Today’s find from my genealogy files is a heartfelt letter from Ysleta Bradshaw, a fellow researcher and distant cousin, writing about our shared BRILES ancestry.
Mar. 2, 1985
Ysleta Bradshaw
2204 Robta Cut Off Rd
Ft. Worth TX 76114Re: Briles Family
Dear Marcia,
I am looking at a letter you sent me last year, and I would like to say “thanks” for one of the most important letters I have received in my 20 years of working on genealogy. As I work, I cannot devote as much time to genealogy research as I would like. My husband’s, Mary Briles married Henry Young who came to Texas after 1850. Mary’s parents (per your wonderful letter) were John Briles & Nancy Beckerdite. You listed John’s children , spouses an birth dates. You also offered to send me a copy of the genealogy. I will appreciate anything you can send me and will be more than happy to pay for copies and postage. I cannot find out anything about Raush (Rush) Blankenbaker’s, Beckerdite (and I have really tried).
I usually enclose a copy of my lines when writing someone.If I didn’t let me know and I—
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Mar. 2, 1985
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Ysleta Bradshaw
2204 Robta Cut Off Rd
Ft. Worth TX 76114Will send you one.
My maiden name was Buchanan.
I am descendant of several Reuben (Carl, JEwel), Davis and Preston, Jesse B. Randolph Co. NC m. Eliz. “Betsy” Wright dau. Evan Wright, and Jonathan Mullanix of 1800 Randolph Co. NC d. Randolph Co. NC m. Susannah ?.If I take this to work to type it will never get sent.
THANK YOU for everything.Sincerely,
Ysleta Bradshaw
Letters like this one from Ysleta Bradshaw are a treasure—filled with personal connections, research insights, and encouragement that remind us we’re not alone in this journey. I’m grateful she took the time to share her lineage and enthusiasm, and her words continue to inspire my ongoing research into the Briles family. If you’ve received similar correspondence, consider revisiting and preserving it—you never know what valuable clues or connections it may hold.