[or-roots] Means Family

[Denise Merritt]

I have learned of a mystery in a family branch I'm trying to sort thru.  We 
have a Verlinder Gilliam

James Richard Means was born 11 JAN 1831. He married Yokum . He married 
Verlinder C. Gilliam 21 OCT 1852 in Pendleton, OR.



Father: William Means  18 JAN 1809 in Christian Co, MO
Mother:  Nancy Harris Gentry  b: 13 NOV 1812

Children of James Richard Means and Verlinda Gillam are:

William Robert Means born 19 JUL 1853 Pendleton

Sarah Frances Means born abt 1855 Pendleton

Thomas J. Means born abt 1857 Pendleton



The mystery is that a tombstone in Texas lists Verlinder as dying in 1855. 
Her name, dates of her birth and death, and the name of her husband, James 
MEANS, appear on the same tombstone as Robert P. and Myra GILLIAM and 
Zerelda A. GILLIAM in Fannin County TX.  This seems unlikely if she had a 
child in 1857 in Pendleton.  However, I'm not sure how this young lady got 
to Oregon in 1852 when her parents were either in Missouri or Texas (as far 
as we've been able to determine).  I just received this info so I haven't 
taken a trip to Oregon to look for Umatilla County Marriage record and see 
if this is actually listed there.  Does anyone have any ideas on this 
mystery?



Denise