Sunday, December 26, 2021

The Homegoing Celebration for Willie K. "Pap" Temple

Willie K. Temple was born to the proud parents of Charles Temple and Aline Vining Temple on January 22, 1933 in Amite, Louisiana. He passed away at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, LA. Willie farmed ten acres of land on the family homestead in Amite. He worked for a short period at Louisiana Power and Lights. He was also employed at Amite Feed and Seed Co-op in Amite, Louisiana. He met and married his sweetheart Helen Johnson Temple. To their union five children was born; for sons: Milton, Edwin, Efrem, Bruce and one daughter: Charlene Temple Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his five children: Milton (Kim), Enid, Oklahoma, Efren, (Anchorage, Alaska) Bruce (Shirell) Edwin, Charlene Temple Jackson from Amite, Louisiana. Eleven grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren, one sister: Mary Temple Noil, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by both parents: Charles Temple and Aline Vining Temple. Three brothers: Stanley Temple, Ellis Temple and Jacob Temple. Six sisters: Margie Temple Jones, Augustine Temple Atkins, Elosie Temple White, Maude Temple Fox, Caretha Temple Cutrer, Doretha Temple Smith.


Source: Funeral Program for Willie K "Pap" Temple




Celebrating the Life of Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier

On Monday, December 13, 2021, Sister Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier passed from earth in heaven's reward. There will be no more sorrow, pain or suffering. It was God's will that the transition from labor to reward. Sister Jo-Ann was the oldest of seven sisters and seven brother born on October 9, 1949 in Independence, Louisiana to the late Ernest Lewis, Sr. and the late Catherine Audrey Harrell Lewis. 

Her education began to the West Side school to Tangipahoa Parish. Having been determined she was very gifted, she was advanced from the 3rd  to the 5th grade. She attended Joseph S. Clark High School in the New Orleans where the graduated as class valedictorian. 

She then furthered her post secondary education as a graduate from Hammond Vocational Trade School with a degree in Business Administration. She was united in holy matrimony to Earnest Frazier, Sr. on May 14, 1967 and to that union two sons were born. Earnest, Jr., and Brian. 

The seventies was a tumultuous time for people of color across the county, and Tangipahoa Parish was no exception. People of color were excluded from frontline position at various stores within the community. Experiencing some of these inequalities first hand, she participated in the first active boycotts of major business in Amite, thus resulting in her being hired as the first black cashier at one of them.

She was brought  in a Christian home and devoted her life to God under the leadership of the late Dr. Samuel Richardson. Her God-given gifts, and talents afford her the opportunities to serve God's people on various levels.  On the local level, she served as the church and Women's Department secretary, and the leader of the Hospitality Ministry. On the district level, she served as Event Coordinator Finance Committee member, and Program Designer. On the jurisdictional level, she was member of the Supervisor Special Care Committee. She had a special place in her heart for the elder and seasons women. She and other ladies in the church would often provide gifts of love by preparing meals, gifts and fruit baskets, and etc. She didn't limit her gifts, bud did as Ecclesiastes 9:10 states " Whatever they can finders to do, do it with thy might.." And this was indeed being a Servant to the Lord. 

She went on to have an illustrious career with the Tangipahoa Parish School Board where she worked for thirty-three years. She played and active role for many individuals mum starting their careers across the parish. She was employed in various capacities, working her way up from Secretary to Office Manager, she was the first black person employed in that position until she retired in 2006.

After retirement she, continued to stay busy. She became more active in local politics. She spent time volunteering for local campaigns and working the individual elections. She became gainfully employed with Genesis Mental Health Clinic and later, Richardson Funeral Home. She was the heart and soul of these organizations. 

She loved to cook, read, travel and spending time with her grandchildren and family, shopping,  she loved to listen to Gospel music on Pandora and read her bible. My mother didn't know the definition of the word "no". She did not know how to spell it. She did not know how to use it. I would go so far as to ask her to rehearse the work with me and she would tell me NO! Her hearts was so big that she would put other needs of other before her own.

