From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Robertson County (KY) Free Blacks and Free Mulattoes, 1870-1900
Robertson County, located in north-central Kentucky, was formed in 1867 from portions of Harrison, Mason, Bracken, and Nicholas Counties. One of the last battles in the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Blue Licks, took place in what is now Robertson County in 1782.Robertson County is named for Judge George Robertson, a U.S. Congressman who also served in the Kentucky House, Kentucky Secretary of State, and in several other positions in Kentucky government. Robertson was also a slave holder; he filed a lawsuit against William L. Utley during the American Civil War seeking compensation for the loss of his enslaved man named Adam.
The seat of Robertson County is Mt. Olivet, established around 1820 and named for Mt. Olivet in the Bible. Robertson County was formed after enslaved people in Kentucky were freed by the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Below are population numbers for Blacks and Mulattoes from 1870-1900.
1870 U.S. Federal Census
- 136 Blacks
- 93 Mulattoes
- At least 4 U.S. Colored Troops listed Robertson County as their birth location: Jerry Brooks enlisted November 24, 1864, Abraham Norrington on September 19, 1863, Thomas Thompson on October 13, 1864 and Abraham Gunn on December 13, 1864. [Note: Robertson County. KY, was not officially a county until 1867. Robertson County, KY, was recognized as a county in U.S. Civil War military records.]
- 231 Blacks
- 47 Mulattoes
- 130 Blacks