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| AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Page Originated 12/21/03 |
| History of Cumberland County, North Carolina: In the Upper Cape Fear Region, in 1754, Cumberland County NC was formed from Bladen County, NC. The area had been settled by Highland Scot Immigrants between 1729 and 1736. Two major places of business were Campbellton and Cross Creek. Cross Creek's popularity grew, and it was eventually named Upper Campbellton. It became the County Seat in 1778. In 1783, it was again renamed Fayetteville in honor of the Marquis De La Fayette. |
| AFRICAN AMERICANS SEARCHING Genealogy can be a difficult task for any person, but most especially for those who are African American. African Americans have a very special place in the history of this country, and most especially in its southern states. We can count our lot among the children of Freed Persons of Color; Slaves; Indentured Servants; Native Americans; and/or all other Free Persons. Below I have listed places and things that are available to you locally for your genealogy search.: 1. Cumberland County Library Headquarters Local and State History Room 300 Maiden Lane Fayetteville, NC 910-483-3745 * They have a collection of Cumberland County Census dating from 1790-1930. The 1850 and 1860 Slave Schedules are located there, as well as the Colored Brides and Grooms lists. The staff is very helpful, and copying information is very inexpensive. 2. Cumberland County Courthouse Vital Records Office 117 Dick Street Fayetteville, NC 910-678-7797. * They have Birth; Marriage; and Death Certificates, (1913-present). Cost is very inexpensive for non-certified copies. 3. Fayetteville Street Guides are located at the Cumbelrand County Library Headquarters for the years 1906-1924. Very helpful for finding family member; streets they lived on; and occupations. |
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| MY FAMILY IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA |
| I am in the process of tracing my family's ancestry in Cumberland County, NC. So far, I have found us right here in Cross Creek Township since at least 1833; and within North Carolina as early as 1805. Researching has enabled me to realize that we were not just of African orgin, but also Native American, and European, We more than likely encompassed enslaved people, as well as free. In my personal search, I have found that there is very little guidance for the African American, (tri-racial), persons in Cumberland County and on the web. I am hoping that this webpage will help others in their search. For questions regarding research in Cumberland County NC, I can be emailed at QUOPOE@YAHOO.COM. |
| I am searching for the following Cumberland County NC families: Poe; Bogans, Pettiford, Council, and Bibby, (Beebe) They were comprised of Wheelwrights, Cooks, Blacksmiths, ACL Railroad, Silkmill workers, Draymen, and Holsters. Any assistance with these families in Cumberland County NC would be appreciated, (especially those of you with Estate information, Tax Lists, and family history, (Bible records, etc.). |
| This page is a work in progress. If, in error, I have accessed information that should not be a part of this webpage, please, email me at QUOPOE@YAHOO.COM with your concerns, and I will address them accordingly. I ask that any family pictures on this webpage not be used without this author's permission. Thank you. |
| RACE CODE HELP FOR NC *Black- Someone of African ancestry. Usually a slave, but could have been free. *Mulatto-Someone of mixed racial ancestry, (Black/White; Black/Indian; Black/White/Indian). Might have been enslaved, but also could have been free. *White- Someone of Western European ancestry. Usually free, but were also indentured. |
| NC NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES IN AND AROUND CUMBERLAND COUNTY 1. Lumbee- Also known as "Croatan." They are the largest group in the Cumberland County area. 2. Coharie- Most located "over the river," (Cape Fear River). 3. Waccamaw-Siouan- Most located in Bladen and Columbus County. *Many of the above peoples were listed as Mulatto and/or Free Persons of Color. They have also been identified as Tri-racial Isoloates. Common surnames are: Locklear, Jacobs, Oxendines, Cummings, Hammonds, Goins, (there are other surnames but these are some of the most common. |
| MULATTO FAMILIES IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY *Paul Heinegg's, Free African Americans of North Carolina and Virginia, provides an excellent source of information regarding Mulatto families. Some common surnames inCumberland County are: Pettiford, Bibby, (Beebe), Perry, and Chestnutt. *This site can be found by doing a websearch. |
| Things to Remember When Researching: 1. Don't give up. The rewards of finding your people is well worth the effort. So what if you can't go all the way back to Africa. Honoring those who survived is wonderful thing!. 2. It's better to start with you and work backwards. Don't think that you know it all and can start from the 1700's. Being a multcolored people, you never know where you will end up. 3. Talk to as many older relatives as you can. The smallest memory will sometimes make all the difference in your family's genealogy. 4. Don't be afraid of the library. They are there to help you, and they love to see you finally coming in to search. |
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