Individual Details

(1850 U.S. Census)
TEXAS , LIMESTONE, 3-PCT
Series: M432 Roll: 912 Page: 367

Benjamin first shows up in the 1850 US Census in Limestone County, Texas, in the home of:
J.P. McCallister 38 yr old b. Tennesse (Next home over looks to be parents Michael & Hannah McCallister w son Wilson)
Catherine 27 yr old b. Indiana (wife)
Louisa 15 yr old b. Mississippi
George W. 13 yr old b. Arkansas
Daniel B. 3 yr old b. Texas
Margaret E. 8/12 months b. Texas
Sarah Ann James 20 yr old b. Illinois
Benjamin Usery 13 yr old b. Texas
Rebecca E. Anglin 14 yr old b. Texas
Elisha Anglin 13 yr old b. Texas
Seth B. 11 yr old b. Texas
Silas 7 yr old b. Texas
Emaline 3 yr old b. Texas

I haven't pieced together how these three family names all fit together in one home, yet...

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The 1880 US Census lists his father as being born in Alabama, and his mother born in Illinois...

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Benj. USRY Self M Male W 43 TX Farmer ALIL
Nancy USRY Wife M Female W 38 TX Keeping HouseKYMS
Lee USRY Son S Male W 9 TX TXTX
Rufus USRY Son S Male W 6 TX TX
Mesdith USRY Son S Male W 3 TX TX
Benjamin USRY Son S Male W 9M TX TXTX
Robt GRIM Other S Male W 16TX Laborer ---TX
Nettie EVANS Other S Female B 7TX LaborerTX


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1880 Census Source Information:
Census Place Groesbeck, Limestone, Texas
Family History Library Film 1255317
NA Film Number T9-1317
Page Number 312D


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Mrs. Kilborn had a affidavit signed by her grandfather Ben Usry, who this entry is being made under stating that he is the son of Lucinda Duty who was originally married to Silas Parker who died in the Fort Parker Massacre. She remarried to a unknown Usry and had one son. She divorced Mr. Usry and remarried again to unknown individual leaving Ben at the age of around 12 years old to live with the neighbors when Lucinda died. Here is the exact state affidavit:
State of Texas
Limestone County

Before me, W. W. Williams, a notary public in and for said county and state, on this day personally appeared B. M. Usry, being by me duly sworn says on oath that he is the son of Lucinda Usry, that said Lucinda Usry was first married to S. M. Parker to whom the S.M. Parker league in Limestone Co., Tx. was granted: that by said marriage with said Parker said Lucinda Parker had four children, viz: Cynthia Ann Parker, who was captured by the Indians at the Fort Parker Massacre in Limestone Co., Tx. John Parker who was also captured by the Indians at said massacre, Silas M. Parker Jr., Orlena Parker.

Affiant Further says that Silas M. Parker , husband of Lucinda Parker, was killed in the Fort Parker massacre in 1836, that after his death his said wife married said Usry, the father of affiant and by whom she had only one child, affiant: that said Lucinda Usry obtained a divorce from said Usry and afterward married Wm. W. Roberts, by whom she had no children. Affiant further says that said Silas M. Parker Jr. died some seven or eight years ago; said Cynthia Ann Parker died shortly after the Civil War, that said Orlena Parker married on Rufus Oquina; that she died some five or six years ago and her husband is still living; that said John Parker was captured by the Indians at the Fort Parker massacre, and no reliable or definite news has ever been heard from him since.

B. M. Usry
Subscribed and sworn to before me this Feb. 1st, 1899, W. W. Williams, Notary Public, Limestone Co., Tx.

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From the Groesbeck Journal IX, No 6, page 6; Thursday June 5, 1902

ANOTHER LANDMARK GONE, B.M. USRY, OLD AND RESPECTED CITIZEN, PASSES AWAY.

For three consecutive weeks we have been called on to chronicle the death of an old citizen, each of whom was loved and honored among their neighbors, and each of whom has contributed largely to the advancement of this county. First, F.C.Oliver responded to the summons, then L.G. Aspley, and now that prince of a man, who numbered friends by the hundreds, B.M. Usry, has succumbed to the inevitable fate that awaits us all, and gone to join the innumerable caravan that move to the pale realm. Mr. Usry's death came as a surprise to everyone, few being aware of his illness. He was stricken Tuesday with a congestive chill, which was followed by another Thursday night, and then it was realized that his race was about run. He lingered until Saturday morning, when just as the King of day came peeping over the hills, he breathed his last, and thus ended the lifeof one who was a friend to all men.

Mr. Usry was about 61 years of age and had lived here all of his life. His mother was the widow of Silas M. Parker who was killed in the Fort Parker massacre, and he was therefore a half brother of Cinthia Anne Parker who was captured by the Indians in this raid and was carried into captivity. His nephew, Cinthia Anne's son, Quanah Parker , now a prosperous chief among the Commanches, has often requested his uncle Ben to visit him, but he never did, being too far away from home. Mr. Usry was a man that was well read upon all subject. His mind was of that quick grasping character, that enabled him to solve intricate problems with alacrity, and his sound judgment upon all matters, was looked up to by his acquaintances. He always took an active part in politics and was outspoken in his convictions, being a democrat of the old school, unyielding and unbending. While he was not a professed christian, yet his Bible was his constant companion, and it is doubtful if there is one to be found more famiiar with its teachings than he was. He believed with all his soul that a crown awaited those who did their duty. His life has been one of kindness to his fellowmen and tender devotion to his family. In the language of Marc Antony, "he was gentle and kind,and the elements so mixed in him that the world might say, he was a man." Let us hope, as we verily believe, that when his eyes beheld for the last time the dimly receding shore of this vale of tears, that the light of the eternal morning burst upon his gaze, and accompanied by the angelic hosts, that he found safe shelter in the loving arms of his Master.

Mr. Usry leaves two children, Mrs. Lee Seawright and Rufus Usry, besides other relatives who mourn his loss, and in their bereavement they have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Interment was held at the old Lewisville cemetery, funeral services being conducted by Rev. J. M. Thurmond


From Findagrave.com:
B.M. Usry
Birth: Jan. 13, 1838
Death: May 31, 1902
Burial: Fort Parker Memorial Park, Groesbeck, Limestone County, Texas, USA

Created by: Leona A. Mathis
Record added: Apr 07, 2002
Find A Grave Memorial# 6328808



From the FTMaker database of Joseph & JoAnne Keene - 2010

Birth	13 Jan 1838	Texas
Marriage	Abt 1870	Nancy Alphenzie "Zion" Sharp
Census 1880	30 Jun 1880	1st Precinct, Groesbeck, Limestone County, Texas - Series: T9 Roll: 1317 Page: 312, age 43
Census 1900	23 Jun 1900	Justice Precinct #1, Limestone County, Texas - Series: T623 Roll: 1654 Page: 51, Dwelling 355/7, age 62, b. Jan 1838, widowed
Death	31 May 1902	Limestone County, Texas
Burial	Jun 1902	Fort Parker Memorial Park, Groesbeck, Limestone County, Texas

Spouse	Nancy Alphenzie "Zion" Sharp (1841 - 1886)
Child	Lee Usry (1871 - 1946)
Child	Rufus Milan Usry (1874 - 1955)
Child	Meredith Usry (1877 - )
Child	Benjamin Usry (1879 - 1900)