Freedmens Bureau

A Genealogical Finding Aid for Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (Freedmen’s Bureau) at theNational Archives at Atlanta The National Archives and Records Administration, Southeast Region, Atlanta 5780 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260 770-968-2100 [email protected] Summer 2012 Table of Contents Introduction: General History of the Freedmen’s Bureau………………..1-2 Introduction: The Freedmen’s Bureau Preservation Act………………..2 Introduction: Freedmen’s Bureau Records at NARA-ATL....................2 Introduction to the Finding Aid: Purpose………………..2 Introduction to the Finding Aid: Organization of the Aid………………..3 Introduction to the Finding Aid: How to Use this Finding Aid………………..3-4 Introduction to the Finding Aid: Description of Helpful Series………………..4-5 State Outline: Alabama………………………………….5-8 State Outline: Arkansas………………………………….9-12 State Outline: District of Columbia………………………………….13-15 State Outline: Florida………………………………….15-18 State Outline: Georgia………………………………….18-22 State Outline: Kentucky………………………………….22-25 State Outline: Louisiana………………………………….25-30 State Outline: Maryland and Delaware………………………………….30-33 State Outline: Mississippi………………………………….33-38 State Outline: Missouri………………………………….38-39 State Outline: North Carolina………………………………….39-43 State Outline: South Carolina………………………………….43-46 State Outline: Tennessee………………………………….46-50 State Outline: Texas………………………………….50-53 State Outline: Virginia………………………………….53-56 Page |1 National Archives and Records Administration, Southeast region, Atlanta Freedmen’s Bureau Finding Aid I. Introduction a. General history and overview of the Freedmen’s Bureau The United States experienced a period of extreme transition after the termination of the Civil War, especially in the South. As the former reality of slave labor and the once untouchable “King Cotton” became a mere memory of the past, newly-freed African Americans attempted to create lives for themselves under the promise of emancipation. In order to assuage the difficult transition from slavery to freedom, the federal government established the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, now known as the Freedmen’s Bureau, on March 3, 1865. Congress created the Freedmen’s Bureau as a temporary extension of the War Department, originally intending the Bureau to last for one year. Some of the Bureau’s main duties included the provision of food, clothing, medicine, and rations for freedmen and white southerners, the legitimization of marriage certificates and labor contracts, the establishment of freedmen schools, and the sequestration of confiscated and abandoned Confederate lands. Due to the large amount of work and organization that the Freedmen’s Bureau required, Congress appointed General Oliver O. Howard as the Chief Commissioner of the Bureau in May 1865. Although General Howard established the Bureau’s main headquarters in Washington, D.C., assistant commissioners and subordinate officers worked in various local and field offices throughout the southern and border states. These officers handled most of the day-to-day interactions with freedmen. Even during its most active years, the Freedmen’s Bureau faced a multitude of difficulties. White resistance, insufficient resources, and a lack of support from the president severely limited the Bureau and its effects. White southerners often ostracized and antagonized overworked Bureau officers as a means of demoralizing the Freedmen’s Bureau’s efforts. President Andrew Johnson expressed an outright opposition to the Freedmen’s Bureau, making Congress the primary reason for the Bureau’s existence six years after it was supposed to terminate. Despite its many obstacles, the Freedmen’s Bureau managed to establish hospitals and schools that are still thriving today. By working in conjunction with various philanthropic organizations, the Bureau helped many freedmen obtain the financial, medical, labor, and educational opportunities necessary to jumpstart their journey to full American citizenry. In January 1869, most assistant commissioners and subordinate officers withdrew from their respective states following the congressional order to bring the Freedmen’s Bureau to an end. In 1870, the Freedmen’s Bureau superintendents of education were withdrawn from their states, and on June 10, 1872, Congress officially abolished the Freedmen’s Bureau. Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands provide a plethora of documents relating to African American family history, which include but are not limited to information regarding marriages, children, deaths, labor, residencies, and the military. These Page |2 records can be instrumental in filling in gaps within detailed family histories, or they can serve as starting points for new genealogical efforts. b. History behind the Freedmen’s Bureau Preservation Act Records from the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (Record Group 105) are some of the most useful resources for understanding the African American experience after the Civil War. The many documents, letters, lists, and registers within this collection provide crucial information for both genealogical and scholarly research, as they give a rare insight into the lives and experiences of freedmen during the Reconstruction era. The preservation of Freedmen’s Bureau documents began in the 1970s, but for many years, these records were only available in Washington D.C. Limited access coupled with the fragility of the documents made it difficult for historians and researchers to use the voluminous and often disorganized records. In 2000, however, Congress approved a 5-year initiative called the Freedmen’s Bureau Preservation Act. This act provided 3 million dollars worth of funds to microfilm and index over 1000 cubic feet of Freedmen’s Bureau documents and make their contents available nationwide. Now, Bureau records from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia are all available for scholarly and public use. Freedmen’s Bureau Records at the National Archives at Atlanta The National Archives at Atlanta possesses an expansive collection of Freedmen’s Bureau records for the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Some records for Louisiana, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, however, are not available at the Atlanta vicinity, but they may be acquired through other means. The Freedmen’s Bureau records mainly span from the year 1865 to the year 1872. II. Introduction to the Finding Aid a. Purpose Although the Freedmen’s Bureau Preservation Act successfully accomplished the feat of microfilming the Freedmen’s Bureau archives in an orderly manner, it is still difficult to know which types of documents and which rolls of film are useful for research, particularly genealogical research. Hence, the purpose of this finding aid is help researchers find information quickly within the Freedmen’s Bureau records at the National Archives at Atlanta by narrowing down the areas of film that are most likely to contain pertinent and detailed information about freedmen and their whereabouts. Not only does this finding aid provide a step-by-step procedure for analyzing Freedmen’s Bureau records in each of the featured states, but it also provides additional locations where these records may exist as well as suggested readings that may assist researchers with further inquiries. Page |3 b. How the finding aid is organized Although the Freedmen’s Bureau was one, central agency, individual states and communities had their own offices run by assistant commissioners and subordinate officers. Because freedmen would have naturally visited the Bureau offices within their state of residence, this finding aid is organized by state in alphabetical order. Records pertaining to each state are organized into three categories: field office records, state records, and general administration records. Information about additional holding locations and suggested readings are also included in the outline for each state. It is important to note that genealogical research is not an exact science. It cannot be guaranteed that the records and rolls of film suggested in this finding aid will provide researchers with the specific information that they seek. Using this finding aid, however, will greatly increase a researcher’s chance of obtaining the most useful resources and information for ancestry research. c. How to use this finding aid i. Step One: In order for this finding aid to be effective for genealogical and family history research, a researcher must first know two pieces of information: 1. Name of ancestor(s): 2. State (or cluster of states) in which the ancestor lived or resided a. Although it is not necessary to know the city/county/district of a state where an ancestor lived, knowing this information is extremely helpful for the research process ii. Step Two: After obtaining these two pieces of information, use the state outlines in this finding aid to review the records available for the state in question. iii. Step Three: Records for each state will be divided into three categories: field office records, state records, and general administration records. Follow the state outline to obtain the records that are most applicable to your specific research needs. As a general rule, genealogists should begin with a state’s field office records. Although these records are the most voluminous, they are most likely to contain personal data and information regarding individual freedmen. Some series within the records are more helpful than others. See the description of helpful series on the following page for more information. When possible, use name and subject indexes to accelerate the research process. iv. Step Four: After searching within the field office records, use any state records listed, as some of these documents may also contain personal data. Some series within the records are more helpful than others. See the location . d. location of land. Marriage records: extremely helpful. use name and subject indexes.Page |4 descriptions of helpful series on the following page for more information. official marriage dates. and educational records. family size of the freedmen renters vi. generally provide names of victims and perpetrators. dates of contract. Description of most helpful series: i. v. When possible. Step Five: Complete the search by viewing administrative. See the descriptions of helpful series on the following page for more information. it is possible for them to contain personal information regarding individual freedmen. Land and property claims/leases: sometimes helpful. Some series within the records are more helpful than others. provide names of adults in the household. Labor contracts: almost always helpful. vi. age of apprentice. Murder and outrage reports: almost always helpful. and detailed information regarding husbands. Lists of destitute freedmen/families receiving relief: almost always helpful. and children ii. use name and subject indexes. When possible. location. terms of agreement. often provide more information about the current or former landowners. terms of agreement and employment duties. statistical reports are very thorough and may be of interest to scholarly researchers iii. not the freedmen renting the land. race. but usually provide names of teachers. oftentimes statistical. may provide names of owner and renter. Although these records often contain information mostly pertinent to scholarly research or general history research. generally provide names of employers and employees. provide names of master and apprentice. number of acres of land. headquarter. and signatures of individual teachers. remarks iv. race of individuals involved v. School reports: usually helpful. Contracts/reports of indenture: almost always helpful. locations of schools. provide locations. wages vii. number of children. dates of contract. Step Six: If the records at the National Archives at Atlanta do not suffice. date and nature of offense. use the “additional holdings” and “suggested readings” portion of the outline to find other sources of information that may assist with the analysis of Freedmen’s Bureau