POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. 1 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 Table of Contents 2013 Discovery Project……………………………………………………………………… Page 3-4 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 5-6 Recognition Of An Abundant Life: Family Living Legends…………………… Page 7-10 Poole Family Churches and Poole Family Authors……………………………… Page 11 Poole Family Businesses: Minding Their Own Business………………………. Page 12-14 Poole Family Annual Community Events……..…………………………………….. Page 15 Thank You For Joining Poole Ancestry Facebook………………………………… Page 16 Poole Ancestry: Facebook Faithful……………………………………………………… Page 17-24 Poole Ancestry Facebook Site: Family in Focus…………………………………… Page 25-29 Memorial Dedications: Family Farewells……………………………………………. Page 30-32 Poole Family Roots: Digging Into Our History…………………………………….. Page 33-36 Family Biographies: Poole… Who I Am………………………………………………. Page 37-38 Poole Family Photos………………………………………………………………. ………….. Page 39-53 Descendants of John and Mary Poole…………………………………………………. Page 54-81 Descendants of Samuel Sephus Poole………………………………………………… Page 82-97 Descendants of Jerry Poole………………………………………………………………… Page 98 Descendants of William Poole…………………………………………………………….. Page 99 Descendants of Ella Poole…………………………………………………………………… Page 100-105 Descendants of Isaiah Poole……………………………………………………………….. Page 106-107 Descendants of Precilla (Drucilla) Poole……………………………………………… Page 108-113 Descendants of Mary Lou “Lockey” Poole…………………………………………… Page 114-118 Descendants of Chester A. Poole……………………………………….…………..….. Page 119-121 Descendants of James “Jim” Poole……………………………………………………… Page 122-123 Poole Family Ancestry History and Documents………………………..…………. Page 124-143 Poole Ancestry Facebook Friends Photos…………………………………………… Page 144-165 Poole Family Vintage Recipes……………………………………………………………… Page 166-171 2 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 "Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." 2013 Discovery Project In order to advance his Family Genealogy Research Delbert E. Poole, Sr. will embark upon the Y-DNA (Paternal) Test to determine what percent of his DNA comes from each of the 22 worldwide populations, ranging from East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and more. This will bring him closer to learning his global origins, trace his ancestry and expand his network of living relatives across the miles and continents. 3 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 2013 Discovery Project Conclusions WE KNOW OUR POOLE ANCESTRY COMPOSITION! COUSIN DELBERT E. POOLE, SR. received his Y-DNA results (genotyping analysis) from 23andMe on May 29, 2013 72.1% Sub-Saharan African 26.5% European 0.2% East Asian & Native American 1.2% Unassigned 4 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 Introduction A substantial amount of history (1703-2013), spanning 310 years, has been resurrected and assembled surrounding the Poole family in America and our journey through slavery in Alabama. Providence brought together a house servant named Jennie and a plantation owner named James William T. Poole, producing a Mulatto son, John Poole, who married Mary Porter after the Civil War. John Poole and Mary Porter Poole had nine children, and those nine produced 62 grandchildren. The “Poole” foundation was established and is now well on its way – however, a detailed chronicle of the dreams, contributions and tribulations of our ancestors and their descendants was not left behind. This gives us purpose to learn the truth of their stories and we are eager to refurbish our family manuscript. For the first time we are able to look both forward and backward on Jennie’s life. Forward into her elderly years, and backward to the Virginia birthplace of her parents. We can trace the family of James William T. Poole back to the early 1700’s in Virginia. These pages are filled with details and records that reveal so much of our personal history – more than has been previously known. In this document you may see variations in dates and names. During the last century, official or personal records were not often kept. Especially evident was the failure to formally record births and deaths. The much relied upon census records often have errors due to illiterate census takers or poor penmanship. Some confusion was due to Black Brogue, slang and Ebonics (of that era), originally created to encrypt information from plantation owners and the law. The information here has been checked as close as possible. If you discover errors, omissions, or want to expand on something, please let us know. Our locations are diverse and we currently have Poole families composing their homes in over 32 contiguous states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and on 4 or 5 continents – with descendants that are African, Indian, Mexican, Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Filipino, Russian, Portuguese, and other ethnic backgrounds. Poole descendants have served our country honorably in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflicts. Our occupations include Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Professional Athletes, Teachers, Professors, School Principals, Airline Pilots, Nurses, Truckers, Electricians, Administrators, Firemen, Military Retirees, Morticians, Sanitation Engineers, Aircraft Designers, Assembly Workers, Ministers and others too numerous to list here. I believe much of our history can be unearthed through research of old family records such as