maury County, Tennessee. They were a young couple - The bridegroom was about 16 years old and the bride 17. They were both blessed with extraordinary energy and force of character. Contemptuous remarks, by some of their relatives on their youth and probable success in life, aroused their ambition and caused them to put forth all their energy and vim that they might show their skeptical friends that they would succeed. The consequence was that, though they met some breaks in their prosperity, they soon outstrip(ped) all their relatives and acquaintances in acquiring wealth. Col. William Fly was a man or extraordinary natural ability. His early opportunities for an education were very limited, but in mature years, few would have known that his early education had been neglected.

He was a magistrate in Maury Co., Tenn. for a number of years. He filled various offices in the Militia of the county.He was invariably elected when he became a candidate for office. I well recollect the last time he was a candidate for office in Maury County. It was for the office of Colonel of the Militia, and his opponent was Lucius Polk. It was a very spirited contest and William Fly won.

He was a very handsome and commanding-looking man, and when dressed in his regimentals, and mounted on his fiery white horse, his children thought him the most distinguished-looking of men.

After William Fly's marriage, he first settled on a tract of land given him by his father-in-law on Turkey Creek in Maury County, Tennessee. Here his three oldest children were born.They were -

1. Fly, Andrew Tate Mitchell
2. Fly, Sarah Jane
3. Fly, John Dalton

He then moved to Williamson County and settled on Leper's (or Leiper's) Creek. Here his fourth child was born, David Williamson. Eighteen months later, he moved back to Maury County, and settled near his father-in-law Andrew Mitchell, on Turkey Creek. In this place was born Elijah Madden. Mr. Fly sold this place, intending to move to the Obion country in West Tennessee, but afterwards bought James Doty's place on Beach Creek, another branch of Snow Creek. On this place the town of Benton is now located. It is 10 miles north of Columbia, the county seat of Maury County. While living on this place, Sarah Jane Fly, his daughter, died in her 17th year. She was very pretty with dark auburn hair and fair complexion. Andrew Tate Mitchell Fly was married to Eliza Jones about 1830. He afterward married a Miss Rabb. While living on Beach Creek William and Mary Fly had 4 children: Mary Malinda, Sophia Louisiana (twin), (GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF TANNERS) Sophia Fly Seat, Reverend Seat's wife, Benjamin Franklin (twin), Elvira Josephine, George Washington Lafayette was the youngest.

William Fly moved from Tennessee to Yalabusha county, Mississippi where he owned 2 plantations. While there Governor Polk visited his cousin, Mary Mitchell Fly. The story goes that when Gov. (afterwards President) Polk came to the plantation, Frank Fly, then 13 years old, was sent to the other plantation tell his brother Willie of the arrival. As he was running along, repeating to himself the message, "The Governor's come. The Governor's come", he stumped his toe, fell down and rolled, forgetting his message. As he came in sight of his brother, he shouted excitedly, "Oh Brother Will, the Clark's come; the Clark's come." - the county Clerk being the highest official he knew. The house on this plantation was a large brick structure, called, "the Castle". Later Col. Fly sold these two plantations and moved to Madison County, Mississippi to educate his children. He bought a large plantation two or three miles from Sharon, but lived in the town until his youngest daughter graduated, when he moved to the plantation. In 1853 or 1854 he moved, with his family, and 100 slaves, to Texas, settling on Oyster Creek, Brazoria County. The land was very rich, but the climate was so malarial, that Col. Fly and 13 slaves died the first year. A year later, this plantation was sold, and Mrs. Fly moved to Big Hill in Gonzales County, Texas. At the close of the war 300 slaves were set free by Mrs. Fly and her children. She died a year later in 1866. The energy, intelligence and uprightness of the parents were impressed on the children in a remarkable degree. It is said that in three generations of the Flys there have been between 25 and 30 lawyers (two are Supreme Court Judges of Texas, and several others are judges) ministers and physicians. It may be of interest to descendants of the family to know how planters lived in by-gone days. One year, on Col. Fly's plantation 300 hogs were killed, which meant that 600 hams and 600 shoulders were consumed, for not a pounds of meat or a pound of anything else was ever sold. In addition 600 chickens were raised, and others were bought from the negroes. 45 cows were milked and all the milk and butter consumed. It took the milkers from before daylight to nearly noon to attend to the milk.The ladies of the household instructed the slaves and visited and cared for them in sickness. Each of the daughters, as well as their mother, had her own ladies maid. The garments of the negroes were cut out and sewed by colored sewing women, superintended by their mistress.

Colonel Fly's family consisted of the following members -Fly, Colonel William, married in 1810, Mary Mitchell, daughter of Andrew Mitchell of Maury County, Tennessee.

Issue - 1. Fly, Andrew Tate Mitchell, married 1st, Eliza Jones in 1830 married 2nd Ellen Rabb 2. Fly, Sarah Jane died at age 17 3. Fly, John Dalton m. 1st Martha Irvine Divine m. 2nd Julia Stokes m. 3rd Nora Compton 4. Fly, David Williamson (a Methodist Minister) m. Fannie Harper 5. Fly, Elijah Madden m. Nancy McKie 6. Fly, Mary Melinda m. Rev. Asbury Davidson, Methodist Minister 7. Fly, Sophie Louisiana m. Rev. W. H. Seat, Methodist Minister

8. Fly Benjamin Franklin m. 1st Sarah Robards; 2nd Mary R. Chambliss 9. Fly, Ella Josephine m. Thomas Catchings 10. Fly, George Washington Lafayette, b. 1835 in Yalobusha Co., Miss. d. 1/27/1904, in Victoria, Texas m. Callie Bell of Starkville, Miss. in 1857 This is the end of this particular version of "the Flye Records" as circulated in the family under Col. William and wife, Mary (Mitchell) Fly .

Sources & Credits: James Whitney Fly "Cousin Jim"

P.S. When the author starts by telling us "Two Brothers came to the colonies, I wonder if he did not know that there had been the THIRD brother John, left behind when the father and the OTHER two brothers came from Pennsylvania to Virginia.Or is it possible that the story, originally was, "Our ancestor, William, and two brothers came to the colonies?The biography-writers for the Goodspeed Publishers in the 1880's described the THREE Fly brothers who immigrated to the colonies; and Goodspeed refers to the Pennsylvania brother, the Virginia brother and the Georgia brother on the generation of Rev. John Fly's grandfather, William Fly, b. ca. 1726/7

Sources: "The Flye Family Forum" Author, Jim Whitney Fly

Descendants Of William Fly, Generation No. 1

1. WILLIAM8 FLY (JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 11 Sep 1794 in Northhampton County, North Carolina, and died 01 Mar 1855 in West Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas. He married MARY MITCHELL 15 Nov 1810 in Maury County, Tennessee, daughter of ANDREW MITCHELL and MARY TATE. She was born 05 Aug 1793 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, and died 26 Apr 1866 in daughter Ella's Plantation, Gonzales County, Texas.

Notes for WILLIAM FLY:

At marriage->Maury1810->Williamson1818->Maury1822->Yalobusha1835->Madison->Texas1853

xxCol. Fly filled various offices in the militia of the county, and was a Magistrate in Maury Co for a number of years. Whenever he became a candidate, he invariably was elected. He was handsome and commanding looking man and, when dressed in his regimentals and mounted on his fiery white steed, he was most distinguished looking.

After his marriage, they settled on a tract of land given by his father-in-law in Maury Co, TN. Later he moved to Williamson Co and then back Maury Co on Beach Creek. The next move was to Yalobusha Co, MS, where he had two plantations and was a very successful planter. The house here was a large brick structure called "The Castle". It was here that his wife's cousin, Governor Polk, later president, came to visit them. Later Col. Fly sold out and moved to Madison Co, MS to educate his children. He bought a large plantation several miles form Sharon and lived in town until his youngest child graduated, when he moved to the plantation.

In 1853 he moved his family and 100 salves to Texas, settling on Oyster Creek, Brazoria Co (presently Angleton, possibly the grounds of Retrive State Prison). They traveled overland and were months on the way. The youngest daughter, Ella and her husband, Thomas Catchings, went with them, as did most, if not all, of their children and grandchildren. The land was very rich, but the climate was so malarial that Col Fly And thirteen slaves died. A year later this plantation was sold And Mrs. Fly moved to Big Hill, Gonzales Co, Texas. At the close of the Civil War, 300 slaves were set free. She died a year later in 1866. The energy, intelligence and uprightness of the parents were manifested by the children in a remarkable degree. It is said that in three generations of the Fly's there have been 25 to 30 lawyers, two of whom are Texas Supreme Court Judges, several other judges, ministers and physicians.

Planters lived in the bygone days. One year on Col Fly's plantation 300 hogs were killed, which meant that 600 hams and 600 shoulders were consumed, for not a pound meat or anything else was ever sold. In addition, 600 chickens were raised and others were bought from the negroes. 45 cows were milked and all the milk and butter consumed. It took the milkers form before daylight until almost noon to attend the milking. The ladies of the household instructed the slaves and visited and cared for them in sickness. Each of the daughters, as well as their mother, had her own ladies maid. The garments of the negroes were out and sewed by colored sewing women, superintended by their mistress.

When Col. Fly left the place on Turkey Creek, after making several moves, his father-in-law, Andrew Mitchell, was worried over his not settling down in one place. on hearing of this Col. Fly made a prophecy that in given number of years he would be able to buy out all the other relatives and their families. The prophecy was literally fulfilled as he proved to be a fine business man. (family recollection author unknown, some of this info is also contained in a letter by GWL Fly)

Col. William Fly, Born in Northampton County, N.C., September 11th 1794; Died in Brazoria County, Texas, March 1st 1855.

He was a man of great energy of character. His memory is embalmed in the heart of his wife and children forewhom he toiled with ceaseless care for more than forty years. He had many conflicts in life but his end was peace. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (From his tomb covering, Methodist Cemetery, West Columbia, Brazoria Co, Texas)

Generation No. 2 2. ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 03 Aug 1811 in Turkey Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died 01 Oct 1855 in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi. He married (1) ELIZA JONES 24 Mar 1831 in Maury County, Tennessee, daughter of WILLIS JONES and ELIZABETH GEE. She was born 28 Nov 1813 in Chatham County, North Carolina, and died 15 Dec 1846 in Madison County, Mississippi. He married (2) MARY ELLEN RABB 10 Mar 1847 in Madison County, Mississippi. She was born 24 Feb 1829 in Jefferson County, Mississippi, and died in Louisiana.

ANDREW TATE MITCHELL FLY:
Cause of Death: Yellow Fever
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10
01 Oct 1855, Died while attending a General Methodist Conference.
moved family from TN to MS
Occupation: Methodist Ordained Minister

Notes for ELIZA JONES: Fly Eliza, Mrs. Wife of Rev. A.T.M. Fly / b. in Chatham Co.,N.C. / d. in the triumph of faith.

