Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Willie Mae Tennison - a Story of Enslavement in the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Indian Territory 1889
 Willie Mae Tennison was born 19 May 1928 in Atoka County, Oklahoma.  She is the daughter of Julius Tennison who was born 1907 in Oklahoma and Carrie Bell Jackson born 1904.  Willie Mae married Ludy Clayton, Jr, born 31 July 1929 in Atoka, Oklahoma and died 10 Sep 2014 in Julesburg, Colorado. He is the son of Ludy Clayton, Sr and Anna / Annie White.    Read more about Ludy Clayton's family.

Willie Mae and Ludy married on 18 June 1947 in Atoka, Oklahoma by H C Kilgore, Ordained Elder of the CME Church at the home of Mrs. Louis Jackson.  Witnesses were Mrs Pinny, Mr Louis Jackson and Mrs Ruth Jackson.  Louis and Ruth were Willie Mae's grandparents.

On 15 April 1950 they were in Colorado and counted in the US Census.
1950 Census   Julesburg, Sedgwick, CO
Dwelling 357
  all BLK
Crooms, Thomas  41 bOK Cleaner, Dry Cleaning
   Helen 38 bOK Housework for others     This is Ludy's sister
Anderson, Clinton 22 son in law bOK Section Hand RR
   Betty Jean 21 dau bOK
   Albert  3 bOK
Dwelling 358   all BLK
Clayton, Ludy 20 bOK Presser, Dry Cleaning
   Willie Mae  21 bOK

By May 1950 Willie Mae had filed for divorce from Ludy.  And on 21 Nov 1962 Willie Mae married Douglas Penny in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Parents of Willie Mae Tennison:

Carrie Bell Jackson, mother of Willie Mae Tennison, was born 22 Feb 1904 in Oklahoma and died 24 Aug 1995 in Atoka County, Oklahoma.  She is the daughter of Lewis Jackson and Palina Ruth JamesCarrie married Julius Tennison in 1924 and they had two children:  Willie Mae and Geneva Janet (1927-1977.)

Carrie was a member of the Choctaw Nation.   In 1906 she was enrolled as a Minor on the Choctaw Freedmen Roll.  Eligible as a child of Lewis Jackson, a non Citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and her mother Palina Ruth who was a member: Choctaw Freedman Roll Card #832.  Carrie's number: 374. Her application was received 25 July 1906.  Enrollment was approved by the US Secretary of the Interior on 28 Feb 1907.

Choctaw Nation Freedmen Roll Card for Carrie Jackson

1920 Census Bennington, Bryan OK
Dwelling 217
    about 25-30 miles S of Atoka
Jackson, Lewis S  60 bTX ParentsTX Farmer
   Ruthie  41 bOK ParentsOK       This is Palina "Ruth" James
   Laura 18 bOK
   Carrie 16 bOK in school
   Dovie 13 bOK
   Lucinda  11 bOK      [Lucanie]
   Roy 10  bOK
   Willie M 7 daughter bOK
   Leola  11mos bOK b1919
Littrell, B C  12bOK nephew
   Esther  4 bOK  niece

1924  Marriage of Carrie Bell Jackson and Julius Tennison

1927 Birth of Geneva Janet Tennison

1928 Birth of Willie Mae Tennison

1930 Census Tulsa, Tulsa OK
Dwelling 357  
  357 Kenosha Ave  Renting
Tennison, Julius  23 bOK 16 at 1st marriage Father bAL     Mother bTX  Janitor at Hotel
   Cassie B 22 bOK 15 at 1st marriage. Father bTX Mother bOK
   Geniva  6 bOK
[Willie Mae is not listed.  She was probably living with her grandparents and it should be noted her grandparents, Lewis and Ruth Jackson were witnesses at her wedding to Ludy Clayton and the wedding was in their home.]

1933 City Directory  Tulsa OK
Julius Tennison (wife Carrie B) dish washer at Mayo Hotel. Living at 1121 N Greenwood Ave.

Mayo Hotel 115 W 5th St, Tulsa OK built in 1925

1941 Canadian County, OK   Marriage License
Carrie Bell Jackson, 35, married Casey Laverne Thomas on 12 Nov 1941 by R H Curtis, Minister, Methodist Church of El Reno, Canadian County, Oklahoma.  Witnesses:  E Edwards of El Reno and Winnie Anderson of El Reno.

