Lineage Societies I am Eligible for

Genealogy as a hobby and passion has come a long way from its early roots, first as a passion of the aristocracy to document their blue blood, and then as a snobbish hobby in old America, where some would use it to show their superiority: that they had not come from immigrants, but from the earliest settlers. Through intermarriage, our genealogies have become so mixed that vast numbers of us can claim descent from both groups. For example, I descend from some of the earliest settlers of the Old South and of New England (the "city upon the hill" of Governor Winthrop), but I also descend from a clutch of more recent Dutch immigrants to West Michigan and Chicago in the 1800s. 

However, modern-day Genealogists of course have many motives for their research. Originally mine was to establish my European roots when I was obsessed with the continent, but a multitude of others, have a goal of proving their descent from some august figure, so they can join a lineage society. Many such groups exist, requiring the applicant to prove descent from a specific ancestor, or an ancestor involved in a specific historical event, in order to join. While reading over a list of lineage societies, I have discovered that I am eligible to join a great number of them, proving the vast amount of intermarriage through the centuries. This of course does not count groups I want to join, but haven't able to prove my eligibility for yet. This is of course a reference to my long running dream of finding a Mayflower or Huguenot ancestor, or one of the early Dutch settlers of New York, one of the New Swedes, or maybe even a specific person, such as Governor Thomas Dudley or Governor John Winthrop. In the interest of demonstrating the many different things I have found in my heritage, I have drawn up a list of some of the many lineage societies I am eligible to join. 

One note before I begin: some of these societies, while I do have the heritage necessary to join, are limited in membership, or are by invitation only. So I am technically not eligible to join some of these societies. There are also a great number of seemingly duplicate societies, with the same membership requirements as another. In those cases I will only be including one or two specific examples of that type of society. 

Enjoy!

