Recently, I solved a genealogical mystery that I’d had for many, many years. The solution utilized many tools. However, black newspapers and the ease now of searching of them deserves the biggest praise for solving the puzzle.
My friend Tim Pinnick has been preaching and teaching about black newspapers for years (you can watch one of his lectures on YouTube).
He has even written a book on the topic, which I would highly recommend for your personal library.
A Puzzle
The puzzle started in the 1880 census of Hardin County, TN, where two black men named James Holt were enumerated. They were both around the same age.
One was living with his brother, while the other was newly married and living with his wife.
For years I thought these two James’ were the same man, and that the census taker had made an error. Only through deed records did I realize they were different men.
To add to the confusion—the 2nd James married the sister of the wife of the 1st James. But I digress.
About 4 years ago, I found the 1st James living in Obion County, TN in 1900. I was pretty sure it was the same man (his kids had unique names like Phlenarie, Ferdinand and Ollie). He had a new wife named Alora, and he was a minister.
That’s where my trail ran cold. I simply could never find James; I posited he was probably moving a lot with the church.
Below is the 1900 Obion County, TN entry for James & his family (though only his initials are provided):
Memorabilia Provides Clues
A descendant saved oral history, pictures & other memorabilia about this family. One photograph showed a well-dressed black couple labeled “Mr. and Mrs. George and Ollie Knucklis.”
A postcard was addressed to “Aunt Nannie” and was signed “Ollie.” Perhaps this Ollie was the daughter of James Holt listed in the 1900 census?
That hunch turned out to be right.
The photographer’s studio engraving from the picture was located in Chattanooga (you do look at those, right?).
I found the couple living there in 1930. By 1920, they were in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Another man in Indianapolis named Ferdinand Holt was a promising candidate to be her brother. Eventually I found all of her siblings living in the city.
Searching in Indiana
A search in the Indianapolis Star newspaper revealed a court case between George & Ollie Knucklis (the couple in the picture). The name “James Holt” was listed next to Ollie’s name in the newspaper entry—could that be her father?
It had not occurred to me to look for him in Indianapolis. I suppose I was focused on the children by now.
I found a James Holt, born in TN, living in Indianapolis in 1920 and 1930. However, instead of having a wife named Alora and being a minister, this man had a wife named Harriet and is a lawyer.
Well, this couldn’t be the man I was looking for, right?
Short answer is– of course it was him.
A Newspaper Article Verifies James Holt’s Identity
I searched the black newspaper The Indianapolis Freemen for both James Holt (and J.M. Holt and J.M. Holt). Numerous articles described this popular, politically active man.
James was a minister—then he attended Central Law School in Louisville and became a lawyer! A profile in the paper even turned up a picture of him:
Articles described James’ ministry in other states and I was able to eventually find his subsequent marriage and his death certificate.
The marriage record for his son Ferdinand validated this research when it noted his parents were James Holt and Mintha Barnes.
Lessons Learned
When people are moving between states, it is especially important to search in a wide selection of records. We need to prove identity and not just match names.
I also grew in my genealogical research skills over the years; I couldn’t have solved this five years ago. The investment you make in constant learning will payoff in your research.
Without the Indianapolis Freemen newspaper, I would have had a more difficult time proving this James Holt was the same James Holt from Tennessee.
If you ever get a chance to see my lecture on Proving Identity, his family is one of the case studies.
Best of Both Worlds: Finding Ancestors and Descendants
Recently I was contacted by James’ granddaughter. She found this blog post while researching her roots!
We had a tearful & joyous conversation. We shared stories about our lives and our histories. I reclaimed another family member.
It gets even better.
She shared incredible photos of James M. Holt & his family. My heart leapt as I gazed upon this ancestor of mine, the son of an enslaved woman.
The photo below shows him in his law office surrounded by legal books.
The story didn’t end there.
Unknown Man Identified
I realized that one of my unidentified photos may have been my new cousin’s father. This is mainly because of her description of him as a police officer.
Yes–it turned out to be him! She was thrilled to have a never-before-seen photograph.
Another unidentified kin–reclaimed. This experience just warmed by heart.
This is yet another example of why genealogy is so rewarding!
Son of James Holt
I am an engineer by day, but my true passion lies in genealogy. I have been a researcher, writer, lecturer and teacher for over twenty years. This blog is where I share family history methods, resources, tips and advice, with an emphasis on slave research, slavery and its aftermath. This lifelong quest has helped me to better know my family’s past. I’ve taken back– reclaimed– some of that lost memory, especially that of my enslaved ancestors. I hope you’ll sign up to receive my posts—if you do, you’ll get a free PDF with some of my favorite tips! And please do share posts that interest you.
[…] in the state where your family originated, as some have digitized collections of vital records or newspapers. If you’re lucky, your relatives may have possession of a family Bible, written diary/journal […]
when you look at the sky and watch the clouds, you’ll see a splendor of beauty as you heart grasps to catch the wonders of you SOUL.by betty holt waterford
iIF YOU LOOK AT THE SKY, AND WATCH THE STARS, YOU’LL SEE A SPLENDER OF BEAUTY, AS YOUR HEART RACES TO GRASP, THE WONDERS OF YOUR SOUL. by betty holt waterford
My loving, beautiful Grandmother…I love you and miss you so much! Such an exquisite expression…it truly embodies the feeling of one’s eyes drinking up the sweetness of our Creator’s imagery.
This article and the research undertaken by this individual means a lot to me..as a multi-racial individual, my family instilled the pride and knowledge of my heritage as a mixed Black Woman.
I’m truly grateful to have been chosen for the existence as eldest granddaughter of Betty Jean Holt Waterford and the Great-Great-Granddaughter of James M. Holt and Mintha Barnes.
Blessings to All,
Lin
im the granddaughter of james monroe holt and mintha barnes.. my father was ferdinand holt. my name is betty holt waterford
Fantastic story! Congratulations!
I would love a copy of your research approach file. Thanks
Hey, I have ancestors that also lived on Camp and I just today found an item that mentioned my great grandmother and her visit to Indianapolis to see her son and daughter in…the Indianapolis Freeman!
Great use of resources!
Amazing discovery and excellent and creative use of methodology. Congratulations!
That is a lot of detective work. I am always hoping for a idea of where to search on my own family. Perusing the newspaper is very difficult for me, and for one side I have to search the German language newspaper of Pittsburgh PA.
I like your quotes. One my dad liked was one he heard in a movie. “If you have children, a bit of you lives forever.’ Guess that is very true.