Bridgforth Family Tree
A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together.
Martha Steward
1826 - December 12, 1910
Martha was born in an institution as an enslaved human in 1826. She is as far back as we have been able to trace the Black roots that preceded the Henry Bridgforth, Sr., lineage. Martha was the mother of: Henry Bridgforth, Sr. (1845-1943); Jennie Mae Bridgforth-Richardson (1851-1888); Isabella Bridgforth-Taylor (1856-1955); Marion Steward (exact dates unknown 1866 - ?); The father of her children was David or Davis Bridgforth, who is listed on Isabella’s death certificate.
Martha was born on a farm in Northern Alabama. The Bridgforth family was very, very wealthy, and had farms in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Martha was brought to DeSoto County, 1880 Plumb Point County, Mississippi and lived on the Bridgforth farm until slavery ended in 1865 with the father of her children. After slavery, Martha and her son Marion are said to have joined the Smith family and moved to be near Henry, Sr. The 1870 census lists Martha as a widow. The 1873 records show Martha purchasing 40 acres of land on Goodman Road where she lived with her son for the next 10 years. For a former enslaved female to purchase land was extremely remarkable at this time. The 1880 Census lists her residence as 1880 Plumb Point, DeSoto County, Mississippi.
The 1890 census was destroyed by fire, thus, a lot of history was lost forever. In 1900, at the age of 75, she lived with her son Henry, Sr. and his family., and in 1910, with her grandson, Henry, Jr. Martha Steward was an outstanding example for her children. She taught them how to survive the struggles and hardships of slavery. She instilled in her four children the importance of owning land and keeping the family together. The Bridgforths have owned land in DeSoto County since Emancipation. Some of Martha and Henry, Sr.'s descendants still occupy portions of this land.
Henry Bridgforth Sr.
Sister and nephew of Henry Sr., Isabella Bridgforth (left) & Charlie Taylor (right)
Henry Bridgforth, Sr. &
1845 - January 1, 1943
Ellie Townsend Bridgforth
March 1851 - June 2, 1915
Henry Bridgforth, Sr. was born into slavery in 1845, on the Bridgforth farm in DeSoto County, Mississippi. He was 20 years old when slavery ended. Henry is described as being “mulatto”/bi-racial, with a very fair-complexion, having straight hair and light-colored eyes. Little is known about the first 20 years of his life, but at the age of 18, he married Ellie Townsend. Ellie, also of mixed race, and enslaved, was born in March 1851.
Ellie Townsend and Henry Bridgforth, Sr. married on April 4, 1867 (see Appendix A). Ellie was born in Alabama and was sold at a very young age. According to the 1880 census, Ellie’s father’s birthplace is unknown, but later census notes that her parents’ birthplace was in Alabama, and Henry’s father’s birthplace was also in Alabama, which is probably where he “purchased” Martha Steward (Henry’s mother). After their marriage, they lived on Church Road near New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. where he owned approximately 200 acres of land located at Township 1, Range 7, Desoto Mississippi (1870, Census). It is at this location where they started their family. The 1880 census lists Henry as 33 years old, married to Ellie, 27, with their children: Mary, aged 12, Lewis, 10, Henry, Jr., 6, Anethra, 5, Martha, 4, and Drew, 4. Henry continued to farm and Ellie became a dedicated housewife and mother. Around 1889, after 22 years of marriage, they had a son named George.
The 1920 census shows that he owned approximately 200 (292) acres of land free of a mortgage. Henry was considered an outstanding citizen in the community of both Blacks and Whites. He was a serious, caring father and husband who provided more than adequately for his family's needs. He was an excellent role model and gave good advice to his children and grandchildren. He provided jobs for many, hiring them as farm hands to help harvest the crops. In addition to the jobs, he also loaned money to those less fortunate than himself. These stories are still being told today by the descendants of those Whites who were helped by "Uncle Henry". Even though he was Black, they were not allowed to address him as "Henry".
Henry was one of the founding members of New Hope M.B. Church. The land where New Hope M.B. Church is located, is on Church Rd. that was donated to the church and a school by the White Bridgforths in the community.
