Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Resisting Slavery / Robert J. Cromwell
During the mid-nineteenth century a small number of African Americans settled in Genesee County where they found cheap land and employment as barbers, laborers, farmers, carpenters, and domestics. At this time differing opinions in Genesee County reflected growing tension nationally. The Genesee Weekly Democrat ran articles unsympathetic to Blacks, but also printed editorials opposing slavery. The Genesee Whig promoted abolition. In 1841 residents formed the Genesee County Anti-Slavery Society and held meetings at the courthouse, which became a venue for national figures who lectured about the evils of slavery. Author, publisher and activist who escaped slavery, Henry W. Bibb, and Liberty party presidential candidate James G. Birney spoke here, among other notable lecturers.
Robert J. Cromwell escaped enslavement in the south in 1840. He settled in Flint around 1846 and opened a barbershop. That year Cromwell wrote a letter to his former enslaver, a man named Dunn, in an effort to purchase his daughter´s freedom. Dunn noted the Flint postmark and began searching for Cromwell. This advertisement, which appeared in the Flint Republican, confirmed for Dunn that Cromwell was indeed in Flint. Cromwell fled to Detroit. Dunn pursued him, but was foiled by African American and Irish American Cromwell sympathizers there. By 1851, an African American barber named Robert Cromwell had opened a shop in Chatham, Ontario.
Erected 2005 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2150.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.
Location. 43° 0.731′ N, 83° 41.283′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of West Court Street and South Saginaw Street, on the left when traveling west on West Court Street. Located on the grounds of the Genesee County Circuit Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 S Saginaw St, Flint MI 48502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Genesee County Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Sarah Emma Edmonds / Franklin Thompson (a few steps from this marker); Otto P. Graff (within shouting distance of this marker); Genesee County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Court Street United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away); The Vehicle City (about 600 feet away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.