~ The Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail Committee has announced the upcoming marker ceremony for Milly Sawyers, the 10th marker on the trail. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 27 at 4 p.m. at the corner of Boonville and Water in the city parking lot.

The committee, led by Dr. Lyle Q. Foster, is excited to honor the legacy of Milly Sawyers and her contribution to local history. This story, which was only recently uncovered a few years ago, sheds light on the struggles faced by freed slaves in their quest for freedom.

What makes this story particularly significant is that it is one of the first examples of an enslaved person suing for freedom in the state of Missouri, and it happened right here in Greene County. Prior to the famous Dred Scott decision, many slaves across the country filed freedom suits against their masters, but very few were successful. St. Louis was a popular location for these suits to be filed.

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The discovery of this story was made by the director of the Greene County Archives through yellowed court records. Since then, it has gained attention through various forms such as a dramatic production and a short film.

Milly Sawyers' story serves as a reminder of the ongoing quest for freedom that is deeply rooted in American history. The marker ceremony will begin with a brief program at the History Museum Education Center before attendees walk over to the marker site. The public is invited to attend this important event and pay tribute to Milly Sawyers and her journey towards freedom.

The Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail Committee hopes that this marker will serve as a symbol of resilience and perseverance for future generations to come. Through honoring individuals like Milly Sawyers, they aim to preserve and share important stories that are often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.

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