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

[Viper21]

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.

I will concede census forms are full of mistakes. I've seen plenty of them in my own genealogy.

Regardless of what the actual 100% truth is, I still find the case of William "April" Ellison, interesting. Any antebellum Black man (whether 1/2 or otherwise) who chose to be a slave breeder, & plantation owner, is pretty interesting in my opinion. Certainly goes against what you would think. Though, we both know, it happened some.

 

[dedej]

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


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

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.

He basically did.

In the sources I provided - his actions and his guidance, resources and connections are what made Ellison Jr. so successful.

But, even with all that he did -- you are dismissing -- or even overlooking the complexities of claiming - out and loud - he has a child with African blood.

Take race out of it -- Some men (and some women) won't even claim they were intimate with someone that their friends, family -- (even them) may find undesirable or socially acceptable.

Yet, some of those same men (and women) will treat that person like their loving mate -- indoors and alone -- and even spend lots of money and time on them. But, when/if someone asks if them if they like him/her -- or if they are dating......or even know him/her ---- SOME would say NOPE.

I implore you re-read the many I provided. If you choose to still see this man who would never identify as "Black" -- as "Black" -- then hey...have fun.

 

[Viper21]

He basically did.

In the sources I provided - his actions and his guidance, resources and connections are what made Ellison Jr. so successful.

But, even with all that he did -- you are dismissing -- or even overlooking the complexities of claiming - out and loud - he has a child with African blood.

Basically..? You mean, he didn't actually acknowledge the relationship. Also, I was referring to William "April" Ellison as acknowledging who his father was, not the other way around.

If you choose to still see this man who would never identify as "Black" -- as "Black" -- then hey...have fun.

I wonder how he'd fill out a census form today.....

Who was his Mother..? Was she a Black slave..?

 

[dedej]

I will concede census forms are full of mistakes. I've seen plenty of them in my own genealogy.

Regardless of what the actual 100% truth is, I still find the case of William "April" Ellison, interesting. Any antebellum Black man (whether 1/2 or otherwise) who chose to be a slave breeder, & plantation owner, is pretty interesting in my opinion. Certainly goes against what you would think. Though, we both know, it happened some.

Mr. Ellison was what we call in marketing "aspirational" - he was "aspirational White" -- so it only makes sense - to choose the career path of his father (or beloved brother). Why wouldn't he make even more money -- and enslaved people he deemed as different than him and inferior? In one of the sources - Mr. Ellison Jr. stated it help secure his "not Black" status -- and it showed his loyalties to his White and Mulatto family, friends and community.

If you take away anything from our conversation - I hope it's -- don't call a self-identified bi-racial/Mulatto man -- who did not classify himself as "Black" -- nor identified as such ----- "Black" -- 1) just cause you want too, 2) possessing a personal/limited view on race or 3) may think having "Black/African" blood/DNA -- makes one "Black." It doesn't.

If so, classify me and label me and my whole maternal line -- "White" for the evening!

Even though, I have the same skin complexion as Beyonce or Halle - with Sandy brown hair and light brown eyes. My mom and grannie even
lighter with gray eyes. But, we proudly self-identify as "Black." Unlike Mr. Ellison Jr.

I am pretty sure -- I -- nor any of my family members would have been classified as "White" - since I'm guessing Mr. Ellison Jr. had around the same amount (more or less) of "Black" blood/DNA - that we have "White" blood/DNA.

 

[dedej]

Basically..? You mean, he didn't actually acknowledge the relationship. Also, I was referring to William "April" Ellison as acknowledging who his father was, not the other way around.

I wonder how he'd fill out a census form today.....

Who was his Mother..? Was she a Black slave..?

Sir, this is Colonial and Antebellum Era. What bold, brave and confident person who knowingly has *gasp* "African Blood" is going to go around bragging on their White father -- who doesn't openly claim him. I don't think many White or Black men did that back then...

But, when I say "basically" -- if you look at the actions of Mr. Ellison Sr. and his treatment of Mr. Ellison Jr. compared to his other enslaved --
classified as "Mulatto" or "Black"-- one would have to be blind to not read between the lines.

- Paid for for Private Education

- Set him up with an Apprenticeship with a Successful Gin Maker - a skill set/mastery - Ellison Sr. had no need for -- and aided in making Mr. Ellison Jr. more business savvy, competent and connected than the majority of Whites in his town. African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary

- the only slave out of many - - who was freed and quite early - by his father/enslaver.

