Sarah Lewis Miles Letter to Daddy - December 17, 1965

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Genealogy Roadshow PBS William & Minty Ivey/Ivery

Meet Me in St. Louis.......

How I got on the show....

What Did you Find OUT? 

I think that's the MOST question I've been asked through all of this. This Summer, June 13th, 2014 they had Open Casting. I actually found the information floating around Google+. After pondering and thinking. I opened my Bible and read the 1st passage that I had opened up to. Read. Contemplated & Prayed. I don't take these things lightly. Like I said there is a Spiritual Component to me researching my Ancestors. 
 I knew it could be anything. Whatever it was I was gonna have to Accept it on behalf of my Family.  


I Got my laptop out and applied.  2 weeks later My point of Contact asked if I could do a interview? I said YeS! Thank Goodness. I practiced for a week and my DNA Cousin Shelley Murphy  Family Tree Girl!  click link. Hello Mother!

 She helped me out for a evening of conversation. She doesn't know it, but she knows now! We had wanted "Face Time" so it was perfect timing. 
My contact for the show, She emailed me details on the date and time. My interviewer made me so comfortable it was like a Great Conversation with someone you meet unexpectedly. 


It was the longest 3 weeks of my Life! I was wondering everyday and hoping they could find something. Did I say some off the wall thing? Was I boring? All kinds of thoughts ran in my head. Finally she called me back around July 23rd and said; Can you come to St. Louis in August? Sure; when? She replied we have taping on August 21st through the 23rd. During those 3 weeks, I'm waiting by the phone, checking email constantly through all this period. Making sure I didn't miss any calls or communication online. I had all 3 items with me at all times. Cell phone. Land line. Laptop. It was Hilarious and nerve wrecking! I was a bunch of nerves for a month. I only shared with a handful of people. I didn't want anyone to know I applied in case I didn't make it! I would only know!  So finally I broke down in a Whisper to her. Did I make the Show?  she says YEs!! We liked your Story and you made it!!!!! YEs you can tell Everyone your really gonna be on the Genealogy Roadshow!

You know I had to ask her like 3 to 4 times through the whole conversation. I had MaDe It! She said I was more than Welcomed and that I had 10 spots available for family and friends! 
YEs True! You made it! Your gonna be on the Genealogy Roadshow! You made IT!

My Application had been Accepted! I went BoNkeRs! I had never tried anything like this in my Whole Life. I too always wondered? How do they pick Folks for these shows? Well now I know! The process went without any hiccups. It was smooth I couldn't even attest to any other way it would go. 


My Experience was a Once in a Lifetime Dream.
It spoke so much as to who My True Roots was and I was Ecstatic for Her and for Me! 
Especially for my Family. 
This is who it was Truly for. It was all Done out of Love for my Family on all sides. They choose to pick Grandaddy Ike's people. 
Out of 100,000 applications between 3 Cities. New Orleans. Philadelphia. St. Louis. 

                My Ol'Slave Made it!

Who is William Ivey?

I have a Timeline of 64 years of his Life for 1817 to 1881 for all I know by documentation for 
Grandfather William Ivey. 

William Ivey was born in around 1817. I've seen as early as 1812. What was going in this Country where it says he was born in South Carolina?

The State of Alabama had Freed it's Slaves by  The 13th Amendment which was on February 1st, 1865. 

 1st Census that I can find William Ivey is in 1870. 

William and Minty Ivey became a family in or around 1850 when Minty first conceived child at the age of 15. A daughter named

Rosanna.

In 1853 William & Minty Welcomed and Praised God for their 1st Son. Issac "Ike" Ivery! He is who My Family honors every 2 years in Reunion.
 He was my 3rd Great Grandfather. A Slave......

This is where Genealogy Roadshow at St. Louis Union Station on PBS! comes in for my Family. 
Right under the St.Louis Historical Landmark at the Grand Union Station. Click here for more Information. 
"The Whispering Arch"". 
I can now tell that Whisper Secret out LOUD to you all!  

