John Winston Coleman Jr. collection on slavery in Kentucky

Abstract

The John Winston Coleman, Jr. collection on slavery in Kentucky, 1780-1940 is comprised of manuscript materials (1780-1940) and photographs gathered by John Winston Coleman, Jr. (1898-1983) while conducting research for his book Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940).

Descriptive Summary

Title
John Winston Coleman Jr. collection on slavery in Kentucky
Date
1780-1940 (inclusive)
Creator
Coleman, J. Winston, (John Winston), 1898-
Extent
1.2 Cubic feet
Subjects
African Americans--Capture and imprisonment
African Americans--Colonization--Africa, West
Antislavery movements--United States--History--19th century
Antislavery movements--United States--Periodicals.
Broadsides--Kentucky--1850-1860--Sources
Broadsides--Sources
Caves
Freedmen--Colonization--Africa, West.
Fugitive slaves--United States.
Hemp industry workers--Kentucky
Hemp industry--Kentucky--History
Hemp industry--Kentucky.
Historians.
Historic buildings
Icehouses--Kentucky
Kitchens--Kentucky
Music title pages
Plantation owners--Kentucky
Plantations--Kentucky.
Postcards.
Proofs (Printing)
Slave traders--Kentucky--Sources.
Slave traders--Kentucky.
Slaveholders--Dwellings--Kentucky
Slaveholders--Kentucky
Slaveholders--Kentucky--Sources
Slavery
Slavery, abolition, and emancipation
Slavery--Economic aspects
Slavery--Kentucky--Public opinion.
Slavery--Kentucky--Sources
Slaves--Dwellings--Kentucky
Slaves--Emancipation--Kentucky
Slaves--Emancipation--Kentucky--Sources
Slaves--Kentucky--Biography
Slaves--Kentucky--Interviews
Slaves--Kentucky--Sources
Slaves--Kentucky.
Slaves--Legal status, laws, etc.--Kentucky
Slaves--Social conditions.
Slaves--Trials, litigations, etc.--Kentucky
Slaves.
Uncle Tom (Fictitious character)
Underground Railroad--Kentucky
Underground Railroad--Ohio.
Underground Railroad.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by format.
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Sara Abdmishani Price
Preferred Citation
46M53 : [identification of item], John Winston Coleman, Jr. collection on slavery in Kentucky, 1780-1940, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Author and historian John Winston Coleman, Jr. (1898-1983) was born in Lexington, Kentucky on November 5, 1898. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with both a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering. Coleman served as president of the general contracting firm, Coleman and Davis, Inc. In the 1930s he became interested in Kentucky's history and published his first book, Masonry in the Bluegrass (1933). In 1936 Coleman retired to Winburn Farm located in Lexington, Kentucky to devote time to historic research and writing. He published dozens of books and pamphlets concerning Kentucky's history, including Stagecoach Days in the Bluegrass (1835), Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940), A Bibliography of Kentucky History (1940), Lexington During the Civil War (1968), and Historic Kentucky (1967). Coleman was a founding member of the Book Thieves Club whose members included Kentucky's Historian Laureate for Life Thomas D. Clark, Lincoln scholar William H. Townsend, Charles R. Staples, and Samuel M. Wilson. While researching his works Coleman collected historic manuscripts, books on Kentucky history, as well as photographs taken both by himself and others. Coleman died in Lexington, Kentucky on May 4, 1983.
Scope and Content
The John Winston Coleman, Jr. collection on slavery in Kentucky, 1780-1940 is comprised of manuscript materials (1780-1940) and photographs gathered by John Winston Coleman, Jr. (1898-1983) while conducting research for his book Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). The manuscript materials include documents (both original and photocopies) and correspondence (mostly in the form of responses to query letters) regarding the day-to-day life of slaves, the economics of the slave trade, the Underground Railroad, and the abolition movement. Also present are broadsides and newspaper advertisements, typescripts, and galleys. Some of the original documents are bills of sale for slaves, certificates of freedom, indenture contracts, and legal petitions. Also present are a significant number of trial and litigation documents concerning slaves, slaveholders, and slave traders, especially Lewis C. Robards. The broadsides and advertisements advertise sales of slaves, rewards for runaway slaves, and solicitations for the purchase of slaves. Some textual materials were used as illustrations within the work. A bound volume contains Coleman’s notes from interviews he held with former Kentucky slaves (1939) and with Dr. Wilbur H. Siebert, the author of several books on the topics of slavery and the Underground Railroad.
The photographs include images collected during the research for Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Some images were used in the book as illustrations. Included are portraits of freed slaves, slave and slaveholder housing, images of houses used as Underground Railroad Way Stations, slave prisons, portraits of abolitionists and slavery proponents, broadsides and advertisements for slaves, images of hemp fields, Main Street of Lexington, Kentucky in the 1860s, and a deed of emancipation.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. Portions of the collection reside in the public domain, consult AV Archivist for details.

