My ancestors are Emersons

Im from a long line of Emersons fromMississippi, my ggrandfather which was James Henry Emmerson was born in 1854 i heard he was a circuit rider there he had lots of children i also hear that he was at the feet of his plantation owner when she died which i found to be very fascinating im having a time finding his parents if you have any suggestions i would be most obliged thank you for reading

God Bless Doris Mcclenton Smith