Pre-Civil War Free Blacks Owned Slaves. Is that significant

[jgoodguy]

To me it seems like a way to "maximize" the involvement of some free "black folks" are enslavers and not the enslaved.

Sure.

The term free people of color (French: gens de couleur libres), in the context of the history of slavery in the Americas, at first specifically referred to persons of partial African and European descent who were not enslaved. The term was especially used in the French colonies, including La Louisiane and settlements on Caribbean islands, such as Saint-Domingue, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Jamaica.

In United States history, a free negro or free black was the legal status in the territory of the United States of an African American person who was not a slave. The term was in use before the independence of the Thirteen Colonies and elsewhere in British North America until the abolition of slavery in the United States in 1865.
http://www.pbs.org/genealogy-roadshow/genealogy-tips/free-people/

Additional Sources:
https://www.lib.lsu.edu/sites/all/files/sc/fpoc/index.html
http://nutrias.org/guides/genguide/slavery.htm

As @pool boy stated - the highest population of what you and others deem as "Black" enslavers was in Lousiana - where the highest number of "Gen de couler libres" aka FPOC lived and enslaved.

If you take a look in https://archive.org/details/freenegroownerso00wood - and take a look at the last names- you will notice most were FPOC/French last names.

In addition to the FPOC identity, if you research some of the names listed in the resource I listed above - you will find many where indeed "white" -- yes they were listed as "Mulatto" or sometimes even "Black" -- lived, identified -- and were seen as "White."

For example -- and this is one of many I recently researched -- and found that to be true.

Gooden E. Bowden from North Carolina -- he is stated to have 45 slaves in Baldwin County N.C. (pg. 24)-- but Mr. Bowden was the son of a White man and a enslaved Mulatto woman - who was given a plantation to run by his father. Mr.Bowden could pass as White - and did not see himself as "Black" nor identified with the Black enslaved. His descendants are very active on genealogy forums if you need any additional information.

I will post more examples in this thread from actual petitions by FPOC and Free Negros in order to show the difference and - showcase how THEY saw themselves.​

This is very interesting.
Thanks for finding and posting. I am looking for more posts please. In my world, this identify self issue crosses over into my search for Black Confederates. As the 'covers' come off, we find complexity.

 

[jgoodguy]

Below are some Black "Enslavers" who were either FPOC or Free Negro/Black - who were not really enslavers but purchased their family members and "owned" their family members. Today, people see them as "Black Slaveowners" -- but when you read their own words - we see that is not what they saw themselves as -- nor what they were.


PAR Number 11384504
State: South Carolina Year: 1845
Location: Abbeville Location Type: District/Parish

Abstract: Priscilla Jessup, a free woman of color, "has considerable property -- That she owns among other things, her husband John, a negro man," whom she purchased in 1834; since his purchase, John's condition, "in consequence of the love and affection which she bears to him has been that only of nominal servitude." Averring John to have always been "industrious, honest faithfull and obedient," the petitioner asks that he be emancipated. Jessup fears "in the event of her death, John ... will fall into other hands in the condition of a slave."

---

PAR Number 11385705
State: South Carolina Year: 1857
Location: Clarendon Location Type: District/Parish

Abstract: The heirs of the late Dr. Robert W. Ervin represent that he manumitted a slave named Sye in 1817 and that the said Sye later purchased his wife and his granddaughter named Clarissa. They further state that Clarissa died in 1851, leaving six children: Becky, Jane, Betsy, Leny, Sarah, and Isaac. They also report that Sye has died, seized and possessed of his granddaughter, six great grandchildren, a tract of land, and some cattle and hogs; the estate, however, had no legal heirs and escheated to the state. The heirs charge that William Ervin, another son of the said Robert, took possession of Sye's estate in 1850 or 1851, including the slaves, who until this time were "passing as free." The petitioners, "some being in very moderate circumstances, and others in embarrassing circumstances," reveal that they have frequently asked the said William to secure "the benefit of said slaves or their value" to Louisa Ervin, mother of William Ervin, and widow of Robert Ervin. Asserting that they are equally entitled to the slaves, they ask the legislature to vest the title of the slaves to Robert Ervin's heirs at law and that the sheriff sell the slaves to the highest bidder and divide the proceeds equally among said heirs.

---

PAR Number 11385007
State: South Carolina Year: 1850
Location: Spartanburg Location Type: District/Parish

Abstract: Fifty-four-year-old free mulatto William Jackson, who had lived in the area his entire life, asks to free his wife Lucinda, "a slave though three degrees removed from the African race," and his six children: Susan, Martha, Mary, Berryman, Margaret, and Hosea.

