African American Resources for Alabama: Difference between revisions
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{{breadcrumb | {{AL-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb | ||
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | | link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | ||
| link2=[[African American Genealogy|African American Genealogy]] | | link2=[[African American Genealogy|African American Genealogy]] | ||
| link3=[[Alabama | | link3=[[Alabama Genealogy|Alabama]] | ||
| link4= | | link4= | ||
| link5=[[African American Resources for Alabama|African American Resources]] | | link5=[[African American Resources for Alabama|African American Resources]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{ | {{Click|Image:AA_ORP.png|African_American_Online_Genealogy_Records}} | ||
==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Resources for African American research fall into two periods: pre-and post-Civil War. Post-Civil War research consists of consulting the same record types you would use to research non–African Americans. Pre-Civil War records consist of importation declarations | Resources for African American research fall into two periods: pre-and post-Civil War. Post-Civil War research consists of consulting the same record types you would use to research non–African Americans. Pre-Civil War records consist of slave importation declarations, plantation records, emancipation records, apprenticeship bonds for freedmen, Alabama hiring practices, census records, plantation owners’ family records, church and cemetery records, military records, and Alabama court records. | ||
==Online Resources== | ==Online Resources== | ||
'''Record Collections''' | '''Record Collections''' | ||
* | *[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1714 U.S., Southeast Coastwise Inward and Outward Slave Manifests, 1790-1860] | ||
*{{RecordSearch|2333770|Alabama, Freedmen's Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872}} Images only. | |||
*{{RecordSearch|1417695|United States, Freedmans Bank Records, 1865-1874}} | |||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1307888?collectionNameFilter=false Alabama Deaths 1908-1974] | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
'''Digital Archives''' | '''Digital Archives''' | ||
*[http://archives.state.al.us/ Alabama Department of Archives and History] | |||
*[http://www.birminghamarchives.org/SubjectGuideSuggestedReadin.htm Birmingham Public Library: Collections and Research] | |||
*Samford University: [http://samford.libguides.com/content.php?pid=48940&sid=360072 Primary Sources/Websites] | |||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160116031559/http://africanaheritage.com:80/Larrys_Alabama_Archive.asp Larry's Alabama Archive] - Larry E. Caver Jr's Collection of Alabama records | |||
*Access Genealogy: [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/african/alabama/ Alabama African American Records] | |||
'''Lists of Sources''' | '''Lists of Sources''' | ||
*[http://www.lib.alasu.edu/archives/research/genealogy/ African American Genealogy Resources Page] - Alabama State University | |||
*[http://www.alabamagenealogy.org/aa.htm Alabama African American Genealogy Research] - A list of Alabama genealogy resources, including records and databases | |||
*[http://www.genealogycenter.info/africanamerican/results_afram.php?subject=al African American Gateway:] Alabama (Allen County Public Library) | |||
'''Digital Books''' | '''Digital Books''' | ||
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=GhHb4IspnsgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=African-American+genealogy&lr=#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama'' ] by Frazine K. Taylor (Google Books) | |||
==Research Strategy== | ==Research Strategy== | ||
The records for Alabama can be found in the FamilySearch Catalog Subject Search under: FREEDMEN - ALABAMA | |||
Research guides: | Research guides: | ||
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=GhHb4IspnsgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=African-American+genealogy&lr=#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama''] by Frazine K. Taylor (Google Books) | |||
* | *Taylor, Frazine K.''Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama A Resource Guide.''Montgomery, Alabama: New South Books. 2008. | ||
*Taylor, Frazine K. ''Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
For a comprehensive history of slavery in Alabama, see: | For a comprehensive history of slavery in Alabama, see: | ||
*Sellers, James Benson. Slavery in Alabama. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Press, 1950, 1994. (Available at the Family History Library, call no. 976.1 F2s) This 426 page book includes a bibliography, on pages 399–409. | |||
* | |||
To learn more about the Reconstruction Era (1868-1877), visit: | To learn more about the Reconstruction Era (1868-1877), visit: | ||
*Reconstruction in Alabama: [http://lestweforget.hamptonu.edu/page.cfm?uuid=9FEC4EC4-9F99-064D-99109BD6B7AE7CB1 Alabama's First Lawmakers] | |||
