Despain - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: James E & James Marshall Despain and Smullen

cal_jer — 2011-10-27 15:34:37Z

My name is carol.My husband is the son of Grover Cleveland Despain,grandson of Mary and James Despain.could you help me with info on them?Thank You,Carol in MI

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

mdespain001 — 2011-04-12 20:40:46Z

I am orginally from Durant Oklahoma. "Michael Dane DeSpain" Dad/Mom Charles Edwin DeSpain / Barbara Rudean Manners Grandparents William DeSpain and Ivy DeSpain. Feel free to contact me for more info mdespain001@att.net

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

mdespain001 — 2011-04-12 20:38:09Z

Hi, my name is Mike "Michael" Dane DeSpain and my Dad was Charles DeSpain/ Mother Barbara Manners DeSpain. My Dad "Charles" parents were William "Willie" DeSpain and Ivy DeSpain of Durant Okalhoma. I think that we related. You can contact me at mdespain001@att.net or 281-705-8838 for more info if interested.

Re: Lewis Despain last surving Civil War veteran in Green CO Kentucky

dmbehl — 2011-01-27 14:45:48Z

Janet,
I believe you are referring to Lewis Oscar DeSpain 24 May 1842-27 Aug 1938, buried DeSpain- Thompson Cemetery in Green Co., KY. He was s/o John B. DeSpain and Malinda Bazor.

Lewis Despain last surving Civil War veteran in Green CO Kentucky

Alexanj10 — 2011-01-27 06:59:15Z

I found my 2nd Great Grandfather's, Charles Lincoln McKinney's obituary. (B: 3 Aug 1849 in Green, Kentucky, D: 4 Oct 1934 in Green, Kentucky) It is very eloquently written. He was the 2nd to last surving Civil War veteran in Green CO Kentucky. In this obituary he is passing the torch to the last surving Civil War veteran, Lewis Despain. I thought I would pass this on. I'm not related but was interested and searching for this family.

"Now that the Blue has overshadowed the sodded mound that marks his final resting place, he has hurled the torch of life to his only one-time county brother in a common cause, to hold it high, that of Lewis DeSpain, the last surviving county Civil War Veteran.

Mr. Despain enlisted in the Union Army, Company K, 26 Kentucky Infantry, August 30, 1862 at Munfordville, Ky. And received his honorable discharge at Salsbury N. C. on June 30, 1865 and who incidentally was a member of the Company under Captain W. F. Gorin."

-Janet

Caleb Despain, Son of Jonathan Despain..

Petitiona777a — 2010-11-30 20:00:20Z

Looking for any info on Caleb or his father Jonathan Despain..
Found death record of Caleb which shows father as Jonathan..
According to record,
Caleb died in 1942 in Lytchfield, Montgomery Co Illinois at age 79..
He was born in Green Co, Illinois, 1862
His father Jonathan was born in Nashville, Tenn.
His mother was Addie Sellers, and was born in Mc Manolte, Tenn.
His wife was Susan Jane Murphey.
Caleb was buried in Raymond, Montgomery, Illinois
I am hoping to get further back to Jonathan's father, as I do find only one Jonathan Despain who was born in TN in 1837
to Solomon D. Spain and Sintha (Cynthia?)Byler. They were married in Lauderdale, Alabama. (I do not know if this is an official marriage record or someone's family information.)
I do find Solomon and "Cynthia" in 1850 census in
Grayson, Texas when Jonathan was 13 yrs old..But I don't find Jonathan any more after 1850..except on the death certificate of his son Caleb..
I believe these Despains are my relatives in some way, but do not know how they connect..
My ancestor is John Despain, who was also born in TN, but census shows John in household of JAMES Despain in 1850 Belleview, Calhoun, Illinois, and in 1860 he is 21 and still in Belleview, but living in a household with Griffiths and Fadlocks..
In 1870 John is not in Illinois any more, but I find
him in two places (two census pages..LaSalle Texas, and Dimmitt Texas..
On the LaSalle page is shows John, age 30 now, and Elizabeth, age 25, and are neighbors to Lemmons and McCoys.
On the Dimmitt page it shows John, 30, Elizabeth, 25, and child Westley, age 6. And the Lemmons and McCoys are also on that page..
On this 1870 census, it shows John and Elizabeth both born in Texas..But I know John was born in TN..I think Elizabeth was born in Texas..My ancestor was Elizabeth Arnold who married John Despain..
Anyone who knows anything about these families, please let me know..Feel free to email me at Petitiona777a@yahoo.com

Re: Marshal DeSpain

LoriWooten40 — 2010-04-29 22:25:48Z

Marshall & Rachel Lynn DeSpain were my 4th great grandparents. Would love to share information with you.

