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My Maternal Great-Grandparents:
- I am the daughter of Deressa Creal Thompson and Mack Thompson.
- I would love it if you read “The Life Story Of My Mother By Carolyn A. Thompson.”
- And visit the Creal Family Website for Creal history.
- I am the granddaughter of Henry Creal, Jr., and Lenoa Kilgore Creal.
- And the Great-Granddaughter of Henry and Amanda Creal/Creel.
Harrison Duckworth
And the great-great-granddaughter of Harrison Duckworth. Please read the “Life Story of Harrison Duckworth, My Great Great Grandfather.”
Due to the results of my DNA test, I am positive that Harrison Duckworth was my great great grandfather. Please read “Deciphering The Codes: How To Read DNA Test Results” for more data.
Yet, I cannot say for certain which one of my great-grandparents, Henry or Amanda, was Harrison’s child. To begin, I feel obligated to point out that any and all records are susceptible to having inaccuracies.
Given that my birth certificate contains a mistake, we must keep this in mind as we go through the data.
Which of my great-grandparents was a Duckworth, or did both of them come from the Duckworth family? Where did the name Owens come from? Was it the last name of Amanda’s mother?
As of writing this, no one in the family I talked to or interviewed knows.
Records: A Duckworth relationship of my Great-Grandparents
- According to Henry’s death certificate, Harrison Duckworth was his father.
- According to Donna Ree, the granddaughter of Donie Creal Chatman, Amanda’s maiden name was Duckworth (source: Creal Reunion 2011).
- According to Ancestry’s Social Security Applications and Claims Index: Amanda’s maiden name was Duckworth.
- Amanda’s maiden name is listed as Duckworth on their son, Barney Creal’s death certificate.
- Amanda’s maiden name is listed as Owens on their daughter Mary Annice Creal Barnes’s death certificate.
- Amanda’s death certificate lists her father’s name as Horace Johnson.
The Man Who Became Henry Creal/Creel
Henry’s Early Life
Henry Creal was born in Mississippi. most likely in Covington County or Smith County. It’s not much known about his early life.
However, he was born into slavery in 1843, a critical time in American history for non-whites. Henry shared how he escaped slavery with his children and grandchildren.
Escaping Slavery
This story has been passed down through the generations of Creals. The story is:
Henry’s mother was a cook in the kitchen because she was too fair to work outside in the fields. His mother was said to have a lot of Dutch in her. When Henry became of age, he refused to be enslaved and formulated a freedom plan. Henry’s mother gave him cayenne pepper to sprinkle on his shoes to cut the tracing of the dogs. Henry walked along the river and hid in the trees as he watched the enslavers and their dogs looking for him. He walked to freedom, and the man he worked for called him Creal because he said he looked like a Creole Indian.
Source: Deressa Creal Thompson, Daughter of Henry Creal, Jr., Granddaughter of Henry & Amanda Creal
During the era of slavery in the late 1850s, Henry refused to be enslaved. And he escaped the worst slavery known to man.
His mother understood that he wanted to be free. She was a cook in the kitchen, so she could give him the winning ingredient, which was Cayenne Pepper. Henry was a brave, courageous, determined, and fearless young man, and his escape was successful.
Becoming A Creal/Creel
Henry is thought to have escaped from the Nichols or Nicholson Plantation, though the exact route he took is unknown. He most likely walked along the Leaf River at night and slept during the day.
Depending on the year, he could have lived in the Jones County swamps during Newton’s time. “Free State of Jones” is a movie I recommend watching.
In southeast Mississippi, the Leaf River flows through the counties of Smith, Jones, Covington, Simpson, Jasper, Forrest, Lamar, Newton, and Scott.
Wikipedia states that the Leaf River was a way to get supplies to people before roads were built.
In the early 1800s, males reached maturity at around 14 or 15 years of age. So, it is my guess that Henry freed himself sometime between 1857 and 1864.
Henry made no mention of a father or siblings in his story. It’s unclear what happened to his mother, or if he ever saw her again. In addition, Henry’s birth name is unknown.
Creal vs. Creal
Henry was referred to by his friends and family as “Pa Creal,” while Amanda was called “Mandie.” Up until the year 1900, they were known by both versions of their surname, Creal and Creel.
Following that point, they exclusively used the name Creal, and their earliest records show that it was the first name they ever used. Creel is the surname of their three oldest children. The other nine children used the surname, Creal.
The Beginning Of The Creal/Creel’s Story
Henry, whose birth name is unknown, is the first Creal/Creel, and therefore, “The Creal/Creal Story” begins with him.
Amanda Johnson Owens Creal/Creel
Amanda’s Early Life
Amanda, like Henry, was born into the worst treatment of black people in history. She was born around 1857 in Mississippi, possibly in or near Covington County.
The 1900 census indicates that Amanda was born in August 1856, but her death certificate states she was born on April 14, 1957. Her mother’s name is unknown.
