Ricks B. Portis

Ricks B. Portis was born 1800 in Nash Co., NC, and died after 1860 in Unknown. He is the son of John Portis (1770 - May 10, 1849, in Nash Co., TN) of Franklin, NC, and Mary Ricks (about 1770 - about 1820) of Franklin Co., NC.

Mary Ann Unknown was born 1809 in North Carolina, and died Unknown, in Pope Co., AR, at age Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary Ann Unknown were married Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary Ann (Unknown) Portis has several children:

  1. Sarah Ann Portis: Born 1826 in North Carolina; Died 1850 - 1853, in Fayette Co., TN.
  2. Juliette Ann Portis: Born September 1, 1827, in South Carolina; Died July 18, 1902, Carroll Co., TN (age 74). Buried in Cedar Grove, Carroll Co., TN. Married November 11, 1848, in Carroll Co., TN, to William Eaton Utley: Born July 28, 1828, in Madison Co., TN; Died July 6, 1915, in Henderson Co., TN (age 86). Buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mount Gilead, Henderson Co., TN.
  3. Lucy N. Portis: Born 1831, in North Carolina; Died 1872 in Anson Co., NC (about age 41). Buried in Eastview Cemetery, Wadesboro, Anson Co., NC. Married 1854 in North Carolina, to John Hoffman Rhyne: Born 1825 in North Carolina; Died 1908 in Anson Co., NC (about age 83). Buried in Eastview Cemetery, Wadesboro, Anson Co., NC.
  4. Marion Portis: Born 1836, Tennessee; Died Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary Ann (Unknown) Portis were divorced 1836 - 1840.

Mary Ann (Unknown) Portis then married James Green Caudle.

James Green Caudle was born 1805 in North Carolina, and died 1867 in Hector, Pope Co., AR, at about age 62.

James Green Caudle and Mary Ann (Unknown) Portis were married about 1840 in Unknown.

James Green Caudle and Mary Ann (Unknown) (Portis) Caudle had three children:

  1. Sarah F. Caudle: Born 1841, in Pope Co., AR; Died Unknown.
  2. Nancy C. Caudle: Born 1845, in Pope Co., AR; Died Unknown.
  3. Lydia Ellen Caudle: Born April, 1850, in Liberty, Pope Co., AR; Died about 1881 in Pope Co., AR. Married March 25, 1877, in Dover, Pope Co., AR, to John Clark Berryhill: Born May, 1848, in Shelby Co., TN; Died Unknown.

Mary G. Berry was born 1821 in Alabama, and died after 1870 in Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary G. Berry were married September 9, 1841, in Carroll Co., TN.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary G. (Berry) Portis had four children:

  1. Amanda G. "Mandy" Portis: Born December 8, 1844, in Carroll Co., TN; Died September 17, 1933, in Blue Ridge, Collin Co., TX (age 88). Buried in Blue Ridge, TX. Married to Edwin Edward White: Born December 8, 1844, in Carroll Co., TN; Died September 17, 1933, in Blue Ridge, Collin Co., TX (age 88).
  2. Sidney Portis: Born 1845, in Tennessee; Died Unknown.
  3. Francis W. Portis: Born 1846, in Tennessee; Died November 11, 1859, in Tennessee (about age 13).
  4. Elizabeth Portis: Born 1857, Carroll Co., TN; Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis then married Nancy Ann Unknown.

Nancy Ann Unknown was born 1824 in Kentucky, and died after 1874 in Unknown.

Ricks B. Portis and Nancy Ann Unknown were married 1850 in Missouri.

Ricks B. Portis and Nancy Ann (Unknown) Portis had three children:

  1. Susan Anne Portis: Born about 1852 in Henry Co., TN; Died July 29, 1882, at the Female Hospital, City of St. Louis, MO, due to post partum complications and peritonitis (about age 30). Buried in The Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Association of the Church of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Ghost Cemetery, City of St. Louis, MO. Married October 16, 1870, in Potosi, Washington Co., MO, to William Henry Brooks: Born November 27, 1825, in Richmond, VA; Died January 19, 1880, from suicide, due to internal injuries from a fall into a quarry, City of St. Louis, MO (age 56). Buried in St. Peter's Cemetery, Normandy, St. Louis Co., MO.
  2. Ellen A. "Ella" Portis: Born May 15, 1854, in Washington Co., MO; Died August 3, 1930, at Deaconess Hospital, Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT (age 76). Buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT. Married about 1878 in Missouri, to Daniel L. Miles: Born September 12, 1837, in Genoa Twp., Cayuga Co., NY; Died December 10, 1912, in Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT (age 75). Buried in Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT. They adopted a daughter: Irmie A. Kinney: Born December, 1893, in Montana to Iowa and Montana-born parents; Died Unknown.
  3. Stephen P. Portis: Born 1857, in Breton, Washington Co., MO; Died after 1860 in Unknown.

Nancy Ann (Unknown) Portis then married John B. Deane.

John B. Deane was born born about 1853 in New York, and died December 14, 1877, in Potosi, Washington Co., MO, at about age 24. Buried in Saint James Cemetery, Washington Co., MO. He is the son of John Deane of Massachusetts, and Odelia Boulger of Unknown.

John B. Deane and Nancy Ann (Unknown) Portis were married January 5, 1874, in Washington Co., MO.

John B. Deane and Nancy Ann (Unknown) (Portis) Deane had no children.

TIMELINE

Ricks B. Portis and Mary G. Berry were married September 9, 1841, in Carroll Co., TN.

Ricks B. Portis and Mary G. Berry Marriage Record.

Clinton D. Portis and Sarah A. Portis were married October 20, 1849, in Gibson Co., TN.

Clinton D. Portis and Sarah A. Portis Marriage Record.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on December 16, 1850, shows Ricks Portis (age 50) born in born North Carolina, and with Real Estate of $300 is a Shoe Maker, and is living in the 10th Civil District, Henry Co., TN. Living with him are: Mary Portis (age 29) born in Alabama; Lucy Portis (age 18) born in North Carolina; Marion Portis (age 11) born in Tennessee; and Sidney Portis (age 5) born in Tennessee.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on July 25, 1850, shows John Deane (age 42) born in Massachusetts, with No Occupation Listed, is living in New Rochelle Twp., Westchester Co., NY. Living with him are: Otelia Deane (age 28) born  in England; Ann Bolger (age 36) born in England; Margaret Bolger (age 30) born in England; Margaret B. Deane (age 4) born in New York; Ann G. Deane (age 2) born in New York; and Mary McCafrey (age 40) born in Ireland.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1860, shows Ricks B. Portis (age 59) born in North Carolina, is a Shoe Maker, and is living in Breton Twp., Washington Co., MO, with Post Office at Potosi, MO. Living with him are: Nancy Portis (age 36) born in Kentucky; Susan Portis (age 8) born in Tennessee; Ellen Portis (age 5) born in Missouri; Stephen P. Portis (age 2) born in Missouri; and John Connell (age 40) born in Ireland.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on August 19, 1860, shows John Deane (age 42) born in Massachusetts and with Real Estate of $200,000 and Personal Estate of $40,000 is a Farmer, and is living in Potosi and Breton Twp., Washington Co., MO, with Post Office at Potosi, MO. Living with him are: Otelia Deane (age 33) born in England; Margaret Deane (age 13) born in New York; Anna Deane (age 11) born in New York; Fanny Deane (age 9) born in New York; John Deane (age 7) born in Blank; Thos. McEvany (age 50) born in Ireland, a Laborer; James Jones (age 30) born in Ohio, a Laborer; Patrick Doyle (age 30) born in Ireland, a Laborer; and John C. Matthews (age 30) born in Tennessee, a Laborer.

Odelia (Boulger) Deane died March 31, 1862, in Potosi, Washington Co., MO. Buried in Saint James Cemetery, Potosi, Washington Co., MO.

John Deane died August 12, 1866, in Potosi, Washington Co., MO. Buried in Saint James Cemetery, Potosi, Washington Co., MO.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 26, 1870, shows Margaret B. Dean (age 24) born in New York, and with Real Estate of $30,000 and Personal Estate of $5,000 is a Head of Household, who Keeps House Work, and is living in Breton Twp., Washington Co., MO. Living with her are: Anna G. Dean (age 22) born in New York; Fanny A. Dean (age 20) born in New York; and John B. Dean (age 17) born in New York.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 1, 1870, shows Ellen A. Portice (age 16) born in Missouri, does House Work, and is living at the farm of John Hornsey, Bellview Twp., Washington Co., MO.

William Brooks and Susan Anne "Anna" Portis were married October 16, 1870, in Washington Co., MO.

William Brooks and Susan Anne "Anna" Portis Marriage Record.

Walter Hughes "Huey" Brooks was born November 25, 1876, in Potosi, Washington Co., MO.

John Deane (born about 1818 in Massachusetts) and Nancy Ann Portus were married January 5, 1879, in Washington Co., MO.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 9, 1880, shows James O. Eaton (age 56) born in Missouri to North Carolina-born parents, is a married Farmer, and is living in Concord Twp., Washington Co., MO. Living with him are: his wife, Lee Jane Eaton (age 43) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, who is Keeping House; his daughter, Ida C. Eaton (age 10) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents; his son, Al. Roe Eaton (age 4) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents; his Hired Help, Susan Brooks (age 28) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, a widowed or divorced Hired Help who Helps Keeping House; and the Son of Hired Help; Walter Brooks (age 3) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 21, 1880, shows John Swan (age 22) born in Scotland to Scottish-born parents is a Farmer who is disabled with water in the chest and is living in Grant Twp., Tama Co., IA. Living with him is his wife, Elisabeth Swan (age 20) born in Scotland to Scottish-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there is his unmarried half-brother, George McDonald (age 25) born in Scotland to Scottish-born parents, a Farmer.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 17, 1880, shows James D. Boyes (age 32) born in Illinois to Canadian-born parents is a Coal Dialer and is living in Beloit, Mitchell Co., KS. Living with him is his wife, Clarinda E. Boyes (age 27) born in Canada to English and Canadian-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are his two children, both born in Canada to Illinois and Canadian-born parents: Anna Boyes (age 2); and James E. Boyes (age 1).

Mary Adelaide "Bertha" Swan was born February 6, 1881, in Grant Twp., Tama Co., IA.

Susan Anne "Anna" (Portis) Brooks died July 29, 1882, at the Female Hospital, City of St. Louis, MO, due to post partum complications and peritonitis, at about age 30. Buried in The Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Association of the Church of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Ghost Cemetery, City of St. Louis, MO.

Susan Anne "Anna" (Portis) Brooks Death Record.

Biographical/Historical Note-Ms. Brooks died at the Female Hospital in 1882 of post partum complications and peritonitis. The Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives/Washington University School of Medicine has in its collection: Title: Female Hospital of Saint Louis Records, 1876-1886 The Female Hospital of St. Louis records include a patient register (volume 20 x 15.6 inches) containing names of patients admitted to the hospital, 1876-1886, and a booklet, "Rules and regulations for the government of the Female Hospital submitted by the health commissioner to the board of health, John D. Stevenson, health commissioner" 1884 Volume 1: Patient register containing names of patients admitted to the hospital, 1876 - 1886. The patient register has a running title: Patients treated in the Female Hospital of St Louis. The patient register contains the following information on patients: name; number of days; age years; white: male/female; colored: male/female; nativity; social condition (marital status); occupation; how long in city; date of admission; assigned to: ward bed; diagnosis; cured, red, not red; discharged, died or transfer; date of discharge, death or transfer; residence; birth: white: male/female; birth: colored: male/female; stillborn; by whom attended; remarks. This volume is 20 by 15.5 inches. The Female Hospital of St. Louis, 1875­1905, was "a female hospital exclusively, for the treatment of all the indigent and poor female sick of the city, from whatever disease or accident they may suffer.” The original buildings for the Female Hospital were constructed in 1873 at the intersection of the Arsenal and Sublette as the Social Evil Hospital for the regulation of prostitution. In 1875, the building was made into a general hospital for female patients in the city, except emergency and night patients who might not be carried to such a distance. It continued to treat unwed mothers and patients with venereal diseases. In 1896, there was capacity for 276 patients.

