The History of Butler Town in Amite, Louisiana

Butler Memorial Park
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In Amite, Louisiana, there is a black settlement called Butler Town. Amite is 70 miles north of New Orleans, LA. Lawerence Williams embarked on a genealogy quest to find out how and when this black settlement was established and to discover the ancestry of his maternal line. Almost a decade has passed since Lawerence began researching his family history. My question to Lawerence was how did he start researching his family history? My mother told me we're related to the Butlers. His mother Idella Williams is a 2nd great-granddaughter of Fredrick Butler. As a result, he shares his findings with his mother, who is his motivator. His Butler roots date back to 1808, with Fredrick's father and mother. Winifred Butler and Julia Ann Butler were from the East Coast. But their children was born St. Helena, Louisiana and this is where his Louisiana roots starts. There is something mysterious about Lawerence Butler's Butler family history that led him down the lonely gravel dirt roads of St. Helena Parish, which are filled with whispering pine trees. Fredrick was born in St. Helena Parish, which makes perfect sense. due the fact that Tangipahoa Parish was created  in 1869. 

In 1876, Frederick Butler bought most of the land, which was later named Butler Town. African Americans interested in owning land and building their own houses started buying lots from him. In the 1880 United States Census, Winnie Butler was listed as his spouse. They were the parents of: Waterson Butler, Leander Butler, Julia Butler, Dora Butler, Newsom Butler, William Butler, Minerva Butler, Amanda Butler, Conway Butler, Sherman Butler, and Coot Butler.   A black owned cemetery, Butler A.M.E Church, and Butler Memorial Park can be found inside Butler Town.

Butler A.M.E. Zion Church
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

From slavery to sharecroppers to a large landowner, Fredrick was determine to purchase land as a form of freedom for himself and his family. One year after the issuing the United States Declaration of Independence in July 4, 1776 from Britain. Fredrick embraced what he defined  as freedom in the United States.

Frederick and several of his children signed a Freedmen Bureau Labor Contract with George Phillips McMicheal in 1867 in St. Helena, Louisiana and worked as sharecroppers before purchasing his own land. According to the 1870 United States Census, his Real Estate value was one thousands dollars. The follow people was listed on the Freedmen Bureau Contract: Jack Bulter age 51, Janet Butler age 41, Fred Butler age 48, Winey Butler age 38, Minerva Butler age 17, Amanda Butler age 15, Lee Butler age 11, Judy Ann Butler age 9, Pinky Butler age 7, Steel Butler age 5, Bobby Butler age 4, Joseph Butler age 46,  Waterson Butler age 13, and Emily Butler age 38. 

Fredrick's son William Butler donated the land for Butler A.M.E. Zion Church  in 1894.  On the cornerstone of the church says the church was established in 1874. The  land for the cemetery was donated to the church in 1904 by John Butler and Barrow Butler. John and Barrow descend from Jack Butler lineage. Lawerence believes that Jack and Fredrick were brothers.  Lawerence have spent long  hours in the Amite Clerk's Office looking through hundred of records on his Butler family. He also use the Amite Genealogy Library to help find the missing pieces  to his family puzzle. 

Butler Cemetery in Amite, LA
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Lawerence to  continue researching his Butler family tree. Specifically, he wants to know when Butler Memorial Park was established. It was revealed to him that his grandmother Idella was buried by the church, and that the cemetery had been relocated. People who live next door to the church told him that the cemetery was moved when the new church was built. Lawerence is very proud of his history and want to share it with others. Butler Town is over one hundred and forty years old. 

Tangi Voter Drive Pioneers Honored by Area Citizens (Reprint from the Drum Newspaper)

Alvin Holden

Drummer Publisher Hammond-It was standing room only at the Pear Ridge Church on Feb 21,  the church and the Magnolia Peace  Officer association honored civil rights activist "Bobby" Jackson for his contribution paving the way for American Americans to vote in the Tangipahoa Parish. 

During and prior to the 1950s African American were not allowed to register at the courthouse in Amite. Alvin Holden, the guest speaker for the event. Holden said the framework for the civil right movement in the parish was formed when all the black American Legion posts and agreed to meet and discuss the problems of voter registration. After months of meeting and mapping, and strategizing they finalized a plan that they decided to try. It didn't work and African American were once again denied the right to vote. 

However the efforts continue with the formation on Oct 19, 1945, with the People's Defense League in New Orleans.  A branch of the leagues was formed in "Tangipahoa Parish" according to Holden. Holden was part of the organizations. On Sept 20, 1951, after ra group o blacks was turned away at the registrar's office, the league filed a suit in the Federal Courts in in New Orleans, LA.

