Post-slavery Research

IRAD Collection of Interest to African-American researchers - check Sourthern Illinois IRAD depositories

Southern Illinois Coal Mines - records between 1870 and 1930s - many African-Americans were hod carriers, hoisting engineers, general laborers, etc.

Miners Examining Board "Certificate of Competency"

• Name, age, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, nationality, distinctive marks and number of years of experience

 

Population Census at National Archives and the LDS Family History Center

• Until 1920s many kinsmen lived next door or in the immediate area - check the neighbors
• The Agricultural Census - just what kind of farm did your ancestor have and what did he sell

 

Also check

• Railroad records - porters
• Vital Statistic Records - County Clerk's Office
• Cemetery Records - Genealogy Societies and Libraries
• Social Security research - On-line
• Major City Directories and telephone directories - Libraries and Historical Societies