THE FEMALE HOSPITAL (aka, Social Evil Hospital)

In "Pictorial St. Louis ... 1875" is written:

"This institution was for many years known as the Social Evil Hospital, and was erected in 1873, under the mayoralty of Hon. Joseph Brown, from a fund gathered under the provisions of the, now repealed, Social Evil Law. It is a handsome brick structure, costing over $100,000, and situated outside the city limits, at the intersection of the Manchester and Arsenal Roads. It was first used exclusively for the care and treatment of social outcasts, who, under the social evil law, were taxed for its support. Since the repeal of this law, which proved obnoxious to many of our citizens, it has been used as a female hospital exclusively, for the treatment of all the indigent and poor female sick of the city, from whatever disease or accident they may suffer. Dr. P. V. Schenck is the resident physician.

The Social Evil Hospital was eventually renamed the St. Louis Female Hospital and began accepting poor women in general, not just diseased prostitutes, until it was razed around 1914. The Social Evils Hospital, which was located at the corner of Arsenal and Sublette, was the location for the city’s experiment in legalized prostitution.

St. Louis legalized prostitution in 1870, and the Social Evils Hospital was where prostitutes received mandatory medical inspections and were treated for venereal diseases. The prostitution ordinance was repealed just four years later, and although the hospital (renamed the Female Hospital) continued to operate for decades by offering care for women and children, it was torn down in 1915.

Also, there are films of the registers of the St. Louis Female
>> Hospital
>> at the LDS library that are NOT available in the St. Louis libraries.
>> The description is located here:
>> *http://tinyurl.com/yr76ky
>>
>> These are three films: FHL 980624 through 980626
>> **
>> Hospital registers 1876 through April 1893. - FHL 980624
>> Hospital registers 1893 through 1905 - FHL 986025
>> * Discharge register 1895-1903 Mortuary records 1883-1901 - FHL 980626
>>
>> Anyone interested could rent these films through the St. Louis County
>> Library or through a LDS family history library.
 

 

Daniel L. Miles died December 10, 1912, in Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, at age 75. Buried in Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT.

Daniel L. Miles Death Record.

The Semi-Weekly Helena Independent, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, Friday, December 13, 1912

D. L. MILES, CIVIL WAR VETERAN, DIES

PIONEER OF HELENA PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 72 YEARS.

D. L. Miles, veteran of the civil war and old-timer in Helena, who was for about 25 years, in the employ of the New York Dry Goods store in this city, died last night at 1:30 o'clock at his residence, 18-1/2 South Main street. Mr. Miles was known to nearly every man and woman in Helena. He was regarded as one of the best of the city's citizens and his death will be a severe blow to his relatives and friends. He had been ailing for some time past but there was no particular alarm concerning his condition until Monday, when he began failing rapidly and gradually passe4d away at the ripe age of 72 years.

The Semi-Weekly Helena Independent, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, Friday, December 13, 1912

FUNERAL OF D. L. MILES, VETERAN, TAKES PLACE

G. A. R. HALL CROWDED WITH THE FRIENDS OF PIONEER OF MONTANA

The funeral of D. L. Miles, the Montana pioneer and veteran of the civil war, was held yesterday afternoon at Grand Army hall, South Main street, under the auspices of Wadsworth Post, G. A. R. The hall was crowded with friends of the departed veteran, who assembled to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his memory. Rev. W. F. J. McNamee paid an eloquent tribute to the sterling manhood and enviable character of Mr. Miles and referred to his service to his country and long life devoted to the best interests of humanity. The casket was covered with beautiful floral emblems contributed by his comrades of the Grand Army and other friends. After the services at the hall, the funeral escorted he body to the burial ground at Forestvale cemetery, where simple services were observed. Mr. Miles leaves beside his wife, one nephew in this state, Walter Brooks, who is engaged in mining near Blossburg.

