Born in Amwell Township to a free Black mother, Jacob Francis lived his 82-year life in a world of revolutionary change. He became caught up in the rising tide of revolution in the 1760s and 70s and served in the Continental Army, including at the Battle of Trenton, and then the New Jersey militia. Establishing himself as a farmer, he married an enslaved woman named Mary, freed her, and raised their eight children in the vicinity of Flemington during a period of rising interest in abolition.

Join Larry Kidder as he shares the amazing story of Jacob Francis and his family and provides an inside view of life in New Jersey the revolutionary changes affecting the lives of both free and enslaved Black people.

Cosponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, The Hopewell Museum, and the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library.

Registration for online presentation via GotoMeeting required. Register at the following link: Jacob Francis

The Community Room at the Hopewell Branch Library will also broadcast a livestream of the program. To reserve a seat, please call 609.737.2610 or email hopeprogs@mcl.org.