Comments on: Oldest Slave Founded Town in Mississippi – Mound Bayou, Mississippi

By: Ivory Hardwick

Ivory Hardwick — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:48:18 +0000

My younger sister and brother was born in the hospital there during 1950′s,we diden’t live in Mound Bayou my father took my mom there to the hospital.I live in Tampa, Fl. This summer I
will be on vacation in Grenada,MS along with the brother and sister who now lives in Oklahoma
City.We are certainly going to visit this town.

Ivory,

By: lee a ervin,sr

lee a ervin,sr — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:38:23 +0000

i’m sitting here looking at area in which i grew up, and it is good to sit back and look at the past, especially when there’s so many personal memories; my dad’s name was essie ervin and we lived out west of mound bayou on a plantation doing my childhood, i could go on and on, but respect is always in order….

lee

By: Ella Presley

Ella Presley — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:25:51 +0000

Eleanor Ross-Richards, are you related to Lucille Ross? We were classmates. What is your email address? Email me at: epresley3180@q.com. My maiden name is “McGee”.

By: Ella Presley

Ella Presley — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:16:05 +0000

I lived in Mound Bayou from birth to 1964. Upon graduation, Sunday, May 24, 1964, 2 weeks later, I left Mound Bayou and went to Memphis, TN. Mound Bayou was nice, small town living, but I wanted to find, as they say, “what was at the end of the rainbow”. I now live in Chandler, Arizona, but I often think about Mound Bayou. I still have friends there that I communicate with often. Plan to go and visit soon.

By: Gary L. Riley

Gary L. Riley — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:19:29 +0000

My father, Freddie Riley was born in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, probably during the year of 1923.
I remember, over my youthful years, He spoke quite harshly, in regards to the way blacks were treated during his tenure in Mound Bayou.
I, my brothers and sisters were born in Muskegon Michigan. Incidentally, our Father (Freddie Riley) and Mother (Izola Riley) with us, drove to Mound Bayou from Michigan, during the 50′s. As a kid, I remembered not seeing any Caucasian people there. We visited the small down town and the high school he attended. I also remember seeing cotton for the first time. I, as a kid could not believe clothes (cotton) grew on bushes. Also, the Santa Clause was black. At 6 or 7 years of age, Mound Bayou was an Eye opener for me. I sensed My father was not proud of Mound Bayou during his youth, however he seemed to be Ok with Mound Bayou of the 1950′s, during our visit! Thank you. Gary L. Riley U.S. MARINES (RETIRED)

By: Eleanor Ross - Richards

Eleanor Ross - Richards — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:47:06 +0000

I was born in Mound Bayou Mississippi in 1948. My Mother, who is 85, and two siblings are still alive. I have an Aunt, on my dad’s side, who is alive and well. I also have several family members who are still in Mound Bayou. In reading the email postings, it’s amazing how many names are familiar to me. With that said, feel free to contact me via email. My mom has a picture of her basketball team (1942/43).

-Campbell’s are still there
-I’ve heard the names Norman, Brayboy Petty, Hooper etc.
-Oscar Norman’s name, my mom remembers him. I played with children in town with the
Norman name (drug store?)
-Dr. Howard delivered me in the hospital
-I remember Dr. Howard’s small zoo (his travel’s to Africa)
-I recall Viera’s Cafe (burgers)
-Azine Church

The best times of my childhood were the summers in Mound Bayou on my grandfather’s farm.

