Free colored farmers, no. 1.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

These free people of color were listed in the 1850 agricultural schedule of Wayne County:

John Artis.  30 improved acres, value $150. Implements valued at $15. 1 horse. 1 ox. 15 sheep. 75 swine. 250 bushels, Indian corn. 50 lbs., wool. 50 bushels, Irish potatoes.

Vincent Artis.  30 improved acres, value $150. Implements valued at $15.  1 horse. 1 ox. 12 sheep. 75 swine. 250 bushels, Indian corn. 50 lbs., wool. 50 bushels, Irish potatoes.

Celia Artis.  50 improved acres, 700 unimproved acres, value $600. Implements valued at $25. 2 horses. 1 ass or mule. 1 ox. 21 other cattle. 40 sheep. 500 swine. 500 bushels, Indian corn. 100 lbs., rice. 2 lbs., tobacco. 100 lbs., wool. 100 bushels, peas and beans. 200 bushels, sweet potatoes.

Calvin Simmons.  130 improved acres, 173 unimproved acres, value $800. Implements valued at $40. 2 horses. 4 milch cows. 2 other cattle. 8 sheep. 155 swine. 720 bushels, Indian corn. 10 lbs., wool. 15 bushels, peas and beans. 40 bushels, Irish potatoes. 3 bushels, sweet potatoes.

Polly Simmons.  110 improved acres, 100 unimproved acres, value $300. Implements valued at $25. 2 horses. 3 milch cows. 27 oxen. 11 other cattle. 40 sheep. 330 swine. 600 bushels, Indian corn. 25 bushels. oats. 20 bales, cotton. 25 lbs., wool. 5 bushels, peas and beans. 50 bushels, Irish potatoes. 100 bushels, sweet potatoes.

Levi Winn.  150 improved acres, 236 unimproved acres, value $1500. Implements valued at $60. 3 horses. 4 asses or mules. 6 milch cows. 12 oxen. 11 other cattle. 15 sheep. 300 swine. 200 bushels, Indian corn. 15 bushels, oats. 30 bales, cotton. 25 lbs., wool. 10 bushels, peas and beans. 50 bushels, Irish potatoes. 100 bushels, sweet potatoes.