From Which All Circles (Poetry)

Love is impartial, like the nurturing earth, showing tenderness to both the hardened rock and the diamond…
Love is unselfish, as brilliant as a galaxy of stars, shining unto itself but never once seeing its own radiance…
Love is honest, both the language of ancient truth and infant curiosity, speaking in simple yet profound discovery…
Love is God, whose very act of loving is the force from which all of life circles,
orbiting the reflection of the Beloved and the Beloved.


Lynn Mari, ©2006

Mc Ilwan/Mc Clwain Family (Dallas Co, AL)

I really need help researching this family line, if you are kin or have any additional information please leave a comment or e-mail me. Thanks!
I also want to acknowledge my cousin for sharing family stories, and extending the warmth of your memories to me. I am left with a feeling of warmth from the pride and love evident in every word you speak about your children. God Bless!



Family of Henry and Alice (“Allie”) Mc Clwain: 1900
Valley Creek, Alabama


Henry Mc Clwain, 35
Alice Mc Clwain, 34
Pink “, 14
Alberta “, 15
Delhi “, 8
Mattie “, 5
Mary “, 4
Ada “, 3
Narca “, 2
Babe “, 1
Mealy Mc Clwain, 60
Lucy Morre, 50




Family of Henry and Alice (“Allie) McIlwan: 1910
Selma, Alabama


Henry McIlwan, 47
Alice “, 46
Delhi “, 19
Elline “, 15
Isabel “, 13
Geneva “, 11
Arnette “, 10
Elinera “, 6
Mrs. (Should be “Mr.”) Wess Martin, son-on-law, 29 *close cousin or ??
Alberta Martin, 20, daughter *cousin by marriage
Mary Gasdner, 27 (widow, boarder)
Lucy McIlwan (aunt, widow), 58

Family of Mat and Alberta Marter (Martin): 1920
Selma, Alabama



Union Street

Mat Marter, 28 * close cousin or??
Alberta “, 27 *cousin by marriage
Malachi “, 10
Rosa M. “, 7
Sanlphus (Adolphus?) “, 5
CD “, 4
Adabel “, 2
Clarene “, 3 months
Allie (Alice) Mc Ilwan, mother, 47
Elvin Gelbert, 21, sister
Robert Gelbert, 50, son-in-law
Deli Mc Thwan (Mc Ilwan), son, 20
Stan Icy Tout, nephew, 18


Note: I have found census records, in two different databases, for both Mat Marter (Martin) and West/Wes Martin. Family knowledge records the correct name of Aunt Alberta’s husband as being Wes. I am looking for more information on Wes’ line of the Martins. I will update as I know more. I do know these are my cousins, and that the Martin family lived in close proximity to extended relatives in Selma.