--

PAR Number 11678001
State: Virginia Year: 1780
Location: Richmond Location Type: City

Abstract: Benjamin Bilberry, a free person of color, traded land for his wife Kate, a slave held by Abraham Cowley. Bilberry laments, however, that "this purchase instead of liberating his said wife & freeing her perpetually from the Shackles of Bondage has only changed her master." He acknowledges that to even "his uncultivated Mind it is irksome to know that he himself, by the Laws of this, now independant Common Wealth, is forced to hold his own Wife in a Slavish Bondage without the power of making her as free as himself." The petitioner therefore prays that "no policy may restrict your Honor from suffering him to enjoy the sweet reflection of having spent the whole labours of his Life in bestowing freedom on one equal by nature ... to himself & whom he has chosen to be the partner of his worldly Cares."

----


PAR Number 10182605
State: Alabama Year: 1826
Location: Limestone Location Type: County

Abstract: Free person of color Francis Hamlin purchased his daughter, Susan Locklear, from James Sims of Limestone County. Hamlin seeks to emancipate his daughter, who is married to Thomas Locklear, a free man of color.

For context: In total - it was only 2,690 Free People of Color and Free Negro/Blacks combined in the state of Alabama in 1860.

---

PAR Number 11281708
State: North Carolina Year: 1817
Location: Franklin Location Type: County

Abstract: David Sills and William Wheless, the executors John Hoof's will, explain that Hoof left "a Will which directs all his Slaves to be Liberated by the General Assembly." Being appointed to carry said will into effect, the petitioners beg "that your Honorable Body may View The Said Will and give them such relief as you may think proper." They further pray that "if your Honorable Body shall not think fit to liberate the whole of the Slaves named in the Will & the Children which has been born Since -- That you will take this part under your Humane Consideration, and enact Such Laws as shall Emancipate" a portion of said slaves, i.e., Sylvia, "admitted by the Said Hoof to be his child," her six children, and her three grandchildren. The petitioners note that some eighteen years ago Hoof gave Sylvia "away in Marriage to Drewry Owen," a free man of color, and that he "has had this woman with him at his own house this 15 or 16 years, and by their Industry have raised all these Children as free people, and at a great expence to him the said Drewry, without any aid, or controul of the said John Hoof."

--

PAR Number 11284602
State: North Carolina Year: 1846
Location: Wake Location Type: County

Abstract: John Malone, a fifty-six-year-old free black man living in Raleigh, "is anxious to emancipate and set free from Slavery his said wife & son Edmund before he dies." Malone represents that, "by hard work and close economy," he "has been able to lay by a little money and property and though a free negro he has done this without exciting the suspicion of white gentlemen against his honesty, but so that he may appeal to the whole community in favour of his claims to a good reputation." He further states that he applied "a part of his earnings ... to the purchase of his wife Cherry and more recently to the purchase of their son Edmond." The petitioner therefore "earnestly beseeches the General Assembly of North Carolina to set free his wife Cherry and Son Edmund by the respective names of Cherry Malone and Edmond Malone" and that they be allowed to remain in the state.

--

PAR Number 11382109
State: South Carolina Year: 1821
Location: Laurens Location Type: District/Parish

Abstract: Allen Kelley, a free person of color and a blacksmith by trade, states that "he purchased in the year 1821 his son George a Slave for whom he paid the Sum of Six hundred and four dollars." Kelley prays that he be granted "permission to indulge in so humane and desireable an object in manumitting & setting free his said son George Kelley."

--

PAR Number 11000013
State: Mississippi
Location: Claiborne Location Type: County

Abstract: The petitioners ask for the emancipation of Samuel Martin's family. Three years before Martin, a free man of color, purchased his wife and three children. A related petition reveals that Samuel Martin had been freed a number of years earlier by his owner, J. W. Thomson.

For context: In Mississippi - in 1860 is was only 773 Free People of Color and Free Negro/Blacks combined in the state of Mississippi.

--

PAR Number 11279812
State: North Carolina Year: 1798
Location: Pasquotank Location Type: County

Abstract: Lemuel Overnton, "of mix'd Blood but free Born," acknowledges that he "did faithfully Serve in the Last American Warr with Great Britain." He further reveals that, "by Consent," he was able to marry a slave woman named Rose and "had my Eldest Son John by her." Overton states that he was able to purchase said Rose and John and that he has a second son named Burdock. The petitioner prays that his case be taken into consideration and that his wife and two sons be emancipated and called "after his own name Overnton."

--

PAR Number 11680923
State: Virginia Year: 1809
Location: Amelia Location Type: County

Abstract: Amelia County residents seek to emancipate the family of Frank Gowen, an industrious free black man who purchased his wife and children, with whom he then lived "in peace and quietude." Gowen has recently died and although "no individual claim whatever has been or can be made to his family— Patience and the children Philemon, Elizabeth and Henry—the four slaves are nevertheless liable to be sold by the Overseers of the Poor. Patience and the children are honest, peaceful, and respectable, and deserve special consideration, the petitioners assure the legislative body.

