USCT Soldiers at Aiken’s Landing, Library of Congress LC-DIG-cwpb-02032
Recently I came across a poignant quote relating to slave surnames I just had to share. Slave surnames are a topic I have discussed here at Reclaiming Kin several times and one that has no easy or simple formula that applies to every situation.
Because of this, I save original sources where the formerly enslaved provided reasons for their surnames.
While at the National Archives, I requested the Civil War pension file for a former USCT soldier named Abram Sherrod. He served in the war under the surname Sherrod, which was the name of his last owner.
The Special Investigator was trying to understand why Abram went by the surname James after the war. This was common for soldiers who had been enslaved. Some simply used other names because they were runaways.
What was Abram’s reason?
Julia Pearson, whose husband served with Abram, made it very clear in her affidavit dated 9 March 1895:
“I can give the reason for him and many others others changing their names. It was for this reason to save their lives in the year of 1867 the CluClux being verry bad in Bolivar Co, Mississippi killing all of the old soldiers they could find that had been in the Army. He and many others changed their names to their father’s names to keep from being known by them…”
When I first read that, took my breath away.
It should remind us all of the extraordinary levels of brutality and violence that African-Americans suffered during Reconstruction.
I am an engineer by day, but my true passion lies in genealogy. I have been a researcher, writer, lecturer and teacher for over twenty years. This blog is where I share family history methods, resources, tips and advice, with an emphasis on slave research, slavery and its aftermath. This lifelong quest has helped me to better know my family’s past. I’ve taken back– reclaimed– some of that lost memory, especially that of my enslaved ancestors. I hope you’ll sign up to receive my posts—if you do, you’ll get a free PDF with some of my favorite tips! And please do share posts that interest you.
My second great grandfather served in the “Colored Troops”
during the Civil War. He had a variety of aliases.
Yes. I think about how brave one had to be, how courageous, to runaway and then become a soldier in the fight for freedom. Thanks for commenting.
Robyn
Thank You for all that you do. Very valuable information
Thanks Juanita. I appreciate your comment!
Robyn
Very enlightening article. I live in Mississippi. While looking through the 1870 and 1880 censuses I noticed that several males had the same first name and surname name— James James, Louis Lewis,
Abram Abram, Toney Toney, Charles Charles, and my favorite Mingo Mingo. I can only imagine that when freedom came and two names were required, the first name of the family patriarch became the
surname of the family, i. e. Irvin Irvin.
Hi Donna,
Well now that is interesting, I’ve never seen anything like that. But it doesn’t surprise me. Surnames are always a tricky thing in those years for African Americans.
Thanks for sharing,
Robyn
Very interesting information. I have been researching my families for about 15 years. So much of the information that I have come across is “confusing” to say the least! However, it has been an amazing ride too! The institution of slavery really did a “number” on our people! Tragic to say the least!
Hi Phyllis,
Yes it really is a Journey of discovery. There’s just no “one” reason or one “situation” that fits everyone’s experience during enslavement. I’m glad you found this post useful, and I wish you continued success in your research.
Robyn
What an unfortunate reason! Just goes to show that there are a variety of reasons why many did not take the last enslaver’s surname, and this one is sadly a brutal reason. Thanks for sharing this scenario!
Yes, and I know you know that well through your own research, Mel. There is just not one reason for almost anything. I wonder how the Klan got the list of names they had?
Sad to read, I had not know that of a reason to change there name.
Thank you for sharing this, if gives more ideas and meanings for our family research. GJ
Yes, this is exactly why I try to save it away when I find an explanation. I think anything that helps us to expand our minds with regard to the experiences of our ancestors.
Thanks for commenting!
Robyn
Hello. I’m trying to find my great grandmother’s parents… Amanda/Mandie Stovall and Jim Hilliard who lived in Aberdeen, MS. I say that they lived next door to a Malindy and Taylor Stovall. I assumed that they were Amanda’s parents. How do I break the barrier ? Taylor was born in 1874… I believe in Alabama. I looked at the 1880’s census but couldn’t find him or anyone else. Any suggestions will be welcomed.
Hi Joi,
Slave research is a complicated topic with many different aspects to the research. I highly suggest the book “A Genealogists Guide to Researching your African-American Ancestors” by Franklin Smith and Emily Croom. It has some very good case studies and examples. I also recommend “Finding A Place Called Home” by Dee Parmer Woodtor. People never like it when I say to read books 🙂 but it really is the first step to learning how to do this. Those will get you started. Best of luck to you!
Robyn
What an interesting and valuable tidbit of information! Thanks for sharing.
Renate
Thanks, Renate!