|
Steve Arps, former slave or son of slaves, possibly born in the Carolinas, migrated ultimately to East Texas under unknown circumstances. Steve was one of the co-founders of New Zion Baptist Church in Winona, Texas, established June 16, 1870 and beginning as a brush arbor. He was married to Emma (maiden name unknown at this time), and they had eight children, six boys and two girls. Most of the known decendants of Steve & Emma still reside in the East Texas area. Some decendants currently reside in Alabama, Calfornia, Washington, Oklahoma, and other parts of Texas. The Arps/Brown Family Reunion, started by grandson Rev. Mellie Arps, Jr., has been held every two years since 1996 to discover, present, and promote family members and their heritage, as well as knowledge and unity for the sake of the living and our posterity. Work is still being done to connect Steve to his orgins.
--Melvin Augustus Arps, Great Grandson
|
