Watkins v. Bailey
Supreme Court of Arkansas
Appeal from the Circuit Court of White County. Hon. William C. Bevens, Circuit Judge. Bailey was not employed by Mrs. Watkins. His services were rendered without any request on her part, and of course, she was under no legal obligation to pay him any thing. Bertrand vs. Byrd, 5 Ark. 658. The hirer was bound to pay the negro’s medical bills, unless there was an express agreement to the contrary. Wheeler's Law of slavery, 156; Grundy, etc., vs. Jackson etc., 1 Litt. Rep. 11
1Opinion of the CourtChief Justice English
Bailey, a physician, sued Watkins and wife, before a justice of the peace, upon an account for medical services, etc., rendered to a slave of Mrs. Watkins, whilst she was a feme sole. The justice gave judgment against plaintiff, and he appealed to the Circuit Court, where the cause was tried by the court, sitting as a jury, and judgment rendered in his favor for $31 65, the amount of the account, with interest, etc.
The defendants moved for a new trial, on the ground that the finding and judgment of the court were contrary to law and evidence; the motion was overruled, and they excepted, and…
2Cases cited4 opinions
- Dunbar v. WilliamsNew York Supreme Court · 1813
- Redding v. HallCourt of Appeals of Kentucky · 1809
- Gibson v. AndrewsSupreme Court of Alabama · 1842
- Grundy's heirs v. Jackson's heirsCourt of Appeals of Kentucky · 1822