Welcome to Our Family History Pages

This site traces all lines of my sons' ancestors; as well as many, many collateral lines, including neighbors, friends, in-laws, extended branches of the direct-line ancestors, and even a few family lines "just because." So, please check the surname index. Most reach back to the beginnings of the New World and into mostly England and Germany/Prussia, and a few lines from Ireland, but virtually all - direct lines anyway - eventually find their way to Jefferson County, Texas. All direct-line ancestors throughout all lines are indicated with an asterisk ( * ) following their given names.

Maternal lines consist of Moyer and Breckenridge, Snider and Skinner, families that settled in Southern Illinois, predominantly Sangamon and Christian Counties; Jones, settling in DeWitt and Anderson County, Texas; Sherman, who settled in Chambers and Jefferson County, Texas, and the Courts and Gentz who settled in Jefferson County, Texas. In addition to these families was a large band of families who settled in the Opelousas Post, Southwest Louisiana in the late 18th Century. This band of settlers came to Southeast Texas in early 19th Century, being granted land grants by Mexico. They include families such as Hayes, Burrell, Clark, Johnson, Forman, Comstock, and many others.

Paternal lines consist of Stone (please see DNA link below), Ford, Smith and Hoskin; as well as Ryther,and Goosay, Anthony and Saltsman, most of whom eventually settled in Clay County, Texas, coming through predominately the Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, area.

This compilation of data has been ongoing for over a decade, utilizing my own research, other family members' research, researchers who have generously shared their data, and data that has been ferreted out from the Internet. As with all genealogical work, it is a work in progress that will never be completed in this lifetime. So, check periodically for added information.

Great care has been taken for accuracy, but as any genealogical work, errors can be inadvertently passed on even by the most diligent. Any added information, suggestions, comments, leads, corrections, or simply a note to say you've visited will all be gladly welcomed.

Happy Rootin!!
Sherry