After After watching the PBS Specials on African American Family History, and talking with my cousin Michael Hancock, I was intrigued by the subject. I knew my mother’s family, the Chamblees of Gainesville would probablyhave a rich history. On my father’s side, I only knew he and his mother. I did not even know his father’s name. The first night I purchased and signed on to Ancestry.com I was apprehensive. When I put my dad’s name in and found his death certificate immediately, I was hooked! I now have almost 600 people in my family tree. Iknow each line of my tree back to that dreaded wall of slavery. I have stories of those who paved the way for me and a new appreciation for them. I have come a long way in one year, and it is good.
Today, I even bridged the slavery barrier. The Chamblee family who owned my great great grandparents and their children invited me to join their research website. The family historian sent me a picture of this ex slave, Ransom Chamblee. Turns out that Chamblee, GA is likely named for him as he worked there on the railroad. The attached picture shows him at the shoe shop in Gainesville owned by his son. I got goose bumps when she sent this picture to me today.
Have any of you worked on your family histories? I have proposed having a family history event during the reunion this year. If you have any input on this subject, please share your story here. It is good to know a little bit more about your home history and family.
JohnW. Harris
Class of 1965
