I am searching for information on my 3rd great grandfather, Thomas West.
He was born 1795 in Virginia (place unknown) and died in Independence, Cuyahoga co. Ohio 7 May 1860.

In the book "Free Negro Heads Of Families In The United States in 1830" by Carter G. Woodson, he is listed as a free negro head of the family for Elk Run twp. Columbiana co. Ohio.

It has been a major brick wall finding Thomas's parents for a long time. In the same book, there is a Joseph West, also a free negro head of family in 1830 for Campbell co. Virginia. He may possibly be Thomas's father.

Thomas West was married to Susannah Barnhill c. 1820 in Columbiana co. Ohio. She was born likely in York, Pa. On the U.S. census for 1840- 1850 they are both listed as mulatto, as are their children. Susannah's father was William Barnhill, whose mother Silvey was a slave in Maryland.

Any help or suggestions on Thomas West and family would be much appreciated.

Thank you
Sandra VanOrman
sandravanorman@comcast.net