Another child is born
15 Nov 1879
| Hill County, Texas
Mary Tennessee Turner was born in rural Hill County, Texas on 15 November 1879, the 13th of 14 children born to Isaac Turner and Sarah Sharpe Vance, formerly of DeKalb and Cannon Counties in Tennessee.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Life in a large family in rural Texas
Jun 1880
| Hill County, Texas
The Turner farm near Abbott, Texas was a busy one, producing crops of cotton, corn, wheat and oats. Isaac and sons Frank, William, Isaac, Jr, Daniel, John Joseph and James Bowie ("Jimbo") worked hard to support their large family. Sarah and daughters Annah Eliza, Edna, Zora Belle, Hattie and Mary Tennessee certainly did their part, running the household and caring for their men. As the children grew older, they began to attend the local Abbott school, time and crops permitting. Church attendance was a Sunday ritual.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Not all will survive
18 Jun 1900
| Hill County, Texas
But life in rural Texas at the end of the 19th century was difficult and by the time Mary reached her 10th birthday, six of the 14 children had passed on. Whether by disease or accident, tragedy repeatedly struck the Turners. Isaac himself succumbed on 21 May 1887, followed by Sarah on 11 July 1897. At age 17, Mary was an orphan.
As the new millenium arrived, the Turner household consisted of Mary's brother John Joseph, the oldest surviving brother and now head of the family, Mary, Zora Belle, Jimbo and nieces Mattie and Lizzie Turner.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Families stay together
1900
| Hill County, Texas
17-year-old Mary Tennessee Turner helped her sisters with the management of the house while her brothers ran the farm. But life in rural Texas was changing. It was becoming more difficult to make a living on the smaller family farms. Many began to look elsewhere for work, often moving to the larger metropolitan areas. Others went to work for the railroad, a steady income as it criss-crossed the state. Jimbo Turner was one of those who left farming in search of a more stable future. On his many trips riding the rails across Texas, he would occasionally bring home a friend in need of a warm bed and a warm meal. In turn, Mary began to look for something more. She began to spend more and more time with friends in the nearby city of Waco.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Girl Fun!
1905
| Hill County, Texas
John Joseph Turner married in 1901, and as his family began to grow, Mary found herself enjoying her new cousins, and they became very close. Life in turn-of-the-century Texas was difficult, but also exciting for a young girl and her friends!
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Is it love?
1912
| Waco, McLennan, Texas
As 1912 approached, now nearing 30 and as yet unwed, Mary was introduced to a gentleman from Kentucky, also a railroad man. She was enthralled by the stories of travel and adventure being told by Jimbo and by this fascinating, self-made man. Jimbo had moved to Yoakum, Texas, the home of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company. Here Mary was a frequent visitor. The gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. Charles Arthur Rogers, also worked for the SA&APR in Yoakum. He and Mary soon fell in love and decided to spent their lives together.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
A wedding!
3 Dec 1912
| Abbott, Hill, Texas
As 1912 came to a close, Mary and Charles planned their wedding. The service would be held at the Baptist Church in Abbott, and Mary was to be given away by her brother, John Joseph. A large turn-out was expected, as this long-time Abbott resident began her new life.
In spite of the uncooperative Texas weather, Mary and Charles were wed as planned, and would reside in Yoakum.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Life in Yoakum
Jan 1913
| Yoakum, Lavaca, Texas
Charles Arthur Rogers, known as Bubba to friends and family, was very busy as a railroad bridge builder, and as such traveled quite a bit around Texas. And Mary stayed busy on the home front. She was active as a community volunteer, becoming a member of the North American Benefit Association, known as the Ladies of the Modern Maccabbees, and of the Eastern Star, both chaptered in Yoakum.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
A joyous birth!
4 Oct 1916
| Yoakum, Lavaca, Texas
Charles and Mary were blessed with the birth of their only child, christened Charley Belle, on 4 Oct 1916 in Yoakum.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
A happy home
1917
| Yoakum, Lavaca, Texas
Charles and Mary played the roles of proud parents with distinction, as theirs was a warm and loving home. Charles continued with the railroad construction and Mary now divided her time between her young daughter and the community projects she so loved.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
A big move to the big city
1919
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
In 1919, the Rogers family moved to Fort Worth and Charles went to work for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Mary was delighted with the move as the family was now closer to Mary's people from Hill County. Their home at 1217 May Street was frequented by their numerous cousins and friends. As little Charley Belle grew, her parents doted on her. Unable to have more children, Charles and Mary were very involved in Charley Belle's activities, and Mary continued her community service projects.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
1217 May Street
1925
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
As the years went by, Mary watched as Charley Belle grew into a beautiful young woman, full of spirit and vigor, just like her mother. Charles and Mary were proud of their daughter, and when Charley Belle graduated from Fort Worth's Central High School in 1933, her parents were excited for her future. Although in the midst of The Great Depression, theirs was a rich and joyful existence.
But when Charley Belle fell in love with her high school sweetheart and planned to marry him in 1934, Charles and Mary were not impressed, as they felt she was too young for marriage. This did not deter Charley Belle, however, as she and her young man eloped to Oklahoma!
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
The family grows
1935
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
Upon their return to Fort Worth, Charley Belle and her new husband where never-the-less welcomed home, and began their life together at 1217 May Street. Charley Belle's husband was a likable and responsible, hard-working young man, so he was quickly accepted into Mary's good graces.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
The first grandchild
12 Dec 1935
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
And in 1935, Charles and Mary were overjoyed with the arrival of their first grandchild, a girl. Charles was still working for the Texas and Pacific Railroad, although traveling infrequently now. Mary was active in the women's auxiliary at the First Baptist Church, and both delighted in caring for their new granddaughter.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Retirement
1940
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
As the 1930's turned into the 1940's, Charles and Mary enjoyed a happy retirement, surrounded by their family.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Proud Grandparents
1940
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
As proud grandparents, they spent a lot of time with these three youngsters, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Bubba Rogers
1942
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
Alas, time was running out for Charles Arthur Rogers, as heart disease began to take its toll. Mary lovingly cared for him in his final days, with Charley Belle never far away.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
A death in the family
17 Dec 1942
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
On 17 Dec 1942, Charles died at home, the victim of a massive heart attack at age 75. Mary and Charley Belle were devastated. Mary now lived alone in the old house on May Street, although she had little time for loneliness. Charley Belle and the grandchildren were frequent visitors. Mary continued to attend First Baptist Church and stayed active in the women's auxiliary.
Finally, in the late 1960's, Mary sold her home of over 50 years and moved in with Charley Belle and her family. Despite her advancing years, Mary, known as MawMaw to her 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, was active about Charley Belle's home. She loved to cook and work out in the yard, and cherished the time spent with the great-grandchildren.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Her own failing health
May 1971
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
But Mary's health began to fail and at age 91 she was diagnosed with cancer. With the help of visiting nurses, and Mary's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Charley Belle was able to care for her at home, where Mary died on 29 May 1971.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
Mary Tennessee Turner Rogers 1879-1971
May 1971
| Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas
Mary Tennessee Turner Rogers left a legacy of love and community service that touched the lives of many. Her pioneering spirit helped her to overcome many adversities and her love for her family continues in evidence today.
Created by Ruth_Anne 24 May 2008
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