M is for Mossie and Maude

Way back in the beginning of my family history research, I ran across the names Mossie and Maude. I thought the names were a little strange but then, my name is Ann Eliese so I guess I shouldn't throw stones. Anyway, the more I researched, the more I found Mossie and Maud in use.

For example, this is one picture I used before.

My Great Uncle Victor and my 1st Cousin, 1 time removed, Roy Hatfield. Since I find that confusing, Roy is the son of my grandfather's sister. Anyway, the two girls in the background are Mossie and Maude Cope.

This is where I need to pay attention because the Mossie and Maude in this picture are the daughters of Bobbie Cope, who is the daughter of my grandfather's sister.

Then there are these pictures.

As far as I can tell... this is Mossie Cope, Maud Conard, Roy Hatfield, Maude Cope and Esther Snodgrass. The only one not related is Maud Conard and I'm not really sure of that.

These are the same five people on the "punt". This is the way they crossed the Clinch River. I'm not sure what was on the north side but there are quite a few pictures of this transportation being used by different members of the family. They must have been pretty good at it because all of them appear dry in the photos.

So now you see the two Maude's so here's the other Mossie.

Victor Rhea, brother to my grandfather, his wife Cornie, mentioned in the "K" post, and their daughters, Mossie, Opal and Jewel. Mossie is the wife of Jack Livesay, mentioned in the "L" post and the mother of Sheldon.

It may be typical of many of the older generations to reuse or share names but it is difficult to track when the names are the same. I remember when I was just starting out before I understood that my family was out to make this really difficult. Now that I know their fondness for doing the same name over and over again, I am no longer confused. I think it's because they have become more than names and to me, real people who stories I need to tell. So to the Mossie's and Maude's in my family, I know who you really are!

L is for Livesay

Sheldon Livesay is my 2nd cousin. He is the director of an outreach ministry in Rogersville, Tennesse that feeds not only souls but the bodies of so many in the three surrounding counties. Of One Accord Ministry is actually much more and is doing a great job. However, Sheldon is also the recipient of a box of photos left in his Aunt Jewelle's basement that lead to even more family history connections. I can't even imagine where we would be without his amazing discovery.

Sheldon, Rogersville, Tennessee, 2014

Sheldon is the son of Mossie Rhea and Jack Livesay shown below.

Mossie is the daughter for Victor Rhea who is the brother of my grandfather. William. In the picture below, my grandpa is back row, left and Victor is back row, right. 

I am proud to say that I am related to Sheldon. After visiting Tennessee and seeing his work in person, I realize that he is one of those people who saw a need and took it on. It has made me more giving in my own community. Twice blessed here, Sheldon's ministry has made me a better person and vintage family photos appeared out of thin air to make my genealogy infinitely more interesting.