I've been collecting information on our past families & want to share this information with any family or researchers who are interested.

Endnotes about how many generations in Texas each line makes ME are a reference point for my family members; a timeline for each surname. By “4th generation”, I mean I am the 4th generation in this line to be born in Texas, not live here.

My FATHERS (Claude Lee Prater) ancestors are: PRATERs, IVYs, BISHOPs, & MURRYs:

Two PRATER brothers, Alexander Preston & Aaron came to Texas in the 1870's, shortly after the Civil War, from Hall Co., Georgia, & settled in Mason Co. With them were two of Alexanders’ grown sons, Benjamin & Augustus. The older men were about 60 & 70 years of age when they came, leaving all of Aarons’ children (by now grown) behind & most of Alexanders’, probably never seeing them again. Some of their descendants still live in Mason Co., but no PRATERs. Augustus and Benjamin and descendents are buried in Bethel Cemetery, Katemcy, as well as their uncle, Aaron. Alexander died only a few years after the move to Texas, in Collin Co., leaving behind a wife with 6 small children. Both Alexander & Aaron served in the 38th Regiment Volunteer Infantry L, Georgia. Through this line I am a 4th generation Texan.

The WILLIAM MURRYs moved to Jack Co., Texas from Sangamon Co., Ohio. His parents were born in Ireland. His wife was Angeline BENNETT. They are buried in Jack County, TX. Through this line I am a 5th generation Texan.

The ISAIAH IVYs moved to Texas prior to statehood, at least by 1844, from Mississippi, first to Rains Co., then eventually near Lometa, Lampasas Co. They have been in Texas longer than any of my family lines. Many of them are buried in Center Point Cemetery, near Lometa. Isaiah is my ggg-grandfather. Through this line I am a 5th generation Texan.

The ANDREW JACKSON BISHOP family moved to Kerr Co. Texas from Sangamon Co. Illinois, after settling for a time in Missouri. A.J. Bishop served in the Confederacy under the 26th Texas Regiment, Company B, as a scout. He and his wife Mary Ann Sophronia Elizabeth Hurt are buried at the Surber-Bishop Cemetery (see link below). Through this line I am a 4th generation Texan.

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My MOTHERS' (LaRue Reed) ancestors are the REEDs, KENNEDYs, TOLLESONs, & DIXON’s:

JOHN A. REED is my proverbial brick wall. He is my gg-grandfather & he died in Wise Co., Texas, having moved there from Ohio before 1867. His wife was Mary BLOOMER, of Indiana. John died at about the age of 44; I am still looking for information regarding him. I don’t know his parents names, or siblings, but I have much more on Mary. Would be interested if anyone has more about John. Through this line I am a 4th generation Texan.

FRANCIS MARION KENNEDY was born in Missouri & moved to Wise Co., Texas with his wife Castero A. Sarah (Frankie) HOLBERT in the 1870's. They are both buried in the Hog Branch Cemetery, Wise Co. A very generous cousin, Jewel KENNEDY, supplied me with the info I have on this line.Through this line I am a 3rd generation Texan.

WESLEY J. TOLLESON served in the Civil War in the 26th Mississippi Infantry, CSA, Company D. After the war, he married a Civil War widow, Parnelia Margaret Ann KAY, nee CURTIS. After their children were born, they moved to the Dallas, Texas area. Their daughter, Elizabeth Lucretia TOLLESON was my greatgrandmother. Through this line I am a 3rd generation Texan.

SOLOMON W. DIXON of Ohio moved to Texas prior to statehood, settling in the Dallas area. His son John married Julia A. FLETCHER, born about 1839. I inherited her family bible. My dear first cousin, Sheryl Reed Rascher has supplied me with the information on the DIXON’s. Through this line I am a 3rd generation Texan.

I hope you find something of interest here.
Thanks so much for visiting!

