Before the school was integrated in 1969. West Side School for blacks was known as the Rams and their colors were green and gold. My mother Isabel Harrell Cook, graduated in the class of 1958. Some of her older siblings attended Tangipahoa Parish Training School in Kentwood. Her oldest sister Catherine attended the Amite Color School in Butler Town. The Rams had one of the best marching bands in Tangipahoa Parish.
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| Rev. Dr. Frances Williams |
It important to note, that while Francis Williams was matriculating through school as a young child, he was developing as young Christian as well, ultimately becoming the man we know today. He was a member of Trinity AME Zion Church, under the leadership of Rev. P. H. Golf, by whom he was baptized. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 4, he began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, at the time he became keenly aware that God had given him a voice to sing. As the love for the word grew, God began to anoint him and open doors for him to sing both solo and in groups. Francis, along with brothers Herbert, Tyree, Riley, Ivory Williams who was not related, and Samuel Douglas, formed a groups. The Orange Grove Gospel Singers. They traveled all over the Gulf South singing and drawing crowds from all over. Francis' favorite song during that period of his life as he recalled was "Stand By Me." '..when the storms of life are raging, Stand By Me" He was an integral part of the group, often singing lead vocals until he left home for military services.
In 1951 Francis Williams entered the United Staes Army and was stationed in Amarillo, Texas and then on to Fort Smith, Arkansas. His responsibility in the military was that of Private 1st Class and he served as the Assistant Chaplain. He had earned several certification in the AME Zion Church and was widely known throughout the country for his ability to share the word of God as well as singing. It then, was natural that he serve the military capacity. Also, while in military service, every opportunity he could, he was actively involved in his home church and in the Louisiana Conference, so much so that he was ordained a Minister of the Gospel in the AME Church in 1952. After and additional year of service, he was honorably discharged in 1954, at which time he readily returned home to his family community, and church. Because education was a top priority in his life, he returned to finish high school at the age of 27, Williams love to reflect on that period of his life, as he found it difficult to accept the word "can't." He wholeheartedly believed that one could achieve if they "wanted" badly enough. After re-entering high school from 8 grade to six points about hight school in 10 months and in 1957, he received both his high school diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from West Side High School in Amite, Louisiana and Leland College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1973 he receive a Doctor of Divinity from Free Pentecostal School in Chicago, Illinois. In 1974 he received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology form Union Theological Seminary in New Orleans and in 1982 he conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity form Livingstone College, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Psychology in 1992 and 1993 respectively.
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| Rev. Dr. Francis Williams & Former President Jim Carter |
Rev. Dr. Francis Williams was not only committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, but he loved the Lord with all his heart and practiced what he preached. He served as Pastor of Claiborne AME Zion Church for 8 years, Bickham AME Church for 16 years, and Butlers AME Zion Church for 42 years. All three churches he made a profound impact in the way members worshipped, trusted God, and more importantly, in the way hey lived for God. He was not only a great preacher, teacher, and biblical scholar, but he had a brilliant mind, coupled with skilled hands that enabled him to play a major part in reconstruction of Claiborne and Butler AME Zion Churches. In fact, he drafted the plans for those two churches and built his own home from the ground up, although he was not an architect, nor construction engineer. Dr. Francis was and entrepreneur and businessman as well, owning his own hay baling business and barbershop, which brought his financial success. He regularly gave God glory for the successes he attained and how it enabled him to take care of his family. He was loving, supportive, and giving to everyone, especially in their time of need, as he understood that giving was indeed a part of his service of God. He also served as Chaplain for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office for many years.
Early in his adult life Dr. Williams met and married Imogene Hitchens. She passed away in 2009. However, standing on Go's word "that his better days would be greater that his farmer." in 2011 he met and was smitten by the person of Ella Foxworth Hill and on April 14, 2012, they were united in Holy Matrimony. Together they brought grace, style, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to their meeting. Their most cherish gifts were those of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Dr. Williams would regularly say to his children, "I could not love you children more than if we were biologically related." He looked forward to and relished the times he and Ella spent with their children eating, laughing, sharing and worshipping God as a family, which they did weekly.
Believing that his assignment to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, was commitment until death, after he was released from his assignment as Pastor of Butlers, at the ripe age of 86, Rev. Dr. Francis Williams founded and established God's Faith Ministry of Amite, a nondenominational ministry, on June 20, 2014. Rev. Williams served as Pastor of God's Faith Ministry for three years. At his passing, Dr. Williams was a member of the ministerial staff of GFM, serving as Pastor Emeritus and Founder, under the leadership of his son, Elder Kevin C. Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Williams, a sister, Mattie East, and brothers, Herbert, Tyree, and Riley Williams.
