Volume 7, Number 2 - Winter 1980
The Building of a House
By Frances Hooton
Here is the story of how an important part in the building of a house became the name of a man in England. When names were sought to give to people, there was a man who was a great builder. In all that he built, he tried to find ways to make a stronger and better building. As a result of this effort, he found that by placing a piece of timber in a certain place, in a certain way, it added strength to the construction. This idea grew in favor until it was universally used and he became widely known on account of it. He called it a "sleeper", so in turn the name "Sleeper" was given to him.
This name suits well the people who became descendants of this man for they all stand for the best way to build a better life, through diligence, energy and faithfulness.
Thomas Sleeper, born in England in 1607, came to America in 1640 and settled in New Hampshire where he raised a family of eight children. His son David born 1721. David’s son Gideon born 1744. Gideon’s son Gideon II born 1786 settled in Mississippi - seven children Clorinda Sleeper Morgan born 1827, Eugenia Morgan Pool born 1859, Mona Euginia Pool Shaffer born 1887, Frances Shaffer Hooton born 1905, Frances Louise Hooton born 1928, George Lovelle Hooton born 1930, Karen Hooton born 1956, Kelly Hooton born 1960, Ward Hooton born 1962.
What kind of people are these ten generations of Sleepers? They are an industrious, dependable people, standing always for the best they can be. Every child and descendant of this family is a "Worthy Child".
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