Petition #20184818

Abstract

In 1839, John Murphy, governor of Alabama, gave his daughter Mary Dossey two slaves for her separate use, free from the "debts contracts or encumbrances" of her husband, Alonzo B. C. Dossey. Soon afterwards, he delivered the slaves--Silvia and Emily--to Alonzo, acting as Mary's trustee. Shortly therefore Mary decided that Silvia was not suitable for her needs, and Murphy substituted two other slaves, Jane and her child Amos. In 1842, Murphy died "insolvent," and her estate was sold, including Silvia. After Murphy's death, Alonzo Dossey incurred some debts and the Directors of the Bank of Alabama obtained an order of levy on Jane and her family, now consisting of four children, and Emily. Mary Dossey argued that the person who drew up her trust agreement erred by not specifying that Jane and her children were to be her separate property, but in 1848 a Monroe County jury awarded the slaves to the bank. Dossey now seeks "an injunction restraining the Bank and its agents from selling or disposing of said slaves."

Result: Granted.

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Citation information

Repository: University of South Alabama Archives, Mobile, Alabama

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