Rev. Samuel Chase sued the men. Historians Gerald E. Talbot and H.H. Price describe the incident in their book ‘Maine’s Visible Black History’ (2006). Talbot describes Chase as having been sent by the state Congregational Church to to minister to the Abyssinian. He toured the South in 1836 to raise money for the Church. After the notice in 1837 Rev. Chase brought suit against the men for the harsh comments about his character seeking $2,000 in damages. The case was heard in November 1837 by the Supreme Court of the State of Maine. It was refereed by Samuel fess3enden and William P. Preble. The judgement was based on the ability or inability of the defendants to pay. Four men were found guilt – William Hammet, John Johnson, Abraham Niles, and Reuben Ruby. Chase was awarded $150. The next year, Abraham and Harriet’s home was seized and sold to satisfy the claim. (Talbot, page 270-271).
History of the Niles Family & Neighborhood
