Ancestors:

"Just Ordinary People" by Gloria Faye Hardy

I consider myself an amateur African American genealogist. I began my quest about 18 years ago after attending a family reunion in Rich Square, North Carolina. Many thanks are due family members and others who contributed to my journey and adventure of self discovery. First, thanks to Flora Walden Chase of Nansemond County, Virginia, a cousin, who gave me the notification of the family reunion. Roses to the late Launsie Walden Day, who hosted the family reunion that changed my life, and lastly, everlasting gratitude to the late Sallie Jones, of Winton, North Carolina, Hertford County who accomplished 15 years of family research and provided information to start my voyage to the past

A very special thanks to Paul Heinegg, Renowned Genealogist and author of " Free African Americans of North Carolina and Virginia", who provided Family Connections that expanded my journey to Colonial America.

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I traveled across time in census records, deeds, books, wills, tax reports and other public domain records. I did not find African Kings or Queens; No Indian Chiefs or Indian Queens; No English Royalty nor wealthy landowners or millionaires. I found "Just Ordinary People". My people who were both free and slaves; who worked as coopers, share croppers, ditchers, laborers, farmers,and carpenters; who owned land and established families; Just Ordinary people, my people, who created Accountants, Business Owners, Contractors, Corporate Members, Doctors, Dentist, Educators, Farmers, Government Employees, Health Care Professionals, Ministers and others.My people, Just Ordinary People; WALDENS, WEAVERS, JOHNSONS, TURNERS, CLAUDS, and HARDYS: MY ANCESTORS.

Many people decided to "GET INVOLVED" in preserving and sharing family history. I found useful information on each of the links listed below. SHARE AND PRESERVE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY.

Christine Charity's Genealogy Web Site: A popular place featuring African American interest and links to other useful sites.

North Carolina United States Colored Troops

Hertford County North Carolina

Northampton County North Carolina

Southampton County Virginia

Nansemond County Virginia

First Person Narratives of the American South: University of North Carolina

Last Update:3/11/2000 GFH