Ellie died on January 2, 1915. To this union, eight children were born, with seven children were born. After her death, Henry continued to live in the same house and continued to raise his children alone. Later, Henry, Sr., (74) married Callie Malone (28). The 1920 Census indicates that Ms. Callie, of mixed race, was born about 1892. She could read and write, and was not employed. They lived in the home-house (#319) until his death on January 1, 1943. He was 97 years old.
This document honors him and the other ancestors by spelling Bridgforth without the ""E". This is the original spelling used by Henry, Sr., and his family. The "E" was included in later generations to distinguish between Black and White Bridgforths.
Henry Bridgforth, Jr.
Susie Keaton Bridgforth
Stonewall, Sr. & Arilla Cross Bridgforth
Henry Bridgforth, Jr. &
March 22, 1874 - January 12,1945
Susie KeatonBridgforth
1879-1910
Henry Jr. was born on March 22, 1874, and was the 3rd child of Ellie and Henry, Sr. He married Susie Keaton, the daughter of one of his neighbors, on December 4, 1897. Like his brother Lewis, he and Susie started their family at an early age. The couple lived on Goodman Road and Tchulahoma, that was several miles from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. All of their children were born at this location. Henry was a farmer and carpenter by trade. In addition to being a deacon at New Hope, he was active in other fraternal organizations. Henry and several other gentlemen built many homes throughout the community. This trade was reflected and carried on by several of his sons. Henry, Jr., and Susie were described as a strong, family-oriented couple, who along with their children, were dedicated church attenders. They continued to live on Goodman Road until the death of Susie on June 25, 1928. For a while, Henry continued to raise his children alone. When his home was sold, he moved to Nesbit to live with his sister Neffie. There, he met his second wife, Easter Anderson, who was the stepdaughter of his brother Lewis.
Henry Jr. and
Easter Anderson Bridgforth
Henry Jr. and Easter Anderson were married on April 4, 1932 and moved to a home on Church Road. This site continued to belong to the Bridgforths for decades. Three children were born to this union – one died as a child. Easter died April 21, 1943 and Henry continued to live in their home. When Henry became too ill to live alone, he was taken to the home of his son, Don Henry until his death on January 12, 1945.
Stonewall Bridgforth, Sr.
February 17, 1901 - May 4, 1967
Stonewall Bridgforth, Sr. was the oldest son of Henry Jr. and Susie Keaton Bridgforth. When he was born on February 17, 1901, in Mississippi, his father, Henry, was 26 and his mother, Susie, was 22. As a child, he attended New Hope Day School and Church. While growing up on his parent’s farm, he learned to cook and care for his brothers and sister. He attended LeMoyne Institute and later married Arilla Cross. They raised seven sons and four daughters together.
Stonewall, Sr. also helped to raise several of his nephews when their mother died, and brought his niece to live with him while she was ill.
He was known as having a kind, gentle spirit and a man who never raised his voice. He was a loving, caring man, who often cooked and carried food to the sick and shut-in. Although he did not drive, he sent his car to provide transportation for those in need. Stonewall was known to walk miles in winter storms and in summer heat to get help for others. Several times, he donated blood to help save a life. He was such a gentle, soft-spoken man that even the highest of anxieties were calmed in his presence. He spoke calmly and firmly to his children. In 1941, he purchased 40 acres of land on Swinnea Rd. He had a house, a blacksmith shop, sorghum mill, and his market patches. In addition to this, he was a concrete finisher and helped his brother build houses. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Ideal Elementary School. Stonewall would read and write letters for friends and relatives throughout the community. He always tried to teach his children to love and care for each other. As they were growing up, he never whipped them, and never raised his voice towards them. They were not allowed to hit each other, nor speak rudely to one another. He helped his two youngest sons build houses on each side of his house, so they could be close to him. He wanted to make sure they always had a place to call home. He wanted his land to accommodate his children, grandchildren, and future generations. Through good times and bad times, he always put God first, family second. He was a selfless man, and his legacy of providing for his family and others will be remembered by his grandchildren and the following generations to come. A few years before his death, Stonewall had what people called “the shakes”- which would now probably be considered as Parkinson’s disease. Stonewall, Sr. passed away suddenly on May 4, 1967 in Southaven, Mississippi, at the age of 66 up the hill from his house by his barn.
