I started this journey in 2000. I am the daughter of Ella Morgan Carter-Robinson and Kenneth Franklin Hughes. My grandparents were Ada Hendricks Morgan and Horace Lonzo Morgan (died before I was born)., My paternal grandparents (died long before I was born) Issom Hughes and Lydia (Annie) Hughes.
We are Early Virginian Americans. Our ancestors on both sides of my family started in Virginia. My paternal great grandfather (Henry Swafford) was born 1829 in Virginia and he is the son of Sam Swafford who also was born in Virginia. My paternal great grandmother was Mariah Erwin Whitener-Swafford (born in Hickory NC). She was born a slave. She was previously married to Sandy Whitener and in 1866 she married him after living with him for 12 years. It appears she left him and moved to Tennessee where she met my great grandfather. His first wife was Amanda and they lived in Virginia. I believe that he and Mariah raised his daughter Amanda (named after her mom). Amanda (the mom) died in Virginia around 1880's circa. He did not marry Mariah until 1879 (circa).
Reading Census reports is important. The 1900 Census proved to be my eye opener. I found that Henry and Mariah lived directly next door to my grandparents. His sister (Selah) who had my grandmother in her home (listed as niece) on the 1880 census lived in the next home. As I turned the pages in one direction I found Amanda (Mandy) Worthington living close by as well as other siblings.
Do you homework, read the entire census and make a spreadsheet to put all the family sir names together. You will find that you can figure out who is related to whom. Then use your DNA to match them. I have been able to trace back 3 generations easily because of my age it takes my back beyond 1820.
If we are related, distant or close, PLEASE share your story with me. I'm a film producer and I'm doing a documentary on our family and the great stories we share.
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