Ernest Wright, and attorney was the director for the People 's Defense Fund in New Orleans. Through his efforts the local league was able to contact the proper officials  and the case went to court.  On October 15,

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

1951, the league began soliciting funds to cover the expenses of the case Holden said. He said the league pulled a surprise by filing its case in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans. Louis Berry, a attorney for Alexandria, La was retained by the league to handle the case.

The case was assigned to Judge Hebert Christenberry and was known as Williams vs Williams. But just before it went to trial the parish register of voter resigned and Christenberry ruled in fave of the league. "This wasn't the first time that blacks had tried to vote in Amite and was denied," said Holden. An old man from Independence who was born in Mississippi wanted to dsomethi for his people, so he tried several times to register along with others. They all was denied the right to vote once again.

For nearly 100 years, black in Tangipahoa Parish had been prevented from registering by threats and force.  Holden said black men served in all the wars. They sacrificed and gave their lives for other to be free, yea ye were forcefully prevented from having any parts in determining who would represent them at any level of government.  During 1930s black people became restless. Many attempted to gain their rightful place in society and to benefit the rights guaranteed them by the U.S. Constitution.

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

"Regardless of how hard we tried, it was to no avail," said Holden. After World War II, which  exposed thousands of young black to world affairs. they was compelled with a new determination do so something about the political situation in Tangipahoa Parish. 

The veterans organized with community support. But later, after the committee had been formed and the first attempt to register blacks to vote had been made. "It was learned American Legion Charter forbade the fostering political groups," said Holden. On night of October 20, 1951: Post Commander Alvin K. Holden of officially declare that he could not sponsor a political group under the American Legion, because was against the Legion's Constitution foster political  or religious group. Upon this declaration at this grim period there were very sad expressions on the face of 300 people who jammed the auditorium of the Independence Colored School with much uneasiness this committee was then dissolved. From it on a political  organization called " The Peoples Defense League of Tangipahoa Parish, in which Post Commander Alvin K. Holden was selected parish president. Other officers of this organization were:

Rev. E. M. Booker, Vice President

Mrs. Myrtle Gordon, Secretary

Mr. James Elliott, Treasurer

Mrs. Rovan Stanley, Financial Secretary

The fight to vote was continued by this league. The suit was filed by Attorney Louis Berry of Alexandria, Louisiana against William Mason, Registrar of Voters of Tangipahoa Parish, and State of Louisiana. The case was assigned to the Eastern District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana by Judge Herbert J. Christenberry and Judge J.S. Wright south of New Orleans, Louisiana. The following names signed the complaint:

Burnell Stevens

1. Mr. Armanda Butler

2. Mr. Robert E. Jackson

3. Mr. Alvin E. Holden

4. Mr. Leonard P. Holden

5. Mr. Clarence Bernard

6. Mr. Blanche Mitchell

8. Mr. John Alvin Clark.

The History and Legacy of the Muse Family of St. Helena, Louisiana

Left to Right
Allen Muse, Chris Muse, Burnell Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Muse is a surname I grew up hearing family members speak about. The Muse family is large and they are from St. Helena Parish, they said. This past summer I took a bus tour to Lexington, Mississippi to tour farms. Several of the Muse brothers; Chris Muse, Burnell Muse, Burnell Muse and their sister Barbara Muse English were on the bus. They were wearing orange and blue tee shirts with their logo that said "Muse 3 Farm". I wanted to know more about Muse 3 Farm. I visited their website and was deeply impressed with their 120 acres of farmland. 

I had the opportunity to attend one for their farm day events. That was my opportunity to learn more about their farm and family history. My drive to Greensburg, Louisiana, took me to their farm. It caught my attention that the road was named after the Muse family. Upon entering the farm, I was captivated by the picturesque landscape and the goats house with the artwork created by Michelle. The lambs was grazing and sitting by one of the three ponds on the property. 

My eyes were astonished by Eve's gorgeous butterfly garden and the healthy cage-free chickens that roamed around clucking and eating. The artwork that Chris' wife Michelle painted on the mobile chicken coop caught my attention. Burnell's wife Wanda like taking photographs of the beauty sceneries and animals on the farm. It was impressive to see how well the Muse family worked together. It is a collective effort between the Muse brothers, their wives, and members of their families. 

Allen Muse
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I wanted to know more about their family history. Who are their parents and grandparents? How far back can they trace their family history? This is where the story of family history began for me. Who are these hard working and dedicated people who are holding up the traditions and legacy that was passed down to them by their ancestors? 

Their parents were Columbus Muse and Alice Jackson Muse. The couple married in 1952 in St. Helena, Louisiana. Columbus was born about 1930 in St. Helena, Louisiana. He worked as a farm helper on a farm according to the 1930 United States Federal Census.

