Recent Blog Posts on LowCountry Africana

The Science of A Slave Auction The Weeping Time 1859

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:40:34 PST

The Science of A Slave Auction ~ The Weeping Time 1859

In my many years of researching slave ancestry, I've heard things spoken in respect to the U.S. Chattel System that literally rendered me speechless.

I've heard of slavery being referred to as the salvation of African people. I've been told that for the most part, "it" wasn't that bad. On more than one occasion, I've been asked by some [very] confused person, why black people can't just get over "it" and instructed to look at the Jewish community as an example of formerly oppressed people who have "moved on".

I have yet to be persuaded that Slavery was anything but a cruel, violent atrocity of an unimaginable evil.

If there remains ANY doubt in you, as to the truly evil nature of slavery, I invite you to take a moment to read the 1859 New York Tribune report of The Weeping Time -- the largest reported slave auction in U.S. History, when Pierce Butler (Pierce and Frances Kemble Butler, pictured foreground left) sold 436 men, women and children at Savannah's Ten Broeck Race Course.

Take your time -- read the first-hand account thoroughly. Hover over the names and stories and then imagine they represent your mother, father, siblings and family.

Indeed, it was and remains a time for weeping.

Lest we forget... The Weeping Time.

Luckie.

[Image Source: DeGraft-Hanson, Kwesi | Pierce Butler (JPG) | Southern Spaces, published 18 Feb 2010.]

Free Webinar from Tony Burroughs: "Avoid Traps in African American Genealogy" Thurs., March 11, 8 p.m.

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:06:01 PST

Free Webinar from Tony Burroughs: "Avoid Traps in African American Genealogy" Thurs., March 11, 8 p.m.

Ancestry.com will present a free webinar this Thursday, March 11 by renowned genealogist Tony Burroughs. The webinar "Avoid Traps in African American Genealogy" will air at 8 p.m. on Thursday. The seminar will focus on common mistakes that can hinder your search for African American ancestors.

The free webinar will also be archived and available to view in the future. Whether you are a beginning your family research or have been at it for some time, this free webinar will help you sharpen your genealogy skills!

To pre-register or learn more, please visit the Ancestry Webinars page.

Technology Tuesday: WorldCat and Google Books

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:27:11 PST

Technology Tuesday: WorldCat and Google Books

We're all looking for ways to save money on our genealogy resources. Today we'll look at two sites that can help you save money on books!

WorldCat (http://www.worldcat.org)

One way to do save money is to check out books from the library, rather than purchasing them. Worldcat is a free site that allows you to search libraries all over the world for books you want. You can search the catalog without creating an account. However, if you have an account, you can create lists (like favorites), bibliographies and reviews.

Once you find the book you want, WorldCat will link you to the library catalog. WorldCat also links you to places where you can purchase the book.

Google Books (http://www.google.com/books)

You'll often see Google products for Technology Tuesday. Here's another that you'll find useful: Google Books. Google books provides free access to many published books. You can download PDF versions of the books and search the text by keyword. You'll find genealogy resource books, but you may even find documents about your ancestors! For example, I found the same documents that I'd found on GenealogyBank.com (for a fee) for free on Google Books. In addition, I was able to save the entire document in PDF form, rather than page by page in GenealogyBank.com.

Bonus: Google Books links to WorldCat to find the book at a library!

Book review: Nicknames Past and Present

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:13:54 PST

Book review: Nicknames Past and Present, by Christine Rose

Do you have a nickname that you use instead of your given name? You may even sign documents using your nickname, rather than your given name. Well, our ancestors did the same thing. Let's say Dorothy Smith went as Dottie Smith back in 1885. She signed official papers that way and gave her name in the census as Dottie. One day, Dottie's great-great-granddaughter is searching for her in the census and can't find Dottie, though lots of Dorothy's seem to fit the other data she has. And, while Ancestry.com does search for nicknames, they don't catch all of them.

If you've ever had this experience, Nicknames Past and Present will help you. It's a simple book that lists names and their nicknames. I found a lot of nicknames that I would never have traced back to the given name listed.

The book is available on Amazon.com for $9.95.

Technology Tuesday: Publishing your family history

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:36:13 PST

Technology Tuesday: Publishing your family history

If you've been researching your family for a while, you probably want to share what you've found with your cousins. Well, you don't need a book publisher and publishing your family history doesn't have to be expensive. There are services on the Web that can publish on demand for free. All you have to do is upload your book! One such website is Lulu.

Using Lulu, you can publish your family history in print or as an e-book for free. All you have to do is convert your book into PDF format (Lulu offers a guide on how to do it) and upload. You can have the books delivered to you or sell your book through Lulu. Lulu also offers paid services such as editing, design, marketing and retail distribution.

Don't forget to be a good steward of your family genealogy and cite your sources!

Lulu is at http://www.lulu.com

Happy publishing!

GA/AL Root Diggers Meetup 2PM Feb. 28th East Point Library

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:42:48 PST

GA/AL Root Diggers Meetup ~ 2PM Feb. 28th East Point Library

I am so stoked the day for our first Georgia/Alabama Root Diggers Genealogy {GARDG} Meetup is almost here!

Tomorrow at 2PM GARDG members will meet at the East Point Library for intros and some good genea-chatting!:-)

I look forward to the GARDG group expanding {we're off to a GREAT start with 10 members!} and to rolling-up our sleeves with some good ole fashioned Georgia Root Diggin'!

So if you're in Georgia and/or Alabama {c'mon, it's just a short drive!:-} bring your SURNAMES, brick walls, research tips and questions and join us every month!

Want more good news? The February Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society {AAHGS} meeting will immediately follow tomorrow's Meetup at the same East Point Library location so feel free to join us for an afternoon of extended genealogy fun!

Looking forward to seeing you! We have roots to dig and a host of Ancestors to find!:-)

Luckie.

Technology Tuesday: Google Alerts

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:47:43 PST

Technology Tuesday: Google Alerts

Every week we'll feature software, web applications and technology to help you with your research! This week, a quick tip on how to use Google to tell do automated searches for you. You'll need an account with Google to set up alerts. If you don't have an account already, go to Google.com and sign up by clicking "Sign in" in the top right of the page. You'll see a box that asks you to sign up if you don't have an account already.

After logging in, go to http://www.google.com/alerts.
Fill out the form. You can elect to receive alerts by e-mail or create a feed that is viewable in Google Reader or another feed reader.
Click "Create Alert".

That's it! Now, Google will tell you when something pops up about your ancestor. Try using some of the search tips listed on Google's site to make your searches more effective.

Searching for Land Records in Florida: Federal Land Grants

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:18:51 PST

Searching for Land Records in Florida: Federal Land Grants

In my last post on the Florida State Census, I talked about finding your ancestors between censuses. Another way to keep up with your ancestors between censuses is to follow them through their land records.