• American Descendants of the House of Burgesses 1619-1699: Possibly eligible through the Reverend Robert Bracewell, who was briefly a member of the House of Burgesses before being asked to leave due to the separation of powers, since he was a Cleric. 
• Baronial Order of Magna Charta: Through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt of Jamestown, Virginia, I am eligible to join- Wyatt had documented descents from multiple Sureties of the Magna Carta. 
• Chicago Genealogical Society: Eligible for Ancestor Certificates as a descendant of early residents of Chicago, in two categories: Pioneer, through Hendrik Otte, who settled in Chicago in 1856, and Rebuilder, through Jan Peter Huyser, who settled in Chicago in the late 1880s. 
• Colonial Order of the Acorn: One of the more restrictive lineage societies, which requires a person to have a patrilineal descent from a resident of one of the thirteen original Colonies of the United States before 1776. My patrilineal immigrant ancestor, Michael Sadler of Germany, immigrated in 1751 to the Colony of Pennsylvania, and resided there, making him an eligible ancestor. 
• Descendants of Fossors: Possibly eligible through Clifton Bowen Jr. and Sr., who both served on the Coroners Inquest to the death of John Register in 1763 in Duplin County, North Carolina. 
• Descendants of Founders of New Jersey: Possibly eligible through Samuel Bowen, who between February 12, 1701 and December 30, 1703, came from Swansea, Massachusetts with his family to New Jersey to join the Baptist Meeting of Reverend Timothy Brooks. Supposedly, the family came to New Jersey prior to February 24, 1702, which would make him a qualifying ancestor for admission, however, more research is needed. 
• Descendants of Sheriffs and Constables of Colonial and Antebellum America: Eligible through Colonel Thomas Avent, a 1700s Colonial English immigrant who served as Sheriff of Sussex County, Virginia. He was holding this position at least by 1728, when Governor William Gooch called him in to investigate some troubles involving local Indian Tribes. 
• Descendants of the Illegitimate Sons & Daughters of the Kings of Britain: My gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, has several descents from illegitimate children of British Kings. These include Robert de Caen, 1st Earl of Gloucester (illegitimate son of King Henry I of England); Matilda FitzRoy, Duchess of Brittany (illegitimate daughter of King Henry I of England); William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (illegitimate son of King Henry II of England); Richard FitzRoy (illegitimate son of King John of England); Joan, Lady of Wales (illegitimate daughter of King John of England), and Isabella Mac William (illegitimate daughter of William the Lion, King of Scots), among others. 
• Edmund Rice (1638) Association: Eligible as a descendant of Deacon Edmund Rice. 
• First Families of Georgia 1733-1797: Eligible through Joshua Stafford, a Revolutionary War Veteran from North Carolina who settled in Georgia before his death. Proof of his residence in Georgia before 1797 comes from his 1794 marriage in Screven County, as well as the land surveyed in that county for him, also in 1794. 
• First Families of Pennsylvania: Eligible for all three categories: Colony and Commonwealth (through Johan Michael Grauel, Hans Michael Krieger, and Michael Sadler Sr.), Keystone and Cornerstone (Catherine Wise), and Pennsylvania Proud (Abraham Wise). 
• First Families of Wythe County: Eligible through Michael Creger of Elk Pond, who seemingly settled in Wythe County before 1799, when he appears on the county land tax records. 
• Flagon and Trencher: Eligible through Marshal Jonathan Gilbert of Hartford, Connecticut; who kept an inn at Hartford until his death. His widow, Mary, and his son, Samuel succeeded him as innkeepers there, and are thus also eligible ancestors of mine for admission. 
• General Society of Colonial Wars: Eligible through Thomas Stanton and James Rogers, who both fought in the Pequot War, and possibly through Ensign John Divoll, who was killed defending a garrison house in an Indian attack during King Philip's War. 
• General Society of the War of 1812: Eligible through Marmaduke Hart, who served six weeks as a draftee in the South Carolina Militia during the war. 
• Hereditary Order of the First Families of Massachusetts: Eligible through multiple ancestors, but one specific ancestor is Deacon Edmund Rice, who settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638.
• Hereditary Society of Teachers: Eligible through my mother, who was educated as a substitute teacher. She would be categorized as an ancestor who taught in the 20th century, and thus represented by an open book. 
• Jamestowne Society: Eligible through several ancestors, including the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who was a Minister of Jamestowne, the Reverend Robert Braswell, Alexander Mountney, and Hannah Boyle (Mountney's wife).
• Military Order of Agincourt: Eligible through at least six ancestors: Sir John Tyrrell, later Speaker of the House of Commons; Hamon Belknap; Sir Thomas Hoo; William Gulby; Sir Richard Waller, who supposedly captured the Duke of Orleans at the battle; and John Pympe. 
• Military Order of the Crusades: Eligible through a great many ancestors, a few of note include the French Crusader King Saint Louis IX, Count Stephen of Blois, and Count Hugh of Vermandois. 
• Military Order of the Purple Heart: Eligible as a hereditary member through my great-grandfather, John Washington Winn Jr., who was awarded the Purple Heart during World War II. 
• Military Order of the World Wars: Eligible as a hereditary member through my paternal grandfather, Luther Allen Saddler Jr., and my great-grandfather, John Washington Winn Jr., who both served in World War II. 
• National Guild of Saint Margaret of Scotland: Eligible as a descendant of Saint Margaret through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt. 
