Monday, October 10, 2011

Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDaniel Bryant: Midwife Union Church, Jefferson County Mississippi

Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDaniel Bryant Headstone

Lizzie was born a slave April 1812 in Virgina. Lizzie was purchased about 1834 by John McDaniel of Veto, Mississippi, probably at the Fork of the roads slave market. Lizzie was the mother in law of my 2nd great grandfather Dock Coleman born about 1858.

In a affidavit Lizzie gave on behalf of Amanda Mack on March 4th 1889, she stated that she had been a Midwife for over 20 years, and had attended the birth of  Amanda's children's, Twins Read and Luverta on the 15th day of May 1871, John on the 5th day of May 1873, Preston April 15, 1877, Cameron on the 1st day of may 1878 and Melville on the 1st day of September 1880 all whom were living when she gave the affidavit.
Lizzie was a midwife for her children and for other neighboring families. She lived to be 100 years old.. She was a very STRONG women. Buried at Hickory Block in Union Church. Her headstone inscription reads "She died as She lived, Trusting in God"

Lizzie was one of many African American women in the souths post Civil War era whom provided a much needed service in the African American communities. Thank you Lizzie for your dedication to your community.