William Grimes
William Grimes
Gender:
Male
Born:
1784
Died:
August 1865
Home Town:
King George County, VA USA
Later Residences:
MD USA
GA USA
New Haven, CT USA
Litchfield, CT USA
GA USA
New Haven, CT USA
Litchfield, CT USA
Marriage(s):
Clarissa Caesar (August 18, 1817)
Biographical Notes:
William Grimes was the son of Benjamin Grymes, a wealthy plantation owner in King George County, Virginia and a woman enslaved his neighbor, Dr. Steward. Grimes was owned by ten different masters in Virginia, Maryland and Georgia.
In 1814 he escaped slavery by stowing away on a ship bound for New York. From there he made his way to Connecticut, settling in New Haven and later Litchfield, working in both locations as a barber to the local students. In 1817 he married Clarissa Caesar with whom he had 18 children, 12 surviving to adulthood. He lost all of his property and money when he was discovered by his former master. Grimes sold his property and used the proceeds to purchase his freedom. During his legal case he was assisted by students from the Litchfield Law School.
In ...
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In 1814 he escaped slavery by stowing away on a ship bound for New York. From there he made his way to Connecticut, settling in New Haven and later Litchfield, working in both locations as a barber to the local students. In 1817 he married Clarissa Caesar with whom he had 18 children, 12 surviving to adulthood. He lost all of his property and money when he was discovered by his former master. Grimes sold his property and used the proceeds to purchase his freedom. During his legal case he was assisted by students from the Litchfield Law School.
In ...
[more]
Profession / Service
Profession:
Other
Immediate Family (Why only immediate family?)
- Clarissa Caesar
Wife
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