Charlotte Pinkston Starr

Charlotte Caleb Simmons.htm

Caleb Woodson Simmons

Charlotte Pinkston Starr


Charlotte Pinkston, obviously named for her mother, was the sixth child of Benjamin and Charlotte Starr. Almost all information about Charlotte comes from SIMMONS family researchers. Born 30 November 1818 in Wilkes County, Georgia, she was the only one of her siblings to reside outside the state of Georgia. She was also the only one who lived into the 20th century. What stories she surely told her grandchildren! Only 21 states made up the United States when she was born; the 48th was added shortly after her death. She was alive when the telegraph, typewriter, telephone and phonograph were invented. But closer to her heart must have been the invention of the sewing machine, Mason jar, carpet sweeper and the most welcome for those residing in central Texas, the ceiling fan! She must have marveled at the sight of a zipper and, after years of battling wits with cows, been amazed at that new-fangled milking machine she read about. Pasteurization changed her life for the better; but, one wonders more about what she thought of chewing gum, player pianos and roller coasters? Then there’s transportation. The first emigrants into Texas arrived with loaded wagons pulled by teams of horses or oxen. She witnessed the arrival and tremendous impact of railroads. Towards the end of her life, the horseless carriage became a common sight.

According to an undocumented internet posting Charlotte married Caleb Woodson Simmons in Wilkes County 5 September 1834. Wilkes County is also given as the birth place for several of their children. However by 1834 Benjamin and Charlotte were firmly established along the border between Henry and Fayette counties. Additionally Caleb is found as witness on two Henry County deeds (1833 and 1834) involving her father Benjamin. [Turner p. 211 citing Deed Bk G p. 100; Turner p. 237 citing Bk G p. 227]

Caleb Woodson Simmons is reported to descend from the Currituck County, North Carolina Simmons line. Said to be born 21 October 1803 in North Carolina, he died in Williamson County, Texas 26 November 1881. Charlotte Pinkston (Starr) Simmons died there 22 January 1907. Thirteen children are given for them. [Coleman]

Sources

Coleman, Daryl webmaster. http://www.dkco.com/gen/henrystarr.htm#names

SIMMONS genforum #867 posted 19 April 2000 by Mary H. Kelly; #2815 posted 29 Jan 2000 by Simmons Info Exchange

Turner, Freda Reid abstractor. Henry County, Georgia Land Records 1839-1851: Deed Books J, K., L, M vol. III. Wolfe Assoc., Roswell, GA 1993.