Law Practice
In May 1814 Birney returned to his hometown and took up the practice of law there, becoming the acting attorney for the local bank. He handled both civil and criminal lawsuits in Danville and other outlying counties of Kentucky. The economy of Kentucky was rather poor at this time, as the War of 1812 had caused a schism in trade within the state. Having trouble making ends meet, Birney made his living at this time primarily as a claims adjuster.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Birney became a freemason upon his return to Danville and a member of Danville's town council, making him a "member" of the town's social elite. He also fell in love with Agatha McDowell and married her on February 1, 1816 at a Presbyterian church. Among the wedding gifts the young couple received were slaves from his father and father-in-law. As Birney had yet to fully develop his abolitionist views, he accepted them kindly. It should be said that later in life Birney was known to say on many occasions that he does not recall ever believing that slavery was right.
Read more about this topic: James G. Birney
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