Burial: Sharon Cem, Madison County, Mississippi
Marriage Notes for ANDREW FLY and ELIZA JONES:
A. T. M. Fly Eliza Jones 3/21/1831 (3/24/1831)
Marriage: 24 Mar 1831, Maury County, Tennessee
Source: MAURY COUNTY TENNESSEE MARRIAGES

Notes for MARY ELLEN RABB:

Groom Name: ANDREW T. M. FLY
Bride Name: MARY ELLEN RABBS
Marriage Date: 10 March 1847
County: MADISON, State: Mississippi
Burial: Bunkie, Louisiana
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10
Marriage Notes for ANDREW FLY and MARY RABB:
Groom Name: ANDREW T. M. FLY
Bride Name: MARY ELLEN RABBS
Marriage Date: 10 March 1847
County: MADISON, State: Mississippi
Marriage: 10 Mar 1847, Madison County, Mississippi

Children of ANDREW FLY and ELIZA JONES are:

  1. WILLIAM JONES10 FLY, b. 10 Feb 1832, Mississippi; d. 21 Sep 1837, Mississippi.
  2. MARY ELIZABETH FLY, b. 24 Dec 1833, Mississippi; d. 04 Aug 1863.
  3. JAMES MITCHELL FLY, b. 08 Nov 1835, Panola County, Mississippi; d. 15 Mar 1913, Centerville, Wilkinson County, Mississippi.
  4. MALINDA JANE FLY, b. 12 Aug 1837, Mississippi.
  5. MARTHA MARIE FLY, b. 12 Aug 1837, Mississippi; d. 06 Feb 1839, Mississippi.
  6. SARAH LANE FLY, b. 02 May 1840, Mississippi; d. 02 Jun 1920.
  7. ANNIE ELIZA FLY, b. 20 Sep 1842, Mississippi; d. 06 Jul 1843.
  8. JOSHUA ANDREW FLY, b. 05 Dec 1846, Mississippi; d. 09 Jul 1847.

Children of ANDREW FLY and MARY RABB are:

  1. JOHN NICHOLAS10 FLY, b. 12 Apr 1848, Mississippi; d. 1900, New Orleans, LA (possible).
JOHN NICHOLAS FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10
15. x. HENRY WILLIAMSON FLY, b. 11 Feb 1850, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. 21 Nov 1941, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
xi GEORGE BROWN FLY, b. 26 Feb 1853.
xii. ANDREW TATE MITCHELL FLY, b. 20 Nov 1855.
xiii. ELIJAH FRANKLIN FLY.
3. JOHN DALTON9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 16 Dec 1816 in Turkey Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died 03 Mar 1899 in Canton, Madison County, Mississippi. He married (1) MARTHA IRVINE DIVINE 16 Aug 1842 in Madison Co, MS, daughter of KINSMAN DIVINE and ELIZABETH UNKNOWN. She was born 21 Apr 1825, and died 27 Oct 1846. He married (2) JULIA FLETCHER STOKES 05 Jul 1848 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi. He married (3) ELEANORA COMPTON 1866 in Gonzales Co, Texas. She was born 1829 in Mississippi.
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 466/476
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, Enum 70 HH 278/336
Probate: Gonzales Co #730/712 JD and Julia
Marriage Notes for JOHN FLY and MARTHA DIVINE:
Groom Name: JOHN D. FLY
Bride Name: MARTHA J. DIVINE
Marriage Date: 11 August 1842
County: MADISON, State: Mississippi
JOHN FLY and MARTHA DIVINE:
Marriage: 16 Aug 1842, Madison Co, MS
JULIA FLETCHER STOKES:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 466/476
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341
Probate: Gonzales Co #730/712 JD and Julia
JOHN FLY and JULIA STOKES:
Marriage: 05 Jul 1848, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi

ELEANORA COMPTON:

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Pvt 3, Enum 70 HH 278/336

JOHN FLY and ELEANORA COMPTON:

Marriage: 1866, Gonzales Co, Texas
Child of JOHN FLY and MARTHA DIVINE is:
  1. i. WILLIAM KINSMAN10 FLY, b. 01 Mar 1845, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. 14 Oct 1881, Gonzales County, Texas.

Children of JOHN FLY and JULIA STOKES are:

ii. JOHN N. MITCHELL10 FLY, b. 30 May 1849, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. 12 Nov 1927, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas.
iii. DAVID SAMUEL FLY, b. 1850, Sharon, Madison Co, MS; d. 05 Jul 1851, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi.
iv. REUBEN MADDEN FLY, b. 1852, Mississippi; d. 1853, Mississippi.
v. MARY ELIZA FLY, b. 12 Oct 1853, Mississippi; m. (1) ??? DENMAN; m. (2) ??? WILLIAMS.
MARY ELIZA FLY:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322
18. vi. MARTHA LOU FLY, b. 21 Apr 1855, Mississippi.
vii. SARAH JANE FLY, b. 1858; d. Feb 1860, Gonzales County, Texas; m. PERRY.
viii. FRANKLIN JONES FLY, b. Jan 1860, Gonzales County, Texas; d. Feb 1860, Gonzales County, Texas.
Child of JOHN FLY and ELEANORA COMPTON is:
  1. ix. THOMAS COMPTON10 FLY, b. 19 Mar 1867, Gonzales Co, Texas (possible); d. 01 Dec 1884.
THOMAS COMPTON FLY:
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Pvt 3, Enum 70 HH 278/336
4. DAVID WILLIAMSON9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 28 Jun 1819 in Williamson County, Tennessee, and died 12 Jan 1892 in Hondo, Medina County, Texas. He married FRANCES RACHEL HARPER 06 Feb 1849 in Mississippi. She was born 1831 in Tennessee.
DAVID WILLIAMSON FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Attala County, Kosciusko, HH 1368/1388
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 370/342
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refurio County, Div 4, HH 317/317
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 219/219
Occupation: Methodist minister
FRANCES RACHEL HARPER:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Attala County, Kosciusko, HH 1368/1388
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 370/342
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refurio County, Div 4, HH 317/317
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 219/219
DAVID FLY and FRANCES HARPER:
Marriage: 06 Feb 1849, Mississippi
Children of DAVID FLY and FRANCES HARPER are:
  1. i. WILLIAM WELDON10 FLY, b. Bet. 1850 - 1870, Gonzales Co, Texas (possible); d. TX (infancy).
  2. ii. GEORGE MITCHELL FLY, b. 1859, Gonzales Co, Texas.
GEORGE MITCHELL FLY:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 370/342
19. iii. JOHN SIDNEY FLY, b. 03 Sep 1864, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 28 Mar 1944, Hondo, TX.
20. iv. DAVID HARPER FLY, b. 09 Dec 1875, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. Dec 1958, Hondo, TX.
5. ELIJAH MADDEN9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 17 May 1824 in Maury County, Tennessee, and died 24 Jul 1899 in Rockport, Aransas County, Texas. He married NANCY EDMONDSON MCKIE 05 Dec 1848 in Sharon, Madison Co, Mississippi. She was born 1829 in Tennessee.
ELIJAH MADDEN FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 227/229
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 246/246
NANCY EDMONDSON MCKIE:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 227/229
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 246/246
ELIJAH FLY and NANCY MCKIE:
Marriage: 05 Dec 1848, Sharon, Madison Co, Mississippi
Children of ELIJAH FLY and NANCY MCKIE are:
  1. MICHAEL JEFFERSON MCKIE10 FLY, b. 05 Apr 1850, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. Sep 1850, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi.
MICHAEL JEFFERSON MCKIE FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 227/229
21. ii. WILLIAM SEAT FLY, b. 29 Oct 1851, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. 01 Jun 1934, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
22. iii. MARGARET EUGENIA FLY, b. 12 Nov 1853, Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi; d. 20 Sep 1920.
23. iv. MARY ADA FLY, b. 17 Sep 1855, Yalobusha County, Mississippi.
24. v. MARTHA LOUISA FLY, b. 24 Aug 1857, Texas.
25. vi. EDWIN MADDEN FLY, b. 17 Jul 1859, Texas; d. 1903, Eagle Pass - 1884.
6. MARY MALINDA9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 21 Jan 1826 in Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died 24 Nov 1905 in Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. She married ASBURY DAVIDSON, REV 11 Jul 1844 in Madison Co, MS. He was born 1822 in Tennessee.
MARY MALINDA FLY:
Cem: Davidson, Mary Malinda Division G-099
2405 Davidson, Mary Malinda Jan 26 1826 Nov 24 1905
MARY MALINDA FLY:
Burial: Georgetown I.O.O.F. Cem, Williamson County, Texas
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 10/11
ASBURY DAVIDSON, REV:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 10/11
Occupation: Methodist minister
ASBURY DAVIDSON and MARY FLY:
Marriage: 11 Jul 1844, Madison Co, MS
Children of MARY FLY and ASBURY DAVIDSON are:
i. ELIZA10 DAVIDSON.
26. ii. WILLIAM LEWIS DAVIDSON, b. 05 Nov 1845, Mississippi; d. 25 Jan 1921.
iii. MARY M. DAVIDSON, b. 1847, Mississippi.
MARY M. DAVIDSON:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 10/11
iv. ELLA JANE DAVIDSON, b. 05 Nov 1849, Mississippi; d. 05 Apr 1915; m. NATHANIEL MILBURN NEWTON, 02 Dec 1868.
ELLA JANE DAVIDSON:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 10/11
NATHANIEL NEWTON and ELLA DAVIDSON:
Marriage: 02 Dec 1868
27. v. SUSAN SOPHIA DAVIDSON, b. 12 Aug 1852; d. 06 Sep 1888.
vi. NANNY FRANCES DAVIDSON, b. 1857.
7. SOPHIA LOUISIANA9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 15 Jan 1827 in Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died Dec 1905 in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas. She married WILLIAM HENRY SEAT, REV 15 Dec 1847 in Sharon, Madison Co, MS. He was born 15 Dec 1824 in Tennessee, and died 28 Jan 1885.
SOPHIA LOUISIANA FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/9
WILLIAM HENRY SEAT, REV:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/9
WILLIAM SEAT and SOPHIA FLY:
Marriage: 15 Dec 1847, Sharon, Madison Co, MS
Children of SOPHIA FLY and WILLIAM SEAT are:
i. MARY T.10 SEAT, b. Mississippi.
MARY T. SEAT:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/9
ii. ANDREW TATE MITCHELL SEAT.
28. iii. IDA BASKERVILLE SEAT.
8. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 15 Jan 1827 in Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died 1895 in Goliad, Goliad County, Texas. He married (1) MARY RUTLEDGE CHAMBLISS. He married (2) ??? UNKNOWN. He married (3) SARAH BARBARA ROBARDS 28 Oct 1847 in Mississippi. She was born 1832 in Mississippi.
Notes for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FLY:
Fly, Major B. F., no dates, age: 67, bur: 16-B-V 2
FLY MAJOR B. F. 67 16 B V 2
Oak Hill Cemetery, Goliad, Goliad Co. TX
"College Hill", Goliad
Fly, B.F., Asks Parker to speak, V1 #3 Gonz.Inq 18 Jun 1853 P2
Fly, B.F., Public Meeting, V1 #3 Gonz.Inq 18 Jun 1853 P2
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FLY:
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Goliad, Goliad Co. TX 16-B-V 2
Census 1850: 1850, Louisiana, Caldwell Parish, Western Dist, HH 1/1
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Lavaca County, Lavaca, HH 111/111
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378
MARY RUTLEDGE CHAMBLISS:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Lavaca County, Lavaca, HH 111/111
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378
SARAH BARBARA ROBARDS:
Census 1850: 1850, Louisiana, Caldwell Parish, Western Dist, HH 1/1
BENJAMIN FLY and SARAH ROBARDS:
Marriage: 28 Oct 1847, Mississippi
Children of BENJAMIN FLY and MARY CHAMBLISS are:
29. i. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN10 FLY, JR, b. 1860, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1933, Texarkana, AR (Possible).
ii. IDA FLY, b. 1862, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1864, Gonzales Co, Texas.
30. iii. KALULLA L. FLY, b. 1864, Texas; d. 1939.
iv. GEORGE ROBARDS FLY, b. 1866, Texas; d. 1889, Hondo, TX.
GEORGE ROBARDS FLY:
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378
v. SAMUEL FLY, b. 1868, Texas.
SAMUEL FLY:
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378
vi. JULES FLY, b. 1872, Texas.
JULES FLY:
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378
Child of BENJAMIN FLY and ??? UNKNOWN is:
31. vii. NATHANIEL DALTON10 FLY, b. 1857, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1913.
Children of BENJAMIN FLY and SARAH ROBARDS are:
viii. WILLIAM B.10 FLY, b. 1848, Mississippi; d. 1883, Tombstone, AZ (Possible).
WILLIAM B. FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Louisiana, Caldwell Parish, Western Dist, HH 1/1
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Lavaca County, Lavaca, HH 111/111
ix. BENJAMIN BALLARD FLY, b. 1850, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1856, Gonzales Co, Texas.
x. LAURA FLY, b. 1852, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1855, Gonzales Co, Texas.
xi. SARAH FLY, b. 1854, Gonzales Co, Texas; d. 1869.
SARAH FLY:
? refrence a Sallie A. Fly on Family Tree Mkr vol 2 record # 2710
9. ELVIRA JOSEPHINE9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 07 Dec 1831 in Beach Creek, Maury County, Tennessee, and died 12 Apr 1896 in Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi. She married THOMAS JEFFERSON CATCHINGS 28 Oct 1854 in Madison County, Mississippi, son of BENJAMIN CATCHINGS and LETITIA HIGGENBOTHAM. He was born 1828 in Mississippi.
ELVIRA JOSEPHINE FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/8
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258
THOMAS JEFFERSON CATCHINGS:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Copiah County, HH 543/543
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258
THOMAS CATCHINGS and ELVIRA FLY:
Marriage: 28 Oct 1854, Madison County, Mississippi
Children of ELVIRA FLY and THOMAS CATCHINGS are:
i. SALLY10 CATCHINGS, b. 1854, Mississippi.
SALLY CATCHINGS:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258
32. ii. MARY EMMA CATCHINGS, b. 1855, Texas.
33. iii. SILAS FLY CATCHINGS, b. 1856.
34. iv. WILLIAM BENJAMIN CATCHINGS, b. 1858, Texas.
v. HARRIETT MALINDA CATCHINGS, b. 1860, Texas; d. 25 Mar 1899; m. ROBERT STANTON THERRELL.
HARRIETT MALINDA CATCHINGS:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258
vi. LOUELLA CATCHINGS, b. 1865; m. CHARLES P. SEARLES.
35. vii. SARAH FRANCES CATCHINGS, b. 1867; d. 1902.
10. GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE9 FLY (WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 02 Jun 1835 in Coffeeville, Yalobusha County, Mississippi, and died 27 Jan 1905 in Victoria, Victoria County, Texas. He married MARY CAROLINE BELL 16 Apr 1857 in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, daughter of JAMES BELL and MARY GLENN. She was born 12 Dec 1835 in Troup Co, Georgia, and died 15 Jun 1929 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Notes for GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE FLY:

