Whose shoulders do you stand on?

Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl S. Richardson 
 

We have all heard people say that we stand on strong shoulders. On whose shoulders do you stand? The book of Genesis is the first source of genealogy. Adam and Eve's descendants are recorded in the book of Genesis. Abraham's lineal male descent is enumerated in chapters 4, 5, and ll. Therefore, Adam's family tree was recorded. Genealogy wouldn't have been recorded if it wasn't of importance.

Throughout history, people all over the world have preserved their family history through oral and written traditions. Now let's look at why knowing your family history is so significant. The importance of genealogy can be attributed to so many factors. Knowing your family history gives you a sense of who you are. By doing so, you can gain a great deal of insight into yourself and your family.  Some want to know and to others it may not be important. Both Dr. Richardson and Earl were curious to learn more about their Wheat family. The history of their families is significant to both of them. As a result, they felt compelled to learn more about their family history to commemorate Black History Month.   

Their curiosity led Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl Scott Richardson, Jr. to seek out information. My grandmother and their paternal grandfather Thomas Alexander Richardson were siblings. Our understanding of their family history is very clear on that front. Inquiring about their grandmother Melissa Wheat Richardson, their paternal grandmother, was important to them. 

Dr. Valarie Richardson, Earl S. Richardson, Sr. 
Dr. Antoinette Harrell, local historian 

Oral histories are passed down, but where do you begin searching for records as a beginner genealogist?  It was my request that they meet me at Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office in Amite, Louisiana. The first thing we did when they arrived was to look the marriage index books.  Some of their great uncles and aunts were recognized in the (W) for the Wheat family. This was the first time they conducted genealogy research in the Parish Clerk's office.  A staff member pulled the original marriage records after writing down some of the wedding date information. 

The grandparents of Earl and Dr. Richardson had ten children. Eight of the ten children are deceased, and each death is a piece of history that has just passed away. Their father Earl Lee Richardson, Sr., and his siblings often spoke about their great uncles and aunts on their grandmother's side of the family. Saul Wheat and Corrine Wheat were the parents of Melissa Wheat.  Saul Wheat was born in St. Helena, Louisiana in 1875 and died in Tangipahoa Parish in 1954.

Their eyes were filled with delight at seeing their ancestors' handwriting and for some, their (x) mark. This was a sign that the person was unable to write. They are the third generation of business owners their grandparents started.  Family history is incredibly vital to them. They value the shoulders on which they stand.  Often, Earl speaks of passing down the history to his children and grandchildren. "I want my children and grandchildren to know about their history," said Earl.  We are the older folk now he said.  It is one of the greatest gifts one can give to their children and grandchildren. Self-knowledge is a gift.