While checking Ancestry this morning, I received a message from my Purce family connection. This connection was made in May 2013 while researching the Baylor, Hill, Ware, Purce, family lines. She wanted to give me an update on the family. Just some history on how this connection occurred.
On May 16, 2013, I introduced myself to the Purce researcher due to both of us researching the same family name, Gus Hill. She was glad that I reached out to her. Through our correspondence, it was confirmed the Gus Hill, I was inquiring about was her uncle too. Gus Hill married my grandmother's sister Murteen Baylor, February 1952.
The caveat to this connection goes deeper than just Gus and Murteen. These families are from Port Royal, and the surrounding areas of Caroline County, VA. Many members from these families were free-born blacks living in Virginia, and the surrounding areas of Caroline County, VA.
( Hill, Ware, Purce, Jackson)
There is a close connection amongst them and more. (i.e. marriage, siblings, cousins) Several of them were intermarried between families. I've said on many occasions to other family researchers, I believe the whole town was married to each other.
Although everyone is spread throughout the U.S., some of the group got together for the first time in their lives this past August. It was stated by the families,
"it's such a blessing to have our families in each other lives now."
The following quote is from a note my Purce connection sent me.
"I remember you mentioned you were searching for ancestors with the last name Sales. I recently found out that my great-great-great-great grandparents (can you believe that!!) were named John and Sarah Sales. It's my Purce-Pratt-Ferguson-Sales line.
The Sales line would be my great-great-grandmother, Martha Eliza Sale. So readers, the tree keeps growing one branch at a time.
The caveat to this connection goes deeper than just Gus and Murteen. These families are from Port Royal, and the surrounding areas of Caroline County, VA. Many members from these families were free-born blacks living in Virginia, and the surrounding areas of Caroline County, VA.
Reflecting
back over the week, Gedmatch is on the move.
After checking my Gedmatch account to see if any updates occurred, I
noticed a familiar name. A long time
genealogy researcher Vicky, of Mariah’s Zepher, was the third person listed on my One To Many report results. Welcome Cousin Vicky :)
