Hidden History Treasures in Grandma's House

An Interview with St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff Denise Geoffrey

Denise Geoffrey
St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff

The St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court is located in Greensburg, Louisiana. Greensburg in the parish seat. The Clerks of Court is where genealogist and family historian can find a wealth of original documents. Documents such as Marriage Records, Civil Record, Chattel Property Records, Succession Documents, Crop Liens Records,  Land Deeds and other records can be found in side the Clerk Office. Since there are no public computer terminals available, most of the documents can be located by indexes. As Clerk of Court for St. Helena Parish, Mildred T. Cyprian and her staff have done an excellent job of maintaining the court records and documents. 

During an interview with Denise Geoffrey, a member of the staff. She informed me that the courthouse has never been damages by fire and she believes that the vault is a secure place for the documents if a fire was to occur. On another note she said that the earliest records date back to 1807 and some older records can be found in Spanish and French. 

I enjoy conducting genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Geoffrey is a New Jersey resident and has no connection to St. Helena Parish; however, she had discovered the name Geoffrey in the courthouse and wonders if thee is a family connection with the Geoffrey's from New Jersey.  During the slave trade and sale, Africans and Africans born in America was sold and transported down south. I would like to think is she certain hard enough she just might find a connection. What's really amazing is Flying Ghost Production Film company owner has family ties to St. Helena Parish as well. Fagan Davis, Jr., is family are the Richardson, Knighten, and Lee families. 

About Attorney Ebony Morris of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Attorney Ebony Morris

Ebony S. Morris is an associate attorney based in the New Orleans office of Garrison, Yount, Forte, & Mulcahy, L.L.C. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University (B.A., cum laude, 2011) and Southern University Law Center (J.D., cum laude, 2014). She became a member of the Louisiana Bar in 2014 and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, Greater New Orleans Chapter of Louis A. Martinet Society (2020-2021 President-Elect), Defense Research Institute, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, and the National Bar Association. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ebony has extensive experience in defending premise liability, product liability, trucking liability, retail and hospitality liability, and mass tort litigation matters. In those areas, Ebony represents product manufacturers, corporations, national franchise restaurants, insurers, and their policyholders through all phases of litigation. She has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a premises owner seeking additional insured status under a commercial general liability policy and has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a restaurant franchise owner in a premises liability matter.

Recently, Ebony was selected for inclusion in the 2020 and 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” List, The National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40,” the 2020 Lawyers of Color “Hot List,” and the National Association of Women Lawyers 2021 Rising List. She was also named as a nominee for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance’s 2020 Young Outside Counsel of the Year Award, and she received the 2020 Outstanding Young Woman Lawyer Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.

Source: Reprint from the National Black Lawyers Website

Tangipahoa Parish Library African American Honorary Service Award

I'm so proud of my granddaughter Jo'elle for so many reasons. First, she is a very kind and sweet young lady who really enjoys learning. Whatever she embarks upon, she gives it her hard. She enjoys cooking, shopping, traveling, and hanging out with her friends. She is a born leader and enjoys taking the leadership role if necessary. 

When she was a student at Spring Creek Elementary, her teacher gave her an award for being very knowledgeable in history and current events. She is an honor roll student at Sumner Jewel Middle School, and she takes her grades very seriously. Jo'elle was on the Student Council at Spring Creek; she volunteers her time in the community for clean up days. She helps me organize items for giving away. When it comes down to graphics and video editing, she has excellent skills. She wants to become a Pediatric Doctor when she grows up. 

She and six other girls traveled to the 50th Anniversary March on Washington. There she met Julian Bond. She and the girls were featured in an article on BET for being at the 50th Anniversary. Their poster delivered a message, and the young advocates' voices were heard. 

Jo'elle had traveled to many museums, libraries, and state archives to assist her grandmother with genealogical research. Her future is bright, and most importantly, she understands how important it is to stay focus and work hard at her studies. Yes, I'm a proud grandmother and will support her and her brothers to become the best they can be in life. 

She was surprised that I nominated her for this award. My heart was delighted to see her recognized for her outstanding work. Not because she is my granddaughter, but because she works so hard and look for nothing in return.

Deputy Marshal Henry Jackson, 7th Ward, Hammond, LA

Henry Jacksoon, Sr. 

