Sunday, February 26, 2023
Friday, February 24, 2023
Honoring the Legacy of African American History Keeper
Although the topic of Critical Race Theory is exploding across this nation. It seem as soon as black history move beyond just Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriett Tubman and others black leaders we have learned about all our life. The alarm sound off for those want the truth to remain covered. History can't be erase because some people are uncomfortable with it. Black history is America' History. I chose to celebrate the legacy of local history icons. Those who chose to preserve the black history in Tangipahoa Parish.
It all started with my mother Isabel Harrell Cook, the family griot who preserved funeral programs and photographs. The youngest brother of my mother, Raymond Harrell, Sr., left his daughter Monteral Harrell a box of photographs. Originally it belonged to my Aunt Ella Harrell Keith. A very important role in preserving Richardson Funeral Home's funeral programs was played by my first cousin Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier and Eddie Braziel. A collection was started at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. That collection has over one thousand funeral programs for public view.
As a local historian and genealogist I am interested in getting people into contact with their local communities' history. They will discover a rich and sometimes dark history. It can be uncomfortable to talk about things that have happened in the past. It is because of this that some people have difficulty redressing the past. Others feel that moving on from the past is the most appropriate course of action. The people I'm writing about in this blog life made a difference in preserving local history.
Whose shoulders do you stand on?
 |
| Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl S. Richardson |
Throughout history, people all over the world have preserved their family history through oral and written traditions. Now let's look at why knowing your family history is so significant. The importance of genealogy can be attributed to so many factors. Knowing your family history gives you a sense of who you are. By doing so, you can gain a great deal of insight into yourself and your family. Some want to know and to others it may not be important. Both Dr. Richardson and Earl were curious to learn more about their Wheat family. The history of their families is significant to both of them. As a result, they felt compelled to learn more about their family history to commemorate Black History Month.
Their curiosity led Dr. Valarie Richardson and Earl Scott Richardson, Jr. to seek out information. My grandmother and their paternal grandfather Thomas Alexander Richardson were siblings. Our understanding of their family history is very clear on that front. Inquiring about their grandmother Melissa Wheat Richardson, their paternal grandmother, was important to them.
 |
| Dr. Valarie Richardson, Earl S. Richardson, Sr. Dr. Antoinette Harrell, local historian |
Oral histories are passed down, but where do you begin searching for records as a beginner genealogist? It was my request that they meet me at Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office in Amite, Louisiana. The first thing we did when they arrived was to look the marriage index books. Some of their great uncles and aunts were recognized in the (W) for the Wheat family. This was the first time they conducted genealogy research in the Parish Clerk's office. A staff member pulled the original marriage records after writing down some of the wedding date information.
The grandparents of Earl and Dr. Richardson had ten children. Eight of the ten children are deceased, and each death is a piece of history that has just passed away. Their father Earl Lee Richardson, Sr., and his siblings often spoke about their great uncles and aunts on their grandmother's side of the family. Saul Wheat and Corrine Wheat were the parents of Melissa Wheat. Saul Wheat was born in St. Helena, Louisiana in 1875 and died in Tangipahoa Parish in 1954.
Their eyes were filled with delight at seeing their ancestors' handwriting and for some, their (x) mark. This was a sign that the person was unable to write. They are the third generation of business owners their grandparents started. Family history is incredibly vital to them. They value the shoulders on which they stand. Often, Earl speaks of passing down the history to his children and grandchildren. "I want my children and grandchildren to know about their history," said Earl. We are the older folk now he said. It is one of the greatest gifts one can give to their children and grandchildren. Self-knowledge is a gift.
Buried between two cotton fields on Locust Ridge Plantation
 |
| Dr. Antoinette Harrell Photo Credit: Annie Harnett |
On that cold Saturday morning, I awoke at 6:00 a.m. to drive the two and a half hours to Tensas Parish. My GPS directed me to 1-55 North and the Natchez exit. In the back woods, the rolling hills and flat land were still covered with early morning frost. From the road, I could see fog hovering over ponds giving it that ghostly look. Like that in a horror movie scene. The beauty of these landscapes made me want to grab my camera and take pictures. In the end, I managed to take a few pictures. Besides, I didn't want to be late to meet Annie. Annie's ancestors were the owners of Locust Ridge Plantation owned by her ancestor named McGrudger Adams. She began researching her family's involvement in the slave society of the South in the Spring of 2021.