• National Society Descendants of American Farmers: The vast majority of my ancestors between 1776 and 1914 lived on farms, so I am eligible for membership in this society many times over. 
• National Society of Saints and Sinners: Eligible through several ancestors, a few specific ones are Bishop Arnulf of Metz, King David I of Scotland, King Fernando III of Castile and Leon, Duchess Ludmila of Bohemia, King Olaf II of Norway, and Grand Prince Vladimir I of Kiev.
• National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution: Eligible through my many Patriot ancestors, a few specific ones are Elijah Bowen, James Bullard, Michael Sadler Sr., and Jasper Saxton. 
• National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims: Eligible through many ancestors, a few of note are Deacon Edmund Rice, Thomas Gilbert, and Deacon Samuel Wright. 
• National Society Sons of Colonial New England: Eligible through many ancestors, as my 3rd great grandmother, born in 1853, was entirely of Colonial New England descent.
• Order of Alba: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who had a descent from the Scottish royal house. 
• Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters: Eligible through Alexander Mountney, an Ancient Planter. 
• Order of Descendants of the Justiciars: Eligible through many different Justiciars, including Richard "Strongbow" de Clare, Earl Richard "Copped Hat" Fitz Alan of Arundel, and Earl Saer de Quincy of Winchester.
• Order of First Families of Connecticut: Eligible through several ancestors, including Jonathan Gilbert, James Rogers, Thomas Stanton, and Andrew Warner. 
• Order of First Families of North Carolina: Eligible through John Browne, an Indian trader who died before April 7, 1713 in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina. 
• Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America: Eligible as a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt. 
• Order of the First Families of Maryland: Eligible through William Crump, who was living in Talbot County, Maryland in 1671 and appears to have remained there until his death around 1695.
• Order of the Founders of North America 1492-1692: Eligible through my mother's many 1630s Puritan immigrant ancestors to New England. 
• Order of the House of Wessex: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who was descended from the House of Wessex through Saint Margaret of Scotland (earlier mentioned).
• Order of the Kings and Queens in the Holy Lands: Eligible through several ancestors, including King John of Jerusalem (John of Brienne) and Prince Raynald of Antioch (Raynald of Châtillon).
• Order of the Monarchs of Rheims: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who descended from the House of Capet, of which many Monarchs were crowned at Rheims. 
• Order of the Norman Conquest: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who descended from William the Conqueror as well as several of his companions at the Battle of Hastings. 
• Order of Three Crusades 1096-1192: Eligible through several ancestors, including Count Stephen of Blois (First Crusade), King Louis VII of France (Second Crusade), and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa (Third Crusade).
• Plymouth Hereditary Society: Eligible through Richard Bowen, who settled in Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony. 
• Presidential Families of America: Eligible through many different connections, but one in particular is Deacon Edmund Rice, who is a common ancestor of me and President Calvin Coolidge. 
• Society of Descendants of Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter: Eligible through many ancestors, including Earl William de Bohun of Northampton and Sir Richard Guildford.
• Society of Descendants of Ireland: Eligible as a Royal Life Member through descent from High King Brian Boru, King Diarmait Mac Murchada of Leinster, and several other Irish Kings. 
• Society of Descendants of Lady Godiva: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who was a descendant of Lady Godiva. 
• Society of Descendants of Scotland: Eligible through my gateway ancestor, the Reverend Hawte Wyatt, who descended from several Scottish Kings, including Kenneth MacAlpin and King Saint David I. 
• Society of Descendants of the Conquest: Eligible as a descendant of the Conqueror and of multiple companions. 
• Society of Descendants of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem: Eligible through John of Brienne, King of Jerusalem. 
• Society of the Descendants of the Colonial Clergy: Eligible through the Reverend Robert Braswell and the Reverend Hawte Wyatt. 
• Society of the Descendants of the Founders of Hartford: Eligible through three Hartford founders: Thomas Lord, Thomas Stanton, and Andrew Warner. 
• Society of the Order of the Southern Cross: Eligible through a few ancestors, including James F. Benton, Noah Gideon Pittman, and Joseph Franklin Winn Sr. 
• Sons and Daughters of the Colonial and Antebellum Bench and Bar 1565-1861: Eligible through Ezekiel Stafford, who served as a Justice of the Peace in Montgomery County, Georgia 1799-1801 and Tattnall County, Georgia 1823-1827. 
• Sons and Daughters of Virginia Founding Fathers: Eligible through the Reverend Robert Braswell, Alexander Mountney, and others. 
• Sons of Confederate Veterans: Eligible through several ancestors, including Bartholomew K. Bragg and William J. Humphreys. 
• Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War: Eligible through my three Union ancestors: Jan François Joseph Frederik Goossen, Roelof Strick, and John Harter Wise. 
• Thomas Stanton Society: Eligible as a descendant of Thomas Stanton. 
• United States Cavalry Association: Eligible as a Heritage Trooper through Roelof Strick, who served in the 9th Michigan Cavalry Regiment during the American Civil War. 

