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Macedonia Church is located on the old Butler road at Macedonia Baptist Church. Also has a Cemetery.
Providence Baptist Churchis located between Reynolds and Butler off of Hwy 96 at the Joiner Place. Also has a cemetery.
Spring Field Baptist Church (est. 1916), Rev. L.M. Mcrae, pastor
St. Phillip Community Church, Rev. Willie Lynn, Pastor
Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, rev. Kenneth Spearman, Pastor
Bethel Temple Holiness Church, Elder L. Hudson, Pastor
On-line marriage lists that do contain "colored" visit this page
List Of Free Negro Heads Of Family In The United States In 1830 Compiled By Carter G. Woodson
Free Negro Owners Of Slaves In The United States In 1830 Together With Absentee Ownership Of Slaves In The United States In 1830 By Carter G. Woodson
The Free Negro In North Carolina 1790-1860 By John Hope Franklin
How To Read The Handwriting And Records Of Early America by Kate Kirkham
List Of Black Servicemen Compiled From The War Department Collection Of Revolutionary War Records, Special List 36 Compiled By Debra L. Newman
At Library Of Congress 2 Pamphlets: Afro-American Genealogical Research And How To Find Afro-American Sources In Genera Reading Room Division
Also At Library Of Congress Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery In United States From Interviews With Former Slaves.
Interviews Were Also Edited By George Rawick And Published In The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography
Slaves In The Family By Edward Ball
pg 515 Deed Book B
Green 7 Apr 1863
James C. King, Oglethorp to Virginia A. Rucker
love and affection for daughter
Negro girl, Martha of black complection about 17 which girl now lives with Virginia A. Rucker
Wit: M.W. Lewis, W.A. Coldough, JP
pg 494 Taylor Co Deed Book B
Bibb County 18 Sept 1862
Jonathan Millence, late Private in Co G (?C) 59th Reg volunteers do for and in consideration of the said William Anderson having taken my place as a substitue in Company C of said Reg during the war convey in trust for the sole and separate use of his wife, Lucinday Anderson, a certain Negro man 23 yr, Giles
Wit: G.R. Hunter
Recorded: Oct 1, 1852
Deed Book B pg 492
James Lockett,estate mentions "I give and bequeath until Ufrasia Darden and Elizabeth Darden, children of Abner Darden and to the survivor of the them: two Negroes Ben and his wife, Rhoda
Deed Book B pg 489 Jan 12, 1862 Gideon Yelverton love of daughter Eliza A. Jones, Covington Co, Alabama Negro woman, Gracy 20 years, yellow complection, 5 ft 6 in, also her youngest chld, John about 6 months old Wit: S.A. Royal, Nathaniel Respess JP Recorded: Mar 25, 1862
Deed Book B - Taylor County pg 488
10 June 1859
Benjamin F. Newsome, Macon, to Joshua Newsome, Macon, trustee for Elizabeth Newsome, the wife of said Joshua and the mother of said Benjamin F. and for the children of the said Elizabeth
Love and affection for his mother, brothers, sisters children
1st Dis LL241 except the west half and 10 acres in southeast corner of the east half, and certain interest in the lot of mill situated thereon, profits of said saw and grist mill (on Beaver Creek)
Also the following Negro: Simon, man about 60 years, Cynthia, a girl about 18, and her two children, Charles, 2 yrs old & Scifico, 6 months
Recorded: Mar 21, 1862
Deed Book B - Taylor County pg 489 30 Mar, 1860 Martha Newsome love of my sister-in-law, Elizabeth Newsome and her childrne, the wife and children of Joshua Newsome of Macon Co, Joshua as trustee, 3 Negros: Maria, woman and her two children, Judy 2 yrs, and Sarah Ann 6 months Wit: Thomas D. Humphries, Gideon Newsome, JIC Recorded: Mar 21, 1862
Deed Book B - Taylor County pg 472
Monroe Oct 5, 1861
Mead LeSeur, love for daughter, Henrietta, wife of James H. Edwards
Negro Woman, Louisa about 17 yrs dark complection, infant 1 yr old, Clark
boy, Abner about 14 years; girl, Mary age 11 - all dark complextion
James H. Edwards, trustee for Henrietta Edwards
Recorded: Dec 13, 1861
Deed Book B - Taylor County pg 459
July 8, 1861
Gideon Yelverton for love of daughter, Martha Watkins,
Two Negroes woman Louisa Elizar about 35 yrs and her child, Louisa about 18 months both dark complextion.
Wit: B.D. Hill, WAH Royal
Recorded: July 8, 1861
Deed Book B - Taylor County pg 453
May 23, 1861
Francis M. McKeney love for my children, Wm A. McKeney. Benjamin I and Mary J. McKeney (McKenney) a certain Negro girl Eda age 13 years
Recorded: May 23, 1861
Deed Book B - Taylor Co.pg 354-5
3 Nov 1859
Mary Willett to Rebecca Hobbs
Natural love for her
Negro girl named Harriet age 13
Wit: Darling Duke, JP,
Recorded: Jan 20, 1860
pg 253
4 Dec 1858 Deed Book B
John McMichael to William Huff
Love and affection to his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Huff free from debts of her husband and in trust for Mary E. and her children
Negro Girl Phyllis aged about 14 yrs and her future increase
Wit: H.H. Mangham, W.S. Wallace, NP
Recorded: Dec 10, 1858
pg 231 Deed Book B
27 Jul 1858 Promissory Note
Esais Saylor to Samuel P. Corbitt
$14,762.00
Jack Negro man 30 yr, Harriet woman 35yr, Elizabeth and child Martha, a girl; Henry a boy; Anna a woman; Minog a boy, Henry a boy; Charlotte & chiild James Juna Emma Rebecca Flora Rachel Sheren Moses Rhody & children Adam Silas Matilda William Nell, a woman, Simeon Ishmael Rachel Marion Rebecca Leah Eliza Reubin Frank Anderson Benn Susy Hesick Emanuel
Wit: Wm P. Corbin, C.B. Dickson, JP
pg 220 Deed Book B
Promissory Note
William H. Caldwell to Robert Scandrett
$947 Negro woman named Margaret of dark complection about 32 yrs old
Wit: Joseph J. Huff, James T. Harmon
Recorded: June 8, 1858
MONTFORT
1 April 1879 Butler Herald
Abram Montfort, an old servant of the Montfort family, says 75 years ago Theodoric Montfort, father
of R. Montfort, purchased him and he was about 50 years old at the time.
MONTGOMERY
Slaves mentioned in the will of Samuel Montgomery, Taylor County, GA - 1861
... Jane a negro woman and her four children... Gus, a boy, Violet, a girl &
Mary Ann a girl & Silla a girl...
... Allen a boy, Amanda a girl and Charles a boy...
