Daddy's Ties

December is here and it's going fast.

I haven't wrote a Blog Piece all Month. To busy decorating, buying gifts, purchasing plane tickets and getting ready to Celebrate Christmas.

I have a closet that I tend to "Hide" things in for later...

Today I was scrambling looking for wrapping paper and it hit me. 

Daddy's ties bonked me in the head. I have them on a hanger not quite ready to pack in a fancy box full of tissue paper to be a surprise one day for my Descendants. So I took and moved some of his things around and took a good long look and sat with my memories. This is where this Blog piece leads me to, today. 

Family Heirlooms.

I love the 1st Tie. When Daddy would ask me to pick a tie when I was young, that was the one I would always choose. It was from the 70's. The 2nd one, Daddy loved Peppermints. He always kept them in his suit jackets. That's why I kept that one. It reminded me of his favorite candy. Don't they look like peppermints?

Several of Daddy's Ties I kept, 2009. 

When Mommie passed November 11, 2008. Daddy followed her 361 days later November 7th, 2009. He was 91. Born in 1918. 64 years worth of Memories where in the House that Built me. It took us a few years to go through everything and save what we wanted. 

Daddy took Pride in his Suits and Ties. He was always a smart dresser. Very Sharp. We had to go through the tedious task of going through his personal clothing. Daddy had a hall closet that he kept his "Good" clothes in. Fancy suits, ties and shoes and all things for Church. This is one of 2 Suits I haven't let anyone look at. I kept them for my Sons. So they will have a little piece of Pop-Pop for later. 

Daddy's Suit and Ties

No one messed with Daddy's closet. It was for him only. No one else had their belongings in there. It was oddly shaped, very deep with a shelf. There was a slant in the wall. Behind the wall was the stairs to the attic from another bedroom. Which is why it was so narrow. It had a light bulb with a long string hanging from it with a hook on the back of the door. That is where every Saturday night, Daddy hung his "Sundays Best" ready for church on Sunday morning. It was his ritual to have it all laid out with his adornments and accessories like his tie, hankie, pens and change along with his church dues envelope. 

If you knew Daddy his favorite color was black and wine red. 

He had a 1976 Park Avenue Limited Edition Wine Red colored Buick. His pride and joy. That was his "Good Car" especially for Sundays. 

 When it went out of style, Daddy kept it parked in the barn till the day he died. Everyone loved that Buick. We all have our special memories. Later Bobbie would get special antique plates and tags from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after he cleaned it up. 


So as we took on the lovingly task of going through Daddy's personal clothing we picked out Suits for Nephews. Grandsons and Cousins so they could have something of Remembrance for Daddy. I even drove to Indiana to give a suit and tie to my Cousin Nate who was so fond of Daddy, his Nephew. 

Today all I could of think of was Daddy's Ties hanging on the back door. He had so many of all different colors, and era's. I quickly held them close and smelled them. I knew how Daddy cherished his ties and took care of them. 

For many reasons that day a few years ago, I had to kneel. I was having a moment...


Me and Bettye just stood there and looked at each other. 

We couldn't bear the thought of donating the rest. My Aunt was helping us. She does all the sewing, quilting, crocheting and knitting for this family. She knew we were in distress at the time. 

It's always good to have someone help you for these moments and hold space for you when you are going through this process. Decision making can be hard on what to let go and keep. Aunt Cherry was there for us. 

She suggested to let her keep the rest of Daddy's Ties for now and she would think of something to make as a keepsake for us later.

Well, true to her word. She kept it. She took all the ties we gathered and made something Wonderful. Thank You Aunt Cherry for making us something Special to keep Daddy near. 

She made us Purses out of Daddy's Ties!

My Personal Daddy Tie Purse

Now I know how my Daddy is! He would of got a Grand Kick out of that. Purses made out of his Ties. It tickles me that Daddy knows we didn't waste his Ties. We shared many. Kept many. Made something brand new out of his tie joy. 

