Legacy of Lawrence, Bessie Belyeu
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Union Square News
Ruby Johnson
African American Southern Month has come to an end (in February), but never the ending for Harold Belyeu Sr., the son of Lawrence and Bessie Belyeu. Discover, explore and enjoy the true opportunities of birthing a southern American dream.
A community tribute celebrates African American heritage in a southern history message – remembering those who travel the roads.
From one generation to the next the beloved Lawrence and Bessie Belyeu of sweet home Alabama, forever residents of Nixburg in Coosa County, were property, business and land owners; skillful, gifted and talented inventors; community leaders; hearts and souls of giving; and outstanding problem solvers. Gone but not forgotten – a husband and wife, parents of nine children, along with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren all over the world. Two people who served their southern community in divine character, confidence and courage, Lawrence and Bessie Belyeu shared a heart of God’s love and concerns. They both gave with caring hands and open doors.
Their southern journey reached out far and near to family and friends, allowing their own personal lives to connect true opportunities among others to sew and reap developed, educated and successful. From a southern American dream, an everlasting legacy built with love, faith, freedom, and success – the beloved Lawrence and Bessie Belyeu Alabama mission and message from one generation to the next speaks, writes and reads, yet gone, but will never be forgotten. Remembering those who travel the roads, keeping their dreams alive.
Forty acres located on Fish Pond Road (5527 Alabama Hwy. 259) has been the Belyeu home place for several generations. Harold’s grandparents, Pa Bill and Ma Sally’s (William and Sallie Belyeu) home existed on the land from the early 1900s through the late 1960s. Their two children, Lawrence (born 1910) and Home (born 1909), were born and grew up on the home place. Harold remembers his daddy telling him stories about him and Uncle Homer working in the timber business, cutting logs and making enough money to buy a new 1929 Model T Ford.
Lawrence got married and built his house on the 40 acres near his birth house, where he and Bessie raised nine children, Harold, Chester, Willie (Sonny), Billy, Lavern (Sister), Jerold (Meat), George, James (Big Man), and Grady.
We will continue with part two next week.
Union Square’s Neighborhood Watch meeting was very interesting. Sheriff Michael Howell made a big difference in the meeting’s atmosphere with his report and input on subjects of kind.
Happy birthday to all March babies.
“The best advertising for Jesus is word of mouth, telling others what He has done for you.”
Call Ruby at 256-377-1098 to spread your good news.

The nine children of Lawrence and Bessie Hill Belyeu, pictured from left: Harold, Chester, Willie, Billy, Lavern, Jerold, George, James, and Grady. Photo submitted