Guys, especially Denise, I have had a wonderful breakthrough regarding Rowan Revels, my great-great grandmother like the ones I have enviously read on this board. A Blackwelder researcher emailed me with info about Rowan including a transcription of the court record of my ancestor’s indenture to the Nelson Blackwelder family that I found her and her mother Clary living with in the 1850 census; at the time of the 1850 census, Rowan was 1 year old:

"Rowan, an infant free negro and child of Clara Revels was bound to Nelson Blackwelder to live as an apprentice until she arrives at the age of 18 years, the said Nelson Blackwelder covenanting to instruct her in the art and mystery of domestic affairs and to do all such other things as may be necessary in discharging of his duties towards her."

My last contact with this Blackwelder researcher was about three years ago (Hint, keep those email addresses current). Now I know how my ggrand started her life, I have yet to discover how her life ended after her marriage. I will send for a copy of the original record tomorrow. Rejoice with me?

Alice