7 - A Catalyst for Freedom

I am a volunteer for the right of human nature 

(Ward Chipman, 1799) 

Lt-Col Isaac Allen, c. 1800
New Brunswick Museum,
www.nbm-mnb.ca, W6743

“I am a volunteer for the right of human nature” wrote Ward Chipman in December 1799, as he described the Jones-Nancy case to a friend. At this point in time, there existed a growing tide against slavery in British North America, but in New Brunswick slavery was still common practice with Loyalist families who were accustomed to the traditions of the American colonies. 

The aftermath of Nancy’s trial in 1800 was such that—although she did not obtain her freedom—her case served as a catalyst in the fight against slavery in this province. Nancy’s trial also led to the freedom of others, since one of the judges who ruled in Nancy’s favour was Lt-Colonel Isaac Allen. Like Jones, Judge Allen also depended upon slaves to operate his 2,000-acre estate on the outskirts of Fredericton (Springhill). 

Daughter Anne Allen's Will, October 31, 1832,
leaving money to her faithful servants:
Sabina Grant, Samuel McCarty, & George Leek;
Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, 
RS75-A-38-002

It is not known exactly how many slaves Judge Allen maintained on his estate—but he is believed to have fathered at least one child by his slave servant Sabina Grant (George Rexford Leek). In 1788 Isaac Allen petitioned on behalf of 52 others (former officers and privates of 2nd Battalion New Jersey Volunteers) for title to a tract of land (they already occupied) extending 12 miles along the river St. John. Among those names included in the petition was Cuff DuBois, a Black Loyalist, who had served as a fifer in the New Jersey Volunteers (granted in December 31,1799). Isaac Allen was also instrumental in bringing freed slaves, George Black and his family (Ann, Reuben and Sukey) to New Brunswick. They had been freed in New York by Lawrence Hartshorne, a Quaker Loyalist and abolitionist. 

Following Nancy’s trial, Judge Allen acted upon his conscience and granted freedom to his own slaves—one of whom was George Rexford Leek. Upon gaining his freedom, George Leek purchased land from Judge Allen, and established a farm at Springhill with his wife Jane Hector.