William Johnson (barber)
Encyclopedia
William T. Johnson was a free African American
barber, who lived in Natchez, Mississippi
.
Johnson was born into slavery
, but his slaveholder (also named William Johnson) emancipated him in 1820. His mother Amy was freed in 1814 and his sister Adelia in 1818. He trained with his brother-in-law James Miller as a barber
, and began working in Port Gibson, Mississippi
. He returned to Natchez, becoming a successful entrepreneur with a barbershop
, bath house, bookstore and land holdings. He began a diary in 1835, which he continued through the rest of his life. Also in 1835, he married Ann Battle, and the two had 10 children. Johnson loaned money to many people, including the governor of Mississippi who had signed his emancipation papers.
Johnson was killed in a land dispute in 1851. His murderer was held in prison for two years and brought to trial twice; but was freed because he claimed to be white and the only witness to the murder was a black man, who under Mississippi law at that time could not testify against a white man.
Johnson's diary was rediscovered in 1938, and published in 1951. It reveals much of the daily life of a Mississippi businessman, including the fact that he was himself later a slaveholder. His papers are archived at Louisiana State University
.
The home of William Johnson became a part of the Natchez National Historical Park
in 1990, through an act of Congress
.
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
barber, who lived in Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is the county seat of Adams County, Mississippi, United States. With a total population of 18,464 , it is the largest community and the only incorporated municipality within Adams County...
.
Johnson was born into slavery
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
, but his slaveholder (also named William Johnson) emancipated him in 1820. His mother Amy was freed in 1814 and his sister Adelia in 1818. He trained with his brother-in-law James Miller as a barber
Barber
A barber is someone whose occupation is to cut any type of hair, and to shave or trim the beards of men. The place of work of a barber is generally called a barbershop....
, and began working in Port Gibson, Mississippi
Port Gibson, Mississippi
Port Gibson is a city in Claiborne County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 1,840 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Claiborne County.- History :...
. He returned to Natchez, becoming a successful entrepreneur with a barbershop
Barbershop
Barbershop may refer to:* A place where barbers work* Barbershop , a 2002 comedy, followed by a sequel**Barbershop , a soundtrack album from the film** Barbershop , a 2005 sitcom based on the films...
, bath house, bookstore and land holdings. He began a diary in 1835, which he continued through the rest of his life. Also in 1835, he married Ann Battle, and the two had 10 children. Johnson loaned money to many people, including the governor of Mississippi who had signed his emancipation papers.
Johnson was killed in a land dispute in 1851. His murderer was held in prison for two years and brought to trial twice; but was freed because he claimed to be white and the only witness to the murder was a black man, who under Mississippi law at that time could not testify against a white man.
Johnson's diary was rediscovered in 1938, and published in 1951. It reveals much of the daily life of a Mississippi businessman, including the fact that he was himself later a slaveholder. His papers are archived at Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
.
The home of William Johnson became a part of the Natchez National Historical Park
Natchez National Historical Park
Natchez National Historical Park commemorates the history of Natchez, Mississippi, and is managed by the National Park Service.The park consists of three distinct parts. Fort Rosalie is the site of a fortification from the 18th century, built by the French, and later controlled by the United...
in 1990, through an act of Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
.