Early Paternity Suits Explain Surname Conflicts?

 

Waiting for Court Date

When the Court Determines the Father, 1800's

Let's take a look at how our ancestors determined paternity using this 1807 Bedford, VA Chancery Court case of  David Thompson and  Hannah Ayers. This kind of case can explain why your y-DNA results failed you. We don't know to which surname a baby may be assigned. The baby could have been later adopted the surname of a step-father. But know that the baby's surname was not the purpose of the paternity suit. It's all about the financial burden that a baby out of wedlock can put on the community. Someone has to pay for its staples.

The Reason for the Paternity Suit
Paternity court records voided the need for romance and mystery novels in the 1800's. Court records told us all of their little secrets, their dalliances, their fights, their finances, and the financial burden that a "bastard" child put on a community? Hold on to your pearls, because the truth can be shocking!

Unmarried mother Hannah Ayers needed the child's biological father to pay for his support or the community to help. That's what they did back in (1807 -1808 Virginia and all of the states and territories!). The community fund from the townsmen or parish had a budget for the poor. The funding had to be approved, usually by a court order.

In this case, Hannah confessed that she could not afford her ill-gotten 'bastard' child." Her assertion was his biological father or the Parish feed and clothe him until he would be old enough to fend for himself (seemingly age seven (7). 

"...she the said Hannah Ayers was delivered of a male bastard child, and the said Bastard child is
likely to become chargeable, to the said County and that David Thompson, of the said County did get
her with of the said Bastard child."

Nothing gets the courts and community to become more proactive than allocating money for a child born out of wedlock. So the practice was to gather testimony, witnesses, circumstances, and character to determine a biological father. (DNA existed, but DNA analysis didn't). David's attorney did try to sway the court, but the court denied such questioning as "who else could be the father?"

"The Defendant's counsel wished to ask the witness Hannah Ayers after she had sworn that David Thompson was the father of the child if no other person had the opportunity of getting the said child, but the court would not permit the question to be asked..."

So in the end, David accepted paternal obligations for the child.

How Did This Happen?

The Paternity Suit, 1800

Well, we know Hannah didn't go dancing at a Taylor Swift concert so where are the details? Oh...let's just keep reading this 9-page court record because Hannah tells it here.

..."that at the time he got the child he lived in her father's house where also she resided, that she did not like him & that he had never cohabited with her but once and then by force and against her consent and threatened to kill her if ever she -- should mention it."

Proof? Witnesses?

So this sounds like she was accusing him of rape. But could it be proven?
Actually yes. There were at least two witnesses -not of the rape - but coming from David's braggadocious mouth. Here's a peek at the detailed testimony of witnesses. Use this link with your free FamilySearch.org account to read the entire case: The Witnesses.

"Another Witness swore that Thompson was heard to say he had cohabited with Hannah Ayers. 
A third witness swore as follows Viz . 26 Aug 1807 - At Joseph Kenneths [?] house at the request of David Thompson I was present at an interview between said Thompson and Hannah Ayers where the following conversation took place. David Thompson proposed to the said Hannah Ayers that provided she would deny his having any communication with her in any respect he would give her his bond for $50 payable on demand which bond she agreed to accept on the above Conditions, but on Joseph Kenneth [?] saying he would not do it for $500 for she would contradict a report that her father and mother had propagated of the said Thompsons having got her with child, on hearing which she refused to accept the bond, saying she has caused enough grey hairs on her fathers head on a former like occasion..."

So Bribery Was Involved, but what was the "former like occasion?"

As we know, once the court is involved it can become a tell-all event. Let's look at the new dirty laundry being shared. David Thompson was 21, and Hannah Ayers was abt 25 -26 years old. The "former-like "occasion" resulted in her having "one child before the present." David and his counsel introduced this fact in the court records as they tried to legitimize his actions.
(Please don't ask me to explain, that!). 

It is here we learn Hannah Ayers had birthed one child before the present. The court did not factor this into their decision, as it was irrelevant to answering who would financially support this "baby boy."

The Final Judgment

"David Thompson should give security for the maintenance of Bastard child charged by Hannah Ayers to have been begotten by him, of her, with all things touching the same as fully and wholly as the same now exist among the Records of the said County Court."

As I said, he only was required to support the child for seven years.

It is the opinion of the court that the said David is the father of the said Bustard child and that the same is likely to become chargeable to the parish . Therefore it is ordered that the said David Thompson find security for the payment of twenty dollars annually for seven years from this date ( being the sum considered sufficient by the court for the said child maintainance , & the time it will be chargeable to the parish )

To read full case: Determined Papers (Chancery Court) 1808. Franklin County, VA, 1808

As mentioned, clients are always distraught when they realize their ancestral surname changed through history. There are various scenarios of how this could have happened. We must also consider such nefarious cases like that of Hannah Ayers' son. Let's not jump to conclusions before finding the truth. 

Kathleen Brandt

Black Ancestors in The Tick Mark Census

Did You Know?
Free Black People Were Noted, by Household, before 1850 Census. 

Free "Coloreds" were noted - by name of the head of household -  in the early census records. Early census records are those from 1790 to 1840. These early black people were most often landowners, but not necessarily. Some bought their freedom, and some earned their freedom through their war efforts:  Revolutionary War, American- Indian Wars, or War of 1812. Others were emancipated by their enslaver. Some of these enslavers, the white biological fathers of enslaved children were the ones who emancipated their mulatto offsprings. Those who were legally claimed in Wills were often transported out of slave states, or sent to integrated schools like Oberlin College. 

Yes, there are many cases where the biological white father, claimed their children and educated them. I'll share that example, from Mississippi, in another blog post this month.

The Tick Mark Censuses
Let's get rid of this myth before we begin. "Free-Coloreds" were enumerated in the early tick-marked Census Records, 1790-1840, even in the South. 

Many of the Hittin' the Brickswall with Kathleen podcast listeners will remember John's meltdown on the tick mark census records. If you want to go directly to the beginning of the Tick Mark conversation check out the episode Off The Wall: Making Sense of the U.S.Census,  and start at the 8 minute mark to about 12:20.

Let's Look At An Example:
Here are my own Free - "Colored" ancestors in the 1830, 1840and 1850 censuses.  I have them earlier but this would then be a book, not a blog. So bear with me.

Louisa Griffin, my 3rd Great-grandmother was born free in 1817. Her freedom was gained through her great-grandfather's Revolutionary War Service. 

Our Rev. War Veteran ancestor, Louisa's great-grandfather, was Ned Griffin. His service promised "him and all of his heirs" their freedom. You can read about Ned here. Revolutionary War Research - Ridiculous Mistakes. 

Kathleen --> gf Cecil -->2nd g-gf Wiley "Tobe"-->3ggp Louisa Griffin Morris --> 6g-gf Ned Griffin
1960                 1904                    1838                                     1817                                     1760's

Note: Basic timeline from Kathleen to Revolutionary War Soldier. All generations are not noted 

Free-born Louisa had a total of five children fathered by my 3rd g-grandfather Wiley J. Morris, the elder. Wiley, born in 1807, was enslaved by his biological father. As a blacksmith he swallowed to work and paid $2000 family for his emancipation in 1855. 

In the meantime, the five (5)  Morris-Griffin children born from 1838 - 1850 were all born free following their mother Louisa.  They were enumerated as Griffins in 1850 census records. In 1860 they were able to use their father's surname of Morris since he had succeeded in purchasing his freedom. 

Yes, it was matrilineal. If Louisa would have given her children the Morris surname, they could have legally been enslaved by their white grandfather, James Morris, Sr. So their early years enumerated them as Griffin's, even though everyone, the white Griffins and the Morris knew Wiley was the father. d

1850 Rutherford, NC
Louisa with her Griffin Children
fathered by enslaved Wiley J. Morris born 1807

In 1855, however, and $2000 later, they were Morris's, the whole family! Wiley J. Morris was finally free, and enumerated as such in 1860 with his family.  

