In January 1828 Elisha Atkinson executed a deed of emancipation for his slave, Burrel. Elisha Atkinson, however, had given Burrel to Amos Atkinson about seven or eight years earlier. Amos Atkinson then sold Burrel to James Robinson in January 1845. Now a pauper, Burrel is suing Robinson for his freedom. Burrel claims that the $500 Robinson received for his hire was in fact a sum agreed upon by the two as the amount necessary for the purchase of Burrel's freedom. Burrel asserts that Robinson refuted the existence of the said deed of emancipation. He further charges that Robinson's administrators coerced him to sign a document on 26 January 1848, whereby he relinquished his right to freedom and claims to compensation for his labor. Burrel seeks liberty and back wages.
Result: Granted; appealed; reversed and remanded.
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Repository: Kentucky Division of Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky
