The Robert Lee Trantham Family

By Dolores Trantham McCord

Robert Lee Trantham was born June 28, 1865, in Charleston, Mississippi. He came with his family, William J. Trantham, to San Marcos, Texas, in 1871, from there to Starrville, near Winona. Then he settled in the Pierce's Chapel community, where he farmed and operated a grist mill. On December 23, 1886, Robert Lee married Sarah Jane Gregory from Ironton and settled in Jacksonville.

He was in the lumber business about 40 years. He was known to everyone as "Uncle Bob," who had a "heart of gold." If anyone had any misfortune or financial need, he always was willing to help. With only a "gentleman's agreement" for his security, his word was his bond.

The family home was on Burleson Street where Robert Lee died in 1942 and Sarah Jane in 1960. Both are buried in the Jacksonville City Cemetery. To this union eleven children were born:

Minnie Trantham married Ben Warren, who died in 1933. She then married Will Boatman and they live in Jacksonville. Her daughter Bertha (Mrs. Babe Stewart) lives here. The sons of Babe and Bertha are Ernest and Billy Bob, Houston; and Edwin, Jacksonville. Ray Warren married Maxine Bearden and operates a grocery store at Lakeview. Their daughters are Janice and Brenda. Ruth Warren married Preston Bearden and there are six children in this family: Larry, Royce, Joanne, Gwendolyn, Juanita and Jay. Minnie has three other children: Myrtle Gunter, Tyler; Lowell Warren, Los Angeles, California; and Sam B. of Corpus Christi.

Mamie Trantham and her husband, Carl Williams, live on Sunset Avenue. They have two daughters, Christine and Carleen.

William Aron Trantham married Bertha Cunningham in 1916. They reside on Dallas Street and are members of Central Baptist Church. William is a semi-retired timber-lumber man. They have three children. Helen and her husband, Travis Wade, live in Tyler. Dolores married David McCord, who is the Jacksonville School Tax Assessor-Collector. They reside on Dallas Street. Their children are David Mack, who teaches at Hill Junior College, Hillsboro, and Sunshine (Mrs. Jerry Chancellor), who is the first woman City Secretary for Jacksonville. Bill, Jr., married Jozelle Weesner and they operate the Humble Station on South Jackson.

Jewell Trantham married Opal Durrett. They live in Tyler and their two children are Jack and Wanda Beth.

Opal Trantham married Emmett Choate. They are active workers in the Baptist Church in Lufkin. Their children are Gene and Zelda Sue.

Ellie Trantham (deceased) married Dora Muckleroy. Dora resides on Ft. Worth Street. Ellis played on the first football team of Jacksonville High School, and served in the U. S. Field Artillery during World War I. Their children are Elece of Troup, Jane of Dallas, Flo and Bobbye of Lufkin.

Audie Trantham (deceased) married Lott Earle. She lives in Longview.

Harvey Trantham (deceased) married Valeria Vaught. Their children are Doyle, Edith Merle, Mary Lou and Raymond.

Sollie, Lottie and Homer died at an early age.

Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Trantham with children in early family photo.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Trantham

R. L. Trantham original home on Burleson Street in a picture made about 1922.