And with that introductory email began my fruitful and thoroughly enjoyable correspondence with B.H., my third cousin, twice removed. Our common ancestor was Levisa (or Eliza) Hagans Seaberry, mother of Napoleon Hagans (B.H.’s great-grandfather) and Frances Seaberry Artis (my great-great-great-grandmother). In the spring of 2010, B.H. and I entered into a mutually beneficial exchange of information about our shared family. I had little information about Napoleon beyond what I’d found in census records and deeds, I’d lost track of his sons Henry and William, and I was completely unaware of his son, the accomplished Dr. Joseph H. Ward. He cued me into William S. Hagans‘ post-migration life in Philadelphia, shared amazing photographs and documents, and lead me to “discover” Joseph Ward’s early years. In turn, I introduced B.H. to Wayne and Wilson Counties and the lives of the Haganses, Wards and Burnetts before they recreated themselves up North.
This past weekend, I traveled to Detroit for — astonishingly — the first time ever. Our primary purpose was to take in the city’s rich street art culture, but I added an item to the top of the agenda — meeting B.H. Friday night, he and his wife treated us to dinner at an old and storied restaurant near the city’s Eastern Market, and Levisa’s children came full circle.
Scuffalong: Genealogy. 
Thanks for coming to Detroit, and thanks for the nice post! I was wonderful to finally get to see you.
My father said years ago I couldn’t write! I need to slow down and proofread, as in, “It was wonderful to finally get to see you.” I’m not wonderful. You, Lisa, who have done so much for so many families, are the wonderful one. Thanks again for coming to Detroit.
Wow hello cousin! My great grandfather is Dr. Joseph Ward. The resemblance is striking Lisa!
Hey, Zella. Sadly, Bill passed away unexpectedly just a couple of months after we met up in Detroit.
The genes are kicking. You two look like peas in a pod. And that, in the words of Martha Stewart, is a very good thing.
elh
He was such a sweetheart. He died suddenly 2 months later! I’m still not quite over the shock.
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