Toomer Family BLOG

Order a Certificate of Ancestry

2006-09-09T09:55:00.000-04:00

Display Your African Ancestry

Order an exclusive, one of a kind, Certificate of Ancestry. This certificate contains the African ancestry DNA results for three lineages. Printed on textured linen cloth and framed, this 5x7 certificate is a must have for all Toomer family members who descend from Henry Toomer and Bertha Walker. For those who descend from Caroline Toomer, there is a custom certificate representing this individual DNA result. Use the items for sale form to order. $5.00
Order Now!

Certificate of ancestry for Toomer Family members.
Purchase for only $5.00, while supplies last.

Order Now!

Toomer Get Your Papers In Order

2006-09-08T19:15:00.000-04:00

PASSPORT: First step in getting to Africa

Of course, now that we know who we are, there is more desire to visit the great continent of Africa. Cousin Katherine Pointer Baylock and husband Edwin Baylock, frequent visitors suggest that we get our passport in order. Family get your papers in order. Whether you need to get a passport for the first time or renew your expired passport - don’t wait. Do it now. (Camden County citizens can apply at the County Store in Echelon Mall.)

Visit the Passport web site for more information

Passport Home
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

First Time Applicant
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

Passport Renewal
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html

Ride the West African Time Machine

2006-09-07T17:26:00.000-04:00

By EduNetConnect.com

Toomers now that you have more knowledge of who you are as an African, take a moment to jump onboard the time machine. This ride will begin 700 years ago in West Africa and end 250 years ago. Learn about the lives of your people, the Songhay and the Fulani.

700 Years Ago in West Africa
The Songhay Empire

…Mali went into decline after the death of the great king. The subject city of Gao rebelled in 1375 under the Sonni ("king") Suleiman-Mar. Around 1400, Gao was strong enough to raid the Mali capital itself, and about 50 years later became the centre of the new Songhai Empire, which now became the most powerful state in West Africa. In 1468, Sonni Ali (picture on the left) conquered Timbuktu. Sonni Muhammad Toureacute (1493-1528) made Islam the state religion of the empire…
View full 700 years ago passage....

400 Years Ago in West Africa
The Songhay Empire

The Songhai Empire reaches its peak under the successors of Muhammad Toureacute, what is called the Askia dynasty. Leo Africanus, a writer and traveller, reported that Timbuktu in 1513 was a sophisticated and prosperous city. King Askia Daud ruled from 1549 to 1582 from his capital city Gao. During the reign of his successor, Askia Ishak, the Moroccans under Sultan Ahmad El Mansur invade Songhai in 1591. A huge battle is fought at Tondibi northwest of Lake Chad. The Moroccans, well equipped with muskets, defeated the Songhai forces who had only a few firearms and still relied on the charge of lance-armed horsemen. The Moroccans did not permanently occupy the Songhai lands, and soon withdrew back north, but the power of the empire was fatally weakened. The increasing demands of the trans-Atlantic slave trade further destabilized Songhai.
View full 400 years ago web page...

250 Years Ago in West Africa
The Fulani People

…The Fulbe people (also called the Fulani) create three new states around the Senegal and Gambia rivers--Senegambia--near 1700, following the collapse of Songhai…

…Slaves were not considered property in the Senegambian states. Slaves used to farm land were more like the feudal serf in Europe, farming their own small plots and giving a fraction of the produce to their masters. Royal slaves were often used to lead armies (they had no claim to throne and were considered safer than members of the royal family or other nobles), and thus became very important people. Some states had no slavery at all…
View full 250 years ago passage...

2006 Toomer Items for Sale

2006-09-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

Order While Supplies Last

2006 Toomer Reunion items are now available. Visit the Toomer Store at ToomerFamily.com. Use the Sale Items Form to order.

Reunion tee shirt ($14-$16)
Reunion sweatshirt ($30)
Khaki Africa hat with green Toomer ($20)
Cookbook ($15)
Certificate of Ancestry ($5)

Tee shirts and sweatshirts must be ordered by September 18th.

Tee shirt
Youth sm, med ($11)
Youth large ($14)

Adult sm, med, lrg, xl ($14)
Adult 2xl, 3xl ($16)

Sweatshirt
Adult sm, med, lrg, xl ($30)

Visit the Toomer Store
Sale Items Form

Toomer Past Items for Sale
Lite green Sweatshirt with Emblem
Khaki hat with green Toomer
3xl Emblem tee shirt

Toomers Meet Other with Songhay DNA

2006-09-05T07:27:00.000-04:00

West African Exhibit in Haddon Township, NJ

Less than two weeks after learning of our Songhay DNA results, I learn that a person with the same results will be in Haddon Township. Miami Herald journalist Leonard Pitts Jr. and Philadelphia Inquirer photographer Sarah Glover visited Africa and were now coming to our county to talk about it. I could not believe our luck. Floyd and I read his article online days ago.

Floyd M. Riley and Leonard Pitts Jr. at the West Africa Exhibit, held at the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission in Haddon Township. January 14, 2006. Their mother's DNA trace back to a present day Songhay of Niger.

View Leonard Pitts Jr.’s article on his trip to Africa Seeking a Heritage in Africa

How do you feel Songhay, Fulani, Akan?

2006-09-04T19:16:00.000-04:00

Toomer DNA Results Revealed

Now that you know, how do you feel? How do you feel to know that your DNA matches that of a present day Songhay in Niger, a Fulani in Niger, and an Akan in Ghana?

Leave a comment and let us know How you feel.

Below is my response to the African Ancestry DNA forum topic, “How do you feel now that you know?”

sjordon Posted December 27, 2005 12:05 PM
We are doing tests as a family. This will be the 2006 reunion surprise. I just happened to check my mail on Christmas day, on my way out to deliver my home baked cookies and brownies. My mailbox was packed. A big thick white envelope was the culprit. When I saw that the return address was from African Ancestry I think that my heart skipped a beat. Then I did the African jump back to my car and called my cousin immediately. Then I cut the cookie drop off from 10 stops to 1stop.

When we read the results we were just numb. Not really knowing what to do. Frantically we searched the internet looking for information. Soon I left and went to my own home to search the internet. I was awake until 1030am the next day. (One of the searches was on TripAdvisor, to learn the cost and flight patterns.)

Using Dee Palmer Woodtor's title, it felt like "Finding A Place Called Home" Now, the history of the land now known as Niger is not just African history, it is my history.

Then I felt pain and sadness as I eyed the African continent, from Niger to the west coast. My eyes well up now just thinking about it. This distance, in itself, is very far. Very far from home. How many family members were lost during this journey. Then the ocean and the darkness.

Soon my spirit lifted and I thanked my ancestors for surviving the journey. I thanked them for their strength.

I believe this test will probably do more for African/ African American relations than other efforts specifically design to promote Pan Africanism. Also, knowing of our Muslim past may foster tolerance amongst our strongly Pentecostal and Baptist family members.
Posts: 9 Location: New Jersey Registered: December 25, 2005

Leave a comment and let us know how you feel.

View the ToomerFamily BLOG help for help with leaving a comment.

Toomers on Cover of Reunions Magazine

2006-08-01T07:47:00.000-04:00

Reunions Magazine called our flea market fundraiser creative. Three photos, including the cover, were part of an article in the bi-monthly magazine. Those registered for the reunion will receive a free copy on Satruday. Thanks to all who donated time and items to this fundraiser.

View Reunions Magazine

View Blogs on Toomer Flea Market Fundraiser

Order Your 2006 Toomer Tee Shirt NOW

2006-07-18T11:31:00.000-04:00

Deadline: July 31st, 2006

(to receive on reunion weekend)

Adult Shirt

small-xl --$14.00

xxl-xxxl --$16.00

Youth Shirt

14-16 -- $14.00

small, medium --$ 11.00 (one color)

Print Order Form

Register Before August 15

2006-07-04T08:35:00.000-04:00

To Receive A Pedigree Name Tag

Join us on Labor Day Weekend, September 1-2, 2006 to celebrate the heritage of the Toomer Family. This year we have plenty to do. Included will be traditional and new activities. To encourage registration, we will create a special name badge for all who register before August 15th. Non- procrastinators will receive a badge with the following:

Your personal three generation pedigree showing you and two Toomer generations back in time.
Your relationship to Caroline Toomer.

.

Sample Badge

Print registration form

View full reunion agenda
View directions

New at the 2006 Toomer Reunion

Toomer Are You Prepared For Disaster?

2006-05-22T08:37:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 21-27, 2006

"Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy."

- MAX MAYFIELD, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

Are you ready for a Hurricane? Can you survive a week without electricity, running water, or gas for your car? Personally I do not know if I can survive a week without the internet. Hopefully the library will be up and running. I think that I would even walk there. Maybe I need a bike.) Will you evacuate when told to do so, or will you be like many American, “I will tough it out.” Watching the flooding in New England should be a wake up call to us Northeasterners. For some reason we always believe that bad stuff happens else where? Oh, that is not going to happen to me.

An analyst on CNN said that disasters for Americans are not wake up calls, they are snooze alarms. We wake up for a minute and then as time goes by we quickly forget. Even after seeing all of those folks who did not, or could not, leave New Orleans, crammed into the Super Dome, there are many us who are either willing to tough it out or we depend on our government. The people in the Super Dome were not all low income welfare recipients. Many were people like me and you.

The hurricane forecast will be released today. Early speculation states that we will again have a greater than average hurricanes this year, possible 17 named storms.

My aunt Odella told me “remember, don’t live near the water”. I think that I was talking about moving to one of those cool lofts on the waterfront. While we do not have a Lake Pontchatrain with a dollar store levee system, we do have plenty of waterways, and of course the Atlantic Ocean, just a 30 minute drive away. Remember the flooding in the Trenton area. It was hard for me to believe that this was occurring in NJ.

Where will you go when they say to evacuate? My first thought is to simply go to and sleep over in Philly. But how long will I be able to afford the hotel bill, if I can get a reservation. You know that all bridges to PA would be packed. Maybe I will go to the airport and fly out of the impending disaster, but you know the many problems here, crowds, canceled flights, etc. They say that you should not travel too far, so I guess Cathy and Edwin’s house in Ohio is out. We can not all fit into their house. So where will you go?

Are you prepared? Do you have a disaster plan? Is your disaster kit packed? According the National Hurricane Center, a disaster prevention plan should include: (click on links to view information)

Below are items that should be in your disaster supply kit. Some items that are missing for homeowners with generators, you will need gas, gas cans, and OIL to run the generator. They also state that candles can be dangerous due to wind. (Candles were my plan. I better go head to Home Depot or Lowes, and get flashlights and a few break sticks.)

Disaster Supply Kit

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices— foods for infants or the elderly— snack foods— non-electric can opener— cooking tools / fuel— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage— muzzle and leash

One final thing, keep an eye out for home insurance. Many insurance companies are canceling policies. According to CNN, many policies have been canceled in Rockaway Beach due to their location. Companies are crafty, don't be caught out there. Remember the fine line that the insurance companies were drawing between hurricane and flood damage.

