Overview

Historian Frances Latimer argues that enslavement “happened one law at a time, one person at a time.” Throughout the 17th Centuries, as the American colonies grew, human bondage transformed from indentured servitude to a life of enslavement.

1612: Commercial tobacco is raised in Jamestown, Va.

1619: Twenty Africans are transported to Jamestown. They were imported to work as slaves in Great Britain’s American colonies.

1626: The Dutch West India Company brings eleven African-American men to the New Netherlands

1636: Desire, the first carrier in the United States to participate in human trade. The ship is built and first sales Massachusetts. This marks the beginning of colonial North America’s participation in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

1640: John Punch becomes the first documented slave to receive servitude for life. An African servant, John Punch, is sentenced to life after running away. His white friends, who also ran away, received extended servitude.

1640: Residents of New Netherlands are prohibited from providing any assistance to fugitive slaves.

1641: The D’Angolas become the first recorded marriage between people of African descent.

1641: Massachusetts becomes the first colony to legalize enslavement.

1643: A fugitive slave law is established in the New England Confederation. The Confederation includes Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Haven.

1650: Connecticut legalizes enslavement.

1652: Rhode Island establishes laws restricting and then forbidding slavery.

1652: All black and Native American servants are mandated to take military training by Massachusetts law.

1654: Blacks are granted the right to be slaveholders in Virginia.

1657: Virginia passes a fugitive slave law.

1660: The Council of Foreign Plantations is ordered by Charles II, King of England, to convert slaves and indentured servants to Christianity.

1662: Virginia passes a law establishing hereditary slavery. The law states that children of African-American mothers “shall be bond or free according to the condition of the mother.”

1662: Massachusetts passes a law prohibiting blacks from bearing arms. States such as New York, Connecticut and New Hampshire follow suit.

1663: The first documented slave rebellion takes place in Gloucester County, Va.

1663: The state of Maryland legalizes enslavement.

1663: Charles II gives North Carolina and South Carolina to slave proprietors.

1664: Enslavement is legalized in New York and New Jersey.

1664: Maryland becomes the first colony to make marriage between white women and black men illegal.

1664: Maryland passes a law making lifelong servitude for black slaves legal. Colonies such as New York, New Jersey, the Carolinas and Virginia pass similar laws.

1666: Maryland enacts a fugitive slave law.

1667: Virginia passes a law stating that a Christian baptism will not change a person’s status as a slave.

1668: New Jersey passes a fugitive slave law.

1670: Free Africans and Native Americans are prohibited from owning white Christian servants by Virginia law.

1674: New York lawmakers declare that enslaved African-Americans who convert to Christianity will not be freed.

1676: Slaves as well as black and white indentured servants participate in Bacon’s Rebellion.

1680: Virginia passes laws prohibiting blacks–freed or enslaved–from bearing arms and congregating in large numbers. The law also enforces strong punishments for slaves who try to escape or attack white Christians.

1682: Virginia passes a law announcing that all imported Africans will be slaves for life.

1684: New York prohibits slaves from selling goods.

1688: Pennsylvania Quakers establish the first antislavery resolution.

1691: Virginia establishes its first anti-miscegenation law, prohibiting marriage between whites and blacks as well as whites and Native Americans.

1691: Virginia declares it illegal to free slaves within its borders. As a result, freed slaves must leave the colony.

1691: South Carolina establishes its first set of slave codes.

1694: Importation of Africans increases tremendously into the Carolinas after rice cultivation is established.

1696: The Royal African Trade Company loses its monopoly. New England colonists enter into the slave trade.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/slavery/a/Enslavement-Timeline-1619-To-1696.htm

Overview

In 1857, just a few years before the Emancipation Proclamation is established, a slave named Samuel Dred Scott lost a fight for not only his freedom, but that of his family. For almost ten years, Scott had fought to regain his freedom–arguing that since he lived with his owner–John Emerson–in a free state, he should in fact, be free. However, after a long battle, the United States Supreme Court ruled that since Scott was not a citizen, he could not sue in a federal court. In addition, as an enslaved person, as property, he and his family had no rights to sue in a court of law either.

1795: Samuel “Dred” Scott is born in Southhampton, Va.

1832: Scott is sold to John Emerson, a United States army physician.

