Descendants of Joshua Epperson

Contributed by Nancy Taul.  Thanks, Nancy!

This genealogy is based on the work of Orlan Hassett Epperson, author of
"The Short and Simple Annals of the Epperson Family of Hamilton County, Illinois" (1961)
He provided Epperson descendants with the basic outline of the family lineage.
His work is composed of his own family recollections and  is written with wit and wisdom. 

Additions/Corrections welcomed!   

  Generation No. 1

1.  JOSHUA1 EPPERSON was born Abt. 1790 in VA, and died 1841 in Hamilton Co., IL.  He married MARY "POLLY" OVERTON Abt. 1814 in TN, daughter of JOSEPH OVERTON and MARY ADAMS.  She was born 1792 in VA, and died August 01, 1850 in Hamilton Co., IL.

Notes for JOSHUA EPPERSON:

Census: 1830 Hamilton Co., IL, p. 151
Joshua Epperson: 2m (-5); 1m (5-10); 1m (10-15); 1m (30-40); 2f (-5); 1f (5-10); 1f (10-15); 1f (30-40)

Burial: Ten Mile Cemetery (grave unmarked).

The Epperson were Welsh.

From: The Short and Simple Annals of the Epperson Family of Hamilton County, IL by Orlan Epperson.

Joshua and his wife, Polly, and eight children made the trip to Illinois from Anderson Co., TN and settled a short distance south east of Middle Creek Church in Hamilton Co., IL. abt 1836.  On the way, after passing through a narrow section of Kentucky, the family stopped on the bank of the Ohio River and were ferried across that stream to Shawneetown.

Joshua lived only five years after moving into his new log home in Hamilton County.  He was not a good farmer.  He liked hunting and the woods much better than farming and had special affection for his long rifle, a muzzle loader.  He carried his bullets in a pouch at his belt. Therein lies the story and the legend.  Joshua was never known to buy lead or lead bullets; yet he had recourse to an apparently endless supply.  According to the story handed down, he would go out across the fields, into the woods, and presently come back with a chunk of crude lead.  His family never learned his secret, no matter how hard they tried.  He would tell them that just before he died he would reveal it, but he never did.  Three generations of his descendants have discussed this mysterious "lead mine", and some of the men, including my own father, have scoured the country in vain search for it.  Of course, there was never any natural lead deposits in Hamilton County, but his old Joshua know that?  

Notes for MARY "POLLY" OVERTON:
Census: 1830, p. 151
Burial: Ten Mile Cemetery, Unmarked grave      

Children of JOSHUA EPPERSON and MARY OVERTON are:

              i.   TERECY2 EPPERSON.

Notes for TERECY EPPERSON: Terecy died young and did not make the trip to IL.

2.           ii.   PERMELIA EMAILINE EPPERSON, b. Abt. 1822, TN.

             iii.   JAMES EPPERSON, b. 1824, TN; d. September 29, 1846, Matamoras, Mexico.

Notes for JAMES EPPERSON:

James never married. James enlisted in the Mexican Way in the company of Captain J. P. Hardy, June  6, 1846.  The company  was in the Third Regiment of Il Vol, commanded by Colonel Ferris Foreman.  He died while serving in Matamoras, Mex.  The family was entitled to government land grants totaling 160 acres.  It was 17 years before they received it.  His mother, Polly Epperson, appeared in McLeansboro on July 9, 1847 before Justice of the Peace, C. H. Heard, and there made application for James' quarter section of the land. 

In 1847 a law was passed making the veteran of the Mexican War eligible to receive government grants of land to the extent of 160 acres.  Polly Epperson appeared in McLeansboro before Justice of the Peace, C. H. Heard, and thereby made application for James' quarter section of land, on July 9, 1847, and signed with her mark.  It was seventeen years later that this property came into the possession of the Epperson family. 

Polly received from the Pension Office of the United States, "Milt Land Warrant No. 5784 for 160-acres act of 1847".

On January 155, 1858, Lankford Epperson went before Justice John S. Kinnear in McLeansboro, and in his affidavit stated that his mother, Polly Epperson, had received the land grant but had never used it to gain actual possession of the land, "that said Polly departed this life on the first day of August 1850, and that said Polly Eperson (sic) is affiant's mother and of the following persons...."  Here follows the names of the then 28 yr. old Lankford's sisters and brothers.  Lankford swore further that "since Polly Eperson died said warrant aforesaid has been located and lost---or destroyed."  The Justice goes on to say "Affiant is informed that said warrant is not at the General Land Office.  Affiant makes this declaration for the purpose of getting a duplicate certificate of said warrant to secure for him and the aforesaid heirs a title to said warrant and pray that the same will be granted".

On that same day George Boster and his brother Sidney Boster made affidavit before this same Justice, and substantiated the statements made by Lankford.

On January 20, 1864, six years later, the struggle for the land ended, as the following exact quotation of the official document will show.

"There is therefore granted by the United States, unto George Boster assignee of Charles Epperson, Lankford T. Epperson, Arlena A. Boster, formerly Epperson and Esy (sic) Caroline Clark formerly Epperson heirs at law of the said Polly Epperson deceased as to their interests and of Hiram Cape, assignee of Joshua Epperson and Patsy Epperson minor heirs of the said Polly Epperson deceased as to their interests by George Boster their duly appointed guardian, and to his heirs, the southwest quarter of section thirty five, in Township Four South of Range Five, East, in the District of Lands formerly subject to sale at Shawneetown, now Spring, Illinois, containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the Official Surveyor General, which said tract has been located in satisfaction of the above mentioned Warrant, in pursuance of the Act of Congress above mentioned, approved February 11, 1847 - TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said quarter section of land, with the appurtenances thereof unto George Boster and to his heirs and assigns forever." January 28, 1864.

