I found My Great Grandfather's Brother John

John and Harriet Marriage License 1883
Source: Tangipahoa Clerk Office

For decades I couldn't find anything on maternal great-grandfather Alexander brother John. Today all of that changed. I decided to look at the marriage index of all the Harrell men who were married between 1850 and 1950 in Tangipahoa Parish Clerks Office. I looked at every John marriage records. One of the documents revealed my  great Uncle John. John was married to Harriett Harrison on June  21st, 1883.  He was twenty-nine  years old and, his bride was twenty-two  years old.  His parents names were on the marriage license; that how I know, I had the right, John. I hope that I can continue to find records on him. I want to find out if he and his wife had any children. If so, where are they?  John was born in 1852 in Louisiana. His parents were Robert and Darkus Harrell.  John was one year younger than his brother Alexander. In 1880 John moved out of his parents house in St. Helena Parish and moved to Tangipahoa in 1880. 

Warner Harrell Migrated Up North

Warner Harrell
Photo Courtesy: Montreal Harrell 

Warner Willie  Harrell was born to Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell.  He was born in 1892 in Amite,  Louisiana. His WWI Draft Registration Card documented that he was self-employed as a farmer. He was married to Velma Warford in Amite, Louisiana. He and Velma had two sons; Willie and Dan Harrell. His siblings were; Authur, Ella, Shelton, Henry, Alex, Edgar, Virginia, Jasper, Bertha, and Palmer Harrell. His brother Henry moved to Milwaukee and died there. 

Warmer died in 1949  at the age of fifty- six years old in Milwaukee County Asylum from advanced Pulmonary Tuberculosis and is buried in Glen Oaks Cemetery in Milwaukee.  On his death certificate his brother Henry was the informant. 

When he left and went up North, he never returned  to Louisiana to live and rarely visit the Deep South. His offsprings knew very little about their family in the south. I found them on facebook and start inviting them to our Harrell family page. 

Years ago, my Uncle Raymond took me to Milwaukee to meet cousin Dan Harrell and his wife. Cousin Willie had just passed away when I went to visit. I was delighted to meet the family. We sat and talked with them and looked at pictures and took pictures.  The family down south knows very little about Uncle Warner.  Uncle Raymond told me that the woman in the picture is his sister Bertha Harrell Hooper. 

On his Draft Registration Card, they listed him as African. The 1910 United State Federal Census listed him as Mulatto.  Uncle Warner 

Source: Findagrave

Mary E. Cain and Matilda Tillery Owned Six Enslaved in St. Helena Parish

Mary E Cain and Matilda Tillery, 1847  File C-1

Nov. 25, 1847-Abrah Womack Jr. appointed adm. of succession with Abram Womack Sr., security.
Nov. 6. 1847-Inv. of the property held in Community between Matilda Tillery decd and her surviving husband Abram Womack JR., and the succession property of Mary E. Cain decd. Sarah Ann  Cain, a sister is the wife of William K. Davis. Abram Womack Jr. is the tutor of the minors. Six slaves appraised at $2475.00.

Sources: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by : Clyde Purser Young

Capt. Richard Ward Owned Two Enslaved People; St. Helena Parish

Capt. Richards Ward, 1823  Files W-7

May 3, 1823. Thomas J. Davidson petitions for administration. Capt. Richard Ward has recently died, leaving a wife and some children; by they have not come forward to the administrator. 

May 26, 1823. Inventory, Zelotus Tucker and Luther Bradley were appraisers. One plantation on Bayou Barbary-640 aces, horned castles, horses, plows, wheel barrow, grindstones, carpenter tools, bart lead, mill stones, 3 fathoms of cordage, medicine chest, 1 bucketful of articles, one basket of studies, 2 slaves.

July 23, 1823. Bond was given to Thomas J. Davidson, curator. Sale of personal property.

Source: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by: Clyde Purser Young

William Harris of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

William Harris, File H-6

Jan. 13, 1832 - Pet. of Jacob Smith curator and bono of William Harris.  Sd. minor is in possession of considerable property, wants sale.
Jan. 13. 1835-Micajah Harris has been appointed curator ad bono of his brother Wiliam Harris.
Mar. 3, 1832-William Harris is minor of James and Elizabeth Harris decd. Family meeting decided to sell slaves.


Source: Succession Records of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana 1804-1854
Abstracted by: Clyde Purser Young

Timothy Crier of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Timothy Crier, 1810 File C-5

Aug,, 7, 1810 William Cryer represent that his brother Timothy Crier died intestate, leaving plantation, slaves, etc., and no relations except his father Thomas Cryer and brothers, petitioner and Morgan Cryer. Inventory shows 1 slave and personal property.