... Mourner a negro woman and her two children ...Amanda, a girl and Fanny a
girl...
... Tabitha a negro woman and her child Elizabeth...
... Harriet a negro woman and her child Ellen a girl...
=========
Names of slaves of Samuel Montgomery, Taylor County, Georgia
1. Peter
2. Cits
3. Rose
4. Aron
5. Louis
6. Joh
7. Mansfield
8. Abitha
9. Harriet
10. Louanar
11. Rachel
12. Ely
13. Levi
14. Elvina
15. Carline
16. Daniel
17. Elick
Note was made: :Louana subtracted
On same sheet in different are found the names below with the number out
beside them They are not noted as slaves but the heading is: "Brought over
9600".
1. Jame - 775.00
2. Redick - 100.00
3. Ann - 100.00
4. Banda - 100.00
5. Green - 100.00
=============
Office Agent & Bureau R F W A L (?)
Butler Ga Dec 5th 1867
Sam'l Montgomery Esq.
Taylor Co. Georgia
Sir.
It is reported to the office that freed children Isaac &
Catherine were last July bound to you without the consent of their only
surviving parent - the mother. Hence you will please bring to this office
without delay evidence that your petition to the Court of ordinary setting
forth that the mother's consent was obtained - is correct.
Respectfully Yours
J Davenport
Agent &c
Samuel Montgomery } Habeas Corpus
vs } in Taylor County (Geo) Court of Ordinary
Rose Montgomery } Special Term at Chambers
February 20th 1869
Habeas corpus issued as to the bodies of Isaac and Catherine colored
minor children of Rose Montgomery detained by said Rose returnable to our
Court of Ordinary this day.
On the return of the above stated habeas corpus case, and on the
hearing thereof, it was made to appear to the Court that the said Isaac and
Catherine were unlawfully detained by the said Rose Montgomery, in this that
it appears from the evidence that the Agt of the Freedman's Bureau had
substantially met the provisions of said Freedman's Bureau in the binding
out said freed minors as mentioned or set forth in an Act of the Georgia
Legislature Approved Dec'r 8th 1865.
It is therefore adjudged by this Court that the detention of the bodies
by Rose Montgomery of the said minors Isaac and Catherine, was and is
illegal, and it is therupon ordered and this Court doth order that the said
freed minors Isaac and Catherine be delivered to said Samuel Montgomery, and
the said Rose Montgomery is hereby directed to release and relinquish the
custody and control of the said Isaac and Catherine to said Samuel
Montgomery.
This 20th day of February 1869 James P. Russ
Ordinary
ESTATE & APPRAISEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF J.J. GRAY
Dec, 1862
Akaman man $700.00
Yori " $1,400
Boyd man $1,150
George man $1,150
Ezekiel boy $1,200
Lewis boy $1,200
Jack man $1,300
Lemuel Man $900
Warren boy $1,000
Green boy $1,000
Andrew boy $700
Betsey girl $1,700
Bills boy 800
Philip boy 800
Richard boy 900
Judy woman 800
Mady infant 100
Nelly woman 500
Alay girl 800
Albert boy 700
Henry boy 600
Toney boy 600
Josephine girl 600
Mary Ann girl 600
Charles boy 250
COURT OF ORDINARY MINUTES - Taylor County
Beginning in 1866, many Freed Persons were bound to individuals for their support and education. Females would serve until age 18; males until age 21. In return the person promised to provide them with clothing, food, housing, and basic education.
Exerpts dealing with Freed Persons:
pg 178
ORDINARY COURT MARCH TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
Petition of Jordan WILCHAR, sheweth that Henry, a Freed boy has been abandoned by his parents and is now on his premises that said Henry is without any means sufficient for his maintenance and education. Prays Court to grant an order to have said Henry bound to him until such time as he shall become Twenty One years of age. J.L. Wilchar
It appearing to the Court that said Henry is about 15 years of age, has been abandoned by his parents. Ordered that he be bound to Jordan Wilchar until the age 21. Jordan Wilchar to provide clothe and maintain the said Henry in a comfortable manner. Provide annually --- suit of clothes ; __ pr shoes and furnish his family to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic. Approved Mar 8th 1866.
Petition of Seborn HOBBS sheweth that Laz, a Freedboy about 15 years has been abandoned by his parents and Anna, a Freed girl aged 6 years given to him by her mother, are both of them now on his premises without means of support. Prays that court have them bound to him until they shall become 21 and 18 years of age respectfully. Provide annually --- suit of clothes ; __ pr shoes and furnish his family to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic. Approved Mar 8th 1866.
Petition of Mrs. Rhoda S. HOLLIS sheweth that Alick, a Freedam aged 16 years, abandoned by his parents, and James Benjamin Franklin, a freed child aged 5 years are both now on her premises without means of support. Request Court bound to her until age of 21
(Alick for 5 years and Benjamin for 16 years) to work on her farm. Granted.
pg 181
ORDINARY COURT APRIL TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
Petition of Rose MONTGOMERY, a Freedwoman, sheweth that she is without means of support sufficient for the maintenance and eduction of her minor son, Green, aged 12. Seeks to bind him to Robert P. HAYS until he is 21 (for 9 years). Rose Montgomery (her mark)
Robert P. Hays agrees to provide annually clothes and to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic and give him $100 when he reaches 21.
Petition of Gideon YELVERTON sheweth that George, a Freedboy aged about 12 years, has been abandoned by his parents and is now on his premise, to be bound to him.
G. Yelverton agrees to provide annually clothes and to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic and give him $50 when he reaches 21.
pg 185
Petition of James M BATEMAN sheweth that Christopher Marion, a Freedboy aged about 15 years, has been abandoned by his parents and is now on his premise, to be bound to him.
James Bateman agrees to provide annually clothes and to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic and give him $50 when he reaches 21.
Petition of Rose MONTGOMERY, a Freedwoman, sheweth she does not have means of support for her minor son, Bob, aged 10 years. Asks he be bound to Seborn Montgomery until age 21.
Seborn Montgomery agrees to provide annually clothes and to teach them to read and write the English Language and the usual rules of Arithmetic and give him $100 when he reaches 21.
ORDINARY COURT JUNE TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
pg 188
Petition of Willis J. McLENDON sheweth that Eliza, a freed girl age 11 and Tom, a freed boy age 7 years is now on his premises without means of support. Requests Court to bind them to him until they reach 18 years and 21 years respectfully. To pay Eliza $50 and Tom $100 at the end of their term.
The above freed orphans bound to Willis McLENDON.
ORDINARY COURT JULY TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
Petition of John H. CALDWELL for Gin, a Freedwoman who is old and afflicted respectfully sheweth that Viney, a Freed-minor daughter of said Gin, 11 years old is now on his premises without means of support. Request Court to bind said Viney to him.
