State of Missouri v. Ben, a slave of William Clark
Item
State of Missouri V. Ben, a Slave of William Clark. 1828, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 5, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60713
- Case Title
- State of Missouri v. Ben, a slave of William Clark
- Series
- Lewis and Clark
- Plaintiff
- State of Missouri
- Defendant
- Ben
- Date Filed
- 1829
- Filing Date
- 1829
- Plaintiff’s Attorney
- Gamble, Hamilton Rowan
- Court Name
- St. Louis County Court
- Court Term
- 1829-11
- Clerk
- Gamble, Archibald
- Justice of the Peace
- B., G.A.
- Sheriff
- Simpson, R.
- Walker, John K.
- Brotherton, James
- Sworn Declarant
- Clara
- Ruelle, Joseph
- Halliday, J.S. Gardner, William
- Jury Foreman
- Troy, Eouo
- Cause of Action
- Assault with Intent to Kill
- Case Notes
- Defendant a slave of William Clark; Negro party at plantation of General Bissell; victim was William, a slave of William Gardner.
- Identifier
- ccr1829.01163.046
- Source
- Missouri State Archives - St. Louis
- Rights
- Public Domain
- PDF Download
- Download PDF of all images
- Transcription
-
**State of Missouri vs. Ben, a slave of William Clark**
---
**Page 1** (1163_001.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit*
gave out for coffee & returning the he ared
lame [illegible] [illegible] that lame in was
stabbed when she went into the Room
she found the gardner Beth [illegible]
John a slave of the Estate of Charles Buporon
deceased says that he was at a party
at a Negro house on the plantation of
General Bisel[?] where there had been
panning [illegible] marked to go away [illegible]
the had commanded I had heard
no commotion at the party & I was about
going to my bed when he heard
that some lady was fighting I ran to
the room & [illegible] I got in I heard
someone say Oh God he is stabbed I can as abouts
going to my had us her she heard
[illegible] i am [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] long i rants
the room of [illegible] face I [illegible] us i heard [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] gave he is [illegible] i [illegible]
to gah in them was such a fer [illegible] of [illegible]
in the room that I could not open the
door. I rushed against it by this time
the people had [illegible] the door & I rushed
un the reach [illegible] that I [illegible] far
in to the Room & like to have
fallen I found the people about
so standing as if amazed Ben &
Bill were in a corner of the Room.
Ben was proped up against the wall
Bill had Ben about his waist & so
pushed aganist the wall as to capare
the use of his right arm. Ben had
a knife in his right hand [illegible]
he [illegible] to use but not being able
to do so he changed the knife
to this left hand & struck Bill on
the hand & was about to make
---
**Page 2** (1163_002.jpg)
another strokecame & arrested him
& they were parted
I certify the above to be the up [illegible] of
the above named prisoner &[?]the above
named use [illegible] taken before me
September 30 1829 [illegible]Justice of the peace
> *Legal Function: Caption*
State of Missouri vs
Ben a slave of
William Clark
examination
| | |
|---|---|
| Information | $ 0.[?]39 1/2 |
| Warrants & Sup. | 39 1/2 |
| Writing examination 950 words | 95 |
| 2 [illegible] | 50 |
| 2 oaths | 12 1/2 |
| 1 Recognizance | 25 |
| Sheriffs fees | \$2.00[?] |
*filed Apr 25 1829 A G Clk*
---
**Page 3** (1163_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit*
I was a God [illegible] Negro said if I
was mad he could whip me the last
day I was saw [illegible] about half an
hour after the girl was drawnup from
me on the [illegible] before I & Bill
fought
Clara a slave of General Samuel Bipell
LLara[?] says that last Saturday night
Bena slave the person was [illegible] room
in this [illegible] they had a [illegible] there [illegible]
about 12 o clock at night-Ben rubbed
his hands & walked about the room
& said I came from [illegible] with the
intention of fighting - he walked about a little longer& again said he came
there with the intention of fighting
[illegible] to the we [illegible] said Madam
can't you find someone to fight and
[illegible] pointed to a small boy & told
him there was sameBody to fight him
he walked about the room &[?] in a
[illegible] said to the [illegible] again &
addressed him & said he was angry
he had been [illegible] [illegible] as Read that the [illegible] if she could find any one
to fight him she said no then
he said I think we will have [illegible]
of a [illegible] him to [illegible] after this
he went to dancing &[?] I saw no improper
conduct nor did I hear of any untill
the fights command she says she
was not there in the Room when the
fight took place she had gave out
at the coffee & resturant she heared same and came claiming that same today[?]
