Foote Family Genealogy & History

Shelby Dade Foote Jr. was a renowned American writer, historian, and journalist, best known for his seminal work, "The Civil War: A Narrative," a comprehensive three-volume history of the American Civil War. Although Foote considered himself primarily a novelist, his participation in Ken Burns's PBS documentary "The Civil War" in 1990 brought him widespread recognition. His distinctive writing style, characterized by crafting manuscripts by hand with a nib pen, and his deep understanding of Southern history, marked his career. Despite criticism from some academic circles, Foote's work continues to influence literature and historical scholarship.

Shelby Foote was born in Greenville, Mississippi, to Shelby Dade Foote and Lillian Rosenstock. His paternal lineage includes Huger Lee Foote, a planter, and Hezekiah William Foote, a Confederate veteran and politician. His maternal grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Vienna, reflecting a diverse heritage. Foote's father passed away when he was five, leading to a transient childhood across the Southern states. Raised in the Episcopal faith, Foote also participated in Jewish traditions, attending synagogue with his mother until age eleven.

Mary Foote (1872–1968) was an esteemed American painter and a pivotal figure in documenting Carl Jung's seminars. Her artistic journey began at the Yale School of Art, leading to studies in Paris with John Singer Sargent and Frederick MacMonnies. Renowned for her portraits, she contributed to exhibitions like the Armory Show in 1913. In Zürich, Foote became Jung's transcriber, creating comprehensive notes for his seminars. Her connections spanned prominent figures like Isadora Duncan and Gertrude Stein, enriching her influence in early 20th-century art and psychology circles.

Mary Foote hailed from a distinguished lineage in Guilford, Connecticut. Daughter of Charles Spencer Foote and Hannah Hubbard Foote, her family legacy includes her great-great-grandfather, General Andrew Ward, commended by George Washington. Her grandparents, George Augustus Foote and Eliza Spencer, and great-grandparents, Eli Foote and Diana Ward, further rooted her in a heritage of notable American figures.

Lucinda Foote is renowned for her pioneering attempt to study at Yale College in 1783, making her a significant figure in the history of women's education. At just 12 years old, she excelled in the entrance exams for Latin and Greek, meeting the admission standards. Despite her academic prowess, Yale's President, Ezra Stiles, denied her admission solely based on her gender. Her name became a symbol of advocacy when the Lucinda Foote Committee emerged in 1963 to support the admission of women to Yale University. Lucinda Foote's story continues to inspire discussions on gender equality in education.

Lona Foote was a renowned American photographer, celebrated for her captivating images of the avant-garde jazz, dance, and art scenes in New York City during the 1980s and early 1990s. Her work graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Down Beat, Ear, and The Village Voice. Foote is honored alongside Bob Parent with the Lona Foote/Bob Parent Award for Career Excellence in Photography, awarded annually at the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards. Her notable contributions include insightful features in EAR: New Music News, highlighting influential composers like George Lewis and Jeanne Lee.