Nelda, your great grandmother, Sarah Jane Parks Williams is my great grandmother Josephine Parks Robinson's sister. In the 1880 U.S. Census, St. Francois Co., Perry Township they are living next door to each other. I have one photo/portrait of Josephine as a young woman and one of Josephine with her family that must have been taken near the time of her death that I would be happy to share if you are interested.

Have you researched the Parks and Swearingen lines? I believe Isaac Parks was the son of Francis Parks but I have no proof of that. I also believe Nancy J Swearingen his wife to be the daughter of Thomas Van Swearingen but again I have no proof. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

In the 1860 U.S. Census for St. Francois Co. Isaac Parks age 32 is shown living between Henry Parks and Francis Parks, with family members Nancy J age 24, Sarah J age 2, and Mary E age 1. Josephine was born in 1861 and by the 1870 U.S. Census Isaac had married Martha Jarrel. Isaac and Nancy were "married 10 Nov 1853 by Jesse P. Davis, authorized PG in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church South at St. Francois, Mo" St. Francois Co. Marriage Records 1852 - 1876, pg. 54 Abstract. George Milton Parks' obituary mentions a 1/2 brother William Robbs. The same St. Francois record book shows "Isaac Parks and Miss Martha Robbs both of St. Francois Co., MO married on 23 February 1864 by John A. Rudy, MG of the Baptist order at St. Francois Co., MO, pg. 95. In the 1870 U. Census of St Francois Co., Perry Twp. is Isaac Parks age 42 with Martha age 38, Sarah J. age 13, Josephine age 9, George M age 5, Thomas V age 3 and Nancy 6/12. I have been unable to find Isaac in a census report after 1870 though I have seen postings showing him to have died in 1920. Do you know where Isaac died and if he and Martha left St. Francois Co.?

In the 1850 U.S. Census for St. Francois Co. is a Penina (spelling impossible to read) Swearingen age 49 with Sarah age 20, Benona age 14, Nancy age 13, Mary age 12, Thomas age 10 and Silas age 4. I have seen postings showing Penina to be Penina Walston the daughter of Levi Walston and Phoebe Rude who married Thomas Van Swearingen.

Thanks,
Elaine