Main NHC page

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

Disaster Prevention

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml

More Flea Market Pictures

2006-05-21T23:39:00.000-04:00

Just a couple more pics from the Berlin Farmer's Market. Read related blogs:

Flea Market Fun

2006-05-20T23:53:00.000-04:00

Are We Having Fun Yet?

I was asked if we were having fun at the auction. My response:

We are having a wonderful time together. We always do. We laugh, we joke, we go in pairs to buy fresh cut french fries, or to the interior of the Farmer's Market to pick up a few items. We also mob the Water Ice factory, or the Chilly Willy guy at the same time. There is one sad thing though, we are buying each other's stuff. Soon we will have that strange sense of deja vu when visiting one another. "That set of mixing bowls looks very familiar"

Where Toomers Lived in 1880

2006-05-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

Toomer Families Across America

Using federal census records, Ancestry.com allows you to create a surname distribution map. First you choose a census year, then you type in a surname. A distribution map is dynamically created for you.

Color coding shows the number of families with the Toomer surname in each state. The states with the largest number of Toomer familes in 1880 were: Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The next most populous states with Toomer families were Mississippi and Alabama. Take a look at the 1920 Surname Distribution Map previously posted. Where Toomers Lived in 1920

Toomer Occupations in 1880

2006-05-18T07:23:00.000-04:00

Below is a bar chart of the top Toomer occupations in 1880. Ancestry.com used census records data to compile this data. One interesting thing about this chart is that is shows that the Toomer family had more cooks than the nation average. Use the link below to view the chart on Ancestry. Once there, click on the red bar to view the people associated with the occupation. You will need to have an subscription to view the census record.

View Chart on Ancestry.com

Poppa's WWI Draft Registration Card

2006-05-17T06:07:00.000-04:00

The United States declared war in April of 1917. In May, the Selective Services Act was passed. There were three registrations. The first registration took place on June 5, 1917. This was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. The second registration occurred on June 5, 1918 and this was for men who turned 21 since the last registration. They had a supplemental registration in August. The third registration, which took place on September 12, 1918, appears to be a registration of desperation, as they increased the age requirement to 45 years old. Previously not required to register, poor Poppa, the father of six children, reported to the local draft board. Maybe he was patriotic and wanted to do his civic duty.

This is a copy of his registration card. Not all registrant actually served in the military. You will notice that he is living in Philadelphia and working as a laborer in Gloucester, NJ. (Yes Gloucester.) At the bottom of the first card we get to see Poppa's signature.

Source Information:

Ancestry.com. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2002. National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

WWI Draft Registrations: Toomer in Pennsylvania

2006-05-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

Below is a list men, with the Toomer surname, who registered for the WWI draft, in the state of Pennsylvania. This index, from Ancestry.com, contains the following information:

Name
Birth Date
Race
Birthplace
Registration Place

Benjamin Toomer, 18 Nov 1881, Black, n/a, Phila., Phila., PA
Benjiman Toomer, 17 Sep 1887, African, NC;USA, Phila., Phila., PA
Fred Toomer, 02 Mar 1892, African, NC;USA, Phila., Phila., PA
George Toomer, 18 Mar 1897, n/a, Georgia;USA, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA
Henry Toomer, 01 Apr 1877, Black, n/a, Phila., Phila., PA
Horace Nathaniel Toomer, 10 May 1877, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Chester, PA
Moses Toomer, 12 Feb 1892, African, NC;USA,, Phila., Phila., PA
Oscar S Toomer, 4 Jan 1885, Black, n/a, Phila., Phila., PA
Thomas Jefferson Toomer, 316, Black, n/a, Phila., Phila., PA
Walter Scott Toomer, 17 Mar 1887, Ethiopian, NC;USA, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA
William David Toomer, 27 Mar 1882, White, n/a, Chester, Delaware, PA
William Henry Toomer, 22 Oct 1879, Black, n/a, Phila., Phila., PA

Source Information:
Ancestry.com. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2002. National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

Where Toomers Lived in 1920

2006-05-15T00:08:00.000-04:00

Toomer Families Across America

Using federal census records, Ancestry.com allows you to create a surname distribution map. First you choose a census year, then you type in a surname. A distribution map is dynamically created for you.

Color coding shows the number of families with the Toomer surname in each state. The states with the largest number of Toomer familes in 1920 were Georgia and South Carolina. The next most populus states with Toomer familes were: North Carolina, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and New York.

Happy Mother’s Day

2006-05-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

I Remember Momma

Whether you call her Mom, Ma, Momma, Mommy, Muh, or Mother, she is always remembered with affection. Mothers are different things to different people. We can point to specific times when their care made all of the difference in the world. Often, it is much more than specific events which make us smile when we think of our Moms. Usually it is an encompassing feeling which we can not put to words, or it requires pages of words to convey.

Watching one of my favorite classics on TCM today called, I Remember Momma, helped me to understand a basic reason why mothers are so important. In this movie about a Norwegein immigrant family, Irene Dunne, Momma, use to count out the bills every week. She would create piles of coins, little for the grocer, a little for a doctor bill, a little to replace a child’s wore shoes, etc. After dividing the money into piles, she would happily announce, “Good, we do not have to go to the bank. We have just enough money.” The family of six would rejoice.

This bank account, which turns out to be fictitious, provides a sense of security for the children. They know that if something big happens that at least they can go to the bank and all will work out fine. In this movie Momma does all kinds of seamless things to provide not just things for her family, but a sense of security and well being.

She encourages their dreams. She allowed her children to be children. Childhood is such a short time and everyone deserves to have one. But, she also allowed them to grow and face the realities of life.

Toomer women, by nature, are strong capable women. We can do anything that we set our minds to doing. Toomer Mothers are equally strong and capable and the best security blanket anyone could ever have.

Thanks goes out to all Toomer women today. Raising Toomer children is a cooperative. When we leave our Moms and go to family homes, the security blanket continues. Aunts, cousins, and grands look out for you as if they gave birth to you. Thanks for all that your do. I give an extra special shout out to the Mothers pulling double duty, the ones who have raised children and are now raising grandchildren, nieces, nephews and/ or cousins.

To my Mom: Mom I love you very much. You have raised me with many positive values, which I live by. I often wonder how you did it all. You raised me, carted me from activity to activity, had a full time career, left work to get me from school during my red letter days, and were an officer or member of about 50 organizations. Today many people can barely keep up with their children.

Thanks Mom for realizing that caring about me, also meant caring AND putting your energy into making the world that we live in better. Somehow in your brilliance you realized that my well being was more than the great food that you cooked, and the things that you bought me. To make a better life for me your reach needed to be further than the four walls which contained our home. Through you work in the Toomer family planning committee, social, education and political organizations, you have made a difference. You did more than spout your views about what was going on, you got out there and worked to make things better. You have made me socially aware and morally conscious. This occurred by more than just words but by action. Thank you.

Leave a comment to let us know about your Mom.

Toomer Flea Market Photos

2006-05-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Berlin Farmer’s Market, Berlin, NJ

Thanks to all who used their powers to keep the rain away today. The sky spit a little, but we knew that it would not last long. The sky was still clear, with the exception of one dark cloud. As the drops dotted our merchandise we quickly gathered the books, the most perishable, and put them into my car. Before they were loaded, the one malevolent cloud passed.

Looking down the row of vendors during this mini episode, I learned one thing; we are still babies in the field of flea marketing. Here we are, rushing to get the items out of the rain, and they the regulars, did not break a sweat. They quietly used an effective technique that probably comes from the old days, when the Berlin Farmer’s Market was really an auction. This technique is probably listed in a flea market vendor manual, in the Just In Case There Is Rain chapter. They simply covered their items with cloth or plastic. After I got over feeling like an idiot; I made a mental note to add covers to my list of items to bring to the flea market next week.

Today was a cha-ching day. We nearly tripled our efforts from last week. The reason for this is that we had triple the merchandise. We have cleaned out a few homes of items that they can do without. We need more stuff. We have two more Saturdays to go, and the last weekend is not the week to donate a whole lot of stuff.

Enjoy a few photos from our lovely day.

Think Clear Skies for Toomer Flea Market

2006-05-12T23:28:00.000-04:00

Fundraiser at the Berlin Farmer's Market

Tomorrow will be the second of four Flea Market fundraisers at the Berlin Farmer's Markets. I see a few thunderbolt in the visual for Saturday's weather. I believe that we can hold the rain off until late afternoon if we concentrate. Are you with me? Think Clear Skies.

Previous Blogs on this Toomer Flea Market Fundraiser:

Does anyone have tables that we can borrow for Saturdays in May. Our flea market space has only one table. Please bring table to space T-54. A map of the location is in the blog titled, Toomer Flea Market Fundraiser.

Clear Skies. (If it must rain, let this occur in the late afternoon.)

WWI Draft Registrations: Toomer in Georgia

2006-05-11T23:39:00.000-04:00

Below is a list men, with the Toomer surname, who registered for the WWI draft, in the state of Georgia. This index, from Ancestry.com, contains the following information:

