Hartford

Bio

Hartford was first enslaved by Matthew Tallcott of Middletown, Connecticut. In 1758, Tallcott sold Hartford to Thomas Dickinson of Deerfield, Massachusetts. A transcription of the bill of sale appears below.

Middletown May 25th 1758

Know all Men by these Presants that I Matthew Tallcott of Middletown in Hartford County have Sold unto Thomas Dickinson of Dearfeild in the province of the Massachusetts bay one Certain Nigro Man Named Hartford of the age of about Twenty three years and do by these presant Sell and Convey the sd nigro unto the Sd Thomas Dickenson his heirs & asigns as a Slave for Life and do Contract and agree with the Dickenson his heirs & asings ^that sd nigroa^ is in a State of Sound body by helth and that I have good Right to sell and convey the Sd Nigroa as aforesaid hearby acknowledge the Receit of Sixty pounds Lawfull Money pd & Fee recorded To be paid To me in full Satisfaction for the sd Nigro in witnis whereof I have hearunto Set my name in presance of

John Hall ye 4th Matthew Tallcot

Jerh. Wadsworth

In 1760, Hartford had an account at Elijah Williams' store, where he purchased fabric and buttons. He paid his debt with cash. In 1761, Dickinson had shoemaker Zadock Hawks make a pair of shoes for Hartford and in 1762, tailor and storekeeper John Russell made a coat for him. Hartford also purchased molasses, rum, and fabric from Russell.

In 1761, Hartford appeared in a court record, which is shown below. It is not known however, what he did that warranted Dickinson having to represent him.

Hampshire S.S. At a Court held in Deerfield Nov. 20, 1761 Before me Thomas Williams Esq. Elijah Williams Esq. Plaintiff & Hartford a Negro man slave to Thomas Dickinson of Deerfield aforesaid Yeoman, Defendt.

Upon considering ye proof made out against sd Negro recognize his sd master for his appearance at Court. Att. Thomas Williams.