Ms. Zora Elizabeth [Miller] - Sprouse - Roby. Perhaps...
Transcript of Ms. Zora Elizabeth [Miller] - Sprouse - Roby. Perhaps...
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Message SENT 11-20-2017
-------- Original Message --------
11-20-2017
Dear Ms. Morgan ( Erin ) - Assistant to Anne O'Leary, Chief Legal Counsel -
Franklin County Children Services
Thank you for your reply - and, I appreciate the effort that is being put forth - by
the "Executive Director" - of FCCS - and you.
1) My biological mother was: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth [Sprouse] - Cassady -
Brothers [passed 1985]. "Sprouse" was my Mother's maiden name.
This LINK shows the 1930 Census Record "Franklin County Ohio Children's
Home". My mother's presence is indicated on line 66 - of the document.
http://hansandcassady.org/ZoraDOCs1transmittal_Page_3.jpg
1930 Census Record lines: 64[Charles Sprouse], 65[George Jr. Sprouse], ],
66[Mary Sprouse], ], 99[Leroy Sprouse]
My biological father was: Mr. Milo Gerald Cassady (passed 1963). My step-
father was William (Bill) Brothers.
2) My mother's biological mother ( my maternal Grandmother ) was Ms.
Zora Elizabeth [Miller] - Sprouse - Roby. Perhaps spelled
"RobEy" - on your records. "Miller" was Zora's maiden name. I learned
(only) yesterday - engaged in a personal "Google" research - (that) Zora's
final sur-name - may have been spelled "RobEy" - and, she may have had
several children - with Mr. Jerry Robey - prior to her marriage to George
Sprouse. [see my notes that follow] My mother spoke of a "Leroy", a
"Springer" and a person: "Itty" - (to me) although, I have no memory of
ever meeting these people. I do recall, my Aunt Itty made most of the
"doilies" that adorned our table tops. Which, these were - on a monthly basis
- washed, starched and ironed.
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3) My mother's biological father was: Mr. George Allen Sprouse. My mother
described (to me) that her father [ George ] had contracted a form of "Lymphoma
swelling" - in her remaining days at George & Zora's home (a farm - near
Columbus, Ohio city limits). She told that George was very disabled - prior to his
death (circa 1929). My mother described (to me)- many times - HOW Zora would
"prop [George] up - with pillows" - to comfort him - in their "farm-house"
kitchen. My mother (further told me) that Zora was kind & caring ( toward
George & her also). However, she and Zora, were estranged - "ever after" the
Franklin County, Ohio, court house event (previously described); which, resulted
in my mother's "placement" into the Franklin County Children's Home facility.
Very Truly & THANK YOU! Again,
- Susan Marie [Cassady] - Neuhart
PS: I hope that you may visit my personal web site - to view the ZORA page - that
I have created. It documents my (our) journey - to find out about "what
happened". If my internet efforts may be of help to your good efforts - in some
manner - Please, do not hesitate to ask me. I will help you [FCCS] - if I am able
to. Please note the "Archive Project" I cite below. If you know Mr. Hansen
- Please pass along - Good Job! - from Susan.
http://hansandcassady.org/Family-GrandmotherZora.html
---- NOTES ---------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/pdf_viewer/pdf_viewer.aspx?pdf=763866.pdf < 2015 court case
http://supremecourt.ohio.gov/pdf_viewer/pdf_viewer.aspx?pdf=768882.pdf < 2015 court case
http://www.ohrab.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Franklin-County-Children-Services-Final-
Report.pdf
" ... January 30, 2017 Franklin County Children Services 2016 OHRAB Grant Final Report
Project Title: Franklin County Children Services Archive Project: Identify, Organize and
Improve Access to Historical Records
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Project Director: Roger W. Hansen, CRM, Records Manager, Franklin County Children Services
Project Summary:
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) advocates for the safety, permanency, and well-being
of
children in a manner that honors family and culture. ..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
My mother told me) that Zora was kind & caring ( toward George & her also). However, she
and Zora, were estranged - "ever after" the Franklin County, Ohio, court house event; which,
resulted in my mother's placement into the Franklin County Children's Home.
This LINK shows the 1930 Census Record "Franklin County Children's Home"
- which a professional Genealogist located for me. My mother's presence [ in the Franklin
County Children's HOME] is indicated on line 66.
