Susan Hamm Drennon

DRENNON, SUSAN HAMM (1859-1942) ~ Susan Hamm Drennon, Confederate Widow, was born on October 25, 1859, in Decatur, Illinois. She married John H. Drennon on March 4, 1879, in Grayson County, Texas. John was born in February of 1837, in Kentucky and was a Confederate Veteran who mustered into the service on August 13, 1862. He served in Company F of the 12th Missouri Cavalry, formerly known as the Jackson County Cavalry and was included in the surrender on June 2, 1865. John served until the close of the war and moved to Texas.

During their marriage, John worked at local feed stores and as a farmer. John and Susan had five children: Samuel, who was born in 1880, and died before 1900; Robert (R.P.), born in January of 1882, and became a reverand; Ed, who was born in May of 1887, and lived in San Antonio, Texas in 1942; Charlie, who was born in October of 1892, also of San Antonio; and John, who was born in December of 1899, and lived in Waco, Texas in 1942.

In 1880, John, Susan, their first son Samuel and Susan's sister Martha Ham were living in Grayson County, Texas. On June 24, 1913, John died leaving his young wife and children behind. Susan applied for and received a Confederate Widow‘s Pension on March 28, 1914. She then went to live with her son, Reverand R.P. Drennon in New Mexico. But because the laws in Texas were that no pensioner could remain outside of the state for more than six months and be eligible for warrants, Susan moved back to Texas, along with Robert and his family. They settled in Motley County, Roaring Springs, Texas.

On November 23, 1942, Susan entered the Confederate Women‘s Home in Austin, Texas only to pass away four days later on November 27, 1942. She was interred the following day at the State Cemetery.

Sources: www.itd.nps.gov; www.familysearch.org; Pension Application 27434; Death Certificate; Confederate Home Admission Application; 1880, 1900, 1920, 1930 US Census Records. Other information such as much genealogical information is in file and can be accessed by contacting the research staff.