Celia, A Slave: A True History of Murder and Sexual Abuse―A Landmark Trial in 1850s Missouri

Can you imagine being executed by hanging for murdering a person who had been raping you for years? This is the story of Celia, A Slave by Melton Alonza McLaurin. At 14 years old, this young slave-girl was shipped out to work on a farm in Missouri, and like a lot of slaves at the time, she was continuously abused and raped. She accepted this life because of her distorted perception of herself and the world around her until the day she fell in love with a young man named George. Her lover was not keen on the fact that she was ‘having an affair’ with her owner. In hopes of pleasing her lover, Celia attempted to refuse the advances of her master, and one night she hit him over the head with a stick and killed him. She disposed of the body in her fireplace, only to be caught and even betrayed by George during the investigation of the crime. At 19 years old, Celia was held at trial for the murder of her owner and eventually hung for the crime.The book communicated a story of injustice, a story of a distorted self-concept of a young woman who was subjected to suffering and dehumanization. If Celia compared herself socially, she was at the bottom, and she was only a slave without any rights. She was expected to be obedient and remain quiet even though she may have been suffering deeply inside.Not only did society and her master label her as nothing more than a slave, her own lover labeled her a cheater, further feeding her self-concept negatively. Even though Celia was a victim, she saw herself as the criminal, and in her own defense she stated, “the Devil got into me”. She could not even say that she was being accused unjustly or that she was a victim, she could only blame an external force like the devil to explain her crime. Neither Celia nor those around her viewed her as a human being that had the right to self-defense.We can also see in the story how the development of the interpersonal relationship between her and her lover influenced her actions. Even though she despised her owner and the rapes that occurred, she never fought back. It wasn’t until her relationship George developed into a romantic one. In this relationship, Celia fell in love and trusted George. She most likely felt morally obligated to tell George what was taking place and began disclosing everything to him, including what her master was doing to her. This disclosure came at a high risk and because of this and her love for George, she listened when he demanded she no longer partakes in that ‘relationship’ which is what led to the events of the night the murder took place.As each event unfolds in the biography of Celia’s life, the author successfully communicates how societal expectations can influence our self-concept so negatively and deeply that we tend to truly believe it. He also gives a voice to a people that didn’t have one and shows how they were human beings like everyone else. He shows how an interpersonal romantic relationship, trust, and disclosure can heavily influence our actions and ultimately our destiny. In comparison to other books about the history of slaves, I believe this one offers a more personal account as opposed to only timelines and facts. Those who would benefit from this book the most are those who may feel like they have low self-esteem and low self-concept. It may help them identify the sources of which these feelings may be coming from, and this will ultimately help resolve them.

Celia is a true story about a young African-American woman who was purchased by an elderly Missouri man to be his concubine. As a resident on his farm in her own cabin, Celia becomes romantically attached to another slave. She is then forced into a dilemma: either break off her relationship with her own and be failthful to a man of her own race or continue the master-sex slave condition. She kills her owner and is susbsequently tried, convicted, and hanged.The book covers the owner's beginning, his purchase of Celia, her conflicts, the murder and the trial with a deft hand by the author. What makes the book so outstanding is the author placing the whole story in the context of the country in the 1850s in such a way that the reader gets insights into the period. Furthermore, the author does this in a manner in a judicious manner that allows the reader to see the tragedy of Celia and 19th century dilemma of slavery in America.

In great shape. Just what we needed for college course!

I had to read this book for an online History of Missouri class for Mizzou. I was reluctant to read it--who, as a kid, hasn't heard of the terrible ordeals slaves had to endure? Who hasn't had to read about slavery and abolitionists and Frederick Douglass? I thought it would be the same old thing.I was pleasantly surprised; the author does a fabulous job setting up the historical setting, and shows an appreciation for ALL of the thoughts and feelings of the time period. I was VERY impressed at the author's objectivity--it is easy to get sucked into 21st century pity or anger or blame.The front and back covers of the book make this seem a bit more like a dramatic story, but it's a very detailed historical account that gives wonderful insight into antebellum Missouri and slavery.

"Yet the lives of lesser figures, men and women who lived and died in virtual autonomy, often better illustrate certain aspects of the major issures of a perticular period than do (others who achieve national prominence)". The introduction my Melton A. McLaurin sets up a well researched and thought out work regarding the life of a female slave, caught killing her owner for raping her over a period of years. The author does two very important things very well in this book. He demonstates in very real terms the hopelessness of women in particular during this sordid period or American history AND he places in a timeline perspective just before the outbreak of the Civil War when tensions were high, especially in her "home" state of Missouri, where the stakes could not have been higher with the question of the expansion of slavery into newly admitted states was being hotly contensted. While it would be impossible to argue that she would ever get a fair "trial" McLaurin astutely walks us through a real defense team doing their best in a time period where ANY notion of fairness is null and void and, specifically, why this is the case.This book is a must read for any serious students of the "peculiar institution". It is remarkable how the author takes an "anonomous" life and demonstrates how and individual could be and was treated as property and degraded to the depths of our ability to comprehend while weaving in the fast moving antibellum period and the legislation, politics and emotions of the time.

Well researched and written. Places you within the whole context.

This account of a slave, written by herself is excellent. If you are genuinely interested in getting a feel of what slavery was, written by someone who was directly affected by it, then this is for you. Celia will give you insight into how slavery was a cancer of the soul to many of the slave owners, you will feel her emotions as she progresses through her life. All in all an excellent read and something that richly deserves my 100% recommendation.

I like very much this item. I recommend to everyone.This a story of llive that we never forget and we must always remember.

Gift. Flimsy cover

Great read.