Theophilus Harrington facts for kids

Theophilus Harrington (born March 27, 1762 – died November 17, 1813) was an important person in Vermont's early history. He served as a judge on the Vermont Supreme Court. He was also the leader, or Speaker, of the Vermont House of Representatives.

Early Life and Beginnings

Theophilus Harrington was born in Coventry, Rhode Island on March 27, 1762. He helped fight for America's freedom during the American Revolution. He was part of both the Rhode Island local army and the main Continental Army. In 1778, he moved with his family to Shaftsbury, Vermont. Later, in 1788, he settled in Clarendon, Vermont. There, he worked as a farmer and a merchant, buying and selling goods.

His Time in Government

After moving to Clarendon, Theophilus Harrington became very involved in local government. He served in town roles, including being a Selectman. This meant he was one of the elected leaders who helped run the town. He joined an early political group called the Democratic-Republican Party. He was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 1795, and again from 1797 to 1804. In his last term, he was chosen as the Speaker, which meant he led the meetings of the House.

Becoming a Judge

In October 1800, Harrington became a Judge for the Rutland County Court. He served in this role until 1803. At that time, many judges were not trained lawyers. This was because people didn't always trust lawyers after the American Revolution. In 1802, Harrington officially became a lawyer. Then, in October 1803, he was chosen to be one of the judges on the Vermont Supreme Court. He served on the highest court in Vermont until 1813.

A Famous Court Case

Theophilus Harrington is most remembered for a decision he made in a case about a person who had escaped slavery from New York.

In June 1804, the person's owner came to Vermont to try and take them back. Judge Harrington asked the owner to prove that they legally owned the person. The owner showed papers, called bills of sale, for both the person and their mother. Judge Harrington said that these papers were not enough proof. When the owner asked what kind of proof would be accepted, Judge Harrington famously replied, "Nothing short of a bill of sale signed by God Almighty Himself." The other judges, Royall Tyler and Jonathan Robinson, agreed with him. Because of this, the person was set free.

People who wanted to end slavery, called abolitionists, saw this decision as a strong statement against slavery. It showed that Vermont's own Vermont Constitution did not allow slavery. The famous quote from Judge Harrington was even put on a special plaque in Westminster Abbey by British abolitionists.

It's important to know that court decisions from that time were not always written down. So, we can't be completely sure if the exact quote is true. The first time this quote appeared in writing was in 1846, in a speech by Benjamin Shaw called "Illegality of Slavery."

Later Life and Legacy

In 1813, Theophilus Harrington and the other judges on the Supreme Court were replaced. This happened when a different political group, the Federalists, gained power.

Theophilus Harrington passed away in Clarendon on November 17, 1813. He was buried at Chippenhook Cemetery in Clarendon. In 1886, the State of Vermont placed a monument at his grave to honor him.