The Paper Trail to Our Grandparents’ Lives

Conducting genealogy research
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office

Have you ever considered how one might begin the process of researching their family history? This question captures the curiosity that led Dr. Valarie Richardson and her brother, Earl Scott Richardson, Jr., to embark on their first endeavor into genealogy research. They were guided in this pursuit by genealogist and local historian Dr. Antoinette Harrell at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office. The experience marked a significant milestone for them, as it was their inaugural attempt at exploring their familial roots.

One of the most compelling discoveries during their research was the marriage record of their great aunt Hattie Wheat, which piqued their interest. Additionally, they learned of a connection through my paternal great-uncle, Theodore Harrell, who was married to their great-aunt Rosa Wheat. The finding of this particular marriage record was both unexpected and fascinating to them. Furthermore, as they examined the marriage index book, they identified several of their great aunts from the Wheat side of their family, further enriching their understanding of their ancestral lineage.

Richardson's Funeral Home was established by their grandparents, Supt. Alexander Richardson and Aunt Melissa Wheat Richardson. During the 1960s, their grandfather was employed at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, where he contributed to its operations. Additionally, the records of Campbell Funeral Home, an institution founded in the 1940s, were also reviewed as part of this investigation.

In the course of conducting our research, we were accompanied by Susan Roesgen, a WGNO news anchor, and her cameraman. Susan observed as we navigated the courthouse, uncovering valuable historical details within the chattel books, which were so heavy they felt as though they weighed at least 25 pounds. By the conclusion of the day, my arms were sore from repeatedly lifting these cumbersome volumes. Despite the challenges, including a bomb threat at the courthouse, we were able to complete a successful research trip with the assistance of the clerk's employees.