records. wives. often provide names of plaintiff and defendant. wages. Registers of sick and wounded freedmen/registers of hospital patients: extremely helpful. Gen. sex. Julius Hayden. details of case. names of freedmen. can provide names of recently hired employees.Page |5 viii. residences. dates of trial or complaint. Lt. Shepard. Census lists/registers of black persons: extremely helpful. dates of contract Important Note: Because this finding aid does not outline the contents of every roll of film within the Freedmen’s Bureau archives collection. reports of rations have a tendency to be statistical. Ruger. Bvt. locations. Using the Freedmen’s Bureau Records: Individual States a. disease. death dates (if applicable) xii. provide alphabetical lists of sick freedmen and include details such as name. occupations etc. The Microfilm Catalog provides exact descriptions of the records available on individual rolls of film and the locations of name/subject indexes that may accompany them. Col. Col. age. date discharged. provide dates of application. provide names. reports of sick and wounded freedmen are mostly statistical and are more helpful for scholarly research rather than genealogical research xi. The Alabama . treatment. Court proceedings/registers of complaints: usually helpful. Transportation orders and applications: almost always helpful. reasons for needing transportation. but applications for rations and ration registers may provide names of freedmen and family members. services. Oliver L. T. Reports of sick and wounded freedmen: sometimes helpful. III. Brig. for individual freedmen xiv. Wagner Swayne as the state’s Assistant Commissioner. Col. payment for adults and children xiii. it may be necessary to reference the National Archives Microfilm Catalog during the course of research. Clothing/food/land ration reports and applications: usually helpful. Alabama i. remarks. with Brig. Lists of persons and articles hired: usually helpful.H. and Bvt. Edwin Beecher succeeded Swayne respectively. and the number rations that each family received or intended to receive ix. date admitted. positions. Brief history The Alabama Freedmen’s Bureau operation began in July 1865. and residence information x. reports. Field office records 1. Demopolis. Montgomery. Eufala. Includes name. letters received. registers of complaints. register of patients in the freedmen’s hospital. Contains letters sent and received. Huntsville. Eutaw. court records c. Livingston. 34 rolls b. Bureau of Refugees. Greenville. Provides a list of families who received relief from 1867 to 1868 2. registers of disbursements. reports of hospital patients. The most notable headquarters were those in Demopolis. Opelika. Talladega. Arranged chronologically e. M1900—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Alabama. Eufala. labor contracts. Talladega. account books. Claiborn. Cahaba. Contains name indexes for most volumes of letters sent. Mobile.Page |6 Freedmen’s Bureau operation contained many sub districts with individual headquarters. ii. endorsements. signatures 3. Haynesville. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. Selma. Bluffton. Rolls 9-34 contain records for subordinate field offices in Ashville. Rolls 1-8 contain general records for the Alabama Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. Opelika. Jacksonville. and Tuskegee i. Tuscumbia. Garland. Elyton. Huntsville. The Alabama Freedmen’s Bureau office officially closed in 1870. Roll 3 is helpful for genealogical research 1. registers of rations. Montgomery. Most helpful series within these rolls: labor contracts. registers of hospital patients. reports of destitute . registers of contracts. Girard. applications for relief. and endorsements d. bounty claimants. Mobile. Selma. Freedmen. Greenville. rosters of officers and employees. register of rations and transportation. Tuscaloosa. and Tuscaloosa. special orders and circulars. race. number of family members. D. telegrams. School reports are arranged chronologically by month and alphabetically by name of county or sub district ii. c. and school reports c. Freedmen. M809—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Alabama Bureau of Refugees. Rolls 4-8 are most likely to contain helpful information for genealogical research i. endorsements. Contain lists of teachers. and telegrams from the Alabama Assistant Commissioner to Commissioner Oliver. reports. Freedmen. names/ages/skill levels of freedmen students . register of the sick and wounded. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. 23 rolls b. M810—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Alabama Bureau of Refugees. census records. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Contains complete and incomplete name indexes for volumes of letters sent. the register of letters received. and issuances d. register of complaints iii. endorsements. monthly school reports. Not likely to find accounts of individual freedmen in these records 2. Contains mostly letters. State records 1. registers of letters. endorsements.Page |7 individuals/soldiers. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a.C. 8 rolls b. the single volume of endorsements. O Howard in Washington. Contains letters. an account book. and unbound miscellaneous records d. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. endorsements. and monthly school reports c. registers of letters. 5 rolls b. M809. School reports ordered chronologically iii. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Additional locations of Alabama holdings: 1. . M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. “The Freedmen’s Bureau in Alabama” Journal of Southern History 14. and select volumes of school reports i. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a.Page |8 iv. Freedmen. registers of unbound letters received.com (M809 roll 23) vi. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. Elizabeth. Contains letters. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees.1 (1948): 49-92. Bethel. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Roll 15 is the only roll that contains information regarding freedmen schools in Alabama as well as personal information regarding white and African American teachers ii. NARA-D. M803) 2. M810. Roll 1 contains the single Alabama marriage license for Abslum Susk and Martha Culbert 2. 35 rolls b. Suggested readings and authors: 1. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. (M1900.C. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records v. M1875. Freedmen. General administration records 1. Louis. Batesville. Commissioner Howard ordered Sprague to transfer the headquarters location to Little Rock. Provides registers of claimants ii. Augusta. Charles H. Contains volumes of letters and endorsements sent and received. Sprague’s jurisdiction stretched outside of Arkansas to include the neighboring areas of Missouri. Maj. and parts of Illinois and Kansas. homesteads c. . Hamburg. when Brig. Indian Territory. Jacksonport. press copies of letters sent. Fort Smith. property restorations. Although Sprague originally established the headquarters in St. Sprague became the state’s Assistant Commissioner. Bvt. Bureau of Refugees. Field office records 1. registers of freedmen issued rations. Ord succeeded Sprague in 1866 followed by Bvt. M1901—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Arkansas. records relating to claims. The Arkansas Freedmen’s Bureau ended its activities in 1869. Camden. AR in October 1865. registers of bounty claimants. court trials. registers of letters received.C. Rolls 1-6 contain general records for the Arkansas Freedmen’s Bureau operation d. Edward O. Arkansas i. Devall’s Bluff. Helena. Gen. Lewisburg. MO. Gen. monthly reports forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner. Roll 6 is likely to help with genealogical research i. Rolls 6-23 contain records for subordinate field offices in Arkadelphia. 23 rolls b. John W. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. ii.Page |9 b. Lake Village and Luna Landing. Freedmen. Maj. letters and orders received. applications of freedmen for rations. Smith in 1867. special orders and circulars. Gen. Brief history The Arkansas Freedmen’s Bureau operation began in May 1865. Lewisville. Hampton. Contains name indexes for most volumes of letters sent and press copies of letters sent e. Arranged alphabetically by surname of soldier or claimant f. reports of rations. Napoleon. State records 1. Union. labor contracts b. reports of rations. indentures. Princeton. T142—Selected Records of the Tennessee Field Office of the Bureau of Refugees. issuances. land and property reports. 51-54. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. Ozark. Pine Bluff. labor contracts c. reports of persons hired. M979—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Arkansas. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. labor contracts. endorsements. Bureau of Refugees. 42. reports of operations. outrages and riots. Contains letters between Bureau officials and field office officials. Madison. select volumes of letters and telegrams received. Freedmen. Magnolia. outrages. Monticello. registers of persons receiving rations. monthly school reports. murders. Freedmen. Contain records of complaints in freedmen’s court. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters and telegrams sent. correspondences between commissioners. telegrams. Marion. and 61-72 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. Osceola. teachers’ school reports 2. reports relating to education. 52 rolls b. reports relating to abandoned lands. Paraclifta. and riots. endorsements. registers of school children. Rolls 24.P a g e | 10 Little Rock. registers of letters and telegrams sent. Most helpful series within these rolls: registers of complaints. registers of marriages/marriage certificates. Contains letters and correspondences between Bureau officers. letters relating to lands and freedmen’s homes. indentures. South Bend. Washington i. reports of rations. court papers. sanitation letters. volumes of endorsements sent. and labor contracts iii. 39. and the Station Book for Bureau office workers . Contains three volumes of sent letters. 5 rolls b. and letters received e. indenture contracts are arranged chronologically 2. Roll 5 is most likely to aid in genealogical research i. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. labor contracts. indenture contracts for African American orphans ii. General administration records 1. endorsements. 35 rolls . Ordered chronologically iii. Freedmen. Ration reports are arranged chronologically. M980—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Arkansas. signatures. Teacher details can be very helpful if genealogist knows the estimated dates of his or her ancestor’s teaching career iv. Rolls 31-52 are most helpful for genealogical research i. Contains two series of monthly school reports from superintendents and agents d. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. and three volumes of registered letters and telegrams relating to Bureau administration. labor contracts are arranged alphabetically by initial surname of employer. all with name indexes c. Freedmen. four volumes of endorsements. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Include ration reports. Monthly school reports ii. Detailed accounts of schools including names of teachers and details about teachers (both black and white) iv. Bureau of Refugees.P a g e | 11 d. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. 5 rolls b. M1875 ) 2. From Slavery to Uncertain Freedom: The Freedmen’s Bureau in Arkansas. dates. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. . (M1901. and select volumes of school reports i. Devall’s Bluff. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. registers of letters. 2.com http://ancestry. Freedmen. Contains letters. and Helena v.P a g e | 12 b. Provides names. Rolls 15 and 34 are the only rolls in this record that contain information about teachers and freedmen schools in Arkansas ii. and monthly school reports c. Roll 1 contains reports of freedmen marriages in Arkansas from July 1865-September 1866 in the following sub districts: Arkadelphia. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press. Little Rock. locations. T142.3 (1971): 242-259. M980. NARA-D. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. School reports ordered chronologically iii. registers of unbound letters received. Print. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. and details about teachers within freedmen schools 2. Additional locations of Arkansas holdings: 1. endorsements.C. 1996. “The American Missionary Association and the Freedmen’s Bureau in Arkansas. Finely. Randy. Central Arkansas Library System. Ancestry. Pearce. AR (M979) vi. Suggested readings and authors: 1. M803. Ashley.com (T142) 4. Larry Wesley.com (M979 roll 52) 3. M979. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees.” The Arkansas Historical Quarterly 30. registers of contraband camps. followed by Brig.C. with the appointment of Col. C. Rolls 1-13 contain general records for the District of Columbia Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. Arranged chronologically d. press copies of letters sent. The D. M1902—Records of the Field Offices of the District of Columbia.P a g e | 13 c. District Of Columbia i. requisitions. Swaim in 1868. Barry Farm. letters and orders received. 21 rolls b.H. ii. Georgetown. Field office records 1. labor contracts. Rolls 12-13 are most likely to help with genealogical research 1. Maj. press copies of letters sent. Maryland. marriage records. Freedmen. employment rosters. headquarters not only served local areas but was also responsible for activities in Delaware. John Eaton as the Assistant Commissioner. Rolls 13-21 contain information for subordinate field offices in Washington. David G. transportation orders. special orders and circulars issued. and certain parts of Virginia. employment registers. West Virginia. Brief history The District of Columbia Freedmen’s Bureau operation began in June 1865. Contain transportation orders and marriage records 2. Bureau activities had ceased. Freedmen’s Village . monthly reports forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner. John C. Contain name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Gen. and ministers’ reports relating to marriages c. and receipts ii. Fullerton succeeded Eaton six months later in December 1865. nearly all of the D. and Abandoned Lands (18651870) a.C. By October 1869. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. Howard (Commissioner Oliver Howard’s brother) in 1866 and Bvt. Bureau of Refugees. registers of letters received. endorsements. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. registers of hospital patients. Freedmen. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees.C. M1056 [Records of . labor contracts. Bureau of Refugees. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c.C. (M1902. employment registers. and monthly school reports c. NARA-D. locations. Freedmen. Rolls 16-18 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. holdings 1. Provides names. 35 rolls b. General administration records 1. School reports ordered chronologically iii. M1055 [Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the District of Columbia. dates. 5 rolls b. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Additional locations of D. Most helpful series within these rolls: persons and articles hired. Contain records regarding freedmen schools and teachers for the District of Columbia ii. registers of departing and arriving freedmen iii. registers of unbound letters received. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. and details about teachers within freedmen schools iv. Freedmen and Abandoned Lands 1865-1869]. registers of sick and wounded freedmen. Contains letters. Roll 1 contains freedmen marriage records for the District of Columbia 2. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. and select volumes of school reports d.P a g e | 14 i. registers of letters. M1875. John T. and South Carolina. Gen. In addition. 2. Gen. and documents relating to property and homesteads c. Other assistant commissioners of Florida’s Freedmen’s Bureau included Maj. Col. Freedmen. Key West. Harrison. George W. Robert. Brig. and Bvt. ii. Jacksonville. Ocala. J. Bureau of Refugees. special orders.1 (2006): 75-110. This location would change three more times before the Florida Freedmen’s Bureau closed its doors. Gen. Everly. Freedmen. Commissioner Howard appointed Bvt. and Tallahassee.P a g e | 15 the Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia Bureau of Refugees. Quincy. d. Elaine Cutler. when Bvt. from Jacksonville to St. T. 15 rolls b. Col. and Abandoned Lands 18651872]. Osborn as the first Assistant Commissioner of Florida. Rufus Saxton was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the states of Florida. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Foster. Fernandina. Augustine in 1868. Freedmen’s Bureau in the National Capital. registers of rations.W. Diss.” Journal of Southern History 72. “Welfare and Employment Policies of the Freedmen’s Bureau in the District of Columbia. M803) 2. Gile. as the office moved from Tallahassee to Jacksonville in 1867. Pensacola. Osborn established the Florida Freedmen’s Bureau headquarters in Tallahassee in September 1865. and then back to Jacksonville until 1870. Sprague. Maj.com (M1055 roll 21) v. Lt. major field office headquarters were established in cities such as Barancas.G. Contains letters. Field office records 1. Monticello. endorsements. Bvt. Georgia. A few months later. however. George Washington University. monthly reports. Brief history Florida’s Freedmen’s Bureau operations began in June 1865. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1872) a. Rolls 1-14 contain general records for the Florida Freedmen’s Bureau operation . Suggested readings and authors: 1. 1971. M1869—Records of the Assistant Commissioner and Subordinate Field Offices for the State of Florida. Florida i. Florida. M869—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of South Carolina. military records and financial claims. Monticello. statistical school reports. Fernandina. SC. applications for the restoration of property. Bureau of Refugees. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. Most helpful series within these rolls: register of freedmen-issued rations. Ration reports ordered alphabetically. labor contracts 2. Tallahassee 1. Ocala. and one register of freedmen-issued rations ii. Rolls 11-14 are most likely to help with genealogical research 1. 44 rolls b. Pensacola. Jacksonville. Key West. Contains letters and registers of correspondences between Bureau officials. c. military records ordered chronologically iii. school reports ordered chronologically. Contain freedmen applications for land rations. Because the Freedmen’s Bureau offices of Georgia. Freedmen.P a g e | 16 i. lists of teachers. reports of conditions and operations. State records 1. reports of rations. special orders. Contain complete and incomplete name indexes for select volumes of letters sent. some information regarding all three of these states is intermixed. records relating to court trials iii. Quincy. Rolls 14-15 contain records for subordinate field offices in Barancas. issuances. volumes of endorsements sent. labor contracts. There is no separate roll for Florida in the record M869. and records relating to transportation . reports of murders and outrages. and South Carolina originally shared a common headquarters in Beaufort. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. names and statistics regarding rations and destitute freedmen. Roll 1 contains Florida marriage records v. 42 and 44 are most likely to contain personal data. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. Rolls 34. transportation requests and orders ii. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. and select volumes of school reports d. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Freedmen. 35 rolls b. the first and last volumes of endorsements. and therefore. and ration reports e. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. Contains specific information regarding murders and outrages. labor contracts. Rolls 19 and 34 relate to activities in Florida i. Freedmen. applications and orders for property restoration. registers of letters. Contains letters. Additional locations of Florida holdings . the most useful information for genealogical research i. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Name indexes exist for most volumes of letters. and monthly school reports c. endorsements. 5 rolls b. selected volumes of special orders. 38.P a g e | 17 d. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. registers of unbound letters received. General administration records 1. Series are ordered chronologically or alphabetically iv. In July 1867. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. M1785) 2. Gen.com http://ancestry. Davis Tillson was appointed the Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Georgia Freedmen’s Bureau. and court papers c. monthly reports forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner. Bureau of Refugees. labor contracts. Suggested readings and authors: 1. (M1869. moved the headquarters from Savannah to Macon in January 1867. Florida. Georgia i. registers of letters received. Richardson. Gen. NARA-D. John R. e. Col. letters and orders received. Freedmen. special orders and circulars issued. Col.P a g e | 18 1. Rolls 1-33 contain general records for the Georgia Freedmen’s Bureau operation . Tillson established the headquarters in Augusta in 1865 and moved it to Savannah in the fall of 1866. general orders and circulars received.2 (1960): 167-174. registers of complaints. when Maj.C. 39. Sibley. and Brig. The office of the Assistant Commissioner in Georgia saw many different commissioners and cities during its lifetime. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. Gen. University of Florida. Gainesville. and Georgia. M803. Sibley moved the headquarters from Macon to Atlanta. the Office of the Assistant Commissioner was established in Georgia. FL (M1869) vi. M869. In 1868. Caleb C. Tillson’s successor.com (M869 rolls 34. Field office records 1. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. Rufus Saxton became the Assistant Commissioner for the states of South Carolina. Joe M. 44) 3. Ancestry. Brief history In Georgia. ii. press copies of letters sent. records relating to complaints. 90 rolls b. Maj. monthly reports. Freedmen’s Bureau operations began in June 1865. In September 1865. patients.com (M1869) 4. unregistered letters and narrative reports received. M1903—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Georgia. “The Freedmen’s Bureau and Negro Labor in Florida” The Florida Historical Quarterly. Lewis replaced Sibley and led the Georgia Freedmen’s Bureau office until its termination in May 1869. Elijay. miscellaneous papers . Darien. Clarksville. register of rations and transportation. Contains communications sent between Assistant Commissioners and staff officers. Smithville. Riceboro. Marys. register of employees and contracts. select volumes of registers of letters and endorsements received ii. Series arranged chronologically d. Simons Island. Irvinton. Campbellton. Freedmen. orders issued. St. LaFayette. Jonesboro. Hawkinsville. M798—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Georgia. Washington. Bureau of Refugees. Americus. Jackson. Cuthbert. Thomasville. Athens. school reports iii. Atlanta. Columbus. Include monthly reports of persons and articles hired. Dorchester. registers. Bairdstown. Augusta. Cartersville. Stockton. press copies of letters sent. medical department employees 2. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. Carrollton. Milledgeville. Monroe. 33 are most likely to provide helpful information for ancestry research 1. Crawfordsville. Marion. Lexington. 