1 _UID DCA0AA541100B841B7DCAAFE7A09BC2C2A4A
1 _UID 92B10B4513F96341A1CDF75E173130AD2B97
Judith appears as a member of the household of John Lessley in the 1850 Missouri census for Polk County, She is presumably his daughter. Her place of birth is listed as Kentucky and her age as 29.On the Broderbund Archive #5 a Judith Lessley is listed as marrying a Samuel West on 29 July 1855 in Polk County.
In the 1860 Missouris census for Polk County a Judith West is listed in the household of Mary Lessley. This is presumably the same Judith of the 1850 census. Judith's birthplace in the 1860 census is also listed as Kentucky however her age is listed as 45. Based on information from the 1850 census one would expect her to be about 39 or 40 not 45.
Judith may appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO. She appears in her brother's household, age 35 born in Kentucky.
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1 _UID A084172B4057354DA7BA6B8CD6DC2908BA83
Almira Lessley appears in the household of John Lessley in the 1850 Missouri census for Polk County. Her age is given as 15 and her place of birth as Missouri. She is listed as having attended school within the last year.On the Broderbund Archive CD#5 a Almyra Lessley is listed as marrying H.M. Wilkerson on 13 February 1855 in Polk County.
An Elvira Wilkerson is listed in the 1860 Missouri census for Polk County in the household of Mary Lessley (her mother)). Her age is given as 25 and her place of birth as Kentucky. I believe this "Elvira" and the Almira from 1850 to be the same person especially since the ages listed in both census match up. The birthplaces listed in the both census do NOT correspond but the first census was more than likely incorrect.
An Almira Wilkerson is listed as having married one H.C. Duvault on Dec 18, 1860 in Polk County. This well could be Almira Lessley Wilkerson. It would also explain her presence in her mother's household if her husband had died.
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1 _UID FF4A38DDB36068498E84DF44C3DBA9F39130
John appears as a 13 year old in the household of an older John Lessley in the 1850 Missouri census for Polk County. He is presumably the son of this older John Lessley and of the Mary Lessley also listed in the household. He is listed as having attended school within the last year and as having been born in Missouri.John appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO, page 182 A, Prairie Township. His name appears as "John M. Lessly". His age is listed as 29, his occupation as farmer and his place of birth as Missouri. The value of his real estate is listed as $250.00. Also appearing in John's household is a Judith Lessly (his sister?) and a Francis J. Lessly age 9 (his daughter ?). The age stated for John in this census is in conflict with the age stated in the 1850 census and on John's Confederate pension application. John is listed on the same census page as his brother James Elkins Lessly.
John appears in the 1880 census for Hunt Co., TX (Precinct 5, page number 547 C, NA film # T9-1312, FH Library Film # 1255312). His age is listed as 43, his occupation as Farmer and his place of birth as Missouri. His father's birthplace is listed as Virginia and his mother's birthplace is listed as Kentucky. Also appearing in the household are his wife, Adaline, and children James F., Stella M., and Nettie A.
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Information from John's Confederate Pension Application (#7220) is very interesting. He states his age as 63 (the date is Nov 1899) which confirms the age listed for John in the 1850 Polk County, MO census record. He also says that he has resided in Grayson County, TX for 25 years. This would put the time of the Lessly families move from Missouri to Texas at about 1874 or 1875. It also closely corresponds to information provided on the widow's pension application of Mrs. John H. Lessly. She filed the application in 1926 and said that she had been a resident for 50 years of Grayson County, TX. Again this puts the Lessly family move at about 1875. John states in his pension application that he is in feeble condition and not able to support himself thru labor. He also states that causes contributing to his condition were "exposure during the war and a wound received then". John states that the company and regiment he served in were "Company G, Eleventh Missouri Infantry". The stated time of his service is 3 years. This is the exact company and regiment that John H. Lessly's widow stated her husband served in. Further John H. Lessly turns out to be one of 2 witnesses called to testify to John M. Lessly's Confederate service. John H. Lessly's signature appears on the affidavit of witnesses. The other witness is T.B. Jernigan.The paperwork for John's Confederate Pension Application includes some Company Muster Rolls on which John's name appears. John's name (J. M. Lessley) appears as a private on the Company Muster Roll for Company G, 8 Reg't Missouri Infantry for March & April 1863, April 30 to Aug 31 1863, and Company G, 11 Reg't Missouri Infantry, Jan & Feb 1864. He is stated as having enlisted on Aug 10, 1862 at Camp Cooper, Ark by J.J. Farley. Also a John M. Lessly, Pvt., appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War of Company G, 11th Regiment MO. Vol. Infantry Confederate States Army, commanded by Lt. T.W. Simpson, surrendered at New Orleans, La, by General E.K. Smith, C.S.A., to Maj. Gen. E.R.S. Canby, U.S.A., May 26, 1865, and paroled at Alexandria, La., June 7, 1865.
