One of the most significant trades in 19th century Fairfield County was hatting. Slaves were often employed in the hatting industry, and many, such as James Hubbart, were respected by members of their community and gained remarkable economic success with their skills. James Hubbart was owned by Zachariah Hubbart, and gained his freedom upon his owner's death in 1769. Zachariah Hubbart specified in his will that "my Negro man Servant James hath at all times behaved with great faithfullness Dilligence and obedience, my will is that he shall have his freedom at my Decease..." In addition to granting James his freedom, Hubbart bequeathed to him his hatter's tools which allowed him to continue to practice the trade, buy a house and land and establish a foothold in the community. Click on the images of the will and inventory to read the documents.

Image: Will and Inventory of Zachariah Hubbart, ca. 1769. Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Probate District. Courtesy The Connecticut State Library, State Archives, Hartford, Connecticut.