April at ToomerFamily BLOG

Genealogy, History, Poetry & Prose, Reunion, Spotlight

April was a good month in Toomer BLOG land. Click on April in the right-navigation bar to view blogs written in April. Below is a list of April blogs



Genealogy

• Toomer Index: WWII Army Enlistment
• Toomer Slaves
• Toomer Timeline: 1800_s
• Toomer Timeline: 1900_s
• Toomers in 1870 Houston County, Georgia
  

General

• Eat Right and Exercise
• List of Posts on the ToomerFamily BLOG
• My Husband Would Freak!
• New Jersey Toomers Pumping Gas
• Sign In: Let us know you were here!
• Toomer April Birthdays
• Toomer Are You Ready For A 911 Movie?
• Using the ToomerFamily BLOG

History

• Big Aunt Ida Parsons
• African History: More than Plight
• Civil War Soldier Buried in East Berlin
• Hog Crawl Plantation for Sale
• Toomer Precious Places
• Toomer Takes Light-Heavyweight Crown
  

Planning Committee

• April Planning Committee Meeting
• Flea Market Fundraiser Next Saturday
• Last Call For Recipes!!!

Poetry & Prose

• FAMILY
• I am who I am!
• Mystical Splurge
• Reunion Committee Props
• Spine, by Beandrea Davis
• We Appreciate You Floyd
• Good Enough For God
  

Reunion

• Photo Gallery: Toomers at Auletto_s
• Photo Gallery: Toomers at Bamboo Gardens
• Photo Gallery: Toomer Reunion Skating
• Toomer Awards
  

Spotlight

• Beandrea Online
  

General Comments at ToomerFamily BLOG

Do you have something to say or a question to ask, but it does not pertain to a particular blog? Leave the comment here.

New Jersey Toomers Pumping Gas

The beginning of Self Service Gas in the Garden State?

Governor Corzine proposes that we will save money on gas if we end the ban on self service. This is kind of a strange concept. Pennsylvania has self service and their folks come to New Jersey to get gas. They do this, not because it is raining or cold outside. They do this because our gas is cheaper.

When I was younger I asked my mother why, why people in New Jersey do not pump their own gas. What made us so special? She told me that people would lose jobs if we had self service. This made me feel good about my state of birth. We care about jobs. Now as an adult, I appreciate the convenience.

When I go outside of the Garden State, and my tank is low, a sadness descends. If I am in Philly, I calculate if fumes can get me across the bridge. I dread driving into a self service station, pulling out the pump, pressing the gas type button, lifting that big metal thing, figuring out if the lift should be before the press, shoving the nozzle into the hole, squeezing the handle, and hoping that something comes out. Finally you must pray that the little metal thingy that holds the handle up works. This way you do not have to stand and actually feel every gallon of gas flowing into your car. Occasionally, when out of the state, I pull into a gas station and forget to get out of the car. It takes a moment to realize that I am not in Kansas (New Jersey) any more.

New Jersey and Oregon are the only states with a ban on self service gas stations. Our Governor states that they are going to try this out to see if the savings is passed on the consumer. Generally we do in depth studies to flesh this out, I am sure that there is a report of some kind. Today they are raising gas by 14 cents. This is because of state regulations on how often stations can raise the gas.

Our state is pretty good when it comes to gas prices and unscrupulous gas station owners, especially in south Jersey. This is another thing that I have been proud of. Sure our prices go up, but generally we are at the median or below. Hopefully, our Governor and State Legislatures continue to take care of us in this respect.

The other day, when I was at WaWa, the gas station attendant told me that I was beautiful. Now can a pump do that? Well, I guess with technology they can add buttons to activate self affirmations, but a pump can not send you off with a smile.

Leave a comment and let us know, are the Toomers in New Jersey ready to pump gas? This could be the end of Full Service as we know it.

Let the Governor and State Legislature know how you feel.

• Email the Governor of New Jersey
• Email the State Legislature of New Jersey
  
  

Flea Market Fundraiser Next Saturday

Berlin Farmer’s Market, Berlin, NJ


Saturdays in May we will have a Toomer fundraiser at the Auction (Berlin Farmer_s Market), in Berlin, NJ. We are renting a table to sell used items. Please bring your items to the Auction. The table will be in the T row. (T for Toomer) This row is just outside of the gated flea market area. This area is closest to Blackwood Clementon Road.

Make space for new stuff!
(You know that you are going to shop up this summer.)
Donate items to the Toomer Family Fundraiser.
Contact me if you have any questions.

View previous blog on this Toomer Fundraiser.

List of Posts on the ToomerFamily BLOG

New Page at ToomerFamily.com

Go to ToomerFamily.com to view a list of posts on this blog. They are sorted by subject.

• Africa
• Current Events
• Genealogy
• General
• History
• Photos
• Planning Committee
• Poetry
• Reunion
• Spotlight

View the List of ToomerFamily BLOGs. This page will be updated monthly. To view all post for a particular month go to the right-navigation bar and select the month (on this page).

Using the ToomerFamily BLOG

New Page at ToomerFamily.com

Go to ToomerFamily.com to view information that will help you with:

• What is a BLOG?
• Getting Involved
• Viewing and Adding Comments
• Navigating the BLOG
  

View the ToomerFamily BLOG Help Page.

View the previous blog What is the Toomer Family Blog?

Photo Gallery: Toomer Reunion Skating

New at ToomerFamily.com

Remember Friday night skating during the reunion. Following church service we would meet at Echelon or Cherry Hill Skating Rink and skate until about 1:30pm. Above is my favorite picture from the Cherry Hill Skating Rink, in NJ. My little cousin is a descendant of James Toomer. Not yet school age; this little guy exhibits Toomer determination. There is one other family trait that lil cuz displays. He is a cutie.

(On Saturday, the next day of this same reunion year, the father of lil cuz won ALL of the Ron Dayne memorabilia in the silent auction. I don’t think that I have seen him since. I hope to see the whole family this year and I want to be properly introduced to lil cuz. I just wanted to pick him up and kiss those cheeks, but he was kind of busy.)

• View Toomer Reunion Skating Gallery
• View previous blog on the Bamboo Gardens Reunion Gallery
• View previous blog on the Auletto's Reunion Gallery
  
  

Support Beandrea_s Mystical Splurge

Summer 2006

Dear Kind Supporter:

In April 2005 I began work on a memoir called Good Enough For God. I started writing this book with the intention of healing from the pain of an experience I had as a member of an extremist evangelical Christian church during my first two years of college (see included excerpt). Although I didn’t know it at the time, this experience was to be the catalyst for my homecoming; my journey to discover a spirituality that honors my true self. GEFG documents the unfolding of this journey, weaving this catalytic experience together with all the stories of what has always been my deep enchantment with spirituality. By tracking what I’ve learned from growing up in Black Church, attending Catholic school, making art, practicing and teaching Kripalu yoga and insight mediation, and other experiences, I am gaining deep insight into my path thus far that will hopefully inspire others to find their own true paths of self-discovery and spiritual fulfillment.

Last summer, I spent six weeks working on the book for several hours each day. This year I will further intensify my commitment by spending the entire summer on a GEFG writing retreat. I’ve committed myself to a double challenge: to complete the first draft of this manuscript by September 2006 and to raise the $5000 I need to finance this period of creative work by May 18.

Specifically, this money will enable me to: 1) purchase a much needed laptop 2) pay for lodging, food, and travel expenses associated with completing a five-week writing retreat in Paris where I already have free lodging thanks to the generosity of some vacationing French friends; 3) Complete a one-week writing retreat in Cuernavaca, Mexico where I will also celebrate and photograph a dear friend’s wedding 4) Complete a two-week on-the-road writing retreat from Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA.

