About
Roger B. Taney practiced law in his home state of Maryland long before he became an influential member of President Andrew Jackson's cabinet and later wrote the majority opinion in the infamous Dred Scott v. Sanford case (1857) as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Taney (1777-1864) handled many of the cases in this collection just as he began his political ascent in state politics. The papers featured here are legal documents from his law practice in Frederick, Maryland. Most items fall between 1805 and 1818. Of special note are the cases concerning slaves.
These papers offer a unique opportunity to examine Taney's legal career in its formative years before he rose to national prominence.
Works
Negro Jim v. William Curren, 1792-1806
This case revolves around a Petition for Freedom filed by Negro Jim against William Curren. Curren contended that Jim, an African American slave, had runaway in 1784 from his previous master, Mr. Patterson of Maryland and attempted to assume an identity as a free African American at the...
Peter Brengler v. George French, 1814
This document contains the oaths and commissions to appoint Commissioners (in this instance, George Nichols) in the case of Peter Brengler v. George French that was held in Boonsborough, Washington County, Maryland. Included is the oath taken by the selected Clerk, Henry Locker.
Peter Shriner v. Peter Boyer, 1810
Peter Boyer accused Peter Shriner of trespassing on his property by breaking and entering into the tobacco house and stealing tobacco. Taney defended Shriner. He maintained that at the time of the alleged robbery the land known as The Resurvey (where the Tobacco house was situated) in fact was...
Philberd Greenweal v. Joseph Magruder, n.d.
In this colorful statement, Philberd Greenweal maintains that he is of exemplary character and reputation. Taney filed this document on Greenweal's behalf with the court against Joseph Magruder who apparently was spreading malicious rumors about Greenweal, including allegations that Greenweal...
Slips of paper containing names and in some instances notes about cases. 1807-1820
This folder contains slips of paper pertaining to the cases and clients handled by Roger B. Taney and his clerk, Mr. William Ritchie. Many of the pieces only include dates and the case names. Some note the the type of case and costs associated with the litigation.
Sworn statement of Anne Taney concering the status of Robert (Toogood) Patterson, 1810
[Replevin bond?] signed by John Arnold, Jacob Arnold and Jacob Everhard, 1 March 1805