This is my paternal great grandfather, Wayman Alexander Denson. He was born on January 21, 1896 in Alabama to John Denson and Charlotte McVay Denson. He died on July 7, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the father of Gladys Denson Mays, Wayman Denson Jr., and Brenda Denson Moore.
12 Days of My Family – Day 4
This is my dad, Wayman A. Mays (on the left) along with his sister, Ann James, and his brother Leslie Mays. I like to call them the original Mays kids. They are the children of Booker and Gladys Denson Mays.
12 Days of My Family – Day 3
My parents were blessed with all grandsons. I call them the Mays boys. Our next generation: Allen, Eric, Wesley, and Patrick.
12 Days of My Family – Day 2
These are my maternal great grandparents, Evva Hatchett and Mattie Heck Hatchett. Evva Hatchett was born March 29, 1874 in Jackson county, Arkansas to Peter Hatchett and Evaline Mudd Hatchett. He died on March 9, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. Mattie Heck Hatchett was born on February 23, 1878 in Arkansas to Louis Heck and Nancy... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family – Day 1
This is my paternal great grandmother, Carrie Goodlow Flemming. She was born in Jackson County, Arkansas on June 4, 1899 to Rufus Goodlow and Classie Moose. She died in Arkansas on November 24, 1941. She was the mother of Gladys Denson Mays, Wayman Denson Jr., Nathan Hensley, Henry Flemming, Mary Flemming Wilson, Martha Flemming Coburn,... Continue Reading →
Education and My Family….Cotton Plant Academy
I have fond memories of my maternal grandmother, Ernestine Wright Hatchett. We called her Madear. My memories of us include being in the kitchen together, of her famous caramel cake, and of her letting me eat shrimp for the first time. I remember that she worked as a cook for the local country club and... Continue Reading →
Genealogist or Family Historian…Do You Think There is a Difference???
I was asked today what is the difference between a genealogist and a family historian? Today was the first time I actually thought about it. I have always considered myself a family historian because I want to learn more than names and dates, and my goal is to learn about as many people as I... Continue Reading →
AAHGS 2018 Conference – Day 2 Recap
Last weekend (October 12 and 13) I had the honor of attending the 39th annual Afro-American Historical and Genealogical conference in King Prussia, PA just outside of Philadelphia. After a long day of going to genealogy workshops, meeting fellow genealogists, and networking on Friday, I awoke Saturday morning from a good nights rest ready for... Continue Reading →
AAHGS 2018 Conference – Day 1 Recap
Last weekend (October 12-13) I had the honor of attending the Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society 39th annual conference in King Prussia, PA just outside of Philadelphia. The conference actually started on Thursday, but I was only able to attend Friday and Saturday. Since I have only been a member of this organization since... Continue Reading →
Do You Have a FAN Club for Your Research?
The past month or so was really busy for me because of some unexpected traveling I did. These trips allowed me to see and spend time with my Chicago family for a weekend and the next weekend I was able to spend time with some of my college friends. It's always good to see family... Continue Reading →
My First Genealogy Conference of 2018…AAHGS
I'm excited to announce that I will be attending the Afro-American History and Genealogical Society 39th Annual Conference on October 11 in Philadelphia. I have been reviewing the agenda and classes that will be offered. There will be classes on DNA, research methodologies, how to research online, how to research during slavery for both the... Continue Reading →
Relative Race Season 4 Premieres Sunday, September 16
One of my favorite genealogy TV shows will be returning next week. Relative Race season 4 premiers Sunday, September 16, 2018 on BYUTV, so set your DVRs or download the app to watch it anytime. I'm so excited!!!! Relative Race is a reality show where paired up couples race across America in search for their... Continue Reading →
Journey Through the Generations 