Martha Ann, a woman of colour v. Hiram Cordell

Item

Martha Ann, a Woman of Colour V. Hiram Cordell. 1844, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 9, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60932

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Case Title: Martha Ann, a woman of colour v. Hiram Cordell
Series: Freedom Suits
Plaintiff: Martha Ann
Defendant: Cordell, Hiram
Date Filed: 1844-04-18
Filing Date: 1844-04-18
Plaintiff’s Attorney: Field, Roswell M.
Defendant’s Attorney: Tarver, Micajah
Court Name: St. Louis Circuit Court
Court Term: 1844-11
Clerk: Ruland, John; Posnick, William C.; Cerre, Michael S.
Justice of the Peace: Smith, David
Sheriff: Milburn, William; Conway, Samuel; Primm, Walter; Harris, James L.; Stevens, George P.; McClung, John; Brown, J. C.; Fremon, Leon; , Ferd
Sworn Declarant: Wright, Thierry; Willi, Samuel; Rule, William K.; Rule, Mrs. William K.; Loring, Charles E.; Thomas, Martin; Crow, Albion T.; Farrar, Sophia
Jury Foreman: Caldwell, James
Juror: King, W. P.; Vosburg, C.; Deming, H.; Caldwell, James; Dema, C.; Bobb, C.; Rud, J. A.; Donaho, T.; Khrone, C.; Chadbourne, T.; Degge, R. H.; Conklin, L. G.
Cause of Action: Trespass; False Imprisonment; Assault; Battery
Case Notes: Born a slave to Dr. John Young, moved to Galena, Illinois then back to Missouri then to Alabama where Dr. Young died, moved back to Missouri with Sarah Young, widow of Dr. Young; held by defendant, administrator of estate of Sarah.
Disposition: Verdict for Plaintiff
Case Number: 9; 14; 44
Related Project ID: ccr1844.06862.012
Identifier: ccr1844.06863.062
Source: Missouri State Archives - St. Louis
Rights: Public Domain
PDF Download: Download PDF of all images
Transcription: **Martha Ann, a woman of colour v. Hiram Cordell**

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**Page 1** (6863_001.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Petition for Leave to Sue as a Poor Person*

To the Hon Circuit Court for the County of Saint Louis :
The petition of Martha Ann a free woman of colour respect-
fully represents that she was born a slave the property of the
late Dr John Young formerly of Saint Louis in the Country afore-
said and State of Missouri: that said Dr. John Young removed
to Galena in the state of Illinois and took up his residence
there with his family, being engaged in the practice of his profession as
a physician: and while he so resided at Galena he caused your
petitioner to be taken there & held as a servant in his family
there and kept your petitioner continually employed as a slave
there for the period of six months. Your petitioner further states
that said John Young afterwards removed to Missouri and from
thence to the State of Alabama where he died having bequeathed
your petitioner unto his wife Sarah Young who brought your
petitioner again to Missouri and held her as a slave until the
death of said Sarah Young: and your petitioner further states that
Hiram Cordell Administrator of the Estate of said Sarah Young
now holds your petitioner in slavery, and she is advised that she is
of right free, and she humbly prays that she may be permit-
ted to sue the said Hiram Cordell for the recovery of her
freedom by judgement of law, and may prosecute such suit as
a poor person and have counsel assigned her by the court
and have reasonable access to her counsel and the court touching
the said suit and further that said Cordell and all persons claiming under him be restrained by the order of the Court from removing
your petitioner out of the jurisdiction of this Court & so will
ever pray

*The mark X of Martha Ann*
> *Legal Function: Jurat*

Saint Louis ss. Martha Ann the petitioner above named makes
oath and says that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition are true
Subscribed & sworn in open Court this 18th day of April AD 1844 - before me

*John Ruland Clerk*

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**Page 2** (6863_002.jpg)
Petition filed & order made Bk 15 p 4.
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Filing*

No 9. Nov. T. 1844.
Martha Ann a Free Black
v
Hiram Cordell
Petition to sue for Freedom &c