To carry on her legacy, she leaves a husband of fifty-four years, Earnest Frazier, Sr., two sons: Earnest, Jr, (Sherry) and Brian; five grandchildren: Tyreek, Keanu, Preston, Brandon, and Keshon. She all leaves four sister: Missionary Cheryl St. Amant, Elaine Daniels (Bishop Charles) tomekia Bergeron, and Karen Sayles; seven brothers: Ernest Lewis, II, James Lewis, Alvin Lewis (Denise); Dwayne (Dyonne). Daren Lewis (Damaris) Kenneth Bergeron (Alice) and Chris Person; one God-Sister, Renee G. Taylor; three God Children: Michelle Foster, Michael Cook, Kiley Mearidy; two uncles: Elder Henry Harrell and Oliver Jackson, Jr (Patricia): one uncle-in-law, Wade Wilson (Willie Mae); sister Aunts: Evangelist Delores Washington (Henry), Missionary Cherry Harrell, Sadie, Harrell, Jerry Dean Johnson, Ruth Jackson, and Missionary Mildren Harrell; one aunt-in-law, Bertha Coleman,; three brothers-in-law" Emmitt (Elaine), John, Roger (Renee): five sisters-in-law: Lillie Mae, Katherine (Carl, Sr.,) Delores, Josie Dale; Joann "Tiny" (Calvin), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Proceeding her death were her parents, Catherine and Ernest Lewis, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Jasper and Josephine R. Harrell; paternal grandparents. Willie and Amanda Lewis, mother and father-in-law, Lizzie and Willie Frazier; three sister, Dianne Wilson, Demetric" Dinky" Lewis, and Winifred Sandifer

Source: The Funeral Program for Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier

Friday, December 24, 2021

The Sibley, Ford, and Huges Family in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes


The only adult in the photograph is Ceasar Sibley, who was born about 1877. He lived in the 6th Ward of St. Helena, Louisiana. His parents were Stephen and Althea Sibley. The picture was label left to right:Gordon Ford, Allen Huges, Avery Ford, Dicy Thomas, Cesar Sibley, Charley Sibley, and Bryan Young-1910

Courtesy of the Amite Genealogy Library


Monday, December 20, 2021

[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana] digital file from original neg.


United States Resettlement Administration, Rothstein, A., photographer. (1935) Untitled photo, possibly related to: Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. United States Louisiana Tangipahoa Parish, 1935. [Sept] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2017721034/.



 

Negro mother and baby in bed in the house furnished them while working in the strawberry fields near Independence, Louisiana

 


About this Item

Title
Negro mother and baby in bed in the house furnished them while working in the strawberry fields near Independence, Louisiana
Contributor Names
Lee, Russell, 1903-1986, photographer
Created / Published
1939 Apr.
Subject Headings
-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish--Independence
-  Strawberry pickers--Louisiana
Headings
Safety film negatives.
Genre
Safety film negatives
Notes
-  Title and other information from caption card.
-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
-  Temp. note: usf34batch3
-  Film copy on SIS roll 22, frame 1589.
Medium
1 negative : safety ; 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches or smaller.
Call Number/Physical Location
LC-USF34- 032742-D [P&P] LOT 1700 (corresponding photographic print)
Source Collection
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id
fsa 8b21377 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b21377
Library of Congress Control Number
2017782758
Reproduction Number
LC-USF34-032742-D (b&w film neg.)
Rights Advisory
No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html
Online Format
image
LCCN Permalink
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017782758
Additional Metadata Formats
MARCXML Record

Young Negro Strawberry Pickers Near Independence, Louisiana


 

