This census shows a large group in the Kephart household in Frederick, Maryland, 1850, the year before Kephart bought Belmont. George Kephart puts his occupation as “farmer” and though he had land, he was also working in the slave trade. Kephart lists George Whaley, “overseer” in his household, further evidence of his slave trade/agent work. Whaley moved with the Kepharts to Loudoun county the following year. Courtesy ancestry.comTen years later, George Kephart, now at Belmont, lists his occupation as “merchant” and his 22 year old son, William, listed his occupation as “trading.” Merchant of what? Trading what? Courtesy of ancestry.comAlexandria Gazette notice printed August 11, 1842. Courtesy of Library of Congress, “Chronicling America”Alexandria Gazette notice November 16, 1846. Courtesy Library of Congress “Chronicling America”“I can be found at all times at my establishment, upper end Duke street.” Ad from Alexandria Gazette August 19, 1842. Courtesy Library of Congress “Chronicling America”Alexandria Gazette February 10, 1844 advertisements, showing that Kephart, still at Armfield & Franklin and is in competition with fellow slave traders Bruin & Jones. The three men had formally worked together. Courtesy of Library of Congress “Chronicling America”George Kephart listed #4 on “Mortality Schedule” for year ending 1st June, 1870. Kephart, aged 74 and listed as an occupation of “farmer” died on August 1, 1869, of “chronic Diarrhea” Courtesy ancestry.com
Nest of Abolitionists 