Grant Chapel AME Church member preserved thirty-plus years of church history

Esco Hornsby, Sr.
30 + Years of Church History
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church committee member Esco Hornsby, Sr., understands the importance of preservation. His wife's extensive funeral program collection was shared with me several months ago now I'm learning of another collection they own.   During one of our historical marker planning meetings, he shared his book of VHS tapes with me and the other committee members.  The Grant Chapel AME church  collection dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. I was pleased to see that he had kept them in a dry place. Preserving these tapes captured the rich history and community life of the church during that era. By safeguarding these tapes, future generations can connect with their heritage and appreciate the longstanding traditions of their church community. The church have been a pillar in Amite, Louisiana  since 1886. This year marks 139 years for the church. 

Church history in the African American community is almost extinct in many cases. It was discussed that the tapes should be preserved digitally for future generations and church history archiving.  The African American church in history is almost extinct.  Losing these historical church archives would mean losing a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage that has shaped communities for generations. The stories, traditions, and music captured in these tapes are invaluable for understanding the struggles and triumphs of African American congregations. Some elders have boxes of church programs, funeral programs, photographs, and other records that is important for documentation of church history. Sometimes, the challenge is getting them to share the materials. 

Among the places genealogists, family historians, and other researchers look for information is the church. Churches often hold a wealth of records that can be invaluable for research. Most church secretaries and leaders will tell you that they do not keep records. Many researchers find it surprising and concerning that the church does not maintain an archive of records. This lack of record-keeping often comes as an unexpected revelation, particularly for genealogists, family historians, and other researchers who rely on such documents for their research and documentation. Preserving these records  are essential for ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate this vital part of history.  I hope this post inspire other churches throughout Tangipahoa Parish to do the same for their churches. 

We discussed that the  VHS taped be digitalized for preservation.  Digital preservation will ensure that the church's history is accessible and can be easily shared with a wider audience. It will allow members of the community to revisit past events and celebrations.  Digitizing these tapes protects them from physical degradation, ensuring that this important cultural heritage is not lost to time. 

There are a number of companies that will convert them for a fee. If you do not have an old VHS recorder and other equipment to convert it to digital, you will face a challenge. For assistance, contact familysearch.org or another historical society. I suggest you contact the genealogy department to see if they can assist you. The process can be lengthy and time consuming, so please be patient.  The Nurturing Our Roots and Untold History Foundation, LLC, is willing to help with the preservation process.

Esau and Malinda Tom Lawson's Grandson Xavier Smith, Sr.

Xavier Smith, Sr. was born in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana around 1897. The 1910 United States Federal Census indicates that he lived in the house with his stepfather Abe "Obie" Harrison, his mother Sallie Lawson Harrison, and four siblings: Governor Harrison, Mary B. Harrison, Eddie Harrison and Lelia Smith. Xavier worked as a yard boy for a private family.

According to the 1920 United States Federal Census, he was married with his own family. He married Daisy Morris Smith. Xavier was twenty-two and his wife Daisy was eighteen. They had one child living with them at the time name Helen Smith. Ten years later in 1930, he and Daisy other children were: Xavier, Jr., Glen, Dorothy and Clarence Smith. By 1940 United States Federal Census they had given birth to two more children: Earl Smith and Yvonne Smith. They were living in Ried's Quarter. Xavier owned his own home and worked as a laborer.

Xavier Smith, Sr. was a very active and dedicated member at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. He joined the congregation of Grant Chapel in1916. He served 70 years of continued service and was considered to be the church's historian and father. He passed away on November 10, 1993 in Amite, Louisiana. He is buried at Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.

The Vernon Family of Amite, Louisiana

 

From Left to Right
Glynis Vernon Gordon, her son Vernon Gordon, Rev. Willard Vernon and his  wife
   Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon.

Remembering Aunt Melissa

Left: Helestine Richardson Williams and
her mother Melissa Wheat Richardson

Aunt Melissa was the wife of my maternal great Uncle Alexander Richardson. She was one of those aunts I admired dearly. She had such a lovely smile and beautiful character. Her beautiful smile and gentle character was always so pleasant. Everyone who met Aunt Melissa loved her kindness and gentle nature. Aunt Melissa was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was the mother of ten children; handsome nine sons and one beautiful daughter.  Her delightful presence graced the room wherever she was. 