About this Item

Title
Young Negro strawberry pickers near Independence, Louisiana
Contributor Names
Lee, Russell, 1903-1986, photographer
Created / Published
1939 Apr.
Subject Headings
-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish--Independence
-  Strawberry pickers--Louisiana
Headings
Safety film negatives.
Genre
Safety film negatives
Notes
-  Title and other information from caption card.
-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
-  Temp. note: usf34batch4
-  Film copy on SIS roll 22, frame 1702.
Medium
1 negative : safety ; 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches or smaller.
Call Number/Physical Location
LC-USF34- 032858-D [P&P] LOT 1700 (corresponding photographic print)
Source Collection
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id
fsa 8b21491 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b21491
Library of Congress Control Number
2017782876
Reproduction Number
LC-USF34-032858-D (b&w film neg.)
Rights Advisory
No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html
Online Format
image
LCCN Permalink
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017782876
Additional Metadata Formats
MARCXML Record 
MODS Record 
Dublin Core Record

Negro Rehabilitation Client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana



About this Item

Title
[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana]
Contributor Names
Rothstein, Arthur, 1915-1985, photographer
United States. Resettlement Administration.
Created / Published
[1935 Sept.]
Subject Headings
-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish
Headings
Nitrate negatives.
Genre
Nitrate negatives
Notes
-  Title and other information from a possibly related negative. Image came to Library of Congress untitled. (There was no caption for this image in the FSA/OWI shelflist.)
-  Appears to be related to negative LC-USF33-002076-M1 https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/fsa1997007201/PP/
-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
Medium
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Call Number/Physical Location
LC-USF33- 002077-M4 [P&P]
Source Collection
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id
fsa 8a07232 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a07232
Library of Congress Control Number
2017721035
Reproduction Number
LC-USF33-T01-002077-M4 (b&w film dup. neg.) LC-DIG-fsa-8a07232 (digital file from original neg.)
Rights Advisory
No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html
Online Format
image
LCCN Permalink
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017721035





 

Negro Rehabilitation Client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana ( Untitled Photo)

 


About this Item

Title
[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana]
Contributor Names
Rothstein, Arthur, 1915-1985, photographer
United States. Resettlement Administration.
Created / Published
[1935 Sept.]
Subject Headings
-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish
Headings
Nitrate negatives.
Genre
Nitrate negatives
Notes
-  Title and other information from a possibly related negative. Image came to Library of Congress untitled. (There was no caption for this image in the FSA/OWI shelflist.)
-  Appears to be related to negative LC-USF33-002076-M1 https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/fsa1997007201/PP/
-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
Medium
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Call Number/Physical Location
LC-USF33- 002078-M5 [P&P]
Source Collection
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id
fsa 8a07238 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a07238
Library of Congress Control Number
2017721041
Reproduction Number
LC-USF33-T01-002078-M5 (b&w film dup. neg.) LC-DIG-fsa-8a07238 (digital file from original neg.)
Rights Advisory
No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html
Online Format
image
LCCN Permalink
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017721041

Negro Rehabilitation Client in Tangipahoa Parish


 

About this Item

Title
Negro rehabilitation client, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Contributor Names
Rothstein, Arthur, 1915-1985, photographer
United States. Resettlement Administration.
Created / Published
1935 Sept.
Subject Headings
-  United States--Louisiana--Tangipahoa Parish
-  Rural housing--Louisiana
Headings
Nitrate negatives.
Genre
Nitrate negatives
Notes
-  Title and other information from caption card.
-  Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
-  More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
Medium
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Call Number/Physical Location
LC-USF33- 002076-M1 [P&P] LOT 1674 (corresponding photographic print)
Source Collection
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
Repository
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id
fsa 8a07224 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8a07224
Library of Congress Control Number
2017721027
Reproduction Number
LC-USF33-T01-002076-M1 (b&w film dup. neg.) LC-DIG-fsa-8a07224 (digital file from original neg.)
Rights Advisory
No known restrictions. For information, see U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black & White Photographs https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/res/071_fsab.html
Online Format
image
LCCN Permalink
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017721027
Additional Metadata Formats
MARCXML Record 
MODS Record 
Dublin Core Record

Friday, December 17, 2021

An Interview with St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff Denise Geoffrey

Denise Geoffrey
St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff
The St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court is located in Greensburg, Louisiana. Greensburg in the parish seat. The Clerks of Court is where genealogist and family historian can find a wealth of original documents. Documents such as Marriage Records, Civil Record, Chattel Property Records, Succession Documents, Crop Liens Records,  Land Deeds and other records can be found in side the Clerk Office. Since there are no public computer terminals available, most of the documents can be located by indexes. As Clerk of Court for St. Helena Parish, Mildred T. Cyprian and her staff have done an excellent job of maintaining the court records and documents. 

