Stuff You Missed in History Class: SYMHC Classics: Lettuce, Slavery, and the Bibb Legacy

Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson | Release Date: July 5, 2025

I. Introduction

In this compelling episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve deep into the intricate legacy of the Bib family, intertwining the seemingly innocuous story of Bibb lettuce with the profound and often troubling history of slavery and emancipation in 19th-century Kentucky.

II. The Bib Family and Bibb Lettuce

a. John Bigger Bib: Biography

John Bigger Bib, born on October 27, 1789, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, emerges as a central figure in this narrative. Raised in Kentucky from the age of nine, Bib's early life was marked by education under Joshua Fry, a pivotal educator in Kentucky's history. After studying law under Judge H.P. Broadnax, Bib's promising legal career was interrupted by the War of 1812, where he served valiantly, rising to the rank of major after the Battle of Thames in October 1813. However, his military career was cut short, likely due to health issues, leading him to close his law practice in 1816.

b. Development of Limestone Lettuce

Bibb's passion for horticulture led him to purchase land in 1845, where he established Gray Gables in Frankfort, Kentucky. Here, he cultivated what he termed "limestone lettuce," a variety uniquely adapted to Kentucky's limestone-rich soil. This lettuce was not only pest-resistant and tender but also compact in growth, making it ideal for the region. Importantly, Bibb did not commercialize his lettuce; instead, he generously distributed seeds and plants freely during his lifetime. It wasn't until 1919 that Greenhouse of Louisville began selling Bibb Lettuce commercially, long after Bibb's death in 1884.

Notable Quote:

Holly Fry [07:24]: "Bibb was not cultivating this crop for profit. He gave most of it away."

III. Richard Bibb and Slavery

a. Richard Bibb's Background

The wealth that facilitated John Bibb's horticultural pursuits was built upon the labor of enslaved individuals owned by his father, Major Richard Bibb. Born on April 13, 1752, in Goochland County, Virginia, Richard Bibb served as a Major in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Upon relocating to Kentucky, he established significant agricultural enterprises, leveraging a substantial enslaved workforce. By 1829, Richard Bibb was the second-largest slaveholder in Prince Edward County, Virginia.

b. Emancipation Plan and the American Colonization Society

Influenced by his religious convictions and connections with the American Colonization Society—which advocated for relocating freed Black individuals to Africa—Richard Bibb made a controversial decision. In 1829, he announced the emancipation of 29 enslaved people, intending to send them to Liberia. This decision was framed as a benevolent act, influenced by his friendship with Henry Clay, a founder of the society.

Notable Quote:

Tracy V. Wilson [08:53]: "Major Bibb freed 29 of his slaves in 1829 and sent them to Liberia."

IV. Emancipation of Slaves and the Journey to Liberia

a. Accounts and Challenges

The emancipation was not without its tragedies. The group of emancipated individuals, primarily descendants of Lucy and Keziah—enslaved by the Bibb family—embarked on a grueling journey aboard the brig Ajax in April 1833. The voyage was marred by a cholera outbreak, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30 to 40 individuals. Reports from the time, such as those from a minister named Abel Long, suggest that survivors faced immense challenges, with some even retreating into the Liberian jungle.

Notable Quote:

Tracy V. Wilson [17:06]: “The account… puts Major Bibb in a very, very kind light.”

V. The Will and George Bibb's Opposition

a. George Bibb's Letter

Upon Richard Bibb's death in 1839, his will mandated the emancipation of enslaved individuals, providing them with land and financial support. However, George M. Bibb, Richard's son and a U.S. Senator, contested this will. In a detailed 12-page letter to his brother John, George argued that the emancipation provisions were impractical and financially burdensome. He expressed skepticism about the executors' ability to manage the funds fairly, insinuating that freed individuals might mismanage their inheritance.

Notable Quotes:

George Bibb [25:27]: "I would not, for the property bequeathed by the will for all the Negroes, nor the value 10 times told, insult the memory of our father by, and attempt to set aside the writing he has published as his last will and testament."

Holly Fry [35:21]: "George Bibb makes clear in his letter that he believed his father was wrong in emancipating slaves."

VI. Legacy and Modern Reflections

a. Sikh Museum and Reunions

The legacy of the Bibb family, particularly the stories of those emancipated, is preserved at the Sikh Museum (Struggles for Emancipation and Equality in Kentucky). This museum, housed in Major Bibb's former property, serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined histories of wealth, slavery, and emancipation. In 2019, a significant reunion brought together descendants of both the Bibb family and the enslaved individuals, shedding light on the complex and often painful legacy of their ancestry.

b. Linnae O'Neill's Article

Journalist Linnae O'Neill's article, "The Bitter Harvest of Richard Bibb: A Descendant of Slavery Confronts Her Inheritance," provides a raw and honest exploration of the emotional and generational impacts of the Bibb legacy. The piece underscores the lingering effects of slavery and the challenges of reconciling historical narratives with present-day realities.

Notable Quote:

Holly Fry [42:24]: "It's one of those things where you realize… this cute story about food is really about the people that made it possible for a white guy to have leisure time to make that food."

VII. Conclusion

This episode masterfully unravels the dual narratives of agricultural innovation and the dark underpinnings of slavery that supported it. While Bibb Lettuce stands as a testament to John Bigger Bibb's horticultural legacy, it simultaneously serves as a reminder of the human cost of such endeavors. The Bib family's story encapsulates the complexities of American history, where progress and prosperity were often built upon the suffering and oppression of others. Through meticulous research and heartfelt discussion, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson illuminate the enduring impact of these historical legacies on contemporary society.

Notable Quote:

Tracy V. Wilson [38:56]: "It's an important example of how anti-abolitionists could make a case that it was in everyone's best interests not to give enslaved black people full emancipation or assets."

Additional Resources

• Sikh Museum: seekmuseum.org
• Linnae O'Neill's Article: "The Bitter Harvest of Richard Bibb"

Subscribe to Stuff You Missed in History Class on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode!