by
William Hocutt aka GFS Waffle
I wanna talk to yall for a few minutes about Southern wills. I am sure all of you folks are as thrilled as I am when you find an old will. What I wanna discuss with yall is a subject that is both Politically sensitive and potentially embarrassing to all of us with southern roots. Well I guess I have beaten around the bush long enough.
The subject I am trying to raise is Slavery. First for the record I am not condoning or defending the practice. I have no desire to debate the morals of the institution or the people who practiced it. But the fact remains that Slavery was practiced in the South for over 200 years.
I broach this subject because many Southern wills include the names of slaves. These wills can be a major treasure trove for the African American Genealogists among us. In many cases the wills list the slave and their children. These wills will not only help YOU to verify your ancestors children but in many cases they are the only records available to the African American Researchers. Also the old Farm journals or ledger books from your ancestors often will list their slaves among the other "Property". Again, I realize it is embarrassing to admit your family was involved in such a detestable thing but PLEASE share these wills.
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