His mother was enslaved -- sadly her information is available. She was either "Black" or "Mulatto" -- either way -- that would have still made Mr. Ellison Jr. - what they classified as - "Mulatto."

All in all, we can agree to disagree.

Call him "Black" if you like.

I personally won't dishonor Mr. Ellison Jr. - and place him the same racial category - he would have never claimed -- the same one that I so proudly acknowledge and belong too.

 

[Viper21]

Mr. Ellison was what we call in marketing "aspirational" - he was "aspirational White"

Rachel Dolezal was aspirational Black, kind of like Elizabeth Warren being aspirational Native American. Doesn't make it so.

If you take away anything from our conversation - I hope it's -- don't call a self-identified bi-racial/Mulatto man -- who did not classify himself as "Black" -- nor identified as such ----- "Black" -- 1) just cause you want too, 2) possessing a personal/limited view on race or 3) may think having "Black/African" blood/DNA -- makes one "Black." It doesn't.

Wow. 1) I'm just looking at evidence. 2) in your opinion 3) Really..? Blood/DNA/Genealogy, doesn't determine your ethnicity, or race ..? Since when..?

Even though, I have the same skin complexion as Beyonce or Halle - with Sandy brown hair and light brown eyes. My mom and grannie even
lighter with gray eyes. But, we proudly self-identify as "Black." Unlike Mr. Ellison Jr.

I am pretty sure -- I -- nor any of my family members would have been classified as "White" - since I'm guessing Mr. Ellison Jr. had around the same amount (more or less) of "Black" blood/DNA - that we have "White" blood/DNA.

You keep referring to him as Jr. I find it interesting his tombstone says, II. Not Jr.

Sir, this is Colonial and Antebellum Era. What bold, brave and confident person who knowingly has *gasp* "African Blood" is going to go around bragging on their White father -- who doesn't openly claim him. I don't think many White men did that back then...

I would think someone as aspirational as you claim, & someone who desperately wanted to distance himself from his mother, & really, really, really, wanted to be white, would surely acknowledge his White father. Especially, after he died, & couldn't complicate his life by the social issues you now bring up. Sr. died in 1833. Was a lot of living, & business left for William II from 1833-1861.

But, when I say "basically" -- if you look at the actions of Mr. Ellison Sr. and his treatment of Mr. Ellison Jr. compared to his other enslaved --
classified as "Mulatto" or "Black"-- one would have to be blind to not read between the lines.

- Paid for for Private Education

- Set him up with an Apprenticeship with a Successful Gin Maker - a skill set/mastery - Ellison Sr. had no need of -- and aiding in making Mr. Ellison Jr. more business savvy, competent and connected than the majority of Whites in his town. African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary

- the only slave out of many - - who was freed and quite early - by his father/enslaver.

That is a significant point. It's strong circumstantial evidence in my opinion.

His mother was enslaved -- sadly her information is available. She was either "Black" or "Mulatto" -- either way -- that would have still made Mr. Ellison Jr. - what they classified as - "Mulatto."

So he was the same ethnicity as President Obama. One White parent, one Black parent.

All in all, we can agree to disagree.

Call him "Black" if you like.

I personally won't dishonor Mr. Ellison Jr. - and place him the same racial category - he would have never claimed -- the same one that I so proudly acknowledge and belong too.

I'm not attempting to dishonor him. I'm simply looking at the evidence, & conflicting information. Trying to figure out what's true, & what's speculation because, I find his story interesting. There's a strong case to be made that he was likely fathered by his Master, William Sr. Even though, most of the info is circumstantial.

 

[dedej]

Rachel Dolezal was aspirational Black, kind of like Elizabeth Warren being aspirational Native American. Doesn't make it so.

LOL -- not really.

There is nothing "aspirational" about Mrs. Dolezal - she self-identifies as "Black." Keyword: Self-Identifies.

Mr. Ellison Jr. couldn't and (really wasn't allowed) to even do that -- even though he probably though he was White -- just as much as Mrs. Dolezal thinks she is Black.

Dolezal has asserted that her self-identification is genuine, even though it is not based on race or ancestry.[115]​

Mrs. Warren - really like her - but I think she just believed what many Americans grew up hearing from there family members -- the we have Native ancestors AKA "We have Indian in our family" - story.

