Introduction

This book was written to aid families with ancestors from Laurens County, South Carolina, to jumpstart their genealogical research. Although the focus is on sources of particular relevance to African Americans, the book also contains information relevant to slave-holding families. Also, the background information at the beginning of each section will be of general interest to those families from South Carolina who are researching their African ancestors.

Topics Covered

In addition to practical advice born from the authors genealogical research and formal studies, the book includes information and compilations regarding the following topics:

• Free Persons of Color in Antebellum Laurens
• Slaves in Will Transcripts (1782–1860)
• Legislative Papers (1782–1866)
• Comptroller General Tax Return Books (1866–1868)
• 1869 SC State Population Census
• 1860 US Census Slave Schedule and Matching African American Surnames in the 1870 US Census
• Excerpts of Freedmen Bureau Records
• Grave Markers at Five African American Churches