James Leonard Mitchell (1895-1969) was born in Hopkins County, KY to Lewis and Lovey (Metcalfe) Mitchell. Lewis and Leonard both worked as coal miners. Enlisting April of 1918, Leonard was a private in the US Army during World War I. In the 1920s, Leonard began playing baseball with the Negro Leagues. There aren’t many records on his career, but he did play for the Louisville Mohawks and the Louisville White Sox. As one of the organizers of the Louisville Black Colonels in 1939, Leonard was an integral part of Negro League baseball at all levels, including promotion. He also owned and managed the Louisville Black Caps and the Original Zulu Cannibal Giants. On May 22, 1948, he married Irene L. Layer (1907-1977), a white woman from Elizabeth, IN. Leonard and Irene were married in Chicago where interracial marriage had been legal since 1874. It would not be legal across the US until 1967. Irene was the daughter of Frederick and Hester (Brock) Layer. Leonard and Irene had one daughter, Delores. In the 1950s and 1960s, Leonard worked as a painter and lived with his family at 1721 Hale Avenue in the California Neighborhood. Leonard died on November 11, 1969. He was buried in Section B, Row C, Grave D of Eastern Cemetery. Irene died on July 27, 1977 and was buried in Section B, Row 4, Grave F of Eastern Cemetery.

So passionate about baseball, Leonard amassed a massive collection of Negro League memorabilia. In 2009, Delores took the collection to the Louisville Slugger Museum for advice. The collection garnered national attention and went to auction. In an interview about the auction Dolores stated, “As a kid, I can remember him being glued to the TV in baseball season. It was like the TV was an extension of his right arm. He loved baseball. He ate, slept, walked, talked, read baseball. In his own quiet way, I think he knew he was part of opening doors that led to other people getting a chance to play.” Photo of older Leonard is from the “Courier-Journal” article March 6, 2009. Photo of Leonard in his Mohawks uniform is from Love of the Game Auctions.

Thank you for your service.

Hermon T. Morehead (1905-1969) was born in Russellville, KY to Thomas and Lizzie Morehead. In 1930, he married Georgia E. Page (1910-1996) who was also from Russellville. Georgia was the daughter of George and Bertha (Young) Page. In 1930, they lived with Georgia’s brother David Bibb’s family in Louisville where Hermon was working as a contractor. By 1940, they were renting a house at 1646 W. St. Catherine Street in the California Neighborhood. Hermon was working as a porter in a cafeteria and they had daughter Vivian (born 1931). According to the Hermon’s obituary, he worked at the Colonnade Cafeteria for 32 years. Hermon also worked as the manager and member of one of Louisville’s oldest signing groups, a gospel quintet known as “The Voice of the Deep South.” The group, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1969, traveled through Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois and had radio shows on WINN and 104.7 WLOU. In 1969, Hermon was named a “Louisville Ambassador of Good Will” and was presented with a key to the city. Hermon died on July 24, 1969. He was buried in Section 16, Row 8, Grave 9 of Eastern Cemetery. He has a headstone that would have been shared with Georgia as it also has her name. However, Georgia died on November 9, 1996 and was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery. Photo of the quintet is from “Courier-Journal” May 4, 1969.

Iola May (Jordan) Acton (1903-1953) was born on February 19, 1903 to W. Clarence and Lenora (Robinson) Jordan in Bardstown. Not much is known about Clarence. By 1910, Nora and Iola were living on 36th Street in Louisville with Nora’s parents. The Census listed Nora as a widow, and she later became a teacher. Iola was the protégé of Miss Caroline Bourgard, renowned music educator. She gave Iola piano lessons as a child and told Iola many times that she had “great plans” for her. Iola completed college and became a music teacher. She was then head of the music department at Kentucky State College. At the time of the 1930 Census, she was living with her aunt Virginia and uncle John Smith at 2502 W. Walnut Street in the Russell Neighborhood. On December 26, 1930, Iola married William L. Harbut in Franklin County, OH. William was a teacher. The couple was living with Virginia and John when tragedy struck in August 1931. William injured his kidney while playing football and died on November 22, 1931 at the age of 23.

