Hi, Listers, meet James Eugene Carden, Jr from Alabama!
He sent a sample to FTDNA for testing, which is how I heard of him. He has
told me the following about himself, which I am passing on with his
permission:
"I have been tracking the DNA project and found it very interesting. I was
curious because I am African American and have never met another "Black"
Carden except for my immediate family until about 2 years ago when I visited
Halifax County (Scottsburg) Virginia. I think this is where my Great
Grandfather, James H. Carden was born. My Grandfather has lived in Alabama
since the 1910 census. I am not sure when he came to Alabama. I currently
live in Birmingham Alabama and have a Grandson who is James V.
I belong to the CARDEN-L mailing list and received the numerous messages. It
was one of those messages where I saw the reference to the FTDNA testing
kits.
While doing my genealogical research, I found that many ex-slaves adopted the
surname of the former slave owners. I am aware of this possibility, but in
my case, I cannot find any definitive evidence this occurred. My paternal
Great-Great Grandmother (born in slavery in 1863) was identified in the 1870
census as Black, but was identified as White in 1880 census. I guess there
is a possibility either situation could have occurred. The DNA test is my
way to start the process of elimination, to ascertain if there is (or not) a
genetic link."
Arthur Carden