Seems unlikely since the vast majority of slaves were illiterate and could neither read nor write.
JDS
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Kukla <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wed, Oct 27, 2010 7:02 pm
Subject: Re: Former slaves as census takers
Sure there were freedmen in various offices, in various southern states and
ities, etc. during Reconstruction. None of that is subject to the layers
f surprise suggested. But the question the two of us asked was simply
bout documentary evidence for the statement about the administration of the
ensus, to wit: "In 1870, most census takers were often former slaves."
Its a fair question - deserving of something better than a general
ommentary about freedmen and office-holding in the Reconstruction era.
othing hostile. No agendas. Just wondering about supporting evidence for an
nteresting statement about the administration of the census in 1870.
Its so fair a question, in fact, that perhaps it should be asked again:
'm (still) curious about the documentary evidence for the statement that
In 1870,
ost census takers were often former slaves....."
nd I expect that the other VA-HIST participant who was "intrigued by your
omment that 'In 1870, most census takers were often former slaves' may
till be wondering:
Where is this documented?"
Fair questions?
on Kukla
_______________
ww.JonKukla.com <http://www.jonkukla.com/>
n Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 3:46 PM, Craig Kilby <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I was talking about the Deep South and in particular Columbia County,
Georgia as a good example. A district-by-district account would indeed be
most interesting.
I am intrigued by the notion represented in your note and Jon Kukla that
former slaves (or if you wish, freed blacks) were not a major part of the
Re-constructionist governments of both states and the US Congress (from the
South.) Surely, this is no surprise. If this comes as a big surprise, I am
surprised to learn it. MANY southern whites and former confederates would
not take the oath of allegiance and were banned from voting or holding
public office. If I am wrong here, please explain it to me. I have in one
case of a great-something uncle whose CW pension application (issued in
Tennessee) talks about his CW service and that he could not vote until 1879
because he refused to take the oath of allegiance until that year in order
that he could vote in county elections.
You needn't take my word for this. This is probably on facebook.com. Then
there were his two brothers who moved to St. Louis at this same time, which
was considered a "confederate friendly state."
I don't particularly see the need to re-invent what is pretty well known
material.
Craig
On Oct 27, 2010, at 3:15 PM, Leslie Anderson wrote:
>
>
> Craig --
>
> I'm intrigued by your comment that "In 1870, most census takers were
often former slaves."
> Where is this documented?
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
> Leslie Anderson
> Reference Librarian
> Special Collections
> [http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us/] Alexandria Library
> [log in to unmask]
> 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2420
> Ph: 703-746-1718 Fax: 703-746-1720
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Craig Kilby" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 14:11
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] When was the 1860 census taken?
>
> Mari
>
> Avoiding the 5 w's of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) is
always a safe ground to take--but it is also very irresponsible. If you look
a little deeper (perhaps not in Virginia as much as the more deep south
states, and Reconstruction in general, you'll note quite a few changes. This
is only natural. In 1870, most census takers were often former slaves, and
it dos not take a leap of faith to understand that their world-view of "who"
was radially different from had been reported earlier. This is why I think
the 1870 census is so fascinating. We all (should) know that any census is
not perfect. To ignore the reality of the times and federal apportionment
politics is, in my view, a big mistake.
>
> My 2c only, and I'm always open and willing to learn new things. Another
good reason to be on this fantastic list. Thank you Mari and everyone else
for this thread.
>
> Craig
>
> On Oct 26, 2010, at 12:59 PM, Julienne, Mari (LVA) wrote:
>
>> I am not making any reference to the politics of census taking.
>
> ______________________________________
> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions
at
> http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
>
>
> ______________________________________
> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions
at
> http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
>
______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
______________________________________
o subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
ttp://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
|