In order to meet this double challenge, I need your support. Here’s how you can say yes…

1. Donate. Give $25, $50, $100 or more! Visit http://mysticalsplurge.blogspot.com to donate through Paypal. You can also mail a check (made out to Beandrea Davis) to: 5906A Carpenter St Philadelphia, PA 19143-3012. If just 75 supporters give at the $50 level, 75 percent of the goal will be met.
2. You’re Invited! Beandrea’s move*ment party and art auction. Sat, June 3, 2006, 6:30 PM. This party will celebrate my upcoming move to start graduate school in journalism at University of California Berkeley this fall. Food, fun, and silent bidding on gallery quality photographs starting at 75% off original price. Location: Parent Infant Center Gym. 42nd & Locust Sts. Enter via the black gate at corner.
3. Buy new and used books that I’m selling on amazon.com for amazingly low prices. To choose from the list of nearly 100 titles, Click here!

Support is not only monetary: Send this email to 10 or more of your friends with a personal message from you encouraging them to donate. Send positive energy and prayers for the success of this fundraising campaign. Use your creativity and write, draw, sing, dance, speak something that offers support of this process.

Ultimately GEFG is about my search for self-confidence and a spirituality that affirms my wholeness. It is a visible example of my commitment to live an authentic life, one experienced from the inside out. I call this the path of the Mystical Splurge.

So, Will you join me Dear One? Will you join me in this Mystical Splurge called Life? My greatest hope is that you will discern and act upon the desires of your heart. Yes!

In joy and gratitude,

Beandrea

Beandrea T. Davis
beandrea@alumni.upenn.edu
http://mysticalsplurge.blogspot.com

Photo Gallery: Toomers at Bamboo Gardens

New at ToomerFamily.com

View photographs from our Bamboo Gardens Reunions. When viewing the photo montage, click on the photo to enlarge. If you have pictures that you would like to include please send via email. The goal of each photo gallery is to represent multiple branches of the Toomer family.

Except from Toomer Reunion History, by Floyd M. Riley
The reunions of 1994, 1996 and 1998 were held at Camp Quaxon/Bamboo Gardens in Vincentown, NJ. Although the committee was quite pleased with Aulettos, it was decided that a change was needed to keep up the enthusiasm regarding the reunions. At the suggestion of Loretta Phillips, a search committee visited various proposed reunion sites. Overwhelmingly, Camp Quaxon was selected. Again, we rented the entire park. Activities gained by coming here included miniature golf, basketball, horseshoes, pony rides and fishing. We also added a clown to entertain the children. Along with the guidance and instruction of Coswaylo Harris in 1994, the ‘Steppin Toomers’ made their debut to the delight of the crowds. Beginning in 1994, the religious service on Friday evening was held at Greater Mt. Carmel COGIC because of its larger sanctuary and spacious dining room. Althea Toomer Dabney of Philadelphia, PA. took the initiative to charter a bus to bring the Toomers from Philadelphia to the reunion. She became the first recipient of the ‘Most Enthusiastic Award’. The bus has become a regular expected addition to the reunion. The exhibits continued to grow each year. Recipients of other special family awards were Edwin & Kathy Baylock, Cornelius Toomer, Sr., Susan Toomer Clayton, and many more.

At the 1998 reunion, there was a fantastic response to the call for the family displays. Without a doubt, all family branches were well represented. It was the largest yet! During that reunion, the first official Family Reunion Photograph was taken. Additional Planning Committee members were Gladys Toomer Young, Charleen Sullivan Timms, and Cheryl Reid Scott. Committee members joining to plan the 2000 reunion were joined by Marilyn Reid Hill, Helen Toomer Beverly and Judy Hill.

• View Bamboo Gardens Reunion Gallery
• View previous blog on the Auletto's Reunion Gallery

Due to space limitations and the number of future galleries, each photo montage will initially contain just a few pictures. Future reunion galleries will include: reunion skating, Toomer Avenue celebration, 1999 family group photo set up, 2000 family group photo set up and Smorgasbord (gone but not forgotten).

Good Enough For God

By Beandrea Davis


SNEAK PREVIEW…
(Excerpted in vignettes)

Foreword: If god is anything, god must be a choice. Not something arrived at by default, stale tradition, or lifeless ritual. It is an intention to go before the altar of divinity not knowing exactly what you will find, but knowing ultimately you will be enriched for going. You will be able to touch more healing, more calm, more aliveness, more of this being on fire for Life. This book is about taking back my power to choose.

***
Smile painted on. Dark brown braids tightly woven in cornrows. Underneath a white robe, a gray Penn t-shirt, green swoosh shorts, and a black bathing suit. I walk out across the high school auditorium stage with Bernice on my right and Marissa on my left getting ready to Get Right With God. I sink down into a metal tub that looks like the ones black women in the South used to do white folks’ laundry in. The noise of the packed auditorium falls to a hush under chilly water. There is a pause where time seems to flow like the currents of water I’m now submerged in. It happens quickly. I am baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and now called a disciple of Jesus Christ. Now part of “God’s true church,” the International Church of Christ, I joined the fold of the narrow path, fixing my eyes upon heaven and my mind upon Saving Souls. Christ died for the ungodly. Me. Only God alone is good.

***
On third Sundays at Wayman A.M.E we – The Youth – wear burgundy choir robes with white triangular collars as we walk down the aisles in the opening procession. We take our place in the choir loft behind the pulpit, on view for the entire congregation to see. Our turn to be a choir is a daredevil event like the high jump. Will we knock down the bar, forgetting the words to the songs only a handful of us had even showed up to practice? Will the Smith daughter’s voice carry the solo? Will the congregation catch the spirit or just tolerate us with a toothless smile? I had faith when I thought of Mrs. Smith. Her booming soprano voice (it shocked you when it met the air) and chubby fingers could always conduct us into something holy, something worthy of the congregation’s ear. I longed to be a soprano, not the alto that I was. Altos were medium, bland girls with too deep voices reserved for boys. Sopranos were fairies; the real singers who made the church’s roof blow off. I always wanted to raise my hand when Mrs. Smith asked for volunteers to sing a solo, but I didn’t think my tentative voice – trying to be soprano although my vocal chords were alto – was good enough. When Mrs. Smith raises us to standing with her hand gesture, I hear Mrs. Roberts – Tony and Clint’s mom – say “C’mon choir!” She waits on Wayman’s youth to deliver her the Good News. We have the answers from the Lord she needs to hear.

***
I remember fear. Now I lay me down to sleep. A deep fear in the pit in my stomach would always emerge at the prospect of hell. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. I had to get to heaven. Hell was not an option. If I should die before I wake. I wasn’t doing no altar call, so I made sure I prayed every night. I pray the Lord my soul to take. I say this prayer of absolution every night underneath my covers, reclining atop Sesame Street sheets. I say the words in a whisper thinking to myself, “Well, I guess I am safe now. I have begged God to let me into heaven, even though I don’t like altar calls and I am not saved.” God is an overseer I have to get permission from and obey without talking back. He is up there. I am down here. These are the rules, and that is that.

***
This morning my arms disappear in shivasana. Lifting up at an angle, they simply float away. I am in between feeling and not feeling; in between being and not being. In between my thoughts and the words attempting to describe them. These arms don’t physically disappear; they enter another realm where there is no Rational Mind. In shivasana I am in a state of blissful nothingness. As the whole of my body’s weight gives itself over to the Earth I ask myself “Who knew the floor could be this comfortable?!” It is the birthday cake that comes to you no matter what kind of year it’s been. You get the cake because you are still here and you are alive. You have completed your asana practice and shivasana is the reward of integration. My body thanks me for remembering to feel my wholeness, sending currents of energy through me. The muscles and bones of my spine are slow dancing together, stretching, lifting, tapping their feet bending their knees when the riff gets heavy. I am the dancer and the dance. Resting in witness consciousness, I am all of this at once.

***
“You all are so lucky you’re still virgins. Single people want to do all the same stuff as married people these days.” On our way back from a Wednesday night church service, Bernice says this to Marissa and me as we ride through West Philly in her black Nissan Altima. Lamenting her three abortions from the days before she became a disciple, she thought college-age virgins were a miracle in these days and times. After years of never being asked out on a date, I had concluded that I was an untouchable like the downtrodden caste in India. It felt like I was wearing an invisible sign on my forehead that said ‘do NOT ask this girl out or tell her you think she’s cute.’ So I held my head a little higher that night after Bernice returned us to our dorm, relieved to know my “untouchableness” was something to be proud of now that I was Right With The Lord. And as a disciple I have my first taste of dating life. Going out on a few dates, I experience what its like to get excited about having plans, getting dressed up, going out and getting to know someone you see every week in church. But something about the whole culture of dating in the ICOC feels very forced. I go on dates to “encourage” the brothers and myself, like Jesus commanded. Not exactly the beginnings of a fiery romance. It was hard at times not to feel like a charity case. Instead of going away like I’d hoped, that untouchableness keeps showing up at the most inconvenient times.