Around 1935, Iola was the director of the Bourgard College of Music and Art, the school endowed for African Americans by the late Bourgard. In 1940, Iola married Randall E. Acton. The year 1941 was very busy for Iola. She was training her Jordanaires, a small chorus at the College. Iola was also giving 54 piano lessons a week! Then on April 17, 1941, Iola gave birth to son Iran. Iola continued to play organ for Louisville churches and led multiple choirs, including Quinn Chapel AME Church, Church of our Merciful Savior, Fifth Street Baptist Church, Asbury Chapel, Broadway Temple AME Church, and the Community Choir in Owensboro. According to the 1952 city directory, Randall was the manager of the Sheppard Square Housing Project, and the couple was living at 2 College Court. Iola died from a heart attack on July 27, 1953. She was buried in Section 3AD, Lot 36, Grave 6 of Eastern Cemetery. She shares a headstone with her husband who died in 1987. Headshot of Iola is from “Messenger-Inquirer” August 22, 1943, and photo of her at piano is from “Courier-Journal” April 27, 1941.

Dr. Charles W. Anderson, Sr. (1865-1931) was born in KY. We could not find much on his parents. Around the age of 13, he was in Louisville working as a bell boy. Charles continued working odd jobs. On October 26, 1886, he married Millie E. Saunders (1864-1894), and together they had two daughters: Ada R. and Florence G. Millie died from tuberculosis in 1894 and was buried in Louisville Cemetery. On March 2, 1897, Charles married Tabitha Lee Murphy (1873-1942), and together they had one son, Charles W. Anderson, Jr. (Please see our biography of him). Around 1910, the family moved to Frankfort where Charles began working as a physician. At this time, he was one of three African American doctors working at the segregated Winnie A. Scott Hospital. He was also a founder of the People’s Pharmacy, which operated in the Odd Fellows Hall in the Bottoms. He was an active member of the Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers, the Knights of Pythias, and the Frankfort Tuberculosis League. Charles died on August 25, 1931. He was buried in Section B, Row 9, Grave 10 of Eastern Cemetery.

Tabitha was a native of MO who moved to Louisville and attended Simmons University and Hampton Institute. She was a teacher and the first State Supervisor of Negro Schools in KY. She was also a cofounder of the Kentucky Federation of Colored Women’s clubs. Tabitha died on March 25, 1942 and was buried in Eastern Cemetery. Ada Anderson married Ernest Diggs, and after his death married James B. Cowherd. Ada died in Dayton, OH where she was living with her daughter Mary Ellen (Diggs) Jones. Florence Anderson married James W. Muir, Jr., a professor, and together they had three children. Florence worked as a teacher and was the first African American to be appointed State Supervisor of Colored Rural Schools in KY. She died on June 16, 1932 and was buried in Eastern Cemetery. She shares a headstone with her parents. The photo of People’s Pharmacy: Charles in middle with Harvey C. Russell left and Dr. E.E. Underwood far right. Photo of Tabitha and Charles Jr. is from Ancestry user hfleming.

Robert Lincoln Anthony, Jr. (1903-1967) was born in Vincennes, IN to Robert Lincoln and Carrie B. (Gaddie) Anthony. He was one of seven children. Robert Sr. was a teacher who we’ve featured before, and Carrie was the daughter of Rev. D.A. Gaddie who we’ve also featured. At the time of the 1920 Census, Robert Jr. was living with his parents on Clay Street in Louisville. He had begun working as a messenger for a print company. On August 13, 1927, he married Mattie Fountain (1908-1972), the daughter of George W. and Katherine “Katie” (Green) Fountain. According to the 1930 Census, Robert and Mattie were living with her parents in their home at 538 Caldwell Street in the Smoketown Neighborhood. George and Robert were both working as janitors. Robert worked in the Heyburn Building for 40 years and held a variety of positions there. On July 8, 1930, Mattie gave birth to their only child Kenneth Ray Anthony. By 1940, the couple was living in their own home at 605 Caldwell Street with Katie Fountain who was widowed.

