Preston, a man of color, represents that George W. Coons illegally detains him as a slave belonging to the estate of Milton Duty. He informs the court that he was one of the slaves owned by Milton Duty, of Mississippi, but he asserts that Duty's will directed in 1836 that Preston and his other slaves be manumitted upon his death. Preston further points out that Duty moved to Missouri with his slaves and died there in August 1838. Now held by Coons, the administrator of Duty's estate," the petitioner prays that he be permitted to sue as a poor person to establish his right to freedom. [Part of the petition is missing.]
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Civil Courts Building, St. Louis, Missouri
