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.
Receipt from bounty hunter Benard Lynch for $100 to Henry Shaw itemizing costs incurred capturing enslaved person, Esther in Illinois and returning her to Saint Louis. Dated May 21st, 1855.
John Berry Meachum, husband of Mary Meachum. He and his wife were both freed persons engaged in the efforts of the Underground Railroad through their church, home, and school. A pastor and founder of the oldest black church in Missouri he was also a skilled carpenter. A trade he taught to those he assisted, a skill that afforded him income to help free enslaved people by buying their freedom. As an educator he operated a school which taught both free and enslaved black students. When the state of Missouri banned all education for blacks in 1847 he circumvented the law by teaching classes on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. The efforts of John and Mary Meachum are today celebrated with the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing.