Ellen A. "Ella" (Portis) Miles died August 3, 1930, at Deaconess Hospital, Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT, at age 76. Buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT.

Ellen A. "Ella" (Portis) Miles Death Record.

The Montana Standard, Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT, Monday, August 4, 1930

MRS. ELLA MILES DIES AT HOSPITAL

Long-Time Resident of Butte, Member of L. G. A. R., Succumbs Here

Mrs. Ella Miles, 76, an active member of the John F. Reynolds circle, No. 14, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, died yesterday in a local hospital. Mrs. Miles has been a resident of Butte for a number of years and was living at 2623 Placer street at the time of her death. She was the widow of Daniel L.. Miles, a prominent figure in the Grand Army of the Republic during his life. The body of Mrs. Miles is at the White funeral home, where it is being held pending arrangements for funeral services.

 

Dear Sir:

While doing research on Walter Hughy Brooks, I came upon your research on the Abbey family. Samuel's daughter Katheryn was my Aunt Kay. She was married to my uncle Chick Brooks, son of Walter Hughy Brooks of Potosi, MO. I was wondering if you had any more information on the Brooks line. I know Walter moved to Montana with his Aunt and Uncle, Daniel. L. and Ella Miles where he met and married my grandmother Irma Hostetter. He later died, in 1941, and is buried at my hometown of Philipsburg, MT. Since he was only 7 at the time of coming to Montana, no one seems to know who his parents were, so it is hard to trace back. I admire those of you who so patiently persist in genealogy research, sorting out the facts and then sharing them.

I would appreciate any information or tips you can offer to help my further my research as this is one of 5 family lines in my family I am attempting. The others are WILLIAM BOWEN of Wales, THOMAS HUFFMAN of Virginia, GEORGE HICKAM of Illinois, AND EDWARD GADDIS of Illinois.

Thanks in advance.

Janet Bowen Gaddis
 

September 4, 2011

Hi, Jan.

Thanks for discovering my Web site.

As you may have discovered by now, I have spent considerable time searching for additional information about Walter Brooks. What I found was that Hughey’s father, Walter H. Brooks, was married once before Irma. This marriage was a troubled one, and there was a killing in 1903 in which Walter was implicated, although he claimed is was accidental. He eventually got a divorce from Bertha, and married Irma in 1910. The Coroner’s inquest and subsequent trial was one of the most sensational in Montana around that time. There are numerous articles available in the Newspaper Archive paid subscription, including some courtroom sketches that were on the newspaper front page. It is a useful service to subscribe to for genealogy buffs.

I don’t know how much more time I want to devote to such a remote genealogical lineage connection for me, but I hope you find it interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

http://beckerarchives.wustl.edu/?p=collections/findingaid&id=8704&q=&rootcontentid=60910#scopecontent

 

Among the many cemeteries opened and closed in this city, three of the more interesting were opened by Pastor Frederick Picker and the members of his two congregations.
The first cemetery, whose proper name was The Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Association of the Church of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Ghost Cemetery, was located on twenty acres bound by Compton Ave, Louisiana Ave, Wyoming and Arsenal Street in South St. Louis. The first burial took place in 1846. By 1884, there had been over 24,000 burials. As Pastor Picker founded the Holy Ghost cemetery and conducted many burials during the 1849 & 1854 cholera epidemics, the grounds were commonly refered to as Picker's Cemetery. Again, more confusion was caused because some death records called the grounds Picker's Cemetery and some Holy Ghost Cemetery. It's difficult to date the closing of Holy Ghost cemetery as some records indicate that the City had forbidden further burials in 1893, and in 1902 there was a petition by the Tenth Ward Alderman to order the discontinuial of burials. However, burial record shows large numbers of burials in 1889 and more in 1905. Some of the bodies were removed from Holy Ghost while the cemetery was deteriorating; others were moved in mass, in 1916 and possibly earlier. What is in evidence is that the property was still owned by the Holy Ghost congregation in 1916 by a building permit dated October 19, 1916. As far as possible, all lot owners were notified and given a deadline. Many bodies were moved to Zion, New St. Marcus, Bellefontaine, St. Peter's Evangelical, and Independent German Evangelical Protestant (now Gatewood Gardens) cemeteries. When the Holy Ghost Cemetery property was sold to developer Richard C. Spackler in Jan. 1917, all remaining bodies were moved to Zion cemetery, 7401 St. Charles Rock Rd. Another permit dated April 10, 1922 permits a 3 story school to be constructed on the site. Though large numbers of remains were removed, it is unlikely that all were, and there are probably some remains left under the grounds of the high school and residences now located on the property. There have been no records of these removals known to exist.

