Contributed: May 2004
Descendants of James B. Holley
1. JAMES B. HOLLEY was born Abt. 1841 in Alabama. He married (1) UNKNOWN Bef. 1857. He married (2) MARY E. DEARING, August 02, 1867 in Itawamba County, MS, daughter of UNKNOWN POLLOCK and AGNESS ??. She was born Abt. 1837 in Connecticut.
*The following generations based on the conjecture that James Holley was the father of Archie Holley.
According to the 1870 census of Itawamba County, Mississippi, James Holley is the head of the household. Unfortunately, the 1870 census did not list relationships. Archie M. Holley is found in this census, age 13, listed as a "farm laborer". It it unknown whether James and Archie Holley were father and son, or brothers. In this census, Mary was obviously James' second wife. A marriage certificate from Itawamba County, Mississippi, dated August 4, 1867, shows a "James B. Holley" marrying a "Mrs. M. E. Dearing". It is believed that James' first wife died and he married Mrs. Dearing. If James and Archie are father and son, it is believed Archie was the child of James Holley and his first wife. William and Benjamin Holley would then be the children of James Holley and his second wife, Mary Dearing (Derring). The ancestors of James Holley are not known at this time.
1870 U.S. CENSUS, Itawamba County, MS; Township 9, post office - Fulton, page 375, August 8, 1870, dwelling # 88 / 88:
Holley, James 29 MW Farmer $500 $800 born in Alabama
Mary 33 FW Keeping House born in Connecticut
Archie 13 MW Farm Laborer born in Alabama
William 2 MW At Home born in Mississippi
Benjamin 10 months MW At Home born in Mississippi
Pollock, Agness 64 FW At Home born in Scotland
Derring, James 13 MW At School born in Ohio
Idah 12 FW At School born in Mississippi
Agness 10 FW At School born in Mississippi
Martha 8 FW At School born in Mississippi
CONJECTURE: It is believed that this household was a "yours, mine, and ours" combination. Mary Holley was probably James' second wife. If this is the case, nothing is known of his first wife. Mary's first husband was probably "Derring" or "Dearing". His first name may have been "James". Mary came from the East, settled in Ohio for a period of time, and eventually moved to Mississippi. Perhaps Mary's first husband died in the Civil War. "Archie Holley" probably belongs to James and his first wife (if father and son). William and Benjamin would then be the children of James and Mary. The four Derring/Dearing children belong to Mary and her first husband. Agness Pollock was probably Mary's mother and perhaps "Pollock" was Mary's maiden name. It is interesting to note that James' son, Archie, was a farm laborer while Mary's children had the opportunity to attend school.
Archie Holley married Nancy "Belle" Johnson.
Children of JAMES HOLLEY and UNKNOWN are:
2. i. ARCHIE M.2 HOLLEY, b. Abt. 1857, Alabama.
ii. WILLIAM HOLLEY5,6, b. Abt. 1868, Mississippi.
iii. BENJAMIN HOLLEY9,10, b. August 1869, Mississippi.
Children of JAMES HOLLEY and MARY DEARING are:
iv. JAMES2 DEARING, b. Abt. 1857.
v. IDAH DEARING, b. Abt. 1858.
vi. AGNESS DEARING, b. Abt. 1860.
vii. MARTHA DEARING, b. Abt. 1862.
2. ARCHIE M. HOLLEY (JAMES B.) was born Abt. 1857 in Alabama. He married NANCY ISABELLE JOHNSON, February 18, 1873 in Itawamba County, MS, daughter of ROBERT JOHNSON and BERILAY HALL. She was born May 06, 1856 in Mississippi, and died September 20, 1952 in Itawamba County, MS.
Archie M. Holley was born about 1856/1857 in Alabama according to the 1870 census of Itawamba County, Mississippi. His father was probably James Holley, as listed in this same 1870 census. In this census, James Holley was listed as 29 years old and Archie was listed as 13 years old. Archie Holley married Nancy Isabelle "Belle" Johnson on February 18, 1873 in Itawamba County, Mississippi. Three children are known as a result of this marriage: Alice, Joseph H., Thomas Lon.
"One day, Archie began walking down his driveway. His son, Lon, began following him. Archie tried to get the boy to go back to the house but his son wanted to go with his dad. Archie then gave Lon his pocket knife and, satisfied, the boy returned to the house. Archie walked down the driveway and never returned". Family tradition states that Archie ended up in Texas. In the 1900 federal census of Itawamba County, Mississippi, Belle Holley is listed as a widow.
Nancy Isabelle "Belle" Johnson was the mother of Thomas Lon Holley. Belle was born May 6, 1856 in Mississippi. She was the daughter of Robert Johnson and Berilay "Rilda" Hall. Belle was one of nine (9) children. Belle Johnson married Archie M. Holley February 18, 1873 in Itawamba County, Mississippi. Belle and Archie had three (3) children. Sometime during their married life, Archie Holley deserted his family. In the 1900 census of Itawamba County, Mississippi, Belle is listed as a "widow".
Belle and her husband were members of the Church of God. Belle became blind near the end of her life. Belle Holley and her daughter, Alice, are buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Itawamba County, Mississippi. This cemetery is located off Route 23, southwest of Red Bay, Alabama. Belle Holley was listed in the 1900 federal census in Itawamba County, MS, as family # 182/182. The neighboring family, #183/183, is Willy and Cleo Grissom.
Belle Johnson Holley died September 20, 1952 in Itawamba County, Mississippi.