URL to copy & paste if
required: http://hansandcassady.org/ZoraDOCs1transmittal_Page_3.jpg
Census record lines: 64[Charles Sprouse], 65[George Jr. Sprouse], ], 66[Mary Sprouse], ],
99[Leroy Sprouse]
I learned (only) yesterday - Zora's final sur-name - may have been spelled "RobEy".
Also, according to my personal ( Google ) research, I learned that a Zora E. [Miller] had a child
- with Mr. Jerry Roby [ sp. RobEy? ] - in 1907.
His name was Leroy RobEy. [ https://www.myheritage.com/names/leroy_robey# ]
This LINK shows Zora's tombstone ( circa 1953).
------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.myheritage.com/names/leroy_robey# [ Susan is NOT a member of "MyHeritage"
- a USA business. ]
Leroy ROBEY was born in 1914,
at birth place, Ohio, to Jerry ROBEY and Zora Elizabeth ROBEY (born MILLER).
Jerry was born in 1878, in Ohio.
Zora was born on October 1 1883, in Marysville, Union, Ohio.
Leroy had 4 siblings: Mary ROBEY and 3 other siblings.
Leroy passed away.
REPLY & Notes END
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On 2017-11-20 11:20, Morgan, Erin E wrote:
Ms. Neuhart,
The executive director is attempting to determine if our agency has any records that you are
requesting. We were unable to locate any records by using just Mary Sprouse's name In order to
search our database we would need to know the Mary Sprouse's mother's name. If you know that
information, please send to me. Once we have that information the executive director will review
and determine what, if anything, can be released. Thank you.
Erin
Erin Morgan
Assistant to Anne O'Leary
Chief Legal Counsel
Franklin County Children Services
855 W. Mound St.
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Phone: 614.275.2568
From: Susan Cassady Neuhart [[REDACTED] Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 6:10 PM
To: Reynolds, Richard; Cadwallader, Bruce L; Wakely, Sherry R; [email protected]; Susancn Subject: Narrative (for Appeal) - Related to Zora E. Miller - Sprouse - Roby's 13 children
10-27-2017
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TO: Employee "R Reynold" Franklin County, Ohio, Children's Services (FCCS)
CC: FCCS Executive Director, Charles M. Spinning; FCCS COMMUNITY
OUTREACH DIRECTOR, BRUCE CADWALLADER;
Deborrha Armstrong, FCCS Communications Director; and, Columbus, Ohio
MAYOR, Andrew Ginther [ FAM-JAM ].
NOTE: I support Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Ginther & the Ohio Democratic party
with my web site (now, under construction) http://hansandcassady.org/
It is my intention to place the redacted Appeal (document) - filed today - and, your
subsequent reply - onto my personal web site.
Dear Employee "R Reynold" Franklin County, Ohio,
Children's Services: Thank you for your message - 2017-10-26 08:39
- (shown below).
Your instructions are clear; however, I did Request Records & Information - in the
manner instructed - previously. My request was denied.
This occurred circa 2014-15. A health relapse (from my stroke) has prevented me
from responding - in full - previously. I am somewhat recuperated at this writing.
Thus, I have filed an Appeal (today) using the Online form provided - at your
agency web site: ( The narrative of my appeal follows. )
https://externalfccsapps.fccs.franklin.oh.us/clientrights/Lists/Appeals%20and%20
Grievances/NewAppeal.aspx?RootFolder=/clientrights/Lists/Appeals andGrievanc
es&ContentTypeId=0x01000370A11E858F084D941856D3049ECC4B0098C4547
AE8B64C4495B2C1EDAAF2FF29&Source=/clientrights/Pages/public.aspx [
Please cut & paste to browser ]
NOTE: The "assistant" to Charles M. Spinning was very helpful - related to my
original request.
Submitted-10-27-2017-FCCH (using the online Form
provided. Narrative (for Appeal) :
I seek to know:
1) Why were my grandmother's children "taken from her" in a legal proceeding -
at the Franklin County Court House?
And, 2) Did the facts: a) that my maternal grandmother had "dark skin";
and, b) perhaps married a negro man
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- I only know [of him] by the name "Jerry Roby" - play a role in the treatment -
that she received - in the Franklin County, Ohio Court System, circa 1925?
[ that is, according to the oral history (that I have) my grand mother's 13 natural
children were "taken" from her]. 3) If, I am "mixed race"
- and/or my grandmother [ Zora Elizabeth Miller Sprouse Roby] was African
American - I feel that I have the right to know (if FCCS records state - or indicate -
this).