1860 Rutherford, NC

Wiley with Wife and Children

(Previously seen as Griffin)

So, Where Was Louisa in 1830?
Louisa was born free in 1817. She had one brother, Richard, who was named in their father's Will. In 1830 "free-colored" Louisa was enumerated in the household of William L. Griffin (white). His ancestors originally enslaved the Rev War soldier Ned, the mulatto. Wm. Griffin, the enslaver, was also an advocates and key witness to guarantee the freedom of Ned Griffin after the Rev. War.

In 1830 Louisa was in a form of "apprenticeship." We see a "tick mark" for Louisa in the William L. Griffin household. The tick mark designated her between the age of 10-23. Our family bible, scribed by her in 1838-1840 gives her birth year as 1817, so she was about age 13 in 1830. Here is the Tick Mark Census in 1830:

1830 US Census. 

As you saw above, she was noted as Head of Household in the 1840 Federal Census. The tick-mark censuses was enough to place Louisa exactly where I needed her - in Rutherford County, NC. And they held the key to uncovering her parents, Peter and Betsy Griffin, and identifying her brother Richard. 

More on free Colored Griffin in 1817, Rutherford County, NC

Peter Griffin, NC Land Acquisition, 1817

Peter Griffin (A Man of Colour) of the County of Rutherford was the father of Louisa Griffin, and a landowner in 1817. Louisa's mother was Betsy Griffin. In 1817 Peter wrote his will, naming his minor son Richard. This Will was witnessed by James Morris, the (white) father of the enslaved Wiley Morris, born in 1807. James Morris owned Fox Haven Plantation of Rutherford, NC. 

Rutherford Deeds 1816-1822 #007517766

It's through the tick-marked census that you can take note of family sizes, neighbors and communities, and your ancestor's movement if comparing and analyzing the various early census records. 

This is just a slice of American History told through my Revolutionary War Veteran, a "Free Colored" since 1784. Legal documents are plentiful to support, the family folklore, the family bible, and early bibliographies of descendants of Wiley Morris, born free in 1838. Will share later. 

Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy

Thanks Listeners for Our Success!

Doug Williams: Black History Spotlight in the NFL

As we celebrate the First day of Black History Month, I'd like to honor Doug Williams, the NFL first Black quarterback to start and to win a Super Bowl (1988). 

Doug Williams was a Grambling State University graduate. In case we must be refreshed on America's history, Grambling, founded in 1901, is one of the many Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

This truly isn't as much about football or "Black History" so let's call it America's History because that is what it is. So to counter-push the desire to cancel African Americans' historical and present-day fight against racism, segregation, and ugly rhetoric, it is necessary to fill in what America's history books and American politics have canceled. 

If you are thinking that I'm making false assumptions, let's do a quick quiz. 

Now, let's look at 1975: How would you do on the same test for the following three Super Bowl Quarterbacks.?

Terry Bradshaw the Pittsburgh Steelers winning quarterback in Super Bowl X in 1975?    Joe Namath, 1968?                                                                                                              Lenny Dawson, 1969?

In the 60's and 70's we heard about them in nauseum. Deservingly so, but so was Doug Williams. 

Do you remember Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins, who was the winning Super Bowl XXI quarterback? Can you recite any facts on him as a man: born? teams? draft?

I have a feeling you know Joe Gibbs. But do you know how Doug Williams and Joe Gibbs mesh in history?

Joe Gibbs was the only NFL coach who visited Williams. On the recommendation of Gibbs, Tampa Bay drafted Williams in the first round (17th overall) of the 1978 NFL draft. Williams was the only starting African-American quarterback in the NFL at that time, and dealt with racism from the fans, and even his own coaching staff.                                                                                (Rise of the Black QB, author Jason Reid)

Those who do know of Doug Williams usually spout out he was the first...insert race: black...quarterback. 

