Despite the fact that their marriages were not legally recognized before 1865, enslaved couples were uniting in “quasi-marital” relationships, and were cohabitating as husband and wife, as evidenced by many extant documents created during and after the end of America’s Civil War. In this presentation, we explore examples of documents that provide evidence of these relationships, and sources for finding them.
Facebook
X
Syllabus
It was a great webinar. I located records that I have been searching for a long time. I am searching in North Carolina and Virginia. I have ancestors in both states that were freed before 1860 that I was looking for marrage info anc spouses and childre. This was absolutely great and came at the right time. Planning a trip to Virginia nd North Carolina this summer.
A fantastic journey, Renate’s presentation was empowering for Genealogy Specialists in this area, giving minerals of information vital to our research and discovery.
My Gosh, what a great webinar!!!! I have always been puzzled by the set of children of my great-grandparents. One family photo shows children of a darker skin color. The second set of children with the same last name are light-skinned. I was always told the children had the same father and mother, but I always questioned whether or not there were different mothers but the same father. Now I have the resources and the tools to do further research. Thank you Renate I plan to research your other webinars.
So much amazing information! I had no idea there were so many different places to look for marriage records for people who’d previously been enslaved. It really gives a genealogist hope when you hear a presentation like this with so many new avenues to explore.
The presentation was presented in a highly organized, clear manner with a great deal of useable information and potential resources for research, specially for African American families.
Renate’s presentations are always fantastic! I always learn so much from her. It was very interesting to learn that the children in the 1870 census may not be children of the parents listed and why. This is something I never thought about! Thank you!
Renate gave a very inspiring and educational presentation. Much of the information will assist me in my search for my and my hubby’s ancestors.
Great information and presentation!