History: Slave, Uncle Billy Franklin Parish, LA.
Submitted by DeWanna Lindo
Source: Clipping from Franklin Parish Library
Authors name missing.


This information generously donated to the Louisiana Genealogy Project -
African American Archives by: DeWanna Lindo - djlindo@pacbell.net


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TRIBUTE TO A SLAVE
William "Bill Ogden"

When 16-year-old Bill ran away from a Kentucky school to join Lee's forces
in far away Virginia, it was months before his mother heard from him.
Immediately upon receiving his first letter, she dispatched a family
servant with money, clothes and letters. How that loyal slave ever got to
Virginia or found an individual in a vast wandering Civil War army is a deep
mystery.

Not only did he find Bill, he stayed with him through much of the war,
leaving him only to walk back to Louisiana with messages on at least two
occasions. The loyal slave was more than a proficient messenger and body-servant;
he saved his master from almost certain starvation.

"One of the most honest men who ever lived, but the best chicken thief in the
whole Southern army when things got tough." Uncle Billy used to recall.
A gentleman, Uncle Billy couldn't "forage" But there was no code prohibiting
a "gentleman's gentleman" from doing so. And, that was assuredly he was,
"a gentleman wearing dark skin."

My great uncle lives on in memory. A community is named for his daughter, Liddie,
Ogden High school bears his name. Isn't it a pity that of all the people questioned,
who remembered the story well, none could remember the name of his loyal
servant...a fine man. Uncle Billy often said so.

Miss Mary (Lady) Frazier, niece of Bill Ogden says his name was: "Billy" Grimble.