Henry

In 1852, a formerly enslaved man named Henry returned to Sherwood Forest after Tyler sold Henry for allegedly running away sometime during Tyler’s presidency. By the time Julia wrote about Henry’s reappearance, he had purchased his own freedom from his new enslaver in Georgia after finding financial success as a barber there. From Julia’s account, it seems that Tyler was willing to sell Henry as punishment for his attempt to emancipate himself, and this sale placed Henry in significantly worse conditions in the deep south. Henry seems to have returned to Sherwood not to beg for Tyler’s forgiveness, as Julia implies, but to demonstrate that he was able to thwart Tyler’s attempt at punishment and successfully gain his freedom. Another reason for Henry’s return may have been to reconnect with family members left behind on the plantation who likely had no idea whether Henry was alive or dead. Julia writes,

“…I have been wanting a barber to take hold of Gardie's hair for some time…Who should come than to relieve me and explain the mischief as it could be, but a professed and scientific barber, no other than our runaway Henry, whom perhaps you remember in Washington - certainly Margaret does. He has become the smartest looking fellow in his line, black or white that I know of. His whole appearance is that of a handsome Spaniard of fashion and style - mustaches, gold chain, Dossuth hat, rings etc. He had been to Washington and the business of his trip is to obtain manumission papers which cannot be got in the State of Georgia. Through his industry, economy, and popularity - in his profession (as he styles it) he has been able not only to pay large wages to his master but at last to buy his freedom. He was determined to get to Sherwood he said to see and talk to his master - on meeting him he could not restrain his tears - and said he had felt ever since the time of his arrest and departure he never could be a contented man or die happy unless the time should come when he might see and talk with his master once again. He staid but a day and left with the intention of repeating his visit one of these days. He made a long explanation to the P. that his intention had been misjudged - acknowledging errors but declared he had never intended to act the rogue - and only wished to be wherever his master was - and when he observed he was to be left at Sherwood he made a bold effort to get back to Washington. The P examined him and his papers very closely and suspiciously but was finally convinced by Henry that all was right. If he had not had some vouchers with him the P would have considered it proper to have arrested him and placed him in jail. He is going to continue his profession in Georgia. Gardie's and Tazewell's hair passed under his scissors and he clipped away with all a genuine barber's skill.” [1] Note: Julia refers to John Tyler as “the P” (short for “the President”) in correspondence with her family.

According to genealogist Judith Ledbetter of the Richard M. Bowman History Center, this Henry may be the same Henry Tyler who is recorded as living in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1860 until at least 1863 when he registered for the draft. [2] His inferred wife was named Rhoda, and she her birthplace is listed as Maryland. By 1870, the couple was living in Cambridge City, Indiana. [3]

[1] Julia Gardiner Tyler to Juliana Gardiner, June 18, 1852, Tyler Family Papers, Group A. Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William & Mary, copy.

[2] 1860 U.S. Census, Cincinnati, Ohio. See PDF provided by email to Frances Tyler by Judith Ledbetter; Draft Records, 1863. See PDF provided by email to Frances Tyler by Judith Ledbetter.

[3] 1870 U.S. Census, Cambridge City, Indiana. See PDF provided by email to Frances Tyler by Judith Ledbetter.