***
I want to be that blank space between thoughts. I long to be the bass guitar in a band – the thing that you feel, that keeps you listening even when the set is horrible. It is what snaps things into place like that last stretch of openness before a Tupperware top is on good and tight. This unknown is where God dwells, and I want the confidence that underlies this spaciousness. I want the big ass mind, the one where I sit quietly, content to let Change shine as it disappears. I want to be that confident, that lovely, that strong.



Copyright 2006. Excerpts of Good Enough For God appear courtesy of Beandrea Davis. Re-printing without permission strictly prohibited.

• View Beandrea's other posts on this Blog
• View Mystical Splurge

Mystical Splurge

By Beandrea Davis

Rather than looking up at me with weary eyes and speaking of admiration, why don’t you tell me what you want in Life? What makes your heart soar outside your chest? Why are you here?

Go within and go deep. Walk away from everything you think you know. Snuggle up with fear. Greet each of the voices inside, and then step back. Put on the sunglasses of the Universe, and see the wide-angle view. It is full of ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows.

Believe in your preciousness to the unfolding of the Great Mystery. Tap inner reserves of confidence and compassion previously unknown. Live the life you want from the inside out, knowing that this is why you are here.

Recognize that we are all spiritual beings temporarily living in human form. Walk with me along the path looking eye to eye, standing shoulder to shoulder.

I am tired of self-estrangement. I want to be whole.

Will you join me dear one? Will you join me in this Mystical Splurge called Life?

Copyright 2006. Beandrea Davis. Reprinting without permission strictly prohibited.

• View Beandrea's other posts on this blog and the internet

Toomer Are You Ready For A 911 Movie?

On April 28, 2006 United 93 will open in theaters. This film will depict the events of September 11, 2001. Family, are you ready for this? If you would have asked me this question prior to the hearing the transcripts to the voice recordings used in the Moussaoui trial, I might have said yes. But now I have heard the calls from the people in the WTC asking for help. I have also heard the transcript of people on United 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania. It is all coming back, the unbelievable horror of it all.

As a person who worked in NYC at the time, I sat this one out, at home in my living room. I was also home during the blackout. These are two strange occurrences in my life that tells me that the Toomer Angels are strong. We have plenty of family members who live in NY and north Jersey, and who visit that area all of the time. Many of Uncle Charlie_s descendants live in NY. Many of us have worked and shopped regularly in the World Trade area. We are ok. (Now I am speaking for the descendants of Caroline Toomer. If Toomer_s from other branches have lost members in 911 please let us know.)

Leave a comment and tell us if you will go to the theater to see United 93. Give us a first hand account of your 911 experience and it_s aftermath. Also, feel free to leave comments about fond memories of the World Trade area.

Personally I loved the lunchtime concerts at World Trade during the summertime. Each day a different radio station would run the show. One day there was jazz blaring from the center of buildings, the next day there was R&B. If you visited the following day you would see a bunch of people doing a country line dance. Everyday was there was something and the area was always packed. Yes, World Trade summers were enjoyable. Grab a lunch, find a seat, and take in the music and the view. Of course there were many characters walking around. After eating, if you feel like dancing it off, you could. Just jump into the crowd. Or if you are a free spirit, just do your thing where you stand. Some folks choose this option.

I tried to write some of my first hand experiences of 911, but the tears overcame my words. One vision that always comes back is kind of strange. It is not a horrific vision, as many of them were, but a simple one. A small piece of CNN footage during the first evening triggered a vision. It was dark outside but I could see the names on the side of the emergency vehicles and this blew me away. The footage was of ambulances from Cherry Hill and Somerdale at the World Trade Center. Emergency teams from 90 miles and even greater distances away, all on the scene. The vision that was triggered by this footage was of our NJ Turnpike, closed to public access, full of emergency vehicles, heading north to the tragedy at the WTC.

So whether you are ready or not family, the movies are coming, United 93 being the first. According to Newsweek, Nicholas Cage will star in World Trade Center on Aug 9th.

FAMILY

By Marianne Reid Cole
Read during a Toomer Reunion Church Service


Hey there family it’s simply wonderful seeing all of my kinfolk.
Your presence here this afternoon causes me to have hope.

Hope that although our birth parents are gone we will still come together and agree.
That for love’s sake we will continue to stay close because we are still family.

We have such a rich heritage in our parents who loved God first and family second.
Who strived thru example to teach the importance of love, oh my what a great blessing.

Parents who made sacrifices for us over and over again.
Parents who loved us more than life itself, on whom we could depend.

Because of parents like Mom and Dad none of us needed appointments with Dr. Phil on T.V.
Or felt a need to tell the world that we had a dysfunctional family.

What we did have was lots of unconditional love that was given to us without measure.
They didn’t make us feel that loving us was a duty or chore, but seemed to do so with pleasure.

We are in a fight to stay close because the devil desires to divide.
He attempts to come between us all and cause us to take sides.

Let’s strive to keep out Bro. Jealousy and put Sis Evil Speaking to rest.
To think on only the good things and keep down a bunch of mess.



Can we promise to try not to judge each other knowing this only breeds division.
For if the real truth be told at sometime we’ve all made bad decisions.

Can we promise to do our best to stay in touch despite the busyness of each day?
To pick up the phone for no special reason other than I just called to say hey.

How about if we forgive each other for past and present hurts?
How about if we all take the initiative to say I’m sorry first?

For we’ve all seen it quite often where family’s split after the parents are deceased.
And love some how dissipates and contact is severely decreased.

Let’s make our parents proud by making a conscious effort to keep the unity.
And take advantage of family gatherings at every opportunity.

For no man is an island and it takes a village to raise a child.
I believe that staying touch with all of my siblings is certainly worthwhile.

So today we are left with the challenge to follow in their footsteps by example.
To teach our children the importance of family and carefully pass on the mantle.

We are reminded on a daily basis just how short life can be.
When we see and hear of death all around us, a wake up call to you and me.

Because after all is said and done, I need you and you need me.
Rich or poor, saved or not, we are all still family.



Other poems by Marianne:

• Did I Teach You Enough?
• Greetings To The Family
• We Appreciate You Floyd
• Reunion Committee Props
  

Mrs. Cole is the daughter of the Rev. Elijah A. Reid and Susie Toomer Reid, and the mother of four sons. She is also a longtime planning committee member. Marianne has delighted family and friends with her heartfelt and humorous poems for years. She looks forward to publishing a book of poetry one day.

Sign In: Let us know you were here!

This is a guest book of the Toomer Family BLOG. We want all visitors to let us know that you were here. Toomer family members everywhere, of African or European ancestry, let us know who you are. Please provide any of the following information:

• Your Name
• Your state of residence
• The name and residence of your Toomer ancestors
• Any additional information that you want to provide

Provide as much or as little information as you want. NJ Toomers who descend from Henry and Bertha Toomer of Berlin, NJ, tell us which child of Henry and Bertha is your ancestor. (James, Lucille, Charles, Robert, Clarence, Albert, Susie, Ida, Nathaniel, Cornelius, Donald).

April Planning Committee Meeting

Yesterday we met to continue our planning for the 2006 Toomer Reunion. The bottom line is recipes. We need your recipes NOW if you want to be in the cookbook.

• Do you have recipes that people ask for all of the time?
• Do your children, grand children, nieces and nephews ask you for the same recipes?
• Do coworkers and friends ask for recipes?
• Do you have favorite recipes written on miscellaneous pieces of papers?
  

If your answer is yes to any of these questions then it is a safe bet that you are probably a good cook. Well it is your birthright. Put these recipes into the cookbook.

