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American History

15 Dark Truths About How Franklin & Armfield Ran America’s Largest Slave Trading Business

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3. Key Figures

coffle and john armfield
Depiction of John Armfield supervising a slave coffle, 1844. Source: Wikipedia

Beyond Isaac Franklin and John Armfield, several key figures played crucial roles in the operations of this notorious slave trading business. William B. H. Moore, a partner in the firm, was instrumental in managing the logistics of slave transportation and sales.

Charles L. Smith, a prominent auctioneer, facilitated many public sales, ensuring the maximum profit for the firm while perpetuating the dehumanization of enslaved individuals. Additionally, various local agents worked under Franklin & Armfield, scouting for enslaved people and negotiating sales. Each of these individuals contributed to a system that commodified human lives for financial gain.

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