*Filed April 18th 1844. John Ruland Clerk*

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**Page 3** (6863_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Complaint*

In the Circuit Court for Saint Louis County
November Term, 1844. Saint Louis County
Matha Ann, a woman of colour, who, by leave
of the Court, brings this suit as a poor person, complains
of Hiram Cordell in a plea of trespass, for that the
said Martha Ann before and at the time of the grievances
hereinafter mentioned to have been committed by the said Cordell , was and yet is a free person, and the said
Hiram Cordell on the 1st day of January now last
past with force and arms at Saint Louis aforesaid
in and upon the said plaintiff did make an assault
and then & there did imprison and restrain of liberty
the plaintiff for a long space of time to wit one month
then next ensuing, and then & there held and ever
since has held and still holds in slavery the said
plaintiff; and other wrongs to the plaintiff then & there
did against the peace and to the great damage
of the plaintiff, and for the recovery of her freedom
the plaintiff brings this suit &c

*By her attorney assigned by the Court
Field*

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**Page 4** (6863_004.jpg)
Martha Ann , coloured woman
vs
Hiram Cordell
Suit for freedom
in formâ pauperis
Field p.q.
Let summons issue Field

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**Page 5** (6863_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons of Hiram Cordell*

County of St. Louis , ss.
The State of Missouri , To the Sheriff of St. Louis County—Greeting:
We command you to Summon Hiram Cordell if he
be found in your County, that he be and appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the first day of the next term thereof, to
be held at the City of St. Louis , within and for the county of St. Louis , on the
third Monday of November next, then and there to answer unto Martha
Ann , Coloured woman of her petition for freedom
to the damage of said plaintiff [illegible]
[illegible] dollars: And have you then there this writ.

*Witness, John Ruland , Clerk of our said Court, with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the
city of St. Louis , this Eighteenth day of
April in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred and forty four. John Ruland Clerk.*
> *Legal Function: Acknowledgement*

I acknowledge myself bound for all costs that may accrue in the above cause.
Witness my hand and seal, at St. Louis , this day of 184

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**Page 6** (6863_006.jpg)
Petition filed & usual order made Bk 15[?] p 4[?] . Plea filed 15 p 305 Dedimus to Illinois for
Deft 16 p 108. jury empannelled to try cause, & mistrial 17[?] p 47. ,
Jury empannelled trial 17 p 270 [illegible]Mistrial & continuance 17 p. 280 Jury
disagree & discharged 17 p 592 Cont. 19 p 50 Jury- verdict for plf. Judgt for freedom & costs
Decr. 12. 1849 - 19 p 265
> *Legal Function: Caption*

No. 9. St. Louis Circuit Court
November term 1844
Martha Ann a person of Color
vs
Hiram Cordell
Summons
Petition for freedom
Field p. q.

*Filed April 18th 1844 John Ruland Clerk*
> *Legal Function: Order*

It is ordered that the Petitioner have leave to sue as a
poor person & the Court assigns R. M. Field Esq. as her counsel & it is further ordered that said Petitioner have
reasonable liberty to attend her counsel & the Court
as occasion may require; that she be not subject-
ed to any severity on account of her application for
freedom, & that she be not removed without the
jurisdiction of this Court

*A copy Attest: John Ruland , Clerk*
[illegible]
(In formâ pauperis)(111)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ in the County of St Louis
September the 19th 1844 by reading it and the Declaration
to Hiram Cordell the defendant and by reading to the
Said Hiram Cordell the order of the Judge endorsed
[illegible] [illegible] this writ
Service $ 2.00

*William Milburn Sheriff
By James L Harris Depty*

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**Page 7** (6863_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Defendant's Plea of Not Guilty*

Hiram Cordell
ats.
Martha Ann
a woman of Colour Circuit Court for the
County of St Louis State
of Missouri
November Term 1844
And the Said Hiram Cordell by Mica-
jah[?] Tarver his attorney, comes and de-
fends the force and injury, when &c
and says that he is not guilty of the
said supposed trespasses above laid
to his charge, or any part thereof, in
manner and form as the said Martha
Ann hath above thereof Complained
against him. And of this the Said
Hiram Cordell puts himself upon
the County, &[?]

*M Tarver att for Deft*

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**Page 8** (6863_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Plea
General issue
Hiram Cordell

*Filed Novr 20th 1844 Jn Ruland Clerk*

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**Page 9** (6863_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notice to Take Depositions*

Martha Ann , coloured woman
vs
Hiram Cordell IN THE Circuit Court
of Saint Louis County.
TAKE NOTICE, That on the thirtieth day of April 1845 ,
between the hours of 8 o'clock in the forenoon, and 6 o'clock in the afternoon of that day, at the
Inn of Joseph Rosetto - - - in the
Town of Galena - County of Jo Daviess - -,
State of Illinois - - depositions will be taken, to be read on the trial
of the above entitled case, on behalf of the Plaintiff - ; and that the taking of said
depositions, if not completed on that day, will be continued from day to day, at the same place, and between the same hours, until completed.

*To the above named Hiram Cordell R.M. Field Attorney
of the Plaintiff*

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**Page 10** (6863_010.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Acknowledgment*

Rec'd copy of this notice March
20th 1845.

*Hiram Cordell*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Notice to Hiram
Cordell

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**Page 11** (6863_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order Directing Illinois Courts to Take Depositions on Part of Martha Ann*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To any Judge, Justice of the Peace, or other Judicial Officer of the State of Illinois —
GREETING.
KNOW YE, that we, in confidence of your prudence and fidelity, do by these presents au-
thorize you to cause to come before you, to be examined as witnesses in a cause depending in
our Circuit Court for the County of St. Louis , in the State of Missouri , wherein Martha
Ann , is a person of colour, is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant all
and every such person, and at such time and place, as shall be named to you for that purpose by
the said Martha Ann , her
Attorney or Agent. And we command you to examine all and every such person upon his oath
or solemn affirmation first made or taken before you, to testify the whole truth touching his
knowledge of any thing relating to the said matter in controversy between the said parties ;
and that you do take such his examination and reduce the same into writing. When you shall
have so taken his examination, you are to cause the witness to sign the same, and to that and
each examination, at the foot thereof, you are to append your certificate, setting forth the facts
that the examination was subscribed and sworn to or affirmed by the witness, and the day, as
well as between what hours of the day, on which it was done, as also the place of residence of
the witness, if known to you. Should any paper or exhibit be produced or proven, or be referred
to by the witness, you are to describe the same in his examination, or cause it to be so marked
by him, as to establish its identity, and attach the same to his examination. The examinations
thus taken you will cause to be accompanied by a certificate of your official character, attested
by the seal of State ; or should it be more convenient, such authentication and proof of your offi-
cial character may be made by the certificate and seal of the clerk of any court of record of any
county of the State, District or Territory in which you reside, stating also in addition to the facts,
of his being clerk and that the Court is one of record, that at the time when the depositions
were taken you were an acting judge, (or other such officer to whom this commission is address-
ed,) and duly commissioned as such. And you will return the same and all exhibits produced to
you, annexed hereto, carefully closed up and under your seal, directed to the clerk of the Circuit
Court in and for the County of St. Louis , Missouri , with the names of the said parties litigant
endorsed thereon, with all convenient speed.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Circuit Court ,
at the City of St. Louis , this eighteenth day of
March in the year of our Lord one thou-
eight hundred and forty five. John Ruland Clerk C. C.*

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**Page 12** (6863_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Filing*

Opened & Filed 3 May 1845
Jno Ruland Clerk
No. 9 Nov. T. 1844
Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordell
Depositions for Plaintiff

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**Page 13** (6863_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Deposition of Sophia Farrar*

