| Color Codes separate generations. Numbers show generations. | |
| First Generation 1 – BLACK – (Sons/daughters of Isaac) | Sixth Generation 6 – BROWN |
| Second Generation 2 – RED | Seventh Generation 7 – GREY |
| Third Generation 3 – GREEN | Eighth Generation 8 – PURPLE |
| Fourth Generation 4 – ORANGE | Ninth Generation 9 – Olive |
| Fifth Generation 5 – BLUE | Tenth Generation 10 – PINK |
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William Harrison Gregory 4 (3 August 1858 -10 July 1929), third son of Andrew Jackson and Levicia Gregory, apparently was born in Redland (Shiloh Church area) and moved to Okolona when only a small boy. Not much is known of his early years. He first married Viney Randle, who bore him three daughters, Mable, Lula and Sidney Mae. There are no offspring from any of the three, although all married. Viney Randle divorced William Harrison and is lost to family accounting.
William Harrison second married Ada Knowles (14 June 1869, Columbia, Tenn.), daughter of Delia Beal and James Baxter Knowles, on 3 April 1889. Her maternal grandparents were Nancy Foshbee and Andrew Jackson Beal of North Carolina. Her paternal grandparents were Eliza Bateman and Allan Jefferson Knowles of Tennessee (from account by Hortense Gregory Smith, daughter, in a published book of Ada Knowles Gregory poems in 1953). Ada and William Harrison had four sons and three daughters: Eugene Harrison; William Aubrey; Delia Hortense; James Murrey; Walter States; Ida Miriam; and Lillian Vaughn.
Stories about William Harrison: He loved watermelon, always insisting on having a half because he liked to make juice and drink from the half. Grand-mother Ada jumped a ditch with the Durant touring car with Harrison sitting in the back seat, supporting a large basket of eggs in each hand: “Egad, Ada! Did you break my eggs?” Harrison loved to have people visit and have parties, ice cream suppers, etc. He loved trees and would not allow any good trees to be cut. After his death, Aubrey and Andrew Gregory butchered a twenty acre stand of beautiful hickory to sell the choice parts for axe handles. Harrison loved a “toddy” for social drinking but was not an alcoholic. He apparently had a touch of gout and cataracts. He died in his bed in 1929 of natural causes.
Mable Gregory 5 married Felix Mahon of Holly Springs, Miss. and lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She died 13 April 1948 and is buried in Fayetteville.
Lula Gregory 5 married -?- and lived in California; information as to husband, place and date of death, etc., are not known.
Sidney Mae Gregory 5 (1884-1968) married J.C. “Mac” McLaren and lived in Pasadena, California in her later years. She visited Okolona on several occasions and wrote frequently.
Eugene Harrison (Gene) Gregory 5 (14 June 1890 -7 March 1952), the oldest child of William Harrison and Ada Knowles Gregory, grew up in Okolona and obtained an eighth grade formal education. He married Elma Gilbert (2 January 1896-10 December 1977). Elma’s mother, H. Roberta (Skinnie) Lee Gilbert lived with them many years until her death in 1931. Gene and Elma are buried in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. Their children: Eugene Harrison Jr.; and Dorothy Ada.
His young adult life was reasonably uneventful except for the episode of the Negro trying to amputate his head with a straight razor during an argument over money owed to Gene. Gene carried a “gentleman’s” pistol (a 32 caliber revolver) that he emptied into the Black’s chest without stopping the attack. His brother, Aubrey, using a “38 Special” revolver, brought the affair to a close and saved Gene’s life. Aubrey told of the episode, including a post-suturing infection and complications. This was long years before the discovery of antibiotics, making Gene’s recovery prolonged.
Not long after this, Gene went to Memphis, Tennessee to seek his fortune. He eventually went to work with the Standard Oil Company, rising to an executive position before his early retirement for medical reasons.
Gene had a mannerism that was both amusing and frustrating. He always spoke slowly and deliberately. When in casual, normal conversation or when asked a question, he would pause a few moments to consider his answer before giving a reply. Gene was a man of humor and strong convictions, as evidenced by some family tales.
His daughter, Dorothy, has written that Gene was very Victorian, and that he and her mother, Elma, were frequently at odds over Elma’s “modern” ways. Elma was an original “libber.” She was one of the first women in Memphis to “bob” her hair and went into the business world “before her time” or before it became a popular thing to do. She was always the first to adopt a new fashion. Dorothy well remembers the furor caused when her mother allowed her to wear shorts, but never to the dinner table. Dorothy remembers Gene as a very strict disciplinarian, but he did broaden his outlook in later life.
