The recorded history of the Calahans, started in Farmersville, Louisiana. This is the American portion of our history. However, it must be noted that our history started in Africa. It is important that our children know African Americans were stolen from Africa and brought to America as humans and then forced into slavery. The majority of our ancestors were field hands. A slave who worked in the rice and sugar fields counted themselves worse off than the slaves working in the cotton fields. On the plantation the slaves who fared best were the domestics. The 'house slaves', as they were referred to held jobs like butlers, coachmen, cooks and surrogate mothers. But however varied their location or the type of work they did, our ancestors had one thing in common, 'the constant awareness that their destiny was in the hands of the slave masters/owners. Although our ancestors were kings and queens before being stolen from Africa, in America, they were considered property. Being considered as property, they could be sold like anything else the slave owner possessed. Slavery offered no future at that time to our ancestors. Therefore, it's blighting effect made for despair and discontentment. Before 1863, our ancestors being considered property and not human beings, were not placed on most census records, therefore it is virtually impossible to accurately trace the roots of African American families to its origin. However, rest assured our Calahan ancestors lived the life of one of the before mentioned slaves described above.
JIM RICHARD CALAHAN was born in 1878 in Louisiana according to a 1910 census report. His mother was Mrs. Caroline Calahan, born in Missouri in 1844. Although there's no name on record for Jim's father, they however indicate, he was born in Virginia and died in 1910. Jim was released from the bondage of slavery in Farmersville, Louisiana after the signing of the Emancipation. Upon Calahan's release, his Irish slave owners requested that he spell his name with one 'L' instead of two. This would distinguish the African American Calahans from the Anglo and or Irish Callahan. Jim met and married Sara Love in 1899. In the years shortly after the birth of their three children, Johnnie, Katie and Hudson. The Calahans left Louisiana, along with his mother Caroline and moved to the Lafayette Township in Camden, Arkansas. Calahan left Louisiana virtually broke. They traveled during a time that was not especially friendly to newly freed slaves. There was at least one lynching per day in the Louisiana and Arkansas areas. After arriving in Arkansas, Jim Calahan farmed and saved his money and purchased many acres of farmland. He was a God fearing man/Minister and the Worshipful Master in the local chapter of the Free and Accepted Masons.
Sara Love Calahan, was born in Louisiana in 1882. She was one of ten children born to Mrs. Elign Love in Lincoln Parrish, La. There is no record of all of her family members, including her father's name. Her known brother's and sister's names are; Willie Edward Love, M. Brown Love, Estella Love, Minnie Love and Loester Love. Sara was very active in the African American Community and Church. She was the President of the Missionary Society at Mt. Gillard Baptist Church. Rev. J.R. and Sara Calahan had three children by the year 1910. They were, Johnnie Jene Calahan, Hutson Calahan and Katy Calahan. Both Jim and Sara are buried in the Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas.
Deacon JOHNNIE JENE CALAHAN was born January 6, 1901,in Farmersville, Louisiana. He died December 19, 1981 after a long illness with diabetes. Johnnie united with the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, and later joined with the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church. Deacon Calahan served as treasurer on the Deacon's Board and Church Clerk for Mt. Gillard for many years before retiring. He never had a formal education, but his colleagues said he was very business oriented. Calahan was instrumental in providing materials and equipment for the building of Mt. Gillard. Johnnie always finished a project and possessed excellent handwriting. He never used alcohol, cursed or had an argument in the presence of his children. His advice to his children was to always show respect and be honest. He retired as a forman with Reynolds Lumber Company of Camden, Arkansas. He married Zoler Smith of Camden, Arkansas, on December 22, 1922. They gave birth to eight children. Albert James,Nora June, James Edward,Harold James, Francis, Thelma, Morris andGLORIA .
KATIE CALAHAN was born in the state of Louisiana. After moving to Arkansas with her family, she later married Mr. Ozie Bailey. Their marriage produced one child, Odessa Bailey.