I know people think it's silly to keep so much stuff around. My Parents aren't physically here but they are in Spirit. This is my way of comforting myself when I'm in need, longing for them. I can walk around my own home amongst my Parents belongings and touch, feel and be STILL in my memories. 

 Thank You Daddy for letting me show off your tie Goods. You and Mom are sadly missed this time of Year. We know it was your favorite. 

Mom and Daddy 

Daddy's Ties









My Blog Sisters and their Family Heirlooms Stories: 

 Cathy Meder-Dempsey at Opening Doors in Brick Walls
Vera Marie Badertscher at Ancestors in Aprons
Karen Biesfeld at Vorfahrensucher
Schalene Jennings Dagutis at Tangled Roots & Trees 
Jeanne Bryan Insalaco at Everyone has a Story to Tell
Jacqui Kirkman Leaves on my Family Tree
Kendra Schmidt of Trek Thru Time
Linda Stufflebean at Empty Branches on the Family Tree

"PERISCOPE" Rootstech2016 Out, with True!

Follow Me on

Periscope  @MyTrueRoots 

Hello, GeneaBuds! 

It's me; True! 

"That Girl !" @MyTrueRoots

I wanted you All to Follow Me directly on PERISCOPE

I'll be sending my 1st Periscope broadcast by Twitter notification!

Coming February 3rd - 6th I will be in Salt Lake City, Utah.

@

Rootstech2016

I sincerely want you ALL to get Up Close & Personal with ME as I take my Journey to one of the Largest Family History Conference in the World as a 1st Timer!

 Visit me on Periscope as 

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Listen for the "Whistle"!

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So TaP~Tap away! 

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To Learn more: go Here! Periscope 

I'm gonna Broadcast LIVE and let you in on some Behind the Scene looks! Perspectives and Thoughts. Hopefully some Surprises, thrown in! 

Just to let you see and feel how it is to be a 1st Timer!

Yes, My True Roots will be losing her Genealogy Virginity at Rootstech2016 over some Beads!

Visit my Blog here at  My True Roots!   and my  Google + Page! , as I reveal some of my NoTe's To MySelf for YOU, on my "True" Daily Perspectives of the Day! 

If your gonna be at Rootstech2016, Give me a "Shout-Out" and let me know where I can Follow you!

Come up to me! Get yourself acquainted with  True! I will be more than Glad to Meet You! 

Let me know about your

True Roots!

I'll be back in the coming days and months before Rootstech2016 Starts to take you with me on my Journey.

Let My True Roots be your Insider News if you can't be There! So follow along as we "Scope" out Rootstech2016 together.

Don't forget if your GOING Leave me a NoTe or Comment! and let me know your Coming too!

Early Bird Special Registration 

 September 15th, 2015.  

My True Roots Heart & Soul

February is Black History Month

The Heart & Soul of My True Roots.

I want you to know My True Roots Truth....

I want to Thank Everyone for "Liking" my Facebook page for "My True Roots". 

For all the courteous Follows on Twitter at ThatGirl!@MyTrueRoots 

It's so much Appreciated. 
I'm here to Reintroduce myself to Everyone.

My Ancestors are only a Whisper Away....

My Blog is about My Genealogical Journey. It has a component to it that is "Spiritual Work". Along with just Good Ol'Fashion research. 

It's out of Love and Honor, for whom shoulders I Stand on. 

It's their Home. A place for me to keep them Collectively in one place. Together. In Remembrance....

I have the "Triple Threat". 

I'm a Woman - I'm Black - I'm German.

I will Always Stand with the Women in my Lineage. They are the Cradle here. They survived so Much and have carried us through.  My Slaves who have survived the Middle Passage. They will always be defended. They had no Voice for way to Long. 

 My Europeans they are a half of whom I am. They are who I come from since before this Country was formed. They are all MINE. 

 Not standing up for Anyone of my Ancestors on My True Roots would be Denying a Piece of Me. Having Half Existence. I'm Whole. 
They are all of what I am Today. 
They all have a Safe Harbor right here. 


