JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI

Enslavement Record Database

Slavery existed statewide in Missouri, reaching its peak in 1860. Approximately 9.7% of Missouri’s total population was enslaved in 1860. Jackson County was not an exception. In 1860, there were 3,944 people who were documented as enslaved in the county, 17% of the total population. It can be difficult to find the names of enslaved people, as most written records were left by enslavers who had little interest in leaving behind a record of those they enslaved. Using publicly available records, this database is intended to serve as an easily accessible hub for research, particularly for documents that specifically list the names of enslaved people. The majority of this database was discovered during our search to discover the names of those enslaved at the Alexander Majors House in Recorder of Deeds documents.

This database includes historical documents, images, and quotations that reflect the language and attitudes of their time. Materials may contain racist, dehumanizing, or otherwise offensive terms, particularly in reference to enslaved and formerly enslaved people. These terms are presented as part of the historical record and are not endorsed by Wornall/Majors House Museums. They are included to support accurate interpretation, research, and public understanding of slavery and its lasting impacts along the Missouri-Kansas border. Visitors are encouraged to engage with this material thoughtfully and with care.

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Research Help

  • Our database supports exact searches. If you can’t find a document, consider utilizing variant spellings when searching, as historical documents do not always use consistent spelling, even for proper names.
  • Wornall/Majors House Museums is offering up to two hours of free research assistance to individuals who are researching family genealogy and believe their ancestor(s) were enslaved in Jackson County, Missouri. Results will be provided to you in a report with copies of documents and historical context. For more information or to request help, use our research request form below.
  • If you are a student, scholar, organization, member of the media, or other professional, we can offer some guidance but are unable to complete complex research requests. Please use the request form below for questions, or email Sarah Bader-King at sbaderking@wornallmajors.org.
  • We can also provide public presentations on the database or on enslavement on the Missouri/Kansas border for a small presenter’s fee. Book using our booking tool or by emailing Jackie Berry at jberry@wornallmajors.org.

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Please provide as much information as you have about the person you are researching including dates of birth/marriage/death, known relatives, and known places of residence.
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Wornall/Majors House Museums can provide up to 2 hours of research for those seeking information about ancestors they believe were enslaved in Jackson County, Missouri. It is possible that the museums will be unable to find information for all requests. Additionally, the museums are unable to complete complex research requests for scholars or professionals, but can provide basic research assistance or answer questions.

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