FIREBACK

Iron furnaces were among the most prolific users of enslaved craftsmen.  Alexander Spotswood (1676 – 1740) – former Royal Governor of Virginia and ironworks proprietor in Spotsylvania County, Virginia – made special mention in his will of the enslaved craftsmen working at the Tubal Furnace.  “Whereas the said tract… called the mine tract is… appropriated for the carrying on an Iron work… it is necessary that at least Eight able working Slaves with twenty Children belonging to them should be annexed to the said Land and employed in the said Work…”.