My family – Various Members:
Ross’ (daddy’s side)
Keller- Jack / Alberta (grandparents)
Stidhum’s (cousin’s)
Mitchell’s (extended family)
Burton’s (Aunts’ / cousin’s)

By: Rosie Russell

Rosie Russell — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:22:02 +0000

Mound Bayou is my home town, has the finest schools there. The teachers are awesome,dedicated to their profession. I lived there until 1970. I knew the Carr family. I come to visit Mound Bayou once a year I wonder is the Carr family still reside there I am thinking of moving back home. I am so proud of my home town, its southern hospitality i s what i miss the most, thank you for keeping Mound Bayou the same way it was when I moved away. There are a lot of memories there. Rosie Russell

By: orelia

orelia — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:53:49 +0000

I live in Biloxi,Ms. on the gulf coast.I am always seeking to know what truly happened during slavery in northern Ms. .I do lots of research on this topic and was honored to find this web site in re: to Mound Bayou..I find this very interesting.I am looking for my own ancestors as well.I will continue to find what ever I can and to make sure my grand children follow me on this historical journey.We have come far but there is still miles to go in the M ighty Mississip.I am aware of slavery down in southern Ms.as well but we know times were far worse the further north you move in Ms..Hope to visit this historical community in the near future………………………………………………….love to you in the ‘Bayou’

By: willie B MORRIS

willie B MORRIS — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:11:15 +0000

I LIVE THERE UP TO 1967 IT WERE A BRAUIFUL PLACE TO LIVE AT THAT TIME.I DO NOT ABOUT NOW.

By: gloria m

gloria m — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:40:32 +0000

Gloria M.

To the Porter relatives. Does the name Aaron or Campbell sound familiar to you at all? How about the Morgan Family name?

By: AVA

AVA — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:43:19 +0000

Hello, I stumbled upon this site doing research on my family history. I found out my mother Bettye Austin was born in Mt Bayou, Miss in 1955 to Magalene Lee but my grandmother has since passed but were are trying to find out if maybe there some Lee’s are still there. My grandmother had nine kids total; Deloris Lee, Mary Lee ,Beverly Faye, Ceola, Robert Lee, James Lee, twins Leo and Leon we all reside here in Las Vegas now. Email me if anyone may be related or know our family,

By: ella b

ella b — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:06:47 +0000

I have a cousin who is always asking me about his roots in Mt. Bayou and I can never tell him anything about his father’s paternal family because I don’t know. His father still have some maternal relatives in Mount Bayou, MS. so if anyone has information related to the Frank family (Henry Frank was his father and Fannie Smith Frank was his grandmother) please contact me at ebl67@netzero.com

By: Christopher Frye

Christopher Frye — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:54:10 +0000

Mound Bayou has always held a special place in my heart. It is like a 2nd home. I currently live in California but I often get back home to visit. I was born in Mound Bayou also at the hospital. My grandfather is Shelly Frye. I recently stumble on a Celia Mae Frye obituary(trying to find out if we are related). I have been told that there might be Frye’s still living in Mound Bayou. My great grandfather Shelly Frye Sr. met and married my great grandmother Mary Foster in the later 1800′s. They moved from Louisiana to Merigold,Ms. There were 9 children born to this union: Maggie, Blanche, Sarah, Surrila, Ada, Carrie, Johnnie, Jessie Mae, & Shelly Jr. My great grandparents started the Frye School which was located 3 miles west of Merigold. My mother name is Jessie Mae Frye(nickname Moncie). I would love to find out if the Frye’s in Mound Bayou are related. Also i would like to find out if Celia Mae Frye husband Lem is related to me as well. If you have any information please send it to my email address : cfrye713@yahoo.com

By: John Moore

John Moore — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:32:23 +0000

I had the prviledge of visiting Mound Mayou three times. The first time was with my late Grandmother, Queen Victoria Wilson Moore, back in 1979 to visit her brother Craig Wilson and his family. The second time was for Uncle Craig’s funeral and the last time was somewhere around 1988 with my parents and grandmother.
Each time I visited Mound Bayou, I experienced a strong sense of family history and pride that I know has been instrumental in laying the foundation for so many of us as African Americans today.
@ Constance, Are you familiar with any of these Wilsons (or former Wilsons): John Wilson, Mary Wilson, Craig Wilson, Clara Wilson, Iola Wilson Ross, Raymond Wilson, Victoria Wilson, or Minnie Wilson. If so, we may be related. Check out the Mcbride/Williams family reunion page of facebook. Also look me up on fb under “john s. moore jr.’ and we can talk moore.

