Undoubtedly the best documented record of a slave born in Africa;who married her owner in East Florida; operated a plantation after her husband's death; and ruled as matriarch over an extended family until the Civil War. Schafer has reconstructed Anna Madgigine Jai Kingsley's story in a remarkable way.--Bruce L. Mouser; editor; A Slaving Voyage to Africa and Jamaica: The Log of the Sandown; 1793-1794"Provides an unexpectedly thorough account that traces the life of a woman from a Wolof village in Senegal; across the Atlantic via the middle passage; to a Florida community of African slaves and white slave owners."--Southern Historian"An absorbing account of Anna Madgigine Jai Kingsley; an African woman who was enslaved; forcibly transported to Florida; held in bondage; freed; and married to her white master; she bore several of his children and then rose to prominence as a slaveholder. . . . Brings a wider understanding to the lives of enslaved and free women in the nineteenth century South."--Journal of American History"Contributes to a growing literature on the possibilities for slave women's emancipation; especially in Spanish territory; and for propertied women’s social and economic power in the Old South."--Journal of Southern History"Reminds the reader of the variations of the slave experience; the possibilities of forging racial bonds; and the debilitating effects of the racial divide in American society."--Georgia Historical Quarterly"Fosters understanding of the differences and similarities in the institution of slavery; in the distinction between free and enslaved; and in attitudes of racial prejudice between Spanish Florida and the United States."--North Carolina Historical ReviewAnna Kingsley's life story adds a dramatic chapter to histories of the South; the state of Florida; and the African diaspora. Working from surprisingly extensive records; including information and photographs from extended-family members and descendants; Daniel Shafer reconstructs and documents one slave’s remarkable story.Both an American slave and a slaveowner--and possibly an African princess--Anna was a teenager when she was captured in her homeland of Senegal in 1806 and sold into slavery. Zephaniah Kingsley; Jr.; a planter and slave trader from Spanish East Florida; bought her in Havana; Cuba; and took her to his St. Johns River plantation in northeast Florida; where she soon became his household manager; his wife; and eventually the mother of four of his children. Her husband formally emancipated her in 1811; and she became the owner of her own farm and twelve slaves the following year.For 25 years; life on her farm and at the Kingsley plantation on Fort George Island was relatively tranquil. But when Florida passed from Spanish to American control; and racism and discrimination increased in the American territories; Anna Kingsley and her children migrated to a colony in Haiti established by her husband as a refuge for free blacks. Amid the spiraling racial tensions of the antebellum period; Anna returned to north Florida; where she bought and sold land; sued white people in the courts; and became a central figure in a free black community. Such accomplishments by a woman in a patriarchal society are fascinating in themselves. To have achieved them as a woman of color is remarkable.Daniel L. Schafer is professor emeritus of history at the University of North Florida; Jacksonville.
#6445 in Books Vicki Constantine Croke 2015-04-14 2015-04-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .80 x 5.19l; .62 #File Name: 0812981650368 pagesElephant Company The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Hope; determination and heroic; loveable elephants. An historical triumph.By jdwduffyI loved this story of hope and determination. A young Brittish man goes to Burma after his time serving in WWI; to work with a logging company; and therefore it's most important employees...the elephants. This true story seems true to the period; which stretches from post WWI into mid WWII. It is sensitive; informative and inspirational. The connection between the elephants and 'Elephant Bill' is heart warming and believable. Their value during WWII heroic.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A great read...By J. MartinThis was a very well written account of a man's experience in Burma with the Asian Elephants. The prose is richly written and it provides a very interesting description of the remarkable intelligence and capabilities of the elephants. The majority of the story takes place from the 1920's through the end of WWII. James Williams is employed as a forester for a large British timber company in the Burma jungle. As part of his job; he develops a deep connection with the elephants that are used to harvest the teak timber. Williams joins the war effort for the British government in a special role (in charge of the elephants) as Japan invades Burma. He organizes the elephants and their handlers to help build bridges to facilitate the British army to stop the Japanese advance. The elephants are also conscripted during this time to prevent their use by the Japanese. Ultimately; the elephants help rescue/evacuate civilian refugees in a remarkable migration to India through nearly impenetrable jungles and unsurmountable mountains. Williams demonstrates a unique knowledge and ability to handle and get the most from the elephants and their Uzi handlers. Much of the story centers around a remarkable elephant bull called Bandoola. Bandoola saved Williams life before the war and was one of the most powerful of the elephants depicted in the story. Bandoola leads the other elephants through a treacherous climb along a shear cliff as they escape the Japanese advance. This was a highly enjoyable read that treats the reader to a better understanding of the intelligence and capabilities of these remarkable animals.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book will work on your emotions.By CbugThis was a very interesting and inspiring story. Books based on true experiences always hold your attention as this one did. Being an animal lover and an admirer of elephants this book was great reading. I would recommend it for anyone especially history buffs.