40 More Recipes Needed

If you are having a problem writing your recipe, like I am, contact Catherine and she will help you. For instance, I was having diffuculty creating a recipe for Baby Spinach and Colby Jack Cheese Omelet. This is my latest favorite omelet. I was trying to figure out how to explain that you lift the side without the cheese onto the side with the cheese and yadda yadda yadda. My version was too wordy and I was getting frusatrated. Then Mom simplified it in 4 words, fold omelet in half.

Another tip on writing recipes is to use the internet to help with wording and ingredient amounts. For instance, if you want to write a fried fish recipe but are unsure of the amounts, you can google fried fish. This way you can see the general amounts of breading, seasonings, etc. Then you can adjust and add in your special ingredients.

Take the time. You are a Toomer and this is a Toomer Cookbook. Your recipe should be in it. We say that we are good cooks, but you know what they say, the proof is in the pudding. Mom do you have Susan_s banana pudding recipe?

Email Recipes to Catherine at kattwilliams@yahoo.com

My Husband Would Freak!

If you are into commercials, like I am, then you may have seen the one where there are a bunch of people standing around a trash can, looking at the piece of paper on the ground. Each is complaining about how horrible it is that someone would drop a piece of trash on the ground. The black lady says, “my husband would freak if he saw this.” Then, a person walking by, simply picks up the paper, throws it into the trash and keeps on going. They have a similar commercial with ladies standing around running water in the bathroom. Basically they are promoting ACTION.

Do you ever watch television, the news to be specific, and wonder, what the heck is going on in the world? Do you sometimes feel like you are living in an alternate universe? At times the problems seem insurmountable. What can I do, little me?

Open a dialog with your elected officials. Send an email, as opposed to fussing at the TV. They can not hear you. (I am sure that Rep Andrews and Sen. Lautenberg enjoy my emails. I try to wait one day to re-read my emails before sending, so that I can do my research, we are in New Jersey after all. But on the Ports thing, I had to send the fury as it came.)

They say that congress has about a 32% approval rating. They also said that Congress has a 99% re-election rate. Sounds kind of strange doesn’t it.

• House: http://www.house.gov/
• Senate: http://www.senate.gov/
• White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
  

Congress is on break now and they say that this is the best time to communicate, as they are home and have the time to read emails and talk with constituents. Take advantage of the time to let them know how you really feel.

As wise person once said: If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.

Civil War Soldier Buried in East Berlin

USCT William Henry Smith

According to Samuel Asbell, author of, The Lost Black Legion, A search for the Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil War in Camden County, New Jersey, there is a USCT buried in the East Berlin Cemetery. His name is William Henry Smith and his grave is unmarked. The map of his burial location would place his grave in the old part of cemetery, which is across the Chestnut Avenue. Asbell gives the following information on William:

• (Appendix 1: Alphabetical lists of Servicemen, Army) Smith, Wm. Henry Co. B, 41st Regt. East Berlin (I) Pa. P. 1072
• (Appendix 7: Cemetery Gravesite Maps) Buried in East Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, New Jersey. Map shows that he is buried on Cooper Road, on the side furthest from 73. Appears to be very close to Cooper road, in the center.
• (Appendix 2: Regimental Histories and Compendium) The 41st Regiment USCT, organized at Camp William Penn, claimed approximately 254 black soldiers for which New Jersey took credit. Although initially serving guard duty at Deep Bottom, Virginia, the 41st got a taste of combat in the trenches before Chaffin’s Farm, Virginia, before becoming part of the Twenty-Fifth Corps. As part of the Twenty-Fifth Corps, the 41st fought in the Battle of Hatcher’s Run and the advance on the Petersburg defenses. After the collapse of Petersburg, the 41st pursued Lee’s Army to Appomattox, Virginia, and was present for the surrender. As part of the Twenty-Fifth Corps the 41st was transported to Texas for service on the Rio Grande border. The unit returned to Philadelphia in December 1865, for muster-out
• (Appendix 2: Regimental Histories and Compendium) 41st Regiment Infantry organized at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, PA, September to November 7, 1864, ordered to join Army of the James, in Virginia, October 18, 1864. Attached to 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps, to December 1864, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 25th Corps, to January, 1865, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division 25th Corps, January, 1865, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 25th Corps, and Dept of Texas to December, 1865.
  

We are looking for family members and further information on the life of this soldier. Please contact Shamele at jordonsh@jersey.net

Reunion Committee Props

By Marianne Reid Cole
Read during a 1990_s Reunion Friday church service


I wanted to write this paper, in honor of the Reunion committee.
A group of conscientious cousins who are also quite witty.

These people have worked tirelessly to organize various events over the years.
To keep our family united and in the process explore new frontiers.

We’ve sold tee shirts, cookbooks, calendars, sweatshirts and more.
But our biggest fundraiser by far is our annual smorgasbord.

We’ve had meetings galore, just to ensure that our reunion would be a success.
We’ve planned, strategized and orchestrated to make our reunion the best.

I believe in my heart our reunions are some of the greatest that’s ever been planned.
It have never been simply thrown together, each detail is carefully manned.

It’s a fact that before tracing one’s family roots ever became a fad.
Floyd was searching and traveling all over, he’s the best researcher we’ve ever had.

So hats off to each committee member who gave of your energy and time.
Due to your vision and sacrifices, things have turned out just fine.

Hats off to Loretta, whose input made our meetings much better,
And thank you to Mike who made us catfish, and we didn’t even have to wash a dish.

Hats off to Rita, God knows we sure did need her,
As she prayed that God would make us one, all before the meeting begun.

Hats off to Patsy, who some would call a little sassy.
But Patsy always supplied us with much needed laughter,
Before the meeting, during and after.

Hats off to Gladys, for over her house she had us.
She graciously made us chicken wings, and we didn’t have to bring a thing.

Hats off to Charlene, as we were blessed that she was on our team.
To her we are so grateful, because she was truly faithful.

Hats off to Catherine Williams, whose family support is worth a million.
Because of her support of our smorgasbord, our ticket sales always soared.

Hats off to our gal Cheryl, who is in my opinion quite a pearl.
Her artful hand is second to none, and we say thank you for all that you’ve done.

Hats off to Bernice, whose support of the meetings never ceased.
If no one showed Bernice was there, always showing her concern and care.

Hats off to Vice-President Shamele, who believes in doing her job well.
Don’t know what we would do without you, your dedication is tried and true.

Hats off to Floyd’s wife Brenda, and we hope we didn’t offend her.
By all of the meetings scheduled at her home, we’re grateful for the hospitality shown.

Hats off to Floyd, with him there’d be such a void.
Because of his love for family history, our family roots are no longer a mystery.

I love you all and it was indeed a pleasure working hand in hand with you.
I’ve enjoyed the laughs, enjoyed the food, but most of all I’ve enjoyed you.

A great deal of hard work has been done by this committee to ensure a successful weekend.
And we hope you have a real good time and participate in the various events.

So will you join me in showing them our heartfelt appreciation?
By standing and giving your very own a hearty and loving ovation.



Mrs. Cole is the daughter of Susie Toomer Reid, and the mother of four sons. She is also a longtime planning committee member. Marianne has delighted family and friends with her heartfelt and humorous poems for years. She looks forward to publishing a book of poetry one day.

Toomer Takes Light-Heavyweight Crown

Cornelius Toomer is the son of Henry and Bertha Toomer. Uncle Nealie served in the US navy for 20 years. In my memory he was your stereotypical sailor., ruff and tumble and loved to party. Seeing Uncle Nealie in his uniform was a sight to see. He is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. He was very handsome, as you can see and lots of fun. He always played with the kids. He event taught me how to sweep. I know that others have memories of Uncle Nealie. Leave a comment and let us know.

Can you identify this clipping about Uncle Nealie? We are looking for the name of the paper and date. View the biography of Cornelius Toomer.

Toomer Index: WWII Army Enlistment

Below is an index of the U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, from Ancestry.com. Included are 88 enlistments with the surname Toomer included in the database. Toomer families claim you kin. Leave a comment and share what you know about the WWII Army Veteran. If there is a person of Toomer ancestry, but does not carry the Toomer surname, and or did not serve in the Army, leave a comment with: their name, Toomer family connection, and any other known information. We welcome comments on all Toomer ancestored WWII Veterans from any branch of the service.

