Tag Archive for St Louis

Edna Micheau is 90 years old!

May 10, 2011 Craig Family History, Genealogy

Check out today’s special birthday slideshow to the right – – – – – –>

Edna Mary Micheau Penny was born on May 10, 1921 in St. Louis Missouri. Her parents were Joseph Perry Micheau (1888-1975) of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, and Edna Julia Lewis (1890-1989), of Carbondale, Illinois.  From the time she was born until 2008 she lived almost exclusively in St. Louis. However as a child she did spend several years in Prairie du Rocher. She recalls that her father did gardening around St. Joseph’s Church in Prairie du Rocher which was diagonally across the street from the house. Her mother was the first black teacher in Prairie du Rocher, taking over at the colored school when the nuns left.

She is a seventh generation Catholic and her family historically has been very devout. They became Catholic in 1722, when their forebears were brought as slaves from Santo Domingo by Philip Renault to Upper Louisiana to find gold and silver for the King of France. Renault never found precious metals, but he did find lead, which is still mined today in southern Illinois and eastern Missouri.

Edna’s father Joseph had wanted to become a priest, but after meeting Edna Lewis, God showed him a different way.

Edna Mary had five siblings: John Joseph Micheau, who died in infancy in 1915; Claude Alexander Micheau (1917-1991); Philip A Micheau (1919-2008); and Ottie Margarett Micheau Perkins, and Mary Anne Micheau Robinson, the latter two still living.

In St. Louis, Edna attended St. Rita School and Sumner High School.

On June 17, 1939, Edna Mary Micheau wed Ralph A Penny (1920-1983) at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kirkwood Missouri. It was a double ceremony as her brother, Philip, at the same time, married Alquinston White (1921-1989).

Ralph and Edna had four children: Edna Mary Penny (1941-2008); David Joseph Penny (1942-2007); Claude Anthony Penny of Dallas Texas; and Margaret Ann Penny Manson of Carmichael California.

She has two grandchildren David Penny and Christopher Penny, who live in Washington state and a great-grandchild, Christopher’s daughter with his wife Melissa, Jacqueline Elizabeth Penny.  She has numerous nieces and nephews all across the USA.

As a young woman, Edna trained as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She worked for many years at a neighborhood health center near the intersection of Cass Avenue and North Jefferson in St. Louis.

A shy but inquisitive woman, Edna would take her children on trips across the country by train. For example in 1962 she took her two youngest children Claude and Margarett to Seattle to see the worlds fair. Another time she took her children to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore.

For herself, Edna continually educate yourself about things that merely interest her. For example she once took an auto mechanics class, though she did not own or drive a car at the time. She learned to make her own soap and paper; and in the 1950s she made up virtually all of her children’s clothes, including a business suit for her eldest son David.

But it is her Catholic faith that defines Edna Micheau Penny more than anything. She attends mass every day of the week and prays the rosary multiple times during the day.. Her favorite television channel is the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

After she retired from the active workforce, Edna was a fixture at Birthright of St. Louis Inc. For nearly 30 years, she attended the March for Life in Washington DC, riding a bus on the 24 hour round-trip.

In 2008, the culmination of tragic events, including the second premature death of one of her children, led Edna Micheau Penny to come live with her daughter and son-in-law in California. Here her pastimes include rocking babies at Mercy women’s health Center while their mothers receive treatment. She still attends daily mass sometimes walking in the rain to make it there. When for some reason there’s not a mass, she will sit in the chapel with the Blessed Sacrament.

California has been somewhat of an adjustment for them. We drive too fast we talk too fast and we each strange foods according to her. She’s fiercely proud of her Catholic upper Louisiana heritage. Once when someone asked her what race she was, it not being particularly obvious, she said “I’m Illinois French.”

Family means everything to her. Lately thanks to a son-in-law she’s discovered genealogy. She’s intensely interested in her Micheau/Mischeaux cousins throughout the country, though most remain in St. Louis.

She spends time with her daughter and son-in-law (although at their house she’s more likely to see the Game Show Network than EWTN–Chuck Woolery instead of Mother Angelica; Lingo instead of Latin!).

