Leo Cornelius White: A Lineage Explored

This post explores the lineage of my maternal grandfather, born in 1929 in Memphis, Tennessee, tracing his ancestral ties from Mound Bayou, Mississippi, to connections across the United States. Through family stories, photos, and records, I’m honoring our late tribal historian and uncovering the McClellan and Payne legacies, inviting relatives to contribute to this enduring heritage.

Early Life and Adoption

Leo Cornelius White ✝ (February 16, 1929–April 20, 1987) was adopted by the former Hattie Bruce ✝ and Lewis White ✝, growing up as their only child in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, his biological parents were Emma McClellan Chester ✝ and James Earl “Uncle” Payne ✝. As a young man, Leo had two daughters with Gurtine Burns Howard ✝: our late tribal historian, Lois Burns Jenkins ✝ (1949–2024), and another daughter whose name is withheld for privacy cherished in our family's history. Leo later married the former Syless Bell ✝ and moved to Chicago, Illinois.

Reconnecting with His Biological Family

Leo had the chance to know his biological parents and his maternal brother and sisters later in life thanks to his maternal aunt known as Aunt Virgil McClellan Wise ✝ who was residing in Gary, Indiana. At the time when Leo met his biological family he was 29-years-old. He met Aunt Virgil (also known as Aunt Virge) in Gary, Ind and then later went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to meet his biological mother Emma Chester.

He was also brought to Newton Falls, Ohio to meet with his biological father James Payne (also known to his family as Uncle) who was reported to have commented that they "had found that boy". He knew he saw his son seeing his height (about 6'2" or 6'3") and his big feet.

Unfortunately, Leo didn't appear to have a close relationship with his biological father's family. Though he had a closer relationship with his biological mother and his siblings. Even raised his younger brother Lanell Chester ✝ in Chicago, IL after their mother Emma had passed away on April 1, 1964.

As a matter of fact both of his biological parents had passed around the time of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Aunt Virge’s Search for Nephew Leo

According to his daughter (our late tribal historian), Aunt Virge had asked her younger sister Emma for permission to look for Leo. Emma gave Aunt Virge permission to seek out her first born son and she sought out a connection that lived in Memphis, Tennessee. The identity of this connection is unknown, but they knew to get into touch with the White family who lived in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Leo's adopted mother Hattie left it up to him whether or not he wanted to meet his biological family and Leo ultimately decided to do so and took a trip to Gary, Ind to meet his Aunt Virge. What I'm sorry I never had the chance to ask our tribal historian was when did Leo move to Chicago.

Leo’s Maternal Brothers and Sisters from Emma Chester

While James Payne had no other children, Emma Chester on the other hand had Joan, Earl (who died as a child), Gail, Carol, Charlene (Aishah Ghaffar), and Lanell. All of them have since transitioned ✝, Leo was reported to have enjoyed his relationship with his maternal brother and sisters. As stated earlier Leo finished raising his younger brother Lanell in Chicago.

Lanell spent most of his life in the Chicago area. Gail & Carol resided in Gary, IND. Gail owned the Clayman's Lounge in Gary, IND with her husband John Henry Sanders. Joan remained in Pittsburgh, PENN. Charlene (Aishah Ghaffar) primarily resided in California although at the time of her transition she was in Pittsburgh.

The McClellan Family Lineage

The McClellan family’s roots trace back to Holmes County, Mississippi, centered around Durant, with early ties to Mound Bayou. Our tribal historian shared that her great-uncle Leroy McClellan ✝, brother to Emma McClellan Chester and Virgil “Aunt Virge” McClellan Wise, recalled living in Mound Bayou. Census records show the family moved to Arkansas, then Ohio (possibly near Newton Falls), before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Emma, after marrying James Chester), and Gary, Indiana (Virge, who married into the Wise family).

1910 US Census Beat 3, Bolivar County, MISS - Mound Bayou. Emma with her parents, brother and sisters. Including "LeeRoy" and a lodger named Willie Dunbar.

