January 2020

Happy New Year, everyone! We are so excited about 2020! It is a big year for us, and we can't wait to tell you all about what we are planning. This year commemorates 150 years since the founding of the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts. We are planning to do a lot this year. Keep reading to find out.

In this newsletter, along with letting you know about our plans, we also want to let you know what has happened since our last newsletter. We will begin with a Seminole Days recap. From there, we will let you know about a special plaque that was given to a special person. You'll also read about and see several pictures from our Thanksgiving get-together and the 151st celebration of Cactus Jack's birthday at the Briscoe-Garner Museum in Uvalde, Texas. In late November, two beautiful souls passed away. In December, they were buried at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery. You'll learn about them and see a touching photo that was taken following their burials. Also in December, a beautiful celebration of song took place in Nacimiento. Finally, we will discuss ways that you can become more involved with SISCA. Are you interested in sharing family photos? Are you interested in learning Afro-Seminole Creole? Would you like to share information about a Seminole-Negro Indian Scout? If so, find out how you can contribute and learn.

Seminole Days Recap

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Seminole Days took place between Friday, September 20 and Sunday, September 22, 2019. Our annual celebration was packed with several events that were both fun and educational. 

On Friday morning, Seminole Days kicked off with our annual trip to Seminole Canyon. Each year, this trip becomes more sacred as hikers are taken on a tour that retraces the steps our Seminole Negro Indian Scouts ancestors trekked. That Friday evening, Dr. Anthony Dixon, author of Florida's Negro War, enlightened the audience about the wars fought by the Black Seminoles in Florida. His lecture was riveting and powerful. 

On Saturday, the majority of our Seminole Days events took place. Saturday morning, a group gathered in a beautifully shaded area in Fort Clark for the Robert "Bobby" Kibbetts' marker dedication. Following the dedication, our annual parade took place. Mr. Frank Arredondo was our parade marshal. After the parade, we gathered at the Carver School grounds. Dr. Rosalyn Howard, author of Black Seminoles in the Bahamas, spoke during our annual program. This was her second time speaking during Seminole Days. Her lectures are always beautifully insightful and personal. Later that afternoon, the elders' circle took place. Linguist Dr. Ian Hancock began the presentation with a short speech. This year, we began having an annual meeting. During the meeting, Mr. Warrior encouraged other members to donate, at least, $5 a month (more about this at the bottom of the newsletter). That evening, we enjoyed our annual pasta dinner, which was prepared by Dr. Al Nofi, and our annual dance. 

On Sunday, we gathered at the cemetery for our annual ceremony. Following the ceremony, we gathered back at the Carver School and had a pot luck before saying our goodbyes.

Miss Charles Award Presented to 
Joe Louis Factor

We wanted to show our appreciation for Joe Louis Factor, one of our board members. He has taken on the care and maintenance of the cemetery, often going out there every day to clean and observe its condition.

The Miss Charles Award was presented to Mr. Joe Louis on September 26. This award is for those who embody the dedication and generosity that Miss Charles was known for. We truly appreciate Mr. Joe Louis's attention and dedication to SISCA and the cemetery.

​The plaque reads: Thank you for giving your time, talent, and expertise to SISCA. You have made a difference through your dedication and hard work.

​(Photos courtesy Corina Torralba Harrington)
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Thanksgiving Dinner

On November 19, several members gathered to enjoy an early Thanksgiving meal. We dined surrounded by Christmas decorations as festive music played softly in the background. 
​(Photos courtesy Corina Torralba Harrington)

Cactus Jack's 151st Birthday Celebration -
Briscoe-Garner Museum, Uvalde, Texas

On November 23, several SISCA members traveled to Uvalde, Texas, to celebrate the 151st birthday of John Nance Garner, also known as Cactus Jack. He was the 32nd vice president, serving alongside Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

SISCA's table displayed several photos and pieces of memorabilia that detailed the history of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts and their descendants. Our table was set up beside Allen Mack, who is our favorite Living Historian/Buffalo Soldier reenactor. 
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(Photos courtesy Corina Torralba Harrington)
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Our Dearly Departed

Rose Mary Haywood Scott was born on March 3, 1926 in Del Rio, Texas. She passed away on November 24, 2019 in San Angelo, Texas. She was buried at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery on December 7, 2019. Memorial services were also held in San Angelo, Texas and Los Angeles, California.

A Celebration of the life of Paul Glenn Ward
Sunrise May 4, 1949 ~ Sunset November 27, 2019
Viewing 4-7PM Friday, December 6, 2019 Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home
2020 N Bedell Ave, Del Rio, TX 78840 (830) 778-2020
Funeral Services 11AM Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Brackettville Sunset Funeral Home
302 Spring Street Brackettville, Texas 78832
Internment at the
Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery
With presentation of USA Military Honors
Repast immediately following at The Seminole Indian Scout School and School Grounds

Obituary of Paul Glenn Ward

On May 4, 1949, in Del Rio, TX Paul Glen Ward was born to the proud parents of Willie and Mary Ward. Paul’s sister was born two years later. The family moved to Brackettville where they stayed until Paul’s father completed his sixth year of military service. Now residing in Ozona, TX, Paul started first grade and was baptized in 1955 at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. His Godparents were John Joe Nunley and Hazel Washington. Under recommendation from Uncle Pete Pierce and Auntie Annie Mae Pierce, Paul’s Father relocated the family to Los Angeles, California.

