Reunions & Birthdays: William Jordan, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by James Austin Jordan ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** See also: photo at Winn Parish, LA archives (William Jordan) Provencal Man Observes 100th Birthday Feb. 7 (1972) Newspaper article from the Natchitoches Times written by Mrs. John K. Donaho On February 7, 1872 William Jordan was born to John J. and Sara (Craig) Jordan near the Sabine River at Burris Ferry (Louisiana). He moved to near Robeline as a small child, where he grew up, and lived until several years ago, when he moved to Provencal with his daughter, Mrs. Bertha Waters. This year he celebrates his 100th birthday. What is so amazing is despite his age, his health is good. He does not wear glasses, watches some television but would rather listen to the radio. He had childhood diseases but nothing very serious, until late in 1970 [when] he had a serious illness and was in the parish hospital. But with a firm and strong determination to live he fought the battle and he recovered. He was still able to get around the house and in the yard at his daughter's home she bought near the Davis sawmill on the Provencal-Flora Road. He loved to walk from there to the Post Office and back which was 1 ® miles round trip. But since the traffic is so heavy the family will not let him venture on the road. He is getting feeble, so they were afraid he'd fall and break a bone. They got him a walker a week ago, but he will get up and take off without it. Today, I was among those who gathered at Mrs. Water's home to help him celebrate. Eric Houchin of televison Channel 3 of Shreveport took pictures of him, then when the 5:30 news came on and he saw them he said "Oh Shaw", but he seemed to enjoy the day. Mr. Jordan is the last one of his family, he says there was two who passed on, older than he, but its more like a dream to him. He had a sister, Mrs. Liza Caroline, brother John and Rev. Wilson Jordan, all deceased. He met Lizzie Freeman, who had been born at Jackson, Mississippi., but raised at Robeline. After a courtship, they were married and [became] the parents of 10 children Jessie Jordan, of Shreveport, Mrs. Mae Jennings, of Natchitoches, Wesley Jordan of Shreveport, Mrs. Elvina Moore of Robeline, Mrs. Pearl Brewster of Winnfield, Arvie Jordan, who died last year, Mrs. Lena Ezernack of Shreveport, Mrs. Ruth Moore of Shreveport, Mrs Bertha Waters of Provencal and Bernice Jordan who passed away when 7 years old, some 45 years ago. There are 33 grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren. When I talked to Mr. Jordan he said he did not drink or smoke, but he does like his snuff. He goes to bed early, and gets up early. He is a member of the Congregational Methodist Church. A friend, Ellis Litton of Marthaville, calls everyday to see about him and often drives him around so he won't have to sit at home all the time. Sunday his daughter, Mrs. Jennings, honored him at her home in Natchitoches with a dinner and a large white sheet cake trimmed in yellow and green inscribed "100 Years Old." Sharing the day with him were Mrs. Waters, Mrs. Jenning's daughter Shirley, and Aaron Stroud and Linda of Alexandria. Today those coming were Mr. Litton, Mrs. Ruth J. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Jordan of Shreveport, granddaughters Mrs. Marie Fores of Robeline, Mrs. Catherine Cobb of Shreveport, great grandchildren, Barry and Allen Flores, Jerry and Timmy Cobb, the Rev. Bobby Stanley, and this writer. (Mrs. John K. Donoho) Submitted by James Austin Jordan Re-typed by Annette Carpenter Womack (some typos corrected)