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Tombstone Tuesday ~ Rock Springs Cemetery….Found!!

31
Aug 2010
By admin

On 15 September 2009, I posted on my blog for Tombstone Tuesday Rock Springs Cemetery…Not! On 17 November 2009, I wrote, again for Tombstone Tuesday, Another Rock Springs Cemetery…The Search Continues. On 2 February 2010, in observance of Black History Month, I posted on Tombstone Tuesday Rock Springs Cemetery- Lest I Forget. These three posts were about my search for Rock Springs Cemetery the burial place of my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro, his brother Bob Toliver (aka Robert Taliaferro), and another relative Alex Poole. 

Those posts reflect the disappointments of the journey, but also my faith that one day I would find Rock Springs Cemetery.  Along the way, I talked to many experts and those knowledgeable in cemeteries in the metro Atlanta area; none of them knew anything about Rock Springs-had never heard of it. I contacted the Georgia Archives and several local Historical Societies, but no luck. I was advised to give up.  They felt the cemetery was gone, most likely lost to progress. But, I could not let go.  Something kept nagging at me- a strong feeling that it was out there somewhere, and one day I would find it. Well, that day is finally here, and I am filled with a sense of peace and satisfaction that I have finally found Rock Springs Cemetery.

On Wednesday, 25 August 2010, I received a tweet which said – “I know where Rock Spring cemetery is located. My relatives are buried there.” I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. I had waited for, prayed for, hoped for this moment. Quickly, I sent a direct message back with my email address.  “PLEASE contact me!”  I waited.

On Thursday afternoon, 26 August 2010, I received an email inquiring if I was really interested in finding Rock Springs Cemetery.  Really interested??  Are you kidding me? That was an understatement if I ever heard one. The sender also gave me their surname which I knew from my research belonged to some of the people buried in Rock Springs.  My excitement was growing; this just might be the real deal. OMG!!!  Anxiously, I emailed back with a few more details about my interest in Rock Springs and my relatives who are buried there.  I waited.

Later in the day I received another email asking whether I was from Atlanta, and telling me that “if we are on the same page” Rock Springs Cemetery was in Forest Park, GA. YES!!! Same page, same paragraph, same sentence, same place…Rock Springs Cemetery. Chills up my spine…goose bumps!!  This was great news, but WHERE in Forest Park, GA??

I frantically emailed back. “Yes, from Atlanta…, live here now…, born and raised. My brother and I have traveled up and down Jonesboro Road, including the Forest Park area, up and down the side streets too, many, many times. Very excited…really appreciate you contacting me. Can you PLEASE give me the location of Rock Springs Cemetery?” I waited…and waited..and waited.

Friday, 27 August 2010. I don’t remember sleeping, but I must have ‘cause I remember waking up. I decided not to check my email first thing, just in case there was no response.  I did a few other things then casually opened my email….la de da.  A quick glance..nothing.  My heart sank. Exhale.  Another glance, and there it was with the subject line – Directions to Cemetery.  My brother was dressed and ready in his “cemetery exploring” clothes with camera in hand before I could finish reading the directions, and sending out a quick thank you email.

The directions were incredibly easy to follow.  In no time we were there…off the interstate, three lights, a right,  pass the cement wall and there it was…the dirt road leading into Rock Springs Cemetery…on Conley Road in Forest Park, GA. There are no signs or markers pointing “this way” to Rock Springs, but there it is.

On the day of our visit, Rock Springs was overgrown with weeds and littered with limbs and debris. However, my contact (who I won’t name for privacy reasons) informs me that this is not the normal condition of the cemetery.  The cemetery was cleaned to perfection in early Spring, and what we witnessed on our visit was  new vegetation that has grown in since that time.  A lawn service is scheduled to come for another clean-up very soon.  Once the clean-up is done, I’ll be sure to post updated pictures.  It’s great to know that this historic African American cemetery is loved and has not be forgotten.

I now know some of the history of Rock Springs Cemetery; two acres were purchased for the cemetery by my contact’s ancestor, it was deeded in 1893, and it is also known as Macedonia Cemetery. I have seen that name in my research, but never made the connection to Rock Springs.  I know that a relative buried their infant son in Macedonia, and I thought it interesting that he was not buried at Rock Springs, but he actually was I just didn’t know. Talk about pieces of the puzzle coming together. It’s funny how you know more than you think you know, but you don’t know that until you find out what you don’t know.  Does that make sense?!?

As many times as my brother and I traveled Jonesboro Road, and even Conley Road, for some reason we never turned down that end. Each time we would ride around searching I kept saying “I think we’re missing something..I think we’re missing something.” It’s amazing. I guess things don’t happen until it’s time. (Or, maybe I am guilty of not conducting a reasonably exhaustive search.) Whatever the reason, I guess the ancestors thought it was time for us to find Rock Springs Cemetery. 