I know I have heard that one in my family and believed it until I researched my family tree, took numerous DNA test, and found and connected to my many White cousins (2nd-4th+).

Wow. 1) I'm just looking at evidence. 2) in your opinion 3) Really..? Blood/DNA/Genealogy, doesn't determine your ethnicity, or race ..? Since when..?

1) I would call it "cherry-picking" evidence. 2) Correct. 3) Since forever. And if you agree that all three are key factors -- then you have to concede that Mr. Ellison wasn't "Black."

His Race: Mulatto/Bi-racial
His Ethnicity: Not sure - but I am thinking "of European and African Descent.
Self-Identification: Mulatto/Bi-racial

Note: If Mr. Ellison Jr. wanted to be "Black" -- he would have said so. As we know, some Mulattos/Bi-racial/Mixed Race people sadly choose a side -- and most don't get a choice of what side to choose - when they have "Black/African" ancestry or a parent who has a good amount of it.

My Great Grandmother having a White father - doesn't make me "White" - nor did it make her "White" -- she was "Mulatto" - realistically closer to an "Octoroon" - who married my Great Grandfather - who himself was a "Mulatto" -- who had my Grannie - who was I guess still classified as "Mulatto" - but self-identified as "Black" and married a classified and self-identified -- "Black" man.

You keep referring to him as Jr. I find it interesting his tombstone says, II. Not Jr.

Wouldn't that make him a second to most? His Dad was the 1st -- would that not make him the II and a Jr?

Mr. Ellison Jr. had a son who also shared the same namesake therefore this naming rule comes into play.

In some families, it’s considered proper for a man to give up the Jr. suffix when his father (Sr.) dies. The son changes his suffix from Jr. to II, particularly when he has a son bearing the same name and uses the III suffix.​

I would think someone as aspirational as you claim, & someone who desperately wanted to distance himself from his mother, & really, really, really, wanted to be white, would surely acknowledge his White father. Especially, after he died, & couldn't complicate his life by the social issues you now bring up. Sr. died in 1833. Was a lot of living, & business left for William II from 1833-1861.

Did he distance himself from his mother?

From the sources listed - it seems like -- or kinda implies his mother died young -- or maybe he wasn't around her much due to him being his enslavers son (or brother) and did not spend more time with the other enslaved. As Mr. Ellison Jr. was in school and then on to an apprenticeship away from home during his early and teen years.

I hate to bring up a "based off a true story"mini-series -- but remember Queen by Alex Haley -- the young Raven Symone (Halle Berry) moved into the "big house" and barely saw her mother because everyone knew she was the child and grandchild of the enslavers.

That is a significant point. It's strong circumstantial evidence in my opinion.

Extremely strong.

So he was the same ethnicity as President Obama. One White parent, one Black parent.

In terms of RACE: Kinda.

Obama sometimes self-identifies as "Black" and sometimes "Biracial." I don't see him as "Black" -- but I do see him as "bi-racial."

But, due to America's relationship with race -- many proclaim he was the first African-American President - and/or first "Black" President. Not all Black people see him as such.

However, he is actually the son of a White, European-American mother, and a Black, Kenyan father. While some see him as Black, others view him as multiracial, and others question why he isn’t seen as White. Source​

In terms of Ethnicity:

President Obama self-identifies as Kenyan-American. He is of mostly English and Kenyan Descent.

Obama's father is Kenyan. His father comes from a line of all Kenyan forefathers (ancestors). Pretty much same African country, specific tribe.

Mr. Ellison Jr. is a descendant of the enslaved. Meaning we don't know which of his ancestors were African -- we don't know if he had more than one - we don't know what country or countries they were from -- what tribe or tribes they were apart of, etc.

Obama's does and so did his dad. He can go to Kenya tomorrow and learn about his complete paternal line.

Mr. Ellison Jr. and other descendants of the enslaved in America - cannot.

I'm not attempting to dishonor him. I'm simply looking at the evidence, & conflicting information. Trying to figure out what's true, & what's speculation because, I find his story interesting. There's a strong case to be made that he was likely fathered by his Master, William Sr. Even though, most of the info is circumstantial.

I understand.

I think we should just let his actions and classifications represent and speak for him. And I don't think that puts him in the "Black" racial classification. He wanted to be seen as -- and was a proud mixed race "Mulatto" man - who intentionally separated and made sure everyone knew he wasn't "Black."


