Author Archives: familytreegirl

About familytreegirl

Shelley Murphy, aka “familytreegirl”, a native of Michigan residing in Central Virginia, Shelley has been an avid genealogist for over 25+ years researching the Davis, Marsh, Goens/Goins/Goings, Roper, Boyer, Worden, Cureton, and Murphy family lines. She is a Coordinator and faculty for the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), presents Genealogy 101 workshops at the local community college, state and national genealogy conferences. She holds a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership and works as an adjunct professor for Averett University. Murphy is known for her inspiring and interactive “Getting Started” Methods and Strategies for genealogy research, “Time and File management” along with interesting problem-solving methodology lectures. Shelley currently has 20+ publications with Charlottesville Genealogy Examiner and the Central Virginia Heritage, a publication of the Central Virginia Genealogical Association. She is an instructor for the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI). Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, Adjunct Professor, Professional Genealogist. Volunteers for American Red Cross as a Disaster Services Instructor, facilitates financial education workshops for the last 8 years, and former licensed Real Estate Broker

Black Family Research: Records of Post-Civil War Federal Agencies at the National Archives

Posted on September 2, 2019 by familytreegirl

Originally posted on 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry:
This 32-page guide by Reginald Washington (now retired from the National Archives) is a must. It’s free. Just click on the image and download it.

Posted in Genealogy | 4 Comments

Finding Enslaved Laborers at UVA Descendants…

Posted on July 21, 2019 by familytreegirl

Sharing information about my new job. Join me in reading the articles and feel free to share. It will take a community to build this project. The President’s Commission on Slavery at the University (University of Virginia, Charlottesville) has designed a … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 3 Comments

William C. Murphy: is it two or three wives?

Posted on June 3, 2019 by familytreegirl

I have written about my paternal grandfather a few times. But this one has my mind boggled. So let’s walk through a bit of a timeline to see what I have.  I know I have to do the SO WHAT … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 2 Comments

Saving Boyd Carter Memorial Cemetery in Kearneysville, West VA

Posted on April 27, 2019 by familytreegirl

I am so sorry to my ancestors and my heart is broken. A group of folks are trying to help save the cemetery from being disturbed. I feel we are too late, money and dirty tactics will probably win. But, … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 3 Comments

Just because you have a Black friend…

Posted on March 1, 2019 by familytreegirl

does not mean you are not a racist or have racist tendencies! This write up is a little rant, so it’s up to you if you want to read it or not. The 2019 Black History month has not been … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 6 Comments

From the Hendry’s to the Borden’s

Posted on December 17, 2018 by familytreegirl

Okay, let me back up a bit because I am on a roll. This is on my father’s side, so Murphy’s this is for you. I posted a blog on the Hendry’s. I welcomed William Hendry to the family via … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment

DNA Made Clear at the Library of Virginia

Posted on September 5, 2018 by familytreegirl

Curious about DNA and what to do with it once you have received results? Sept 9th at the Library of Virginia (in Richmond, Virginia)  is the place to be to receive some answers. Registration is still open. Click on the … Continue reading →

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African American Family History Day at Poplar Forest! 9/22

Posted on August 19, 2018 by familytreegirl

Are you familiar with Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Forest, Virginia? Visit the home page at: https://www.poplarforest.org/#section-1  Information shared from the website event’s page: Discover your African American roots. Join the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group for an interactive … Continue reading →

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Charlottesville Center for History and Culture: Home of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society Announces New Board Chair

Posted on August 19, 2018 by familytreegirl

Charlottesville, VA, August 16, 2018 – The Charlottesville Center for History and Culture: Home of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, today named Dr. Shelley Murphy as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. A native of Michigan, Dr. Murphy … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment

Welcome to the family William Hendry/Henry and family.

Posted on August 11, 2018 by familytreegirl

This will be a short one since it is a work in progress. It is great to meet you William Hendry/Henry who was born in 1760-64 in Frederick, Virginia and moved on to Greene County, Tennessee. I am thrilled to … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | 1 Comment