Charles William Munson 1880-1916

This picture was taken a few weeks before he died. The details below are from Patsy Jackson.

Charles William Munson was born in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey on 12 Apr 1880 and he was the son of William Berry Munson and Julia Ann Predmore.

Charles died on 24 Mar 1916 of pneumonia and his body was laid to rest in the Blue Water Cemetery in Polk County, Texas.

Spouse: Tiny Bass
Marr: 13 Apr 1906, Hardin Co Texas
Children: William Charles (~1896-1916)
Other Spouses Sina Elizabeth "Sarah" NOLAN


1.2b Charles William MUNSON* (See above)
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Spouse: Sina Elizabeth "Sarah" NOLAN
Birth: 28 Dec 1878
Death: 4 Oct 1900
Burial: Holland Cemetery ,Hardin Co Texas

Sina Munson 12/28/1878 10/4/1900 buried with infant son.
child died with Sina Munson. She couldn't deliver and spent days in labor (source Golda Munson)

Marr: 15 Jul 1897, Hardin Co Texas
Children: Arthur Lee (1897-1973)
Other Spouses Tiny BASS

Oscar Lee Munson 1889-1970

This is a photo of Oscar Lee Munson and his sons Roscoe,Otis,Edward,W.C Munson. The information below is from Patsy, Roscoe’s granddaughter.

Oscar Lee Munson (SSN 459-05-0271) was born in Plank, Hardin County, Texas on 16 May 1889 and his occupation was as a farmer. He was the son of William Berry Munson and Julia Ann Predmore.

Oscar died in Livingston, Polk County, Texas on 29 Oct 1970 and his body was laid to rest at the blue Water Cemetery in Polk County, Texas.

Oscar Lee Munson was one of the original members of the Board Of Directors for the Sam Houston Electric Co-op. He served as Democratic Precinct Chairman for 50 years. He also served as chairman for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and many other organizations.

Part of the life of Oscar's family was portrayed in The Murder Of Silence (copyright 1970) written by his wife's nephew, Dempsie Henley: { the oil boom this article refers to occurred in the height of the Depression in 1937}
" My uncle, Oscar Munson, had two or three oil wells drilled on his land. Though they had been forced to sell at a sacrifice most of his oil royalty to pay grocery and doctor bills incurred through the hard years of the depression, he still had enough left to beat cotton picking. He had several overgrown sons, and naturally he was proud of his newly achieved financial and social status. He bought a new pickup truck and had a charge account at the new grocery store. We could always get the youngest Munson boy to charge 'gobs' of candy at the store by promising him that he could play on our football team.
Incidentally, we probably played the first football under the lights in East Texas. The gas flares made excellent lighting for rough-and-tough night football, all without the use of shoes or pads.
My uncle opened up a new, one-room, frame office with a big sign on the front proclaiming, "Notary Public".
We thought a notary public was equivalent in rank to Gov. W. Lee O'Daniel.
On one occasion, my uncle decided to buy two of his sons musical instruments with the hope that they might someday possibly play in the new Livingston High School Band. Roscoe who was about 15 got a clarinet, and a guitar was given to Otis, who was about 10.
Otis was a huge boy for his age and had acquired from the local roughnecks one of the best vocabularies of cuss words in East Texas. Uncle Oscar called the whole family together to show off his gloating sons and their new instruments. We all gathered on the back porch and sat in the newly bought, cane bottom chairs. First Otis got up and strummed up and down on the guitar and then Roscoe started squeaking out sour notes on the clarinet. Otis, who was all thumbs on the guitar stated that Roscoe couldn't carry a tune in a toe-sack and that he sounded just like a jay bird!
Roscoe countered that he looked like a big baboon strumming on a stick. This all led to a few choice curse words and finally the whole affair ended with Roscoe proceeding to hang his new clarinet around his brother Otis' neck. This did not seem to phase the young bull any because he then proceeded to bust the guitar over the older brother's head and that ended Schwab City's contribution to the Livingston High School Band for the time being." (pages 22-23)

More About OSCAR LEE MUNSON:
Fact 1: Birth: Bible Records of Oscar & Pearl Sutton Munson
Fact 2: Copy Marriage License
Fact 3: Death: Copy of Cert. & Obituary
Fact 4: Will: Copy
Fact 5: Newspaper articles for family events.
Cause of Death: Duodenal Ulcer, obstruction and hemorrhage
SS# 459-05-0271

note: death was also listed on VITAL RECORDS – POLK COUNTY, TX - DEATHS 1970 (USGENWEB ARCHIVES)

