Prince Mortimer

Prince Mortimer (c. 1724 – March 11, 1834) was an 18th century enslaved man and Revolutionary War veteran from Middletown, Connecticut. He remained enslaved after the Revolution, and remained due to a contested will after his enslaver died. He was sent to prison for life at the age of 87, accused of attempting to poison his new enslaver as a means to free himself. Although many enslaved earned their freedom through their enlistment in the war effort, Prince was not as fortunate, and he returned to Mortimer's rope works.

In 1794, Philip Mortimer drafted a new will. Philip provided Prince, and others he enslaved, their freedom upon his death. Five days later, Philip Mortimer died.

A year after Philip's death, his adopted daughter, and son-in-law, Ann and George Starr contested the will, preventing Prince's freedom.

Family According to church records, Prince Mortimer married Ann, and had 3 children, and were baptized in 1803 at Middletown's Christ Church.

Legacy Prince's incredible story has been honored in Middletown by naming a street in his honor.