74th Singleton Phoenix Family Reunion Lebanon, Ohio
REUNION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please submit any family announcements at the registration table (graduations, births, marriages, job promotions, military, in memoriam, etc.). Thank you to those that have contributed to the Family Reunion Fund, please be sure to make your donation for this year or for the 2016 reunion today—$30 for households and $15 for individuals. Please see Raye Kimberlin. Thank you to the 2015 Planning Committee: Co-chairs Amber Lovett and Shawna Procter, Treasurer Raye Kimberlin, Secretary Mary Singleton, family ambassadors/committee members— Lois Hatch, Tonia Phoenix, Maria Procter, Jackie Scott, Monica Short, and Steve Singleton.
LEGACY TRIBUTES & AWARDS
Please be sure to participate in our Legacy Contests and Awards. BLANCHE'S OLDEST & WISEST AWARDS CECIL’S PHOTO GALLERY CHARLES’ FAMILY OLMPICS ELSIE’S MUSIC HOUR FREIDA’S MOST DISTANCE TRAVELED AWARD GEORGE’S FAMILY ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAZEL’S FAMILY RECOGNITION KATHERINE “MISSY” BAKE OFF VERGIE “JIMMY’S” FAMILY BINGO WILBUR’S FISHING DERBY
The Singleton Side of Our Family The Singleton family is said to originate out of the Smokey Mountain area of Virginia and North Carolina, and can be traced back to Naomi Russell (b. 1824) and Pascal Singleton (b. 1815). They were part of the Cherokee Nation who fled to the hills to keep from being driven west in the Government relocation in 1834. All but three of the 14 children were born on what is now the Qualla Reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina. About 3 years later the family came by wagon train to Ohio and settled in the Village of Henpeck in Utica, Ohio.
Naomi Russell
These are the children of Pascal and Naomi Singleton: Jacob D.D., Joseph, Henry Martin (1848), William Wilson (1851), Jacob, Sarah Ann , John Wesley (1855), Laurabelle, Lydia Alice (1861), Mary Jane (1857), Wilbur, Martha Ellen (1859), Sherman (1867), James (1867), Thomas (1866), and George Washington (1863). Frederick, the son of Mary Jane Singleton (Love), was born in 1877. Frederick was raised as a Singleton. His father was Charles Love. His grandmother was Rachel Love. Fred also had a brother named William T. Love and a sister named Hattie Love.
Mary Love
The Phoenix Side of Our Family The Phoenix side of the family originated from Mountain Island in Owen County, KY (some have called it Phoenix Island, but every family that lived there called it by their surname). Mountain Island was an early white settlement, beginning in the late 1700s. At that time, the area was located in Scott County [Owen County would not be formed until 1819]. Mountain Island is located where Eagle Creek forks into two branches, reconvening on the other side of the island. By 1843, there were 1,143 slaves in Owen County, including those owned by Susannah Herndon Rogers. In 1847, Rogers' will emancipated her slaves, and her property was divided into 10 lots and given to her former slaves, all of whom had the last name Locust. The community that was formed became known as Free Station. In 1849, it became law in Kentucky that a security bond must be posted for every slave who was freed. The law would stall the emancipation of Rogers' brother’s (James Herndon) slaves. James Herndon owned a mill, tavern, and slaves on the island. Flooding, which washed out the roads leading to the island, had begun to make it less ideal as a community. In 1850, Herndon, who still lived on the island, began the attempt to emancipate his slaves, as his sister, Susan Herndon Rogers, had done, but his case was stalled in the courts. The slaves would not be freed until after James Herndon's death in 1853. His will not only freed his 23 slaves but also left them and their heirs Herndon's estate, 125 acres on Mountain Island. The land was to be theirs forever, as stated in Herndon's will. Neighbors put up the security bonds required by Kentucky law for each freed slave. The former slaves had the last names of Carroll, Vinegar, Smith, and Warfield. After their freedom, many of the family members left the island to provide for their families. Some members of the family came to Ohio around 1890. They settled in Xenia, Ohio and many remember going there to visit. There are different spellings of the name Phoenix (Pheonix, Phenix, etc). Gabe Pheonix (sic) was born in 1837 in Owen County, KY. His wife, Sarah (Hickman) was born in Owen County, KY in 1840. They were married in 1854. These are the known children of Gabriel (Gabe) and Sarah: Albert, George, John, Joseph, Lavinia (Vene), Charlotte (1864), Francis (1865), Anna (1867), and Elvira.
