Parris Adams (1816-1902)
3rd Great-Grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers
Vickers / Merriwether / Washington / Turner
Family History
The Vickers family (left to right): Benjamin, Adrienne, Lydia, Janice, Lauren, and Dr. Selwyn Vickers
This website stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Dr. Selwyn Vickers and Mrs. Janice Washington Vickers. With their passionate commitment to preserving our family’s rich history, they have both envisioned and financially supported the creation of this platform. Their generous efforts ensure that our family’s legacy is not only celebrated but also sustained for future generations.
Here, you can explore the depths of our lineage, from fascinating tales and cherished memories to significant milestones. Our interactive website and detailed records invite you to delve into the lives and legacies of our ancestors, revealing how their journeys have shaped our present.
We encourage you to contribute your own stories, photos, and documents, helping to keep our family history vibrant and accurate. Please join us in preserving our heritage for years to come.
Vickers / Merriwether / Washington / Turner
Family Tree
Welcome to the Vickers / Merriwether / Washington / Turner Family Tree! Whether you're a direct descendant, a distant relative, or a genealogy enthusiast, we invite you to explore our collective story, filled with fascinating tales, cherished memories, and significant milestones. Dive into the family tree to uncover the lives and legacies of our ancestors. Discover how their journeys and experiences have shaped who we are today. Our family tree is designed to bring our history to life, offering insights into the past and connections to the present. We encourage you to contribute your knowledge and updates to help keep our family tree vibrant and accurate.
Welcome to the Vickers / Merriwether / Washington / Turner Family Tree — our shared heritage awaits!
Parris Adams (1816-1902)
3rd Great-Grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers
Parris Adams (1816-1902)
3rd Great-Grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers
Parris Adams, the third paternal great-grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers, was a remarkable individual whose life unfolded against the backdrop of the tumultuous social and cultural landscape of 19th-century South Carolina. Born March 1816 in South Carolina, Parris Adams was considered a Mulatto, a term indicative of his mixed racial heritage, which was not uncommon in the region during that era.
At the time of his birth, South Carolina was deeply entrenched in the institution of slavery, with a society structured around rigid racial hierarchies and stark divisions between enslaved Africans, free people of color, and white landowners. Despite the oppressive conditions of the time, Parris Adams navigated the complexities of his identity and forged his path with resilience and determination.
In 1870, Parris Adams married Adaline Collins, also considered a Mulatto, who was born around 1834 in Alabama. Their union marked the beginning of a family legacy characterized by strength, perseverance, and love. Over the course of 18 years, Parris and Adaline welcomed 11 children into the world, with their family growing amidst the challenges and uncertainties of post-Civil War Reconstruction.
Their eldest son, Monroe, entered the world in 1862, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War. Following the war's conclusion, Parris and Adaline welcomed another son, Green, in October of 1865, symbolizing hope and new beginnings in the aftermath of conflict. In September 1867, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Safronia, alongside another son, Newton. Safronia Adams is Dr. Selwyn Vickers’ second paternal great-grandmother who married Lewis Glover and gave birth to his great-grandmother Maggie Glover who married Charlie “AJ” Freeman and gave birth to his grandmother Ruth Mae Freeman who married John Oscar Vickers and gave birth to his father Dr. John Vickers.
Notably, in the same year of Safronia’s birth, Parris Adams made history as one of the first African American men registered to vote in the state of Alabama, marking a significant milestone in the family's journey towards political empowerment and civic engagement.
In a pivotal moment of opportunity, on January 24, 1895, U.S. President Grover Cleveland granted Parris Adams and his heirs a tract of land in Cherokee, Etowah County, Alabama, as part of the Homestead Act. This legislation, enacted in 1862, aimed to promote westward expansion and settlement by offering land grants to individuals willing to cultivate and develop undeveloped land. For African Americans in the South, the Homestead Act represented a rare opportunity for economic independence and land ownership in a region marked by systemic inequality and land dispossession.