• Name,
• Birth Year,
• Nativity State or Country,
• Enlistment Yr, State,
• Enlistment State
  
  

Adams Toomer, 1922, Mississippi, 1942, Mississippi, Mississippi
Albert Toomer, 1920, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, SC
Albert Toomer, 1922, South Carolina, 1945, South Carolina, SC
Alfred M Toomer, 1922, Georgia, 1940, Georgia, Georgia
Algie Toomer, 1924, Virginia, 1943, Hawaii, Virginia
Benjamin T Toomer, 1905, Mississippi, 1942, Tennessee, Georgia
Bennie R Toomer, 1926, Oklahoma, 1945, Texas,
Carl A Toomer, 1923, Dist Of Columbia, 1943, , Virginia
Charles A Toomer, 1913, Iowa, 1941, Iowa, Iowa
Charlie B Toomer, 1925, South Carolina, 1945, South Carolina,
Chester H Toomer, 1910, Connecticut, 1943, New York, New York
Clarence D Toomer, 1922, North Carolina, 1940, North Carolina, NC
Clarence P Toomer, 1916, Florida, 1941, New Jersey, New Jersey
Clyde Lee Toomer, 1928, South Carolina, 1946, South Carolina, SC
Colen N Toomer, 1925, North Carolina, 1945, North Carolina, California
David D Toomer, 1915, South Carolina, 1941, Georgia, Georgia
Earl H Toomer, 1922, South Carolina, 1943, New York, New York
Edward C Toomer, 1920, Iowa, 1942, Kansas, Iowa
Edward M Toomer, 1921, Arkansas, 1942, Arkansas, Arkansas
Edward S Toomer, 1913, Alabama, 1945, Alabama, Mississippi
Edwin Toomer, 1922, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
Ernest Toomer, 1906, Georgia, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Ernest C Toomer, 1915, Georgia, 1941, Georgia, Georgia
Ezell N Toomer, 1921, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, NC
Frank Toomer, 1923, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
George H Toomer, 1921, Georgia, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Govner Toomer, 1908, South Carolina, 1943, Alaska, Pennsylvania
Harold Toomer, 1919, Oklahoma, 1941, Oklahoma,
Harold Toomer, 1921, South Carolina, 1942, Alaska, Pennsylvania
Henry L Toomer, 1905, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, NC
Hezekiah Toomer, 1918, South Carolina, 1942, Philippine Islands, SC
Hilton E Toomer, 1924, Georgia, 1943, South Carolina, SC
Howard Toomer, 1923, South Carolina, 1943, Pennsylvania, PA
Howard H Toomer, 1926, Texas, 1946, Texas, New York
James Toomer, 1901, Georgia, 1942, Michigan, Michigan
James Toomer, 1922, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, NC
James F Toomer, 1921, Louisiana, 1942, Louisiana, Louisiana
James H Toomer, 1921, Virginia, 1942, Virginia, Virginia
James I Toomer, 1921, Utah, 1942, Utah, Utah
James J Toomer, 1920, Florida, 1942, Alabama, Alabama
James L Toomer, 1925, South Carolina, 1945, South Carolina, SC
Jeffery E Toomer, 1911, Louisiana, 1942, Louisiana, Louisiana
Jerry W Toomer, 1910, South Carolina, 1942, New York, New York
John C Toomer, 1912, Georgia, 1943, Florida, Florida
John F Toomer, 1913, Texas, 1942, Texas, Texas
John L Toomer, 1910, Louisiana, 1942, Louisiana, Louisiana
John L Toomer, 1925, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
John S Toomer, 1919, Virginia, 1942, New Jersey, New Jersey
John U Toomer, 1918, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, NC
John W Toomer, 1909, Georgia, 1943, Georgia, Georgia
Johnnie H Toomer, 1924, North Carolina, 1944, North Carolina, NC
Joseph Toomer, 1922, Georgia, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Lauruth Toomer, 1922, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
Leo Toomer, 1923, South Carolina, 1945, Pennsylvania, Indiana
Levern Toomer, 1916, South Carolina, 1943, New York, New York
Madjia Toomer, 1920, South Carolina, 1945, South Carolina, California
Maurice S Toomer Jr, 1913, South Carolina, 1943, U.S. At Large, MD
McKinely Toomer, 1919, South Carolina, 1942, South Carolina, PA
Melvin E Toomer, 1921, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
Melvin W Toomer, 1926, Iowa, 1944, Iowa, Minnesota
Mortimore N Toomer, 1915, South Carolina, 1942, South Carolina, SC
Nathaniel Toomer, 1926, Pennsylvania, 1945, New Jersey, New Jersey
Otis E Toomer, 1916, Texas, 1942, Texas, Texas
Otto A Toomer Jr, 1915, Georgia, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Raymond Toomer, 1916, Georgia, 1941, New York, New York
Robert Toomer, 1917, North Carolina, 1944, New York, New York
Robert E Toomer Jr, 1916, North Carolina, 1945, North Carolina, MT
Robert F Toomer, 1913, Oklahoma, 1942, Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Robert H Toomer, 1918, South Carolina, 1943, South Carolina, SC
Robert L Toomer, 1925, Iowa, 1943, Iowa, Iowa
Robert L Toomer, 1926, Pennsylvania, 1945, Pennsylvania, PA
Robert R Toomer, 1914, Florida, 1942, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Sam Toomer, 1912, South Carolina, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Samuel A Toomer, 1902, Pennsylvania, 1942, Alaska, Pennsylvania
Samuel P Toomer, 1915, North Carolina, 1943, Virginia, North Carolina
Sheldon Toomer, 1885, New York, 1939, New York,
Theodore Toomer, 1927, New York, 1945, New York, New York
Theodore T Toomer, 1920, Texas, 1942, Texas, Texas
Thomas Toomer, 1919, Virginia, 1942, District of Columbia, Virginia
Thurman A Toomer, 1910, North Carolina, 1942, North Carolina, NC
Veronica M Toomer, 1921, New Jersey, 1942, New Jersey, New York
Walter John Toomer, 1920, South Carolina, 1944, Georgia, Georgia
Wilber Toomer, 1918, South Carolina, 1944, South Carolina, SC
William Toomer, 1912, Georgia, 1942, Alaska, Pennsylvania
William L Toomer, 1921, Dist Of Columbia, 1943, , Virginia
William M Toomer III, 1924, Florida, 1943, Florida, Florida
Willie Toomer, 1916, Georgia, 1942, Georgia, Georgia
Willie L Toomer, 1924, Georgia, 1943, Georgia, Georgia



Description: of database from Ancestry.com

This database contains information on about 8.3 million men and women who enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. While this database contains information on the majority of the men and women who served in the Army during this war, it is not complete and does not represent the entirety of the U.S. Army servicemen. Information found in this database comes from the WD AGO Form 317 (used from 1941-45), WD AGO Form 372 (used from 1945-46), and Enlisted Reserve Corps Statistical cards.

Information included in this database about includes:
Name of enlistee, Army serial number, Residence (county and state), Place of enlistment, Enlistment date, Grade, Army branch, Component, Term of enlistment, Birthplace, Year of birth, Race and citizenship, Height and weight, Education, Marital status, Box and reel number of the microfilmed records, Please note that not all of this information may be available for each individual.

Source Information:
National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2005. Original data: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938-1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD.

Photo Gallery: Toomers at Auletto_s

New at ToomerFamily.com

View photographs from our Auletto_s Reunions. They are primarily from 1992 and a couple from 1990. When viewing the photo montage, click on the photo to enlarge. If you have pictures that you would like to include please send via email. The goal of each photo gallery is to represent multiple branches of the Toomer family.

