Robert Vernon, Jr., Weaved Baskets and Chairs

Robert was born in 1854 in Rankin, Mississippi. He was the the seventeen children born to  Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, Sr. He was married twice and had children with both of his wives. One of his wives was Elizabeth Stokes. Robert and Elizabeth were married on January 20, 1887, in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. Elizabeth was born on February 11, 1866, in Roseland, Louisiana, and died on March 18, 1938. They were parents of;  Ely, Willis, Hugh, Nellie, Jannie, Nancy, Lettie, Ruby, Mary, and Linsey Vernon.

Robert died in 1949; he's buried in Mt. Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert was a preacher, and he enjoyed weaving baskets and chairs. I went to Mrs. Grace Belvins Walker for an interview about the Vernon family. Robert was her great uncle, her grandmother Georgiana and Robert were sister and brother.  When I got to her house, she had a few family heirlooms to show me and her cousin Glyniss Vernon Gordon. One of the  family heirlooms was a syrup pitcher and baskets.

She told Glyniss that her 2nd great-grandfather Robert weaved the baskets. That was Glynis's first time seeing the baskets. Mrs. Walker made sure she let her know that you look but, you're not taking them out of this house. Mrs. Walker is one of the Vernon family griots. I can sit and listen to her very detailed family stories. 

Robert like his brothers was very talents and had creative skills. His son James Robert Vernon was a blacksmith and he made casket. Every time I meet with Mrs. Walker and other Vernon descendants I learn so much about their history.