HUDSON CALAHAN was born in Arcadia, Louisiana. He was one of four children born to Mr. Jim Richard Calahan and Sara Love Calahan. He received his educational training in the public schools of Camden, Arkansas. Hudson received his college degree from the Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas. For a number of years he taught school in Damascus, Arkansas and Magnolia, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and at the time of his passing he was employed as a supervisor at the Defense Department in Memphis, Tennessee. Hudson Calahan was also a distinguished member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Lodge. On May 16, 1942 he married Miss Velma Childs. He was a faithful and devoted Christian having served diligently at the Mt. Hebron and Mt. Gilead Baptist Churches in Camden, Arkansas. Upon moving to Memphis, Tennessee, he joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Hudson Calahan died, October 28, 1969.
Zoler Smith, was born December 21st, 1904, in Ouachita County. Zoler and her Twin Sister, Nora were the daughters of Henry and Margaret Smith. She united with the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church at an early age. She served as President of the Deaconess Board, President of the Missionary Society, Senior Choir Member, Chairperson of the Rebecca Circle, and Bible Teacher of the Missionary Society. Many considered her, THE MOTHER OF MT. GILLARD BAPTIST CHURCH. She was a positive role model for many in the African American Community. Zoler Smith Calahan died, January 10th, 1992 and is buried in the Good Hope Cemetery, near Camden, Arkansas.
Albert James Calahan was born November 9th, 1923 to Deacon Johnny J. and Zoler Calahan in Camden, Arkansas. He completed his formal education through the Fairview School System at Lafayette High School. Albert united in marriage to the late Mae Francis Cranford, September 13th, 1941, for 58 years. To this union, 10 children were born. He professed a hope and belief in Christ at the early age and united with the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church. He was later ordained deacon and served many years as a Trustee and a member of the Brotherhood. Calahan was the Chairman of the PATTON Cemetery Committee and very active in the Male Chorus, City Wide Brotherhood,and served in many offices of Local and State Conventions. He retired after 34 years of service from the International Paper Company.
JAMES EDWARD CALAHAM was the third sibling born to Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calaham, born on June 20th, 1932. He completed his formal education at the Lafayette High School in Camden, Arkansas. During his high school years, he participated in sports. He was member of the high school football and basketball teams. He united with the Mt. Gillard at an early age. After moving to Detroit, Michigan he later joined Browns Chapel Baptist Church where he remained until death. James Edward, as he was so affectionately referred by many, married Ms. Dollie Demples McRae . To this union three children were born. Their names are Gwendolyn, James, and Nina. They also have three grandchildren. While living in Motown , USA, he became a member of the Gospel groups, SONS OF ZION, GOSPEL FOUR and THE MOTOR CITY JUBILEES. He played the lead guitar and was a tenor. Calahan, was employed by GENERAL MOTORS of Detroit where he retired after many years of service. He departed this life June 23, 1978 at 8:30 P.M. in Ford’s Hospital.
GLORIA DEAN CALAHAN is the sixth child of Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calahan, born on March 3rd, 1939. She attended public school at Lafayette High School in Camden, Arkansas. In 1958 she ranked third in her graduation class. While in high school, she was a member of the starting five on the girl’s basketball team. In 1959, she received her Cosmetology License from Wilkerson Beauty College in Texarkana, Arkansas. Always wanting to further her education, she later attended Ouachita Baptist College Extension-Camden Branch, where she was awarded a Secretarial Science Degree from the state of Arkansas. On August 27th, 1961, Gloria married Curtis Fountain.
Brother Curtis James Fountain was born July 13, 1934 in Ouachita County to the late John Elliot and Lucille Fountain. He attended and graduated from Lincoln High School where his athletic career began. Curtis was an all round football and basketball player. Fountain continued with successful careers in the U.S. Navy and Philander Smith College. His career in the National Football League was cut short when he tore an ankle before reporting to the Minnesota Vikings training camp. He furthered his education at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Curtis retired after many years of teaching and coaching at Lafayette High School and Fairview High School.
Their marriage produced two children; Cassondra and Michael Lance Fountain. Ms Fountain worked in the Lafayette and Camden/Fairview School System for many years. Gloria has also worked in the Arkansas Judicial System and is currently employed as Municipal Deputy Clerk for the District Court in the city of Camden. She has been with the Judicial system for twenty years. Ms Fountain is the proud grandmother of five. Randall Tobias, Cawanza Randece, Shontera Danielle, Pierre Jamielle and Cheyenne Armahnee.