Source: The Funeral Program of Rev. Dr. Francis Williams
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| Esaw Lawson |
Esaw was the head of the first public school building for colored children. He was the the head of the first Old Fellow Hall building in Amite for colored people. Superintendent A. C. Lewis asked Esaw to call a meeting for the Tangipahoa Parish High School to be built here in Amite, but the colored people voted against the school being built in Amite. The Superintendent gave placed in in Kentwood, Louisiana,
He asked Esaw to give him the name of someone he knew that could hold the principals position. Esaw highly recommend Oliver Wendell Dillion for the position at the Negro Tangipahoa Parish Color School because he knew that he could handle the position.
She was born to Edgar Harrell and Minnie Nolan Harrell in 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She died in 2008 in Kentwood, LA. Juanita was married to Isaac Stewart and they were the parents of two children: Michael Stewart and Gwendolyn Lorraine Stewart.
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| Janice and Larry Holland Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
Living in the household with him and his wife were; his son Isaac (23), his daughter-in-law Susan (17), his grandsons Willie (2) and Ed Barnett (1/12). Shelton and Mariah was married on August 11, 1879 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. According to the 1870 United States Federal Census, Shelton's personal estate valued at 100 dollars and his Real Estate valued at 400 dollars. Living in the house with his wife was their two sons; Isaac (13) and his John (16).
Isaac and Susie was the parents of: William, Anney, Isaac, Jr., John, Juley, Roday, Mary, and Martha. Please note that I spelled their names the way they spelled on the 1900 United States Federal Census. On the 1920 United States Federal Census, three other children was born; George, Clyde and Oliver. Isaac could not read or write. His home was free of a mortgage and his occupation was a farmer.
Larry and Janice were very excited to find documentation dating back to the 1800s about their ancestors. This was the very first time they had seen these types of documents. I invited them to the Amite Clerk's Office to teach them how to conduct genealogy research. Both of them were excited to find the records. They both understand the importance of genealogy. Following the duplication of the records, she gave them to me so that I could have them transcribed. The Barnett family are planning a large family reunion and they asked if I could present our findings.
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| Larry Holland Researching at the Amite Clerk's Office Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell |
According to the 1920 United States Federal Census, he was married with his own family. He married Daisy Morris Smith. Xavier was twenty-two and his wife Daisy was eighteen. They had one child living with them at the time name Helen Smith. Ten years later in 1930, he and Daisy other children were: Xavier, Jr., Glen, Dorothy and Clarence Smith. By 1940 United States Federal Census they had given birth to two more children: Earl Smith and Yvonne Smith. They were living in Ried's Quarter. Xavier owned his own home and worked as a laborer.
Xavier Smith, Sr. was a very active and dedicated member at Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. He joined the congregation of Grant Chapel in1916. He served 70 years of continued service and was considered to be the church's historian and father. He passed away on November 10, 1993 in Amite, Louisiana. He is buried at Butler Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.
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| Alma "Mandy" Richardson Gordon |
She met and
Aunt Mandy enjoyed
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| Mr. Willie K. Gordon, Sr. and his wife Alma "Mandy" Richardson Gordon |
In the years that followed the death of Rosa, Allen later married Pheoby Self of St. Helena, Louisiana, and as a result of their union, they had several children together. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, Emma was living with her paternal grandmother Martha Green Vining, aunt Elizabeth Vining, and her sisters Bernice and and Judy. Judy was eleven and Emma was thirteen at the time. Also living in the house was a 10 year-old girl named Mamie. I recall talking several years back to a cousin named Sandra Brown, who is a descendant of Bernice lineage. Her grandmother told her that Mamie was her sister. Consequently, Allen and Rosa may have had four daughters.
Emma's grandmother Martha Green was married to Frank Vining in 1874 in St. Helena, Louisiana. Their children were: Allen, Julia, Caleb, Sarah, and Frank Vining.
Emma's first husband was Thomas Richardson. The couple had four children: Josephine, Alexander, Rosabel and Alma "Mandy" Richardson. After she and Thomas divorced she later married Jim Williams they had four children: Ethel, Jimmy, Arthur, and Victoria "Dot" Williams.