Kids Learning How to Read Microfilms

Genealogy Research with Grandmother

The kids are out of school for the holiday break for one week. I decided to take them to the Louisiana State Archives with me to conduct genealogy research on their family history. They were so eager to learn how to work the microfilm machine. They were more excited to find a death certificate for their ancestors.

Jo'elle used the database of the Vital Records to find the names, volume, page, and certificate number of several of her ancestors. Soon the boys wanted to learn how to research as well. I was so proud of them for getting involved with research.

They learned that one of their paternal 3rd great aunts died from a horse kicking her. The death certificate stated that there wasn't a doctor available. They couldn't wrap their heads around that. Genealogy is a great way to get children interested in local and national history. It's also a great tool to teach them about the history of the parish and state they live in. I enjoy making genealogy field trips with them. Sometimes we pack our lunch and take to the road to on a new adventure of ancestor hunting. 

Several years ago, I published a coloring activity book entitled " A Genealogy Field Trip With Grandmother" the children are the characters in the book, they are exploring the parish, museums, archives, and treasuring hunting in their homes for pictures, heirlooms, and other family valuables. The activity book also helps them to learn and define new words. While increasing their vocabulary. Teaching them while they are young have so many benefits.

Connor reading microfilms

This summer, I would like to take them to Virginia with me to do some more research on my Harrell side of the family.  Besides I want them to see the Atlantic Ocean. They've traveled several states with me conducting research and exploring and having some fun for relaxation.  It's not all learning and researching; they have fun exploring the parks, nature scenes, and children's museums. 

When Jo'elle was a student at Spring Creek Elementary School, she received an award from her history teacher Mrs. Cindy Blade for her knowledge of history and current events. "Connor, on the other hand enjoy talking about all 64 parishes."

The most important thing of all is the memories that we are making together that they will carry with them as adults. The quality time we spend together is so priceless and valuable. I wish that my paternal and maternal grandparents would have taught me about their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. If we really want our children to be good students in history, math, and science; teach them to embrace their own family history and make it fun for them to learn. When they see themselves in the picture, the picture had more meaning to it. 

Green Burton of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Green Burton.

Green Burton was born in 1843 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. According to the 1880 United States Federal Census was 37 years old when the census was taken. He lived in the 2nd Ward in St. Helena Parish.  He was listed as a Mulatto. He was married to Elcy Holden Burton. They were the parents of; Nancy, Leah, Alice, Charles, Sally, and Manzell Burton.

Some Burton family trees list John "Jack" Burton as his father and his mother was an enslaved woman. John "Jack" Burton's father was Col. Jacob Burton of St. Helena Parish.

John "Jack" Burton was born in 1803 in Elbert County, Georgia. and died in 1871 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. John's father Jacob was born in 1755 in Buckingham County, Virginia and died March 1835 in St. Helena Parish. Jacob's father was Robert Burton and he was born in 1732 in Deep Creek, Amelia County, Virginia. He died 1810 in Buckingham County, Virginia.

Some Burton family trees listed him as being married twice. He was married to Hannah Durnin August 12, 1875. They were the parents of; Handy, Eddie, Milton, Lula, Lizzie, and Emma Burton.

How Much Did They Sale Green Burton For?

The Sale of Green Burton
One Negro Man named Green Burton sold for $1070.00

Source
St. Helena Parish Courthouse

Who Purchased Jacob Burton Enslaved People in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

Dr. Antoinette Harrell researching history

This information can provide  helpful information to the genealogists that looking for their ancestors who were enslaved on Jacob Burton of St. Helena Parish. Sitting at my desk tonight thinking about the day they were appraised. That meant sometimes they had to take their clothes off, and be put on display to be examine to have a price tag put on them for sale.  I know this was a very painful and hurtful day for Aggie, Toney, Ben, Gabriel, Violet,  Aaron, Nelly, some named I could make out. The following people purchase;

C. D. Strickland purchased negro man named Ben at five hundred dollars.
Robert Burton purchased negro man named Gabriel at five hundred and thirty dollars.
C.D. Strickland purchased negro woman named Violet at four hundred and fifty dollars.
Abraham Womack purchased negro woman  named Aggie for nine hundred and twenty-two dollars.
John Burton purchased  negro boy  named Toney for six hundred and seventy dollars.
John Burton purchased negro woman and her child Maria and Annis one thousand dollars.
C.D. Strickland negro woman named Felp for three hundreds dollars
Robert Burton negro girl named Linda for four hundred dollars
Robert Burton negro girl  named Jane for three hundred dollars

Abraham Womack negro woman named Nelly  for Twenty-five dollars.

The Enslaved Sale

Source: St. Helena Parish Courthouse
Reseached and compiled by Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The Enslaved People Owned By Jacob Burton of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Enslaved list on Jacob Burton Place

The Inventory of Jacob Burton of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. This record is dated March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five. I Samuel Leonard Parish Judge in and for the Parish and State aforesaid and proceed tot eh last resident of Jacob Burton late of said Parish, deceased, in order to make an Inventory and Appraisement of the property belonging to  to the Succession of said deceased and having sworn James Newsom and Jacob Womack as apprasisers, and appraiser ? Youngblood and Thomas Hill.

Negro man named Aaron at the some of $800.00
Negro man named Gabriel at the sum of $500.00
Negro man named Ben at the sum of $500.00
Negro woman named Violet at the sum of $500.00
Negro woman named Peggy at the sum of $600.00
Negro woman named Lucy at he sum of $350.00
Negro woman named Nell  at the sum of $50.00
Negro man named Toney at the sum of $400.00
Negro woman named Rice and her child $700.00
Negro girl  named Filpha at the sum of $400.00
Negro  girl named Luida at the some of $300.00
Negro girl named  Lou at the sum of $200.00

Grandfather Charlie Married Twice

Charlie Mckay and his wife Julia Bickham McKay

My father passed away this past February, and for something strange reason, I'm learning more about his family since he passed away. I can't explain this type of strange paranormal things. I just go with  the flow and follow the leads. My father didn't discuss his maternal grandfather at all. He talked about his paternal grandfather because he lived with his grandparents sometimes. 

If I would've asked him, he wouldn't tell me anyway. Dad knew how to hold secrets with a smile on his face. Somehow life has a way if of revealing to you the answers you're searching for. Are perhaps the ancestors are ready to tell you. I sometimes wonder if dad wants me to find out now that he is gone, so he won't have to answer my questions. I guess I had to throw that sense of humor in there because that sounds like something he would say.

I can see him smiling and saying, "well-baby" that's just the things were in those days. As if that is telling me somethings important. I think about him often the way he told family stories. I  wonder why he didn't tell me that his maternal grandfather Charlie was married twice and had children by his second wife, Julia Bickham. Charlie and his first wife, Florence Williams has three children. Mary, William, and Lonnie. My direct line is Mary McKay Boykin. Charlie's and his second wife had five children; Albert, Luella, Emily, Prentiss, and May Helen McKay.

I learned through ancestry that one of my great-aunt's just passed away in 2014. I will do my best to find their children and make a connection. I know that they are in Washington Parish, Louisiana. My Charlie was born around 1891 and died in 1961.  He and Florence divorced and left Mississippi and moved to Louisiana. His first wife Florence, died in 1966. His second wife Julia, died in 1977.

I was happy to find any information I could find.  I couldn't find anything on Charlie before the 1880 United States Federal Census.

Questions I need answers to?

Where did Charlie come from? 

Who were his parents? 

Who was his siblings?

Is McKay his true name? 

Why can't  I find anything else on him? 

How much does his descendants in Washington Parish, Louisiana, know about him? 

Finding My Mississippi Roots; Harrell, McKay and Williams

Chatawa, Mississippi

My Mississippi roots are strong. All of my ancestors lived on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. The Harrell ties are in Amite County, Mississippi, and the McKay and Williams family are tied to Pike County, Mississippi.  I've conducted genealogy research in Amite County Courthouse in Liberty, Mississippi and  Pike County Courthouse. in Pike County, Mississippi. The Amite County Courthouse is the State's oldest courthouse, built- in 1839-41, replaced the original 1812 building located on the historic site. Amite County was formed in 1809 from Wilkerson County. 

Amite County were named after the Amite River. The named derived from the French amitié, meaning  "friendship" and was used I commemoration of their friendly treatment by the Houma Indians. When you're researching your family history it's important to know when the counties or parish were established. 

I recently started researching my McKay and Williams,  which is on my paternal side of the family. Soon I will to go to the courthouse in the near future to look for records on the two families.  I know that I will have to visit the Mississippi State Archives to search for documents as well. 

