Cousin Willie Jackson and Me
Written by: Antoinette "Toni" Stewart July 20, 2005

Cousin Willie and me!

I am not a good story teller but I will make every effort to tell you about my wonderful first visit to Poplar Hill, the plantation Willie's family comes from. I could not have had a better vacation. The experiences of being at this historical place (though not recognized by a national organization) was one that no money could possibly provide.

Upon arriving in Fayette in the middle of a warm, October 1986 morning, I made my first stop at the Fayette Court House. There, I checked in with the Chancery Clerk, Dr. Samuel White. We had corresponded and spoken on the phone several times before my arrival. At one point I had implied that Fayette was like Mayberry and was immediately told it was nothing of the sort. I also asked were there all kinds of folks just stopping by to visit, share town gossip, and move along... again told no way, they were more sophisticated than that. After visiting a bit with Dr. White I decided to call Cousin Willie. I introduced myself again (as we had met at a previous family reunion) and told him I was in town and looking for his daughter "Doll" Veola. He explained that she had gone to town and would not be back for awhile. Cousin Willie was in a panic and you can imagine why. He sent his son, Ned out to lead me to the farm. Ned probably half knowing that this city girl had not driven in the back woods proceeded to drive like he was at the "Indianapolis 500" down the road that led to the house. True enough, I had never driven in a rural community … dirt roads, huge logging trucks on the left, no road to the right, and finally crossing a bridge that was built before the Civil War. It was an experience!

Cousin Willie expressed his concern about my staying in the family house. Doll assured him that all would be just fine. I think it took more than just a bit of convincing. Over the next couple of days, Cousin Willie and I became fast friends. We spoke of many things I wanted to know about farming and the South and he wanted to know about Social Security: How those computers worked; and one question that was of serious import to him... Did I believe that man had been to the moon? Our visit was filled with a bit of fear and much laughter.

By the time I was ready to leave, a friendship between two unlikely cousins (cousins by marriage) emerged. He taught me so much more than I was able to teach him. I must say that his stories were wonderful but what I think we both shared was the love of the land at Poplar Hill. The feelings have for Poplar Hill and the history that exists about the families that lived and died in this place can only be called sacred.

This place, called Poplar Hill Plantation, Jefferson County, (the first established county in the State of Mississippi) is living history for OUR family. Love To You Cousin Willie for teaching me so much more than any history book could. Willie Jackson, Sr. 1900 - 1987

Family site: http://rileyjackson.webs.com