Our ancestors bought, sold and leased land to family members and other members of the community. Through land records, you can discover who your ancestor had relationships with and start to see what role he or she played in the community. There are many types of land records, including mortgage deeds, records of sale, and liens. For part one of this discussion, well talk about finding Federal Land Grant records on a free website, the Bureau of Land Management.

Bureau of Land Management

Head to the BLM General Land Office Records site to search land patents for a patent record belonging to your ancestor. Land patents document the transfer of land ownership from the federal government to individuals. For our purposes, we will focus on land patents filed just after the Civil War. Lets use my fourth great-grandfather, Major Reddick, as an example of how to use the BLM site. Use the screen demonstration or the instructions below to find your ancestors land patent.

Go to the General Land Office Records site at http://www.glorecords.blm.gov.
Click "Search Land Patents".
Type in your zip code and click continue.
Select the state to search. For Major Reddick, select Florida.
Type in a last name, like Reddick. Remember to try different variations of the last name.
To narrow your search, type in a first name, like Major.
Click "Search".
The results show the state, county, issue date, land office and the identifying numbers for the parcel of land.
Click the patentee name to view more information about the patent. You'll need this information if you want to request original documents (the patent application) from the National Archives.
Click the Legal Land Description tab. Note the Aliquot Parts, Sec./Block, Township, Range, Meridian, State and County. In the next post, we'll show you how to interpret this description and map it using Google Maps.
Click the "Document Image" tab to view the scanned image of the land patent. You can save this image to your computer (right-click and select "Save image as...") or print it. You can also order a certified copy of the document.

State Census Records Fill the Gaps

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:16:51 PST

State Census Records Fill the Gaps

Although genealogy experts recommend that we start our research with records at home, those of us doing research away from our ancestral home often start with the internet. And, of course, that usually leads us to census records.

The United States Census Bureau has conducted a census, or a count of the population, since the late 1800's. The census is conducted every 10 years, providing not only a count, but demographic information on every citizen in the country. The most recent US Census available to the public is the 1930 census (1940 will be available in 2012). You can access the census records on many sites, both for free and for a fee. In another post, we'll discuss the differences between the free and paid websites and why you might want to pay for information.

You'll find rich information on your ancestors in the Census records, but what if you want to know what happened in the 10-year gap? What if the US Census records you need were among those lost to fire? What if you can't find someone that you are absolutely sure lived within the 10-year gap? Try the State Census records.

Florida is one of several states who conducted a State Census every 10 years, between the years of the US Census. Not all counties are included, but it's worth taking a look at the 1885, 1935 and 1945 State Census records for Florida. Take a look at the sites below to access them:

Ancestry.com	Free index with registration, fee for images
FamilySearch (pilot)	Free (1885 not indexed, images only)

Spread The Word! We're Having A Carnival!:-

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:49:51 PST

Spread The Word! We're Having A Carnival!:-)

Good News! I am thrilled to see the Carnival of African-American Genealogy (CoAAG) come into fruition and honored to serve as its first Host!:-)

On March 19th Restore My Name Slave Records and Genealogy Research, will kick-off the first of an ongoing series of African-American themed carnivals, intended to be a gathering place for the community to share and learn about African-American genealogy.

Our first CoAAG discussion theme will deal with how records of slave ownership are handled by the genealogy researcher. Contributors will be asked to write a blog post (at their own blogs) on one or more of the following aspects:

* What responsibilities are involved on the part of the researcher when locating names of slaves in a record?
* Does it matter if the record(s) are related to your ancestral lines or not?
* As a descendant of slave owners, have you ever been pressured by family not to discuss or post about records containing slave names?
* As an ancestor of slaves, have you been able to work with or even meet other researchers who are descendants of slave owners?
* Have you ever performed a Random Act of Genealogical Kindness involving slave ownership records? Or were you on the receiving end of such kindness?

Submissions will be accepted starting today through March 12th 11:59 PM EST. Once youve created your blog post, use the blog carnival submission form to make sure it is included in the CoAAG post on 19 February 2010.

Were also in search of hosts for future CoAAG Carnivals so if you have interest, please give me (@OurGeorgiaRoots) and/or GeneaBloggers (@GeneaBloggers) a *tweet*!:-)

If youre new to carnivals and needing a quick how to so that you can join the fun, no worries checkout these two resources:

* Blog Carnival FAQs
* How to Submit a Post to a Carnival

Weve all witnessed the benefit yielded from coming together as a community to openly share our varying perspectives around slavery and its impacts to both past and present culture.

Lets commit to keeping this very relevant {and healing} dialogue going and use it as a catalyst to continue to grow and learn.

We must be the change we wish to see in the world ~ Mohandas Gandhi

Luckie.

Faces of America

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:20:36 PST

Faces of America

Without a doubt there is a major movement stirring in the genealogy community!

I can remember in 1998 going from a researcher with no idea of how to make contact with other WINGFIELD researchers to being immediately *connected* to 2,000+ WINGFIELD descendants worldwide via the birth of message boards and mailing lists!

Now today, genealogy has gone mainstream! Thanks to technology offerings that support our research needs, the evolution of social media and successful television programs, like the PBS African-American Lives series, people are finding that researching family history is easier than ever AND extremely rewarding.

Tonight on PBS (check local listings), Dr. Louis Henry Gates Jr. will bring us Faces of America, which explores the genetics and genealogy of 12 well-known Americans including musician Yo-Yo Ma, actress Eva Longoria Parker and royalty Queen Noor!

Following suit and equally anticipated is the upcoming NBC (yes - NBC!) genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? airing March 5.

These are exciting times in the world of genealogy friends and the FIRST time in history where African-American researchers can [easily] make significant strides in researching our very complex lineage.

Don't miss out on the fun -- your Ancestors are calling!:-)

Shaking the tree at the root!

Luckie.

Blogging - How Do I Get Started

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:32:14 PST

Blogging - How Do I Get Started?

It's a New Year and your #1 Research Resolution is to connect with the genealogy community online. The challenge -- you don't really know where to begin, right?

Not a problem! Researchers today are using the Internet as a tool to connect their genea-dots and thank goodness, we have several EXCELLENT blogging resource banks on-hand to help guide the way!

Leading the pack is GeneaBloggers.com, the spot where many researchers frequent to keep up with the latest n' greatest happenings in the online genealogy community!

Aside from being "Connection Central" for online researchers from all across the country, GeneaBloggers.com is stocked with SUPER-informative info about the art of blogging and "how tos" to have you online in no time!

Checkout this set of Getting Started blog articles providing a Blog 101 of what you need to get cranking.

So please, take the first step and move your research to the next level -- we're right here to support you!:-)

Shaking the tree at the root!

Luckie.

Thanks To AAHGS Metro Atlanta!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:26:40 PST

Thanks To AAHGS Metro Atlanta!

This past Sunday, I attended my first Metro Atlanta Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society {AAHGS} meeting along with my genea-pal, Sandra Taliaferro!

