To Teach is to Touch Lives Forever: Honoring the Educators that Influenced the Future.
July 30 through August 1, 2021
”As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”
(Joshua 24:15)
On November 21, 1880, in Williamsburg County near St. James Baptist Church, a baby was born to Lula and Cato Smith. They named their only son Jesse Eugene. Jesse had one sister named Lena. Jesse received his education in a one room school. Unlike schools of today, school was in session for only a few months, after the crops were harvested. In spite of the short school term and limited resources, he learned to read and write well enough to conduct his business.
Not very far away, up on the river off highway 261, the 5th daughter of Lillie and Augusta Singletary was born. This baby girl was also named Lillie.
Lillie Singletary and Jesse Smith were married. To this union, seven girls; Ruth, Anna, Ethel, Irene, Edith, Ora and Thelma, five boys; Vinson, Lucius, Rufus, Jesse, Jr. and Cornelius were born. Rufus, Jesse, Jr. and Cornelius preceded them in death.
Nine of the children grew up together on a two-horse farm. They were taught to work, love and respect each other and to do their best at whatever task was assigned.
The family planted crops, such as cotton, corn and tobacco for the market. However, not everything was sold. Some were kept for home consumption.
The children were taught to can vegetables, fruits and some meats. A variety of fruits and berries were grown in the orchard field. There were pears, peaches, apples, quinces, fig trees, and mulberry and blackberry bushes. The family worked hard but had a good time because they worked together. There was always an abundance of meats (hogs, chicken, cattle and goats). They did not buy meat, lard, syrup, peanuts, milk or butter. The family even had brown sugar and grew their own rice and wheat for flour. Can you imagine making your own soap? They did! The oldest child, Ruth and the oldest son, Vinson were very special because they took care of the younger siblings as they came into the family and always stood up as well as spoke up for them. The younger ones always knew to respect Ruth and Vinson.
Ruth began at an early age to help her Mama with household chores. Papa always said whatever Ruth cooked was very good, even though sometimes she would forget how much salt, sugar, lard or butter to put in the pot. The younger ones knew not to complain because their time would come.
Everyone had the blow of their lives when Ruth got married to George Washington. Lucky for everyone, they lived right across the field. The family’s good times continued because from that union more playmates came. Gennie, Ruth’s oldest child, was brought up like a sister and grew up with Thelma and the rest of the clan.
We want to learn more about our family. Please help us by clicking links below to share.
• Digital Family Photo Album. UPLOAD PHOTOS NOW!
• Memorial information is needed. PLEASE SHARE.