Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church; Robert ‘Free Bob’; Louis Vernon, Jr. Archival Collection

Box 1, Folder 1

  1. Photograph of Robert Vernon III
  2. Photograph of Mt.Canaan Choir 
  3. Photograph of Mt.Canaan school. Front view, courtesy of Luther Tolliner
  4. Photo of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church of Arcola, Louisiana, the old church. 
  5. Photo of Mt.Canaan school, side view. Photo courtesy of Luther Tollier
  6. Photograph of Mt.Canaan church
  7. Photograph of Robert ‘Free Bob’ Louis Vernon, Jr.
  8. Photo of John Smith, Pastor of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 
  9. Black and white photo of group of men gathered outside of a building wearing suits
  10. Black and white photo of group of young women gathered outside building/church 
  11. Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church History written by Fairy Dean Hannibal
  12. Robert ‘Free Bob’ Louis Vernon donated land to Mt.Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Arcola, La
  13. State of Louisiana Death Certificate of Robert Vernon 
  14. State of Louisiana certificate of Death
  15. Newspaper article copy, ‘Amite, La.’ The Louisiana weekly (New Orleans, Louisiana), July 11, 1959.
  16. Newspaper article copy, ‘Kentwood, La.’ The Louisiana Weekly (New Orleans, Louisiana) October 31, 1959.
  17. Certified (true copy) of record copy for E. Vernon. 
  18. State of Louisiana land sale of one hundred acres between Robert Vernon Sr. and Isaac Vernon on April 13, 1889
  19. State of Louisiana land sale of one hundred acres between Robert Vernon Sr. and Samuel Vernon on April 13, 1889. 
  20. State of Louisiana, land sale of one hundred acres between Robert Vernon, Sr. and Florence Vernon on April 1, 1892. 
  21. State of Louisiana, land sale of one hundred acres between Robert Vernon, Sr. and Robert Vernon, Jr. on April 13, 1889. 
  22. State of Louisiana, John M. Vernon to Robert Vernon, Washington Parish. Robert Vernon a free man on of color. Sourced from John Smith, pastor of Mt.Canaan. 
  23. State of Louisiana document. Robert ‘Free Bob’ Louis Vernon, Jr. donated land to Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Arcola, La. February 25, 1884. 
  24. State of Louisiana, Mt. Canaan Baptist Church of Roseland, Louisiana Inc. Articles of Incorporation, February 22, 1991.
  25. State of Louisiana, Mt. Canaan Baptist Church of Roseland, Louisiana, Inc. Articles of Incorporation 1986.
  26. State of Louisiana, Mt. Canaan Baptist Church of Arcola, Inc. Articles of Incorporation, December 1985. 
  27. Donation of land from Robert Vernon to M. Canaan Church 
  28. Robert ‘Free Bob’ Vernon 
  29. Typed transcription of John M. Vernon to Robert Vernon, Washington Parish, Robert Vernon a free man of color, July 1861
  30. Typed transcriptions of land sale
  31. State of Louisiana, sale of one hundred acres of land to Georgia Vernon from Robert Vernon, April 1, 1892
  32. State of Louisiana land sale of one hundred acres to James Vernon, from Robert Vernon on April 13, 1889.
  33. Photo of Xavier Vernon and Vernon Gordon, 4th great grandsons of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Glyniss Vernon Gordon
  34. Photo of Vernon Gordon, Jr. 4th great grandson. Photo courtesy of Glyniss Vernon Gordon 
  35. Photo of Xavier Gordon, Christopher Gordon, and Vernon Gordon, Jr. 3rd and 4th grandsons of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Glynis Vernon Gordon 
  36. Photo of Vernon Gordon, Jr., 4th grandson of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Glyniss Vernon Gordon 
  37. Photo of Vernon Gordon, Sr. and Marquille Vernon, 3rd great grandson. Photo courtesy of Glyniss Vernon Gordon