In 1972 Marshal Vic Anderson, City Marshal for the City Court of Hammond, 7th Ward Tangipahoa Parish hired Henry Jackson, Sr. as a Deputy Marshal Marshal Anderson.  Deputy Jackson served court orders issued from City Court of Hammond, Subpoenas, civil citations and evictions were served in the jurisdiction of the 7th Ward of  Tangipahoa which include Hammond, Ponchatoula, Manchac, and surrounding areas. 

After Marshal Anderson retired, his son Gordon Anderson was elected as City Marshal in 1975. Henry Jackson, Sr, was appointed the first African American Chief Deputy Marshal under Marshal Gordon Anderson's administration. The offices grew when Chief Deputy Jackson first became a deputy. His duties included the daily supervision of the Deputy's and  overseeing Courtroom Security.

As of November 5, 2006, Henry Jackson, Sr. has been employed with the Marshal's Office for 34 years during which he served as Chief Deputy Marshal for 31 years. 

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson, Sr.

Noah Augustus James and Lillie Webber James Founders of N.A., James Funeral Home

Noah Augustus James and his wife
Lillie Webber James
Photo Courtesy of Eddie Robinson

Noah Augustus James, Sr., was born in Mississippi in the 1910 United States Federal Census he lived on Tarply Street in Osyka, Mississippi. He is listed as a mulatto. Noah died on March 25, 1940, and he is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana.

According to the1930, United States Federal Census Noah was born around 1890. He was living in Hammond, La.  He was an undertaker by occupation. He was living in the home with his wife Lillie and children; Gistena, Valina, Cara, Noah, and Ollie B. James. 

Everybody in the community of Tangipahoa called him N.A. James. N.A. James Funeral Home, Inc., was established in 1931. The funeral home has been in existence for several generations and still serve the African American community. 

Obsequies of the Late Sister Mattie Lee Stewart

Mattie Lee Stewart
1916-1987

Mattie was a devoted wife and mother, on who always put the interest of her family first. She saw to it that her children were given the best that she could provide in loving care, spiritual nourishment, and material comforts.

Mattie, was the fifth daughter of Robert E. and Ella Bennett Lee. She was born in St. Helena Parish on January 19, 1916. She became a christian at an early age and was member of Greater Turner Chapel until death.

She leaves to mourn in her passing: her husband, J. W. Stewart, Sr; one son: Superintendent J. W. Stewart, Jr.; one daughter: Lillie Mae Tillery, both of Greensburg, LA.; four sisters: Caretha Bulter, Lillie Stewart, Mary Lee Wicker, and Velma Lee all of Greensburg and Tom Lee Silver City, Ms.; one foster brother: Emmitt Perry of New Orleans; on e daughter-in-law: Levoria Pope Stewart: Willie Tillery of New Orleans, LA.; four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Obsequies of Brother Hollis Tillery

Hollis Tillery
1913-1992

Brother Hollis Tillery was born to the union of Willie and Nora Tillery, August 10, 1913 and departed this life January 19, 1992 in St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA at 2:00 a.m., He was a member of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. He taught school in St. Helena Parish.

Hew as united in wedlock to Ruby Gordon and to this union one daugther was born: Donnal T. Wilson. Later years he married Mrs. Lillie V. Tillery. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Mrs. Lille V. Tillery; sister, Mrs. Elnora Wall of Fluker, LA; one step daughter, fours step sons, 8 sisters-in-law, one brothers-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletius Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies of Sister Minnie Lee Stewart

Minnie Lee Stewart
1907-1987

Minnie, was the second daughter of Robert E. and Ella Bennett Lee, was born in St. Helena Parish. She was brought up in the fear of the Lord, became a Christian at an early age and was a member of Turner Chapel until her death.

She was united in Holy Matrimony in Ebbie David Stewart, Sr., and to this union eight children were born. Three children were born by a former marriage. She invested her talents in helping and giving advice to others. She was charter member of Eagle Chapter #113 O.E.S.

She was preceded in death by her parents. One Son; Arthur: One daughter, Robertstine: one brother. Nathaniel Lee: and one grandson, Charles E. Kane.

