Descendants of Edward Burcher or Bezer Earl Of Bath
Tenth Generation
(Continued)
296. Mary Albany Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 12 Jan 1822 in Lawrenceburg, Lawerence, Tennessee. She died on 26 Feb 1891 in , Dallas, Missouri. She was buried in New Hope Cem, Buffalo, Dallas Co, MO.
Researched by MINNIE FOWLER and GEORGENE HUMPHRIES.
Ref: John: WP July 1869, Polk Co. Mo.identifies Children; Breshears
Cemetery; Breshears Homestead, Bolivar, Polk MO; US Census; Polk &
Dallas Co., 1850-60; Certificates and family records of Voyne Breshears;
Minnie Ann Eytchison; LaVada Lenaghen; and Minnie Fowler. Breshears
Bible in poss of Mrs. Harold Blanchard of Elgin Oregon. New Hope
Baptist Church Cem., Louisburg, Dallas Co. Mo; Lindley Creek Baptist
Church Cem., Polk Co MO.#1 md (2) Noah Jackson BRAY Deed bk F pg 234-5,Lawerenceburg TN, other Breshears family ? #13 md(2)11 June 1869,BAKER Virginia P #13 md(3)24
Dec 1871,BYRNS, Margaretta A. Family tradition says 16 Children to this family,1830 census Lawerenceburg TN,shows possible girl child not
otherwise recorded.DOC: 1927, Eighth Grade English class assignment for Minnie McGee
LETTER: Sitting here this Sunday afternoon I have something of the
BRESHEARS FAMILY on my mind and thought I would start putting them on
paper. REF: Your "GOLDEN LINKS": ON PG THIRTY-EIGHT POLK CO MARRIAGE
RECORDS, 1836-65 I am quite sure entry 179A., BRESHEARS, ALBANY to BAKER
, Abraham James 29 Feb 1844, is our MARY eldest dau of John and Neomi
Ann. This fact I've known all my life, that mother's GREAT AUNT MARY
first married JIM BAKER.After he died she dmarried Noah Bray. Last
Sunday we visited a grand dau of Mary and Noah Brat. She was 90 yrs old
21 Jan 1972?, very alert and active, but surprised by mu visit and
could'nt tell me dmuch. The dau wyho lives with her will try to get more information. This confirmed the facts that my sister in-law and I had
argued over for years...She is a descendant also of Mary and NOah BRAY.
There are 2 grandsons named BAKER still living, aged 80 and 82, t that I
hope to visit soon. The story is that Mary married Jim Baker and
had 2 sons, JOHN AND JAMES. The younger was killed at the end of the
civil war. This lady I talked to couldn't just remember if it was on his
way home or in a skirmish just after his arrival home. [The Dallas CO., History is being prepared,wer'e hoping this story may show up. When the
boys were very young, MR. BAKER died and Mary later married NOAH BRAY,
who was one of the very early settlers of Dallas Co. and from what I can
gather was quite well to do. I can not find if he had been married
previously. This well to do marriage is probably why MARY received the
small amount in the WILL of her father, JOHN BRESHEARS. I don't know for
sure how many children MARY had. Marriage of NEOMI j bray AND NATHAN
ALFORD is in the Dallas Co marriage records, 1874.I didn't find Naoah
Jackson Bray abd Susanna ALford [not copied] but thougt to be in 1879's.
These people are mostly buried in the NEW HOPE CEMETERY, not far
from where I live. I will go there when the weather is nicer. I enclose
a rough scetch of the family and hope to have more by summers end.Batch #: 8206403, Sheet #: 53, Source Call #: 884764
Mary married (1) Abraham James Baker son of Solomon Baker and Lucy James on 29 Feb 1844 in of Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, Tennessee. Abraham was born on 9 Nov 1822 in , Scott?, Indiana. He died on 7 Jul 1851 in , Dallas, Missouri. He was buried in Crudginton Cem, Louisburg, Dallas, Missouri.
They had the following children:
494 M i James Soloman Baker was born about 1845 in , Dallas, Missouri. He died in 1865 in , Dallas, Missouri. He was buried in New Hope Cem, , Missouri.
Corrected by Minnie Fowler-1993 from Abraham James Baker.
!SOURCE: RESEARCHED BY MINNIE FOWLER, BX., 6, URBANA MO., 65767 HISTORY:
A few weeks after the close of the CIVIL WAR, either on his way home
from service or very shortly after, he was killed in one of the many
skirmishes that broke out in Dallas Co., MO., about that time. UNMARRIED:495 F ii Lucy Baker was born about 1847 in , , Missouri. + 496 M iii John Abraham Baker 497 M iv Charles Abraham Baker Abe was born about 1849 in , , Missouri. 498 M v Baker was born in 1850 in , Dallas, Missouri. He died in 1850 in , Dallas, Missouri. He was buried in Crudgington, Dallas, Missouri.
Mary married (2) Noah Jackson Bray in Sep 1851 in , Dallas, Missouri. Noah was born on 29 Jan 1819 in , Gallia, Ohio. He died on 26 Aug 1889 in , Dallas, Missouri. He was buried in New Hope Cem, Buffalo, Dallas Co, MO.
SOURCE: MINNIE FOWLER RESEARCH
Noah and Mary had the following children:
499 F vi Perlina Bray was born on 25 Aug 1852 in , Dallas, Missouri. She died on 8 Oct 1852 in , Dallas, Missouri. She was buried in New Hope Cem, Buffalo, Dallas Co, MO. + 500 M vii William R. Bray + 501 M viii Noah Jackson Bray Jack + 502 F ix Neomi Jane Bray + 503 F x Margaret E. Bray 504 M xi Nathan Bray was born on 21 May 1860 in , Dallas, Missouri. He died on 8 Oct 1861 in , , Missouri. He was buried in New Hope Cem, , Missouri.
Note said he died young during the Civil War.+ 505 M xii General Bray
Mary married (3) Abraham James Baker on 29 Feb 1844 in Lawrenceburg Lawrence TN. Abraham was born on 9 Nov 1822 in Scott? IN. He died on 7 Jul 1851 in Dallas Mo. He was buried in Crudginton Cemetery Louisburg Dallas MO.
They had the following children:
297. Henry Hardin Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 24 Feb 1823 in Lawrenceburg, Lawerence, TN. He died on 22 Aug 1899 in near Elgin, Union, or.
