I confirmed this afternoon that my researcher {thanks Janet!:-} will head over to Southwestern University’s Special Collections department on Monday to begin identifying the M.D. CODY specific artifacts contained in the Claude Carr CODY Collection!

Even though I’ve been forewarned by those close to the collection that outside of the Stephens letters, there is little to no mention of slaves, I am still hopeful that M.D.’s meticulous record keeping practices will hold & that I’ll be able to gain insight into the emancipated CODY slaves that remained on property after the war’s end.

Fom the 1870 Warren County Census I know that MANY freed CODY & related Ancestors, including my Aly DAWSON {Catie’s believed Sister}, remained on CODY land as farmhands, living amongst M.D.’s Brother Marion M. & other relatives. 

I am so anxious to see what history has to reveal — hoping I’ll be able to sleep & concentrate on work over the next few days!

I’ve also emailed William in regards to living CODY descendants that he may be aware of because the obvious question for me — WHERE ARE THE CODY SLAVE DOCUMENTS, omitted from Claude’s Collection?

Yes, I know it’s possible that these valuable artifacts could very well have not only been excluded from the collection but disposed of altogether.

I am prepared to accept that if it is the case — I think.

Nevertheless, I’m committed to chasing the needle in the haystack, because I am convinced 100% that the Ancestors make no mistakes & that my Catie would not send me down this path if there was no purpose.

If I never find physical evidence that M.D. CODY sold and/or loaned Catie to James DICKEY in 1860 or that the Aly DAWSON living just a few dwellings away from Marion M. CODY in 1870, is Catie’s Sister, it will be alright.

In my heart, I know that this week, I can check-off the two BIGGEST family mysteries on my list & feel at peace with moving on to the next.

Bless you Catie & Allie for the relief, yes my heart is a wee bit lighter!:-)

Luckie.

[Image: Southwestern Faculty - Circa 1887-1890. Claude Carr CODY is the 2nd row; second image from the left]