In the last year or so before his death, Gene and Elma went out to the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Memphis to pick out a burial lot. The salesman was attempting to sell Gene a high priced lot up close to the front entrance overlooking a large fountain and lake, and was raving on about the beauty of the site and the view. Gene, after an appropriate pause for consideration, said, “When you’re brought out here, you’re not interested in the view.” The lot he selected was on a hill in the most private section of the cemetery. This was in total keeping with his life, every home he owned was on a hill and he valued privacy.
Gene died of natural causes in Memphis in 1952. He was a kind and gentle man, a product of his origin and age, with a definite set of values and opinions and loved by all who knew him. Elma survived until 1977, spending her last years taking care of Eugene junior.
Eugene Harrison Gregory, Jr. 6 (7 March 1918-21 June 1987), only son of Eugene Harrison and Elma Gilbert Gregory, attended school in Memphis and played football at the University of Alabama. He served in the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific in World War II. Afterwards, he returned to Memphis and was employed by Standard Oil Company. He lived with his mother until her death in 1977. He married and divorced, first: Ruth Latimer; and secondly, Doris -?-, of Memphis. He is buried in the National Cemetery, Memphis, Tenn. Eugene Harrison, Jr. and Ruth’s issue: Eugene Harrison III; and William Latimer. Eugene and Doris’s issue: Lawrence Eugene, 20 January 1958.
Eugene Harrison Gregory III 7 (6 October 1943) lives in Fremont, California. He married Marilyn Kay Bennett on 26 June 1971.
William Latimer Gregory 7 (20 November 1947) lives in Martin, Tennessee where he owns a restaurant. He married Donna Marie Johnson on 31 March 1968. They have three sons: William Shad, 27 September 1971; Eric Van, 27 December 1972; and Joshua Zack, 10 March 1977.
Dorothy Ada Gregory 6 (26 May 1919), only daughter of Eugene H. and Elma Gilbert Gregory, married Frederick (Freddie) E. Wachter, M.D. on 14 February 1942. He was a medical student at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis, graduating 14 June 1943. He served in the United States Navy as an M.D. attached to the Second Marine Division, 1943-1945. He later spent five years in Temple, Texas in surgery training before settling in Painesville, Ohio in January, 1957. He practiced medicine and surgery until his unexpected demise on 17 November 1985. Dorothy had operated a bridal shop from 1970 to 1979 in Mentor, Ohio. Dorothy Ada lost her husband, Frederick Edward Wachter M.D. on 17 November 17 1985. In 1996 she moved from Ohio to Frisco, TX. She spends a large portion of each year traveling the country in her Winnebago motor home. Their issue: Frederick E. Jr.; Judith Karen; Michael Gregory; and Patricia Lyn.
Frederick E. (Rick) Wachter, Jr. 7 (13 October 1944) married Eileen Jessie Goodrich on 30 July 1983. Frederick and his wife Eileen moved to North Carolina in 1986 and now reside in Fletcher. Both work in Brevard, NC as systems consultants to Agfa Corp. They have no children.
Judith Karen Wachter 7 (14 February 1947) married Jeffrey Alston Porter on 2 August 1969 and divorced in 1977. Judy worked as a computer engineer in Dallas, Texas. She now resides in Sterling, VA and is a Senior Director for >Sprint Corp in Reston, VA. Two children were born to this union: Elizabeth Louise; Melinda Kathryn.
Elizabeth Louise Porter 8 (7 August 1971), is employed as a consultant with BI Professionals.
Melinda Kathryn Porter 8 (18 December 1974), married Victor Rangel in June 1996. Melinda is continuing her education, seeking a degree in Microbiology. Victor is a graphic artist with a Dallas TV station. They have one son, Hayden Maxfield Rangel (10 December 1996).
Michael Gregory Wachter 7 (26 October 1948) married Georgann Carol Sisson on 14 February 1970. Michael and his wife Georgann live on the shores of Lake Erie in Avon Lake, OH. In addition to owning and operating a training and consulting business, Corporate Impact, they are avid SCUBA divers, freelance writers and authors of two books on Lake Erie shipwrecks, ERIE WRECKS and ERIE WRECKS, Volume II. Their issue: Courtney Kristin; Brendon David; and Kimberly Michelle.
Courtney Kristin Wachter 8 (16 May 1974-30 January 1993), was a premed student at the University of Cincinnati when she was killed in an automobile accident on 30 January 30 1993.
Brendon David Wachter 8 (19 August 1976), is employed as an account executive with Liggett Staschaur Advertising. He is pursuing his masters degree in International Advertising.
Kimberly Michelle Wachter 8 (11 July 1979), is a student at Ohio University. She will complete a triple major, Management Information Sciences, International Business, and Business Economics in June 2001.