Sophia Farrar of lawful age deposes and
says she knew the late Doctr[?]. John Young
about the year 1827 Or 1828 he resided with his family
in the village of Galena County of Jo Daviess & State of Illinois
for about One Year was intimate with his Family
frequently visited them
I have seen a coloured Servant Girl
with the family of Doctr.[?] Young
I herd said Doct. Young and wife say that the above Mentioned
Coloured Girl was their slave in Missouri and that they
sent her back to Missouri for fear she might Recover her
freedom and that Mrs. Young said she must send for her
again as she found it dificult to procure help even though
she should sue for her freedom
Subsiquenly to this Conversation I saw her in
Doctor Youngs Family
I think she was here in all about One Year
Qustion by plaintiff's Attn[illegible]
Did you know of any other coloured servant
Girl in the family of Doctr[?]. Young
Answer, [illegible] none that I know of
Question by the same
What was the age and name of the Coloured
Girl in the service of Doctor Young
Answer, About 15, or 16, years of age and her nam Martha

*Sophia Farrar*

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**Page 14** (6863_014.jpg)
Depositions of Witnesses produced, sworn
and examined at Galena in the county of
Jo Daviess and State of Illinois before me the
undersigned a Justice of the peace for the
County and State aforesaid in a certain
cause now pending in the Circuit Court for
the County of Saint Louis and State of Missouri
between Martha Ann a coloured woman plaintiff and Hiram Cordell , defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff

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**Page 15** (6863_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Consent Memorandum*

The parties mutually agree that the deposition of Sophia Farrar
may be read notwithstanding the same was taken at her dwelling
house and they also waive all objection, to the inn of
Joseph Rosetto being described in the notice as the Inn of
Joseph Rosetto

*R M Field for plff Chas. S. Hempstead[?] for Dft[?]*

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**Page 16** (6863_016.jpg)

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**Page 17** (6863_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Deposition of Albion T. Crow*

Albion T. Crow of Lawful age, being
duly Sworn, deposes [illegible] and says, That he
Knew the Late Doctor John Young in
the Years 1827 & 1828. and that the said
Doctor Young resided in the Town of
Galena State of Illinois during
the greater part of the year 1827. practic-
ing his profession and also in the
year 1828. The deponent was well
acquainted with Doctor Young and
his family - during the greater part
of the time Doctor Young resided in
Galena, there lived in his family
a Negro Girl by name Martha
or Martha Ann . Which girl was
the reported slave of Doctor Young
performing all the offices of a domestic
servant, and about fifteen years of
age, The deponent has no recollection
of there being any other female collored
servant in the family of Doctor Young
at the time spoken of, the deponent
believes that Doctor Young with his
family including the Girl Martha Ann
returned to Missouri in the year 1828.

*Albion T. Crow*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

I David Smith Justice of the peace for the County of Jo Daviess
in the State of Illinois do hereby certify that Albion T. Crow
the deponent whose place of residence is Galena in the County

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**Page 18** (6863_018.jpg)
and State aforesaid was by me sworn to testify the whole
truth of his knowledge touching the matter in controversy
in the causeaforesaid and that his deposition was
reduced to writing subscribed by him in my presence
on the 30th day of April A.D. 1845 between the hours
of 8 o'clock in the forenoon and 6 o'clock in the
afternoon at the Inn of Joseph Rosssette in Galena
County of Jo Daviess State of Illinois both parties
being present by their respective counsel.

*30th April A.D. 1845 David Smith
Justice of the peace*
> *Legal Function: Certification*

State of Illinios Ss
Jo Daviess County[illegible]
Be it known that David Smith
Whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certifi-[?]
cate was at the date thereof. an acting Jus-
tice of the Peace in and for said County duly
elected commissioned and qualified and that as such full faith and credit are due to all
his acts.