Happy 90th birthday to the world’s greatest mother-in-law!

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The Grand Genealogy Journey 2010 (Virtual Edition) Starts Anew

June 30, 2010 Craig Family History, Genealogy

Believe it or don’t, but it’s been three years since the Big Train Trip.  I’m really ready to go again, but circumstances currently won’t allow that.  So we started to lay out our virtual genealogical dream trip traveling via Amtrak and other conveyances.  We ran into a set of difficulties soon after the beginning of the trip.  As a result, we’re restarting the trip. At each stop along the way, we’ll describe what research we’ re going to do, where and how we’re going to do it and other sights to see in that locality.

We’ll start in Sacramento.  Our route will take us from California’s capital to Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City.  And you know what we’ll do there!  From Salt Lake City, we’ll move on to Colorado’s capital, Denver.  We’ll spend a few days in and around Denver, then  we board the train and head for Kansas City.  We’ll keep on heading east from Kansas City to Jefferson City, and then on to St. Louis.  While in St. Louis we’ll also step over the Missouri River to Southern Illinois.

From St. Louis we’ll take a short flight to Atlanta, which will be our base for exploring central and western Georgia.  When we’re finished in Georgia, we’ll board the train in Atlanta and rumble on to New Orleans.  After a couple of days in the Crescent city, we’ll hop back aboard for Houston.

Houston’s location affords us a number of opportunities.  We have work to do in Houston itself.  We’ll take bus trips from Houston to Milam County, Nacogdoches, Longview, and Shreveport. Shreveport will be a major stopover itself because we need to explore much of of northwestern Louisiana.

We’ll go back to Houston on our way to the Gulf Coast.  There we’ll stop in Galveston, Corpus Christi and Rockport.  From the from the coast we’ll move north to San Antonio.  After finishing up in San Antonio, we’ll move northwest to Austin and Midland.  We’ll leave Texas for Albuquerque, eventually going to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles will be a two or three day stop.  Then we’ll work our way back to Sacramento via both the coast in the Central Valley by train and automobile.

On each leg of the trip, we’ll describe what is or who it is we’re going to research, the resources will use in that area, the travel options to get there, other historical sites or points of interest.

There will be special editions of The Peripatetic Graveyard Rabbit describing the graveyards we find along the way.

We’ll have regular editions of GeneaBlogie during the trip as well, covering our usual eclectic set of genealogy and historical issues.

Grand Journey Map

Some of the stops on the GeneaBlogie Grand Journey 2010

(Click map to enlarge)

The GeneaBlogie Grand Journey 2010  starts later this week at Sacramento’s historic California Railroad Museum! Join us, won’t you?

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Genealogical Customer Service Kudos

April 23, 2010 Craig Family History, Genealogy
  • I had to order a copy of a Missouri birth certificate on short notice recently.  I ordered it through VitalChek.   Now the trick is not  to order birth certificates from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in Jefferson City, which is the main repository.  Instead, order them from Kansas City or St Louis, which both have statewide records.  I picked Kansas City.  I was told that processing time at the agency would be 3-5 business days before shipping.   In this case, I also opted for UPS air delivery.  I placed the order on Tuesday, April 20, and had the birth certificate in my hands before 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 22.   Now that’s service!
  • I found a federal criminal case from the late 1930s in Arizona.  I consulted Ron Arons’ recent book, Wanted!, which disclosed that the case file should be found at NARA’s Pacific Region at Laguna Nigel (now actually Riverside).  I called NARA  and chatted with some of the most pleasant people I’ve run across.  They found the file, took my credit card number ($15.00 to copy and ship this file) and I had it in a matter of days! No muss, no fuss.   Thanks to the archivists and support staff at NARA Pacific!
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Valentines Day: Love Letters from Prairie du Rocher

February 13, 2010 Craig Family History, Genealogy

Joseph Perry Micheau (born 23 Feb 1888, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; died 15 Nov 1975, St Louis, Missouri) was a descendant of the French Negroes of Illinois–originally slaves from Jamaica brought to Upper Louisiana  by French entrepeneur Phillipe Renault in the 1720′s.  The Micheau family represent well the social and cultural lives of the descendants of the French Negroes of Illinois.  They were deeply religious, very hard-working, and focused on education.   Joe Micheau wanted very much to be a priest, until another irresistible force entered his life as we can see in these  nearly century old letters.

The letters were written to Edna Julia Lewis (born 14 Jul 1890, Carbondale, Illinois; died 28 Sep 1989, St Louis, Missouri).  She was not a French Negro. She was not a “cradle” Catholic (i.e, she was an adult convert to Catholicism).  She was the daughter of former slaves John Philip Henry Lewis (born Jan 1852, Baltimore, Maryland; died 29 Aug 1916, Carbondale, Illinois), and Margaret Elizabeth Griffin (born Jun 1860, Charleston, Tennessee; died 11 Dec 1942, Union County, Illinois).   Edna became a teacher, taking over the education of black children in Randolph County, Illinois, from a group of nuns.

P.D.R. Ill. May 1,’ 13.

Dear Friend

This is Ascension Thursday, and indeed a most beautiful day.  Am at leisure this morning, but must make my usual weekday trip.

How are you getting along by this time?  I suppose you are well settled to the routines of home life again.  We’re trying to make the best of these fine days.  So are all very busy.  Ema{{1}} has not finished talking of her C.Dale visit yet.  Nen{{2}} expects to go to St. Louis next Thursday.  Both she and M.{{3}} are coming to see you, but said  I must make the first trip.  Will tell you when I am coming in my next letter.  Are you being well treated by the Catholic people of Carbondale?{{4}}  I am sure, if Father Hilgenberg is the Fr. that I have reference, to, you will be well treated.

Ed., enclosed is the cross, please let it be a token of my dearest remembrance.  Hoping this will find all as well, as it leaves us.

I am very truly, your friend,
J.P. Micheau

P.S.  Sisters send love
Ans. S.{{5}}

[[1]] His sister, Mabel Emily Micheau (b. 4 Aug 1892, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; date & place of death unknown.[[1]]

[[2]] His sister, Mary Angelique Micheau (b. 6 Jun 1873, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; 29 Jun 1959, Normandy, Missouri).[[2]]

[[3]] His sister, Margerette (“Margery”) E. Micheau (b. 29 Apr 1895 Prairie du Rocher,Illinois; date & place of death unknown)[[3]]

[[4]] Edna had been baptized into the Catholic Church just about a month earlier on 3o Mar 1913, at St Francis Xavier Church in Carbondale. See Records of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville,  Illinois, available at www.familysearch.org [[4]]

[[5]] Writing letters every week or every day is something that people did for a great part of the twentieth century. These two abbreviations “PS” and “Ans. S.” mean respectively, “post script” (i.e., literally, “after writing”; used to convey an additional thought after closing a letter) and “answer soon” (rendered in 21st century language perhaps as ANX ASAP).[[5]]

[undated]
My dear Ed
I just suppose you are waiting for a long letter well here it comes.  I am pretty much at leisure these warm days.  In fact, it is almost too warm to do much.  So after the morning chores, my hardest work is keeping in the shade.  Margery is still at work today is her last day tho.

Oh!  Ed she rec’d your card only this morning.

I am sorry to say they are not coming down this Sunday.  But sure, next Sunday, unless sickness prevents.  It is this way, with us here at home, everything was all right.  And Nen & M. were already.  But Addie{{6}} only asked her time off for next Sunday.  And this is the reason they cannot come down.

As for myself Ed this is what I me[a]nt when I said “Things may run my way.”  Syl{{7}} is expecting to come down for a few weeks.  So if he does, why then he will take care of home and things for me.  You know, we cannot all leave home together.  I think I may go to the city{{8}} Sunday morning, and I surely will have tried to have one of the boys come down.  I want to see you.  And as I said before, will enjoy being with you altogether, for once.  Mrs. Wright{{9}} only arrived back in P.D.R. last night.  Mrs. Lizzie came back with her.  Also among the visitors in our city are three of Mr. J. Lacavia’s three nieces.