--

PAR Number 11681904
State: Virginia Year: 1819
Location: Nottoway Location Type: County

Abstract: About 1801, free-born black Charles Cousins, a "professor of religion," shoemaker, and plantation manager, "took to himself" a slave wife, Aggy, who in 1810 was put up for sale as part of an estate. Cousins arranged for Thomas Howlett, a white man, to purchase Aggy, and about 1812, he repaid Howlett the full purchase price, receiving a "release or bill of sale" and full title of ownership. At age about sixty, Cousins worries that if he were to die before his wife she would not retain her freedom, nor can he now emancipate her and have her remain in the state more than one year. He asks permission to emancipate his wife and for her to remain in Virginia.

More good info. More complexity than a mere 'they did it too'

 

[Viper21]

Mr Ellison was born a slave, & became not only a wealthy slave owner, he was also a known breeder, & seller of slaves. Born of black slave parents, he was named April at birth. When he became free, & wanted to change his name, he chose the name of his former master. Which in of itself is pretty interesting.

https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/FromSlavetoEntrepreneurAprilEllison.html

 

[dedej]

--

Mr Ellison was born a slave, & became not only a wealthy slave owner, he was also a known breeder, & seller of slaves. Born of black slave parents, he was named April at birth. When he became free, & wanted to change his name, he chose the name of his former master. Which in of itself is pretty interesting.

https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/FromSlavetoEntrepreneurAprilEllison.html

Yup -- Mr. Ellison is quite a story huh?

His father was his former enslaver who manumitted him - as Mr. Willam "April" Ellison was a Jr.

His father William Ellison Sr. was a wealthy white planter and enslaver.

April was taught to read and write and instead of having to work the fields - his father - who happen to be his enslaver as well -- got him an apprenticeship with a young Gin maker. He was given the same education Mr. Ellison Sr's white sons received. He is said to have been treated 'exceptionally" - due to him being Mr. Ellison's son.

April Ellison is a great example of people labeling someone "Black" - even though they were biracial or back then known as "mulatto."

If Mr. Ellison were alive today he would more than likely scoff at someone implying he was "Black." He didn't see himself as such -- and neither did his family/descendants.

Mr. Ellison only enslaved "Blacks" and in all of his records for his enslaved never a "mulatto" - showcasing he saw a difference between "Black" and "Mulatto." The difference between the enslaver and the enslaved. He was also known to hire only Free Mulatto Men of Color - never "Free Blacks."

African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary​

Mr. April Ellison married his wife Matilda - who was formerly enslaved -- and she was classified as "Mulatto" - as he was. Therefore their children would be "Mulatto" -- and fair skin.

A great primer...

The majority of black slave owners were members of the mulatto class, and in some cases were the sons and daughters of white slave masters. Many of the mulatto slave owners separated themselves from the masses of black people and attempted to establish a caste system based on color, wealth, and free status. According to Martin Delany, the colored community of Charleston City clung to the assumptions of the superiority of white blood and brown skin complexion.

These mulattoes of the old free Black elite did not attend church with the dark-skinned blacks of Charleston City. They not only formed congregations which excluded freedmen of dark complexion, but they only married among other mulattoes to “keep the color in the family.”

The majority of the colored masters were mulattoes and their slaves were overwhelmingly of black skin. There was strong division between the two classes based on color, class, status and a culture of whiteness. There was a color and cultural clash between the two groups. The mulatto community in Charleston separated themselves from the dark skinned people, and they banned dark skinned people from their social clubs and seldom married unmixed blacks.

The notion of a homogenous African American group united by a common African ethnicity and culture is a myth. Many scholars failed to recognize the diversity in language, culture, class and color among African Americans, and how those differences provided one group of African Americans with extraordinary opportunities for higher educational and trade skills when compared to the black population.

Source: http://revfrankhughesjr.org/images/THE_BLACK_SLAVE_OWNERS.pdf​

Some sources to learn more about Mr. Ellison:
Slavery in the United States: A Social, Political, and Historical ..., Volume 1
The Other Slaves: Mechanics, Artisans, and Craftsmen. Mass.

 

[dedej]

Mr Ellison was born a slave, & became not only a wealthy slave owner, he was also a known breeder, & seller of slaves. Born of black slave parents, he was named April at birth. When he became free, & wanted to change his name, he chose the name of his former master. Which in of itself is pretty interesting.

https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/FromSlavetoEntrepreneurAprilEllison.html

This was done more because it was the logical thing to do and the easiest way to be identified than it was through affection for the master. Source
​

Not really interesting, IMO.

Newly freedman/women did not take on and keep the name of their enslavers out of love, respect and to honor them. I'm sure a few did - who knows?

But, the main reason was to help their lost relatives - who were looking for them find them after emancipation.

