Josephine Baker Coleman

Josephine Baker Coleman
Photo Courtesy of 
Gordon Richardson Temple Deliverance 
C.O.G.I. C. 

She was born in 1911 and died on May 11, 1952 in St. Helena, Louisiana. She was married to Major Coleman. According to the 1940 United States Census, Josephine worked as a farm laborer. She completed the 5th grade. The following children were living in the household at the time: Carretha Coleman 18, Minnie Coleman 16, Lilly Coleman 14, Mabel Coleman 12, Leroy Coleman 10, and Mildred Coleman 8.

Josephine Baker was the daughter of William and Clara Baker.  William was born in 1853, according to the 1900 United States Federal Census. On the census, Joseph D. Baker, 9, Crealou D. Baker, 7, Elnora G. Baker, 6, Mora E. Baker, 4, Frances B. Baker, 3, Mary A. Baker, 1, William Baker, 18, and Commander Baker, 15 was listed. 

William was listed as a mulatto on the 1900 United States Census, working for himself as a farmer. He lived with his wife Clara in the house. Daughters. Francis, Lizzie and his sons, John, Merrell, Alphonsse Baker. His mother-in-law Forrest Pettis. was listed. Her birthplace was South Carolina and she was a widow. Forrest gave birth to nine children. 

The 1920 United States Census listed the following siblings: John Baker 17, Clarence Baker 14,  and Alfred Baker 12. The family lived in Police Jury Ward 4, St. Helena, Louisiana, when the census was taken.  There is no doubt that the Coleman family is a very large family in St. Helena, Louisiana.