Andrew Jefferson Dooley family

Andrew Jefferson Dooley was born on March 26, 1860, in Ellijay, Gilmer, Georgia. He was the son of Andrew Jackson Dooley, born 1826 in South Carolina and Sarah Elizabeth Gibson, born in North Carolina. Andrew Jefferson married Sarah Jane Fore, born May 6, 1864, in Ellijay, Gilmer, Georgia. She was the daughter of Andrew Jackson Fore and Sarah Jane Bennett. They were married on May 26, 1878 in Ellijay, Gilmer, Georgia.

Andrew Jefferson had two brothers, Marion Taylor, and James L., and two sisters Sarah Theodocia and Samantha Jane. Sarah Theodocia died at an early age and his mother; Sarah Elizabeth died in Georgia. Andrew Jefferson and Sarah Jane moved to Cowan, Franklin, Tennessee, after the Civil War, to work in the iron ore mines. Marion Taylor stayed in Ellijay, Georgia, and was the mayor for several years. James L., Samantha Jane, and his Father Andrew Jackson and 2nd wife, Elizabeth Lance, accompanied them to Tennessee. Andrew Jackson died on April 28,1891 in Cowan, Franklin, Tennessee. James L. was killed in an iron ore mining accident in Franklin County, Tennessee, in 1902. Samantha Jane married a Parks and settled in Franklin County, Tennessee. Andrew Jefferson and Sarah Jane had six children born in Cowan, Franklin, Tennessee. They were John Taylor, Andrew Jackson, Sarah Elizabeth, Joseph Columbus (died and was buried in Franklin County, Tennessee), William L. and Agnes May.

In 1898, Andrew Jefferson and his family left Cowan, Franklin, Tennessee to come to Jefferson, Marion, Texas. Andrew Jefferson was superintendent for an iron ore mining company in Tennessee and was sent to Jefferson, Texas to work in the mine they were operating in Jefferson. The mine closed in Jefferson, and they moved to Lanier, Cass, Texas and lived on John Pant’s land. John Taylor, the eldest son, stayed on to work for the Pants when the rest of the family moved to the Zion Hill community. John Taylor died of Hepatitis in the spring of 1903, and is buried in the Friendship Cemetery at Lanier, Cass, Texas. John Taylor was engaged to many Corneluis Price, who never married, and is buried in Friendship Cemetery.

Andrew Jefferson moved to the family home in 1904 and rented until 1906 when he bought the land, according to Cass County Land Records. He bought horses and mules and started logging. He was foreman of the Tram from Zion Hill to Lanier. The Tram was a track that was used to haul logs.

Four more children were born in Cass County, Texas. They were Robert McKinley, Hardy A., Cecil, and Thomas M.

Andrew Jefferson and Sarah Jane were charter members of Zion Hill Baptist Church, established in 1911, and which is still an active church. He was considered a pillar of the community and Sarah Jane was considered the community doctor. If anyone became ill, they would send for her. She would grab her bag of herbs and clean white rags, jump in her buggy and away she went to help, even at the expense of her own family, at times.

Andrew Jefferson died on March 31, 1928 and is buried in Friendship Cemetery by his eldest son, John Taylor. Sarah Jane continued to live with family on the family farm until her death on February 28, 1938. She is buried beside Andrew Jefferson in Friendship Cemetery.

Their second son, Andrew Jackson, born December 23, 1888, married Amey Inez Seals on September 29, 1910 and had the following children: Ella Jane, Florence, Dochiece, Marvin, Baby Boy, Taylor, James Wilburn, Andrew Jackson, Jr. Walter DeFlay, Agnes Irene, Amey Estelle, Chesley O’Neal, Marneal, & O’Neal. Andrew Jackson and Amey Inez are buried in Zion Hill Cemetery. Andrew Jackson worked in the timber-logging business and most of his sons followed in his footsteps. Sarah Elizabeth, born August 4, 1891, married Oscar Lee Vaughan and their children were Pearl, Arville, Viola, Geneva, Rory J. & Mildred. She was living with her daughter in Sulphur Springs, Texas at the time of her death. Sarah Elizabeth is buried in Friendship Cemetery at Lanier, Texas.

William L., born October 12, 1895, married Mattie Betts and they had four children: Jarie, Hattie Lovonia, William L. Jr., and Ida Thelma. This family was going home from Andrew Jefferson Dooley’s on July 2, 1933, when they drove onto the railroad track on Wayne’s Crossing at Bivins, Texas and was hit by a train. The whole family was killed, with the exception of Hattie, the 2nd. Child, who stayed at her grandmother’s home for a week’s visit. They are buried in Friendship Cemetery at Lanier, Texas. Hattie was raised by her Uncle Robert McKinley Dooley who was named her guardian.

Agnes May, born June 19, 1897, married Hardy B. Cromer and they had no children. They are buried in Zion Hill Cemetery. Zion Hill Community did not have a cemetery until November 8,1957, when Hugh Allgood gave land across from the Church for a cemetery.

Robert McKinley, born October 22, 1900, married Irene Gertrude Thomas and had four children: Myrtle Jane, Robert McKinley, Jr., Frances Irene (Polly), and Mary Francelle. Robert McKinley, Sr. was the first child born in Texas and was a Baptist minister. Robert McKinley is buried in Friendship Cemetery and Irene Gertrude is buried in Zion Hill Cemetery beside her 2nd husband, Taylor Dooley. Robert Jr. died August 20, 1996 and is buried beside Taylor Dooley in Zion Hill Cemetery.

Hardaman “Hardy” A., born January 11, 1903, married Ola Bell Smith and their children were Hardy LaVelle, Morris Ray, & Ola Mae. Hardy was a fanner and was noted for the wonderful vegetables he grew. Hardy A. and Ola Bell are buried in Zion Hill Cemetery.

Cecil, born March 29, 1909, married George W. Lacy and had four children: Maxine, Alice Faye, George Jr., and Cecil Darnell. Cecil was bedfast with arthritis from her early 30’s until her death. Cecil is buried in Zion Hill Cemetery and George W. is buried in Zion Hill Cemetery beside his 2nd wife Maggie B.

Thomas M. “Tommy”, born October 17, 1909, married Ethel lone Doss and they had one daughter, Patsy Diane. Tommy worked as a farmer and for the Texas Forest Service as a firewatcher. Tommy and Ethel lone are buried in Zion Hill Cemetery.

A large number of the descendants of Andrew Jefferson and Sarah Jane Dooley still make their homes in this area.

Submitted by Frances Dooley Russell Whatley