John Kerr "was lawfully possessed as of his own property of a certain negro man slave by the name of Quash of great value to wit, of the value of one thousand dollars." Kerr states that he "casually lost" Quash, who came into the possession of William B. Shelton and Jarvis Ballard. He further alleges that the defendants knew that the slave belonged to him, but, with intent to defraud, they "converted and disposed of the said negro slave to their own use." At the time Quash came into the possession of Ballard and Shelton, he was hired out to Oliver T. Boulware. Shelton and Ballard used Quash's services to navigate the Savannah River, and Quash drowned while performing those duties. Kerr claims damages of $1,000 and asks that Shelton and Ballard appear at the next Superior Court session to answer his action of trespass.
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: Richmond County Courthouse, Augusta, Georgia
