Dera,

It seems that you have the research aspect of your quest under control.
I certainly have no additional advice to offer.

Your post, on the other hand, strongly suggests the consideration of 'Storytelling' as a significant branch of Genealogy.

I believe that there's always a kernel of truth in those stories passed down from generation to generation.
Besides, they are fascinating in and of themselves.

Case in point:

My Uncle George (Hancock) remembers, as a boy, seeing his Uncle Jim (Hancock) on the cooling board with blood still oozing out of his wounds. One story goes that he was killed as the result a bad gambling episode. Another says it was in retaliation of his killing of another man. The stories conflict whether he killed a black or white man. They again conflict whether he was killed by black or a white man. All the stories claim that he was placed on the railroad tracks in a cover up attempt.

The two documents that I have to work with are the 1920 federal census which says he was 45 years old, and the South Carolina Death Index that says he died in 1922.

Would such an event have been reported in the newspaper? I don't know.
I'd probably have to read a years worth of the local rag to find out. LOL

I will probably fashion a story around these sketches and facts.
Lalita Tademy's book, 'Red River' is in my reading que and hopefully will serve as a reference for my writing.
Now, I must ask forgiveness for my rambling! LOL

Peace,
"Guided by the Ancestors"
http://geder.wordpress.com