The Barber of Natchez

The Barber of Natchez
Contributed By: Don Estes
1809-1851

William Johnson, born a slave and freed as a young boy, was known as the "Barber of Natchez". He became very prosperous, owned three shops and acquired substantial holdings - renting property, timberland, farm acreage and slaves.

The Barber of Natchez monument at Natchez City Cemetery

He was highly respected for his fair dealings and good business judgment. His very detailed and comprehensive dairy contributed considerably to the account of every day life and times of those years in Natchez and earned him the title of "American Diarist".

He was murdered and his accused murderer was never convicted.