Her benevolent disposition led her to care for others in her church and community. Aunt Melissa's husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews cherished and adored her. Her high standards and elegance characterized her in every way. Aunt Melissa was an example of a virtue woman. There was a very humble way in which she shared her wisdom with everyone she encountered. She was a very pious woman and loved serving God and being a servant. 

I can describe her in the best possible way of such words as; charming, respectful, sweet and gentle, kind, beautiful, elegant, a woman of virtue, and most importantly; a woman of God. As she is no longer with us, my writing are in past tense. Yet, the beautiful legacy she left lives in the lives of her offsprings and others who's lives she encountered. I will close by saying" Gone But Never Forgotten."

Black Cemeteries

That Good Old Color Citizen Moses Sheridan

St. Helena Echo
Greensburg, Louisiana 
Fri. Jan 21, 1910

St.  

St. Helena Echo
Greensburg, Louisaina
Fri, January 15, 1909

In Loving Memory of Clord Andrew "Brother" Crockeham

Clord Andrew "Brother" Crockerham was born to Ado Crockerham and Luvina Williams Crockerham on January 30, 1939 in Independence, Louisiana. He was the eldest of seven children.  Brother was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where he attended O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana. He later enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country from 1956-1960. He received ad honorable discharge upon completion of his military service.

Brother was a skilled electrician, plumber, carpenter, and cement finisher in Louisiana, Kansas, and New Jersey. He will forever be remembered for his expertise and his willingness to assist his neighbors with any type of construction job. Brother was married o the late Ethel Louis Davis. From their union , three children were born: Ronald, Donald, and Debbie.

Brother attended church at Roseland Church of God in Christ and Tabernacle of Faith Church. Brother retired tote old landmark of his rearing in the church , as he confessed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and his desire to be baptized. 

As the eldest child, Brother took his role of big brother very serious. He demonstrated his love and concern for his siblings each and every day. He spent time with his family sharing whatever he could. One of his greatest joys was sharing our family history, especially with his youngest great-nieces and great nephews.

Brother leaves to cherish his memory three sons-Ronald and Donal Davis of Camden,  New Jersey; and Donnell Brumfield of Twin Falls, Idaho; Two daughters-Debbie Crockerham of Collingswood, New Jersey; and Latasha Brumfield of Greensburg, Louisiana; Eight grandchildren; Two brothers-Ivy (Barbara) Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Jerry (Nancy) Crockerham of Amite, Louisiana; Five sisters, Mary (Howard) Thompson and Barbara Crockerham of Amite, Louisiana; Linda and Viola Crockerham of Independence, Louisiana; and Debbie Allen of New Orleans, Louisiana; and a host nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Brother was preceded in death by his mother and father; his paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers---George Crockerham and James Crockerham; and two sisters--Ellen Chambers and Iola.

Source: Funeral Program for Cloud Andrew Crockerham

Contributor: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, LA

Mike Aaron, Sr., and Maggie Bush Aaron

Mike Aaron, Sr., and Maggie Bush Aaron. They were the parents of Clotidle, Mildred, William Van, Louis Van,  and Mike Aaron, Jr. Mike was butcher for Lafayette Hayden in Amite, Louisiana. His wife Maggie was a cook. Maggie was the daughter of Toney Bush, Sr., and Mary Temple Bush of Amite, Louisiana. 

After talking with Edwin Temple and reading several family obituaries it was confirmed that William Van was one their sons. Louis Van was another son of Mike and Maggie Bush Temple. Louis was born in 1921 and died in 1922.

Source: Edwin Temple

 William Van Aaron is one the sons of Mike Aaron, Sr. and Maggie Bush Aaron

Augustine Crier A Great Leader in Our Community

Augustine Crier
Photo Courtesy: Augustine Crier facebook

I had the pleasure of meeting Augustine Crier some years ago. I heard so many beautiful things about her. There are so many things I truly admire about her, for one, her commitment to preserving the history of "Grant Chapel AME Church" in Amite, Louisiana. She is a caring woman who does so much for her community. She updated the church facebook page faithfully with upcoming events, church announcements and other news.  She pays tribute to the accomplishments of local people on the pages.Preserving the church history is one thing that is lacking in the African American community all across the United States. She writes a column for the local newspaper.

