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Nancy vs. James Parker Jr. and Dinah Parker (1771)
Nancy Parker was bequeathed to James Parker by his father before James turned twenty-one. When he did come of age in 1771, Dinah sued for her freedom on the basis that she was freeborn. Both parties agreed to arbitration and the arbitrators ruled in Nancy's favor. They also awarded damages and costs to Nancy who had to sue again in the following ECCP term to collect them.
- Plaintiff: Nancy
- Defendant: James Parker Jr.
- Defendant: Dinah Parker
- Defendant's Attorney: Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant Esq.
- Arbitrator: Samuel Phillips Esq.
- Arbitrator: Samuel Porter Esq.
- Arbitrator: Philemon Chandler
Essex Court of Common Pleas
- July 1771 Salem: Case filed and sent to arbitration
- September 1771 Newburyport: Case disposed
- Justice: Nathaniel Ropes Esq.
- Justice: Caleb Cushing Esq.
- Justice: Andrew Oliver Jun. Esq.
- Justice: William Browne Esq
- Disposition: James Parker signed note on August 12, 1771 to pay 2 pounds, 8sh in one month.
Monetary Damages: 2 pounds, 8 sh.
Court_Costs: 1 pound, 16 sh, 4p.
- December 1771 Salem: Case disposed
- Justice: Nathaniel Ropes Esq.
- Justice: Caleb Cushing Esq.
- Justice: Andrew Oliver Jun. Esq.
- Justice: William Browne Esq
- Disposition: Nancy sued because Parker did not pay Damages and Costs. Parker defaulted.
Monetary Damages: Additional 1 pound, 2 shilling interest on note.
Court_Costs: Additional 1 pound, 16 sh and 4p.
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Sources
- Please review Court Formalities to understand the court documents. Note especially that phrases such as 'with force & arms' and specific dates for keeping the Plaintiff in servitude are formal statements not meant to reflect actual occurences.
- December 1771 ECCP Docket
- September 1771 ECCP Record: Copy of original writ, report of Arbitrators, Award to Nancy