Name
Birth Date
Race
Birthplace
Registration Place

Aaron Toomer, Mar 7 1891, Black, GA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
Abbie Toomer, Sep 23 1893, African, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Arthur Toomer, Sep 26 1899, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Crisp, GA
Ben Toomer, Aug 28 1895, Black, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Charlie Toomer, Apr 10 1898, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Coffee, GA
Charlie Toomer, Jun 25 1886, Black, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Clint Toomer, Jan 25 1879, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Crisp, GA
Dave Toomer, Jun 5 1900, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Worth, GA
David Toomer, 1897, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Dennis Toomer, Jan 18 1894, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Macon, GA
Ed Toomer, Jun 10 1893, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Coffee, GA
Ed Toomer, Jun 5 1901, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Effingham, GA
Eddie Toomer, Oct 10 1895, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
Edward Lawrance Toomer, Dec 25 1881, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Floyd, GA
Fred Armon Toomer, 20 Nov 1874, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Fred Toomer, Oct 1883, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Bibb, GA
Geo Toomer, 22 Oct 1889, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Lee, GA
Hector Toomer, Jun 22 1898, Black, n/a, Macon, Bibb, GA
Henry Toomer, 1879, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Worth, GA
J T Toomer, Dec 3 1896, Colored, GA;USA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
James Daniel Toomer, Aug 14 1880, Black, n/a, Macon, Bibb, GA
James Toomer, Mar 10 1896, Colored, GA, Not Stated, Ware, GA
Jesse Toomer, Mar 4 1895, n/a, GA;USA, Not Stated, Terrell, GA
Jim Toomer, Sep 5 1880, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Terrell, GA
Joe Toomer, 17 Jul 1877, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Miscellaneous, GA
John Henry Toomer, Oct 28 1886, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Berrien, GA
John Toomer, 4 Apr 1874, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Joseph Toomer, May 19 1895, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Worth, GA
Judge Toomer, Dec 25 1884, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Terrell, GA
Malcolm Bertrand Toomer, Sep 22 1892, Caucasian, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Miller Toomer, 10 Jun 1890, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Monroe Toomer, 15 Apr 1896, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Nathan Toomer, Apr 15 1888, Black, GA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
Nathaniel Toomer, Aug 1897, n/a, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Otto Aboodt Toomer Sr., Feb 6 1886, Black, n/a, Atlanta, Fulton, GA
Paul Toomer, 17 Feb 1888, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Solomon Toomer, Mar 1890, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Muscogee, GA
Thad Toomer, Oct 24 1874, Black, n/a, Savannah, Chatham, GA
Tim Toomer Jr., 20 Dec 1898, Black, GA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Tom Toomer, Sep 1 1891, Black, GA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
Van Vurlin Toomer, Aug 2 1893, Black, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Walter Alvin Toomer, 24 Nov 1873, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Houston, GA
William Toomer, Dec 12 1875, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Crisp, GA
William Washington Toomer, May 30 1888, Black, GA;USA, Not Stated, Dooly, GA
Willie Berry Toomer, Jan 20 1896, African, GA;USA, Macon, Bibb, GA
Willie Lee Toomer, 7 Sep 1889, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Houston, GA
Willie Toomer, Jul 10 1887, African, GA;USA, Not Stated, Brooks, GA
Willie Toomer, May 27 1896, n/a, GA;USA, Not Stated, Fulton, GA
Willie Toomer, Nov 11 1899, Black, n/a, Macon, Bibb, GA
Zell Toomer, May 22 1880, Black, n/a, Not Stated, Crisp, GA

Source Information:
Ancestry.com. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2002. National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

Toomers in 1870 North Carolina

2006-05-10T06:17:00.000-04:00

Index of Toomers in the 1870 US Census

In 1870 ther were 65 people with the Toomer surname living in North Carolina. This information was gathered from Ancestry.com. Below is an alphabetical every name index including:

Name
Home in 1870
Estimated Birth Year
Birthplace
Race
Gender

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

Abram Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1869, NC, M, Male
Amelia Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1828, NC, Colored, Female
Anna Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1849, NC, Colored, Female
Annie Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1866, NC, M, Female
Anshom Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1841, NC, Colored, Male
Azzie Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1825, NC, Colored, Female
Ben Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1861, NC, Colored, Male
Caroline Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1859, NC, M, Female
Carrie Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1864, NC, Colored, Female
Celia Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1823, NC, Colored, Female
Cerpid Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1821, NC, Colored, Male
Clara Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1820, NC, Colored, Female
Cornelia Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1862, NC, M, Female
Cornelius Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1856, NC, Colored, Male
Dolley Toomer, Sloans, Moore, NC, abt 1844, NC, Colored, Female
Easter Toomer, Cape Fear, Chatham, NC, abt 1866, NC, Colored, Female
Elizabeth Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1866, NC, Colored, Female
Evander Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1853, NC, White, Male
Fannie Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1847, NC, Colored, Female
Gardner Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1772, NC, Colored, Male
Grant Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1869, NC, Colored, Male
Harry Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1863, NC, Colored, Male
Henry Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1806, NC, Colored, Male
Henry Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1866, NC, Colored, Male
Isabella Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1865, NC, Colored, Female
James Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1825, NC, Colored, Male
Jane Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1851, NC, M, Female
Jane Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1867, NC, Colored, Female
Jane Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1850, NC, Colored, Female
Jeanna Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1840, NC, Colored, Female
John Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1837, NC, Colored, Male
John Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1865, NC, Colored, Male
John Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1840, NC, Colored, Male
John Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1864, NC, Colored, Male
Juliana Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1869, NC, Colored, Female
Leipis Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1825, NC, Colored, Male
Lewis Toomer, Tarboro, Edgecombe, NC, abt 1854, NC, Colored, Male
Lyde A Toomer, Cape Fear, Chatham, NC, abt 1868, NC, Colored, Female
Mariah Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1827, NC, Colored, Female
Mary J Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1815, NC, White, Female
Melissa Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1832, NC, Colored, Female
Miles Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1864, NC, Colored, Male
Monroe Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1857, NC, Colored, Male
Moses Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1862, NC, Colored, Male
Nancy Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1850, NC, Colored, Female
Osborn Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1858, NC, Colored, Male
Pattie Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1860, NC, Colored, Female
Pattie Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1860, NC, Colored, Female
Prince Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1868, NC, Colored, Male
Rachel Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1854, NC, Colored, Female
Rebecca Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1820, NC, Colored, Female
Richard Hy Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1869, NC, Colored, Male
Sam Toomer, Bogue, Columbus, NC, abt 1868, NC, Colored, Male
Sancho Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1787, NC, Colored, Male
Santana Toomer, Cape Fear, Chatham, NC, abt 1810, NC, Colored, Female
Susan Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1869, NC, Colored, Female
Susan Toomer, Hillsborough, Orange, NC, abt 1825, NC, Colored, Female
Susanna Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1852, NC, Colored, Female
Thomas Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1863, NC, M, Male
Toney Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1867, NC, Colored, Male
Whitfield Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1858, NC, White, Male
William J Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1851, NC, White, Male
William Toomer, Oakland, Chatham, NC, abt 1865, NC, Colored, Male
William Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1847, NC, Colored, Male
William Toomer, Wilmington, New Hanover, NC, abt 1818, NC, 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

Toomer African Ancestry and People of Sudan

2006-05-09T15:03:00.000-04:00

What we have in common with the people of Darfur

This is a clue to the DNA test. Results show that we have something in common with the people of Darfur. You may have heard about the problems in the African country of Sudan. The US is moving to help stop the killing. More information is showing up in the news. They are chanting for us, the USA, to come and help.

I thought that I would take this opportunity to give you another clue. Are you still waiting for the clue? Well wait no more, because I already gave it to you. Oh, you need more. Our ancestors followed the same path as the ancestors of most now being killed in Darfur. This path informs their spiritual beliefs.

Often people ask, why do we, the USA, always have to save the world. If there is some travesty going on in the world, you can be assured that there will be CNN footage of us dropping supplies, providing troops and peace keepers, or a simple air strike to let the bad guy know, stand down.

One of the reasons that the USA involves itself with the affairs of the world is because, we are the world (we are the children:-)). We have citizens from everywhere. When something occurs in a foreign country, US citizens with a connection to this location demand action.

Another question that people often ask is why do we rush into other countries and wait to help the Africans? In addition to the obvious racial reasons there may be another reason for the slow response. In my humble opinion, a possible reason is that African Americans are disconnected from Africa. DNA testing may help us to reconnect.

Most of us do not have an African place to call home. Like Whoopi Goldberg said, while being interviewed by Bill Gates, for African American Lives, home for most of us is a place down south. But guess what Toomers, soon we will have African places to call home.

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

Witness Protection Needed Until Reunion

2006-05-08T23:58:00.000-04:00

Toomer Family Members Demand DNA Results

I am not sure if Floyd is receiving the abuse, but the closer we get to the reunion the closer I will resemble a victim on SVU. Being one of two people with the answer to our African Ancestry DNA results, I have indeed become a special victim, a victim of the cunning of family members who want to know where we come from in Africa.

Of course they are not going to tell anyone. I can just tell them. Oh come on. Well why can’t I know? Well why do you get to know? Who else knows? As you can see, they start off nice and quickly become aggressive, asserting their right to know. Is this aggressiveness part of our African heritage? Maybe this is just Americans. You know that we can be.

When we first spoke of DNA testing, we spoke in terms of learning our tribe. Quickly I found out that the use of the word tribe ambiguous and derogatory. Using this term for Africans minimizes the complexity of the societies formed by sub Saharan people. Many of these African societies, created systems of government, education, banking, military and more. They were not people in need of civilization, nor were they people who should be trivialized using a trite term such a tribe. This is something that we can all learn together…in our new Africanness.

The DNA results provide the name of the people (group) and the present day country. So when you are doing internet research remember to search countries and people.

Examples of African countries include:

Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Benin, Liberia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Egypt, Sudan., Ivory Coast, Liberia, South Africa, etc.

Examples of African people include:

Zulu, Mandinka, Mande, Mende, Ashante, Ganja, Yorba, Nubian, Tukulor, Tuareq, Tali, , Sekelek, Songhai, Shone, Senufu, Soso, Sere, Sudanese, Fante, Fang, Fulani, Fulbe, Hausa, Egyptian, Ewondo Somali, Konso, Kimbundu, Bemileke, Berber, Bakaka, Bakongo, Bubi, Walof, Wolof,, etc.

Are the Toomer countries and people included in the examples above? Probably. Possibly. Maybe. We are doing three DNA tests, so the chances of at least one Toomer country and one Toomer group being included are high.

This is a nice map of what they call Medieval African Kingdoms. The kingdoms are in BOLD CAPS. The people are in CAPS, and the towns are in regular text. Use this link to view a larger image and many links of information. Medieval African Kingdoms.

View article, Using "Tribe" to Misunderstand Africa, by David Wiley

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Tribe.html

Flea Market Fun at the Berlin Auction

2006-05-07T08:15:00.000-04:00

Items for Sale, Bopping and Gypsy Moths

We had a good day at the Berlin Farmer’s Market. My brother Maurice Jr. sat with me in during the early morning hours. Then cousin Emily arrived with a huge bag of great items. She had clothes, shoes, toiletry gift packs and other items. The toiletry packs were picked up before we could unpack everything.

The next arrival was Loretta and Mike. Now great household items were being placed on our table. There were boxed kitchen appliances, a power painter and more. This was such great stuff that we needed more room. Our one table was not sufficient.

Glaring at my neighbor’s three empty tables, I looked for more real estate. It was well into market hours and I figured that maybe this vendor has taken the day off. Maybe they went to the shore for the day. Yeah that’s it, the shore. This gave me the incentive to do the wrong thing, use my neighbors table.

Our used items looked really good, spread out and categorized, instead of being in one big heap. Soon Mom called asking for the exact location. Five seconds later she was pulling up. Her additional household items were merged into our growing area. We had completely filled one of our neighbor’s tables and were sneaking towards using another.

Just before cousin Patsy arrived our neighbor pulled her van into her spot. I remembered her from the last time that we were at the Auction. She is a regular vendor and has been selling for years. Mostly she sells clothes. With plenty of clientele and friends she has a steady stream of customers. .

All of our neighbors are regulars. Hosta man was on our other side. The side of his truck said Sitting Pretty and it has something to do with pets. I call him Hosta man because he had a table of little Hostas. Dude actually had drive up clientele. People drove up, popped their trunk and loaded up on Hostas. I commented on this. He said that when this happens, he knows that it is going to be a great sale. People generally do not drive up and buy one plant.

Patsy called from her cell to get the exact location and inquire about a parking space. At the time, none were available, but quickly this changed. Mom body blocked the front spot until Patsy arrived. A burgundy van approached the spot. Loretta, Em and I looked on, ready to ensure that Patsy got the space.

