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Very few blacks were found in the western reserve prior to 1850. Blacks
were certainly not numerous enough in any reserve community to excite
racial hostility. However, in the decade, 1850-1860, there was a 45%
increase in the black population of Ohio. The number of blacks in Geauga
County, and Lake County, the subject of this paper, can be observed in
these totals:
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Black Laws
- A black could not testify in court against a white.
- Blacks could not join the militia.
- Blacks were required to register with a judge the name of each of their children and the listing cost was 12 1/2 cents per child.
- Free blacks must post a bond of $500 (against becoming a public charge if they wished to stay in the same state.
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Song:
Ohio's not the place for me;
For I was much surprised
So many of her sites to see
In garments of disguise.
Her name has gone throughout the world,
Free labor soil and men
But slaves have better far be hurled
Into the lions den
Farewell Ohio
I'm not safe in thee
I'll travel on to Canada
Where colored men are free.
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