A member of my family married into the Callens family and asked that I research that branch several years ago. I have Robert Callens married Gracie Hill in Dallas County, Alabama in 1886, both African-American. Robert Callens was the son of George Choat (white). Robert and his family resided in the Woodlawn area of Dallas County. Many of the Callens in Dallas County resided near Valley Grande and Summerville. Regarding the Callen surname, beginning with the formation of Dallas County, Alabama and the land patent grants, the surname spelling has many variations and is often found incorrectly spelled in census and other records as Callins, Callens, Collier and Cowling. The spellings are not consistent. My direct family surname in Dallas County, Alabama is Collins, sometimes spelled Callins.

If you care to communicate further, you can e-mail me at grahsony@sbcglobal.net.

Sonja