1834: Scott and Emerson move to the free state of Illinois.

1836: Scott marries Harriet Robinson, a slave of another army doctor.

1836 to 1842: Harriet gives birth to the couples two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie.

1843: The Scotts move to Missouri with the Emerson family.

1843: Emerson dies. Scott attempts to purchase his freedom from Emerson’s widow, Irene. However, Irene Emerson refuses.

April 6, 1846: Dred and Harriet Scott allege that their home in a free state granted them freedom. This petition is filed in the St. Louis County Circuit court.

June 30, 1847: In the case, Scott v. Emerson, the defendant, Irene Emerson wins. The presiding judge, Alexander Hamilton provides Scott with a retrial.

January 12, 1850: At the second trial, the verdict is in Scott’s favor. As a result, Emerson files an appeal with the Missouri Supreme Court.

March 22, 1852 The Missouri Supreme Court reverses the lower court’s decision.

Early 1850′s: Arba Crane becomes employed by the law office of Roswell Field. Scott is working as a janitor at the office and meets Crane. Crane and Scott decide to take the case to the Supreme Court.

June 29, 1852: Hamilton, who is not only a judge but an abolitionist, denies the petition by the Emerson family attorny to return the Scotts to their owner. At this time, Irene Emerson is living in Massachusetts, a free state.

November 2, 1853: Scott’s lawsuit is filed in the United States Circuit Court for Missouri. Scott believes that the federal court is responsible for this case because Scott is suing John Sanford, the new owner of the Scott family.

May 15, 1854: Scott’s case is fought in court. The court rules in favor of John Sanford and is appealed to the Supreme Court.

February 11, 1856: The first argument is presented to the United States Supreme Court.

May 1856: Lawrence, Kan. is attacked by proponents of slavery. John Brown kills five men. Senator Charles Sumner, who argued Supreme Court cases with Robert Morris Sr, is beaten by a Southern congressman over Sumner’s antislavery statements.

December 15, 1856: The second argument of the case is presented before the Supreme Court.

March 6, 1857: The United States Supreme Court decides that freed African-Americans are not citizens. As a result, they cannot sue in federal court. In addition, enslaved African-Americans are property and as a result, have no rights. In addition, the ruling found that Congress cannot prohibit slavery from spreading into the western territories.

May 1857: Following the controversial trial, Irene Emerson remarried and gave the Scott family to another slave holding family, the Blows. Peter Blow granted the Scott’s freedom.

June 1857: Abolitionist and former slave acknowledged the importance of the Dred Scott decision at the anniversary of the American Abolition Society through a speech.

1858: Scott dies of tuberculosis.

1858:Lincoln-Douglas debates begin. Much of the debates focus on the Dred Scott case and its impact on enslavement.

April 1860: Democratic Party splits. Southern delegations leave the convention after their petition to include a national slave code based on Dred Scott is rejected.

November 6, 1860: Lincoln wins election.

March 4, 1861: Lincoln is sworn as president of the United States by Chief Justice Roger Taney. Taney wrote the Dred Scott opinion. Soon after, the Civil War begins.

1997: Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson are inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/timelines/a/Dred-Scott-Timeline.htm

Overview

Macon Bolling Allen was not only the first African-American licensed to practice law in the United States, he was also the first to hold a judicial post.

Early Life

Allen was born A. Macon Bolling in 1816 in Indiana. As a free African-American, Allen learned to read and write. As a young adult, he gained employment as a schoolteacher.

Attorney

During the 1840s, Allen moved to Portland, Maine. Although it is unclear why Allen moved to Maine, historians believe it may have been because it was a free state. While in Portland, he changed his name to Macon Bolling Allen. Employed by General Samuel Fessenden, an abolitionist and lawyer, Allen worked as a clerk and studied law. Fessenden encouraged Allen to pursue a license to practice law because anyone could be admitted to the Maine Bar association if they were considered to have good character. However, Allen was initially rejected because he was not considered a citizen because he was African-American. However, Allen then decided to take the bar examination to bypass his lack of citizenship. On July 3, 1844, Allen passed the exam and became licensed to practice law. Yet, despite earning the right to practice law, Allen was unable to find much work as an attorney for two reasons: many whites were not willing to hire a black attorney and there were very few African-Americans living in Maine.

