THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DABNEY FLEMMING (FLEMING) IN HILLSDALE.


Ok, now we know the family members.  Let's see what we can learn of their life in the mid and late 1800's and even later over there in Hillsdale, Anacostia.

For perspective, we mention that in 1866 when Dabney (Abner) was first known to be in Anacostia, the country was fresh out of the Civil War ( April 12, 1861 – April 9, 1865).  Three years prior, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln and had made his escape into Maryland, by first crossing the 11th St. bridge, which ironically lead directly into Anacostia, not far from where Dabney Flemming ( and Fredrick Douglass for that matter) would later take up roots.  Mr. Douglass bought his famous house in Anacostia in 1877 and lived there until his death in 1895.  Dabney came to the neighborhood in 1866 and as we shall see, records indicate that he was there well after the death of Fredrick Douglass.  Yeah, they were "homies" for a bit.

 Within two years of the Barry Farm establishment, 266 families had moved to the site. This time was turbulent for blacks in Hillsdale, as they struggled to establish themselves and become self-sufficient.   

The 11th St. Bridge called the "Navy Yard Bridge" waaaayyy back in the day.   

Fredrick Douglass home in Anacostia around  1893

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