State of Missouri v. Joseph Labarge

Item

State of Missouri V. Joseph Labarge. 1820, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 8, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60630

Full Text: See images and transcription side by side
Case Title: State of Missouri v. Joseph Labarge
Series: Fur Trade
Plaintiff: State of Missouri
Defendant: LaBarge, Joseph
Date Filed: 1820-11-21
Filing Date: 1820-11-21
Court Name: St. Louis Circuit Court
Court Term: 1820-12
Judge: Gray, Alexander
Clerk: Gamble, Archibald
Sheriff: Walker, John K.
Cause of Action: Larceny; Receiving Stolen Goods
Case Notes: Goods included beaver and raccoon skins belonging to Missouri Fur Company; fur traders were Joseph Pilcher, Joseph Perkins, Andrew Woods, Moses Carson, John B. Tanone, Thomas Hempstead; also mentioned George (slave of Manuel Lisa, deceased.)
Related Court Case Number: 1127
Related Project ID: ccr1829.01127.034; https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/api/items/60712
Identifier: ccr1820.07106.032
Source: Missouri State Archives - St. Louis
Rights: Public Domain
PDF Download: Download PDF of all images
Transcription: **State of Missouri v. Joseph Labarge**

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**Page 1** (7106_001.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Joshua Pilcher, Thomas Hempstead, Michael E. Immell and Joseph Perkins*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County- Greeting..
You are hereby commanded to summon Joshua Pilcher Thomas Hempstead
Michael E Commell Joseph Perkins
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the Fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff,
and Joseph Labarge is defendant on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Novr in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 2** (7106_002.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The state of Missouri
[illegible]
Joseph Labarge
for
Joshua Pilcher
Thomas Hempstead
Miche E Commell
Joseph Perkins

*for plaintiff December 4th 1820*
neither of these witnesses found

*John K Walker
[illegible]
4 [illegible] $ 2.00*

---

**Page 3** (7106_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Amos J. Bruce, Michael Ely, James Ramsey and Joseph Robidoux*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County- Greeting..
You are hereby commanded to summon Amos J Bruce, Michael Elq
James Ramsey Joseph Robidoue,[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff,
and Joseph Labarge is defendant on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Novr in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible]
A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 4** (7106_004.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

State of Missouri
[illegible]
Joseph Labarge
for

*Amos J Bruce, Micheal Ely, James Ramsey Joseph [illegible] for plaintiff December 4th 1820*
not executed for
want of time
4 now [illegible] $ 2.00

---

**Page 5** (7106_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Francis Daniel, Victor Parrazin, John Lambard, William Clark*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to Summon Francis Daniel Victure Parrazien,[?]
John Lambard William , Clark ,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , defendant, on the part of
the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of November, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 6** (7106_006.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Francil Deniel,[?] Victure Parrazien,[?] John Lambard William Clark
for plaintiff
December 4th 1820*
not served, for
want of time

*John K Walker
[illegible]
[illegible] $ 2.00*

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**Page 7** (7106_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Ephraim Town, Francis Robidoux, Risdon H. Price, Pierre L. Chouteau Jr.*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to summon Ephraim Toun Francis Robidoun,[?]
Risdon H Price Pierre Chouteau Senior,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the Defendant and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Nov, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty day of
A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 8** (7106_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs
Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Ephraim Toun[?] Francis Robidoun[?] Risdon H Price Pierre Chouteau Sen,
for Defendant
December 4th*
not executed, for
want of time
[illegible] $ 2.00

*Jos C Brown,*

---

**Page 9** (7106_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Peter Vandeberg, Martin McGirk, Christopher M. Price*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to summon Peter Vandeberg, Marting McGirk,[?]
Christopher M Price,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph [illegible] defendant, on the part of
the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Nov, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 10** (7106_010.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri
vs
Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Peter Vandeberg, Martin McGirk, C M Price,
for Defendant
December 4th 1820*
not served, for
want of time

*John K Walker
d shff,
B non [illegible] 1.50*

---

**Page 11** (7106_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Antoine Soulard, Jeremiah Connor, Jose Rodd, Toussant Benoit*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to Summon Antoine Soulard Jeremiah Conner,
Jose Rodd Lousaint Benoit ,[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the Defendant, and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Novr, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 12** (7106_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Antoine Soulard , Jerimiah Connor ,[?] [illegible] Jose Rodd , for Defendant
December 4th 1820x*
not served in,
consequence, of
the change of
the Court