This land was located in the Dahlgren Township of Hamilton Co., IL.

             iv.  ECCY CAROLINE EPPERSON, b. 1825, TN; m. CAPT. WILLIAM CLARK, July 12, 1849, Hamilton Co., IL; b. 1824, VA.

Notes for CAPT. WILLIAM CLARK:

William and Esee are listed on the 1850 Census, Hamilton Co., IL, p. 22 (living next door to John and Phoebe Clark.)
137/137: William W. Clark, w, m, age 24, farmer, b. VA
Esee, w, f, age 25, b. TN
Epperson, Martha, w, f, age 15, f, b. TN

William was not the brother of Thomas Clark married to Martha.

3.           v.   CHARLES DAVIS EPPERSON, b. November 26, 1826, Anderson Co., TN; d. March 18, 1885, Hamilton Co., IL.

4.          vi.   LANKFORD EPPERSON, b. 1829, Anderson Co., TN; d. December 10, 1896, IL.

5.         vii.   JOSHUA A. EPPERSON, b. October 1833, Anderson Co., TN; d. August 07, 1921, Dahgren, Hamilton Co., IL.

           viii.   MARTHA "PATSY" EPPERSON, b. Abt. 1835.

Notes for MARTHA "PATSY" EPPERSON: Martha is listed on the 1850 Census, Hamilton Co., living in the household of her older sister, Eccy Caroline Epperson Clark, p. 22
137/137: William W. Clark, w, m, age 24, farmer, b. VA
Esee, w, f, age 25, b. TN
Martha, w, f, age 15, f, b. TN

             ix.   ARLENA A. EPPERSON, b. 1836, TN; m. JOSHUA BOSTER, Bef. 1848.

Notes for ARLENA A. EPPERSON: In 1850, Arlena R. and her brother, Joshua are living in the household of George Boster (i.e. Baiseter on Census), their brother-in-law.  She is listed as age 14.

Notes for JOSHUA BOSTER: Joshua Boster and George Boster were brothers.  

James and Arlena A. Epperson Boster

Generation No. 2

2.  PERMELIA EMAILINE2 EPPERSON (JOSHUA1) was born Abt. 1822 in TN.  She married GEORGE BOSTER September 15, 1842 in Hamilton Co., IL, son of JOHN BOSTER and MARY NIBERT.  He was born May 03, 1809 in West Virginia, and died February 01, 1888 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL.  

Click here to view the lineage of George and Permelia EmailineBoster

3.  CHARLES DAVIS2 EPPERSON (JOSHUA1) was born November 26, 1826 in Anderson Co., TN, and died March 18, 1885 in Hamilton Co., IL.  He married SARAH OBEDIENCE CROSS November 30, 1848 in Hamilton Co., IL, daughter of PLEASANT MARION CROSS.  She was born September 06, 1831 in Jackson Co., TN, and died October 09, 1919 in Hamilton Co., IL.

Notes for CHARLES DAVIS EPPERSON:

Click here to view family photo.

Charles was a carpenter.

Charles is listed on the 1850 Hamilton Co, IL Census
375/375: Charles Epperson, w, f, age 23, laborer, b. TN
Sarah, w, f, age 19, b. TN
Plesant M., w, m, age 7/12, b. IL
Martha Epperson, w, f, age 14, b. IL

Charles is listed on the 1860 Census, Hamilton Co., IL, p. 204
1333/1333: Charles Epperson, age 33, m, farmer, $500, b. TN
Sarah E., age 29, f, b. TN
Pleasant M., age 11, m, b. IL
Joshua, age 9, m, b. IL
John W., age 8, m, b. IL
James, age 5, m, b. IL
Charles D., age 3, m, b. IL
Mary A., age 2/12, f, b. IL
Stacy, Sylvia L., age 15, f, b. IL

More About CHARLES DAVIS EPPERSON: Burial: Union Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Notes for SARAH OBEDIENCE CROSS: Sarah was the step-daughter of Pleasant Marion Cross.  Her real father was Alexander Lowery.

After the death of Charles, Sarah  remarried to Jacob Stelle at the age of 63.

See biography of John R. Cross

Click here for Sarah's Obituary.

More About SARAH OBEDIENCE CROSS: Burial: Union Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Children of CHARLES EPPERSON and SARAH CROSS are:

9.            i.   PLEASANT MARION3 EPPERSON, b. December 16, 1849, Dahlgren, Hamilton Co. IL; d. May 09, 1935, Hoodville, Hamilton Co., IL.

10.         ii.   JOSHUA VOLTAIRE EPPERSON, b. 1851, IL; d. March 04, 1939, Bluford, IL.

11.        iii.   JOHN WESLEY EPPERSON, b. December 06, 1853, IL; d. January 06, 1931, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.

12.        iv.   JAMES CHRISTOPHER EPPERSON, b. February 15, 1856, IL; d. September 15, 1927, Centralia, IL.

13.         v.   CHARLES DAVIS EPPERSON, b. 1858, IL; d. October 18, 1918, IL.

14.        vi.   MARY ELMIRA EPPERSON, b. June 1860, IL; d. 1949, IL.

15.       vii.   TABITHA ANGELINA EPPERSON, b. 1863, IL; d. 1886, IL.

16.       viii.   KELIEN T. EPPERSON, b. March 13, 1868, IL; d. Bef. 1919, Hamilton Co. IL.

17.        ix.   WILLIAM JOSEPH EPPERSON, b. May 1870, IL; d. 1945, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL.

18.         x.   RUBY ELBERT EPPERSON, b. May 23, 1865, Hamilton Co. IL; d. July 06, 1939, Delafield, IL.

