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Martha Ann Creel, My Great Aunt
1874
My great aunt, Martha Ann Creel, was born in or near Smith County, Mississippi, in October 1874, as the first daughter of her parents, Henry and Amanda Creel.
Henry was 31 years old, and Amanda was 18 years old at the time of Martha Ann’s birth.
I would love it if you read “The Life Story Of My Great-Grandparents, Henry & Amanda Creal/Creel” and visit the Creal/Creel Family Website for Creal/Creel history.
1880
By 1880, according to the 1880 census, my Great Aunt Martha Ann was five years old and living with her parents and siblings in Smith County, Mississippi.
Her father was 31 years old, and her mother was 17 years old. Martha Ann’s siblings are listed below:
- Burton Creel (9)
- Sylvuster Creel (1)
- Ann Creel (0)
1892
Martha Ann married Alonzo Hicks on December 25, 1891, in Jones County, Mississippi.
Her uncle, Hall Duckworth, was a witness at the wedding. Hall is the son of Harrison Duckworth.
I would love it if you read “Life Story Of Harrison Duckworth, My Great Great Grandfather.”
1900
By the time of the 1900 Census, Martha Ann and Alonzo had three children and were living in Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi. Martha Ann was 26 years old, and Alonzo was 37 years old.
Martha’s children are listed below:
- Ranzo Hicks (5)
- Louise Hicks (3)
- Sylvan Hicks (6/12)
Unfortunately, Martha Ann was recorded as not being able to read or write, which was common for many black women during that period.
They lived next to Martha’s brother, Burt Creel, and sister, Mary Ann Annice Creel Barnes. Please read:
- Burt’s story: “My Great Uncle Burton Burt Creel’s Life Story.”
- Mary’s story: “My Great Aunt Mary Ann Annice Creel Barnes’ Life Story.”
1910
According to the 1910 Census, Martha Ann and Alonzo were still living in Beat 2, Jones County, Mississippi.
Martha was 31 years old and had six children, ranging in age from 0 to 15. She was not able to read or write, and her husband was a farmer.
And her husband Alonzo was working as a farmer to provide for their family, and his 22-year-old brother was living in the home.
Martha’s children were also listed in the Census as follows:
- Ranzo HIcks (15)
- Louisezer Hicks (14)
- Sylvan HIcks (12)
- Creacy Hicks (9)
- William HIcks (4)
- Claud HIcks (0)
Moreover, the early 20th century was a time of great racial tension in Mississippi, and Smith County was no exception.
Despite the progress and prosperity of the area, segregation and discrimination against black residents remained pervasive.
1917
Sadly, according to Ancestry.com, Martha Ann Creel Hicks passed away in 1917 at the young age of 43 in Jones County, Mississippi.
Her children were still young when she passed, so not much is known about her life beyond what is recorded in official documents.
Martha Ann was born and lived during a time when it was very hard for black women to get health care or go to school.
Despite the hardships she faced, Martha Ann is remembered as a beloved member of her family who passed away much too soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my Great Aunt, Martha Ann Creel Hicks’ life was brief, but her legacy lives on through her descendants.
Despite the challenges she faced as a black woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she persevered and raised a family with her husband.
We honor her memory and the sacrifices she made to ensure a better future for her loved ones.
Creal/Creel Family Book Coming Soon
Stay tuned for “The Creal Story,” a book that is based on the lives of Henry, his wife, and their 11 children. Also, check out the Creal/Creel Family Website for more history.
Are you a descendant of Martha Ann Creel Hicks? Are you my cousin? Do you have more information about this story? Please leave a comment.