Ed I would be so glad if you could come back with the girls.  If not then I hope it will be while Addie is home, which will be two weeks or more.  Please, may I send your fare or give it when you come up.  Either way will be pleasing.

If I go to St L. Sunday,  then I will not write until Monday morning, if not then you will receive a letter M.  morn.

Nen said to say she was sorry that they cannot possibly make it this Sunday. Next Sunday, sure tho.  All here are O.K. I hope the same of your people in C’dale.

With hearty good wishes to all.

I am your loving

Jos.

[[6]] His sister, Adelaide Frances Micheau (born 27 Nov 1884, Prairie  du Rocher, Illinois; date & place of death unknown), who became Sister Celestine, OSP.[[6]]

[[7]] His brother, Sylvester August Micheau (born 14 Mar 1890, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; died 10 Jul 1957, Petpskey, Michigan). Syl likely was in Chicago at the time of this letter.[[7]]

[[8]] St Louis[[8]]

[[9]] Likely a relative of Joseph’s sister-in-law, Sophronia “Zoe” Wright (1880-1968), who was married to his brother, Marshall Emmanuel Micheau (born 1 Oct 1878, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois; died 22 Oct 1954, St Louis, Missouri).[[9]]

P.D.R. Ill.  June 15, 1913.

Dear, Dear Ed.

Finding that I need you, I want you, I love you, and today thinking of you am writing this little message of love, even though you are  in my debt.  I have taught often do now, what must Edna Lewis think of me.  And again, the answer comes well, I have explained my situation to her, and surely she understands me.  I truely hope you do, tho now each little visit to your home, only tends to make you more dear to you [me].

You may think well he has changed his story.  All to[o] true.  But it is not without due consideration and I daresay not to hurri[e]dly either.  Frankly and Truely Ed, it is with a tinge of regret that I cannot see my way through the required schooling to reach my former desires.  And now feeling that it is not entirely my own fault in trying to make the best of all things my thoughts are turned it to you.

If knowing what you know of J.P.M. you still continue to love him.  Please answer soon.

How are you and All? Did John{{10}} spend Sunday with you this week.  Many times in the past week have M. & my conversations drifted to a week ago just passed.  The girls, that is, Nen, M., & A. are planning their visit to you. Surely a long promised one isn’t it?  They are coming tho. We have mass here at seven o’clock high Mass and the morning is a little longer. Rec’d communion to and surely remembered you together with the rest of sisters and Brothers.  Oh!  Say do you read the after dinner storries in Visitors [?]{{11}}  They are very, very fine.  I was much pleased last week to receive a card from one of Oscar Beckham’s sisters, asking me for last week’s Visitor.  Have been sending a few of them away, but failed to do so last week, and as she was interested in the story she missed the issue until Margerette sent it to her, a few days ago.  I am^ you send, an Angelus to[o], I think it is very good this week.  Please Ed, I want to see this letter and our next meeting. Has Miss Ema{{12}} gone to Chi. yet? My heartiest good wishes to each and all and

Much love to yourself

Margerette has just sounded the dinner call so I must close.

Yours sincerely.

Jos. P. Micheau

[[10]] Unable to identify this person. [[10]]

[[11]] Our Sunday Visitor, a national Catholic weekly still  in publication today.[[11]]

[[12]] Edna’s sister, Emma Lewis (born Sep 1877, Charleston, Tennessee; died about 1951, Carbondale, Illinois)[[12]]

[undated]

Dear Joseph,

Your loving message came to me this A.M. I was quite surprised to receive it as I owed you this one but never-the-less I received it with the same joy as I have the others.

Dear Joe, I fully realize what it means to you to give up all that you have held dear in this life and make new plans for the future.  I fully realize how much you were attracted to your intentions for the your future vocation, but through it all there is one greater than we now who plans our destinations, and with Him for our leader we can never choose the wrong path. Everything is for the best provided we are guided by the right influence.  Not only once have I prayed for strength to think of, you only as a brother and a friend but many times.  And instead of drifting from you my heart has been steadily turning more and more toward you.  God only knows the longing and thoughts I’ve had of you.  God only knows the many prayers I’ve said for your success and when I’ve found that I could not forget you, I prayed that God’s will not mine be done.  And Joseph, dear Joseph, knowing what I know of you, of your great desire to become a religious, to make of that great sacrifice for love of Christ, I could love you all ways and shall. I could not do other wise, every moment brings tho’ts of you.  I wish I were talking the instead of writing this, for I have lots I would say.  I shall be very glad to see you, for though we are miles apart, my heart is ever near you.

