Presented by Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, live via Zoom
Saturday, 15 February 2025 | 2 – 4 p.m. ET | Free and open to the public
EXTENDED: The recording and handout for this presentation is now available for COGS members through 22 March 2025 under Member Resources.
View Dr. Abbott’s program with COGS in person or via Zoom (seating is limited)
First A.M.E. Church, C.D. Wilkerson Fellowship Hall, 521 N. Hull St., Athens, GA
Using a case study, this research will begin with one complex question “Who is the enslaver of Felix Boykin?” Starting with the 1950 U.S. population census in Troup Co., Georgia, you will learn the steps used to reconstruct this family from freedom to slavery. This includes learning the importance of researching the families of both the enslaver and the enslaved, as well as understanding how these families, one black and one white, are intertwined. In addition to the U.S. population censuses, you will learn how important cluster research (FAN club) is to the genealogy process and the importance of using various records such as newspapers, wills, probate files, court records, etc., and how they can be utilized to overcome the unique circumstances in researching enslaved individuals.
Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, is a professional genealogist specializing in genealogical methodology, manuscript collections, and African American family research. She is past president of the African American Genealogical Society and a retired professor of Counseling from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. She holds both the BS and MEd degrees from Tuskegee University and the PhD degree from Kent State University. Dr. Abbott is coordinator of the African American Track at both the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and GRIP Genealogy Institute. She teaches at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) and is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Association of Professional Genealogist (APG), and the Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG).
Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society 