Dave,

I found your migration path concept very interesting and compelling. I reached a similar conclusion in my book about Columbia County, Georgia, "The Land Lived", http://afrigeneas.com/forum-books/index.cgi?read=1950.

In my book, I traced the migration of a Virginia slave owner, Joseph Allen, to Columbia County, Georgia, and tried to explain the reasons for their migration, their treatment of slaves, and the belief they would have had that would have influenced their treatment of slaves.

I discussed Georgia Land Grants, and how Columbia County slave owners receive western Georgia land and how slaved acquired most of their land after the Civil War. I tried to explain why many former slaves didn't leave the south for many years after the slaves were freed.

I was able to follow the history, with pictures and maps, of one slave family from the 1790, that lived on the Allen Plantation.

I would be glad to help in your research where possible.

Joe