Enslaved of LDS Pioneers

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Utah, California
Surnames/tags: Slavery Mormon Battalion Willard Richards Company

Black Slaves Brought to Utah by LDS Three slaves were sent ahead to scout and to prepare shelters for the Saints in the Vanguard Company, and to start planting crops. Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, were the three men sent ahead of the main company. Twenty-four Black enslaved individuals entered the Salt Lake Valley with the Vanguard company including at least six that came with James Madison Flake. When James Madison Flake died in an accident, Green Flake was presented to Brigham Young as tithing. He was required to pay Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball to obtain his freedom in about 1952. ^[1]

Previous Information Changed Information Last edited by Shirleen Beland at 21:44, 10 March 2023.

Changes made by Shirleen Beland at 21:46, 10 March 2023.

Text Changes The book, The Story of the Negro Pioneer, states that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby owned a slave named Vilate. However, "John Brown's company of 10, report," did not list a "Vilate" with Elizabeth. In the same record, and in the 1850 Slave Inhabitant Schedule, an enslaved woman named Vilet/Vilate appears in the household of William Crosby. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby was the mother of William Crosby. At this time, it is believed that the Vilate listed in The Story of the Negro Pioneer is the same Vilet/Vilate enslaved by William Crosby. The book, The Story of the Negro Pioneer, states that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby owned a slave named Vilate. However, "John Brown's company of 10, report," did not list a "Vilate" with Elizabeth. In the same record, and in the 1850 Slave Inhabitant Schedule, an enslaved woman named Vilet/Vilate appears in the household of William Crosby. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby was the mother of William Crosby. At this time, it is believed that the Vilate listed in The Story of the Negro Pioneer is the same Vilet/Vilate enslaved by William Crosby. + Lambson + Alternate Names + Sammy Lamb (Preferred Name) + Birth Date + On 1838 January 4 (Born) + Death Date + On 1849 July 17 (Died) + Gender + Male + Family Search Icon + View in FamilySearch + Family Search Icon + Attach Source to FamilyTree + FamilySearch login required + + He was a child of a former slave of the Henry and Frances Jolley family. Family records state his mother may have died as an infant and Henry Jolley cared for him as one of his family. When the Jolley family left Tennessee for Nauvoo, their slaves were left behind with the new owners of the land. The motherless Sammy, was brought with them and noted as "servant boy" on most records. On the original roster of the Richards Company he is listed as "Lamb (a black boy)." In Salt Lake City Death Records, Book A, he is listed as "Lambson, servant of Henry Jolly, b. Jan. 4, 1838, d. July 17, 1849, Drowned." + + The Utah State History Cemeteries and Burials Database lists "Lambson" as a surname. A photograph of his gravestone also shows his name as "'Sammy Lambson." The name "Sammy" has been determined by historians to be a misnomer. His given name was Lambson.

Previous Information Changed Information Last edited by Shirleen Beland at 21:44, 10 March 2023.

Changes made by Shirleen Beland at 21:46, 10 March 2023.

