Jack & Sophia Mortimer
Barbour Collection listing Sophy and her kids birth dates.
On August 11th, 1752, a negro child named Sophia was born enslaved by Philip Mortimer of Middletown, CT. As an adult, she would marry Jack Mortimer, also enslaved in the house; they would have 5 children. In his will, Philip Mortimer granted Jack, Sophia and their children their freedom as well as land, a home and furnishings.
In 1794, upon Philip Mortimer's death, his daughter (Ann) and son-in-law (George Starr) contested the will and won, thus Jack and Sophia received nothing. Although, George Starr did allow them to live in the home they were promised. Sophia would die in 1807.
1822 Superior Court Jacket: State vs. Jack Mortimer
In 1811, Jack was charged with "Instigating, advising and persuading” Prince Mortimer to put arsenic in George Starr’s morning chocolate...likely still bitter about the will. Prince was convicted and sent to New-Gate prison for life, but the charges were dropped against Jack.
By 1822, both Ann and George Starr are dead, their property now owned by their daughter Martha. Jack Mortimer is charged and convicted of burning down a home owned by Martha; again, likely still bitter about the will. Jack is sentenced to 5 years at New-Gate prison, joining Prince.
In 1825, Jack Mortimer is not listed on the New-Gate prisoner list. Given he should have been there through 1827, it is assumed Jack died while in prison. It’s possible he was buried in the prison cemetery, now on private property less than a mile Southeast of the prison. The prison cemetery was long lost for decades, just recently found in 2004 without headstones. That said, in 1824, Connecticut passed a law allowing prison’s to send unclaimed remains to medical institutions for dissection and study. Therefore, it’s possible Jack Mortimer’s remains were sent to Yale University for study. We are currently investigating this possibility.
In 1828, Martha Mortimer decides she will honor her Grandfather's original wishes from 34 years prior and give Jack and Sophia the property they were promised. Since both Jack and Sophia had since passed, Martha gave the property to their kids.
Jack is yet another soul lost to our past system of enslavement, devalue, broken promises and lack of documentation. I will continue to pursue the story of Jack and Sophia.
