African American
History from Newspapers
Absont, Julia, black, age 103, died
last Monday four miles southeast of Berger. Burial was on the Stoeppelmann
farm. One son and one daughter survived her. 1-9-1914 Franklin County
Tribune [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Adams, Joseph N.: Two colored boys of pacific,
Charles W. Turner and Joseph N. Adams, left last Saturday for Jefferson
Barracks for examination. 9/4/1942 Pacific Transcript
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Aitch, Aaron "John": Aaron "John" Aitch died
December 8, 1882 at his home in Union, age 52. He was one of Union's most
worthy colored citizens. Source: December 14, 1922 The Franklin County
Record. [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Aitch, Earl Alfred: was born January 28, 1914 in
Moselle, the son of George and Maggie Aitch. He died April 23, 1972 at St.
Louis State Hospital. He married Dorothy Jenkins February 28, 1914. They had
three children: Martha Jane Parson of Webster Groves, Mornet Doris Whitson
of Kirkwood, and Earl Aitch, Jr. of St. Clair. He had three brothers,
including Clifford Aitch of Washington. Burial was at the Aitch Cemetery at
Moselle. Source not named in my research notes but was probably the Franklin
County Tribune or The Republican Tribune. [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Aitch, Emeline: Obituary for Emeline Aitch: The
subject of this sketch was born in the Indian Prairie neighborhood about 87
years ago and died at her home in Union, December 22, 1920 after an illness
of several months. The funeral was held on Christmas Day at 2 o'clock in the
afternoon from the St. James A.M.E. church of Union and was conducted by
Rev. W. Chester. Deceased is survived by one son, Herman Aitch; five
grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. The grandchildren are S. M.
and C. G. Bryant of Wellston and Ethel, Alma and Uncas Aitch of Union. Aunt
Emeline, as she was called by those who knew her, was born in slavery and
was, at times, the property of the Billups and the Goodes, people of this
county and this neighborhood. It may be truly said of her that she was a
good Christian woman. She was always ready to help those who were in need of
her service and died respected by all who knew her and the circle of her
acquaintance extended to many parts of Franklin County. Most people in Union
knew her well for many years. Peace to her ashes. Source: December 31, 1920
The Republican Tribune. [from the personal research of Sue
Cooley]
Aitch, Ethel: Miss Ethel Aitch left this
week for Jefferson City where she will enroll as student in Lincoln
Institute. This will make her second year in school and we are informed that
she is a very successful student. Miss Kitty Bryant also left for Jefferson
City and will be student at Lincoln Institute. This is her first year there.
Source: September 3, 1915 Republican Headlight
Aitch, Maggie: The following colored girls started
to Lincoln Institute: Maggie Aitch, Nellie Parks and Alice Goode. From
9-24-1920 Republican Tribune, column entitled "Thirty Years Ago"
(actually occurred in 1890) [from the personal research of
Sue Cooley]
Attucks: Goode, Ora (colored) is one of the
graduates of the Attucks school of Washington and several of our colored
people from here attended the closing exercises. Source: Friday June 14,
1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County Historical Society
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
baseball: 5-1-1884 Record: The Union Reserve
baseball club played and won a match game with the colored boys last
Saturday. They played for a Union League ball. On their last inning, the
gentlemenof color were even on the tally sheet, and as soon as the Reserves
made another successful run, threw up the sponge and acknowledged a fair
beat. Reserve team Charles Leiser, Edwin Baur, Chas. Achenback, Walter Budd,
Hudson Halligan, Frank Evans, Andrew Manion, Tom Bruch. Colored team: Bodd
Goode, Tom Hall, Lonz Henson, John Goode, sonny James, Julius Roberts,
Herman Aitch, Chas. Willis. 5/1/1884 Franklin County Record
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Bass, Joe: Joe Bass (colored), died Sunday after a
lingering illness and was buried Monday. Source May 10, 1912 Franklin County
Tribune, Labadie items
Beasley, Lou: A colored girl visiting at "Aunt
Jane's," by the name of Lou Beasley, died last Thursday and was buried on
Friday. Her home was in St. Louis. September 7, 1888 Franklin County
Tribune
Bryant, Kitty: Miss Ethel Aitch left this
week for Jefferson City where she will enroll as student in Lincoln
Institute. This will make her second year in school and we are informed that
she is a very successful student. Miss Kitty Bryant also left for Jefferson
City and will be student at Lincoln Institute. This is her first year there.