I was scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. This gave me an hour to explore the area. Waterproof, Louisiana was my first stop. After driving around the area for a while, I came across the cemetery that Annie and I would venture back to on our adventure. Annie and her guest walked the cemetery in search of her guest ancestors while I sat in the car saving my strength for the expedition ahead. After a delicious lunch at the "Walking Pig" restaurant, in St. Joseph, a bowl of spicy collard greens, mac and cheese, with a nice cold glass of freshly made tea with a twist of lemon gave me an extra boost.
Annie took me to visited a cemetery between two cotton fields on Locust Ridge Plantation. We walked a distant to get the thickets where the Wrights, Hatton, and Lewis families are buried. By this time the sun had warmed up and I didn't need the sweater I was wearing. I had to started shedding the layers of clothing due to the increase of heat. It wasn't easy walking on crutches in the mud as an amputee. My crutches sank three and a half inches in mud. The thought kept repeating in my mind, "you can't quit" those fleeing for freedom couldn't quit. I heard a voice inside me telling me to keep walking. As I walked, I kept an eye out for cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Not to mention hoping that we wouldn't run into wild boars. I was constantly reminded that this was the reality for those enslaved.
The thought of the enslaved on the plantation trying to escape with someone with a disability like myself was on my mind at the same time as Annie and I were talking. The mere thought of staying behind to avoid slowing others down meant that my family may never see me again. As I thought about the dogs on the trails and the slave catchers pursuing them, I would have slowed them down. I was frightened, anxious, and sorrowful just thinking about them. A greater appreciation for those who escaped to freedom took over after processing the many thoughts about getting caught and the consequences of running away.
 |
| Dr. Antoinette Harrell's Ancestor Charm Guider |
We feel as if Rena is guiding us on this journey. She is speaking to us in some spiritual form. The purpose of my search is to help Annie locate Rena's descendant. I used Ancestry. com to help me locate Rena's descendants. I left a message for one of her descendants name Latoya. Latoya' mother Mattie responded to my call and I couldn't contain my excitement. The news was a dream come true for Annie, I couldn't wait to share it with her. She wanted to meet the descendants of those her ancestors enslaved. I arranged a phone call and help to facilitate this meeting. It end up with information sharing and a plan of action to meet each other.
Rena's descendants saw their ancestors' headstones for the first time through photographs Annie shared. They didn't know where their graves were located. Annie has given the Lewis and Hatton families the gift of knowing where their loved ones are buried. They received photographs of the headstones from Annie. To some, it may seem insignificant. Consider for a moment that the bushes and trees are growing new leaves as spring approaches, making it impossible to visit the sacred burial grounds. Snakes, bugs and mosquitoes will keep you from entering the sacred place they share with those buried there. They worked the cotton fields and are buried in the cotton fields like so many in Tensas Parish and other plantation through out the United States.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Hurricane Ida damage headstones and vaults at Rocky Hill Cemetery
 |
| Damaged Vault Rocky Hill Cemetery Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
The cemetery was damaged by several trees that fell on graves. There were some graves that were seriously damaged. Several headstones lie broken on the ground with large holes. Hopefully, the headstones and vault can be repaired. Otherwise, these monuments will disappear forever. If you have family buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery, you may want to visit the cemetery to check on their graves.
We should rethink planting trees in cemeteries and cutting them down before they become unmanageable. It is also imperative to consider the roots and the damage they can cause. There is no doubt that such repairs can be costly. Since COVID-19, headstone prices have increased significantly. The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages. It would be great if you could visit the cemetery. The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages.
 |
| The grave of Willie Richardson Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Hammond Magnet School focus on local history for Black History Month
 |
| Hammond Magnet School Photo Credit: Mr. Kip Andrews |
"Having the students to explore and study local history is important. Oftentimes, we look at history on a national level. Sometimes people over look local history makers, icons, and pioneers, "said Harrell. Harrell stress the importance of exploring local history. Matter of fact, many of the students can be related to the local history makers she said. Mr. Andrew said that the students are working on a hard back book of the local history. Harrell volunteer to assist in anyway that she can.
Harrell was impressed with the interaction from the students. Some of the students had several questions for Dr. Harrell. They had good questions and comments concerning the information that Harrell shared.