was [illegible]
---
**Page 4** (1163_004.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit Part 2*
State of the Missouri
St Louis County
On the 30 day of Sept 1829
was brought before me a Justice of the
Peace in & for said County charged
Ben a slave of William Clark
who stands charged by the oath of
William Garden with stabbing his
slave Bill with the intent to kill
the said Bill says he did not
stab Bill with the intention of killing
him but with the intention of wounding
him & said to himself than he would
make Bill [illegible] him - says that
previous to this time Bill has [illegible]
him & [illegible] to quarrel with him
at the time [illegible] struck Bill Bill
his hands up as [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
with the intention of striking the
prisoner after I struck him he struck me
I thought he was too much for me &
made use of my [illegible]
says that there had been [illegible] between
him &[?] Bill abouta woman than he
was sitting by the side of the woman
when Bill attempted to site between
him & the woman &[?] draw the woman
from her place then he then saw that Bill intended to [illegible] him & he
opened his knife & put it in his
pocket when the woman got up Bill
got up & followed her I said nothing
but sat on the Bench after this he &
the woman went to Dancing & got through
them & as he was finishing he began
to curse all all in the house
I told him not [illegible] [illegible] he asked
If I took it up he said If I did
---
**Page 5** (1163_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit*
Being requested by William Gardner Esq.
to describe the wounds inflicted on this
Negro Man Billy . I state the following.
A stab or incision on the [illegible]
lateral part of the left Thigh, transverse
of the length of 4 inches, and of the [illegible]
of from a half, to one and a half inch
dividing a part or nearly the whole of one
of the principle muscles of the thigh
I found one other gash or incision on
the shoulder, near the junction of the forearm
and shoulder, of about 3 inches in length
& from half inch to one inch deep, dividing
part of a muscle, and leaving bare a vein &
artery - also aue on the Head of about
two inches & a half long to the bone, or
[illegible] covering the bone,and in our place the membrane seperation [illegible]
Also another on one of the hands
*J. S. Halliday*
> *Legal Function: Affidavit Part 2*
State of Missouri
St. Louis County [illegible]
William Gardner on
his oath says that on the
causing of Family [illegible] as measuring of
the [illegible] day of request last in the St. Louis County
a slave said to belong to William Clark
by the name of Ben. did as this [illegible] is
[illegible]
of his [illegible] a fore thought state the megra
man slave of the affiant named Bill
The above description of the wounds inflicted
by said Ben on the body of said Bill
had been given by the above named
Halliday a Physician who was called
upon by this afficavit to examine & describe
the wounds inflected as aforesaid & this
[illegible] has [illegible] the wounds &[?]
