Alfred Irving (former slave)

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Alfred Irving
Known forBeing the last person to live in slavery in the US

Alfred Irving, (c 1900[1] – after 1942) was an American man believed to be the last person to be freed from slavery in the United States.[2]

Background[edit]

Alex Skrobarcek and his daughter, Susie, were indicted in Laredo, Texas on October 2, 1942, for holding Irving in slavery[1] for five years.[3] The pair were arrested at their secluded farm by representatives of the sheriff's office, the traffic police, and the FBI.

They repeatedly whipped him, starved him, and beat him with chains and ropes so badly that he was physically disfigured.

The verdict[edit]

The Skrobarcek family pleaded not guilty.[2] They were found guilty of violating 18 USC 77 §, Peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons by a grand jury on March 18, 1943 in Corpus Christi, Texas.[4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Beeville Couple arraigned On Charge Of Holding Negro In Slavery On Farm". The Brownsville Herald. October 2, 1942. p. 9. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Two Texans plead not guilty to violation of US anti-peonage status for enslaving negro". The New York Age. December 5, 1942. p. 9. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "Interview with Author Douglas A. Blackman: Slavery by Another Name". revcom.us. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  4. ^ "Tex. farmer gets 4 yrs. in slavery case" (PDF). Retrieved February 7, 2024.