Boston: Another Name in the Deeds: Uncovering Canongo's Story

~ In 1715, Isaac Parker purchased a property in Charlestown and began a pottery business. However, prior to Parker's ownership, the property had been occupied by an elderly man named John Taylor and a Negro man named Canongo, according to a 1693 deed. This raised questions about Canongo's identity and his connection to Taylor.

The deed, which is now part of the Middlesex County probate book 10, page 217, described the property as being under the "occupation of John Taylor, and of a Negro man named Canongo." This was unusual as rental occupants were typically only listed by the head of the household. The use of "and" in this case suggests that both men were independently renting portions of the property.

This led to speculation about Canongo's legal status. While some sources claim that he was sold by Nicholace Trerice to E. Johnson, the parties involved in the 1693 deed, this interpretation does not align with the actual wording of the document. It is possible that Canongo was a free man who worked at or near the dock on the property while Taylor rented it for his shipbuilding business.

However, without additional documentation, it is impossible to determine for certain whether Canongo was enslaved or free. During this time period in Boston, there were more enslaved Black people than free Black people, making it unusual but not impossible for Canongo to be free.

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In January 1699, Richard Paine purchased the property and neither Canongo nor John Taylor were mentioned in the deed. This brief mention of Canongo serves as a reminder that even limited records can provide insight into real people and their lives.

The pottery site where these records were found also includes some deposits from the 17th century. This has led researchers to hope that further analysis may reveal more information about Canongo's life.

However, interpreting these histories raises ethical questions. Should a Black person in pre-1783 Boston, who is not explicitly stated to be free, be assumed to be enslaved? While assuming enslavement may hold potential enslavers accountable, it could also negate a free status that Canongo or his family may have worked hard to achieve.

Despite the limited information available, Canongo's presence at the property shows that Black residents were living in Charlestown during the 17th and 18th centuries. His story may not be fully known yet, but it is an important part of the history of this property.

Lauryn Sharp, Project Archeologist, has prepared this article on the findings at the pottery site and the questions raised by Canongo's presence. As researchers continue to uncover more information about this property and its occupants, it is clear that Canongo's story matters and adds to our understanding of Black residents in Charlestown during this time period.

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