How Did I Get Here? My Amazing Genealogy Journey

The 3 brothers Ray, Linwood, and Frank Bryant in 1960. I didn't realize that my Grandmother had any brothers until I think was about 8 or 9 years old. All three died before I was born and I don't recall seeing any pictures of them when I was a child. According to my Mom, Frank grew up in the house next door with his Grandmother Rosa while the other children lived with their parents at 1400 Fisher St.  Frank was the oldest so perhaps when he came along with both parents  working, his grandmother stepped in to become his primary caretaker. I do know that he referred to his grandmother as "Momma".

First I'd like to say, I hope everyone out there who was in the path of Hurricane Irene is safe and sound and escaped with as little damage possible to property. Strange week, first earthquake and then hurricane, and I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things have a way of coming in threes. Anyway back to genealogy. I have been looking a bit further into my Portuguese connection. Just as a recap to those who may be new to my blog. Samuel Whitney born about 1775 and listed on the 1830 census for New Bern, I believe is my 4th great grandfather. According to family oral history, he was originally from Azores, Portugal and migrated to Bermuda first and eventually settled in America. The description I have from my Great Aunt of Samuel Whitney (b1856-d.1916), the elder Samuel Whitney's grandson, was that he was very fair skinned with light green eyes and reddish blond hair. Now this description of Samuel was a bit startling to me because I never thought fair skin, green e...

Samuel Whitney (b.1856-1916) grew up with his brothers Charles and Augustus in the town of Swan Quarter, Hyde, NC. They are all shown here on the 1870 Census. They are also shown on the 1880 Census still living in Hyde . It's funny I haven't looked at these records in awhile and I am already kicking myself now that I am looking at them again, for why I didn't see something sooner. I noticed on the 1880 census that the Whitneys were living near some Merricks. My 3rd Grandmother Margaret Whitney's maiden name according to her son's death certificate was listed as Margaret Merritt. Perhaps it was Merrick. Often one finds records that are incorrect due to relatives incorrectly listing names because they have forgotten information or perhaps the person misheard their loved one long ago when they were talking about their family line. Maybe the record taker misheard what they were being told. I'll have to get back to you on this one after I do some more dig...

"Among The Colored" By Rev C. L. Stevens New Bern Tribune Saturday August 5, 1939 Mrs Carrie Harrison, wife of Sonny Harrison, died at Good Shepherd hospital Tuesday around 4 pm.  Funeral was held from St Peters A. M. E. Z. church Friday at 2pm. Rev. E. T. Melver, officiating.  She leaves to mourn their lost her husband, 10 sons and 3 daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Well, back to the Whitney line when it was in New Bern. Specifically, when my 2nd Great Grandfather, Samuel Whitney (1856--1916) made the jump to live in New Bern versus his childhood home in Swan Quarter, Hyde, NC. Samuel purchased the land that eventually was passed down to his daughter Carrie and his eldest son Samuel back in  July of 1883.  Interesting note: Apparently he made the purchase before he married my 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah J Harris. Also, my 3rd Great Grandmother is referred to in the deed as Annie Harris. Family Oral History has been that her name is Amy Harris and that was also, evidenced on her daughter Sarah's death certificate. Still it was interesting to learn that when he purchased the property, Amy (or Annie as referred to on the deed) was granted life tenancy. My 2nd Great Grandparents were married on August 8, 1883. Samuel was 23 and Sarah 22 at the time of their marriage. Back to the deed. It reads on it that the land that Samuel p...

Thank goodness for the Internet these days. I use Ancestry.com quite a bit and have made wonderful connections with people via message boards or who have viewed information on my tree. One of these connections was from a gentleman who is descended from an Augustus Whitney (b. abt 1840--date of death-before 1910) who just so happens to be the brother of my 2nd Great Grandfather, Samuel Whitney (b. 1856--d. 1916). When I received these messages from him I was so happy to have someone finally back up family oral history regarding Portuguese lineage. Here's the conversation: jgibman Dec 6 8:26 PM I am a decendant of margaret whitney she is my great, great, great grandmother. Her daughter Lillie had 4 daughters Sarah, Ellen, Julia, and Edna in that order I believe. My great grandmother Ellen had 3 sons with the last name of Whitney-- Edward, Charles Augustus, and Alvin Henry in that order. Charles (my maternal granddad) is the only one still alive. Maybe we can tie the loo...

My Grandpa Lemuel Harrison and Unknown Family Friend. Grandpa always liked to be styling! ***Update 2015 --I believe the unknown friend in this picture is actually my grandfather's younger sister, Carrie.