Louis Hughes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Hughes
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| Born | c. 1832 |
| Died | 1913 |
| Spouse | Matilda Hughes |
Louis Hughes (born around 1832, died 1913) was an African-American man who was enslaved. He was born in Virginia. He is known for writing his life story, called Thirty Years a Slave. This book shares his experiences during slavery.
About Louis Hughes
Louis Hughes was born in about 1832 in Charlottesville, Virginia. His mother was an enslaved African-American woman, and his father was the plantation owner. Louis was enslaved for more than thirty years. Most of this time was spent in Tennessee. During these years, he secretly learned how to read and write.
After the American Civil War ended, Louis gained his freedom in 1865. Thirty-three years later, in 1897, he wrote his memoir, Thirty Years a Slave. This book is very important for understanding what it was like to be enslaved in western Tennessee.
His Early Life as an Enslaved Person
When Louis Hughes was six years old, he was separated from his mother. He was sold at a slave market in Virginia. In 1844, a rich plantation owner named Edward McGee bought young Louis. This was a Christmas gift for McGee's wife. Louis stayed with the McGee family for twenty years.
When he was young, Louis worked as an errand boy. Later, in 1850, he became the family's butler when they built a new house near Memphis. Even though Louis did not work in the fields every day, he had many difficult experiences with Madam McGee, Edward's wife. Louis remembered being punished often, sometimes for no clear reason, just because his mistress wanted to.
Louis and his wife, Matilda, had twin baby girls while they were enslaved. Sadly, these children died. This was a very difficult time for Louis and Matilda. Matilda wanted to sell her babies to new enslavers, hoping they would have a better chance to survive. However, Edward and Madam McGee would not let her. Matilda was also treated very harshly, which made it hard for her to care for her babies. One day, Madam McGee heard an older enslaved woman singing a song about freedom. Madam McGee then said, "Don't think you are going to be free; you darkies were made by God and ordained to wait upon us."
Louis tried to escape three times. Each time he was caught and punished. These experiences left lasting marks on him. His fifth attempt to escape was successful. This happened in June 1865, the same month the Southern states surrendered in his area.
Life After Slavery
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After gaining his freedom, Louis Hughes settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His wife, Matilda, who had been the cook in the McGees' home, escaped with him. Together, they started a successful laundry business.
Louis had learned some medical skills while enslaved by McGee. He used this knowledge to work as a nurse. In 1897, his autobiography was published. This book became a very important source for understanding the experiences of enslaved people. By 1905, he was working as a janitor. Besides the two children who died during slavery, Louis and Matilda had four more children who were born free: three girls and one boy.
Louis Hughes passed away in Milwaukee in 1913. He is buried next to Matilda at Forest Home Cemetery. His original house in Milwaukee on 9th Street was still standing in 2020. However, it was not marked and was in poor condition.
