Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond
Joseph Roby
Family Historian
Reasearch Area
- Slavery-Era Genealogy
- African American History
- Civil War-Era Records
- Mid-Atlantic and New England Genealogy
- Irish and Eastern European Ancestry
Affiliations
Genealogists in the Association of Professional Genealogists
Contributor of Last Seen
URL: Visit Our Site
Blog: Visit Our Blog
Biography
Joseph Roby is a genealogist primarily known for his work on the “Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond” project. This significant research endeavor focuses on tracing the histories of enslaved individuals who were held in bondage by Roby’s ancestors, the Dulany family, at Oakley, a plantation in Fauquier County, Virginia. Roby’s work is deeply rooted in a personal connection to his family history and a broader commitment to uncovering and preserving the stories of those who were enslaved.
The “Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond” project involves meticulous genealogical research, utilizing historical documents like the Dulany family Bible, which lists the names and birth years of about 80 enslaved people. Roby’s goal is to build comprehensive family trees for these individuals and connect with their living descendants. This project is part of Roby’s broader interest in slavery-era genealogy and African American history, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
In addition to his work on this project, Roby is actively involved with several genealogical and historical organizations, including the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (GPAC-APG). He has also contributed to the “Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery” project, where he used historical ads to trace and connect with the descendants of formerly enslaved people in Fauquier County.
Key Details about Oakley Plantation
Oakley Plantation: The project’s primary focus is on the Oakley Plantation, a historic estate that dates back to the mid 19th century. This plantation was part of the larger agrarian system in Northern Virginia that relied heavily on enslaved labor.
Beyond Oakley: The project also extends its research to other nearby plantations and properties where enslaved individuals who were connected to Oakley might have lived or worked. This broader scope allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the regional impact of slavery and the networks of enslaved communities.
Families Covered in the Project:
The Willis Family: The Willis family is one of the enslaved lineages connected to Oakley plantation. The research on the Willis family likely involves tracing their genealogy back to individuals who were enslaved on the plantation, identifying their descendants, and reconstructing their family trees. The name Willis might have been passed down through generations, possibly originating from an enslaved ancestor who was part of the Oakley community.
The Peters Family: The Peters family, like the others, is traced as part of the broader research effort to uncover the lives and histories of enslaved individuals at Oakley. This family’s genealogy is reconstructed through various historical documents, including birth records, family Bibles, and post-emancipation records. The Peters family history is significant in understanding the community of enslaved people at Oakley and their contributions to the area’s history.
The Marshall Family: The Marshall family is another enslaved family from Oakley. The research may include identifying the specific individuals within the Marshall family who were held in bondage at the plantation and their movements and life events post-emancipation. The Marshall family history may also be intertwined with other families on the plantation, revealing the complex relationships among the enslaved community.
The Coleman Family: The Coleman family has a notable presence in the “Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond” project. One individual from this family, Tulip (Coleman) Hedgman, is particularly highlighted for her story, as she was married young and later applied for a Civil War widow’s pension. The Coleman family’s history is pieced together through these types of records, which provide insights into their lives during and after slavery.
The Jackson Family: The Jackson family is also part of the research conducted under this project. The Jacksons, like the other families, are traced through historical documents that reveal their lives during enslavement and their experiences following emancipation. The goal is to connect with living descendants and provide a fuller picture of the Jackson family’s heritage.
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