I’m not sure how I missed this death certificate for Tabitha Hagans, another child of Aaron Seaberry! More soon as I explore this new clue.

I have so much incredible new information about my Holmes family, both in Charlotte and Charles City Counties, but haven’t had (or maybe taken) the time to sort out my notes. For now, this place marker, the earliest evidence of Jasper Holmes in Charles City County:

Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Va.), 12 October 1869.

Echoing cousin Margaret Holt Brown (may she rest in peace!) and wishing you a Merry Christmas!

My thanks to the worshippers of Village Church.

“This morning, at Village Church in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, we observed All Saints’ Eve by remembering and paying tribute to those who have gone before us, who helped shape our faith journeys, and whose walks on this earth offer illustrations of the life of Christ. A candle was lit in honor of Joseph R. Holmes, and his name was spoken aloud.” — Jim Watkins

I have not had great luck finding descendants of my great-grandfather John C. Allen‘s half-siblings, but today I found a promising clue for further searches for Major Alexander Allen, who was about ten years John’s junior. Major A. Allen registered for the World War I draft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, having joined the Great Migration north — and his registration card indicates that he had a child!

Irving Houser Jr. (1920-2001) was the youngest son of Irving and Emma McNeely Houser. Born and reared in Bayonne, New Jersey, Cousin Irving served in the United States Navy during and after World War II.

Special thanks to Todd D. Le Bon, Cousin Irving’s grandson, for sharing this photo.

So grateful for the opportunity to speak about free people of color in Goldsboro, North Carolina, last night. Wayne County, you really showed up, and I appreciate that. I am descended from several free families from the Eureka and Dudley areas, and they led me both to my interests in genealogy and local history.