Cousins Are Stunned To Learn Their Ancestors Owned Land Pre-Emancipation | Ancestry®

From the NBC series "Roots Less Traveled", the Truitt family learns the inspiring story behind their ancestors’ journey to land ownership, and how a family of Quakers served as crucial allies before The Emancipation Proclamation. Stop wondering, start searching now on Ancestry® today: www.ancestry.com/s120423/t4517...
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[@AncestryUS]

Have you uncovered something in your family history that surprised you? We want to hear about it! Share your journey with us HERE: ancestrysubmissions.com/stories

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

Thanks to your program, I have connected with these cousins! I was shock to hear the name of Abner Truitt , Major Truitt as they are my maternal ancestors as well and on my tree in Ancestry! I have spoken with Patty and will be hopefully meeting Damon in person very soon! Loved this and I heard that Ancestry has gone back even a 100 more years since the information in the video was filmed!

[@daniellemosten5262]

I would love to find out about my family history

[@AncestryUS]

@@johnsonzz-jw3oz Wow, thank you so much for sharing! We are elated to know this episode helped connect you with Patty and Damon! It's incredible what reveals itself when looking through your family history.

[@AncestryUS]

@@daniellemosten5262 We'd love to help you get started on your journey to understanding your DNA and family! The AncestryDNA® kit may be a great guide to begin with: www.ancestry.com/s114216/t45957/rd.ashx

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

@@AncestryUS Thank you for finding my Truitt family worthy to be shown on your national show! My maternal grandmother who told us about her Truitt family since I was a child, would have been so proud to see her family story being told on national TV. Thanks once again!

[@zimnizzle]

When they said she was an Evans, my eyes filled with tears. These stories are so interesting just on their own, but when you get a real connection through real people, it is undeniably moving.

[@AncestryUS]

The opportunity to connect with family is huge! We're honored to have experienced this moment with the Truitt family!

[@vw1649]

I could not stop the water flow of my tears. What a touching and beautiful story.

[@rosahacketts1668]

Very touching and powerful and it is good to learn that the Quakers in the US were the first Christian group that opposed slavery.

[@neilfranklin5644]

Yes if you are Christian then the scripture states all peoples came from Adam and Eve, and you should believe , we are only one race. The human race.

[@safffff1000]

It was the white race that was 1st to enact laws against slavery

[@paulacopeland8360]

Quaker's also owned slaved.

[@mangersavoir4213]

Of course they did. They wouldn't be quakers otherwise.

[@rosahacketts1668]

@@paulacopeland8360 What makes you say that?

[@mygenealogyroots]

I should have known better than to watch this at work. Tears flowing...what a great story!

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you've enjoyed it, Michelle! Have a lovely day!

[@Trisha_B_done]

Ditto.

[@soulfireonfire6423]

Started crying also! Not only about the union at the end . But I think its such a violation of the government, states, county, and cities that regarding documentation of land deeds. They need to claim that land and before they-do, they need to research the laws put in to place around that time and the laws now. Most laws have hidden legalized wording that could possibly keep them from claiming what’s rightfully theirs. What’s atrocious is its anything but legal. They need to inspect the original deed and see how their relatives name is on the deed. If its all caps they need to research “ all caps on deeds and contracts and dig deep into the city and county property records, which can be done on line for starters. This should be-done to make sure that there hasn’t been any other documents filed. Filed by big conglomerate banks and so called mortgage companies that have somehow through “ illegal legalize wording” have claimed an unwarranted interest, trust, or claim to it. When they claim it they need to have the trust put in their name. Whether it be a family trust, or individual, or individuals with name or signatures not in all caps. They need to research!

[@lavenuecc2114]

This is one of the best episodes I've seen. The cousins have such sweet souls. Glad to see them reconnect.

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

Yes, I discovered that they both are my cousins as well from my maternal side! This was so surprising to see the same ancestors they had (Abner Truitt) being mentioned on TV!

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for watching, Lavenue! We're so happy you enjoyed this episode.

[@lightyagami3492]

@@johnsonzz-jw3oz wow! That's amazing. Have you gotten into contact with them?

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

@@lightyagami3492 Yes, I have spoken to Patty and been in touch with Damon as well! We hope to meet in person sometime soon.

[@vipr1142]

They for sure hire good actors. You cant be that emotional for relatives you never knew and is so far back in history... Kinda pathetic in my opinion

[@magsdeleon6803]

I cried when they said Connie's last name is Evans. I'm like Oh my God. It's like the whole story came around full circle for this new generation of their families. What an amazing story. Love this one.