bibles, photos, obituaries, certificates, diplomas, and stories passed on by word of mouth. Although stories tend to change a little each time they are retold, I think it is better to have some of the story no matter how tainted it may be than to not know any of it. I hope after reviewing this it will motivate each of you to dig a little and help collect historical and ancestral information. I’m sure you have items of interest or photos you have never thought about or know others who do. It’s important to act soon because we are losing matriarchs and patriarchs often and their knowledge and 5 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 experience go with them. Let this be a commitment to record and document the continuing journey our forefathers began. It is my hope we can bond together and gather whatever information is still available and share and record it. Please contact us by e-mail, phone, Poole Ancestry site, or mail. We will record or copy the information, photos, or stories you may have, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is. We are fortunate to have so much technology available that makes communication simple and easy. Let’s give the next generations something to add to and a past to reflect on so they can see and understand the significant accomplishments, contributions, and impact of the “Poole’s”. Delbert Poole Delbert E. Poole, Sr. ABOUT POOLE ANCESTRY Facebook Site The success of the POOLE ANCESTRY Facebook site is due to a diverse gender and age group of friendly, imaginative, thoughtful, funny, hard-working, generous, faithful, charitable and sharing Poole’s. We wish to thank and recognize the motivation and resolve of our Poole family members who eagerly and immediately connected with the social site, exchanging information and inviting even MORE family to join. It is especially important to note that modern technology plays a major role in the communication of the Poole family today. Under the leadership of Delbert Poole, a few cousins refreshed the online interaction with relatives in June 2012. E-mail correspondence was established and two Facebook sites were hosted; Poole Ancestry, for general communications and Poole Family Ancestry, for family background. Many of the ancestry postings include internet links to genealogy records and we receive frequent radio and video links, connecting us with the lives and interests of family members. Since the introduction of the Poole Ancestry site, there has been a continuous communication flow, delivering a stream of African American artwork, accompanied by inspirational quotes, a timeline of African American History and images, National and Cultural Holiday Recognition, News and Current Events, Vintage Family Photos and Poole History Research. We have a commitment to do a better job of spreading family history within and between our families. So many stories were told that are now due to be re-told for future generations. We encourage everyone to collect their precious memories and memorabilia, and 1) Write it down 2) ID your photos and 3) Develop connections with relatives near and far. POOLE ANCESTRY: Site Administrators: www.facebook.com/poole.ancestry Delbert E. Poole, Sr. Pamala (Poole) Springs POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: 1317 Finch Ave. 4101 Dublin Blvd. F202 www.facebook.com/pages/Poole-Family-Ancestry Tulare, CA 93274 Dublin, CA 94568 EMAIL: (559) 688-5555 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 6 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 RECOGNITION OF AN ABUNDANT LIFE… Family Living Legends DELORES (SPEIGINER) POOLE LUNDIE, Retired Registered Nurse Redlands High School, Class of 1952 · Sydney, Australia Mount San Jacinto College /UCLA VA Hospital, Registered Nurse · Menlo Park, California I am enjoying Peace and Happiness, and relishing in the LOVE and SUPPORT of family, friends, and their PRAYERS. Retired RN…'91 I am the Matriarch of a size able family...the first daughter of 8...was socialized to be strong...opinionated...no brothers...we grew into womanhood... confident in defending ourselves...and securing dignity...self-esteem...demanding respect...I easily identify my life's Journey as that of a Warrior. Therefore the Consciousness...the Spiritual councilors of The Universe has been my Guide....I do not fit any mold...I was never boxed...in to traditional concepts...I am open to all precepts... of this Human Experience...called Delores. Feb 27, 2012: Dear family and friends I have not been active on FB lately, apparently I have completed another phase of my life's journey and now have entered into the Sabatical phase of my Life's Journey. Intellectually, emotionally my direction of focus have changed to the Spiritual realm....the old warrior is now one who observes...goodbye...and God Bless everyone! June 1, 2013: This is the month of my birthday....70+ years ago....I have walked the trail of Time and its Tribulations....which tested my fortitude and resolve to move forward...to evolve...to pursue the Path of inner Peace ....I have been awarded...the prize of empowerment and overcoming....that only Faith and prayer guarantees....I am experiencing a Joy...I can not describe in words....my head is held high with dignity....as I approach the embrace of my Creator...after I have left this wonderful body...I have been Blessed to use ....I am Blessed beyond words....I am Grateful forever ! God is Great forever ! June 18, 2013: Because I am sustained by God / Creator / Source of All existence....I have no needs....the desires of my heart....my