What happened to Blanche?

In about 1939, Blanche and Tony lived on 8th Street in Washington, D.C. At this point in her life Blanche was not a happy person. She was quiet and withdrawn, and acted as though she had gotten a raw deal from life. She did not relate well to her children or take comfort in them. She did not appear to be really close to anyone. Tony and Blanche later lived with Kathleen’s sister, Alberta (aka Bert).

Sometimes called Mazie, she died in Hollywood (Broward County), Florida, of pancreatic cancer. According to the Florida Death Index, she died in March of 1959. She had also suffered from diabetes.

Introducing... Do you know who? #2

Here we go again. Can you guess who this is?

I taught kindergarten for 3 years. I then became a substitute teacher (kindergarten thru 6th grade) for 3 years.

I have 11 grandchildren, ages 6 mo to 22 yrs (who would have thought?).

I have worked in a chemical plant for the last 20 yrs.

Once, while fishing, I had to fight off a ten-foot alligator (no, not with my bare hands).

Believe it or not, in 2000 I caught an eight-pound bass!

Do you know who I am?

It's Patti!

Loyd moves on; Kathleen loses touch

The exact year that Loyd relocated to Corydon, Indiana, is unclear. Years later he would recall that he moved in 1929. However, the 1930 U.S. Census records Loyd and Blanche as still together, in Washington, D.C.

According to the census, Loyd and Blanche lived on Missouri Avenue along with three children. They apparently lived in an apartment building, since the same dwelling includes 12 people, and two Head-of-household’s are recorded.

Loyd is now 39, and worked as a painter for a construction company. Blanche is a 35 year-old housewife. With them are Alberta (age 8), Myrtle (10), and Kenneth (1). Loyd’s service in the military is noted, indicating that his is a veteran of the “world war”, which we now call World War I (fought from 1914 until 1918). Their monthly rent was $34.00. As with the 1920 Census, both Loyd and Blanche record that they, their children, and all four of their parents were born in North Carolina.

At about this time, Loyd lost touch with his daughter, Kathleen. She moved to Oklahoma with her new husband, Chester Carson. Loyd had been traveling around, eventually settling in Corydon, Indiana. Unknown to Kathleen, he met and later married Nolena Byrns, whom he called “The little girl.”


Above: The Rogers household in in the 1930 US Census. Note the cost of rent, $34/month.


Shown above are Loyd and Nolena, his second wife.

In Memory of Joseph P. Brannon Sr.

Joseph P. Brannon (Senior) was pronouced dead on Wednesday August 24, 2005 after a two year battle with lung cancer.

Memorial services and burial were held August 25, 2005 in Gilmer, West Virginia.


Joe Brannon, in the early 1960's.

Quiet but tough Blanche. She and Loyd divorce.

Blanche was un unusual and quiet person, keeping to herself and not very close to anyone by outward appearances. She had a rough childhood, suffering from discrimination for her half-Indian heritage, but she was no pushover.

Once, while traveling with Loyd’s show, the family set up tents to sleep in. Loyd had gone off for a short time, leaving the rest of the family in their temporary lodging. Suddenly a man came into one of the tents. Blanche got out a pump shotgun they carried with them and started shooting at him. Her daughter Kathleen used to say that he was last seen running for his life shouting “She shooted me, she shooted me!”

Loyd and Blanche divorced after their son Kenneth was born in 1927. Kenneth had Downs Syndrome and Loyd believed that he was the illegitimate son of Blanche and another man. This led to their divorce. Blanche did later marry the man Loyd suspected of fathering Kenneth. There was a court settlement that awarded Blanche child support, but Loyd refused to pay it. To avoid further legal and other problems with this court order, he left the D.C. area for Corydon, Indiana in 1929 or 1930.

Memorable Photo Monday #9

Here is a relatively recent photo showing those cousins who attended the anniversary celebration at Debbie & Jim's, in Maryland (June 2004). From left to right are: Elaine (Jimmy's wife), Jimmy, Bernie, Joey, Steve, Debbie, Jan, Kathy.

Patriotic Service to Carnival Side Shows

At the beginning of 1920, Loyd (31), Blanche (25), and his family of three daughters lived in Craven County, North Carolina. His daughters, Kathleen, Helen, and Myrtle were 9, 6, and 7-months old. According to this census, Loyd, Blanche, all of these children, his parents, and Blanche’s parents were born in North Carolina.

On August 20, 1921, Loyd was injured in the line of duty while serving on the USS Seminole for the U.S. Navy. He was discharged on January 22, 1922. He collected a pension for a time, but this ended before 1944, and possibly long before that.

Loyd’s official military record disagrees with these dates (the above dates came from a letter written to Loyd from one of his prior commanders). The official records (which may have been reconstructed after a fire destroyed many military records) state that he served from June 11, 1917 until June 10, 1918, aboard the USS Seminole. Four ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Seminole, after the Indian tribe.

The first Seminole was launched in 1859, commissioned in 1860 and decommissioned in 1865.

The second Seminole was a tug, built in 1879, purchased as Kate Jones in 1898 and commissioned the same year. She was decommissioned in 1898, and transferred to the War Department in 1900. This is the ship Loyd probably served aboard, but it’s role in the war, as part of the War Department, is unknown by me.

The third Seminole (AT-65) was commissioned in 1940 and sunk by enemy action in October of 1942. The fourth Seminole (AKA-104/LKA-104) was commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1970.


Above: The USS Seminole on which Loyd served?

After his discharge, Loyd used his talents in a number of ways. He traveled with his own jazz band, he played the guitar and other stringed instruments, and worked with various side shows and carnivals. In addition to performing before crowds, he wrote songs. At least two of his songs were published. You could have purchased the words to “That’s Why We Don’t Ride Anymore” and “The Flapper Man” for twenty-five cents. It was during this period that he worked with Tex Ritter, who went on to become a nationally known country singer and actor.

As a small-town Carney (defn: a dedicated carnival worker) he once worked with an exhibit known as the “Worlds Strangest Collection of Curiosities”. Loyd, who would have his family travel along with him, also had his own set of sideshows. One exhibit was a snake pit that featured his unwilling, but stoic daughter, Kathleen. She hated being in a pit with snakes, but she loved her dad, so she did it anyway.


Above: Loyd Rogers (far right) with the New Orleans Strutters

Loyd and Blanche Marry

Loyd married Blanche May Wheeler on November 4, 1909 at her parents home in New Hanover, North Carolina. At the time, Loyd was living in Southport, North Carolina. He was 20, she was only 15.

In 1910, Loyd and Blanche lived with Blanche’s parents, William and Martha Wheeler, at 415 Castle Street, Wilmington Township, Hanover County, North Carolina. Martha, who had given birth to three children during her 36 years, had already grieved twice, and only her daughter Blanche still lives. The census for their household lists the birthplace of Martha and both her parents as North Carolina. Oddly, the census record has the ages of Loyd and Blanche as 20, and 21, respectively.

The 1910 census also lists occupations. Loyd is listed as a housepainter. His father-in-law, the only other person in the home who is employed, works as a fish-packer. Each is self-employed.


Above: The record of Loyd and Blanche's marriage

Memorable Photo Monday #8

While I'm on vacation (this Monday through next) I am posting additional photos. Hopefully, I will receive additional trivia by the time I return, and we'll get to meet another relative on the 29th. Until then, and since I am running a series of articles on Loyd Rogers right now, here is a photo of (left to right) Bernie, Loyd, and Chester, circa 1955. It was taken at Loyd's home in Corydon, Indiana.

Blanche Wheeler's Household in 1900

Thirteen days later, on 26 June 1900, the census enumerator visited the home in which Blanche Wheeler lived. Her home was on Dock Street, in Wilmington, of New Hanover County, North Carolina. Blanche’s parents, William L Wheeler, age 31, and Martha, age 28, had been married for fifteen years. Sadly, of her mother’s seven children, only two are alive: Blanche, now eleven; and Lillie, about three-months of age. Blanche had attended school for four months.

