The McCoy Family of Tangipahoa Parish

U.S. Freedmen's Bank Record
Horace Mccoy

Lewis Chas McCoy was born in 1848 in Louisiana. According to the United States Census, his father was born in Mississippi, and his mother was born in Virginia. Lewis was a Freight Hand. He was married to Alice Braehill Lawson (Daggs)  McCoy. Their children were; Joe, Rosa, Rachel, Fred, Ester, Alma, Manilla, and Thomas McCoy.

Manilla married Palmer Roscoe Harrell in Amite, Louisiana. They were the parents of Ellis, Doris, Helen, Theodora, Arthur, Bobbie, Audrey, Vera, Joseph,  Elbert, and Yvonne Harrell.

Alice was living in the household as a domestic with Esaw Lawson in the house of Ambrose D. Henkel in 1870. Alice was sixteen years old. She was born in 1854 in Louisiana and died at the age of sixty-two in 1937.

Lewis had an account with the Freedmen Bank. On September 30, 1872, he opened his account. He said this father named was Horace McCoy, and his mother's name was Estabella Harrison McCoy.  Horace and Estabella Harrison married in 1884 in Tangipahoa Parish. Horace was born in 1818 in Mississippi. 

Manilla McCoy Harrell

Lewis donated land he owned to his son George in 1880. The land was near his father Horace. The scanned document can be found in the Louisiana, Wills and Probate Records, 1756-1984 Tangipahoa Parish for Lewis Cass McCoy.

I haven't yet connected the dots were Alice is concerned. How did Alice become a Daggs? Where did the name Braehill come from? Was she a Lawson by maiden name?  What was her relationship to Esaw Lawson? In the United States,  Esaw was a laborer in the Henkel household. Ambrose was a merchant born in Tennessee around 1815. Living in the same house with the Henkel was a woman named Harriet Wells, she was thirty years old.  It appears that Harriet had a daughter named Elise Wells. 

Ambrose Henkel was a slaveholder in St. Helena Parish.  He owned eight enslaved people according the 1860 U.S. Federal Census-Slave Schedules. 

The Old Jim Temple Homestead

Jim and Othell Temple Homestead

The old Jim Temple homestead is located in Amite, Louisiana. Jim and his second wife Othell Butler Temple their children in the home; Walter, Hollis, Robert, and Bernard. Near the old house is the Temple Cemetery. 

The house was well built. In the back of the house is the old barn and the smokehouse was near by. Jim and his wife lived in the house until they died. The house was surrounded by lots of farm land. Jim and two sons; Walter and Robert Temple continue farming until they could no longer farm. Their son Hollis was a blacksmith in Amite, Louisiana. Hollis was born in 1908 in Amite, Louisiana  and died in 1983.  

James "Jim" Temple was born around 1845. Jim was first married to Margarette Amacker Temple. They had several children in their marriage; Mary, John, James, Margaret, Charles, Amelia, Victoria  Mattie, Delia, and Ellen.

Treasuring Family Photographs

Alexander Harrell and his offsprings
Courtesy of Monteral Harrell and Isabel Harrell Cook

My Harrell side of the family is very blessed with photographs, and thanks to my first cousin Montreal Harrell for sharing her collection she inherited after her father passed away. Often , family members do not like to share their photographs. During  the family gathering we can pull out our photograph collection and reminisce on the special times we shared with family and friends throughout the years. 

Technology has made it so much easier to share photographs these days. Everyone has a camera on their phone and can instantly take , pictures of a photograph and make a copy of it. I did a little I used photoshop to create a graphic design with Grandpa Alexander and eight of his thirteen children. That's not a bad number to say the least. Many people wish they had photographs of their ancestors.

As a family historian and genealogist I really appreciate how Monteral manages her collection. She understand how important it is to preserve the images and most importantly sharing them with others family members who value the images. Many family old photographs are tucked away in shoe boxes, in dusty dark attics, and  chester drawers. Every pictures has a story to tell. 

Man Addison Sold in St. Helena August 29, 1860

The sale of Addison in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. The newspaper article described negro man was offered for sale on Friday, the 3rd day of August ist., (1860) was bid off by Mr. Margaret Jackson who failed to comply with the terms of sale. The said boy will therefore again be offered forsake the said 29th day of August, 1860, a la folie enchere, under the provisions of Article 2, 589 of the Civil Code of Louisiana.

J.J. Wheat, Sheriff
Greensburg, Aug. 16, 1860

Cherry Grove Plantation in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Cherry Grove Plantation was in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. David Bradford was the Plantation Agent. Below is a list of individuals who signed their x to work on the plantation in 1868. Source: Jesus Christ Latter Day of Saints Church: Roll 48, Labor Contracts page 81-1865-1868

The following surnames is listed; Small, Jackson, Gordon, Muse, Taylor, Robinson, Atkins.









