May 8, 1949 Norfolk, Virginia From left to right: Eliza Turner Kearney- cosmetologist of Philadelphia, PA-maternal aunt of the bride, Hattie Harrison Marshall. Sanford Perkins-friend of Herbert… Read more “NEW SEGMENT: Historical Family Photos”
Month: September 2020
FOUND: 1844 “PURCHASE”
Once again, a document has surfaced that really brings home the “peculiar institution” of slavery. Just a few days ago, in researching my Southampton County, Virginia Turner… Read more “FOUND: 1844 “PURCHASE””
Steel Thyself
It’s one thing to learn about the evils of slavery through history books. Too many times these books gloss over and shamefully condense a monstrous epoch into… Read more “Steel Thyself”
The Marriage Record That Broke Through Walls
Until about a decade ago, my maternal ancestry beyond my great-grandmother was a mystery. My great-grandmother, Louise Harrison Alston, was born in 1898. The only thing that… Read more “The Marriage Record That Broke Through Walls”
In Loving Memory: Jeanette H. Anderson
Jeanette, my first cousin three times removed (in other words-my great-grandmother’s first cousin), was born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 5, 1915 to James Minnis Harrison, Esq.,… Read more “In Loving Memory: Jeanette H. Anderson”
Ancestral “Skiptracing”
I have always been curious to learn about things and have always actively sought out answers. That predisposition helped me a great deal as I charted my… Read more “Ancestral “Skiptracing””
Back to Southampton
Back to Southampton There was no reason to expect that my family had roots in Southampton County, Virginia. Until a few years ago, Virginia for me had… Read more “Back to Southampton”
We Are Not Monolithic
For a number of African-Americans, it is possible to locate ancestors on U.S. census records before 1870. This historical population is referred to as free persons of… Read more “We Are Not Monolithic”
The Genealogy Situation Room 