MOST of my relatives kept their enslavers name -- and it wasn't cause they enjoyed being enslaved and respected/loved those who enslaved them. They did to make it easier for sold away relatives to find them. Changing their last name and making it different from those who enslaved them - especially during those time could mean not being able to find relatives -- or find out what happened to them.

As many freedmen/women put in newspaper ads after emancipation -- and if they were listing someone as Ted Johnson of Sumter County -- and Ted changed his name to Ted Freedman or something -- he wouldn't know his family was looking for him.

And we have to be clear here -- many of the freedman/women were the children of their enslavers or former enslavers - so therefore i'm sure they felt they wanted their last name. Whether there was a lack of love, affection and acknowledgment -- and/or a product of violation or not - it was their parent.

I am thankful my ancestors did not change their last name - because it has really helped me in my genealogy research and finding their final resting places.

Resource(s):
Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery
The unspoken history hidden behind a surname

 

[Al Mackey]

Familial black slaveholding in Antebellum Louisiana.

https://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/...ferer=&httpsredir=1&article=1036&context=jcls

 

[Al Mackey]

Prosperous Blacks in the South, 1790-1880

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/33a7/2df33fc40f26d7b32063c19a5d466bdbc81b.pdf

 

[jgoodguy]

Familial black slaveholding in Antebellum Louisiana.

https://digitalcommons.law.lsu.edu/...ferer=&httpsredir=1&article=1036&context=jcls

From the above link

The Slaves and Slavery of Marie Claire Chabert:
Familial Black Slaveholding in Antebellum
Louisiana
Mitra Sharafi

I. INTRODUCTION

Black slaveholding was not unusual in antebellum America.1 In 1830, one in seven slaves in New Orleans had a black master.2 A quarter of all free black families in many Louisiana parishes held slaves.3 For over eighty years, scholars have disagreed over the nature of this type of slavery. Was it ―real‖ and primarily profit- driven, like its white-master prototype? Or was black slaveholding an ingenious use of law that kept families and couples together, using nominal slavery to protect individuals from the dangers accompanying freedom? In 1924, African American historian Carter G. Woodson argued that black slaveholding was predominantly non-commercial in aim.4 The Woodson thesis was countered by a wave of literature asserting that most black slaveholding was primarily for profit. Both flavors of black slaveholding certainly existed. Since Woodson, however, the commercial variety has received greater attention.5

As Ariela Gross reminds us, conservative opponents of reparations for slavery stress profit-driven black slaveholding. For them, such emphasis assuages white guilt.6 A handful of scholars have swum against this current, continuing to focus on other strain of black slaveholding.7 This article joins their work, reinvigorating the Woodson perspective through an analysis of the previously unexamined legal papers of one familial black slaveholder in newly American New Orleans.8 Marie Claire Chabert (1769-1847) was a former slave who held her nieces and future husband in slavery.
​

​

 

[jgoodguy]

Prosperous Blacks in the South, 1790-1880

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/33a7/2df33fc40f26d7b32063c19a5d466bdbc81b.pdf

from the above link

Prosperous Blacks in the South, 1790-1880
LOREN SCHWENINGER

Schweninger, L. "Prosperous Blacks in the South, 1790-1880," The American Historical Review 95 (February 1990):31-56.
Available courtesy of Cambridge University Press, 1990​

"THERE ARE ALSO, IN THE VICINITY, a large number of free-colored planters," Frederick Law Olmsted wrote in 1856, a few years after a steamboat trip down the Cane River in Louisiana. Having stopped at several plantations to take on cotton, he had learned that, in fifteen miles of "well-settled and cultivated country" on the bank of the river, beginning ten miles below Natchitoches, there was only "one pure blooded white man." Describing these planters as "GALLIC AND HISPANO-AFRIC CREOLES," Olmsted noted that they were the slaveholding descendants of "old French or Spanish planters and their negro slaves." As a reporter for the New York Times and New York Tribune, Olmsted had traveled extensively in the South during the early 1850s, publishing four books about his experiences, but few groups stood out more vividly in his memory than Louisiana's Creoles of color. Not only did these American-born people of color possess a European and African cultural heritage but they also acquired substantial wealth and property.!

For many years, historians paid only slight attention to blacks who reached the upper economic levels in the nineteenth-century South. In 1905, amateur historian Calvin Dill Wilson wrote a ten-page essay in the North American Review called "Black Masters: A Side-Light on Slavery," and a decade later John Russell added a brief article in the Journal of Negro History on the same subject.2 The "scientific historians" of the William A. Dunning school-Walter Lynwood Fleming, Mildred Thompson, James G. De Roulhac Hamilton, James W. Garner, among others-almost completely, ignored black landholders and prosperous black business people, but to some extent this was also true for a later group of historians who attacked the racist assumptions of the Dunning school. The books and articles of Carter G. Woodson, Abram Harris, Merah Stuart, Luther Porter Jackson, John Hope Franklin, Vernon Lane Wharton, and other revisionist authors included only brief notations of blacks who had acquired substantial amounts of property.3 Even with the explosion of research on various aspects of the black experience during the late 1960s and 1970s, historians seemed more interested in racial exploitation, black culture and black consciousness, and the political activities of blacks during Reconstruction than with those who achieved financial success.4


​

 

[dedej]

This is very interesting.
Thanks for finding and posting. I am looking for more posts please. In my world, this identify self issue crosses over into my search for Black Confederates. As the 'covers' come off, we find complexity.