Contents of the Collection

Papers, 1780-1940

Scope and Contents note

Papers, 1780-1940 includes documents (both original and photocopies), correspondence (mostly in the form of responses to query letters), and notes gathered by Coleman during research for his work Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Also present are manuscript materials including the original manuscript and a galley for Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Some textual materials were used as illustrations within the work. A bound volume contains Coleman’s notes from interviews he held with former Kentucky slaves (1939) and with Dr. Wilbur H. Siebert, the author of several books on topics of slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Original documents, 1780-1860

Scope and Contents note

Original documents, 1780-1860 consists of bills of sale for slaves, certificates of freedom, indentures, and petitions.

Legal documents, 1780-1850

  • Box 1, Folder 1
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes various legal documents such as a Land-Office Treasury Warrant (1780), a letter (1844) written by Kentucky State Auditor H.J. Bodley to Kentucky Governor William Owsley recommending the denial of a request for a pardon, and a petition (1850) signed by citizens of Athens, Kentucky expressing their irritation with slaves coming into Athens on Sundays.

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Free papers and bills of sale, 1822-1860

  • Box 1, Folder 2
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes original bills of sales for slaves, indentures, deeds of emancipation, and free papers declaring individual slaves freed. Some documents are legal court documents.

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Trials and suits, 1833-1855

  • Box 1, Folder 3
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes affidavits concerning failure to provide services for slaves, disputed sales of slaves, failure to pay debts owed on slaves, and correspondence between Lewis C. Robards and P. Robinson regarding a lawsuit.

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Query letters, 1936-1939

Scope and Contents note

Query letters, 1936-1939 includes correspondence (largely responses to Coleman’s query letters) from professors, librarians, authors, and other specialists regarding conditions of life for slaves, the Underground Railroad and fugitive slaves, the slave trade, the emancipation and abolition of slaves, and trials and suits regarding slaves and the slave trade. Responses may be in the form of narratives or may provide information regarding the area of expertise of the letters’ addressee. Authors of letters include Frederic Bancroft, Kentucky governor James Black, Elmer Decker, E.E. Hughes, W.H. Lindo, Lutie Poage Martin, Otis Mather, Mary T. Moore, J.B. Paxton, John E. Richardson, Otto Arthur Rothert, Dr. Wilbur H. Siebert, A.G. Sulser, Beatrice Critser Williams.

Slave life and conditions, 1938-1939

  • Box 1, Folder 4
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes responses to query letters sent by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. requesting information regarding the lives, customs, and conditions of slaves. Some correspondence provides autobiographical narratives while some provides information regarding research conducted by the letters' addressees. Information regarding slave marriage and religion, slave cabins and quarters, the effects of cholera on slavery, lists of slaves who left to Liberia, a transcribed letter from Harriet Beecher Stowe regarding Uncle Tom's Cabin, and a letter from Kentucky's Governor James D. Black expressing his opinion of slavery in Kentucky are present.

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Slave trade, 1936-1939

  • Box 1, Folder 5
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes responses to query letters sent by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. requesting information regarding views held on the slave trade, sending slaves "down the river", and Bowling Green, Kentucky's (1823-1839) establishment of the pattyrollers (night watch or patrol). Also present are personal narratives regarding conditions within the slave trade as well as excerpts from the diary of Warner Lewis Underwood (1808-1872), U.S. Representative of Kentucky.

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Underground Railroad and fugitive slaves, 1938-1939

  • Box 1, Folder 6
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes responses to query letters sent by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. requesting information regarding fugitive slaves, slaves heading North and the significance of the North Star, locations of fugitive slave settlements, and important crossing and Underground Railroad way station locations for fugitive slaves. Also present are references to newspapers from the North such as "The Voice of the Fugitive" and responses from Dr. Wilbur H. Siebert discussing his works and knowledge of the Underground Railroad.