Text Changes The book, The Story of the Negro Pioneer, states that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby owned a slave named Vilate. However, "John Brown's company of 10, report," did not list a "Vilate" with Elizabeth. In the same record, and in the 1850 Slave Inhabitant Schedule, an enslaved woman named Vilet/Vilate appears in the household of William Crosby. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby was the mother of William Crosby. At this time, it is believed that the Vilate listed in The Story of the Negro Pioneer is the same Vilet/Vilate enslaved by William Crosby. The book, The Story of the Negro Pioneer, states that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby owned a slave named Vilate. However, "John Brown's company of 10, report," did not list a "Vilate" with Elizabeth. In the same record, and in the 1850 Slave Inhabitant Schedule, an enslaved woman named Vilet/Vilate appears in the household of William Crosby. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth Coleman Crosby was the mother of William Crosby. At this time, it is believed that the Vilate listed in The Story of the Negro Pioneer is the same Vilet/Vilate enslaved by William Crosby. + Lambson + Alternate Names + Sammy Lamb (Preferred Name) + Birth Date + On 1838 January 4 (Born) + Death Date + On 1849 July 17 (Died) + Gender + Male + Family Search Icon + View in FamilySearch + Family Search Icon + Attach Source to FamilyTree + FamilySearch login required + + He was a child of a former slave of the Henry and Frances Jolley family. Family records state his mother may have died as an infant and Henry Jolley cared for him as one of his family. When the Jolley family left Tennessee for Nauvoo, their slaves were left behind with the new owners of the land. The motherless Sammy, was brought with them and noted as "servant boy" on most records. On the original roster of the Richards Company he is listed as "Lamb (a black boy)." In Salt Lake City Death Records, Book A, he is listed as "Lambson, servant of Henry Jolly, b. Jan. 4, 1838, d. July 17, 1849, Drowned." + + The Utah State History Cemeteries and Burials Database lists "Lambson" as a surname. A photograph of his gravestone also shows his name as "'Sammy Lambson." The name "Sammy" has been determined by historians to be a misnomer. His given name was Lambson. + Nelson Smiley + Alternate Names + Nathaniel (Other) + Birth Date + Between 1843 – 1847 (Born) + Death Date + On 1880 April 21 (Died) + Gender + Male + Family Search Icon + View in FamilySearch + + Family Search Icon + Attach Source to FamilyTree + FamilySearch login required + + Nelson was the son of Hannah and was and African American child enslaved by Robert M. Smith, who took him to Utah. Nelson was listed as "Nat" in the company report. + + At that time, a designation of "yellow" may be indicative of a multi-racial background. While the 1860 Census listed her "color" as "M" for mulatto. "Mulatto" was a term used to identify individuals with mixed racial backgrounds. + + There is some inconsistency concerning the correct first name (Nelson or Nathaniel) as both seemed to be used interchangeably in primary and secondary sources. However, at this time it is believed that Nelson and Nathaniel are the same person. Nelson's exact birth year is unknown as records imply a birth year ranging between 1843 and 1847. "John Brown's company of 10, report," listed Nelson's (Nat) age as 3. + + While still enslaved, Nelson and his family were taken to California (by Robert M. Smith) where they eventually gained their freedom. In the 1860 census, Nelson was listed under the surname "Sunily. + + + Rande + Birth Date + Circa 1822 (Born) + Death Date + Unknown (Died) + Gender + Male + + Rande was an African American man enslaved by Robert M. Smith. + + Rande was not listed in the 1850 Slave Inhabitants schedule for Utah County. He was not located in the 1852 California State Census, Negro Trail Blazers of California, or The Negro Pioneer.

Jim + Birth Date + Unknown (Born) + Death Date + Unknown (Died) + Gender + Male + Jim does not appear on the known company records, we know that he participated in this company because of the Benjamin Matthews letter. This may be the same person as "James" who appears on the 1850 in the home of William Hyde, John Cook, and Iddy (possibly Edy Crosby). On the census, James and Iddy are both identified as "free blacks." More research is required to determined if James on the census is the same person as Jim. View all contributions by Shirleen Beland

Previous Information Changed Information Last edited by Shirleen Beland at 21:05, 10 March 2023.

Changes made by Shirleen Beland at 21:11, 10 March 2023.