I am sure there are over 100 graves in the cemetery, but we did not find a headstone or marker for my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro, his brother Bob Toliver (aka Robert Taliaferro), or Alex Poole.  There were no Taliaferros, Tolivers or Pooles among the many readable headstones.  It would be a lie to say that I was not a little sad at not finding physical evidence that my ancestors are buried here.  We always want that final piece of proof; the one thing that undeniably confirms “this is the right place”. 

Surprisingly, that does not tarnish what I consider a great victory in my research. This is an incredible blessing from my ancestors. Not finding evidence of them does not diminish the thrill of the hunt. One more brick wall has come down. There are headstones for some of the other people I know from my research are buried at Rock Springs, and that I listed in my post Rock Springs Cemetery- Lest I Forget. I will have to use them as proof, along with other circumstantial evidence, that this is the same Rock Springs Cemetery where my ancestors were laid to rest.  I know in my heart that it is.

Category: Daily Themes, Family History, John Wesley Taliaferro, Reflections, Rock Springs Cemetery, Taliaferro, Toliver, Tombstone Tuesday  9 Comments  Tags: , , ,

4th Edition: Carnival of African American Genealogy ~ Freedom Tweet 2010 ~ What Does FREEDOM Mean To Me?

03
Jun 2010
By admin

The 4th Edition of the CoAAG asks the question-What Does Freedom Mean To Me?  On June 19th in recognition of Juneteenth, and in celebration of Freedom, people will blast the airways with conversations all around the theme of Freedom.  GeneaBloggers and others will converge on Twitter.com for an all day Tweet-A-Thon for FreedomTweet2010.  I hope that everyone will take part in this historic event.

What Does Freedom Me To Me?

I have thought long and hard about the question and my answer. The answer did not come as quickly as one might think, nor was it as simple.

Growing up as a young girl in the segregated South, you might think I would be able to recount occasions when my Freedom, or that of my ancestors, was denied – but, I cannot. You might think that I would remember being turned away from lunch counters or directed to the “Negro” section, drinking from a “colored only” water fountain, or moving to the back of the bus – but, I do not.  I do remember riding in the back of the trolley car, but thought that was just where my mother chose to sit; not that we had to sit there because we did not have the “Freedom” to sit anywhere else. I do remember restrooms in downtown Atlanta labeled “Colored” and “White”, but in my child’s mind I thought the colored one must just be more colorful, but once inside was sad to see the same old white. 

Freedom was not a subject I remember hearing discussed in school, at home, or during church.  Looking back I think our parents and elders thought they were protecting us by not talking about those realities of life; the denials of Freedom that they most assuredly faced on a daily basis.  I wonder, “What did Freedom mean to them?”  What did Freedom mean to my mom as she entered the back door of her employer’s home in Buckhead; or to my grandmother as she cooked in that hot hotel kitchen; or to my great grandparents as they labored in the cotton fields of Woodbury, Georgia. What did Freedom mean to my enslaved ancestors upon hearing news of the Emancipation Proclamation? Were they excited, relieved, or just plain scared?  Did they wonder, was this Freedom a trick?  Did they ask “What does this Freedom mean to me?” Did their answer come quickly, in an instant, or did they ponder the thought—Freedom. Freedom! Freedom?  What does F-R-E-E-D-O-M mean?

So again, I ask myself the question “What Does Freedom Mean to Me?”  It is a very subjective question that can elicit a very personal response.  Freedom is living in a country where someone can ask that question, and everyone is free to answer-as they choose, without fear of reprisals.  Earlier Luckie Daniels, host of the 4th Edition CoAAG, posed the question to me.  My response was “Freedom is independent choice; the free will to choose my path through life. Turn left or turn right? I choose and live with MY choice.” For me, a very important aspect of Freedom is choice.

More importantly, for me, Freedom is ACCESSIBILITY.  For me, this symbol  translates to Freedom.  Freedom for me is a life without barriers.  Freedom is accessibility to housing, education, employment, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, and recreation.  Accessibility – that Freedom is very important to me.  Without it I am still me, but not a free me. What’s the point of Freedom, if not to be – Free!

Category: Carnival of African American Genealogy, CoAAG, Reflections  9 Comments  Tags: , , , ,

I Am My Sister’s Keeper ~ Lessons on Friendship and Community Responsibility

30
Apr 2010
By admin

 On the heels of two recent posts by Luckie Daniels over on Our Georgia Roots, Monday Madness: A Friendly Warning of Caution for the GeneaBlogger Community and [A Very] Wordy Wednesday: Forever the Community Advocate, But, Aren’t We All?- I am reminded that we are all responsible for speaking out against wrong when we see it in our communities.

