Hurley Family Tree

Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon, 1826–1909 (aged 82 years)

Name
Mulvina (Lavina) /Shannon/
Citation details: page 39, letter of W. J. Peil, 18 Nov 1896: "Christian name is Mulvina - formerly married name Mulvina Bowers - Maiden Name - Mulvina Shannon". Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html
Citation details: John W. Robbins and Levina Shannon, 14 Aug 1842, Sevier County, Vol. 1, p. 31. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N97W-4MW
Note: Her maiden name was Shannon. She appears as Levina Shannon (1842), Lavinia Bowers (1850), Malvina Bowers (1860 marriage), M. Roberts (1860 census), Melvina Roberts (1874-1909) and Mulvina Roberts (pension papers, 1896-1902).
Name
Mulvina (Lavina) /Roberts/
Name
Mulvina (Lavina) /Bowers/
Name
Mulvina (Lavina) /Robbins/
Birth
October 15, 1826 51 41
Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Citation details: page 44, declaration of widow for pension, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas; page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116; Lavinia Bowers, 24. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Note: Born on or about 15 Oct 1826 at Washington, Arkansas, by her own declaration of 1902.

Born on or about 15 Oct 1826 at Washington, Arkansas, by her own declaration of 1902.

  • 6 Mar 1902: "77 years of age, and that I was born on or about the 15th day of October, A.D. 1826, at Washington, in the State of Arkansas"
  • Ages: about 16 at her marriage in Aug 1842, 24 in Oct 1850, 32 in Jul 1860, 54 in Jun 1880; born Arkansas in each census
Death of a father
William Shannon
after 1839
Marriage
John W Robbins — View this family
August 14, 1842 (aged 15 years)
Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Citation details: John W. Robbins and Levina Shannon, 14 Aug 1842, Sevier County, Vol. 1, p. 31. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N97W-4MW
Note: John W. Robbins, about 23, and Levina Shannon, about 16, were married on Sunday, 14 Aug 1842, in Sevier County by F. B. Gilliam, justice of the peace.

John W. Robbins, about 23, and Levina Shannon, about 16, were married on Sunday, 14 Aug 1842, in Sevier County by F. B. Gilliam, justice of the peace.

  • Justice's certificate dated 16 Aug 1842; filed and recorded 1 Sep 1842 by J. W. Penney, clerk
  • Sevier County marriage record, Vol. 1, p. 31 (typescript copy)
3Q9M-C374-XL2.jpg
3Q9M-C374-XL2.jpg
Marriage
Wright Johnson Bowers — View this family
about 1850 (aged 23 years)
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas; page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Note: Johnson Bowers and Lavinia were one household in Sevier County, Arkansas, in October 1850; no marriage record found.

Johnson Bowers and Lavinia were one household in Sevier County, Arkansas, in October 1850; no marriage record found.

  • 1850 census: Johnson Bowers, 52, born North Carolina, and Lavinia, 24, born Arkansas
  • 18 Nov 1896: W. J. Peil gave her former married name as Mulvina Bowers; 2 Jan 1897: her first husband was Johnson Bowers, whose death no living person could prove
Census
June 1, 1850 (aged 23 years)
Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas (indexed as Franklin County); page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116; Lavinia Bowers, 24. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Note: Lavinia, 24, born Arkansas, in the household of Johnson Bowers, Franklin Township, Sevier County, enumerated 16 Oct 1850.

Lavinia, 24, born Arkansas, in the household of Johnson Bowers, Franklin Township, Sevier County, enumerated 16 Oct 1850.

  • Dwelling and family 116, page 195 (stamped 389)
  • Household: Johnson Bowers, 52, farmer, real estate $300, born North Carolina; Lavinia, 24, born Arkansas; Jinsey, 12, born Texas; George, 8, born Arkansas
  • Lavinia is marked as unable to read and write
Death of a husband
Wright Johnson Bowers
September 1859
Falls County, Texas, United States
Citation details: Petition of W. J. Bowers to the Commissioner of Claims, Falls County, 18 Aug 1858, file 000827
Note: Alive at his petition of 18 Aug 1858 in Falls County; dead before 25 Apr 1860, when his widow, as Malvina Bowers, was licensed to marry Elias Roberts in Falls County.

