Genealogy of the descendants of John Walker of Wigton, Scotland, with records of a few allied families : also war records and some fragmentary notes pertaining to the history of Virginia, 1600-1902
In March 1635, George Allen and his family sailed from England to New England with Rev. Joseph Hull, settling initially in Weymouth before moving to Sandwich, Massachusetts. As a yeoman farmer, he became involved in local governance, serving as constable and deputy to the General Court. George’s descendants include prominent figures in Old Dartmouth, with familial branches spreading throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The Allen family navigated challenges of religious intolerance while establishing their legacy, and their story reflects the broader historical tapestry of early New England settlements.
Alice Alexander, born in 1849 in Louisiana, reflects on her early life during slavery, recalling her family’s transition after her mother’s master died. They moved to Mississippi where they lived in a log hut and faced hardship, subsisting on corn bread and molasses. Despite limited memories of slavery, Alice shares stories of a cruel overseer and her mother’s resilience. After emancipation, her family sought prosperity in Oklahoma, although education opportunities fell short. Now at 88, Alice cherishes her home and family, having worked tirelessly throughout her life.
Boston Blackwell, a 98-year-old former slave, recounts his experiences from being born on a Georgia plantation to gaining freedom during the Civil War. He describes his escape to join Union forces and the challenges he faced afterward, including the struggle for a pension and the hardships of sharecropping. Blackwell reflects on the changes in post-war society, including the disenfranchisement of Black citizens and the oppressive actions of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the trials, he emphasizes his pride in having served his country and his resilience in adversity.