  38. Photo of Lettie Vernon Anderson, granddaughter of Robert ‘Free Bob’ Louis Vernon. Phot courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  39. Photo of Berdie Haggins, 2nd great granddaughter or Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Gregory Bowman 
  40. Photo of Mary Vernon Cutrer, granddaughter of Robert ‘Free Bob’ Louis Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley
  41. Photo of Lensy Vernon, Cora Vernon, and Mary Kate Merle Vernon, grandson and great granddaughter of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  42. Photo of woman holding another photo of a woman 
  43. Photo of group: (backrow, from left to right) Mose McCray, Raymond McCray, Eugene McCray, Alexis McCray, (sitting row, from left to right) Bernice Lewis, Lilly McCray, June McCray, Cecilia McCray, Carolyn McCray. Great grandchildren of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Al Dennis.
  44. Photo of Sam Ella Vernon McCray, 3rd great daughter. Photo courtesy of Al Dennis 
  45. Photo of Valencia Vernon and her wedding. (from left to right) Jessie Vernon, Richard Vernon, and Willow (little Gin)
  46. Photo of Eli Vernon and Lou Buchanan Vernon, grandson and daughter in law. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  47. Photo of Beulah Vernon Dyson 
  48. Photo of Beulah Vernon Dyson, great granddaughter of Robert Vernon. Photo Courtesy of Debra Dyson Jackson 
  49. Photo (From left to right) of Joyce Marle Scott, Wesley, Jannie Cryer Ennis, Charlene Ennis Shockley. Great granddaughter and 2nd granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley.
  50. Photo (from left to right) of Lensy Vernon, Mary Vernon Cutrer, Cora Vernon, Lettie Vernon Anderson, Jannie Vernon Dillon, and Eli Vernon. Grandchildren of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  51. Photo (left to right) of Ray Jones, Gayle Bowman, Daria Bowman, Carol Sue Byrd, Gregory Bowman, Sheryl Bowman, Revis Bowman, and Roland Jones. 3rd great grandchildren of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Carol Sue Byrd. 
  52. Photo of Nancy Vernon Cryer. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  53. Photo of Ruby Lucille Cryer Johns, great granddaughter of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  54. Photo of Cora Bell Cryer Evans, great granddaughter of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  55. Photo of Jack Vernon, 2nd great grandson of Robert Vernon. Photo Courtesy of Juan Castlle 
  56. Photo of Debra Vernon, 2nd great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Juan Castlle 
  57. Photo of Jannie Cryer Ennis and Lettie Vernon Anderson, great granddaughters of Robert Vernon. 
  58. Photo (top row, left to right) of Gaston Vernon, Ellis Vernon, Beulah Vernon Dyson, (front row, from left to right) Clarence Vernon, Robert Vernon, Lettie Mae Vernon, Eli Vernon, Jr., and Jewel Vernon. Great grandchildren of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  59. Photo of Lettie Vernon Anderson, Dr. Walter A. Reed, the first African American doctor in Tangipahoa Parish. Granddaughter of Robert Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley.
  60. Photo (from left to right) of Clarence Vernon, Alton Burton, Elisabeth Burton Gordon, Albert Burton, Lettie Vernon Anderson, Ruby Lucille Cryer Johns, Richard Burton, Mary Vernon Cutrer, David Chambers, John Vernon, (kneeling down from left to right) Fairy Dean Cutrer Hannibal, Leon Vernon, and Isa Mae Ricks Chambers. Grandchildren and great grandchildren. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  61. Photo of Vianna Haggins, great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Gregory Bowman
  62. Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist church order of service 1989.