*Witness Wm C. Posnick[?] Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court of said County and
the seal of said Court at Galena
Illinois this 30 day of April & 1849 Attest
Wm C Posnick[?]*

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**Page 19** (6863_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certification*

I David Smith Justice of the peace for the County of
Jo Daviess in the State of Daviess do hereby certify that
that Sophia Farrar the deponent whose place of residence is Galena in
the County of Jo Daviess & State of Illinois was by me sworn
to testify the whole truth of her knowledge touching the mat
ter in controversy in the cause aforesaid and that her deposition
was reduced to writing and subscribed by her in my presence
on the 30th day of April AD. 1845 between the hour of
8 o'clcok in the forenoon and 6'o clock in the afternoon at
the dwelling house of said Sophia Farrar in said Galena both
parties appearing by their counsel and agreeing that the same
might be there taken

*David Smith Justice of the Peace*

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**Page 20** (6863_020.jpg)

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**Page 21** (6863_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Thierry Wright*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO Thierry Wright
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 10th day of June instant
at 9 o clock fore noon 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 Martha Ann woman of colour is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 9th day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty- five John Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 22** (6863_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed
William Milburn Shff
Fee $ 0.50
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordell
Subp. for plff
10 June
Thierry Wright X
at Nills Stable
6th Street opposite
Jail

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**Page 23** (6863_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Thierry Wright*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO Thierry Wight
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 12th day of Junuary 1846
at 9 o clock forenoon 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 Martha Ann is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 7th day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty six John Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 24** (6863_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
v
Hiram Cordell
12 Jan.
Plff's Sup
Thierry Wright
at Nills Stable 6th Street
Executed Wm Milburn Shff
fee 50 ct

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**Page 25** (6863_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO
Samuel Willi GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 13th day of January next
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 Martha Ann a person of Color is
plantiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of Deft.
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 12th day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty- six. John Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 26** (6863_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann of color
Hiram Cordell
Spa for
Samuel Willi 13th inst
Executed Wm Milburn Shff
fee 50cts

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**Page 27** (6863_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO
Sam Willi
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 5th day of May inst
at 9 o clock 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 Martha Ann , a woman of color is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is defendant on the part of the plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court,
with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 2 day of May
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and forty-six. John Ruland
CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 28** (6863_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann of color
Hiram Cordell
Spa for 5th May
Samuel Willi
Executed Wm Milburn
fee 50

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**Page 29** (6863_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Mr. and Mrs. William K. Rule*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO William. K. Rule & Mrs Rule wife of
said William K. Rule
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 5th day of May inst. at 9 a.m.
at the Court House at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify, and the truth to say in a certain matter of contrvoersy now pending in our said Court, wherein Martha Ann a coloured woman is plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 4th day of May
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty- six. John Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 30** (6863_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordall
Plffs Subpa
5 May
Wm K. Rule % Mrs Rule his wife
Executed Wm. Millurn Shff
fee $ 1.00

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**Page 31** (6863_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena William K. Rule and Charles E. Loring*

County of St. Louis , ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To William K Rule and Charles E Loring
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 29th 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 Martha Ann , woman of colour is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 21st day of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven Jno Ruland Clerk C. C.*

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**Page 32** (6863_032.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordell
29 April
Wm K. Rule
Chs E Loring
Executed April 24th
1847
Samuel Conway
Sheriff
By Geo Stevens
Depty
Fee \$1,00

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**Page 33** (6863_033.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

County of St Louis , Ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI ,
To Samuel Willi
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the twenty ninth day of April 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 said Court,
wherein Martha Ann (of color) is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell
defendant on the part of defendant
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this twenty seventh day of April [illegible]
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-seven. Jn Ruland[?] Clerk C. C.*

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**Page 34** (6863_034.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs Hiram Cordell
Spa Saml Willi
for deft-Ap 29
Executed April 28th 1847 by reading

*Samuel Conway
Sherff
By Geo Stevens Depty Fee \$0.50*

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**Page 35** (6863_035.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Martin Thomas*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO Martin Thomas
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 30th day of April inst
at 3 o'clock p.m.. - 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 Martha Ann , of colour, is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St. Louis , this 30th day of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty- seven Jn Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

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**Page 36** (6863_036.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs Hiram Cordell
Sub. for 29 April
Plff's Subpa
Martin Thomas
Executed April 30th 1847 by [illegible]
Samuel Conway
Sherff
By Geo Stevens Depty
Fee \$050

