Cohabitation Records

Cohabitation records were created to identify and legitimize marriages and children born to those in slavery. The information may include names of individuals, ages, places where born, last known slave holders, and approximate year of marriage or cohabitation. These records are a valuable resource in indentification of former slaves. It is most likely the first time persons born into slavery are included in a public record. Records may be found in local courthouses, state archives and libraries, and other small town or local respositories.

Rural Records of Mid-Southern United States