African Ancestored 12 Days of Christmas

Those of us who have ancestors who were once enslaved, know that once we reach the Wall of 1870, that we will have to research our ancestors during the slavery era. For many this is challenges, for the documents that we seek are often in manuscript holdings, private collections and sometimes in obscure locations. One the last slave owner of one's ancestors has been identified, the tedious search begins. For so many this process takes years, of work. I can only encourage those who have begun slavery era research, and urge you not to be discouraged when the task seems at times, insurmountable.  


I hope that many of you this coming year, will have much success and that you will continue to tell the rich stories of your ancestors, and their resilience. This year for my yearly Christmas wish and the 12 Days of Christmas, I have included illustrations. Therefore, I offer this Christmas wish for your success as you explore these unique sources of documentation as we search for our enslaved ancestors's stories. (Most images are from my own collection, and some are from the public domain.)

THE AFRICAN ANCESTORED RESEARCHER'S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.

© Angela Y. Walton-Raji

On the 12th day of Christmas these things I wish for thee......

12 Brand new cousins

Image of family and friends at Michigan Reunion 2009

11 Slave Ship names

Slave Ship The Wanderer

10 Birth Records

9 Land Patents

Land Patent acquired by my gr. grandfather

Louis Mitchell Bass of Sevier County, Arkansas

8 Marriage Records

Marriage record of my grandparents, Sam Walton & Ellen Bass

7 Dawes Enrollments

Dawes Enrollment Card of my ancestors

Samuel, Sallie Walton, and family

6 Query Hits

AfriGeneas Message Board for General Queries

5 USCTs.......

Image of 5 soldiers from the famous photo of Company E of

the 4th US Colored Infantry

4  Manumissions

An early manumission record

3 Bills of Sale

Sale Bill

2 Deeds of Gift

Slave Deed of Gift from Texas

(for transcription of document click here)

And Completion of Your Family Tree.

Much success to you for the coming year with your research. 

I hope as you find your ancestors at long last, you will be able to call their name.