Alive at his petition of 18 Aug 1858 in Falls County; dead before 25 Apr 1860, when his widow, as Malvina Bowers, was licensed to marry Elias Roberts in Falls County.

  • 2 Jan 1897: W. J. Peil wrote that everyone who might have known the date of his death was dead
Marriage
Elias Roberts — View this family
April 26, 1860 (aged 33 years)
Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Citation details: Falls County, Marriage Records, Book 1, pp. 41-42: Elias Roberts and Malvina Bowers, 26 Apr 1860; FHL film 985639, images 307-308. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-6G75
Citation details: Page 38, marriage licence and certificate, 25-26 Apr 1860; page 37, application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896; pages 39-40, letters of W. J. Peil, 1896-1897; page 44, widow's declaration, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-038.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-037.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-040.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html
Citation details: Certificate 17403 Elias Roberts Pension Papers 6 March 1902 Partial Transcript: Affidavit at Purcell...James H Roberts...that he is a step-son of Mulvina Roberts and is the son of Elias Roberts and his first wife Patsy Roberts; that his mother Patsy Roberts died in May 1859 and that her [Mulvina's] first hsband died in September 1859... J. C. Irons...that he has known Mulvina Roberts for a number of years; knows that she was the wife of Elias Roberts and that Elias Roberts died about June 1896; that he was affiant's uncle by marriage...
Note: Married 26 Apr 1860 in Falls County, Texas, by P. W. Jolley, justice of the peace, under a licence issued the day before; she married as Malvina Bowers.

Married 26 Apr 1860 in Falls County, Texas, by P. W. Jolley, justice of the peace, under a licence issued the day before; she married as Malvina Bowers.

  • Marriage licence and certificate: licence issued 25 Apr 1860 by S. T. Barclay, county clerk, by Sam Barnes, deputy; executed 26 Apr 1860 by P. W. Jolley, J.P.; returned 29 Apr 1860 and recorded in Book 1, p. 42
  • Melvina's application for accrued pension, 1896: married 26 Apr 1860 at Marlin, Falls County, as Mulvina Bowers
  • Her widow's declaration, 1902: married in May 1860 at Blue Ridge, Texas, by Justice R. W. Jolley
  • Her maiden name was Shannon; Bowers was the name of her first husband, Johnson Bowers (letters of W. J. Peil, 1896-1897)

CONFLICT: place Blue Ridge (this record, from the 1902 declaration) versus Marlin (1896 application). Left as recorded.

Licence transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-038.html
Census
June 1, 1860 (aged 33 years)
Falls County, Texas, United States
Citation details: Home in 1860: Falls, Texas; Roll: M653_1293; Page: 143 (enumerator's page 39); FHL film 805293; family 9; M. Roberts, 32. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFR-F1M
Note: M. Roberts, 32, born Arkansas, in the household of her husband Elias Roberts, Golinda post office, Falls County, enumerated 21-23 Jul 1860, three months after their marriage.

M. Roberts, 32, born Arkansas, in the household of her husband Elias Roberts, Golinda post office, Falls County, enumerated 21-23 Jul 1860, three months after their marriage.

  • Family 9, page 39
  • Household: Elias Roberts, 33, farmer, personal estate $500, born Tennessee; M. Roberts, 32; John, 7, and Jas., 5, born Texas (his sons)

Census image: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/census/1860-falls-co-roberts-elias.jpg

1860 U.S. Federal Census
1860 U.S. Federal Census
Census
June 1, 1880 (aged 53 years)
Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Citation details: Year: 1880; Census Place: Justice Precinct 5, Robertson, Texas; Roll: 1324; Page: 485A; Enumeration District: 144; dwelling and family 143; Melvina Roberts, 54. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJH-DCT
Note: Melvina Roberts, 54, wife, keeping house, born Arkansas, in the household of Elias Roberts, Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, enumerated 8 Jun 1880 by A. L. Brigance.

Melvina Roberts, 54, wife, keeping house, born Arkansas, in the household of Elias Roberts, Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, enumerated 8 Jun 1880 by A. L. Brigance.