Emma’s parents were Virgil McClellan and Ida Jackson, born in Harrison, Mississippi (Tallahatchie County) to Thomas Jackson and Miley Dunbar. Virgil McClellan (born ~1852) was the son of Henry McClellan and Missouri Ellis. Missouri's parents, Hamp and Lydia Ellis, hailed from North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, before converging in Durant, MISS. DNA matches confirm this connection. Henry’s parents, Berry and Nancy McClellan, born in South Carolina and Virginia, were recorded in the 1880 U.S. Census in Louisville, Mississippi (Winston County).

1880 Census record for Virgil McClellan (McLellan) living with his family as a child in Holmes County, MISS. It appears his father and mother Henry and Missouri were living with a Ben McClellan and his family.

Also in 1880 Berry and Nancy McClellan Living in Louisville, MISS (Winston County)

Map of Holmes County, MISS - the town of Durant is underlined

The Payne Family Legacy

In early 2025, I finally had the chance to talk to my closest Payne relatives. Shout out to the family of my great-uncle Clifton Payne ✝ who recalled meeting my grandfather Leo and sharing their perspective on meeting him.

James Earl Payne - known affectionately as “Uncle” by his family - was born on December 25, 1904 per a draft registration card. He was said to have died around the time of the assassination of President Kennedy which took place in November 1963. According to Clifton's daughter (Leo's first cousin) "Uncle" had passed away unexpectedly in his bedroom. James had one brother Clifton Payne and one sister Willie F. Payne Robinson ✝ and their parents were Arthur Payne and Ollie Blue Payne.

Brothers James and Clifton were steelworkers in their adopted hometown of Newton Falls, Ohio. In fact they were among the first Black workers hired at a steel mill there. Clifton was said to be the point-man for any new Black steelworkers as he was the one training them making sure they were solid according to his daughter.

The Payne family were known for being very outspoken. James Payne's father Arthur was known as a postmaster, however, he was shot in a confrontation with a white man. Peter Payne was said to have finished raising his grandsons James and Clifton. I was also told that Clifton had a son who was outspoken against racism had achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

There is family that lives in places such as Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Monessen, Pennsylvania; Rockaway, Queens, New York; New Jersey; Chicago-area.

I've been able to take my research as far as a Charlie Payne and a Zylophia Payne - my Payne cousins had said she had come fresh off a slave ship. It's not known how many children they had however Leo is descended through Peter Payne. DNA matches confirm relationships with Peter's known sister Markie & brother Benjamin.

Map of Dodge County, Georgia with Milan underlined.

Family Photos and Artifacts

I’m seeking photos of Leo’s biological parents, James Payne and Emma McClellan Chester. A photo of James linked to his WPA work during the New Deal is unfortunately missing. Below are cherished images and documents of Leo's relatives.

Leo White's paternal and maternal lineage: Screencapped from my family tree

Click for a larger resolution

Virgil McClellan Wise: Leo's maternal aunt who sought her adopted nephew

Clifton Payne: A photo of Leo’s paternal uncle, provided by Clifton’s daughter and granddaughter.

Sisters Gail Sanders, Joan Thomas, and Carol Chester: A photo of Leo’s maternal sisters.

Aishah Ghaffar aka Charlene Chester: last surviving sister transitioned in 2023

Lanell Chester: A photo of Leo’s younger brother, included in a letter from Lanell’s longtime girlfriend.

Gail L. Sanders’ Obituary: Published in the Post Tribune (Gary, Indiana, November 17, 1995), this obituary honors Leo’s sister and her legacy as a businesswoman.

In Memoriam

This This family history is dedicated to the memory of my grandfather, Leo Cornelius White, who passed away on April 20, 1987, leaving a legacy of family reconnection and love. We also honor the following loved ones whose lives continue to inspire our family’s story of resilience and connection:

Lois Burns Jenkins ✝ (1949-2024): Leo’s youngest daughter and our tribal historian

Veldra Anderson ✝ (1965-2018): Leo’s granddaughter, whose memory lives on in our family.

Cedric Money Burns ✝ (1993-2019): Veldra's son & Leo’s great-grandson, forever cherished.

Connect with Us

If you’re related to the Payne or McClellan families or have photos, stories, or records to share, please email me by clicking the link below. Your insights could help complete this family history.