| Part of Series | B |
|---|---|
| Microfilm Reel in Collection Series | 7 |
| Microfilm Frame on Reel | 163 |
| Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) | 20984106 |
| County | Cecil |
| State | Maryland |
| Year Legislative Petition Filed | 1841 |
| Abstract of Petition | Benjamin M. Ruley and his wife, Sarah, petitionto regain title to a slave named Joe. Before she was married, Sarah, "being ignorant of the modes of transacting busines," employed Noble Pennington "to superintend her business," which primarily dealt with hiring out slaves and collecting their wages. At the time,Sarah had hired out fourteen-year old Joe. Pennington advised her to place Joe "where he could earnmore," and Sarah trusted his advice. Penington told her that he needed written authorization to remove the slave and he presented Sarah with a document to sign. The petitioners asser that Pennington did not draw up an order toremove the slave, but instead drew up a bill of sale that transferred Joe to his possession. They complain that Pennington has had the benefit of Joe's services since 1832 and he has not compensated Sarah. Benjamin and Sarah Ruley pray that the court will subpoena Penington, cancel the bill of sale, and return Joe to their possession. |
If you are citing this record, please use the following format:
[Author (if known)], Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867, [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.
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