1900 CENSUS, Federal Census Abstract: June 23-25, 1900, Beat 1, Copeland/Lowery/Pleasenton,
Belle Holley - Head of Home
Itawamba County, MS; page 140 B, dwelling/family # 182/182:
Date of Birth - May 1856
Age at Last Birthday - 44
Widow
block #10, Number of years married - 3
Mother of how many children - 3
Number of these children living - 3
Place of Birth - Mississippi
Place of birth of Father - South Carolina
Place of birth of Mother - South Carolina
Read/Write/Speak English - Yes
Ownership of Home - Rented
Farm or House - Farm
Listed in Household:
"Allis" - daughter, born Sept 1874 in MS, age 25, married 1 year, no children, can read/write
"J.H." - son, born March 1877 in MS, age 23, single, Farmer, can read/write
"Tomas L." - son, born March 1879 in MS, age 21, married 1 year, Farmer, can read/write
"Maud Odum" - granddaughter, born July 1893 in MS, age 7, read but not write
"Great grandma Belle stayed with Aunt Alice (Holley Grissom). We used to go see them each summer and she was really something. They lived in this old, country-style house, being from Mississippi. Instead of scrubbing their floor with soap and water, they scrubbed them with white sand. The floors were so pretty. Great Grandma Belle was about 98 years old. Each afternoon she would take her quilt out on the front porch (which was at least 5 or 6 feet from the ground) and take her nap. Belle and my mother (Audie Holley) were the oldest people in the Holley family. Both lived to almost 98 years of age."
Burial Place: 1952, Mt. Zion Cemetery, Itawamba County, MS
Children of ARCHIE HOLLEY and NANCY JOHNSON are:
3. i. ALICE3 HOLLEY, b. September 1874; d. 1958, Benefield, MS.
4. ii. JOSEPH C. HOLLEY, b. 1877; d. Golden, Tishomingo County, MS.
5. iii. THOMAS LON HOLLEY, b. March 22, 1879, Tishomingo County, MS; d. September 15, 1965, Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, TN.
3. ALICE HOLLEY (ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born September 1874, and died 1958 in Benefield, MS. She married JOHN MARTIN GRISSOM. He was born 1872, and died 1932.
Children of ALICE HOLLEY and JOHN GRISSOM are:
6. i. CLARENCE GRISSOM.
ii. OLA GRISSOM.
iii. CURTIS GRISSOM.
iv. CLUSTER GRISSOM, b. 1909; d. 1983; m. FLORA ??; b. 1916.
4. JOSEPH C. HOLLEY (ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born 1877, and died in Golden, Tishomingo County, MS. He married EMILY. She was born 1877 in Alabama.
Joe was a school teacher. Relatives state he was extremely intelligent. He attended Florence State University, presently the University of Northern Alabama, located in Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama. Joseph is buried in Golden, Tishomingo County, MS. Family state that Lon Holley financially helped Joe get through college.
1920 U.S. CENSUS, Precinct #5, Red Bay, Franklin County, Alabama, page 8A, dwelling # 138/138
HOLLEY, Joseph C. Head MW 42 married read & write-Yes MS AL AL farmer, general farmer
Emely Wife FW 42 married read & write-Yes AL AL AL farm labor, house farm
Florence Dau FW 9 single attended school MS MS AL
Child of JOSEPH HOLLEY and EMILY is:
i. FLORENCE VIRLAND4 HOLLEY, b. 1911, Mississippi.
5. THOMAS LON HOLLEY (ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born March 22, 1879 in Tishomingo County, MS, and died September 15, 1965 in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, TN. He married CALLIE YARBROUGH January 15, 1899 in Itawamba County, MS, daughter of GEORGE YARBROUGH and MALINDA HODGES. She was born August 06, 1881 in Tishomingo County, MS, and died July 27, 1970 in Five Points, Lawrence County, TN.
Thomas Lon Holley was the father of Fred Edward Holley. Lon Holley's parents were Archie M. Holley and Nancy Isabelle "Belle" Johnson. Lon was born March 22, 1879 in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. It has been noted by relatives that Lon Holley lived in Dennis, Belmont, and Golden, all cities of Tishomingo County, Mississippi. On January 15, 1899, Thomas Lon Holley married Callie Yarbrough in Itawamba County, Mississippi. Lon and Callie raised eight (8) children: Fred Edward, Ozzo Lonzo, Grover Odell, Flora, Gladys, Edison, Lorene, and Eula Mae. Lon Holley was a hard-working farmer who cared for his family, his land, and his animals. He was known to correct his neighbors if they abused their farm animals. Thomas Lon Holley was a staunch Republican.
MARRIAGE RECORD, ITAWAMBA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI: (page 99)
T.L. Holley and Miss Callie Yarbro
(no date, Affidavit not completed)
MARRIAGE LICENSE, THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, ITAWAMBA COUNTY:
To any Minister, Judge, Justice, or other Person authorized by law to Celebrate the Rites of Matrimony;
You are hereby Licensed to celebrate the Rites of Matrimony between Mr. T.L. Holley
and Miss Callie Yarber, and for so doing this shall be your warrant.