During an interview with Denise Geoffrey, a member of the staff. She informed me that the courthouse has never been damages by fire and she believes that the vault is a secure place for the documents if a fire was to occur. On another note she said that the earliest records date back to 1807 and some older records can be found in Spanish and French. 

I enjoy conducting genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Geoffrey is a New Jersey resident and has no connection to St. Helena Parish; however, she had discovered the name Geoffrey in the courthouse and wonders if thee is a family connection with the Geoffrey's from New Jersey.  During the slave trade and sale, Africans and Africans born in America was sold and transported down south. I would like to think is she certain hard enough she just might find a connection. What's really amazing is Flying Ghost Production Film company owner has family ties to St. Helena Parish as well. Fagan Davis, Jr., is family are the Richardson, Knighten, and Lee families. 




Saturday, December 11, 2021

Belinda Vining Trepagnier, a Trailblazer in Tangiphaoa Parish

Photo Credit
Phillip Cowart

Parishes Supportive Living,  a local Veteran-owned business, was founded in 2001 with the intention of providing independent living to Louisiana residents and has achieved that mission and more. Belinda Vining-Trepagnier is the Chief Executive Officer. Belinda is a member of the  City of Hammond Chamber. Trepagnier is a Navy veteran who was formally assigned to VT-86 and the Blue Angels air squadrons, as well as the Navy NINTISA Intelligence base. Parish Supportive Living is a large health care agency in Tangipahoa Parish. 

Starting in Hammond, La., Parishes Supportive Living  has grown to serve 10 plus parishes and is still growing. In addition to providing care for Medicaid/Medicare clients, Parishes Supportive Living provides many community services, including: food bank assistance, scholarships, sponsoring veterans' initiatives and a community radio show.  


This past October, the Hammond City Council recognized Belinda Vining-Trepagnier as recipients of this year's Wilbert L. Dangerfield Award of Excellence in a ceremony. Belinda is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Belinda is a very active member in Tangipahoa Parish. She stands on integrity and had proven leadership. Belinda enjoy spending quality time with her family and traveling. 

About Attorney Ebony Morris of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana


Attorney Ebony Morris
Ebony S. Morris is an associate attorney based in the New Orleans office of Garrison, Yount, Forte, & Mulcahy, L.L.C. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University (B.A., cum laude, 2011) and Southern University Law Center (J.D., cum laude, 2014). She became a member of the Louisiana Bar in 2014 and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Chapter of Louis A. Martinet Society (2020-2021 President-Elect), Defense Research Institute, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, and the National Bar Association. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ebony has extensive experience in defending premise liability, product liability, trucking liability, retail and hospitality liability, and mass tort litigation matters. In those areas, Ebony represents product manufacturers, corporations, national franchise restaurants, insurers, and their policyholders through all phases of litigation. She has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a premises owner seeking additional insured status under a commercial general liability policy and has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a restaurant franchise owner in a premises liability matter.

Recently, Ebony was selected for inclusion in the 2020 and 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” List, The National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40,” the 2020 Lawyers of Color “Hot List,” and the National Association of Women Lawyers 2021 Rising List. She was also named as a nominee for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance’s 2020 Young Outside Counsel of the Year Award, and she received the 2020 Outstanding Young Woman Lawyer Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.