In the nastiest of weather, how surprised was I to see some 30+ dedicated members turn out to support AAHGS at the Auburn Avenue Research Library!

AAHGS has a growing membership of 65+ {I joined too!:-} and a year of exciting events planned for the Atlanta Chapter, which include an upcoming presentation from John Baker of The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation.

If you are a genealogist in the Metro Atlanta area and/or researching Ancestors with "Georgia roots", I encourage you to join AAHGS.

The more networks you build in the genea-community, the better your chances of finding all the pieces to your Ancestors historical puzzle!

Shaking the tree at the root!

Luckie.

LCA Georgia Collections Launches! Time To Work!

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:39:11 PST

LCA Georgia Collections Launches! Time to Work!

It goes without saying that I am thrilled that the Georgia Records Collection at LowCountry Africana is now live!

Genealogy is truly my life's passion and if you find yourself here -- it's most likely yours too!:-)

Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting and researching with you -- as we work together to break down your most stubborn, genealogy *brick walls*!

While all Genealogists are welcome, our collective research efforts will center on the 159 counties in the state of Georgia.

One of my personal goals (being a techie at heart) is to make sure researchers are optimizing their efforts by utilizing the genealogy tools available that make connecting with other researchers a breeze!

Simply put -- if you plan to connect all your "genea-dots", being involved with the online and offline research community must be a KEY part of your strategy.

Not to worry -- we are right here to help you!:-)

So how do we begin? With two GREAT upcoming genealogy events right in our own backyard!:-)

Sunday, January 24th: The Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society will gather for their monthly Chapter meeting - 3PM at the Auburn Avenue Research Library.
Saturday, February 6th: The Smithsonian Save Our African-American Treasures program heads to Atlanta! Receive a FREE consultation from a Smithsonian expert on to preserve your family's most valued keepsakes! Reservations required and availability limited - call 877.733.9599.

Both events offer an opportunity to meet n' greet local researchers and will get you rolling on your 2010 family research goals!

So join me friends and stay tuned -- there's MUCH more to come!:-)

Shaking the tree at the root!

Luckie.

Special thanks to Michael Hait of the African-American Genealogy Examiner for content provided in our Featured Links section! Michael's Examiner articles are a MUST read for researchers with African-American Ancestry. In addition to his role as the African American Genealogy Examiner, Michael also serves as LowCountry Africana's Resource Library Coordinator.

Lowcountry Africana Haiti I'm OK Board and Information Center: Seek Information, Share News of Loved Ones in Haiti

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:10:58 PST

Lowcountry Africana Haiti I'm OK Board and Information Center: Seek Information, Share News of Loved Ones in Haiti

Lowcountry Africana has created a Haiti I'm OK Board and information Center where you can search the Google Crisis Response service, view Haiti neighborhoods before/after on Google Earth, read breaking news, find links to live updates from Haiti and follow links to other places to search and post. You can also post queries seeking relatives and loved ones in Haiti, or post the names of those known to be OK.

You can read/post to the board here:

The Haiti I'm OK Board and Information Center

Peace and Prayers,

Lowcountry Africana

Creating a Research Plan

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:24:26 PST

Creating a Research Plan

In the previous two entries, we examined two records regarding Robert S. Tarleton. Though the information contained in both records have been analyzed according to the highest standards of evidence analysis current in genealogy, have we met the Genealogical Proof Standard, as described in the first entry in the Resource Library?

The first step in the Genealogical Proof Standard states that one must conduct a reasonably exhaustive search for all information that is or may be pertinent to the question for which you are seeking an answer. Has this been completed? Having only examined two records, we are far from conducting a reasonably exhaustive search. But how does one know when a reasonably exhaustive search has been achieved? Simply put, only experience in research will provide the insight to be sure. A well-crafted research plan, however, can help you to achieve this goal.

The first step in devising an effective research plan is to define a specific research problem. Many beginning genealogists jump into their research without ever clearly deciding what they would like to discover in their research. Of course, there is the vague notion of learning about ones forebears, but in order to effectively find an answer, one must first ask a question.

The following questions are examples of specific questions, relating to Robert S. Tarleton:

Who were Roberts parents?

When and where was Robert born?

When and where did Robert die?

The second step in creating a research plan involves research into the setting, i.e. the time and place. What were the laws during the time period that affected your ancestors? What records were created, and where are they now stored?

Continuing with Robert S. Tarleton as a case study, we will investigate Colleton Co., South Carolina, where Robert and his family lived. It is usually a good idea to start with a general research guide for the state. FamilySearch, sponsored by the Church of Latter-Day Saints, provides comprehensive research guides for all of the states and many other subjects. You can find a catalog of all of their research guides at the website here. There are four research guides for South Carolina: South Carolina Federal Census Population Schedules, 1790 to 1920, South Carolina Historical Background, South Carolina Research Outline, and South Carolina Statewide Indexes and Collections. These are also available as PDF files to be printed with ease.

The next stop will be the state archives. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History, according to its website, is custodian of the non-current archives of state and local government. It has evolved from two agencies the legislature created in the late-nineteenth century, the Public Record Commission of South Carolina, which was appointed in 1891 to obtain copies of South Carolina records in the British Public Records Office, and the South Carolina Historical Commission, which was created in 1894 to maintain these copies and was then given wider record-keeping duties in 1905. On the website, you will find the SC ArchCat, where you can search for records in the Archivess collection by keyword. Searching for the county name, Colleton County, brings forth a long list of county records available, including tax records, voter registrations, deeds, court records, etc.

There are also several great books to help provide some background information into the location. The Ancestry Red Book, Family Tree Resource Guide, and Evertons Handybook for Genealogists are great general resources, but the book Black Genesis by Dr. James Rose and Alice Eichholz, provides resources specific to African-American research for each state and many counties. There is no specific section for Colleton County, but the bibliography for the state does provide references to many books relating specifically to African-Americans in South Carolina.

You should also visit the website for the largest local university library, the local historical and genealogical societies, and the county USGenWeb site. Considering Colleton County, we would visit the following sites (for example):

South Carolina Genealogical Society Old St. Bartholomew Chapter

Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society

Colleton County, South Carolina History & Genealogy (SCGenWeb)

Now that you have defined a specific research focus, and learned more about the area and time period, you can bring the first steps together, in order to create your actual research plan. You will have to decide which available record groups are most likely to contain the information that you seek. If you are not sure what sort of information is contained in a certain record group, or do not know whether a record group will contain the information you seek, then you should err on the side of caution, and take a look at the records. This is part of the learning process, and will aid you in your future research plans. It is also a key part of conducting a reasonably exhaustive search.

The most effective research plan will consist of

(1) each repository that you will visit in the course of your research;

(2) each potentially relevant record group at each repository that you will search;

(3) what you will be searching for within each record group.

An easy way to record this information is by using four columns. The first three columns will contain the above aspects of your research plan; the last column will remain blank, so that you can record the results of each record search.

