Owens v. People
Illinois Supreme Court
This was an action of debt, commenced in the Massac Circuit Court; and taken to the Marion Circuit Court on change of venue. The action was upon a bond executed to the people of the State of Illinois, by Thomas Hobbs, a man of color, and Valentine Owens as his security.
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This was an action of debt, commenced in the Massac Circuit Court; and taken to the Marion Circuit Court on change of venue. The action was upon a bond executed to the people of the State of Illinois, by Thomas Hobbs, a man of color, and Valentine Owens as his security. Which bond had the following conditions: — That whereas Thomas Hobbs, a colored man, was brought into this State by a woman calling herself Hobbs, and there left; and said negro, to wit, Thomas Hobbs, is old, &c. Now if said Hobbs shall behave himself in a decent manner, and act as the law requires towards all the people of…
1Opinion of the CourtTrumbull, J.
Waiving a decision of the constitutional question which has been raised, it is clear, that the judgment in this case cannot be sustained. The statute in reference to negroes and mulattoes, (Rev. Sts. ch. 74,) was mánifestly designed to discourage the settlement of negroes within this State. The eighth section of that act, inflicts a penalty upon any person bringing a black or mulatto person into the State, in order to free him from slavery. The fifth section provides for arresting, imprisoning, and hiring out any such person found in the State, not having a certificate of his freedom; and,…
2Cases cited1 opinion
- Thornton's CaseIllinois Supreme Court · 1849
3Cited by1 opinion
- Baird v. HutchinsonIllinois Supreme Court · 1899