Blog 157: Genealogical Education (6): Research Techniques: Part II

 

By Vernon M. Herron

     As a methodology in research, a case study is used to illustrate genealogical research principles and concepts. Genealogical research is time-consuming, expensive and is a life-time commitment. In most cases, it is easier to research Whites than Blacks. Better records for whites were kept, especially on males, because they were considered head of their families and their names were listed in public documents. (See 1790 Censuses). Next, in terms of quality are records, are those on white females, then on free Blacks and finally on descendants of the enslaved.

     As you research Black genealogy, there are some principles you might follow. Those principles are the same when researching back to 1870, but different techniques must be used for the period prior to the Civil War when researching the enslaved. Here are the basic principles for researchers:
  

1. Start with oneself and work backward. That is, fill out a genealogical chart on oneself and

 then trace backward to as many generations as possible.

2. Try to reconstruct only one family line at a time.

3. Talk with older relatives, older members of the community and the griot. Take good

     notes and, if possible, use a tape recorder. This is one form of oral history.

4. Consult family Bible for records of births, marriages and death dates for ancestors.

5. Locate the county of your birth (your parents and grandparents) and learn something  

    about its geography and history.

6. Check public records such as wills, deeds, marriages, estate inventories and

    deaths. (County Court House)

7. Separate traditions and legends from facts. Find Documents to support as much  information as possible.

8. If your ancestors were free Blacks, check the federal census records prior to 1870.

     When tracing descendants of the enslaved, one of the most effective approaches to identify enslaved ancestors is to identify the plantation where the ancestor worked and the master of the enslaved family.

     To trace the descendants of the enslaved prior to the Civil War, is to locate and study the family history of the enslaved master. In doing so, blacks may find their own ancestors. This task is hard and difficult. 

     When the enslaved were sold and families were separated, they took on new identities; their names were disregarded and changed; they were given only first names such as Tom, Eliza, Old Big Tom, Big Jim, etc. When the Civil War ended, the enslaved legally adopted surnames and made a final choice at the time they were emancipated.

     Once you have established the enslaved master, try to go back to previously searched records and look for emancipated ancestors under the surname of the master. Searching for enslaved ancestors always requires a thorough investigation of the White/Black master owning families in all public and historic records.

     In blog 150, we noted the distinction between primary and secondary sources. We observed that primary records are created at the time of, or shortly after the event or circumstances. Such records are noted by someone with personal knowledge of the event. They identify the date, places or events which establish personal identities and family relationships, including births, marriages and deaths. To see this technique demonstrated, please note the genealogical summary of the second generation of the Richard Herron family as recorded and published in the family history book. (Richard and Minerva were my great grandparents) It reads:

Second Generation

2. Richard Herron was born in Steel Creek Township, Mecklenburg, North Carolina c1810 and died in said county c1890 in his 80^th year. In Mecklenburg County in c1843, Richard married Minerva (--) She, too was born in said county c1820 and died there in c1875 in her 55^th year.

The following children of Richard and Minerva (___) Herron were born, died and buried in Mecklenburg County North Carolina.

+  3  I  George Herron, b. c1844 and died c1874
+  4  ii Anderson Herron, b. c1846 and died c1891
+ 5  iii Green Herron, b. c1847 and was sold to a Grier family
+ 6  iv Samuel Herron, b. c1850 and died c1889
+ 7  v Amanda Heron, b. c1852 and died c1892
+ 8  vi  Sally Herron, b.  c1854 and died c1902
+ 9  vii Lawrence Herron, b. 1858 and died c1905
+ 10  viii Thomas Herron, b. c1862 and died c1906
+ 11  ix Joseph Herron, b. c1865 and died c1919
+  12  x Maggie Herron, b. c1867 and died c1891
+ 13  xi Harriett Herron, b. c1869 and died c1899

     For the continued study of research techniques, let us focus on the data given for Minerva. She was married to Richard Herron; was born c1820, died c1874, and was the mother of 13 children. The question is this: Is this information primary or secondary material? Is this data calculated or verifiable?

     Well, let us begin! “C” before a date means “about.” The dates for Minerva’s birth, marriage and death can be calculated from other secondary sources. For example, the dates of her birth and marriage are calculated from the ages of her children.

     Recognizing that the 1870 census is the first time all persons are listed by names and by household, the Richard and Minerva Herron family is now listed with seven of their children: Anderson, Samuel, Amanda, Sally, Lawrence, Thomas and Jake. According to family tradition, Green had been sold and was not listed in this census. However, a 1874 marriage license was found for Green, listing his parents not as “Griers” but as Richard and Minerva Herron.

     Remember in blog 150, I told you about Green Herron who was sold to a Grier family and whose name was changed from “Green Herron” to “Green Grier.”  

     Now, there is more specificity with the date of Minerva’s death. Here is the scenario. Her death date is c1875 calculated from the marriage certificates of two of her children, Green and Maggie. Green’s marriage certificate issued in 1874, states that his mother, Minerva Herron was alive. But Maggie’s marriage certificate issued in 1876, states that mother Minerva was dead. Thus, the half-way year for Minerva’s death is c1875.

     Research techniques are legion. This blog is only a beginning.

     Best of luck!

Finale