Granted for 7 years from this date unto J.H. CALDWELL.
pg 140
Petition of Lucy WILSON sheweth that ISAAC and MACK Freed orphan minors aged 12 and 10 years respectively are now on her premises without means of support. Requests they be bound to her until age 21.
Granted with usual terms and to pay each $25 at expiration of indenture.
Lucy Wilson (x) her signature
Petition of Samuel MONTGOMERY sheweth that ISAAC, a freedboy age 6 yrs and CATHERING, a freedgirl aged about 4 yrs, orphan minors are now on his premises. Requests they be bound to him until 21 and 18 respectively. Granted.
pg 191
ORDINARY COURT AUGUST TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
The petition of Julia JOHNSON, Freedwoman sheweth she is without means of support for her minor child, Eliza Jane, aged 6 years. Request she be bound to James T. HARMON until she shall reach the age of 18. Agreed.
Petition of R.G. TOMLIN sheweth that Daniel a Freedboy (orphan) is now on his premises. Requests Daniel be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. Robt G. Tomlin
Petition of A.C. CARTER sheweth that Gus, aged about 17 years, Violet aged 15 years; Mary aged 13 years, and Sylla aged 11 years are Freed Children without means of support and that their mother, Jane, a Freedwoman, is strolling about without means sufficient for their maintenance. Requests order to bind freed children to him. $35 to be given each female; $100 to be given to Gus at end of indenture.
pg 196
Petition of Wm S. BATEMAN sheweth that Moses, a Freed boy, aged about 17 years is now on his premises without means of support and that his mother is now in Florida. Requests order to bind freed Moses to him.
Moses to be bound out for 4 years unto Wm S. Bateman with usual stipulations and to give him $100 at termination.
pg 199
ORDINARY COURT SEPTEMBER TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
Petition of James M. DANIEL sheweth that Frank Daniel a Freedboy age 6 is now on his premises. That he has no legal father, and that his mother, Isabell Mangham, does not have sufficient means for his support and education and that she is habitually cruel to him. Requests Frank be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. James M. Daniel
pg 207
Petition of Richard A. GREEN sheweth that Freed minors are now on his premises without means of support and are likely to become vagrants and a nuisance to the county. Requests Queen Green, aged 15 years, 6 months; Nelly Green aged 13 years; Moses Green, 11 yrs; Delphy Green age 9 yrs; Isabella Green age 5 yrs 6 months; Adolphus Mitchell, age 14 yrs; Jefferson Mitchell aged 12 years; Emma Mitchell age 16 yrs; and their Parents are unable to support them. Asked that they be bound to him until they reach 21 or 18.
Queen aged 15 years and 6 months (2 years & 6 months); Nelly aged 13 (5 yrs from date); Isabella aged 5 yr 6mon (12 yrs 6 months from date); Emma Mitchell age 16 (2 years from date); Moses aged 11; Delphy age 9;Adolphus age 14; Jefferson 12; until they reach the age of 21. (Moses 10 years from date: Delphy 12 years: Adolphus 7 years; Jefferson 9 yrs unto Richard A. GREEN, a farmer in said county. He promises to clothe and feed them and teach them arithmetic and to read. At end of indenture: Queen = $5; Nelly $50; Isabella $50; Emma $50; when they arrive at 18. Moses $100; Delphy $50; Adolphus $100; Jeferson $100 when they reach age of 21. But should Richard A. Green be put to any unnecessary trouble or by absconding of said minors or other acts of disobedience, he is to be allowed to deduct the same from the amount which he is to pay the minor.
Petition of Alfred IVERSON sheweth that Lucinda a Freed orphan aged 10 is now on his premises. Requests Lucinda be bound to him until she is 18. Agreed with terms and to give $50 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Alfred Iverson
Petition of Millburn SAXON sheweth that Henry a Freed minor aged 14 and Price, aged 12 years, have been abandoned by their parents. Requests they be bound to him until they are 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Millburn SAXON
Petition of F.M. MOULTON sheweth that Henry Moulton a Freedboy (orphan) age 17 is now on his premises without means of support. Requests Henry be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. F.M. Moulton
Petition of A.B.G. HARRELL sheweth that Camille Harrell a Freed minor girl has no mother, and has been abandoned by her father and is now on his premises. Requests she be bound to him until she is 18. Agreed with terms and to give $50 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. A.B.G. Harrell
Petition of Jophn MOTT sheweth that Jim Mott, a Freedboy age 15, and Gus Mott, aged 13, and Mollie Mott aged 5, all freed minors are now on his premises. Requests they bound to him and their mother, Emeline consents saying they have no father or means of support. Indenture for: Jim and Gus until 21; Mollie 18. Agreed to the terms and to give $100 to the boys and $50 to Mollie at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. Joseph MOTT
Petition of James H. MILLS sheweth that Sarah POPE, Freedwoman, is the mother of the following minors: Alick aged 14; Crecy Pop aged 12; and Dorcas aged 10, that she is unable to support them and it is her desire for them to be bound to him. Requests tjhey bound to until Alick is 21; Crecy and Dorcas 18. Agreed with terms and to give $100 to Alick and $50 each to girls at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. James H. MILLS
Petition of W.H. HEARD sheweth that Viney Heard a Freed minor girl aged 16 and has no parents and is now on his premises. Requests be bound to him until she is 181. Agreed with terms and to give $25 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. W.H. HEARD
Petition of Wm H. GRIFFITH sheweth that Tom Griffith aged 20 yearzs 3 months, a Freedboy; and Hany Griffith age 18; and Susanna about 15 and Amanda about 13 are now on his premises without means of support. Requests be bound to them until boys are 21; girls 18. Agreed with terms and to give at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. Wm H. GRIFFITH
Petition of John C. BICE sheweth that Monroe a Freedboy about 16 years and Betsy a freed minor girl about 12 are now on his premises without means of support. Requests be bound to him until they are 21 and 18 respectively. Agreed with terms and to give Monroe $100 and Betsy $50 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. John C. BICE,
*This may be Rice
It appearing upn investigation that the order of the Court issued Oct 1866 for the binding of freed children Monroe, Mason and Betsey to Mr. J.C. Bice were illegal in as much that Monroe and Mason were upwards of 14 years of age and did not select the said J.C. BICE as their master or Guardian and that said Betsy has a parent living whose consent was not obtained to the binding, and moreover it appearing that ll of the said freed children were able to earn their own livelyhood. The order binding them out is hereby revoked.