---
**Page 6** (1163_006.jpg)
& believed the above to be a correct discription
I think there is danger that said wounds
so infected may prove mortal
*Will Gardner Sworn to before me
the September 2 1829 [illegible] Justice of the Peace*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
State of Missouri
Vs
Ben a Slave of William Clark
For Stabbing with the
intent [illegible]to kill
[illegible]
Information
---
**Page 7** (1163_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Recognizance*
State of Missourie
St. Louis County
On the 30 day of September
1829 came before ner a Justice of the peace
in & for St Louis County Augustin Emmely
& acknowledged himself indebted to the
state of Missouri in the sum of five
hundred Dollars to be received of his goods
& chattels Lands & testements of defaults
shall be made in the condetion
following The condition of this Recog-
nizance is such that if Ben a slave
of William Clark of
William Clark
shall permanently be & appear at the
Circuit Court to be helden in & for the
County of St Louis on the fourth Monday
of November next on the first day of
the Term & shall then & there to excuse
to an Indictment to be preferred against
said Ben for stabbing Bill a
slave of William Gardner
with the intent to kill him & shall not depart said Court withoutleave & if in the mean time the
said Ben shall be of good behaviour
& keep the peace then there [illegible] to be [illegible] [illegible]
*[illegible] Taken & acknowledged
before me Sept 3rd 1829*
---
**Page 8** (1163_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
State vs Ben
Recognizance
---
**Page 9** (1163_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Grand Jury Indictment*
State of Missouri
County of Saint Louis c/o
November Term 1829
The Grand Juror of the State of Missouri
[illegible] sworn and charged to enquire
for the body of the County of Saint Louis upon
their oath present that
Benjamin a slave
of William Clark late of the County of Saint
Louis on the first day of November in the
year eighteen hundred and twenty nine
with force and arms at the
County of Saint
Louis aforesaid with actual violence an as-
sault did make in and upon one William
a slave of one William Gardner then and
there in the peace being with an intention
him the said
William then and there to
kill contrary to the form of the statute in
such case made and provided and
against the peace and dignity of the state
*H R Gamble
[illegible] Crt atto*
---
**Page 10** (1163_010.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
November Term 1829
The State
vs
Ben(a slave of Gen Clark
For assault with intent
to kill
Witnesses
William Gardner
Wm (a slave of Gardner
Clara(a slave of Bikcle)
A true Bill
*Eouo Tray
foreman*
---
**Page 11** (1163_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis Ss
The State of Missouri To the Sheriff of St. Louis County
Greeting
We command you to take Benjamin
a slave of William Clark and him safely Reep
so that you have his body forthwith before
the Judge of our
Circuit Court now in session
at the city of St Louis within and for the county
of St Louis then and then to answer to an
Indictment found against him by the Grand
Jury of said county for the asault with intent
to kill - and have you then there this writ
*Witness Archibald Gamble Clerk
of our said court at Office the
twenty seventh day of November
Eighteen hundred of twenty nine Archibald Gamble Clark*
---
**Page 12** (1163_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ July 22.nd 1830 Recognizance
into open court
*[illegible] R Simpson Shff*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
November Term 1929
State
vs
Ben (a slave of William Clark)
For assault with intent to kill
Augustin kommly ruegnished for opportunity
bino at March Term 1830. Book 5 page 477
Plea of not guilty [illegible] Nov term 1830 Book 6
page 16.
---
**Page 13** (1163_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
State
vs
Ben
Clara slave of Gen. Bipell
\$2.20
---
**Page 14** (1163_014.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs for Witness*
State of Missouri
vs.
Ben (a slave)
Clara a slave of Bipell a witness
in this case, claims three
| | |
|---|---|
| days attendance, a 50 cents, | \$1.50 |
| 24 miles travel, a 5 cents, | 1.20 |
| | $ 2.20 |
The above named Clara being sworn, says, he was summoned on
the part of State, and attended 3 days, at the March
term of the Circuit Court , and that he had necessarily to travel the number of miles charged, in
attending Court, and has not claimed attendance in any other case for the same time.
*Sworn to before me,
this 26th day of March 1830
Archibald Gamble Clerk Clara Xher mark*
---
**Page 15** (1163_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
State vs Ben Slave of Will. Clark
Joseph Rouelle \$1
---
**Page 16** (1163_016.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs for Witness*
State vs. Ben a slave of Clark.
Joseph Rouelle for his Servant John a witness in this case, claims two
| | |
|---|---|
| days attendance, a 50 cents, | \$1.00 |
miles travel, a 5 cents,
The above named Jos. Roule being sworn, says, human John was summoned on
the part of State and and attended 2 days, at the July
term of the Circuit Court , and that he had necessarily to travel the number of miles charged, in attending Court, and has not claimed attendance in any other case for the same time.
