"Miss Brownie"

Her name was Stella Brown McKissick. She was born in 1889 on a ranch in Bosque County, TX not far from Meridian. She was the third child of Edward McGary McKissick (sometimes spelled McKisick) and Lily Barry McKissick.  Her siblings were Jules Edward, Jesse Barry (sister), Stella Brown, and Mary Wingfield. She was my precious Grandmother (Mamma) Younger.

Stella called herself "Brown" which later became Brownie and then Miss Brownie. She was a true red head. I have locks of her hair, which were cut when she was sixteen.  She was a feisty, energetic girl, who played the piano, rode horses, and did chores on the ranch. She had a good sense of humor, and she was very playful.

Brownie was named "Stella Brown" after her sister's piano teacher. Brownie's mother was Lily Barry, daughter of Griffith Coombe Barry and Mary Wingfield Claybrook Barry, first generation Texans. Griffith was son of James D. and Julianna Coombe Barry of Washington, DC. Mary was daughter of William Peyton Doswell and Narcissa Nantz (Nance) Claybrook of VA, KY, and MO. Narcissa died at 44, and WPD remarried to a Miss Broadus, and they moved to Hot Springs, AR where they are buried. They had one daughter, who is also buried in the family plot.

Recently, because of DNA testing I've discovered descendants of Jules Edward McKisick, my grandmother's brother;  Charles Abel, Laurie Abel-Hovey (Charles' daughter) and Chris Gookin.  Chris and I have corresponded frequently, and he pointed me in direction of the others.  Laurie lives less than two miles from me.

Other cousins from the McKisicks (also Lamb, McGary, and Barry) are Linda Daniel and Netta Martin. 

To be continued.....