My Great Uncle Sylvester Creal/Creel
1879
My great uncle, Sylvester Creal/Creel, was born on April 10, 1879, in Smith County, Mississippi, to Amanda and Henry Creal/Creel. Amanda was 22 years old, and Henry was 35 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.
1880
Sylvester was one year old, according to the 1880 Census, and lived with his parents, Henry and Amanda Creal/Creel, and his siblings who are listed below:
- Burton Creel (9)
- Martha A. Creel (5)
- Ann Creel (3)
1900
According to the 1900 Census, Sylvester was 21 years old. He was single and worked as a farm laborer. He was able to read but not write.
Sylvester was living with his parents and siblings on a farm in Beat 4, Noxubee, Mississippi. His siblings are listed below.
- Note: The names below are shown as they appear in the census but they are all spelled wrong except for Henry.
- Denie Creal (15) Donie
- Inzula Creal (11) Luella
- Henry Creal (9)
- Nina Creal (7) Vina
- Tessie Creal (1) Lessie
1904: Sylvester marries Lula
My great uncle, Sylvester Creal/Creel, married Lula McDaniel approximately in 1904, when she was about 25 years old.
He probably married in Bradley County, Arkansas, because his oldest daughter, Amanda, was born there, according to various records.
1905
Sylvester and Lula had their first daughter on December 24, 1905, in Bradley County, Arkansas. They named her Amanda and call her Mandie, after Sylvester’s mother.
1907
Sylvester and Lula’s first son was born on August 29, 1907, and they named him Sylvester Jr. after his father.
Some records say he was born in Louisiana, while others say he was born in Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas.
1910
According to the 1910 Census, Sylvester and Lula were renting a house in the city of Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas, with their three children. Sylvester was 30 years old, and Lula was 23 years old.
Also, according to the census, Sylvester worked as a lineman at the sawmill, while Lula worked on her own account. They had been married for five years. Their children are listed below.
- Amanda E Crall (4)
- Isabel Crall (2)
- Ess Crall (0)
Please note the incorrect spelling of their names. Also, he stopped using the surname Creel around 1900. After 1900, he went by Creal.
1912
Sylvester and Lula gave birth to their second son on September 20, 1912, in the city of Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas. They name him Zebedee Creal.
1914
Sylvester and Lula gave birth to their second daughter around 1914. They gave her the name Verma.
1916
Sylvester and Lula gave birth to their third son on January 16, 1916, in the city of Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas. They named him Lonzy Creal.
1918
On September 12, 1918, in the city of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, Sylvester registered for World War I. His registration card states the following:
- He lived in Humphrey, Jefferson County, Arkansas.
- His closest relative was his wife, Lula.
- He worked for Jno M. Gracie as a Farmer.
- He was 39 years old, born on April 19, 1879.
- He was tall and slender, with brown eyes and black hair.
1923
On November 5, 1923, Sylvester’s father, Henry, passed away in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
1924
About three months later, on February 9, 1924, his mother, Amanda, passed away also in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
1929
According to multiple family members, on September 11, 1929, my great uncle Sylvester was shot by his wife Lula, and in turn, he shot her back. Tragically, they both passed away on the same day in Richland, Louisiana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the numerous hurdles faced by black males throughout the early 1900s, my great uncle Sylvester Creal worked exceedingly hard to support his family and pave the path for future generations.
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 Sylvester Creel? Are you my Cousin? Do you have more information about this story? Please leave a comment.