Luckie and I are friends; seems we were from the very start.  Something about being in her company feels comfortable and our differences are inconsequential; we can agree to disagree. I am learning from her, and I’d like to think she’s learning from me.  She can depend on me, and I know I can depend on her.  Yes, without a doubt we are friends. I think we will be forever-I certainly hope so.  

Recently, Luckie went through a disturbing situation with someone in the genea-blogger community which escalated to the point she felt the need to contact local authorities.  Those of us in her circle have known about the situation since the beginning, and had numerous conversations with her about it.  We were very supportive- behind the scenes. Speaking for myself only, never once did I speak out publicly in support of Luckie and against the inappropriate and disrespectful behavior.  Never once did I express to the other party that their behavior was inappropriate and should stop.  I took my usual head in the sand approach to problems-ignore it and it’ll go away.  It did not.  Although I was there for my friend, privately, I did not speak-up publically in support of her safety and well-being, as a friend should. I let her down, and I apologize.

I Am My Sister’s Keeper.  A friend is there for you when you need them most. But sometimes, it’s not enough to have their back you need to be by their side- standing with them, in support of them. When you witness a wrong-be it against a friend or stranger-you must speak-up. It’s just the right thing to do. We deserve and should demand respect in our online communities; the genea-blogger community is no exception.  We are keepers of each other; this should not be forgotten and never taken lightly.

Luckie is not a victim; she’ll be the first to tell you that in no uncertain terms.  She did not deserve this-no one does. What she did deserve, and rightfully expected, was support from me, her friend. I saw a wrong and did not speak out against it. I should have; not just in support of my friend, but against the wrong.  I can’t change the past, but I can certainly be more mindful in the future-for my friends and for my communities.

Below is the comment I posted to Luckie’s blog. I needed to repost it here on my blog to show my support, and because~ I Am My Sister’s Keeper.

Posted to Our Georgia Roots, 29 April 2010

Luckie,

Once again, you have opened our eyes and minds to an issue that would seem a no-brainer; we all are responsible for our community, and should not tolerate disrespect of any person on any level.   From both your post and Angela’s comment, the truths presented are lessons for a lifetime, and should never be forgotten.

I have taken inventory of myself and know that staying in my comfort zone is both selfish and irresponsible.  Silence implies acceptance.  Disrespect and other inappropriate behavior are not acceptable and should not be tolerated by this genea-community, or any other community.

On a very personal note, I’d like to say to you, my dear friend Luckie, that I am sorry for your experience. What happened was wrong. I have said this to you privately, but I needed to say it to you here, publically and in your space because I am your friend.

I am sorry that I did not stand up- not for you, but with you, to say that it was wrong when it was happening; to say to that person that you should stop, you are wrong, and your behavior is inappropriate.  That’s what a friend should have done, and I fell short in that role.  I spoke against it to you privately, but did not speak out publically and I should have because disrespect on any level is wrong.  To turn a blind eye, is just as bad, maybe worse. I am sorry. I needed to say this here to you publically, and in your space because I am your friend.

Love & {{{{hugs}}}}

San

Category: Reflections, Uncategorized  4 Comments  Tags:

2nd Edition, Carnival of African American Genealogy ~ Grandma’s Hand: Grandmothers and Their Influence On The Family

19
Apr 2010
By admin

It’s Grandmothers Day at the Carnival of African American Genealogy.  The theme for this 2nd Edition of the CoAAG is Grandma’s Hand: Grandmothers and Their Influence On The Family. We invited you to tell your stories and share memories of your grandmother.  The stories we received pulled at our emotions and warmed our hearts.  They reflect the heart and soul that is in every grandmother.  Grandmothers are the cornerstone and foundations of our families; not just African American families, but all families.  Your stories and memories reflect the truth of that statement.

An array of grandmothers has shown up for this very special event, and the spotlight is shining on them.  A gallery of beautiful images starts this event followed by stories full of love and special memories.  We hope you enjoy this special CoAAG.  It’s all about our Grandmothers.  We are here to honor them.

Vicky Daviss-Mitchell presents Carnival Blog: GrandMa’s Hands posted at Mariah’s Zepher. Vicky makes us laugh, cry, and smile with memories of her grandmother, Essie Dean Taylor.

Felicia Mathis presents Carnival of African American Genealogy: Grandma Hands! Grandmothers and Their Influence on the Family! posted at Our Family As A Whole: Mathis/Mathews-Smith & Beyond!! Felicia shares memories of a summer in Chicago with her grandmother Lily.  Felicia’s Grandma Lily always said… “What’s done in the dark, will eventually come to light.”

