My Great Uncle, Barney Creal/Creel
1896
Born on June 21, 1896, in the city of Summerland, Smith County, Mississippi, my Great Uncle Barney Creal/Creel was the youngest son of Amanda and Henry Creal/Creel.
At the time of Barney’s birth, Amanda was 39 years old, and Henry was 52 years old.
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.
1910
According to the 1910 Census, Barney Creal/Creel lived with his parents, Henry and Amanda Creal/Creel, and his siblings, who are listed below. At the time, Barney was 15 years old.
- Henry L. Creel (18)
- Lessie Creel (10)
1916 Barney Marries Maud Scobey
On January 23, 1916, my Great Uncle, Barney Creal/Creel, married Maud Scobey. Maud was about 18 years old, and Barney was about 21 years old, according to the marriage record below.
1917
On June 5, 1917, in the city of Villemont, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Barney registered for World War I. His registration card states the following:
- He lived in Hamburg, Jefferson County, Arkansas.
- He was born on June 21, 1896, in Summerland, Mississippi.
- He was 21 years old.
- He was married and had one child.
- He worked for Jno M. Gracie as a Farmer.
- He was medium in height and physical build.
- His eyes and hair were black.
1919
Barney Creal, a private in the US Military’s Company B of the 513th Engineers (Colored), departed from St. Nazaire, France. He arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, on June 22, 1919, aboard a ship named Mexican.
At the time of his arrival, Barney listed his residence as Warren, Arkansas. The record also indicates that his mother’s name was Mandy Creal.
The annotation “COLORED” serves as a reminder that Barney belonged to a segregated unit.
1920
Based on the 1920 Census data, Barney, who was 23 years old at the time, lived with his parents in Pennington, Arkansas, and was employed as a laborer at the Saw Mill.
Although he was married, it seems he may have been separated from his wife, Maud. Notably, Barney possessed the ability to read and write. Even though he wasn’t able to attend school.
The household members are listed below.
- Henry Creal (73) Head
- Mandy Creal (61) Wife
- Barnie Creal (23) Son
- Emles Ford (30) Boarder
1923
On November 5, 1923, Barney’s father, Henry, passed away in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
1924
About three months later, on February 9, 1924, his mother, Amanda, also passed away in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
1930
According to the 1930 Census, Barney was living with his wife, Annie, and her family in the city of Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
The household members are listed below.
- Matthew Gordon (54) Head
- Octavia S. Gordon (56) Wife
- Annie Creal (35) Daughter
- Bessie Wallace (31) Daughter
- Flossie Simms (28) Daughter
- Annie M. Simms (10) Granddaughter
- Ollie M. Simms (7) Granddaughter
- Bessie M. Simms (6) Granddaughter
- Harvey J. Simms (5) Grandson
- Fay L. Simms (3) Granddaughter
- Barney Creal (35) Son-in-law
- Albert Simms (42) Son-in-law
1931: Barney Marries Annie
On March 23, 1931, my Great Uncle, Barney Creal/Creel, married Annie in Bradley County, Arkansas.
Annie was 32 years old, and Barney was also 32 years old, according to the marriage record listed below.
Note: The spelling of his name changed from Barney to Barnie, and he is using Creel instead of Creal.
1933
Barney Creal/Creel passed away on January 14, 1933, at the young age of 37, in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
According to his death certificate:
- He passed from lobar pneumonia.
- No operation or autopsy was performed.
- His father’s name was Henry Creal.
- His mother’s name was Amanda Duckworth.
- And his wife, Annie Creal, was the informant.
Conclusion
As a genealogist, I have uncovered the incredible story of my Great Uncle Barney Creal. He faced numerous challenges as a black man during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
But he never gave up. Instead, he worked tirelessly to support his family and honor his country through his service. My mother, Deressa, who grew up around him, always spoke fondly of him and considered him her favorite uncle.
According to her, Uncle Barney even played matchmaker for her father, Henry, introducing him to his wife’s sister, Bessie.
My mother, Deressa, informed me that Uncle Barney’s death was controversial, as there were rumors that he had been poisoned.
Additionally, she revealed that Barney’s second wife, who had plans for his life insurance funds, was unable to get the money because his first wife, Maud, arrived in town and claimed the funds.
According to the record below, Maud Creal handled Uncle Barney’s final burial.
This was a result of Barney never having divorced Maud; thus, the second wife was not entitled to any of his funds.
Moreover, Uncle Barney was a kind man who loved children. I believe he looked up to his older brother, my grandfather, Henry, and I am proud to know that he played a role in my mother’s early life.
I am proud to have him as an ancestor. Barney Creal’s memory will never be forgotten.
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 Family Website for more history.
Are you a descendant of Barney Creal? Do you know Maud Scobey from Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas? Can you add to this story? Please leave a comment.
