In 1865, Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, wrote letters searching for the family he was torn from as a young, enslaved boy more than 24 years earlier. Though time and distance separated them, his childhood memories remained vivid as he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedmen's Bureau, sharing the man he had become. His heartfelt letters remained unanswered in the Bureau's files for over 155 years - until his descendant Kelley Dixon-Tealer started a family tree on Ancestry.

In this moving episode, Kelley and her mother, Alva Marie Jenkins, share how discovering Hawkins' letters transformed their understanding of faith, family, and perseverance. With AncestryDNA and family history research, Hawkins’ descendants are now connected to extraordinary discoveries about his role in the first Juneteenth celebrations and his legacy as a minister.  Walking in his footsteps through Galveston and Houston's Fourth Ward, they've found new meaning in their own journey and are ensuring Hawkins Wilson's story continues to inspire future generations.

📝For tips on how to have your own "Hawkins Wilson descendants" experience or to watch the film, visit our companion blog post at CristaCowan.com/blog.

🔗Visit Kelley's website to learn more about honoring the past, preserving the legacy and forging a brighter future:  Hawkins Wilson Legacy

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🖼️ Ready to turn your family discoveries into a beautiful conversation piece? Visit FamilyChartmasters.com to create a family tree chart that will help your family share stories for generations.

♥ Want more family history tips and inspiration? Follow me @CristaCowan on Instagram where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my own family discoveries and practical ways to uncover yours!