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Abolition and emancipation, 1938

  • Box 1, Folder 7
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes responses to query letters sent by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. requesting information regarding conditions preceding and following emancipation and speeches and newspapers supporting abolition and emancipation. Some responses are in the form of narratives including a sketch of a Covington, Kentucky family, the Stephens. A transcribed letter from James G. Birney declaring the inconsistency of slavery with the Declaration of Independence and a transcribed conversation between James G. Birney and Henry Clay are present. A copy of an affidavit regarding Abraham Lincoln is also present.

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Trials and suits, 1938-1939

  • Box 1, Folder 8
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes responses to query letters sent by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. regarding various suits and trials involving slaves and slave owners. Included are transcripts, wills, and court proceedings. Trial dates are 1812-1852. Documents pertaining to Lilliburn Lewis including his will and court summaries are present. Records regarding the murder of Edward Stone by slaves, a case filed for writ of habeas corpus on behalf of an African American woman, Eliza Jane Johnson, and records regarding the trial of John B. Mahan are included. An indictment against Harry Slaughter, a slave, for insurrection and conspiracy to commit murder and a case regarding Edward J. Doyle for inciting slaves to rebellion are also present. Correspondence between Coleman and W.H. Lindo regarding the trial and conviction of Thomas Brown and notes concerning the state of slavery in Knox County, Kentucky are included as well.

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Notes, 1784-1940

Scope and Contents note

Notes, 1784-1940 includes notes and textual materials gathered by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. during the research of his work Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Such textual materials include transcribed letters regarding slave life, letters written by freed slaves in Liberia, song lyrics, wills regarding emancipation of slaves, transcribed interviews regarding the treatment of slaves during the slave trade, and notes and records concerning the cost effectiveness of slavery and Kentucky’s hemp industry. Also included are notes and gathered information regarding court suits, trials, and proceedings of slave traders and abolitionists. Broadsides and newspaper advertisements advertising slave sales, runaway slaves, and the emancipation of slaves are also present. Other published materials include a copy of Cassius M. Clay’s antislavery newspaper, the “True American” and a bill concerning the emancipation of slaves.

Slave life and conditions, 1819-1940

  • Box 1, Folder 9
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes letters and interviews regarding slave lives and conditions. Some letters are from freed slaves who returned to Liberia informing previous owners of their lives in Liberia. Also present are lyrics to slave songs, accounts of anticipated slave revolts, views on the treatment of slaves in Kentucky, narratives of conditions and treatment of mulattos by slaveholders, and transcribed correspondence between Cassius M. Clay and the citizens of Lexington, Kentucky regarding the "True American" newspaper. A will belonging to James Fishback providing instructions for the emancipation of his slaves and a letter (1848) to Mrs. Fishback from one of the liberated slaves is also included.

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Slave trade, 1784-1939

  • Box 1, Folder 10
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes interviews and notes regarding the slave trade in Kentucky. Includes a transcribed interview with Judge George B. Kinkead regarding the sale of two female slaves and several other notes concerning the treatment of slaves during slave trades, the transport of slaves as coffle gangs, and the methods used to make slaves appear more marketable. A list of slave traders, a transcribed letter from Daniel Boone revealing his ownership and trade of slaves, and articles and notes regarding pattyrollers are also present.

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Economic aspects of slavery, 1830-1938

  • Box 1, Folder 11
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes notes and records regarding the economic side of slavery. Included are lists of slave values and expenses associated with slaves. Also present are opinions regarding the cost effectiveness of slaves and correspondence written by an individual from the Boston Globe discussing the hemp manufacturing economy of Lexington, Kentucky.

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Trials and suits, 1822-1858

  • Box 1, Folder 12
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes notes and gathered information regarding court suits, trials, and legal proceedings of slave traders. Much of the material is concerned with the dishonest sales of slaves, especially by Lewis C. Robards and Alfred O. Robards. A transcribed deed giving Lewis C. Robards and Alfred O. Robards power of attorney in the matter of slave sales for Joseph H. Northcutt and Robert W. Lucas is included (see Item 70). Court proceedings for the indictment of slaves for murder and an article from the "Ohio Coon Catcher."

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Broadsides and publications, 1836-1862

  • Box 1, Folder 13
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes broadsides and newspaper advertisements advertising for runaway slaves, the sale of slaves, announcements for public meetings, and advertisements for wanted slaves. Also present is a broadside discussing the use of confederate currency, an issue of the "True American", Cassius Clay's antislavery newspaper, and a bill concerning the emancipation of slaves.

