My mother was tall, attractive and copper-toned. In 1730 she married my father, a native from Guinea, who was attracted to her. Since he didn't have a last name, he accepted hers. My father had been captured in Africa and was sold into slavery. He was a very unruly slave. He escaped and lived with the Indians but was recaptured. He escaped and was recaptured several times until he was eventually sold to a wealthy landowner who admired his spirit. Under this owner he fared better and he became a more willing worker. His religious nature caused him eventually to join the Church of England. After he was baptized he was given the name "Robert" along with his freedom.