Harriet Russell

Between 1515 and the mid-19th century, more than 12 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic to work as slaves. On their way to the Americas, two million enslaved men, women, and children died. It was the beginning of several hours of work on large plantations with little food and never having to forget their status as property for those who survived.

However, those enslaved did not simply accept their fate. Slave rebellions were common at the time. Some enslaved Africans were also able to break free and live extraordinary lives, accumulating wealth and status. To make it, they had to overcome several obstacles as well as a system that was not in their favor. And they did succeed. According to data, there were 4,047 millionaires in the United States immediately following Emancipation, with six of them being African Americans.

According to the Merced County Courthouse Museum, Merced County was formed in 1855 from Mariposa County. Its settlers in the Snelling area were mostly from the Southern states at the time, and they usually brought enslaved men and women with them. Despite the fact that California was a free state, this was the case.

Harriet Russell born enslaved on October 12, 1807 in Louisiana later became a real estate entrepreneur in Snelling, California.

Harriet and her daughter, Elizabeth Sproles (sp), came to California around 1856. Also, listed in the census Harriet had two daughters Amelia Sproles (1831-1853) and Elizabeth Sproles (1842-1904), her husband is listed as John P Sproul (sp). In the 1880 census Harriet is listed as a widow.

Between 1869 and 1871, Harriet's name can be found on seventeen property transactions in the Merced County Book of Deeds. A parcel of land in Snelling in Merced County has been known as Aunt Harriet's Addition since 1869. She purchased and sold land with both white and black landowners in Snelling. In her later years, she lived with her daughter Elizabeth’s family in Merced.

Harriet died on January 1, 1897 at the age of 90. In her obituary, the Merced Express writes, “Mrs. Russell was one of the oldest settlers in Merced County." She is remembered as one of Merced County’s Black American pioneers who made significant contributions to the county.

Sources: Meet Harriet Russell Who Went From Slavery To Real Estate Entrepreneur in 19th-Century California, article written by Liberty Writers Africa (Sept. 2022); Merced Sun-Star (Jan. 2007); Merced County Courthouse Museum Collection; photograph taken circa 1850s, photographer unknown