Lori Wooten
glwooten@windstream.net

De SPAIN Drew Isamu 1977 1991 loving son and friend

t42Hilltop_DalCoTX — 2010-04-01 12:44:47Z

DeSPAIN Drew Isamu 1977 1991 loving son and friend

DavidStrickland photographed this gravestone in the Hilltop Memorial Park Cemetery, Carrollton, Dallas Co., Texas. Feel free to use the picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 212,975 cemetery photos free for your personal use at http://teafor2.com
If you have more info, please reply here rather than emailing me because this is not my family.

Re: William L. DeSpain, (s/o Silas) died 23 Mar 1899 in IL

dandrew430 — 2010-02-25 21:37:18Z

Oh My Gosh! I can't believe it! This is MY William Lewis DeSpain!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for posting this or I would have never checked that database. Of course now that one question is answered so many more pop into my head.

Was he living with anyone?
How did they know to get him a military marker?
Are the applications for the military marker accessible?

Oh where to begin! But again thanks for posting this. YEA!

Re: Marshal DeSpain

LoriWooten40 — 2010-02-04 19:31:22Z

I am also a 4th gr granddaughter of Marschall & Rachel Lynn DeSpain. Am particularly looking for pictures of family members, especially Hannah DeSpain Ewing. I have 2 pictures of Rachel, 2 of Hettie DeSpain Clark, Catherine McCaleb Pierce, Dorinda Ewing McCaleb and will be happy to share.

Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Lori Wooten
g-lwooten@windstream.net

Re: Esther "Hettie" DESPAIN

dianne erwin — 2010-02-02 00:55:45Z

I've done some looking at the DeSpain family because my husband's gg-aunt was married to Benjamin Lynn DeSpain. I'd like to learn more. If you will send your email address to erwin@suddenlink.net, I can send you what I have in FTM as a report.

Re: Esther "Hettie" DESPAIN

LoriWooten40 — 2010-02-01 23:40:50Z

Correction to the previous message sent by me.

I am a 4th granddaughter to Marshall & Rachel Lynn DeSpain through their dtr. Hannan DeSpain Ewing and through her dtr. Dorinda C. Ewing McCaleb. Should have proofed it before sending.

Lori Wooten

Re: Esther "Hettie" DESPAIN

LoriWooten40 — 2010-02-01 23:37:41Z

I'm a 4th great granddaughter of Marshall & Rachel Lynn DeSpain through their daughter Dorinda C. Ewing McCaleb. I'm interested in knowing who Rachel was living with at the time of her death in 1867. I assumed she was living with Hettie but Rachel is buried in Cleburne, Johnson Co., TX and not in the Thorp Spring, Hood Co., TX Cemetery where Hettie and the rest of the Clarks are buried.

Will be happy to share any info I have. Am looking for a picture of Hannah DeSpain, Rachel & Marshall's other dtr. I do have a picture of Rachel if you would like it.

Sincerely,
Lori Wooten
g-lwooten@windstream.net

New Info BRAGG/DESPAIN Feud

drichmond1961 — 2010-01-10 14:27:27Z

I'm just back from a fact finding trip to Cotulla, Texas and found the following passage in a cookbook of all things,

"According to many witnesses, including Simpson DeSpain's ex-wife, on May 2, 1946 Jesse C. Bragg shot and killed Popeye and Molly's son Simpson Franklin DeSpain, Jr. in Duval county. In case No. 2678, a jury found him "Not Guilty" on May 15, 1947. when this happened, all the DeSpain family vowed revenge."
from The DeSpain Family Through the Years, Recipes - Recollections- Records

If anyone is interested in the rest of the passage or the references to other books, I would be more than willing to share. I am still seeking information regarding this feud/incident.

BRAGG/DESPAIN Feud

drichmond1961 — 2010-01-10 14:25:25Z

Here is a copy of my original post from 2006. The city is incorrect. I have since found a newspaper article and know the incident happened at the Juan Salinas Ranch arena near Encinal, Texas.

