Wiley "Buck" Trammell

Wiley Trammell was born in Georgia in 1824. His nickname was "Buck". He was part Irish, tall, rather large frame, weighing around 200 pounds. He was also a very stubborn and determined person. On July 15, 1845 Buck, age twenty-one and Barbara Baugh, age fifteen, were married in Lincoln County, Georgia. Lincoln Countyy is just across the Swannah River from South Carolina. Buck and Barbara lived in Georgia several years after their marriage. They had two children, a daughter, Matilda, then a son, Thomas K. "Tom". They decided to move to Alabama and lived in Chambers County awhile aroundthe year 1850. They moved quite often. They had five more children, Susan, John, Levi T., Frank and Martha.

After the Civil War the family lived near Rome, Georgia. They decided to leave Georgia and come to Texas and settle some land. They made all their plans and arrangments to start their journey to Texas Susan was 13 and on 1870 Henderson County census with her family. The Trammell's traveled in an on drawn wagon bringing what belongings they could. The older boys rode horseback most of the way. They met a lot of nice friendly people on their way to Texas. These people would put them up for the night, feed them and help them with the oxen and horses, preparing for the next day's travel. They would also give them food to carry along with them. At one point on their way, they ate some fresh corn and it made all of them very sick. They had to stay there for awhile until they recovered and were strong enough to travel.

When they arrived in East Texas they all liked it. Some of it was virgiin forest and some had grass as tall as the stirrups on the horses. They settled in Henderson County, about twelve miles south of Athens. Athens was a very small township and was progressing slowllly. They pre-empted land from the State of Texas and built a two-room shack. Their land was not too far from the springs where a lot of willow trees grew. Later this was called The Willow Springs Community. A cemetery was already established by previous settlers. Part of their land had to be cleared for farming, so they got busy getting the land ready.

When visitors came to see Buck and Barbara, they were usually invited to stay and eat. Buck would go out and find a soft shelled turtle and Barbara would cook it and make a delicious soup. Her turtle soup was enjoyed by all who tasted it. They ate a lot of wild animals, grew their own vegetables, corn, grain, etc.

As the children married and started their own families Buck soon was called Grandpa by everyone and Barbara was Aunt Barbara or Grandma.

Barbara was a small low woman. She was a very devout Primitive Baptist and lived by the Church gospel. She kept up with everyone and everything in the Church, and didn't mind speaking up for or again anyone or anything. Since Barbara was so strong in her beliefs, Buck was just as stubborn in his. He would not become a member of the church.

Barbara died August 2, 1900 at the age of seventy years and seven months. Buck lived awhile longer and was buried in his undershirt as requested. Both he and Barbara are buried in theWillow Springs Cemetery, Henderson County, Texas. Barbara has a marker on her grave, but Wiley "Buck" doesn't. I am sure he is buried next to her, along with several more members of the family in the late 1800's and early 1900's and have no markers.

Inscription on Barbara's grave marker:
Barbra Trammell
Born Jan. 1, 1830
Died Aug. 2, 1900
Peaceful be Thy silent slumber
Peaceful in the grave so low
Thou no more will join our member
Thou no more our songs

Written by: LaWana Trammell, wife of B.C. Trammell, whose father was Bearl Cook Trammell
date written unknown

Note: Wiley now has a cross on his grave marking him as a Confederate War Veteran. Born Dec. 1829 died Sept. 4, 1904. He is buried on the left side of Barbara. Wiley T. Trammell SCV Certificate

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