4.  LANKFORD2 EPPERSON (JOSHUA1) was born 1829 in Anderson Co., TN, and died December 10, 1896 in IL.  He married POLLY BRUMLEY September 16, 1851 in Hamilton Co., IL. 

Notes for LANKFORD EPPERSON: Lankford lived in Delafield in a house that had once been a general store.  He wore a long white beard. He was said to be the strongest man in the county and could beat any man in a wrestling match. He was a soldier in the Civil War from August 13, 1862 to February 1, 1863.  He was six feet tall, of fair complexion, and had blue eyes and dark hair.

More About LANKFORD EPPERSON: Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

More About POLLY BRUMLEY: Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL      

Children of LANKFORD EPPERSON and POLLY BRUMLEY are:

19.          i.     PHOEBE3 EPPERSON.

              ii.     ELNORA EPPERSON.

20.        iii.     ELIJAH EPPERSON, b. 1868, IL.

5.  JOSHUA A.2 EPPERSON (JOSHUA1) was born October 1833 in Anderson Co., TN, and died August 07, 1921 in Dahgren, Hamilton Co., IL.  He married SARAH IRVIN January 18, 1857 in Hamilton Co., IL.  She was born July 1836 in IL, and died 1921.

Notes for JOSHUA A. EPPERSON: Obit: Dahlgren Echo, pub. August 11, 1921. Joshua Epperson,.  "One of oldest & most respected citizens d. 07 Aug 1921 at home.  Interred Sugar Camp Cem."

In 1850, Arlena R. and her brother, Joshua are living in the household of George Boster (i.e. Baiseter on Census), their brother-in-law.  Joshua is listed as age 16 years.

His Will was probated August 20, 1921 (Box 88-3). March 29, 1922 (89-8) *Esther Epperson         

Joshua was a Private in Civil War, Co. G, 16th Inf. He had brown hair and blue eyes and a fair complexion.  After he was discharged, September 16, he returned to Oak Grove where he resumed raising crops, cattle and hogs.

Joshua was a farmer and wore a long white beard.

Joshua and Sarah settled in Jefferson County, a few miles south of Belle Rive, after their marriage.  They lived their until they retired to Dahlgren to spend their remaining years.

1870 Census, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 132
181/184: EPPERSON, Josehua, age 34, b. TN
Sarah, age 31, b. IL
Mary L, age 12, b. IL
Elnora, age 4, IL
Clara, age 2, b. IL
Lucy, age 2/12, b. IL

1880 Census, Jefferson Co., IL; p. 4
37/39: EPPERSON, Joshua, age 46, TN, VA, VA
Sarah, age 41, wife, IL, NY, VT
Ella, age 14, dau, IL, TN, IL
Clara M., age 12, dau, IL, TN, IL
Lucretia, age 10, dau, IL, TN, IL
Minnie, age 8, dau, IL, TN, IL
Laura, age 6, dau, IL, TN, IL

1900 Census, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 124
4/5: Joshua A. Epperson, head, w, m, Oct 1833, age 66, m-42, TN, VA, VA
Sarah, wife, July 1836, age 63, m-42, 9child/9living, IL, NY, NY
Minnie, dau, Feb 1872, age 28, IL, TN, IL
Laura, dau, Dec 1874, age 25, S, IL, TN, IL
Ruth, dau, Aug 1877, age 23, S, IL, TN, IL
Birdie E., dau, age 18, Sept 1881, S. IL, TN, IL
James A., son, age 18, Sept 1881, S, IL, TN, IL
Ruth, age 3, dau, IL, TN, IL

More About JOSHUA A. EPPERSON: Burial: Sugar Camp Cemetery, Moores Prairie Twp, Jefferson Co., IL

More About SARAH IRVIN: Burial: Sugar Camp Cemetery, Moores Prairie Twp, Jefferson Co., IL     

Children of JOSHUA EPPERSON and SARAH IRVIN are:

              i.   MARY LOUISA A.3 EPPERSON, b. April 15, 1858.

              ii.   CHARLEY W. EPPERSON, b. November 05, 1859; d. September 09, 1864.

             iii.   SARAH A. EPPERSON, b. September 03, 1863, IL; d. September 12, 1864, IL.

             iv.   ELNORA "ELLA" EPPERSON, b. 1866, IL; d. July 05, 1905, IL.

             v.   CLARA M. "KATE" EPPERSON, b. May 27, 1868; m. FRANK WOODRUFF.

             vi.   LUCRETIA EPPERSON, b. May 05, 1870.

21.       vii.   RUTH EPPERSON, b. August 11, 1871, Jefferson Co., IL; d. August 06, 1912, Dahgren, Hamilton Co., IL.

           viii.   MINERVA "MINNIE"EPPERSON, b. February 11, 1872; m. UNKNOWN PURVIS.

Notes for MINERVA "MINNIE"EPPERSON: Lived in Moutrie Co., IL

             ix.   LAURA M. EPPERSON, b. December 25, 1875, Jefferson Co., IL; d. August 14, 1903, Moultrie Co., IL; m. HEBERT S. BAYER, April 07, 1901, Jefferson Co., IL.

Notes for LAURA M. EPPERSON: Obit pub. Times, August 20, 1903.  Died at home in Moultrie Co.  Dau. of J. A. & Sarah Epperson.

More About LAURA M. EPPERSON: Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery

Notes for HEBERT S. BAYER: The Bayer's moved to Moultrie Co., IL in covered wagon after a drought and crop failure in 1902. Laura died the following August, giving birth to their child.

             x.   RUTH EPPERSON, b. August 11, 1877.

             xi.   ESTHER BERTHA "BIRDIE" EPPERSON, b. September 10, 1881.

            xii.   JAMES EPPERSON, b. September 10, 1881.

Notes for JAMES EPPERSON: Moved to a farm near Cadwell, married and had children. 

