William Sullivan

William Sullivan (1803-)

OFFICE LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

TENURE:  –

HEARINGS: 1

RENDITIONS: 0

CASES: 

John Freeman Case (1853) – 1 released

• A wealthy African American resident of Indianapolis, Freeman was claimed as a slave, and arrested on a warrant issued by Commissioner William Sullivan. As public pressure gathered, and Freeman insisted that he was free, Sullivan granted a nine week adjournment. Later, the claimant’s son admitted he did not recognize Freeman, ending the case. Afterwards, the Indiana Free Democrat reported that Sullivan “did not receive his appointment under the Fugitive Slave Act, but was appointed United States Commissioner for general purposes…. We have no doubt Mr. Sullivan engaged in this case against his own wishes…. we think Mr. Sullivan has shown a disposition to do justice to both parties, so far as the law under which he acts will permit.” [1853-07-16 New Lisbon, OH Anti-Slavery Bugle]

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