The History of the Temple Men of Amite, Louisiana

Jim Temple, Sr. 

The Temple family has been in Amite, La., since the 1800s. The history starts with Jim Temple, Sr.,  Jim fought in the Civil War according to the oral history that has been passed down to his descendants and their offsprings. Jim Temple first wife was Margaret Amacker and to their union eight children were born, five daughters and three sons. His sons Charlie, Jim, Jr., John all stayed in Tangipahoa Parish. After Margaret passed away, Jim married Othell Butler and to their union four children were born: Walter, Hollis, Robert and Bernard.

His son Charlie was born abt 1875 in Tangipahoa Parish. Charlie passed away on December 13 1965 at the age of 89. In his early age he united with the Church of God in Christ in Amite, Louisiana but stayed away after becoming ill. He was led to Gordon Chapel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Alexander Richardson.

Charlie Temple
1875-1965

He was joined in Holy Wedlock with Eliza Marshall, to this union five children were born: Margie Jones, Stanley Temple, Augustine Atkins, Elouise White and Ellis Temple. After Eliza died he joined in Holy Wedlock with Aline Vining. To their union six children were born: Caretha Cutrer, Doretha Smith, Mary Noil, Maude Fox, Jacob Temple and Willie K. Temple. At the time of his death he had ten children, thirty-one grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Charlie purchased fifty-four acres of land for his family. He built a home and started a farm to take care and provide for his wife and children. The land has been in the family over 80 years.  Edwin was 2 years old when his grandfather Charlie passed away.

The log cabin home that Jim Temple, Sr., built is still standing tall and strong. The floors were beautiful hardwood and the wood burning fireplace warm the house.  Jim was a very wise businessman for his era. Jim and his offsprings are buried in the Temple Cemetery in Amite, La. off highway 1046. The Temple men have alway took pride in maintaining the family cemetery. Two of Stanley Temple's sons Alvin and Bobby Temple use to drive up from New Orleans, LA., to cut the grass. After Alvin passed away his brother Bobby, and nephew Shelby continue to cut and maintain the cemetery.

Stanley Temple, Sr.
Abt 1906-1966

Edwin Temple is the grandson of Charlie Temple who also help cut and maintain the family cemetery.  Edwin believes in taking care of the cemetery because his grandparents and other relatives were dear to him.

The Temple men are great providers for their family and many of them are very crafty and skilled men. From carpenters, to mechanics, artist, truck drivers, military men, husbands and fathers.

Stanley met and married Cora Wheeler Temple. To their union nine children were born; Shirley, Betty, Stanley, Bernard, Bernell, Butrand, Stine, Bobby, and Alvin Temple. Stanley and Cora raised their family in New Orleans, Louisiana. One day my son Bernard Temple will appreciate this family history of his male lineage. The Temple family is one of the many pioneering African American families of Tangipahoa Parish. Many of the Jim's offsprings still live in the Amite, La area.

                                                   http://tangipahoaafrican-americannews.com

                                                       https://vimeo.com/nurturingourroots

Exploring the Rich History in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes

Antoinette Harrell conducting genealogy research
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

The insight that I have gained about Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are unique and educational. This is where history come alive, exploring new townships and places. Collecting new photographs and the stories behind the pictures. Most importantly meeting new people and learning about their family history. Some people are happy to find someone that has an interest in local history and genealogy.  They are happy to show their family heirlooms such as; quilts, photographs, documents, and antiques that had been passed down through generations through family members.  I am delighted to see that someone in the family values the legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors or family members. 

It would be great to see more lectures, films and seminars on the people, events and history of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes at our local library.   Sometimes when I am riding on the back roads of the two parishes, I can’t help but give thanks to God for the beauty of these two parishes.

‘The smell of fresh air, the cattle grazing in the green pastures and the curviest roads that lead’s you to homes with fishing ponds and friendly people sitting on the porch.” Blackberries growing along side the road with other natural herbs. The colorful range of wild flowers of yellow, purple, red and white covers the side of the roads.

Richardson Gin,  Receipt of Clifford Wheat

Last week I saw a beautiful fox run across the road and a herd of deer waiting to cross the road.  Listening to the birds singing in the morning is like listen to a symphony that could be heard by the entire community. 

I feel like I am taking an exciting field trip each time I go out to explore the history of these two parishes.  What better way to learn about the history, events, and people,  than from the perspective of the people who made the history and events?  It is people like Edwin Temple, the genealogist for the Temple Family, Ann Hurst the genealogist for the Vining and William family of St. Helena Parish, that understand the importance of keeping our history alive. A very special thanks to my cousin Joyce for sharing these records.