Generation No. 3

9.  PLEASANT MARION3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 16, 1849 in Dahlgren, Hamilton Co. IL, and died May 09, 1935 in Hoodville, Hamilton Co., IL.  He married (1) RHODA BARR January 01, 1872 in Hamilton Co., IL.  She was born July 1852 in TN.  He married (2) WINNIE PRITCHETT October 21, 1927. 

Notes for PLEASANT MARION EPPERSON:

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From the McLeansboro Times:

Sunday, December 16, 1934 being the 85th birthday of P. M. Eppperson of Hoodville, a few of his friends and relatives spent the day with him.  A bountiful dinner was served and the birthday cake with 85 candles was very pretty. Those present were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Isham Yates of Belle Rive, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Epperson of Bluford, Joe Epperson of Mt. Vernon, Mr. and Mrs., John Gopin of Dahlgren and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Epperson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Epperson and Mrs. George Parkhurst of McLeansboro.  Chas. Hood and family, Bernie Irvin and wife of Paleigh, Dean Prtichett and Korah Goin."

Obit pub. Times-Leader, May 9, 1935

Pleasant Marion Epperson, b. 16 Dec 1849, Dahlgren Twp.; d. 07 May 1935, home in Hoodville; son of Charles & Sarah Cross Epperson.  Married Rhoda Barr, Jan 1, 1872; 4 childre: 2 survive: J. W. Epperson of McL., & Mrs. Loa Hood of McL.  Leaves 5 grch: Terrace, Claude & Junior Epperson; Ernest & Virginia Hood; 1 gr grch.: Lloyd Epperson.  Married Winnie Pritchett, 31 Oct 1927.  Leaves 3 brothers: J. V. Epperson of Bluford, R. E. Epperson of Delafield & W. J. Epperson of Mt. Vernon; 1 sister: Elmyra Yates of Belle Rive.  Interred IOOF, McL.

1900 Census, Hamilton Co., IL, p. 291
87/90: Marion Epperson, head, w, m, Dec 1849, age 50, m-27, IL, TN, TN
Rhoda, wife, w, f, July 1852, age 47, m-27, 1child/1living, TN, TN, TN
Lola E., dau, w, f, Dec 1881, age 18, IL, IL, TN

Marion began his storekeeping at Delafield, moving from there to Hoodville where he was also the postmaster.  His store was on the hillside near his home and its front porch extended out to the edge of the road so that he could receive produce.  He was a success in this venture.

More About PLEASANT MARION EPPERSON: Burial: IOOF, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL    

Click here to view photo of Marion and Rhoda.

Children of PLEASANT EPPERSON and RHODA BARR are:

22.          i.   LOLA E.4 EPPERSON, b. December 11, 1882, Hamilton Co. IL; d. January 19, 1957, Jefferson Co., IL.

23.         ii.   JOHN W. EPPERSON, b. December 1881; d. March 07, 1946, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.

             iii.   SARAH EPPERSON, b. October 10, 1872, Hamilton Co. IL; d. December 29, 1885.

Notes for SARAH EPPERSON:

Obit pub. Times, 07 Jan 1886
Sarah Epperson died at father's home 5 miles west of McL.  Dau of Marion & Rhoda Barr Epperson.

10.  JOSHUA VOLTAIRE3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born 1851 in IL, and died March 04, 1939 in Bluford, IL.  He married ELIZABETH "BETTY" CARR December 27, 1877 in Hamilton Co., IL. 

Notes for JOSHUA VOLTAIRE EPPERSON:

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Louis was the son of Lula Jewell.  After Lula died, Joshua and Betty gave him a home.

From the Mt. Vernon Register (no date)

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Epperson who have lived in Bluford for the past 45 years, observed their 61st wedding anniversary December 27, 1938.  Mr. Epperson is 87 years of age and Mrs. Epperson is 78. They were married in Hamilton County, December 27, 1877, and have one adopted child, Louie Epperson of Nell City, Indiana. Mr. Epperson was a merchant in Bluford for twenty years and has been retired for the past twenty-two years.

Obit pub. Times-Leader, 09 Mar 1939; aged 87 years; d. 04 Mar 1939, Bluford.  Son of Charles & Sarah Cross Epperson.  Uncle of Postmaster John W. Epperson of McL.  Conducted a General Store in Hoodville 55 years ago.  Leaves widow; 2 adopted sons, 2 bros.: Ruby E. Epperson of Delafield & Joe Epperson of Mt. Vernon; 1 sister, Mrs. Myra Yates of Belle Rive.

Notes for ELIZABETH "BETTY" CARR:

Betty died only ten days after her second marriage to William Ashby.

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Child of JOSHUA EPPERSON and ELIZABETH CARR is:

              i.   ODA4 EPPERSON.

Notes for ODA EPPERSON: Oda died young. Burial: Opdyke Cemetery

11.  JOHN WESLEY3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 06, 1853 in IL, and died January 06, 1931 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.  He married MARY J. GUILL December 25, 1876 in IL, daughter of JASPER GUILL.  She was born November 03, 1860 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died April 21, 1949 in Hamilton Co. IL.

Notes for JOHN WESLEY EPPERSON:

John was a Democrat.  John kept the Epperson place until 1905.  One deed dates for Lots in Thackery in 1905 and it was there he moved from when he left the farm.  He opened a store there which prospered most satisfactorily to him.  Later he moved his stock of goods to Broughton, where success, did not follow him.  He then sold the store and moved to McLeansboro where he clerked in a store.

