OUR HISTORY

 

The great State of Texas is the starting point in tracing the journey of the Tease Family.   Our legacy begins with Andrew (aka Andy) Teas and Terry Duran (aka Tincy or Tine) Teas, who were slaves living in Texas during the time of the Civil War. Andy and Tine were married in De Witt, Texas on March 16, 1868. We believe that they were among the massive group of Texas slaves who received word that they were finally free of the shackles of slavery on June 19, 1863.  Their son John N. Teas (born July 4, 1862) and his brother, Robert Teas, grew up in Texas. 

 

The Teas family resided in the Edna, Texas community and like most families, farmed for a living.  John N. Teas married Charlotte (aka Lottie) Cunningham, December 15, 1882 in Goliad, Texas. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Cunningham.  During this period, it appears the family name changed from Teas to Tease. 

 

Between 1883 and 1897, John and Lottie had eight sons: George, Willie, Valist (aka Vollie), Milam, Fred, Lemmen, Alan, and John Robert.  Lemmen, Alan and Willie died while children.  Robert Tease, John’s brother, married and raised a family in the San Antonio, Texas area.

 

John N. and Lottie journeyed north from Edna, Texas to Indian Territory across the Red River. In 1907, Indian Territory became Oklahoma.  In 1911, the Tease families moved to Boley, Oklahoma. 

 

John N. Tease departed this life 1938 in Boley, Oklahoma, and his wife, Charlotte “Lottie” Tease departed this life November 18, 1951 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

 

Just as God provided the fresh running springs with cool water for our ancestor’s needs, he is providing the same blessings for us - John and Lottie’s descendants today.  May we always exhibit a life that embraces their courage, faith, strength and love.