By 1845, Allen had moved to Boston. He walked fifty miles to the exam testing site because he was unable to afford the travel expenses. After passing the exam, Allen opened an office with Robert Morris Sr. Their office became the first African-American law office in the United States.

Although Allen was able to make a modest income in Boston, racism and discrimination were still present–preventing him from being successful. As a result, Allen took an exam to become a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County in Massachusetts. As a result, Allen became the first African-American to hold a judicial position in the United States.

Allen decided to relocate to Charleston following the Civil War. Once settled, Allen opened a law office with two other African-American attorneys–William J. Whipper and Robert Brown.

The passing of the fifteenth amendment inspired Allen to become involved in politics and he became active in the Republican Party.

By 1873, Allen was appointed a judge on the Inferior Court of Charleston. The following year, he was elected as a probate judge for Charleston County in South Carolina.

Following the Reconstruction period in the south, Allen relocated to Washington D.C. and worked as a lawyer for the Land and Improvement Association.

Abolition Movement

After becoming licensed to practice law in Boston, Allen caught the attention of abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison . Allen attended anti-slavery meeting in Boston. Most notably, he attended the anti-slavery convention in May 1846. At the convention, a petition was passed around in opposition to involvement in the Mexican War. However, Allen did not sign the petition, arguing that he was supposed to defend the United States Constitution. This argument was made public in a letter written by Allen that was published in the Liberator. However, Allen ended his letter arguing that he still adamantly opposed enslavement.

Marriage and Family Life

Very little is known about Allen’s family in Indiana. However, once moving to Boston, Allen met and married his wife, Hannah. The couple had five sons–John, born in 1852; Edward, born in 1856; Charles, born in 1861; Arthur, born in 1868 and Macon B. Jr., born in 1872. According to United States Census records, all of Allen’s sons worked as schoolteachers.

Death

Allen died on October 10, 1894 in Washington D.C. He was survived by his wife and one son.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Macon-Bolling-Allen.htm

Overview

Macon Bolling Allen was not only the first African-American licensed to practice law in the United States, he was also the first to hold a judicial post.

Early Life

Allen was born A. Macon Bolling in 1816 in Indiana. As a free African-American, Allen learned to read and write. As a young adult, he gained employment as a schoolteacher.

Attorney

During the 1840s, Allen moved to Portland, Maine. Although it is unclear why Allen moved to Maine, historians believe it may have been because it was a free state. While in Portland, he changed his name to Macon Bolling Allen. Employed by General Samuel Fessenden, an abolitionist and lawyer, Allen worked as a clerk and studied law. Fessenden encouraged Allen to pursue a license to practice law because anyone could be admitted to the Maine Bar association if they were considered to have good character. However, Allen was initially rejected because he was not considered a citizen because he was African-American. However, Allen then decided to take the bar examination to bypass his lack of citizenship. On July 3, 1844, Allen passed the exam and became licensed to practice law. Yet, despite earning the right to practice law, Allen was unable to find much work as an attorney for two reasons: many whites were not willing to hire a black attorney and there were very few African-Americans living in Maine.

By 1845, Allen had moved to Boston. He walked fifty miles to the exam testing site because he was unable to afford the travel expenses. After passing the exam, Allen opened an office with Robert Morris Sr. Their office became the first African-American law office in the United States.

Although Allen was able to make a modest income in Boston, racism and discrimination were still present–preventing him from being successful. As a result, Allen took an exam to become a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County in Massachusetts. As a result, Allen became the first African-American to hold a judicial position in the United States.

Allen decided to relocate to Charleston following the Civil War. Once settled, Allen opened a law office with two other African-American attorneys–William J. Whipper and Robert Brown.

The passing of the fifteenth amendment inspired Allen to become involved in politics and he became active in the Republican Party.

By 1873, Allen was appointed a judge on the Inferior Court of Charleston. The following year, he was elected as a probate judge for Charleston County in South Carolina.

Following the Reconstruction period in the south, Allen relocated to Washington D.C. and worked as a lawyer for the Land and Improvement Association.

Abolition Movement

After becoming licensed to practice law in Boston, Allen caught the attention of abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison . Allen attended anti-slavery meeting in Boston. Most notably, he attended the anti-slavery convention in May 1846. At the convention, a petition was passed around in opposition to involvement in the Mexican War. However, Allen did not sign the petition, arguing that he was supposed to defend the United States Constitution. This argument was made public in a letter written by Allen that was published in the Liberator. However, Allen ended his letter arguing that he still adamantly opposed enslavement.

Marriage and Family Life

Very little is known about Allen’s family in Indiana. However, once moving to Boston, Allen met and married his wife, Hannah. The couple had five sons–John, born in 1852; Edward, born in 1856; Charles, born in 1861; Arthur, born in 1868 and Macon B. Jr., born in 1872. According to United States Census records, all of Allen’s sons worked as schoolteachers.

Death

Allen died on October 10, 1894 in Washington D.C. He was survived by his wife and one son.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Macon-Bolling-Allen.htm

Overview

In 1857, just a few years before the Emancipation Proclamation is established, a slave named Samuel Dred Scott lost a fight for not only his freedom, but that of his family. For almost ten years, Scott had fought to regain his freedom–arguing that since he lived with his owner–John Emerson–in a free state, he should in fact, be free. However, after a long battle, the United States Supreme Court ruled that since Scott was not a citizen, he could not sue in a federal court. In addition, as an enslaved person, as property, he and his family had no rights to sue in a court of law either.

1795: Samuel “Dred” Scott is born in Southhampton, Va.

1832: Scott is sold to John Emerson, a United States army physician.

1834: Scott and Emerson move to the free state of Illinois.

1836: Scott marries Harriet Robinson, a slave of another army doctor.

1836 to 1842: Harriet gives birth to the couples two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie.

1843: The Scotts move to Missouri with the Emerson family.

1843: Emerson dies. Scott attempts to purchase his freedom from Emerson’s widow, Irene. However, Irene Emerson refuses.

April 6, 1846: Dred and Harriet Scott allege that their home in a free state granted them freedom. This petition is filed in the St. Louis County Circuit court.

June 30, 1847: In the case, Scott v. Emerson, the defendant, Irene Emerson wins. The presiding judge, Alexander Hamilton provides Scott with a retrial.

January 12, 1850: At the second trial, the verdict is in Scott’s favor. As a result, Emerson files an appeal with the Missouri Supreme Court.

March 22, 1852 The Missouri Supreme Court reverses the lower court’s decision.

Early 1850′s: Arba Crane becomes employed by the law office of Roswell Field. Scott is working as a janitor at the office and meets Crane. Crane and Scott decide to take the case to the Supreme Court.

June 29, 1852: Hamilton, who is not only a judge but an abolitionist, denies the petition by the Emerson family attorny to return the Scotts to their owner. At this time, Irene Emerson is living in Massachusetts, a free state.

November 2, 1853: Scott’s lawsuit is filed in the United States Circuit Court for Missouri. Scott believes that the federal court is responsible for this case because Scott is suing John Sanford, the new owner of the Scott family.

May 15, 1854: Scott’s case is fought in court. The court rules in favor of John Sanford and is appealed to the Supreme Court.

February 11, 1856: The first argument is presented to the United States Supreme Court.

May 1856: Lawrence, Kan. is attacked by proponents of slavery. John Brown kills five men. Senator Charles Sumner, who argued Supreme Court cases with Robert Morris Sr, is beaten by a Southern congressman over Sumner’s antislavery statements.

December 15, 1856: The second argument of the case is presented before the Supreme Court.

March 6, 1857: The United States Supreme Court decides that freed African-Americans are not citizens. As a result, they cannot sue in federal court. In addition, enslaved African-Americans are property and as a result, have no rights. In addition, the ruling found that Congress cannot prohibit slavery from spreading into the western territories.

May 1857: Following the controversial trial, Irene Emerson remarried and gave the Scott family to another slave holding family, the Blows. Peter Blow granted the Scott’s freedom.

June 1857: Abolitionist and former slave acknowledged the importance of the Dred Scott decision at the anniversary of the American Abolition Society through a speech.

1858: Scott dies of tuberculosis.

1858:Lincoln-Douglas debates begin. Much of the debates focus on the Dred Scott case and its impact on enslavement.