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Death Residence Localities
ZIP Code: 77351
Livingston, Polk, Texas
Segno, Polk, Texas

Spouse: Pearl Calispie/Clista SUTTON
Birth: 20 Feb 1890, Clark,Liberty Texas
Death: 8 Feb 1968, livingston ,Polk Co Texas
Burial: Feb 1968, blue Water Cemetary Polk Co Tx
Occ: Home maker,,younger years worked at a boarding house
Father: William Cullen "Bud" SUTTON (1867-1902)
Mother: Martha "Mattie" S STEPHENSON (1870-1907)

In 1910 Pearl was working at a boarding House in Old Milvid, which was a sawmill town in Liberty Co Texas,,,Oscar was working at the sawmill there. this is where they met.

Born at 10.00 pm (birth cert.)
Pearl grew up on a farm that was located down Beefhead Road, where Trinity River estates are located. (quoted by Edna Munson-Shotwell)

Pearl was the niece of Liberty County Judge Dempsie Henley

Married: 17 Mar 1911, Fuqua,Liberty Co Texas

Children:
* Roscoe Dewey (1922-1968)
* Edna Dora (1911-1992)
* W.C (1914-1989)
* Edward Lee (1918-1980)
* Otis Oscar (1929-1971)

Munson Steamship Line

William Berry Munson left his family in New York and the Munson Steam Ship Line was based out of New York, but we have NO PROOF that there was a connection between Willaim and the owners of the steam ship line.

If you have any proof, please let us know.

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Munson Steamship Company (Munson Line), New York (1899-39) by Joe McMillan
Walter D. Munson opened a sugar and molasses business in Havana after the American Civil War and first began chartering ships to carry his products to the United States in 1873. In 1882, he relocated his headquarters to New York and bought his first three steamships in 1893 to connect New York with ports in Cuba, the American Gulf coast, and Mexico. He incorporated the Munson Steamship Company, or Munson Line, in 1899. Although he expanded somewhat into the South American market, his main business remained hauling the Cuban sugar harvest to the United States. When the profitability of the sugar trade began to wane, Munson got into financial trouble. Munson attempted to recover by establishing cruise voyages to the Bahamas and Bermuda, but without success. The company was hit hard by the Great Depression. It went into bankruptcy in 1934, had its vessels repossessed in 1938, and was dissolved by its shareholders in 1939. The flag of the Munson Line was a blue burgee with a white M.
Sources: Lloyds 1912, National Geographic (1934), Talbot-Booth (1937)
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us~hfm.html#munson
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We do know that the Munson Steam Ship Line had its own china with a distinct pattern consists of swags and alternating large and small ornaments in monochrome blue. Each swag measures 2" across, and the pattern is broken once to allow for the line's logo.

Julia Ann Predmore 1862-1925

Born on 14 Dec 1862 in Vernon,Township,Sussex C NJ. Julia Ann died in Knight,Polk Co Texas on 24 Aug 1925, she was 62. Buried in Aug 1925 in Blue Water Cemetery Polk Co Tx. Occupation: Home maker.

1870 Sussex Co., NJ Census: 198/207 Vernon twp: PO Vernon: 16 Jul 1870: Daniel Predmore age 29 farm laborer; Martha age 28; Julia age 8; James age 5; William age 3 and Lucinda age 1- all born New Jersey.

On 11 Sep 1877 when Julia Ann was 14, she married William Berry Munson, in New Jersey. Born on 17 Mar 1855 in NJ OR NY. William Berry died in Knight,Polk Co Texas on 31 Jul 1916, he was 61. Buried in 1916 in Blue Water Cemetary Polk Co Tx.

Notes for WILLIAM BERRY MUNSON:
We have a picture of W. B. and one of W B., Julia Anne, holding a baby , and three of their boys, standing around them. We believe the photo was taken in 1892 and the children appear to be Charles, Henry, Oscar, and the baby-Ed Bently. (the apparent ages of the children are the only clue) Family History says he died from the "Flu."