*[http://lestweforget.hamptonu.edu/page.cfm?uuid=9FEC4EC4-9F99-064D-99109BD6B7AE7CB1 Alabama's First Lawmakers] | *Reconstruction in Alabama: [http://www.alabamamoments.state.al.us/sec24.html A Quick Summary] | ||
*[http://www.alabamamoments.state.al.us/sec24.html A Quick Summary] | |||
To learn more about the Jim Crow Era (1859-1964), visit: | To learn more about the Jim Crow Era (1859-1964), visit: | ||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120303021441/http://www.jimcrowhistory.org/scripts/jimcrow/insidesouth.cgi?state=Alabama Jim Crow Laws: Alabama] | |||
*[http://encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1248 Segregation (Jim Crow)], Encyclopedia of Alabama | |||
*[http://www.archives.state.al.us/ahei/Jim_Crow_Lived_in_Alabama_in_the_late_1800s_Feb_2011.pdf Title of Lesson: Jim Crow Lived in Alabama in the late 1800s] | |||
* | Also see: | ||
*United States. Congress. House. ''Slave Ships in Alabama''. Nineteenth Congress, First Session, 1826. | |||
==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
| Line 77: | Line 56: | ||
Several biographical dictionaries, compendia, and histories may contain information you need, for example: | Several biographical dictionaries, compendia, and histories may contain information you need, for example: | ||
*''Black Biographical Dictionaries, 1790–1950''. | *''Black Biographical Dictionaries, 1790–1950''. Alexandria, Virginia: Chadwyck-Healy, 1980. {{FHL|509200|item|disp=FHL fiche 6049870 (first of 1070 films.)}} This publication is sometimes referred to as "The Black Biography Project." Three of the sources included in this collection are: | ||
* | *Bothe, Charles Octavius. ''The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work''. Birmingham, Alabama: Birmingham Alabama Publishing, 1895. {{FHL|509200|item|disp=FHL fiche 6078965}} [set of 3]. This book contains biographies, birth dates, parents’ names, and sometimes pictures. It also provides information on associations and state conventions. | ||
*Mixon, Winfield Henri. ''History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama, with Biographical Sketches.'' | *Mixon, Winfield Henri. ''History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama, with Biographical Sketches.'' Selma, Alabama: A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union, 1902. (Family History Library {{FHL|509200|item|disp=FHL fiche 6079113}} [set of 3]. This book provides pictures, church minutes and history, and speeches. There is no index. | ||
*Moorman, Joseph H. and E. L. Barrett. ''Leaders of the Colored Race in Alabama''. Mobile, Alabama: News Publishing, [198–?]. {{ | *Moorman, Joseph H. and E. L. Barrett. ''Leaders of the Colored Race in Alabama''. Mobile, Alabama: News Publishing, [198–?]. {{FHL|509200|item|disp=FHL fiche 6079115}} [set of 2]. This source contains biographical sketches with birth dates, educational information, a history of each minister’s service, and a history of churches. It includes an index. | ||
===Cemeteries=== | ===Cemeteries=== | ||
===Census Records=== | ===Census Records=== | ||
African Americans are identified in the [[Alabama Census#Online_Alabama_indexes_and_images|1866 Census]]. | |||
===Church Records=== | ===Church Records=== | ||
A few parish registers | A few parish registers (see "[[Alabama Church Records|Church Records]]") list slaves who attended church with their masters.<br> | ||
To learn more about historic African American churches in Alabama, see ''The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their leaders and their work.'' Booth, Charles Octavius. Birmingham: Alabama Pub. Co., 1895. (available on [https://archive.org/details/cyclopediaofcolo00boot Archive.org]) | To learn more about historic African American churches in Alabama, see ''The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their leaders and their work.'' Booth, Charles Octavius. Birmingham: Alabama Pub. Co., 1895. (available on [https://archive.org/details/cyclopediaofcolo00boot Archive.org]) | ||
Two churches important to African American history are: | Two churches important to African American history are: | ||
*[http://www.blackpast.org/aah/st-bartley-primitive-baptist-church-huntsville-alabama-1808 St.Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Huntsville (1808- )] | |||
*[http://www.blackpast.org/aah/st-bartley-primitive-baptist-church-huntsville-alabama-1808 St.Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Huntsville (1808- )] | *[http://www.blackpast.org/aah/dexter-avenue-baptist-church-montgomery-alabama Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Montgomery (1883- )] | ||
*[http://www.blackpast.org/aah/dexter-avenue-baptist-church-montgomery-alabama Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Montgomery (1883- )] | |||
===Emancipation Records=== | ===Emancipation Records=== | ||
===Funeral Homes=== | ===Funeral Homes=== | ||
===Genealogies=== | ===Genealogies=== | ||
===Land and Property=== | ===Land and Property=== | ||
