New Research Findings
(regularly updated)
James W Smith (land holdings in Charlestown, West VA)
Mrs Pleasant indicated that her first husband had land holdings near Harper's Ferry, Virginia. A man similarly named, who died in 1844, is found in West Virginia's && records. This man however left his entire estate to his sister, Elizabeth in 1877 [insert...
John A Williams (MEP’s father)
In the same 1901/02 interview, Mrs. Pleasant stated that her father was a merchant in Philadelphia. Interestingly the SF Call initial printing states his name was Louis A Williams but Davis' later edition of the story, says John Alexander Williams. No Louis A Williams...
9 Barley Street (birthplace)
In 1901/02, Mrs. Pleasant, in her last interview with Sam P Davis, stated she was born free in Philadelphia, PA. Some have discounted this claim because there is no Barley Street in Philadelphia. The key here is, there is no Barley street, now. However, there was a...
Grandma Hussey (Nantucket employer)
Mrs. Pleasant stated she was indentured/employed by a Grandma Mary Hussey when living on Nantucket. Mrs. Mary Mooers Hussey, widow of Peter Hussey, ran a general goods business. [pictures of advertisements from Nantucket Inquirer.]. The 1820 census for Mrs. Hussey has...