Our Somers Family Heritage

Taken in 1955 This photo was taken when Dad was stationed in Tripoli, Libya after joining the U.S. Air Force. He was 20 years-old. Dad was my first hero. Dad was a tough guy in his younger years and broke his hand while in the Air Force. He tells the story of going to the doctor and saying he broke it when he fell. The doctor replied that the guy he fell on was in the next room with a broken jaw. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dad has been living with my husband and me since August of 2018 and seems to be doing well considering his illnesses (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease). A couple of weeks ago Dad told me he had asked the Lord to forgive his past sins. This confession of faith in Christ Jesus came out of the blue during a moment of mental clarity. Praise the Lord! May God bless those who have prayed for us or who are going through similar circumstances. In Lord Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Photo is from the private collection of Ralph Womack, a great grandson. Great Grandmother Cotna (Coatney) was married to Francis Henry Somers, my Great Grandfather who was known as a "circuit rider" or traveling evangelist. *Re: Native Ancestry - I have almost ruled out Great Grandmother Coatney Cole, Harris, Tidwell, Somers, Bonn as having any Native American DNA as some of her descendants from the Tidwell marriage have contacted Dad via 23andMe and they have no NA DNA. However, some of those with direct bloodlines to Great Grandfather Francis Henry Somers appear to have a trace of Native American DNA. Please also take note that it is more likely Native American DNA will show up from the mother's DNA than from the father's ancestry.

Jesse (Jay) Somers - Early to mid 1950's. People often talk about standing for righteousness, but here is a story of my father literally taking a seat for what is right and good. Dad entered the Air Force in March of 1953 at the young age of 17 years. He tells the story of how hard it was for him to find work in his hometown of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the time. Prospective employers would tell him that they feared he would be drafted to serve in the Korean War when he turned 18 in July. So, Dad decided to join the Air Force instead of waiting for the draft. Dad was soon sent to a facility in Texas via a public bus. He remembers finding a seat in the very back and proceeded to relax and catch up on his sleep. Dad remembers crossing into Arkansas where public transportation was segregated. He tells of hearing the bus driver announce that all blacks were to move to the back of the bus. Dad stayed in his seat and the driver singled him out and ordered him to the front. Wel

Larry Freeman Buhler was the 5th child and 3rd son of Clarence and Daisy (Somers) Buhler ; and the husband of Linda (Davis) Buhler. Larry was tragically killed in a car accident in July of 1996 at the young age of 42 years. Linda and Larry Buhler - 1985 Larry is remembered as being a gentleman with a kind heart and a noble spirit. Larry was also an outdoors man and his wife Linda shared these photos of him taken after squirrel hunting. Our Grandpa Somers was also an avid squirrel hunter and I have memories of him rising early to hunt when I was a child visiting. May the good Lord bless Larry's memory. In Lord Jesus Name, I pray, amen. Source: Find-a-Grave

Carl "Joey" Buhler  (April 1, 1956 - March 1, 1996) Carl Joey Buhler was the youngest child of Clarence and Daisy (Somers) Buhler. Clarence and Daisy Buhler's Children - Left to right: Jimmie, Henry, Clarence Everett, Paulette, Larry and Joey  I have fond memories of Joey as we were close in age, and frankly, he was quite unforgettable.  I remember him as fearless and full of adventure - he was cute and he knew it. Joey was a terrible flirt with the girls - which was part of his charm. He had a sweet enduring quality that I still remember to this day. I also remember that as young teens he wrote me a couple of love letters which my mother intercepted. She chalked it up to "puppy love," but she also kept her antennae up when it came to her nephew and daughter. Joey and Darla Buhler Joey eventually met a beautiful young woman, Darla, whom he fell head over heels in love with and married. They had one child together - a daughter, Malisa.

As recorded in the Somers Family Bible by Lillian (Weaver) Somers: Daisy Ellen was the third child of William Henry and Lillian Mae Somers, preceded by Cotna Lenoa  (10.18.1920 - 11.17.1920) and Mamie Irene (10.30.1921 - 2.14.2011). Clarence and Daisy Buhler Daisy Somers married Clarence Buhler on August 31, 1940. They had 7 children: Elsie Mae, Clarence, Jimmy, Paulette, Larry, Henry and Joey. Daisy Ellen went to be with the Lord on November 14, 1987 at 64 years of age. She was much loved by her family and is remembered as a godly woman and devout Christian. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth th

William Henry and Lillian Mae Somers oldest son "June" William H. Somers Jr. BIRTH: 22 Mar 1925 DEATH: 31 Jan 1969 William Sr. was a WWI veteran and his son William Jr served during WWII. William Henry Somers Sr . (Find a Grave) William Henry Somers Jr.  (Find a Grave)