Mel,
I was told a similar story by the wife of one of my 2nd cousins about my greatgrandfather or his father. My greatgrandfather who carried the McKenzie surname was about 15 when slavery ended. I was told that he or his father was given to the daughter of his master for stud purposes. I, of course was wondering who he was serving. My greatgrandfather was considered mulatto.

I also read, when farmers in Virginia were not able to produce as much tobacco as they once had, that slave owners started breeding and shipping slaves south. That the slaves bred in VA were known for their excellence. Right now, I can't remember where I read this.

I am now wondering how valid the info on slave breeding is because I was told that my greatgrandfather had around 22 children. I have only found 11. Also, since I have done DNA testing all of my extended marker matches carry different surnames. I am the only McKenzie and we can't seem to find the most recent common ancestor.

Linda