Arilla Cross Bridgforth
September 26, 1898 - April 16, 1989
Arilla Cross was born on September 26, 1898, to Ed Cross, 27, Jennie, 28. She was the second daughter born to this union. She had an older sister, Lillian, and two younger sisters, Martha Jane and Angeline, who were born three years and five years later respectively. The 1910 census indicates that her mother Jennie gave birth to 5 children, but only 4 were living at the time. Jennie had four daughters with Ed Cross between 1898 and 1903. Ed Cross, of mixed race, was born in 1871 in Mississippi. When Arilla was one years old, her mother Jennie, and sisters Lillian and Martha Jane, lived with her grandparents, Daniel and Mary Doggett. According to the 1900 census, Daniel Doggett was a farmer, born in 1820 in Georgia. His parents were born in Virginia. Mary was born in March 1821 in Mississippi and married Daniel in 1937. They remained married for 63 years and Mary gave birth to nine (9) children. She could not read or write, but her daughter Jennie could (1930 Census). Mary was most likely the one listed on the U.S. Slave Schedule of R.E. Doggett as a Black female around the age of 35 (1860 Census). By the time she was 30, she was a widow with three beautiful daughters. Arilla had three sisters, Lillian, Martha Jane, and Angeline. The sisters were very gifted and used their talents to help serve their community. Arilla learned to play an instrument similar to the piano and organ. One of her favorite songs to hear was “Nearer, My God to Thee”.
Arilla married Stonewall, Sr. when she was 20 and he was 19. During the first 10 years, she gave birth to her first six children. In total, they had 11 children: Eddie, Ethel D., Frank Thomas, Susie, Stonewall, Jr., Obie, Glennie, Roynal Lawrence, Sam, Patricia, and Don Henry (D.H.),
seven sons and four daughters, spanning a time period from 1920 to 1940. The 1940 census listed her highest grade completed as the 6th grade. For years, Arilla was a mother midwife in the community. When tragedy struck her brother-in-law Gedie Bridgforth’s family, she and Stonewall stepped in to help. Gedie’s wife, Ruth McGowan Bridgforth had passed away and the youngest three boys, Mack, and twins Clayton and Clinton were all under the age of five. Arilla and Stonewall, Sr. raised the boys as their own. Unfortunately, tragedy struck again, when 3 year-old Clinton was kicked by a horse and died. Grandchildren tell of how Arilla would get up early to feed the chickens, cows, hogs, and other farm animals. She continued to live in the “new” home house she and Stonewall had built until her death on April 16, 1989 at the age of 90. Many times she would sit out on the porch with her animals, including her dog, named Boy, walk around barefoot, and recall memories of when her husband was alive and how they raised their children.
The Stonewall & Arilla Family
Left to Right: Eddie Harris, Ethel D, Frank Thomas, Susie, Stonewall Jr., Obie, Glennie, Roynal Lawrence, Sam, Patricia, and Don Henry. Sitting: Stonewall, Sr. & Arilla
Eddie Harris Bridgforth
April 7, 1920 - July 4, 2015
Eddie Harris was the first-born child of Stonewall, Sr. and Arilla Cross Bridgforth. He was born on April 7, 1920 in Plum Point Mississippi which is now Southaven, Mississippi. Eddie attended school in Horn Lake, Mississippi until he enlisted into the military. He served in World War II as a Technician Fourth Grade for Company Air Base Security Battalion #34422718 for almost 3 years. He loved traveling the world and would often share his war stories. After his military service years, he was employed with Memphis Light, Gas, & Water, starting as a pole setter, for 26 years until he retired. Eddie married Gertrude Guy on May 12, 1946 and bought their first house at 2603 Supreme in Memphis. They remained married for 69 years. They fostered and adopted three boys: Willie A. Robinson, Guy Herman Bridgforth, and Perry Bond. Eddie passed away on July 4, 2015 at the age of 95.
Ethel Dee Bridgforth Shannon
April 7, 1920 - July 4, 2015
Ethel Dee Bridgforth Shannon was the oldest girl born to Stonewall, Sr. and Arilla on May 30, 1921 in Horn Lake, Mississippi. She attended school and completed the 7th grade. When she was in her 20’s, she moved to Memphis and lived with her brother Eddie Harris. She worked an average of 60+ hours a week as a waitress in a cafeteria (1950 Census).
