GRAVE OF JAMES MARS

Norfolk, CT - James Mars was born into slavery in 1790 and at eight years old he was the last slave to be sold in Norfolk. He achieved his freedom when he was twenty one. He then married and moved to Hartford, CT. There he became founder and senior deacon of the Talcott Street Congregational Church. Mars was active in attempts to reform national and Connecticut laws pertaining to African Americans. Later he moved back to Norfolk where he became an esteemed deacon in Norfolk's Congregational Church. He wrote a pamphlet that described some of his experiences of living both in freedom and slavery, 11 editions were printed. He died in 1880 at the age of 90. Next to him is his father, Jupiter Mars, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Info: Connecticut African American Freedom Trail