Mary Clark
(1801-1840)
woman
Died aged c. 39
Commemorated on 1 plaque
Mary Clark. Born circa 1801, Clark, a slave, was purchased in Kentucky in 1814 by B. J. Harrison, brought to Vincennes in 1815, and indentured as his servant. In 1816, G. W. Johnston purchased her indenture for 20 years. In 1821, Clark and attorney Amory Kinney petitioned Knox County Circuit Court to terminate her indenture because she was held illegally "as a slave." [side 1 of plaque] Circuit Court ruled Clark "freely" entered into her indenture and had to complete it. Upon appeal, Indiana Supreme Court ruled in November 1821 that Clark's suit proved her service was involuntary, violating Indiana's 1816 Constitution. Court discharged her from service. Ruling contributed to end of indentured servitude in Indiana. Clark died in 1840. [side 2 of plaque]
Vincennes Courthouse, Vincennes, IN, United States where they was