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Manuscript materials, 1939-1940

Scope and Contents note

Manuscript materials,1939-1940 includes materials created and produced through the research, writing, and printing process of J. Winston Coleman, Jr.’s Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Included are note cards, a manuscript, half-tone illustrations, and the dust jackets and advertising leaflets used in the promotion of the work.

Letters and lists, 1940

  • Box 1, Folder 14
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes correspondence regarding editing of the manuscript, lists of references, and a list of proposed illustrations and photos for J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s work "Slavery Times in Kentucky" (1940).

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Notes and labels, 1940

  • Box 1, Folder 15
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes notes and labels used by J. Winston Coleman, Jr. as he wrote his work "Slavery Times in Kentucky" (1940).

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Manuscript, 1940

  • Box 2, Folder 16
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s manuscript of his work "Slavery Times in Kentucky" (1940).

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Half-tone illustrations, 1940

  • Box 2, Folder 17
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes half-tone illustrations used in J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s work "Slavery Times in Kentucky" (1940).

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Dust jackets and advertising leaflets, 1940

  • Box 2, Folder 18
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes dust jackets and advertising leaflets for the original 1940 printing of J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s "Slavery Times in Kentucky."

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Slave Interviews, Notes and Data on Kentucky Slavery, 28 March 1939

  • Box 2, Folder 19
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s bound notes from interviews he held with former Kentucky slaves and with Dr. Wilbur H. Siebert, the author of several books on slavery and the underground railroad.

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Galley, 1940

  • Box 2, Folder 20
Scope and Contents note

Folder includes the galley produced for J. Winston Coleman, Jr.'s "Slavery Times in Kentucky" (1940).

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Photographs, 1838-1940

Scope and Contents note

Photographs, 1838-1940 includes images collected during the research for Slavery Times in Kentucky (1940). Some images are found throughout the work as illustrations. Included are portraits of freed slaves, slave and slaveholder housing, images of houses used as Underground Railroad Way Stations, slave prisons, portraits of abolitionists and slavery proponents, broadsides and advertisements for slaves, images of hemp fields, Main Street of Lexington, Kentucky in the 1860s, and a deed of emancipation.

Freed slave portraits

Jennie Cousins; written on back: "Aunt Jennie Cousins \\ My mother's first [illegible] as she appeared many years afterward \\ J.B.C.", undated

  • Box 3, Item 1
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Bell Elmore; written on back: "Aunt Bell Elmore of Coletown, Fayette County.", undated

  • Box 3, Item 2
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Bell Elmore; written on back: "Aunt Bell Elmore of Coletown, Fayette County. Belonged to Geo Park of Madison Co. Grandfather of Cam Atty James Park \\ Her mother cooked for white folks an Aunt Bell waited on Miss Patsy (Park) served biscuits kept hot in a Flictor. \\ Her father belonged to Newmans on Marbel Creek Fayette County and he rode to Richmond horseback every week or two.", undated

  • Box 3, Item 3
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Unidentified African American female., undated

  • Box 3, Item 4
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Old Black Joe Jr., former slave at Federal Hill of Bardstown, Kentucky known today as My Old Kentucky Home; written on back: "'Old Black Joe Jr.' // Rear of 'Old Ky. House'- // Bardstown Ky- // Aug-22-1931-", 22 August 1931

  • Box 3, Item 5
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Old Black Joe Jr., former slave at Federal Hill of Bardstown, Kentucky known today as My Old Kentucky Home; written on back: "'Old Black Joe Jr.' // Rear of 'Old Ky. House'- // Bardstown Ky- // Aug-22-1931-", 22 August 1931

  • Box 3, Item 6
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Unidentified African American couple form Mercer County, Kentucky; used as illustration facing page 51 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "OLD SLAVE COUPLE, MERCER COUNTY", undated

  • Box 3, Item 7
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Joseph "Joe" Bolar born of Wilmore, Kentucky; summary of information written on back of picture: House slave of Squire John Parker who owned a mill. Freed by Patsy Parker, John Parker's granddaughter, and chose to stay as help for monthly pay. Stated that John Parker was a good owner who allowed marriages, gave gifts, and had an African American preacher. Was aware of Underground Railroad, but did not know the name of it., undated

