Gilbert Horton facts for kids

For the Mississippi politician see Gilbert Horton (politician)

Gilbert Horton was a free-born African American man who faced a big challenge. Even though he was born free, he was captured and almost sold into slavery. Gilbert had worked on a ship called The Macedonian. His father had worked for many years to buy his freedom. When the ship stopped in Norfolk, Virginia, Gilbert traveled to Georgetown in Washington D.C. There, he was arrested because some people thought he was a runaway slave.

Gilbert Horton's Story

How Gilbert Was Found

In August 1826, a man named John Owen, who owned a business in Croton Falls, New York, saw an advertisement. This ad in a newspaper called The National Intelligencer described Gilbert Horton. John Owen was worried because it seemed like a free person had been wrongly captured.

Getting Help for Gilbert

John Owen shared his concerns with William Jay. William Jay was an important judge and the son of John Jay, who was a famous American leader. Both Owen and Jay worked hard to help Gilbert.

Working for Freedom

Leaders Step In

Because of the efforts of William Jay and John Owen, the Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton, got involved. Governor Clinton wrote a letter to the President of the United States at the time, John Quincy Adams. This letter asked for Gilbert Horton's freedom.

Gilbert's Release

The hard work of Governor Clinton, along with Senator Henry Clay, made a big difference. Their actions helped to secure Gilbert Horton's release. Thanks to these important people, Gilbert was finally set free.