I am researching the Martin's of Warren County, TN and I am looking for the slave names of the Marti
's in my tree and I am trying hard to find their names. Where is the best place to find names of slaves? Thank you in advance for your assistance. Art Bowens
Answers
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My first thought is that you are most likely to find the slaves' names in William Martin's will and probate matters. I'm certainly no expert on the subject, though, so I will refer your post to two groups that can probably help you with more specific counsel.
@African American Genealogy Research
@Southern States Family History Research
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Tax records is another great place to look. The owner always had to pay taxes on the slave. Land records may haves the names listed if they slaves were buried on the land. AnneLoForteWilson had a terrific idea with W Martin's will. Depending when he died. Also check the will of William's Father and Williams wife's dad. William had to get the slaves somewhere. I also found my ancestors sold their slaves at an auction in St. Louis. (They took them from Texas to St. Louis). Also any county histories sometimes had the owner listed and any trouble that slave caused. (runaway, baby etc).
Let us know if that helps or if we can assist you further will your challenge. Good luck.
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@Artemis Bowens Many people suggest a Last Will and Testament and this is always a good place. However, not always is the answer there. Here are some other suggestions.
when researching for someone who was enslaved, we have to use a little bit different research techniques. Don't get me wrong it's the same but our focus changes a bit in order to find our answers. This being the case
I would suggest conveyance records "deeds" look for both the grantor and the grantee. These records will show a slave coming into an owner as well as going out of an owner. (Note: don't pay attention to the clerks side notes implying slave, etc or you will miss a ton of records) Remember that the owner may have used a purchaser too. So know the associates!!
The record may be in a different area typically the area where purchased. Research for your person in the county of the big slave selling areas such as New Orleans.
Pay attention to leases = slaves were often leased to other owners/plantations especially during harvest times.
If you were lucky and the clerk didn't get rid of them search in Chattel records.
Pay attention to creations of companies. Often times companies were created and particular slaves were used because of their value. A slave's trade knowledge such as blacksmith, carpenter, etc were often expressed during this type of transaction. Typically once under the business name is how you will see ownership movement of a slave. Not necessarily under the name of the actual owner that is unless you see the slave go back into the owner. (This does not mean the slave was sold from the plantation)
If your searching for slaves pay attention to the children and descendants and plantations they owned or married into. Daughter's moved in with their husbands who may have lived in a totally different county/parish or state. These people and places places should ALWAYS be considered.
Look for records under the name of the plantation, or Business.
Pay attention to the associates, complete a cursory investigation into these individual and their descendants at least to eliminate from having anything to do with the enslaved individual. Children especially sons were sent off to boarding schools. This typically happened in other states these states, The associates met during this time frame, and the states that the associates are from are very important as these individuals and the places they live can often be who a disobedient/runaway slave were sold to.
I hope some of these tricks help.
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Thanks for your feedback. I will try this.
Art
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