  • Box 3, Item 8
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Sonny Stovall of Keene, Kentucky; summary of information written on back: Believes he was born in 1851 and belonged to Hettie Hampton. After being freed, moved with parents until fighting in the Indian Wars in 1872 in Texas and New Mexico. Was set free by General Fry at Camp Nekow., undated

  • Box 3, Item 9
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Slave quarters

One story slave cabin; used as illustration facing page 50 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "OLD SLAVE CABINS AS THEY LOOK TODAY", 17 September 1939

  • Box 3, Item 10
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One story slave cabin; used as illustration facing page 50 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "OLD SLAVE CABINS AS THEY LOOK TODAY", undated

  • Box 3, Item 11
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 11, undated

  • Box 3, Item 12
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 11, undated

  • Box 3, Item 13
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 11, undated

  • Box 3, Item 14
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 11, undated

  • Box 3, Item 15
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 11, undated

  • Box 3, Item 16
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One story slave cabin; used as illustration facing page 50 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "OLD SLAVE CABINS AS THEY LOOK TODAY", undated

  • Box 3, Item 17
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 17, undated

  • Box 3, Item 18
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One story slave cabin, undated

  • Box 3, Item 19
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 19, undated

  • Box 3, Item 20
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 19, undated

  • Box 3, Item 21
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One story slave cabin; same cabin pictured in item 19, undated

  • Box 3, Item 22
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One story out house; written on back: "Stone out house \\ at \\ Buena Vista - [illegible] \\ home of Robert S. Todd", undated

  • Box 3, Item 23
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One story slave cabin; written on back: "Old slave quarters in rear yeard of \\ 'White Hall' \\ M. Clay's Home. \\ near Richmond, Ky", undated

  • Box 3, Item 24
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One story slave cabin, undated

  • Box 3, Item 25
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One story slave cabin and grave yard on Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby's property; written on back "Grave yard and slave Cabin at old Governor Shelby's Place on Richmond Road 8 miles from Lexington. Stones in yard show \\ In Memory, Mary Pindell Shelby departed this life July 26, 1836 in her 50th year. \\ In memory Genl James Shelby \\ Born Jan 15, 1784 Died Aug 15, 1848", undated

  • Box 3, Item 26
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One story slave cabin and grave yard on Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby's property; written on back: "Slave cabin at governor Shelby's place on Richmond road, 8 miles from Lexington", 1939

  • Box 3, Item 27
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One story slave cabin; written on back: "Slave cabin on Porter Land Place 1939", 1 January 1939

  • Box 3, Item 28
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One story slave cabin; written on back: "Cabin on Schuhart Place formerly Old Cassell home on Ash Grove Pike 1/2 mile off Nicholasville Pike"., 11 January 1939

  • Box 3, Item 29
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Two story, four room slave cabin; written on back: "4 room cabin on J. Means Robb Place 6 miles Nicholasville Pike from Lex.", 11 January 1939

  • Box 3, Item 30
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Slave prisons

Slave handcuffs and leg irons; used as illustration facing page 242 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "SLAVE HANDCUFFS AND LEG IRONS", undated

  • Box 3, Item 31
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Slave pen during the war; written on back: "Slave pen during war time. \\ in Ky"; used as illustration facing page 243 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "A SLAVE PEN DURING WARTIME", undated

  • Box 3, Item 32
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Slave jail owned by Lewis C. Robards; written on back: "Robards slave jail \\ formerly on W. Short St."; used as illustration facing page 162 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "WHERE ROBARDS KEPT HIS 'CHOICE STOCK OF SLAVES'", undated

  • Box 3, Item 33
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Unidentified brick building, undated

  • Box 3, Item 34
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Unidentified brick building; same building pictured in item 34, undated

  • Box 3, Item 35
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Locked doorway to unidentified brick building; same building pictured in item 34, undated

  • Box 3, Item 36
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Underground Railroad way stations

The Rankin House located in Ripley, Ohio on Liberty Hill which overlooks the Ohio River. Owned by Reverend John Rankin and used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; written on back: "Rankin house, Ripley, Ohio"; used as illustration facing page 226 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "STATIONS ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD", undated

  • Box 3, Item 37
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J. Winston Coleman, Jr. standing in front of the Rankin House located in Ripley, Ohio on Liberty Hill which overlooks the Ohio River. Owned by Reverend John Rankin and used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; written on back: "Rankin house, Ripley, Ohio. Slavery times in Kentucky. Opposite p. 226"; same house pictured in item 37, undated

