My 4x great grandfather was Edmond Dorsey who was a soldier with the 51st US Colored infantry during the Civil War. He was born about 1828 and according the the records lived in Avoyelles Parish most of his life.
His son was William Nelson Dorsey born around 1860 who 1st married a Simonia, born abt 1867, then married Cornelia Normand as his 2nd wife. I have found plenty of information of his second wife's family (they have an amazing story), but I am descended from his first wife through their son Landry Dorsey so would like to find info on her family if possible.
I have deduced from my research that Simonia's maiden name was probably Lavallais but I am having a hard time finding information on her because I find the name spelled differently on nearly every record I've come across. I have seen Lavalais, Lavallie, Lavallee and Lavallair. If anyone has any information on anyone that I have described here I would greatly appreciate your knowledge!