Thanks for being respectful and kind during our back and forth. It's very much appreciated.

 

[O' Be Joyful]

"We have Indian in our family" - story.

Well, the "story" always was that there was Indian "blood"--Cherokee, but then, its always Cherokee -- on my mother's side of the the family, and I have high cheek-bones....so .

 

[dedej]

Well, the "story" always was that there was Indian "blood"--Cherokee, but then, its always Cherokee -- on my mother's side of the the family, and I have high cheek-bones....so .

Mine was Choctaw and Iroquois -- and so do I.

I am hoping we all figured out -- that no matter what race, ethnicity, or cultural identity - high cheekbones isn't exclusive to any.

 

[Carmel]

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.

It is a very complex picture, indeed.

 

[pool boy]

I’m really confused over this thread. My take is that it’s not OK to refer to light skinned African-Americans like Colin Kaepernick or Russell Wilson or Cory Booker as black anymore, but to use the term mulattos instead? Is that correct?

 

[O' Be Joyful]

I’m really confused over this thread. My take is that it’s not OK to refer to light skinned African-Americans like Colin Kaepernick or Russell Wilson or Cory Booker as black anymore, but to use the term mulattos instead? Is that correct?

How's about we let them decide for themselves in today's world.

My understanding of this thread is that it is about how "they were classified" or identified themselves back in the day.

After all, IIRC southern Italians were once considered "too dark", whoops...I went a little modern there didn't I?

 

[rittmeister]

I’m really confused over this thread. My take is that it’s not OK to refer to light skinned African-Americans like Colin Kaepernick or Russell Wilson or Cory Booker as black anymore, but to use the term mulattos instead? Is that correct?

How's about we let them decide for themselves in today's world.

My understanding of this thread is that it is about how "they were classified" or identified themselves back in the day.

After all, IIRC southern Italians were once considered "too dark", whoops...I went a little modern there didn't I?

how about it shouldn't matter at all?

 

[O' Be Joyful]

how about it shouldn't matter at all?

That was my point, but I do not speak or type german.

 

[rittmeister]

That was my point, but I do not speak or type german.

that shouldn't even be a question for anyone to find an answer to

 

[O' Be Joyful]

that shouldn't even be a question for anyone to find an answer to

I know.

 

[Viper21]

How's about we let them decide for themselves in today's world.

There's a few obvious problems with that approach. Personally, I could care less what somebody declares themselves, & or identifies as. That's their business in my opinion.

However, when you get into appropriations for our shared tax dollars, benefits, etc... the waters get a little murky.

I don't believe someone like Rachel Dolezal should be able to benefit from the government, by self identifying as a minority. Just like I don't believe someone with a winky should be able to benefit as a woman. Both circumstances are absurd in my opinion.

There's lots of fraud that occurs in relation to receiving government benefits based on self identification, & slight of hand nonsense. Plenty of people game the system. I don't agree with facilitating it. I don't agree that someone with a winky should be able to use the same public bathroom as my granddaughter either.

 

[Andersonh1]

Some members of the free black population of antebellum Savannah owned slaves.

https://armstrongtourguide.wordpres...ree-african-americans-in-antebellum-savannah/

Blue collar worker is the best term to describe most Freedmen in Antebellum Savannah. It was especially true of black men. The transportation industry created a surplus of jobs for African-American men. These jobs were both on sea and land. They required transporting merchandise from one place to another. This, in addition to the procession of cotton, increased the jobs for draymen and wagon drivers. Draymen, especially, saw an increase in their salary. The changes in the transportation industry allowed them to get an eight cent increase in their pay. Andrew Marshall was an example of a draymen who was able to live a comfortable life due to his career[2].

Marshall was a preacher first and foremost. He was the successor to his uncle Andrew Bryan as preacher for First African Baptist Church, Savannah’s first Baptist church. However, it was not preaching that gave him financial security, but being a drayman. Marshall was the richest African-American in Savannah from the 1820s to the 1840s. In 1820, he owned $6, 500 worth of reality. In 1824, the amount went up $1,900 more making his property worth the highest in the Freedmen community[3]. At the time of his death, he owned land in Yamacraw, a lot in St. Gall’s village, as well as stock in the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank of the State of Georgia[4]. This was a great amount of success for someone who once was a slave.

