Adams County MS

Adams County, Mississippi, is the oldest county in the state, officially organized on April 2, 1799, while still under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Territory, and named in honor of President John Adams. The county seat, Natchez, located on the Mississippi River, was established by the French in 1716 as Fort Rosalie, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the Lower Mississippi Valley, and it later became a center of early American governance, trade, and antebellum plantation culture. The region was originally inhabited by the Natchez people, a complex Mississippian society forcibly displaced during the early 18th century. Adams County has some of the richest genealogical records in the South, including church, land, probate, slave, cemetery, and court records dating from the late 1700s, with early U.S. censuses beginning in 1800. The Natchez District was an early area of cotton plantation development, heavily reliant on enslaved labor, and thus features detailed slave schedules, Freedmen’s Bureau records, and estate inventories relevant for African American genealogy. Local records are held at the Adams County Courthouse, the Natchez City Archives, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, making the county a cornerstone for genealogical research in the Deep South.

Natchez Court and Land Records, 1767-1805

The Natchez Court Records and the Written Evidence of Land Claims are presented in two main sections: the court records from 1781 to 1798, and the written evidence of land claims from 1767 to 1805. Notes and full name index are included at the end of the volume. This comprehensive documentation provides a crucial historical resource for understanding the legal and territorial evolution of the Natchez District during the transition from British to Spanish to American control.

Early Mississippi Marriages 1800-1900

The following database represents a collection of 151,208 early Mississippi marriage records. The earliest occurs in 1800, the latest in 1900. The counties represented in the database: Adams, Amite, Carroll, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Harrison, Hinds, Itawamba, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lowndes, Madison, Marshall, Monroe, Noubee, Noxubee, Pontotoc, Rankin, Sunflower, Tippah, Tishomingo, Warren, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha, and Yazoo.

1st Mississippi Light Artillery

The 1st Mississippi Light Artillery, also known as Withers’ Light Artillery, comprised several companies raised across Mississippi, participating in key battles during the Civil War. Initially assembled in May 1862, the regiment played a crucial role in the defense of Vicksburg against Union forces, with notable contributions at Chickasaw Bayou and the Vicksburg campaign. Throughout its service, the artillery faced significant casualties and challenges, ultimately surrendering at Vicksburg in July 1863. Afterward, surviving members regrouped as infantry before continuing their service in various capacities.

The Natchez

On February 11, 1700, explorers led by De Iberville reached Natchez, welcomed by a chief and his warriors. The Natchez were known for their sacred practices, including a temple that housed a perpetual fire and involved ritual sacrifices in times of crisis. Their society was structured around the Great Sun, a pivotal figure in their worship and governance. As they traversed the Mississippi, explorers documented their customs, including festivals aligned with lunar cycles and the poignant traditions of life and death, marking the Natchez as a significant nation in early American history.

Mound Builders

The post discusses the connection between ancient mounds in North America and the indigenous tribes, refuting the notion that these structures were built by a distinct race known as the Mound Builders. Evidence presented includes similarities in skull structure among various tribes and the fortified nature of their towns. Early European explorers observed these communities engaged in agriculture and crafting, challenging the idea of indigenous nomadism. The author argues that the mounds are the work of Native Americans, the true ancestors of today’s tribes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their legacy.

The Creation of an Indian Mound

Garcellasso de la Vega notes that American Indian communities began town planning with the construction of mounds for chiefs and warriors, creating a social hierarchy. Mounds served both as living quarters and defensive structures, with evidence of such constructions spanning centuries. The Natchez Indians, for example, built extensive mounds in Louisiana for protection against the French. Excavations of these mounds reveal human remains alongside artifacts, illustrating the cultural practices surrounding death and memorialization among Native American tribes, such as the Choctaws, who honored their deceased with intricate burial customs.