Allen often spoke of his grandfather Mittie in interviews. In his memoirs, he talked about the things his grandfather taught him when he was a young man. Land ownership is something his grandfather instilled in them. While all three brothers worked in other professions, they never lost their love of agriculture and working the land. The same lessons are now being taught to their children and grandchildren.

Mitte Muse was born in 1888 and died in 1979. He is buried in Clinton-Pipkin Cemetery. Mittie was
married to Mattie Luberta Williams. Now, I can see why my family talked about how large the Muse family is. Columbus had several sisters and brothers. The Muse family is an example of what can be accomplished when a family stays together and works together. My attention was drawn to the closeness of all the brothers. In his joking manner, Allen told me that four of them slept in one bed as children. His emphasis was that it couldn't get any closer than that.

Columbus and Alice J. Muse
Photo Courtesy: Chris Muse

Muse 3 Farm is located at 1967 Muse Rd, Greensburg, LA.  Muse 3 Farm is your destination for organic animals, vegetables, and manure. Their cattle, lamb, and goats are grass fed and their chickens and turkeys are free range. Their animals graze on over 100 acres of pristine farmland. Muse 3 Farm offers educational tours. Their beautiful scenery is also the perfect locations for those looking for rustic, natural backdrops for photoshoots. Muse 3 Farm is Certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. 

If they were alive today, their parents and grandparents would be gleaming with pride and joy at what their offspring have accomplished. Those valuable lessons their parents and grandparents taught them are still with them. Their heritage as farmers gives them great pride. From as far back as they can recall, their ancestors have farmed. Each of the Muse brothers graduated from Southern University Baton Rouge. Two of them reconnected with their roots after retiring. Although there is a great deal of work each day for them to accomplish, it's not like working because it is something they enjoy doing. 

They have been blessed by the land throughout the decades. Providing them with food and shelter, as well as an income. The Muse 3 Farm gives back to the community by educating the youth about livestock and agriculture. It is imperative to teach children how to feed themselves and understand the importance of purchasing and maintaining land. All three expressed the same sentiment.

Juanita Muse in her butterfly garden
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

A major attraction at Muse 3 Farm is Eve's butterfly garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects are attracted to the colorful flowers and the sweet nectar the flowers provide. The milkweed Juanita planted in her garden attracts monarch butterflies. During the past few years, the populations of migratory monarch butterflies have steadily declined. Monarch larvae rely on milkweed as a host plant. It was beautiful to watch the children run behind the beautiful colorful butterflies. Volunteers were there to educate the children about the importance of butterflies and insects to our ecosystem. More than 80% of the world's flowering plants depend on them for pollination and nutrient cycling. 

I couldn't help by notice not one child or teenager had a cellphone in their hands playing games. I felt like I somehow step back in a beautiful time when I was growing up playing outside. Enjoy the outdoors. To learn more about Muse 3 Farm please visit the link below. 

Link

muse3farm.com

Bertha Harrell, Amite, Louisiana (1902-1990)

Bertha Harrell Hooper
1902-1990
Chicago, Illinois

Bertha Harrell was born in 1902 in Amite, Louisiana., to Alexander Harrell and Emma Mead Harrell. Bertha died August 28, in  Cook County, IL  She migrated to  the north in the earlier 1930s.  She lived in Chicago from the 30s up until her death. Her remains were sent home to buried with her parents, siblings, and other relatives at Big Zion A.M.E. church in Roseland. 

The History of Big Zion A.M.E. Church by Gloria Steptoe

Rev. Solomon Johnson, Founder and Pastor of the former Mount Zion Church M.E. African was established in Roseland, LA in 1860. Solomon was born in Calvert, Maryland in 1835 and died on April 29, 1926 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. He is buried in Big Zion Cemetery in Roseland, Louisiana.  A freed slave was called to the ministry to preach. He was married to Margarette Cage Johnson and to this union four children were born; John, Delila, Rhody, and Anna. He served God under the the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was sent south to plant a seed church. His wife and their four children left Maryland and settled in Louisiana.  

Rev. Johnson continued to work for the church through preaching. He had a desire to give every Negro a place to worship and to serve the " Most High God". Rev. Johnson established a church around 1860, appointing trustee who were all free men. He named the church Mount Zion M.E.  African church. The African was delineate it from the White M.E. Churches. Rev. Johnson continued to preach by meeting in houses because they did not have a formal church building in which to meet. This continued for several years under he M.E. religious name. 

