African American Family from Middletown

Cuff Frisby, born around 1770, was enslaved by the Frisby family of Cecil County, Maryland. During his youth, Sarah Frisby, then a widow, granted manumission to Cuff and his mother, Phillis. As a free Black man living in southern New Castle County, Delaware, Cuff faced the significant challenges of earning a living and raising a family within the constraints of the severely limited rights afforded to free African Americans under Delaware law.

Despite these obstacles, Frisby worked as a laborer and took on odd jobs to support his family. Remarkably, he managed to purchase a small parcel of property, achieving a measure of stability that was undoubtedly better than that of many of his peers.

Host: Bruce Bendler

DPA Contact:

Dawn Mitchell, dawn.mitchell@delaware.gov

Delaware Public Archives

302-744-5033