SANKOFA'S SLAVERY DATA COLLECTION
Helm Plantation
Location: Prince William Co., VA
History:
Austin Steward
Austin Steward was born a slave in Prince William County, Virginia, in 1793. His
master, William Helm, owned over a hundred slaves. When Steward was eight years
old he became a house slave at Helm's mansion. Helm sold his plantation and moved
to Bath in Steuben County. In financial difficulties, Helm had to hire his slaves
out to local farmers. Some of these men treated him very badly and eventually
he escaped. Steward reached Canada in 1815 where he joined the Wilberforce Colony
that had been established by the Society of Friends. Steward's autobiography,
Twenty-Two Years a Slave appeared in 1857 and is considered one
of the best slave narratives available. Austin Steward died in 1860.
Associated surnames: Helm, Steward
Associated Free White Names
Associated Black Slave Names
Agriculture
Description of Associated Architecture
RESOURCES