A Legacy Begins in Georgia
From Tarvin, England, my great-great-great-grandfather eventually settled in Georgia. In the 1830s, with the help of a dozen men, he dug a “big hole” in search of gold.
Long before the California gold rush, gold was discovered in Cherokee country—specifically, middle Georgia. After arriving in the U.S., John Hockenhull made his way south and acquired the Battle Branch Mine. Hoping to strike it rich, he and his team dug a massive, fruitless hole.
Striking Gold Against All Odds
Nearly broke, Hockenhull released his men, promising to pay their back wages someday. All but one, John Pasco, left.
Then, like something out of a movie, Hockenhull and Pasco struck gold. On that first day, they found nuggets the size of peas and acorns. The Battle Branch Mine became the richest in the state. In a moment, my grandfather went from nearly bankrupt to wealthy.
From Gold to Bricks—Built by Slaves
With his fortune, Hockenhull entered the brick-making business. As was common at the time, he used enslaved labor—up to two dozen individuals by some estimates.
He used his bricks to build the first brick home in Dawson County, Georgia. More significantly, the bricks made by his slaves were used to construct the Dawson County courthouse in 1858. That courthouse still stands today.
Remembering the Past
Years ago, my sister and I visited it—along with our grandfather’s grave. We couldn’t visit his home; the land is now owned by the Department of Defense.
When the Civil War broke out, Hockenhull joined the Confederacy, earning the rank of Major due to his status and business experience. He survived the war and died in 1880 at age 68.
Why Share This?
So why share this story? Am I ashamed? Trying to erase guilt? Not at all. I haven’t benefited from my ancestor’s sins, nor do I carry his guilt.
But slavery hasn’t disappeared. It just moved.
Modern Slavery in Pakistan
Today, in the brick kilns of Pakistan, entire families—men, women, and children—are trapped in generational debt slavery, making bricks in inhumane conditions.
Here’s the painful irony: in 1858, my grandfather sold bricks for $8 per 1,000. That’s around $300–$500 today. In 2025, in Pakistan, 1,000 bricks sell for just $6.
Six. Dollars.
Some try to justify American slavery by claiming slaves were “treated well.” That’s a lie. Yet, having seen it firsthand, I can say that modern-day brick kiln workers often endure even worse conditions.
What We Can Do Now
That’s where we come in.
Through the incredible work of Grace Charity School in Toba Tek Singh, and Redeeming Love Missions—our nonprofit ministry at [Redeem.Love](https://redeem.love)—we’re rescuing entire families from modern-day slavery and giving their children a chance at education and dignity.
Instead of arguing over reparations, why not make a real difference for real slaves—right now?
Go to [Redeem.Love](https://redeem.love) and give whatever you can. We can’t change the past—but we can help change the future.
The Recovering Legalist 
It’s a point I have never seen expressed. You (the progressive you) can virtue signal all you want over slavery which ended 150 years ago, or call some current day inequality “slavery”…but there is plenty of bona fide slavery going on around the world, and you have no interest. Or even worse, you’re straight up benefitting from it NOW.
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I don’t say things like this very often, especially when I’m genuinely appreciative of any comment, but you are sadly misinformed and woefully ignorant of the facts – in this case.
Thankfully, the woke culture is waning, along with much of the “white guilt” being forced upon Caucasian westerners. However, there are still plenty of black (and white) activists pushing hard for reparations, which I totally oppose. Not only do I find it unjust, but it’s completely impossible to administer. And, as many ask, when will it end? For many blacks the pains of slavery are still fresh simply because others refuse to let the nation heal. THEY are the ones in it for the money.
Now, should you pay attention to my story instead of jumping to false conclusions, you would learn that I’m totally aware of modern slavery. And, unlike you (I can only assume), I have been to Pakistan and visited the brick kilns. I’ve even walked atop the flaming, coal-fired ovens which not only cure mud bricks, but are often used to burn Christians alive.
So, yes, I have a very serious interest in bona fide slavery. That’s precisely why several others and myself started Redeeming Love Missions – to raise funds to redeem brick kiln families and provide a free education, including uniforms, shoes, and food. And for the record, I don’t make a dime from this ministry – rather, I give at least $100 a month of my hard-earned income.
Instead of attacking me or my intentions, why not research Grace Charity School in Pakistan and Redeem.Love ? Your support would go a long way.
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You misunderstood me. I was not criticizing you. I was criticizing Progressives. I’m agreeing with with you.
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Then I sincerely apologize. My bad.
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