The county Birth Registers altogether range from 1853 to 1885, and record the birth of every individual in the greater Roanoke area during this time frame, whether white, enslaved African American, or free African American. Typically, less information for enslaved people was recorded. Only first names were recorded and place of birth was recorded with much less specificity. Moreover, the birth registers had a category for “Father’s Name or Owner if Enslaved,” meaning in the case of most enslaved people, the enslaver’s information would be given instead of the child’s father. Nonetheless these records are an important source for connecting enslaved children to their mothers, and providing information about their births that is otherwise not found in other records.
David was listed in the Free Black Register as having a "dark complexion," scars on his left forefinger and right little finger, and a stiff finger on his right hand. David registered twice at 21 and 22 years old, and his height was recorded twice as 5 feet 7.5 inches and 5 feet 8.5 inches. He appeared in Common Law Book E at 21 and 22 years old.
Dale was not included in an appraisal of Thomas Lunsford's slaves conducted in June of 1862. This could mean Dale was sold to another enslaver before this time, or had died.
In Common Law Book F, Charles Stratten was charged with stealing a hog from D. C. Yates. He was found guilty of petit larceny and ordered to return before the next grand jury. His bail was set at $50.00.