The Slave Have Names
Presented by African American Genealogical and History Society
ANDThe Fluvanna County Historical Society
The Bremo PlantationsLocated in
Bremo Bluff on the James River
Privately owned by descendants of the original owner, John Hartwell Cocke
Timeline of Bremo’s Enslaved Community
Slaves came to Bremo in 1725 to clear land and build hunting lodge
First slaves living at Bremo in 1781
Enslaved there until 1865
Some families continued to live on the property for 2-3 years after Emancipation
Facts about Bremo’s Enslaved Community
At least 246 people were enslaved there over the 84 years slaves worked in Bremo
Most were several generations removed from Africa
Many, many of the enslaved families worked for the Cockes for many generations
Treatment of SlavesRelatively well-
treated.
Taught to read and write.
Given clothing
Given time off
Provided medical care
They were still property
Whipped
Sold
Banished
Owned – no freedom
Slave CemeteryOver 100 people are buried here
We think there at least one other cemetery, but it’s yet to be found.
Genealogy – A Quick List The genealogies of African Americans in the 19th century is
hard.
Try to go back as far as you can with who knew who.
Use marriage records, land records, court records – all in the county clerk’s office.
Ask people what they remember.
Hire a genealogist.
Post on message forums.
Use church records.
Talk to folks in CVHR - http://www.centralvirginiahistory.org/
Feel free to email me – [email protected]
Many ThanksCreasy Family
Skipwith Family
Cocke Family
AAGHS
Fluvanna Co. Historical Society
Central Virginia History Researchers
All the descendants
All of you
My Deepest Thanks
To all the people enslaved at Bremo, for your work, your lives, and your stories.
Primus, Ben, Lucy, Jesse, Lucy, Malvina, Nelson, Oliver, James, Peyton, Minerva, Berthier . . And the 222 more of you whose names I know . . . And the countless others whose names I’ve yet to find.