Finding Your Roots

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Henry

After the war, he was elected to the United States senate, but he was not seated because he refused to take the oath of allegiance to the North... The Union. -

Henry

To the Union. Yes. So this Manning man was hardcore. Totally hardcore. Now take a look at this. That's Governor Manning and that's his plantation house. -

Young Bald Man

Wow. He looks like he owned 600 square feet. Wow, look at that house. (tranquil guitar music) -

Voiceover

In our search to find out more about Ben's life as Governor Manning's servant, we came across an account of a trip the Governor took to Canada in the early 1840s. As we might expect, he took Ben along, but events north of the border took a very strange turn. -

Henry

We came across a pretty amazing story. You ready? Ready. -

Henry

Would you please read the highlighted section? -

Keenen Ivory Wayans

While in Canada, some zealous abolitionists kidnapped Ben and secreted him until Governor Manning had ceased to make search and had started back home. -

Henry

Your ancestor was kidnapped by abolitionists in Canada. Can you believe that? Yeah. He was actually taken out of slavery. -

Henry

Taken out of slavery. And you're gonna tell me he went back? (laughing) -

Henry

Please turn the page. Wow. Wow. Oh, my God.