*Sworn to before me, this 18th August 1830 Archibald Gamble Clerk Joseph Rouelle hisX mark*
---
**Page 17** (1163_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted this writ on william Pardnen of William a slave
March 9th on Clara March 18th 1830 by reading
the lower to them
*R Simpson Shff [illegible] \$1.50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1830
The State
assault with intent to kill
Ben a slave
*for the State
Will. Gardner 9
William (a slave of Gardner)
Clara - (a slave of Beface) on 24 “March*
---
**Page 18** (1163_018.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
Count Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To the Sheriff of Saint Louis County ..... Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon William Gardner -
William
(a Slave of Will. Gardner) and Clara (a slave of Daniel Beface)
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before
the Judge of our Court, on the 24th day of March Instant at the City 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 Ben (as slave) indicted for an assault with intent to kill) is defendant, on the
part of the state; and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this third day
of March in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 19** (1163_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on Rhoda March 18th on John
March 19-1830 by Reading the same to them
*R Simpson Shff [illegible] $ 1-00*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1830
The State
vsBen (a slave)
*for the state x Rhoda-(slave of DBissell)
x John (Slave of Buseron) on 24 March*
---
**Page 20** (1163_020.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff of Saint Louis County.....Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Rhoda (slave of
Daniel Bissell ) and John (a slave of Buseron's Estate) 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 24th day of March Instant at the City 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 Ben(a slave) is defendant, on the
part of the state; and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the city of St. Louis , this 13th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 21** (1163_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on Buy O'Fallon Daniel Bissell
David & Rachel July 16 - 1830 by Reading
to them the same - James not found
*R. Simpson Sheriff
by Brotherton D Shff [illegible] 200 [illegible] 12 1/2 $ 2.12 1/2*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
July Jerm 1830
The State
vs
Ben (a Slave)
*for defendant
\+ Ben O'Fallon 16
\+ Daniel Bisell 16
James - (at Mr. Redman's)
\+ David H, (at Ben O'Fallon)
\+ Rachel - (Free women of color at
General Bisell 16 on26 July*
---
**Page 22** (1163_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To the Sheriff of Saint Louis County----Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Benjamin O'Fallon - Daniel
Bisell - James (servant of C. Redman ) David (Slave of Ben O'Fallon)
Rachel a Free woman of color (on the Plantation of Gen Bisell)
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 26th day of July instant at the City
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 Ben (a slave) 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 city of St. Louis , this 6th day
of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 23** (1163_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
July 1830
The State
vs Ben a slave
[illegible] for
Jonas Redman
David O'Fallon
Rachael
forthwith for Defendent
50
2.50
1.
1.50
2.12
1.33
8.95
9.96Simpson
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed on Jonas Redman by reading
to them the same July 27. 1830
*R Simpson Shff [illegible] 50*
---
**Page 24** (1163_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To the Sheriff of Saint Louis County.....Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Jonas Redman a man
of color David O'Fallon a man of
color. Rachall a woman of color
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 day of forthwith at the City of
St. Louis , the and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now
pending our said Court, wherein the state is plaintiff,
and Benjamin a slave 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 city of St. Louis , this 27th day
of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty A Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 25** (1163_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on John aslam July 1st on
William Lardinur July 6th on William Rhody
& Clara July 16th by Reading the same to them
*R. Simpson sheff
by Brotherton D Shff [illegible] $ 2,, saits*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
July Term
1830
The State
vs
Ben a Slave
*for
Wm Gardner
William (slave of G.>
Clara (a slave>)
Rhody (same)
John (a slave) 26th July for the state*
---
**Page 26** (1163_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri To the Sheriff of St Louis County----Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon William Gardner
William (slave of Gardner)
Clara (slave of Bisell)
Rhody (same)
John (slave of Boseron[?])
