The Irony of Slavery

Most Americans think slavery was very oppressive but there are a number of freedmen especially in NC who show another side to the institution.

John Carruthers Stanly is a true anomaly as he started life as a slave, earned his freedom and became the largest slave owner in the nation in 1824. He owned over 163 slaves to work his three plantations and his barber shop which was the source of his original wealth. He had bought his wife Kitty and first three children out of slavery.

In some ways he is an embarrassment to both races, white and black, because he overcame his position as a slave and became wealthy. He embarrassed the whites as he became wealthier than they were and an embarrassment to the African- Americans because he proved one can rise above slavery and have success.