However, if Harrison was her father-in-law, her siblings’ names are unknown too. More facts are needed to fill in the historical gaps.
Amanda was known for her quiet demeanor and the two braids in her hair. She was also a midwife with a horse and carriage who traveled regardless of the weather to deliver babies. (Source: From Creal Reunion, 2011)
1869 – 1871
Around 1869, Henry’s first known son, Burton “Burt” Creel, was born. The name of Burt’s mother, according to his death certificate, was Mary.
It’s unclear how old Burt really was. The year of his birth shifted from 1869 to 1871 to 1887, according to several census reports taken over the years.
Burt’s mother could have been Amanda, depending on the year he was born.
I would love it if you read Burt’s story, “My Great Uncle Burton Burt Creel’s Life Story.”
1874
According to the 1910 Census report, Henry and Amanda married sometime around 1874, when he was 31 and she was 17; they had been married for 26 years.
Yet, no one knows where or how they met. Additionally, the census taken in 1910 revealed that Henry had been married twice, whereas Amanda had only been married once.
October 1874
Martha Ann Creel, Henry and Amanda’s first known daughter, was born in Mississippi in October 1874. Henry was 31 years old, and Amanda was 17 years old.
I would love it if you read her story, “Life Story Of My Great Aunt, Martha Ann Creel Hicks.”
1877
Mary Ann Annice was born in Mississippi in September 1877, when Henry was 33 years old and Amanda was 20 years old.
I would love it if you read her story, “My Great Aunt Mary Ann Annice Creel Barnes’ Life Story.”
1879
On April 10, 1879, in Mississippi, Henry was 35 and Amanda was 22 when their son Sylvester was born. I would love it if you read Sylvester’s story, “Life Story Of My Great Uncle, Sylvester Creal/Creel.”
Henry moved his family to Smith County in 1879, settling on 160 acres.
The United States Census first included blacks in the 1870 Census.
But Henry and Amanda weren’t recorded, or I haven’t discovered the records yet.
1880
According to the 1880 Census,
- Henry and Amanda lived in Smith County, Mississippi, with their four children,
- Burt (9)
- Martha Ann (5)
- Ann (3)
- Sylvester (1)
- They were farmers.
- Henry and Amanda’s parents were born in South Carolina.
- Amanda and Henry were unable to read or write.
1882
DeVan Creal was born on April 10, 1879, in Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Mississippi. Henry was 39, and Amanda was 25. I would love it if you read Sylvester’s story, “Life Story Of My Great Uncle, Sylvester Creal/Creel.”
1884 Homestead Agreement
Henry paid $14 to the Receivers Office in Jackson, Mississippi, on February 7, 1884, for the land he had been developing since December 1879. He cultivated the land, and by 1884 he had:
- Cleared 25 of the 160 acres and built:
- A dwelling house with a kitchen.
- A smokehouse
- A crib
- Two stables
- Planted six crops.
After his hard work, the land was valued at around $1,125.00 at that time.
1886
Henry signed his homestead application and paid the balance to the Receivers Office in Jackson, Mississippi, for his land in 1886.
Four people including Henry signed affidavits saying that Henry had lived on the land since 1879 and had cultivated 25 of its 160 acres and had six crops.
All of the witnesses came from the town of Taylorsville in Mississippi’s Smith County. See below.
- J. H. Cook
- J. S. Eaton
- Sidney Moffett
- Sam Tullos
Donie Belle Creal was born in Summerland, Smith County, Mississippi, on April 26, 1886. Henry, her father, was 42 years old, Amanda, her mother, was 29 years old. I would love it if you read Donie’s story, “The Life Story Of My Great Aunt, Donie Belle Creal.”
1888
Luella, the next child, was born in July in Summerland, Smith County, Mississippi. Her father, Henry, was 44 years old, and her mother, Amanda, was 31 years old.
In addition, on April 8, 1888, Henry obtained the certificate of acceptance for his 1874 homestead application for the tract of land specified as follows:
I would love it if you read her story, “Life Story Of My Great Aunt, Luella Creal.”
1 NWNE CHOCTAW No 1N 9E 33; 2 SWSE CHOCTAW No 1N 9E 28; 3 SSW CHOCTAW No 1N 9E 28 located in Smith County, Mississippi.
1890
My grandfather, Henry Lovell Creal, Jr., was born on September 25, 1890, in Summerland, Smith County, Mississippi. Henry was 46 years old, and Amanda was 33 years old. I would love it if you read Henry’s story, “The Life Story Of My Grandfather Henry Lovell Creal, Jr.”
Unfortunately, the majority of the 1890 Census records were destroyed, and they will be lost forever. For a summary of what’s in the United States Census, please check out “What’s In The Census | 1790 To 1950.”
