Tales from The Cemetery #8 Carleton

Remembering Kathleen Victoria Carleton Nelson Law (1898–1987)
In the quiet town of Dadeville, Alabama, lies the story of a remarkable woman who witnessed nearly a century of change, resilience, and progress. Kathleen Victoria Carleton Nelson Law, born in September 1898, was more than just a name etched on a stone in Dadeville City Cemetery. Her life spanned an era of profound transformation in America, and her story remains integral to Alabama's rich history.
A Southern Childhood
Born as Victoria A. Carleton, Kathleen was the youngest child of Dr. William George Carlton (1858–1921) and Tallula Ann Talbot (1862–1930). Her father, Dr. Carleton, was a man of extraordinary dedication. Born September 14, 1858, in Chambers County, Alabama, he pursued education at Tuskegee and Vanderbilt University, graduating in medicine in 1881.

After beginning his career as a teacher, he served his community as a physician in Dudleyville for 35 years. Beyond medicine, he represented Tallapoosa County in the legislature in 1914 and served as Probate Judge from 1916 until his death on September 18, 1921, at 63. Known as "the good physician," his life was devoted to service and integrity. Kathleen's mother, Lula, was born in 1862. She lived with Dr. Carleton and raised their five children, providing the strength and care that underpinned their household.

She passed away in January 1930 when Kathleen was 31 years old. Growing up in Dudleyville, Kathleen was a living testament to resilience. She thrived under her parents' service, resilience, and community involvement legacy. By 1910, she was attending school and preparing for a life of challenges and opportunities. Kathleen experienced profound losses early in life, losing her father in 1921 at the age of 23 and her infant son just eight months later. Yet, she persevered, a beacon of strength in the face of adversity.
A Life of Love and Loss
On Christmas Day in 1919, Kathleen married Samuel Hardy Nelson, a man dedicated to family and community. The couple began their life together in Dadeville. They faced both joy and sorrow, including the devastating loss of their first child, Sam Corleton Nelson, in 1922 when he was just over a year old. This heartbreaking loss came just eight months after Kathleen's father's passing, marking a particularly trying time in her young life.
Despite these challenges, Kathleen and Samuel persevered, raising two more sons, Joseph Miles "Joe" Nelson and William K. Nelson. Born in 1923, Joe lived an accomplished life and passed away in 2015 at 92. He was laid to rest in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kansas. Their youngest son, William, served honorably in the U.S. Air Force but tragically lost his life at the age of 27 in 1955 while on duty in Germany.

After Samuel's passing in 1949, Kathleen found love again with Dr. Harmon King Law, a compassionate physician who shared her passion for service. They married in 1952 and shared 35 years of love and companionship. Dr. Law, who was born on August 30, 1893, and dedicated his life to healing others, was a perfect match for Kathleen. Their marriage was a testament to the power of love and resilience, and it brought joy to both of their lives. Dr. Law passed away on July 5, 1987, just 148 days after Kathleen's passing, marking the end of a beautiful love story.
A Witness to History
Kathleen's life, a bridge between two centuries, was not just a personal journey but a witness to profound societal, cultural, and technological transformations. From the Reconstruction-era South of her parents' time to her resilience during the Great Depression, World War II, and the civil rights movement, Kathleen's journey is a testament to small-town Alabama's strength, adaptability, and enduring spirit. Her life is not just a story, but a significant chapter in the history of Alabama.
A Lasting Legacy

Kathleen's graveside services were held on February 10, 1987, at Dadeville City Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Jim Pate. She was survived by her husband, Harmon; her son, Joe, of Prairie Village, Kansas; and four grandchildren. Her family requested memorials be made to the First Baptist Church in Dadeville, a testament to her deep connection to her community and faith. Her love for her community was as deep as her resilience, a bond that remained unbroken even in her passing.
As she rests in Dadeville City Cemetery, Kathleen's story endures through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and the community she loves. Her life, marked by love, loss, and resilience, is a powerful reminder of the strength and grace that defined her journey.

Resources:

In the 1900 census, Victoria (age 1) was the daughter of William G Carlton in Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. '''1900 Census''': "1900 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1900; Census Place: Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: 42; Page: 18; Enumeration District: 0080
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282791|7b22746f6b656e223a224a75456c477665342b62535876425033574f5964516656554a6a49673567675847367a79742f6e5a6675513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|7602|35004484}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Victoria A Carlton (1), single daughter, in household of William G Carlton (43) in Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. Born in Alabama, USA.

In the 1910 census, Catheline (age 11) was the daughter of William G Carleton in Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, United States. '''1910 Census''': "1910 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1910; Census Place: Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: T624_34; Page: 16b; Enumeration District: 0176; FHL microfilm: 1374047
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282787|7b22746f6b656e223a22357554576d30666f374a63346b686479777a622f6134574d7a4c747558684c692f536637792f4371496a413d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|7884|159116504}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Catheline Carleton (11), single daughter, in household of William G Carleton (51) in Dudleyville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, USA. Born in Alabama.

