Description
Jim "A Man of Color" sued Delford Benton for his freedom. Lawsuit filed in St. Louis in 1838 styled James Talbot v. Delford Benton "Freedom suit; plaintiff originally slave of Jesse Chuck who took him to reside in Illinois; later taken to Missouri and sold to David Musick, now deceased; Musick left plaintiff in will to his daughter Susan, wife of Delford Benton; plaintiff kidnapped." Benton was originally from St. Louis but was in Platte County between 1840-1842. Jim/James continued his suit in Platte County. Platte County jury found Delford Benton guilty and Court ordered Jim to be emancipated. Included in the Court's file is David Musick's 1837 Will naming his slaves: Harry, Cassa, Jerry, Zachariah, Ned, Milly and her child Moriah, Randall, Hanna, Juda, Hiram, Sarrah, Mary, and Jim.Date(s) of Creation
10/14/1843