In her mid-1950s, she moved to Chicago, Il and lived there until she retired. Later in life, she returned to the home house on Swinnea Rd with her mother Arilla. After getting resettled in the south, she moved to Memphis and lived there on Frisco Rd, near Airways Blvd. until she became ill.
While she was in the hospital, the tragic news was told to her that one of her younger brothers, Obie was killed in a car accident. She never recovered from the news of Obie’s death, and passed away two days later on October 5, 1992. The remaining family members were devastated at having two of their siblings pass away within days of each other. Instead of having separate funerals, the big sister and younger brother were funeralized and buried at the same services.
Frank Thomas Bridgforth, Sr.
March 8, 1923 - May 17, 2006
Frank Thomas Bridgforth, Sr. was born on March 8, 1923 and the second son to Stonewall and Arilla.. He was affectionately called and well known by his middle name, Thomas. He worked on the family farm picking cotton and taking care of the animals. He lived with his parents until he was drafted in the US Army and served in World War II.
After he was honorably discharged, he returned home and married Idella Guy on January 13, 1948. Thomas was always an impeccable dresser and knew he looked good in his tailored clothes.
Susie Bridgforth Saulsberry
August 19, 1924 - April 28, 2013
She was born August 19, 1924 to Arilla and Stonewall and was the fourth child in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Susie accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years. She later joined and was a faithful member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She retired from Summit County Children's Board in 1986 after 22 years of service. She was a member of Joy Park Joyful Seniors, E.A.C.H. Theater Group, past president of Fuller Street Block Club, and very active with Big God Big Praise. Susie loved cooking and making sure whoever was in her home felt welcomed. Cleanliness was so important to her that she would wipe, dust, mop and clean the house on such a regular basis, that her house was never unkept. Susie married Columbus Saulsberry and had three sons, Johnny Lee, Thurman, and Columbus, Jr. who all died in their infancy. Columbus found out he could make more money in the north, so he moved his family to Akron, OH. and there they remained until his death. Susie worked for the Summit County Children’s Board for 22 years before retiring. Her life in Akron was full of service to her church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 50 years and her community. During her last years, she joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church as it was closer to her home.
Stonewall Bridgforth, Jr.
September 9, 1926 - February 3, 2016
Stonewall Bridgforth, Jr. was born September 9, 1926 in Plum Point, DeSoto Mississippi. He is the fifth child of Stonewall and Arilla Cross Bridgforth. Stonewall demonstrated the meaning of commitment and the importance of follow through in his personal and professional activities. He worked at the Memphis Plant of the Sealy Factory for 10 years and the DuPont Company, where he retired as Machine Operator shift foreman for 27 years. He was never late or absent from these two companies. Stonewall continued in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps in serving faithfully at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He was the longest serving deacon and served as a church trustee.
He was actually baptized at Brown Baptist, but joined New Hope Baptist (in 1938) where many of his family were already serving. Stonewall embodied the spirit of service by serving in a plethora of capacities at New Hope and his community. He often cut the lawn before Sunday service, prepared and cleaned the baptismal pool, and…
Obie Bridgforth
December 15, 1928 - September 30, 1992
Obie Bridgforth was born December 15, 1928. He grew up farming with his father Stonewall. When he was 18 years old, he signed his draft registration card in Horn Lake, Mississippi. He grew up and married Geraldine and worked at a lab, Jones & Laughlin. They purchased a home at 901 E. Person Ave. in Castalia. There, they raised 5 children.
Glennie Bridgforth Clark
January 12, 1931 - Living
Glennie Bridgforth Clark is the seventh child of Stonewall and Arilla. She grew up in a loving home, filled with fun and laughter with her brothers and sisters. Glennie attended Bob White School and finished with an 8th grade education. She later went back to school to finish her high school education as she felt strongly that education was important. In her early years, Glennie was a homemaker, sewing and making dresses for her nieces and cousins. She was known as a great cook and baker and would often make homemade dressing, coconut cakes, German chocolate cakes, and homemade rolls. When she became a single mother raising her four children, she sold World Book Encyclopedia books to help her children have access to a better education. After raising her children, she opened up a Clark’s Florist and made flower designs for weddings, and other special occasions. She always focused on education.
