Rob,
Great story!
My mothers family were raised, for the most part in KA. and OK. as ranchers, cowboys and farmers.
I remember nothing but found memories the Black People they had working for them in these areas.
Both sides of her family came originally from two very different parts of Maryland where slavery, or ownership of People, were considered quite differently.
First will be the Auld family, they were from Eastern Maryland. Most Eastern Marylanders were known for their part in being Pro-slavery. These family members owned a young slave boy named Fred Bailey, who, became known as "Frederic Douglas". (after he became a "Free" in 1837)
The other side of the family (Jacques) were from Western Maryland. These folks were for the most part Pro-North. Although they did own Slaves at one point, but, beyond 1819 I can find any Slavery.
My best,
Blair