Also in the home was Blanche’s grandmother, Celia Carteret, a widow at age 65. She is the only South Carolinian in this household of Tarheels.

There is a family story about Blanche being part American Indian. Perhaps so, however this should mean that she, or her parents, (or so on) would be recorded on the Census as “Indian”. I have discovered only one set of grandparents, and so far, all of the census records I have found, including this one, list all family members as White. In addition, I have searched several of the American Indian name lists, especially for Cherokees, and have found no documented American Indian connections to our family. This does not mean there is no link, for those who knew Blanche say that she had distinct facial features of an American Indian. But so far there is no proof.


Above: An extract from the 1900 Census Record

Loyd Frank Rogers and Blanche May (Mazie) Wheeler

Blanche May (sometimes called Mazie) Wheeler, was born in December of 1889, in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Naturally blue-eyed Loyd Frank Rogers was born in either Wilmington or Southport, North Carolina, on August 21, 1890. Though his name is often recorded as Lloyd Franklin Rogers, on all of the official documents I have seen he consistently registered himself as Loyd Frank Rogers.

At the age of nine, Loyd’s family lived in Town Creek, within Brunswick County, North Carolina. We know this from the U.S. Census, which captured information on Loyd’s family on 13 June 1900.

His father, Thomas F. Rogers was 45 years old and worked as a Blacksmith. His wife of 21 years, Maria A. (maiden name Mills) is also 45 is the mother of six children, only five of whom have survived to this date. The children are:

• Harvey, their 18 year-old son, who works as a farm laborer
• Fannie, a 14 year-old daughter, attending school*
• Loyd, also attending school*
• Philip, a 7 year-old son
• Kate, a 20 year-old daughter, married 2 years and the mother of two
  • Leolo Merrett, Kate’s 1 year-old daughter
  • Vania Merrett, Kate’s 2 month-old daughter

* Fannie and Loyd had attended only three months of school so far this year


Above: Extract from the 1900 US Census, showing the Rogers' household

Introducing... Kathleen (Aunt Kit)

YOUR AUNT KIT: KATHLEEN M. [LIVING]

Bet you didn't know that I am an Ordained Minister and have my Bachelor's of Divinity Degree from the Moody Bible College??

I served four years in the Air Force and was discharged from Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii.

I retired from the US Naval Academy as a Civilian where I worked as a System Analyst. I retired with over 30 years service having started to work at the Naval Gun Factor in Washington, DC.

My first paying job was at Hoover Playground in Southwest Washington and my pay was ninety cents an hour. I worked there every summer thru High School and full time the beginning of my first year out of High School. I was employed by the DC Recreation Department. My Boss was Mr. Joe Mitchell!!

I have two children, a Son Roger who is 40 years old and a Daughter, Kimberly Ellen [LIVING].

I have three Grandchildren. Bethany, who is 20 years old and works as a Missionary in The Congo with People with a Mission, Dakota, who is l2 years old and lives with me, and Kiana Jo Marie [LIVING], the Daughter of Kim. Kiana is l9 months old.


NOTE: Using the phrase "[LIVING]" is a common method used by genealogists to keep the surname of a person private.

Where to Next?

Our common family connection is through Chester and Kathleen Carson, but our ancestry is comprised of numerous families.

We are decendants from families with many last names, including: Amos, Bealert/Baylor/Baker, Carson, Chesne, Caulley, Carson, Cartrett/Cartret (slashes show various spellings of the same name), Cramer, Dolly, Dorothea, Egnor, Finley, James, Mills, Mann, Post, Pittman, Palmer, Rue, Robbins, Rogers, Stillwell, Trieux/Truax/Truex, Thrasher, Thornhill, and Wheeler (plus others not yet identified).

