Jackson "Jack" Powe and Martha Ann McCloud

Jackson "Jack" and Martha Ann Powe lived in Buckatunna, Mississippi, along with their seven sons and one daughter. After the early death of his wife, Jack Powe was left to care for his large household. As each child became of age, each left to earn a living elsewhere. One would obtain employment and then send for the next one. One son, Ulysses (1889-1983), after serving in the First World War, made his home in Detroit, Michigan. Another son, Charleston, helped educate his brother, Chester, and sister Willa. Both graduated from college in St. Louis, Missouri. Chester (1898-1979), the author and playwright of the family, lived in New York City, Willa (1911-1964), and educator in Missouri Public School System, remained in St. Louis. Augustus Jackson (Gus) (1894-1958) and Arthur (1901-1988) both settled in Pittsburgh.

AUGUSTUS POWE      ARTHUR POWE

PITTSBURGH CONNECTION

AUGUSTA "AUGUSTUS/GUS" JACKSON POWE
Born: 20 July 1893 in Buckatunna, MS - Died: 1955/56 in Pittsburgh, PA

PICTURE: First Row: Emma Vaughn, Willa "Bill", Augustus, Frances, Mary Frances, Shirley, and Emma
Second Row: Edward Griffin (Willa's husband), Jackie, Allen, Charles "Bobby", Sonia, and James (Emma's husband)

Augustus married Mary Frances Kemp (1896-1979) and lived a few years in Mobile, Alabama. At that time, the south was in the throes of segregation and economic depression for the colored people. The north offered more promise. Mary Frances’ sister, Emma K. Johnson (affectionately call TeeTee by her nieces and nephews), inspired and motivated the family to move to Pittsburgh. There the extended family lived together in a big house on Elba Street. This close-knit household consisted of grandparents, mother, father, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. At home, there existed a Christian environment. High moral standards were the norm.

Our parents had a sense of humor and delighted in their children and grandchildren. They gave us many words of encouragement, and their positiveness spurred us along our daily pursuits.

All of our parents have gone on to their rest. They were people who made a difference in our live. We will always honor them- an honor they richly deserve.

ORGANDY "ARTHUR" POWE
Born: 4 May 1899 in Buckatunna, MS - Died: July 1987 in Pittsburgh, PA

Arthur married Gertrude
Son: Samuel "Sammy"