Arts and Crafts

Except from Toomer Reunion History, by Floyd M. Riley

The next three reunions 1988, 1990 and 1992 were held at Aulettos in Deptford, NJ. By this time, the committee wanted to enjoy all of the reunion events. The crowds were large and the planners felt that they were missing out on a lot by being engaged with cooking and distributing food. So, we began searching for a location where we could expand activities, relax and enjoy each others company. The planning committee continued with the display of the family history and photographs. Master Dee Jay Alvin ‘Poosa’ McCann cranked up the music and we began our annual Dance Contests! Everybody remembers Herbert ‘Bunky’ Bethune dancing up a storm on one of these occasions. He didn’t steal the show. He was the show!

The Uncles

L to R: (Aunt Dot) Beese, Donald, Robert (standing), Albert

During this period, additions to the Planning Committee included Catherine Toomer Williams, Denise Toomer Covington, Marianne Reid Cole and Shamele Jordon. In 1992 , Friday evening was set aside for the family religious service. The tradition of family members conducting the entire service was established. The first two services were held at Pilgrim Rest Disciples of Christ Church. Dinner followed at the home of Floyd M. Riley.

• View Auletto_s Gallery
  
  

Due to space limitations and the number of future galleries, each photo montage will initially contain 10-15 pictures. Future reunion galleries will include: reunions at Bamboo Gardens, reunion skating, Toomer Avenue celebration, 1999 family group photo set up, 2000 family group photo set up and Smorgasbord (gone but not forgotten).

Last Call For Recipes!!!

You may not know it, but we are in the process of publishing our second Toomer Recipe Book.
Our first endeavor was an overwhelming success. Once again, Catherine Toomer Williams will be the chairperson of this project and she is eagerly awaiting all of the recipes that family members will be sending her way.

So, don't be left out of the book. We do not want anyone to be disappointed. Send in your favorite dishes so that others may enjoy.

More information will follow regarding the purchase of the Books real soon!

We Appreciate You Floyd

By Marianne Reid Cole



I wanted to write this paper just to let you know.
What a special cousin you are, thought this would be a good time to tell you so.

It is because of your hard work that we are gathered here tonight.
You’ve traveled form Georgia to North Carolina to ensure that our reunion was just right.

Your relentless effort to trace our roots are evident everywhere.
All because one concerned person took the time to care.

Men like you are indeed a rarity I wish our family had 20 more.
It certainly would ease your burden concerning reunion chores.

You put up with us every 2 years without ever complaining.
We’re constantly in and out of your house whether sunny or raining.

You accept our late checks and our last minute registrations.
It’s a wonder with all this pressure you don’t need medication.

You order our shirts, pick up trophies and organize meetings galore.
I just marvel that at some point in time you just don’t simply close your front door.

But your home is always open to us at any time.
You invite us in again and again and even invite us to dine.

I can’t imagine what your phone is like calling all over the United States.
It would be nice if AT&T offered you very low reunion rates.

For months you eat and sleep this reunion thinking of ideas daily.
No one could’ve done a finer job than you not even Alex Haley.

We all love you dearly Floyd and thank you for your dedication.
And at this moment in time please accept our standing ovation.

Other poems by Marianne:

• Did I Teach You Enough?
• Greetings To The Family

Mrs. Cole is the daughter of Rev Elijah A. Reid and Susie Toomer Reid, and the mother of four sons. She is also a longtime planning committee member. Marianne has delighted family and friends with her heartfelt and humorous poems for years. She looks forward to publishing a book of poetry one day.

Toomer Slaves

Following is a list of the names of Slaves contained on a Bill of Sale which was recorded in the Houston County Court House in Perry, Georgia. The owner, John S Toomer sold these individuals to his brother, Colonel Henry Toomer for the sum of seven thousand dollars on June 22, 1858.

Included in the information is the name of the slave, the relationship to the adult, description, and age.

Kitt - Mulatto woman

• Nathan - son, mulatto, 20 years old
• Walter - son, mulatto, 18 years old
• Patty - daughter, mulatto, 16 years old
• Fannie - daughter, mulatto, 14 years old
• Tuck - son, mulatto, 8 years old
• Tom - son, mulatto, 6 years
• Claudid - son, mustee, 4 years

Caroline - Negro woman of yellow complexion, 28 years old

• Alexander - son, mustee, 6 years old
• Frank - son, mustee, 4 years old
• Mary - daughter, mustee, 2 years old
• Lucy - daughter, mustee, an infant

Caroline - A yellow girl about 14 years old

Houston County Deed Book L, pages 124-125

Toomers in 1870 Houston County, Georgia

Index of Toomers in the 1870 US Census

In 1870 there were 108 people with the Toomer surname in Houston County, Georgia. This information was gathered from Ancestry.com. Below is an alphabetical every name index including:

• Name,
• Estimated Birth Year,
• Birthplace,
• Race,
• Gender
  
  

Toomer families claim you kin. Leave a comment and share what you know.

?? Toomer, , ??, Colored, ??
Alex Toomer, abt 1853, Georgia, Colored, Male
Alfred Toomer, abt 1864, Georgia, Colored, Male
Amanda Toomer, abt 1852, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Amanda Toomer, abt 1840, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Amy Toomer, abt 1822, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Anna Toomer, abt 1866, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Benj Toomer, abt 1830, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Benjamin Toomer, abt 1856, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Caroline Toomer, abt 1840, North Carolina, Mulatto, Female
Caroline Toomer, abt 1831, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Charles Toomer, abt 1857, Georgia, Colored, Male
Cheny Toomer, abt 1842, Georgia, Colored, Female
Cilla Toomer, abt 1840, Georgia, Colored, Female
Clara Toomer, abt 1836, Georgia, Colored, Female
Compton Toomer, abt 1854, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Compton Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Colored, Male
Compton Toomer, abt 1825, North Carolina, Colored, Male
David Toomer, abt 1856, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Debby Toomer, abt 1868, Georgia, Colored, Female
Dublin Toomer, abt 1846, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Dyer Toomer, abt 1848, Georgia, Colored, Male
Eliza Toomer, abt 1854, Georgia, Colored, Female
Ellen Toomer, abt 1869, Georgia, Colored, Female
Fannie Toomer, abt 1847, North Carolina, Mulatto, Female
Frank Toomer, abt 1855, Georgia, Colored, Male
Frank Toomer, abt 1862, Georgia, Colored, Male
Fred A Toomer, abt 1835, North Carolina, White, Male
George A Toomer, abt 1868, Georgia, Colored, Female
Glascow Toomer, abt 1830, South Carolina, Colored, Male
Harriet Toomer, abt 1845, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Harry Toomer, abt 1863, Georgia, Colored, Male
Hector Toomer, abt 1858, Georgia, Colored, Male
Henry Toomer, abt 1808, North Carolina, White, Male
Holland Toomer, abt 1800, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Howard Toomer, abt 1862, Georgia, Colored, Male
Infant Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Colored, Female
Isaac Toomer, abt 1868, Georgia, Colored, Male
Isabella Toomer, abt 1854, Georgia, Colored, Female
James Toomer, abt 1869, Georgia, Colored, Male
Jerry Toomer, abt 1810, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Jesse Toomer, abt 1866, Georgia, Colored, Male
John Toomer, abt 1855, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
John Toomer, abt 1859, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
John Toomer, abt 1860, Georgia, Colored, Male
Joseph Toomer, abt 1860, Georgia, Colored, Male
Joseph Toomer, abt 1860, Georgia, Colored, Male
Joshua Toomer, abt 1820, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Juda Toomer, abt 1860, Georgia, Colored, Female
Louis Toomer, abt 1850, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Louisa Toomer, abt 1865, Georgia, Colored, Female
Lucy Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Colored, Female
Lucy Toomer, abt 1857, Georgia, Colored, Female
Lula Toomer, abt 1861, Georgia, Colored, Female
Lula Toomer, abt 1863, Georgia, Colored, Female
Maggie Toomer, abt 1845, Georgia, Colored, Female
Maria Toomer, abt 1862, Georgia, Colored, Female
Marion Toomer, abt 1866, Georgia, Colored, Female
Martha Toomer, abt 1862, Georgia, Colored, Female
Mary J Toomer, abt 1869, Georgia, Colored, Female
Mary Toomer, abt 1856, Georgia, Colored, Female
Mary Toomer, abt 1864, Georgia, Colored, Female
Mary Toomer, abt 1851, Georgia, Colored, Female
Melinda Toomer, abt 1804, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Millie Toomer, abt 1830, Georgia, Colored, Female
Minnie Toomer, abt 1869, Georgia, Colored, Female
Nancy Toomer, abt 1777, Virginia, Colored, Female
Nancy Toomer, abt 1852, Georgia, Colored, Female
Nancy Toomer, abt 1857, Georgia, Colored, Female
Nathan Toomer, abt 1835, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Nathan Toomer, abt 1839, North Carolina, Mulatto, Male
Peter Toomer, abt 1865, Georgia, Colored, Male
Phillip Toomer, abt 1858, Georgia, Colored, Male
Phillip Toomer, abt 1859, Georgia, Colored, Male
Pleasant Toomer, abt 1858, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Preston Toomer, abt 1835, North Carolina, Mulatto, Male
Primus Toomer, abt 1849, Georgia, Colored, Male
Queen Toomer, abt 1844, Georgia, Colored, Female
Rachel Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Colored, Female
Rachel Toomer, abt 1830, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Richard Toomer, abt 1841, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Riney Toomer, abt 1845, Georgia, Colored, Female
Robert Toomer, abt 1846, North Carolina, Mulatto, Male
Robt Toomer, abt 1864, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Rufus Toomer, abt 1860, Georgia, Colored, Male
Sallie Toomer, abt 1864, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Sallie Toomer, abt 1863, Georgia, Colored, Female
Saml Toomer, abt 1836, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Sarah Toomer, abt 1861, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Sarah Toomer, abt 1865, Georgia, Colored, Female
Scotland Toomer, abt 1821, North Carolina, Colored, Male
Sophia Toomer, abt 1845, North Carolina, Colored, Female
Sophia Toomer, abt 1845, Georgia, Colored, Female
Stephen Toomer, abt 1846, Georgia, Colored, Male
Theodosia Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Thomas Toomer, abt 1852, Georgia, Mulatto, Male
Tilda Toomer, abt 1855, Georgia, Mulatto, Female
Tucker Toomer, abt 1850, North Carolina, Mulatto, Male
Violet Toomer, abt 1850, Georgia, Colored, Female
Walter Toomer, abt 1841, North Carolina, Mulatto, Male
Warren Toomer, abt 1864, Georgia, Colored, Male
Washington Toomer, abt 1863, Georgia, Colored, Male
Washington Toomer, abt 1848, Georgia, Colored, Male
William Toomer, abt 1869, Georgia, Colored, Male
William Toomer, abt 1830, North Carolina, Colored, Male
William Toomer, abt 1867, Georgia, Colored, Male
William Toomer, abt 1850, Georgia, Colored, Male
William Toomer, abt 1800, North Carolina, Colored, Male

