Existing comment:
White Haven In Crisis:
During the Civil War, Colonel Dent's political views isolated him at White Haven. He refused to enter the city to avoid signing a loyalty oath to the Union and his secessionist opinions cut him off from some of his neighbors.
Because of his isolation, Dent's financial activities were disrupted, reaching a climax in September 1861 when he nearly lost the property.
In contrast, the Dent's slaves soon realized that the turmoil of the Civil War provided an opportunity for them. They recognized that Colonel Dent could no longer control them and took charge of their lives. Never considering White Haven home, in 1864 they departed to establish homes of their own.
"You would hardly recognize St. Louis... Our streets are deserted, many of our stores are closed. Every thing seems as quiet & somber as a grave yard ... Secession is completely killed here, and it is hard to find a man who will acknowledge that he is not a Union man."
-- William S. Hillyer to his wife, May 15, 1861 |