Once you have created a research plan, you will be able to use this plan to try to achieve your research goals, in an organized, systematic fashion. The creation of such a research plan, you are less likely to miss possibly vital information held in obscure records, and more likely to find success in your research goals.

Luckie's First Blog Post

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:59:26 PST

Welcome to Luckie's First Blog Post

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The Beginning Genealogist from Angela Walton-Raji

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:46:29 PST

New Website The Beginning Genealogist, from Angela Walton-Raji

Want to begin an African American ancestor search, but don't know where to start? Go to The Beginning Genealogist by Angela Walton-Raji to learn how and where to begin.

The Beginning Genealogist is dedicated to learning sound research methods for African American genealogy. Angela Walton-Raji takes you from the desire to learn your family's heritage, through the research process, and on to documenting and sharing your family history - a long journey.

Highlights of the website:

Basic Documents - Most everyone who lived left a document trail somewhere, but sometimes the information in the documents may conflict. What do you do when this happens?

Oral History - how to plan, conduct and follow up on, oral history interviews with your family members.

Civil War Ancestors - this page is especially relevant in the Lowcountry as so many African Americans left plantations to join Union forces.

American Indian Ancestors - detailed instructions on how to research Native American genealogy.

Researching Slavery Era - It is difficult to find enslaved ancestors before the 1870 Census; the first to list Freedmen with surnames. How do you make the research leap from 1870 to earlier?

Tell the Family Story - OK, you have followed all of The Beginning Genealogist's principles and you have learned your family's history. How do you share that history and preserve it so other can connect with your research?

Instructional Videos - Angela Walton-Raji discusses basic genealogical research.

Beginner's Links - learn where to begin researching your Lowcountry African American roots.

If you are just beginning your heritage research, The Beginning Genealogist is the perfect starting point. Learn how to begin, how to go forward, how to share what you have learned.

Corroborating Evidence

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:25:34 PST

Corroborating Evidence

In the previous entry of this column, we examined the Freedmans Bank deposit slip for an African-American man named Robert S. Tarleton. To gather more information on this person, we will examine the federal census records.

The Constitution of the United States of America provided for a decennial census, in order to count the population. Beginning in 1790, a federal census was taken every ten years, but identified only free citizens; enslaved African-Americans were counted by number only. The 1870 census was the first to contain the names of all African-Americans, being the first after the abolition of slavery. The information contained in this record group was supposed to reflect the situation on Census Day, which was 1 June 1870, even though the survey may not have been conducted on that date.

We will examine the 1870 federal census record in order to corroborate the information contained within the Freedmans Bank record, and gather any additional information that it may contain.

Here is the entry for Robert S. Tarleton in the 1870 census:

[SOURCE: 1870 U. S. Census, Colleton Co., South Carolina, population schedule, Blake Township, Green Pond post office, pg. 17, pg. 9 [stamped], dwelling 163, family 183, Robert Tarleton household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 20 Oct 2009); citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 1492.]

First, we must consider this source on its own merits, just as we did previously with the Bank record.

Is this source Original or Derivative? This is an image copy of the original federal copy of the census enumeration.

Does the source contain Primary or Secondary Information? Unfortunately, the informant is not identified on any of the households enumerated in the federal census. While the ideal situation was for the enumerator to interview the head of household, it was common for other members of the household, or even neighbors, to provide the information. The determination of the information as primary or secondary is therefore impossible. For this reason, a federal census records accuracy can only be determined through corroboration by other sources.

The census record contains the following facts:

The census taker, John K. Terry, visited the Tarleton household on 15 August 1870.
Robert Tarleton was a 35-year-old mulatto farmer, living near the Green Pond post office in Blake Township, Colleton County, South Carolina. This age implies a birthdate of ca. 1835.
Robert did not own any real estate, but owned personal property valued at $175. He was born in South Carolina.
Robert could read and write.
The other members of his household were Nanny, 30 years old (born ca. 1840), female mulatto; Nancy, 4 years old (born ca. 1866), female mulatto; and Joseph, 2 years old (born ca. 1868), male mulatto. No relationships are provided in this census. Also living with the family was one Daniel Barnwell, a 12-year-old male mulatto (born ca. 1858). All of these members of the household were reportedly born in South Carolina.
Enumerated next to the Robert Tarleton household was the Joseph Tarleton household. Joseph Tarleton was a 63-year-old mulatto laborer, implying a birth date of ca. 1807. Living with Joseph Tarleton was one Sarah Tarleton, a 63-year-old black female, born ca. 1807. Both Joseph and Sarah were reportedly born in South Carolina. The census does not state a relationship between the two. Joseph did not own any real or personal property.
Several dwellings after the Robert Tarleton household, one Betsey Scott, a 28-year-old female mulatto, lives in the household of one Benjamin Ganett[?], a 35-year-old black male.

We can now compare the facts from this record with those of the Freedmans Bank record:

1870 U. S. Census	Freedmans Bank deposit (dated 21 Nov 1871)
Residence of Robert Tarletown: Green Pond p.o., Blake Township, Colleton Co., South Carolina	Residence of Robert S. Tarleton: Combahee, near Green Pond, South Carolina
Robert Tarleton born ca. 1835, South Carolina	Robert Tarleton born ca. August 1835, South Santee, South Carolina
Occupation: farmer	Occupation: preacher of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
In household, Nanny Tarleton, age 30 (no relationship stated)	Wife Nanny
In household, children Nancy, age 4, and Joseph, age 2 (no relationships stated)	Children Nancy, Joseph, and Sophia, who died in 1865
Neighbors Joseph and Sarah Tarleton (no relationships stated)	Parents Joseph Tarleton and Sarah Tarleton, who died 29 July 1871
Neighbor Betsey Scott (no relationship stated)	Sibling Betsy Scott

Both records clearly agree on all facts, with the possible exception of Roberts occupation. His description as a farmer in the 1870 census as opposed to a preacher as in the 1871 Bank record can mean one of two things: either he became a preacher after the 1870 census visit, or he was both a farmer and a preacher. Being a preacher and a farmer were not necessarily mutually exclusive occupations during this time period and geographic area. In fact, it was quite common that nearly all men were considered farmers, as they fed their families from the sweat of their own brow.

The census record adds further details concerning the Roberts family, not contained in the Freedmans Bank record. On the other hand, the Bank record reports relationships not contained within the census record. The two records viewed together provide a portrait of Robert S. Tarleton and his family between 1870 and 1871.

We will examine additional records for Robert and his family in the future.

Evaluating a Record By Itself

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:07:12 PST

Evaluating A Record By Itself

In the last article, we discussed the various terms and considerations necessary to properly evaluate source records. Here we will apply this process to a record relating to the Lowcountry.

Document Images: The copyright for the document images presented here resides with The Generations Network, Inc. The images are used here under terms of the Ancestry.com Limited Use License. They may not be presented elsewhere except under the terms of the Ancestry.com Limited Use License, or by special permission of The Generations Network, Inc.

