Allie Jane Epperson was my great-grandmother and I often wish we could have met because as I review her life I have much admiration for her. This was a woman who experienced a traumatic childhood with the Epperson family tragedy leaving nine-year old Allie and, her siblings, orphans in 1878. By April 11, 1886, Allie was united in marriage to Noah Sutton and gave birth to Malissa Jane “Lissie” Sutton the following year. Another tragedy would happen in 1891 when her first cousin, John Barnard, would become a victim of the Sutton-Barnard Family Feud. That same year Allie gave birth to her first son, Lewis Henry Sutton (my grandfather) and they would leave Tennessee soon thereafter. More heartache followed as she gave birth to four children who died either in infancy or as toddlers. What emerged through these struggles was a lady of strong Christian faith who loved and nurtured her family.
Allie at her home in Fannin County, Texas
I often wonder who Allie turned to for “motherly advice” when she moved so far away from her Tennessee home to Fannin County, Texas. She was 24 years old and had two small children when she arrived there around 1893. Another daughter, Laura Emeline, was born in 1894. The Texas home was filled with photographs. An organ was purchased at some point so I like to think music was an important way to relax and enjoy some family time. Perhaps many hymns were played on that organ and I wonder if any of her children attempted to play this instrument. The 1900 census shows Noah and Allie living in Precinct 7, district 80 Fannin County with their three children but I also noticed the number of children she had given birth to was seven and only the three were living. However, by March 1901 another daughter was born named Jessie Lorn.
Sutton Family Photo circa 1894
In 1905 Lissie married Clarence “Pete” Henderson and Allie would become a grandmother by December of that year when Zola Mae Henderson was born. Just a few months later, in April 1906, Allie would give birth to another son nicknamed Jack and he would complete her children. I believe she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren although the camera never caught a smile (maybe a slight one) when she was photographed.
Left to right adults: Clarence Henderson, Lissie Sutton Henderson, Noah Sutton, Allie Epperson Sutton,
Left to right children: Ethel, Zola Mae, and possibly Don Henderson, Jessie, Jack Sutton and Laura Sutton.
Since Allie most likely wasn’t proficient in reading and writing (also noted on the censuses), I like to think of her providing guidance to her family and perhaps she taught the little women in her life quilting, gardening, and cooking. Not to say that the men didn’t also enjoy some of these hobbies as well!
Allie with granddaughter Zola Mae Henderson
As we approach 1920, Lissie would give birth to three more children (Ethel, Don and Ray). Little Don would die sometime before 1920. Lissie and Clarence move to Denison, Texas. Laura married Paul Jones “PJ” Helton (my father is named after him) and Lewis would marry Trentie Alice Leonard. Her youngest daughter, Jessie, would marry James Chester Kelley in 1923 and move away to Ranger, Texas. At some point her sister, Laura, would also move to Ranger after breaking up with P.J. Helton. By 1930, Allie would have 8 grandchildren. Palmer Ray, born to Jessie and Doyle Lewis, Nina Mahala, Paul Jones (my dad) and granddaughter, Myrtle Alice, born to Lewis. Lewis and Trentie also decided to leave Fannin County, Texas and made their new home in Wolf, Oklahoma. Now all but one child, Jack, had married and moved away. I suspect she didn't get to see her grandchildren as often as she would have liked.
Appears to be a family outing perhaps at the Red River
Left to right adults: Noah Sutton, Laura Sutton Helton, Allie Jane Sutton, Lewis Sutton, Trentie Sutton, and Jack Sutton
Left to right children: Doyle, Nina, and Paul Sutton
The thirties would bring joy and great sorrow. Two more grandchildren would bless Lewis’ household – Dorothy Jean “Dottie” and Donald Ray. Allie also became a great-grandmother in 1932 when granddaughter Ethel gave birth to a son, Clarence Ray “Sonny” Broyles. Her daughter, Laura, would marry William Ray Todd and become a stepmother to his five children from a previous marriage.
Clarence Ray "Sonny" Broyles and mother Ethel, Allie Jane Sutton, Lissie Henderson, and Zola Mae Henderson
Allie getting a hug from Zola Mae Henderson (is that a slight smile on her face?)
Noah Sutton, Lissie Henderson, and Allie Sutton
Tragedy struck on November 19, 1935 when Lewis was killed in an oilfield accident. Allie would cross over almost three-months later:
Mrs. Allie Jane Sutton died of pneumonia at her home near Lamasco February 7, 1936. She professed faith in her Master at the age of 14 years and joined the Baptist church. She was a woman of true Christian character and lived a life of faithfulness to her Master and Maker at all times. Two daughters were unable to reach her bedside before she passed away. Deceased was born on January 6, 1869 at Sneedville, Tenn. On April 11, 1886, she was married to Noah Sutton, to this union nine children were born. Only four survive, three girls and one boy, as follows: Mrs. C.H. Henderson of Denison; Mrs. Ray Todd and Mrs. Chester Kelley of Ranger and Alva Sutton of near Lamasco. Ten grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were held at the Lamasco Baptist Church at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, February 9, conducted by Rev. Oliver Rowe. The body was laid to rest in the Lamasco Cemetery. The family has the sympathy of the entire community in their great loss of a companion and loving mother.
I can imagine her death brought great sadness to everyone but especially Noah and Jack. I want to thank Susie Kelley Clarke for sharing these great photos with me as it brings Allie back in our thoughts and hearts. Happy heavenly Mother's Day, Allie!
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