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 26th day of July at the city
of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controvery
now pending in our said Court, wherein the State is plaintiff,
and Ben a slave is defendant, on the
part of the state; and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the city of St. Louis , this 29th day
of June in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty A Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 27** (1163_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed[illegible] this this writ on Ben O'Fallon March
7th on Daniel Bisell & Rachel a free woman March 25th 1831 by [illegible] & [illegible] James a slave of Ridmour
not found
*John K Walker Shff
by Jas Brotherton D shff Service 150 [illegible] 12 1/2 \$1.62 1/2*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1831
The States
vs
Ben a slave
*Benj. O'Fallon 7
Daniel Bisell 25
James slave of Redman
Rachel -foreman25 for the
28th March
defendant*
---
**Page 28** (1163_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To the Sheriff of St Louis County----Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Benjamin O'Fallon , Daniel Bisell
James (a slave of M. -a free woman
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 28th day of March Inst at the City
of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy
now pending in our Court, wherein The State of Missouri is plaintiff,
and Ben a Slave 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 city of St. Louis , this third day
of March in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirtyone Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 29** (1163_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on William Gardner
& William a slave of Gardner March 11th
on Clara & Rody slaves of Bisell March 25
on John a slave of Buscon March 7th
1831 by Reading it to them
*John K Walker Shff [illegible] 2.50 by [illegible] Brotherton Dep[?]*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1831
The State
vs
Ben (a Slave)
Wm.Gardner-11[?]
William-(Slave of same)
[illegible] Clara -Slave of D. Bisell 25
[illegible]Rody-Slaves of do 25
[illegible]John-Slave of-Buperon[?]
for the State
28th March
---
**Page 30** (1163_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To the Sheriff of St Louis County----Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon William Gardner ,
William (a slave of
said Gardner) Clara a slave of Dan. Bisell - Rhoda a slave of Bisell
John a Slave of Buperon[?]-
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 28th - day of March inst at the City
of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter
now pending in our said Court, wherein The State of Missouri is plaintiff ,
and Ben a Slave is defendant , on the
part of the State; and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the city of St. Louis , this third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty one Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 31** (1163_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted on John& have his
body in court 29th March 1831
[illegible]
*Jn K Walker Shff*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1831
The State
vs Ben
Attachment
*John (Slave of Before)
forthwith*
---
**Page 32** (1163_032.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County,
Greeting.
We command you to attach John (a slave of Beperon)
by his body, and him safely keep, so that you have his
bod before the Judge of our Circuit, now in session at the City of St. Louis , within and for the
county of
St. Louis , on the forthwith day of 18,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in our
said Circuit Court , between The State of Missouri plaintiff , and Ben
defendant, wherein the said John
has heretofore been summoned, on the part of of the said state
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Court, at the
City of St. Louis , this 29th day of March 1831. A Gamble Clk*
---
**Page 33** (1163_033.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1831
The State
vs Ben
Attachment
*William Gardner
forthwith*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed & have the body of
Wm. Gardner in Count on
29th march 1831
$.1.00
*K. Walker*
---
**Page 34** (1163_034.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County,
Greeting.
We command you to attach William Gardner
by his body, and him safely keep, so that you have his
body before the Judge of our Circuit Court , now in session at the City of St. Louis , within and for
the county of St. Louis , on the forthwith day of 18,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in our
said Circuit Court , between The State of Missouri plaintiff , and Ben
defendant, wherein the said William Gardner
has heretofore been summoned, on the part of of the said State
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Court, at the
City of St. Louis , this 29 day of March 1831 A Gamble Clerk*
---
**Page 35** (1163_035.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed & have the body of
William in Court 29 March
1831.
Service \$1.00
*Jno K , Walker*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Year 1831
The State vs Ben
Attachment
*William (slave of Wm. Gardner) fortwith*
---
**Page 36** (1163_036.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County,
Greeting.
We command you to attach William (a slave of William Gardner )
by his body, and him safely keep, so that you have his
bod before the Judge of our Circuit Court , now in session at the City of St. Louis , within and for
the county of St. Louis , on the forthwith day of 18,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in our
said Circuit Court , between The state of Missouri plaintiff, and Ben
defendant, wherein the said William
has heretofore been summoned, on the part of of the said Defendant
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Court, at the
City of St. Louis , this 29 day of March 1831 A Gamble Clerk*
---
**Page 37** (1163_037.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed on Clara & have her body in court 29 March 1831
Serv. \$1.00[?]