It was after reading a comment from one of our younger family members, who stated that she she was unaware that Grandma Emma had other children from a second marriage, that I decided to write and post this blog. "Several members of our family have passed away, " including my mother Isabell Harrell Cook, Cousin Earl Lee Richardson, Sr., Cousin Nathaniel Richardson, and Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier who recounted and shared the Richardson and Williams family history. Our history must be preserved and passed on to the generations, as exemplified by the character of Kunta Kinte in the 1977 television series Roots.
We are blessed to have images of six of her eight children. If anyone has a photograph of Grandpa Emma, Grandpa Thomas and Jim Williams, Arthur and Dot, please share with me so I can share it with others. Please don't just hold on to it for yourself, share it with the family.
He leaves to your his passing: two daughters. Mrs. Janice Craig of Amite, Louisiana and Mrs. Lavern Crayton of Dallas, Texas: one son, Mr. Freddie Harrison of Amite, Louisiana: two granddaughter: Miss Charlene Harrison of Amite, Louisiana and Latonya Desha Crayton of Dallas, Texas; two grandson, PVT. Samuel L. Harrison of Germany and Master Dedrian V. Craig of Amite, Louisiana: one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Willie Mae Harrison of Amite, Louisiana: one son-in-law, Mr. Terry Grayton of Dallas, Texas; four sisters, Mrs. Lela Washington, and Mrs. Bell H. Davenport of New Orleans, Mrs. Mary H. Brown and Mrs. Alma Vernon of Amite, Louisiana; three brothers, Mr. Johnny S. Harrison, Sr. of Oakland, California: Mr. Nathaniel Harrison, Sr. of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Mr. Xavier Smith of Amite, Louisiana: one aunt, Mrs. Bertha Harrell of Chicago, Illnois, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Source: The Funeral Program of Percy Harrison
He leaves to cherish his five children: Milton (Kim), Enid, Oklahoma, Efren, (Anchorage, Alaska) Bruce (Shirell) Edwin, Charlene Temple Jackson from Amite, Louisiana. Eleven grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren, one sister: Mary Temple Noil, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by both parents: Charles Temple and Aline Vining Temple. Three brothers: Stanley Temple, Ellis Temple and Jacob Temple. Six sisters: Margie Temple Jones, Augustine Temple Atkins, Elosie Temple White, Maude Temple Fox, Caretha Temple Cutrer, Doretha Temple Smith.
Source: Funeral Program for Willie K "Pap" Temple
Her education began to the West Side school to Tangipahoa Parish. Having been determined she was very gifted, she was advanced from the 3rd to the 5th grade. She attended Joseph S. Clark High School in the New Orleans where the graduated as class valedictorian.
She then furthered her post secondary education as a graduate from Hammond Vocational Trade School with a degree in Business Administration. She was united in holy matrimony to Earnest Frazier, Sr. on May 14, 1967 and to that union two sons were born. Earnest, Jr., and Brian.
The seventies was a tumultuous time for people of color across the county, and Tangipahoa Parish was no exception. People of color were excluded from frontline position at various stores within the community. Experiencing some of these inequalities first hand, she participated in the first active boycotts of major business in Amite, thus resulting in her being hired as the first black cashier at one of them.
She was brought in a Christian home and devoted her life to God under the leadership of the late Dr. Samuel Richardson. Her God-given gifts, and talents afford her the opportunities to serve God's people on various levels. On the local level, she served as the church and Women's Department secretary, and the leader of the Hospitality Ministry. On the district level, she served as Event Coordinator Finance Committee member, and Program Designer. On the jurisdictional level, she was member of the Supervisor Special Care Committee. She had a special place in her heart for the elder and seasons women. She and other ladies in the church would often provide gifts of love by preparing meals, gifts and fruit baskets, and etc. She didn't limit her gifts, bud did as Ecclesiastes 9:10 states " Whatever they can finders to do, do it with thy might.." And this was indeed being a Servant to the Lord.
She went on to have an illustrious career with the Tangipahoa Parish School Board where she worked for thirty-three years. She played and active role for many individuals mum starting their careers across the parish. She was employed in various capacities, working her way up from Secretary to Office Manager, she was the first black person employed in that position until she retired in 2006.
After retirement she, continued to stay busy. She became more active in local politics. She spent time volunteering for local campaigns and working the individual elections. She became gainfully employed with Genesis Mental Health Clinic and later, Richardson Funeral Home. She was the heart and soul of these organizations.
She loved to cook, read, travel and spending time with her grandchildren and family, shopping, she loved to listen to Gospel music on Pandora and read her bible. My mother didn't know the definition of the word "no". She did not know how to spell it. She did not know how to use it. I would go so far as to ask her to rehearse the work with me and she would tell me NO! Her hearts was so big that she would put other needs of other before her own.