Patricia Lyn Wachter 7 (25 August 1957) married Mark Williamson on 9 July 1983. The marriage ended in divorce. Patricia is an Account Executive with U.S. Relocation in Denver, CO. She and Mark had three children : Gregory David Williamson (8 January 1985); Marjorie Lyn Williamson (28 February 1987); Kevin Fitzpatrick Williamson (25 May 1989).
William Aubrey Gregory 5 (25 February 1892 -26 October 1967) was born in an era in which there were few restrictions on behavior in spite of the local Victorian attitude. Apparently family ties were strong, but the rugged individualist persisted so long as courteous behavior around family and close friends prevailed. Aubrey was tall for his generation (six feet), very well built, charming, too handsome, and spoiled by his own family and pursued by the young ladies. His formal education ended with the eighth grade which was better than usual for that time and locale. He was intelligent and a very hard worker, especially when young and with a growing family. In his later vears, he fell prey to booze and gambling which led to divorce, re-marriage and a second divorce from Bertha (Cricket) Jolly.
Aubrey, when about 22 or 23 years old, went to Mineral Wells, Texas to seek his fortune in the oil fields. It seems as though a “senorita” with a stiletto, to whom he had made certain promises, stimulated his sudden return to Mississippi. A freight train provided the fastest mode of travel East and to safety.
He returned to his parents’ home and, during the stay, “Cricket” Jolly, who was a superb seamstress, came to spend a few weeks creating a trousseau for his sister, Hortense, who was to marry, T.H. Smith. During this period, he began courting Cricket and they eloped.
Aubrey promptly bought a small farm with a modest house that survived until about 1960, when it was destroyed by fire. Prior to World War I, Elma Vaughn (1917) and William Harrison (1918) were born in the little house. Aubrey did not have to serve in the war on the basis of having two babies in the house and being a productive farmer. Aubrey prospered as a farmer and expanded his operations, moving to a much larger home and holdings of some 2,000 acres where, in 1923, Ben Thomas was born. Aubrey lived in this setting until mid-World War II days and his second separation from Cricket. She moved to New London, Ohio, where she spend most of her remaining days. She expired in her sleep while visiting her son, Ben, in Pensacola, Florida in 1966.
Aubrey set up a small country store close to Union Church – only a couple of miles from where he had been born and spent his life. He stayed there until his demise of natural causes in 1967. He lived life to the fullest, often saying, “You’ve got to die of something, so do what you want.”
The only real trouble Aubrey got into was not long after World War I. On a Saturday afternoon in Okolona, his brother, Eugene, was trying to collect a debt from a young Negro male and an argument ensued. The Black pulled a straight razor and proceeded to attempt to cut Gene’s head off in spite of the fact that Gene emptied a 32 resolver into the man’s chest. The Black continued to cut. The razor was hung in one of the spines of Gene’s cervical vertebrae. Aubrey, who was standing nearby, pulled out a 38 Special that misfired. He cocked it again by hand, shooting the Black from side to side through the heart. Fortunately, the Black fell forward or else Gene’s head might have been severed. Cricket’s brother, Jimmy Jolly, stepped up and lighted the cigarette still held in the Black’s mouth, commenting, “Let the SOB go to hell smoking.”
Gene carried the scar to his grave. Aubrey spent the night in jail and was later acquitted, it being deemed a justifiable homicide.
Bertha Carlisle Jolly Gregory (24 July 1893-17 June 1966), wife of William Aubrey Gregory, was the daughter of Wade H. and Elizabeth Wamble Jolly, eighth of ten children of a farm family southwest of Okolona. Cricket also obtained an eighth grade education and was a devout Christian and Eastern Star member. She was a master seamstress which led to her encounter with Aubrey. Her strict religious objections to drinking and cards led to marital problems with Aubrey later in life. Her family and grandchildren were her life.
In her last few years in New London, Ohio, her pride and joy was her 1954 Ford which she had special ordered. When she knew her days were short, she always carried a sealed box of burial clothing and specific instructions to the undertaker in the trunk of the Ford. On her last trip South, by air, she had mailed the box and was very relieved when it arrived. Cricket died in her sleep that very same night. Her instructions were carried out to the letter, including Eastern Star rites. She rests in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Verona, Mississippi.