[The New Handbook of Texas Online]

FLY, GEORGE WASHINGTON LAFAYETTE (1835-1905). George Washington Lafayette Fly, Confederate Army officer and Texas legislator, the youngest of ten children of William and Mary (Mitchell) Fly, was born on June 2, 1835, in Yalobusha County, Mississippi; in 1846 the family moved to Sharon, Madison County. Fly enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1851 but after one term went to Madison College, where he graduated in 1853. He then traveled to Texas to join his parents, who had settled on Oyster Creek in Brazoria County earlier that year. At the death of his father in 1855 he moved with his mother to Big Hill Prairie in Gonzales County. There he became a planter.

Fly was a staunch supporter of states' rights and a regionally noted orator. He favored the Breckinridge-Lane ticket in 1860. During the Civil Warqv G. W., as he was called, was a seasoned commander in the Second Texas Infantry and commandant of Galveston. In 1861 he gathered a small group of volunteers in Gonzales County who elected him their captain. These men were mustered into Confederate ervice as Company I, Second Texas Infantry, known as the Gonzales Invincibles, and later joined the Wilson Rifles to form a complete infantry company. Though designated the second, this unit was really the first infantry regiment organized in the state. Its colonel was John Creed Moore. With his regiment Fly saw action in the battles of Shiloh in April 1862 and Iuka in September; he was reported killed at Corinth in October. His family mourned at least three weeks before learning that he had been captured, exchanged, and returned to his command. He was promoted to major before the siege of Vicksburg, where his regiment served. He was again captured upon the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, and again paroled and exchanged. He was ordered briefly to Demopolis, Alabama, and Enterprise, Mississippi, but in November was told to return to Texas to take command of and reorganize the regiment. With the forces he raised, Fly joined the expeditionary forces under Col. John S. Ford. In August 1864 he was made commandant of the post at Galveston, which he defended until the war's end. At that time he returned to his family in Gonzales County.

From 1866 to 1870 Fly ran an independent boarding school named Stonewall Institute (after Confederate general Thomas J."Stonewall" Jackson), about six miles from Gonzales at Big Hill. He also took up the practice of law and was admitted to the Texas bar at Gonzales in February 1871. From 1873 to 1875 he served as president of Gonzales College. He was elected to the Seventeenth Texas Legislature in 1880 but refused to run for reelection despite his popularity. About 1885 he moved with his family to Victoria, where he continued his law practice and was a charter member of the William R. Scurry Camp, United Confederate Veterans. He was also a promoter of the Pan-American Railway Company. Fly long served as a lay member of the West Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. His original law partnership with lieutenant governor Asbury Bascom Davidson and civil appeals judge William Lewis Davidson, known as Fly, Davidson, and Davidson, dissolved in 1889, and Fly formed a new partnership with his son-in-law, J. L. Hill.

On April 4, 1857, he married Mary Caroline Bell of Madison County, Mississippi; the couple had four sons and one daughter. Fly died at his law office in Victoria on January 27, 1905, and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery at Victoria. A son, Ben W. Fly, was county judge of Victoria County and city attorney of Victoria; another son, William M. Fly of Gonzales, was a state legislator.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: H. L. Bentley and Thomas Pilgrim, Texas Legal Directory for 1876-77 (Austin: Democratic Statesman Office, 1877). Joseph E. Chance, The Second Texas Infantry: From Shiloh to Vicksburg (Austin: Eakin Press, 1984). Roy Grimes, ed., 300 Years in Victoria County (Victoria, Texas: Victoria Advocate, 1968; rpt., Austin: Nortex, 1985). Methodist Episcopal Church, South,

Journal of the West Texas Conference, 1905. Vertical Files, Barker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Theora H. Whitaker, comp., Victoria (Victoria, Texas: Victoria Advocate, 1941). Dudley Goodall Wooten, ed., A Comprehensive History of Texas (2 vols., Dallas: Scarff, 1898; rpt., Austin: Texas State Historical Association, 1986).

Betty D. Fly and Craig H. Roell

The Handbook of Texas Online is a joint project of The General Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Historical Association.© The Texas State Historical Association, 1997,1998,1999. Last Updated: February 15, 1999 Comments to: comments@www.tsha.utexas.edu

Evergreen Cemetery is located on the corner of Vine St. and Red River St, Victoria, Texas

GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE FLY:
Burial: Evergreen Cem, Section 6, Victoria County, Texas
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/8
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 372/344
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272
Census 1900: 1900, Texas, Victoria County, Victoria, Enum 87 HH 271/272
Probate: Gonzales Co #788
Notes for MARY CAROLINE BELL:
Story in "Victorian Childhood" by Milton Fly Hill, Sr. (grandson) relates that Callie Bell was chased by indians while out on horse back when they lived at Big Hill, Gonzales Co.
MARY CAROLINE BELL:
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 372/344
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272
Census 1900: 1900, Texas, Victoria County, Victoria, Enum 87 HH 271/272
Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150
Census 1920: 1920, Texas, Bexar County, 4th Ward, Enum 14 HH 48/125
GEORGE FLY and MARY BELL:
Marriage: 16 Apr 1857, Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
Unknown-Ending: Dr. L.T.C. Thorton - Official
Children of GEORGE FLY and MARY BELL are:
36. i. WILLIAM MADDEN10 FLY, b. 26 Dec 1857, Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 1944, Gonzales, Gonzales Co, Texas.
ii. JAMES MILTON FLY, b. 12 Feb 1860, Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 21 Oct 1887, Gonzales, Gonzales Co, Texas; m. (1) E. J. MATTHEWS, 25 Oct 1877, Gonzales Co, Texas; m. (2) MOLLY BRANCH, 06 Jan 1886, Gonzales, Texas.
Notes for JAMES MILTON FLY:
Gonzales Inquirer (GI) article vol 26, #12, 24 Aug 1878, pg3 Index - Fly, Milton - Won prize target shooting (if James - age 18)
Family letters mention troubling aspects to James life. Letter from Joe L Hill (in Gonzales) to his wife Georgie Fly Hill [JM's sister] (in Caldwell) dated Oct 3, 1884 defences trial in Ft. Davis against Buddie Milton being dismissed & a visit by GWL Fly's [JM's father] brothers Madden and Milton to Ft. Davis to help. Article in GI index - Fly Milton - acquitted of murder at Ft. Davis, vol 31, #9, 1 Sep 1883.
Also article in GI index - Fly, JM - Marshal at jail Vol 36, #18, 22 Oct 1887 (the day after his death). From other family letters JM died in a gun fight with or at the hands of a one Booth(e)?. Letter (Nov 7 1887) from Ben W Fly to Mary Georgie Fly Hill [JM's bro & sister] references death of brother Milton at the hands of another & his desire for revenge. More specifically, Ben Fly states "that if not for the loving, restraining hands of my dear sister and mother that I too would be a corpse next to my brother." The letter also references murder charges against a Boothe. Letter from Joe L Hill to Georgie Fly Hill (Jan 4, 1888) references him going to a trial against Booth in Gonzales.
A young deputy sheriff enters the grocery goods store in downtown Gonzales. With a set jaw he cuts through the late afternoon light streaming in the windows. Moving to the back of the store, he finds the owner and confronts him over a personal issue. Voices are raised, tempers flair and as guns are drawn, a scuffle ensues. Shots ring out into the fall air. And, in the company of the proprietor and his two sons, the deputy twists and falls dying to the floor. Sawdust settles in the fading light as the deputy grimaces and gasps a final time. Such were most likely the last moments in the life of twenty-seven year old James Milton Fly, Deputy Marshal of Gonzales, Texas. October 21, 1887
What led to this? Who was at fault? What impact rippled out from that fateful day? Many of these questions may never be fully answered, but we can review documents, facts and judge what has been said and what has been left unsaid.
First an over view of JM Fly's presence as a peace officer is in order. Apparently J.M. Fly was not killed "in the line of duty", though it is documented that he was a peace officer. No mention of his death by article or obituary appears in the local newspaper. A local law enforcement officer being shot and killed would have been ripe for front-page news at any time in history. The index of the Gonzales Inquirer (GI) is devoid of any such event. There was not even an obituary. It should be noted that J M Fly was the subject of an article published in the GI Saturday, October 22, 1887,[Attachment 1] the day after his death. The article covered a jailbreak attempt that was thwarted by Marshal Fly on Monday of that same week. JM Fly was killed the Friday after this event occurred. His presence in the community as an officer of the law is also established by his documented pledge as a deputy under Sheriff W.E. Jones, dated 18 May 1887 [A-2]. The article in the GI refers to him as Marshal JM Fly. In a letter by his own hand written five days before his death JM Fly asks for his brother-in-law's, Joe L. Hill, assistance in securing a US Marshal post for Sheriff W.E. Jones [A-3]. Jones, he writes, has promised to appoint JM sheriff when Jones vacates the office. Obviously J.M. Fly has career aspirations in law enforcement.
Now, who was James Milton Fly in the community of Gonzales, Texas? Born in the Big Hill community, Gonzales Co. on February 12, 1860 to George Washington Lafayette Fly and Mary Callie Bell, James was an infant during the most tumultuous period of our nations history. In fact, he was in the midst of the conflict more than most children his age. After the fall of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, James' father was held in a parole camp in Demopolis, Alabama. Callie, upon learning of his condition and thankful that the earlier report of his death was false, gathered her three children, William Madden age 5, James 3, and Mary Georgie 1, and took off east to recover her husband. After a rather harrowing adventure the family returned, intact, to Gonzales. GWL Fly returned to Gonzales and started a boarding school, served as president of Gonzales College and took up the practice of law [A-4]. William and Ben, JM's brothers, as well as his brother-in-law Joe L. Hill (married to Mary Georgie) were also attorneys. JM's only other sibling Frank Merriman served as deputy, sheriff, county clerk, justice of the peace and banker during his lifetime in Gonzales.
James Milton married Mollie Branch in 1885. In a letter [A-5] written shortly after JM's death, his brother Ben refers to a neighbors report that the neighbor "never knew a happier couple". Ben also states James Milton "deserved her [Mollie's] love for he was a kind, indulgent husband". Molly Branch's grandfather had been a mayor of Gonzales before and after the Civil War.
The storeowner that apparently shot James Milton Fly was George Jefferson Boothe, owner of a goods store located on the southwest corner of St. Joseph and St. Louis Streets in Gonzales. Two other members of the Boothe family were present in the store at the time of JM's death. Shown in the bonds posted under the charge of murder were a George Boothe, assumed to be George Jefferson, Jr., age 27 and son of GJ Boothe and a one W. M. Boothe. The identity this person is more difficult as GJ Boothe had a son William Harvey, age 21, but the William H. does not match with the bond that reads W. M. Boothe. All three posted bonds on the charge of murder on January 12th 1888 [A-6,7,8]. The later two Boothes were seemingly acquitted of any charges related to the incident. G.J. Boothe was apparently found guilty on the charge of murder. Though no direct court records seem to exist pertaining to the outcome of this trial (a fire at the court house destroyed "some" documents), District Court Minutes dated Sat. January 26 1889, case # 2717 (this number matches the original Indictment number on the January 12th, 1888 bond), State of Texas vs. G.J. Boothe show that defendants motion for a new trial is granted
[A-9]. This means that the previous trials outcome did not suit Mr. Boothe. A motion for a change of venue is granted on January 28, 1889 moving the trial to Lockhart, Caldwell County, Texas [A-10]. A $5,000 bond is pledged by G.N. Dilworth, J.P. Raudle and J.D. Houston for that court appearance [A-11]. This second trial ends in a mistrial in April 1890 as reported by the Luling Signal on April 10, 1890.
Who were the Boothes in the community of Gonzales, Texas? George Jefferson Boothe, son of Joseph and Nancy K. Whitfield Boothe was born October 10, 1824. He married Mary Ann Jones in Arkansas March 8, 1857. He died on February 6, 1892 and was buried in the City Cemetery. GJ Boothe was born in North Carolina. Married Mary Ann Jones at St. Francis, Arkansas March 8, 1857. The Boothe's had ten children. Two of these children married Houstons, a prominent ranching family in Gonzales. The Boothes were active socially as judged by the frequent references in the Gonzales Inquirer. It should be noted here that the use of deadly force by the Boothe family to settle arguments was not unique to this one situation. On August 21, 1899, Thomas H. Boothe, son of GJ Boothe, was killed in a shoot out with his wife's uncle, J. D. Houston and J. D.'s son George Houston. This brief, but decisive battle occurred at 6:00 PM on the streets of Gonzales in front of the Berlinger Building. The GI article of Tuesday, August 22, 1899 states, "The INQUIRER understands the difficulty was the outcome of a difference in the settlement of the R. A. Houston estate of which Mr. J. D. Houston was executor". Apparently the settlement was not to Mr. Boothe's satisfaction. J. D. and his son were seriously wounded, but lived. Note that J. D. Houston was one of the men that pledged against GJ Boothe's bond just nine years before.

It must be understood that this time frame following the Civil War was violent. Though Texians stopped fighting with the Union Forces, they continued to fight with each other. And unfortunately they were now (as a result of the War) better trained and possibly more inclined. The Taylor-Sutton Feud rampaged in and around Gonzales for over 30 years during the late 1800's. This famous ongoing "circumstance" makes the Hatfield-McCoy Feud look like a family spate. As many as 200 to 2,000 men were armed and after each other during the course of these difficulties. Many men were taken from their homes, at times by "officers-of-the-law", and shot and/or hung within minutes. This was often done with much celebration and joy at having successfully "bagged" one of the enemy. No official death toll has even been estimated from this conflict. There is at least one documented "battle", involving as many as 100 men that ended with a formal, signed peace treaty. But, as the author of "I'll Die Before I'll Run", C. L. Sonnichsen states, "One of the laws of feuding seems to be the principle that a truce holds only long enough for the signers to take cover". So, the fact that people would pull guns out to settle arguments cannot be considered very shocking, even in polite society (at least in Texas) (even today?)

Much of the evidence that does exist in this case does not shine favorably on James Milton Fly. A finding of "Not Guilty" was never issued for G.J. Boothe. He ultimately "walked away" or as the term back then used "was that he came clear" from this incident a free man. A wrongful death suit filed by James Milton's widow against G.J. Boothe, et al for $75,000 was dismissed on July 11, 1890 [A-12, 13, 14]. The defendants pleading filed in response to Mollie Fly's suit is less than complementary towards J.M. Fly. The pleading states that JM "was quarrelsome and desperate when drinking and carried his life in his hand and was liable at any and all times to become engaged in a deadly fight from slight provocation either real or imaginary." And that JM Fly had perpetrated an unprovoked attack on GJ Boothe while in drunken rage [A-15]. Understand that JM Fly never got to tell his side of this story. A bit of negative history in JM's background is that he was himself charged with murder and "came clear" in Ft Davis, Texas in 1884. This is documented in the GI article Volume 31, #9, 1 September 1883 and correspondence from Mary Georgie Fly Hill to her husband [A-16]. A disturbing aspect of this case is that aside from a couple of letters discussing the family loss of JM, no one in the family ever discussed or even would discuss how J. M. Fly died or what happened. In a 1952 letter [A-17] from JM's sister-in-law, Stella Fly (wife of Frank Merriman Fly) to JM's nephew and namesake, Milton Fly Hill, Sr., Stella writes that Frank would never discuss how his brother died, only that "he was my Buddie". This is a double-entendre that refers to JM's nickname of "Buddie Milton" and that he was Franks "compadre". Frank was only ten when he lost his older brother. This "veil of silence" relating to his death implies (to the author) that something was not "straight" about JM's side of the story. Surely, if James Milton had died under a "noble" circumstance this too would have been added to the family legacy, much of which is recorded.

The effects that rippled out from this tragic moment? One family loses a much loved son, brother, husband and friend. Another is dogged by lawsuits and criminal charges, that are only cleared at short time before his death. A sad note to any family history. Maybe, a lesson that settling differences at the point of a gun generally has long lasting consequences or that fair treatment is the best way to avoid conflicts in the first place. Again, much about this situation will never be known or understood, except for the pain it left behind. JM's brother, Ben sums up the outcome of this best as he laments the bitterness of his loss in a letter to his sister, Mary Georgie. "Many a time in the last two weeks have I almost wished that I had no father, mother, and sister to bewail my misdeeds. No one to restrain me with loving hands. If such had been the case, I would today be a corpse with my brother or his death would have been avenged trice fold. But, they have not yet reached the City of Refuge and perhaps justice will still over take them." A sad note on which to close a sad story.

Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Jas. Milton, son of G.W.L. & M.C. Fly

JAMES MILTON FLY:
Burial: Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX
Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 372/344
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59
Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272
21 Feb 1887, May have died in a gun fight or shot to death by ? Booth, trial in Gonzales
Note: Acquitted of murder in Ft Davis 10/4/1884
Marriage Notes for JAMES FLY and E. MATTHEWS:
Fly, J.M. and E.J. Matthews - 10/25/1877 - #2327
JAMES FLY and E. MATTHEWS:
Marriage: 25 Oct 1877, Gonzales Co, Texas
Marriage Notes for JAMES FLY and MOLLY BRANCH:
Fly, J.M. and Mollie M. Branch - 01/06/1886 - #3693
JAMES FLY and MOLLY BRANCH:
Marriage: 06 Jan 1886, Gonzales, Texas
37. iii. MARY GEORGIE FLY, b. 20 Jan 1862, Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 25 Jan 1937, San Antonio, Bexar Co, Texas.
38. iv. FRANK MERRIMAN FLY, b. 12 Jun 1867, Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 14 Jul 1962, Gonzales, Gonzales Co, Texas.
39. v. BENJAMIN WATT FLY, b. 22 Aug 1869, Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 01 Mar 1929, Victoria, Victoria Co, Texas.

Generation No. 3

11. MARY ELIZABETH10 FLY (ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 24 Dec 1833 in Mississippi, and died 04 Aug 1863. She married GEORGE BROWN PETTY 04 Feb 1852.

MARY ELIZABETH FLY:
Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10
GEORGE PETTY and MARY FLY:
Marriage: 04 Feb 1852
Children of MARY FLY and GEORGE PETTY are:
i. JAMES11 PETTY.
ii. WILLIAM H. PETTY.
iii. GEORGE PETTY.
12. JAMES MITCHELL10 FLY (ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 08 Nov 1835 in Panola County, Mississippi, and died 15 Mar 1913 in Centerville, Wilkinson County, Mississippi. He married MARY ELIZABETH ANTHONY 19 Nov 1857 in Adams County, Mississippi. She was born 1842 in Mississippi.
JAMES MITCHELL FLY:
1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10
1870: 1870, Texas, Karnes County, Helena, HH 2/2
MARY ELIZABETH ANTHONY:
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Karnes County, Helena, HH 2/2
JAMES FLY and MARY ANTHONY:
Marriage: 19 Nov 1857, Adams County, Mississippi

Children of JAMES FLY and MARY ANTHONY are:

i. ELLA11 FLY, b. 14 Sep 1858, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi; d. Mar 1863, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi.

ELLA FLY:
Single

ii. IDA FLY, b. 16 Oct 1860; d. 30 Dec 1899; m. JAMES ROGER KIRKPATRICK, 26 Dec 1883, Natchez, Adams Co, MS; b. 27 Nov 1857; d. Jun 1923.