• Claude H. Prater (18 KB)
  On the back Nannie has written "I think that this is such a sweet picture of dady"
• Claude H. Praters 1947 Dodge Truck (28 KB)
  On the back it says: 3-5 ton. Got 3 miles per gallon of gas. Had it special built taller. Hauled 3 decks of sheep or 2 decks of cattle. The first double-deck truck we know of. Claude Lee used to sleep on the floor board trucking with his dad.
• Azalee & Claude H. Prater (40 KB)
  On the back, Nannie has written "The Best Picture ever of Both of Them" (?)
• Claude H. Prater in front of his 1937 Dodge Truck (86 KB)
  No description on back.
• Nannie (Azalee Ivy Prater) & a friend (Bernice ?) (49 KB)
  These people were nuts. I think this is Bernice Swails pointing a gun at Nannie. On back of picture it says : Me,Azalee, Bert, Claude Lee. Claude took pic. So Much Fun."
• Azalee & Leta Ivy at Katemcy School-1925 (64 KB)
  Azalee is on the far right, her sister Leta is on the far left.
• Jeff Tolleson (1867-1948) (49 KB)
  Jeff Tolleson was the son of Wesley J. Tolleson and Parnelia Margaret Ann Curtis and the brother to my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Lucretia Tolleson.
• Clara Mae Dixon Reed (1905-1995) (6 KB)
  My grandmother at her 80th birthday party in 1985. All her children were there with her. From left, Clara, Rocky, Shroy, Edward, LaRue & Charlie (twins), Annette, and Jackie
• LaRue Reed Prater (22 KB)
  Probably taken in early 1950's.
• Claude H. Prater-Items in His Billfold (143 KB)
  Here is Papa's Photo, 1939 Commercial Drivers' License, and 1940 receipt for transfering a trailer title.
• Claude Lee Prater-Sonora, Tx. 1st Grade (104 KB)
  He is on the second row from the front 1st kid on the far left. Notice he has scratched the teachers face out.
• Do YOU know who these TOLLESONs are? (62 KB)
  The back of this photo simply reads "Some of the older Tolleson Family" Please contact me if you know who any of them are!
• Claude & LaRue Prater, Me & a catfish, 1955 (14 KB)
  I think the fish was the reason for the photo.
• Claude Lee & LaRue Reed Prater (37 KB)
  Taken Christmas 1997 in their home.
• Lillie Azalee Ivy Prater (17 KB)
  No description on back.
• Old Prater Homestead near Katemcy, Mason Co.,Texas (78 KB)
  Augustus Prater & his wife Susan Francis Hinesley lived here. Their daughter, Pearl was the last Prater to live here. Her husband was Ernest Kruse.
• "Big A" and Mamie Prater Awalt (17 KB)
  Aaron Awalt (1899-1981) Mamie Prater Awalt (1899-1975) She is Claude Hamilton Praters sister.
• James Ott Ivy & Mary IsaBell Murry Ivy (15 KB)
  James Ivy (1884-1972) Mary Murry Ivy(1884-1956)
• Katemcy School & Students taken in 1925 (102 KB)
  Although the name of this school was "Katemcy School" it was called "Hogdusty", because hogs kicked up dust staying under the floorboards for the shade. This picture includes Leta, Eula & Beulah (twins), Lloyd (Son) and Azalee Ivy.
• Lillie Azalee Ivy Prater (19 KB)
  No description on back.
• Albert Dixon (1899-1953) & his sister Mabel Dixon (44 KB)
  Albert is the one standing. In those days, little boys wore dresses until they no longer wore diapers. Little Mabel died at about the age of 5.
• Four Generations of Dixon/Reeds (18 KB)
  This is my greatgrandmother, Elizabeth Tolleson Dixon, her daughter, Clara Dixon Reed, her son, Edward Reed, and his daughter, Janice Reed, taken sometime in the 50's
• Andrew Jackson Bishop (1838-1890) (28 KB)
  This picture was probably taken in the 1870's. A.J. died in 1890 in a cattle stampede. He came to Texas about 1850 with his parents and 10 sisters. A.J. served under Xavier DeBray in the 26th Texas Regiment, Company B. He was Claude Hamilton Praters mothers father.
• James Ott Ivy with his sons (20 KB)
  On the back it says: Son, Papa, and Gene
• ??? Dixon (8 KB)
  This photo was cut down from its original size, and the name on the back was partially cut off as well. It says "---mon Dixon or ---ron Dixon" Any ideas who this little boy is?
• Clara Mae Dixon Reed (9 KB)
  My mom gave her mother a surprise birthday party at the ranch on her 80th birthday.
• Mary Bishop's Confederate Pension Application (92 KB)
  Mary was entitled to a pension for her husbands (AJ's)service in the 26th Texas Regiment, Co. B. He joined in 1861 and served until the close of the war. He died in 1890. She applied in 1901.
• James Ott & Mary Murry Ivy with children (23 KB)
  I don't have the names of all of these, e-mail me if you can fill me in.
• Azalee & Claude H. Prater (25 KB)
  No message on back
• Christmas at Nanaw & PawPaw Reeds (8 KB)
  I think this was his last Christmas with us.
• Confederate Mobilization Camp (25 KB)
  Mobilization Camp of the 23rd, 26th and 27th Regiments, Texas City, Texas. Taken from the WPA American Memory Collection.
• 1923 Report Card of Claude H. Prater (33 KB)
  From the school of Peter's Prairie, near Katemcy in Mason County, Texas
• Ivy Siblings in More Recent Times (46 KB)
  I'll try to get the names from Mom & Dad and add later, or if anyone can e-mail them to me, please.
• Claude H. Prater on a Horse (41 KB)
  Wish I had that car in the background. No message on the back of the picture.
• Lindsay Prater Family (189 KB)
  Lindsay (seated, right) was the brother to my g-grandfather, Arthur Prater. Behind them in the picture is their daughter Aileen & her husband August Martin with their son, Carl. The picture was taken about 1945. Lindsay and his wife Carrie are both buried in the Bethel Cemetery at Katemcy, Texas (Mason County). (Photo provided to me by Hal Reichenau, nephew of Lindsay & Carrie)
• Magnolia (Nolie) Dixon, born about 1867 (17 KB)
  Magnolia was an older sister to my greatgrandfather, Charley Solomon Dixon. Her husband was J.B. Fletcher.
• Sonora County Courthouse - Azalee Prater & Friend (28 KB)
  I think this is Bernice Swails with her. Notice the board to the right on the lawn. It is a list of the young men from the county serving in the war.
• Preston Prater and his son (54 KB)
  No description on the back.
• Clara Mae Dixon Reed (1905-1995) (14 KB)
  This photo was taken about 1923.
• Claude Lee & Bobby Gene Prater - 1938 (28 KB)
  On the back it says they are 3 and 5 years old.