Singleton & Phoenix Connection In January 19, 1899, Fred Singleton married Elvira Phoenix in Springboro, Ohio. Frederick and Elvira (Ella) lived in Springboro, OH for over twenty years. There, 4 of their children were born (Blanche, Wilbur, Hazel, Vergie). Later they moved to Lebanon, OH where Fred worked as a dairyman at FrenchBauer Dairy. The family enjoyed the rich creamy milk he would bring home. He also was an avid fox hunter and kept several good fox hounds. Over the years, they had 10 children three boys and seven girls. The children of Fred and Ella Singleton: Blanche Beatrice (1899), Wilbur French (1903) , Hazel (1905). Vergie Virginia (1909), Charles Frederick (1910), Cecil (1913), Katherine Ella (1915), George Sherman (1918), Freida (1920), and Elsie Mae (1922). In later years, Fred was employed at Charles Meis Shoe Factory in Lebanon. As one of the family stories goes, he and Wilbur were moving a large piece of machinery (1,500 lbs.) at the factory when it fell over on Papa’s legs. Wilbur alone lifted it off of him, saving him from being completely crushed. Papa was taken to Blair Hospital – he was the first and only “black” person to be admitted there at that time (most likely due to his light complexion). All the children attended Lebanon Public School, which was right up the street from their home. When this “colored” school burned down, it was not rebuilt and the children were educated in the Lebanon Public Schools. They sat around the kitchen table and do their homework by the light of a coal oil lamp. The family grew up attending Bethel A.M.E. Church, where they took up most of the pews. During these years, Vergie, Cecil, Katherine, Elsie and Freida formed a singing group known as “The Singleton Sisters.” Their fame was not widespread but they enjoyed singing. They sang in various churches in towns surrounding Lebanon. Both Fred and Ella loved singing. Many times the family gathered around the old piano and sang for hours. Elsie loved playing the piano and often gave lessons to family and friends. The original homestead, 5 North Lane, had cherry, walnut and apple trees. Mama loved flowers and there were marigolds, dahlias, roses and coxcombs, which she planted and tended. There was a vegetable garden at the back of the house. All of the kids helped plant the vegetables. Papa also raised chicken and hogs. One hog name “Jerry” was so big he broke the ramp as
they were leading him to slaughter. The kids also had a pet calf called “Dobbity.� The original home was torn down in 1976 and a new home was reconstructed, which still stands. Fred and Ella resided there for their remaining years.
Our Reunion History In the summer of 1941, Mrs. Elvira (Ella) Phoenix Singleton expressed her desire to have a family reunion. Plans were made immediately. On September 1, 1941, the first Singleton-Phoenix reunion was held on the Academy lawn, News Street, Lebanon, Ohio. A capacity crowd attended. It was decided to make it an annual affair in August. Reunions have been held in Xenia, Ohio; Springfield, Ohio; Cowan’s Lake, Clarksville, Ohio, as well as Lebanon, Ohio.
Though many have passed from among us, their loving memory inspires us to continue these family gatherings. If you listen closely you will hear their voices in the voices of those here attending – a peculiar way of saying a word – a certain inflection of the voice – a facial expression – a way of gesturing to express a point - a turn of the head - a smile…they are still here in each one of us.
