by Editor | Mar 24, 2021 | Hidden Histories
Asheville News, August 26, 1858 The first mention we find of a young man named Ben is on August 27, 1858, when 12 people are sold at auction on the steps of the Buncombe County Court House. At the time, Ben was 18 years old, placing his birth date around 1840. This...
by Emily Cadmus | Aug 25, 2020 | Hidden Histories
HIDDEN HISTORIES George, Louisa, and William Morris We are first introduced to George and Louisa via this will, written by James M. Smith in February of 1850. George and Louisa are enslaved by James Smith and he is bequeathing them to his wife, Polly. When James...
by Editor | Jul 5, 2020 | Hidden Histories
c1840 Caroline is born. Caroline was likely enslaved by the Smith family from the moment of her birth. February 9, 1850James M. Smith’s will, written February 9, 1850, is the first mention we have found relating to Caroline, a child he enslaved. Last Will and...
by Editor | Jul 4, 2020 | Hidden Histories
In 1850, a woman named Tilda was enslaved by the Smith family of Asheville. It is likely that she and her family were held captive on the grounds of Buck House, our facility. At this time, Tilda was married to Joe, a wagoner. It is likely that Joe transported goods in...
by Editor | Jul 3, 2020 | Hidden Histories
Last Will and Testament of James M. Smith, Asheville, NC Codicil dated January 7, 1854 “…I further direct that the girl Caroline in said will given to my daughter Sarah L McDowell be given to my daughter Jane Cordelia and in her stead I give to the said...
by Editor | Jul 2, 2020 | Hidden Histories
In 1865, George Avery was a 19-year-old blacksmith enslaved by the McDowell family. It is likely he was born in to slavery, given his young age. McDowell family stories say that George was freed by William McDowell in April 1865, who realized the Confederacy was...