36 rolls b. Warrenton. Fort Valley. Dalton. Halcyondale. Most helpful series within these rolls: affidavits of freedmen. Dahlonega.P a g e | 19 i. monthly reports of the sick and wounded. Blakely. State records 1. Carnesville. Sandersville. Woodville i. Rolls 33-90 contain records for subordinate field offices in Albany. register of complaints. Macon. Marietta. Cumming. register of hospital patients. Bainbridge. unbound letters. Eatonton. Barton. Butler. LaGrange. Perry. transportation orders. McDonough. Griffin. Brunswick. Contain name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Fort Gaines. Newman. Hinesville. Dawson. Newton. court papers. Isabella. Watkinsville. Forsyth. Rolls 21-25. Rome. Quitman. Savannah. St. Greensboro. reports. Waynesboro. Contain dates. volume 1 of reports. Complete and incomplete name indexes exist for register 5. Teachers’ school reports ii. M799—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Georgia. locations of schools. 44 rolls . registers. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. M869—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of South Carolina. Freedmen. Provide information about assaulted or murdered freedmen. Rolls 32 and 36 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. land title records ii. Bureau of Refugees. Freedmen. and volume 1 of station books and rosters d. classroom statistics iv. Contains letters sent.P a g e | 20 c. accounting records. Murder and outrage reports. provide information about land issued to freedmen iii. teachers’ names. Murders and outrages ordered chronologically and land titles ordered alphabetically 2. 28 rolls b. Bureau of Refugees. Contains name indexes for letters sent and registers of letters d. Ordered chronologically iii. Rolls 20-26 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. unbound letters. These rolls of film are most helpful if researcher knows the estimated dates of ancestor’s teaching career 3. and school reports c. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. and records relating to transportation d. 38. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. labor contracts. special orders. 42 and 44 are most likely to contain personal data. monthly school reports c. names and statistics regarding rations and destitute freedmen.P a g e | 21 b. c. reports of murders and outrages. ration reports. 35 rolls b. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Name indexes exist for most volumes of letters. applications for the restoration of property. Contain specific information regarding murders and outrages. registers of letters. There is no separate roll for Georgia within the record M869. and therefore. Freedmen. SC. Because the Freedmen’s Bureau offices of Georgia. registers of unbound letters received. select volumes of special orders. the first and last volumes of endorsements. legal affairs. transportation requests and orders ii. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. reports of rations. some information regarding all three of these states is intermixed. Contains letters. and transportation requests are arranged chronologically iii. General administration records 1. Contains letters and registers of correspondences between Bureau officials. Rolls 34. and South Carolina originally shared a common headquarters in Beaufort. Murder and outrage reports. applications and orders for property restoration. Lists of destitute freedmen and records pertaining to legal affairs are arranged alphabetically iv. Florida. labor contracts. and select volumes of school reports . and ration reports e. labor contracts. endorsements. the most useful information for genealogical research i. reports of conditions and operations. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records v.” The Georgia Historical Quarterly 73. Athens. in June 1866. Lexington. however. T142—Selected Records of the Tennessee Field Office of the Bureau of Refugees. Then. Brig.P a g e | 22 d.com (M1903) 4. M869. (M1903. 18651868. Paul A.C. f. Rolls 19 and 34 relate to activities in Georgia i. C.1 (1989): 26-53. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Rapport. and Paducah. 2. Louisville. Field office records 1.” The Georgia Historical Quarterly 76. John Ely as the chief superintendent of the Kentucky Freedmen’s Bureau. 36) (M869 34. Lebanon. Ancestry. Fisk appointed Maj. Cimbala. M799. The University of Georgia Main Library. did not begin until March 1866. Sidney Burbank in 1867 followed by Maj. Gen. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) . The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Kentucky i. Jeff C. Davis as the first Assistant Commissioner of the Kentucky Bureau.B. M798. Suggested readings and authors 1. NARA-D.com (M798 rolls 32. Additional locations of Georgia holdings 1. “The Freedmen’s Bureau as a Legal Agent for Black Men and Women in Georgia 1865-1868. Freedmen. when Fisk appointed Bvt. Although Ely established the Kentucky Freedmen’s Bureau headquarters in Louisville. Davis was succeeded by Brig. GA (M798. Sara. Maj.com http://ancestry. Benjamin Runkle in 1869. Gen. Fisk was appointed the Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner for the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.3 (1992): 577-611. Gen. ii. Bureau activities in Kentucky. M803 ) 2. major subordinate field offices existed in Bowling Green. Brief history In July 1865. Gen. “On the Front Line of Freedom: Freedmen’s Bureau Officers and Agents in Reconstruction Georgia. M799) vi. 44) 3. registers of freedmen court cases. School reports and reports of sick and wounded freedmen arranged chronologically. Contain school reports. Kentucky records are limited within these rolls— not a likely place to find information regarding Kentucky freedmen 2. 39. press copies of letters sent. land and property reports. Name indexes exist for select volumes of letters sent. press copies of letters sent. and registers of letters received ii. labor contracts b. Contains letters between Bureau officials and field office officials. Rolls 50-58. outrages and riots. labor contracts. monthly reports. monthly school reports. correspondences between commissioners. endorsements. 133 rolls b. reports of rations. letters relating to lands and freedmen’s homes. 81-87 are most likely to provide helpful information for genealogical research 1. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. reports of rations. murders. labor contracts c. Contains letters sent and received. Freedmen. and riots. special orders and circulars. Bureau of Refugees. lists of teachers arranged . and 61-72 are most likely to help with genealogical research c. 64-68. 51-54. registers of complaints. indentures. M1904—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Kentucky. 76-77. 42.P a g e | 23 a. and labor contracts i. lists of teachers. Rolls 1-86 contain general records for the Kentucky Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. reports of sick and wounded freedmen 2. sanitation letters. Contain records of complaints in freedmen’s court. outrages. marriage certificates. registers of claimants. Rolls 24. registers of claimants. Falmouth. Bowling Green. Columbus. Nicholasville. Paris. Brandenburg. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) b. Lexington. State Records 1. Owensboro. M1000—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Tennessee. Most helpful series within these rolls: monthly school reports. M999—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee. registers of indentures. Gen. labor contracts arranged alphabetically by surname of employer. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Henderson. endorsements. Freedmen. Hodginsville. Freedmen. Louisville. Danville. Cynthiana. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) iv. Maysville. and monthly school reports c. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. reports of persons hired iii. labor contracts. register of claimants arranged alphabetically by surname of claimant d. Georgetown. and select volumes of school reports . cases in freedmen’s court. Greensburg. Covington. Sterling. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Smithland. Rolls 87-133 contain records for subordinate field offices in Augusta. Bureau of Refugees. reports of complaints. records relating to Kentucky Bureau activities prior to March 1866 may appear in interspersed within the following records: a. Freedmen. Lebanon. Paducah.P a g e | 24 alphabetically by town. Russellville. Contains letters. register of marriages. Winchester i. Bureau of Refugees. Burksville. Stanford. Because Maj. Clinton B. Mt. 35 rolls b. General administration records 1. registers of letters. registers of unbound letters received. Versailles. Fisk originally served as the Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner for both Kentucky and Tennessee. and Vidalia.3 (1977: 305-328 g.P a g e | 25 d.com (T142) vi. the state was reorganized into seven sub districts led by sub assistant commissioners. Howard. Howard appointed Chaplain Thomas W. Roll 1 contains freedmen marriage records for Kentucky v. Monroe. Additional locations of Kentucky holdings 1.com http://ancestry. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. “The Black Testimony Controversy in Kentucky. M1875) 2. Field office records . Under Conway. 1866-1872. “The Struggle for Equal Education in Kentucky. Victor B. (T142.2 (1973): 140-165 2. Victor B. New Orleans.” The Journal of Negro Education 58. Louisiana i. M803. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. School reports ordered chronologically ii. ii. Conway as the state’s assistant commissioner. but by 1867. Ancestry. M1904. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. Freedmen.C. NARA-D. Louisiana was divided into districts that were made up of parishes. Howard. Major subordinate field offices existed in the cities of Baton Rouge. 1866-1884. Franklin. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Suggested readings and authors 1.” The Journal of Negro Education 46. when Commissioner Oliver O. 5 rolls b. Natchitoches. 1865. Shreveport. Seven more assistant commissioners would pass through the Louisiana Bureau office between 1865 and 1869. Rolls 20 and 21 relate to activities in Kentucky i. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. Brief history Louisiana Freedmen’s Bureau operations began on June 13. indentures. correspondences between commissioners. labor contracts b. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. refugees. registers of letters received. Bureau of Refugees. Rolls 1-52 contain general records from the Louisiana Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. registers of complaints. Contains letters between Bureau officials and field office officials. 24-52 are most likely to help with genealogical research and personal data searches 1. contracts. land and property reports. Freedmen. monthly reports. Rolls 1-2. labor contacts . reports of rations. registers of proceedings in freedmen’s court.P a g e | 26 1. outrages. marriage certificates. sanitation letters. 39. labor contracts c. Rolls 24. outrages and riots. and Abandoned Lands (18631872) a. Contain registers of claimants and payments. letters and orders received. reports of rations. indentured orphans. monthly school reports. murders. 7-9. and labor contracts i. Contain records of complaints in freedmen’s court. registers of freedmen court cases. Freedmen. letters relating to lands and freedmen’s homes. 42. registers of hospital patients. T142—Selected Records of the Tennessee Field Office of the Bureau of Refugees. and 61-72 are most likely to help with genealogical research c. and riots. employment information. Louisiana records limited within these rolls—not a likely place to find information regarding Louisiana freedmen 2. registers of claimants. 111 rolls b. and 51-54. registers of houses occupied by soldiers’ families. special orders and circulars. M1905—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Louisiana. endorsements. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. conscripts. St. Hammond Station. Monroe. Evergreen. registers of black persons. Marksville. Thibodeaux. State records 1. Chofield Plantation. Sparta. Covington. Lake Providence. Vermillionville. Napoleonville. St. lists of sick and wounded freedmen. New Iberia. Martinsville. James. reports from the superintendent relating to personnel . school reports. Bureau of Refugees. M1026—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Louisiana. Montgomery. Pointe Coupe. and 4 of letters and telegrams. Baton Rouge. Millikens Bend. court proceedings. registers of leased property. Greenville Colony. Bayou Sara. Labatus Landing. Columbia. St. Most helpful series within these rolls: school reports. press copies of letters sent. indentures. registers of contracts. orphan children. Shreveport. Port Hudson. Houma. endorsements. New Orleans. Contains name indexes for volumes 1. Vidalia. Brashear City. De Cros Station. Rost Home Colony. Natchitoches. Contain name indexes for select volumes of claims received. Trenton. Franklin. Vernon. Carrollton. Waterloo i. Mossy Farm Plantation. St. Clinton. Mansfield. applications for laborers. finance and property records c. register of indigents iii. Bragg Home Colony. applications for relief. Alexandria. Francisville. registers of arrivals and departures. Prairie Landing. registers of court trials. Contains letters. St. New Roads. Madisonville. Amite City. Jesuits Bend. and Abandoned Lands (1864-1869) a. the single volume of endorsements. telegrams. registers of payments. lists of contracts with freedmen d. Joseph. registers of complaints. Donaldsonville. Freedmen.P a g e | 27 2. Trinity. McHatton Home Colony. Springfield. ration records. Kenilworth Plantation. 12 rolls b. 2. Algiers. births and deaths. Jefferson City. Rolls 52-111 contain records for subordinate field offices in Abbeville. Homer. Bernard. Merritts Plantation. but this roll is not available at NARA-ATL 3. persons and articles hired c. oaths. orders and circulars. murders and outrages. Bureau of Refugees. issuances. Mississippi and select parishes of Louisiana originally shared an assistant commissioner. b. applications for teacher employment 2. names and number of students. Contain names of teachers. labor contracts . reports about condition of freedmen. applications for the restoration of property d. M1027—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Louisiana. Contains letters sent. registers of indentures. marriage registers.P a g e | 28 d. rates of pay for teachers. endorsements. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. Freedmen. Contains letters. 36 rolls (NARA-ATL only has rolls 1-31) b. registers of letters received. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. rosters. confiscated lands. Contains name indexes for all volumes of letters and telegrams sent. average attendance. Rolls 4-8 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. There is no separate roll for Louisiana in this record. location of schools. 50 rolls c. Freedmen. so many of their records are intermixed. telegrams. issuances. Roll 34 (murders and outrages) is most likely to help with genealogical research. select volumes of letters and endorsements received. Generally in chronological order iii. Monthly school reports ii. Bureau of Refugees. M826—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Mississippi. station books. endorsements sent. monthly reports from subordinate officers. operations. records of good students and suspended students. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. Marriage records are generally ordered alphabetically by surname of husband and then chronologically. and monthly school reports c. Rolls 22-23 and 34 relate to activities in Louisiana i. Freedmen. Contain detailed registers of indentures of African American orphans. endorsements. Contains name/subject indexes for select volumes of letters and endorsements sent. registers of letters. Additional locations of Louisiana holdings . and select volumes of school reports d. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Roll 1 contains Louisiana marriage records v. labor contracts are ordered chronologically iv. 5 rolls b. Contains letters. registers of unbound letters received. Freedmen.P a g e | 29 d. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. and registers of letters received e. 35 rolls b. registers of freedmen marriages. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. labor contracts ii. Rolls 42-50 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. General administration records 1. Maj. Maj. Brief history In June 1865. The Freedmen’s Bureau in Louisiana. and this jurisdiction included additional areas such as Maryland. ii. b. White. Gen. M1026. letters and orders received. M826. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. and Abandoned Lands (18651870) a. Freedmen. M1905. William P. In August 1868. Col. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press. M1902—Records of the Field Offices of the District of Columbia. and in March 1866. Wilson became the Assistant Superintendent for Maryland in September 1865. John Eaton as the Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner for the District of Columbia. M1483 10 rolls) vi. the responsibility for Bureau activities in Maryland and Delaware was reassigned to the District of Columbia’s Assistant Commissioner. Gen. and Abandoned Lands 1865-1869]. assistant commissioners for Maryland included Bvt. press copies of letters sent. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. He established his headquarters in Baltimore. Bureau of Refugees. Field office records 1. Edgar M. Maj. h. M1027 rolls 33-34) 3. Maryland’s Freedmen’s Bureau jurisdiction was expanded to include Delaware. Ancestry. and Bvt. Alexandria. employment registers. M1027.P a g e | 30 1. Francis Fessenden. Print. Gen. Brig. M1483 [Records of the New Orleans Field Offices. Between 1866 and 1868. registers of . Howard appointed Col. Bvt. Howard A. NARA-D. Commissioner Oliver O. M803. Maryland and the District of Columbia originally shared an assistant commissioner. George J. Brooks.C. Maryland and Delaware i. Stannard became Maryland’s first Assistant Commissioner.com (T142. The Baltimore headquarters officially closed its doors in 1872. registers of letters received. Bvt. There is no separate roll for Maryland within this record. In 1867. Horace M. M1875) 2. 21 rolls c.com http://ancestry. (T142. Gen. Gregory. Freedmen. so records for both regions tend to be intermixed. and the neighboring Virginia counties of Fairfax and London. Suggested readings and authors 1.com (M826 roll 42. Bureau of Refugees. 1970. labor contracts. M1906—Records of the Field Offices for the States of Maryland and Delaware. register of complaints and illegal . Rolls 11-13 are most likely to help with genealogical research 1. requisitions. registers of claimants for bounties and pay arrearages. special orders and circulars c. Rolls 13-21 contain records for subordinate field offices in Washington. employment rosters. 42 rolls b. special orders and circulars issued. and registers of complaints of illegal apprenticeships. unregistered letters received. Freedmen’s Village i. and ministers’ reports relating to marriages d. registers of letters received. Most helpful series within these rolls: persons and articles hired. Rolls 1-19 contain general records for the Maryland and Delaware Freedmen’s Bureau i. and abandoned Lands (1865-1872) a. marriage records. Contain name indexes for volumes of letters and endorsements sent and received. Georgetown. general and special orders and circulars received. transportation orders.P a g e | 31 contraband camps. press copies of letters sent. transportation orders. registers of hospital patients. monthly reports forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner. Freedmen. registers of sick and wounded freedmen. employment registers. labor contracts. registers of departing and arriving freedmen 2. and marriage records e. and receipts ii. Rolls 1-13 contain general records for the District of Columbia Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. Bureau of Refugees. Contain name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Contain labor contracts. Barry Farm. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. general and special orders. Include teacher monthly reports. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. General administration records 1. press copies of letters sent. lists of apprenticeships. Freedmen. and selected volumes of school reports d. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. Roll 1 contains marriage records for the District of Columbia and two marriage affidavits for Delaware. Rockville i. register of slaves and slave owners iii.P a g e | 32 apprenticeships. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. registers of letters. and registers of claimants and cash d. 35 rolls b. Annapolis. Bladensburg. Rolls 19-42 contain records for subordinate field offices in Baltimore. 16-19 are likely to contain helpful information for genealogical research 1. Most helpful series: registers of claimants. registers of cash ii. 5 rolls b. Freedmen. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Contains letters. Rolls 5-6. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. and monthly school reports c. endorsements. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. case files for claims. registers of unbound letters received. Rolls 16-18 and 34 relate to activities in Maryland and Delaware i. . registers of bounty claimants. Low. registers of letters received. Adelbert Ames in 1869. and the state’s subordinate field office records document over 4600 marriages. The state’s major subordinate field offices existed in Jackson. The Mississippi Freedmen’s Bureau was especially concerned with the documentation and legitimization of freedmen marriages. the state of Mississippi and select parishes of Louisiana were divided into three districts with an acting assistant commissioner in charge of each. The Mississippi Freedmen’s Bureau came to a close in 1868. Thomas J. special orders and circulars issued. i. M803. Samuel Thomas became the state’s first Assistant Commissioner and established his headquarters in Vicksburg. Col. press copies of letters sent.3 (1952): 221-247. Field office records iii.com (M1902 21 rolls) v. In January 1866. and Gen. letters and orders received. M1906. records relating to claims. applications of freedmen for rations. registers of freedmen issued rations. M1907—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Mississippi. monthly reports forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner. the parishes were instead placed under the jurisdiction of the Assistant Commissioner of Louisiana. M1875) 2. Brief history The Mississippi Freedmen’s Bureau operation began in June 1865. Natchez. Mississippi i. (M1902. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1872) 1. ii. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. iv. court trials. Thomas had three successors: Gen. Gilem in 1867.P a g e | 33 Marriage records for Maryland may be interspersed within records from the District of Columbia. Suggested readings and authors 1. W. when Col. property restoration. and Vicksburg. Additional locations of Maryland and Delaware holdings 1. NARA-D. Gen. Bureau of Refugees. and homesteads 3. Ancestry. Lauderdale. amnesty oaths.C.A. Freedmen. “The Freedmen’s Bureau and Civil Rights in Maryland. Wood in 1866. 65 rolls 2. Rolls 1-11 contain general records for the Mississippi Freedmen’s Bureau operation .” The Journal of Negro History 37. Originally. Alvan C.com http://ancestry. reports of persons and articles hired. M1914—Records of the Mississippi Freedmen’s Department (“Pre-Bureau Records”). Most helpful series within these rolls: register of complaints. McNutt. Rolls 1. letters and circulars issued and received. and hospital reports. register of marriages. Brookhaven. Durant. Greenwood. register of vouchers. select volumes of registers of letters received. Okolona. Canton. Jackson. Yazoo City a. Rosedale. Philadelphia. records relating to the division of crops. Macon. register of cases tried. and Abandoned Lands (18631865) a. Sardis. select volumes of letters sent and received. school lists. registers of patients. Contain name indexes for endorsements sent and received. Monticello. De Kalb. special orders issued and received. Vicksburg. Hickory. employee information. Davis Bend. Freedmen. Include monthly school reports. Port Gibson. Rolls 11-65 contain information for subordinate field offices in Aberdeen. Friars Point. Greenville. East Pascagoula. Bureau of Refugees. register of vouchers. Winchester. Goodman. register of children and hospital patients. Starkville. Natchez. memorandums relating to medical officers b. State records 1. Pass Christian. reports of operations and . Magnolia. Meridian. Contains letters sent and received. 