Land Restored
This document authorized the return of land seized by the Bureau to Jesse J. Busby of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Former Confederates were required to swear their...
Married at 80
While many slave couples formed lasting bonds during their enslavement, slave marriages had no legal foundation or protection. The abolishment of slavery not only...
Mr. and Mrs. Bunel
While many slave couples formed lasting bonds during their enslavement, slave marriages had no legal foundation or protection. The abolishment of slavery not only...
Officially married, 21 years later
Former slaves Joseph and Mary Province of Lebanon, Tennessee, were officially married on April 23, 1866, after “living together for 21 years.” Joseph was a...
Ordered by the court
The Freedmen’s Bureau was responsible for leasing abandoned or confiscated lands. James Hicks began the process of reclaiming his seized land by swearing to...
Petitioning the Freedmen's Bureau
James Hicks filed this petition with the Freedmen's Bureau for the return of seized land lots in the town of Hampton, Virginia. One of the major activities of the...
Record of Marriages
While many slave couples formed lasting bonds during their enslavement, slave marriages had no legal foundation or protection. The abolishment of slavery not only...