Slave genealogy?

Question

Can anyone tell me how to find records about slaves in 19th century Virginia? I have a name, and some stories but lack any solid records. Please help.

Answer 1

All of these are good answers. You didn't say what part of Virginia and how much you knew about the slave or slaves you are researching. If there is a L.D.S. church near where you live or can commute to, you may go to their genealogy rooms. You do not have to be a member. They will tell you how to order microfilm or how to use their online sites. If you have a slave but only a first name, but, know the area that they lived in, you can research probate records of that period, to see if they were inventoried as they would be. Sadly they were considered chattel or belongings. Most times they have taken on their master's last name. If you know who the master is, then you can search vital records books, and marriage and deaths will be listed usually at the back under "Negroes" or "Negroes and Indians" Do not overlook looking in Indian records because some slaves were purchased with Indians in slave deals. The church in the area may have a record when the state V.R. does not. Was there a church on the plantation...they kept records of sorts that may help you. Also, do not think that the slave your researching may have only come into ports in Virginia. Many arrived here through New England as result of the rum trading triangles. Good Luck. It will be worth it if you get a little clue and can run with it.

Answer 2

Ancestry.com recently added some new slave records to their collection . Unfortunately , most of the time records were not kept ; but for the ones that did , you should be able to gain a lot of info .Sometimes you just have to keep at it-even when it seems hopeless -eventually something will turn up . That is one of the fascinating things about genealogy searching . You might draw blanks for years ; and then one day it will all "pop up".

Answer 3

All of the answers you've gotten are good. You should also check the records of the owners of these slaves as they may hold clues about geneaology and there may be journals or books that the owner's descendents have kept that they may allow you to access. You can also check with the town where they lived to see if there is a museum or archive that might have some more information. I know that there's a lot of information out there that's just sitting in a box in someone's attic waiting to be discovered. Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

Try the Newberry Library in Chicago and centers for African-American studies of major universities. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Pre-Civil War censuses have slave schedules that are separate from the regular census records. You may have to subscribe to Ancestry.com to have access to these records. Good luck!

Answer 6

go to www.ancestry.com and type in the name. A lot of times the names will be listed on the census during that period of time. I believe that they all have a slave census area on their web site that provides info on those who worked on southern plantations.

Answer 7

unfortunately, the slave geneology is difficult to research because slaves were considered property and they were sold with no records as to who bought them

Answer 8

You might want to research with the Library of Viriginia as they have one of the largest collections of family history material (journals, Bibles, etc.) Their research staff is extremely helpful as well!!!

Answer 9

go to the archives of your city

Answer 10

Did you try an Internet search?