By: Keith Stringer

Keith Stringer — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:22:20 +0000

I am glad to see this. i have not been in Mound Bayou since i was a kid. I will be coming back to take care of thing. And i will need to fine a place to stay. So i will keep in tuouch. thank you

By: Chet Cohron

Chet Cohron — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:37:55 +0000

Isaiah T. Montgomery, one of the city Founders, built a large home there. Is the home still there and if so….can you tour the home. I started research with Robert Owen from Wales in 1820…then Joseph Davis…then Sam Montgomery…and Isaiah, brother and two sisters…then Mound Bayou…it has been a very educational journey. Thanks for the reply on Isaiah’s home.

By: Helen V. Ruth

Helen V. Ruth — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:50:12 +0000

I was born in Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou, the first child ( out of 7 children) to be born in a hospital. I went to Mound Bayou about 2 years to visit my cousins – The Burns’ – Hazel and Emerson, and family. The Hospital is still there – in need of much repair – but still standing. I could imagine my mother going there to give birth – the first time in a hospital.

By: Larry A. Harris

Larry A. Harris — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:45:29 +0000

My mother was born in Mound Bayou to Johnnie and Mattie Frye in 1924. Johnnie Frye had a small farm outside of town.
While cruising the net one day on Mound Bayou, I found a picture of my grandfather, Johnnie Frye, along with four other men, standing next to a general store named D.S. Lee in Mound Bayou. The picture was taken in January 1939 by a photo journalist named Russell Lee.
I later found out that Russell Lee who at that time worked for the now defunct Farmers Security Administration. Russell Lee took about 19 photographs of buildings and people in Mound Bayou in January 1939. All these photos are in the Library of Congress.
If one goes to “Prints and Photographs Online” on the Library of Congress website and type in Mound Bayou Mississippi in the search box one can view the 19 photos Russell Lee took of Mound Bayou on that cold day in January 1939.

By: charles robinson

charles robinson — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:36:50 +0000

I have visited Mound Bayou twice. There is an invisible energy of great good there. I wish the beautiful hospital could be restored to its original splendor and importance. If only our country could return to the ideals that created this holy place. Mound Bayou will always have a warm place deep in my heart.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:29:55 +0000

Ruth Davis there is a lot of Hooper’s from Mound Bayou. I was born and raised in the town. My grandfather was George Hooper. Greatgrand-father was Henry Hooper. Do you have anymore information?

By: beatrice shaerd

beatrice shaerd — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:09:33 +0000

hey my grandparent are both from missipi and i all way go down back down there all the time all most every summer and yes it is on of the histroian states

By: Jack Robinson

Jack Robinson — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:58:06 +0000

I was born in Mound Bayou, Taborian Hospital.
I am the youngest of our family that lived in Tunica.
I was the 1st to be born in a hospital. At the time it seems that Taborian in Mound Bayou was one of the few available to Black people of the time in this area.
I would love to find more information about the hospital and the Taborian society that founded it.
I look forward to visiting Mound Bayou and other towns in MS.
Thank you for maintaining this post and information about the towns of MS where so many of us were born.
Jack Robinson 4/10/2011

By: Priscilla Anderson-Swindell

Priscilla Anderson-Swindell — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:50:01 +0000

I was born in Mt.Bayou, Miss. in 1960. I never knew the GREATNESS this town possessed! I was pre-mature and was sent home with my mother who lived in Clarksdale. Until today I had a bitter taste in my mouth about this town. I thank GOD for the TRUTH because the TRUTH will set you FREE!!!