Mrs. Crier is a Woman of Valor, a woman of character, and standards. Some of her former students from Westside Middle School told me how great of an educator she was. She is the administrator of "Lost and Missing Children's Road  Home" you can learn more about this informative at the link provided below. 

She is a former teacher for 36 years in the public systems of Tangipahoa Parish and St. Helena Parish. Degrees: BS in secondary education, major in social studies with minor in English. Master's Degree in Supervision and Administration, and Plus Thirty in Supervision and Administration, Certification our elementary school principal and Certification for Teaching Supervision Training. Served in training teachers for Southeastern University for two years. 

Mrs. Crier is a Icon in Tangipahoa Parish and is certainly appreciated for her many contributions in improving the community and empowering the youth in the community. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MissingChildrenRoadHome/about/

The McCoy Family of Tangipahoa Parish

U.S. Freedmen's Bank Record
Horace Mccoy

Lewis Chas McCoy was born in 1848 in Louisiana. According to the United States Census, his father was born in Mississippi, and his mother was born in Virginia. Lewis was a Freight Hand. He was married to Alice Braehill Lawson (Daggs)  McCoy. Their children were; Joe, Rosa, Rachel, Fred, Ester, Alma, Manilla, and Thomas McCoy.

Manilla married Palmer Roscoe Harrell in Amite, Louisiana. They were the parents of Ellis, Doris, Helen, Theodora, Arthur, Bobbie, Audrey, Vera, Joseph,  Elbert, and Yvonne Harrell.

Alice was living in the household as a domestic with Esaw Lawson in the house of Ambrose D. Henkel in 1870. Alice was sixteen years old. She was born in 1854 in Louisiana and died at the age of sixty-two in 1937.

Lewis had an account with the Freedmen Bank. On September 30, 1872, he opened his account. He said this father named was Horace McCoy, and his mother's name was Estabella Harrison McCoy.  Horace and Estabella Harrison married in 1884 in Tangipahoa Parish. Horace was born in 1818 in Mississippi. 

Manilla McCoy Harrell

Lewis donated land he owned to his son George in 1880. The land was near his father Horace. The scanned document can be found in the Louisiana, Wills and Probate Records, 1756-1984 Tangipahoa Parish for Lewis Cass McCoy.

I haven't yet connected the dots were Alice is concerned. How did Alice become a Daggs? Where did the name Braehill come from? Was she a Lawson by maiden name?  What was her relationship to Esaw Lawson? In the United States,  Esaw was a laborer in the Henkel household. Ambrose was a merchant born in Tennessee around 1815. Living in the same house with the Henkel was a woman named Harriet Wells, she was thirty years old.  It appears that Harriet had a daughter named Elise Wells. 

Ambrose Henkel was a slaveholder in St. Helena Parish.  He owned eight enslaved people according the 1860 U.S. Federal Census-Slave Schedules. 

Documenting the History of a Civil Rights Icon Mrs. Vernia McCoy

Antoinette Harrell interviewing Mrs. Vernia McCoy

I spent an hour sitting and talking with Mrs. Vernia, a citizen of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. We sat her dining room table looking at documents and photographs. Several years ago I interviewed her, and when I tell to you, it will take me a year to document her oral history and her rich photograph collection that tell the story and event of many African-American people in the Louisiana Florida Parishes.

Each time I learn so much about her life and the life of her deceased husband Mr. Fred McCoy and the many challenges they faced during integration in Tangipahoa Parish. She was born and reared in Franklinton, Louisiana with her parents and eleven brothers and sisters.  Mrs. McCoy is a retired A.M.E. Pastor of  St. James A.M. E. Church in Hammond,  Louisiana., and educator.