Slaves are sometimes mentioned in deeds (see "[[Alabama Land and Property|Land and Property]]"). | |||
====Plantation==== | ====Plantation==== | ||
Some plantation records mention | Some plantation records mention slaves. The Family History Library has many plantation records on microfilm. These records are described in a series of booklets by Kenneth M. Stampp. Guides for Series A–M are available at the Family History Library:<br> | ||
*Stampp, Kenneth M., ed. ''A Guide to Records of Antebellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution through the Civil War: Series A–M, Selections from the Manuscript Department, Duke University Library''. | *Stampp, Kenneth M., ed. ''A Guide to Records of Antebellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution through the Civil War: Series A–M, Selections from the Manuscript Department, Duke University Library''. Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1986. {{FHL|1162175|item|disp=FHL book 975 H2sm.}} The Family History Library has microfilms of most of the records described in the guide. Alabama plantation records are scattered throughout. | ||
For example, the booklet for Series F describes records of many plantations in Alabama and other states of the Deep South: | For example, the booklet for Series F describes records of many plantations in Alabama and other states of the Deep South: | ||
*''Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution Through the Civil War: Series F, Selections from the Manuscript Department'', Duke University Library. | *''Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution Through the Civil War: Series F, Selections from the Manuscript Department'', Duke University Library. Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1986–1987. {{FHL|564185|item|disp=FHL films beginning with 1549774 (first of 84 films.}} | ||
===Oral Histories=== | ===Oral Histories=== | ||
===Other Records=== | ===Other Records=== | ||
===Military Records=== | ===Military Records=== | ||
| Line 140: | Line 104: | ||
A record was made of men of African descent who served in the Confederate Army: | A record was made of men of African descent who served in the Confederate Army: | ||
*Alabama. Department of Archives and History. Negroes in the Confederate Army, 1860–1907. (Family History Library [https://www.familysearch.org/s/catalog/show?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fcatalog.familysearch.org%3A8080%2Fwww-catalogapi-webservice%2Fitem%2F522854&hash=HloWXpZgU9zB10k5M56iYku8TUc%253D film 1653243 item 4].) This source lists the name of the soldier and his duty. It may indicate the name of the slave owner, the date of pay, master’s place of residence, where the soldier served in the military, and his military expenses. | |||
'''World War II'''<br> | '''World War II'''<br> | ||
A record was made of naval casualties by state during the war: | A record was made of naval casualties by state during the war: | ||
*''Combat Connected Naval Causalities, World War II, by States.'' Two Volumes. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946. {{FHL|287905|item|disp=FHL book 973 M3dc}} This source is alphabetically arranged by state, then within the state by dead, missing, wounded, Prisoner of War (POW), died or killed while a POW, and POWs released. | |||
*''Combat Connected Naval Causalities, World War II, by States.'' Two Volumes. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946. {{ | The Tuskegee Airmen were America's first black military aviator group and served in the U.S. army between 1941 and 1946.<ref>Nancy Henderson, "Tuskegee Airmen," on ''American Profile'', http://americanprofile.com/articles/tuskegee-airmen/, accessed 11 May 2018.</ref> | ||
*[http://tuskegeeairmen.org/explore-tai/a-brief-history/ Tuskegee Airmen] - An estimated 16,000 to 19,000 airmen including mechanics, parachute riggers, and support staff were involved. | |||
The Tuskegee Airmen were America's first | |||
*[http://tuskegeeairmen.org/explore-tai/a-brief-history/ Tuskegee Airmen] - An estimated 16,000 to 19,000 airmen including mechanics, parachute riggers, and support staff were involved. | |||
*For photos of Tuskegee Airmen visit [http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/tuskegee-airmen/ American Profile - Tuskegee Airmen] | *For photos of Tuskegee Airmen visit [http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/tuskegee-airmen/ American Profile - Tuskegee Airmen] | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
See also [[Alabama Military Records|Alabama Military Records]] | See also [[Alabama Military Records|"Alabama Military Records"]] | ||
===Newspapers=== | ===Newspapers=== | ||
===Probate Records=== | ===Probate Records=== | ||
Slaves are sometimes mentioned in wills (see "[[Alabama Probate Records|Probate Records]]"). | |||
===Reconstruction Records=== | ===Reconstruction Records=== | ||
====Freedman's Bank==== | ====Freedman's Bank==== | ||
An excellent source is the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (visit | An excellent source is the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (visit this [[African American Freedman's Savings and Trust Company Records|wiki page]] to learn more). This company was created to assist African-American soldiers of the Civil War and freed slaves. Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company signature cards or registers from 3 March 1865 to 25 July 1874 may list the name of the depositor, date of entry, age, birthplace, residence, complexion, name of employer or occupation, wife or husband’s name, death information, children’s names, name of father and mother, brothers’ and sisters’ names, remarks, and signature. Early books sometimes contained the name of the former master or mistress and the name of the plantation. Copies of death certificates were sometimes attached to the entries. The collection is organized alphabetically by state, then city where the bank was located, then date the account was established, then account number.<br> | ||
Alabama had a branch of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company in Huntsville and Mobile. In each city depositors are listed by account number. The records are in: | |||
*{{ | *Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (Huntsville, Alabama), ''Registers of Signatures of Depositors, 1865–1874''. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M0816. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. {{FHL|709429|item|disp=Family History Library film 928571}} | ||
* | *Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (Mobile, Alabama). ''Registers of Signatures of Depositors, 1867–1874.'' National Archives Microfilm Publications, M0816. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. {{FHL|133425|item|disp=Family History Library film 928572}} | ||
[[Image:{{ALFreeBank}}]] <br> | |||
The records are also available online at Familysearch.org - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1417695 United States, Freedman's Bank Records, 1865-1874] | |||
====Freedmen's Bureau==== | ====Freedmen's Bureau==== | ||
The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands was created by the US government in 1865 | The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands was created by the US government in 1865 to assist former slaves in the southern United States. The Bureau created a wide variety of records extremely valuable to genealogists. Such documents include censuses, marriage records, and medical records. These records often include full names, former masters and plantations, and current residences.<ref>"African American Records: Freedmen's Bureau," "African American Heritage," ''National Archives'', accessed 11 May 2018. </ref> For 1865 and 1866, the section on abandoned and confiscated lands includes the names of the owners of the plantations or homes that were abandoned, confiscated, or leased. It gives the county and location, a description of the house, the number of acres owned, and the number of cabins of former slaves. These films do not appear to contain the names of former slaves. | ||
*''' | *[http://www.discoverfreedmen.org/ DiscoverFreedmen] - the search on this site will utilize all of the Freedmen's Bureau records on FamilySearch. | ||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2427901 ''United States, Freedmen's Bureau, Records of the Assistant Commissioner, 1865-1872''] Images only. National Archives Microfilm Publications, RG 105. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. Microfilms of the originals are available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. This collection can also be viewed [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/362692?availability=Family%20History%20Library here]. These reports primarily contain statistical and historical information. | |||
*More collections are available in the FamilySearch Catalog. Search for "FREEDMEN - ALABAMA" in the Subjects search bar to find. | *More collections are available in the FamilySearch Catalog. Search for "FREEDMEN - ALABAMA" in the Subjects search bar to find. | ||
Visit | Visit this [[African American Freedmen's Bureau Records|wiki page]] to learn more about utilizing these records.<br> | ||
===School Records=== | ===School Records=== | ||
===Slavery Records=== | ===Slavery Records=== | ||
*The African-American Mosaic: [http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/afam015.html Ex Slave Narratives<br>] | |||
===Vital Records=== | ===Vital Records=== | ||
Records of African Americans may be listed as "colored" in birth, marriage and death records. See [[Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records|Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records]] for those records | Records of African-Americans may be listed as "colored" in birth, marriage and death records. See [[Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records|Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records]] for those records | ||
====Birth==== | ====Birth==== | ||
====Marriage==== | ====Marriage==== | ||