This loyal wife, mother, sister, daughter and friends leaves to mourn her passing: her devoted husband Ebbie David Stewart, Sr., six daughters: Sophia Kane of Portland, OR, Ruby Washington of Sacramento, CA, Rosa Campbell and Mayola Tillery of Greensburg, LA, Gracie of Zachary, LA., Josie Gordon of New Orleans, LA.: Three sons: Ebbie, Jr., of Oakland, CA, Willie Lee and Jesse Stewart of New Orleans, LA; two grandchildren whom she reared: Semmie Martin of Baton Rouge, LA., and Kevin Stewart of Greensburg, LA., two stepchildren: Caretha Martin of New Orleans and Warren Martin of Hammond, LA.; five sisters: Caretha Butler, Lillie and Mattie Stewart. Mary Lee Wicker and Velma Lee all of Greensburg: two brother. Moore Lee of Greensburg and Tom Lee of Silver City, MS: one foster brother: Emmitt Perry of New Orleans: three daughters-in-law: Barbara Stewart of Oakland, CA. Catherine and Annette Stewart of New Orleans, LA; five sons-in-law: Ed Clark, William Campbell. Bounce Tillery, Freddie brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law. 25 children, 26 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.


Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletis Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies for Fred Overton

Fred Overton
1897-1968

The quiet manner and useful life, the gentle speech in the life of Brother Fred Overton attracted people to him, and his conscientious service as a trustee, community worker, class leader and benevolent president won the hearts of both races.

He lived a very useful and peaceful lie. He was a devoted husband and father. He was interested in the well-being of his children and everyone in the community. In times of work, indecision, confusion and strife, and in progress, he was looked to for guidance in advice.

On January 15, 1968 the angel of death came and bore the bright spirit of Brother Overton away to the land that is free from the heartaches of this earth. Fred Overton was born to the union of Mrs. Jane Gordon and Overton and Rev. William Overton on September 11, 1897 in Greensburg, LA. in 1918 he was united in holy matrimony to Miss Daisy Stewart. To this union thirteen children was boon. He was reared with a love for God, people and progress.

To mourn in passing he leaves his wife, Mrs. Daisy Stewart Overton; five daughters- Mrs. Lucille Jackson and Mrs. Viola Hurst of Greensburg, LA., Mrs. Izola Millican of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. Bertha Montgomery of Marina, Calif., Miss Doris Overton and Mrs. Ermentrude O. Sheard of Philadelphia, Pa.,  a foster daughter Mrs. Margurite P. Overton of Greensburg, La.; five sons, Charlie and Joe of Greensburg, La., John of Metairie, LA., Fred, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA., Rev. Edward Overton of Ardmore, Pa; one brother, Willie Overton of Greensburg, La.; five sisters, Mrs. Alma Douglas, Greensburg, La., Mrs. Martha Overton, Mrs. Lillie Emerson, Mrs. Pearl Spark of New Orleans, La., Mrs. Candaisy Donald of Pine Grove, La., thirty-three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, a host of in-laws, other relatives and friends.

Source: The Obituary Collection of Cletius Gordon, Sr.

The Obsequies of Daisy Stewart Overton

Daisy Overton
1900-1976

Sister Daisy S. Overton joined church and baptized at an early age. Her Christian life was  the fragrance of a beautiful rose and her influence will ever live in whatever place she has resided. She has been faithful and ardent worker in the church. Attended church regularly and saw to it the family group attended with her.

Today we are silent, to pay tribute to then of God's gentle women upon whose head rests a crown studded with sparkling jewels of her golden deeds. Always putting Christ first in whatever she did. She was devoted wife and mother who saw to it that her children were given the best she could provided in loving care, spiritual nourishment, and material comforts. This example she lives daily will ever be a goal for her family to strive to reach.

She invested her many talents into every broadening, good work which she good find. She was active in many auxiliaries, every ready to do what was needed. She was always alert as how she could help, comfort and cheer someone who was more needy than herself. He days were filled with helpful and absorbing work. She visited the sick and the sorrowing, taught Sunday School and won many you hearts for the Master.  Her life was full and happy. She was a lovable character, a person everyone chose to have as a friend and willing to be a friend to all. She left a living example of loving service, worthy of emulation, which tribute should bear some comfort for her loved ones. But when the sun of life reach it zenith, with the brightness of a well-spent life has ended.

Daisy Stewart was born to the union of Mrs. Ada Thomas Stewart and Rev. Ebbie Stewart, date April 8, 1900 in Clinton, LA., In 1918 she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Fred Overton to this union thirteen children were born.

