Shelby County Today

July 27, 2020 - Priority Family Healthcare, LLC welcomed family and friends to their new member ribbon cutting for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, July 27, 2020.

Chamber of Commerce Ambassador President Stephanie Elswick welcome Carriston Hendricks, FNP-C, and her practice to the community and said a quote, "Never start a business just to make money; start a business to make a difference." She continued, "After getting to know Carriston that is definitely why she is in this business."

Carriston Hendricks, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, spoke, "Thank you so much for everyone coming; I see lots of familiar faces and a few that I think I will get to know. Priority Family Healthcare started several months ago. It's not anything that was definitely a quick jump into but with my husband by my side and definitely lots of family and friends, we were able to accomplish a huge dream that I've had for many years. And definitely my most important aspect is to be here to be able to serve Shelby County. So, thank you very much, thank you to my wonderful staff and friends for everything and for being here for me. This really means the world to me."

Priority Family Healthcare will be doing sports physicals for $20 on August 1st from 8am until 2pm. Call to schedule an appointment or walk-ins are welcome.

Priority Family Healthcare is located at 1749 Southview Circle in Dr. Chandra’s building. Hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am until 12 noon. Telemedicine visits are available at anytime during or after-hours. For more information or to schedule an appoitment, call 936-590-4708. Phones are answered 24/7.

July 27, 2020 - VFW Post 8904 and auxiliary gathered on the downtown square to remember the heroes of the Korean War Armistice on its 67th anniversary on Monday, July 27th.

Larry Hume shared a summary of the Korean War. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army began an offensive to invade South Korea that resulted in the capture of the republic’s capital, Seoul, within four days. The United States, the United Kingdom and other members of the United Nations moved to actively defend South Korea – an effort that would last until July 27, 1953, when negotiations concluded and fighting finally ended.

VFW Commander Gene Hutto then laid the memorial wreath to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War. To end the program the playing of Taps was done by Mike Langford in honor of those who died in the service of their country during the Korean War and those who served and have since passed.

Hume then recogized John Piersol who served in the Korean War and acknowledged Piersol celebrating his 90th birthday.

Shelby County soldiers Killed-in-Action:

• Floyd Harris, killed-in-action on September 24, 1950
• Clifford Hughes, killed-in-action on August 13, 1950
• Johnny V. Mena, killed-in-action on April 19, 1951
• Bobbie F. Mock, killed-in-action on November 22, 1950
• Billy Clyde Stephenson, killed-in-action on November 5, 1952
• Leonard Williams, killed-in-action on May 18, 1951
• Willie J. Wilson, killed-in-action on May 27, 1951

Missing-in-Action:

• Wilie E. Windham, missing-in-action since August 12, 1950

Prisoners of War:

• Hubert L. Langford, North Korean POW
• Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean POW
• Billy Lee Wescoat, Chinese POW
• Leonard Scott, North Korean POW

July 21, 2020 - A grand opening and new member ribbon cutting was held at Leather and Lace Western Boutique on Tuesday, July 21 and for an additional celebration boutique is offering a 10% discount the remainder of this week.

On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassodors, Ambassador President Stephanie Elswick welcomed Tonya Martin, owner of Leather and Lace Western Boutique to the business community.

Elswick said, "We are so greatful to be here today for a lot of reasons, one is a fantastic business has opened. Congratulations!" She then added the second reason was for an opportunity to be together.

Tonya Martin spoke and with her mother Marsha Jones by her side she gave her mother recognition for her help with the business. Martin added, "It's like a little family boutique and we have crosses, clothes, bedding. We are just real excited about our home town, I was born and raised here."

The boutique has clothing for women and children and has plans to add men's clothing along with leather belts. The women's clothing includes plus sizes as well. The home decor has a wide selection of crosses, metal stars, rustic signs, and much more. Tonya says she can put a bow on the crosses or home decor items for the customer so they are ready as a thoughtful gift.

Leather and Lace Western Boutique is open from 8am until 5pm, Monday through Friday and 8am until 2pm on Saturdays. Martin does offer delivery of merchandise when possible. For more information call 936-427-5117.

July 17, 2020 - In the age of the internet, genealogical research is much easier than it used to be. Birth, death, marriage, military service, and census records frequently can be found online. But not always. Research roadblocks sometimes happen and in Texas, that often requires a visit to the County Clerk's Office. Nacogdoches attorney Judy Wells specializes in establishing the ownership of mineral rights in Texas and is familiar with the process. She shared some useful tips on doing research at a County Clerk's office with the Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society at their July meeting last Wednesday.

“Once when I was searching the records in a County Clerk's office I found the volume I was looking for high on the top of a bookshelf. So I climbed up the ladder and pulled the book off the shelf, sending a cloud of dust into my face, which gave me respiratory problems for about two weeks,” Wells related. Genealogical research has physical hazards as well as emotional ones, so be prepared.

In Texas, the County Clerk is the clerk for the county courts, and the Commissioner's Court, as well as the recorder of all real property instruments in the county. They are responsible for county elections, maintaining vital statistics, issuing marriage licenses, and filing assumed name certificates. They can also administer oaths and affirmations, and take affidavits and depositions. Among the other documents County Clerks record are will probate decrees, adoptions, powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements, abstracts of judgment, patents, and homestead liens, any one of which might be of great value to a genealogical researcher. Finding them might be a different story, Wells shared.

“Why is it so hard to search old county records”? asked Wells. “Because in the old days, the County Clerk was charged with keeping these records but they could use any filing system they chose,” she replied. “Sometimes the clerk kept a separate book for each type of record, so that oil and gas records might be in one book, deeds of trust in another, and  foreclosure records in another. The county might have fifteen different books of records. There is also the possibility that someone in the clerk's office became confused and recorded the instrument in the wrong book,” she revealed. “Most County Clerk's Office records are like a maze. Usually there is an index. Start there. Knowing what you are looking for is in Volume 12 is good but there might be several Volume 12s. What are you going to do? You have to ask for help. How do you get someone to help you? Bribe them with treats!” she laughed. “ Cookies and pizza are good choices. So are popcorn and kolaches. I like to take some of my home-made jalapeno salsa and chips” she said.  “You have to charm them.”

Sometimes the researcher encounters a roadblock at the courthouse itself. The statement “Oh, that was before the courthouse burned and we lost all the records” can bring tears to a researcher's eyes. “Most of the courthouses in East Texas have burned at least once. Some have burned several times. Shelby County's courthouse burned on June 1, 1882,” Wells shared.

 The Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room of the Timpson Public Library, located on the corner of Austin and Bremond Streets in Timpson. The public is invited. The TAGHS Genealogy Library is located inside the Timpson Public Library but is currently closed due to Covid-19.