In honor of military service

The role and contribution of African-Americans in our community have a long, but largely unwritten history. James and Harriet's triumph is etched firmly upon the cityscape of old town Cape Girardeau, making the history of freedom over slavery a tangible experience today.

Enslaved from birth, Jim lived all but the last six weeks of his life in the city of Cape Girardeau. He was property of E.W. Harris for 25 years, then sold in 1851 to 23-year-old John Ivers Jr., for $800. Jim's uncompensated labor propelled his young owner's wealth and ambition beyond the Ivers family plastering enterprise. Ivers first entered the manufacturer/merchant class, becoming part-owner in the Union Steam Mill. Jim's muscular back hauled grain sacks and barrels of finished flour. Though owned by different families, Jim was allowed to marry Harriet "in the custom of slaves" at a religious gathering in 1853, and were resigned to an "abroad marriage."

1858 was a notable year. Ivers was elected mayor of Cape Girardeau and implemented new city ordinances severely restricting the places, times and rights of enslaved to gather. Ivers also purchased Harriet and the couple's three children: Washington, Stella and Fanny. It was rare that a sale brought an enslaved family together instead of cruel separation. The same year, a landmark three-story brick warehouse was built at the foot of Themis Street and the river wharf. In 1863, John Filbrun welcomed John Ivers Jr., into partnership of the forwarding and commission business in this new warehouse complex, when his first business partner died. Ivers housed Jim, Harriet and their enslaved family within the warehouse, to furnish ready labor, day or night, for the needs of river commerce.

As the Civil War encompassed Cape Girardeau, resulting social disruptions, chaos and uncertainties provided new possibilities for enslaved men of the region. Many ran away from masters and attached themselves in servitude to Union troops. When official enlistment for men of color opened in Cape Girardeau on June 18, 1863, Jim and Harriet made a courageous decision. Jim bid farewell to his young family, climbed the courthouse hill, and voluntarily enlisted.

Many followed James' lead. Seventhy-five men defied their enslavement to enlist in Cape Girardeau by September. Designated Company H of the 56th Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry, they were deployed to Helena, Arkansas. During the first weeks, the regiment experienced unfavorable weather and horrible camp conditions. Pvt. Ivers developed respiratory problems and, at age 36, died of consumption on Oct. 1, 1863.

His freedom was never realized, but James Ivers' proactive decision to join the army forged a path of freedom for his family and descendants. A military widow's pension, with Harriet's wise and frugal management, allowed the family to build assets, purchase property, and sustain their lives in freedom.

The courageous Ivers family experience was repeated within 248 enslaved families throughout the region who also sent sons, husbands and brothers to strive for freedom by enlisting in the Union army. Their names, military service and sacrifice deserve a place in community memory.