People sobbing in their beer over the trail of tears are misguided and need to study it more thoroughly.
And, yeah, he had slaves. Not that many and he was considered a compassionate slave owner at the time.
The key phrase is "at the time." We can't judge people's past behavior by our current standards.
My great something grandfather was a Baptist preacher and missionary who established churches in North and South Carolina. He died at 90 while mounting a horse to go preach somewhere.
During my genealogy research, I got a copy of his will. He had 3 slaves. They were probably household help.
From genealogy I have learned about two greatxxx grandfathers and an a GGxx uncle killed by Indians, and a GGxx uncle killed by pro-slavery supporters. All are extremely well documented.
--George Ricker (Ricart) Maine, killed by Indians 1706 GGxx grandfather
--Maturin Ricker (Ricart) Maine, killed by Indians 1706 GGxx uncle
--Athe Meeks Indiana killed by Indians 1820 GGxx grandfather
--Elijah Parrish Lovejoy Illinois 1837 killed by slavery supporters GGxx uncle
I hold no resentments over the behavior of others in the past, during our nation's history. (All of the above can be googled where it is well documented)