Generation 1: Out of Slavery

During the 1800s, many African-Americans in the south, both enslaved and free, migrated north in hope of starting a new life. Many of Oxford’s Black residents were part of this movement, including John Henry Stewart and Dawson Davis Drew. In 1850 and 1859, respectively, John and Dawson left Virginia with their freedom papers and came to Oxford, Ohio. The two married in 1862, establishing the beginning of a Black family in Oxford that would have generations of important connections in the community and to Miami University. Working to make room for Miami dormitories and buildings on Western College, John was one of many early Black laborers at Miami. 

Despite escaping southern slavery in moving north, Black freedom-seekers did not escape racism, nor was their freedom guaranteed. In “free” areas like Oxford, African-Americans still faced racial boundaries and various forms of unfreedom. Examples of this are notable throughout the Jennie Elder Suel Collection, including documents such as a bill of sale for an enslaved woman and girl.