wants...are my many moments of delights...I am testifying that Love is an awesome Power...nothing can destroy or alter the destiny of anyone....who Loves. I am elderly and I can witness...that my trusting in The Mercy of God...did not allow me to live a victimized life...but instead I became a triumphant Warrior...who is still "Fired Up". DR. NAN POOLE SPICER, Retired Professor of Music, Savannah State University By Lyman Jeffries, February 28, 2012 On occasion, I am very proud and happy to post news, about someone, that I have known, in good standing, throughout the years, of my life. A person, I respect, that I grew with, went to school with, performed on stage with, went to church with, and so very much more, in the spirit, of true friendship, from the land of my birth, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. The person I am writing about is, none other than, Tuskegee's own, Dr. Nan Poole Spicer. A true and gifted artist, Nan, is an inspiring woman, of many talents, who deserves, a standing ovation, for all of her numerous and outstanding professional accomplishments. Nan Poole Spicer, wanted me, to let you know, that this is, her final year, as Professor of Music, and conductor, of the Savannah State University Choir, because, she is finally retiring, after many long years, of dedicated service. 7 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 DELBERT E. POOLE, SR., Retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force Delbert Poole retired from the Air Force in 1981, as a Master Sergeant, to pursue his newly founded "World English Conversation School" outside of Tokyo. Along with his wife Vicki, he taught students ranging in age from 10 to 60 years old – also instructing at two Japanese companies. During his military tenure he lived abroad for over 20 years, traveled to over 30 countries and 48 states. They worked in Japan for 5 years before selling the school and returning to America to enroll their youngest two children in school. Back in America, he was employed as Engineering and Production Manager, designing and certifying special electrical systems for hospital Surgical Suites, ICU's, X- rays, and Lasers that were installed in America and abroad and personally designed the equipment for the new King Fahd Medical Complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His military decorations include: 6 Air Force Commendation Medals, 13 Air Force Outstanding Unit Citations with Bronze "V" for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, 6 Air Force Good Conduct Awards, Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 5 awards, Non- Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Service Ribbon with 3 Combat Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 3 medals awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany; Expert Marksmanship Medal with Lanyard (Schutzenschnur) in Gold, Silver and Bronze for qualifying as an expert with the Walther P1 Pistol, MG3 Machine Gun and G3 Rifle. Delbert was elevated to the 32 Degree of Masonry on October 11, 1975 in the Prince Hall Military Consistory No. 304 Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, located in Frankfurt, Germany. BERNADETTE (POOLE) MONTGOMERY, Retired, US Postal Service January 18, 2013: Friends who need a testimony of God's goodness & mercy, Just ask me, I can tell you a whole lot of what he has done for me, just trust & obey, always ask in faith, and believe in him he answers all prayer I'm a living witness to his goodness, I'll forever praise him and worship him, "To God be the Glory, for the things he has done!" November 28, 2012: I'm getting ready to leave (move) from Los Angeles, CA back to Oak Town (OAKLAND) my hometown. It has been nice, but family calls me back and they always come first. Hate to leave the good warm weather, my fabulous doctors, my new found friends, but I must go. August 15, 2012: My life has become full circle. The Lord has granted my wish to know my daughter whom I was forced to give up for adoption 47 1/2 years ago. She contacted me, and now we will establish a relationship, so now I can tell the world, I'm free yes I'm free! August 3, 2012: Hi Family: Another update 8/3/12: My doctor says I'm doing great, coming along nicely for a woman my age with my medical history. Just goes to show you just how good God is, he's blessing me daily regaining my health & strength back and enjoying life, friends and oh so many people I don't know personally have called, prayed with me and for me and through it all I've learned to depend completely and totally on the man above who promised never to leave me alone and he hasn't, when I laid there on that cold operating table, he was right there with me, I knew because I felt his presence and his spirit. I wasn't afraid because he knew he would take care of me whether I lived or died, I'm his child and he knows what’s best for me! July 12, 2012: To God be the glory for the things he has done in my life! What a mighty God we serve, On June 13, 2012 I underwent Open Heart surgery, and today I'm up walking & talking, although I'm not fully recovered, I know it has been God who has brought me thus far, I'm stronger in my legs, and walking much better, still sore but that’s to be expected. Just wanted you all to know how blessed I am that God has blessed me with his goodness and mercy. Thanks for your prayers and concerns, I love you all! 8 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 March 22, 2012: I'm asking each of you who visit my page for your prayers & best