George White-A Freed Madison County Slave

 

I selected the sketch of the life and experiences of George White, located in the EKU Special Collections section.  Mr. White, born in Maryland in 1790 was eventually sold to Mr. John White of Madison County, KY.  The handwritten pages left for Mr. White's children, detail his life during both his time as a slave and post-slavery when he was ultimately freed by the children of his original master and mistress.

     The document provides a first-hand account of an actual slave who experienced the lows of life in bondage.  When Master John White died, George had to experience the ultimate disappointment when his freedom was not granted despite his now deceased masters wishes.  Knowing this the majority of John White's children honored their father's wishes and "bought" him a second time to ensure his freedom.  John Whites will stipulated that all of heirs had to agree in order to set John free, and one lone holdout prevented it.  The other children combined their efforts and purchased George, whereupon he was immediately set free.

     The third section of the document details the life of Gorge White as a free man.  He discusses his ability to "lay up a little for a rainy day."  He never outright discusses how or where he is earning his living, but states that he was successful enough to have a "competence of worldly goods" and was able to purchase the freedom of several family members and give them "a good start in the world."

     The final section, in which George reveals that he had the sketch written for him discusses his thoughts on hard work and the humility of man.  George states that his belief and reliance on his "Heavenly Master" is what carried him through all his lowest times and that as he comes to the end of his life, he believes himself to be an "honest man."  The overall document does not mention the Reconstruction process in itself, but I do believe the actions of White's children and the subsequent success of George himself as a freeman provide an excellent first-hand experience in the life of a slave and possibilities of what a person can do when given the same opportunities as everyone else, regardless of their race or creed.