19th Century Jailed African American Young and 29 similar items

A 19th Century 1/6th Plate Tintype Within an Embossed Case, of a Young African American Girl, Identified (written inside of the case) as Mrs. R.C. Polloch. The description also states that Mrs. Polloch was jailed at the time the image was made in Cassopolis Michigan. Cassopolis (Cass) County Michigan had a rich history involving the Underground Railroad. Abolitionists harbored thousands of men and women seeking freedom from slavery in "Cass County." It has been documented that many escaped slaves chose to settle in the area as early as 1836. Two major Underground Railroad routes led to Cass county. The "Quaker line," which ran from the Ohio river and Kentucky, to Cassopolis. And the "Illinois line," which traveled from St. Louis and the Mississippi River to Cassopolis. In 1847 a group of slave owners from Kentucky banded together to form what became known as "the Kentucky Raid." Their plan was to reclaim escaped slaves that had settled near Cassopolis, in Vandalia. However, their plan was foiled when former slaves, Quakers, and Abolitionists armed themselves and stopped the raid. This tintype was made by B.M. Olmstead (his signature is also within the case). Mrs. R. C. Polloch was most likely an escaped slave and was jailed for that reason. She was charged $2.50 for the photograph. This item qualifies for my 10% off discount! Domestic shipping is free!