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160903215556/http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~alaag/AlAfAm-Marriages/ Alabama African American Marriages]<br>Alabama Genealogy Project<br>Email: tru_black@hotmail.com | |||
Records of African-Americans may be listed as "colored" in birth, marriage and death records. See [[Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records]] for those records. | |||
FamilySearch has begun to digitize colored Alabama marriage books: {{RecordSearch|1743384|Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950}}. As of 6 August 2012, some books from Baldwin, Bullock, Crenshaw, Dallas, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Morgan, Pike, and St. Clair counties have been digitized and indexed.<ref>Coverage Table, "Alabama County Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)," ''FamilySearch Research Wiki,'' https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Alabama_County_Marriages_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records), accessed 6 August 2012.</ref> | |||
====Death==== | ====Death==== | ||
====Divorce==== | ====Divorce==== | ||
===Voting | ===Voting Registers=== | ||
==Archives and Libraries== | |||
[http://www.archives.alabama.gov/ Alabama Department of Archives and History]<br> P.O. Box 300100 / 624 Washington Ave.<br>Montgomery, AL 36130<br>(334) 242-4435 | |||
<br>[http://alabamam.sdp.sirsi.net/client/default# J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center] <br>Alabama A & M University<br>Box 489<br>Normal, AL 35762<br>Phone: (205) 851-5760 | |||
[http://library.samford.edu/ Samford University Library]<br>Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive <br>Birmingham, AL 35229<br>Questions or Comments: 205-726-2748 <br> [http://www4.samford.edu/schools/ighr/ Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)] <br> | |||
[http://www.birminghamarchives.org/SubjectGuideSuggestedReadin.htm Birmingham Public Library: Collections and Research]<br> Birmingham Public Library<br>Department of Archives & Manuscripts<br>2100 Park Place<br>Birmingham, Alabama USA 35203 <br>Phone:(205) 226-3631<br>E-mail: jbaggett@bham.lib.al.us | |||
[http://www. | |||
2100 Park Place<br> | |||
Birmingham, Alabama USA 35203 <br> | |||
Phone: 205 | |||
==Societies== | ==Societies== | ||
*[http://www.bbaaghs.org/records.html Online Records] of Black Belt African American Genealogical Historical Society, Inc. | |||
[ | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
{{African American|African American}} | |||
{{Alabama|Alabama}} | {{Alabama|Alabama}} | ||
[[Category:Alabama | [[Category:Alabama Minorities]] [[Category:African_American Records]] | ||
[[Category: | |||
Revision as of 11:14, 11 May 2018
| Alabama Wiki Topics |
|
| Beginning Research |
| Record Types |
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| Alabama Background |
| Cultural Groups |
| Local Research Resources |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Resources for African American research fall into two periods: pre-and post-Civil War. Post-Civil War research consists of consulting the same record types you would use to research non–African Americans. Pre-Civil War records consist of slave importation declarations, plantation records, emancipation records, apprenticeship bonds for freedmen, Alabama hiring practices, census records, plantation owners’ family records, church and cemetery records, military records, and Alabama court records.
Online Resources[edit | edit source]
Record Collections
- U.S., Southeast Coastwise Inward and Outward Slave Manifests, 1790-1860
- Alabama, Freedmen's Bureau Field Office Records, 1865-1872 Images only.
- United States, Freedmans Bank Records, 1865-1874
- Alabama Deaths 1908-1974
Digital Archives
- Alabama Department of Archives and History
- Birmingham Public Library: Collections and Research
- Samford University: Primary Sources/Websites
- Larry's Alabama Archive - Larry E. Caver Jr's Collection of Alabama records
- Access Genealogy: Alabama African American Records
Lists of Sources
- African American Genealogy Resources Page - Alabama State University
- Alabama African American Genealogy Research - A list of Alabama genealogy resources, including records and databases
- African American Gateway: Alabama (Allen County Public Library)
Digital Books
- Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama by Frazine K. Taylor (Google Books)
Research Strategy[edit | edit source]
The records for Alabama can be found in the FamilySearch Catalog Subject Search under: FREEDMEN - ALABAMA
Research guides:
- Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama by Frazine K. Taylor (Google Books)
- Taylor, Frazine K.Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama A Resource Guide.Montgomery, Alabama: New South Books. 2008.
History[edit | edit source]
For a comprehensive history of slavery in Alabama, see:
- Sellers, James Benson. Slavery in Alabama. Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Press, 1950, 1994. (Available at the Family History Library, call no. 976.1 F2s) This 426 page book includes a bibliography, on pages 399–409.