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Information printed by N.B. Forrest Mc Guire specifically names John M. Lessly as accompaning the James Elkins Lessly family to Grayson County, TX. John shows up near James Elkins and family in the 1850 and 1870 census records as well as the same Confederate unit. Family speculation for years has placed John M. Lessly as a close relative of James Elkins. Research done by Tim Lessley, indicates that John M. was the younger brother of James Elkins. John M. is named as a son in the will of John Lessley as is James Lessly. This would seem to confirm that John M. and James Elkins were brothers.A descendant of John M. Lessly is L.D. Lessly - address 1030 W. Gandy St. #3
Denison, TX 75020-3390 903-465-5544Is listed in the 1880 Texas census Hunt County page 547, twp E.D. 70
He may be listed in the 1860 Missouri census Polk County - page 48, Marion Township, ID# MO06068215a John M. Lessly is listed in a database at Ancestry.com - Company G, Unit 11th Missouri Infantry, Rank at Induction - Private, Rank at Discharge - Private, notes Lssley John M., Box # 000380, EXCT # 0009, Record # 00001638
Notes from Freddy Lessly
John M. Lessly, my great-grandfather, is buried in the small confederate section of Westhill Cemetary in Sherman, Texas. I have tried really hard to find out what the M. stands for, but it is always listed as John M. and never anything else. If you meant 13 years instead of 13 months for the 1850 census, then, yes, the age is exactly right for the John M. to have been my great grandfather. I would almost bet the farm on it (that farm we inherited in Missouri along with those Negros) that he was the John M. which was the son of John and Mary. It sounds like he may have been the oldest. He got married to Margaret Elizabeth Marsh on January 26, 1860. She was age 19 in 1860. She was the daughter of John F. and Alcana D. Wisdom Marsh. Margerat E. was born in Missouri on November 17, 1843. John M.'s age on the 1860 census was 23. His post office was in Boliver of the Marion Township. He showed his home state as Tennessee. She showed her home state as Missouri. One child was born to the union, Fannie, who was born in 1860. Margaret Elizabeth died before John M. could get home from the civil war. John M. went to Texas after the civil war and left his daughter Fannie for the Marsh family to raise. On March 19, 1874, he married Adaline C. McPherson in Grayson County Texas. Adaline was born in Texas in 1852. Her parents were William W. and Elizabeth McPherson. Adaline Mcpherson died early in her life, possibly between 1875 and 1885. I have never been able to find her grave. (She was my great-grandmother). John M. and Adaline had three children, Fred James Lessly (my grandfather) born December 12, 1874 and the two daughters Stella and Nettie. This is about where I am at on all of this. Again, John Harris Lessly was a witness for my great grandfathers pension and it seems that he must have came to Grayson County Texas with James Elkins and his bunch. He once listed his home as Pottsboro Texas the same as James Elkins and his children. He later lived in Denison, Texas (about 7 miles from Pottsboro) where he died at the home of my grandfather Fred J. Lessly. He died poor, and in broken health according to records. His occupation was always listed as a farmer. (I don't know what happened to those slaves after the war). He died in 1906 and his son Fred died in 1918, so as you can see, they were gone a long time before I came along in 1945. Any information that we can share will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed.Hope to hear from you soon:
Freddy!
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1 _UID A2BB3828FA861747BBF97C6F3B7C19AFB907
Fannie appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO as a member of her father's household. Her age is listed as 9 and her place of birth is listed as Missouri.
1 _UID FF4A38DDB36068498E84DF44C3DBA9F39130
John appears as a 13 year old in the household of an older John Lessley in the 1850 Missouri census for Polk County. He is presumably the son of this older John Lessley and of the Mary Lessley also listed in the household. He is listed as having attended school within the last year and as having been born in Missouri.John appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO, page 182 A, Prairie Township. His name appears as "John M. Lessly". His age is listed as 29, his occupation as farmer and his place of birth as Missouri. The value of his real estate is listed as $250.00. Also appearing in John's household is a Judith Lessly (his sister?) and a Francis J. Lessly age 9 (his daughter ?). The age stated for John in this census is in conflict with the age stated in the 1850 census and on John's Confederate pension application. John is listed on the same census page as his brother James Elkins Lessly.