To mourn her passing she leave; five daughter: Mrs. Lucille Reed and Mrs Doris Johnson, New Orleans, La., Mrs. Bertha Montgomery, Pemberton, N.J., Mrs. Viola Hurst, Greensburg, LA., Mrs, Izola Millican, Oakland, California, and a foster daughter: Mrs. Margurite P. Overton, Greensburg.; four sons: Rev Edward Overton, Ardmore, PA., Mr. Fred Overton Jr., Philadelphia, PA., Mrs. Charlie Overton and Mr. Joe Overton, Jr., Greensburg, LA.; three sisters: Mrs. Bertha Hall, Mrs. Velma Irving, Greensburg, LA., Mrs. Imogene Jones, Houston, TX and four brothers: Mr. J.W. Stewart, Mr. Cleveland Stewart, Mrs. Ebbie Stewart, Greensburg, LA., and Dr. Alfred Stewart, Donaldsonville, LA., 55 grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, a host of in-laws, relatives and friends

Yellow Water Baptist Church in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Yellow Water Baptist Church

Yellow Water Baptist Church is located on Fred Clark Rd in Tangipahoa Parish. The church is said to be at least one hundred years old. Fred Clark Rd was named for Fred Clark, son of Benjamin and Jane Clark.

Benjamin Clark was the brother of Caroline Clark Kimble-Daniels, who was once married to Walter Kimble. Milton Miller affectionately known as "Uncle Joe" who is eighty two years old. Uncle Joe said the church was also the school for colored children. It was the very first school that he attended as a young child. He  recalled his grandmother walking him to school.

One of the things he wanted the family to know is both wives of Walter Kimble; Caroline Clark and Janie Battie raised their families together.  Uncle Joe was blessed to have two grandmothers and he called them both grandma.

Behind the Yellow Water Baptist Church is the Clark Family Cemetery were many of the Clark family members are buried, including Caroline Clark Kimble-Daniels and to his knowledge at least one of the her three children with Walter. They could get to the burial because of high grass and wild brushes.

Source: Milton "Uncle Joe" Miller & Kimble Family-Louisiana

Civil Rights in Independence, Louisiana

Department of Justice Files

On July 22, 1964 a racist incident took place in Independence, Louisiana. Unknown persons in a parked car pulled alongside of Loria L. Davis, Joanee Darken & Jeffery H. Schwarts, shots was fired in their automobile as they were on their way from the voter registration clinic at Hammond, LA.

If any of these individuals are still alive. I would like to document their stories.

Civil Rights Case in Montpelier, Louisiana

Department of Justice Files

Several years ago I was looking in the Department of Justice files at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., I came across a complaint that was filed with the Department of Justice on August 18, 1964.

There was an unknown objects thrown at the school bus windshield near Rocky Hill School in Montpelier.

My family lineage is deeply rooted in Montpelier, La., dating before 1853. My maternal 3rd great grandfather Thomas Richardson was born in St. Helena, LA., A lot of my family members are buried at Rocky Hill cemetery and some of them attended Rocky Hill School. I haven't met anyone who spoke about this incident that took place in Montpelier, LA., on August 18, 1964. Just thinking about an unknown object that was thrown at the bus full of children is frightening. We are graceful and thankful that no one was hurt or killed.

If anyone in Montpelier can recall this incident please contact me.

The History of Vernon School in Mt. Hermon, Louisiana

Vernon School in Mt. Hermon
African American School

While driving down the road in  Washington Parish Louisiana, I saw a sign that said, "Vernon School Road," as usual I decided to take the drive down the road to see if the old school building was still standing. I saw an old abandoned school building to my left, right across the road there were two elderly men sitting on the front porch talking so I pulled in the driveway and asked them if that was Vernon School and they both answered yes. They both directed me to Elder Albert J. Brumfield to get more information about the school. 

The history of Vernon High School in deeply embodied into history of the the Black community which, like many other black communities, had its beginning during that period after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. During this period newly freed slaves moved away from plantations and away from slave masters to venture out on their own to experience this new found freedom. Many came to settle in this area of rich loam sandy soil, gentle rolling hills and a generous supply of loblolly pines. This area was inhabited by a few Flat Bush Indians and was unique among the other Florida Parishes is that it had no slave plantations. 