Luckie Daniels presents 2nd Edition ~ Carnival of African-American Genealogy: Grandma’s Hand ~ I’ll Fly Away, Memories of Annie CARTER JACKSON posted at Our Georgia Roots.  Luckie shares heartwarming memories of her great grandmother Annie.  Luckie’s Grandma Annie always said… “A cow will need his tail to fan flies for more than one summer.”  Meaning: Don’t worry if someone does you wrong, they will need you again!

Angela Walton-Raji presents The Carnival of African American Genealogy: Grandma’s Hands – - Remembering Grandma, Nanny & the Ladies posted at My Ancestor’s Name.  Angela honors her grandmothers with memories of quilts, sassafras tea, and “play pretties”.

Renate Sanders presents CoAAG- Grandma’s Hands: Grandmother’s and Their Influence On The Family posted at Into the Light.  Renate takes us on a sentimental journey with tributes to her grandmothers.

Mavis Jones presents Carnival of African-American Genealogy, 2nd Edition- Grandma’s Hand posted at Georgia Black Crackers.  Mavis takes us on a last visit with her “Little Grandmother” Mary Magdalene Pierce Hosch.

Leslie Ann presents Carnival of African-American Genealogy 2nd Edition- -Grandma’s Hand posted at Ancestors Live Here.  Leslie Ann shares memories of her Grandma Piggott, on what would have been her 99th birthday.

Gini Webb presents Lieselotte “Oma” Haf 1913 ~ 2010 posted at Ginisology. Gini shares a beautiful tribute to her Oma who recently passed away in Germany at age ninety-six.  Gini holds dear loving memories and keepsakes from her dear sweet Oma.

Luckie Daniels presents 2nd Edition ~ Carnival of African-American Genealogy: Grandma’s Hand ~ Memories of Lena Mae McKENZIE BARWICK posted at Our Alabama Roots~ Barwick & Related.  Luckie shares the poem written by her brother for their great grandmother’s 100th birthday.

Felicia Mathis presents Carnival of African American Genealogy: Grandma Hands! Grandmothers and Their Influence on the Family! posted at Echoes of My Nola Past.  Felicia honors the memory of her NaNa- Odessa Amos.

Drusilla Par aka “Professor Dru” presents Memory Monday: Grandma’s Hands and HomeMade Biscuits posted at Find Your Folks.  Professor Dru writes about her memories of homemade biscuits made by her maternal grandmother.

Mavis Jones presents Carnival of African-American Genealogy, 2nd Edition- Grandma’s Hand posted at Conversation With My Ancestors.  Mavis shares special memories of her Grandmother Jones.

Kathleen Brandt presents Grandma’s Hands posted at a3Genealogy.  Kathleen shares memories of her grandmother and the beautiful quilt made with pieces from her grandmother’s dresses.

Joann presents Carnival of African American Genealogy, 2nd Edition: Grandma’s Hand ~ Ruth Baylor ~ Great Day posted at J-Macs Journey.  Joann shares loving and beautiful memories of time spent with her grandmother Ruth – shopping and “French Fryers”- “Great Day!”

Sandra Taliaferro presents Carnival of African American Genealogy, 2nd Edition: Grandma’s Hand ~ Julia Ann (GATES) MIDDLEBROOKS MINTER posted at I Never Knew My Father.  Come with me to Woodbury, GA as I share memories of my maternal grandmother.

Amy Cain presents Grandma Don’t Take No Mess! posted at Reconnected Roots.  Amy shares memories of her Grandmother Para Lee “a tough-talking, no-nonsense disciplinarian”.

Luckie Daniels presents 2nd Edition ~ Carnival of African-American Genealogy: Grandma’s Hand ~ A Bridge Over Troubled Water, Memories of Fannie Louella JACKSON BARWICK posted at Our Georgia Roots.  Luckie pulls at our heartstrings with memories of her grandmother “Anbownes”.

Dionne Ford presents Carnival of African American Genealogy: Grandmother’s Hands posted at Finding Josephine. Dionne shares loving memories of her great grandmother Marie- “a perfect picture of composure and grace”.

George Geder presents Carnival of African American Genealogy 2nd Edition – Grandma’s Hand posted at Geder Genealogy.  George shares memories of his grandmother, Willa Lenard Hancock.

Darlene presents A Model Grandma posted at My Colored Roots.  Darlene shares great family memories of living with her Grandma Clara.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

CoAAG 3rd Edition ~ They Served With Honor ~ In Memoriam, African-Americans In The Military 1914-1953

Host: Amy Cain of Reconnected Roots

Military research can yield important genealogical information. Yet, many overlook this valuable resource.  Have you researched military records for your African American ancestors? In your research, what did you find out about their service?  If you have not done any research in military records, this CoAAG presents the perfect opportunity to get started.

For the 3rd Edition of the CoAAG, tell us about your African American ancestor(s) who served in the military and write a post to honor them.  If you don’t have an African American ancestor with military service, but know of one who served honorably make this an occasion to honor that person.