Henry Cunningham, a student of Marshall, was another pastor who was able to live a financial secured lifestyle. He was appointed as pastor of Second African Baptist Church by Andrew Bryant. Unlike Andrew Marshall, Cunningham income was solely from preaching. Like today, church was a profitable business. Since many members were slaves, it does raise the question as to how he was able to amass his fortune. The question has yet to be answered. In 1813, he purchased a property on the corner of Broughton and Houston streets for $1,000. Cunningham spend the rest of his life investing in property and even accumulated a small amount of slaves[5].

The tailoring business, like the transportation industry, was a big boom for African-American men. Those in the industry were able to obtain both wealth and leadership roles. This was especially true for Freedmen of Haitian descent. Joseph Dubergier was no exception. He was a tailor, real estate owner, and slave holder. He was the most successful of the Haitian immigrants in Savannah, who probably fled the island during the revolution.In 1806, he had the most valuable property among the free African-Americans, as well as the highest taxes in the group. Louis Mirault was another success Haitian émigré. From his account book, Mirault had well over forty customers for his tailoring business. Unlike other African-Americans in his profession, most of his customers were white professionals and businessmen. He owned nine slaves and at the time of his death, customers owed him $233.33[6]. This signaled that he made quite a profit with his tailoring business.​

 

[O' Be Joyful]

Some members of the free black population of antebellum Savannah owned slaves.

https://armstrongtourguide.wordpres...ree-african-americans-in-antebellum-savannah/

Blue collar worker is the best term to describe most Freedmen in Antebellum Savannah. It was especially true of black men. The transportation industry created a surplus of jobs for African-American men. These jobs were both on sea and land. They required transporting merchandise from one place to another. This, in addition to the procession of cotton, increased the jobs for draymen and wagon drivers. Draymen, especially, saw an increase in their salary. The changes in the transportation industry allowed them to get an eight cent increase in their pay. Andrew Marshall was an example of a draymen who was able to live a comfortable life due to his career[2].

Marshall was a preacher first and foremost. He was the successor to his uncle Andrew Bryan as preacher for First African Baptist Church, Savannah’s first Baptist church. However, it was not preaching that gave him financial security, but being a drayman. Marshall was the richest African-American in Savannah from the 1820s to the 1840s. In 1820, he owned $6, 500 worth of reality. In 1824, the amount went up $1,900 more making his property worth the highest in the Freedmen community[3]. At the time of his death, he owned land in Yamacraw, a lot in St. Gall’s village, as well as stock in the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank of the State of Georgia[4]. This was a great amount of success for someone who once was a slave.

Henry Cunningham, a student of Marshall, was another pastor who was able to live a financial secured lifestyle. He was appointed as pastor of Second African Baptist Church by Andrew Bryant. Unlike Andrew Marshall, Cunningham income was solely from preaching. Like today, church was a profitable business. Since many members were slaves, it does raise the question as to how he was able to amass his fortune. The question has yet to be answered. In 1813, he purchased a property on the corner of Broughton and Houston streets for $1,000. Cunningham spend the rest of his life investing in property and even accumulated a small amount of slaves[5].

The tailoring business, like the transportation industry, was a big boom for African-American men. Those in the industry were able to obtain both wealth and leadership roles. This was especially true for Freedmen of Haitian descent. Joseph Dubergier was no exception. He was a tailor, real estate owner, and slave holder. He was the most successful of the Haitian immigrants in Savannah, who probably fled the island during the revolution.In 1806, he had the most valuable property among the free African-Americans, as well as the highest taxes in the group. Louis Mirault was another success Haitian émigré. From his account book, Mirault had well over forty customers for his tailoring business. Unlike other African-Americans in his profession, most of his customers were white professionals and businessmen. He owned nine slaves and at the time of his death, customers owed him $233.33[6]. This signaled that he made quite a profit with his tailoring business.​

How much did their descendants own in 1860 or lets say 1850? And, it does not surprise me in the least, that "white professionals" or otherwise would seek out the best to fill their needs. Did not Mary Lincoln do the same?

 

[O' Be Joyful]

I have no wish to diminish you @Anderson1 , but from your link:

African-American men had many opportunities in the fields they were allowed to enter in. Despite success in such fields, they were still limited in their job opportunities. They were restricted to only blue collar jobs. They were not given the opportunity to grow and venture into more professional careers. For African-American women, the situation was even worse.