My question on application was? I needed to know was my Ivery's Slaves? Free Persons of Color? How did they attain their Last Name of IVERY? 


They find out William Ivey age 48.  He was my 4th Great Grandfather. A Slave...... Slaves! and Minty is with him. She was 31.  They were Married on....


Sunday! "November 5th,1865"

William & Minty Ivey Marriage License

Now just think for a moment......

It took them 15 years, 15 Years...15 years to be able to go to the Courthouse in Pike County, Alabama to legally get married. Only for the simple reason they were FREE! They were SLAVES in PIKE County, ALABAMA as we know of today. Genealogy Roadshow provided proof they were not Free People of Color. 11 other Couples got married that same day.  

Prior to their Marriage I'm sure since they had their 1st child in 1850 which is 15 years earlier I just know they "Jumped the Broom" on the Plantation! 

 By 1865 they had 6 children born to their union already. Including Granddaddy Ike! he was born in 1853. He was 12 years old when he saw his Daddy and Momma being married. 
I know what I was doing at the age of 12; so I can just "Imagine"!  I dream of me being there with watchful eyes, being happy and content. 

Bullock County, Alabama was formed December 5, 1866. Before that it's made up of parts of Pike and surrounding Counties. I've learned over time when the borders for the counties changed. 

In 1870 they were living in Ridgely, Bullock County, Alabama. Married for 5 years legally. Together for 20 Years total! William was 53. Minty was 35. 

 I can see where Granddaddy Ike was getting his youthful ways from!
 Granddaddy Ike was 70 in 1923 when his last child was born! 

William & Minty Ivey 1870 Census, Ala.

In 1880 William was 63. Living in Bullock County.
1881 he is still Living. I know from his daughter Isabelle (Belle) Ivery was marrying Charles Haynes on May 28, 1881. On the marriage license it states where were they married? It was wrote; the above parties were married by me on her Father William Ivey's Place. When I saw that! I was doing the Genealogy "Happy Dance". I just stared at that last LINE. He was still with us!

Look Below

Isabelle Ivey & Charles Haynes Marriage License

So we know until 1881 he was still here at the age of 64. After that his location remains unknown to me. I can't find them on 1900 Census for Bullock County, Ala. 

My Family has a great start on finding more about Grandpa William and Granny Minta. 

This was a Emotional Journey. A time of Reflection and Contemplation. When you do this for so long and you get this Item. It's Overwhelming. So much is lost and gone. We might never find it all. So when this happened for Us. This Document we received. It's truly treasured. 

 This Marriage License it might seem like a small thing....it is Not. It is my Family's Oldest Document now. That one piece of paper tells a Story for all of us Ivery's! It says who we are.  That We exist. We come from this Soil. This Land. We were Slaves. We were Free.  This is confirmation. With this Document I can go further.There is more Work for me to do. Along with Potential Slave Owners from the research papers Genealogy Roadshow gave me of what they researched. It goes to show you also how Important On-Site Research is necessary. You can't find everything Online. I will do it lovingly for as long as I can. This also gave me more Confidence. As long as I have been doing genealogy and I feel seasoned. I try to be as accurate as possible. Sometimes I get nervous.   This was a lesson that I was doing my research correctly. It confirmed to me I can do this. My work can be passed on. It was relief to have a 2nd pair of eyes looking at what I do and that they know I can appreciate what they do as Professionals. This is hard work. It takes time and so much patience. It's not for the weary. There are many joys! The sorrows come equally with it. 

It's about Perseverance and Preservation with Collaboration. 

So I advise anyone who comes to you with interest. Love in their heart and conviction. Please take the time to help them. To share with them. Commune with them. We can not do this work alone. It takes a Family like mine who patiently walks on this journey with me anytime I need answers. Pictures. Documents. Or just to talk. I Truly stress My True Roots does not do this Alone. 
We All have a Story. I'm just trying to TELL Mine, Ours. 