 I just didn't pick this Genealogy up and said Oh, I can do this in a "Secretarial" capacity, Career, Job or because I had some Organizational Skills.

Me and Daddy, 1977. 

As a Child, I got started with pencil and paper. I have been self taught with a lot of mistakes along the way. Making corrections from Fellow Bloggers in the Genealogy Community who are teaching me about sourcing, citations and Genealogical Proof and Standards. I'm still a work in progress.

Lewis Mementos

I think over the years since 1998. I've come to know I have "3 Stages" of My Own Personal Genealogy Trek.

•  Unwanted. Not of Importance.
•  Shunned 
•  Now Embraced

NOW!  It's my Responsibility as a  Person of Color, to continue and when asked.

 What part did you have in Building the Genealogy Community? 

What contributions have you made to preserve African American Stories?

I can show them my Blog.
They can also know that I have took a stand, so future Genealogist know they have a Place.

• It is my Responsibility for the unborn in my Family to have this body of Work.
• To let my Family know they have a Story. Their Lives Matter. All the ones that Came before Us and After.

So with that! 

•  I will Represent my Ancestors at my side at all Times.
•  I Stand with the Genealogy Community as a Whole. 
• I'm Coming to the Table with my Ancestors. 
•  Help Release the Names through Slavery!
•  No more Shame or Guilt

I'm giving you my Heart & Soul. 

I'm reaching my Hand out. I want you to take this Walk with Me. 
I so appreciate so many Bloggers,Family Historians, Genealogist that have came before me. 

This is where Dear Myrtle! comes in. She put her hand out and reached out to help others understand the plight of African American Research. While we are fighting and scrambling to be heard. She reaches many Voices in the Genealogy Community. 
Thanks to George Geder in getting the conversation going. My Blog Sisters Nicka Smith & for years on end, Luckie Daniels & AAGSAR African American Genealogical Slave Ancestor Research where you can see other African American Bloggers and many other's. I wish I could name them all for continuing the Conversation. Geneabloggers is another Blog Community where you will find a garden variety of information on topics in Genealogy from other Bloggers all over the World.  
We have agreed to keep pushing forward and have all Voices heard.

International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024

This is a quote from

 Legacy Tree Webinars! 

2015 also begins the International Decade for People of African Descent adopted by the United Nations. Here at FamilyTreeWebinars, we recognize and support this resolution, and reach out to ALL regardless of race, color, creed or national origin with support for researching family and documenting cultural inheritance. We will continue to strive to bring the finest genealogical education to you. They also have a NEW Freedom Webinar Series, taught by pre- and post-Emancipation era research experts, will both entertain, educate, and instruct about the history and the wealth of records that were created as a result of this great transition. Please go their SITE and REGISTER for these Exclusive Webinars! 

I need to come out strong with how I feel and let you know the Essence and the Foundation that My True Roots is built on. What I Stand for.

So there is no Doubt on what I care for. What needs to be done.

I don't want to fiddle faddle around with what My True Roots is about? 
Over the years I come to learn and realize what my Convictions, Integrity and Morals are when writing about my Ancestors and what this Journey has meant to me!

 How Honored I am being the Vessel for my Ancestors. I don't take this Family Historian title as Humbled as I am, that my family has bestowed upon me lightly.

Someone is gonna come after me to pick up where I left off. I had to lay the Purple Print blueprint on how they must go accordingly into the future on what was started for our Ancestors. 

They must always:

•   Place the Ancestors first
•   Do No Harm to the Living

This is a Blog Piece I contributed for  Worldwide Genealogy ~ A Genealogical Collaboration. 

TrueKeeper!  



Of which My True Roots!, is a Author among about 30 others for 2 years. It's Wonderful to be among US and Continental Writers under one roof.

TrueKeeper "Speaks" to some of  "My True Roots"  Essence. 

I'm delighted it's "Black History Month". I look forward to you all coming back and reading new Blog Pieces about my Family. 

Best Regards
See ya Soon in a few days. 

You can find me at Black Pro Gen LIVE  All Year! 

Finding Your Roots! We Come from Ivery's!

