Emaline Minerva Smith was the daughter of James M. Hamrick and Vianna (Sims) Hamrick. She first married Elbert H. Smith in 1856. After his death in 1863 in the Civil War, she married LeRoy Green O'Neal (in 1867), also a Civil War veteran. (Her name is "Emaline Smith" in LeRoy O'Neal marriage document, and "Manerva E" in the Mr. Smith marriage document.)

Emaline had three children with Mr Smith:
1. Vianna Jane (Smith) Eady (1857-1930)
2. James Merritt Smith (1860-1932)
3. William Elbert Smith (1862-1938).

Emaline had three children with Mr. O'Neal:
1. Lucinda O'Neal (1867-1920)
2. John Thomas "Tom" O'Neal (1868-1955)
3. Virgilia C. "Gilly" O'Neal (1872-)

Sadly, Emaline died young, age 38, when her youngest (O'Neal) children, were 9, 8 and 2. Lucinda O'Neal age 12 is found in the 1880 census, living with her grandmother Ann (Broom) O'Neal.

Emaline's father disowned the two youngest O'Neal children (Tommie and Gilly) in his will, due to "inhuman and brutal treatment" to their mother (presumably by her husband, as they were small children when she died). We do not know all the facts about this claim, but it may be why the name on her headstone is Smith, not O'Neal. She experienced the trauma of death of her first husband in the war, and perhaps Mr. O'Neal had post-traumatic issues from the war. Other family letters mention James having a number of daughters and that he was very protective of his family.

Emaline has many descendents of strong, loving character. May she rest in peace.

Note: Thanks to "Kellybean" who noted that when photographing the cemetery, she did not find any graves for Emiline or her husband. Also, she did not find them listed in any Carroll Co. cemetery books. However, see note on husband James M. Hamrick's memorial, re his will stating he was to be buried in Jordan cemetery, and family letters stating their vault was removed and they were reburied. Their grave markers may have been lost. Please contact me if you any more information. DB