Sibling Saturday: “Ray S. and Ennis”





These original tiny photographs are pasted on some type of scrap cardstock that has typed words on it. The words that can be seen say “gold filled” and “latest novelty.” The cardstock itself measures no more than 1 ¼ inch square. “Ray S. and Ennis” were written on the back of the cardstock in what appears to be the handwriting of my grandmother, Amy Leora Hardy Watts (1902-1989). She was also a member of the Sinking Fork Christian Church along with this Sizemore family.

 The boys were sons of Joseph J. Sizemore (AKA Joe P. Sizemore) and his wife Laura D. Stephens. Judging from their birthdates, the photos were probably taken around 1910.

Ray was born 19 June 1899. He married Gertha Robinson. He became a member of the Sinking Fork Christian Church in 1928 and held the office of Deacon. He died 12 February 1966 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky.

Ennis was born 15 December 1902. He became a member of the Sinking Fork Christian Church in 1918 when he was just 16 years old. He married twice: first to Lorene Smith and 2nd to Margie Hancock.  Ennis died 5 November 1984 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky.

Their father, Joseph Jordan Sizemore, was also known as Joe P. Sizemore. He was born 23 November 1845 in Christian County, Kentucky to Henry William Sizemore and his second wife, Elizabeth Parker Messamore. She was the daughter of Bayles and Nancy Parker and was first married to John J. Messamore. Joseph married Laura Diaz Stephens 6 February 1884. He died 20 February 1938 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery. Laura was born 5 May 1866 to Francis Marion Stephens and Louisa Hines. She died 19 February 1942.

Joe and Laura were both member of the Sinking Fork Christian Church. He was a deacon of the church in 1895 and Laura was a Sunday School teacher.

Information taken from: Sinking Fork Christian Church Disciples of Christ 1893 to 1996: A History, compiled by Betty McCorkle,  published by Christian Women’s Fellowship, 1996. (For more information about this book, click here.)
Location: Sinking Fork, Kentucky, USA

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