Source: September 3, 1915 Republican Headlight
Buril, G. M., a progressive colored farmer of
Labaddie, had business at the county seat yesterday. We acknowledge a
pleasant call. 12/27/1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County
Historical Society [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Cayce, J. O.: J. O. Cayce, principal of the colored
school in Union, came up for trial Monday in police court. Accused of having
assaulted John Goode, another negro and his landlord. Goode is alleged to
have abused Cayce on several occasions. Sat Cayce was moving and Goode came
and started abusing him again. Cayce stood it as long as he could and then
proceeded to change the contour of Goode’s physiognomy. Goode had Cayce
arrested for assault. When the case came on for trial, W. L. Cole, who
represented Cayce, had the case thrown out of court because of error in the
information. Costs were assessed against the plaintiff. Cayce says he is not
ready to tackle Jack Johnson yet, not being in training. Cayce later had
Goode arrested for disturbing his peace. Goode was released on his own
recognizance and later asked for a change of venue which was granted. Case
will be tried before Squire Jno R. May at Labadie Sat Dec 16. Source:
December 8, 1911 Franklin County Tribune
Clay, Charles: Charles Clay and family of DeSoto,
MO passed through here on their way to visit Mrs. Clay’s mother, Mrs. Lige
Richardson, of near Union. Source: "Among the Colored People of Moselle",
column in October 22, 1926 issue of The Republican Tribune from the Franklin
County Historical Society. [from the personal research of
Sue Cooley]
Clay, Maggie: Maggie Clay, (colored) aged 8 years,
whose parents live at Derry, three miles east of Union, died Wednesday and
was buried yesterday evening. July 13, 1888 Franklin County Tribune
Clay, Raymond: Clay, Raymond: There was
some excitement in town Wednesday when the small house in which Raymond
Clay, colored, was living, caught fire. The building was all flames by the
time the water was turned on but they were soon quenched. There did however,
seem too much friction between the men holding the nozzle for it seemed that
everybody wanted to direct the procedure. There was no system. It seems that
now is the time to remedy this before some large fire occurs where system
will be needed. Some willing available men organized and drilled in their
duties would be an asset to the community. Someone start it up and there
will be plenty ready to organize. Source: August 8, 1913 Franklin County
Tribune
Clay, Squire: His obituary is posted
on the
boards.
Clay, Squire: Wanted – 50 or 50 woodchoppers at
Derry. Apply to Squire Clay. [local news] November 2, 1888 Franklin County
Tribune
Crowder, Christ: Christ Crowder, one of
the county’s oldest colored residents was buried in the colored Baptist
cemetery on Wednesday. March 19, 1915 Republican Headlight, St. Clair items.
Evans, Beckey, a colored woman, had a stroke of
apolex last Wed. 5/3/1907 Republican Headlight, Moselle items,
Franklin County Historical Society [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Goode, Alice: The following colored girls started
to Lincoln Institute: Maggie Aitch, Nellie Parks and Alice Goode. From
9-24-1920 Republican Tribune, column entitled "Thirty Years Ago"
(actually occurred in 1890) [from the personal research of
Sue Cooley]
Goode, L. M. L. M. Goode is getting along fine on
his house that he is building in Moselle. Source: January 14, 1927 issue of
The Republican Tribune, column entitled: "Among the Colored Folks of
Moselle" from Franklin County Historical Society. [from the
personal research of Sue Cooley]
Goode, Murriel: Colored teachers taking regular
examinations were Ethel Aitch, Hallie Goode, Murriel Goode, Marie Henson,
and Kathryn Henson, all of Union. Source: June 20, 1913 Franklin County
Tribune
Goode, Ora: Ora Goode, colored, is one of the
graduates of the Attucks school of Washington and several of our colored
people from here attended the closing exercises. Source: Friday June 14,
1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County Historical Society [[from
the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Hall, James: James Hall and Permelia
Perkins (colored) were married Monday evening by J. R. May, justice of the
peace. Source: November 28, 1913 Franklin County Tribune
Harris Schoolhouse: The colored folks had a large
meeting at the Harris schoolhouse at Indian Prairie on Sun and were preached
to by Rev. Mose Withington. Franklin County Record 7-26-1883
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Harris, Della (Miss), the colored school teacher