"In 1987, Williams joined Washington Redskins and made history in Super Bowl XXII. On January 31, 1988, he led the team to a dominant 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Williams threw for a record-breaking 340 yards and became the first quarterback to pass for four touchdowns in a single quarter. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the first Black quarterback to achieve this feat. 

This is what he had to say about that: 

"tired of the 'black quarterback' talk"

Yes, we are all tired of it. Mostly because given the opportunity to play in the game, any game, all have at least a chance to compete; to succeed. Although this is not about Joe Gibbs doing what should be an American standard, Gibbs was able to face and fight the backlash of supporting and recognizing "black talent." Many don't have that courage even today. 

For this reason alone, I know he is one person I'd like to share for Black History Month (Feb). Plus it's Super Bowl month! (Go Chiefs).

Adversity Was the Norm Then As It Is Now
Know that my job is to record history not soften the blow. This article represents life and adversity not just in the south, but in America. Being five years younger (1960), adversity, especially racial adversity in USA, is my reasoning to share all genealogical and ancestral as well as contemporary stories, in hopes we can use the common ground of the human story, the family story to expand our circle.

The article continues: 

Full Article: Well-Armed Pioneer, 1988

Doug Williams and Ancestors

Born on 9 August 1955, in Zachary, Louisiana, Doug Williams was one of eight children raised by Robert and Laura (Matthews) Williams. 

His father Robert, Sr was a WWII veteran. 

His mother was affectionately known as "Shot." She passed 24 Sep 2019. Robert Sr preceding her in death.

At Grambling, Williams played under the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. At the time of his draft with Tampa Bay, Williams was the only starting Black quarterback in the league.

It must be noted that several of his brothers were also excelled in college and professional sports. Doug was one of eight children born to Robert and Laura (Matthews) Williams:

1.  Robert Williams, Jr1], [2], a former baseball player, All-American, Grambling; high school football coach;  and superintendent of middle schools for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system[3] was born about 1946.[4]
   
2.  Jacquelyn (also seen as Jacqueline)
3. Barbara
4. Carolyn
5. Larry Pete, born 1953, died Oct 2015
6.  Doug, our subject, born 1955
7. Manzie, born 29 Aug 1957
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Michael “Mike,” Born 1958, quarterback at Grambling[5] 
   
   

Williams has been married three times. His first wife, Janice Goss of Gainesville, GA[6,] he married in 1982. She died April 1983. (Daily News, Bogalusa, Louisiana, Apr 10, 1983, Page 16).

He later married Lisa Robinson in 1987 and eventually wed Raunda Ashner Williams. He is noted to have eight children.

For further reading, check out these historic newspaper clips:

• 1978 Draft Coverage

• 1988 Super Bowl Interview

• Family Super Bowl Watch

Join us in Honoring Doug Williams for Black History Spotlight, and Super Bowl Month. 

Notes:

[1] https://www.newspapers.com/image/360182718/?match=2&terms=%22robert%20williams%22%20%22doug%20williams%22

[2] Robert Williams, brother of Doug, baseball player With Cleveland Indians; https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-star/164453722/

[3] https://www.newspapers.com/article/southwest-daily-news/164454889/

[4] Shreveport Journal, 1977, https://www.newspapers.com/image/602218010/?terms=%22doug%20williams%22%20%2B%22janice%20goss%22

[5] https://www.newspapers.com/image/602218010/?terms=%22doug%20williams%22%20%2B%22janice%20goss%22

[6] https://www.newspapers.com/image/600427395/?terms=janice&match=1

[7] https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times/164456249/

[8] https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/164455927/

The Invisible Staircase: Martin Luther King

Quote Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Invisible Staircase 
Let's honor Martin Luther King! Have you thought about the impact Martin Luther King has on family research?  In his writings he actually gives us a great view of the social impact of our ancestors living in America. 

