Census question

[Savez]

When researching the census, say on microfilm or at footnote.com where can you find how many slaves an individual might have owned? I can find the value of property but that's about it. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Stonewall1982]

The Gentry class, which is the term historians use to label the planters, would have several, 20+ is the number that is coming to mind. The Yeoman,the poor white working class, would have averaged perhaps 1 slave per every 5-10 white men.

 

[Bomac]

You can check the slave census record, and or check your ancestor record on the census to include nonwhites and slaves.

Also some counties had slave records. They can be confusing in ref to numbers though.

 

[Freddy]

You can check the slave census record, and or check your ancestor record on the census to include nonwhites and slaves.

Also some counties had slave records. They can be confusing in ref to numbers though.

If you go to this link on Family Search you will find on this and the next page 18 slave schedules for the 1850 US Census for Jefferson Davis.

https://www.familysearch.org/search...=1900&relationship=none&filtered=false&page=6

 

[Bomac]

If you go to this link on Family Search you will find on this and the next page 18 slave schedules for the 1850 US Census for Jefferson Davis.

https://www.familysearch.org/search...=1900&relationship=none&filtered=false&page=6

Yessir, good link.

 

[Nathanb1]

Savez....also don't forget estate records (probate), wills and family bible records. That's how I know the names, ages, etc. of the slaves my great-grandfather's family owned. Many of those are available through Genweb.

 

[RobertP]

You can also go the courthouse records if they weren't burned by the Yanks. The purchase of slaves was recorded, at least in Louisiana, with a first name, age and physical description. I have done that on my ancestor's place and I will tell you that is a sobering experience.