The Mystery of  "Pet" Travis Butler, Dr. Butler, 

                          Luther and Orlando James

                                                or

      Who Are These People In My Ancestor's Family Bible?

In order to explain who all these people are, I need to start with the only person related to them that I know.  Bear with me please.  Sarah Jane Travis, according to her tombstone and death certificate, was born 11 Jun 1836.  She married John Smith McDearman on 2 Apr 1854 in Paris, Henry County, Tennessee.  They lived in Henry County until 1860 when they moved to White County, Arkansas.  According to her Granddaughter (my Grandmother), they made several trips back to visit relatives in Tennessee.  

According to Sarah Jane Travis's death certificate, her parents were T. J. Travis and Catherine James.  I have not been able to find any record of these people.  

Sarah Jane Travis had a family bible that is currently in the possession of a descendent in New Jersey.  There are several family photographs in the bible.  One picture is of her sister.  The notation on the picture says:  "Pet" Butler, sister of Sarah Jane McDearman. From the way it is noted, I have always assumed that Pet was a nickname, which can be derived from several  feminine names - or from any name with no relationship to her actual name.  There is also a picture of Dr. Butler.  No first name.  It's also logical to assume that Dr. Butler was Pet Butler's husband.  These folks, as well as the parents of Sarah Jane and Pet Travis, have been a brick wall for years.  Sarah was 18 when she married, so it's also logical to assume her family lived in Tennessee, as young girls in that time didn't typically move out of state without their family.  So, it's entirely possible that my Pet married her Dr. Butler in Tennessee.  

Next, comes the two James boys.  Two pictures of Luther James and one of Orlando James.  Sarah's death certificate said her mother's name was Catherine James.  So, it would seem likely that these young men were either uncles or nephews.  I have no clue when these pictures were taken.  I tried researching them by comparing the collars, but couldn't find a specific time frame.  I would guess they were taken between 1856-1890.  I have never found any information about either one of them. 

Luther James                         Luther James                      Orlando James 

If anyone recognizes these people, I would be most grateful to have any information about them.  I've been staring at these pictures for years!!