Be A Pioneer
Let it be known that as an ex-executive in corporate America, my interest in Martin Luther King was not so much his “I Had A Dream” speech, but was engulfed in his use of the “Invisible Staircase.” It is here that I stress a basic mantra: the problem is people confuse what is hard with what is impossible. I can’t count the times I have had to bat down perceived obstacles. Just recently I wrote an eye-opening piece about about how I have chosen to share the impact of America's past.

Read this: So I Will Share

The Invisible Staircase MLK Quote?
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” It is from the resistance for change that The Invisible Staircase: Know Thyself” presentation was created as well as the So, I Will Share piece above. Maybe if we make it personal, and peek at our own ancestors' invisible staircase we will be able to conjure up the courage to make change.

What does this have to do with genealogy? Oh, so much! Our paths today share the same struggles, fears, and triumphs of our ancestors. It is through every first step struggle, not know the end result,  that we move the needle. This applies to our life, our businesses, or any new endeavors; not just genealogy research. It also applies to our ancestors' life - those first steps, as we saw even in the early 1960's were brutal. The first steps we saw pre 1860 were brutal. But our ancestors took the first step. 

I purposely weave The Invisible Staircase: Know Thyself with examples of Martin Luther King’s quotes and the courage of our ancestors: 

• Did your ancestors leave the cotton fields to explore the industrial northeast or Midwest?
• Did your ancestors choose to fight for a country in hopes for freedom? Or, naturalization? Or, to defend a country that questioned their ability of constitutional rights, or the legality of their right to citizenship?
• Did your ancestors follow a path to settle unexplored lands in the west of a vast country? 

And this is not just about one continent. Think about it. 

Did your ancestors willingly leave family and friends behind in a country across great waters?

The list is endless. My ancestors sold their land in North Carolina and Tennessee to settle in the middle of Kansas on unimproved lands. A new start, leaving family and friends behind in hopes of the American Dream. They traveled with a group of 52 members of their extended family. But,they had no assurance of what western Kansas would offer them in the 1880s? This had to be a leap of faith…just take the first step - MLK would say decades later. Most Kansans don’t know where Comanche and Harper counties lie now! 

Ancestors Who Worked Outside of the Box

 You Are A Pioneer, Kathleen Brandt

This is the working outside of the box theory in Corporate America. It is the spirit of the USA entrepreneur; the newly settled immigrant; the uncomfortable change of a political party every four or eight years; the acceptance of a new job, a new location, or the reevaluation of “old comforts.” Let's ask ourselves "Does the old way still serve your purpose?" Our ancestors asked that question. 

Based on America's settlements, migratory patterns, and social growth, we must think that the majority of our ancestors were willing to take that first step. 

Regardless of the circumstance, like our ancestors, we must walk boldly toward new endeavors, or through uninvited experiences. And, Martin Luther King gave us the first step in the quote itself: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” 

Like our ancestors, we must forge along through the steps of a winding staircase before us.  For me it’s simple. Where faith begins, the staircase holds at least the following components:

The Invisible Staircase, a3Genealogy, Presentation, KBrandt

I wish to remember Martin Luther King my way: The Invisible Staircase

Be Historically Correct  

Kathleen Brandt
a3genealogy@gmail.com
Revised from original publication18 Jan 2021                                                                  

Stephens College, Columbia, MO. 2014

"Annoyed Child": Our Ancestors and Euphemisms

Our Ancestors and Euphemisms
If you read newspaper articles from 1915 to 1940, you will stumble upon words and phrases that suggest a crime but fail to define the crime. The phrase “He annoyed a child” was a common one during this timeframe. Our ancestors used this term to describe acts of child molestation, sexual abuse, or assault. Basically, early 20th century societal norms around decency and propriety caused for strong action. The seriousness of this assault on children was softened in its reporting by alluding to inappropriate or criminal behavior without directly addressing its nature.

