George Edward Freeney Jr, a direct descendant of the enslaved families owned by the Devereux families, has utilized DNA testing, AI platforms, and custom algorithms to establish connections with DNA cousins across multiple states. His enslaved ancestors settled in Texas in 1841 and were recognized by the Texas Historical Association for their contributions while enslaved in the Republic of Texas and Texas, USA.

With access to the Julien Sidney Devereux papers, archived at the Dolph Briscoe Historical Center, University of Texas, Freeney possesses valuable insights into his ancestors’ journey through slavery. These records have been instrumental in various publications that shed light on their experiences.

The Black Book: “Freeney Town” research project focuses on Charles Devereaux I, a slave owner during the 1700s, and employs advanced genetic genealogy techniques to establish genetic connections between the enslaved ancestors owned by Charles Devereaux I and their present-day African American descendants. Through a blend of photography and documentary storytelling, known as “photomentary,” the project aims to raise awareness about the impact of slavery on the descendants of the enslaved and share their narratives.

Through his genetic connections and extensive knowledge of his ancestors’ history, Freeney not only verifies his own heritage but also provides insights into the ancestral lineage of other descendants of the enslaved. Living near the locations where his ancestors lived and worked, he uses photography to capture the essence of these places and make a meaningful impact. Freeney also donates DNA test kits and shares the stories of his ancestors and their descendants, amplifying their voices and fostering reflection and reconciliation regarding their shared history of slavery.

Genetic Genealogy Research Report:

Descendant: George Edward Freeney Jr.
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Scott Devereaux
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Daniel Devereaux
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Aaron Freeney

George Freeney Jr believes that Black lives matter because Black stories matter. Four books have been written about his enslaved ancestors and their slave owners during the era of slavery. However, these books primarily focus on the journeys and glorification of the slave owners, rather than aiming to uncover and mend the severed connection between the slave families and their present-day descendants.

Black Book: “Freeney Town” seeks to bring about a shift in this narrative by sharing the stories of the enslaved individuals and their living descendants created by a living descendant. It aims to inspire change and shed light on the experiences of those who were enslaved, highlighting their resilience and contribution to history.

Freeney Town is a populated hamlet located in Rusk County, Texas. It is part of Rusk County and is located at latitude 31.952 and longitude -94.868, with an elevation of 351 feet. According to the Rusk County Appraisal District, there is a property located in Laneville, Texas that is associated with FREENEY and STURNS families, descendants of ancestors enslaved on the Monte Verdi Plantation.

Freeney Town, Texas, is part of the Texas Almanac’s Land Rush program, allowing symbolic association with a specific place in Texas. George Edward FREENEY Jr. adopted Freeney Town through this program, adding to his family’s name heritage. The town holds historical significance as it represents the cities or towns within Rusk County where George Edward FREENEY Jr.’s enslaved ancestors settled and began reconstruction after being freed from slavery on June 19, 1865.

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The question is rather what, than who Dottie AiM is. Dottie AiM (Dottie) is a chatbot that uses ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI.

Dottie was created by George Freeney Jr. in the likeness of his late mother Dorothy Ann MINER, who’s closest friend called “Dottie”.

Dottie AiM’s purpose is to serve as a Conversational Biographer and assist you in exploring the Black Book: “Freeney Town” project or Black Book: :projects. Dottie is an artificial intelligence programmed to provide accurate, relevant, and helpful information while maintaining a human-like conversation with you. Think of me as a virtual assistant designed to assist you in navigating and understanding the content and context of the Black Book :projects.

George Edward Freeney Jr, a direct descendant of the enslaved families owned by the Devereux families, has utilized DNA testing, AI platforms, and custom algorithms to establish connections with DNA cousins across multiple states. His enslaved ancestors settled in Texas in 1841 and were recognized by the Texas Historical Association for their contributions while enslaved in the Republic of Texas and Texas, USA.

With access to the Julien Sidney Devereux papers, archived at the Dolph Briscoe Historical Center, University of Texas, Freeney possesses valuable insights into his ancestors’ journey through slavery. These records have been instrumental in various publications that shed light on their experiences.

The Black Book: “Freeney Town” research project focuses on Charles Devereaux I, a slave owner during the 1700s, and employs advanced genetic genealogy techniques to establish genetic connections between the enslaved ancestors owned by Charles Devereaux I and their present-day African American descendants. Through a blend of photography and documentary storytelling, known as “photomentary,” the project aims to raise awareness about the impact of slavery on the descendants of the enslaved and share their narratives.

Through his genetic connections and extensive knowledge of his ancestors’ history, Freeney not only verifies his own heritage but also provides insights into the ancestral lineage of other descendants of the enslaved. Living near the locations where his ancestors lived and worked, he uses photography to capture the essence of these places and make a meaningful impact. Freeney also donates DNA test kits and shares the stories of his ancestors and their descendants, amplifying their voices and fostering reflection and reconciliation regarding their shared history of slavery.

