This microfilm is a copy of the original records located at the Kentucky State Historical Society in Frankfort and microfilmed in 1975. It is an incomplete copy of the set of records for each county but can provide the information for the specific counties and years as denoted in the list.
James Duncan Mudd, a notable farmer in Prairie du Rocher, descends from one of Randolph County’s oldest settler families, whose roots trace back to 1633 in Maryland. The Mudds migrated through Kentucky, where his great-grandfather, Francis Mudd, served in the War of 1812 before settling in Illinois. James T. Mudd, his father, expanded the family farm, ultimately cultivating 380 acres. James Duncan Mudd, born in 1862, has continued this legacy, now owning 440 acres and contributing significantly to his community and Church.
Barney Stone, born on May 17, 1847, in Spencer County, Kentucky, was a former slave who endured over sixteen years of servitude before joining the Union army during the Civil War. After the war, he educated himself, taught Black children, and preached for nearly seventy years, establishing several churches. Stone remained active in community organizations and worked tirelessly for the uplift of the African American community across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. At 91 years old, he shares his profound life experiences and continues to contribute to society.
In a 1937 interview, Thomas Lewis recounts his life as a former slave born in Kentucky in 1857. Freed at age seven, he describes the challenges faced by freed Black families in Indiana, including violent raids by white farmers. Lewis shares experiences of Civil War soldiers interacting with his family and the harsh realities of slavery, emphasizing the brutality of slave owners and the haunting legacy of violence endured by Black people. He has lived in Bloomington since his family’s relocation during his youth.
Susan Dale Sanders, born in a log cabin in Spencer County, Kentucky, recounts her life as a slave under Master Rueben Dale, who treated her family well. She describes her childhood of hard work, family gatherings, and the community spirit among slaves. After the Civil War, she was informed of her freedom by Mrs. Lovell, her master’s daughter, and continued to work for her. Sanders eventually married William Sanders, had six children, and reflects on the beliefs and traditions of her upbringing.