Yes, Oliver Ellsworth, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the third Chief Justice of the United States, did own slaves. Historical records indicate that he was involved in the practice of slavery, which was common among many wealthy individuals in his time, particularly in New England.
Ellsworth’s ownership of enslaved people reflects the complexities of early American history, where the ideals of liberty and the rights of man coexisted with the realities of slavery. Despite his significant contributions to the formation of the United States, including his role in drafting the United States Constitution, his involvement in slavery has drawn scrutiny and highlights the moral contradictions present in that era.