Free Black Ancestors: Tax Lists, Freedom Papers, and Estate Files

Edited by Avery Parker for South Carolina Genealogy · Article · Last reviewed August 17, 2026 · How we work & cite

Published August 17, 2026

Free people of color appear in tax lists, freedom papers, apprentice bonds, and church rolls. Always read neighboring estate inventories for manumission language.

Guide: Free Black & manumission · Hub: AA research hub · Pack: AA pack.