Researched by GEORGENE HUMPHRIES; family records of RUTH LAUGHLIN, 1044
Pomma Ave Walla Walla WA; !Breshears bible in possession of HAROLD
BLANCHARD, Elgin Oregon; 1880 US Census, Elgin OR: Letter from Anna
Cruikshank, dau of Joseph B. BRESHEARS, Grants Pass OR. Mrs LaVada
Breshears LENAGHEN remembers Fanny, Ann and Jim. LaVada's family lived
near Henry H. Breshears in Elgin, [called Island City], Elk Flats, Union
Co., Oregon in 1883.When the Andrew Jackson Breshears family lived in Oregon before they moved back to Boise Valley Idaho, Henry H. Breshears signed as a witness for ANDREW HAMMACK, LaVada's grandfather, who applied for a pension as a result of his service in the Civil War. Henry H. Breshears is named as second child in John Breshears's will and was to receive equal shares of personal property and estate at his death.
The young family of Henry and Catherine first appear in 1850 on the
census of Dallas Co. MO. They made the trek to Oregon in about 1877. The
eldest son was wagon master for their journey. Henry was a minister in
the Baptist Church. This seems consistent with the tradition that they
were "HARD SHELLED BAPTIST" and strong in the faith. He lived and died
in Elgin Oregon and there are many descendants there still.In the 1940s Uncle Arthur (LaVada's bfother) Breshears, son of Andrew Jackson Breshears, and his sister Theresa Breshears Harris, made the trip back to Oregon to visit once again the site of the old homestead, located near Elgin Oregon. To find it they went on the highway toward the Wallowa River where two rivers come together at the Miami Bridge. A Grange and cemetery are
located there. Many of the Breshears who lived in this area are laid to
rest there. About 1/4 mile from the cemetery, near Elk Flat is where
CHARLEY BRESHEARS brother of JESSE BRESHEARS lived. Jesse had a son
REUBIN BRESHEARS, all descendants of HENRY H. BRESHEARS.Not far from the cemetery is the old home where HENRY H. BRESHEARS homesteaded. A large white house still stood of which the kitchen was part of the original home. The grainery, as remembered, was still standing in 1940.
The owner of the place recognized FRANK BRESHEARS, and family. The old
school which had been attended by the BRESHEARS children was situated in
a nearby gulch and by proceeding north they came to the old HAMMACK
homestead cabin which had been built by gr-gr father ANDREW HAMMACK. The
stock were allowed to roam freely through the cabin but a picture was
captured for posterity. In the picture is seen the original pole fence
erected prior to 1883. Grandmother Martha Melvina HAMMACK had planted
three evergreen trees close by the cabin, one for each of her daughters.
Her daughter Nancy Hammack is laid to rest in the Cemetery there.After Catherine Baker Breshears died, Henry H. Breshears married again,
and it is thought the second wife was a widow with 10 or 12 children.
The widow and Henry H. also had children.
Henry married (1) Catherine Baker daughter of Solomon Baker and Lucy James in 1847 in Dallas MO. Catherine was born on 26 May 1826 in , , Iowa.
XCK the marriage date here.
Henry and Catherine had the following children:
511 F i Lucy Ann Breshears was born on 15 Aug 1849 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. She died on 2 Feb 1923 in Elgin, Union, or. Lucy married James Henry Cunningham. James was born about 1849. 512 M ii Henry James Breashears was born on 30 Jan 1854 in Of, Polk, Missouri. 513 F iii Neomah C Breshears was born on 2 May 1856 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. Neomah married Sam Wickliffe about 1877 in Of Bolivar, Polk, Missouri. Sam was born about 1856 in Of Bolivar, Polk, Missouri. He died in of Selma, , CA. 514 M iv Joseph Brent Breashears was born in Of, Polk, Missouri. He died in 29 Jul 1930. 515 M v John S Breshears Jack was born on 1 Nov 1847 in , Polk, MO.
Compiled by Georgene Humphries from records submitted by Ruth LAUGHLIN,
1044 Pomona Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362; Mable BRACK, Bx 91, Athena
Oregon; Eloine STEPHENS, % M.V. Witty Real Estate, Joseph Oregon.+ 516 M vi Henry James Breshears + 517 M vii Joseph Brent Breshears Dock + 518 M viii William Ruben Breshears "Rub" 519 F ix Mary Breshears was born on 10 Feb 1865 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. She died in 1936 in Albany, Linn, Oregon. She was buried in Oregon.
Researched Georgene Humphries.Mary married (1) Julius Benshadler Jewel. Mary married (2) Julis Benshadler.
Henry married (2) Widow Freeman after 1865 in Polk/Dallas MO.
298. Ruben Dobbin Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 14 Dec 1825 in , Polk, Missouri.
Compiled by GEORGENE HUMPHRIES from family records submitteed by Chris Mcarthy, 3001 Sweetwater Drive, Boise, ID 83705
...An old letter from Erma Breshears, Reuben was in the 15th Missouri
Cavalry. I don't know much except I know my dad had his army papers in
an old trunk in the wood shed. It was also on the tombstone in the
Bellevue Cemetery, Bellevue Idaho. I remember dad talking about an uncle
NATE and an Aunt Sarah & Rhoda. Grandma married after grandad passed
away. I can't recall the name but MOSES was his first name. Grandfather
passed away before Neoma Mae and Uncle Jim went back to Missouri. Jim
took Dad's share of the estate in exchange for his share of the property
in Bellevue. A number of years later a POTTER sued dad for a share of
the Bellevue estate. It was thrown out of court, Blaine County.
Ruben married Mary Batten daughter of John or James Batten and Emily Rogers on 4 May 1848 in Bolivar Polk MO. Mary was born about 1825 in Of Bolivar, Polk, Missouri.
Compiled by GEORGENE HUMPHRIES FROM FAMILY RECORDS SUBMITTED BY Chris
Mcarthy, 3001 Sweetwater Drive, Boise, ID 83705 !From letter received
from Erma Breshears, 1969..In checking the census for 1860, the age for
Mary does not agree with with 1850 census neither dies her birth place,
Copy error? i know my grandfather Breshears was never married twice. One
wife was enough for him. He was a gentle music loving man. I know my grandmother was the opposite, work, work, work, kept you out of
mischief.My father was quite prould of his mother's thrifty ways. He is one who
told me his mother was of New England stock. I always supposed they were related in some dway and migrated to SC and NC with the rest. Some where
some how she was connected with the name SACKS [SACES], it seems odd
that I remember the Saces and the name Batten never registered. Acording
to the records she had never married before.My father always said his great great grandparents came from NORTHERN
FRANCE. I always thought they came to SC first then to Maryland but was
wrong on that score??
Ruben and Mary had the following children:
520 F i Sarah Breshears was born about 1849 in Bolivar, Polk, Missouri. She died before 1860 in , Polk.
Compiled from family records by CHRIS McCARTHY; 3001 Sweetwater Dr,
Boise, ID. 83705521 F ii Martha Breshears was born about 1854 in Bolivar, Polk, Missouri.