I feel honored to talk with people such as Mrs. McCoy, Dr. Kingley B. Garrison, Mrs. Ella Mae Badon, and Mrs. Grace Walker. They are the living history books that we must treasure and most importantly document according to their experiences as pioneers in the Louisiana Florida Parishes.  As of today,  Mrs. McCoy is involved in many community outreaches.

This is just the beginning of the many hours I will be sitting with her to assist her with organizing her collection for the repository at Southeastern Center for Louisiana Studies. She has accomplished and achieved so in her life and her career. She has so many awards for her accomplishments and achievements over her lifetime. 

A History Road Trip with Family

Bernard mailing his African Ancestry DNA in
Virginia

When my youngest son Bernard was a child, we visited many, archives, libraries, and museums.  By the time he turned twelve years old, he had traveled to twenty-two states. Tasting different food and meeting new people along the way. Sometimes we flew, and for the most part we would drive so that we could stop and visit some of the major attractions. 

With a big smile and his luggage packed he was all ready to travel on our summer adventure.  We made plans to take a road trip for two weeks driving up the East Coast and ending up in Washington, D.C, at the National Archives.  He was too young to go into the National Archives, so my ex-husband took him around College Park while I did some genealogy research.  I don't know how much of the history lessons he was retained at that time. I know I had to teach and expose him.

It was one of the best summer vacations we can remember. We purchased a map for him to follow along. We packed books and some of his favorite things he enjoyed playing with and hit the road headed  east.  During that time they didn't have a GPS to guide us on our trip. We made sure to purcahse postcards in each state to send back to the family at home. 

Reading records 

Years later we took another road trip with Moussa Albaka, a well known Tuareg silversmith to meet other Tuareg people from Niger, Africa who moved to Greensboro, North Carolina.  We're welcome with big smiles and hugs by the Tuareg people. We had dinner and wonderful conversation before head to the Atlantic ocean so that Bernard could take his African Ancestry DNA test.

He faced the ocean and imagined the ships coming to the Americas with his ancestors on it. We held each other in hopes that he will find out where in Africa his paternal ancestors come from. Six weeks later he finds out that his paternal lineage connected him to Nigeria, West Africa. 

Learning about our family history had taken us many beautiful places to meet some wonderful people and new family members along the way. As I write this blogpost, I can't help but think about the time Bernard and I drove to Chicago to visit our Harrell family member with my Uncle Raymond.  Bernard has just met his 3rd maternal cousins. He met cousins that his maternal grandmother hasn't met. I was happy that we took this trip that summer.

Uncle Raymond played one of his old-time gospel songs again and again. It seems like he played that song from the time we left Louisiana to we arrived in Chicago. Bernard asked him why did he keep playing the same song over and over again?  During our stay in Chicago, Uncle Raymond wanted us to meet the descendants of my great-uncle Warner Harrell.  So the three of us drove up to Wisconsin and met new family, and we really enjoyed our visit with cousin Dan Harrell and his family.

One week the white lines on the highway were calling me again. I asked Bernard if he wanted to go and visit the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee? He said yes and was eager to go. We packed our luggage on a sunny Friday afternoon and drove the five-hour trip. We went west to visit Alex Haley House Museum in Henning, Tennessee first.  We took the guided tour and took pictures before traveling back to Memphis to get dinner and checking in the hotel. 

The next morning after breakfast we headed to the National Civil Rights Museum and spent the day touring the Museum. What better way to teach a child about the history? He had a lot of questions to ask about the Civil Rights Movement.  I hope when he becomes a father, he'll take road trips with his children and teach them their history. One thing for sure the road trip we took by driving meant that we could stop all along the highway and get some good tasting food and site see. 

I hope he holds these memories dear to his heart like I hold them in my heart. This was our time spent together. Now that he is an adult we haven't taken a road trip and just because he is all grown-up, doesn't mean we shouldn't.  My grandchildren are taking road trips with me now.   They'll soon  become teenagers and they will have other plans. But the beautiful and sweet memories I hope will never be forgotten. 

I enjoyed taking him places with me and having him to be a part of the many events we went to. The only thing I regret is I wish that we could have had more time in his formative years. The time went by quickly that once little boy is now twenty-five years old. 

I want to make it a family tradition that we all take a road trip to visit museums, antique shops, fun attractions, and enjoy family time spent together. 

