Washington Spradling was the son of an overseer, William Spradling, and Maria Dennis, a slave owned by Isaac Miller. Dennis and her children were set free after the death of William Spradling in 1814. Washington Spradling moved to Louisville, KY and opened a barbershop in 1825. He is known for purchasing the freedom of his five children and of at least 33 slaves. It is also believed that he was highly involved in the Underground Railroad activities in Louisville, KY as well.
In addition to his barbershop business, he acquired real estate and became one of the wealthiest black Americans in Louisville. When he died, an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune titled "Death of a Colored Millionaire in Louisville."
Washington Spradling was the son of an overseer, William Spradling, and Maria Dennis, a slave owned by Isaac Miller. Dennis and her children were set free after the death of William Spradling in 1814. Washington Spradling moved to Louisville, KY and opened a barbershop in 1825. He is known for purchasing the freedom of his five children and of at least 33 slaves. It is also believed that he was highly involved in the Underground Railroad activities in Louisville, KY as well.
In addition to his barbershop business, he acquired real estate and became one of the wealthiest black Americans in Louisville. When he died, an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune titled "Death of a Colored Millionaire in Louisville."
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