*John K Walker
[illegible]
4 non [illegible] $ [illegible]*

---

**Page 13** (7106_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Hugh Richards, James Ramsey, Charles Durmount, and Baptiste Creely*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to summon Hugh Richards James Ramsey ,
Charles Durmont Baptiste Cruly,[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Novr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 14** (7106_014.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*H Richards, Jme Ramsey,[?] Cha Durmont[?] Bapt Cruly,[?]
for plaintiff
December 4th 1890*
not served, in
consequence,, of
the Change of
Court

*John K. Walker
D shff,
4 non [illegible] $ 2.00*

---

**Page 15** (7106_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Joseph Navarez*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. The Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Joseph Navarz,[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , on the fourth day of December at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph [illegible] is defendant, on the part of
the Defendent and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 21st day of Novr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 16** (7106_016.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Jose Navarez,
for Deft
December 4th 1820*
Joesph Navarez,
not found in
my county

*K.M [illegible]
Deff
[illegible] est 50*

---

**Page 17** (7106_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of E. Town, J. Robideau, Risdon H. Price, and Pierre Chouteau*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. To the Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to summon E Town Robideau Resoon,[?]
H Price Pierre Chouteau ,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , [illegible] E Town F Robideau Risoon H Price Pierre Chouteau ,[?] [illegible] at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Jos Labarge, is defendant, on the part of
the Defendent and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 18** (7106_018.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*E Town, F Robinson, [illegible] Price P Chouteau
for Deft
fortheenth*
Served this writ
on Risdom [illegible]
on the 18th 1820
the others not
found

*John K. Walker D Shff*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 33 |
| 3 non [illegible] | 1.00 |
| [illegible] | 3 |
| | $ 1.86 |

---

**Page 19** (7106_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Michael Ely, Joseph Robideau, Francis Daniel, Victor Parrazin*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , Set. To the Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are herby commanded to summon Michael Ely Joseph Robigeau,[?]
Francis Deniel Victure Parrazin,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , [illegible] Forthwith, [illegible] at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 20** (7106_020.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Miche Ely, Jos Robideau, Francis Deniel Victure Parrazin for plaintiff
forthwith*
Served this writ
on Francis Deniel,
on the 18th Decr,
the others not
found

*John K. Walker
D Shff*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 33 |
| 3 non [illegible] | 1.50 |
| [illegible] | 3 |
| | $ 1.86 |

---

**Page 21** (7106_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Thomas Hempstead, Michael E. Immell, Joseph Perkins and Hugh Richards*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , set. To the Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Thomas Hempstead Michael ,
E Simmel Joseph Perkins Hugh Richards ,[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , [illegible] Forthwith, [illegible]at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

---

**Page 22** (7106_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Thos Hemptstead,[?]
Michael , E Simmel ,[?]
Joseph Perkins ,
Hugh Richards .
for plaintiff
forthwith*
Served this writ
on Thomas ,
Hempstead , on
the 20th Decr,
1820.
The others not
found in this
County

*John K. Walker
D Shff*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 33 |
| 3 non [illegible] | 1.50 |
| [illegible] | 6 |
| | $ 1.89 |

---

**Page 23** (7106_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Peter Vandeberg, Martin McGirk, C.M. Price and Joshua Pilcher*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , set. To the Sheriff of S Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Peter Vandeberg Martin McGirk,
C M Price Joshua Pilcher ,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , [illegible] Forthwith, [illegible] at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant, on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

---

**Page 24** (7106_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs
Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Peter Vandeberg, Martin, Mc Girk,[?] C M Price Joshua Pilcher , for plaintiff
forthwith*
Served this writ
on C.M Price
on the 19th
Decr, 1820.
by reading it to
him in the Town,
ship of St Louis
Peter Vandeberg,
Martin McGirk,
and Joshua ,
Pilcher , not
found in this
County

*E F Brown
D Shff*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 33 cts |
| 3 non [illegible] | 1.50 |
| [illegible] | 6 |
| | $ 1.83 |
| [illegible] | 5 |
| | $ 1.88 |

---

**Page 25** (7106_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of James Ramsey, Charles Durmount, Baptiste Creely, and A.J. Bruce*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. To the Sheriff of S Louis county-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon [illegible] Ramsay Charles Darmont,[?]
Baptiste Creely A G Buick,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our circuit
court [illegible] Forthwith [illegible] at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court, wherein The
State of Missouri is plaintiff,
and Joseph Labarge , is defendant on the part of
the plaintiff and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

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**Page 26** (7106_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge ,
for