Research Leads: The Wise Homestead in Leesport, Pennsylvania

Last night, I was looking over a packet of photos that I've seen before, from the Wise and Harkema families of my great-grandmother, Gertrude Alyce Wise. While I was most interested in the photos of Gertrude's father Fred Edwin Wise Sr., who was electrocuted in 1927, two photos in particular stood out to me. 

One was captioned "Reading, PA., July 1927. Erma Sterner, Edna Wise, sisters. Cousin Kate Sell in the chair." I do not know currently who any of these people are, but they're definitely relatives and could be research leads. Regardless, it shows some of my relatives were still living in Pennsylvania as late as the 1920s. It reminds me of the vibrancy of the Pennsylvania Dutch people, and the continued existence of our people in eastern Pennsylvania.

The most interesting one was captioned "Wise Homestead, Leesport, PA." It's a small, seemingly two part building surrounded by a big tree and looks like some crops. When looked at closely, it looks like there's a porch on the side of the home. I wonder if this is where Gertrude's paternal grandfather, John Harter Wise Sr., a Civil War Veteran, grew up. While he was born in Reading, the county seat of Berks County, in 1846, in the 1850 Census the Wise family is listed as living in Alsace, Berks County. In 1860, they're in Ontelaunee, Berks County. John's father, Abraham Wise, is recorded as living in Ontelaunee in 1870 and 1880 as well. His probate file also lists him as residing in Ontelaunee. However, he died in Leesport in 1896, and was buried there, at Saint John's Gernants. His obituary states he was "residing near Gernant's church", and worked for many years for the Leesport Iron Company as a Blacksmith. In 1884 a newspaper article notes that thieves broke open Abraham's corn crib and stole corn, and that he was "near Leesport". Google Maps shows that it takes around 8 minutes to drive from Ontelaunee to Leesport, although it'd definitely take more time to walk. So my theory is that the Wise Homestead pictured may have been purchased by Abraham between 1850 and 1860, and may be the location of the Wise family in the 1860-1880 Censuses. Of course, this is all speculative for now. More research is needed. 

The Wise family has always been one of my favorite families to research, and one of the most frustrating as well. John Harter Wise Sr. is one of my personal heroes, because of how much he endured in the Civil War, when he was only around 18-19 years old. Younger then I am now, and I'd never be able to do the same thing. The Pennsylvania Dutch people are fascinating to me, and it is a great source of pride for me that my true surname, Saddler, comes from this community. Pennsylvania is a Rust Belt state just like my home state of Michigan, and imagining Abraham Wise the Blacksmith is a great source of interest as well. Someday, I'd like to visit Berks County, and walk where my ancestors once walked. To see the Keystone State in all her glory. 

Photo Perspectives: Elizabeth Maddox (c. 1814- c. 1860)

One of my most frustrating brick walls is the Freels and Maddox family of Hardeman County, Tennessee. All I know is that my 4th great grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Freels, was born on Christmas 1846 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Maddox) Freels, who appear on the 1850 and 1860 Censuses as illiterate farmers in Hardeman County, western Tennessee. This county borders Hardin County, Tennessee, where they seem to show up in the 1840 Census, as well as Tippah County, Mississippi, where their son moved to in 1870, before returning to Tennessee. One of my most valuable finds in my genealogical research, is a photo of Elizabeth, the mother of Thomas J. Freels: 

I have a lot to say about this photo of my 5th great grandmother. First of all, it is definitely very old. She probably died between 1860 and 1870, and I would assume this photo was taken around then, due to her apparent advanced age in this photo. Honestly, this photo is kind of creepy. It looks like it was taken on the porch, and she appears to be sitting in an old rocking chair. The building is probably their farmhouse, and it looks like it's a very old wood house, possibly a log house. There are a few trees in the background which add to the creepy, haunted area feel of the photo in my opinion. She's wearing a very big, thick jacket with a hood, which makes me think this photo was taken in winter, because there's no way she would be wearing something like that in the dead of summer, down in Tennessee. Her facial expression seems very serious and kind of angry- she strikes me as one of those strict, authoritative Southern mothers. I don't think I would want to disobey her. Also, I wonder what that is on her lap? Maybe she was sewing or knitting something? Obviously on the farm she would have had a role in the domestic aspects of the Freels household, so maybe she was making clothing. 

Here, for interest's sake, is a colorized version of the photo from MyHeritage: 

My Ancestors in the 1850 and 1860 Slave Schedules

In the 1850 and 1860 United States Federal Censuses, for the first time, households in Slave-owning States reported on how many Slaves they owned. Because my Southern ancestry is drenched in Slavery, I have found several ancestors who showed up in the Slave Schedules. This is important both for African American Genealogists seeking to discover the possible identity of the owner of their ancestor, as well as for white descendants of Slave owners (like me) seeking to document their brutal legacy. The following ancestors of mine are included in the Slave Schedules: 

1850: 

