Research Blog

Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) Craftsman Database Search
Do you happen to have a carpenter in your family tree? How about a blacksmith? A bricklayer? Or any of…
West Craven Highlights now digitized and searchable online
If your family is from the Vanceboro area, you will certainly remember the paper that was produced by the Cannon…
The Poll Results Are In: Here’s what I’m going to do.
Earlier, I asked the question: Would you be willing to pay $5/year for access to East Carolina Roots content if…
Important Visitor Poll
Would you be willing to pay $5/year for access to East Carolina Roots content if all advertising and tracking codes…
An Odd Turn of Phrase
Samuel Lawson received a deed of gift from his stepfather, John James, 25 May 1770. In the deed, Mr. James…
Laughinghouse Mythology
It's time for some myth-busting. There are a couple of persistent ones that surround this family. "Thomas Laughinghouse came to…
Everton Miscellany
Here are some bits and pieces I've collected concerning the Everton surname in Craven County. I am fairly confident that…
The Great Massengill Mystery
Daniel Massengill came from Whitby, England, Yorkshire. Daniel Massengill was born 1624. Settled in Charles City County, Va., in 1653.…
The Family of Boaz Squires
Boaz Squires is a rather enigmatic figure. Appropriate, wouldn't you say, for a man legend says was a wizard? Local…
William Bright of Craven: There Were Two
There were, demonstrably, two William Brights living within, what was then, Craven County during the mid 1700s. Look at the…
Family Tree Fact Check: Miranda Ross Gaskins
While Ancestry is notorious for spreading false information, you should also be wary of Find-a-Grave (link to her page). Remember,…
The Williams/Grinder Connection
A couple of years ago, I posted this on the forum under with Williams surname: I'm not at all sure…