April 1860: Democratic Party splits. Southern delegations leave the convention after their petition to include a national slave code based on Dred Scott is rejected.

November 6, 1860: Lincoln wins election.

March 4, 1861: Lincoln is sworn as president of the United States by Chief Justice Roger Taney. Taney wrote the Dred Scott opinion. Soon after, the Civil War begins.

1997: Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson are inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/timelines/a/Dred-Scott-Timeline.htm

Overview

In 1857, just a few years before the Emancipation Proclamation is established, a slave named Samuel Dred Scott lost a fight for not only his freedom, but that of his family. For almost ten years, Scott had fought to regain his freedom–arguing that since he lived with his owner–John Emerson–in a free state, he should in fact, be free. However, after a long battle, the United States Supreme Court ruled that since Scott was not a citizen, he could not sue in a federal court. In addition, as an enslaved person, as property, he and his family had no rights to sue in a court of law either.

1795: Samuel “Dred” Scott is born in Southhampton, Va.

1832: Scott is sold to John Emerson, a United States army physician.

1834: Scott and Emerson move to the free state of Illinois.

1836: Scott marries Harriet Robinson, a slave of another army doctor.

1836 to 1842: Harriet gives birth to the couples two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie.

1843: The Scotts move to Missouri with the Emerson family.

1843: Emerson dies. Scott attempts to purchase his freedom from Emerson’s widow, Irene. However, Irene Emerson refuses.

April 6, 1846: Dred and Harriet Scott allege that their home in a free state granted them freedom. This petition is filed in the St. Louis County Circuit court.

June 30, 1847: In the case, Scott v. Emerson, the defendant, Irene Emerson wins. The presiding judge, Alexander Hamilton provides Scott with a retrial.

January 12, 1850: At the second trial, the verdict is in Scott’s favor. As a result, Emerson files an appeal with the Missouri Supreme Court.

March 22, 1852 The Missouri Supreme Court reverses the lower court’s decision.

Early 1850′s: Arba Crane becomes employed by the law office of Roswell Field. Scott is working as a janitor at the office and meets Crane. Crane and Scott decide to take the case to the Supreme Court.

June 29, 1852: Hamilton, who is not only a judge but an abolitionist, denies the petition by the Emerson family attorny to return the Scotts to their owner. At this time, Irene Emerson is living in Massachusetts, a free state.

November 2, 1853: Scott’s lawsuit is filed in the United States Circuit Court for Missouri. Scott believes that the federal court is responsible for this case because Scott is suing John Sanford, the new owner of the Scott family.

May 15, 1854: Scott’s case is fought in court. The court rules in favor of John Sanford and is appealed to the Supreme Court.

February 11, 1856: The first argument is presented to the United States Supreme Court.

May 1856: Lawrence, Kan. is attacked by proponents of slavery. John Brown kills five men. Senator Charles Sumner, who argued Supreme Court cases with Robert Morris Sr, is beaten by a Southern congressman over Sumner’s antislavery statements.

December 15, 1856: The second argument of the case is presented before the Supreme Court.

March 6, 1857: The United States Supreme Court decides that freed African-Americans are not citizens. As a result, they cannot sue in federal court. In addition, enslaved African-Americans are property and as a result, have no rights. In addition, the ruling found that Congress cannot prohibit slavery from spreading into the western territories.

May 1857: Following the controversial trial, Irene Emerson remarried and gave the Scott family to another slave holding family, the Blows. Peter Blow granted the Scott’s freedom.

June 1857: Abolitionist and former slave acknowledged the importance of the Dred Scott decision at the anniversary of the American Abolition Society through a speech.

1858: Scott dies of tuberculosis.

1858:Lincoln-Douglas debates begin. Much of the debates focus on the Dred Scott case and its impact on enslavement.

April 1860: Democratic Party splits. Southern delegations leave the convention after their petition to include a national slave code based on Dred Scott is rejected.

November 6, 1860: Lincoln wins election.

March 4, 1861: Lincoln is sworn as president of the United States by Chief Justice Roger Taney. Taney wrote the Dred Scott opinion. Soon after, the Civil War begins.

1997: Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson are inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/timelines/a/Dred-Scott-Timeline.htm

Overview

Macon Bolling Allen was not only the first African-American licensed to practice law in the United States, he was also the first to hold a judicial post.