Source: Reprint from the National Black Lawyers Website

Friday, December 10, 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Carey Hall of St. Helena Parish Appeared on the Ice Road Truckers Television Show

Carey Hall
Carey Hall a Native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana appeared on the television series the "Ice Road Truckers. Hall is the grandson of J.D. Atkins and Lois Johnson Atkins. Hall now resides in Anchorage, Alaska. Hall is known as one of the best driver in Anchorage. He is an Ice Road Trucker to Heavy Haulers. He is also known as "Big Daddy," and  is one of the best heavy haulers out there. 

His grandfather and father Adolph Hall, both was professional trucker drivers. This was the beginning of his dreams and admirations to becoming a trucker driver.  At the young age of seven, he got behind the wheels of a 4-speed pick truck and fell in love with trucks at that point. Carey love for truck made him drop out of college to hit the road full time following that white line fever.  Men and women  like Carey oftentimes calling the trucks their home. They spend long hours behind the wheel often driving through the nights to reach their destination.

Hall knows all to well how dangerous this job can be. Driving in extreme and harsh road conditions in the winter. "It is often a matter of life or death,"  said Hall. A driver need to know how to repair his own truck, otherwise a driver can be stranded in the blistering and extreme cold weather.  Finding a mechanic shop or tow truck can be very challenging said Hall. I saw him in three episodes in season two, said his cousin Edwin Temple who is also a trucker driver. Hall haven't forgot about his family and Louisiana. He look forward to his sister Rita's home cooked meals and freshly baked cakes. One of four children born Adolph and Bernice Atkins Hall. His siblings are: one sister Rita Hall, and two brothers;  the lateStanley and Carl Hall. 


Carey Hall
Photo Courtesy of Carey Hall/Facebook


Tracing Their Steps by Bernice Alexander Bennett

Bernice A. Bennett
A visit to her grandmother's house in New Orleans, a bowl of gumbo and a table full of memories open the door for Bernice Alexander Bennett's adventure to verify that her 2x great grandfather owned a lot of land in Maurepas, Louisiana.  Maurepas is an unincorporated community in the southwestern area of Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Livingston Parish is one the Louisiana Florida Parishes. 

Tracing Their Steps is a Memoir about a journey to show how the power of oral history can serve as a guide to capturing a beautiful family history. You will learn how an African American man born before the Civil War managed to acquire over 159 acres of land during the 19th century under the Homestead Act of 1862. Bennett's research has proven without a shadow of doubt that African Americans were homesteaders. 

This compelling story will keep the reader fixated on how each step and, the many twists and turn in the journey links closer to verifying that the land did exist and further clarifies what happen to this land in the 20th century. Bernice is an award-winning author, genealogist, nationally recognized guest speaker, storyteller, and producer-host of the popular Research at the National Archives and Beyond Blog Talk Radio Program. She is also the first recipient of the  Ida B. Bennett had documented her African America roots in the Orleans, St. Helena and Livingston parishes of Louisiana, as well at the Edgefield Greenwood counties of South Carolina. 



Monday, December 6, 2021

African Americans in Covington by Dr.Eva Semien Baham


African Americans in Covington" is a collection of stories, memories and photographs covering the history, lives, and triumphs of Covington's African American community. The forward by Rev. Mallory Callahan, it was published in 2015 as part of the "Images of America" historical series by Arcadia. Covington is the seat of St. Tammany Parish government and sits north of Lake Pontchartrain in the New Orleans metropolitan area. One person of African descent was present at the founding of Covington on July 4, 1813. Most African Americans in antebellum Covington were slaves with a modest number of fee people, all of whom covered nearly every occupation needed for the development and sustenance of a heavily forested region. 

Amite Native Dr. Valerie Richardson, Author of The Vision Blueprint

Dr. Valarie Richardson

Dr. Valerie is a Mentor, Spiritual Leader, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Nutritionist, anAuthor. She is the granddaughter of the late Supt, Alexander Richardson and Missionary Melissa Wheat Richardson. She is the descendant of Thomas and Emma Vining Richardson. Dr. Richardson is purpose and passionate about provoking, praying and promoting others into purpose. What is it that you know you have a gift or calling to do? What is it that you have always wanted to do bu the fear of failure had plagued you form getting started. Let Dr. Richardson help you push past your fears and give you some foundational principles to help execute and sustain your vision with her new book: The Vision Blueprint. 