• Aaron B. Strickland of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 8 Slaves. These were a 45 year old black female, 42 year old black female, 38 year old black female, 25 year old black male, 13 year old black male, 6 year old black female, 21 year old black female, and a 15 year old black male. 
• Ezekiel Stafford of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 21 Slaves. These were a 60 year old black female, 40 year old black male, 38 year old black female, 36 year old black female, 34 year old black female, 25 year old black male, 22 year old black female, 19 year old black male, 16 year old black male, 15 year old black male, 12 year old black male, 11 year old black male, 9 year old black male, 5 year old black male, another 5 year old black male, 2 year old black male, 8 year old black female, 6 year old black male, 3 year old black female, 1 year old black male, and a 14 year old mulatto male. 
• John Pittman of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 1 Slave, a 15 year old black male. 
• Marmaduke Hart of Twiggs County, Georgia: Owned 2 Slaves. These were a 22 year old black female and a 19 year old black male. 
• Michael McKenzie Eason of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 8 Slaves. These were a 44 year old black female, 25 year old black male, 17 year old mulatto female, 13 year old black male, 11 year old black male, 9 year old mulatto female, 9 year old black female, and a 6 year old mulatto female. The 11 year old black male was reported as being deaf or blind. 
• William Fuller Sr. of Laurens County, South Carolina: Owned 18 Slaves. These were a 41 year old black male, 42 year old black male, 37 year old black male, 30 year old black male, 28 year old black male, 10 year old black male, 8 year old black male, 8 year old mulatto male, 6 year old black male, 7 year old black male, 32 year old black female, 28 year old black female, 14 year old black female, 12 year old black female, 7 year old black female, 4 year old black female, 2 year old black female, and a 75 year old black female.

The total number of human beings enslaved by my family in 1850 was 58. Fifty-eight human beings held in bondage to my family, to my ancestors 

1860: 

• Aaron B. Strickland of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 19 Slaves. These were a 32 year old black male, 25 year old black male, 22 year old black male, 16 year old black male, 6 year old black male, another 6 year old black male, 4 year old black male, 3 year old black male, 1 year old black male, 47 year old black female, 35 year old black male, 28 year old black female, 25 year old mulatto female, 22 year old black female, 18 year old black female, 7 year old black female, 2 year old black female, another 2 year old black female, and yet another 2 year old black female. Unfortunately, the amount of slave houses was not recorded. 
• George Washington Winn of Laurens County, South Carolina: Owned 3 Slaves. These were a 30 year old black female, 3 year old black male, and a 2 year old black female. There was one slave house. 
• James F. Benton of Colleton County, South Carolina: Owned 5 Slaves. These were a 25 year old black male, 12 year old black female, 18 year old mulatto male, 17 year old mulatto female, and a 2 year old mulatto male. There were 2 slave houses. 
• John James of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 5 Slaves. These were a 25 year old black male, 16 year old black female, 12 year old mulatto male, 5 year old black female, and an 8 month old black male (listed as 8/12). There was one slave house. 
• John Pittman of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 1 Slave, a 20 year old black female. 
• Michael McKenzie Eason of Tattnall County, Georgia: Owned 10 Slaves. These were a 37 year old black male, 29 year old mulatto female, 18 year old black female, another 18 year old black female, 16 year old mulatto female, 5 year old mulatto male, 3 year old black female, 2 year old black female, 1 year old mulatto male, and another 1 year old mulatto male. There were three slave houses. 
• Mourning Collum of Twiggs County, Georgia: Owned 2 Slaves. These were a 31 year old black female and a 2 year old black female. 

The total number of human beings enslaved by my family in 1860 was 45. Forty-five human beings held in bondage to my family, to my ancestors 

So much is unknown about the lives of these individuals, whose stories are lost to history. These were human beings with desires, interests, romances, stories, and memories, all regarded as property by the individuals I descend from. So many questions exist: how were conditions under my ancestors? Were there overseers? What happened to them after Emancipation? So many questions, and so few answers. 

We can only truly build the future by remembering the past 

Darker History: Reckoning with the past in my Grandmother's DNA results

Evil

That is the one word that I most associate with the history of my paternal grandmother's family, going back into the Antebellum days. The evil, atrocious legacy of Slavery soaks our family tree. And today, with the arrival of my paternal grandmother's DNA results, I have a better understanding and acceptance of the true horrors that live on in my ancestry. Her results were:

98.8% British and Irish

0.2% French and German

0.3% Broadly Northwestern European

0.3% Nigerian

0.2% Angolan and Congolese

0.1% Iranian, Caucasian, and Mesopotamian

0.1% Unassigned

Are her results surprising or shocking to me? Well, no. She is a tried and true Southerner of White Southern descent, and since the British were the major colonizers of the Old South, it is not surprising at all that she is of mostly British descent. I can trace different lines of her family back to Kent and Norfolk, for example, and it is through her that I can trace my descent from Medieval Royalty and Nobility. But the African ancestry is also not a surprise either, mostly because my own DNA came back 0.2% Angolan and Congolese. Under the ludicrous "one drop rule", if taken to its logical extreme, we are both black. But there are other conclusions that I can draw based on my own research. 