Submissions deadline: 12 May 2010

HOW TO SUBMIT

There are two options:

  • By Submission Form. Use the quick and easy CoAAG submission form provided by Blog Carnival provided by Blog Carnival.
  • By Email. Send an email to the CoAAG at CoAAG2010@gmail.com.  Include your blog name, the post title and permalink URL of your carnival submission.  Make sure to put ‘They Served With Honor’ in your email subject line!

Well, that’s it for this 2nd Edition of the CoAAG. I would say we did our grandmothers proud.  Don’t you agree?  Thank you for supporting the Carnival of African-American Genealogy!  You make it possible…You keep it alive!  See you next time – Wednesday, May 19th – when the 3rd Edition of CoAAG comes to town!

All the best,

** A special “Thank You” to Luckie Daniels for the image gallery, and for her guidance through this process. Your support and assistance were invaluable.

Category: Carnival of African American Genealogy, CoAAG, Family History, Reflections, Surnames  11 Comments  Tags: , ,

Sentimental Sunday ~ Happy Easter!

04
Apr 2010
By admin

This is one of my favorite photos.  That’s me looking all “prim and proper” as my mom would say. It was taken on Easter Sunday at a park in downtown Atlanta. I think I was about 7 or 8 years old. I loved to dress up for Easter, and get my hair done in lots of babydoll curls. It was always a happy day for me. I hope you have happy Easter memories too.

Happy Easter!

Category: Daily Themes, Family History, Reflections, Sentimental Sunday, Taliaferro  One Comment  Tags:

Reflections On Savannah, GA – My Soul Looks Back And Wonder…

25
Feb 2010
By admin

As many of you know, I spent last weekend in Savannah, GA with my genea-pals Luckie, Felicia, and Mavis, and my brother Bernard. (Click here to see photos from our trip.) To say that it was a wonderful trip would truly be an understatement; it was perfect. From the company, to the weather, to the accommodations, it was a flawless weekend. My genea-sisters Felicia (My Nola Heritage), Luckie (Our Georgia Roots), and Mavis (Georgia Black Crackers) have done an excellent job, through words and/or pictures, of recounting our trip-the fun we had, and the friendship we shared.  We had a great time, and I really, really enjoyed myself.  Yet, I could not write about the trip. I posted photos on Tombstone Tuesday and on Wordless Wednesday, but otherwise have not blogged about my Savannah experience.  It was a trip with memories that I will treasure for a lifetime, but, I just could not find words to write about the experience. Until this morning, I wasn’t sure why.  Now I realize I needed time to digest – not so much what my eyes had seen, but rather what my soul had felt.  It was an emotional experience like no other.

Often, mere words cannot adequately convey emotions. Often times, song lyrics can. This morning as I reflected on the trip, what came to mind was the old gospel hymn How I Got Over.  In that moment, as the lyrics of the chorus flowed through my mind, I was finally able to associate my feelings and emotions with words. The chorus to the song goes:

How I got over
How I got over
You know my soul looks back and wonder
How I got over

Our ancestors have always found comfort in song. It’s no wonder this old spiritual would bring me comfort now when I was so desperate to identify what has been nagging at me these past few days.  Finally, I have words for these emotions; the deep feeling of sadness.  Those lines of the song perfectly reflect and sum-up my Savannah experience.  My soul does surely look back and wonder…How OUR ANCESTORS Got Over.

You know my soul looks back and wonder….

How….such a beautiful room could have once been the living quarters for slave ancestors who waited the call to do their master’s bidding.  Yet, my sleep there was peaceful..unusually so.  No doubt some small corner of the room was a haven from the harsh realities outside. I was rocked to sleep by the spirit of those ancestors. I have no doubt about that.

How…. The Hanging Tree with all its natural beauty and splendor of 270 years was used for such and ugly purpose.  My soul aches for all the ancestors whose fate was a noose at the end of a rope tied to a branch on that tree.

 

 

You know my soul looks back and wonder….

How…. our ancestors survived the lashes of a whip that cut through the bark of The Whipping Tree.  My soul feels the pain that each mark on that tree represents; the screams of agony, the bloodshed, the despair.  My eyes filled with tears; my heart with rage.

How….today’s beautiful and tranquil waters of the Savannah River once held vessels that transported our ancestors to the market place on River Street; to an uncertain fate, maybe even death.

 

 

 

You know my soul looks back and wonder….

How….men, women, children, and babies could be held in confinement awaiting the unknown fate and indignity of purchase; sold by The River, down The River on River Street.  How did they endure the pain, thirst, hunger, and suffering? My soul feels empty when I think about the shear disrespect for human life.