Although Methodist Episcopal was the religion of choice for the freemen of color. In the North it lacked true equality and religious freedom. There was much prejudice and the opportunity to preach was limited or non existent. M.E. or Methodist Episcopalism was prevalent in the deep south and was the religious worship of choice for most freemen or Negroes (as referenced by the History of A.M.E. Zion Church Vol.II) 

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was established in October 1796, in New York City. The organization grew out of the dissatisfaction among the people of color over the kind of treatment they received in the services of the church. People of color were not treated equally during worship, nor were they afforded equal enjoyment of religious rights and privileges. Some men of color were licensed to preach, but were not allowed to preach to their own color or anyone else. The Negro was wanted for the support that provided, but little else.

In 1776, about 30  Negroes, under James Varick's leadership withdrew from the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and formed the first colored church in New York was built in 1800. Both black and white could operate in Methodism, but it was limited. John Varick and a small group of friends began to meet in the home of James Varick. It was against the law for black men to hold meeting of any kind. He began the meetings, because "Caste Prejudice" had crept into the Methodism of Wesley and Coke.

In 1796, they withdrew from the church and formed what had grown into the A.M.E. Zion Church. The following group of laymen formed the Zion Methodist Church; Peter Williams, James Varick, Frances Jacob, Thomas Sipkins, George E.  Moore, George White, George Collins, Thomas Cook, William Brown, and David Bias. Peter Williams and Frances Jacob applied for and signed the Articles of Incorporation of Religious Denominations to establish the church. 

Rev, Johnson had limited resource, but he had a desire to establish a permanent home for the Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal African Church which denotes the church for the White Methodist churches. He located four acres in parcel Township 3 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana now known as Roseland. This was convenient for Rev. Johnson and some of the trustees; Fredrick Butler, Thomas Hays, Thomas Jones, and Henry Lawson because they all lived in the Township 3 or Roseland area.

Rev. Johnson went to William W. Wood, a wealthy white land owner who owned many acres in Township 3 Roseland, LA which originally part of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.  In 1868, Rev. Johnson met with Mr. William Wood and impressed upon him the desire that he  wanted to preach the gospel to his people, and that he would like to have a permanent building to do so. Mr. Wood was believed to the a Christian man, and who had a desire to promote the gospel to free man of color. He therefore provided four acres of land to Rev. Johnson and the trustees for the Mount Zion Church.  He donated the land with the stipulation that it be used only for a building to be erected for the worship and service to our Lord and Savior. If a church was not built it would revert back to Mr. Wood. The trustees and Rev. Johnson received the land from Mr. Wood, as an Act of Donation. The transaction was recorded in the Clerk's Courts' Office in Tangipahoa Parish on September 8, 1871.

Upon on acquiring the land, a wooden structure was built and the church had a permanent home. The congregation grew and the pastor and trustee decided to joined the A.M.E. Zion church denomination.  They joined the Louisiana conference out of New Orleans and became the "Mother Church" of the Louisiana Conference. There were two Louisiana conferences, one north and they the southern one in New Orleans, La. After the conversion from Methodist Episcopal to A.M.E. Zion had taken place, the name was changed to Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. With this conversion, the Big Zion Church was established at the present site; 622268 Washington Ave., in Roseland, Louisiana.

The church was erected and served dual purpose. It was used to worship and as a meeting place to educate the Negro. Community leaders organized the Big Zion School trustee board. It was their trustee board that  purchased two acres of land for the price of $184.75 to build a school so that Negroes could be educated. It was named Big Zion School after the church. 

The school existed for many years and educated many children. Miss Leona Morris who is one of Rev. Johnson's descendants was principal of the school for more the than 30 years. Many students who received their early education became doctors, lawyers, teachers, principals, entrepreneurs, social workers, engineers, and work in many other fields.

In 1970's, the church was believed to be burned by an arsonist. It was never proved and the membership became divided and decreased because they didn't have a permanent place to worship once again. Although the building was destroyed miraculously the Bible only sustained charred pages, but was still intact. This was a testament to the power of God's world to stand in all adversity.

After several years of worshipping in the old Big Zion School and other churches, in 1980 we finally began new construction of the present sanctuary.  Rev. C.O. Newton an architect by occupation was instrumental  in building the first sanctuary returned and drew the plans again for the new sanctuary. The sanctuary stands today as our present place of worship.

Many of the Rev. Johnson's descendants or members of this church as deaconesses, ministers, choir members, and officers, who continue to keep the promise of Rev. Johnson of serving the "Most High God". 