I have several family trees based on the surnames that I'm researching. Charlie McKay was listed at a Mulatto in 1910 United States Census. He lived on Chatawa Road. He was married to Florence Williams, and he worked at a  Saw Mill. Charlie and his wife didn't own their own home in 1910, they were renters. The census documented that he couldn't read or write. Charlie was twenty-six years old when the census was taken.

Three children were born at the time; Mary, William, and No Name McKay. My direct line is through Mary. Mary later met and married Ernest Boykin. After they married, they made Fluker, Louisiana their home.

DNA Test Results Revealed Our Grandmothers Were Sisters

DNA Test Connected Cousins

A couple days ago a lady named Georgia Marie Strickland message me about a DNA result. She said that our grandmothers' were sisters. I know my maternal grandmother's sisters. So I immediately thought that this had to a connection on my father 's side of the family. I didn't know anything about my paternal grandparents or great-grandparents. Only what I found on the United States Census. I started researching my maternal grandmother Mary McKay Boykins and found a lot about her family. She was from Pike County, Mississippi. He parents were Charlie and Florence Williams McKay.

My great-grandmother Florence parents were; Alex and Rebecca Williams. Her sibling were; Jerry, Ada, Amanda, and Rosa L. Williams. Georgia Marie Strickland is the granddaughter of Rosa. Rosa was the youngest of Alex and Rebecca children. She was born in 1898 in Amite County, Mississippi and died in McComb, Mississippi in 1986. 

Florence was born in 1884 and died in 1966. I was very happy to see that we connected through DNA.

Four Enslaved People on John Burton and Rebecca Womack Burton Place

Jacob "Jake" Boykins and his wife
Martha Burton Boykins

I spent the day researching my paternal ancestors in St. Helena Parish Courthouse. My paternal great grandmother Martha Burton Boykins. I researched the files of John Burton and Rebecca Womack Burton.  John married Rebecca in 1821 and she died in 1834, leaving community property, 5 negroes, tracts of land with mills, stock of horses, cattle, household, etc.

December 3, 1833 Oath of Abner Womack under-tutor to the minor heirs of Rebecca Womack, decd wife of John Burton, viz, Celia, Nancy Lucy, Jane, Abner and Rebecca Ann Burton.

December 3, 1835-Property appraised at $2000.00

December 3, 1835-Family meeting composed of friends and relatives of John Burton and his dead wife, wiz: Abraham Womack, Robert Burton, Daniel Addison, Cade D. Strickland, and Simpson Hutchinson.

Probate sale to be held Jan. 11, 1836, 160 acres bounded W by Tickfaw River, saw mill, house, slaves, cattles, etc. Estate purchase by John Burton for $2000. 

My heart ached when I read some of the document that said who was going to be sold on the St. Helena Courthouse steps that morning. I look at each of  their names listed on the inventory document and thought long and hard about how hard this was for each of them. My father passed away February 2019 and, "I know if he was alive he would be so happy to know that I'm finding his family history,"

The Burton and Boykins Family of Tangipahoa & St. Helena, Parishes

Lewis and Malinda Burton's Marriage License 1867

I recently started researching my father's side of the family this year after my father passed away. My father told me some history about his family. Mostly about his mother and father. His mother,  Mary was a McKay from Pike County, Mississippi.  Mary's mother was name Florence Williams McKay. Florence married Charlie McKay, and they were listed at Mulatto in the 1910 United States Federal Census.  

On his father's side of the family, his parents were Jacob'Jake" Boykins and Martha Burton Boykins. Martha's parents were; Louis and Malinda ? Burton. I haven't yet found any records with Malinda maiden name.  I checked the Louisiana Statewide Death Index, 1819-1964, and I didn't see it there. I'm planning on going to the State Archives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to, pull the death certificate. Malinda was born in 1850 and died in 1936 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. 

Jacob's parents were Samuel Boykins and Catherine Dykes Boykins. Samuel was born around 1822 in Louisiana. Catherine's birthplace is Kentucky. In the 1880 United States Census. Samuel said that his mother was born in Georgia and his father was born in Louisiana. 

Samuel and Catherine Dykes Boykins Marriage License

So far, the new names that I have to research on my father's side are  Burton, McKay, Dykes, and Williams. On my paternal and maternal side of the family, the family history can be found in St. Helena Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, East Feliciana Parish, and Orleans Parish, Louisiana. In  Mississippi, my family history can my found in Pike and Amite County, Mississippi. 

