Free Some Day: The African-American Families of Monticello

by Lucia "Cinder" Stanton, David Brion Davis (Preface)

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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published February 25, 2002

About the author

Lucia “Cinder” Stanton is Monticello’s Shannon Senior Historian. She is recognized as the leading interpreter of Jefferson’s life as a planter and master of the lives of his slaves and their descendants. (from https://www.monticello.org)

Reviews

[Jeff Bracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally interesting account of the main slave families that were owned by Jefferson and lived (primarily) at Monticello. Written in 2000 (approximately), it reviews some of the evidence of the claims of the Hemings familly descendants that they are direct descendants of the third President. It correctly concludes that the claims are true, a conclusion subsequently accepted by virtually all of the experts today.

[Linda]

third in the Jefferson Trilogy. This one I bought on the recommendation of the tour guide who talked about Mulberry Road and the enslaved population on Monticello. Very interesting perspective and well researched.

[Paulette]

Linda said this was good