Results for subject term "#39 Hazel - Ernest E. and Mabel P. Bias House<br />
"Julia Ann Newport for $100 paid, grant to Ernest E. Bias and Mabel P. Bias, husband and wife, jointly and to the survivor, both of said Amherst, a certain tract of land with buildings thereon, situated on the westerly side of Hazel Avenue, Amherst, Massachusetts, bounded and described with links on land now or formerly of F.I. Burghardt to an elm tree, being the same realty described in deed of Frederick D. Newport to Julia A. Newport, dated May 16th 1921."<br />
Ernest and Mabel Bias had four children, Eugenia, Ernest Jr., Laura, and Louis. Ernest worked as a caretaker for several professors and their families at Amherst College. Mabel worked as a laundress and house keeper for several professors and their families at Amherst College. Mabel recalled taking in laundry for other families in Amherst with one of the most notable being Dr. Charles Drew or “Charlie” as she referred to him. She recalled him being in an accident and being unable to receive a life saving blood transfusion. Dr. Drew had pioneered this process and because of his race was denied what could have saved his life.<br />
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Two of Ernest and Mabel’s children served in the US Army in World War II, Ernest Jr. and Laura. Ernest served in the Philippines. Laura served in the infamous 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The unit was comprised of all female African Americans and was commanded by a female African American officer. The unit deployed to Europe where it was tasked to clear a two to three year back log of mail destined for American service members. The unit was not recognized for their exemplary service until H. R. 1012 - ‘Six Triple Eight’ Congressional Gold Medal Act 2021 was awarded to the unit for their actions during WWII. Laura passed away in 1992 and Ernest Jr. passed away in 1989. Ernest, Mabel and Ernest Jr. are interred at North Cemetery in Amherst. <br />
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Both Ernest Jr. and Laura received Honorable Discharges from the Army.<br />
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