While the primary focus is the Norwood and French
lineage, information is included on related
families as well. Except for a few stories that had been passed down, there was no record
of the individuals that made up these families.  This work is the result of years of research
starting in 1998 with Thomas Jefferson Norwood.
In the beginning, the goal was to establish when the families arrived and where they came
from. These individuals that settled West Tennessee, particularly Carroll and Benton County, arrived
about the same time, but came by different routes. Their migration brought them from North Carolina,
South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. While researching the when and where, many events were discovered
that detailed their activities. These events span over 250 years and include members that fought in the
Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and the Civil War. These families also acquired land, established
settlements, started churches, and formed counties. Not everything found was positive though. There are
accounts of families suing each other, owning slaves, fathers disinheriting sons and families divided
during the Civil War. While these latter events may not show their best side, it is still part of the
history and make up of these families.
|