I know that William Boykin owned several enslaved people in 1829. Rachel Boykin, the late wife of William Boykins, left to his heirs: Susan Boykins wife of Knighton; John Boykin, wife of Simpson Hutchinson; with two minors children; James 19 and Frank 17 years old. Rachel requests that her son John Boykins be appointed curator with petitioner, that and inventory was made. Six hundred and forty acres bounded by Leonard tract; also the interest of John Boykins of his father, William Boykins. At this point, it's  time for me to look at the inventory to see if the enslaved persons was listed by named. In most cases,  they are listed by name, gender, and age.

I didn't find any other Boykin's in the Succession Records of St. Helena Parish. Therefore it is the only files that state that those held as slaves in the courthouse records. I hope to find my 2nd great-grandfather Samuel Boykins in the files. Samuel would have been only five years old in 1829. So it is a strong possibility that I will find his mother.

Preserving Family Photographs

Ella Keith Harrell: 1885-1960
Photo Courtesy: Monteral Harrell

My maternal Great Aunt Ella Harrell Keith died January 17, 1960, at the age of seventy-four in Amite, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell.  Ella was born in 1885 and she died the year I was born. I wish I had a chance to meet the lady who preserved the rich collection of Harrell members photographs. A couple of months back, my maternal first cousin, Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier told me that Aunt Ella was a picture collector. Everyone who took pictures had to make sure they gave her a picture. When she passed away, a cousin named Gertrude Love kept the well-preserved collection in her neat white frame wooden home.

I remember visiting Cousin Gert, but I don't recall her taking out the photographs when we went to visit with my mother. My Uncle Raymond loved pictures, and he often visited her, so he knew the collection was there. After she passed away, he went down there and got the photos, and I'm glad he did because they could have gotten lost. When my uncle passed away, his daughter Monteral became the heir of the collection. 

The legacy of Aunt Ella lives on to this day through her photo collection. Recently Monteral was talking to the third and fourth generation of nieces and nephews of Aunt Ella about the collection. Monteral shared electronic copies for the book entitled "Images of America" African-Americans in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parish. 

Aunt Ella gave all of the descendants of Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell a gift. Some of the images were over a hundred years old. That made me proud to know that the photographs have been in the family for five generations. Many people wish they could find pictures of their family members. 

Aunt Ella will forever live in our hearts and I really appreciate the legacy she left. I know that the collection was passed down the right person when Monteral became the heir of the collection. Most important I thank her for sharing the collection with me.


Link:

https://youtu.be/19H2DBIdys0

Strong Family Resemblance to Aunt Ella

Tyra Climmons
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Many of us can attest to how some family members have strong DNA resemblance. The genes can be robust and passed down from generation to generation. We all carry the features of our ancestors, our parents, and our siblings. We share many some similarities that often remind us of others in the family or a family member who passed away.

Our skin complexions, heights, hair texture, facial structure, and body structures are passed down through our DNA and genetics. While visiting the public library in Farmerville, Louisiana; we had the opportunity to take a closer look at Monteral Harrell's photograph collection. We came across a picture of Ella Harrell Keith in the collection. 

We saw the resemblance of Tyra and her 2nd maternal great aunt, Ella. The wavy hair texture, and olive complexions. "What is equally fascinating is the fact that there is a picture of Tyra 2nd great aunt!" Aunt Ella was the picture collector of the family according to my maternal first cousin Jo-Ann Frazier. Tyra's wavy hair has running in the family on her mother's side of the family. I had to tease her a bit about those waves because my hair texture is the same, there are so many women in the Harrell family that share the same hair textures. 
Aunt Ella is my grandchildren 3rd paternal great aunt. I'm so grateful that Tyra's mother share scanned copies of the Harrell family photographs. I shared pictures of other family members and some family members saw how other family members resemble the person in the photograph. Our family is really blessed to have so many photographs, and other people wish they had a photograph of their ancestors.

Uncle Henry Migrated Up North in the Early 1920s

Henry Harrell

Henry was born to the union of Alexander and Emma Mead Harrell in 1887. He died in Racine, Wisconsin in 1967. Uncle Henry is buried in Graceland Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin in Section #7. Henry and his sister and brother migrated up north in sometime in the 1920s. His sister Bertha migrated to Chicago, Illinois and he and his brother Warner with to Wisconsin. I never heard my mother say that my grandfather ever traveled up north to visit his siblings.

He served in World War I In 1942; he was fifty-four years old when he signed the World War II Draft Registration Card in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the 1940 United States Federal Census, he was married to a woman named Ruth, and they lived at 804 A. W. Somers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

According to the U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995,  Henry and Ruth lived in on 576 7th Street in 1927.  He was a Porter.