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**Page 37** (6863_037.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Attachment for William K. Rule, Martin Thomas, and Charles E. Loring*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SCT.
STATE OF MISSOURI , To the Sheriff of St. Louis County—GREETING:
We command you to attach William K. Rule , Martin Thomas & Charles Loring
by their bodies and them safely keep, so that you have their bodies 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 12th day of May 1847 at 10 o'clock 184[?] then
and there to testify, and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in
our said Circuit Court , between Martha Ann is
plaintiff, and Hiram Cordell defendant, wherein
the said witnesses have heretofore been summoned
on the part of the said plaintiff

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the City of St. Louis , this 11th day of
May in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and forty-eight Jno Ruland CLERK, C. C.*

---

**Page 38** (6863_038.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ in the County of Saint
on the 13th day of May 1847 by having the Bodies
of Wm K Rule Martin Thomas and Charles Loring
before the Court
Fee $ 3 00

*Samuel Conway Sheriff
By John McClung[?] Depty*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordell att[?] [illegible]
Wm K. Rule
Martin Thomas
Charles Loring

---

**Page 39** (6863_039.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of William K. Rule, Charles Loring, and Marting Thomas*

County of St. Louis , Ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To William K. Rule Charles Loring
and Martin Thomas
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear before
our Circuit Court for the County aforesaid, on the 14th June 1848
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 Martha Ann is
plaintiff and Cordell is
defendant on the part of Plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this 7th day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty- Eight Jn. Ruland Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 40** (6863_040.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

In Circuit Court
Martha Ann
Cordell
Witnesses for Plaintiff:
William K. Rule
Charles Loring
Martin Thomas
Cause for Plaintiff
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed June 13 1848 [illegible]
Samuel Conway
Sheriff
Fee \$1.50

*By Geo . Stevens
Depty*

---

**Page 41** (6863_041.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

County of St. Louis , ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To Samuel Willi
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear be-
fore our Circuit Court for the county aforesaid, on the fourteenth day of June
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 Martha Ann a person of Colour is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of the defendant
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this twelfth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-eight Jno. Ruland Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 42** (6863_042.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

14th
Circuit Court
Martha Ann of Col.
vs
Subpoena
Hiram Cordell

*Witness X Samuel Willi*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed June 12th 1848
Samuel Conway
Sheriff
By Geo Stevens
Depty

---

**Page 43** (6863_043.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of William K. Rule and Charles Loring*

County of St. Louis , ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To William K. Rule & Charles Loring
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear be
fore our Circuit Court for the connty aforesaid, on the 12th day of
February 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 Martha Ann is
plaintiff and Cordell
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, WILSON PRIMM, Clerk of our said Court,
with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the
City of St. Louis , this >9th day of Feb-
ruary
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty- nine Wilson Primm, Clerk, C.C.*

---

**Page 44** (6863_044.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs Cordell
Plff's Subp.
Feb. 12.
William K. Rule
Charles Loring
Executed in full this
10th day of February
1849 L. J. LaBeaume
Sheff By J. C. Brown
Depty
fee $ 1.00

---

**Page 45** (6863_045.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SS.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , TO Samuel Willi
GREETING:
You are hereby commnaded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear
before the Judge of our Circuit Court, of the 12th day of February
1849 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 Martha Ann a person of Color is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of the defendant
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, John Ruland Wilson Primm, Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St .
Louis , this day of
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-six nine John Ruland Wilson Primm
CLERK, C. C.*

---

**Page 46** (6863_046.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Circuit Court
Martha a person of Color
vs
Subpoena
Hiram Cordell

*Witness Saml. Willi*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed Louis T LaBeaume Shff.
By León Frémon dept
Service = 50cts

---

**Page 47** (6863_047.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Albion T. Crow, William K. Rule, and Charles Loring*

County of St. Louis , ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To Dr Albion. T. Crow, William K. Rule &
Charles Loring
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear be-
fore our Circuit Court for the county aforeside, on the 10th day of December
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 Martha Ann is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell is
defendant on the part of plaintiff
and herein you are in no wise to fail.

