Today’s discovery in my BRILES folder is another treasure—a handwritten letter from Ysleta Bradshaw. This thoughtful piece of correspondence, dated May 1985, offers insights into her research on the Young and Briles families. The letter was transcribed with the help of ChatGPT to preserve its details and make it easier to share.
To Marcia Philbrick 101 1/2 N. St. Seneca KS 66538
May 1985
From: Ysleta Bradshaw 2204 Robts Cut Off Rd Ft. Worth TX 76114
Re: Young-Briles Genealogy
Since I last heard from you, I have gone back another generation on my Youngs. I received the will of Henry Nease Young Sr. who died in 1837 Randolph Co., N.C. If you want a copy, let me know. Henry’s wife was Margaret? but I cannot locate her last name.
I certainly appreciated the letter you sent me this time last year which listed ch(ildren) of Mary Briles & Henry Young.
Do you have any info on John Briles & Nancy/Rachel Beckerdites (their father? & mother). Need info on Conrad Briles & Johannes Briles.
We have a Young (husband’s line) family reunion the 1st Sunday in June.So 3 months to before I work like a “maniac” so I will have something to report.
Can you help me? Will be happy to pay for all copies.
In your last letter you had not worked on Genealogy for a year.
Can you believe I got to the bottom of this & it was torn off — please excuse.
Page 2
To Marcia Philbrick Page 2 – From Ysleta Bradshaw 5.85
I have a full-time job working at a bank. And when I come home I should relax. But, if I work on my genealogy – my mind never stops.
I work for MBank. Scott Vern our only child is 27. He works for McCorp (my bank’s holding co.). I had always worked in the medical field until 5 years ago. Never dreamed Scott & I would ever wind up in the same area of work. Scott received his MBA (Finance) from Baylor. He gets to travel a lot. Is not married and is pursuing his career at this time. Sure would like grandchildren. Some day maybe.
Vernie (my husband) has worked for the Telephone Co. for over 35 years. Hopes to retire soon.
I’m on vacation this week and am trying to update all my charts. Going to write everyone I have come in contact with for last 15–20 years (ha! what a goal)who is working on my genealogy lines. Getting the charts ready is a terrible task (as we all know) – digging it all out and putting it together is nearly impossible. Would you believe you are my 1st letter? Hoe I get more than 1 written.
One reason I’m getting my charts ready is I’m getting ready to join Randolph Co. Gen. Soc. I’m also ordering a book in Randolph Co. – supposed to contain tax lists & censuses. Sounds good anyway.
page 3
To Marcia Philbrick Page 3 – From Ysleta Bradshaw 5/1985
I am unable to locate how your line ties in with mine. May I have info regarding your descendants?
Would appreciate any information & help.
Most sincerely, Ysleta Bradshaw
Another Randolph Co., NC ancestor line comes from my grandmother Rebecca Mullanix’s mar. – Reuben Carl Davis, desc. of Reuben Davis b [1746 Mass] (father), Timothy Davis, and Judith Pettingill.
Jesse Mullanix b. 1789 Randolph Co., NC m 25 Aug 1810Wayne Co., KY d. after 1860 Putnam Co., MO m. Eliz Betty Wright b. 1794 NC d. aft. 1877 (prob. Putnam Co., MO)
Jonathan Mullanix d. 1796 Randolph Co., NC m. Susannah?
Evan Wright b. 1765 d. 1846 Macon Co., MO m. Rowan Co., NC Rebecca Summers
Richard Wright b. 1730 Surrey Co., or Rowan Co., N.C. m. Nancy Ann “Jane” Morgan
Hope to hear from you soon.
The final section of the letter is formatted like a pedigree chart, making it challenging to present in standard transcription form. To preserve its structure and meaning, I’ve included an image below showing the chart in a vertical layout.
The Jesse Mullanix mentioned in the letter and shown in the chart can be found on the FamilySearch Family Tree under ID LH7J-ZXN.
Letters like this one from Ysleta Bradshaw are a reminder of how genealogy once relied on handwritten notes, mailed queries, and patient collaboration. I’m grateful for her dedication—and for the insight she shared into our shared Briles ancestry. Preserving and sharing these pieces not only honors those who came before us but also keeps the conversation going for future generations of researchers.