IDA FLY:
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Karnes County, Helena, HH 2/2
JAMES KIRKPATRICK and IDA FLY:
Marriage: 26 Dec 1883, Natchez, Adams Co, MS
iii. NORA FLY, b. 26 Jan 1867; d. 12 May 1942; m. (1) WALTER CARLETON JELKS, 31 Oct 1888, Natchez, Adams Co, MS; b. 21 Dec 1854; d. 09 Jan 1902; m. (2) GLANCY QUITMAN JONES, 25 Oct 1906.
NORA FLY:
Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Karnes County, Helena, HH 2/2
WALTER JELKS and NORA FLY:

Marriage: 31 Oct 1888, Natchez, Adams Co, MS


GLANCY JONES and NORA FLY:

Marriage: 25 Oct 1906


iv. ANTHONY FLY, b. 24 Jun 1869, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 04 Feb 1940, Summit, Pike County, Mississippi; m. MARY AMA JELKS, 02 Feb 1891, Quamoclit, Wilkson Co, MS.


ANTHONY FLY:

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Karnes County, Helena, HH 2/2


ANTHONY FLY and MARY JELKS:

Marriage: 02 Feb 1891, Quamoclit, Wilkson Co, MS


v. SUSAN FLY, b. 12 Feb 1872, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi; d. 18 Mar 1872, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi.

vi. JAMES MITCHELL FLY, JR, b. 09 Sep 1873, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi; d. 05 Jul 1951; m. PATTI WHITE SIMMS, 21 Nov 1900.


JAMES FLY and PATTI SIMMS:

Marriage: 21 Nov 1900


13. MALINDA JANE10 FLY (ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 12 Aug 1837 in Mississippi. She married SYLVANUS PETTY 26 Oct 1852.


MALINDA JANE FLY:

Name 2: Martha Marie Fly

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10


SYLVANUS PETTY and MALINDA FLY:

Marriage: 26 Oct 1852


Children of MALINDA FLY and SYLVANUS PETTY are:

i. LOU11 PETTY.

ii. ANNIE PETTY.

iii. HATTIE PETTY.

iv. SALLIE PETTY.

v. MITCHELL PETTY.

vi. MARSHALL PETTY.

vii. HENRY PETTY.

viii. VAN PETTY.

ix. FREDONIA PETTY.


14. SARAH LANE10 FLY (ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 02 May 1840 in Mississippi, and died 02 Jun 1920. She married SANFORD PERRY 14 Mar 1865.


SARAH LANE FLY:

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10


SANFORD PERRY and SARAH FLY:

Marriage: 14 Mar 1865


Child of SARAH FLY and SANFORD PERRY is:

i. MARY ALICE11 PERRY, b. 03 Mar 1868; m. PAUL M. BROWN, REV, 26 Aug 1891.


PAUL BROWN and MARY PERRY:

Marriage: 26 Aug 1891


15. HENRY WILLIAMSON10 FLY (ANDREW TATE MITCHELL9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 11 Feb 1850 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi, and died 21 Nov 1941 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. He married MARY ALICE MOUNT 20 Aug 1872 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.


HENRY WILLIAMSON FLY:

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 9/10


HENRY FLY and MARY MOUNT:

Marriage: 20 Aug 1872, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas


Children of HENRY FLY and MARY MOUNT are:

i. FANNIE EUDORA11 FLY, b. 24 Nov 1873, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 04 Nov 1895.

ii. WILLIAM BASCOMB FLY, b. 28 Feb 1875, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 01 Aug 1904, Memphis, Shelby Co, TN; m. MARGARET SCHAEFFER, 15 Jan 1901, Memphis, Shelby Co, TN.


WILLIAM FLY and MARGARET SCHAEFFER:

Marriage: 15 Jan 1901, Memphis, Shelby Co, TN


iii. HENRY MILTON FLY, b. 17 Jan 1879, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 1906, Away from home, incognito ?.

iv. MARY ELOISE FLY, b. 18 Jan 1881, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 31 Mar 1954.

v. EUGENE MITCHELL FLY, b. 03 Sep 1882, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 10 Feb 1963, MS; m. NYSHIE JENKINS, 23 Nov 1909.


EUGENE FLY and NYSHIE JENKINS:

Marriage: 23 Nov 1909


vi. JAMES DOUGLAS FLY, b. 25 Nov 1887, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 24 Nov 1960, McComb, Pike Co, MS; m. BESSIE RIEGGER, 21 Apr 1909.


JAMES DOUGLAS FLY:

Fact 1: Buried - Hollywood Cem


JAMES FLY and BESSIE RIEGGER:

Marriage: 21 Apr 1909


vii. DELLA FLY, b. 16 Sep 1888, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 16 Nov 1889, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA.

viii. ROBERT CURTIS FLY, b. 08 Nov 1889, New Iberia, Iberia Parish, LA; d. 06 Feb 1920; m. MARY RIDDLE.

ix. MABEL ALICE FLY, b. 29 Nov 1895, Centerville, Wilkinson Co, MS; d. 1996, San Antonio, Bexar Co, TX.


Notes for MABEL ALICE FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Very charming lady. Lived by her self in a apartment until 98, when she moved into an assisted living. Told me that the President (Bill Clinton) had sent her a letter for her 100th BD. I asked her if she had framed it, to which she said "I threw it away, it's none of his business to know how old I am!" KF Hill


16. WILLIAM KINSMAN10 FLY (JOHN DALTON9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 01 Mar 1845 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi, and died 14 Oct 1881 in Gonzales County, Texas. He married SALLIE GERTRUDE HASTINGS 28 Jan 1875 in Nockenut, Texas. She was born 25 Jan 1858 in Nockenut P.O., Guadalupe (now Wilson Co.), Texas, and died 22 Jul 1909.


Notes for WILLIAM KINSMAN FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, W.K.


WILLIAM KINSMAN FLY:

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 466/476

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Wilson County, Enum 150 HH 125/133

Residence: Wilson Co, Tx June, 1880


SALLIE GERTRUDE HASTINGS:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Wilson County, Enum 150 HH 125/133


WILLIAM FLY and SALLIE HASTINGS:

Marriage: 28 Jan 1875, Nockenut, Texas


Children of WILLIAM FLY and SALLIE HASTINGS are:

i. MARTHA E.11 FLY, b. 18 Oct 1876, Texas; d. 10 Mar 1893, Texas.


MARTHA E. FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Wilson County, Enum 150 HH 125/133


ii. JOSEPH DALTON FLY, b. 24 Feb 1878, Texas; d. 11 Mar 1960, Bandera, Texas; m. STELLA FOWLER, 28 Nov 1900; b. 1880; d. 17 May 1919.


JOSEPH DALTON FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Wilson County, Enum 150 HH 125/133


JOSEPH FLY and STELLA FOWLER:

Marriage: 28 Nov 1900


iii. PATRICIA MAMIE NORA FLY, b. 17 Jul 1880, Texas; d. 07 May 1888.


17. JOHN N. MITCHELL10 FLY (JOHN DALTON9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 30 May 1849 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi, and died 12 Nov 1927 in Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas. He married (1) ELLA JOHN MATTHEWS 15 Oct 1877 in Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas, daughter of ??? MATTHEWS and SARAH ???. She was born 1861 in Alabama, and died 23 Mar 1886. He married (2) ANGERONIA WILLIE BROWN 16 Dec 1891 in Canoochee, Emanuel County, Georgia. She was born 08 Sep 1860 in Canoochie, Georgia, and died 22 Feb 1946 in Victoria, Texas.


Notes for JOHN N. MITCHELL FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Doctor Fly customarily read a chapter from the Bible to all the members of the family as they assembled together just prior to bedtime. He operated his own drug store which later expanded into mercantile lines as well.


Educated in private school in Gonzales, Texas, then at Stonewall Institute, he is a Master Mason, Leesville Lodge #334 and a Royal Arch Mason of the Chapter of Gonzales, Texas, a Methodist. Began practice of medicine at age 22. At 24 attended University of New Orleans and graduated with Medical degree in 1874. Practiced medicine in Leesville, Texas. Also serves as a druggist and planter. Politically a Jeffersonian Democrat


Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Dr. John M.


JOHN N. MITCHELL FLY:

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 466/476

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, Enum 70 HH 271/325

Fact 1: Physician

Fact 2: Buried - Leesville Cem w/ Both wives and all children


Notes for ELLA JOHN MATTHEWS:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Fly, Ella John, wife of John M. Fly

Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


ELLA JOHN MATTHEWS:

Burial: Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, Enum 70 HH 271/325


JOHN FLY and ELLA MATTHEWS:

Marriage: 15 Oct 1877, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas


Notes for ANGERONIA WILLIE BROWN:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Family plantation destroyed by Shermans March in May 1864. Family heirlooms and treasures buried in a field and recovered later.


Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Mrs. Annie Brown


ANGERONIA WILLIE BROWN:

Burial: Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


JOHN FLY and ANGERONIA BROWN:

Marriage: 16 Dec 1891, Canoochee, Emanuel County, Georgia


Children of JOHN FLY and ELLA MATTHEWS are:

i. CLARA MAUDE11 FLY, b. 01 Aug 1881, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 1964; m. (1) ??? WILLIAMSON; m. (2) COLIN NEAL.

ii. HATTIE BEATRICE FLY, b. 12 Nov 1882, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 29 Oct 1902.


Notes for HATTIE BEATRICE FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Fly, Hattye B., dau of John M. And Ella J. Fly

Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


HATTIE BEATRICE FLY:

Burial: Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


Children of JOHN FLY and ANGERONIA BROWN are:

iii. ROGER QUITEN11 FLY, b. 02 Sep 1892.


Notes for ROGER QUITEN FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Roger Q., son of Dr. J.M. and Annie Fly


ROGER QUITEN FLY:

Burial: Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


iv. ELLA JEWEL FLY, b. 22 Jan 1896, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 12 Nov 1896, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas.


Notes for ELLA JEWEL FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Fly, Ella J.

Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


ELLA JEWEL FLY:

Burial: Leesville Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


v. MATTIE INEZ FLY, b. 13 Mar 1897; d. 14 Jun 1976; m. CHARLES RAYMOND WALLACE, 07 Mar 1917.


CHARLES WALLACE and MATTIE FLY:

Marriage: 07 Mar 1917


vi. INA JULIA FLY, b. 28 Oct 1897, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 21 Sep 1977, Oklahoma City, OK; m. (1) ??? TAYLOR; m. (2) JULIAN ASHLEY BARKELEW.


INA JULIA FLY:

Fact 2: Her father's pet name for her was "Baby"


vii. JOHN MADDEN FLY, b. 11 Aug 1899, Leesville, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 26 Jan 1931; m. RUBY UNKNOWN, 1925.


JOHN MADDEN FLY:

Fact 1: Also reported as John Dalton Fly for his paternal GF

Fact 2: d- reported as Jan 31, 1931 by AA Wallace


JOHN FLY and RUBY UNKNOWN:

Marriage: 1925


18. MARTHA LOU10 FLY (JOHN DALTON9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 21 Apr 1855 in Mississippi. She married JOHN ELDRIDGE SORRELL 1879.