who has been visiting Mrs. Evans, returned to St. Louis last Sunday. Moselle
items. Fri May 17, 1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County
Historical Society [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Henson, Alonzo: Bread and water is the ration in
Franklin County Jail. Hard Boiled Disturber is on diet. Peace Disturber from
Pacific Meets Heavy Fists of Janitor: The Franklin Co jail menu for the
balance of this week will be bread and water. That was decided upon by
Sheriff Arthur Gorg yesterday following an attempt of the lone prisoner to
get hard boiled and govern the rules of the jail. Roy Yates was brought up
from Pacific Wednesday evening of this week and lodged in the county jail
with a charge against him of disturbing the peace. Prosecuting Attorney
Jenny, it is said, had practically agreed to ask for a fine of $1 and costs
for Yates. Yesterday morning when Alonzo Henson, the big colored janitor of
the courthouse and jail meal ticket went to feed the prisoner and at the
same time, noting that the peace disturber needed a wash, apprised him that
he would have to clean up. This peeved Yates and he told Henson in no
uncertain terms that he would do as he pleased. Sheriff Gorg happened in
about that time and Yates spoke the same way to him, adding some vulgarity
to his remarks. Matters must terminate and this incident ended in a fracas
with Yates being the owner of several black eyes inflicted by the big
colored janitor and skinned knuckles being evident on both Sheriff Gorg and
Janitor Henson. Yates is now thriving with a diet of bread and water. Just
what disposition will be made of his peace disturbance charge at Pacific is
not known. Source: December 3, 1926 issue of The Republican Tribune
from the Franklin County Historical Society. [from the
personal research of Sue Cooley]
Henson: Colored Teachers taking regular
examinations were Ethel Aitch, Hallie Goode, Murriel Goode, Marie Henson,
and Kathryn Henson, all of Union. Source: June 20, 1913 Franklin County
Tribune
Hinkle, Polly, daughter of our colored school
teacher, died here Thursday night of consumption and was buried Sunday in
the colored cemetery. May she rest in peace. Labadie Locals. 3/15/1907
Republican Headlight, Franklin County Historical Society
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
issues: In 1876, there was a negro on the petit
jury and, in one case two jurors from the western part of Lyon township by
the names of Henry Lawson and Ambrose Scott refused to consider a verdict
with a nigger. Judge Seay gave them from 12:00 to 1:00 to decide whether to
serve or be heavily fined or go to jail. They served, but each paid $82 for
contempt of court. 6-3-1921 Republican Tribune, column entitled
"Looking Backward: Forty-five years ago" [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Jones, Arthur: Pacific High School. Jones was from
Moberly, he had four years experience as teacher of a colored high school.
Was engaged as a teacher at Pacific for 1942-43. 8/28/1942 Pacific
Transcript [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Moungo, Walt: Oldest Slave Dies at Valley Park.
Walt Moungo, former negro slave, died at his home in Valley Park last
Friday. Moungo, who was born in Franklin County, Missouri as a slave on the
George Bowles farm, moved with the Bowles family to a farm about two miles
south of Valley Park before the Civil War. Estimates of his age varied from
104 to 110, but documents in the family established it at about 109. For
many years he was a familiar figure on the streets of Valley Park. He made
his living gathering roots and herbs in a small cart and selling them in St.
Louis. He is survived by a son and three daughters. Source: April 2, 1943
issue of Meramec Valley Transcript [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Murray: A colored man known as Uncle Murray dropped
dead Friday. He is the oldest colored man in the community. St. Clair items.
February 2, 1912 Franklin County Tribune
North, Ellen S. (colored) of Washington, MO was a
carded teacher 1876 to 1883. She taught the colored school in Washington, MO
in 1880. This information came from the Kiel Files of the Franklin County
Genealogical Society at Washington. [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
North, Jack, colored, whose family lived at
Pacific, was cook on the work train and while passing from one car to
another to get some coal, the car suddenly jerked and he was thrown into a
culvert over which the train was passing. He died at Jefferson City. April
1, 1880 Franklin County Record. This information came from the Kiel
Files of the Franklin County Genealogical Society at Washington.
