From Slave to Partner
Franklin Street Bridge, Photograph, 1912, files of Jeanne Cyriaque.
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By taking responsibility for his education and skill as an architect and builder, Horace King gained extraordinary rights for his time, becoming more of John Godwin's partner than a slave. Because of this, John
Godwin gave King the responsibility and right to travel on his own and conduct business affairs. "He was basically a businessman, and he entered into contracts even as a slave...He accepted the responsibility to deliver on his contracts"
(Lupold, John S. Personal Interview, 18 May 2014). |
"Mr Godwin, during slavery, owned a number of colored mechanics - all bridge builders. Among them Horace, who was his foreman, and who drew all the plans and specifications, and made the contracts for building bridges. Mr. Godwin had the utmost confidence in Horace's judgment and ability. So much so, that he would send him with the hands to any part of the South to make contracts for building bridges." (Columbus Enquirer-Sun, 30 May 1885).
Right: Johnson Mill Bridge. Photograph, n.d. Vanishing Georgia, Georgia Archives, University System of Georgia
"From 1832 to 1842, operating from the base in Girard [Alabama], John and Wells Godwin along with Horace King built bridges, warehouses, courthouses, and homes throughout the lower Chattahoochee Valley. The King family tradition makes Horace a partner of John, implying they worked as equals...Horace's role as a superintendent on various jobs was obvious to the public. By 1840, a newspaper ad billed John and Horace as cobuilders, an extraordinary status for a slave" (Lupold, John S. and French, Jr., Thomas L. Bridging Deep South Waters, 2004).
Left: Columbus Courthouse, Photograph, n.d., files of Jeanne Cyriaque.
Left: Columbus Courthouse, Photograph, n.d., files of Jeanne Cyriaque.
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