By: Cynthia Clark

Cynthia Clark — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 23:07:49 +0000

My grandmother Ethel B. Gladden definitely lived in Mound Bayou probably before 1920, her parents were Fredderick Gladden and Hetty Gladden, (may be spelled Hatty or Hattie). If anyone has any information or might know who I can talk to, please email me at nathan.cynthia@live.com. Would be greatly appreciated.

By: Cynthia Clark

Cynthia Clark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:18:06 +0000

I may possibly have relatives in Mound Bayou, Clarks or Kings if anyone has any information please email me. Thanks

By: Ruth Davis

Ruth Davis — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:53:12 +0000

My maiden name is Hooper and I am told that my family has ties tothis town, my grandfathers name was Jerry Hooper. Could you possibly tell me anything?

By: LA Shunda L. Brownfield

LA Shunda L. Brownfield — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:01:59 +0000

Hi,im from mound bayou,mississippi my home town born in a small client back in 1974. I have many family members that live there when i was 7yrs. old my family moved away to the north but now back in2001-2003 my parents moved back there cause my mother, mother where very sick that lived in greenville mississippi; and as i look back from age 7yrs old it’s times that i wish, my parents never left cause i feel lost alot within myself i never forgot where i’ve been or come from it’s like i left part of myself there from the time of moving-away at age 7 to age 36 i have areally big family there and other places through out the USA and half of them i don’t know knowing where i come from really means alot to me this place has been through so much & i do believe in great favor for mound bayou mississippi my home town,and maiden Hollamon, and some day i might move back to stay. What a history!!

By: Jodelle Coleman

Jodelle Coleman — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:41:26 +0000

Iam also a cousin of Garland and Marie
Stringer of Mound Bayou. The son of Frank Braboy says he is also a cousin, so I guess we are related. puld love to hear from you. Is Marie Stringer still alive?

By: Gloria Hollingsworth- Dawson

Gloria Hollingsworth- Dawson — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:31:00 +0000

Hi cousin Angelia, I was born in Mound Bayou. I go there every summer. My oldest sister lives there, Mrs Lavern King, however, most of our family live in Cleveland Miss about thirty miles away, Just go there and ask any body about the Hollingsworth family. Short story my grand nephew from Detroit had never been to cleveland, his father died when he was very small. however, he had been told about family in cleveland, he and his wife decided to find the family in miss. One summer they went down, checked into a motel, they begain to ask about the family, little did he know the person that he was speaking with was a cousin. When he meet my brother uncle Frank he was so happy, he broke down and cried like a baby with excitment. EVERY BODY LE’T'S DO IT, LET’S COME HOME IN 2012!1!!!!

By: Angelia M. Bell-Broadwater

Angelia M. Bell-Broadwater — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:44:32 +0000

Hi Jodelle, ask your family if they know the Norman family from Mound Bayou. They were prosperous and ran the local pharmacy for the community.

By: Angelia M. Bell-Broadwater

Angelia M. Bell-Broadwater — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:42:21 +0000

This is so interesting to me because my mother’s father family (Broadwater) were also some of the original organizers of Mound Bayou, MS. I took a trip over 20 yrs. and learned so much about my family’s life living in MS.

By: James Woods

James Woods — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:45:51 +0000

MOUND BAYOU CAN BE THE BEST SMALL PLACE IN THE WHOLE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI IF THE POEPLE WHO GREW UP THERE WAS TO GIVE BACK TO THE PLACE THEY ONCE CALLED HOME . BECAUSE BEING THE OLDIEST BLACK TOWN MEANS SO MUCH TO MOUND BAYOU WE SHOULD WORK TO REBUILD AND IS THIS VERY GREAT PLACE LIFE ONCE AGAIN. THAT WHY IM PUTTING 1,000,000 IN MOUND BAYOU MYSELF BUT ONLY IF I CAN GIVE MY IDEALS ABOUT JUST HOW TO START THIS VERY BLESS TOWN PROJECT. SO WHO WILL ME IM PUTTING 1,000,000 OF MY OWN MONEY WHO WILL HELP ME

