Finding Grammie's Secrets - by Kathy L Marshall (Paperback)

About the Book

"Grammie Carter" was a quiet, caring woman, yet she refused to talk about her past. Was she kidnapped? Abused in unspeakable ways? Abandoned? She kept her secrets to herself.

Book Synopsis

Finding Grammie's Secrets: A Black Genealogist Discovers the Untold Story Behind a Family Legacy

Unlock a thrilling, time-sensitive journey into the cryptic life of Ella Roy "Grammie Carter." Born in 1866 after the Civil War in post-slavery Virginia, Grammie's elegant poise masked a wealth of unsolved mysteries. How did she secure a debt-free home and expensive Tiffany lamps in Ohio during the Depression? And why did her youngest child--the author's grandfather--seem to vanish after 1942?

This puzzle became an urgent mission for great-granddaughter Kathy Lynne Marshall, a Black genealogist detective who embarked on a relentless race to uncover the truth of her mixed-race ancestry. Navigating oral histories, faded portraits, DNA testing analysis, and hundreds of fact-based documents, Marshall meticulously hunted for the key to Grammie's true legacy, before the trail vanished forever. This compelling narrative proves how one woman's secrets can cast long shadows across generations.

Do you have an unsolved puzzle waiting in your family tree? The 19 tips in this book will inspire you to write the history that only you can tell.

Bio: Kathy Lynne Marshall isn't just a genealogist, she's a historical detective, giving voice to forgotten ancestors. Through meticulous research and analysis, along with a touch of creative empathy, she unearths the stories of women, African Americans, and other unsung heroes who also shaped America.

Review Quotes

"Your books are always refreshing, and the tone of voice brings your characters to life. I especially value the research tips throughout the book, as well as the Guide to Research Your Ancestry Appendix. You encourage me to leave a written legacy too." Betsy S.