What Could the Tombstones Tell Us?

Thomas Richardson
Photo Credit: Bobby

If you look at Thomas Richardson, Sr., headstone and the headstone of Andrew Richardson, you will find some similarities. One being the shapes of the headstones and if you look at the top of the headstones, you will find little circles on the top. It looks like the same lettering was used. These two men are one year apart. Thomas was born in 1853 and Andrew was born in 1852. 

Thomas is buried in Rocky Hill AME Church Cemetery. Andrew is buried in Black Creek AME Church Cemetery. Andrew's parents were N. Richardson and Dicy Richardson. What does the "N" stand for?  We only have Thomas mother's name. Her name was Carrie.  I couldn't find any of Carrie's sibling or her parents.  

Thomas Richardson died on February 28, 1923, and Andrew Richardson died on September 10, 1908.  The fact that both men were AME members and the headstones reveal some similarities clues. I think my next step would be to visit the Louisiana State Archives to look at death records. Although we know Andrew's parents' name, I want to find out more on N. Richardson, could this be the Nathan Richardson, whose name in on the inventory list of Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson 1853 inventory. 

Andrew Richardson
Photo Credit: Jane Holiday

It's time for me to make a genealogy field trip to Black Creek Church and cemetery in Greensburg, Louisiana. I know there are other Richardson's buried there.  Andrew and Sarah Ann Foster Richardson had nine children. It appears that the family used Black Creek Church Cemetery and Darlington Church of God in Christ for their family church and to bury their loved ones.

I think we're long overdue to find out the kinship of the two Richardson families. Supt. Alexander Richardson has two sons living out of ten children: Supt Emmitt N. Richardson, Sr., and Darnell Richardson, Sr. I don't know much about the family lineage Pastor Alonzo Richardson. He had a son named Pastor Jimmy Richardson who resides in Roseland, Louisiana. Hopefully, the remaining offsprings can help us shed some light and make the genealogy connections.

Supt. Alexander Richardson is the son of Thomas Richardson, Sr. and Amanda Breland Richardson.

Study questions to think about

1. Why are the headstones so similar?

2. Did Carrie Richardson have other siblings and children?

3. Could Andrew be one of her siblings' children?

4. What funeral home did the family use?

5. Did someone make the headstones for the family?
6. Could any of the other people on the plantation be Carrie's siblings?

The Obituary of Johnnie Lawrence Harrell

Johnnie Lawrence

Johnnie Lawrence Harrell was born to the late Shelton and late Ada Nolan Harrell on April 1, 1913 in Amite, Louisiana. He ascended peacefully into God's presence on December 28, 2012, at age 99, while residing at Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Johnnie and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when he was a young boy. While residing in New Orleans, he quietly and affectionately demonstrated his love for his siblings, Olga Johnson, Marion Harper, the late Shelton and the late Minard Harrell by his thoughts words, and deeds. They were a close knot family who enjoyed the companionship of each other.

Johnnie attended the public schools of Orleans Parish and Culinary school, where his specialty for many years was baking delicious, beautiful wedding cakes and other pastries. Later, he joined the International Longshoreman Labor Union of New Orleans and became a Longshoreman until his first retirement. Due to his fondness for people and his love for the rich culture of New Orleans, he went to become a guide and security guard for the Superdome until his second retirement.

In November of 1942, he entered the United States Army and served as a Rifleman and Scout. He had knowledge of the use of many types of weaponry, camouflaging and concealment. He served in Italy and France during World War II in the American Theater of Operations with the 371st Infantry Company K. He received an honorable discharge in January 1946. He received the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and several other medals.

Johnnie found pleasure in reading and studying his Bible three times a day. He truly enjoyed his church family at Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana and served faithfully as an usher and senior member of the Pastor's Aid Society under the leadership of Pastor Lester A. Shaw. He was honored in a ceremony, as the oldest member of his church. His church family respectfully referred to him as " Mr. Johnnie".