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
North, Lulu (colored) was a carded teacher in
Franklin County 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903. Also a Lulu M. North of Labaddie was
a carded teacher 1894, 95, 96, 97, 1900, 1901, 1902. She taught in the
country districts and in Sullivan. Married Mr. Ried, St. Louis MO,
Olive-Tuxedo Park (Webster Groves). I am not sure that these two references
are about the same person. This information came from the Kiel files of the
Four Rivers Genealogical Society at Washington. [from the
personal research of Sue Cooley]
North, Rena (Mrs.) Is the oldest colored woman in
the county. Aged 101 per August 2, 1901 Franklin County Tribune.
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Osborn, Dave: Colored Man Kills Wife. As atrocious
murder was committed in Union last Sun night at 8 when Dave Osborn, colored,
killed his wife with a carpenters’ hammer. The victim lived only for a short
time after the murderous assault. Her skull was badly crushed and she must
have been hit on the head with the hammer several times. After Osborn
realized what he had done he went to the house of Louis Clark, colored, told
the family what he and done. The authorities were notified and Dr.
Stierberger summoned. Mrs. Osborn died soon after the doctor arrived. Tom
Bruch, accompanied by the marshal, went to the Clark home and arrested
Osborn and lodged him in jail. Coroner Miller of Labadie held an inquest
over the remains Mon morning and the verdict of the coroner’s jury was to
the effect that the victim came to her death at the hands of her husband.
Osborn was given a preliminary hearing and bound over to await the action of
the circuit court. March 28, 1913 Franklin County TribuneT
Osborne, Mamie: Mamie Osborne (colored), dau of
Crockett Osborne of this city, was shot and instantly killed by a negro man
in East St. Louis, IL early in the morning of Wed Nov 29, 1911. The body was
taken to the morgue and remained unidentified for some time and was brought
to Union for burial Monday. It was the night before Thanksgiving and four of
them, two men and two women, were playing cards for a turkey. An argument
arose over who had won the turkey and in the ensuing fight, the shooting
occurred. This makes the third daughter of Crockett Osborne that has met
death in a similar manner in St. Louis. December 8, 1911 Franklin County
Tribune
Pacific: school: The corp of teachers in charge at
Pacific’s public schools this year is composed of S. L. Cayton, W. B.
Hardesty, Misses Lizzie Eisenhuth, Ashworth, and Cora Muench, with Prof. C.
L. Robinson in charge of the colored school. 9/6/1907 Republican
Headlight, Franklin County Historical Society [from the
personal research of Sue Cooley]
Parks, Nellie: The following colored girls started
to Lincoln Institute: Maggie Aitch, Nellie Parks and Alice Goode. From
9-24-1920 Republican Tribune, column entitled "Thirty Years Ago"
(actually occurred in 1890) [from the personal research of
Sue Cooley]
Perkins, Robert, colored, Pacific, or one-legged
Bob, died of consumption on September 27 at the home of a relative in
Pacific. He worked at the depot, hotel and saloon. Source: October 7, 1904
Pacific Transcript
Perkins, M. J., a prominent colored citizen of this viciity, who has
been confined to his bed the past five-and-a-half years, being paralyzed,
died Tuesday April 11 [1922]. Source April 14, 1922 clipping from Kiel
Files, Four Rivers Genealogy Society
Perkins, Rosa A., colored, of this city, called
at this office on Thursday and requests us to state that the current rumors
concerning the late difficulty in which it is alleged that she played a
prominent role are unfounded and unwarranted. Source: March 8, 1889
Washington Observer
Perkins, Permelia: Hall, James: James Hall
and Permelia Perkins (colored) were married Monday evening by J. R. May,
justice of the peace. Source: November 28, 1913 Franklin County Tribune
Perkins, Chole "Sook" and Mary: The Perkins family
history (white) as told to Keith Wilson by Lillie Wilson, includes this
story. I am assuming these Perkins slaves took the name of Perkins. If
anyone has information to the contrary, please let me know. John Moseby
Perkins (white) brought boatloads of shoes across the river from Augusta
where he purchased them, Most were for the small black children. He would
carry the shoes by stringing them around his neck. John Moseby Perkins had
two black slaves named Chole "Sook" and Mary. The two women fought
constantly. Chole was larger and always picked on Mary. John Perkins would
put the two women on opposite sides of a picket fence and give each a
switch. Mary, being a tall slender woman, had a longer reach so this method
of letting them fight it out gave Mary an edge. [from family history -- not
newspaper]
Richardson, Lige (Mrs.): Charles Clay and family of
DeSoto, MO passed through here on their way to visit Mrs. Clay’s mother,
Mrs. Lige Richardson, of near Union. Source: "Among the Colored People of
Moselle", column in October 22, 1926 issue of The Republican Tribune from
the Franklin County Historical Society. [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Roberts, Ed: See
Social Events Labadie
picnic.