Note:

Black Homesteaders Of The South

Allen Muse Educating his Daughter and Grandsons About Farm Life

Dustin Davidson
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Earlier today,  I had the privilege and opportunity to talk briefly with three generations  of the Muse family in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.  During our discussion about land ownership, we discussed the future of land ownership with the next generations of Allen and Juanita Muse. Their daughter Ashley Davis and her two sons. Dustin Davis, who is eight years old, and Danny Davis, who is eleven years old, both live in a large city in the State of Texas. 

The boys are no stranger to farm life, and their grandparents are happy to teach them what they know about working on a farm. Muse 3 Farms and their sponsors; First South Farm Credit, Kentwood CO-OP,  Kentwood Spring Water, LSU AgCenter, SARE, St. Helena Cattle Company, and Southern University Ag Center, and the USDA NRCS sponsored a Soil Health Cover Crop Field Day on Muse 3 Farm. 

There were a number of guest speakers and demonstrations on the agenda. The cover crops were demonstrated by Burnell Muse, Assistant Area Agent, ANR SU Ag Center. Mittie Muse demonstrated no -till techniques. With their grandfather and great uncle;  Danny and Dustin boys walked side by side to gain an understanding of farm life and how to to manage a farm.

3 Generations
Allen Muse, his daughter Ashley Davis, her sons
Dustin and Danny 
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

"We are teaching the boys about property, farm management in preparations for one day passing it to thenext generation, "said Allen.  Ashley said that her son Danny have more interest in the in management and the paperwork.  

The boys are familiar with their property boundaries for the land. I was pleased to learn that the Muse family is educating their youth about land ownership and the business affairs of owning land. All across the United States, African Americans are losing land due to the lack of knowledge and how to manage property. 

I wish more families would educate their youth about heir property and owning property. When paying the property taxes we should take the children along with discuss what we are doing and why we are doing it. As they grow up, they will understand the importance of land business matters, and how to handle them. I am extremely proud of Danny and Dustin. I am certainly proud of their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles for teaching these important lessons to their offsprings. 

Richardson and Richardson Ancestry DNA Testing

Genealogy Discussions with Antoinette and Karran

Have You Heard of Congo Town in Amite, Louisiana?

The late Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison told me about Congo Town in Amite, Louisiana many years ago. Congo Town is a subdivision of the West Portion of the property of L. B. Ponder, Jr. in Sec. 59  T.4. S.R. 7., E. Greensburg. District. Scale: 1"100" Date' 6-20-1951. 

Present day Congo Town is called Shiloh. The Bean and Batiste family are large families in Congo Town. 

1. Who named it Congo Town?

2. Why isn't it called Congo Town today?

3. Where is  Harlem, Zulu, and Bongo Street.

Richardson and Richardson DNA Testing to Find Out if They Are Related

Ancestry DNA Testing
Photo Credit: Wallace Gilmore

How often have you heard of two sets of people with the same last name living in a small community? "As a matter of fact, " I have heard of it quite often. In the absence of genealogical research or DNA testing, how can they be sure there two separate families with the same last name that has no genealogical connections? As far back as I can remember, my Richardson family has always spoken of another set of Richardson who also live in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes, Louisiana. 

Both of our families have known each other all our lives. I must mention that Superintendent Richardson's uncle John Wesley Richardson was a witness in my grandparents Jasper Harrell, Sr., and Josephine Richardson Harrell wedding. Another point of interest, Emmitt N. Richardson was witness at the wedding. According to some of my family members, Supt. Alonzo Richardson, Jr., frequently referred to my family as cousins. 

As part of my research into my Richardson family lines, I was conducting advanced research into my ancestors who were held as slaves on the Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson plantation in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. On the 1855  inventory list of Benjamin Richardson, I discovered by my maternal ancestors Carrie aged 23 and her child Thomas aged 1. A total of twenty-three enslaved people were held on the Richardson plantation. One of the enslaved was a fifteen-years-old boy named Nathan. I learned that Supt. Jimmy Richardson is a descendant of Nathan. 

Recently, I had a lengthy conversation with Earl Scott Richardson, Jr., a maternal cousin 3x removed. I asked him if he would take a DNA test to find out if we are related to the other set of Richardson's. He agreed to take a DNA test to determine if we are related to the other set. I was wondering which Richardson I could test from the other set of Richardson's that descends from Nathan Richardson? However, I asked Supt. Jimmy Richardson to contact me through Facebook. Once he called, we discussed the same subject and decided it was time for us to conduct DNA testing to get some answers. I asked him if he would take a DNA test, he agreed and was gratified to do so. 

I met Earl Scott Richardson, Jr., and Superintendent Jimmy Richardson at Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite to take the DNA test. We were all delighted and will wait patiently with anticipation for the results in six to eight weeks. This is something that is long over due. 

