Enslaved People, Maternal Kin, North Carolina, Paternal Kin, Photographs, Virginia

Freedom’s faces.

Yesterday was the 150th anniversary of Congress’ passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. On Facebook, several friends posted links to sites featuring “never-before-seen” photographs of formerly enslaved Americans, most taken in the 1930s. As I clicked through these images, struck by the strength and endurance embodied, I had a sudden thought — I’ve got a few photos of former slaves, too. And they’re my own people.

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Martha Margaret Miller McNeely. Born about 1855 in Rowan County, North Carolina, to Margaret McConnaughey and Edward Miller. Enslaved by John M. McConnaughey. My matrilineal great-great-grandmother.

Harriet Nicholson Tomlin Hart. Born in 1861 in Iredell County, North Carolina, to Lucinda Cowles and James Lee Nicholson. Enslaved by Thomas A. Nicholson, her grandfather. My maternal great-great-grandmother.

Mary Brown Allen. Born about 1849 in Amelia County, Virginia, to Catherine Booker and James Brown. Owner unknown. Maternal great-great-grandmother.

Apsilla “Appie” Ward Hagans. Born 1849 in Greene County, North Carolina, to Sarah Ward and Dr. David G.W. Ward, her owner. Wife of my great-great-great-great-uncle Napoleon Hagans.

Mittie Ward Vaughn. Born 1849 in Greene County, North Carolina, to Sarah Ward and Dr. David G.W. Ward, her owner. Twin of Appie, above. Mother of son of my great-great-great-great uncle Napoleon Hagans.

——

In tribute to these and countless others, known and unknown, who walked through this country’s darkest days.

14 thoughts on “Freedom’s faces.”

Bill Hagans says:

Wonderful tribute on an important anniversary.

February 1, 2015 at 2:58 pm Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thanks, Bill! Good to hear from you. And I’m reminded that I omitted Appie Ward Hagans and Mittie Ward! I’ll fix that right now.
  
  February 1, 2015 at 3:23 pm Reply
juantana says:

Really enjoy reading your blog Lisa – you’ve done an incredible job putting it all together – these pictures are amazing and it’s so important to preserve it all.

February 1, 2015 at 10:47 pm Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thanks so much, John!
  
  February 1, 2015 at 10:50 pm Reply
True! says:

Enjoyed that! It was so Important and Comforting Reminder some how.

February 1, 2015 at 11:44 pm Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thanks, True!
  
  February 2, 2015 at 7:08 am Reply
K. Ward says:

I truly believe that you are a reflection of their hope for a brighter future. Keep telling their stories!!!

February 3, 2015 at 9:49 am Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thanks, friend!!!
  
  February 3, 2015 at 3:01 pm Reply
kristin says:

Ashe! Great idea and i think I will do the same, giving you credit.
Finding Eliza

April 16, 2017 at 8:40 am Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thanks, Kristin! Your post is wonderful!
  
  April 17, 2017 at 8:50 pm Reply
Anne E.G. Nydam says:

Wow, these photos are treasures! What amazing endurance and strength.

April 19, 2017 at 10:23 pm Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Thank you!!
  
  April 20, 2017 at 9:10 am Reply
Patricia Smith says:

Thanks for sharing Lisa.
I encourage everyone to start researching, we have to know our Ancestors.

June 19, 2021 at 11:57 am Reply
- Lisa Y. Henderson says:
  
  Yes!
  
  June 19, 2021 at 12:43 pm Reply