The following was published in the " Polk County Enterprise ", V0l. XII No. 46, on Thurs. August 5th., 1916;

Mr. W.B. Munson, Dead
News reached here Monday night of the death of Mr. W.B. Munson, who lived about ten miles south of Livingston on the Liberty road. We failed to learn the particulars of his death, only that he had been sick just a few days. Mr. Munson was one of Polk County's best citizens and had many friends over the county who will regret to learn of his death.
This writer knew this man to be a true and honorable gentleman in every way, for several years ago we knew him when we worked at the sawmill and he was loved and honored by all who knew him.
He leaves a number of relatives to mourn his loss, and the "Enterprise" joins the many friends of the family to offer condolence. The remains were laid to rest in the Bluewater Cemetery, Tuesday.

W.L. West .........Editor and Proprietor.........Telephone No. 39.

"Note" This article was found on microfilm at the Livingston Library. There was no copier on the reader so it was not possible to make a copy of it.

More About WILLIAM BERRY MUNSON:
Fact 1: Birth - Bible Records of Oscar & Pearl Sutton Munson
Fact 2: Marriage - Bible Records of Oscar & Pearl Sutton Munson
Fact 3: Death - Bible & Cemetery Records
Fact 4: 1860 Census: - ? -
Fact 5: 1870 Census: Jersey City, N.J. (Jean Taylor)
Fact 6: 1880 Census: Anderson Co. TX. (Carla Clifton)
Fact 7: 1900 Census: Polk Co. Tx. 59/63 page 117-A
Fact 8: 1910 Census: Polk Co. Tx. 25/25 Sheet 2-B

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William Berry Munson was born March 17, 1855 (or 1853) in New Jersey.
He married Julia Anne Predmore, daughter of Daniel Predmore and Martha Card of Vernon Township, Sussix County New Jersey, on September 11, 1877 in New Jersey. Together with their newborn son, Charles William, W.B.'s son from a previous marriage George Walter age 7, and W.B's sister, they came to Texas. The first documented place they have been found in was Anderson County, where they are listed on the 1880 US Census.
(Anderson County appears to have been a common entry point into Texas.) Family history states that his sister married a man named Suggs and settled near Troup, Smith County TX. From Anderson County they next traveled to Plank, in Hardin County. W.B. was a farmer and they operated a sawmill at Plank, TX. Next they moved to Trinity County near the town of Glendale.
While in Trinity County he operated a sawmill. They buried their five month old son, Albert Carroll, in the Glendale Cemetery in October 1884.
On November 11, 1895, W.B. Munson bought an 80 acre tract of land in Polk County, TX at 10 Mile Board for $1800.00, from the estate of James Fowler.
William Berry and Julia Ann moved Ten Mile Board with their children.
Family history records that they moved into a "cabin" until their new two-story home was completed. The drive way to their home was lined with cedar trees.
There primary occupation was farming.
At the end of July 1916 W.B. became ill. After a brief bout with the flu, he passed away on July 31, 1916 at the age of 61. He was buried at Blue Water Cemetery. Julia Ann was left to raise the younger children and their grandson, Arthur Lee. On August 24, 1925 Julia Anne Munson passed away and was laid to rest next to her husband in the Blue Water Cemetery.

Source:
* pattycake71963@hotmail.com on Tuesday, June 03, 2003
* More details may also be found at http://awt.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=DESC&db=cok6wisvolinf&id=I5177&ti=5538

William Berry Munson 1855-1916

William was born on 17 Mar 1855 (or 1853) in New York (or New Jersey).

    William married Julia Ann Predmore on 11 Sep1877.  Julia Ann was born on 14 Dec 1862 in Sussix County, New Jersey and died on 24 Aug 1925 in Polk County, Texas.  She was the daughter of Daniel Ahijah Predmore (1842-1922) and Martha A Card (1841-1897) of Vernon Township, Sussix County, New Jersey.
    Family legend has it that William and Julia Ann wanted to be married, but did not have the support of their family.  We are not sure what the problem was, but it may have been due to her being only 14 years of age and wanting to marry a 22 year old man with 5 year old son).   They left New England before 1880 (after the birth of Charles and before the 1880 census) with his son Charles William Munson and moved to Texas.
    The picture above is of William when he was 37 years old.  The location of the original is unknown at this time but this copy is from the collection of his grand daughter, Zelda Walters Massey.
Mr. W.B. Munson, Dead
News reached here Monday night of the death of Mr. W.B. Munson, who lived about ten miles south of Livingston on the Liberty road. We failed to learn the particulars of his death, only that he had been sick just a few days.  Mr. Munson was one of Polk County's best citizens and had many friends over the county who will regret to learn of his death.  This writer knew this man to be a true and honorable gentleman in every way, for several years ago we knew him when we worked at the sawmill and he was loved and honored by all who knew him. He leaves a number of relatives to mourn his loss, and the "Enterprise" joins the many friends of the family to offer condolence.   The remains were laid to rest in the Bluewater  Cemetery, Tuesday.
    William became ill with the flu at the end of July 1916 died in Polk County, Texas on 31 Jul 1916 and his body was laid to rest at the Blue Water Cemetery in Polk County, Texas.  "Julia Ann was left to raise the younger  children and their grandson, Arthur Lee. On August  24, 1925 Julia Anne Munson  passed away and was laid to rest next to her husband  in the Blue Water Cemetery," Patsy Jackson.

