Our Unique Stories

candis beddingfield mcnair

1891-1985

Life Story

Matriarch of the McNair Family and Community Leader

Candis Beddingfield McNair was born on February 16, 1891, in Leake County, Mississippi, to Davis Beddingfield and Almedie Beddingfield. Some records list her birth year as 1888 or 1892, a common variation in early census records.

She grew up in a large farming household in Beat 5 of Leake County, where she was the eldest of several children. The 1910 census shows nineteen-year-old Candis living with her parents and siblings, including Mary, Zelma, Glover, Price, Glory, and Broomie Beddingfield. Unlike many young women of the era, Candis had attended school and was recorded as being able to read and write, reflecting the importance her family placed on education.

Marriage and Early Years

Around 1913, Candis married John McNair, a farmer from neighboring Newton County, Mississippi. Their marriage would span more than four decades and produce a large family.

During the early 1920s, John and Candis spent several years away from Mississippi as part of the broader migration of southern laborers seeking employment in industrial cities. Records show the family living in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana, at 3828 Catalpa Street.

While away from Mississippi, tragedy struck the young family. Their son Cloudy McNair, born March 6, 1922, died on March 18, 1923, at the age of one year after suffering from lobar pneumonia. He was buried in Hammond, Indiana.

Return to Newton County

After their time in Indiana, John and Candis returned to their home community in Newton County, Mississippi. By 1930, the family had established a farm in Beat 4, where they raised their children and built a stable household along Newton–Conehatta Road.

Candis worked alongside her husband helping to maintain the family farm while raising their children, which included:

Their home also served as a multigenerational household, often including extended family members.

Community Leadership and Faith

Candis was deeply involved in the religious and civic life of the Lawrence community. She joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and later became a devoted member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi.

She was also an active member of the Heroine of Jericho – Saint John Court No. 269B, a fraternal organization connected with the Prince Hall Masonic tradition.

Newspaper reports from the time show that Candis was involved in local agricultural and community organizations. One article describes her participation in the Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club, which organized farm tours to promote agricultural improvement and community cooperation among Black farmers in Newton County.

Through these activities, Candis helped strengthen both the economic and social fabric of the community.

Later Years

Candis lived to see several generations of her family grow and prosper in Newton County and beyond. After decades of working the land and supporting her family, she spent her later years surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She passed away on September 19, 1985, at the age of 97.

Funeral services were held on September 22 at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence, officiated by Rev. Robert Denmark.

Legacy

At the time of her death, Candis McNair left behind a large and thriving family:

  • One son: Ned McNair of Decatur
  • Four daughters:

She was also survived by 32 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Candis Beddingfield McNair’s life spanned nearly a century. Through migration, hardship, farming, faith, and community service, she helped lay the foundation for generations of the McNair family who continued to shape the communities of Newton County and beyond.

Resting Place

Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Candis Beddingfield McNair
Candis Beddingfield McNair, 1888-1985

Sources

  • 1910, 1930, 1940,1950 Federal Censuses
  • U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
  • Indiana, U.S., Birth Certificates, 1907-1944
  • Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
  • U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
  • The Newton Record, Candis B. McNair Obituary, Wed, Sep 25, 1985 ·Page 12
  • Scott County Times, Candis B. McNair Obituary, Wed, Oct 16, 1985 ·Page 12

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