Newly freed blacks in Fairfield County, as in other areas in the North, had few financial resources. Many chose to remain in the household of their former owner where they could continue to find work and shelter. The majority worked as day laborers within town households or as hired agricultural workers, and some worked as skilled artisans. While insecurity and poverty were prevalent in the lives of many free African Americans, some did realize viable financial independence and became respected citizens.

Prince Bulkley, who also used the surname Freeman, died in the town of Fairfield where he had worked and lived with his wife, Peg, for many years. The inventory of his estate indicates that Prince and Peg owned many furnishings and household items. Other 19th century inventories from Fairfield County show that a number of freed blacks had similar material comforts in their houses.

Image: Inventory of the Estate of Prince Bulkley/Freeman, ca. 1819. Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Probabte District. Courtesy Connecticut State Library, State Archives, Hartford, Connecticut.