Frederick Douglas Singleton On December 19, 1876, Fred Singleton was born in Springboro, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Springboro, Ohio where he attended public school. As a boy he was noted for his skating ability and held a championship as a figure skater in the Springboro area. Fred married Elvira on January 19, 1899. They had 12 children; 10 of whom survived – Blanche, Cecil, Charles, Elsie, Frieda, George, Hazel, Katherine, Vergie, and Wilbur. He joined Bethel A.M.E. Church where he served on several boards. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of the church. He was a lover of music and often added to the service with his solos. Due to an accident, Fred spent his late years walking on crutches, but this did not prevent him from being active. He was an avid sports fan and attended many events. When his health began to fail, he took up residence at the Quaker Heights Nursing Home at Waynesville, Ohio. Grandpa Singleton never lost his sense of humor and for his jovial disposition. Fred passed away on March 29, 1975 and is also buried at the Lebanon Cemetery.
Elvira Ella (Phoenix) Singleton Daughter of Gabe and Sarah Phoenix, she was one of nine children. On January 19, 1899, she married Fred Singleton. They had 12 children; 10 of whom survived – Blanche, Cecil, Charles, Elsie, Frieda, George, Hazel, Katherine, Vergie, and Wilbur. Since Ella’s mother, Sarah, passed away when the children were very young, she took in laundry and did housework for many years. She would use flat irons that had to be heated on the kitchen stove, fueled by wood and coal. She was an excellent baker, her specialty being bread and cinnamon rolls, which everyone loved. Elvira Phoenix Singleton passed away in 1955 and is buried at the Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon, Ohio.
Blanche Beatrice (Singleton) Mason Blanche Beatrice Singleton, daughter of Frederick and Elvira Phoenix Singleton was born in Springboro, Ohio, March 2, 1899. At a very early age, she moved to Lebanon, Ohio with her parents, where she spent most of her youth. Later she moved to Dayton, Ohio. She became a member of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the Esther Missionary Circle. She united in marriage to Calvin Mason. Blanche … better known to family as “Mamaw”. Mamaw was an excellent cook. As an Eastern Star (Golden Promise Chapter No. 306), she helped with the fried chicken and fish dinners at their fund raisers. On Saturdays, she prepared hot dinners for sale and the children knew on those days to stay out of the busy kitchen. The dinners would include a meat, two vegetables, hot rolls and a dessert, which usually consisted of a huge portion fruit cobbler, or a large slice pie (flakiest crust ever) or an enormous hunk cake. Her German Chocolate Cake was the most requested cake from customers who purchased her dinners. Mamaw was an exceptionally “great” baker. She could whip up quickly a batch of biscuits or rolls with her eyes closed. Because “hot rolls” were a constant request from her sister Vergie (Jimmie), she taught her how to make those home-made yeast rolls with real butter that would melt in your mouth. Mamaw would always make desserts from scratch. All of her cakes were three layers or more and had the creamiest icing. The favorite was her Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, the table was full of all types of baked goods, all from scratch. Christmas was really special, because that’s when Mamaw made fruit cakes and chocolate peanut butter fudge. Mamaw retired from the Dayton Country Club where she worked as the head baker.
Cecil (Singleton) Davis Cecil Singleton Davis was born on March 28, 1913 in Lebanon, Ohio, the seventh of 12 children to Fred and Ella Singleton. Cecil spent a great deal of her life in Lebanon, Ohio, where she was a student in the Lebanon Public School System. At a very early age, she was baptized and joined the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Lebanon. On March 28, 1933, Cecil was united in holy matrimony to Travers (Dick) Davis. To this union, four children were born: Treva Jane Davis, T. Frank Davis, Shirley E. Procter and Jacquelyn D. Scott.