Box 1, Folder 2:

  1. Photo of 3rd and 4th generation, Christopher Vernon, Xavier Vernon, Ava Kris Gordon, Johnice Kennedy, Glyniss Vernon Gordon, Zion Gordon, Kingston Gordon Marquille Gordon, and Vernon Gordon. Photo courtesy of Glyniss Vernon Gordon.
  2. Photo of great grandchildren and 2nd great grandchildren, Will Bridges, Victoria Bridges Miles, Fairley Bridges, and Rosie Vernon Bridges. Photo courtesy of Victoria Bridges Miles
  3. Photos from 1968 and 2016 of 2nd great granddaughters, Glyniss Vernon Gordon, Victoria Bridges Miles, Bobbie Vernon Polk, and Joyce Vernon Colman. 
  4. Black and white photo of great grandson Rev. Bennie I. Vernon. Photo courtesy of Bob Polk. 
  5. Black and white photo of granddaughter, Fairy Dean Cutrer Hannibal Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley.
  6. Black and white photo of 2nd great granddaughter, Brenda Evans. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  7. Black and white photo of great granddaughter, Cora Bell, Cryer Evans. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  8. Black and white photo of West Side High School Carnation. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  9. Black and white photo of great grandchildren, Katie Merle Levy. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  10. Black and white photo of St. Paul Church in Hammond, La. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley
  11. Black and white photo of 2nd great granddaughter, Marva Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  12. Black and white photo of Mary Vernon Cutrer. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley 
  13. Photo of granddaughter and great grand, Fairy dean Hannibal and Lettie Vernon Anderson. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley.
  14. Black and white photo of Rev. Rile Vernon. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley.
  15. Photo of group with Grace B. Wallace sitting to the right.
  16. Black and white group photo of great-granddaughter and great grandchildren. (Backrow from left to right) Lloyd Oliver Taylor, Lettie Mae Vernon, Anthony Smith, (bottom row left to right) Tyrone Taylor, Donald Ray Vernon, Ruthie Vernon Dokes, Michael Carter, and Jeffery Taylor. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  17. Black and white photo of Dr. Willard Vernon 
  18. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon baptizing at the Amite River, 1965. 
  19. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon and his wife Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon. 
  20. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon, his wife Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon and their daughter Glyniss Vernon Gordon 
  21. Black and white military photo of Rev. Willard Vernon
  22. Black and white military photo of Rev. Willard Vernon standing to the right, 1945.
  23. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon and his cows, 1955
  24. Photo of Alma H. Vernon 
  25. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon 
  26. Black and white photo of (left to right) Ray Vernon, Louis Vernon, Willard Vernon, Bernie Vernon, and Clarence Vernon. 
  27. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon in the snow
  28. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon at Southern University, 1960. 
  29. Black and white photo of Rv. Willard Vernon sitting on porch steps 
  30. Black and white photo of Rev. Willard Vernon 
  31. Good Samaritans Nursing Home card (x2)
  32. Letter from Warren P. Greer, Mayor to Rev. Willard Vernon, Rev. Raymond E. Mimms, Rev. Reuben H. Cornist, Good Samaritans Nursing Home, June 15, 1989. 
  33. Good Samaritan Nursing Home dedication of services
  34. Reverend Dr. Willard Vernon funeral program 1994
  35. Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Sunny Hill, Louisiana. 11th Annual women’s day celebration, 1972
  36. Newspaper copy, “Focus on State Convention Presidents’
  37. Mid-century progressive, Greensburg, Louisiana. Letter to students from Mack C. Hurst, Chairman 
  38. Tangipahoa voters league service award to Rev. Willard Vernon 
  39. The third district Bogue Chitto Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. Presents the annual Willard Vernon scholarship banquet, June 30, 2007. 
  40. Newspaper article, ‘convention Elects New President’. August 1988, The News-Digest
  41. Handwritten notecard 
  42. Newspaper article, ‘Ministerial Alliance Reports on Area Activity for 1974.’ The News-Digest. 
  43. A testimonial honoring Rev. Willard Vernon. August 1978.
  44. Newspaper article copy, ‘Ministerial Alliance Reports on Area Activity for 1974’.
  45. The origin of the Vernon family from Fannie McCarter, to Mae Rose Baker. December 24, 2005. 
  46. ‘Elect #70 Marvin A. Vernon, Parish Council District 1’ 
  47. Black and white photo of Ruby Lucille Cryer Johns, great grand-daughter.
  48. Black and white photo of Jannie Cryer Ennis, great grand-daughter. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  49. Black and white photo of Nancy Vernon Cryer and Joseph Cryer. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  50. Black and white photo of great grand-daughter, Mrs. Grace Belvins Walker. Photo courtesy of Grace Belvins Walker
  51. Black and white photo of Rev.. Dr. Willard Vernon, great grandson. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  52.  Black and white photo of Marvin Vernon, 2nd great grandson. Photo courtesy of Marvin Vernon 
  53. Photo of Dominos Band (10) group and 2nd great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  54. Photo of Dominos Band (10) group and 2nd great granddaughter singing. Phot courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  55. Photo of Dominos Band (10) group and 2nd great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  56. Photo of Dominos Band (10) group and 2nd great granddaughter performing at The House of Blues. Photo courtesy of Charlene Shockley. 
  57. Photo of a woman holding a framed photo of Good Samaritan Nursing Home Facility
  58. Photo of Grace B. Waller 
  59. Black and white photo of Dr. Percy Walker (x2)
  60. Photo of Leon Vernon, Sr. 
  61. Black and white photo of 1953 graduating class
  62. Black and white photo of class of 1960 Vernon High School yearbook photos 
  63. Black and white photo of class of 1959
  64. Black and white photo of graduating class
  65. Black and white photo of the class of 1950
  66. Black and white photo of graduating class (x2)
  67. Vernon family 2016 reunion, August 5-7 2016, Hammond, La. 

