THANKSGIVING PAST AND PRESENT

 

A CLOSER LOOK AT THANKSGIVING

 

As we come closer to celebrating Thanksgiving, I wonder if this holiday means the same today as it did for our African American relatives. There is a growing discussion of whether people of color should observe the holiday because we were not a part of that first Thanksgiving claimed by the founders of Plymouth Rock (Massachusetts). For this blog I wanted to look at how Thanksgiving fits into the African American narrative. In this post I will include ( ** ) to point out historically how our family fits in to the noted dates.

 

THANKSGIVING 1621 - PRESENT

Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Karr

 

To give some perspective, the first African slaves were brought to America in 1619.

The first Thanksgiving probably originated in 1621 with the settlers of Plymouth colony in celebration of the harvest.  In 1637, Governor John Winthrop declared an official “Day of Thanksgiving” to celebrate the return of the colonists from the Pequot war which killed around 700 Pequot natives. So the colonist gave “Thanks” to celebrate a slaughter over the indigenous people during the Pequot War.(https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pequot-War)   Which later colonists created a narrative of peaceful Native Americans (Wampanoag tribe) and settlers coming together to share a meal to honor their friendship. We all know the myth of that peaceful dinner between the pilgrims and native Americans was a story perpetuated by pilgrim descendants in hopes to gain more power in the colonies. A good read is David J. Silverman book This Land is Their Land. (https://vimeo.com/374977805)

It is likely that slaves during this time found this celebration as a day of rest from the toll of hard labor, but they most likely did not observe the holiday.

** Harford, CT was founded in 1635 with John and George Steele listed as original founders.  

 

On November 15, 1777 the newly formed 13 colonies celebrated victory at the Battle of Saratoga and congress passed the Articles of Confederation. A Thanksgiving celebration was declared. In 1776 there were approximately 500,000 enslaved Africans in the 13 colonies. 5000 – 8,000 served in the American cause. Many African slaves would have joined in this Thanksgiving celebration which still included a celebration of the harvest.

 ** Jane Gilbert Mitchell (Brooks) our matriarch was born sometime between 1773 and 1776.

 

In 1808 the import of slaves was outlawed although the practice continued illegally. During Thanksgiving (after the harvest) this was also the time many slaves decided to escape because it was the end of the crop season and they might be able to leave unnoticed. In many colonies this was a day off from labor and slaves were able to hunt for wild game for their Thanksgiving dinner.

**Ralph B. Steele was born in 1800, William Steele was born in 1804 and George Steele in 1812. **Sally (Sarah) Brooks Keen was born in 1828 and gained her freedom along with Jane and her four siblings in 1837. **Katherine Broyle Rainey was born in 1848 and David Henry Reid in 1842.

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. In the same year in October President Lincoln signed a proclamation making Thanksgiving an official holiday. **The Brooks family Frank, Charlie, Addie, Augustus, and William began to use the last name Steele which was first recorded on the 1870 census. *Warren Charles Bell was born in 1862 and Mary Louise (Molly) Reid was born in 1867.

 

After 1863 with Thanksgiving being an official holiday African Americans adopted the holiday with the hope of a better future for FPOC and previously enslaved people.

 

After “deliverance” from American slavery on November 30, 1876, (Thanksgiving) the noted African Methodist Episcopalian cleric, Reverend Benjamin Arnett preached to a predominantly black congregation with the following Bible inspired words:…we call on all American citizens to love their country, and look not on the sins of the past, but arming ourselves for the conflict of the future, girding ourselves in the habiliments of Righteousness, march forth with the courage of a Numidian lion and with the confidence of a Roman Gladiator, and meet the demands of the age, and satisfy the duties of the hour…”

 

Since the Thanksgiving holiday was centered around the end of slavery it brings us to a holiday celebrated in Texas in the African American community Juneteenth Day June 19, 1865.

 

There was a lot of awareness and conversation about Juneteenth day this year. It was first celebrated in Galveston, TX two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  Because the federal government relied on the states and the Union troop to enforce the end of slavery, freedom spread slowly especially in those states far away from the capital and states that refused to acknowledge the loss of the south. Juneteenth Day originated in Black communities in Texas as a celebration. It was also called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day.  In 2020 it became a nationally recognized celebration with major companies giving employees the day off. We should acknowledge this as our second Thanksgiving!

 

As we head into November during this unusual year, we should remember that Thanksgiving can be what we want it to be. Being thankful should not be focused on just one day out of the year.

