BRANTLEY COUNTY, GEORGIA - FAMILY SKETCHES

FRANK CHARLIE FOERMAN FAMILY

Frank Charlie Foerman was born November 26, 1912 in Homerville, Georgia. His father was Henry Butler Foerman, born in Holland on May 16, ??, died January 1, 1988 at about age 82. His mother was Roxie Annie Balderee Foerman of Homerville.

 

Frank’s paternal grandparents were Henry Butler Foerman, born June 1, 1833, and Respta Vandeborah Foerman, born May 19, 1837, natives of Holland. They left Liverpool, England and arrived at Ellis Island, New York, Apr. 20, 1869, along with their young son Butler Henry Foerman and settled in mid-Indiana.

 

Young Butler left Indiana at age 16, bought 480 acres of farmland in Homerville where he med and married his wife Annie.

 

They reared seven children. Frank was their youngest.

 

Frank left Homerville during the “depression” and joined the Civil Conservation Corporation (CCC Camp) and came to Nahunta. He heard about a revival at Hickox Baptist, and attended church with some buddies. There he saw a beautiful girl and her sister and told his friends, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” This was Elma Agnes O’Neal, and according to Elma it was love at first sight for Frank.

 

They married March 31, 1934.

 

Elma was born September. 28, 1915 in Wayne County (now Brantley), daughter of Dillie O’Neal (Jan. 20, 1894-Jan. 30, 1976) and Amanda Magnolia Todd O’Neal (Sept. 12, 1896-Nov. 1, 1990). Married April 27, 1913, and was buried in Greenlawn Cemetery near Waycross.

 

Elma’s paternal grandparents were Calvin O’Neal (1869-1933), and Nancy Elizabeth McClellan O’Neal (02/08/1874-05/16/1913), buried at McClellan Cemetery.

 

Maternal grandparents: Albert Todd, born 12/09/??, and Loretta Hardee Todd, both born in South Carolina.

 

Frank and Elma had eight children:

 

(1) Frances Elma, born April 23, 1935, married R. C. Crews. Children: Cindy, Carl, David, Mark, Faith Joy; residents of Folkston, Georgia.

 

(2) Dorothy Ruth, born Oct. 19, 1937, married Julian Ross. Children: Michael, Keith, Kevin; residents of Brunswick.

 

(3) Margaret Annie, born Nov. 27, 1938, now married to Emmit Milton. Her children: Greg, Sheila, Chris, Steve; residents of Ludowici.

 

(4) Katherine Amanda (Oct. 2, 1941-Nov. 17, 1971), buried in Dallas, Georgia, and was married to Woody Mancil. Their children are, Debbie, Woody Jr., Wanda, Jon, Dawn.

 

(5) LaFane Henrietta (Feb. 11, 1943-July 4, 1962), buried at Bachlott Cemetery; was married to David Waters. No children.

 

(6) Frank Charlie, Jr., born June 10, 1944, married Margaret Barber. Children: Andrea, Stephanie, Denise, Chuck. Residents of Fitzgerald.

 

(7) Odetha Pauline, born Aug. 21, 1946, married Charles Henry Driggers. Children: LaRee, Loretta, Lora, Charlie. Residents of Lankeland, Florida.

 

(8) Ernest Paul, born Mar. 6, 1953, married Melinda Weaver. Children: Kelly, Kenny. Paul is in the USAF and stationed at Biloxi, Missippi.

 

After Frank and Elma married they lived in Homerville about six years to be near his mother who was ill.

 

After her death they returned to Brantley County. He worked at the shipyard in Brunswick, then farmed a year. Afterward he worked for the railroad for 27 ½ years, retiring after having a heart attack at work.

 

He died about two years later on February 9, 1975, buried in Bachlott Cemetery.

 

Elma says that her husband worked with his bees and at one time had 130 hives, but she doesn’t like bees or honey.

 

When Frank and Elma married she was a member of the Hickox Baptist Church and he was a member of the Church of God. They first visited each others churches. Later Elma became a member of the Church of God.

 

Elma is the last living charter member of the Nahunta Church of God, and is in the Adult Sunday School Class. When the church was established in May of 1944, there were five members: Frank and Elma Foerman, Eugene and Mavis Steedley, and Minnie Riggins.

 

The property for the church was purchased from Charlie Kizer. There were five lots and Mr. Kyser would only sell them together which was a hardship for them at that time, but is a blessing today. Frank and Elma purchased two lots, Eddie Dixon purchased two lots, and the church purchased one lot.

 

Their church was first in a tent.

 

In 1946 they erected a frame building, and in 1969, a brick sanctuary.

 

Elma likes to crochet and always liked being a wife, mother, and now a grandmother.

 

She says if she ever had a calling in life it is to minister to the sick in her community.

 

This story was presented verbally by Mrs. Elma O’Neal Foerman (113 Center Street, Nahunta, Georgia 31553), and was compiled by Mrs. Dorothy Johns Thomas, as it was told.


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