Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr
Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr. (1858–1940)
My paternal 2nd great-grandfather
Born in Gainesboro, Jackson County, Tennessee
Photo uploaded by his 2nd great-granddaughter, Tammy Stafford-Bellflower
Tammy was raised by his grandson, Van Dow Stafford (1907–1992)
Memorial / Tribute / Biography — Created 2022
When Lorenzo Dow Stafford was born on May 24, 1858, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, his father, William Riley Stafford (b. 1822), was 36, and his mother, Sarah Gentry (b. 1835), was 23. Lorenzo married twice during his life. His first wife was Martha J. Stafford (1861–1910), with whom he had eight children. After her death, he married Cora Liza (Rush) Stafford (1891–1964), and they had five children together. Lorenzo passed away on October 3, 1940, in his hometown at the age of 82.
Family Notes
About Martha J. (Stafford) Stafford: She was the full sister of Ross Stafford (1867–1907), who was the father of Celina Avo Stafford (1885–1982). Celina married Lorenzo’s son, William Riley “Will” Stafford (1881–1955).
About Cora Liza (Rush) Stafford: Cora was the mother of Ethel (Biggs) Stafford (1909–1983), who married Van Dow Stafford (1907–1992), grandson of Lorenzo. Van’s father was Will Stafford. Cora had children with both Lorenzo and her first husband, Woody C. Biggs (1884–1974), and later remarried Woody after Lorenzo’s death.
Family Story — A Notable Incident
My grandfather Van told me about a tragic incident involving his grandfathers: Ross Stafford (1867–1907) and Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr. (1858–1940). One night, after an argument involving a stolen moonshine still and heavy drinking, Lorenzo stabbed Ross. Ross died a few weeks later from an infection caused by the wound. Despite their quarrel, Lorenzo reportedly stayed by Ross’s side until the end, deeply remorseful. A newspaper clipping of the event is shown below:
Nashville Banner · May 17, 1907 · Page 10
Siblings of Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr.
- Amanda Stafford (c. 1854 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- Lucy Stafford (c. 1856 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- John Stafford (1859 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- Abraham Stafford (1863 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- Mary Stafford (1866 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- Frances "Frankie" Stafford (1873–1949) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN. Married her cousin, Bayless Stafford (1872–1957), son of John B. Stafford.
- Haywood Stafford (1878–1947) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN
Sources for siblings: 1860 & 1870 United States Federal Census.
Children of Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr. and Martha J. (Stafford) Stafford
- Dovie A. Stafford (1880 – unknown) — Burial unknown
- William Riley "Will" Stafford (1881–1955) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN. Married his cousin, Celina Avo Stafford (1885–1982).
- James Dow "Jim" Stafford (1883–1941) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN
- Belle Stafford (b. 1885?) — Burial unknown
- Fowler D. Stafford (1887–1962) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN
- Eliga Dow Stafford (1891–1971) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN. Married his cousin, Cora Belle Stafford (1887–1976).
- Lillie Mai Stafford (1890–1975) — Burial unknown
- Lee Stafford (1896–1969) — Buried at Pharris Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN. Married his cousin, Helen Jeanette "Nettie" Stafford (1897–1980).
Cora Belle, Celina Avo, and Helen Jeanette were all siblings.
Children of Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr. and Cora Liza (Rush) Stafford
- Mary Irene (Stafford) McCormick (1921–2001) — Burial unknown
- Lorenzo Dow Stafford Jr. (1923–1968) — Died in a car accident. Buried at Denson Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN
- Daisy V. Stafford (1931–1931) — Buried at Denson Cemetery, Gainesboro, TN
- Bertha Margaret (Stafford) Lampley (1929–1991) — Buried at Lampley Cemetery, Fairview, Williamson Co., TN
- Joe Mitchell Stafford (1933–1934) — Died of whooping cough. Burial unknown
Useful Links
- Lorenzo Dow Stafford Sr. — WikiTree
- P.J. “Pete” Stafford — Find A Grave
- Timmy Lee Stafford (1966–2004) — Family Tree
- Van Dow Stafford — We Remember
- Beverly (Stafford) Laursen — Obituary
About the Author
This page was created and lovingly maintained by Tammy Jean Stafford-Bellflower. I was raised in Gainesboro, Tennessee, by the people in these stories, and it’s my honor to share them here for future generations.
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