"I am in search of any information regarding the feud between the BRAGG and DESPAIN families. As a small child I was told bits and pieces. I was forbidden to talk to a DESPAIN in my first grade classroom. I was also told by my grandfather Shelby Jacob (Red) BRAGG that at the time of my birth in Freer that there was a DESPAIN baby that was in the nursery and the doctor was asked to send him home so I wasn't in the same room with a DESPAIN. What I have been able to research so far is that it started when Jesse BRAGG killed Frank DESPAIN in Freer. Jesse BRAGG was also killed by Ed DESPAIN at a rodeo in Miranda City (10 SEP 1950) in revenge for the first killing. Any information would be greatly appreciated .
Thank you, Donna"

I would appreciate any information.

Re: DESPAIGNE from Cap - Saint Domingue

raizaychago — 2009-09-24 04:42:17Z

I am livin in Rochester New York my name is Raiza Despaigne, my father born in Santiago de Cuba too, I don,t have comunication with this part of my family and I like know people whith that origin.

Re: Lookig for everyone

despainbd — 2009-08-23 18:37:34Z

Margie,
I have spent a good part of my life researching the Despains. I have some of what I have done on a website:
http://userpages.burgoyne.com/bdespain/
May research has the Green Co., KY, family descending from John Despain and his sons. Many of the families left there in the early 1800's but many of the family of James Scott Despain remained there. The ones that are still there descend from him. You need to associate your ancestors with dates and places using census and other public records.

De SPAIN Eugene F 1925-2000

t42MountOlivet — 2009-07-22 01:55:19Z

DeSPAIN Eugene F 1925-2000

I photographed this gravestone in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records. This is one of the 204,884 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com .

If you know more about this person please reply here instead of contacting me because this is most likely not my family.

Re: Lookig for everyone

margiedespain — 2009-07-08 04:55:24Z

hello! I am related to you I believe. I have the same stories. I would love to talk to you more and understand our connection. I work and live in the American Indian community in Minnesota and am American Indian. My Dad is my line. He was separated from his father when he was five and we have looked for more of our relatives all of our lives. His name is Donald Alfred DeSpain but our name was Spain also as one brother changed it to Spain and left off the De. We also came originally from Green Kentucky...etc..I hope you are still on line.. margiedespain@yahoo.com

DESPAIN-CONNOR, Rosa (1895)

mttreehugger — 2009-05-14 02:48:03Z

Headstone is located in the Riverside Cemetery: Emmett, Gem Co., ID

Re: Gervois Despaigne

kltjkj6 — 2009-03-28 04:00:15Z

Hi Gordon,
I just started working on this line again. My lines also run through Gervois DeSpaigne, Jean, Gideon, Samuel, John, Peter, John (Lydia Howell), Lucinda (Jose Mathis), Elizabeth (Jonathan Higbee) who located in Utah about 1891.
I would like to share research with you.

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

okiehaina747 — 2008-12-01 16:35:51Z

I am from Oklahoma but I have never met or heard of anyone named Mansel. I know there are some DeSpains around Hinton,OK never met any of them though.

Re: Gervois Despaigne

DeBris128923 — 2008-11-25 07:11:37Z

i am going to have to find my book of info to confirm this, but back in 2002, i did research on this line and i believe we are both related. this is my fathers line.

like your situation, my father wasn't very close to his fathers side, so we didn't have much info. after a few years of online message boards and traveling to a few different counties for records and graveyard records, we finally got some things figured out.

for right now, i can tell you that we ARE part of gedeon and samuals line (i remember those adn i think they were the ones from canterbury england), we also have a carl in our line- he was my great grandfather, i believe.
but like i said, i'm going to have to find my book with all that. it gets confusing after a while.

what state/county is your family from?