[@imaginelovepeaceandhappine3281]

WOW, It’s amazing that she knows so much about her ancestors. It’s awesome to meet a stranger and feel a connection with that stranger then to find out that you are connected. This was a good story.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so happy you enjoyed this story! Looking into your family history can bring amazing connections into your life.

[@davidbrytowski4477]

What a great story. Family is more than blood, it is love shown through actions. Those three people are Family.

[@AncestryUS]

We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed it, David! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@tknows470]

❤️

[@CoffeeCrazy]

That brought tears to my eyes. I have been working hard trying to uncover part of my fathers lineage. There is a lot of lore but no real proof so I find it fascinating to see others uncovered.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, CoffeeAndTea. Thanks for commenting. We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed this story. We hope it gives you hope of things that maybe you can find. We have an article that you may find helpful. support.ancestry.com/s/article/Overcoming-Roadblocks-in-Your-Research?language=en_US

[@wchocobunny]

I think everyone should go through this search of family history. People these days need to learn that we are all related to some degree and should be treated like family regardless of what the outward appearance looks like. Stop fighting and stop dividing...we are all stronger together.

[@jazzya7383]

Amen!

[@reginaromsey]

Fascinating! I have been attempting to trace my family’s tree for many years. I remembered the name Truitt and went to Ancestry to check. I found Guy Truitt Bogert as the brother to my aunt’s mother, a woman I remember from my childhood! We may not share DNA by this but it has possibly confirmed my main line of reasoning of where my father’s direct line great great grandfather’s line came from in Maryland’s Quaker Community! Tilghman is a not uncommon name in that family. Now to find where Guy Truitt Bogert got that middle name!

[@AncestryUS]

How so wonderful, Wonda! We are so happy to hear that you watched and enjoyed this episode. What a unique connection that you've found. We're ecstatic that you've learned about your connection to this family line and to these individuals. We hope you'll find opportunities to learn more about this part of your father's side of the family and connect with others who have shared ancestry.

[@sr2291]

Sometimes peoples middle names are the maiden name of their mother.

[@shadowkissed2370]

@@sr2291 or their grandmothers maiden name. I have found it was common for both.

[@sr2291]

@@shadowkissed2370 Thanks for that!

[@kaiaswrld]

@@shadowkissed2370 your username leads me to believe you are a Vampire Academy fan. I hope you know about the upcoming TV show.

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

I'm not proud of much about the colonial settler side of my family, but I am proud that so many of them were Quakers.

[@halimatasiu2566]

I know they’re families are so happy they found each other

[@littlezentz]

This story really helped me. I am constantly working on my family story. I highlight the people like Ms. Evans in my own story. One of my ancestors had his own ship and he worked with the underground railroad. He mentions names of the people he helped. I hope to connect with their families someday. He kept a journal of everything.

[@AncestryUS]

That's an incredible discovery! We're glad this story has helped you in your journey. Best of luck to you!

[@joeswife]

Marlton and Evesham are Burlington County NJ. I grew up just down the road in Willingboro. Cool story.

[@lillypatience]

Ugh this had me in tears! Such a heartwarming story. 👏

[@randomvintagefilm273]

What an emotional and fun journey. I created one for myself that led me to New York and my German ancestors graves from 1777. The epitaph was in German!

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for sharing, Avery! What a remarkable discovery.

[@Native-Kitty]

What a beautiful story. You guys sure know how to make people cry on this channel.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so happy you enjoyed this story! What part struck you the most?

[@Native-Kitty]

@@AncestryUS When the cousins hugged the woman at the end of the video. In that moment without saying a word, they became family for life and for generations to come.

[@AncestryUS]

@@Native-Kitty It was very powerful! To be able to witness such a connection is truly a gift. Thank you for sharing!

[@rosemarieroberts9168]

Got goosebumps watching you all meet, I am a West Indian but proud of all African descendants' achievements.

[@robynryan7473]

I just connected to a wonderful 1st half cousin after seeing our cm's were 129. Her grandmother is my first cousin and her great grandfather was my half uncle. I ens up discovering my father had two half brothers. She is wanting me to call her cousin and no halfsies. We even video chatted recently. I am so happy to know her and she is such a blessing to me cause my father died when I was 13 and abandoned by most of his family. But she is so open and supportive. It may only be a 1st half cousin 2x removed but my life has been changed forever knowing her.

[@AncestryUS]

It's always so special connecting with a family member! We're happy you were able to experience this and create such a strong connection with your cousin. Makes life that much sweeter!

[@robynryan7473]

I was just amazed and astonished that my cousin would be this open to me and be speaking to me this long. I believe its cause of our relation and also she wanted to know of her slovak roots for years and begged her grandparents for anything and they didnt have alot they knew or could share. I come along and share with her more then she ever wanted to know and she was blown away by it all. We may be talking for a little while longer. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Family like her dont come around often.

[@AncestryUS]

@@robynryan7473 Life is certainly full of surprises! What a wonderful relationship you have found with your cousin. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@julesj5853]

I am so happy for their family. It really makes a difference. I love to see the faces of African Americans when they learn their families were never enslaved, their whole demeanor and countenance changes with relief and joy!

[@Knard35]

I have cousins I didn’t even know with this same last name on AncestryDNA!

[@talk1conversation]

I dont know why I got so emotional watching this, but the connection to their family heritage was a remarkable story.

[@AncestryUS]

We are happy to hear that you enjoyed this video!

[@leestimis9264]

Wow!! I'm crying for all these souls involved taking care of each other. This truly is a story that should be told to all generations of love and exceptance no matter your race or economic statistics, we are all family. Family of humans. Good humans amongst the bad but separated from them because of love one to another.

[@charismalyn]

I love seeing these real-life stories!

[@absatwell8163]

This is awesome!! The Quakers obviously still exist, but not many stories are told. I come from a long line of them. I recall going to the Friends Meeting home in Wayne, PA with my grandparents who are now buried there. Good memories!

[@AncestryUS]

Good memories indeed, Abs!

[@powerWithinUs4055]

Ancestry should make Open Source, just 12 months if that's all. We owe the people who were enslaved everything. Give their Great Greats a chance to unearth the box that holds the chalice that holds the shards. No one else has done it. We must do it.

[@tknows470]

Beautiful story ❤️

[@1gopifatimah]

This is amazing. Tears in my eyes ❤️

[@daisyd8904]

What a beautiful heartwarming story

[@lesliebryant686]

This was beautiful!! Love the happiness they all felt to know their great grandfather was born free and they were in the home with Connie's relatives who loved the black family to help them. It was a love story!!

[@akilahrobinson9158]

Heart warming ❤

[@livdamnit6998]

This made my heart leap for joy! These are the stories we need right now.

[@anafrito7335]

This story brought tears to my eyes.

[@jimmys511]

Wow what a beautiful story

[@Kathleen5429]

Wow! What a wonderful story. I’m so happy for this family and the connection with Connie.

[@DaHoff]

This is the real American story! Wonderful.

[@danielmasters5484]

A wonderful heartwarming story!

[@cherylharewood6125]

The Family has come home and are happy to be together.

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed the video!

[@boysrus61]

I love these stories! There is just something so self confirming about finding out family history!

[@bahiras]

Awesome! Thank-you for sharing.

[@alvinuselton912]

These stories are so amazing and cool 😎; I simply love ❤️ it !!!!!

[@annenewton5403]

oh I cried with this story, thank you.

[@meh.7539]

Yes I am crying happy tears. No I am not ashamed of it. I like these stories :)

[@lorrainemarcketta489]

What a beautiful, heart-warming life story!

[@donnalynn286]

Beautiful story

[@carlajohnson36]

Beautiful!!

[@daniellemosten5262]

Beautiful life story

[@Jaznut815]

Amazing!!

[@grannydyess]

Wonderful story

[@luckyneko1]

Just lovely!

[@jazzya7383]

I love this so much! 💕

[@veganvocalist4782]

So beautiful, love how these cousins once they discovered each other , did not let go of each others hands or stop touching , then to embrace the 3rd member of their family was so very moving ;D

[@patriciamitchell9365]

The cousins already knew each other - they lived on opposite sides of the country (one in California/the other in New Jersey.)

[@oilinmylamp]

Sweet story.

[@jillm5923]

Love these shorts stories!

[@emmaphilo4049]

So touching🙏

[@sharonkaysnowton]

I loved this video of the story and history of the Truitt family.

[@AncestryUS]

We truly love the opportunity to have family meet and come together!

[@darlenefarmer5921]

This is great! Thank you for sharing!

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed it, Darlene. We hope this has encouraged you to research your family lines and add to your family tree. Good luck!

[@pjm6939]

Do not give these people your genetic information! You will regret it someday! They will use it against you!

[@sabrina9333]

This is so special 💖 🥺😢🥰

[@gaffawebber]

Beautiful.

[@puudavis2007]

So beautiful

[@corinnem.239]

This is near me. 😄 I am glad to know that building has such a nice history.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Corinne, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed this video!

[@jlpack62]

What a cool story and video. Thanks for sharing. I can only go back to 1900 in the United States in my family!

[@zxcccccc1]

Their great grandmother was beautiful.