Johnnie was a member of the "Young at Hearts Senior Citizens Group" where he enjoyed their meetings and many special outings. They fondly referred to him as "The Tea Man' for bringing hot tea and donuts to the sick and shut in. Traveling throughout the country with his best friend from childhood, the late Herman Bell, was the highlights of his summers. Johnnie was the epitome of southern gentlemen who was debonair and always dressed meticulously. He was and avid physical fitness buff who did a series of calisthenics and rode his bicycle daily until the age of 90. 

In 2005, as a result of Hurricane Katrina, he was lovingly received into the home of his son-in-law, Don, his daughter Joy and their family. Those years were very special. He enhanced the dynamics of the family and brought great happiness and enjoyment. 

In 2008, after suffering a broken hip, he became a resident of Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center. He received exceptional care and attention form Jeneba Sesay, Hafeefa Hairat and the administration and staff of the facility.

Johnnie Lawrence Harrell was married to the late Gladys Parker Harrell; to this union was born their beloved daughter Joy.

Those left to cherish his precious memory and mourn his loss are a devoted and loving daughter, Joy and his son-in-law, Don; four granddaughters ( who affectionately referred to him as "Grampy"): Dayna Lynnette, Donna Joy, Danielle Anjalee and Dionne Gladys; two beautiful great-granddaughters: Anjalee (Angel) and Eden, Colorado Springs, CO; tow sisters: Olga Mae Johnson and Marion Harper, both of New Orleans, LA; a brother-in-law: Leon Palar, New Orleans, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many friends

Lovingly Submitted The Family

Choctaw Indians Were the First in Tangipahoa Parish

A Choctaw baby peeks out of a handwoven Choctaw
rivercane pack basket at Lacombe, LA. The picture
was taken in 1909, appeared in David Bushnell, Jr's
article. "The Choctaw of Bayou Lacombe. " Photo
courtesy Center for Regional Studies, SLU

One of my favorite collections at Southeastern University Center for Louisiana Studies is the Irene Morris Collection. When I first moved to Kentwood, Louisiana I was told if you want to know any local history, go see Irene Ried Morris. I had the pleasure of sitting in her home and chatting about all the history and genealogies of the many families who lived on the North end of Tangipahoa Parish. Her weekly column in the Kentwood News called Local lore and legends was known for documenting local  community news and family histories. 

She talked about her collections but she quickly pointed out that there were still so many boxes with files inside her home. After talking with her, my next step was to make plans to go to Southeastern University to look in her collection. She recorded a lot of history about the local people as well as noted African American people on a national level. 

One the folders I looked in,  had an article she had written and published on the Choctaw Indians of Tangipahoa Parish. The first inhabitants of the Parish of Tangipaoha were the Choctaw Indians. A woman by the name of Mrs. Robert D. Hillis, who was well versed in local Indian lore spent countless hours researching the history and culture of the Choctaw Indians in Tangiphaoa Parish. Please let me point out women were identified by their husband's names back in those days and Mrs. Robert D. Hillis identified by her husband name.

Tangipahoa means corncob gatherers," or "corncob people." Tangipahoa Parish was formed in 1869, it was carved from Livington, St. Helena Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Washington

Hillis made note that the  Choctaws would gather the sassafras leaves to make gumbo filé. They made blowguns out of cane. She noted that their baskets were handmade out and colored with red oak and other natural resources.

After they went hunting for wild game they would bring their games into the local merchant in exchange for groceries. Hillis said the Choctaw Indians were peaceful folk. I know of a family that has Choctaw heritage. I learned of Malinda Lawson the daughter of Tom Swain also known as "Indian Tom," through my cousin Andre Richardson. Andre is the grandson of one of Esau and Malinda Lawson's daughters.  In a community called Ried's community the descendants of Indian Tom can still be found today. I was told by Mark Conerly that there was a theater in the City of Amite, called the Choctaw theater.  You won't find many people talking about the Choctaw Indians in the parish. 

Over in Washington Parish in Bogalusa, there were the Choctaw Indian Village. In an article posted on Rootsweb, Choctaw-Southeaster-L Archives. Rumor was told of full-bloodied Indians who ended up being killed and buried in peoples backyards. The source had to be protected, it was a little old lady, who fathered committed such acts when she was a child. 