MARTHA LOU FLY:

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 369/341

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refugio County, Div 4, HH 322/322


JOHN SORRELL and MARTHA FLY:

Marriage: 1879


Child of MARTHA FLY and JOHN SORRELL is:

i. WILLIAM FRANKLIN11 SORRELL, b. 24 Jun 1881.


19. JOHN SIDNEY10 FLY (DAVID WILLIAMSON9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 03 Sep 1864 in Gonzales Co, Texas, and died 28 Mar 1944 in Hondo, TX. He married ANNALEE FISHER 22 Aug 1889 in Gonzales Co, Texas.


JOHN SIDNEY FLY:

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Refurio County, Div 4, HH 317/317

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 219/219


JOHN FLY and ANNALEE FISHER:

Marriage: 22 Aug 1889, Gonzales Co, Texas


Children of JOHN FLY and ANNALEE FISHER are:

i. WILLIE D.11 FLY, b. 24 May 1891, TX; d. 15 Apr 1970, Hondo, TX.

ii. ORCENETH ASBURY FLY, b. 16 Feb 1894, TX; d. 03 Feb 1976, Hondo, TX; m. WILLIE BARTON, 1917.


ORCENETH FLY and WILLIE BARTON:

Marriage: 1917


iii. STERLING HARPER FLY, b. 27 Nov 1896, Hondo, TX; d. 23 Jul 1963, Uvalde, TX; m. MARY SUTHERLAND, 01 Aug 1923, Sabinal, TX.


STERLING HARPER FLY:

Fact 7: Social Security #: 454-62-3992


STERLING FLY and MARY SUTHERLAND:

Marriage: 01 Aug 1923, Sabinal, TX


iv. FANNIE RUTH FLY, b. 1900, TX; d. 1945; m. GRAHAM ROGERS.

v. MARIETTA FLY, b. 05 Mar 1908, TX; m. ROBERT CLARK BARTON, 16 Jun 1928, TX.


MARIETTA FLY:

Fact 1: 1989, Living @ Buda, TX


ROBERT BARTON and MARIETTA FLY:

Marriage: 16 Jun 1928, TX


20. DAVID HARPER10 FLY (DAVID WILLIAMSON9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 09 Dec 1875 in Gonzales Co, Texas, and died Dec 1958 in Hondo, TX. He married ETTA SALE 1899.


DAVID HARPER FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 219/219


DAVID FLY and ETTA SALE:

Marriage: 1899


Children of DAVID FLY and ETTA SALE are:

i. NETTIE FRANCES11 FLY, b. 23 Feb 1901; m. GEORGE BISHOP.


NETTIE FRANCES FLY:

Fact 1: 1989, Living @ San Antonio


ii. ROBERT SIDNEY FLY, b. 24 Jun 1902; m. CAMILLE CURRY.

iii. SADIE ELIZABETH FLY, b. 27 Sep 1905; m. STEWART CLENDENIN, REV, 26 Jan 1929.


SADIE ELIZABETH FLY:

Fact 1: 1989, Living @ Dallas, TX


STEWART CLENDENIN and SADIE FLY:

Marriage: 26 Jan 1929


iv. ETTA SELBY FLY, b. 17 Aug 1906, San Antonio, Bexar Co, TX; d. 1970, Dallas, TX.


21. WILLIAM SEAT10 FLY (ELIJAH MADDEN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 29 Oct 1851 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi, and died 01 Jun 1934 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. He married CAYLOMA PILGRIM 16 Nov 1876 in Gonzales Co, Texas. She was born 1855 in Texas.


Notes for WILLIAM SEAT FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


FLY, WILLIAM SEAT (1851-1934).

William Seat Fly, drover, Democratic leader, and jurist, son of Elijah Madden and Nancy Edmondson (McKie) Fly, was born in Madison County, Mississippi, on October 29, 1851. In November 1855 the family moved to Gonzales County, Texas. In 1869 Fly worked in a hide and tallow factory in Rockport and in 1870 drove a herd of horses to Mississippi, where he studied anatomy and physiology and got some practical experience as a clerk in a drugstore. He changed the course of his study, however, and in October 1873 was admitted to the bar at Gonzales, Texas. He became a prominent lawyer and a leader in the Democratic party; he was one of the electors on the Grover Cleveland ticket in 1888, presided over the state convention in 1890, and was chairman of the convention in 1892. He was appointed associate justice of the Court of Civil Appeals of the Fourth Supreme Judicial District in San Antonio in 1893 and was elected chief justice in 1912. He married Cayloma Pilgrim on November 16, 1876; they had one daughter. Fly died on June 1, 1934.


BIBLIOGRAPHY: San Antonio Express, June 2, 1934. Clarence R. Wharton, ed., Texas under Many Flags (5 vols., Chicago: American Historical Society, 1930).


The Handbook of Texas Online is a joint project of The General Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Historical Association.

© The Texas State Historical Association, 1997,1998,1999.

Last Updated: February 15, 1999

Comments to: comments@www.tsha.utexas.edu


WILLIAM SEAT FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 15/15


CAYLOMA PILGRIM:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 15/15


Marriage Notes for WILLIAM FLY and CAYLOMA PILGRIM:

Fly, William S. and Cayloma Pilgrim - 11/16/1876 - #2212


WILLIAM FLY and CAYLOMA PILGRIM:

Marriage: 16 Nov 1876, Gonzales Co, Texas


Child of WILLIAM FLY and CAYLOMA PILGRIM is:

i. EDITH11 FLY, b. 08 Dec 1877, Gonzales County, Texas; d. 1950, Gonzales County, Texas; m. WALTER JUNIUS HILDEBRAND, DR., 23 Jul 1915, Gonzales Co, Texas.


EDITH FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 15/15


WALTER HILDEBRAND and EDITH FLY:

Marriage: 23 Jul 1915, Gonzales Co, Texas


22. MARGARET EUGENIA10 FLY (ELIJAH MADDEN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 12 Nov 1853 in Sharon, Madison County, Mississippi, and died 20 Sep 1920. She married ARTHUR GLENN BARDWELL 08 Nov 1871 in TX.


ARTHUR BARDWELL and MARGARET FLY:

Marriage: 08 Nov 1871, TX


Children of MARGARET FLY and ARTHUR BARDWELL are:

i. NANNIE11 BARDWELL, b. 1873; m. TRAVIS A. WHITE.

ii. LUELLA BARDWELL, b. 1875; m. JAMES S. MCCULLOCH.

iii. CECIL MADDEN BARDWELL, b. 1877; m. ADDIE FERRELL.

iv. ARTHUR GLENN BARDWELL, b. 1879; m. ESTHER CROWE.

v. ESSIE Q. BARDWELL, b. 1881; m. LEE OWEN.

vi. ADA BARDWELL, b. 1883; d. B'ham, AL; m. THOMAS C. BRASFIELD.

vii. MARGUERITE MCKIE BARDWELL, b. 1886; m. MILTON D. ODUM.


23. MARY ADA10 FLY (ELIJAH MADDEN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 17 Sep 1855 in Yalobusha County, Mississippi. She married BRAINARD BARDWELL 25 Feb 1875 in TX.


BRAINARD BARDWELL and MARY FLY:

Marriage: 25 Feb 1875, TX


Children of MARY FLY and BRAINARD BARDWELL are:

i. EDDIE MADDEN11 BARDWELL, b. 1877.

ii. EMMA BARDWELL, b. 1879; m. SAM GLASS.

iii. BRAINARD BARDWELL, JR, b. 1881.

iv. ZOE BARDWELL, b. 1883; m. WILL COOK.

v. ELIZABETH BARDWELL, b. 1885; m. WITT.

vi. ADA BARDWELL, b. 1887; m. SAMUEL WITT.

vii. ROBERT BARDWELL, b. 1889.

viii. NETTIE BARDWELL, b. 1891; m. HERSCHEL BAIRD.

ix. GERTRUDE BARDWELL, b. 1893.


24. MARTHA LOUISA10 FLY (ELIJAH MADDEN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 24 Aug 1857 in Texas. She married SAMUEL B. J. BEATTY 10 Dec 1881 in About Gonzales County, Texas.


MARTHA LOUISA FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 246/246


SAMUEL BEATTY and MARTHA FLY:

Marriage: 10 Dec 1881, About Gonzales County, Texas


Children of MARTHA FLY and SAMUEL BEATTY are:

i. LOUISE11 BEATTY.

ii. WILLIAM BEATTY.

iii. LIZZIE BEATTY.

iv. SAMMY BEATTY.

v. MADDEN BEATTY.


25. EDWIN MADDEN10 FLY (ELIJAH MADDEN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 17 Jul 1859 in Texas, and died 1903 in Eagle Pass - 1884. He married EMMA MONTGOMERY in Texas.


EDWIN MADDEN FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 246/246

Fact 1: May have died in Rockport or San Antonio, TX


EDWIN FLY and EMMA MONTGOMERY:

Marriage: Texas


Children of EDWIN FLY and EMMA MONTGOMERY are:

i. JOHN MOTGOMERY11 FLY, LT., b. Texas; d. 1917, St. Mihiel, France; m. DORTHY ?.


JOHN MOTGOMERY FLY, LT.:

Fact 1: 1917, Died in WW I


ii. NANCY MCKIE FLY, m. ROLLIN HILDEBRAND.

iii. MARY FLY, m. RALPH CAMERON.

iv. EDITH FLY, m. JARRELL.


26. WILLIAM LEWIS10 DAVIDSON (MARY MALINDA9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 05 Nov 1845 in Mississippi, and died 25 Jan 1921. He married SUSAN BROWN HOWARD 22 Dec 1872.


WILLIAM LEWIS DAVIDSON:

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 10/11


WILLIAM DAVIDSON and SUSAN HOWARD:

Marriage: 22 Dec 1872


Children of WILLIAM DAVIDSON and SUSAN HOWARD are:

i. LEWIS11 DAVIDSON.

ii. HOWARD DAVIDSON.

iii. ELLA DAVIDSON.

iv. KATE DAVIDSON, m. GRAVES.


27. SUSAN SOPHIA10 DAVIDSON (MARY MALINDA9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 12 Aug 1852, and died 06 Sep 1888. She married HENRY NORTH GRAVES 22 Dec 1870.


HENRY GRAVES and SUSAN DAVIDSON:

Marriage: 22 Dec 1870


Children of SUSAN DAVIDSON and HENRY GRAVES are:

i. HARRY NEWTON11 GRAVES.

ii. ELLA GRAVES, m. BIGBEE.

iii. FANNIE GRAVES.


28. IDA BASKERVILLE10 SEAT (SOPHIA LOUISIANA9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) She married JAMES G. TANNER, REV.


Children of IDA SEAT and JAMES TANNER are:

i. ELOISE11 TANNER.

ii. GRACE TANNER.

iii. FRANK TANNER.

iv. EDITH TANNER.


29. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN10 FLY, JR (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1860 in Gonzales Co, Texas, and died 1933 in Texarkana, AR (Possible).


BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FLY, JR:

Date born 2: 1857, Gonzales Co, Texas

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378


Child of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FLY, JR is:

i. THOMAS FRANKLIN11 FLY, b. 1890; d. 1939, Los Angeles, CA.


30. KALULLA L.10 FLY (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1864 in Texas, and died 1939. She married PAUL JONES.


KALULLA L. FLY:

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378


Children of KALULLA FLY and PAUL JONES are:

i. PAUL11 JONES, JR.

ii. JOHN THOMPSON JONES.


