Joe Gus Bartlett (handsome gent on the left) is my great grandfather. His wife, Lillie, and four sons are in an earlier photo post (Ma Bartlett and da boys). His parents left Pointe Coupee, Louisiana and headed for land in Texas to homestead. Unfortunately, they only made it to somewhere near Waco and the Brazos River. Other relatives had settled near Bend/ San Saba, Texas and the Colorado River. Both of Joe Gus's parents died from "drinking bad water" in less than a year after moving to Texas. Life was so hard for these people. Several of the siblings died from various catastrophes - snakes, poison and drowning. Joe Gus and his brother, Jim were left orphans and finally went to live with the eldest sister who was married and lived near Tishomingo, OK.
I never knew Grandad Bartlett, but I have several family histories and stories. Joe Gus in his adult years suffered from similar wanderlust as his parents, and moved his family from dirt farm to dirt farm. One thing I do know about Joe Gus, he loved all the cowboy ways and the rodeo. After Grannie B died and some of her personal effects were parceled out to kin, I found numerous postcards of famous rodeo riders, both men and women (after checking my boxes, I will scan and add these later).
In digging for my Bartlett roots, I have discovered a very colorful family tree for Joe Gus. His mother was of French descendants and had blood ties to the "Mayflower" families of Louisiana. Wonderful French surnames like DeCuir, Montpellier, DeBroc, Mayeaux, Bordelon. After I re-read some of my notes, I will tell you the story of Pierre Mayeaux who was spared by the Natchitoches Indians. I am continually fascinated by my Bartlett clan!
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