History Commons^™

Manumission Records Of Black Persons

Local Government Records

In 1804, the Ohio General Assembly enacted the Ohio Black Codes to govern black and mulatto people living in the state. Under these Codes, free blacks and mulattos were required to register at their local court, proving they were free by providing emancipation papers or witnesses who could prove their “free” status and guarantee their good behavior with a monetary surety. You can see a name index of the Register by visiting our Emancipation Index for Miami County.