Hidden Columbia: An Awkward Discussion

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By Anderson Burns

Story Created: May 17, 2011 at 10:53 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 17, 2011 at 10:53 PM EDT

STATEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) -- We never read about it in history books. It takes away the black and white of history and puts us firmly in a shade of gray.

One of the wealthiest men in the Midlands in the 1800s was a black man named Williams Ellison. He owned a cotton gin, plantation, and on the eve of the Civil War, 68 slaves.

To see his story, click on the video player.

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Babbie said on Sunday, Jun 5 at 11:35 AM

Now I've heard it all. I wonder if April was possibly the child of his owner making him very fair skinned. That gave a person an unfair advantage back then and still does today. It's jut incredible that this could happen. I've got to read this book.

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