Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Southern Origins, ca. 1760-1830
2. Migration to the Frontier, ca. 1820-1840
3. Pioneer Life, ca. 1830-1850
4. From Frontier to Mature Farm Settlements, 1850-1870
5. Settlements in Decline, 1870-1900
Conclusion
Appendix: The Southern Origins of 1840 Beech and Roberts Household
Heads
Notes
Index
The little-known history of free black farmers in the Midwest.
Stephen A. Vincent is Associate Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Vincent's book reflects a trend in US studies—plowing new
interpretive ground—to ensure more inclusive ethnic and gender
histories, with traditional interpretations revised. Vincent (Univ.
of Wisconsin—Whitewater) reveals how African American families
moved from Virginia and North Carolina to create mixed race
communities (Beech and Roberts) and homesteads in frontier Indiana
in the 1830s. In the South before migrating, these settlers were
freed people and had been for successive generations. Land in
Indiana provided them greater freedom, which few other 19th-century
African Americans experienced. As they built community, they made
deliberate efforts to marry others, with common heritages. . . Many
avoided darker-skinned African Americans with slave heritages [for]
they often perceived themselves as a distinct if not unique
African-descended people. Although now in decline, these
communities and farms share a heritage that passed from one
generation to another, and that heritage remains vibrant through
family gatherings and annual reunions. For contrast, readers might
peruse Joe William Trotter Jr.'s River Jordan: African American
Urban Life in the Ohio Valley (CH, Jul'98). Southern Seed is for
those with interests in ethnic, sociocultural, family, or economic
history. Maps; photographs; appendix; notes. All levels.
*Choice*
Vincent's book reflects a trend in US studies—'plowing' new
interpretive ground—to ensure more inclusive ethnic and gender
histories, with traditional interpretations revised.September
2000
*Choice*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |