George Hersey (abt. 1832)

Born about 1832 in Maryland, United States

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Biography

George was born about 1832 in Maryland.

He was the (presumed) brother of Civil War veteran Samuel Heresy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first regiment in the United States to enlist men of color during that war.

Occupations

• 1850: Laborer

Residences

• 1850: Worcester County, Maryland with his (presumed) brother Samuel, the Lankford family (Arthur, Henrietta, Arthur Jr.), Henrietta Higgins and James Jones

Census Race

• 1850: Black

Research Notes

Definitely free on paper, but not 100% sure how free he and Samuel were in practice based on the 1850 census. There is an Arthur Lankford in 1840 Somerset County, Maryland who enslaved four people, and it's likely the same man. In 1850, Arthur Jr. is 13 years old and attending school but 14 year old Samuel isn't. Maryland did not have anti-literacy laws as many of the Southern states did, but schools were often segregated and a black school may not have been available. This record reads more "free on paper" than free to me, but maybe further research will clarify George and Samuel's situation with the Lankford family.

Sources

• 1850 United States Federal Census Year: 1850; Census Place: District 8, Worcester, Maryland; Roll: M432_299; Page: 193B; Image: 65