Researched by Chris McCARTHY.+ 522 M iii John M Breshears + 523 M iv James Batton Breshears + 524 M v William Thomas H Breshears + 525 M vi Wesley Fletcher Breshears 526 M vii Andrew Jackson Breshears was born on 25 Oct 1866 in Bellevue, Blaine, Idaho. He died on 26 Feb 1889 in Bellevue, Blaine, ID.
Compiled from records submitted by CHRIS MCCARTHY !Birth date appears
to be error.
299. Sarah P Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born about 1830 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, TN. She died on 31 May 1873.
Sarah married William Henry Henderson Wilse son of Henderson and Mrs. Henderson on 21 Apr 1859. William was born on 15 Feb 1828 in , , TN. He died on 23 May 1891 in , Hickory, MO.
Letter received from MINNIE FOWLER, RT 1, BX 88, Apt D4 Pleasant Hope,
MO. 65725 ...I received the death dates for William Henderson and Sarah
Jane [Breshears] HENDERSON. Also I have the names & birth dates of all
their children a along with the dates of his birth and his other wives
and children. William was known as "Wilse' and Sarah was known as
"Jane". I've been ever so close for years, we knew Homer Henderson quite
well and it turns out he was Sarah's grandson. A few months ago the
Hickory County Paper "The Index" ran pictures of the William Henderson
cabin, built in 1871. It had been moved piece by piece and rebuilt when
Truman Lake was formed a few years ago. The old cabin site and the
little cemetery was covered in water. The graves were moved to the
Avery Cemetery. I took a chance and wrote to the editor asking to pass
my query along to some one who might help me. Several weeks passed and I
had almost given up when a week ago Don printed my letter in the paper.
I've been getting calls and letters since. Most were just telling me
some one to write or call. Saturday I received William Henderson's
Genealogy from a granddaughter. Her father was George W. Henderson, a
son by his first wife Martha J. SIMMS WEAVER. I will enclose this data.
The second project I'm working on is Joseph W. Breshears. We think
with out being able to prove it, yet, that he is married to Prudence
[Prudie] TIPTON b 1831 TN. She would be 8 years older than joseph but
that isn't too unusual. I'm almost sure they are the ones living in
Hickory Co. 1870, next to William and Sarah Henderson, next to the
Benton Co. Line. Prudy's parents were James and Christinia TIPTON. Two
of their sons married HENDERSON GIRLS who were apparently williams
sisters. This Joseph and Prudy had at one te time these children:
Johny; Sarah; Arcena G.; Christina S.; Omy J;and Nancy J. I'm hoping to receiver TIPTON material soon. All these BRESHEARS; HENDERSON; TIPTON;
MILLERS & SOUTHARDS are so mixed up some times I have to stop and clear
my head a while. I don't have any definate proof of this, but It does
look promising.The third project, of which I also have no proof - We are almost sure we
have found the youngest daughter of JESSE BRESHEARS BROTHER of our JOHN.
She is NANCY BRESHEARS b 15 jul 1850 and died 12 Jun 1908. She was
married 15 Oct 1876, to Washington HILL. They lived and died in Dallas
Co. MO. There is still a mystery as to what happened to JESSE and the
rest of the family. We know know that this Jesse in Dallas Co. 1850, is
not the one who married Mary WILKINSON, in Greene Co MO. He shows up
later in Greene Co. with 2 sons. LENA HOWE thinks that JESSE'S wife may
have been MARY ELIZABETH and she was his only wife. But I believe Mary
was a second wife. From studying the census and other County records , I beleive she was first Mary FRANKLIN and had married a FLANNIGAN. In 1860
Rhoda Flanigan was in Dallas Co. and living with her was Nancy Breshears
age 10. Rhoda had 2 sons. The only other member of JESSE'S family that
shows up in 1860 is JOHN FLANIGAN who is living with a couple, who I
believe is his sister Nancy. and WILLIAM STAFFORD also living there. One possibility, for their being elusive, in 1858 a typhoid epidemic swept
the country and in cases, intire families were wiped out. Could be JESSE
& MARY and some of the children may have died. Of course some or the
children may have married by then. love -
Minnie FOWLER
William and Sarah had the following children:
527 M i John Thomas Henderson. 528 M ii Samuel James Henderson. 529 F iii Mary Ellen Henderson. 530 F iv Neomi Jane Henderson. 531 M v William Henry Henderson was born on 3 Dec 1869. 532 F vi Sarah Frances Henderson. + 533 M vii John Thomas Henderson + 534 M viii Samuel James Henderson + 535 F ix Mary Ellen Henderson + 536 F x Neomi Jane Henderson 537 M xi William Henry Henderson Jr. was born on 3 Dec 1869.
Resource: Minnie Fowler notes...William is not mentioned so is assumed
he died young before the 1879 census.+ 538 F xii Sarah Frances Henderson "Fanny"
300. William Arthur Breshears blacksmith (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 7 Sep 1827 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, TN. He died on 9 Jul 1890 in , Polk, Missouri. He was buried in Breshears Cem, Polk, MO. William was employed as in Blacksmith.
Records compiled by GEORGENE HUMPHRIES; 1850-60-70-80 US Census;
Breshears Cemetery stones; John Link Breshears family bible; Lindley
Creek Cemetery; Research by grandson Voyne Breshears 615 N. Main,
Bolivar MO., who did extensive research on descendants of William Arthur Breshears.
William married Abigail J Batten daughter of John Batten and Emily on 19 Mar 1850 in Bolivar Polk MO. Abigail was born on 30 Mar 1832 in Of, Polk, Missouri. She died on 6 Oct 1910 in , , MO. She was buried in Breshears Cem, Polk, MO.
RECORDS COMPILED BY GEORGENE HUMPHRIES 1850-60-70-80 US Census
Breshears Cemetery stones John Link Breshears family bible Lindley Creek Cemetery Research by grandson Voyne Breshears 615 N. MAIN, BOLIVAR MO
Her father was JOHN BATTEN and she had an uncle Fletch BATTEN,NC.,1880
Census
William and Abigail had the following children:
+ 539 M i John Morrison Link Breshears 540 F ii Mary Emily Breshears was born on 8 Nov 1853 in , , MO. She died on 1 May 1940 in , Polk, MO.
Records compiled by GEORGENE HUMPHRIES; 1850-60-70-80 US Census;
Breshears Cemetery stones; John Link Breshears family bible; Lindley
Creek Cemetery; Research by grandson Voyne Breshears 615 N. Main,
Bolivar MO.Mary married Marion Bridges son of James Knox Polk Bridges and Mary E Short on 28 Nov 1897 in MO. Marion was born on 21 Jan 1869 in of, Polk, Missouri. He died on 24 Mar 1945 in Prob. Polk MO. He was buried in Breshears Cem, Polk, MO.
