Sunday, March 7, 2010

Carnival of African – American Genealogy

RESTORE MY NAME

As an African-American whose family is deeply rooted in the South, there was never any doubt that my ancestors were slaves. Even knowing this, there are still surprises along the way.

You see I had always had this, what now appears to be, idealist notion that most plantations were gigantic. For some reason, I figured this would make it easier to find my Ancestors. However, what I now know is that at least for my ancestors there were no giant plantations, which means that while my ancestors can still be found, it just may take a bit more work, but it can be done.

As you know, to date, the only documentation I have on any of my ancestors during slavery comes through my Hosch line.

First, there is the will of Matthew Hosch that lists the names of his slaves, which includes my 2nd Great Grandmother Matilda as a girl. Approximately thirty years later, Grandma Matilda and child, more than likely Grand Uncle Allen Hosch, can be found in the appraisal and distribution of Henry Hosch’s estate.

However, my greatest treasure can never be found in old probate records, deeds, etc. My greatest treasure is the names of the “Negros” listed in the family bible of Henry Hosch and his wife Matilda. My Great Grandfather’s, Monroe Barto Hosch, birth is recorded here. If you look closely, you will notice that the recording of the births doesn’t necessarily go in chronological order, which typically means the names were added after the fact and could mean some of the dates may not be exactly accurate. For Grandpa Barto, the dates recorded in the bible correspond (1 year difference) with information provided on the 1870 and 1880 census. So, I’m fairly confident in this information and the aunthenticity of it.

I received copies of this wonderful treasure through Henry’s great granddaughter (hope I have the number of greats correct) who I’ve had contact with off and on for the past 10+ years. When I initially received the copies of their family bible, I had discussed with Pat, Henry’s descendant, about using them on my blog. I always wanted the moment that I posted them to be just right and today I couldn’t think of a better time than the first Carnival of African-American Genealogy. Having restored the name of Grandpa Barto awhile ago, it’s now time to restore the names of my collateral relatives as well.



 
 
 
 
From the personal collection of P. Hardin (http://picasaweb.google.com/pfhardin/HenryHoschAndMatildaCamp#).

10 comments:

  1. That is really awesome!!! I'm still searching for my ancestors slave owners.

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  2. Alum,

    It was good fortune indeed. Pat lives one county over from me.

    Hoping this carries over to my other lines.

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  3. Wow, Mav. What a treasure! I look forward to reading more. Good work.

    Renate

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  4. Oh Mavis! This truly is a treasure! I'm so happy you have this. I love reading about your search for your family. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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  5. Oh Mavis! This truly is a treasure! I am so enjoying reading the stories of your search for your family. Thanks for taking me along on your journey!

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  6. Would you believe another descendant of Henry Hosch the slave owner contacted me after coming across my blog and thanked me for telling the history.

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  7. This is so inspiring, Mavis. Congratulations! It's truly a treasure. Thank you for sharing this journey. It encourages me and also teaches me so much.
    Dionne

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  8. I adore, ADORE, Bible records. This story gave me chill bumps. What a treasure for you!

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  9. One day, a zillion yrs from now, someone will find your blog and think as much as I do for finding your blog this year. This is the greatest gift I could ever give to my children. Thanks cuz.

    P.S. Happy Birthday!

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  10. Thanks for the good work, as a fellow Hosch, it is really exciting to get closer and closer to our nationality.

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