Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Almost Wordless Wednesday
Amanda Miller Bell
of the Free Woods
circa 1863

Amanda Miller Bell born about 1827
Baby Mary Elizabeth Bell born about 1862

Amanda was a member of the Free Woods, Franklin County, MS, "an isolated farming community where people of three races are said to have intermarried and abolished slavery well before the Civil War."

Free Woods: 19th Century Community Unique in Area

Amanda is distantly related to Cousin Bettie McDaniel Neal.
Photograph courtesy of Anthony Neal, Sr.

15 comments:

Kristin said...

Interesting. She resembles my husbands grandmother who was from Mer Rouge, LA.

dmms said...

So, I wonder if she was related to the James Miller Family of Gillsburg? James owned a huge plantation on the Tickfaw; his son, James Wyly, owned land in NW Amite County on the Homochitto. JW, Jr., started Freewoods with his Choctaw wife; it was continued by his daughter Clorie. I wonder how "Amanda" was related to them?

Maria said...

I am the 3rd ggrandaughter of Chloe"Clorie" Miller. Amanda Miller was the daughter of Marcus L. Miller and Mary Gibson. He was the son of John Wyly Miller and we think,Mary Ann Smith or Mary Wear. Chloe's father's name was John Wyly Miller. The land John owned is called Freewoods. gibson46@msn.com

Unknown said...

My Grandfather was from Freewoods.I was searching for info on the area. Would love to take my mom back there to see it. She hasn't been there since a little girl. I'm the grandson of Benjamin James Havard.

Unknown said...

Hi not sure what generation I would be. But I just want to reach out to say hello.

Unknown said...

Hi, I'm the 5th ggranddaughter of Chloe " Clorie" Miller. I was just on the internet listening to a story about Tom Havard of Freewoods Ms. - he certainly must be related to you. If you have not listened to the audio version of Free Woods: 19th Century community unique in area - do do right away. Marshall Miller, who told the story to the reporter is my cousin. I had the pleasure of meeting him before his passing. I also had the pleasure of speaking with his widow the other day and I'm friends with his son. What a rich history we share. There are interesting things currently going on in Free Woods - I you or other Free Woods relations would like to reach out PLEASE DO - at ARmcclinton@comcast.net

Ds89rj said...

I have ancestors that lived there around that time. The family name was "Mingo".

Ds89rj said...

I have ancestors that lived there around that time. The family name was "Mingo".

Maria said...

Hello Cousin,
Can you tell me what your mothers name is and if she is from one of the othe 7 families? gibson46@msn.com

Maria said...

Hi Ds89rj,
Do you have any stories about the family you can pass on?

Maria said...

Hi dmms,
There is a correction to your post. It was John Wyly Miller that started Freewoods and deeded the land to his daughter Chloe. The most recent information is that Chloe's mother was Cherokee and she died on the way to Franklin County. Amanda Miller was the daughter of John's son Marcus and his wife Mary Gibson who was Choctow. Chloe was Amanda's aunt.

Unknown said...

I'm a 3rd generation Miller. I would LOVE to be able to get information from you if possible.

Maria said...

Hello Unknown,
How or who are you related to the Miller's family? I can give more information if I have specifics.

Unknown said...

Hello family I am a decendant of Willie Gibson(grandfather).Dana Gibson would have been my great uncle ( Gloster, MS)
Sarah Gibson noted to Detroit MI would have been my great aunt. I reside in Natchez MS. Cousin Glorasteen and her son was the last on the land before she died.

Carter said...

I was told I have relative from Free Woods