Free Some Day

by Stanton, Lucia

• ISBN13: 9781882886142
• ISBN10: 1882886143
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Summary

Although Thomas Jefferson, author of the words "All men are created equal, " was a lifelong enemy of the institution of slavery, he considered over six hundred human beings his legal possessions over the course of his long life. Building on Stanton's highly acclaimed "Slavery at Monticello, this fascinating work highlights the stories of six enslaved families who lived and worked at Monticello and provides general information on events and issues that affected the entire African-American community. Informed by the extensive records and accounts of Thomas Jefferson, the book also draws from oral histories of the descendants of former slaves as well as the reminiscences and letters left by men and women who lived in slavery at Monticello. Stanton unveils the lives of the African Americans who experienced bondage on Jefferson's plantations and examines the wide variety of ways in which individuals responded to their situation, whether as "trusty servants, " resourceful leaders, or outright rebels. The book also chronicles the many accomplishments of Monticello slaves and their descendants, either during their enslavement, as the creators of hand-crafted furniture in Monticello's joinery and European-inspired cuisine served in the Monticello dining room; or after gaining freedom, as the founders of churches and schools and businesses. The skills practiced at Monticello were carried to all parts of the country, and the fight for education, freedom, and family integrity continued long after they left the mountaintop.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Preface	11	(6)
1774: People And Property	17	(2)
Jupiter And Suck	19	(9)
1775: In Their Own Time	28	(5)
George And Ursula	33	(19)
1781: Their World Turned Upside Down	52	(6)
The Hern Family	58	(10)
1796: The Gathering	68	(5)
The Hubbard Brothers	73	(10)
1807: Force And Resistance	83	(4)
The Gillette Family	87	(10)
1824: Connecting Worlds	97	(5)
The Hemings Family	102	(39)
House	102	(17)
Dining Room	119	(6)
Kitchen	125	(6)
Shops	131	(10)
1827: Dispersal	141	(5)
Leaving The Mountain	146	(19)
1831	146	(3)
1837	149	(6)
1850	155	(4)
1867	159	(6)
Notes	165	(22)
Index	187