Mr. Heinegg,

First, I am a great admirer of your work.

Second, I'm hoping you can help me with a few questions. I descend from Nancy Hockens Bryant, b.1795 South Carolina, whose descendants were traced by Darrell Dexter (the data is on your website). Nancy's maiden name is unknown, could be Halting, Holting, Hockins, etc. It is my belief that Nancy's children were by Frederick Chavers, who is listed in 1860 Williamson Co., IL, as born about 1784, living with Hannah Bryant. I have found reference to a Chavers in the Cherokee Ration Books from the are of Walker Co., GA, where Nancy and her family were living in 1840, the year of the birth of my gg grandfather (whose Civil War pension records confirm he was b. in Walker Co., GA; in 1850 the family was in Union Co., IL, listed as mulatto.) There are several other free persons of color in 1840 Walker Co., GA, living near Nancy and family: King, Cox, Hicks, Scott.

Can you provide any insight to these families?

Do you also know anything of the Frederick Chaves references in this paper from the War Department:
Best wishes,
Dr. Doug Powers