 

 

Other researching news.

 

As I continue to follow up on leads and research, I noticed I had two new matches on my Family Finder DNA site both of them Broyles from Virginia. You might remember the story of Katherine Broyles Rainey. Katherine (Aunt Kate) was sold at a very young age to the Rainey family. She traveled to Eatonton, GA from Woodstock, VA leaving behind her brother Ambrose. Through stories from Aunt Ella and Roslyn, Kate always claimed that her father was a Broyles.

 

Kate Broyles Rainey

The Broyles (Breuel) family came to the Virginia colony in 1717. Head of the family was Johannes Breyhel or Breuel from Dußlingen, Württemberg (now Baden-Württemberg, Germany. They were traveling with a group of other German families enroute to Pennsylvania when they were kidnapped and forced to work as indentured servants in Virginia for Alexander Spottswood who was the governor of the Virginia colony. The area where they were taken in Virginia was known as Germanna and is located between Culpeper and Fredericksburg, VA. They were eventually freed as indentured servants and moved several miles west to Madison County, VA.

 

I have more research to do but once again family tales ring true!! I hope to find which Broyles family might have recorded Kate or Ambrose as property.

 

Please Vote! Our Ancestors Fought for this Right!

No matter what side of the aisle you sit on politically, imagine what our forebears must have felt as they fought for the vote (4^th Amendment 1868) or to still be denied only to fight for protection to exercise that right (the 15^th amendment 1870). Or as a female trying to get their voice heard (19^th amendment 1920).  So please honor their memory and vote.

The most important thing is that we are still here. Family is IMPORTANT as we share stories of the past and as we look to the future. We are an American tale.

 

Happy Researching! And have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. T

 

OUR ANCESTOR MOTHERS

OUR ANCESTOR MOTHERS

Happy Mother’s Day!

Like many of you I am practicing safe social distancing. And like many of you, I am finally finding time to complete projects that have been neglected. One of those items was an unfinished blog post that I started at the beginning of this year. So that is why the beginning of this post starts with a reflection on Christmas.

January 2020

As I start taking down my tree in preparation of another year, I cannot help but wonder what Christmas was like for our ancestors.  Every decoration I have is so precious to me. The ones that my children have made over the years are the ones that I cherish the most even as they lose more pieces of the aged macaroni with each packing and unpacking. I still love them and hang them on the tree with joy every year.

As I think about the extraordinary number of gifts that are purchased for our modern Christmas’s (Jackson my grandson is benefactor of many), I always want to remind myself that this was not always the case.

May 2020

We come from a long line of women that had to survived on their own. They either were not married (Katheryn Broyle Rainey, Jane Gilbert Mitchell, Sarah Brooks Keen) or they were left widowed at a young age (Laura Mitchell Bell, Mollie Reid). I am so very fortunate for the opportunities that have been presented to me. I celebrate these women every day but especially today, Mother’s Day 2020, I would like to focus on their lives. It is important that we recognize their sacrifice which is even more important as we, like them, face uncertain times during this pandemic.

As we work at home during isolation or if you have to go to work every day remember your roots. Our mother’s, as women of color, had to come out of the womb ready to fight. Even with great family support and love the odds were against them. They had to learn to be diplomats, negotiators, soldiers, workers, peace makers, while still maintaining their passion for life and compassion for others.

 I can’t imagine the trials and tribulations of Jane Gilbert Mitchell who had 13 children which many of those were born into slavery but cleverly she gained her freedom and I know at least six of those children were able to gain their freedom because of her. How hard must it have been for a woman to go to court in 1837 in Georgia to make sure proper paperwork was filed so that she and her children would not be sold back into slavery because of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 and 1850.

And what of Katherine Broyle Rainey who was brought to Eatonton, Georgia from Woodstock, VA as a young slave never to see her family again. She raised 6 children basically on her own and then helped raise her grandson Ambrose Reid. Her only option was domestic service which she did until her death. Sally Brooks would have 5 children by William Steele and when he passed away in 1859, he left her nothing in way of support. Mary Louise (Molly) Reid Bell was widowed at a young age and was left to raise her five daughters by herself.

How many times did they just want a weekend alone or just want to take a day off work? How many times did they have to silently work on demeaning menial task while sacrificing their dignity? How many times did they have to “respect” those less intelligent than them, knowing that this was part of their survival?  