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003. Indexed by Ancestry.com from microfilmed schedules of the 1870 U.S. Federal Decennial Census. Original data: Data imaged from National Archives and Records Administration. Ninth Census of the United States, 1870. M593, 1,761 rolls. Minnesota Census Schedules for 1870. T132, 13 rolls. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

• View Toomer Timeline 1800_s (From East Berlin to Africa)

Greetings To The Family

By Marianne Reid Cole
Read during a Reunion Friday church service in the 1990_s

Good evening to everyone, so very glad that you come to make this service what it ought to be,
a time to fellowship and worship with family.

We all have different personalities and some of us have great humor.
But we all share the common ground of being descendents of Toomers.

Families are very important in our society today,
But with togetherness at an all time low, all we can do is pray.

My prayer today for us is that our roots will forever be etched in our minds,
and that we’ll share our history with our children while we still have time.

Let’s not forget our loved ones who have passed, without them where would we be?
They taught our family values and the blessing of unity.

We have a family to be proud of, professionals why we have plenty.
Congressman, principals, school teachers galore, our occupations are many.

We have publicists, morticians, and poets, just to name a few.
Entrepreneurs, ministers, inventors, we’re blessed to have all of you.

Toomers span all over the country from one state to another, New York, Nevada, Ohio,
you can always find a cousin.

Virginia, Massachusetts and Georgia, are all inhabited by Toomers as well,
North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania, the home of the liberty bell.

Our family is exceptionally blessed because of a cousin named Floyd.
Who is responsible for discovering our rich heritage, without him there would be a great void.

We’ve come this far by faith leaning on the Lord,
and by faith we’ll continue on, hopefully always having Jesus on board.

So the next time you sport your Toomer tee shirt stick your chest out a little farther and say…
I’m proud to be a part of this great family and go on and have yourself a great day.

• Other poetry by Mrs. Cole: Did I Teach You Enough?

Mrs. Cole is the daughter of Susie Toomer Reid, and the mother of four sons. She is also a longtime planning committee member. Marianne has delighted family and friends with her heartfelt and humorous poems for years. She looks forward to publishing a book of poetry one day.

Beandrea Online

Picture of Beandrea, older sister Mara and mother Barbara Toomer Davis. Taken at the 1988 or 90 Toomer Family reunion held at Auletos in NJ.

Poetry

• Beandrea Davis_s womanifesto
• Determination
• Spine
• Through Her Eyes

Articles

• Racial equity lawsuit enters new phase
• Parents still struggling for a seat at the table
• Contract talks bring out views on site selection
• Eying the future of African studies
  

More Beandrea

• Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
• Baby Photo
• Galbraith Scholars 2001
• 2002 Sagner Fellows
• Undergraduate Humanities Fellows 2002-2003

Cousin you are a SUPERSTAR!!!

Toomer Timeline: 1800_s

From East Berlin Back To Africa

This is the second of two blogs showing a timeline called, From East Berlin Back To Africa. Using documents from the research of Floyd M. Riley, primarily census records, we created a paper trail back to the mystery of our African past. View Toomer Timeline 1900_s


1880

• On the 8th day of June 1880, in Houston Co., GA, the Toomer household consists of head of household Caroline Toomer, age 50, her three daughters, Lucy, Lu?elia, Sarah, and her grandson, William H, our Henry.
• Caroline is listed as widowed or divorced and her occupation appears to be washes and irons.
• Lucy, the mother of Henry, is a cook.
• View the 1880 Census
  

1870

• The 1870 census is very important to African Americans. This the first time that all blacks were listed by name and family group.
• The Houston County household of William and Caroline Toomer includes, Alex, Frank, Mary, Lucy, Lula and Sarah.
• William and Caroline were born in North Carolina.
• Lucy is the mother of Henry Toomer.
• Mary, later Mary Toomer Lawson, is the grandmother of cousin Josie Haliburton.
• The 1870 census can cause confusion for researchers. The primary reason is that we see something that is not there, relationships. We assume that William and Caroline are the parents and others in the household are their children. Without further documentation, such as census, birth and other genealogical records, you can not make this assumuption. We have this documentation, thus we know that those are the children of Caroline.
  
• View the 1870 Census

1860

• The 1860 US Federal Slave Schedule (census) gives the name of the owner and lists the age and sex of the slaves.
• Henry Toomer owned over 150 slaves on the Hog Crawl and Flat Creek plantations in Houston County. He is was considered a large slaveholder. View information about Houston County_s largest slaveholder at RootsWeb.
• View the 1860 Slave Schedule

1858

• In the Houston County Courthouse of Perry, Georgia, Floyd found the document which we cherish. Within Deed Book L, pages 124-125, are the words
  ...also a negro woman named Caroline, and her four children, Caroline, about 28 years old, of yellow complexion. Alexander, a mustee, about 6 years old. Frank a mustee about 4 years old. Mary, a mustee about 2 years old. Lucy a mustee, an infant, also a yellow girl named Caroline about 14 years old, the above negros I warrant to be sound and well in body and mind and to be slaves for life.
• This deed was discussed in an earlier blog. View blog.
• View the transcription of the 1858 Slave Deed

Africa

• DNA testing has shown that we share common ancestry with the….oh yeah, this will be the Reunion Surprise.
• We will disclose this information on Reunion Saturday, at Bamboo Gardens.
• Clues abound.
• Our dream is to somehow, some way, God willing, to find a paper trail, and proof beyond the DNA testing. We believe that this is possible, and you know what they say about believing.
• Who wants to take a trip to Africa?
• View information on Toomer DNA testing at ToomerFamily.com.
• View Blog on DNA testing
• View article on Toomer DNA testing.