Obit pub. Times, Jan 22, 1931

John W. Epperson, b. December 6, 1853; d. January 6, 1931, home in McLeansboro; 3rd son of Charles & Sarah Cross Epperson.  Engaged in teaching for 20 years.  Married Mary F. Guill, 25 Dec 1876; 3 children: Charles--d. in infancy & F. T. of McLeansboro, & Mrs. Clarence C. Echols of McLeansboro.  Leaves 4 bros.: J. V. of Bluford, P. M. of Hoodville, R. E. of Delafield, & W. J. of Mt. Vernon; 1 sister: Mrs. Isom Yates of Belle Rive.

1900 Census, Hamilton Co., IL Dahlgren Twp., p. 235
409/416: John W. Epperson, head, w, m, Dec 1853, age 46, m-24, IL, TN, TN
Mary J., wife, w, f, July 1861, age 39, m-24, IL, TN, TN
Fernando T., son, w, m, May 1879, age 21, S, IL, IL, IL  

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Notes for MARY J. GUILL:

Obit pub. Times-Leader May 5, 1949
Mary J. Guill Epperson, b. 03 Nov 1860, Ham. Co.; d. 21 Apr 1949; oldest of 10 children of Jasper and Elizabeth Guill.  Married John W. Epperson 25 Dec 1876; 3 children, 2 dead:  Charles died in infancy and F. T. died in 1941.  She leaves daughter, Mrs. Charles Echols of Dahlgren; 4 grandchildren: Mrs. Ermel Witters of McLeansboro, Clyde Echols of McLeansboro, Mrs. Zelia Hoffmeyer of Chicago and Mrs. Pauline Siegel of Lincoln, Neb.: Sister: Wilmouth, Mrs. George, Hinch of Marion, KY the youngest of the ten children.  Interred Ten Mile.

Burial: Ten Mile Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Children of JOHN EPPERSON and MARY GUILL are:

              i.   CHLOE4 EPPERSON, b. June 09, 1882, Hamilton Co. IL; d. March 09, 1966, Walpole, IL; m. (1) CLARENCE C. ECHOLS; d. 1933; m. (2) HARRY ECHOLS; d. 1964.

More About CHLOE EPPERSON: Burial: Blooming Grove Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

24.         ii.   FERNANDO T. EPPERSON, b. May 15, 1879, Middle Creek, Hamilton Co., IL; d. October 29, 1941, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL.

             iii.   CHARLES EPPERSON.

Notes for CHARLES EPPERSON: Charles died in infancy.

12.  JAMES CHRISTOPHER3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born February 15, 1856 in IL, and died September 15, 1927 in Centralia, IL.  He married (1) CINDY UNKNOWN.    He married (2) ELIZABETH "BETTY" CLOAR December 27, 1877 in Hamilton Co., IL.    He married (3) LUCINDA C. DAVIS February 26, 1890 in Jefferson Co., IL.  She was born May 1870 in IL, and died Aft. 1900.

Notes for JAMES CHRISTOPHER EPPERSON:

1900 Census, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 212:
31/31: James C. Epperson, head, w, m, Feb 1856, age 44, m-10, IL, TN, TN
Lucinda C., wife, w, f, May 1870, age 30, m-10, 4child/4living, IL, SC, IL
Fred V., son, w, m, Jan 1892, age 8, S, IL
Lula Leala, dau, Dec 1896, age 3, S, IL
Genevive C., dau, Nov 1899, age 6/12, S, IL
James C., son, w, m, Nov 1899, age 6/12, S, IL

Jim shot himself when he learned from a doctor that he was going blind.  He was 70 years old.

Child of JAMES EPPERSON and ELIZABETH CLOAR is:

25.          i.    HATTIE4 EPPERSON, b. December 19, 1879, Delafield, IL; d. January 15, 1967, Huntingburg, IN.    

Children of JAMES EPPERSON and LUCINDA DAVIS are:

              ii.    FRED V.4 EPPERSON, b. January 1892.

             iii.    LEILA EPPERSON, b. December 1896.

             iv.    GENEVIVE C. EPPERSON, b. November 1899.

             v.     JAMES C. EPPERSON, b. November 1899.

13.  CHARLES DAVIS3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born 1858 in IL, and died October 18, 1918 in IL.  He married (1) LAURA LOVAN, daughter of PRIOR LOVAN and EMELIA CARR.  She was born December 21, 1867, and died June 08, 1892.  He married (2) UNKNOWN.    He married (3) LULU "LOU" JEWELL February 28, 1893 in Jefferson Co., IL. 

Notes for CHARLES DAVIS EPPERSON: Cause of death: stroke  

Notes for LAURA LOVAN: Laura died of Tuberculosis.

Child of CHARLES EPPERSON and LAURA LOVAN is:

              i.   JAMES4 EPPERSON.

Notes for JAMES EPPERSON: James died young.

Children of CHARLES EPPERSON and LULU JEWELL are:

26.         ii.    LOUIE4 EPPERSON.

             iii.    CHARLES EPPERSON.

 Notes for CHARLES EPPERSON:

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             iv.    WILLIAM HOMER EPPERSON.

             v.    ANNA EPPERSON, b. January 1894, Belle Rive, Jefferson Co., IL.

 Notes for ANNA EPPERSON:

  Click here to view photo.

14.  MARY ELMIRA3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born June 1860 in IL, and died 1949 in IL.  She married (1) ISHAM YATES.    She married (2) DANIEL WILBURN "WIBB" CARR February 22, 1882 in Hamilton Co., IL, son of DANIEL CARR and ELIZABETH HARPER.  He was born September 1863 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died December 12, 1918 in Hamilton Co., IL.

Notes for DANIEL WILBURN "WIBB" CARR:

1900 Census, Hamilton Co., IL; p. 346B, 139/150

Wibb was a farmer.