Text Changes

Total Slaves 8

Total Slaves 8

Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves 13 Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves 13 + + Slaves inherited from James' father, Jordan Flake: + + I give to my son James M. Flake two negroes Green and Lyse + Black Slaves Brought to Utah by LDS Black Slaves Brought to Utah by LDS https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created </ref> </ref> + + Other slaves in the Willard Richards company: + + Edy + Birth Date + Circa 1827 (Born) + Death Date + Unknown (Died) + Gender + Not Found + + Edy was an African American enslaved by Elizabeth Coleman Crosby. + + Edy's age was listed as 21 in "John Brown's company of 10, report, 1848 June." + + Jim + Birth Date + Unknown (Born) + Death Date + Unknown (Died) + Gender + Male + + Jim does not appear on the known company records, we know that he participated in this company because of the Benjamin Matthews letter. This may be the same person as "James" who appears on the 1850 in the home of William Hyde, John Cook, and Iddy (possibly Edy Crosby). On the census, James and Iddy are both identified as "free blacks." More research is required to determined if James on the census is the same person as Jim. +

View all contributions by Shirleen Beland

+ Previous Information Changed Information Last edited by Shirleen Beland at 21:02, 10 March 2023.

Changes made by Shirleen Beland at 21:03, 10 March 2023.

Text Changes James died on 23 May 1850, in San Joaquin, Fresno, California, United States, at the age of 34,^[2]to and was buried in Vallejo Township, Sonoma, California, United States.^[3] James died on 23 May 1850, in San Joaquin, Fresno, California, United States, at the age of 34,^[2]to and was buried in Vallejo Township, Sonoma, California, United States.^[3] - View in treeBelandiaTree search Complete SearchToolsEdit

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- Record details 'James Madison Flake (1815–1850) + was born on 22 June 1815, in Anson, North Carolina to parents Jordan Flake and Faithy Elizabeth Hanna. ^[3] He married Agnes Haley Love on 2 October 1838, in Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 2 daughters. ^[4] He married Agnes Haley Love on 2 October 1838, in Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 2 daughters. ^[4] After meeting LDS missionaries in Mississippi in the early 1840's, James was converted and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then gradually worked his way west with the Saints in order to avoid rampant persecution. James, his family, and his slaves reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 where Brigham Young asked the Flake Family to travel on to California. After meeting LDS missionaries in Mississippi in the early 1840's, James was converted and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then gradually worked his way west with the Saints in order to avoid rampant persecution. James, his family, and his slaves reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 where Brigham Young asked the Flake Family to travel on to California. James died on 23 May 1850, in San Joaquin, Fresno, California, United States, at the age of 34,^[2]to and was buried in Vallejo Township, Sonoma, California, United States.^[3] James died on 23 May 1850, in San Joaquin, Fresno, California, United States, at the age of 34,^[2]to and was buried in Vallejo Township, Sonoma, California, United States.^[3] + View in treeBelandiaTree search Complete SearchToolsEdit + James Madison Flake + James Madison Flake + + + Slave Owner + + LifeStory Facts Gallery Hints + Support CenterAncestry BlogSite MapGift MembershipsCareers + Other Sites: + + United States + Select language: + + English (EN) + © 1997-2023 AncestryCorporate InformationPrivacyTerms and ConditionsCCPA Notice at CollectionPatent + + Notifications + + Source citation for 1840 United States Federal Census + + Ancestry recordCitation detailsAssociated factsMedia + + 1840 United States Federal Census + + View image + View record + Record details + Name Jas M Flake + Home in 1840 (City, County, State) Anson, North Carolina + Free White Persons - Males - Under 5 1 + Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29 1 + Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9 1 + Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19 1 + Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29 1 + Slaves - Males - Under 10 3 + Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23 1 + Slaves - Females - Under 10 2 + Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23 1 + Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35 1 + Persons Employed in Agriculture 3 + Free White Persons - Under 20 3 + Free White Persons - 20 thru 49 2 + Total Free White Persons 5 + Total Slaves 8 + Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves 13 Black Slaves Brought to Utah by LDS Black Slaves Brought to Utah by LDS I could find no record of all the slaves that started the Journey with the Saints. Three slaves were sent ahead to scout and to prepare shelters for the Saints and start planting crops. Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, were the three men sent ahead of the main company. I could find no record of all the slaves that started the Journey with the Saints. Three slaves were sent ahead to scout and to prepare shelters for the Saints and start planting crops. Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, were the three men sent ahead of the main company. https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created </ref> </ref> + + +

