Mary E. Cain and Matilda Tillery Owned Six Enslaved in St. Helena Parish

Mary E Cain and Matilda Tillery, 1847  File C-1

Nov. 25, 1847-Abrah Womack Jr. appointed adm. of succession with Abram Womack Sr., security.
Nov. 6. 1847-Inv. of the property held in Community between Matilda Tillery decd and her surviving husband Abram Womack JR., and the succession property of Mary E. Cain decd. Sarah Ann  Cain, a sister is the wife of William K. Davis. Abram Womack Jr. is the tutor of the minors. Six slaves appraised at $2475.00.

Sources: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by : Clyde Purser Young

Capt. Richard Ward Owned Two Enslaved People; St. Helena Parish

Capt. Richards Ward, 1823  Files W-7

May 3, 1823. Thomas J. Davidson petitions for administration. Capt. Richard Ward has recently died, leaving a wife and some children; by they have not come forward to the administrator. 

May 26, 1823. Inventory, Zelotus Tucker and Luther Bradley were appraisers. One plantation on Bayou Barbary-640 aces, horned castles, horses, plows, wheel barrow, grindstones, carpenter tools, bart lead, mill stones, 3 fathoms of cordage, medicine chest, 1 bucketful of articles, one basket of studies, 2 slaves.

July 23, 1823. Bond was given to Thomas J. Davidson, curator. Sale of personal property.

Source: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by: Clyde Purser Young

William Harris of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

William Harris, File H-6

Jan. 13, 1832 - Pet. of Jacob Smith curator and bono of William Harris.  Sd. minor is in possession of considerable property, wants sale.
Jan. 13. 1835-Micajah Harris has been appointed curator ad bono of his brother Wiliam Harris.
Mar. 3, 1832-William Harris is minor of James and Elizabeth Harris decd. Family meeting decided to sell slaves.


Source: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by: Clyde Purser Young

Timothy Crier of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Timothy Crier, 1810 File C-5

Aug,, 7, 1810 William Cryer represent that his brother Timothy Crier died intestate, leaving plantation, slaves, etc., and no relations except his father Thomas Cryer and brothers, petitioner and Morgan Cryer. Inventory shows 1 slave and personal property.

Kids Learning How to Read Microfilms

Genealogy Research with Grandmother

The kids are out of school for the holiday break for one week. I decided to take them to the Louisiana State Archives with me to conduct genealogy research on their family history. They were so eager to learn how to work the microfilm machine. They were more excited to find a death certificate for their ancestors.

Jo'elle used the database of the Vital Records to find the names, volume, page, and certificate number of several of her ancestors. Soon the boys wanted to learn how to research as well. I was so proud of them for getting involved with research.

They learned that one of their paternal 3rd great aunts died from a horse kicking her. The death certificate stated that there wasn't a doctor available. They couldn't wrap their heads around that. Genealogy is a great way to get children interested in local and national history. It's also a great tool to teach them about the history of the parish and state they live in. I enjoy making genealogy field trips with them. Sometimes we pack our lunch and take to the road to on a new adventure of ancestor hunting. 

Several years ago, I published a coloring activity book entitled " A Genealogy Field Trip With Grandmother" the children are the characters in the book, they are exploring the parish, museums, archives, and treasuring hunting in their homes for pictures, heirlooms, and other family valuables. The activity book also helps them to learn and define new words. While increasing their vocabulary. Teaching them while they are young have so many benefits.

Connor reading microfilms

This summer, I would like to take them to Virginia with me to do some more research on my Harrell side of the family.  Besides I want them to see the Atlantic Ocean. They've traveled several states with me conducting research and exploring and having some fun for relaxation.  It's not all learning and researching; they have fun exploring the parks, nature scenes, and children's museums. 

When Jo'elle was a student at Spring Creek Elementary School, she received an award from her history teacher Mrs. Cindy Blade for her knowledge of history and current events. "Connor, on the other hand enjoy talking about all 64 parishes."

The most important thing of all is the memories that we are making together that they will carry with them as adults. The quality time we spend together is so priceless and valuable. I wish that my paternal and maternal grandparents would have taught me about their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. If we really want our children to be good students in history, math, and science; teach them to embrace their own family history and make it fun for them to learn. When they see themselves in the picture, the picture had more meaning to it.