Description
Simon Hickman enlisted at Leavenworth, Kansas, on August 2, 1863, and was mustered as a Private into the 83rd USCT Infantry, Company A. On December 1, 1866, Robert H. Miller of Platte County, Missouri, signed claim for compensation #265 for enlisted slave Simon Hickman and swore an oath of allegiance before Platte County notary public James J. Hitt.
Miller claimed he had acquired title to Simon Hickman by “…purchase, at Rushville, Buchanan County, Missouri from George W. Hudspeth on the 23rd day of February 1859 as per Bill of Sale herewith submitted.”
Bill of Sale: "Rushville, Buchanan County, Missouri February 23, 1859 - Received of Robert H. Miller of Platte County and State of Missouri the sum of $1000 in cash, the sum being in full for the purchase of a Negro man named Simon of dark color and short, 28 years of age paid, Negro being a slave for life and I hereby warrant the health of said Simon to be good and sound; I also bind myself and my heirs and executors and administrators and defend the title of said slave unto the said Miller, his heirs, and assigns against the claims and demands of all and every person whomsoever. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of February 1859. George W. Hudspeth. Witnessed by John Miller."
Benjamin Yocum and Samuel Pepper of Platte County swore under oath that Miller had owned Simon Hickman for “many years." James W. Steele and Wilson G. Noble of Platte County also swore oath that Miller was loyal to the U.S. Government and had defended it against the Confederate States of America. Platte County Circuit Court Clerk George W. Belt Weston, Missouri, Court of Common Pleas Clerk William F. Yocum Platte County notary public James J. Hitt Platte County notary public John Wilson certified that Miller, Yocum, Pepper, Steele, and Noble had personally appeared before him and swore an oath to the truth of the claim.Date(s) of Creation
12/1/1866