With loving wishes I am forever

Your Ed.

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St Louis History: Charles W. Steiner, 1860-1950

February 9, 2010 Craig Genealogy

From Centennial History of Missouri, Vol. III (St Louis-Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1921)

Charles W. Steiner, president and treasurer of the Steiner Engraving & Badge Company, of St. Louis, was here born October 5, 1860, the son of Otto and Mrs. Katherine (Oehler) Steiner, who came from Germany to the new world in early childhood. They were married in St. Louis. The father long followed the cooper trade but lived retired in the latter part of his life and passed away June 21, 1896, at the age of seventy years. His widow survives and resides at No. 1507 Destraham street, having for sixty-three years made her home in St. Louis. In their family were four sons and three daughters. Bertha is the wife of Albert H. Haeseler, president of the A. H. Haeseler Building & Contracting Company; Minnie C. is a teacher in the public schools; Carrie is manager of the Steiner Jewelry Company; Fred L. is secretary of the St. Louis Clock & Silverware Company; Otto G. is president of the Schoenlau-Steiner Trunk Top & Veneer Company; Albert S. is an oculist and aurist, practicing in St. Louis, where all the other members of the family also reside.

Charles W. Steiner attended the public schools and also pursued an art course in the Washington University, attending a night class. In 1875 he took up engraving and in 1881 he entered the employ of J. J. Linck & Company, engravers, of St. Louis. In 1885 he purchased the interest of Mr. Linck in the business, and the firm name of Trebus & Steiner was then assumed. Under this caption the business was continued until 1899 when it was incorporated as the Steiner Engraving & Badge Company, Mr. Trebus retiring from the firm at that time. The business was first located at No. 210 Chestnut street, there it was carried on from 1879 until 1896, using one thousand square feet. A removal was then made to No. 11 North Eighth street, where two floors gave to them two thousand five hundred square feet. In 1907 another removal was made, the factory being established at Twentieth and Mullanphy streets, where enlarged facilities gave them seven thousand square feet, while the sales and show rooms were opened at 820 Pine street. In 1912 the sales and display rooms were removed to 804 Pine street, where they have their pleasant quarters on the second floor. They do everything in badge work, stamping and engraving, and the business is one of large and gratifying proportions.

On the 14th of August, 1894, in St. Louis, Mr. Steiner was .married to Miss Selina Surkamp, a daughter of Christopher and Christina Surkamp, the former a lumber merchant, who in his later years lived retired, and passed away in St. Louis in 1910. His widow survived him for several years, her death occurring in 1917. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have been born two daughters. Flora C., who was a successful teacher in the public schools of St. Louis, was married in December, 1918, to Herbert G. Mesloh, who is with the A. H. Haeseler Building & Contracting Company; the other daughter, Mildred K., is still a teacher in the public schools.

In his political views Mr. Steiner has always been a republican, and during the administration of Mayor F. H. Kreismann, he was a member of the Public Recreation Commission. He is now secretary of the Municipal Athletic Association and is a member of several fraternal orders and clubs in the city. He is likewise very active in athletics, in which he has been keenly interested from early youth. Through athletics and outdoor sports he has maintained a well balanced nature, these interests giving him the needed exercise that keeps him in trim for the arduous demands that are made upon him as the president and treasurer of the Steiner Engraving & Badge Company. In this connection he has built up a business of substantial proportions as the result of his spirit of enterprise, his quick intelligence, and his forceful character. His plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed and the excellence of the work which his house turns out insures a continued and liberal patronage.

Note: Charles W. Steiner died on February 14, 1950, at  the age of 89. The Steiner Engraving & Badge Company manufactured badges and other devices for Catholic organizations such as the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Peter Claver. See the previous post for an example of Steiner’s work.

