Banks~Fields~Walker

Local descendants can trace their ancestry back to: Gertrude Fields Howard who married Leandrew Banks. Her parents were Joseph and Iscoy Walker Fields. His parents were Andrew and Mary Banks. Iscovy's parents were Nicholas and Killy Walker.

Nicholas Walker and Joseph Fields (Gertrude's father) both served three years as privates in Company "I", 50th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War.

There are numerous descendants, including great grandchildren Rosie Mary Banks Richardson and Willie Dorsey. Willie lives (in 1976) in Newellton, Louisiana. Rosie worked as receptionist at the East Carroll Parish Division of Family Services. For twenty years she was a clerk at the Fashion Shop. For thirteen years she was secretary to Rosa Blockwood, Assistant Home Demonstration Agent. She also served as secretary for two local Elks Clubs and as a member of the Altar Society of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She is/was a member of the National Council of Negro Women and of NAACP.

The ex-Union soldier, Joseph Fields worked for a time as a stevedore on the Mississippi. Later he farmed on Oakland Plantation and eventually bought land of this own on the lake from Mr. Thomas Sitton. Here he build his home and reared his family. In addition to farming, he sold garden produce, fruit and furs. Joseph was self-educated and loved to read. He helped many Negro Civil War veterans and their widows to obtain pensions.