[@phinebrowngirl5467]

Great story 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@AncestryUS]

Being able to meet a member of the Evan's family was the perfect cherry on top of such an incredible journey for the Truitt family!

[@shanecydrus6591]

amazing story

[@herojh]

I got goosebumps!

[@ramonamarie8187]

My family owed everything they had and always voted

[@fawnjenkins7266]

That is awesome!

[@NN-wu8fw]

I want this so bad for my family, being 42, all grandparents dead, never met them, now my mom is the only sibling left of 7 and I want my kids to know their family but a lot of people are dead and I'm so young 😭 I don't know anyone

[@knyan4806]

This is my family !

[@rainyh-jay2414]

Wow, I live not far from EVESHAM, Worcestershire, England. Interesting story.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Good story.

[@spookyboi8446]

Always love these videos but Dr. Gates is unmatched. New guy does a decent job but Gates is just a beast.

[@bighomieJ5X]

I would love to get this done to my family.

[@AncestryUS]

We would love to help with your journey! There is so much you can uncover along the way. The AncestryDNA® kit may be a great guide to begin with: www.ancestry.com/s114216/t45957/rd.ashx

[@pjm6939]

Do not give these people your genetic information! It isn't worth it. They will use it against you someday!

[@Nehmi]

Geezuz, that was beautiful

[@AncestryUS]

Certainly heartwarming to watch! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Myraisins1]

Wow mom looks great!

[@sallymoen7932]

This is super cool. Especially the history of free black people, with property, on the census records as such. Awesome. What a sense of pride this family must feel.

[@michellebarlondsmith6243]

Love it

[@ericmunene688]

Awesome

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Erick, thanks for watching. We are glad to see that you liked this video!

[@ram.4152]

97, I had to check back to see if I heard correctly❤️😭

[@rblair5342]

My husband did ancestry. Who didn’t he get information about his history? He only got info about what he was mixed with.

[@melanievargas2411]

What a beautiful history

[@mattsapero1896]

Tears…

[@pecanthickness8785]

I have found ancestors before 1870s but got stuck what should I do next to uncover the rest and they had land

[@myrnafernandez1835]

WoW ❤

[@khanhkhanh1060]

Why did i thinking about Lily Evans? 😅

[@justcallmeneesh1102]

My father died last year. He was 99. Irish and Native American to my understanding but he didn’t remember much. I want to get a kit and do mine

[@AncestryUS]

We're sorry for your loss, Neesh. We appreciate your interest in Ancestry and hope that you will be able to learn more about your family history through our services. We can recommend reviewing the following article for an overview of that to expect from AncestryDNA in particular: support.ancestry.com/s/article/What-to-Expect-from-AncestryDNA. Many thanks for stopping by!

[@joseyeastwood]

Amazing her mother doesn't look 97!!!!

[@apolloangel4754]

How do you apply for this ??

[@SDBOGLE]

Who told him he's of Africa decent? The Truitt family immigrated from England and they were not white.

[@Eayala17]

I'll see the resemblance of him and his ancestor? Wow

[@bieassialaw6832]

My hometown Camden NJ 😁

[@ranaebarker1443]

Any time anyone find the ancestry it beautiful, especially black families. Even with DNA we can't locate my mother's dad information. He passed when she was a child in the 60's and she long to have more information or even a picture of him.

[@ethanrobertson3008]

Hey Ranae do you know if your mom dad was actually married to your grandmother or anyone?

[@patriciawarner9680]

It might be worth the investment to hire a professional genealogist. They may know of different resources to trace your family tree.

[@norarawls2859]

I been trying to find out more about my family... but I can't seem to put it together... I did find my biological father family, but I have not met anyone, I have spoken to a niece of his, her father and my biological father was brothers.. but my mother side I didn't know was much as I thought I did... hopefully I will get more answers soon..

[@AncestryUS]

We hope so too, Nora! Have you created your family tree with Ancestry® yet?

[@cflotronsong]

i wont cry, i cry cry, i wont cry.... * evans and truit meet up* 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@catherinekersey]

I'm so happy for the people in this video. I have been a member for years. I done DNA testing for myself and my grandchildren and my brother. Your program has gotten so confusing that I can't figure out anything. I'm trying to find the parents of my great grandparents on both sides. I don't think I will recommend you to anyone else.

[@EriBarr]

I was able to find every grandparent im up to my 5 times great grandparents and they all lived in Mexico. I was able to find birth, marriage, death, and even baptism records.. Maybe it’s where you’re searching?

[@510breh]

one word: beautiful

[@somethingdiffrant]

These cousins are super touchy feely with each other lol

[@ll0lllo493]

adorbs

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed the video!