Elma Vaughn Gregory Barnes 6 (26 April 1917, Okolona, Miss.) was the eldest child of William Aubrey and Bertha C. Jolly Gregory. She graduated from Okolona High School in 1936. Shortly thereafter, she moved to New London, Ohio and worked as an office assistant for T.H. Smith, M.D. She married Delbert Barnett Barnes (9 March 1915-14 April 1990) on 4 June 1939. His parents were Delbert B. an Kathryn Gettle Barnes of Fitchville, Ohio. “DB” was in the clothing business with his father after attending Ohio State University and continued until retirement. He and Elma became snowbirds, with an annual migration to San Diego, California until 1985-86, when they moved permanently to a pretty little house on the top of a mesa. “DB” sleeps in the family plot in New London, Ohio. Their issue: Ariane; Delbert Gregory; Allison; and Andrea Lee.
Ariane Barnes 7 (23 February 1941) attended New London High School and received a BA Degree from Miami University of Ohio and an MA from Eastern Michigan University. She is a retired elementary school teacher. She married Daniel Howard Ringler (19 August 1941). He attended New London High School and received his DVM from Ohio State University and a Master’s in Animal Pathology from the University of Michigan, where he is now Director of Animal Research. He also served in the United States Army, 1965-1967, as a veterinary officer. Children born to this union: Laural Lee; and Amy Lynn.
Laural Lee Ringler 8 (6 July 1966) graduated from Huron High School, Ann Arbor, and from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a Masters in Guidance Counseling and English. Presently she works as a High School guidance counselor. She is married to Thomas S. Caldwell, a Special Education teacher and track coach. They take turns staying home with their two young children: Noah Thomas (18 April l996) and Dana Bethany (29 April l998). The family enjoy all outdoor activities including biking and mountain climbing in their beautiful state of Washington.
Amy Lynn Ringler 8 (26 March 1969) graduated from Huron High School, Ann Arbor, in 1987, and from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Social Work. Presently she is a hospital social worker. She is married to Karl John Grabia, a mechanical engineer who is a small business owner and cabinet maker. They live in the San Diego area and enjoy mountain biking and boating. Karl is a real sports fisherman and neither he or Amy like to eat fish!
Delbert Gregory Barnes 7 (31 January 1944) graduated from New London High School and attended the University of Tennessee a Chattanooga. He married Bonita Sue Troxel (14 April 1944). She graduated from New London High School and received a BS from Ashland College.
Bonita now works as a medical secretary and Greg as Recreation Center Manager of Leisure Time Sports Bowling Center in San Diego, California, one of a chain owned and operated by his brother-in-law, Charles Marshall. Greg and Bonita have one daughter: Heather.
Heather Barnes 8 graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, Penasquitos, California, in 1986.
Allison Barnes 7 (24 April 1945) graduated from New London High School, and attended Bowling Green State of Ohio and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, New York. She married Charles A. Marshall (29 April 1944). He graduated from Warren High School, Warren, Ohio and served as a Lieutenant in the Green Berets in Viet Nam, 1967-68. He now has a chain of bowling centers and serves as President of Leisure Time Sports. To this union were born: Chad Michael; Todd Martin; Tiffany
Chad Michael Marshall 8 (15 June 1971), attended the University of Arizona and is now Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Gold Medal Fitness Center in Tucson, which is family owned by Charles A. and Allison Marshall.
Todd Martin Marshall 8 (5 November 1973), recently completed a three year tour of duty with the U. S. Army Rangers. He is on the marketing and sales staff of Gold Medal Fitness Center in Tucson. He married, 17 January 1998, Michelle Wheeles (1 April 1973), an Alabama native and graduate of the University of Alabama. She is now an Assistant Manager of the Wells Fargo Bank in Tucson.
Tiffany Marshall 8 (19 November 1978), will graduate from the University of Arizona in 2000 with a Business Communications Major. She also works in the Gold Medal Fitness center directing the Seniors Fitness Program.
Andrea Lee Barnes 7 (14 October 1956) graduated from New London High School and received training as an accountant at North Central Tech. She married Steven Allen Boss (10 February 1956). He graduated from New London High School and is presently Head Machinist for Roth Corporation. They have one child: Sarah Vaughn, 10 August 1982.
William Harrison (Willie) Gregory 6 (1 July 1918, Okolona, Miss.) was the second child of William Aubrey and Bertha C. Jolly Gregory. He graduated from Okolona High School in 1937. After graduation, he worked for Gully Construction Company in Jackson, Mississippi, building Woodrow Wilson Boulevard. He later moved to Houston, Mississippi and to Columbus Air Force Base, where he operated a bulldozer and dragline. In 1941, he went to Trinidad, British West Indies, helping to build Waller Field; then on to French Guiana to build Rochanbeau Field. Willie returned to the States and served in the Navy, 1943-45, attending Motor Machinist School, San Diego. He worked at the Amphibious Base on Coronado Island, Cal., maintaining the training fleet. After World War II, Willie returned to Okolona and went into the concrete block manufacturing and coal business; later becoming a planter and cattleman. His sons returned to the farm and all three formed a partnership: Poverty Hill Farms, continuing to the present. He is a board member of the First United Methodist Church; a director of the Cattlemen’s Association; Director of the Farm Bureau; and Director, First Citizens National Bank.