  • Enumeration district 144, page 17, dwelling and family 143
  • Household: Elias Roberts, 55, farmer, born Tennessee; Melvina, 54; Alice Judson, 13, Clarinda Judson, 11, and Climantine Judson, 7, orphans, born Texas; Geo. Briggs, nephew, 11, born Arkansas, mother born Arkansas

Census image: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/census/1880-robertson-co-roberts-elias.jpg

1880 U.S. Federal Census
1880 U.S. Federal Census
Property
Samuel Heath Headright Claim
from 1874 to 1882
Comanche County, Texas, United States
Address: About 8 miles northeast of the city of Comanche
Husband: Elias Roberts (aged 58 years) — husband
Citation details: Affidavit of heirship, 23 Mar 1874, recorded 20 Jul 1874; deeds and bonds of Elias and Melvina Roberts, 1874-1882; citation and judgment, Chilton v. Unknown Heirs, cause 2772, 1909. Transcriptions: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Affidavit_Heirship_Melvina_Roberts_1874.pdf; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Samuel_Heath_Land_Tract_Timeline.pdf
Note: Heir of Samuel Heath, deceased, to his 1,476-acre headright survey on Jimmie's (James) Creek, Comanche County, which she and Elias sold in parcels, 1874-1882.

Heir of Samuel Heath, deceased, to his 1,476-acre headright survey on Jimmie's (James) Creek, Comanche County, which she and Elias sold in parcels, 1874-1882.

  • 23 Mar 1874, Robertson County: Elias Roberts and Jno. S. Moore swore before W. H. Davison, justice of the peace, that "Mrs. Melvina Roberts, the wife of Elias Roberts, is the just, bona fide and sole heir to Samuel Heath, deceased"; recorded in Comanche County 20 Jul 1874
  • The survey (Abstract 420) had been patented to the heirs of Samuel Heath on 22 Jul 1854
  • Sales by Elias and Melvina Roberts, 1874-1882, to A. K. Steele, John T. L. Whitworth, James J. Randolph, William Pendergrast and S. P. Burks
  • 1909: suit of Jno. B. Chilton against the unknown heirs of Samuel Heath and of Melvina Roberts for the remaining 20 acres

Affidavit transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Affidavit_Heirship_Melvina_Roberts_1874.pdf
Timeline: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Samuel_Heath_Land_Tract_Timeline.pdf

Samuel Heath Land Tract
Death of a husband
Elias Roberts
June 23, 1896
Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Cause: General dropsy
Citation details: page 36, physician's letter, 25 Aug 1896; page 37, widow's application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896; page 41, pensioner dropped by death, Jan 1897; pages 44-45, widow's declaration and docket card, 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-036.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-037.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-041.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-045.html
Note: Died 23 Jun 1896 near Hockley, of general dropsy, as certified by the physician who attended him.

Died 23 Jun 1896 near Hockley, of general dropsy, as certified by the physician who attended him.

  • Letter of O. E. Robertson, M.D., 25 Aug 1896: attended him in his last illness; he died on 23 Jun 1896 of general dropsy
  • Widow's application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896: died 23 Jun 1896
  • Pension agency: last paid to 4 May 1896; dropped because of death

CONFLICT: death 23 Jun 1896 (this record) versus 4 Jun 1896 (widow's declaration and docket card, 1902). Left as recorded.
Mexican War widow's pension claims
from September 19, 1896 to May 1, 1902
Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Citation details: page 37, application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896; pages 39-40, letters of W. J. Peil, 18 Nov 1896 and 2 Jan 1897; page 42, accrued pension approved, Jan 1897; pages 44-46, declaration, docket card and brief, 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-037.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-040.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-042.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-045.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-046.html
Note: As widow of Elias Roberts she received the pension accrued at his death in 1896; her own claim for a widow's pension, made in 1902, was rejected.

As widow of Elias Roberts she received the pension accrued at his death in 1896; her own claim for a widow's pension, made in 1902, was rejected.