Many Thanks and Gratitude for PBS. Genealogy Roadshow. Mr. Krasnow. Kenyatta Berry and My Producer LaMonte! My Researcher LaDonna. You two know who you are! Lisa Landrum and all the behind scenes people like Josh and Mary! Ms. Kay Porter for extending a Invitation for Pre-Screening to my Family from Nine Network out of St. Louis! My Cousin James, Bea, John Kite. Mommie & Daddy. My Beloved Aunt Sallie Bea. She always said she knew my Heart from Looking into my Eyes. Family. Bug&Pidge, my Parents. My Fellow Blogger Community. Everyone was on this Journey with Me, no matter what or how we have come to know each other. I took ALL of you along with my Ancestors. You were all there in St. Louis with me in Spirit. So this is just as much as my Journey as it is Yours. 
 I look forward to working with Pike County Courthouse. A first for me. 

This has been a time. I'm grateful for all the opportunities and the chance to be accepted on the show to exhibit that you can find your Ancestors with a little work. I'm thankful they showed my Family as a Example. 

 It's been a long 9 months! To hold a Secret in confidence. I felt like I was gonna "burst" by the time February 10th came and it ALL happened during
 "Black History Month"!

I think I have come a long way.....
The St. Louis Union Station episode was February 1oth, 2015.
I'll always Remember and Cherish for being on Season 2 of Genealogy Roadshow on PBS. During Black History Month and near Grandaddy Ike's Birthday. It was meant to be!

Our Ol'Slave Granddaddy Ike Ivery whom my Family holds in high Esteem and Honor. He has earned his rightful place 162 years later! His Birthday is February 14th, 1853!
Happy 78th Heavenly Birthday! 

Granddaddy Ike & Me. 2009.

You ushered in a Great Birthday Gift to your Descendants! 
We; your Proud Descendants.We now have your Parents in their rightful Place to take us a bit further. 
We understand. WHY Family is so Important to you? Why you felt so compelled? Always keeping your 23 children together. What you learned from your Father and Mother that you carried the tradition on. It will Continue. So may it Be!

You were there Granddaddy Ike, that Day! as a Witness. Now this Marriage Licence will bear Witness to All. 

Sunday, November 5th, 1865!
One Early Sunday Mornin'!....
You were there....You were there. 

Lisa~ Kenyatta ~ Me

Girl Talk during Filming Break

Break from Filming

You can find ME at Twitter

  ThatGirl!@MyTrueRoots on Twitter

or

My True Roots on Facebook

More Info on Pike County


Thanks to my Friend and Filmmaker Susan! (click here) She has Supported me so much in this Journey. She can help you Preserve your Family History as well. Look below at Link at what she did for US!


My Family Documentary about Ike Ivery to Me



Dedicated to My 1st & Only Granddaughter: Jai ! 
& My Future Descendants. 
I hope I made you Proud. 


Leave me a NoTe or a Comment!
Let me know what you THINK!
2-10-2015 Originally Posted
Dear Heavenly Father, I'm so "Grateful". it's Flowing from my Heart.

I Thessalonians 5:18

 

In EVERYTHING Give Thanks: For this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning YOU.

Family Heirloom. "The Vinegar Jar".

Vintage Cruet Glass Star Cut Vinegar bottle with Stopper




It was simply known as the "Vinegar Jar" in my house. 

My Mom had the WHOLE set. Dishes. Glasses. Punch glasses with Saucers. Cream and Sugar Bowls. Salt and Pepper shakers, the candy dish and the Infamous Vinegar Jar!
Those were the dishes we were not allowed to touch unless company came. 

Mom kept the candy dish and shakers out for everyday use along with the Vinegar Jar.



Why do you call it the Vinegar Jar?
I have no idea. 

Ever since I was little it sat on a shelf near the stove.

In my family we had Collard Greens A LOT.

Collards were always on our Supper table several times a month.  My favorite way to eat Collard Greens was to pour Vinegar on them. I don't know how I got started with doing that or why? I just did.
It's like people who argue over salt and butter on their Grits vs the Sugar People.
By the way, I eat my Grits with salt and butter.

