Gassaway and Lucinda Johnson state that Lucinda's sister, Elinor Taylor, a free born woman of color, died leaving one legitimate child, John, the son of her husband Thomas Taylor, a slave now sold to unknown parts, and two illegitimate daughters. The petitioners assert that the dying wish of Elinor Taylor was that they raise her son John. The Johnsons argue that they have legal right to custody and guardianship. However, Jacob Dodson and his wife, Jane, one of the illegitimate daughters of Elinor Taylor, have forcibly taken John from the custody of the Johnsons. Gassaway and Lucinda Johnson seek a writ of habeas corpus.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: National Archives, Washington, D. C.