A book entitled, "Pistols and Politics, the Dilemma of Democracy in the Florida Parishes. 1810-1899 was written by Samuel C. Hyde, Jr.,  This book documents the bloody history of this region in Louisiana. Dr. Samuel Hyde, Jr., is a Professor of History at Southeastern Louisiana University, and the Director of the Center of Southeast Louisiana Studies.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/l_m/morris_irene.html

Please visit the Antoinette Harrell Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

Why Do I Research and Document African-American History in the East Florida Parishes, Louisiana?

Dr. Antoinette Harrell researching at the Attala Library
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

Growing up as a young girl who enjoyed reading books and magazines, under the oak tree on the family place of my maternal grandparents in Amite, Louisiana on a hot summer day with a cool drink of water from the water well was a beautiful day for me. Most of the books I read came from the school library or school textbooks.  Reading history and science books or other educational materials related to the two subjects were my first choice.  I consisently paid attention to the illustrations in the books, and none of them were of African American descent. The illustrations told me that the characters were not of people of color.  It gave me a feeling that something wasn't  correct about these pictures.  If I didn't know that African American people made contributions and help to build the society, state, and nation I live in could have been devastating to me as a child with an impressionable mind. 

I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972 with my family. It didn't get any better in junior high school either. Colton Junior High was in the middle of ingregation and fights between African Americans and Caucasins were high.   A little skinny country girl moving to the big city with my mother and three brothers was a new experience for all of us.  My brothers Reginald, Thomas, Micheal, and I  didn't  know what to expect that summer. I had just finished sixth grade at West Side Elementary School in the Town of Amite and was promoted to the seventh grade. I am the oldest out of my three siblings.  All  three attended Marie Couvent Elementary School in the seventh ward on Pauger Street.

It was the summer of 1972 that my mother signed my brothers and me up for summer camp at what they called Tambourine and Fan. The camp director's name was Jerome Smith.  On the first day of camp, my brothers and I didn't know what to expect. We just did what the camp leaders told us.  I remember before going to our camp rooms, we had to go through our little camp prep chant with Jerome. Once we got to our camp rooms there were books, materials, posters, and black history eduational disussions about African-American pioneers and trailblazers. People like Harriet Tubman,
Freddrick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King and others. 

At the camp, I got to read books about people that looked like me.  Back home in Amite, Louisiana,  I remember my mom purchased a set of encyclopedia for her youngest sister who was attending college and her four children. She also bought the Negro Heritage books. I'll never forget the orange set of books. I still have them to this day. 

I remember flipping through the pages with happiest in my eyes. Page after page, the people looked just like me. Although I was hoping to find something about my family or people in the community that I knew.  Saddened by the fact that I couldn't  find them in the index.  As I grew older and embraced the study of genealogy it was my opportunity to change things. I had researched and collected enough information about my family and the community they live in to write and record my own story and to educate others about their history and the legacy they left.

African American people like my grandfather Jasper Harrell, Sr., who took his old pick truck to pick up people at no charge and took them to the voting polls.  Robert "Free Bob" Vernon who donated land for Mt. Canaan Church and School.  Or African American men in Tangipahoa who dreamed and  had great admiration to give African-American children in the parish a right to education during Reconstruction in Tangipahoa Parish. 

\After living in New Orleans for thirty-four years and returning to the same parish my ancestors once lived, I wanted to come back to make a difference by researching and documenting their history and rich legacies. I wanted to conduct oral interviews and record the stories of family members and people who live in the community. I wanted to look at photographs and encourage others to preserve their family history and heirlooms. 

Educating the descentandants of African-American people who make up the fabric of the parish and community. While designing a blueprint that will help foster pride and dignity to people who may not know the contributions or the names of their ancestors. Writing their names and recording their story because it's important to me and I know it's important to the people who are the descendants of such notable individuals who stood tall in the face of adversary and triumphs. And the people who were determined to make a better life for themselves. 

Jackson, Gordon, Harrell, Temple & Richardson Family Reunion

Black Field Laborer Near Amite City

Black field laborer near Amite City, ca. 1900. Cotton production remain central in the regional economy in the late nineteenth century. This photo can be found in Pistols and Politics " The Dilemma of Democracy in Louisiana's Florida Parishes 1810-1899. Written by Samuel C. Hyde, Jr.

