George Haynes & Slavery in Northeast Tennessee

Historical Significance

Slavery is a complicated and evolving part of the history of the United States. Before Tennessee ever became a state in 1796, slavery was already present. The first settlers to Northeast Tennessee brought with them slaves that they previously owned. As the United States expanded during the early 1800s, so did slavery. Slavery prospered as the South grew and shaped into a dominant agrarian society. Northeast Tennessee was not different. Slave owners could be found throughout the area and included historical figures such as John Sevier, Colonel John Tipton, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Landon Carter Haynes, and many more. Although slavery was well rooted in Northeast Tennessee, a strong abolitionist ideology developed. One such abolitionist rhetoric was Elihu Embree’s The Emancipator. This newspaper published in Jonesborough during the 1820s favored and appealed for the abolition of all slaves, making it the first newspaper in the United States to proclaim such appeals.

 

How George Haynes & Slavery in Northeast Tennessee Relates to Tipton-Haynes

Both the Tipton and Haynes families owned slaves during their residency here. Little is known about the slaves of the Tiptons. In the 1860 census Landon Carter Haynes listed three slaves and one slave cabin. Today a log cabin from the mid 1800s replaces and stands atop where the Haynes slave cabin once stood. Two of the slaves of Haynes were females while the male slave, George, was Landon’s half brother.

Student Activity

Students will learn through discussion the history of slavery in Northeast Tennessee and of the Tipton and Haynes families. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will learn in-depth on the slaves of the Tiptons and Haynes. Also, students will discover the sometimes overlooked history of Elihu Embree and his anti-slavery newspaper, The Emancipator.