The story of Isobel offers a glimpse into the lives of slaves in Plattsburgh, NY during the 18th and 19th centuries. Isobel was a slave who worked for the Bailey family and was due to be freed at the age of 25 under the 1799 law that allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves. Isobel’s journey to freedom, however, was not without its challenges.
Isobel was born into slavery and spent the early years of her life working for the Bailey family. As she approached the age of 25, she looked forward to the prospect of finally being free. However, the Bailey family was wary of giving her too much work, as they feared that she might try to escape before she was officially freed.
Despite the Bailey family’s concerns, Isobel was eventually granted her freedom before the age of 25. This was a significant milestone, as the 1799 law allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves, with males being given their freedom at 28 years. Isobel was so excited about her newfound freedom that the Bailey family decided to hire out work rather than risk losing her.
Isobel’s daughter Rose was also a slave, but she was of mixed race, with a white father. This meant that Rose was only half black, and she was treated differently than her mother. While Isobel worked as a slave for most of her life, Rose was able to pass as white and had access to certain privileges and opportunities that were denied to her mother.
The story of Isobel is a reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by slaves in Plattsburgh, NY during the 18th and 19th centuries. It highlights the importance of the 1799 law that allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves, as well as the complex social dynamics and racial hierarchies that existed during this time period. By examining the lives of individuals like Isobel and Rose, we can gain a deeper understanding of the history of slavery.
Isobel was born into slavery and spent the early years of her life working for the Bailey family. As she approached the age of 25, she looked forward to the prospect of finally being free. However, the Bailey family was wary of giving her too much work, as they feared that she might try to escape before she was officially freed.
Despite the Bailey family’s concerns, Isobel was eventually granted her freedom before the age of 25. This was a significant milestone, as the 1799 law allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves, with males being given their freedom at 28 years. Isobel was so excited about her newfound freedom that the Bailey family decided to hire out work rather than risk losing her.
Isobel’s daughter Rose was also a slave, but she was of mixed race, with a white father. This meant that Rose was only half black, and she was treated differently than her mother. While Isobel worked as a slave for most of her life, Rose was able to pass as white and had access to certain privileges and opportunities that were denied to her mother.
The story of Isobel is a reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by slaves in Plattsburgh, NY during the 18th and 19th centuries. It highlights the importance of the 1799 law that allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves, as well as the complex social dynamics and racial hierarchies that existed during this time period. By examining the lives of individuals like Isobel and Rose, we can gain a deeper understanding of the history of slavery.