*Las Ramsey,[?] Ramsay
Chs. Durmont,[?]
Bapt Creely A G Buick,
for plaintiff
forthwith*
Served this writ
on James Ramsey ,
on the 18th Decr.
1820 Charles-
Durmont,[?], Baptist
Creely, and
A. G Buick not,
found in this
County -

*John K. Walker
[illegible]*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| 3 non Ests | 1,50 |
| | $ 1.83 |
| [illegible] | 5 |
| | $ 1,88 |

---

**Page 27** (7106_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of John Lambard and William Clark*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County- Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon John Lambard William Clark
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our Circuit
Court , [illegible] forthwith [illegible] at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff
and Joseph Labarge is defendant on the part of
the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

---

**Page 28** (7106_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri
[illegible]
Joseph Labarge
for

*John Lambard &
William Clark
for plaintiff
forthwith*
Served this writ
on John Lambard
On the 18th Dec
1840 Wm , Clark
not found

*John K. Walker
D Shff,*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 83 |
| [illegible] | 56 |
| | 6 |
| | $ 89 |

---

**Page 29** (7106_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Antoine Soulard, Jeremiah Connor, Toussant Rivet and Jose Todd*

State Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. To the Sheriff of S Louis county-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Antoine Soulard Jeremiah , Connor
[illegible] Jose Rodd ,
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our circuit
court on the forthwith, at the town of St. Louis , then and there to testify
and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court, wherein The State
of Missouri is plaintiff,
and Joseph Lambarge,[?] defendant on the part of
the Defendant and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at
the town of St. Louis , this 18th day of Decr in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty, [illegible] A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*

---

**Page 30** (7106_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge
for

*Antoine Soulard ,
Jeremiah , Connor
[illegible]
Jose Jose Rodd, for defendant
for thwith,[?]*
Served this writ
on Jerh Connor,[?]
on the 18th Decr 1820 x
A. Soulard,
[illegible] and
Jose Rodd
not found,

*John K Walker
[illegible]*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 83 |
| 3 mon est. | 1.50 |
| [illegible] | 3 |
| | $ 1.86 |

---

**Page 31** (7106_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Grand Jury Indictment of Defendant Joseph Labarge*

December Term Eighteen Hundred and
Twenty In the Circuit Court
County of St. Louis to Writ:
The jurors, for the state of Missouri upon their oath present
that Joseph Laberge , Late of the said county of St. Louis Grocer
on the first day of July in the year of our lord One thousand
eight hundred and twenty, with force and arm at the county
of St. Louis aforesaid a large quantity of Beaver skins to wit,
eighteen packs of Beaver Skins [illegible], of Great value, to writ of the
value of three hundred dollars for, each pack of the goods &
Chattles,[?] of Joshna Pilcher,, Joseph Perkins , Andrew woods, Moses,
Carson,, John B [illegible], & Thomas Hempstead ,, the surviving,
partners of a company of Fur Traders, using the style &
firm, of the Missouri Fur Company " then and there being
found [illegible] did steal take and carry, away con
trary to the statute in such case made and provided, and
against the peace and Dignity of the ( United States of America )
and of the state.
and the jurors, aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid
do further Prevant - that the said Joseph Lambarge,[?] on the first,
day of July in the year eighteen hundred & Twenty, with force,
and arms, at St Louis in the County aforesaid unlawfully and
unjustly did recieve,[?] & have a large quantity of Beaver skins,
to wit eighteen packs of beaver, skins of great value to wit
of the value of three, hundred dollars for each pack and
a large, quantity of racoon, Skins to wit two packs of
racoon, skins of great value to writ of the value of one.
hundred dollars for each, pack of the goods & chattels,
of Joshua Pilcher , Joseph Perkins ,, Andrew Woods
Moses, Carson, John B [illegible] & Thomas Hempstead ,
the survivng,[?] partners of a company of Fur Traders
using the style and Form of "the Missouri Fur , Company
then lately, before feloniously,[?] stolen taken and carried
away by one [illegible] late the slave of Samuel ,
deceased, he the said Josep Labergo then & then
and knowing the same to be stolen, and unlawfully came,
by contrary, to the states, in such case, made and provided

---

**Page 32** (7106_032.jpg)
ded and against the peace and dignity of the ( United
States of America ) & of the State.
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Dec 1820
The State of Missouri vs Joseph Labarge
In [illegible] for January,

*Receiving receiving stolen goods,*

Item sets: All Circuit Court Records; Circuit Court Cases; St. Louis Fur Trade Cases, 1800 - 1834

State of Missouri V. Joseph Labarge. 1820, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 8, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60630