31. NATHANIEL DALTON10 FLY (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1857 in Gonzales Co, Texas, and died 1913. He married SERENA TAYLOR 1890.


NATHANIEL DALTON FLY:

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Lavaca County, Lavaca, HH 111/111

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft Worth, Enum 90 HH 367/378


NATHANIEL FLY and SERENA TAYLOR:

Marriage: 1890


Children of NATHANIEL FLY and SERENA TAYLOR are:

i. PAUL JONES11 FLY, b. 1900, Victoria, TX; d. Victoria, TX; m. RUBY ESTELLE DOUGLAS.

ii. JOSEPH TAYLOR FLY, b. 1902; m. ANN.

iii. ROBERT FRANKLIN FLY, b. 21 May 1904, Victoria, TX; d. Apr 1984, Houston, TX; m. HELEN FRANCES SCHAEFFER, 16 Nov 1927, Houston, TX.


ROBERT FLY and HELEN SCHAEFFER:

Marriage: 16 Nov 1927, Houston, TX


iv. NATALIE FLY, b. 1906, Victoria, TX; m. (1) AUBREY PATTON; m. (2) GETTY.

v. KALLULA FLY, b. 1908; m. BOYD GUILFORD.

vi. MAUDE FLY, b. 1910; m. ROSS HANLEY.

vii. THOMAS FLY, b. 1912; d. 1930.


32. MARY EMMA10 CATCHINGS (ELVIRA JOSEPHINE9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1855 in Texas. She married FRED HUDSON.


MARY EMMA CATCHINGS:

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258


Children of MARY CATCHINGS and FRED HUDSON are:

i. THOMAS CATCHINGS11 HUDSON.

ii. WILMA HUDSON.

iii. BARNES HUDSON.

iv. HARRIETT HUDSON.


33. SILAS FLY10 CATCHINGS (ELVIRA JOSEPHINE9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1856. He married NORA WADDELL.


Children of SILAS CATCHINGS and NORA WADDELL are:

i. WADDELL11 CATCHINGS.

ii. NORA SHELBY CATCHINGS.


34. WILLIAM BENJAMIN10 CATCHINGS (ELVIRA JOSEPHINE9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1858 in Texas. He married FERMINE BAIRD 09 Dec 1879.


WILLIAM BENJAMIN CATCHINGS:

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, HH 277/258


WILLIAM CATCHINGS and FERMINE BAIRD:

Marriage: 09 Dec 1879


Children of WILLIAM CATCHINGS and FERMINE BAIRD are:

i. WILLIAM BAIRD11 CATCHINGS.

ii. THOMAS BAIRD CATCHINGS.

iii. BAB CATCHINGS.

iv. MARJORIE CATCHINGS.

v. BENJAMIN SILAS CATCHINGS.

vi. NELLIE CATCHINGS.


35. SARAH FRANCES10 CATCHINGS (ELVIRA JOSEPHINE9 FLY, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 1867, and died 1902. She married HUGH SWINTON POTTS 1896.


HUGH POTTS and SARAH CATCHINGS:

Marriage: 1896


Children of SARAH CATCHINGS and HUGH POTTS are:

i. HUGH SWINTON11 POTTS, JR.

ii. LENORA POTTS.


36. WILLIAM MADDEN10 FLY (GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 26 Dec 1857 in Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas, and died 1944 in Gonzales, Gonzales Co, Texas. He married ELIZA CLARA LEESON BELDING 24 Apr 1883 in Gonzales, Texas.


Notes for WILLIAM MADDEN FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


He remembered the trip to Vicksburg with his mother to pick up his father at Vicksburg in 1863 (Complete account written by GWL Fly in The Confederate Veteran, June, 1903, Vol II, # 6). Attended Stonewall Institute. Worked as "printers Devil" for the Southwestern Index. Crushed his finger there in 1871, then went to work a Tate and Badger Drug Store (where he had sought first aid for the finger). Became a registered Pharmacist. When the store went out of business he and Ben Peck, Sr bought the stock and opened Peck and Fly - General Store and Pharmacy (remained in business until mid-1940's). Fly brokered cotton. Note by W. Lamar Fly


Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, William Madden


Fly, W.M., picture, honored by Masonic Lodge, 2 Feb 1935 Gonzales Enquirer 1935


WILLIAM MADDEN FLY:

Census 1860: 1860, Texas, Gonzales County, Big Hill, HH 372/344

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Gonzales, Enum 72 HH 93/93

Fact 1: Severed several terms as a State Legislator

Fact 2: 33rd degree Mason, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of TX

Fact 3: buried - Gonzales Masonic Cem


Notes for ELIZA CLARA LEESON BELDING:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Clara Lee


ELIZA CLARA LEESON BELDING:

Burial: Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX


Marriage Notes for WILLIAM FLY and ELIZA BELDING:

Fly, William and Eliza Lee Belding - 04/04/1883 - #3245


WILLIAM FLY and ELIZA BELDING:

Marriage: 24 Apr 1883, Gonzales, Texas


Children of WILLIAM FLY and ELIZA BELDING are:

i. CLARA MADELEINE11 FLY, b. 15 Jan 1884, Gonzales, Texas; m. THOMAS P. TRAYLOR, 11 Jan 1905.


THOMAS TRAYLOR and CLARA FLY:

Marriage: 11 Jan 1905


ii. MARY ELLEN FLY, b. 18 Sep 1888, Gonzales, Texas; m. WARREN TAYLOR, 08 Jan 1908.


WARREN TAYLOR and MARY FLY:

Marriage: 08 Jan 1908


37. MARY GEORGIE10 FLY (GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 20 Jan 1862 in Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas, and died 25 Jan 1937 in San Antonio, Bexar Co, Texas. She married JOSEPH LAFAYETTE HILL 01 Jan 1885 in Gonzales County, Texas, son of WILLIAM HILL and SARAH COLEMAN. He was born 02 Sep 1861 in Caldwell, Burlison County, Texas, and died 03 Jan 1935 in San Antonio, Bexar Co, Texas.


Notes for MARY GEORGIE FLY:

"About the time I was grown I made a visit to relatives in Caldwell, Texas. There I met Joe L. Hill who had just graduated at the State Normal School at Huntsville and returned home. the town was full of young people and something always going on. I went to a picnic one day and as I walked up the said Joe L. Hill was very intent on squeezing lemons with a pretty girl sitting by seeing it well done. I was then and there introduced to the lemon squeezer. The next night he with the other members of a brass band disturbed my slumbers by a serenade, the gentleman in question performing on a large brass horn which encircled his body perhaps more than once. Of course I thought it was beautiful music, and I guess it was.

I went from Caldwell to Waco to visit my Aunt and family, Mrs. B. H. Carroll. Uncle Harvey being one of the leading Baptist ministers in the south. I had a wonderful visit there. Returning to Caldwell I made another visit attending several camp meetings, etc. Mr. Hill and I were married three years later Jan. 1st 1885 at the Old Methodist Church at Gonzales by my uncle, Rev. Wm. H. Seat, then pastor at Goliad. He died with pneumonia the same month.

Mrs. Sallie Dilworth, my Sunday school teacher, played the wedding march. Members of my family stood as attendants for us, Papa, Mamma, Frank and Ben on one side, Buddie Madden, Clara (his wife) and Buddie Milton on the other. Mr. J. H. Rochelle and Judge W. L. Davidson acting as ushers; Maude, Eva, Rozelle, Nellie and Willie occupying a seat of honor in front of the altar. From the church we left immediately for Caldwell going to Col. W. K. Homan's (Mr. Hill's partner) home where we boarded. There we were entertained with a dinner. The next day a large crowd were entertained at dinner at Mother Hill's. We boarded the first four months. During that time a pretty little cottage was built and we moved in to our first home. After living there about five months we sold it and moved to Victoria."

(From a letter written by Mary Georgie Fly Hill, 519 W. Mistletoe Ave., San Antonio, Texas

October 2 1930)


MARY GEORGIE FLY:

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272

Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150


JOSEPH LAFAYETTE HILL:

Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150

Fact 1: Graduate State Normal School, Huntsville, TX


Marriage Notes for MARY FLY and JOSEPH HILL:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


"About the time I was grown I made a visit to relatives in Caldwell, Texas. There I met Joe L. Hill who had just graduated at the State Normal School at Huntsville and returned home. the town was full of young people and something always going on. I went to a picnic one day and as I walked up the said Joe L. Hill was very intent on squeezing lemons with a pretty girl sitting by seeing it well done. I was then and there introduced to the lemon squeezer. The next night he with the other members of a brass band disturbed my slumbers by a serenade, the gentleman in question performing on a large brass horn which encircled his body perhaps more than once. Of course I thought it was beautiful music, and I guess it was.

I went from Caldwell to Waco to visit my Aunt and family, Mrs. B. H. Carroll. Uncle Harvey being one of the leading Baptist ministers in the south. I had a wonderful visit there. Returning to Caldwell I made another visit attending several camp meetings, etc. Mr. Hill and I were married three years later Jan. 1st 1885 at the Old Methodist Church at Gonzales by my uncle, Rev. Wm. H. Seat, then pastor at Goliad. He died with pneumonia the same month.

Mrs. Sallie Dilworth, my Sunday school teacher, played the wedding march. Members of my family stood as attendants for us, Papa, Mamma, Frank and Ben on one side, Buddie Madden, Clara (his wife) and Buddie Milton on the other. Mr. J. H. Rochelle and Judge W. L. Davidson acting as ushers; Maude, Eva, Rozelle, Nellie and Willie occupying a seat of honor in front of the altar. From the church we left immediately for Caldwell going to Col. W. K. Homan's (Mr. Hill's partner) home where we boarded. There we were entertained with a dinner. The next day a large crowd were entertained at dinner at Mother Hill's. We boarded the first four months. During that time a pretty little cottage was built and we moved in to our first home. After living there about five months we sold it and moved to Victoria."

(From a letter written by Mary Georgie Fly Hill, 519 W. Mistletoe Ave., San Antonio, Texas

October 2 1930)


JOSEPH HILL and MARY FLY:

Marriage: 01 Jan 1885, Gonzales County, Texas


Children of MARY FLY and JOSEPH HILL are:

i. CALLIE FLY11 HILL, b. 03 Sep 1886; d. 11 Nov 1886.


Notes for CALLIE FLY HILL:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Died from terrible conditions created by hurricane that struck Texas coast in fall of 1886 at Indianola. Roof of the house was torn off.


ii. MILTON FLY HILL, b. 17 Oct 1890, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas; d. 08 Jan 1975, Mineral Wells, Texas; m. JESSIE MABEL WILSON, 17 Feb 1915, Dallas, Texas; b. 13 Jul 1893, Woodhaven, Long Island, NY; d. 10 Mar 1970, Mineral Wells, Texas.


MILTON FLY HILL:

Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150

Fact 7: Social Security #: 456-56-5017


Notes for JESSIE MABEL WILSON:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Article from Independence Examiner, Oct 23, 1942. "Has Glorious Memories of A Childhood in Old Concord" by Susannah Gentry

Lived in a home built in 1728 in Concord, lives now at 708 West Maple Ave. Had personal chats with Miss Ellen Emerson, youngest sister of famed author. She lived in the old Emerson home. She also wandered gardens of "Dove Cote" the early home of Louisa May Alcott, Attended sunday school where Daniel Chester French, designer and sculptor of the famous "Minute Man" statue (appeared on defense stamps) was the superintendent. Lived in the Hoseph Hosmer house a mile NW of town. Maj. Hosmer was in the Battle of Concord. Mrs. Hill is an accomplished musician and vocalist, having studied piano and organ in Boston with Raymond C. Robinson and harmony and counterpoint under John P. Marshall. Vocal from Benjamin F. Berry, Boston tenor. Studied with Thomas Whitney Surrette and Archibald Davidson founders of the Concord School of Music. She attended Boston University and Oxford College, Oxford(Miami?), Ohio.


Mother's Obit shows here in Milton, Oregon - 1924


JESSIE MABEL WILSON:

Fact 7: Social Security #: 456-56-5685

Fact 8: Last residence: TX 76067


MILTON HILL and JESSIE WILSON:

Marriage: 17 Feb 1915, Dallas, Texas

Unknown-Ending: Bishop Edwin D. Mouzon & Dr. SHC Burgin Officiating


iii. JOE LAFAYETTE HILL, JR, b. 02 Jul 1894, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas; d. 04 Oct 1967, Austin, TX; m. ETHEL SIMMS, May 1915, Dallas, TX.


JOE LAFAYETTE HILL, JR:

Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150

Fact 7: Social Security #: 454-36-5718


JOE HILL and ETHEL SIMMS:

Marriage: May 1915, Dallas, TX


iv. WILLIAM MADDEN HILL, b. 24 Aug 1899, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas; d. Mar 1978; m. LAILA FOSTER, 31 Aug 1926, Dallas, TX; b. 04 Mar 1897; d. Feb 1987.


WILLIAM MADDEN HILL:

Census 1910: 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enum 21 HH 136/150

Fact 7: Social Security #: 456-58-8564

Fact 8: Last residence: TX 75225


LAILA FOSTER:

Fact 7: Social Security #: 450-78-0228

Fact 8: Last residence: TX 75225


WILLIAM HILL and LAILA FOSTER:

Marriage: 31 Aug 1926, Dallas, TX


38. FRANK MERRIMAN10 FLY (GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 12 Jun 1867 in Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas, and died 14 Jul 1962 in Gonzales, Gonzales Co, Texas. He married STELLA MILLER 11 Nov 1908 in Gonzales Co, Texas, daughter of ROBERT MILLER and SARAH HOPKINS. She was born 26 Apr 1885, and died 08 Jul 1980 in Houston.


Notes for FRANK MERRIMAN FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


[Go back to the TSHA home page] [The New Handbook of Texas Online]

FLY, FRANK MERRIMAN (1866-1962).

Frank M. Fly, Gonzales County sheriff and banker, son of Callie (Bell) and George Washington Lafayette Fly was born at Big Hill in Gonzales County, Texas, on June 12, 1866. After a brief schooling and a short employment with the Peck and Fly store in Gonzales, he became a deputy under Sheriff Richard M. Glover and later under Capt. W. E. Jones. On June 14, 1901, Sheriff Glover was killed by the notorious Gregorio Cortez and on June 17 Fly was appointed sheriff.

After a search described as "one of the greatest manhunts ever pulled off in South Texas," Cortez was apprehended near Laredo and returned to the county jail at Gonzales, where he was indicted for murder, tried and found guilty, and sentenced to fifty years in the state penitentiary. After receiving a tip that a lynch mob was forming to take Cortez, Fly locked himself in the jail with the Mexican. At midnight the mob first attempted to pick the lock and then began ramming the door with a telephone pole. Fly saved Cortez's life by confronting the crowd with drawn pistol through a barred window and convincing them that he would defend the prisoner to death; he took Cortez to the railroad station the next day and conducted him safely to San Antonio. Fly was also a personal acquaintance of the notorious John Wesley Hardin during Hardin's attempt to establish a law practice in Gonzales after his release from the penitentiary.

Fly joined the staff of the Gonzales State Bank in 1909 and served as its president during the Great Depression. From 1946 to 1962 he was justice of the peace. He was a member of the Selective Service Board, the Red Cross, the County Fair Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Good Roads Commission, the Gonzales School Board, and other bodies. He described himself as "a Methodist, a Mason, and a Democrat." He married Stella Miller of Waelder in 1908, and they had five children. He died on July 13, 1962, at the age of ninety-six, and was buried in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery.


BIBLIOGRAPHY: Gonzales Inquirer,

September 28, 1961. Houston Post,

July 17, 1962. Vertical Files, Barker

Texas History Center, University of

Texas at Austin.


W. Lamar Fly


Last Updated: February 15, 1999

Comments to: comments@www.tsha.utexas.edu

Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Fly, Frank Merriman


FRANK MERRIMAN FLY:

Burial: Gonzales Masonic Cemetery- Gonzales County, TX

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272

Fact 1: Jun 1901, Involved in man hunt for Gregorio Cortez

Fact 2: Served as Sheriff of Gonzales Co 1901 - 2

Fact 3: Was Justice of Peace, Gonzales Co at age 90

Fact 7: Social Security #: 450-72-6975


STELLA MILLER:

Fact 2: Tenth of Twelve children

Fact 3: Taught school in Waelder, also Principal

Fact 4: Member Colonial Dames, DAR, United Dau of Confederacy

Fact 7: Social Security #: 459-17-3708


Marriage Notes for FRANK FLY and STELLA MILLER:

Fly, Frank and Stella Miller - 11/11/1908 - #9360


FRANK FLY and STELLA MILLER:

Marriage: 11 Nov 1908, Gonzales Co, Texas

Unknown-Ending: They met when she had been called as a witness for a trial & he was a dep sherif


Children of FRANK FLY and STELLA MILLER are:

i. CALLIE ELIZABETH11 FLY, b. 09 Nov 1908; m. HENRY JOSEPH SCHAEFER, 26 Dec 1938.


CALLIE ELIZABETH FLY:

Fact 1: Living in Schulenberg, TX (1989)


HENRY SCHAEFER and CALLIE FLY:

Engagement: Fly, Callie, engaged to Henry Schaefer, 11 July 1935 Gonzales Enquirer

Marriage: 26 Dec 1938


ii. FRANK MERRIMAN FLY, JR, b. 13 Aug 1911, Gonzales, Texas; d. 12 Oct 1995, Austin, Texas; m. FRANCES BROWN BYFIELD, 26 Dec 1938.


FRANK MERRIMAN FLY, JR:

Fact 7: Social Security #: 516-30-7679


FRANK FLY and FRANCES BYFIELD:

Marriage: 26 Dec 1938


iii. WALTER LAMAR FLY, DR., b. 01 Sep 1913, Victoria, TX; m. MELBA MORGAN, 16 Jul 1938, Gonzales County, Texas.


Marriage Notes for WALTER FLY and MELBA MORGAN:

Fly, W. Lamar and Melba Morgan-07/16/1938-#18566


WALTER FLY and MELBA MORGAN:

Marriage: 16 Jul 1938, Gonzales County, Texas


iv. FRANCES FLY, b. 22 Dec 1915; m. LOUIS ETHELBERT OTTS, JR, 11 Jun 1938.


LOUIS OTTS and FRANCES FLY:

Marriage: 11 Jun 1938


v. WILLIAM MADDEN FLY, b. 13 Nov 1917, Gonzales, Texas; m. MARY BETH DEANS, 02 Apr 1948.


WILLIAM MADDEN FLY:

Fact 1: 1989, Living in St. Laurel, MD


WILLIAM FLY and MARY DEANS:

Marriage: 02 Apr 1948


39. BENJAMIN WATT10 FLY (GEORGE WASHINGON LAFAYETTE9, WILLIAM8, JOHN7, ELISHA6, WILLIAM5, JOHN4, JEREMIAH3, WILLIAM2 FLYE, JOHN1) was born 22 Aug 1869 in Big Hill, Gonzales County, Texas, and died 01 Mar 1929 in Victoria, Victoria Co, Texas. He married (1) JESSIE MCCUTCHEON 09 Feb 1899 in Victoria, Victoria Co, Texas. He married (2) MARY JANE STONER 10 Jun 1908 in Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co).


Notes for BENJAMIN WATT FLY:

[Andrew_Tate_Fly.FTW]


Date of death from State records 1903-40 pg 8991, ref # 18505, also newspaper article, he may have eaten some bad food (Oysters ?)


BENJAMIN WATT FLY:

Census 1870: 1870, Texas, Gonzales County, Pct 3, HH 59/59

Census 1880: 1880, Texas, Gonzales County, Enum 72 HH 272/272


Marriage Notes for BENJAMIN FLY and JESSIE MCCUTCHEON:

license Gonzales Co

Fly, Ben W. and Jessie McCutcheon - 02/15/1898 - #6261


BENJAMIN FLY and JESSIE MCCUTCHEON:

Marriage: 09 Feb 1899, Victoria, Victoria Co, Texas


BENJAMIN FLY and MARY STONER:

Marriage: 10 Jun 1908, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co)


Children of BENJAMIN FLY and MARY STONER are:

i. GEORGE LAFAYETTE11 FLY, b. 18 Oct 1910, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co); m. (1) MYRTHEL MORGAN; m. (2) LILLIAN BEAMAN, 30 Oct 1938.


GEORGE LAFAYETTE FLY:

Fact 1: Lived (ing?) Hong Kong, China


GEORGE FLY and LILLIAN BEAMAN:

Marriage: 30 Oct 1938


ii. BENJAMIN MADDEN FLY, b. 04 Apr 1912, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co); m. CELESTE MARIE BODIN, 1950.


BENJAMIN FLY and CELESTE BODIN:

Marriage: 1950


iii. MARY JANE FLY, b. 07 Jun 1914; m. (1) JAMES A. MOORE, 06 May 1937; m. (2) ROBERT EMMETT MAHER, 24 Dec 1958.


MARY JANE FLY:

Fact 1: Living in New Orleans, LA (1960)


JAMES MOORE and MARY FLY:

Marriage: 06 May 1937


ROBERT MAHER and MARY FLY:

Marriage: 24 Dec 1958


iv. JESSIE MCCUTCHEON FLY, b. 15 Feb 1917, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co); d. 10 Feb 1919, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co).

v. WILLIAM STONER FLY, b. 15 Mar 1920; d. Apr 2000, Victoria, Texas; m. BECKY DICKSON CLEMENTS, 07 Dec 1946.


WILLIAM FLY and BECKY CLEMENTS:

Marriage: 07 Dec 1946


vi. GERALDINE FLY, b. 07 Sep 1922; m. ROBERT LEBBY CLINE, JR, 12 Apr 1947, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co).


ROBERT CLINE and GERALDINE FLY:

Marriage: 12 Apr 1947, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co)


vii. JAMES MILTON FLY, b. 12 Jul 1924, Victoria, Texas (Victoria Co); m. DOROTHY JEAN HUDEPOHL SANDUTORIS, 10 Mar 1945.


JAMES MILTON FLY:

Fact 1: 1989, Living @ Victoria, TX


JAMES FLY and DOROTHY SANDUTORIS:

Marriage: 10 Mar 1945


Source Website & Author:

Rootsweb Ancestry.com

https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:_DOvCnGxpawJ:https://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txgonzal/doc/fly1_sarah.doc+&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

William was born about 1740. He was the son of John Fly and Sarah Jane Trader. He passed away about 1794.



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