Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research; however, access to this volume is limited due to preservation concerns.

Preferred Citation

Gaines-Hodge Family Bible, MS414, Alexandria Library, Local History / Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Historical Note

This Family Bible documents family history of the Gaines and Hodge families of Alexandria, Virginia in the 19th century. Specific people mentioned in the recorded vital statistics and other marginalia include: Robert Louis Gaines (1848-1909); Hannah Gaines [née Hodge] (b.1849); Robert Louis Gaines, Jr. (1873-1910); Jacob S. Gaines (b.1870); Samuel Gaines (1875-1875); Harriet Hodge (1798-1883); Lucy Hodge; James M. Buckner; Bessie [Hodge Simmons]; Ethel Smith.

Historically, family Bibles have served as a significant source for vital statistics and genealogical information. Family Bibles can contain information about family births, deaths, marriages, baptisms and confirmations. Often, families will also enclose additional materials in the volume documenting family history (holy cards, newsclippings, photographs, etc.).

In Virginia, centralized recording of vital statistics did not begin until 1853 when the General Assembly passed a law requiring the recording of births, marriages, and deaths. This law was later reversed and was not reinstituted until 1912. Because it wasn't required between 1898 and 1912, birth and death records were not officially maintained in many parts of the commonwealth. Because of this, personal and family records (like family Bibles) serve as significant resources for these types of information.

Content Description

Family history records and vital statistics documented within a 19th century illustrated Bible, published in 1884 by A.J. Holman and Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Four pages of genealogical family records are included in the volume, located in between the text of the Old and New Testaments. These pages include a marriage certificate as well as records of births, marriages, and deaths in the Gaines-Hodge family.

This volume includes several introductory texts preceding the text of the Old Testament and preceding the text of the New Testament. Introductory texts include the following: Preface to the Old Testament Preface to the Revised Version of the New Testament, from the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster Abbey, 11 November 1880 An Introductory History of the Manuscript and Early Printed Editions of the Holy Bible Revelation, Inspiration, and Authenticity of the Holy Scriptures, by Rev. F.W. Farrar, B.D. Science and Revelation: or, The Triumph of the Bible Over Criticism A Comprehensive and Illustrated History of the Books of the Old and New Testaments, by Rev. Alfred Nevin, D.D. History of Herod, King of the Jews, by Rev. G.F. Maclear, D.D. A New Map of The Holy Land, or Palestine, Divided Among the Twelve Tribes, With the Aboriginal Inhabitants, Canaanites, etc., color map of Palestine with annotations Illustrations dispersed throughout the volume from the series of wood-engravings designed by French artist, printmaker, and illustrator Gustave Doré (1832-1883) for La Grande Bible de Tours , an 1843 French translation of the Vulgate Bible . The title page of the volume is missing, but the frontispiece (a woodblock print illustration depicting Moses With the Tables of the Law) remains. Also present is an illuminated page with a quote from Psalm 89:26, "Thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation." Two enclosures were also included: a flyer with an illustration depicting Jesus in the Midst of the Doctors by artist Heinrich Hofmann (1824-1911); and an excerpt of pages removed from an undated 20th century edition of the Bible.

Related Material

Alexandria Black Family Reunion Digital Collection

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• African Americans -- Virginia -- Alexandria.
• Alexandria (Va.) -- Genealogy.
• Alexandria (Va.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
• Bah, Char McCargo
• Bible records
• Families -- Alexandria (Va.)
• Gaines Family (Alexandria, Va.)
• Hodge Family (Alexandria, Va.)
• McCrae, Carolyn Phillips, Mrs.