1912 Story Mentions Brattleboro’s “Only Living Ex-Slave” – Mr. Jake Cartlidge
I was looking though old Brattleboro newspapers for mentions of slavery. Most of the articles are op-eds on slavery in the South, but I came across this mention of Brattleboro’s “only living ex-slave” – Mr. Jake Cartlidge. He was a Brattleboro resident for over 40 years, and this story is about trying to help him get some extra pension funds. (A warning that the newspaper used the n-word discussing his time as a slave, while quoting a slave buyer.)
From the Vermont Phoenix, Dec 6, 1912
“Town’s Ex-Slave In Need Of Funds
Efforts to Secure More Pension for “Jake” Cartlidge
Born in Slavery, Sold on the Block, Beaten by Cruel Taskmaskers – Served Pennsylvania Regiment
