County Detail

Willard v. People

Willard was indicted for unlawfully secreting Julia, a mulatto girl and slave belonging to Sarah Lisle, while she passed through Illinois en route from Kentucky to Louisiana. Despite his demurral, the court fined him. The defense argued the indictment violated constitutional clauses and state ordinances regarding slavery. However, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the judgment, citing the necessity of interstate comity and maintaining peace. The law of comity permits passage of slaves through states, thus upholding the judgment. Case 001444 is missing, but is possibly part of this case.

Street et al. v. McConnel

In an ejectment action, Street and others sought to reclaim a lot in Jacksonville from McConnell. Evidence showed a chain of conveyances from Arnett to Barton and eventually to the plaintiffs. Despite Barton's deeds, the defendant claimed ownership and acted as such. The court ruled in favor of the defendant initially. However, subsequent legal analysis indicated that the plaintiffs indeed held legal title. The judgment was overturned, and the case was sent back for further proceedings. Illinois Report 17 Ill 253 is also part of this case.