Cecil could not finish high school because she gave up her shoes so that her younger sisters could go to school. But that did not stop her in 1948 at the age of 35 she went to nursing school and got her degree in nursing from the Lincoln Institute of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She always displayed a great deal of devotion for all of the patients who were under her care. Then she always said she wanted her high school diploma. Well she went back to school. At the age of 63 and got her high school diploma in 1976. She was so proud of it and we were all so proud of her that she never gave up her dream. If you went to any Lebanon school and ate in the cafeteria you saw Cecil and Katherine. They worked for 25 years serving up food. For many years, Cecil served faithfully as a leader in the Girl Scouts. In 1947, she became an affiliated member of the Lily of the Valley, Chapter #55, O.E.S.-PHA of Middletown, Ohio. During the 1950’s and 60’s, Cecil was a member of the Hall Thomas Chorus and the Singleton Sisters singing group. In 1964, she moved her residence to Xenia, where she became a member of the First A.M.E. Church. In 1982, she retired from active employment at Central State University. After retiring from Central State University, Cecil become a foster grandparent for children that were developmentally disabled, physically handicapped, learning disabled, emotionally troubled, abused, substance abusers and juvenile offenders. Cecil worked at Arrowwood School in Xenia. She just loved the kids she came in contact with and they loved her right back. She was written up in the Xenia paper for her work. Cecil will always be remembered for her fun loving disposition. She had a kind word and pleasant smile for everyone.
Charles Frederick Singleton Charles Frederick Singleton, affectionately known as “Charlie” to all who knew and loved him, was born December 31, 1910 to Frederick Douglas and Elvira Phoenix Singleton in Springboro, Ohio. The fifth of 10 children, young Charlie moved to Lebanon with his family. On December 16, 1933, Charlie married Marie Frances Davis, daughter of Bessie and Edward Davis. To this union four children were born, Lois Marie, Charles Edward, William Frederick, and Steven Davis. He always provided for his family. During WWII, Charlie was employed by Kings Mills Government Powder Plant. Many of you may also remember seeing Charlie driving his truck during his job with the City of Lebanon. He retired from Inland (a division of General Motors) as a welder, in 1975, after more than twenty years of service. Charlie enjoyed fishing, hunting and all sports – he even tried his hand at boxing and semi-professional football. He expressed his love of music by playing the saxophone and singing tenor. He was always interested in helping others. There were even heroic deeds. Once, when on his way to work, he rescued a young child from a burning home. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Elsie Mae (Singleton) O’Donnell Elsie was the beloved mother of John A. Singleton and Keith A. O’Donnell and the last surviving child of Fredrick D. and Ella Singleton. She is fondly remembered by her extended family and countless friends in the Lebanon, Ohio community and beyond, including her former colleagues at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. At Wright Pat, she served her country for over four decades as award winning member of the staff of the Foreign Technology Division. Elsie leaves behind a legacy of good deeds and positive achievements that inspired generations of those who came into contact with her. She was known for her generosity and selflessness, often tending to the needs of others when she could well have been doing things for herself. She took special pleasure in music, whether she was leading the choirs at Bethel AME church or at work or simply enjoying an impromptu performance at the piano, entertaining herself and anyone who was fortunate enough to be nearby. Most of all, Elsie will be treasured by people who knew her best for her perpetually pleasant personality and amazingly spiritual outlook on life. Even when she dwelled in this world, she seemed to be quite familiar with what was going on in the unseen and non-material one.
Freida (Singleton) Kinley Freida Singleton Kinley was born on January 20, 1919 in Lebanon, Ohio. She graduated from Lebanon High School and studied to become a Practical Nurse. She married Glenn W. Kinley in 1949, and from that union, their son, Jason, was born in 1954. She was a member of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, Inc. beginning in 1949 and moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s to follow the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, Inc. She worked at various convalescent and nursing homes over the years and retired from the Veterans Administration in Los Angeles, California.
George Sherman Singleton Like his siblings, he had musical talents; a beautiful baritone voice and he played a “mean” trombone. He played in the town orchestra, along with this brothers Wilbur and Charlie, and his cousin, Mose (Carl).
He suffered a severely broken neck in an auto accident. He passed the test to enlist in the Army in WWII. He drove a truck in Africa and Europe for that famous Patton invasion. Affectionately called “Jeep,” he became a fixture of North Lane and the Lebanon community. He was loved by young and old.
