My grandmother was Dorinda Georgiana Levins, born July 10, 1874 & married to William Richard Levins in Levy County Florida on April 8, 1896. They lived in Citrus County, Florida. My grandmother was very secretive about her past, some big secret she was ashamed of. We were always told that her maiden name was Coleman but I discovered on her marriage license she was listed as Miss Dorinda Georgiana Westberry. I can't find any connections for her with either name. Does anyone have any information or clues that might help unravel this family mystery?

Hi,

Was Dorinda black? This was the only Dorinda I could find for 1880 census born about 1875 which would fit. Shows them living in Levy County, in and around Bronson and Levyville. Surname was Simmons. I used Dor* for first name and no last name for search and just put in the state of Florida.

Thanks for the reply and the information. I will definitely check the 1880 Census. We were always told that she was part Seminole and Irish. She never talked about her background and her children have all passed away taking with them whatever information she was keeping secret so we really don't know a lot about her.

Hi Nan,

Wish I could help. The fact that she was listed as Black could mean just mixed, such as Seminole. Census takers were not always up on what we consider proper ethnic backgroungs, as we are today. My grandmother was listed as Mulatto on one census, though her lineage, from Ontario, Canada, was English, Scottish and German. Now, for surname, I don't know how Simmons got in there or if this is even the right lady for you but everything else fits. Wish I knew the names of her parents. That would really narrow things down for me, even if just given names and no surnames.

Sue

Hi Sue,
Thanks for your help and encouragement. As far as parent’s name, she told us her surname was Coleman but I found Westberry on her marriage license and burial information. On the burial information, the only parent name that was listed was Mary Ann mother of Dorinda Georgiana Westberry Levins. That's why it's been so hard to find anything because I never know if I have the right person. There have been too many different names floating around.

Are you still researching this line? Have you found the 1900, 1910, 1920, & 1930 census records for them? Contact me, if you're still interested, for this and other info.

Beth