The Trial of Ira and Stuart
21 August 1854
Ira + Stuart Slaves the propoert of Joseph Graham of Monroe County were this
day brought to the bar of this Court to be tried upon a charge of having "felloniously
and of malice killed and murdered and aided and abetted in killing + murdering
one Jane Graham at said County on the night of the 28th July 1854, the said
slaves being arraigned thereof plead not guilty, and on the application of the
attorney for the Commonwealth and for reasons satisfactory to the Court the
trial of said slaves is continued until the next Court.
Monroe County, VA (now WV) County Court Order Book 6, 1848-1854, p. 623, 21 August 1854. Microfilm reel 10, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
18 September 1854
Ira + Stuart slaves, the propert of Joseph Graham charged with Murder were led
to the bar in custody of the jailor of this County, and on motion of Jno Echols
Esq acting in behalf of the attorney for the Commonwealth, who is absent, +
for reasons appearing to the Court, it is ordered that the trial of the said
Slaves be continued until the next Court, and the said slaves are remanded to
jail.
Monroe County, VA (now WV) County Court Order Book 6, 1848-1854, p. 631, 18 September 1854. Microfilm reel 10, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
The attorney for the Commonwealth by consent of the Court saith that he will not further prosecute on behalf of the Commonwealth against Stuart (a Slave the property of Joseph Graham) charged with murder.
Therefore it is ordered that he be discharged from his imprisonment.
Monroe County, VA (now WV) County Court Order Book 6, 1848-1854, p. 638, 16 October 1854. Microfilm reel 10, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
16 October 1854
Ira a slave (the property of Joseph Graham) charged with Murder was led to
the bar in custody of the jailor of this Court and thereof arrigned and pleaded
not guilty, diverse witnesses being sworn + Examined; the prisoner fully heard;
upon consideration whereof the Court is of the opinion that the prisoner is
not guilty of the murder aforesaid, it is therefore considered that the prisoner
be discharged from his imprisonment.
Monroe County, VA (now WV) County Court Order Book 6, 1848-1854, p. 638, 16 October 1854. Microfilm reel 10, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Jordan Jones
jordan@leapingdogpress.com