The Enslaved Community

Ellenora Croghan

1848-1877

Ellenora Croghan was born c. 1848 and, like her parents, was enslaved by Dr. John Croghan of Locust Grove.

Most likely going by the name “Ellen,” she was the oldest child of Alfred and Hannah Croghan. Ellen was born at Mammoth Cave and was emancipated at the age of seven, along with the rest of the people enslaved by Dr. John Croghan. Her family relocated to Louisville post-emancipation. She had at least three siblings: Charles, John Wesley, and Charlotte. After the death of her father in 1866, Ellen’s mother changed the family surname from Croghan to Alexander. Sadly, Ellen did not live to have children. She contracted consumption around the age of 21 and passed away seven years later, on November 12, 1877.

Records indicate she is buried in Eastern Cemetery.