The history of blacks of this community also intertwines the history people of this nation and of the world. We are a proud people of a proud heritage. We were born along the Congo, the Nile and Euphrates rivers. Our forefathers, the Nubian Peoples, shaped the history of the Nile Valley. The Ishango people living in that area more than 8,000 years ago and used a primitive multiplication system long before the Europeans. The African woman was tall, slender and beautiful. She was a good faithful mother and homemaker. The African man was tall, strong and could run faster and jump higher than any other man on the hemisphere. He was a great hunter, trapper and farmer. The English colonies need for free labor caused these proud people to be torn from family and friends and familiar surroundings and carried off to another continent where they were subjected to the institution of slavery for two hundred and fifty years.

Vernon School for African American Students
Closed its doors in 1969

An ex-slave by the name of Jenny came into the area after being set free. Louis Vernon, a direct descendant of Jenny started a school in the building on his property in 1885. This was only twenty-years after the Emancipation Proclamation. During slavery it had been against the law to teach slave to read or write. The denial of the opportunity was apparently the motivation needed to inspire the Vernon's to start a school in Mt. Hermon, La.

As interest grew it became necessary to acquire additional land for the school. So on August 25, 1925, forty years later, three acres of land were purchased from the Vernon's to erect a school on the present site. According to the courthouse records, the deeds were signed by Ed Vernon, D.M. Brumfied and Dave Wrought, who was one of the earlier bus drivers. Fraser Vernon served as the school's first principal.

Later the Rosenwald Fund contributed money toward a building at the present site. The Rosenwald fund contributed to the building of more than 5,000 schools for Negroes in the rural south. In June 1949 the high school building was added. In November 1951 the elementary building was built, in March 1954 the gymnasium was added, In May 1958 a lunchroom was added and in 1960 a new classroom wing was built. In 1961 with funds from the P.T.A. a covered walkway was built, and the P.T.A.,  also built an agriculture/shop.

The School Board purchased and additional 4.7 acres for the school in 1960 from Isadore Vernon who was the first bus driver for Vernon School and another portion in 1961 from Marcel Dyson, Crimal Dyson Williamson and Arthur Williamson.

Vernon High School was a place were many careers were launched as many young black men and young black women came into this community as teacher to help develop the minds and lives of young black boys and girls. Many devoted their entire lives to this task. Students from Vernon now serve this community, this state and nation as engineers, teachers, farmers, housewives, dentists, medical doctors, veterinary medicine, counselors, doctors of education, postal workers, businessmen, insurance brokers, and in virtually all areas of work. Other have served in the military as officers and enlisted men, other have won the purple heart and still other gave the ultimate sacrifice--their lives. Others became attorneys, ministers, nurses, law enforcement personnel, interior designers and their numerous contributions are immeasurable. Students regularly competed at local, regional and state events in music, sports, public speaking and academics. Some romances started here and developed into life-long companionship.

In addition to the Fraser Vernon others have served the school as principal. Mr. R.J. Lawrence served

in the late 20s. He was followed by Mr. Almore B. Dyson who served as principal from 1930 until the 1954-55 school year. Mr. Ruben H. Cornist served as principal of the school from that time until the school closed in 1969.

Vernon School need the help of good samaritans and caring people to restored the school as a community resource center that will produce productive members in the societies that the East Florida Parishes, the state of Louisiana and the nation can be proud of. A community resource center that will offer after school programs, creative arts, computer classes, job readiness, life skills programs, seniors citizens programs and other enrichment programs that will offers a better quality of life for the residents of the Mt. Hermon community. 

A non-profit organization has been setup for the community resource center called Neighborhood Christian Center of Louisiana., under the leadership and direction of Elder Albert J. Brumfield, Pastor of Plainview Cochusa Church of Christ Holiness.

The organization will graciously accept in kind donations such as; paint, building materials, roofing materials, drywall materials, nails, lumber and flooring materials and financial donations. Also individuals, organizations, social organizations, churches, brotherhood or sisterhood organizations who would like to volunteer their time can contact the following people. All checks and donations can be mailed directly to NCC of LA:

C/O James Brumfield

NCC of LA

24392 Vernon School Rd

Mt. Hermon, LA 70450

For more please contact Elder Albert J. Brumfield at (985) 515-1231 or Barbara Brumfield at (985) 839-2190, you can also email Elder Albert at elderalbert@aol.com.