That resource is a goldmine. It's filled with petitions and records for the enslaved, FPOC and Free Blacks - it is one of my favorite research outlets.

In terms of "Black Confederates" and "Black" Slave Owners -- who willingly signed up -- I have listed one below.

Malachi Hagins "Free Man of Color" - fair enough to pass and marry a White woman in the Antebellum South.

- Was Confederate Solider - Source - I think he was listed as White though -- and not Mulatto or Black.
- On the 1840 Census -- he is listed as White / Source
- His Genealogy Site / Source

In his own words....

PAR Number 11000016

State: Mississippi

Location: Jefferson Location Type: County

Abstract: A free man of color named Malachi Hagins states that he is descended from several generations of free ancestors. His grandmother was a white woman, and his father died in the American Revolution fighting on behalf of the "Revolted Colonies." Hagins notes that he moved to Mississippi twenty-two years ago, married a white woman, fathered nine children, and acquired land, cattle, and nine slaves. He is now subject to being driven from his country and having his property confiscated and his life put in jeopardy "for want of the guardian protection of the Laws of the Land." He asks for an act to give him "security & protection, such rights and liberties" as the legislature might deem "humane, politick and right."

--
PAR Number 11000024

State: Mississippi

Location: Jefferson Location Type: County

Abstract: A dozen residents of Jefferson County verify that Malachi Hagins, a widower, was married to a white woman. The couple had ten children. On all occasions Hagins conducted himself "with great propriety" as an "honest and upright man." He had long been a member of the Baptist church. The petitioners ask the legislature to extend to Hagins and his children the right to sue and be sued and "all the rights privileges and immunities of a free white persons of this state." A related petition reveals that Malachi Hagins was born of free parents and that his grandmother was a white woman.


​

 

[jgoodguy]

That resource is a goldmine. It's filled with petitions and records for the enslaved, FPOC and Free Blacks - it is one of my favorite research outlets.

In terms of "Black Confederates" and "Black" Slave Owners -- who willingly signed up -- I have listed one below.

Malachi Hagins "Free Man of Color" - fair enough to pass and marry a White woman in the Antebellum South.

- Was Confederate Solider - Source - I think he was listed as White though -- and not Mulatto or Black.
- On the 1840 Census -- he is listed as White / Source
- His Genealogy Site / Source

In his own words....

PAR Number 11000016

State: Mississippi

Location: Jefferson Location Type: County

Abstract: A free man of color named Malachi Hagins states that he is descended from several generations of free ancestors. His grandmother was a white woman, and his father died in the American Revolution fighting on behalf of the "Revolted Colonies." Hagins notes that he moved to Mississippi twenty-two years ago, married a white woman, fathered nine children, and acquired land, cattle, and nine slaves. He is now subject to being driven from his country and having his property confiscated and his life put in jeopardy "for want of the guardian protection of the Laws of the Land." He asks for an act to give him "security & protection, such rights and liberties" as the legislature might deem "humane, politick and right."

--
PAR Number 11000024

State: Mississippi

Location: Jefferson Location Type: County

Abstract: A dozen residents of Jefferson County verify that Malachi Hagins, a widower, was married to a white woman. The couple had ten children. On all occasions Hagins conducted himself "with great propriety" as an "honest and upright man." He had long been a member of the Baptist church. The petitioners ask the legislature to extend to Hagins and his children the right to sue and be sued and "all the rights privileges and immunities of a free white persons of this state." A related petition reveals that Malachi Hagins was born of free parents and that his grandmother was a white woman.


​

Nothing simple about humans.

 

[O' Be Joyful]

But, the main reason was to help their lost relatives - who were looking for them find them after emancipation.

One of the many, many things I learned from you over at CWT.

Who says you cain't teach an old dog new tricks?

 

[Viper21]

--



Yup -- Mr. Ellison is quite a story huh?

His father was his former enslaver who manumitted him - as Mr. Willam "April" Ellison was a Jr.

His father William Ellison Sr. was a wealthy white planter and enslaver.

April was taught to read and write and instead of having to work the fields - his father - who happen to be his enslaver as well -- got him an apprenticeship with a young Gin maker. He was given the same education Mr. Ellison Sr's white sons received. He is said to have been treated 'exceptionally" - due to him being Mr. Ellison's son.

April Ellison is a great example of people labeling someone "Black" - even though they were biracial or back then known as "mulatto."