Original Document Source: Registers of Depositors in Branches of the Freedmen's Savings and Trust, 1865-1874, NARA Micropublication M816, 27 Rolls

Is this source Original or Derivative? This is an image copy of the original deposit slip.

Does the source contain Primary or Secondary Information? The signature at the bottom of the slip is (1) not a mark but an actual signature, and (2) not in the same hand as the rest of the handwriting, indicating that it was actually signed by Robert himself. Furthermore, Roberts occupation is listed as Preacher of AME Church. These two facts indicate that Robert was likely literate, and served as the informant of this record himself. This makes all of the information more or less primary.

The following facts are contained within this record:

The record was created on 21 November 1871. On this date, Robert S. Tarleton lived in Combahee, near Green Pond, South Carolina.
Robert S. Tarleton was born and raised (brought up) in South Santee, South Carolina.
Robert S. Tarleton was aged 36 years, as of August 1871. This implies a birthdate of ca. August 1835.
On 21 November 1871, Robert S. Tarleton was a preacher of an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
On 21 November 1871, Robert S. Tarletons wife was named Nanny.
Robert S. Tarleton had three children: Nancy, Joseph, and Sophia, who died in 1865. Their mother is not identified but may be his wife Nanny.
Robert S. Tarletons parents were Joseph Tarleton and Sarah Tarleton, who died 29 July 1871.
Robert S. Tarleton had two siblings: Dandy, who was sold, and Betsy Scott.
James Maxwell came with Robert S. Tarleton, presumably to the bank at the time of this initial deposit.

The next step will be to determine an answer to the question: how reliable are these facts?

The most reliable facts in themselves are those most contemporary to the creation of this record: residence, occupation, wife, and children. We were able to determine that Robert S. Tarleton himself was the informant for this record, and this lends credibility to all of the remaining facts.

What we do not know is whether Roberts parents were still living at the time of the creation of this record. The identities of his parents as reported may be the only potentially questionable fact, if it cannot be proven that Robert knew his parents, due to the disruption of his family by slavery. But again, this record does not state whether Robert was ever enslaved, or born free. These questions will require additional research in other records to find an answer.

Once we have fully evaluated this record by itself, we will have to continue with our search to locate additional records to corroborate and elaborate on the facts contained here. This will be the subject of the next article.

The Lowcountry Africana Resource Library by Michael Hait: Principles of Sound Genealogical Research

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:53:39 PST

The Lowcountry Africana Resource Library by Michael Hait: Principles of Sound Genealogical Research

Finding a record on Lowcountry Africana that names an ancestor is exciting. But how can you use that record to further your family research?

Genealogist/historian Michael Hait, Coordinator of the Lowcountry Africana Genealogy Resource Library, offers advice for conducting sound genealogical research, documenting sources and evaluating evidence. Michael's library is growing. We invite you to visit and enjoy!

Here is sampling of the offerings in Michael's Resource Library:

What is the Genealogical Proof Standard?

The Genealogical Proof Standard provides an outline for sound and responsible genealogical research. By subscribing to its standards, you can ensure that your research will be as accurate as possible.

What Constitutes a Genealogical Source Record?

Under the current standards of genealogical proof, source citation and analysis are supreme. But what constitutes a genealogical source record?

Evaluating a Source Record

One important aspect of the Genealogical Proof Standard is its focus on the principles of sound record analysis. Using these principles, you will be able to distinguish between different types of record, information, and evidence and use these distinctions, together with other factors, to determine the reliability of your facts.

Evaluating a Record By Itself

In the last article, we discussed the various terms and considerations necessary to properly evaluate source records. Here we will apply this process to a record relating to the Lowcountry...

The entire content of Lowcountry Africana is, and always will be, 100% free. We invite you to enjoy, and share your comments on, the articles in Michael's Resource Library!

Evaluating a Source Record

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:23:03 PST

Evaluating a Source Record

Types of record

There are two types of record, according to the Genealogical Proof Standard: original and derivative. These distinctions refer only to the form of the record, not to any of the information contained within it.

Before discussing the types of record, I would like to reiterate that the term record refers to any source, whether written or verbal. An interview with your grandmother is as much a source record as a marriage license or probate file.

An original record is, in short, a record that provides information directly from the source, without first appearing elsewhere in that form. For example, a tombstone, a newspaper obituary, and a death certificate are all original records. Closely akin to original records are image copies. Image copies include microfilmed books, photographs of tombstones, or digital census records. When the image is poor (as often occurs with printouts from older microfilmed records), the original record should be consulted. However, when the image is a high quality reproduction of the original, it can be used as a substitute for the original in many cases. [Please note that I do qualify this last statement. Even high quality image copies can have their flaws, and original records should be consulted as often as possible.]

A derivative record is a record that provides information that was originally produced elsewhere. For example, a published (or unpublished) book of abstracts, a transcribed list of gravestones, and an online census index are all derivative records.

Original records are inherently superior to derivative records due to the potential for error. Words can be misinterpreted, misspelled, or omitted, possibly changing the tone and information presented within the record.

One particularly negative example of this potential, bearing directly on African-American genealogists, is the tendency of abstracters and transcribers from previous generations to omit all mention of free persons of color or slaves in various record books. One simply cannot assume, when using a published book of record abstracts, that all records appear; some may have been omitted.

Not so long ago, original records, as described above, were called primary records, and derivative records were called secondary records. Records and information were seen as interchangeable. A distinction between these now exists.

Types of Information

Information refers to the content of a record.

Primary information is all content reported by a direct participant in, or eyewitness to, the event being reported.

Secondary information is all content reported by someone who was not a direct participant in, or eyewitness to, the event being reported.

A single record can contain both primary and secondary information. For example, modern death certificates contain the date and place of death, as well as the date and place of birth, and usually the parents names. In this case, the death information would be considered primary, and the birth information would be considered secondary. Note that this record is an original record, yet the information it provides varies in reliability. Only in rare cases will the informant to a death certificate have direct knowledge of the deceaseds birth.

Primary information is generally preferable to secondary information, but there are other factors which may affect this preference.

Identify the Informant

Key to determining whether information is primary or secondary is identifying the informant, or source of the information. In many records, the informant is identified by name (and often relationship), but in other records he/she may be unknown.

Once you know the informant, you must determine whether or not this person was likely to have had first-hand knowledge of the event being reported. This will help you qualify the information as primary or secondary.

When the informant is unknown, it is impossible to know whether the information is primary or secondary, and should thus be considered secondary at best.

You must evaluate the informants knowledge of the events being reported using four criteria: (1) how close in time and place to the event the record was created; (2) the level involvement of the informant; (3) the age and sanity of the informant, and the extent of his or her understanding of the events details and significance; and (4) any bias on the part of the informant that may have affected his or her account.