Genetic Genealogy Research Report:

Descendant: George Edward Freeney Jr.
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Scott Devereaux
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Daniel Devereaux
Genetic Enslaved Ancestor: Aaron Freeney

Genetic testing has revolutionized the study of genealogy, allowing individuals to delve into their ancestral roots and establish connections with long-lost relatives. When it comes to determining genetic relations to enslaved individuals, 23andMe DNA testing serves as a valuable starting point. This article explores the benefits of 23andMe tests in this specific context.

Ancestry Composition and Geographic Origins:

A key feature of 23andMe DNA testing is the analysis of Ancestry Composition. Leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms, this feature examines an individual’s DNA and provides estimates of their ancestral origins based on 45 reference populations worldwide. By utilizing this tool, individuals gain insights into their geographic heritage and potential migrations of their ancestors over extended periods of time. Such information becomes invaluable in tracing connections to enslaved individuals, considering the historical movements of populations across various regions.

DNA Relatives and Genealogical Relationships:

Another significant aspect of 23andMe is the DNA Relatives feature, facilitating the discovery and connection with genetic relatives through comparison of autosomal DNA. This feature estimates genealogical relationships and offers insights into the percentage of shared DNA among relatives. Opting into this feature allows individuals to unravel familial connections and potentially identify relatives who share a common enslaved ancestor. Consequently, it opens new avenues for research and establishes personal connections in the pursuit of understanding one’s genetic relations to enslaved individuals.

Health Screening and Comprehensive Reports:

While primarily focused on ancestry analysis, 23andMe offers health screening services that have received FDA approval for reporting on specific health conditions linked to genetic variants. This additional dimension distinguishes 23andMe from other DNA testing services, such as AncestryDNA, which lack health screening capabilities. Although health screening does not directly contribute to determining genetic relations to enslaved individuals, it provides a broader understanding of an individual’s genetic profile and offers valuable insights into inherited health risks.

Moreover, 23andMe provides more comprehensive reports compared to other DNA testing services. These reports cover various topics in detail, including maternal and paternal haplogroups that trace back lineages, as well as physical traits influenced by an individual’s DNA. Such additional information enriches the exploration of genetic connections to enslaved individuals, providing a deeper understanding of one’s heritage and potential familial ties.

Conclusion:

With its health screening services, comprehensive reports, and extensive genetic database, 23andMe stands as a solid choice for individuals interested in researching their genetic relations to enslaved individuals. The Ancestry Composition and DNA Relatives features, coupled with the wealth of information provided by 23andMe, establish a robust foundation for uncovering genetic heritage and connecting with relatives who may share ties to the history of slavery. It is important to note, however, that genetic testing alone may not provide definitive proof of enslaved ancestry. Supplementary research, such as delving into historical records and conducting genealogical investigations, should complement DNA testing to obtain a comprehensive understanding of one’s heritage.

In recent years, Ancestry.com has become a popular platform for individuals seeking to explore their genetic ancestry and discover living relatives through DNA testing. While Ancestry.com’s autosomal DNA test can provide intriguing insights into one’s ethnicity and potential relations, it is important to recognize the limitations of relying solely on these test results for determining relationships without the support of additional DNA testing methods. This article aims to shed light on the reasons why Ancestry.com DNA test results should be approached with caution when it comes to determining relations.

Lack of Chromosome Information

Ancestry.com’s DNA test primarily focuses on autosomal DNA, which offers a general overview of an individual’s genetic ancestry and identifies potential living relatives. However, this test fails to provide specific chromosome information that is crucial for conducting in-depth genetic research. The absence of chromosome data hinders the ability to identify precise genetic variants and their locations on the genome. Consequently, without this detailed information, the reliability of Ancestry.com DNA test results for accurately determining relationships is compromised.

Limited Coverage and Incomplete Information

One of the inherent limitations of Ancestry.com DNA tests lies in their coverage and the information they provide. These tests exclusively analyze autosomal DNA, which constitutes only a small portion of an individual’s overall genetic makeup. Furthermore, Ancestry.com’s tests do not provide comprehensive chromosome information, further limiting their ability to identify specific genetic markers and variants.

Additionally, Ancestry.com’s DNA tests may not be able to identify all the groups or locations worldwide where a test-taker’s relatives are found. This limitation can result in false negatives or false positives, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions about genetic relationships.

Accuracy and Applicability to Medical Decision-Making

It is important to recognize that Ancestry.com DNA test results primarily focus on ethnicity estimation and identifying living relatives, rather than providing comprehensive disease risk assessment. The accuracy of these results and their applicability to medical decision-making is limited by the statistical methods employed. Accurate assessment of disease risk depends on broader ancestry information, as well as various other factors that Ancestry.com’s DNA tests may not consider. Therefore, relying solely on Ancestry.com DNA test results may not provide an accurate assessment of an individual’s disease risk.