If Mr. Ellison were alive today he would more than likely scoff at someone implying he was "Black." He didn't see himself as such -- and neither did his family/descendants.

Mr. Ellison only enslaved "Blacks" and in all of his records for his enslaved never a "mulatto" - showcasing he saw a difference between "Black" and "Mulatto." The difference between the enslaver and the enslaved. He was also known to hire only Free Mulatto Men of Color - never "Free Blacks."

African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary​

Mr. April Ellison married his wife Matilda - who was formerly enslaved -- and she was classified as "Mulatto" - as he was. Therefore their children would be "Mulatto" -- and fair skin.

A great primer...

The majority of black slave owners were members of the mulatto class, and in some cases were the sons and daughters of white slave masters. Many of the mulatto slave owners separated themselves from the masses of black people and attempted to establish a caste system based on color, wealth, and free status. According to Martin Delany, the colored community of Charleston City clung to the assumptions of the superiority of white blood and brown skin complexion.

These mulattoes of the old free Black elite did not attend church with the dark-skinned blacks of Charleston City. They not only formed congregations which excluded freedmen of dark complexion, but they only married among other mulattoes to “keep the color in the family.”

The majority of the colored masters were mulattoes and their slaves were overwhelmingly of black skin. There was strong division between the two classes based on color, class, status and a culture of whiteness. There was a color and cultural clash between the two groups. The mulatto community in Charleston separated themselves from the dark skinned people, and they banned dark skinned people from their social clubs and seldom married unmixed blacks.

The notion of a homogenous African American group united by a common African ethnicity and culture is a myth. Many scholars failed to recognize the diversity in language, culture, class and color among African Americans, and how those differences provided one group of African Americans with extraordinary opportunities for higher educational and trade skills when compared to the black population.

Source: http://revfrankhughesjr.org/images/THE_BLACK_SLAVE_OWNERS.pdf​

Some sources to learn more about Mr. Ellison:
Slavery in the United States: A Social, Political, and Historical ..., Volume 1
The Other Slaves: Mechanics, Artisans, and Craftsmen. Mass.

Do you have a source that shows William Ellison (April), listed as mulatto..? The source I provided does show one census form, which lists him as Black.

According to the 1850 Census Slave Schedule of Sumter County, South Carolina, William Ellison was listed as a black man with thirty-seven slaves, twenty-seven males and ten females.
https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/documents/1850U.S.CensusSlaveSchedule.pdf.pdf
https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/documents/1850U.S.CensusSlaveSchedule.pdf.pdf

The same source says:

"Without a doubt, Whitney’s invention significantly changed the life of a young black slave, named April Ellison. Little did April know that he would have the opportunity for an education, freedom, and eventually wealth.

April Ellison, born in 1790 to black slave parents, was owned by William Ellison, a white slave owner."

Another source I read, said that in his name change paperwork it was said,

he requested a name change because it “would yet greatly advance his interest as a tradesman.” A new name would also “save him and his children from degradation and contempt which the minds of some do and will attach to the name April.” Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.
https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/documents/1850U.S.CensusSlaveSchedule.pdf.pdf
I haven't found a copy of it yet but, will continue to look.

By 1860 William owned, not only his gin shop, but also a large cotton plantation and more than 60 slaves. He was South Carolina’s largest black slave owner. In the entire state, only five percent of the people owned as much land as William. It was unusual, but not impossible, for former slaves to own slaves.

All of the sources I've read, make it an assumption that "April" was the son of his former master, & not a verified fact. I believe his wife Matilda was listed as Mulatto but, haven't seen a census form declaring Mr Ellison as such. Only his children which, makes sense if his wife was.

 

[pool boy]

Do you have a source that shows William Ellison (April), listed as mulatto..? The source I provided does show one census form, which lists him as Black.

According to the 1850 Census Slave Schedule of Sumter County, South Carolina, William Ellison was listed as a black man with thirty-seven slaves, twenty-seven males and ten females.
https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/documents/1850U.S.CensusSlaveSchedule.pdf.pdf

The same source says:

"Without a doubt, Whitney’s invention significantly changed the life of a young black slave, named April Ellison. Little did April know that he would have the opportunity for an education, freedom, and eventually wealth.

April Ellison, born in 1790 to black slave parents, was owned by William Ellison, a white slave owner."

Another source I read, said that in his name change paperwork it was said,

he requested a name change because it “would yet greatly advance his interest as a tradesman.” A new name would also “save him and his children from degradation and contempt which the minds of some do and will attach to the name April.” Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.
I haven't found a copy of it yet but, will continue to look.

By 1860 William owned, not only his gin shop, but also a large cotton plantation and more than 60 slaves. He was South Carolina’s largest black slave owner. In the entire state, only five percent of the people owned as much land as William. It was unusual, but not impossible, for former slaves to own slaves.

All of the sources I've read, make it an assumption that "April" was the son of his former master, & not a verified fact. I believe his wife Matilda was listed as Mulatto but, haven't seen a census form declaring Mr Ellison as such. Only his children which, makes sense if his wife was.

Your source on Teaching Am. History in South Carolina states that April Ellison was born to black slave parents. Dedej says that he was the son of his owner William Ellison, Sr. Which is correct?

 

[dedej]

Do you have a source that shows William Ellison (April), listed as mulatto..? The source I provided does show one census form, which lists him as Black.

According to the 1850 Census Slave Schedule of Sumter County, South Carolina, William Ellison was listed as a black man with thirty-seven slaves, twenty-seven males and ten females.
https://digital.scetv.org/teachingAmerhistory/documents/1850U.S.CensusSlaveSchedule.pdf.pdf

The same source says:

"Without a doubt, Whitney’s invention significantly changed the life of a young black slave, named April Ellison. Little did April know that he would have the opportunity for an education, freedom, and eventually wealth.

April Ellison, born in 1790 to black slave parents, was owned by William Ellison, a white slave owner."

Another source I read, said that in his name change paperwork it was said,

he requested a name change because it “would yet greatly advance his interest as a tradesman.” A new name would also “save him and his children from degradation and contempt which the minds of some do and will attach to the name April.” Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.
I haven't found a copy of it yet but, will continue to look.

By 1860 William owned, not only his gin shop, but also a large cotton plantation and more than 60 slaves. He was South Carolina’s largest black slave owner. In the entire state, only five percent of the people owned as much land as William. It was unusual, but not impossible, for former slaves to own slaves.

All of the sources I've read, make it an assumption that "April" was the son of his former master, & not a verified fact. I believe his wife Matilda was listed as Mulatto but, haven't seen a census form declaring Mr Ellison as such. Only his children which, makes sense if his wife was.

Sure -- many.

Also, I listed a few in my original response. If you click on the titles -- you will be taken to the source - each has additional information about Mr. Ellison. Each source mentions his "Mulatto" classification as well.

Slavery in the United States: A Social, Political, and Historical ..., Volume 1
African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary
http://revfrankhughesjr.org/images/THE_BLACK_SLAVE_OWNERS.pdf
To Make Our World Anew: Volume I: A History of African Americans to 1880
Black Masters: A Free Family of Color in the Old South - By Michael P. Johnson, James L. Roark
No Chariot Let Down: Charleston's Free People of Color on the Eve of the Civil War

Additional Sources by Non-Scholars:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Ellison-1666
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39780204/william-holmes-ellison
https://south-carolina-plantations.com/sumter/ellison.html


Here's another about his Granddaughter - who was also named Matilda.

Source: South Carolina's Turkish People: A History and Ethnology - By Terri Ann Ognibene, Glen Browder

 

[Viper21]

Sure -- many.

Also, I listed a few in my original response. If you click on the titles -- you will be taken to the source - each has additional information about Mr. Ellison. Each source mentions his "Mulatto" classification as well.

Slavery in the United States: A Social, Political, and Historical ..., Volume 1
African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary
http://revfrankhughesjr.org/images/THE_BLACK_SLAVE_OWNERS.pdf
To Make Our World Anew: Volume I: A History of African Americans to 1880
Black Masters: A Free Family of Color in the Old South - By Michael P. Johnson, James L. Roark
No Chariot Let Down: Charleston's Free People of Color on the Eve of the Civil War

Additional Sources by Non-Scholars:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Ellison-1666
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39780204/william-holmes-ellison
https://south-carolina-plantations.com/sumter/ellison.html


Here's another about his Granddaughter - who was also named Matilda.

Source: South Carolina's Turkish People: A History and Ethnology - By Terri Ann Ognibene, Glen Browder

Seems to be some conflicts in sources. The census form I shared, listed B for black. M for Mulatto was an option, as others on the same form, had been listed as M.

In addition, some of the sources I provided, claim he was born to slave parents. Even the Find-a-grave you cited, says this...

It can only be assumed that William Ellison, a planter of Fairfield district was either the father or the brother of William Ellison, Jr., freedman of Sumter County.

My point is... again, there is conflicting data out there. One has to overlook the data they disagree with to see a picture they prefer. I have yet to see anything conclusive that William "April" Ellison was the son of his former master, William Ellison Sr.

The following (also from your find-a-grave source) is pretty interesting in my opinion: Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.

I'd find it easier to believe if he was buried with William Ellison Sr. which he's not.

 

[dedej]

Your source on Teaching Am. History in South Carolina states that April Ellison was born to black slave parents. Dedej says that he was the son of his owner William Ellison, Sr. Which is correct?

Sadly, many enslavers enslaved their children.

Every trusted source I have came across and requested all state his father was more than likely William Ellison Sr. -- or Ellison Sr.'s father. The only source that states that Mr. Ellison was the son of "two Black slaves" - is the one Mr. Viper21 provided.

