Walter Waterford, by his next friend, Lewis Garner, sues his deceased brother's estate for his freedom. Waterford states that some time before 1826, his free brother, Adam Waterford, "prompted by love and natural affection," bought him from William P. Thompson. Adam agreed with Walter and their father, David Waterford, also free, that as soon as Walter repaid the purchase money of $450, Adam "was to emancipate your Orator." Adam, however, "in some way became responsible" to Isaac Baker in Washington County, Virginia, and placed Walter in Baker's possession, where he remained many years. A few years ago, Adam moved Walter to Tennessee and placed him with George Rutledge. Walter states that his services are worth "ten to twelve Dollars per month" and that his labor over the years is worth "between one and two thousand Dollars." He argues that he long ago "paid and greatly overpaid" Adam and "ought long ago to have been emancipated." Walter asks the court to enjoin any attempts to move him before the case is heard and to compel Adam's administrator to emancipate him. In his answer, David Waterford confides that his father Adam "had the kindest feelings for Compt. and felt a deep interest in his freedom, and in every thing that concerned his interests, and in endeavouring to secure his liberty, and save him from the hands of those who would have doomed him to endless servitude, suffered great trouble, loss of time, and incurred heavy expense in counsels fees, travelling expenses and otherwise."
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: Archives of Appalachia, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
