Watch the replays of our 5th annual 24-hour Genealogy Webinar Marathon here.

Watch the replays of our 5th annual 24-hour Genealogy Webinar Marathon here.

By
By
Webinar Library
African Diaspora Historical Records Quaker Records Places and Ethnicities African American

McMasters’ Will: The Scheme That Made Us Virtually Free

Calvin Dark
May 6, 2022
534 views
CC
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,186 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 40s
Play. Playing.
Speaker's Introduction
1m 26s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
6m 19s
Play. Playing.
Origins
12m 44s
Play. Playing.
Quakers
18m 59s
Play. Playing.
Freedom
26m 10s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
3m 16s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
10m 15s

About this webinar

Calvin Dark presents the story of his Great-Great Grandfather, Aaron McMasters, born enslaved around 1814 in North Carolina. When he was 20 years old, he convinced his master and biological father, Simeon McMasters, to free him but North Carolina law wouldn’t allow it. This presentation will shed light on aspects of slavery (including manumission, emancipation, anti-slavery vs. abolitionist groups, Underground Railroad, Quakers, and Black Codes), Reconstruction, and African American history in North Carolina that are lesser-known and largely omitted from mainstream teaching and discourse about the period. The presentation will also provide tips and lessons learned for using genetic genealogy to uncover and discover valuable family history.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Calvin Dark
Calvin Dark is a writer and historian who regularly gives presentations and leads discussion groups on genealogy, African American folklore, and history. He is the author of the forthcoming book, McMasters’ Will: The Scheme that Almost Freed U
Learn more...

Comments (68)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining
Cancel Submit

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. CH
    Claire Hoffer
    2 years ago

    This was such an enjoyable presentation.

    Reply
  2. LM
    Lynda M Sampson
    2 years ago

    This webinar is one of the best I have ever attended. It is truly what genealogical or family history research is all about. It is more than names and dates on trees. It is documents, sources, pictures and more that recreate the lives of our ancestors. Thank you for introducing your family to us, but more importantly reminding us that every detail can lead us deeper into the lives of our ancestors.

    Reply
  3. TS
    Traci S. Kape Thysell-McPherson
    2 years ago

    What a brilliant genealogy Calvin, Thanks for a great presentation.

    Reply
  4. CB
    Cyndy Bray
    2 years ago

    Amazing story so well told

    Reply
  5. VH
    Valerie Hunter
    2 years ago

    The speaker was awesome and very knowledgeable with the information he provided. Very enlightening.

    Reply
  6. MC
    Maria Capaldi
    2 years ago

    I hope you have Calvin back it was fantastic, thank you!!!

    Reply
  7. KG
    Kathie Grover-Miller
    2 years ago

    Excellent session by Calvin Dark! Thank you for sharing your family’s story and teaching us in the process. It remind me also that the fight for equality remains a necessity today.

    Reply
  8. RF
    Robin Foster
    2 years ago

    Calvin’s presentation showed how well he uncovered sources. His delivery of all his information was clear, concise, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