Finding Your Roots!

"We Come from People"

Season 2 Premiere September 23, 2014 8pm PBS

Episode 6

 Henry Louis Gates

The Book of Life

Angela Bassett ~ Valerie Jarrett ~ Nas 

Don't ever say; "I can't find Nobody" in your research. I can't find who I belong to? This episode tells you We Came from Somebody......Me: I Come from the Lewis ~Ivery~Miles~Daniel and Sweigard's and many More!..
We have receipts for our People like Property. 
Why did they put a price on us? What made them think they could put a Value on our Lives? This episode rang True for some many Folks and it has to touch the Heart of every American. 
If it doesn't, you have no Respect for Yourself. For mankind. Angela, Nas and Ms. Valerie's story should hold reverence for you. It's about your Story as well. That is why there will Never Ever Ever be a day I won't stop  "Speaking about my Ancestors" or write. You Family Historians know what I mean. Grandma Eddie Ivery Lewis, born 1888, her Father Ike Ivery, born 1853. His Father William Ivey born 1812. My Daddy born 1918, James E. Lewis. Those Miles, Tinnie and Queen and her Mother Lizzie, 1843. As long as I can and Lord help me! I don't want my Family to forget. I hope we find more of the ones who are LOST. So we can keep Our Circle Unbroken.  I know my Family will see to it their Lives are not in Vain.
They are in my DNA. In 1 hour you can not tell all the information they find. This is where I take NoTe's and re watch. Look for clues that will help me in research regarding a name or piece of history I heard on the show, even location research. I always have to go over the show to get some of the details lost or not followed up. I'll help tell some of their finds from Dr. Gates along with some of my family history. 

Angela Bassett
Angela grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. Daily life was a challenge. That is where she got the acting bug. She always wanted to know about her family, but like most when you first start it does seem to be a daunting challenge. Overwhelming. I still feel that at times but the Ancestors are with you always there to Lead you on. Most times you don't know where to begin? Angela is ready to know how her Ancestors survived, even trying to place herself in their shoes. Asking; I wonder if I would survive their circumstances? Her Ancestors were George and Jinny Ingram. They  got a chance to "Jump the Broom", they lived like many Slaves in cohabitation with each other, after Slavery they can get a Courthouse marriage to make their families legal. That is how they found out with Angela's family the reasoning behind the Ingram-Bassett last name. They were owned by the one and same. That is how they gained and lost those surnames between them.  My 3rd Great Grandparents are George Miles and Ginnie Hooks. So I found that interesting.

 I don't much information beyond census records mostly on them with Oral History,their Son Sam Miles, my Great Grandfather. These Parents of his were listed on his Social Security Application. That's how I found their legal names. Through out the family they are Big Pa and Grandma Sissy.

Poppa Sam Miles with his Parents: George Miles & Ginnie Hooks 

That backed up my census record in 1870. Angela's DNA revealed she was 77% SSA. 

  Valerie Garrett

Robert Robinson Taylor

1st Black Graduate of MIT, he helped developed with the architect of one of the oldest African American Black College; Tuskegee University. Were I recently took a visit 2 weeks ago. Had I known? 

Me arriving at Tuskegee University

He was also born in Cumberland County, North Carolina in 1823! Angus Taylor is his Father, he gives a glimpse into what his father looks like in a letter from Booker T. Washington stating that he was yet a Slave, but; "Given liberty to do about as he pleased" yet he was not Free. He didn't Free him. So it begs the question why didn't he free him? Was it for his protection? and the complexities that goes with that?  He wasn't just Henry's owner he was his Father as well. Eventually she would find out her 6th Great Grandparents her Grandmother Marianne had 6 children by Mr. Pierre Rochon her Slaveowner in Alabama and he freed his children March 20, 1770. That was astonishing to me 6 children were Freed in 1770. That is a long time to have Free Persons of Color (FPOC) at that time in History. This is how all her Ancestors were Free. At one point Dr. Gates noted her Great Great Grandfather Victor Rochon was the 1st Black Legislator from Louisiana in 1872 and 1888. So Valerie has this in her DNA, her Blood. She is now serving with our 1st African American President, Pres. Obama. So she was made to to do this work. I to wondered how Marianne felt a year later Pierre Rochon passes away and all those thoughts of what she might of felt at the time when he told her as his Lover and mother of his children they are FREE! They made a new life in Louisiana from Alabama. Dr. Gates points out that he "Manned up" something President Thomas Jefferson was always conflicted about doing.
 Her DNA revealed she was 51% Euro and 46%SSA. 


