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Disclaimer:
This tree was drawn in the 1970's based on oral history.
There are a few known discrepancies. Family members are welcome
to submit updates or corrections for our growing family tree.
This tree drawing is a family memento.
 O'Kelley Crest |
George Price Jr.
1920-1993
Summary from an article published in the St. Louis Newspaper, North Side Journal, Volume 16, Number 23, June 7, 1990.
George Price Jr. (1920-1993), late husband of Mrs. Wanetta Price-daughter of Helen O'Kelley Smith-Pickens. Price was a devoted historian and decorated World War II veteran. Mr. Price served with the 158th Regimental Combat Team in New Guinea and the Phillippines. His World War II honors include 3 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, The Sharp Shooter Medal and a Presidential Citation.
His father, George Samuel Price Sr., was a corporal in Company K, 804 Pioneer Infantry during WWI.. George Jr. collected love letters written by his father to his mother, Clinte. The letters reveal a man driven by the love of his wife and they describe the thoughts of a Black man fighting on the battlefield for freedom.
Here is excerpt from a letter dated Feb 15, 1919,
"...I expect to leave soon on my furlough. I'll send you not only my picture, but some other little things. I wish you would send me your picture, love. This one is so torn but I will keep this one, for you have been with me in many dark and devious places...."
"...We left home with 240 men. Since then, we have lost about 40. One died last week. Also, we don't get a square deal a great many times. Sometimes I think we are in Bama [Alabama]. It is not the French but our own-those whom we came with to fight for Democracy...."
George Price Jr. also proudly held Civil War honorable discharge documents of his great-grandfather Joseph Wilson.
In 1990, George Price Jr. formed an organization called African Historical and Genealogical Research. According to Price, the purpose of the organization was to raise awareness among African-American people of the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations from the "Dark" continent.
Prior to his death, George Price Jr. was working on directing attention to "slave cemeteries" in Maryland Heights and Chesterfield, Missouri. These cemeteries contain the remains of former slaves who were alive in the 1930's.
"...I feel
that when a person has self-worth,
he is in
a position to see life steady and as a
whole -you're
not influenced by materialism
that the
world is affected with...."
-George Price Jr.