Given under my hand and official seal, this the 11 day of January,
in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine
J.M. Walken (?), Circuit Clerk
Marriage License issued and recorded this 11 day of January, 1899
J.M. Walken (?), Circuit Clerk
CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE, THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, ITAWAMBA COUNTY:
By virtue of a License from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County of Itawamba, I have this day celebrated the Rites of Matrimony between Mr. T.L. Holley and Miss Callie Yarber
Given under my hand, this the 15 day of January, A.D. 1899
T.J. Johnson
Certificate of Marriage filed for record 1 June 1899, and recorded 1 June 1899
J.M. Walken (?), Circuit Clerk
FEDERAL CENSUS ABSTRACT, 1900:
Pineville Precinct, Beat 1, Itawamba County, MS; June 21-22, 1900, page 126 B, number of dwelling/family - 90/90:
Lon Holley - Head of Home
Date of Birth - March 1880
Age at Last Birthday - 20
Marital Status - Married
Number of Years - 1
Place of Birth - Mississippi
Place of birth of Father - Alabama
Place of birth of Mother - Mississippi
Occupation - Farmer months not employed - 0
Education:
Can Read - Yes
Can Write - Yes
Can Speak English - Yes
Ownership of Home:
Owned or Rented - Rented
Owned free or mortgaged - (blank)
Farm or House - Farm
Number of farm schedule - 98
1920 U.S. CENSUS, Third Civil District, Lawrence County, Tennessee, page 18A, dwelling #308/272:
Home Owned, free- no mortgage Appleton and Second Creek
HOLLEY, Lon Head MW 40 (AL or MS ?) MS MS Farmer General Farming
Callie Wife FW 38 MS AL AL
Odell Son MW 12 MS AL MS Laborer
Flora Dau FW 10 MS AL MS
Gladis Dau FW 7 MS AL MS
Edison Son MW 5 MS AL MS
Lorena Dau FW 1 TN AL MS
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, #65-028417, State of Tennessee
Thomas L Holley
Date of Death: September 15, 1965
Race: White
Sex: Male
Marital Status: Married
Date of Birth: March 22, 1879
Age: 86
Place of Death:
County - Lawrence
Civil District - 8
Usual Residence of Deceased:
State - Tennessee
County - Lawrence
Civil District - 5
City: Lawrenceburg
City: Five Points
Inside City Limits - No
Name of Hospital: Lawrence County Hospital
Street or Address: RR # 3
Residence on a farm - Yes
Usual Occupation: Retired Farmer
Birthplace: Mississippi
Citizen: U.S.A.
Name of Wife: Callie Holley
Father's Name: Archie Holley
Mother's Maiden Name: Odom
Informant; Callie Holley
Burial: September 16, 1964
Name of Cemetery: Bonnertown
Location: Lawrence County, TN
"I can't remember Pa (Lon) ever talking. He was very quiet and reserved."
"...Grandpa Holley (Lon) lived in Golden, Mississippi before he moved his family to Tennessee. This would have made Uncle Fred (Holley) about 15 or 16 years old. They moved to Tennessee, using two wagons, I believe Dad said. Lon and his family spent the first night in Russellville, Alabama. Daddy said it was so cold they almost froze."
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: Baptist
Callie Yarbrough was the daughter of George Washington Yarbrough and Malinda E. Hodges.
She married Thomas Lon Holley on January 15, 1899 in Itawamba County, MS. Callie was a Baptist.
Certificate of Death: # 70-021366;
Date of Death - July 27, 1970; Age at Last Birthday - 88; Date of Birth - August 6, 1881; Place of Death - Died at Home - Five Points, Rt #1, Lawrence County, TN; Widowed; Occupation - Housewife; Place of Residence - Five Points, Rt #1, Lawrence County, TN; Father's Name - George Yarbrough; Mother's Maiden Name - Melinda Hodge; Informant - Mrs. Lorene Hobart - Five Points, TN;
"My grandmother told me she was Choctaw Indian. She stated she went to Indian Territory when she was a child and crossed the Red River on a ferry or barge. During the trip the horses got thirsty and reached their heads over into the water to drink and almost tipped the boat over. Callie stated she was frightened. Callie also stated they would go to Fort Smith, Arkansas with a load of native Americans. When they got close to Fort Smith, the Indians would say, "Oh boy! Fort Smithee, 'olley ! ".
"I spent a week with Ma (Callie) when I was about ten years old. She asked me to read the Bible to her every night. She always got up very early and went to bed very early. That was strange to me! She was in her wheel chair and would sit at night and let her hair down to brush it. It was down to her waist. I don't think she ever cut it. She told me a scary Indian tale about living in an Indian village. I can't remember exactly but the story was about something that happened at midnight when six black cats would come down the chimney. I remember it was very scary. Callie would count to ten in what I thought was Choctaw. She tried to teach me but I never learned. She made wonderful, homemade tea- cakes."
Children of THOMAS HOLLEY and CALLIE YARBROUGH are:
7. i. FRED EDWARD4 HOLLEY, b. September 08, 1899, Pineville, Itawamba
County, MS; d. April 28, 1934, Bonnertown, Lawrence County,TN.
8. ii. OZZO LONZO HOLLEY, b. 1902; d. June 19, 1989, Tri-Cities, Florence,
Lauderdale County, AL.
9. iii. GROVER ODELL HOLLEY, b. December 27, 1905, Golden, Tishomingo
County, MS; d. September 08, 1991, Turlock, Stanislaus County, California.
10. iv. FLORA HOLLEY, b. 1910.
11. v. GLADYS HOLLEY, b. 1912.
12. vi. EDISON HOLLEY, b. October 31, 1914, Belmont, Tishomingo County, MS.
13. vii. LORENE HOLLEY, b. 1919.
14. viii. EULA MAE HOLLEY, b. 1924.
6. CLARENCE GRISSOM (ALICE HOLLEY, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) He married KEVA WILLIAMS.
Child of CLARENCE GRISSOM and KEVA WILLIAMS is:
i. LORA GRISSOM, m. JAMES EULES HALL, 1945.