St. Helena Parish Clerk on a mission to preserve local records and creating online access
 |
| Mildred Cyprian St. Helena Parish Clerk Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Just recently I learned that mortgage and conveyance records from 1983 to present is available online. This is a major step for Clerk's Offices located in rural communities to take. St. Helena has never had a fire to take place like many courthouse across the country. Some of the records dates back to the early 1800s and need to be protect and preserved. Many are crumbling up at a touch. It's like watching a little piece of history be destroyed forever through each crumbling piece of the paper. "What can we do about it?" Collaborating with experts in this area would be the first step to take. These records certainly should be scanned in order to continue preserving them. I would like to set up a meeting with the Clerk to discuss possibilities.
Previously, a briefcases and folders could be brought into the vault. Although we can no longer enter into the vault. You still have access to the records. Whatever you need from the vault, Denise Godfrey, the Key Deputy Clerk, will be glad to assist you. I'm in agreement as a genealogist and local historian. It is not uncommon for records be stolen and lost. It may be difficult for some people to understand this change. It is necessary to make this change in order to protect and preserve the records. The records in St. Helena Parish hold the key to understanding our parish's history. I'm very pleased with the new changes that I see each time I visit the clerk's office to conduct genealogy research. In recent years, the clerk's office has become more popular with genealogists and local historians. St. Helena Clerk's Office has been visited by groups from all over the country for research.
Please visit:
Monday, February 13, 2023
Ephraim Bates Succession and Probates 1829, St. Helena Parish Files B-1
 |
| Dr. Antoinette Harrell Conducting Genealogy Research St. Helen Parish Clerk's Office |
March. 23, 1829- Inventory: a tract of which decd lived 640 a traced called he William tract 640 acres; 13 slaves, etc. Total inventory $14, 569.
One negro woman named Eda, one hundred dollars.
One negro woman named Hilda, four hundred dollars.
One negro man named Simon, six hundred dollars.
One negro man named Moses, four hundred dollars.
One negro woman named Charlotte, two hundred dollars.
One negro woman named Rhoda, four hundred dollars.
One negro woman named Lydia and her two children, seven hundred and sixty dollars.
One negro woman named Pleasant, two hundred and eighteen dollars.
One negro man named Mark, seven hundred and sixty dollars.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Civil Rights Leaders Climon Ricard Sr, of St. Helena, Louisiana
 |
| Climon Ricard Military Draft Cart Ancestry |
As a member of the Citizens Voter League Board of Directors, Climon Ricard represented St. Helena Parish. Ten directors from St. Helena Parish served on the Board of Directors in 1950. As a result of the right to vote in 1950, Climon put his life on the line. The vote was a powerful tool for his life as well as that of African American people in St. Helena Parish.
Livingston Parish Civil Rights Leader Lester Youngblood
 |
| Lester Youngblood Courtesy of Bernice Alexander Bennett Funeral Program Photo |
Among the 36 names mentioned in the charter was Lester Youngblood. Her confirmation was that there are two Lester Youngbloods: Jr. and Sr. Bernice forwarded me a copy of Lester Youngblood's funeral program. Among the civil rights icons in Head Island, a parish in Livingston, was Lester Youngblood, Sr.
Lester was born on August, 7, 1914 to Wesley Youngblood and Fannie Walker in Head Island, Louisiana He passed away on May 32, 1997 at his home. He was married to Dorothy Martin Youngblood. They were the parents of 16 children. 10 daughters and 5 sons: Dora Youngblood Harris, Elnora Youngblood Quiet, Margie Youngblood Hawkins, Helen Youngblood Raven, Georgiana Youngblood Jackson, Lillie Youngblood Davis, Jessie Youngblood Hart, Daisy Youngblood Norman, Barbara Youngblood Thomas, Toni Youngblood Jackson. James Youngblood, Elgene Youngblood, John C. Youngblood and Henry Youngblood. When he passed away he had 55 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. He and his wife had a very large family
I used Ancestry to learn more about the man who put his life on the line for the right to vote. Lester realized that during that time in the Deep South. I found information on the U.S. World War II Draft Card. His bright day was listed as 1914, he was born in Head of Island, Louisiana and was employed at McCarrol Lumber Co. In the United States 1940 Census he was working for as a logger for a Sawmill Company. Lester owned his home in 1940.