  • Box 3, Item 38
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The Rothier House in Covington, Kentucky used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; used as illustration facing page 226 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "STATIONS ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD", undated

  • Box 3, Item 39
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The Rothier House in Covington, Kentucky used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; written on back: "Rothier house, Covington, Kentucky. Slavery time in Kentucky opp. p. 226"; same house picture in item 39, undated

  • Box 3, Item 40
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The Rothier House in Covington, Kentucky used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; same house picture in item 39, undated

  • Box 3, Item 41
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The secret tunnel leading from the cellar to the river in the Rothier House in Covington, Kentucky used as a way station for the Underground Railroad; written on back: "Covington, Ky \\ Rothier House \\ illus. in ok"; same house pictured in item 39, undated

  • Box 3, Item 42
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Wealthy planter houses

Slave owner house; used as illustration facing page 18 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "FOLKS IN THE BIG HOUSE", undated

  • Box 3, Item 43
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The Grange in Bourbon County, Kentucky the home of slave trader Edward Stone; written on back: "The Grange, Bourbon County. Early home of Edw. Stone, a slave trader who lost his life while taking a gang to Mississippi. This is about 4 miles n of Paris, on the Lex-Maysville pike."; used as illustration facing page 19 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "HOMES OF WELL-TO-DO PLANTERS", 1940

  • Box 3, Item 44
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Lynnwood of Mercer County, the home of a wealthy planter; written on back: "Lynnwood, Mercer county. Slavery times in Kentucky opp. p. 19": used as illustration facing page 19 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "HOMES OF WELL-TO-DO PLANTERS", undated

  • Box 3, Item 45
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Lynnwood of Mercer County, Kentucky, the home of a wealthy planter; written on back: "Lynnwood, Mercer county. Slavery times in Kentucky opp. p. 19": same house pictured in item 45, undated

  • Box 3, Item 46
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Scotland, the home of a weatlthly planter, on Locust Hill Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky; written on back: "Scotland, Franklin Co."; used as illustration facing page 19 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "HOMES OF WELL-TO-DO PLANTERS", undated

  • Box 3, Item 47
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Black Hills, the home of a wealthy planter; written on back: "Black Hills -\\ Lucas B. Combs' residence"; used as illustration facing page 19 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "HOMES OF WELL-TO-DO PLANTERS", undated

  • Box 3, Item 48
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Home of a wealthy planter, undated

  • Box 3, Item 49
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Home of a wealthy planter, undated

  • Box 3, Item 50
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Woodburn Farm of Woodford County, Kentucky, owned by Robert Alexander who began Kentucky's thoroughbred industry ; written on front: "Woodburn-Woodford County, Ky \\ Alexander Place", undated

  • Box 3, Item 51
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Detached kitchen, Woodford County, Kentucky; written on back: "Detached kitchen - [illegible] Farm - Woodford county"; used as illustration facing page 66 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "DETACHED KITCHEN, WOODFORD COUNTY", undated

  • Box 3, Item 52
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Two icehouses at Ashland, Henry Clay's house; written on back: Icehouses at 'Ashland' - Henry Clay House 1939 [illegible]", 1939

  • Box 3, Item 53
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Portraits

Scope and Contents note

Includes portraits of anti-slavery and pro-slavery proponents.

Robert J. Breckinridge; used as illustration facing page 290 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky", undated

  • Box 3, Item 54
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Cassius Marcellus Clay, undated

  • Box 3, Item 55
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Robert Wickliffe; used as illustration facing page 290 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky", undated

  • Box 3, Item 56
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Downtown Main Street Lexington, Kentucky, 1860s

Pre-civil war Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky; written on back: "Phoenix Hotel far right \\ [illegible] 'rear' \\ In 1870s [illegible] Ph. Hotel \\ burned May 14, 1879"; used as illustration facing page 115 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "MAIN STREET, ANTE-BELLUM LEXINGTON", undated

  • Box 3, Item 57
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Pre-civil war Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky; written on back: "Main Street in ante-bellum Lexington", undated

  • Box 3, Item 58
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Hemp fields

Unknown African American male with a hand brake in a field of hemp stalk stacks at at a Castleton Farm, Lexington, Kentucky; used as illustration facing page 35 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "OLD SLAVE WITH HAND HEMP-BRAKE", 1940

