Overview

The Narrative of Primus uncovers the remarkable, nearly forgotten story of a ten-year-old boy taken from his mother's bedside in West Africa and forced aboard a slave ship bound for America. That boy, Primus, survived the Middle Passage, endured decades of enslavement in colonial Connecticut, raised a family, and-through faith, resilience, and grace-laid a foundation that would ripple across generations. Drawing on rarely cited historical sources-including an embedded first-person narrative hidden since 1824 in the writings of Lydia Sigourney-John Mills reveals Primus as more than a footnote to slavery or a name in a ledger. He restores him as a father, a church member, a scholar of scripture, a community figure, and a man whose voice still echoes across three centuries. Through meticulous archival research, Mills traces the lives of Primus's descendants-from the Revolutionary War, where his son Job fought for American independence while enslaved, through the Civil War, where Sgt. Daniel Stanley Lathrop served with the famed 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry, and into the twentieth century, where the lineage continued to serve in both World Wars and National Guard militias shut out of state support. Part genealogy, part social history, and part personal journey, The Narrative of Primus blends historical storytelling with the author's lived experience as a Black American and direct descendant of enslaved ancestors. Mills interrogates myths surrounding American liberty, challenges long-held racial narratives, and re-centers Black families whose sacrifices helped shape the nation. The Narrative of Primus is a compelling and deeply personal contribution to African American history, slavery studies, Connecticut history, genealogy, and the American story. It reminds us that America was built not only by the celebrated, but by the unseen-and that their descendants are still here to tell the story.

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John Mills is a dedicated genealogist and president of the Alex Breanne Corporation, a Connecticut-based non-profit focused on research into the formerly enslaved. John is known for his meticulous research and deep passion for uncovering family histories. With years of experience, he has helped many individuals uncover ancestral connections. His commitment to accuracy and detail has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in genealogical circles. His notable contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including an exposé in The Washington Post, an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and multiple interviews with famed Civil Rights attorney Areva Martin.John has a strong interest in uncovering the stories of the formerly enslaved, volunteering his skills in service to others. Beyond his on-the-ground research, John actively shares his knowledge through seminars and workshops. His engaging discussions have helped raise awareness about genealogy and its role in shaping personal and cultural identities.

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