Census: 1850-60-80 !CEM:BRESHEARS CEM, POLK, MO+ 541 M iii Henry M (Henibens) Breshears + 542 F iv Susan Ellen Breshears + 543 F v Sarah M Breshears + 544 M vi Reubin Joseph Breshears + 545 F vii Margaret Priscilla Breshears + 546 M viii Andrew Jackson Breshears + 547 F ix Eva Avya Breshears
301. Jesse Carroll Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 17 Dec 1830 in Lawrenceburg, Lawerence, TN. He died on 15 Feb 1902 in , Polk, MO. He was buried in Breshears Cem, Bolivar, Polk, MO.
GEORGENE HUMPHRIES and MINNIE FOWLER research. Jesse is named in his
father's Will. He lived in Star Idaho also.
Batch #: 8206403, Sheet #: 53, Source Call #: 884764
Jesse married Rhoda Catherine Jump daughter of James Jump and Eulila Palmer Pearman on 1 Feb 1855 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. Rhoda was born on 22 Dec 1836 in , Polk, MO. She died on 11 May 1911 in , Polk, MO. She was buried in Lindley Ck Cem, Polk, MO.
SOURCE: Researched by Georgene Humphries and MINNIE FOWLER !NOTE: Ist
marriage to Mr. PEARMAN [Probably referred to mother EULILA? A second
source [Deshiell] gives a birth date as 1836.
Jesse and Rhoda had the following children:
+ 548 M i James Polk Knox Breshears + 549 M ii John Henry Berry Breshears 550 F iii Neomia Elizabeth Breshears was born on 17 Apr 1860 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. She was buried in Breshears Cem, Bolivar, Polk, MO. 551 M iv Joseph Carroll Breshears was born on 15 Oct 1862 in , , MO. He died in 1862 in , , MO.
He died as an infant.552 F v Saphrona Angyline Breshears was born on 17 Aug 1864 in , , MO. She died in 1932. She was buried in Upper Lindley Cr, Polk, MO.
Birth: Another record gives 17 Oct 1864+ 553 F vi Mary Lucinda Breshears + 554 M vii George Washington Breshears 555 F viii Missouri Bell Breshears was born on 9 Mar 1871 in , , Missouri. She died in 1875 in Died young. 556 M ix Jesse Simon Breshears was born on 24 Dec 1873 in , Polk, Missouri. He died on 2 Sep 1878 in , Polk, Missouri. + 557 M x Matoka Erickson Breshears 558 M xi Lewis Hardin Breshears was born on 11 May 1879 in , Polk, Missouri. He died in 1879 in Died young.
303. Nancy G Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born about 1834 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, TN.
Little is known about Nancy and her family. The will of her father
mentions her and she recedived an equal division of the estate and
personal property upon the death of fher mother. The will gives her as
Nancy JONES.
Nancy married James E. Jones about 1855 in of Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, Tennessee. James was born about 1829 in of Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, Tennessee.
This family may have gone to the Oregon Territory with other family members. Nancy was still at home in 1860 census. James Jones may have been fron Dallas Co., Missouri,
James and Nancy had the following children:
559 F i Neomi S. Jones was born about 1862 in , Polk, Missouri. 560 F ii Saphrona Jones was born about 1864 in , Polk, Missouri. + 561 M iii John Jones 562 F iv Catherine Jones was born in Feb 1870 in , Polk, Missouri. 563 F v Roda Jones was born in Feb 1870 in , Polk, Missouri.
304. John Westley Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 24 Oct 1835 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence, TN. He died on 23 Dec 1913 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. He was buried in Springbranch Cem, , MO.
John S. was married 3 times first wife's name unknown. 1900 census showed him married to Myrtle 0 years, married Birdie in 1903-Records of Alta Breshears, Bx 5, Sharon Oklahoma.
Batch #: 8206403, Sheet #: 54, Source Call #: 884764
John married Lucy Baker daughter of Solomon Baker and Lucy James in 1857 in Dallas, , MO. Lucy was born on 9 Jun 1839/1840 in , , Indiana. She died on 9 Mar 1888 in Near Bolivar, Polk, MO. She was buried in Breshears Cem, Bolivar, Missouri.
The will of JOHN BRESHEARS, his father mentions John W.
John and Lucy had the following children:
+ 564 M i Nathan J Breshears + 565 F ii Naomi Jane Breshears 566 F iii Oma G. B. Breshears was born about 1859 in , Dallas, MO. She died before 1870.
Oma G. may have died before Naomi J. was born.567 F iv Nancy Breshears was born in 1861 in , Dallas, Missouri. She died in 1944. She was buried in Star Ridge CEm, Polk, Missouri. Nancy married L. Charles Carter on 11 Jun 1882 in , Dallas, Missouri. L. Charles Carter was born in 1857 in Of, , Missouri. He died in 1932. + 568 M v John Solomon Breshears + 569 M vi Joseph M Breshears 570 M vii William Grant Breshears was born in 1869 in of, Dallas, MO. William married Sythia E. Condren on 14 Feb 1880 in , Dallas, Missouri. 571 M viii Henry C or G Breshears was born in 1871 in of, Dallas, MO. 572 M ix Thomas B Breshears was born in 1874 in of, Dallas, MO. 573 M x Luther M Breshears was born in 1879.
305. Margaret Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 5 Apr 1837 in Lawrenceburg, Lawerence, TN. She died on 26 Jan 1911 in Creston, Lincoln, Washington.
In the will of her father JOHN BRESHEARS, Margaret is given equal
division of the estate and personal property upon the death of her
mother Neoma Ann. Family tradition said Margaret married a man named
JUMP, and moved to Washington State. A descendant is Mrs. Beverly Hogg,
150 Southeast, Salmon, Portland Oregon.A FAMILY HISTORY: Written by Ardis DASHIELL and shared with Georgene 1966-68...and "BFB", Family Branches Issue Fifty-one pg 10: 1990...