Why Annoyed?
The use of “annoyed” can also be traced to legal terminology of the time. This was the preferred way to address crimes against children. Verbs like “offend,” “disturb,” or “annoy” a child, are riddled in historical court records, newspaper articles and divorce records.

What About the Child?

Well, some took matters in their own hands. Murdering Dad seemed to be an option. Matter of fact, as you see above, murdering the man who touched your daughter was "justifiable homicide." 

This was not the norm however. Children were often silenced or disbelieved, and perpetrators were shielded by societal taboos and unpolite topics to discuss. Yet, we see above that parents, sometimes just the mother, allowed daughters to testify. In one case above, the older sister also testified on behalf of her little sister who killed Dad. But, we must know that minimizing language to “annoyed” reflected a cultural discomfort with addressing these issues head-on.

I'd like to say, as awareness of child abuse and sexual violence grew in the mid-20th century... but truth is EVERYONE knew it! There wasn't a lack of awareness, it was a lack of acknowledgment. Anyway, after WWII there was a shift in transparent language. Activists, survivors, and advocates worked to bring these issues out of the shadows and into the public eye using the law and media!

Women Empowered

The term rape has existed for centuries but rarely used in early newspaper reporting or courts. Its consistent and direct use in media reporting began in earnest during the mid-20th century, gaining momentum with feminist activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is recognized as an essential term for accurately and responsibly addressing the crime of sexual violence.

Kathleen Brandt

Tracing Sharecroppers & Tenant Farmers?

The Columbus Ledger Columbus, GA, Feb 3, 1964, pg.Page 7

Researching your farmer ancestors can be challenging, especially in the South, post-Civil War. NO,  President Jimmy Carter was not born yet, but he, too, had ancestors, artifacts, diaries, data, and books. Check out the holdings at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. 

Why consider the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library? Because our Ancestors were Farmers! And well, Jimmy Carter, born in 1924, revealed a lot about our ancestors' rural lifestyle. President Carter implemented policies and supported initiatives during his presidency (1977–1981) that aimed to improve the lives of rural Americans, including the descendants of post-Civil War families

Where to Start?

With a family tree like that one we first must ask "Really?" Yes really. When researching family history, we often turn to archives, historical records, and libraries to uncover the stories of our ancestors.

           

           

FamousKin.com

Now remember Presidential Libraries are specialized and you aren't going to find vital records - birth marriage deaths, but you may find ancestors like "Why did the rural farmer lifestyle of our ancestors need so much attention? We can find who, what, when, and where in genealogical databases and many deeds and records; but what about WHY? 

Researchers will find a wider view of ancestors through any President's papers. These repositories of history, preserve records from the president’s administration, personal papers, and materials related to their era. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library is no exception. While it primarily focuses on Carter’s presidency (1977–1981), it also houses resources that can enrich your understanding of your family’s past, particularly if they lived in Georgia or the South during the late 20th century.

Researching Tenant Farmers and Share Cropper Ancestors?
If your ancestors were farmers in the late 19th or early 20th century begin with gathering the following:

• Land Records: Check historical deeds or tax records to determine if they rented land (tenant farmers) or worked as sharecroppers.
• Census Data: U.S. Census records from the late 1800s and early 1900s often note whether a person was a “farm laborer” or a “farmer” and whether they owned or rented land.
• Local Histories: Explore local archives or oral histories for information on land ownership and agricultural practices in your ancestor’s community.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, new paths were made for landowners to maintain labor on their farms without the enslaved workforce. Mostly those who struggled tried, without success, to get out of poverty being a Sharecropper or Tenant Farmer.

Sharecroppers were farmers who worked someone else’s land in exchange for a share of the crops they produced, typically half or more. A tenant farmer might rent 20 acres, plant corn, and pay the landowner 20% of the crop as rent, keeping the rest for their family or sale.