1950 Census Atoka, Atoka OK
Dwelling 145 
    Living South along Indian Street
Thomas, Casey L  40 bOK Shoe Shiner at Barber shop
   Carrie B  43
Sims, Patricia R  6 grand dau bOK

Carrie Bell Jackson Tennison Thomas died 24 Aug 1995 and is buried in Green Hill Cemetery in Atoka, Oklahoma.


Parents of Carrie Bell Jackson: 

Lewis Jackson was born 14 Jan 1853 in Texas and died 19 Feb 1948 in Atoka, Oklahoma. He married Palina "Ruth" James on 10 Dec 1893 in Atoka.  Ruth was born 10 Oct 1880 in Boswell, Choctaw County, Oklahoma.  Ruth was the daughter of Jackson James and Hannah Alberty.

In 1920 Lewis and Ruth were living in Bennington, Bryan County, Oklahoma.  See 1920 Census above. 

1930 Census  Atoka, Atoka, OK
Dwelling 313  
Rented   all BLK
Jackson, Ruth 
50 bOK  Parents bTX Laundress
   Esther  26 bOK  Laundress
   Henry  24 bOK  Laborer - odd jobs
  Rob/Roy  21 bOK  Laborer - odd jobs

1950 Census  Atoka, Atoka, OK
Dwelling 168
  Living on Ralls Addition    all BLK
Jackson, Ruth
69 b IndTerr OK  Unable to work  Widow
   Roy A  34 bOK  Divorced Truckdriver for Feed& See Co
   Quinate  13  bOK Granddaughter
Brown, Charley  7 bOK Great Nephew
James, T Denit  67 b Ind Terr  Brother Widowed    Brother of Ruth

Lewis Jackson died 19 Feb 1948 and Ruth James Jackson died 28 Nov 1962. They are both buried in Green Hill Cemetery in Atoka, Oklahoma.

Children of Lewis Jackson and Palina/Ruth James
 All enrolled in Chocktaw Nation Freedmen:

  • Earnest Jackson was born 4 Feb 1898 Choctaw Nation
  • Laura Jackson was born 10 Jul 1901 Carter County OK and died 5 Apr 1990 in Tulsa, OK.  She married Monroe Ford. they had at least three children:  Wilma 1921-2004, Versie Sr 1923-1997, and Ruth Ella 1925-2016.
  • Carrie Bell Jackson was born 22 Feb 1904 and died 24 Aug 1995 in Atoka County, OK. She married 12st Julius Tennison and had two children: Geneva Janet 1927-2014 and Willie Mae 1928-1976.  Carried married 2nd Casey Thomas.  Carrie is buried in Green Hill Cemetery in Atoka, OK.
  • Dovie Jackson was born 14 Nov 1907 in Boswell, OK and died 14 Jan 1989 in Tulsa County, OK.  She married Booker T Randolph and had two children: Eddie 1925-2003 and George 1930. Dovie married 2nd Albert Thompson.  Dovie is buried in Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK.
  • Lucinda Jackson was born about 1909. She married James Vinson
  • Roy Franklin Jackson was born 14 Mar1910 and died 4 May 1991 in Atoka, OK.  He married Billy Ann Myles.., They had at least 4 children:  Elnolra 1953--1998, Helen 1855-2014, Janie 1958-2015, and Willie 1961-1994
  • Willie May Jackson was born about 1913 OK. She married Henry Croom
  • Leola Jackson was born about 1920 in OK


Parents of Palina Ruth James:

Jackson James was born 1843 enslaved by Catherine James.  His father S Fields, born 1820, was enslaved by Billy Fields.  His mother Lucy James was enslaved by Ben James.

Hannah Alberty was born 1844 enslaved by Dr. T J Bond.  Her father Frank McCoy was enslaved by Daniel McCoy.  Her mother Silva was enslaved by John Alberty.