Pastor Picker left the Holy Ghost Church in 1856 with about seventy families and established the Independent Evangelical Protestant Congregation. Shortly after Pastor Picker founded his new congregation, it was decided that they needed their own cemetery. This second cemetery was on the south side of Gravois near River Des Peres. The cemetery, which opened on April 25, 1856, was New Picker Cemetery. After Pastor Picker's death, the third cemetery was opened by the congregation in 1881, across the street on the north side of Gravois. The cemetery on the South side of Gravois was then well established, the cemetery on the North side of Gravois was called "New" Picker Cemetery, the first one having been the "Old".

This has caused a great deal of confusion over the years. Thus there are two "Olds" and two "News" but only three cemeteries. The two cemeteries on Gravois located across from each other were sold by the Independent Congregation and went through several owners. The cemetery suffered from neglect. In 1986 the State Attorney General's office filed suit against three prior owners, accusing them of depleting the perpetual card fund. The case was settled in 1988, but the cemetery was still uncared for. In 1996, it became necessary for the City of St. Louis to assume ownership because of unpaid taxes, and the City's forestry division now keeps the grounds maintained.

 

 

Old Picker Cemetery

See Guide to German Evangelical cemeteries in St. Louis City and County

Location: 7133 Gravois

Was Holy Ghost Cemetery

Inscription Source: Microfilm 74 - SLCL.

Inscription Source: OC-Mo SLGS Vols. 3 and 4. StLMO:, 1982.

Inscription Source: HEADSTONES AT OLD & NEW PICKER'S CEMETERIES - 1997

NOTE: Many bodies were re-interred to Zion, New St. Marcus, Bellefontaine, St. Peter’s Evangelical, and Independent German Evangelical Protestant ( now Gatewood Gardens) cemeteries.

NOTE: From Greg Myers: "OLD " Picker Cemetery also called Picott Cemetery is long gone (operated from 1845 to 1898), it use to be where now Roosevelt High School is (Gravois & Compton & Wyoming up to about Arsenal & Compton over to Louisana & Arsenal and down to Louisana and Wyoming). Some bodies were moved to " NEW " Picker, others to other places, and some left. (I went to Roosevelt High School and once in awhile a human bone would surface in the football field over the years and also in some of the backyards of houses along Arsenal, I guess from the pressure of the activity and games above the remains .... worked them upward over the years). Most headstones were destroyed and used for the foundation, etc. "NEW" Picker now called GATEWOOD GARDENS is located right next to Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (Catholic) at Gravois and Hampton. The records are hard to find, and care taker after care taker have been in trouble for not keeping to cotracts and upkeeping this cemetery. hope this helps .

NOTE: The following is a quote from St. Louis Post-Dispatch South Section by Joan Little, Reporter for the Post-Dispatch, February 3, 2000 "St. Louis officials would like to hear from people with family members buried at the Gatewood Gardens Cemetery on Gravois Avenue. And those who know they have relatives buried there but don't know the location may be able to find out. The cemetery is at 7135 Gravois. City officials are trying to account for all of the graves in Gatewood Gardens, which has had a troubled past. The authority is concentrating on trying to improve and update the cemetery's grave records, which were in some disarray, officials say. The task is somewhat daunting since the cemetery dates to at least 1877 and there are 20,000 graves in the city's records, says, Clay. People seeking information or those who have information about a grave at the cemetery may call the city at 622-3400 extension 244, says Clay". (This article was post on the Metro Maillist by Don Gastorf)

NOTE: Many bodies were re-interred to Zion, New St. Marcus, Bellefontaine, St. Peter’s Evangelical, and Independent German Evangelical Protestant ( now Gatewood Gardens) cemeteries.

