Freedmen's Records - Russell County, Virginia History - Slaves and Free Blacks of Russell County

Freedmen's Bureau, Education Records

In 1865 the U. S. Federal Government established the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands to help freed slaves integrate themselves into society. Freed slaves were re-connected to lost family members, schools were created, help was given in obtaining food and health care, and freed slaves were given legal advocacy in court cases.

More than 1,000 schools for freedmen were established in the South. Schools in Russell County began to be established in December of 1868. Although the records are unclear, it appears that in Russell County, schools were established at Lebanon and Dickensonville by Fountain Richardson; at Copper Creek by William F. Gardner, and at New Garden by Comadore Hurt. Hurt's tenure at New Garden appears to have been quite short, as Gardner is listed as the teacher at that school in January of 1869. Gardner and Hurt were local teachers, which Richardson (also spelled Richison) had previously taught in Tennessee.

Record keeping was haphazard - the local administrator was in Abingdon and had control over several southwestern Virginia counties. Monthly reports exist to some extent for most of 1869. These reports consist of monthly reports listing various attendance figures, school rental information, and general comments by the teachers.

Sub-Assistant Commissioner Letter (excerpt), 1866

State Superintendent Letters, 1869

State Superintendent Letters, 1869

State Superintendent Reports, 1869

Sub-Assistant Commissioner's Report, December, 1868

State Superintendent Report, March, 1869

State Superintendent Report, April, 1869

State Superintendent Report, May, 1869

State Superintendent Report, June, 1869

State Superintendent Report, July, 1869

State Superintendent Report, August, 1869

State Superintendent Report, September, 1869