“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 …
Category: Genealogy
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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The Lack of Critical Thinking Breeds Genealogical Errors
In Bernard Marr’s Forbes article, “13 Easy Steps to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills,” he wrote how critical thinking is ”the ability to look at evidence, evaluate the trustworthiness of a source, and think critically.” He further wrote how “critical thinking means arriving at your own carefully considered conclusions instead of taking information at face …
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Finding Lucy: When Pieces of Indirect Evidence Add Up
Very often, especially with enslaved ancestral research, direct evidence cannot be found to answer a common question, “Who were his parents?” Direct evidence is documentation that clearly states the relationship between two people. However, indirect evidence, combined with other findings, can shine a light on the answer or the likely answer. This was the situation …
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Another Family Reunion for the Books
2023 Edwards Family Reunion, Oklahoma City, OK, Edwards Park, photo by Oklahoma Reunion Committee Back in 1993, when I began researching my family, my mother’s oldest living first cousin told me that their grandfather, Bill Reed, had a sister named Aunt Hattie Whiting. Another family elder corroborated his claim. My mother even remembered her only …
What Surname Did Squire Take?
The reasons why formerly enslaved people selected their surnames varied. Some took the last enslaver’s surname. Some didn’t. Some took a surname not associated with any slave-owner. Some took the surname of a previous enslaver who had enslaved one or both of their parents. There are other reasons. So, what surname did Squire take? Let’s …
Don’t Cry, Julie Mae
For a little fun, I decided to write something different with this blog post, opening up my imagination. I wonder sometimes if our ancestors are having conversations like this. Well, here goes . . . . Jake: Bettie Jean, come here! Take a look at this! Bettie: Whatcha want, Jake! I am busy helping great …
Juneteenth: Hard Decisions Had to be Made
This picture above represents the decision many of our enslaved ancestors had to make after they heard, “We free now!” Let me explain. Many of our enslaved ancestors asked, “What do we do now?” Options were VERY few. Many remained in the area where they had been enslaved, and some packed up and left eventually …
Exploring Guardianship Records with Enslaved Ancestral Research
After I knock down that infamous 1870 brick wall with a formerly enslaved ancestor, my search is not over. I am always looking for additional documentation to add to the body of knowledge about an ancestor. The more documentation I find, the fuller the picture in ascertaining their lives and experiences. I documented my paternal …
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Roots Revealed 