HISTORIC EVENING TOUR BRINGS OSYKA'S EARLY PIONEERS TO LIFE

More than 100 guests stepped back in time Saturday evening, September 12, as Osyka celebrated its rich history with a special tour of the historic Elder Milton Shirk Home and Osyka Cemetery.

The event, presented by the Osyka 250th Celebration Committee, brought local history to life through tours, storytelling and costumed portrayals of some of the early pioneers whose lives helped shape Osyka and southern Pike County.

The evening began with a tour of the historic Elder Milton Shirk Home at 425 W. Railroad St. The home tour was hosted by its owners, Osyka Alderman Earl Alleman and Debbie Alleman, who added to the living-history experience by portraying Rev. Milton Shirk and his wife, Mary Ross Shirk.

Guests were welcomed into the historic home and given an opportunity to experience a glimpse of its past while learning about the life and legacy of Rev. Shirk and his years in Osyka. Hors d'oeuvres, finger foods and beverages were served by hostesses of the Osyka 250th Celebration Committee, adding to the hospitality of the evening.

Following the home tour, guests gathered at Osyka Cemetery, established in 1852, for a guided living-history tour where local residents and community leaders portrayed individuals connected to Osyka's early history.

Event Director Linda Elarton Williams was recognized for her vision, hard work and dedication in organizing the event and creating an opportunity for the community to learn more about the men, women and families who played important roles in Osyka's history.

Cemetery actors included Lee Wilson as Jesse Redmond, founder of Osyka; Osyka Mayor Jamie Harrell as Pharoah Carter; Tammy Strickland as Susanna Griffin Carter; Tommy Jones as early pioneer Jacob Turner Moore; Kim Wall as a grieving mother representing families who lost children during the Yellow Fever epidemic; and Osyka Baptist Church Pastor Jacob Williams as Rev. Milton Shirk at his burial site in Osyka Cemetery.

Visitors heard the stories of pioneers such as Jesse Redmond, remembered as an original settler and founder of Osyka who arrived in the Mississippi Territory in the early 1800s and later served with American forces at the Battle of New Orleans.

The life of Rev. Milton Shirk, a prominent 19th-century Baptist minister and educator who spent his later years in Osyka, was also highlighted. Shirk served as pastor of Osyka Baptist Church and remained an important figure in the community until his death in 1898.

Guests also learned about Pharoah and Susanna Griffin Carter, members of an early Pike County family whose lives reflected the hardships, faith and perseverance of families who settled the region, as well as Jacob Turner Moore, one of the area's early pioneer settlers and farmers.

Through the living-history portrayals, the names engraved on monuments throughout Osyka Cemetery became personal stories of faith, family, hardship and determination.

With more than 100 guests in attendance, the successful evening demonstrated the community's strong interest in preserving, celebrating and sharing Osyka's heritage with future generations.

The event was held as part of Osyka's activities recognizing America's 250th anniversary and celebrating the people, places and stories that have shaped the community.

History. Heritage. Home. Osyka.