7. FRED EDWARD HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M. , JAMES B.) was born September 08, 1899 in Pineville, Itawamba County, MS, and died April 28, 1934 in Bonnertown, Lawrence County,TN. He married DESSIE MAE GUTHRIE November 23, 1919 in Lawrence County, TN, daughter of WILLIAM GUTHRIE and MARY SHERRILL. She was born October 23, 1902 in Russellville, Franklin County, AL, and died August 05, 1989 in Lexington, Lauderdale County, AL.
Fred Edward Holley lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Fred's schooling was cut short, probably finishing the third or fourth grade. Working as a sharecropper on a farm, Fred was also a carpenter/cabinet maker. He built houses and made furniture for his community. Fred drew his own house plans. The two-story school building that his baby sister, Eula Mae, attended was built by Fred Holley. Well--respected by everyone, Fred excelled in everything that he tried.
Fred met Dessie Mae Guthrie. On October 24, 1919, Fred, and a man named H. A. Pass, entered into a bond agreement with the State of Tennessee in order for Fred to marry Dessie. Dessie was apparently under legal age to marry. Fred and Mr. Pass bound themselves for the sum of $1250 to the state of Tennessee. Fred married Dessie Mae Guthrie on November 23, 1919 in Lawrence County, TN. Performing the ceremony was Reverend W.R. Armstrong.
Fred Edward Holley was a God-fearing, Christian man. His mother, Callie Yarbrough Holley, bought him an organ and instructions (called a "rudiment of music"). Fred taught himself how to play the organ. His brother, Ozzo Holley, was the church's choir director. Eula Mae (Holley) McKissack, Fred's sister, was ten years old when Fred passed away. Fred, his wife, and their six children lived about a mile from Fred's parents, Lon and Callie Holley. Eula Mae McKissack stated that her mother, when Fred became sick, made two trips a day (walking) to see him and help Dessie with the children. According to the death record, Fred died of "cancer of the stomach". The song that Eula remembers being sung at Fred's funeral was - "I'll Understand it Better By and By". Fred is buried next to Dessie in the Grassy Cemetery - Grassy, Lauderdale County, Alabama.
Archie Austine Holley, Fred's son, remembers Fred being sent to see other doctors in Nashville, Tennessee Archie stated the doctors could do nothing for Fred and sent him home. Fred Holley was bed-ridden the remainder of his days. Archie Holley was six or seven years old and remembers seeing his father in bed. Archie Holley stated that his mother, Dessie, sent him to stay with her parents, William and Elizabeth Guthrie, during his father's illness. The Guthrie's lived near Fred and Dessie Holley. Fred was trying to purchase the house/farm he was living in but became seriously ill. Archie Holley remembered going to his father's funeral with his grandparents, in a horse-drawn wagon. They were late for the funeral. Archie stated that the casket had to be re-opened so that he was able to see his father for the last time.
MARRIAGE BOND:
State of Tennessee, Lawrence County.
Know All Men, That we, Fred Holley Prin. and H.A. Pass of said County and State of Tennessee, are held and firmly bound unto the State of Tennessee in the sum of TWELVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS, to which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind our heirs, executors, and administrators, and each and every one of us and them, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
The Condition of the above Obligation is such, That whereas Fred Holley hath prayed and obtained a license to marry Dessie Guthrie: Now, if there shall not hereafter appear any lawful cause why the said Fred Holley and Dessie Guthrie should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony as husband and wife, then this obligation to be void and of no effect; otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Witness our hands and seals, the 24 day of Oct. 1919
Fred Holley
H.A. Pass
State of Tennessee, Lawrence County.
To any Minister of the Gospel having the care of Souls, Jewish Rabbi, Justice of the Peace of said County, Judge or Chancellor--Greeting:
You, or either of you, are hereby authorized to solemnize the RITE OF MATRIMONY between Fred Holley and Dessie Guthrie of your County, agreeably to the direction of the Act of Assembly in such cases made and provided; provided always, that the Rite of Matrimony be solemnized in this County; otherwise these will be null and void, and shall not be accounted any license or authority to you, or either of you, for the purpose aforesaid, more than though the same had never been prayed or granted, etc.
Given at the Clerk's office of said County, this 24 day of Oct. 1919
W. Parkes County Court Clerk
By FF. Locke D.C.
I solemnize the Rite of Matrimony between the within-named parties on the 23 day of Nov. 1919
Rev. W.R. Armstrong
"Daddy (Ozzo Holley) really loved his big brother (Fred Holley) and mom (Audie Shannon Holley) loved Uncle Fred and Aunt Dessie also. I heard that soon after Fred and Dessie were married they spent their first night of marriage at grandma and grandpa's (Callie and Lon Holley) house - in the same room! I think mom said Fred and Dessie moved out and they lived close to Grandma and Grandpa Holley, a short time later. Some years later, after Uncle Fred died, Dessie moved close her own family, the Guthries.