William Harrison married Betty Sue Reifers (3 September 1921) on 6 October 1946. She graduated from Okolona High School in 1939, and attended Mississippi College, Jackson, for one year; worked for Gulf Ordnance Plant in Prairie, Mississippi and the Department of Public Welfare in Aberdeen until her marriage. Her parents are John and Suzie Patterson Reifers. Three children were born to this union: Kathy Lynn; William Harrison Jr.; and Robert Hood.
Kathy Lynn Gregory 7 (27 September 1947) graduated from Okolona High School in 1965 and Mississippi State College for Women, Columbus, with a degree in Special Education in 1969. She married Vick L. Etheridge, the son of Jerome B. and Mary Nell Maness Etheridge of Tupelo, Mississippi, on 31 January 1969. Vick graduated from Murray State University, Kentucky; received his MS Degree from Mississippi State University; and served one tour of duty with the United States Army. They resided in Booneville, where Kathy teaches at Northeast Mississippi Junior College. The marriage ended in a divorce. Kathy married second, William Halsey Stuart (13 October 1943) on 20 June 1998. Vick and Kathy had two children: Jason Alan; and Jennifer Lynn (23 August 1976).
Jason Alan Etheridge 8 (14 October 1972), married Casey Michelle Turner, the daughter of Gene and Carolyn Turner from Tupelo, MS. on 27 January 1998.
William Harrison (Bill) Gregory, Jr. 7 (5 May 1951) graduated from Okolona High School in 1969 and Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, in 1973. He currently farms as a partner in Poverty Hill Farms. He married Maria Jeanine Tutor, the daughter of Forrest T. Tutor, M.D. and Jean Miller Tutor of Pontotoc, Mississippi, on 4 January 1975. Jeanine is a registered nurse and graduated from Mississippi State College for Women. They have three children: Ashley Elizabeth, 11 July 1979; Allyson Jean, 8 December 1980; and William Harrison III, 23 February 1982.
Robert Hood (Bob) Gregory 7 (10 September 1952) graduated from Okolona High School in 1970 and from Mississippi State University, Starkville, in 1974. He currently resides in Okolona and farms as a partner in Poverty Hill Farms. He married Patricia Simmons Stubbs, the daughter of Brigadier General (ret.) Van Tankersley and Irma Hamm Stubbs of Baldwin, Mississippi, on 28 December 1979. Patsy graduated from Mississippi State University and has an MS from the University of Mississippi, Oxford, in Special Education. Their children: Patricia Simmons, 5 February 1982; and Susannah Stubbs, 2 August 1983.
Ben Thomas Gregory 6 (18 September 1923, Okolona, Miss.) was the third child of William Aubrey and Bertha C. Jolly Gregory. He graduated from Okolona High School in 1941 and attended Hinds Junior College, 1941-42, transferring to Mississippi State College in the fall of 1942. He entered the Civilian Pilot Training Program at Mississippi State that fall and received private pilot training prior to induction into the United States Army Air Corps in July 1943. He entered military pilot training, graduating in March 1945. Ben served as a pilot until December 1946.
He returned to Mississipi State College for the spring semester, 1947, and transferred to the University of Mississippi during the summer of 1947 for a Pre-Medical BA and BS. He entered Medical School at the University of Mississippi in 1950, transfering to the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in 1953 and graduated with an MD Degree in December 1954. Ben served his internship at Methodist Hospital, Memphis; and residency in General Surgery at Kennedy Veteran’s Hospital until July 1957, when he began General Medical practice in Okolona. He left General Practice in February 1959 to return to Kennedy Veteran’s Hospital for additional General Surgery residency. Ben entered Plastic Surgery residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1959 and transferred to Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan in 1960. He completed his residency in 1961 and entered the practice of Plastic Surgery in Lansing.
In 1963, Ben moved to Pensacola, Florida and began a private Plastic Surgery practice, retiring in 1986. He gave up private flying and gentleman farming in Mississippi to become a full time retiree, doing the traveling and sight seeing, to such places as England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska and much of the USA. The Publication of A GREGORY COLONIAL FAMILY genealogy book in 1986 became a full time occupation that has developed into more research and the annual gathering in Union, S.C.. The research has been expanded into a Web Site on the internet by Reginald W. Gregory, of Dallas, Texas, with great ongoing success. Wife, Mary, has always been ready to join in the travel and festivities. A computer has broadened the horizon and provides contact with multiple family and friends from all over. Five grand kids give a window into the future. What more can be expected after good health and good living !
