Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will

Name: Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will
Price: 25 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (56 reviews)

4.2 of 5 Stars: Legal History - Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will

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Book Synopsis: In the early twentieth century, two wealthy white sisters, cousins to a North Carolina governor, wrote identical wills that left their substantial homeplace to a black man and his daughter. Maggie Ross, whose sister Sallie died in 1909, was the richest woman in Union County, North Carolina. Upon Maggie's death in 1920, her will bequeathed her estate to Bob Ross-who had grown up in the sisters' household-and his daughter Mittie Bell Houston. Mittie had also grown up with the well-to-do women, who had shown their affection for her by building a house for her and her husband. This house, along with eight hundred acres, hundreds of dollars in cash, and two of the white family's three gold watches went to Bob Ross and Houston. As soon as the contents of the will became known, more than one hundred of Maggie Ross's scandalized cousins sued to break the will, claiming that its bequest to black people proved that Maggie Ross was mentally incompetent. Revealing the details of this case and of the lives of the people involved in it, Gene Stowe presents a story that sheds light on and complicates our understanding of the Jim Crow South. Stowe's account of this famous court battle shows how specific individuals, both white and black, labored against the status quo of white superiority and ultimately won. An evocative portrait of an entire generation's sins, Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will hints at the possibility for color-blind justice in small-town North Carolina.

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Experience the gripping story of Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will, a captivating book that transports you to the early twentieth century in North Carolina. Delve into the lives of two wealthy white sisters who defied societal norms and left their substantial estate to a black man and his daughter. This thought-provoking narrative unravels the complex layers of racial tensions and challenges the status quo of white superiority.

Gene Stowe's expertly crafted account not only unveils the scandalized reaction of Maggie Ross's cousins but also highlights the resilience and determination of the individuals involved. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for storytelling, Stowe transports us back in time and immerses us in the fight against racial discrimination in the Jim Crow South.

Prepare to be captivated by this evocative portrait of an entire generation's sins. Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will goes beyond the courtroom drama to paint a vivid picture of the social fabric of small-town North Carolina. As you turn the pages, you'll witness the battle for color-blind justice, leaving you pondering the potential for change even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Don't miss out on this compelling read that challenges conventions and opens your eyes to a pivotal moment in history. Experience Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will and embark on a journey that will leave you enlightened and inspired.

Ready to dive into the captivating world of Inherit the Land? Get your copy now!

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