J. D. Green

Narrative of the Life of J. D. Green, a Runaway Slave from Kentucky (Dodo Press)

Jacob D. Green (August 24, 1813 - unknown) was a slave from Kentucky who escaped three times from his masters. He was born into slavery with 113 other slaves on a plantation in Kentucky with only his mother as family. His first masters were Judge Charles Earle and Mr. Cobb (they were both of authority but Mr. Cobb's position on the plantation was unclear). Although Jacob attempted to escape from Judge Charles Earle twice, when selling Jacob he gave him a good word to the buyers at the auction (most likely for personal gain). Jacob's second master was not named, but his third master was going to be Mr. Steele if he had not successfully escaped. In the 19th century there were many slaves who wrote autobiographies that were later published. Jacob D. Green is one of those "lost" voices and his story is one of the many that should be heard. Jacob in particular gave lectures at schools after he became free and gave light to a grim subject.