In a message dated 12/13/2001 7:11:32 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I was wondering if anyone has been successful at approaching descendants
> of their ancestor's "last slave owner" for additional (non-public)
> information.  If so, what is the best way to approach them?  What are
> the no-no's, etc?  I'm also curious how people who descend from
> someone's hypothesized "last slave owner" have responded in the past.
>
>

       I cannot speak for every descendant of slave owners; but for myself I
would be elated to meet any descendants of people who had that connection
with one of my ancestors.

       I understand that some of Thomas Jefferson's white descendants are
less than pleased to meet with descendants of him who are of mixed race.
That is their problem and they should really be ashamed of themselfs.  These
people are their relatives, like it or not; but what is there not to like?

       My Grandfather fought for the Confederacy in the 44th Georgia Infantry
and was wounded at Sharpsburg.  His father, my great grandfather, was elected
sheriff of Greene County Georgia in 1868, at a time when the southern whites
had no political power.  He was elected by newly freed slaves and
"carpetbaggers'" and "scalawags".  He was evidently a pragmatist.  He knew
what the situation was and did what he had to do to stay afloat.

       I, in your place, would contact these people you are asking about.
All they can do is repel you.  That won't physically hurt, and you really
shouldn't feel any anger if they do.  That is their problem.  They have not
learned to live in the present if they repel you.

Gordon Hale
Grand Prairie, Texas

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