African American Research
in Orange County

Resources

• Forgotten Hoosiers: African Heritage in Orange County, Indiana by Coy D. Robbins; this looks to be "the" resource if you are researching African American families in Orange County! From the back cover, with permission:
• "Following an introductory essay on African heritage in Indiana, this well-researched book presents the story of pioneers of color who came primarily from North Carolina and Virginia, and bought land in Orange County. Fifteen chapters cover the founding of the Lick Creek Settlement, known locally as "Little Africa" and situated now in the Hoosier National Forest area; plus abstracts of land, marriages, wills, estates, indentures and apprenticeships, and certificates of freedom records (1823-1851) found in the courthouse. This volume also provides data from the "Register of Negroes and Mulattos" mandated by the 1852 Indiana law; sketches the twenty soldiers who fought in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War; summarizes pioneer religion and churches (including colored membership in white Methodist churches, the advent of African Methodism, and the establishment of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) and First Baptist Churches); lists the cemeteries and burying grounds; discusses early Indiana education and the racially segregated Dunbar School (1911-1937); and, tells about the seasonal employees in the French Lick and West Baden Springs resort hotels who formed their own Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges early in this century. Contributing a vital history of midwestern African Americans in the antebellum era, this book also includes a wealth of genealogical data. Histories of the Scott, Roberts, Newby and Thomas families are presented with details collected during the author's travels in Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Canada. There are four appendices including U.S. Census population, 1820-1910. Tables, charts, and maps enhance the book a great deal. An index will help locate people and places."
• Indiana Negro Registers, 1852-1865 by Coy D. Robbins; from the back cover, with permission:
• "This volume is a compilation of fifteen "Registers of Negroes and Mulattoes" maintained by the clerk of County Clerks between 1852-1865. They were mandated by "An Act to enforce the thirteenth article of the Constitution approved in 1852." For the first time these registers have been made available in one publication, fully indexed, with documentation. An important source of African American history during the antebellum era, this book also contains a wealth of genealogical information. "Over two thousand registrants are identified as free people of color and Hoosier residents, primarily in the southern region of the state." Counties represented in the collection are: Bartholomew, Floyd, Franklin, Gibson, Harrison, Hendricks, Jackson, Jennings, Jefferson, Knox, Martin, Ohio, Orange, Switzerland, and Washington. Each entry includes: name, age, description, place of birth, residence, names of witnesses, and date registered. The description category often includes names of parents, when available, and physical characteristics."
• Reclaiming African Heritage at Salem, Indiana by Coy D. Robbins. From the press release, with permission:
• "Preserving a little-known slice of Hoosier and midwestern history of the early 19th century, this well-researched book chronicles the development of racially segregated communities as increasing constraints were placed on minorities in Washington County, Indiana, where Salem is the seat of government. It is an excellent study of free African Americans from Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia who settled in this region. The author presents abundant genealogical, historical and legal facts which highlight the founding of African American communities in Salem and nearby farmlands: their locations; names of initial members, taxpayers, and landowners; certificates of freedom; Negro Register; marriages; and burials. The first chapter gives a summary of African and European history in early Indiana. Later chapters include discussions on the question of slavery existing in Washington County, different African Methodist Episcopal Churches and their assigned ministers, the education of colored children, and reports about local soldiers who served in the Union Army with the U.S. Colored Troops in the Civil War. Detailed family histories based upon research findings in several surrounding states and Canada include the Alexanders, Burketts, Christies, Cousins, Newbys, Parkers, Ropers, Scotts, and Whites. Most remarkable is the story of John Williams, the African blacksmith who amassed a sizeable estate which today continues to provide scholarships for the education of Indiana's colored youth. A critique of the county's underground railroad stories and a review of the reign of violence and intimidation by Indiana's secret societies after President Lincoln's election complete this unique publication on antebellum history. A wealth of tables, charts, maps, miscellaneous documents, newspaper articles, and everyname index, and eight appendices, including U.S. census abstracts (1820-1860), make information readily accessible."

The above three books are sold directly from the publishers, and may be ordered by writing: Heritage Books, 1540-E Pointer Ridge Pl., Suite 301, Bowie, MD 20706.

Links to African American info on the Orange County page

• "Africa" Cemetery
• Lick Creek Settlement Cemetery
• Knights of Pythias Cemetery
• Newberry Cemetery
• Bethel Cemetery (Reuben and Penelope Bond)
• Green Hill Cemetery (Todd Family)
• Military Service: Civil War--13th Reg., 23rd Reg., 28th Reg. D, 28th Reg. E, 28th Reg. F, 28th Reg. unk Co.., unit unknown

Contributed by Lois Mauk, who writes: "The following is quoted from an announcement in the Friday, September 5, 1997 issue of the Indiana Edition of the Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal. Sorry, but I have no additional information other than what is related here."

ARCHAEOLOGIST SEEKS VOLUNTEER HELPERS
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"During the 19th century, before slavery was abolished in the South, freed slaves established the small community of Lick Creek in Orange County [Indiana].

"Angie Krieger, an archaeologist for the Hoosier National Forest, is conducting research to find out the names of the people who lived in LICK CREEK and to learn more about their family life. Krieger is looking for volunteers to help her with the study between September 15 and 19 to coincide with Indiana's second annual Archaeology Week, which runs from September 15 through Sept. 21.

"Lick Creek began in 1817 and had its population peak in 1855 with 16 families living on more than 1,500 acres. Krieger's study will focus on reviewing archives and conducting field work to assess the condition of the settlement today.

"Volunteers need to be capable of moderate physical activity. People with skills in GENEALOGY, photography, cartography and woodland orienteering are needed. Volunteers need to register by Wednesday [SEPTEMBER 10, 1997] to participate.

"To register, call Angie Krieger at (812) 275-5987."
________________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL MESSAGE FROM LOIS:

A brief Internet search disclosed the following address for Ms. Krieger's office:

Hoosier National Forest 811 Constitution Ave. Bedford, IN 47421 PHONE: (812) 275-5987 TTY: (812) 279-3423 FAX: (812) 279-3423