"In the 1840 Federal census, the first since Coles County was formed, the county recorded a population of over 9,600 people. Among those listed were 33 persons of color. While most of these were living in white households, Lewis James was an exception. Lewis and his wife Nancy had purchased their freedom in Virginia for $450, before coming to Illinois in the 1830's. The James family was not only one of the first African American families of the area, but they were some of the earliest settlers in the region."
Duane Smith, "Shadows in the Past: African Americans in Early Coles County," Video Documentary Script, 2002, pp.1-2. Mr. Smith produced a video documentary of the same title.
Duane Smith, "Shadows in the Past: African Americans in Early Coles County," Video Documentary Script, 2002, pp.1-2. Mr. Smith produced a video documentary of the same title.
"In the 1840 Federal census, the first since Coles County was formed, the county recorded a population of over 9,600 people. Among those listed were 33 persons of color. While most of these were living in white households, Lewis James was an exception. Lewis and his wife Nancy had purchased their freedom in Virginia for $450, before coming to Illinois in the 1830's. The James family was not only one of the first African American families of the area, but they were some of the earliest settlers in the region."
Duane Smith, "Shadows in the Past: African Americans in Early Coles County," Video Documentary Script, 2002, pp.1-2. Mr. Smith produced a video documentary of the same title.
Duane Smith, "Shadows in the Past: African Americans in Early Coles County," Video Documentary Script, 2002, pp.1-2. Mr. Smith produced a video documentary of the same title.
Inscription
Wife of L. James
Aged 78 years
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