John appears in the 1880 census for Hunt Co., TX (Precinct 5, page number 547 C, NA film # T9-1312, FH Library Film # 1255312). His age is listed as 43, his occupation as Farmer and his place of birth as Missouri. His father's birthplace is listed as Virginia and his mother's birthplace is listed as Kentucky. Also appearing in the household are his wife, Adaline, and children James F., Stella M., and Nettie A.
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Information from John's Confederate Pension Application (#7220) is very interesting. He states his age as 63 (the date is Nov 1899) which confirms the age listed for John in the 1850 Polk County, MO census record. He also says that he has resided in Grayson County, TX for 25 years. This would put the time of the Lessly families move from Missouri to Texas at about 1874 or 1875. It also closely corresponds to information provided on the widow's pension application of Mrs. John H. Lessly. She filed the application in 1926 and said that she had been a resident for 50 years of Grayson County, TX. Again this puts the Lessly family move at about 1875. John states in his pension application that he is in feeble condition and not able to support himself thru labor. He also states that causes contributing to his condition were "exposure during the war and a wound received then". John states that the company and regiment he served in were "Company G, Eleventh Missouri Infantry". The stated time of his service is 3 years. This is the exact company and regiment that John H. Lessly's widow stated her husband served in. Further John H. Lessly turns out to be one of 2 witnesses called to testify to John M. Lessly's Confederate service. John H. Lessly's signature appears on the affidavit of witnesses. The other witness is T.B. Jernigan.The paperwork for John's Confederate Pension Application includes some Company Muster Rolls on which John's name appears. John's name (J. M. Lessley) appears as a private on the Company Muster Roll for Company G, 8 Reg't Missouri Infantry for March & April 1863, April 30 to Aug 31 1863, and Company G, 11 Reg't Missouri Infantry, Jan & Feb 1864. He is stated as having enlisted on Aug 10, 1862 at Camp Cooper, Ark by J.J. Farley. Also a John M. Lessly, Pvt., appears on a Roll of Prisoners of War of Company G, 11th Regiment MO. Vol. Infantry Confederate States Army, commanded by Lt. T.W. Simpson, surrendered at New Orleans, La, by General E.K. Smith, C.S.A., to Maj. Gen. E.R.S. Canby, U.S.A., May 26, 1865, and paroled at Alexandria, La., June 7, 1865.
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Information printed by N.B. Forrest Mc Guire specifically names John M. Lessly as accompaning the James Elkins Lessly family to Grayson County, TX. John shows up near James Elkins and family in the 1850 and 1870 census records as well as the same Confederate unit. Family speculation for years has placed John M. Lessly as a close relative of James Elkins. Research done by Tim Lessley, indicates that John M. was the younger brother of James Elkins. John M. is named as a son in the will of John Lessley as is James Lessly. This would seem to confirm that John M. and James Elkins were brothers.A descendant of John M. Lessly is L.D. Lessly - address 1030 W. Gandy St. #3
Denison, TX 75020-3390 903-465-5544Is listed in the 1880 Texas census Hunt County page 547, twp E.D. 70
He may be listed in the 1860 Missouri census Polk County - page 48, Marion Township, ID# MO06068215a John M. Lessly is listed in a database at Ancestry.com - Company G, Unit 11th Missouri Infantry, Rank at Induction - Private, Rank at Discharge - Private, notes Lssley John M., Box # 000380, EXCT # 0009, Record # 00001638
Notes from Freddy Lessly
John M. Lessly, my great-grandfather, is buried in the small confederate section of Westhill Cemetary in Sherman, Texas. I have tried really hard to find out what the M. stands for, but it is always listed as John M. and never anything else. If you meant 13 years instead of 13 months for the 1850 census, then, yes, the age is exactly right for the John M. to have been my great grandfather. I would almost bet the farm on it (that farm we inherited in Missouri along with those Negros) that he was the John M. which was the son of John and Mary. It sounds like he may have been the oldest. He got married to Margaret Elizabeth Marsh on January 26, 1860. She was age 19 in 1860. She was the daughter of John F. and Alcana D. Wisdom Marsh. Margerat E. was born in Missouri on November 17, 1843. John M.'s age on the 1860 census was 23. His post office was in Boliver of the Marion Township. He showed his home state as Tennessee. She showed her home state as Missouri. One child was born to the union, Fannie, who was born in 1860. Margaret Elizabeth died before John M. could get home from the civil war. John M. went to Texas after the civil war and left his daughter Fannie for the Marsh family to raise. On March 19, 1874, he married Adaline C. McPherson in Grayson County Texas. Adaline was born in Texas in 1852. Her parents were William W. and Elizabeth McPherson. Adaline Mcpherson died early in her life, possibly between 1875 and 1885. I have never been able to find her grave. (She was my great-grandmother). John M. and Adaline had three children, Fred James Lessly (my grandfather) born December 12, 1874 and the two daughters Stella and Nettie. This is about where I am at on all of this. Again, John Harris Lessly was a witness for my great grandfathers pension and it seems that he must have came to Grayson County Texas with James Elkins and his bunch. He once listed his home as Pottsboro Texas the same as James Elkins and his children. He later lived in Denison, Texas (about 7 miles from Pottsboro) where he died at the home of my grandfather Fred J. Lessly. He died poor, and in broken health according to records. His occupation was always listed as a farmer. (I don't know what happened to those slaves after the war). He died in 1906 and his son Fred died in 1918, so as you can see, they were gone a long time before I came along in 1945. Any information that we can share will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed.Hope to hear from you soon:
Freddy!