Earl S. Richardson, Jr. and Superintendent Jimmy Richardson

                                                               

Unanswered Questions

1. Was the enslaved people on Richardson Plantation related?

2. Could Carrie and Nathan be brother and sister?

3. Who are the other Richardson on the plantations we should be testing?

4. What information could the DNA test provide for us?

5. Can the DNA test help us find the descendants of others who were on the plantation?

The Legacy of Three Generations Vernon Men of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Each time I speak with members of the Vernon family and others who were a part of the community and have recollections of some of the  community leaders. The Vernon family names comes to their minds.  I learn some new history about the Vernon men who were pioneers and community leaders. Several years ago, one of my dearest friends, Glyniss Vernon Gordon a  relatives by marriage shared with me her Vernon family history. 

Her parents. Dr. Willard Vernon and his wife Alma Harrison Vernon, were my childhood icons. Both of her parents were educators in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. They held high standard for their students academic achievements. They were  two pillars in their community and both made a difference in the lives of so many students and people. 

The Vernon humanitarian works didn't begin with her father Dr. Willard Vernon. His great grandfather Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, a former slave who immigrated to Louisiana from Mississippi, Robert purchased more than 1, 100 acres of land and gave one hundred acres to each of his children in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Robert also made a generous gift of land to established a church, school and cemetery in Arcola, Louisiana. 

Glyniss often recounts how her father and grandfather and others worked tirelessly to open the Good
Samaritan Nursing Home in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The nursing home was established in 1987. Glyniss was so proud of father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

Glyniss V. Gordon and Gregory Route, 
Mayor of Franklinton, La. 

Third District Bogue Chitto Baptist Association "Good Samaritan Nursing Home" Board of Director were as follows: Rev. Raymond Mims, President, Rev A.J. Manning, Rev. James Mahoney, Rev. Aaron Thompson, Rev. Carlis Hart, Mrs, Pearl Wilson, Rev. Leo Edgerson, Rev. R. He. Cornist, Rev. Dr. Altwood Luther, Bro. Jo Williams, Matthew Tate, David Wood, Ben Fussell, Harris Farris, Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon, Ex-Officio.

Glyniss and her family stood proudly by the cornerstone dedication. The Historical background was presented by Pastor Johnny Causey. The speaker for the hour was Rev. Dr. Raymond Mims, because he couldn't make the event, Rev. Dr. Bobby Showers was the keynote speaker. 

Comments was made by Glyniss Vernon Gordon, Mayor Gregory Route, and Mrs. Annie Grace. Glyniss  stand on the shoulders of her ancestors who were leaders, pioneers, and visionaries. Today, the legacy of the Vernon family continues. These are just a few of their major accomplishments and contributions to their communities and societies. Glyniss herself is a pioneer, as she was the first African American woman elected to serve on the City of Amite Council.  Gregory Route became the first black mayor of Franklinton, Louisiana.  "I knew that my parents were hard workers, but to me they was just daddy and mama," said Glyniss. I want my grandchildren to learn more about the legacy of my father's family she said. 

The offsprings of 
Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon and Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Irving Family History of Roseland, Louisiana with Lorraine Deamer Lizana

Lynn Dosty Finding Her East Feliciana and Orleans Louisiana Parishes Anc...

Louis Ali Researching His Allen Family History with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Star Hill C.M.E Church
Amite County, Mississippi
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

For twenty years Crawford Allen's story sat on Dr. Antoinette Harrell's desk. Crawford Allen, his wife and three children were kidnapped from Amite County, Mississippi and sold to a farm in Fluker, Louisiana in 1926. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The proclamation declared" that all person held as slaves" with the rebellious states "are, and hencefoward shall be free.

Peonage researcher, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, conducted peonage for decades at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The Crawford Allen story was one of the stories she uncovered during her visit. Harrell discovered a 1926 newspaper clipping published by the Associated Press regarding Allen's and his family being sold for $20.00. Yes, a family of five sold for $20.00, after slavery was abolished seventy plus years. "How could this happened? Who sold them? Whatever happened to the Allen's who kidnapped and sold them?"

Louis was named after his paternal grandfather, Louis Allen, who was assassinated in 1964 after witnessing Hebert Lee's murdered at a cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi. "I was the first male child born and my parents named me after my grandfather." said Ali. My grandmother passed the oral history down to me about my grandfather. She always talked about what happened to her husband and my grandfather. Louis father Henry "Hank" Allen said that his father Louis told him, that papa was a slave. He never mentioned that he was sold as a slave as well. 