Children of MARY EPPERSON and DANIEL CARR are:

              i.     JOSEPH V.4 CARR, b. February 09, 1883; m. ANNIE CROSS.

              ii.     CARMIE J. CARR, b. February 1885; m. CHARLES CRAVENS.

             iii.     THEODORE B. CARR, b. August 1887; m. MARY MARCUS.

             iv.     OTTIE ELVIS CARR, b. May 1890; m. TENA CREMEENS.

             v.     GEORGE CLEVELAND CARR, b. October 1892; m. UNKNOWN LOVAN.

             vi.     LAURA ODA CARR, b. June 1894; m. UNKNOWN PETTY.

            vii.     WILBURN EVERETT CARR, b. November 1896.

           viii.     ROXY P. CARR, b. May 1900.

15.  TABITHA ANGELINA3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born 1863 in IL, and died 1886 in IL.  She married JAMES "JACK" C. HARLAN, son of PHOEBIE JANE CAUDLE.  He was born February 11, 1861 in Danville, KY, and died March 06, 1924 in Pemberton, Christian Co., KY.

More About TABITHA ANGELINA EPPERSON:

Burial: Union Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Notes for JAMES "JACK" C. HARLAN:

Jack went to live in Kentucky after Lina's death but kept in touch with his children.  He later moved to Tennessee and remarried but never told his new family about his first marriage.

He was the father of 11 children by his second marriage.      

Children of TABITHA EPPERSON and JAMES HARLAN are:

              i.   FANNIE VICTORIA4 HARLAN, m. (1) WILLIAM STROTTNER; m. (2) GEORGE PARKHURST.

Notes for FANNIE VICTORIA HARLAN: Fannie lived past the age of 90 years.

              ii.   CHARLES DAVIS HARLAN, m. BEATRICE PAYNE.

             iii.   HARLIE HARLAN.

 Notes for HARLIE HARLAN: Harlin died young.

16.  KELIEN T.3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born March 13, 1868 in IL, and died Bef. 1919 in Hamilton Co. IL.  He married BELLE CAMP.  She died 1900.

More About KELIEN T. EPPERSON: Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Notes for BELLE CAMP: Belle died of tuberculosis.     

Children of KELIEN EPPERSON and BELLE CAMP are:

27.          i.   CEPHA KELIEN4 EPPERSON, b. November 20, 1894, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL; d. November 05, 1933, IL.

              ii.    VACAL EPPERSON.

             iii.    KASPER EPPERSON.

             iv.    JOSHUA EPPERSON.

             v.     ZOA EPPERSON.

             vi.    RUBY EPPERSON.

17.  WILLIAM JOSEPH3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born May 1870 in IL, and died 1945 in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL.  He married GRACE KNIFFEN.  She was born May 1869 in IL, and died Abt. 1946.

Notes for WILLIAM JOSEPH EPPERSON:

1900 Census, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 212
33/33: William J. Epperson, head, w, m, May 1870, age 30, m-7, IL, TN, TN
Grace A., wife, w, f, May 1869, m-7, 2child/2lving, IL, NY, TN
Amzis T., son, Apr 1894, age 6, IL
Gene B., son, July 1896, age 3, IL      

Children of WILLIAM EPPERSON and GRACE KNIFFEN are:

              i.     AMZI4 EPPERSON, b. April 1895.

              ii.     EUGENE B. EPPERSON, b. July 1896.

             iii.     THELMA EPPERSON.

             iv.     GRACE EPPERSON.

18.  RUBY ELBERT3 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born May 23, 1865 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died July 06, 1939 in Delafield, IL.  He married ROSA ALCORA BOYER December 26, 1888, daughter of SAMUEL BOYER and LOUISA DAILY.  She was born December 22, 1866 in Middle Creek, Hamilton Co., IL, and died July 18, 1941.

Notes for RUBY ELBERT EPPERSON:

Obit pub. Times-Leader, 05 Jun 1939.
Ruby Elbert Epperson, b. 23 May 1865, Ham. Co,; d. 06 Jun 1939, home near Delafield; son of charles & Sarah Cross Epperson.  Married Rose Boyer, 25 Dec 1889; 7 children, one died in infancy.  Leaves widow; 6 children: Orlan of Jackson, Mich., Paul of McL., Harold Epperson of Effingham, Mrs. Fay Waigand of Mascoutah, Mrs. Leslie Bowers of Gillespie, & Mrs. Ione Carr of Delafield, one sister: Mrs. Islam Yates, one brother, Joseph Epperson of Mt. Vernon.  Interred Middle Creek.

1900 Census, Hamilton Co., Dahlgren Twp, p. 233
386/393: Ruby Epperson, head, w, m, May 1865, age 35, m-11, IL, TN, TN
Rosa, wife, w, f, Dec 1866, age 33, m-11, 3child/2living, IL, IL, IL
Orlin, son, w, m, Dec 1890, age 9, S, b. IL
Ione, dauu, w, f, Nov 1899, age 7/12, S, b. IL

"I never liked my name", Ruby would often say.  He went by "Rube".

More About RUBY ELBERT EPPERSON: Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Notes for ROSA ALCORA BOYER:

Obit pub. Times-Leader, 24 July 1941. Rosa Alcora Boyer Epperson, b. 22 Dec 1866; d. 18 July 1941, dau. of Samuel & Louisa Daily Boyer.  Married Ruby Epperson, 26 Dec 1888 -- d. July 1939; 7 children.  Leaves 6 children: Orlan of Jackson, Mich., Paul of McL., & Harold Epperson of Strausberg, Mrs. Floyd Carr of Delafield, Mrs. Leslie Bowers of Gillespie, & Mrs. Alfred Weigand of Mascoutah; 1 brother, Heber Boyer; 2 sisters: Mrs. M. M. Daily and Mrs. Edgar Atchison.  Interred Middle Creek.

Rosa was known as "Rose".