Nas!
I come from the Melly Mel, Sugar Hill Gang, Dougie Fresh, LL Kool J, and Queen Latifah era of Rap. Yes!,quite so.  Even my kids laugh sometimes I can "Rock the Mic" in a Ol'Skool minute. I paid attention to Nas! when he wrote: Illmatic the album. Since that time I make sure I listen out for his albums. They are a source, a citation on our History. He prolifically announces unashamedly to the World. As he should. The young man is very knowledgeable about our History. We family historians write, when he writes, he put it's into Rapping. Same work, he just projects it differently. He was quoted by Toure' of MSNBC as being articulate and having detailed lyrics. He realized this at the age of 7. That is when everything Set if Off for him. He started seeing his Life outside of the Ghetto. Imagine.....7. My eyes were opened to Genealogy at 9. Nas is a "Beast" in the Rap World.   Nas's mother born Fannie Ann Little, 1941 in North Carolina. Richmond County. 
She always taught and wanted her sons to have a deep connection to their Roots. Just like my Grandparents there were yearly trips to Alabama so I could see hear and smell my Roots they would be ingrained in me till this day. I would say the same things Nas said about going Down Home, or the South. Like it is for me Down Home in Midway, Alabama.  Being born and raised up North in Pennsylvania. Everything in life moved slow and it was the country down there.  It did feel like we were on the Plantation down there in my small naive youthful way. Even my way of speaking was foreign.

Midway . Bullock County. Alabama

 Nas's family goes back 5 generations in that county. Mine goes back to at least 1869 as far as I have traced. That is one of my oldest documents; a marriage license. 

Nas's story focus's on his 3rd Great Grandmother. Pocahontas Little, aged 15. She was worth a 830$ bought by Benjamin Franklin Little, March 27, 1859. Makes me wonder what else was going on the day of her Sale? I will have to research what the climate of that town was like and what else was going on in History? These are the little things that keep me up at night worrying about what happened, what was going on? I try to go to that place in my Heart and Spirit just to imagine? The picture of BF Little made Nas come face to face with who owned his 3rd Great Grandparents. The part that got to me was he said he had 850$ in his pocket right now. He mentioned he is considering going back there and get the Land. I hope he does! 

Richmond County, North Carolina

 I have to say there was a bit of conversation and debate going on about BF Little from one of his Descendants a lady in the comments section of the video excerpt for Nas. It was very compelling and it brought up a lot of emotions for everyone reading in. She was quite upset over the portrayal of him. She didn't think it was fair for him to be seen in that light. I'm very opinionated on this subject. It was interesting seeing her views and feelings on him being a Slave owner. She got a lot of response which I'm sure she didn't agree with. In the end it had to open her eyes this was a man that had a choice. They all did. Many were against Slavery and choose to not build their fortunes on the backs of a Slaves life. They tend to romanticize their Ancestor under the illusion my Ancestor wasn't a bad Slave owner and other guises they tend to use to defend their actions.  Those chains of pain whereas today Nas wears gold chains around his neck. He felt like we changed those chains of pain into chains of Freedom. Nas's DNA revealed he was 82% SSA. He also did a Y dna test on him to reveal his Haplogroup. He was Viking. Which is haplogroup R. that tells of his Origins and his ancient lineage where his 1st Ancestor began.
WHO DO YOU COME FROM?

