Over the years I have met a lot of people searching their family history and many of them think that once they take an Ancestry DNA test that it’s the end of their search. To learn which continents your ancestral ties originate from is fine, however, this should not end your search. DNA can tell you where your ancestors were thousands of years ago but it does not gives you vital details of your ancestors. Things such as what they looked like or what they done during their lives. In order for you to know more about your ancestors you have to visit the places where your ancestors lived and research the libraries, courthouses, and churches to find more details.
In this land sale dated 21 Oct. 1871, my ancestor Edmond NORMAND, a free man of color, purchased 30 arpents more or less for the sum of $750 with Edmond putting up $350 in cash from Marie Fanelie LASTRAPES, wife of Michael HALPHEN. Fanelie is the daughter of Jacques LASTRAPES and Felonise POIRET, Edmond’s former slave owners. Edmond’s father, Charles NORMAND, purchased him when he was a year old to be given his freedom. This record shows how established Edmond Normand became once he received his liberty.
Marie Fanelie LASTRAPES to Edmond NORMAND
15 Feb 1872
According documentation obtained from the courthouse, Edmond had more land transactions than any other NORMAND in the Parish, making him the largest property holders in his family. Had I not conducted searched for documentation at the courthouse then I would have never knew any details about my ancestor’s land purchases.