Kathleen (age 21) married S. H. Nelson on 25 December 1919 in Jefferson, Alabama, United States. '''Marriage''': "Alabama, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1805-1967"
Original data: Marriage Records. Alabama Marriages. County courthouses, Alabama
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282792|7b22746f6b656e223a2267756e546c487350724d614f593032392b6574566e512f694d6c357a6a465a45534b6432487769422f7a593d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|61365|901560865}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Carleton (21) marriage to S. H. Nelson on 25 Dec 1919 in Jefferson, Alabama, USA.

Kathleen (age 21y) married S. H. Nelson on 25 December 1919 in , Jefferson, Alabama. '''Marriage''': "Alabama, U.S., Select Marriage Indexes, 1816-1942"
Original data: Alabama, Marriages, 1816-1957. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013; FHL Film Number: 1064442
{{Ancestry Record|60000|2376900}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Carleton (21y) marriage to S. H. Nelson on 25 Dec 1919 in , Jefferson, Alabama.

In the 1920 census, Kathleen (age 21) was the married daughter of William G Carleton in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. '''1920 Census''': "1920 United States Federal Census" Year: 1920; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: T625_43; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 170 {{Ancestry Sharing|34282783|7b22746f6b656e223a223932596837704d79716471524e73725158576c71446941636f456d56793961577a4b583348614136346b383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|6061|106654190}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Nelson (21), married daughter, in household of William G Carleton (61) in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. Born in Alabama.

In the 1930 census, Kathleen (age 29) was the wife of Sam H Nelson at Tallassee Street., Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, United States. '''1930 Census''': "1930 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1930; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0012; FHL microfilm: 2339785
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282785|7b22746f6b656e223a227a772f76453749535837724a55664a6263476c73796f4c327a54776b7a657169394956356259444e4142513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|6224|118324436}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Nelson (29), wife, in household of Sam H Nelson (40) at Tallassee Street., Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, USA. Born in Alabama.

Kathleen was in a directory in 1935 in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. '''1935 Directory''': "U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995"
Original data: Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282784|7b22746f6b656e223a22426f704d314335465143356d6243363831326a45305568417763455448323658794a6250473447787a2b303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|2469|679197010}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Name: Kathleen Nelson; Gender: Female; Residence Year: 1935; Street Address: 50y2 Morgan av; Residence Place: Montgomery, Alabama, USA; Spouse: Samuel H Nelson; Publication Title: Montgomery, Alabama, City Directory, 1935.

In the 1940 census, Kathleen (age 40) was the wife of Sam H Nelson in Opelika, Lee, Alabama. '''1940 Census''': "1940 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1940; Census Place: Opelika, Lee, Alabama; Roll: m-t0627-00052; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 41-3
{{Ancestry Sharing|34282794|7b22746f6b656e223a224e67656e4f43304d564c3437476732586a55564b3654383950794f42646636312f4e7949583579686d4c383d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|2442|62727233}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Nelson (40), wife, in household of Sam H Nelson (50) in Opelika, Lee, Alabama. Born in Alabama.

Kathleen's son Joseph Miler Nelson married Anna Mae Gatlin on 2 August 1947 in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. '''Marriage of son Joseph Miler Nelson''': "Alabama, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1805-1967" Original data: Marriage Records. Alabama Marriages. County courthouses, Alabama {{Ancestry Record|61365|1201292706}} (accessed 20 March 2025)

Kathleen Carlton's son Joseph Miler Nelson marriage to Anna Mae Gatlin on 2 Aug 1947 in Montgomery, Alabama, USA.

Kathleen (age 53), daughter of William G Carleton & Lula A Talbot, married Harmon King Law on 2 July 1952 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States. '''Marriage''': "Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014" Virginia Department of Health; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia, Marriages, 1936-2014; Roll: 101167555; Certificate Number: 1952020783 {{Ancestry Sharing|34282786|7b22746f6b656e223a22654e31386464383371387a58435963463659797979596e6d446d6c496a79734b7a3561332b452f5a7642733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|9279|27590420}} (accessed 20 March 2025)

Kathleen C Carleton Nelson (53), daughter of William G Carleton & Lula A Talbot, marriage to Harmon King Law on 2 Jul 1952 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA.

Kathleen died in 1987 and was buried at Dadeville City Cemetery, Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States. '''Burial''': "U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current"
{{FindAGrave|54801842}}
{{Ancestry Record|60525|92348220}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Victoria Nelson Law burial (died in 1987) at Dadeville City Cemetery, Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States of America. Born in Sep 1898.

Kathleen died (age 88) in February 1987 residing at 66208, Shawnee Mission, Johnson, Kansas, United States. '''Death''': "U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014"
Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File
{{Ancestry Record|3693|35669418}} (accessed 20 March 2025)
Kathleen Law death Feb 1987 (born 4 Sep 1898) residing at 66208, Shawnee Mission, Johnson, Kansas, USA.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lafayette-sun-dr-w-g-carleton-ob/168436858/