I would like to hear from anyone who has any information pertaining to James and Sophia Clemens in Darke County, Ohio, from the early-to-mid 1800's. Both James and Sophia were reportedly former free slaves of my 5th Great Grandfather, Adam Sellers. Originally from Rockingham County, Virginia, they relocated to Ohio in 1817 when my grandfather, Adam Sellers, moved to be with his sons and a daughter in Warren County, Ohio, near Springboro. Adam took James and Sophia to Darke County and provided for their welfare until his death in 1821. In a letter to a cousin in 1887 Adam's grandson, also named Adam Sellers, outlined that Adam had moved to Ohio, stopping for a time in the German Township (now Liberty) in Darke County, Ohio. He spent several months there while his former slaves became established before moving on to Warren County. In an article for the Underground Railroad, the following was written concerning James Clemens, his wife, Sophia, and the farmstead they built in the German Township: "The James and Sophia Clemens Farmstead is one of the oldest and last remaining agricultural resources in one of Ohio's earliest black settlements, Longtown (Greenville settlement). This farmstead was the home of James Clemens (1781-1870), who was the founding father of the settlement, instrumental in starting the first school, donated land for the Wesleyan Church and established a cemetery for the community. The Clemens were also conductors in the Underground Railroad and soldiers in the Civil War. The records of the first landowners of Darke County, Ohio, show that James Clemens was the first free black man to purchase land in German township. Arriving with his wife Sophia in 1818 from Virginia, he soon built a thriving farm business. Sophia's maiden name was Sellers, and she is believed to be the daughter of Adam Sellers of Rockingham County, Virginia the former slave owner of James Clemens." I'm interested in learning more about James and Sophia, their own ancestors, and their descendents. I would love to hear from anyone who descends from them and/or who knows anything about them at all, especially during their time in Rockingham County, Virginia. Any info pertaining to their life, their final resting place, etc., is most welcome! The articles I have read all state that "Sophia's maiden name was Sellers" and that she is "believed to be the daughter of Adam Sellers of Rockingham County, Virginia the former slave owner of James Clemens". In knowing that this Adam Sellers was my 5th Great Grandfather, I'm all the more interested in learning more about James and Sophia. Again, I'd like to hear from anyone who has any information and/or from anyone who has helpful hints or suggestions on where and how to look for more about them. Thanks! Michael Sellers 5th Great Grandson of Adam Sellers