Using Tax Records in African American Genealogy: 
Melchor Slave Record, 1863

Photo courtesy of Yancey Family Genealogy.

As we have mentioned before, African American genealogy often becomes more difficult for the researcher when using records before the 1870 federal census. The task of checking records and deeds of sale for persons whose last names may have changed several times prior to the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863 and again upon the conclusion of the Civil War takes a great deal of time, even with the growing body of published sources available. Tax records are another source which may possibly lead to the identification of individuals.

The following list shows the name, age and value of each slave owned by Christopher Melchor of Cabarrus County. It was taken from the 1863 Cabarrus County tax assessment list. The original record book, titled Record of the Assessment List and Other Proceedings Had Thereon by the Board of Assessors, is located in the Office of the Clerk of Court, Cabarrus County Courthouse. The microfilm record prepared by the N. C. Archives is labeled Cabarrus County Board of Assessors, Record of the Assessment List, 1860-1868, 1 volume. Copies of the original document are also on file in the Lore Local History Room at the Concord Library.

Assessment List for District No. 8

Name                              Age                    Value_

Buck                                   60                         500

Mack                                  56                         400

Andy                                  46                      1000

Alfred                                41                         800

Elias                                    38                        700

Mark                                   33                      1600

Lewis                                  33                      1600

Burton                               32                      1600

Caleb                                  28                      1600

George                               23                      1600

Amos                                  21                      1600

John                                    19                      1600

Crawford                           18                      1600

Isaiah                                 12                      1200

Adam                                    7                        700

Frank                                    6                         100

Jones                                    3                         300

Horrace                               3                         300

Frank                                    2                         200

Violet                                58                         200

Mariah                              54                         300

Mary                                  36                       1100

Jane                                   35                       1200

Clementine                     26                       1400

May                                    22                      1400

Martha                              22                      1400

Caroline                            13                      1200

Laney                                 11                      1000

Francis                                7                        600

Dorah                                  5                         400

Eliza                                   36                         300

Leah                                      1                         100

Caroline                               1                         100

Infant                                    1 week             100

Infant                                    1 week             100