*Jno. K. Walker , Shff*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
March Term 1831
The State vs Ben
Attachment
*Clara (Slave of D. Bisell) forthwith*
---
**Page 38** (1163_038.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County,
Greeting.
We command you to attach Clara (a slave of Daniel Bisell ) by her body, and her safely keep, so that you her
body before the Judge of our Circuit Court , now in session at the City of St. Louis ,
within and for the country of St. Louis , on the forthwith day of 18,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in our
said Circuit Court , between The State of Missouri plaintiff, and Ben defendant, wherein the said Clara
has heretofore been summoned, on the part of the said State
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Court, at the
City of St. Louis , this 29 day of March 1831 A Gamble Clerk*
---
**Page 39** (1163_039.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on Wm. Gardner Wm. a slave
of Gardner & Clara a slave of Bisell on
the 16th day of May 1831 by Reading it to
them in the county of St Louis
*John K Walker Shff
[illegible] $ 1.50 by J Brotherton D. Shff*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
May Term 1831
The state
vs
Ben a slave
for
\+ William Garder
William a slave
of Garder
Clara slave of
Genl. Bissell
23rd May for
the state
---
**Page 40** (1163_040.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri
To The Sheriff Of St Louis County..Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon William Gardner
William a Slave of Gardner
Clara slave of Genl. Bissell
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 23rd day of May , at the City 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 is plantiff and
Ben a Slave is defendant on the part of the State
and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 15th day of
May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty one A Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 41** (1163_041.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ on Daniel Bissell Benjamin
O'Fallon & Rachel a free woman on the 16th
day of May 1831 in the county of St Louis
by Reading it to them Louis Coree of Redman not found
\$1.50[?] 12 1/2[?] \$1.62 1/2
*John K Walker Sherrif
by J Brotherton D. Sherrif*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
May Term 1831
The State
vs
Ben(a slave)
Benjamin O'Fallon
Daniel Bissell
[illegible] James (a slave of M. Redman )
Rachel (a free slave woman)
for dependant
23 May
---
**Page 42** (1163_042.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Benjamin O Fallon , Daniel Bissell, James
(a slave of W. Redman ) Rachel (a few woman at D. Bissell
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 23rd day of May , at the City 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 a plaintiff and
Ben (a Slave) is defendant on the part of the defendant
and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our siad Circuit
Court , at the
City of St. Louis , the fourteenth day of
May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 31 Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 43** (1163_043.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
July Term 1831
The State
vs Ben (a slave)
for the defendent
Benjamin O'Fallon
Daniel Bisell
James (slave of Mr
Redman )
Rachel (the woman at D. Bisell)
on 25th July
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*
Served this writ a Daniel Bisell
& Rachel a free woman in the 7 July
---
**Page 44** (1163_044.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of Saint Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Benjamin O'Fallon - Daniel Bisell
Rachel (a free woman) James (a slave of Mr
Redman ).
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 twenty fifth day of July instant, at the City 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 Benjamin (a slave of
William Clark ) 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
City of St. Louis , this Sixth day
of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*
---
**Page 45** (1163_045.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit*
John a slave of Buseron sick in bed with
the small [illegible]unable to attend
Sworn on [illegible] 50 [illegible]
*John K Walker Shff
by J Brotherton [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
The State
vs
Ben a slave of Clark
Sub for
John floor of
Buseron
for the State
---
**Page 46** (1163_046.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons*
County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of
Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby command to summon John a slave of Busron
that setting aside all of excuse and delay, he be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Court , on the forthwith day of at the City of
St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controvesy now
pending in our said Court, wherein the state is, plaintiff
and Ben a slave is defendent on the
part of the state; and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 23rd day
of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty one A Gamble Clerk C. C.*
State of Missouri V. Ben, a Slave of William Clark. 1828, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 5, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60713