Lots of Sundays after church we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for lunch (or we called it "Sunday dinner"). Church on Sunday morning was very special because Daddy (Ozzo Holley) always led the singing and Uncle Fred (Holley) played the organ. After dinner at grandma's house, the older children would go outside to play and leave me inside. I remember Uncle Fred would say, 'Come on _______ (which was my nickname given me by grandma), let's you and me go sing and play!" I thought, 'I must be his favorite person for him to pay so much attention to me'. I will always treasure those memories of him. Then I can remember him (Fred Holley) riding up on his horse when he'd come to our house to help build something. He built a safe for us that we now call a
'Pie Safe'. I also remember Uncle Fred being at our house to eat on different occasions. It was so strange, I thought, that Uncle Fred would put salt in everything he ate and even in his milk. I have wondered, since then, if maybe that caused his stomach problems. I remember when Uncle Fred was sick. Beulah and I would walk all the way there, which I guess was a good two or three miles. We would stop by the store and get him an orange soda drink (which I heard was his favorite). He felt so much pain that they had to hang his bed from the ceiling. We had to be careful not to close the door too hard or even speak loud."
Burial: Grassy Cemetery, Grassy, Lauderdale County, Alabama93,94
Cause of Death: Cancer of the Stomach94
Occupation: Sharecropper, Farmer, Carpenter
Religion: Baptist
Dessie Mae Guthrie was the daughter of William "Will" Guthrie/Guttery and Mary Elizabeth Sherrill. Dessie was born October 23, 1902 in Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama. She married Fred Edward Holley on November 23, 1919 in Lawrence County, Tennessee. Fred and Dessie had six (6) children: Alfred F., Robert Lawrence, Archie Austine, Syble LaRue, Hilda E., and Wendell M. Fred Holley died of stomach cancer in 1934, leaving Dessie to raise six children alone. Some family members helped Dessie during this difficult period. When her son, Austine (Archie), moved north to Illinois, Dessie and her children moved to Dixon, Lee County, Illinois for a short period of time. Dessie eventually moved back to Alabama. Archie Holley and Lawrence "Larry" Holley built Dessie a beautiful brick home on Route #1, Lexington, Alabama. Dessie remained there, cared for by her son Lawrence, until her death on August 5, 1989. She left behind a strong testimony for the Lord. Dessie was a fine Christian woman with strong Biblical principles.
Burial: Grassy, Lauderdale County, AL
Religion: Baptist
Children of FRED HOLLEY and DESSIE GUTHRIE are:
i. ALFRED F. HOLLEY, b. July 12, 1921, Lauderdale County, AL; m. LILIAN
PETTUS, December 25, 1942, Lexington, Lauderdale County, AL; b.
August 28, 1918, Lexington, Lauderdale County, AL.
Alfred Holley was born July 12, 1921 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. He was the eldest child of Fred and Dessie Holley. Alfred married Lillian Pettus on Christmas Day, 1942 in Lauderdale County, AL. Alfred was 21 and Lillian was 28. Alfred listed his occupation as "Farmer" and Lillian listed her occupation as "Housekeeper". Alfred was living in Minor Hill, TN at the time of his marriage and Lillian was living in Lexington, AL.
Alfred died tragically in a gas truck accident. While driving a gas truck, Alfred had to quickly avoid hitting another vehicle. His actions saved the life of the person in the other vehicle but Alfred lost his own life in the process.
ii. ROBERT LAWRENCE HOLLEY, b. September 16, 1925; d. October 24, 1992, Florence,
Lauderdale County, AL; m. MARY ODELLE.
iii. ARCHIE AUSTINE HOLLEY, b. January 08, 1927, Lawrence County, TN; m. VIVIAN
JEANETTE LONG, January 09, 1949, Pine Creek Township, Ogle County,
IL; b. June 05, 1927, Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, IL; d.
September 06, 1994, Freeport, Stephenson County, IL.
Archie Austine Holley was the son of Fred Edward Holley and Dessie Mae Guthrie. He was born January 8, 1927, in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, Tennessee. His family moved to Grassy, Lauderdale County, Alabama where he attended school and completed the 7th grade. Archie's dad died in 1934, leaving his mother to raise six children. Archie stated that he was practically raised by his grandparents, William and Elizabeth Guthrie. It was a very difficult time for Mrs. Holley. Archie stated he occasionally went to school in Lexington, Alabama. He stated that he didn't like going to school because his "Clothes were so poor". Archie remembered that his cousin, O.T. Guthrie, spent the weekend with him. O.T. was older and was the only person in their area that owned a car. Archie stated on Monday morning, O.T. drove Archie and his siblings to school in a car! After dropping them off to school, O.T. drove to his high school. Archie stated he and his sisters thought this was the greatest thing in the world.
During World War II, Archie was drafted into the Army on November 13, 1945, assigned service # 44 119 390. He left for the Army from Lawrence County, Tennessee. The following chronology is from the recollection of Archie Austine Holley, March 1999:
Archie stated he left Lawrence County, TN and went to Fort "Orothort" (he does not remember the exact name nor spelling) in the northern part of Georgia. There he was sworn-in for three (3) years and issued his gear. Archie was then sent to Ft. McClellan, Alabama for eighteen (18) weeks of infantry training.
Dad spent six (6) months at Camp Plauche, New Orleans, LA at the Army's "Cook and Baker" school. Archie remembered being at this school around January 1, 1946 because the "Sugar Bowl" football game was being played. Dad stated he had never seen so many people. During this school, Dad worked for a black Sergeant who was about 6' 4" and weighing about 350 pounds. Archie told this sergeant, "I wish I knew about cooking what you have forgotten". The sergeant told Dad, "You are the only one here who wants to learn to cook". Dad said he learned how to cook from this man and the sergeant took the time to teach him additional things about cooking and baking. After this school, Archie was sent to Camp Killmer (?) in New Jersey. At this Camp, Archie Holley was given shots and another medical exam.
