Black History Month in Central New York usually includes reflections on the contributions of prominent African Americans like Harriet Tubman and Reverend Jermain Loguen. But not much is known about the area’s earliest Black residents, many of whom arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as slaves or escaped slaves.
Records are sparse, but one man does earn the distinction of being one of Syracuse’s first Black residents. A Syracuse.com article from 2022 says Isaac Wales arrived as a slave around 1810, and was eventually able to buy his way out of ownership. Onondaga Historical Association Curator of History Robert Searing said Wales’ opportunity is unique given that New York was still in the early stages of ending slavery.
“I have seen ads for runaway enslaved peoples as late as 1817, 1818 in the Onondaga Register," Searing said. "The freedom, and I use air quotes, that Wales has is certainly a function of his master's willingness, because clearly if you've got people running away from the institution, they don't have the same opportunity.”
Wales bought his freedom for $80, worth about $2,000 today. Wales borrowed the money, and eventually paid it off by digging part of the Erie Canal in the Village of Syracuse. Searing said Wales didn’t squander his newfound freedom.
“A person like Isaac Wales, who is enslaved, who buys his freedom and then is able to purchase property and build a business In this sort of sweet spot of opportunity in New York State and American history, I think is incredibly fascinating because that opportunity is essentially going to be closed to his descendants for generations to come,” Searing said.
The Syracuse.com article says Wales built a home on Ash Street, started a family, and opens a vault, or outhouse cleaning business. He died in 1865 at age 77. In his obituary, he's praised for his industry, frugality, and held in high regard in the community.
Click the "Listen" tab above the photo to hear an extended interview with Robert Searing.
