Importation of Slaves

In 1849, an act was passed that stated slaves could not be brought into the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the intention of selling them. The owners of newly arrived slaves had to testify that the slaves were to be used for their own benefit. The value of these records lies in the fact that the slaves are identified with their owners and the ages of the slaves are given. The following document was found among loose court papers in the Crittenden County Clerk's Office, Marion, Kentucky and was recorded in Deed Book B, page 569.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Crittenden County
The following is a true and correct list and discription of each and all slaves that I have brought to this state for my own private use along Viz: A Negro girl slave named Linsay, aged Eleven years in December last, dark complected. Given under my hand this 30th Day of March 1850. [signed] John H. Moore.

This day personally appeared before Robert L. Bigham clerk of the County Court of said County John H. Moore and made oath that the said slave named Linday was brought into this state for his own private use alone and that the said slave was not brought for speculation to be sold again for profit, or as merchandize and that the above List is a true and correct list and discription of each slave brought by Moore into this State since the passage of "An act to amend an act entitled an act to amend the law to prohibit the importation of slaves into this state Approved February 24th, 1849." [signed] John H. Moore. Sworn and subscribed before me this 30th March 1850. [signed] Robert L. Bigham, clk.

Recorded 27 Septr 1850.