Cherry Grove Plantation

James Small/age 30/21  Male/21 April 1868/Employment/Made his X
Millie Small/age 33/Female/ 21 April 1868/Employment/Made her X
Cube Jackson/age 20/Male/21 April 1868/Employment/Made his X
Nancy Jackson/age 18/ Female/ 21 April 1868/Employment/Made her X
Sally Gordon/age 35/Female/21 April 1868/Employment/Made her X
Tighlman Muse/age 22/Male/21 April 1868/Employment/ Made his X
Adelia Muse/age 18/Female/21 April 1868/Employment/Made her X
Joshua Taylor/age 21/Male/21 April 1868/Employment/Made his X
Ellen Robinson/age 28/ 21 April 1868/Employment/Made his X
Matilda Atkins/age 19/21 April 1868/Employment/Made his X

Oak Grove Plantation in Clinton, Louisiana

Agreement with Freedment
Oak Grove Plantation
Source: Family Search

The Agreement with Freedmen Contracts can provide vital information for any genealogist or family historian who is researching their family history. My family was held as slaves in East Feliciana and my search led me to this record that is published by Family Search.  The plantation contract provides the name, age, gender and class of each person. Each of the individuals signing the contract couldn't write. Therefore they had to make the mark. The youngest person was a child ten-year-old. His name was Moses More. Please see the list of people below who signed the contract to work on Oak Grove Planation in 1867.

Agreement with Freedmen on Oak Grove Planation, Parish of East Feliciana, La. Employed by J.A. Reily. Employment 01 Jan 1867. 

Name                   Date                   Employment                                                        

Gabriel Moore More/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

James More/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

Betsy More/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

Selty More/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

Moses More/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

Elias Bordner/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment                     

Wm Charles/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment                    

Isaac Simmons/ 06 Feb 1867/Employment

George Thompson/06 Feb 1867/Employment                   

Jack Brown/06 Feb 1867/Employment

George Mason/06 Feb 1867/Employment 

Steven Oldham/06 Feb 1867/Employment

Lacy Frances/06 Feb 1867/Employment

Ellen Bruce/07 Feb 1867/Employment

Alice Oldham/07 Feb 1867/Employment

Gustus Oldham/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Elias Oldham/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Dick Bordner/07/Feb 1867/Employment
Louisiana Johnson/07 1867/Employment
Virgil Stewart/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Jack Henderson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Newton Simmons/07 Feb 1867/Employment
George Cross/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Polly Robinson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Chas Locket/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Lizzet Locket/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Randall Richardson/ 07 Feb 1867/Employment
Isan Richardson/ 07 Feb 1867/Employment
Bert Richardson/ 07 Feb 1867/Employment
Ben Richardson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Sarah Richardson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Ananis Richardson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Isaiah Richardson/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Capt Joe/07 Feb 1867/ Employment
W.H. Budd/07 Feb 1867/Employment
S Mcconahey/07 Feb 1867/Employment
John A. Reiley/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Sally Demer/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Eli Demer/07 Feb/1867/Employment
Ann Demer/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Ned Demer/07/Feb 1867/Employment
Clarisa Chamber/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Isaac Chamber/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Abram Lee/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Patty Lee/07 Feb 1867/Employment
Paul Lee/07 Feb 1867/Employment

                              

                                                                             

                                                             





Source: Roll 44, Labor Contracts, 1864-1868/ Page 331 of 838
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I found My Great Grandfather's Brother John

John and Harriet Marriage License 1883
Source: Tangipahoa Clerk Office

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

Warner Harrell Migrated Up North

Warner Harrell
Photo Courtesy: Montreal Harrell 

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Findagrave

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

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

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

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

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

Capt. Richards Ward, 1823  Files W-7

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

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

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

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

William Harris of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

William Harris, File H-6

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


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

Timothy Crier of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Timothy Crier, 1810 File C-5

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

Kids Learning How to Read Microfilms

Genealogy Research with Grandmother

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

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

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

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

Connor reading microfilms

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

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

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

Green Burton of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Green Burton.

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

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

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

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

How Much Did They Sale Green Burton For?

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

Source
St. Helena Parish Courthouse

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

Dr. Antoinette Harrell researching history

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

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

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

The Enslaved Sale

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

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

Enslaved list on Jacob Burton Place

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

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

Grandfather Charlie Married Twice

Charlie Mckay and his wife Julia Bickham McKay

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

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

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

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

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

Questions I need answers to?

Where did Charlie come from? 

Who were his parents? 

Who was his siblings?

Is McKay his true name? 

Why can't  I find anything else on him? 

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

Finding My Mississippi Roots; Harrell, McKay and Williams

Chatawa, Mississippi

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

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

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

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

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

DNA Test Results Revealed Our Grandmothers Were Sisters

DNA Test Connected Cousins

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

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

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