Paul attended Saint Odilia’s Catholic School, made his first holy communion and later the sacrament of confirmation. Although Willie Ward bought a home for his family in San Dimas, California, Paul and his sister spent summers between two sets of Grandparents in Ozona and Del Rio, Texas. Paul enjoyed spending time with his Grandpa Billie Ward, foreman of the Ralph Jones Ranch, riding horses and roping, branding, feeding, cleaning, and handling cattle. Papa Billy believed that hard work would help young Paul prepare for manhood. For three to four weeks, leaving at five a.m. on Monday morning for the ranch, they did not return to home until mid-day on Saturday. Paul learned to swim in the community pool. Going to the double-feature movies and having fun with the kids in the neighborhood were favorite pastimes. As he attended Damien High School, Paul became an outstanding athlete, receiving, for three years, the most valuable player award in track and varsity football. He also excelled in science.

At seventeen years of age, Paul joined the United States Army doing basic training at “Fort Ord” in Northern California. He traveled to and lived in several countries during his years in the military and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam between 1966 and 1976. In the field of battle, Paul relayed phone messages with orders to drop Napalm, Agent Orange and bombs. His special duties included going through underground tunnels to dismantle Vietcong strongholds; and to locate and destroy stockpiles of weapons or supplies. He was wounded in battle and spent time in Germany healing. In addition to an honorable discharge, Paul received the following Army decorations: National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Dev: Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm; Expert Badge (M-14 Rifle); Marksman Badge (16 Rifle). When the war was over, like many veterans, Paul had a very difficult time adjusting while lamenting the thousands who died.

Paul met his smart and beautiful wife Specialist 4 Paula Jones (General Westmoreland’s secretary) in General Westmoreland’s Office. He had come to Fort Eustis, a US Army installation in Newport News, Virginia, to receive an award for being wounded in Vietnam. It must have been love at first sight. Paul and Paula were later married, and their first son Kenneth Eugene Ward was born Sept. 29, 1976. Their second son, Erin Antonio Ward was born Oct. 2, 1978 in Trenton New, Jersey.

Best memories Paul shared: reuniting in San Dimas for a wonderful vacation with his 10 and 12 year old sons; Celebrating his Paul’s 65th birthday with his best friend Dora Factor, her daughter and many more - hosted by his cousin Billy Joe and his loving wife Marian; Paul’s first visit to Alamo Village with his sister- they had a great time before the movie set was closed for good; Paul’s enjoyed working, cooking and eating at the Sirloin Stockade Restaurant;. and the best memory will always coming together on Seminole Indian Scouts Celebration Days the third weekend in September in Bracketville, Texas.

Paul was blessed with 70 years, he departed Nov. 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Preceding Paul in death were his wife Paula Ward; his parents, Mary and Willie Ward; his Grandparents: [Nancy Wilson-Williams, Clifton Williams, John Wilson, Gertrude and Billie Ward}; his friend & companion Dora Factor; cousins, Billy Joe Pierce, Debbie Pierce, Dorothy Nell Best and Alford Best; Aunt Hazel Washington and Uncle Earl Wilson.
Paul leaves to cherish his memory, his two sons: Kenneth Ward (Farada), Erin Antonio Ward (Kimberli); Billie Jean Frierson (sister), David Frierson (brother-in-law),Pete Pierce (uncle), Juanita Montague (aunt); grandchildren: Farah Lee Ward, Soraya Ward, Michael Ward, and Katherine Ward; nephews and nieces: Rashad Frierson, Spencer Chenier and Gregory Chenier, Chante Frierson, Sheri Frierson Chenier, Cassandra Frierson, Sadie Frierson, and Saia Frierson; cousins: Marian Pierce, Ethyl Warrior, Rodessa Jones, Cynthia Shaw, Linda Wytch, Louise Thompson, Terry Shaw and Extended families:: Keshia Factor, Warrior’s, Wilson’s, Gill’s, Taylor’s, Washington’s, Montague’s, Payne’s, Hall’s, Grayson’s, July’s, William’s, Bowleg’s, Hatley’s, Daniels, Perryman’s, Roach’s, Wytch’s, Blank’s, Young’s, Benson’s and of course the Ward’s.

Active Pallbearers
Clint Williams, James Bass, Earnest Benson,
Herbert Blanks, Clyde Adams, Bernie Sanders,
Honorary Pallbearers
Kenneth Ward, David Frierson, Pete Pierce, William Warrior, Brother Jackson,
Rashad Frierson, Russel Coleman, Patrick Montague, Erin Antonio Ward,
Michael Ward, David Montague, John Wytch, Denise Benson, Terry Shaw,
Tommie Wytch, Joe Wytch, Michael Montague, Luther and Clarence Ward

Acknowledgement
The Ward and Frierson Families express our sincere thanks for your many sincere expressions of love through our time of bereavement.
Your cards, flowers, visits and above all your prayers have been of great comfort. It’s during a time like this that we realize how much our family and friends mean to us.
Your kindness will be acknowledged by mail please complete the envelope.

