Philip Nelson
A Fearful Freedom: Free Black Laborer
 | 
Record of Free Negroes in Loudoun County
Courtesy of Loudoun County Clerk of Courts |
In 1830, Loudouners of African descent made up about a quarter of the county's population, and over 5,000 of them were slaves. The Census also counted 1,079 free blacks, one of whom was Philip Nelson. Nelson was a farm worker who owned property, and was a husband and a father of three. Whites viewed families like the Nelsons with suspicion and sought to drive them away by refusing to hire their services.
In November 1839, Philip and Minty Nelson left Leesburg for Philadelphia, and possibly later moved to Michigan.
in Loudoun County Virginia
Phillip Nelson: Free Loudoun Black
Today me and Minnie are moving from our long time home in Leesburg. So many stories of Negroes free and enslaved being snatched and sold to new masters hundred of miles from home. I must find a home for my family so they can live without fear and have dignity.
History
1830s The first railroads are built in the United States.
Economy 1840
United States
Total population: 17,069,453
Farm population: 9,012,000 (estimated)
Farmers made up 69% of work force
Virginia
Total Population: 1,025,227
Loudoun
1830 Population: 21,939 |
Science
Edmund Ruffin's first Essay on Calcareous Manure.