After we scrambled to get the stuff off of our neighbors table, we laid a blanket on the ground and set up the items formerly on our neighbors spot. This time we included the baby toys and books that Patsy brought with her.

We had a good time and our neighbor taught me the two step. Just the two step, not three, or moving about or anything. So I can not say that I can bop. Of course we had the Tippin Inn song (We Ain’t We Jammin) playing. People were stopping and looking. A couple of the customers tried to learn to bop also.

There was a lot of energy in the area at this time. We talked about Uncle Albert and Uncle Nealie’s bop styles. One day I will be able to take the Advance Bop class from Patsy, but I have a far way to go.

Not being about to bop pains me. I can dance; I just do not know what my hang up is. Mom really should have taught me to bop when I was young. (Boppers teach your kids. Kids ask your parents to teach you. It would be great to have teens enter the Bop contest.) They say that I am looking at my feet too much. Many people have tried. Sharon Baylock has tried before, Loretta, Patsy, Mom, Bobby, and others have tried, but I am truly pathetic.

But today the neighbor gave me a little confidence on two steps. This is something that I can build on. One of my genealogy buddies, Andie, offered to teach me. I believe that she will not give up so quickly. She may be tough enough to enhance my two steps and move me up to three. Then I can take an Advanced Bop class from Patsy. She will teach me the Toomer way.

Once my confidence is up I will contact the Toomer Bop champions, cousins Althea and her sister Anna. They are the daughters of James Toomer, Proprietor of Tippin Inn. From them I will take a Getting the Most Out of the Bop class.

Pic

I remember laughing at my great great uncles as a child, wondering how they got their feet to do that when their legs were doing this. Everyone loved to watch them dance. Due to the longevity and the antics of Uncle Albert he enjoyed the spotlight for a long time.

In addition to bopping, we sold items and fought the gypsy moths. Yes I said gypsy moths. Spring and summer are great, but I could live without the bugs. They fell out of the tree hitting my car and the ground, squirming there way to our blanket. We kicked them into the street, but tires and heels always missed them by a quarter inch. We kicked them back into the woods, but they headed for the blanket anyway. Next week we will have spray and we will not sit under their birth location.

We need more items family. Check your closets and garage for the gifts that you received and never used. Feelings will be hurt. It is better to donate it to a good cause. Appliances, gift packs, clothes, shoes, jewelry, knickknacks and many other types of items sold.

We will be at the Berlin Farmer’s Market next Saturday (every Saturday in May). We are in row T space 54. Contact me if you have any questions.

View Previous Blogs on this Family Fundraiser:

Toomer Family Compliment

2006-05-06T23:55:00.000-04:00

We recieved a very nice compliment and I wanted to share:

Hello,
I just wanted to compliment you on your Toomer web page, I was searching the internet for family reunion information and stumble across your site. This is far most the best site I have ever seen, I just have one question. How did you get all your information & how long did it take you.

The history of the Toomer family could be made into a movie, if not a book. The Toomers are an example of Black America and can teach others about family pride and history. My family is planning our first reunion this year, I hope one day we can accomplish as much history as you have.

Keep up the progress & God Bless

T. H

Toomer Flea Market Fundraiser

2006-05-05T05:50:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, Berlin Farmer's Market

The forecast for tomorrow is 71 degrees and partly sunny (or partly cloudy depending on your outlook).This will be the first of four Saturdays that the Toomer Family will be raising funds at the Berlin Farmer’s Market. Our table will be located in the T row, space 54. See the purple area in the map below. This space has only one table. (boo hoo) All of the other locations with tables were taken. So I guess a blanket or two will do, for now.

Don’t tell anyone, but, we have been asked to take a picture for possible publication in a national magazine.

Read Related Blogs:

Social Security Death Index: Toomer NJ

2006-05-04T23:31:00.000-04:00

Below is an index created from an Ancestry search of the Social Security Death Index. People are added to this index if they had a social security number and their family collected the death benefit. The SSDI is available for free at Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org.

This is a wonderful genealogical document. If you find your ancestors in this index you can order a copy of the original Social Security Application. Each application costs $27. (Yes the cost is crazy. They jacked it up, more than double, a few years ago. For that amount, they should send you a complete list of employment over the person's lifetime.) The application.This application contains the name, address, birth date, birth location, parents, location of employment. Below are the results of a search for the Toomer surname with the last known residence in New Jersey.

Name Birth Date Death Date Last Residence (City,County,State)

Ada Toomer 20 Apr 1912 Jan 1992 West Orange, Essex, NJ
Agnes L. Toomer 31 Oct 1904 Jan 1997 Keyport, Monmouth, NJ
Catherine Toomer 11 Oct 1919 19 Jul 1996 Matawan, Monmouth, NJ
Charles Toomer 6 Aug 1912 Mar 1977 Atco, Camden, NJ
Clarence Toomer 26 Apr 1916 Oct 1985 Berlin, Camden, NJ
Daisy Toomer 22 May 1917 May 1979 Berlin, Camden, NJ
Donald D. Toomer 26 May 1930 30 Nov 1995 Berlin, Camden, NJ
Earl Toomer 11 Mar 1905 Oct 1985 West Orange, Essex, NJ
Edward Toomer 6 Feb 1899 Apr 1982 Englewood, Bergen, NJ
G. Toomer 14 Aug 1943 15 Feb 1993 Perth Amboy, Middlesex, NJ
Hazel M. Toomer 1 Oct 1921 25 Feb 2003 Asbury Park, Monmouth, NJ
James Toomer 2 Dec 1908 Sep 1975 Atco, Camden, NJ
Joan Toomer 18 Nov 1961 May 1983 Newark, Essex, NJ
Johanna O. Toomer 8 Nov 1962 15 Aug 1999 East Orange, Essex, NJ
John S. Toomer 21 Oct 1919 31 Oct 1988 Belmar, Monmouth, NJ
John C. Toomer 10 Jun 1912 14 Jan 1993 Hopewell, Mercer, NJ
Joseph Toomer 15 Mar 1902 Aug 1974 Quinton, Salem, NJ
Louise Toomer 23 Mar 1902 Apr 1978 Newark, Essex, NJ
Margaret Toomer 5 May 1918 14 Feb 2002 Hopewell, Mercer, NJ
Margaret Toomer 9 Aug 1922 11 Aug 2003 Willingboro, Burlington, NJ
Mary A. Toomer 29 Dec 1929 16 Feb 2001 Montague, Sussex, NJ
Modestine Toomer 27 Sep 1900 18 Jan 2002 Englewood, Bergen, NJ
Nathaniel Toomer 3 Jun 1926 17 Aug 1996 West Berlin, Camden, NJ
Olga C. Toomer 1 Dec 1926 3 Mar 2003 Clementon, Camden, NJ
Waldeen Toomer 7 Mar 1954 5 Dec 2003 West Berlin, Camden, NJ
William Toomer Sr. 15 Jul 1895 Aug 1972 Keansburg, Monmouth, NJ
Willie M. Toomer 23 Feb 1903 21 Jun 1999 Newark, Essex, NJ
Willie Toomer 3 Mar 1920 16 Dec 1994 Asbury Park, Monmouth, NJ

Source Information:
Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2006.

WWII Army Enlistment: Toomers in NJ

2006-05-03T23:50:00.000-04:00

Enlistment Details

The information below is from and Ancestry.com search, Toomer in New Jersey. The range of U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records is 1938-1946.

Index
Name Birth Year Nativity State Enlistment Date
Clarence P Toomer 1916 Florida 19 Mar 1941
John S Toomer 1919 Virginia 12 Jun 1942
Nathaniel Toomer 1926 Pennsylvania 17 May 1945
Robert R Toomer 1914 Florida 8 Jul 1942
Veronica M Toomer 1921 New Jersey 16 Sep 1942

Details
Name: Clarence P Toomer (son of Henry and Bertha Toomer)
Birth Year: 1916 Race: Negro, citizen ; Nativity State or Country: Florida ; State: New Jersey ; County or City: Camden ; Enlistment Date: 19 Mar 1941 ; Enlistment State: New Jersey ; Enlistment City: Trenton ; Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Grade Code: Private ; Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) ; Source: Civil Life ; Education: Grammar school ; Marital Status: Single, without dependents ; Height: 67 ; Weight: 148

Name: John S Toomer
Birth Year: 1919 ; Race: White, citizen ; Nativity State or Country: Virginia ; State: New Jersey ; County or City: Hudson ; Enlistment Date: 12 Jun 1942 ; Enlistment State: New Jersey ; Enlistment City: Newark ; Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Grade: Private ; Grade Code: Private ; Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law ; Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) ; Source: Enlisted Man, Regular Army, after 3 months of Discharge ; Education: 1 year of high school ; Civil Occupation: Gager, Petroleum Products ; Marital Status: Single, without dependents ; Height: 69 ; Weight: 164

Name: Nathaniel Toomer (son of Henry and Bertha Toomer)
Birth Year: 1926 ; Race: Negro, citizen ; Nativity State or Country: Pennsylvania ; State: New Jersey ; County or City: Camden ; Enlistment Date: 17 May 1945 ; Enlistment State: New Jersey ; Enlistment City: Camden ; Branch: No branch assignment ; Branch Code: No branch assignment ; Grade: Private ; Grade Code: Private ; Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law ; Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) ; Source: Civil Life ; Education: 2 years of high school ; Marital Status: Single, without dependents ; Height: 88 ; Weight: 666 (must be an error)

Name: Robert R Toomer (son of Henry and Bertha Toomer)
Birth Year: 1914 ; Race: Negro, citizen ; Nativity State or Country: Florida ; State: Pennsylvania ; County or City: Philadelphia ; Enlistment Date: 8 Jul 1942 ; Enlistment State: New Jersey ; Enlistment City: Camden ; Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA ; Grade: Private ; Grade Code: Private ; Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law ; Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) ; Source: Civil Life ; Education: 2 years of high school ; Civil Occupation: Projectionist, Motion Picture or Stenographer or Teletypewriter Operator or Typist or Court Reporter or Stenotype Operator or Clerk-Typist ; Marital Status: Single, without dependents ; Height: 67 ; Weight: 142

Name: Veronica M Toomer
Birth Year: 1921 ; Race: White, citizen ; Nativity State or Country: New Jersey ; State: New Jersey ; County or City: Hudson ; Enlistment Date: 16 Sep 1942 ; Enlistment State: New York ; Enlistment City: New York City ; Branch: Womens Army Corps ; Branch Code: Inactive Reserve ; Grade Code: Aviation Cadet ; Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law ; Component: Womens Army Corps ; Source: Civil Life ; Education: 4 years of high school ; Marital Status: Married ; Height: 79 ; Weight: 969 (must be an error)

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.