How….the Slave Barracoons and cobblestone paths of River Street are all but forgotten by a city whose history is heavy with the spirit of our slave ancestors.  I look back and I wonder.

 

 

 

Amongst all that is the beauty of Savannah, there lives an undeniable and unforgettable history of pain and suffering. That history is heavy with the spirit of our ancestors. That ancestor spirit is what I felt most in my soul and will never forget.  As I reflect on my visit, the memory is bItter sweet and…. My soul looks back and wonder….

How THEYgot over
How THEY got over
You know my soul looks back and wonder
How OUR ANCESTORS got over

 

 

 

[How I Got Over is a Gospel hymn composed and published in 1951 by Rev. W. Herbert Brewster. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_I_Got_Over ]

Category: Reflections, Slavery  9 Comments  Tags: , , , , ,

Follow Friday: Welcome To Our New Home!

12
Feb 2010
By admin

Welcome to the new home of I Never Knew My Father. I hope you like the new look. Things were quiet for a few weeks during our “facelift”, but now we’re back with more reflections, research challenges, and ancestor stories. A couple of posts you may have missed during the transition are a birthday shout-out to my brother Bernard on February 8th and the February 10th Wordless Wednesday tribute to Harriet Tubman. If you’re a new follower to I Never Knew My Father, you also may have missed my post A Friend of Friends: Lessons From The Underground Railroad. This post is very dear to my heart, and is a message that cannot be repeated too often. I welcome your comments.

Again, thanks for following I Never Knew My Father. I appreciate your support.

Category: A FRIEND OF FRIENDS, Daily Themes, Reflections  11 Comments

Feeling Restless – Time For A Change

06
Feb 2010
By admin

Well now, I’ve only been blogging since September 2009, and already I feel it’s time for a change. I’m still a newbie, but something tells me it’s time to move forward, and take on a few new challenges. I Never Knew My Father is undergoing a major overall; there will be a new look and a new location. It’s still a work in progress, but things are moving along. I truly appreciate each and every one of my followers; your comments, support, and encouragement have been invaluable. I hope you’ll hang in there with me while the blog goes through a little facelift. I think you’ll like the new look.

Category: Reflections  5 Comments  Tags:

Tombstone Tuesday: Rock Springs Cemetery – Lest I Forget

02
Feb 2010
By admin
Last year I wrote about my search for Rock Springs Cemetery, the burial place for my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro, his brother Bob Toliver, and Alex Poole another relative whose relationship remains undetermined. I am still trying to confirm the exact location of the cemetery. I thought if I found others who were buried at the cemetery their records might give some clue to the location. I did find other burials, but all that’s stated on these death certificates is the name “Rock Springs” – no exact location. In my November 2009 post I promised to find and honor others buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, specifically those who lived in the same communities as my ancestors. I have searched through hundreds of Georgia death certificates available online in the Georgia Virtual Vault. So far I have found 15 persons, including my ancestors, whose death certificate indicates the burial place was Rock Springs Cemetery. Not a very large number, but I am proud. I wish I could identify with certainty their burial place. Maybe it is the Rock Springs Cemetery in Henry County, McDonough, GA that was the subject of my November 2009 post. It seems the most likely candidate. Yet, none of these names appear on any of the headstones. There is no finality. Maybe their remains are covered by the soil, weeds, and grass of the many unmarked graves. Maybe they lay beneath the graves marked only with a crude rock or stone. I picked this photo because of the little pink and white flower to the right of the stones that just happened to be there the day of my visit.  Maybe it was a sign that someone was buried there…Maybe he was…Maybe she could be…Maybe they are… Maybe….Maybe… Maybe….

Here, at the beginning of Black History Month, it seems an appropriate time to honor those buried in Rock Springs Cemetery. No, they are not the “typical” persons we think of during Black History Month. But, that does not diminish their importance as people- as African Americans who shared our history, our culture, our struggle. Each was someone’s child, and probably a mother or father, sister or brother. Some were most likely friends and neighbors. East Point and Hapeville were and still are neighboring communities here in the Atlanta metro area. No doubt some were probably related-Davis…Jackson…Wilson. Definitely, others were-Taliaferro…Toliver…Poole. All were God’s children who lived, loved, laughed, cried, and died. Gone, but remembered and loved by somebody, somewhere:

*DAVIS (née Ross), Mary Alice (d. 1926) East Point, GA


*DAVIS, James A. (D. 1926) East Point, GA


*DORSEY, Dennis (d. 1922) Atlanta, GA


*FULLER (née Jackson), Lizzie (d. 1925) East Point, GA


*JACKSON, Marry C. (d. 1923) East Point, GA


*JACKSON (née Johnson), Cornelia (d. 1925) Atlanta, GA


*JACKSON, Mary (d. 1927) East Point, GA


*POOLE, Alex (d. 1923) East Point, GA


*ROSS (née Jackson), Dollie J. (d. 1927) East Point, GA


*SEAGRAVES, Rueban J. (d. 1922) East Point, GA


*TALIAFERRO, J W (d. 1922) East Point, GA


*TOLIVER, Bob (d. 1920) East Point, GA


*WILSON, Ison (d. 1921) Hapeville, GA


*WILSON, Robert (d. 1923) Hapeville, GA

*WILSON, William (d. 1926) Hapeville, GA

Maybe someone will happen upon this post and reclaim their long lost ancestor.  THIS IS MY PRAYER.

