Joseph Edward Patrick, Sr. was born to the late Daniel and Rena Patrick on February 10, 1871, in Lake County, Mississippi. Joseph, affectionately known as “Papa,” was a strong farmer who worked most of his lifetime as a plantation manager in Mississippi and eventually settled in Belen, Mississippi on Caldonia Plantation.
In 1899, at the age of 27, he was joined in holy matrimony to Lizzie Addie Elizabeth Vance, who was 17 years old. During their 16 years of marriage, they parented 11 children:
They were married until Lizzie Addie died in 1915 at the age of 33.
In 1915, Papa married Ruth Beatrice Hayes-Tolson. He was 43 and “Ms. Bea” was 21. Ms. Bea brought two children: Jack Tolson – 1911 and Gladys Harris – 1913. During their 19 years of marriage, nine children were born:
As a plantation manager, Papa was responsible for all aspects of operating the farm, including manpower, cattle, equipment, supplies, and finances. He also held a second job at Delta Burial Corporation in Marks, Mississippi, where he became one of the most successful insurance agents in the company. He farmed in Lake County, Newton County, Bolivar County, and Quitman County where in 1922, he settled in Belen on the Caldonia Plantation. Papa was well known, respected and appreciated by the community and his employers. He was admired for his ability to “get the job done” and sometimes feared for his authoritative influence.
Papa was a very smart man. He always strived to improve his life so he could provide a secure home for his family. He believed in teaching all of his children and preparing them for all aspects of life. He taught them one by one, according to their age, how to drive, keep the books, and weigh cotton. He instilled self-esteem and pride in them by teaching them the following: “When asked your name, please, please give your full name because I think you all are as rich as Mr. Rockefeller!”
On July 24, 1934, at the age of 62, Papa became ill while on horseback and stopped to rest under a shade tree. While under the shade tree, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage from which he never recovered. He was funeralized at Belmont Baptist Church and buried in the “Ms. Bea and Papa” section of Belmont Cemetery in Belen, Mississippi.
He died leaving to mourn him: Ms. Bea and 17 children — Jack Tolson, Gladys Harris, Barbara Yarbrough, Mamie Strickland, Fannie Mae Thompson, Daniel Thomas, Ella Louise, Bessie Lee Pearl, Mae Ruth, Wilma, Wila Mae, Joseph Edward III, Cleotha, Furr, Cornelius, Jesse James, and Wilford Stanley.
Born: 1882 in Lake County, Mississippi
Parents: Thomas & Addie Vance
Hobbies: Church, sewing, gardening
Though little is documented, Lizzie is remembered as a virtuous wife and devoted mother who loved her family and home life.
Born: May 15, 1894 in Lawrence (Newton County), Mississippi
Parents: Jack & Lula Wash Hayes
Ruth, affectionately known as “Ms. Bea,” first married James Tolson in 1911 and had:
She later married Joseph Edward Patrick, Sr. and had nine more children (see above).
After Papa’s death in 1934, Ms. Bea became the head of the household. She and her children farmed until 1939. She relocated to Marks, Mississippi in 1940 and worked as a cook for the only hotel in town — fourteen hours a day, six days a week — to provide for her family. Because of her long hours, the oldest child was understood to be “in charge.” As each child became of age, they were expected to find paying jobs and contribute to the household.
Later, she worked at Delta Burial Corporation until retiring in 1951 to care for her mother Lula. Ms. Bea eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she passed away in 1981 at the age of 87.