Ben Thomas married Mary Beatrice Pinckard (19 May 1924, DeFuniak Springs, Fla.), daughter of John N. and Annie Lou Davis Pinckard, on 23 March 1951. She graduated from Walton High School, DeFuniak Springs, in 1941 and from Florida State College for Women in 1944. Mary worked as a civil service employee for the United States Air Force in Atlanta, Georgia and Warner-Robins, Georgia, from 1944 through 1951. She continued to work in Memphis until 1957. The children of this union: Scott Thomas; Brian David; and Robin.
Scott Thomas Gregory 7 (16 November 1954) graduated from Woodham High School, Pensacola, Florida, in 1972. He received his BA degree from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1976. He worked for GMAC in Houston, Texas for a year and returned to college at Florida State University, receiving a BA in Education in 1980. After teaching school for a year in Lutcher, Louisiana, he again returned to school, receiving a BS from the University of West Florida, Pensacola, in Computer Science in 1984. After temporary employment as a computer programmer, he became employed with GTE in Tampa and is currently a Systems Engineer with GTE Data Services. He was hired on Black Monday, October 19, 1987. Along the years he has traveled in Mexico, Central America, Northern India and Nepal, hiked up to the Mt. Everest base camp, toured Europe, New Zealand and Australia. He became interested in skydiving, now with 2200+ jumps. (Only one broken fibula) He was a member of the team that won the U.S. Nationals Skydiving Competition in 1994 and 1995, beating the U.S. Army Golden Knights in the 10 person skydiving competition to build the fastest circle out of the plane. At the skyjump site in Zephyrhills, Florida, he met a pretty FAA Parachute Rigger named Catherine Louise Kloess (22 September 1960). Cathy’s father is Edmund Charles Kloess Jr., Major USAF Navigator (ret), (9-5-1933) and her mother is Marge Truesdell Kloess, R.N. (9-26-39). Cathy and her parents were born in NY, N.Y. Her parents now reside in New Port Richey, Florida. Scott and Cathy reside in Zephyrhills where Cathy continues her business of parachute rigging. They both have performed in Venezuela and demonstrations jumps in the Cayman Islands. Scott is now a computer programmer for a Federal check writing contractor based in Saufley Field, Florida. Scott and Catherine have one son: Sean Thomas Gregory (28 January 1997).
Brian David Gregory 7 (25 October 1955) graduated from Woodham High School, Pensacola, in 1973. He attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, for one year and transferred to Rice University, Houston, Texas, where he graduated with a BS in 1976. Brian attended the Medical School of the University of Texas, Galveston, and received his MD in 1982. He completed his residency in Anesthesiology at the University of South Carolina, Charleston, in 1985. He practiced group Anesthesia in Pensacola for three years. On 8 May 1987 he married Deborah Lynne Wright (23 June 1957), daughter of Robert and Nancy Wright of Tampa, Florida. To this union was born Ariel Sydney Gregory (6 January 1990). He practices Anesthesia in Pensacola.
Robin Gregory 7 (4 August 1957) graduated from Woodham High School, Pensacola, in 1975. She attended Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, and the University of Idaho, Moscow, graduating with a BS from LSU in 1980. Robin taught school in Lutcher, Louisiana for a year and then English in Baton Rouge for seven years. On 14 June 1986, Robin married James Christopher Doane (24 August 1963), son of Howard John (7-24-1919) and Mary Threlkeld Doane (?/8-24-94) of Melbourne, Florida. Howard was an engineer working for NASA Contractor TRW developing navigation systems for the Minute Man Nuclear Missiles during the 1950’s and 60’s during the cold war. Howard is now retired in Melbourn, Florida. Jim received a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering from LSU in 1986 and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from LSU in 1989. He has been employed by Baker Oil Tools, Houston, Texas since 1989 and has advanced to Engineering Manager of the New Products Division. He holds 5 patents for Oil Field Services (packers) Oil Tools. These are seals that work at 10,000 feet plus down in the oil wells at pressures that start at 10,000 psi, plus. Robin and Jim have three red headed children, Ian James (24 April 1991), Jenna Mary (13 March 1993) and Lauren Gregory (1 January 1994). Robin is a part time English teacher in a private school in addition to the duties of raising three very active youngsters. Jim enjoys windsurfing when the opportunity exists. His engineering duties have sent him to Canada and Scotland as well as all over the US.
Delia Hortense Gregory 5 (20 February 1894-26 April 1988), third child of William Harrison and Ada Knowles Gregory, wrote the following:
“I, Hortense Gregory Smith, was born 20 February 1894. I was reared and married from the same home near Okolona, Mississippi. Having been graduated from Okolona High School, I aspired to teaching and, each year, went to teachers’ Normal schools in Houston, Clinton, Blue Mountain, etc.
