“The Geography of Slavery project presents full transcriptions and images of all runaway and captured ads for slaves and servants placed in Virginia newspapers from 1736 to 1790, and is in the process of compiling advertisements well into the nineteenth century. In addition, the project offers a number of other documents related to slaves, servants, and slaveholders, including court records, other newspaper notices, slaveholder correspondence, and assorted literature about slavery and indentured servitude.”
Example: Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser (Hayes), Richmond, July 17, 1784.
June 22, 1784. TAKEN UP, by John T. Sayers, living in Montgomery County, and committed to gaol, a Negro man who calls himself TOM, and says he belongs to Captain V. Harrison, in Loudoun County, in this State; he is an outlandish fellow, talks broken English, is about 25 years of age, and is about five feet four inches high. Had on when he was taken up, an old blue coat, jacket and leather leggins, and has large scars on his face, and on his neck. Whoever owns the said Negro is requested to come, pay charges, and take him away. WALTER CROCKETT, Sheriff of Montgomery County.
When researching African American genealogy, particularly in the South, it can be challenging to trace family history due to the lack of comprehensive records. However, some of this information can be found in an unexpected place: the Civil War documents of the Southern Confederacy and the United States Military.
When researching African American genealogy, particularly in the South, it can be challenging to trace family history due to the lack of comprehensive records. However, some of this information can be found in an unexpected place: the Civil War documents of the Southern Confederacy and the US Military.
The book Virginia’s Black Confederates: Essays and Rosters by Greg Eanes highlights this, providing primary source documents that list the roles free and enslaved Black men, women, and children performed for the Southern war complex. These records, while written from a perspective that upholds the Confederacy’s narrative, contain valuable data for tracing African American ancestry.
The information in the post is found within this book. Eanes, Greg. Virginia’s Black Confederates: Essays and Rosters 2014. Civil War Sesquicentennial Edition, 2nd Edition.
Virginia 11th Regiment and Montgomery County
This regiment was established in Lynchburg, VA in May 1861 and put into service in July that same year. It was comprised of men from Botetourt, Campbell, Culpeper, Fauquier, Montgomery, and Rockbridge Counties. The free and un-free Blacks associated with this regiment may be listed in the regimental documents.
Eane’s Compilation of of Jobs Performed by Free & Enslaved (pgs 22-23)
Body Servant – “Assist with care, cleanliness, and order as assigned quarters, uniforms, and military personal equipment; Help to purchase, prepare, and serve food and beverages in the General Officer’s quarters.”
Cook – “Preparation and service of food in field or garrison food service operations.”
Teamster – “Motor Transport Operators” and “Cargo Specialist.”
Laborer-Breastwork – “Combat Engineer” and “Carpentry and Masonry Specialist.”
Pension Applications of the Confederacy and US Military
Confederate Pension Acts for Virginia were enacted between 1888 and 1934. On 14 of March, 1924 the act centered on servants granted pensions. “The 1928 Act broadened recognized duties to include performance of guard duty, burring Confederate dead, working in railroad shops, blacksmith shops or hospitals” (Page 26).
The pension records can be found at the Library of Virginia and on Ancestry.com (subscription required).
National Archive article on how to use the Pension Records, “Union Pension Files Giving Voice to Former Slaves”
The 1910 (see image) and 1930 (CW) census indicates that the person was a veteran. The National Archives provides a helpful list of codes that were used.
Confederate Soldiers’ Home Application for Admissions Records
The archives of the museum maintain a large holding, some of which is digitized.
Confederate Certificate of Service – Freemen and Enslaved.
According to Eanes on page 113, the Army of the Confederate States adopted (1861) Form #4, the Certificate of Service. This was used for both free and unfree persons. Where these are located? We have not found an online source, yet.
Public laws of the Confederate States of America, first Congress, 1862-1864 / [edited by James M. Matthews].
“Chapter XXIX – An Act for the payment of musicians in the Army no regularly enlisted.” Page 29 (book, not pdf)“Chapter LXIV – An Act for the enlistment of Cooks in the Army”. Page 48 (book, not pdf)“Chapter LXXIX – An Act to increase the efficiency of the Army by employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities” Page 235-236 (book, not pdf)“Chapter LXXIX – An Act to increase the efficiency of the Army by employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities” Page 235-236 (book, not pdf)
This webpage showcases a photo gallery of rare images featuring ceremonial regalia, equipment, documents, and leaders associated with the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. While some images lack provenance, they offer valuable visual references for how members of the Blacksburg order may have appeared, especially since no living individuals can provide that information. (Many of these images were collected from eBay, Northern Star Lodge Facebook (No 715 NS) and other places.