We all owe a great deal to these ladies.  So, as we wrap up our Mother’s Day let’s think beyond our immediate family and praise these brave ladies that gave us life. We are so very blessed!

We need to honor them and remember WE HAVE OPTIONS! Something they never had.

I want to remind everyone to take the time scan any photos we have of the Steele Bell family. Let’s make sure we share our wonderful heritage!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful ladies!!

Happy researching! T

CALIFORNIA DREAMING...LEAVING THE SOUTH

As I sit here looking out the window watching the third day of rain in Sherman Oaks, California, I appreciate the rarity of the event which makes me grateful for other rare events in my life.

We are so lucky as an African American family to have so much information. Thanks to my pack rat grandmother on both sides we have photos, stories and information that many families do not have.

I finally made the transition from the South to the West Coast. Although I am thrilled to be around my children and grandson a part of me could not help but be sad. My southern roots are now so far away. My grandson will never understand simple things (good and bad) that make us southern. It is not only the physical location but the unique “southern” saying and the way of life that color our speech.

Before my father died I begin to gather all his funny saying.  These are a collection of  saying that my father probably heard growing up. So, a many of these sayings are a part of our heritage handed down through generations like any other heirloom.

Our father shared a lot of wisdom and knowledge with us over the years.  He became well-known for some pretty colorful quotes.  With his very direct, no-nonsense, at times irreverent attitude, he taught us many lessons about life.  Many of his quotes are too colorful for inclusion here, but some of those that have made us think or laugh over the years were too precious to not share with those who share our southern way of life.

·      Manual labor deadens the brain

·      You sound like you got grits in your mouth

·      You runnin’ around here like a bull in a china shop

·      Why buy the cow if the milk is free

·      You hang around bears enough, you're going to start liking bears

·      Sleep with dogs and you end up with fleas

·      You may want horns, but you'll die butt-headed

·      He was as ugly as Ned in the first reader (There was actually a Ned in first reader books!)

·      He is so black, he is blue

·      She’s a porcupine – if she had as many things sticking out of her as she has had in her she would be a porcupine.

·      Aahhh, now that's what I like about the South (as he is drinking a glass of sweet tea or other libations)

·      I have Georgia red clay running through my blood

·      She looks like a buffarelo!

Does anyone else have other unique sayings? 

Because of the move and new job, I haven’t been able to do much research. I am hoping that will change next year There are still so many unsolved mysteries.

These are my goals as I continue the research to complete our story.

Who were William Steele’s parents?

Where did Katie (Katherine) Broyle Rainey really come from? In the bible her birth is listed as Woodstock, VA but what plantation?  Can we ever hope to find her brother Ambrose in which she honored his memory by naming Ambrose Leeviola Reid after him?

I added my DNA to the Ancestry website and actually connected with two Broyles in Culpepper, VA.  So those stories from the front porch on Liberty Street just might ring true!

Which Rainey family purchased Kate to travel south? There are two Rainey family in Eatonton.

I recently found out the Tommy Lee Rainey was married. Did he have any children?

Other Family News

It is with sadness that we lost two family members recently.

Sterling Lloyd – May 20^, 2019. Sterling was husband to Katherine Steele Lloyd.

Denise Wall – July 12, 2019 – Denise was the daughter of Rosalyn Wall (Bell Family)

Our little family connection is growing. I was recently contacted by two new family members doing research. Please spread the word if anyone wants to know more about the Steele/Bell family.

Happy researching! T

THE GREAT NEGRO MIGRATION NORTH

The Great Negro Migration North

The first great Negro migration was out Africa by force during the slave trade of peoples living along the West African coast. Between 1440 until as late as 1900 over 12.5 million Africans were transported against their will to North America, South America (Americas 10.5 million) the Caribbean and other Islands (2 million). https://www.gilderlehrman.org/ If anyone has done their DNA more than likely you will see a West Coast African connection as part of your origins.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 less than 8% of Black Americans lived in the Northeast.  Between 1910 and 1970 about 6 million Blacks migrated north. The population of Black Americans in the state of Georgia during 1920 was 41.7% and in 1950 it was reduced to 38.9%.  New York and Chicago were the top destinations followed by Philadelphia, St. Louis, Detroit and Pittsburgh.

Many of our relatives made that trek. I would like to dedicate this blog to Roslyn Yvonne McBrayer Wall who passed away on October 15, 2016. Roslyn like many of our family members were first generation ‘northerners”.   Roslyn was born in 1926 in Washington DC at 166 Bryant Street to Willie Bell McBrayer and Joseph McBrayer. 