NOTE: From Greg Myers: "OLD " Picker Cemetery also called Picott Cemetery is long gone (operated from 1845 to 1898), it use to be where now Roosevelt High School is (Gravois & Compton & Wyoming up to about Arsenal & Compton over to Louisana & Arsenal and down to Louisana and Wyoming). Some bodies were moved to " NEW " Picker, others to other places, and some left. (I went to Roosevelt High School and once in awhile a human bone would surface in the football field over the years and also in some of the backyards of houses along Arsenal, I guess from the pressure of the activity and games above the remains .... worked them upward over the years). Most headstones were destroyed and used for the foundation, etc. "NEW" Picker now called GATEWOOD GARDENS is located right next to Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (Catholic) at Gravois and Hampton. The records are hard to find, and care taker after care taker have been in trouble for not keeping to cotracts and upkeeping this cemetery. hope this helps .

NOTE: The following is a quote from St. Louis Post-Dispatch South Section by Joan Little, Reporter for the Post-Dispatch, February 3, 2000 "St. Louis officials would like to hear from people with family members buried at the Gatewood Gardens Cemetery on Gravois Avenue. And those who know they have relatives buried there but don't know the location may be able to find out. The cemetery is at 7135 Gravois. City officials are trying to account for all of the graves in Gatewood Gardens, which has had a troubled past. The authority is concentrating on trying to improve and update the cemetery's grave records, which were in some disarray, officials say. The task is somewhat daunting since the cemetery dates to at least 1877 and there are 20,000 graves in the city's records, says, Clay. People seeking information or those who have information about a grave at the cemetery may call the city at 622-3400 extension 244, says Clay". (This article was post on the Metro Maillist by Don Gastorf)

 

 

 

The stones were read in 1997 by Carmella Kranz and her friend Penny Lemon. The cemetery is now known as Gateway Gardens. Carmella says it took them 10 days to read the stones in both Old and New Picker's cemeteries. They started this because when they wanted records for Old Pickers, no one knew who had them. If Carmella comes up with an obituary thay says the deceased was buried in Old Pickers or New Pickers, she adds them to the list.

The following is taken from "OLD CEMETERIES St. Louis County, MO. Volume III" by the St. Louis Genealogical Society, 1984.

"The original "Old Picker's" -- named for the minister who founded the cemetery (Holy Ghost E & R) was located in the Kansas-Wyoming-Louisiana-Arsenal area in south St. Louis. A 20-acre plot, it was opened in 1845 and many victims of the great cholera epidemic of 1849 were interred there. The last burial there was in 1901, but it was not until 1916 that the last bodies were moved.

"New Picker" (actually our present Old Picker) was opened in 1862. It was sometimes called The Independent Evangelical Protestant Cemetery but was always more familiarly known by its nickname.

Subsequently another cemetery was opened on Gravois, across the road from "New Picker," which then, inevitably became "Old Picker." This cemetery is still in existence but was not in very good condition in the early part of 1983."

 

John Deane died on 12 August 1866, and is buried in St. James Catholic Cemetery in Potosi.

 

Isaac Portis: Born 1790 in North Carolina; Died 1850 in North Carolina (about age 60).

Rhoda Portis: Born 1791 in Nash Co., NC; Died Unknown.

Elijah Goodwin Portis: Born June 28, 1803, in Nash Co., NC; Died May 18, 1885, in Union, Newton Co., MS (age 81).

William Norphlet Portis: Born 1804 in Nash Co., NC; Died February 7, 1853, in Hardeman Co., TN (about age 48).