Sandy Spring, MD – The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 6430 has undergone a stunning renovation. Their mission-driven use of the building serves as an inspiring model that could be replicated in Blacksburg. The restoration of the building involved the Advisory Council of Preservation. Check out their Facebook page
Who in Blacksburg was traveling by train to and from Richmond, carrying the financial transactions and funds collected by St. Frances Council No. 235.
Resources half million dollars. Depository for Gas and Water Accounts and Taxes of the City of Richmond. Mrs. Maggie L. Walker, Pres.; J. Thomas Newin, Z.D. Lewis, S.W. Robinson, Jr., and P.H. Ford, Vice-Presidents; Emmett C. Burke, Cashier; Melvin D. Walker, Asst. Cashier. (Courtesy of William Shuman Collection of Richmond, Virginia Postcards, Accession Number 2004-09-12, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University.)
Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker was the first African American woman to serve as a bank president in the United States. The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond honors her remarkable life, legacy, and significant contributions to African American history, with her influence extending even to Blacksburg, Virginia.
St Luke Penny Savings Bank
Much has been documented about the creation and impact of the Penny Bank in Richmond. What remains to be uncovered is who in Blacksburg was traveling by train to and from Richmond, carrying the financial transactions and funds collected by St. Frances Council No. 235, established by Mrs Maggie Lena Walker, 4 August 1902.
Michael Price wrote his will on 11 June 1802, witnesses by Abram Trigg and John Gardiner. James Patton Preston and his sons, Jacob and Henry Price were his executors. The will was proved on 09 July 1802. According to the 1788 Tax list, Michale was taxed for two enslaved people.
Summary
Son David inherited an enslaved woman named Nall for $200.
Son Michael inherited a small girl, Lizey for $50
Son Jacob inherited Will, paying $133
Perry inherited Clary with her “increase.”
Michael Price (1748-1839) Will
Michael Price wrote his will on 12 March 1835. witnessed by Jacob Shell, Jacob Harless, and Samuel Smith. The executors were Alexander Price (son), David Keister, Phillip Harless, and Peter Keister, proved on 12 March 1839. According to the 1788 Tax list, Michale held no enslaved people.
Summary
Wife, Esther Francisco Price inherited Liz and her two children, Maria and Ben. Upon Esther’s death she may “dispose” of Maria and/or Ben, but Liz was to be retained by the family. Liz was given the choice of which child she would become property.
Son Alexander inherited David and Sam.
Livey was alive in 1802 and was passed to Michael Price’s son, also named Michael. When Michael Price died in 1839, a woman named Liv and her two children, Maria and Ben, were mentioned in his estate. After his death, Liv was inherited by Esther Francisco Price, who was living with her son, Alexander Price.
Further research is needed to trace the lives of those held in bondage by the early Price family.
If you’re searching for a specific enslaved individual, please note that their names are generally not listed, except in rare instances. To browse the records, enter the names Preston, Hoge, or Wade (all enslavers), and then navigate through the document.
If you’re searching for a specific enslaved individual, please note that their names are generally not listed, except in rare instances. To browse the records, enter the names Preston, Hoge, or Wade (all enslavers), and then navigate through the document.
Symbols hold significant importance for members of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF).
By the early 1900s, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows had gained significant popularity, with both men and women joining its secret societies. This benevolent group was established in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Pulaski, Virginia to improve their communities by providing charitable support to orphans, the sick, and the poor.
Symbols hold significant importance in education and as visual reminders for members of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) for several reasons:
Simplification of Complex Ideas: Symbols distill complex concepts into simple, recognizable forms, making it easier to convey teachings and principles.
Memory Aids: They serve as mnemonic devices, helping members remember key teachings, values, and rituals.
Engagement: Visual representations engage members more deeply than text alone, fostering better understanding and retention.
Communication: Symbols transcend language barriers, enabling diverse groups to share common understandings and values.
Constant Presence: They act as continual, visual reminders of the GUOOF’s values and principles, reinforcing them in daily life.