Accrued pension, 1896-1897

  • 19 Sep 1896, Hockley: application for accrued pension, signed by her mark; married 26 Apr 1860 at Marlin, Falls County, as Mulvina Bowers; witnesses Emily (Mrs. Chas) Roberts, her sister-in-law, and Thomas Roberts
  • 18 Nov 1896 and 2 Jan 1897: W. J. Peil, notary at Hockley, gave her names as Mulvina, formerly Mulvina Bowers, maiden name Mulvina Shannon; everyone who knew of the death of her first husband, Johnson Bowers, was dead; she was "perfectly destitute, old and feeble and living on the charity of others"
  • 21 Jan 1897: accrued pension allowed to Mulvina Roberts, certificate issued 27 Jan 1897

Widow's pension, 1902

  • 6 Mar 1902, Southern District, Indian Territory: declaration of widow; 77, nearly blind, lame in her left side and back from a fall from a horse, with broken ribs; dependent on Mrs. Wm. Young; "have no relatives that I know of"
  • Claim 16,545, address Purcell, Chickasaw Nation; rejected 1 May 1902 because the soldier had not served sixty days in the war
Residence
1902
Purcell, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, United States
Note: Lived near Purcell in the Chickasaw Nation in 1902, dependent on Mrs. Wm. Young.

Lived near Purcell in the Chickasaw Nation in 1902, dependent on Mrs. Wm. Young.

  • 6 Mar 1902: declaration made in the Southern District of the Indian Territory
  • Docket card for claim 16,545: post office Purcell, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory
Death
between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909 (aged 82 years)
Citation details: Citation by publication, Jno. B. Chilton v. Unknown Heirs of Samuel Heath and Melvina Roberts, Comanche County District Court, cause 2772, petition filed 10 Feb 1909, citation 20 Feb 1909. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Citation_Chilton_v_Heath_Roberts_Heirs_1909.pdf
Citation details: page 44, declaration of widow for pension, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html
Note: Died between her pension declaration of 6 Mar 1902 and 10 Feb 1909, when a suit in Comanche County named "the unknown heirs of Melvina Roberts, deceased".
Research log
October 15, 2026
Note: Grade B: birth, three marriages, the 1850, 1860 and 1880 censuses, the Samuel Heath land, the pension claims and the death range cite record-level sources; death date, place and burial not found.

Grade B: birth, three marriages, the 1850, 1860 and 1880 censuses, the Samuel Heath land, the pension claims and the death range cite record-level sources; death date, place and burial not found.

Added

  • 1850 census found: Lavinia, 24, in the household of Johnson Bowers, Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas (indexed as Franklin County)
  • Widow's claims in the Elias Roberts pension file, 1896-1902, with links to the transcriptions on familytree-search.org
  • Death between 1902 and 1909 from the 1909 Comanche County suit against "the unknown heirs of Melvina Roberts, deceased"
  • 1902 residence at Purcell from the pension papers
  • Robbins marriage (F301): the Sevier County record, Vol. 1, p. 31

Changed

  • The residence of 11 Oct 1900 at Cresson, Texas (Waco Times-Herald clipping, X180) removed: the clipping lists an additional pension for an Elias Roberts of Cresson in 1900, four years after her husband died; the media record X180 is kept
  • 1902 residence: the unsourced note "Lived with James H Roberts & John C Irons" and place McClain County replaced by the record: Purcell, dependent on Mrs. Wm. Young
  • 1860 and 1880 residences merged into the census events; the duplicate 1860 census and shared note X209 (a malformed table) unlinked
  • Mexican War Pension Files (S352) citations replaced by the Elias Roberts pension file (S339)
  • Robbins marriage date 16 Aug 1842 corrected to 14 Aug 1842, the date in the record; 16 Aug is the date of the justice's certificate

Not found

  • 1870 and 1900 censuses: FamilySearch searches for Melvina, Malvina, Mulvina and Lavina Roberts in Texas and Indian Territory
  • A Bowers marriage record in the FamilySearch Arkansas marriage indexes (Johnson Bowers married Polly Wilson, an earlier marriage)
  • Her relationship to Samuel Heath, of whom she was sworn sole heir in 1874