In 1960, Robert, Mattie, and Kenneth moved to 724 S. 39th Street in the Chickasaw Neighborhood where they remained throughout their lives. Robert died on April 24, 1967 at the age of 63. His obituary mentions that he was a deacon of Green Street Baptist Church, Rev. Gaddie’s former church. He was buried in Cave Hill Corner Eastern Cemetery. Mattie died on October 8, 1972 at the age of 64. Her obituary says she had been a clerk at Brown-Waterhouse-Kaiser, Inc. and organist at Little Flock Baptist Church for 45 years. She was buried with her husband in Cave Hill Corner of Eastern Cemetery. Robert’s parents are also buried in Eastern Cemetery (Section A, Range 29, Lot 11). Mattie’s parents are buried in Louisville Cemetery, and their son Kenneth is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery. The photo of Robert, Mattie, and Kenneth is from Ancestry user leelandj.

Henry Wallace Ray Thurman (1909-1970) was born in Lawrenceburg, KY to William Green and Melissa (Mountjoy) Thurman. He was one of eight children. William was a farmer and Melissa worked as a laundress. Around 1934, Ray moved to Louisville and worked as a laborer for C.L. Jewell & Son, a grain company. Between 1937 and 1940, he married Freda Mae Stallard (1913-1966), the daughter of Joe Hess and Mattie (Hughes) Stallard. Ray enlisted in the US Army for World War II on July 21, 1942. He was a private first class for the 24th Infantry Division. The 24th Infantry Division was among the first US Army divisions to see combat in World War II and among the last to stop fighting. Ray and Freda lived at 2719 Chickasaw Avenue in the Clifton Heights Neighborhood. Freda worked as a maid for families in Louisville, and Ray worked as a laborer for Early and Daniel Feed Store. Freda died on June 23, 1966. She was buried in Section B, Row H, Grave 31 of Eastern Cemetery. Ray died on December 14, 1970. He was buried in Section B, Row F-1, Grave 37 of Eastern Cemetery with a military headstone. Freda’s father and mother are also buried in Eastern Cemetery. The photos of Ray are from Ancestry user gbrowntss. The photo of Freda shows her standing in the middle, rear and is from Ancestry user gbrowntss.

Biography written by Roxie Williams and Rev. Alyce French Johnson of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church—Religion had always been an important in the life of our founder, the late Rev. John Thomas French. In his hometown of Athens, Alabama, he was a faithful member of the Oak Grove CME Church. Rev. John T. French and his family moved to Louisville in 1937. He and his wife, Mother Lucy Mae French, and their children united with the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. John T. French served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher as well as the Chairman of the Deacon Board. In 1940, Rev. French accepted his call into the ministry.

In 1946, Rev. French was called to assist a newly established mission with three faithful believers at 1900 Cedar Street and then 1121 Magazine Street. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mission was organized into a church with Rev. French being called as the Pastor. The church was named Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In 1951, Oak Grove purchased property at 1708 Magazine Street and converted it into a place of worship. After years of being a loving wife and helpmate to Rev. French and his ministry, Mother Lucy Mae French went home to be with the Lord on December 16, 1964. In 1969, Oak Grove purchased property at 41st and Vermont to build a church. In 1978, Rev. John T. French became ill, but because of his love for God and his love of the church, he was given the inspiration and fortitude to continue serving until his death on September 22, 1980.

Rev. Thomas Henry French is the third oldest of 15 children born to Rev. John T. French and Mother Lucy. After the death of his father, the Church called him to pastor on September 13, 1981. Rev. Thomas French served faithfully until August 6, 2017. The legacy of Rev. John T. French lives on with his granddaughter, Rev. Alyce French Johnson, who was installed as Pastor on August 13, 2017.