Joseph Henry JUMP was born near ST. Louis, Missouri, and grew to manhood
near Bolivar in Polk Co. Missouri. No record has been found concerning
his childhood or just when his family moved to Polk Co., MO. He was
married to Margaret BRESHEARS on 10 Jan 1861. Margaret was born in
Lawrence Co. TN., and when she was one year and five days old her family
moved to POLK CO., MO., where she lived until the family departed for
the west. Shortly after his marriage, Joseph served a five month tour of
duty with the Missouri Home Guards in Capt. Lunceford's Co. [B] 15th
Regiment U.S.R.C. from Jul 6, 1861, until Dec 6, 1861. This was at the
very beginning of the Civil War when there was much unrest among the
population of the state of Missouri. On Sep 5, 1862, at the age of 24
years, Joseph Jump enlisted in Co. M, 8th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, for a period of three years shortly after his enlistment he
was promoted from Private to Corporal on Sep 17, 1862, and then to
Sargeant on Apr 10, 1865. He was mustered out Jul 20, 1865, at the
conclusion of his enlistment. While in the service he was engaged in
building roads and bridges through the Arkansas swamps on the White
River and it was there that he contracted the liver disease which was to
plague him until his death. One child, John Henry, was born to Joseph
and Margaret during the Civil War years. Their other nine children were
born after his return from service. Joseph and Margaret Jump,
accompanied by their eight children and the families of several of
Margaret's Breshears brothers, left Missouri for the West in 1877. They traveled in a covered wagon which was pulled by a team of Oxen and were accosted by Indians on several occasions. The Indians caused them no
real trouble and they all arrived safely in Idaho. The intire party
stopped for several months in Ada County, Idaho, before they resumed
their travels. The area of Cove Oregon, was their home from 1878 until
1883. In 1883 the Jump family made their final move to Washington
Territory, where they settled on land north of the town of Creston,
Washington. Their land their was described as the SW/4, section 18,
Township 27, Range 34 EWM. The families of Margaret's brothers returned
to Ada County Idaho, where many of their descendants lived near the
towns of Eagle, Star, and Middleton, for many years. On June 25, 1892,
Joseph Jump applied for an Invalid pension because of his service
originated disabilities. Affidavits prepared by those who knew him say
he was never very healthy after his service to his country. The pension application describes him as being 54 years of age at the time, standing
5ft.10 inches tall with dark complexion, gray hair and dark eyes. The
cause of his death on 28 Feb 1897, was listed by the attending physician
as multiple abcesses of the liver following cronic diarhea contracted in service. Margaret Jump was severly injured in a run-away accident in her
latter years which left her with a badly scarred face. She lived on a
on 26 Jan 1911. CHILDREN: See Family Group sheet; Batch #: 8206403,
Sheet #: 54, Source Call #: 884764
Margaret married Joseph H Jump on 21 Jan 1861 in , Polk, Missouri. Joseph was born about 1837 in , Polk, MO.
Joseph Breshears is given an equal division of the estate and personal property as stated in the will of John Breshears his father. From a
letter written to Voyne Breshears from an old relative [unknown], it is
thought that Joseph moved to Texas or Oklahoma. Little else is known
about this family.
Joseph and Margaret had the following children:
+ 574 M i John Henry Jump 575 F ii Jump was born about 1863 in Bolivar, Polk, Missouri. + 576 F iii Mary Catherine Jump + 577 M iv James Thomas Jump + 578 F v Rose Ellen Louise Jump + 579 M vi William Riley Jump 580 M vii Perry Bevly Jump was born in 1874 in of Bolivar, Polk, Missouri. He died in 1947. + 581 F viii Sarah Frances Jump + 582 F ix Elsa May Jump 583 F x Martha Margaret Jump was born about 1881 in Of Bolivar, Polk, Missouri.
307. James Knox Polk Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born in 1843 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. He died in 1925.
RESEARCHED BY GEORGENE HUMPHRIES; Minnie Fowler and family records of a
GR. DAU THELMA DOUGLAS. James K.P. Breshears was names in his father's
will and received an equal share of the division of property upon the
death of his mother. He made a living in and around Bolivar Missouri as
a farmer. It appears there was a lot of sorrow in the young life of
James. From evidence he apparently lost 2 wives in rapid succession. The
third wife was alive and appeared on the 1880 US Census. From the letter referred to earlier there was a James who migrated to Texas or Oklahoma
with the brother Joseph [Joe].
James married (1) Sarah Francis "Fanny" Potter daughter of Henderson Potter and Eliza Jane HAll on 15 Mar 1866. Sarah was born on 27 Oct 1847 in Oazark, Greene, MO.
A sister if Nancy Ann Potter who married Thomas H.B. Breshears a younger brother. Batch #: 7204548, Sheet #: 04, Source Call #: 820207
James and Sarah had the following children:
James married (2) Virginia P Baker on 11 Jun 1869 in Of, , Missouri. Virginia was born in 1838/1848 in of Bolivar, Polk, , Missouri. She died in 1870.
They had the following children:
+ 586 M iii William T. Baker Breshears 587 F iv Virginia Baker Breshears was born in 1858 in , , Missouri. 588 F v Nancy Breshears was born in 1867 in , , Missouri.
James married (3) Margaretta A Byrns on 24 Dec 1871 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. Margaretta was born about 1843 in , Polk, MO.
They had the following children:
308. Thomas Henderson Benton Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 11 Oct 1844 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. He died on 29 Feb 1916 in Star, Ada, ID. He was buried in Dry creek, Eagle, Ada, ID.
Certificates and family Bible of Minnie Ann Eytchison in poss of Nancy
Ann Lincoln. Tombstones in Dry Creek Cem., Eagle Ida. Obituary of Nancy
Ann Breshears states 11 children born to this couple and LaVada
Breshears remembers twins were buried in one infant grave at Dry Cr.
Cem. Eagle Ida Baptist Church records not found. #3 md (2) Maggie.
Batch #: 7108920, Sheet #: 11, Source Call #: 1235216. See "Lest We
Should Forget" for history.
The Idaho Territorial Census Index gives this family under the spelling
of BRESHEENS ,viz: John F., Joseph H., Nancy A., Thomas C., and Thomas H.
Thomas married Nancy Ann Potter daughter of Henderson Potter and Eliza Jane HAll on 21 Aug 1866 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. Nancy was born on 8 Aug 1849 in Oazark, Greene, MO. She died on 1 Aug 1931 in Star, Ada, ID. She was buried in Dry creek, Dry Creek Cem, Ada, ID.
Batch #: 7108920, Sheet #: 11, Source Call #: 1235216
Batch #: 7108920, Sheet #: 11, Source Call #: 1235216
Thomas and Nancy had the following children:
597 F i Mary Francis Breshears was born on 12 Sep 1867 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. She died on 21 Mar 1968.
Batch #: 7108920, Sheet #: 11, Source Call #: 1235216598 M ii John Franklin Breshears was born on 2 Sep 1869 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. He died on 8 Jul 1929 in , Ada, ID.
