Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Sandy Cornish was born a slave in Maryland.  His master hired him out around 1839 to work building a railroad in Florida's Panhandle.  After a while, with his wife's help, he was able to buy his freedom.  His 'free-papers" were lost in a fire, and he was seized by slave-catchers who planned to sell him in New Orleans.  Before they could transport him there, he broke free and plunged a knife in his hip, cut his ankle, and cut off the fingers of his left hand.  He threatened to do greater harm to himself if he was carried to New Orleans. He was useless to the slave traders at that point, and they left him alone. Some friends carried him home in a wheelbarrow, and he recovered after six months.  He and his wife then moved to Key West, Florida.  They bought a farm and supplied fruit and vegetables to Key West residents, becoming highly successful and very wealthy.  He was a community leader, and was one of the founders of the Cornish Ch...