1. It is very likely that both of my Southern grandparents descend from African Slaves 

My paternal grandfather, Luther Allen Saddler Jr., has a possible descent from John Punch, an African indentured servant who attempted to escape to Maryland and was sentenced in 1640 to serve as a Slave for the rest of his life, unlike his White counterparts- the "first legal sanctioning of lifelong slavery in the Chesapeake." And because John Punch was probably from Angola, it was possible that my initial DNA result included DNA from him. Punch's descendants intermarried with white women, and eventually became white men with distant African ancestry. BUT- the discovery that my grandmother has partial African ancestry shatters this notion, and shows that I could have African blood through both of my dad's parents- Luther, through John Punch, and (LIVING) through the unnamed Slaves. 

2. My ancestry traces back to both sides of the Atlantic Slave Trade- the Master and the Slave

Through my paternal grandmother, I can trace descent from multiple Slave owners. In 1860, on the eve of the Civil War, at least four of my ancestors owned Slaves: Aaron B. Strickland (19 Slaves), Mourning Collum (2 Slaves), George Washington Winn (3 Slaves), and James F. Benton (5 Slaves). Before 1860, many other Slave owners darken my tree: Michael McKenzie Mattox. William Fuller Sr. Michael Creger. Ezekiel Stafford. Simon Smith. The Reverend William Eason. Robert Deshazo. And so on. These men made their fortunes off of the cruel, inhumane exploitation of other humans, viewed as their property, merely because of their origin. But the flip side is also true in my DNA- I descend from Slaves as well, the victims of these cruel men. And probably from multiple Slaves, from multiple owners. This contradictory nature of history is a cruel fact. 

3. I definitely have Sub-Saharan African ancestors who lived post-1500

There is no denying that I am of partial African descent, no matter how distant it is. Not only do I have a possible descent from a specific African individual on my paternal grandfather's side, but my paternal grandmother's DNA results show that 0.5% of her DNA is of Sub-Saharan African origin. There is no possible way to deny the facts of my heritage. I have African ancestry, regardless of what anybody claims. And this African ancestry probably includes more then one African ethnic group, too. 

NOW, why do I associate the word "Evil" with this reality of African heritage? 

Because it is a fact, that the history of the United States of America, as well as of many other Western nations, is built on the oppression and subjugation of African people. My family history is no different. My ancestors profited off of human suffering and torture. I have African American cousins on my DNA results, as well as African Slave ancestry, so I can also say very clearly: At least a few of my Slave owning ancestors were rapists. The sexual torture and violation of African people was commonplace on Slave plantations in the Old South, and my family is apparently not exempt from this. Not only were my African Slave ancestors sexually violated and assaulted, but this likely happened at the hands of other ancestors of mine. There are also probably many, many Slaves who were assaulted, raped, whipped, beaten, and tortured by my ancestors, who I do not descend from. The White South of Antebellum days was a kingdom of evil. Because of this, I do not think it is far fetched to say that my very existence is a moral abomination. I exist because of rape and torture. My existence comes from acts of human oppression, white supremacy, and racial terrorism. And my ancestors defended this institution, both by propagating the institution by distributing their Slaves to their descendants in their wills, as well as by taking up arms for the South and for Slavery in the American Civil War. 

I appreciate my African ancestors, whose names remain unknown, and probably forever will be, and I am fond of studying the possible regions of Africa I have some roots in- Nigeria and Angola. But I am definitely not fond of how it happened. Even more sickening is how the brutally barbaric institution of Slavery was defended by many in the Antebellum South! 

John C. Calhoun, 7th Vice President of the United States, the "Cast Iron man": "Never before has the black race of Central Africa, from the dawn of history to the present day, attained a condition so civilized and so improved, not only physically, but morally and intellectually… It came to us in a low, degraded, and savage condition, and in the course of a few generations it has grown up under the fostering care of our institutions."

