Person:Alfred Childress (1)

Alfred D. Childress

Alfred D. Childress, son of Rebecca Emeline McClusky and Stephen B. Childress, was born on April 22, 1855 in Arkansas. Most likely he was born in Phillips County, either Independence Township where the family lived in September 1850 or Bear Creek Township.

Six year old, Alfred Childress, and his family are enumerated on July 20, 1860 in the US Census of Bear Creek Twp, Phillips County, Arkansas. This township is located in what is currently Lee County. AEH-LD-227

At some point between July 1860 and December 1868, Stephen Childress dies and the family had moved up the Mississippi River to Southern Illinois. It is not known if this is before or after Stephen's death.

After Alfred’ father, Stephen B. Childress, had died, his mother re-married in Alexander County, Illinois in 1868.

Fifteen year old Alfred is living with his siblings, his step-father’s daughter, Eliza White, his mother, Rebecca White and step-father, Tapley White as recorded in the July 21, 1870 US Census of Unity Precinct, Alexander County, Illinois AEH-LD-197 . Alfred is enumerated as Alfred White born in Illinois. It is not known if Alfred’s new step-father actually adopted the children or the census data is just incorrect.

Martha Jane Hargis and Alfred Childers Marriage

Alfred D. Childers married Martha Jane Hargis on October 11, 1875. Martha Jane Hargis, daughter of Ann Elizabeth Lancaster and Demostinese Daniel Cicero Hargis, was born on February 14, 1856.

Martha Jane and Alfred had one child, George Francis Childers, born October 21, 1878..

Martha Jane Hargis Childers died on December 9, 1878, perhaps due to complications following the childbirth six weeks earlier..

Alfred is enumerated in the US Census on June 21-22, 1880 in Sandusky Precinct, Alexander County, Illinois. [AEH-LD-225] Alfred is enumerated as a 25 year old farmer living in the household of his mother, Emeline White. Emeline White, now 51 years old and born in Alabama is enumerated without her husband Tapley indicating that he had died. Emeline is with their 8 year old child, Elzetta White. Alfred with his mother is living next door to his brother, James Childers and two doors from his one year old son, George Childers, who is living with his late wife’s parents, Caroline and Demostinese Daniel Cicero Hargis.

Martha Susan Miller and Alfred Childers Marriage

Alfred D. Childers later married Martha Susan Miller on New Years Day, January 1, 1885 in Alexander County, Illinois. Martha Susan Miller, daughter of Hannah Nelson and George Miller, was born in 1866 [S38].

Martha Susan and Alfred had the following children: Sidney Franklin, Alfred E., Mary Ethel, and Garrison Sylvester "Gary" Childers.

An infant son Alfred E. Childers is buried next to A.D. Childers in Hargis Cemetery. Marker says "son of A.D. and M.S. Childers". A memorial page for the infant Alfred E., with a photo of the grave marker, is found on the Find-A-Grave website.

An Alfred Childers has been reported to have been adopted about 1892 in Alexander County Records.

Alfred D. Childers died on January 27, 1898 in Diswood, Alexander County, Illinois. Alfred was buried in 1898 in Hargis Cemetery, Diswood, Alexander County. A memorial page for this Alfred D. Childers, with a photo of the grave marker, is found on the Find-A-Grave website.

Martha Susan Miller died in 1928 and was buried in 1928 in Olive Branch, Alexander, Illinois at Olive Branch Cemetery. A memorial page for the Martha Childress,. with a photo of the grave marker, is found on the Find-A-Grave website.