By: Vikings Broger

Vikings Broger — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:00:38 +0000

Mound Bayou is were my family was born it used to be a very nice small town where you knew everyone in the town. And i mean just that i lived in Mound Bayou until i was 12years old. I love to say Mound Bayou is a place that will never leave me. And who knows maybe one day Mound Bayou will be the little city thats has big things popping

By: Jodelle Coleman

Jodelle Coleman — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:16:32 +0000

My mother used to spend summers in Mound Bayou with her Aunt who was married to a Dr. Stringer. This was many years ago as she used to talk about I.T. Montgomery & Mr. Booze. My cousin Garland Stringer and his wife Marie lived in Mound Bayou until he died. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the navy during WWII. I found that there is a Marie Stringer, age 96, still in Mound Bayou. Could this be my cousin’s wife. If anyone has any info, please let me know.

By: Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:32:30 +0000

To Julia Poe,
My name is Robert Jackson Tommie and Zeddie Poe were my grandparents I was raised by them in Mound Bayou. Write clwilliamsoes@yahoo.com

By: Z. Alexander

Z. Alexander — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:58:06 +0000

My family is (Hayes family) is from Mound Bayou. I haven’t been there since 1995, but I have fond memories of my summer visits. I never knew that this town had such rich history.

By: Risheem Eli Muhammad

Risheem Eli Muhammad — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:21:42 +0000

Greetings
I am Risheem Eli the founder of the Mojave Projects and Professor with Lonestar Comm. College in Cypress, Tx directly on the onskirts of Houston,TX
Dec. 3 2010 , I was speaking with Louisiana USDA in Baton Rouge , La and decided to use my GPS to travel to Grambling State & Lake Providence, La to speak about Economic Development Projects . I discovered that my family was from Mound Bayou, Miss and travelled to Lake Providence,La because of the Floods of the 1900′s

People of Mound Bayou , Miss
I am interested in learning more about the town and people involved with the town in high hopes of locating my
My Family members from the settlement of the Town called ” US NEGRO TOWN”
If anyone has information about the Weaver Family & Joyner Family please allow me the opportuntiy to meet and or contact those persons

toll free phone: 1 ( 866) 720 4990
direct line 713 384 1005

By: Jerome Martin

Jerome Martin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:14:06 +0000

I had the awsome opportunity to spend some time in Mt. Bayou this summer after coming up from Lousianna from assisting in the oil spill cleanup. I was impressed not only with the historical buildings and dilapidated builds that told a story about the city but was more impressed with the communities people and their zill for life and laughter against all of the stories this town has to offer up, good and bad. I walked the streets and had the pleasure of meeting several individuals that took me in as one of their own and showed me around the small community. The prided these young adults took in their community was overwhelming as we strode along the streets and they showered me with knowledge about the different churchs, houses and other buildings that some interesting story unfolded with.

I was hesitate at first, but stopped into a small eatery several blocks from the school away from main street and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of bacon and eggs while the older ladies of the establishment talked out the community and if they knew a friend of mine that had sent me in that direction. They vaguely rememebered him and his family. Although, after having him on my phone up to my ear and he asking me to ask the ladies if they knew his mom and brothers and sisters that lived in Mt. Bayou, they began to come around to knowing his family but could never put a face on him. We all laughed and ate and had a wonderful time.

I left Mt. Bayou feeling satified that there are still small black communities in America like that!

Jerome Martin

By: julia poe

julia poe — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:29:52 +0000

My mother grew up in Mound Bayou with her grandparents Tommy and Zeddie Poe. I noticed that a Darryl Poe had written comment and wondered if he could be family. I would like to hear from you, please write back.

Julia Poe

By: Luetrell Stokes

Luetrell Stokes — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:35:55 +0000

Hello: I would be interested in knowing whether there are any Shedd’s or Little’s residing in Mound Bayou. We know very little about our family history. My father is 85 years old and the only thing he remembers is that we had relatives there. Would you have any info on this?

