* M Alter reacmng tne age oi iu, my

Alter reacmng tne age oi iu, my next test of endurance was working in the fields and orchards surrounding Wood-ville. During the summer months, my brother James and I worked for the Millers, Halls, Yanceys, O’Bannons, Clarks, Kilbys and Longs. Our elementary schooling was routinely shortened in the spring and autumn because of the manpower needs of local farmers.

After living in Ohio for more than 30 years, I do not consider myself a Buckeye — that is what Ohioans are called. I am still a Virginian at heart and my footprints are still somewhere in the soil of Woodville. The younger generations of our family often ask; now and why did any African-Americans happen to settle in a small rural village at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains? As a child I made similar queries. When I became knowledgeable of American history and particularly the history of Virginia, the answer was quite obvious. The first Negroes arrived in Jamestown in 1619. It is reported by historians that there were only 20 in the first group. At what time in history my fore parents, of whom I am a direct descendant, arrived in America is unknown. In fact it is of no interest to me and I consider it irrelevant. The fact remains that I am of African ancestry. I challenge any African-American who says that he or she can trace directly his or her roots from the coasts of Africa to America, if said ancestry dates back to the period of slavery.

What do I know about my ancestry and how did I get the surname Harrison? My

Eitemal grandfather was named Henry arrison. I have no knowledge as to where he got his surname, although I do have a genuine suspicion. He was brought to Woodville from Louisa at age 12 by the Browns. This was during the time of slavery and no other Negroes were brought along with him. Our family knows nothing about the father or