Sources

+

1. ↑ 05 Sep 2012, "Black slaves were brought to Utah by LDS" johosnapp originally shared this on Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} "Arizona Deaths, 1870-1951," database with images, FamilySearch https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLV7-J8R : 6 April 2020), James Madison Flake in entry for William Jordon Flake, 1932; citing Snowflake, Navajo, Arizona, reference , Department of Library and Archives, Phoenix, Arizona; FHL microfilm 2,114,593.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVLL-1G12 : 25 May 2022), James Madison Flake, ; Burial, , ; citing record ID 105504130, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} California State Library; Sacramento, California; Sacramento County, California, Pioneer Index File (1906-1934), A-Z; California History Room: MICROFILM 734; Roll Number: 43 https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2161/records/519

+

• 1840 Census "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHR5-51W : 3 January 2023), Jas M Flake, Anson, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 88, NARA microfilm publication , (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll ; FHL microfilm .

+

• 1850 Census (Mortality Schedule) "United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850", database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:M9VY-36R : Fri Feb 10 15:56:37 UTC 2023), Entry for James Flake, 1850.https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9VY-36R

+

• 1850-1880 Census (Mortality Schedule) National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Non-population Census Schedules for North Carolina, 1850-1880: Mortality and Manufacturing; Archive Collection: M1805; Archive Roll Number: 1; Census Year: 1849; Census Place: East Division https://search.ancestry.com/collections/8756/records/2156656

View all contributions by Shirleen Beland

Name Jas M Flake

- Home in 1840 (City, County, State) Anson, North Carolina

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Free White Persons - Males - Under 5 1

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Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29 1

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Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9 1

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Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19 1

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Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29 1

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Slaves - Males - Under 10 3

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Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23 1

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Slaves - Females - Under 10 2

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Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23 1

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Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35 1

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Persons Employed in Agriculture 3

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Free White Persons - Under 20 3

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Free White Persons - 20 thru 49 2

- Total Free White Persons 5

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Total Slaves 8

- Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves 13

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Sources

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1. ↑ 05 Sep 2012, "Black slaves were brought to Utah by LDS" johosnapp originally shared this on Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/mediauiviewer/collection/1030/tree/70655837/person/392466889380/media/4d2ab4b7-54f4-437c-bdb1-3fa1e0f9cf4cphsrc=sCZ204&usePUBJs=true&galleryindex=6&sort=-created
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} "Arizona Deaths, 1870-1951," database with images, FamilySearch https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLV7-J8R : 6 April 2020), James Madison Flake in entry for William Jordon Flake, 1932; citing Snowflake, Navajo, Arizona, reference , Department of Library and Archives, Phoenix, Arizona; FHL microfilm 2,114,593.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVLL-1G12 : 25 May 2022), James Madison Flake, ; Burial, , ; citing record ID 105504130, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} California State Library; Sacramento, California; Sacramento County, California, Pioneer Index File (1906-1934), A-Z; California History Room: MICROFILM 734; Roll Number: 43 https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2161/records/519

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• 1840 Census "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHR5-51W : 3 January 2023), Jas M Flake, Anson, North Carolina, United States; citing p. 88, NARA microfilm publication , (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll ; FHL microfilm .

-

• 1850 Census (Mortality Schedule) "United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850", database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:M9VY-36R : Fri Feb 10 15:56:37 UTC 2023), Entry for James Flake, 1850.https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9VY-36R

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• 1850-1880 Census (Mortality Schedule) National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Non-population Census Schedules for North Carolina, 1850-1880: Mortality and Manufacturing; Archive Collection: M1805; Archive Roll Number: 1; Census Year: 1849; Census Place: East Division https://search.ancestry.com/collections/8756/records/2156656

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