Literally hundreds of people visit the Union County Museum each year. Some come to see the artifacts. Others view those same artifacts and displays with the nostalgia of their childhood and are inspired to research their family tree.
Researching a long lost relative, a gap in his family tree, was what led David Monroe to seek the genealogical resources at the Union County Museum. He was looking for information on Howard Alexander Monroe who married Malinda Emily Hubbs. He thought that Howard was a descendent of Marcus Monroe. A phone call secured a meeting with Wanda Cox Byerley and Marilyn Toppins on a day that the museum was normally closed in order to accommodate Monroe, who would be traveling from Indiana in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, Wanda worked her normal volunteer day on the first Monday of each month. As she greeted visitors that morning, a David Monroe signed in and was seeking information on the Monroe family tree. This David Monroe resided in Sharps Chapel in the same house previously owned by his father.
David Monroe was also related to Marcus Monroe, but David's family descended from Marcus’ brother John Monroe. While Wanda was helping David from Sharps Chapel, Marilyn called to confirm the meeting with David Monroe on Thursday. Wanda remarked to Marilyn, “Why David has been here all morning and last Sunday, too!”
Marilyn thought the comment was strange, but confirmed the meeting and planned to get more information on Thursday.
Thursday came and Marilyn and Wanda rode together to the museum. While they waited for David Monroe, Marilyn asked Wanda to compare phone numbers for David Monroe. Indeed, the numbers were different!
The jingle of the doorbell interrupted this conversation, and David Monroe from Indiana introduced himself as he entered. His cousin Darla was with him.
Immediately Wanda realized that this was not the David Monroe she knew. Then Wanda had the idea to call David Monroe in Sharps Chapel and ask him to come to the museum for some new information on his family tree.
Soon David Monroe appeared and signed the visitor book. At that moment the other David Monroe also signed the visitor book. So Wanda said, “David Monroe, meet your cousin, David Monroe!”
The cousins not only have the same first names, but both sport neatly trimmed beards, drive Jeep Cherokees, and have a profound love of history and genealogy. David Monroe from Sharps Chapel has since become a volunteer at the museum.
This story is just one of the many interesting narratives to be learned by researching for a relative at the museum. The Union County Museum is open on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum hosts the Union County Historical Society Meeting on the third Sunday of each month. The next meeting is January 15 at 2:30 p.m. Col Robert Reed (Retired Army), who is over Gibbs ROTC, will be the speaker.
The museum can always benefit from more volunteers. To volunteer, call 865-992-2136 and leave your name and number. Charlie Hamilton, Ellen Perry, or another volunteer officer will contact you.