Parris Adams lived a long and impactful life, passing away on June 7, 1902, at the age of 86. His legacy endures through his descendants and the indelible mark he left on his community and the broader struggle for equality and justice. He rests in peace at New Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Ball Play, Etowah County, Alabama, a testament to the resilience and determination of one man in the face of adversity.
Mary Ann Portes Pollard (1835-1917)
3rd Great-Grandmother of Janice Washington Vickers
Mary Ann Portes Pollard, the third maternal great-grandmother of Janice Washington Vickers, was born around 1835 in Sumter County, Alabama, during a time of significant cultural and social upheaval in the region. Sumter County, like much of the South, was deeply entrenched in the institution of slavery, with a plantation-based economy reliant on the labor of enslaved people. However, the area was also influenced by the presence of Native American tribes, particularly the Choctaw, who had been forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and resettled in Mississippi and Alabama following the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830.
As a mulatto woman born in Sumter County, Mary Ann Portes belonged to a mixed-race community that straddled the racial and social divides of the time. Her heritage included both Choctaw Indian and Irish ancestry, reflecting the complex racial dynamics of the region. The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, which led to the removal of Native American tribes from the Southeast, resulted in intermingling between Native American, African American, and European American populations.
In 1882, Mary Ann married John W. Pollard, a local barber who shared her mixed-race heritage. Together, they had five children: Mittie, John, Caroline, Adelle, and David. Although the oldest three children were born during slavery, they were never slaves. In the 1820s, Mary Ann's mother left North Carolina as a free woman to work as a servant for a white family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During this period, Alabama's laws stipulated that children inherited the status of their mothers, meaning that Mary Ann, her siblings, and her children were born free despite the pervasive institution of slavery in the South. This legal status was significant in a society where the freedom of African Americans was severely restricted and often precarious. By the 1830 Census, records show that there were only forty-seven free persons of color living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, highlighting a small yet resilient community of free African Americans who navigated the challenges of life in a slaveholding state. This context underscores the extraordinary nature of Mary Ann's life and her mother's determination to secure and maintain a free status for her children amidst widespread oppression.
The youngest two children, Adelle and David, were born during the Civil War. Despite the challenges of slavery and war, Mary Ann and John managed to build a life for themselves and their family. Adelle Pollard is Janice Washington Vickers’ second maternal great-grandmother who married Primus Lemon, Jr. and gave birth to her great-grandmother Mary Lemon who married Ed Moss and gave birth to her grandmother Bertha Moss who married Isaac "Creek" Turner and gave birth to her mother Leone Turner who married her father Julius Caesar Washington.
After the Civil War, Mary Ann's husband, John W. Pollard, became one of the first African American men in Alabama to register to vote, marking a significant milestone in the family's history. By 1880, according to the Census of Agriculture Productions, the family owned 16 acres of land, valued at $400, along with livestock and equipment to work the land. This ownership represented a remarkable achievement for a family in the post-war South.
Mary Ann outlived her husband, who passed away in 1901. She lived to the age of 82, passing away on August 14, 1917, in Gainesville, Sumter County, Alabama. Her life story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of those who sought to build a better future for themselves and their descendants despite the challenges of their time. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering figure in her family's history, whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Rev. John Oscar Vickers, Sr. (1900-1985)
Grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers
Rev. John Oscar Vickers, Sr., the paternal grandfather of Dr. Selwyn Vickers, was born on April 4, 1900, in Colbert County, Alabama. Raised in Cherokee, Alabama, by his blind uncle Mose Harris, a basket and chair weaver, John experienced a challenging childhood. Completing only the third grade, he began working odd jobs to support the household. At sixteen years old, he moved to Madison, Alabama, and worked as a laborer with family friend, Frank Johnson. Young John married Louise Johnson in Madison, and they had two children, Leroy Henry and Henrietta.
In the 1920s, seeking better opportunities, both the Johnson and Vickers families relocated to Gadsden, Alabama. This move was driven by the booming steel industry, as Gadsden had become a significant center for steel production, attracting many African American families seeking stable employment. John and his lifelong friend, Frank Johnson, found work at Republic Steel Corporation, a key player in the local economy. They settled in a steelworker community on Vine Street and lived with fellow steelworker Samuel Freeman. Working in the steel plant's physically demanding and often hazardous conditions, John and his peers faced significant challenges, including long hours, dangerous work environments, and racial discrimination.
