Andrew Winston’s Early Life
Andrew Winston was an African American boy born in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi around 1927. Winston started school significantly before American schools were integrated in 1954, so he most likely attended an all African American school. Unfortunately, Winston ended his education in grammar school in the 4th grade. Winston’s Grandparents Winston lived on a farm owned by his grandparents. His grandparents were Zeal Akins and Andrew Akins. Winston’s grandmother was Zeal Akins, who was born around 1890. She was born in Mississippi and only attended school until the 6th grade. Winston’s grandfather and Zeal Akins’ husband was Andrew Akins. He was born August 13, 1894, in Starkville, Mississippi. He was able to read and write, but worked as a farm laborer. He fought in World War 1. Winston’s Mother Although the lineage is unclear, Mae Akins was the daughter of Zeal and Andrew Akins, and she lived in the same house as the rest of the family. This would indicate that Mae Akins was Andrew Winston’s mother. However, there are two problems with this: 1) Mae Akins is listed as single and it is unclear if she ever married, or where Andrew Winston got his last name. 2) Mae’s birthdate is too close to Winston’s. Even if this date was mis-recorded, there is no evidence to prove that this really was Winston’s mother. Other Members of the Household Winston and his family also lived with Jewell May Doss, niece to Zeal Akins. She was born around 1933, so she was around 6 years younger than Winston. She did not attend school or college. John Lawary is another member of the household. Unlike the other members of the house, he is not a family member. Lawary was a boarder in the Akins house, meaning he exchanged services or money for room and board. He was born around 1905 in Mississippi. He attended school and was able to read and write. Lawary, like all other members of the household, was African American. |