Re: Gervois Despaigne

okiehaina747 — 2008-11-24 00:06:47Z

Anna,

my name is kimberly I believe Gervois to be my 9 gread granfather from what i can tell he and marguerite had a son Jean Despaigne....Gedeon ..Sammuel and so on, my dad is Carl son of leal and granson of Carl james I would love to know more about the despain family and how they got to england. My dad was an only child between his parents and he was never very lose to his dad so the facts on the despain side are sketchy at best any info will be appreiated

DeSPAIN Beulah M 1920-1990

t42Moore — 2008-10-22 13:29:31Z

DeSPAIN Beulah M 1920-1990

I photographed this gravestone in the Moore Cemetery, Arlington,Tarrant Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,737 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

Re: Gervois Despaigne

Jrenekeller — 2008-09-05 05:07:52Z

I know I am a little late in the conversation, but I would love this info as well. I am at anablackfury2@yahoo.com

Brothers William and Thomas L. Despain

sriki1 — 2008-08-02 20:12:35Z

I am looking for information about the Ibex Plamosa Mining Company which brothers William C? and Thomas L. Despain were president and secretary, respectively. the company was incorporated in Arizona. This would have been circa 1907. William uses a capital S in his signature: DeSpain, while Thomas seems to write it as "Despain".

Re: Solomon Despain's daughters

foxnash — 2008-06-07 01:34:58Z

I have a book called, James Harris Despain, his family and descendents, by Linna M.W. Weighall. It says, that Solomon Despain was married to Nancy Bell and they had 8 children.
They are:
1. James Harris Despain
2. John Marshall Despain
3. Celia Despain
4. Orren M. or D. Despain
5. Solomon Joseph Despain
6. Belinda Despain, she mrd. Hezikiah B. Rice
7. Emily Despain, mrd. Elijah Goff
8. Malinda Despain

hope this helps,

Re: William L. DeSpain, (s/o Silas) died 23 Mar 1899 in IL

mama052507 — 2008-06-02 03:11:51Z

Thank you so much for the information, it is truly invaluable!! Thanks again. Yours in Christ, Laura***

Re: Despain Family Info

angelynfoster1 — 2008-06-02 02:41:17Z

Is there anyway you can send me the information you have on the Despain's from Buchanan County? my email is angelyn_foster@yahoo.com

William L. DeSpain, (s/o Silas) died 23 Mar 1899 in IL

dmbehl — 2008-05-22 15:29:24Z

Ancestry just put up a new database of cards for "Headstones Provided for
Union Civil War Veterans, 1879-1903"

William L. Despain, Lt. Co. A, 13th reg Ky Vol Inf.
Cemetery: Hampton
at: Carterville, Ill
Date of death: Mar 23, 1899
Headstone supplied by: Stockbridge......
Contract May 29, 1900

Hampton Cemetery is in Williamson Co., IL

Re: DESPAIN FAMILY

BruceCBrown — 2007-10-29 17:27:31Z

Hello, I have a harry tyler with son Grover tyler in my Tyler family. Harry Tyler born 1889 Ill(hillsboro) was a linotype operator as was his wife. They had a son Grover born 1909. the family last heard from lived in or near Salina,KS. The son married a girl from south America(1st or second wife?). i am a grandson of Bessie Almira tyler,(1877-1924) Harry tylers sister.I have the tyler family history, if interested.

Bruce C. Brown

William Edward DeSpain, William Wayne DeSpain, Donald Allen DeSpain

HellfyrGoddess — 2007-09-15 22:08:51Z

I am looking for an Anna Belle Honeycutt who may have been born in Thayer, Mo. She married a William Edward DeSpain of Poinsett County, Arkansas. They had a child named William Wayne DeSpain who lived in Tennessee. William Wayne DeSpain married Effie Gertrude Franks and lived in Yorkville, TN. Looking for any information on any of these people. Please email me at HeLLfyrgoddess@aoL.com Thank you. ~Dorothy~

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

RennaHanlon1956 — 2007-05-08 21:47:49Z

I lost my password and have since changed e-mail addresses. I'm posting to this merely to update my e-mail address should anyone wish to contact me regarding my prior post.

Silas DeSpain 1848-1936

HRFFW — 2006-11-29 18:43:31Z

Published Obit, paper unk (partial):
"Silas Despain was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1848 and came to Iowa with his parents at the age of three. He married Susan Shephard [sic] in 1868 and to this union two sons were born. He moved to New London in 1895 --- His wife died Mar. 20, 1925 and he married Mrs Frances Oberman in April, 1926. --- He passed away Monday evening March 30 [1936] --- Surviving are his wife, two sons, W. E. Despain of Anabel, Missouri, and Silas Despain of San Francisco, Calif, four stepchildren and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. --- Burial was in the Burge cemetery"

