April 16, 1862 the day the Compensated Emancipation Act went into effect, is now celebrated as Emancipation Day in the District.
Gabriel Coakley a family abolitionists and entrepreneur the proprietor of an Oyster Company purchased 7 members of his family wife children and sister. He was reimbursed $1,489.20 for eight people with the same surname.
Some Black Washingtonians, who technically held the deeds to family members, may have seized the opportunity by also applying for compensation. Gabriel Coakley received $1,489.20 for eight people with the same surname, probably his wife and children.
It is unclear how many, if any, newly freed people took the $100 payment to leave and settle in Liberia or Haiti.
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