That Vinegar Jar was about one of the few things of fancy heavy crystal that I was allowed to "handle". It was my responsibility to keep it filled too! 

When my Parents passed. My Sister; Bettye and I decided she would be the one to keep the whole set together in one piece. As a Family Historian I know we aren't suppose to separate pieces like that. Especially a Collection of this magnitude.
I begged Bettye to let me keep the Vinegar Jar. That was a strong memory for me and I just didn't want to part from it. She said it was okay. Bay knows it's in Good hands. It's the only thing missing from the set but she knows where it is. I'm so glad she entrusts me with so many of Moms' things. 

So that is how it came to be that I have the Vinegar Jar.




Bitter Sweet Memory 

11 Mothers of Ike Ivery. Where have you Gone ?

Kevin A. Williams, Artist.

"Worst Sight"

Kevin A. Williams, Artist.

11 Mothers of Ike Ivery.....

I Often excogitate and ponder.

Who the 11 Mothers of Granddaddy Ike Ivery were?


They the slave catchers were Thieves, Hunters, Robbers. These Men Stole. They Stole and Sold my 11 Mothers. 

They have Robbed me over and over again. Hundreds of years later they are still stealing from me. 

Now they are in Their Descendants records, personal papers, bibles. Records torn and snatched from pages. Records burned to the ground. Non existent. No where to be found. Lost. Gone. 

Every time I get a chance. I take back what belongs to me in the way of research. I take it from them. I snatch it. I grab back, what BELONGS to Me. The Rightful Owner. 



 Where have you Gone? What happened to You?

Stories like these always pulls me out of my recrudescence. So this is where you find me Today on a Sankofa Journey for understanding on what happened to these 11 Mothers of Ike Ivery?

Sometimes no matter how many pictures or documents or sources I have. I have to veer off the road less traveled to let my thoughts ponder a bit or I'll get restless. 

There's always something deep in my soul. I can't put my finger on it when I'm researching. I just know I have to go to these moments when they call to my heart.
These are moments when I don't have any sources, citations, or genealogical standards. 

This is where a "NoTe To MySelF " is rendered.....


 It's a constant friend for My True Roots and I.

Usually because of the time frame you can start as young as 15 to start rearing children. I put a 20 year gap in between Granddaddy's Ike's Maternal Line. 

As of now, I know Granddaddy Ike's Mother was named Minta Ivey/Ivery. She was born in 1834. I think her name is a derivative of Arminta. 

Being a Slave child. They probably downgraded her Proper name as they so often did as to make her hear and know her Value. Which was not of a Proper Lady, calling her Minta. She has been recorded on all documents as such. 



 She was lawfully married to my 3rd Great Granddaddy William Ivey/Ivery  on November the 5th, 1865. Pike County Courthouse. By the state of Alabama. Before that they were Slaves in Pike County, Alabama having their 1st child in 1850. 

William & Minty Ivey Marriage: November 4th, 1865.

According to the 1870 Census when she was 35. With 7 Children already born. Charles Ford her Son in Law is living with them. He is married to my Aunt Rosanna. Grandma Minta was 15 when she had her first child. A Daughter. 

Hopefully one day I'll be reunited with My Aunties Descendants. Along with her other Sister Isabelle.  That gives me hope to finding their DNA-Haplogroup which hopefully leads back to Africa and I'll be pleased.  On line 30 is one Milford McTyiere. I'm assuming until I find out, he might of been part of a dowry to Mrs. Caroline McTyiere who was married to William Ivey, a Slave Owner at the time in that small town.  I dont' find it odd or coincidental a former Slave with a last name of the Bishop in town living with my Ivey's. 

What is his relationship to us? I'm still seeking.

Line 21- 31 of 1870 Bullock County, Alabama. Minta Ivey/Ivery

Source Citation

Year: 1870; Census Place: Ridgely, Bullock, Alabama; Roll: M593_4; Page: 271B; Image: 545; Family History Library Film: 545503

My last find on Grandma Minta, is 1880. After that she is lost to me. I don't even have a death certificate. If she passed away in Alabama they didn't start recording deaths until 1908.

