GLC03840
Petition of a free black to Texas court to become a slave of Edward D. Martin
Polk County, Texas, 20 March 1860.
Letter signed, 1 page + docket.
The State of Texas } In the District Court
Polk County } Spring Term 1860
To the Hon. James M. Masacy Judge of the 15
th
. Judicial District
The petition of Gabriel Todd who resides in the County s State aforesaid respectfully
shows unto your Honor that he is a free man of color, that he is over the age of fourteen years,
and that he resides in the said county of Polk: petitioner further represents to your Honor that he
desires to avail himself of the law permitting him to select a master and become a slave; and
believing Edward D. Martin, a citizen of the County and State aforesaid to be a proper person, he
prays that due notice hereof be given; that the said Martin he cited to appear at the next term of
your Honor's Court; that your Honor will hear proof of the facts herein alleged, and will adjudge
and decree your petitioner to be the slave of the said Edward D. Martin & as in duty bound & c.
Subscribed this 20
th
. Day } Gabriel todd
of March 1860 in the }
presence of us subscribing }
witnesses.
}
G. W Goodwin }
J. S. Brown }
[docket]
No 725
Gabriel Todd
{ Petition to
{ become a
{ Slave
_______________
Filed March the