Batch #: 7108920, Sheet #: 10, Source Call #: 1235216+ 599 M iii Joseph Henderson Breshears + 600 M iv Thomas Carter Breshears 601 M v James Andrew Breshears was born on 30 Sep 1877 in Rocky Bar, Elmore, ID. He died on 22 Sep 1880. + 602 M vi Reubin Nathaniel Breshears 603 M vii Breshears was born on 19 Nov 1882 in Boise, Ada, ID. He died on 19 Nov 1882 in Boise, Ada, ID.
Sex unknown for this person.+ 604 F viii Minnie Ann Breshears 605 M ix Breshears was born on 18 Nov 1887 in Boise, Ada, ID. He died on 18 Nov 1887 in Boise, Ada, ID.
Sex unknown here.606 M x Breshears was born on 14 Aug 1890 in Boise, Ada, ID. He died on 14 Aug 1890 in Boise, Ada, ID.
Sex unknown for this child.Stillborn child.
309. Andrew Jackson Breshears (John Breshears , Henry Alexander Breshears , John Brashier or Braysor , John Brashier , William Brashur or Bradshaw , William Bradshawe , William (Burcher) Bezer , Edward Burcher , Edward ) was born on 27 Jun 1847 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. He died on 3 Jan 1921 in Weiser, Washington, ID. He was buried in Middleton, Canyon, ID.
Certificates and family records of Martha LaVada Breshears in possession
of Georgene Humphries; Polk Co. MO, marriage records, bk B, pg 307
dated 1836-65; Breshears Cem., Breshears Homestead, Bolivar MO; Hammack
Family Bible in poss of Dorothy Kindall [copy in poss of GH]; Batch #:
8228506, Sheet #: 39, Source Call #: 0884897
Andrew married Martha Melvina Hammack daughter of Andrew Hammack and Sarah Mcpheters on 17 Mar 1868 in Bolivar, Polk, MO. Martha was born on 6 May 1850 in Dallas, Dallas, MO. She died on 15 Jan 1918 in Middleton, Canyon, ID. She was buried in Middleton, Canyon, ID.
Martha Lavada's family History may be found in, "BRESHEARS WELDING LINKS" 1996 ed. by Georgene Humphries.
Batch #: 7202129, Sheet #: 66, Source Call #: 820088
Andrew and Martha had the following children:
+ 607 M i Francis Marion Breshears + 608 F ii Neomia Ann Breshears + 609 F iii Ella Evylina Breshears + 610 F iv Martha Lavada Breshears 611 F v Theresa Susian Breshears was born on 25 Jul 1880 in Summerville, Union, or. She died about 1969 in , , ID.
PRESS: MARRIED IN MIDDLETON...Miss Theresa S. Breshears and Austin D.
Harris, young people well known in ST. Anthony, were married at noon
Wednesday at the home of the brides parents, Mr and Mrs. A.J. Breshears,
in Middleton. The ceremony was performed by a long time friend of the
family E.D.Muarry, of Caldwell, who used the ring service. Only
immediate relatives and a few close friends were present. The bridal
pair stood under a beautiful wedding bell of white carnations and pink
roses. The house decorations were in white and pink roses, carnations
and similax. The bride looked charming in an elaborate wedding gown of
cream ottoman with veil and carried a bouquet of white carnations. She
was attended by her sister Ella Breshears, Mrs. Eli Langtry the wedding
march. After the wedding the party numbering about 40 sat down to an
elaborate wedding breakfast, during the progress of which a mumber of congratulatory telagrams were received from St. Anthony from friends who
were unable to be present. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were athe recipients of
many beautiful and useful gifts. They left on the evening train for
Rupert where they will make their home. The bride The bride is a member
of a prominent Canyon County family, but for the past four years sdhe
was a resident of St. Anthony. She was a t5usted employee of C.C. Moore
Real Estate Co. and a woman of more than ordinary ability. For the past
year and 6 months she was deputy treasurer of Fremont County. She has a
wide acquaintance in this County and a large circle of friends. Austin
Harris, who for 8 years has worked in and around St. Anthony, is a
member of the firm of Perham and Harris, contractors and bridge
builders, though his home for the past 5 years has been on a ranch near
Rupert. He is an Ohio man of sterling character and ability. He has an extensive acquaintance in south eastern Idaho and as many friends as any
one.
Batch #: 7202129, Sheet #: 60, Source Call #: 820088Theresa married Austin David Harris son of Samuel W Harris on 29 Jun 1910 in Middleton, Canyon, ID. Austin was born on 6 Jan 1873 in Talmadge, , OH. He died on 27 Apr 1960 in Akron, Summit, OH. 612 M vi Arthur Andrew Breshears was born on 18 May 1885 in Middleton, Canyon, ID. He died on 26 Aug 1978 in Weiser, Wash, ID.
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva were named Citizens of The Week - Eva by the
Boise Statesman, 7 Sep 1975.
They were also honored at a Social Event: 20 Oct 1977, The Weiser
Signal...Art and Eva Breshears celebrate 70 years of marriage at their
Weiser River home.
"It was 10 Oct 1907 when the 20-year old Eva Hill exchanged wedding vows
with 22 year old Arthur Breshears, Sunday Oct 9, 1977, the two greeted
some 150 guests at their home on the Weiser River road east of Weiser,
their home for the past 59 years. The celebration was planned by foster children and grandchildren: the David Grants, Frank Steelmans, and Lela
Grant, Payette; Frank Cinegas, Ontario and Tom Grants of Fruitland.
Myrtle Eytchison, Arthur's neice, planned the music. Pianist Harry G.
Warr and Greet Hammond was soloist. All are from Boise. David and
Beverly Grant sang a duet.
Friends and neighbors who served were Bess Foster Smith, Daisy Warren,
Gertrude Kelly, Rosalind hickey, Bernice Smith, Lovena Erickson and
Velma Lyle. Also helping were members of the Shamrock Club which Eva
started with a meeting in her home in 1923.
Middleton residents at the time of their marriage, Art and Eva were
married at the De Lamar Hotel, Boise, which had been built as a
residence for Christopher Moore, founder of the Idaho First National
Bank. There were two friends and a pianist present. Eva carried a 50
year old Chinese silk handkerchief given her by a dear friend who
carried it from Joliet, Illinois. The handkerchief has since been the "something old" carried by countless brides. Now 120 years old, it is in perfect condition.
In recounting her wedding, Eva recalls that Rev. Murry was a devoutly
sincere man... but delivered their vows at such a slow meticulous pace
that she said "I do" to soon. Blushing with the though that Arthur would
no doubt tease about it the rest of her life, she was delighted to hear
him entone "I do" also before the proper time.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907, Eva related the story of how she and
Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first the were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he
happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and
water.
They had to shop for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived inter-urban.
There was a square table she loved, but it was too expensive so she
chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought the expensive one
for me and there it was when the furniture was delivered," she related.
