Nelson T. Gant Foudation Celebrates Birthday

The Nelson T. Gant Foundation came together to celebrate the former slave’s birthday and his impact on the local community.

The brunch and fundraiser honors Gant. Board Member Keisha Norris spoke with us to tell the man’s extraordinary story.

“Nelson T. Gant was a former slave who received his freedom after his master died and purchased the freedom of his wife, Anna Marie Gant, and then they moved here to Zanesville,” said Norris. “Here he worked various different jobs to the point where he became a millionaire. ”

Proceeds from the event will aid the Gant Foundation in the restoration of Gant’s home on West Main street in Zanesville.