Split by Chains, Bound by Blood — Coming Down in October

The Story of David and Lucy Nelms

Hey GenFriends,

Every story worth telling takes the time it needs to be told right. Split by Chains, Bound by Blood: The Story of David and Lucy Nelms has been a labor of love—forty years of research, reflection, and reverence for the ancestors who refused to be forgotten.

Originally, I planned to release the book in July. Now, we’ve waited all of September. The new release date is set for later in October, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your patience and support along the way.

My graphic designer, Izhar, has done a marvelous job bringing the spirit of David and Lucy’s journey to life. The cover captures everything this book stands for—bondage and freedom, loss and legacy, the chains that once divided us and the blood that forever binds us.

Through Split by Chains, Bound by Blood, you’ll walk beside David Nelms, Lucy, and their children as they rise from enslavement to freedom, tracing their footsteps from North Carolina to Michigan and beyond. It’s a story of courage, faith, and the enduring power of family.

As we prepare for September, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, historical notes, and reflections on what this journey has meant to me—and to the Nelms descendants who continue to carry the torch of remembrance.

If you haven’t already, follow my Substack to stay updated on the release and upcoming events:

Thank you for walking this path with me. Together, we honor David and Lucy’s legacy and ensure their story shines for generations to come.

With gratitude,
Robin R. Foster
Founder, Genealogy Just Ask
Author of Split by Chains, Bound by Blood