To carry on her legacy, she leaves a husband of fifty-four years, Earnest Frazier, Sr., two sons: Earnest, Jr, (Sherry) and Brian; five grandchildren: Tyreek, Keanu, Preston, Brandon, and Keshon. She all leaves four sister: Missionary Cheryl St. Amant, Elaine Daniels (Bishop Charles) tomekia Bergeron, and Karen Sayles; seven brothers: Ernest Lewis, II, James Lewis, Alvin Lewis (Denise); Dwayne (Dyonne). Daren Lewis (Damaris) Kenneth Bergeron (Alice) and Chris Person; one God-Sister, Renee G. Taylor; three God Children: Michelle Foster, Michael Cook, Kiley Mearidy; two uncles: Elder Henry Harrell and Oliver Jackson, Jr (Patricia): one uncle-in-law, Wade Wilson (Willie Mae); sister Aunts: Evangelist Delores Washington (Henry), Missionary Cherry Harrell, Sadie, Harrell, Jerry Dean Johnson, Ruth Jackson, and Missionary Mildren Harrell; one aunt-in-law, Bertha Coleman,; three brothers-in-law" Emmitt (Elaine), John, Roger (Renee): five sisters-in-law: Lillie Mae, Katherine (Carl, Sr.,) Delores, Josie Dale; Joann "Tiny" (Calvin), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Proceeding her death were her parents, Catherine and Ernest Lewis, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Jasper and Josephine R. Harrell; paternal grandparents. Willie and Amanda Lewis, mother and father-in-law, Lizzie and Willie Frazier; three sister, Dianne Wilson, Demetric" Dinky" Lewis, and Winifred Sandifer
Source: The Funeral Program for Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier
The only adult in the photograph is Ceasar Sibley, who was born about 1877. He lived in the 6th Ward of St. Helena, Louisiana. His parents were Stephen and Althea Sibley. The picture was label left to right:Gordon Ford, Allen Huges, Avery Ford, Dicy Thomas, Cesar Sibley, Charley Sibley, and Bryan Young-1910
Courtesy of the Amite Genealogy Library
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| Denise Geoffrey St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court Staff |
During an interview with Denise Geoffrey, a member of the staff. She informed me that the courthouse has never been damages by fire and she believes that the vault is a secure place for the documents if a fire was to occur. On another note she said that the earliest records date back to 1807 and some older records can be found in Spanish and French.
I enjoy conducting genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Courthouse. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Geoffrey is a New Jersey resident and has no connection to St. Helena Parish; however, she had discovered the name Geoffrey in the courthouse and wonders if thee is a family connection with the Geoffrey's from New Jersey. During the slave trade and sale, Africans and Africans born in America was sold and transported down south. I would like to think is she certain hard enough she just might find a connection. What's really amazing is Flying Ghost Production Film company owner has family ties to St. Helena Parish as well. Fagan Davis, Jr., is family are the Richardson, Knighten, and Lee families.
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| Photo Credit Phillip Cowart |
Starting in Hammond, La., Parishes Supportive Living has grown to serve 10 plus parishes and is still growing. In addition to providing care for Medicaid/Medicare clients, Parishes Supportive Living provides many community services, including: food bank assistance, scholarships, sponsoring veterans' initiatives and a community radio show.
This past October, the Hammond City Council recognized Belinda Vining-Trepagnier as recipients of this year's Wilbert L. Dangerfield Award of Excellence in a ceremony. Belinda is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Belinda is a very active member in Tangipahoa Parish. She stands on integrity and had proven leadership. Belinda enjoy spending quality time with her family and traveling.
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| Attorney Ebony Morris |
Ebony has extensive experience in defending premise liability, product liability, trucking liability, retail and hospitality liability, and mass tort litigation matters. In those areas, Ebony represents product manufacturers, corporations, national franchise restaurants, insurers, and their policyholders through all phases of litigation. She has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a premises owner seeking additional insured status under a commercial general liability policy and has successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of a restaurant franchise owner in a premises liability matter.
Recently, Ebony was selected for inclusion in the 2020 and 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” List, The National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40,” the 2020 Lawyers of Color “Hot List,” and the National Association of Women Lawyers 2021 Rising List. She was also named as a nominee for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance’s 2020 Young Outside Counsel of the Year Award, and she received the 2020 Outstanding Young Woman Lawyer Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.
Source: Reprint from the National Black Lawyers Website
Source: https://africanamericanhighschoolsinlouisianabefore1970.com/contact/