4) Moreover, I feel, as a "direct descendant", that I have the right to
know why were my grandmother's children "taken from her" in a legal proceeding
( circa 1929)
- at the Franklin County Court House - and, placed into the FCC-Home? [ The
person - at the Franklin County Ohio "Clerk of Courts Office" - stated (to me) she
"has no records - prior to the 1970s".
I did file a "Request for Records" circa 2014 - as per the instructions shown
on the cited FORM (below). That request was denied
- by the assistant to FCCS Executive Director: Mr. Charles M. Spinning - and,
perhaps Mr. Spinning (also) was involved. This, I do not know.
Nor, am I aware - at this writing - of the "reason" for the denial.
On 10-26-2017, I received an Email (from [email protected] - Franklin
County Children Services ...) that instructed me "... complete a Request for
Information Consent form - located on our public website (Google: Franklin
County Children Services). ..." I did this - as instructed AND I also did previously
do this - circa 2014-2015. Thus, this is an "Appeal" - of the previous denial. My
health and circumstances, did not permit me to file this appeal - previously. The
URL of interest is:
https://externalfccsapps.fccs.franklin.oh.us/External%20Forms/Consent%20for%2
0Information%20Release%20Form.pdf ::
The Appeal URL is:
https://externalfccsapps.fccs.franklin.oh.us/clientrights/Lists/Appeals%20and%20
Grievances/NewAppeal.aspx?RootFolder=/clientrights/Lists/Appeals and
Grievances&ContentTypeId=0x01000370A11E858F084D941856D3049ECC4B00
98C4547AE8B64C4495B2C1EDAAF2FF29&Source=/clientrights/Pages/public.a
spx
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My name is Susan Marie CassAdy - Neuhart. CassAdy is my maiden Name
before my marriage to: Hans Neuhart. We have been married for 35+ years. I have
one daughter. She was born in 1973.
My biological mother was: Mary Elizabeth Sprouse - CassAdy.
Sprouse was her surname before her marriage to: Milo Gerald CassAdy (my
biological father).
I was born in 1954. My maternal Grandmother was: Zora Elizabeth Miller -
Sprouse - Roby. She was born in 1883.
She was married to: George Allen Sprouse [ He is my - biological and maternal
grandfather].
George passed circa 1928. Zora married a man (Jerry Roby) after George (my
biological grandfather) died.
Zora passed - in 1953 - one year before I was born. My mother ( Zora's daughter-
MARY ) passed circa 1988.
Thus, "Consent" from my grandmother (Zora) or my mother (Mary) is not
possible to obtain.
I grew up with an oral history - frequently stated to me - that: " Zora (my
grandmother) went to the Franklin County [ Ohio] Court House ( with my mother -
as a small child at her side ) and a person wearing a robe [ my mother thought that
he was a "King" ] rose up and pointed his finger at Zora - and, stated - to the effect
- her children (Zora's children) would be "taken" - and, placed into the Home." I
was further told, (that) before they were physically parted - Zora was permitted to
grasp my mother's small hand. Zora stated, to my mother (Mary Elizabeth Sprouse)
that she [ my mother] should remember that "...there were 13 children..." My
senior sisters - who saw Zora (as a senior lady) - stated that she had "dark skin and
long, white, braided hair". They further stated, that a "colored man" once came to
our house ( in Columbus, Ohio) "dressed very nicely" - after Zora had passed. The
man did ask for my mother (by her name): "Is Mary here?" However, my mother
refused to speak with him - and, he left. The image of Zora's gravestone is posted -
onto my web site. > LINK <
Now, some few years ago [circa 2013] my husband purchased (for me) the
services of a professional genealogist. This person obtained (for me) the
population schedule of the Franklin County Children's Home [ date: April 3, 1930].
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I have posted an image of this document onto my "personal" web site: Hans AND
CassAdy dot ORG. > LINK < . When you view the image, you will see there are
four Sprouse children shown: Charles, George Jr. , Mary & Leroy - all
Sprouse. Lines 64-66, 99. My uncle, known to me as "Chuck" is shown as "
Charles - a 7-year-old negro male. My mother "Mary" is shown as a 13 year old
white female. She was born in November of 1916 - thus, her 14th birthday had not
arrived yet. My uncle Chuck - in fact - owned a small cabin - on Buckeye Lake,
Ohio. He kept a "speed-boat" there. Our large family - 7 children and 2 adults -
visited and stayed with "Uncle Chuck" several times. He had a German Shepherd
dog - named "Sammy" - that I brushed - gleefully - for many long hours. Uncle
Chuck had dark skin (then) - however, my mother explained (to me) - this, was the
result of her brother "Uncle Chuck" - riding in on Buckeye Lake (so often) in his
boat. In fact, my Uncle Chuck had been in the USA Armed Services - for WW2 -
as were, George Jr., Leroy and Springer [all surname "Sprouse" ]. My sister did
have a photo [ from the Columbus Dispatch or Citizen's Journal newspapers]
showing my four uncles - wearing their military uniforms. It is my understanding
(that) each Uncle was in a different branch of the USA Service: Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marines.