Also according to Patsy Jackson:
    Together with their newborn son,  Charles William, W.B.'s son  from a previous marriage George Walter age 7, and  W.B's sister, they came to  Texas. The first documented place they have been  found in was Anderson County,  where they are listed on the 1880 US Census.  (Anderson County appears to  have been a common entry point into Texas.) Family  history states that his  sister married a man named Suggs and settled near  Troup, Smith County TX.  From Anderson County they next traveled to Plank, in  Hardin County .  W.B. was a farmer and they operated a sawmill at  Plank, TX. Next they   moved to Trinity County near the town of Glendale.  While in Trinity County he operated a sawmill. They  buried their five  month old son, Albert Carroll, in the Glendale  Cemetery in October 1884.  On November 11, 1895, W.B. Munson bought an 80 acre  tract of land in  Polk County, TX at 10 Mile Board for $1800.00, from  the estate of James Fowler.  William Berry and Julia Ann moved Ten Mile Board with  their children.  Family history records that they moved into a "cabin"  until their new two-story  home was completed. The drive way to their home was  lined with cedar trees.  There primary occupation was farming.
Note of George Walter Munson:
George's relationship to W.B. and Julia has been questioned for years but might be best explained by a story told by Edna Munson Shotwell, his niece. Edna often told the story, that when she was a little girl each Sunday afternoon her Grandmother's (Julia Anne) friends would come to visit. Edna liked to spend these afternoons with them because she always had special treats for the company. On one of these visits Edna was sent outside while the Ladies talked. From her vantage point, under an open window and behind a bush, she heard Julia Anne tell her friends why they came to Texas. William Berry had a child by his first wife and after her death, his son George went to live with her family. Once Julia Anne and W.B. were married, he wanted his son to live with them. Since his grandparents were unwilling to allow this. William Berry loaded up the family, went by and "stole" George and headed for Texas. The first few years they worried that George's grandparents might find them and retrieve George, so they moved around frequently.
Children of William and Julia Ann:
* George Munson  -  18 Feb 1873
* Charles William Munson  -  12 Apr 1880 to 24 Mar 1916 - Blue Water Cemetery
* Henry Owen Munson  -  23 Jan 1882 to 24 Mar 1934
* Albert Carrol Munson  -  18 May 1884 to 30 Oct 1884
* Oscar Lee Munson  -  16 May 1889
* Eddie "Ed" Bentley Munson  -  23 May 1892
* Jessie Leith Munson  -  27 Jul 1899 to Aug 1959
* Ira "Bill" Berry Munson  -  09 May 1900 to 1965 - Blue Water Cemetery with wife Abbye, 1898 to 1982
* Twin Girls of Bill and Abbye buried at Blue Water Cemetery
* Ida Mae Munson Walters Gulley - 19 Feb 1903 to 18 Mar 1986
* Alvin "Bus" Ernie Munson  -  24 Feb 1906

Source:
• Genealogy Notes of William's Granddaughter Zelda Walters Massey.
• Note from Patsy Jackson.
• Headstones of William and Julia Ann.
• "Polk County Enterprise," V0l. XII, No. 46, on Thursday, 05 Aug 1916
• 1870 Census: Jersey City, N.J.
• 1880 Census: Anderson Co. TX.
• 1900 Census: Polk Co. Tx. 59/63 page  117-A
• 1910 Census: Polk Co. Tx. 25/25 Sheet  2-B