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Story
April 12, 1866
American Citizen
Canton, Madison County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
In the city, Col. Thomasson, likely from the Freedmen's Bureau, requires Black men to pay $2.50 for marriage licenses or certificates to formalize unions, sparking discontent and suspicion among the African community. (Louisville Courier)
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
NEW MATRIMONIAL ARRANGEMENT.--We have learned that the matrimonial question is the one that now most agitates the Africans in our city. Col. Thomasson, it appears, requires every negro man who is living with a wench to come forthwith, pay him $2.50 for a marriage license, and get joined in the holy bonds of wedlock. And further, he requires all negroes who have been married, to obtain certificates from him in sanction of the alliance, for which they have also to pay $2.50. In view of this state of affairs the negroes are moving around seeking for the whereabouts of the small change, and speaking very disparagingly of the "bureau." The negroes are beginning to look very suspiciously at the institution, and think that it is at least a very doubtful affair.-Lou. Courier.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
Family Drama
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Misfortune
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Matrimonial Arrangement
Negro Marriage
Marriage License
Freedmens Bureau
Col Thomasson
What entities or persons were involved?
Col. Thomasson
Where did it happen?
Our City
Story Details
Key Persons
Col. Thomasson
Location
Our City
Story Details
Col. Thomasson requires every negro man living with a wench to pay $2.50 for a marriage license and get married, and all previously married negroes to obtain certificates for $2.50, causing agitation and suspicion among the negroes towards the bureau.