“The family Bible is at Oakley, but I think Tulip is about 75 years old and was married when 16 or 17 years old…” [Letter to Pension Bureau on behalf of Tulip (Coleman) Hedgman for her Civil War widow’s pension, 22 Jan 1931]

— Rebecca (Dulany) Beverley [daughter of Henry & Ida Dulany, born at Oakley on 10 Nov 1859]

List of enslaved at Oakley c. 1860
Mary Eliza “Ida” Powell & Henry Grafton Dulany Family Bible Records, 1855-2023, The Holy Bible (New York: American Bible Society, 1854), “Oakley servants,” c. 1860; privately held by Joseph Roby, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond Project?

Welcome! The Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond Project is a genealogical research project tracing an enslaved community in northern Fauquier County, Virginia. My Dulany ancestors owned a property called, Oakley, beginning in the 1850s. They enslaved dozens of people, possibly as many as 100, prior to the end of the Civil War. By using typical sources, as well as the Dulany family bible from Oakley, which lists the names and birth years of 80 enslaved people, my goal is to completely build each person’s family tree. I want to trace as far back in time as possible and to present day. Connecting with living descendants is a goal and I would love to hear from you if you think you are connected to Oakley.

Who is behind this project?

My name is Joseph Roby. I am a descendant of the Dulany family who once owned Oakley. I am also a professional genealogist. I am currently the Chapter Representative of the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. I belong to, and I am an active member in numerous historical and genealogical societies, many of those in Virginia.

I am related to someone listed on this website. How can I contribute or get in touch with the project leader?

Please use the Contact Form below or the Contact tab above to send a message. It helps to be specific about people, places, and dates. I look forward to hearing from you!

Get in touch

enslavedatoakley@gmail.com

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