Manuel Almeida Martinez – “A Bottle of Tequila….”

The following is an article written for the Bustamante family reunion by my Father-in-Law, Jose Luis Sanchez of El Paso, Texas. It was originally published on May 27, 2000 for the reunion held in El Paso. This is a fascinating story of how Jose Luis’ grandfather, Manuel Almeida Martinez (photo above taken circa 1912), escaped almost certain death at the hands of the Mexican army during the time of Pancho Villa. Besides, with a title including “tequila”--it’s got to be an attention getter! Enjoy.

(Click on the article to enlarge)

 

John William & Rosa Emma Slack – The Family Bible

I recently had the privilege of talking to another newly found cousin—Jim Slack of Keller, Texas.  While I was excited to meet a new cousin, I was also eager to discuss a package loaded with genealogical information that he mailed to my Grandfather Ellsworth W. Slack way back in 1995. I inherited the package when my mother passed away over ten years ago, but didn’t really pay much attention to it until I start researching my roots. Jim’s package contains many research gems that have helped me learn more about the Slack side of my family for the better part of two years now. 

John William & Rosa Emma (Morgan) Slack – A Portrait of the Children

I have been fortunate in the past week to connect with distance relatives of the “Slack” side of my family I have never met or talked to before. One telephone call was all it took to start a cascade of emails, address exchanges and phone numbers I am still happily sorting through and recording. No doubt more posts will result from it in the future.

Marion Keith & Ellen (Tuttle) Davis – Links to a Cousin!

I have worked in the technology business for many years and sometimes take for granted the incredible power of the Internet. Every once in a while I am jolted from my complacency and reminded of this fact. For example, I recently stumbled on to a cousin I never knew I had—Keith W. Davis of New Cambria, Kansas (near Salina). What a discovery! I found Keith through Ancestry.com and learned he has been researching his family genealogy for many years. In the past few months Keith and I have shared information on our common ancestors—Marion Keith Davis (b. Jan 31, 1852 d. Jul 12, 1930) and Ellen Tuttle (b. Apr 24, 1862 d. Sep 17, 1935). 

Marion and Ellen are my 2nd Great Grandparents on my mother's side of the family. Keith descends from Marion and Ellen's son Paul, and I descend from their daughter Pearl Davis.  That would make Keith my second cousin once removed.

Donald and Nora Pauline (Barke) Hair – Down on the Farm

“Don and Nora”, as they were frequently and affectionately called, were my adopted paternal grandparents. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my direct family lines consist of the Pounds and Slack surnames, however my Mother remarried and took the “Hair” name when I was four years old. I was legally adopted at age ten and have been a Hair ever since.

Ellsworth W. Slack and Louise (Fisher) Slack - Granddad and Nan

I couldn't write another post for this blog without introducing my maternal grandparents, Ellsworth Woodrow and Louise (Fisher) Slack. They were a very influential part of my life and the lives of my first cousins in particular. I fully intend to share many family stores about "E.W.", as his friends would call my grandfather, and "Nan" as many in the family would refer to my grandmother.

Harry E. Wright – Chasing Bandits on the Border!

My family history research has uncovered many ancestors who served in the military from the Revolutionary War on, however there is one veteran I am particularly interested in--Harry E. Wright, born in October of 1895 in Springfield, Missouri to Henry E. Wright and Pearl Davis. I recall my maternal grandmother, Louise (Fisher) Slack (Pearl’s daughter) speaking fondly of her half-brother throughout the years, but I unfortunately didn't ask many questions while I could.  From what I have learned, Harry led a fascinating life, but one that’s still a bit of a mystery to me. So here's what I do know about Harry.