since daryl and i share a common ancestor at least 500 years ago (dna testing) i would suggest that the dennings create a family tree starting with the current generation and working back.

the united states national archives has branches throughout the country and there is a lot of good information available thru them.

the us census also took into account slaves and free folk of color the census started in 1790. then there are records from before when the us was a colony.

with a family tree you can find distant realitives then it becomes a domino effect where you can reach out to others for family information.