Til Death or Distance Do We Part: Documenting Marriages of Enslaved and Emancipated Persons
Despite the challenges faced in maintaining marital relationships, along with the absence of legal recognition of their unions, enslaved couples formed deep and lasting bonds and considered themselves “husband and wife,” as evidenced by many extant documents. This presentation examines how emancipation opened doors for formerly enslaved couples to achieve legal recognition of their marriages and legitimization for their children.
Syllabus for Til Death or Distance Do We Part: Documenting Marriages of Enslaved and Emancipated Persons
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Researching Enslaved Ancestors
Breaking through the 1870 brick wall to discover more about ancestors prior to the end of slavery can prove challenging. Changing surnames, families ripped apart, and identifying the former enslaver are just a few roadblocks when researching enslaved families. This session will dive deep into creating a research strategy and organizing the records uncovered. Genealogist Meaghan E. H. Siekman will also provide tips for making sense of all the information unearthed in the search and constructing a proof argument when records are limited. Best suited for those with intermediate-advanced genealogical skills.
