William Johnson, the "Barber of Natchez"

Subject: William Johnson, the "Barber of Natchez" Tue May 04, 2010 1:40 pm

http://www.nps.gov/natc/historyculture/williamjohnson.htm

He was born a slave, freed by his master (who also freed his mother and sister), became a successful businessman, and went on to accumulate 16 slaves himself! I have not read his diary but will have to put it on my list.

http://www.amazon.com/Barber-Natchez-Edwin-Adams-Davis/dp/0807102121

I remember on one of my trips to Natchez in the early 90's that they had just begun to renovate his house.

Subject: Re: William Johnson, the "Barber of Natchez" Tue May 04, 2010 3:22 pm

Oh wow, this sounds interesting. I will look more into this guy so I can talk about him at reenactments. I really surprised people this weekend when talking about the freemen who sued the US government after the war to be paid for the slaves taken from them by the US army. People were blown away by that.

Subject: Re: William Johnson, the "Barber of Natchez" Tue May 04, 2010 3:55 pm

"I really surprised people this weekend when talking about the freemen who sued the US government after the war to be paid for the slaves taken from them by the US army. People were blown away by that."

I bet they were. I've put the project of confirming that report on the back burner for now but will get back to it this summer hopefully.