Miss Me–But Let Me Go by Christina Rossetti

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little–but not too long And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me–but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss Me–But Let me Go!

​Internment at the
Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery
With presentation of USA Military Honors
Repast immediately following at The Seminole Indian Scout School and School Grounds

Following the burials of Mrs. Scott and Mr. Ward, their families gathered at the Carver School for the repast.
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Cantando la Historia - El Nacimeinto

On December 26, our treasurer, Corina Torralba Harrington, and two of our board members, Jerry Fay and Dina Rodriguez, attended an event called Cantando la Historia in Nacimiento. This very special event showcased the songs of the Negros Mascogos. Many of them were Negro Spirituals which were sung in English, even though Spanish is the only language many of the Negros Mascogos speak. Their teacher Jordy Barrera is responsible for organizing this event. He has been working very hard to teach the songs to the children and make sure they understand the meanings of the songs. Two highlights were "(It's a) Very Happy New Year" and "This Little Light of Mine."

SISCA will be selling the program from this event. More details will follow shortly.
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​(Photos courtesy Corina Torralba Harrington)

(FYI: There is some great video of the children singing. Unfortunately, I was having a hard time uploading the videos onto the site. Please check out our Facebook to see the videos.)
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Family Photos Request

We love that you all have liked and followed our Facebook and Twitter pages, but sometimes, it feels like we're having a very one-sided conversation. 

We are looking for ways to change that. One idea is to open our feed up to you, so we can show the beauty and diversity of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts descendants and the greater Black Seminoles/Negroes Mascogos community.

Does this sound like a great idea? Would you like to participate?

If so, all you hae to do is upload a picture to our Facebook messenger or any of our other socail media accounts (Instagram and Twitter), or you can email us at [email protected]

The photo(s) belongs to you and will only be uploaded with your permission. If they aren't watermarked or copyrighted, we will add that for you.

What kind of photos are we looking for?

Any and everything that shows you and your loved ones living and enjoyoing life. They canbe in color or in black and white. They can be from 100 years ago or from yesterday. We just want to see you and your loved ones/ We hope this will include parties/dances, marriages, (embarrassing) school photos, graduations, and lots and lots of candid shots.

Along with the photo, we'd like you to share a little bit of information about it, like who's in it, when it was taken, and/if there is an interesting story that goes along with it.

Our goal is to upload, at least, one photo a day. We are so excited and can't wait to see what you guys send in.

​Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!

 

Let's Learn Afro-Seminole Creole Together!

Afro-Seminole Creole is the language spoken by Black Seminoles and their descendants. Unfortunately, for many reasons, it was not passed down to subsequent generations and is in danger of being completely forgotten as more of our elders pass away. 

We want to change that.

This year, we want to focus on revitalizing our language. We are still working on ways to learn it, but we want to start by introducing an Afro-Seminole Creole Word of the Day. Thanks to the work of renowned linguist Dr. Ian Hancock, we have a dictionary that we can work from. The dictionary will be available for sale shortly. Check out the website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter each day to learn a new word.
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Seminole Negro Indian Scouts' 150th Anniversary

 This year, 2020, is the 150th year of the founding of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts. The first group of Seminole Negro Indian Scouts crossed the border into Texas on July 4, 1870. They were mustered into service for the U.S. Army on August 18, 1870 at Fort Duncan, in Eagle Pass, Texas. We are looking forward to spending the year celebrating this important milestone in the history of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts.
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Our next regular meeting will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM. If you would like to participate via teleconference, please contact us for the call-in information.
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Is it time to renew your membership? Our website makes it easy. Just click the button below to become a new member or to renew your membership. Or you can send us your check or money order by mail, if you prefer. Your membership is very important to us. There truly is strength in numbers. Become a member of the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association today. Thank you!

Membership

One of our members, Mr. Clarence Warrior, was moved during our annual meeting after learning that, many times, we pool our personal resources to meet our financial goals. Below is his suggestion for improving this situation and getting others involved:

In 2020, SISCA would like to raise $2000 to help with maintaining and improving the cemetery and school grounds. Currently, the membership dues collected are being used for this work, but more money is needed. A descendant has suggested that members be invited to donate $5 a month (or $60 for the year) to help with expenses. If 33 members can make an annual donation of $60.00 for the 2020 year, we will easily reach our goal of $2,000. Donations can be submitted through the SISCA website or by check (sent to SISCA). Thanks for helping!

Clarence Warrior
Descendant of Carolina Warrior

Twenty-nineteen was a big year for SISCA. It couldn't not have been without the  support of so many of you. We are forever in your debt, and we are dedicated to making 2020 an even bigger year.