Mr William S Smith Sr

In Search of Rodger Mr William S Smith Sr

The "In Search of Rodger 1710-2018" book, got started in1992 after the 1991 family reunion, when I asked Aunt Nana why the family history was so short? Indiana Jones was my aunt, she asked me to help do the family history for the next family reunion. For as long as I could remember Aunt Nana, had been doing the family genealogy for the Family reunions. So, I agreed to do some research, since I was retired and had some time between my fishing trips. Little did I know at the time that it would end up being a twenty-five years journey, that is twenty-five years and counting. I started out trying to find out who my great grandfather and mother were? Were they enslaved? or were they free? The answer to these and other question has lead me on a twenty-five years genealogy journey. I have been to every Courthouse, library, and college within a six County radius, Hyde, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Also, Lenoir, Beaufort, and Carteret Counties. In Hyde County where my family was first found. I walked on the same dirt roads and fields they slaved in. I went to the slave holder's homes and checked their personal files on micro film, and the court archives. I trace them through the census, Bill of sales, Wills, Deeds and micro film, and the court archives. I trace them through the census, Bill of sales, Wills, Deeds and other court papers. I looked in every nook and cranny I could think of. Sometimes it drove me to tears, but I kept on looking, I kept on searching.