Yes, as a matter of fact, there were slaves, and slave owners in the first decades of settlement in Middletown. The 1790 Federal census showed six slaves in the households of George Sands (3), Daniel Wilson, John VanWaggonen and Charles Slockden (1 each). In 1800 there were four people listed as slaves, and in 1810, 11, including five in the household of Alexander Cockburn. Slavery was abolished in New York State in 1828; the 1830 census showed 15 freed blacks in Middletown.
You can learn more about this era of our history at the 3rd Annual Living History Cemetery Tour June 21 when Abel Sands, son of George, will be portrayed. We are researching the Sands family, which owned mills, taverns and farms in the Dunraven area. We even know the names of two young people 'owned' by Abel in 1818.
Eight other people will tell their stories at the Sanford Cemetery, including an Esopus sachem, and a 20th-century folk artist. You can read about another tour subject, Dr. Robert L. Waterbury and his family, including a curious Kentucky connection, at www.mtownhistory.org. Go to the Tin Horn. And mark June 21 on your calendar -- you won't want to miss this event!
