Marriage certificate issued by the Freedmen's Bureau
A marriage certificate issued by the Freedmen's Bureau legally recognizing the marriage of Sarah Ann to Benjamin Berry Manson, who were formerly enslaved in Tennessee. Sarah and B. B. had considered themselves married for more than 20 years, but enslaved people were not legally allowed to marry in any state. A transcription of the document is below.
The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; NAI: 595003; Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands; Record Group Number: 105; Series Number: M1875
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
By the authority of Circular No. 5, dated Assistant Commissioner's Offive Ky. and Tenn., Nashville, Feb. 26, 1866, I certify that I have this day united B. B. Manson and Sarah Ann B. (White), colored, in the bonds of matrimony, they having been living together a man and wife for about since Oct 28, 1843 years past, and have had, as the result thereof, the following children, viz:
John S. W. (White) Manson, Aged about 21 years. Served in 14 U.S.C.[illegible]
Jane (bo) Manson 20
Martin Clark (bo) Manson 18 served in 14 U.S.C.[illegible]
Robb Pryoer (bo) Manson 17
Ellen Clopton (bo) Manson 16
Sallie (bo) Manson 14
Paul (bo) Manson 12
William (bo) Manson 10
Patsy Agnes (no) Manson 6
In witness whereof, I have herunto set my hand in duplicate at office in Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee, April 19, 1866.
S. B. F. C. Barr, Sup't
Wilson County.
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