Slavery was started here a long time ago. 


This is where I start to go in a World of my own. Trying to wrap my head around 215 Years of History Lost to the Ages, Gone in the Wind. 246 Years of Enslavement.... Yes, you can go ahead and ponder on that for a minute.

I'm realizing that in 1619 according to History is when Slavery started here. I'm guessing about this is when the 1st Mother arrived here from Africa was born. This is as far as I can wrap my head around. 

I don't want to comprehend the Mother's before that. With 20 years apart for each Mother after her. Even tho I know realistically child rearing started much earlier in age. I just tried to put a respectable age on them. 1619-1814. These are the Years that those 11 Mothers are not found by me. 

Beginning in 1619, there are 11 Mothers missing....

Ending in 1814. I placed as the time when Grandma Minta's Mother was possibly born. 

11 Mothers Missing from my Genealogical Paper trail. 

11 Mothers unidentified in my DNA. 

African American History

I read this book a lot to keep me in a mind set, a frame of mind. For all that was going on in this Country, on what my Ancestors were facing. 

It's a Time Line of History that I use to try to place my Ancestors in. It's a great resource in time travel for what happened through time. All the complexities to our Country's History here in the United States as African Americans. 

This book contains stories they don't publish in books for school. History I wasn't taught till I became an adult and even younger it was told in bits and pieces from my Elders that wasn't in a formal setting. 

This is what keeps me up at night. What I try to find all during the day. 

When I am hurt, confused, overwhelmed and full of Pride as the Sun goes down in Africa.....

Africa   

I have visions of torture, whippings, crammed cockleshells, Mother's being thrown overboard. Mothers jumping in the sea on their own volition, rather than face the life that awaits them. 

Bodies being over thrown from sickness or some barbaric reasoning, babies being left alone. Bed warmers. Breeders. Whipped. Raped and Ruined. Scrambling for air and food and water.  Stench. Sweat, Blood & Tears. They could only go so far in their treatment. They were Value in a Monetary form. 

 Cruelty of Life that we will never be able to imagine. 

I cry for who These 11 Women of mine are? Where are they from in the 54 Countries of Africa? What Language do they Speak? What Traditions did they have that I carry on without a knowing? Just because it's in my Blood. How many tears where shed for them losing touch with the Homeland? What happened to them? 

It's a piece of my heart that is broken knowing that I may never found out. Somehow I have to come to a personal peace within my Soul, I may never live to see that day.

Maybe God is trying to tell me something?....

For now. I will keep searching, keep trying, asking, fighting, scrambling, researching, wondering, seeking, praying....For those; 11 Mothers of Mine. 

Jeremiah 1:15 says:  "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the Nations". 

Oh, 11 Mothers of Mine.....

God knew you first before You knew yourself. You are consecrated with much veneration!  

You are Speaking to the Nations through your Descendants. 

With Love, through Your Great Granddaughter, True.

11 Mothers of Ike Ivery

William Ivery ~ 7th Child ~ Son of Ike Ivery

William Ivery 

He was the 7th Child out of 23 Children for Ike Ivery. 

This Branch of Granddaddy Ike is my hardest diverse, complexing Lineage, the least I have on the Ivery-Henry Line. Over time I'll post as much as I can on each of the 4 Children with Mary Henry. 

William Ivery son of Ike Ivery Death Certificate

 He was born to Ike Ivery and Mary Henry, Ike's 2nd wife. Married January 2nd, 1899. They had 4 children. 

William ~  Charles ~ Annie ~ Dock

 He was most likely named after Ike Ivery's Father seen here:  "William Ivey/Ivery " born about 1817. 

 It gave us clue as to who his Father was later in my research. 

William is also a naming pattern in our Family. It was of Importance to Granddaddy Ike. 
It gave us clue as to who his Father was later in my research. I can see it in several other names of his grandchildren for Remembrance. 

When William Ivery was born on May 15, 1890, in Midway, Alabama; his father Ike, was 37 and his mother, Mary, was 34. 