Ms. Thelma Calahan-Livingston is the fourth sibling of Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calahan. She was born February 23, 1935, in Camden, Arkansas. Thelma completed her formal education at Lafayette High School. She later married Mr. Riley Livingston, and the couple moved to Buffalo, New York in 1953. To this union the following children were born. They are Jerry, Larry, Andrew, Deborah, Phyllis and Jackie. Ms. Livingston was employed at Brooks Health and Beauty Supply and the HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF ERIE COUNTY, as a Public Health Aide. After many years of Service, she retired from the Erie County Medical Hospital.
HAROLD JAMES CALAHAN is fifth child of Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calahan, born May 11th, 1937. He finished his formal education at Lafayette High School, in Camden, Arkansas. Shortly after high school he moved to Detroit, Michigan. Upon his arrival in the music city known as Motown, he joined the gospel group ; MOTOR CITY JUBILEES. Being a gifted musician, he played bass guitar and was a lead singer. Their first recording was, “LIFT THE SAVIOUR UP”. In 1963, he joined Detroit’s, ‘SONS OF ZION. This popular group, released two hit songs, I TRUST IN JESUS, and LET YOUR WILL BE DONE. During his music career, Harold James was also employed in Detroit’s Lumber Industry. After forty two years of service he retired from the Guthrie Lumber Company. Having spiritual parents, Harold James was called into Christian Ministry in 1974. Reverend Calahan has been the pastor of Christian Light Baptist Church for the last twenty five years. In 1976, he married his long time fiancé’, Mattie Morrison of Atlanta, Georgia. The first lady of Christian Light Baptist Church, has been employed in the HEATH CARE INDUSTRY, for many years. Mrs. Calahan is now employed at the Deaconess Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.
Mary Frances Calaham, was born June 23rd, 1941. She was the seventh sibling of Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calaham. Frances, attended and graduated from Lafayette High School, Camden, Arkansas. During her high school years she played basketball and was selected ALL DISTRICT GUARD. She was on the first Female Basketball team from Lafayette High School to play in a State tournament. Mary Frances married John Clayton Thrower after finishing high school. They resided in Amarillo, Texas for five year, where she received her CERTIFIED NURSING TRAINING. She is the widow of Mr. Allen D. Johnson. After moving to Tempe, Arizona, Frances attended and graduated from Long Technical College as an Honor Student. She is now employed in the Medical Field. Frances is the mother of four children, Keith, Felecia, John Thrower, and Sonya Henderson. She is the grandmother of twelve and one great grand child.
MORRIS EDWARD CALAHAM is the eighth sibling of Deacon Johnnie and Zoler Calaham. He was born on December 31st, 1944, weighing 12 pounds. He joined Mt. Gillard Baptist Church of Camden, Arkansas at an early age. Morris completed his formal education at Lafayette High School, of Camden, Arkansas, graduating in 1962. While attending high school he was a member of the Basketball and Football teams. He lettered in both sports. After graduation, Calaham moved to Detroit, Michigan. Morris spent several years in the Motor City before returning to Camden, where he met Phyllis Dickens. Dickens is a native from Gurdon, Arkansas and a graduate of Bell High School. She joined The Providence AME Church at an early age, and is currently a member of The Mt. Gillard Baptist Church. She has been a member of the Rafordairs, Matrons, Rebecca Circle, Zoler Calaham Circle, President of the Kitchen Committee, President of the Benevolent Fund and Financial Secretary. Morris and Phyllis married on February 23rd, 1965. To this union two sons were born. Jeffrey of Little Rock, Arkansas and Maurice of Camden, Arkansas. However, there's an additional son, Kevin who resides in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. They are also the proud grandparents of nine and one great grand. Calaham was employed at the Furniture Factory, Georgia Pacific, Camden Manufactory, Pace Company, Bearden Lumber Company, and Steve Transporting. He is currently employed with Lucas Trucking Company of Camden, Arkansas.