5 rolls b. Lake Station. Columbia. Columbus. Holly Springs. Rodney. Lexington. Woodville. register of rations. register of former slaves iv. Lauderdale. register of contracts. reports of freedmen. Tupelo. register of freedmen. registers of freedmen contracts and rations issued. 6-10 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. sick and wounded freedmen 4. Hernando. labor contracts. Washington Home Colony. Charleston. Panola. oaths of allegiance and evidence of amnesty.P a g e | 34 a. Skipwiths Landing. Grenada. Corinth. select volumes of press copies of letters sent. Forest. reports of sick and wounded. Louisville. Oxford. Office of the Assistant Commissioner. and numerically 2. registers of letters received. rosters. Contains name/subject indexes for select volumes of letters and endorsements sent and registers of letters received d. reports of teachers and missionaries serving in the areas c. orders and circulars. Contain detailed registers of indentures of African American orphans. 50 rolls b. monthly reports from subordinate officers. school lists. Freedmen. and Abandoned Lands (1864-1869) . Marriage records are generally ordered alphabetically by surname of husband and then chronologically. Include records regarding renting and leasing property. registers of indentures. M1026—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Louisiana.P a g e | 35 abandoned property. station books. labor contracts c. Contains letters sent. oaths. Bureau of Refugees. labor contracts ii. Series are arranged in a variety of ways— chronologically. endorsements sent. Rolls 42-50 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. alphabetically (by surname). marriage registers. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent and registers of letters received d. registers and reports of hospital patients ii. Freedmen. registers of freedmen marriages. Rolls 2-5 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. registers of contracts. M826—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Mississippi. labor contracts ordered chronologically 3. registers of rations issued. Bureau of Refugees. registers of freedmen. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. P a g e | 36 a. applications for teacher employment 4. b. operations. telegrams. Freedmen. Monthly school reports ii. 2. Bureau of Refugees. Contains letters. so many of their records are intermixed. endorsements. issuances. 36 rolls (NARA-ATL has rolls 1-31) c. Contains name indexes for volumes 1. Generally in chronological order iii. Contains name indexes for all volumes of letters and telegrams sent. select volumes of letters and endorsements received. reports about condition of freedmen. applications for the restoration of property . and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. the volume of endorsements. rates of pay for teachers. murders and outrages. b. M1027—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Louisiana. and press copies of letters sent. There is no separate roll for Mississippi in this record. issuances. Rolls 4-8 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. telegrams. school reports. Mississippi and select parishes of Louisiana originally shared an assistant commissioner. confiscated lands. Mississippi and select parishes of Louisiana originally shared an assistant commissioner. 12 rolls c. names and number of students. location of schools. records of good students and suspended students. persons and articles hired d. and 4 of letters and telegrams. There is no separate roll for Mississippi in this record. Contain names of teachers. so many of their records are intermixed. finance and property records d. endorsements. average attendance. reports from superintendent relating to personnel e. Contains letters. and monthly school reports c. Jackson. registers of letters. Roll 24 relates to activities in Mississippi i. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. M1026. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. Freedmen. (M1907. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. M803.C. Additional locations of Mississippi holdings 1. Roll 34 (murders and outrages) is most likely to help with genealogical research.com (M826 roll 42. School reports ordered chronologically ii.P a g e | 37 e. Rolls 2 and 3 contain freedmen marriage records for Mississippi vi. Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Bureau of Refugees. M1875) 2. registers of unbound letters received. M1914. Freedmen. NARA-D. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869] roll 25) . 35 rolls b. M826. Freedmen. M999 [Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee. and selected volumes of school reports d. Contains letters. MS (M826 rolls 43-50. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. M1027 rolls 33-34) 3. endorsements. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. but this roll is not available at NARA-ATL v. M1027. General administration records 1. 5 rolls b. Bureau of Refugees. Missouri i. however. 1953. unregistered letters received c. MO to Little Rock. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. a marriage register. Louis. He ordered Sprague to move the headquarters from St. letters received by endorsement. so in September 1865. j. Initially. Register of marriages at Cape Girardeau ii. Suggested readings and authors 1. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) . Freedmen. when Commissioner Oliver O. Howard appointed Brig. Field office records 1. F. registers of bounty claimants. General administration records 1. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. press copies of letters sent. Roll 24 is most likely to help with genealogical research i. Clifton Lloyd. select volumes of registers of letters received. Tulane University. AR and to withdraw all Bureau operations in Missouri. The Freedmen’s Bureau in Mississippi. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. 1865. John W. Missouri proved to be a less hostile environment for freedmen compared to other states. but also Indian Territory and parts of Kansas and Illinois. Seely became a disbursing officer for what was left of the Missouri Freedmen’s Bureau. Louis.. Sprague’s jurisdiction included not only Missouri and Arkansas. and he remained in this position until 1872.P a g e | 38 vii. In April 1867. M1908—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Missouri. registers of adjusted claims d. Commissioner Howard decided to terminate Freedmen’s Bureau activities there. Missouri. 24 rolls b. ii. Gen.A. registers of letters received. Arranged chronologically iii. MA Thesis. Freedmen. Brief history The Missouri Freedmen’s Bureau operation began on May 31. Contains name indexes for press copies of letters sent. Ganus. Sprague as the Assistant Commissioner for Missouri and Arkansas. Sprague established his headquarters in St. Jr. Williams. Additional locations of Missouri holdings 1.P a g e | 39 a. endorsements. and monthly school reports c. M803. NARA-D. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. Missouri Digital Heritage. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2.” The Journal of Negro History 5. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. and selected volumes of school reports d. Jefferson City. (M1908.2 (1920): 137-165. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. “The Development of the Negro Public School System in Missouri. Roll 3 contains freedmen marriage records for Missouri iv. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. Wilmington. Whittlesey eventually established three more headquarters in Newberne. MO (M803 roll 25. Roll 25 relates to activities in Missouri i. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. 5 rolls b. M752 selected records) vi. Eliphalet Whittlesey became the first Assistant Commissioner for the North Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau. Contains letters. M1875) v. and Goldsboro. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Col. North Carolina i.C. k. 35 rolls b. registers of letters. By 1867. Henry Sullivan. Suggested readings and authors 1. registers of unbound letters received. In addition to the Raleigh office. Freedmen. Brief history In June 1865. the organization of the North Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau . These headquarters divided the state into four districts and then further into sub districts. and he established his headquarters in Raleigh. correspondences between commissioners. monthly school reports. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1872) a. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. 78 rolls b. Contain records of complaints in freedmen’s court. reports of rations. Rolls 24. reports of rations. M1909—Records of the Field Offices for the State of North Carolina. ii. North Carolina records are limited within these rolls—not a likely place to find information regarding North Carolina freedmen 2. indentures. endorsements. outrages. Like most Bureau offices throughout the United States. Wilmington. Raleigh. general and special orders and circulars received. sanitation letters. In May 1869. 42. murders. and labor contracts ii. narrative reports received c. Field office records 1. clothing. unregistered letters received. registers of letters received. and social assistance. and 61-72 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. Bureau of Refugees. all functions of the Freedmen’s Bureau ended in North Carolina except for educational operations. and riots. letters relating to lands and freedmen’s homes. registers of claimants for bounties and pay arrearages. T142—Selected Records of the Tennessee Field Office of the Bureau of Refugees. education. Freedmen.P a g e | 40 had shifted from districts to solely sub districts with offices in Morganton. Contains letters between Bureau officials and field office officials. Rolls 1-4 contain general records for the North Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau operation . registers of complaints of illegal apprenticeships. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. labor contracts b. 39. 51-54. and Goldsboro. outrages and riots. medical care. Freedmen. the North Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau provided freedmen and refugees with food. land and property reports. reports from the court. endorsements. Hillsboro. Roll 4 is most likely to provide personal data and assist with genealogical research 1. Wadesboro. Murfreesboro. reports of persons hired. Oxford.P a g e | 41 i. Jonesboro. Franklinton. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. Magnolia. Contain three unidentified volumes of name indexes as well as name indexes for press copies of letters sent from the surgeon ii. Washington. Raleigh. rosters. issuances. Smithfield. rations. Lincolnton. indentures. M843—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of North Carolina. Contains letters. Whiteville. register of complaints. sanitary conditions. Graham. Elizabethtown. reports of operations. Rolls 4-74 contain records for subordinate field offices in Asheville. agreements for leasing land. Roanoke Island. reports of transportation and employment. Charlotte. reports of arrests. Trent River Settlement. monthly school reports. Morganton. Jefferson. Goldsboro. Newberne. then chronologically d. reports of outrages. labor contracts. Concord. Arranged by sex. Beaufort. Greensboro. register of sick and wounded. Wilkesboro. State records 1. Wilmington i. Edenton. ration and land reports. register of hospital patients. Rocky Mount. Freedmen. Bureau of Refugees. Plymouth. Lumberton. Smithville. Kinston. telegrams. reports of outrages. James City. Provides a list of sick and wounded freedmen 2. Rockingham. court cases. labor contracts. Halifax. Statesville. Henderson. certificates of destitution iii. land and financial records . Fayetteville. Lexington. Franklin. 