The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 brought severe economic hardship to Gadsden, as it did to much of the United States. The steel industry, which had been a source of stability, was hit hard, leading to layoffs and reduced hours. Despite these challenges, John and his family persevered, relying on community solidarity and resourcefulness to survive. John’s work ethic and determination during these tough times laid a strong foundation for his family.
In 1931, after divorcing Louise, John married Ruth Mae Freeman, Samuel Freeman’s sister. Together, they had thirteen children: John Jr., Lovell, Tonnie, Sylvester, David, Benjamin, Oliver, Talmadge, Johnnie, Lelia, Leroy, Frank, and Raymond. John recognized the importance of education and returned to school in the early 1940s to learn how to read and write. Despite his demanding work schedule, he attended evening classes and worked diligently to improve his literacy skills, setting an example of lifelong learning and perseverance for his children and community. The Vickers family thrived in Gadsden, where John, Sr. balanced his roles as a father, steelworker, farmer, and Baptist preacher, eventually becoming the mayor of Ridgeville, a town incorporated in 1969 as part of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area. His home was a hub of activity, with children, neighbors, and friends creating a lively community. John and Ruth Mae instilled strong values and a sense of community in their children, many of whom went on to achieve significant success in various fields.
John and Frank remained best friends and neighbors for nearly seventy years, demonstrating the enduring bonds of friendship and community. John's legacy is reflected in the lives of his children and grandchildren, who carry forward the values of hard work, education, and community service. Rev. John Oscar Vickers, Sr. passed away on January 18, 1985, leaving behind a rich legacy of resilience and dedication. His life story is a testament to the strength and perseverance of African American families in the face of economic and social challenges throughout the 20th century.
Bessie Oden Merriwether (1902-1993)
Grandmother of Dr. Selwyn Vickers
Bessie Oden Merriwether, maternal grandmother of Dr. Selwyn Vickers, was born on July 7, 1902, in Alabama, alongside her twin brother, Jessie. Her parents, Sam and Mariah Oden, were young adults when they welcomed Bessie and Jessie into their family, with Sam being 28 and Mariah 26. The Oden family lived in Boligee, Greene County, Alabama, an area marked by its rich cultural history and, simultaneously, the stark realities of racial segregation and economic hardship prevalent in the early 20th century American South. Bessie was part of a large family, growing up with her siblings Jessie, Warren, Odis, Edna, Odessa, and Thaddeus. Her childhood in Tishabee, Greene County, was shaped by the racial and socio-economic dynamics of the era, where African American families faced systemic challenges yet fostered strong community ties and resilience.
Despite these adversities, Bessie pursued education, attending the State Teachers College (now Alabama State University). This achievement was significant, reflecting both her determination and the value her family placed on education. During a time when educational opportunities for African Americans, particularly women, were limited, Bessie’s educational journey signified a defiance of societal barriers and an aspiration for betterment. She married James Clarence Merriwether, a farmer, and they settled in Boligee, Greene County, Alabama. Between 1933 and 1937, they welcomed three daughters: Clara, Samantha, and Aundria. The oldest daughter, Clara Merriwether, is the mother of Dr. Selwyn Vickers. The Merriwether family’s life was interwoven with the agricultural rhythms of rural Alabama, amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression and the emerging Civil Rights Movement, which sought to dismantle the institutionalized racial discrimination that had long defined the region.
For many years, Bessie taught African American children at the Snow Hill Normal and Industrial Institute, also known as the Colored Industrial and Literary Institute of Snow Hill, in Snow Hill, Alabama. This historic institution, founded in 1893 by Dr. William James Edwards, a Tuskegee University graduate, provided a vital education to African American students, operating as a private school until 1924 and later as a public school until its closure in 1973 following desegregation. Through her dedication at Snow Hill, Bessie contributed significantly to the education and empowerment of rural southern African American students during a period of intense racial segregation and limited educational opportunities.
