Joseph Palmer's Beard Provoked Imprisonment

In 1830, neighbors in Massachusetts harassed and shunned a farmer, War of 1812 veteran, and abolitionist named Joseph Palmer because he refused to shave his beard. Early that May, four men armed with scissors and razors attacked Palmer outside a Fitchburg hotel and tried to shave him, but he fought back with a jackknife and wounded two assailants in the legs. Judge David Brigham convicted Palmer of "unprovoked assault" and imposed a $10 fine, nearly $40 in court costs, and a $700 bond. Palmer refused to pay because he believed payment would admit guilt, so authorities held him in Worcester County Jail for more than 15 months, releasing him in August 1831, after he finally paid.

Previous Fact Next Fact