Native of Amite, Louisiana Dr. Daphne L. Richardson an Optometry Specialist


Dr. Daphne Richardson
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Richardson Facebook Page

Dr. Daphne L. Richardson is an Optometry Specialist in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Supt. Alexander Richardson and Missionary Melissa Wheat Richardson. The daughter of the late Joseph Richardson and Linda Topps. She graduated with honors from University of Houston-College of Optometry in 2002. She had more than 19 years of diverse experiences, especially in Optometery. 

Kasia Trepagnier Tangipahoa Celebrity


Kasia Trepagnier
Photo Courtesy: Kasia's Facebook page
Kasia Trepagnier is the daughter of Tangipahoa Parish Natives,  Andrew and Belinda Trepagnier. She is a descendant of Ben and Annie Richardson Vining of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. She had appeared in 27 films including NCIS, Queen Sugar, Girl's Trip and Palmer just to name a few. Kasia is also a model  and actress who travels extensively to Atlanta and other states to model and act.

She was the top model for Bonner Borther's 2021 Top Model and participated this years in New York's Fashion Week, she was also recognized at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. She walked the red carper with other celebrities. She is currently working on a Will Smith film titled "Emancipation" that is filming in St. Francisville.  

I find Kasia to be a very kind and lively person. The sky is the limit for Kasia, and she had a very strong support system from her family. 

American Singer Irma Thomas Was Born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Irma Lee Thomas  was born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.  She started out singing as a teenager in a Baptist Church choir. She was married twice and the mother of four children. Occasionally she song with bandleader Tommy Rigley. Her first singer " Don't Mess with My Man" was released in 1959, and reached number 22 on the US Billboard R& B chart.  She worked with songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint. She appear annually at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, In 2007, Thomas was honored by her contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. She also won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.





Sunday, December 5, 2021

Singer Songwriter Robert Parker "Barefootin" Passed Away at His Home in Roseland, Louisiana

Barefootin was written and performed by Robert Parker. The song reached No.2 on the U.S. Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Robert Parker, a New Orleans, Singer. He passed away at his home in Roseland, La at the age of 89. Robert was raised in New Orleans,  He was born in 1930 in Mobile to Robert and Lena Parker.

Robert performed alongside many other New Orleans Musicians such as Fats Domino, and Irma Thomas.  He started his career last saxophonist, he played with Professor Longhair on his hit "Mardi Gras in New Orleans, in 1949. Parker played with many popular New Orleans performers,  on records with Eddie Bo, Earl King, James Booker, Ernie K.-Doe, Tommy Ridgley, He backed up visiting R & B artists including Solomon Burke, Lloyd Price, Jerry Butler and Otis Redding. 

He was introduced into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame 2007. He funeral services was held last Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.  Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite was in charged of the final arrangement for the singer.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Parker_(singer)#

http://www.richardsonfuneralhomeamite.com/obits

Youtube: https://youtu.be/azIytXgdggA

Wicker Water Owned by Harvey "Champ" Wicker

Harvey "Champ" Wicker
Harvey was born in 1921 to Ida and Milton Wicker. There were six children born to the couple. Milton was born in Greensburg, Louisiana in 1889. Milton lived in Alexandria, Louisiana before settling in Pensacola, Florida.  At the age of fifteen, Harvey left Pensacola, Florida after he meet his benefactor named R. Bethel. Heavery served as Bethl's chauffeur. His grandson Harvey contacted me to talk about the history of his grandfather whom he spent a great deal of time with as a child growing up.

He was married to Blanch Batte, they were the parents of four children: Harvey Anderson, Sr., Anita Louisa, Donald Edwards, SR, and Debra Ann. He went into the Army at the age of seventeen. He was a boxer, he began in boxing career in Detroit, becoming the Golden Gloves "Champ" in the Bantam Weight Division for the the state of Michigan.