 Remember. We Come From People!
We are not Property, Chattel, or Animals. 
We came here in Chains. Today we are breaking them. Hold your head high. You came from a Mighty Strong People
I could write so much more. I just wouldn't do it Justice. 
When you have the time you can go to PBS Finding Your Roots  at this link to watch the full episode online. 
 DNA behind the Scenes! shows you how to learn how they do the work behind the scenes to get the Guests DNA results.

Until Next Time.
Best Regards, True!

Nas "I Can"......

I know I CAN!

Finding Your Roots - In Search of our Fathers

Finding Your Roots

"In Search of Our Fathers"

Season 2  September 23, 2014 8pm PBS

Episode 1

Courtney B. Vance - Gloria Reuben -Stephen King

Courtney B. Vance:   Courtney's story rang True  with a lot of people. As a Retired Veteran I was so Honored to see his family member serve in United States Colored Troops. 
Now that is something in the words of Dr. Gates, only "most People of Color dream of"! 

Soldiers always had a Impact in our History. Especially for African American's. We have done this in every War, we have always proven we are battle ready.

My family is African American. 4 Generations of Firstborn Lewis's who served this Country. That is what held Meaning to me; for Courtney. 

4 Generations of Military all Firstborns 

I always wondered if I could go back, see where this strength comes from beyond myself?

 Was there something long ago that all 4 of us stepped up that we didn't know we got from our Ancestors?

Was that Ancestor a USCT Soldier?

I did wonder during the Program what Courtney's y-DNA test revealed about his Haplogroup?

 I have my Father tested through 23andMe

E1b1a7a 

We're most likely always left out of the narratives of History. Our Elders in our Community, we get most of our family lineage through Oral History. This is were we find someone has served long ago.
 My Grandfather proudly told of his World War 2 Service. Most from his generation are quiet about their life of service, he was to. It was when he got older did he begin to tell of his Life's Journey.

 That is a starting point for most African Americans, Oral History.

This is how I learned of our family's service to this Country. 
Thankfully my Grandfather left me his WW2 Army footlocker full of goodies. His Original enlistment papers, patches and pictures.
 Most of all! his Oral History of his travels and what happened. That was the beginning for my family on reconstructing our family members military service. These are items I had clues to go on to look for official records.

Collection of Daddy's Original WW2 Personal effects

My Father is a Retired CSM of the Marine Corps with 28 years of Service. I'm what they call the "Clinton Baby" I served during his time of Presidency. My Son. My 1st Born has been in the Army with 3 Tours of Duty.
Our experience being Military have allowed us to know where to look for the records on your Military Family Member. 

I try to show people where they can find records as well as put their information online so we aren't left out of History. So much sweat, tears and blood have been shed for us to have our own personal freedoms when this Country has denied us for so long for so many years in all kinds of way. This has been a history with our People in the Military to show we should be treated as equal to this Country.

My 1st stop would be NARA . National Archives Records Administration. 
US Army Heritage & Education Center in Carlisle Pa. & Fold3.

Courtney's Great Great Grandfather a Union Soldier named John Janey! who marched for President Lincoln's funeral procession! 
It allowed for everyone to know about the USCT United States Colored Troops. Records are plentiful in each State even at the local level of government, as well in Washington D.C. I've had the pleasure of going the USCT Museum to see how you can obtain records on your Ancestor. 
Most of these organizations take requests by mail, fax or email.

This part of Courtney's story about his Grandfather Union Soldier John Janey beautifully woven into telling what you can find and research on your Ancestor. It is possible. Take some time to research with patience.

I started with Oral History. Getting clues, asking direct questions. Then I went to the local level. Utilized online family history sites like Family Search and Ancestry.com. From there I collected what was needed for my Grandfather. I requested records from the following organizations. 
Now that we have my Grandfather's Military Records in order. Us next 3 Generations have ours in order to make it easier for the next generations to have all the information that is needed. 
The 1# thing you need to find is Name, Date of Birth, Enlistment date and Service Number, now a days it's the SS# and a DD214.

 Once you have those things you can start your Journey! Everyone should know and investigate their History.
 Knowing from "Whence thy Came" always makes Life a little easier.