He was married to the former Eloise Tarver. 

William and Eloise had 9 children together. 

He died August 21st, 1944 in Union Springs, Alabama, at the age of 53. 

What distressed me about his Death Certificate was the fact by this year my Family Church and Cemetery were very well established. 

It didn't note that he was buried at Mt. Coney Baptist Church. 

Plus this was during World War 2. Anne Frank had been captured that August. He was a much older Gentleman to Serve. 

During his year of Death the Town was getting a day by day account in the Union Springs Herald every week of what was going on with the Soldiers that were O'ver there. 

This Book I received from my Mentor Mr. Spratlan is called: In Freedom's Name: The War Years 1941-1945 World War 2 Bullock County Veterans. 

Signed Copy from Mr. Spratlan 

 It gives a look into the Community and the County during this time from students and family members also compiled with Articles from the Herald. 

My Grandfather James E. Lewis is Listed in this book. It had the Colored Troops in this book as well as the Whites in the County. 

In the back of the book is a the Soldier's and Sailors Discharge Records. It's a Index for the County Soldiers Discharge Record Book and what Page they are on. Their DD214 page. 


There are 6 Ivery's in this book and a couple of other variations.  

It was put together in 1996 by the Union Springs Bullock County Tourism Council.

 275 Pages of Genealogical Gems. 

1900 Would been his 2nd Census. Right now I can't find a fragmented Census or Page for Bullock County, Alabama for 1890. He would of been a wee baby. 

1910 just before his Marriage he was 20 Years Old. 

1920  William Ivery was 30 years old and lived in Midway, Alabama with his wife, Eloise, and 2 daughters.

He was living at Route 2 / Box 153 in Bullock County, Midway, Alabama.

1930

He was living on Pine Grove Road in Midway, Alabama. The census asked; on Page 11. What age were you when you first got Married? He states 21. Putting his Marriage around 1911. Which I haven't found his Marriage License as of yet. He is owning his Land and they also ask if he has a "radio set"? Answer: No.

1930 Census Bullock County, Midway Ala for William & Eloise Ivery

Source Citation

Year: 1930; Census Place: Midway, Bullock, Alabama; Roll: 3; Page: 6A;Enumeration District: 0003; Image: 49.0; FHL microfilm: 2339738

Every reunion I'm hoping someone will come up with a picture of my Uncle William to share. In Pittsburgh this July when we hold our Reunion in Honor of Granddaddy Ike, we have a Lighting Ceremony for all 23 children. 

I will be looking to see if someone steps up to the Light in his Remembrance.

I'll be looking......waiting and watching.

Lighting Ceremony in Remembrance

Many Rivers To Cross, PBS.

Many Rivers To Cross

 This LINK takes you to my own Personal Story Submission:

  My True Roots ~ Many Rivers To Cross 

Share Your Stories 

Except from where you submit your Story and Here is Why?

African-American history has played an integral role in the shaping of politics, economics, and culture in the United States. Growing up, how did you learn about the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans? Were you in a classroom? Reading a book? Talking with relatives or friends? How has your understanding or knowledge of African-American history changed and/or developed over time? What do you think is the most effective way to pass along this rich and growing history to future generations?

Me & Daddy, 1977. 

I wrote on behalf of my Family for "Many Rivers To Cross".....

This is what I submitted for Record for PBS and Dr. Henry Louis Gates.

I was at the age of 9 in 1977, when I stared listening and asking questions of my Dad about our Family. I don't know who took this picture of me and my Daddy but it reflects on what I have doing ever since. Trying to piece together my family roots, it was the same year that summer my Grandma Queen Daniel Miles passed away.


"Roots" came on television. I wanted to know more. Little did I know it was called "Genealogy" back then. So here I am now, still getting those Oral History interviews in writing "NoTes To MySeL f " by way of blogging.

Doing all I can in research even as far as doing DNA testing. It's fulfilling, it takes time and patience. My Greatest Readers are not born yet, I have to keep telling our stories. It's my responsibility to keep Honoring our Ancestors!