Early Life

Allen was born A. Macon Bolling in 1816 in Indiana. As a free African-American, Allen learned to read and write. As a young adult, he gained employment as a schoolteacher.

Attorney

During the 1840s, Allen moved to Portland, Maine. Although it is unclear why Allen moved to Maine, historians believe it may have been because it was a free state. While in Portland, he changed his name to Macon Bolling Allen. Employed by General Samuel Fessenden, an abolitionist and lawyer, Allen worked as a clerk and studied law. Fessenden encouraged Allen to pursue a license to practice law because anyone could be admitted to the Maine Bar association if they were considered to have good character. However, Allen was initially rejected because he was not considered a citizen because he was African-American. However, Allen then decided to take the bar examination to bypass his lack of citizenship. On July 3, 1844, Allen passed the exam and became licensed to practice law. Yet, despite earning the right to practice law, Allen was unable to find much work as an attorney for two reasons: many whites were not willing to hire a black attorney and there were very few African-Americans living in Maine.

By 1845, Allen had moved to Boston. He walked fifty miles to the exam testing site because he was unable to afford the travel expenses. After passing the exam, Allen opened an office with Robert Morris Sr. Their office became the first African-American law office in the United States.

Although Allen was able to make a modest income in Boston, racism and discrimination were still present–preventing him from being successful. As a result, Allen took an exam to become a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County in Massachusetts. As a result, Allen became the first African-American to hold a judicial position in the United States.

Allen decided to relocate to Charleston following the Civil War. Once settled, Allen opened a law office with two other African-American attorneys–William J. Whipper and Robert Brown.

The passing of the fifteenth amendment inspired Allen to become involved in politics and he became active in the Republican Party.

By 1873, Allen was appointed a judge on the Inferior Court of Charleston. The following year, he was elected as a probate judge for Charleston County in South Carolina.

Following the Reconstruction period in the south, Allen relocated to Washington D.C. and worked as a lawyer for the Land and Improvement Association.

Abolition Movement

After becoming licensed to practice law in Boston, Allen caught the attention of abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison . Allen attended anti-slavery meeting in Boston. Most notably, he attended the anti-slavery convention in May 1846. At the convention, a petition was passed around in opposition to involvement in the Mexican War. However, Allen did not sign the petition, arguing that he was supposed to defend the United States Constitution. This argument was made public in a letter written by Allen that was published in the Liberator. However, Allen ended his letter arguing that he still adamantly opposed enslavement.

Marriage and Family Life

Very little is known about Allen’s family in Indiana. However, once moving to Boston, Allen met and married his wife, Hannah. The couple had five sons–John, born in 1852; Edward, born in 1856; Charles, born in 1861; Arthur, born in 1868 and Macon B. Jr., born in 1872. According to United States Census records, all of Allen’s sons worked as schoolteachers.

Death

Allen died on October 10, 1894 in Washington D.C. He was survived by his wife and one son.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Macon-Bolling-Allen.htm

Overview

When Robert Morris completed his first jury trial in 1847, he recalled “there was something in the courtroom that made me feel like a giant. The courtroom was filled with colored people, and I could see, expressed on the faces of every one of them, a wish that I might win the first case that had ever been tried before a jury by a colored attorney in this country…”

Morris was one of the first African-American lawyers in the United States and the very first to file a lawsuit on behalf of a client.

Early Life and Educaiton

Morris was born on June 8, 1823 in Salem, Mass. Morris attended Master Dodge’s School in Salem. As a young adult, he became the apprentice to Ellis Gray Loring, an attorney and abolitionist.

Burgeoning Attorney

In 1847, Morris was granted a license to practice law in the state of Massachusetts and opened a law office with Macon Bolling Allen. The two men made history yet again–opening the first African-American law firm. Yet it was Morris’ work as an attorney that brought him prestige. He was the frist African-American lawyer to file a lawsuit on a behalf of a client in the United States. In addition, Morris won the case.

