Daniel Massengill came from Whitby, England, Yorkshire. Daniel Massengill was born 1624. Settled in Charles City County, Va., in 1653. His children moved to South Hampton County, Va...This record written by Henry Massengill, Jr., this 10th day of July, 1785. The Massengills, Massengales and Variants 1472-1931 by Samuel Evans Massengill, M.D., p. 272 Thus reads an historical … [Read more...] about The Great Massengill Mystery
Mysteries
Rowland Ledbetter’s father was most likely John Ledbetter
Researcher Sherry Mirkovic had done extensive research on Rowland Ledbetter and his parentage several years ago. My cousin Mike Morris and I both wound up with a document she had prepared with all of her Rowland data and it strongly suggested that John Ledbetter was Rowland's father rather than Drury Ledbetter or Henry Ledbetter, both of whom had been previously floated by … [Read more...] about Rowland Ledbetter’s father was most likely John Ledbetter
Is Harriet Morris a relative of Laban Morris?
(This article was originally published July 25, 2018. It was most recently updated June 6, 2019.) It's now worth investigating the possibility that Harriet Morris is a daughter of Thomas Morris of Beaufort County and granddaughter of Elisha Morris. While Laban descendants undoubtedly share some kind of DNA with Harriet Morris descendants, I'm doubtful it's enough to suggest … [Read more...] about Is Harriet Morris a relative of Laban Morris?
Who was Nancy MORRIS?
(This article was originally published January 22, 2014. It was most recently updated June 6, 2019.) Nancy MORRIS shows up in the household of Laban MORRIS in 1850 and 1860, and best I can tell from ages on census records, she was living with the family as early as 1830. Many years ago, before I realized how census records worked, I had assumed that Nancy was another of Laban … [Read more...] about Who was Nancy MORRIS?
Brick Walls: Jesse P. Vendrick, Sr.
My 5th great-grandfather, Jesse P. Vendrick, was probably born in Craven County circa 1760. The identities of his parents and the mother of his children are mysteries. Why? Because there were two Jesse Vendricks in this generation. I think. Thought? I don't know! And there are two, possibly three, more Jesse Vendricks in the next generation. So, what do I know? The … [Read more...] about Brick Walls: Jesse P. Vendrick, Sr.
Brick Wall Update: Matilda, wife of Dewitt Sumrell
For years, I've known very little about Matilda. That changed over the weekend. I'd been giving the search for Dewitt, who remains elusive, another go by looking at some Lenoir County deeds on their USGenWeb site. The moment came when I got to Deed Book 5. To save time, I was using Control + F to find "Sum". Imagine my delighted surprise when it found a deed from Joseph … [Read more...] about Brick Wall Update: Matilda, wife of Dewitt Sumrell
Genealogy + DNA Game Changers: Step up your game with these FREE resources.
In the 21st century, if you're serious about genealogy, then let's face it: You will engage in DNA testing. In fact, if you're really serious, you'll get as many of your older relatives tested as possible. Why? Because their DNA will contain more lengthy segments connected with the lines you're likely trying to test. And once they're gone, they're gone. You'll have a much … [Read more...] about Genealogy + DNA Game Changers: Step up your game with these FREE resources.
Brick Walls: Dewitt Sumberlin/Sumrell
Dewitt Sumrell was born circa 1825 in Lenoir County. This date is a guessimate based upon the birth dates of his two known sons in the mid to late 1840s. The place, though, comes from the death certificate of his son, James Henry Sumrell. According to James's son, the informant, both James and Dewitt were born in "Lanor" County. Henry Atlas Sumrell did not, apparently, … [Read more...] about Brick Walls: Dewitt Sumberlin/Sumrell
The Brother-in-Law Conundrum
The word "brother-in-law" is becoming the bane of my research. In earlier times, the term "in-law" had a broader scope than is now the case. Pretty much anyone related to you by marriage was an in-law. Therefore, a brother-in-law could be one in the modern sense, a stepbrother, or even the brother of your brother's wife/sister's husband! Unfortunately for me, this word has … [Read more...] about The Brother-in-Law Conundrum
Joseph Gaskins and Mary Coleman?
I was reading through some court records yesterday, when I came across this entry dated 9 Dec 1799: Ordered that notice issue to Mary Gaskins to appear at the Next Term and show cause to why the nuncupative will of Joseph Gaskins decd. should not be Established. Who was Mary Gaskins? My 6th great-grandfather, Joseph Gaskins, married Zipporah Squires 21 Sep 1782. … [Read more...] about Joseph Gaskins and Mary Coleman?
Family Tree Fact Check: Turner Nelson and Hasel Nelson (Craven County, NC to Posey County, IN)
I'm really excited about this Family Tree Fact Check! I've been curious about who the parents of Turner Nelson were ever since I realized he wrote a letter from Indiana back home to Craven County in which he kindly mentioned my ancestor Laban Morris and expressed his concern for him. All over the internet people have listed that his parents were William Nelson and his wife … [Read more...] about Family Tree Fact Check: Turner Nelson and Hasel Nelson (Craven County, NC to Posey County, IN)
Which Gatlin married Mary Johnson, sister of Richard, Elizabeth & Esther?
On 26 Apr 1796, Richard Johnson of Craven County, wrote his will (Will Book B, pg. 13), making bequests to, among others, his three sisters. The Will In the Name of God Amen I Richard Johnson of Craven County in the State of North Carolina, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and disposing Memory, do Make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and … [Read more...] about Which Gatlin married Mary Johnson, sister of Richard, Elizabeth & Esther?
