Samuel Hatfield, known also as Anselme, was born in the bustling city of New York in October 1777. His early years were shadowed by the institution of slavery, a reality that defined his existence from his first breath. Born to Samuel Hatfield Sr. and Ann Hatfield, Samuel’s life was set on a path fraught with challenges and hardships, a common tale for many African Americans of his era.

In a significant twist of fate, Samuel’s life took a turn when he was moved to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. This relocation, far from being a journey of choice, was a consequence of his status as a slave. In Nova Scotia, he was placed under the guardianship of Paul Dugas Jr. Despite the change in scenery, Samuel’s life remained bound by the chains of servitude, obligated to serve Dugas. However, a ray of hope shone through when, at the age of 21, Samuel was granted his freedom. This life-changing event was officially recorded on July 1, 1798, in Sissiboo, marking a new chapter in his life.

With his newfound freedom, Samuel underwent a significant transformation. He was baptized on April 12, 1800, by Father Sigogne in Eel Brook, Nova Scotia. This baptism was more than a religious rite; it symbolized his rebirth as a free man and his acceptance into the Christian faith, a significant milestone in his life.

Samuel’s personal life took a meaningful turn when he married Marie-Marguerite Mius D’Entremont on November 18, 1800, at St. Anne’s in Eel Brook. This union was significant, transcending the love between two individuals to challenge the societal norms of the time, especially concerning race and social status. Together, Samuel and Marie-Marguerite nurtured a large family, welcoming children such as Joseph, Samuel Anselme II, Jean Baptiste, Hilaire, Cyrille, Marguerite Wesley, Charles, Frank François, Genevieve Cromwell, Cecilia Cromwell, and Joseph Pierre Archambault Hatfield into their lives.

However, Samuel’s life was not devoid of complexities. He fathered an illegitimate child, Joseph Quomino, with his sister-in-law, Marie Claire Mius. This aspect of his life added a layer of intricacy to the family dynamics and societal perceptions.

Samuel’s life unfolded against a backdrop of significant historical events. The period between 1782 and 1783 was marked by the signing of a peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States, signaling the end of the American Revolutionary War. This era was pivotal for many enslaved Africans in America, who sought refuge with the British and eventually became the first Black Nova Scotians and Black Canadians. Samuel’s migration from New York to Nova Scotia was likely influenced by these larger historical movements.

Samuel’s journey from the bonds of slavery in New York to a life of freedom in Nova Scotia is a story of resilience and adaptability. His life, intertwined with significant historical events, reflects the broader narrative of race, freedom, and identity in North America. His experiences, from the struggles of slavery to the joys and challenges of family life, paint a vivid picture of a man who navigated the complexities of his time with strength and dignity.

In 1829, Samuel Hatfield’s journey came to an end in Baie Ste Marie, Annapolis, Nova Scotia, Canada. His passing marked the conclusion of a life that had seen the depths of human suffering and the heights of personal triumph. Samuel’s story, from his birth in the shadows of slavery to his final days as a free man, husband, and father, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the human will in the face of adversity.

Samuel Hatfield’s legacy is not just a family story but a chapter in the larger history of the African American experience. His life, marked by significant personal and historical events, offers a window into the lives of those who lived through one of the most challenging periods in North American history. His narrative serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, shaping the world we know today.