The Ex-Slave's Fortune

Cynthia D. Hesdra was born a slave in Tappan in 1808 to John and Jane Moore. During her lifetime, she operated a successful laundry business and owned a number of properties in New York and in New Jersey. At the time of her death in 1879, she was worth about $100,000. She was a millionaire by today's standards! Her husband, Edward, and many of her relatives, fought over her assets. The extensive court battle was precedent setting from a legal standpoint and was one of the most celebrated cases of the time. Find out what becomes of the ex-slave's fortune!