Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States - From Interviews with Former Slaves - Kentucky Narratives by Work Projects Administration
page 96 of 150 (64%)
page 96 of 150 (64%)
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contempt of his neighbors a lesson which he seldom failed to learn. In
1789 the general assembly passed an act in which good treatment was enjoined upon master and all contracts between master and slaves were forbidden. The execution of this law was within the jurisdiction of the county courts which were directed to admonish the master of any ill treatment of his slave. If presisted in the court had option and power to declare free the abused slave. Few traders came to Clark County as the slaves were not sold unless they were unruly. There was no underground railroads through this area. Among some of the old wills compiled by Dr. George F. Doyle of Winchester, we find wills as follows: "John Briston in his will dated April 27, 1840 frees his negroes, the executor to go to Todd County and buy land and divide it between the negroes and they were given a cow, three horses and he expressed a desire for them to go to Liberia. They were to be given a certain amount to defray their moving expenses, and buy them provisions and each negro was given his blanket." "Henry Calmes, in his will dated 1831, divides his slaves among his wife and children." (B7--p654) "John Christy in his will 1848 says at the death of his wife all his land and slaves are to be sold and the proceeds divided among his children." (B11--p346). "In some old wills enough slaves are to be sold said all outstanding debts paid and those left to be divided among his heirs." |
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