166 Bryant Street Today

Her mother Willie Rachel Bell was born in 1893 in Milledgeville, Ga to Mary Louise “Mollie” Reid and Warren Charles Bell.  When Warren passed away in 1901 Willie moved to Eatonton, GA to live with her Grandmother Katherine “Kate” Rainey, daughters Katie “Sissy” Reid, “Big Willie” Rainey, Anne Claudius Rainey, Jessie Rainey. Brother Tommie Lee Rainey, and nephew Ambrose Reid. Willie’s sisters Leo, Annie Laura, Ione, and Ella remained in Milledgeville while Mollie struggled to make a living as a seamstress. Mollie eventually headed north to Boston (1901 – 1938) to work as a seamstress for the Scarrett (not sure of the spelling) family.

Many of our relatives decided to leave the south behind and head north in hopes of better living and working conditions. I am not quite sure who was the first one to leave Milledgeville but as in many families, once one family member got settled it gave the ability for others to make an easier transition. I think the first stop for Willie was Philadelphia. Many others passed through Willie's home while waiting to get settled including my father. Ambrose Reid ended up settling Philadelphia after he finished playing baseball. We also had several relative settle in the Washington, DC area, but that is another story.

Other locations outside of Georgia where we find family include Red Bank, NJ, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Washington, DC, Silver Springs, MD. New York City area, NY.  Las Vegas, NV, Cincinnati, OH, several locations in Florida and California.

This April I will be making the move to California. I will never forget my southern roots. As you tell people where you are from don’t forget that our roots run deep in Georgia.  As Warren Steele used to say “I got Georgia red clay in my blood.” We are true Americans. Our ancestors worked hard, fought, stood the test of time, we are still here!

 The Reid/Rainey Family

Grandmother Kate             Mollie Reid Bell                 Tommy Lee Rainey

                       Jessie Rainey Reid                Big Willie                         Annie Claude

Does anyone have a photo of Katie “Sissy” Reid?

Other News

I would like to welcome Lydia Marshall to our family blog.  Lydia and I connected via Ancestry.   Lydia’s is a descendant of another Reid family from Eatonton, GA.  It appears that Mollie Reid was related to a Reid family through the common ancestor of David Henry Reid (Mollie and Katie’s (Sissy) father). 

Through us talking we solved two mysteries.  I had a photo from Big Mama (Annie Laura) who told me (when I was 15) it was Fayette Reid.  I could never find Fayette’s name later in any family record. Reason being,  I spelled it wrong; it is Phette Reid. She was Big Mama’s cousin and daughter of Sofia and Richard Reid. 

  

 

Phette Reid

 

The second mystery is where Ambrose’s middle name came from.  Jessie Rainey (daughter of Kate Broyle Rainey and William Suther, sister to Mollie) was mother to Ambrose.  Ambrose’s father was Sidney Reid (Son of Richard and Sofia Reid). Richard and Sofia also had a daughter named Volia. Grandmother Kate had a son named Tommy Lee Rainey (Uncle Bubba).  Ambrose’s middle name was LeeVoila.  Voilà! I always thought that was such a strange middle name now it all makes sense. 

 

Ambrose Reid

This is where collective family historical research is so important.  Connecting and talking through these stories are important so we can continue to write and share our rich history.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season! Click on the video for a great holiday song written and performed by Trevor! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 Happy Researching! Please share your family stories and photos! 

Looking forward to a great 2017!

MUSIC FROM OUR ANCESTORS LIVES ON IN US

Hello Family! I started this blog post in January and was never able to finish it.   I am not sure if many of you know but for the last year I have worked on a documentary researching the History of Vocal Harmony called Street Light Harmonies. It features some of the great Doo Wop artists still alive from the 50’s and early 60’s. I hope to complete it in July.

The last 20 years my life has been in and around entertainment. As I thought about my career it made me reflect on how much music has influenced and been a part of our ancestors and current family lives.

The funny thing is that I did not grow up in what I would call a musical household.  It was years later that I realized my mother could even play the piano.  We all took the obligatory band lessons. I chose the flute (never really learned to play), my sister Audrey the saxophone, Bubba the trumpet (marching band!), and Frank drums. My brother Billy fiddled with the guitar, Holly was a majorette, and Woody was always trying to get us to form a group. It was not until my father was getting older that stories of music and the connection within family came out.  There were so many great stories that I wish I had known as a child. For this blog I want to highlight a few stories of music from our ancestors that continue to resonant in our current lives.

