The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1880-06-02
An Ex.SlaHe's Claim.

| tClsveland Correspondence Cincinnati CommereAl.l
During the last days of slavery John
| S. Carlisle was prominent politician in
| Virginia, holding Offices of importance
| to the nation, as well as important State
offices. He was a man of means, and
| kept slaves. Among these was one known
as Sarah Smith. She was most attrac-
tive colored woman, being possessed of q
beautiful form, and endowed with a
| mind far superior to that of any other
| female slave in her portion of the State
| Senator Carlisle purchased her in 1861
| at Clarksburg, and made her domes-
tic in his family. She remained with
the Carlisle family in that capacity till
freed by President Lincoln's .Emancipa-
tion Proclamation, when she went to
Parkersburg to live. There she remained
for about one year, when Senator Car
Isle called upon herand entered into an
agreement with her to the effect that
she should return to his family and be a
domestic for one year. As compensation
for her services he agreed to provide her
a home at the end of the year either in
Cleveland or Detroit After the year
had passed one w L.. Munday came to
Cleveland at the instance of Senator.
Carlisle and purchased place on Spruce
street, then owned by Mr.. Clark War
Een, still resident of the Forest City,
but instead of having the deed for the
property made out in the name of the
freed slave, had it made out in his own
name, and subsequently transferred it
to Carlisle. Sarah Smith, soon after the
purchase was cOnsummated, came to
Cleveland and took possession of the
peace, where, according to report, she
was occasionally visited by her old mas
ter, who appears to have formed q strong
attachment for her, though he never
gave her deed of the home, notwith-
standing her repeated requests that he
do so. Her old master used to contend
that it was better for her to haV life
lease of the home, but she wanted
genuine deed. However, the ex slave
continued to reside in the house, making
improvements to the premises till it be-
came a very pleasant home. Thus ff-
teen years passed away.
Financial embarrassment overlook
Carlisle, and he lied few years ago in
solvent Then Gideon Draper Camben
came forward with what he claims to be
deed from Carlisle to him for the prem
Uses. During the past year or more
Sarah Smith has been paying rent for
the place and Camden now threatens to
have her elected if she does not continue
to pay rent as he may stipulate. The
old slave has letters written by Senate.
Carlisle, showing his strong attachment
for her. She also has more proof of the
relations which existed between her and
her master, in the persons of two child
rem, who it is 'centended are the fruit of
an unlawful relation which existed be-
tween the slave and her master. One Of
these is a young lady and the other
young man, who will soon graduate at
school with honor. 4
the. best lawyers in the city, together
with the letters above referred to, and
it is their unanimous opinion that Sarah /
Smith can make out such a case in court .
as will secure her valid deed for her i
now old home. She, therefore, brings /
suit against Camden to quit title