Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Record Detail

Record #34 from Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 8
Microfilm Frame on Reel 685
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20985110
County Kent
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1851
Abstract of Petition 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 ask that Barley be subpoenaed to answer their charges. Tistimony 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 petiioners by virtue of his marriage to Money's daughter, Katherine.

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[Author (if known)], Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867, [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.

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