Even in Ohio there was a considerable party which favored the introduction of slavery, and though the majority was against this, the people had small sympathy with the negroes, and passed very severe laws against the introduction of free blacks into the State, and even against those already in residence therein.

[Footnote: "Ohio," by Rufus King.pp.290, 364, etc.] On the other hand, when Kentucky's first constitutional convention sat, a resolute effort was made to abolish slavery within the State, and this effort was only defeated after a hard struggle and a close vote.

To their honor be it said that all of the clergymen--three Baptists, one Methodist, one Dutch Reformed, and one Presbyterian--who were members of the constitutional convention voted in favor of the abolition of slavery.

[Footnote: John Mason Brown, "Political Beginnings of Kentucky," 229.

Among the men who deserve honor for thus voting against slavery was Harry Innes.