William C. Nell

A tireless accounting of Black Americans from pre-Revolutionary times to just before the Civil War. Published in 1855, not only did Mr Nell include obituaries and other newspaper stories, but he was able to relate first-hand accounts by centenarians who fought in the Revolutionary War, and families of slaves and Freeman alike.

Each state is given its own chapter and is is comprised of a chronological history of its Black citizens of note.

From entrepreneurs who became well respected businessmen, to veterans living on pensions, to a handful of men who became elected officials in local or state government. Most interesting is the views of George Washington's slaves. There are narratives of men executed, slaves treated to the most grievous treatment and those denied equality.

In short, this book does not "whitewash" maltreatment of Black Americans; conversely, it recognizes a lost reality by profiling many who represented countless "colored patriots."… (more)