frank lindsey
1893-1937
Life Story
Frank Lindsey was born on June 11, 1893, in the Altare community of Newton County, Mississippi, a rural area known for its fertile fields, strong family bonds, and enduring traditions. He was the son of William Lindsey and Dilsey Chapman (1869–?), who instilled in him the values of faith, perseverance, and hard work from an early age.
Growing up in Altare, Frank embraced the rhythms of country life, working alongside his family on their small farm. His early years were spent learning the demanding but rewarding work of agriculture—a way of life that shaped both his character and sense of purpose. As a young man, he found employment as a farm laborer for J. B. Chapman, where his dependability and steady work ethic earned him respect within the community.
Seeking broader opportunities beyond rural Mississippi, Frank eventually relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, joining the wave of Southern laborers who ventured northward during the early twentieth century. The bustling city offered new possibilities but also presented challenges far removed from the simplicity of Altare’s fields.
Tragically, Frank’s life was cut short when he passed away on October 25, 1937, in St. Louis from pneumonia, a common yet often fatal illness of that era. His dear friend Evelyn Hilliard, who served as the informant on his death certificate, ensured that his life and legacy would not go unrecorded.
Following his passing, Frank’s remains were lovingly returned to his home community in Newton County, where he was laid to rest at the Altare Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. His headstone bears the simple but profound inscription:
“He did the best he could.”
Those words stand as a lasting tribute to a man whose life reflected quiet strength, diligence, and devotion to doing his part—qualities emblematic of so many who came of age in the early generations of Altare’s history.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Missouri, U.S., Death Certificates, 1910-1969
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
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