African American Genealogy: A Case Study

CLIENT CASEWORK: Unraveling "Eve's" African American Ancestry – A DNA-Driven Journey

The thing about black history is that the truth is so much more complex than anything you could make up. ~ Henry Louis Gates

In March, "Eve" reached out to me with a problem that would become one of my most fascinating cases. For years, "Eve" had believed she had found her biological father, even moving out of state to be closer to him. However, recent DNA results delivered a profound shock: the man she knew wasn't her biological father. A different name emerged, revealing an entirely new paternal lineage. As you can imagine, this news deeply impacted the family. Despite having bonded with her believed father, "Eve" bravely set out on a mission to learn all she could about her true paternal ancestry. And so, a complex African American genealogy case began!

The Uncharted Path: Tracing "Roy CLOVES" and "George SIMMONS"

The starting point for this intricate case was "Eve's" biological father, "Roy CLOVES." Like "Eve," "Roy" had grown up without knowing his own father, having only been given a name: "George" SIMMONS, said to be from Memphis, Tennessee. "Roy" also took a DNA test seeking answers about his unknown parentage, and was equally surprised by the results.

The objective was clear: to research "Eve's" biological ancestry, specifically focusing on her paternal grandfather, "George" SIMMONS, and all other possible traceable lines.

Genealogy research can be particularly challenging when biological paternal ancestry is uncertain, and this case was a prime example. In such instances, I meticulously scour all available sources: birth, marriage, and death records; census records; directories; and other public documents for clues. DNA testing proves to be an invaluable tool, not only in providing direct information but also in connecting with other family members who hold vital knowledge. With careful research and the strategic use of these tools, I was able to successfully uncover and confirm the identity of "Eve's" ancestors, particularly her elusive paternal line.

My research plan began by leveraging "Eve's" existing starter tree on Ancestry.com, building upon it by accessing all available records and verifying information. A primary focus was to locate and learn more about her grandfather, "George" SIMMONS.

Breakthroughs: The SIMMONS Line & Unexpected Connections

I was successful in finding "George" SIMMONS and, even more excitingly, was able to make connections with others who share the same ancestry. "George" was confirmed as the son of Romay SIMMONS (also known as Rommie or Roma), who was a brother to Charles. Both Romay and Charles were sons of Benjamin (Ben) SIMMONS (1852-1937).

Through online public trees and DNA matching on Ancestry.com, I located Charles’s grandchildren. After corresponding, we confirmed that Charles’s daughter had tested her DNA, and her results (under Charles’s grandchild’s name for privacy) showed a relationship to "Eve" estimated at 2nd-3rd cousins. This vital connection helped confirm the lineage.

The SIMMONS family was meticulously traced from Shelby, Tennessee, USA, back to Pontotoc, Mississippi, USA. The most distant ancestor reached and confirmed was Benjamin SIMMONS (1852-1937). His possible father, currently unverified, was named as John SIMMONS, also of Mississippi. As I began to research John, I primarily found records of a Caucasian John who owned enslaved people in Pontotoc, Mississippi, and surrounding areas. While it's not impossible that he could be "Eve's" ancestor, further in-depth study is strongly recommended to confirm or dismiss him as a candidate, given the complexities of African American genealogy during that period.

1880 Census, Pontotoc, Mississippi: A glimpse into the Benjamin Simmons household. (ancestry.com)

The CALVIN Line & New Discoveries

The case also involved investigating the lineage of "Sallie" CALVIN, "Roy's" mother. "Roy" and his siblings were uncertain how the surname "Cloves" entered their family. Upon investigation, I learned that in "Sallie’s" earliest census records (1940 and 1950), she was already using "Cloves" and listed as married. In 1950, she was living with her father, "Zeke" CALVIN, and had given birth to her firstborn son.

After further digging, I learned the name of the mysterious Mr. "Cloves": his name was "Lamar." Interestingly, I found that he was also living on the same street as "Sallie," just a few houses down on Chelsea Ave. In his census record, "Lamar" was also listed as married, but neither he nor "Sallie" were living in the same household. His name was later confirmed by his firstborn son’s Social Security application at the time of his death in 2001.

As for "Zeke" CALVIN, "Sallie’s" father, I successfully traced him to Banola, Mississippi, USA. His parents, Roger CALVIN (1858-?) and Nancy WILLIAMS (1860-1900), are the most distant ancestors I was able to locate on this line. They were also from Mississippi. The main occupation listed for "Eve's" ancestors on this side was general farming on rented land, though further research into later records may prove property ownership.

I was also successful in finding a cousin on this side of "Eve's" family – "Matthew" H. Like Charles's daughter, his relationship range is estimated at 2nd-3rd cousins. "Matthew" also has an online public tree on Ancestry.com, and I made the connection using his and "Eve's" trees. Their common ancestors are Roger CALVIN and Nancy WILLIAMS, confirming a line that needed verification – specifically through "Laura," who had appeared in an earlier 1940 census with the CALVIN household. I did send a message to "Matthew," but no response has been received yet.

Mission Accomplished: Unlocking "Eve's" Paternal History

"Eve's" case was completed in five weeks, surpassing the estimated goal of six to eight weeks. An Ancestry Binder was prepared, collecting all the records found and lines researched. While the binder is incomplete (for the sake of time, investigation was focused on very specific family lines), there is still much more to discover and expand upon in "Eve's" rich family history.

Here are sample pages from "Eve's" Ancestry Binder:

(Image: James CALVIN Death Certificate (Left), Bennie SIMMONS Ancestry Page (Right))

Lula SIMMONS Marriage Certificate, 1901.

Bennie SIMMONS WWII Draft Records

This project beautifully illustrates the profound impact of DNA testing in uncovering biological truths, and the meticulous research required to build an accurate African American family tree from unexpected beginnings.

Are you ready to discover the true story of your family, even when the path is complex or surprising?

Budget Genealogy specializes in unraveling intricate ancestries, leveraging DNA and extensive record research to bring your unique heritage to light.

Contact Marcy today to start your Ancestry Binder Package!