1 _UID 873B349CFD2E0D4EA365C9EB5DFB7025C151
Adaline appears in the 1880 census for Hunt Co., TX as a member of her husband's household. Her age is listed as 27, her occupation as "housekeeper" and her place of birth as Texas. Both parents are listed as having been born in Missouri.
1 _UID FBE791DC78E5644799BEF753D385E0A3D3D2
Stella appears in the 1880 census for Hunt Co., TX as a member of her father's household. Her name is listed as "Stella M." in the census. Her age is listed as 3 and her place of birth as Texas. Her father's birthplace is listed as Missouri and her mother's birthplace is listed as Texas.
1 _UID E3D59D3E63DE524DAB94D35DCA886133C85A
Appears in the Missouri Census for 1850 in Polk County. His name is listed as Perry B. Larimore and he is located on page 48. His age is listed as 35 and his birthplace as Kentucky. His estate is worth $1,200 and his proffesion is medical doctor.
1 _UID DD7D7EA723D14A42B75DE5CD23740C278F20
Abigail appears in the household of her husband in the 1850 Missouri Census for Polk County. Her age is listed as 33 and her birthplace as Kentucky. No children are listed.
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Richard appears in the 1850 Missouri Census for Polk County. His last name may be spelled Nenafee or Menafee. His age is listed as 25, his occupation as Blacksmith, and place of birth as Kentucky. The value of his estate is listed as $400. Also present in the household are his wife Rebecca Lessley and two children (presumably theirs), Mary and Ann R. Another person living in the household is one Mary Carpenter age 18.Bolivar, Polk Co., MO
Bolivar Free Press Thu. 1 Apr 1886 page 4
Capt. R.W. Menefee
Capt. R. W. Menefee was born on Clinton, Todd county, Kentucky, October 3rd, 1815. At an early day he removed to Illinois and spent some years there, then removed to Randolph county, Missouri, at which place he was married to Miss Rebecca Lesslie, Daughter of John Lesslie, of Randolph county. In March, 1845, he with his wife removed to this city. As a mechanic he soon became prosperous, and by his affable, courteous, and very accommodating principles he soon established himself in the hearts of the people, an all who knew him, knew him to love. He strictly attended to his own business, was very industrious, and but for his liberality would have accumulated a fortune. The principles that characterized the early settlers were prominent in the Captain's whole life. No mortgages needed to secure a small
debt; a man's word was his bond, and an old friend was never turned away. His heart was too big ever to oppress the poor. He was never too busy or too tired to respond to a call to go out at the late hours of the night to do a kind deed for a friend, and when called upon he was never known to refuse, if in his power to grant.His heart was for his country, and when volunteers were needed to quiet the Mexicans and wild Indians, our old friend quickly responded to the call, and in July, 1846, in Capt. Roberson's company (of whom only twelve remain), he with Maj. W.B. and M.W. Mitchell bade adieu to wife, children, home, and friends, perhaps never to return. During that campaign there grew an intimacy between the members of that company that never has been broken. A few days before the Captain fell asleep, when he knew but few who came to see him, when my name was called he put out his hand and have me a warm grasp, saying,, "Tell the Major and Morris when you see them that I would like to see them, but I do not expect to meet with the old guard any more." In this conversation I mentioned the bounty that the great giver of all good would bestow upon all that would come unto Him, and he seemed to appreciate it.
