I am a lifelong resident of Natchez, born on Woodlawn Avenue. I graduated in 1940, the year of the terrible fire and never knew of the accomplishments of any blacks other than George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington of Alabama.

Those that showed special potential or ability left here or something happened to them. I have been trying to find out information about 10 men who pledged $700 each to buy the Colored Cemetery. It was a huge sum of money. Great leaders, but what happened to them?

They were J.H. Henry, William Casey, D. Lewis, J.R. Ross, Henry Ireland, C.P. Hunter, Jas. Cosgrove, A.A. Newell, G.W. Brumfield and G.L. Sanders.

Surely they should be mentioned in our history. If you have any information about these men, please send it to me at 11 West Woodlawn Ave.

Oh, it was whispered that Duncan Morgan’s father, a brick mason, had something to do with building the Catholic church. True?

And why is Mike Ryan, sheriff of Adams County never mentioned? I know that he saved many young men from disappearing. He would take them to Brookhaven, put them on the train and they would never return.

Natchez’s history is not good to remember, but maybe some things would be helpful to know.

Many things would be best forgotten and forgiven as we try to do.

Meanwhile, our deepest gratitude to those Christian citizens who helped and showed us Christ’s example of how he wants us to live together.

 

Thelma White, 89, is a retired teacher and Natchez resident.