Johnicans of Marlboro Co. S. Carolina

I am seeking information on my Great-Great Grandmother whose name was Tommie Jane Johnican (1874-1962) of Bennettsville, South Carolina.It is said Tommie Jane was Mullato or half Black and Indian.Tommie Jane was the wife of Benjamin McRae (1872-1944).Both Tommie Jane and Benjamin originated from Red Hill,which is a township located within Marlboro County S.C.Specifically, I am looking for information regarding Tommie Jane's parents: Ancil Johnican (B:1879/Still living in 1900) and Ellen Johnican (B:1848/Still living in 1900). Ancil and Ellen were born in South Carolina,but it is said that Ancil's father was from North Carolina and his mother came from Maryland.Ellen's father was from North Carolina and her mother was from South Carolina. It has always been said one of these parents were descended from either Whites or Indians which was evidenced by Tommie Jane's appearance.In 1880 the family was residing in Red Hill Township with the following persons: Anderson or Ancil Jonnakin, Ellen Jonnakin, Evander Jonnakin (son), William Jonnakin (son), Amanda Jonnakin (daughter), Tommy Jane (daughter) and twin brother Anson(son).By 1900 the family had some additional members: Evans Jonnakin (son Born: 1883), Milby (son Born: 1886) and Ella (daughter Born: 1889).

In the 1880 Census there is only one other Jonnakin family listed in Red Hill Township which was a Milby or Melby Jonnakin (black) and his wife Rose, daughters: Ester, Charity, Cloe and sons: Anson and Hagood. I believe this Milby was of some relation to Tommie Jane's family as her parents later had a son they named Milby.

In 1910 an Evander Johnnigan (Mullato) shows up on the U.S. Census for Red HIll Township. I believe this is Tommie Jane's brother, Evander.He was married to Anna (Black) and had the following children: Alexander, Carrie L., Constantia, Willie A., Charlie, Martha H., Evander L., James C., Archie C. and a child who was unnamed at the time of the census taking.

Is there anyone out there who knows of the Jonnicans of Marlboro County.The early census records do not reflect that there were a great deal of Jonnicans in Marlboro County during the late 1800's.About 1910 is when I began to see more Jonnicans in the area.The Johnicans Tommie Jane descended from were are listed as black on the census records,but family tradition holds that they were all biracial.If anyone knows of the persons I am researching,please email me at [email protected]

Thanks,
Geneen N. Johnson