Hazel Naomi (Singleton) Jackson Hazel Naomi Singleton, daughter of Frederick and Ella Phoenix Singleton was born in Springboro, Ohio on February 23, 1905. In 1908 she moved with her family to Lebanon, Ohio. She attended the Lebanon Public School, where she made a name for herself as a running track star. She was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Sunday School and at an early age joined the Church. She became a member of the choir and is remembered for the inspiring duets that she sang with her sister Blanche. Having had private lessons, Hazel became a noteworthy elocutionist, speaking often at her church. In the late 1920’s, she moved to Brooklyn, New York and became a successful restaurateur. She was united in marriage with James Jackson of Brooklyn, New York. Through Hazel’s love of caring for others, she trained and earned a degree in nursing. She was employed at Brookdale Medical Center in Brooklyn. On her retirement from Brookdale, she returned to Lebanon to make her home. Hazel’s life revolved around her family, giving each one love, attention and care.
Katherine Ella (Singleton) Thomas Katherine Ella Singleton was born in August 28, 1914 in Lebanon, Ohio to Frederick and Ella Phoenix Singleton. She was the seventh child of ten born from this union. Katherine attended and received her education in the Lebanon Public School System. She loved and married Rolland H. Thomas on September 22, 1932. As a loving and devoted couple of 59 years, they were blessed with four children: Charlene, Herbert (Sonnie), Lowell and Rolland (Hayes). During her career, she was employed in the Food Service Department for the Lebanon Public System for 34 years where she advanced to Head Cook before her retirement in 1975. She was a devoted lifetime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church where she was often seen working in the church kitchen, assisting with all occasions, and singing in the choir. In her spare time, she enjoyed cross word puzzles, sewing and gardening in her big backyard. She had a giving heart and always had a small gift to offer each guest who came to her home. During her last few years of her life she resided at Quaker Heights Nursing Home in Waynesville, Ohio where she received excellent care. The residents and employees often referred to her as “song bird” because she loved singing and it brought great pleasure and comfort to all. Katherine was fondly called Grandma Missy or Aunt Missy. To know “Missy” was to love her and to have had her as a family member of friend was a blessing.
Vergie Virginia (Singleton) Russell Virginia Singleton Russell, daughter of Frederick and Ella Phoenix Singleton was born in Springboro, Ohio on May 18, 1909. At the age of three years old, Virginia moved with her family to Lebanon, Ohio. Virginia was enrolled in the Cradle Roll of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Early in life she joined the Church and became active in the Sunday school and the Junior Choir. Later she joined the Senior Choir, and was one of the lead sopranos. She was part of Bethel’s Sextet and the Singleton Sisters, who performed on the Radio. Her early life was spent in Lebanon, Ohio where she received her education in the Lebanon Public School district. Virginia was united in marriage to Ulysses Russell. She moved to Dayton, Ohio where she was gainful employed by Man Power and the Federal Government at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. In 1968, she moved to Brooklyn, New York where she made her home and then returned to Lebanon. She will always be remembered for her jovial disposition, for her ability to dream new words and give them meaning, in the many little rhymes she composed.
Wilbur French Singleton Wilbur Singleton son of Fred and Ella Singleton was born in Springboro, Ohio on December 8, 1902. At an early age he moved with his family to Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended the Lebanon Public School. As a youngster he attended Bethel A.M.E. Church Sunday School. May 27, 1924 he was united in holy wedlock to Louise Roberson. Six children were born of this union – Ronald, Esther, Margaret, Doris, Bernice and Janice. Wilbur was employed by the Charles Meis Shoe Company, the GH&R Foundry in Dayton, and the Warren County Museum in Lebanon. In 1974, he united in marriage with Leafy Polley of Dayton, Ohio. He was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and sang in the Senior Choir. One of the loves of his life was the organ that he played with the ability of an accomplished musician.