Types of Evidence

Records contain information, and this information then constitutes evidence. Evidence, in general, is how information relates to your research problem. The two kinds of evidence are direct and indirect.

A record contains direct evidence if it specifically states the answer to a specific question. A record contains indirect evidence if the answer, or a clue to the answer, is implied, rather than stated outright.

These concepts may be easier to understand using a pair of examples:

A marriage certificate contains direct evidence of the facts surrounding the marriage of a couple, including the date, place, and full names of both parties.

A birth certificate contains direct evidence of the facts surrounding the birth of a child, including the date, place, and names of both parents. The same birth certificate also contains indirect evidence of the marriage of the parents.

Neither direct evidence nor indirect evidence is inherently more accurate or reliable in searching for the true answer to your research question. For example, a pension application may contain direct evidence of the birth of a pensioner. However, the applicant may have moved his birth date backward in order to appear older (for financial gain), so another record that only provides indirect evidence of the fact may actually provide more accurate information.

The Genealogical Proof Standard provides a very thorough method to evaluating genealogical source records. By using these principles of analysis, you can obtain the highest level of accuracy in your research goals, and be able to solve almost every problem you encounter.

In the next article, we will explore these principles using a sample record from the Lowcountry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Almost all of the above principles have been derived from the following book, highly recommended to all genealogists:

The Board for Certification of Genealogists. The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual: Millennium Edition. Orem, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 2000.

More information can be found at the Board for Certification of Genealogists website:

http://bcgcertification.org/

Dr. A.E. Gibbes: Former Slaveholder of Samuel Gibbes, Sampson Fenwick, Gainey Singleton, Ancel Guerard and Harry Rivers

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:23:26 PST

Dr. E.A. Gibbes: Former Slaveholder of Samuel Gibbes, Sampson Fenwick, Gainey Singleton, Ancel Guerard and Harry Rivers, Colleton County, SC

In March of 1866, Dr. E.A. Gibbes, former slaveholder and owner of a plantation in Colleton County, SC near the settlement of Adam's Run, wrote to Lieutenant Jesse S. Craig of the 35th U.S.C.T. Infantry, outlining the terms of the labor agreement he had entered into with five freedmen to cultivate his plantation for one year.

His letter reveals that he was the former slaveholder for freedmen Samuel Gibbes, Sampson Fenwick, Gainey Singleton, Ancel Guerard and Harry Rivers. Below is the remarkable letter which connects E.A. Gibbes with these five freedmen:

Transcription:

"Letter of Dr. Gibbes Giving Terms of Contract with Freed People on His Plantation"

Charleston, S.C.

March 9, 1866

Lieut. Jesse S. Craig

35th U.S.C.T. Inftry.

Comd. Post

Dear Sir,
Your letter of March 3rd requesting information regarding my plantation near Adam's Run, &c has been received & in reply I would state, that the lands, premises, & c are leased for one year from Jan 1st 1866 to Samuel Gibbes, Sampson Fenwick, Gainey Singleton, Ancel Guerard & Harry Rivers; Freedmen formerly belonging to me. The terms are Five Bushels of produce to each acre of high land planted to be delivered to me as soon as harvested. I furnish nothing, & have no control over their actions whatever, they being at liberty to contract for labor with who they think proper, irrespective of former owners, & are amenable to the laws, as we all are. I have but little faith in written contracts, as they offer no more security than a verbal understanding between parties disposed to be just, hence this is a verbal contract between persons, who have known each other all their lives, but it was understood, that if the law required one, it must be at their expense. This contract was made as early as the first November 1865, with a reservation on my part, that if the landholders came to any determination, as to what course they would pursue, that I would feel myself bound to c??? with them, but as no such plan was followed, but each has entered upon his own course, I then concluded definitely(?) the terms here named on the 1st January 1866.
I have been repeatedly invited by them to visit the place, but in consequence of the absence of all comforts, I have not ???? done so, but I now contemplate going up there on Saturday by railroad to Edisto River, & by boat to the plantation, where I shall remain until Tuesday & return, I have no mode of conveyance to Adams Run, but if you will call on the place will be happy to see & confer further with you on Monday.

I remain Yours very Respectfully,

E.A. Gibbes

Document Images:

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

E.A. Gibbes may be Edward Gibbes, listed in Freedmen's Bureau Land Reports for Colleton County. A Dr. E.A. Gibbes is listed on the 1860 Census Slave Schedule holding 46 slaves.

Oddly, we were not able to locate Census or other records for the five freedmen listed here. If you have documents or knowledge you would like to share, we would love to hear from you! You can drop us a note at toni@lowcountryafricana.com.

What Constitutes a Genealogical Source Record

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:32:02 PST

Under the current standards of genealogical proof, source citation and analysis are supreme. But what constitutes a genealogical source record? Some genealogy extremists hold to the unreasonable opinion that only government-issued records are reliable sources for information. These extremists obviously do not research African-American families.

The view of limiting the definition of what constitutes a reliable source is not faithful to the Genealogical Proof Standard. This standard does not judge records with a broad stroke; it merely provides a means and a method for judging the validity and reliability of a source, and evaluating the evidence held within a source.

There is a disheartening dearth of traditional records concerning African-American families. Deeds and probate records, for example, are less common, especially in the South, as racial prejudice often prevented the rise out of poverty and accumulation of property so common among families of other ethnicities. Because of this, two lessons can be learned. First, African-Americans must use the Genealogical Proof Standard. This methodology establishes a way to use and evaluate indirect evidence to form a conclusive proof. Second, any researcher of African-American genealogy must be willing to gather information from non-traditional sources.

In general, African-Americans have a much richer tradition of oral history, or family tradition, and this cannot be discounted as a source. Of course, as with any sourcewhether a census enumeration, a death certificate, or a newspaper obituaryan oral history itself must be evaluated to determine its reliability. Where possible, facts contained in family traditions must be verified and corroborated with other records. The proverbial Indian princess story exists within the oral histories of many families, but only rarely do confirmable facts bear this out. This being said, it will be discovered that there will be many stories passed down for which no other record exists. These stories should still be preserved and evaluated on their own merits, and it should be noted that the accuracy of the story is unverified. This does not make the story false in and of itself, but should be presented strictly as what it is: unverified.

There are two steps in confirming the accuracy of every genealogical source record, regardless of its nature: evaluating the source itself, and corroborating with other records. These two segments will be explored in this column next week.

What is the Genealogical Proof Standard

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:11:05 PST

What Is The Genealogical Proof Standard?

(This article first appeared in the African-American Genealogy Examiner column on 15 May 2009.)

What is the Genealogical Proof Standard?

Briefly stated, the GPS raises modern genealogy research to the level of other academic disciplines. Ushered in and promoted by professional genealogists like Christine Rose and Elizabeth Shown Mills and organizations like the National Genealogical Society and the Board for the Certification of Genealogists, the GPS provides an outline for sound and responsible genealogical research. By subscribing to its standards, you can ensure that your research will be as accurate as possible.