Category: Daily Themes, John Wesley Taliaferro, Reflections, Rock Springs Cemetery, Surnames, Taliaferro, Toliver  4 Comments  Tags: , , , ,

Sentimental Sunday- Walker Street Elementary School

24
Jan 2010
By admin

Recently, while searching through the Vanishing Georgia Collection at The Digital Library of Georgia I came across this photo of Walker Street Elementary School. Unfortunately, the photo depicts a fire that destroyed the building in January 1983. Walker Street became Atlanta’s third public (white) elementary school in February 1872. The building as it stood when I attended was built in 1911. It was converted to an elementary school for Blacks in the 1930’s.

Looking at this photo sadden me, but also brought back memories of my old neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood is known as Castleberry Hill; it’s on the west-side of Atlanta, just minutes from downtown. I don’t remember it being called Castleberry Hill when I was a child; I didn’t know it had a name – it was just home. Now the area is being rebuilt with lofts, condos and trendy shops so I guess they had to give it a name or call it something. The famous Pascal’s Restaurant even relocated to Castleberry Hill from its historic location on ML King Drive (formerly Hunter Street). Boy, have things changed!

I attended Walker Street from kindergarten through the fifth grade. Those were by far the best years of my childhood. My friends and I walked back and forth to school every day; no fears, no threat of harm. Most days on the walk home, we stopped at the little corner store for some two for a penny candy or cookies – Mary Jane was my favorite…Sugar Daddy…Bazooka Gum…coconut bars, and those little cookies shaped like a flower with the whole in the middle. I don’t think they had a name – “just give me a nickel worth of those”. We played hopscotch on the sidewalk, jacks and marbles, kick ball and giant step (May I, Yes You May) in the street, and fell asleep on the porch on hot summer nights.

We had a milkman who delivered milk, eggs and butter; a vegetable man yelling- “veg- a-bles, git ya veg-a-bles”, and in the summertime we all waited anxiously, with a nickel or dime, for the ice cream man. There was also the ice man, the junk man, the insurance man, the Watkins man, and the Fuller Brush man. Now that I think about it, seems there was a “man” for just about anything you needed. You could go to the grocery store without any money – “my mama said, put it on her bill.” We were carefree and happy. We were not sick often, but when we were the doctor came to our house. Were we poor? I didn’t think so…at least not through my child’s eyes. I never wanted for any thing. There was always plenty of food, a big warm house, nice clean clothes to wear, and above all, lots of love. This is not to say that all was peaches and cream. We took the trolley to town, but had to sit in the back, and ten minutes away doors were labeled “Colored” and “White”…but, those memories are for another time, another post. Today, I have fond memories of Walker Street Elementary School, and the old neighborhood – Castleberry Hill.

However, there is one ugly memory that I must share, or my recollections of Walker Street Elementary School would be incomplete. As happy as my memories are, I am forever scared by one vivid not so nice memory that haunts me to this very day. I remember it so well….It was the last day of school, a beautiful, sunny day. My friends and I were standing out front in the schoolyard gathering for the walk home, and ready to begin our summer vacation; there was laughter, joking, playing around. All of a sudden out of nowhere this boy runs up to me and plants an awkward kiss smack dab on my cheek. I WAS HORRIFIED!! I won’t say his name, but he will always be remembered by me as the boy who ruined my last day of school – fifth grade.

That summer we moved and I changed schools. It was sad leaving my friends and all the good times we shared. But, you know, it’s a good thing we did move because I was going be another year older, and ready to kick that boy’s butt if he tried something like that with me again!!

[Image Source: The Digital Library of Georgia, Vanishing Georgia Collection . http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/]

[School History-Source: Early School Days In Castleberry Hill. The Chronicle, Winter 2007. Assessed 23 January 2010. http://www.castleberryhill.org/chronicle/winter07.pdf]

Category: Daily Themes, Family History, Reflections  9 Comments  Tags: , , , , ,

A Friend Of Friends: Lessons From The Underground Railroad

15
Jan 2010
By admin

 
One night during the holidays I watched one of my favorite movies, Roots: The Gift. The movie stars LeVar Burton and Louis Gossett, Jr., in their roles as Kunta Kinte and Fiddler from the television series Roots. In this movie, Kunta and Fiddler accompany their owner to another plantation at Christmas time for a party, and become involved in a plan to help some runaway slaves escape via the Underground Railroad to freedom. A simple, yet powerful story. There are many messages and lessons to be learned from Roots: The Gift.
 