You can Follow on Twitter!  using #FindingYourRoots

 Finding Your Roots Facebook Page

"My back is a little more Straighter" ...knowing. Words of Courtney B. Vance

In Remembrance of my Grandfather PFC James E. Lewis,Sr.

Daddy & Mom, 1944.

"HoOaH"!

We Salute You.

United States Colored Troops: 22 Regiment Colored Troop:  

John Janey!

I OFTEN WONDER

Granddaddy Ike and Me

I OFTEN WONDER.....about 1870, just 7 years after the end of Slavery. It's the 1st census most Black Folk are on to be counted as citizens. I've been researching my family, both sides of me for 16 years now. I feel like I only have a smidgen of it done. The enormous task is a Masterpiece of our lives that never is completely done. It's all done with a labor of love. I did this piece a while ago. I started it on facebook as a "NoTe To MySeLf" before I started blogging so I transferred it over here to my blog where it should be.

My Blog is my "Living Document".

As I stare at the Alabama census of 1870 Bullock County that my Grandaddy Ike first appears, he is 17 years old born on February 14th, 1853 according to his official death certificate. He is still living at home with his sisters Rosanna, Isabella and brother's along with his Parents: William and Minty.

Grandaddy Ike is on Line 24

Then I take a glance, I look at Pennsylvania's 1870 census and see my Grandmother Rosanna Harriet, same age as Granddaddy Ike of 17 and living with her Parents. She is always FREE!

Grandma Rosanna is on Line 21

They were both 17 in 1870 and Grandma Rosanna was born on April 3rd, 1853. 115 years later, her Granddaughter True would be born on that same day.
The contrast in 2 lives so far apart, yet! Oh so close through one Child.

I OFTEN WONDER..... if Grandaddy Ike and Grandma Rosanna would meet just half way somewhere? Being kind and respectful of one another and just having a talk about the days to come and the future and how their lives were just a few short years ago?  

I know he wouldn't be able to come upon a White woman and talk. He would have to bow and remove his hat and hang his head low not making eye contact without permission in reality, and there would still be a chaperon or White man accompanying her.

Just for a moment in time, away from all the ugliness, shame, a meeting of respect between two lives "Crossing Paths".

 I want to imagine what the conversation would be like? Just supposing in my mind.....Would she know all of what Grandaddy Ike had to go through being under a White man's rule and control like animal chattel just for the color of his skin? That he had a price on his life? Probably no more than 1,000 dollars? Being mistreated and to go through it all so his children's children's children's wouldn't have to go through?

It's 2014 and that Question is still trying to be Answered.

I know he would be considerate and thoughtful of her being a Woman. Having just about no rights herself, with the customs of the day of staying in her place. To be seen and not heard. Being barefoot and pregnant and the other half of her life always taking care of children. I hope to learn more if she was able to make  her Dreams and Hopes come to fruition?

Grandma Rosanna Harriet (Barrick) with Grandpa Levi Alexander Watson 

Granddaddy Ike passed away in 1937 and Grandma Rosanna died in 1927. He had 23children and she had 16.

I would descend from Grandaddy Ike's daughter Eddie Lee, and from Grandma Rosanna's daughter. Cora Agnes Rebecca.

I OFTEN WONDER..... if Grandaddy Ike and Grandma Rosanna met together this would be my "Coming To The Table" moment...just for ME! Talking about the days gone by and what is to come? Would they smile awhile and talk over some tea and sweet cakes?

That one day, one when all this hurt and shame is over and they are no longer to be here to share and talk and to think on a "True" moment that they have "Shared", that Grandbaby True?

In the End that is what they have in Common! THEIR common bond! Not so many differences at all. That the baby in 1968 would tie them all together one day, with the realization that all their hopes and dreams are on that "Shared" baby. It's not the Color of our skin, but the Blood that runs through Her veins.

Is from "Slave" to "Free White Woman".

I OFTEN WONDER.....

Published by Upfront with NGS

Published: 28 August 2013 

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