Harvey started the Wicker Water business. He me Angie Dickinson, President Kennedy and Nixon. In a newspaper interview Harvey talked about his vegetables on Wicker water. The water came from an artesian week in Inyo County, owned and worked by Harvey himself.  Wicker spoke about most water we get from our taps, contain all kinds of substances. He proved a copy of a chemical analysis of Wicker water for eery bottle.

For years Wicker donated water to Pacoina Memorial Hospital. He serviced other recipients with Wicker Water. Some wrote letter about Wicker water stating that the drinking water cleared up problems such as Insomnia, indigestion, constipation and heartburn. Wicker mission was  to get the drinking water in the home coolers and on the supermarket shelves. Emmett Culligan was working on a marketing program for the water. The sales from Wicker Water Company could have make Wicker a very wealthy man. 


Source: The Funeral Program of Harvey A "Champ" Wicker & Harvey Wicker, the Grandson of Champ


Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Little Bethel Deaconess Board


 Please help me to name these women in this picture. I know Mrs. Janie Bell Wiliams, Mrs. Dudley and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon. I know that this is from Little Bethel Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana. 

The Vernon Family of Amite, Louisiana

 

From Left to Right
Glynis Vernon Gordon, her son Vernon Gordon, Rev. Willard Vernon and his  wife
   Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon.

The Dudley Family of Amite, Louisiana


Seated from left to right: Ms. Gisele Ricard & Baby, Mrs. Maggie Lee Dudley, Mr. O.D. Dudley, Mrs. Mildred Ricard, and Natalie Ricard. Back Row: Mrs. Norma Jean Ricard, Mrs. Tonell Ricard, Mrs. Shirley Griffin, and Craig Ricard. 

Judge Perry of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Judge was born in 1895 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. to Grofton and Margaret Hunter Perry.  He was married to Dicie Perry. He worked on his own account as a farmer. He was living at Route 1 Box 133 in Amite, Louisiana.  Siblings were: Carrie, Judge, Martha, John, Ellis, Monroe, Luvenia, Howard, Lewis, James, Duncan, and Kelly Perry. 

Monroe Perry of Amite, Louisiana

 

Monroe Perry  was born in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana to Grofton and Margaret Hunter Perry. He was married to Alice Brown Perry. I remember Mr. Monroe Perry. I can recall seeing him on Sunday's at church with his hat, suit, and white shirt. Mr. Monroe was a very tall man. He didn't say many words or at least I never heard him talk a lot. At that time the church was named Gordon Chapel Church of God in Christ. It is located in Amite, Louisiana off HWY 1045. He was a well respected man in the African American community.

Charlie Arthur and Elvia "Evie Magee Varnado

Both the Varnado and Magee families are known to reside in Pike and Wathall Counties in Mississippi. Others live in Washington and Tangipahoa, Louisiana Parishes. In counties and parishes where the Varnado and Magee surnames are known, everyone is familiar with them. Both of these families are quite large. 

Charles Arthur Varnado was born between 1861 in Magnolia, Mississippi. He died on July 30, 1936.  He was the son of Harry and Margaret  Varnado. He was married to Evie Magee in his hometown of Magnolia. He and his wife had 21 children.

Let me attempt to name some of  their children: Dewitt C, Willie M, Rachel, Richard, Lucius, Clara, Curtis,  John, Mary Margaret, Anna, Charlie Arthur, Martha, Menevie Minnie,  Minnie, Spellman, Turley, Tulny, Jesse Varnado.

Charles parents had eighteen children as well. One can only imagine how the family reunion would be for their family. One thing that is for sure, it would be a large family reunion.  Just between Charles and his father Harry there is a total of thirty-nine children. Could you imagine how many Varnado descendants there are from just these two Varnado men. Not to mention whether Charles and his father Harry had siblings or children with large families. It is possible for the Louisiana Florida Parish Varnado's to descended from this huge family tree or connected somehow. 

Were Your Ancestors Homesteaders in the Louisiana Florida Parishes?