Olivia Rainwater was the fourth child of Joshua Rainwater and Mary "Polly" Peterson. She was born Feb. 20, 1831 in Hall Co., GA. By 1840 Joshua had moved his family to Carroll Co., GA. Olivia married John Monroe Ganus, son of James Ganus and Elizabeth McCloskey on Oct. 7, 1852 and at first they lived in Polk Co., GA. During their early-married years John and Olivia lived in Cleburne Co., AL, Pine Bluff, ARK and then by 1870 were living in Haralson Co., GA, where they remained until 1887. John was a farmer and Olivia took care of their children; William Franklin, John Thackason, Roderick Monroe, Newton Lafayette, and Robert Lee. On Sept. 15, 1871, Olivia, then 30 years old, obtained a Teaching Certificate, qualifying her to teach in the Common Schools, however, it is not known if she ever actually taught. Olivia's brother Abner was a schoolteacher and family lore says that he helped educate her.

     In 1887, John and Olivia, along with their sons (some married) boarded a train and moved to Colorado. Initially they settled in Manassa, Colorado, which is located in the southern end of the state. But the winters were harsh and they struggled to adjust to a climate very different from that of Georgia. By 1900 John and Olivia, along with their sons, moved to the milder climate of Indian Territory, OK. Olivia Rainwater Ganus died two years later on September 12, 1902 in Okmulgee, OK and John followed just a little over three years later on April 9, 1906.

Last updated: Sunday December 27, 2009   Hosted by: Hidden Ancestors
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