For a while there, I used Ancestry's Family Tree Maker. Then I switched to Family Search's Legacy, and spent quite a bit of time getting that organized. Then, a couple of years ago, I bought a desktop Mac, and realized too late that I couldn't use Legacy on it. (But I still love the Mac). … Continue reading The Reckoning
Author: Kelly
Traveler, ex-diplomatic spouse, occasional expatriate.
Researching Slave-Holding Ancestors
There are two topics that are guaranteed to come up in just about ongoing discussion of American family history research: slavery and slave ownership. Genealogy television shows frequently explore the subject: of course you would expect to see that on Henry Louis Gates' excellent African-American Lives. But, it's remarkable how many celebrities (not all Southern) … Continue reading Researching Slave-Holding Ancestors
Extract from Nathan Harris II Will, 1820
The second Nathan Harris, son of the first Nathan, and my 6th great-grandfather, also made a will. However, I have not yet been able to find it! There is a probate file for Nathan online, however, because of family disputes about the estate. The probate file includes an extract from the original will. I wrote … Continue reading Extract from Nathan Harris II Will, 1820
When Your Ancestor Was Found Under a Cabbage Leaf
Miles Bembry is the first Bembry in America that I have been able to identify. For years, off and on, I've been trying to figure out where he came from. I've researched online and in libraries. I've tried cluster genealogy, researching his neighbors, business associates and probable former slaves. His origins remain a complete mystery. … Continue reading When Your Ancestor Was Found Under a Cabbage Leaf
Miles Bembry Part III: 1810-1819
Finally getting back to writing about old Miles Bembry! The previous post, taking his biography up to 1810 can be found here. It ended with Miles' purchases of several tracts of land in Edgecombe County in preparation for his move there. By September, 1810, Miles and his wife Nancy Ann Bryan had settled just north … Continue reading Miles Bembry Part III: 1810-1819
Will of Joseph Sumner of Onslow County, North Carolina, 29 October 1784
This Joseph Sumner was my 6th great-grandfather. The Margaret mentioned in the will is supposedly Margaret Chesstnut (also spelled Chesnut, Chessnut, and Chestnut) however, I have not yet found a primary source for this information. From North Carolina Willd and Estates on Ancestry.com. In the name of god Amen I Joseph Sumner of Onslow County … Continue reading Will of Joseph Sumner of Onslow County, North Carolina, 29 October 1784
Will of William Hobbs of Wake County, North Carolina, 27 May 1788
William Hobbs was my 5th great grandfather on the Cole side. The John Cole mentioned in this will is another 5th great grandfather: his son Loyd married Hobb's daughter, Betsy, and moved to Benton County, Tennessee to found an enormous clan of Coles. I've left the original spelling in this will because it shows how … Continue reading Will of William Hobbs of Wake County, North Carolina, 27 May 1788
Will of Lewis Lashley of Wake County, North Carolina, 31 January 1815
Lewis Lashley was my 6th great grandfather. I am fairly certain that the "Holleman" men named in the will are most likely Hollands, as Lewis' wife was Mary Holland and they all lived near each other. A slave woman, Nell, is named in this will. She is not found on 1800 census, and I can't … Continue reading Will of Lewis Lashley of Wake County, North Carolina, 31 January 1815
Will of James Holland of Wake County, North Carolina, 22 November 1787
James Holland was my 7th great-grandfather. The phonetic spelling is interesting in this will. Clearly, they pronounced "kind" as "coind." This sounds Irish to me, and according to this Wikipedia article, the name Holland may derive from Houlihan, and variant is found in County Cork. There are no given names in the family that sound … Continue reading Will of James Holland of Wake County, North Carolina, 22 November 1787
Will of George Peay of Rockingham County, North Carolina, 7 June 1803
George Peay was my 6th great grandfather. He was born in King William County, Virginia in 1734, and died in Rockingham County, North Carolina in 1804. The Elias Peay mentioned in the will is my 5th great grandfather. Will of George Peay written 7 June 1803 and Proven in August Court 1804. Book A, page … Continue reading Will of George Peay of Rockingham County, North Carolina, 7 June 1803
A Long Way to Tennessee 