Box 1, Folder 3

  1. Black and white photo of Dr. Willard Vernon at Little Bethel Church 
  2. Black and white photo of Glyniss Gordon at 8 years, original photo
  3. News paper clipping, ‘Miss Vernon to Wed Mr. Gordon’ article. The News-Digest, May 17, 1976.
  4. Newspaper clipping, ‘Honor Society Initiates New Members’ Article 1975. 
  5. Photo of Glyniss Vernon Gordon 
  6. Glyniss Gordon election card, parish council district #3
  7. Town of Amite City Glyniss V. Gordon, Alderwoman card
  8. Newspaper article, District 2, Amite race pit teachers, retiree’ October 31, 1984. Daily star
  9. Richardson Kiddeland Commencement exercise, May 27, 1987. 
  10. A Baccalaureate worship fellowship, Gordon Chapel COGIC, May 1987. 
  11. Glyniss Gordon for school board flier 
  12. Newspaper clipping, “Glyniss Gordon Calls for Action on Trash Collection’
  13. The change we need, the voice we deserve. Campaign flier for Glyniss Gordon 
  14. ‘Our Inaugural ceremony’ program 1989. 
  15. Newspaper clipping, ‘Amite Town Council Proceedings’. 1988
  16. Dedicatory service program honoring Rev. Alex Richardson. October 26, 1985. 
  17. Ribbon cutting ceremony, June 16th 1990. Tangipahoa neighbors’ development corporation 
  18. Don’t hesitate vote #88 Glyniss Vernon Gordon city council, District II. Town of Amite Card, November 6, 1894. 
  19. Newspaper clippings of, ‘Black Leaders Plan Amite Boycott March’ and ‘Blacks Threaten Boycott unless Town Remodels Butler Park’. June 7, 1989. 
  20. Newspaper clipping copy, ‘Edgar LeTard gives Blacks $4,000 for Park Restoration’. The News-Digest, June 14, 1989, Amite Louisiana.
  21. Western Union Telegram copy congratulating council woman Gordon. January 1, 1982. 
  22. Elect Glyniss Gordon Parish council district #3 card
  23. Glyniss Gordon for school board flier, October 2, 2012. 
  24. ‘Glyniss Gordon for school board’ card 
  25. Make the right choice! Vote #47, Democrat Freeman W.  Ramsey Judge political flier march 8, 1988. Mailed to Ms. Alma H. Vernon 
  26. Letter to concerned citizens regarding boycott support 
  27. Newspaper clipping, ‘Mayor and Two Black Aldermen Hold 2 Hour Closed Door Meeting Monday.’ 1990
  28. Newspaper clipping. ‘Teacher seeks Seat in District 2 Race’
  29. Newspaper clipping with image of Hammond Attorney Jack Hoffstadt administers oath to new aldermen, Walter Daniels III and Glyniss Gordon 
  30. Newspaper clipping, ‘2 Blacks, 3 Incumbents Continued’. Daily Star, Wednesday November 7, 1984. 
  31. Newspaper clipping, “Hearing called to get Public Feelings over Changing Street Name to ‘Richardson’.’ May 8. 1985.

Box 1, Folder 4

  1. Image of Amla Harrison Vernon, original photo, 1967
  2. The annual Spring commencement exercises, Southern University. May 17, 1974.
  3. Letter to Mrs. R.L. Jacob, President of the Sr. Mission Auxiliary No.1 of the Louisiana Home and Foreign Baptist Convention on July 24, 1985. 
  4. Retirement program for T.E.A. and A.C.T. organization members, July 10th, 1974. 
  5. Handwritten obituary of Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon 
  6. News paper clipping, “Mrs. Alma Vernon to Speak at National Baptist Convention’
  7. Original photo of Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon (x2)
  8. Certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Alma H. Vernon 
  9. Certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Alma H. Vernon, from Southern Poverty Law Center, founder Morris Dee. 
  10. Funeral program for Alma Harrison Vernon, 4/7/1923-5/15/2008
  11. Photo of Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon
  12. Grambling State University, life member letter. July 12, 1985.
  13. Diploma in Christian Education presented to Alma Harrison Vernon on June 17, 1988. 
  14. Certificate of appreciation, United Negro College Fund to Anna Harrison Vernon. 
  15. A Dona of the year for helping the hospital veteran organization to Mrs. Alma Harrison Vernon, 2003. 
  16. Grambling State University thank you letter regarding life membership to Mrs. Alma H. Vernon on August 3, 1983. 
  17. Certificate from the department of Christian Education of the Third District Bogue Chitto Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress to Sis. Alma Harrison Vernon, 1983.
  18. Letter to Mrs. Alma Vernon from Demetria
  19. Letter from Rev.Frank Alexis Davis, III TH.D. written to Mrs. Alma H. Vernon on June 6, 1999. 
  20. Image of Alma Harrison Vernon, original graduation photo