I am researching my great-great grandmother Louisa/Luvice/Levisa Chavers, Shiver, etc. Family history has it she was either Jewish and disowned for marrying outside her faith or was "Black Dutch." One family member had "Portuguese" noted for her. She was born approx. 1833 in GA or AL. She has proved imposible to trace. She married David Jackson Dorris/Dorries but no record of marriage found as yet. A photo of her shows her dark and exotic looking, but not Native American or African American in appearance--more gypsy. Any clues on her surname very appreciated. We tend to think she was Melungeon--not sure of a Sephardic connection but seems possible. Thanks,
Vicky

Hi Vicky,

It's been some time since we wrote. I wanted to point out the recent post I made on "Jewes" of Barbados. From the Parish records, Hotten lists "Jewes" there. One is a De Chavis. With the numerous changes in Chavis/Chavers/Chavous names, I wonder if Barbados might hold some clues.

Donalyn