Butler, April 19, 1867 Jerome B. Davenport Agen Bureau R F W A S
*Although Mason is not mentioned in the first indenture, the paper revoking the indenture is inserted over another indenture that may very will be one for Mason.
pg 214
Petition of W.W. HAYS sheweth that Nathan Jenkins, aged 19, a Freedboy is without means of support and his parents without means of caring for him. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. W.W. Hays
James F. Wainnow, Agt Bureau R. F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of J.D. BEALL sheweth that Elliott Beall, aged 14 and 6 months, a Freedboy ; Martha BEALL, freed minor girl aged 12 years and 6 months; Georgia BEALL, freed minor girl about 10 yr nine months; Simon BEALL a freed minor boy about 7 years; Rena Beall, a freed minor girl about 3 years; Dolly BEALL a woman aged about 37 yers and 6 months and her daughter Milly Beall, about 7 years. The first five are minor orphans and that their mother does not have means of support. and that said Dolly and her daughter are partially idiotic and without means of support. Requests be bound to him until they are 18 and 21 and Dolly and her daughter for such time as the Court decides.
Court rules that Dolly and her daughter be bound out for their natural life. J.D. BEALL
Petition of T.J. RILEY sheweth that Sallie Riley (freedwoman) and her two children William and Tim aged 17 years and 3 yrs 6 months are without means of support and education.a Freedboy (orphan) is now on his premises. Requests they be bound to him until he is 21. Payment of $100 and $50 to be paid to Sallie at end of indenture.
Petition of Joseph RILEY sheweth that Jacob, a Freedboy age 14, is without means of support. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Mr. Russ, I have annulled the Indenture binding the freed minor Jacob to Joseph Riley, the reason being the boy being 14 and not having been allowed to select his guardian.
Butler, Jan 15, 1867. J.B. Davenport, Agent Bureau R.F & A L
Petition of James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R F & A L for said County sheweth that it is the wish of Jordaon, the father of Andrew Harmon a freed minor age 14 that said minor should be bound out to him until he reaches the age of 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. James T. Harmon
Petition of John W. PARKER sheweth that Lewis Parker aged 14 a Freedboy (orphan) is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. John W. Parker
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of John W. PARKER sheweth that John Parker aged 15 a Freedboy (orphan) is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. John W. Parker
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of L.R. GARDNER, shows that the following minors have no means of support: Frank GARDNER, age 10; Emma Gardner, age 5; Ambrose Gardner age 3; Mary Gardner, age 1 and 6 months and an infant child, Margaret Gardner, aged 6 months, all children of Jane Gardner who is wholly unable to suport or education them. Agreed with terms and to give $50 to Frank at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount
L.R. Gardner
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of William ANDERSON sheweth that Simeon MATTHEWS a Freedboy about 8 years is without means of support abandoned by his parents.. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Mrs. Margaret POPE sheweth that George MULKEY, a Freedboy (orphan) aged 14 is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Moody BARFIELD sheweth that Charlie Hutchins, a Freedboy (orphan) aged 14, is without means of support. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Mrs. Sarah BRYANT sheweth that Anne, an infant girl aged nine months is without means of support and her mother Mary BRYANT, is wholly unable to do the same. Requests be bound to her until she is 18 (17 years and 3 months). Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of F.M. GRIFFITH sheweth that Abe BALDWIN, a Freedboy age 14 and Wash BALDWIN aged 13 (orphan) is without means of support. Requests they be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 221
Petition of W.R. BOND sheweth that Joe HAYS, a Freedboy aged 6 years, abandoned by his parents is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Hugh W. GREEN sheweth that Jesse & Reubin Green said minor children of Emeline Green, aged 17 and 6 yrs are without means of support. They have no father, and their mother is without means of support and desires that they be bound out. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 to Jesse and $50 to Reuben at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Samuel DUKE sheweth that the following children of Kitty Montgomery, Daniel 14; Reddick 13; Clark 10 are without means of support. Requests they be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 223
Petition of s W.W. HAYS sheweth that Edmund TURNER, a Freed minor son of Delia TURNER (Freedwoman) aged 16 and 3 months is without means of support and his mother desires he be bound out to petitioner. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Pheasant G. SHEPHARD sheweth that Amos Shephard, a Freed minor aged 6 (orphan) is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 224
Petition of Minnie BATEMAN, a Fredwoman, sheweth that she does not have means of support for her minor child, Viney, aged 6 years and asks court to order a binding out unto John T. HARTLEY until she is 18.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 225
Petition of Watton J. CARTER sheweth that Pink PARKER, a Freed boy aged 13, is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. W.T. Carter is a farmer in TALBOT county but there is no Age of Bureau R.F & A L for Talbot County. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount. Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of J.A. KENDRICK sheweth that Phyllis a Freed minor aged 14 years; Jack aged 12 years; Cinda aged 7; Araminta aged 1 freed illegitimate minors, children of Ellen KENDRICK, a Freed woman . Also Julius KENDRICK, a Freedman age 28 years is a partial idiot and all are without means of support. Requests they be bound to him until they reach 18 or 21. Julius his natural life. Agreed with terms and to give $100 to Jack: $40 to Phyllis; Cinda and Araminta $25 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 227
Petition of T.F. MATTHEWS sheweth that June Matthews a freed minor (boy) aged 14, has no living relatives in this state and is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Paper over page:
I have investigated the case of Nev HANES, being bound to Mr. J.J. HANES, and find it not to be legally done. The boy Nev being over 14, did not have an opportunity of choosing his guardian. It appears he was not infomred that he was to be bound until after the Indenture was executed. Therefore I have informed Mr. J.J. HANES, that indenture biding Ne to him is void. He has contracted with the boy for this year and I have approved the sum.
J.B. Davenport Agent Bureau R F & A L Jan 21, 1867 Butler
Petition of Arza MURRAY sheweth that Anne BAILEY a Freed minor girl about 10 years, has no parents, is without means of support. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $50 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
This indenture made the 5th day of November, between (blank) and Martha HAYS, her mother being of the age of 10 years, of the one part and Miss Virginia A. HAYS, of the same county of the other part, does by the consent of Martha HAYS, her motehr bind herself out to said Virginia A. HAYS as an Apprentice to said Virginia in the trade or craft of seamstress, chambermaid, cook, or as a laborere upon the plantation of said Virginia HAYS during the space of 8 years or until said (blank) arrives at the age of 18 years. Doth covenant that she will well and faithfully demean herself as such asn Apprentice observing and obeying fully the commands of said Virginia, and in all things deporting and behaving herself as a faithful Apprentice; neitehr revealing her secrets nor at any time leaving or neglecting the business of the said Virginia. Besides the duties, she will be taught basic arithmetic, and to read, one suit of Sunday Clothes and $50 at end of indenture.