50:51
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
African American Research 101 – Reconstruction Era (Part 2 of 3)
Ari Wilkins
465 views
CC
Free
African American Research 101 – Reconstruction Era (Part 2 of 3)
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research either a free person of color or a formerly enslaved African American and identify the last enslaver. It will introduce Reconstruction Era records such as: The Freedmen’s Bureau records, Freedmen’s Bank Records, Southern Claims Commission records, military records, census records, voter’s registration, newspapers, and vital records. It will also cover methodology for 1870 African American brick wall problems.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
African American Research 101 – Reconstruction Era (Part 2 of 3)
CC
Free
Ari Wilkins
465 views
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research either a free person of color or a formerly enslaved African American and identify the last enslaver. It will introduce Reconstruction Era records such as: The Freedmen’s Bureau records, Freedmen’s Bank Records, Southern Claims Commission records, military records, census records, voter’s registration, newspapers, and vital records. It will also cover methodology for 1870 African American brick wall problems.
Fri, April 12 2024: 17:00 UTC
Register for free
1:31:07
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
From This Day Forward – Documenting Marital Unions of Enslaved and Emancipated Persons
Renate Yarborough Sanders
671 views
CC
From This Day Forward – Documenting Marital Unions of Enslaved and Emancipated Persons
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.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
From This Day Forward – Documenting Marital Unions of Enslaved and Emancipated Persons
CC
Renate Yarborough Sanders
671 views
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.
Fri, April 5 2024: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
1:07:43
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
African Americans in the Army: 1868-1948
Janice Lovelace, PhD
372 views
CC
African Americans in the Army: 1868-1948
Following the Civil War, when nearly 200,000 African American men served, the U.S. Army established 4 African American infantry (later modified to 2) and 2 cavalry regiments in 1868. They initially served in the West but fought in the Spanish American War and the two World Wars in segregated units. It was not until 1948 that Executive Order 9981 integrated the military. What was life like for these soldiers? Where do you find service and pension records?
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
African Americans in the Army: 1868-1948
CC
Janice Lovelace, PhD
372 views
Following the Civil War, when nearly 200,000 African American men served, the U.S. Army established 4 African American infantry (later modified to 2) and 2 cavalry regiments in 1868. They initially served in the West but fought in the Spanish American War and the two World Wars in segregated units. It was not until 1948 that Executive Order 9981 integrated the military. What was life like for these soldiers? Where do you find service and pension records?
Fri, February 9 2024: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
1:23:22
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
African American Research 101 – Post-Civil War to the Present (Part 1 of 3)
Ari Wilkins
727 views
CC
African American Research 101 – Post-Civil War to the Present (Part 1 of 3)
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this lecture is to demonstrate what comprehensive African American research looks like from 1870 to the present. It will discuss sources such as: census, vital, and military records; the WPA slave narratives; newspapers; and city directories. It will also cover basic genealogical methodology.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
African American Research 101 – Post-Civil War to the Present (Part 1 of 3)
CC
Ari Wilkins
727 views
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this lecture is to demonstrate what comprehensive African American research looks like from 1870 to the present. It will discuss sources such as: census, vital, and military records; the WPA slave narratives; newspapers; and city directories. It will also cover basic genealogical methodology.
Fri, February 2 2024: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
1:10:40
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Who Were “Felix Richards’ Slaves”?: Identifying Enslaved People Photographed During the Civil War
Amy Bertsch
677 views
CC
Who Were “Felix Richards’ Slaves”?: Identifying Enslaved People Photographed During the Civil War
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Who Were “Felix Richards’ Slaves”?: Identifying Enslaved People Photographed During the Civil War
CC
Amy Bertsch
677 views
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
1:13:38
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
Ari Wilkins
367 views
CC
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
CC
Ari Wilkins
367 views
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
Advanced
1:14:30
Places and EthnicitiesBest of ESMMethodology and SkillsWebtember
Using Negative Evidence: The Power of Silence in the Records
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.6K views
CC
Using Negative Evidence: The Power of Silence in the Records
Can genealogists take a negative (the absence of something) and develop it into a positive (proof of something)? Yes! If we understand what we’re working with and how to develop it. Negative evidence is a tool used by many investigative fields; but its definition varies between disciplines. This session defines the concept used by genealogists and historians: contextually suggestive silence. In layman’s language, Mills clearly separates negative evidence from concepts that are often confused with it: negative searches, negative findings, negative arguments, and negative conclusions. Case studies using autosomal and Y-DNA, censuses, church records, death certificates, land deeds and grants, topo maps, and other source types to demonstrate how to recognize contextually suggestive silence and develop it into solutions for situations in which no document explicitly answers our research question. *** This class requires a password and an active webinar membership to attend. On the day of the webinar, obtain the password (located at the top of FamilyTreeWebinars.com when logged in as a member). Then click the Join Webinar link in your confirmation/reminder email, and enter the password when prompted. ***
Places and EthnicitiesBest of ESMMethodology and SkillsWebtember
Using Negative Evidence: The Power of Silence in the Records
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.6K views
Can genealogists take a negative (the absence of something) and develop it into a positive (proof of something)? Yes! If we understand what we’re working with and how to develop it. Negative evidence is a tool used by many investigative fields; but its definition varies between disciplines. This session defines the concept used by genealogists and historians: contextually suggestive silence. In layman’s language, Mills clearly separates negative evidence from concepts that are often confused with it: negative searches, negative findings, negative arguments, and negative conclusions. Case studies using autosomal and Y-DNA, censuses, church records, death certificates, land deeds and grants, topo maps, and other source types to demonstrate how to recognize contextually suggestive silence and develop it into solutions for situations in which no document explicitly answers our research question. *** This class requires a password and an active webinar membership to attend. On the day of the webinar, obtain the password (located at the top of FamilyTreeWebinars.com when logged in as a member). Then click the Join Webinar link in your confirmation/reminder email, and enter the password when prompted. ***
Fri, September 22 2023: 19:30 UTC
Register for free
1:11:36
Places and EthnicitiesDNA TestingWebtember
Finding John Lee
Nicka Smith
781 views
CC
Finding John Lee
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Places and EthnicitiesDNA TestingWebtember
Finding John Lee
CC
Nicka Smith
781 views
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Fri, September 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
1:10:30
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaWebtember
Following Oral History in search of William Davis but finding Mildred Brand: A Case Study
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy
818 views
CC
Following Oral History in search of William Davis but finding Mildred Brand: A Case Study
A researcher’s number one goal is to find ancestors for their client or their own family and share their story. Within the story oral history is followed, critical records and resources will be discovered which helped guide the research. This session will take attendees through the challenges, successes, and the continued unanswered questions of researching an African American family from enslavement to freedom through the states of VA, PA, OH, and MI.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaWebtember
Following Oral History in search of William Davis but finding Mildred Brand: A Case Study
CC
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy
818 views
A researcher’s number one goal is to find ancestors for their client or their own family and share their story. Within the story oral history is followed, critical records and resources will be discovered which helped guide the research. This session will take attendees through the challenges, successes, and the continued unanswered questions of researching an African American family from enslavement to freedom through the states of VA, PA, OH, and MI.
Fri, September 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free