Leads

  • Her affidavit filed in 1900 as exhibit B in James Henry Roberts's Mississippi Choctaw case is not in his file (M.C.R. 613); try the consolidated Irons files, M.C.R. 611 and 612
  • Johnson Bowers: commissioned first lieutenant of the Hempstead County regiment, 9 May 1831 (W. J. Peil, 1897); in Saline Township, Hempstead County, in 1840; Jinsey, 12, born Texas, and George, 8, in his 1850 household
  • Mrs. Wm. Young, near Purcell, 1902
Last change
October 16, 2026 – 00:47:25
Author of last change: daveh
Family with parents
father
Birth: 1775
Event-Misc: April 1821 — Post Arkasas, Arkansas Territory
Event-Misc: January 21, 1834 — Arkansas Post, Arkansas
Event-Misc: November 3, 1835 — Arkansas Post, Arkansas
Event-Misc: November 13, 1838 — Sevier County, Arkansas, USA
Person-Source:
Death: after 1839
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Penelope Ward Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
William Shannon
1775–1839
Birth: 1775
Death: after 1839
mother
Birth: 1785
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse William Shannon Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Penelope Ward
1785–…
Birth: 1785
herself
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: Samuel Heath Headright Claim — from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Mexican War widow's pension claims: from September 19, 1896 to May 1, 1902 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse John W Robbins Family with spouse Wright Johnson Bowers Family with spouse Elias Roberts
Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
1826–1909
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Family with John W Robbins
husband
Marriage: August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
John W Robbins
…–…
herself
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: Samuel Heath Headright Claim — from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Mexican War widow's pension claims: from September 19, 1896 to May 1, 1902 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse John W Robbins Family with spouse Wright Johnson Bowers Family with spouse Elias Roberts
Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
1826–1909
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Marriage — August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Family with Wright Johnson Bowers
husband
Birth: about 1798 — North Carolina, United States
Petition: 1825 — Miller County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Delinquent tax list: July 24, 1827 — Miller County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Marriage: February 4, 1830 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Military commission: May 9, 1831 — Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Property: June 18, 1836 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Lawsuit: October 1837 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Census: June 1, 1840 — Saline Township, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Property: Federal land patent — March 1, 1843 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Property: September 13, 1852 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Inheritance: January 25, 1853 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Property: 1856 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Court of Claims petition: August 18, 1858 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Death: September 1859 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Polly Wilson ? Bowers ?? Bowers Jinsey Bowers George Bowers Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Wright Johnson Bowers
1798–1859
Birth: about 1798 — North Carolina, United States
Death: September 1859 — Falls County, Texas, United States
herself
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: Samuel Heath Headright Claim — from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Mexican War widow's pension claims: from September 19, 1896 to May 1, 1902 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse John W Robbins Family with spouse Wright Johnson Bowers Family with spouse Elias Roberts
Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
1826–1909
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Marriage — about 1850 —
Family with Elias Roberts
husband
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Military Service: Capt. James Gillaspie's Company, Texas Mounted Volunteers — from April 24, 1847 to June 4, 1847 — San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1850 — Leon County, Texas, United States
Marriage: June 23, 1852 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: March 12, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: July 23, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Confederate militia service: about 1861 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Lawsuit: June 1871 — Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1875 to 1879 — Hamilton County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Bounty land claim: February 11, 1882 — Franklin, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Mexican War pension: from October 27, 1888 to June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Stalina Patsy Baker Smith John W Roberts James Henry Roberts Family with spouse Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Elias Roberts
1823–1896
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
herself
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: August 14, 1842 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: Samuel Heath Headright Claim — from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Mexican War widow's pension claims: from September 19, 1896 to May 1, 1902 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse John W Robbins Family with spouse Wright Johnson Bowers Family with spouse Elias Roberts
Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
1826–1909
Birth: October 15, 1826 51 41 — Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Death: between March 6, 1902 and February 10, 1909
