SC Department of Archives and History holds African American geneology workshop
By Rachel Haynie

This winter's African American genealogy workshop at the SC Department of Archives and History will be led by Alexia Helsley.

Evidence of the public's new interest in genealogy appeared recently in an article about Oscar Marion, a servant to Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox.

Research by genealogist Tina C. Jones, principal with the Maryland- based American Historical Interpretation Foundation, Inc., led to Oscar Marion being recognized in White House ceremonies for his service to the Armed Forces of the United States.

According to Jones's findings, Oscar Marion accompanied his master for seven years of military campaigns during the Revolutionary War. Jones, a distant cousin of Oscar Marion, believes her research identifies the loyal servant as a figure represented in a historic painting on view in the US Capitol since 1899. In it a servant is roasting sweet potatoes; Francis Marion offers to share the simple meal with a British soldier.

Helsley and some of her history colleagues have documented other slaves who served with Francis Marion, including Moses Irvine who gained his freedom because of his service with Marion during the Revolution.

Other evidence of interest in African American genealogy was last year's Black History Month series, African American Lives that aired on SC- ETV. Featured were Quincy Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, astronaut Mae Jameson, and neurosurgeon Ben Carson. The searches employed a combination of sophisticated DNA sampling and advanced genealogical research.

"Researchers who come with names, nicknames, stories, places their ancestors lived, and any information about what kind of work they did will likely get results soonest," said Helsley whose genealogy series Branches is used in SCETV programming.

Recently, Helsley worked with a California woman whose South Carolina roots brought her home to research a family connection. She found one line that led her back to an African American immigrant. "It is rare for such individuals to be listed in any records by name, especially that early," said Helsley.

"Census records are key sources for African American genealogical research. The census records for 1870 were the first to list African Americans by name. The 1880 was the second, but there is no 1890 census as a fire in Washington destroyed those records." Helsley said that fire left an informational gap between 1880 and 1900. "The 1930 census is the last census open."

During the two- hour workshop, Helsley will provide search strategies, direct participants to resources, and answer specific questions. The Search Rooms will be open following the workshop for those who want to begin their search right away. The History Center closes at 4:45 pm.

The genealogy workshop is sponsored by the SC Archives and History Foundation as part of the Second Saturday series and will be Jan. 13, 2007, beginning at 10 am. For information about membership and registration, call 803-896-5729.