NJ Hates Pumping Gas More Than Higher Taxes

2006-05-02T23:42:00.000-04:00

Full Service Gas Remains the Law in New Jersey

According to the Courier Post, Corizine will not fight for self service gas stations in New Jersey. He stated that they received seven times more complaints about pumping gas than they did about raising the state tax from 6% to 7%.

See what happens when we speak. Of course our standing together on this subject does not solve world hunger, AIDS, or global warming, but it does make a statement. When we speak, occasionally we are heard, especially if many of us are saying the same thing.

You can make a difference.
Your voice counts.
Your vote counts.

Read the CourierPost Article
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/NEWS03/60502024/1001/rss

Boy that was a close one family. We almost had to do the unthinkable: get out of the car and pump our own gas. New Jersey without full service gas would be like Jersey without the shore, like Jersey without blueberries, like Berlin without the Auction. Make sure that you guys keep a look out. They may try to sneak this on us again, but we will be ready, right.

Toomer May Birthdays

2006-05-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

Were You Born in May?

May is the month that Bertha Walker Toomer was born. She was born Roberta Walker on May 3, 1890 in Palatka, Florida. . Her parents were Robert Walker and Florida Guiles. Also born this month was, Bertha’s son, Uncle Donald. Donald David Toomer was born in Berlin, New Jersey on May 26, 1930 to Henry Toomer and Bertha Walker.

Are you a Toomer family member celebrating a May 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 May, post a comment for them. Tell us what makes a person born in May so special. What makes you (your ancestor) unique?

April at ToomerFamily BLOG

2006-04-30T23:55:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-29T23:57:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-28T08:27:00.000-04:00

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.

Flea Market Fundraiser Next Saturday

2006-04-27T23:56:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-25T23:58:00.000-04:00

New Page at ToomerFamily.com

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

View the ToomerFamily BLOG Help Page.

View the previous blog What is the Toomer Family Blog?

Photo Gallery: Toomer Reunion Skating

2006-04-24T08:52:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-23T01:39:00.000-04:00

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…

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.
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.
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

2006-04-22T12:44:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-21T05:56:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-20T05:42:00.000-04:00

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?

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

Toomer Are You Ready For A 911 Movie?

2006-04-19T00:59:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-18T06:20:00.000-04:00

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:

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!

2006-04-17T23:30:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-16T05:12:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-04-15T23:57:00.000-04:00

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.

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

2006-04-14T05:31:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-13T03:54:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-12T06:17:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-11T01:04:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2006-04-09T20:40:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-09T11:26:00.000-04:00

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:

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

2006-04-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-08T06:42:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-07T06:09:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-06T03:03:00.000-04:00

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

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

2006-04-05T07:56:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-04T13:55:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-04T01:03:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-04-03T00:47:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-02T09:48:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

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.

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.

Did I Teach You Enough?

2006-03-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

By Marianne Reid Cole

My son you have just entered the world, with its sometimes cold and icy touch.
And the question that haunts me daily is, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you that you must choose your friends carefully and everyone you cannot trust.
That you must be aware of “frienemies”, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you the meaning of responsibility so you won’t become financially crushed?
Develop, bad credit and mortgage your financial future away, did I teach you enough?

Have I taught you how to be independent and to follow your own heart even when the going gets tough?
That question in my mind just won’t resign, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you about taking care of your car, or if need be how to hail a cab or catch a bus?
How not to be disappointed when because of your appearance cabs pass you by, did I teach you enough?

Good jobs are hard to come by and if you get one please don’t mess up.
Be consistent, be on time and do your best, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you that life is sometimes unfair and just because of your skin color you may be treated quite gruff.
And that just walking into some stores you are instantly suspect, did I teach you enough?

There are so many things that I wanted to teach you, like the meaning of going dutch?
That definition alone could save you quite a bit a of money, did I teach you enough? :-)

Did I teach you to be a gentlemen and that opening doors for women is a plus.
To treat people like you want to be treated,
Did I teach you enough?

Many women will cross your path, but relationships should not be generated by lust.
For god is able to keep you from falling, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you not to give your heart away just to anyone, because the pain of disappointment may prove to be too much.
The recovery sometimes takes much longer than expected, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you to be a good steward of your money and to live by it’s slogan that in god we trust.
And to never spend your tithing no matter what, did I teach you enough?

Never allow people to define who you are, don’t let them become your personal judge.
Know who you are and what you stand for, I’m still wondering did I teach you enough?

Life will hit you below the belt and things may seem unfair and get pretty tough.
But I hope you know that you can do all things thru Christ, did I teach you enough?

Did I teach you that you’ll make mistakes and experience failures and just when you think it’s all too much.
If you trust him god will intercede on your behalf, did I really teach you enough?

This question that i ponder plagues my mind, too often and probably too much.
I just need the peace of mind that only Christ can give, I pray that I’ve taught you enough.

I LOVE YOU,

MOM.

Mrs. Cole is the daughter of Susie Toomer Reid, and the mother of four sons, one being our recent NAACP Image Award winner. She is also a longtime planning committee member. This poem, she says, was written recently, when her oldest son Herbert Cole III, moved out. 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.

Through Her Eyes

2006-03-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

Photography and Prose by Beandrea Davis

Beandrea (self portrait)

This is just one, of a set, previously on exhibit at the Kelly Writers House at UPenn in West Philadelphia. She is the granddaughter of Robert Toomer, daughter of Barbara Toomer Davis.

This is so impressive Beandrea! I bet that our handsome Uncle Robert is looking down and smiling. You know that everyone was in love with Uncle Robert, our first family photographer.

View the exhibit.

Toomer DNA Testing in Pittsburgh Paper

2006-03-30T07:54:00.000-05:00

During my time at the Family Reunion Institute Conference, in Pittsburgh, PA, Ervin Dyer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette requested an interview from a few of the conference speakers. He was writing an article on African American DNA testing. There may be a clue to our DNA test results.

DNA test locate genetic branches on African-American family tree.
By Ervin Dyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette View Article

Toomer Blog on DNA testing

Toomer NAACP 2006 Image Award Winner

2006-03-29T05:55:00.000-05:00

Blake Cole, son of Marianne Reid Cole, grandson of Susie Toomer Reid, received the NAACP 2006 Image Award, for Outstanding Male Student. The plaque read:

NAACP & Rowan University presents to Blake Cole for Superior Achievement and Academic Excellence

Cousin Blake, and his twin brother Brent have entertained the Toomer Family at reunions for many years, since they were lil guys. But they are grown now. You make the family proud! We thank you for making us look good. This is exciting news.

All of you Rowan, Glassboro State, NJ Teacher’s College grads, leave your cousin, nephew, Blake a comment. I know that many of us have gone through this university.

Picture of Blake, suspenders down, and Brent Cole, relaxing in E. A. Reid Hall, after performing for the 1992 Toomer Reunion church service at Greater Mt. Carmel, COGIC. The hall is dedicated to their beloved grandfather, Uncle Lija to the Toomer family.

Jean Toomer Ancestors On Our Slave Deed?

2006-03-28T03:57:00.000-05:00

In an earlier comment on this blog, Georgia Toomer cousin, Ricardo asked Floyd about Kit, the grandmother of famous Harlem Renaissance writer Jean Toomer. His question was whether the slave Kit, listed on the deed with our Caroline, is the grandmother of Jean Toomer. Caroline is the grandmother of Poppa, Henry Toomer, our Ancestor.

While fooling around on the net, I googled John Toomer. One item of interest found was the passage below.

In 1892 Dickson married Nathan Toomer of Perry. Toomer was born in 1839 in Chatham County, North Carolina, the slave of Richard Pilkinson. As a child Toomer was purchased by John Toomer, who moved to Houston County, Georgia, in the 1850s. Upon John Toomer_s death in 1859, his brother Colonel Henry Toomer purchased Nathan_s mother, Kit, and seven of her children from the estate. As Henry Toomer_s personal assistant, Nathan Toomer learned the manner of the white upper class. Toomer and Dickson's marriage lasted until her death on June 11, 1893, of neurasthenia, or nervous exhaustion. Shortly thereafter Nathan Toomer married Nina Pinchback. The son of this marriage was Jean Toomer, the author of the novel Cane (1923). Extract, New Georgia Encyclopedia: Amanda America Dickson (1849-1893)

Immediately I thought about cousin Ricardo and his question. This led me to the Toomer family web site to view what we call OUR slave deed . In fact there is a Kit, with a son Nathan. (Nathan is the name of Jean Toomer_s father.) Could this be the Kit and the Nathan, ancestors of Jean Toomer? Is this document of even greater importance that we thought? The researcher in me wonders if Kit and Caroline are related. Are there living DNA subjects who could prove or disprove this connection? If we do not share a close ancestral connection, could we come from the same people, which our African Ancestry DNA test will reveal?

Cousin Floyd has known for decades that we were on the same plantation as the ancestors of Jean. He may have even told me that this Kit is the grandmother of the famous author. Set the record straight Cousin Floyd, the walking Toomer BGMI (Biographical and Genealogical Master Index).

Determination, by Beandrea Davis

2006-03-27T08:32:00.000-05:00

The end of brute force
the beginning
of letting go
determination
putting one foot
in front of the other
until you've uncovered it
a whole
new
clear
way of seeing
your self

by Beandrea Davis, CYT
yoga.beandrea@verizon.net

Beandrea Davis is the grand daughter of Robert Toomer, and daughter of Barbara Toomer Davis, also a poet. Other poems by Beandrea Davis, Spine

Spine, by Beandrea Davis

2006-03-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

Cooling centers
appear strategically
along spine.
Where head meets neck,
between blades of shoulder,
as brain floats on cloud,
and tailbone plugs like power chord.
Spine channels Light
up from Earth,
as beauty waterfalls over cliffs
inside me.
Inside this motion while sitting still
I know
I am
Divine.

by Beandrea Davis, CYT
yoga.beandrea@verizon.net

Beandrea Davis is the grand daughter of Robert Toomer, and daughter of Barbara Toomer Davis, also a poet. What I know of Bea's CV is that she is a University of Pennsylvania graduate and is currently preparing to attend graduate school, for journalism, at UC Berkeley. During her time at UPenn she graced the pages of Essence magazine as one of the years star college students. Additionally, Beandrea was bitten by the photo bug, like her grandfather, whom we know as the family photographer. Her photos have been on exhibit in Philadelphia. She has attended many Toomer family reunions, especially as a child. I have a few young photos of her that I must dig up. Thank you Bea for submitting your poetry. Thank you for making us proud with your academic accomplishments. We wish you success in your future endeavors! I especially love that your are a yoga teacher. There are plenty of Toomer backs that could use your help. When are you leaving for Berkeley?

Eat Right and Exercise

2006-03-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

Millions of research and development dollars are spent every year to provide us with information on how to live a better life and avoid various illnesses. They study cancer, heart disease, and fatigue to name a few. We eagerly watch shows and read magazine advertisements on how to have healthy hair, nails and skin. Year after year there are new reports. If you listen, you will notice that they all say the same thing. Eat Right and Exercise. Yes, eat your vegetables and break a sweat regularly. (No I am not referring to personal summers.)

