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Born a Slave, Died Free:

How William Got His Name Back

Discover the incredible true story of William Early, a man born enslaved who escaped to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War and later made his home in Dearborn County, Indiana. 

Buried under a slave name after his death, William’s true identity was lost for generations until genealogical research uncovered the truth. Join Rachael Scott as she shares the research journey that helped William finally get his name back.

Rachael Scott is a genealogy enthusiast with a passion for helping people discover new ways to explore their family history.  She earned a degree in Family History Research from Brigham Young University–Idaho and works as both a freelance genealogist and manager of the Genealogy and Local History Department at Lawrenceburg Public Library District in Dearborn County, Indiana. Rachael has a deep love of history and enjoys helping others uncover stories, connections, and roots within their own families.