Description
August 5, 1839: William Henry Deal (free and colored) was arrested as a runaway slave and was released under a writ of "habeas corpus" but being unable to establish his right to reside in the State (of Missouri), was fined $20.00 and hired out by the Sheriff for a time sufficient to pay the said fine and all costs.
(Excerpted from a list of "firsts" published in the July 7, 1876, edition of The Landmark, Vol. II, No. 43.)
(Researcher's note: See Circuit Court Docket 09/04/1839: Runaway Slave - Henry Deal, Free Black Man. "In a habeas corpus case before the County Court the following order is of record: On motion, the Court resumes the examination of the case of Henry Deal. Whereupon, it is considered by the Court that said Deal is not a runaway slave, as was alleged, but the said Deal not establishing a right to reside in this State, as the law requires, it is therefore ordered by the Court, the he be fined $20.00; and that he be hired out by the Sheriff, as the law directs, for such time as shall be sufficient to raise from the hire the sum aforesaid, together with the costs and expenses of imprisonment. And it is further ordered, that the said Deal depart this State, within 3 days after such time of service expires, allowing 1 day for every 20 miles he shall necessarily have to travel to get out of the State.")Date(s) of Creation
8/5/1839