Harry Bird
Files
Dublin Core
Title
Harry Bird
Subject
Enslaved Person-Virginia-Shenandoah County
Utica (Ny.)
Date
December 29, 1836
Contributor
Zach Hottel
Relation
George, EnslavedPerson:18393
Identifier
EnslavedPerson:18392
Person Item Type Metadata
Birth Date
Unknown
Birthplace
Unknown
Death Date
Unknown
Occupation
Enslaved Person
Biographical Text
George and Harry Bird -- both enslaved by John Geyer of Woodstock, Virginia -- had run away in 1836. Christian Miller, the jailer for the town who had power of attorney from the Geyer estate, followed the two to Utica, New York.
Miller found George and Harry, arrested them, and brought them to Judge Hayden. George and Harry denied being who Miller said they were. Their attorney, Alvan Stewart, argued that all men were free and that George and Harry were illegally arrested.
The rest of the examination was postponed until later that evening, at 6:30 p.m. As it got closer to that time, a crowd grew in support of George and Harry.
Just before the appointed hour, a signal was given to extinguish the lights. A struggle occurred between the guards and the crowd, and Harry and George were able to break free and escape.
Miller found George and Harry, arrested them, and brought them to Judge Hayden. George and Harry denied being who Miller said they were. Their attorney, Alvan Stewart, argued that all men were free and that George and Harry were illegally arrested.
The rest of the examination was postponed until later that evening, at 6:30 p.m. As it got closer to that time, a crowd grew in support of George and Harry.
Just before the appointed hour, a signal was given to extinguish the lights. A struggle occurred between the guards and the crowd, and Harry and George were able to break free and escape.
Bibliography
Nancy Stewart, "African Americans in Shenandoah County, Virginia Notebooks," vol. 2, book B, (2010), 239.
Additional Information
Enslaved by John Geyer.
Citation
“Harry Bird,” Shenandoah County Library Archives, accessed June 1, 2024, https://archives.countylib.org/items/show/14805.
Comments