Save the date: Saturday August 6th 75 Years of Family Rooted in Legacy
2016 Reunion Planning Committee Jared Ames Dee Dee Bullock Russell Forrester Deloris Henry Keith O’Donnell Davita Scott Ricky Singleton
Carleton Barwick Alexis Calloway Lois Hatch Michelle Kinney Marcus Roberts Monica Short
If you would like to join the planning committee, please see Dee Dee Bullock or Lois Hatch.
In Memoriam Marie Frances Davis Singleton
She was born on October 30, 1909, before most modern conveniences were invented. Back then, her birthplace, Lebanon, Ohio, was a small town of just 2,800 residents. She was the first child of Edward Raymond Davis and Bessie Clementine Bridges Davis, who loved her dearly and provided as many opportunities as a “colored” child could have at that time. One of her treasured gifts from her father was her brownie camera, which can be seen in this photo taken of her when she was just 12 years old. In 1928, Marie was the only graduate of color in her class at Lebanon High School. She started her college education at Wilberforce, but left early to raise her family. She did return to receive her teaching degree from Wilberforce in the 70’s after raising a family of four. Talk about determination! Along the way, there were difficult times for Marie. She suffered the loss of two brothers, Raymond and Edward, Jr., in their youth; she lost her mother in 1944, her father in 1952, and her sister, Margaret, in 2002. We know that she has drawn much strength from these experiences, using them throughout her life to help others manage through their own challenges. She remained loyal and faithful to all of these special people in her life and notably was the main reason why her sister, Margaret, was able to regain her US citizenship and be taken care of so well throughout the rest of her life. In 1933, she married Charles Frederick Singleton, with whom she had four children – Lois Marie, Charles Edward, William Frederick and Steven Davis. Charles and Marie were known as achievers, hard workers, wonderful dancers, great hosts, travelers, excellent friends, admirable parents and doting grandparents. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before Charlie’s home going in 1996. Whether or not she agreed with us, we consider Marie a pioneer of civil rights. She followed in her parents’ footsteps as she organized community programs and led demonstrations on behalf of Lebanon’s “colored” community. She was an active member of Bethel AME Church and was always a committed and tireless advocate for those less fortunate than herself.
Marie was a working woman, setting an example for those around her, especially Lois and all of her granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Marie’s work experiences included a variety of important positions. One in particular was as a writer for the Lebanon Western Star newspaper. Her weekly column, “Marie Writes,” promoted positive events and activities in the “Negro” community and was widely read. She also worked at Remington Arms during World War II as an Inspector of Ammunition and then began an outstanding career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (Gentile) during the 1960’s, retiring at age seventy. Her honors and awards include the 1982 Ohio Governor’s Citizen-ofthe-Year award; appointment to President Carter’s National Public Library System Review Committee; and the 2008 NAACP President’s Award. In recognition of her accomplishments on behalf of the citizens of her hometown, the Mayor of Lebanon and the City Council proclaimed her 100th birthday as Marie Frances Davis Singleton Day. There are many other awards and recognitions, too numerous to mention. For nearly 20 years, Marie was a resident of Mason Christian Village where her mind was as sharp as ever. She was the family historian, an avid reader, a bridge and bingo player, traveler, and hostess to many. She is always impeccably dressed (she loved her Kimberly Knits) and was ready for any adventure. She was extremely proud of all of her family’s accomplishments and continued to encourage them as they learned life lessons, mostly from her incredible spirit and courage. When asked what she considered her life’s most important work, she always replied that she is proud that she could help the sick and shut-ins and was the one that many called upon to help families in need of spiritual support. Yes, she taught us all well. In every opportunity that presented itself, we found ourselves bragging about her, citing her advice, cooking one of her recipes or considering how she would handle any situation. Over the years, our family has shared touching and joyful times and Marie was there for every birth announcement, our sweet sixteen parties, weddings, reunions, christenings, birthday parties, graduations and home goings. She meant so much to us all. Marie was such a wonderful, amazing, phenomenal woman. She leaves a legacy of love, loyalty and laughter. Written with love by Jacquelyn Michelle Hatch Howard, Marie’s granddaughter