Marriage — April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Wright Johnson Bowers + Polly Wilson
husband
Birth: about 1798 — North Carolina, United States
Petition: 1825 — Miller County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Delinquent tax list: July 24, 1827 — Miller County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Marriage: February 4, 1830 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Military commission: May 9, 1831 — Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas Territory, United States
Property: June 18, 1836 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Lawsuit: October 1837 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Census: June 1, 1840 — Saline Township, Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Property: Federal land patent — March 1, 1843 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Marriage: about 1850
Census: June 1, 1850 — Franklin Township, Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Property: September 13, 1852 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Inheritance: January 25, 1853 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Property: 1856 — Sevier County, Arkansas, United States
Court of Claims petition: August 18, 1858 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Death: September 1859 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Polly Wilson ? Bowers ?? Bowers Jinsey Bowers George Bowers Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Wright Johnson Bowers
1798–1859
Birth: about 1798 — North Carolina, United States
Death: September 1859 — Falls County, Texas, United States
husband’s wife
Marriage: February 4, 1830 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
Property: Personal Property — February 4, 1830 — Hempstead, Arkansas, USA
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Wright Johnson Bowers ? Bowers ?? Bowers Jinsey Bowers George Bowers
Polly Wilson
…–…
Marriage — February 4, 1830 — Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States
10 years
stepson
Birth: between 1831 and 1839 41
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships
? Bowers
1831–…
Birth: between 1831 and 1839 41
9 years
stepson
Birth: between 1831 and 1839 41
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships
?? Bowers
1831–…
Birth: between 1831 and 1839 41
8 years
stepdaughter
Birth: 1838 40 — Red River County, Texas, USA
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships
Jinsey Bowers
1838–…
Birth: 1838 40 — Red River County, Texas, USA
5 years
stepson
Birth: 1842 44 — Arkansas
Census: 1860 — Falls County, Texas
Person-Source:
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships
George Bowers
1842–…
Birth: 1842 44 — Arkansas
Elias Roberts + Stalina Patsy Baker Smith
husband
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Military Service: Capt. James Gillaspie's Company, Texas Mounted Volunteers — from April 24, 1847 to June 4, 1847 — San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1850 — Leon County, Texas, United States
Marriage: June 23, 1852 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: March 12, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: July 23, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Confederate militia service: about 1861 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Lawsuit: June 1871 — Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1875 to 1879 — Hamilton County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Bounty land claim: February 11, 1882 — Franklin, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Mexican War pension: from October 27, 1888 to June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Stalina Patsy Baker Smith John W Roberts James Henry Roberts Family with spouse Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Elias Roberts
1823–1896
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
husband’s wife
Birth: about 1830 24 — Texas
Marriage: June 23, 1852 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Person-Source:
Death: May 1859 — Texas
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Elias Roberts John W Roberts James Henry Roberts
Stalina Patsy Baker Smith
1830–1859
Birth: about 1830 24 — Texas
Death: May 1859 — Texas
Marriage — June 23, 1852 — Walker County, Texas, United States
17 months
stepson
Birth: October 1853 29 23 — Walker County, Texas
Census: between June 1860 and October 1860 — Falls County, Texas, USA
Census: 1880 — Comanche County, Texas
Marriage: March 26, 1884 — Hamilton, Texas
Census: 1900 — Indian Territory
Person-Source:
Death: before 1910
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Phoebe A. Mackey Lelia Belle Roberts Lily Ellis Roberts
John W Roberts
1853–1910
Birth: October 1853 29 23 — Walker County, Texas
Death: before 1910
2 years
stepson
Birth: November 1855 31 25 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Marriage: November 20, 1884 — Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: 50 Acre Thornton-Smith Survey — from 1892 to 1893 — Robertson County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1900 — Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, United States
Mississippi Choctaw application: from July 12, 1900 to April 27, 1903 — Muskogee, Indian Territory, United States
Census: April 15, 1910 — Wichita Township, Comanche County, Oklahoma, United States
Census: April 1, 1930 — Snyder, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States
Death: February 2, 1936 — Snyder, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States
Burial: February 4, 1936 — Fairlawn Cemetery, Snyder, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Emely Tillis (Tullous) Henry James Roberts Julia Roberts John Roberts Ida Roberts Mandy Roberts Elias Roberts Cashier Lee Roberts O. D. Roberts William A Roberts Richard Roberts
James Henry Roberts
1855–1936
Birth: November 1855 31 25 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Death: February 2, 1936 — Snyder, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, United States
