Mary Ann Altman and Stephen Grover CLEVELAND, 22nd & 24th President of the United States of America are 18th cousins 2 times removed. Their common ancestors are 1st Lord Baron, Nicholas de' SEGRAVE and Maud de' LUCY.

Early Life

²Mary Ann grew up during a generation that has long since passed. Her father Jesse Altman was one of several southerners that owned slaves.  Mary Ann’s mother Nancy Elizabeth (Cason) Altman died in 1852 when Mary Ann was only 6 years old. Mary’s father Jesse remarried after her mother’s death to Esther Crews in 1853.

Mary Ann is living in Blackshear, Pierce County, Georgia on ³19^th June 1860 with her father Jesse and stepmother Esther, along with her brothers and sisters; Samuel, Elizabeth, Jasper, Jesse C, Eminizer and her half sister Frances daughter of her father and stepmother. Mary Ann and her Sister Elizabeth both married the brothers (respectively) John Smith “Meadows” MEDDERS and James Riley “Meadows” MEDDERS, both of whom fought for the south during the US Civil War (see their links).

Mary Ann Altman married John Smith “Meadows” Medders on 7^th November 1867 in Holmesville, Appling County, Georgia. The minister of the services was James A Williams, Justice of the Peace. James was the son of William Walter Williams and Penelope Richardson, other distant relatives. ^4,5,61870-1900 see John S. Medders link

After the death of her husband John Smith Medders
County Records – Appling County, Georgia – 1902 - Book A of Guardian Bonds and Oaths

Mary Ann (Altman) Medders gave bond of $450.00 on 4th March 1902. She swore that "the children Jessie C., Nancy E. and Joseph H., had and estate of probably $225.00 coming to them." She was shown to be the natural mother of the three (3) minors. Witnessing were Melvin G Thomas, Benjamin N Medders and J. L. Weaver.

Mary Ann (Altman) Medders is living in Appling County, Georgia on 4th May 1910 as a widow with her children; Jesse C age 24 and Joseph H age 18. Mary states that her and John Smith Medders had (12) children but only (10) were living. There is on unknown child at this time. Mary is recorded as a farmer on (page #100, line 68, household #253).

Article 7 Georgia State Constitution of 1877 – Disabled Civil War Veterans Act amended Act of 1910 Civil War Veterans and Widowers Act

¹⁰On 26^th August 1912, Mary Ann (Altman) Medders, under the revisions of Article 7 submitted a Widowers Pension Application, and was approved for an annual pension of $100.00 a year, which she received until her death in 1941. In this application it is noted that Mary Ann (Altman) Medders could not read or write. Her actual signature was recorded with an "X" with the application being filled out by the ordinate.

In her application her net worth is shown as follows; ¹¹(see affidavit of Two Freeholder)
145 Acres of land - $1100.00
1 horse - $10.00
8 head of Cattle - $48.00
Household goods - $25.00
8 Hogs - $8
Total net worth - $1191.00

It is from these documents that we have obtained certain dates such as, their marriage date and John Smith Medders death date.

Mary Ann (Altman) Medders is living in Surrency, Appling County, Georgia on ⁸26th January 1920 as a widow. Her son Joseph H Medders is living a couple of houses down from her in household #103 along with his wife Carrie. Mary Ann is shown as a farmer and is recorded on (page #79, line 35, household # 101).

In the 30’s Mary Ann was splitting her home stay up between James Madison Medders her son and Mary Belilia (Lillier) “Medders” Thomas, wife of Melvin Thomas. She would spend the summers in Savannah with Belilia and the rest of the year with her son James.

Mary Ann lived a long time almost reaching the age of 95. She spent her life taking care of (12) children and always being there for her husband John who had lost his right arm above the Elbow during the Battle of Jonesboro.

Death Place History-Future

Mary Ann died in Baxley, Appling County, Georgia and is buried at Big Creek Cemetery, Alma, Bacon County, Georgia.

The Picture to the left was taken 1^st May 1938.

Many thanks are owed to Rod Medders great grandson of James Madison Medders for supplying me with the pictures of our and his grandparents. Rod is the son of Estelle Fleming Medders.