The 1960s were a pivotal period for Bessie and her community. In 1964, she registered to vote in Greene County, Alabama, an act of courage and a vital step toward the long-sought goal of political equality for African Americans. This was the same year that the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Her voter registration reflected the broader struggle for civil rights that African Americans were engaged in across the South, seeking to reclaim their voices and assert their rights within American democracy.
Bessie’s later years were marked by personal loss, including the deaths of her husband James in 1966, her sister Odessa in 1970, and her brother Jessie in 1952. Despite these losses, she remained a pillar of strength within her community. Bessie’s life spanned significant historical periods, from the era of Jim Crow to the advancements of the Civil Rights Movement. She passed away on March 6, 1993, at the age of 90 and was laid to rest in Decatur, Alabama.
Bessie Oden Merriwether’s life is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of African American women in the South. Her journey reflects the broader narrative of African Americans’ fight for equality, education, and empowerment amidst systemic oppression. Bessie’s legacy continues through her descendants and the historical memory of her community, symbolizing the unwavering pursuit of justice and human dignity.
Julius Caesar Washington (1928-2016)
Father of Janice Washington Vickers
Julius Caesar Washington, father of Janice Washington Vickers, was born on July 19, 1928, in Wilcox County, Alabama, to Dannie Washington. Julius was the oldest and only brother to two younger sisters, Earnestine and Maria. Growing up in the South during a time of significant social and political challenges, Julius faced the hardships of segregation and limited opportunities for African Americans. As a young man, seeking better prospects, he traveled to Detroit, Michigan, where he worked as a mechanic. Despite enjoying the new skills he acquired, he grew disenchanted with city life and decided to join the military.
Julius's decision to enlist in the United States Army marked a turning point in his life. Serving for twenty-one and a half years, he rose to the rank of First Sergeant, retiring in 1969. His service during the Korean War earned him the National Defense Service Medal, a source of immense pride. The military provided him with stability, skills, and a sense of purpose, which were otherwise difficult to achieve during the racially turbulent mid-20th century. Julius's commitment and discipline also reflected his dedication to his family, as he was a devoted father to six children.
Julius Ceasar Washington shared a significant part of his life with his first wife, Leone L. Turner. Together, they experienced the unique challenges and joys of a military family. While stationed at the army base in Fort Knox, Kentucky, they welcomed their daughter, Sandra, and son, Ronald. Their family continued to grow with the birth of their son, Karl, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Julius's military career also took them abroad, where they went to Frankfurt, Germany. This international experience enriched their lives and provided their children with a broader perspective of the world. Shortly after returning to the United States, Julius and Leona were blessed with another daughter, Janice. A few years later, they had another son, David, and another daughter, Diana. Throughout the years, Julius balanced the demands of his military duties with his role as a devoted husband and father, ensuring his family's well-being and creating lasting memories despite the frequent relocations and uncertainties of military life.
After his distinguished military career, Julius settled in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked for eighteen years at PPG Industries, retiring in 1989 as a Production Supervisor. His post-military career further exemplified his work ethic and determination to provide for his family. Julius's life in Huntsville was marked by his active involvement in his community and his church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he was known for sharing stories of his upbringing and journey.
In 1990, Julius married Nannie Binford of Madison, Alabama, and the two were united for twenty-six years until his passing on August 15, 2016. Julius took great pride in his family and made sure they understood the significance of their heritage and the progress they had made from his early days in Camden, Alabama. He often credited his journey and success to the guidance of the Lord and the opportunities afforded by the United States Army.
Julius Ceasar Washington's life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of a better future despite societal obstacles. His funeral service was held on August 19, 2016, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Toney, Alabama, and he was laid to rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Huntsville.