James Henry Hammond, Governor and US Senator for South Carolina: "I firmly believe that American slavery is not only not a sin, but especially commanded by God through Moses, and approved by Christ through his apostles."

Men like John C. Calhoun and James Henry Hammond (who was also a pedophile who raped 4 of his nieces) defended Slavery, the vile institution that ensnared my ancestors in immorality, as a positive good. What is the positive good of Slavery? The institution of rape, forced labor, torture, beatings, whippings, and the separation of families? My heart breaks merely thinking of the unspeakable torments that my ancestors sickeningly gave to their so-called "property", human beings kidnapped and held in bondage by my forefathers and bloodline. I share the DNA of evil, brutal men who are irredeemable. Slavery is America's original sin, and it is a sin America can never truly atone for. Millions upon millions of lives were ruined and lost to this horrifically awful institution, and even today the African American community suffers generational trauma and discrimination because of the long lasting effects of Slavery and Jim Crow. The black-white wealth gap is atrocious. Black farmers face systemic discrimination. Black neighborhoods are often poor and dangerous. Credit discrimination is rampant, and overt racism is still rampant in this country. Police violence continues to snatch African Americans from the world and from their families- lives ruined because of hatred. Until America truly atones for her crimes through paying Reparations to the descendants of Slavery, America should be known as an evil land with no conscience and no soul, for her awful and wicked human rights violations and crimes. 

To acknowledge my family's role in the systemic oppression and near-genocidal war on African people, I am going to make donations to five organizations focusing on the African American community: Black Lives Matter, the NAACP, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Sentencing Project, and 100 Black Men of America. I encourage all descendants of Slave owners to do their part in advocating for racial justice, as well as national Reparations, criminal justice reform, and an end to police violence. 

Support African people and the African diaspora, victims of the torment and torture of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Rest in peace, to all who were enslaved, and especially to the Slaves in my own ancestry. You will never be forgotten, even if we do not know your names or ethnic origins. Your struggles can never be forgotten. 

Will Wednesday: Ezekiel Stafford (1773-1853) of Tattnall County, Georgia

Ezekiel Stafford, my 6th great-grandfather on my father's side, is one of my more prominent Southern ancestors. In 1773 he was born in South Carolina as the son of Joshua Stafford, who served in the Militia in the American Revolutionary War. He was a 3rd great-grandson of the Reverend Hawte Wyatt of Jamestown, Virginia and Boxley, Kent, England; a documented Gateway ancestor to Medieval Royalty. Stafford was among the early settlers of the young Tattnall County, and became a prominent citizen there. He was County Surveyor, Captain of the Militia, and Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a trustee for one of Tattnall's first Methodist Churches. He was also a Freemason, as a member of Rising Sun Lodge. He made his will on July 5, 1853, and died later that year on August 17. 

WILL 

State of Georgia

Tattnall County

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Ezekiel Stafford of said County and State aforesaid, being of advanced age and knowing that I must shortly depart this life, deem it right and proper both as respects myself and family that I should make a disposition of the property with which a kind providence has blessed me with. I hereby make the following disposition. Blessed be the name of God.

Item 1. I desire that me old servant Ben and his wife Ann shall not become slaves to any person after my demise, and should Ben and Ann see proper to remove from place to place I wish and desire that there should be no constraint but to be allowed to go and make a subsistence for themselves.

Item 2. I give and bequeath to me two beloved sons, Joshua Stafford, and Nathaniel B. Stafford, their heirs and assigns, the following property, viz: Driss and her seven children, viz: Frank, Peter, Elias, Lucy Ann, Leonard, Ishmel, Wyatt. I also give to my son N. B. Stafford, my man Titus as a remuneration for his goodness to me in affliction.

Item 3. I give and bequeath and devise unto my daughter Martha Knight my negro woman Maria and her three youngest children, viz: Ben, Silvey, and Nancy, to be and belong to her as the property of the said Martha Knight, her heirs and assigns forever; not subject to any other person’s contracts.

Item 4. I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet Reddish, wife of Isham Reddish, I give and bequeath to her and the heirs of her body my negro man Daniel in fee simple.

Item 5. Give and bequeath to me son Elijah E. Stafford in his heirs the following property, viz: I give and bequeath to him my negro boy Simon and my man Owen.