Source:  Vernon High School History Booklet, submitted by Barbara Brumfield

Big Zion Cemetery Headstones

While walking in Big Zion cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana., I took notice of the headstones. My friend Ilona Lyttle, my son Bernard, and I recorded the names and inscriptions of all the deceased in nine African-American cemeteries throughout St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana., well over ten years ago. I didn't pay very much attention to small details at that time. I was too busy recording the information on the headstone.

Its so important to place a headstone on the grave of your deceased loved one. Every genealogist and family historian at some point in their family research will travel to the cemeteries were their ancestors are buried. The headstones can provide information that's vital to your research.

The headstone of Alice McCoy tell me that she was born in 1855 and died in 1937. According to the 1930 United States Census, Alice was a widow living in Amite, Louisiana. Both of her parents was born in Louisiana.

She was living in the household with her daughter Alma Freeman and Alma's children; Gladys,

Headstone:
Ella McCoy Gordon, Martha McCoy Piedra
and Roberto Valdez Piedra

Alicie, Mary and Vera Freeman. In the 1920 United States Census, Alice was living in the household with her three children; Alina, Tom and Manila McCoy. In 1920 she was also a widow.

My maternal uncle Palmer Harrell married Manila McCoy. I know very little about the  McCoy family, I do know that they're a very large family. When I was growing up in Amite, Louisiana., I use to hear people talking about a man named Will McCoy. Will owned a black night club and a baseball park. On Sunday's when the different baseball teams played and crowds of people who come out to watch the game and eat Will's special barbecue. There are still a lot of people who carry the surname McCoy living in Amite and Roseland, Louisiana.

Bickham African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church History of Amite, Louisiana

My colleague, friend and Radio Talk Show Bernice Alexander Bennett sent me several obituary and other information that is vital to the history of African American people of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. She sent me this Cornerstone Service Program for Bickham African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

For anyone who are researching their family history these types of service programs and obituary can be very helpful and useful to you.

The Church History

In October 1796, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in New York City. The organization grew out of the well-known dissatisfaction among the people of color over the kind of treatment received in services of the church. From the beginning, this independent movement of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was largely influenced and structured by James Varick. He was the consistent leader and was later the virtual pastor of the is first church called Zion.

Zion Church was incorporated in 1801 by the name, "The African Methodist Episcopal Church in New York " Methodist was always in the title to exhibit the retention of the doctrine and form of church government under which the denomination originated. "African" was prefixed to the rest of the title of the church because it was to be controlled by descendants of Africans in the interest of humanity, regardless of race, color, sex or condition. Another organization came into existence around the same time, with the same title, causing much confusion. Because of this, the General Conference of 1848 voted to make Zion a part of the denominational name.

As the growth of the Zion churches spread from city to city, village to village, it was affixed on the hearts of Mr. Leander Butler and Mr. Jordon Bickham to donate and acre of land in the Velma community, referred to at times as Bickham Town, for the purpose of constructing a Zion Church in order to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1878 Bickham Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was erected the acres of land and was named in honor of Mr. Jordon Bickham. Since that time preacher have preached, should have been saved, members have gone to the great beyond., but we here at Bickham Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church still cherish the memories of those who have contributed immensely to the upbuilding of God's kingdom.

Bickham Chapel A.M.E. Church, of the New Orleans District, is one of 14 churches in the Louisiana Conference. The leaders of this great organization are: Bishop Arthur Marshall Jr., Presiding Bishop; Reverend Hollis Callahan, Presiding Elder; Reverend Wille Gene Johnson, Pastor.

Our church is part of the A. M.E. Zion Church which believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost, the Virgin Birth, the Crucifixion, Resurrection, the Lord's Supper, forgiveness of sin and everlasting life.

The members are proud of their heritage and pledge to forever uphold and be governed by the laws of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. We further pledge to continue to life the name of Jesus who is our strength and our savior.

This church has has as pastors, God-like, devout Christian preachers: Rev. Nazereth, Rev. Joe Graves, Rev. Dillion, Rev J.S. McCall, Rev. P. A. Silas, Rev. S.C. Byrd Sr., Rev Charles Atherly, Rev. Hollis Callahan, Rev. Lemar Perry, Rev. Francis Williams, Rev. Charles Robinson and presently Rev. Willie Gene Johnson. These ministers have preached the gospel so that everyone could hear of Jesus, know of his goodness and see his works in the lives of men.

