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I am in search for the end of a mystery for a friend Susie Annis. This is what she has sent me in hopes someone can help solve or put us in touch with some of Emma L Clayton Edmondson family Members.
There is no story in this family that has more intrigued and mystified this family of that of Emma Clayton Edmondson, oldest child of Joe and Lou Clayton. The facts have become so mingled with the legends that it has become difficult to tell the differnce. The facts that are known are as follows:
Emma was born 12-28-1874 and was described by family and friends as extremely beautiful, have perfect skin and figure and long curly auburn hair. Following the death of her father in 1889, she married Rolland Edmondson, son of Hugh and Sophie Edmondson. This marriage was against her mother's wishes, Emma only being fifteen years old and Roll, as he was called, had a bad reputation. Lou was right in her apprehension. Emma's husband turned out to be an extremely cruel and abusive man. Emma had a son in 1891 and another in 1893 and during these years Roll was arrested at least three times for larceny from the house. In 1895 there about, Emma had another child, sex unknown by presumed to be a girl. It is the fate of this child that is the key to the mystery.
The child's fate is shrouded in mystery and stories differ greatly, but one part of the story is consistent that the baby died and Emma buried it at the side of the river. She would go to this place frequently to grieve over her baby and a neighbor, noticing her strange actions, investigated and discovered the gravesite. Emma was put on a train and sent away from Gilmer County, Georgia, some say forcibly, and some say for own protection. It has been told that her mother, Lou Clayton, was responsible for sending her away, but it has also been said that her mother was not aware of her leaving until after the fact. It is known that someone gave her some money and chances are that she had a safe place to go.
Some family stayed in touch with her, particulary members of the Stephen Clayton and Forrester Families. She is presumed to have gone to North Carolina but there is a death for a Emma L. Edmondson (b. 12-28-1874---died 9-15-1968) in Roanoke, Randloph, Alabama. It is told she remarried and had other children. Earlier this century her descendants made attempts to contact her family descendants but as long as Lou Clayton was alive, they met a stone wall.
After Emma left Roll udoubtedly he had a hard time with the ladies. He has a terrible reputation for his treatment of women. It wasn't until 1909 that he remarried. Docia Fincannon, daughter of William Fincannon, was rather new to the area and in her thirties. Roll, being handsom and rather well-off, probably looked like a great catch to her. They married and it was not long until he began to show his true colors. Docia's father made ebery attempt to get her to leave Roll, writing her out of his will unless she was deprived of his present husband by death or legal seperation. She had two sons, Gordon and Morris and at some point she finally left her husband. She is buried with her parents at Macedonia Cemetery, Roll at the Edmondson Family Cemetery.
Emma and Roll's sons are Grover and Fuller. The children lived with various members of the Edmondson Family and tragically it is said both died in a flu epidemic. They, and the infant that was buried at the river are in the Edmondson Family Cemetery. Gordon died in the 1980's and Morris is still living.
If anyone has any answers to this mystery or some information who Emma remarried please contact me at kaye196@bellsouth.net or contact Susie Annis at 3576 North Old Dixie Hwy. Delray Beach, Fl. 33483
Curious as to the mystery of the infant child dying. Why Emma was sent away? Did she have to leave in fear of her own life? Many people would like to know the answers to these questions. Please if you have any information contact me or Susie Annis.
Thanks for any help you might provide in this mystery.
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