Rev. French is buried in Section A, Range 7, Lot 16 and Lucy is buried in Section 11, Row 15, Grave 14 of Eastern Cemetery. The photo of the couple is from Find a Grave user Robert M. Lewis Jr.

Henrietta (Beauchamp) Helm (ca. 1863-1942) was born enslaved in Spencer County, KY to Milton and Malinda (Whitaker) Beauchamp on the farm of Isaac Costin Beauchamp, a miller. Henrietta was one of at least three children. According to her obituary, Henrietta’s family was freed and moved to Louisville where Beauchamp had “gifted” them a home on Short Street in the Portland Neighborhood. Henrietta lived there almost her entire life. In 1882, Henrietta became a teacher, and she was allowed to continue teaching even after she married due to a shortage of teachers. On August 29, 1890, she married Samuel W. Helm, a postal worker from Eminence, KY. Rev. D.A. Gaddie of Green Street Baptist Church performed the ceremony (He has been featured previously for BHM). Witnesses for their wedding include Julia Gaddie (Rev. Gaddie’s wife), C.H. Parrish (President of Simmons College), and Mary J. Taylor. Unfortunately, Samuel passed away on July 18, 1901 from tuberculosis and was buried in Eminence.

Henrietta taught at a school for African Americans at 29th and Lytle, Eastern Colored School, and Portland Colored Night School on Lytle Street. She was also principal of the night school, which was created for students over the age of 14 who had to work during the day. The school accepted children and adults. Henrietta retired in 1926 when she continued to teach piano lessons in her home. Her obituary noted that she was the only African American, at the time, receiving retirement benefits from a fund created to assist public school teachers. Henrietta died on May 3, 1942. She was buried in Cave Hill Corner, Row 26, Grave 8 of Eastern Cemetery. Her grave is unmarked. Her mother and brother Thomas are also buried in Eastern Cemetery. The photo of Henrietta is from the Portland Museum.

Detective James Riley Ratliff (1922-1969) was born in Louisville to McKinley and Annis (Neighbors) Ratliff. He was one of four sons. According to the 1930 Census, the family was living at 712 E. Hill Street in the Merriwether Neighborhood. McKinley maintained a long career with the railroad. James’s World War II draft card shows he was working for Chess & Wymond, a cooperage on Avery Street. A stamp across the top of the card reads “5/27/1946 Discharged from Navy.” James married Zoa Lee Ashby, daughter of Frank and Annie (Young) Ashby. Together the couple had a foster son, William G. Anderson, and they lived at 1105 S. 32nd Street in Parkland. In 1946, James joined the Louisville Police Department where he served for 23 years.

According to the US Officer Down Memorials, on December 30, 1969 “Detective James Ratliff and Patrolman Donald Gaskin were shot and killed when they responded to a robbery call at a local grocery store. Two suspects were inside the store when Gaskin arrived at the scene. The suspect ordered the store clerk to open the door, and as Gaskin entered, he was shot by the suspect. Ratliff and his partner arrived just as Gaskin was shot. As the detectives ran for cover, another shot was fired and struck Ratliff. During an ensuing shootout, two other officers and the two suspects were wounded. Gaskin succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital. Ratliff succumbed to his injuries later during surgery.” At James’s funeral, Chief C.J. Hyde said, “We knew him as a dedicated and loyal public servant that you could trust. He was a proud but humble man, with an understanding attitude in his associations with fellow officers and general public…We knew him as an officer that could look in the eyes of the most wicked criminal and see something beyond crime.” James was buried in Section 16, Row 15, Grave 7 of Eastern Cemetery. He shares a headstone with Zoa, but in 1999, she was buried in Green Meadows Memorial Cemetery. James’s photo is from Officer Down. Funeral photo is from “Courier-Journal” January 4, 1970.

Thank you for protecting our city and making the ultimate sacrifice.