Reader seeks info on Joe D. Melton

To the editor:

I am seeking proof that Joseph D., Joe D. or J.D. Melton's name was Joseph DILLARD Melton.

Born in 1827, he died in 1875, and was buried in the Stephens Cemetery. The son of John and Catherine ELKINS Melton, he married (1) Mary Jane Walkup (no issue); (2) Martha Nugent (two daughters); and (3) Nancy Elizabeth Neeley (1 daughter).

His three daughters: Mary Elizabeth Melton married Joe B. Hawkins; Matilda Josephine Melton married Benjamin Franklin Shirley; and Sally Ann Melton married James Wm. Stephens.

Gabriel and Stacy DILLARD Elkins were his grandparents. Stacy's father was Thomas DILLARD.

Joe D. Melton was a 32nd Degree Mason in a Cannon County lodge.

It is my great hope that a reader of The Courier can assist me in this search.

Anne Shirley Bumpus
2717 Gray Circle
Columbia, TN 38401-5129

annebumpus@cpws.net
931-388-1999