From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Shelby County (KY) Slaves, Free Blacks, Free Mulattoes, 1850-1870
Shelby County, formed in 1792 from portions of Jefferson County, was named in honor of the first Kentucky Governor, Isaac Shelby. The county is located in north-central Kentucky and surrounded by six counties. The county seat, Shelbyville, was also named for Governor Shelby. Shelby County was the 12th county formed in Kentucky, and according to the Second Census of Kentucky, in 1800 the total population was 8,191, with 6,681 whites, 23 free coloreds, and 1,487 slaves. In 1830, there were four free African American slave owners: one in Shelby County and three in Shelbyville. By 1860, the population was 9,799, excluding the slaves. Below are the number of slave owners, slaves, and free Blacks and Mulattoes for 1850-1870.1850 Slave Schedule
- 1,266 slave owners
- 5,875 Black slaves
- 908 Mulatto slaves
- 138 free Blacks
- 55 free Mulattoes
- 1,192 slave owners
- 5,668 Black slaves
- 998 Mulatto slaves
- 103 free Blacks
- 61 free Mulattoes
- 3,260 Blacks
- 2,070 Mulattoes
- About 296 U.S. Colored Troops listed Shelby County, KY, as their birth location.