Let us know if you have any questions about these documents.

Toomer April Birthdays

Were you born in April?

This is the month that Henry Toomer was born. I am sorry that I missed his birthday. He was born on April 1,1877, in Houston County, Georgia. Poppa_s parents were Lucy Toomer and John Morris Jackson Sr.

Happy Birthday Poppa

Painting of the young Poppa (Henry Toomer) and my amateur attempt to add a birthday hat.

Are you a Toomer family member celebrating an April birthday? Leave a comment and let us know! If you are not a member of the NJ Toomers then let us know if you are a member of the GA Toomers, NC Toomers, etc, please let us know. If you know of a deceased person who was born in April, post a comment for them. Tell us what makes a person born in April so special, what makes you unique.

Big Aunt Ida Parsons

The term big is used in different ways. Occasionally it is used to describe in which direction a person tips the scale. Often it is used to describe birth order as in Big Momma, who is the grand or great grandmother. We use big and little, to distinguish father and son with the same name.

Big Aunt Ida was a little woman, under 5 feet tall. She is called big to describe order. She has a niece, Ida Bell Toomer Riley, whom we call Little Aunt Ida. In my generation we called Big Aunt Ida Old Aunt Ida, cause big just did not make sense. Floyd told me to stop that when I was in my 20_s, so I now call her Big Aunt Ida.

Lewis Parson (1893-1980) married Ida Elizabeth Pansy Walker (1892-1985) in 1923. It was the second marriage for both of them. Ida was the younger sister of Bertha Toomer. This is one of my favorite photographs in the Toomer Family collection

There are many stories about Big Aunt Ida Parsons and her husband Uncle Lewis. One I hear often is her yelling at the children to get away from her grape vines. Please leave a comment with a story about the Parsons. We would like to add more content to their page on ToomerFamily.com. Currently their page is kind of empty. This is, in no way representative of the fond memories that we have of them. If you have a relative that does not use the internet, ask them about Big Aunt Ida and Uncle Lewis. Then you can post a comment for them. Make sure to include their name in the comment.

• View the Parsons page
• View the Parsons in the 1930 Census
  
  
  
  

I am who I am!

By Blake Cole

In others minds, do we define,
the laws of who we are,
we use these signs, oftentimes,
to recall our strengths and flaws.
But at times we must wonder,
as a lottery number,
do their thoughts really count?
what has been said
from a friend named Fred,
their opinions can i surmount?
Am I that small, or do you recall
my hair looking that bad?
Or are my hips that wide,
and do I always reside
in the tears that make me sad?
Am I that fat, is it how I act
that make folks talk so much?
What am I about, that makes many doubt
the love beyond my touch?
These questions have been asked
by all in the past, regardless of who you are
But as many discover, not from another,
These questions may often leave scars.
But I've finally found a love
that will shove all of the above
into an endless forgotten sea,
Where the only Advocate and eternal Judge
sentenced my life's final destiny;
After searching and searching
Hoping and lurking,
I've found the only remedy...
It's God who designed this person of mine
and He's made me just what He wants me to be!
See its not what you say, how you portray or display
that will affect my feelings from now,
For I know a Musician, the perfect Technician
Who has finished this harmonious sound.
So no more him, she, they, or them
will change my final stand...
I've finally realized through my very own disguise
that I am who I am!

By: Blake L. Cole

Blake Cole, son of Marianne Reid Cole and Herbert Cole II, grandson of Susie Toomer Reid and Rev. Elijah A. Reid, recently received the NAACP 2006 Image Award, for Outstanding Male Student.

Toomer Timeline: 1900_s

From East Berlin Back To Africa

This year, the Toomer family celebrated Black History month by displaying our history, at the Camden County Library in Voorhees, NJ. One part of this display was a timeline called, From East Berlin Back To Africa. Using documents from the research of Floyd M. Riley, primarily census records, we created a paper trail from 1930, back to the mystery of our African past. This Toomer Timeline will appear in two blogs. Timeline 1900_s and Timeline 1800_s. View display.

1930

• The 1930 US Federal Census shows the family of Bertha Walker and Henry Toomer as residents of Berlin Township, Camden County, NJ. They live on Elm Avenue (renamed Toomer Avenue in their honor).
• In the household there are six children, (Charles, Robert, Clarence, Albert, Susie, Ida, Nathaniel, Cornelius), and one grandson (Charles).
• Age 52 and 40, Henry and Bertha are listed as owners of a home worth $800. Also, their answers to the question, age at first marriage, are 32 for Henry and 20 for Bertha. (We think that Henry may not have understood the question. Proof has proved elusive. Additionally, their ages are two years older than what is what is shown on the marriage register in 1907. The register carries more weight.)
• Birth locations for Henry and Bertha are Georgia and Florida, respectively. The birth locations for the children are FL, PA, and NJ.
• Take a look at the full census and you will see Uncle Lewis and Aunt Ida living in the household next door. (Please don’t mention the burp. I am too young to remember this, or has the devastation caused me to block it out at an early age. Will I wake up in the middle of the night crying Oh Aunt Ida roll down the window puleeze!)
• View the 1930 Census
  

1920

• The 1920 US Federal Census shows the family of Henry & Bertha Toomer are renters on the south side of Nectarine Street, in the 11th ward of the city of Philadelphia, PA.
• At this time, the household consists of six children (James, Lucille, Charles, Robert, Clarence, Albert), Henry_s mother Lucy, and boarders.
• View the 1920 Census
  

1900-1910

• In 1910, Jacksonville, Duval Co, FL, we expect that the household of Henry and Bertha Toomer would contain James, age two and Lucille may or may not have appeared, depending of when the census taker arrived. She was born in September of 1910.
• December 1907, Henry Toomer and Bertha Walker married in Jacksonville, FL. Henry is 30 and Bertha is 18. (Yes we began from a May-December romance.)
• In 1900, census records show Bertha in the household of Robert Jackson, husband of her mother Florida_s. Also in this Jacksonville household are Bertha_s siblings, James and Ida (Big Aunt Ida).
• Henry Toomer_s whereabouts in 1900 are a mystery. He could be listed under the name of William.
  

For more details on Toomer_s in the 1900_s, view Our Beginning at ToomerFamily.com. Let us know if you have any questions about the census records.

Hog Crawl Plantation for Sale

Looking for a family retreat? Do you share our ancestor_s love of hunting and fishing? I think that all of Momma and Poppa_s sons enjoyed hunting and/or fishing. I am sure that you remember Uncle Donald cooking up all sorts of stuff in his yard, some big, some small, some unrecognizable.

Now, for a cool $15 mil, you can be the proud owner of a 3000 acre plantation in Macon County, Georgia. This land is part of the Hog Crawl Creek tract, named for the creek that runs through the land. Our ancestors lived on the Hog Crawl Creek plantation, owned by the Toomer family. The Toomer plantation, however, was in Perry, Houston County, Georgia. This is 12 miles away from the land for sale.


Take a visual walk on the land, in the area, which your ancestors lived, during the later part of the antebellum period. In 1858 Caroline Toomer was 28 years old. She arrived from North Carolina, with four children, by coffle or other means, we are unsure. Her youngest was an infant, Lucy, the mother of Poppa (William Henry Toomer). Another child was Mary, age 2. She is the grandmother of Josie Haliburton. They were sold by John S. Toomer, to his brother, the colonel Henry Toomer.

Picture of land for sale in Macon County, GA, which is 12 miles west of Perry, Houston County, GA. Can you sing it with me Toomer, Swing Low, Sweet Chaaarioot, comin for ta carry me hoooome.

• Perry Plantation for Sale
• Land and Farm
• Hog Crawl - Southern Timber Consultants

Whichever Toomer purchases the property, I hope that you will invite us to hang out, once or twice. I am up for a little fishing, but someone else has to handle the bait.