Errors: Susan Shephard should have been Sarah, and surname spelled Sheppard by earlier generations. Silas married Sarah 17 Oct 1867 in Des Moines Co, Iowa, and she died 31 Mar 1925. He married Frances Oberman 12 May 1926. Addl Comments: A handwritten draft of above in family Bible added that Silas was "son of John and Maria Perkins" (Maria should have been Mariah). No other evidence that the family of John DeSpain 1793-1865 ever lived in Louisville has been found, nor have they been located there or anywhere else in an 1850 census. I believe they were more likely in Green Co, missed by the census taker, and that "Louisville" was focused upon as the significant populated place, and the departure point for the trip west. Silas' bro Newton, John & Mariah's last child, was born 18 Feb 1851, and all censuses list birthplace as Ky. The 1856 Iowa census listed that the fam had then been in Iowa three years.

DeSpain Photos - Ky > Iowa

HRFFW — 2006-11-29 18:43:31Z

Photos attached of John & Mariah DeSpain, who moved from Green County, Kentucky to DesMoines County, Iowa about 1865:

(1) John DeSpain, 1793-1865, son of Peter DeSpain.

(2) Mariah Perkins DeSpain, 3rd and last wife of John.

(3) Four generations: Mariah 1819-1902, Silas 1848-1936, William Edwin 1870=1961, Lawrence Edwin 1898-1959.

Ancestors of Shirley (DeSpain) Ficken

Re: DeSpain Photos - Ky > Iowa (correction!)

HRFFW — 2006-11-29 18:43:31Z

Move from Kentucky to Iowa was ca 1851-1852.

John and Mariah Perkins DeSpain

HRFFW — 2006-11-29 18:43:31Z

John DeSpain 1793-1865 and third wife Mariah Perkins moved west from Green County, Kentucky to DesMoines County, Iowa ca 1853. I have posted their photos on the DM Co Message Board, message URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p...

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

2006-11-22 01:59:12Z

Can you email me at bugsyone@charter.net so that I can send a file(s) to you?
Steve

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

2006-11-21 18:21:35Z

I do have some information on our forefather. I am vey busy and will get back to you.

Steve

Re: Oklahoma DeSpains

jackie_ackerman — 2006-11-20 01:37:59Z

My husbands g-father was Gullis/Jack Despain and he married Lennie Wyse his parents where James E. and Mary Elizabeth Henry-Despain James was born 1865 do you know any about these?

Solomon Despain

jcjensen — 2006-10-16 03:48:22Z

Mariece,

Unfortunately I can't help with Susan's parents. To my knowledge she is one of the Despain mysteries. However, to correct an error in your posting; Solomon Despain (m. to Nancy Bell) was NOT the child of John and Susan. He was the son of Benjamin and Delilah (Winningham) Despain.

A great informative website on the Despain's is by Bruce Despain at: http://www.burgoyne.com/pages/bdespain/index.html
ENJOY!

Regards,
Joyce

children of Elzy/Elza Franklin DeSpain

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

Would like to correspond with you on this family. Elzy was a brother to my great-grandfather Ezekial "Zeak" DeSpain. Zeak was the youngest of 10 children.
Elzy/Elza Franklin DeSpain was born 5 Oct 1873 and died 23 Apr 1909. He married Mary Susan "Sudie" Marcum in 1893.
I have acquired quite a bit of info on this family; though I've not verified all of it myself.
I just returned from KY and was able to pick up several items on DeSpains. Took many tombstone photos and don't yet have the pictures back; but am pretty sure I took one of Elzy and wifes.
Let me know if I can be of help.
Micki

Hezikiah DeSpain, s/o William Perry DeSpain, s/o Peter DeSpain

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

Mike F.,
If this is your family line...PLEASE contact me.
Lindsey Hezicar "Car/Carr/Kiah/etc." DeSpain, born Dec 1869 Green Co., KY.
One of 10 children born to William Perry DeSpain (1832-1918) and Elizabeth Warren (1843-1916).
Married Martha Marr 29 Sep 1889 Green Co., KY @ Harvey Morgans, witnesses: F.J. Ward, G.T. Larimore, Surety: G.T. Larimore; divorced 19 Jun 1916.
Two children: George William "Willie Carr" DeSpain, b. abt 1896 and Grace Linnie DeSpain, b. 6 Oct 1911.
Carr is a brother to my Great Granddad Ezekial "Zeke" DeSpain. We have a good deal of info on most of the siblings.
I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Micki

children of William Perry DeSpain & Elizabeth Warren

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

Re: DeSpain/Wray

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

Lee Despain, 33; div; GC; s/o J.W. and Malissa DeSpain
Elsie Noe, 27; div; Larue Co; d/o Arcian and Elizabeth Noe
22 Oct., 1938 at Buffalo