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Black History Month: Knights of Peter Claver – St Elizabeth’s Branch, St Louis, MO

February 9, 2010 Craig Family History, Genealogy

During November, which is Black Catholic History Month, I wrote about the Knights of Peter Claver.  A few days ago, I came across this badge from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in St Louis.  St Elizabeth’s was a parish established especially for black Catholics by Fr. John Markoe and his brother, Fr. William Markoe, both Jesuits, during the term of Archbishop Cardinal Glennon.  St Elizabeth’s became one of the most prominent churches in St Louis.

The original St Elizabeth’s Church was closed several years ago and should not be confused with the current parish, St Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist.

The Peter Claver badge on this badge belonged to Joseph Perry Micheau (1888-1975).  When I found it, it was in an envelope in which it may have originally been obtained by Joseph Micheau.  The envelope itself has a connection to St Louis history; see the next post.

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Black History Month: A Strange Letter and an un-Fair Move?

February 8, 2010 Craig Family History, Genealogy

Sometime after their marriage in 1913, Joseph P. Micheau and his wife Edna Lewis moved their family from Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri. According to Joseph’s 1917 draft card, they  lived at 4210 Cote Brilliant and then apparently at 3128 Fair Avenue. The 1920 census places them on Fair Avenue.  Later, however, they moved to 1923 Whittier, which is documented in the 1922 Gould’s St Louis City Directory.  Their daughter, Edna Micheau Penny, recently recalled life as a toddler at 1923 Whittier.  But for some reason, the family seems to have moved back to the Cote Brilliant neighborhood by the 1930 census.  Perhaps the letter below contains the clues as to why they moved from the Whittier house.  The letter is reproduced in the condition that I received it more than eighty-five years after it was written.  The identity of the writer, other than his name (and I’m not sure we’ve got that right), is unknown.

Aug 29-’ 24

Mr. Joseph P. W. Micheau
1923 Wittier Str.
St. Louis Mo

My dear Mr. Micheau:

Your letter Aug. 22nd inst. was recd today my absence from the city till last evening, being the reason for delay in seeing your communication.

Since my arrival home I have had some information regarding the movement started by the people of this neighborhood, relative to restricting their District. As you can readily understand they have a right to use any legal means to promote their property interests. You and I cannot justly complain of the exercise of such right.  Where our interests are concerned, we should use every legitimate means to conserve their value–I feel sure that you as a Catholic gentleman would not intentionally desire to injure your neighbor even though he be a white man. And any white man should be as particular in his desire to respect the rights of his fellow citizens of the colored race.–yes, God Almighty has created, redeemed and seeks the welfare of the colored race as much as He does those of any other race.  Your soul, and the souls of your dear little ones are precious in the sight of Heaven.  And it will make no difference what our color, nationality, or race may be, provided we do God’s holy will and seek honestly, the salvation of our precious souls.  I am sure therefore that you will never buy a word or deed seek to violate the precepts of the decalogue.  If any of our people by word or deed sought to injure any man, no matter what his color or race, I would protest against such injuring.  In a word, I believe in justice for every man.

Up to the present, I have not had  an opportunity of getting a clear and thorough understanding of the movement referred to.  One thing you can be assured of, no one will slight you or any of your race, while I am able to defend you–which at the same time, I will be ready to endorse any just effort for the common good.

Very respectfully and sincerely,

Your friend,
Peter Johnson [remainder illegible]

Joseph Perry Micheau (1888-1975) with his daughter, Edna Mary, at their home at 3128 Fair Avenue, St Louis, c. 1921.

Photographer unknown.  Original found in the effects of Edna Penny Wells (1941-2008), daughter of Edna Mary Micheau Penny; now in the possession of Margarett Penny Manson, Carmichael, California.

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Names, Places & Most Wanted Faces

February 26, 2009 Craig Uncategorized

I started this with a note on Facebook and it was suggested that it would make a good meme for bloggers.  The idea is to publicize your surnames and locales to see if anyone elseknows something about them.  For me on Facebook, I got several research-helpful replies. So how much better to take it to a wider audience.

