The Daily Dispatch page 1, May 29, 1855. Reporting of capture of fugitive slaves belonging to Henry Shaw and Underground Railroad agents which include Mary Meachum. See Image 0155 for detail.
The Daily Dispatch page 1, May 29, 1855. Reporting of capture of fugitive slaves belonging to Henry Shaw and Underground Railroad agents which include Mary Meachum. See Image 0154 for full page.
Mary Meachum (1801-1869), wife of John Berry Meachum. She and her husband were both freed persons engaged in the efforts of the Underground Railroad through their church, home, and school. On the early morning of May, 21st of 1855 nine enslaved persons including four owned by Henry Shaw; Esther, her two children, and one unnamed male made their break for freedom utilizing the Underground Railroad with the assistance of Mary Meachum. They attempted crossing the Mississippi River to the free state of Illinois. Unfortunately bounty hunters awaited them and they were soon captured and Mary Meachum would be jailed for the attempt. The location of this historic event on the banks of Mississippi River north of downtown St. Louis is today memorialized as the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing.
Bill of sale for purchase of enslaved person Sarah and her infant child by Henry Shaw in 1850. Back of record. States that child is a fugitive at Chicago with the mother 1854. See PHO2020-0038.
Bill of sale for purchase of enslaved person, Jim, by Henry Shaw in 1852. Back of record. Jim was most likely the unidentified male captured with Esther, her two children, and Mary Meachum in their bid for freedom in May of 1855. See PHO2020-0040.
Receipt of payment to bounty hunter, Bernard Lynch on behalf of Mr. Moreland and Shaw for information, tracking, and return of their escaped slaves (Sarah and her child). Dated June 17th, 1854 and signed by a S. Meloin.
Receipt from bounty hunter, Bernard Lynch to Henry Shaw itemizing costs incurred boarding captive enslaved persons, Sarah and Esther. Costs incurred arresting Esther and her subsequent sale to John D. Fondren of Vicksburg for $350. Dated July 30th, 1855. See PHO2020-0044.
Receipt from bounty hunter, Bernard Lynch to Henry Shaw itemizing costs incurred boarding captive enslaved persons, Sarah and Esther. Costs incurred arresting Esther and her subsequent sale to John D. Fondren of Vicksburg for $350. Dated July 30th, 1855. Back of record. See PHO2020-043.