There is one thing that is certain; if you do not learn how to eat, you can look forward to a future of restrictions. No salt, no sugar, no caffeine, no, no, no. As a family we are predisposed to hypertension and heart disease. Medical conditions are passed down by nature and nurture, but current choices also play a part. Sure, we ate all kinds of stuff back in the day. But, back in the day Toomers rarely lived to see 70 years old.

Physically, as a family we are, well, blessed, if I can be so modest. It is a gift and we have nothing to do with it, initially. Our collective ancestors bestowed this upon us. There are many Toomer athletes. Back in the day, the uncles played baseball, on the field across from Toomer Avenue in Berlin. In recent history, there are more than a few Toomers who have received college scholarships in football, track and field, from the boomers down to generation X.

I have heard people say, I do not eat vegetables, or I only eat two vegetables. That is almost like saying, I do not put oil in my car, or I never have my oil changed. I do not use antifreeze. Well you car is going to run for a while, but eventually you will destroy your investment. You can always get a new car, but only get one body.

Family, you have been given a Ferrari. How are you taking care of it? Are you drinking your water? Did you eat fresh fruit and vegetables today? Have you decreased you salt intake? Have you decreased the number of processed food that you eat? Have you taken your Ferrari for a spin around the park or to the gym lately? (My Ferrari was collecting dust, but I started back on a workout routine after a few months off. The summer is coming and we will be in shorts and sleeveless before we know it.)

Eat Right and Exercise. This is the simple key to life, the fountain of youth that everyone is in search of. Listen to the bottom line of every medical and health report. They all sing the same tune. Sometimes we want to take the easy way out. Where is the pill to burn this fat off of me while I sit here and stuff my face? We eat processed foods, because they seem quick, easy and delicious. But, I ask you, what could be quicker or more delicious, than fresh spinach sauted in garlic. Choose a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar. (I have a major chocolate problem, so I am pumping myself up here. Also a problem with McDonald french fries, and Oreos and....) It is a challenge to do these two basic things, but it is worthwhile to give it a try.

Here are a couple of web sites that discuss health:

Toomer Precious Places

2006-03-24T11:44:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended a meeting at Scribe Video Center in Philadelphia, PA. This was the first meeting of the many community groups involved in Scribe_s 2006 Precious Places Community History Project. Each community will produce an 8 minute video documentary on one precious place in their community. I will be on the Lawnside team, a town dripping with history and precious places. This will be part of a larger oral history project conducted by the Lawnside Historical Society. From the list of places, Mt. Peace Cemetery, on the White Horse Pike was chosen. This is a historical African American burial ground, spanning more than 11 acres. There are many civil war veterans and notable blacks buried there. Many of the other precious places in NJ are trying to survive eminent domain, a big topic in the courts.

On the ride over the bridge I, of course, thought about Toomer family precious places. Which locations do all of us, as a family, consider precious. The first place that came to mind was Tippin Inn. Everyone loves to talk about Tippin Inn. Everyone wants to open a spot and call it Tippin Inn 2. This was one stop on the chitterlin circuit, a place where blacks played for blacks. Uncle James had to book the big acts to get a crowd back into the pines of east Berlin, NJ. There were many happening spots in south Jersey at that time, like those in Lawnside Park.

Newspaper research concurs with some of the stories of the famous entertainers performing at Tippin Inn in the 60_s. Fat_s Domino, BB King, Big Maybelle and Patti LaBelle, were just a few of the many to hang out with the Toomers and the people of east Berlin. BB King came to Tippin Inn so much that seeing his big grin under a conked do, with Tippin Inn typed under his chin, ceased to be exciting. Yeah Yeah. BB King was there. Floyd and I soon developed a look that said, BB King, so not to break our forward procesthroughru the stacks of newspapers.

Another precious place would be Toomer Avenue, formerly Elm Avenue, in West Berlin, NJ. This is the street where our ancestors Henry and Bertha Toomer settled in the 1920_s. A few of their children, and in-laws built homes on this street. Tippin Inn was just one block away. In 2000 Berlin Township renamed Elm Avenue to Toomer Avenue in honor of the family.

What other precious places are there for the family? For me, and some other_s, my great grandmother Lucille Sister Toomer Jackson_s property was a treat. To see that little itsy bitsy piece of property, which is too small to build a house on now, one would not believe that it contained so much back in the day. The backyard use to seem as if it would go on for ever. There were all kinds of fruit trees and vines, a big garden, and a front yard with bushes, whose sole purpose was to produce fresh switches to tear you up with. DYFS who?

What am I missing? What do you consider a Toomer Precious Place?

Toomer Awards

2006-03-23T11:30:00.000-05:00

Every reunion we give out special Awards to Toomers in attendance. The awards are: youngest, most senior, newlywed, and furthest traveled. Occasionally we give awards for longest married and special recognition. Of these awards, the most coveted is the youngest Toomer award. I remember a naive cousin, who had his child in the spring, thinking that his daughter would be in contention for the youngest award. People roll out of the maternity award and to the reunion to collect their prize. Generally the winner is one month or less. Folks you should hear the shouting. The mothers of ancient 3 month olds babies are quickly quieted by mothers who are still on maternity leave.

The most senior award can be fun. The last time that we gave this award, my grandfather Charles “Sonny” Malcolm Toomer won the award. This affected him in ways that only people who were standing on that side of the crowd would know. He used Deadwood type language to and from the podium. Basically he thought that we were making fun of him. We tried to explain that we were honoring him. Maybe, to him, he looked around and his aunts and uncles (Momma and Poppa_s children) whom he grew up with were no longer here. Now it is just him, his sister Bernice, and first cousin Eleanor. He actually has over 60 first cousins, but only a few that are in there 70_s. (Personally, I look forward to receiving the most senior Toomer Award, so kids lay it on me. I will not mind. As you know, I plan to live to be 125 years old.)

Furthest traveled generally goes to faithful reunion going family, Kathy Toomer and Edwin Baylock, who travel from Canton, OH with children and now grandchildren. One day I will go to Canton, bypass the Football Hall of Fame, and go to the Baylock_s to visit the Toomer Hall of Furthest Traveled Awards room.

In Planning Committee meetings we often discuss including other awards. One award discussed would honor the person with the most descendants at the reunion. The problem with this is the time that it would take to ascertain the winner. You know that we are not known for our patience. Another award that we thought about would be given to the person with the most generations. During Aunt Olga’s time, she would have won this award. Who do you think might win these awards?

Family. Who will win the Toomer Awards this year? Are there any lil Toomers due in August or late July? Will a Toomer travel more that 465 miles and upset the Baylock dominance of the travel award? Will Sonny Toomer attend again? Will we give him an award? Do I hear wedding bells? Are you a contender or know of some one who is? Post comments and make sure you join us for the answer to these questions and MORE, at the Toomer Family Reunion Saturday, Labor Day weekend, September 2, 2006.

Funeral Programs and Family Fun

2006-03-22T06:35:00.000-05:00

Organizing funeral programs is a great way to learn about family history. This is a great project for people of all ages. Everyone is a collector. We never leave a funeral without a program. Some even get two programs, an extra for a person who may not be in attendance. We have them stored in boxes, book cases, and mixed in with other papers. If you do not have a collection of your own, offer to help someone else.

Funeral programs are important to us so we should take better care of them. They should be easily viewable, so that they can serve their original purpose of reminding us of the life of a loved one. If they are shoved in a box or scattered about the house they are not accessible. Organize the programs by:

Purchase 3-ring binders and sheet protectors from any office supply store.
Gather your programs into one location. If you can only find one box now, you can get started now. Do not put this off. When the others turn up, you can easily add them.
Unfold programs and insert into sheet protectors. The top edge of the program should be near the 3 holes of the sheet protector. Oversized programs will be a challenge. Generally they will fit, folded, inside of a sheet protector.
Alphabetize programs and place into 3-ring binders.

Once arranged, your funeral programs will seem like a book. You will be able to easily flip the pages and view the personal histories of family and friends. (Junior Genealogists can start their collection now. If you do not attend funerals, have someone bring you a program.)

Who Are You, Really?

2006-03-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

What do you know about your pedigree? A pedigree shows your direct ancestry, the people responsible for your being on this earth. First there is you. Next are your parents, followed your grandparents and so on. What do you know about your parents and grandparents? It is surprising how many basic life details we do not know about our close relatives, until we think about it. Do you know where your parents were born and married? I knew when and where my parents were married, because this information was in the family bible. However, I was very surprised to find out that my maternal grandparents, Maggie Mae Daniels and Charles Malcolm Toomer eloped in Elkton, MD. Have other Toomers eloped? I asked Grandmom why they eloped and she said that they just wanted to get married. Then I asked her, in retrospect, would you have done that again? We both laughed. You guys who know my Grandfather know what I am talking about. But when she talked about this marriage event, there was something in her eyes that I had never seen before. Those two were really in love. They have 12 children to prove it. Now, if I had never asked her about her marriage, I would have searched for marriage certificates in NJ in vain. I may have searched in PA, but not in MD.

Fill in this Pedigree Chart to see how much you know. (Everyone, do not email Floyd for your pedigree.) You may be surprized how much you know. Number 1 is for your name, birth, and marriage. Include date and location. Number 2 is your father and Number 3 is your mother. Continue by entering your grandparents. Go as far as you can. This will give you an idea of what you know about yourself.

The next step is to do oral interviews . Interview family to help fill in the blanks on your pedigree chart. This is what Floyd did. He talked to Big Aunt Ida and Little Aunt Ida (his Mom), among others. I heard that there were recordings. The thought of hearing their voices again..................................................................

So interview your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. By doing this you will gain a better understanding of, who they are, why they think, and do the things that they do. Additionally you will learn more about yourself. First get the basics: first, middle, last and maiden name. Then collect vital information such as: birth, marriage, divorce, death. Get the date and location for these events. Next you want to learn about their parents, brothers and sisters. Print the Family Group Sheets, two pages, Ancestors site and record this information.

After you learn the basics, ask about personal recollections of, childhood, church, education, sports, activities, work, military, and more. But the most important thing to remember is: Be Patient. If they do not currently discuss the old days then it may take some time to remember that stuff. In my case Grandmom said that she did not know anything, She remembered her Grandpop William Stanford, that was it. But once we talked about it more and I showed her documents, her memories started coming back bit by bit. Eventually, I did not have to ask her questions, she would just start talking about Alabama. I thought, wow, this patience and diligence stuff really works.

Learn what you can now. View the oral history questions from the UMass RootsProject to get you started. This site contains oral history questions, with an emphasis on African American Genealogy. Soon, when someone asks you, who are you, really, you can say proudly, how much time do you have. Enjoy learning about yourself.