Standing up for that right to vote, Youngblood could have been murdered. That didn't deter him from doing so. In 1955, he organized the Citizens Voter League with 35 other men. Civil rights leaders are often lauded on a national level and dismissed locally. The charter provided the names of brave men such as Lester Youngblood. It wasn't that long ago that he passed away. My hope is that his family members recorded his story. It is possible to gain some insight into the time and period of voting rights in the Florida Parish by learning about a few pieces of the rich history of voting rights for African Americans through documents like this charter.
Source: Funeral Program for Lester Youngblood
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office
Bernice Alexander Bennett
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Campbell's African American Funeral Home was established in 1940 in Hammond, LA
 |
| Samuel Levy Campbell Military Draft Card Courtesy of Ancestry |
Asking around in Tangipahoa Parish about the funeral home. Bobby Cyprian remembers the funeral home and its original location in Hammond, Louisiana. To search for records, I visited the Clerk's office in Tangipahoa Parish. My research led me to Campbell's Funeral Service, Inc.'s charter.
The document only contained the abbreviations for their names after I carefully read it. My search for the Campbells was conducted using Ancestry. In my research, I discovered that Samuel Levy Campbell was born on March 10, 1885, and he died in 1975. He was married to Mary Campbell. His military draft card provided a lot of useful information. Smith County, Mississippi, was the place of Samuel's birth. Campbell's Funeral Home was located at 505 North Holly Street in Hammond.
In the United States 1900 United States Census, Samuel was living with his mother Jennie Campbell, his father Joseph Patrick Campbell had passed away. Their home was in Jasper, Mississippi. Farm laborers were the family's occupation. According to the 1930 United States Census, Samuel's occupation was Undertaker, and his industry was Timeral Parlor.
Citizens Voters League Members in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes 1955
 |
| Photo Courtesy Library of Congress |
The full names and post office address of its register agents are: Rev. J.J. Montgomery of Hammond, Louisiana and J. W. Elliot of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The names of the first directors and their post office address as follows:
Tangipahoa Parish
Rev. J. J. Montgomery, Hammond, LA
Lavoice Harvey, Hammond, LA
Rev. E. M. Booker, Hammond, LA
J.W. Elliott, Ponchatoula, LA
Johnny Flowers, Hammond, LA
T.T. Terry, Jr, Ponchatoula, LA
Bun John Montgomery, LA
C. P. Mitchell, Hammond, LA
Rev. Hub Square, Tickfaw, LA
Rev Paul Silas, Amite, LA
Wesley Bailey, Head of Island, LA
Antoine Martin, Springfield, LA
Lester Youngblood, Maurepas, LA
Frank Buckhalter, Kilian, LA.
Eddie Cox, Head of Island, LA
Lawerence Willis, Killian, LA
Clarence Garner, Springfield, LA
Steve Harris, Walker, LA
Rev. A. F. Gray, Denham Spring, LA
Oscar Hall, Greensburg, LA
W.M. Coleman, Greensburg, LA
George Carter, Denham Springs, LA
Clemon Ricard, Montpelier, LA
Winston Rudison, Denhman, LA
Bennie Tate, Greensburg, LA
Elyn Howard Darlington, LA.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Henry Wheat of Amite, Louisiana
 |
| Henry Wheat Photo Courtesy of Gordon Richardson Deliverance C.O.G.I. C |
Major Coleman of St. Helena, Louisiana
 |
| Major Coleman Photo Courtesy of Gordon Richardson Deliverance C.O.G.I.C |
His father James was born in Louisiana in 1868. He was a farmer and worked on his own account. James could read and write.
Josephine Baker Coleman
 |
| Josephine Baker Coleman Photo Courtesy of Gordon Richardson Temple Deliverance C.O.G.I. C. |
Josephine Baker was the daughter of William and Clara Baker. William was born in 1853, according to the 1900 United States Federal Census. On the census, Joseph D. Baker, 9, Crealou D. Baker, 7, Elnora G. Baker, 6, Mora E. Baker, 4, Frances B. Baker, 3, Mary A. Baker, 1, William Baker, 18, and Commander Baker, 15 was listed.
William was listed as a mulatto on the 1900 United States Census, working for himself as a farmer. He lived with his wife Clara in the house. Daughters. Francis, Lizzie and his sons, John, Merrell, Alphonsse Baker. His mother-in-law Forrest Pettis. was listed. Her birthplace was South Carolina and she was a widow. Forrest gave birth to nine children.