“I had earned my Life Certificate by teaching five years when I was married to Tilmon H. Smith, M.D.
“My younger sister, Lillian, was not happy to have me live alone, so made arrangements for me to enter Traceway Manor in Tupelo, where I am very well pleased. I miss being in the midst of all the relatives, but my sister is happy to have me near her since she has an apartment in Tupelo.
“I have had a good life; kept very well; traveled extensively the world over; served as Housemother in three Fraternity houses at Ashland, Ohio College and taught private kindergarten twenty years in Ohio.
“My nieces and nephews have loved me as my own might have, had I given birth to any.
“I am ninety-one at this writing and just feel fine!”
NOTE: The above autobiography is by the oldest known living member of the family – ninety-two and going strong in 1986! Hortense gave up living alone just before her ninetieth birthday, as well as her twice-weekly golf game.. She was at the time into bridge daily.
Hortense died in Tupelo, Ms, on 26 April 1988. She rests in the Gregory plot in Okolona, Ms.
James Murrey Gregory 5, fourth child of William Harrison and Ada, died at age six and is buried in the Grange Hall Cemetery west of Okolona, Mississipi.
Walter States Gregory 5, the fifth child of William Harrison and Ada, died when he was eighteen months old and is buried in the Grange Hall Cemetery.
Ida Miriam Gregory 5 (27 October 1900-23 May 1976) was the sixth child of William Harrison and Ada Knowles Gregory. She married John Hamilton Stone (6 May 1898-27 November 1965). Their issue: John Norwood, 7 February 1920-8 February 1920; Miriam Yvonne, 29 January 1921-8 May 1927; John H. Jr., 10 November 1923; Richard Eugene, 15 July 1926; and Idanelle, 17 May 1928.
John Junior has written the following eloquent statement, expressing the love of a son for his mother:
“Ida Miriam Gregory was born on 27 October 1900, the second youngest daughter of William Harrison and Ada Knowles Gregory. She grew up on the family farm about five miles southwest of Okolona and, from a pretty, blue-eyed child, she developed into a beautiful young woman. At the age of eighteen, she married John Hamilton Stone, a neighboring farmer’s son. Ida and John lived their entire lives on a farm just a few miles from where they both were born. They reared a family of three children: two sons, John Jr. and Richard Eugene; and a daughter, Idanelle.
“They suffered much tragedy in their early married years with the loss of their firstborn son at birth and the accidental death of their oldest daughter, Miriam, at the age of six. Ida was a devoted wife and loving mother who overcame serious illness and personal tragedy as a young woman to provide her husband and children with a wonderful home, filled with love and happiness. She always desired the best for her family and spared no effort to see that they had all of the opportunities and advantages possible. She was a woman of boundless energy and determination, and lived her entire life for her family. Luckily, she married a man who shared her dreams and ambitions because they overcame many obstacles in fulfilling their dream of building a home and rearing a family. Although their faith must have been shaken many times, they never lost sight of that dream.
“Ida cared very deeply for her family and relatives and, at various times, her home was also home to her mother, sisters, nephews and nieces. She could always be counted on when needed by relatives and friends to do whatever was necessary. She was a remarkable woman who, along with many talents, possessed unlimited energy when needed and could do just about anything she tried. Although small in stature, she could hold her own with the very best, and her relatives and neighbors learned to respect her for this. An overbearing neighbor learned not to covet her turkeys and a stubborn school superintendent decided it better to excuse her children from school to attend the circus parade.
“Ida was a quiet and reserved person who sometimes became moody, particularly when worried or troubled about her family, but she could also be very light hearted and fun loving. She liked family gatherings and cooked many a meal on the spur of the moment when relatives dropped by to visit.
Her death, very suddenly at the age of seventy-five, was a great loss to her children and relatives who, at various times in their lives, received and benefited from her love and strength. Her unselfish devotion as a mother and wife was most certainly a fulfillment of her life’s ambition.”
Mary Louise Millard Stone has composed a splendid tribute to her father-in-law, John H. Stone, Sr.:
“A little flirtation in church with Ida Miriam brought John Hamilton Stone into the Gregory clan. And always after, one of his favorite pastimes was commiserating with brothers-in-law, Doug and Doc, on being married to one of the Gregory girls! John attended the Buena Vista Academy and Mississippi State College, and was in the Navy during World War I. He was a rural letter carrier for 42 years, spending his off-the-job hours on his farm west of Okolona. Happy and contented by nature, he loved his way of life, his wife and his children. A kind and decent man with a deeply ingrained sense of worth and honor, he drew the respect of people from all walks of life. With his love of life, he had a wonderful sense of humor, and his grandchildren fondly recall the good times they had with Granddaddy. To his children, he left a legacy of love for the land he enjoyed so much and spent his life beautifying. His children have yet to find his equal in goodness and character.”
