2024 Ealy Family Reunion, Nash County, North Carolina, July 20, 2024Photography by James Warren, TGR1.618 Photography, LLC We decided to take our 50th Year Anniversary Reunion to Raleigh, North Carolina. This reunion included a Birthplace Tour to Nash County, where we visited the Nash County Courthouse in Nashville, Bass Crossroads that's very near the birthplace …
Leveraging Ancestry’s Pro Tools for More Genetic Intel
Recently, Ancestry.com released a new feature with Pro Tools that shows how much DNA your DNA matches share with each other and the estimated relationship between them. Like many, this caused me to immediately get the Pro Tools. Seeing how much DNA is shared between a DNA match and the shared DNA matches will assist …
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Reflection: Genealogy is Juneteenth
Now that you’ve read the title, here’s what I mean. Many of our ancestors have been trapped in a prison for the forgotten. Genealogy is the key that released them. Their names are unearthed and called. Their stories are being told to whoever wants to listen. Genealogy has not only freed our souls held back …
Gone Before 1870; Chromosome Mapping Helped to Uncover Her Existence
When researching enslaved ancestors, unfortunately there will be some enslaved ancestors and family members we won’t be able to identify by name. DNA indicates to us that they existed. But due to America’s inhumane laws regarding chattel slavery, their names, their marriages, and many aspects of their lives were not recorded. For me, even after …
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Enslaved Behind Home Depot in Jackson, Mississippi
While researching recently on FamilySearch's Full Text experimental website, I found two important deeds connected to my family history. The first deed, dated 15 February 1843, was Council R. Bass of Washington County, Mississippi deeding 161 acres of land to his brother's wife, Elizabeth Bass of Hinds County, Mississippi. The second deed, dated 24 February …
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From Mississippi to the Upper South: DNA was the “North Star”
In the targeted area above, I posit that my enslaved maternal 3X-great-grandmother, named Lucy, was likely taken away from this area during the Second Middle Passage. This area is in the northern part of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. DNA was the “North Star” that led me to this Virginia county. The Deep South experienced a great …
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20 People in One House
During the 1940s and 1950s, most of my maternal grandmother’s siblings joined the exodus of African Americans from Mississippi who were migrating north to Chicago, Detroit, Gary, Indianapolis, and other places. They were looking for better opportunities in the industrialized northern cities where decent-paying, factory jobs were available. They were also escaping from the tumultuous …
Cluster Genealogy Does It Again!
“Brick wall” is a metaphor used in genealogical and historical research when one reaches a point in their research where he/she is unable to progress further or “dig deeper.” All researchers encounter it. For those tracing African American ancestors, this proverbial brick wall is commonly encountered at the 1870 U.S. Federal Census, a vitally important census …
Forced Procreations
When we research our enslaved ancestors, we must consider several different scenarios concerning family relationships. Our ancestors were considered “property,” and many enslaved men were forced to procreate with other women to increase an enslaver’s wealth. Breeding occurred on many farms and plantations. Also, many enslaved women were required to bear as many children as …
From Whom Did This Native American DNA Come From?
Our X chromosomes matter! When I tested with 23andMe, I was surprised to see that my single X chromosome contains a long Native American segment. It is colored in gold below. My X chromosome (23andMe) Males inherit their X chromosome from their mothers, so I awaited my mother’s 23andMe results to see her X chromosome. …
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Roots Revealed