Hope this helps.
Micki

James S. and Dimmie (Beams) DeSpain

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

In search of descendants and/or researchers to help identify the children and grandchildren of James and Demmie.
Known children:
Elizabeth "Bettie" m. Asa Close
Malinda "Linda" m. Samuel Lewis
Martha m. William Dobson
Caroline m. N.B. Richardson
George A. or Georgia A. (has been identified as both male and female in census data!!)

Known Grandchildren:
James Bradshaw (age 13 in 1900 census).
Belle (has been identified as Richarson AND DeSpain).
Wm. Loan "Lonny" DeSpain
James W. "Joe" DeSpain (m. Eugenia Walker)
Jim DeSpain (m.1st Lena Mason 2nd Rose Edith DeSpain) and known as brother to James W. "Joe" DeSpain

This is a complicated line and any help would be most appreciated!!
Micki

DeSpain, Kenneth

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

DE SPAIN, KENNETH--Of R.R. 1, Springfield, was killed at 5:25 a.m. Saturday, July 8,
1950, in an accident near Kentland, Ind., age 27. Survived by parents, Mr. and Mrs.
James DeSpain, RR 1; one brother, Vernon, R.R.1; three sisters, Mrs. Louise Shaw and
Mrs. Vivian Collins, both of city, and Mrs. Thedia McCormick, Radio City, North Pekin;
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Zeke DeSpain, city, and several aunts and uncles. Remains
to Ellinger & Kunz funeral home. Arrangements incomplete.

DeSpain, John "Buster"

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

JOHN BUSTER DE SPAIN.--John Buster DeSpain, of 1224 E. Washington St., died
at 6 a.m. yesterday. He was 48 years old. Mr. Despain, formerly employed by the
Springfield Truck & Oil Co., had been ill about a year. He was born July 30, 1902, at
Summersville, Ky., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Zeak DeSpain. On Sept. 2, 1937, he
married Mary Dickson at Springfield. Surviving are his wife and parents; one son, Carl
Wayne; four sisters, Mrs. Ethel Claymer, Mrs. Dorothy Pittman, Mrs. Exie Thompson
and Mrs. Rose DeSpain, all of Springfield. Remains were removed to the Ellinger &
Kunz funeral home where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Rev. H.M.
Hildebrandt will officiate and burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery. Friends may call at
the funeral home from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow and to time of services Thursday.

DeSpain, John Warren

dmbehl — 2006-09-18 13:19:43Z

IN MEMORIUM
In memory of our darling son, John Warren Despain. He was home of furlough two
years ago at this time. He went in the service of his country January 25, 1945, leaving
Searcy for Little Rock on that date with a bus load of other boys. At Little Rock he
joined the United States Marine Corps and was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for
his boot training. After his boot training he was given a furlough and spent about ten
days at home. We were living near Sidon at that time. After his furlough he went to
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He trained there until early in July. He was sent to
Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif. for more mountain climbling training and jumping off
towers of differet heights into the ocean. He was sent from Oceanside in early August arriving at Pearl Harbor the 13th of August. He marched in the V-J Day parade there.
He was sent from Pearl Harbor to Guam. Arriving there about 2 oclock of the morning
of September 14, 1945, was stationed there until his death. He was killed in a truck
accident on the night of December 10, 1945. On December 13th he was given a full
military burial at the Army-Navy-Marine Corps cemetery No. 2 in Agat Guam. Guam is
in the Marianas Islands. John was born on the Randall farm near Enright in White
county, Arkansas November 3, 1926 and spend his entire life here except his service life
and about 2 years his parents spent in Illinois when John was about three years old.
John was very proud of his state of Arkansas and on one jacket we received not long
ago he had printed and painted on the back Arkansas John. He was a good boy. And
only God in Heaven knows how much I miss him.
His Mother, Mrs. Rosa Despain.