Holographic Reunions

2006-03-20T19:33:00.000-05:00

I just watched a piece on CNN about, being in two places at one time. They referenced the holographic meeting in Star Wars. Then they translated this concept to the workplace. Well, you know how my mind and thinking would apply this concept. We could have Holographic Reunions! Of course we would continue to have the traditional full bodied experience every two years, as we do now, but imagine. Imagine the different things that we could do.

We could get together regularly, having different clubs for the youth and young adults. Back in the day, people like Ronnie, Floyd, and Leslie used the church van, driving around, gathered up the kids. I think that they would enjoy taking the kids on holographic trips instead. One month the kids would come together and watch a movie and have discussion. Next month we would take a holographic trip to Perry, GA and Floyd would give us a history lesson. We could even organize a dream of mine, Toomer Kids Marching in the Berlin Township_s July 4th parade. We could have kids from all over the US meet to practice. We would probably have to limit it to 50 kids within a narrow age group. The number of kids attending the 2000 reunion can be seen in the Toomer group picture. It is hard to count them, and that was 6 years ago, so you imagine. I do not think that Berlin Twp would be prepared for an additional 200 kids in the parade. (I am not sure if there would be holographic kids or full bodied. This part has not been worked out). They could even do their thing at the reunion. Everyone loves when the young Toomers perform at the reunion. Coach, Herb III and Justin were a treat on Toomer Avenue and at Greater Mt. Carmel. When lil Mark joined in on the performance of his big first cousins, the crowd cracked up. Remember the Toomer Steppers, Unsun, Lia, Joy, and Joy I think. (Someone correct me if I am wrong and missing folks.)

For the adults we could have interest groups in cooking, books, computers, poetry, African history, genealogy, etc. We could even have a holographic grandparents club where they come together to share stories and pictures of their little cuties. For the teens we could have the Getting Ready for College Club. Different family members, who they normally would not have contact with, could encourage and help them to make sense of all of the stuff required to prepare, choose, and be succesful in college. Additionally the future freshmen could work through this together. This would create a bond between college freshmen living far apart, possibly going to school in the same metro area.

The holographic possibilities are endless. But if you think about it, much this can be done right now. We could create clubs and groups using online technology that has been available for some time now. This technology is called message boards or forums. Why do we not have this, you may ask. Well the reason is simple. We must first build an online constituency. We need to know who is online and what kinds of things you want. Post a comment to let us know that you are out there and the kind of things that you are interested in. Send your email address to be included on Toomer Mailings.

Goodbye Super Bowl Champion City

2006-03-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well family it is time to leave Pittsburgh. The Family Reunion conference was a success. It was amazing how many of the city tourism folks want the conference in their city. Kissimmee, FL, and Birmingham, AL were two of the cities that I remember, probably because they made the most noise. The PA Heritage guy let them do their thing. Then he stood up and let everyone know that PA has the conference until 2009 (and jokingly stated that the judicial system would be involved if events occured otherwise). Yes the room roared. We will be in Philadelphia next year so family plan to attend. Then back to Pittsburgh in 2008.

It was fun to hang out with the vendors. There is a sister vendor team who are always at the conference and they have great stuff. Also there was an African designer named Aziz and his assistant. They were speaking in a different language. So I asked them which language were they using and they said that they were speaking Wolof and they were from Senegal. After my presentation I stopped by to say goodbye and ended up showing them our web site. I told them about the DNA testing and our results and one said, ahhh, I can see it. I am not sure what it is but I had fun shopping in their area. Floyd had a similar experience. Maybe he will share this with you.

During this mornings continental breakfast we had the pleasure to listen to a poet. Turhan Shabazz said that in Pittsburgh he is known as the Unwrapper. He writes a poem a day. They were beautiful and full of information about how we treat one another, our men, our women and our children. He spoke of empowering yourself to take care or you and your family. He was fantastic! You could see people nodding their heads and smiling, as if they were saying preach brother preach.

Calling all Toomer poets. I know that we have lots of poets out there. Share with your family. Our talent is great. (And if you do not realize this call me. I will pump you up.) Don_t keep it to yourself. If all of us bring our talents and skills to bear in planning and executing the family reunion, imagine the things that we could do. We thank you for sharing your talents and yourself. This is how we grow. As a reunion we do plenty with little funds. I have seen families who have bank accounts that make my mouth water, and family I have got to tell you, I am thankful for what we have. The planning committee is looking forward to working with more of you. Growth is good.

ToomerFamily.com Is A Hit

2006-03-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

My first Toomer presentation was a success. I presented in a workshop called YourFamilyOnline.com. My topic was Building a Family Web Site. We had a nice crowd and I ran out of handouts. Thank goodness for a business center on the same floor. I forgot to show the cemetery page in the first session but remembered during the second session. People generally love the fact that we plant Black-Eyed Susans on family graves in the East Berlin Cemetery. Last year when I described to workshop participants how in August our cemetery is a sea of yellow, full of Black-Eyed Susans, everyone said Awwwwwhhhhhhhh. That was really unexpected, but it warmed my heart. One issue that we have every year is that they mow down some of our flowers. As they are perennials, many of them should be almost bush-like. (Keep an eye out to lawnmowers in the cemetery.) The Planning Committee works on this every year. In the fall we pull the seeds and replant. Family we need your help to keep this going.

2006 Family Reunion Conference

2006-03-17T00:56:00.000-05:00

Well family I am on my way to Pittsburgh, Pa, to attend the 15 National Family Reunion Conference. This conference has been around since the late 1980’s.. It was started at Temple University by Dr. Ione Vargus. She created a group called the Family Reunion Institute. Cousin Floyd was in the mix from the beginning and eventually got me involved. At my first conference I ran from table to table soaking up the information and then finding Floyd to compare notes. Our first presentation together was in a workshop called Telling the Story. Along with two other presenters we discussed ways to present genealogical and historical information at a reunion. Floyd and I discussed our Toomer publications, the Partial History booklet and one birthday calendar at that time, both prized possessions in our Toomer arsenal. Additionally we showed reunion tee shirts which provided genealogical information. This included the big T with Momma and Poppas pictures and their named children and the shirt with the names of all of the living descendants-I think that we numbered over 600 that year.

The Toomers were a hit. Eventually we presented the 1999 birthday calendar and the 2000 reunion journal. Then Floyd said - okay grasshopper, you have successfully walked the rice paper and it is still intact. You are now ready for your solo journey. By that time the internet was the rage and of course the Toomers had a web site. Dr. Vargus viewed the web site and asked me to do a present on building a family web site. Last year, in Atlanta, GA, I shared a workshop, Gina Paige, Co-founder of African Ancestry Inc. Floyd and I had already discussed the possibility of doing a family DNA test. But after sitting and listening to Gina_s wonderful presentation, and having my many questions answered I called Floyd from the conference full of African dreams.

Part of the reason that I love this conference is because you get to learn how other families put on a reunion. People do some fantastic things, but not all things are for all families. Floyd and I would sit and listen to the many ideas evaluating each on the Toomer scale. Nah the Toomers aint gonna go for that, could you see us, or we could do this if we change it a bit. For instance many families travel for their reunion. We would love to take a family trip but we want as many people to attend as possible. If we went on the road this would put many at a disadvantage. An off year trip would be nice. Any travel agents in the family? (Patience of a saint and middle eastern diplomacy experience required. Nah, just kidding fam, just kidding. We are a loving bunch. Just as long as everything is perfect. Remember The Reunion Without Chicken. Again, we truly apologize for that one. We really do. How this happened remains a Toomer Unsolved Mystery. Thank good ness it did not become a Toomer City Confidential.)

This will be an exciting conference on many fronts. First, this will be the first multicultural conference. Second, I will get the chance to hang out with my Pittsburgh genealogy buddies. When I met them in 2003, it was like meeting family. They took us in and made sure that we were ok. They fed us good home cooking (and I think that yams were involved). It was fantastic! Additionally, two of the Pittsburgh crew have ancestry in Barbour Co, AL, where my Grandmother Maggie’s ancestors are from. The final point of excitement will be introducing our new family blog.

Next year the conference will be in Philly. All of those interested, plan to attend. I will probably be in March.

Well off to the airport, with an additional nine new CDs, pushing my iPod song count up to 1236 (3.8 days of music). Off to meet other family reunion planners and budding planners. Off in search of a new idea to make our Toomer Reunion special. Floyd, stay by the bat phone.

Spring Clean for Family Fundraiser

2006-03-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

Spring will be here soon. With the recent 60 degree temperatures, we thought that it was here already, but winter reminds us that, it aint over till it_s over. But once spring is truly in the air, you will begin cleaning. There will be plenty of decisions to make: to keep, to throwaway, to give to Goodwill. Should you keep that suit, or pair of shoes, that you have not been able to wear in years? Do you really need all of those knick-knacks? How many cd holders and candle holders do you really need? The Toomer Family Planning Committee is here to help you.

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. This row is just outside of the gated flea market area. It is closest to Blackwood Clementon Rd.

During one of those 60 degree days, I stopped by America_ s favorite retailer, which everyone loves to hate, and picked up an 18-gallon tote. I will use this tote to hold my flea market items as I come across them. Last year, when we held the same fundraiser, there were many items that we could of had on hand. All day the committee remembered things that they forgot to pack. Each time a flea marketer asked for something, like costume jewelry, we would look at each other and say Oh, I have a bag full at home that I could have brought. Clothes and shoes were a hot item. People also liked pictures, cd holders, cute knick-knacks, etc.

So on a Saturday in May, stop by the Auction and donate a few items. One year Susan donated a kitchen sink. Boy did I worry about going home with that. It turned out to be a hot item. People bid on it all day. (I guess that I was not that worried. But I was not going to just give it away.) Large items are fine, but just as Susan did, if it did not sell she was going to take it back. So don’t pull up a U-Haul, but bring us some stuff. The planning committee is full of latent sales people, so if you bring it, generally we will move it. We will be there on the following Saturdays from 7:30 am -3:30 pm, weather permitting:

May 6
May 13
May 20
May 27

New at the 2006 Toomer Reunion

2006-03-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

In addition to DNA test results, Toomers will have two new things to look forward to. First, on Friday night after church and dinner, we will play a new game, T! True Toomerwood Stories. This game evolved during a planning committee meeting at Marianne_s. We are fully aware that we have more than our share of great story tellers (as well as subjects) in our family. We would like to capture these family stories while we are all together. (We need 2 videographers to volunteer.) Each storyteller will have three minutes to tell a G-Rated story. (You can tell me the non-G-rated stories on the side.) View full details of T! True Toomerwood Stories.

The second new reunion item will be a Saturday program. BRING YOUR PORTABLE CHAIR! We generally bring everyone together once on Saturday so that we can have the dance contest* and give out the Toomer Awards. This reunion we have extra stuff to share and do. The program will last for about an hour. During this time we will have the dance contest, awards, DNA results, T! True Toomerwood Stories Finals, and a group photo. Don’t forget to BRING YOUR PORTABLE CHAIR! You know the chair that comes in a tube bag, which you sling over your shoulder and Wal-Mart had on sale last year for 9.97.