Their little house and furniture were paid for before they moved in.
Further, Arthur gave her $200.00 to buy what she wanted for the house.
As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur also became
Constable of Middleton.
Arthur and Eva's home was established and life began in earnest as a
short while later he went to work for an Ore Reduction Plant which went
broke - he lost a years wages. Also a hotel he had an interest in,
burned, a few days after the insurance ran out.
Before marriage Eva informed Arthur that she would never live on a farm. Nevertheless, they packed their belongings and headed for the first real hardship they had known, nine years on a Burley, Idaho homestead. They
had coyote and jackrabbits for neighbors and were surrounded by
sagebrush. They lived in a 10 by 12 shack. "I had never really been
lonely before," related Eva." It was 20 miles to the nearest water and
when she arrived at the spring she would sit and "visit" with her
reflection. Later she drove to neighbors homes to give lessons. She also
took more lessons and played in an orchestra for dances. "I wouldn't
take a million dollars for our experiences there, nor would I do it
again for two million. Over the years I found that the most rugged times
in our lives make the best growth.
In March 1918 they came to Weiser in two railroad cars that transported
the cattle, the dog, cat, machinery, furniture and chickens. A neighbor
even sent along a sagebrush plant.
Arthur and Eva usually drove pretty nice cars and she related the time
they were spinning along in their new Chrysler, on their way home from
Boise with only a dime between them for gas... which they were fast
running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can money. We stopped at a
station, wrote a check and got some gas... hoping there would be enough
in the cream can to cover it.
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The last time
there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were
also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on
their new matress - there were no more house dances at the Breshears's
home.
Home for some 60 Years was a two-story house across from Jeffrey
Schoolhouse, 6 miles east of Weiser on the Weiser River Road. The house
sat on some 200 acres. The school became her life. She couldn't recall
how many teachers boarded with them. She played the piano for the
students, mended their cloths, and tended to their scratches and
bruises, so mothers would be less mad. She related that she patched up
accident related injuries that she'd probably be sued for now. The
fathers of both Arthur and Eva lived with them in twighlight years.
Between them Arthur and Eva served 26 years on the school board. During
the time she was on the board she succeeded in getting school to run for
nine months, instead of the normal seven - this in spite if the ranchers
who didn't want to pay the extra taxes.
Life was not always pure happiness for Arthur and Eva. They went broke
four times. Her dear friend, Mr. Cave, had described her Arthur as the
"Rock of Gibralter", one of God's noblemen. Eva only cried once over
their financial troubles, and that was for Arthurs sake. They had 3,600
sheep, and Uncle Sam got the proceeds. "We had both worked so hard and I
felt it quite unfair", she once said. Then there was the time that they
had cattle to sell to pay a dept and the truck wrecked on the way to
town, ruined the cattle. They sold the farm in Burley and never received
the money for it.
When the banks closed during the depression they were told to get their
money out on a certain day. However, a dear friend was being buried that
day and when they returned from the funeral the banks were closed. They
had 17 cents between them. The depression was going full swing and Eva
and Arthur wanted to go to the world's Fair in Chicago. They figured
their grain money would get them there in style. The man who threshed
for them owed them money so the grain profit would be all theirs - not
so. The man did not own the thrashing machine and the machine owner
attached the grain. They were desperate. If they could get the money by
a certain day they could get tickets for $29.15 each. Arthur went to
their attorney who got their Fair money for them.
They spent a wonderful vacation in Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Gale
of the Chicago. Mr. Gale, his sons and friends had taken frequent pack
trips with Arthur into Idaho's mountains and were returning the
compliment by entrtaining the Breshears.
The Breshears were named Distinguished Citizens by the Statesman in
1976...and have received congratulatory cards from President Gerald Ford
and Jimmy Carter.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Statesman, 7
Sep 1975. In April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of
Weiser Idaho. Her last years were spent in the Weiser Care Center where
she died. While the couple were never able to have children, 16 foster
children passed through their home at various stages of their lives and
stayed long enough to call them mother and dad. Foster son David Grant
of Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from
Payette and she became the daughter that Eva had never had.
...There are too many of the Breshears relatives to name here who
survive Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva, who have treasured memories of this
special relative also.
Other survivors include their foster son David Grant of Payette and his descendants; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike Smith, Pendleton
Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and Kay Grant,
Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster grandchildren; 1
foster gr-gr grandchild.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God
and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt that if she helped others along
the way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the dear Lord for letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years
old on 3 August did not plan to live so long... even though she accepted
it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have to live
so long?" The answer by Joy Beckman - "Perhaps you are alive because
everyone loves you so much, Eva."
Batch #: 8108201, Sheet #: 22, Source Call #: 1260857Arthur married Eva Cornelia Hill daughter of Edward Hill and Sarah Mrs. Hill on 10 Oct 1907 in Boise, Ada, ID. Eva was born on 3 Aug 1887 in Fayette, Utah. She died about 1989/1990 in Weiser, Wash, ID.
Obituary and Eulogy written and combined by Joy Beckman:
Eva Breshears was in her early eighties the first time I saw her at a
ladie's club meeting. She stood out like a poinsettia in a field of
Shasta daisies. Her brilliant red lipstick was topped by snowy waves and sparkling eyes. I never forgot it. I knew I had met someone special.
Eva was born in a one-room adobe house in Fayette, Utah, 3 Aug 1887.
Three older Hill children had died under tragic circumstances, before
two brothers and Eva were born. "Those two brothers worshipped me," she
once said. "They taught me the alphebet by pasting letters on my high
chair tray.
Her mother left the children with a wonderful Danish lady in Salt Lake
City while she entered St. Lukes Hospital, leaving as Dr. S.S. HILL.
Basically a midwife, she could nonetheless set a brolken leg as well as
a doctor.
When Eva was 11 her world expanded. Her mother delivered ababy for the superintendent of schools...who could not afford the $5.00 fee. He
agreed to give piano lessons to Eva who traveled weekly on the San Pete
Valley train to take them. She had one lesson on arrival, spent the
night with a dear friend of her mother and had another lesson the next
morning before boarding the train. She dspent the week practicing on the
small family organ. At 12, Eva's parents were told she had a heart
murmer and would probably not survive long.
Eva's formal schooling was short...how short she did not divulge, but at
the age 15 she dwas teaching 48 pupils in four grades at the school in Blackfoot. Some of the students were older than the teacher, no one knew
but the County Superintendent who declared Eva had the most orderly
classroom in the county. Later, when she accompanied that good lady to a
Normal School session at St. Anthony, the superintendent informed the assemblage that Eva was possibly the youngest teachr in the Unitedc
States. The year was 1902.