Martha Hays (x) her mark
Virginia A. Hays
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 227
Petition of J.J. HARRIS sheweth that Ned PALMER a Freedboy, aged 17 without parents in this state is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of sheweth that a Freedboy (orphan) is without means of support. Requests be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 229
Petition of Wm W. FOY sheweth that Thomas FOY a Freedman is an idiotic and has no guardian and is without means of support. Petitioner will take care of him. Court binds him for his natural life.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of S.S. TAYLOR sheweth that Anthony Taylor, a Freedboy aged 12, (orphan) is without means of support. Requests he be bound to him until he is 21. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 230
ORDINARY COURT DECEMBER TERM 1866
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
Petition of W.A.H. ROYAL sheweth that Rachel Royal a Freed minor girl aged 7 and former slave of Petitioner has been left abandoned by her mother, Eliza Royal, by her removal from this county, and is without means of support. Requests be bound to him until she is 18. Agreed with terms and to give $25 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Petition of Mrs. John T. GRIFFIN sheweth that ANNA, a Freed minor girl aged 9 years is without a father or means of support. Requests she be bound to her until she is 18. Agreed with terms and to give $500 at end of indenture. If put to any unneccesary trouble, can deduct from this amount.
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 233
This indenture made this 3rd day of December, 1866, between R.G. TOMLIN of the one part and Wm Howard TOMLIN (age 14) and Berry TOMLIN (age 11) Freed orphan minors, neither of them having parents in this county, to bind as Apprentices as laborers upon the plantation of said Tomlin to be taught the craft of Farmer and to live with and serve him for 7 years by Wm Howard, and 10 years by Berry. At the expiration of the indenture each will receive $100. Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
pg 234
This indenture made this 3rd day of December, 1866, between David J. Ellison JONES, aged 7 yrs 6 months, Penny aged 4 yrs 6 months, and Elizabeth A. JONES, their mother, all of said county of the one part and Elizabeth Jones does consent to bind them as Apprentices as farmers, laborers or seamstress upon the plantation of Redding Jones to be taught the craft of Farmer and to live with and serve him for 7 years by Wm Howard, and 10 years by Berry. At the expiration of the indenture each will receive $100. Elizabeth A Jones (her mark)
Approved by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
ORDINARY COURT JANUARY TERM 1867
pg 236
To Joshua J. HARRIS.
Whereas complaint has been made to this Court by Anderson RUCKER, a Freedwoman, as next friend of Ned PALMER, a Freed orphan minor, that they have mistreated Ned; have not furnished him with clothing and other obligations of indenture. Mr. Harris to personally appear in Court 1st Monday in January. 29th Dec 1866
pg 237
Nev BROOKS,aged 35, a freedman is and has always been of unsound mind and is not capable of caring and managing for himself. Therefore it is recommended that his former master owner, Mr. Wyatt BROOKS (who has signified his willingness) be appointed his Guardian for his natural life.
pg 241
Petition of Rhoda HUFF (Freedwoman) sheweth that her minor daughter, Roxine, aged 13 yr 6 months, is without means of support. Requests she be bound to Chralton G. OGBURN until she is 181. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture. Indenture begins Jan 1 1867. Witnesses by C.A.J Pope, E.M. Johnson. Rhoda (x) Huff, Freedwoman Charlton G. Ogburn
Approved by J.B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
It appearing to the Court that Sallie RILEY and her two children, William and Tim were bound out contrary to orders by James T. Harmon, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Present Agent, J.B. Davenport, has annulled said binding out on the part of said Bureau.
Court ordered Indenture null and void.
pg 243
At last October term of court Freed minors, Tom GRIFFITH, Henry GRIFFITH, Susanna GRIFFITH, and Amanda GRIFFITH, were bound out to W.H. Griffith. Both parties have become dissatisfied with the binding and ask it be rescinded. Present Agent, J.B. Davenport has consented. W.H. Griffith to withold $12 from any sum owed to said freed minors (they having first created the dissatisfaction) and $2 for Court fees for rescinding the Order.
Isabel MANGHAM (Freedwoman) desiring that her minor son, Frank DANIEL, who was bound to James W. DANIEL, at the last Sept term of court, desired his release from said binding out and James W. Daniel has consented. Approved by James B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L
It appearing that in Oct 1866 court, certain Freed minors were bound out to J.D. BEALL, among others were: Elliot BEALL, Georgia BEALL, Simon BEALL, and Rena BEALL, and Martha BEALL, and the Mother of said Minors desires they be turned over to her control, and J.D. Beall consents. Approved by James B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L (Does not apply to other, Dolly and her daughter, Milly)
ORDINARY COURT MARCH TERM 1867
Present Joseph J. Huff, Ordinary
pg 249
Sir: You will please do me the kindness to bind my granddaugher to. Dr. B.F. NEWSOME. Her mother and father have abandoned her. The little girl's name is Fannie BAILEY, and is about 6 years old. Susan (x) Jones, Freedwoman
Approved by James B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Signed: B.F. Newsome
Sir: You will please do me the kindness to bind my little daughter to. Dr. B.F. NEWSOME. Her name is Lee Anna Virginia NEWSOME, she was 5 the 24th Sept last. [1866] and has no father. Martha (x) Newsome, Freedwoman
Signed in presence of : L.G. Jordan and G.E. Jordan
Approved by James B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
Signed: B.F. Newsome
pg 251
This indenture made this 22nd day of Feb, 1867 between Sophronia WEBB, Freedwoman for her minor daughters, Ella and Mary being about 8 and 5 years respectively on the one part and Sidney S. TAYLOR on the other part, consenting to bind as Apprentices in the trade or craft of house servant or laborer until the age of 18. Agreed with terms and to give $100 at end of indenture.
Approved by James B. Davenport, Agt Bureau R.F & A L for Taylor County
The first Rosenwald Fund grant went to Booker T. Washington for a rural African American school near Tuskegee Institute. With these grants more than 242 schools were constructed in Georgia.
EXISTING Georgia Rosenwald Schools and their National Preservation Status, can be seen on: Visit the Georgia Historic Preservation Site type "Rosenwald" in the search box, to find out more about the work that Jeanne Cyriaque is doing.
Mrs. Holmes was a native of Taylor County and the first graduate of the Midway Grade School which was located at Zion Hill Church on the Wire Road. Then she began to attend the school, commonly known as College Hill, on Cat Ridge in Butler.
There were eight teachers and eleven grades.
Mrs. Vessie Terrell
Mrs. Terrell came to teach in Taylor County in 1921. She had been trained at Tuskeeggee Institute and took a test given by the State Superintendent of Schools in Montgomery, Alabama in 1920 and passed. At the time she had two sisters living in Taylor County -- Mrs. Callie Woodall and Mrs. Sweetie Durham--and came to live near them. She took a test administered by Superintendent W.T. Rustin and received a first grade license to teach.
Although she had already taught in Russell and Macon County, Alabama, her first school in Taylor County was Terrell School in Gants Mission (a church near the Macon County line), where she met and married Daniel Terrell in 1921. She then took a school in Macon County at Hicks Mill and from there she went to Beaver Creek (near Turner's Chapel) before going to Temple Union near the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church).
