HISTORY

The basic root of our family tree can be traced back to Simon and Sallie Drakeford.   Simon and Sallie were born in the American colony and were enslaved by John  Drakeford.  John Drakeford died about 1855 and the property inventory from the  probated will identified 33 enslaved belonging to the estate.  Among those listed  were Simon, Sally, and children (Elizabeth and Little Lewis), Alethia and  child (Adline), Nancy and child (Becky), Thomas, and Maria and child Seaborn.  Researching the Freeman Bank Records led me to a bank record for James Drakeford who was living in Tuskegee, Alabama.  The bank record listed the names of his parents and siblings and provided information about two more children, James, and Margaret.  James was living in Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, with his wife and two children according to the Freeman Bank Record and the 1870 Federal census for Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama.  James provided the names of his parents and siblings on the bank record.  I have been unable to determine the status of Margaret, plus her children (Powell and Emily), and her sister, Elizabeth.  Simon's taproot branches out to take in the Gaskin(s)(Nancy Drakeford) and Kirkland (Leitha (Alethia) Drakeford) families.  Along with their brothers, James, and Lewis, they make up the basic Drakeford-Gaskin-Kirkland roots of our family.  

Simon was born about 1810 in South Carolina according to the 1870 Federal Census.  He was born enslaved, and he was emancipated about April 1865 with the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, and the Union Army’s engagement in Camden.  After emancipation Simon was a farmer who owned a dog, for which he paid a tax on in 1867.  Simon died about 1872 after about 7 years of freedom.  What was it like for Simon to be his own person after being enslaved for most of his life.  The same question can be applied to each of the children as well as for his wife, Sallie.  

Researching the Drakeford family has been unique in several ways.  Chief among the reasons is the uniqueness as it applies to African Americans.  My research to date reveals that just about all African Americans with the Drakeford surname trace back to Kershaw County, South Carolina.   

BACKGROUND

Research to connect all descendants of Simon and Sallie is ongoing using a combination of traditional research (i.e., census, land, probate, vital documents, and oral history),  and DNA testing.   
This family tree would not be possible if not for the contribution of each of you, and I’m so thankful for your assistance.  It has been a wonderful journey enhanced by the opportunity to have met most of you. 

REUNION

The 2023 reunion was rescheduled for July 25-28, 2024, and will be in Baltimore, Maryland.  Further details will be provided by the Planning Committee.