Jesse P Caudill (1795-1891): May 2011

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Compare these pics to the possible Jesse P photo

Here's the possible Jesse P photo along with some descendants. See any family resemblance?

Jesse P Caudill ?

grandson Malachi Enoch Caudill (1877-1910)

grandson Thomas Jefferson Caudill (1859-1931)

son Tyrrell Robert Caudill (1850-1918)

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Who do you think they are?

This picture belonged to Mattie Lou EDWARDS SHOLES (1919-2003). She was a great great granddaughter of Jesse P CAUDILL (1795-1891). Mattie's parents Alta Blanche CAUDILL (1898-1996) and Lonnie EDWARDS (1894-1968) inherited the Jesse P homestead from Alta's parents Tyrell Robert CAUDILL (1850-1918) and Nancy Caroline FENDER (1853-1942) who inherited the property in 1891 from Jesse P's second wife Biddie BLEDSOE (1826-1904). The property was owned by Jesse P's descendants until 1997 when Mattie and a brother sold it after the death of their mother Alta Blanche.

The picture below was handed down through each generation who lived on the property. Mattie inherited it but did not know who the three people are. It's thought that the picture might be old enough to be Jesse P and Biddy. Taken some time before 1892? The one big stumbling block seems to be the question as to what race the old man might to be. Is he black? I think it would be highly unlikely that a southern white woman be sitting for a formal picture with a black man at her side holding a white child especially in the late 1800's? What do you think? Does anyone see any clues that might indicate the time frame?

FYI - Jesse P owned slaves and several are buried next to he and his two wifes in the family cemetery on the homestead property.