Thank you for any info.

By: Poe

Poe — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:55:18 +0000

Darryl:
Thank you very much for the interview last evening (9/22/10). My International intern, Tomomi Hoshina was awe-struck with your briefing and interview on Mound Bayou. It was the highlight of her visit! I, too was very impressed at the pride, professionalism, and speedy response to our request for information about this significant place in World History!

Don’t be surprised to see an influx of Japanese tourists in Mound Bayou!

Our best and continued success at JFK Memorial High School.

Poe

By: Barbara S.

Barbara S. — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:04:55 +0000

I visited your your town about 40 years ago, my grandfather Clarence Porter, and uncle Levi Porter lived there. I also returned for my grandfathers funeral about 10 years later. I would love to know if anyone has any informtion on the porters or any of their decendents that remain in the area. I am excited to find this connection to my family’s past. Thank you

By: Mika J

Mika J — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:33:14 +0000

I was born & raised in Mound Bayou. Graduated from John F Kennedy in 1999. I moved to Michigan in 2000, but I rarely go home because of the poverty I see. It’s so difficult & sad to see such a wonderful town look so depressing. I plan to help rebuild this town….better than it was before.

By: leroy lay

leroy lay — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:30:09 +0000

my father was born in mt.bayou in 1924 to ella lay whos father was ed doc lay and her mother was leona miller lay of grenada miss.ella died in 1936 at child birth giving birth my uncle majellan stewart. the history i was told of the delta i still remember today. my grand mother was born in 1906 in columbus miss. to alex and marrie lou mitchell petty. the history of miss, is very deep to say the least. the black people who grew up in miss.should be very proud of their history because weak people don’t survive. i was born in drew miss but left when i was one year old . i plan on traveling to drew and mt. bayou in the future just to see where reallly come from.

By: leroy lay

leroy lay — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:44:50 +0000

fmy father was born in mt.bayou in 1924 and his mothers name was leona lay who died in 1936 why’ll giving birth to his younger brother majellan stewart my uncle . and the history i was told of the delta i still remember to this day . my grandmothers name was betsy petty who was born in 1906 in colubus miss. to alex and marrie lou petty. the history of miss. is very deep to say the least , and the black people who lived their then and now should be very proud of themselfes because the weak would not have made it. be proud of your self and your real history .by the way i was born in drew miss but left when i was one year old.

By: Irene Dove

Irene Dove — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:24:58 +0000

My Grandparents were born in Mound Bayou , and I beleve my mygreat-grandparents also, Ridgnal was their last name. I would love to know if any of my family is still there. I have cousins who are Hayes and Nelson

By: Frankie Braboy

Frankie Braboy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:17:41 +0000

My Father, Frank Braboy was born and died in Mound Bayou, MS.

By: mary woodson

mary woodson — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:46:40 +0000

i used to live in mound bayou in 1965 my family move from there after the highway patrolman kill my brother

By: mary woodson

mary woodson — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:45:26 +0000

i used to live in mound bayou in 1965 and we move from there when my brother was kill my the highway patrolman i still gose there every now and than but i will never live there again

By: David J. Adams, Ph.D.

David J. Adams, Ph.D. — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:17:24 +0000

I, similar to another reader, was born in Mound Bayou. My oldest daughter was born in the Taborian Hospital also. When I was born, this was a time when MOST blacks were born at home by mid-wives. I was from Arcola and competed in spelling bees there as a kid during my mother’s membership in the Knights and Daughters of Tabor. I visited Mound Bayou on May 8, 2010 while attending a graduation down in Cleveland. Even though it is not like it used to be, I was impressed with the City Hall Building and the presence of a structured government. Hopefully, Mound Bayou will be around many more years so that some of us natives will continue to enjoy its legacy. Even with my humble start in the Mississippi Delta and challenges along the way, I have enjoyed some prosperity and very proud to call Mound Bayou my starting point in life!