Alex T. Yonetani, from Milwaukie, recently asked for assistance in outlining his family tree and looking for any historical information regarding his family.
A few of our favorite Alex Yonetani Family Tree findings:
At least fourteen generations of Alex's family have called the New World "Home". The earliest known amongst them, settling in 17th century Maryland.
Alex's heritage entails a rich tapestry of histories, cultures and traditions. From the mystique of Feudal Japan, to the British Imperial components of Canada, England, Ireland and Scotland.
One ancestor, John P. Wise (1831-1880), was both Blacksmith and Doctor, in Estill County, Kentucky.
Another, Joseph Charles Spencer (1738 - 1837), was an enlightened man of his day, and came to hold slavery as abhorrent. Document No. 1 - Deed Book 3, Page 20, Lee County: Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Spencer,being convinced that Freedom is the natural right of every human being hereby from that conviction freely voluntarily and of my own choice emancipate and forever set free a certain mulatto man slave by the name of George Freeman being about twenty-four years of age well set and about five foot ten inches high. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 26th day of July 1814.
A very exciting discovery, was that Alex's ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War,.. as both Royalists and Rebels. William Deaton was a Captain in the Loyal Militia of Randolph and Chatham counties in North Carolina. He was killed in an ambush, by General Butler's forces, at the Battle of Cane Creek (Lindley's Mill) in 1781. On the other side, Godfrey Isaacs was a Captain in the Virginia Militia.
2 comments:
Hello,
There are several sources out there that say that, while Joseph Spencer was an enlightened man, it is very likely that George Freeman was his son by one of his slaves, so the fact that he freed George was also somewhat self serving since George was his son. At least, this is information I have found from several sources online. My wife is a descendant of Joseph (although not George), so don't take this the wrong way. :) Not sure if you had found the same info or not...
Thanks for the info ! Just adds to the texture of Alex's history. -Tony
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