Rebecca Ringgold states that she and her minor children, Araminta and William, are entitled to their freedom by law but are being "unjustly held in bondage by David Barley." The petitioners request the court "to adjudge the said Petitioners to be free and discharged from servitude" and that Barley be subpoenaed to answer their charges. Testimony in the Circuit Court Record reveals that in 1832, Rebecca Ringgold's former owner, Cornelius C. Money, brought her to Missouri where he set up residence with his family and three other slaves. The petitioners argue that Money became a citizen of Missouri and that even though he returned to Maryland two years later, he cannot by law transport her back to Maryland. The defendant, David Barley, claims title to the petitioners by virtue of his marriage to Money's daughter, Katherine.
Result: Denied; appealed; reversed; remanded.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