1885  Choctaw Census Ind Terr OK
949 Jackson James  -  Enslaver: Catherine James
   950 Hannah James  -  Enslaver: Dr T J Bond
   951  Louisie James
2 M children, 5 F children, 4 children under 10, 3 children 10-18, 2 persons 18-50
Parents nationality: Black
5 acres, 3 cattle, 2 horses/mules, 12 hogs,

1896 Choctaw Census -Oklahoma and Indian Terr Censuses   Jackson County
James, Jackson 
53
   Hannah  51
   Silvie  23  1873
   *Selina/Palina  18  1878    This is Ruth, Carrie Jackson's mother
   Lucinda  14  1882
   Tolliphas  16  1880
   Joe Anna  12  1884
   Daniel  8  1888
   Guy  6  1890
   Willy  4  1892
   Jimmie  2  1894

1899 29 Aug Enrollment Application - Choctaw Freedmen - Muskogee, Indian Territory
Census Card 989  Atoka, OK.  Jackson James says "I am 55 years old and belonged to Catherine James, a Choctaw.  My wife used to belong to Mrs. Robb (Dr T J Bond)

1902  Native American Enrollment Card  -  Choctaw Freedmen
25 Sep 1902
Jackson James was b about 1844  and 58 at enrollment.
Census Card #989  (Whole family on this card #)
James, Jackson  58
   Hannah  57
   Telephus  22
   Lucinda  20
   Luanna  18
   Daniel  17
   Guy  14
   Willie 12
   Jimmie  8
   Sylva  29

Note:  Palina "Ruth" has already married Lewis Jackson and is not living in her parent's home. She is on her own card with her husband and children.

1903 8 Apr Native American and Freedmen Census - Choctaw     Oklahoma
2088 Jackson James age 58 b1845
2089 Hannah  57
2090 Telephus 22
2091 Lucinda 20
2092 Luanna 18
2093 Daniel 17
2094 Guy  14
2095 Willie 12
2096 Jimmie  8
2097 Sylva  29

Children of Jackson James and Hannah Alberty - All born in Indian Territory and all enrolled in Chocktaw Nation on Freedmen Roll

  • Sylva "Sylvia" James was born 1873
  • Telephus Davit James was born 25 Mar 1879 and married Annie [born 1876. Father born MS; mother born TX]
  • Palina Ruth James was born 10 Oct 1880 and died 28 Nov 1962 Atoka County, OK. She married Lewis Jackson.
  • Lucinda James was born 1882
  • Luanna James was born 1884
  • Daniel James was born1887.
  • Guy James was born 1889
  • William "Willy" James was born 1891
  • James "Jimmie" James was born1893

Parents of Hannah Alberty:

Silvy Alberty was born about 1820 and died before 1905 in Indian Territory, Oklahoma.  She married Frank McCoy.  Silvy was the daughter of Dollie McCoy.  She was enslaved by John Alberty, Cherokee.  Her husband Frank McCoy was enslaved by Daniel McCoy.

Known Children of Silvy Alberty and Frank McCoy:

Hannah Alberty
born 1844. She married Jackson James and was enslaved by Dr Thomas J Bond. 

Julia "Judy" Alberty was born about 1851 in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, OK.  She married Samuel "Sam" Webber.  Judy was enslaved by John Alberty and she is on the Choctaw Freedmen Roll.  Sam is the son of Betsy Webber and his (and his mother's) enslaver Robert Webber.  Sam is on the Cherokee Freedmen Roll. Judy and Sam's known children: Mary Jane 1877-1909, Rosella 1878, Frank 1880, Johnson 1885. George 1890 and Alice born 1896. 

Johnson "John" McCoy was born about 1861 and died after 1905. He was enslaved by John Alberty and is on the Cherokee Freedmen Roll.

The Enslavers:

Dr Thomas J Bond - Enslaver of Hannah Alberty James
Dr Thomas J Bond was born 16 June 1829 Marengo County, AL and died 31 Mar 1878 Atoka, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory.  He married Czarina Folsom 1833-1906 Choctaw by Blood
1840 Census Mobile, AL
2 Slaves
1860 Slave Schedule  Choctaw Nation Indian Territory
2 Slaves: M 18, M 16   Note: other of his enslaved may be with his wife.

