Hi everyone, I’m seeking help uncovering a potential link between my Mississippi ancestor, Sophie, and Louisiana Creole families. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far:

Genetic Connections:

• I have DNA matches with multiple descendants of the Lemelle family of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. These matches range between 30-50 cM, with shared ancestors like François Narcisse Lemelle (1785-1854).
• My uncle has similar DNA matches, further solidifying the connection to the Lemelle family and their descendants.
• Some of my DNA matches are descendants of Cor/Car Lemelle, a potential sibling of Sop Lemelle, listed in the same household in the 1850 Census. This adds another layer of evidence linking my family to the Lemelle line.
• When I build the family trees of my DNA matches who share dna with eachother, they always trace back to François Narcisse Lemelle as their fourth great-grandparent, further confirming this ancestral link.

1850 Census Discovery:

• In the 1850 Census for St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, I found a “Sop Lemelle” listed as a potential child in the household of Norbt and Francione Lemelle. Interestingly, Sop Lemelle and my ancestor, Sophie, were both born in 1842, which suggests they could be the same person. If this is true, it would explain the strong DNA ties to the Lemelle family.

Genetic Groups and Regions:

• My DNA results show about 1.5% French ancestry, which might be connected to Louisiana Creole heritage. Notably, the only time French appears in shared DNA matches is with those who have Creole lineages.
• I’ve been linked to genetic groups such as “Creoles of Color in Louisiana and Mississippi” and “Creoles in Louisiana” on MyHeritage, and “River Parishes and Greater New Orleans, and Ark-La-Tex Creoles” on 23andMe.
• My uncle’s MyHeritage results also include a genetic group tied to Moselle, France, aligning with known Lemelle ancestors from that region.

Records and Migration:

• Sophie, my third great-grandmother, lived in Panola County, Mississippi, but census records do not provide her surname. Based on DNA matches and connections to the Lemelle family, it appears Sophie may have migrated from St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, to Mississippi in the mid-19th century.
• I’m actively searching for any documents or records about Sophie before 1870, as no concrete information about her early life has been found.

I’m hoping to learn more about Louisiana-to-Mississippi migration, particularly among Creole families, and would greatly appreciate any insights, tips, or leads to further my research. Additionally, if anyone has suggestions for where to find records or documentation of Sophie’s life before 1870, I would love to hear them.

Thank you so much for your time and help!