Bob, Reynolds, and Jacob, slaves, seek their freedom and their rightful inheritance. The petitioners and their mother and siblings were owned by William Crouse. Prior to his death, Crouse conveyed all his land and slaves to James Chambers on the condition that Chambers agree to free the slaves according to Crouse's wishes. Crouse also requested that his land, livestock, and furniture be left "for the use of his slaves." Crouse died in mid-1850 and, in December 1851, William Bowling, "confederating" with Chambers, "set up claim to your Orators and their mother and sisters and brother ... under what Your orators charge to be a false and fraudulent deed of Gift from their former master." Bowling then took the petitioners' mother and sisters "by force ... out of Stewart County and beyond the jurisdiction." Bob was then sold to Allen Barnes and Jacob to attorney Joseph Wall; Reynolds remains in Chambers's possession. The petitioners pray that Chambers, Bowling, Barnes, and Wall be enjoined from removing them from the jurisdiction; that writs of attachment issue against Bowling and Chambers until they return the other slaves; and that they, the petitioners, be declared free and the rightful owners of Crouse's estate. In a related petition, the other slaves also sue for their freedom.
Result: Granted; appealed; affirmed.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