Her father was in the freight business and before she turned 16 they
moved to Middleton Idaho. She described those years as her "Rosebud"
years. "I loved everybody and I think they loved me too," she once said.
She was always being given "extra jobs." If there was a petition to be
carried to surrounding towns, it was Eva who carried it, and best of
all, she was paid expenses. She was hired as an election watcher when
far too young to vote.
Eva's dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Cave, lived next door. He was
the postmaster and she was still 15 when sworn in as assistant postmaster...ostensibly because she could stamp letters faster. She also
worked in the Cave's store and did the books. She drove a horse and
buggy to Caldwell for supplies.
Also, during her teenage years she and a brother ran a confectionary
shop and supplied suppers for dances. At this period in her life Eva
developed a love for hats...big glorious hats, with flowers, feathers,
ribbon and bows. A good deal of her spare money went toward their
purchases.
When the St. Louis Fair rolled around she didn't have the money to go., However, getting her hands on a quantity of books about the event, she
sold $248 worth...and became an authority on the subject. She also
belonged to a literary society and wrote news items for papers,
including the Capital News in Boise. She had a life long love of books.
During this part of her life she spent a good deal of time sitting with
the sick and dying. One summer she and a girl friend took turns sitting
with three dying persons.
In 1906 her friend, Lilly Plowhead (Langtree), who had shared her duties sitting with the dying, recommended her services to Mrs. M.A. Swift of
Boise who owned a fine piano studio. The shop held vivid memories for
Eva as it had white carpets and statuary. Mrs. Swift charged exorbitant
prices for personal lessons and when she was busy, Eva taught the
younger students. Eva hesitated in telling the piano story until a
little mental arithmetic showed her pupils would likely be in their
seventies and not likely to quibble about what had been paid for lessons
given by Eva instead of Mrs. Swift. While there Eva met the grandest
people. Mayor Penny was always dropping in and it was there she met the
young William E. Borah. She also met the famous stage star, Maude Adams
and Harry Wood Brown, who came to Boise with the Tiroli Opera. "He had
the most glorious voice". Eva recalled.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907 Eva related the story of how she and
Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first they were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he
happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and
water. They were married 10 Oct 1907 in Boise Idaho.
They had shopped for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived on the
inter-urban. There was a square table she loved, but it was too
expensive so she chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought
the expensive one for me and there it was when the furniture was
delivered," she related. Their little house and furniture were paid for
when they moved in. Further, Arthur gave her $200 to buy what she wanted
for the house. As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur
also became constable.
As time passed Eva became interested in Politics and was ask to help
with the young Borah's campaign...to expound his virtues as a Republican candidate. They sent her $20 to campaign with. She and Arthur had only a
pickup so she would drive to Boise and park at the back of the
headquarters in the Owyhee Hotel, then whip around to the front door on
foot, like she owned the place. At a reception for Mrs. Borah everyone
in the receiving line had a long dress ...except Eva. "Can you imagine
what that poor little society editor went through trying to describe my attire?" laughed Eva many years later.
Eva also worked in the Women's Department of the Farm Bureau and with
the State Extension Program. Through the latter, she and friends
arranged the first Women's camp, at Starkey Hot Springs, north of
Council, to accomodate 100 women. They stayed in a large circus tent,
that is most of them. Richer ladies stayed in the hotel. On the way to
camp on the "Galloping Goose", with her best friend, Bess Foster Smith,
anad Bess's two youngsters, Bob and George, she and Bess noticed two
young men, little knowing they were to make Eva famous. During the camp
the two scenario writers, took moving pictures. Eva who was camp
chairman became the star.
That wasn't all. The camp scenes were only part of the picture. Tfhey
expected Eva to produce a handsome husband and four darling children.
Well, she had the handsome husband but they had never been blessed with children. Undaunted, Eva borrowed two year old Bob Smith; Reta Bivins
joined the family as a four year old and Maud Galloway and Raymond
Bishop became her teen-age children. The photographers dully pictured
the home life of the happy family and the film, called "Mother Takes a Vacation", was used effectively to show mother could indeed attend
women's camp with the aid of her children and husband.
23 March 1923, Eva invited her neighbor ladies to a party. Shamrock Club
was born. It had been reported to be the only such club in the state
which has kept a continuous record in the University of Idaho extension service.
One day Guy Galloway came to Eva and told her there was talk of a 4-H
club, and he offered any money they might win. Tfhe next year, under
Eva's guidance, they wone $1,300. Further, Eva Jeanette, a fine polish
sow, won the Armour prize and trip to Chicago, plus cash, for her owner.
At one time she had Calf; Pig and sewing clubs.
In the days of the fallout shelters, Eva taught a home medical course....because the trained nurse who was to do so couldn't make it.
When it came to sections on setting bones and resuecitation she called
one of the doctors of Charley Gill. Nineteen of 21 persons who started
the class completed it...and one died before it was over.
Around 1939 Eva ran for state representative against George Durant, a
popular attorney. There was no one else to run against him and she
didn't expect to win - she had a grnd time anyway.
Eva and Arthur generally drove pretty nice cars and she relataed about
the time they were spening along in their new Chrysler,on their way home
from Boise with only a dime between them for gas...which they were fast
running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can. We stopped at a station,
wrote acheck and got some gas ...hoping there would be enough in the
cream can to cover it."
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The flast time
there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were
also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on
their new mattress. Tfhere were no more house dances in the Breshears
home.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Satatesman 7
Sep 1975. He died 26 Aug 1978. The two had been married 70 years. in
April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of Weiser Idaho. Her
last years were spent inthe Weiser Care Center where she died Sunday 18
march 1990. While the couple were never able to have children, 16
youngsters passed through their home at various stages of their lives
and stayed long enough to call them Mother and Father. David Grant,
Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from
Payette and she became the daughter that Eva never had. There were many
of the Breshears neices and nephews who treasured their Uncle Arthur and
Aunt Eva also - other survivors included foster children & their
descendants - David Grant, Payette; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike
Smith, Pendleton Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and
Kay Grant, Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster
grandchildren; 1 foster gr-gr-grandchild; and a multitude of family [see lineage charts included here for names], and other friends that her life touched.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God
and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt if she helped others along the
way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the Good Lord for
letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years
old on 3 Aug did not plan nor want to liuve so long, even though she
accepted it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have
to live?" The answer by Joy Beckman was "Perhaps you are alive because
everyone loves you so much, Eva."
Notes that were taken by the Arthur Breshears family as they visited
Union Co., Oregon, 1940, and the picture of the homestead cabin erected
by the Andrew Hammacks, are included with the Idaho Breshears sketch at
the beginning of his book.