  • Box 3, Item 59
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Unknown African American male (same man pictured in item 58) breaking hemp on hand brakes in a field of hemp stalk stacks, undated

  • Box 3, Item 60
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Unknown African American male breaking hemp on hand brakes in a field of hemp stalk stacks, undated

  • Box 3, Item 61
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Unknown African American male breaking hemp on hand brakes in a field of hemp stalk stacks, undated

  • Box 3, Item 62
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Unknown African American male breaking hemp on hand brakes in a field of hemp stalk stacks, undated

  • Box 3, Item 63
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Stacks of hemp stalks in a hemp field, undated

  • Box 3, Item 64
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Stacks of hemp stalks in a hemp field, undated

  • Box 3, Item 65
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Stacks of hemp stalks in a hemp field, undated

  • Box 3, Item 66
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Slave advertisements and broadsides

Reproduction of a broadside printed on January 10, 1855 advertising the "Great Sale of Slaves" at Cheapside Slave Market in Lexington, Kentucky by John Carter of Carter Plantation at Quick's Run, Lewis County, Kentucky., undated

  • Box 3, Item 67
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Reproduction of an advertisement for the purchase of slaves printed on July 2, 1853 advertising "$1200 TO 1250 DOLLARS! FOR NEGROES!!" by William F. Talbott of Lexington, Kentucky. Illustration on corner of advertisement used as cover illustration on Winston Coleman, Jr.'s "Slavery Times in Kentucky", undated

  • Box 3, Item 68
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Reproduction of an advertisement printed in 1859 for the purchase of slaves by R.W. Lucas of Lexington, Kentucky advertising "A LARGE NUMBER OF NEGROES WANTED! The undersigned wishes to purchase throughout the year, a large number of SOUND AND HEALTH Negroes OF BOTH SEXES"; used as illustration facing page 227 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "LEXINGTON SLAVE DEALERS' ADVERTISEMENTS, 1859", undated

  • Box 3, Item 69
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Reproduction of an advertisement printed in 1859 advertising a notice of termination of the business relationship between Joseph H. Northcutt and Lewis C. Robards and Alfred O. Robards and an advertisement for "Negroes Wanted" by Joseph H. Northcutt, Silas Marshall, and George S. Marshall of Lexington, Kentucky. Also reprinted is item 69. Both reproductions used as illustrations facing page 227 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "LEXINGTON SLAVE DEALERS' ADVERTISEMENTS, 1859", undated

  • Box 3, Item 70
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Reproduction of advertisements for the purchase of slaves by slaver dealers William F. Talbott and Lewis C. Robards, undated

  • Box 3, Item 71
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Reproduction of advertisements for the purchase of slaves by slaver dealers Silas Marshall, George S. Marshall, and Joseph H. Northcutt, undated

  • Box 3, Item 72
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Reproduction of an advertisement by Sanford Davis offering a reward for a runaway slave named Charles and a reproduction of an advertisement for the purchase of slaves by William F. Talbott, undated

  • Box 3, Item 73
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Reproduction of an advertisement offering a 150 dollar reward for a runaway slave named Tom, undated

  • Box 3, Item 74
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Deed of emancipation

Reproduction of a deed of emancipation filed in the Jessamine County Court of Kentucky freeing Perry, a slave owned by Nathaniel Dunn, 1838

  • Box 3, Item 80
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Published illustrations

Scope and Contents note

Includes previously published materials such as postcards and cover illustrations for music.

A postcard picturing Uncle Tom and his cabin; caption on postcard: "UNCLE TOM AND UNCLE TOMS CABIN", 1938

  • Box 3, Item 75
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A postcard illustrating Edward Stone leading a coffle gang with fiddlers playing in front; caption on postcard: "THE COFFLE GANG"; used as illustration facing page 146 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "EDWARD STONE'S COFFLE GANG", undated

  • Box 3, Item 76
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A postcard illustrating a sale of slaves; caption on postcard: "SOLD TO GO SOUTH."; used as illustration facing page 178 in Coleman's "Slavery times in Kentucky" with caption: "SOLD TO GO SOUTH", undated

  • Box 3, Item 77
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The cover illustration for the song "Get off the track!" sung by the singing and touring anti-slavery Hutchinson family of Milford, New Hampshire, undated

  • Box 3, Item 78
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A plate picturing Russell Cave in Fayette County, Kentucky from the Art Work of the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky, 1898 collection, 1898

  • Box 3, Item 79
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.