Two volumes of local interest recently arrived at the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center. “Kingston Parish Register: Mathews, Gloucester and Middlesex Counties, Virginia—Slaves and Slaveholders, 1747-1827” and “Powhatan Indian Place Names in Tidewater Virginia” are now available for local history and genealogical researchers.

The register, compiled by Martha W. McCartney, is an outgrowth of her research in writing the comprehensive history of Mathews County. In this newer volume, there are 1860 entries by first name in connection with the owner. Birth, baptismal and some death dates provide indispensable clues for family history research. Slaves, who were considered personal property, were taxable and transferable. Therefore, birth records would provide unimpeachable proof of ownership. The volume was published in 2014, is softbound, has 108 pages and sells for $15 plus tax.

“Powhatan Indian Place Names in Tidewater Virginia” was written by McCartney and Helen C. ...