Augustus Brooks Steele (1846 – 9/15/1903) the son of Sally Brooks Keen and William Steele was a tinsmith by trade.  He was also a popular violin player. In his obit of 1903 it showed how loved and well known he was in the community. To receive this kind of mention in the Union – Recorder as a Black man was rare.

September 15, 1903 
Union-Recorder

Guss Steel, a well-known negro, died at this home in the city Thursday night. He was a tinner by trade, having served his apprenticeship under Mr. Joseph Staley, and worked for him a long number of years. Guss was a violin player of local reputation, and played and called at dances through many years, in this city. His remains were buried Friday afternoon.

The First Boy Band

These amazing looking guys are none other than the Steele boy’s musical group.  They are the sons of Martha Tompkins (8/19/1852 – 4/16/1927) and Frank Steele (4/1848 – 6/28/1904).  From left to right: Johnnie (1890 – 1941) James (1870 – 1902), George (1884 – 1973), Frank (1886 – 1943 sitting on wheel), and Leo (1894 – 1948 on ground).  Backstreet has nothing on them! 

I am not sure what happened to their musical aspirations but we do know from cousin Kathleen that George went on to form another group and embarked on a tour. Here is a great photo of George on one of his tour stops in Saratoga Springs, NY. 1907

Cousin Kathleen has a complete book of all the places he played while in his vocal group.  I can’t wait to see all the locations.

Mary Steele (sister Mary) daughter to Frank P. Steele and Martha Tompkins taught piano lessons.  Cousin George Jarrett remembers her piano and many of the photos that adorned the top of the piano.

.

Mary Steele and Sarah Steele Jarrett

Warren Bell Sr. (father to Warren C. Bell) came to town possibly from Alabama in a traveling band.

Daddy told me that my grandmother Annie Laura Bell Steele (daughter to Mollie and Warren C. Bell) played so well and “had such a light touch” on the piano that people would turn off their radios at night to hear her play.

Annie Theresa Steele, my namesake taught and played piano.  I have several pieces of sheet music that belonged to her.

Rosa Steele Houston (daughter of Charlie Steele) played piano in her husband’s church.

Rosa Steele Houston

This photo came from Laura Pauline.  I am positive there are a few relatives  in the crowd. If anyone recognizes anyone please let me know.  I think the two men on the far right are probably Steele’s.  Maybe the one standing is William Anderson Steele?  Also the gentleman in the center with the suit looks like Rev. Houston (husband to Rosa Steele Houston).

Music continues to live on in this generation as well.  Kara Elsye (Bebe Henderson’s granddaughter) is a talented singer and songwriter.  Here is a link to her website. http://www.karaelyse.com/

My son Trevor Page is also blessed with great musical talent. Here is a link to his website. http://www.trevorpagemusic.com/Welcome.html

Ariel Steele (father Warren ‘Bubba’ Steele) is an accomplished pianist.

Warren Bell Steele III (Trey) (father Warren ‘Bubba’ Steele) can belt out a song that will make everyone stand and take notice.

Tria Steele (father Frank Steele) has a beautiful voice.

Barbara Braddock’s grandson is part of a rap group. Barbara send us a link!

Everyone please share other family member’s musical talents!  Let’s support and share these talents in our family!

Other Family News

On January 30 cousin Denise hosted a great Birthday party for our beautiful matriarch of the family Roslyn Wall.  Roslyn is the daughter of Willie Bell (Mollie Reid Bell and Warren Charles Bell). Roslyn turned 90 this year.  

Attending left to right was Karen Braddock, me, Bonnie Miramontes. Roslyn, a very nice neighbor, Denise Wall, Kathleen Lloyd, and Holly Burns.

I just turned in my application for the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.  For you Reid’s we have a connection through Samuel Reid, the great grandfather of David Henry Reid.  You may be asking why?  Well, we are part of a great American story and should be represented in all aspects. I will keep you posted on the process in case anyone else would like to join.

Lastly I wanted to post an unknown photo.  The same gentleman was in my grandmother Annie Laura Bell Steele's photo album and Laura Pauline Johnson’s photos.  If anybody recognizes this handsome man let me know!

 Happy Researching! Theresa