Abolitionist and Attorney

Throughout Morris’ career as an attorney, he was active in fighting for African-American rights as well as abolitionism. Some of his most notable cases include:

• Morris tried the first civil rights cased to desegregate public schools. In 1848, Robert v. Boston went to trial. It is believed that this was the first challenge to the “separate but equal” stance existing in American society. During the case, Morris and other lawyers argued “It is very hard to retain self-respect if we see ourselves set apart and avoided as a degraded race by others.. Do not say to our children that however well-behaved their very presence is in a public school, is contamination to your children.” Lastly, they said that black schools do not provide the same level of education as the multiple forms of white schools, including “primary, grammar, Latin and high schools.” The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled against the plaintiff in the case. As a result, it was used to support the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling in 1896. However, the “separate but equal” mantra was overturned in the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954.

  However, in April of 1855, Massachusetts’ governor Henry Gardner signed a law desegregating public schools in the state. As a result, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to pass a law regarding the prohibition of racial segregation.

• Working with abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Loring and Wendell Phillips, Morris fought to oppose the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

  Most notably, Morris worked with African-American abolitionists such as Lewis Hayden to assist fugitive slave Shadrack Minkins escape from a Boston courthouse and make his way to Canada. In addition to Minkins’ case, Morris defended Anthony Burns, another fugitive slave. Although Morris was unsuccessful, the case received media attention in newspapers across the country. As a result, Burns’ freedom was purchased by Boston abolitionists. Gaining his freedom, Burns attended Oberlin College and became a preacher.

In addition to fighting legal battles for the African-American community in Boston and the abolitionist cause, Morris was also an avid fundraiser for the movement. In 1859, for instance, Morris worked with the Vigilance Committee to raise more than $6,000 in aid for fugitive slaves.

During the 1850s, Morris was appointed as a justice of the peace. He was also able to practice law before U.S. District Courts. Morris was able to serve as a magistrate in courts throughout Boston and Chelsea, Mass.

At the start of the Civil War, Morris assisted in the recruitment of the 54th Regiment. In addition to helping with the recruitment initiative, Morris continued to discuss discrimination in the United States Army.

Death

Morris died in Boston on December 12, 1882.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Robert-Morris-Sr.htm

Overview

When Robert Morris completed his first jury trial in 1847, he recalled “there was something in the courtroom that made me feel like a giant. The courtroom was filled with colored people, and I could see, expressed on the faces of every one of them, a wish that I might win the first case that had ever been tried before a jury by a colored attorney in this country…”

Morris was one of the first African-American lawyers in the United States and the very first to file a lawsuit on behalf of a client.

Early Life and Educaiton

Morris was born on June 8, 1823 in Salem, Mass. Morris attended Master Dodge’s School in Salem. As a young adult, he became the apprentice to Ellis Gray Loring, an attorney and abolitionist.

Burgeoning Attorney

In 1847, Morris was granted a license to practice law in the state of Massachusetts and opened a law office with Macon Bolling Allen. The two men made history yet again–opening the first African-American law firm. Yet it was Morris’ work as an attorney that brought him prestige. He was the frist African-American lawyer to file a lawsuit on a behalf of a client in the United States. In addition, Morris won the case.

Abolitionist and Attorney

Throughout Morris’ career as an attorney, he was active in fighting for African-American rights as well as abolitionism. Some of his most notable cases include:

• Morris tried the first civil rights cased to desegregate public schools. In 1848, Robert v. Boston went to trial. It is believed that this was the first challenge to the “separate but equal” stance existing in American society. During the case, Morris and other lawyers argued “It is very hard to retain self-respect if we see ourselves set apart and avoided as a degraded race by others.. Do not say to our children that however well-behaved their very presence is in a public school, is contamination to your children.” Lastly, they said that black schools do not provide the same level of education as the multiple forms of white schools, including “primary, grammar, Latin and high schools.” The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled against the plaintiff in the case. As a result, it was used to support the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling in 1896. However, the “separate but equal” mantra was overturned in the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954.

  However, in April of 1855, Massachusetts’ governor Henry Gardner signed a law desegregating public schools in the state. As a result, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to pass a law regarding the prohibition of racial segregation.