1892
In the month of June 1892, Vina Creal entered this world in Mississippi. Henry, Vina’s dad, was 50 years old, and Vina’s mom, Amanda, was 36 years old. I would love it if you read her story, “I Found My Great Aunt, Vina Creal.”
1896
Barney Creal, the youngest son of Henry and Amanda, was born in Summerland, Smith County, Mississippi, on June 21, 1896. His father was 52 years old, and his mother was 39 years old.
1899
Berdina Lesse Creal was Henry and Amanda’s last child. Her father was 59 years old when she was born in July 1899, and her mother was 45 years old.
Henry and Amanda Were Forced to Leave Their Land
My great-grandparents, Henry and Amanda, were forced to leave their land after April 1888 and before June of 1900. In the 1950s, Jack Ulmer’s mother told him the following story:
Rachel Creel Ulmer told her son Jack Ulmer that Henry and his entire household had to leave the area. She stated that her uncle DeVan was at work, chopping tree stumps. First, he was verbally abused by being threatened with a kick in the a$$. Then, the white man kicked him in the a$$. Her brave and courageous uncle defended himself, and the entire family was forced to flee the area for their own safety. They left via the underground railroad, and she assumed they would never be seen again.
Source: Jack Ulmer, son of Rachel Creal Ulmer, Grandson of Burt Creel, and Great-Grandson of Henry Creal, Sr.
Also, My mother, Deressa, informed me that DeVan had to leave the South for his safety. DeVan’s great-great-granddaughter Arrona said that Henry and Amanda were forced off their land.
Not only did Henry and Amanda have to leave their land and all their things, but their departure also caused a separation in the family. In the 2000s, the family was finally reunited.
1900
Additionally, according to the 1900 Census:
- Henry and Amanda were renting a farm and worked as farmers.
- Henry was unemployed for two months of the year.
- Amanda had been unemployed for four months of the year.
- Henry’s father was born in South Carolina.
- Henry’s mother was born in Virginia.
- Amanda and Henry were unable to read or write.
- Amanda’s father was born in South Carolina.
- Her mother was born in Washington, D.C.
- Amanda had given birth to 12 children.
- Nine were living.
- Sylvester Creal (21)
- Donie Creal (15)
- Luella Creal (11)
- Henry Creal (9)
- Vina Creal (7)
- Lessie Creal (1)
- The children could read and write.
Leaving Mississippi
1910
Henry and Amanda and their children are thought to have left Noxube, Mississippi, for Louisiana before settling in Arkansas.
According to the 1910 Census, Henry and Amanda:
- Amanda and Henry resided in Pennington, Bradley County, Arkansas.
- On Wanen Street and Kingsland Road with their children.
- They were renting a house.
- Henry was working as a farmer.
- Both Henry’s parents were born in South Carolina.
- Amanda’s father was born in the United States.
- Her mother was born in the District of Columbia.
- Amanda had 14 children and nine were living.
- Henry L Creel (18)
- Barney Creel (15)
- Lessie Creel (10)
In 1910, my grandfather Henry was the oldest child at home. But why didn’t Barney appear in the 1900 census? And what happened to Vina?
Donie and Mary Annice, two of Henry and Amanda’s daughters, lived next door with their families.
In addition, my Kilgore relatives resided next door. My grandparents, Henry Creal, Jr., and Lenoa Kilgore Creal, most likely met this way.
1920
My great-grandparents were definitely go-getters. According to the 1920 Census:
- Henry and Amanda once again owned their farm.
- Located in Pennington Township, Bradley County, Arkansas.
- Both Henry and Amanda’s parents were born in Mississippi.
- Barney was about 23 and lived on the farm with his parents.
- A boarder named Emles Ford, who was around 30 years old, also lived on their Farm.
- Both Barney and Emles worked as laborers at the Sawmill.
Henry and Amanda were deeply in love with each other and spent the majority of their time together.
1923
The passing of Henry “Pa” Creal/Creel occurred on November 5th, 1923. He was 83 years old and had been afflicted with pulmonary conditions for some time.
Henry was buried at St. Paul Cemetery in Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas. E.B. Barnes, Henry’s son-in-law, served as the informant on his death certificate.
His father was listed as Harrison Duckworth, and his birthplace was listed as Mississippi.
1924
On February 9, 1924, Amanda “Mandie” Creel passed. She was 66 years old and had pneumonia of the left lung. Amanda was laid to rest in Warren, Arkansas, in Bradley County. Her death certificate states:
- Race: White.
- The father of Amanda was Horace Johnson.
- He was born in Mississippi.
- Amanda’s mother’s name was unknown.
- But she was born in South Carolina.
- Mary Ann Annice, her daughter, was the informant.
Story To Be Continued
Conclusion
In conclusion, Henry and Amanda Creal/Creel, My Great-Grandparent’s story was inspired by my lack of information on my family history.
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 related to me? Do you know more about this story? Please leave a comment.