More About ROSA ALCORA BOYER: Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Children of RUBY EPPERSON and ROSA BOYER are:

              i.   FAYE4 EPPERSON.

              ii.   HAROLD EPPERSON.

             iii.   HAROLD EPPERSON.

             iv.   IDA MAY EPPERSON.

             v.   MIRA FAY EPPERSON.

28.        vi.   PAUL HEBERT EPPERSON, b. February 25, 1903, Delafield, IL; d. March 27, 1962, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.

            vii.   UNKNOWN EPPERSON.

           viii.   UNKNOWN EPPERSON.

29.        ix.   ORLAN HASSETT EPPERSON, b. December 09, 1890, Hamilton Co. IL; d. November 18, 1965, St. Cloud, FL.

             x.   IONE PANSY EPPERSON, b. November 1899, IL.

19.  PHOEBE3 EPPERSON (LANKFORD2, JOSHUA1)  She married (1) JIM MILLER.    She married (2) RUBE WILSON. 

  Child of PHOEBE EPPERSON and JIM MILLER is:

              i.     AMERICA ANN4 MILLER.

20.  ELIJAH3 EPPERSON (LANKFORD2, JOSHUA1) was born 1868 in IL.  He married LETHA UNKNOWN.  She was born 1872 in IN.

Notes for ELIJAH EPPERSON: Pvt. Co. K, 110 US INF

1920 Census, Hamilton Co., IL, Dahlgren Twp
194/199: Elijah Epperson, head, age 52, IL, KY, IN, Farmer
Letha, wife, age 48, IN, IN, IN
Onas, son, age 16, IL, IL, IN
Ades, son, age 12, IL, IL, IN
Goldie, dau, age 9, IL, IL, IN

Children of ELIJAH EPPERSON and LETHA UNKNOWN are:

              i.     ONAS4 EPPERSON, b. 1904.

              ii.     ADES EPPERSON, b. 1908.

             iii.     GOLDIE EPPERSON, b. 1911.

21.  RUTH3 EPPERSON (JOSHUA A.2, JOSHUA1) was born August 11, 1871 in Jefferson Co., IL, and died August 06, 1912 in Dahgren, Hamilton Co., IL.  She married FLOYD LOWRY March 10, 1909. 

Notes for RUTH EPPERSON:

Obit pub. Dahlgren Echo, August 8, 1912.  Ruth Epperson Lowry, b. August 11, 1871, Jefferson Co., IL; d. August 6, 1912, home in Dahlgren; dau of Joshua and Sarah Epperson.  Married Floyd Lowry March 10, 1909; 1 dau, Fern.  Leaves husband, dau, parents, 1 brother, 54 sisters.  One sister named:  Mrs. Frank Woodworth.  Interr. IOOF Dahlgren.

Burial: IOOF Cemetery, Dahlgren, Hamilton Co., IL

Child of RUTH EPPERSON and FLOYD LOWRY is:

              i.     FERN4 LOWRY.

Generation No. 4

22.  LOLA E.4 EPPERSON (PLEASANT MARION3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 11, 1882 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died January 19, 1957 in Jefferson Co., IL.  She married CHARLES W. HOOD April 19, 1909. 

Notes for LOLA E. EPPERSON:

Obit pub. Times-Leader, 31 Oct 1957

Lola E. Epperson Hood, b. 11 Dec 1882, Ham. Co.; d. 26 Oct 1957, hosp. in McLeansboro; dau of P. Marion & Rhoda Barr Epperson.  Married Charles W. Hood, 19 Apr 1909 - d.  Leaves son: Ernest Hood of McLeansboro; dau: Mrs. D. W. Nelson of Evansville, IN; 3 grch; Sandra Nelson, Roger and Alec Hood.

Children of LOLA EPPERSON and CHARLES HOOD are:

              i.     ERNEST5 HOOD.

              ii.    DAUGHTER HOOD.

23.  JOHN W.4 EPPERSON (PLEASANT MARION3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 1881, and died March 07, 1946 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.  He married IDA B. PERKINS 1900.  She was born November 1880 in IL.

Notes for JOHN W. EPPERSON:

Obit Pub. Times-Leader, March 14, 1946 John W. Epperson, d. 07 Mar 1946, home in McL., son of Marion & Rhoda Barr Epperson.  Married Ida B. Perkins.  Leaves wife; 2 sons: Claude & John M. Epperson; grson: Loyd Epperson; sister: Mrs. Charles W. Hood.  One son died, Terrace, in 1939.

1900 Census, Hamilton Co., IL p. 291
87/91: John W. Epperson, head, w, m, Dec 1877, age 22, m-0, IL, IL, TN
Ida, wife, w, f, Nov 1880, age 19, m-0, IL, IL, IL

  Children of JOHN EPPERSON and IDA PERKINS are:

              i.   CLAUDE5 EPPERSON, b. February 11, 1903, Hamilton Co. IL; d. September 10, 1959, McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL; m. LILLIAN EDICK, December 29, 1928, Hamilton Co., IL.

              ii.   JOHN M. EPPERSON.

             iii.   TERRACE EPPERSON, d. 1939.

24.  FERNANDO T.4 EPPERSON (JOHN WESLEY3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born May 15, 1879 in Middle Creek, Hamilton Co., IL, and died October 29, 1941 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL.  He married (1) MAMIE T. HINCH September 23, 1900.  She was born October 24, 1881, and died April 17, 1921 in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL.  He married (2) KATHRYN MCLAFFERTY May 09, 1922 in Dixon, IL, daughter of CHARLES MCLAFFERTY.  She was born September 09, 1887 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died July 25, 1939 in Hamilton Co. IL.

