Henry Jones

This is a map of Quince and its bordering streets.

Hagar Ballard, a friend of mine, lived at the top of the street. With her wealth, she's usually the first stop for people who need help. She gave him clothes and found him a place to stay.

Then he moved to 39 Quince.

One day Charles Gardner from First African Presbyterian Church came by for his census - to protect our right to vote, remember. Nothing wrong with showing off what you've got, Meta. The way you do so can be a statement about what we deserve in this world.

Although Henry's listed as the head of the household, we all know I made the rules in that house. And rightly so! Always be true to who you are, Meta Vaux. Like your grandma and ma, you'll be your own leader.

They noted our residence, Quince above Spruce. All these folks listed here were our neighbors.

Three in our household, and three so-called "native" to the state. We couldn't yet say Henry was manumitted. His freedom was too new.

Our occupations. Henry grew as a waiter and eventually ran his own catering business. Colored people ran the caterers, the porters and the carters. We also had our own shoemakers, and dressmakers, furniture makers - everything you think of! Some of us even owned railroads, and lumber yards and coal yards.

We didn't own any homes at that point. We had $500 in personal property, which I earned by helping my father with his stables, and paid $44 in rent.

Henry and I were part of a beneficial society. Thousands of us pooled our money to help people in distress.

We spent so much time at Mother Bethel. That church was like a second home to us.