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Gravesite of Crawford Allen

When Harrell delivered the news to the Allen family, it was so shocking to them. They had no ideal that Louis was one fo the three children who was kidnapped and sold. The Allen family needed a few moments to process what was being told to them by peonage detective Dr. Antoinette Harrell. There were no easy methods for Harrell to inform the family that their father, grandfather, and great grandfather was one of the three children in the house when the kidnapping occurred. 

Ali contacted Dr. Harrell and requested that she accompany him to the Amite County Clerk of Court in order to  conduct genealogical research  his family history. The opportunity to guide Ali to learn more about his family history was too appealing for Harrell to turn down. When they arrived at the Clerk's office the first records Harrell directed Ali to was marriage records. Ali was so excited to find his grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts marriage records. In addition to marriage records, Harrell wanted  Ali to examine records relating to conveyances and succession. With the aid of Harrell's magnification glasses, Harrell helped Ali to locate a  number of land records and succession records relating to the Allen family. 

In the Clerk of Court office, they exerted all their efforts and energy researching records. Harrell requested that Ali take her to the gravesite of his great grandfather Crawford and his grandfather Louis Allen. It was the first time Harrell had visited the gravesite of Crawford Allen, his son Louis Allen, his wife Anna, and his daughters who was also sold. 

As Ali led Harrell to the location where his grandfather Louis Allen was murdered, Harrell had to compose herself emotionally.  Harrell couldn't believe that after waiting patiently for the story development for twenty years, she was finally able to speak with the Allen family and to go back to the site were the terrible events occurred. 

Louis Allen
Researching his Allen family history
Amite County, Mississippi
Photo Credit
Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Homegoing Celebration for Mardus (Myrtis) Lee Womack

Myrtis Womack Johnson
Nurturing Our Roots with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

A life so beautifully lived, deserves to be beautifully remembered. Our beloved Mardus (Myrtis) Lee Womack Johnson, peacefully transitioned this life in her home, surrounded by family on March 5, 2022. She was born April 8, 1945 to Walter and Sallie Womack, in Greensburg, LA. Myrtis was baptized at an early in the Tickfaw River. She was 1964 graduate of Helena High School, She was employed at BASF Chemical  Plant for 25 years and retired in 2010. Myrtis was active in the church and the community until her health began to decline.

Myrtis was a devoted member of Venable Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greensburg, LA. She served faithfully as the Sunday school Superintendent, Adult Sunday school teacher, Missionary President, Steward, Stewardness, Christian Education Director, and the Church Historian. She also taught the rich history of Richard Allen adn the structure of the AME Church during the new membership class at her church. Myrtis attended many seminars, workshops, and speaking engagements involving history and historical facts. One other most rewarding speaking engagements she attended was the Kweisi Mfume, the former President/CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as the keynote speaker.

Myrtis is known in St. Helena Parish for the dedicated work restoring abandoned cemeteries. Myrtis' passion for the preservation efforts of abandoned cemeteries came when she tried to visit the cemetery in St. Helena Parish where some of the her ancestors were buried, and she could not gain access to it due to fallen trees, weeds, and debris. She have been interviewed and featured in the St. Helena Parish Newspaper the "Echo",  numerous times for her efforts and commitment to restoring abandoned cemeteries. She was a guest speaker for the St. Helena Historical Society, and she was featured in St. Helena's parish newspaper. She was interviewed by b Allen Turney for his "Tummy Travels" segment of WAFB Channel Nine News, and she was featured on the front page of the Baton Rouge Advocate after restoring and marking 82 abandoned slave graves. She was a guest on "Nurturing Our Roots" Television Talk Show hosted by Antoinette Harrell. She was honored by United Daughters of the Confederacy in 2005, during a ceremony in recognition of her work with here restoring abandoned cemeteries. Myrtis founded "Save Our Graves Foundation" in 2011. Her foundation located, restores, and collects data of abandoned cemeteries. Myrtis was the keynote speaker in Germany for Black History Month in 2016. The program was held on her son's military base.

Myrtis Womack Johnson
African American Cemetery in St. Helena Parish, LA. 

Her travels have taken here to North Buxon, Ontario Canada where she visited the Buxton National  Historic Site and museum. This Historic site and museum is on the original Elgin Settlement, which was the first stop on the Underground Railroad for hundreds of fugitive slaves. She had visited many plantations and historical museums including, Nottaway Plantation, Magnolia Mound Plantation, Rural life Museum and Southern University Museum of Art.  Her most recent and memorable visit was to Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana. 