*Witness, JOHN RULAND , M. S. Cerre , Clerk of our said Court, with
the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St. Louis , this 5th day of December
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty-nine M.S . Cerre
Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 48** (6863_048.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Cordell
Plff's. Subp.
10 Dec.
Dr. A. T. Crow 4th St.
opposite Courthouse
Wm K Rule .
Charles Loring
Executed
Louis T LaBeaume Shff
by Ferd [illegible] Dep
Service/\$1,50[?]

---

**Page 49** (6863_049.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of Samuel Willi*

County of St. Louis , ss.
THE STATE OF MISSOURI , To Samuel Willi
GREETING:
You are hereby commanded, that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, you appear be-
fore our Circuit Court , for the county aforesaid, on the 10th day of December
in the year of our Lord 1849 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 Martha Ann a person of color is
plaintiff and Hiram Cordell
defendant on the part of deffendant
and herein you are in nowise to fail.

*Witness, WILSON PRIMM, M.S. Cerré Clerk of our said Court,
with the seal thereof hereto affixed, at office, in the City of St. Louis , this seventh
day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine M. S . Cerré Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 50** (6863_050.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann a person
of Color
vs Subpoena
Hiram Cordell

*witness X Samuel Willi*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed
Louis T LaBeaume Shff
by Ferd [illegible] Dept. Service, 50[illegible]

---

**Page 51** (6863_051.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Attachment of William K. Rule*

The State of Missouri ,
COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS , SCT. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County, GREETING:
We command you to attach William K. Rule
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 this day forthwith 184[?] then
and there to testify, and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy, now pending in
our said Circuit Court , between Martha Ann is
plaintiff, and Cordell defendant, wherein
the said Rule has heretofore been summoned
on the part of the said plaintiff

*Witness, MICHAEL S. CERRE, Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the city of St. Louis , this 10th
day of December in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine. M. S. Cerré CLERK, C. C.*

---

**Page 52** (6863_052.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
Cordell
Attachment for
Wm. K. Rule
Executed on W. K. Rule
Louis T LaBeaume Shff
by Ferd Dept
[illegible]
Services & 100
V

---

**Page 53** (6863_053.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Jury Instructions*

If the Jury find that Dr Young while the owner
of the plaintiff as a slave took her to Galena
in the state of Illinois to [illegible] &[?] held her there in service, the
plaintiff thereby became entitled to her freedom
& the jury ought to find for the plaintiff

---

**Page 54** (6863_054.jpg)

---

**Page 55** (6863_055.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Jury Instructions*

Before the Jury can find for the plaintiff in this
case, they must be satisfied [illegible] from the evidence that the
plaintiff is the identical one represented in the
petition as having been taken by Dr. Young from this
State to Galena , in the State of Illinois

---

**Page 56** (6863_056.jpg)

---

**Page 57** (6863_057.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Jury Instructions (Refused)*

Martha Ann
vs
Hiram Cordell
That before the Jury can
find for the plaintiff in this case, they
must be satisfied from competent testimony,
that the slave (plaintiff in this case,) is the
identical one, spoken of by the witnesses &
in the Depositions; & that there is no evi
dence of such identity- & that they must
therefore find for the Defendant.
Refused

---

**Page 58** (6863_058.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Martha Ann
vs
H. Cordell

---

**Page 59** (6863_059.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Jury Verdict for Plaintiff*

We the Jury find for the plaintiff
James Caldwell
foreman

---

**Page 60** (6863_060.jpg)

---

**Page 61** (6863_061.jpg)
Martha A . vs Cordell
Decr 12-
> *Legal Function: Jury Roster*

Names of Jurors in
No. 44
W. P. King
C Vosburg
H. Deming
J Caldwell
C. Dema
C. Bobb
J A Rud
T Donaho
C Khrone
T. Chadbourne
R H Degge
L G Conklin

---

**Page 62** (6863_062.jpg)

Item sets: All Circuit Court Records; Freedom Suits Case Files, 1814-1860; Circuit Court Cases

Martha Ann, a Woman of Colour V. Hiram Cordell. 1844, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 9, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60932