Samuel I. Cabell
Samuel I. Cabell (1802 - July 18, 1865) was a wealthy plantation owner who was known for his strong will as well as his strong temper. His plantation was located approximately nine miles west of the capital of Charleston, West Virginia in what is now known as the historically black college town, (West Virginia State University) Institute, West Virginia. While little is known about his ancestry and or roots, (some speculate he was from Georgia and others say he was from England), Cabell settled in southern West Virginia in Kanawha County around the end of the civil war where he subsequently purchased over 900 acres (3.6 km2) which once belonged to George Washington. Little is recorded in the history books but he was apparently part of the well known Cabell family who spawned politicians, generals, bankers and other prominent statesmen.
Cabell is the central figure in what one writer has called "an epic love story." Cabell took one of his slaves (Mary Barnes) as his lifelong mate and fathered thirteen children (Elizabeth, Sam, Lucy, Mary Jane, Sidney Ann, Soula, Eunice, Alice, Marina (or Bobby), Braxton, Betty, William Clifford and James B.) whom he cared for, eventually granted freedom from slavery, sent some of them to private school in Ohio and also bequeathed virtually all of his inheritance to upon his death.
Samuel I. Cabell was murdered on July 18, 1865 amidst many different speculations including premeditation and self-defense. Seven men were eventually acquitted in a local trial. Cabell's descendants went on to lead productive lives and the land has been sold and is owned by various companies and developers including the following: West Virginia State University (where his grave and various family members rest), Union Carbide, and Go-Mart.
References
- Haught, James A. (January 1971). "Institute: It Springs from Epic Love Story". West Virginia History. 32 (2): 101–107. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
- "Cabell Cemetery". WV GenWeb Project. Retrieved 15 December 2015.