Notes for FERNANDO T. EPPERSON:

Obit pub. Times-Leader, November 6, 1941 Fernando T. Epperson, b. 15 May 1879, near Middle Creek, Ham. Co.; d. 29 Oct 1941, McL.; son of John W. & Mary J. Guill Epperson.  Married Mamie Hinch, 23 Sept 1900 -- she d. 1921; 6 ch.  Leaves mother; 3 children: Lelia, Mrs. Zelia Hoffmyer of Chicago, Mabel, Mrs. Verne Hampton of Mt. Vernon, Pauline, Mrs. M. D. Sigel of Lincoln, Neb.  Married Kathryn McLafferty--she d. 1939; 1 children, both died in infancy.  Interred Middle Creek.

Burial: Middle Creek Cemetery, Hamilton Co., IL

Notes for MAMIE T. HINCH:

Click here to view Obituary. Burial: Delafield, IL

Notes for KATHRYN MCLAFFERTY: Obit pub. Times-Leader, June 5, 1939 Burial: St. Clements Cemetery, McLeansboro, IL.   

Children of FERNANDO EPPERSON and MAMIE HINCH are:

              i.     ZELIA5 EPPERSON.

              ii.     MABEL EPPERSON.

             iii.     PAUL EPPERSON.

25.  HATTIE4 EPPERSON (JAMES CHRISTOPHER3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 19, 1879 in Delafield, IL, and died January 15, 1967 in Huntingburg, IN.  She married WILLIAM TILDEN SURVANT June 05, 1898 in Bluford, IL, son of JAMES SURVANT and FRANCES MCCORMACK.     

Children of HATTIE EPPERSON and WILLIAM SURVANT are:

              i.   ODA OCIE5 SURVANT, b. January 05, 1899; d. May 13, 1951, Huntingburg, IN.

Notes for ODA OCIE SURVANT: Ocie never married.  She was engaged twice but both men died prior to marriage. She was a Methodist, a tailor at Line's Clothing Store in Jasper, IN.

              ii.   FANNIE SURVANT, b. October 12, 1900, Francisco, IN; d. September 28, 1997, Terre Haute, IN; m. MARION BETHEL TISLOW.

More About FANNIE SURVANT: Burial: Fairmont Cemetery, Hungtingburg, IN

             iii.   ELVES SURVANT, b. February 07, 1903, Francisco, IN; d. 1987, Huntingburg, IN; m. DANIEL ARENSMAN, July 19, 1924.

             iv.   ALFRED EARL SURVANT, b. May 15, 1905, Spencer Co., IN; d. September 17, 1947, Huntingburg, IN; m. (1) WINONA KENDAL, November 05, 1927, Jasper, IN; m. (2) CATHERINE BENCE, March 22, 1943.

Notes for ALFRED EARL SURVANT: Alfred died of heart disease.

26.  LOUIE4 EPPERSON (CHARLES DAVIS3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1)  He married GERTRUDE SIMPSON. 

Notes for LOUIE EPPERSON: Louis was adopted by Joshua and Betty Carr Epperson after his mother died.

 Click here to view photo of Gertrude.

Child of LOUIE EPPERSON and GERTRUDE SIMPSON is:

              i.     JOE5 EPPERSON.

27.  CEPHA KELIEN4 EPPERSON (KELIEN T.3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born November 20, 1894 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., IL, and died November 05, 1933 in IL.  He married PEARL BRIDWELL July 15, 1914. 

Notes for CEPHA KELIEN EPPERSON:

Obit Pub. Times-Leader, November 9, 1933.  Cepha Kelien Epperson, b. 20 Nov 1894, McL.; d. 05 Nove 1933; son of Kelien & Belle Epperson.  Married Pearl Bridwell, 15 July 1914; 1 son, Randall.  Leaves 3 brother, Ruby, Kasper, Joshua, all of California; 2 sisters, Mrs. Cyril B. Leake of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Mrs. William V. Surman of Peru, IL.

Child of CEPHA EPPERSON and PEARL BRIDWELL is:

              i.     RANDALL5 EPPERSON.

28.  PAUL HEBERT4 EPPERSON (RUBY ELBERT3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born February 25, 1903 in Delafield, IL, and died March 27, 1962 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. ,IL.  He married LELIA MCDANIEL August 30, 1925 in Hamilton Co., IL, daughter of EDWARD MCDANIEL and IDA STANDERFER.  She was born August 29, 1904 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died May 03, 1987 in Carmi Township Hospital, Hamilton Co., IL.

Notes for LELIA MCDANIEL: Lelia was a member of the Hamilton Co. Historical Society and the Memorial Hosp. Auxiliary.

Children of PAUL EPPERSON and LELIA MCDANIEL are:

              i.   DONALD5 EPPERSON, m. BILLIE STOREY.

Notes for DONALD EPPERSON: Resided in Billings, Montana.

              ii.   PEGGY JANE EPPERSON, m. CHARLES ROBERT WEBB.

29.  ORLAN HASSETT4 EPPERSON (RUBY ELBERT3, CHARLES DAVIS2, JOSHUA1) was born December 09, 1890 in Hamilton Co. IL, and died November 18, 1965 in St. Cloud, FL.  He married IRENE DAILY. 

Notes for ORLAN HASSETT EPPERSON:

Author of "The Short and Simple Annals of the Epperson Family of Hamilton County, Illinois" on which this genealogy is based.

Orlan was a school teacher at Dahlgren, IL  (See photo).  He was installed as the "youngest principal in the state of Illinois", at a salary of sixty dollars a month for eight months.  Later he was principal of McLeansboro High School and in five years was superintendent.  

Click here to view photo.

Children of ORLAN EPPERSON and IRENE DAILY are:

              i.     KENT5 EPPERSON.

              ii.     KERMIT EPPERSON.

             iii.     CHARLES EPPERSON.

             iv.     WANDA EPPERSON.

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