These smaller schools existed until the 1940's when the state began consolidating the schools and using buses to bring the children in to a central place. The first bus driver Mrs. Terrell remembered was J.W. Miller, who operated a former cotton truck and safely took them to school. Later he bought a school bus which he drove for the county just as many of the bus drivers did in that era.
When consolidation took place, only three schools were left -- Butler, Reynolds and Pottersville.
WORLD WAR I
Butler Herald Thursday, October 11, 1917
COLORED SELECTMEN LEAVE FOR CAMP GORDON
Taylor County sent her first quota colored selectmen to Camp Gordon last Saturday. Their going caused considerable interest among the colored citizens of the county as a very large gathering of them were at the depot to see them off and to wish them success. The gathering at Reynolds when the train passed through that town was equally as large as at Butler and made about as much noise.
Those leaving Saturday were:
Clayton McCrary, Robert Revier, Eli Brooks, Roberts Stallings, Will Riley, Lester Russeau, Napoleon Turner, Feston Trice, Henry Wright, Van Durham, Lewis Bullier.
Feston Trice, one of the number was put in command of the party and performed the services expected of him faithfully and well, while none of the men gave him the least trouble, they too doing well their part. The train on this road being late they failed to make connection at Macon, where they spent the Saturday night; accordingly arrangements were made for their lodging and meals at Macon after conferring by wire with the military officials in Butler.
Bentley's Funeral Home - Willie J.Bentley 478-847-4373
[Bentley in Reynolds, Macon and Roberta]
Mr. Willie James Bentley, co-owner of his father's legacy, Bentley's Funeral Home or Comm. Clinton Perry also a member of the Bentley family may be able to help with cemetery and/or burial records, family records, etc.
W.J. Bentley: 1-478-847- 4378
Clinton Perry: 1-478-847-3605
Lofton McDougald FH - 478-862-3634
For info on Robert L. McDougald contact, Charles Wesley at Charles Wesley Funeral Home, 1-478-862-3634
For info on his brother, A. Lofton McDougald contact, Mrs. Patrcia Williams at 1-478-862-2461.
Another source for the McDouglad's would be Mrs. Seamer McDougald at 1-478-862-9247.
NOTE:Another McDougald Funeral Home was directly across the highway, belonging to Charles' Uncle Mosses McDougald, but it is no longer open.
Mr. Bruce Goddard donated their old records and they are on-line. Some African-Americans are included:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ga/taylor/vitals.html
July 11, 1905 (Tracer Jan 2005)
Aunt Sarah Wiggins, as she was familiarly known, died at the home of her daughter at Opelike, AL, on Monday morning. Her remains were brought to Butler Monday afternoon and will be buried in the cemetery here today. She lived in Butler for many years, was one of the antebellum darkies and was highly respected by all who knew her; she was above the average of intelligence and sucha a life as she lived is seldom seen among the colored race.
NOTE: 1880 Taylor Census - Butler
47 28 WIGGINS, Thomas b m 58 Railroad hand
48 Sarah b f 50 wife keeps house
49 Josh b m 16 son farm laborer
50 Thomas b m 13 son
Annie b f 7 dau
Sept 26, 1905 (Tracer Jan 2005)
Dave Brown living on the Lockett place, a few miles north of Reynolds was shot Sunday afternoon by Chas. Little. Little was arrested soon after the shooting and required to give bond in the sum of three hundred dollars. Failing to make the bond he was brought to jail to await fuller developments in the case. Brown we learn died Monday evening. We could not learn at the time of this writing any particulars in the case. The parties are negroes living on the Lockett farm in Panhandle district. Little claims the shooting was in self defense.
GIN ACCIDENT NEAR CARSONVILLE
One of those deplorable accidents we so often read about where men become careless around their gins, took place on the farm of Green Riley near Carsonville, Saturday afternoon, in which Green Riley himself, was caught in the saws of the gin ans so badly wounded that death is a certainly. While removing the sees as is usually the case his left hand was caught in the strong grasp of the gin, and immediately became so fastened that it was impossible to extricate himself before the gin could be stopped. His hand was cut off and the flesh torn from his arm, face, and left side of his body.
Green Riley was well known, having for several years figured in the courts of the county. He was however a very industrious colored man and had succeeded well on his farm, rearing a large family. This sad misfortune which has come to him is shared alike in much sympathy by all.
Since writing the above we learn that Green Riley died Monday night at 9 o'clock.
There is a negro society in Reynolds known as the Supreme Circle, to which it is said only the best class of their race can belong. The order has a benefit feature, which is well managed. From this source the widow of Charlie Jordan, who ws killed by John Riley received $125.00 which was a great help.
In the Sunday Macon Telegraph newspaper (1 Feb 2004) there was an article regarding the Black records of Houston Co., GA, implying that there was hardly any available to research, and almost none published. Being that this is Black History month, I feel that I should respond to this.
Any person who wants to research their Black ancestry, has an extensive amount of court records available to research, if they want to take the time to do it. And, if they want to really get involved in a County-wide project, they can apply for a R.J. Taylor Foundation grant and publish what they find regarding these Black records.
Here is where many of these records are:
1. Wills: Since many Blacks were slaves prior to 1865, they are listed in the Wills of many Whites of the county. They will be listed by name, and often age.
2. Appraisements & Sales: If a person died without a Will, the names of slaves and their ages are often listed as the assets of those who died intestate (without a Will).
3. Annual Returns: Until an estate was settled, various items that were sold during the year to pay off debts, were listed. This may include either the sale of a slave or the leasing of them.
4. Inferior Court Minutes: Almost all action that wasn't contested (Equity suits) is listed here, which included many mentions of Blacks and their children ... by name and age, usually.
5. Free Persons of Color: All Black persons in this county, were not slaves prior to 1865, although many were. This book lists these Free Persons of Color.
6. Apprenticeship Records: After the abolishment of slavery in 1865, many orphans and Black children became apprentices, and their names and ages are recorded here. However, in many cases, this was more or less "legal slavery", as their trade was "learning farming" or "learning housekeeping".
7. Equity Records: Whenever something was contested regarding a Will, it was appealed to the District Court. Usually, slaves were involved if a wealthy person died, and their names and ages are listed here.
8. Capital Crime Cases: This is where a "word for word" transcript of these trials are recorded. There are about 4 or 5 of these record books at the courthouse, but I don't believe they have been microfilmed yet. In many of the cases, either a Black is involved, or is called as a witness.
9. Houston Home Journal: Since 1870, this legal organ of the county, printed massive amounts of information about both Whites & Blacks. However, it will take a LOT of time to review these back issues, which are available now on microfilm.
10. Census Records: After the Civil War, the first Federal Census is the 1870 one. Blacks are listed by name, age and race. This is usually the end of the trail for most who are researching their Black ancestry. However, by researching the other mentioned records, further progress can be made.
