Another incredible story! I agree with all your comments on the facts. So many confusing details. But, starting with becoming a father at 11 and buying his wife from enslavement, that is just incredible. His statue needs to be erected! Also, it definitely sounds like he was murdered. I wonder where his ancestors are now? I love the way you write and the subjects you choose, the stories you excavate. Keep going!! We need to hear them!!
Thank you. Just to clarify. James Dunn was Oscar Dunn’s father. Oscar did not have children at 11. He became free at 11 when his father James was able to purchase his wife’s and their two children's (one being Oscar) freedom.
One of his descendants wrote a graphic novel and I put that link in article. I bought it but it hasn’t come yet. I wonder in there if he talks more about the rest of his relatives. The author has a great story. When he was a child he tried to tell his teacher about his relative and the story. The teacher didn’t believe him. Thankfully his great grandmother kept Oscar’s memory alive for their family so they could continue to tell the story.
What great research. Danita, this is an opinion only. If I had been his family, I would not allow anyone near his body. It would be another chance to desecrate him. I wonder if his speeches were written down? Or administrative letters still available.
Thank you and that’s a great point, Margie and probably why they didn’t have the autopsy done. As I research, Pinchback too, I’m going to dig around for Dunn’s speeches. I know newspapers covered him a lot and there may some things I might find on the Library of Congress website.
Another incredible story! I agree with all your comments on the facts. So many confusing details. But, starting with becoming a father at 11 and buying his wife from enslavement, that is just incredible. His statue needs to be erected! Also, it definitely sounds like he was murdered. I wonder where his ancestors are now? I love the way you write and the subjects you choose, the stories you excavate. Keep going!! We need to hear them!!
Thank you. Just to clarify. James Dunn was Oscar Dunn’s father. Oscar did not have children at 11. He became free at 11 when his father James was able to purchase his wife’s and their two children's (one being Oscar) freedom.
One of his descendants wrote a graphic novel and I put that link in article. I bought it but it hasn’t come yet. I wonder in there if he talks more about the rest of his relatives. The author has a great story. When he was a child he tried to tell his teacher about his relative and the story. The teacher didn’t believe him. Thankfully his great grandmother kept Oscar’s memory alive for their family so they could continue to tell the story.
What great research. Danita, this is an opinion only. If I had been his family, I would not allow anyone near his body. It would be another chance to desecrate him. I wonder if his speeches were written down? Or administrative letters still available.
Thank you and that’s a great point, Margie and probably why they didn’t have the autopsy done. As I research, Pinchback too, I’m going to dig around for Dunn’s speeches. I know newspapers covered him a lot and there may some things I might find on the Library of Congress website.
How he persuaded others to get things done will provide background to what he did to get cooperation.