Not shown (in the 1930 FCCH population listing) are the maternal aunts -
that I did grow up knowing quite well: Lenora (Lena) Sprouse; and, Lois Sprouse;
and seven other children - (that) my mother told me frequently about the existence
of - in her memory.
In fact, your records - of the era - may record (the facts) that my mother [Mary
Elizabeth Sprouse] "ran away" from the Franklin County Children's Home -
with her sisters. They made it to Portsmouth, Ohio; Where, my mother and her
sisters - were raped; by boys - who had agreed to take them across the Ohio river
(using their - the boy's - boat); But, half way across the Ohio river - [in fact] the
boys confronted the girls (all, who did not know how to swim) with the
proposition: "Put out - or get out." All of them survived the crossing; and, they
were recovered (at another relative's home - in the Fullerton/South Shore Kentucky
area) by officers (of the law) bearing "badges" and large flashlights. My mother
spoke of these events often (to me). After their "capture", she and, her sisters -
were subsequently placed into a Catholic convent - located on West Broad Street (
in Columbus, Ohio). She did not become pregnant. She stayed in the Catholic
convent - until she was 18 years old. Whereupon, she was discharged and worked
in a "shoe factory" - in downtown Columbus, Ohio. During that same year, my
father ( Milo Gerald CassAdy) met her and soon married her. Over the course of
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30 years, they had- and raised -7 children - together; My mother also helped raise
the 2 children - that resulted from my father's first marriage. This enabled my
father's "first wife" - to work at the Columbus General Motors factory. My mother
(and her) even became friends. Bobby & Carolyn CassAdy - are my half-brother &
sister. Again, my mother (Mary) and my father (Milo) were married for 30 years -
before my father passed - in 1963 (related to Mesothelioma and Cancer ).
Again, I seek to know: 1) Why were my grandmother's children "taken from her"
in a legal proceeding? And, 2) Did the facts: a) that my grandmother had "dark
skin"; and, b) perhaps married a negro man - circa 1929 (I only know [of him] by
the name "Jerry Roby") play a role in the cruel treatment - that my grandmother
received - in the Franklin County, Ohio Court System? 3) If, I am "mixed race" -
and/or my grandmother [ Zora Elizabeth Miller Sprouse Roby] was African
American - I feel that I have the right to know (if FCCS records state
this). 4) Moreover, I feel, as a "direct descendant", that I have the right to know -
why were my grandmother's children "taken from her" in a legal proceeding - at
the Franklin County Court House - and, placed into the FCC-Home? Circa 1929. [
The person - at the Franklin County "Clerk of Courts Office" - stated (to me) she
"has no records - prior to the 1970s".]
[ That is, according to the oral history (that I have) - Zora's 13 children were
"taken" from her- without cause.].
My mother told me many times, that Zora did not harm her – or, permit her to be
harmed; however, they were poor; And, lived on a farm (with a large "Bull" in a
barn) – on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio - this place was described (to me). My
mother spoke of her father (George's) death - and, Zora's attempts to comfort him -
from his excessive swelling. [? Leukemia?]
I am working with the human Genetics Department ( of the company called
"23andME") - to see if their DNA-technology has evolved to the point, that they
can reliably ( that is, in legally rigorous terms) state - by use of their "DNA
ancestry testing" product - that, I am "mixed race". It is slow going. Obviously,
there are significant legal ramifications - if, a person - who claims to be a
"minority" - is NOT (in fact) a minority. A recent story involving the NAACP is a
good example of this. Thus, this company is being "understandably - very careful -
about answering my questions related to racial genetics - and phenotypic alleles.
