Nancy Bradford’s Eastern Cherokee application was rejected after officials concluded she could not prove descent from a Cherokee ancestor living in the required 1835 or 1851 rolls. The file includes her claims, attorney correspondence, census research, and analysis of her family, slavery status, and possible links to the Samuel family of Missouri and the James family history.
From October 18 to November 3, the traveler and a companion journeyed through Ohio and Kentucky, encountering muddy roads, hilly terrain, and varying degrees of settlement. They observed a decline in land quality and hospitality as they moved westward, noting indifferent buildings and unwelcoming locals. Key stops included Siers, Freeport, Zanesville, Chillicothe, and Louisville, where they experienced both hospitality and disappointment. The journey concluded with reflections on the changing landscapes and the people met along the way, contrasting Ohio’s and Kentucky’s societal characteristics.
Mrs. Preston, an 83-year-old resident of Madison, Indiana, reflects on her experiences during slavery. She recalls her early years sleeping at her mistress’s feet and performing various chores, such as tending to cows and hauling corn. Despite the challenges faced, she did not feel mistreated by her owners. After the Civil War, her family received land and support but later encountered threats from the Ku Klux Klan, prompting a move north. Now living alone, she is known for her cleanliness and hospitality.
The interview with Sarah Colbert, an ex-slave born in 1855 in Allen County, Kentucky, reveals her family’s struggles under slavery. Her father, Isaac Carpenter, faced severe mistreatment and eventually escaped his harsh conditions through clever tactics. Colbert recounts her grandfather’s quest for freedom and the superstitions surrounding witchcraft in their community. Now residing in Indianapolis with her daughter, Sarah reflects fondly on her past, expressing gratitude and pride in her family’s legacy. The interview provides insight into the resilience and resourcefulness of enslaved individuals.
Mrs. M. S. Fayman, born in St. Nazaire Parish, Louisiana, in 1850, recounts her kidnapping at age five and subsequent enslavement on Beatrice Manor near Frankfort, Kentucky. She served as a tutor for the children of Pierce Buckran Haynes, a slave trader, while enduring the oppressive conditions faced by enslaved individuals on the plantation. After escaping in 1864 with assistance from a sympathetic woman, she later completed her education, graduating from Fisk University and leading a diverse career in education across several cities.
Hord Hardin, vice president of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, was born on April 10, 1888, in Frankfort, Kentucky. He began his career in the banking industry at age 15 and advanced through various roles. Hardin pursued his education at night, graduating from St. Louis University in 1917. He has actively contributed to municipal progress and supported war efforts during his career. A dedicated family man and active community member, he is also involved in various clubs and organizations, reflecting his commitment to civic development.
Hon. Samuel F. Taylor, a pivotal figure in the early development of Idaho Falls, arrived in 1870 to help construct the area’s first bridge, significantly boosting local immigration and commerce. Born in Kentucky in 1848, he was the son of a Confederate captain killed in battle. Taylor thrived in the stock business, later breeding fine horses and establishing a livery stable. An active Democrat, he served two terms as sheriff and participated in Idaho’s last territorial legislature and constitutional convention. He married Bettie Hays, with whom he had five children.
James S. Acker, born on August 6, 1865, near Birmingham, Alabama, is a notable businessman in Mountain Home, Idaho, where he owns a successful general mercantile cash store. His upbringing in a prominent family, with a father who was a distinguished physician, shaped his values and work ethic. Acker emphasizes a cash-only business model to avoid the pitfalls of debt. He ventured to California and Utah before establishing his store in 1895. Acker is also active in civic organizations and supports the Republican party. He is married with one daughter.
John T. Alsap, born in 1832 in Frankfort, Kentucky, moved to Arizona before its territorial organization and settled in Prescott. A graduate of the New York College of Medicine in 1854, he practiced medicine while prospecting in California. In Arizona, he served as the first Territorial Treasurer and was elected to the Legislature from Yavapai County. He played a significant role in the development of Maricopa County. Alsap was also a respected attorney before his death in 1886, leaving behind family in the Salt River Valley.