11. Marriage Records: Starting in 1865, Black Marriages were recorded in this county. Supposedly, they were listed in their own record books, apart from the Whites. However, this is not the case in Houston Co., GA. Although the Record Books may say "Colored" on them, well over half of the marriages listed within them, are Whites. Somehow, the unbound records were mixed up, which is somewhat ironic.
During the early 1960s, when the GA Archives was microfilming the Vital Records, they omitted filming these "Colored Marriages". This in effect, has hindered the research of over 12,000 marriage records. Only about 25% of White Marriages are recorded in the books that say "White Marriages". Since these White Marriage records have been compiled and published, this has led many researchers to believe that they can't find their Houston Co., GA ancestor's marriage record. As of the present time, these over 12,000 marriage records have not been microfilmed. The only extant record is the original at the courthouse.
12. Deed Books: Often times, the sale of a slave was recorded in the Deed Books, to provide an official record of the sale. After the Civil War, sales of mules, hay, etc. were also recorded, and if a person was Black, it was usually noted.
As I stated above, there are a LOT of records available for pursuing Black genealogical research. However, almost none of it has been compiled and published. The door is wide open for any ambitious persons who would like to change this situation, and to help their fellow researchers.
Afrigeneas is an electronic mailing list created to provide a forum for African Ancestored genealogists,( and all others interested) to share our queries, our research, our experiences, our resources, and to provide each other a mutual support system in our search for the ancients. You are Invited to join us! mailto:[email protected] Subscribe Afrigeneas or Subscribe afrigeneas-digest ============================= ||Where Things Are and How To Navigate|| ============================= ~ARCHIVED MESSAGES ON-LINE http://www.msstate.edu/listarchives/afrigeneas/ ~POST TO THE LIST? *Send eMessage mailto:[email protected] The Afrigeneas News http://www.afrigeneas.com/news.html African Ancestored Genealogy Home Page http://www.afrigeneas.com/ The Surname Registry http://www.afrigeneas.com/surnames.html The Slave Data Collection http://www.afrigeneas.com/slavedata/ The African-American Community Site http://www.afrigeneas.com/community/ Organized by geography, links and societies to help you with your research How To: Unsubscribe/PostPone/Subscribe To cancel/postpone/restore your subscription to Afrigeneas http://www.msstate.edu/cgi-bin/majordomo Other Options For Changing Status ~CHANGE Your Mail Status? *Send eMessage mailto:[email protected] *IN THE BODY OF YOUR MESSAGE *to be added to list: Subscribe Afrigeneas *to end mail: Unsubscribe Afrigeneas *to put mail on hold: Unsubscribe Afrigeneas *to restart mail : Subscribe Afrigeneas *to get the digest: Subscribe Afrigeneas-digest *to stop the digest: Unsubscribe Afrigeneas-digest ~COMMENT /FEEDBACK re Afrigeneas Mail? *Send eMessage mailto:[email protected] Valencia King Nelson mailto:[email protected] Co-Owner/Moderator Afrigeneas Mailing List "THE CHALLENGE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN RESEARCH" by Curt B. Witcher, FUGA (Ancestry Magazine, Sept/Oct 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5) <<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>> ======================================================= Conducting successful African American genealogical research can be a challenging adventure. In recent years, the challenge has been lessened and the adventure heightened by the growing body of publications relating to this ethnic group. Special-interest groups and genealogical societies nationwide are publishing key guides, new bibliographies, and important how-to books. Before delving into published sources, however, it is always important to pause long enough to organize one's own personal papers and review standard research methodology. PUTTING IT ALL IN CONTEXT Important in any genealogical investigation as a part of sound research methodology, but particularly key when researching African American ancestors, is the process of framing one's research within the proper context. Some veteran researchers simply call this process "contexting." Contexting involves: (1) understanding what is transpiring in the nation, state, county, and city for the particular time period being researched; (2) knowing the migration, naming, prejudice, and settlement patterns of the particular family and ethnic group being investigated; (3) understanding the religious, benevolent, political, and other special organizations which might have been extant in the geographic area and may have interacted with the ethnic group in question; and (4) being cognizant of the implications laws, codes, and regulations may have had on the creation, maintenance, and location of pertinent historical records. The revised edition of "The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy" (Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1997) includes a very useful chapter entitled "Tracking African American Family History." The chapter provides genealogists with an excellent foundation for researching this ethnic group, detailing various types of records, the types of information they contain, and where one can locate them. The chapter also has a generous number of notes and concludes with a bibliography. AFRICAN AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY There are many important resources for the researcher of African American family history. One of these is the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Joining this society is a wise move for the family historian interested in this ethnic group. Another helpful resource is a massive tome dealing with the African American military experience entitled "Black Soldiers-Black Sailors-Black Ink: Research Guide on African-Americans in U. S. Military History, 1526-1900," compiled by Thomas Truxtun Moebs (Chesapeake Bay, VA: Moebs Publishing Co., 1994). Nearly 1700 pages, this work is largely a bibliography of sources, arranged in several major sections to assist the researcher in accessing specific materials. The first section is a bibliography of writings by African Americans, followed by an annotated chronology. The next two sections contain a subject bibliography with author cross-references, and a listing of unit histories from 1729 to 1900. Ten appendixes round out the publication, covering more than four hundred pages. United States Colored Troops' regimental records, Congressional Medal of Honor winners, Confederate publications, and portraits of veterans can be found in these appendixes. What makes this work particularly useful is its comprehensiveness. While many genealogists initially prefer publications which provide family names with associated vital events and family data, comprehensive bibliographies, properly used, certainly can be worth one's research time. Such bibliographies provide the researcher with a vast collection of resources crucial to establishing the proper context in which to conduct research, as well as citations to records that can be searched for more family-specific data. Citation analysis, the process of looking through the citations, notes, and bibliographies of published materials for further leads and resources, is a less-frequently-used but quite worthwhile endeavor for family historians. This process assists one in finding as much supporting documentation as possible while working to acquire the maximum amount of primary source materials. BLACK HERITAGE SITES At the recent American Library Association annual meeting, an important work for African American researchers, Black Heritage Sites: An African American Odyssey and Finder's Guide, by Nancy C. Curtis, Ph.D. (Chicago: American Library Association, 1996), received the prestigious Denali Press Award. This award is given to reference works of outstanding quality and significance that furnish information about ethnic and minority groups in the United States. This compilation, arranged by general geographic region within the country, yields much detail about a significant number of historic sites. The material is very useful for building a context within which to conduct area-specific research, and also supplies some potentially useful family data. Each section contains endnotes, as well as a bibliography of works consulted by the author. AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CONFEDERACY As with other areas of genealogical research, periodical literature plays a vital part in African