My 3rd great grandfather was James Hamilton Cummons (I believe it was spelled Cummings in his early years). Records show he grew up in Guilford County, NC. In 1863 he enlisted in the 54th NC Infantry, was captured at Rappahannock Station and taken POW. At the prison camp at Point Lookout, Maryland, he pledged his allegience to the union, and became a part of the 1st US Volunteer Infantry (The Galvanized Yankees). From there he was sent to the Dakota territory (Fort Rice), and was mustered out July 19, 1865.
Somehow he ended up in Virginia, and in 1869, married Causby Jane Patterson. On his marriage records, he lists that he was born in Guilford Co. NC, and that his parents were John Cummons and Sarah Nelson.
On his 1924 death records, his father's name was not recorded, and it stated that his mother's maiden name was McDonald.
Does anyone have any possible clues to James' parents?
I DID run across an 1850 census where a Sally Cummings (Sally often being a nickname for Sarah) was the only adult listed, and along with several other children, there was a James H, age 5. I strongly suspect that this may be my James and his mother, but have no confirmation. And of course, it makes me then wonder what happened to his father, John.
Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to help!
~Angie Cummons Williams
http://angiesrootsareshowing.blogspot.com