JAMES MILTON YOUNGBLOOD
2 MARCH,1837 - 7 MARCH, 1907

James Milton Youngblood was likely born in Mississippi; although, I have no factual data at this time. My information comes from his grandchildren as informants. Family tradition indicates he was a child born of a German father and an English mother. At this writing, I know nothing related to his siblings if in fact he had such.
James M. traveled to and settled in the area of French Camp, Mississippi about 1854. He was a man of 6'2" weighing approximately 185 lbs. with black hair, brown eyes and a good nature. His trade was mechanics; specifically, the building and installing of water/steam mills to power grist/sawmills in the area. I am informed that the need for his trade prompted him to come to the Choctaw/Attala area and his marriage 26 November 1857, to Miss Sarah Ann Lucas, born 18 December, 1833, was the reason he remained in the state. Sarah Ann and her family resided in the Liberty Chapel Community near French Camp, Mississippi.
James M. and Sarah Ann Youngblood made their home in Weir and later in Kosciusko, Mississippi. The couple had one child, a son named Willie Deretz Youngblood born 29 July 1858. (G-Grandfather of James C. Edwards) It is believed that Sarah Ann died shortly after childbirth. The entire family is buried in the Weir Presbyterian Cemetery in Weir, Mississippi.
James M. was a Southern Baptist by faith and a Master Mason. James M. married Margaret "Maggie" McFall in Macon, Mississippi, Noxubee County, 26 May 1867. Their union produced nine children; eight boys and one girl.
The Choctaw Plaindealer printed an article related to the history of Choctaw County 13 August 1948, indicating that Weir Masonic Lodge, F.& A.M. was granted a charter by the Mississippi Grand Lodge in 1904. The charter officers of the lodge listed J. M. Youngblood as the Tyler. During the year of 1904, listed J. M. Youngblood's son, E. P. Youngblood as being raised to the degree of a Master Mason. Also, mentioned James M. and his second wife of 37 years, Margaret McFall had nine children; one girl and eight boys- all ten of his children worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as agents or telegraph operators. His first son born to Sarah Ann Lucas made ten working for the same railroad; Wille D. worked as a section foreman at Durant and Lexington, Mississippi for several years. ( about 1922)
It was indicated to me by family members that James M. was appointed and served three years as the Post Master for Weir, Mississippi starting in 1904 until his death in 1907. After James M. returned form the War for Southern Independence, he married Margaret McFall in 1867. He had resumed the practice of his trade, building and installing water/steam mills. He built mills in Choctaw, Attala, Neshoba, Newton and Winston Counties. While building a mill in Newton County, he Met and married Margaret McFall born in Barnstable, Mass.
James M. Youngblood was highly respected by his neighbors and all with whom he had business. He owned property in Attala and Choctaw Counties, was known for being a man of his word, paid his debts and expected everyone else to do the same. Family has indicated to me that he was extremely good-natured, but a man that would not accept a personal affront or insult.
James Milton Youngblood was my great great grandfather from the maternal side of my father's family. I am extremely proud of what I have been able to learn about him and his life and believe him to have been an honorable gentleman.
Special thanks to cousins: Bobby Glenn, Eunice and Margie for their help and guidance in the creation of this account of James Milton Youngblood. Our hope is that he will always be remembered by his posterity. It is good to remember the quotation of the philosopher Edmund Burke 1729 - 1797: "He alone deserves to be remembered by his children who treasures up and preserves the memory of his fathers."
Prepared by:
James Conley Edwards