38 rolls b. Most helpful series within these rolls: reports of indentures. Elizabeth City. orders. Salisbury. issuances. Records are most helpful if researcher already knows the specific area of North Carolina where an ancestor taught and the years that he or she worked in education iv. transportation orders arranged by order number 2.P a g e | 42 c. M803 —Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. M844—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of North Carolina Bureau of Refugees. unbound records of persons hired c. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) . Contains name indexes for letters sent and most volumes of letters received d. lists of teachers. reports of teachers hired—details include names of teachers. Freedmen. records relating to teachers. reports on freedmen available for work ii. Arranged in chronological order iii. Monthly school reports from teachers. partial volumes of endorsements sent. reports of murders and outrages. classes offered. school reports. occupational information ii. lists of persons hired. and volumes of special orders d. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. demographics. partial volumes of registers of letters received. Contains letters. 16 rolls b. court cases. records of accounts and claims. records of land and property. Most series arranged chronologically. reports of indentures. Freedmen. General administration records 1. labor contracts. Rolls 15 and 16 are most likely to assist with genealogical research i. 33-38 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. Contain transportation orders. class attendance. Contains name indexes for 3 volumes of letters sent. Rolls 28-31. Darlington. subordinate officers oversaw Bureau activities in South Carolina’s 13 sub districts: Anderson. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Brief history South Carolina’s Freedmen’s Bureau operation began on June 10. Saxton’s jurisdiction was downsized to focus solely on South Carolina. Scott succeeded Saxton and moved the headquarters to Columbia. Robert K. M803) 2. 35 rolls b. Maj. Under Saxton. 1869. Bvt. l.com (T142. registers of letters.com http://ancestry. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Ancestry. 1865. registers of unbound letters received. John R.” Journal of Negro History 77. NARA-D. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Bvt. The office of the Assistant Commissioner closed on May 31. endorsements.C. Unionville.com (M843 rolls 33 and 35) vi. . and Florida. Charleston. he moved it to Charleston. South Carolina i. when Gen. Saxton established his headquarters in Beaufort. Beaufort. M1909. and Williamsburg. Rolls 26-28 relate to activities in North Carolina i. Greenville. Michael. Suggested readings and authors: 1. 1865-1870. Col. Georgia. “A Mission Unfulfilled: Freedmen’s Education in North Carolina. Goldhaber. Rufus Saxton became the Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner for the states of South Carolina. Additional locations of North Carolina holdings 1. In 1866. M844. M843. but in September 1865.4 (1992): 199-210. The Freedmen’s Bureau in South Carolina saw three different headquarters and three different assistant commissioners. Hilton Head. (T142. the South Carolina side of the Savannah River. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records v. Contains letters. Lynn. and the South Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau functioned until 1872. By September 1865. Gen. Columbia. Edisto. Georgetown. and select volumes of school reports d. M1909) 3. Edie succeeded Scott in 1868 and served until 1869.P a g e | 43 a. and monthly school reports c. Kingstree. Rockville. registers of claimants for bounties and pay arrearages. Combahee Ferry. Honey District. 12-24 are most likely to help with genealogical research 1. 106 rolls b. Cheraw. Ladies Island. Hilton Head. Manning. Columbia. registers of letters received. Camden. lists of persons hired. Hopkins Turn Out. Charleston. Chester. unregistered letters received. Darlington. personal reports. special orders ii. Claims arranged alphabetically by surname. general and special orders and circulars received. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. Mount Pleasant. Orangeburg. and unfortunate freedmen. reports of rations. and other series c. Freedmen. Pauls Parish. Marion. 2. endorsements sent. Anderson Court House. Field office records 1. Spartanburg. McClellanville. Lancaster. register of claims and claimants. Johns Island. . Grahamville. Legareville. registers of indentures of apprenticeship. M1910—Records of the Field Offices for the State of South Carolina Bureau of Refugees. register of letters received. Newberry. Aiken. Rolls 30-106 contain records for subordinate field offices in Abbeville Court House.P a g e | 44 ii. Ridgeville. Moncks Corner. Richland District. reports of sick. St. Barnwell. all other series listed above arranged chronologically d. Helena Island. Rolls 4-6. wounded. Greenville. St. Fairfield District. Contain name/subject indexes for select volumes of letters sent and press copies of letters sent. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1972) a. Rice Hope Plantation. Lexington. Laurensville. Beaufort. Berkely District. Include teachers’ monthly reports. Rolls 1-30 contain general records for the South Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. Georgetown. labor contracts. Williamsburg. applications for the restoration of property. select volumes of special orders. special orders. transportation requests and orders ii. 42 and 44 are most likely to contain useful information for genealogical research i. and ration reports d. ration reports and applications. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. Most helpful series within these rolls: monthly school reports. Freedmen. Contain specific information regarding murders and outrages. Union District. Bureau of Refugees. applications and orders for property restoration. outrages. M869—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of South Carolina.P a g e | 45 Summerville. Rolls 34. report of persons and articles hired. reports of conditions and operations. State records 1. reports of sick and wounded iii. register of complaints. Contains letters and registers of correspondences between Bureau officials. Name indexes exist for most volumes of letters. names and statistics regarding rations and destitute freedmen. Freedmen. General administration records 1. Walhalla. certificates of destitution. labor contracts. the first and last volumes of endorsements. 35 rolls . 38. reports of rations. labor contracts. Unionville. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Sumpter. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. York District i. 44 rolls b. court cases. and records relating to transportation c. register of patients. indentures of apprenticeship. Series are ordered chronologically or alphabetically iv. reports of murders and outrages. M1875) 2. Clinton B. Martin. Abbott. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau jurisdiction encompassed the . Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. 1967. Gen.com (M869 rolls 34 and 44) vi. NARA (M1910. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. when Brig. Tennessee i. m. Freedmen.” The South Carolina Historical Magazine 57. Martin. registers of unbound letters received. Suggested readings and authors: 1. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records 2. From July 1865 to June 1866. Additional locations of South Carolina holdings 1. and select volumes of school reports d. “The Freedmen’s Bureau and Negro Schooling in South Carolina. Brief History The Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau operation began on July 1. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. Abbott. endorsements. 5 rolls b. Rolls 29 and 35 relate to activities in South Carolina i. Roll 3 contains freedmen marriage records for South Carolina v. M869. Print. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. 2. Contains letters. and monthly school reports c. Fisk became the state’s Assistant Commissioner and established his headquarters in Nashville. 1865.P a g e | 46 b. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. registers of letters. School reports ordered chronologically ii. The Freedmen’s Bureau in South Carolina 18651872.2 (1956): 65-81. M803. Bureau of Refugees. Gen John R. Lebanon. sanitation letters. and labor contracts 2. Rolls 24. land and property reports. registers of letters received. Rolls 1-13 contain general records for the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. murders. labor contracts b.P a g e | 47 entire state of Kentucky and the northern part of Alabama as well. Freedmen. Springfield. Jackson. select volumes of back . James Thompson in 1868. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. the sub districts were further divided into individual agencies with local offices. Col. Kingston. and Chattanooga. general and special orders and circulars received. Fisk divided the state into three sub districts with headquarters in Nashville. Gen. and other series c. ii. Memphis. 42. indentures. Field office records 1. unregistered letters received. reports of rations. outrages and riots. Murfreesboro. Contain name indexes for the first 3 volumes of press copies of letters sent. Gallatin. T142—Selected Records of the Tennessee Field Office of the Bureau of Refugees. and 61-72 are most likely to help with genealogical research i. correspondences between commissioners. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. By 1868. In September 1866. registers of claimants for bounties and pay arrearages. outrages. Freedmen. registers of indentures of apprenticeship. Contain records of complaints in freedmen’s court. M1911—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Tennessee. Eventually. Contains letters between Bureau officials and field office officials. and Trenton. the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau had terminated all of its operations with the exception of education. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. endorsements. Brig. letters relating to lands and freedmen’s homes. Lewis succeeded Fisk as the Assistant Commissioner for the state of Tennessee. reports of rations. Some of the more significant local offices were headquartered at Columbia. Carlin in 1867 and Lt. Purdy. and riots. monthly school reports. 51-54. 39. William P. followed by Maj. Originally. 89 rolls b. Humboldt. Winchester i. M999—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee. miscellaneous monthly financial reports 2. registers of endorsements received. telegrams. . Paris. special orders. Springfield. Purdy. miscellaneous claims and claims for pension. bounty claims. Contains name indexes for select volumes of letters and telegrams sent. and endorsements sent. Freedmen. Claims are unarranged and miscellaneous reports are arranged by type of record d. Trenton. letters received. reports of bounty claims. vouchers. 34 rolls b. special orders. letters and telegrams received. registers of claims. Dyersburg. miscellaneous records c. Decaturville. Include miscellaneous claims. Rolls 13-89 contain records for subordinate field offices in Bolivar. Johnsonville. Nashville. Contains letters. McMinnville. select volumes of letters sent ii. registers of freedmen iii. Lebanon. Gallatin. records relating to freedmen’s labor and supplies. select volumes of registers of abandoned property. reports of outrages.P a g e | 48 pay and bounty. Rolls 10 and 12 may possess personal data for genealogical research 1. Memphis. claims for pensions. volumes of special orders. transportation records. Murfreesboro. registers of complaints. Brownsville. registers of unfortunates. Shelbyville. reports of abandoned property. Franklin. registers of marriages. Jonesboro. monthly reports of orphans. personnel records. Jackson. Wayne County. Most helpful series within these rolls: labor contracts. Knoxville. Charlotte. State records 1. Clarksville. Bureau of Refugees. Columbia. Pulaski. Chattanooga. Cleveland. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1969) a. 34 are most likely to assist with genealogical research i. Freedmen. endorsements. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records . Contains letters sent. registers of unbound letters received. Most series arranged chronologically. detailed indenture contracts. and monthly school reports c. 9 rolls b. registers of letters received and endorsements sent d. some labor contracts arranged alphabetically by county or state 2. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. Freedmen. Bureau of Refugees. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Rolls 20-25. school reports c. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Contains letters.P a g e | 49 d. transportation reports. miscellaneous records ii. registers of letters received and endorsements sent. 35 rolls b. and select volumes of school reports d. General administration records 1. letters received. registers of letters. Rolls 7-9 are most likely to contain helpful information for genealogical research i. Include monthly school reports from teachers and the superintendent. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. receipts from teachers iv. M1000—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Tennessee. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Roll 30 relates to activities in Tennessee i. register and reports of outrages. Include labor contracts. 5 rolls b. Gen. M1911. All superintendents of education were withdrawn in 1870.2 (1954): 111-126. Tennessee Library and State Archives. Gen. M1875—Marriage Records of the Office of the Commissioner. all functions of the Texas Freedmen’s Bureau terminated with the exception of education. TN (T142. Charles Griffin. A. ii. Other assistant commissioners for the state of Texas included Brig. Gen. NARA-D.” Journal of Negro History 39. (T142. Texas i. Field office records 1.P a g e | 50 2. M999. Major points of interests for the Texas Freedmen’s Bureau were the regulation of labor contracts and the protection of freedmen’s legal rights. and he established his headquarters in Galveston in September 1865. and Abandoned Lands (1861-1869) a. M1000. 22.com (M999 rolls 20.A. Bureau of Refugees. M803. Rolls 3-5 contain freedmen marriage records for Tennessee v. Reynolds. Gregory was the first Assistant Commissioner for the Texas Freedmen’s Bureau operation. and Abandoned Lands (18651870) a.com (T142) 3. Nashville. 34) 4. Additional locations of Tennessee holdings 1. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Marriage reports ordered alphabetically by state and then by surname of bridegroom c. Freedmen. Suggested readings and authors: 1. Freedmen. and Maj. Edgar M. Washington Headquarters of the Bureau of Refugees. M1875) 2. Joseph J. 28 rolls .C. Taylor. Brief History Brig. Gen. n. Joseph Kiddoo. M1912—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Texas. In 1869. The Galveston headquarters that Gregory established in 1865 remained until 1867 when Reynolds moved the headquarters to Houston. M1000) vi.com http://ancestry. Maj. “Fisk University and the Nashville Community 18661900. Ancestry. press copies of letters sent. Rolls 7-9. Seguin. register of contracts. Gilmer. Lockhart. register of letters received. Galveston. Brenham. Marshal. State records 1. endorsements sent and received. Gonzales. Tyler. M821—Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Texas. Clarksville. Most helpful series within these rolls: register of complaints. Columbus. orders for transportation 2. Marlin. Palestine. Fort Griffin. Arranged chronologically iii. Liberty. Contain name indexes for volumes of press copies of letters sent. San Antonio. Freedmen. Hallettsville. Boston. special orders issued. Jefferson. miscellaneous records c. Bureau of Refugees. Clinton. Matagorda. Contains letters sent and received. register of letters received ii. Bryan. affidavits and settlements. registers of complaints. Brownsville. Beaumont. Huntsville. Navasota. Sterling. Include reports of persons and articles hired. San Augustine. Woodland. Meridian. Millican. Rolls 1-11 contain general records for the Texas Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869) a. 11 are most likely to provide helpful information for genealogical research 1. Wharton 1. Rolls 12-28 contain information for subordinate field offices in Austin. Centerville. endorsements sent. reports of persons and articles hired. letters sent. Houston. issuances and monthly rosters . Richmond. Nacogdoches. Crockett. Courtney. Columbia. Contains endorsements sent and received. Belton. LaGrange.P a g e | 51 b. Waco. monthly school reports iii. Cotton Gin. Sumpter. registers of letters received. 32 rolls b. registers of contracts. Bastrop. issuances and monthly rosters d. miscellaneous records c. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters and endorsements sent.P a g e | 52 of Bureau personnel. teachers’ letters of appointment. registers of letters received. registers of letters received. lists and records of teachers ii. Include monthly school reports from teachers and the superintendent. Roll 32 is most likely to contain helpful information for genealogical research i. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. reports of murders and outrages c. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. General administration records 1. outrage. Freedmen. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. 35 rolls . Freedmen. and criminal offense reports ii. reports of operations. Rolls 10-18 are most likely to contain information helpful for genealogical research i. Bureau of Refugees. letters received. Includes murder. letters received d. Most series arranged chronologically. select volumes of registers of letters received. Contains letters and endorsements sent. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. M822—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Texas. 18 rolls b. records of teachers may be arranged alphabetically by surname of teacher iv. monthly school reports. Generally arranged in chronological order 2. endorsements sent. “The Freedmen’s Bureau Schools in Texas 1865-1870. Orlando Brown. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. Hornsby. John M. Field office records . when Maj. and the Freedmen’s Village near Arlington were under the jurisdiction of the Assistant Commissioner of the District of Columbia. Initially. and monthly school reports c. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records v.” The Southwestern Historical Quarterly 56.” The Southwestern Historical Quarterly 76. M821. Virginia i. Brown served as the Assistant Commissioner until May 1866. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. and select volumes of school reports d. when the state’s Assistant Commissioner. established his headquarters in Richmond. Lynchburg. Terry took office. Rolls 31 and 35 relate to activities in Texas i. (M1912. Fairfax. ii. Contains letters. Petersburg.4 (1973): 497-417. Schofield succeeded Terry in August 1866. Gordonsville. o.com (M821 roll 32) vi. Richmond. M803) 2.. Orlando Brown reclaimed his position until the closing of the Virginia Assistant Commissioner office in 1869.C. registers of letters. Maj. Fort Monroe. By 1867. Norfolk. the Virginia counties of Alexandria. Claude. School reports ordered chronologically ii. Loudon. Elliot. Brief History The Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau operation began in June 1865. Suggested readings and authors: 1.P a g e | 53 b.1 (1952): 1-24. registers of unbound letters received. these counties had become a part of the Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau jurisdiction. Alfred H. Gen. “The Freedmen’s Bureau in Texas. Jr. Gen. NARA-D. endorsements. Alton. and in March 1867. M822. Additional locations of Texas holdings 1. however. 2. Fredericksburg. Winchester. The Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau was organized by sub districts with primary headquarters in Alexandria. and Wytheville. Madison Courthouse. Bureau of Refugees. Martinsville. Marion. Leesburg. Charlottesville. . Rolls 1-40 contain general records for the Virginia Freedmen’s Bureau operation i. Front Royal. registers of letters received. and other series c. Fort Monroe. Drummondtown Courthouse. M1913—Records of the Field Offices for the State of Virginia. Freedmen. Alexandria. Lawrenceville. Charlotte Courthouse. Burkesville. Cumberland Courthouse. Contain reports of persons and articles hired. King George Courthouse. Lunenburg Courthouse. Little Washington. Appomattox Courthouse. and Abandoned Lands (18651872) a. Amherst Courthouse. New Kent Courthouse. Barhamsville. Middleburg. Clarkesville. Harrisonville. 203 rolls b. Louisa Courthouse. Contains letters and endorsements sent and received. Newport. Christianburg.P a g e | 54 1. Manassas. narrative reports received. Liberty. Gloucester Courthouse. Lexington. Rolls 34-40 are most likely to help with genealogical research 1. Marysville. Fredericksburg. Contain name indexes for 16 volumes of press copies of letters sent ii. Danville. Columbia. Norfolk. Culpeper Courthouse. Gordonsville. general and special orders and circulars received. Fairfax Courthouse. unregistered letters received. Bowling Green. Ashland. Maysville. Buckingham. Goochland. Lynchburg. Farmville. Amelia Courthouse. Hampton. Jerusalem. Rolls 40-203 contain records for subordinate field offices in Abingdon. Manchester. ration returns. Halifax Courthouse. Matthews Courthouse. Culpeper. Chesterfield Courthouse. Lovingston. Falls Church. Heathsville. lists of unfortunates 2. City Point. lists of destitute freedmen. Boydton. Dinwiddie Courthouse. King William Courthouse. registers relating to Freedmen’s Bureau courts. Generally arranged chronologically d. registers of complaints. State records 1. Rolls 14-20 are most likely to provide helpful information for genealogical research i. Smithfield. Princess Anne. Yorktown. register of teachers ii. registers of letters received and endorsements sent. Include teachers’ monthly school reports. register of freedmen sent to New England states. 20 rolls b.P a g e | 55 Onancock. Vienna. indentures. monthly reports of tenants. Waverly. 35 rolls b. Tappahannock. Freedmen. Bureau of Refugees. Arranged chronologically iv. letters received. Richmond. Freedmen. Warrenton. reports of persons and articles hired. Suffolk. Woodstock. General administration records 1. Wytheville. Warsaw. M1053—Records of the Superintendent of Education for the State of Virginia. proceedings in freedmen’s court. Most helpful series within these rolls: school reports. register of complaints. Wilson’s Landing. census lists. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. registers of letters. register of marriages. labor contracts. Pittsylvania. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1870) a. and an unregistered series of letters received d. and monthly school reports . ration reports. Orange Courthouse. volumes of letters received and endorsements sent. endorsements. Contains letters. Williamsburg. Petersburg. M803—Records of the Education Division of the Bureau of Refugees. school reports c. Salem. Palmyra. Contains letters sent. applications for employment iii. i. Rocky Mount. Winchester. Staunton. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1871) a. Additional locations of Virginia holdings 1. 2.com (M1048 roll 59) 3. Freedmen.com (M1913) vi. Lowe.com http://ancestry. Ancestry. M1048 [Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Virginia.” The Journal of Southern History 64. “The Freedmen’s Bureau and Local White Leaders in Virginia. Lists of teachers are interspersed throughout the records v. The Freedmen’s Bureau Online http://freedmensbureau. Lowe. NARA-D. The University of Georgia ’12 .P a g e | 56 c. (M1913. Richard. Created by JoyEllen Freeman. M803) 2. School reports ordered chronologically ii. and select volumes of school reports d. “The Freedmen’s Bureau and Local Black Leadership. Contains name indexes for volumes of letters sent. registers of unbound letters received.3 (1993): 989998. and Abandoned Lands (1865-1869)] M1053.C. Bureau of Refugees. Richard.3 (1998): 455472. Suggested readings and authors 1. Rolls 32 relates to activities in Virginia i.” The Journal of American History 80.