Ruth Galloway Shackleford's Diary
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In reply to:
Re: Gatewood in Missouri/Texas - Josephine daughter of Enoch H. Gatewood
Timothy Sumrall 7/11/09
I read the diary and was amazed with the fortitude of my ancestors.However, there are a few errors in the introduction to Ruth Galloway Shackleford's Diary that will confuse researchers with regard to members of the two main families in the accounts.
In the first paragraph, Margie Ann is said to be the oldest daughter in the Shackleford family, when in reality (and in the 1860 Census records) Sarah William "Sallie" is the oldest.When one looks carefully at the census, "Mary" is "Margt."
The third paragraph also lists incorrect member of the family.It should read Frank (1861), Mary Lee (1863), and Ada (1866).Charles was born abt. 1869.
The fourth paragraph speaks of the Atwell Gatewood family.Again, according to the 1860 Census records, Atwell was 36 and Ann was 38 in 1860.They would be 41 and 43 respectively in 1865.
The paragraph that deals with Mary's death is also in error.It is not Mary Shackleford that passes but rather Mary Gatewood.In the August 15th entry, Ruth states that "Mary Gatewood is sick..."On Aug 16, "Mary is not better".Aug 17, "Dr. Howard came up and gave Mary and me some medicine.Mary is no better".Aug 20, "Mary is no better.She talks out of her head all the time".Aug 21, Mary dies.Aug 22, she is buried at Bear River.Another clue that this is not Mary Shackleford, is that Mary Tucker of Kansas City, MO is listed in Rev. W.F. Shackleford's obituary.
The narrative is both fascinating and sad.I cannot imagine being in poor health for a majority of the trip and enduring the deaths of so many loved ones, and yet pushing forward to the goal.I am honored to be a descendant of such strong people.My lineage is through Sarah William (Sallie) Shackleford Estes.