Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The last of Zilpha Ellen

I took a truncated trip to AL last month. Wasn't able to do much genealogy because of family sickness. However, I DID find the answers to a couple of unsolved questions. And proved that most of my Zilpha theories were correct. Not bad for only three hours at the Huntsville Public Library. 

For background, please refer to my original post about Zilpha Elender Edins Pope Freeman, which lists her marriages and children. That post is here:



http://alroots2.blogspot.com/2011/10/zilpha-emily-eleanor-eddins-pope.html


We know this is the right person from mother Nancy Ann Hendricks's application for an 1812 widow's pension. Nancy Ann lived with Zilpha Ellen E.P. F in Opelika until 1880. The pension application is here:



https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-12848-1000-16?cc=1834325&wc=11768031


The source of my joy:


See, at the HPL there's this book...long title, but here's all the info you need to find it:



TAP ROOTS: Epitaphs in East Central Alabama Cemeteries, Vol. 3, Rosemere Cemetery, Opelika, AL, by Robert C. Horn and Mariemma Fuller, et. al., Copyright 1985 by the Genealogical Society of East Alabama, Inc., P.O. Box 84, Dadeville, AL 36853. 

This is part of the info gathered by the Genealogical Society of East Alabama. They cover Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties. Their mailing address has changed from 1985, when the book was written; now the P.O. Box is in Opelika. You can find more FREE info from them here: 


http://www.gsofea.org/


The joy itself:


I found the epitaphs of Zilpha, her children, and her sister-in-law Ann Eddins. 


At first I thought Ann Eddens was Zilpha's mother, Nancy Ann Hendricks (who married James A. Edins), but Ann's age at death (62) didn't match Nancy Ann's age in the 1880 Census (84). Obviously two different people. Still haven't found Nancy Ann yet, but there's time this year for another trip to AL.  :))))


Returning to Zilpha's family: 


At the Rosemere Cemetery one finds:


"F. M. Pope (two markers)

Co. F 18th ALA Infantry, Regiment  - C S A
October 29, 1838 - October 26, 1924"

F. M. Pope = Francis Marion Pope, Zilpha's son by William H. Pope



"Martha Jane Pope b. November 13, 1836, d. October 17, 1917 (on reverse F. M. Pope #1)"

MJP = Martha Jane Pope, Zilpha's daughter by William H. Pope

"W. H.  Pope 
Co. G 37th ALA  - C S A
1840  - 1906"

W. H. Pope = William H. Pope, Zilpha's son by William H. Pope

"Ann Eddens, 62"

Ann Eddens = Ann M. Kennedy Edins, widow of James F. Edins, Zilpha's brother. 

And finally....

TAH DAH!!!!!!

Ellen Pope Age 72 years
No dates (below F.M. Pope #1)

Zilpha Elender "Ellen" Eddins Pope Freeman. If she was born 1821 - 1826, an age-at-death of 72 years would give a death year between 1893 - 1898. Which makes sense, because she appears in the 1880 Census but not in the 1900 Census. 

Other Popes lie in the same plot, but I have no information on them: Lula Pope and Sallie Pope. Who can they be??

I wish there were more to tell about Zilpha. She seems to be as dynamic and delightful as her namesake grandmother Zilpha. If there's more to find, I'll find it next trip to AL. Can't wait!!!!!



2 comments:

  1. I live near Rosemere and may could help you out

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  2. I have done extensive documenting and photographing interments out at Rosemere and have visited it many many times . I could take some photos of the pope’s headstones and send them to you or if I can help in anyway let me know you can email me @tcarroll83@live.com

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