Roynal Lawrence Bridgforth
November 30, 1933 - June 5, 1994
Roynal Lawrence Bridgforth, known as “Lawrence” is the eighth of 11 children of Arilla and Stonewall. He was born on November 30, 1933. Lawrence, like his siblings, studied the Bible, went to Sunday School on Sundays and attended church at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Lawrence worked as a truck driver at the Carriers Ready Mixed Concrete Company for 22 years. Lawrence instilled in all of children to study and do well in life. He would often tell them, “Don’t be no dummy!” He was a whiz at mathematics and calculations came very easy for him to do.
Sam Bridgforth, Sr.
February 16, 1936 - September 16, 1983
Sam Bridgforth, Sr. was born February 16, 1936 in Mississippi and was the ninth child. Sam married Kate. His children are: Janice, Samuel, Devern, Carl and Calvin. Like his siblings, Sam studied his Bible lesson and grew his knowledge of the scriptures. He and his family lived in Columbus, Ohio for many years.
Patricia Ann Bridgforth Covington
February 26, 1939 - September 7, 2007
The youngest daughter of Sonewall & Arilla, Patricia "Nobbie" Bridgforth Covington was born on February 26, 1939. "Nobbie," as she was affectionately called, worked at the Memphis Furniture Company for many years. She had an infectious and boisterous laugh and enjoyed being around family.
Her children are Cornell, Bernard, and April.
Don Henry Bridgforth
May 5, 1940 - October 3, 2010
Don Henry Bridgforth was the 11th child and was affectionately called “D.H.” D.H. was born on May 5, 1940 and named after one of Stonewall’s brothers. Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, D.H. had a firm belief in God and studied the Word faithfully. Like his brother Sam, he could recite scriptures and expound on them with no hesitation.
His adult life included working at Don Russell Bubble Gum Factory Southern Fabricated Steel Company. He loved his family and encouraged family to get together often on the land he was given by his parents. He often walked for miles to visit family members in Mississippi and Memphis, Tn.
To this he leaves a great legacy of love with his children: Ervin, Marilynn, Alonzo, Manuel, Nathan, Esther; Grandchildren: Latasha Bridgeforth Richard, Bobby Bridgeforth, Vivan Orr, Don Davis, Laquisha Davis; Great Grandchildren: Jaylin Zinimon, Laniah Mabry, Je’Bobbieon Mabry, Nevaeh Bridgeforth, Amir Jones; Great Great Grandchildren: Xay Warren, Omay Warren, Promise Zinimon, Aaleha Patterson, and Elayis Taylor.
Mack Bridgforth
September 1948 -
Clayton Bridgforth
Clayton Bridgforth
Clinton and Clayton Bridgforth
February 15, 1950 - February 18, 2021
Clayton and Clinton Bridgforth, twins, were born in Southaven, Mississippi on February 15, 1950. They were the eigth and ninth children of 10 born to Gedie and Ruth McGowan Bridgforth. Because they lived with Arilla and Stonewall after their mother Ruth passed away, are included in the family photos, and called Arilla “Momma”, we thought it proper and respectful to include them, as by all accounts, they were loved as sons. Clinton lived life to the fullest in his three years on this earth. The photo on the far left is one of the very few photos of Clinton, who died after being kicked by a horse at the age of 3. His brother Clayton would often reminisce about how they played together, and how he missed his twin. (Twins usually have a strong bond and connection with each other, even after a twin passes away.) Clayton would often say that he still would feel Clinton’s spirit even though it had been years since Clinton had passed. Clayton Bridgforth, Sr. …
The Stonewall & Arilla Family
Standing: Eddie, Ethel, Frank Thomas, Susie, Stonewall, Jr., Obie, Glennie, Roynal Lawrence, Sam, Patricia (Nobby), Don Henry (D.H.)
Seated: Stonewall, Sr. and Arilla
Children (l to r): Mack, Clayton,(Far left), Shirley (Standing), Joseph (on Stonewall's lap), Wimpsey, Carolyn Faye (far right)