Bertha Leone Moss Turner (1905-1997)
Grandmother of Janice Washington Vickers
Bertha Leone Moss Turner, the maternal grandmother of Janice Washington Vickers, was born on March 20, 1905, in Cochrane, Alabama. She was the first daughter and second child of Mary Katherine Lemon and Edd Moss. Edd Moss was a prominent farmer who managed 240 acres of land, with 160 acres in Sumter County and 80 acres in Pickens County. He held a bank account in the Aliceville Bank & Trust Company and owned war bonds, livestock, farm implements, and various other properties, showcasing his substantial economic stability and influence in the community.
Growing up in such an environment, Bertha was surrounded by the values of hard work, resilience, and community support. She was part of a large family, being the eldest daughter among nine siblings: Johnnie, Edward Jr., Elzora, Ellen (Lena), Mary Lou, Maxie, Ann Lyde, and Lemon Taylor. The Moss family was well-regarded in their locality, and Edd Moss’s success as a farmer provided a solid foundation for his children.
In 1926, at the age of twenty-one, Bertha married Isaac Turner, affectionately known as "Creek." The couple settled into their life together, establishing a home and starting a family. They had five children: William M. Turner, Mary C. Turner, Louise Turner, Irene Turner, and Leone L. Turner, who is the mother of Janice Washington Vickers. Bertha and Isaac worked hard to provide for their family, embodying the values she had learned from her parents.
During the Great Depression, Bertha and Isaac faced the economic hardships that affected the entire nation. Despite these challenges, Bertha's upbringing on a prosperous farm had instilled in her the resilience and resourcefulness needed to endure these tough times. The Turner family, like many others, relied on community support and mutual aid to navigate the difficulties of the era.
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought significant social and political changes, particularly in the South. Bertha, living through this transformative period, witnessed the struggle for equality and justice for African Americans. The fight for civil rights likely influenced her perspective and strengthened her commitment to her family and community's well-being.
In his last will and testament, Edd Moss expressed his confidence in Bertha’s self-sufficiency, noting that she did not need financial assistance as she was well-established with her husband. This statement highlighted Bertha’s strength and independence, qualities that she demonstrated throughout her life.
Bertha and Isaac continued to live in their home in Sumter County, Alabama, where they raised their children and contributed to their community. Isaac, who passed away in 1980, was a dedicated husband and father. Bertha survived him by many years, continuing to live in Panola, Sumter County, Alabama, until her death on September 13, 1997.
Bertha Leone Moss Turner’s life was marked by the significant social and economic changes of the 20th century. From growing up on a prosperous farm to navigating the challenges of the Great Depression and witnessing the civil rights movement, her story is one of resilience, family dedication, and steadfast commitment to her community. Her legacy is reflected in her descendants, who carry forward the values she instilled.
Oral History Transcript - Dr. John O. Vickers, Jr.
Click here to view full transcript.
Dr. John O. Vickers, Jr. shares his experiences growing up in a black steel mill community and a rural farm in and around Gadsden, Alabama, during the 1930s-1940s. He discusses his efforts to uncover the family history and genealogy, and emphasizes the importance of passing down values, traditions, and wealth. Dr. Vickers discusses racial integration in education, highlighting the progress made since 1948 and the challenges faced by black principals, as well as alternative strategies for achieving racial equity in education. He also shares personal experiences of self-sufficiency through food production, preservation, and traditional craftsmanship. Finally, Dr. Vickers discusses the family's connection and relation to both Native and White Americans.
Oral History Transcript - Samantha Merriwether Pepper
Click here to view full transcript.
Samantha Merriwether Pepper’s oral history interview offers a compelling account of her life, career, and contributions as a public school administrator and civil rights advocate. Born and raised in a segregated African American community, Pepper recounts the values instilled by her family, emphasizing education, resilience, and service. She describes her journey through an unequal public school system, her determination to overcome barriers, and her eventual transition into administrative leadership. As an administrator, she worked tirelessly to inspire students, implement equitable policies, and advocate for better opportunities in underserved schools. Alongside her professional career, Pepper played an active role in the Union, serving as president and organizing initiatives to dismantle segregation and systemic inequality.Concluding with her views on contemporary education and social issues, Pepper’s interview serves as both an inspiring personal narrative and a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and inclusion.