She leaves to Cheris her memories, her children: Valery, Baton Rouge, LA, Kevin (Raquel), Houston, TX, Andre (Keisha) Kileen, TX, grandchildren: Markell, Debbie, Jamie, Nalani, Maya, Kevin Jr., Aaron, and Frank, nine siblings: two sisters: Shirley and Janice Womack, Baton Rouge, LA; Seven brothers: Walter (Lorene), Charlotte, NC, Charles (Linda) and John (Mary) Baton Rouge, Rev. Floyd (Sandra)), Port Allen, Louisiana, Morris, Larry, (Mildred), and Richard (Tracy) Womack, Greensburg, LA.  one brother-in-law: Walter Kendrick, Jr., Kings Mountain, NC, a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Sallie Womack, siblings: Carolyn Beller, Lena Kendrick, Jimmy Ray, Ned, two sets of twins Willie Gene (Slick) and Barbara Moore, Alfa and Effie, sister-in-law; Joann, several uncles, aunts and numerous other relatives. 

Myrtis Womack Johnson

Source: The funeral program for Mrs. Myrtis Womack Johnson

Inspired to Sing with Kathy Knighten Williamson

Lynn Dosty Searching Her Badie Family History in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

Lynn Dosty
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Lynn Dosty contacted Dr. Antoinette Harrell, genealogist and local historian to discuss her Badie, Butler,  Keller, Mitchell, and Harrison family history with Harrell. Dosty had ties to East Feliciana Parish through her Badie family history. Their telephone conversation about the Badie family history led Harrell to conclude that it was time for her to travel down south to  Southeast Louisiana to conduct genealogical research. This was her first time to conduct family history research in the parish. 

Dosty desired to be guided by Dr. Harrell's methodology and expertise in genealogy research. In consultation with Dosty, Harrell discussed the itinerary with her to make her genealogy trip a success. Harrell chose to visit start the Badie and Keller research at the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court and later to the genealogy department at the Audubon Regional Library in Clinton, Louisiana. 

Her research with Harrell resulted in several marriage records and succession records regarding her Badie family. "As they found records that could prove extremely helpful to the progress of building Dosty's family tree," she was overjoyed. Having completed their research at the library, they subsequently drove around the town taking pictures of the many historic sites and historic homes. 

The following day visited the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to search for vital records and marriage records. Dosty retrieved over certified copies of seventy-six records in a matter of hours. We had planned research to the close of the day, but finished two hours earlier. 

"Dr. Harrell was very professional and she setup an appointment and followed up with a Zoom meeting." She took the time to consult with me regarding some critical findings. "I could not have completed this research without the assistance of Dr. Harrell," said Dosty. According to Dosty, the positive results is due to the beautiful, peaceful, and professional guidance she had with Harrell. Dosty dressed in her camouflage,  the outfit corresponded to her ancestral search.

Celebrating Women History Month with Kathe Hambrick RRAFM

Dr. Antoinette Harrell Reveals Family History to Publisher and Editor of the Drum Newspaper

Eddie Ponds
The Drum Newspaper 
Publisher

Dr. Harrell spoke with Eddie Ponds, owner and publisher of the Drum Newspaper about his family history. Eddie expressed his desire to research his family history with Dr. Harrell, a renowned genealogist and local historian in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Eddie explained to Harrell that his father's side fo the family originated from Plaquemine, Louisiana during the course of their conversation. In a matter of minutes, Harrell began searching for information about his ancestry. A gift that she want to give to Mr. Ponds, because he gives so much to the African American community.

Harrell invited Mr. Ponds to join her at the Amite Library Genealogy Department to research his family history utilizing Ancestry on the computer. He was excited to find information on his father and his grandparents.  Mr. Ponds father Eugene Ponds was working at the Louisiana Cypress Lumber Company in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. "According to the 1920  United States Federal Census, Eugene was 28 years old and his birthplace Louisiana." He was living in the Police Jury Ward 4, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was living on Bayou Sarah Road. He was laborer at a sawmill and lived as a boarder in the home with Stirling Fields, Bertrand Hampton, Alfred Scale, Eli Allen, Baurnyard McDaniel. 

Eugene Ponds
Military Registration Card

They discovered that Eddie's father Eugene Ponds, Sr.  was born around 1892. According to his military
registration card, he was 27 years old at the time and he was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  His race was African, and he was married. Eugene was married to Ida Mae Davis Ponds. They were the parents of ten children: Mary Loui Ponds, Ella Mae Ponds, Eugene Ponds, Jr., John Wesley Ponds, Isiah Ponds, Paulette Ponds

Eugene's parents were Severley Ponds. Severly was born in around 1860 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His wife Isabella Roner Ponds was born around 1868 and died in 1958. I was happy that Mr. Ponds walked out of the Amite Genealogy Library with some new information on the Ponds side of his family. We'll continue to research his family lineage on his paternal side of his family,