Book Synopsis
From Territorial days through the end of the Civil War, small clusters of former slaves, free people of color, lived within the boundaries of Madison County, Alabama. No longer in bondage, they would make their own way. The social order of their day made this exceedingly difficult. Free people of color were viewed with suspicion and fear by whites, and were never totally accepted by black slaves. This is a study of their history within the setting of the Deep South, including the many restrictions and few liberties allowing them to earn a living and take pleasure in their families, church and free time, as they remained under the strict scrutiny of the larger community.
The book includes 1) an introductory essay, 2) a Combined 1830-1860 Census, 3) an 1865 Black Huntsville Census and 4) materials collected from Alabama State Assembly and Madison County court records, arranged alphabetically by name.