American family history. There are a significant number of African American historical and genealogical societies which publish newsletters and quarterlies. There are also special issues of local, regional, and state genealogical periodicals focusing on African American records and research methodology, as well as numerous articles in geographically-based magazines. One of these special issues is unique-volume fourteen of the Journal of Confederate History series (Atlanta, GA: Southern Heritage Press, 1995). This particular volume has a series title which accurately describes the nearly two hundred pages of text: "Forgotten Confederates: An Anthology about Black Southerners." And what an anthology it is! The work contains a number of heavily footnoted articles on the role of African Americans in the Confederacy. A number of these notes may very well lead to sources of data that are vital for particular family history research. Other articles contain abstracts and lists from compiled military records, extensive biographical sketches, obituaries, veterans' narratives, and selected correspondence. The issue is completed with a bibliography of sources for the study of African American Confederates. A compilation such as this special issue challenges the researcher to investigate all possibilities and search for a wide range of records while engaging in Civil War-era African American genealogical research. It also challenges the researcher to seek facts and rigorous documentation rather than give credence to stereotypes and information found in undocumented general-history texts. INTERNET SOURCES The Internet can play a key role in assisting those engaged in African American research. There are a number of excellent sites which assist the researcher in locating historical data, help identify individuals who are working on particular family lines, and provide a means for networking. A number of these sites can be easily located by using one of the many Internet search engines, such as Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com) or Altavista (http://www.altavista.digital.com), or by visiting some of the more popular genealogy sites, such as Cyndi's List (http://www.cyndislist.com), and looking for the ethnic or African American pages at the site. The Afrigeneas Homepage (http://www.msstate.edu/archives/history/afrigen/index.html) is an excellent example of the type of information researchers can find when looking for African American genealogy sources on the Internet. The page is well organized and contains numerous links to important genealogical resources worldwide. From this home page, one can subscribe to the Afrigeneas mailing list, a place where queries can be asked and answered, significant research discoveries can be shared, and information about upcoming symposia, conferences, and seminars can be disseminated. There are a host of other links on the Afrigeneas Homepage, including links to The Genealogy Home Page, ROOTS-L RESOURCE, the African American Genealogy Group of Pennsylvania, the USGenWeb Project, the African-Native American Genealogy Page, underground railroad data, books and pamphlets on African Americans, a directory of genealogical libraries, and basic search strategies. As with an increasing number of sites, this site also links the genealogist to searchable data files, including the National Park Service's United States Colored Troops database. One can also find a link to The Afrigeneas News. The Afrigeneas News is an online newsletter intended to be a center for sharing genealogical tips and resources from the African American online chats at America Online and from the Afrigeneas mailing list. Among its many informational items, this online newsletter contains a question-and-answer section called "From the Archives," a list of current commemorative events scheduled around the country (such as the 9th Cavalry cemetery dedication in Las Animas, New Mexico), links to genealogy books, and numerous valuable links from the main Afrigeneas Homepage, such as black studies on microfilm, Britannica black history, and explanations of important historical events. Researchers from novice to seasoned genealogist can find much assistance at this Internet site. With these works - and the other sources certain to be found as one explores them -- the genealogists interested in African American family history should enjoy much success. Curt Witcher is the department manager for the Historical Genealogy Department of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana; adjunct professor in Indiana University's Continuing Education Program; and a genealogical instructor and lecturer. He is the past president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and is currently the national volunteer coordinator for the Civil War Soldiers Names Index Project. The article above was originally featured in Ancestry Magazine, Sept/Oct 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5. It is available online at: http://www.ancestry.com/magazine/articles/enjafam.htm ====================================================== BLACK GENEALOGY & HISTORY LINKS & RESOURCES <<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>> ======================================================= GENEALOGY ARTICLES ONLINE "The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy," Revised, Edited by Loretto D. Szucs & Sandra H. Luebking -- Chapter 15, "Tracking African American Family History," by David Thackery http://www.ancestry.com/home/source/src488.htm "African-American Case Studies" by Roseanne Hogan, Ph.D. (Ancestry Magazine, Nov/Dec 1996, Vol. 14, No. 6) http://www.ancestry.com/magazine/articles/afamcase.htm "African-American Family Research" Part 1 by Roseanne Hogan, Ph.D. (Ancestry Magazine, Mar/Apr 1996, Vol. 14, No. 2) http://www.ancestry.com/magazine/articles/afamres1.htm "African-American Family Research" Part 2 by Roseanne Hogan, Ph.D. (Ancestry Magazine, Jul/Aug 1996, Vol. 14, No. 4) http://www.ancestry.com/magazine/articles/afamres2.htm "The Challenge of African American Research" (above) by Curt B. Witcher, FUGA (Ancestry Magazine, Sep/Oct 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5) http://www.ancestry.com/magazine/articles/enjafam.htm "The Freedman's Savings and Trust Company and African American Genealogical Research" By Reginald Washington (Prologue: Quarterly of the National Archives and Records Administration Summer 1997, vol. 29, no. 2) http://www.nara.gov/publications/prologue/freedman.html "Institutions of Memory and the Documentation of African Americans in Federal Records" By Walter B. Hill, Jr. (Prologue: Quarterly of the National Archives and Records Administration Summer 1997, vol. 29, no. 2) http://www.nara.gov/publications/prologue/hill.html "Preserving the Legacy of the United States Colored Troops" by Budge Weidman (Prologue: Quarterly of the National Archives and Records Administration, Summer 1997, vol. 29, no. 2) http://www.nara.gov/education/teaching/usct/usctart.html GENEALOGY WEB SITES Christine's Genealogy Web site http://ccharity.com/ Africa WorldGenWeb Page The African - Native Genealogy Homepage http://members.aol.com/angelaw859/index.html Afrigeneas http://www.msstate.edu/archives/history/afrigen/index.html Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System: U.S. Colored Troops http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/ Black Studies: A Select Catalog of NARA Microfilm Publications http://www.nara.gov/publications/microfilm/blackstudies/blackstd.html BLACK HISTORY Gale Salutes Black History Month http://www.gale.com/gale/bhm/blackhm.html Everything Black: History & Culture http://www.everythingblack.com/ Black History: Exploring African American Issues on the Web http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/BHM/AfroAm.html African Heritage Month http://www.dal.ca/~acswww/dalbh.html Smithsonian: African American History and Culture http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/afroam.htm Civil Rights Case http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7599139 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/13/AR2007021300121.html African American Perspectives: Daniel A. P. Murray Pamphlet Collection, 1818-1907 From the Library of Congress' American Memory Project http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/aap/aaphome.html African American Odyssey: A Quest for Full Citizenship From the Library of Congress' American Memory Project http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/aohome.html
EBay sometimes has it. Parmer-Woodtor's book was listed for sale. I won the bid for $4.99 (plus s/h). It was my lucky day as this book normally cost $25.
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