Mathis Family Highlights

James Mathis and wife Elizabeth Keenan

Elizabeth Keenan Mathis, John Fonville Mathis, William Raymon Mathis, Jack Mathis

Raymon, Myrtle, Beulah, Era Lee, Mittie Belle & John Fonville Mathis

Robert Newton Mathis

Letters of Franz(Francis) Reuter (Rider)

Stanley Family Documents

Letter from Francis Rider to his mother no date (about April 1, 1846)

Dearest Mother:

You wrote in your last letter I received from you, my brother, Lorenz, is three months away from home, and you don't know where he is. I would like to let you know what I found out. I received your letter April 1, 1846. After I received your letter telling me about Lorenz, I met a salesman from New York, who told me Lorenz was was in New York. He told me Lorenz sent me a letter to Claeburn, Alabama, but I have since moved. Lorenz visited me in Alabama the first time. That is all I know about Lorenz. Maybe the next time you write you'll have heard from him. I hope so with all my heart. Maybe he went back to his homeland, anyway, I hope you hear from him soon.

Your loving son,

Franz

(Note: The present-day Reuter family still living in Germany confirms that indeed, Lorenz returned to Germany, never married and died in 1877.)

A Life History of Mary Ann Neal Atkins

Edward Atkins and Mary Ann Neal Family

Mary Ann Neal Atkins

A brief history of the life of Mary Ann Neal Atkins.

Written by her daughter, Martha A. Tuddenham.  May 25, 1931

My mother Mary Ann Neal Atkins, was born in Burmingham, Warwickshire, England, July 5, 1812.  The daughter of Harriet Smith and Job Neal, she was the seventh child of a family of thirteen.  She was the last one of her Mother’s children to be christened in the Church of England.  Her parents having joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, had the rest of their children blessed in the Latter Day Saint Church.  My Mother’s Mother became a devout church worker and a staunch defender of the truth.  She would often accompany the Elders to their meetings and assist them with the singing and preaching.

The feeling toward the Latter Day Saints was very bitter in England at that time.  The mobs would gather, break up their meetings, destroy their books, insult and sometimes injure the Saints. At one time my Mother attempted to pick up some of the books and was immediately attacked by the mob.  She was glad to leave the books and get out of the way.