William "Billy" Fields - Enslaver of S Fields, father of Jackson James
1860 Slave Schedule    Choctaw Nation, Ind Lands
William Fields 
     2 Slaves:  M 45, F 40

John Alberty - Enslaver of Silva Alberty, mother of Hannah Alberty
John Alberty, Cherokee, was born 18 July 1793 in Surry County, North Carolina and died 4 Apr 1873 in Goingsnake District, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma    On 11 Oct 1829 enslaver John Alberty and 5 family members and five enslaved left  Hightower, Georgia to move West. In July of that year Moses Alberty s/o John d 1872 and 9 persons and 25 enslaved enrolled from Hightower. Settled in the Piney area.  
Alberty Cemetery located on John's homestead. Westville, OK. The area used to be called Bethel.
Note: It is possible Silva and other members of her family were among those who left Georgia with the Albertys to go to Oklahoma. This would be in the early days of the Trail of Tears.

1860 Slave Schedule    Indian Lands
Alberty, John    8 Slaves, 2 Slave Dwellings:
  M 40 Mulatto, F 33, F 17, F 14, F 10, M 9, F 7.Mulatto, F 1mo Mulatto
Living with Albertys on both sides:
Moses Alberty, 
9 Slaves; 2 Slave Dwellings: F 28, M 25, M 13, M 13, M 10, F 10, M 8, F 6, F 1
Jack Alberty,
3 Slaves; 1 Slave Dwelling:  F 17, m 12, m 1 Mulatto.
Neal Alberty,
1 Slave; 1 Slave Dwelling:  F 27

 

And now back to the Tennisons.

Maudie Hill, mother of Julius Tennison who married Carrie Bell Jackson, was born 1 Jan 1892 in Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma and died 13 Oct 1953 in Tulare, California. She is the daughter of Richard Hill and Ida Moffet.   And the mother-in-law of Carrie Jackson, mother of Willie Mae Tennison 

In May 1940 Maudie applied for Social Security and stated her father was Richard Hill and her mother was Ida.   In 1953 when Maudie died, the California Death Index states her father's surname was Hill and her mother's maiden name was Moffett.

Maudie Hill's parents:

Richard Hill was born 1857 in Texas. He is the son of Anna/Annie Hill who was born 1833 in Tennessee.  Annie had another son, John Hill who was born 1858 also in Texas. Their father is still unknown. In 1880 Annie married Green White in Collin County, Texas.  Green White was born March 1834 in Tennessee.

1880 Census Precinct 6 Hunt County TX  -  14 & 15 July 1880 Supplemental List
Dwelling 375     all BLK
White, Green  46 bTN Parents bTN Farmer
   Anna 47 wife bTN Parents bTN       Richard's mother
   Henry  8 son bTX  1872
   Ripley  6 son bTX  1874
   Miles  5 son bTX  1875
Hill, Richard  23 stepson b1857 TX  bTN Laborer Parents bTN
   Violet  17 stepdau bTX Laborer  Parents bTN
   John 22 stepson bTX Laborer  Parents bTN

Note:  I have not figured out Richard's father. There are several men named Richard Hill in this area. One possibility was a member of the Creek Nation and on the Freedmen Roll.  As I discover more I'll update this post. 

Maudie married three times. First to unknown Tennison, second to Willie Kimble and third to Dave Freeman.  Note: So far I have no found no trace of _?_Tennison, the husband of Maudie and  father of Julius.

Maudie Hill and Willie Kimble Marriage License

13 Jan 1909 Maudie married William "Willie" Kimble. They were married by Rev Reuben Reader, Gospel Christian minister of Atoka, Oklahoma. Witnesses were Robinson of Atoka and Mattise Pitchly of Atoka.

Willie Kimble was born 11 Feb 1891 in Davis, Oklahoma.  He is the son of Richard Kimble and Minnie Lamey.  Richard and Minnie were married 18 Nov 1890 by Isaac Daniel, ordained minister. Witnesses:  Douglas Colbert, William Lamey, Dave Franklin.  Minnie died 8 Feb 1901.

