Herbert Willie Vining

Herbert Willie Vining
Source: Ancestry

Herbert was born on March 5, 1903 in Montpelier, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana to Butman and Eva Vining. . He farmer by occupation and worked on his own account. Herbert was married to  Easter Vining. His sibling were: Ivy, Hosy, Christina, Florence, Francis, Frankie  and Hazel Vining. According to the 1930 United States Federal Census. 

Frank Vining U.S. World War II Draft Card

Frank Vining 
Source: Ancestry 

Frank Vining was born on December 22, 1908 in St. Helena Parish to Butman and Eva Vining. His siblings were: Herbert, Christina, Francis, Hilda, and Creola Vining. There could possibly be more, I documented the names that were listed in the 1920 United States Census.  He was employed by Dave Strong in Amite, Louisiana. Frank died on May 5, 1994. Frank was a labored and he lived in Vernon's Quarters in Amite, Louisiana. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census the highest grade he  completed was 2nd grade. Frank's last residence was in Pontiac, Michigan. 

Cefalu and Company the Manufacturers of Macaroni and Spaghetti in Amite, Louisiana

Cefalu and Company 
Source: The Amite Genealogy Department

Each day I discover something new. This was the first time I heard that of Cefalu and Company of Amite, Louisiana manufacturing macaroni and spaghetti. My online search for information about the Cefalu Company was unsuccessful.  The receipt shows that B. Stern had an account with Celfau and Company.  I was happy to find this receipt in the B. Stern volume of books day May 8, 1917.  The shipping point was Gullett, Louisiana. 

C J. Johnson Blacksmith and Wheelwright in Amite, Louisiana

Source: Amite Genealogy Library
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Little or no information are available about the local blacksmith and wheelwright. Horseshoeing was his specialty. Every town had a blacksmith. While browsing through the volume of books from B. Stern Co., I stumbled across this receipt dated May 1, 1917.  On April 7, B. Stern Co. was indebted to C. J. Johnson Blacksmith and Wheelwright.

He charge the company fourteen dollars and fifteen cent for his labor and materials. He shoes one mules for fifty cent, three shoes on another mules for one dollar and fifty cent.  Mules was very important for farmers before tractors came were made. They depended on their mules for their livelihood and to put food on their tables. 

The mule that my grandfather Jasper had was named Frank. He was reddish in color and was known to be stubborn at times. Well, after all, the is the nature of a mule. I know my grandfather had to get Frank shoed as sometime or another. All the older people who knew of the blacksmiths in the community have long passed away.