I was born and raised in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The names in my family are: Melson, Patterson, Gilliland, Farrar, Moore, Russell, and Claxton. My husband's family names are: Gray, Dickens, Elliott, Binkley and Brown from Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson and Wilson counties.

I am retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Health after 30 years working with vital records, data collection, vital statistics data systems and data quality.

I become interested in our family history when our oldest grandson asked where our family originated. I was ashamed that I could not answer his question.

The journey into our families' past began shortly thereafter. In the process we have uncovered a few answers to questions about my husband's family that have been a mystery all of his life. We remain hopeful that more information will become available through good folks like you.

I think it is vitally important that we share information and consider the requests of others in maintaining the memorials here on Find A Grave. While the ultimate goal is to know where loved ones rest, I also feel a great sense of honor when creating and maintaining the memorials of my family's loved ones. I hope everyone feels the same.

I am happy to receive edits and will assist you in any way I can.