John Hamilton Stone, Jr. 6 (10 November 1923) has fond memories of childhood days roaming the woods and working the fields of his daddy’s land. Those childhood days nurtured a love for family and homeplace that shaped his life. He graduated from Okolona High School in 1941. Although a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he decided on going up the corporate ladder with General Motors Acceptance Corporation. Now a regional manager, head-quartered in Dallas, and goals achieved (as far as he is concerned), his next step “up” will be “back” to Okolona, where he and Mary Lou have already built their retirement home overlooking the lake and Piney woods created by his father. Fearing he might run out of retirement projects, he and brother-in-law, Pat, purchased a section of land across the highway from the homeplace.
John Stone, Jr. married Mary Louise Millard (15 December 1922). Her parents were Raymond and Lochie Tucker Millard of West Point, Ms. A summer-time blind date… holiday dances at Annapolis … graduation festivities … a June wedding… and Mary Louise Millard of West Point became Mrs. John H. Stone, Jr. of Okolona. From coast to coast with the Navy and from city to city with GMAC, she has happily followed John and created a warm, lovely home wherever they were. Always packed and ready to go, she’s prepared for whatever John’s itinerary calls for. Her proudest achievement (other than her successful marriage and two lovely daughters) is the house in Okolona she designed and built. The issue of John and Mary are: Susan and Miriam Annette.
Susan Stone 7 (26 November 1950, Tupelo, Miss.) married Nick Miller. A Navy baby and much-traveled GMAC child, she graduated from the University of Minnesota. She lived and worked a number of years in St. Paul, Chicago and Dallas, Texas. She is now single.
Miriam (Mimi) Annette Stone 7 (5 July 1956) married Tommy Studdard. She was named for her grandmothers, but became just “Mimi.” Born and educated in Mississippi, she graduated from Mississippi State University for Women with a degree in Education, but chose the business world over teaching. She enjoys working and living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is now single.
Richard Eugene Stone, Sr. 6 (15 July 1926) graduated from Okolona High School. His quarterbacking ability led to a scholarship at Ole Miss, but a knee injury forced him to put his running days aside. Richard was in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed in Puerto Rico. A farmer, skilled mechanic and salesman, he foresaw the success of catfish farming years before it became a reality. He can often be found at the old homeplace, “fixin” something. In 1950, Richard Eugene married Myra Linda Ramsey (20 January 1932). Myra has worked for the State of Mississippi for twenty-plus years in various capacities. To this union were born: Linda Carol; Ladye Jane; and Richard Eugene Jr.
Linda Carol Stone 7 (5 September 1952) graduated from high school in Canton, Mississippi and attended Mississippi State College for Women. She runs an efficient household with husband, Robbie McCollum, and three children, works at a Jackson bank, and helps in the family dry cleaning business. She has a son: Sterling.
Ladye Jane Stone 7 (25 February 1956) majored in Interior Design at Mississippi State University for Women. She currently works for the University of Texas, Houston, as an interior design coordinator.
Richard Eugene Stone, Jr. 7 (15 November 1961) spent his grammar school years in Canton. He played high school football and, after graduating, attended Mississippi State University. He lives in Tupelo, Mississippi and works as a building contractor.
Idanelle Stone 6 (17 May 1928) was the youngest child of Ida Miriam Gregory and John H. Stone, Sr. She graduated from Okolona High School. After graduating from Ole Miss, in 1949, she decided to go with Mary Lou to California. A desire to be closer to home resulted in a move to Dallas, where she worked in advertising. She married, first: Earl Jones. She married, second: Pat Paternostro (10 October 1919), which led to a career in real estate and home construction in the Pilot Point (north Dallas), Texas area. Pat served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a pilot in the South Pacific, including New Guinea, the Phillippines and Japan. After the war, he attended Southern Methodist University, then owned a paper and chemical business which he sold and became a building contractor. Idanelle and Earl Jones’ issue: Jeffrey Eugene.
Jeffrey Eugene Jones (13 January 1951, Long Beach, Cal.) was transplanted to Texas at age four. He attended the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, spending a year there. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas. Jeffrey has worked in the furniture business with his father.
Jeffrey Eugene Jones 7 (13 January 1951, Long Beach, Cal.) was transplanted to Texas at age four. He attended the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, spending a year there. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas. Jeffrey has worked in the furniture business with his father.