As we dedicate this church today, may it stand as a living monument that all the sons and daughters of Bickham A.M.E. Zion Church can rejoice and say we have come this far by faith.

Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, Louisiana

Visiting the Amite Genealogy Library is like going on a treasure hunt for me. There's lots of photographs, family histories, family books and family files on the shelves and inside the file cabinets. I found this picture of Lallie Kemp Hospital today and had to share it with everyone who read my blogs. My mother Isabell Harrell Cook was the last one born at home by a midwife. All of her sibling after her was born at this hospital.

Source: Amite Genealogy Library

Exploring the Rich History in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes

Antoinette Harrell conducting genealogy research
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

The insight that I have gained about Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are unique and educational. This is where history come alive, exploring new townships and places. Collecting new photographs and the stories behind the pictures. Most importantly meeting new people and learning about their family history. Some people are happy to find someone that has an interest in local history and genealogy.  They are happy to show their family heirlooms such as; quilts, photographs, documents, and antiques that had been passed down through generations through family members.  I am delighted to see that someone in the family values the legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors or family members. 

It would be great to see more lectures, films and seminars on the people, events and history of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes at our local library.   Sometimes when I am riding on the back roads of the two parishes, I can’t help but give thanks to God for the beauty of these two parishes.

‘The smell of fresh air, the cattle grazing in the green pastures and the curviest roads that lead’s you to homes with fishing ponds and friendly people sitting on the porch.” Blackberries growing along side the road with other natural herbs. The colorful range of wild flowers of yellow, purple, red and white covers the side of the roads.

Richardson Gin,  Receipt of Clifford Wheat

Last week I saw a beautiful fox run across the road and a herd of deer waiting to cross the road.  Listening to the birds singing in the morning is like listen to a symphony that could be heard by the entire community. 

I feel like I am taking an exciting field trip each time I go out to explore the history of these two parishes.  What better way to learn about the history, events, and people,  than from the perspective of the people who made the history and events?  It is people like Edwin Temple, the genealogist for the Temple Family, Ann Hurst the genealogist for the Vining and William family of St. Helena Parish, that understand the importance of keeping our history alive. A very special thanks to my cousin Joyce for sharing these records.

My Grandfather Jasper Harrell, Sr.

Jasper Harrell, Sr.

It gives me great pleasure to blog about my maternal grandfather Jasper Harrell, Sr., My mother often talks about my grandfather and I just sit and listen to her. Sometimes she repeats the same stories over and over again and then there are times when she will allow something new to come through. One of her favorite stories she often share is the time she baked herself a birthday cake and my grandfather cut her birthday cake before her.

My grandfather was born in 1911 in a small town call Amite, Louisiana. He was the youngest child born to Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell. According to the United States census he and my grandmother Josephine Richardson Harrell were neighbors. I guest this is when the courtship started between the two.

My mother described him as being a very tall and handsome man. He loved to farm and was a carpenter by trade. She said that he really enjoyed farming, he would plant all kinds of beans, squash, corn, cotton, other vegetables. He was a good provider for his wife, children and grandchildren. My grandfather grew up in the A.M.E. Church, his mother attend Big Zion A.M.E. Church in Roseland, Louisiana. I guess it was after he married my grandmother that he converted over to the Church of God In Christ. To me that was a bit strange, because most of the time the women converted to their husband religion. They married in July of 1931 and to their union ten children were born; Jasper, Jr., Catherine, Roosevelt, Sr., Frank, Sr., Isabell, Henry, Leon Clarence, Herbert, Raymond, Sr., and Deloris.

Two other stories that my mother shared with me that really got my attention, the first one was how he would take his old pickup truck and go around the community and pickup African American  people and give  them a ride to the voting polls. Voting was important to my grandfather Jasper. Another story she shared is how he made the headstones for all his deceased brothers and sisters. He also made headstones for his parents graves.

He died in 1962, I was only two years old so I really have no memories of my grandfather, only the oral history that had been passed down to me by my mother and others. It gives me great pleasure to keep his memories and legacy alive. My grandfather is buried in Big Zion Cemetery with his wife, parents and siblings.