False Leads and SNP Testing

Ancestry.com DNA tests employ SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) testing to identify genetic variations. However, this approach can sometimes lead to false leads. Gene variants influenced by natural selection may be found among several populations around the world, potentially leading to misinterpretation of ancestry and relationship information. Therefore, to validate and confirm relationships, additional DNA testing methods are necessary alongside Ancestry.com DNA test results.

Limited Availability of Genomewide Panels

Another constraint of Ancestry.com DNA tests is the limited availability of genomewide panels of markers. These panels provide comprehensive coverage of an individual’s genetic information, allowing for more accurate determination of relationships. Unfortunately, Ancestry.com’s autosomal DNA tests do not currently offer this level of coverage, compromising their reliability for determining relationships.

While Ancestry.com DNA test results can offer fascinating insights into one’s ethnicity and potential living relatives, they possess notable limitations when it comes to determining relationships. The absence of chromosome information, limited coverage, incomplete information, restricted accuracy, false leads, and the lack of available genomewide panels are critical factors to consider. To ensure reliable and accurate determination of relationships, it is crucial to supplement Ancestry.com DNA test results with additional DNA testing methods that provide more detailed chromosome information. Seeking guidance from genetic professionals and considering supplementary tests can enhance the accuracy and reliability of relationship determination, allowing individuals to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of their genetic background.

Tracing African American genealogy presents unique challenges due to historical records and the legacy of slavery. However, advancements in DNA testing have opened up new possibilities for exploring family histories. In this article, we will delve into several popular DNA test kits, including Ancestry.com, 23andMe, MyHeritage, FTDNA, GEDMatch, and openSNPs, and discuss their advantages for African American genealogy research.

Ancestry.com: Ancestry.com is a widely used DNA test kit that offers a range of genealogy tools. The focus of their DNA test is on autosomal DNA, which provides information inherited from both parents. Here are the advantages of Ancestry.com for African American genealogy research. First, Ancestry.com allows users to build and expand their family trees using DNA matches and traditional genealogical records. This integration facilitates the identification of shared ancestors, enabling a deeper understanding of family connections. Second, Ancestry.com provides detailed ethnicity estimates, revealing the geographic regions and ethnic groups contributing to an individual’s genetic makeup. This information can be especially valuable for African Americans seeking to uncover ancestral roots and connections to specific African regions. Lastly, Ancestry.com boasts a vast user database, increasing the chances of finding genetic matches with shared ancestry. This is particularly advantageous for African Americans, as it enhances the likelihood of identifying relatives who may possess valuable information or historical records related to their genealogy.

23andMe: Initially known for its health-related genetic testing, 23andMe also offers tools for genealogy research. Here are the advantages of 23andMe for African American genealogy. First, 23andMe provides users with a downloadable data file that contains information about shared DNA segments with genetic matches. This data can be uploaded to various DNA research tools such as MyHeritage, FTDNA, GEDMatch, and openSNPs. By comparing chromosome segments, users can identify common ancestors with matched individuals, aiding in the exploration of their African American genealogy. Second, 23andMe’s Genetic Communities feature groups individuals based on shared genetic ancestry. This can be particularly valuable for African Americans seeking connections with others who share specific regional or ethnic ancestry. Collaborating with individuals from similar genetic communities can yield valuable insights and potentially uncover previously unknown family connections.

MyHeritage: MyHeritage is another popular DNA test kit offering genealogy research tools. Its advantages for African American genealogy research include a substantial international user base, increasing the chances of finding genetic matches with diverse ancestral backgrounds. This allows African Americans to potentially connect with individuals from various regions who may possess valuable genealogical information. Additionally, MyHeritage employs record matching algorithms to identify historical records relevant to an individual’s genealogy. This can assist African Americans in accessing previously elusive records that may shed light on their family history.

FTDNA (Family Tree DNA): FTDNA offers comprehensive DNA test kits with a focus on genealogy research. Its advantages for African American genealogy include Y-DNA and mtDNA testing, which explore direct paternal and maternal lines, respectively. These tests can offer insights into African American lineages, providing information that may not be readily available through traditional records. Furthermore, FTDNA hosts surname projects, allowing individuals with the same surname to collaborate and trace their ancestral connections. African Americans can benefit from participating in surname projects, potentially discovering shared ancestors and expanding their understanding of their genealogy.

GEDMatch: GEDMatch is a powerful DNA analysis tool that accepts data from various test kits, including Ancestry.com and 23andMe. Its advantages for African American genealogy research include expanded possibilities of finding genetic matches by accepting data from multiple DNA test providers. This can be especially helpful for African Americans seeking to connect with individuals who have tested with different companies.