I hope I'm starting lo live up to my Name and seek what is 'TRUE" for my family........

Was Submitted Publicly  during October 22 ~ November 26, 2013.
For Premiere of "Many Rivers to Cross".

For the Record and For My Remembrance.

For: www.MyTrueRoots.com

By:   True A. Lewis

Map of Bullock County ~ Midway, Alabama

Bullock County Alabama Home of My Ancestors in Midway

Made December 4, 2010 

"My True Roots" turns 2 !

My Very 1st Blog! was 2 Years Ago!

November 7th, 2012 at 2:32pm in Honor of my Dad on the Day he Passed.

Read Below

"Happy 2nd Blogiversary"

 My True Roots! 

2nd Blogiversary

YeS! LORD!......yes LORD! 

I Just want to "ThaNk YOu"! 

I PrAiSe YOU! I Thank You for Guiding Me : for Holding Me: for keeping me in your HaNds : All Day and All Night : I lie my FaIth in nothing but You: above all else,Your are my STrengTh! With YoU all This is Possible. Thank You for that "Quiet Place"......

I THANK YOU!

To: My Entire Family...There are so many that take my calls, my email, my text at any Given hour. You all know who you Are.  For Bettye, Bug (My Father) Bobby & Corky.  Without you all placing your Trust in Me this wouldn't be Possible. I'm Grateful for you all taking time to help me. Thank you for all your Prayers & Encouragement. Please know that every Word and Picture I place on my Blog is because you have Contributed. 

I don't Do My True Roots alone.

My Friends ~ Fellow Bloggers ~ My Genealogy Community ~ 

You, My Readers the most faithful of them ALL, have stuck by me * encouraged me *  prompted me *  gave me criticism when needed * advised, taking my Hand and Walking with Me all the way through. 

I Thank YOU!

For The House That Built Me

Daddie and Mom

James E. Lewis 1918 ~ November 7th,2009

  

 Tinnie L. Miles Lewis 1923 ~ November 11th, 2008

My Sweet November

I never Walk alone.......

I'm Posting this Blogiversary Piece on the same Date and Time as I did for my Very 1st Post. November is always Bittersweet, both the People I Love and Miss! passed away on this month. Mom passed away on Veterans Day that year on a Tuesday the 11th. Daddy followed her 361 days later on my Army Retirement date. November 7th.  They left me that "Sweet" as a Remembrance always. They don't have to worry about me Forgetting them. 
What a Journey I have been on.

I do this Work of Recording our Family History and Genealogy because of them. They unashamedly taught me so many lessons that will carry me through Life. They poured so many stories and documents from the Ancestors onto me. I was the Vessel. I'm Grateful that they took the time to answer so many Questions from my inquisitive mostly nosey self. Always questioning this and that. I wouldn't have half of what I can write to you if it wasn't for them. 

Thank You Everyone! 

Thanks for stopping over and reading about my Family History for the last 2 years. It's Very Much Appreciated! Thanks for all your Comments and NoTe's! and simply taking the time. Please keep coming by as I grow. It's been a Very Great 2 years with all your Support. I hope I'm growing and learning more each day to become my Family's Griot. Telling Our Stories better as time goes on. 

So many Exciting & Positive Blessings  happening for 

My True Roots! 

 My Sankofa Journey to Georgia and Alabama in October and some Great Finds for future Blog Posts, Attending my Historical Society Meeting for the 1st time in 4 years. Learning about my DNA ! and my Haplogroups: U5b1c2 and E1b1a7a! and where I come from!, it's been a Honor for me to be chosen as a 2015 FGS Ambassador  for the Federation of Genealogical Societies. 

Having a segment on my Family History Revealed on something even I knew nothing about! as much as I research! on PBS  for Genealogy Roadshow. 

Keep the Faith! & know your Ancestors are with you, Guiding You......

Don't forget to click the LINK at the TOP on my very 1st Blog Piece. To see how I got started from 2 years ago.... to now. 

 Happy 2nd Blogiversary!

My True Roots