• Descendents of William Kennedy to Clarence A. Reed (2 KB)
  Details 5 generations from Willaim Kennedy, born before 1786.
• Descendents of Alfred A Bishop to Claude H. Prater (1 KB)
  This is a scaled-down chart from the oldest Bishop in my files down to my grandfather. Researchers wanting more info can contact me.
• Descendents of William Halbert, Sr. (1 KB)
  Outlines 7 generations from William Halbert, Sr. to Clarence Andrew Reed.
• Descendents of Erasmus Tolleson to Clara Mae Dixon (1 KB)
  There are no siblings included in this file. If you want more information, feel free to contact me.
• Descendents of Hugh Vernon (2 KB)
  Outlines descendents of Hugh Vernon to Mattie Castero Kennedy and her siblings, 10 generations
• Descendents of Solomon Dixon to Clara Mae Dixon (1 KB)
  Includes siblings, but not the children of siblings.
• Praters from England to the United States (15 KB)
  Praters new to genealogy should read this. It is a short account of our history in England and the begginning of our lives in the United States.
• Descendents of William Prater to Claude H Prater (2 KB)
  No siblings included.
• Surber-Bishop Cemetery in Kendall County, Texas (1 KB)
  This is the final resting place of A.J. and Mary Bishop and two of their daughters and two grandaughters. I beleive A.J. and Mary must have lived at this ranch when he died. She died many years later in the home of her daughter Laura Curren, in Mason County, Texas. I have been told that A.J. died in a cattle stampede.
• Descendents of James Ivey to Lillie Azalee Ivy (1 KB)
  No siblings included.
• Obituaries of Augustus J. Prater & Susan Prater (3 KB)
  Augustus J. (Gus) Prater was one of the Praters who first came to Mason Co., Tx. from Hall Co., Ga. in the 1870's after the Civil War. He and his wife Susan are my great-great-grandparents, and are buried in the Bethel Cemetery, Katemcy, Texas.
• Descendents of John A. Reed to Clarence A. Reed (1 KB)
  Siblings are included.
• Prater Descendents of Benjamin Reed of Georgia (1 KB)
  This lists the descendents of Benjamin Griffith Reed & his wife, Mary (Polly) Phinazee of Georgia, down to the 5th generation, same as my father Claude L. Prater.
• Descendents of Robert Bloomer (2 KB)
  The information here is for the descendents of Robert (b.1634) & Rachel Bloomer down 8 generations to William Henry (Dink) Reed (b.1867)

• History of Debray's (26th) Regiment Texas Calvary
• Harold Martin Prathers Website
• Prater's Mill - Georgia
• Wesley Tolleson on Roster, 26th Mississippi Infantry, Co. D

Connie Prater Reed
prater_connie@hotmail.com

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