In one of my favorite scenes, Fiddler and Kunta are helping the group of runaway slaves get to the river where they are to meet a boat that will take them further on their journey to freedom. Along the way they make a stop to pick up other “passengers” on the Underground Railroad. When they come to a farmhouse, Kunta approaches and knocks. The man asks…”who goes”? Kunta responds “Friend of Friends”…in acknowledgment, the man replies “Friend of Friends”. A group of “passengers” exit the house. Kunta, Fiddler, and the group continue their journey.

This year, I was particularly moved by the Underground Railroad scene, and even more so by the phrase uttered by Kunta- Friend of Friends. The phrase, and variations of it, was used along the Underground Railroad as a password or signal to those assisting runaway slaves on their journey North…to freedom. The traditional response to the “who goes there” password is said to have been “A Friend of a Friend”.

A Friend of Friends. Say it… A Friend of Friends, again…A Friend of Friends. It evokes such a comforting, welcoming feeling. A feeling of trust, of sharing, of caring, of kindness, and of friendship, however brief. At the same time, it is transient…adjusting and changing with the circumstances. I’m A Friend of Friends….you don’t know me, but I require assistance…I need your help, and guidance…some information to aid me on my journey…then I’ll be moving on…to the next stop along the way.

The phrase, and the underlying concept, seems particularly appropriate and relevant for those of us in the genealogy community; aren’t we all on some level really just A Friend of Friends? Strangers helping strangers. Friends of friends with a common bond that ties us all together….the desire to know our ancestors, and to tell their stories. A common goal, with different methods, different paths that cross and intersect along the journey. As we travel this road to uncovering our ancestors and their stories we should all embrace the concept…we should be A Friend of Friends. Don’t be afraid or reluctant to share, to care, to guide, or to assist your fellow researcher along their journey.

As an African American researcher my task is two-fold; I research my family, but inevitably I must also research the family of my ancestor’s slave holders if I want to know more about my roots. Often we must seek information (assistance) from those that we do not know to aid us on our journey. It is an unavoidable truth – the descendants of our ancestor’s slave holding families may hold the key to our enslaved ancestor’s past. Slavery is an ugly truth of our shared history. I am not angry with you because your ancestor held my ancestor as a slave; don’t be angry with me because I seek those records that may shed more light on the lives of my people, and help me to tell their story more completely. Some who were members of slave holding families assisted passengers along the Underground Railroad. I challenge you to be A Friend of Friends.

We, as researchers of our African American ancestry, must also remember to share, to care, to guide, and to assist our fellow researchers; reach out, take time….no, make time. Can you request and expect the assistance of others, yet not expect the same of yourself? I urge you to stop being selfish with your research. Don’t miss out on a connection or a long lost cousin because of fear or uncertainty. Post It, Blog It, Share It, and Publish It. Many who were passengers along the Underground Railroad returned to assist others on their journey to freedom. I challenge you to be A Friend of Friends.

True genealogists know all of this, and understand the necessity of it. Indeed, the concept is nothing new in the genealogy community. Random, and not so random, acts of kindness occur every day. So, consider this a wake-up call, my challenge to you. When a fellow researcher comes calling…for info…for guidance…for knowledge…for support – be there – to share, to care, to guide, and to assist.

KNOCK, KNOCK!?!
WHO GOES THERE?
A FRIEND OF FRIENDS

Category: A FRIEND OF FRIENDS, Reflections, Slavery  16 Comments  Tags: , , , ,

Wordless Wednesday: Mama On Christmas Day

23
Dec 2009
By admin

This is my first Christmas without my mother. I miss my mom more than word can ever express, but I have promised myself that I will not be sad and weepy, and that I will enjoy Christmas as I know she would want me to.  My brother Bernard and I will be spending the day at my cousin’s house.  All of the Middlebrooks family here in Atlanta will be there, and I know my mama’s spirit will be there with us.

My mother did not like to have her picture taken.  It was extremely difficult to get her in front of a camera so I have very few photos of her.  This is one I have of her from a Christmas long, long ago. It did not have a date on it, but look at that tree… my “go go” boots there on the floor…and where in the world did she get those eyeglasses!! There are tears in my eyes, but a big smile on my face and a warm feeling of love in my heart. Merry Christmas mama.  I miss you.

Category: Daily Themes, Family History, Lillian Middlebrooks, Middlebrooks, Reflections  6 Comments  Tags: , , ,
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