21183213https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/21183213MissouriSt. LouisCountyy2071832Circuit2171832Circuitpetition granted; plea of trespass filed, death of plaintiff suggested and suit abates10218Civil Courts Building, St. Louis, MissouriMahala, a woman of color, attests that she was born in the state of Illinois and has been free since her birth. She further avers that her mother, also a free woman of color, was hired by the late Elisha Mitchel [Mitchell]. The petitioner informs the court that Martin Mitchel, who claims to be the executor of Elijah Mitchell's estate, has had her arrested as a runaway slave belonging to the estate. She therefore prays that she be permitted to sue as a poor person to establish her freedom and that counsel be appointed for her. Fearing that Mitchel will try to remove her to thwart her suit, Mahala also requests a writ of habeas corpus and asks the court to compel Mitchel to give bond not to remove her from the court's jurisdiction until her suit is settled.Sues for freedom (enslaved)Westward migrationJails/WorkhousesSkills (enslaved)Freedom seekersAssaultKidnapping (FPOC)