The Family History of Alfred and Rebecca Richardson of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Photo Courtesy of Robert Lee Richardson
Funeral Program 

My entire life I have heard from some of my Richardson family members that there are numerous sets of Richardson family members. I had doubts then and my doubts have only grown stronger in light of my Richardson family history research. The first white Richardson family to inhabit the Louisiana Florida Parishes was Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson. A recent study I conducted slavery inventory research my maternal 5th grandmother Carrie Richardson and her child Thomas Richardson was owned by Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson. 

During my studies and research, I discovered. that Nathan Richardson and Alfred Richardson were on the Richardson plantation. When Nathan appraised for $1,100  and sold as chattel property, he was 15 years old in 1855. Alfred Richardson appraised for $1,100 dollars as well in 1855 and so did my Carrie and her child Thomas Richardson appraised for $1,100.

Supt. Jimmy Richardson, Sr., descends from Andrew Richardson and Sarah Foster Richardson line and Lorraine Deamer Lizana descends from the Alfred Richardson and Rebecca Cubard Richardson line. The science of genealogy will assist us in discovering our Richardson family ties.  Most of the elders who could have shared their oral histories with us have long since passed away. Most of us who study family history wish that our ancestors are alive to answer the unanswered questions we have. It is through DNA testing and, of course the many genealogical resources that are now available that can provide some very helpful clues and tips for family history research. 

Alfred Richardson was born in 1829 in St Helena Parish, Louisiana. He was married to Rebecca Richardson. They were the parents of: Wilson Richardson, Albert Richardson,  Delphine Richardson, Thomas Richardson, Martha Richardson and Mattie Richardson

Nathan was married to Dicey Harden. They ware the parents of: Mary Ann Richardson, Wesley Richardson, Andrew Richardson, Dan Richardson, Eddie Richardson, Caroline Richardson, Minard Richardson, Monroe Richardson, Alonzo Richardso, Leonard Richardson, and  Gertrude Richardson.

The Obituary of Mrs. Verdie P. Dillon

Mrs. Verdie P. Dillion

Mrs. Verdie P. Dillon was born to Hilery and Laura Powell, Oct 15, 1885 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.  She was married to the Mr. O.W. Dillion who preceded her in death. At an early age, Mrs. Dillon united with the Methodist Church and since then has been an active member of St. James United Methodist Church, Magnolia, Mississippi.

She was a faithful member of the choir, United Methodist Women Organization and a dedicated Sunday School teacher. Although Mrs. Dillon's public service to education was in Louisiana, she remained a loyal citizen of Magnolia and surrounding areas of Pike County.

Her interest in mankind, civic and educational organization were reflected in her active affiliations in the Lillie Mae Bryant Federated Club and the Local, State and National Retired Teacher's Association.

Even though Mrs. Dillon had no children of her own, she became a mother to countless of children in the surrounding areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, included among them is a devoted son, included among them is devoted son, Melburne Dillion, and his wife, Mrs. Louise Dillon. Other survivors are six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, Mrs. Bonita Ratliff, Mr. Austine Dillon, brother-in-law; Mrs. Ollie Lawrence, sister-in-law; and a host of other nieces and nephews.

"Like a stalk of corn that ripen in its seasons, she enjoyed the spring of life, endured the toil of summer, culled the fruits of autumn and passed through the rigors of winter, all to embrace the joy and bliss of eternal years."

And Now She Rests




Source: Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies
              Irene Ried Morris Collection