The History and Legacy of the Muse Family of St. Helena, Louisiana

Left to Right
Allen Muse, Chris Muse, Burnell Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Muse is a surname I grew up hearing family members speak about. The Muse family is large and they are from St. Helena Parish, they said. This past summer I took a bus tour to Lexington, Mississippi to tour farms. Several of the Muse brothers; Chris Muse, Burnell Muse, Burnell Muse and their sister Barbara Muse English were on the bus. They were wearing orange and blue tee shirts with their logo that said "Muse 3 Farm". I wanted to know more about Muse 3 Farm. I visited their website and was deeply impressed with their 120 acres of farmland. 

I had the opportunity to attend one for their farm day events. That was my opportunity to learn more about their farm and family history. My drive to Greensburg, Louisiana, took me to their farm. It caught my attention that the road was named after the Muse family. Upon entering the farm, I was captivated by the picturesque landscape and the goats house with the artwork created by Michelle. The lambs was grazing and sitting by one of the three ponds on the property. 

My eyes were astonished by Eve's gorgeous butterfly garden and the healthy cage-free chickens that roamed around clucking and eating. The artwork that Chris' wife Michelle painted on the mobile chicken coop caught my attention. Burnell's wife Wanda like taking photographs of the beauty sceneries and animals on the farm. It was impressive to see how well the Muse family worked together. It is a collective effort between the Muse brothers, their wives, and members of their families. 

Allen Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I wanted to know more about their family history. Who are their parents and grandparents? How far back can they trace their family history? This is where the story of family history began for me. Who are these hard working and dedicated people who are holding up the traditions and legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors? 

Their parents were Columbus Muse and Alice Jackson Muse. The couple married in 1952 in St. Helena, Louisiana. Columbus was born about 1930 in St. Helena, Louisiana. He worked as a farm helper on a farm according to the 1930 United States Federal Census.

Allen often spoke of his grandfather Mittie in interviews. In his memoirs, he talked about the things his grandfather taught him when he was a young man. Land ownership is something his grandfather instilled in them. While all three brothers worked in other professions, they never lost their love of agriculture and working the land. The same lessons are now being taught to their children and grandchildren.

Mitte Muse was born in 1888 and died in 1979. He is buried in Clinton-Pipkin Cemetery. Mittie was
married to Mattie Luberta Williams. Now, I can see why my family talked about how large the Muse family is. Columbus had several sisters and brothers. The Muse family is an example of what can be accomplished when a family stays together and works together. My attention was drawn to the closeness of all the brothers. In his joking manner, Allen told me that four of them slept in one bed as children. His emphasis was that it couldn't get any closer than that.

Columbus and Alice J. Muse
Photo Courtesy: Chris Muse

Muse 3 Farm is located at 1967 Muse Rd, Greensburg, LA.  Muse 3 Farm is your destination for organic animals, vegetables, and manure. Their cattle, lamb, and goats are grass fed and their chickens and turkeys are free range. Their animals graze on over 100 acres of pristine farmland. Muse 3 Farm offers educational tours. Their beautiful scenery is also the perfect locations for those looking for rustic, natural backdrops for photoshoots. Muse 3 Farm is Certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. 

If they were alive today, their parents and grandparents would be gleaming with pride and joy at what their offspring have accomplished. Those valuable lessons their parents and grandparents taught them are still with them. Their heritage as farmers gives them great pride. From as far back as they can recall, their ancestors have farmed. Each of the Muse brothers graduated from Southern University Baton Rouge. Two of them reconnected with their roots after retiring. Although there is a great deal of work each day for them to accomplish, it's not like working because it is something they enjoy doing. 

They have been blessed by the land throughout the decades. Providing them with food and shelter, as well as an income. The Muse 3 Farm gives back to the community by educating the youth about livestock and agriculture. It is imperative to teach children how to feed themselves and understand the importance of purchasing and maintaining land. All three expressed the same sentiment.

Juanita Muse in her butterfly garden
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A major attraction at Muse 3 Farm is Eve's butterfly garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects are attracted to the colorful flowers and the sweet nectar the flowers provide. The milkweed Juanita planted in her garden attracts monarch butterflies. During the past few years, the populations of migratory monarch butterflies have steadily declined. Monarch larvae rely on milkweed as a host plant. It was beautiful to watch the children run behind the beautiful colorful butterflies. Volunteers were there to educate the children about the importance of butterflies and insects to our ecosystem. More than 80% of the world's flowering plants depend on them for pollination and nutrient cycling. 

I couldn't help by notice not one child or teenager had a cellphone in their hands playing games. I felt like I somehow step back in a beautiful time when I was growing up playing outside. Enjoy the outdoors. To learn more about Muse 3 Farm please visit the link below. 

Link

muse3farm.com