Wiley Thomas (see below)
James J., b. ca. 1843, md. Mary S. ________
Drury Y., b. January 23, 1858, md. Nancy A. _______, d. Feb. 14, 1933
William
Catherine
Jane
Frank
Caroline
Francis died on June 13, 1882 and Isabell died on August 23, 1880. They are buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Coosa County, Alabama.
Ella B., b. ca. 1874
Willie, b. ca. 1876
Asbury, b. ca. 1878
Washington Lee, b. March 31, 1884 (see below)
The 1900 Federal Census listed that Jane had 7 children, but so far, I have been unable to determine the other 3 children's names if the Census was correct. The family lived mostly in Coosa County, Alabama, but might have lived in Tallapoosa County some. Wiley Thomas was a farmer.
Before Wiley Thomas died, he lost his leg and went into a nursing home in Tallapoosa County. Jane DANIEL JOHNSTON then moved in with Lee's family. She helped cook for the family, and cared for the small children while Desser, Lee, and the older children worked in the fields.
Jane was a wonderful story-teller. During the winter, the family would sit in front of the fireplace, the children did their school-studies, and Jane told tall-tales of her girlhood mischief. Lee's descendant has told me that Jane "was a sight"; people loved to come around and talk to Jane because she was so entertaining.
After a few years with the family, Jane fell and broke her hip; she was then confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life (12 or 13 years). Up until the year before Jane died, she lived her life to the fullest and never let life's burdens get to her. She was enthusiastic and cheerful.
Lee was an excellent farmer and salesman. He planted cotton, peanuts, corn, and other such crops. On Wednesdays, he would take his produce to a nearby town or city and sale or trade his produce for things he needed. He was such a good salesman, that he always returned home with an empty wagon. Even during the depression, though there was no extra money, his family did not suffer for immediate needs. The family lived out in the country and they had to be very self-sufficient.
Lee and Desser and family always stayed active with church activities and meetings; Lee firmly believed in getting involved in the church and community. He made sure that his voice was heard in church meetings when decisions needed to be made. He had a strong leadership quality. His family became well-known in the communities they lived in because of their love of people and their involvement in the church.
Desser was a very strict but kind person. She did not have to resort to corporal punishment, but raised her children with a firm, but kind, hand. She was completely devoted to her family.
Lee's mother, Jane DANIEL JOHNSTON, moved in with his family while some of the children were still small. She helped cook for the family, and cared for the small children while Desser, Lee, and the older children worked in the fields. Jane was a wonderful story-teller. During the winter, the family would sit in front of the fireplace, the children did their school-studies, and Jane told tall-tales of her girlhood mischief. Lee's descendant has told me that Jane "was a sight" and Lee was a good bit like her.
After a few years with the family, Jane fell and broke her hip; she was then confined to a wheelchair. Desser was very good to Jane and tended to her for the rest of her life. Jane loved Desser as much as she loved her own son.