wishes as I prepare for open heart surgery to repair the main valve in my heart. I'm not quite sure of the date of surgery but it will be within the next six weeks or so.; I know the prayers of the righteous availeth much. If it's the Lord's will, I will overcome this problem. REV. MOSES L. HARVILL, Pastor, Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church By Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church Family We certainly give God all the praise and glory for sending His chosen vessels, the Rev. Moses L. Harvill and Sister Eledia Harvill to the Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church family. The Rev. Moses L. Harvill and the former Eledia Soni Camp arrived at Cross Street May 30, 1993 to pastor their first church. As we look at their 16 years of leadership one can only stand in awe as to the many great moves of God we have witnessed through their ministry. In the book of Chronicles, the tribe of Issachar understood the signs of the time and gave godly counsels for what should be done. Rev. and Mrs. Harvill’s ministry has been one of discerning the times and giving godly wisdom as to what must be done. The arrival of Rev. and Sister Harvill has brought about a new level of ministry, which has constantly moved the church forward. Their ministry reaches beyond the walls of Cross Street. Sister Harvill serves as New England Conference, Conference President of the Minister’s Wives and Spouses Ministry and with the Missionary Society as Chairman of the Life Members Committee. She also served as the Co-Chair for Unity Sunday Day Ministry. Pastor Harvill is involved in several community Boards: H.O.P.E., Inc., Jones Fund, and the Ministerial Alliance. Rev. and Mrs. Harvill’s labors of love are immeasurable. The time, energy and sacrifices they make daily on behalf of the church family and community will never be fully recorded here on earth. Their life is their testimony. They follow Christ and we are pleased to follow them. DR. MALIK R. WATKINS, Retired Savannah State University Educator and former acting President of Savannah State University November 9, 2012 Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia For the second time in five years, Public Service Associate Malik R. Watkins won a Fulbright Specialist appointment that extends his work in the Institute's Governmental Services and Research Division. Watkins collaborated with officials in the Central American municipality of Panama City to draft an efficient service-delivery blueprint during a four-week assignment. The capital city is taking over public services once provided by the Panamanian federal government, and Watkins's role as a visiting Fulbright Specialist was to help create a plan to guide the development of a prototype geographic information system to support service delivery. "The central government of Panama essentially was providing all the services to the cities of Panama," said Watkins. "The central government cannot deal with these responsibilities like the local governments can." Improved municipal services are a critical component for dealing with an influx of job-seekers who have flooded the area, hoping to secure work on a Panama Canal expansion. Watkins spent much of September and part of October assisting municipal officials, his second overseas assignment as a Fulbright Specialist. In 2007, Watkins traveled to West Africa to work on a Fulbright project with the Liberia Institute of Public Administration. The Fulbright Specialist Program, administered for the U.S. State Department by the nonprofit Council for International Exchange of Scholars, promotes partnerships between U.S. experts and academics at host institutions overseas. Selected specialists spend two to six weeks overseas, collaborating on development-related projects with local faculty and technicians. 9 POOLE FAMILY ANCESTRY: Perspective on Life before and after John and Mary Poole 2013 GWYNDOLYN (POOLE) MATSON and PAMALA (POOLE) SPRINGS, Bay Area Community Activists The NAACP President's Award went to Community Activists Pamala Springs and Gwyndolyn Poole for their creation and delivery of KWANZAA VILLAGE YOUTH EXPO. Ms. Springs and Ms. Poole are two talented sisters who have been very active in the African American community. Ms. Springs has served on the Kwanzaa Village Youth Expo, African American Women on Tour, Ellipse Peninsula AIDS project, and African American Student Union Parent Advisor. Ms. Poole has served on the Kwanzaa Village Youth Expo, SGI-USA member which promotes African Americans culture, education, and world peace, and six years at Pegasus which is a community school for at-risk high school students. Kwanzaa Village Youth Expo partnered with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to present a festive, cultural affirmation of all that is GOOD in our families and community. Kwanzaa Village was a program free to the general public and it was a wonderful opportunity to provide African American youth a positive and enlightening learning experience during the season of Kwanzaa. The atmosphere of Kwanzaa Village was MAGICAL in the innovative decorations, EMPOWERING in the informative workshops and MEMORABLE with the giveaways and performances of the day. Youth was the main focus and corporate, civic and community volunteers from various walks of life assisted in the education of youth. The following workshops were conducted: African Dance, Automotive, Computers 1-2-3, Cooking, Jewelry Making, Kickboxing, Music, Personal Grooming, Safety and Science 1-2-3. 10