Compiled
by Teresa Martin Klaiber
When
I began this series, Whispers from the
Grave, it was with the intention of sharing the many conversations (as well
as research) I have done on this family for the past fifty-five years. While I “married in” this is truly my family. This land is where I belong. This cemetery will be my last earthly home.
Genealogists
always feel a pull toward particular individuals. Catherine Sexton has drawn me for years. When I first started our family tree, I asked my father-in-law what his great
grandmother’s name was. His reply was Sexton – no I said “I mean her maiden
name”. He just shrugged. My mother-in-law said she heard maybe Sutton
and wrote that in a corner of a family paper.
Was Catherine related to Elizabeth Sutton Gallion, also at rest in
Klaiber Cemetery?
The
biggest snafu beginning genie’s make fell in my lap. The 1850 census showed Bartlett Sexton and
another Catherine Sexton in Mark and this Catherine’s household. The 1850 does not give relationships in a
household. Like other newbie’s I assumed Mark’s parents because of age. Never assume anything. After years of deep digging (pun) Mark’s
parents turned out to be Elisha and Tabitha.
It took dna to reveal that Catherine was indeed Catherine Sexton Sexton.
She
is also an amazing pioneer true Appalachian pioneer. So much so, that I wrote a book based on her
life during the worst of Covid. I am
very proud of this publication and the only reason it is classified a
“historical novel” vs. a biography is not knowing what and when she fed the
chickens.
Catherine
Sexton Sexton was born 15 March 1808 in Russell County, Virginia the daughter
of Bartlett and Catherine Sexton. She
married Marcus Sexton and migrated thru Pound Gap and finally settled in what
would become Boyd County, Kentucky. She
and Marcus had at least two children with Henry Powell Sexton surviving to
adulthood. Catherine died on Long
Branch, Boyd County, Kentucky 7 June 1893.
She survived epidemics and the Civil War. I invite everyone to read Catherine Heart & Soul which is still available on Amazon. It is not only her history but the history of
several counties, Kentucky migration and more.
