“In the 1800s, the Bishops were, like their contemporaries and friends, other, old free mixed families – the Prices, Shorters, Browns, Butlers, Ridgleys, Lakes,
Maynards -‘of a marked and elevated standing.’ There was no need of one’s being told that these are capable, intelligent and high-minded people. They carried these virtues and qualities in their very bearing and associations with each other and with their white fellow townsmen.” The condition of the African American in the history of this nation is both complex and compelling. During Black History Month, I’m taking a deeper look into the condition of free African Americans in American history and examining the complexities of their relationships with others, the condition of their birth, the right to vote, participation in a capitalist society, and the responsibilities of family. The 19th century was an extremely progressive time in Annapolis’ history, as the number of free blacks was growing. Many participated in business in this city. The story of William Henry Bishop Jr. and his contemporaries bears witness to the “colored” Annapolis of this period. Bishop was born the son of a slave, Jane Minski Ennis Bishop, chattel property of Margaret Callahan, who owned a saloon in downtown Annapolis. Jane was never formally freed from slavery, but lived as a free woman. Bishop’s father, William Henry Bishop Sr., was the first European Bishop to come to Annapolis, by way of Cork County Ireland. He was trained as a barber and teacher, but, because of his love for a slave, Annapolis citizens would not patronize him in either profession. When William Sr. fell in love with Jane, Maryland law prohibited the marriages of slaves and free persons. Any child born to a slave mother in the state, regardless of the status of the father, was born a slave. The term “marriage” was used rather loosely at that time. Regardless of the law, William and Jane were in love, were married in their own eyes, lived together, and raised a large family. Jane’s owner, Margaret Callahan, died in 1819 and left all her slaves to Mary Callahan Green. Margaret’s will, executed in 1820 gave specific instructions regarding Jane Bishop, whom it referred to as “Jenny”:
“I give and bequeath to my niece Mary Green wife of the said William L. Green my Mullato woman slave named Jenny and daughter Rebecca. …permit Jenny to be and live as wife with one William Bishop her husband for and during his natural life and in the event of this death, the surviving that she live with serve and be provided for by the said William L. Green and wife for the remainder of her life and with intent also that the said Rebecca be the property of and serve my said niece until the arrival of the age of twenty-one years and no longer and that the said Rebecca be then and forever after free.”