Photo Courtesy: Buddy Bel

Celebration of Life for Ella Victoria Fortenberry of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Ella Victoria Morris was born the youngest of three siblings to Annie Mae Pope-Morris and Rafort Morris on October 6, 1923 in Columbia, Mississippi, on Monday 22, 2012. Victoria grew up in Columbus, Mississippi. She worshipped at Butler's AME Zion church for over 50 years. 

Victoria 2 years early as Valedictorian or her high school class from Marion County Training School in Columbia, MS. She then went on to attend Alcorn A&M College where she earned her bachelors degree in English and Social Studies. She attended Southern University, Atlanta Unversity, and Southeastern Louisiana where she received her certification in Library Science.

During her year at Alcorn University she met and married Howard Fortenberry and to this union daughter, Delores was born. She later moved to Amite, LA where she married Lathan Lucien, Sr.

Victoria devoted her life to educating and mentoring others. She began her career in Picayune, MS and later moved to Louisiana where she taught at O.W.Dillon, West Side High School, Ponchatoula High, and Amite High. After her retirement in 1980, she taught an additional 12 years as an Adults Education Teacher at Amite High School. There were the years that were held dear to her heart. 

West Side Rams Class of 1962

For the past couple of weeks I've been assisting the Alumni's of O.W. Dillon School in Kentwood, Louisiana. I put a call out for high school yearbooks and two beautiful women by the names of Annette Vernon Brumfield and Ernestine Johnson still has their 1950-1951 yearbooks. I can't explain how excited and happy I was to take a look at those yearbooks.

While looking through the pages I found several family members of my own. My maternal cousins; Adam Gordon, Willie K. Gordon, Frank Gordon, and Maude Temple. When we start to preserve our family history and the community history, we will find that we're all connected by bloodlines or extended community family, classmates, neighbors or church members.

These two women hold a piece of the legacy of O.W. Dillon School that should never be forgotten. I called my cousin Vernon Gordon, Sr., and asked him if his father Adam Gordon played football. He confirmed that his father did play for the Westside Rams. All these years I didn't know that his father played football. When I got my magnifying glass to take a closer look at the image. I took a second look at number 76, which looks like my him.

I feel so happy that my passion for preserving the history of African American people in St. Helena and Tangiphaoa Parishes had educated me on the rich and unique history we have and the people who  shoulders I stand on.

At that time Reginald A. Cotton was the head coach and O.W. Cunnigen was the assistant coach. The team  had 23 veteran letterman and well balanced.  The next largest man on the squad was an even hundred pound senior tackle veteran Adam Gordon.

The following young men on the squad were;

Willie Finn, Larry Dillon, Richard Morris, Edward Tate, Shelton Johnson, Lionel Brumfield, Jimmy Daniels, Adam Gordon, Alfred Bennett, Fred Buckhalter, Larry Zanders, Robert Cain, Henry Fleming, Milton Curry, Solomon Davis, Julius Strickland, Maurice Dillon, Ernest Brown, Alton Zanders. Albert Perry, Thomas Williams, Elliot Himes, Larry Foster, Charles Harvey, Robert Oden, Anderson Tate, Nelson Finn, Curtis Bryant, Melvin Vernon, Enoch Sims, Earnest Gordon, Anderson Watterson, Joe E. Williams, Louis Ruffin, Robert Stewart, Raymond Brown, Henry Wilson, Alcee Allenn, Geroge Perry, Roy M. James, Rayford Brumfield.

Trainers;

Robert Andrews, Danny Riley, Earnest Walker and Willie Addison. Statisticians are; Leslie Mabry and Willie G. Williams.

Pep Squard;

Earline McDowell, Mary Mills, Ruthie James, and Gloria M. Seal.

Cheerleaders;

Derlean Kirkwood, Helen Cyprian, Shirley White, Lillie Frazier, Juanita Bush, Sarah Perry, Helen Buckhalter, Gloriastine Wilson, Rosemary Heart and Jeanne


Source: Article for a local newspaper. The name and date of the newspaper wasn't attached to the article.