From New Jersey, Archie Holley was shipped to Bremenhaven, Germany, sometime after June of 1946. In Germany, Archie was assigned to the 22nd Constabulary, a military police unit. The 22nd Constabulary was assigned to check various areas and guard P.O.W.'s. Dad stated they wore three (3) yellow stripes on their helmets along with a yellow letter "C". They wore yellow scarves and white 'Leggings'. One day, Archie's First Sergeant called for him over the loudspeaker, ordering him to report immediately. When Dad arrived, the First Sergeant was angry. The First Sergeant said, "Why didn't you tell me you were a cook ?" Dad replied, "You never asked me !" The First Sergeant then said, "Turn in your Jeep and weapons, be at the chow hall tomorrow at 0400 (4:00 A.M.)." Archie stated this was the best duty he had experienced in the Army. Dad said he worked 24 hours on and 24 hours off. He also could eat all the ice cream he wanted. When others would ask why he ate so much ice cream, Dad stated he did not have ice cream as a kid because his family was so poor. Years later, the Holley children would always have ice cream in the freezer and ice cream was always the treat on Sundays. Archie stated he was in Germany for over a year. He said he cooked for about 125 soldiers.
During his service in Germany, Dad's mother became very ill. Dad was sent home on an emergency furlough. When his mother's health improved, the Army sent him to Fort Eustis, VA. Because it was the end of the war, Dad was soon discharged from the Army. Archie went to see his former commanding officer. Dad told him he wanted to go back to Germany to cook. Dad said, "I forgot to do the dishes !". The C.O. laughed. Archie told the C.O. he wanted to make the Army a career. Archie was not allowed to reenlist. He stated the reason for this was that he did not have enough education. When he got out of the Army, Dad tried to enlist in the Navy but was denied. Dad stated he was about twenty (20) years old at the time of his discharge.
After his military service, Archie Holley and his brother Lawrence (Larry) decided to find work in the North. Dad stated they ended up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Larry got a job working for a paper mill and Dad worked a short time for the Rude (hot water heaters) Company. They stayed at the Rockefeller Hotel. Dad said they had to "live cheap". In 1948 Archie went to Florida, then to Alabama. In the Unemployment Office, Dad stated he saw a job posting for "tree trimmers" in Dixon, Illinois. Archie stated this was a "cut in pay" compared to their wages in Kalamazoo. Dad moved to Dixon, Lee County, Illinois where he began working as a tree trimmer. Dad's brother, Lawrence, and a cousin, Robert Williams (son of Virgie Guthrie and John Williams) also moved to Dixon and worked as tree trimmers. The pay was 90 cents an hour if they worked out in the country and 95 cents an hour if they worked in town. Archie said they worked six days a week. One of his fellow-workers was a young man named Elwood "Bud" Rosenbalm. Dad stated he spent a few weekends with Bud at his home in Oregon, Illinois.
Bud invited Archie to the home/farm of his grandmother, Mabel Long, of Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, Illinois. There, Archie Holley met Vivian Jeanette Long, youngest child of Garfield and Mabel Long. Dad said that when he met my mom he forgot about wanting to reenlist. Archie and Vivian were married January 9, 1949. Archie and Vivian lived with Vivian's mother, Mabel Smice Long, for a few years. After Archie and Vivian married, Archie Holley attended the University of Indiana. Dad used the G.I. Bill and entered the Brick Layer/Mason trade. Dad was a brick layer for forty (40) years. In 1955 Archie built a brick home located at 910 South 8th Street, Oregon, Illinois.
Vivian Jeanette Long was the thirteenth child of James Garfield Long and Mabel Dora Smice. Vivian was born June 5, 1927 in Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, Illinois. Vivian attended Center School of Pine Creek Township, a one-room school house. All of Vivian's brothers and sisters attended this school. Vivian graduated from the eighth grade. She attended Oregon Community High School, Oregon, Ogle County, Illinois in 1941. Vivian only went one year due to the school buses not operating that far into the farm areas. Vivian Long began employment at Kable News, Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL. She worked there until she gave birth to her first child. Vivian's cousin, Elwood "Bud" Rosenbalm, introduced her to a young man named Archie Holley. Archie was from Alabama, had just completed his military service in World War II, and had moved North to find work. Archie was working as a tree trimmer with Bud Rosenbalm. Bud brought Archie to his grandparents home, Garfield and Mabel Long of Pine Creek Township, and introduced Archie to Vivian Jeanette Long. Vivian and Archie were married January 9, 1949 in Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, IL.
THE OGLE COUNTY REPUBLICAN, November 1, 1945, page ten:
"Misses Phyllis Long and Vivian Long, Sunday school teachers of the Beginners and Primary classes of the Pine Creek Brethren church, held a Halloween party Sunday. Enjoying the occasion were
Kenneth LeRoy Long, Judith Ann Jones, Helen Adams, Gwendolyn Aurand, Beverly and Mary Valdean Long of the Beginners class, and Jeanette Long, Shirley Rosenbalm, Dale and Donald Adams, Patsy, Betty, and Jimmy Jones, Ila Null and Kyle Aurand of the Primary class."
THE OGLE COUNTY REPUBLICAN, January 27, 1949, page one:
"The Pine Creek Brethren church was the scene of a pretty candle light wedding Sunday, January 9 at eight o'clock when Vivian Jeanette Long, youngest daughter of Mrs. Garfield Long, became the bride of Archie A. Holley, son of Mrs. Dessie Holley of Decatur, Alabama. Rev. N. H. Rittenhouse, pastor of the church solemnized the ceremony in a setting of bouquets chrysanthemums and snapdragons. The pulpit was marked with palms and candles with pink and white tapers.