The GPS recognizes, as you will discover in your own research, that genealogy research often leaves unanswered, and unfortunately unanswerable, questions. Not every fact can be proven with a simple statement on a document. However, through the use of the GPS, and indeed through practice, you can be sure that your conclusions are as close as possible to the truth.

The GPS, as outlined in Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case by Christine Rose (San Jose, Calif.: CR Publications, 2005), consists of five steps:

1. Conduct a reasonably exhaustive search for all information that is or may be pertinent to the question for which you are seeking an answer.
2. Completely and accurately cite every source of information discovered in this search.
3. Analyze and correlate the collected information to assess its quality as evidence.
4. Resolve any conflicts caused by contradictory items of evidence or information contrary to your conclusion.
5. Arrive at a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion [emphasis added].

The Genealogical Proof Standard, which should always be used in your research, is particularly important for African-American research. Due to the political and economic status of African-Americans throughout American history, certain otherwise-common records are often sparse. The GPS provides a method for sound evaluation of records and information, and will allow you to come to the best possible conclusions based on the available information.

For more information, read the following books:

Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case by Christine Rose

The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual by the Board for the Certification of Genealogists

Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills

1870 Brick Wall: Final Slaveholder of James Jenkins, Pinopolis, Berkeley County, SC

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:27:21 PST

1870 Brick Wall: Final Slaveholder of James Jenkins, Pinopolis, Berkeley County, SC

We read so many documents in the course of our research. So rarely do we see a document that bridges the 1870 divide by positively linking a freed person with a surname to the final slaveholder. When we do find a document that bridges that divide, we post it to our 1870 Brick Wall page.

Here is the latest addition to that page: a rations request written by plantation owner Y. Calhoun Cain to the Freedmen's Bureau sub-agent for Berkeley County, South Carolina. The document reveals that the final slaveholder of Freedman James Jenkins of Pinopolis was Y. Calhoun Cain's father. Next research steps will be to learn who Y. Calhoun Cain's father was:

Transcription:

Pinopolis July 11th 1867

I hereby certify that James Jenkins (Freedman) formerly belonged to my father, & since the war has been living on my place. Is an elderly man & some what feeble.

Y Calhoun Cain

Source: Records of the Field Offices for the State of South Carolina,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1872
NARA Micropublication M1910
Roll 89, Target 1, Frame 24

If you are seeking the final slaveholder for an ancestor in South Carolina, Georgia or Florida, please be sure to bookmark our 1870 Brick Wall page and visit that page often.

Happy Ancestor Hunting from the Lowcountry Crew!

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Aisha Taylor as Coordinator of Florida Records

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:22:07 PST

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Aisha Taylor as Coordinator of Florida Records

Lowcountry Africana, a free website dedicated to African American genealogy and history in the Lowcountry Southeast (SC, GA and FL) is pleased to welcome Aisha Taylor as Coordinator of Florida Records. In her new role at Lowcountry Africana, Aisha Taylor will coordinate the growth of the Florida document collection, share information on resources for Florida research, and offer insights on research methods to help keep your Florida genealogical research moving forward.

She holds a bachelors degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a masters degree in Educational Psychology: Applied Cognition and Development from the University of Georgia. She brings a deep knowledge of software and technology, social networking tools and instructional design to the Lowcountry Africana team.

Aisha Taylor began her genealogical journey at the age of 15 after a family reunion in South Carolina. After wondering what the stories were behind the names on her family tree, she teamed with a teacher in her high school to establish a genealogy club. After discovering records for her family at the National Archives, she realized that genealogy could help people build a bridge to their past and inspire young African-Americans to achieve.

Aisha's connection to the Lowcountry runs deep; she is descended from slaves in Orange County, South Carolina and Alachua County, Florida. She has established the Uncommon Roots blog and the Reddick-Benbow-Means family site to share her experience with others and preserve the history of her family.

By day, an Instructional Designer/Developer, Aisha is committed to helping a younger generation embrace genealogy and become committed to learning about the past in order to ensure their future.

She currently volunteers as an indexer for the FamilySearch Indexing Project and the Ancestry.com World Indexing Project. In addition, she works with the Alachua County US Ancient Records to transcribe and index the scanned documents. As part of her indexing efforts, Aisha is working to create an index of slaves mentioned in the Alachua County ancient records. She has also begun working with the Archer Historical Society to incorporate the history of the African-American families of Archer and to document the African-American family cemeteries in Alachua County.

We are honored to welcome Aisha Taylor to the Lowcountry Africana team!

Remarkable Colleton County Document Breaks Through the 1870 Brick Wall

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:09:55 PST

Remarkable Colleton County Document Breaks Through the 1870 Brick Wall

Every now and then one of those remarkable documents comes along - the ones that bridge the 1870 Divide and positively link a freed person with a surname to a former slaveholder.

In this case we come close. The Freedmen's Labor Contract below links Freedman Moses Gedos' wife Margret to the plantation of former slaveholder D.R. Postell of Colleton County, SC. The document was dated January 24, 1866, the author was D.R. Postell, transcription appears below the document image:

January the 24th year 1866

this is to surtify that i have Contracted with moes Gedos this year for him to assist me in makeing up the fence on the plantation and also to assist me in case of sickness &c And I have given him a place to plant and a house to live in free of rent as his wif margret formerly us to belong to the plac an has a large family

Witness D.R. Postell
Moses Gedos X His Mark
D. Willis
Mander Willis

Source: Freedmen's Labor Contracts, Colleton District, June 1865-Feb. 1868
Records of the Field Offices for the State of South Carolina,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1872
NARA Micropublication M1910
Roll 103, Target 5

If only we had a thousand more just like this ... Wow. Happy Day!

LCA Crew

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Michael Hait as Coordinator of Resource Library

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:03:22 PST

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Michael Hait as Coordinator of Resource Library

Lowcountry Africana, a free website dedicated to African American genealogy and history in the Lowcountry Southeast (SC, GA and FL) is pleased to welcome Michael Hait as Coordinator of the Lowcountry Africana Resource Library. In his new role at Lowcountry Africana, Michael Hait will develop and grow the website's online library with helpful resources on how to conduct a successful ancestor search.

Michael Hait is superbly qualified for his new role at Lowcountry Africana. He began tracing his own family tree at the age of nine, questioning his grandparents and great-grandparents to learn more, and has continued for over twenty years. His family tree can be traced back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries on some lines.

He is the creator of The Family History Research Toolkit CD-ROM, available from Genealogical Publishing Co., and has authored several articles for Family Chronicle magazine. He also writes the African-American Genealogy Examiner column for Examiner.com, where he shares a wealth of information on genealogical methods, as well as in-depth advice on how to get the most from particular record sets.

Michael is the Master Editor of a book on Civil War soldiers from the Albany (New York) "hilltowns", and is currently compiling information for a future book on slave families of Prince George's Co., Maryland. Michael is also the administrator for the Genealogy Trails websites for Prince George's, Charles, and St. Mary's counties in southern Maryland.

Michael is a current member of the National Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists (National Capital Area chapter), the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors, the Afro-American Historical Genealogical Society, the Maryland Historical Society, the Maryland Genealogical Society, and the Prince George's Co. Genealogical Society.

Lowcountry Africana is honored to welcome Michael Hait. We look forward to his contributions and to the quality his depth of experience and expertise will add to the Lowcountry Africana team!

New at Georgia's Virtual Vault: Unindexed Death Certificates, 1928-1930

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:00:43 PST

Georgia Non-Indexed Death Certificates, 1928-1930

The Georgia State Archives has added unindexed Death Certificates to Georgia's Virtual Vault. This Death Certificate search system is provided as an interim solution until the records for 1928-1930 can be indexed and added to the Death Certificate Collection. Many users have asked for these records, so The Georgia State Archives is providing them with scanned images of the original Vital Records index.

While you are there, be sure to check out these other valuable collections at Georgia's Virtual Vault:

Chatham County Deed Books
Colonial Will Books
Colonial Wills
Confederate Enlistment Oaths and Discharges
Confederate Pension Application Supplements
County Maps
County Records from Microfilm
District Plats of Survey
Georgia Death Certificates
Headright and Bounty Plats
Historic Maps
Militia Enrollment Lists, 1864
Vanishing Georgia
Virtual Georgia

Georgia's Virtual Vault is an extraordinary resource for genealogy research in Georgia. We hope you find some great new leads there!

Happy Ancestor Hunting from LCA!

African American Genealogy Research in the Lowcountry and Beyond: A Resource Guide

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:36 PST

African American Genealogy Research in the Lowcountry and Beyond: A Resource Guide

Wondering how (and where) to begin your ancestor search? Looking for great resources to keep your research moving forward? Check out the Lowcountry Africana Resource Guide, an extensive guide to online and print resources for African American genealogy! READ MORE

Drayton Research Update: Efforts to Emancipate Abigail, Mahala, Rebecca and Abba

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:06:58 PST

Drayton Research Update: Efforts to Emancipate Abigail, Mahala, Rebecca and Abba

In 1821, Rebecca Perry Drayton, widow of John Drayton of Drayton Hall, petitioned the House of Representatives, seeking permission to free three family slaves named Abigail, Mahala and Rebecca. Abigail was described as "an old family nurse ... now between eighty and ninety years old." The petition was denied.

In a petition to the Senate filed in 1827, Rebecca Drayton requested permission to emancipate a slave named Abba, who she inherited twenty years earlier "from a very near connection," under the promise that Abba would be emancipated. This petition was denied as well.

The "very near connection" from which Rebecca received Abba may have been Tobias Bowles, husband of her daughter Susannah Drayton. Over a period of years Rebecca Drayton and son-in-law Tobias Bowles had been allies in financial and legal matters... READ MORE

Launch Of GenealogyWise Website Changes the Internet Genealogy World as We Know It

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:59:31 PST

Launch Of GenealogyWise Website Changes the Internet Genealogy World as We Know It

An extraordinary thing happened a few days ago: the creators of GenealogyWise, a social networking site dedicated entirely to genealogy, quietly launched their website without an announcement, possibly thinking of a small, informal launch during which they could quietly work out the bugs and refine the features.

That was before 2,918 members joined in three days, created 1,912 interest groups, started 55 forums and posted more than 100 blog entries.

For those of us involved in Internet genealogy, it has been a happy scramble to establish our presence on GenealogyWise and begin using its many powerful, robust features. We now pause to give you an update on the new groups, forums and blog entries (created by the community!) on GenealogyWise which are of interest to African American researchers... READ MORE

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Luckie Daniels as Coordinator of Georgia Records

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:32:21 PST

Lowcountry Africana Welcomes Luckie Daniels as Coordinator of Georgia Records

Lowcountry Africana is pleased and honored to welcome Ms. Luckie Daniels as Coordinator of Georgia Records. In her new role at Lowcountry Africana, Ms. Daniels will coordinate the growth of the Georgia document collection, share information on resources for Georgia research, and offer insights on research methods to help keep your Georgia genealogical research moving forward. She also brings a deep knowledge of Web-based technology and social networking tools to the Lowcountry Africana team ... READ MORE

Drayton Family Research Update: Enslaved People in Grimke Family Records

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:16:50 PST

The histories of the Drayton and Grimke families of Charleston are closely intertwined. The connection began with the marriage of Thomas Smith Grimke (1786-1834), son of John Faucheraud Grimke (1752-1819) and Sarah Smith (1764-1839), to Sarah Daniel Drayton (1794-1867), daughter of Thomas Drayton (1758-1825 ) and Mary Wilson of Magnolia Plantation.

Having no male heirs to leave his estate to, Thomas Drayton bequeathed Magnolia Plantation successively to grandsons Thomas Grimke and John Grimke, sons of his daughter Sarah Drayton Grimke. The bequest was made on the condition that his grandsons would adopt the surname Drayton... READ MORE

Have You Seen OurGeorgiaRoots.com

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:08:47 PST

Have You Seen OurGeorgiaRoots.com?

We think you will love the website/blog Our Georgia Roots (www.ourgeorgiaroots.com), which has a rich collection of records, images, links and resources for African American genealogy in general, and Washington and Wilkes Counties in GA in particular.

Our Georgia Roots has harnessed the latest technology tools to create a beautiful site that is easy to navigate and rich in resources.

One of our favorite features of Our Georgia Roots is Wordless Wednesday, where stunning images from the 1800's speak for themselves.

Most notable of the Wordless Wednesday posts is hundreds of images of Wilkes County, GA estate inventories, which list African Americans who were enslaved in Wilkes County.

If your family research leads you to Georgia, Our Georgia Roots is a great place to begin.

If you are hoping to build a genealogy website of your own, Our Georgia Roots is an ingenious example of how to harness the latest free technologies to create a feature-rich, beautiful and easy to navigate website.

You can visit Our Georgia Roots at http://www.ourgeorgiaroots.com.

Drayton Family Research Update: Adam Frost, Adel, Constant, Jerry and Winter

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:04:48 PST

The life story of Adam Frost, formerly enslaved by Governor John Drayton, continues to unfold and is a wonderful example of the genealogy research community working together to solve a research problem.

We first discovered Adam Frost and his story by searching for the terms "Drayton" and "slave" in GenealogyBank's Historic Newspaper collection. Among the search results was a mortuary notice from the May 5, 1907 issue of the Charlotte, NC Observer. It carried the intriguing headline: "Dead at 127: Adam Frost, Colored, Perhaps the Oldest Man in the United States, Dies in Spartanburg County. Had Interesting History." ... READ MORE