Item 6. I give and bequeath and devise unto my grand children Julius Pittman, Noah Pittman, and Ezekiel S. Pittman, the following property, to-wit: my boy Aaron, my girl Peggy.

Item 7. I give devise and bequeath unto my son William Stafford a full portion of my property both real and personal with the other heirs heretofore mentioned to be made up of the estate not herein given of devised.

Item 8. I give and bequeath to my daughter Dorinda Townsend the sum of Five dollars to be pait by my Executors out of my estate after my decease.

Item 9. I furthermore give, bequeath and devise unto my beloved son Elijah E. Stafford two certain tracts of land lying and being in Tattnall County containing eight hundred and five acres more or less. Provided he, the said E. E. Stafford, shall see cause proper to take said lots of land at its appraised value, said lands lying near said E. E. Stafford.

Item 10. I furthermore will and devise that all my lands, tenements, stock, either hogs, cattle and property of any description be sold by my executors and the proceeds equally divided so as to comply with the foregoing will.

Item 11. I hereby constitute and appoint Isham Reddish of the County of Appling in said State; Elijah E. Stafford, Tattnall County & Nathaniel B. Stafford of the same place Executors of this my last will and testament.

In presence of said testament at his special request & of each other this 5th day of July 1853.

Witnesses:

R. C. Surrency

Jacob Howard

R. H. Peacock          E. Stafford (L. S.)

Ezekiel's first bequest stands out- that his old servants Ben and Ann shall not become Slaves to any person after his death, and basically frees them. He must have had an affection for the two to make this bequest, especially as the first one he makes in his will. He then goes on in his will to name 18 Slaves, who he distributes to his children and grandchildren. In the 1850 Slave Schedules he owned 21 Slaves, which goes well with the 20 named in his will. He later mentions hogs and cattle as well, meaning that the Stafford lands had livestock on them. He must have owned a fair bit of land, because he leaves a tract of land that's around 805 acres large to his son Elijah. 

His probate must have gone on for a while, as there are extant estate vouchers dating to 1856 for his property, three years after his death, including for sale of timber and "division of the negroes". 

Overall, the will of Ezekiel Stafford gives an important insight into the life of this early Tattnall settler and citizen, one of my most recent Slave owning ancestors. In his will he leaves Slaves to my 4th great grandfather, Noah G. Pittman, who was still a young boy at the time, along with his siblings. If it wasn't for the Civil War, where Noah fought as a Confederate soldier for around three years, the institution of Slavery may have endured in the South until even more recently in my family tree. That would be a true horror. May the Slaves of Ezekiel Stafford rest in peace and happy memory. 

Tombstone Tuesday: Hannah White (1646-1709) of Ipswich, Massachusetts

Hannah White, my 9th great-grandmother on my mother's side, was born circa 1646 as the youngest daughter of John White and Joane West, Puritan immigrants from South Petherton, Somerset, England. Her parents and siblings had come to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638 during the Great Migration, and settled in Wenham, near Salem, before removing to Lancaster. Hannah was likely born in Wenham, although her birth isn't recorded. Her father John later described her as "nurse to him in his old age". In 1663, at Lancaster, she married the Ensign John Divoll. Tragedy struck the family on February 10, 1676, when Wampanoag Indian warriors attacked Lancaster and destroyed the town. Her husband John was killed in defense of the garrison house, along with two of her children. Meanwhile Hannah as well as her other two children were taken captive by the Indians. She was later ransomed along with her son William and apparently her daughter, also named Hannah, my 8th great-grandmother. Around 1678 she remarried to Samuel Lummus of Ipswich, and had a son named Samuel. Hannah died on December 22, 1709 at Ipswich, having led a fascinating life, the daughter of Puritan immigrants who saw her husband and two children killed by Indians, was taken captive by Indians and later ransomed, and to live out her life in the growing Colony. She was buried at Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton, Massachusetts. 

The grave of Hannah White is a beautiful one, and is very old and damaged. You can make out some Puritan symbolism on the grave, with a visible death head and wings at the top of the grave. Puritan graves are always such beautiful finds. 

Inscription on the Grave: 

HERE LYES THE BODY OF

MRS. HANNAH LUMMUS

WIFE TO MR. SAMUEL LUMMUS

AGED 65 YEARS

DIED DEC. 22ND, 1709