When the war between the states broke out, Capt. Menefee was to the front again, ready to defend and maintain the flag of his country, and at the close of that struggle he was, as of old, ready to rebuild the waste places, and gather around him his many friends and enjoy the purchase for which his forefathers died-life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. His second wife was Annie J. Wilson, Daughter of W.S. Wilson, of Arcadia, Sulivan county, Tennessee. The fruit of this union was one daughter, Mrs. A.W. Beck. His now broken-hearted widow is the daughter of john Warren, of Polk county. With her he leaves five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are unmarried. May God comfort the wife and dear children. You stood nobly by his deathbed for fifteen weeks, and did all you could to alleviate his sufferings. But he must go. The spirit has gone to the God who gave it, and the body to the earth from whence it came. You can gather around the mound that marks his last resting place and there bestow the beautiful wreaths of flowers, plant the roses, and think of his
many virtues, and with an aching heart realize that Father is gone. You will sadly miss him, but may you by the grace of God say, "Thy will be done." You cannot bring him back. His chair is vacant; the familiar step is heard no more; his fatherly voice is hushed forever; the family circle is broken, and may you in this hour of great distress cast all your burdens upon the Lord, who will heal the broken-hearted and set the captive free. On the evening of the 22nd ult. (22 Mar 22 1886), our old friend fell asleep, after fifteen weeks of hard struggle and great pain, and on the 23d at half past three o'clock the G.A.R. conveyed the body in solemn procession, followed by a long train of friends, from the residence to the cemetery. The pastor of the Baptist church conducted the religious services while the members of the old guard, G.A.R., of which the Captain was a member, conducted the solemn army ritual. This scene brought us back twenty-seven years, when amid the clash of arms the old veterans would with bowed heads, and solemn tread, march to the notes of the muffled drum. In approaching
the cemetery it was observed that a large crowd had gathered around the grave where would soon rest one of the oldest citizens of Bolivar...
1 _UID 98A9DCDBE30DDC4C9B3ACC9ADA2CF133753E
Rebecca appears in the household of her husband in the 1850 Missouri Census for Polk County. Her age is listed as 19 and her place of birth as Kentucky. The children Mary and Ann R. who are present in the household are presumably Rebecca's.
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1 _UID 10DCF1834A80094BAD6532EB09086E4F7B03
1 _UID F9A62A2187E5E1429B737555EDA4B0770965
1 _UID 823E1778430EBB44B31F97F88A0BCCFC5D3C
William appears in the 1850 Missouri census for Polk County. His age is listed as 28 and his place of birth as Tenn. His occupation is farmer and the value of his estate is $400.Carole,
The William Yoast that is listed on the 1850 census is the William Yoast
married to Mary Lessley. She is the next one listed with the family.1850 Census Polk Co., MO pg 55
718 718 John Yoast 60 M E. Clergy N.C.
Elizabeth 58 F Tenn
William 28 M Tenn
Mary 21 F KYMarriage record: William Yoast married Mary Lessley 7 Mar 1850 in Polk
Co., MOFamily of John Yoast and Elizabeth __?___:
1. Francis Yoast (Male)
2. Hugh Yoast b. 8 Oct 1816 in Tenn d. 3 Mar 1909 Humansville, MO
m. Mary M.E. Wilson 28 Nov 1840 in Polk Co., MO
3. Barbara Ann Yoast b. 8 Oct 1818 Tenn d. 7 Jan 1898
m. George Carmichael Yoast abt 1836 in Polk Co.,MO
4. William Yoast b. 1822 in Tenn
m. Mary Lessley 7 Mar 1850 in Polk Co., MO
5. Susan M. Yoast b. abt 1824 in Tenn
m. William B. Burnes 21 Oct 1841 Polk Co.,MO
6. Celia Yoast b. abt 1824 in Tenn
m. William Lenox 10 Dec 1846 in Polk Co., MOI know that John Yoast came from Madison Co., Tennessee just before he
received a land Patent in Polk Co., MO in 1843. I believe this is where
his children were born. Perhaps where he and Elizabeth where married. I
have just found this lately and haven't had a chance to research what is in
this county yet. I also have a will for John Yoast dated
20 Aug 1858.
This is probably more info than what you wanted but, if you come across
anything on the Yoast that I can use, please pass it on.
Anne
1 _UID C684D27D86BE6147837013186F8594DE090F
At the Polk county website for at the Missouri site at USGenweb.com there is a listing for a MME Yoast born 1820 died Sep 29 1886. This may be Mary Lessley wife of William Yoast. There is no William Yoast listed as being buried in the Shady Grove cemetary.