To learn more about the Reconstruction Era (1868-1877), visit:
- Reconstruction in Alabama: Alabama's First Lawmakers
- Reconstruction in Alabama: A Quick Summary
To learn more about the Jim Crow Era (1859-1964), visit:
- Jim Crow Laws: Alabama
- Segregation (Jim Crow), Encyclopedia of Alabama
- Title of Lesson: Jim Crow Lived in Alabama in the late 1800s
Also see:
- United States. Congress. House. Slave Ships in Alabama. Nineteenth Congress, First Session, 1826.
Resources[edit | edit source]
Biographies[edit | edit source]
Several biographical dictionaries, compendia, and histories may contain information you need, for example:
- Black Biographical Dictionaries, 1790–1950. Alexandria, Virginia: Chadwyck-Healy, 1980. FHL fiche 6049870 (first of 1070 films.) This publication is sometimes referred to as "The Black Biography Project." Three of the sources included in this collection are:
- Bothe, Charles Octavius. The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work. Birmingham, Alabama: Birmingham Alabama Publishing, 1895. FHL fiche 6078965 [set of 3]. This book contains biographies, birth dates, parents’ names, and sometimes pictures. It also provides information on associations and state conventions.
- Mixon, Winfield Henri. History of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama, with Biographical Sketches. Selma, Alabama: A.M.E. Church Sunday School Union, 1902. (Family History Library FHL fiche 6079113 [set of 3]. This book provides pictures, church minutes and history, and speeches. There is no index.
- Moorman, Joseph H. and E. L. Barrett. Leaders of the Colored Race in Alabama. Mobile, Alabama: News Publishing, [198–?]. FHL fiche 6079115 [set of 2]. This source contains biographical sketches with birth dates, educational information, a history of each minister’s service, and a history of churches. It includes an index.
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
Census Records[edit | edit source]
African Americans are identified in the 1866 Census.
Church Records[edit | edit source]
A few parish registers (see "Church Records") list slaves who attended church with their masters.
To learn more about historic African American churches in Alabama, see The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their leaders and their work. Booth, Charles Octavius. Birmingham: Alabama Pub. Co., 1895. (available on Archive.org)
Two churches important to African American history are:
- St.Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Huntsville (1808- )
- Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Montgomery (1883- )
Emancipation Records[edit | edit source]
Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]
Genealogies[edit | edit source]
Land and Property[edit | edit source]
Slaves are sometimes mentioned in deeds (see "Land and Property").
Plantation[edit | edit source]
Some plantation records mention slaves. The Family History Library has many plantation records on microfilm. These records are described in a series of booklets by Kenneth M. Stampp. Guides for Series A–M are available at the Family History Library:
- Stampp, Kenneth M., ed. A Guide to Records of Antebellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution through the Civil War: Series A–M, Selections from the Manuscript Department, Duke University Library. Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1986. FHL book 975 H2sm. The Family History Library has microfilms of most of the records described in the guide. Alabama plantation records are scattered throughout.
For example, the booklet for Series F describes records of many plantations in Alabama and other states of the Deep South:
- Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations from the Revolution Through the Civil War: Series F, Selections from the Manuscript Department, Duke University Library. Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1986–1987. FHL films beginning with 1549774 (first of 84 films.
Oral Histories[edit | edit source]
Other Records[edit | edit source]
Military Records[edit | edit source]
Civil War
Over 10,000 Alabama freedmen served as Union Soldiers as well as in the Confederate Army.
A record was made of men of African descent who served in the Confederate Army:
- Alabama. Department of Archives and History. Negroes in the Confederate Army, 1860–1907. (Family History Library film 1653243 item 4.) This source lists the name of the soldier and his duty. It may indicate the name of the slave owner, the date of pay, master’s place of residence, where the soldier served in the military, and his military expenses.
World War II
A record was made of naval casualties by state during the war:
- Combat Connected Naval Causalities, World War II, by States. Two Volumes. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946. FHL book 973 M3dc This source is alphabetically arranged by state, then within the state by dead, missing, wounded, Prisoner of War (POW), died or killed while a POW, and POWs released.
The Tuskegee Airmen were America's first black military aviator group and served in the U.S. army between 1941 and 1946.[1]
- Tuskegee Airmen - An estimated 16,000 to 19,000 airmen including mechanics, parachute riggers, and support staff were involved.