These families resided in several countries (at least Germany, France, Ireland, and Wales) and numerous American territories and States (including: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey).

On this web-site, we have now covered all that I know about our ancestors with the Carson surname (except for Chester and Kathleen themselves - more on that later). Unfortunately, I can only document back to Chester's great grandfather. I am reasonably certain that the next link back in that chain is Simon Carson, from Ireland. But I have not been able to verify his name, or discover information on his wife, other children, or their birth/death dates.

So what's next? I plan to start covering chains-of-names, that is, I'll cover all of one name, then move on to another branch. Since I've already posted one article on the Rogers branch, I'll complete that chain next.

I also plan to set up links to the posts on each branch of the family, but you need to be patient until my free time matches up with my basic HTML skills.

If anyone has any questions, or suggestions for future articles, please let me know.

Next time, I will begin a series of articles on the parents of Kathleen: Loyd and Mazie Rogers, then move on to other Rogers ancestors. Once that family chain is covered, I plan to start a series on Chester and Kathleen.

Alyse Completes High School

Alyse, a great grandchild of Chester and Kathleen, completed her studies from Texas Tech University's Extended Studies High School.

Homeschooled since the fourth grade, her high school curriculum was provided by Texas Tech. She completed all of her final exams last week after a delay during which she worked a full-time summer job, swam and coached for Snowbird Aquatics, and worked as an independent swim instructor.

The family attended Commencement Exercises in Lubbock, Texas, on Sunday, May 1, 2005. The early date was needed to accomodate TTU's college graduation schedules.



The trip to Lubbock, Texas, was her first to the Lone Star State. She filled her time with activities in the area with the other family members who traveled with her. Among the highlights of the trip were a visit to the National Ranching Heritage Museum, playing in the hotel swimming pool, card games in the hotel room, and lunch at Abuelo's Restaurant on her final day in Lubbock.

Alyse will attend Grove City College, majoring in Molecular Biology. She plans to use her degree as a platform for medical school, with a desire to eventually specialize in hand surgery. Classes begin August 29.

The Sara Syndrome

I hope you have enjoyed the various articles on our shared family history, as well as the information on Tami's business, and Patti and Kim's painting.

Over the years, the decendants of Kathleen and Chester have spread out: mostly in the mid-Atlantic and down the east coast. The extended family gathers together less and less as time goes by. Gone are the holidays where we could all make a short drive to Brentwood on Mother's Day, Easter, or Christmas. Gone too are the full Carson family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and anniversary celebrations.

This sort of hit home for me a few weeks after I started the web-site.

After sending the second Mystery Photo Monday e-mail, cousin Bernie asked me to add his two children to my e-mail distribution list. About two weeks later I received the following in response to that week's Mystery Photo e-mail:

"I don't know who they are yet, but who is this sending out the pics?" - Sara

It suddenly struck me that the descendents of Kathleen and Chester just don't know each other that well any longer. How can we? We spend time with the extended families we have developed over the years. Grandchildren now have grandchildren, and they probably struggle to keep up with their own extended families and family gatherings.

Luckily we have modern technology to shrink the distances and share information. The Internet, e-mail, blogs like the Carson Archives, digital images, overnight mail services, low-cost airlines, all make it possible for us to visit and share information in new ways.

Patti and I exchanged e-mail about this, and thought that we could learn a little about each other and have fun at the same time! We would like to start a weekly trivia e-mail where you would have to guess who the subject is. For example, I might send out an email that says:

1) This person once served in the U.S. Navy.
2) After living in several states, including Oklahoma, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., this person settled in Corydon, Indiana.
3) Known as "Red" and "Doc" by friends and family, this person once composed and published songs.

Later in the week, I could identify the person in a posting on the Carson Archives site, or in the next week's e-mail. (By the way, the subject of the above trivia is Loyd Rogers.)

If you would be interested in reading such trivia, and learning about various family members, let me know. If a number of you are interested, I'll start asking people to supply trivia on themselves and/or their family.