Natchez Trace

In 1792, a treaty with the Chickasaw at Chickasaw Bluffs established the Natchez Trace, a significant route connecting Nashville to Natchez. Initially a thoroughfare for emigrants, it soon became infamous for outlaws like Mason and Murrell, who preyed on travelers. Despite efforts to capture these bandits, they eluded authorities until betrayal led to Mason’s demise. The Trace witnessed both lawlessness and camaraderie among its diverse users, ultimately fading from memory as it transformed into farmland, overshadowed by the bustling growth of nearby settlements.

The Discovery Of This Continent: It’s Results To The Natives

In 1470, Christopher Columbus married Dona Felipa, daughter of a renowned navigator, and settled in Porto Santo, where they shared dreams of discovering lands to the West. Their ambitions fueled Columbus’s determination, leading to his 1492 voyage that resulted in the European discovery of the Americas. However, this event marked the beginning of devastation for native peoples, introducing warfare, disease, and colonization that would decimate their populations and cultures, ultimately transforming their rich, diverse societies into shadows of their former selves.

Slave Narrative of James Lucas

James Lucas, an ex-slave born in 1833, recounts his life under various masters, including Jefferson Davis. He describes his experiences in slavery, the roles of both kind and cruel masters, and the limited freedoms post-Civil War. Lucas discusses the transition to freedom, noting the hardships faced, including poverty and disease. He reflects on the relationships with his fellow slaves, the impact of the war, and the challenges of adjusting to freedom. Now elderly, he lives alone, reminiscing about a life filled with both difficulty and moments of joy.

Slave Narrative of Charlie Davenport

In this interview, Charlie Davenport recounts his life as a slave on Gabriel Shields’ plantation in Natchez, Mississippi. Born shortly before his mother’s death, he shares fond memories of childhood, camaraderie, and traditional foods. Despite experiencing hardships, he describes good treatment from his master and his eventual decision to stay on the plantation post-Civil War, valuing stability over freedom. Davenport reflects on the complexities of the war, the challenges of emancipation, and social changes, highlighting the lingering ties between former slaves and their white families.

Slave Narrative of Isaac Stier

Isaac Stier, born into slavery in Jefferson County, Mississippi, recounts his life under Marse Jeems Stowers’ plantation. He shares experiences of being cared for during illness, enjoying festive occasions, and the hardships faced during the Civil War, particularly at Vicksburg. Although he fought alongside his master, post-war life proved challenging, as freedom did not bring the expected improvements. Stier reflects on the kindness of his former masters, the unpredictability of the Klan, and the struggles of his later years, expressing a longing for simpler times.

Slave Narrative of Celia Henderson

Celia Henderson, born in 1849 in Hardin County, Kentucky, recalls her early life shaped by slavery. Her mother, a skilled cook, was sold to settle a debt, leading the family to Natchez, where they lived and worked. Celia, who helped with chores from a young age, shares memories of community gatherings and herbal remedies from her mother. Now 88, she reflects on her family history, including her own struggles with aging and the transition from enslavement to a life of limited means in Ohio.

Slave Narrative of Bob Maynard

Bob Maynard, a 79-year-old former slave, recounts his childhood in Marlin, Texas, where he served his master’s household. Describing life on the plantation, he highlights the large colonial-style home, the duties he performed, and the harsh realities of slave life, including the threat of patrollers. Maynard reflects on the Civil War and the eventual freedom offered by his master. He recalls Abraham Lincoln’s visit and expresses mixed feelings toward Confederate leaders. After the war, Maynard describes gradual freedom and his family life, noting he has 19 children and several grandchildren.

Natchez Tribe

The Natchez Indians were a prominent tribe historically located near St. Catherines Creek in modern-day Mississippi. Originally numbering around 6,000 in the late 17th century, they engaged in multiple conflicts with the French, culminating in their decline after a devastating war in 1729. While many Natchez were killed or enslaved, survivors dispersed among other tribes, maintaining their distinct language and culture. The tribe was known for its agricultural lifestyle, advanced arts, and unique societal structure, including a powerful chief and ritualistic practices centered on sun worship.