[Which are forms of a gene]. I (personally) have never stated - that I was "mixed
race" - to obtain employment advantage. At this time, I am "retired" - and, very
satisfied - with this status. In fact, if my maternal grandmother (Zora) was African
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American, (then) my mother (her daughter Mary) was very light-skinned. My
maternal Aunt Lena [however] was "dark skinned" - as was my maternal Aunt
Lois. My mother always stated (to me) that she was "white". I was told to identify
myself as a Caucasian - if asked. Which, I always have. My father (Milo Gerald
CassAdy), is the brother of "Pearl CassAdy" - who is the father of Howard
'hopalong' CassAdy. Howard won the Heisman trophy - in 1955. My father's race
is not in question (to me). He was a Caucasian man.
Finally, I would be very proud to learn that my grandmother [Zora] was
[YES] African American; and, this fact is reflected (and recorded) in the 1920's
era Ohio Court Records[ of the FCCH]. If proven, this fact would also answer
some questions - that have arisen - in recent years (2012) - which, this is why, I
am in such serious pursuit of this knowledge.
ONE, the "stroke" - that I suffered (SAH at my MCA) - 2012; is, statistically
uncommon [NOTE 1] for a wholly Caucasian women;
And, TWO - at 63 years old - I remain very "flexible" - and, can perform many
difficult (level) YOGA poses - with relative ease. And, only from my personal
observation - this seems "uncommon" for a wholly Caucasian women. Which, [I
agree] this may be attributed to nothing more than my attitude and "desire" -
relative to YOGA poses. That is, for whatever reason (perhaps genetics?) - I desire
to perform "difficult" YOGA poses. In fact, I do this daily - at the Dayton, Ohio
area "Kleptz" YMCA.
My husband (of 35 years), Hans Neuhart and my daughter ( "Dawn Marie Burton"
- employed by the USA-FBI ) have "no problem" with learning that I am a "mixed
race" person.
I just want to know: Did race play a factor? Who, was the Judge? Why? Why
were Zora's children "taken" from her? And, why was my mother - in the
"population" of the FCCH - circa 1930?
Very important! My mother never stated (to me) that she was EVER treated
cruelly - or harmfully - at the FCCH. Rather, it was my impression, she was
"running to" her relative's home - in Kentucky - And, she was NOT "running away
from" the FCCH. Indeed, she told me that she was fed regularly - and well. She
had her own bed. Her "specialty" assigned task - which, she took pride in showing
me often, was "peeling potatoes". [In fact] my mother could peel a potato - with a
paring knife, producing only one thin, long, piece of peel - per Idaho potato - top to
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bottom. She'd learned to remove the "eyes" and "bad spots" efficiently and
smoothly. This, she stated, she learned - from caring hands - at the FCCH. And,
my mother was a very enthusiastic "house-cleaner". She took great pride - in how
clean our house [with 9 persons] always was. My mother was warm and generous.
Thus, FCCH and a Columbus, Ohio Catholic convent played a significant - and
positive - role in my mother's up-bringing. And, not one, of my mother's seven
biological children - has ever been involved in illegal activities - OR, a "burden on
our American society".
I look forward to hearing from you - and, providing additional information - as it
becomes necessary.
Very Truly, Mrs. Susan [CassAdy] Neuhart ( Grand
Daughter of Zora Elizabeth Miller- Sprouse - Roby [ 1883-
1953 ]
REFERENCES AND NOTES::
Census IMAGE
URL: http://hansandcassady.org/ZoraDOCs1transmittal_Page_3.jpg
Notes that appear on document: " Charles, George Jr., Mary & Leroy Sprouse 1930
Census image Lines 64-66, 99 OH Franklin, Columbus Roll 1794, P.16, ED#50
Image 7?
(Miss) Philomena M. Schott – Enumerator, Institution: Franklin County
Children's Home
NOTE 1: http://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/JNS-07/09/0522
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##################################################################
##
On 2017-10-26 08:39, Franklin Cnty Children Services ([email protected] ) wrote:
In order to request records from the agency you will
need to complete a Request for Information Consent form
located on our public website (Google Franklin County
Children Services). Under the Resources tab there is a
tab for forms and under that you will find the consent
form. It's a pdf. Print it off and complete the form.
If you need more space, feel free to attach a separate
sheet of paper. The instruction sheet provides you a
good fax number and mailing address. Records are
confidential by Ohio law and can not be released
outside the agency without the Executive Director's
approval for good cause shown. We are not able to
release records pertaining to another person to you
without that person's consent. They can authorize
their records to be released to you. You will also
need to provide a copy of a photo ID such as a driver's
license or state ID with your request. Once I receive
the request, I will process it in accordance with the
Agency's policy regarding the release of information.
[end]