This book is the result of the efforts of many. I wish to thank all those who helped compile it. This history would not be here if not for the dedication of many people. Thank you all!!!
The Humphries family is not an easy one to research. There are a number of scandals surrounding the family, including the infamous "Spindletop" incident. As a result of these 'skeletons' in the closest, several records have been burned in courthouse fires or otherwise destroyed.
This is a family full of strong-willed, able-bodied, pioneer type people. Our ancestors were everything from original Colonists to Cherokee Native Americans, from civil war veterans to poker players, from outlaws to bootleggers.
We come from a feisty bunch, both the men and the women. Our ancestors helped settle America, tame the wild west and settle the state of Alabama.
In researching this family I learned a great deal about not only the people whom I descend from, but also about myself. I learned that where I come from is important. I learned that a families' history gives a person roots and it gives a person perspective. Our family history grounds us and reminds us of who we are. It reminds us that our ancestors worked very hard and, in some cases, sacrificed a great deal so that our lives are better. I hope you take the time to not only look through this book, but to also look through the eyes of people in this book. Read and wonder what it was like to be shunned as Cherokee in North Carolina and marched along the Trail of Tears. Wonder what it must have been like to have 21 children! Wonder what it was like to travel a thousand miles in a covered wagon. Try to look through the eyes of some of these folks in this book, this is where you came from.
The information contained in this book is meant to be read with the understanding that genealogy is not an exact science. Due to factors beyond our present control, numerous records are lost to us. The individuals listed in this book are documented whenever possible. When no documentation exists for a person, oral family history, census records, marriage records, military records and birth records are used as fact. An individual without documentation was only entered into this tree IF oral family history AND official records like the ones mentioned above were synchronized using dates and locations. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy. If you find a mistake in this record or would like to be included in it, please contact me at once at stang@advnet.net.