Vocal selections were sung by Mrs. Nelson Rittenhouse. Mrs. Merlin Root played the wedding march. The bride approached the altar on a white carpeted aisle strewn with red rose petals, on the arm of her brother Newton, who gave her in marriage.
Her gown was of rich white satin, with long pointed sleeves and was buttoned down the back. The full skirt was attached to a fitted bodice in a long court train. Her finger-tip veil edged with Chantilly heart shaped lace was held in place with a tiara of apple blossoms. She carried a bouquet of a dozen red roses and one white one. To complete the bride's attire she wore a three-strand of white pearls, a gift from the groom.
Judy Jones and Valdean Long nieces of the bride carried the long court train, wearing identical white formals with matching veils. Phyllis Long, matron of honor, sister of the bride wore a gown of rose satin and carried a cascade bouquet of pink carnations with carnations in her hair. The two bridesmaids Mildred Long and Jeanette Long of Oregon, nieces of the bride wore gowns of blue with matching veils and carried cascade bouquets of pink carnations. The flower girl, Shirley Rosenbalm, niece of the bride was dressed in a full length dress of blue with matching veil. She carried a basket of rose petals. The ring bearer, Kenneth Long, nephew of the bride, carried the ring on a small satin pillow edged with lace.
The bride's mother wore a dress of deep green with a corsage of white gardenias. Gene Long, brother of the bride attended the groom as best man. Ellwood Rosenbalm, Donald Griffin of Oregon were ushers.
A reception for forty guests was held at the bride's home following the ceremony. The reception table was arranged with a pink and white three-tiered cake with a mixed bouquet of gardenias and pink snapdragons, pink and white streamers and white streamers and white bells.
Mrs. Carl Reynolds poured, Misses Lulu and Grace Funk served the cake and ice cream.
When the couple departed on their honey moon the bride was wearing a pastel green crepe dress with a corsage of white gardenias. When they returned they presented gifts to their attendants. They are now making their home with the bride's mother."
iv. SYBLE LARUE HOLLEY, b. July 25, 1928; m. JOHN ROBINSON.
v. HILDA E. HOLLEY, b. May 05, 1930; m. JAMES FOX.
vi. WENDELL M. HOLLEY, b. June 25, 1932; d. January 27, 1956, Illinois; m.
LURA MODEAN ADCOCK, 1952; b. November 01, 1934.
Burial: Decatur City Cemetery, Decatur, AL
8. OZZO LONZO HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born 1902, and died June 19, 1989 in Tri-Cities, Florence, Lauderdale County, AL. He married AUDIE ELLA SHANNON, December 16, 1919 in Lawrence County, TN. She was born 1902, and died August 2000 in Russellville, Franklin County, AL.
1920 U.S. CENSUS, Third Civil District, Lawrence County, Tennessee, page 18A, dwelling # 309/273:
Home rented Appleton and Second Creek
HOLLEY, Ozzo Head MW 17 MS AL MS Farmer General Farming
Audie Wife FW 16 MS AL MS
Burial: Tri Cities Cemetery, Florence, AL
Children of OZZO HOLLEY and AUDIE SHANNON are:
i. BEULAH HOLLEY, d. 1997; m. BOSTON.
ii. BERNICE HOLLEY, m. LESTER WILEY.
Bernice and Lester Wiley were in the retail business for 31 years - Russellville, Alabama.
iii. THOMAS ANDREW HOLLEY, d. January 11, 1995, Lauderdale County, AL; m. THERESA BROW.
Lauderdale County, Alabama - Probate Records/Estate Records:
#14107 Thomas A. Holley died June 11, 1995. Survivors and heirs were:
Theresa B. Holley, Anderson, AL (spouse)
Yolanda A. Holley, Columbus, MS
Andrew James Holley, Nicholasville, KY
Thomas Allen Holley, Mendoza, Argentina
Thomas Holley appointed his brother, Odus Holley, as Executor.
Occupation: Pipe Fitter, Carpenter, worked in a Body Shop for years
iv. ELLA JEAN HOLLEY, m. (1) GLENN MOBLEY.
Jean and Glenn were involved in the manufacturing of Men's Wear clothing, retail and factory outlet stores in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee. Involved in the factory business in Columbia, Tennessee.
v. ODUS C. HOLLEY, b. September 14, 1920, Appleton, TN; d. 1996; m. EDNA ALMEDA KING, January 30, 1942, Lauderdale County, AL; b. September 26, 1922, Lauderdale County, AL.
Odus was a business man. He ran a clothing store. Odus and Edna were in the retail business for 45 years - Red Bay, Alabama.
9. GROVER ODELL HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born December 27, 1905 in Golden, Tishomingo County, MS, and died September 08, 1991 in Turlock, Stanislaus County, California. He married TESSIE VIOLA HAMMONDS October 29, 1923 in Appleton, Lawrence County, TN, daughter of DAVID HAMMONDS and SARAH STEPHENS. She was born December 14, 1905 in Anderson, Lauderdale County, AL, and died April 10, 1972 in Ceres, Stanislaus County, California.