1898 Application to Chickasaw Nation - Information given
Minnie Lamey is the daughter of Rose Lamey who was enslaved by Thompson Pickens.
She was approved as a member of the Chickasaw Nation and is on the Freedmen Roll.
Her children William Kimble and Letha Kimble are also members.

1900 Census  Township 1, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory
Dwelling 254 
Fam 526   all BLK
Kimble, Richard 45 [illegible] married 9 yrs
   Minnie 33 b Ind Terr    Parents b Ind Terr
   William  8 b Feb Indian Terr OK   This is Willie who married Maudie Hill
   Letha  1 b June 1898 Ind Terr
Lamey, Albert 12  bro in law  b Ind Terr
Leadlard, Jeff 14 grandson
   Binnie  18 grand dau
Marrey, Joseph  45  nephew  bMS   Father bTN Mother b New Orleans, LA
Smith, Lindsey  27  Lodger  bMS Parents bTN 

1910 Census  Allen, Murray Co OK
Dwelling 101  
all BLK
Kimbell (Kimble), William  19 b1891 OK Laborer  Married 2yrs  Parents bOK
   Maud 19  bOK Parents bTX  1child born/1 living
   Julius  2 bOK Parents bOK

Dwelling 105 is the Green White family   [with Annie mother of Richard Hill]

By 1920 Maudie and William have divorced and William has remarried.

1920 Census  Muskogee Ward 4, Muskogee OK
Dwelling 59
    Altamont St     all BLK
Kimble, William  29 b1891 OK  Public Laborer
Durell  21  wife bTX  Parents bTX

1920 Census Everidge, Choctaw, OK
Dwelling 341
   all BLK
Freeman, James  49 Parents bOK Farmer    James is brother of Dave Freeman, Maudie's next husband
   Lula 32 bOK ParentsOK
   Oretha  3  Niece bOK Mulatto, Father OK Mother TX
Hill Maud  26 Boarder Single bOK ParentsTX

By 1930 Maudie and Dave were married and living in Kansas City.  David L "Dave" Freeman was born 1 Apr 1877 in Dokesville, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory and died 8 June 1947 in Los Angeles County, California.  He is the son of Edward "Ned" Freeman and Cynthia Hendricks. Ned was born about 1840 in the Choctaw Nation and is on the Choctaw Freedmen Roll.  Cynthia was born about 1836 in Alabama or Kentucky and died 13 Nov 1932 in Dallas, Texas. She is the daughter of Alex Simmons a Choctaw Non Cit and Patsy Simmons who is on the Choctaw Freedmen Roll.  

Ned Freeman was enslaved by Henry Folsum.  Cynthia Hendricks was enslaved by Michael Le Flor.  In the 1960 Slave Schedule for the Choctaw Lands in Indian Territory Henry Folsom, with 50 enslaved, is living next door to M LeFlor.  Ned and Cynthia had five known children:  Ed 1867, Jim 1869-1913, Will 1874-1959, George 1876-1959 and Dave 1877-1947.  All of the children on are members of the Choctaw Nation and on the Freedmen Roll.  At least two of them were granted land in Atoka Indian Territory in 1904.

1930 Census Kansas City, Jackson, MO
Dwelling 116
   renting 3624 Oakley Ave    all BLK
Freeman, Dave  44  bOK 20 at 1st marriage  Did not attend school  Laborer doing odd jobs
   Maudie  36 bOK 18 at 1st marriage. Did not attend school. Parents bTX  Laundress for private family
   Della  19 bOK Maid for private family    Dave's daughter
   Curtis  17 bOK     Dave's son  
   William  15 bOK     Dave's son

Dwelling 200     renting 5416 E 35th St     all BLK
Freeman, James  54    21 at 1st marriage bOK      Dave's brother
   Lula 38 wife   29 at 1st marriage   bOK
   Oretha 13 Adopted Daughter  bOK father bOK

1930 City Directory  Kansas City, MO
Maudie Freeman
3624 Oakley Ave. Spouse: David Freeman who is a driver.  Dave's daughter Della Freeman living here, too, and working as a maid

