"BITS AND PIECES” ON: JORDAN AND ISABELLE (RUCKER) ROBERTS

Imagine a future with no limits—fantasize a past that made it possible! We salute the love, faith, bravery, principles and commitment of our

predecessors, Jordan and Isabelle (Rucker) Roberts, along with her parents, William Henry and Caroline Rucker; that is as far back as we can go of our known ancestors. Their efforts, indeed, have enriched the lives of past, present and future generations. Thus, we are reaping the benefits: Jobs, professions, community services, etc. because of what they sowed.

Our pioneers are totally necessary to our every waking moment. The reason why it’s imperative to keep their names alive and appreciated is because they were God-fearing people who embraced love, faith and endurance. They, as stated, instilled in their off-springs such meaningful qualities of life which were passed on down to us today. Embracing such habits naturally teach us respect for ourselves and each other and more importantly things that allow us to exist.

The vicinity of the 1850’s was the time believed to be the beginning of Jordan Roberts’ life. His wife to be, Isabelle, was also speculated to be born during that particular span. When reading and writing were non-existent among blacks, it is strongly believe that Jordan did not know his parents but that Isabelle’s parents (William Henry and Caroline Rucker) were discovered (as stated above)! We can also safely say that, undoubtedly, Jordan was separated from his mother/dad and was in slavery some time during his younger years. Most likely, Isabelle was confined during that era when she was a youth or young adult.

It also was made known that he and/or his wife were of Cherokee Indian descent. It was brought to our attention that Jordan worked on a railroad and was a strict disciplinarian. Once more, assumption leads us to believe that this Arkansas couple were confined for a time during the Civil War but were affected only during their young lives. Father Jordan and his spouse accomplished something that was a common practice in “those days,” something that is shun and is unheard of by many people today. They were the proud parents of 15 children: Ruth, Henry, Salinda, Wesley, Rose Ada, Ardelia, Harrison, Delilah, Beatrice, James,  Labon, Joseph, Julius, Charles, Elvira. We were told Joseph died in his 20’s; Julius, Charles and Elvira expired in their early childhood. 

By Betty Edmonds

It was also relayed that Jordan had a half-brother named Henry Stubblefield. The preceding were great uncle and grandfather respectively of the late Versie James. Versie’s mother, Ida (Stubblefield) Holloway, was the daughter of Henry Stubblefield. Henry also had a son, Jesse Stubblefield. The latter and his wife, Janie, raised Versie. Again, Versie was cooperative in providing some history on Jordan. Note: Your writer also had the opportunity to talk with Jesse’s and Janie’s son, Havis Stubblefield (Pine Bluff, Arkansas), as well as their granddaughter, Maeola Brunson-Dacus (Detroit). The conversations were the beginning of 2015. It was a wholesome discussion of our family tree and the grand reflections of our loved-ones. As we are aware, the selling and exchanging of slaves to different masters went on unquestioned. Jordan also fell victim to such fate! It also was the custom of the times the name surname of the slave—changed with the changing of masters. Jordan’s last owner was a cruel man named Nelson (See poem dramatically written by Gloria Watson entitled “To Update Mr. Nelson” on Pages 93 and 94). He disliked him so much that during the time when the slaves were set free, Jordan (remembering the kind and humane treatment of his former owner), adopted his surname of ROBERTS! In appearance, as his picture shows (at beginning of book), Jordan was very distinguished- looking and, we were told by one of his sons, James Roberts (as well as other sons/daughters), that he was a man with strong convictions, responsible and non-conforming. It was obvious

because of his willingness to change his name and to stand up for what is right! In an eye-opening and intimate conversation with Jordan’s other son, Labon Roberts, some light was shed on his parents’ personality. Although Labon only knew his father for 7 years, he shared a memory of his father coming home with a sack of groceries across his back—that right

there was a sign of a caring, family man! Having also memories of his mother during his childhood, he relayed to me that at age 4, he remembered his mother in the kitchen quietly preparing meals. He reminisced her mostly as a deeply religious woman who was fervent in prayer. He also recalled how she prayed for him (Labon) just before she died. Being a woman who cared for her family, Labon whispered, “She was no stranger to meekness and humility.” The beginning of the 20th Century served as the time of departure from this life for these foregoers. Not surpassing their 60’s, we were told that Isabelle died around 1907 and Jordan followed 3 years later (1910).

A large write-up about the Roberts/Rucker Family Book appeared in The Flint Journal on February 2, 1987. Our family history is also registered with the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. Below are excerpts and a picture of yours truly, my mother, Leatha (Temple) Roberts, (one of the oldest family members living at that time) and Michael Muhammad who assisted.

BLACK FAMILY’S CHRONICLE INSPIRES OTHER HISTORIES

By Rhonda S. Sanders Journal Staff Writer February 2, 1987

“Emancipation from a cruel master in 1863 enabled Jordan, a black slave, to make choices in his life for the first time. He first chose a new

last name. Shucking the surname Nelson, accorded to him under slave law, he became Jordan Roberts, reclaiming the name of a former, kindlier master.

From the humble beginnings of this proud and particular slave sprang the family history of more than 400 Flint residents. The Roberts Family Book, a 130-page chronicle of Jordan’s descendants through seven generations, was published last Fall. Authored by Jordan’s granddaughter, Betty J. Edmonds, of Flint, the compilation took two years. Five people assisted Edmonds in gathering and assembling anecdotes, poetry, photographs and an oral legacy. Edmonds intended the book as a family keepsake, but it

has become an inspiration to other black families whose unrecorded history threatens to become lost. Many who have read the book have asked Edmonds for assistance in writing their own family history or to borrow a copy to use as a model, she said. The book traces descendants of Jordan and Isabelle (Rucker) Roberts from Arkansas to Michigan and other parts of the country. The Roberts family history is divided into 19 sections—covering family reunions, weddings and a branch-by branch review of the family tree. Designed by Michael Henderson, Edmonds’ nephew, the wheel is likened to rays of sunshine which fan in all directions but are traceable to a single source. Jordan’s descendants have carried his chosen name with pride! Various sections of the book trace family occupations, educational credits and other achievements...”