• Working with abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Loring and Wendell Phillips, Morris fought to oppose the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

  Most notably, Morris worked with African-American abolitionists such as Lewis Hayden to assist fugitive slave Shadrack Minkins escape from a Boston courthouse and make his way to Canada. In addition to Minkins’ case, Morris defended Anthony Burns, another fugitive slave. Although Morris was unsuccessful, the case received media attention in newspapers across the country. As a result, Burns’ freedom was purchased by Boston abolitionists. Gaining his freedom, Burns attended Oberlin College and became a preacher.

In addition to fighting legal battles for the African-American community in Boston and the abolitionist cause, Morris was also an avid fundraiser for the movement. In 1859, for instance, Morris worked with the Vigilance Committee to raise more than $6,000 in aid for fugitive slaves.

During the 1850s, Morris was appointed as a justice of the peace. He was also able to practice law before U.S. District Courts. Morris was able to serve as a magistrate in courts throughout Boston and Chelsea, Mass.

At the start of the Civil War, Morris assisted in the recruitment of the 54th Regiment. In addition to helping with the recruitment initiative, Morris continued to discuss discrimination in the United States Army.

Death

Morris died in Boston on December 12, 1882.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Robert-Morris-Sr.htm

Overview

When Robert Morris completed his first jury trial in 1847, he recalled “there was something in the courtroom that made me feel like a giant. The courtroom was filled with colored people, and I could see, expressed on the faces of every one of them, a wish that I might win the first case that had ever been tried before a jury by a colored attorney in this country…”

Morris was one of the first African-American lawyers in the United States and the very first to file a lawsuit on behalf of a client.

Early Life and Educaiton

Morris was born on June 8, 1823 in Salem, Mass. Morris attended Master Dodge’s School in Salem. As a young adult, he became the apprentice to Ellis Gray Loring, an attorney and abolitionist.

Burgeoning Attorney

In 1847, Morris was granted a license to practice law in the state of Massachusetts and opened a law office with Macon Bolling Allen. The two men made history yet again–opening the first African-American law firm. Yet it was Morris’ work as an attorney that brought him prestige. He was the frist African-American lawyer to file a lawsuit on a behalf of a client in the United States. In addition, Morris won the case.

Abolitionist and Attorney

Throughout Morris’ career as an attorney, he was active in fighting for African-American rights as well as abolitionism. Some of his most notable cases include:

• Morris tried the first civil rights cased to desegregate public schools. In 1848, Robert v. Boston went to trial. It is believed that this was the first challenge to the “separate but equal” stance existing in American society. During the case, Morris and other lawyers argued “It is very hard to retain self-respect if we see ourselves set apart and avoided as a degraded race by others.. Do not say to our children that however well-behaved their very presence is in a public school, is contamination to your children.” Lastly, they said that black schools do not provide the same level of education as the multiple forms of white schools, including “primary, grammar, Latin and high schools.” The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled against the plaintiff in the case. As a result, it was used to support the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling in 1896. However, the “separate but equal” mantra was overturned in the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954.

  However, in April of 1855, Massachusetts’ governor Henry Gardner signed a law desegregating public schools in the state. As a result, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to pass a law regarding the prohibition of racial segregation.

• Working with abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Loring and Wendell Phillips, Morris fought to oppose the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850.

  Most notably, Morris worked with African-American abolitionists such as Lewis Hayden to assist fugitive slave Shadrack Minkins escape from a Boston courthouse and make his way to Canada. In addition to Minkins’ case, Morris defended Anthony Burns, another fugitive slave. Although Morris was unsuccessful, the case received media attention in newspapers across the country. As a result, Burns’ freedom was purchased by Boston abolitionists. Gaining his freedom, Burns attended Oberlin College and became a preacher.

In addition to fighting legal battles for the African-American community in Boston and the abolitionist cause, Morris was also an avid fundraiser for the movement. In 1859, for instance, Morris worked with the Vigilance Committee to raise more than $6,000 in aid for fugitive slaves.

During the 1850s, Morris was appointed as a justice of the peace. He was also able to practice law before U.S. District Courts. Morris was able to serve as a magistrate in courts throughout Boston and Chelsea, Mass.

At the start of the Civil War, Morris assisted in the recruitment of the 54th Regiment. In addition to helping with the recruitment initiative, Morris continued to discuss discrimination in the United States Army.

Death

Morris died in Boston on December 12, 1882.

Article source: http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/biographies/a/Robert-Morris-Sr.htm