 In 1940 he worked in a Syner Steel Company on 43rd & W. Mitchell St. in Milwaukee as a Steele Finisher.  Henry completed 7th grade.  I found him on the tree of a person named Esnow, and I'm hoping that this person can shall some information about Henry with me.  There were other people living in the house with him in the 1940 United States Census. His brother Warner was living in the house with him and his wife, Ruth.  Living in the house was lodgers named Williametta Smith and her son Clarence Smith. Williametta Smith mother Rosa Everett also lived in the house. Ruth was born in Mississippi.  Rosa and Williametta were also from the state of Mississippi.

Warner Harrell
World War I

Hurricane Barry allowed me to do some very indebt research on my Harrell family. I took to social media after I found a lead. I did contact the person that is connected to Henry and his brother Warner names. If this person turns out to be the grandson of Warner Harrell,  hopefully, he can tell me more
information about the Harrell family in up north.

Years ago my Uncle Raymond took me to Milwaukee to meet Cousin Dan Harrell one of Warner's two sons. In 1940 Dan was twenty-two years old and, he was living with his mother. Dan was worked at a Tannery as a Paster. His brother Willie was nineteen and worked at Ugertes of Drad as a Junior Clerk.

I'm anticipating Warner contacting me very soon to see if we're related. I can't ever recall them visiting family members down south. It's safe to say that they haven't met any relatives down south. I think I will keep putting irons in the fire and sit back and wait for new leads.

Finding My Priscilla

Randall and Priscilla "Silla" Blackburn Harrell
Marriage License: December 26, 1867
Source: Union Parish Courthouse

Whenever any genealogist or family historian finds an ancestor in their research is exciting. For over twenty-five years, I have been researching my Harrell side of the family. My mother's side of the family is my Harrell lineage. Most of my family didn't have any knowledge past my grandfather Jasper Harrell, Sr., parents, and siblings before my research.

Jasper was two years old when his father Alexander passed away in 1914. My mother told me that her father couldn't tell the family anything about the generation before him except that they came from Clinton, Louisiana. I went to the Main Library in New Orleans and certain the United States Federal Census starting at 1930 at that time. The 1940s census wasn't available when I started researching my family history. I started researching the Harrell's in Tangipahoa Parish and found grandfather Alexander and his wife Emma Mead Harrell and all their children. 

Alexander Harrell
Randall and Pricilla Blackburn grandson
Son of Robert and Dinah Harrell

When I got to the 1920 United States Federal Census, I found that Emma was now the head of the household since her husband Alexander had passed away. Living in the house with her were her children; Alexander, Palmer, Theodore, Margareta, Jasper, and her father-in-law Robert Harrell.

A level of excitement took over me when I found Alexander's father, Robert. Robert's wife Dinah or Darska had died sometime back. In the 1910 census, Robert was living along and he was widowed. Robert was born in 1821 in Mississippi and died in 1921 in Amite, Louisiana. He and his Dinah had six children.

That was just about as far as I could go back twenty years ago. A couple of months ago, I found that Priscilla " Silla" Blackburn married a man named Randall Harrell in 1867 in Union Parish, Louisiana. Randall was seventy years old and Priscilla was sixty five when they got married. In the 1870 census Randall and Priscilla were living in Ward 3, Union Parish, Louisiana. Randall was born around 1800 and was seventy years old. Priscilla was born around 1805 in South Carolina or Virginia.  Now, I know who Robert's father was Randall Harrell.  I can't wait to travel to Union Parish to conduct more research at the courthouse and visit the local genealogy library. I hope that I can make a connection with Randall's brother Thomas descendants that could take me to the local cemetery. I met several of Thomas Harrell's descendants on Ancestry. Here are the questions I need answers too:

1. Who owned Randall Harrell?
2. Why did they leave East Feliciana Parish?
3. Where is his brother Thomas descendants?
4. Did Randall and Silla have other children?
5. Why did they return to East Feliciana Parish?
6. Who were her parents?
7. What part of South Carolina?
8. Does the Blackburn name trace back to South Carolina?

I contacted the Clerk Office and Union Parish to purchase Randall and Priscilla Blackburn Harrell's marriage license. When I went to the mailbox and found the marriage license at arrive, I was so excited. There is nothing like travel there personally to research the records in the courthouse. Any information I can locate on my Harrell ancestors is just one more missing piece of the puzzle that is important to the bigger picture.

The great-granchildren of
Randall and Priscilla Blackburn Harrell