Perry County MS

North America Indian Names of Places in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana

The post examines the significance and origins of North American Indian place names in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana, particularly those derived from the Choctaw and Chickasaw languages. It highlights how these names reflect the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Native American tribes, while noting that many translations have become corrupted over time. The text provides numerous examples of place names alongside their original meanings, illustrating the deep historical connections embedded in the geography of the region.

Slave Narrative of Hamp Kennedy

Hamp Kennedy, a 78-year-old former slave from Mississippi, shares his vivid memories of life before and during the Civil War. He recounts experiences of Yankee soldiers raiding their plantation, the struggle for survival, and the community’s cultural practices, such as candy pullings and wakes. Despite not being able to read or write, Kennedy emphasizes the rich oral traditions and the resilience of enslaved people. He describes hardships faced after the war and reflects on how times have changed, highlighting a sense of nostalgia for the past.

Biography of James Dodwell

James Dodwell, a notable harnessmaker from Butler County, Kansas, overcame a challenging childhood as an orphan to achieve success. Born in New York City in 1845, he enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War at sixteen, serving as a drummer boy and later in artillery, where he experienced significant hardship. After the war, he apprenticed as a harnessmaker, eventually moving to El Dorado in 1871. Despite early struggles, he became a cornerstone of the local business community, earning lasting respect and recognition.