Roberts, Hannah. Died on Friday the 24th, Hannah
Roberts, colored, who was probably the oldest person in the county. She was
brought from old Virginia by the Roberts family when quite young. Mrs. Nancy
Roberts, a widow, married Esac Stoner of this county and, at the time of
freedom, was the property of the Stoners. Her only boy, owned by Judge
Dickinson, was killed in the army at the beginning of the war and it was for
this boy the old mother received for so many years, a pension. She had a
most wonderful memory and could tell of events and things that happened over
a century ago although it was but yesterday. She lived with her son-in-law,
Frank Shores. March 3, 1905 Franklin County Tribune. [from
the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Robinson, Professor, who has been reemployed in our
colored school, spent a few days here this week. Pacific items, Friday, July
5, 1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County Historical Society
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Shobe, Charles and Elvina Winkle (colored) were
united in happy bonds of matrimony Sunday at the colored church. Labadie
Locals. Friday 3/15/1907 Republican Headlight, Franklin County
Historical Society [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Shores, Frank M.: Obit posted on Boards.
Shores, James and Nathaniel. See 1919 for brief
biography.
Shores, James: James Shores, a colored man, age
about 70 years, was found dead in a well on his farm a few miles east of
Union. It was decided that he was killed by a bruise on his head, but it
could not be told whether he fell in and hit the side of the well as he went
down or whether he had been killed and thrown into the well. Source:
December 10, 1920 Republican Tribune, column entitled "35 Years Ago".
(actual event took place in 1885.) [from the personal
research of Sue Cooley]
Shores, Lylas: Lylas Shores and son, Carlee, were
visitors at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathional (sic) Shores
Sunday. Source: January 14, 1927 issue of The Republican Tribune, column
entitled: "Among the Colored Folks of Moselle" from Franklin County
Historical Society. [Note: spelled as Nathaniel in another place]
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Shores, Nathional: Nathional Shores and wife were
called to St. Louis on account of the death of Mr. Shores brother. Source:
October 15, 1926 issue of The Republican Tribune from the Franklin
County Historical Society [from the personal research of Sue
Cooley]
Shores, Squire, a colored man, had the misfortune
to cut his knee very bad last Saturday while cutting corn. Moselle items.
Friday, Sept 27, 1907 Republican Headlight. Franklin County
Historical Society [from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Shores, Walter: Walter Shores and sister, Miss
Mable, were called to St. Louis last week on account of the death of Mr.
Shores’ brother. October 8, 1926 issue of The Republican Tribune from
Franklin County Historical Society
Shores, Virginia (married a Proctor), died 1927.
Obituary posted to New Boards.
Stanley: See posted obit for Frank Shores. His wife
was a Stanley.
Turner, Charles W.: Two colored boys of pacific,
Charles W. Turner and Joseph N. Adams, left last Saturday for Jefferson
Barracks for examination. 9/4/1942 Pacific Transcript
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
Wells, Agnes: Mrs. Agnes Wells, an old and
well known colored lady of this place, died last week and was laid to rest
Saturay in the colored cemetery east of Union. Aunt agnes, as she was best
known to the older residents of Union, reached a ripe old age. For quite a
number of years she and her husband, Sam Wells, made their home about a mile
east of Union on the Union-St. Louis road. So far as we know, Mr. and Mrs.
Wells were the onlly surviving slaves in this community and with the death
of Mrs. Wells, Uncle Sam is the lone survivor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wells had
many friends among the white people as well as among the colored people who
sympathize with Uncle Sam in his bereavement. Source: April 13, 1923 The
Republican Tribune
Withington, Mose (Rev.): The colored folks had a
large meeting at the Harris schoolhouse at Indian Prairie on Sun and were
preached to by Rev. Mose Withington. Franklin County Record 7-26-1883
[from the personal research of Sue Cooley]
