The given name of a child, therefore, showed important connections between African American families. There appears to have been a significant tendency toward the maternal line when the mother was alone, but when both parents were present, children were named after the maternal and paternal lines in nearly equal numbers. In summary, the assumption that African Americans used the same surnames as their owners is not always true. While runaways may not have been typical of the general population of African Americans, records from as early as 1720 indicate that slaves often had surnames different than their owners' names. Getting Started As always in genealogy, research begins with you and works backward.
Oral histories can be particularly important in determining clues to the family's origins.
Naturally, these stories require documentation rather than simple acceptance as being accurate. Some communities have oral history projects that may help you learn more about local history. Church histories are often very helpful in documenting the movements of families in and out of the community. Pre-Civil War Records Slave Sales and Importation Declarations Affidavits were required of new residents of some states if they transported slaves into the state. In Kentucky, slave owners were required to declare that the slaves were for their own use and were not for sale.