Tag: African American Genealogy

African Roots Podcast Episode #427 June 10, 2018

Categories African Roots, , 2 Comments on African Roots Podcast Episode #427 June 10, 2018
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Welcome back to this episode of the African Roots Podcast and I am here with Shelley Murphy and we are digging the Roots! Recently Shelley Murphy and I had  a chance to sit down and have a great discussion about the one thing that genealogists use all the time: Let’s talk about the records!

We both attended an event in Charlottesville and someone commented that they basically just stick to the census. Listen to Shelley and I as we discuss the basic records, our “favorite” records, and the rest of the records!

Here are some of the bullet points that stemmed from that conversation:
*Census records, both federal and state should be explored.*Determine if the family was in the same area where they were enslaved?
*Did they use a Field Office of a Freedman’s Bureau? There is a good record set from 1865 to 1872 to use.  (Mapping the Freedmen’s Bureau could assist in finding that office.)
*If one can get to 1870,—then of course to start by analyzing that census—who lived near them. Who were the neighbors, and basically—the entire county!
*Who was of age to have served in the Union Army? Critical records are found with pension files and service records.

Strategies:
*Remember that every record creates additional records.
*Create a critical time line!
*Explore Essential records for Free People: Certificate of  Freedom (This is critical for Virginia ancestors)   and also manumission records

Freedom/Emancipation Era Records:
Labor contracts, transportation records, school records, hospital records and so much more. Freedmen’s Court

Records in the 1880-1900 gap—Marriage records, tax records,

Final Tips:
-Become flexible
-Encompass all kinds of records in one’s research.
-Revisit the old sites: Google, Family Search
-Get a research buddy
-Take only a genealogist with you on a research trip!

In the meantime, remember to keep researching, keep documenting and to keep sharing what you find!

African Roots Podcast Episode #421 October 4, 2017

Categories African Roots, 1 Comment on African Roots Podcast Episode #421 October 4, 2017
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Welcome back to the African Roots Podcast and today Shelley and I are Digging the Roots! Our focus today is CIVIL WAR! Shelley has been digging up African American Civil War soldiers from Michigan! Kinchon Artis, 102 US Colored Infantry
A Soldier from Michigan

Service Record of Kinchon Artis

Another soldier that Shelley Murphy mentioned was George Cowen, who was from Michigan and joined the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment. He was one of several men from Michigan who joined that regiment.

George Cowan of 54th Massachusetts Colored


David Cousins 102nd US Colored Infantry

Source of all service record images: Fold3.com

Another soldier from Michigan
Henry Steward, from Adrian Michigan
54th Massachusetts Colored
Courtesy, Seeking Michigan 

I enjoy getting pension files of US Colored Troops, from either the soldier of the widow’s pensions. These records are so rich genealogically. A soldier had to prove that he served. Those files are amazing–they left their words in those files. And the widow had to prove that she was truly married. For women once enslaved, proving their marriage was such a challenge. They would bring in witnesses to testify that they were truly husband and wife.

The officers were usually white, but the non-commissioned officers–the corporals and sergants were usually men of color. They were usually men who were literate and could fill out some daily forms. Shelley suggests studying the officers who may have left their own memoir and notes left behind notes about the regiments where they commanded.

Fold3 is a great place to get Civil War Service record from the Civil War. The National Park Service has a wonderful Civil War database for all of the soldiers, who fought in north and south. Ancestry is also a resource to use to find information and enlistment records of Civil War soldiers. (see image below). Shelley found an enlistment record of  Joseph Davis from Ohio, and has been looking to see if he actually served and if so, what unit that may have been.


National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General’s Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marshal General’s Bureau (Civil War); Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); NAI: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 1 of 3

I have also a blog devoted to the USCTs that can be found at USCT Chronicle.


 And my favorite story is that of my Uncle Sephus Bass, which I wrote about on my blog. (See Finding Uncle Sephus.)

Shelley asks—“How was a slave able to enlist?” Well keep in mind that when the overseers, and masters were gone to the Confederate Army–there was no one to restrain them, when Union soldiers came through. Almost 200,000 men of color in the US Colored Infantry.

I was quite surprised when I found a woman who served with the 11th US Colored Infantry–Malinda Sanders served as a matron with the 11th US Colored Infantry and traveled with them. Her service record was found with the soldiers though she worked as a nurse and matron. This is most unusual, but such a treat to see!

Any parting words for our listeners?

Shelley: Don’t give up, keep looking, and remember to also study the officers to see if they left notes or publications about their service with these men.
Angela: I agree with Shelley, as there were thousands of men who served and thousands of stories to go and find. They are wonderfully rich and part of our history!

Thanks for tuning in and joining us as we have been “Digging the Roots!”