Black Laws in Early Ohio
By June 1, 1805, all Black residents of Ohio were required to register themselves and children with county authorities. The registration fee was 12-1/2 cents. The following entries are contained in a ledger with the spine title, Marriage Record, Vol. 1, Probate Court of Washington County, Ohio. The ledger also has a label identifying its contents as Marriage Records - Ministers Licenses - Court Records. The entries are made on an unnumbered page in the last quarter of the ledger. Office of Clerk 28th Sepr 1805 This day Silpher Extor a black Girl of the age eighteen years having been born in the State of Connecticut, & lived with & in the family of George D Avery of Bellsvill [now in West Virginia] till the month of July last past came forward and entered herself in this office as is provided by a Law of this state regulating Black & Mulatto persons &c. ...