Children of GROVER HOLLEY and TESSIE HAMMONDS are:
i. DELTON HARDING5 HOLLEY, b. January 10, 1924, Bonnertown, Lawrence
County, TN; d. August 26, 1991, Turlock, Stanislaus County, California;
m. MYRTLE EDNA BURRIS; b. February 05, 1934.
ii. LILLIE MAE HOLLEY, b. July 17, 1925, Bonnertown, Lawrence County, TN;
d. 1993, Ceres, Stanislaus County, California; m. CURTIS MILLER;
b. October 13, 1923, Texas; d. September 26, 1993, Modesto, Stanislaus
County, CA.
iii. WILMA LOUISE HOLLEY, b. June 14, 1927, Appleton, Lawrence County,
TN; d. Ceres, Stanislaus County, California; m. (1) LOYD G. BUCKELEW;
m. (2) KENNY JEWEL BENSON; b. November 15, 1925, Quinton, Oklahoma.
iv. CURTIS HOOVER HOLLEY, b. February 04, 1929, Anderson, Lauderdale County,
AL; d. 1993, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA; m. (1) LINDA G. COOPER;
m. (2) EMMY JEWEL EASTOM; b. November 24, 1931.
v. IRENE CORDILLIA HOLLEY, b. December 27, 1930, Bonnertown, Lawrence County,TN;
d. June 17, 1944, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA.
Irene Cordilia Holley died at the age of 13 in the Tuolumne River, attempting to save another girl's life.
vi. WINNIE JOY HOLLEY, b. March 03, 1933, Bonnertown, Lawrence County, TN;
m. (1) WILSON J. "WOODY" YARNELL; m. (2) FRANK ROBY,
1986.
vii. BOBBIE JOE HOLLEY, b. March 06, 1935, Bonnertown, Lawrence County, TN;
m. BETTY JEAN KIRKLAND; b. May 06, 1939; d. , Modesto, Stanislaus
County, CA.
viii. THOMAS DAVID HOLLEY, b. September 29, 1939, Exeter, California; m. DORIS
"STAR" IRITA GREENER; b. December 19, 1938.
ix. JIMMY ODELL HOLLEY, b. May 06, 1941, Exeter, California; m. (1) ALICE
DUCHANE; m. (2) PATRICIA MAE MORROW; b. July 14, 1943.
x. DANNIE LEROY HOLLEY, b. July 17, 1943, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA;
m. LORRINDA SCOTT, June 20, 1970.
xi. ROBERT E. HOLLEY, b. April 11, 1946, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA;
m. (1) KAREN LYNN GRISWALD; b. January 23, 1950; m. (2) MARLENE ?.
xii. ELIZABETH DIANE HOLLEY, b. July 12, 1948, Modesto, Stanislaus County, CA;
m. (1) GARY LEE BUCHETT; b. June 02, 1943, Richmond, CA; m. (2)
MIKE BEASLEY.
10. FLORA HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born 1910. She married CLYDE MARTIN March 15, 1930 in Lauderdale County, AL.
Children of FLORA HOLLEY and CLYDE MARTIN are:
i. HOLLIS WESLEY MARTIN.
ii. ESTELL MARTIN.
iii. BETTY LOU MARTIN.
iv. EVELYN JUNE MARTIN.
v. TOMMY MARTIN.
11. GLADYS HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M. , JAMES B.) was born 1912 . She married ODELL PORTER.
Children of GLADYS HOLLEY and ODELL PORTER are:
i. MARY ALICE5 PORTER, m. DALTON SNODDY.
ii. BOBBY PORTER, m. PEGGY THOMAS.
iii. BARBARA "BABS" PORTER, m. HARDIMAN.
iv. MARGARET "MARGE" PORTE, m. MASHBURN.
12. EDISON HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born October 31, 1914 in Belmont, Tishomingo County, MS. He married VIRGINIA MAYO GRIGGS November 25, 1937 in Grassy, Lauderdale County, AL, daughter of REUBEN GRIGGS. She was born May 08, 1918 in Tennessee.
Edison Holley was born October 31, 1914 in Belmont, Tishomingo County, Mississippi. At the age of 23 he married Virginia Mayo Griggs. Virginia was born in Tennessee on May 8, 1918. Her father's name was Reuben Griggs but her mother's name is unknown. Edison and Virginia married November 20, 1937 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. On the marriage license Edison listed his occupation as "Farmer" and his place of residence as Rt #1, Bonnertown, Lawrence County, Tennessee. Virginia was listed as 18 years of age, residing in Ramer, TN. She listed her occupation as "Housekeeper"
Children of EDISON HOLLEY and VIRGINIA GRIGGS are:
i. CORA ELAINE HOLLEY, m. KEATON.
ii. JANET SUE HOLLEY, m. WILEY.
iii. CAROLYN ANN HOLLEY, b. November 05, 1938; d. November 17, 1938.
13.LORENE HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born 1919. She married HARTSFIELD.
Children of LORENE HOLLEY and HARTSFIELD are:
i. JIMMY HARTSFIELD.
ii. (DAUGHTER)HARTSFIELD.
14. EULA MAE HOLLEY (THOMAS LON, ARCHIE M., JAMES B.) was born 1924. She married RALPH MCKISSACK.
Graduated from high school at Loretto, Tennessee, in 1942. She had to ride the bus to school, 40 miles round trip. Eula Mae became a nurse (LPN) at the age of 46, working in a hospital for 13 years.
Children of EULA HOLLEY and RALPH MCKISSACK are:
i. FRED MAURICE MCKISSACK.
ii. MARK MCKISSACK.
iii. ALICE GAYE MCKISSACK, m. AL HARDY.
iv. JOEL DAVID MCKISSACK.
v. RALPH MCKISSACK, JR.
Compiled by: Mr. Layne A. Holley
112 Amsler Street
Bartonville, IL 61607-1604
(309) 697-6947
gunnerholley@hotmail.com