I think the mistake that many make is not truly understanding and taking in consideration the complexities of the enslaved experience. I also think - some people just don't care enough to learn about it.

Someone says/thinks a person is "Black" -- therefore they are "Black" -- but when you ask that person -- you more than likely will find out they may or may not accept the label/classification and/or race/ethnicity -- one placed on them.

That is how one must look at Mulattos, some "Black" Creoles, Creoles of Color and Free People of Color (FPOC) -- especially in locations like Lousiana, South Carolina, Virginia, Mobile and other locations that had a high FPOC population.

Not once in any source does Mr. Ellison imply he is "Black" -- or call himself "Black." He is clear about his distinction and how he see's himself. And it's not "Black."

He made sure he married and surrounds himself, personally and professionally with White people, Free "Mulattos" or anyone else who is not classified and seen as -- "Black/Negro" -- and his descendants do the same.

 

[dedej]

Seems to be some conflicts in sources. The census form I shared, listed B for black. M for Mulatto was an option, as others on the same form, had been listed as M.

In addition, some of the sources I provided, claim he was born to slave parents. Even the Find-a-grave you cited, says this...

It can only be assumed that William Ellison, a planter of Fairfield district was either the father or the brother of William Ellison, Jr., freedman of Sumter County.

My point is... again, there is conflicting data out there. One has to overlook the data they disagree with to see a picture they prefer. I have yet to see anything conclusive that William "April" Ellison was the son of his former master, William Ellison Sr.

The following (also from your find-a-grave source) is pretty interesting in my opinion: Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.

I'd find it easier to believe if he was buried with William Ellison Sr. which he's not.

Well, you are certainly entitled to believe what you choose. I have listed more than enough sources - if you chose to look at and question -- the 'non-scholar/historian" resources over the many "scholar/historian" sources. It is your choice -- and I can only respect it.

But, I will trust the historians, scholars and family records that make and win the case on his genealogy.

In terms of properly asking his father (or brother) to carry his name - isn't that the right and respectful thing to do.

If he didn't ask him - while he remained in the same town - would be disrespectful, embarrassing (if Mr. Ellison Sr. didn't want to claim him as his child or brother) -- and maybe even dangerous.

All in all, Mr. Ellison did not call himself, see himself as or want to be labeled as "Black." Therefore, IMO -- he's not the best example for people to showcase as an example of a "Black" slave owner.

 

[dedej]

Seems to be some conflicts in sources. The census form I shared, listed B for black. M for Mulatto was an option, as others on the same form, had been listed as M.

In addition, some of the sources I provided, claim he was born to slave parents. Even the Find-a-grave you cited, says this...

It can only be assumed that William Ellison, a planter of Fairfield district was either the father or the brother of William Ellison, Jr., freedman of Sumter County.

My point is... again, there is conflicting data out there. One has to overlook the data they disagree with to see a picture they prefer. I have yet to see anything conclusive that William "April" Ellison was the son of his former master, William Ellison Sr.

The following (also from your find-a-grave source) is pretty interesting in my opinion: Because “of the kindness” of his former master and as a “Mark of gratitude and respect for him” April asked that his name be changed to William Ellison.

I'd find it easier to believe if he was buried with William Ellison Sr. which he's not.

Yeah, Census records are a mess in terms of racial classifications.

One of my 3rd Great Grandfathers is listed as "White" and his wife -- my 3rd GG "Black" and 10 children (including my 2nd GGF) is listed as "Mulatto."

Then the next Census - he's "Mulatto" and his Wife, children - "Mulatto," Then the next Census -- they all "Black." You don't want to guess the next Census what race they were listed as.

 

[Viper21]

Well, you are certainly entitled to believe what you choose. I have listed more than enough sources - if you chose to look at and question -- the 'non-scholar/historian" resources over the many "scholar/historian" sources. It is your choice -- and I can only respect it.

But, I will trust the historians, scholars and family records that make and win the case on his genealogy.

Some of my questions/concerns come from your sources..!!

In terms of properly asking his father (or brother) to carry his name - isn't that the right and respectful thing to do.

If he didn't ask him - while he remained in the same town - would be disrespectful, embarrassing (if Mr. Ellison Sr. didn't want to claim him as his child or brother) -- and maybe even dangerous.

Yeah, I agree. Although, why not just acknowledge the relationship.

All in all, Mr. Ellison did not call himself, see himself as or want to be labeled as "Black." Therefore, IMO -- he's not the best example for people to showcase as an example of a "Black" slave owner.

Same as above. Why not just acknowledge that Mr Ellison Sr was his father..? Unless of course you have a source where he does. Ellison Sr. died in 1833. In 28 years, he had plenty of opportunity to claim who his biological father was. Surely that would've helped his business plenty at the time.