Before I was married, I was Ester
Jane Averitt, born near Benton, Marshall Co. Kentucky. When I was young
Mother Caroline (Hanks) Averitt died October 4, 1876 and left three children
younger than myself, and whom I helped to care for as I was the oldest
at home. My father Anderson Price Averitt was drowned near Benton Kentucky,
Febuary 22, 1881. Then we were left all alone and for me to care for the
three children. After father's death we went to live with Grandpa Averitt.
In the year 1884 Grandpa was killed by a horse. So we were left alone again.
My two younger brothers, Thomas and Williamson Averitt went to live with
brother John. Sister Ellen went to live with my sister Martha ( Burnham)
I went to Orgen? with James Hanks and made my home with a cousin. Still
caring for my two brothers and a sister until they were old enough to care
for themselves. My sister Ellen was a cripple. I cared for her as long
as she lived. She died Febuary 22, 1895. I didn't have a chance to go to
school, I had to stay home and keep house for father. What little education
I received was by studying at home after supper. I have worked on a farm
all my life. I was married to James Adams October 29, 1896, we went to
a farm near Decatur, ILL.. In 1911 we moved to Pataka, ILL. Have lived
here ever since on a farm. I have always found lots of good friends wherever
I lived. My mother's Parents Joshua Hanks. and Easter J. Hanks lived near
Madisonville, Hopkins County, Kentucky. I have some relics that belonged
to Grandmother Hanks, A walnut maple sugar chest that Abraham Lincoln's
grandfather made. When Grandmother Hanks married they gave her the chest
as a wedding gift. When my Mother Caroline Hanks married they gave
her the chest as a wedding gift. When my father Anderson Price Averitt
died, in settling up the estate they gave the chest to me. I also have
a sunbonnet that Grandmother made, and a quilt that mother made, the cotton
raised on our farm, spun and wove at home. This quilt is more than one
hundred twentyfive years old. MyGrandparents on my father;s side Abner
A. Averitt and Elizabeth ( Wright ) Averitt both were born in Middleton,
Tenn. After marriage moved near Benton, Marshall County Kentucky on a farm.
They had a large family.
Father was born March
18, 1833, and married Caroline Hanks, having eight children.
Mother died October
4, 1876.