List the surnames you are researching and the general localities.  Then tell the names of your “Most Wanted Ancestors,” that is, the ones you most want to find behind that brickwall.   (You can tag people if you want; I’ve chosen not to do that here so that all readers are included).   Let’s see your lists; maybe we can each help someone out!

Surnames & Locales:

MANSON: Georgia (Talbot, Taylor & Upson Counties) Texas (Milam, Midland Counties)
BOWIE: Louisiana (Cataholua, Avoyelles, Monroe, Rapides Parishes) Texas (Gregg, Harrison Counties)
BIRDSONG: Georgia (Talbot, Upson Counties)
BRAYBOY: Louisiana (Caddo, De Soto Parishes) South Carolina
BRYANT: Texas (Aransas, DeWitt, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio Counties)
GILBERT: Missouri (Clay, Jackson, Platte Counties)
GINES: Louisiana (Bossier, Caddo, Tensas Parishes) Mississippi (Claiborne, Hancock, Hinds, Pearl River, Walthall Counties) Texas (Harris, Nacogdoches Counties)
JOHNSON: Missouri (Clay, Jackson, Platte Counties)
LeJAY: Louisiana (Caddo, De Soto Parishes)
LONG: Kansas (Johnson County) Missouri (Jackson County)
MICHEAU/MISCHEAUX: California (San Mateo, Los Angeles County) Illinois (Randolph County) Missouri (St Louis)
SANFORD: Tennessee (Williamson County) Texas (Milam County)

Most Wanted Ancestors: Parents of Sarah GILBERT (b. 1849, Clay County, Mo); Parents of Richard William GINES (b. 1860, Bossier Parish, La); Parents of George MICHEAU (1813-1907; Prairie du Rocher, Ill.)

What about you?

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Smile for the Camera! Can You Date These Clothes?

February 10, 2009 Craig Uncategorized
Unknown Couple, St Louis, Missouri

Unknown Couple, St Louis, Missouri

I’ve got no clue who these people are.     The photograph was found among the effects of the late Edna Penny Wells of St Louis, who died last April.  Can you date the photograph by their clothes +/- 5 years? (Click on image to enlarge)

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Black History Month: “Negro Subversion”

February 4, 2009 Craig Uncategorized

March 8, 1918

From: Chief, Military Intelligence Branch, Executive Division

To: Captain Roy F. Britton, Boatmen’s Bank Bldg., St Louis, Mo.

Subject: Charlie Williams (colored)

1. The above is employed as a porter-janitor at St Louis Union Station, 18th and Market St., St. Louis, Mo.

2.   About 45 years old, very black, about 5 feet 4 inches, weight about 175 pounds.   He cleans and sweeps floors in Union Station, always on second floor, west wing of building, between the hours of 7 and 8:30 A.M.

3.  Reported to be decidedly pro-German.   Reticent in speaking freely except with those he thinks he can trust.  Boasts taht the German army will “take care” of the American soldiers.  Also that the American Army will lose the war and the Germans win.

4.  Believed to be prejudiced against American Army on account of the execution of negro soldiers in the Houston riots.

5.   Is not considered a dangerous character but might be susceptible to  German influence, and is too free in his speech.

6.  An immediate invesigation and report on the above is requested.

R.H. Van Dorman,

Colonel, General Staff.

BY:

Henry T.  Hunt,

Captain,  Inf., U.S.N.A.

Transcription of letter found in files of Military Intelligence Division
Publication Title: Correspondence of the Military Intelligence Division Relating to “Negro Subversion”, 1917-1941
Content Source: NARA
Content Partner: NARA
Source Publication Year: 1986
Footnote Publication Year: 2009
Record Group: 165
Footnote Job Number: 09-007
Language: English
Country: United States
File Number: 10218
Case Number Range: 101-150
Case Number: 10218-110
Date: March 5, 1918
Description: AV Burr, Supt. Pullman Co., St. Louis, MO to C, MIB. Re: Charlie Williams.

See the letter at http://www.footnote.com/image/182725250/

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