Uncovering Hidden History: The Freedmen’s Bureau Records (African American)

The Civil War had a profound impact on many lives, particularly those from Delaware to Texas. The Freedmen’s Bureau Records offer a treasure trove of information, extending beyond the experiences of freed slaves. While these records do contain valuable information about freedmen, they also provide insight into the lives of all impoverished Southerners.

Discovering Ancestors in Unexpected Ways

If your family tree includes Confederate soldiers who were wounded or killed in action, you may find their surviving family members in these records. They may have received rations, been declared destitute, or sought assistance. Additionally, you may uncover records of:

• Immigrant ancestors
• Free Persons of Color (FPOC)
• Individuals attempting to reclaim abandoned land (typically “white” males/females)
• Employment contracts
• School attendance
• Hospital admission
• Civil War-era unions (marriages)
• Military service
• Court suits (the bureau sometimes augmented the local court system)

Personal Correspondence: A Window into the Past

Personal correspondence within these records can be emotionally powerful, as it often refers to individuals who were illegally enslaved, non-payment for work performed, and other personal struggles.

Transportation Records: A Key to Unlocking Family History

Don’t overlook the significance of transportation records! They can connect your ancestors from distant locations (MS, LA, FL, and beyond) back to their birthplaces in VA, NC, or SC. These records have the potential to reveal new chapters in your family’s history, sparking excitement and anticipation in your genealogical journey.