- For photos of Tuskegee Airmen visit American Profile - Tuskegee Airmen
See also "Alabama Military Records"
Newspapers[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
Slaves are sometimes mentioned in wills (see "Probate Records").
Reconstruction Records[edit | edit source]
Freedman's Bank[edit | edit source]
An excellent source is the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (visit this wiki page to learn more). This company was created to assist African-American soldiers of the Civil War and freed slaves. Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company signature cards or registers from 3 March 1865 to 25 July 1874 may list the name of the depositor, date of entry, age, birthplace, residence, complexion, name of employer or occupation, wife or husband’s name, death information, children’s names, name of father and mother, brothers’ and sisters’ names, remarks, and signature. Early books sometimes contained the name of the former master or mistress and the name of the plantation. Copies of death certificates were sometimes attached to the entries. The collection is organized alphabetically by state, then city where the bank was located, then date the account was established, then account number.
Alabama had a branch of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company in Huntsville and Mobile. In each city depositors are listed by account number. The records are in:
- Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (Huntsville, Alabama), Registers of Signatures of Depositors, 1865–1874. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M0816. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. Family History Library film 928571
- Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (Mobile, Alabama). Registers of Signatures of Depositors, 1867–1874. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M0816. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. Family History Library film 928572
The records are also available online at Familysearch.org - United States, Freedman's Bank Records, 1865-1874
Freedmen's Bureau[edit | edit source]
The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands was created by the US government in 1865 to assist former slaves in the southern United States. The Bureau created a wide variety of records extremely valuable to genealogists. Such documents include censuses, marriage records, and medical records. These records often include full names, former masters and plantations, and current residences.[2] For 1865 and 1866, the section on abandoned and confiscated lands includes the names of the owners of the plantations or homes that were abandoned, confiscated, or leased. It gives the county and location, a description of the house, the number of acres owned, and the number of cabins of former slaves. These films do not appear to contain the names of former slaves.
- DiscoverFreedmen - the search on this site will utilize all of the Freedmen's Bureau records on FamilySearch.
- United States, Freedmen's Bureau, Records of the Assistant Commissioner, 1865-1872 Images only. National Archives Microfilm Publications, RG 105. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1969. Microfilms of the originals are available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. This collection can also be viewed here. These reports primarily contain statistical and historical information.
- More collections are available in the FamilySearch Catalog. Search for "FREEDMEN - ALABAMA" in the Subjects search bar to find.
Visit this wiki page to learn more about utilizing these records.
School Records[edit | edit source]
Slavery Records[edit | edit source]
- The African-American Mosaic: Ex Slave Narratives
Vital Records[edit | edit source]
Records of African-Americans may be listed as "colored" in birth, marriage and death records. See Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records for those records
Birth[edit | edit source]
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Alabama African American Marriages
Alabama Genealogy Project
Email: tru_black@hotmail.com
Records of African-Americans may be listed as "colored" in birth, marriage and death records. See Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records for those records.
FamilySearch has begun to digitize colored Alabama marriage books: Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950. As of 6 August 2012, some books from Baldwin, Bullock, Crenshaw, Dallas, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Morgan, Pike, and St. Clair counties have been digitized and indexed.[3]
Death[edit | edit source]
Divorce[edit | edit source]
Voting Registers[edit | edit source]
Archives and Libraries[edit | edit source]
Alabama Department of Archives and History
P.O. Box 300100 / 624 Washington Ave.
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-4435
J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center
Alabama A & M University
Box 489
Normal, AL 35762
Phone: (205) 851-5760
Samford University Library
Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Questions or Comments: 205-726-2748
Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)
Birmingham Public Library: Collections and Research
Birmingham Public Library
Department of Archives & Manuscripts
2100 Park Place
Birmingham, Alabama USA 35203
Phone:(205) 226-3631
E-mail: jbaggett@bham.lib.al.us
Societies[edit | edit source]
- Online Records of Black Belt African American Genealogical Historical Society, Inc.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Nancy Henderson, "Tuskegee Airmen," on American Profile, http://americanprofile.com/articles/tuskegee-airmen/, accessed 11 May 2018.
- ↑ "African American Records: Freedmen's Bureau," "African American Heritage," National Archives, accessed 11 May 2018.
- ↑ Coverage Table, "Alabama County Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)," FamilySearch Research Wiki, https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Alabama_County_Marriages_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records), accessed 6 August 2012.
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