Five wives, nine lives, and an understated obituary.
He Was Useful in His Day
Thomas Bembry of the U.S. Colored Troops
The story of the only Bembry to wear Union blue.
Valentine’s Day Couples
For Valentine's Day, four photos of couples from my family tree.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Slave Records on Ancestry.com
It is very common for white genealogists not to know about, or not to know the full extent of, slave holding in their own families. Until a few years ago, I was one of them! One reason is that genealogy websites do not put this kind of information front and center. In fact, it is … Continue reading Hiding in Plain Sight: Slave Records on Ancestry.com
Consolidating My Family History Blogs
While this blog covers my maternal line, I've also kept a similar blog for my paternal line, Bembry Roots. I just merged that blog into this one so now everything is in one place. Phew! I also took the opportunity to streamline and update the design. I'm still working out the last kinks, but hopefully, … Continue reading Consolidating My Family History Blogs
John Bembry: the Plot Thickens
John Bembry, oldest son of Miles Bembry, was a colorful character. In 1831 he stabbed a cousin, Littleton Bryan, to death, apparently over some kind of property dispute. Wanted notices were were posted all over Georgia and Florida by Littleton's father, Moses Bryan, who offered a substantial reward for his capture. However, there is no … Continue reading John Bembry: the Plot Thickens
(Finally) Adding Enslaved People To My Family Tree
If you are a descendant of slave holders, there are two parts to researching that aspect of your family history. 1.) Finding the enslaved people in records and documents. I am learning a lot about that, through trial and error, and will post more about it later. 2.) Figuring out an accurate and respectful system … Continue reading (Finally) Adding Enslaved People To My Family Tree
Chunky Bob Shaw and the Old Lady
Please note that since this post was published, I have discovered that these Robert Shaw is not, in fact, my ancestor. However, I have left the post online for anyone else who may find it to be useful to their research. I've recently taken a deep dive into the Revolutionary War pension file of Robert … Continue reading Chunky Bob Shaw and the Old Lady
Slaves Held by the Shaw Family of Sumner County, Tennessee
Please note that since this post was published, I have discovered that these Shaws are not, in fact, my ancestors. However, I have left the post online for anyone else who may find it to be useful to their research. Whenever I find a slave holder in the family, I try to post as much … Continue reading Slaves Held by the Shaw Family of Sumner County, Tennessee
Slaves Held by Thomas Bembry
Thomas Bembry was my 4th great-grandfather, and an unlucky man. The slaves that he held were also unlucky, as they were all eventually sold off to settle debts. The first mention of slaves held by Thomas Bembry that I have found occurs in 1821, when his wife, Patsy Dicken, inherited slaves from her grandfather, Nathan … Continue reading Slaves Held by Thomas Bembry
A Long Way to Tennessee 