Scope and Contents Court documents, 1817-1821, relating to Harry, a free black man living in Clark County, Indiana. In the first suit, John H. Thompson brought charges against Isaac Shelby on behalf of Harry, stating that Shelby had illegally detained him. This case was dismissed in March 1817. In April 1817, a suit is brought against Thomas Pile, William Pile, David Smith, and William P. Lee for "manstealing," or the abduction of Harry. This case is eventually dismissed in 1821 due to the fact that Harry...

Scope and Contents Court documents, 1820, relating to a case between Matilda Baker and William Lewis, who is described as "a man of color." Baker alledged that Lewis tried to rape her and the court documents are primarily bonds to ensure the appearance of the defendant, plantiff, and witnesses in the case. Lewis was convicted and setenced to a fine of one cent and 39 lashes. He appealed on the basis of a new witness, but the result of that appeal is not known. There are also transcriptions of these...

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Journal of Nathan P. Huckins of Door Village, La Porte County, Indiana. The entries reflect Huckins activities as farmer and blacksmith who regularly hired help, and as businessman who sold fanning mills to a large number of people.

Scope and Contents Diary, 1848-1858, of Charles Tillotson of Elkhart, Indiana. Includes detailed entries about key events in Tillotson's life. There is a description Tillotson leaving school and returning to Elkhart, Indiana, from Cleveland, Ohio, including details about jobs he worked on the way. Tillotson also went on a 2,400 mile trip across the country looking for work, eventually being trained as a tinsmith. Finally, Tillotson writes about the death of his friend Charles Beldon, who claims that he was...