Fifth Generation

12. James Ollie Etheridge was born on November 14, 1908 in Murray, Calloway, Ky and died on March 28, 1968 in Trenton, Gibson County, TN. He was the son of William Henry Etheridge and Callie Elsie Carter. On December 25, 1929 he married Lena Irene Burns in Humboldt, TN.

I don’t know much about his childhood, but I am sure my grandfather can fill in the blanks. He grew up on a farm. Sometime in his childhood his family moved back to Gibson County, TN and lived in Humboldt. He was too young or too old to be in a war, but raised a family during the depression. His mother, Callie Carter was his father’s second wife so he had brothers who were much older than himself. He had nephews and nieces not much younger than himself. He made Lena Burns and later married her. Not too long after that they moved to Trenton, TN. They had my grandfather, James William Etheridge soon after in 1930. Later in life he mowed the grass along the highways for the government. I think he had a business that contracted out to the business. I have heard nothing but the kindest things about him. My mother told me he had these big eyes that were very kind but glared when he got angry. He was greatly missed when he died of heart failure in 1968 when my mother was 12. My mother said it was snowing when he died and she remembered that winter was particularly cold.

13. Lena Irene Burns was born on August 11, 1907 in Linden, Perry, TN. She died on October 31, 1968 in Trenton, Gibson, TN. She was the daughter of William Albert Burns and Parthenia Lomax.

I also do not know much about her early life. I have seen pictures of her when she was young. She was a small woman with beautiful strawberry blonde hair. She had the nicest smile I have ever seen. My mother was particularly close to her and tries to be a Mamaw like she was. My mother told me about how she loved to play dress up with her Mamaw’s dresses and hats. There are many pictures and even some films of her. I would like to know more about her. I do not know about her likes and dislikes, where she went to school, her friends, etc. She died soon after her husband in 1968 I think also of heart problems.

The Children of James ollie Etheridge and Lena Irene Burns:

1. James William Etheridge 1930- Married Nancy Jane Johnson

2. Martha Geraldine Etheridge 1932-1999 Married Guy Mitchell Pybass

3. Robert Frank Etheridge 1933- Married Barbara Ann Hill