Volume 6 , Issue 22

McGehee Family Story - James Franklin McGehee...

"Since we last communicated, I have been working on a story line that was of huge significance in the McGehee family history -- a story that would work well in the National Enquirer. My Grandfather James Franklin McGehee was born in Tussy, Oklahoma in 1901. His father, Thomas Marion McGehee, was born in Jack County, Texas in 1873. His father was James McGehee born in 1847, in Missouri. Carintha Elder was James' wife, details about her birth are unknown. James MsGehee was murdered in Jack, County Texas 12/18/1880.

Per transcrips of the trial, he was killed by a Theo Pitts after James had killed his brother, Doc Pitts.

The short story is: Per family folklore, Carintha Elder was killed in an Indian raid in 1877. James apparently was a person of dubious character also. A point to be made a bit later. Apparently, James had been in Jacksboro, Texas for a couple of days 'partying' -- odd because he lived a bit away in Crafton,Texas with his new wife, A. Parkes.

This A. Parkes was also the sister of Theo Pitts. I'm sending along a copy of the Jack County census of 1880, look at the surnames of McGehee and Pitts, it fits the story line.

The short story is: A. Parkes was apparently at home with James McGehee's five children; one of which she had disciplined and sent to the 'wood shed'. James apparently took exception to her actions and gave her a 'whippin' -- an event prior to his murder later in Jacksboro. Apparently, James was in town at his before mentioned 'party' and got into an argument with Doc Pitts, whom he killed. Apparently, Theo found James a bit later and struck him four times with a singletree and then 'cut his throat'. Theo was indicted for murder and acquited in 7/1881.

Reading the court records he was absolved because of what sounds like 'justifiable homicide'. With his death 5 children were orphaned and 'scattered to the winds' -- that too is also a rather long and involved story for another time. I have been working this story line for a time now and I found the actual events to be shocking. This was also not a topic of discussion in the family.

If you are interested, I will document this saga for your newsletter. I do need some help in another area though. I live in Spokane WA, (recently moved) an have just found that last cache of information that should pull this story all together. University of Texas has a lot of information about James McGehee and the murder, cross referenced to Jack County, Texas. Unfortunately, all the information is in Austin, Texas and not remotely available to me. This will take you to the online information about James McGehee. You may find it interesting reading. The Thomas Marion is my Gr-Grandfather. Do you have contacts in Austin that are available to look this information up? Your thoughts please!" -- Mike Hubbard - Email: mehubbar@netscape.net   |  View or Add Comments (1 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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