Connecticut’s role in slavery cannot be overlooked. By the
time of the Revolutionary War, our state had the largest number of slaves in
New England, and the enslaved worked as farm hands, household servants, in
businesses and on ships. Connecticut was very slow and cautious to bring
freedom to the enslaved and passed the Gradual Abolition Act of 1784 which did
not immediately free slaves but granted freedom only to those born into slavery
and after they reached the age of 25. Slavery did not end in Connecticut until
1848, long after our neighboring states.
In an effort to bring to light our community’s diverse and
unnoticed past, the Haddam Historical Society is currently researching Haddam’s
former enslaved residents. Eighteen slaves are recorded in the 1756 Connecticut
Census, and three slaves are enumerated in the 1790 Federal Census for Haddam.
Research has proven to be challenging as there is little primary documentation
or written histories of Haddam’s enslaved residents.
Quite by accident, we came across Pharaoh (Pharo) Necho in a
Joseph Arnold’s 1772 will. Joseph (an older relative of Thankful by marriage)
states that upon his death, “I give my negro servant Necho his time that he may
be free from a master after my death and if he is not able to maintain himself
by reason of sickness, lameness or any infirmity my will is that my cousin
Joseph Arnold shall maintain him out of that part of my estate that I gave him.”
Shortly after the will was written, Necho married Tamar, the
“servant” of Reverend Eleazer May which is recorded in the First Congregational
Church of Haddam records of 1773. In Colonial era New England, slaves were
frequently referred to as servants. We are currently looking into Tamar’s
history and hope to report more on her later.
It appears that Joseph Arnold was true to this word, and
Necho was freed upon Arnold’s death in 1782. The 1790 Federal Census lists
Necho (Negro) a freed black. However, it appears that Tamar, his wife, was
still living with the May family as they are listed as having one slave, and
Pharaoh is living alone. It is possible that Tamar had died by 1800 as the May
family no longer lists a slave in their household, and Necho is still living
alone.
Very little documentation survives on Pharaoh’s early life. He is listed on the
rolls of Connecticut men serving in the French and Indian War from 1755-1762
which indicates he was born in Connecticut in 1730. The 2nd
Lieutenant of Necho’s company (7th Company of the 4th
Regiment) was Nehemiah Dickinson of Haddam. Pharaoh served from September to
December of 1755.
Once freed Pharaoh earned a living fishing for salmon and
shad. He not only owned a boat and oars but also 1/8 part of a fishing place on
Thirty Mile Island which he leased out from time to time. Pharaoh was
successful enough to buy land and build a house. When he died in 1803, his
inventory was worth $321.71, but after paying off debts and court expenses, the
estate was deemed insolvent.
Little else is known of Pharaoh Necho, but research
continues, and we hope to uncover more in the future.
Photo of Pharaoh Necho’s Inventory, 1803, from Connecticut’s
Wills and Probate Records, Ancestry.com. Inventory includes 1/8 fishing place,
1/16 of salmon and shad caught in 1803, dwelling house and 1 Bible.