Elias Roberts + … …
husband
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Military Service: Capt. James Gillaspie's Company, Texas Mounted Volunteers — from April 24, 1847 to June 4, 1847 — San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1850 — Leon County, Texas, United States
Marriage: June 23, 1852 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: March 12, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Event-Misc: July 23, 1857 — Walker County, Texas, United States
Marriage: April 26, 1860 — Blue Ridge, Falls County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1860 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Confederate militia service: about 1861 — Falls County, Texas, United States
Lawsuit: June 1871 — Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1875 to 1879 — Hamilton County, Texas, United States
Census: June 1, 1880 — Justice Precinct 5, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Property: from 1874 to 1882 — Comanche County, Texas, United States
Bounty land claim: February 11, 1882 — Franklin, Robertson County, Texas, United States
Mexican War pension: from October 27, 1888 to June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Research log: October 15, 2026
Ancestors Compact tree Descendants Family book Fan chart Hourglass chart Pedigree Pedigree map Relationships Family with spouse Stalina Patsy Baker Smith John W Roberts James Henry Roberts Family with spouse Family with spouse Mulvina (Lavina) Shannon
Elias Roberts
1823–1896
Birth: December 25, 1823 43 43 — Tennessee, United States
Death: June 23, 1896 — Hockley, Harris County, Texas, United States
Birth
Citation details: page 44, declaration of widow for pension, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas; page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116; Lavinia Bowers, 24. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Marriage
Citation details: John W. Robbins and Levina Shannon, 14 Aug 1842, Sevier County, Vol. 1, p. 31. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N97W-4MW
Marriage
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas; page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Census
Citation details: 1850 census, Franklin Township, Sevier, Arkansas (indexed as Franklin County); page 195 (stamped 389); dwelling and family 116; Lavinia Bowers, 24. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M674-SM7
Marriage
Citation details: Falls County, Marriage Records, Book 1, pp. 41-42: Elias Roberts and Malvina Bowers, 26 Apr 1860; FHL film 985639, images 307-308. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-6G75
Citation details: Page 38, marriage licence and certificate, 25-26 Apr 1860; page 37, application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896; pages 39-40, letters of W. J. Peil, 1896-1897; page 44, widow's declaration, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-038.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-037.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-040.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html
Citation details: Certificate 17403 Elias Roberts Pension Papers 6 March 1902 Partial Transcript: Affidavit at Purcell...James H Roberts...that he is a step-son of Mulvina Roberts and is the son of Elias Roberts and his first wife Patsy Roberts; that his mother Patsy Roberts died in May 1859 and that her [Mulvina's] first hsband died in September 1859... J. C. Irons...that he has known Mulvina Roberts for a number of years; knows that she was the wife of Elias Roberts and that Elias Roberts died about June 1896; that he was affiant's uncle by marriage...
Census
Citation details: Home in 1860: Falls, Texas; Roll: M653_1293; Page: 143 (enumerator's page 39); FHL film 805293; family 9; M. Roberts, 32. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFR-F1M
Census
Citation details: Year: 1880; Census Place: Justice Precinct 5, Robertson, Texas; Roll: 1324; Page: 485A; Enumeration District: 144; dwelling and family 143; Melvina Roberts, 54. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJH-DCT
Property
Citation details: Affidavit of heirship, 23 Mar 1874, recorded 20 Jul 1874; deeds and bonds of Elias and Melvina Roberts, 1874-1882; citation and judgment, Chilton v. Unknown Heirs, cause 2772, 1909. Transcriptions: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Affidavit_Heirship_Melvina_Roberts_1874.pdf; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Samuel_Heath_Land_Tract_Timeline.pdf
Mexican War widow's pension claims
Citation details: page 37, application for accrued pension, 19 Sep 1896; pages 39-40, letters of W. J. Peil, 18 Nov 1896 and 2 Jan 1897; page 42, accrued pension approved, Jan 1897; pages 44-46, declaration, docket card and brief, 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-037.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-040.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-042.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-045.html; https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-046.html
Residence
Name
Citation details: page 39, letter of W. J. Peil, 18 Nov 1896: "Christian name is Mulvina - formerly married name Mulvina Bowers - Maiden Name - Mulvina Shannon". Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-039.html
Citation details: John W. Robbins and Levina Shannon, 14 Aug 1842, Sevier County, Vol. 1, p. 31. FamilySearch, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N97W-4MW
Death
Citation details: Citation by publication, Jno. B. Chilton v. Unknown Heirs of Samuel Heath and Melvina Roberts, Comanche County District Court, cause 2772, petition filed 10 Feb 1909, citation 20 Feb 1909. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/Citation_Chilton_v_Heath_Roberts_Heirs_1909.pdf
Citation details: page 44, declaration of widow for pension, 6 Mar 1902. Transcription: https://familytree-search.org/genealogy-resources/texas/pensions/roberts-elias/elias-roberts-mexican-war-pension-page-044.html