Tracing the Danzy Family heritage and genealogical roots from the birth of George Washington Danzy and Sylvia Trawick Danzy is certainly a challenge that most African American families often face. Documentation that would lead to the confirmation of generations during slavery was often lost or destroyed which prevented many descendants of slaves from tracing their roots beyond pre-slavery dates.
The history of the George and Sylvia Danzy Family is an example of how much information may be garnered by diligent researchers who realize no history is ever complete for as each day of life concludes, something anew can be recorded. It is this diligence that this writer adopted while discovering the life of George and Sylvia who were the parents of eleven (11) children and grandparents to 67 descendants. However, the history began decades ago when George was born in Hancock, Georgia on December 10, 1852 on the Thomas Prosser Sr. Plantation. His parents were probably teenagers (a female slave and allegedly Tom Prosser’s son, Thomas Jr.). It was reported that as a child, George, who was called “Dandy Fellow” was allowed to live among and received special treatment from his non-slave family. While there is limited information about his upbringing during his youth, it is apparent that George developed into a conscientious young man who was destined for success.
Sylvia Trawick was born on July 4, 1860 near the Linton Community of Hancock County five years before the Emancipation was signed by President Lincoln. Her father, Jack Trawick, was enslaved on the Trawick Plantation. Research concludes that Sylvia’s mother, Martha, was Jack’s second wife and it is highly probable that she is the mother only to Sylvia and Iverson. Since slavery had ended, Jack Trawick, like many former slaves began sharecropping. According to the U.S. 1870 Census, the Trawick family lived in the 98th General Militia District which bordered both Baldwin and Washington Counties. During this time, Jack and his family lived on land owned by Moses Trawick.
While attending the Second Beulah Baptist Church in Sparta, Georgia, it is believed that George and Sylvia met. This was common during these years as other social activities were limited. On January 13, 1877, they were joined in holy matrimony at Second Beulah. Their first home would be on the Trawick property that Sylvia’s father had purchased. He deeded a parcel of 51 acres to them and soon a home was built where the first two of the Danzy children (Samuel on November 22, 1877 and Elisha on July 6, 1879) were born.
Using the land surrounding their home, George grew food for his family as well as products to market. He had already proven to be a successful farmer and years later, he would venture into other business dealings that would lead to financial security for his expanding family. Ida, the first daughter was born on July 26, 1881 followed by three sisters, Addie in 1882; that continued to expand with the births of Ida in 1881; Addie in 1882; and Nancy Ann in 1884. In 1885, George entered into a contract with Perry and Dewton of Hancock County for a loan of $75.00 which was secured with his horse, Skipper, as collateral. He had leased land on the William Brakes’ place in Hancock County which was used to plant crops. By the mere fact that Skipper remained the property of George, his success in raising and selling his product is confirmed.
Sometime in 1891, The Danzy Clan, now with additions to the family with the births of Eula in 1886, Oscar in 1888; and Eugene in 1890, the family moved to the Vinson Place that was located on the county borders of Baldwin and Hancock counties. They continued to live there through the births of Joseph in 1893; Lee Arthur in 1896 and Eddie Lee in 1897.
In December of 1898, George, Sylvia, and ten of their children (Ida had married and remained in Hancock County) moved to Deepstep, Georgia. As the family increased with grandchildren, the monikers of each became Pa Danzy and Ma Danzy, respectively.
It was previously mentioned that George displayed an acumen for business. In addition to farming, he realized he had a talent for making real estate deals. Several transactions show where he purchased land, maintained ownership for a short period of time, dividing the property into two or three parcels before selling it to realize a sizable profit. Other parcels of land were located in downtown Sandersville on what was then known as Hines and the formerly Cornelius Square were purchased by George. Again, he would divide the land and resale it to double his profits.
The Danzy Family joined the membership of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church to further their commitment and belief in God. Several of their children served the church as clerks, trustees, and deacons. Land was also donated land for the cemetery for the church and community. Seeking to provide better opportunities for the community, the Danzy Family became involved in many civic and cultural events, including the creation of the Board of Trustees of the Second Washington Baptist Association. They were instrumental in the founding and operation of the Second Washington Baptist Institute (The College) in Sandersville. In the fall of 1912, The College opened its doors to its first students to provide for the education of Negro young people of both sexes, and ministers, with a view to special fitness for the needs of the race in this section of the state. In 1914, George and Sylvia’s eldest son, Dr. Samuel Danzy, returned to Washington County to serve as president of The College.
On December 19, 1917, Pa and Ma Danzy purchased land in Deepstep, the 99th District General Militia of Washington County, and began construction on the Danzy Estate, also known as the “Original Home,” that consisted of 300 acres of prime real estate. This land was purchased at an excellent price and was preceded by a sale of land he owned in Hancock County allegedly bequeathed from his father, Thomas Prosser Jr. The construction style of this home was unique to the area. It had a brick foundation, chimneys, and a slanted roof that allowed rainwater to run off and other amenities that were not common in the community.
During the next decade, the Danzy family would be the site of many family gatherings. By this time, numerous grandchildren would spend time with their grandparents at the Original Home. However, with joy, there is sometimes sadness. On October 6, 1906, the family would endure tragedy when Oscar was shot and killed on his 18th birthday. Together with Oscar's siblings, Ma and Pa Danzy pulled their family together.
Eula Danzy would marry Jimmy Walker in 1902 and between 1904 and 1914, they became parents to six children. Once again, tragedy struck in 1907 and 1910 when the first three of their children died in childhood. A year after the last Walker child was born, Eula's husband, Jimmy, passed away at the age of 32 years old leaving her a widow with three children at the age of 29. She would later marry Dorsey Lane in 1916 and they became parents to five children.
It is believed that Samuel Danzy was the first of the children to leave Deepstep and migrate north to Chicago where it was reported that jobs were available and this area didn't harbor the racism of the deep south. He was followed by several of his siblings where they established careers and their families. This was an indication of the strength that the Danzy Clan had as it had bonded them together since birth.
Sadness would plaque the family on December 6, 1929. The evening before, George drove his horse and buggy into the “business” district of Deepstep to summon Dr. B. L. Helton for his son-in-law, Dorsey Lane, who had been seriously ill. Dr. Helton’s office was located in the post-office and Gladin’s store. While responding to an inquiry regarding Dorsey, George collapsed to the floor. Several men placed him in Dr. Helton’s car and took him home. On December 6th, George, the patriarch of the Danzy Clan, and Dorsey both died.
Sylvia and Eula had suffered extreme losses and again, the Danzy Family surrounded them with the love and care both needed at that time. Her eldest daughter, Ida, who continued to live on the Trawick property passed away right years following Pa Danzy's death. Ma Danzy continued to live in Deepstep until the 1930's when she moved to Chicago to live with her son, Eugene. On February 1, 1941, Ma Danzy passed away. She was returned to Deepstep for interment next to her husband.
The Danzy family continues to contribute to their respective community through service as leaders. There are many in this family who realized the importance of giving back as our ancestors, George and Sylvia Danzy had done and instilled in the first generation that to render service is tantamount of being a good steward to God. It remains a crucial part in the upbringing of the family throughout the lives of Sylvia and George and continues in the twenty-first century.
To learn more about the first siblings and their descendants, click on each name and please revisit this site frequently.
5164 Pebble Creek Drive
Antioch, TN, 37013, US
Elisha was the second child born to George and Sylvia Danzy in 1879. After most of his siblings moved from Deepstep, he remained there and continued to farm the land. According to his neighbors and those who remember him, he was very successful. Elisha was also active at Mt. Sinai where he taught Sunday School. To learn more about the life of Elisha Danzy, click here.