1933 City Directory  Kansas City, MO
Maudie Freeman
3624 Oakley. Spouse David L Freeman.  Dave us a taxi driver

1934 City Directory  Kansas City, MO
Maudie Freeman
3634 Oakley. Spouse David L Freeman

1935 City Directory  Kansas City, MO
Maudie Freeman
3624 Oakley Ave. Spouse: David L Freeman. Dave is a Laborer. His son Curtis is living here and working as Helper at Baltimore Ave Tavern

Maudie's son, Julius Tennison, married 2nd Katherine Cheadle about 1937.  She was born 18 July 1920 at Tishomingo, Oklahoma and died 28 Oct 2003 in Fresno, California.  She was the daughter of William "Bill" Cheadle (b 1882) and Maggie "Otie" Lewis (b 1881.)  Bill was the son of Hence Cheadle and Mary Kemp. Hence was enslaved by Jim Cheadle.  Mary is the daughter of John and Frances Kemp and is a member of the Chickasaw Nation, on their Freedmen Roll and was enslaved by Jimmie Kemp. Her parents were enslaved by Jackson Kemp.

Julius and Katherine had  seven children:  Edward Lenard 1939-1994, Katie 1940-2014, Julius 1942, Pearlen 1945, Cynthia 1948 and Lonnie 1950.

1940 Census Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Dwelling 
       2103 E 114th
Freeman, Dave L  61  BOK  He was the respondent for the census.
   Mandie 44 bOK
Allen, Oreather 23 Daughter Married bOK     Daughter of Dave
   Wilder 7  grandson of Dave bKCMO
   Otha  5   grandson bKCMO
   Evelyn  3  grandau bKCMO
Tennyson, Julius  32 adopted son of Dave bOK     The Census says "adopted son"
   Katherine 22  Daughter in Law  bOK parents bOK    Maiden name Cheadle
   Maude E 2  grand dau bMO
   Edward 8mos  grandson bCA
Freeman, James 70 brother bOK Married     Brother of Dave
   Lula  50 James' wife bOK

1940 Census  Compton, Los Angeles, CA
Dwelling
    11817 Parmalee Ave
Allen, Oretha 22 bOK Married    Maid at Motel     Daughter of Dave
   Wilder Jr  6 bOK
   Otha R  5  bMO
   Evelyn J  3  bMO
Freeman, James  71 bOK  Uncle     Brother of Dave
   Lula  65 bOK   Aunt

16 Oct 1940 Los Angeles, CA
Draft Reg Card for Julius Tennison

Living at 11821 Parmele Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Born 14 Oct 1907 at Atoka, OK.  33 yrs old in 1942.
5'5"  148 lbs Brown eyes, black hair, dark brown complexion.  No scars.
Self employed:  Hauling and Gardening
Contact person: Mrs Mollie Freeman, mother, same address.

26 Apr 1942 Los Angeles CA
Draft Registration Card for Dave Lee Freemon

Living at 11817 Parmelee, LA CA
Born 1 Apr 1877 at Fort Towson, OK.  65 yrs old in 1942.
Self employed  5'5" 185 lbs Brown eyes, gray hair,  dark brown complexion. Burn scar on chin
Contact person Maudie Freemon

1942 Voter Reg  Los Angeles CA
Julius Tennison
at 11817 Parmelee Ave LACA
Republican. Occupation: Laborer

1948  Tulare County, CA   Jail Register
Julius Tennison was arrested 6 May 1948 for Public Intoxication. Arresting officer: Bruning.

1950 Census Alila, Tulare, CA
Dwelling 204
    E of 99 Hwy between Rd 10-11 
Tennison, Julius 42 bOK  Unable to work   First husband of Carrie Jackson, father of Willie Mae
   Katherine  30  bOK     Maiden name Cheadle   Died 2003
   Edward  11  bCA      Died 1994
   Katie  9 bCA     Died 2014
   Julius 8  bCA    
   Pearline  5  bCA
   Cynthia  2  bCA     Died 2010
   Lonnie bCA Mar 1850      Died 1954
Freeman, Maudie  57 bOK Widow Mother of Julius

Maudie Hill Tennison Kimble Freeman died 13 Oct 1953 in Tulare County, California.

Julius Tennison died 2 Nov 1977 in Kern County, California

Obituary of Julius Tennison, Sr

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