The 1920 United States Census listed the following siblings: John Baker 17, Clarence Baker 14, and Alfred Baker 12. The family lived in Police Jury Ward 4, St. Helena, Louisiana, when the census was taken. There is no doubt that the Coleman family is a very large family in St. Helena, Louisiana.
Friday, January 20, 2023
Rev. Vernia Garrett McCoy Obituary 1938-2022
She was a faithful, hardworking member of Grants Chapel AME Church. She answered the call to preach and was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the Eighth Episcopal District in the Louisiana Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She studies at the International Theological Center and earned a Certificate of Theology. Rev. McCoy was licenses to preach in 1996 and was later appointed to St. James AME Church Airport Rd. She served there until her retirement. After retirement, she returned to Grants Chapel AME Church and continued to serve in many capacities.
Rev. McCoy was a member of Shady Grove Order of Eastern Star #134 PHA. She served as Chaplin and was a past Worthy Matron. She joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and remained active in the Theta Theta Zeta Chapter. She diligently served with North Oaks Hospice for over 20 years. SH was a m ember of the Golden Tones Choir for the Hammond Recreation Department.
Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her children: Roderick McCoy Sr., Zander McCoy and Samaria Rose McCoy; one special daughter, Corriene McCoy; siblings Ella Rose Brookins, Catherine G. Brown and Jerry Garrett (Mary); four grandchildren; five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Fred McCoy; siblings; Purvis Garrett, Isaac Garrett, Jr., Willie Dean Brickman, Betty Blackburn, Shirley Garrett Martin, David Garrett, Melvin Garrett, Sr., Benjamin Garrett and Rodney Garrett; and niece she raised as her own, Johnnie Mae McCoy.
Researching their grandparents records at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office
 |
| Conducting genealogy research Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office |
The discovery of the marriage record of their great aunt Hattie Wheat intrigued them. My paternal great uncle Theodore Harrell married their great aunt Rosa Wheat. Their marriage record was found, which was quite surprising to them. In the marriage index book, they found several of their great aunts on the Wheat side of their family.
Richardson's Funeral Home was founded by their grandparents Supt. Alexander and Aunt Melissa Wheat Richardson. During the 1960s, their grandfather worked at Good Shepherd Funeral Home. In addition, we examined the records of Campbell Funeral Home, which was founded in the 1940s.
Doing our research we were joined Susan Roesgen, WGNO, New Anchor and her camera man. Susan watched us move around the courthouse finding hidden treasure in chattel books that feel like they weigh at least 25 pounds. By the end of the day my arms was sore from picking up the heave books. With the help of the clerk's employees, we had a successful research trip regardless of the bomb threat at the courthouse.
Saturday, December 24, 2022
There was a landfill in Butler Town
 |
| Josefine Linnea Jonsson/Wikimedia |
Different species of birds were noticeably. the "Gulls" was flying and diving into the piles of trash savaging for discard food straps. Crows and blackbirds joined the flock of gulls. There were people digging in the trash looking for anything they could salvage. I lived out in the country. Leaving this site, I appreciate the beautiful trees, fresh air, fruit trees, and picturesque landscape of the county. I never returned back to the site again.
There was something wrong with it and it certainly didn't smell right. Due to the foul odor in the air, I didn't like visiting the community. My friends used to say it smelled like that all the time, especially when the wind was blowing. Several years ago, I met a lady who had lived in the same house for sixty years. Due to the smell, she cannot open her windows for fresh air or sit on her porch to enjoy the outdoors.
It closed somewhere in the mid- to late 1970s. Where the landfill was, it is currently, a sewer plant , which is giving off terrible odors. Sometimes I wonder if residents ever brought this before the Amite City Council and Mayor. If so, what took place? Should the water and soil be test for toxic waste that can be very dangerous?
There is a significant danger to people living around landfills from the mountains of solid and liquid waste. Butler Town's safety was compromised while other communities were kept safe. Recycling is a bare minimum requirement in rural communities across the country. What was the environmental impact of the landfill on the community? Natural habitats and wildlife are destroyed by landfills. The effects it can have on human beings are incalculable.
Did the landfill contaminate ecosystem and water system? Was there every a study done on the subject of the landfill? Is it something that the community should be talking about?
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
The beautiful Grace Lee Belvins Walker
 |
| Grace L. Belvins Walker |