Identity and Unity: Symbols create a sense of belonging and unity among members by providing a shared set of images and meanings.
Moral Guidance: They encapsulate moral and ethical lessons, guiding members in their conduct and decision-making.
Tradition and Continuity: Symbols connect current members to the historical roots and traditions of the GUOOF, promoting continuity and respect for the organization’s heritage.
This Currier & Ives of New York 1881 print illustrate the common symbols which the order’s members would recognize and hold dear.
Skull and Crossbones – Life is short and we have much to doBee hive – industry to work towards a greater good for allLady Liberty, Lamb of God, Three ArrowsNoah’s Ark and the symbol of peace
Collection of Morticians, Undertakers, Funeral Home Directors in Southwest Virginia
Collection of Morticians, Undertakers, Funeral Home Directors in Southwest Virginia
CC Williams, Mortician & Ambulance Service in Roanoke (The Church News, 1 Feb 1934, pg 4)R.W. Clark Citizen’s Undertaking Establishment, Roanoke, VA (The Church News, 1 Feb 1934, pg 4)
The Index of census returns, registers, and lists of freedmen is overseen by the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau. Established in 1865 after the American Civil War, its responsibilities include supervising relief efforts such as education, healthcare, food, clothing, refugee camps, marriage legalization, employment, labor contracts, and ensuring back pay, bounty payments, and pensions.
Family Search records are free but registration is required.
Virginia, Roll 130, Registers of freedmen sent to New England states, 1866-1867
Virginia, Wytheville, Roll 198, Census returns of the black population of Montgomery, Grayson, Smyth, Giles, Roanoke, Craig, and Floyd Counties, 1865 (Images 214-412)
Virginia, Christianburg, Roll 68, Census returns of blacks in Montgomery County
Seven Year Timeline of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (Freedmen’s Bureau): March 1865 to June 1872.
September 2, 1862: “President Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that as of January 1, 1863 “all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”” (Library of Congress)
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation
April 9, 1865: Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox, ending the Civil War.
Juneteenth, 1865 – Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American of History & Culture
National – 3 March 1865: the bureau was created by the War Department of the US Government. Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners as well as General Superintendent of Schools were established.
Virginia – June 1865 to May 1866: Orlando Brown established an office and operated as Commissioner of Virginia, in Richmond.
Virginia – 4 July 1865 to 14 April 1867: Virginia Bureau is organized into 10 districts with an Agent/Superintendent in charge.
Mont. Co – Sept 1865: Buel Carter became the 8th District’s first Superintendent, establishing an office in Christiansburg but move the office to Wythville in September of the same year.
National – Oct 1865 to Jan 1867: Rev. John W. Alvord became Inspector of Finances and Schools to address schools.
Mont. Co – May 1866: Capt Charles S. Schaeffer arrives in Christiansburg as the agent, working under Brevet Maj. George P. Sherwood became Superintendent of the 8th District in June 1866.
Virginia – May 1866 to Aug 1866: Maj. Gen. Alfred H. Terry is Assistant Commissioner, Richmond.
National – 16 July 1866: the Bureau of Freedmen is extended by Congress.
Virginia – Aug 1866 to March 1867: Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield is named Assistant Commissioner .
Virginia – 15 April 1867: The state is reorganization into 10 Sub-districts with Sub-Assistant Commissioner in charge.
Mont. Co- 15 April 1867: District 8 , the central office remained in Wythville. CA Schaeffer remained in Christiansburg.
Virginia – March 1867 to May 1869: Orlando Bowen becomes Assistant Commissioner and Superintendent of Education.
National – 6 July 1968: The Bureau of Freedmen is extended for the last time.
National – 25 July 1868: Congress removes the Bureau’s Assistant Commissioners from the states, but claim agents remain in place.
Mont. Co. – Dec 1868: Freedmen’s Bureau closes its Christiansburg office. Schaeffer retained as Assistant Superintendent of Education.
Virginia – 1 Jan 1869: the 10 Virginia districts are reorganized into 8 Education Sub Districts and Assistant Superintendent of Schools are appointed.
Virginia – 1870: New constitution was ratified which included Public School Funding for all children as a requirement. By 1870 the legislation was set to allow this to happen, though the education would be segregated.
National- Summer 1870: Superintendents of Education removed and headquarters staff reduced.
National – 30 June 1872: The Freedmen’s Bureau was terminated by Congress.
Gathering African American History 