RUCKER FAMILY HISTORY

William Henry and Caroline Rucker discovered—

along with many of their descendants)

During the final stage of the Roberts/Rucker Book in 1987, some astounding information was disclosed to us by the late Mae Frances Moore. She was the first-blood cousin to the children of Jordan and Isabelle. Documentation (mostly pictures, some of which are shown in this book) made its way into the editor’s hands of the Rucker generations. Suffice it to say, that because of the time members being mentioned, gaps in the reports are prevalent due either to insufficient knowledge or its unavailability. However, some information given us, at that time, were pertaining to Isabelle (RUCKER) Roberts’ family. She, as realized, was the wife of Jordan Roberts.

Mae Frances added that William Henry and Caroline Rucker were the first-known generation and the parents of Isabelle, Harry Dillard, Angeline and Elizabeth. There could have been more children, but the aforementioned were the only ones that were disclosed. Note: The following expresses a small portion of data also available to us: William Henry Rucker had two brothers named Alandis Rucker and Jackson Rucker and two sisters, Amelia (Rucker) Harris and Rose (Rucker) White. It was further conveyed that stemming from the Ruckers are many off-springs (too numerous to mention) who now live in Indiana, Illinois, California, Ohio, New Jersey, Arkansas, Missouri and many other states.

Rose Wright, daughter of Rebecca (Rucker) Wright, remembers the following about several of the Rucker family members: “I recall cousin, Georgia (daughter of Sam Rucker—Sam was the brother of Rebecca Wright), as being a round, pleasant woman with a high-pitched voice! Uncle Sammy, she articulated, was a robust man who mostly wore blue jean overalls. One who enjoyed hunting and fishing, I remember when he set up a table outside his driveway. After one particular fishing excursion, he gutted and cleaned the fish he caught. The most fun part to me was watching the neighborhood cats coming to get the scraps that he was throwing on newspaper under the table!

I also recall being chastised by Uncle Sammy once for sending him a ‘thank-you’ card in the mail, after he had given me some money as a graduation gift. ‘I knew you were thankful,’ he said...that was just the waste of a stamp!” As indicated on the internet (Roberts/Rucker Family Ancestry Page), Isabelle ‘s middle initial was “J” (sorry we do not know the name for J). The residence citation is the 1880 U. S. Federal Census Bureau. Year, 1880. Census Place: Whiteville and Dorsey, Arkansas. Also, accord-ing to ancestry.com, Harry Dillard Rucker was born in 1870 and died in 1946. Isabelle J. Rucker was born 1859 - Expired: around 1907. From those stats, are other siblings listed, but we’re not for sure if they were the sisters and brothers of Isabelle, Harry D., Angeline and Elizabeth. More History Highlights: George Washington is the son of Georgia and grandson of Elizabeth Rucker. Elizabeth was the sister of Sam Rucker, Mae Frances Moore and Rebecca Wright. Those 4 siblings’ aunt was also named Elizabeth. She was the sister of Harry Dillard, Angeline

and Isabelle. Sam’s other daughter was Mae Reather. Sam’s obituary also included a daughter, Jocelyn (not sure of correct spelling of preceding two), and information about latter was not available. Special memories that Vannessa Davis (daughter of Rebecca Rucker Wright) have of her Uncle Sammy are quite vivid. She says: “Not only did he teach me how to drive, but he provided Elliott, Johnetta (also children of Rebecca) and myself with cars! A skilled mechanic, he always wanted a house with a garage and driveway to work on autos. One of his requirements when he taught me how to drive was for me to be ready in the ‘wee hours’ (3:00) of the morning, because traffic was not as heavy at that time. He would also go to areas where I could drive backwards which is why, to this day, I don't mind backing even into tight spaces! He also felt, as a woman, there were things I should know

about vehicles. He taught me how to change a tire, check my oil and tire pressure—things I’ve remember but now don't do (smile)!

A contractor, Sam built at least 2 houses, one of which George and his family now reside. I met his daughter, Jocelyn, as an adult, whom I did not know much about. However, I learned that she moved to Alabama and may have passed away in the late 1990's or early 2000's.” As indicated prior, Angeline Rucker (sister of Isabelle Rucker-Roberts) married Will Harris and from that union were born 9 children. Your editor had the privilege of personally meeting one of Angeline’s grandsons, the late Bishop Elvelva Harris and his wife, Ozeffer, who resides in Oakland, California. Without question, his wife was a very strong supporter for the R/R’s publications. Elvelva’s parents were Arthur Harris and Easter Vaughn (she died in 1954) and they had 14 children. Anna Ruth Harris-Grand informed your writer that her parents were Maurice (Angelic) Harris whose father was Bunyon

Harris, son of Angeline Rucker Harris. Anna also has 2 sons: Charles Lee Grand, Jr. and Algie Ray Grand; there are 6 grands and she (Anna Ruth) is among 6 siblings. Bishop Elvelva and Ozeffer Harris’ children are: Elvelva Harris, Jr., James Edward Harris, Franklin Harris, Dennis Harris, Charlie Harris, Barry Harris, Ruth Evelyn Harris, Lola Harris- Hawkins, Temtie Harris and Pearl Harris who is deceased. However, there are many, many more descendants from Isabelle’s 2 sisters (Angeline and brother, Harry Dillard). Profound appreciation to Wilma Cotton, great granddaughter of Angeline for providing us with those notes. Yes, that’s how we all tie in together!