From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Martin County (KY) Free Blacks and Free Mulattoes, 1880-1910
Martin County, located in far eastern Kentucky, was formed in 1870 from portions of Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, and Pike Counties. It was named for John P. Martin, who was born in Virginia and served as a Kentucky Representative and as a Senator. He was also a U.S. Representative from Kentucky. The first county seat was Warfield, and was changed to Inez in 1873. Inez is one of the smallest county seats in Kentucky. The 1880 county population was 3,057, according to the U.S. Federal Census, and it increased to 7,291 by 1910. Martin County was formed after the ratification of the 13th Amendment which freed the slaves in Kentucky. Below are the number of Blacks and Mulattoes in the county 1880, 1900, and 1910.1880 U.S. Federal Census
- 30 Blacks [most with last names Davidson, Halden, and Justice]
- 12 Blacks
- 3 Negroes [William and John Fields, and Rebeca J. Smith]
- 1 Black [Alfred Richards]
- 2 Mulattoes [Allie Mickey and Martha Mickins]