The Free Union Fire of 1896: Tragedy and Injustices

July 6, 2023

Helice Jones and Alice Cannon will present the story of the Free Union Fire of 1896

One White man died in a fire  in Free Union on a cold January night in 1896 and four Black Men fell under suspicion for his death.  One was hanged, one sent to the penitentiary for 18 years, one sentenced to five years in prison and one testified to the untrue story that convicted the others and he went free.

 Helice Jones is a descendant of Taylor Harmon, who was executed.  Alice Cannon has been researching this difficult narrative since Helice told her about it.

Next Meeting:

  • Race and Economy: Albemarle County Delinquent Taxes, 1865-1945
    November 6, 2025 This presentation will review and compare the changing economic status of Black and white residents of Albemarle County derived from delinquent tax records in the papers of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts. These records parallel land tax and personal property tax records but list individuals who did not pay taxes. Delinquent
    Read More

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