Tenant Farmers rented land from a landowner and paid rent, usually in cash or a smaller percentage of their crops. A sharecropper might grow cotton on a landowner’s property. At harvest, they’d turn over 50% or more of the crop as payment, leaving little for their own needs.

Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers were common in the South, particularly among African Americans and poor whites who lacked the resources to buy land. Over time, both systems contributed to the persistence of poverty and inequality in the region. But what did Jimmy Carter know about this. Well, we are talking the southern practices and here is a 1970 article on just that: 

Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia, Sep 17, 1970, pg 19

Finding records of sharecroppers or tenant farmers can be challenging but rewarding. These individuals often didn’t own property, so traditional land records may not apply, but there are alternative resources that can reveal valuable details about their lives.

What's at the Library?
While the library doesn’t house vital records like birth certificates or marriage licenses, it provides rich historical context that can complement genealogical data. For example, understanding the challenges of farming in the 1970s or the impact of federal housing policies can help you piece together your ancestors’ experiences.

What You Might Find

• Federal Records: Studies on Georgia’s economy, farming trends, or housing developments.

• Photographs and Media: Images of Georgia communities, Carter’s campaign stops, or significant events.

• Policy Papers: Documents detailing how federal programs influenced local communities.

• Exhibits and Oral Histories: Stories from Carter’s contemporaries, potentially including people from your family’s region..

9 Research Tips

1. Census Records.

• Post-Civil War through the early 20th century, especially 1870–1940.  The 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses often specify whether a person owned or rented their farm or home.
• Occupation listed as “farmer” or “farm laborer.”
• Indications such as “R” (rented), “O” (owned), or “F” (farm) in property columns.
• Agricultural schedules (available for some years like 1850–1880), which may list crops produced or acreage worked.

2. Local Land Records

• Tenant farmers and sharecroppers often entered into contracts with landowners.
• County Courthouses: Lease agreements or rental contracts might be in land records or probate files.
• Historical Societies: Some local organizations have preserved ledgers or documents related to farming arrangements.
• Tips: Search for records of the landowner. Tenant agreements may be filed under their name rather than the tenant’s.
• Look for deeds or tax records that describe land usage rather than outright ownership.

3. Freedmen’s Bureau Records
For African American ancestors after the Civil War: The Freedmen’s Bureau (1865–1872) helped formerly enslaved people transition to freedom, often brokering labor contracts between freedmen and landowners. Look for the following: 

• Labor contracts, particularly in Southern states.
• Complaints or disputes filed by sharecroppers or tenants.

4. Tax Records
Local tax records can reveal clues: Tenant farmers may appear in personal property tax rolls (for tools, livestock, or crops) even if they didn’t own land. Check the County tax assessor’s office or archives.

5. Agricultural Extension Records
In the early 20th century, state agricultural extensions and federal programs worked with sharecroppers and tenant farmers. 

6. Plantation and Landowner Records
If your ancestors worked for a specific landowner, plantation or large landowner records might include tenant or sharecropping agreements and/or lists of workers or correspondence.
Be sure to check out University libraries or special collections focusing on Southern history and local historical societies.

7. Oral Histories and Local Histories

Oral histories can provide personal accounts of tenant farming or sharecropping.
Sources:Library of Congress’s American Memory Project.
Local archives or historical societies.

8. Court Records
County or state court archives may hold these records.

• Disputes between landowners and tenants often ended up in court. Look for the following:
• Lawsuits over unpaid rent or disagreements about crop shares.
• Probate cases that mention tenant arrangements.

9. WPA Slave Narratives and Rural Life Accounts
These narratives may be found online through the Library of Congress or genealogical websites.

• The Works Progress Administration (WPA) collected interviews in the 1930s, including
• accounts of former enslaved people and their descendants, many of whom became sharecroppers or tenant farmers.
• Stories of rural life that may mention local systems of labor and farming. 

Thank You, President Carter

Kathleen Brandt