Jailous Perdue
Jailous Perdue, born around 1843 and initially gifted to his enslaver as a wedding present, endured the harsh reality of slavery. Despite the denial of education by his enslaver's husband, who burned his spelling book, Perdue persistently pursued a trade. He began cobbling shoes, gradually honing his skills despite the challenges of his enslaved life. His modest existence in a simple cabin centered around sustenance, with annual hog raising supplementing their diet.
Although offered the opportunity to learn bricklaying, Perdue opted to continue cobbling, enduring the harsh conditions under a strict boss who whipped him but imparted valuable skills. Saving meager earnings, he amassed $40 or $50 annually. Following emancipation, Perdue continued his trade, establishing a successful shoe repair shop in downtown Auburn. His expertise led to employment at Tuskegee Institute, teaching shoe making under Booker T. Washington's tenure.
Perdue's diligence supported his sizable family of at least eleven children: Charles, William, Augustas, Jailous Jr., Helen, Emily, Arthur, Annie, James, Elizabeth, and one infant who passed away shortly after birth. Perdue managed a 7-acre farm where the Auburn University mansion stands today and even employed a servant. Two of Perdue’s sons pursued farming, while two children ventured abroad. After his first wife's passing, Perdue remarried a woman named Nettie. Eventually, Perdue would pass away on 29 Sept. 1936. It is assumed he lays next to his wife Jennie in Baptist Hill Cemetery.
The story of Jailous Perdue exemplifies resilience and perseverance amidst adversity and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals. The Perdue family's tale serves as a moving reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice, inspiring future generations to uphold and celebrate Black history every day.
Although offered the opportunity to learn bricklaying, Perdue opted to continue cobbling, enduring the harsh conditions under a strict boss who whipped him but imparted valuable skills. Saving meager earnings, he amassed $40 or $50 annually. Following emancipation, Perdue continued his trade, establishing a successful shoe repair shop in downtown Auburn. His expertise led to employment at Tuskegee Institute, teaching shoe making under Booker T. Washington's tenure.
Perdue's diligence supported his sizable family of at least eleven children: Charles, William, Augustas, Jailous Jr., Helen, Emily, Arthur, Annie, James, Elizabeth, and one infant who passed away shortly after birth. Perdue managed a 7-acre farm where the Auburn University mansion stands today and even employed a servant. Two of Perdue’s sons pursued farming, while two children ventured abroad. After his first wife's passing, Perdue remarried a woman named Nettie. Eventually, Perdue would pass away on 29 Sept. 1936. It is assumed he lays next to his wife Jennie in Baptist Hill Cemetery.
The story of Jailous Perdue exemplifies resilience and perseverance amidst adversity and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals. The Perdue family's tale serves as a moving reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice, inspiring future generations to uphold and celebrate Black history every day.
Contributed by Stephanie Salgado Mercado and Valeria Hernandez from Auburn Junior High School