*Dance contest question for the Toomer Teens and Pre-teens: During the past two reunions we have successfully had a little kid dance and an adult bop contest. Unfortunately when the music plays, we have not had participants in the teen pre-teen age group. We have changed the song and even asked you what you want to hear. Wassup with that? I know that yall can dance. One reunion we had to temporarily suspend skating at the rink cause you guys ripped off your skates and took over the floor dancing. Then, then next day, on Saturday, you guys would not dance in the park. Again I ask you, wassup with that? Let me know. Leave a comment.

See you at the Reunion.

March Planning Committee Meeting

2006-03-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

The March meeting marked 6 months until the reunion. Of course you know that the reunion will be held on Labor Day weekend. This is the first time EVER that we changed the date. Usually we hold the reunion on the weekend before Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately we lost our date at our favorite place, so Labor Day weekend it is.

After our gracious hosts, Loretta and Mike, served us a tasty bowl of gumbo with shrimp and andouille sausage, we discussed old business: family cookbook - where are your recipes TOOMERS, if you do not cook get one from a friend who can, we need them now please; hats; Berlin Farmers Market table - we are reserving a table at the Auction to raise money for the reunion. We are accepting donations. So during spring cleaning remember that one person_s junk is another person_s treasure. We will be there on Saturdays in May. We will be in the strip of tables closest to Blackwood Clementon Rd; first mailer - if you did not get a newsletter send your address to info@toomerfamily.com ; reunion Friday; 2006 group photo; donations towards DNA testing; Toomer Family history display at the Camden County Library in Voorhees in celebration of Black History Month; 2007 banquet. New business included: email received at ToomerFamily.com; reunion awards. Other topics discussed included: announcement of the Georgia Toomer Reunion July 2006 at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA. The cottages and villas and mountains are fantatsic.

One thing that you may have noticed that is obviously missing is the discussion of all of the Registration forms that we have received. Hint Hint!! (The price is not high in comparison to other reunions. Our goal is to fundraise so that we can keep the cost low. All that is charged is the cost of the park on Saturday, which is six hours of food and family fun for $25. When I attended a reunion this summer with my Grandmother I had to pay $90. Toomer cost would have been $50. Thank goodness she is a senior or I would have had to pay $120.) Next meeting: April 15th

Toomer 2006 Reunion page

Toomer Photo at Afrigeneas

Momma and Poppa_s Kids Together

2006-03-14T08:50:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about what it was like at Momma and Poppas dinner table? To use a phrase popularized by Sophia Patillo: Picture it, Philadelphia 1919. Henry and Bertha Toomer followed the path of many African Americans leaving the south, looking for work and opportunity in the north. In addition to their new baby, Albert, they had Clarence age 3, Robert age 5, Lucy age 9, and James age 11. Eventually, in the late 1920’s, they made their way across the Delaware River, to Berlin, NJ. Henry and Bertha had both buried their mothers, Lucy and Florida in Philly. Now they sought a place with wide open spaces, a place where the children could run free. This was needed, as they now had three more, baby Beese, Ida and Susie. The families, including the Parsons (Lewis and Ida) build homes on Elm Avenue (now Toomer Avenue). The space in Berlin must have been wider than expected, as Momma and Poppa continued to increase the population in south Jersey. The stock market crashed, but Toomer stock was way up! By 1933, five year old Nealie was the big brother to baby Stanley, Gertie and Donald.

Henry and Bertha had 16 children in all, so they must have had a pretty big and exciting table. As a kid there was always a special excitement in the air when they were together. When I think about planning committee meetings, I think about Momma and Poppa_s table. All of the kids were there in the past and we try to recreate this in the planning committee. When I look out the window and see Bernice, Patsy and Emily pull up, I say, here comes Sister, Albert and Charlie. Then Marianne and Cherylie Burly walk in and I say, yeah we have a double Susie (What could be better than a double Aunt Susie? Maybe add in a couple of her grandchildren.) Gwenie and Floyd, brings in Donald and Ida. (Just one note: We all know that Uncle Albert and Uncle Donald would show up together in real life. Those two use to hang. Before Nealie passed the three of them were like triples. I loved to see them coming.) I say all of this to say, we love to have all of Momma and Poppa_s kids at the meeting. At the least, we should have one representative from each large family branch. Additionally we are looking for more 20 somethings and 30 somethings to get in on the fun. (That does not mean that the 40 and 50 somethings are off the hook.) Bernice said that she is tired. The next meeting is April 15th.

View Toomer Family History (NJ Toomers)

View Biographies of Henry and Bertha’s Children

Why do Toomers need to study Africa?

2006-03-13T12:09:00.000-05:00

Besides the fact that African history is your history, the Toomers have a new reason to celebrate Africa. Soon we will know the results of our DNA test from African Ancestry Inc. They will provide us with the people and country who share our ancestry. Go to the Toomer DNA testing page to get more information:
http://www.toomerfamily.com/Toomers_Today/toomerdna.html.

Additionally, at the reunion you will be able to win a prize if you correctly guess your African ancestry. In fact, we may provide a few clues on this blog. Who knows what we may do. You can also have fun looking at different pictures of Africans on the internet and notice a family resemblance.
I don't know I about you, but I have been claimed by Africans from multiple countries and islands. They say, You are a so-and-so. You just don't know it. Hey I am open. I will be from where ever you say, for right now. Cause one day I will cease to be ignorant of my personal African heritage. I just can not believe that the day is here.
Whoopie Goldberg made a good point on the PBS series, African American Lives, about knowing a specific ancestral country in Africa. She said that during the summers of her youth, the Italian kids would go to Italy, and the Irish kids would go to Ireland, to visit their family. They were going back to the old country. When they asked her where she came from, she said Mississippi, or whichever state she said. You know that Whoopie is crazy. Growing up they were not taught about Africa. Africa was the dark continent. But now, thanks to technology, we know the location of our old country. One day we can travel back home. Start saving now. Create an Africa Repatriation (Visiting) Fund.

If you want to learn more about African American DNA testing, watch African American Lives, a PBS show and DVD. This is a new release . View more at PBS.
If you really want to get deep into DNA , check out Spenser Wells, The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey. This comes in book and video format. The video is great. They also show it on TV.
If you want to know more about Genealogy and DNA, take a look at, Megan Smolenyak s, Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using genetic Test to Explore Your Family Tree. This is a wonderful resource for the family history researcher.
If you want to contribute to the Toomer DNA testing fund, contact Floyd. These tests will benefit us all.

African History: More than Plight

2006-03-13T01:34:00.001-05:00

Black history month in 2006 was much different than others. Usually, it is a wonderful time to enhance my knowledge of my people. Each year I look for a subject that I want to know more about. Or, I may read something, or see a program on TV that reminds me, Hey I really do not know much about such-in-such. Some times the subject is small and narrow, other times it is big and requires more than 28 days. Toomer DNA test is a biggie!
Unfortunately, here in America we have become very stale and self centered in our celebration of Black History month. First it seems like the only historical time period of focus is American slavery and American civil rights. Of course, these are very important topics. We have given some time to the plight of some African countries, but there is so much more to our history than plight.
We must realize that February is BLACK History. Black people are global people and we all have similar, yet unique experiences. In the Americas alone we have blacks in every part, Canada, Latin America and South America. What about European Africans?
I have been blessed to have a mother who taught me about my history and encourage the afrocentric. (Even though she would not let me get an afro when I was a kid. She had one, I just did not understand. Maybe you can comment on that Mom.) Additionally I attended Lawnside Middle School, where, if you did not learn anything else, you learned about black people. I remember having a conversation with my Mom, shortly after transferring to Lawnside. I told her that we never learned about white people. She told me that since I knew about the whites, now it was a good time for me to learn more about the blacks. And boy did I. Mr. Walter (Butch) Gaines, Mrs. (Aunt Helen) Morales, and Dr. Clark come to my mind first when I think of the impact that Lawnside had on my education of Africans in America. In essence they taugh me more about myself.

First Toomers I want to ask you:

What do you know about the lives of African people

before the slave trade?

You may ask, How do I begin to learn more?

READ.

Yes it is that simple. Use your local library. They will have books within the county system on African Studies. Also, if they do not have a particular book, you can give them an author and a title and they will retrieve the item for you via interlibrary loan. Use the internet. There are tons of pages on African Studies. Try to stick with notable web sites like academic and historical institutions, so that you get accurate information.

You may ask, What should I study first?

The Three Great Kingdoms.

Ghana, Mali, and Songhay are considered the three great kingdoms of West Africa. This is a good place to start. Get an overview of what was going on in Africa before the continent was invaded. Visit the family web site and view the Toomer Resource.

If you would like to share resources, add a comment. We can learn from one another. (I know that the Toomer family has more than a few former dashiki, kofi hat wearing, black power baby boomers* with deep African knowledge. Dust off of those dust jackets and let us know what is in your library. * They have a new term for baby boomers. You guys are now called baby geezers. Honest. I did not make this up. Imagine. You are now the age of Edith and Archie Bunker. But to me you guys look really great. They say that 50s, 60s are the new 40s, 50s. How did it feel to receive you AARP card in the mail? Really, I am not laughing.) Enjoy learning about yourself.

Toomer Family Blog

2006-03-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Shamele, This is a great idea. I think that it will be interesting to see how it catches on. Hopefully, the family will use it.

floyd

What is the Toomer Family Blog?

2006-03-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

The word blog comes from weB LOG. A blog is simply a web journal that is updated regularly by one person or a team of people. The blog posts are kept in reverse chronological order, newest on the top. Learn more about blogs at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

Generally, a blog is on one subject, such as the Toomers. Floyd and Shamele, Toomer bloggers, will add blog posts relating to Toomer family history, reunions and other items of interest. We invite everyone to feel free to add your comments to any posts.

Our goal is to facilitate greater communication between family members. The Toomer Family Blog will enable us to quickly provide updates and insight on reunion planning, family history research and general family happenings.

The Rules: We will keep it simple (and modify as necessary).

Be nice. (But I don’t have to tell Toomers to be nice. Do I? Cause we are all just as sweet as apple pie.)
Comments should pertain to the specific posts. Do not use the blog if email would be better. Send updates like address changes, births, deaths, marriages, and graduation to info@toomerfamily.com .

Toomer Homeland Security Notice: In order to protect family members from external (or internal) threats of WMD’s, and other situations deemed in the interest of the national security of this family group, all blog posts and comments are subject to the approval of the Administration, (President Floyd) and THS, (Secretary Shamele). We caution family members to remember that all things posted on the internet will become part of the permanent record. Do not disclose too much personal information.

2006-03-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

This blog is dedicated to ALL Toomer family members, past, present, and future. We want to share information about our family history research and family reunion.